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5 Seconds Of Summer Might Be Duran Duran In 40 Years

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If you know me, I’m a huge fan of summer concert season. Heading to the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre for back-to-back country shows or a father-daughter 5 Seconds of Summer show are the types of memorable moments I live for.

Amex provides a breadth of access to Cardmembers each year through American Express invites and its Special Offers and Experiences. And ths access goes beyond music. Recently, I got to see 5 Seconds of Summer with my niece and Duran Duran with a close friend – that’s right, two concerts in two nights, thanks to American Express Canada.

Seeing these two shows back-to-back got me thinking…

5 Seconds of Summer might be the next Duran Duran in 40 years. I reflect back on Duran Duran’s music success and 5 Seconds of Summer’s growing popularity – plus give you my concert-going tips at the Molson Amp.

Forming in the late 1970s, Duran Duran is celebrating 38 years in the music industry. At their peak, it was to be the best time you’ll ever have as a band. Bassist John Taylor of The Early years notes, “You get to travel the world. You get to travel the world in a gang. You get to travel the world playing music. Girls chasing you around hotel lobbies. It was a fantastic time though,” He says, “How much more fun could it be?”

A mere 24 hours before Duran Duran’s show at Toronto’s Molson Canadian Amphitheatre, the four members of Australia’s 5 Seconds of Summer likely share the same opinion that being in peak popularity is the best time ever for a band. Both bands have thoughtful, energetic songs, fans that follow their every move – from fashion, to their girlfriends, to their social media platforms. Both make music fit for a world in which you just want to forget your job and your problems, for a few hours.

And while few would bet Duran Duran would still be around after close to 40 years after forming, they are still here and selling out arenas around the world. –They overcame drummer Roger Taylor retiring to the English countryside, after suffering from exhaustion after Live Aid, a split of the group into the two fractions – Arcadia and The Power Station. In addition to guitarist Andy Taylor leaving, yet to return, Duran Duran faced a few roadblocks like moving beyond their teen idol days, but persevered to gain respect among music critics. Other genres came and went – grunge, EDM, rap, and Duran Duran, amazingly, are able to grace us at the Molson Canadian Amphitheatre. Playing at the same venue isn’t the only similarity between 5 Seconds of Summer and Duran Duran. Both bands needed inspiration and bands to aspire to be like. 5 Seconds of Summer are undoubtedly massive ’90s pop punk fans. Without bands like Mayday Parade, All Time Low and Boys Like Girls, 5SOS don’t exist, just like if it wasn’t for Bowie and Roxy Music, there’s no Duran Duran.

But whatever your fave genre of music – rocking out to 5 Seconds of Summer or singing your heart out to Duran Duran – American Express has you covered.

Here are a few tips to make your next show at the Molson Amp just as memorable.

My guests and I were dancing in our seats quicker, thanks to Amex’s Front Of The Line Priority Entrance, which is exclusive to Amex Cardmembers, and allowed us to get into the venue quicker.

Since we arrived early to both shows, we followed several other Amex Cardmembers to enjoy pre-show access to the Amex Lounge located in the American Express Pavilion. While Torontonians have a right to be smug this summer, it’s almost always outdoor season now, the Amex Lounge is a downright stunning place to dine in the fresh air.

 

The Amex Lounge also features a patio, where you can order beverages to enjoy and look out over a stunning view of the city behind the water.

 

Amex provides a breadth of access to Cardmembers each year through American Express Invites® and its  Special Offers & Experiences. And this access goes beyond music! Cardmembers can get early or exclusive access to some of the hottest events in dining, theatre and retail.

American Express Invites® opens the door to unforgettable offers and experiences for American Express Cardmembers, including Front Of The Line® Advance Access, Front Of The Line® Reserved Tickets,  Invites Special Offers and Experiences, and Special Access. Visit Amex Invites for more information, and subscribe to receive Front Of The Line Entertainment e-Updates to get some of the hottest event listings sent directly to your inbox. You can also follow my and other concert-goers with their experience using #AmexAccess throughout the summer.

Our best moments come through experiences that are designed for us. No matter what your taste or style, Amex has an experience for you – it’s time to pick your moments, create memories, and guess which bands will still be around in 40 years.This is proudly sponsored by our friends at Amex Bank of Canada, all opinions are my own.

Tragically Hip cover band singer battles terminal cancer

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When Darren Sawchuk sings “There’s no dress rehearsal, this is our life,” the words hold a new meaning.

The Winnipeg lawyer plays in Tragically Hip cover band 59 Divide, but he has more than a melody in common with his musical idol: Sawchuk also has untreatable cancer.

