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Bob Dylan to Perform His First Show in Vietnam

2011-03-16T07:34:00.000+07:00

Bob Dylan will play his first-ever concert in Vietnam in April. The singer has been booked at a 8,250-person capacity stadium in Ho Chi Minh City on April 10th as part of tour of Asia that also includes his recently announced first-ever concerts in China.
According to Dylan's Vietnamese promoter Rod Quinton, the folk-rock legend is popular in the country for his protest songs, such as "Blowin' in the Wind" and "The Times They Are a-Changin'." This should make for a very different show than what he will do in China, where his setlist will be vetted by government officials to keep him from performing his more political numbers.

( News & Photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

ANTHRAX WITHOUT SCOTT IAN FOR BIG SUMMER SHOWS

2011-03-16T07:32:00.000+07:00

One of the things that musicians have to face when touring is juggling the demands of home life with the pressures of being on the road. Going out on tour and playing to fans is a great thrill and is the buzz that many musicians crave but it can cause difficulties.

Family comes first

There are times when artists, even metal legends, have to take a step back and deal with their home life. This is the situation facing Scott Ian this summer and it may take the edge off of any Anthrax shows that will be taking place in July.

Congratulations are due to Scott Ian because he will miss these shows as he and his wife, Pearl Adey, are waiting the birth of their first child. This is a monumental occasion in people's lives and it is easy to see why the guitarist is looking to be there as opposed to playing gigs.

The Big 4 gig may be affected

All of the Anthrax shows, including their slot at Sonisphere as part of the Big 4 day, will go ahead with Andreas Kisser from Sepultura replacing Scott Ian at the gigs he is unable to attend. This provides some degree of comfort for fans because Kisser is no mean guitarist himself but when it comes to Anthrax, Scott Ian is the man for many metal heads. You cannot blame the guitarist for giving these shows a miss but it will definitely be a disappointment to die-hard fans who have been looking forward to seeing Anthrax tear up the stage.

( News & Photo From : metal.com )

Jessica Simpson dreamt she had a son called Tenacious D

2011-03-16T07:30:00.000+07:00

The broody singer - who is engaged to NFL player Eric Johnson and has spoken of her desire to have kids with him - admitted on her twitter page that she had a dream about having a son who she bizarrely named after the rock band fronted by Jack Black.
She wrote on the micro-blogging website yesterday (13.03.11): "Dreamt that I had a son named Tenacious D... That was a strange one."

The 30-year-old blonde recently denied she is already pregnant but said she was excited about the prospect of starting a family.

She said: "I definitely see myself having a family with Eric, so that's exciting to think about."

Her mother Tina Simpson is also hopeful the couple will follow in the footsteps of her other daughter Ashlee Simpson, who has two-year-old son Bronx with her estranged husband Pete Wentz.

She said: "Obviously I'm looking forward to having more grandkids. Bronx is the love of my life."

Asked if she would prefer boys or girls, she added: "I'll take anything I get. I'm not picky!"

Jessica and Eric got engaged in November but haven't set a date yet.

( news From : http://www.music-news.com )

Rainbow Arabia Release Boys And Diamonds

2011-03-09T08:03:00.000+07:00

Averse to any easy classification, Rainbow Arabia's continent-trekking, kaleidoscope pop is rooted in no particular time or place, employing modern technological processes to an array of musical cultures and eras. The Los Angeles duo began with the purchase of a Lebanese Casio that played microtonal scales and Eastern beats, with which they quickly recorded their propulsive first EP.

The Basta, synthesizing bossa nova and industrial post-punk with heavy Middle Eastern vibes. Digging deeper for inspiration from the worldly found-sounds of Sublime Frequencies compilations, their follow-up EP, Kabukimono, expanded the colour palette of their "fourth world" pop with dark, Arabic disco-dancehall jams sitting alongside sunnier moments with Caribbean and African flourishes.

Boys And Diamonds (out now) is unmistakably a pop album but also one that comfortably fits in with Kompakt's long-standing lineage of genre-refracting releases. You will be hard up find another record that cohesively brings to mind Siouxsie rubbing elbows with Shabba Ranks, Giorgio Moroder sipping daiquiris in Bali, Desmond Dekker envisioned through skittering footwork, Tom Tom Club sitting in with Congotronics, even early Madonna produced by Chris and Cosey. Unlikely as all of that sounds, Rainbow Arabia makes it sound easy.

www.myspace.com/rainbowarabia

Pete Wentz to Fight Ashlee Simpson for Custody of Son

2011-03-09T08:01:00.000+07:00

On Tuesday, Pete Wentz submitted legal papers in L.A. (obtained by TMZ) -- asking for joint primary and legal custody of Bronx, his son with estranged wife Ashlee Simpson.

That's not what Simpson, 26, asked for when she filed for divorce from Wentz, 31, last month: the singer-actress sought primary physical custody (and joint legal custody) of their little boy.
Another discrepancy: Wentz requests that each party pay their own legal fees; Ashlee had asked that the Fall Out Boy rocker pay for the both of them.

The young couple wed in May 2008, when Simpson was already three months pregnant with Bronx, born that fall.
Pals of the pair told Us Weekly that the twosome quickly became overwhelmed by parenthood.
"Ashlee loves Bronx but jumped into marriage and having a baby too quickly," one source told Us in 2009. "They feel they got trapped in a situation they were too young for."

In a statement released after their divorce announcement, Simpson and Wentz said, "We remain friends and deeply committed and loving parents to our son Bronx, whose happiness and well-being remains our number one priority."

( news & photo from : http://www.rollingstone.com )

THAT METAL SHOW BACK FOR SEASON SEVEN

2011-03-09T07:57:00.000+07:00

The guys from That Metal Show are all set to launch their seventh season of the show. As always, the coming season will be made up of hour long episodes starring guests such as Metallica's Kirk Hammett, (ex) Guns N Roses guitarist Duff McKagan and guitar-hero Yngwie Malmsteen.

The show is hosted by the human metal-encyclopedia Eddie Trunk, as well as Metal-head stand up comedians Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson. The show is aired on VH1 classic starting up again next Saturday.
That Metal Show only started in 2008 but has already hammered through 6 seasons. Usually hosted in an informal setting the guys discuss all things heavy metal past and present. Previous guests on the show have been Ronnie James Dio, Slash, Tom Morello, and a long list of others. That Metal Show keeps it real with such segments as "The Throwdown" where the hosts and guests debate classic albums and moments in metal history, and "Stump The Trunk" where audience members ask trivia questions to Ed Trunk and win prizes when he gets it wrong. Well worth watching for all fans of classic and modern Metal music.

That Metal Show Schedule of Season 7 Episodes

Episode 1 - March 19, 2011 - Kirk Hammett and Uli Jon Roth
Episode 2 - March 26, 2011 - Ace Frehley and Billy Sheehan
Episode 3 - April 2, 2011 - David Coverdale and Lita Ford
Episode 4 - April 9, 2011 - Chris Jericho and Yngwie Malmsteen
Episode 5 - April 16, 2011 - Duff McKagan and Glenn Hughes
Episode 6 - April 23, 2011 - Matt Sorum, Cherie Currie, and JimNorton, with guest guitarist Paul Gilbert
Episode 7 - April 30, 2011 - Sebastian Bach, Steve "Lips" Kudlow, Rob Reiner, and G5
Episode 8 - May 7, 2011 - Carmine Appice and Dave Meniketti
Episode 9 - May 14, 2011 - Season 7 Outtakes/Unseen Extra

( News & Photo From : metal.com )

Paul Weller and White Lies to support Kings of Leon in Hyde Park

2011-03-09T07:56:00.000+07:00

Kings of Leon have today announced that joining them as special guests at their 2 Hyde Park shows this June will be British Icon Paul Weller playing his only UK shows for the remainder of 2011, White Lies and Zac Brown Band.

