Songwriters behind hits from the likes of Beyoncé, David Guetta, Dua Lipa and Lewis Capaldi have worked with Holocaust survivor and educator Ben Lesser for an inspirational new global music campaign based on real-life stories and experiences from some of the world’s most extraordinary people.
Over the course of five days at a BMG Soundlab songwriting camp conducted in Los Angeles, Lesser met with a group of 14 songwriters, producers and artists from the US and Europe including Toby Gad (John Legend, Beyonce, Fergie), Lindy Robbins (Jason Derulo, David Guetta), Edd Holloway (Lewis Capaldi, Martin Garrix), Georgia Ku (Dua Lipa, Zedd), and Emily Vaughn (Netta), among others.
Drawing on Lesser’s deeply affecting stories and experiences during the Holocaust and his life, the songwriters and producers went on to write four songs that conveyed his message into their music. Lesser joined the sessions, gave feedback and even participated in one song with a recorded Jewish prayer (‘Zachor Intro’).
The campaign was launched by Ben Lesser in a special edition of The Global Classroom webcast on Tuesday September 22 to an audience of an estimated 1.8m schoolchildren worldwide.
Lesser, founder of ZACHOR Holocaust Remembrance Foundation and ZACHOR Holocaust Curriculum, said, “The opportunity to partner with BMG, WHO, UN, UNICEF, Microsoft and so many incredible artists to create unique music based off of my life story and then to bring this to students worldwide through the Global Classroom has been truly humbling….I hope the students worldwide feel the same way about the lessons we learned together.”
UK songwriter Edd Holloway, who co-wrote much of Lewis Capaldi’s Number One hit album Divinely Inspired To A Hellish Extent, said, “Ben Lesser’s words really inspired us to go and write some music about how we can hopefully change the world for the better in the future.”
These songs are now available as part of the Choose Love EP, available on all major streaming platforms (search for Ben Lesser).
The EP includes four tracks:
(1) ‘Zachor Intro’
Performed by Ben Lesser; written by Phil Schardt (David Bisbal, Alex Aiono) and Kady Taylor
(2) Change Somebody’ (ft. Oda Loves You)
Written by Magnus Bertelsen (Alan Walker, Marcus & Martinus), Georgia Ku (Martin Garrix & Dua Lipa, Zedd), and DWY
(3) ‘Letter To The World’ (ft. Emily Vaughn)
Written by Toby Gad (John Legend, Beyoncé, Fergie), Lindy Robbins (Jason Derulo, Demi Lovato, David Guetta), Edd Holloway (Lewis Capaldi, Dean Lewis), and Emily Vaughn (Netta, Simply Rayne)
(4) ‘Zachor’
Written by Phil Schardt and Kady Taylor
Standing in solidarity with the spirit behind National Voter Registration Day, HBO Max announced today that A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote will premiere on the platform on October 15, dropping just two weeks prior to the momentous national election. This timely special marks the first time in 17 years that the original cast of the Emmy- and Peabody Award–winning hit Warner Bros. Television drama series will come together with creator Aaron Sorkin and executive producer/director Thomas Schlamme for a special theatrical stage presentation of the “Hartsfield’s Landing” episode from the show’s third season. The West Wing stars Rob Lowe, Dulé Hill, Allison Janney, Janel Moloney, Richard Schiff, Bradley Whitford and Martin Sheen will reprise their roles from the episode.
Additionally, A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote will include act breaks with guest appearances from When We All Vote co-chair Michelle Obama, President Bill Clinton and Lin-Manuel Miranda. Fans will also be treated to the musical talents of legendary Emmy® award–winning composer W.G. Snuffy Walden, who will take to his guitar to play the iconic score for The West Wing theme song. Folk rock band, The Avett Brothers, will also close out the special.
The creative team and cast organized this historic production in order to raise awareness for and support the vital mission of When We All Vote, a non-profit, nonpartisan organization co-chaired by Michelle Obama which was founded to increase participation in every election in America. In honor of the special, WarnerMedia will make a donation to When We All Vote.
A West Wing Special to Benefit When We All Vote is produced by Casey Patterson Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Unscripted Television. Aaron Sorkin, Thomas Schlamme and Casey Patterson are the executive producers. Rob Paine is co-executive producer and Schlamme will serve as director. The production will strictly follow COVID Safe Way Forward Protocols.
In a worldwide exclusive for Radio 2, to mark what would have been John Lennon’s 80th birthday, Sean Ono Lennon interviews Julian Lennon, Paul McCartney and Elton John in two-part documentary, John Lennon At 80 to be broadcast on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 October, 9-10pm.
