For the third and final remix of deadmau5 & The Neptunes’ summer smash “Pomegranate,” mau5trap turns to one of the biggest names in dance music and one of the scenes most respected stars--the one and only Carl Cox.
A veteran of acid house and a pioneer of British rave culture embedded deep within the fabric of electronic music history, the undisputed King of Ibiza reveals his upbeat reimagination of “Pomegranate.”
Coming in at over six minutes, the mix travels over many peaks and valleys of production wizardry. Cox ups the tempo adding a wild electro bass, drumtastic top line and sparkly synths keeping Pharrell’s dreamy vocal front and center throughout. The result is a radio-friendly tough house vibe which will easily transfer to the world’s most renowned dancefloors when they eventually return.
“What an amazing opportunity to work with deadmau5 and The Neptunes. Who wouldn’t want to work with them! The original song is amazing--the arrangement, the drive, the bass line,” Carl Cox told to Complex who premiered the remix yesterday (7/9). “Pharrell’s vocals are all fantastic which made remixing it quite difficult, but I knew my mix had to stand up on its own and I wanted to do something conceptual. I sped it up to 128 bpm to give it that techno feel - I really wanted that power of sound to create something for a festival or club sound system. The chorus lines have this Prodigy-esque sub bass line tones and break beat – and that’s a Carl Cox sound: a good kick, a good break beat, and good bass tones. That mixed with Pharrell’s vocals and the sprinkling of The Neptunes and deadmau5’ vibe – and I’m very proud of it.”
Alongside Carl Cox’s remix, mau5trap is also releasing a companion dub version.
Other “Pomegranate” remixes out now come from French Original and Ninajirachi.
Today, Dua Lipa has released the single “Hallucinate.” With its propulsive bassline and shimmering synths, “Hallucinate” transports listeners back to the 90’s. Produced by SG Lewis and Stuart Price, it’s the most club-ready track on the UK number one selling album Future Nostalgia. The album also includes the #1 global hit single “Don’t Start Now,” the UK smash single “Physical” and recent hit “Break My Heart.”
Inspired by the Studio 54 aesthetic and cartoons from multiple iconic eras, the video for “Hallucinate” is an animation extravaganza. Directed by The Mill’s Lisha Tan, who is well known for her illustration and animation style, the film is packed with eclectic and fun characters, including a fully animated cartoon Dua Lipa. You can watch the video here.
About Dua Lipa:
Global pop superstar Dua Lipa is back with Future Nostalgia, her #1 UK sophomore album. Released to worldwide acclaim, it is one of the best reviewed albums of the year so far and debuted in the top 5 of the Billboard 200 Album Chart. Upon release, Future Nostalgia was the most streamed album in a day by a British female artist globally in Spotify history. She has frequently been the biggest female artist in the world on the platform, and is currently the fifth biggest artist overall with nearly 60 million monthly listeners. The album’s certified platinum lead single “Don’t Start Now” is a worldwide hit with one billion streams on Spotify alone, and a #2 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, a career high for the pop star. The track also broke her personal best record of weeks at #1 at US Top 40 radio. Dua followed the success of “Don’t Start Now” by releasing smash UK single “Physical,” and “Break My Heart,” all of which sat on the Billboard Hot 100 and top 10 at UK radio simultaneously. Future Nostalgia is the follow up to Dua’s eponymous 2017 debut, which is certified platinum and spawned 6 platinum tracks. She made BRIT Award history in 2018 by becoming the first female artist to pick up five nominations, with two wins for British Breakthrough Act and British Female Solo Artist, and received two Grammy awards for Best New Artist and Best Dance Recording in early 2019.
“Think of it as a circa-2020 version of the Dismemberment Plan — so of course I love it. Things continue on a spazz-pop wavelength from there, veering between wild aural assaults and more conventionally catchy rock songs like the surf-rockin’ ‘frequent letdown.’ The whole thing rules." Stereogum
“Assuming this is, in fact, a new Illuminati Hotties album, it’s a big step up from their 2018 debut Kiss Yr Frenemies. It’s bolder, punkier and has some of the best rock hooks in recent memory.” Paste
“It's an incredibly catchy, energetic pop and punk album with a great sense of humour” BuzzFeed
Coming off their critically acclaimed 2018 debut Kiss Yr Frenemies, tour-tight and ready to funnel those skills into festival dates and their second record, L.A.’s illuminati hotties instead found themselves in an immovable contract with a publicly collapsing record label. Songwriter and producer Sarah Tudzin began to write her way through contract purgatory, channeling personal and global anxieties into a vibrant mixtape filled with themes of aggression, claustrophobia and loss. As the mugshot-centric album art cheekily informs, this is NOT the record you’ve been waiting for (though you’ll hear that one soon). This is FREE IH.
The first track off FREE IH, “will i get cancelled if i write a song called ‘if you were a man you’d be so cancelled,’” is streaming everywhere today and pre-orders for the LP are available now.
Though it was tracked locally between drummer Tim Kmet’s rehearsal space and Tudzin’s home, FREE IH sounds like an homage to the bands you’d catch on club stages during a sleepless, electrifying cross-country tour. It’s a product of Sarah’s wide array of influences, ranging from snotty Californian forebears Dead Kennedys and Black Flag to the innovation and bravado of Death Grips and Cardi B.
It’s an instant cult classic, too––or should I say, it’s an occult classic. Last week a SoundCloud leaked under the name Occult Classic featuring the 12 songs on FREE IH, fans went into a frenzy. Soaking in the sheer audacity of one of the year’s best and most surprising records being released out of nowhere while also trying to work together to figure out who the mystery band was, they got a mere 24 hours with FREE IH before the link went dark again.
The LA-based band helmed by songwriter and producer Sarah Tudzin made waves with 2018’s Kiss Yr Frenemies, a debut of quirky, poppy rock lovingly fan-dubbed as “tenderpunk.” The record brought illuminati hotties critical acclaim and tour dates alongside contemporary heavyweights PUP and Lucy Dacus, pulling Tudzin away from the recording studio where she’s built up her C.V. engineering and mixing for artists like Weyes Blood, Slowdive and The Kills.
And while a follow-up record does loom on the horizon, someday... FREE IH plays an essential role in the illuminati hotties story; a giddy and meticulous document of a band that’s ready for what’s next, and making beyond-catchy music while they wait.
LISTEN TO 'will i get cancelled if i write a song called ‘if you were a man you’d be so cancelled' HERE
TRACKLIST: 1. will i get cancelled if i write a song called, "if you were a man you'd be so cancelled" 2. free ppls 3. freequent letdown 4. melatonezone 5. WATTBL 6. free dumb 7. content//bedtime 8. free4all 9. b yr own b 10. K - HOT AM 818 11. superiority complex (big noise) 12. reasons 2 live
Hear Ministry’s Fully Endorsed New Playlist, “The Soundtrack To Your Election” On Spotify
With Al Jourgensen’s Personal Picks & Ministry Anthems
Including New Single “Alert Level” And Songs From
2018’s Anti-Trump Manifesto AmeriKKKant That Take On New Relevance
With one of the most important elections in American history on the line this November, Ministry and creator Al Jourgensen are launching a 2020 campaign to inspire fans to get election ready and look forward to receiving a range of autographed memorabilia from Ministry’s acclaimed 2018 anti-Trump album AmeriKKKant.
Says Jourgensen, “When AmeriKKKant was first being developed, the album was a direct response to waking up to shock and panic the day after Trump was officially elected. Now, four years later these songs take on new meaning as we get rid of the Mango Moron. Vote this November like your life depends on it, because this time it really does!”
