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Live Nation Entertainment and PayPal Sign Multi-Year Deal To Expand Simple and Secure Payments to Fans Buying Tickets Worldwide

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 15, 2023

Live Nation Entertainment and PayPal Sign Multi-Year Deal To Expand Simple and Secure Payments to Fans Buying Tickets Worldwide

PayPal Holdings, Inc. and Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. today announced a multi-year strategic partnership that names PayPal as the Preferred Payments Partner of Ticketmaster, providing fans a simple and flexible way to buy tickets to the live entertainment they love.

As a part of the partnership, fans will be able to pay with PayPal, PayPal Pay Later products, and Venmo* across Ticketmaster’s platform. Additionally, PayPal Braintree will become Ticketmaster’s primary global payment processor, speeding up the checkout process and giving fans direct access to event add-ons like merchandise and parking for purchase.

With PayPal’s payment solutions front and center throughout the checkout experience on Ticketmaster, fans can confidently know they are buying tickets with a simple and trusted payment method supported by Purchase Protection¹ and advanced fraud detection technology to help keep their payments safe. Fans will also benefit from the option to use one-time login, where they can choose to save their information for future purchases. They will now have access to multiple payment options across a total of 21 countries, including:

PayPal Checkout: Gives fans a trusted, secure way to pay, letting them choose from whatever payment methods they have on file, including credit card, debit card, PayPal balance, bank withdrawal, and more.
PayPal Pay Later: Allows fans to pay for purchases evenly over the course of weeks or months in fixed amounts, helping manage their budget while still enjoying their favorite artists and teams.
Venmo: Offers Ticketmaster fans in the U.S. the option to split their payments upon purchase in the social app and through Venmo checkout.

“Our goal is to seamlessly connect artists and event organizers with fans wherever they are in the world, and PayPal helps us take that to the next level with a truly global-reaching payments solution,” said Mark Yovich, President, Ticketmaster. “This partnership gives fans continuity and confidence that they have a secure, trusted, and accessible payment method wherever in the world they happen to be attending an event.”

“PayPal’s scale and ability to provide payments options in global markets comes from the company’s experience over several decades and has resulted in a strong reputation among consumers as a trusted payment method²,” said Peggy Alford, EVP of Global Sales, PayPal. “Our data shows that consumers are nearly three times more likely to finish buying a ticket to a live entertainment event when they see PayPal as a checkout option, demonstrating the value the PayPal brand brings to this partnership³. This expanded engagement between PayPal and Ticketmaster will give fans the ability to check out in as little as seconds with flexible payment options they know and trust.”

The partnership also includes an expanded global marketing program to drive broad engagement and fan loyalty through experiences and offers. For major festivals like Bonnaroo, BottleRock, and Lollapalooza, a limited number of fans using PayPal and Venmo will be rewarded with ticket discounts and Cashless credits to help them make the most of the live events they love.

Bruce Cockburn Releases New Single “On A Roll” From New Album ‘O Sun O Moon’

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 14, 2023

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Bruce Cockburn Releases New Single “On A Roll” From New Album ‘O Sun O Moon’

“Time takes its toll,” sings the 77-year-old Bruce Cockburn on the opening song, “On A Roll,” his 35th album, O Sun O Moon, out on May 12 via True North Records. “But in my soul / I’m on a roll.”

Bruce Cockburn has enjoyed an illustrious career shaped by politics, spirituality, and musical diversity. His remarkable journey has seen him embrace folk, jazz, rock, and worldbeat styles while earning high praise as a prolific, inspired songwriter and accomplished guitarist. He remains deeply respected for his activism and humanist song lyrics that thread throughout his career. On all his albums Cockburn has deftly captured the joy, pain, fear, and faith of human experience in song.

O Sun O Moon is his first vocal album since 2017’s Bone on Bone. It’s also only the third album Cockburn has released since writing his memoirs (2013’s widely acclaimed Rumours of Glory), after which he felt creatively spent. He doesn’t feel that way now. A lot has happened in the zeitgeist in the last six years, and the renowned singer-songwriter has plenty to talk about. While he addresses political calamity on “Orders,” and climate change on “To Keep the World We Know” (featuring popular Indigenous Canadian artist Susan Aglukark singing in Inuktitut), Cockburn largely focuses on spiritual connections, forgiveness, and love — in ways that perhaps only a performer of his experience can do. Except that Cockburn has always done that, from his 1970 debut onwards.

