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Winners announced for The 50th Annual JUNO Awards

Music

Eric Alper

-

Jun 7, 2021

Winners announced for The 50th Annual JUNO Awards

The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) and CBC celebrated a golden anniversary this evening at the 50th Annual JUNO Awards Broadcast, Canada’s biggest night in music. The awards were broadcast nationwide on CBC TV, CBC Gem, CBC Radio One, CBC Music, CBC Listen and globally on CBCMusic.ca/junos. The highly anticipated event featured show-stopping performances from some of the country’s brightest music stars and appearances from the nation’s most recognizable personalities.

Both new and notable artists were celebrated for their excellence and took home some of JUNO Weekend’s most prized awards. Following his three major wins announced Friday night at the 2021 JUNO Opening Night Awards Presented by Music Canada, The Weeknd also won Artist of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada and Album of the Year Presented by Music Canada during the broadcast, taking home an impressive total of five JUNO Awards this year. This brings his overall total to fifteen JUNO Awards, making The Weeknd the sixth most awarded artist in JUNO history.

Global superstar Justin Bieber walked away with the award for Pop Album of the Year Presented by CBC Music for his record-breaking album Changes and graced viewers with a knockout performance of his hit “Somebody”.

Shawn Mendes took home the coveted JUNO Fan Choice Presented by Freedom Mobile. For the first time this year, Canadians were given the option to vote on TikTok as the official voting platform. This marks the third time Mendes has won JUNO Fan Choice, bringing his total JUNO count to an impressive 11 awards.

One of Canada’s most buzzworthy talents, R&B singer Savannah Ré, took home Traditional R&B/Soul Recording of the Year Presented by ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective for her single “Solid”, and emerging soulful singer-songwriter JP Saxe was awarded Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented by FACTOR, The Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters. Saxe alsoperformed his song “Like That” and was then joined by multi-platinum recording artist and songwriter Julia Michaels with a beautiful performance of the hit song “If The World Was Ending.”

The Tragically Hip received the 2021 Humanitarian Award Presented by Music Canada, awarded to them by rock icons Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson of RUSH. The band also performed alongside indie-pop star Feist with a rare rendition of “It’s A Good Life If You Don’t Weaken.”

The night included an extremely memorable induction of legendary singer-songwriter and adored Canadian personality, Jann Arden into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, inducted by Canada’s songbird Anne Murray, and presented by TD Bank Group. Arden was honoured for her musical excellence, which has had an immeasurable impact on Canada’s music scene during the span of her 30-plus-year career. Fans were delighted with a moving performance of her hit “Good Mother” from Studio Bell, home of the National Music Centre in Calgary.

Dr. Mary Piercey-Lewis from Inuksuk High School in Iqaluit, Nunavut was awarded the 2021 MusiCounts Teacher of the Year Award Presented by Canadian Scholarship Trust Foundation.

In celebration of 50 years of Canadian music, the evening also featured spectacular performances from R&B-pop artist and three-time 2021 nominee Ali Gatie, who performed at the JUNOS for the first time alongside two-timeJUNO Award nominee Tate McRae. Now four-time JUNO Award winner Jessie Reyez, who won Music Video of the Year on Friday night gave a soulful performance of her hits “Do You Love Her” and “Before Love Came To Kill Us” and JUNO Award winner William Prince entertained viewers with six-time JUNO Award winner Serena Ryder, performing “The Spark”.

During a special celebration and tribute to the 30th anniversary of the JUNO Rap Recording of the Year category, hip hop pioneer Michie Mee, two-time JUNO Award winner Maestro Fresh Wes joined four-time JUNO Award winner Kardinal Offishall and two-time JUNO Award winner, multiple JUNO Award nominee and R&B/Soul artist Jully Black, eight-time JUNO Award nominee NAV, and 2019 Polaris Music Prize winner Haviah Mighty, in a special performance and presentation that paidhomage to the influence the genre has had on the Canadian rap scene.