Fans who are currently unregistered to vote are encouraged to head to http://ministryband.com/vote and click on the graphic to complete a few simple steps to get ready and sign up for alerts. Once completed, take a screenshot of the confirmation page and e-mail it to unclealforpresident2020@gmail.com along with your mailing address.
Fans who are already registered to vote are encouraged to engage in another cause important to the band—the national #SaveOurStages campaign that urges Congress to provide critical funding to independent music venues across the United States. Head to www.SaveOurStages.com and sign the online petition and/or make a donation to the cause. Once completed, take a screenshot of the confirmation page and e-mail it to unclealforpresident2020@gmail.com along with your mailing address.
Supplies of autographed memorabilia are limited and available to fans in the U.S. only who are able to take a voter action in the upcoming election and take part in the #SaveOurStages national campaign. Please send only one e-mail per person.
To provide the perfect soundtrack to get fans engaged in the upcoming voting season, Ministry has also created a new playlist, “The Soundtrack To Your Election,” available now on Spotify. With 30 powerful selections, the playlist features personal favorites of Jourgensen as well as Ministry’s own rally cries including new single “Alert Level” and tracks from the highly politicized album AmeriKKKant, the band’s most recent full-length release.
Loudwire called AmeriKKKantMinistry’s “State of the Union” and Metal Injection said the album “heavily embodies the current maelstrom of political hell that is swallowing the United States” when it was released in 2018 as Trump was taking the presidency. Featuring songs like “We’re Tired Of It” and “Victims Of A Clown,” the tracks are more relevant than ever as many focus on unseating Trump in November.
Jourgensen has spent decades using his music to rally fans and listeners to the fight for equal rights, restoring American liberties, exposing exploitation and putting crooked politicians in their rightful place. Songs like “Thieves,” “Lies, Lies, Lies” and “N.W.O.” have taken on political corruption and the societal constructs that led to historic events like 9/11 and the 1992 Los Angeles riots while the George W. Bush administration spurred an entire trilogy from the industrial godfather.
With America still on the brink, Ministry’sAl Jourgensen has re-entered the studio to create his missives that will become material for a to-be-announced new album on Nuclear Blast Records. The first taste, “Alert Level” was released in April, and asked fans to be part of the larger conversation by answering the question posed by the song, “How concerned are you?” Many of the videos have been shared across Ministry’s social media pages as the band and Jourgensen encourage fans to remain engaged and informed in 2020.
About Ministry
Born in 1981 in Chicago, Ministry has been the lifetime passion project of founder Al Jourgensen, considered to be the pioneer of industrial music. In its early days, Ministry was identifiable by its heavy synth-pop material in line with the new sounds and technology that were being developed in the ‘80s. Ministry’s output began with four 12” singles on Wax Trax! Records in 1981 before the first LP With Sympathy in 1983 via Arista Records. As time progressed however, so did Ministry, quickly developing a harsher, and more stylized sound that the band soon became infamous for on seminal albums Twitch (1986), The Land of Rape and Honey (1988), and The Mind Is A Terrible Thing To Taste (1989). With the release of Psalm 69: The Way to Succeed and The Way to Suck Eggs (1992), Ministry hit an all time high in the mainstream musical realm and received its first Grammy nomination. In total, Ministry has been nominated for a Grammy award six times. After an indefinite hiatus in 2013, Ministry’s latest album, 2018’s AmeriKKKant, continues to reflect Jourgensen’s views on the frightening state of society and politics. With the latest lineup featuring Sin Quirin and Cesar Soto on guitars, John Bechdel (Killing Joke) on keys, London May (Samhain) on drums and Paul D’Amour (Tool) on bass, Ministry continues recording in 2020 with new music and a few more surprises planned.
AN ACCOMPANIMENT TO THE SURPRISE NEW STUDIO ALBUM LOVE + LIGHT
OUT NOW
Having recently returned with his surprise third studio album, Love + Light, Daniel Avery shares its accompanying visual album. Created by Australian designer Greg Hodgson, who previously collaborated with Avery on visuals for Song For Alpha B-sides & Remixes cut “Think About What You Love” along with PSSU – Avery’s project with Richard Fearless – the mesmerizing imagery was created using feedback loops. Watch here.
"I've always found Daniel Avery's music to be explorative and adventurous,” Hodgson explains, “You can tell he’s more interested in exploring unknown realms in real time with his sound than hunting for some sort of mathematical musical precision.I've embraced that way of thinking while producing this series of videos - I hunkered down in my darkened studio in Northern NSW with my chain of analogue video gear and old CRT monitors and approached the whole project in a live improvised way. Every track has begun with a feedback loop using my trusty old VHS Camera pointing at an old television screen from the '80s with the signal being sent in an infinite loop between camera and screen.Inserted into this loop is my chain of analogue video gear, each with its own character and ability to shape the signal that flows through it.”
Love + Light is out now on digital platforms via Mute/Phantasy in the United States and Canada and via Phantasy worldwide. Stream the album and pre-order limited edition vinyl and CD formats here.
Upon release, Exclaim hailed the album as “some of [Avery’s] most beautiful work to date,” while NME called it "a heartfelt eulogy for the hedonism we’re missing this summer,” continuing, “this two-part record perfectly captures the euphoria of club culture.”
Love + Light arrived unexpectedly following Avery’s recent collaborations with Alessandro Cortini on the critically acclaimed Illusion of Time LP and alongside Roman Flügel under the alias of Noun. Pitchfork described Illusion of Time as “expansive in scope, charmingly rough around the edges, and brimming with possibility...a beautiful record that takes wonder as its defining characteristic,” while Loud & Quiet hailed it as “a record that suggests Godspeed You! Black Emperor in drone mode, reimagining Music For Airports as if the runways were covered in gravel and air traffic control was on strike.” Avery’s previous solo album Song For Alpha was released in 2018 to similar acclaim.
Love + Light tracklisting London Island Dusting For Smoke Dream Distortion Katana Darlinnn Depth Wish Searing Light, Forward Motion Infinite Future
After The Fire Into The Arms Of Stillness Fuzzwar Pure Life A Story In E5 One More Morning
SHOWS AT RED ROCKS ON JULY 16 CONCERT TO STREAM VIA FUTURE CLASSIC’S TWITCH CHANNEL
July 13, 2020—In the absence of Flume being able to perform at Red Rocks this year, the Grammy-winning, Sydney-born, L.A.-based producer will livestream his Sold Out 2019 Flume & Friends Shows at Red Rocks on July 16 at 6P.M. PT/9P.M. ET/11A.M. AEST and July 17 at 8P.M. BST/9P.M. CEST via Future Classic’s Twitch channel—RSVP here. The show, which features guest appearances from Slowthai, Vera Blue, Reo Cragun and JPEGMAFIA, will also stream via Flume’s Youtube channel and will be available on Playstation 4 and Playstation VR via the Littlstar app.
Earlier this year, Flume shared his first new music of 2020, “The Difference” featuring Toro y Moi alongside a Jonathan Zawada-directed video. Last year, Flume’s Best Dance/Electronic Album nomination for his acclaimed Hi This Is Flume mixtape at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards capped off a monumental year for the producer. Earlier in 2019, he released a collaborative EP Quits with rapper Reo Cragun and shared singles “Let You Know” feat. London Grammar and “Rushing Back” featuring Vera Blue, which debuted at #12 on the U.S. Dance/Electronic chart and landed #2 on the Triple J Hottest 100. He also toured the globe with stops at festivals including Lollapalooza, Osheaga, Outside Lands, Japan’s Summersonic, Italy’s C2C and more. Additionally, Flume recently launched a new line of merchandise that can be purchased here. Critical praise for “The Difference”…
“…a ridiculously catchy cut that both shimmers and skitters.”—The FADER “…an effervescent drum and bass-inspired cut…”—Billboard “Brisk and snappy, the song feels like a rejoiceful jog outside on the first day that the winter blues makes way for spring sunshine.”—Popdust
Flume (born Harley Streten) rose to prominence as a teenager with his scene-starting self-titled debut in 2012. Featuring the hits “Holding On,” “On Top,” “Sleepless” and others, the album topped the ARIA charts, garnered four spots in triple j’s Hottest 100 and sold out a massive Australian 40,000 cap tour. In the two years that followed, Flume established a name as a serious international contender thanks to his compelling live show (debuting at Coachella, Lollapalooza and many others) and skillful remixes of high-profile acts including Lorde and Disclosure.
