In his late teens and early 20s, Cillian Murphy, known for his remarkable portrayal in “Oppenheimer” had a vibrant and creative side that extended beyond the realm of acting. During this period, he was a member of a band called Sons of Mr. Green Genes, where he showcased his musical talents alongside his acting pursuits.
My Next Read: “Talking to My Angels” by Melissa Etheridge
Twenty years after the success of her first memoir, the New York Times bestseller The Truth Is . . ., the Grammy and Oscar award-winning rocker and trailblazing LGBTQAI icon takes stock of the intervening years, recounting the euphoric triumphs and the life-altering tragedies of her life.
Over the past twenty years, Melissa Etheridge has been blessed with success, love, joy, contentment, freedom, and release. She became a mother again, recorded eleven albums, toured the world, performed at the Grammy Awards, won an Oscar, discovered her one true love, and underwent a profound spiritual awakening. She also experienced illness, incomparable loss, heartache, guilt, shame, and devastating grief. She was diagnosed with breast cancer, endured two contentious and public break ups, and witnessed the devastating disintegration and death of her son, Beckett, to opioid addiction. Yet through it all, Melissa found the strength and courage to carry on.
Talking to My Angels is a profoundly honest look into her inner life as a woman, an artist, a mother, and a survivor. With characteristic wit and courage, Melissa delves into how numerous tragedies served as a catalyst for growth, and what the past two decades have taught her about the value of music, love, family, and life in the face of death. It is her story: as raw, vulnerable, and electrifying as her acclaimed songs. Melissa shares hard truths about surviving and thriving—a journey through darkness and uncertainty that leads to forgiveness and love. A remarkable storyteller, she digs deep into the well of her life, sharing memories that, woven together, create a rich portrait of success and survival—an intimate, emotional and ultimately inspiring story of healing.
A memoir a lifetime in the making, Talking to My Angels is Melissa’s engrossing—and at times harrowing—story as she lived it. It is a testament to the power of art, a touchstone for anyone seeking a path out of darkness, and a powerful love letter to the family and fans who’ve been integral to her journey.
ONE Musicfest & Live Nation Urban Unveils Spectacular Lineup for 2023 Music Festival, Featuring Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, Brent Faiyaz, Megan Thee Stallion, and More
ONE Musicfest, the premier urban music festival of the fall season, in partnership with Live Nation Urban, is thrilled to announce its highly anticipated lineup for this year’s festivities at the historic Piedmont Park. The two-day festival is set to take place on Saturday, October 28th, and Sunday, October 29th, at Piedmont Park, located at 1071 Piedmont Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30309, promising an unforgettable weekend of music, culture, and celebration.
Please find the ONE Musicfest map, schedule, and full lineup on the website.
ONE Musicfest has earned its reputation as a must-attend event, consistently attracting a diverse lineup of legendary and contemporary artists. This year’s headliners are set to deliver sensational performances that will resound throughout Piedmont Park and create unforgettable memories for fans. The iconic Janet Jackson, the soulful Brent Faiyaz, the incomparable Kendrick Lamar, the unapologetic Megan Thee Stallion, and the chart-topping Kodak Black are just a few of the incredible talents set to grace the festival’s stages. In honor of Hip Hop’s 50th anniversary this year, OMF has specially curated a Hip Hop 50 stage featuring legends such as Nelly DJ Drama, KRS-One, Big Daddy Kane, DJ Quik, Trina, and more.
“We are beyond excited about the 14th annual ONE Musicfest. To have the opportunity to host Kendrick Lamar, Janet Jackson, Megan Thee Stallion, Brent Faiyaz, and other iconic artists in the middle of Piedmont Park is a dream come true, especially on the 50th Anniversary of Hip Hop. It doesn’t get any better than this. It will be a premium experience for the artists, the attendees, and our partners. We look forward to our new home in Piedmont Park and delivering an elevated experience to our many fans.”
J. Carter, ONE Musicfest Founder
Following the overwhelming success of its SOLD OUT 2022 edition, which captivated audiences with electrifying performances across various Black music genres, ONE Musicfest returns with a fall takeover that promises to make October in Atlanta the ultimate destination for music lovers. The festival’s growth has been nothing less than remarkable, with each passing year witnessing a staggering increase in attendance, boasting a turnout of over 45,000 attendees in 2022.
