Category: NEWS

Music and entertainment news

ELVIS PRESLEY DEBUTS #1 ON THE BILLBOARD CHART

It looks like all of America —— is rockin’ to Elvis: The Great Performances as it debuts at the top spot – #1 — on Billboard’s Top Music Video Sales chart this week.   Released August 2, 2011, Elvis: The Great Performances 2 DVD Set (Hip-O/SOFA Entertainment) captures the talent, mesmerizing stage presence and charisma…

MTV RADIO’S MORNING FACTS FOR THURSDAY, AUGUST 11th, 2011

ADELE BACK ON TOP OF BILLBOARD ALBUM CHART Adele is back on top of the Billboard 200 chart.   The singer’s hit album 21 has returned to the number one position after a week at number two, selling another 76-thousand copies, which puts her domestic total at just over 2.9-million.   Seems like she should…

HOWARD JONES TO PERFORM HIS FIRST TWO ALBUMS ON US TOUR

It was in 1983 when Howard Jones first burst upon the contemporary music scene and brought his very English song-writing and pioneering synthesizers to an unsuspecting world. His first two albums Human’s Lib and Dream Into Action were massive worldwide hits.   Human’s Lib reached #1 in 1984 in the UK and featured the hits…

KASKADE POSTS NEW SINGLE “EYES”

Just in time for summer comes Kaskade’s “Eyes”, the lead single from his forthcoming double-disc artist album out on Ultra Records this fall. The new single will be available for exclusive purchase via Beatport August 9th and will go wide August 23 via Ultra. Already championed by BBC’s Pete Tong, “Eyes” is set to be…

CENTURY MEDIA PULL MUSIC FROM SPOTIFY

Century Media and its associated labels “InsideOutMusic”, “Superballmusic”, “Ain’t no Grave Records”, “Hollywood Waste” and “People Like You” have decided to pull their repertoire from Spotify in an attempt to protect the interests of their artists. While everyone at the label group believes in the ever changing possibilities of new technology and new ways of…

PHOTO FINISH RECORDS WELCOMES NEW A&R BLOOD

Trevor McFedries, better known as DJ Skeet Skeet, has joined the Photo Finish Records family to supplement the label’s daily A&R operations. The announcement was made by Matt Galle, owner of the New York City-based indie label.   McFedries, a Los Angeles based DJ/producer/musician/blogger will pilot the recruitment of new artists, writers and producers as…

HOBNOB WINES LAUNCHES 2011-2012 DIGITAL MUSIC PROGRAM

HobNob Wines today announced the launch of its 2011-2012 music and lifestyle program, The Inner Circle, which connects fans through an interest in anything with an independent vibe. The initial benefit of the program is a free download of “One Short Night” by Hollywood Records’ Grace Potter & The Nocturnals, from their third major label…

MEGADEATH ANNOUNCE THIRTEENTH ALBUM

MEGADETH, easily one of the most recognized and culturally significant names in hard rock music for the past three decades, are pleased to announce the forthcoming release of their thirteenth album, titled TH1RT3EN. The album will be released November 1, 2011 via Roadrunner Records. TH1RT3EN follows up 2009’s Endgame, which was one of the most…

JUSTICE RELEASING LONG AWAITED SOPHOMORE LP

Emerging from the creative cocoon that has enveloped them since wrapping up promotional efforts for their 2007 Grammy-nominated debut, Xavier de Rosnay & Gaspard Augé, the influential Parisian duo known as Justice, have announced the impending release of their second album Audio, Video, Disco. Straying even further from their dance music roots, the new effort…

MILES FISHER SPOOFS “SAVED BY THE BELL” IN NEW VIDEO

Miles Fisher, who stars in the new FINAL DESTINATION 5 movie out Friday, Aug 12 (Warner Bros. Films), has created a humorous, light-hearted viral music video that ties-into the film The satirical video is a parody of the feel good TV comedies of the 80’s and 90’s, including the classic TV series SAVED BY THE…

HURRICANE BELLS SOPHOMORE ALBUM TO BE RELEASED OCTOBER 25TH, 2011

Hurricane Bells has announced that their sophomore album Tides and Tales will be released October 25th, 2011 via band architect Steve Schiltz’s own Invisible Brigades label.   Tides and Tales is an immediate, compelling 12-song collection that ranges from effortlessly catchy (the chiming power pop of “The Ghost Of Her”; the fuzzy guitar-laced “House On…

ZAMBRI SIGN TO KANINE RECORDS

For a first introduction into the world of Cristi Jo & Jessica Zambri, Kanine Records will be releasing Zambri’s debut EP Glossolalia on November 8, 2011. Zambri mixes experimental beats and dueling female vocals with captivating melodies to create unromantic love songs. Filled with gothic and avant-garde pop vocals, the songs might sound familiar, like…