After a series of well-received collaborations (Lockjaw EP with Chet Faker [2014] and Some Minds with Andrew Wyatt [2015]), Flume released his second LP, Skin. Launching with the blockbuster hit “Never Be Like You” featuring Kai, and topping the ARIA Chart on release, the album reinforced Flume’s status as an inventive, boundary-pushing producer while simultaneously reaching huge new audiences around the world. That year, Flume topped triple j’s Hottest 100, won seven ARIAs, an APRA Award for Songwriter of the Year and sold over 300,000 tickets globally across a sold out 59 date world tour. He achieved platinum accreditation in multiple territories around the world and took home his first Grammy Award for Best/Dance Electronic Album.
Montreal’s No Joy today reveal their latest video, “Four."
Frontperson and principal songwriter Jasamine White-Gluz calls the track “perhaps my favorite No Joy song ever written." It is taken from No Joy’s new album, Motherhood, out on August 21 st via Joyful Noise / Hand Drawn Dracula.
No Joy’s latest video follows Kanienʼkehá꞉ka (Mohawk) visual artist Ashley Diabo at her home in Kahnawake. Ashley's art is inspired by her home, family, Pennywise and nature. Makeup has been her primary medium, having worked with Dazed Magazine, SSENSE, Hunter Schafer, and King Kong Magazine.
No Joy teamed up with Jodi Heartz with the aim, explains Jasamine, “to appreciate Ashley at home, hoping to inspire all to embrace the love and inspiration of their home the way Ashley reminds us every day. She has a special gift to make the everyday more and better and magical.”
Ashley, Jodi and No Joy are urging listeners to make donations to the following organizations:
For No Joy’s first full length in five years, Jasamine White-Gluz took what she learned from synthesis, reincorporated guitars, and produced an album that is not a departure from No Joy’s early shoegaze, but a stylistically omnivorous expansion that ekes into trip hop, trance and nu-metal. Motherhood is the culmination of years composing outside of her comfort zone, and a return to DIY recording with a leveled-up expertise in production.
No Joy Motherhood (Joyful Noise / Hand Drawn Dracula) Release Date: Aug. 21, 2020 Pre-order here
Track List: Birthmark Dream Rats (feat. Alissa White-Gluz) Nothing Will Hurt Four Ageless Why Mothers Die Happy Bleeding Signal Lights Fish Primal Curse Kidder
“Vusi Mahlasela is more than just a popular musician in South Africa. His simple yet powerful storytelling has helped connect and carry a nation recovering from an apartheid past… He recognizes the power that his talent has in bringing hope to others in South Africa.” - NPR
“For more than 25 years, the legendary singer has been celebrated globally for his powerful vocals and universal messages of freedom and human kindness.” - CNN
Vusi Mahlasela, the legendary activist and singer-songwriter known as “The Voice” in his native South Africa, will release a new live album of traditional township songs,Shebeen Queen, on August 14 on ATO Records. The “shebeen queen” of the title is Mahlasela’s late grandmother Ida (whom he calls Magogo), who raised him in the township of Mamelodi (meaning “mother of melody”), where he still lives today. Following her husband’s murder in 1961, Ida opened a shebeen (speakeasy) and began selling homebrewed beer (umqombothi) to make her living. Her space became known for its lively musical gatherings at night, where the townspeople would use buckets, tins, and plastic drums as instruments, and Ingoma'buksu - music rooted in Mbube culture, meaning “Songs of the Night” - would be celebrated with everyone singing together in full voices. Ida became known as the “Shebeen Queen.” As a boy, Mahlasela saw a man playing a guitar at one of these gatherings and was inspired to build his first guitar from fishing line and a cooking oil can.
Shebeen Queen is a celebration of the vibrant musical culture of his hometown, first encountered at Ida’s shebeen. “Ida was a strong woman and was respected by all in our community,” he says. “In 1976, when I witnessed the Soweto Uprising, my political education began and I realized how important music was. I began writing songs of justice, of freedom, of revolution, of love, of peace and of life. For these songs, I was arrested and thrown into solitary confinement. Magogo was always there for me –she fought for me, protected me and stood up for what was right. She was and still is my greatest hero. I decided I wanted to record some of these great Township songs in an effort to preserve this important music, so critical to our community and to our history. I wanted to honour this music and my grandmother by recording a live show, right here in Mamelodi at Magogo’s house.”
Today Mahlasela releases a vibrant video previewing the album and showcasing the joyful live concert. Watch the video HERE and pre-order Shebeen QueenHERE.
Vusi Mahlasela - Shebeen Queen
August 14, 2020 - ATO Records
1. Imal' Iyaphela
2. Ithemba Lami
3. Umculo
4. Zimbabwe
5. Khona Manje
6. Intombi
7. Yithi Masoja
8. Silang Mabele
9. Draaikies
10. Molaetsa Keo
11. Unomeva
Vusi Mahlasela is a world-renowned anti-apartheid activist and folk musician who has released nine beloved albums over the last two decades. He has collaborated with Dave Matthews, Béla Fleck, Taj Mahal, Warren Haynes, and Angelique Kidjo and shared stages across the world with Sting, Paul Simon, Dave Matthews Band, Josh Groban, Natalie Merchant, and more. In 1994, Mahlasela performed at Nelson Mandela’s inauguration; he also served as an ambassador for Mandela’s 46664 campaign, raising awareness about the HIV/AIDS crisis in South Africa. Mahlasela performed at the FIFA World Cup Kick Off concert in Soweto, South Africa in 2010, and in 2012 he was honored by SAMA (South African Music Awards) with a lifetime achievement award. He holds honorary Doctorate degrees from both Rhodes University and the University of Kwazulu-Natal. South African President Ramaphosa recently recognized Vusi cultural contributions with a national “Ubuntu and Culture” award.
NEW ALBUM LINDÉ OUT SEPTMEBER 4 VIA WORLD CIRCUIT RECORDS
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY DAMON ALBARN AND NICK GOLD
Photo credit: Christien Jaspars
July 14, 2020—In celebration of Malian songwriter and guitarist Afel Bocoum’s forthcoming studio albumLindé—due September 4 via World Circuit Records and executive produced by Damon Albarn (Blur, Gorillaz) and World Circuit’s Nick Gold—Bocoum is premiering the album track “Dakamana.” Stream the track here and pre-order the record here: http://worldcircuit.lnk.to/AfelBocoumLinde.
The song is a plea to Afel’s fellow Malians to come together at a time when jihad, poverty and tribal war have brought the country to its knees. He explains: “Malian culture doesn’t recognize divisive expressions such as: “northerner,” “southerner,” “black” and “white.” Let’s just say “Malian,” full stop. Social cohesion is our social security.” Alongside the gentle click of the calabash and the twang of the kamele n’goni (large “youth” harp), the song also features the trombone of Skatalites veteran Vin Gordon.
The first single taken from the record, “Avion,” is a playful and optimistic tribute to air travel with the guitars of Mamadou Kelly, Oumar Konaté and Lamine Soumano providing sweet and melodic propulsion.
