Weston Estate has released its debut album, Open Season, via Arista Records. The North Carolina-bred, New York-based band supported the release with a music video for the focus track “Cabin in the Woods,” which the band describes as a darker, more rock-oriented departure from its earlier work. The album also includes previously released singles “Stain,” “Is This the End?” and “Moth to a Flame.”

According to the band, the album grew out of sessions recorded over several months in locations including Asheville, Shenandoah and Blakeslee, with the goal of capturing a live rock sound while retaining the group’s established style. Open Season follows the band’s 2025 EP SUPERBLOOM, which the band supported with a self-curated festival in Brooklyn that it says sold out.

Formed in 2017, Weston Estate says its catalog has surpassed 270 million streams worldwide. The band’s earlier track “Pears,” from the Maggie Valley EP, appeared on Netflix’s “Never Have I Ever” and reportedly reached the top 15 on Spotify’s US Viral Chart. The group has toured with Keshi and played festivals including Summerfest, Something in the Water, Wonderfront and Firefly, and says its 2023 and 2024 headline tours moved 20,000 and 25,000 tickets respectively.

Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Kelsey Hession, aristarecordings.com.

Capitol Christian Music Group and 5&2 Studios have released “I Love The One,” a collaboration between country trio Lady A and R&B group Boyz II Men, as the third single from “Songs Inspired by The Chosen: Seasons 1-5.” The album, featuring original music from artists who connected personally with the TV series, is set for release October 30.

The collection previously yielded singles from Tyler Hubbard and breakout Christian artist Jamie MacDonald, whose songs have combined for roughly 5 million streams and 700,000 lyric-video and interview views, according to the announcement. The label also says the tracks have generated more than 1 million short-form video creations and 2 million views on social platforms.

The album arrives ahead of the two-part debut of “The Chosen” Season 6, which begins streaming on Prime Video November 15, with an accompanying feature film scheduled for theatrical release March 12. Capitol Christian Music Group president Brad O’Donnell said the project reflects artists responding musically to moments in the series that moved them personally.

Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by 130 Agency, 130a.com.

Minneola, a Nashville and Austin-based trio, has released its debut album, American Rapture, across streaming platforms. The band, consisting of vocalist Chelsea Blankinship, guitarist and vocalist Ryan West, and drummer Tom Coleman, blends cinematic folk, vintage country and psychedelic rock across the 12-track project.

According to the band, the album explores themes of adulthood, faith, loneliness and womanhood, with the title track using imagery of judgment to examine expectations placed on women. Tracks include “Give It Time,” “Baker Field,” “Day After Day,” “Sideways,” “Echo in the Heavens,” “Pontiac Promises” and “Roll the Dice.”

The album was recorded at Polychrome Ranch, with additional vocal production by Karl Lungmus, mixing by Andy Shoemaker and Jared Corder, and mastering by Nate Miles.

Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Christy Walker-Watkins, 3on.e2ma.net.

Marco Luka has released the single “Gotta Let You Go” along with a music video, the latest preview of his debut solo album “f_unk,” due October 23 on Arista Records. The song follows previous single “Don’t Cry” and continues what the announcement describes as a blend of New Wave and dark synth-pop influences across the eight-track album.

Luka, a Durham native based in Los Angeles, co-produced the record with Nicci Gomez, known for work with siiickbrain and Noah Guy, and plays all instruments on the album. He describes “f_unk” as drawing on the spirit of funk and psychedelic music rather than their conventional forms, aiming for an immersive listening experience.

The album marks a new chapter for Luka following his 2025 EP “Insomnia” and a run of standalone singles including “Say My Name,” “The Party” and “Talk to Me.” He previously served as lead vocalist of alt-pop band Weston Estate for eight years before departing to pursue a solo career; according to the announcement, his solo catalog has accumulated more than 100 million streams.

Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Kelsey Hession, aristarecordings.com.

Los Angeles-based indie-rock band Where’s West? has released its debut EP “Wave to Come” via East Iris Records. The four-piece describes its sound as blending 1970s-influenced energy with modern grooves and a California feel.

The band, formed in a college house and built around early backyard gatherings and school shows, says it has since played larger venues including The Troubadour and Wonderfront Festival. The lineup includes Zan Curleigh on vocals and guitar, Aidan Babuka Black on keys and vocals, Robbie Cullerton on bass, and West Hauser on drums.

Based on a press release provided to Music Industry Weekly by Sarah (faccipr.com).

SZA has been inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, with actor Danny DeVito taking part in the induction. The singer confirmed the honor on social media, noting the recognition of her home state ties.

The induction adds to a run of accolades and milestones for SZA, whose career has been closely associated with New Jersey throughout her rise in R&B.

Read the full story at Billboard.