Music
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Dave Grohl, Jack Black, and More Honor the Late Ronnie James Dio in Video
The late, great Ronnie James Dio would have turned 78 today (July 9). Though he wasn’t around to celebrate, his longtime pals did instead. In a video that was released by the Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, a number of Dio’s peers and friends honored the late-singer in footage that was compiled from over the years. Dave Grohl remembered the singer as “one of the greatest singers of all time,” and cited seeing him perform on TV when he was “13 or 14 years old” as one of the reasons why he wanted to become a musician. “He would give all of his time, energy and love and attention to do good things,” he said. Jack Black agreed, saying that Dio was one of the greatest heavy metal singers of all time and that he “such a sweet, genuine dude.” Black Sabbath’s Geezer Butler an...
Kanye Says He is Running for President Under “The Birthday Party”, Already Has a VP
On Fourth of July, Kanye West announced his candidacy for president. Though the election is less than fourth months away and he has yet to formally file any paperwork, in a new interview with Forbes, Kanye swore his intentions are true and not a publicity stunt. Speaking with Randall Lane of Forbes, Kanye confirmed his plans to run as a third party candidate under the banner of “The Birthday Party” (“Because when we win, it’s everybody’s birthday,” he explained.) He has already settled on a running mate: Michelle Tidbal, a preacher from Wyoming. He also confirmed that his wife Kim Kardashian and Space X founder Elon Musk are his advisors (if he wins, Kanye plans to make Musk “head of our space program.”) Kanye said he no longer supports Donald Trump, commenting,“I am taking the red hat off...
Pinegrove Release Expanded Edition of Marigold: Stream
Pinegrove have released a (slightly) expanded edition of their latest album, Marigold. Stream the now-13-track effort below via Spotify and Apple Music. It’s also available via TIDAL, which is currently offering a 60-day free trial. Released in January, Marigold served as a follow-up to 2018’s Skylight, which was recorded prior to allegations of misconduct raised against Pinegrove’s leader, Evan Stephens Hall. That made the newer release the first effort the band had recorded following an extended hiatus, during which Hall and his accuser reached a resolution via a private mediator. Here, the LP has seen the addition of two new songs: an acoustic version of “Phase” and a take on “No Drugs” recorded during the Skylight sessions. Alongside the new tracks comes a video for the single “Endless...
Future Islands Share “For Sure”, First New Song in Three Years: Stream
Synthpop heroes Future Islands are back with their first new song in three years. The track is called “For Sure” and it sees the Baltimore band teaming up with Jenn Wasner of Wye Oak, a pairing that sounds seamless in practice. A press release states this is Future Island’s first new music since releasing their 2017 album The Far Field. Technically, though, the band released a standalone single called “Calliope” back in 2018 for Adult Swim’s Singles Series. Regardless, “For Sure” marks a welcome return for the band, especially because there could potentially be more new music on the way. “For Sure” is a soaring number that feels like you’re being filled with hope — something we could certainly use a little more of this year. Armed with their usual blend of synthpop, nonstop drums, and big ...
Glassio Shares the Origins of New Single “One of These Days”: Stream
In our new music feature Origins, we give artists an opportunity to bring listeners closer to the influences behind their latest single. Today, Glassio shares the story behind “One of These Days”. With all that’s going on out there in the world, it seems a lot of nastiness is coming to the forefront. In reality, it’s always been there, it’s just something about the current socio-political atmosphere has pushed it even further out of the shadows. As an Irish-Iranian who immigrated to the US in the thick of post-9/11 unrest, Glassio’s Sam R. knows too well what this rash of hate feels like. But instead of wallowing in the unpleasantness of other people, he’s issuing encouragement to dance through it all on his latest single, “One of These Days”. “I wanted to write a song that could help...
Nielsen to Shed 3,500 Jobs in Restructuring
Nielsen will cut up to 3,500 jobs as part of a restructuring of its businesses to save money and focus on its core holdings. The data company and TV ratings provider says the moves are part of a “broad-based optimization plan” to cut costs and make the remaining assets more efficient, as well as making Nielsen more profitable. Under the plan, Nielsen will “exit several smaller, underperforming markets and non-core businesses” in the next few months. The optimization plan includes cuts of 3,500 staff worldwide — about 8 percent of the company’s employees. “Across Nielsen Global Media and Nielsen Global Connect, we are making progress on increasing our operational and financial discipline, including zero-basing our cost structure as we move toward the plan...