Named after the wild expanse near Afel’s hometown of Niafunké, Lindé is a remarkable blend of deep tradition and audacious innovation. The album was recorded in Mali’s capital Bamako, and stitches together the age-old music of the Niger bend with styles from across the globe, boasting performances from a number of eminent Malian musicians including Madou Kouyaté, the late ‘Hama’ Sankaré and Madou Sidiki Diabaté, along with the drums of recently-departed Afrobeat pioneer Tony Allen, the trombone of Vin Gordon (Bob Marley / Skatalites) and the violin of Joan as Police Woman.
Traditional instruments like the ngoni, njurkele, kora and calabash blend with guitars, percussion and call-and-response vocals. The result is a gently undulating flow that emanates from a source hidden deep in the historical and mystical traditions of Afel’s native land, enriched along its way by musical tributaries and cross-currents. It’s music that rolls rather than rocks, graceful, unforced and minimal by design.
Lindé is also an album with a message; in the face of an uncertain and turbulent world, and a homeland struggling with jihad, poverty and tribal war, Afel Bocoum urges hope, solidarity and unity. “We have to meet each other, talk to each other, look each other in the eye and tell the truth,” Afel says. “If we’re not united, I can see no solution. Our social security is music. That’s all we’ve got left. People love music, so we have to make use of that fact.”
Afel Bocoum is among the last of a breakthrough generation of African musicians who cross-pollinated their own traditional music with the new sounds that arrived from all over the world throughout the 20th century. Hailing from Niafunké in Mali, an area that straddles the cultural riches and political tensions between the northern and southern areas of the country, Afel spent decades touring and recording with desert blues pioneer Ali Farka Touré. His debut album Alkibar (1999, World Circuit) propelled him to international recognition, leading him to work with Albarn & Toumani Diabaté on 2002’s Mali Music, as well as contributing regularly to the famed Africa Express projects and collaborating with Béla Fleck, Habib Koité, and Tartit Ensemble among others. “You have to collaborate, otherwise you’ll get nowhere in today’s world,” Afel says. “All those collaborations were positive.”
THE SOUNDFLOWERS FEATURING PARIS JACKSON AND GABRIEL GLENN RELEASES OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “YOUR LOOK (GLORIOUS)”
VIDEO EXECUTIVE PRODUCED AND SHOT BY PRINCE JACKSON
TAKEN FROM SELF-TITLED DEBUT EP OUT NOW
RECENTLY APPEARED ON GOOD MORNING AMERICA
WATCH THE OFFICIAL VIDEO FOR “YOUR LOOK (GLORIOUS)” HERE LISTEN TO THE SOUNDFLOWERS EP HERE
NEW YORK, NY – July 14th – Today, The Soundflowers, featuring Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn, debuts the official video for “Your Look (Glorious)”—watch HERE! The full-length video was executive produced and shot by Prince Jackson via his production house King’s Son Productions.
“Your Look (Glorious)” is taken from the band’s self-titled debut EP, The Soundflowers, released last month to widespread acclaim via IMPERIAL. Billboard hailed “Your Look (Glorious)” as “simply romantic,” while Idolator proclaimed “The Soundflowers make a winning first impression” and Hollywood Life praised the EP as “five songs full of indie-folk goodness.”
This morning, Paris and Prince appeared on Good Morning America to discuss The Soundflowers, “Your Look (Glorious)” and more—watch their interview here. On collaborating with Prince, Paris says, “I was really comfortable working with my brother, it just felt natural.”
The Soundflowers’ five-track debut project eclectically blends indie acoustic and folk with influences of blues, soul, bluegrass country and beach reggae. The EP was produced by Mike Malchicoff (King Princess) with GRAMMY Award-winning mix engineer Rob Kinelski (Billie Eilish), and it is accompanied by video vignettes created by award-winning director Hannah Lux Davis (Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Nicki Minaj). The band is donating their net proceeds from merchandise sales to Black Women Lead, Black Voters Matter Fund and BEAM through the end of this month. Merchandise is now available via thesoundflowersmerch.com.
The Soundflowers’ six-part Facebook Watch Original Docuseries, “Unfiltered: Paris Jackson & Gabriel Glenn,” is currently airing every Tuesday at 3AM PT/6AM ET through August 4th. The docuseries explores the band’s journey together beyond the music—watch the latest episode hereand check out the band’s recent performance of “Geronimo” here.
The Soundflowers was born after Jackson and Glenn first crossed paths at Los Angeles’ Rainbow Bar and Grill during a TrashDögs performance, the rock ‘n’ roll band fronted by Gabriel. They quickly realized that their musical energies and passions aligned, as Paris recalls, “I started writing around 13 when I bought myself a guitar; I didn’t really start sharing or recording it until I met Gabriel.” Of their first time working on music together at Gabriel’s band’s rehearsal studio, he says, “We showed each other songs and even wrote a few on the spot. Everything fit together so naturally, from our voices to our songwriting style. I had never met someone who fit so perfectly with my sound.”
ABOUT THE SOUNDFLOWERS The sound behind The Soundflowers is an eclectic take on indie acoustic and folk music, as the band attributes their songwriting to influences like The Beatles, Joe Purdy, Ray LaMontagne, Radiohead and The Lumineers. While Paris Jackson hails from one of the most successful families in music history, she is best known for her activism, acting and modeling work, the latter of which has seen her front campaigns for international brands like Calvin Klein, gracing the cover of top fashion magazines, including Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar titles and making her runway debut earlier this year at Jean Paul Gaultier’s final show. On the acting front, Paris has taken on several TV and film roles, collaborating with acclaimed industry professionals, including Lee Daniels, Charlize Theron, Joel Edgerton and Rachel Winters. Aside from music, Paris’ biggest passion has always been in using her platform to shine light on causes important to her, notably going off-script while presenting at the GRAMMY Awards and MTV VMAs, to highlight the Dakota Access Pipeline and events of racial injustice in Charlottesville, respectably. Paris also serves as an Ambassador for the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation (ETAF) and is passionate about continuing her godmother’s legacy of ridding the stigma and finding a cure for the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
Gabriel Glenn has always leaned into his musical talents, which first emerged while singing in the car with his mom on the way to school and further cultivated by forming bands with friends in his youth and studying music at the collegiate level in his home state of Louisiana. Upon moving to Los Angeles several years ago, Gabriel and a couple close friends formed the “desert rock ‘n’ roll” band TrashDögs, which has found local success performing at popular haunts along the Sunset Strip. Upon meeting Paris and forming The Soundflowers, Gabriel feels more complete as an artist: “She creates so naturally and honestly; it inspires me to be a better songwriter. I think having a unique spirit like hers allows us to channel things we’d never receive on our own.”
ABRAMS TO KICK OFF ‘MINOR BEDROOM SHOWS’ VIRTUAL TOUR NEXT WEEK
Santa Monica, California, July 14, 2020 – Today, emerging songwriter Gracie Abrams shares her highly awaited debut project, minor. A stunning showcase for her nuanced lyricism and mesmerizing vocals, the seven-song project features Abrams’s acclaimed singles “21,”“I miss you, I’m sorry,” and “Long Sleeves.” minor is available now via Interscope Records at all digital retailers HERE.
Today also marks the premiere of the video for “Friend,” a particularly poignant track from minor. The beautifully shot visual follows the 20-year-old artist as she rides around Los Angeles alone, journeying through the city’s enchanted outskirts, chaotic freeways, and lonesome streets while candidly sharing her story of betrayal and loss.
Watch the video for “Friend” by Gracie AbramsHERE.
