Do you remember when music festivals used to be fun? When they were centred around creating community and enjoying live music? Brantford, Ontario-based DIY arts and culture space, record label, and merch shop zBTFD sure does. They’re getting ready to put on their inaugural zFAM BBQ event which will feature lots of food, friendly competition, and great live music. Sundowner (Toronto), North of America, Status/Non-Status, Casper Skulls, By Divine Right, Newfound Interest in Connecticut, Cellar Dwellers, Heavy Sweater, Oil Giant, Quotas, and Sunnsetter will be playing the event along with a secret band which will be announced in August. zFAM BBQ will take place on September 6 at Knights Hall in Brantford and you can grab an early bird pass right here. Punknews editor Em Moore caught up with zBFTD co-founder Amanda Mead to talk about the zFAM BBQ, the importance of community, what went into curating the event’s lineup, and so much more. Read the interview below!This interview between Em Moore and Amanda Mead took place on June 24, 2025, via Zoom. What follows is a transcription of their conversation that has been edited for length and clarity.

Today, we are psyched to debut the new track by Portland's Keddies Resort!The band kick out low fi, high energy, clnk n bang style punk rock. There's a little Jay Reatard here, a little Adverts there, and freaked out noise and paranoia all around. They are fast and wild.The new track, "Fireworks" finds the band kicking it out in their high energy style. It's got power, it's got melody, and it has some danger. Bandleader Keddie Smith comments on the new single: "This song sums up the concept character's narcissistic view of himself and the world around him. It marks a celebration and turning point in the story, a sick daydream coming to life."You can check out the track below.

Barstool Preachers and The Last Gang are going on tour. The tour runs most of October and hits both coasts. You can see the dates below.

Lookout Records veterans Squirtgun have released their first new song in over two decades. “Sunflowers,” tells the true story of Mario Calvi, an anti-fascist Resistance fighter who was killed by Nazi soldiers the day after WWII ended—mere steps from his mother’s arms. In a press release, bassist and producer Mass Giorgini explains, “Mario wasn’t just a historical figure—he was family. My mother called him ‘uncle,’ and I grew up hearing his story in the same farmhouse where he lived, passed down by his mother and my great-aunt.” “Sunflowers” also marks the recording debut of Squirtgun’s new “Supersoaker” lineup, which will perform at Punk Rock Raduno in Bergamo, Italy this July. The lineup includes: Kevin Sierzega (Teen Idols, Bullets to Broadway) – lead vocals Dan Panic (Screeching Weasel, Riverdales, Queers, Groovie Ghoulies) – drums, backing vocals Zac Damon (Screeching Weasel, Big in Japan, Zoinks!) – guitar, vocals Flav Giorgini – (a founding member) guitar Mass Giorgini (Common Rider, Screeching Weasel) – bass.You can hear the new song below.

Public Enemy have released a new album. It's called Black Sky Over The Projects: Apartment 2025 and it'd out via the band's own Enemy records. You can hear the whole thing below.

Norwegian black metal band Witch Club Satan have released a video for their new song “You Wildflower”. The video was directed by the band along with Jonas Mailad who also shot and edited it. The song appears to be a standalone single and is available digitally. Witch Club Satan released their self-titled album in 2024. Check out the video below.

Dublin-based For Nina have released a new song. It is called “Swallow” and is available digitally now. This is the band’s third single to be released this year following “Low” and “Hounds”. Check out the song below.

New Jersey-based post-hardcore band With Sails Ahead have released a cover of “Call Me When You’re Sober” by Evanescence. The song is available exclusively on Bandcamp and in the description for the song the band stated, “All proceeds from purchases of this cover will go towards our bandmates’ future gender-affirming surgeries.” With Sails Ahead released their album Infinite Void in 2024. Check out the cover below.

El Hefe of Nofx has released a solo track. it's called "White Label" and it's out via Hefe's own Cyber Tracks label. as of roght now, the tune is a digital only single.

Dave Hause has announced a new album. It is called …And The Mermaid and will be out on September 26. The album was recorded at Rain City Recorders in Vancouver, BC by Jesse Gander and features ten new tracks. On this record Dave’s band, the Mermaid, is made up of Tim Hause, Luke Preston, Mark Masefield, and Kevin Conroy. A new song has been released called “Enough Hope”. Dave Hause will be touring Europe as part of the ’Common Thread’ Tour in October and will be touring the US and Ontario with Bouncing Souls this winter. Check out the song and tracklist below.