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‘Runaway Radio’ Documentary Chronicles the Rise and Fall of Houston’s Iconic 101 KLOL Station

Here’s the cool Runaway Radio trailer for the documentary from director Mike McGuff. The film will be available on DVD and through video-on-demand platforms on Tuesday, February 27, 2024.

In the pre-digital age, radio entertained, informed and dictated what was cool through theater of the mind. Acclaimed musicians such as Lyle Lovett, ZZ Top’s Dusty Hill, Melissa Etheridge and Sammy Hagar along with top radio DJs from across the US reflect on how the medium changed their lives and the lives of devoted listeners. Runaway Radio focuses on Houston’s 101 KLOL – starting in 1970 as a progressive radio station, where DJs played whatever they wanted, to how it evolved into one of several wild Album Oriented Rock (AOR) stations across the country, where on air personalities were sometimes bigger than the music itself! But in the end, changes and pressures from Washington, the music industry and Silicon Valley led to the station’s, and much of the format’s, demise in the 2000s.

A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie Announces Better Off Alone 2024 Global Tour

Today, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie announced his 2024 Better Off Alone global tour – a massive 39 show run across New Zealand, Australia, Europe, United Kingdom, and North America featuring special guests NLE Choppa, Luh Tyler, Dess Dior, Fridayy, and Byron Messia on select dates.

A Boogie Wit da Hoodie celebrates the tour announcement with new single, “P&E” featuring Mariah The Scientist, out everywhere February 9th.

Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on April 10 at Spark Arena in Auckland, NZ making stops in Sydney, Amsterdam, Paris, and more before wrapping up in Birmingham, UK on May 5. The 29-date North American leg kicks off on May 18 at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA making stops in Los Angeles, Atlanta, New York and more before wrapping up in Vancouver, BC at Rogers Arena on September 20.

Totalling over 21B career streams and amassing more than 50 RIAA Platinum and Gold certifications, the chart-topping global superstar, A Boogie Wit da Hoodie has become one of the music industry’s biggest stars.

The Bronx, NY-native has been a force to be reckoned with since arriving on the scene in 2016 and earned his place as “the most promising young rapper the city has produced in some time” (New York Times) as he continues to sell out arenas across the globe.

With a dynamic catalog of world-renowned hit songs (“My Shit,” “Drowning (feat. Kodak Black),” “Swervin,” “Look Back At It” and more) and 4 critically-acclaimed albums under his belt (ME VS MYSELF, HOODIE SZN, THE BIGGER ARTIST and ARTIST 2.0), A Boogie has also become one of music’s most in-demand collaborators. He has worked alongside a wide variety of artists ranging from Ed Sheeran, Maroon 5 and Khalid to Chris Brown, DJ Khaled, Paulo Londra, Meek Mill, Pop Smoke and more.

21-year-old NLE Choppa has impacted music as a multi platinum chart-topping artist and asserted himself as a champion for Memphis and the greater global community at large. At 16-years-old, he cemented partnership between his own NLE Entertainment and Warner Records, spawning a series of RIAA certified platinum hits. Even then, he’s always used his platform to affect positive change. The NLE Reading Challengeincentivized at-risk Memphis elementary students to read 40 million words, ultimately receiving Tennessee’sCharter School Centers Changemaker Charter Award!

He performed at GRAMMY in the Schools and organized the “Skate for Tyre” peaceful protest through the streets of Memphis at the top of 2023 and donated astate-of-the-art basketball court to the Raleigh Community Center with all-star basketball player NancyLieberman. Additionally, Choppa’s vegan lifestyle is also impacting the culture in a positive way.

His This Can’t Be Vegan Food Truck provides a healthy alternative on-the-go in his neighborhood. After his own spiritual awakening NLE Choppa placed an emphasis on mental, physical, and spiritual wellness, adopting veganism,meditation, and prayer. He continues to humbly seek and share enlightenment with his art as the foundation to implement lasting change.

Wielding a wavy flow, irresistible melodies, and inventive dynamics, Luh Tyler animates bouncy anthems with undeniable unpredictability. He switches lanes seamlessly between his signature laidback cadence and airy high register, touting a style all his own. It’s why he’s quietly emerged as a vibrant voice out of his native Tallahassee, FL all before the age of 16. Growing up the youngest of three kids in “a good family,” he initially excelled on the basketball court as a point guard before picking up a mic in high school.

