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Billboard Women In Music Expands to Canada in 2024

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Billboard Canada is recognizing the trailblazing women making waves in the Canadian music industry.

With Billboard broadening its reach in Canada, its esteemed Billboard Women In Music event is coming north. This initiative celebrates and acknowledges the contributions of women and gender-diverse individuals in the music industry, fostering inspiration across generations. In 2024, this accolade will be introduced to Canada, featuring a highly anticipated celebration event in June.

As Women’s History Month gets underway, nominations will open on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 – which will live on as an exciting day for Canadian women in music.

Awards are open to trailblazing women and gender-diverse members of the Canadian music industry in a variety of fields, from management to publishing, rights orgs to live music.

Billboard’s Women In Music recognizes women inspiring change both behind-the-scenes and onstage, with major artists gracing the ceremony’s stages over the years.

Billboard Canada will choose a Woman of the Year for 2024, a recording artist who has exemplified leadership and social progress in the changing music business.

Other categories include the Rising Star award, the Impact award (won in 2020 by Brampton’s Jessie Reyez) and Producer of the Year, among others. The Icon award, given to an artist who has made historic contributions to the industry and artistry, has been given to two major Canadian artists: Shania Twain in 2016 and Alanis Morissette in 2019.

Major industry figures will also be in the spotlight. Canadian executive Golnar Khosrowshahi, the founder and CEO of Reservoir Media, one of the biggest independent music companies in the world, is an Executive of the Year hall of famer, and this year offered this piece of advice: “Pivot to a path that allows for growth equally across your professional and personal lives. You should not have to compromise, but rather be empowered to find the route that allows for the multitudes present in you.”

Billboard’s Women of the Year is peer-nominated, with final selections made by the staff at Billboard Canada. Nominations are now open at this link.

The Celtic Tenors Announce Expanded Edition Of ‘An Irish Songbook’ And World Tour

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The Celtic Tenors have been acting as musical ambassadors for a quarter-century now, applying their immense vocal talents (and uniquely Irish charm and personality) to material that ranges from classical arias and acapellas to traditional Celtic harmonies and popular contemporary songs. They’ve sold over a million records worldwide, winning over legions of fans with their unmatched ability to harmonize both musically and personally.

That they mesh so well as a unit stems in part from the firm pedigree each member brings to the table. Tenor Matthew Gilsenan was classically trained by some of the great Irish and Scottish teachers and later sang in Ireland’s National Chamber Choir. James Nelson is an honors graduate in music from University College Dublin, with a résumé that includes over 60 oratorios and more than 50 operas and operettas performed on stages across the globe. Daryl Simpson has degrees in music from multiple institutions in Ireland and Scotland, as well as an extensive history of appearances with prestigious opera companies and orchestras in the U.K. and Switzerland.

“Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears” is one of four bonus tracks featured on An Irish Songbook, a themed compilation of tunes that reflect the rich culture and character of the group’s birthplace. Previously available only on CD in their native Ireland, the album is being released digitally in our market for the first time—making it a hopeful export in its very own right.

The Celtic Tenors are collaborating with Slammin Media for worldwide distribution through Believe. This strategic partnership promises to elevate their enchanting melodies and vibrant performances to a global audience, ensuring their music is accessible on all major streaming platforms. With Slammin Media’s innovative marketing strategies and best practices and Believe’s extensive distribution network, The Celtic Tenors are poised to captivate listeners around the world with their soul-stirring harmonies and dynamic repertoire. Fans and new listeners alike can look forward to a musical journey that transcends boundaries and celebrates the rich heritage of Celtic music.

The release of the new, expanded version of An Irish Songbook coincides with the group’s 25th anniversary tour, which has them playing 22 dates in the U.S. and Canada from late February to the end of March. After that, they’re off to the Netherlands for 10 shows in April.

