Benny Sings has announced his new albumĀ Music, out April 9 on Stones Throw Records.Ā MusicĀ follows Bennyās 2019 Stones Throw debut,Ā City Pop, which has over 15 million streams and received support from KCRW, the BBC and NPR Music.
Today, Benny unveils a new song, āNobodyās Faultā (featuring Tom Misch).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S80WMy6tno4Ā
Few musicians can claim to count Rex Orange County (with whom Benny co-wrote and performed on the platinum single, āLoving Is Easyā), Goldlink, Cornelius, Mayer Hawthorne, John Mayer,Ā Rita Ora, Anderson .Paak, and Mac DeMarco as fans and collaborators, but the attraction isnāt hard to understand. Bennyās songs are sophisticated and easy to fall in love with, earworming melodies and sticky choruses the result of years of craft that have made him the ultimate songwriterās songwriter, with a formidable solo career.Ā AndĀ MusicĀ is his finest work yet.
Benny was busy in 2020 as he teasedĀ Music. This fall he unveiled āRolled Upā featuring Mac DeMarco, which was shared by Pitchfork, Stereogum, HYPEBEAST and more. The title track, āMusic,ā was released early last year and Benny performed it on a rare return appearance to NPRās Tiny Desk, with aĀ (Home) ConcertĀ this summer.Ā He also unveiled āSunny Afternoon,ā written with Grammy Award-winning songwriter, PJ Morton.
Benny says that the lyrics to “Nobody’s Fault” are about a person who, after being rejected, responds rationally, rather than in an emotional or sad way. “Therein lies an extra sadness for me: itās more sad to see a person falling, and saying ‘Iām all right!’, than someone lying on the ground and crying. The guitar solo at the end is by Tom Misch. Iām a big fan of his music, so was very excited he wanted to join me on the song.”
Acclaimed singer, songwriter and social activistĀ MILCKĀ collaborated with Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman for a powerful rendition of her most recent single āSomebodyās Beloved,ā with new spoken-word improvisation. The performance debuted as part of The W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s fifth annual National Day of Racial Healing featuring a lineup consisting of Ta-Nehisi Coates, John Legend, Storm Reid and many more. The program featured an afternoon of essential and timely conversations about racial healing, equity and justice with leading advocates, artists and influencers. The annual program is designed to bridge divides, affirm our common humanity and inspire action.
Best known for her song “Quiet,” which went viral following the inaugural Women’s March, MILCK is an advocate for social and racial justice. “Somebody’s Beloved” feat. Bipolar Sunshine serves as a heart-centered invitation for people to find their place in the anti-racism movement and to explore, self-reflect, and act. From the song release date of October 9, 2020 through 2021, 100% of proceeds from the song and 100% of net proceeds from brand partnerships and public donations will benefit the seven beneficiary organizations. VisitĀ somebodysbeloved.orgĀ to learn more. To learn more about the National Day of Racial Healing visit here:Ā www.dayofracialhealing.org
This weekend, Amanda Gorman spoke with theĀ Los Angeles TimesĀ about her poetry process and what it was like being handpicked to read a poem at President-elect Joe Bidenās inauguration on Wednesday, January 20th. Gorman is now the youngest poet to write and recite a piece at a presidential inauguration, following Maya Angelou and Robert Frost. Read the full story here:Ā https://lat.ms/3sE5wLe
This Sunday, Freakonomics Radio, one of the most popular podcasts in the world with over 100 million downloads in 2020, will release its entire ten-year archive ā thatās nearly 500 episodes – for free across all podcast platforms. In a moment when podcast content is becoming increasingly siloed behind competing platforms, Freakonomics Radio is staking its claim on free access for all. Up until now, only recent episodes have been available on all platforms, with the archives accessible only to users of the Stitcher podcast app.
āIn the old days, I wrote books, like Freakonomics,ā Stephen Dubner says. āAnd as every author will tell you, keeping all your books in print is incredibly important. I have the same feeling about my podcast: I want every episode available to anyone, anywhere, anytime.ā
The opening of the archives comes asĀ Freakonomics RadioĀ continues an unprecedented growth streak. Last year, Dubner created the Freakonomics Radio Network, a podcast network which has already launched two shows:Ā No Stupid QuestionsĀ with Dubner and MacArthur Genius-winning author Angela Duckworth; andĀ People I (Mostly) Admire, hisĀ FreakonomicsĀ co-author Steve Levitt’s first foray into podcast hosting. Both already garner hundreds of thousands of downloads a month.