BOB GRUEN GEARS UP FOR NEW BOOK RELEASE

For 40 years, Bob Gruen’s name has been synonymous with rock and roll. From taking early photos on tour with Ike and Tina Turner and capturing the early CBGB/Max’s Kansas City scene, to hanging out with John and Yoko and covering current stadium rockers such as Green Day, Gruen has always been at the right…

ZOMBIES INVADE U.S. FOR 50TH ANNIVERSARY TOUR

The Zombies, helmed by founding members Rod Argent and singer Colin Blunstone, are marking the group’s half century with a new album — Breathe Out, Breathe In and a U.S. tour in September and October, 2011.   A magisterial work, it is everything you could possibly hope for from the group who back in the…

MTV RADIO’S MORNING FACTS FOR TUESDAY, AUGUST 9th, 2011

JUSTIN WOULD HAVE MADE IT WITHOUT ’NSYNC Justin Timberlake always tells it like it is.   The singer and actor recently told Elle magazine that he would have found success as a solo artists without the help of his former group, ’NSYNC.   He called the group “an amazing platform” but he believes he “would…

PORTUGAL. THE MAN’S VAN STOLEN IN CHICAGO

After playing Lollapalooza last night, Portugal. The Man’s van and trailer full of gear was stolen from an attended parking lot near Grant Park. If you or any of your readers see or hear anything, please let us know.   Red Ford 15 passenger 350 van with black trailer attached, Alaska license plates FJH244.  …

NEW MAYER HAWTHORNE VIDEO

Check out the VHS-yanked clips for “A Long Time,” Mayer Hawthorne’s first video for his upcoming album “How Do You Do” on Universal. Taken from an old 80’s Detroit public access dance show. [vimeo 26986543]

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH JESSE HUGHES

After creating three albums of dirty and danceable garage rock anthems, Hollywood’s favourite son and Eagles of Death Metal frontman, Jesse “The Devil” Hughes, is unveiling his solo debut as Boots Electric. Titled Honkey Kong, the album will be released on September 19th by DangerbirdRecords/CoOperative Music.   It was produced by Tony Hoffer (Beck, Depeche…

WAYNE STATIC NEW SOLO ALBUM

The Industrial Metal Machine front-man, Wayne Static returns with his first solo album of his most combustible work to date. PIGHAMMER, on Dirthouse Records, comes from the depth of Wayne Static’s darkest last year and brings to light his inner turmoil with an aggressive driving force of new music.   PIGHAMMER has a disarming raw…

WAYNE MILLS BAND RELEASES NEW SINGLE

Alabama-based Wayne Mills Band will release their first single, “She Knows the Words to Every Song,” to radio August 16. Mills co-wrote the track to be featured on his new album, Long Hard Road, which will mark the first project for new Nashville record label Diesel Records.   “She Knows the Words to Every Song”…

SNEAK PEEK PIA TOSCANO NEW VIDEO

Here is a sneak-peek of Pia Toscano’s new music video for “This Time.”   Visit her website-   PiaToscanoOfficial.com – next Tuesday the 9th to see the finished product. Pia’s debut album is currently set for an October release. [youtube bv4lAw3iYMg nolink]

LIGHTS PREVIEWS SINGLE OFF NEW ALBUM

Canadian electronic-rock maven, Lights is back with the release of her sophomore full-length album, Siberia (Last Gang Records / Lights Music) on October 4, 2011. Artist Leaked Track “Everybody Breaks A Glass” feat. Shad, Already Over 100k Online Hits: http://music.iamlights.com “Making this second record was similar to making my first in that I completely discovered…

BERKLEE & LOLLAPALOOZA ANNOUNCE ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

Berklee College of Music and Lollapalooza today announced the founding of the Berklee Lollapalooza Endowed Scholarship at the 20th Anniversary of Lollapalooza in Chicago. The four-year, full tuition scholarship will be awarded annually to a talented musician in financial need and is being endowed by Goldman Sachs Gives, a donor-advised fund. This exciting partnership is…

ALBOROSIE UNLEASHES NEW VIDEO “RESPECT” FT JUNIOR REID

Alborosie unleashes his brand new video “Respect” ft Junior Reid off of 2 Times Revolution (Greensleeves), the recent album from the Italian-born, Jamaican-based multi-faceted musician. The 33-year-old Sicilian with waist-long dreadlocks – who Wiz Khalifa goes to for reggae samples (“Still Blazin”) and Pitchfork once claimed was the best artist of the year for reggae/dancehall,…