The evening’s stellar roster of notable presenters included: actor and comedian Andrew Phung (Kim’s Convenience, Run the Burbs); TikTok sensations The Basement Gang; Indigenous activist and Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Buffy Sainte-Marie; Barenaked Ladies frontman Ed Robertson; Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee Gordon Lightfoot; Blue Rodeo’s Jim Cuddy; record producer, DJ, and winner of the 2021 JUNO for Dance Recording of the Year KAYTRANADA; legendary R&B and soul singer Liberty Silver; Arkells’ lead singer Max Kerman; 14-time JUNO Award winner Michael Bublé; country music artist Paul Brandt; multi-platinum singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan; Canadian Music Hall of Fame inductee and country music icon, Shania Twain; Minister of Canadian Heritage The Honourable Steven Guilbeault;Nunavut’s first JUNO Award winning Inuk artist Susan Aglukark and Canadian actor, producer and Freedom Mobile’s spokesperson Will Arnett.

Fans can rewatch every performance and memorable moment from the anniversary broadcast, on CBC Gem, and CBC Music’s and The JUNO Awards social channels.

The 2021 JUNO Awards Broadcast is produced by Insight Productions in association with CBC and The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS). Executive Producers are John Brunton for Insight Productions, Allan Reid and Mark Cohon for CARAS and Lindsay Cox is Executive Producer/Creative, Insight Productions. For CBC, Sally Catto General Manager, Entertainment, Factual and Sports; Jennifer Dettman is Executive Director, Unscripted Content;Susan Taylor is Executive in Charge of Production and Development, Factual Entertainment; Steve Jordan is Senior Director, CBC Music; Lisa Clarkson is Executive Director, Business & Rights and Content Optimization; Maya Kane is Executive Director, Communications, Marketing, Brand & Research.

Award Sponsors: Traditional R&B / Soul Recording of the Year Presented by ADVANCE, Canada’s Black Music Business Collective, Pop Album of the Year Presented by CBC Music, Breakthrough Artist of the Year Presented by FACTOR, The Government of Canada and Canada’s Private Radio Broadcasters, JUNO Fan Choice Presented by Freedom Mobile, Album of the Year Presented by Music Canada, Humanitarian Award Presented by Music Canada, Artist of the Year Presented by SiriusXM Canada and Canadian Music Hall ofFame Inductee Award Presentation Presented by TD Bank Group

Bob Mould announces Distortion and Blue Hearts! tour

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 7, 2021

0

Bob Mould announces Distortion and Blue Hearts! tour

Legendary musician Bob Mould announces his “Distortion and Blue Hearts!” two-part tour starting September 16, 2021, in Boston at The Paradise. For the first three weeks, Bob will be joined by Jason Narducy on bass and drummer Jon Wurster. Beginning October 15 in Bloomington, IL, Mould will perform “Solo Distortion” electric shows (full run of dates and locations below).

Mould’s live shows will span his entire career of 40+ years to include songs from his recent Distortion career retrospective collection, his landmark band Hüsker Dü, and last year’s explosive and critically acclaimed album Blue Hearts—about which Rolling Stone’s 4 out of 5 star review raved, “Feels like a lost Hüsker Dü album with Mould howling invective over his buzzsawing guitar.”

Mould says:

It’s been a year and a half away from the stage. I’ve missed the noise, the sweat, and seeing your smiling faces. I’m fully vaccinated, and I hope you are too, because this fall will be a punk rock party with the band—and the solo shows will be loud and proud as well. It’s time to make up lost time, reconnect, and celebrate together with live music!

Bob Mould on tour:
Sep 16 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club^
Sep 17 New York, NY – Webster Hall^
Sep 18 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club^
Sep 19 Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer^
Sep 21 Pittsburgh, PA – Mr. Smalls Theatre^
Sep 22 Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall^
Sep 24 Chicago, IL – Vic Theater^
Sep 25 Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue^
Sep 28 Seattle, WA – Neumos^
Sep 29 Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom^
Oct 01 San Francisco, CA – August Hall^
Oct 02 Los Angeles, CA – Teragram Ballroom^
Oct 04 Boulder, CO – Boulder Theater^
Oct 05 Dallas, TX – Granada Theater^
Oct 06 Austin, TX – The Mohawk^
Oct 15 Bloomington, IL – Castle Theatre*
Oct 16 Stoughton, WI – Stoughton Opera House*
Oct 17 Kalamazoo, MI – Bell’s Eccentric Cafe*
Oct 19 Kent, OH – Kent Stage*
Oct 20 Nelsonville, OH – Stuart’s Opera House*
Oct 22 Cincinnati, OH – Memorial Hall*
Oct 23 St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway Nightclub*
Oct 24 Iowa City, IA – Englert Theater*
^ Bob Mould Band
* Solo Electric

Ideas To Create Original Merchandise For Your Podcast Followers

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 6, 2021

0

You probably know your podcast followers like the back of your hand and want to provide great merchandise for them. This is a great source of revenue as you have a niche demographic who is willing to purchase from you. You can create a merchandise store with ease and provide cool products for your followers without taking away your focus from podcasting. There are tools available that make creating original merchandise quick and easy.