The Celtic Tenors 2024 Tour: All Tickets Onsale Here
Tuesday, 27th February 2024 Savannah Center, The Villages, FL
Tuesday, 27th February 2024 Savannah Center, The Villages, FL
Friday, 1st March 2024 Waldo Theatre, Waldoboro, ME
Saturday, 2nd March 2024 TCAN- Natick, MA
Sunday, 3rd March 2024 City Winery, New York City
Monday, 4th March 2024 Southampton, NY
Wednesday, 6th March 2024 Birchmere, Alexandria, VA
Sunday, 10th March 2024 Irish Cultural Heritage Center, Milwaukee WI
Tuesday, 12th March 2024 Strand theater, Zelienople, PA
Wednesday, 13th March 2024 Strand Theater, Zelienople, PA
Thursday, 14th March 2024 Burlington PAC, Burlington, ON
Saturday, 16th March 2024 Markham Theatre, ON
Saturday, 16th March 2024 Markham Theatre, ON
Sunday, 17th March 2024 Electric City, Buffalo, NY
Tuesday, 19th March 2024 The Asylum at Masonic Temple, Cleveland, OH
Wednesday, 20th March 2024 The Ark, Ann Arbor, MI
Thursday, 21st March 2024 The Clyde Theatre, Fort Wayne, IN
Saturday, 23rd March 2024 Schuster Center, Mead Theatre with Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, Dayton OH
Sunday, 24th March 2024 The Athenaeum Theatre, Columbus, OH
Monday, 25th March 2024 Strand Theater, Zelienople, PA

Netherlands
Wednesday, 10th April 2024 Tivolivredenburg, Utrecht
Thursday, 11th April 2024 Theater Hanzehof, Zutphen
Friday, 12th April 2024 Toon Hermans Theater, Sittard
Saturday, 13th April 2024 Theater de Bussel, Oosterhout
Sunday, 14th April 2024 Theater de Willem, Papendrecht
Wednesday, 17th April 2024 Theater de Mythe, Goes
Thursday, 18th April 2024 De Lawei,Drachten
Friday, 19th April 2024 Hofte Kerk, Hardenberg
Saturday, 20th April 2024 De Tamboer, Hoogeveen
Sunday, 21st April 2024 Hoftheater, Raalte

Montreal Punk Suffragettes Bad Skin Take A Vacation From Restraint With “We Are The Girls”

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How many paeans to the power of women are we going to have to hear? If you dared ask Montreal grunge-pop punkers Bad Skin that question, the answer you’d get would probably be “Until you get it through your thick skull.”

Waving their musical middle finger proudly in the tradition of musical forebears like L7, Bikini Kill and No Doubt, the Canadian quartet make their own contribution to the hear-us-roar tradition with “We Are the Girls,” an exhilarating anthem that proves it’s never a bad time to fly the flag for the sisterhood—especially when you do it with the style, smarts and sass of this perfectly turned single, which has “instant classic” graffiti-ed all over it.

Heeding the battle cry of singer/rhythm guitarist Dope, the instrumental axis of lead guitarist Caro, bassist Eugeni and drummer Azalee charges forward to advance a message of unabashedly feminist rebellion:

I don’t care what you say
Or whisper about me
Hey hey hey, we know ‘Cause we are the girls
It’s alright I know what’s going on
We know ‘cause we are the girls

“We made this song for one main purpose: to be blasted and sung out loud,” the band says. “We are all strong women, with strong personalities, from different backgrounds and realities, and we wanted this song to be accessible to everyone who doesn’t fit the mold put in place by the straight white male.”

The track has all the musical pluses you’d expect of the genre: slashing guitars; furious, double-time drumming; and a chant that’s made for endless repetition on nights out with the squad. But pause your headbanging long enough to really listen, and you’ll detect the kind of subtle details that separate the merely serviceable from the great. Notice, for instance, how the sweet release of each chorus is set up by a tense, too-close-for-comfort chord shift that even owes a slight debt to flamenco, for God’s sake.

And that ain’t the half of the cross-cultural collaboration that’s going on here. Joining the group on the track are South Korean sister act Rumkicks, whose frontwoman, Yaewon Jeong, makes the perfect foil for Dope’s declarations of defiance. The whole band joins Bad Skin for the attendant music video, taking to the streets to mug and provoke the camera like 1977 never ended.

“We are big fans of their work, of their music, of their stance, of what they have been through as an all-women punk band,” the members of Bad Skin say of Rumkicks. “And we especially relate to their attitude towards it all. We were very excited that they decided to join us in this crazy project with so much enthusiasm.”

Enthusiasm has been a hallmark of the Bad Skin experience since the band formed in the most punk of ways: Dope put up some flyers and posters looking for musicians, and Caro answered the call. Thanks to Facebook, Eugeni and Azalee soon followed suit. That was in 2016; since then, the group has appeared on stages around the world, including prestigious festival gigs and opening slots for the likes of Bad Religion. And they’ve released a series of incendiary recordings like the Live Fast Die Punk EP and the singles “Clowns for President” and “Completely Insane.”

