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My Next Read: “Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story: Rude Boys, Racism and the Soundtrack of a Generation” by Daniel Rachel

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Too Much Too Young: The 2 Tone Records Story: Rude Boys, Racism and the Soundtrack of a Generation” by Daniel Rachel

n 1979, 2 Tone exploded into the national consciousness as records by The Specials, The Selecter, Madness, The Beat, and The Bodysnatchers burst onto the charts and a youth movement was born. 2 Tone was black and white: a multi-racial force of British and Caribbean island musicians singing about social issues, racism, class and gender struggles. It spoke of injustices in society and took fight against right wing extremism.

The music of 2 Tone was exuberant: white youth learning to dance to the infectious rhythm of ska and reggae; and crossed with a punk attitude to create an original hybrid. The idea of 2 Tone was born in Coventry, masterminded by a middle-class art student raised in the church. Jerry Dammers had a vision of an English Motown. Borrowing £700, the label’s first record featured ‘Gangsters’ by The Specials’ backed by an instrumental track by the, as yet, unformed, Selecter. Within two months the single was at number six in the national charts. Dammers signed Madness, The Beat and The Bodysnatchers as a glut of successive hits propelled 2 Tone onto Top of the Pops and into the hearts and minds of a generation. However, soon infighting amongst the bands and the pressures of running a label caused 2 Tone to bow to an inevitable weight of expectation and recrimination.

Still under the auspices of Jerry Dammers, 2 Tone entered in a new phase. Perhaps not as commercially successful as its 1979-1981 incarnation the label nevertheless continued to thrive for a further four years releasing a string of fresh signings and a stunning end-piece finale in ‘(Free) Nelson Mandela’.

Told in three parts, Too Much Too Young is the definitive story of a label that for a brief, bright burning moment, shaped British culture.

Solihull-born Daniel Rachel is a regular contributor on BBC Radio 5 Live and lives in north London with his partner and three children. He is the author of Isle of Noises (a Guardian and NME Book of the Year), Walls Come Tumbling Down (winner of the Penderyn Music Book prize), When Ziggy Played the Marquee by Terry O’Neill (editor), Don’t Look Back in Anger and co-writer of Ranking Roger’s autobiography I Just Can’t Stop It: My Life in The Beat.

The Long-Standing Enigma Of “The Most Mysterious Song On The Internet” Has Been Solved

Eric Alper
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The Long-Standing Enigma Of “The Most Mysterious Song On The Internet” Has Been Solved

“Subways of Your Mind” by FEX, released in 1984, is a German New Wave single that gained viral fame as “The Most Mysterious Song on the Internet.” For decades, its origins remained unknown, captivating online sleuths who analyzed its haunting melody and enigmatic lyrics. Identified in 2023 as a track by the band, its rediscovery brought closure to a long-standing internet mystery.

Watch Nine Inch Nails Before And After Their Very First Lollapalooza Festival In 1991

Eric Alper
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Watch Nine Inch Nails Before And After Their Very First Lollapalooza Festival In 1991

Nine Inch Nails delivered a groundbreaking performance at the inaugural Lollapalooza on July 18, 1991, in Phoenix, Arizona. Showcasing their industrial sound and raw intensity, their set became a defining moment for both the band and the festival, as it didn’t go well as they hoped.

Marvin Gaye’s Isolated Vocals For “What’s Goin On”

Eric Alper
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Marvin Gaye’s Isolated Vocals For “What’s Goin On”

Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On,” released in 1971, marked a turning point in his career, addressing police brutality, social unrest, and love for humanity. Initially rejected by Motown’s Berry Gordy, the song became a massive success, reaching number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the R&B charts for five weeks. Inspired by events like the Watts Riots and conversations with his Vietnam veteran brother, Gaye produced the track himself, blending lush orchestration with raw emotion.

