Recently, we burned the end-of-year EPs by Solange, Katy B, Azealia Banks and Haim on to a CD-R and realised we had made the album of the year. They're all releasing full-lengths soon, meaning 2013's end-of-year lists are likely to be full of artists you were reading about last spring. The immediacy of releasing music on the internet means, perversely, that new bands progress much more slowly, with an increasing number of artists following the route of: mixtape; free EP; debut album; deluxe edition of album with shonky free tracks tacked on for an extra £11.99. Bad news if you're expecting a Joey Bada$$ record before 2015.
After two years of EDM-influenced pop, British producers will set the charts back on course. Surrey youngsters Disclosure are likely to turn to big-bucks pop production after they finish their own UK garage-influenced album next year. Julio Bashmore, whose "swashbuckling house" found a home on the Jessie Ware record, and Jamie xx, who has already produced for Alicia Keys, will find themselves called upon by more US acts willing to take a risk. With any luck, Bieber's next album will sound like room two at the Warehouse Project.
Friday, December 28, 2012
Thursday, December 27, 2012
New Orleans Jazz Fest lets visitors taste city's rich heritage
Nicole Toms practically gushed as she emerged into the sunlight from a massive tent where a gospel choir had brought the crowd to its feet.
"Oh my God, I love everything about this," she said. "The incredible variety of music, the layout of the stages and the food - it's the best."
Toms, of Mountain View, California, was describing her fifth visit to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, a blockbuster event that draws hundreds of thousands of people during two weekends each spring and will continue through May 6.
Festival co-founder Quint Davis would say Toms wasn't merely describing an event, but homing in on New Orleans' heritage. "This festival is a an indigenous part of our culture," he told Reuters.
Now in its 43rd year, the quintessential New Orleans event better known as Jazz Fest broke new ground when it was launched in 1970 by Davis, an ethnomusicologist then just finishing college, and jazz impresario and Newport Jazz Festival founder George Wein.
At the time, events that presented a variety of music groups on multiple stages at an outdoor location were rare. Their goal was to create such an event that reflected New Orleans, whose music, food and laid-back lifestyle were distinct because they derived from an unusual mix of French, Spanish, African, Native American and other influences.
Wein, the founder of Festival Productions Inc, and Davis, now chief executive of the company, concocted a festival that showcased local jazz, blues, R&B, African, Cajun and zydeco bands. And they surrounded the music with food booths that served up shrimp étouffée, boiled crawfish, oyster po-boys and Creole gumbo.
"Oh my God, I love everything about this," she said. "The incredible variety of music, the layout of the stages and the food - it's the best."
Toms, of Mountain View, California, was describing her fifth visit to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, a blockbuster event that draws hundreds of thousands of people during two weekends each spring and will continue through May 6.
Festival co-founder Quint Davis would say Toms wasn't merely describing an event, but homing in on New Orleans' heritage. "This festival is a an indigenous part of our culture," he told Reuters.
Now in its 43rd year, the quintessential New Orleans event better known as Jazz Fest broke new ground when it was launched in 1970 by Davis, an ethnomusicologist then just finishing college, and jazz impresario and Newport Jazz Festival founder George Wein.
At the time, events that presented a variety of music groups on multiple stages at an outdoor location were rare. Their goal was to create such an event that reflected New Orleans, whose music, food and laid-back lifestyle were distinct because they derived from an unusual mix of French, Spanish, African, Native American and other influences.
Wein, the founder of Festival Productions Inc, and Davis, now chief executive of the company, concocted a festival that showcased local jazz, blues, R&B, African, Cajun and zydeco bands. And they surrounded the music with food booths that served up shrimp étouffée, boiled crawfish, oyster po-boys and Creole gumbo.
Music fans hanker for Ray Charles hologram: poll
When a hologram of late rapper Tupac Shakur appeared on stage with Snoop Dogg at the recent Coachella music festival, it stunned audiences by literally bringing the performer back to life - technologically, anyway.
Reuters asked Los Angeles-based E-Poll Market Research, which surveys consumers about celebrities for Hollywood's major studios and TV networks, to pull together a list of dead celebrities who remain popular and, like Tupac, might still be big draws at a concert if only as a hologram.
Perhaps surprisingly, given his status as the King of Rock, Elvis Presley managed only a second place tie with country singer Johnny Cash. It was soul legend Ray Charles who topped the list, judged by a combination of fan appeal, audience awareness and perceptions of talent. The researchers label the overall grade an "E-Score."
John Lennon - imagine that - was fourth, and one notch below came ol' blue eyes, Frank Sinatra. Another king, this one of pop music, Michael Jackson, failed to make the top 10, but just by one notch. And while Tupac caused a sensation at Coachella, he could only muster 16th place, just behind Tammy Wynette.
A list of music performers most likely to be enjoyed by fans in an after-life hologram is below, ranked according to their "E-Score." The figures were derived from E-Poll's weekly survey of some 1,100 people ages 13 and older. Rank Celebrity E-Score.
Reuters asked Los Angeles-based E-Poll Market Research, which surveys consumers about celebrities for Hollywood's major studios and TV networks, to pull together a list of dead celebrities who remain popular and, like Tupac, might still be big draws at a concert if only as a hologram.
Perhaps surprisingly, given his status as the King of Rock, Elvis Presley managed only a second place tie with country singer Johnny Cash. It was soul legend Ray Charles who topped the list, judged by a combination of fan appeal, audience awareness and perceptions of talent. The researchers label the overall grade an "E-Score."
John Lennon - imagine that - was fourth, and one notch below came ol' blue eyes, Frank Sinatra. Another king, this one of pop music, Michael Jackson, failed to make the top 10, but just by one notch. And while Tupac caused a sensation at Coachella, he could only muster 16th place, just behind Tammy Wynette.
A list of music performers most likely to be enjoyed by fans in an after-life hologram is below, ranked according to their "E-Score." The figures were derived from E-Poll's weekly survey of some 1,100 people ages 13 and older. Rank Celebrity E-Score.
Wednesday, December 26, 2012
Eason Chan becomes 1st Chinese artist at O2 Arena
Hong Kong superstar Eason Chan has become the first Chinese artist to perform at London's O2 Arena.
The singer sold out the arena within 20 minutes of tickets going on sale and crashed the venues servers.
Before the show Chan said he was surprised by the high demand in London but promised a show full of energy.
The performance was part of his popular "Duo Eason Chan" tour which kicked off in his hometown of Hong Kong on March 20.
The tour will take him to 35 cities in nine countries.
The 37-year-old has released more than 30 solo albums and is one of the best-selling Mandarin and Cantonese pop artists.
This was his second appearance on a London stage after performing at the Royal Albert Hall back in 2010.
The singer sold out the arena within 20 minutes of tickets going on sale and crashed the venues servers.
Before the show Chan said he was surprised by the high demand in London but promised a show full of energy.
The performance was part of his popular "Duo Eason Chan" tour which kicked off in his hometown of Hong Kong on March 20.
The tour will take him to 35 cities in nine countries.
The 37-year-old has released more than 30 solo albums and is one of the best-selling Mandarin and Cantonese pop artists.
This was his second appearance on a London stage after performing at the Royal Albert Hall back in 2010.
Tuesday, December 25, 2012
Chinese rock music started in the 1980s
Cui Jian, China's number one rock star, once said the audience of his concerts in the United States was almost entirely Chinese. Ironically, there are more foreigners in the audience when he performs at home.
Williams tried to book shows at this summer's festivals in Europe for Xie Tianxiao, another famous Chinese rock musician, but didn't succeed.
"If you are competing as a rock artist, you are one of thousands to the agencies. That makes it very hard, even if you are huge in China," he says.
Compared to Chinese films, visual arts and literature, Chinese music is less known around the world. CDs of Chinese bands are hard to find in Western record stores, and Chinese names are absent from most of the major international music festivals.
Language is certainly a barrier, but what De Blaauw and Williams point out is probably more important - the lack of originality and identity in Chinese musicians' works.
Chinese rock music started in the 1980s, and until the late 1990s when the Internet emerged, information about the international music scene was fragmentary. Then, all the styles from the history of rock music are presented altogether in front of Chinese musicians. It's like someone who has been starving suddenly finding so much to eat that he suffers from indigestion.
The good news is that rock music has created a market in China, though maybe still a niche market. In most big cities ,there are clubs that put on rock shows, and music festivals have been flourishing all over the country in recent years.
Williams tried to book shows at this summer's festivals in Europe for Xie Tianxiao, another famous Chinese rock musician, but didn't succeed.
"If you are competing as a rock artist, you are one of thousands to the agencies. That makes it very hard, even if you are huge in China," he says.
Compared to Chinese films, visual arts and literature, Chinese music is less known around the world. CDs of Chinese bands are hard to find in Western record stores, and Chinese names are absent from most of the major international music festivals.
Language is certainly a barrier, but what De Blaauw and Williams point out is probably more important - the lack of originality and identity in Chinese musicians' works.
Chinese rock music started in the 1980s, and until the late 1990s when the Internet emerged, information about the international music scene was fragmentary. Then, all the styles from the history of rock music are presented altogether in front of Chinese musicians. It's like someone who has been starving suddenly finding so much to eat that he suffers from indigestion.
The good news is that rock music has created a market in China, though maybe still a niche market. In most big cities ,there are clubs that put on rock shows, and music festivals have been flourishing all over the country in recent years.
Monday, December 24, 2012
Advertising revenue at ABC
Driven by "The Avengers," which has made more than $1.4 billion worldwide, studio income increased to $313 million from $49 million a year earlier. Chief Executive Bob Iger announced the company had signed a deal with "Avengers" director Joss Whedon to write and direct an "Avengers" sequel, and to help develop a Marvel-based TV series for the ABC broadcast network.
The studio results offset a decline in earnings at Disney's powerhouse ESPN sports network, which the company said was due to the timing of deferred affiliate fees. Overall its cable TV unit, the company's largest, increased by 1 percent to $1.86 billion. Advertising at ESPN grew in the quarter, helped by NBA games. Looking ahead, Iger said he was bullish about ESPN's ad prospects "for the next number of months, maybe for the next year."
Advertising revenue at ABC "decreased modestly" from lower ratings partially offset by higher rates, Disney said. At theme parks, earnings rose 21 percent, the result of increases at its Tokyo theme park, where the company collects management and other fees, and which was impacted last year by a temporary suspension of operations following the March 2011 earthquake.
The studio results offset a decline in earnings at Disney's powerhouse ESPN sports network, which the company said was due to the timing of deferred affiliate fees. Overall its cable TV unit, the company's largest, increased by 1 percent to $1.86 billion. Advertising at ESPN grew in the quarter, helped by NBA games. Looking ahead, Iger said he was bullish about ESPN's ad prospects "for the next number of months, maybe for the next year."
Advertising revenue at ABC "decreased modestly" from lower ratings partially offset by higher rates, Disney said. At theme parks, earnings rose 21 percent, the result of increases at its Tokyo theme park, where the company collects management and other fees, and which was impacted last year by a temporary suspension of operations following the March 2011 earthquake.
Friday, December 21, 2012
Wang Feng to host pilot episode of talk show
Singer-songwriter Wang Feng will participate in the launch episode of an online talk show, Interactive Affairs, produced by LeTV, one of the most popular online video sites in China.
Interactive Affairs will invite celebrities to bring guests and discuss hot social topics. Wang, as one of the invited hosts, will bring his friends to talk about the mainland music industry. According to Wang, the talk show will offer him a new platform to showcase his music and attitude towards the industry.
Article 46 of the draft stipulates that sound recording producers may use a music work from another record product, which has already been published for more than three months, in their own records without having to obtain the consent from the music copyright holder, as long as they report to relevant government authorities and pay fair compensation.
Moreover, the draft provides that if the copyright holder does not state otherwise, the royalty for such use will be collected through copyright collective management organizations.
"The draft is a possible deprivation of songwriters' copyright interests as well as our rights to dispose our own properties," Gao Xiaosong, a famous songwriter, wrote on Sina Weibo, a popular Chinese microblogging site on Wednesday.
Gao also posted online a petition signed by more than 20 popular songwriters and singers, including Xiao Ke, Zhang Chu, Han Geng and Sandee Chan, urging authorities to revise relevant provisions in the draft.
Interactive Affairs will invite celebrities to bring guests and discuss hot social topics. Wang, as one of the invited hosts, will bring his friends to talk about the mainland music industry. According to Wang, the talk show will offer him a new platform to showcase his music and attitude towards the industry.
Article 46 of the draft stipulates that sound recording producers may use a music work from another record product, which has already been published for more than three months, in their own records without having to obtain the consent from the music copyright holder, as long as they report to relevant government authorities and pay fair compensation.
Moreover, the draft provides that if the copyright holder does not state otherwise, the royalty for such use will be collected through copyright collective management organizations.
"The draft is a possible deprivation of songwriters' copyright interests as well as our rights to dispose our own properties," Gao Xiaosong, a famous songwriter, wrote on Sina Weibo, a popular Chinese microblogging site on Wednesday.
Gao also posted online a petition signed by more than 20 popular songwriters and singers, including Xiao Ke, Zhang Chu, Han Geng and Sandee Chan, urging authorities to revise relevant provisions in the draft.
Hundreds honor Ravi Shankar at California memorial
ENCINITAS, Calif. (AP) — Hundreds of friends and family on Thursday remembered sitar virtuoso Ravi Shankar as an unfailingly generous teacher with a gentle spirit and sense of humor whose music fostered understanding between East and West.
Olivia Harrison said Shankar helped her late husband George Harrison achieve a more meaningful life when he was a young Beatle.
"They were like father and son as well as brothers," Harrison said on an outdoor stage decorated with garlands of white flowers at the Self Realization Fellowship center in Encinitas, the oceanfront suburb north of San Diego where Shankar lived for the last two decades.
Conductor Zubin Mehta said he felt like a "little crumb" listening to Shankar play and credited his close friend with introducing India to the world.
Shankar died last week in San Diego at age 92.
Olivia Harrison said Shankar helped her late husband George Harrison achieve a more meaningful life when he was a young Beatle.
"They were like father and son as well as brothers," Harrison said on an outdoor stage decorated with garlands of white flowers at the Self Realization Fellowship center in Encinitas, the oceanfront suburb north of San Diego where Shankar lived for the last two decades.
Conductor Zubin Mehta said he felt like a "little crumb" listening to Shankar play and credited his close friend with introducing India to the world.
Shankar died last week in San Diego at age 92.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
An invitation came from Paris
He took guitar master classes in Belgrade.
A documentary entitled A Journey distributed in his debut album features part of his performance of Ej Jadan Aj at the 1994 children's music festival.
Music provided Milos and his family reassurance and escape in the war years.
"I remember there was a power outage, and we were trying to keep warm," he recalls.
"My mom said: 'Why don't you bring your guitar and play something for us?' It was like the music kept us going."
An invitation came from Paris when he was 13.
"That was a big deal," Milos says.
In the early 1990s, the Montenegrins felt isolated from the outside world and weren't able to travel abroad.
"I just played a small concert in Paris. But it was my first chance to get out of my country, and I did not have a suit," Milos recalls.
"My parents put everything together - their whole savings - so I could have a proper suit."
The next year, Milos took a master class taught by the guitarist David Russell who was amazed by his talent and strongly recommended him to London's Royal Academy of Music.
A documentary entitled A Journey distributed in his debut album features part of his performance of Ej Jadan Aj at the 1994 children's music festival.
Music provided Milos and his family reassurance and escape in the war years.
"I remember there was a power outage, and we were trying to keep warm," he recalls.
"My mom said: 'Why don't you bring your guitar and play something for us?' It was like the music kept us going."
An invitation came from Paris when he was 13.
"That was a big deal," Milos says.
In the early 1990s, the Montenegrins felt isolated from the outside world and weren't able to travel abroad.
"I just played a small concert in Paris. But it was my first chance to get out of my country, and I did not have a suit," Milos recalls.
"My parents put everything together - their whole savings - so I could have a proper suit."
The next year, Milos took a master class taught by the guitarist David Russell who was amazed by his talent and strongly recommended him to London's Royal Academy of Music.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
playing at home was the biggest thrill
The volatile singer and "American Idol" judge was greeted by dozens of fans as the band swept into a Los Angeles news conference in flamboyant fashion - Tyler on a motorbike, drummer Joey Kramer in a white Lamborghini, guitarist Joe Perry in a taxi and bassist Tom Hamilton in a rickshaw. Guitarist Brad Whitford is currently on tour with another band.
"We've been known to set the world on fire with our type of music...so we decided to call this The Global Warming Tour," Tyler told journalists.
Formed in Boston in the 1970s, Aerosmith has sold over 150 million records worldwide and had hits like "Walk This Way" and "I Don't Want to Miss A Thing".
But they said playing at home was the biggest thrill.
"Coming back to American fans, that's my favorite part, because being on stage and getting the response that we're going to get hopefully from these new songs from American fans is something I really look forward to and something that has always held us together," said Kramer.
"We've been known to set the world on fire with our type of music...so we decided to call this The Global Warming Tour," Tyler told journalists.
Formed in Boston in the 1970s, Aerosmith has sold over 150 million records worldwide and had hits like "Walk This Way" and "I Don't Want to Miss A Thing".
But they said playing at home was the biggest thrill.
"Coming back to American fans, that's my favorite part, because being on stage and getting the response that we're going to get hopefully from these new songs from American fans is something I really look forward to and something that has always held us together," said Kramer.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Paige to bring 40 years of spectacular songs to Beijing
From an unknown, unpromising singer standing 1.5 meters tall, she skyrocketed to fame in 1978 by performing the leading role of Eva Peron in Evita. From international successful roles in Cats and a Broadway debut with Sunset Boulevard to suffering breast cancer, the only certainty with the 64-year-old is that what's next is always a surprise.
One night in 1981, a big black cat followed her home from a dinner party, and she adopted it. The very next day, Andrew Lloyd Webber called her and said that she had won the role of Grizabella in the original production of Cats, which was a second peak of Paige's musical career. So she named the cat "Grizabella".
The singer, dubbed the First Lady of the British Musical Theater, will celebrate her 40th year onstage in November with a show in Beijing.
Having performed in Beijing twice before, she says she's happy to know that she has contributed to musical development in China, now that songs like Memory and Don't Cry For Me Argentina helped introduce Western musicals to the country.
"China is a great country, with many enthusiastic fans. I really enjoyed the time and performances in China," she says.
She will also sing with Fei Xiang, or Kris Phillips, the renowned Chinese-American pop icon and singer of musicals, who performed with Paige at The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, a concert staged in the Great Hall of The People in Beijing in 2001.