Creating Original Merchandise for Podcast Followers

When you decide to launch your own merchandise for your podcast, you can consider different platforms that will streamline the process for you. Many of these platforms have integrations designed for companies like yours.

Pick a Print-On-Demand Shop

You can choose a print-on-demand platform that helps you customize high-quality clothes with no up-front cost. With this approach, you can design your merchandise and appeal to your podcast followers, as you know them well. The print-on-demand store will manage all of the printing, shipping, and logistics. The purchaser picks the item they want to purchase and they are shipped the item, while you take a small cut of the total amount of the payment. You never have to worry about stocking items or inventory. That is all managed by the print-on-demand business model. Additionally, they can provide customer service. However, it is you who will be the face of the store and reaching out to potential buyers.

Pick an E-Commerce Platform or Host A Site

You can either chose to host a website or feature your store on an e-commerce platform. Both will work well, but the easiest and cheapest approach is the former. That is because e-commerce stores are designed for providing merchandise and will have many tools that will help build repeat customers. Making a self-hosted site from scratch takes time to create. Also, it can be a lot more expensive as you have to either do the graphic design, template design, and webpage building on your own. E-commerce stores are already set up to be easy to launch once you upload your products.

Select Your Most Popular Merchandise

The most popular merchandise for podcasters tends to be t-shirts, hats, pins, and stickers. For podcasters that really appreciate what you have to say, they would love to rock t-shirt designs with your brand name on them. Another item that podcast followers love is hats. Similar to t-shirts, a hat can have a major logo or icon on it which stands for your podcast. This can be fun and creative, even engaging for your followers to the sport. Pins are also a great product to offer, which can be placed on t-shirts, backpacks, or hats. You can add a slogan or catchphrase to a pin that only your followers can relate to. Mugs are a great product, and can also double as a gift for your followers. They’re also incredibly cheap and a great option for those who don’t want to spend much.

Design Your Products

The types of designs you make can be a graphic, words, or a combination of both. Create something that has a special meaning that only your followers understand. If your fans have a long history of listening to your podcast, pick something that is a throw-back that reminds them of the earlier times. This creates some sentiment between you and your followers.

Reward Your Customers

Appeal to your customers by giving them special access to products before they are launched in your store. You can also do limited edition items that are seasonal or are only offered for a short amount of time. Another idea is to give away free merch on rare occasions to increase your popularity. Competitions are a fun way for you to engage with your followers, which gives you the opportunity to provide free merch. Lastly, you can encourage your followers to keep checking your store for discounts and coupon sales. You can give your followers a unique code that makes them feel even more appreciated.

Get Started Releasing Podcast Merchandise

Make sure you work with a quality print shop. If you want to pick a great print-on-demand shop you can visit: printful.com/podcast-merch.

The Birth of Hip Hop Seen In A Two-Minute Video

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 6, 2021

0

The Birth of Hip Hop Seen In A Two-Minute Video

In 1973, DJ Kool Herc set up his turntables and introduced a technique at a South Bronx house party that would change music as many people knew it. His ability to switch from record to record — as well as isolate and repeat music breaks — led to the discovery of the hip hop genre.

From school yards to gatherings, boomboxes housed the exhilarating sound that people couldn’t get enough of. Soon, freestyling over the beat became popular, and we’d have one of the most noted songs of the genre released in 1979, entitled “Rapper’s Delight.” As the genre evolved, artists used their platform to speak on social issues near and far. These lyrics became the melody that told the narrative of the artist’s world to a beat.

Hosted by Henry Louis Gates Jr., with additional commentary from author Joan Morgan, Jelani Cobb of Columbia University, rapper Nas, and filmmaker Ava Duvernay, we celebrate an underground cultural movement that has unified people and has become the most streamed genre of present day.

Black History in Two Minutes (or so) is a 2x Webby Award winning series.

Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s Isolated Vocals For “It Takes Two”

Eric Alper

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Jun 5, 2021

0

Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s Isolated Vocals For “It Takes Two”

Rob Base and DJ E-Z Rock’s It Takes Two was a Top 40 hit in 1988 and has been certified platinum by the RIAA. That song was a part of the duo’s album of the same name, which also has been certified platinum. Known for being pioneers of the crossover success that rap music would have in the popular music mainstream, they gotta real funky concept and listen up, ’cause they’re gonna keep you in step.

The Black Crowes Are Back With Rescheduled Dates For “Shake Your Moneymaker” Tour

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 5, 2021

0

The Black Crowes Are Back With Rescheduled Dates For “Shake Your Moneymaker” Tour

Today, legendary rock band The Black Crowes announce the return of rock & roll with summer 2021 rescheduled dates of their long-awaited Shake Your Money Maker Tour joined by special guests, Dirty Honey. Also announced today, The Black Crowes long-time bass player Sven Pipien will be returning to the band. Produced by Live Nation, the 37-date run is set to kick off on July 20 with back-to-back nights at the Ascend Amphitheatre in Nashville, followed by stops at major cities across the U.S. before ending on September 25 at Bethel Woods in Bethel, NY. Tickets are on sale now at TheBlackCrowes.com. All fans who purchased tickets for the previously announced 2020 dates will be honored for the 2021 shows. All summer 2021 tour dates are below.

SHAKE YOUR MONEYMAKER 2021 TOUR DATES
July 20 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheatre
July 21 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheatre
July 24 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion
July 25 – Hartford, CT – The XFINITY Theatre
July 28 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake
July 29 – Detroit, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre
July 31 – St Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
August 1 – Indianapolis, IN – Ruoff Music Center
August 3 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
August 4 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
August 7 – Chicago, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
August 8 – Milwaukee, WI – American Family Insurance Amphitheatre
August 10 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
August 11 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
August 14 – Houston, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
August 15 – Austin, TX – Germania Insurance Amphitheater
August 18 – San Diego, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 19 – Los Angeles, CA – The Forum
August 21 – Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion
August 22 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
August 25 – Portland, OR – Sunlight Supply Amphitheatre
August 26 – Seattle, WA – White River Amphitheatre
August 29 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheater
August 30 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheater
September 4 – Atlanta, GA – Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
September 5 – Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
September 7 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
September 8– Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
September 10 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
September 11 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
September 14 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center
September 15 – Boston, MA – Xfinity Center
September 17 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
September 18 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
September 22 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
September 23 – Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion
September 25 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

Bleachers Announce ‘Take The Sadness Out Of Saturday Night’ Fall 2021 Tour Dates Announced

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 5, 2021

0

Bleachers Announce ‘Take The Sadness Out Of Saturday Night’ Fall 2021 Tour Dates Announced

Today, Bleachers release their new track “Stop Making This Hurt” along with the music video, directed by Carlotta Kohl. Bleachers third LP Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night will be released July 30th, 2021 via RCA Records.

Additionally, Bleachers will be hitting the road this fall on their ‘Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night’ headline tour. Tickets go on sale Friday, May 21st at 10am local time.

The tour kicks off on September 11th, 2021 at Jack’s ‘Shadow of the City’ festival in New Jersey.

Bleachers will be performing “Stop Making This Hurt” on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on May 26th – making them the first full band to perform in-studio in over a year.

Bleachers’ Jack Antonoff says, “’Stop Making This Hurt’ is what you get when we are not allowed to go play for our people. it’s a line that had been ringing in my head for years. i fell into a dark place after a loss and then starting to have that feeling of rage towards the depression – which is when you know there’s a way out. started looking at the people close to me in my life and finding all the ways we keep ourselves from breaking through. “Stop Making This Hurt” started ringing more and more in my head. then the pandemic hit and i got the band in a room and we played like we may never play again. at that point it took on another meaning. found myself banging at the door of the next phase of my life and to open brings up all the darkness from the past and what’s holding you back. i could intellectualize it for days but what im truly left with is a voice in my head shouting “Stop Making This Hurt”.”

“Stop Making This Hurt” is the first single and third offering from Bleachers’ forthcoming album and follows previously released tracks “Chinatown” feat. Bruce Springsteen and “45” which were met with mass critical praise in late 2020.

Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night tracklist:
1. “91”
2. “Chinatown” (feat. Bruce Springsteen)
3. “How Dare You Want More”
4. “Big Life”
5. “Secret Life”
6. “Stop Making This Hurt”
7. “Don’t Go Dark”
8. “45”
9. “Strange Behavior”
10. “What’d I Do with All This Faith?”

Bleachers ‘Take the Sadness Out of Saturday Night’Fall 2021 Tour Dates
September 11, 2021 Sat Asbury Park, NJ Shadow of the City
September 12, 2021 Sun New York, NY The Rooftop at Pier 17
September 13, 2021 Mon Pittsburgh, PA Stage AE
September 15, 2021 Wed Columbus, OH Express Live
September 17, 2021 Fri Milwaukee, WI Summerfest
September 18, 2021 Sat Newport, KY Ovation
September 22, 2021 Wed Boston, MA Leader Bank Pavilion
September 23, 2021 Thu Philadelphia, PA Skyline Stage at The Mann
September 24, 2021 Fri Washington, DC Anthem
September 25, 2021 Sat New York, NY Gov Ball
September 28, 2021 Tue Birmingham, AL Avondale Brewery Company
September 29, 2021 Wed Tampa, FL Jannus Live
October 3, 2021 Sun New Orleans, LA Fillmore
October 5, 2021 Tue Houston, TX House of Blues
October 6, 2021 Wed Dallas, TX House of Blues
October 11, 2021 Mon Phoenix, AZ The Van Buren
October 13, 2021 Wed San Diego, CA Humphrey’s
October 15, 2021 Fri Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Palladium
October 16, 2021 Sat San Francisco, CA The Masonic
October 19, 2021 Tue Seattle, WA Showbox SODO
October 20, 2021 Wed Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom
October 22, 2021 Fri Salt Lake City, UT The Union Event Center
October 23, 2021 Sat Denver, CO The Mission Ballroom
October 24, 2021 Sun Kansas City, MO Uptown
October 26, 2021 Tue Minneapolis, MN Fillmore
October 27, 2021 Wed Madison, WI The Sylvee
October 28, 2021 Thu Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom
October 30, 2021 Sat Indianapolis, IN Egyptian Room
October 31, 2021 Sun Detroit, MI Fillmore
November 2, 2021 Tue St. Louis, MO The Factory
November 3, 2021Wed Cleveland, OH House of Blues
November 4, 2021 Thu Grand Rapids, MI 20 Monroe Live
November 6, 2021 Sat Harrisburg, PA Harrisburg University at XL Live

THE FOUR TOPS announce the release of a powerful environmental anthem called “FREEDOM”

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 5, 2021

0

THE FOUR TOPS announce the release of a powerful environmental anthem called “FREEDOM”

Music legends and Hall of Fame inductees THE FOUR TOPS announce the release of an incredibly powerful song “FREEDOM” for World Environment Day June 5, 2021 addressing climate change.

‘FREEDOM’ is a cry from Mother Nature and the animal world to humans begging us to turn our ways around.

The song is part of an awareness campaign and supported with a harrowing music video and endorsed by world leaders, superstars, and activists around the world.

ABDUL (DUKE) FAKIR, original member of THE FOUR TOPS said ” Sometimes things need to be said” which is why he and the Tops teamed up with MC FILMS GROUP Chris Dickson, Dr. Marlin McNichols, and FLEXY RECORDS Mark Kendrick and Todd Edwards to produce this wake-up call to the world.

THE FOUR TOPS have been wowing audiences with their infectious blend of pure vocal power and sweet harmonies since 1954. Since their first hit, Baby I Need Your Loving, in 1964 they have had a string of hits including Reach Out, I’ll Be There, Standing In The Shadows Of Love, Bernadette, Walk Away Renee, I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch) and Loco In Acapulco amongst others and Rolling Stone ranked them #79 on its list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.

The song will be launched on all platforms on the 5th of June 2021.

My Next Read: “Cloud Nine: Memoirs of a Record Producer” By Richard Perry

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 5, 2021

0

My Next Read: “Cloud Nine: Memoirs of a Record Producer” By Richard Perry

Anyone who feels a connection to the best music of the last fifty years—and who doesn’t?—will revel in this uniquely American success story. Even at a young age, Richard Perry knew that his destiny was to bring music into people’s lives.

