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Neil Young Reworks “Lookin’ for a Leader” As Anti-Trump Protest Song: Stream
Neil Young has spent the past few years calling Donald Trump out on his bullshit. However, it looks like the president’s continued unauthorized use of his music has finally pushed Young over the edge, though, because he’s now immortalized his contempt for Trump in a reworked version of “Lookin’ for a Leader”. The song originally appeared on 2006’s Living With War, an album that sharply criticized the George W. Bush administration. With the help of an eraser and some creativity, Young has now updated the lyrics to praise Barack Obama, applaud the Black Lives Matter movement, and rally for Americans to go vote. Along the way, he takes several swipes at the current White House occupant. “America has a leader building walls around our house,” sings Young. “He don’t know Black Lives Matter/ And...
The Roots Founding Member Malik B. Dead At 47
Malik B., a rapper and founding member of The Roots who appeared on the group’s albums throughout their career as both a pivotal MC and a guest after his departure, has died at age 47. No cause of death has been provided. The legendary hip-hop group’s official Twitter account posted a statement announcing Malik’s death today (July 29). “We regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and long time Roots member Malik Abdul Basit,” it read. “May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam and innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you please respect his family in our time of mourning.” Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, The Roots’ primary MC who co-founded the band with drummer Ahmir “Ques...
Dancefestopia Announces Expansion to Las Vegas in 2021
Following the 2020 cancellation of its flagship festival in Kansas City, the organizers of Dancefestopia have announced an expansion into Las Vegas in 2021. The Las Vegas edition of Dancefestopia will take place March 26th to 28th, 2021 and is being touted as “a weekend of private events, pool parties, and access to the hottest clubs.” At the time of writing, Dancefestopia representatives have not released information pertaining to which artists will perform throughout the weekend. The experience is being produced in partnership with Park MGM and Aria, two major hotels in Sin City. You can check out the announcement below and find more information about packages and pricing here. FOLLOW DANCEFESTOPIA: Facebook: facebook.com/dancefestopiaTwitter: tw...
Malik B., Founding Member of The Roots, Has Died
Malik B., iconic founding member of The Roots, has died at the age of 47. The renowned Philadelphia hip-hop and neo-soul group shared an official statement on social media. “We regretfully inform you of the passing of our beloved brother and long time Roots member Malik Abdul Basit,” the statement reads. “May he be remembered for his devotion to Islam and innovation as one of the most gifted MCs of all time. We ask that you please respect his family in our time of mourning.” As one of its founding members, Malik B was vital to The Roots’ early success, appearing on the award-winning group’s first four studio albums Organix, Do You Want More?!!!??!, Illadelph Halflife, and Things Fall Apart. In 1999, he left The Roots to pursue a solo career before releas...
From Banger to Ballad: Listen to Marshmello and Halsey’s Stripped Down Version of “Be Kind”
Marshmello and Halsey have unveiled a melancholic stripped down version of their collaborative hit “Be Kind.” In a stark contrast to their bubbly original tune, the chart-toppers deliver a brooding effort that is markedly more ballad than banger. Since the stripped rendition is a wholly new recording as opposed to a remix, the cadence in Halsey’s feathery voice differs from that of the original, but it is no less potent. In fact, the absence of instruments allows her vox to flutter with a soft ebb and flow, illuminating her expansive vocal range. Breezy guitar plucks work in unison to serenade listeners to the final chorus, when Halsey brings the track home with her intoxicating falsettos. You can listen to Marshmello and Halsey’s stripped down rework of “Be K...
Slow Magic Enlists Manila Killa for Uplifting Single “Closer 2 U”
Slow Magic‘s upcoming EP Closer 2 U, coming out August 19th via Moving Castle, is shaping up to be one of his finest works yet. This year, the masked producer has been sharing some of his most stellar creations ever, dropping the nostalgic solo single “Home” before teaming up with Woven In Hiatus to release “Somewhere,” which was co-produced by Shallou. Slow Magic has now offered his fans another bright track from Closer 2 U, joining forces with fellow electronic producer Manila Killa for the EP’s titular track. Together, Slow Magic and Manila Killa create a wonderful sonic journey that blends playful vocal chops with expert sound design, bringing forth their best respective qualities. “Closer 2 U” is a high-energy gem dri...