One night in 1981, a big black cat followed her home from a dinner party, and she adopted it. The very next day, Andrew Lloyd Webber called her and said that she had won the role of Grizabella in the original production of Cats, which was a second peak of Paige's musical career. So she named the cat "Grizabella".
The singer, dubbed the First Lady of the British Musical Theater, will celebrate her 40th year onstage in November with a show in Beijing.
Having performed in Beijing twice before, she says she's happy to know that she has contributed to musical development in China, now that songs like Memory and Don't Cry For Me Argentina helped introduce Western musicals to the country.
"China is a great country, with many enthusiastic fans. I really enjoyed the time and performances in China," she says.
She will also sing with Fei Xiang, or Kris Phillips, the renowned Chinese-American pop icon and singer of musicals, who performed with Paige at The Music of Andrew Lloyd Webber, a concert staged in the Great Hall of The People in Beijing in 2001.
Monday, December 17, 2012
Pop-jazz marvel sharing the spotlight
Before flying to Los Angeles for her Grammy week duties last month, Esperanza Spalding practically batted away a question about the impact of the best new artist award on her life and career.
"More attention," was her unusually succinct reply, though she explained. "Before the Grammy last year I used to say it's like being a worker ant, going back and forth to get the food, and all of a sudden someone's watching you and following you along." She held up an imaginary magnifying glass. "But now I see that the spotlight can actually directly serve the music."
That conviction courses through "Radio Music Society," her fourth album, a collection of groove-based songs, almost all originals, that is Ms. Spalding's version of a crossover pop album. At the same time its credits include dozens of her fellow jazz musicians. Bringing them on board meant a lot to Ms. Spalding, who has clung to her worker-ant affinities even as public perception, and her own fresh-faced ambitions, conspired to anoint her queen of the colony. Her utopian urge to share the spotlight sits a bit uneasily against the very singular nature of her stardom.
"More attention," was her unusually succinct reply, though she explained. "Before the Grammy last year I used to say it's like being a worker ant, going back and forth to get the food, and all of a sudden someone's watching you and following you along." She held up an imaginary magnifying glass. "But now I see that the spotlight can actually directly serve the music."
That conviction courses through "Radio Music Society," her fourth album, a collection of groove-based songs, almost all originals, that is Ms. Spalding's version of a crossover pop album. At the same time its credits include dozens of her fellow jazz musicians. Bringing them on board meant a lot to Ms. Spalding, who has clung to her worker-ant affinities even as public perception, and her own fresh-faced ambitions, conspired to anoint her queen of the colony. Her utopian urge to share the spotlight sits a bit uneasily against the very singular nature of her stardom.
Saturday, December 15, 2012
Oldie but goodie
Hong Kong DJ and entertainer Anders Nelsson brings back the golden age of rock 'n' roll for a baby boomer reunion concert, reports Rebecca Lo.
When he speaks, Anders Nelsson has that indefinable accent of someone who has lived in Hong Kong for a long time. The California-born son of Swedish Lutheran missionaries has called the city home since 1950. He has been part of its entertainment scene ever since he began playing with his high school band The Kontinentals in the early 60s.
Five decades later, Nelsson is paying tribute to the glory days of rock by DJing a concert to welcome classmates from King George V, his former high school.
Music from the '60s and '70s will be featured, with Nelsson taking requests from the audience and singing a few songs while accompanying himself on guitar.
"Every 10 years, there is a mega reunion for King George V grads," says Nelsson, doing some staging prior to the concert at Grappa's Cellar. "There are a lot of activities planned, but nothing specifically for baby boomers. Since I specialize in nostalgia, it is a good way to get my former classmates together. The concert is also open to the public."
Founded in 1894 and the oldest school in the city's English School Foundation, King George V secondary school in Ho Man Tin was the only choice available to expat kids during the 1950s and 60s.
Although there were students of more than two dozen different nationalities, kids would be punished for not speaking English. The severe colonial educational system meant that caning was the norm and prefects ruled the halls.
"It was totally British," recalls Nelsson. "The most common punishment we had was detention. I was caught speaking Swedish and had to write 500 lines of 'I must not speak Swedish'. "
When he speaks, Anders Nelsson has that indefinable accent of someone who has lived in Hong Kong for a long time. The California-born son of Swedish Lutheran missionaries has called the city home since 1950. He has been part of its entertainment scene ever since he began playing with his high school band The Kontinentals in the early 60s.
Five decades later, Nelsson is paying tribute to the glory days of rock by DJing a concert to welcome classmates from King George V, his former high school.
Music from the '60s and '70s will be featured, with Nelsson taking requests from the audience and singing a few songs while accompanying himself on guitar.
"Every 10 years, there is a mega reunion for King George V grads," says Nelsson, doing some staging prior to the concert at Grappa's Cellar. "There are a lot of activities planned, but nothing specifically for baby boomers. Since I specialize in nostalgia, it is a good way to get my former classmates together. The concert is also open to the public."
Founded in 1894 and the oldest school in the city's English School Foundation, King George V secondary school in Ho Man Tin was the only choice available to expat kids during the 1950s and 60s.
Although there were students of more than two dozen different nationalities, kids would be punished for not speaking English. The severe colonial educational system meant that caning was the norm and prefects ruled the halls.
"It was totally British," recalls Nelsson. "The most common punishment we had was detention. I was caught speaking Swedish and had to write 500 lines of 'I must not speak Swedish'. "
Friday, December 14, 2012
"As far as the book goes, it was my story and it was very raw, as I meant it to be, but I know that some parts of it and some of the publicity really offended Mick and I regret that."
An eagerly anticipated world tour by one of the world's biggest music acts is now not expected to happen until 2013 at the earliest, according to the same magazine.
Some industry sources had put the delay down to the argument between Richards and Jagger, but Rolling Stone said it may be more closely linked to concerns over Richards' health.
"The quality of the guitarist's performances declined after he suffered a head injury on vacation in Fiji in April 2006, midway through the Bigger Bang tour," the magazine said.
As well as the tour, the Rolling Stones have announced the July 12 release of a picture book tracing their rise to global fame. The band debuted at the Marquee Club in London's Oxford Street on the same date in 1962.
An eagerly anticipated world tour by one of the world's biggest music acts is now not expected to happen until 2013 at the earliest, according to the same magazine.
Some industry sources had put the delay down to the argument between Richards and Jagger, but Rolling Stone said it may be more closely linked to concerns over Richards' health.
"The quality of the guitarist's performances declined after he suffered a head injury on vacation in Fiji in April 2006, midway through the Bigger Bang tour," the magazine said.
As well as the tour, the Rolling Stones have announced the July 12 release of a picture book tracing their rise to global fame. The band debuted at the Marquee Club in London's Oxford Street on the same date in 1962.
'Little Mozart'
"As far as the book goes, it was my story and it was very raw, as I meant it to be, but I know that some parts of it and some of the publicity really offended Mick and I regret that."
An eagerly anticipated world tour by one of the world's biggest music acts is now not expected to happen until 2013 at the earliest, according to the same magazine.
Some industry sources had put the delay down to the argument between Richards and Jagger, but Rolling Stone said it may be more closely linked to concerns over Richards' health.
"The quality of the guitarist's performances declined after he suffered a head injury on vacation in Fiji in April 2006, midway through the Bigger Bang tour," the magazine said.
As well as the tour, the Rolling Stones have announced the July 12 release of a picture book tracing their rise to global fame. The band debuted at the Marquee Club in London's Oxford Street on the same date in 1962.
An eagerly anticipated world tour by one of the world's biggest music acts is now not expected to happen until 2013 at the earliest, according to the same magazine.
Some industry sources had put the delay down to the argument between Richards and Jagger, but Rolling Stone said it may be more closely linked to concerns over Richards' health.
"The quality of the guitarist's performances declined after he suffered a head injury on vacation in Fiji in April 2006, midway through the Bigger Bang tour," the magazine said.
As well as the tour, the Rolling Stones have announced the July 12 release of a picture book tracing their rise to global fame. The band debuted at the Marquee Club in London's Oxford Street on the same date in 1962.
Thursday, December 13, 2012
Godfather of world music passes away
From George Harrison to John Coltrane, from Yehudi Menuhin to David Crosby, his connections reflected music's universality, though a gap persisted between Shankar and many Western fans. Sometimes they mistook tuning for tunes, while he stood aghast at displays such as Jimi Hendrix's burning guitar.
Shankar, 92, died on Tuesday. A statement on his website said he died in San Diego, near his Southern California home with his wife and younger daughter by his side. The musician's foundation issued a statement saying that he had suffered upper respiratory and heart problems and had undergone heart-valve replacement surgery last week.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also confirmed Shankar's death and called him a "national treasure".
Labeled "the godfather of world music" by Harrison, Shankar helped millions of classical, jazz and rock lovers discover the centuries-old traditions of Indian music.
"He was the legend of legends," Shivkumar Sharma, a noted santoor player who performed with Shankar, told Indian media. "Indian classical (music) was not at all known in the Western world. He was the musician who had that training ... the ability to communicate with the Western audience."
He also pioneered the concept of the rock benefit with the 1971 Concert For Bangladesh. To later generations, he was known as the estranged father of the popular US singer Norah Jones.
Shankar, 92, died on Tuesday. A statement on his website said he died in San Diego, near his Southern California home with his wife and younger daughter by his side. The musician's foundation issued a statement saying that he had suffered upper respiratory and heart problems and had undergone heart-valve replacement surgery last week.
Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh also confirmed Shankar's death and called him a "national treasure".
Labeled "the godfather of world music" by Harrison, Shankar helped millions of classical, jazz and rock lovers discover the centuries-old traditions of Indian music.
"He was the legend of legends," Shivkumar Sharma, a noted santoor player who performed with Shankar, told Indian media. "Indian classical (music) was not at all known in the Western world. He was the musician who had that training ... the ability to communicate with the Western audience."
He also pioneered the concept of the rock benefit with the 1971 Concert For Bangladesh. To later generations, he was known as the estranged father of the popular US singer Norah Jones.
Wednesday, December 12, 2012
Donna Summer leads 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees
Singer-songwriter Randy Newman, Canadian progressive rockers Rush, rock band Heart and the late blues guitarist Albert King are also being inducted into the prestigious Hall of Fame, which pays homage to people who have influenced the music industry.
"We are thrilled to announce this year's class of inductees, which again represents the broad, compelling and significant definition of rock and roll," Joel Peresman, president and chief executive of the organization, said in a statement.
Non-performers Lou Adler, executive producer of the 1975 rock-musical cult hit "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," and pop arranger, composer and producer Quincy Jones are also named to the Hall of Fame.
They will be officially inducted at a ceremony in April in Los Angeles.
Queen of Disco' Summer, who died in May at the age of 63, rose to fame in 1976 with the disco hit "Love to Love You Baby". She had three number one hits in 1979 with "Hot Stuff," "Bad Girls" and "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)," a duet with Barbara Streisand.
"We are thrilled to announce this year's class of inductees, which again represents the broad, compelling and significant definition of rock and roll," Joel Peresman, president and chief executive of the organization, said in a statement.
Non-performers Lou Adler, executive producer of the 1975 rock-musical cult hit "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," and pop arranger, composer and producer Quincy Jones are also named to the Hall of Fame.
They will be officially inducted at a ceremony in April in Los Angeles.
Queen of Disco' Summer, who died in May at the age of 63, rose to fame in 1976 with the disco hit "Love to Love You Baby". She had three number one hits in 1979 with "Hot Stuff," "Bad Girls" and "No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)," a duet with Barbara Streisand.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Singer Whitney Houston dies
Grammy Award-winning singer and actress Whitney Houston has died at age 48, a family spokesman said on Saturday.
"Unfortunately it is true," the spokesman said.
Houston, inspired by soul singers in her New Jersey family, including mother Cissy Houston and cousins Dionne Warwick and the late Dee Dee Warwick, as well as her godmother Aretha Franklin, became one of the most celebrated female singers of all time, taking multiple Emmy, Grammy and Billboard Music awards.
Her popularity soared in the 1980s and 1990s with consecutive No. 1 hits including the smash single "I Will Always Love You," from the soundtrack of the feature film "The Bodyguard," in which she starred. The soundtrack won the 1994 Grammy for Album of the Year.
"Unfortunately it is true," the spokesman said.
Houston, inspired by soul singers in her New Jersey family, including mother Cissy Houston and cousins Dionne Warwick and the late Dee Dee Warwick, as well as her godmother Aretha Franklin, became one of the most celebrated female singers of all time, taking multiple Emmy, Grammy and Billboard Music awards.
Her popularity soared in the 1980s and 1990s with consecutive No. 1 hits including the smash single "I Will Always Love You," from the soundtrack of the feature film "The Bodyguard," in which she starred. The soundtrack won the 1994 Grammy for Album of the Year.
Monday, December 10, 2012
Grammy spotlight shines on Adele
The Grammys in recent years have targeted young audiences even as older acts won key awards to the surprise of some music fans, but this Sunday's honors will shine its spotlight on Adele, whose popularity crosses all age boundaries.
The soulful British singer, whose album "21" has spawned massive hits like "Rolling in the Deep" and topped charts for 19 weeks, enters music industry's biggest awards with six nominations, second only to rapper Kanye West with seven.
But all ears will be tuned in to Adele, 23, who is scheduled to give a Grammy performance that is her first since undergoing throat surgery late last year. And everybody -- young and old -- wants to know if 2011's top-selling performer has recovered.
"My eight-year-old daughter sings Adele songs, and my friend's 75-year-old grandmother sings Adele songs," said Nic Harcourt, former radio host at KCRW, who is among those credited with helping put the British chanteuse on the U.S. music map.
Adele's voice was a breath of fresh air in 2011 for a struggling industry. "21" album sold more copies in one year than any other act since Usher's "Confessions" in 2004. Its current U.S. sales total is roughly 6.3 million copies.
In years past, the Grammys have often seen relative newcomers in top categories like album of the year face off against veteran acts, only to see the older performers win, shocking the youth-driven industry. Herbie Hancock's 2007 jazz album, "River: The Joni Letters," was among the recent surprises.
That won't happen at Sunday's ceremony in Los Angeles. Competing for album of the year are Adele with "21," Lady Gaga for "Born This Way," Rihanna with "Loud," Bruno Mars for "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" and Foo Fighters for "Wasting Light."
The soulful British singer, whose album "21" has spawned massive hits like "Rolling in the Deep" and topped charts for 19 weeks, enters music industry's biggest awards with six nominations, second only to rapper Kanye West with seven.
But all ears will be tuned in to Adele, 23, who is scheduled to give a Grammy performance that is her first since undergoing throat surgery late last year. And everybody -- young and old -- wants to know if 2011's top-selling performer has recovered.
"My eight-year-old daughter sings Adele songs, and my friend's 75-year-old grandmother sings Adele songs," said Nic Harcourt, former radio host at KCRW, who is among those credited with helping put the British chanteuse on the U.S. music map.
Adele's voice was a breath of fresh air in 2011 for a struggling industry. "21" album sold more copies in one year than any other act since Usher's "Confessions" in 2004. Its current U.S. sales total is roughly 6.3 million copies.
In years past, the Grammys have often seen relative newcomers in top categories like album of the year face off against veteran acts, only to see the older performers win, shocking the youth-driven industry. Herbie Hancock's 2007 jazz album, "River: The Joni Letters," was among the recent surprises.
That won't happen at Sunday's ceremony in Los Angeles. Competing for album of the year are Adele with "21," Lady Gaga for "Born This Way," Rihanna with "Loud," Bruno Mars for "Doo-Wops & Hooligans" and Foo Fighters for "Wasting Light."
Friday, December 7, 2012
Paul McCartney blows Kiss to Hollywood
Paul McCartney's new album "Kisses on the Bottom" will see the legendary Beatles' singer harking back to the golden era of Hollywood, bringing both old favorites and new compositions to his latest musical offering.
"Kisses on the Bottom," named after the lyrics on the album's first track "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," will showcase the former Beatle on a "deeply personal journey" singing classic American songs that inspired McCartney and bandmate John Lennon when they wrote songs for the Beatles.
"When we grew up, we had my dad's or in John's case, his mother's era that we were listening to, and then when we came to write rock and roll songs, this informed the rock and roll," McCartney told reporters in London on Thursday.
He added the Beatles' "Honey Pie" was one such track "harking back to Hollywood."
The ex-Beatle said he was inspired by some of Hollywood's best known actors and singers, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and especially Fred Astaire, whose style and voice were a reference for McCartney throughout his career.
"Fred Astaire was just this fantastic character from that era, he's so elegant. Musically, his vocal style is very interesting...he had this little voice that I kind of wanted to get near, so I tried that and that became a little bit of a signature with this album," said McCartney.
"It's this era that I love, it's a rich era for style, music and intelligent art."
Despite wanting to do this album "for a long time" through both his Beatles and solo careers, McCartney was forced to delay the record after British singers Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart released their own albums of big band classics. McCartney did not want to appear as if he was jumping on their "bandwagon."
"Kisses on the Bottom," named after the lyrics on the album's first track "I'm Gonna Sit Right Down and Write Myself a Letter," will showcase the former Beatle on a "deeply personal journey" singing classic American songs that inspired McCartney and bandmate John Lennon when they wrote songs for the Beatles.
"When we grew up, we had my dad's or in John's case, his mother's era that we were listening to, and then when we came to write rock and roll songs, this informed the rock and roll," McCartney told reporters in London on Thursday.
He added the Beatles' "Honey Pie" was one such track "harking back to Hollywood."
The ex-Beatle said he was inspired by some of Hollywood's best known actors and singers, including Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and especially Fred Astaire, whose style and voice were a reference for McCartney throughout his career.
"Fred Astaire was just this fantastic character from that era, he's so elegant. Musically, his vocal style is very interesting...he had this little voice that I kind of wanted to get near, so I tried that and that became a little bit of a signature with this album," said McCartney.
"It's this era that I love, it's a rich era for style, music and intelligent art."
Despite wanting to do this album "for a long time" through both his Beatles and solo careers, McCartney was forced to delay the record after British singers Robbie Williams and Rod Stewart released their own albums of big band classics. McCartney did not want to appear as if he was jumping on their "bandwagon."
Taylor Swift T Bone Burnett on Hunger Games album
Country singer Taylor Swift will lead a host of musicians collaborating with Oscar-winning artist T. Bone Burnett for a companion album to the upcoming film, "The Hunger Games."
Movie studio Lionsgate said on Friday that Burnett has joined forces with Swift, The Decemberists, Arcade Fire and The Civil Wars to create original songs for the film, set for release in March 2012.
"We are thrilled to have such a hauntingly beautiful companion album taking shape," said Joe Drake, co-COO of Lionsgate.
Swift and The Civil Wars' collaborated together on the single "Safe and Sound," which was released on iTunes on Friday and topped the iTunes songs chart.