O Sun O Moon finds Cockburn again working with his close friend Colin Linden as producer, who doubles on guitar, along with Janice Powers on keyboards and Gary Craig on drums, the album features bassist Viktor Krauss, drummer Chris Brown, accordionist Jeff Taylor, violinist Jenny Scheinman and multi-instrumentalist Jim Hoke. Cockburn’s guest vocalists include Shawn Colvin, Buddy Miller as well as mellifluous singers Allison Russell, Sarah Jarosz and Ann and Regina McCrary, daughters of gospel great Rev. Samuel McCrary, one of the founders of the Fairfield Four.

Bruce Cockburn has won 13 JUNO Awards, an induction into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, a Governor General’s Performing Arts Award, and has been made an Officer of the Order of Canada, among many other accolades. He has 22 gold and platinum records including a six-times platinum record for his Christmas album. Cockburn continues to tour internationally.

Natalie MacMaster Is An Honourary Award Winner At This Year’s ECMAs

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 14, 2023

1

Natalie MacMaster Is An Honourary Award Winner At This Year’s ECMAs

The East Coast Music Awards have announced Cape Breton fiddler Natalie MacMaster is an honourary award winner for next month’s event in Halifax. She is being recognized for her 40-year career in the industry which has seen her earn a Grammy as well as the Order of Canada, the highest civilian honour for the country and most recently, the Order of Nova Scotia.

MacMaster has worked with artist such as Alison Krauss, Michael McDonald, Faith Hill, Tim McGraw and Carlos Santana. She is grateful to be recognized with the award and says that “Music, like love, is eternal.”

The ECMAs take place in Halifax from May 3rd-7th.

One of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia’s most important exports and a superstar in the Celtic music world (though she’s far too humble to admit it), fiddler and step-dancer Natalie MacMaster has built a sterling, multi-decade career on electrifying playing and must-see live performances.

Her latest album is Canvas, released on March 17, 2023 and just the third record with her husband, Donnell Leahy and features Rhiannon Giddens (“Woman of the House”), Yo-Yo Ma (“So You Love”) Brian Finnegan (“Colour Theory”)—and, on “Choo Choo,” Donnell and Natalie’s 17-year-old daughter Mary Frances Leahy.

EDM/Pop Producer AZËE Grants Sweet Dreams In “Close Your Eyes”

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 14, 2023

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EDM/Pop Producer AZËE Grants Sweet Dreams In “Close Your Eyes”

Everyone wants love that makes them feel secure and happy. Embodying this desire is Montreal producer-songwriter AZËE and his new single “Close Your Eyes”, which features vocals from singer J.O.Y.

The song opens with J.O.Y’s soothing vocals as he asks the listener to not give up and have faith in love as they lay down to rest. J.O.Y.’s vocals are accompanied by encouraging lyrics and an upbeat, dreamy EDM beat that encourages the listener to dance and relax.

“Yea the world is not over yet
Forget all we need for now
If I say I’m going your way
I won’t let you down for now
I know it’s hard just close your eyes
I won’t be gone I’ll stay tonight”

In fact, the song can almost be considered a lullaby hidden in a dance track. J.O.Y’s angelic vocals and AZËE’s psychedelic EDM production makes the song versatile. This song could easily be listened to while studying, winding down for the night, or going out on the town.

Of the song’s inspiration, AZËE states the song was inspired by two of the biggest loves in his life. “I wrote this song while we were at a chalet in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, with my daughter and my girlfriend. They fell asleep on the couch while watching a movie and to be honest the movie wasn’t so good, so I took my laptop and my keyboard and just started to write guitar chords and then everything else started flowing so easily.”

On the surface, the song seems like just another pop song about romantic love. Yet AZËE’s inspiration for it sheds some new light on what your ideal love could look like. After all, romantic love is not the only love and one can also find it with a loyal friend or family member. This, along with the production, adds deeper meaning to the song.

AZËE’s collaboration with J.O.Y. was a no-brainer for him. He explains, “It took me no more than thirty minutes to write the lyrics. When I was done, I sent the song to the amazing singer J.O.Y to sing on it. I must say his energy matched perfectly and did a wonderful job of capturing the essence of the words and melody. This song is just my way of showing that love has a powerful hold on all of us.

AZËE’s career began in 2016 when he opened up his first recording studio. By working within the genres hip hop, R&B, and pop, he gradually gained the recognition of Canadian music artists such as Day Vee and Angela.

