RICK ROSS DEFEATS TRADEMARK SUIT OVER MASTERMIND ALBUM
It has been a year of successful turnovers for Grammy nominated recording artist and expanding entrepreneur, Rick Ross. The Maybach Music Group CEO and Universal Music Group won a Motion for Summary Judgment in the United States District Court for the Central District of California in a trademark suit brought against them by a hip-hop artist that owned the trademark “Mastermind.” The Plaintiff sought millions of dollars in damages claiming Ross and Universal had infringed on his trademark by using the Mastermind name in Ross’ sixth studio album released in 2014 entitled “Mastermind,” the ensuing “Mastermind” tour as well as Ross’ taking on the persona of “Mastermind.”
When asked for a statement, Rick Ross’ attorney Leron E. Rogers states – “when claims are made against our clients, we litigate them very aggressively. We are happy that the court not only ruled in Ross and Universal’s favor, but also took the extra step to cancel Plaintiff’s trademark.
Release: ‘NCS: The Best of 2016’
Pioneering in the release of copyright-free electronic music for use in user generated content (UGC) on YouTube, it’s fair to say that young label NCS has had a whirlwind of a year, now boasting over 2 billion views and 8 million subscribers on their channel. Here they’re back with the second volume of their yearly Best Of compilation series, featuring all the tracks that made the label’s history in 2016.
Its popularity carried by gamers using the track in their own content, NCS has allowed songs to spread all over the world via YouTube and Twitch. Offering a platform to a new wave of budding producers, with many emerging from the gaming community itself, the label was instrumental in the rise of young artists such as award-winning Estonian supergroup Cartoon – one of NCS’ most promising stars who have grown astronomically this year, claiming millions of hits on their last single On & On. Syn Cole’s Feel Good is another case in point, with over 16 million views on YouTube alone. Other artists on the album include a selection of young producers unveiled by the label this year including Paul Flint, Tobu, Phantom Stage, K-391, Razihel or RetroVision.
PSYCHO LAS VEGAS 2017 Announces Thirty-Five New Additions To Its Massive 2017 Lineup
PSYCHO LAS VEGAS – set to take place from August 18th through August 20th, 2017 at the Hard Rock Hotel And Casino Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada — announces over thirty-five new additions to its massive 2017 lineup. The festival has quickly become the premier event in the US for underground heavy rock, psych, doom, alternative, and beyond, and as the roster grows for this year’s edition, they’re clearly looking to push their boundaries even further.
Headliners remain TBA, but joining previously-announced generation-defining acts like Neurosis, Swans, and French prog lords Magma, comes UK grind legends Carcass, whose reunion continues to bring gruesome tales of dissections and unparalleled.
Grammy Award®-winning superstar and Country Music Hall of Fame member Kenny Rogers brings his Final World Tour: The Gambler’s Last Deal to the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Friday, January 27 at 8PM. Rogers has enjoyed great success during his storied career of nearly six decades, which will be celebrated during his Tour. The enduring country and pop icon has endeared music lovers around the globe with his amazing songs, heartfelt performances, distinctive voice, gift for storytelling and universal appeal. The first country artist to consistently sell out arenas, Rogers has played to millions of fans around the world, performing songs from his long list of hits which comprise twenty-four #1’s including “The Gambler,” “Lucille,” “Coward of the County,” “Lady,” “Islands in the Stream,” “She Believes In Me,” “We’ve Got Tonight,” “Daytime Friends,” “Through The Years,” “You Decorated My Life” and “Buy Me A Rose.” Rogers has sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, making him one of the Top Ten Best Selling Male Solo Artists of All Time, according to the RIAA.
Rogers has won many awards for his music and charity work, including three Grammy Awards, 19 American Music Awards, 11 People’s Choice Awards, eight Academy of Country Music Awards and six Country Music Association Awards, including the CMA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Rogers was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. In 2015, Rogers was awarded the CMT Artist of a Lifetime Award and in 2016 he received the Tony Martell Lifetime Entertainment Achievement Award from the TJ Martell Foundation.
HOLLOWAY TO RELEASE ‘HUM’ COVER SONG THE POD, WITH VIDEO.