What he couldn’t have dreamed was that his meteoric rise through the ranks of the music business would result in successful, ground-breaking, and award-winning collaborations. The Winner of a Special Merit Award from the Grammys has produced hits for legendary performers all of whom trusted him to shape the sound that made them great.

Richard’s credits include:
Barbra Streisand: Stoney End
Carly Simon: You’re So Vain, The Right Thing to Do, Mockingbird, Haven’t Got Time for the Pain, Nobody Does it Better
Ringo Starr: No No Song, Oh My My, You’re Sixteen, Photograph
Leo Sayer: When I Need Love, You Make Me Feel Like Dancing
Rod Stewart: Great American Songbook albums
Art Gartfunkel: Breakaway album (1975), Some Enchanted Evening (2006)
Pointer Sisters: Jump (for My Love), Slow Hand, Neutron Dance
Harry Nilsson: Without You, Coconut, Jump into the Fire, Spaceman, Remember (Christmas)

In this candid and page-turning memoir, Cloud Nine: Memoirs of a Record Producer, Perry transports us through his eventful life, from his childhood in Brooklyn, where he played in bands, starred in musicals, and witnessed the birth of rock ‘n’ roll; through his sometimes rocky but always thrilling climb up the music-business ladder; and finally, into the studios and personal lives of the many superstars who provide our most enduring soundtrack.

Throughout his story, Perry remains entertaining and fun-loving company, always awed by his own proximity to greatness and boundlessly enthusiastic about his contributions to the most beloved art form.

Celebrate Black Music Month on SiriusXM, Pandora, and Stitcher with Exclusive Music Channels, Streaming Stations, and an Original Podcast

Music

Eric Alper

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Jun 5, 2021

0

Celebrate Black Music Month on SiriusXM, Pandora, and Stitcher with Exclusive Music Channels, Streaming Stations, and an Original Podcast

SiriusXM, Pandora and Stitcher today announced the launch of three exclusive limited-engagement channels, a groundbreaking original podcast, and specialty music programming in honor of June’s Black Music Month.

SiriusXM will kick-off Black Music Month with two channels saluting groundbreaking Black artists with The 2PAC Channel and The Prince Channel. SiriusXM has collaborated with these iconic artists to deliver unique radio listening experiences that can only be found on SiriusXM. Pandora’s popular Black Music Forever Station will also extend to its own SiriusXM channel, Black Music Forever Radio.

For details on SiriusXM’s limited-engagement channels and additional SiriusXM specialty programming, please see below:

The 2PAC Channel (ch. 104) will take listeners on a comprehensive journey through the genius of 2PAC’s full music career. Hear about the iconic artist’s life and music, first-hand, with exclusive commentary from his close friends and peers, including E.D.I. Mean, an original member of 2PAC’s group The Outlawz. The channel will also feature an original series where artists and celebrities will guest DJ their personal favorites from the legendary artist.

The Prince Channel (ch. 333) will feature music from his vast catalog over the decades, ranging from his signature funk, slow jams, psychedelic rock and everything in between. The channel will also spotlight Prince favorites from those who knew him best with Purple Playlists, B-sides and live performances.

Black Music Forever Radio (ch. 105), which originated and exists as a Pandora station, will spotlight the latest hits from current and breaking Black artists in hip-hop, R&B and Pop.

The Beatles Channel (ch. 18) will debut a four-part series, A Shot of Rhythm and Blues: Exploring The Beatles and Black Music on June 7 at Noon ET. Hosted by Meshell Ndegeocello, the series will explore the relationship between The Beatles and Black music, uncover The Beatles’ earliest R&B heroes, and expose the many Black artists that went on to cover the music of The Fab Four. New episodes will debut at Noon ET on Mondays throughout the month of June.

bpm (ch. 51) and Diplo’s Revolution (ch. 52) will feature music and exclusive audio from the top Black artists in Dance music such as, Aluna, DJ Sliink, UNiiQU3, and more.

Heart & Soul (ch. 48) will spotlight “soulful soundtracks” each weekend in June with music from culturally iconic movies including Waiting to Exhale, Black Panther, Judas and the Black Messiah, and more. The channel will also feature live performances from Grammy-nominated artists, including Golden Globe winner and Grammy nominated artist Andra Day.