Paul Weller has a career that spans over 30 years, he remains one of British music's most Iconic figures, still making relevant music and receiving critical acclaim. In 2010 alone, he received for his latest album "Wake Up the Nation", the Ivor Novello Lifetime Achievement Award, NME Godlike Genuis Award, Uncut Award for Album of the year and a Mercury Music Award nomination, as well as embarking upon a totally sold out UK arena tour plus 5 sold-out nights at the Royal Albert Hall. Speaking on playing his only UK outdoor shows of 2011, Paul had the following to say

"I'm really looking forward to playing the 2 nights in my home town at Hyde Park with Kings of Leon. They will be the only shows I'm doing for the rest of this year so we'll make sure they are top!"

In addition to writing and recording their second long-player 'Ritual' (released in January this year), the last 12 months have seen White Lies play stadium and arena shows as main support to Coldplay, Kings of Leon and Muse as well as their own hugely successful world-wide headline tour which included 2 sold-out nights at London's O2 Brixton Academy and was in support of their 2009 album 'To Lose My Life' which debuted at #1 on the UK charts when released in January 2009 and saw the band being awarded with 'Best New Band' gongs at both the Q and Mojo Awards.

In 2010, Zac Brown Band were named GRAMMY's "Best New Artist" and their second major label studio album 'You Get What You Give' (Southern Ground/Atlantic Records) debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart. Their double platinum-certified, major label debut 'The Foundation' (Southern Ground/Bigger Picture/Atlantic Records) was one of Billboard's Top 20 albums of 2009. The now two-time GRAMMY Award winning group has headlined highly successful tours in the United States and recently toured with Dave Matthews Band on their 2010 their stadium tour. This marks the first time Zac Brown Band has toured outside of the United States.

Kings of Leon's highly acclaimed fifth album 'Come Around Sundown' (out now on Columbia Record) became their third consecutive album to debut at #1 when it topped the UK album charts on release last year, claiming both the biggest week one sales of 2010 & the biggest ever first week digital sales along the way.

Like last year's triumphant, sold-out headline performance to 65,000 fans and their brace of sold-out arena shows in December 2010; this year's Hyde Park shows are set to be one of the highlights of the summer. The dates are as follows:

Kings of Leon: Summer 2011

June 22nd London Hyde Park
June 23rd London Hyde Park

( news & photo from : http://www.music-news.com )

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY CHANGE LINE-UP AGAIN

2011-02-28T12:05:00.000+07:00

Some band's go through line-up changes on a regular basis without having too much of an impact, but losing a drummer in the middle of a European tour can't be a lot of fun. This was the situation facing Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society when Will Hunt quit the band.

Kelly steps in

It has been reported that Hunt is re-joining Evanescence but his place behind the drum-kit has been filled rather quickly. The remainder of the tour will see Johnny Kelly, the former Type O Negative drummer take over on duties. There has been no announcement over the long-term future for Kelly in the band but it could be that a strong showing by Kelly may see him in the role for the foreseeable future.

A quick move benefits European fans

The fact that Black Label Society have moved so quickly to replace Hunt with another excellent drummer maybe suggests that Hunt's exit was not the biggest surprise, but it does ensure that Black Label Society fans in Europe do not have to miss out. It is not as if losing a member is likely to stop Black Label Society in their tracks and their reaction to this latest setback proves once again they are a band that can take blows and problems in their stride.

In fact, with Wylde and second guitarist Nick Catanese being the only consistent members since the band started, there shouldn't be any problems in finding their groove again quickly. The full story may come out later but the quick exit and replacement of Will Hunt is sure to be one of great interest.

( News & photo from : http://www.metal.com )

Suze Rotolo, Bob Dylan's Girlfriend and the Muse Behind Many of His Greatest Songs, Dead at 67

2011-02-28T12:03:00.000+07:00

Suze Rotolo, Bob Dylan's girlfriend in the early-Sixties, who walked arm-in-arm with the songwriter on the iconic cover of The Freehweelin' Bob Dylan, died February 24th after a long illness. She was 67. Rotolo was the muse behind many of Dylan's early love songs, including "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," "Boots of Spanish Leather" and "Tomorrow Is a Long Time." She was just 17 when they began dating in 1961, shortly after Dylan arrived in New York City. "I once loved a woman, a child I'm told," he wrote in "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right." "I gave her my heart, but she wanted my soul."

In Bob Dylan's 2004 memoir Chronicles Volume One, he describes meeting Rotolo backstage at a concert. "Right from the start I couldn't take my eyes off her," Dylan wrote. "She was the most erotic thing I'd ever seen. She was fair skinned and golden haired, full-blooded Italian. The air was suddenly filled with banana leaves. We started talking and my head started to spin. Cupid's arrow had whistled past my ears before, but this time it hit me in the heart and the weight of it dragged me overboard."

By early 1962, Dylan and Rotolo were living together in a tiny apartment on West 4th Street. Suze came from a staunchly left-wing New York family, and played a huge role in Dylan's political awakening. When they began dating Dylan was largely apolitical and his set consisted mostly of decades-old folk songs. Rotolo took him to CORE (The Congress of Racial Equality) meetings and taught him much about the civil rights movement. "A lot of what I gave him was a look at how the other half lived -- left wing things that he didn't know," Rotolo told writer David Hajdu in his book Positively 4th Street. "He knew about Woody [Guthrie] and Pete Seeger, but I was working for CORE and went on youth marches for civil rights, and all that was new to him."

Rotolo told Dylan about the brutal 1955 murder of Emmett Till, inspiring Dylan to write his early protest classic "The Death of Emmett Till." "I think it's the best thing I've ever written," Dylan said at the time. "How many nights I stayed up and wrote songs and showed them to [Suze] and asked, 'Is this right? Because I knew her mother was associated with unions, and she was into this equality-freedom thing long before I was. I checked the songs out with her. She would like all the songs."

In the summer of 1962 Rotolo took a long trip to Italy, leaving Dylan alone and heartbroken in New York. During this period he penned "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," "Boots of Spanish Leather" and "Tomorrow Is A Long Time" -- all bittersweet love songs about Rotolo. She returned in January of 1963, and weeks later Columbia records send photographer Don Hunstein to shoot the cover of The Freehweelin' Bob Dylan. The young couple walked up and down Jones Street for a few minutes while Hunstein snapped shots. "Bob stuck his hands in the pockets of his jeans and leaned into me," Rotolo wrote in her 2009 book A Freewheelin' Time: A Memoir of Greenwich Village in the Sixties. "We walked the length of Jones Street facing West Fourth with Bleecker Street at our backs. In some outtakes it's obvious that we were freezing; certainly Bob was, in that thin jacket. But image was all. As for me, I was never asked to sign a release or paid anything. It never dawned on me to ask."

Dylan's growing fame put enormous strain on their relationship, and she moved into her sister Carla's apartment in August of 1963. "I could no longer cope with all the pressure, gossip, truth and lies that living with Bob entailed," she wrote in her memoir. "I was unable to find solo ground -- I was on quicksand and very vulnerable." A particularly nasty fight with Suze and her sister Carla was chronicled in Dylan's 1964 song "Ballad in Plain D." "For her parasite sister, I had no respect," Dylan wrote in one of the angriest songs he ever wrote. "Bound by her boredom, her pride had to protect." In a 1985 interview Dylan said releasing the song was wrong. "It wasn't very good," he said. "It was a mistake to record it and I regret it."
By late 1963, Rotolo could no longer ignore the rumors that Joan Baez and Bob Dylan's relationship had become more than professional. They split up for good, though remained friends for a short period afterwards. During Rotolo's trip to Italy in 1962, Rotolo met film editor Enzo Bartoccioli. They married in 1970 and had a son named Luca. She lived in downtown New York her entire life, and worked as a teacher, a painter and a book illustrator.

For years Rotolo refused to discuss Dylan in interviews, but she agreed to be interviewed in Martin Scorsese's 2005 documentary No Direction Home. In 2009 she wrote a memoir entitled A Freewheelin' Time: A Memoir of Greenwich Village in the Sixties.