The progressive rock act from Michigan is putting out their second release for 2016, a cover version of Hum’s grunge jam The Pod, from their 1995 release You’d Prefer An Astronaut. “Hum’s cult classic space grunge albums remain a collective favorite, so in choosing a cover song this one always came to the top of the list. This is our spin on it.”
The release follows fresh on the heels of their second full length record ‘The Feeble Hearts Of Man’, which was released in June of 2016, and was their first record after a 5 year absence. “Feeble Hearts was a very dark and difficult record, so we wanted to follow up with something that shows a different side to us, with focus more on the rock we grew up on.”
The Silver Lake Chorus premieres “Sister Winter” video at FLOOD Magazine
FLOOD Magazine just premiered The Silver Lake Chorus’ video for their cover of Sufjan Stevens’ “Sister Winter.”
PREMIERE: The Silver Lake Chorus Greet “Sister Winter” in New Video
My Life With The Thrill Kill Kult Release ‘Sinister Whisperz II: The Interscope Years (1992-1996)’
Industrial Disco Legends MY LIFE WITH THE THRILL KILL KULT have released their much anticipated Sinister Whisperz II: The Interscope Years (1992-1996), the second CD in a series of compilations featuring fresh mixes of notable tracks from the band’s vast career, via their SleazeBox Records. This release focuses on the “major label” years, when TKK were one of the first artists to sign with Interscope Records in 1992. It includes songs from the albums Sexplosion!, 13 Above The Night, and Hit & Run Holiday. As well, they’re offering up a FREE DOWNLOAD of the remixed/mastered “After The Flesh,” the song that they performed in the Cult Classic film The Crow, exclusively on the new social music platform, ORFIUM, which was originally premiered on PASTE Magazine with a brief review of the platform by producer Buzz McCoy!
200+ Rock Stars/Icons come together for WE ARE NOT AFRAID video
Keith Richards, Robert Plant, Bruce Springsteen, Robert De Niro, Sting, Ringo Starr, Patti Smith and Yoko Ono have come together with 200 other rock legends and cultural heroes to declare We Are Not Afraid, in a new video targeted to raise funds for victims of religious and political violence around the world.
Creator/organizer Steve Weitzman says We Are Not Afraid gives a voice to those whose voices often go unheard. Originally created as a 4-minute video, so many notables signed on that it needed to be lengthened. Enter legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen who expanded it into an 8-minute video. “It’s a positive statement in a negative world,” says Gruen who served as director. “I hope it becomes something that inspires people around the world to do their own versions. You shouldn’t go through life being afraid.”
TIMOTHY BLOOM Releases Holiday-inspired Single “SWEET ANGEL”
2x Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter/producer and VH1 You Oughta Know Artist, Timothy Bloom releases Holiday-inspired audio single and video, “Sweet Angel” featuring Fre’deric Yonnet.
“Sweet Angel” is a song about meeting someone for the first time, and every awakening moment is a memory in your mind you want to last forever in any season,” says Timothy. “The song, co-written by Salina Soto and I, had to feature Frédéric Yonnet on harmonica, as he really brings the song to life,” he adds.
NEW VIDEO: MOLLY KATE KESTNER – “GOOD DIE YOUNG”
APG/Atlantic singer-songwriter Molly Kate Kestner has released a new video for her debut track, “Good Die Young.” The video premiered on Refinery29 who called the track “an edgy, soulful ballad.”
It’s Time For Girls Guns & Glory
America’s hardest-working, grittiest roots rock ensemble Girls Guns & Glory announces the Jan. 13 release of Love and Protest on vinyl and over all major streaming services.
This generous 13-track package debuted in November on CD and in digital formats.
Timeless, tough and immediate, Love and Protest will be heralded on Jan. 12 when the band premieres its video for “Memories Don’t Die,” a painfully introspective but hard-driving lament that captures the intensity and honesty of the album’s every cut.
