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.
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