( news & photo from : http://www.rollingstone.com )

Jeff Beck finishes songs for Rod Stewart

2011-02-28T12:00:00.000+07:00

Jeff Beck has recorded 11 songs for his album with Rod Stewart.

The veteran guitarist started recording for the planned album after realising his studio jams reminded him of Rod, who was the singer in his Jeff Beck Group in the 60s.
He explained to Gigwise: "Last week I was in San Francisco to just do some recording with my drummer. Then there was one point when it went from Jeff Beck over to Rod Stewart, in terms of the direction.
"Immediately I started doing bluesy riffs and a record that was suitable for Rod. Rather than mess about for a week, we decided to get straight to it - and we cut eleven songs and backing tracks ready for Rod."
Jeff is meeting the 'Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?' singer today (25.02.11) to discuss adding vocals to the instrumental tracks.

He said: "I hope things go well, it's the crunch day. We just need to tailor the songs to his voice and then the record is done.''
The 66-year-old rockers previously reunited in 1985 on a cover of 'People Get Ready' by Curtis Mayfield, and announced plans to work together again earlier this month.
Rod's manager, Arnold Stiefel, said at the time: "They have some really clever things planned - it's mind-f***ing stuff."

( news & photo from : http://www.music-news.com )

MR. BIG NEW RELEASE "WHAT IF..."

2011-02-25T09:17:00.000+07:00

HOLLYWOOD, CA (February 23, 2011) MR. BIG is back with their highly anticipated new studio album entitled "What If..." out now on Frontiers Records.

"What If..." is MR. BIG's first all original album since the reunion of the four original members, Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, Billy Sheehan and Pat Torpey back in early 2009. Sixteen years after the release of "Hey Man", the new recording is set to bring back MR. BIG on the height of the current Hard Rock scene.
Guitarist Paul Gilbert said: "This is the first MR. BIG album I have been a part of, since fourteen years and it was done in a snap. It was fun and we had really a good time in making this one". Continues Billy Sheehan "It's so great to be back with Paul, Eric and Pat too. We wrote this record like we did in the old days for the first 2 records. Jamming together in the same room to write songs". Pat Torpey adds "Some of the recording process is different now from what we were used to in the old times. But I think this record really managed to capture the performances of the band, not of the individual musicians".

Eric Martin concludes: "I like to compare this to the first album, when we just got to know each other in a rehearsal studio and cut it in 8 or 9 days. This is like chapter 2. We had so many years, so many records and so many things behind us. Now this feels like a beautiful brand new chapter starting for all of us".

"What If..." was produced by Kevin Shirley (Aerosmith, Rush, Iron Maiden) and the release will be followed by a World Tour which will kick off in South America in March and will hit Europe in early summer.

Formed in 1988, Mr. Big forged its place in hard rock history by combining trademark "shredding" musicianship with awesome vocal harmonies. The original line-up – vocalist Eric Martin, guitarist Paul Gilbert, bassist Billy Sheehan, and drummer Pat Torpey. Mr. Big produced numerous hit songs that ranged across a wide array of rock genres – be it ballads, heavy metal, or blues rock.

Their hits included "To Be With You" (Billboard Hot 100 number one single in 15 countries for weeks, in 1991, propelling the band the band to huge international success and record sales in the multi-millions), "Wild World", Green-Tinted sixties Mind", "Just Take My Heart", and a host of heavy metal songs that were played mostly during their live performances: "Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy", "Addicted to that Rush", "Colorado Bulldog", and "Take Cover".

"What If..." will be released in a special edition CD + DVD in digipak, regular CD, vinyl and digital download and in a limited edition luxury box including the CD, DVD, LP and exclusive memorabilia.

"What If..." tracklisting includes: Undertow; American Beauty; Stranger In My Life; Nobody Takes the Blame; Still Ain't Enough for Me; Once Upon a Time; As Far As I Can See; All The Way Up; I Won't Get In My Way; Around The World; I Get The Feeling; Unforgiven (exclusive bonus track for Europe / North America – not on vinyl edition).

The DVD will include the videoclips of "Undertow" and "All the Way Up" plus a documentary "Making of" the album including interviews and exclusive behind the scenes features of the four members.

For more information go to www.mrbigsite.com

( News & Photo From : metal.com )

Jennifer Lopez to Debut New Video on 'American Idol', Marilyn Manson Drummer Quits After 15 Years

2011-02-25T09:16:00.000+07:00

Jennifer Lopez to Debut Video on 'American Idol'
The music video for Jennifer Lopez's new single "On the Floor" will debut during the March 3rd episode of American Idol. Apparently, one of the major perks of becoming a judge on the show is that you get to promote your latest record during one of the highest-rated programs on television. ("On the Floor" is currently the Number Two single on iTunes.) [Reuters]

Marilyn Manson Drummer Leaves Band
Kenneth Robert Wilson, also known as Ginger Fish, has announced that he has quit Marilyn Manson after playing in the band for over 15 years. Wilson says that he is departing the group on good terms to pursue other opportunities. He played on all of Marilyn Manson's records except for their 1994 debut. [NME]

X-Ray Spex Singer Diagnosed With Cancer
Poly Styrene, the frontwoman of the classic punk rock band X-Ray Spex, has revealed that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Styrene has not provided any details about the severity of the cancer or her treatment. [Spinner]

Björk, Queen Turn Up on 'Sucker Punch' Soundtrack
The soundtrack for the forthcoming Zac Snyder action movie Sucker Punch will feature new remixes of hit songs by Queen and Björk, as well as reworked versions of classic tunes by the Beatles, Jefferson Airplane, the Stooges and the Pixies by artists such as Emiliana Torrini, Yoav, Emily Browning and Alison Mosshart of the Kills and the Dead Weather. [Audio Perv]

Battles to Release New Album
Electro-prog rockers Battles have announced that their second full-length album Gloss Drop will be released on June 7th by Warp Records. The record will feature guest appearances by synthpop legend Gary Numan, Blonde Redhead singer Kazu Makino and Boredoms leader Yamantaka Eye. [Pitchfork]

( News & photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

$100 million - Justin Bieber on an allowance

2011-02-25T09:12:00.000+07:00

The 16-year-old singing sensation is worth an estimated $100 million but has a cap placed on his spending and is forced to go without if he reaches the top of his budget too soon.

He admitted: 'My money is being invested. I only have a credit card, which allows me to spend a certain amount of money every month. If I reach the limit after the first week, I won't be able to buy any more stuff until the month is over. My mom is in control of that.'
Despite the tight control placed on his finances, Justin insists he doesn't mind because he is more interested in his career than the financial rewards it brings.

He told Switzerland's Blick newspaper: 't's not that money wouldn't mean anything at all to me. But the main thing is to do what my passion is. And that's music. It's nice to get paid for that, though. Performing feels natural to me, just like walking.'

As well as controlling his finances, the 'Baby' hitmaker's mother, Patti Mallette, also keeps a close eye on the fan mail the young star receives.

Asked about having underwear thrown at him on stage, he said: 'My Mom doesn't like it when that happens. Sometimes they have phone numbers written on them. I don't know what happens to them.'

( News & photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

Shockwaves NME Awards 2011 – all the winners

2011-02-24T07:51:00.000+07:00

Tonight's (February 23) Shockwaves NME Awards 2011 ceremony is all done and dusted – see below for the full list of winners and nominees.

My Chemical Romance were big winners on the night. As well as opening the ceremony by playing live they took home two gongs: for Best International Band and Best Video, for the promo to 'Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)'.Muse won the coveted Best British Band award for the second year in a row, while frontman Matt Bellamy also walks home with the 2011 Sexiest Male honour – the fourth time he's won the title.

Foals were nominated for five awards and walked away with one: the Best Track honour for 'Spanish Sahara'. Arcade Fire were up for four and also won one: the Best Album gong for 'The Suburbs'.

Foo Fighters also played at the awards, closing the ceremony at the O2 Academy Brixton in London after frontman Dave Grolh was handed the Godlike Genius trophy.

