It’s not the greatest tune of the 1960s, but the dance moves at 1:55 should be memorized.
Video: Kanye West stars in a never-aired Curb Your Enthusiasm-inspired HBO comedy pilot directed by Larry Charles in 2008
In 2008, a year after debuting with his Graduation album, Kanye West and HBO did a deal to produced an untitled, hour-long pilot but HBO demanded that it be cut to 30 minutes. According to Larry Charles, Kanye West told him “I’m the black Larry David” and that he wanted his series to be similar to Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000).
Maestro Fresh Wes pays tribute to Toronto Raptors in new video ”Jurassic Park”
Maestro Fresh Wes — the Godfather of Canadian hip hop — has dropped a fresh video for his infectious Toronto Raptors-inspired anthem. “Jurassic Park” is available now!
Produced and featuring Rich Kidd, the track and video is a celebration of the award-winning artist’s hometown team and their fans who gather outside the stadium for games.
Shot by Lee Solo and edited by FLX VSN, “Jurassic Park” was initially featured on Maestro’s 2017 LP Coach Fresh — available on all platforms.
The video comes amidst Williams’ latest release, Champagne Campaign, an album that marks his 30th anniversary of exploding onto the scene with 1989’s iconic Symphony in Effect. Its success blazed a fiery fresh trail, becoming the first hip hop release to receive a JUNO Award for Best Rap Recording of the Year, and first Canadian hip hop album to reach Platinum status.
Even more, his legendary track “Let Your Backbone Slide” made Williams the first Canadian hip hop artist to have a single reach Gold status; he was also the first Canadian hip hop artist to have a stronghold on Billboard’s Top 20 Rap Singles chart.
With 14 JUNO nominations (plus a second win, this time for Best Video in ’91), real estate on the Scarborough Walk of Fame, anthems on repeat for both ’14 and ’16 Olympics — to say the least — Williams is easily considered one of Canada’s premier and most notable multi-media personalities. His previous 2017 LP Coach Fresh was also nominated last year for another JUNO Award, and he just wrapped up eight seasons playing the role of Vice Principal Paul Dwyer on the CBC hit sitcom, Mr. D.
The Very Very Best Of Crowded House Set For Long-Awaited Vinyl Debut Released July 12
Originally issued on CD in 2010, The Very Very Best Of Crowded House is set to make its long-awaited vinyl debut on July 12 through Capitol Records/Universal Music.
Due for release in a glorious gatefold sleeve including notes & printed inner bags, The Very Very Best Of Crowded House has been compiled & cut from original analogue master tapes at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios to 2 x 180-gram Heavyweight Black vinyl LPs.
Also released, a special Limited-Edition Orange Vinyl version is available at key physical retailers across the Globe, making for an essential compendium for both committed fans and first timers.
Boasting 19 career-spanning tracks, the collection documents Crowded House’s legend-enshrining period with Capitol Records/EMI which began with their self-titled 1986 debut and concluded with their 2007 reunion album, Time On Earth. The tracklist features all the celebrated antipodean outfit’s signature hits (“Don’t Dream It’s Over,” “Better Be Home Soon,” “Weather With You,” “Fall At Your Feet,” “Distant Sun”) in addition to “Instinct” and “Not The Girl You Think You Are” from the 1996 compilation, Recurring Dream, and “Don’t Stop Now” and “Pour Le Monde” from the well-received Time On Earth.
The Very Very Best Of Crowded House was a Top 20 hit in both Australia and New Zealand on its initial release in 2010 and it attracted considerable international acclaim, returning to the Australian ARIA Top 5 in 2016 around their 30thAnniversary “Encore” performances on the steps of the Sydney Opera House. Classic Rock’s review remarked, “it’s hard not to be wowed by this back catalogue of golden pop genius” while the BBC declared, “Crowded House have a catalogue that features so many gems that they should be held in the high regard primarily reserved for acts that came before them, the likes of The Beatles and the [Rolling] Stones.”
First formed in Melbourne, Australia, in 1985, Crowded House’s original line-up featured New Zealand native Neil Finn(vocals, guitar and primary songwriter) along with Australian rhythm section, Nick Seymour (bass) and Paul Hester(drums). This core trio recorded 1986’s multi-platinum-selling Crowded House and 1988’s Temple Of Low Men, before being joined by Neil Finn’s brother Tim for 1991’s Woodface and multi-instrumentalist Mark Hart for 1993’s highly-regarded Together Alone.