Executive-produced by Blake Slatkin, minor spotlights the quietly captivating artistry that’s won Abrams praise from outlets like NME (who hailed her “painfully honest tales of heartbreak draped in delicate melodies that carry much more intrigue than the usual run-of-the-mill singer-songwriter”) and i-D (who noted that her voice “cradl[es] the power to break even the toughest heart”). With each song centered on her unguarded yet finely layered songwriting, minor finds Abrams collaborating with producer/songwriters like Joel Little, Benny Blanco, Jim-E Stack, Sarah Aarons and Caroline Pennell.
In a full-circle moment for Abrams, minorfeatures the first of her songs to draw widespread attention: the project’s bittersweet title track, penned by Abrams at age 17. Now a fan favorite, after Abrams shared clips of the song on social media, “minor” offers an early glimpse into the graceful balance of raw outpouring and sharply detailed self-reflection that would come to define her music. That approach soon proved undeniable to listeners around the world, as evidenced by “21” and “I miss you, I’m sorry” each recently surpassing 10 million streams on Spotify.
Through the years, Abrams has shared homespun clips of her songs on social media, amassing over 290k followers on Instagram before she’d even released her first track.
Track listing for minor by Gracie Abrams:
1. Friend 2. 21 3. Under Over 4. tehe 5. I miss you, I’m sorry 6. Long Sleeves 7. minor
As her fanbase continues to grow exponentially, Abrams is now gearing up for a six-date virtual tour, each delivering an extraordinarily intimate performance straight from her bedroom. Kicking off on July 20 in Los Angeles, the Minor Bedroom Shows tour will continue through July 31 in Sydney.
Dates for the Minor Bedroom Shows virtual tour
July 20 – LA July 21 – NYC July 22 – London July 25 – Chicago July 29 – Berlin July 31 – Sydney
Named an artist to watch by Pigeons & Planes,Fader, and iD — and crowned one of seven breakout female musicians by Vogue UK — Abrams considers herself a songwriter, first and foremost. After writing her first song at the age of eight, she went on to earn a devoted following on the strength of her indelibly personal lyrics and magnetic vocal delivery. Last fall, Abrams made her official debut with “Mean It” — an intensely vulnerable piece hailed by Ones To Watch as “pure, sentimental, and undeniably beautiful.”
“HEAD ABOVE THE PARAKEETS” AND “ROTATING IN UNISON” OUT NOW
FULL FOUR-TRACK EP OUT SEPTEMBER 11
credit: Imogene von Barron
HAAi today shares two brand new tracks: “Head Above The Parakeets” and “Rotating in Unison,” both out now on Mute. These two new tracks form the first half of HAAi’s forthcoming four-track EP, Put Your Head Above The Parakeets, out September 11 on vinyl 12” and digital platforms. Listen and pre-order the 12” here. Watch the video for “Head Above The Parakeets” here.
Of the release, HAAi stated, “‘Head Above The Parakeets’ is an obvious play on words. To signify the feeling of risk, apprehension and being exposed in what you create. This video was made from footage from some of my favorite festivals and shows over the past year, some of my own visuals and some that were made for my 2019 Sonar show by INSRT. It’s a nostalgic, psychedelic nod to the job and people I love so much and a reaction to the whirlwind that was my life for the past couple of years. Thank you to Duncan Jacob (Duncographic) for the bulk of the footage from Let Them Eat Cake earlier this year.”
“The track ‘Rotating In Unison’ was made to highlight beauty and coexistence as we all rotate around the sun. To try and remember beauty and calm in a time of uncertainty and unrest, even for just a few minutes.”
These new tracks follow HAAi’s debut for Mute, the Systems Up, Windows Down EP, described by The Observer as “a bolshy collection of vibrant face-melters” and by Earmilk as "...a tantalizing, multi-textured piece of art."
Recent online sets include an hour-long show alongside Mute label boss Daniel Miller for Love Record Stores Event and a show from her flat in East London for Boiler Room’s Streaming from Isolation series.
Put Your Head Above The Parakeets EP Tracklisting 1. Head Above The Parakeets 2. Rotating In Unison 3. Bon Viveur 4. Bass Is The Place
UMe and Tuff Gong Worldwide are excited to announce a very special, one-off virtual performance from 8X GRAMMY Award-winning icon Ziggy Marley as part of the on-going Bob Marley 75th birthday celebrations that additionally includes Sirius/XM launching a limited-edition Tuff Gong Radio Channel, the release of a Legend Picture Disc and a partnership with One Tree Planted to combat deforestation by streaming Marley's iconic music.
With a virtual performance set to take place on July 19 in conjunction with CEEK Virtual Reality, Ziggy Marley will be paying homage to his father's timeless catalog, performing eleven of Bob Marley's legendary tracks in an intimate setting and livestreamed on Bob Marley's official YouTube channel. Following the concert, Ziggy will be participating in an exclusive Q&A through CEEK's content streaming platform. A select number of 360VR tracks will be available on Ceek's Virtual Reality platform. The audio of the full performance, Ziggy Marley – Bob Marley 75th Celebration (pt. 1)will be made available as an e-album, on July 31, listen HERE.
"With Ceek's innovative technology, Ziggy Marley has created an immersive experience that's rooted in Bob Marley's passion and sense of community and honors his father's legacy by bringing people together through the power of music," said Bruce Resnikoff, President,and CEO, UMe.
SiriusXM announced today, the launch of Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio, which kicks off today, July 15 at 9 am PT/Noon ET. The limited-edition channel will feature the music of Bob Marley and his band The Wailers and highlight studio and live performances, widely popular songs, and rare tracks. Additionally, listeners will hear recordings from the Marley family as well as artists who are a part of the iconic brand and label founded by Bob Marley, Tuff Gong. Channel 42 will become Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio from July 15 at 9 am PT/Noon ET through August 13 and will be available on the SiriusXM app in the Hip-Hop/R&B category, internet-connected devices and smart speakers in your home. For more information on Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio, click HERE.
In addition to Bob Marley's Tuff Gong Radio, fans can also "Stream for Trees" to help the environment while celebrating Bob Marley's music. One Tree Planted, a non-profit organization focused on global reforestation, in conjunction with UMe, is taking action and planting trees funded by fans streaming Bob Marley's songs. Simply connect your Spotify account by clicking HERE and revisit the website any time to see how many trees will be planted throughout the campaign.
On July 24, one of the world's best-selling and most loved albums of our time, LEGEND will be released as a limited-edition picture disc. Featuring many of Bob's most memorable songs, from "One Love/People Get Ready" to "Get Up, Stand Up,""Is This Love" to "Jammin',""Could You Be Loved" to "Three Little Birds," and eight more classics, in celebration of #BobMarley75, the album will be available in a limited edition picture disc presenting the iconic cover shot backed with a previously unseen image of Bob. Pre-order HERE.
Earlier this month, in continued observance of the late and legendary Bob Marley's 75th Birthday, and in honor of the July 1International Reggae Day celebrations, an official music video for Bob Marley's "No Woman No Cry," was released. Directed by Kristian Mercado Figueroa and shot in Jamaica and New York City, the powerful visual explores two tales of a family divided by country but connected by their love and want for a better life for their children. We see a strong and loving Mother strive to look after her children in their homeland. At the same time, the Father works tirelessly, isolated in New York City, working as a taxi driver to better provide for his family back home. The video shines a light on the importance of family and connection while confronting the genuine struggles many families face in the modern world, often forced apart due to poverty. The video for "No Woman No Cry" debuted on Bob Marley's Official YouTube Channel. Watch HERE.
Subscribe to Bob Marley's Official YouTube Channel and never miss an update.