Kate Bush’s Isolated Vocals For “Running Up That Hill”

Eric Alper
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Kate Bush’s Isolated Vocals For “Running Up That Hill”

“Running Up That Hill” by Kate Bush, originally released in 1985, saw a remarkable resurgence in 2022 when featured in Netflix’s Stranger Things Season 4. The song reached number one in multiple countries, including the UK, breaking records for the longest gap between UK chart-topping singles. It also climbed to number three on the Billboard Hot 100, surpassing its 1985 peak of number 30. By 2023, it had reached over a billion streams on Spotify.

5 Surprising Facts About Prince’s “Sign o’ the Times”

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About Prince’s “Sign o’ the Times”

When it comes to iconic albums, Prince has a slew of them: 1999, Purple Rain, but it’s Sign o’ the Times that tops the list – a universe of sound, creativity, and brilliance. Released in 1987, this double album has become one of the most acclaimed records of all time, showcasing Prince’s unparalleled artistry. But even if you’ve played it a hundred times, there are still secrets hiding in its grooves. Here are five facts about Sign o’ the Times that might just blow your mind:

  1. “U Got The Look” Almost Didn’t Make the Cut
    Prince’s infectious duet with Sheena Easton, “U Got The Look,” wasn’t originally planned for Sign o’ the Times. Created with Prince’s sped-up “Camille” vocal persona, the track emerged from his prolific sessions and ended up as a standout hit. With its heavy beats, live percussion, and sizzling guitar, it reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a staple of the Prince mystique.
  2. The Album Is a Compilation of Unreleased Gems
    Before Sign o’ the Times came to life, Prince shelved multiple projects, including Dream Factory, Camille, and Crystal Ball. He salvaged the best tracks from these sessions and reworked them into the masterpiece we know today. It’s like getting three albums in one—and each one is pure gold.
  3. The Linn LM-1 Drum Machine Stole the Show
    Prince’s creative use of the Linn LM-1 drum machine gave the album its signature sound. Tracks like “Sign o’ the Times” and “Housequake” feature its unmistakable rhythm, blending futuristic beats with raw funk—a groundbreaking move in the 1980s.
  4. The Title Track Was Written in One Sitting
    “Sign o’ the Times,” the politically charged opener, was reportedly written and recorded in a single day. Tackling topics like AIDS, poverty, and nuclear war, Prince’s stripped-down production amplified the gravity of his lyrics, making it one of his most impactful songs.
  5. The Concert Film Is a Visual Feast
    Not just a studio album, Sign o’ the Times also became a legendary concert film. Featuring dazzling performances and a dreamlike aesthetic, it captured Prince’s onstage genius. The music video for “U Got The Look” with Sheena Easton, filmed in Paris, adds another layer of visual artistry to the album’s legacy.

From its bold experimentation to its cultural relevance, Sign o’ the Times stands tall as one of the greatest albums ever made. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting it as a longtime fan, there’s always something new to uncover. So, play (this) in the sunshine!

One Of The Greatest Biopics I’ve Ever Seen – Better Man – Gets An Official Trailer

Eric Alper
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One Of The Greatest Biopics I’ve Ever Seen – Better Man – Gets An Official Trailer

Better Man is based on the true story of the meteoric rise, dramatic fall, and remarkable resurgence of British pop superstar Robbie Williams, one of the greatest entertainers of all time. Under the visionary direction of Michael Gracey (The Greatest Showman), the film is uniquely told from Williams’ perspective, capturing his signature wit and indomitable spirit. It follows Robbie’s journey from childhood, to being the youngest member of chart-topping boyband Take That, through to his unparalleled achievements as a record-breaking solo artist – all the while confronting the challenges that stratospheric fame and success can bring.

I saw Better Man at TIFF, and wow—there’s truly never been a movie like it. Robbie Williams’ story is as raw and electrifying as his music and this film is unlike anything you will ever see.

40 Fingers Bring The Police’s “Message In a Bottle” to Life in Verona’s Iconic Roman Theatre

Eric Alper
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40 Fingers Bring The Police’s “Message In a Bottle” to Life in Verona’s Iconic Roman Theatre

The brilliantly talented quartet, 40 Fingers, delivered a great cover of The Police’s iconic hit “Message In a Bottle” before a captivated audience at the Roman Theatre in Verona, Italy.