Hip-Hop Nation (ch. 44) will celebrate the anniversaries of past releases from 2 Chainz, Drake, Gucci Mane, and J. Cole, with album specials on their respective release dates. The channel will also debut a new show, Meez-O-Estates, hosted by 21 Savage’s manager Meezy and crew, dedicated to a no-holds-barred conversation about the state of hip-hop music and culture. Rising artist, Hotboii will kick off the Summer with a “Summer Wave Special,” highlighting 10 of his favorite Summer bops. HHN will also spotlight empowering Black music with a new playlist, Black Music Matters, each week and air a special rewind of the best performances from the channel’s original “Nation’s Next Virtual Concert” series.

Kirk Franklin’s Praise (ch. 64) will offer fans an interactive experience, with the chance to engage with Kirk Franklin to build a song during Virtual Improv with Kirk Franklin. The channel will also present A Juneteenth Celebration with Kirk Franklin, featuring song and narration from Franklin.

Listeners can also expect take-overs from Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis (The Groove, channel 50), H.E.R. (The Heat, channel 46), Monica (SiriusXM FLY, channel 47) and a special from The Temptations, to celebrate their 60th Anniversary (Soul Town, channel 49).

SiriusXM, Pandora and Stitcher will also present a new original podcast, All Music Is Black Music, with the first episode debuting today. The podcast, hosted by Selema Masekela, with narration by Dr. Dwandalyn Reece of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, explores how African American music and culture have shaped the wider contemporary music landscape.

Each episode takes listeners on a journey beginning with an artifact from the NMAAHC’s collection. Through interviews with artists, authors and scholars, listeners will discover the stories of Black musicians and cultural creators who have shaped today’s trends, styles and genres. The first episode explores the influence of girl groups in pop music featuring a conversation with Kelly Rowland. New episodes will be available bi-weekly featuring interviews from artists including Ne-Yo, St. Vincent, Regina Spektor, and more. All Music is Black Music is now available on the SXM App, Pandora, and Stitcher, and will also air as a weekly program on SiriusXM’s Volume (channel 106) beginning June 15, at 1 pm ET.

Additionally, Pandora launched a Black Music Month microsite today, to give listeners an opportunity to discover, experience, and participate in the celebration Black music. The microsite includes:

Content Quiz: Listeners can answer a series of questions that will direct them to the newly launched Modes on the Black Music Forever station, sponsored by Target, for the month of June. The Modes include:

The Philly Sound: Hosted by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff, two of the most prolific producers and songwriters in all of music, The Philly Sound commemorates the 50th anniversary of their legendary label, Philadelphia International Records. The duo will share their personal stories about some of the best soul classics ever recorded and early beginnings of Black Music Month with music from The O’Jays, Teddy Pendergrass, Phyllis Hyman and more.
Future Fire: A cross-over of SiriusXM’s The Heat, Future Fire will feature some of the best emerging hip-hop and R&B acts including Mooski, Coi Leray, Giveon, and more.
Africa Now: An Afro-Pop special highlighting the best artists throughout Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa that epitomize the Black experience of hailing from the birthplace of civilization, featuring music from Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and more.

Pandora Playback with Moneybagg Yo: On June 24, as part of Pandora’s virtual event series, Pandora Playback will feature an in-depth conversation with rapper Moneybagg Yo. He’ll discuss his artistry, recent album A Gangsta’s Pain and his music legacy, plus a special celebration of HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) music and culture. Beginning June 17, listeners will be able to RSVP for the free event on the microsite.

Spoken word video: Voiced by multi-talented artist Shanelle Gabriel, Pandora showcases and highlights the influence and impact of Black music through the power of spoken word by taking the audience on a historic journey through the decades of deep-seeded roots Black music and culture.

For a full broadcast schedule of specialty programming celebrating Black Music Month across SiriusXM please visit: https://www.siriusxm.com/black-music-month. To access Pandora’s microsite, please visit: pandora.com/blackmusicmonth.

From now through June 8, non-subscribers can get most of the above-mentioned SiriusXM channels, as part of the SiriusXM Listen Free Event. During this event, SiriusXM will feature a sampling of over 100 SiriusXM channels including ad-free music of every kind, plus sports, talk, news and entertainment available to non-subscribers on inactive SiriusXM radios in their car and on the SXM App, with no credit card required. The 2PAC Channel, The Prince Channel and Black Music Forever Radio will be available to these listeners only on the SXM App. Go to siriusxm.com/ListenFreeEven t to learn more.