“When you hear lyrics to Ahead by a Century … really, those that are given a warning signal that you only have a certain amount of time left, you do what you can during that time to make the most of every day,” he said.

In May, the band announced on its website that Gord Downie, the lead singer and lyricist of the iconic Canadian rock band, has terminal brain cancer. The band nevertheless went ahead with planning a cross-country tour in support of their album Man Machine Poem and will play in Winnipeg on Friday.

Sawchuck was told in March that his cancer couldn’t be treated.

“There is a certain connection that you have with other people who have received that kind of diagnosis, and I immediately felt for his close family and friends and for what they are going through.”

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$15 Million BC Music Fund Launches with Sound Recording Pilot Program

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$15 Million BC Music Fund Launches with Sound Recording Pilot Program

The Sound Recording Pilot Program is the first official program to move forward under the new $15 million BC Music Fund, supported by the Province of British Columbia and administered by Creative BC. The pilot program is designed to strengthen the province’s sound recording industry and help BC studios attract Canadian and international business.

The Sound Recording Pilot Program provides eligible applicants up to $75,000 to support British Columbia-based sound recording projects. Applicants will be evaluated on a first come, first served basis to the pilot’s maximum of $500,000, and can submit applications until November 30, 2016.

“British Columbia has become a hub for creation and innovation, and we are proud of the musical talent and technical expertise we have in our province,” said Shirley Bond, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Skills Training. “Creative BC’s Sound Recording Pilot Program, funded as part of the BC Music Fund, will help increase sound recording activity in our province, and encourage more artists to produce their work here in British Columbia.”

The pilot program will give Creative BC insight on opportunities to develop and grow additional programs in the areas of music company development, live music performance, distant location tour/export market development and industry development.

“Creative BC has worked closely with the Province to launch the BC Music Fund,” says Prem Gill, CEO, Creative BC. “We have an immense amount of talent in the province’s music industry, and, through the administration of this fund, we hope to showcase this domestically and globally.”

Eligible applicants’ primary business activities must be in the music industry, including record labels, music publishers, music managers and artist entrepreneurs. All recording activities under the new pilot must take place in British Columbia at B.C. facilities.

“Thanks to the Province and the BC Music Fund, artists and British Columbia’s music industry will be able to record music and realize new opportunities that were previously out of reach,” noted Bryan Adams, musician.

In February 2016, Premier Christy Clark announced $15 Million for a BC Music Fund to support the music sector’s ability to diversify B.C.’s economy, stimulate foreign direct investment, enhance music tourism, create and retain jobs, and increase industry activity in B.C.’s regions.

For guidelines, application materials and to register for Creative BC’s information sessions on the Sound Recording Pilot Program, visit here.

Bell Media Announces Randy Lennox Adding President Of Content & Broadcasting

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Bell Media Announces Randy Lennox Adding President Of Content & Broadcasting

Bell Media President Mary Ann Turcke announced today several key changes in the leadership of the company’s content, distribution, and English-language programming teams. Randy Lennox becomes President, Broadcasting and Content; Tracey Pearce becomes President, Distribution and Pay; and Mike Cosentino becomes Senior Vice-President, CTV and Specialty.

The changes, effective Monday, August 8, come as Domenic Vivolo, President, Content Sales, Marketing and Digital Products, steps down at the end of this week to pursue new opportunities.

“These elevated roles recognize the contributions Randy, Tracey, and Mike have made to the company as individuals and leaders,” said Mary Ann Turcke. “They are exceptional media executives with decades of experience and stellar track records of innovation and success. I would also like to acknowledge Domenic’s significant contribution to the company and wish him well in the future.”

As a result of the changes, Randy Lennox’s portfolio expands to integrate Bell Media’s English-language programming and production teams with a singular focus on content. In addition to his current role overseeing all of Bell Media’s English independent and in-house entertainment productions, Lennox will now be responsible for Bell Media’s conventional and English-language entertainment specialty channels. Reporting to Turcke, Lennox continues to be responsible for all English and French radio and local television broadcasting.

In her new role, Pearce will lead the team that distributes, licenses, and markets all Bell Media conventional networks, specialty and pay channels, non-linear content, and TV Everywhere services to the company’s BDU partners on traditional and digital platforms. Pearce will also assume responsibility for CraveTV and the pay TV multiplex The Movie Network, including HBO Canada. Reporting to Turcke, Pearce will maintain her executive role supporting our English-language factual specialty channels, including Discovery.