And John Lennon At The BBC brings together from the archive, classic performances and interviews (Sunday 4 October, 7-9pm). All programmes will be broadcast on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, and will be available to listen again on BBC Sounds for 30 days.
Additionally, each of the conversations Sean has with Julian, Paul and Elton will be available to listen to in full on BBC Sounds after John Lennon At 80 has been broadcast.
John Lennon would have turned 80 years old on Friday 9 October. Hosted by his youngest son Sean in his first ever radio show about his father, this is a celebratory, musical, family portrait of the legendary musician. It sheds fresh light on John’s remarkable life in music – one which created some of the most important musical milestones of the 20th Century – and also delves deep into his incredible back catalogue.
Each of the hour-long programmes journey through his incomparable and prolific musical life as a Beatle, as a solo artist, with Yoko Ono, and as a collaborator. Sean, in conversation with his older brother Julian, bring their unique insights as John’s sons, sharing their thoughts and recollections about their father’s compositions and significant moments. This is the first time the brothers have ever spoken publicly together about their memories of their dad, and the first time Sean has talked about John publicly with his fellow Beatle and song-writing partner, Paul McCartney, and Sean’s godfather, Elton John. The programmes will be made by independent production company, Listen.
Helen Thomas, Head of Station, Radio 2, says: “John Lennon is one of the Radio 2 audience’s most popular and best loved musicians, so we’re thrilled and honoured that Sean’s first ever radio programme in which he talks at length about his father, alongside his brother Julian, Paul McCartney and Elton John, will be broadcast on our network.”
Sean and Julian talk personally about their father and how he taught them about music. Julian recalls his dad buying him a guitar when he was around 11 years old. It helped him get into playing music, and he remembers recording an early school gig which he sent to his dad on cassette. Together, Julian and Sean recall Lennon’s final album, Double Fantasy, with Sean describing it ‘overwhelming’ to listen to because some of his earliest memories are of being in the studio with his dad during the recording of it. They talk about their memories of finding out their dad was a Beatle, and not like everyone else’s dad, with Julian talking about seeing fans at the end of the garden each day when he was two or three years old growing up in England, and Sean recalling similar scenes outside their apartment building in New York.
Paul McCartney shares his memories of meeting John, talking about the combination of him and John, saying: “I look back on it now like a fan, how lucky was I to meet this strange teddy boy off the bus, who played music like I did and we get together and boy, we complemented each other!” Sean asks about his grandma, John’s mum, who had a massive influence on his life and music, but sadly died when John was a teenager. Paul shares some lovely memories; “She was a doll, you would have loved her”, and explains how much she was like John.
About their writing partnership, Sean asks if there were any songs he and John didn’t like or if they struck gold from the beginning? Paul says: “There were a few songs that weren’t very good… you know, clearly young songwriters who don’t know how to do it”, and then picks up his guitar and plays an example, an excerpt of a Lennon/McCartney track called Just Fun which they never recorded. He goes on to say: “Eventually, we started to write slightly better songs and then enjoyed the process of learning together so much that it really took off.” And on whether the Let It Be period (The Beatles broke up soon after) really was as gloomy as the press made it out to be, Paul says he always thought it was until he saw some recently discovered footage of the recording sessions and recalls a photo, taken by Linda, of them both writing during the sessions, saying it reminds him of the strength of his friendship with John with the photo showing a different, less gloomy side which gave him ‘hope’. Sean also asks about his father’s insecurities, with Paul replying that his confidence was a ‘shield’, explaining that his wit guarded him from his insecurities as: “Wait a minute, there’s this guy ‘John Lennon’ who’s like a genius, clever, witty, confident, and everything why would he have insecurities? Because we’re all fragile beings.”
For the first time, Sean speaks publicly to Elton John, who talks about what it was like being around John. He tells a great story about cycling eight miles to buy a copy of Sergeant Pepper in Hatch End because he was such a fan! And from being a fan to finally meeting John, he tells Sean: “When I met your Dad I felt like I’d known him all my life and that’s the biggest compliment I can pay him.” He talks about the Madison Square Garden performance John did with him in 1974, which became Lennon’s final live gig appearance, but was also where he was reunited with Yoko Ono after a period of separation. Soon after she was pregnant with Sean, hence the reason Elton is his godfather.