Inspired by local favorites Wizz Havin, Trapland Pat, L.O.E. Shimmy, and more, he started to upload music of his own. Following “5 On It Freestyle,” he gained traction on Spotify and YouTube with “Jayda Wayda.” Meanwhile, YouTube views on “Law & Order” soared. DJ Booth touted him as one of “10 Rappers You Should Know Right Now,” and Stereogum christened him, “Best new rapper.”

During late 2022, Tyler released “Back Flippin,” the in demand song he teased weeks prior on Tik Tok, which immediately bolstered with support from the likes of Jordan Ross, Chris Brown and Kehlani while Pitchfork declared “…Luh Tyler’s music makes you long for the days when chilling was your only responsibility…his punchlines are boosted by his icy delivery.” Now, he continues to surprise on a series of 2023 singles and his forthcoming debut project.

With a voice that tugs at the heart and soul, Fridayy writes, produces, and performs songs that stand out from his contemporaries. After years of building a solid reputation with high-profile industry executives and musicians, the Philadelphia artist and multi-instrumentalist’s breakthrough arrived in 2022 as a feature on DJ Khaled’s “GOD DID,” featuring Rick Ross, Lil Wayne, John Legend, and Jay Z. He has also written and produced for Chris Brown’s tenth studio album, Breezy (“Wheels Fall Off” featuring Lil Durk and Capella Gray and “Need You Right Here” featuring Bryson Tiller).

Born Francis LeBlanc, he learned to play several instruments at a young age — including piano, guitar, drums, trumpet, and bass, at the encouragement of his father, a Haitian immigrant and musician. Fridayy further nurtured his love for music and instrumentation in a local church choir, where he’d begin to craft his spacious and evocative sound, a blend of alternative R&B and gospel that was also inspired by his favorite acts PartyNextDoor and The Weeknd. Between 2012 and 2013, Fridayy released a steady stream of music on SoundCloud. Though he was musically gifted, Fridayy worked on his art quietly while pursuing a career in basketball, but an injury derailed his professional dreams and set him back on a path towards music full-time.

In 2019, he moved to Los Angeles, where the pieces would slowly start to fall into place. A chance to perform for A&R’s at the Revolt Summit would fast-track his industry connections. By 2020, he met his manager and in 2021 signed his first publishing deal. But when that deal turned sour, Fridayy went back to the drawing board and looked elsewhere to make his mark on the industry by crafting hooks and samples using his voice, this caught the attention of music icon Timbaland who started showcasing those samples live on his Instagram. And with that spotlight of his talents the attention of multiple producers, artists, and labels all came looking to collaborate; along with a range of publishers who came looking to help get Fridayy out of his existing deal. Later, as Fridayy’s name continued to rise and after hearing his expansive and vulnerable catalog, Def Jam Records, looked to sign him to the legendary label in 2022.

This year, Fridayy will release his debut EP, Lost In Melody, leading with the single “Don’t Give Up On Me,” a sparse, guitar-laden record that boasts Fridayy’s soulfulness and rich vocals as he begs for a lover’s loyalty. The remainder of the seven-track project serves as a window into Fridayy’s emotions as a dream chaser — gratitude (“Blessings”), hope (“God Sent” featuring Vory), perseverance (“Empty Stomach”), and need for connection (“Come Thru”). It’s a well-rounded introduction to the musician. As Fridayy evolves as a singer, songwriter, and producer, he continues working with today’s music icons and upcoming stars, including Meek Mill, Lil Baby, and Don Toliver.

Residing in St. Kitts but born in Kingston, Jamaica, Byron Messia is the hottest new reggae artist on the scene. His latest project No Love was released in January 2023 with features from dancehall artists like Prince Swanny, Jahshii, Govana, and Rytikal, and has quickly become a fan favorite currently on Apple Music Top 100 albums in Jamaica. The lead single from the project, “Talibans”, is currently at 36 million views on YouTube and reached # 1 on Apple Music in Trinidad & Tobago, Grenada, St. Kitts, St. Lucia and various other countries in the West Indies.

