leslietucker

Atreyu Returns: New Music, Throwbacks & Tour Stops!

THIS WEEK’S ON REPEAT BAND IS ATREYU… and this one takes me all the way back.

I’m talking circa 2006-ish… those chaotic, beautiful days of trying to discover new music when your local rock station barely reached your boom box. You had to work for it. And if you loved rock music? You found a way!!

For me, that meant falling down the rabbit hole of those on-demand music video channels… you know, before YouTube was even a thing. And now I feel old. Thanks.But that’s where I first stumbled across Atreyu, and yeah… instantly hooked. And now? They’ve got new music out and they’re back on tour… so obviously I had to show them some Q love right here!

Let’s start at the beginning…

Atreyu is an American metalcore band from Yorba Linda, California, formed in 1998, named after the character from The NeverEnding Story. And listen… being the millennial that I am, yes, I’ve seen the movie. And yet… I still can’t pronounce the band name correctly to save my life. 🤦‍♀️ Trust me, my husband never lets me live that one down. But mispronouncing it aside… my love for this band runs deep. They signed with Victory Records in 2001 and dropped their first studio album Suicide Notes and Butterfly Kisses in 2002. I didn’t find them until a few years later, when “Ex’s and O’s” became one of my favorite songs around 2006, but that song sent me back.

Back into their discography…
Back to tracks like “Right Side of the Bed”…
Back to me blasting this in my room like it was my full-time job.

So I’m gonna link TWO of my old favorites, and then hit you with a brand new one we’ve been spinning on-air with Q92.9 👇

And NOW… the new release!!!!

Let’s dig into this one…

Atreyu’s “All For You” is a raw exploration of self-sacrifice in a toxic relationship, where the narrator loses their identity trying to meet a partner’s impossible standards. The band put it perfectly: “It’s hard to give someone what they want or need when they don’t know what that thing is. It’s hard to love someone who doesn’t love themselves.” They’ve also got a long-awaited new studio album, The End Is Not The End, dropping April 24 via Spinefarm, so MARK YOUR CALENDERS!! 

Where You Can Catch Them

You’ve got two shots to see them live:

• April 18 - Delmar Hall in St. Louis with Fire From The Gods
• May 5 - RIGHT HERE close to home with Sevendust + Fire From The Gods at the Regency Live

And listen… for that May 5th show? I’ll be on the rail. No question!!! There’s something about rediscovering a band that never really left your rotation… it just reminds you why you loved them in the first place. And Atreyu? Yeah… they still hit.

by leslietucker

Architects - Heavy Emotion & Honest Lyrics

Architects are a metalcore band out of Brighton, England, formed in 2004 by twin brothers Dan and Tom Searle. When I find interesting bands like this, I have to share, especially when they’ve faced hardship together and come out stronger. Architects are a perfect example of that. Their story runs deeper than most: after the release of All Our Gods Have Abandoned Us in 2016, guitarist and primary songwriter Tom Searle passed away following a battle with skin cancer.

Today, the band carries that legacy forward with Dan Searle on drums, Sam Carter on vocals, Alex Dean on bass, and Adam Christianson on guitar, still delivering some of the most emotional, powerful music in the scene.

I’ve had Architects on repeat for months, but I’m just now really digging into this next track, “Broken Mirror.” From what I’m hearing, it’s about being the problem in your own story, knowing you’ve got damage and watching it spill over onto other people.

It’s heavy, emotional… very Architects. The anger, guilt, self-awareness, and trying to move forward while still carrying all of that weight. Definitely one of those songs that hits harder the more you sit with it. We’re currently playing this one on air, CHECK IT OUT!

Now let’s take a big step back with one of their older songs that I fell in love with… "Animals." this one was released in October of 2020. It taps into that overwhelming feeling where life just keeps piling on and you’re stuck trying to keep up. Pretty fitting release for that time period… am I right?

The chorus hits hard with the idea that no matter how advanced we think we are, we’re still reacting on raw instinct, stress, fear, survival mode. There’s also that underlying tension of wanting to break free when everything feels like too much. It’s honest, a little chaotic, and one of those songs that just gets it when you’re mentally tapped out.

The last song I want to spotlight is “Everything Ends.” Now, this one doesn’t have a video, but honestly, that’s okay, it definitely shouldn’t be missed. So check it out here!

At the end of the day, that’s what keeps me coming back to Architects. It’s not just the sound, it’s the honesty. Whether it’s the raw self-reflection in “Broken Mirror” or the chaos and burnout in “Animals,” they have a way of putting real emotions into words that hit a little too close sometimes. If you’re just getting into them, this is a solid place to start, but don’t be surprised if you end up going down the rabbit hole like I did. And if you’ve been a fan for a while, you already know… these songs don’t just play, they stick with you.

by leslietucker

Hop Into Easter Fun Around the Ozarks 🐰

Springtime in the Ozarks = sunshine, family time, and a whole lotta Easter fun, and this year, it’s stacked! From egg hunts on the farm at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park to scavenger-style adventures on C-Street, there are plenty of ways to get out, explore, and make some sweet memories with your crew. Not into gambling with the weather? No worries, you can keep it indoors at the Discovery Center, or even switch things up with a floating egg hunt at Chesterfield Family Center.