Crowded House split after a high-profile – and extremely emotional – final show performed for an estimated 250,000 people outside Sydney’s famous Opera House, on 24 November 1996, which was captured on the Farewell To The WorldDVD. Despite Paul Hester’s tragic death in 2005, Finn and Seymour reformed the band in 2006 alongside Mark Hart and former Beck drummer Matt Sherrod, going on to record two further albums, Time On Earth and 2010’s Intriguer. Crowded House were inducted into Australia’s ARIA Hall Of Fame in November 2016 and to date have sold upwards of 10 million albums worldwide.
The Very Very Best Of Crowded House Tracklist – 2LP
Side A
“Something So Strong” 2:53
“Weather with You” 3:44
“It’s Only Natural” 3:30
“Chocolate Cake” 4:01
“Fall at Your Feet” 3:18
Side B
“Distant Sun” 3:51
“Better Be Home Soon” 3:08
“Four Seasons in One Day” 2:48
“Don’t Dream It’s Over” 3:56
“Mean to Me” – 3:16
Side C
“Locked Out” 3:17
“Don’t Stop Now” 3:54
“Pineapple Head” 3:29
“Instinct” 3:09
“Fingers of Love” 4:26
Side D
“Private Universe” 5:39
“Not the Girl You Think You Are” 4:10
“Nails in My Feet” 3:42
“Pour le Monde” 5:10
“Become BTS’ Manager on BTS WORLD!” BTS World Release Date Announced For June 25
Netmarble Corp. has announced Tuesday, June 25 PST / Wednesday, June 26 KST as the release date for its highly anticipated mobile game BTS WORLD, where players become BTS’ manager to foster BTS in becoming the global superstars.
Created in conjunction with the global superstars, BTS WORLD is a story-based mobile simulation game that takes players on an interactive journey. The story of BTS WORLD takes players back to the start before the band’s debut to pursue the role of BTS’ manager, with the ultimate goal of fostering BTS to become superstars.
Players will encounter various missions where they will select certain BTS member cards to clear the mission and progress through the game. Collecting and upgrading these cards will open up even more stories along the way, and players will be able to interact virtually with BTS in the game through a 1:1 interactive system.
Pre-registration for the game is currently open at https://btsw.netmarble.com. A new, playable ‘mini game’ demo of BTS WORLD will be available on the site, giving players a preview ahead of launch. The pre-registration site also currently features a game introduction, a BTS story, and “From BTS” – a special sneak peek of the game’s “mobile function” that lets players interact virtually with group members, as well as a mini-game that pairs players with the BTS member they match with best as a manager.
BTS WORLD will also reveal all-new, original soundtrack from BTS leading up to the launch, starting with a sub-unit song by Jin, Jimin, and Jung Kook of BTS.
The game will be released worldwide (excluding China) for iOS and Android devices. For more information on BTS WORLD, please visit https://btsw.netmarble.com. The latest updates are also available by following BTS WORLD on Twitter and Instagram.
Pavarotti Radio Launching On SiriusXM To Celebrate New Documentary Film Chronicling The Great Entertainer Who Brought Opera To The Masses
Renowned tenor Luciano Pavarotti and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard are returning to SiriusXM, with the launch of Pavarotti Radio, an exclusive limited-run music channel celebrating the music and influence of Luciano Pavarotti, the famed Italian operatic tenor. SiriusXM’s Pavarotti Radio kicks off June 6 at 12:00pm ET and runs through June 16 on channel 77 and through the SiriusXM app on smartphones and other connected devices.
The new Pavarotti channel complements the arrival of the documentary PAVAROTTI in select theaters June 7. Pavarotti Radio will showcase music and recorded performances from the world’s most loved tenor of all time, as well as artists he influenced and interviews and stories from those who knew him, including Nicoletta Mantovani, Luciano Pavarotti’s widow, as well as Howard.
This limited-run music channel will also feature the world premiere of a live performance of “Miserere” with Andrea Bocelli and Zucchero from the soundtrack, Pavarotti: Music From The Motion Picture (Decca), as well as several previously unreleased live superstar duets with Barry White (“You’re The First, The Last, My Everything”), James Brown(“It’s A Man’s Man’s Man’s World”) and Queen’s Brian May and Roger Taylor (“Too Much Love Will Kill You”), from the new three-disc best of collection, Pavarotti: The Greatest Hits (Decca/UMe). The complementary releases will both be released on June 7 in conjunction with the film.