To that list we can now add “We Are the Girls,” perhaps the most persuasive evidence yet of Bad Skin’s jaw-jutting disobedience. Released on Dance Plant Records—which the band considers not just a label but an assemblage of mentors—it’s a bold step forward in their mission to become the best version of themselves while shining a light on injustice and giving voice to the voiceless. As for all you fellas out there: It probably wouldn’t kill you to just listen for once.

The North Sound And Sultans Of String Team Up To Sing The Sound Of The Prairies In “Sweet Alberta”

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“Sweet Alberta” is the new single off the Sultans of String album entitled Walking Through the Fire, the most ambitious and important project of their career, a CD and concert of collaborations with First Nations, Métis, and Inuit artists across Turtle Island. The song started as a poem penned by Grammy nominated and legendary Chippewa/Anishinaabe Elder Dr. Duke Redbird, set to music by Chris McKhool and Sultans of String.

This track features the gorgeous vocals of The North Sound, formed in 2014 by lead singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Forrest Eaglespeaker along with his wife Nevada Eaglespeaker who composes and provides vocal harmonies.

Keeping true to the traditions of Forrest’s heritage, The North Sound was created to share stories of Forrest’s Blackfoot identity and traditions from Treaty 7 Territory. This track was perfectly suited to these award-winning artists, with their connection to the land.

Says Forrest: “I’m originally from Calgary, and now I live in Saskatoon with my wife Nevada, and our kids and our horses and our cat and dog. My family comes from the Kainai Nation, which is in Treaty Seven. It’s Blackfoot people, the Blood Tribe. I have a strong connection to the territory but it’s important for me to identify as unregistered and non-status, due to intergenerational traumas.”

The connection to the land and music goes way back for Forrest: “My grandmother had this John Denver’s Greatest Hits CD, and it never left her vehicle. There’s a line in Country Roads and he says, ‘Almost heaven, West Virginia, Blue Ridge Mountain, Shenandoah River.’ And so, on first listen through this song, how Duke had so eloquently used the term Blue Ridge, it just immediately brought me to sitting in my grandma’s car in Calgary and brought me back to my childhood and immediately, the imagery that Duke painted with his lyrics, that’s what I grew up with, like I felt like the song was written from my childhood.”

Duke wrote the original poem when he lived in Alberta, in a time of extreme turmoil in Canada. “The Indigenous people were being really oppressed, especially in Alberta. There was actual starvation going on in many of the communities in the North, that couldn’t get food” he explains.

“The timber companies had gotten leases for forestry, which caused the moose and the elk and the deer and other food creatures to move away. And many of these communities were at the brink of starvation. It was real, it was the middle of winter, and the stores, the food that was supposed to have been delivered by the Federal Government through the Provincial Government just went missing.” he continues.

“But at that time, one chief by the name of Chief Small Boy decided to leave the Cree Reserve out there, and he took almost 300 followers with him into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and the foothills of the Kootenai Mountains, and set up camp, and began to live off the land.” And they invited Duke to come along.

Duke learned from that period of time that he was there with the Indigenous people of Alberta, having the experience of what it must have been like before the settlers came in. “Out there in the foothills and getting up in the morning and giving thanks to the sun and the prayers that were… The community was connected in a relationship of love to the Mother Earth. And I thought about the fact that the province had been named Alberta, a woman’s name, but it was an English woman’s name. And I thought if their relationship with the province was the love that one has for Mother Earth, and by extension a beautiful woman, then they may have a chance to take care of that land.”

Sultans Of String Tour Dates:
April 15 – Markham Flato Markham Theatre – Education Show
April 16 – Markham Flato Markham Theatre – Education Show
April 18 – Mississauga Peel School Board Education
June 17 – Waterloo University of Waterloo
June 21 – Newmarket Old Town Hall
June 22 – Toronto Hughs Room

10 Things To Avoid When Promoting A Show As A Musician

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Promoting a live music show is a crucial aspect of a musician’s career, as it directly impacts attendance, audience engagement, and ultimately, the success of the event. However, navigating the world of promotion can be challenging, especially for independent artists or those new to the industry. To help musicians effectively promote their shows and avoid common pitfalls, here are a list of ten things to steer clear of when promoting a live music event. From neglecting planning and targeting to spamming followers and underpricing tickets, these tips will provide valuable insights into what not to do when promoting a show as a musician. By avoiding these missteps and implementing strategic promotion tactics, musicians can maximize their chances of attracting a larger audience and creating memorable live music experiences.