In 2020 he did a collaboration with one of the top Montreal producers’ Ruffsound, on a song named “Baila”, a reggae electro-pop influenced track. The song reached the Top 100 BDS radio charts in Quebec. In April 2022, AZËE dropped his first single alongside artist DAEVØ called “Me and You”. It earned him a feature on EDM.com, the number one electronic music blog.

Indigenous Singer/Songwriter Mike Bern Releases “no words for goodbyes” From Latest ‘Ancestors’ Album

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 14, 2023

0

Indigenous Singer/Songwriter Mike Bern Releases “no words for goodbyes” From Latest ‘Ancestors’ Album

Multi-award-nominated Tobique First Nation, New Brunswick-based singer/songwriter Mike Bern brings us his rooted indigenous folk rock sounds with his new album ‘Ancestors’ out now.

Mike creates a sound that uniquely blends husky rock-style vocals and traditional folk acoustic melodies with hints of drawling Southern Gospel. He takes his inspiration from musicians like Frankie Miller, Chris Otepka, and Ben Schneider, which is evident in his music’s pure and heartfelt sound and the stories in his lyrics. Whether it’s the raw emotion from the words he uses or the way he harmonizes with the music, Mike’s music captures a sense of pain and vulnerability that is both authentic and moving.

Hailing from Tobique First Nation’ Ancestors’ came about when Mike visited an Angel Reader – someone who communicates and receives an angel’s vibratory words – after grieving a family member’s death. At this moment, Mike wanted to give something back, dedication to the sacrifices of generations of a family whose shoulders he rests upon.

Mike draws on several sources for his music, and in particular, this new album, whose heart lies in his connection to his ancestors and the memory of loved ones who have passed away. Their absence is a constant reminder of what could have been and how things used to be. So he’ll allow memories to wash over him and write out reflective melodies and musical ideas while contemplating his past and experiences on his deck.

His dreamy sonic-sounding electric guitars and close vocal harmonies are entwined through this album alongside his signature acoustic sound flowing like a river in the background. Gentle at times, Mike takes us on several journeys throughout this album.

‘Ancestors’ is the album’s title track, which reflects Mike’s connection to his forefathers, wanting to create an authentic and positive light to honour the people that went before him. And that journey that we all will take.

“Walk with me in the immortal sky
Star people awakening my oh my
On the mountain top
We hear your prayers
When we all die
We become the stars.”

‘Shine of Shirl’ is based on a personal experience inspired by his late uncle’s ashes which hang in his truck by the rearview mirror. Its upbeat bounce works in contrast to the melancholic undertone of the lyrics. It’s a homage to the souls no longer with him, including his uncle.

“He always wanted to listen to music while here,” Mike explains. “Now, when his favorite song comes on, I know he’s with me.”

“I know you’re driving next to me
The feeling puts me at ease
I start swerving to the right
Someone grabs the wheel
I know you’re here with me.”

Other noteworthy tracks are ‘Grateful Sun’ and ‘no words for goodbye’.

‘Grateful Sun’ is a nod to our fiery ball of warmth in the sky, known as the sun, and how it’s there to pick us up and keep us warm when we feel lost and alone, as the world can be a dark place at times. Mike wanted to create a song of gratitude for life. Its indie vibe steps away slightly from Mike’s usual indigenous folk-rock sound, which allows him to flex his metaphorical wings and step out of his folk-rock comfort zone.

With three straight Indigenous Music Countdown top 10s, Mike has an eclectic background. He has sung in award-winning bands Kickin Krotch and District Avenue, and opened for Seaway, The Trews, One Bad Son, The Motorleague, and more.

Volbeat Confirm 18-Date “Servant Of The Road” North American Summer Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 14, 2023

0

Volbeat Confirm 18-Date “Servant Of The Road” North American Summer Tour

Today, multi-platinum Danish band Volbeat confirm their 18-date North American summer tour in support of their eighth studio album Servant Of The Mind, which Revolver Magazine called “excellent… the darkest and heaviest Volbeat offering yet.” The tour will include the band’s first Canadian shows since 2019. “We are so excited to finally see our friends in Canada again and also get to play shows for some of our friends in the U.S. that we haven’t had a chance to see since Servant of the Mind was released,” said the band. “The incomparable Halestorm will be joining us for most of the shows, too. We hope to see you at the party!” Tickets and VIP packages for this tour will go on sale here on Friday, April 21 at 10am local.

Volbeat’s eighth studio album, Servant Of The Mind is now available in standard CD, deluxe 2LP vinyl (in various limited-edition variants) and a deluxe digital edition here.