K-pop’s NCT DREAM MYSTERY LAB: DREAM( )SCAPE IN CINEMAS In December

Eric Alper
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K-pop’s NCT DREAM MYSTERY LAB: DREAM( )SCAPE IN CINEMAS In December

Calling global NCTzens. Prepare to experience NCT DREAM’s electrifying world tour, “THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE” like never before as the K-pop phenomenon’s dazzling concert film, NCT DREAM Mystery Lab: DREAM( )SCAPE in Cinemas, comes to the big screen on December 11th and 14th.

NCT DREAM Mystery Lab: DREAM( )SCAPE in Cinemas captures NCT’s thrilling live performances from their wildly successful three-night sold-out tour kickoff at Seoul’s Gocheok Sky Dome on May 2, 3, and 4, 2024. Audiences will be captivated by NCT’s youthful energy, flawless choreography, and powerful vocals. Beyond the stage, the film offers a glimpse into the dedication and passion behind their unforgettable performances. Cinemagoers will be immersed in a vibrant “Pearl Neo Champagne” hue as the story of the Mystery Lab unfolds – a fantastical space where dreams are manifested and the secrets to achieving them are unlocked.

Tickets for NCT DREAM Mystery Lab: DREAM( )SCAPE in Cinemas are on sale from Wednesday, November 27 at 4am EST / 1am PST / 9am GMT / 10am CET / 4pm ICT at nctdreamincinemas.com.  Fans can experience even more with screenings in ScreenX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX special formats where available. Visit the event website for more information and ticketing details for standard plus ScreenX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX formats. In markets will screen NCT DREAM Mystery Lab: DREAM( )SCAPE in Cinemas December 11, 12, 13, 14, and 15.

Marc Allenby, CEO of Trafalgar Releasing said, “We are proud to be partnering with NCT Dream once again, bringing their tour THE DREAM SHOW 3: DREAM( )SCAPE to cinemas around the world as NCT DREAM MYSTERY LAB: DREAM( )SCAPE IN CINEMAS. The big screen has proven to be the perfect place for fans to experience NCT concerts together, and we look forward to reuniting them in cinemas worldwide this December.”

Jun Bang, Chief Content Officer at CJ 4DPLEX, said, “We’re excited to bring NCT DREAM’s thrilling performances to the big screen in an entirely new way with NCT DREAM Mystery Lab: DREAM( )SCAPE in Cinemas. This isn’t just a concert film; it’s an immersive experience where fans can feel every beat and movement through our ScreenX, 4DX, and ULTRA 4DX formats. We’re proud to partner with NCT DREAM to unite fans globally in this unforgettable cinematic journey.”

NCT DREAM captures the essence of youth through their music and performances. The group has not only peaked on various music charts and shows but was also the only Asian artist to be named Billboard’s ’21 Under 21: Music’s Next Generation’ for three consecutive years from 2018 to 2020, as well as the only Asian artist to make TIME Magazine’s ’25 Most Influential Teens of 2018′ list. NCT DREAM’s second world tour, ‘THE DREAM SHOW2,’ kicked off in September 2022 at the Olympic Stadium in Jamsil, South Korea, and unfolded spectacularly with 41 shows in 26 cities across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The group successfully completed a select run on the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball tour in November last year to promote a new remix of their single “Broken Melodies” with JVKE, where they met with local fans up close. Released in March 2024, NCT DREAM’s latest mini-album DREAM( )SCAPE achieved sales of over 2 million copies for the fifth consecutive album, supporting the dreams of youth, and offering comfort to their pain and struggles, resonating with listeners worldwide. The album’s title continues into their third world tour, which opened at the Gocheok Sky Dome in Seoul from 2-4 May. Through this tour, NCT DREAM is set to traverse the globe once again with an upgraded scale, showcasing their expanded musical world and overwhelming performances across North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. The group’s latest full-length album “DREAMSCAPE” marks a new chapter in NCT DREAM’s artistic growth as the members take more significant roles in songwriting and composing their material. The album includes their 2024 summer English single, ‘Rains In Heaven’, which became NCT DREAM’s third Top 20 entry on the UK Official Singles Sales Chart.