PJ Harvey played too, and was given the Teenage Cancer Trust Outstanding Contribution To Music award. Hurts and Crystal Castles also performed live.

The Shockwaves NME Awards 2011 winners and nominees are:

Godlike Genius : Dave Grohl

Philip Hall Radar Award : The Naked And Famous

Teenage Cancer Trust Outstanding Contribution To Music: PJ Harvey

John Peel award for Innovation: Crystal Castles

Best British Band (supported by Shockwaves)
Winners: Muse
Nominated: Arctic Monkeys, Biffy Clyro, Foals, Kasabian

Best International Band (supported by T4)
Winners: My Chemical Romance
Nominated: Arcade Fire, Kings Of Leon, The Drums, Vampire Weekend

Best Solo Artist
Winner: Laura Marling
Nominated: Florence Welch, Frank Turner, Kanye West, Paul Weller

Best New Band (supported by Boxfresh)
Winners: Hurts
Nominated: Beady Eye, Everything Everything, The Drums, Two Door Cinema Club

Best Live Band
Winners: Biffy Clyro
Nominated: Arcade Fire, Foals, Kasabian, Muse

Best Album
Winner: Arcade Fire – 'The Suburbs'
Nominated: Crystal Castles – 'Crystal Castles II', Foals – 'Total Life Forever', My Chemical Romance – 'Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys', Two Door Cinema Club – 'Tourist History'

Best Track (supported by NME Radio)
Winner: Foals – 'Spanish Sahara'
Nominated: Cee Lo Green – 'Fuck You', Gorillaz – 'Stylo', Janelle Monae (featuring Big Boi) – 'Tightrope', Mark Ronson & The Business Intl. – 'Bang Bang Bang'

Best Video (supported by NME TV)
Winners: My Chemical Romance – 'Na Na Na (Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na)'
Nominated: Arcade Fire – 'We Used To Wait', Brandon Flowers – ‘Crossfire', Chase & Status – 'Let You Go', Gorillaz – 'Stylo'

Best Festival
Winners: Glastonbury
Nominated: Download, Reading And Leeds Festivals, T In The Park, V Festival

Best Dancefloor Filler
Winners: Professor Green – 'Jungle'
Nominated: Crystal Castles – 'Baptism', Kele – 'Tenderoni', Plan B – 'Stay Too Long', Tinie Tempah – 'Pass Out'

Best TV Show
Winner: Skins
Nominated: Misfits, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Peep Show, The Inbetweeners

Best Film
Winner: Inception
Nominated: Get Him To The Greek, Kick-Ass, Scott Pilgrim Vs The World, The Social Network

Hero Of The Year
Winner: Lady Gaga
Nominated: Gerard Way, Julian Assange, Kanye West

Villain Of The Year
Winners: David Cameron
Nominated: Axl Rose, Justin Bieber, Nick Clegg, Simon Cowell

Most Stylish (supported by Shockwaves)
Winner: Brandon Flowers
Nominated: Hayley Williams, Lady Gaga, Liam Gallagher, Noel Fielding

Least Stylish
Winnes: Justin Bieber
Nominated: Cheryl Cole, Ke$ha, Lady Gaga, Liam Gallagher

Worst Album
Winners: Justin Bieber – 'My World'
Nominated: Cheryl Cole – 'Messy Little Raindrops', Katy Perry – 'Teenage Dream', Kings Of Leon – 'Come Around Sundown', My Chemical Romance – 'Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys'

Worst Band
Winners: Jonas Brothers
Nominated: 30 Seconds To Mars, JLS, Kings Of Leon, Tokio Hotel

Best Band Blog or Twitter
Winner: Hayley Williams
Nominated: Frank Turner, Kanye West, Lily Allen, Theo Hutchcraft

Best Book
Winner: John Lydon – 'Mr Rotten’s Scrapbook'
Nominated: Carl Barât – 'Threepenny Memoir', Jay-Z – 'Decoded', Keith Richards – 'Life', Russell Brand – 'My Booky Wook 2'

Best Small Festival (50,000 capacity or lower)
Winners: RockNess
Nominated: Bestival, Kendal Calling, Latitude, Underage Festival

Best Album Artwork
Winner: Klaxons – 'Surfing The Void'
Nominated: Foals – 'Total Life Forever', Gorillaz – 'Plastic Beach', MGMT – 'Congratulations', My Chemical Romance – 'Danger Days: The True Lives Of The Fabulous Killjoys'

Hottest Woman
Winner: Alison Mosshart
Nominated: Emily Haines, Hayley Williams, Lady Gaga, Shakira

Hottest Man
Winners: Matt Bellamy
Nominated: Alex Turner, Billie Joe Armstrong, Dominic Howard, Jared Leto

NME.COM is coming live from the Shockwaves NME Awards 2011 ceremony at London's O2 Academy Brixton tonight. Keep checking NME.COM/awards for news, photo galleries, blogs, video interviews and more.

Tune into NME Radio and NME TV for further coverage throughout the week.

Get next week's issue of NME for the ultimate report on the evening's events. It's on UK newsstands or available digitally from next Wednesday (March 2).

Watch the ceremony on Channel 4 on Saturday night (26) at 11.20pm (GMT). Earlier in the day, at 11.25am on the same channel, T4 will broadcast their coverage of the ceremony.

( News & Photo From : http://www.nme.com )

Ke$ha to Drop 'Dance Commander' Remix Album March 22

2011-02-24T07:48:00.000+07:00

It's been only three months since Ke$ha repackaged her "Animal" debut album with the companion set "Cannibal," but the pop star is already gearing up for a new release: "I Am the Dance Commander + I Commander You To Dance: The Remix Album" will be released on March 22, the pop star announced today (Feb. 23).

The album will feature twists on standout tracks from Ke$ha's two sets -- including Hot 100 No. 1s "TiK Tok" and "We R Who We R" and top 10 hits "Blah Blah Blah," "Your Love Is My Drug" and "Take It Off" -- plus a much buzzed-about version of "Cannibal" track "Sleazy," featuring OutKast's Andre 3000, that leaked online in January.
Ke$ha also revealed the artwork for her remixes set, and the image shows her in full post-party mode, lounging on a couch in fishnets and surrounded by streamers and glitter, and what looks like a pink flamingo doll. The singer is sporting her signature blue lipstick and, inexplicably, resting a sword on her shoulder.

Ke$ha's "Cannibal" album debuted at No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and has sold 303,000 copies, according to Nielsen SoundScan. "Animal" debuted atop the chart and has sold 1.2 million.

Here is the tracklist for Ke$ha's "I Am the Dance Commander" remix album:
"Blow" - Cirkut Remix
"The Sleazy Remix" (feat. Andre 3000)
"TiK Tok" - Untold Remix
"F**k Him He's A DJ"
"Animal" - Switch Remix
"Your Love Is My Drug" - Dave Audé Club Remix
"We R Who We R" - Fred Falke Club Remix
"Take It Off" - Billboard Remix
"TiK Tok" - Chuck Buckett's Veruca Salt Remix
"Blah Blah Blah" (feat. 3OH!3) - DJ Skeet Skeet Radio Remix

( News & Photo from : http://www.billboard.com )

Ke$ha to Release New Remix Album; Justin Bieber Auctions His Hair For Charity

2011-02-24T07:46:00.000+07:00

By Matthew Perpetua

Ke$ha Remix Album Due in March
Ke$ha will release a new remix album titled I Am the Dance Commander + I Command You to Dance on March 22nd. The set will feature "The Sleazey Remix" featuring Outkast's Andre 3000 and two versions of "Tik Tok." (It will not, however, include a cover of the Electric Six hit "Dance Commander.") [Billboard]
Justin Bieber Auctions Off His Hair For Charity
Justin Bieber is auctioning off locks of his freshly cut hair on eBay to benefit the Gentle Barn, a nonprofit organization that offers a safe haven for abused farm animals and children. Bieber got a haircut earlier this week for a video shoot with Rascal Flatts. [The Daily What]