6lack’s ‘6pc’ Wings Into Top 5 on R&B Albums Chart
6lack nabs his second top five effort on Billboard’s Top R&B Albums chart as his new EP, 6pc Hot, debuts in the runner-up spot on the list dated July 11. The six-song project, released on LVRN/Interscope, starts with 26,000 equivalent album units earned in the week ending July 2, according to Nielsen Music/MRC Data. The singer-rapper, whose stage name is pronounced “Black,” previously reached the top five with his prior effort, 2018’s East Atlanta Love Letter, which reigned for two weeks that September – October. His 2016 debut, Free 6lack, climbed to a No. 6 best in May 2017. In addition to its R&B debut, 6pc opens at No. 11 on Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and at No. 15 on the all-genre Billboard 200. As 6pc arrives, four of its cut debut on the Hot R&B Songs chart: “Float” (No....
Why NYC’s Entertainment Commissioner Sees Reopening Music Venues as a Chance to Rethink a ‘Flawed’ System
“It strengthens the argument that we really need to support our local venues, and for us to represent their needs at the table,” says Anne del Castillo. This week, New York City enters phase three of reopening amid the coronavirus pandemic, meaning the return of hair and nail salons, basketball courts and more spaces in addition to outdoor dining. But for local music venues from (Le) Poisson Rouge to Brooklyn’s Elsewhere — many of which faced rising rents, gentrification and other challenges even before the pandemic began — the road to reopening remains ongoing and uncertain. Anne del Castillo knows this struggle well. The New York City native took over as commissioner of Mayor Bill de Blasio‘s Office of Media and Entertainment (MOME) in April 2019, with a foc...
Halsey Shows Off New Hand Tattoo Honoring Juice WRLD: See the Pic
Looks like Halsey‘s got some new ink. On Tuesday (July 8), the pop star debuted a new tattoo on social media in tribute to her late pal Juice WRLD. Written in cursive across the back side of her hand, Halsey’s latest tattoo reads “Life’s a mess 999,” referencing the title of her posthumous collaboration with the rapper and his favorite number. (Juice also had his own “999” tattoo on his forearm, which he claimed represented making good out of bad, and also named his official merch collection using the number.) “Juice was one of the greatest people I have ever known, and one of the most brilliant artists we will ever live to witness. A true genius who had lyric and melody spilling out of him without any second thought or hesitation. And a beau...
Steve Von Till’s ‘Music Will Get Us Through’ Playlist
With everyone sequestered and self-quarantining due to the coronavirus, we’ve asked our favorite artists to come up with playlists that keep you entertained. Here is Neurosis guitarist Steve Von Till: Many of us let music into our lives in a way that can intentionally or unintentionally frame our experience. It can console, celebrate or validate that which has already happened, providing the soundtrack to our personal histories. Music can be the rhythm of the present moment altering the perception of our realities one way or another and inspiring action. Music can also guide our thoughts for the future, be they dystopian or full of hope. Music is power and the permission to feel all the feelings. Longing for Connectedness to All Things Luke Schneider – “Anteludium”From his brand new debut ...
PHIL COLLEN On Whether DEF LEPPARD’s Tour With MÖTLEY CRÜE Will Finally Happen In 2021: ‘I’d Say It’s 50/50’
DEF LEPPARD guitarist Phil Collen spoke to SiriusXM‘s “Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk” about the postponement of the band’s “The Stadium Tour” with MÖTLEY CRÜE, POISON and JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS to the summer of 2021. “The Stadium Tour” was scheduled to kick off on June 18 at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Florida and run through September 5 in Los Angeles. The bands reportedly also booked time at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville to rehearse for the tour. Asked if he is confident that “The Stadium Tour” will finally happen in 2021, Collen said: “I honestly don’t know. I’d say it’s 50/50. If everyone does what they are supposed to do, then we will be there next summer — literally a we...
DIESEL MACHINE Feat. Ex-HALFORD, DAMAGEPLAN, SOIL Members: ‘Evolve’ Album Due In August
Metalville Records set an August 21 release date for the long-awaited comeback album from DIESEL MACHINE, “Evolve”. DIESEL MACHINE was founded in the mid-1990s by former musicians of the L.A. heavies WORLD IN PAIN and ELEVENTH HOUR. The hard groove metal of the band — consisting of AJ Cavalier (vocals), Patrick Lachman (guitar), Rich Gonzales (bass), and Shane Gaalaas (drums) — was compared with scene greats like PANTERA, CROWBAR and MACHINE HEAD. The only regular DIESEL MACHINE studio album to date, 2000’s “Torture Test”, was received enthusiastically by fans and critics alike and has retained its absolute cult status to this day. The uncompromising mixture of razor-sharp riffs, hammering rhythms as well as hardcore vocals fully met the spirit of the times an...