Whether you’re chasing eggs, snapping pics with the Easter Bunny, or just looking for something fun (and budget-friendly) to do with the kids, we’ve rounded up six of the best local events to make your Easter weekends easy, fun, and full of Ozarks vibes.

🗓️ Saturday, March 28

🐰 Easter at the Farm – Rutledge-Wilson Farm Park

Celebrate spring with games, crafts, and a visit from the Easter Bunny! Perfect for families looking for a fun, outdoor Easter experience in the Ozarks.

Details:

• 📅 Saturday, March 28 | 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
• 🎟️ FREE admission for all ages
• 🥚 Egg hunt for kids 12 & under (bring your own basket)
• 🎨 Crafts in the barn classroom
• 🐄 $2 Cow Train rides
• 🌿 NEW: Farm Park Makers’ Market 10 a.m.–5 p.m. featuring handmade crafts & artisan goods

👉 More info & RSVP here

🥚 Nixa Parks & Recreation Easter Egg Hunt – Sponsored by Mac Dental

Join Nixa Parks & Recreation for a morning full of Easter fun! Enjoy egg hunting, a helicopter egg drop, photos with the Easter Bunny, inflatables, field day games, a cake walk, bubble play area, a balloon artist, and more. Face painting is generously sponsored by Legacy City Church, and a sensory-friendly time will be available.

Details:

• 📅 Saturday, March 28 | 9:00–11:30 a.m.
• 📍 Nixa Parks & Recreation

👉 Click here for Egg Hunt Times

🐇 The OC Eggstravaganza – Ozark Community Center

Hop on over to The OC for a morning packed with FREE family fun! From inflatables and activities to exciting egg hunts, colorful eggs are tucked away in the most unexpected spots for kids of all ages.

Details:

• 📅 Saturday, March 28 | 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
• 📍 Ozark Community Center

👉 Click here for Egg Hunt Times

🥚 The Great C-Street Easter Egg Hunt – That Lebanese Place

Hop down to C-Street for a scavenger hunt like no other! Find hidden eggs in local shops, trade them in for prizes, and enjoy a sweet dose of community fun.

Details:

• 📅 Every Saturday in March
• 📍 Participating retail stores along C-Street
• 🥚 12 eggs hidden each week; find one and redeem at TLP before 2 p.m. Sunday

👉 Check it out here

🗓️ Saturday, April 4

🔬 Indoor Egg Hunt – Discovery Center 2026

Rain or shine, the fun never stops! Explore 6 floors of interactive exhibits while hunting for Easter eggs at the Discovery Center.

Details:

• 📅 Saturday, April 4, 2026
• 🏷️ Free with general admission (members free)
• 🥚 Eggs restocked hourly for continuous hunting
• 🎁 Trade eggs for prizes while exploring hands-on science activities

👉 Plan your visit here

🏊 Floating Easter Egg Hunt – Chesterfield Family Center

Take your Easter egg hunt to the pool! A unique twist on a classic tradition, perfect for families with kids who love swimming.

Details:

• 📅 Saturday, April 4, 2026
• 📍 Chesterfield Family Center | 2511 W. Republic Rd
• 🥚 Search for floating eggs in the pool
• 💲 $15–$25 per participant, registration required

👉 Reserve your spot here

No matter which weekend you choose, these Easter celebrations are all about spending quality time together, making memories, and enjoying the best of the Ozarks this spring. Grab your baskets, bring the whole family, and get ready for weekends full of laughter, eggs, and fun!

by leslietucker

Countrycore Chaos: Bilmuri 

So I about jumped outta my pantaloons the other day when I saw we were getting brand-new music from some of my favorite bands. When I noticed that A Day to Remember teamed up with Bilmuri for a new track called ALWAYS LET YOU DOWN, I knew we had something special.If you haven’t checked out the new video yet, I’ve got it linked up below… but we gotta do a deep dive first. Patience, young grasshopper!

Now, fun fact from me… I’m almost too embarrassed to admit this. When I first heard about Bilmuri, I had no idea how to say the name. I think I was trying to pronounce it all fancy or something, because I kept wondering why everyone kept talking about Bill Murray all the time. Yeah… not the same thing. Turns out the name is actually a playful nod to the actor, and honestly that offbeat sense of humor fits the band perfectly.

One of the first songs I stumbled across was ALL GAS, a collaboration with Mitchell Tenpenny. I’ve seen fans describe Bilmuri’s sound as serious music delivered in a very unserious way, and honestly that sums it up perfectly.

Tenpenny was the ideal addition to this one — his raspy country tone mixed with Bilmuri’s heavier energy creates this wild combination that somehow works perfectly. Then the breakdown hits and suddenly you’re right back in the chaos… in the best way possible.

But back to the band..  

The project is led by Johnny Franck, and if you follow Johnny on social media you already know things get… delightfully chaotic. Between the energy in their videos and the constant collaborations with other artists, Bilmuri feels less like a traditional band and more like a group of ridiculously talented friends just hanging out in a garage making whatever music they feel like that day. That creative freedom is a huge part of what makes them so fun to listen to.