In John Lennon At The BBC, Liza Tarbuck explores the BBC’s archive of John Lennon, from his earliest days with The Beatles up to his final interview recorded just two days before his death in December 1980. His work, both as a musician and as a high profile peace activist, still resonates as loudly today as it did during his lifetime. He appeared frequently on BBC programmes and these provide a fascinating insight into his creative output and worldview. His contributions were articulate, often controversial and always searingly honest as he talked about subjects including the Vietnam War, his protracted struggles with the US authorities as he tried and eventually succeeded in securing residency there, the break-up of The Beatles, his treatment by the press and the development of his music throughout the 1960’s and 70’s.
The featured programmes include his 1971 appearance on Parkinson alongside his wife Yoko Ono, performing his own poetry on Not Only But Also, talking to current Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris about his Rock ‘N’ Roll And Walls And Bridges albums on The Old Grey Whistle Test, an early ‘pop profile’ for the BBC World Service with Brian Matthew, and his explosive 1969 interview with veteran New York Times war correspondent Gloria Emerson which was captured on film for the BBC’s 24 Hours. Also featured are tracks from throughout his solo career which have been painstakingly restored and remixed for the newly-released collection, Gimme Some Truth. These are heard alongside exclusive performances of some of his most celebrated songs including Imagine, Love, Woman and Happy Xmas (War Is Over) featuring Katie Melua, Roachford, Aloe Blacc and Jack Savoretti performing with the BBC Concert Orchestra. This is a BBC Audio production.
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) today released the new H.E.R. Signature Stratocasterin collaboration with the multiple Grammy-Award-winning R&B singer-songwriter. She has long played Fender guitars to attain her signature sound on projects, such as her debut album H.E.R., which was certified RIAA Platinum this year. A project more than a year in the making, the all-new H.E.R. Signature Stratocaster has been designed to the artist’s specifications with a distinctive look and exceptional tone; it features Fender Vintage Noiseless pickups, a 1-ply anodized aluminum pickguard and an alder body finished in stunning Chrome Glow inspired by her favorite nail polish color. To coincide with H.E.R’s signature guitar launch, some of her biggest hit songs will be added to Fender Play, the complete online learning app for guitar, bass and ukulele. When those songs are added to Fender Play later this year, fans around the world will be able to play their very own H.E.R. Stratocaster while learning her songs.
“Fender was the reason I began playing guitar,” said H.E.R. “My father taught me how to play my first blues scale on a mini black-and-white Strat, so it’s absolutely surreal I have partnered with Fender to design my own Signature Stratocaster. As an artist, I find that my most personal thoughts make the most relatable music. By designing a Stratocaster with a color, shape and sound that is one-hundred-percent my own, my hope is that other young women and players from all backgrounds feel inspired to pick up this guitar, tap into their thoughts and create amazing music.”
“This is the culmination of a years-long relationship between Fender and H.E.R., and a testament to everything she has done to inspire a new generation of players,” said Justin Norvell, EVP Fender Products. “This guitar was in the works alongside the custom clear acrylic Strat we made for H.E.R.’s 2019 Grammy performance and the all-black Strat for her 2020 Pepsi Big Game commercial. This is a guitar that’s just as eye-catching as those iconic pieces and finally accessible to everyone. Players that are drawn in by the unique look of the guitar are going to be rewarded with a neck, pickups and bridge that have stood the test of time and are up to H.E.R.’s high standards for recording and touring.”
This is the latest installment of a longstanding partnership between H.E.R. and Fender. Stratocaster guitars have been a part of several breakout moments for the artist, including a performance of “Hard Place” at the 2019 Grammy Awards with a clear acrylic Stratocaster and then a custom black Stratocaster in a Big Game Pepsi commercial in 2020 with Missy Elliot. This new Signature Stratis designed to enable the next generation of guitar players — of which H.E.R. is a major influencer — to access her trademark look and soulful sound. As part of Fender’s continuing commitment to recognize the diversity of its longtime players and new guitarists, H.E.R. is now the first Black female artist to be honored with a Fender Artist Signature model.
“We are honored that H.E.R. has chosen to work with Fender on her debut artist signature model,” said Evan Jones, CMO, Fender. “She is an incredible, Grammy Award-winning artist whose future in the music industry is bright, and we are proud of the authentic relationship we have built with H.E.R. over these last several years. As we look to the future of guitar, we believe it’s our responsibility to support the increasing diversity and adoption of the instrument across all genres, and it’s also our belief that investing in more signature projects and collaborations with more Black, Latinx and female artists is an important next step toward expanding the cultural relevance of guitar and the Fender brand.”