Panda Bear Announces New Single
"Surfer Hymn," the last in a series of 7-inch singles released in advance of Panda Bear's new album Tomboy, will be issued by the Kompakt label on March 14th. The track will be backed up by a remix of the A side by the U.K. producer Actress. [Pitchfork]

Cut Copy Drop DJ Mix
Cut Copy leader Dan Whitford has released a DJ mix featuring music by Liquid Liquid, Thin Lizzy, Simple Minds, Hercules and several other acts. The mix was made in anticipation of a Cutters Records party in Melbourne. [Noise In My Head]

The Watson Twins Plan Covers EP
The Watson Twins have announced that Night Covers, a new EP featuring their recordings of songs by PJ Harvey, the Black Keys, Sade, the Turtles, the Eurythmics and Bill Withers, will be released on April 18th. The band will promote the release by touring with Alexi Murdoch and Amos Lee. [Press release]

( News & Photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

DECAPITATED IN THE RECORDING STUDIO

2011-02-24T07:43:00.000+07:00

Decapitated are currently at the Radio Gdańsk Studio in Poland recording a follow up album to their 2006 release Organic Hallucinosis. The album is being produced by guitarist Wacek "Vogg" Kiełtyka and sound engineered by Malta Arkadiusz Malczewski, with the drums being recorded and mixed by Daniel Bergstrand (Behemoth, Meshuggah, Dimmu Borgir, Keep Of Kalessin, Defleshed).

Decapitated are a Polish Death Metal band formed in 1996 by brothers Wacław "Vogg" Kiełtyka on guitar and Witold "Vitek" Kiełtyka on drums. The band released 4 albums through 2007 when they were forced into into hibernation due to the death of Vitek as the result of a car crash. In 2009 Vogg decided to put the band back together, recruited some new members and embarked on a world tour. The album they are currently recording will be their first with the new lineup and the first album as a band for 5 years.

From the studio Vogg reports:

"We are recording fully live drums - no triggers or plastic sounding stuff whatsoever, which, especially for Kerimh, renders the session more demanding than he had expected; but because of this, in my opinion, the sound will be original and will help us to avoid the so-called 'machine gun effect.'

we've been looking for the right guitar sound and we've already come up with a few ideas. We've got heaps of different speakers, heads, effects and we're trying to pick the gear with the sound most suitable to the new riffs. It's very probable that I'll use again a transistor head in conjunction with a tube head - the combination that had always worked out well for DECAP. Also, I'm recording in a large room to take advantage of its ambience and to let the sound flow freely."

Drummer Kerim "Krimh" Lechner finished recording his drum parts in 3 days:

"These last days we’ve spent listening to all the drum tracks and choosing the best parts. Each song takes us about 3-4 hours and you have to spend a few days to listen through all the songs. Now we will send all the drum tracks to Daniel Bergstrand who will do a first mix of the drums so we can start recording guitars.

"When I listen to the songs right now, I believe that this album will be strong. Different in some ways, but I feel confident about the new material."

Decapitated's full line-up is: Wacław "Vogg" Kiełtyka on guitar, Kerim "Krimh" Lechner (Thorns Of Ivy, Tone Intimacy) on drums, Rafał Piotrowski (Ketha, Forgotten Souls) on lead vocals, and Filip "Heinrich" Hałucha (Vesenia, Rootwater, Unsun, Masachist) on bass.

( news & Photo From : Metal.com )

Queens of the Stoneage backstage appendectomy

2011-02-24T07:42:00.000+07:00

Queens of the Stoneage once performed an appendectomy backstage at one of their concerts.

The 'No One Knows' rockers were forced to remove an unnamed female's appendix after a show in Munich, Germany, and while they didn't use anaesthetic to take the pain away, the impromptu operation was a success.
Guitarist Troy Van Leeuwen recalled: 'Do you wanna hear something f**ked up? There was one time when we performed an appendectomy, backstage. We forgot the anaesthesia.

' do know how to perform these operations, but I'd had too much to drink that day. But she's okay.

't's actually a legal matter- It's a medical slash legal matter and I can't say much more than that.'

Despite his claims, neither Troy nor any other members of the band - Josh Homme, Joey Castillo, Michael Shuman and Dean Fertita Â- are known to have any official medical qualifications.

The group are also busy working on their sixth album, which Troy says it is being recorded at a relaxed pace.

He added to website fasterlouder.com.au: 'We're a band that doesn't push things, things naturally happen, and they are, and we're kinda sprinkling this year with some touring and then doing some recording.'

Queen of the Stone Age announced earlier this week they will perform their first album in full on a string of dates in Australia and the US in March before a full European tour in May.

( news & photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

Robbie Williams - Entire Album Catalogue To Be Reissued

2011-02-23T16:57:00.000+07:00

Robbie Williams will see his entire album back catalogue reissued in expanded audio/visual limited edition formats on EMI Records on March 21 2011.

The singer, who has won more BRIT awards than any artist in history and has sold over 60 million albums over his entire solo career, will release each album as both a special edition, a digital package and a digital download video album (excepting Swing When You're Winning).
Each album edition (excepting Swing when You're Winning) includes a complementing DVD which features much previously unreleased content including a series of nine short films inspired by a selection of tracks on the No 1 album Rudebox.

The reissue collection includes all seven studio albums spanning the years 1997 - 2006, from Life Thru a Lens to Rudebox.

www.robbiewilliams.com

( News & Photo from : http://www.ilikemusic.com )

THE MELVINS SUGAR DADDY LIVE SET FOR RELEASE MAY 31 ON IPEACAC RECORDINGS

2011-02-23T16:55:00.000+07:00

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 22 - The Melvins' latest offering Sugar Daddy Live, a thirteen-track live recording, will see a May 31 release on Ipecac Recordings.

Recorded at The Busta-Guts Club in Downey, Calif. the album features fan favorites such as "Boris," "A History of Bad Men" and "The Kicking Machine."
The band recently completed a month-long residency at Los Angeles' Spaceland and are currently in New Zealand with a forthcoming round of Australian dates as part of the Soundwave Festival. The Melvins were in Christchurch when the Feb. 21 earthquake struck but escaped unscathed and are due to resume their tour later this week.

Sugar Daddy Live track listing:

1. Nude with Boots
2. Dog Island
3. Dies Iraea
4. Civilized Worm
5. The Kicking Machine
6. Eye Flies
7. Tipping The Lion
8. Rat Faced Granny
9. The Hawk
10. You've Never Been Right
11. A History of Bad Men
12. Star Spangled Banner
13. Boris

The Melvins are an American rock band formed in the early 80's, they combine the styles of Sludge Metal, Stoner rock and Grunge to come up with their own distinct sound. The Melvins are responsible for influencing a generation of bands such as Tool and Boris. Original members Buzz Osbourne on vocals and Dale Crover on drums were joined mid-2000's by Jared Warren on bass and Cody Willis as a second drummer. Both Warren and Willis are also members of the band Big Business.

( News & Photo From : metal.com )

Avril Lavigne calls her fans 'black stars'

2011-02-23T16:53:00.000+07:00

The 'What the Hell' hitmaker is set to embark on a tour in support of her new album 'Goodbye Lullaby' and said she wants to call the concerts after a nickname she gives her audience.

She explained: ''m definitely going to be doing a tour. I'm not sure I can say the name but I'm going to do it anyway - I was thinking of calling this tour the 'Black Star' tour or the 'Lullaby' tour. But doesn't 'Lullaby' sound like sleepy? The reason I like the 'Black Star' tour is then everybody can be my little black stars out in the audience.'
The 26-year-old star can't wait to go on the road because she says performing for her fans is the most rewarding part of her professional life.

She said: 'How does it feel to walk out and know everyone is there to see me? That's my favourite part of what I do. There's no other feeling like it. I travel a lot and I've been doing this for a long time now, I've been to photoshoots and have a lot of plane and bus rides, but what makes it worthwhile is getting to see everyone and know they care, it's really cool and really special.'