CIVIL YOUTH RING IN THE HOLIDAYS WITH COVER VIDEO FOR “LET IT SNOW”
Philadelphia’s rising indie alternative/rock band Civil Youthhave been making noise touring the country, opening for bands like Twenty One Pilots and AWOLNATION, and amazing fans with their energetic live performance and leaving them highly anxious for new music. Recently, Civil Youth announced the official release date for their third full-length studio album, Conversations, which is to be released on May 19, 2017. Today, to get into the holiday spirit, Civil Youth is taking a break from promoting Conversations to share with their fans an exclusive holiday song, their own rendition of “Let it Snow,” in partnership with Heart State Review.
Watch Young M.A. Live
On Thursday December 1st, the launch party featured special guest Young M.A, performing her smash hit, “Ooouu”, and a DJ set by Chase B., supported by DJ Wavy and Quiana Parks, and hosted by K$ACE.
The Remedy is a platform created between Move Forward Music and Boiler Room to nurture a safe space where DJs, artists, and fans can connect with each other, dance, and discover new music and styles; a vehicle to allow the culture of hip hop to flourish and grow, in the city where it was born.
Adult Swim ‘NOISE’ album out today
On the heels of Adult Swim’s announcement of its NOISE album last week with the first single from Los Angeles based outfit, .clipping, the full project officially arrives today and is available now for free download via adultswim.com/noise. The album features all-new music from a myriad of progressive artists within the genre like Arca, Tanya Tagaq, Dreamcrusher, Melt-Banna, Merzbow,
Noveller, EYE, Pharmakon, Prurient, Wolf Eyes and more (tracklist below). NOISE was curated entirely by Adult Swim’s own writer/producer Laura Sterritt whose goal was to construct a project that incorporates different musical genres within the context of noise to make it accessible to a broader audience and a new generation of fans. Immerse yourself in the soundscape of NOISE and share.
Producer and rapper Donae’o has revealed the video to his new single ‘Black’, featuring grime heavyweights JME and Dizzee Rascal.
Speaking to The FADER, Donae’o said “I wanted this video to be representative of all of us and where we came from, and I feel like we achieved that. When I was producing the beat for ‘Black’ I wanted to recreate the energy from my first hit ‘My Philosophy (Bounce).’ Getting JME and Dizzee on the same track was key for me as well because they are both so important to the culture and from that era of grime”.
DJ Green Lantern Releases New Project: TheSpvceAge
Hip-hop legend DJ Green Lantern, best known for his work with Eminem, Nas, Ludacris, and more, has launched a brand new production alias called TheSpvceAge. The debut single, “You” Ft. TDot Illdude, meets at the cross roads of funk, hip-hop, and groovy electronic music. The release comes via Gramatik’s Lowtemp label, check it out below:
ADVENT PREMIERE ‘SHADOW OF DEATH’
Originally rising from the ashes of Beloved, North Carolina-based Advent churns out brutally heavy, metal-infused hardcore. The band called it quits six years ago, but have returned as fierce as ever with their new EP, Pain & Suffering (January 27, Bridge Nine). Pain & Suffering is an 18 minute whirlwind of the most punishing, intense, and relentless hardcore that will grace your ears in 2017.
MARTYRDÖD Releases Video For “Handlöst Fallen Ängel”
Swedish metal/crust punk outfit MARTYRDÖD – featuring members of Skitsystem, Agrimonia, and others – has just unleashed an official video for the track “Handlöst Fallen Ängel,” the track hailing from the band’s List album, which was released through Southern Lord in November.
Darling Waste Signs With Imminence Records
Imminence Records has signed Ohio based Indie Rock/Pop Punk Darling Waste and will be releasing their label debut in 2017. The band, whose members are all in the LGBTQ+ community, are excited to unleash their brand new single from their forthcoming full length The Skeleton Key. The band is currently finishing up the mixing and mastering of the album for the release early next year.
The FADER x YouTube Music: Dua Lipa Documentary
Today, The FADER releases a short documentary on British singer-songwriter Dua Lipa called See in Blue produced by The FADER and YouTube Music.
This project is part of YouTube’s larger collaboration with Dua Lipa and partnership with The FADER to create a unique campaign that gives fans the opportunity to discover not only Dua Lipa’s music, but also more about who she is as an artist.