  1. Neglecting to plan ahead: Don’t wait until the last minute to start promoting your show. Give yourself enough time to create a comprehensive marketing strategy.
  2. Ignoring your target audience: Don’t promote your show blindly to everyone. Identify your target demographic and tailor your marketing efforts to reach them effectively.
  3. Overlooking the importance of visuals: Don’t rely solely on text-based promotions. Utilize eye-catching graphics, photos, and videos to capture attention and generate interest in your show.
  4. Spamming your followers: Don’t bombard your followers with constant promotional posts. Instead, aim for a balanced mix of promotional content and engaging, value-added posts.
  5. Underestimating the power of social media: Don’t neglect social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. These channels are essential for reaching and engaging with your audience.
  6. Failing to leverage email marketing: Don’t overlook the potential of email marketing to promote your show. Build an email list and send out targeted campaigns to your subscribers.
  7. Neglecting to collaborate with other artists or promoters: Don’t go it alone. Partnering with other musicians, bands, or promoters can help expand your reach and attract a larger audience.
  8. Underpricing or overpricing tickets: Don’t set ticket prices arbitrarily. Research the market, consider your target audience’s budget, and price your tickets accordingly to ensure they’re both attractive and profitable.
  9. Forgetting to follow up: Don’t assume that once you’ve promoted your show, your work is done. Follow up with your audience regularly to remind them about the event and build excitement.
  10. Underestimating the importance of engagement: Don’t just focus on promotion; focus on building relationships with your audience. Engage with fans, respond to comments and messages, and make them feel valued and connected to your music.

Omarion Announces “Omarion: Vbz on Vbz Tour” in Collaboration with the Black Promoters Collective

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Omarion, the Billboard chart-topping and Multi-platinum selling R&B sensation, is thrilled to announce his highly anticipated “Omarion: Vbz on Vbz Tour,” set to kick off this spring in partnership with the esteemed Black Promoters Collective. This R&B filled tour will feature an electrifying lineup including Vedo, Tone Stith, WanMor, and Jastin Martin promising an unforgettable experience for fans.

Omarion, known for his hits like “Ice Box” and “Post to Be,” is set to bring his smooth vocals and energy to stages across the country. With a career spanning over two decades, the Grammy nominated and multi-platinum artist has solidified his status as one of R&B’s most influential artists, delivering hit after hit with his distinctive sound and magnetic stage presence.

Recently, Omarion expanded his musical repertoire with the Full Circle Sonic Book Series. It’s first installment debuted at #1 on iTunes R&B Soul chart. The lead single, “Serious”, soared to #1 on Amazon and iTunes and #18 on Billboard’s R&B Airplay Chart. The highly anticipated Sonic Book Two mirrored its predecessor’s success by also debuting at #1 on both Amazon and iTunes R&B/Soul Charts.

Joining Omarion on the “Vbz on Vbz Tour” are some of the brightest talents in the industry. Vedo, the versatile double-platinum singer-songwriter known for his soulful melodies, will captivate audiences with his heartfelt performances. Tone Stith, hailed for his range and has co-written multiple hits for Chris Brown, is sure to bring the house down with his energy.

WanMor, the dynamic boy group known for their genre-blending sound and infectious hooks, will add an exciting dimension to the tour with their unique musical style. Rounding out the lineup is Jastin Martin, the rising star whose soulful voice and raw talent have garnered widespread acclaim.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of good vibes and R&B on this upcoming tour.

For more information, visit blackpromoterscollective.com or follow Omarion and the Black Promoters Collective on social media.

The Black Promoters Collective (BPC) is a coalition of six of the nation’s top independent concert promotion and event production companies. As a 100% Black-owned business, its mission is to be the world’s leading producer and provider of culturally relevant live entertainment experiences. To learn more, visit http://www.blackpromoterscollective.com.