"The Hunger Games," starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson, is based on the young adult series of novels, and tells the story of teenage boys and girls fighting to the death on a nationally televised event in a country called Panem, built on the remains of North America.
The film is set for release in U.S. theaters on March 23, 2012.
Movie studio Lionsgate said on Friday that Burnett has joined forces with Swift, The Decemberists, Arcade Fire and The Civil Wars to create original songs for the film, set for release in March 2012.
"We are thrilled to have such a hauntingly beautiful companion album taking shape," said Joe Drake, co-COO of Lionsgate.
Swift and The Civil Wars' collaborated together on the single "Safe and Sound," which was released on iTunes on Friday and topped the iTunes songs chart.
"The Hunger Games," starring Jennifer Lawrence, Josh Hutcherson and Woody Harrelson, is based on the young adult series of novels, and tells the story of teenage boys and girls fighting to the death on a nationally televised event in a country called Panem, built on the remains of North America.
The film is set for release in U.S. theaters on March 23, 2012.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Katy Perry named 1st artist of year
NEW YORK — Katy Perry's run of No. 1 singles has earned her the distinction of becoming MTV's first artist of the year.
Perry topped Adele after a spirited discussion among MTV's internal panel of experts, the network said Thursday. Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" was chosen top song of 2011, said Amy Doyle, the network's chief of music programming.
MTV also declared Skrillex its electronic dance music artist of the year over David Guetta.
Different parts of MTV would make "best of" lists in the past, but the network wanted to establish a franchise that brought all its online and TV arms together and emphasized MTV's music roots, Doyle said. The network, established in 1981, hopes it becomes an annual thing.
Seven panelists made the final choice, and their deliberations were featured in MTV programming this week.
"Rolling in the Deep" was an obvious selection as top song, Doyle said. Runners-up were Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" and Rihanna's "We Found Love."
"I loved the song the moment I wrote it," Adele said. "The melody and the beat added some conviction to it. I think that's why people connected with it."
Perry's achievement of tying Michael Jackson's "Bad" as the only albums to yield five No. 1 singles was particularly impressive, Doyle said. Along with the title cut, "California Gurls," ''E.T.," "Firework" and "Last Friday Night" (T.G.I.F.) all topped the charts. She's trying to beat the record with the current single "The One That Got Away."
"You just really felt her presence in pop culture throughout the year," Doyle said.
Perry topped Adele after a spirited discussion among MTV's internal panel of experts, the network said Thursday. Adele's "Rolling in the Deep" was chosen top song of 2011, said Amy Doyle, the network's chief of music programming.
MTV also declared Skrillex its electronic dance music artist of the year over David Guetta.
Different parts of MTV would make "best of" lists in the past, but the network wanted to establish a franchise that brought all its online and TV arms together and emphasized MTV's music roots, Doyle said. The network, established in 1981, hopes it becomes an annual thing.
Seven panelists made the final choice, and their deliberations were featured in MTV programming this week.
"Rolling in the Deep" was an obvious selection as top song, Doyle said. Runners-up were Nicki Minaj's "Super Bass" and Rihanna's "We Found Love."
"I loved the song the moment I wrote it," Adele said. "The melody and the beat added some conviction to it. I think that's why people connected with it."
Perry's achievement of tying Michael Jackson's "Bad" as the only albums to yield five No. 1 singles was particularly impressive, Doyle said. Along with the title cut, "California Gurls," ''E.T.," "Firework" and "Last Friday Night" (T.G.I.F.) all topped the charts. She's trying to beat the record with the current single "The One That Got Away."
"You just really felt her presence in pop culture throughout the year," Doyle said.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Singing the praises of studying abroad
Black Eyed Peas singer, Will.I.Am, will join Grammy-award-winning singer/songwriter John Legend and Chinese-American pop singers, like Coco Lee, to perform at a charity concert in Beijing.
The show is held to raise awareness for the 100,000 Strong Initiative, a government program to increase the number of US students sent to study in China. The Beijing concert will be raising funds specifically for students from Los Angeles. Other artists, including Chinese crossover singer Sa Dingding and Hong Kong pop singer/actress Karen Mok, will perform.
Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Watch The Throne," came second on the album list, followed by Paul Simon's "So Beautiful or So What" at No. 3, Fleet Foxes "Helplessness Blues" at No. 4 and Radiohead's eighth studio album "The King of Limbs" rounding out the top five.
Adele's song "Rolling In The Deep," was named the best single of 2011 by the magazine, as editors described it as the "breakup scorcher to beat all breakup scorchers."
Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Ni**as in Paris" clocked in at No. 2, while Britney Spears' "'Til The World Ends" made No. 3 on the list, Foo Fighters' "These Days" at No. 4 and Paul Simon's "Rewrite" at No. 5.
As well as compiling the album and singles lists, Rolling Stone editors also chose "Drive," starring Ryan Gosling, as the best film of 2011.
The full list will be available on newsstands and online on December 9.
The show is held to raise awareness for the 100,000 Strong Initiative, a government program to increase the number of US students sent to study in China. The Beijing concert will be raising funds specifically for students from Los Angeles. Other artists, including Chinese crossover singer Sa Dingding and Hong Kong pop singer/actress Karen Mok, will perform.
Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Watch The Throne," came second on the album list, followed by Paul Simon's "So Beautiful or So What" at No. 3, Fleet Foxes "Helplessness Blues" at No. 4 and Radiohead's eighth studio album "The King of Limbs" rounding out the top five.
Adele's song "Rolling In The Deep," was named the best single of 2011 by the magazine, as editors described it as the "breakup scorcher to beat all breakup scorchers."
Jay-Z and Kanye West's "Ni**as in Paris" clocked in at No. 2, while Britney Spears' "'Til The World Ends" made No. 3 on the list, Foo Fighters' "These Days" at No. 4 and Paul Simon's "Rewrite" at No. 5.
As well as compiling the album and singles lists, Rolling Stone editors also chose "Drive," starring Ryan Gosling, as the best film of 2011.
The full list will be available on newsstands and online on December 9.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Nicki Minaj named Billboard's 'Rising Star'
Singer and rapper Nicki Minaj was named Billboard's 2011 Rising Star on Wednesday, following her international success this year with her album, "Pink Friday."
Minaj, 28, who is signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, took the opportunity of Billboard's announcement to confirm her next album on Twitter.
Set for release on February 14, Valentine's day next year, Minaj's second album will be called "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded," after the rapper's alter ego, Roman Zolanski.
The New York native stormed the Billboard charts this year, becoming the first artist to have seven songs in the Hot 100 singles chart at the same time, including hits such as "Your Love," "Super Bass" and "Fly" featuring Rihanna, while "Pink Friday" reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
"Nicki Minaj has established herself as a force in hip-hop and pop music, and we're thrilled to recognize her accomplishments over the past year," said Billboard's editorial director Bill Werde on Billboard.com.
Minaj is the fourth recipient of the award, following Jazmine Sullivan in 2010, Lady Gaga in 2009 and Colbie Caillat in 2008, and will join country music star Taylor Swift, who was named Woman of the Year, to collect the award at the annual Billboard Women in Music event in New York on December 2.
Minaj, 28, who is signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, took the opportunity of Billboard's announcement to confirm her next album on Twitter.
Set for release on February 14, Valentine's day next year, Minaj's second album will be called "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded," after the rapper's alter ego, Roman Zolanski.
The New York native stormed the Billboard charts this year, becoming the first artist to have seven songs in the Hot 100 singles chart at the same time, including hits such as "Your Love," "Super Bass" and "Fly" featuring Rihanna, while "Pink Friday" reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
"Nicki Minaj has established herself as a force in hip-hop and pop music, and we're thrilled to recognize her accomplishments over the past year," said Billboard's editorial director Bill Werde on Billboard.com.
Minaj is the fourth recipient of the award, following Jazmine Sullivan in 2010, Lady Gaga in 2009 and Colbie Caillat in 2008, and will join country music star Taylor Swift, who was named Woman of the Year, to collect the award at the annual Billboard Women in Music event in New York on December 2.
Friday, November 30, 2012
One in a million
Taiwan was experiencing a lull in its music scene when Yoga Lin made a splash with his fresh, distinctive voice.
The singer-songwriter was 21 when he won the One Million Star Competition, a popular reality TV singing contest in 2006.
He held a series of concerts around Taiwan before releasing his debut album, Mystery Guest in 2009.
The album won both critical and commercial success, with more than 40,000 copies sold in the first week, in Taiwan.
Then the singer took over songwriting duties for his second album, Senses Around, in 2009 and Perfect Life, his third album, released in 2011.
Although shy off stage, Lin's distinctive vocals and interpretations of songs have ensured he stays popular.
Veteran composer Kay Huang says Lin is a rare good voice in today's down-market music scene, calling him a "magician of music".
He was the lead singer of a high school rock band. Lin experimented with genres and polished his vocal skills at university. He says his success is the fruit of longtime work, rather than instant success.
Lin has won best newcomer awards across Asia and in early 2011 kicked off a tour of the region, including Beijing.
His wide vocal range allows him to interpret the works of female singers, such as pop diva Faye Wong and Taiwan singer-songwriter Mavis Fan.
The singer-songwriter was 21 when he won the One Million Star Competition, a popular reality TV singing contest in 2006.
He held a series of concerts around Taiwan before releasing his debut album, Mystery Guest in 2009.
The album won both critical and commercial success, with more than 40,000 copies sold in the first week, in Taiwan.
Then the singer took over songwriting duties for his second album, Senses Around, in 2009 and Perfect Life, his third album, released in 2011.
Although shy off stage, Lin's distinctive vocals and interpretations of songs have ensured he stays popular.
Veteran composer Kay Huang says Lin is a rare good voice in today's down-market music scene, calling him a "magician of music".
He was the lead singer of a high school rock band. Lin experimented with genres and polished his vocal skills at university. He says his success is the fruit of longtime work, rather than instant success.
Lin has won best newcomer awards across Asia and in early 2011 kicked off a tour of the region, including Beijing.
His wide vocal range allows him to interpret the works of female singers, such as pop diva Faye Wong and Taiwan singer-songwriter Mavis Fan.
Justin Bieber's 'Mistletoe' debuts at No 1
Teen sensation Justin Bieber received a sweet kiss from fans on Wednesday when his album "Under the Mistletoe" debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, edging out new entries from rapper Wale and country singer Miranda Lambert.
The album of festive singles sold just over 210,000 copies in its first week and is Bieber's third album to debut at No. 1, following "My World 2.0" and "Never Say Never: The Remixes," from his documentary, "Never Say Never."
Bieber, 17, who is currently fighting claims that he fathered a baby with a California woman after a brief backstage encounter last year, thanked his fans for supporting him on Twitter earlier this week and released an animated video for the single "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town."
"So this past week and even today every rumor and lie about me possible has been coming out in the press. Just need to ignore it ... my fans have been there for me" tweeted Bieber.
The album, which features collaborations with Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Usher, The Band Perry and Boys II Men, also broke the record for the first Christmas album by a male artist to debut at the top position in the history of the Billboard 200 chart, reported Billboard.com.
"Under the Mistletoe" beat rapper Wale's "Ambition," which sold 164,000 copies in its first week and landed at No. 2. Country singer Miranda Lambert's "Four The Record" debuted at No. 3 while "Britain's Got Talent" alumni Susan Boyle entered the charts at No. 4 with her third album, "Someone To Watch Over Me," forcing Adele's mega-hit "21" to slip to No. 5.
British indie band Florence + The Machine entered the charts at No. 6 with their highly anticipated second album, "Ceremonials," while Coldplay's fifth album, "Mylo Xyloto" fell to No. 7 from last week's top position.
The album of festive singles sold just over 210,000 copies in its first week and is Bieber's third album to debut at No. 1, following "My World 2.0" and "Never Say Never: The Remixes," from his documentary, "Never Say Never."
Bieber, 17, who is currently fighting claims that he fathered a baby with a California woman after a brief backstage encounter last year, thanked his fans for supporting him on Twitter earlier this week and released an animated video for the single "Santa Claus is Comin' to Town."
"So this past week and even today every rumor and lie about me possible has been coming out in the press. Just need to ignore it ... my fans have been there for me" tweeted Bieber.
The album, which features collaborations with Mariah Carey, Busta Rhymes, Usher, The Band Perry and Boys II Men, also broke the record for the first Christmas album by a male artist to debut at the top position in the history of the Billboard 200 chart, reported Billboard.com.
"Under the Mistletoe" beat rapper Wale's "Ambition," which sold 164,000 copies in its first week and landed at No. 2. Country singer Miranda Lambert's "Four The Record" debuted at No. 3 while "Britain's Got Talent" alumni Susan Boyle entered the charts at No. 4 with her third album, "Someone To Watch Over Me," forcing Adele's mega-hit "21" to slip to No. 5.
British indie band Florence + The Machine entered the charts at No. 6 with their highly anticipated second album, "Ceremonials," while Coldplay's fifth album, "Mylo Xyloto" fell to No. 7 from last week's top position.
Thursday, November 29, 2012
Keith Urban to undergo throat surgery
Country music singer Keith Urban will undergo throat surgery later this month, forcing the star to postpone numerous scheduled performances, Urban's spokesman said on Thursday.
The singer, 44, will go through an out-patient procedure that will remove a polyp discovered on his vocal chords. Part of the recovery process requires the singer to be on complete vocal rest while recuperating.
The singer will be honoring one-song performance commitments until his surgery, and will reschedule all other performances in the new year. He postponed his "All For The Hall" concert to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame, scheduled for January 18.
Urban, who is married to actress Nicole Kidman, is nominated for the entertainer and male vocalist awards at the Academy of Country Music Awards later this month.
The singer, 44, will go through an out-patient procedure that will remove a polyp discovered on his vocal chords. Part of the recovery process requires the singer to be on complete vocal rest while recuperating.
The singer will be honoring one-song performance commitments until his surgery, and will reschedule all other performances in the new year. He postponed his "All For The Hall" concert to benefit the Country Music Hall of Fame, scheduled for January 18.
Urban, who is married to actress Nicole Kidman, is nominated for the entertainer and male vocalist awards at the Academy of Country Music Awards later this month.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
U2 honored as Greatest Act in 25 years
LONDON - Rock icons U2 have something new to brag about - winning Q Magazine's Greatest Act of the Last 25 Years award.
The annual music awards by Britain's best-selling music monthly took place Monday in London and the Irish quartet was among the music notables at the ceremony.
The U.K.'s artist of the moment, singer/songwriter Adele, won two awards, for Best Female and Best Track for her song "Rolling in the Deep." She didn't attend, since the event comes just two weeks after she was forced to cancel her U.S. tour due to throat problems.
Coldplay was voted Best Act in the World Today, although lead singer Chris Martin disagreed with the accolade.
"U2 are the best band in the world at the moment. We are about seventh," he said.
Noel Gallagher, one-half of the warring brothers who led the rock band Oasis to chart glory, was named a Q icon. But he said that award did not come close to rivaling his joy when his favorite soccer team, Manchester City, smashed crosstown rival Manchester United 6-1 on Sunday.
"No award can compare to that. That was the best day of my life, bar my children being born," Gallagher said.
Eighteen awards were handed out, including to rapper Tinie Tempah for Best Male Artist and to U.S. internet sensation Lana Del Ray, who was crowned the Next Big Thing.
Brian May and Roger Taylor accepted entry into the Q Hall of Fame on behalf of glam rockers Queen, and Take That's Gary Barlow was honored as Classic Songwriter.
Multimillion selling DJ Norman Cook, aka Fat Boy Slim, was presented with a Q Inspiration award.
The annual music awards by Britain's best-selling music monthly took place Monday in London and the Irish quartet was among the music notables at the ceremony.
The U.K.'s artist of the moment, singer/songwriter Adele, won two awards, for Best Female and Best Track for her song "Rolling in the Deep." She didn't attend, since the event comes just two weeks after she was forced to cancel her U.S. tour due to throat problems.
Coldplay was voted Best Act in the World Today, although lead singer Chris Martin disagreed with the accolade.
"U2 are the best band in the world at the moment. We are about seventh," he said.
Noel Gallagher, one-half of the warring brothers who led the rock band Oasis to chart glory, was named a Q icon. But he said that award did not come close to rivaling his joy when his favorite soccer team, Manchester City, smashed crosstown rival Manchester United 6-1 on Sunday.
"No award can compare to that. That was the best day of my life, bar my children being born," Gallagher said.
Eighteen awards were handed out, including to rapper Tinie Tempah for Best Male Artist and to U.S. internet sensation Lana Del Ray, who was crowned the Next Big Thing.
Brian May and Roger Taylor accepted entry into the Q Hall of Fame on behalf of glam rockers Queen, and Take That's Gary Barlow was honored as Classic Songwriter.
Multimillion selling DJ Norman Cook, aka Fat Boy Slim, was presented with a Q Inspiration award.
Monday, November 26, 2012
Old folk magic
Young singers, old songs. Traditional music given a modern makeover. These are the lifelines that are keeping old folk songs evergreen in China. Chen Nan looks at the talents at work and sees how young blood infuses old songs with new life.
For two hours, she stood on the stage at the National Center of Performing Arts in Beijing (NCPA) last night, belting out a repertoire of songs as old as the hills. But the singer is a radiant 29-year-old, and at the peak of her career. Soprano Lei Jia has just finished a solo recital, which she titled Tunes of Revival.
These folk songs, known as min ge, are all part of common culture, popular at the grassroots, coming from all over the country, incorporating the cultures of regional and ethnic groups. They have been sung for generations, passed on simply through word of mouth.
But in these days of multiple musical choices, they are under threat, in danger of being discarded by new generations addicted to Western beats and modern pop. Young people complain the songs are slow and boring.
This is where singers like Lei Jia step in and give the old songs new interpretation, and a fresh face of glamour. And it seems to be working.
"Today, one of my fans messaged me, and she said it's great to see young singers still sing Chinese folk songs, and encouraged me to keep going," Lei says. It was one of several encouraging messages she received after news came that she would sing at the NCPA.
For Lei, folk music is the most beautiful sound in the world.
For two hours, she stood on the stage at the National Center of Performing Arts in Beijing (NCPA) last night, belting out a repertoire of songs as old as the hills. But the singer is a radiant 29-year-old, and at the peak of her career. Soprano Lei Jia has just finished a solo recital, which she titled Tunes of Revival.
These folk songs, known as min ge, are all part of common culture, popular at the grassroots, coming from all over the country, incorporating the cultures of regional and ethnic groups. They have been sung for generations, passed on simply through word of mouth.
But in these days of multiple musical choices, they are under threat, in danger of being discarded by new generations addicted to Western beats and modern pop. Young people complain the songs are slow and boring.
