Trip hop artist FKA Twigs conceptualized Nike’s Do You Believe in More? ad campaign for its Zonal Strength women’s training gear.
Vitamin String Quartet Performs Radiohead’s “True Love Waits”
Another great cover by the Vitamin String Quartet, and this time we’ve got Radiohead’s True Love Waits.
The Origin of the Hip-Hop Air Horn
Born on a B-side of a Bob Marley and the Wailers record, the air horn sound has been associated with reggae and Jamaican dancehall music since the 1960s. What was once a staple of the club scene in Jamaica has now become a global hip-hop phenomenon, thanks primarily to Luis Diaz aka Cipha Sounds. The DJ was kind enough to share the story behind the massive, attention-grabbing sound.
Exclusive interview with Nadya Tolokonnikova from Pussy Riot on Russia, Trump, and their Kickstarter campaign
How wonderful is it to be living at the same time as Pussy Riot, the Russian feminist protest punk rock group based in Moscow, who continuously put their safety and lives on the line every single time they take a stand for what’s right. Founded in August 2011, their provocative guerrilla performances in public places, performances that were filmed as music videos and posted on the Internet, performances that mean something, is almost eclipsed by the fact these are real human beings behind their message. Instead of grumbling when we see something we don’t like, or agree with, we should just be happy that the brave and powerful Pussy Riot exist, that they changed music and politics, that they’re working towards a better world. I know many musicians inspired by Pussy Riot taking up causes like feminism, LGBT rights, and opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin (or, in these artists’ cases, whoever is in power in their own country), to use music as a weapon, their lyrics as actions, and their voice to be heard.
This is why, right now, you need to support them. The group has a few weeks left of their Kickstarter campaign, and once I finish writing this line, I’m going over to the site to donate. I urge you to do the same.
Here’s the interview I did with Nadya Tolokonnikova last week.
How The Danish Police Get Around At A Music Festival
The Danish Police at Roskilde Festival on a sound system while the famous tune ‘Sound Of The Police’ by KRS-One plays.
The Legendary TR-08 Drum Machine Is Back (Kinda) At An Affordable Price
The TR-08 is an obsessively detailed and faithful replica of the legendary TR-808 — easily the most famous and influential drum machine ever made. After creating a monumental shift in the sound of music, the “808” has continued to shape and define entire genres. Beloved by musicians and producers the world over, it’s one of the most revered and sought-after electronic musical instruments of all time. The TR-08 brings the look, sound, and feel of the original 808—with stunning accuracy—to the Roland Boutique format. It blends attention to detail and respect for legacy with modern convenience and reliability.
The TR-808 arrived in 1980 to an unsuspecting and somewhat bewildered public. To many at the time, its purely analog sound and range of tweakable parameters didn’t exactly deliver “traditional” drum sounds. It wasn’t until adventurous musicians and producers got their hands on the TR-808 and started tweaking those knobs that the world would fully realize the sonic impact it would leave on music forever. For the next three decades, the sizzling hi-hats and snappy snare, the robotic, clicky rim shot, the unmistakable cowbell, and yes, that booming bass drum, would be heard on many thousands of tracks. Worldwide hits, underground classic, and entire genres were spawned. Its influence is so deep that it’s been name-dropped in famous tracks, had albums dedicated to it and bands named after it, and even been the subject of a feature-length documentary film.
Time has not diminished the TR-808’s influence. New genres continue to make use of the 808, with some utilizing it as the main instrument and defining sound of the style. Sure, you can use samples of a TR-808, but there’s nothing quite like the real thing. The 808’s user interface with its buttons, knobs, and switches, and the odd quirks of how the sounds interact with each other—they’re all vitally important to conjuring up that real 808 mojo. And you know it when you hear it.
The new TR-08 adds some thoughtful and modern touches to the classic formula. The sequencer has 16 sub-steps per step, so you can create detailed snare fills and intricate, rolling hi-hats. It also has a track-selectable trigger out for working with other instruments like the TB-03, SH-01A, or modular gear. An unobtrusive LED display provides finer control of tempo and shuffle. You can step-program or tap in your parts in real-time without stopping to change modes. Everything sends and receives MIDI control messages and it even supports audio and MIDI over USB.
Original TR-808s are big and heavy, and their rarity makes them extremely expensive and sought-after on the used market. Because of this, many have resorted to 808 sample packs or hardware knockoffs. But there’s something about the colors and controls and, of course, the sound of a genuine TR-808 that brings home the sound of so many classic tracks. The TR-08 accurately recreates the ingredients that make an 808 so special. The interface, while miniaturized, is 100% authentic. The sound is vibrant and alive thanks to our proprietary Analog Circuit Behavior (ACB) technology. We use ACB to carefully recreate all the details and quirks of the original hardware by modeling each analog circuit, right down to the component level.
Not only does the TR-08 look and sound the part, but it also has some modern features and conveniences. With all this beat-making power, it would be a shame to keep it shackled to the studio. After all, inspiration can strike anywhere, and drum machines are fun to play live. The TR-08 is literally small enough to take just about anywhere. It’s ruggedly built with sturdy knobs, buttons, and switches. It has several tilt options for easy viewing in various live and studio scenarios. It can be a low-latency, portable audio interface. It has a built-in speaker, and even runs on batteries for when the beat absolutely must go on. With all this power and flexibility, you may be most surprised by the TR-08’s affordable price, which puts the legendary 808 vibe within reach of just about anyone who’s ever dreamed of owning the iconic original.
Jack White Is Releasing A New Single, And You Have To Buy A Detroit Tigers Ticket To Get It
Calling all lovers of vinyl records! Purchase this package and get a ticket to see the Tigers battle the Minnesota Twins on September 24 plus an exclusive Third Man Records 7″ vinyl record.
