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.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
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.
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