Recently the band shares their new music video for “Becoming,” from their album Servant Of The Mind (Republic Records). The video captures the band on the road during the last three Volbeat tours, and was edited and directed by Brittany Bowman. Watch the music video for “Becoming” here.The band previously shared music videos for “Temple of Ekur,” “Shotgun Blues” and “Wait A Minute My Girl.”

Since forming in 2001, Volbeat has gone from the clubs of Copenhagen to headlining stages around the world, including the famed Telia Parken stadium in Denmark (becoming the only domestic artist to ever sell out the venue). Over the course of eight record-breaking albums the band has picked up number one songs (including ten #1s on the US Mainstream Rock chart and counting, the most of any band based outside of North America), multi-platinum certifications, awards and accolades all over the planet. Their latest album, Servant Of The Mind, was released on December 3rd, 2021. They also contributed a cover of “Don’t Tread on Me” to The Metallica Blacklist, with all proceeds from the track benefiting the All Within My Hands Foundation and the Børne Cancer Fonden of Denmark.

VOLBEAT SERVANT OF THE ROAD TOUR
July 12 – Toronto, ON at RBC Echo Beach ^
July 15 – Dubuque, IA at Q Casino *
July 17 – Winnipeg, MB at Canada Life Centre ^
July 18 – Saskatoon, SK at Sasktel Centre ^
July 19 – Edmonton, AB at Rogers Place ^
July 20 – Calgary, AB at Grey Eagle Event Centre *
July 22 – Abbotsford, BC at Abbotsford Centre ^
July 23 – Airway Heights, WA at BECU Live at Northern Quest^
July 25 – Missoula, MT at Big Sky Brewing Co. Amphitheater ^
July 26 – Idaho Falls, ID at Mountain America Center ^
July 28 – Milwaukee, WI at The Eagles Ballroom *
July 29 – Sioux City, IA at Hard Rock Casino ^
July 30 – Gary, IN at Hard Rock Casino ^
Aug 1 – Quebec City, QC at Centre Videotron ^
Aug 2 – Laval, QC at Place Bell ^
Aug 3 – Uncasville, CT at Mohegan Sun Arena ^
Aug 5 – Atlantic City, NJ at Ovation Hall ^
Aug 6 – Grantville, PA at Hollywood Casino (Outdoor Stage) ^

Special Guest: Halestorm ^
Special Guest: Bad Wolves *

SERVANT OF THE MIND Standard Edition Tracklisting:
1. Temple of Ekur
2. Wait A Minute My Girl
3. The Sacred Stones
4. Shotgun Blues
5. The Devil Rages On
6. Say No More
7. Heaven’s Descent
8. Dagen Før (feat. Stine Bramsen)
9. The Passenger
10. Step Into Light
11. Becoming
12. Mindlock
13. Lasse’s Birgitta

Lauren Spencer Smith Connects With Gayle & Em Beihold For Pop Anthem “Fantasy”

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 14, 2023

0

Lauren Spencer Smith Connects With Gayle & Em Beihold For Pop Anthem “Fantasy”

Today, multi-platinum singer-songwriter and generational talent Lauren Spencer Smith releases her latest single “Fantasy,” featuring GAYLE and Em Beihold. The energetic pop anthem showcases the Vancouver Island native’s booming vocals about overcoming a toxic relationship while GAYLE and Beihold echo the same sentiment. In the video, the three artists’ chemistry is undeniable as they embody the power of female friendship.

“When writing “Fantasy,” I wanted to capture how hard toxic relationships are and that coming out of those relationships can be so powerful. GAYLE and Em instantly connected with the topic and their verses helped take the song to another level,” says Lauren Spencer Smith

Lauren Spencer Smith, “the breakthrough act of 2022,” is set to have a landmark 2023. The 19-year-old singer-songwriter from Nanaimo in Vancouver Island, Canada, shares “Fantasy,” as she gears up to release her debut album, due this summer via Island Records/Republic Records.

To date, Lauren has surpassed 1 billion global artist streams. “Fingers Crossed” catapulted her onto the charts and has earned her RIAA Platinum Certification. She followed “Fingers Crossed,” with equally emotive pop ballads “Flowers,” and “Narcissist,” performances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, the 2022 MTV VMAs, Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve, and more. “Flowers” also earned RIAA Platinum Certification. Lauren was nominated as a Best New Artist and performed at the People’s Choice Awards 2022 and Apple Music selected her as one of their “5 Breakthrough Artists Of 2022.” She has earned praise for her versatility, from both her powerhouse vocals to her detailed songwriting. When she steps up to the microphone, the Vancouver Island singer and songwriter shares the kinds of stories typically only traded by best friends long after the sun goes down. Her unfiltered feelings resonate just as loudly as her stunning vocals do, tracing life’s ups, downs, and everything in between with sharp lyrics and even sharper melodies.