ONE Musicfest invites music enthusiasts from near and far to come together and experience a weekend that showcases the power, artistry, and spirit of Black music. As the festival continues to break barriers and redefine the live music experience, fans can expect an exceptional event that embodies the essence of Atlanta’s vibrant music scene.
This year’s festival will also host Toyota, Red Bull, P&G, Jack Daniels, and a host of other top tier brands.
The 2023 ONE Musicfest Lineup includes (in alphabetical order):
Ben Reilly, Big Daddy Kane, Black Sheep, Boosie, Brand Nubian, Brent Faiyaz, Bryson Tiller, Chief Keef, Coco Jones, Coi Leray, Danielle Poder, DJ Drama, DJ Jelly, DJ Quik, DJ Toomp, Durand Bernarr, Ed Lover, El Debarge, Fabolous, Goodie Mob, Greg Street, Jadakiss, Janet Jackson, Jozzy, Kendrick Lamar, Key Glock, Kid Capri, Killer Mike, Kodak Black, KRS-One, Lady of Rage, Libianca, Megan Thee Stallion, Mr. Cheeks of Lost Boyz, Mr. Collipark, Nelly, Nice & Smooth, Project Pat, Smino, S.U.R.F., T-Pain, Tems, The Dream, Tink, Too $hort, Trina, Uncle Luke, Waka Flocka, Yo-Yo, 8Ball & MJG, and surprise special guests!
To hear music from the artists performing at this year’s festival, listen to ONE Musicfest Radio only on Pandora. Listen here.
ONE Musicfest tickets are available here and range from general admission entry @ $169.00 to Titanium packages @ $5500.00. Please go to ONE Musicfest’s website for details on packages.
SoundExchange Enables Creators To Receive Digital Royalties Through Venmo And PayPal
SoundExchange, the premier music tech organization powering the future of music, today announced the addition of PayPal and Venmo as royalty distribution payment options for registered creators. SoundExchange is transforming how creators receive compensation for their musical work by distributing royalty payments easily and immediately into their bank accounts – one of the only organizations of its kind to do so. Along with Paypal and Venmo, last year SoundExchange began offering registered creators the choice of receiving royalty payments using CashApp and Zelle.
“SoundExchange is the only collective to offer creators the option of receiving royalties via mobile payments apps on a monthly basis,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “We always strive to meet creators where they are and to simplify their payments/compensation/royalties. By adding PayPal and Venmo to our suite of mobile app payment options, we continue to show what’s possible when adopting technologies and tools that streamline the business of music for all creators.”
Payment via PayPal is an immediately available option for domestic and international registrants, whether they are paid as individuals or companies.
Although SoundExchange offers direct deposits to banks in Canada, the United Kingdom, the Eurozone, and more, there are countries that could not be serviced via traditional direct deposits. Offering PayPal allows international registrants to receive their SoundExchange royalties in places beyond traditional options without requiring a bank account.
In order to sign up for either Paypal or Venmo, creators are encouraged to use SXDirect, which offers self-service opt-ins for all payment methods SoundExchange currently offers. For more information on how to use SXDirect to sign up for PayPal or Zelle payments, please read the step-by-step instructions here.
This mobile payment initiative is the latest instance of SoundExchange supporting creators and moving the industry forward through technology. In 2022, SoundExchange launched a mobile app (Google/Android and Apple/IOS), a new website, and additional digital tools to support its growing community of more than 650,000 creators.
Director X Shares His Toronto In You Gotta See What We See
Destination Toronto today shared its newest collaboration in the You Gotta See What We See series. The series engages passionate Toronto creators in sharing their takes on the city, through their unique creative lens. Toronto-born Julien Christian Lutz, an iconic music video director best known as Director X who has worked with Drake, Rihanna, Rosalia, and Kendrick Lamar, conceptualized and directed the video. Mustafa, a Juno Award-winning singer and songwriter from Toronto’s Regent Park neighbourhood, lent his distinctive voice and penned the prose in Director X’ split-screen POV of the city.
“To really get Toronto, you need to see it through the eyes of the people who make this city what it is,” said Paula Port, Vice President of Global Marketing at Destination Toronto. “Toronto is a reflection of its people. Their diverse perspectives and identities infuse the city’s culture, festivals, and food. It’s what makes Toronto unique and special and worthy of a visit. We’re excited to collaborate with our local creative community in sharing these stories with potential visitors through the You Gotta See What We See series.”