This is where singers like Lei Jia step in and give the old songs new interpretation, and a fresh face of glamour. And it seems to be working.
"Today, one of my fans messaged me, and she said it's great to see young singers still sing Chinese folk songs, and encouraged me to keep going," Lei says. It was one of several encouraging messages she received after news came that she would sing at the NCPA.
For Lei, folk music is the most beautiful sound in the world.
Yanni wraps up his four city tour in Chengdu
Grammy-winning composer and music director Yanni ended his four-city tour of China, with a concert in Chengdu, on Monday evening.
Yanni performed at the Master Card Center of Beijing on Oct 1 and 2, Shanghai Grand Stage on Oct 4, and Haixinsha Park of Guangzhou on Oct 7. Besides his classic works, he also presented pieces from his 2011 album, Truth of Touch.
The tour marked his return to China 14 years after his concert in the Forbidden City in Beijing in 1997 when he won over Chinese audiences with his special composition, The Nightingale.
One day before the Chengdu concert, Yanni visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to adopt a 2-month old female panda. He named the cub Santorini, which means peace in Greek.
Yanni performed at the Master Card Center of Beijing on Oct 1 and 2, Shanghai Grand Stage on Oct 4, and Haixinsha Park of Guangzhou on Oct 7. Besides his classic works, he also presented pieces from his 2011 album, Truth of Touch.
The tour marked his return to China 14 years after his concert in the Forbidden City in Beijing in 1997 when he won over Chinese audiences with his special composition, The Nightingale.
One day before the Chengdu concert, Yanni visited the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding to adopt a 2-month old female panda. He named the cub Santorini, which means peace in Greek.
Friday, November 23, 2012
Capturing sounds of yesterday
An era came to the end for post '70s and '80s in China when Sony announced it would stop producing Walkman audio cassettes last year. With little memory of the long-playing record, that generation's initial memory of music was connected with this little black cassette tape.
With over 2,500 of them, a special exhibition held inside a shopping mall is full of nostalgia. At one corner of the mall, a 35-year-old father surnamed Lou is teaching his 6-year-old boy Lou Zeyu how to use the old-fashioned cassette player.
"He has never seen a cassette tape or its player before," says Lou. "They're so exposed to the digital. I especially brought him here to see what was my way of enjoying music before.
"I refer it as 'the memory of nine yuan and 80 cents', as it cost that much to get a cassette tape when I was my son's age," says Lou. "Without any prejudice or discrimination, I simply think because of digital devices' convenience, the excitement and fun of getting the music have been lost. Now people can download songs from the Internet without paying a penny - when I was little, I had to save pocket money for weeks for one tape."
Twenty-nine-year-old Jin Mingchen is a super fan of collecting vintage cassette tapes.
With over 2,500 of them, a special exhibition held inside a shopping mall is full of nostalgia. At one corner of the mall, a 35-year-old father surnamed Lou is teaching his 6-year-old boy Lou Zeyu how to use the old-fashioned cassette player.
"He has never seen a cassette tape or its player before," says Lou. "They're so exposed to the digital. I especially brought him here to see what was my way of enjoying music before.
"I refer it as 'the memory of nine yuan and 80 cents', as it cost that much to get a cassette tape when I was my son's age," says Lou. "Without any prejudice or discrimination, I simply think because of digital devices' convenience, the excitement and fun of getting the music have been lost. Now people can download songs from the Internet without paying a penny - when I was little, I had to save pocket money for weeks for one tape."
Twenty-nine-year-old Jin Mingchen is a super fan of collecting vintage cassette tapes.
Sylvia Robinson early hip-hop pioneer dies
The woman some call the mother of hip-hop has died.
Sylvia Robinson, who had a hit as a singer-songwriter with the sexually charged "Pillow Talk" but was later known as one of hip-hop's early founders as the record label owner that put out "Rapper's Delight," rap's first mainstream success, died Thursday, according to publicist Greg Walker. She was 76.
Robinson, born Sylvia Vanterpool, died of congestive heart failure at the New Jersey Institute of Neuroscience in Seacaucus, N.J.
Along with her late husband, Joe, Robinson was the owner of Sugar Hill Records. In 1979, it released the song that would become widely known as rap's first hit, "Rapper's Delight," by the Sugar Hill Gang.
The song was released as hip-hop was just beginning to emerge as a genre; for the most part, it was a budding phenomenon bubbling on New York City streets. Robinson recognized the potential of the music and wanted her struggling label to capitalize on it.
"She saw where a DJ was talking and the crowd was responding to what he was saying, and this was the first time she ever saw this before," her son Joey said in a 2000 interview with NPR. "And she sad Joey, wouldn't this be a great idea to make a rap record?"
It turned out she was right. After gathering three rappers (Master Gee, Wonder Mike and Big Bank Hank) to record the 15-minute song, the party groove became a sensation. The condensed version was considered the first rap song to get radio play and reached the top 40 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
The Sugar Hill Gang faded into rap history, not recording other songs that would match its original flourish. But Sugar Hill Records would continue to play a part on the early years of hip-hop with a roster that included Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five.
Robinson's roots in the record industry were deep. She was a blues singer in the 1950s, recording for Columbia and Savoy Records on songs like "Chocolate Candy Blues." Later, she was part of the duo "Mickey & Sylvia."
Sylvia Robinson, who had a hit as a singer-songwriter with the sexually charged "Pillow Talk" but was later known as one of hip-hop's early founders as the record label owner that put out "Rapper's Delight," rap's first mainstream success, died Thursday, according to publicist Greg Walker. She was 76.
Robinson, born Sylvia Vanterpool, died of congestive heart failure at the New Jersey Institute of Neuroscience in Seacaucus, N.J.
Along with her late husband, Joe, Robinson was the owner of Sugar Hill Records. In 1979, it released the song that would become widely known as rap's first hit, "Rapper's Delight," by the Sugar Hill Gang.
The song was released as hip-hop was just beginning to emerge as a genre; for the most part, it was a budding phenomenon bubbling on New York City streets. Robinson recognized the potential of the music and wanted her struggling label to capitalize on it.
"She saw where a DJ was talking and the crowd was responding to what he was saying, and this was the first time she ever saw this before," her son Joey said in a 2000 interview with NPR. "And she sad Joey, wouldn't this be a great idea to make a rap record?"
It turned out she was right. After gathering three rappers (Master Gee, Wonder Mike and Big Bank Hank) to record the 15-minute song, the party groove became a sensation. The condensed version was considered the first rap song to get radio play and reached the top 40 on Billboard's Hot 100 chart.
The Sugar Hill Gang faded into rap history, not recording other songs that would match its original flourish. But Sugar Hill Records would continue to play a part on the early years of hip-hop with a roster that included Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five.
Robinson's roots in the record industry were deep. She was a blues singer in the 1950s, recording for Columbia and Savoy Records on songs like "Chocolate Candy Blues." Later, she was part of the duo "Mickey & Sylvia."
Thursday, November 22, 2012
Pitch perfect
American artist Glasser's solo show highlighted avant-garde electronic expression. Christine Mallari reports.
Glasser says she had no reservations about performing in a new city over 18,000 km from home, in a language that was foreign to a majority of her audience. But she was nervous about going solo. Glasser is the stage name of American artist Cameron Mesirow. She performed mid-September in Beijing's 798 art district as part of the Creators Pro-ject, along with British group Mount Kimbie, Scottish duo Optimo and Chinese artists P.K.14, Supermarket and Carsick Cars.
The stage was bare. A microphone stood stage left, next to a covered table and an open computer.
"I was nervous because this was the first time I had performed totally by myself," Glasser says afterward.
Glasser shuffled on to the stage in what appeared to be an haute couture burlap sack, over a sheer white jumpsuit, created by friend and designer Ida Falck Oien.
With a few taps on the trackpad, the 798 art district was brought to life with electronic beats and Glasser's haunting voice.
Her sandy-colored hair fell in untamed waves to her shoulders, while she wore tiny stud earrings and just a swipe of lipstick and eyeliner. The stomping of her platform wedges echoed the emotion of each song.
Her music was composed of an eclectic mix of sounds driven by woodwind and synthesizers, tribal drum beats and plucked strings, tinkling wind chimes and bells, fused with her raw vocals.
"My thing is more about being interested in crafting a sound," Glasser says in an interview on the Creators Project website. "It's very much experimentation."
Glasser's work is in tune with the Creators Project, which was set up in 2010 to "support visionary artists, musicians, designers, and filmmakers who are using technology to push the bounds of creative expression", according to organizers.
She recorded her first album entirely on a laptop using the Garage Band application. This was the third Creators Project event she had taken part in.
Glasser's previous work involved the creation of a two-person pipe organ called the Auerglass, along with US artist Tauba Auerback, that requires two people to play it.
Glasser says she had no reservations about performing in a new city over 18,000 km from home, in a language that was foreign to a majority of her audience. But she was nervous about going solo. Glasser is the stage name of American artist Cameron Mesirow. She performed mid-September in Beijing's 798 art district as part of the Creators Pro-ject, along with British group Mount Kimbie, Scottish duo Optimo and Chinese artists P.K.14, Supermarket and Carsick Cars.
The stage was bare. A microphone stood stage left, next to a covered table and an open computer.
"I was nervous because this was the first time I had performed totally by myself," Glasser says afterward.
Glasser shuffled on to the stage in what appeared to be an haute couture burlap sack, over a sheer white jumpsuit, created by friend and designer Ida Falck Oien.
With a few taps on the trackpad, the 798 art district was brought to life with electronic beats and Glasser's haunting voice.
Her sandy-colored hair fell in untamed waves to her shoulders, while she wore tiny stud earrings and just a swipe of lipstick and eyeliner. The stomping of her platform wedges echoed the emotion of each song.
Her music was composed of an eclectic mix of sounds driven by woodwind and synthesizers, tribal drum beats and plucked strings, tinkling wind chimes and bells, fused with her raw vocals.
"My thing is more about being interested in crafting a sound," Glasser says in an interview on the Creators Project website. "It's very much experimentation."
Glasser's work is in tune with the Creators Project, which was set up in 2010 to "support visionary artists, musicians, designers, and filmmakers who are using technology to push the bounds of creative expression", according to organizers.
She recorded her first album entirely on a laptop using the Garage Band application. This was the third Creators Project event she had taken part in.
Glasser's previous work involved the creation of a two-person pipe organ called the Auerglass, along with US artist Tauba Auerback, that requires two people to play it.
Wednesday, November 21, 2012
Got Talent Not really
Actor-singers are not a new phenomenon, but what is new is that fierce competition is forcing more young stars, with indifferent skills, to release albums to stay in the limelight. Chen Nan reports.
Actress Yang Mi has finally signed up with a record company, Show City Times, to produce an album, capping a long career in singing. Over the past year, she has partnered popular mainland singers such as Zhang Liangying (Jane Zhang) at New Year galas across the country.
She has also sung the theme song of popular TV series Palace, which brought her overnight fame.
In the horror film, Mysterious Island, which grossed more than 90 million yuan ($14 million) in the mainland, Yang is not just the lead actress, but also the singer. Her two singles, Love of Support and Summer in Love, have topped local new song charts and are highly rated online.
Show City Times, founded by former Super Girl winner Zhang Liangying, comes under the China branch of Universal Music Group (UMG), which has signed on such stars as Mariah Carey, Akon and Bjork.
The actress, who began acting at the age of 4, played a minor role in King of Beggars in 1992, which starred Stephen Chow in the lead. The slim, big-eyed girl then went on to study at Beijing Film Academy.
She had starred in five movies and nine TV series before she rose to fame with her role in the 2006 TV series, The Return of the Condor Heroes, as the lovely and kind Guo Xiang.
Actress Yang Mi has finally signed up with a record company, Show City Times, to produce an album, capping a long career in singing. Over the past year, she has partnered popular mainland singers such as Zhang Liangying (Jane Zhang) at New Year galas across the country.
She has also sung the theme song of popular TV series Palace, which brought her overnight fame.
In the horror film, Mysterious Island, which grossed more than 90 million yuan ($14 million) in the mainland, Yang is not just the lead actress, but also the singer. Her two singles, Love of Support and Summer in Love, have topped local new song charts and are highly rated online.
Show City Times, founded by former Super Girl winner Zhang Liangying, comes under the China branch of Universal Music Group (UMG), which has signed on such stars as Mariah Carey, Akon and Bjork.
The actress, who began acting at the age of 4, played a minor role in King of Beggars in 1992, which starred Stephen Chow in the lead. The slim, big-eyed girl then went on to study at Beijing Film Academy.
She had starred in five movies and nine TV series before she rose to fame with her role in the 2006 TV series, The Return of the Condor Heroes, as the lovely and kind Guo Xiang.
Tuesday, November 20, 2012
J Lo debuts in Shanghai
Fans of Jennifer Lopez in China will get a rare chance to see their idol, when the Latin pop diva makes her debut public appearance on the mainland. She will be performing her Dance Again World Tour concert in Shanghai.
Initially, the Asia-tour only covered cities in Malaysia, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates. Media Asia, an entertainment company, managed to add Shanghai to the list.
It's still about 10 days before the show, but 90 percent of the tickets are sold out. The most expensive tickets were the first to sell out, according to Zhu Guang, a spokeswoman for Media Asia.
Lopez, also known as J Lo, kicked off the tour in June, her first headlining concert tour with Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias.
The tour began in Panama and traveled across Latin America, before Lopez headed back to North America on July 14. The tour continues with shows in Asia and Europe, before concluding in Brisbane, Australia, on Dec 18.
The Shanghai gig will present the visual audio extravaganza of Dance Again. Zhu says, to ensure the show's quality, all the stage props, audio facilities and other equipment, will come from the previous concert stop of Dubai via airfreight, and re-installed in Shanghai.
The 43-year-old Lopez has enjoyed international fame since 2001, when her album J.Lo was released in the same week as her film premiere of The Wedding Planner.
Initially, the Asia-tour only covered cities in Malaysia, the Philippines and the United Arab Emirates. Media Asia, an entertainment company, managed to add Shanghai to the list.
It's still about 10 days before the show, but 90 percent of the tickets are sold out. The most expensive tickets were the first to sell out, according to Zhu Guang, a spokeswoman for Media Asia.
Lopez, also known as J Lo, kicked off the tour in June, her first headlining concert tour with Spanish singer Enrique Iglesias.
The tour began in Panama and traveled across Latin America, before Lopez headed back to North America on July 14. The tour continues with shows in Asia and Europe, before concluding in Brisbane, Australia, on Dec 18.
The Shanghai gig will present the visual audio extravaganza of Dance Again. Zhu says, to ensure the show's quality, all the stage props, audio facilities and other equipment, will come from the previous concert stop of Dubai via airfreight, and re-installed in Shanghai.
The 43-year-old Lopez has enjoyed international fame since 2001, when her album J.Lo was released in the same week as her film premiere of The Wedding Planner.
Saturday, November 17, 2012
Few sure winners seen at the Emmy Awards
If there are any sure bets at this year's Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, they are "Modern Family" again being crowned TV's best comedy series and Kate Winslet winning for her role in "Mildred Pierce".
Most everything else is up for grabs at the TV industry's highest honors in what awards watchers call one of the closest Emmys in years.
"There are a lot of predictions, but no sure bets and that's why the Emmys is packing some excitement this year," said Todd Gold, managing editor of Xfinity TV. "It is full of outstanding shows from networks to cable, and premium cable."
Even critical darling "Mad Men" cannot rest on its laurels as a three-time best drama winner, despite its 19 nominations.
But the stylish 1960s advertising drama faces a threat from HBO's new prohibition era series "Boardwalk Empire", which not only won Golden Globe and Screen Actor's Guild prizes earlier this year but walked off with seven trophies last weekend at the creative arts portion of Emmy Awards.
"It looked as if 'Mad Men' was going into this year's Emmys as the inevitable winner. But all of a sudden, we have a real race here," said Tom O'Neil of awards websites TheEnvelope.com and Goldderby.com.
And don't count out HBO's fantasy series "Game of Thrones", based on the best-selling novels by George R.R. Martin.
"Game of Thrones" may skew too young for the older, more traditional members of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, who make up the bulk of Emmy voters. But Gold called it "by far the most exciting series of the past season. It was big and bold. It broke barriers and extended the boundaries of what a dramatic TV series can be. It was like a big movie every week."
Most everything else is up for grabs at the TV industry's highest honors in what awards watchers call one of the closest Emmys in years.
"There are a lot of predictions, but no sure bets and that's why the Emmys is packing some excitement this year," said Todd Gold, managing editor of Xfinity TV. "It is full of outstanding shows from networks to cable, and premium cable."
Even critical darling "Mad Men" cannot rest on its laurels as a three-time best drama winner, despite its 19 nominations.
But the stylish 1960s advertising drama faces a threat from HBO's new prohibition era series "Boardwalk Empire", which not only won Golden Globe and Screen Actor's Guild prizes earlier this year but walked off with seven trophies last weekend at the creative arts portion of Emmy Awards.
"It looked as if 'Mad Men' was going into this year's Emmys as the inevitable winner. But all of a sudden, we have a real race here," said Tom O'Neil of awards websites TheEnvelope.com and Goldderby.com.
And don't count out HBO's fantasy series "Game of Thrones", based on the best-selling novels by George R.R. Martin.
"Game of Thrones" may skew too young for the older, more traditional members of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, who make up the bulk of Emmy voters. But Gold called it "by far the most exciting series of the past season. It was big and bold. It broke barriers and extended the boundaries of what a dramatic TV series can be. It was like a big movie every week."
Friday, November 16, 2012
A festival of note
And for the first time, Ozawa will bring the Saito Kinen Festival to China, from Sept 1-4, at the capital's National Center for the Performing Arts, and from Sept 6-11, at Shanghai Grand Theater.
The performances in China will feature a wide range of musical styles and include a string ensemble, opera, symphony, chamber music, piano solo and movie soundtracks.
Ozawa will conduct the Saito Kinen Orchestra String Ensemble for Bluebeard's Castle and the Seiji Ozawa Ongaku-juku (Music Academy Orchestra) Concert.
Other highlights include Peter Serkin's solo concert, L'Histoire du Soldat, or The Soldier's Tale, by the Saito Kinen Orchestra Chamber Concert and Toru Takemitsu and his Music for the Movies.
Pieces such as Tchaikovsky's Serenade for String Orchestra and Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, and Beethoven's Diabelli Variations will also be presented.
The festival evolved from the Saito Kinen Orchestra established by Ozawa in 1984, for a series of memorial concerts for the 10th anniversary of Saito's death.
Since 1992, the annual festival has become a month-long carnival for fans of classical music.
The performances in China will feature a wide range of musical styles and include a string ensemble, opera, symphony, chamber music, piano solo and movie soundtracks.