To continue expanding, Freakonomics Radio Network has hired Mark McClusky (former head ofĀ WiredĀ andĀ Sports Illustratedās digital platforms, best-selling author) as Editorial Director, working closely with Dubner and longtime Executive Producer Alison Craiglow, an Emmy and Peabody-winning journalist, to grow the show and network. There are multiple new Freakonomics Radio Network podcasts currently in development slated to debut in 2021.
In the past year,Ā Freakonomics RadioĀ has made news with everything from a two-part series on the racial wealth gap and the pros and cons of reparations to an interview with Whole Foods CEO John Mackey that went viral just last week. An ongoing series of specialĀ Covid-19 episodesĀ has covered everything from the long-term impact of the pandemic on employment, healthcare, and cities, to the economics of vaccine development and distribution. Plus, of course, the show offered a whole bunch of episodes that transcend the news cycle ā fascinating stories that upend conventional wisdom and that no one butĀ Freakonomics RadioĀ would come up with. The most recent episode asks the question: Do car seats actually make kids safer?
Today, for the first time in decades, Jimbo Mathus and Andrew Bird have come together to announce a brand new album. Out March 5th on Thirty Tigers, These 13 is about the special type of human connection that can survive any distance of time or geography. As former collaborators in Squirrel Nut Zippers, Mathus and Bird’s friendship dates back 25 years, but at the turn of the century their career paths diverged. Both became highly accomplished, acclaimed and prolific solo artists, and though they remained close friends, they did not return to musical collaboration until 2018, when they started exchanging the fragments that grew into this set of 13 songs.
Jimbo Mathus and Andrew Bird co-wrote all of These 13, sharing voice memos, finishing each other’s musical thoughts. Across the album they reveal themselves to one another again, and the conversation that unfolds is personal and profound. Produced by Mike Viola, the first half of the album was recorded in early 2019, and the second half was finished in early 2020. Every song was recorded live to analog tape, with Mathus and Bird singing and playing on opposite sides of a lone RCA 44 microphone.
These 13 Track List
Poor Lost Souls
Sweet Oblivion
Encircle My Love
Beat Still My Heart
Red Velvet Rope
High John
Stonewall (1863)
Bright Sunny South
Bell Witch
Dig Up the Hatchet
Jack O’ Diamonds
Burn the Honky Tonk
Three White Horses and a Golden Chain
Apple today unveiled Time to Walk, an inspiring new audio walking experience on Apple Watch for Fitness+ subscribers, created to encourage users to walk more often and reap the benefits from one of the healthiest activities. Each original Time to Walk episode invites users to immerse themselves in a walk alongside influential and interesting people as they share thoughtful and meaningful stories, photos, and music. Time to Walk can be enjoyed anytime and anywhere with Apple Watch and AirPods or other Bluetooth headphones.
Each Time to Walk episode is shaped by the guestās personal, life-shaping moments and includes lessons learned, meaningful memories, thoughts on purpose and gratitude, moments of levity, and other thought-provoking topics, recorded while walking outside or in locations that are meaningful to them. The narrative comes to life through photos that appear on Apple Watch, perfectly timed to amplify a corresponding moment the guest shares. Following the guestās stories, the experience extends with the guest introducing a short playlist of songs that has given them motivation and inspiration, so the listener can continue their walk to a soundtrack intimately connected to each guest.