BETTER OFF ALONE AU/NZ 2024 TOUR DATES:
Wed Apr 10 – Auckland, NZ – Spark Arena
Fri Apr 12 – Melbourne, AU – John Cain Arena
Sun Apr 14 – Brisbane, AU – Riverstage
Tue Apr 16 – Sydney, AU – Hordern Pavilion
BETTER OFF ALONE EU/UK 2024 TOUR DATES:
Tue Apr 23 – Amsterdam, NL – AFAS Live
Wed Apr 24 – Cologne, DE – Palladium
Sun Apr 28 – Paris, FR – Zenith
Wed May 01 – Manchester, UK – Co-op Live#%
Thu May 02 – London, UK – The O2#%
Sun May 05 – Birmingham, UK – Utilita Arena#%
BETTER OFF ALONE US/CANADA 2024 TOUR DATES:
Sat May 18 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena^@&%
Mon May 20 – Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum^@&%
Wed May 22 – Concord, CA – Toyota Pavilion at Concord^@&%
Thu May 23 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum^@&%
Fri May 24 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre^@&%
Sun May 26 – Morrison, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre*@&%
Wed May 29 – Somerset, WI – Somerset Amphitheater^@&%
Sat Jun 01 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory^@&%
Sun Jun 02 – Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion presented by Huntsman^@&%
Tue Jun 04 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place^@&%
Wed Jun 05 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre^@&%
Thu Jun 06 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheater at the FL State Fairgrounds^@&%
Sat Jun 08 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre^@&%
Sun Jun 09 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion^@&%
Tue Jun 11 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater^@&%
Wed Jun 12 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live^@&%
Fri Jun 14 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre^@&%
Sun Jun 16 – Tinley Park, IL – Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre^@&%
Tue Jun 18 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center@&%
Thu Jun 20 – Boston, MA – TD Garden^@&%
Sat Jun 22 – Hartford, CT – Xfinity Theatre^@&%
Mon Jun 24 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden^@&%
Tue Sep 10 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena%
Wed Sep 11 – London, ON – Budweiser Gardens%
Thu Sep 12 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre%
Sun Sep 15 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre%
Tue Sep 17 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome%
Wed Sep 18 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place%
Fri Sep 20 – Vancouver, BC –Rogers Arena%
^ With NLE Choppa
@ With Luh Tyler
& With Dess Dior
# With Fridayy
% With Byron Messia

Rick Astley With The BBC Concert Orchestra Performs “Never Gonna Give You Up” Mashup With Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You”

Rick Astley performs his classic hit Never Gonna Give You Up with ‘Shape Of You’ by Ed Sheeran in the Radio 2 Piano Room, performed with the BBC Concert Orchestra at BBC’s Maida Vale Studios.

Record Store Day Announces Paramore As 2024 Ambassadors

Paramore’s appointment as Record Store Day ambassadors marks a significant moment for both the band and the annual event celebrating independent record stores, this year happening on April 20, 2024. With their energetic blend of pop-punk and alternative rock, Paramore has captivated audiences worldwide, earning critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase. As ambassadors, they symbolize the spirit of grassroots music culture and the importance of supporting local record stores. Their involvement underscores the enduring relevance of physical music formats and the communal experience of browsing through vinyl records and discovering new music. Paramore’s commitment to the music community aligns perfectly with the ethos of Record Store Day, making them ideal ambassadors to champion the cause of independent music retailers and celebrate the unique culture they foster.

The band writes, “After a long career in the music industry we have decided to announce that… we are going to continue to have a long career in the music industry (sorry for any inconvenience).

Our first order of business as a freshly independent Paramore is to shine a light on independent record stores— a vital part of our journey from music obsessed school friends to professional music makers.

With that being said, we are humbled to be your Ambassadors for Record Store Day 2024. The timing feels kismet.

The discovery of music was always meant to be romantic. Indie record shops are some of the only spaces we’ve got that offer a tangible, tactile experience of music discovery.

In this world that feels more disconnected and hostile than ever, it feels important to remain in touch (literally) with what inspires us, empowers us, or simply brings us joy.

Thankfully, for all our sakes, there still survives among the chaos, the purity and radical simplicity of a great record store.

Independently yours,

Paramore”

The Beatles Are Releasing A 3″ Turntable For Record Store Day

Coming April 20, 2024 to record stores, a “mini” celebration of The Beatles’ historic Ed Sullivan appearances, sixty years ago. A revamped mini-turntable, and 3″ records for four of the songs they played on that explosive television moment.

The Beatles 3″ turntable package comes fully equipped with the ability to stream vinyl via external speakers with the built-in Bluetooth transmitter, and also:

● Pre-mounted AT3600L moving magnet cartridge.