“It’s important for young aspiring players to see themselves in the heroes they look up to, and we know who we amplify with our brand can help make that impact,” Jones added.
The H.E.R. Signature Stratocaster features an alder body with a traditional tonewood finished in a stunning new iridescent color. The 9.5″ radius, one-piece maple neck allows for classic Fender tone and effortless bending. The model is also cut in a mid-’60s “C” neck maple shape similar to Stratocaster of that decade made for exceptionally comfortable playing. Fender Vintage Noiseless™ pickups project clear and articulate tone with no 60-cycle hum and a six-screw, vintage-style Fender Synchronized Bridge that provides smooth vibrato. A custom neck plate engraved with H.E.R. artwork rounds out the personalized touches.
In true tradition, Fender’s Artist Signature Series honors iconic musicians through product progression and storytelling, creating instruments inspired by the unique specifications of the world’s greatest guitarists and bassists. H.E.R. also discusses her playing style, technique and her new signature guitar in an episode of Fender’s serialized social video series, Fender Sessions. Fender Sessions takes a deep, personalized dive into some of Fender’s beloved artists and in turn gives the brand a chance to elevate and support its talented base of global players by giving them a platform to showcase their passion. At its core, the series is about amplifying the voice of the artist, giving them a way to fully articulate their vision and mastery of their craft. Each video is intimate, candid, personal and most importantly – raw.
Fender discusses the all-new H.E.R. Signature Stratocaster specs and all details in an episode of Fender’s serialized social video series: Fender Demos here. Fender Demos is an educational video series focused on providing a deep dive into Fender’s newest products. The series focuses on showcasing not only the key features and benefits, but also the sonic quality of Fender’s instruments, amplifiers and pedals. In addition to product demos, the series also provides valuable beginner, intermediate and advanced tone tips, set-up and maintenance guides and insights to getting the most out of your Fender gear.
A vast majority of people in the United States and Canada are living in debt. In the U.S., the average person owes about $90,000 while the average consumer debt for Canadians is about $70,000.
Clearly, most of us rely on loans to keep going. There’s nothing wrong with this, though. Loans are a handy financial tool, especially when you want to purchase big-ticket items.
However, there’s something nagging and enslaving about being in debt. Sometimes you just want to clear it all be debt-free.
But what are your loan repayment options? How can you actually pull it off?
Here’s a guide:
Why Would You Want to Cancel Your Debt?
Canceling debt is another way of saying you want to get rid of your debt.
Getting rid of all your loans is no small feat. You can’t say you have achieved true financial freedom if you’re still servicing loans here and there. As such, canceling your debt is a key step in your quest for financial freedom.
Another important reason you’d want to clear your debt is to raise your credit score. If you’re hitting big credit card balances month over month, your credit score will probably drop. The same goes if you’ve got loans that are in default.
Clearing your debt will have a big impact on your credit score.
You could also want to cancel your debt if you’re planning to go in for a big loan, such as a mortgage. Most lenders don’t want to see that you have other active loans because the more loans you have, the higher your chances of defaulting.
How to Cancel Your Debt
There are a couple of ways to cancel your debt.
The path of least resistance is to follow the repayment option your lender provides. For instance, if you’ve got a personal loan, for instance, you can just repay your outstanding balance right now and the debt will be canceled.
Repaying your debt earlier typically means you’ll only need to clear the outstanding principal amount. The interest is waived. Early repayment terms and conditions vary from lender to lender though.
Another option is to take advantage of the lender’s debt forgiveness programs. Most lenders run these programs, but it’s incredibly difficult to qualify. If you do, however, you might just have the debt off your back.
There’s a third way to cancel your debt. Filing for bankruptcy.
Applying for bankruptcy is a momentous personal and financial decision that will have far-reaching implications for several years. Get professional advice before moving on with this option.
Full Loan Repayment Is the Way to Go
Loan repayment is a must, and it’s the easiest and most straightforward way to cancel your debt. However, there are also other options, such as seeking debt forgiveness and filing for bankruptcy. Choose wisely.
Canada’s oldest lung health charity is celebrating 120 years this September.
The Canadian Lung Association has partnered with Canadian Country Music Award-nominated musicians Eric Ethridge and Kalsey Kulyk on a song to celebrate this significant anniversary. All proceeds from the new song Breathe Again will help fund lifesaving research, advocacy and reliable health information resources for Canadians who are struggling to breathe.