METALLICA’s LARS ULRICH Has No Regrets About ‘St. Anger’ Snare Drum Sound: ‘I Stand Behind It A Hundred Percent’
During an appearance earlier today (Wednesday, July 29) on SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk”, METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich defended the band’s controversial 2003 album “St. Anger”, which was criticized by many fans for its lack of guitar solos, extended riffs, its raw production and the thin drum sound. Asked if he stands behins the LP’s much-maligned snare sound, Lars said: “I stand behind it a hundred percent, because at that moment, that was the truth. “Just my personality, I’m always just looking ahead, always thinking about the next thing. That’s just how I’m wired,” he continued. “Whether it’s METALLICA always thinking ahead, or in my personal life, or in relationships, whatever I̵...
DEEP PURPLE’s IAN GILLAN ‘Got Used’ To Fans Filming Concerts On Their Phones
In a recent interview with Fox News, DEEP PURPLE singer Ian Gillan was asked how he feels about audiences making cellphones part of their concert experience. He responded: “Well, at first, it was weird. Why would someone film you at a show when they’re at the show and missing out on the experience? But generations change. It became pointless to try and resist that tidal wave. We kind of got used to it. In fact, it became amusing to see everyone holding up their phones in the air when, back in the day, it was lighters. Initially, I didn’t understand why everyone had to share everything and be in constant communication. But [with this pandemic], thank goodness for it. Because my phone hasn’t stopped ringing thanks to friends and well-wishers from around the world. I m...
THE PRETTY RECKLESS’s ‘Heaven Knows’ Certified Platinum In U.S.
THE PRETTY RECKLESS‘s “Heaven Knows” single was certified platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association Of America) on July 15 for accumulating 1 million certified units. According to the RIAA, one equivalent song unit is equal to a single digital song sale, or 150 on-demand audio and/or video streams. “Heaven Knows” originally appeared on THE PRETTY RECKLESS‘s second album, “Going To Hell”, which debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard 200 chart back in 2014 with more than 35,000 copies sold in its first week of release. Earlier this week, THE PRETTY RECKLESS‘s latest smash single, “Death By Rock And Roll”, became the No. 1 rock song in the country. The track has ascended into the top spot on the Mediabase and BDS (Billboa...
MASTODON To Release New Single, ‘Fallen Torches’, This Friday; ‘Medium Rarities’ Compilation Due In September
Atlanta progressive metallers MASTODON will release a new single, “Fallen Torches”, on Friday, July 31. The track is taken from what appears to be a new rarities compilation titled “Medium Rarities”, which is scheduled to arrive on September 11. A short “Fallen Torches” preview is available on the lightthetorch.mastodonrocks.com web site. Back in January 2019, MASTODON said it had recorded a “heavy” new song at the band’s new studio and announced plans to release it “soon.” Speaking to U.K.’s Kerrang! magazine, MASTODON guitarist Brent Hinds described the tune as “a fun listen,” while fellow axeman Bill Kelliher said that it was “a basher” and “brutal.” Drummer Brann Dailor concurred...
Maisie Williams Stars in Madeon’s Powerful New ‘Miracle’ Video
Madeon called on some Game of Thrones queens for his intense new video for “Miracle.” Directed by Lena Heady, who plays Cersei Lannister in the hit HBO series, the clip sees Maisie Williams (a.k.a. Arya Stark) in the aftermath of a devastating accident. The visually stunning clip sees Williams and her significant other in the video floating through space. At the drop, it’s revealed that the actress was killed in a car accident, and the sequence of events combined with the music create an overall emotional experience. “A few months ago, while I was on tour, Lena reached out about making a video for ‘Miracle.’” Madeon said in a press statement. “Her vision was so clear, it was very different from the way I’ve illustrated the universe of my album Good Faith&n...
Melanie C Announces Self-Titled Album, Unveils Single ‘In And Out of Love’
It’s official, Melanie C’s new album is on the way. The Spice Girl shared on Wednesday (July 29) that her self-titled eighth studio album will be arriving October 2. The album will be available digitally, on CD and on vinyl, both in standard edition and as x2 deluxe CD edition with bonus tracks, exclusive colored vinyl, and special limited deluxe vinyl with exclusive 12” singles. She also shared the cover art for the project, featuring four blurred out versions of herself behind the singer in a white pantsuit. In celebration of the announcement, Mel C unveiled her new dance-pop jam, “In and Out of Love” and its sparkling new music video shot in the legendary Alexandra Palace. The empowering tune follows her equally dominating singles, “Blame It On Me” an...