Ozawa will conduct the Saito Kinen Orchestra String Ensemble for Bluebeard's Castle and the Seiji Ozawa Ongaku-juku (Music Academy Orchestra) Concert.
Other highlights include Peter Serkin's solo concert, L'Histoire du Soldat, or The Soldier's Tale, by the Saito Kinen Orchestra Chamber Concert and Toru Takemitsu and his Music for the Movies.
Pieces such as Tchaikovsky's Serenade for String Orchestra and Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture, and Beethoven's Diabelli Variations will also be presented.
The festival evolved from the Saito Kinen Orchestra established by Ozawa in 1984, for a series of memorial concerts for the 10th anniversary of Saito's death.
Since 1992, the annual festival has become a month-long carnival for fans of classical music.
Thursday, November 15, 2012
Lil Wayne sets Tha Carter IV release after VMAs
Lil Wayne, the four-time Grammy winner and "Lollipop" rapper, on Monday said he will start selling his new album, "Tha Carter IV," online at midnight after the widely-watched awards show on August 28. The CD hits retail stores on Monday.
The album features 15 tracks and includes collaborations with other artists such as Drake, Rick Ross, John Legend, T-Pain and Tech N9ne. A deluxe edition adds three tracks.
"I am extremely excited to be the first artist to utilize such an amazing idea," Lil Wayne said in a statement. "I hope that I can open the door for others."
While releasing a full CD online just minutes after MTV's Video Music Awards (VMAs) may be new, the rapper is hardly the first musician to use the show to generate media hype.
In 2003, Britney Spears and Madonna famously kissed onstage in what became an instant cause celebre, and last year Lady Gaga showed up in a dress made of raw meat, generating headlines around the world.
The VMAs, which honor musicians and performers in categories such as best new artist and top videos, is among MTV's most watched programs. Last year about 11.4 million viewers tuned in, making the program a strong advertising vehicle to reach a highly-targeted, music-oriented audience.
Lil Wayne will perform on this year's telecast, as will Adele, Lady Gaga, Chris Brown and Bruno Mars, among others. Presenters include Selena Gomez, Jonah Hill and Kim Kardashian.
The album features 15 tracks and includes collaborations with other artists such as Drake, Rick Ross, John Legend, T-Pain and Tech N9ne. A deluxe edition adds three tracks.
"I am extremely excited to be the first artist to utilize such an amazing idea," Lil Wayne said in a statement. "I hope that I can open the door for others."
While releasing a full CD online just minutes after MTV's Video Music Awards (VMAs) may be new, the rapper is hardly the first musician to use the show to generate media hype.
In 2003, Britney Spears and Madonna famously kissed onstage in what became an instant cause celebre, and last year Lady Gaga showed up in a dress made of raw meat, generating headlines around the world.
The VMAs, which honor musicians and performers in categories such as best new artist and top videos, is among MTV's most watched programs. Last year about 11.4 million viewers tuned in, making the program a strong advertising vehicle to reach a highly-targeted, music-oriented audience.
Lil Wayne will perform on this year's telecast, as will Adele, Lady Gaga, Chris Brown and Bruno Mars, among others. Presenters include Selena Gomez, Jonah Hill and Kim Kardashian.
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Country singer Chely Wright weds girlfriend
Chely Wright, the first mainstream country performer to come out as lesbian, married her partner, activist Lauren Blitzer, on Saturday in Connecticut, People magazine reported.
Wright, 40, met Blitzer, 30, soon after the singer's 2010 announcement that she is a lesbian.
Named the top new female vocalist by the Academy of Country Music in 1995, Wright hid her homosexuality for years, believing it would hurt her career in the traditionally conservative country music community.
"They would rather you were a drug addict than be gay," she told reporters at the time of her coming-out, which is chronicled in the upcoming documentary "Wish Me Away."
Both a reverend and a rabbi presided over the weekend ceremonies at Blitzer's aunt's home with more than 200 guests in attendance. Wright is Christian, and Blitzer is Jewish.
The women wore white wedding gowns and skipped the veils. Wright explained to People, "We like our hair too much!"
Wright, 40, met Blitzer, 30, soon after the singer's 2010 announcement that she is a lesbian.
Named the top new female vocalist by the Academy of Country Music in 1995, Wright hid her homosexuality for years, believing it would hurt her career in the traditionally conservative country music community.
"They would rather you were a drug addict than be gay," she told reporters at the time of her coming-out, which is chronicled in the upcoming documentary "Wish Me Away."
Both a reverend and a rabbi presided over the weekend ceremonies at Blitzer's aunt's home with more than 200 guests in attendance. Wright is Christian, and Blitzer is Jewish.
The women wore white wedding gowns and skipped the veils. Wright explained to People, "We like our hair too much!"
Monday, November 12, 2012
Oasis band brothers take slanging match to court
The Gallagher brothers, who stormed British pop in the 1990s when they were together in rock band Oasis, have taken their increasingly bitter war of words to court.
Younger sibling Liam, former lead singer of the group who now fronts Beady Eye, issued a statement on Friday confirming he was suing songwriter and guitarist Noel for comments he made over why the band broke up in 2009.
Noel, 44, who made the remarks during a press conference in July at which he was launching his solo career, had no immediate comment to make on the lawsuit at London's High Court, his spokesman said.
Liam said in his statement: "I have taken legal action against Noel Gallagher for statements he made during the Electric Cinema press conference on July 6 during which he claimed Oasis pulled out of the 2009 V Festival Chelmsford gig because I had a hangover.
"That is a lie and I want Oasis fans, and others who were at V, to know the truth."
He went on to explain he was "gutted" to have had to pull out of the event, and that the real reason was laryngitis as diagnosed by a doctor and explained to Noel.
"Noel also falsely stated that the demise of Oasis followed a massive row in which he claimed I demanded to advertise my clothing range Pretty Green in the Oasis tour program," he added.
"The truth is there was no such discussion or row between us. There are many reasons why Oasis split. But it had nothing to do with my clothing range."
Younger sibling Liam, former lead singer of the group who now fronts Beady Eye, issued a statement on Friday confirming he was suing songwriter and guitarist Noel for comments he made over why the band broke up in 2009.
Noel, 44, who made the remarks during a press conference in July at which he was launching his solo career, had no immediate comment to make on the lawsuit at London's High Court, his spokesman said.
Liam said in his statement: "I have taken legal action against Noel Gallagher for statements he made during the Electric Cinema press conference on July 6 during which he claimed Oasis pulled out of the 2009 V Festival Chelmsford gig because I had a hangover.
"That is a lie and I want Oasis fans, and others who were at V, to know the truth."
He went on to explain he was "gutted" to have had to pull out of the event, and that the real reason was laryngitis as diagnosed by a doctor and explained to Noel.
"Noel also falsely stated that the demise of Oasis followed a massive row in which he claimed I demanded to advertise my clothing range Pretty Green in the Oasis tour program," he added.
"The truth is there was no such discussion or row between us. There are many reasons why Oasis split. But it had nothing to do with my clothing range."
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Coldplay Is new Mylo Xyloto album gets October release
British rock band Coldplay announced on Friday they will release their fifth studio album on October 25 in the United States and a day earlier elsewhere.
The group unveiled the new album's graffiti pop art reversible cover and its title "Mylo Xyloto," on its website, but did not explain what the album title meant.
The album's new single, "September," will be released on September 12, following the June release of "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall".
Lead vocalist Chris Martin told Billboard the album, co-produced by Brian Eno, does not fit into "any musical kind of box".
"I think we have a lot to prove to ourselves. There's no point in not going for it," he said in an interview published on Friday.
The band's fifth album, which will be released in digital, CD and vinyl formats, follows their 2008 album "Viva La Vida", which sold 2.8 million units in the United States.
The group unveiled the new album's graffiti pop art reversible cover and its title "Mylo Xyloto," on its website, but did not explain what the album title meant.
The album's new single, "September," will be released on September 12, following the June release of "Every Teardrop is a Waterfall".
Lead vocalist Chris Martin told Billboard the album, co-produced by Brian Eno, does not fit into "any musical kind of box".
"I think we have a lot to prove to ourselves. There's no point in not going for it," he said in an interview published on Friday.
The band's fifth album, which will be released in digital, CD and vinyl formats, follows their 2008 album "Viva La Vida", which sold 2.8 million units in the United States.
Friday, November 9, 2012
Music stars campaign to end hunger crisis in Africa
A global social media campaign featuring a Bob Marley song was launched by some of the music industry's top stars on Tuesday to help stem the hunger crisis that is increasing in the Horn of Africa.
More than 150 stars including Lady Gaga, U2, Justin Bieber, Jay-Z, The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney are among the well-known figures using their Facebook pages and Twitter feeds to urge fans to donate money to help the numerous families starving in the region.
The campaign, called "I'm Gonna Be Your Friend," can be found at www.imgonnabeyourfriend.org. It shows a video of Bob Marley & The Wailers' 1973 song, 'High Tide or Low Tide," accompanied by footage of malnourished children created by award-winning film director Kevin Macdonald.
About 3.6 million people are at risk of starvation in Somalia and 12 million people across the Horn of Africa, including in Ethiopia and Kenya, the United Nations says.
The drought-hit Horn of Africa urgently needs funds to rebuild agriculture and fight famine. The United Nations food agency has called for a high level meeting to help overcome the worsening crisis.
The "I'm Gonna Be Your Friend," campaign estimated it would reach over a billion people with partners such as Universal Music Group, Yahoo, Facebook, AOL, MSN, YouTube and Twitter and the power of celebrities' reach. The combined power of using Facebook and Twitter pages alone will reach 730 million, the campaign said.
Donations or downloads of "High Tide or Low Tide," for $1.29 will go to the Save the Children appeal for east Africa and used for food, water and medicine.
Other stars participating include Sting, David Beckham, Eminem, Rihanna, Annie Lennox, Bruno Mars, Madonna, Ricky Martin and Lily Allen.
More than 150 stars including Lady Gaga, U2, Justin Bieber, Jay-Z, The Rolling Stones and Paul McCartney are among the well-known figures using their Facebook pages and Twitter feeds to urge fans to donate money to help the numerous families starving in the region.
The campaign, called "I'm Gonna Be Your Friend," can be found at www.imgonnabeyourfriend.org. It shows a video of Bob Marley & The Wailers' 1973 song, 'High Tide or Low Tide," accompanied by footage of malnourished children created by award-winning film director Kevin Macdonald.
About 3.6 million people are at risk of starvation in Somalia and 12 million people across the Horn of Africa, including in Ethiopia and Kenya, the United Nations says.
The drought-hit Horn of Africa urgently needs funds to rebuild agriculture and fight famine. The United Nations food agency has called for a high level meeting to help overcome the worsening crisis.
The "I'm Gonna Be Your Friend," campaign estimated it would reach over a billion people with partners such as Universal Music Group, Yahoo, Facebook, AOL, MSN, YouTube and Twitter and the power of celebrities' reach. The combined power of using Facebook and Twitter pages alone will reach 730 million, the campaign said.
Donations or downloads of "High Tide or Low Tide," for $1.29 will go to the Save the Children appeal for east Africa and used for food, water and medicine.
Other stars participating include Sting, David Beckham, Eminem, Rihanna, Annie Lennox, Bruno Mars, Madonna, Ricky Martin and Lily Allen.
International ecoethnofestival kicks off near Almaty Kazakhstan
The Second International ecoethnofestival "Four E" -- environmental and ethnic emotional evolution, on Friday started in Trans-Ili Alatau Mountains near the southern Kazakh city of Almaty.
The territory of the festival is divided into themed colored zones on the basis of the four "E". For example, the orange zone ( ethno) is a place for musicians performing ethnic music.
"Musical performance taking place on two stages: a big stage for professional artists and bands, small one for amateurs. Musicians from Kazakhstan, Russia, India and Mongolia will take part in the concerts," said organizers.
Green zone (eco) is a creativity area. Master classes of handmade batik, painting and drawing held here. And also goods from India, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, such as ceramics, jewelry, ethnic clothes and felt can be purchased.
Purple (evolution) -- territory of training and bodily practices: yoga, psychological seminars by leading experts from Kazakhstan and invited guests.
And finally, the pink zone (emotions) is a playground for children, where there will be organized school drawing, sculpting and weaving lessons, drawing on the sand, children's competitions and role play.
According to the organizers, unusual festival attracts many people who likes wildlife, leads a healthy lifestyle and are interested in a harmonious development of personality.
The open air festival will last three days.
The territory of the festival is divided into themed colored zones on the basis of the four "E". For example, the orange zone ( ethno) is a place for musicians performing ethnic music.
"Musical performance taking place on two stages: a big stage for professional artists and bands, small one for amateurs. Musicians from Kazakhstan, Russia, India and Mongolia will take part in the concerts," said organizers.
Green zone (eco) is a creativity area. Master classes of handmade batik, painting and drawing held here. And also goods from India, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, such as ceramics, jewelry, ethnic clothes and felt can be purchased.
Purple (evolution) -- territory of training and bodily practices: yoga, psychological seminars by leading experts from Kazakhstan and invited guests.
And finally, the pink zone (emotions) is a playground for children, where there will be organized school drawing, sculpting and weaving lessons, drawing on the sand, children's competitions and role play.
According to the organizers, unusual festival attracts many people who likes wildlife, leads a healthy lifestyle and are interested in a harmonious development of personality.
The open air festival will last three days.
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Broadway style musical celebrates Teresa
Fans of the late Taiwan singer Teresa Teng will have a chance to experience her music once again, in an original Broadway-style musical Love U, Teresa!
Sixteen years after her death, more than 30 of the late singer's most popular songs will be performed in the musical, which revolves around a poor country boy, Zhou Mengjun.
Born in the 1980s he tries to make his dream of becoming a singer in Shanghai come true.
During his journey, he meets a girl, Mi Mi, who inspires him to write music. As the pair falls in love, Zhou reconnects with the music of Teng, who died in 1995 after a severe asthma attack at the age of 42. The story also has flashbacks featuring Zhou's parents' love story, which is linked with Teng's many hits.
The musical, which made its debut in Hong Kong on the final day of 2010, has been a big hit and toured other major cities.
The production team behind the musical includes director Joey McKneely, who worked on the current revival of West Side Story in New York, Tony award winner Daryl Waters, and mainland producer Li Dun, whose signature musical work Butterfly was a hit across China in 2010.
Li also invited scriptwriter Wong Huiling - who has worked with director Ang Lee - to participate.
"Teresa Teng and her music live on in the hearts of people years after her death," Li says. "The musical is a tribute to the great singer, who has influenced generations."
Sixteen years after her death, more than 30 of the late singer's most popular songs will be performed in the musical, which revolves around a poor country boy, Zhou Mengjun.
Born in the 1980s he tries to make his dream of becoming a singer in Shanghai come true.
During his journey, he meets a girl, Mi Mi, who inspires him to write music. As the pair falls in love, Zhou reconnects with the music of Teng, who died in 1995 after a severe asthma attack at the age of 42. The story also has flashbacks featuring Zhou's parents' love story, which is linked with Teng's many hits.
The musical, which made its debut in Hong Kong on the final day of 2010, has been a big hit and toured other major cities.
The production team behind the musical includes director Joey McKneely, who worked on the current revival of West Side Story in New York, Tony award winner Daryl Waters, and mainland producer Li Dun, whose signature musical work Butterfly was a hit across China in 2010.
Li also invited scriptwriter Wong Huiling - who has worked with director Ang Lee - to participate.
"Teresa Teng and her music live on in the hearts of people years after her death," Li says. "The musical is a tribute to the great singer, who has influenced generations."
New Jersey's own Springsteen and Bon Jovi sing for Sandy victims
The commercial-free one-hour telecast, "Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together," included appearances by Sting, Billy Joel, Jimmy Fallon, Steven Tyler, Mary J. Blige, Tina Fey, Jon Stewart, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Bacon and Danny DeVito.
The host was "Today" show co-anchor Matt Lauer, who said, "We haven't seen a storm like this in 100 years."
The fundraiser, shown on NBC, opened with Aguilera saying: "I was born in Staten Island. Four days ago, Hurricane Sandy came through and devastated it." The New York City borough accounted for about half the city's 41 deaths from the storm.
Aguilera, a judge on the television singing competition "The Voice," vowed that "we will do whatever we can to help, we will not leave anyone behind," then performed "You Are What You Are (Beautiful)".
Next up was Bon Jovi, who was seen in footage filmed this week after he rushed back from a British promotional tour to visit his hometown of Sayreville, New Jersey, to console residents and view the devastation.
Bon Jovi sang "Who Says You Can't Go Home".
Fey, an actress and comedian, implored viewers to donate at 1-800-HELPNOW and spread the message for donations via social media such as Twitter.
The host was "Today" show co-anchor Matt Lauer, who said, "We haven't seen a storm like this in 100 years."
The fundraiser, shown on NBC, opened with Aguilera saying: "I was born in Staten Island. Four days ago, Hurricane Sandy came through and devastated it." The New York City borough accounted for about half the city's 41 deaths from the storm.
Aguilera, a judge on the television singing competition "The Voice," vowed that "we will do whatever we can to help, we will not leave anyone behind," then performed "You Are What You Are (Beautiful)".
Next up was Bon Jovi, who was seen in footage filmed this week after he rushed back from a British promotional tour to visit his hometown of Sayreville, New Jersey, to console residents and view the devastation.
Bon Jovi sang "Who Says You Can't Go Home".
Fey, an actress and comedian, implored viewers to donate at 1-800-HELPNOW and spread the message for donations via social media such as Twitter.
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Adele Chris Brown Lil Wayne to perform at VMAs
Rare peek into lives of musiciansNEW YORK - Chris Brown and Lil Wayne are returning to the MTV Video Music Awards stage, while Adele will make her first appearance.
The trio are the first performers announced for the Aug. 28 ceremony in Los Angeles, at the Nokia Theatre. The announcement was made Thursday.
Brown's star, once tarnished because of his attack on Rihanna, is shining bright this year, and MTV has taken note.
"He is having a moment with multiple hits this year, and he always delivers on the VMA stage," said Amy Doyle, executive vice president of music and talent at MTV, on Wednesday.
She called his 2007 performance at the VMAs one of the most memorable: "He will give an energetic, bombastic, jaw-dropping performance."
Adele, who is nominated for seven VMAs, is also scheduled to perform. Only Katy Perry has more VMA nods with nine; Adele is tied with Kanye West with her seven.
Doyle predicted Adele would "bring chills down everybody's spine, if not bring them to tears, too."
Adele has the year's best-selling album with "21," but Doyle notes that her live act hasn't been seen much: Adele was forced to reschedule some concerts earlier this year because of a throat problem.
