In most people’s minds, the roots of dance music seem pretty clear. Disco gave rise to house music and the art of club DJing. Reggae gave us soundsystem culture, and its musical DNA seeped into genres like jungle and dubstep. And sampling, a staple practice in club music, can be traced back to hip-hop. But is this the full story? In this video, the Resident Advisor blog explores an overlooked link between punk rock and dance music, one that we’re still seeing the effects of to this day.
The Pretty Things Retire From Electric Performances By The End Of 2018
After 55 years of performing, The Pretty Things – the iconic, 1st wave, R&B cult heroes, formed by Ex Rolling Stone Dick Taylor, and singer, Phil May, will retire from electric performances at the end of this year.
Serial under-achievers, and the greatest band you have never heard of, The Pretty Things have been a massive success and a huge influence on artists as diverse as David Bowie, Aerosmith, The Ramones, Bob Dylan, The Sex Pistols, The White Stripes, Kasabian and many, many more. All who site the band’s outrageous behaviour, incandescent stage performances and astonishing catalogue of remarkable recordings as fundamental in the creation of their own work.
With a huge catalogue of musical and cultural “firsts” at their core – longest hair in the world, first ever rock and roll drugs bust, most arrests of any band, first ever “garage” single, first ever rock opera, first U.K. band to win Rolling Stone record of the year, arrested for discharging a sawn off shotgun, first band to regain control of its entire recorded catalogue and on and on… they are an indelible part of the fabric of popular music and the social influence that it has created.
https://youtu.be/QPJPfbglyYE
Still making significant front-line records and with such influential work including their ground-breaking masterpiece and world’s first rock opera – “S. F. Sorrow” – which celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, The Pretty Things remain a hugely significant artistic and creative force. With no artist from the 1st wave but The Stones outselling their frontline recordings and probably no artist at all out-performing them.
It should be compulsory for anyone with the slightest interest in popular music and the social revolution of the 1960’s to see The Pretty Things before they retire at the end of this year. They will be back in the groove until that point, hitting every working room on the circuit and finishing up with a huge farewell show in London at the end of the year, with guest appearances from some significant old friends and old school gunslingers to make sure they go out like they came in – with fiery riffs and vocals to boot.
The Pretty Things are waving goodbye. Be there to wave back…
NME Might Be Done Printing Issues, But Now They’re Partners With PledgeMusic To Support New Bands And Artists
NME – the brand that champions new music – today announces a new partnership with PledgeMusic to offer new, emerging artists and bands funding, marketing and promotional support. The move follows last year’s launch of ‘NME Emerging’, a platform hosted on NME.COM that is dedicated to supporting emerging talent, giving them the chance to be heard by NME and the 3m UK unique users that turn to NME.COM each month.
The new partnership will see PledgeMusic offering NME Emerging artists the opportunity to build their own campaign and develop their fan-base across the fast-growing 3 million-plus PledgeMusic community who are looking for new music. By the same token, the 50,000-plus artists who have already run successful PledgeMusic campaigns can now access the discerning NME.com audience. PledgeMusic will be messaging the partnership to artists across its newsletter and social media platforms.
All NME Emerging artists working with PledgeMusic will have access to dedicated campaign management to advise and assist in running campaigns tailored for their latest release, tour, video or any other related musical project. Building and placing their individual artist profile on the NME Emerging page already delivers a direct route to millions of music fans. Through the PledgeMusic portal, they will now have a practical roadmap to raising funds, moving forward and developing a career.
Malcolm Dunbar, co-founder and president UK & Europe PledgeMusic adds: “PledgeMusic is delighted and honoured to be linking up with NME Emerging in this new initiative to assist and work with developing artists and bands. NME has a rich history of supporting unsigned and independent talent and the PledgeMusic model of rights-free funding is perfectly aligned with that. All of us at PledgeMusic very much look forward to working with the NME team on the project.”
NME digital director Keith Walker says: “Working with PledgeMusic is a natural fit for the NME. It benefits fans and artists by introducing a new way to bring them together on NME Emerging.”