● Full-size turntable features like adjustable pitch control, a clear dust cover, headphone jack, and post adapters for large-hole records.

● Aux output with RCA conversion cable included

● Four 3-inch Beatles releases with unique, collectible artwork

● Matching record carrying case that can hold up to ten 3-inch records

Each 3″ single, ” Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Till There Was You,” “Saw Her Standing There,’” and “She Loves You”, also sold separately.

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DJ Cummerbund Mashes Rage Against the Machine’s ‘Testify’ With ‘Fireball’ by Pitbull And Throws In U2 And The Rockettes

DJ Cummerbund’s Testifireball imagines what it might be like to attend a raucous concert where Rage Against The Machine and Pitbull have joined forces and smashed their two respective songs together – “Testify” and “Fireball” – to create a chaotic aural amalgamation, and throws in Randy “Macho Man” Savage, U2 and The Rockettes because he can.

Remember “Born to Add,” That Sesame Street Tribute to Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born to Run’?

“Born to Add” is a charming Sesame Street parody of Bruce Springsteen’s iconic track “Born to Run,” featuring the lovable muppets Bruce Stringbean and Clarice from the S Street Band. Originally aired in 1979, the clip brilliantly captures Springsteen’s signature aesthetic and the emotional intensity of the original song. With clever nods to Springsteen’s distinctive vocal style and the fervent piano melodies reminiscent of “Jungleland,” another track from the acclaimed Born to Run album, the parody encapsulates the essence of the timeless hit while infusing it with Sesame Street’s whimsical charm.

AC/DC Announces 2024 Tour Dates And A New Bass Player

AC/DC has unveiled plans for an electrifying summer tour across Europe, featuring a fresh lineup set to ignite stages with their iconic rock anthems. The Power Up tour, comprising 21 dates, will commence on May 17 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, and culminate on Aug. 17 in Dublin, Ireland. Fans can anticipate an unforgettable experience as the legendary band brings their signature sound to renowned venues throughout the continent.

In a departure from previous lineups, drummer Phil Rudd and bassist Cliff Williams will not be part of the tour. The stage will be ablaze with the dynamic presence of lead guitarist Angus Young, singer Brian Johnson, and rhythm guitarist Stevie Young, joined by powerhouse drummer Matt Laug and former Jane’s Addiction bassist Chris Chaney. Tickets for these highly anticipated shows will be available for purchase starting Feb. 16, promising audiences an electrifying journey through AC/DC’s legendary catalog of hits.

AC/DC Power Up 2024 European Tour Dates
May 17: Gelsenkirchen, Germany – Veltins Arena
May 21: Gelsenkirchen, Germany – Veltins Arena
May 25: Reggio Emilia, Italy – RCF Arena
May 29: Seville, Spain – La Cartuja Stadium
June 5: Amsterdam, the Netherlands – Johan Cruyff Arena
June 9: Munich, Germany – Olympic Stadium
June 12: Munich, Germany – Olympic Stadium
June 16: Dresden, German – Messe
June 23: Vienna, Austria – Ernst Happel Stadium
June 26: Vienna, Austria – Ernst Happel Stadium
June 29: Zurich, Switzerland – Letzigrund Stadium
July 3: London, England – Wembley Stadium
July 7: London, England – Wembley Stadium
July 13: Hockenheim, Germany – Ring
July 17: Stuttgart, Germany – Wasen
July 21: Bratislava, Slovakia – Old Airport
July 27: Nuremberg, Germany – Zeppelinfeld
July 21: Hannover, Germany – Messe
Aug. 9: Dessel, Belgium – Festivalpark Stenehei
Aug. 13: Paris, France – Hippodrome Paris Longchamp
Aug. 17: Dublin, Ireland – Croke Park

My Next Read: “Electronically Yours: Vol. I: My Autobiography” by Martyn Ware

This is a music autobiography to remember. This is the story of Martyn Ware.

The Human League and Heaven 17 were among some of the most pioneering bands of the 1980s, with Ware having played an integral role in each of their numerous successes. A young lad from the heart of post-war Sheffield, Ware formed The Human League a few years out of school in his early twenties. Described by David Bowie as ‘the future of music’, it wasn’t long before the band become known for their innovative and infectiously catchy singles such as ‘Being Boiled’, touring with the likes of Siouxsie and the Banshees and Iggy Pop before Ware’s departure. Heaven 17 followed suit, with their soon-to-be classic albums, Penthouse & Pavement and The Luxury Gap, featuring several colossal hits. Ground-breaking icons in new wave and synth pop, both groups remain some of the biggest-selling bands across the UK and worldwide.