( News & Photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

Preview Six Songs From Lady Gaga's 'Born This Way'

2011-02-22T08:56:00.000+07:00

Lady Gaga gave Rolling Stone an advance preview of four songs from her upcoming album Born This Way an hour before the first show of the final leg of her Monster Ball tour in Atlantic City. Though Gaga's people were quick to point out that these were not the final mixes, the tracks certainly sounded like polished, finished recordings. Here's a track-by-track rundown of what we heard backstage, as well as what she played from the new record in concert.
"Judas"
Currently scheduled as the second single from the album, "Judas" is a classic Lady Gaga pop banger with three huge hooks, a thumping house music breakdown and a vocal part that borrows a bit of Rihanna's distinctive cadence. Gaga has written about falling for the wrong guy before in "LoveGame" and "Bad Romance," but this time around she's a bit less dark and dramatic. There's a bubbly sweetness in her voice as she sings "I'm just a holy fool / baby it's so cool / I'm still in love with Judas, baby."

"Edge of Glory"
This one sounds crazy in print -- it's a massive power ballad with heavy club beats that features Clarence Clemons of the E Street Band wailing on his saxophone (Clemons also plays on "Hair") -- but somehow it all seems totally natural when you actually hear it. There's an element of cheesiness to it, but it's totally captivating and incredibly catchy. If any of these new Gaga tunes demands to be a big fat hit, this is it. The inclusion of Clemons is an inspired touch that amplifies the song's Eighties stadium rock vibe, but his actual performance is amazing and ranks among the best of his career.

"Scheiße"
A remixed version of this number was used in a recent runway show by fashion designer Thierry Mugler. The album version doesn't have the same hardcore European house flavor, but it's definitely the tune most likely to bring back memories of early-Nineties dance crossover hits by C&C Music Factory, Snap and RuPaul. The opening of the song -- in which she flatly intones "I don't speak German, but I can if you like" -- is fierce, but the song is saved from being a slight novelty by a soaring chorus that vaguely recalls Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger."

"Hair"
"Hair" is another inspirational song in the mold of "Born This Way," but it's a bit weirder, mixing the yearning romantic melodrama of Pat Benetar's "We Belong" with the hard industrial metal edge of Broken-era Nine Inch Nails. The lyrics are essentially about embracing one's hairstyle as the ultimate expression of their identity, climaxing with Gaga triumphantly declaring "I am my hair!" in its huge sing along chorus. An anthem for hair salons everywhere.

"You and I"
Gaga didn't share the studio version of this theatrical rock ballad, but she did perform it in her concert later in the evening. This one has been part of her Monster Ball setlist for months now, and at this point it's already a crowd-pleasing showstopper. Assuming that the album recording will have more or less the same piano-centric arrangement, "You and I" will provide a necessary break from the high energy beats on the other tracks. Watch her performance of the song from The Today Show back in July below.

"Born This Way"
This is the Number One single in the country, so you've probably heard this one by now. This was the first time Gaga has played the song in concert, but it's already the ideal conclusion to her show, ending the night with a giddy communal celebration of personal empowerment and self-acceptance. Watch footage of the performance below.

Music Exec Slams Grammys in NY Times for Snubbing Eminem, Justin Bieber

2011-02-22T08:52:00.000+07:00

A veteran music executive has lambasted the Grammy Awards as "a series of hypocrisies and contradictions," in a full-page New York Times advertisement that ran a week after last Sunday's annual ceremony.

Steve Stoute's open letter to Grammy organizers ripped the organization and its 12,000-odd voters for snubbing Eminem and Justin Bieber at this year's ceremony, as well as Eminem and Kanye West at past events.
"Over the course of my 20-year history as an executive in the music business and as the owner of a firm that specializes in in-culture advertising, I have come to the conclusion that the Grammy Awards have clearly lost touch with contemporary popular culture," wrote Stoute, who is currently CEO of the marketing company Translation.

"Unfortunately, the awards show has become a series of hypocrisies and contradictions, leaving me to question why any contemporary popular artist would even participate."

Eminem, this year's leading contender, lost in most of the major categories for which he was nominated. Two-time nominee Bieber went home empty-handed and disappointed. Both West and Eminem have lost the coveted album of the year race multiple times.

"We must acknowledge the massive cultural impact of Eminem and Kanye West and how their music is shaping, influencing and defining the voice of a generation," Stoute wrote.

As for Bieber, he wrote, "How is it that Justin Bieber, an artist that defines what it means to be a modern artist, did not win Best New Artist?" (That award went to singer/bassist Esperanza Spalding.)

Stoute noted a connection between performers and winners, citing Arcade Fire's surprise album of the year win just after they had finished their performance.

"Does the Grammys intentionally use artists for their celebrity, popularity and cultural appeal when they already know the winners and then program a show against this expectation?"

There was no immediate reaction from the Recording Academy. Last Sunday's show, despite or because of the shocks, was the highest rated in a decade.

( news & Photo From : http://www.billboard.com )

DEVIN TOWNSEND PUTTING TOGETHER STAR GUEST LIST FOR NEW ALBUM

2011-02-22T08:47:00.000+07:00

Devin Townsend has been dropping hints the last couple of weeks regarding collaborators on his upcoming twelfth studio album 'Deconstruction'. Details are scarce but from his Facebook page Townsend has been posting messages like his recent "Thanks Oderus!!", which hints at the involvement of the GWAR front-man Oderus Urungus being involved in his project.

Previous comments from Townsend and others have hinted at the participation of Greg Puciato from Dillinger Escape Plan, Mikael Åkerfeldt of Opeth, Emperor’s Ihasahn, Joe Duplantier from Gojira, and Tommy Rogers from Between The Buried and Me. Few details have been given regarding how these artists are involved in the album but from the varied star guest-list this record is already shaping up to be one of the most interesting releases this year.
The Deconstruction album is the third of four planned albums in this Devin Townsend Project series, and is set to be his heaviest to date. The theme of the record is centered around people's unrelenting love of heavy music, Townend previously commented "there's a whole network of people that are like, 'No no no no no! We only want heavy music, we only want chaotic music, we only want devilish, horrible, destructive music'." This album is his response to all these types of demands he's received.

Soilwork drummer Dirk Verbeuren, who's also involved in the album commented on recording with Townsend: "All in all, this was a spontaneous, creative and exhilarating affair. Devin's continuous enthusiasm and humor throughout made for a very relaxed and fun vibe for everyone. But don't be mistaken: the music is as relentless as it gets. There will be some serious damage when this baby gets released!"

( News & Photo from : metal.com )

Eric Clapton's Derek And The Dominos gets 40th anniversary release

2011-02-22T08:45:00.000+07:00

Eric Clapton's Career-Defining Album Marks 40th Anniversary on 29th March 2011 Internationally With Deluxe Multi-format Edition Featuring New and Long-Unavailable Music, Never-Released Video and Never-Seen Photos, Plus Other Exciting Extras
In the world of rock there are icons, and then there are icons: recordings that truly tower in historical importance and continue to cast an enduring shadow of influence. Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs sits atop that category, one of the most steadfastly revered musical treasures of its era. Its famous title track still hailed as an essential rock guitar anthem, the signature tune of rock's leading guitar hero ' Eric Clapton.

Recorded in 1970 by Derek and the Dominos, the short-lived group led by Clapton that also featured guitar legend Duane Allman and top American rhythm musicians of the day, Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs music offers a timeless blend of rock, electric blues and Southern gospel influences that has shaped generations of roots-oriented musicians. It achieved gold album status within months of its release in late 1970, was entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2000, and today remains a ubiquitous entry in various 'Top 100' and 'All-Time Greatest' polls, and 'Must Hear' bucket lists.

Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs: The 40th Anniversary Deluxe Edition is a multi format collection offering an appropriately comprehensive salute of this iconic album and the band that created it. To be released in March 2011, the set will feature the original double-disc album in both digital and vinyl formats, expanded to include newly remastered tracks, and a treasure trove of music and video performances.

