During an appearance on a video podcast hosted by Todd Kerns, the bassist of SLASH FEATURING MYLES KENNEDY AND THE CONSPIRATORS, FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCH bassist Chris Kael talked about how he has been dealing with the coronavirus pandemic. He said (see video below): “My last show that I played was [on February 22, 2020 on a European tour] in Sofia, Bulgaria, with us and MEGADETH. So, you’re, like, ‘This is great. Sofia, Bulgaria. This where they recorded the ‘Big Four’ live DVD. This is great. I’m excited.’ Then you come home. And we were just ahead of the curve of all the COVID stuff that was happening. I know Italy blew up the week after we were there. And it was a smaller place that we played there. I remember it being really hot, really sweaty....
In a new interview with Bloodstream Radio, legendary German guitarist Michael Schenker was asked what keeps him motivated to write and play music after 50 years in the business. He responded (hear audio below): “I never take from trends; if anything, I created a trend. In the ’80s, people were copying my guitar style, and they actually overexposed it to the point when I was playing my guitar style, it was already heard over and over. “I discovered very early in my life the infinite inner spring of creativity — being yourself, being Michael Schenker. Everybody can do this, but it’s just a matter of choice. Do you wanna [follow] a commercial trend that will guarantee you commercial success and make you money and [get you] fame and [put you] in the limelight, et cetera...
During an appearance on the “No Guitar Is Safe” podcast, former GUNS N’ ROSES guitarist Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal was asked to name one of the solos that he enjoyed playing the most during his time with the band. He responded (hear audio below): “There was a lot of stuff on [the] ‘Chinese Democracy’ [album] — just being able to play my own parts with the band, it felt good. There is something to be said about that — when you get to play something that you came up with, that you wrote, that you recorded.” He continued: “As much as I loved playing the other songs, which everybody loves, and you’re there to please the audience; you wanna make them happy and you wanna deliver those songs the way they love them and not rewrite anythi...
Sylvain Sylvain, the longtime guitarist for glam rock pioneers New York Dolls, has died at the age of 69. In 2019, a GoFundMe was launched for Sylvain after he was diagnosed with cancer. The news of Sylvain’s death was confirmed in a post on his personal Facebook page. “As most of you know, Sylvain battled cancer for the past two and 1/2 years. Though he fought it valiantly, yesterday he passed away from this disease. While we grieve his loss, we know that he is finally at peace and out of pain. Please crank up his music, light a candle, say a prayer and let’s send this beautiful doll on his way,” the statement read. Longtime Patti Smith guitarist and rock journalist Lenny Kaye penned an essay that was included in the same post. “Syl loved rock and roll. His onstage joy, his radiant s...
The “Hot Shower” rapper shared her video and wrote, “THIS IS GOING TO BE SO GOOD FOR SO MANY!! THANK YOU DIONNE THE SINGER!! WE GON MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH THIS ONE!!” His message teased their iconic Twitter exchange from December when she asked him point blank, “Hi, @chancetherapper. If you are very obviously a rapper why did you put it in your stage name? I cannot stop thinking about this.” “I am now Dionne the Singer,” she announced in a subsequent tweet. The name drop left the rapper rather speechless, but that’ll soon change when they finally start recording “Nothing’s Impossible” together. Warwick previously announced that The Weeknd would join them on their charity single, but she nor Chance m...
The wait is over: Selena Gomez has released her highly anticipated Spanish-language song “De Una Vez,” a rhythmic pop track that touches on healing and empowerment. “I am incredibly proud of my Latin background,” Gomez said about her new single in a statement. “It felt empowering to sing in Spanish again and ‘De Una Vez’ is such a beautiful love anthem.” The track, produced by Tainy, Albert Hype, Jota Rosa and NEON16, premiered alongside a music video directed by Los Pérez (Tania Verduzco and Adrián Pérez). The visual finds Gomez in a mythical house surrounded by magical visuals, where she steps into rooms representative of her evolution. Toward the end of the video, the words “Baila Conmigo” emerge, hinting at a pote...
She recalled feeling “worthless,” and turning to Adderall. “I was 14-stone [196 lbs.] and just did not feel like a pop star at all,” she said. “So, I started taking this drug called Adderall, which is like speed, to lose weight. And then I got addicted to this drug because it made me invincible and I could work really long hours and be all the different people that I was required to be at the time.” In 2014, Allen joined Miley Cyrus on her Bangerz tour, which was difficult for her mental health. “It was a very highly sexualized tour and I had just spent the last three years pushing babies out,” she explained. “It couldn’t have been less what I felt like. And also, I’d never ever supported someone. So, I was sort of...
Lipa responded to the backlash in a new cover story for Rolling Stone on Thursday (Jan. 14), noting that the bash at the strip club was actually the opposite of anti-feminist. “I just feel like, if you’re a feminist, you have to also support women in all fields of work,” she explained. “We have to support sex workers, we have to believe that that [work] is their choice and their right.” “It seems quite hypocritical, I think, people picking and choosing as to how they want to support women and when it suits them,” she continued. “That’s another form of misogyny, which really derives from the male gaze.” Read the full interview here. You Deserve to Make Money Even When you are looking for Dates Online. So we reimagined what a dating should be. It begins with...
VenessaMichaels is a technicolor soul, to say the least. Her dreamy, creamy, punchy vibes full of wonder and brilliance never fail to ignite the dance floor. With many accolades and collaborations under her belt, she’s looking forward to a new chapter and ready to switch gears into hyperdrive this 2021. The powerhouse DJ/producer took a moment to speak with SPIN about finding her artistry, lessons learned within a chaotic year, and what’s next on the horizon. Who is VenessaMichaels and what do you stand for? I am a producer, songwriter, and DJ. I hope to inspire other people to know they can do and become whatever they choose to. Nothing can stop you if you have your mind set. Trust your ideas, and keep creating til you figure out what resonates with you. Believe in yourself always. You’re...
It’s crazy to imagine, but today (Jan. 14) marks 30 years since the grunge power ballad “Hunger Strike” was first released. Though Temple of the Dog wasn’t expected to be anything besides a side project of members of Soundgarden and the band formerly known as Mookie Blaylock, as history would show, the song would become one of the defining moments of the genre. To mark the anniversary, Chris Cornell’s daughter Toni reshared a clip of her performing the song from last year as a tribute to her father’s side project. “‘Hunger Strike’ was released 30 years ago today. It’s not only one of the most iconic songs of all time but one of my personal favorites. I recorded it for Music Lives to raise money for covid relief in April 2020 and in tribute to my dad who would have been the first to do ever...
Get to know the unapologetic, multi-faceted Berlin DJ Collective that’s taken the world by storm on their own accord. Think of them as a Swiss Army Knife – able to do it all. They’ve confidently solidified themselves as a trusted staple in various industries, dominating every project with finesse. With Keinemusik’s recent venture into the video game sphere, the down-to-earth crew took a moment to talk with SPIN about their brand, key to success, & collaborating with Rockstar video game, Grand Theft Auto. Who is Keinemusik and what do you stand for? Keinemusik was founded by Monja, Reznik, Rampa, &ME and Adam Port. We all met in a club, &ME and Rampa met in the studio. We try and see what happens, if there’s an ethos it’s probably best described as “slow processes”. Higher...