Austrian President Heinz Fischer attended the opening ceremony and gave a speech in which he said that all European countries should unite to jointly face the challenges posed by the economic crisis and terrorism.
German Protestant theologian, journalist and politician Joachim Gauck also made a speech in which he condemned the recent terrorist attacks and said that art should play a role in society and politics to encourage people to overcome difficulties.
During the five-week-long festival, a total of 213 musical presentations including operas, concerts and dramas will be performed.
The highlight of this year's Salzburg Festival is the five concerts performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Venezuela's Simon Bolivar Orchestra will give musical presentations and concerts.
The Salzburg Festival was officially founded on August 22, 1920 by poet and dramatist Hugo von Hofmannsthal, composer Richard Strauss, scenic designer Alfred Roller, conductor Franz Schalk and the director of the Salzburg City Theater, Max Reinhardt. Since then, it has always been opened with the traditional performance of Hofmannsthal's play "Jedermann" on the steps of Cathedral Square
The trio are the first performers announced for the Aug. 28 ceremony in Los Angeles, at the Nokia Theatre. The announcement was made Thursday.
Brown's star, once tarnished because of his attack on Rihanna, is shining bright this year, and MTV has taken note.
"He is having a moment with multiple hits this year, and he always delivers on the VMA stage," said Amy Doyle, executive vice president of music and talent at MTV, on Wednesday.
She called his 2007 performance at the VMAs one of the most memorable: "He will give an energetic, bombastic, jaw-dropping performance."
Adele, who is nominated for seven VMAs, is also scheduled to perform. Only Katy Perry has more VMA nods with nine; Adele is tied with Kanye West with her seven.
Doyle predicted Adele would "bring chills down everybody's spine, if not bring them to tears, too."
Adele has the year's best-selling album with "21," but Doyle notes that her live act hasn't been seen much: Adele was forced to reschedule some concerts earlier this year because of a throat problem.
Austrian President Heinz Fischer attended the opening ceremony and gave a speech in which he said that all European countries should unite to jointly face the challenges posed by the economic crisis and terrorism.
German Protestant theologian, journalist and politician Joachim Gauck also made a speech in which he condemned the recent terrorist attacks and said that art should play a role in society and politics to encourage people to overcome difficulties.
During the five-week-long festival, a total of 213 musical presentations including operas, concerts and dramas will be performed.
The highlight of this year's Salzburg Festival is the five concerts performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. In addition, the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Venezuela's Simon Bolivar Orchestra will give musical presentations and concerts.
The Salzburg Festival was officially founded on August 22, 1920 by poet and dramatist Hugo von Hofmannsthal, composer Richard Strauss, scenic designer Alfred Roller, conductor Franz Schalk and the director of the Salzburg City Theater, Max Reinhardt. Since then, it has always been opened with the traditional performance of Hofmannsthal's play "Jedermann" on the steps of Cathedral Square
Chen Kun writes lyrics for philanthropy
Chinese actor and artist Chen Kun writes lyrics for the new single "Power to Go" for a philanthropic event. This is the first time Chen has ever written lyrics for a song.
Chinese actor and artist Chen Kun released a new single titled “Power to Go” on July 26, 2011. This is the first time Chen took part in writing the lyrics himself, and he is doing so for a philanthropic event.
“Writing lyrics for the first time made me a little bit uneasy. I wanted to deliver my true feelings, so I was recording and changing the lyrics at the same time in the recording studio,” said Chen.
“Power to Go” is the first project Chen Kun participated in after establishing his own company. The project aims to advocate environmental awareness and protection. To spread the message further, the first stop of the project was chosen in Tibet, the Roof of the World. Ten university volunteers were selected and will begin their 11-day-long journey in Tibet in late August.
Chinese actor and artist Chen Kun released a new single titled “Power to Go” on July 26, 2011. This is the first time Chen took part in writing the lyrics himself, and he is doing so for a philanthropic event.
“Writing lyrics for the first time made me a little bit uneasy. I wanted to deliver my true feelings, so I was recording and changing the lyrics at the same time in the recording studio,” said Chen.
“Power to Go” is the first project Chen Kun participated in after establishing his own company. The project aims to advocate environmental awareness and protection. To spread the message further, the first stop of the project was chosen in Tibet, the Roof of the World. Ten university volunteers were selected and will begin their 11-day-long journey in Tibet in late August.
Friday, November 2, 2012
Private funeral for Winehouse on Tuesday
Amy Winehouse's funeral will take place on Tuesday and will be attended only by her family and close friends, her spokesman said on Monday.
A post mortem on the "Back to Black" singer, who died at the weekend, failed to determine how she died and more toxicology tests are being carried out, with the results expected in two to four weeks, police said.
The autopsy was carried out after an inquest opened and adjourned on the 27-year-old's death which police are so far describing as "unexplained."
Winehouse, who fought drug and alcohol addictions, was found dead at her north London home on Saturday afternoon.
As sales of her music soared and speculation swirled about the release of a possible posthumous album, her father Mitch flew in from New York and visited a shrine of flowers, gifts and cards outside the house.
Surrounded by television crews and well-wishers, he read the dozens of condolence messages and walked along banks of teddy bears, flowers -- and the occasional bottle of vodka -- left by fans of the troubled singer.
"Thank you for coming," he said. "It means so much to me and my family."
A somber mood hung over Camden Square, where Winehouse lived, as a constant stream of fans arrived to lay flowers and leave messages for the singer among flickering candles left outside her house on Monday.
Some well-wishers were unable to hold back tears as they looked in near silence at fans' tributes.
A post mortem on the "Back to Black" singer, who died at the weekend, failed to determine how she died and more toxicology tests are being carried out, with the results expected in two to four weeks, police said.
The autopsy was carried out after an inquest opened and adjourned on the 27-year-old's death which police are so far describing as "unexplained."
Winehouse, who fought drug and alcohol addictions, was found dead at her north London home on Saturday afternoon.
As sales of her music soared and speculation swirled about the release of a possible posthumous album, her father Mitch flew in from New York and visited a shrine of flowers, gifts and cards outside the house.
Surrounded by television crews and well-wishers, he read the dozens of condolence messages and walked along banks of teddy bears, flowers -- and the occasional bottle of vodka -- left by fans of the troubled singer.
"Thank you for coming," he said. "It means so much to me and my family."
A somber mood hung over Camden Square, where Winehouse lived, as a constant stream of fans arrived to lay flowers and leave messages for the singer among flickering candles left outside her house on Monday.
Some well-wishers were unable to hold back tears as they looked in near silence at fans' tributes.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Michael Jackson tribute concert
Several members of Michael Jackson's family unveiled plans on Monday for a tribute concert to the late King of Pop, but performers were unnamed leading to a less-than-thrilling announcement for the "Thriller" singer.
The tribute show, supported by Jackson family matriarch Katherine Jackson, will be held on October 8 in Cardiff, Wales at the Millennium Stadium, which holds about 75,000 people. It will be broadcast live via satellite on pay-per-view television and into movie theaters around the world, some of which will screen it in 3D, said promoter Global Live Events.
Katherine Jackson told reporters at the unveiling in Los Angeles that she is proud of the event and the caliber of singers performing. No names were announced on Monday.
"If my son was here today, he would feel the same way, and so I'd like to say thank you very much for helping to keep my son's legacy alive," she said.
Michael Jackson, who rose to fame in his family of singers then embarked on a solo career that included smash hits such as "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," died in June 2009, of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol he used as a sleep aid.
His physician at the time, Dr. Conrad Murray, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. He has pleaded not guilty and a trial will start in September.
Jackson's brother, Jermaine Jackson, tried in vain to mount a tribute concert in Vienna in 2009, but plans were scrapped after he struggled to get big-name acts and the event's organizer went out of business.
The tribute show, supported by Jackson family matriarch Katherine Jackson, will be held on October 8 in Cardiff, Wales at the Millennium Stadium, which holds about 75,000 people. It will be broadcast live via satellite on pay-per-view television and into movie theaters around the world, some of which will screen it in 3D, said promoter Global Live Events.
Katherine Jackson told reporters at the unveiling in Los Angeles that she is proud of the event and the caliber of singers performing. No names were announced on Monday.
"If my son was here today, he would feel the same way, and so I'd like to say thank you very much for helping to keep my son's legacy alive," she said.
Michael Jackson, who rose to fame in his family of singers then embarked on a solo career that included smash hits such as "Thriller" and "Billie Jean," died in June 2009, of an overdose of the surgical anesthetic propofol he used as a sleep aid.
His physician at the time, Dr. Conrad Murray, has been charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson's death. He has pleaded not guilty and a trial will start in September.
Jackson's brother, Jermaine Jackson, tried in vain to mount a tribute concert in Vienna in 2009, but plans were scrapped after he struggled to get big-name acts and the event's organizer went out of business.
Britney Spears sued for $10M over fragrance deal
Brand Sense Partners LLC's lawsuit claims the pair renegotiated a royalties deal with cosmetics company Elizabeth Arden last year that cut them out of their 35 percent commission on the fragrance line.
According to the lawsuit, the company first began working with the singer in 2003 and brokered the perfume deal in 2004.
The lawsuit claims Spears and her father, Jamie, negotiated a new deal last year for the singer's newest perfume scent called Radiance. The lawsuit states the agreement directly between the singer and cosmetics company directly violates the original deal with Brand Sense.
The marketing company is seeking more than $10 million and punitive damages and is asking a judge to rule that it is entitled to a 35 percent commission on all lines of Spears' perfumes created by Elizabeth Arden.
Spears' publicist, Jeff Raymond, did not immediately return an email message seeking comment.
The lawsuit was first reported Wednesday by celebrity website RadarOnline.com.
Jamie Spears controls his daughter's financial affairs along with an attorney as part of a court-ordered conservatorship established in 2008 after a series of high-profile incidents of erratic behavior and hospitalizations.
The conservatorship has generally granted Spears a form of legal immunity. Although she's been sued by former bodyguards and an ex-manager, a judge has so-far ruled that she cannot be deposed or ordered to testify.
According to the lawsuit, the company first began working with the singer in 2003 and brokered the perfume deal in 2004.
The lawsuit claims Spears and her father, Jamie, negotiated a new deal last year for the singer's newest perfume scent called Radiance. The lawsuit states the agreement directly between the singer and cosmetics company directly violates the original deal with Brand Sense.
The marketing company is seeking more than $10 million and punitive damages and is asking a judge to rule that it is entitled to a 35 percent commission on all lines of Spears' perfumes created by Elizabeth Arden.
Spears' publicist, Jeff Raymond, did not immediately return an email message seeking comment.
The lawsuit was first reported Wednesday by celebrity website RadarOnline.com.
Jamie Spears controls his daughter's financial affairs along with an attorney as part of a court-ordered conservatorship established in 2008 after a series of high-profile incidents of erratic behavior and hospitalizations.
The conservatorship has generally granted Spears a form of legal immunity. Although she's been sued by former bodyguards and an ex-manager, a judge has so-far ruled that she cannot be deposed or ordered to testify.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Bowing to success
The story of 31-year-old violin sensation Huang Mengla begins with his parents' dreams. When they were doctors in rural Shanghai, their son offered their only hope for getting the hukou (household registration) that would allow them to return to the city. The family could live downtown if he was enrolled in the Shanghai Conservatory. So the 4-year-old was sent to violin lessons until he was admitted to the conservatory at age 8.
"They always wanted me to make violin playing my career, not just a hobby," Huang says.
"It's a familiar story of the high expectation an entire generation of Chinese parents has for their only children."
But the realization of his parents' dreams has gone far beyond enabling the family to move back into the city. His unique techniques and innovative interpretations have earned him acclaim throughout Asia, Europe and North America.
He took the top prize at the prestigious Paganini International Violin Competition in Italy, where he also won the Renato De Barbieri Memorial award for the best interpretation of Paganini's caprices, and the Mario Ruminelli Memorial award.
As one of the most successful young Chinese violinists, Huang has been selling out solo performances around the world, luring throngs to outdoor concerts and topping classical sales charts with his albums.
But Huang says his story isn't like those of many athletic and artistic prodigies. "I was a very naughty young boy. My parents even thought I might have attention deficit disorder," he says, laughing.
He had to spend hours to be able to play a song accurately, and his father would sometimes spank him to instill discipline. "The violin was just an instrument to me," Huang recalls.
"I didn't know why I was playing it and had no feeling for the sound of the strings."
"They always wanted me to make violin playing my career, not just a hobby," Huang says.
"It's a familiar story of the high expectation an entire generation of Chinese parents has for their only children."
But the realization of his parents' dreams has gone far beyond enabling the family to move back into the city. His unique techniques and innovative interpretations have earned him acclaim throughout Asia, Europe and North America.
He took the top prize at the prestigious Paganini International Violin Competition in Italy, where he also won the Renato De Barbieri Memorial award for the best interpretation of Paganini's caprices, and the Mario Ruminelli Memorial award.
As one of the most successful young Chinese violinists, Huang has been selling out solo performances around the world, luring throngs to outdoor concerts and topping classical sales charts with his albums.
But Huang says his story isn't like those of many athletic and artistic prodigies. "I was a very naughty young boy. My parents even thought I might have attention deficit disorder," he says, laughing.
He had to spend hours to be able to play a song accurately, and his father would sometimes spank him to instill discipline. "The violin was just an instrument to me," Huang recalls.
"I didn't know why I was playing it and had no feeling for the sound of the strings."
Monday, October 29, 2012
Finding himself in Lost N Found
JJ Lin, a Singaporean Mandopop singer, is known for his heartwarming voice and somewhat melodramatic tunes. To celebrate the upcoming release, Warner Music presented a piano dazzled with 9,000 Swarovski crystals - worth 17 million RMB (roughly $2.7 million) and the only one of its kind in Asia - to wish for the success of Lin's first self-written album. Lin, showing clear excitement about the gift, performed the single "Never Learn" on stage.
JJ Lin poses on stage during a news conference to announce the upcoming release of his new album "Lost N Found" in Beijing on Dec 26, 2011.[Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]
BEIJING -- The new album of JJ Lin may be titled "Lost N Found", but fans will have no trouble finding his presence in the music scene.
Lin attended a news conference to celebrate his upcoming album and launched an 100-hour countdown to its release in Beijing's Reignwood Theater on Dec 26. The album - available on New Year's Eve - is Lin's first work since joining Warner Music.
After two years of song-writing and composing, Lin hopes to showcase a more dynamic "New JJ" to his fans and the Chinese music scene. Prior to the album's release, the single "Never Learn" has already become the most requested song in more than 200 radio stations and ranked first in major video websites in China.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Adele makes Billboard history named 2011 top artist
British singer Adele made Billboard history on Friday when she became the first female singer to be named top artist, have the top album, "21," and score the top single, "Rolling in the Deep," all in one year.
The 23-year-old chanteuse was followed in the top artist group by No. 2 Rihanna, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga in that order, while Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Bruno Mars rounded out the top ten.
"I think one of the things that sets me apart from other artists who have had the same kind of success is that my life isn't speculated about" by the media, Adele said in an interview with Billboard.
Tye Comer, editor of Billboard.com, attributed Adele's success to her being a "breath of fresh air" in a market saturated with pop artists cut from a "certain cloth," like Rihanna, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga.
"Her success is really inspiring because it shows that there is still room in the music industry for an artist to make it with true, raw talent," Comer told Reuters.
"It's not necessarily always about the outrageous outfits or flashy videos, but an amazing voice coupled with the right song still has the ability to turn the ears of millions of people and keep them interested," he said.
Adele's smash hit album "21," which was described by Billboard's Julianne Escobedo Shepherd as a "break-up requiem," was written in the aftermath of the singer's failed relationship, and it features underlying themes of love, heartache and moving forward.
The 23-year-old chanteuse was followed in the top artist group by No. 2 Rihanna, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga in that order, while Nicki Minaj, Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne and Bruno Mars rounded out the top ten.
"I think one of the things that sets me apart from other artists who have had the same kind of success is that my life isn't speculated about" by the media, Adele said in an interview with Billboard.
Tye Comer, editor of Billboard.com, attributed Adele's success to her being a "breath of fresh air" in a market saturated with pop artists cut from a "certain cloth," like Rihanna, Katy Perry and Lady Gaga.
"Her success is really inspiring because it shows that there is still room in the music industry for an artist to make it with true, raw talent," Comer told Reuters.
"It's not necessarily always about the outrageous outfits or flashy videos, but an amazing voice coupled with the right song still has the ability to turn the ears of millions of people and keep them interested," he said.
Adele's smash hit album "21," which was described by Billboard's Julianne Escobedo Shepherd as a "break-up requiem," was written in the aftermath of the singer's failed relationship, and it features underlying themes of love, heartache and moving forward.
Friday, October 26, 2012
Breaking the sound barriers
Chinese rockers are sounding out the North-South divide. Chen Nan reports.
Chinese rockers are increasingly breaking the sound barriers of the country's cultural geography. Rock 'n' roll has been a particularly location-centric genre. The chillier northern half of the country warmly welcomes rock shows, which often get a cold shoulder in the hotter southern regions. Indie band Miserable Faith is a case in point. The hardcore pioneers' heavy beats and furious lyrics are today well received nationwide. But in the early days following their 1999 formation, they were shrugged at throughout the southern leg of their national tour, which was inspired by the band's adoration of Jack Kerouac's novel, On the Road.
The crowds sizzled for them in Beijing, Tianjin and Shaanxi's provincial capital Xi'an. But audiences were cool toward them in Shanghai, Guangdong province's capital Guangzhou and Fujian province, the band recalls.
Sometimes, they even had to cancel shows because of tepid turnouts in the South.
"It's so sad to have just a few people there when you stand on the stage, especially for rock 'n' roll," the band's vocalist and songwriter Gao Hu says.
"The audience's emotion is very important for us to unleash ourselves. We usually write songs when we are on the road, turning our feelings about different cities into lyrics. We expected the audiences to have the same emotions toward us, but we were wrong."
When they released their second album, Don't Stop My Music, in 2009 and toured the South again, they were surprised to find the song On the Road was the best received at their shows. They even named their tour after their namesake song, Heading to the South Later.
"Heading to the South, heading to the South, and my dream is in front of me; the light of dawn comes," Gao sings.
Chinese rockers are increasingly breaking the sound barriers of the country's cultural geography. Rock 'n' roll has been a particularly location-centric genre. The chillier northern half of the country warmly welcomes rock shows, which often get a cold shoulder in the hotter southern regions. Indie band Miserable Faith is a case in point. The hardcore pioneers' heavy beats and furious lyrics are today well received nationwide. But in the early days following their 1999 formation, they were shrugged at throughout the southern leg of their national tour, which was inspired by the band's adoration of Jack Kerouac's novel, On the Road.