Named “One To Watch 2018”, Canadian Country Singer/Songwriter Andie Duquette Signs U.S. Deal with Spectra Music Group
This past fall I introduced you to rising Canadian country star Andie Duquette, and I wanted to pass along an exciting new update about her – big fan over here…
Andie’s debut album Here We Are and and lead singles “Nothin’ On Me” were such knock-out successes, they’ve newly landed her a U.S. deal with Spectra Music Group, for release April 20th, and presales starting this week.
As far as up-and-coming country singer/songwriters, Andie rings true: that ‘spark’, that ‘something’, that ‘star quality’ are all there, and we here at home in Canada are lucky to watch front row get-go.
Canadian Beats named her #3 of the top 12 emerging artists to watch in 2018, and it’s easy to see why: the Montreal-based songstress harnesses a road-tested, deeply ingrained confidence in her time-tested tales, calling on inspirations from Joan Jett to Shania Twain, before landing somewhere completely and uniquely on her own — as it should be!
“Nothin’ On Me” gives a glimpse into the orbit that is Andie: her positive appeal to end Internet bullying doubles as a banner endorsement to “just living your life”, with the choral line “you be you, and I’ll be me” at the very root of her entire ethos.
TD Indigenous Songwriter Award launched by SOCAN Foundation
The TD Indigenous Songwriter Award will recognize the musical talent and creativity of the best music created, in any genre, by songwriters and composers of Indigenous descent. The inaugural award will be presented at the Indigenous Music Awards in Winnipeg on May 18, 2018.
“The Indigenous Songwriter Award builds on the SOCAN Foundation and the efforts of TD to foster, promote and diversify opportunities for music creators of Indigenous descent. Our ongoing aim is to build inclusive grant and awards programming that is as diverse as the communities in which we live, and this new award pushes us even further ahead,” said Charlie Wall-Andrews, Executive Director of the SOCAN Foundation.
The winner of the TD Indigenous Songwriter Award will receive a $10,000 prize, made possible by the support of TD. In addition to the cash prize, the winner will receive airfare and accommodation to and from the Indigenous Music Awards in Winnipeg.
“TD is excited to partner with the SOCAN Foundation for the Indigenous Songwriter Award. We see music as a conversation starter, something that has the power to bring communities together and gives us all somewhere to belong. Music enriches all of our lives and connects us. We are proud to sponsor this award which encourages individual and collective storytelling to create stronger and more vibrant communities,” said Valérie Picher, Associate Vice-President, Community Relations, TD Bank Group.
A jury of prominent Indigenous songwriters will select the winner of the TD Indigenous Songwriter Award. Music creators can apply as of March 25th and access information about eligibility and the selection process at www.socanfoundation.ca/awards/. Further details of the process will be made available by the SOCAN Foundation.
“The SOCAN Foundation is the perfect presenter for the TD Indigenous Songwriter Award at the 2018 CBC Music Indigenous Music Awards, presented by Casinos of Winnipeg, because they dedicate themselves to fostering the development of incredible songwriters,” said Jacquie Black, Manager of the Indigenous Music Awards. “This award gives even more recognition to the outstanding Indigenous talent currently honouring traditions and storytelling through music.”
The launch of the TD Indigenous Music Award comes as SOCAN celebrates the Foundation’s 25th anniversary. So far, the Foundation has awarded more than $25,000,000 to Canadian music initiatives. This represents more than 6,000 grants to individuals and organizations that have empowered and supported thousands of Canadian composers and songwriters.
To apply for the TD Indigenous Songwriter Award, visit www.socanfoundation.ca/awards/. The deadline to apply is April 25, 2018 at 11:59 PM EDT.
Founded in 1992, the SOCAN Foundation is dedicated to fostering musical creativity and promoting a better understanding of the role of music creators in today’s society. The organization is a part of the SOCAN Group of organizations and guided by a Board of Directors. The Board, which consists of composers, songwriters and music publishers, reflects concert music and popular music genres, as well as the geographic and linguistic regions of Canada. To learn more about the SOCAN Foundation and SOCAN, visit www.socanfoundation.ca and www.socan.com.