TEEN POP DUO MICHAEL AND MARISA OPEN FOR GREYSON CHANCE / VIDEO

The sibling pop-rock duo Michael and Marisa have just confirmed that they are once again joining teen sensation Greyson Chance on tour this summer. The brother sister team will open for Greyson on 4 upcoming tour dates: August 11th, 2011 — Buffalo, NY at Town Ballroom August 13th, 2011 — Lancaster, PA at Chameleon Club…

CHAIN SWANGAZ RELEASE THIRD VIDEO

Note: This is has not been approved for all audiences but if you like ridiculously good looking men in eyeliner rapping along to dope beats, check this out.   If you are uncomfortable with inappropriate humor or don’t want your co-worker to see, do not click this link. [youtube I3UQ6aqPNeE nolink] The sensationally entertaining rapper…

BRISK ICED TEA LAUNCHES ‘BRISK BODEGA’ PILOT PROGRAM

Brisk Iced Tea is pleased to announce the soft launch of Brisk Bodega, a branded entertainment platform consisting of both digital content and live shows that represent the evolution of the partnership between Shady Records and Brisk, which began earlier this year with the release of the immensely successful Super Bowl TV spot featuring a…

CAROLINA LIAR NEW VIDEO “DOWN”

The video for “Drown,” the first single off of Wild Blessed Freedom recently premiered on VEVO. The album was recorded with producers Max Martin (Katy Perry, Avril Lavigne, Pink), Shellback (Usher, Ke$ha) and Tobias Karlsson at Maratone Studios in Stockholm and Thunderhoney Studios in Los Angeles. Wild Blessed Freedom is the follow up album to…

MIDDLE CLASS RUT NEW VIDEO “BUSY BEIN’ BORN”

The California-based alternative rock duo showcases their heavy sound in “Busy Bein’ Born,” the latest single from their critically-acclaimed debut album. The dark, stunning video follows a young boy who is kidnapped and forced to participate in violent combat. [youtube mvqtWjN7lOI nolink]

YELAWOLF TO RELEASE FIRST SINGLE FROM HIS UPCOMING ALBUM

Fast-rising rapper Yelawolf has announced that he will release the first single from his upcoming full-length studio album Radioactive, “Hard White (Up In The Club)”   Monday August 8th.   The song, which features Lil Jon, is produced by Hydrox and will be available everywhere digital music is sold. Radioactive is the Alabama-born rapper’s first…

FALLING IN REVERSE DEBUT A SMASH SUCCESS

The Drug In Me Is You, the brand new album by Falling In Reverse is out now and it’s an undeniable hit. The debut album from this electrifying young band has received an enthusiastic welcome by fans, immediately hitting the #4 position on the iTunes rock charts. The album also made the top 10 album…

REL NEW VIDEO “PUBLIC TRANSIT”

Amid protest and outrage, what are quickly becoming non-isolated incidents of Police brutality continue to impact the Bay Area community. In January, Oscar Grant, unarmed, was shot to death by BART Police officer Johannes Mehserle, and just last month another unarmed victim, Ernesto Duenez, Jr. was fatally shot. Others, names including James Rivera and Rita…

BROOKE WHITE & JACK MATRANGA RELEASE DEBUT EP

Brooke White and Jack Matranga are thrilled to announce the release of their debut EP, GEMINI. Set for an August 30th digital release on June Baby Records, these two talented musicians, together known as Jack and White, have created a compelling and memorable six-song collection full of skilled pop songwriting, luminous guitar picking and warm…

MGK GETS A MAJOR RECORD DEAL

MGK, the rising rapid-fire rapper from Cleveland who became the first MC in history to win the famed Amateur Night competition at the Apollo, has been signed to Bad Boy/Interscope Records.   Information about his forthcoming debut album, Lace Up, will be announced in the near future.   MGK has continuously impressed with his exciting…

DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE SET FALL TOUR

Atlantic recording group Death Cab for Cutie has unveiled details of their upcoming fall tour.   The dates — which celebrate the recent release of the band’s critically acclaimed new album, “CODES AND KEYS” — begin September 30th in Cincinnati and then continue through a major hometown headline show at Seattle’s Key Arena at Seattle…

BLITZEN TRAPPER ANNOUNCE CO-HEADLINING TOUR WITH DAWES

Portland, Oregon’s Blitzen Trapper is excited to hit the road in support of their upcoming album “American Goldwing” out September 13th on Sub Pop Records. Beginning October 7th in Petaluma, CA, the alt-country quintet who has been praised by The New York Times, Pitchfork, Filter and countless others for their captivating live performances, will embark…

CHUCKIE OFFERS FANS CHANCE TO JOIN HIM

To further stoke anticipation for the performances, Chuckie has unveiled a brand new “Roll With Chuckie” competition with a prize for one lucky winner and a friend, allowing them a glimpse into the jet-setting life of an international DJ. To participate, fans are asked to engage the Fanrank Facebook application- users gain points by updating…