“We’re thrilled to partner with such talented Canadian musicians as Eric and Kalsey and are proud to mark this significant milestone for our organization with their voices,” said Terry Dean, President and CEO, Canadian Lung Association. “We’ve spent the last 120 years dedicated to saving lives, preventing lung disease and improving lung health through research, advocacy, education and support. Our mission is not yet complete, however. We welcome anyone who shares our passion for lung health to join us as we continue our journey towards a Canada that’s easier to breathe in for all.”
To further mark the 120th anniversary, the Lung Association has set up a landing page at lung.ca/CLATurns120 featuring a timeline of many of its accomplishments, video clips of researchers, patients and volunteers offering well wishes and reflections.
“Going through the timeline shows us where we began and it really compels us to stop and appreciate the incredible work of our predecessors throughout the decades,” Dean adds.
The Canadian Lung Association and its community of volunteers, physicians, scientists, clinicians, educators and administrators remain committed to searching for treatments for lung diseases, teaching youth about the dangers of tobacco and vaping, ensuring all Canadians have access to equitable care and medications and fighting for clean air.
“The Canadian Lung Association has been an institution in this country for 120 years, helping countless Canadians laugh and sing longer. They continue to put air back into the lungs of those who have been challenged by a disease or poor air quality,” said Kalsey Kulyk, singer-songwriter. “Our song Breathe Again is a celebration of this milestone and is dedicated to all those who work day-in and day-out helping others breathe.”
The artists saw an opportunity to help a charity dedicated to lung health and are proud to lend their name and talent to the charity’s historical milestone celebration.
Those who download the song will be directly helping the Canadian Lung Association with its mission to promote lung health and prevent and manage lung disease. Breathe Again features chart-topping pianist Paul Cardall and was produced by Jimmy Thow of Canadian country duo, Sons of Daughters.
For more information and to listen to Breathe Again and the 120th anniversary please visit lung.ca/CLATurns120.
Often called “the bible of alternative rock,” Trouser Press was a highly influential music magazine in the ’70s and 80s. We speak with Ira Robbins, who was a founder, writer, editor and publisher with the magazine and the series of “Trouser Press Record Guides” that followed.
Robbins has recently put all 94 issues — in their entirety — online at www.trouserpress.com, and is adding new content as well. He’s recently authored a new novel, based in the glam-rock music world, called “Marc Bolan Killed in Crash.”
Celebrate Flashback Friday and start your weekend with the exclusive premiere of a long-lost comedy album from the legendary Lenny Bruce. Lenny Bruce Is Out Again will air in its entirety on Friday, September 25, at 8 pm ET on Comedy Greats (Ch. 94) – a full day before it can be heard anywhere else.
The unreleased album was fully authorized by Bruce’s daughter, Kitty Bruce, who will speak with SiriusXM host Ron Bennington for a special hour-long interview that airing at 5 pm ET, shortly before the album’s premiere. Also joining the panel will be actor Luke Kirby, who won an Emmy Award for his portrayal of Bruce on The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, and comedian W. Kamau Bell.
Among his many accomplishments, Lenny Bruce is known for his brash style, paving the way for other outspoken comedians to address topics often seen as taboo. Unafraid to tackle the subjects of politics, sex, race, and religion, Bruce was frequently the target of law enforcement, leading to a publicized freedom of speech trial. He is now widely considered one of the greatest and most influential stand-up performers in history.
The Ron Bennington special and the full Lenny Bruce Is Out Again album will also air on Saturday, September 26th, at 4 pm ET and Sunday, September 27th, at 12 pm ET.
There and Black Again is a story of a first generation British-born son of Windrush parents, growing up in London to become a witness and part of a social and cultural revolution around the world. It gets released on March 11, 2021 and you can pre-order it here.
Starring the Grammy award winning filmmaker, rock star, dj, radio broadcaster, social commentator, husband and father Don Letts, There And Black Again takes in many lives and places. It is written as scenes from a movie shot on location in London, Kingston, New York, Los Angeles, Windhoek, Salt Lake City and Goldeneye.
Co-starring a cast of hundreds, including Joe Strummer, John Lydon, Bob Marley, Chrissie Hynde, Chris Blackwell, Paul McCartney, Nelson Mandela, Keith Richards, Pattie Smith, Chuck D., McLaren and Westwood, etc., it takes in major cultural movements from skinhead through punk to Black Lives Matter, and includes scenes of civil unrest, live music, humour and political struggle.
There And Black Again describes in clear-eyed detail a life of work and love, of battles against prejudice and negativity, of failures and great successes. It describes a six-decade journey through sound and vision which has left a body of award-winning work in film, television and music that is unique in scope and variety.