Highlights of the DELUXE EDITION include new performances, Phil Spectre produced tracks and high-fidelity, 180-gram reproduction of the original vinyl. The SUPER DELUXE EDITION additionally includes 2-CD set of Derek and the Dominos: In Concert, recorded at the Fillmore East, a hardcover book containing never-seen photographs and a Pop-up 3-D artwork and a high quality Layla art print based on the oil painting that graced the original album cover ' 'La Fille Au Bouquet' by Emile Theodore Frandsen de Schomberg ' which has achieved cultural significance in its own right. A downloadable edition of both formats will be available on iTunes.

Layla and Other Love Songs ' the double-album that Derek and Dominos recorded over the next 6 weeks ' encapsulates soulful music and a number of stories, each one leading to another: some amusing, some tragic, and all now indelibly part of rock's enduring legends:

Arguably the most compelling back-story of Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs is the unrequited and not-so-secret love of Clapton for best friend's wife, Patti Boyd ' then married to George Harrison. The album was dedicated to Patti ' whom Clapton had nicknamed after the unattainable princess 'Layla' of the Persian narrative poem Layla and Majnun ' and for whom he had written a number of original numbers that stand among his best-known and memorable compositions: 'Bell Bottom Blues', ' Am Yours' (with lyrics taken from Layla and Majnun) and of course ' the classic 'Layla.' (That Clapton later married Boyd only adds to the poignancy of the album's enduring legacy.)

Derek and the Dominos existed for a brief period of eleven months during which they released only a single album. Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs remains their glorious debut, their magnum opus, and their enduring farewell, all in one ' while the title track has become a song that resonates just as strongly today as when it was first recorded in 1970. Rock journalist Dave Marsh wrote in Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock and Roll,'there are few moments in the repertoire of recorded rock where a singer or writer has reached so deeply into himself that the effect of hearing them is akin to witnessing a murder or a suicide . . . to me 'Layla' is the greatest of them.'

( News & Photo from : http://www.music-news.com )

DEATH METAL SINGER BRUTALLY MURDERED

2011-02-19T08:42:00.000+07:00

Matthew John Hall, a singer in local Death Metal band Backyard Burial, died in the early hours Tuesday morning after he was brutally stabbed while he slept at his home in Wellington, New Zealand. Hall, who went by the stage name "Blaps Warmonger" when performing with Backyard Burial, was 35 years old and known by many as a quiet man who reserved his aggression for the stage.

Police are still searching for evidence that may lead to the victims murderer, who at present is still at large. Hall was discovered by a house-mate on Tuesday and from the murder scene, confirmed by autopsy results it is clear that Hall had died of multiple stab wounds he received while sleeping in his bed at 118 Broderick Road, Johnsonville, Wellington, New Zealand.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dave Thornton, who is heading the investigation to find the murderer, commented that the injuries were some of the worse he had seen in his 23 years on the police force. Thornton commented "It's a very ferocious and vicious attack on a guy that, from our preliminary reconstruction, was lying on his bed, probably asleep,"

According to a close friend, "He was just a really genuine and extremely intelligent human being, and a really good friend to a lot of people."

From all of us at Metal.com our sincerest condolences to Hall's family and friends. Check out Backyard Burial's MySpace page here: Backyard Burial

( News & photo From : metal.com )

JLS, McFly, The Saturdays, and Eliza Doolittle to play Alton Towers Resort

2011-02-19T08:40:00.000+07:00

The Alton Towers Resort is to stage an amazing music extravaganza featuring some of the biggest names in pop. Alton Towers Live will feature JLS, McFly, The Saturdays, and Eliza Doolittle as they take to the stage in the massive concert to be held on Sunday 19th June at the UK's favourite theme park.

Offering guests the chance to escape for a great day of family fun and adrenalin-pumping rides such as TH13TEEN and Oblivion, with a spectacular concert, the event is a sensational addition to the Resort's theme park season.
Dominique Sidley, event director, comments, 'The Alton Towers Resort is a magnificent venue for a concert of this scale and we are delighted to be welcoming some of the biggest and best artists from the pop industry. With the famous Towers as the backdrop for the event and our world beating rides and attractions to enjoy, Alton Towers Live really is set to be a highlight of the summer!'

After a day enjoying all the Alton Towers theme park has to offer, guests will enjoy the incredible concert from 4.30pm with sets from each of the acts, including a phenomenal headline from the hottest boyband of the moment, JLS.

Tickets go on general sale at 9am on Friday 18th February at www.altontowers.com* and www.seetickets.com* priced just £55. Tickets include entrance to the UK's number one theme park, the amazing concert and parking at the Resort ' a great value ticket for what is set to be a sensational event. For further information or details on available hotel packages please visit www.altontowers.com.

The Alton Towers Resort is set in 500 acres of Staffordshire countryside and features over 50 iconic rides and attractions. As Britain's Greatest Escape, guests can experience the twists and turns of Nemesis, the exhilaration of Air and the world's first free fall drop coaster, TH13TEEN. For those wanting to experience all the Resort has to offer, hotel packages are available at the two fantastically themed hotels, situated on the doorstep of the action. Wake up ready to enjoy the tropical Waterpark, visit the luxurious spa or head back to the theme park for more thrills and spills!

( news & photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

Elbow's Guy Garvey drops Glastonbury festival hint

2011-02-18T07:23:00.000+07:00

Elbow's Guy Garvey has strongly hinted his band will play this year's Glastonbury festival.

Although they haven't been confirmed for the June 24-26 bash, Garvey told BBC Newsbeat that Elbow will be playing UK festivals this year, and went on to reference Glastonbury.

"I'm not sure what I'm allowed to tell you and what I'm not," he said when asked about the festival. "We are definitely going to be playing some festivals in the UK. All the best ones, let's put it that way."

Speaking about one of this year's Glastonbury headliners, Beyonce, Garvey said: "Glastonbury is the best festival in the world year on year and they know what they are doing. If they chose Beyonce to close it's because they know it'll be a fantastic finish."

Elbow release their new album, 'Build A Rocket Boys!', on March 7. The band last played Glastonbury in 2008.

( news & photo from : http://www.nme.com )

Radiohead Deny Tokyo Concert Rumors; Waka Flocka Flame's Mother Says He Wasn't Involved in Shooting

2011-02-18T07:20:00.000+07:00

Radiohead Deny Concert in Tokyo
Radiohead's spokeperson has shot down rumors that the band would play a secret concert in Tokyo tomorrow. Earlier today the band tweeted a mysterious message in Japanese indicating that fans should go to Hachiko Square in Shibuya at 6:59 p.m. The spokesperson did not provide any hint of what could be going on, if not a Radiohead gig. [NME]
Waka Flocka Flame's Mom Responds to Tour Bus Shooting
Waka Flocka Flame's mother and manager Debra Antney has released a YouTube video explaining that her son was not directly involved in a shooting at a car stereo shop in Charlotte, North Carolina, where his tour bus was being set up with a new sound system. Antney insisted that the shooting was a random, unrelated incident. [Billboard]

The Mountain Goats Release Limited Edition Cassette
Merge Records has announced that the first 500 pre-ordered CD and LP copies of the Mountain Goats' new album All Eternals Deck will come with a hand-colored cassette called All Survivors Pack featuring demos and two non-album tracks. Also, a limited number of the vinyl copies will be pressed on blue or clear wax. [Merge]

Lady Gaga Fans Can Win Chance To Blog Backstage
Lady Gaga and Virgin Mobile are offering bloggers and video journalists a chance to get behind the scenes and cover Gaga's Monster Ball 2011 tour. Participants are asked to submit a 1-to-2 minute video making a case for why they should cover their local Gaga gig. [Talenthouse]

( news & photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

Selena Gomez 'loves' Justin Bieber

2011-02-18T07:19:00.000+07:00

The 18-year-old star ' who has previously been pictured holding hands with the 'Baby' hitmaker ' has revealed she has deep feelings for Justin but confesses she doesn't understand the level of interest in their relationship.