In this digital era, Bob Marley remains one of the most followed posthumous artists on social media, and MARLEY75 will serve to bring his music and message to the digital foreground, reaching new audiences and perspectives with innovative content and groundbreaking technology. Special live events, exclusive digital content, recordings, exhibitions, plus rare and unearthed treasures will also be revealed throughout the year. Bob Marley's music continues to inspire generation upon generation, as his legacy lives on through his message of love, justice, and unity, a sentiment needed more than ever in 2020. In conjunction with Tuff Gong and UMe, a division of the Universal Music Group, the Marley family will continue to ensure the highest quality, integrity, and care is taken to honor Bob's legacy and to celebrate one of the 20th century's most important and influential figures.
Tune in and subscribe to the Official Bob Marley YouTube channel here for more upcoming content celebrating Bob's legacy and contribution to the world.
Additional information on MARLEY75 events will be revealed soon.
#BobMarley75
ABOUT BOB MARLEY: Bob Marley, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is notable not only as the man who put reggae on the global map but, as a statesman in his native Jamaica, he famously brought together the country's warring factions. Today, Bob Marley remains one of the 20th century's most important and influential entertainment icons. Marley's lifestyle and music continue to inspire new generations as his legacy lives on through his music. In the digital era, he has the second-highest social media following of any posthumous celebrity, with the official Bob Marley Facebook page drawing more than 70 million fans, ranking it among the Top 20 of all Facebook pages and Top 10 among celebrity pages. Marley's music catalog has sold millions of albums worldwide. His iconic collection, LEGEND, holds the distinction of being the longest-charting album in the history of Billboard magazine's Catalog Albums chart and remains the world's best-selling reggae album. Marley's accolades include inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994) and ASCAP Songwriters Hall of Fame (2010), a GRAMMY® Lifetime Achievement Award (2001), multiple entries in the GRAMMY® Hall Of Fame, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2001). For more information visit: bobmarley.com and facebook.com/bobmarley.
July 16, 2020 – (Santa Monica, CA) Today, YUNGBLUD shares his explosive new song “Strawberry Lipstick” and its equally outrageous video. Released via Locomotion/Interscope Records, “Strawberry Lipstick” is the brand-new single from the British singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist’s full-length sophomore album, due out later this year. Stream/download “Strawberry Lipstick” HERE, and check out the video HERE.
Directed by Christian Breslauer (Roddy Ricch, Tory Lanez, Marshmello) the “Strawberry Lipstick” video stars YUNGBLUD, his band, and L.A.-based singer/songwriter Jesse Jo Stark. With a whirlwind intensity true to YUNGBLUD’s chaotic charisma, the visual places him in a series of outlandish scenarios: mixing it up in a boxing ring, dancing in a custom Union Jack dress, lounging in a bathtub full of strawberries alongside Stark. A perfect foil to YUNGBLUD, Stark is a captivating presence.
Co-produced by YUNGBLUD with his longtime collaborators Chris Greatti (Poppy, Grimes) and Zakk Cervini (Bishop Briggs, Machine Gun Kelly), “Strawberry Lipstick” is a delightfully warped love song propelled by the 22-year-old artist’s snarling vocals and larger-than-life energy. With its fuzzed-out riffs and glam-rock flash, the gloriously catchy track also spotlights YUNGBLUD’s gender-bending tendencies.
Endlessly creative, YUNGBLUD also recently announced the upcoming release of his new graphic novel, The Twisted Tales of the Ritalin Club Volume 2:Weird Times at Quarry Banks University. The follow-up toThe Twisted Tales of the Ritalin Club(his 2019 debut as a graphic novelist), the comic follows YUNGBLUD and his super-powered friends as they navigate university life and all its drugs, sex, and relationship drama — ultimately finding themselves caught in a trip that may cost them their lives. Due out via Z2 Comics this November, Weird Times at Quarry Banks University is now available for preorder in multiple editions. Go HERE for more info.
About YUNGBLUD Born in Yorkshire, England, YUNGBLUD (aka Dominic Harrison) is a multi-instrumentalist who first picked up a guitar at age two and began writing his own songs at age 10. The 22-year-old artist is known for voicing what he feels are major concerns for his generation, using his music to unite and empower the youth of today. After breaking onto the scene with his self-titled EP, YUNGBLUD made his full-length debut with 21st Century Liability — a 2018 release that channeled his outrage about the state of the world into confrontational yet catchy songs steeped in punk fury and pop melodicism. The following year, YUNGBLUD released Live In Atlanta and the hope for the underrated youth EP, which debuted in the top 10 on the UK Official Albums chart. Over the years, YUNGBLUD has performed to sold-out crowds in over20 countries and played some of the world’s biggest festivals, including Austin City Limits, Life Is Beautiful, Lollapalooza, Reading and Leeds Festivals, and Vans Warped Tour.
"A Glass Candy-esque piece of seductive electronic pop" The FADER
"An uplifting piece of forward-thinking pop, if 100 gecs hadn't been so intent on making music that'll guarantee to give you a noise complaint, and leant more toward family-friendly futuristic bops" DIY Magazine
"Bright, glitchy melodies frolic across a rippling, tropical percussion for a sound synonymous with contemporaries like Kero Kero Bonito and Rina Sawayama" The Line Of Best Fit
"Futuristic pop music about intimacy and the internet." i-D
"A tantalisingly good debut" The Times
⚬
Hackney, London based duo 0171 today release their new single "Photograph", the third track to be shared from upcoming EP 'Change Nothing'. Widely praised for their futuristic, experimental approach to electronic pop, the new single follows the previously released singles “Automatic” and "Follow".
Consisting of producers/singers Joe Bedell-Brill and Georgie Hoare, 0171 are breaking down societal conundrums and complexities; all played out to a backdrop of innovative, technology-warped pop.
"Photograph" pushes those musical boundaries further once more. Aligning with contemporaries including Rina Sawayama, Kero Kero Bonito and 100 gecs, Joe and Georgie knit together soaring string sections with jittering percussion and ghostly electronics, with the duo singing about empty nostalgia: "make me unsure and small / ghost of my memory".
“Photograph is inspired by looking at a photo of an ex," the band said. "A photo that records a moment when everything seemed perfect, but now it’s a lie, and it makes you feel strange, like you can’t really remember who you were in that photo, when you loved that person. Like a life that never happened. We’ve all picked up old photos like that we find in our bedroom, that make you sit down and feel sad for a time that is lost, even if you don’t regret the relationship ending. I’m (Joe) definitely someone who spends a lot of time thinking about my past, and the feelings that I’ll never get back. Georgie’s there in this song to tell me to get over it ffs.”
Once again channelling the pop music the pair grew up with, "Photograph" brings together the wide-screen nostalgia of artists like MGMT and M83, with joyous 90's plastic-pop-inspired melodies and songwriting flair.
New single “Photograph” is lifted from 0171’s forthcoming second EP ‘Change Nothing’, the follow-up to their acclaimed (Dazed, Noisey/VICE, The Fader, Loud & Quiet, The Line Of Best Fit, i-D, Gorilla vs Bear, Clash, Highsnobiety etc) debut EP ‘Red Light’.
Borne out of frustration, the new EP explores feelings of stasis, the struggle between clinging on to what brings you down, and ultimately just letting go.
0171’s new single “Photograph” is out now, released July 16th. New EP ‘Change Nothing’ is out August 14th.
“A formidable new collective with a genre-bending approach to songwriting” – The Line of Best Fit
“A groovy pop smasher with that fearless NYC mentality. What a band.” – NME
“a new, NYC-based musical collective… who make pop music so catchy that they've been picked up by Canvasback Music with one breezy LP behind them.” – The FADER
Canvasback Music/Atlantic Records artists MICHELLE today announce the release of “SUNRISE,” a shimmering pop track with an indelible hook. The song marks the first new single from the NYC-based collective since their self-released 2018 debut album HEATWAVE, and their first original release with Canvasback (Transgressive Records in the UK).