One thing I absolutely love about Bilmuri is how they pull influences from multiple genres and blend them into something totally their own. Some fans have started calling it countrycore, but honestly it goes even deeper than that, especially when Gabi Rose jumps in with her vocals and adds another unexpected layer… along with those completely unmatched saxophone melodies. Yes… you get a sax solo with your metal here.

But if you really want to understand what makes Bilmuri special, you’ve got to go back a few years. The music video for ABSOLUTELYCRANKINMYMF'INHOG from 2020 feels like falling straight down the weirdest corner of the internet…  and I mean that as a compliment.

This is where the band really leaned all the way into their chaotic creativity. It’s weird, it’s hilarious, it’s unexpectedly catchy, and it’s the kind of thing that makes you watch the whole video just trying to process what you’re seeing.

And now we circle back to that brand-new collaboration that kicked off this whole deep dive. When A Day to Remember joins forces with Bilmuri on ALWAYS LET YOU DOWN, you get the best of both worlds,  huge hooks, emotional punch, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

And honestly, that’s exactly why Bilmuri has earned a permanent spot On Repeat. They’re unpredictable, ridiculously creative, and somehow manage to blend humor, emotion, metal, country vibes, and saxophone solos into one wild musical ride.

They will be popping through Missouri later on this year, along with Knuckle Puck, on their Kinda Hard Tour, the second leg of their North American Tour. Their be rocking out The Pageant in ST. Louis in September, CLICK HERE for more show details and ticket links.

If you haven’t fallen down the Bilmuri rabbit hole yet… consider this your official invitation!

by leslietucker

From Ashes to New Drops “Die For You” Ahead of New Album

When it comes to bands that keep evolving while still hitting that emotional nerve with fans, From Ashes to New is one that continues to impress me time and time again. If you’re newer to the band, the current lineup brings together a mix of heavy rock, rap, and massive melodic hooks. There have been a few member changes over the years, but this who is currently present in 2026.

Matt Brandyberry – vocals, rap, and bass

Danny Case – lead vocals

Jimmy Bennett – guitar

Lance Dowdle – guitar

Maty Madiro – drums

Together they’ve built a sound that blends heavy riffs, hip-hop energy, and big emotional choruses, something that’s helped the band carve out their own lane in modern rock. Lately though, it feels like they’ve been leaning even harder into that darker side… and fans are definitely here for it.

One track that really shows that shift is Drag Me. It shows off a different side of Danny Case when he digs a little deeper into that darker vocal tone… and honestly, I absolutely LOVE it! The song went crazy across social media, and it really felt like the darker vibe longtime fans had been wanting to hear more of. The big question now is: does this give us a sneak peek at the tone of the next album? Man… I really hope so!

Recently, From Ashes to New released their brand-new single Die for You, giving fans another preview of their upcoming album Reflections, which drops April 17, 2026.This one dives deep into that moment when a relationship hits its breaking point, when you start asking yourself the hard question: Do you keep fighting for it… or walk away before you completely lose yourself?

According to Matt Brandyberry, the song captures the exhaustion of giving everything you have to someone who always seems to want more. Eventually, that moment of clarity hits, and you realize you’ve been slowly losing pieces of yourself trying to make something work. Co-vocalist Danny Case describes it as that frustrating feeling of bending over backwards in a relationship where nothing you do ever seems to be enough.

At its core, Die For You captures that painful realization that love shouldn’t require sacrificing who you are. It's about recognizing the emotional toll of trying to please someone who keeps raising the bar. The song digs into the fallout of relationships fueled by control, desire, and guilt, and the internal struggle between holding on and finally letting go. And honestly… it hits hard. The emotion in the vocals paired with that massive chorus makes it one of those songs that sticks with you long after the first listen.

But before we wrap up this On Repeat, we’ve got to dive back into the archives for a song that’s been close to my heart for years,  one that never really leaves the rotation. Going back about 10+ years, Through It All is one of those tracks that leaves a lasting impression.

Released in 2015, the song is an emotional look at personal transformation, resilience, and finding meaning after the destruction of past relationships. It focuses on how difficult experiences shape who we become, sometimes for better, sometimes for worse, but ultimately push us to move forward. This song is what made me drive 6 hours to see them live on two hours of sleep after working a 10 hour day the day prior. And honestly I try to make it a point to see them live EVERY CHANCE I GET!!!

And if you want to catch From Ashes to New the next time they roll through Missouri, honestly, I wouldn’t blame you one bit. Maybe I’ll see you at the show. They’ll be making a stop in St. Louis for Pointfest on May 16. For show details and ticket links, CLICK HERE.

If these tracks are any hint of what From Ashes to New has in store for the next album, we’re in for something special. Between the darker edge of Drag Me, the emotional weight of Die For You, and the staying power of Through It All, this band keeps proving why they stay on repeat for so many rock fans. And honestly… they’ll probably stay on mine for a long time to come.

by leslietucker