The campaign launched in late May, continuing with the docu-style series developed in 2022, featuring Simu Liu, Santee Siouxx, Sonia Mangat, Nick Liu and Mariah Amber. Director X’ and Mustafa’s video perspective is in-market now with additional collaborations launching later this summer and into the fall. The media plan is focused in New York City, San Francisco/San Jose, Chicago, and Washington DC. Viewers are directed to DestinationToronto.com to find other Toronto insiders and discover their Toronto stories.
In 2022, the You Gotta See What We See campaign resulted in 39 million video views and 1.2 million website visits. Before the pandemic in 2019, almost 2 million American travellers visited the city bringing $1.36 billion in spending to the visitor economy.
About Destination Toronto
Toronto’s visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating more than $10 billion in economic activity and supporting 70,000 jobs in 2019. Destination Toronto’s mandate is to reflect the breadth and diversity of Toronto’s people, places and culture to inspire residents and visitors to meet, visit and explore our city. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto, the Greater Toronto Hotel Association and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, Destination Toronto markets and promotes the city to locals and visitors, attracts and supports major meetings and events, and supports local businesses to maximize the opportunities of visitor spending. For more information, please visit DestinationToronto.com.
Baseus launched Bowie MA10 — OSCAR Films Composers’ Favorite Earbuds
Baseus has launched a new pair of wireless earbuds Baseus Bowie MA10, recommended by Oscar-winning film composers Chad Cannon, Joel Goodman, and Pedro Osuna.
“The Baseus Bowie Series in-ear headphones are a fabulous addition to my headphone collection. The first thing I listened to was Beethoven Piano Concerto No.5 on Apple Classical, And don’t think I’ve ever heard a grand piano sound quite as rich as it did through these headphones.”, said the Oscar Films’ Composers: Chad Cannon.
ANC + ENC Noise Cancelling
Noise cancelling depth goes up to -48dB to provide a listening experience as immersive as being in a recording studio with only pure music surrounding, while bass and audio quality are upscaled to greater level by the larger driver and the aerospace-grade titanium-plated double compound diaphragm. During phone calls, ENC mics filter out ambient noise to only deliver human voice but not the noises.
Music for 2 Weeks
Its battery is tested to provide up to 140 hours of playback with a full charge so that a daily charge would no longer be required, though playtime of earbuds is 8 hours in a single charge. In addition, as it supports BRC Baseus Rapid Charge, a 10-minute charge with the charging case gives users 2 hours of music playback, and a full charge takes 3 hours to get another 140 hours.
Seamless Fit & Waterproof
The Baseus Bowie MA10 is designed ergonomic to fit snug and secure into ears without causing irritation for extended time wear, and comes with 3 sizes (S, M, L) of ear tips to find the most comfortable one for each side of ear. Wingtips are included as well to enhance earbuds’ secureness during sports, and it is rated IPX6 waterproof to keep sweat and water from penetrating.
Smooth & Flawless Gaming
Featuring the latest Bluetooth 5.3 and Baseus’ self-developed DCLL Dual Channel Low-Latency technology, the 0.038s DCLL ensures that sound and image are fully in sync making sure that “what’s heard matches what’s seen” while the BT 5.3 guarantees a seamless connection free of stability issues or hassle of pairing.
The Baseus Bowie MA10 has no match in its tier with a competitive pricing at $29.99 since the passkey to access all those features on earbuds is way higher, roughly around $50. For more information, please visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C89QQ5XK
Watch Lawrence Welk Imitate A Hippy On His Show In 1969
In a 1969 episode of his show, the 66-year-old Lawrence Welk surprised his audience by adopting a hippie persona at the outset. Playfully dismissing polka-jazz as “strictly from squaresville,” he had the band perform his own interpretation of rock and roll. However, the backup singers boldly intervened, unmasking him and returning the show to its usual format.
SiriusXM and Radio Margaritaville Remember Jimmy Buffett
SiriusXM announced today that it will pay tribute to the legendary artist Jimmy Buffett on his exclusive SiriusXM channel Radio Margaritaville.