“SUNRISE” arrives alongside an official music video, animated by New York artist Kohana Wilson – watch here – with the single’s artwork created by fellow NYC creative Niko Chang.
Of the track, the band shares: “SUNRISE holds some kind of a summer air, but more so a longing for someone who could never really show up. A sentiment as sticky, sweaty, and fleeting as summer. Sunrise is as bittersweet as it is groovy. We’re grateful that the first song we’re releasing since HEATWAVE gets to be on we've held on to, sang, rewritten, and lived with for so long.”
Today’s new music comes on the heels of recent video releases from the six-piece – including a pair of performance videos for HEATWAVE track “THE BOTTOM,” recorded during a show at The Dance + live from Atlantic Records Studio in New York.
In May, “THE BOTTOM” received the remix treatment from Rosa Walton of UK act Let’s Eat Grandma (listen), as well as a cover from Transgressive Records labelmate Arlo Parks (watch). Earlier this year, MICHELLE released a cover of their own, by way of a rendition of Roberta Flack’s “Killing Me Softly” (watch).
This spring, the group was featured in The FADER’s Digital SXSW Fort, creating a deconstructed version of “STUCK ON U,” also off their 2018 LP (watch here). In May, the band recorded a ‘quarantine version’ of their song “MANGO,” raising money for No Kid Hungry (watch here).
The group’s debut album HEATWAVE – a streets-and-skylines homage to their hometown – was created in just 2 weeks and self-released in 2018, seamlessly weaving together R&B-inflected pop, sleek synths, plush harmonies, and buoyant groove. Heralded by stand-out track “THE BOTTOM,” HEATWAVE amassed millions of streams, led to shows for sold-out NYC crowds atBaby’s All Right and Webster Hall, and has earned critical acclaim from The Fader, NME and more, as well as airplay from BBC Radio 1 and 6 Music.
Born-and-bred New Yorkers, MICHELLE is refreshingly comprised of predominately POC + queer members. The collective references equally diverse influences — Noname, Led Zeppelin, Sly and the Family Stone, Orion Sun, My Chemical Romance, SZA — all of which distill to create a cohesively diverse sound.
The group's unique stylings are the result of songwriting from Sofia D’Angelo, Julian Kaufman, Charlie Kilgore, Layla Ku, Emma Lee and Jamee Lockard with production from Kaufman and Kilgore.
LIDO PIMIENTA SHARES “ESO QUE TU HACES” (AUSTRA’S GENOCRACY REMIX), LISTEN HERE
Photo Credit: Dani Murillo
‘MISS COLOMBIA’ NAMED TO 2020 POLARIS PRIZE SHORT LIST
NEW ALBUM ‘MISS COLOMBIA’ NAMED ONE OF THE BEST ALBUMS OF APRIL BY ROLLING STONE + NPR MUSIC
“A substantial cultural statement uniting Afro-Colombian roots with just enough synthesizer heft to place Pimienta’s music in the here and now” - New York Times
“The great promise of ‘Miss Colombia’, and of her new leadership in a predominantly white scene, is that brown girls will hear it and be inspired to surge to the front.” - Pitchfork
“(Some) of the most uniquely stirring pop music in recent memory” - Stereogum, Album of the Week
Today Lido Pimienta has released “Eso Que Tu Haces” (Austra’s Genocracy Remix) – listen to it HERE. Featured on Pimienta’s widely celebrated sophomore album Miss Colombia, “Eso Que Tu Haces" is a roaring declaration of discovery, as Pimienta exhales loudly, “Eso que tu haces / no es amor” ("that thing you do / is not love”). Canadian producer Austra (aka Katie Stelmanis) remixes “Eso Que Tu Haces” by blending pulsing and electronic sounds with Lido Pimienta’s anthemic vocals, reggaeton and cumbia inspired beats.
"I don't mean to brag but I recognized Lido as a superstar years before everyone else did and I’m very happy the rest of the world has finally caught up,” Austra said. “It was an absolute honor to remix this track para mi reina.”
Pimienta will also featured on The Room, the upcoming album from super producer Ricky Reed (Lizzo, Jason Derulo) which will be released on August 28. The record will also feature contributions from Duendita, Leon Bridges and Jim James.
Upon its release in April, Miss Colombia was met with an 8.0 from Pitchfork, 4 out of 5 stars from Rolling Stone, Album of the Week by Stereogum, named one of the best albums of the year (so far) by Billboard, and an NPR Music First Listen and Top Album of April. The album fuses electro-cumbia with pop, resulting in an album that is as fascinating as it is powerful. Its title was in-part inspired by the 2015 Miss Universe mishap in which Steve Harvey mistakenly crowned Miss Colombia, instead of Miss Philippines. It caused Lido to reflect on the anti-blackness she's experienced. In a review broadcast on All Things Considered, NPR described the album as “a complicated ode to a country and a culture that still struggles to celebrate its black and Indigenous women.”
Metallica and San Francisco Symphony’s September 6 & 8, 2019 S&M2 concerts were historic on multiple levels: They served as the grand opening of San Francisco’s Chase Center, reunited the band and Symphony for the first time since the 1999 performances captured on the Grammy-winning S&M album, and featured the first-ever symphonic renditions of songs written and released since those original S&M shows.
The sold out shows were rapturously received by the 40,000 fans who traveled from nearly 70 countries, as well as the media: Rolling Stone raved “the group proved that anything was possible,”Variety noted an atmosphere “buzzing with excitement,” while the Mercury News witnessed “a concert that fans will be talking about for decades to come,” and Consequence of Sound hailed “a true celebration of Metallica and their musical prowess.”
On August 28, S&M2 comes to life once more with the release of Metallica and San Francisco Symphony: S&M2. S&M2 will be available in a staggering array of formats, ranging from a digital album on all leading streaming outlets, to 4LP vinyl, 2CD, DVD and Blu-ray versions, to a limited edition color vinyl 4LP + 2CD + Blu-ray Deluxe Box featuring sheet music, guitar picks, poster and more, all the way up to a Metallica.com exclusive Super Deluxe Box, limited to 500 copies, each featuring actual sheet music used by the Symphony during the shows and hand-signed by all four band members (in addition to including everything in the Deluxe Box). With this long-awaited Blackened Recordings release, S&M2 can be fully experienced by others beyond those who squeezed into the Chase Center over those two unforgettable evenings.
S&M2 is a landmark release in the Metallica catalogue, both sonically and visually. Produced by Greg Fidelman with James Hetfield and Lars Ulrich, the S&M2 live album captures more than two and a half hours of James, Lars, Kirk Hammett and Robert Trujillo joining forces with the nearly 80-strong SF Symphony, legendary Music Director of the orchestra Michael Tilson Thomas, and conductor Edwin Outwater. The concert film is a brand-new edit done by Joe Hutching (Through The Never) and both the audio and visuals have been taken to the next level from the October 2019 theatrical version that played in over 3,700 cinemas worldwide
S&M2 is available for pre-order now, preceded by the S&M2 versions of “All Within My Hands” and “Nothing Else Matters,” both now available across digital platforms. See below for track listing and detailed list of configurations, and stay tuned to metallica.com/sm2 for further information.