From Pavarotti’s earliest beginnings to the very last days of his life, the Ron Howard-directed PAVAROTTI follows the renowned singer over the course of his prolific career revealing previously unknown details about the legendary tenor, and harnessing the incredible sounds and music from the man credited for bringing an “elite art form to the masses.” A CBS Films, Polygram Entertainment, Brian Grazer presentation, PAVAROTTI is an Imagine Entertainment and White Horse Pictures production.
Noted Ron Howard, “It is wonderful to be able to partner with SiriusXM on a dedicated channel allowing fans and new listeners alike the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the music of the genius that is Luciano Pavarotti. Whether getting tuned up to see the film or wanting to continue the experience after leaving the theater, this channel will allow us all to experience Pavarotti wherever and whenever we want.”
SiriusXM subscribers are able to listen on SiriusXM radios, and those with streaming access can listen online, on-the-go with the SiriusXM mobile app and at home on a wide variety of connected devices including smart TVs, Amazon Alexa devices, Apple TV, PlayStation, Roku, Sonos speakers and more. Go to www.SiriusXM.com/streaming to learn more.
Cardi B, DJ Khaled, Migos, H.E.R., Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lizzo, Mustard, Lil Baby, Yung Miami, Lucky Daye And Kiana Ledé Set To Perform At The “BET Awards” 2019
BET Networks announced the first group of performers for the 19th annual “BET Awards” including Cardi B, DJ Khaled, Migos, H.E.R., Lil Nas X, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lizzo, Mustard, Lil Baby, City Girls’ Yung Miami, Lucky Daye and Kiana Ledé. Hosted by Regina Hall, the “BET Awards” 2019 will air LIVE on Sunday, June 23rd at 8 pm ET from the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on BET.
Additionally, the network announced the first group of presenters who will take the stage including Taraji P. Henson, Lena Waithe, Morris Chestnut, Yara Shahidi, and Marsai Martin.
“The BET Awards stage has become synonymous with powerful and groundbreaking performances that are authentic and bold, celebrating the influence and power of black culture,” said Connie Orlando, Executive Vice-President, Head of Programming at BET. “We are thrilled to have been and continue to be the launch pad and home for some of today’s most talented and inspiring voices, as BET continues to showcase the impact of established and up-and-coming artists, providing them a global stage to share their art and creativity.”
As previously announced, Cardi B leads this year’s nominations with a total of seven, including Best Female Hip-Hop Artist, two separate nods in both the Best Collaboration and Video of the Year categories, Album of the Year and the Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award. Drake follows with five nods for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist, Video of the Year, Best Collaboration and the Coca-Cola Viewers’ Choice Award. Other leading nominees include Beyoncé, Travis Scott and J. Cole who received four nominations each, with Bruno Mars, 21 Savage, Childish Gambino, H.E.R. and Ella Mai each scoring three nominations.
The “BET AWARDS” 2019 will simulcast LIVE at 8 pm ET across seven Viacom networks in the U.S. including BET, BET HER, MTV, MTV 2, MTV Classic, VH1, and Logo. Internationally, the show will simulcast for the first-time on BET Africa at 2 am CAT on June 24th, followed by international broadcasts in the UK on June 24th at 9:00 pm BST, South Korea on June 25th at 9 pm KST and in France on June 25th at 9 pm CEST. Internationally, BET will honor Best International Act in-show, along with the fan-voted category Best New International Act and BET International Global Good Award during the live red carpet pre-show.
Live Nation’s Women Nation Fund Announces Funding For Three Female-Led Live Music Businesses
Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company, today announced that its Women Nation Fund has selected three female-led businesses for its first round of funding: Tina Farris Tours, Conscious City Guide, and Kingdom of Mind. Launched in May 2018, the fund is an early-stage investment opportunity designed to provide resources and capital for women in the live entertainment industry.
The three businesses selected for investment span different areas of the live music industry: touring, festivals and promotions. Live Nation is working with each company to offer the appropriate resources, mentoring and support to help grow and develop the companies.
Tina Farris Tours is a touring company founded by Tina Farris that handles tour management for an artist roster including The Roots, The Internet, Anderson .Paak, Lil Wayne, Black Eyed Peas and Chris Rock. Her company also co-produces Roots Picnic, Broccoli City and newcomer Queensfest. Additionally, Farris launched a women’s mentoring group in 2016 called “Decades,” which has produced several successful events and conferences in four different countries. Farris noted, “Getting artists out on the road in front of their fans has been the heart and soul of Tina Farris Tours for over a decade, and I know Live Nation believes in this mission which is why I’m so honored to have their support.”