 

 

Live Music Market to Expand by USD 35.56 Billion (2024-2028), Driven by Rising Demand for Experiences

Eric Alper
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0
Live Music Market to Expand by USD 35.56 Billion (2024-2028), Driven by Rising Demand for Experiences

The global live music market size is estimated to grow by USD 35.56 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 17.38% during the forecast period. Growing demand for live music experiences is driving market growth, with a trend towards rise in adoption of virtual and hybrid live music experiences. However, privacy and security concerns over online ticket booking platforms poses a challenge.Key market players include Alliance Tickets, Bassett Events Inc., Coast To Coast Tickets LLC, CTS Eventim AG and Co. KGaA, Eventbee Inc., Eventbrite Inc., Event.com Inc., Live Nation Entertainment Inc., Lyte Inc., SeatGeek Inc., Sunrise Records Ltd., The Ticketline Network Ltd., Ticket City Inc., TicketNetwork Inc., TickPick LLC, TiqIQ LLC, TodayTix Inc., Viagogo Entertainment Inc., Vivendi SE, and Vivid Seats Inc..

Live music market is a thriving industry that caters to the worldwide demand for authentic and musical experiences. Trends in this sector include live music concerts, mobile apps, and the rise of DJs. Genres such as Blues, Pop, Rock, Metal, Electronica, and more continue to shape audience preferences. Industrial developments, urbanization, and technology adoption have led to the automation of production lines and the integration of technology in music events. Customer preferences drive emerging trends like local talent, interactive activities, and art installations at music festivals. Macroeconomic factors, disposable incomes, and social media influence ticket sales for B2C enterprises. Event organizers leverage user metrics, online purchase, and modeling approaches to optimize their operations. The live music market is a cornerstone of the entertainment sector, providing livelihoods for musicians, artists, agents, promoters, ticketing companies, contractors, record companies, music publishers, corporate brands, and sponsors. The sector includes small clubs, theatre-sized venues, arena shows, and stadiums, featuring international stars and local talent. Festival dates, performance schedules, and promotional campaigns are crucial elements of successful live music events. Risk takers, fee negotiations, and show production are integral parts of the business. The future of the live music market is shaped by virtual online platforms, holograms, and fan bases. The sector continues to evolve, offering unique experiences for fans and like-minded individuals.

The live music industry has experienced a notable increase in the utilization of virtual and hybrid events due to technological advancements and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Artists and event organizers have responded to evolving circumstances by adopting innovative approaches, enabling them to deliver live music experiences to global audiences despite challenges posed by large-scale gatherings. Virtual and hybrid formats have gained popularity as a solution to the disruptions caused by the pandemic, allowing musicians and artists to continue engaging with their fan bases.

Live music market is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, encompassing various elements such as concerts, mobile apps, DJs, artists, and genres like Blues, Pop, Rock, Metal, and Electronica. Challenges in this sector include urbanization, production lines, automation, and technology adoption. Industrial developments and macroeconomic factors influence music events worldwide. Customer preferences and emerging trends shape the landscape, with local special circumstances and social outlook also playing a role. Live music events offer unique experiences for consumers, bringing together like-minded individuals and passionate audiences. Younger generations value experiences over material possessions, driving growth in music festivals and virtual online platforms. Technology, such as holograms and social media, has transformed the industry, enabling B2C enterprises to reach wider audiences and increase Gross Merchandise Value. Event organizers face various challenges, including ticket sales, artist contracts, and production logistics. Collaboration between agents, promoters, ticketing companies, contractors, record companies, music publishers, corporate brands, and sponsors is crucial. The live music market is a cornerstone of the entertainment sector, providing livelihoods for musicians, crew members, and industry professionals. As the industry continues to evolve, understanding consumer behavior, representing the social outlook, and adapting to technological advancements will be key to success. Goldman Sachs predicts continued growth in the sector over the next few decades. Ultimately, the live music market offers a unique blend of art, social interaction, and entertainment for fans and artists alike.