Omarion has vibrantly painted the entertainment landscape as a chart-topping, multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated Recording Artist, Producer and Actor. Among the ranks of R&B’s elite, his unmistakable sound has driven the success of multiple Gold and Platinum albums and singles, selling over 20M records worldwide. Omarion has also left an indelible mark on Pop Culture grossing nearly $350M at the box office. Throughout his illustrious career, Omarion has been recognized with multiple honors and awards including AMA, BET, NAACP Image Award, MTV, Billboard Music Awards, iHeart Radio, Teen Choice Awards, a Grammy nomination for “Best Contemporary R&B Album” and The Lifetime Achievement Award from Carnival Choreographers Ball. Continuing his legacy, Omarion expanded his musical repertoire with the Full Circle Sonic Book Series. It’s first installment debuted at #1 on iTunes R&B Soul chart. A true multi-hyphenate talent, Omarion has made waves in touring as the co-founder and headliner of The Millennium Tour franchise, amassing over $45 million in revenue and earning consecutive nominations from Pollstar and a Billboard Music Award. Omarion’s creative ventures extend beyond music and touring, his captivating documentary, “Omega: The Gift & The Curse,” chronicling the exploits of the 2019 B2K reunion tour led to the development of the dramedy series “Involved,” slated to debut in 2025. He serves as co-creator, co-executive producer, and lead actor, showcasing his versatility. A true trailblazer, Omarion’s dynamic journey, marked by creative excellence and visionary leadership, resonates widely, transcending the boundaries of artistic expression.

From capturing the attention of R&B megastar Usher on NBC’s The Voice to writing for some of the biggest names in music, VEDO has proven he is a voice to be heard and ready to make his mark. The R&B singer & platinum-selling songwriters #1 hit, “You Got It” reached double platinum status with the help of fans on Tik-Tok while his prior albums “VEDO” “For You” “1320” “Mood Swings” and “7” remain on the R&B Charts from their 2019-2023 release. “The passion in the music is back, the love is back, the artistry is back.

Jersey-born R&B singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist (drums, guitar & piano) Tone Stith released his debut project Can We Talk in 2017, which garnered rave reviews from the likes of Complex, Billboard and more, and eventually led to Tone’s signing with RCA Records. Stith’s follow up EP in 2018, Good Company, included features from Swae Lee and Quavo and production from Stith, Bongo ByTheWay (Ty Dolla $ign, 50 Cent), The Audibles (Justin BieberChris Brown), Marcos “Kosine” Palacios (Ella MaiChristina Aguilera) and THE PRBLM SLVRS. As a songwriter, Tone has penned numerous chart-topping hits, writing and producing on Chris Brown’s “Liquor” and “Make Love” and co-writing “Undecided.” He has also opened for H.E.R. in 2018 on her I Used To Know Her Tour. In 2022 Tone released the fan favorite record “B.E.D” and went on his own sold out Set The Tone Tour, which hit 15 markets. Most recently, Tone has finished up his new project – coming soon this August – and just dropped the first single “Girls Like You.” With the anticipation building for his forthcoming EP, Tone Stith is ready to take his place as an R&B mainstay.

Jastin Martin’s minimalist trap-soul transports you straight to her Houston bedroom—one of the few intimate spaces she writes and records her evocative tell-alls. The self-taught singer-songwriter and producer rarely goes a day without creating something—a slippery beat, a shrewd lyric, a silvery guitar line. She’s been writing songs since age nine, and her consistent work ethic has taken her from the dorms of Louisiana’s Grambling State University to Houston’s freewheeling open mics to Def Jam’s star-studded roster. Born and raised in Houston, Martin got her best music education at home. Her family had wide-ranging interests: Her grandfather turned her on to Bob Marley and Brooks & Dunn, her mom to Lenny Kravitz and Evanescence, and her Louisiana grandmother to zydeco. In school, she cycled through a range of instruments, from the violin to the piano. At 15, she recorded her first song in a studio and was hooked. “On my 16th birthday, all I wanted to do was go to the studio,” she says. “I just never stopped.” While at Grambling, she would fly to Ohio on the weekends to record at a studio with a local producer, until her mom bought her a full recording setup of her own. Soon, music began to take her over. At 20, Martin picked up the guitar and eventually taught herself how to produce. She most recently released her debut album, Miss Me Yet?, a collection of songs that show off her vulnerability and versatility.