Conscious City Guide, co-founded by Mel Nahas and Kiki Falconer, is an online platform that identifies and promotes live events across the globe that foster awareness for the self, the community, or the planet. Conscious City Guide has featured more than 12,000 events since its inception and also offers ticketing for events. Nahas said, “As more people than ever seek out IRL experiences, Conscious City Guide is here to unite intentional creators and seekers so we can improve ourselves and our communities. It’s clear that Live Nation created the Women Nation Fund because they care about elevating the community through live events, and we’re extremely grateful to have their support.”
Kingdom of Mind, founded by Isabella Kelly, is an event production and promotions business. Kelly’s past promotions work has focused on secondary/tertiary markets in California and will be expanding moving forward to the Pacific Northwest. Kelly has produced benefit concerts as well as events for universities and colleges. Kelly added, “At Kingdom of Mind we’re curating unique events that bring talent to cities they might not have visited on a typical tour route. To have the world’s largest live entertainment company not only believing in, but also investing in this model is a dream opportunity and will help us create some incredibly memorable live shows for artists and fans.”
“We started the Women Nation Fund to help expand the pool of female entrepreneurs in the live music space, and this first group of female founders we are investing in is incredibly impressive, diverse and ambitious,” said Michael Rapino, President and CEO, Live Nation Entertainment. “By backing these women, we hope to help them grow their companies in new directions and set the stage for even more women to lead the future of live.”
The Women Nation Fund continues to accept applications on a rolling basis. To learn more about the Women Nation Fund or to apply, please visit https://womennationfund.livenation.com/.
The Rolling Stones Announce Final Lineup for “Canada Rocks” at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds on June 29, 2019
The Rolling Stones just announced the final lineup for “Canada Rocks” on June 29, 2019. In celebration of Canada Day Weekend, the legendary group will be joined by an all Canadian line-up at the SiriusXM Kickoff Party with special guest The Glorious Sons, The Beaches, and newly added artists Sloan, One Bad Son, and a late night party with Dwayne Gretzky.
Canada Rocks is the only Canadian stop on the Rolling Stones “No Filter” tour.
In addition to the expanded lineup, Republic Live is also pleased to announce camping at Burl’s Creek.
Producers Republic Live are veterans at delivering a premium festival camping experience (including award-winning country music festival Boots and Hearts and Big Sky Music Festival), and for this summer’s “Canada Rocks with the Rolling Stones,” limited camping spots are now available!
Tent passes are $89.50 + fees, and RV camping spots are available for $149.50 + fees. Access to camping spaces will open at 7AM on Saturday, June 29, 2019 and close at 12PM on Sunday, June 30, 2019. Camping passes can be purchased through Ticketmaster.
Festival goers can start their Canada Day weekend celebrations on Saturday at 2PM with SiriusXM, proud supporters of Canadian artists, at the SiriusXM Kickoff Party which includes Canadian bands performing on two stages. Following the Rolling Stones headlining performance, campers and festival attendees that don’t want to pack it in can end the night at the Late Night Party with Dwayne Gretzky.
Ticket holders, campers and non-campers alike, looking for alternative ways to get to the venue, can find transportation information, including public transit and shuttle bus details at burlscreek.com.
“At Republic Live, we aim to create lifetime experiences. That’s why it’s so exciting to bring the Rolling Stones to Canadaand add on-site camping to enrich the experience,” said Eva Dunford co-founder of Republic Live. “The greatest rock ‘n’ roll band in the world, Canada Day weekend and camping at Burl’s Creek Event Grounds… you just can’t get more satisfaction than that! Thanks to the diligent work and dedication of our amazing team, the loyal fans will have an unforgettable Canada Day party.”
Tickets and camping passes are on sale now at ticketmaster.ca.
Long Live Bookie, His Enthusiasm, and Now You Can Listen To His Music
Radio personality Dave (Bookie) Bookman, a champion of Canada’s indie music scene known for his fun interviews and encyclopedic knowledge of the industry, passed away late last month of a brain aneurysm. His influence at various stations, including over two decades at Toronto’s 102.1 The Edg and Indie 88.1 was unparalleled, and save for a brief mention to his own music in his obituaries, his bands Battersea Power Station and The Bookmen have been hard to come by online. Until now. Bandmate Tim Mech is planning on releasing songs from the two groups, and the first popped up on Soundcloud this week. Let’s hope there’s more enduring tunes shortly.