Time to Walk launches today with four episodes from the following guests:
Country music star Dolly PartonĀ has won nine GRAMMYs and is also a celebrated actor, businessperson, and humanitarian. Dolly reflects on her career, family, and growing up in rural Tennessee. āIāve loved walking ever since I was a little girl in the Smoky Mountains,ā Parton says. āI think itās so important to be able to get out and walk if we can during this time. I do my best thinking when I walk. And while many of us feel confined during this time, Iām hopeful that people will take a walk down memory lane with me and we can all feel a little more freedom taking the time to walk together.ā
NBA player Draymond GreenĀ won three basketball championships with the Golden State Warriors, helping to change how the game is played. He reflects on the virtues of failure and tuning out criticism. āThereās nothing better than a walk in nature, getting lost in my thoughts, and taking a deep breath of fresh air,ā Green says. āTake all the stresses of your day and let them blow away with the wind. I hope sharing my stories with those who go on a walk with me will give them the same drive to chase their dreams that I had in chasing mine.ā
Musician Shawn MendesĀ went viral on social media at 15, had his first platinum album by 19, and has toured the world. He shares how a slower pace has helped him personally and creatively. āTaking a walk is a great way to clear your mind,ā Mendes says. āItās the most simple thing you can do to calm the body and soul, reflect, and slow down. I hope people get to feel the same sense of calm I do while walking and can bring that to their own experiences.ā
Emmy Award winner Uzo AdubaĀ found stardom on the series, āOrange Is the New Black,ā but only after many rejections. She talks about lifelong relationships and keeping the faith. āI love walking either by myself or with my dog,ā Aduba says. āItās a time to connect and have the conversations with myself that can often get overlooked throughout the day, and bring peace of mind. The experience of walking and telling my stories gave me that familiar feeling that walking brings, answering questions that need to be answered, and addressing topics that need to be addressed. Iām so excited to share that with those who take the time to walk with me.ā
New episodes will appear in the Workout app on Apple Watch from a different guest each Monday through the end of April. Users can browse and enjoy previous Time to Walk episodes when it is most convenient for them.
Time to Walk episodes are automatically downloaded to Apple Watch with a Fitness+ subscription, and users can start an episode directly from the Workout app. Once a Time to Walk episode is selected on Apple Watch, a Walk workout automatically begins and users can go at any pace that suits them while listening with AirPods or paired Bluetooth headphones. New episodes ranging from 25 to 40 minutes will appear automatically in the Workout app on Apple Watch, and users can also browse episodes in the Fitness+ tab in the Fitness app on iPhone. For Apple Watch customers who use a wheelchair, Time to Walk becomes Time to Push, and automatically starts an Outdoor Wheelchair Walk Pace workout.
One of musicās most historic record labels, Philadelphia International Records will be having a year-long celebration for their 50th anniversary. The campaign will highlight the extraordinary musical output of this storied label and spotlight milestone musical moments, artists and songs from the remarkable Philadelphia International Records family that have defined the landmark label and its incredible impact over the past 50 years. Throughout the year, Legacy Recordings, Warner Chappell Music and Philadelphia International Records will collaborate on an exciting series of exclusive partnerships, product and content releases, artist initiatives and much more.
The groundbreaking label, founded in 1971 by innovative and prolific songwriters/producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, became the birthplace, incubator and launching pad for the sophisticated Philly Soul sound also known as āThe Sound of Philadelphia.ā The duo amassed an extraordinary array of producers, songwriters, musicians and engineers including Thom Bell, Dexter Wansel, Bobby Martin, MFSB, Joe Tarsia and more to help craft some of the most memorable lyrics and melodies of the past five decades. The legendary roster of music stars who helped bring these chart-topping disco, R&B, soul and funk sounds to life included The OāJays, Patti LaBelle, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, Teddy Pendergrass, Lou Rawls, McFadden & Whitehead, The Three Degrees, Phyllis Hyman, The Intruders, the ultimate āhouse bandā MFSB, and many others.
āItās a blessing to celebrate all of the writers, musicians, engineers, disc jockeys, and all the people that were on our team,ā said Philadelphia International Records co-founder Kenny Gamble. āWhen I listen to this music now, I can close my eyes and the music brings us all back together again. Hearing this music reminds me of all the hard work and dedication our team went through to make such a long lasting catalog, that has been embraced by the world and Iām thankful.ā Philadelphia International Records co-founder Leon Huff shares the sentiment saying, āLong live the music of Gamble and Huff!ā
To get the anniversary party started, Legacy Recordings teamed up with renowned producer/DJ/musician Eric Kupper and executive producer Brad LeBeau to release inspiring new remixes of one of the labelās most iconic hits which has been adopted as an anthem for a new generation, the McFadden & Whitehead staple āAināt No Stoppinā Us Now.ā
Additional partners who are coming on board the Philadelphia International Records āLove Trainā in 2021 to help celebrate the labelās rich musical history include:
In celebration of the 50th anniversary, leading sound experience company Sonos will premiere a new station on Sonos Radio HD, the ad-free, CD-quality audio tier of Sonos Radio, the popular streaming service available to all Sonos customers globally. The new station, titled the Sound of Philadelphia, will be hosted and hand-curated by Kenny Gamble himself. In partnership with Warner Chappell Music, The Sound of Philadelphia will explore the labelās greatest hits from artists including The Jacksons, Patti LaBelle, the OāJays, and more. The Sound of Philadelphia will take listeners behind-the-scenes with Gamble, who will share stories from his time writing, producing and working on 120 internationally-beloved albums and over 40 gold and platinum records. The station will feature special guests, as well unique programming for Black History Month, Womenās History Month and more. The Sound of Philadelphia will be available February 24 on Sonos Radio HD.