GAYLE’s debut EP, a study of the human experience volume one, captures the now GRAMMY-nominated 18-year-old singer/songwriter’s most specific and vividly real emotions: the tension between longing for connection and fearing vulnerability, the risk and thrill of refusing to compromise your own needs. Released in early 2022, the project features her electrifying chart topping smash single “abcdefu”: a triple-Platinum anthem that propelled the Nashville-based artist to over 2 billion streams globally and such milestones as a recent GRAMMY nomination for “Song Of The Year,” being named as a Billboard Music Awards finalist, receiving American Music Award and People’s Choice Award nominations for Best New Artist, and receiving 2 MTV VMA nominations. In the midst of navigating that whirlwind success, GAYLE headed back into the studio to create a study of the human experience volume two—a powerful new EP that doubles down on its predecessor’s unapologetic truth-telling, highlighted by the playfully chaotic “fmk (with blackbear).” “If my music can be a space for people to make sense of themselves, to come to terms with who they are and what they’re feeling, then that means the world to me,” says GAYLE. American Songwriter perfectly summarizes: “GAYLE’s uncensored honesty as a lyrical storyteller is what makes her music so captivating.” Praised for her magnetic live performances, GAYLE is currently opening for Taylor Swift on 15 dates of the spring 2023 stadium Taylor Swift | The Eras tour, where GAYLE kicks off her set with latest release “everybody hates me.”

Via music, Em Beihold converses and connects much like your closest friend would. She isn’t afraid to be blunt, disclose her insecurities, or laugh inappropriately, yet she’s got nothing but love. It’s why she’s quietly emerged as an identifiable and inimitable platinum-certified pop songstress with north of 1 billion streams and widespread critical acclaim. She’s the girl on the red carpet with the $10 coat (who will proudly tell anyone who asks!) and who sends her hair stylist a picture of Jessica Rabbit as inspo for a late-night TV appearance (this particular instance went nuts on TikTok!). The Los Angeles native climbed into the pop culture conversation with the 2022 platinum smash “Numb Little Bug.” It has generated over 500 million global streams in addition to cracking the Top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100 and lifting Em to #1 on the BillboardEmerging Artists Chart. She only accelerated her rise with the Egg In The Backseat EP, making her late-night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. She incited the applause of The New York Times, Stereogum, Teen Vogue, V Magazine, and Variety who hailed, “Beihold is very much part of the new guard.” She lent her voice to a duet version of Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You,” which exploded to the tune of over 230 million Spotify streams. Moreover, they lit up The Late Late Show with James Corden together during a smoldering performance. Jumping into the year with even more music, Em recently released “Rollercoasters Make Me Sad” to rave reviews and was asked to join Lewis Capaldi on tour. Look out for more music coming from Em out on Moon Projects/Republic Records/Universal Music Canada soon.

Kelly Clarkson Unveils New Singles “mine” / “me” From New Album ‘Chemistry’ Out June 23

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 14, 2023

0

Kelly Clarkson Unveils New Singles “mine” / “me” From New Album ‘Chemistry’ Out June 23

GRAMMY-winning global superstar Kelly Clarkson has unveiled double singles “mine” / “me” – the first taste of her highly anticipated tenth studio album chemistry, arriving June 23rd and available for pre-order now via Atlantic Records.

“Having chemistry with someone is an incredible, and overwhelming, feeling. It’s like you have no choice in the matter. You are just drawn to each other. This can be good and bad. This album takes you down every path that chemistry could lead you down.” – KELLY CLARKSON

The pair of songs perfectly compliment and contrast, showcasing the lyrical complexity featured on the project three years in the making. Soaring vocals and a mounting instrumental find Clarkson lyrically honest-as-ever on “mine,” chanting “go ahead and break my heart, that’s fine” before craving karmic retribution. Meanwhile the focus shifts inward on “me,” a triumphant anthem of self-empowerment co-written with GRAMMY-nominated rising star GAYLE. Culminating with the lyric “don’t need to need somebody when I’ve got me,” the song’s message proves equally intimate and universal.

“We decided to release ‘mine’ and ‘me’ at the same time because I didn’t want to release just one song to represent an entire album, or relationship. There are many stages of grief and loss on this album. Each song is a different stage and emotional state.” – KELLY CLARKSON

chemistry was first announced last month alongside an exclusive Las Vegas engagement, chemistry…an intimate night with Kelly Clarkson, opening Friday, July 28, 2023 at Bakkt Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Designed exclusively for the Bakkt Theater stage, Clarkson and her longtime band will immerse fans in an intimate music experience that spans her two-decade long catalog of award-winning hits. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit ticketmaster.com/KellyVegas.

One of the most popular artists of this era, Kelly Clarkson has sold more than 25 million albums and 40 million singles worldwide. The Texas-born singer-songwriter first came to fame in 2002 as the winner of the inaugural season of American Idol and quickly became one of pop’s top singles artists, in addition to the first artist to top each of Billboard’s pop, adult contemporary, country and dance charts. chemistry marks her tenth studio album and third full-length release with Atlantic Records, following 2017’s Meaning of Life and 2021’s When Christmas Comes Around…. Meanwhile on the small screen, her multi-Emmy Award-winning daytime talk show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, is currently filming its 4th season (while already picked up through 2025), and her tenure as multi-season champion coach on The Voice resumes for the show’s current 23rd season.

chemistry track list:
1. skip this part
2. mine
3. high road
4. me
5. down to you
6. chemistry
7. favorite kind of high
8. magic
9. lighthouse
10. rock hudson
11. my mistake
12. red flag collector
13. i hate love (feat. Steve Martin)
14. that’s right (feat. Sheila E.)

Gym Class Heroes’ 2005-11 Studio Albums Will Be Reissued On Vinyl

Music

Eric Alper

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Apr 14, 2023

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Gym Class Heroes’ 2005-11 Studio Albums Will Be Reissued On Vinyl

This Summer, Rhino will release vinyl versions of all four studio albums Gym Class Heroes, recorded between 2005 and 2011, plus McCoy’s solo debut, Lazarus. As Cruel as School Children (2006), Lazarus (2010), and The Papercut Chronicles II (2011) will be available as single LPs. The Papercut Chronicles (2005) and The Quilt (2008) will be released as double LPs.

Gym Class Heroes teamed with guest vocalists for two multi-platinum Top 10 hits – “Cupid’s Chokehold” with Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy and “Stereo Hearts” with Adam Levine of Maroon 5 – the latter of which recently surpassed 1 billion streams on Spotify. The formula worked again when Gym Class Heroes’ frontman Travie McCoy scored a multi-platinum hit with “Billionaire,” a song from his solo debut featuring Bruno Mars.

In celebration of ATL 75 – Atlantic Record’s campaign for 75 years of innovative releases – a new Club Mix of “Cupid’s Chokehold” by DJ Sliink is out today. Newark native DJ Sliink pioneered the Jersey Club style of EDM. Notably, Skrillex called him “essential to the future of pop music.”

Long-time friends Travie McCoy (Gym Class Heroes) and DJ Sliink have been waiting to collaborate and recently teamed up to re-release the classic “Cupids Chokehold” fresh for 2023. Pop meets club, music meets dance – two eras combining for a powerful performance. Tapping into the nostalgia wave, it’s a re-release of the classic anthem. Sliink flipped “Cupids Chokehold” and added his signature Jersey Club production to the classic that is ready to hit a new generation.

Gym Class Heroes paid its dues in the 90s, playing college parties and clubs across the East Coast. The band was already self-releasing its music in 2003 when it was invited to join the Vans Warped Tour for the first time. It was a good fit, and the band would eventually play the popular music festival four times throughout its career.

Gym Class Heroes released the band’s second studio album, The Papercut Chronicles, in 2005. It contains the original version of “Cupid’s Chokehold,” a song with samples from Supertramp’s “Breakfast In America” and guest vocals by Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy. (The Papercut Chronicles will make its vinyl debut with the upcoming release.)

Gym Class Heroes re-recorded “Cupid’s Chokehold” for its next album, 2006’s As Cruel as School Children. That version became the band’s first Top 10 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 in early 2007. It was on the charts for months, certified triple platinum, and was one of the most-played songs on the radio in 2007.

Following that success, Gym Class Heroes returned in 2008 with The Quilt. The record is packed with great tracks and guest artists, including Estelle, The-Dream, and Daryl Hall of Hall & Oates. Legendary rapper Busta Rhymes appeared on the album’s first single, “Peace Sign/Index Down.”

McCoy briefly stepped away from the band to release his 2010 solo debut, Lazarus. The album was a hit, peaking at #25 and earning gold certification. It includes the hit single “Billionaire” with guest vocalist Bruno Mars. The track peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified quadruple platinum. (Lazarus will make its vinyl debut with the upcoming release.)

Gym Class Heroes regrouped in 2011 for The Papercut Chronicles II, the band’s fifth and most recent studio album. It features their biggest hit, “Stereo Hearts,” with vocals by Maroon 5’s Adam Levine. The song peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified quintuple platinum in the U.S. and platinum or better in Canada, Great Britain, Australia, and New Zealand. The Papercut Chronicles II will make its vinyl debut with the upcoming release.

Color variants of each release will be available this summer as retail exclusives. The Papercut Chronicles (emerald), As Cruel As School Children (silver), The Quilt (grape), The Papercut Chronicles II (cobalt), and Lazarus (tangerine).

Something is brewing this year for Gym Class Heroes. The band will back on stage for the first time since 2018 on When We Were Young Fest.

“I couldn’t be more ecstatic for this next chapter in the book of Gym Class Heroes. If you’ve missed us as much as we’ve missed you, you’re in for a good read, quiet in the library but wild the fuck out in Gym Class” – Travie McCoy.

Dj Sliink took the reins as Jersey Club’s fist global star by leading a musical movement. Named by his peers as “The Jersey Club King”, he has spread the genre from humble beginnings in Newark, New Jersey’s DIY party spaces to intrnational culture hotspots like London, Paris, Milan, and Japan, with mainstream attention from Pitchfork, Billboard, SPIN, Fader ——After shooting to post-EDM stardom with a collaborative EP n Fool’s Gold with Flosstradamus, soundtracking Paris runways for Alexander Wang and Rick Owens, playing festivals around the globe, Skrillex sought out Sliink’s diverse club sound and sgned him to his OWSLA imprint and worked with him to highlight the culture of Jersey Club and to help bridge the sound into the mainstream. Skrillex is quoted as saying,” Dj Sliink soud is essential to the future of pop music.”… Named Billboard 2020 Change Agents for Acts Of Change. Sliink continues to push for equality and diversity in Dance Music and beyond. In 202, Sliink released collaborations with Doja Cat & Marshmello and launched his weekly radio show #GlobalCultureRadio on SiriusXM/Diplo’s Revolution. Dj Sliink continues to lace the internet anddancefloors (when open) with his ever-evolving definitive sound blending Club Music, House, and emerging Global Sounds. Newly signed to Warner Records, Dj Sliink is slotted to release an EP in May 2023.

THE PAPERCUT CHRONICLES
2-LP Track Listing

Side A
1. “Za Intro”
2. “Papercuts”
3. “Petrified Life And The Twice Told Joke (Decrepit Bricks)”
4. “Make Out Club”
5. “Taxi Driver”

Side B
1. “So Long Friend”
2. “Everyday’s Forecast”
3. “Pillmatic”
4. “Simple Livin’”

Side C
1. “Cupid’s Chokehold” – featuring Patrick Stump
2. “Faces In The Hall”
3. “Graduation Day”
4. “Apollo 3-1-5”
5. “Wejusfreestylin’ Pt. 2”

Side D
1. “To Bob Ross With Love”
2. “Papercuts (The Reason for the Lesions Remix by Mr. Dibbs)”
3. “Kid Nothing vs. The Echo Factor”
4. “Band Aids”

AS CRUEL AS SCHOOL CHILDREN
Track Listing

Side A
1. “The Queen and I”
2. “Shoot Down The Stars”
3. “New Friend Request”
4. “Clothes Off!!” – featuring Patrick Stump
5. “Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 1”
6. “Viva la White Girl”
7. “7 Weeks” – featuring William Beckett

Side B
1. “It’s Ok, But Just This Once!”
2. “Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 2”
3. “Biters Block”
4. “Boys In Bands Interlude”
5. “Scandalous Scholastics”
6. “On My Own Time (Write On!)”
7. “Cupid’s Chokehold / Breakfast In America” – featuring Patrick Stump
8. “Sloppy Love Jingle, Pt. 3”

THE QUILT
2-LP Track Listing

Side A
1. “Guilty As Charged” – featuring Estelle
2. “Drnk Txt Rmeo”
3. “Peace Sign/Index Down” – featuring Busta Rhymes
4. “Like Father, Like Son (Papa’s Song)”

Side B
1. “Blinded By The Sun”
2. “Catch Me If You Can”
3. “Cookie Jar” – featuring The-Dream
4. “Live A Little”

Side C
1. “Don’t Tell Me It’s Over”
2. “Live Forever (Fly With Me)” – featuring feat. Daryl Hall
3. “Kissin’ Ears” – featuring The-Dream

Side D
1. “Home”
2. “No Place To Run”
3. “Coming Clean”

LAZARUS – Travie McCoy
Track Listing

Side A
1. “Dr. Feel Good” – featuring CeeLo Green
2. “Superbad”
3. “Billionaire” – featuring Bruno Mars
4. “Need You”
5. “Critical” – featuring Tim William

Side B
1. “Akidagain”
2. “We’ll Be Alright”
3. “The Manual” – featuring T-Pain and Young Cash
4. “After Midnight”
5. “Don’t Pretend” – featuring Colin Munroe

THE PAPERCUT CHRONICLES II
Track Listing

Side A
1. “Za Intro”
2. “Martyrial Girl$”
3. “Life Goes On” – featuring Oh Land
4. “Stereo Hearts” – featuring Adam Levine
5. “Solo Discotheque (Whiskey Bitness)”
6. “Holy Horseshit, Batman!”

Side B
1. “Ass Back Home” – featuring Neon Hitch
2. “Nil-Nil-Draw”
3. “Lazarus, Ze Gitan”
4. “The Fighter” – featuring Ryan Tedder
5. “Kid Nothing And The Never-Ending Naked Nightmare”

Ontario Country Artists Organize Benefit Concert For CAMH On May 24 In Oakville

Music

Eric Alper

-

Apr 13, 2023

1

Ontario Country Artists Organize Benefit Concert For CAMH On May 24 In Oakville

Ontario country artists are coming together to share untold stories about mental illness and mental health in a benefit concert for the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH).

Country Talks: Mental Health, taking place on Wednesday, May 24 at the famous Moonshine Cafe in Oakville, will feature a lineup of top Canadian independent country artists, all with a history of living with mental illness, addiction, and mental health challenges, sharing stories about their struggles, obstacles, and using music to overcome them. All proceeds from the benefit will be donated to the CAMH Foundation. Tickets are available here.

The lineup features Maddie Corinne, Taylor Wilson, Broadtree, Caves, Jessica Towler, and Katy Topham performing in a writers’ round format. The event will be hosted by Nicole McCafferty and Armand Antony, who will also be performing in the show as Broadtree.

“When we put a call out for artists who might be interested in sharing stories about mental illness, we thought it was a shot in the dark and didn’t know what to expect,” said Armand Antony, one of the co-founders of Part Of That Music, who are presenting the event. “To our surprise, our inbox was flooded with messages from artists across Canada who shared their stories with us personally and were thrilled about a safe space where they could share their experiences with others.”

Antony’s counterpart at Part Of That Music, Nicole McCafferty said “We were truly astonished by the response, how open everyone was about their experiences. It was amazing how so many people landed on similar messages as to what it means to them and why it is so important to share stories like this. I think anyone in attendance will be surprised; it might not be quite what you expect, in a good way. I think it’s going to open some eyes, start some meaningful conversations, and hopefully foster understanding.”

A benefit concert focusing on mental illness is a first for the Ontario country community and promises to be an evening of celebrating artists and audience members who live with mental illness in a safe space where conversations are normalized and welcomed. Resources to learn about mental illness and improving mental health will also be available on site.

“CAMH Foundation is grateful to Country Talks for their support and to all of the Canadian artists for courageously sharing their stories of lived experience with mental illness and mental health challenges. This event is not only raising critical funds to support the work of Canada’s leading mental health hospital, it is driving forward new, open conversations about mental health and reminding people there is always hope and help,” said Deborah Gillis, President & CEO of CAMH Foundation.“CAMH Foundation is grateful to Country Talks for their support and to all of the Canadian artists for courageously sharing their stories of lived experience with mental illness and mental health challenges. This event is not only raising critical funds to support the work of Canada’s leading mental health hospital, it is driving forward new, open conversations about mental health and reminding people there is always hope and help,” said Deborah Gillis, President & CEO of CAMH Foundation.

Tickets for Country Talks: Mental Health are by donation with additional donation tiers offered that include exclusive thank you gifts such as event posters, merch, and song requests. Raffle tickets will be available in person and online for prizes donated by all artists performing, Gibson Guitars, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the Toronto Blue Jays, Brooks Farms, Live Nation, and music festivals including Harmonia, Live Love Laugh, Dave Woods’ Heart of Country, and Feeling 22: A Tribute to Taylor Swift.