Hollywood Vampires Announce 2018 North American Tour Dates
Six years ago, Alice Cooper and good friend Johnny Depp got together and decided the spirit of the Hollywood Vampires should live again. Alice and Johnny were joined by Joe Perry, producer Bob Ezrin and an amazing group of guests including Perry Farrell, Dave Grohl, Sir Paul McCartney, Joe Walsh, Slash, Robbie Krieger, Zak Starkey, Brian Johnson and Kip Winger. Maybe it was originally intended to be one album and a few tour dates, maybe it was the start of long-lasting friendship and band. But either way, the band will be back on the road for a slew of tour dates later this year, and continues to be a must-see band live.
Hollywood Vampires 2018 Tour Dates
5/17 — Turning Stone Resort Casino, Verona, NY
5/18 — Casino Rama Resort, Orillia, ON
5/20 — Foxwoods Resort Casino, Mashantucket, CT
5/21 — The Sands Casino Resort, Bethlehem, PA
5/28 — Olympisky, Moscow, Russia
5/30 — Ice Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia
6/02 — Stadtpark, Hamburg, Germany
6/04 — Zitzdele Spandau, Berlin, Germany
6/10 — Rockin’ Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
6/12 — Torwar, Warsaw, Poland
6/13 — Prague Rocks 2018, Czech Republic
6/14 — Sparkassenpark, Monchengladbach, Germany
6/16 — Genting Arena, Birmingham, U.K.
6/17 — Manchester Arena, Manchester, U.K.
6/19 — Glasgow SEE Hydro, Glasgow, U.K.
6/20 — Wembley Arena, London, U.K.
6/22 — Hellfest, Clisson, France
6/24 — Graspop Festival, Dessel, Belgium
6/27 — Tollwood, Munich, Germany
6/29 — Jahrhunderthalle, Frankfurt, Germany
6/30 — Clam Castle, Klam, Austria
7/03 — Samsung Hall, Zurich, Switzerland
7/07 — Summer Festival, Lucca, Italy
7/08 — Cavea, Rome, Italy
Photo Gallery: Pop Evil with Black Map and Palaye Royale at Buffalo’s Town Ballroom
All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her at minismemories@hotmail.com
Prism Prize Announces Top 10 Nominees For Best Canadian Video
The Prism Prize has announced the top 10 best Canadian music videos of the year, as voted by a jury of more than 120 Canadian music, film and media arts professionals. After viewing hundreds of music videos, jurors selected the Prism Prize top 10 based on originality, style, creativity, innovation and effective execution. One of these videos will be awarded the $15,000 Grand Prize at a screening and awards presentation on May 13th at TIFF Bell Lightbox.
The 2018 Prism Prize Top Ten (in alphabetical order):
Alice Glass – Without Love (Director: Floria Sigismondi)
Alvvays – Dreams Tonite (Director: Matt Johnson)
Charlotte Day Wilson – Work (Director: Fantavious Fritz)
Cri feat. Ouri – Rush (Director: Didier Charette)
Daniel Caesar – Freudian, a Visual (Directors: Keavan Yazdani and Sean Brown)
Feist – Century (Director: Scott Cudmore)
Grimes feat. Janelle Monáe – Venus Fly (Director: Grimes)
Jessie Reyez – Gatekeeper (Director: Peter Huang)
Leonard Cohen – Leaving the Table (Director: Christopher Mills)
PUP – Old Wounds (Director: Jeremy Schaulin-Rioux)
“Each year we celebrate the most interesting artists and filmmakers working in Canada today, and this year is no different. The eclectic group of artists on the Top Ten list represent the next wave of Canadian music and filmmaking talent,” said Prism Prize Founder Louis Calabro.