METALLICA & SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY: S&M2
Configurations: – Deluxe Box (limited edition 4LP color vinyl, exclusive photobook, 2CDs, Blu-ray, sheet music, five guitar picks, poster, download card) – Super Deluxe Box (all of the above + original sheet music signed by the band. Limited to 500 via Metallica.com) – Black 4LP set w/photobook and download card – Color 4LP set w/photobook and download card (exclusive to indie retail + Metallica.com) – 2CD set w/36-page booklet – 2CD/Blu-ray set w/36-page booklet – 2CD/DVD set w/36-page booklet – Blu-Ray – DVD – Digital Album – Digital Movie
Track Listings:
LP 1 / SIDE ONE 1 The Ecstasy of Gold 2 The Call of Ktulu 3 For Whom the Bell Tolls LP 1 / SIDE TWO 1 The Day that Never Comes 2 The Memory Remains 3 Confusion LP 2 / SIDE THREE 1 Moth Into Flame 2 The Outlaw Torn LP 2 / SIDE FOUR 1 No Leaf Clover 2 Halo on Fire LP 3 / SIDE FIVE 1 Intro to Scythian Suite 2 Scythian Suite, Opus 20 II: The Enemy God and the Dance of the Dark Spirits 3 Intro to The Iron Foundry 4 The Iron Foundry, Opus 19 5 The Unforgiven III LP 3 / SIDE SIX 1 All Within My Hands 2 (Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth 3 Wherever I May Roam LP 4 / SIDE SEVEN 1 One 2 Master of Puppets LP 4 / SIDE EIGHT 1 Nothing Else Matters 2 Enter Sandman
CD 1 1 The Ecstasy of Gold (Live) 2 The Call of Ktulu (Live) 3 For Whom the Bell Tolls (Live) 4 The Day That Never Comes (Live) 5 The Memory Remains (Live) 6 Confusion (Live) 7 Moth Into Flame (Live) 8 The Outlaw Torn (Live) 9 No Leaf Clover (Live) 10 Halo on Fire (Live) CD 2 1 Intro to Scythian Suite (Live) 2 Scythian Suite, Opus 20 II: The Enemy God And The Dance Of The Dark Spirits (Live) 3 Intro to The Iron Foundry (Live) 4 The Iron Foundry, Opus 19 (Live) 5 The Unforgiven III (Live) 6 All Within My Hands (Live) 7 (Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth (Live) 8 Wherever I May Roam (Live) 9 One (Live) 10 Master of Puppets (Live) 11 Nothing Else Matters (Live) 12 Enter Sandman (Live)
DVD / BLU-RAY 1 Menu (features “Moth Into Flame”) 2 Intro (features “Wherever I May Roam” and “All Within My Hands”) 3 The Ecstasy of Gold (Live) 4 The Call of Ktulu (Live) 5 For Whom the Bell Tolls (Live) 6 The Day That Never Comes (Live) 7 The Memory Remains (Live) 8 Confusion (Live) 9 Moth Into Flame (Live) 10 The Outlaw Torn (Live) 11 No Leaf Clover (Live) 12 Halo on Fire (Live) 13 Intro to Scythian Suite (Live) 14 Scythian Suite, Opus 20 II: The Enemy God And The Dance Of The Dark Spirits (Live) 15 Intro to The Iron Foundry (Live) 16 The Iron Foundry, Opus 19 (Live) 17 The Unforgiven III (Live) 18 All Within My Hands (Live) 19 (Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth (Live) 20 Wherever I May Roam (Live) 21 One (Live) 22 Master of Puppets (Live) 23 Nothing Else Matters (Live) 23 Enter Sandman (Live) 24 Credits 25 Behind the Scenes: Making of the Show 26 All Within My Hands Promo
DIGITAL FILM 1 Intro (features “Wherever I May Roam” and “All Within My Hands”) 2 The Ecstasy of Gold (Live) 3 The Call of Ktulu (Live) 4 For Whom the Bell Tolls (Live) 5 The Day That Never Comes (Live) 6 The Memory Remains (Live) 7 Confusion (Live) 8 Moth Into Flame (Live) 9 The Outlaw Torn (Live) 10 No Leaf Clover (Live) 11 Halo on Fire (Live) 12 Intro to Scythian Suite (Live) 13 Scythian Suite, Opus 20 II: The Enemy God And The Dance Of The Dark Spirits (Live) 14 Intro to The Iron Foundry (Live) 15 The Iron Foundry, Opus 19 (Live) 16 The Unforgiven III (Live) 17 All Within My Hands (Live) 18 (Anesthesia) – Pulling Teeth (Live) 19 Wherever I May Roam (Live) 20 One (Live) 21 Master of Puppets (Live) 22 Nothing Else Matters (Live) 23 Enter Sandman (Live) 24 Credits
GRAMMY® award-winning artist/DJ/producer Zedd and Atlantic pop singer-songwriter Jasmine Thompson have announced today’s release of “Funny,” available now at all DSPs and streaming services HERE; an official companion video (directed by Jack Karaszweski) is streaming now via YouTube HERE. “Funny” marks the first new music from Zedd this year and the latest in a stunning series of new releases from Thompson.
“When I first heard Jasmine’s voice on this song, I was blown away by it and knew I wanted to work with her on ‘Funny,’” says Zedd. “There’s so much emotion and energy in this song and Jasmine’s voice captures it perfectly.”
“After a relationship people always seem to come back and want to try again and pay you more attention and say they miss you. I had been through a relationship that wasn’t working and as soon as we ended it, they wanted to spend more time with me,” says Jasmine Thompson of “Funny.” “That’s what this song is about, and collaborating with Zedd was an amazing experience - his approach was unique, gave the song an incredible energy, and really brought it to life.”
Multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning artist/DJ/producer Zedd made his debut with “Clarity” after signing with Interscope in 2012 and has been breaking down barriers surrounding music genres ever since. Throughout his career, Zedd has worked with a diverse range of artists to create hits, including Foxes on “Clarity” (which earned Zedd a 2014 GRAMMY® “Best Dance Recording”), Hayley Williams on RIAA platinum-certified hit, “Stay The Night” (which racked up more than 400 million streams), and Selena Gomez on the platinum-certified track, “I Want You To Know,” which spent four weeks at #1 on Billboard’s “Hot Dance/Electronic Songs” chart. He’s also collaborated with Alessia Cara on their hit single “Stay” which held the #1 spot at Top 40 radio for six consecutive weeks and earned Zedd his second GRAMMY® Award nomination, and with Maren Morris and Grey on the monster hit “The Middle,” which earned Zedd is second #1 at Top 40 radio. Digitally, the song has amassed over 1 billion streams and earned Zedd three GRAMMY® nominations including “Record Of The Year,” “Song Of The Year,” and “Best Pop Duo or Group Performance.”
Jasmine Thompson grew up in central London where her family of four lived in a modest two bedroom flat. After her parents divorced, Jasmine saw her mother working as many as four jobs at a time but always prioritizing her kids’ creative development, even buying a second-hand green screen for Jasmine to record videos of herself singing, that unsurprisingly ended up on YouTube, where she now boasts over 630 million YouTube views and more than 3.5 million subscribers. Jasmine’s booming YouTube presence and captivating vocals lead to a major label deal with Atlantic Records at the age of just 13. Now 19, the singer-songwriter has enjoyed a musical growth that’s taken her from viral covers to her own ADORE, WONDERLAND and COLOUR EPs while also establishing a global fan following with featured appearances on internationally successful recordings, collectively earning more than 3 billion global streams. She has made chart-topping appearances on a pair of global blockbuster hit singles, including her collaboration with German DJ/producer Robin Schulz on “Sun Goes Down (Feat. Jasmine Thompson)” that’s earned 1 billion worldwide streams along with a slew of international gold and platinum certifications and over 404 million views on YouTube. German DJ Felix Jaehn’s “Ain’t Nobody (Loves Me Better)” remix was another undeniable smash, earning gold and platinum certifications in a range of countries and drawing over 1 billion global streams and over 378 million individual views on YouTube.
