Track celebrates the return of live music, while British singer-songwriter also plots outdoor summer shows in the U.K.

Frank Turner envisions the first concerts after Covid-19 lockdown on his new song, “The Gathering,” featuring Jason Isbell and Muse drummer Dom Howard.

Considering its subject matter, “The Gathering” is appropriately arena-sized from the start as Turner bellows over booming drums and towering glam rock riffs: “The first time that the beat drops in the bar, it’s going to be biblical!/The second that the singalong starts, it’ll be sensational!” The track (which was produced by Rich Costey) ends with Isbell unleashing the mightiest guitar solo he can muster.

In a statement, Turner said of “The Gathering,” which marks his first new music in two years, “It’s about that moment when you come together in a room full of people, and you lean on a stranger and sing along with the chorus and get the words wrong.”

Along with releasing “The Gathering,” Turner announced a string of outdoor shows in the United Kingdom this summer. The shows will essentially be one-day festivals with Turner headlining and support coming from artists on the Xtra Mile Recordings roster, including Skinny Lister, Johnny Lloyd, Pet Needs, Ducking Punches, Non Canon, Deux Furieuses, Berries, Guise, and Semantics. Lineups will vary across the dates, and the shows will adapt to either allow for socially distanced attendance or full capacity, depending on Covid-19 safety regulations at the time. A full list of dates is available on Turner’s website, where tickets will also go on sale Friday, May 7th.

Hit-Boy stepped into a more energetic and party driven sound on his latest single "Franchise Boy," released exclusively through YouTube. The record leans on a smooth and stripped back soul sample while also nodding to Dem Franchise Boyz and their classic track "White Tee." Hit-Boy rides the production effortlessly, delivering confident bars packed with flexes about his success and high end lifestyle. The song blends hints of Jersey club rhythms with touches of Miami bass influence, giving the track an addictive and upbeat feel. "Franchise Boy" feels like a strong preview of what could be another exciting run of music from Hit-Boy.

Release Date: Monday, May 18

Genre: Hip-Hop

Album: N/A

Quotable Lyrics from Franchise Boy

N***as had said it was love,
But it wasn't love, I'm really above
The s**t you be talking, I'm floating and walking
In Margiela runners, you won't see them often

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