She told Access Hollywood: ' love him. He's been in my life a very long time. He's my friend.
' think it's awesome people are interested ' I don't understand why.'

She also confessed she would not be spending time with Justin on Valentine's Day today (14.02.11) because she was busy working.

She said: ''m actually going to be working all day, so my Valentine will be my fans.'

The 'Wizards of Waverly Place' actress ' who has been linked to Nick Jonas and Taylor Lautner in the past ' previously claimed she thought of Justin as a 'brother' and wouldn't be able to date him.

She said: 'Oh brother! He's little. No, he's like my little brother. It's weird to me."

However, Canadian-born Justin has hinted he may be dating someone special, although didn't mention Selena by name.

He said: ''m dating. I date a lot of different people. I'm 16, so I just have fun.'

( news & photo by : http://www.music-news.com )

GEEZER BUTLER SHUTS DOWN BLACK SABBATH REUNION RUMOURS

2011-02-18T07:18:00.000+07:00

It appears that Ozzy Osbourne may have been a little premature in talking up the chances of an imminent Black Sabbath reunion. The fact that the front man seemed positive about the chances of the Sabbath boys getting back together made it look as though an announcement was close to taking place. Unfortunately bassist Geezer Butler has made it clear that talks are not happening at the moment.

Butler says NO

Sometimes musicians will say things that aren't true just to build excitement or attention, but Butler seemed definite when he announced that there would definitely be NO reunion featuring the four original members of Black Sabbath. His words: "I would like to make it clear, because of mounting speculation and rumors, that there will be definitely NO reunion of all four original members of Black Sabbath, whether to record an album or to tour."

The wording of this could suggest that the rest of the band may work together without Ozzy but at the moment, fans of the Sabbath shouldn't hold out too much hope for their heroes getting back together, at least not of as original line up.

Does the memory of the last Ozzy walkout still linger?

Butler, along with Tony Iommi and Bill Ward last attempted to work with Osbourne back in 2001 but those sessions came to a halt when Ozzy walked out. This left the work compiled with famous producer Rick Rubin to go to waste, and perhaps the other members do not want to be placed in such a position again.

With so many other veteran acts reforming and getting some more time in the sun, it would have been good for Black Sabbath to get a revival. We'll have to wait and see what happens but if it isn't meant to be, isn't meant to be.

( news & photo by : metal.com )

Deftones fans riot after Bangkok gig gets cancelled

2011-02-17T07:54:00.000+07:00

A group of Deftones fans in Bangkok rioted last night (February 15) after the band were forced to cancel a show there at the last minute.

The Californian band were due to perform at the city's 25,000-capacity Thunderdome Arena, but were unable to do so, citing “electrical problems” as the reason for the call-off.
According to the Associated Press, the concert was due to start at 8pm (ICT), but was delayed until 9:30pm, then organisers announced that the show was being called off.

After the announcement most fans went home, but a few hundred reacted angrily, throwing bottles, breaking windows and setting fire to tents and beer booths outside the venue. Watch video footage of the riot by scrolling down and clicking below.

The band issued a statement on their Facebook page, Facebook.com/deftones saying that they hoped to return to Thailand "in the near future", but the gig has not been rescheduled.

No one is believed to have been hurt or injured during the disturbance.

( news & photo from : http://www.nme.com )

WELSH METAL ACT BOYS WITH X-RAY EYES CALL IT A DAY

2011-02-17T07:51:00.000+07:00

It is always a sad day when a Metal band decides to break up and fans of Welsh Metallers Boys With X-Ray Eyes are sure to be upset about their upcoming split. The group announced on their Myspace page that after four years of making loud and angry music together, they are calling it a day to work on other projects.

One more tour for the road

Before they split up, the boys will be touring Britain one last time with a series of gigs that are sure to be chaotic and messy. The 11 date tour kicks off in Cardiff on the 10th of March before hitting Reading and then London with a show at the famous Purple Turtle venue.

Dundee hosts the final gig

The band then make their way up through England and Wales stopping off at a number of places including Swansea, Newport, Leeds and Newcastle. The final two gigs of the tour take place in Edinburgh and then the big finale takes place in Dundee on March 24th.

With this being the final chance for fans to get along and see Boys With X-Ray Eyes it should be a busy tour but the band promise the individual members will be back in the music scene before too long with new projects.

Metal fans may have caught the act supporting Architects or Funeral For A Friend so playing in front of a big crowd is not likely to phase these boys and the final tour may well be remembered by fans for a long time to come!

( News & Photo From : metal.com )

Guns N' Roses' original line-up to reunite for Super Bowl?

2011-02-13T13:24:00.000+07:00

Talks about playing next year’s Super Bowl half time show with their original line-up are apparently underway.

Singer Axl Rose refuted speculation this week (February 8) that he would agree to any kind of reunion with his former bandmates. But despite this US sports blogger Kent Sterling claims that a source has given information that talks are ongoing.
According to the report, “Preliminary talks have already taken place to reconvene the most popular line up of " for the event next year.

However, the blogger acknowledged that discussions are in "very early stages" and that it "may turn into nothing".

If the reunion were to happen it would be the first time the line-up that recorded the band’s acclaimed 1987 debut album 'Appetite For Destruction' had played live together since 1990, the year drummer Steven Adler was sacked.

Guitarist Slash recently said he'd be up for talking to Rose about a reunion – but only if the singer apologised to him. The pair are not thought to have spoken since Slash left the band in 1996.

( news & Photo From ; http://www.nme.com )

Foo Fighters, Muse and Eminem for Lollapalooza?

2011-02-13T10:08:00.000+07:00

Chicago newspaper reveals potential festival headliners
Fighters, Muse and Eminem are strongly rumoured to be headlining this summer's 20th anniversary Lollapalooza festival in Chicago.

Taking place in Grant Park on August 5-7, festival promoters are expected to reveal the official line-up in April and have not commented on the rumours.
The Chicago Tribune has claimed that their line-up information comes from "reliable industry sources".

They have also suggested that there will be three more acts billed as headliners and that Best Coast, Girl Talk, Crystal Castles and Lykke Li will be on the bill.

This April the first ever Lollapalooza Chile will take place in Santiago, with The Killers set to make their comeback there.

Meanwhile, Foo Fighters head up the NME Awards Big Gig on February 25 at London's Wembley Arena. Frontman Dave Grohl is set to pick up the Godlike Genius award at the Shockwaves NME Awards on February 23.

The Shockwaves NME Awards Tour 2011 takes place throughout February, while Shockwaves NME Awards Shows are also taking place in London throughout the month. See NME.COM/TICKETS for details.

( news & photo From : http://www.nme.com )

Britney vs. Gaga: Which Single is Better?

2011-02-13T09:40:00.000+07:00

With the release of Lady Gaga's latest single, "Born This Way," this morning (Feb. 11), pop music fans have finally been able to compare the track with the other reigning pop diva's highly anticipated new single -- Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me."
Since the first single to Spears' forthcoming seventh album "Femme Fatale" debuted on Jan. 10, the song has debuted at No. 1 on the Hot 100 and sold 790,000 copies through four weeks, according to Nielsen SoundScan. The full-length music video for "Hold It Against Me," which was produced by pop maestros Lukasz "Dr. Luke" Gottwald and Max Martin along with the producer Billboard, debuts next Thursday (Feb. 17), before "Fatale" hits stores on Mar. 29.

While "Hold It Against Me" is a sexy, kinetic dance song, "Born This Way" is a disco-tinged call-to-arms that urges the listener, "Don't be a drag, just be a queen." After Lady Gaga performs the song at the Grammy Awards ceremony on Sunday (Feb. 13), the single has a shot at debuting at No. 1 on the Hot 100 -- becoming the 1000th song to take the top position on the chart.

Now that both songs have been released, it's your turn to tell us how you feel about them. Vote for the pop single you think lives up to the hype, and sound off in the comments section below.

( News & