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Lorne Michaels’ Apple Original Musical Comedy Series “Schmigadoon!” to Premiere July 16

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Apple TV+ announces “Schmigadoon!,” the six-episode musical comedy series executive produced by Lorne Michaels and starring Emmy Award-nominee Cecily Strong and Emmy Award-winner Keegan-Michael Key, will make its global debut on Friday, July 16. Two episodes will be available at launch followed by one episode weekly every Friday.

“Schmigadoon!,” a parody of iconic Golden Age musicals, stars Strong and Key as a couple on a backpacking trip designed to reinvigorate their relationship who discover a magical town living in a 1940s musical. They then learn that they can’t leave until they find “true love.” The first season also stars Alan Cumming, Kristin Chenoweth, Aaron Tveit, Dove Cameron, Ariana DeBose, Fred Armisen, Jaime Camil, Jane Krakowski and Ann Harada. Martin Short guest stars.

Foo Fighters to Launch New Advertising Campaign to Shine a “Spotlight” on Everyday Rock Stars

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Beginning today, the Ram Truck brand and Foo Fighters join forces to pay homage to everyday heroes with the launch of a new multimedia campaign, “Spotlight,” which includes three new videos spanning television, digital and Ram Truck brand social media channels.

The campaign will kick off just before Mother’s Day and coincides with the release of “From Cradle to Stage,” a new unscripted series directed by Grohl and inspired by his mother Virginia Hanlon Grohl and her critically acclaimed book. This follows closely on the release of “What Drives Us,” a documentary Grohl directed as “a love letter to every musician that has ever jumped in an old van with their friends and left it all behind for the simple reward of playing music.”

Stretching back to the #RamBandVan initiative launched in 2018 and decades earlier to the ’90s and the band’s original Ram van featured in “What Drives Us,” the partnership between the Ram Truck brand and Foo Fighters was born out of a shared passion: A desire to enable hardworking musicians to get out and tour, knowing the struggles, financial and otherwise, that come with the grassroots touring lifestyle. The #RamBandVan program has and will continue to support determined musicians as they get back to doing what they love.

Soundtracked by Foo Fighters’ anthemic “Making A Fire,” the campaign kicks off with an extended 60-second version of “Rock Star” featuring Dave Grohl. As a tribute to the mentors and leaders who are Ram truck owners, the video showcases everyday people helping kids with their struggles, while Grohl is seen driving his Ram 1500 and listing all the ways it takes to overcome obstacles on the path to rock stardom before humbly stating, “bringing out the very best of them, takes the very best of us.”

Two additional 30-second campaign spots, “Overtime” and “Best Part,” will run across television. A 30-second version of “Rock Star” will also run across television.

Canadian Music Producer Provides YouTube Educational Videos on How to Make Music

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People and YouTubers from Canada and the US who are interested in music production and editing software can now check out Canadian Singer Machi’s YouTube channel that encourages and teaches people how to make music on their own right from creating music to releasing an album.

Machi, who has been producing music since 2013, recently announced the launch of her YouTube channel that has been chalking up hundreds of views because of her own brand of Machi Music. The channel will also serve to showcase the versatility of the singer cum music producer, which is an added advantage of the entire development. Machi’s music has always been popular for its multi-genre variety including the artiste’s ability to create music packed with emotion, an art that few singers can do well.

Machi’s YouTube channel features educational videos that teach and motivate how people can make good music and produce it as well. Besides her YouTube venture, Machi has also announced she released a Trance album called “Sleeping Well” and intends to release a physical album every year. Machi’s Music might be great, but it is thousands of aspiring artists who follow Machi for her video content that teaches how to use editing software, music production and how to release an album.

Machi is a multi-genre music producer and songwriter who started her career back in January 2013, producing music under the name “Machi.” She used to produce music for other artists and has been focusing on her YouTube Channel more. Machi was mentored by John Oszajca and played on internet radios from 2014 to 2018. Today she says her YouTube channel is for educational purposes only and does not make money of it. Speaking about her venture she says:

“It took me so long to figure everything out. Making your first album from scratch is a challenge and there are no online resources to help you with this. Offering my experience for free would definitely help a lot of people.”

For more information: https://www.youtube.com/c/MachiMusic/

BBTV Launches NFT Division with Grammy-winning and Multi-platinum Music Producer Zaytoven

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BBTV Holdings Inc., the leader in creator monetization, today announced the creation of its NFT Division, which will launch Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) with some of the world’s leading content creators across Entertainment, Music, Sports, Esports & Gaming verticals. BBTV’s first NFT will be with Grammy-winning and multi-platinum music producer Zaytoven. Over the years, Zaytoven has worked with artists from Drake, Travis ScottYoung Dolph, Lil Yachty and Lil Uzi Vert, to Rick Ross, Jeezy, Yo Gotti, Usher and Keyshia Cole. He is also widely credited for curating the signature sound of international superstars Gucci Mane, Future and the Migos. He has a flair for recognizing and cultivating raw talent, turning unique individuals into household names.

  • The total value for global transactions of NFTs was $338 million in 2020up 139% from $141 million in 2019 and up nearly 800% since 2018.
  • NFTs are emerging as a popular new way for creators and artists globally to monetize their intellectual property. BBTV plans to offer NFTs as another method to diversify and expand monetization for the thousands of creators on its platform.
  • BBTV expects to realize margins that are aligned with BBTV’s other existing Plus Solutions products. BBTV is uniquely positioned in the creator economy, with exclusive IP rights across a vast library of content with more than 600 million unique monthly viewers globally, who consumed more than 50 billion minutes of video content, the most among media companies (January 20212).

Leveraging its creator IP and relationship with the world’s largest creators, BBTV plans to take tokenized fan experiences to the next level through a combination of NFTs, exclusive fan engagements, merchandise offerings, and more.

“BBTV works with some of the world’s most prominent creators and is uniquely positioned to market NFTs through its vast creator network. The combination of creator economy, crypto movement, and proof of ownership has created a massive monetization ecosystem and we are excited to position BBTV at the centre of it all to take the creator fan engagements to the next level,” comments Shahrzad Rafati, Chairperson & CEO, BroadbandTV. “We are laser focused on delivering market leading solutions for creators around the globe to monetize the content that they create. NFTs are a natural extension of our Plus Solutions.”

BBTV’s partnership with Zaytoven began with the release of his supergroup album ‘A-Team’ featuring Lil Yachty, Lil Keed, Lil Gotit through Opposition, BBTV’s Music Division. The album has received over 20 million streams since it’s debut in early 2020.

“The rise of NFT’s as a new form of IP, brand extension and medium for fans to connect with artists has been truly game changing,” comments Zaytoven. “Expanding my partnership with BBTV is the right move as they have been a great company to work with and a leader in the digital space to explore this new frontier. I’ve been a collector for all my life and I can see the massive opportunity of a fan wanting to own art and music again as we all did growing up.”

Best Career Opportunities in Statistics

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In today’s data-driven world, pursuing a course in statistics is promising. Translating data into actionable information plays a significant role in every industry. The career perspective as a statistics major opens numerous opportunities. After graduating, you’ll be spoilt of choice as you can work in almost any industry in varying capacities.  The best part is that pursuing the course doesn’t have to be such a hassle, especially with professional statistics assignment helper services. Here are some of the top career opportunities that make statistics an ideal course if you consider it.

Statistician

This is the most obvious career opportunity with a statistics major. The job entails data examination designed to apply in handling challenges, such as in business settings. Interpreting data and communicating the findings to solve problems is among the most popular statistical application. Running surveys, experiments, devising models to match the situation, among other measures, makes the statistician’s job challenging and exciting. With competitive salary rates and challenging roles, the statistician career path tops the list of the best career opportunities in statistics.

Business analyst

What are the trends in the business world, and how can a venture survive and thrive? From financial statements to labor reports analysis, a business analyst is pivotal in successful business operations. Collecting the relevant data, examining it, forecasting based on trends, and recommending the best approaches are among the primary duties. The career outlook is promising, especially in the modern data-driven world. As businesses work to capture and maintain an edge in the competitive market, the need for business analysts will keep growing by the day.

Market researcher

The career is closely related to business analyst but focuses mainly on the marketing function. The role entails analyzing trends and forecasting sales for products/services. This includes weighing marketing campaigns’ effectiveness to establish if they perform as intended to deliver desirable returns on investment. Among the exciting concepts of the market researcher’s role is using the latest technology such as software and algorithms to furnish the requirements of running a successful business.

Actuary

Actuary careers have and continue to be an integral part of the financial sector. The role entails financial risk management. From businesses, governments, financial institutions such as banks and insurance companies, and individuals, an actuary can work in various industries. An actuary analyzes costs, evaluates risk levels, and recommends a course of action that helps the user make an informed financial decision. An actuary establishes trends and forecasts possible progress and future events through data, helping you mitigate risks. An example is an insurance situation, where an actuary uses clients’ information to establish potential risks before arriving at the best premiums that wouldn’t lead the company into losses.

Data scientist

Data scientist is perhaps the most exciting career opportunity for statistics major, especially data buffs. The role entails developing models, creating data sets, establishing variables, patterns, and trends. This is designed to arrive at conclusions based on data. Data scientists can work in virtually any industry. Reviewing figures in search of informative conclusions is needed everywhere, facilitating effective decision-making processes.

Economists

Economist helps to keep things running. From devising the best ways to distribute resources to establishing economic ways to produce and manage goods and services, economists play a significant role in various industries, including governments. Handling economic challenges requires statistics and decision-making skills, making an economists’ career an excellent opportunity for a statistics major.

Statistics course offers an extensive pool of career opportunities. The best part is that from entry levels to advanced positions, the career opportunities offer competitive salaries. With job security, it makes for a good course as you consider your future and stability.

Sweet Relief Tribute to NRBQ’s Joey Spampinato features Bonnie Raitt, Ben Harper, She & Him out June 25

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True North Records announces a June 25th release date for A Sweet Relief Tribute to Joey Spampinato, which features a lengthy list of friends and fans of the NRBQ founding member/bassist saluting him with 14 versions of their own previously unreleased takes of Spampinato-penned songs.

A Sweet Relief Tribute to Joey Spampinato is an inspired album recorded by an astounding group of musicians who are all generously donating their proceeds from these recordings to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund to support Joey with his current health issues. The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illness, disability or age-related problems.

Joey Spampinato, a singer, songwriter and bassist, was co-founder of the legendary NRBQ, a rock quartet whose genre-defying music continues to inspire generations of music fans and fellow musicians. Many of those musicians answered the call from Joey’s wife Kami Lyle and producer Sheldon Gomberg when they contacted them about recording one of Joey’s songs for an album to help raise funds for Joey when it was revealed he was battling cancer.

A Sweet Relief Tribute to Joey Spampinato Track Listing

Al Anderson – “You Can’t Hide” – Original Release: 1969 on NRBQ
Los Lobos – “Every Boy, Every Girl” – Original Release: 1987 on God Bless Us All
Deer Tick – “That I Get Back Home” – Original Release: 1980 on Tiddlywinks
Ben Harper with Keith Richards, Charlie Musselwhite, Benmont Tench, Don Was, & Don Heffington – “Like a Locomotive” – Original Release: 1989 on Wild Weekend
Peter Case – “Don’t Knock At My Door” – Original Release: 1972 on Scraps
She & Him – “How Can I Make You Love Me” – Original Release: 1983 on Grooves in Orbit
The Minus 5 – “Don’t She Look Good” – Original Release: 1979 on Kick Me Hard
Steve Forbert – “Beverly” – Original Release: 1986 on Uncommon Denominators
Buddy Miller & Jim Lauderdale – “How Will I Know” – Original Release: 2013 on Smiles
Bonnie Raitt & NRBQ – “Green Lights” – Original Release: 1978 on At Yankee Stadium
Robbie Fulks – “Chores” – Original Release: 1979 on Kick Me Hard
Penn And Teller – “Plenty of Somethin’” – Original Release: 1997 on You’re Nice People You Are
The Nils & Chris Spedding – “That’s Alright” Original Release: 1977 on All Hopped Up
Kami Lyle with Joey – “First Crush”

“That life is hard is true, and yet we’re graced with gifts that make it easier. One of those gifts is Joey Spampinato,” writes Michael Simmons in his album liner notes.