One side of the record is the song “Strike Out” by “The Brushoffs” – a group featuring Third Man Records artists Brendan Benson, Ben Blackwell, Dominic Davis and Olivia Jean. On the other side, Third Man Records founder Jack White interviews 1984 World Series Champion Kirk Gibson. This record is pressed in the Tigers colors (blue and orange) specifically for this ticket package and will not be available anywhere else. The photos on the record sleeve were shot by Detroit Tigers pitcher, Daniel Norris.
A portion of the proceeds benefit the Kirk Gibson Foundation and The Detroit Tigers Foundation.
You can listen to a snippet of the song here and get tickets to ol’ ball game here.
The Spirit of John Benefit Concert Supporting Alzheimer Society of Toronto’s Music Project
The Spirit of John, now in its third year, is an incredible night of music and revelry that celebrates John Mann, his music, and the powerful effect melody can have on memory.
Join Spirit of the West with host Dave Bidini for an incredible night of music with performances by Danny Michel, Andy Maize & Josh Finlayson (Skydiggers), Tom Wilson, Martin Tielli (Rheostatics), Kevin Kane (Grapes of Wrath), Danny Greaves (Watchmen), and many more.
Doors open at 7PM and performances start at 8PM on September 13, 2017 at the Mod Club Theatre, 722 College Street in Toronto, Ontario.
Since 2015, John has used the power of song to raise awareness about music therapy for people living with dementia. Now that his own young-onset Alzheimer’s has progressed it’s our turn to play the music with a set list of songs custom made by John’s friends and family to help unlock his memories.
All proceeds from the concert support the Alzheimer Society of Toronto’s Music Project, which provides personalized playlists and iPods for people living with dementia in Toronto. Concert-goers will be participating in the second annual Fund-A-Need, which aims to raise enough money to supply music to 400 people living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, so get ready to donate!
You can buy tickets here.
Heritage Toronto Honours The Concord Tavern
Part of the blues, country, and rock n’ roll scene, the Concord Tavern is where Ronnie Hawkins and The Hawks got their start. They played high-energy rockabilly during the club’s twist dance parties. Hawkins’ backing band later became The Band, one of North America’s most influential groups.
Situated at Bloor and Concord (a Long and McQuade music store is now on the site), the plaque honouring the site will be revealed August 12 at 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM at 925 Bloor Street West, Toronto.
Shania Twain To Perform At Grey Cup Halftime Show
With just over three months to go until the 105th Grey Cup presented by Shaw kicks off in Ottawa, the CFL announced today that the top-selling female country artist of all time, Shania Twain, will headline the Freedom Mobile Grey Cup Halftime Show on November 26th at TD Place in Ottawa. Canada’s largest annual sporting event will be broadcast live on TSN, RDS, ESPN2, BT Sport and on TSN Radio and Sirius XM radio beginning at 6 p.m. ET.
Twain’s Grey Cup performance celebrates her triumphant return and will follow the highly-anticipated release of her fifth full-length studio album, NOW, out September 29th. Solely written and co-produced by Twain, NOW marks her first album release since 2002’s UP!, the same year she first performed at the Grey Cup Halftime Show (Edmonton, 2002).
“It’s an absolute honour to return to the Grey Cup stage in the nation’s capital during Canada’s 150th birthday,” said Twain. “I’m thrilled to be coming home and being a part of the country’s biggest annual party.”
“Shania is a massive Canadian icon and a global superstar, so we are so excited that she will help us cap off such a significant year for our country at the 105th Grey Cup in Ottawa,” added Randy Ambrosie, CFL Commissioner. “This promises to be a fantastic event and a special performance for our fans and viewers across Canada and all around the world. I can’t wait to get the party started at my first Grey Cup as Commissioner.”
Shania is a five-time Grammy Award-winner and the reigning Queen of Country Pop. With more than 90 million albums sold worldwide and U.S. sales topping 34.5 million, Shania remains the top-selling female country artist of all time. Shania’s albums include her Platinum-selling 1993 debut, SHANIA TWAIN; the Grammy Award-winning, Double Diamond-selling 1995 release, THE WOMAN IN ME; COME ON OVER, the best-selling studio album in Soundscan history by a female artist in any genre and the best-selling country album of all time with over 40 million units sold worldwide; and UP!, Shania’s third consecutive Diamond-selling album release.
Recognizing her indelible impact and achievements in music, Shania is the first and only female artist to receive CMT’s Artist of a Lifetime Award and the Country Music Hall of Fame recently opened the Shania Twain: Rock This Country exhibit. Shania was also honored with the Icon Award at Billboard’s Women in Music ceremony. Shania’s hits include “Any Man of Mine,” “That Don’t Impress Me Much,” “You’re Still the One,” and “Man! I Feel Like A Woman!”.
“Shania Twain is a Canadian legend and a musical star who will light up the Freedom Mobile Grey Cup Halftime Show,” said Chethan Lakshman, VP, External Affairs, Shaw Communications. “We are pleased to work with our partners at the CFL to bring Canadians and our customers exceptional experiences, and we can’t wait for Shania to bring the house down in Ottawa on November 26th.”
The 105th Grey Cup presented by Shaw will be played Sunday, November 26, 2017 in Ottawa at TD Place. This year’s championship will be the first played in Ottawa since 2004 and the first in TD Place Stadium, which was rebuilt for the successful debut of the Ottawa REDBLACKS IN 2014.
Less than 1,500 Grey Cup tickets are still available in a variety of sections and price points.