STRAIGHT NO CHASER PRESENT STIRRING VIDEO FOR “MARY DID YOU KNOW”
Atlantic Records recording group Straight No Chaser unveiled today a video for the song “Mary Did You Know.” The video, shot at Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Brooklyn, NY, sees the a cappella group giving a stirring performance of the modern-day holiday classic by Mark Lowry.
“’Mary Did You Know’ is one of the most beautiful Christmas songs ever written,” said Straight No Chaser member Jerome Collins. “Dan Ponce, a founding member of Straight No Chaser, and I were inspired to arrange a version of the song that would live up to the original but also give it a different spin that many people have not heard before. Every time I sing this song I think of the gifts most precious to me, my family.”
TWENTY ONE PILOTS UNVEIL TOP X MM (THE MUTEMATH SESSIONS)
Fueled By Ramen Recording group Twenty One Pilots have debuted a collaborative studio piece, which captures the duo recreating their songs, “Heathens,” “Heavydirtysoul,” “Ride,” “Tear In My Heart,” and “Lane Boy” live with MUTEMATH.
French-American Rock Band Returns with Raucous, Commanding New Album “Optimism Disorder”
After spending the last several years living, performing and thriving in the greater Los Angeles, CA area, punk-influenced French-American rock band SINNER SINNERS – founded by husband and wife duo Sam and Steve Thill – have incontrovertibly found their groove. After marching their way onto the national scene in 2014 with the release of their raucous, aggressive Nic Jodoin-produced (Black Rebel Motorcycle Club) second full-length, XI, SINNER SINNERS return in 2017 with Optimism Disorder – an auditory Molotov cocktail exploding with the intensity of early ’80s hardcore fused with an incendiary ’70s goth punk ethos.
The Band of Heathens Premiere New Song “Last Minute Man” With The Boot
Duende – [duen-de] (noun) 1. a quality of inspiration and passion 2. A heightened sense of emotion, expression and authenticity 3. a spirit.
Austin quintet The Band of Heathens have shared their new song “Last Minute Man”, currently streaming via an exclusive premiere with The Boot. As singer/guitarist Ed Jurdi explains, the easygoing song is about “someone who is just kicking back and letting life come to them, and isn’t terribly bothered with the general pace and stress of the world all around them.”
ROSIN Premieres “Downpour on Skyline Trail” Exclusively on Elmore Magazine
ROSIN is a band of wolves dressed in formal attire. Drawing on elements of bluegrass, rock and jazz, these classical deviants create their own version of a string quartet. From upbeat Americana with orchestral accompaniments to classical arrangements with rock guitar riffs, members Jake Armerding (violin, mandola, guitar), Annie Bartlett (violin, viola), Mina Kim (cello) and Zachariah Hickman (double bass) fuse the personality of each player’s diverse influences and expertise to create their uniquely synergetic sound.
ROSIN Delivers a Buoyant Piece that Defies Classical Conventions
REALITY SLAP: Portuguese Hardcore Act Issue Video For “Lone Wolf”
As WAR Records prepares to release the new Limitless EP by Portuguese hardcore outfit REALITY SLAP in January, a new track has been issued through an exclusive stream of “Lone Wolf,” through Idioteq webzine. The band has also booked new tour dates, including a trio of Limitless release shows at the end of January.
Nef The Pharaoh – “Born Leader” ft. G-Eazy
With the respect of rap’s old guard and a legion of devoted fans across the nation, Nef The Pharaoh is the leader of the Bay Area’s new school. Pulling up in his all-white Mercedes, Nef takes over the United Kingdom with fellow East Bay star G-Eazy in “Born Leader.” Filmed during the London stop of G-Eazy’s When It’s Dark Out Tour, which featured Nef as an opening act, the video finds the pair relaxing near the River Thames before performing a sold out show. Featuring a glowing spoken introduction from Nef’s mentor and Sick Wid It Records boss E-40, “Born Leader” is a shimmering West Coast party anthem about embracing influence and achieving a grand destiny. Premiered today by The FADER, “Born Leader” is the latest step in Nef’s ascension to the top of the Hip-Hop world.
Eliminate Releases Free Single “Goodbye”
Intertwining bouncy chord progressions with insanely catchy vocal chops, Eliminate makes a riveting New Noise debut with his electro bass stunner “Goodbye.”