SiriusXM’s Radio Margaritaville is currently celebrating Jimmy Buffett’s life and legacy by featuring all Jimmy Buffett music.
Radio Margaritaville hosts, Kirsten Winquist and JD Spardlin, are hosting a live call-in tribute show today from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm ET where fans and subscribers can call in and remember Buffett. In addition, Radio Margaritaville will encore some memorable Jimmy Buffett Key West Concerts on Radio Margaritaville throughout the weekend, including the ‘Second Wind Tour’ from Saturday February 4th at the Key West Theater in Florida Today at 5:00 pm ET.
Additionally, SiriusXM will be airing a previously unreleased Jimmy Buffett songs from his upcoming album including “Bubbles Up,” “My Gummie Just Kicked In” featuring Paul McCartney playing bass and “Like My Dog” which were a few of the last songs Jimmy worked on. Fans will hear this very special track throughout the weekend.
Radio Margaritaville was created by Jimmy himself and launched on SiriusXM in 2005. It is one of SiriusXM’s longest running artist channels, having brought Jimmy’s music to fans nationwide for 18 years running. The channel is available to listeners nationwide in their cars (channel 24) and on the SiriusXM App.
“Jimmy Buffett was one of the most influential and beloved artists in music and his passing is a profound loss for fans around the world. We will honor his amazing legacy and celebrate his extraordinary body of work on SiriusXM and Radio Margaritaville by continuing to share his music and giving his legions of fans a place to share their memories of Jimmy,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM.
Born on December 25, 1946, in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Jimmy Buffett was a singer-songwriter, author, and businessman who captured the hearts of millions with his unique blend of music, storytelling, and laid-back Caribbean vibes.
Buffett’s musical journey began in the late 1960s when he first picked up a guitar and started playing in local bars. His early folk and country-rock style eventually evolved into something entirely his own – a genre known as “Gulf and Western” or “Trop Rock.” This distinctive sound, often accompanied by steel drums, conveys the essence of island life, escapism, and the pursuit of a carefree lifestyle.
Jimmy Buffett’s breakthrough came with his 1977 album Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitudes featuring the iconic hit “Margaritaville.” This song would become an anthem for his devoted fanbase known as “Parrotheads,” who shared his love for the beach, margaritas, and a relaxed way of life. Buffett’s live performances, filled with beach balls, Hawaiian shirts, and an infectious party spirit, became an unforgettable part of his musical experience.
Buffett was also an accomplished writer, penning several best-selling books, including his autobiography A Pirate Looks at Fifty. He’s also dabbled in acting, with roles in films like Jurassic World and Cobb. Buffett’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to create the Margaritaville brand, encompassing restaurants, hotels, and merchandise, all inspired by his laid-back beach philosophy.
With his timeless music and indomitable spirit, Buffett’s legacy will continue to inspire a devoted following of fans who eagerly escape to his tropical paradise with every song and story.
My Next Read: “Maybe We’ll Make It: A Memoir by Margo Price
When Margo Price was nineteen years old, she dropped out of college and moved to Nashville to become a musician. She busked on the street, played open mics, and even threw out her TV so that she would do nothing but write songs. She met Jeremy Ivey, a fellow musician who would become her closest collaborator and her husband. But after working on their craft for more than a decade, Price and Ivey had no label, no band, and plenty of heartache.
Maybe We’ll Make It is a memoir of loss, motherhood, and the search for artistic freedom in the midst of the agony experienced by so many aspiring musicians: bad gigs and long tours, rejection and sexual harassment, too much drinking and barely enough money to live on. Price, though, refused to break, and turned her lowest moments into the classic country songs that eventually comprised the debut album that launched her career. In the authentic voice hailed by Pitchfork for tackling “Steinbeck-sized issues with no-bullshit humility,” Price shares the stories that became songs, and the small acts of love and camaraderie it takes to survive in a music industry that is often unkind to women. Now a Grammy-nominated “Best New Artist,” Price tells a love story of music, collaboration, and the struggle to build a career while trying to maintain her singular voice and style.
Elton John Rocks On At Live Aid In 1985 Despite Technical Hurdles
While performing ‘I’m Still Standing’ at Live Aid on July 13, 1985, Elton John’s evident microphone feedback didn’t deter the 72,000-strong crowd at Wembley Stadium, who continued to sing along enthusiastically.