VMP (Vinyl Me, Please) in conjunction with Legacy Recordings will partner on VMP Anthology: The Story of Philadelphia International, an exclusive vinyl box set celebrating the renowned Philly Soul label coming in 2021. The Story of Philadelphia International reinvents the box set experience to take listeners on a sequential journey told across eight albums remastered from their original tapes and paired with liner notes and an exclusive podcast interview series in celebration of the labelās 50th anniversary.
Snapper Music-United Souls in conjunction with Legacy Recordings will release a volume series of limited edition 8-CD sets throughout the year celebrating the 50th Anniversary of PIR. Each set will contain a unique giant poster, exclusive 12ā single, endorsed numbered certificate, a lavish 48-page hardcover book with a comprehensive archive of rare photographs compiled and curated in association with artists, engineers, and producers relevant to the labelās story. All discs will be mastered from original tapes bringing together the entire PIR studio album collection for the very first time.
In 2014, Sony Music Entertainment announced their historic deal with Philadelphia International Records, securing global ownership of all recordings made for PIR. The landmark deal added all post-1975 PIR recordings to the PIR titles already owned by Sony Music Entertainment, reuniting the entirety of the Philadelphia International Recordings catalog under a single global licensing and reissue entity.
For nearly 30 years, Warner Chappell Music has had the privilege of representing Gamble and Huff and their legendary music catalog, spanning approximately 3,000 songs.
For updates on more anniversary news and releases throughout the year, fans can visit www.SoundOfPhiladelphia.com and on Facebook or Instagram @soundofphiladelphia
Multifaceted producer, singer/ songwriter and DJ, Idris Elba has collaborated with some of the worldās biggest musical talent via his London imprint 7Wallace – Skepta, Little Simz, Damon Albarnās Africa Express, Che Lingo, Q-tip, Sean-Paul, Stefflon Don ā the list is extensive and impressive.
Elbaās first release of 2021 champions new and up and coming Canadian talent and hip-hop enthusiast Connor Price on their collaborative record āCourteney Coxā. Released by 7Wallace, Priceās Toronto based imprint, 4 of clubs, and baselineMUSIC, āCourteney Coxā is high-octane and an infectiously hooky slice of synth-soaked trap ā a playful and tongue-in-cheek homage to Connorās favourite actress and childhood crush.
The collaboration came from an Instagram challenge Idris created after being diagnosed with Covid-19, where he posted a rap and left the third verse open. Connor responded with a freestyle of his own and woke up to a DM from Idris the next morning. From there Idris sent the track to Courteney Cox who wrote and recorded her own lyrics to Idris and Connorās skit and performed it in the video ā what results is a huge serving of fun, wit and humour which doesnāt take itself too seriously.
Hailing via Toronto, Connor Price started releasing music independently under his self-owned ā4 of clubsā brand. He began to further develop his sound and fanbase by putting out a brand-new song every two weeks. His self-directed/edited video āTypical Rapperā accumulated over 1 million Facebook views in the first month.
7Wallace is the record label founded by Idris Elba in 2015, with the aim of breaking boundaries in dance and hip-hop. Since then, the company has expanded to include music publishing, in a joint venture with Universal Music Publishing, and has also set up studios in Central London and Oxford.
Here’s a wonderful outtake from DA Pennebaker’s documentary “Don’t Look Back”. Joan Baez and Marianne Faithfull create brief but spellbinding harmonies while Bob Dylan taps away on a draft of his first book, “Tarantula”.
Pack it up, pack it in, let me begin by telling you House Of Pain’s Jump Around will forever be popular among dancehall DJs and widely regarded in the United Kingdom and North America as a club classic.