The crowds sizzled for them in Beijing, Tianjin and Shaanxi's provincial capital Xi'an. But audiences were cool toward them in Shanghai, Guangdong province's capital Guangzhou and Fujian province, the band recalls.
Sometimes, they even had to cancel shows because of tepid turnouts in the South.
"It's so sad to have just a few people there when you stand on the stage, especially for rock 'n' roll," the band's vocalist and songwriter Gao Hu says.
"The audience's emotion is very important for us to unleash ourselves. We usually write songs when we are on the road, turning our feelings about different cities into lyrics. We expected the audiences to have the same emotions toward us, but we were wrong."
When they released their second album, Don't Stop My Music, in 2009 and toured the South again, they were surprised to find the song On the Road was the best received at their shows. They even named their tour after their namesake song, Heading to the South Later.
"Heading to the South, heading to the South, and my dream is in front of me; the light of dawn comes," Gao sings.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Doctors orchestrate a nationwide tour
The World Doctors Orchestra, a nonprofit orchestra of physicians from more than 30 countries, is touring China and will perform at Beijing's National Center for the Performing Arts on Dec 4 and at Shanghai's Oriental Art Center on Dec 5.
The orchestra was founded in 2007 by Stefan Willich of Berlin's Charite University Medical Center. Under Willich's baton, the orchestra will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 5 Emperor, Brahms' Symphony No 4 and The Mission, a work Chinese composer Zhou Wenjun wrote for the orchestra's China tour.
Proceeds will be donated to the China International Medical Foundation.
Croatian musician Maksim Mrvica will perform at the Jincheng Art Palace in Sichuan's provincial capital Chengdu on Dec 2.
He will play the Exodus program of piano music he performed for the soundtrack of the namesake film.
Mrvica has gained international prestige as a pianist and is known for his crossover musical styles.
The orchestra was founded in 2007 by Stefan Willich of Berlin's Charite University Medical Center. Under Willich's baton, the orchestra will perform Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 5 Emperor, Brahms' Symphony No 4 and The Mission, a work Chinese composer Zhou Wenjun wrote for the orchestra's China tour.
Proceeds will be donated to the China International Medical Foundation.
Croatian musician Maksim Mrvica will perform at the Jincheng Art Palace in Sichuan's provincial capital Chengdu on Dec 2.
He will play the Exodus program of piano music he performed for the soundtrack of the namesake film.
Mrvica has gained international prestige as a pianist and is known for his crossover musical styles.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Nicki Minaj named Billboard Is Rising Star
Singer and rapper Nicki Minaj was named Billboard's 2011 Rising Star on Wednesday, following her international success this year with her album, "Pink Friday."
Minaj, 28, who is signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, took the opportunity of Billboard's announcement to confirm her next album on Twitter.
Set for release on February 14, Valentine's day next year, Minaj's second album will be called "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded," after the rapper's alter ego, Roman Zolanski.
The New York native stormed the Billboard charts this year, becoming the first artist to have seven songs in the Hot 100 singles chart at the same time, including hits such as "Your Love," "Super Bass" and "Fly" featuring Rihanna, while "Pink Friday" reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
"Nicki Minaj has established herself as a force in hip-hop and pop music, and we're thrilled to recognize her accomplishments over the past year," said Billboard's editorial director Bill Werde on Billboard.com.
Minaj is the fourth recipient of the award, following Jazmine Sullivan in 2010, Lady Gaga in 2009 and Colbie Caillat in 2008, and will join country music star Taylor Swift, who was named Woman of the Year, to collect the award at the annual Billboard Women in Music event in New York on December 2.
Minaj, 28, who is signed to Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment, took the opportunity of Billboard's announcement to confirm her next album on Twitter.
Set for release on February 14, Valentine's day next year, Minaj's second album will be called "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded," after the rapper's alter ego, Roman Zolanski.
The New York native stormed the Billboard charts this year, becoming the first artist to have seven songs in the Hot 100 singles chart at the same time, including hits such as "Your Love," "Super Bass" and "Fly" featuring Rihanna, while "Pink Friday" reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart.
"Nicki Minaj has established herself as a force in hip-hop and pop music, and we're thrilled to recognize her accomplishments over the past year," said Billboard's editorial director Bill Werde on Billboard.com.
Minaj is the fourth recipient of the award, following Jazmine Sullivan in 2010, Lady Gaga in 2009 and Colbie Caillat in 2008, and will join country music star Taylor Swift, who was named Woman of the Year, to collect the award at the annual Billboard Women in Music event in New York on December 2.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
One in a million
Taiwan was experiencing a lull in its music scene when Yoga Lin made a splash with his fresh, distinctive voice.
The singer-songwriter was 21 when he won the One Million Star Competition, a popular reality TV singing contest in 2006.
He held a series of concerts around Taiwan before releasing his debut album, Mystery Guest in 2009.
The album won both critical and commercial success, with more than 40,000 copies sold in the first week, in Taiwan.
Then the singer took over songwriting duties for his second album, Senses Around, in 2009 and Perfect Life, his third album, released in 2011.
Although shy off stage, Lin's distinctive vocals and interpretations of songs have ensured he stays popular.
Veteran composer Kay Huang says Lin is a rare good voice in today's down-market music scene, calling him a "magician of music".
He was the lead singer of a high school rock band. Lin experimented with genres and polished his vocal skills at university. He says his success is the fruit of longtime work, rather than instant success.
The singer-songwriter was 21 when he won the One Million Star Competition, a popular reality TV singing contest in 2006.
He held a series of concerts around Taiwan before releasing his debut album, Mystery Guest in 2009.
The album won both critical and commercial success, with more than 40,000 copies sold in the first week, in Taiwan.
Then the singer took over songwriting duties for his second album, Senses Around, in 2009 and Perfect Life, his third album, released in 2011.
Although shy off stage, Lin's distinctive vocals and interpretations of songs have ensured he stays popular.
Veteran composer Kay Huang says Lin is a rare good voice in today's down-market music scene, calling him a "magician of music".
He was the lead singer of a high school rock band. Lin experimented with genres and polished his vocal skills at university. He says his success is the fruit of longtime work, rather than instant success.
Monday, October 22, 2012
It's only rock And roll
Veteran rock star Wang Feng is happy to report that he's gone commercial, but insists he's keeping it real. Chen Nan reports.
Rock singer Wang Feng runs his hands through his dark, fluffy hair and adjusts his black-framed glasses in a coffee shop near the East Fourth Ring Road of Beijing.
He stands up and shakes my hand before asking: "Are you prepared?"
"I really can't tolerate unprofessional questions. I know it's rude to say so, but it's a kind of respect for both of us," he adds, in a gravelly voice.
The 40-year-old is wearing casual clothes rather than the leather jacket and tight jeans he typically wears onstage.
One of China's most influential rockers, he gets on a roll when talking about his national tour and the new album, which will be released in December.
The first stop at Ordos, the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Nov 5, drew more than 10,000 fans despite the snow. Tickets sold out a month before the concert. Other stops include Sichuan's provincial capital Chengdu, Guangdong province's Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai.
"After all these years in the business, I still go crazy when I sing in front of audiences who pour out their hearts and sing along with me," he says, lighting up a cigarette. "I like my singing drowned out by cheers."
Rock singer Wang Feng runs his hands through his dark, fluffy hair and adjusts his black-framed glasses in a coffee shop near the East Fourth Ring Road of Beijing.
He stands up and shakes my hand before asking: "Are you prepared?"
"I really can't tolerate unprofessional questions. I know it's rude to say so, but it's a kind of respect for both of us," he adds, in a gravelly voice.
The 40-year-old is wearing casual clothes rather than the leather jacket and tight jeans he typically wears onstage.
One of China's most influential rockers, he gets on a roll when talking about his national tour and the new album, which will be released in December.
The first stop at Ordos, the Inner Mongolia autonomous region, on Nov 5, drew more than 10,000 fans despite the snow. Tickets sold out a month before the concert. Other stops include Sichuan's provincial capital Chengdu, Guangdong province's Shenzhen, Beijing and Shanghai.
"After all these years in the business, I still go crazy when I sing in front of audiences who pour out their hearts and sing along with me," he says, lighting up a cigarette. "I like my singing drowned out by cheers."
Friday, October 19, 2012
New Amy Winehouse songs evoke bittersweet memories
Two previously unreleased songs from Amy Winehouse aired on radio stations this week ahead of her posthumous album, generating mostly positive comments from critics and bittersweet memories for fans.
The reggae-infused track "Our Day Will Come" premiered on BBC's Radio 1 station on Thursday and is a cover of Ruby & The Romantics's classic song. Another, "Like Smoke," is a collaboration with rapper Nas, and it premiered on Wednesday on New York's Hot 97 radio station.
The December album, "Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures," was announced on the late singer's official website earlier this week along with the 12-track listing, which includes alternate versions of Winehouse's hit singles like "Valerie" along with unreleased tracks and new compositions.
NME magazine's Dan Martin was one of five journalists invited to a secret listening session for her album last month. He described "Our Day Will Come" as "perhaps more the real Amy than the one that the circus would have us remember."
Martin said the Nas collaboration "Like Smoke" was "one of the most nerve-wracking of the whole record," as the rapper had been drafted to complete the unfinished demo after Winehouse's death in July.
The Guardian's Casper Llewellyn-Smith, also at the listening session, voiced concerns over whether some of the earlier demos polished up for the upcoming album would live up to Winehouse's own standards.
The reggae-infused track "Our Day Will Come" premiered on BBC's Radio 1 station on Thursday and is a cover of Ruby & The Romantics's classic song. Another, "Like Smoke," is a collaboration with rapper Nas, and it premiered on Wednesday on New York's Hot 97 radio station.
The December album, "Amy Winehouse Lioness: Hidden Treasures," was announced on the late singer's official website earlier this week along with the 12-track listing, which includes alternate versions of Winehouse's hit singles like "Valerie" along with unreleased tracks and new compositions.
NME magazine's Dan Martin was one of five journalists invited to a secret listening session for her album last month. He described "Our Day Will Come" as "perhaps more the real Amy than the one that the circus would have us remember."
Martin said the Nas collaboration "Like Smoke" was "one of the most nerve-wracking of the whole record," as the rapper had been drafted to complete the unfinished demo after Winehouse's death in July.
The Guardian's Casper Llewellyn-Smith, also at the listening session, voiced concerns over whether some of the earlier demos polished up for the upcoming album would live up to Winehouse's own standards.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Stevie Wonder headlines NYE in Vegas
LAS VEGAS — Music legend Stevie Wonder plans to headline in Sin City on New Year's Eve, playing to a ballroom crowd at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas and to thousands of revelers on the Las Vegas Strip by video.
Casino officials said the 25-time Grammy winner known for top hits including "Superstition" and "You are the Sunshine of My Life" will be its top performer one year after an exclusive grand opening bash that featured Jay-Z and Coldplay.
This year's party is slightly more accessible than last year's invite-only affair — a limited number of tickets start at $250 and include an open bar.
The New Year's Eve show caps a year of entertainment at the Cosmopolitan that featured top acts including Adele, the Flaming Lips and Deadmau5.
Wonder's concert will stream to partiers on the Las Vegas Strip, which will shut down to vehicle traffic and fill up with tourists.
Lisa Marchese, the Cosmopolitan's chief marketing officer, said Wonder has proven over several decades of performing he can appeal to audiences young and old.
In June, the former child prodigy was honored at the Apollo in New York with induction into the Legends Hall of Fame, joining Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald.
But Wonder, who has seven Billboard No. 1 singles, got top billing in September at the Austin City Limits music festival, which featured dozens of acts including Coldplay, Kanye West and Arcade Fire.
Casino officials said the 25-time Grammy winner known for top hits including "Superstition" and "You are the Sunshine of My Life" will be its top performer one year after an exclusive grand opening bash that featured Jay-Z and Coldplay.
This year's party is slightly more accessible than last year's invite-only affair — a limited number of tickets start at $250 and include an open bar.
The New Year's Eve show caps a year of entertainment at the Cosmopolitan that featured top acts including Adele, the Flaming Lips and Deadmau5.
Wonder's concert will stream to partiers on the Las Vegas Strip, which will shut down to vehicle traffic and fill up with tourists.
Lisa Marchese, the Cosmopolitan's chief marketing officer, said Wonder has proven over several decades of performing he can appeal to audiences young and old.
In June, the former child prodigy was honored at the Apollo in New York with induction into the Legends Hall of Fame, joining Aretha Franklin, Michael Jackson and Ella Fitzgerald.
But Wonder, who has seven Billboard No. 1 singles, got top billing in September at the Austin City Limits music festival, which featured dozens of acts including Coldplay, Kanye West and Arcade Fire.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Old folk magic
Young singers, old songs. Traditional music given a modern makeover. These are the lifelines that are keeping old folk songs evergreen in China. Chen Nan looks at the talents at work and sees how young blood infuses old songs with new life.
For two hours, she stood on the stage at the National Center of Performing Arts in Beijing (NCPA) last night, belting out a repertoire of songs as old as the hills. But the singer is a radiant 29-year-old, and at the peak of her career. Soprano Lei Jia has just finished a solo recital, which she titled Tunes of Revival.
These folk songs, known as min ge, are all part of common culture, popular at the grassroots, coming from all over the country, incorporating the cultures of regional and ethnic groups. They have been sung for generations, passed on simply through word of mouth.
But in these days of multiple musical choices, they are under threat, in danger of being discarded by new generations addicted to Western beats and modern pop. Young people complain the songs are slow and boring.
For two hours, she stood on the stage at the National Center of Performing Arts in Beijing (NCPA) last night, belting out a repertoire of songs as old as the hills. But the singer is a radiant 29-year-old, and at the peak of her career. Soprano Lei Jia has just finished a solo recital, which she titled Tunes of Revival.
These folk songs, known as min ge, are all part of common culture, popular at the grassroots, coming from all over the country, incorporating the cultures of regional and ethnic groups. They have been sung for generations, passed on simply through word of mouth.
But in these days of multiple musical choices, they are under threat, in danger of being discarded by new generations addicted to Western beats and modern pop. Young people complain the songs are slow and boring.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Adele leads American Music Awards nominations
British singing star Adele continued her current pop reign with a leading four nominations for the 2011 American Music Awards announced on Tuesday, edging out the likes of Katy Perry and Lady Gaga.
Adele, 23, who was recently forced to cancel the remainder of her sold out U.S. tour due to a vocal chord hemorrhage, was nominated for favorite rock/pop female artist, adult contemporary artist, album with her "21" and artist of the year for the awards to be broadcast from Los Angeles on November 20.
Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Lil Wayne and country music group The Band Perry were nominated three times, followed by artists such as Bruno Mars and Beyonce with two nods each.
Besides Adele, other artist of the year contenders are Gaga, Wayne, Swift and Perry, whose album "Teenage Dream" two months ago achieved the rare distinction of having five singles reach the top of the Billboard's pop songs chart. Perry also will perform at the key music industry awards.
In other rock/pop music categories, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars and the U.S. rapper Pitbull will vie for favorite male artist, while Maroon 5, OneRepublic and the dance music group LMFAO are nominated for favorite band. Besides Adele's hit "21", favorite pop album nominations were shared by Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" and Rihanna's "Loud."
Adele, 23, who was recently forced to cancel the remainder of her sold out U.S. tour due to a vocal chord hemorrhage, was nominated for favorite rock/pop female artist, adult contemporary artist, album with her "21" and artist of the year for the awards to be broadcast from Los Angeles on November 20.
Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Rihanna, Lil Wayne and country music group The Band Perry were nominated three times, followed by artists such as Bruno Mars and Beyonce with two nods each.
Besides Adele, other artist of the year contenders are Gaga, Wayne, Swift and Perry, whose album "Teenage Dream" two months ago achieved the rare distinction of having five singles reach the top of the Billboard's pop songs chart. Perry also will perform at the key music industry awards.
In other rock/pop music categories, Justin Bieber, Bruno Mars and the U.S. rapper Pitbull will vie for favorite male artist, while Maroon 5, OneRepublic and the dance music group LMFAO are nominated for favorite band. Besides Adele's hit "21", favorite pop album nominations were shared by Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" and Rihanna's "Loud."
Monday, October 15, 2012
Jackson children dance to his music at tribute gig
Tens of thousands of fans rocked to the hits of Michael Jackson on Saturday at a tribute concert his brothers hoped would put the spotlight on his musical legacy after so much controversy.
The late singer's children -- Prince, 14, Paris, 13 and "Blanket," 9 -- appeared on stage briefly to address the crowd and at the end joined other family members dancing to "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."
"We're very happy to be here on this special night to honor our father," said Paris, dressed in a red jacket similar to the one worn by Jackson in his groundbreaking "Thriller" music video.
The "Beat It" star, one of the most successful yet troubled artists of the pop era, died in 2009 aged 50 while rehearsing for a series of comeback concerts.
The "Michael Forever" tribute in Cardiff, Wales, coincides with the involuntary manslaughter trial of the singer's doctor in Los Angeles, drawing criticism from some fans and members of his family.
Brothers Jermaine and Randy boycotted the event because of the timing, while sister Janet said it would be too painful to perform in Cardiff during the trial.
But it had the blessing of his mother Katherine, who was at the gig, and Michael's older brother Marlon said it should be seen as a celebration of Jackson's music.
"They (the fans) have the right to (protest)," he said backstage. "I think they have the right to do whatever they feel, but we're celebrating the positive side of our brother's life.
The late singer's children -- Prince, 14, Paris, 13 and "Blanket," 9 -- appeared on stage briefly to address the crowd and at the end joined other family members dancing to "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough."
"We're very happy to be here on this special night to honor our father," said Paris, dressed in a red jacket similar to the one worn by Jackson in his groundbreaking "Thriller" music video.
The "Beat It" star, one of the most successful yet troubled artists of the pop era, died in 2009 aged 50 while rehearsing for a series of comeback concerts.
The "Michael Forever" tribute in Cardiff, Wales, coincides with the involuntary manslaughter trial of the singer's doctor in Los Angeles, drawing criticism from some fans and members of his family.
Brothers Jermaine and Randy boycotted the event because of the timing, while sister Janet said it would be too painful to perform in Cardiff during the trial.
But it had the blessing of his mother Katherine, who was at the gig, and Michael's older brother Marlon said it should be seen as a celebration of Jackson's music.
"They (the fans) have the right to (protest)," he said backstage. "I think they have the right to do whatever they feel, but we're celebrating the positive side of our brother's life.
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Noel Gallagher slams publicity hungry Lady Gaga
The 'AKA. What A Life' singer thinks the 'Bad Romance' star is good at getting attention, but he doesn't think her music will stand the test of time.