Mike Cosentino’s responsibilities expand to include Bell Media’s English-language entertainment specialty channels. With a unified focus, Mike will now lead all programming and channel strategy for Bell Media’s industry-leading conventional networks CTV and CTV Two, as well as the company’s English-language entertainment specialty channel portfolio, including leading brands Space, Bravo, The Comedy Network, E!, Much, MTV, and Gusto. Reporting to Lennox, Cosentino and his teams will also provide ongoing programming, acquisition, and scheduling expertise for CraveTV and The Movie Network.

Bell Media owns 30 local television stations led by CTV, Canada’s #1 television network; 34 specialty channels, including TSN and RDS, Canada’s most-watched specialty channels in English and French; and four pay TV services, including The Movie Network and Super Écran. Bell Media is also Canada’s largest radio broadcaster, with 106 licensed radio stations in 54 markets across Canada.

Christopher Guest’s Mascots to launch on Netflix on October 13

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Christopher Guest’s Mascots to launch on Netflix on October 13

Mascots is a new comedy from Christopher Guest, director of Waiting for Guffman and Best in Show. Starring many of his regular troupe of actors, this latest film takes place in the ultra-competitive world of sports mascots where they compete for the most prestigious award in their field, the Gold Fluffy.

The Netflix original film stars Jane Lynch, Parker Posey, Fred Willard, Ed Begley, Jr., Christopher Moynihan, Don Lake, Brad Williams, Zach Woods, Chris O’Dowd, Susan Yeagley, Sarah Baker, Tom Bennett, Kerry Godliman, Bob Balaban, Jennifer Coolidge, Michael Hitchcock, Maria Blasucci, John Michael Higgins, and Jim Piddock. The film was written by Christopher Guest & Jim Piddock and produced by Karen Murphy. Mascots will have its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival this September and will launch globally on Netflix on October 13, 2016.

James Corden Played Matt Damon’s Stunt Double in “Jason Bourne”

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James Corden Played Matt Damon’s Stunt Double in “Jason Bourne”

When James Corden arrives on the “Jason Bourne” set expecting to act with Matt Damon, he is surprised to learn he will be spending a painful day as Matt’s stunt double.

“If you know there’s a crash pad there, then I know there’s a crash pad there, and that means the audience knows that you know that I know that you know there’s a crash pad there, and it’s all just kind of ruined.”

The iPhone Hits Another Milestone: 1 Billion Sold

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A little more than nine years after it made its debut in the United States in June 2007, Apple announced that it recently sold its one billionth iPhone.

Having generated more than $600 billion in revenue and in all likelihood more than $100 billion in net profit for Apple, the iPhone might well be the most profitable piece of technology to ever have hit the market. It has transformed Apple from a company with $19 billion in annual sales (in 2006) to the most valuable company in the world, raking in $234 billion in the fiscal year that ended in September 2015.

However, every fairytale must eventually come to an end and so does the iPhone’s remarkable growth story. Between April and June, iPhone sales declined for the second consecutive quarter and, if Apple revenue guidance is any indication, will continue to do so in the ongoing quarter. With the smartphone market maturing and many low-cost alternatives flooding emerging markets, it will be interesting to see if Apple can reinvigorate sales or if we are already past peak iPhone.

Infographic: The iPhone Hits Another Milestone | Statista
You will find more statistics at Statista

How Pixar Uses Music To Make Us Cry

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How Pixar Uses Music To Make Us Cry

Ethen of the Sideways YouTube channel has created a video essay where he examines how Pixar uses music to make millions of people, myself included, to cry at all the right moments.

Watch 1,000 musicians cover “Seven Nation Army”

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A group of over 1,000 Italian musicians, calling themselves Rockin’1000, recently gathered at a stadium in Cesena, Italy to perform a thunderous rendition of the White Stripes hit, Seven Nation Army. Touting themselves as “the biggest rock band on earth,” the same ensemble covered Foo Fighters’ Learn to Fly last summer, leading Dave Grohl to promise that his band would come do a show in Cesena. In August 2015, nearly 16 years after its initial release, the single entered the Austrian Singles Chart at number 69 and the Swiss Singles Chart at number 41, thanks to Rockin’1000.

Jack White played the first vinyl record in space

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Nashville rocker Jack White has successfully played a vinyl record in space — the first person ever to do so. On Saturday, White launched a gold-plated 12-inch master of Carl Sagan’s “A Glorious Dawn” using a ‘space-proof’ turntable attached to a high-altitude balloon. The vessel — known as “The Icarus Craft” — ascended 94,413 feet above the earth in less than 90 minutes.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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