Moon Hooch New EP ‘The Joshua Tree’ Out Today
Moon Hooch has released a new surprise EP, The Joshua Tree (free download here). The collection is being offered as a free download to thank fans for what was the band’s most successful year yet. It was recorded at the tail end of a 2016 world tour during which the band performed sold out shows throughout Europe and the United States in support of their June 2016 full-length album release, Red Sky. The EP features eight tracks that were written and recorded live in the studio, including hard-driving, dance party rave-ups like “Jiggle” and “Sandstorm,” that have come to define Moon Hooch’s sound, as well as their most introspective piece yet, “Ballads” and the full-on auditory freak out, “Improv.”
ENEMY REMAINS Releases Scorching New Single “Trust In No One”
Global Music Award-winning heavy metal group ENEMY REMAINS recently announced the upcoming release of their new album, No Faith In Humanity, hitting digital and physical retailers on January 20, 2017 (pre-order via iTunes). After charging out of the gate with the release of their thunderous title track “No Faith In Humanity” (watch video here), ENEMY REMAINS are wasting no time by immediately unleashing their second single, “Trust In No One”. Take a listen to this unrelenting melodic metal offering via BraveWords.
Nef The Pharaoh x Ryan Hemsworth – “Mistletoe”
Why, thank you, Nef the Pharaoh. Thank you for blessing us with the hyphy Christmas carol we didn’t know we were missing. ??
Teaming up with acclaimed producer Ryan Hemsworth, the Sick Wid It Records rapper releases “Mistletoe,” his unique spin on the Christmas spirit of giving. ? Playfully spitting boastful rhymes over dulcet piano lines, Nef flips melodies and lyrics from some holiday classics, including “Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer,” “Jingle Bells,” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Claus.” Spreading Christmas cheer as only Nef can, “Mistletoe” will turn any ordinary holiday party into a true turn-up function.
GRAMMY-NOMINATED MULTI-PLATINUM SINGER/SONGWRITER BRYSON TILLER PARTNERS WITH NIKE
Today, Grammy-nominated, multi-platinum R&B singer/songwriter Bryson Tiller announces his partnership with Nike to launch a multifaceted campaign that will exemplify greatness and motivate others as he continues to share his unique and inspiring story. First up is Bryson’s Air Force 1 Bespoke iDs, which you can learn more about the Louisville native’s inspiration and design process.
TUPAC SHAKUR TO BE INDUCTED INTO ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME 2017
The late rap icon Tupac Shakur, has been selected as one of the 2017 inductees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. This award recognizes how Tupac’s message of change and mission to give a voice to those who didn’t have one continues to resonate with millions of people to this day.
Arkansas’ Power of Music Festival Adds Noted Songwriters To Lineup
The I’ll Fly Away Foundation has announced the addition of three noted songwriters — Thom Schuyler, Tony Arata and Fred Knobloch — to their first ever The Power of Music Festival, to be held in Bentonville, Arkansas on April 27 — 29, 2017. It is being presented by The I’ll Fly Away Foundation and Coca-Cola.
The trio joins other respected artists/songwriters like Steve Poltz, Richard Leigh, Roger Cook, Dennis Morgan, Larry Cordle, Carl Jackson, Jerry Salley, Glen Phillips and more, as a gathering to celebrate the craft of songwriting. Tickets go on sale in January. For more information visit www.pomfestival.org.
Schuyler and Knobloch (along with Don Schlitz) created the wildly popular In-The-Round format of songwriter shows at the world-famous Bluebird Cafe in Nashville. Their shows continue at the listening room monthly with the addition of Arata.
Antonio Breez – ‘Survival of the fittest [Freestyle]’
Antonio Breez is back, this time with a spontaneous freestyle that pays homage to the infamous Mobb Deep. in ” Survival of the fittest” Breez takes it to the streets. The wordsmith exhibits his ferocious flow by using deadly puns and metaphors. Three weeks ago, Antonio posted a video of him freestyling 8 bars over “Survival of the fittest”, and after receiving a like and DM from Mobb Deep, Antonio decided to put a full two verses on the iconic record. As Antonio says, Hip Hop is still alive.