He said: "It's all about the meat suit and the controversy. Is it about music? Really? She's got the publicity side sorted, but where's the music.
"Her album gets played a lot around my house by my daughter and it's Madonna-lite. Madonna was hardcore. She took it to the edge musically as well as everything else.
"Twenty years from now, will we listen to Lady Gaga? No. She might think she is making a stand for the freaks and the weirdos. But they're not going to have any decent music to play are they?"
The former Oasis star - who has an 11-year-old daughter Anais with his ex-wife Meg Matthews and two sons, three-year-old Donovan and 10-month-old Sonny, with his current spouse Sara MacDonald - is disappointed that most current rock bands have nothing interesting to say and laments the lack of a "focal point" for rock 'n' roll.
He added in an interview with Q magazine: "Who will retell the rock 'n' roll story for a new generation? The problem with bands these days is half of them get the music right but you read an interview and think, 'I can't buy into them as people.'
"It's become this prevailing thing where, 'It's all about the music.' It's not. It's more than that. The way you look or what you say or what you stand for is crucial. People are so wary of being the spokesman for a generation. It's a tag, but still . I wish someone would provide a focal point."
He said: "It's all about the meat suit and the controversy. Is it about music? Really? She's got the publicity side sorted, but where's the music.
"Her album gets played a lot around my house by my daughter and it's Madonna-lite. Madonna was hardcore. She took it to the edge musically as well as everything else.
"Twenty years from now, will we listen to Lady Gaga? No. She might think she is making a stand for the freaks and the weirdos. But they're not going to have any decent music to play are they?"
The former Oasis star - who has an 11-year-old daughter Anais with his ex-wife Meg Matthews and two sons, three-year-old Donovan and 10-month-old Sonny, with his current spouse Sara MacDonald - is disappointed that most current rock bands have nothing interesting to say and laments the lack of a "focal point" for rock 'n' roll.
He added in an interview with Q magazine: "Who will retell the rock 'n' roll story for a new generation? The problem with bands these days is half of them get the music right but you read an interview and think, 'I can't buy into them as people.'
"It's become this prevailing thing where, 'It's all about the music.' It's not. It's more than that. The way you look or what you say or what you stand for is crucial. People are so wary of being the spokesman for a generation. It's a tag, but still . I wish someone would provide a focal point."
Friday, October 12, 2012
Pitch perfect
American artist Glasser's solo show highlighted avant-garde electronic expression. Christine Mallari reports.
Glasser says she had no reservations about performing in a new city over 18,000 km from home, in a language that was foreign to a majority of her audience. But she was nervous about going solo. Glasser is the stage name of American artist Cameron Mesirow. She performed mid-September in Beijing's 798 art district as part of the Creators Pro-ject, along with British group Mount Kimbie, Scottish duo Optimo and Chinese artists P.K.14, Supermarket and Carsick Cars.
The stage was bare. A microphone stood stage left, next to a covered table and an open computer.
"I was nervous because this was the first time I had performed totally by myself," Glasser says afterward.
Glasser shuffled on to the stage in what appeared to be an haute couture burlap sack, over a sheer white jumpsuit, created by friend and designer Ida Falck Oien.
With a few taps on the trackpad, the 798 art district was brought to life with electronic beats and Glasser's haunting voice.
Her sandy-colored hair fell in untamed waves to her shoulders, while she wore tiny stud earrings and just a swipe of lipstick and eyeliner. The stomping of her platform wedges echoed the emotion of each song.
Glasser says she had no reservations about performing in a new city over 18,000 km from home, in a language that was foreign to a majority of her audience. But she was nervous about going solo. Glasser is the stage name of American artist Cameron Mesirow. She performed mid-September in Beijing's 798 art district as part of the Creators Pro-ject, along with British group Mount Kimbie, Scottish duo Optimo and Chinese artists P.K.14, Supermarket and Carsick Cars.
The stage was bare. A microphone stood stage left, next to a covered table and an open computer.
"I was nervous because this was the first time I had performed totally by myself," Glasser says afterward.
Glasser shuffled on to the stage in what appeared to be an haute couture burlap sack, over a sheer white jumpsuit, created by friend and designer Ida Falck Oien.
With a few taps on the trackpad, the 798 art district was brought to life with electronic beats and Glasser's haunting voice.
Her sandy-colored hair fell in untamed waves to her shoulders, while she wore tiny stud earrings and just a swipe of lipstick and eyeliner. The stomping of her platform wedges echoed the emotion of each song.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Mick Jagger dances to keep fit
Sir Mick Jagger goes clubbing to stay in shape.
The 68-year-old Rolling Stones frontman keeps fit for the sake of his career, but insists he has no specific diet or exercise regime as he thinks training too hard would be bad for him.
He said: "I have very good genes and I don't put on weight. I still have a drink. I am not a fanatic about being in the gym for hours or pounding the pavements as that's detrimental.
"If you are not doing shows then you have to keep up a certain level of fitness or there's no going back. Five times a week you have to do half an hour biking or in the gym.
"But dancing is really good and more fun than being in a gym. I go out clubbing."
Even if Mick - who has been dating designer L'Wren Scott since 2001 - finds himself in a place where he is unable to go out, he makes the most of where he is and is happy to dance alone at home.
The father-of-seven added in an interview with the Daily Mirror newspaper: "If you are in the country with nowhere to go, you just clear the furniture away and have a dance. That's as good for you as going out to the gym and working out on a bike.
"You put the music on, blast out a few of your favourite tunes and have half an hour dancing. But no stopping.
"You do have to take the missus out as well, of course."
The 68-year-old Rolling Stones frontman keeps fit for the sake of his career, but insists he has no specific diet or exercise regime as he thinks training too hard would be bad for him.
He said: "I have very good genes and I don't put on weight. I still have a drink. I am not a fanatic about being in the gym for hours or pounding the pavements as that's detrimental.
"If you are not doing shows then you have to keep up a certain level of fitness or there's no going back. Five times a week you have to do half an hour biking or in the gym.
"But dancing is really good and more fun than being in a gym. I go out clubbing."
Even if Mick - who has been dating designer L'Wren Scott since 2001 - finds himself in a place where he is unable to go out, he makes the most of where he is and is happy to dance alone at home.
The father-of-seven added in an interview with the Daily Mirror newspaper: "If you are in the country with nowhere to go, you just clear the furniture away and have a dance. That's as good for you as going out to the gym and working out on a bike.
"You put the music on, blast out a few of your favourite tunes and have half an hour dancing. But no stopping.
"You do have to take the missus out as well, of course."
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Elton John in talks to make biopic Rocketman
British singer Elton John is in talks to make a film about his life, his spokesman said on Friday, in response to media reports about a planned biopic called "Rocketman."
Newspapers and websites said that Rocketman would be produced by John's partner David Furnish and Steve Hamilton Shaw and executive produced by the singer himself.
Playwright Lee Hall will provide the script.
Asked to comment on the reports, John's London spokesman replied only: "Just discussions."
He did not expand on whether anyone had been singled out to play the lead in the movie, although the Sun tabloid said Scottish actor James McAvoy had been tipped for the role.
John and Hall have worked together before on the hit musical adaptation of the dance movie "Billy Elliot."
"Rocketman will be a radically different kind of biopic," Shaw told Hollywood entertainment website Deadline, adding that it would be "non-linear and hyper-visual."
Initial reports of plans for a John biopic surfaced in early 2011.
The 64-year-old behind hits including "Candle in the Wind" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" was a child piano prodigy who rose from a part-time pub player to become one of the most successful recording artists of all time.
Newspapers and websites said that Rocketman would be produced by John's partner David Furnish and Steve Hamilton Shaw and executive produced by the singer himself.
Playwright Lee Hall will provide the script.
Asked to comment on the reports, John's London spokesman replied only: "Just discussions."
He did not expand on whether anyone had been singled out to play the lead in the movie, although the Sun tabloid said Scottish actor James McAvoy had been tipped for the role.
John and Hall have worked together before on the hit musical adaptation of the dance movie "Billy Elliot."
"Rocketman will be a radically different kind of biopic," Shaw told Hollywood entertainment website Deadline, adding that it would be "non-linear and hyper-visual."
Initial reports of plans for a John biopic surfaced in early 2011.
The 64-year-old behind hits including "Candle in the Wind" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" was a child piano prodigy who rose from a part-time pub player to become one of the most successful recording artists of all time.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Few sure winners seen at the Emmy Awards
If there are any sure bets at this year's Primetime Emmy Awards on Sunday, they are "Modern Family" again being crowned TV's best comedy series and Kate Winslet winning for her role in "Mildred Pierce".
Most everything else is up for grabs at the TV industry's highest honors in what awards watchers call one of the closest Emmys in years.
"There are a lot of predictions, but no sure bets and that's why the Emmys is packing some excitement this year," said Todd Gold, managing editor of Xfinity TV. "It is full of outstanding shows from networks to cable, and premium cable."
Even critical darling "Mad Men" cannot rest on its laurels as a three-time best drama winner, despite its 19 nominations.
But the stylish 1960s advertising drama faces a threat from HBO's new prohibition era series "Boardwalk Empire", which not only won Golden Globe and Screen Actor's Guild prizes earlier this year but walked off with seven trophies last weekend at the creative arts portion of Emmy Awards.
"It looked as if 'Mad Men' was going into this year's Emmys as the inevitable winner. But all of a sudden, we have a real race here," said Tom O'Neil of awards websites TheEnvelope.com and Goldderby.com.
And don't count out HBO's fantasy series "Game of Thrones", based on the best-selling novels by George R.R. Martin.
"Game of Thrones" may skew too young for the older, more traditional members of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, who make up the bulk of Emmy voters. But Gold called it "by far the most exciting series of the past season. It was big and bold. It broke barriers and extended the boundaries of what a dramatic TV series can be. It was like a big movie every week."
Most everything else is up for grabs at the TV industry's highest honors in what awards watchers call one of the closest Emmys in years.
"There are a lot of predictions, but no sure bets and that's why the Emmys is packing some excitement this year," said Todd Gold, managing editor of Xfinity TV. "It is full of outstanding shows from networks to cable, and premium cable."
Even critical darling "Mad Men" cannot rest on its laurels as a three-time best drama winner, despite its 19 nominations.
But the stylish 1960s advertising drama faces a threat from HBO's new prohibition era series "Boardwalk Empire", which not only won Golden Globe and Screen Actor's Guild prizes earlier this year but walked off with seven trophies last weekend at the creative arts portion of Emmy Awards.
"It looked as if 'Mad Men' was going into this year's Emmys as the inevitable winner. But all of a sudden, we have a real race here," said Tom O'Neil of awards websites TheEnvelope.com and Goldderby.com.
And don't count out HBO's fantasy series "Game of Thrones", based on the best-selling novels by George R.R. Martin.
"Game of Thrones" may skew too young for the older, more traditional members of the Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, who make up the bulk of Emmy voters. But Gold called it "by far the most exciting series of the past season. It was big and bold. It broke barriers and extended the boundaries of what a dramatic TV series can be. It was like a big movie every week."
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Jam Hsiao celebrates success with fans
Jam Hsiao, a Taiwan-based Chinese singer, has invited fans and media to celebrate the success of his fourth album "Wild Dreams", which received positive reviews in the music scene in Beijing on Sept 1, 2011.
Warner Music, Hsiao's management company, organized the event at Dayin Theater in Beijing's CBD. Hsiao sang his new songs "Only thinking of you" and "I really want to tell you" at the event.
Hsiao, known for his shyness, seemed more relaxed and expressed his mind more freely about his new album and the movie "The Killer Who Never Kills", in which he made his first appearance on the silver screen.
Fan Zhichao, general manager of Warner Music, presented a Lyre – an ancient symbol for musical arts – to Hsiao and encouraged him to be more courageous on the road of music.
Yang Xiangdong, president of Tea Department of Uni-President Enterprises (China) Investment, also praised Hsiao for his hard work and achievements. In hopes of renewing the endorsement contract with Hsiao, Yang presented a Bingchun Tea Endorsement Contract for 2012 to the musician at the event.
Warner Music, Hsiao's management company, organized the event at Dayin Theater in Beijing's CBD. Hsiao sang his new songs "Only thinking of you" and "I really want to tell you" at the event.
Hsiao, known for his shyness, seemed more relaxed and expressed his mind more freely about his new album and the movie "The Killer Who Never Kills", in which he made his first appearance on the silver screen.
Fan Zhichao, general manager of Warner Music, presented a Lyre – an ancient symbol for musical arts – to Hsiao and encouraged him to be more courageous on the road of music.
Yang Xiangdong, president of Tea Department of Uni-President Enterprises (China) Investment, also praised Hsiao for his hard work and achievements. In hopes of renewing the endorsement contract with Hsiao, Yang presented a Bingchun Tea Endorsement Contract for 2012 to the musician at the event.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Dolly Parton's weekday diet
Dolly Parton only eats junk food on weekends.
The country music legend sticks to a low-carbohydrate diet throughout each week to maintain her slim figure, but allows herself treats on weekends when she goes out with her husband Carl Dean.
The 65-year-old singer-and-actress said: "I do have to watch my weight because I'm only 5ft and you can't hold on to too much weight when you're so short.
"So I stay on a low-carb diet pretty much through the week and eat what I want on weekends. And of course nothing matters on Thanksgiving and Christmas!"
But even if she is just going out to a local fast food restaurant near her Nashville home, Dolly always ensures she is dressed up because she likes to look good for her husband at all times.
The blonde star - who is famous for her huge fake breasts and over-the-top outfits - explained: "I don't want to look good for everyone else and like a slouch for him! So even if we're just driving around in our RV camper and hitting all the local fast food joints I'll tease my hair and put it up in a little scrunchie."
The country music legend sticks to a low-carbohydrate diet throughout each week to maintain her slim figure, but allows herself treats on weekends when she goes out with her husband Carl Dean.
The 65-year-old singer-and-actress said: "I do have to watch my weight because I'm only 5ft and you can't hold on to too much weight when you're so short.
"So I stay on a low-carb diet pretty much through the week and eat what I want on weekends. And of course nothing matters on Thanksgiving and Christmas!"
But even if she is just going out to a local fast food restaurant near her Nashville home, Dolly always ensures she is dressed up because she likes to look good for her husband at all times.
The blonde star - who is famous for her huge fake breasts and over-the-top outfits - explained: "I don't want to look good for everyone else and like a slouch for him! So even if we're just driving around in our RV camper and hitting all the local fast food joints I'll tease my hair and put it up in a little scrunchie."
Oasis will never reunite
Oasis will never reunite because they have nothing to achieve.
The group split in August 2009 due to the feud between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher and the guitarist thinks there is no point in them getting back together because they could never be bigger than they were at their peak.
Noel said: "I get asked on a daily basis about a reunion and I say to people, 'To achieve what?' I can understand The Stone Roses because they're bigger now than they ever were.
"We couldn't be bigger than we were because we were the biggest thing that ever was. What do we do - three nights at [venues] Wembley? Three nights at Heaton Park? Knebworth? We already did it all. Do it again? What's the point?"
Noel believes it is more important that Beady Eye - the band formed by Liam and the remaining members of Oasis - should work on living up to the claims they made about their music when they first got together.
He added: "They've got things to do, Beady Eye. They've got a lot of graft to do since their singer proclaimed them to be the greatest band in the f***ing world. They need to get a move on with that. I've got no desire to get into a reunion. Not even for starving children."
Noel - who now has his High Flying Birds solo project - admits he is enjoying working alone because Liam was always so temperamental.
He told Q magazine: "I don't get nervous, I know I can do it, and so can the other lads in the band.
The group split in August 2009 due to the feud between brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher and the guitarist thinks there is no point in them getting back together because they could never be bigger than they were at their peak.
Noel said: "I get asked on a daily basis about a reunion and I say to people, 'To achieve what?' I can understand The Stone Roses because they're bigger now than they ever were.
"We couldn't be bigger than we were because we were the biggest thing that ever was. What do we do - three nights at [venues] Wembley? Three nights at Heaton Park? Knebworth? We already did it all. Do it again? What's the point?"
Noel believes it is more important that Beady Eye - the band formed by Liam and the remaining members of Oasis - should work on living up to the claims they made about their music when they first got together.
He added: "They've got things to do, Beady Eye. They've got a lot of graft to do since their singer proclaimed them to be the greatest band in the f***ing world. They need to get a move on with that. I've got no desire to get into a reunion. Not even for starving children."
Noel - who now has his High Flying Birds solo project - admits he is enjoying working alone because Liam was always so temperamental.
He told Q magazine: "I don't get nervous, I know I can do it, and so can the other lads in the band.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Sweet sounds return
After a lengthy break, that included marriages and children, The Cranberries are back on the road. Chen Nan reports.
Faye Wong is undoubtedly the queen of pop music in most Chinese people's minds. But if they have listened to the music of Irish band The Cranberries, they would realize their queen is not quite a genius. When Wong's career started in Hong Kong in 1994, her cover of The Cranberries' song Dreams made people see her as a pioneering singer. Her imitation of lead female vocalist Dolores O'Riordan's silky voice, feverish high pitch and willowy whisper, as well as the cropped haircut, blew into the Chinese pop music industry like a fresh breeze. The recording immediately distinguished Wong from other female singers.
The Cranberries have influenced other Chinese musicians apart from Wong, such as songwriters Dou Wei, who is Wong's former husband, and singers Mavis Fan and Candy Lo. The Super Girl winner Li Yuchun also covered their song Zombie on her 2005 talent show.
"We have listened to Faye Wong's singing and it's certainly flattering," says Noel Hogan, a founder and guitarist of The Cranberries.
"We saw an interview of a young band on TV the other day. It's surprising that they mentioned our band and called us their idols. We were just doing our own thing, you know."
Faye Wong is undoubtedly the queen of pop music in most Chinese people's minds. But if they have listened to the music of Irish band The Cranberries, they would realize their queen is not quite a genius. When Wong's career started in Hong Kong in 1994, her cover of The Cranberries' song Dreams made people see her as a pioneering singer. Her imitation of lead female vocalist Dolores O'Riordan's silky voice, feverish high pitch and willowy whisper, as well as the cropped haircut, blew into the Chinese pop music industry like a fresh breeze. The recording immediately distinguished Wong from other female singers.
The Cranberries have influenced other Chinese musicians apart from Wong, such as songwriters Dou Wei, who is Wong's former husband, and singers Mavis Fan and Candy Lo. The Super Girl winner Li Yuchun also covered their song Zombie on her 2005 talent show.
"We have listened to Faye Wong's singing and it's certainly flattering," says Noel Hogan, a founder and guitarist of The Cranberries.
"We saw an interview of a young band on TV the other day. It's surprising that they mentioned our band and called us their idols. We were just doing our own thing, you know."
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