Along with the $15,000 to the best Canadian music video of the year, Prism Prize will continue to present several special awards. The Audience Award is voted by members of the public, and all 20 Prism Prize shortlisted videos are eligible. Votes can now be registered on the voting site here: https://www.prismprize.com/2018audience
The Special Achievement Award for artistic achievements and exceptional world-wide contribution to music video art – will be announced on April 10.
The Hi-Fidelity Award, an award given to a recording artist who has used video art to represent their work in a consistently creative and innovative way – will also be revealed in the lead up to the May 13th event.
Paul McCartney To Release 4 Albums On Vinyl In May, 2018
On May 18, Paul McCartney will release four 2018 edition catalogue reissues via MPL/Capitol: NEW, Chaos And Creation In The Backyard, Wings Greatest and Thrillington. All four titles will be issued in affordable single CD digipak and 180gram black vinyl single LP formats—and will be made available for the first time in limited edition 180gram color vinyl pressings. All vinyl LPs will include a download card.
Upon its release in 2013, NEW was lauded by Rolling Stone as “energized and full of joyous rock & roll invention.” Executive produced by Giles Martin and also featuring production by Mark Ronson, Ethan Johns and Paul Epworth, NEW entered the U.S. chart at #3. The album scored positive reviews from Entertainment Weekly to Pitchfork and all points in between, while the title track, “Queenie Eye” and “Save Us” would become staples of the McCartney live show over the course of the Out There and One On One world tours. NEW’s 2018 edition will feature the first vinyl pressing of the album since its 2013 release, including a limited edition pink vinyl 180gram vinyl LP with download card and 12×12” insert.
Released in 2005, Chaos And Creation In The Backyard was instantly hailed as continuing a hot streak that included Flaming Pie, Run Devil Run and Driving Rain. Produced by Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Beck) and featuring the singles “Fine Line” and the Grammy-winning “Jenny Wren,” Chaos And Creation… debuted at #6 on the Billboard chart. It remained on the charts for nearly half a year, while Paul mounted the massive ‘US’ Tour. In 2007, “Jenny Wren” won the Grammy for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance, while the album was nominated in three other categories including Album of the Year. The 2018 edition of Chaos And Creation… will make the album available on vinyl for the first time since its initial run and will include a limited edition gold vinyl 180gram vinyl LP with download card and 12×12” insert.
Originally released in 1978, Wings Greatest was the first ever compilation of Paul McCartney’s post-Beatles hits, featuring four classics that had previously been unavailable on any McCartney album: “Another Day,” “Junior’s Farm,” “Hi, Hi, Hi” and “Mull of Kintyre.” The penultimate Wings album release, Wings Greatest was naturally a worldwide hit, and the soundtrack to the 70s for a generation. As part of its 2018 edition reissue, Wings Greatest will be available as a limited edition blue vinyl 180gram vinyl LP with download card and 20”x30” poster.
Recorded in 1971 but not released until 1977, Thrillington remains one of the most enigmatic entries in the storied McCartney discography. Credited to the pseudonym Percy “Thrills” Thrillington, a fictitious socialite whose activities were chronicled in UK newspaper ads, Thrillington was actually a fully reimagined instrumental lounge/jazz version of Paul and Linda McCartney’s RAM. With Thrillington’s 2018 edition, Percy is given a new lease on life with this collector’s item available on vinyl for the first time since the 1977 first pressings that fetch hefty sums on the collectors’ market, plus a limited edition red/black marbled 180gram vinyl LP with download card.
The Last Male Standing, A Powerful Film About the Caretakers of Sudan, the Last Northern White Rhino
While Sudan’s passing has rattled the Ol Pejeta family to the core, one positive side of this tragedy has been seeing many of you celebrate his caretakers. Sudan’s legacy lives on especially through the lives of those that cared for him on a daily basis. Fortunately, the world will have an opportunity to get to know these admirable men beyond just the pictures that have circulated around them over the last few years. The Last Male Standing is a feature documentary film that is telling the story of these men. The Last Male Standing is still currently filming but is expecting to be released in early 2019. Here’s the film’s trailer.