The seventies belonged to The Jackson Five, the game changed thanks to New Edition in the eighties, New Kids On The Block ruled the nineties, and Backstreet Boys and NSYNC ushered in the turn-of-the-century. All signs point to WanMor as the definitive boy group of the modern era though. They skyrocketed out of South Jersey and to the doorstep of superstardom in just a few short years. The quartet of blood brothers— Big Boy [19], Chulo [17], Tyvas [16], and Rocco [12]—recharge and reignite R&B with fresh fire and no shortage of timeless vibes and feels. After lighting up streaming platforms, collaborating with everyone from Stevie Wonder to Elmo, going coast-to-coast for Every Pretty Girl in the City Tour, and causing a frenzy everywhere they go, the group continue to soar higher than ever on their forthcoming full-length debut for Mary J. Blige’s imprint Beautiful Life Productions, Inc. under 300 Entertainment. WanMor initially made waves by powering five tracks from Lil Uzi Vert’s platinum-certified epic Eternal Atake in 2020. The quartet took over television, shining on America’s Most Musical FamilySesame Street, and Little Big ShotsGayle King even championed the boys for a special segment for CBS Mornings. They kicked off 2023 with a historic appearance at the 65th annual GRAMMY® Awards, sharing the stage with Stevie WonderChris Stapleton, and Smokey Robinson during the Motown Records tribute. Each move has put them one step closer, notching a nomination in the category of “Best Group” at the 2023 BET Awards and “Best New Artist” & “Best Group” at the 2023 BET Soul Train Awards.

Omarion: Vbz on Vbz Tour Dates:

Friday, April 5

Grand Prairie, TX

TTCUT

Saturday, April 6 

Houston, TX

Smart Financial Centre

Thursday, April 11

New York, NY

Kings Theatre

Friday, April 12 

Washington D.C.

DAR Constitution Hall

Sunday, April 14

Newark, NJ

NJPAC

Friday, April 19 

Chicago, IL

Arie Crown Theater

Saturday, April 20

St. Louis, MO

Stifel Theatre

Sunday, April 21

Detroit, MI

Masonic Temple

Friday, April 26

Los Angeles, CA

Peacock Theatre

Saturday, April 27

Oakland, CA

Paramount Theatre

Sunday, April 28

Las Vegas, NV 

Theater at Virgin Hotel

Friday, May 3

Philadelphia, PA

Liacouras Center

Saturday, May 4

Portsmouth, VA

Atlantic Union Bank Pavilion

Thursday, May 9 

Greensboro, NC

Tanger Theater

Friday, May 10

Charlotte, NC 

Ovens Auditorium

Saturday, May 11 

Baltimore, MD

Lyric Theater

Sunday, May 12

Cleveland, OH

Jacob’s Pavilion at Nautica

Friday, May 17

Richmond, VA 

Altria Theater

Saturday, May 18

Cary, NC

Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Sunday, May 19 

Atlanta, GA

Cobb Energy Center

 

George Michael Takes Centre Stage on Royal Mint Collectable Coin

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George Michael fans can today own a timeless piece of music history, as The Royal Mint unveils a new collectable coin celebrating the British singer-songwriter.

In a fitting tribute, the coin features Michael’s signature look and music from his debut solo album, and second single, “Faith”. The coin is the latest in The Royal Mint’s Music Legends series, following the likes of David BowieElton John and Queen.

Designed by artist and sculptor Sandra Deiana, the new collectable coin portrays the famous headshot of Michael wearing his trademark sunglasses and an engraving of the refrain of “Faith”. The colours black and red feature on a selection of the collectables, which were used prominently throughout his career.

The coin has been officially approved by George Michael’s estate and follows celebrations of WHAM!’s “Last Christmas” reaching number one in the UK charts 39 years after its initial release.

Sandra Deiana, designer of the George Michael coin said. “From the beginning of the project, I was clear about certain elements that I wanted to incorporate into the designI wanted a detailed portrait that captured his charismatic expression – I was particularly thinking of his iconic sunglasses. It’s amazing to be able to pay tribute to his music and what you see in the design is truly a piece of George Michael’s song.”

Rebecca Morgan, Director of Collector Services at The Royal Mint said: “From his debut with WHAM! to becoming one of the bestselling solo musicians of all time, George Michael is a global superstar whose work has inspired and influenced generations with his music and his unique style. Loved by millions of fans worldwide, we are delighted to be introducing an official UK coin celebrating his life and legacy.”

George Michael Entertainment said, ‘On behalf of George Michael, we are deeply honoured that the Royal Mint is paying tribute to him by creating a series of beautifully crafted coins. He would have been enormously proud and genuinely touched that a national institution should have decided to pay tribute to his memory in this way.’

Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Philanthropist and Creative Icon, George Michael is considered one of the most influential recording artists of all time. He rose to fame in the 1980’s as a member of the duo WHAM! selling over 30 million records. He later embarked on a solo career and sold over 125 million records worldwide and is one of the best-selling musicians of all time, topping the Billboard Hot 100 chart eight times in the US and hitting the No.1 spot on the UK singles charts seven times as a solo artist and redefining pop music in the process.

The George Michael collectable coin is available as limited-edition precious metal proof finishes, Brilliant Uncirculated and colour versions. To view the full collection, visit The Royal Mint’s website.

The Portland Art Museum Announces ‘Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm’

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Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm is an unprecedented exhibition, revealing extraordinary photographs taken by the beloved musical icon. Organized by the National Portrait Gallery in London, the exhibition will open at the Portland Art Museum on September 14, 2024, and run through January 19, 2025.

Comprised of recently rediscovered photographs from Paul McCartney’s personal archive, more than 250 pictures invite visitors to intimately experience The Beatles’ meteoric rise from British sensation to international stardom. At a time when so many camera lenses were turned toward them, McCartney’s perspective from the inside out brings fresh insight into the band, their experiences, the fans, and the Beatlemania phenomenon. Through these photographs, along with video clips and archival material, visitors can witness the dawn of the “British Invasion” that fundamentally transformed rock and roll music and American society.

Captured by McCartney during a pivotal three-month period for The Beatles in late 1963 and early 1964, the photographs evoke an affectionate family album, picturing his fellow band members, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr, at a time when their lives were changing irrevocably. The exhibition gives visitors a highly personal glimpse into an extraordinary time with one of music’s enduring legends.

The exhibition also captures McCartney’s interest in the visual arts, with his photos reflecting the aesthetics and popular culture of the period. The range of work, from portraiture and landscape photos to documentary images, reveals McCartney’s familiarity with the formal styles of early 1960s photography. References to New Wave, documentary filmmaking, and photojournalism can be found across the exhibition.

“Looking at these photos now, decades after they were taken, I find there’s a sort of innocence about them,” said Paul McCartney. “Everything was new to us at this point. But I like to think I wouldn’t take them any differently today. They now bring back so many stories, a flood of special memories, which is one of the many reasons I love them all, and know that they will always fire my imagination.”

Paul McCartney Photographs 1963–64: Eyes of the Storm is curated by Paul McCartney with Sarah Brown on behalf of MPL Communications Limited and Rosie Broadley for the National Portrait Gallery, London, and organized for the Portland Art Museum by Julia Dolan, Ph.D., the Minor White Senior Curator of Photography.

Unveiling ‘Who Are You’: Behind the Scenes at The Who’s Legendary Ramport Studios, London

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The Who’s iconic single “Who Are You” stands as a cornerstone of their musical legacy, encapsulating the band’s unparalleled energy and creativity. Released in 1978 as the title track of their album of the same name, the song immediately grabbed listeners with its electrifying blend of rock, punk, and introspective lyrics. With Pete Townshend’s blistering guitar riffs, Roger Daltrey’s impassioned vocals, and Keith Moon’s thunderous drumming, “Who Are You” became an anthem for a generation grappling with questions of identity and purpose. Its timeless appeal continues to resonate, serving as a testament to The Who’s enduring influence on rock music. This is the promo film for the song, filmed at the band’s Ramport Studios in Battersea, London on May 4, 1978.

My Next Read: “Combat Love: A Story of Leaving, Longing, and Searching for Home” by Alisyn Camerota

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CNN Anchor Alisyn Camerota’s memoir Combat Love is her story of growing up longing for stability and attachment as the foundation of her family crumbled. Set on the Jersey Shore in the free-range 1980s, Camerota finds the belonging she craves courtesy of a local punk rock band named Shrapnel and their diehard fans. Combat Love chronicles her near-misses and misadventures at clubs like CBGB and Max’s Kansas City, coupled with the sex, drugs, and punk rock of 1980s New Jersey. By the time she leaves home at sixteen, it feels like home had left her long ago.

Combat Love is also the story of two women, mother and daughter, trying to forge their own paths and independence, and find their own happiness, success and wholeness. Camerota’s story searches for the linebetween shelter and risk, nurture and neglect, parenting and personal freedom. What are we willing to sacrifice for self-actualization and happiness? What if the answer is your mother, or your daughter?

The two-time Emmy-award-winning Camerota retraces her steps down an often gritty path toward her dream of becoming a journalist. At times heartbreaking and pulse-pounding, Combat Love is an inspiration for anyone who’s ever searched for that elusive place called home.