In today’s digital marketplace, the music industry has seen a significant shift towards online platforms and applications. This transition brings new opportunities for live music market providers to reach their audience with customized offerings. However, it also poses new challenges, particularly in the area of data privacy. To effectively target customers, service providers collect data through cookies, which track customer preferences. This data is then utilized for customer profiling, behavior analysis, and data mining. While this information aids in delivering personalized services, indiscriminate use can infringe on customer privacy. Moreover, location-based services, which require geo-location information, raise privacy concerns. As the IT industry continues to create an open, competitive electronic marketplace, it is crucial to provide secure and reliable infrastructure for the seamless transfer and integration of critical information. Ensuring data privacy and security is essential to build trust and maintain customer loyalty.

The ticketing segment is a pivotal part of the global live music market, facilitating fan access to live music events through ticket sales and distribution. Online ticketing platforms, such as Ticketmaster and StubHub, have become popular due to their user-friendly interfaces and secure payment gateways. Mobile ticketing, featuring digital tickets accessible on smartphones, enhances the ticketing experience and reduces the risk of counterfeit tickets. Secondary ticketing platforms, like Viagogo and SeatGeek, offer fans an alternative to secure tickets for sold-out events. Data analytics and personalized marketing strategies are emerging trends, enabling ticketing companies to provide customized recommendations and targeted campaigns. These advancements are anticipated to boost the growth of the ticketing segment in the live music market.

Download complimentary Sample Report to gain insights into AI’s impact on market dynamics, emerging trends, and future opportunities- including forecast (2024-2028) and historic data (2018 – 2022)

Live music concerts continue to captivate audiences worldwide, bringing people together through the power of music. Mobile apps have revolutionized the industry, allowing fans to access tickets, merchandise, and real-time updates on their favorite artists. From Blues to Pop, Rock, Metal, Electronica, and beyond, music events cater to diverse customer preferences. Emerging trends include the integration of technology, such as holograms and virtual online platforms, into live performances. Local special circumstances and macroeconomic factors can impact the livelihood of musicians, influencing tours and festivals. Social interaction and the connection with like-minded individuals are cornerstones of the live music experience, spanning decades. The younger generation continues to discover new artists and genres, ensuring the industry’s longevity. Live music events offer more than just entertainment – they provide a unique experience for fans to engage with their favorite musicians and create memories that last a lifetime.

Live music concerts have seen a significant in popularity with the advent of mobile apps, allowing fans to easily discover and purchase tickets for their favorite artists and genres, including Blues, Pop, Rock, Metal, Electronica, and more. The live music scene is not just limited to concerts but also includes parties and music festivals, which offer unique experiences for like-minded individuals. Urbanization and industrial developments have led to the adoption of technology in music production lines and automation, transforming the way music is created and performed. Emerging trends such as virtual online platforms, holograms, and interactive activities have added new dimensions to live music events, catering to the younger generation’s preferences for experiences over material possessions. Music festivals have become a cornerstone of the live music industry, attracting passionate audiences from worldwide, with genres ranging from local talent to international stars. Event organizers leverage social media and ticket sales to reach consumers, while B2C enterprises focus on Gross Merchandise Value and user metrics to optimize their offerings. The live music industry is influenced by various macroeconomic factors, including disposable incomes, consumer behavior, and emerging trends. Representativeness, social outlook, and urban population play a crucial role in shaping the industry’s future, with Goldman Sachs predicting a decade-long livelihood for musicians, tours, and festivals. Live performance remains the heart of the industry, with artists, DJs, agents, promoters, ticketing companies, contractors, record companies, music publishers, corporate brands, and sponsors all playing essential roles in bringing the music to the fans. From small clubs to arena shows and stadiums, the live music industry continues to evolve, offering unforgettable experiences for fans and artists alike.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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