“The singer, songwriter and bassist was co-founder of NRBQ, a rock quartet who released their first album in 1969 and whose early line-ups lasted 40 years. It wasn’t unusual for them to perform an unyieldingly ear-wormy pop-rocker that integrated an atonal skronky horn section. They added elements of everything from bossa nova to zydeco. Each Q member was a master of their realm, but Joey was my favorite.

“‘If Paul McCartney was from the Bronx, he’d be Joey Spampinato,’ proclaims The Simpsons writer/producer Mike Scully, one of many of the Q’s rabid fans who attained massive success in myriad professions. Keith Richards hired musicians’ musician Joey to play bass behind Chuck Berry in the all-star tribute, Hail! Hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll, due to his ability to make a bass guitar swing like an upright. And while Spampinato was playing a residency with Eric Clapton in London, McCartney (the one from Liverpool) invited Joey to his studio to jam for an afternoon.

“Spampinato also shares with McCartney a rich voice that alternates between a rocker’s energy and a balladeer’s gentle open-heart. But the reason we’re here today is to celebrate his songs, perfect gems that are examples of his mastery of the art and craft of melody, coupled with lyrics that extol the unsurpassed power of love. There’s inherent empathy in Spampinato songs – a quality that’s been tragically diminishing in this troubled world.

“Spampinato grew up in an Italian-American home filled with music. Joey’s first instrument at 10 was alto saxophone. ‘I had a great teacher,’ he chuckles. ‘Mr. Fleishaker.’ The kindly mentor led the kid through practice every afternoon for years, culminating in a concert at Carnegie Hall at age 13. Another crucial influence is composer Richard Rodgers – a god of pre-rock melody. Passion for the Everly Brothers was followed by the same for the Beatles. ‘I instantly identified with them because of their similarity to the Everlys.’

“In recent years Joey and brother Johnny have played as the Spampinato Brothers, but work was halted when Joey became seriously ill. Producer of this set, Sheldon Gomberg, knew Joey and wife, musician Kami Lyle, and hooked them up with Sweet Relief, the organization that provides aid to ailing musicians. He’s now recuperating nicely and feeling pretty damn good.

“Joey Spampinato has a gift – he knows how to bring joy by combining the perfect chord change with perfect turn of phrase. His music delivers the message that kindness brings its own sweet relief. The wonderful and eclectic musicians on this collection have gathered to return this singular gift.”

And we’ll leave the final word on this project to the recipient of all these good musical vibes, Joey Spampinato: “I want to say, I’m humbled by the fact that all these great musicians here wanted to be a part of this. As a person who is easily embarrassed by presents, or even a compliment, this is, in a word, overwhelming. Some of the people here are dear personal friends, people I’ve had the great pleasure of writing, recording, or playing gigs with over the years. Others are newer artists on the scene, people I’ve also admired, and am happy to now discover that they like what I do, too! Here’s to all of you, and thank you for coming to my party!”

For more information about Sweet Relief Musicians Fund visit https://www.sweetrelief.org/

 

Ottawa-based composer Huguette Lavigne Makes Her Piano Dance on the “Rails”

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Ottawa-based pianist and composer Huguette Lavigne returns with another sparkling addition to her collection of solo piano pieces, “Rails” — available now.

Featuring a lovely, dancing upper melody supported by ascending arpeggios, “Rails” carries the listener along a sun-dappled stream just shy of three minutes long. Much like many of her over 40 piano works, this is another beautiful manifestation of Lavigne’s desire to let go and let the muse take her wherever it pleases.

“There is something about breaking the rules that can be terribly satisfying,” she says. “My fingers sometimes go where they want to on the keyboard and at times I sort of have to take them back home or rein them in.”

Lavigne’s playing and composing are truly extensions of her physical and mental being. She’s an artist who eschews the tradition of meticulously notating her compositions in favour of relying on a shorthand of her own to facilitate recall for future performances. Her final compositions are eventually stored entirely in her head and fingers. Once they’re recorded she moves on to the next piece.

“Not notating everything down keeps things fresh,” explains Lavigne. “You are open to new phrases and resolutions. This is risky, but oh so satisfying!”

Lavigne’s expressive songs are also satisfyingly plentiful. The prolific pianist has released four full-length recordings over the past five years. Her latest album, Five O’Clock Somewhere, was released in 2020, while “Rails” is from her third collection, Free and Easy, originally released in 2019. Her first album, Black Tie Affair, debuted in 2015 and a second collection of her works, Yin and Yang, was issued in 2018.

Lavigne was raised in a milieu of three Canadian cultures, Franco Ontarian, Quebecois, and English Canadian. She studied composition at McGill University and piano at l’université de Montréal. Consequently, her music has a melting pot of influences including elements of Neo-Classicism, Neo-Romanticism, Minimalism, Jazz, Folk and Classical.

“There has always been something alluring about the pieces I studied, loved and discovered over the years,” recalls Lavigne. “They are valuable, inspired specimens of the universal landscape we have all inherited and that we live in today. The fabric of that music inspires me to this day.”

Lavigne’s composing inspiration always comes from a deeply personal place but the variety of influences she has had can often make what comes out of her fingers surprising.

“Somehow and unexpectedly, a style, theme, mood, emotion or vision is released from the deep recesses of memory,” she explains. “It’s a place where the subjective is stored and it surprises me when it lets something loose. Then, I either capture it, or let it go.”

We can’t wait to see where her head, heart and fingers will take her next but, for now, Huguette Lavigne’s “Rails” is available everywhere on April 25, 2021.

JJ Wilde is The Next ““Live from Inside” showcase from Live Nation

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Jim Beam Bourbon Presents Live From Inside returns to the Danforth Music Hall for one final hoorah with a special performance from JUNO nominee JJ Wilde on Saturday, June 12, 2021 (plus a rebroadcast on June 13, 2021). Tickets for the virtual performances are on sale now at livefrominside.ca, with a portion of ticket sales benefiting Sick Kids Hospital.

JJ Wilde is poised to become a household name with the release of her eponymous sophomore EP ‘WILDE,’ available May 14th (Black Box), but she’s already been making waves globally over the last year. Her debut album ‘Ruthless,’ released in June 2020, chronicles the fast-rising career of one of rock’s most exciting new voices. Wilde has gone from a fan-favourite underdog, touring alongside The Struts, Incubus, The Blue Stones, and The Glorious Sons, to a recent chart-topper. With her debut single “The Rush,” Wilde made history as the first female artist to simultaneously hit #1 on all three Mediabase rock radio charts in Canada, ultimately holding the coveted triple-#1 for an incredible 8 weeks, only one week shy of the all-time record.

COVID-19 came at a pivotal moment for Wilde. With over 50 tour dates globally playing alongside the likes of Rival Sons and Jimmy Eat World, and festival confirmations including SXSW, Download, Firefly, Nova Rock and Bottle Rock Festivals cancelled, she shifted focus to new music and connecting with her burgeoning audience online, including a regular “Coffee and a Cover” series and successful “Live from Isolation” performances. She can now add closing artist for the “Live From Inside” virtual concert series to that list as well.

Jim Beam Bourbon Presents “Live from Inside” showcases incredible live performances broadcast from favourite venues across Canada. Viewers enjoy multi-camera performances with crisp visuals and concert quality audio. Fans are able to purchase tickets, register for access, and then stream performances in high definition from the comfort of their homes or on the go.

UPCOMING JIM BEAM BOURBON PRESENTS LIVE FROM INSIDE STREAMING SESSIONS:

Blue Rodeo
Broadcast 1: Friday, May 28 – 5:30pm PST / 8:30pm EST
Broadcast 2: Sunday, May 30 – 12:00pm PST / 3:00pm EST
Benefitting: venues across Canada

Walk Off The Earth
Broadcast 1: Saturday, May 29 – 12:00PM PST / 3:00PM EST
Broadcast 2: Saturday, May 29 – 6:00PM PST / 9:00PM EST
Benefiting: Unison Benevolent Fund

JJ Wilde
Broadcast 1: Saturday, June 12 – 6:00PM PST / 9:00PM EST
Broadcast 2: Sunday, June 13 – 12:00PM PST / 3:00PM EST
Benefiting: Sick Kids Hospital

Tickets available at livefrominside.ca

Swizz Beatz & Ruff Ryders Announce New DMX Studio Album, Exodus, Set For May 28

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As fans around the world continue to celebrate the life of hip-hop icon DMX, his career-long producer and friend Swizz Beatz announces today that the legendary rapper’s posthumous studio album of all new original material, EXODUS, has been set for release on May 28th via Def Jam Recordings.

Swizz Beatz – executive producer and producer of EXODUS – issued the following statement: “My brother X was one of the most pure and rare souls I’ve ever met. He lived his life dedicated to his family and music. Most of all, he was generous with his giving and loved his fans beyond measure. This album, X couldn’t wait for his fans all around the world to hear and show just how much he valued each and every single person that has supported him unconditionally.”

Themes of redemption weave throughout EXODUS, the first Def Jam album by DMX in 18 years, since 2003’s Grand Champ.  The new album shares its name with DMX’s son Exodus Simmons.  The album artwork is by original photographer Jonathan Mannion, who captured some of the most iconic images of DMX throughout his career.

DMX continues to hold the unique distinction of being the only artist in history to enter both the Billboard 200 and Top R&B/Hip-Hop charts with #1 debuts for his first five consecu­tive career albums, starting with his debut It’s Dark and Hell Is Hot (May 1998, with “Ruff Ryders Anthem”), then Flesh of My Flesh, Blood of My Blood (December 1998), … And Then There Was X (1999, with “Party Up (Up In Here)”), The Great Depression (2001, with “Who We Be”), and Grand Champ (2003, with his definitive anthem, “Where The Hood At?”).

As reported in Billboard, Yonkers, New York native DMX (aka Earl Simmons) sold more than 74 million records worldwide in his lifetime, and amassed in excess of 14x-platinum  RIAA certifications in the U.S. alone.  He was “one of the most memorable MCs of all time,” wrote journalist Smokey D. Fontaine, co-author of E.A.R.L.: The Autobiography of DMX (2003).  “The only artist who has spent a career inspiring fans around the world to bark and rhyme in loud bursts of manic energy; only then to get them to read, rap, think and cry in private moments of honest thought and introspection.  He was a man of faith who proudly and publicly depicted aspects of his life through his prayers. No one in hip-hop has ever done it better.  No one has meant more.”

 

Fado Singer/Songwriter Teresinha Landeiro Is “The Voice Of Now” With New Single “Amanhã”

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When Vogue asked Teresinha Landeiro the question “past or future?” in a recent profile, the rising Fado artist’s answer was the opposite of ambiguous: “Future, always.”

And so goes the flow with this, the release of her latest single “Amanhã” — arriving with the Portuguese singer/songwriter’s album, Agora, released April 30th via Justin Time Records.

Featured as a “gem” that “shines brightly” by Consequence of Sound, Landeiro has quickly been confirmed as a foremost representative of the new Fado generation.

With performances at the Festival Caixa Alfama, EDP Fado Cafe NOS Alive, Fado Festival in Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and Seville, and more to her extensive credit, Landeiro got her start very much in the way Fado was first formed: performing on the night of her 12th birthday at Lisbon’s Casa de Linhares — a destination restaurant nestled in the underpinnings of an 18th century palace.

Produced by Pedro de Castro — who also produced her 2018 debut, Namoro — and featuring musicians Gaspar Varela, Roda de Samba, and João Pedro Coelho, Agora reveals a 10-track songscape as ambitious and light as the singer/songwriter’s own personality.

“Amanhã” is available now. Agora is available was released April 30th, 2021 via Justin Time Records.