In Electronically Yours, Martyn takes us through his incredible route to stardom; from his austere upbringing in various council houses and close teenage friendship with former-bandmate Phil Oakey, to the white-hot experimentation in the ‘Synth Britannia’ era and his production career, which allowed him to work with some of the world’s greatest singers, including Tina Turner. But it’s not just his life inside the industry which is compelling; a proud socialist, Martyn writes poignantly about politics – how it can be a soulful, personal, moral duty – and its role in his music creation and Britain today. With charming meditations on culture, humour, travel and sport, Martyn also shares his love of 60s films, explains why Venice is the most beautiful city in the world, and reveals how Sheffield Wednesday has forever been his first and eternal passion.

A huge page-turner and always warmly told, Electronically Yours sees Martyn talk candidly for the very first time about his extraordinary journey. Discover amusing anecdotes, raw confessions, and moving reflections of a life well and truly lived at the height of the music industry.

The Evolution of the Super Bowl Halftime Show: From Spectacle to Cultural Phenomenon

By Mitch Rice

The Super Bowl Halftime Show has become an iconic spectacle ingrained in American culture. What started as a simple entertainment break during the championship game of the National Football League (NFL) has evolved into a global phenomenon, blending music, dance, technology, and celebrity culture. This evolution reflects broader shifts in entertainment, marketing, and audience expectations over the years. From modest beginnings to elaborate productions with massive budgets, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has continuously pushed boundaries, capturing the attention of millions worldwide.

The inaugural Super Bowl in 1967 featured a modest halftime show consisting of marching bands and drill teams. In the following decades, the halftime entertainment primarily comprised college marching bands, local performers, and occasionally big names in music, such as Up with People and Carol Channing. These early shows served as intermissions, focusing more on traditional forms of entertainment rather than the extravagant productions we see today.

The turning point for the Super Bowl Halftime Show came in 1993 with Michael Jackson’s performance at Super Bowl XXVII. Jackson’s electrifying performance set a new standard, transforming the halftime show into a must-see event. His combination of showmanship, dance, and hit songs captivated the audience and garnered unprecedented viewership. Jackson’s performance not only elevated the halftime show’s status but also established a blueprint for future performers to follow.

Following Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking performance, the Super Bowl Halftime Show increasingly became a platform for top-tier musical acts. Throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, iconic artists such as Diana Ross, Aerosmith, Britney Spears, *NSYNC, and U2 graced the halftime stage. These performances integrated elaborate stage setups, choreography, and special effects, showcasing the evolving production values of the show. The infusion of pop culture icons attracted a broader audience beyond football enthusiasts, solidifying the halftime show’s status as a cultural event.

Despite its popularity, the Super Bowl Halftime Show hasn’t been without controversy. The infamous “wardrobe malfunction” incident during Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake’s performance in 2004 sparked widespread debate and led to increased scrutiny of future halftime shows. In response, the NFL implemented stricter guidelines and vetting processes for performers, ensuring that the show remained family-friendly. Additionally, technological advancements played a significant role in enhancing the halftime experience, with LED screens, pyrotechnics, and intricate stage designs becoming commonplace.

In recent years, the Super Bowl Halftime Show has evolved into a cultural extravaganza that transcends sports. The lineup of performers has grown more diverse, reflecting the varied tastes of the global audience. Superstars like Beyoncé, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, and Shakira have delivered memorable performances that blend music, dance, and social commentary. These shows often incorporate elements of spectacle and surprise, generating buzz and anticipation months in advance. Moreover, the halftime show has become a prime marketing opportunity for artists to promote their latest projects and reach a massive audience in one fell swoop.

The evolution of the Super Bowl Halftime Show mirrors broader shifts in entertainment, technology, and audience engagement. What began as a simple halftime intermission has transformed into a global cultural event that captivates millions of viewers worldwide. From Michael Jackson’s groundbreaking performance to the elaborate spectacles of today, the halftime show continues to push boundaries and redefine the intersection of sports and entertainment. As we look to the future, one thing is certain: the Super Bowl Halftime Show will remain a cornerstone of American popular culture for years to come.

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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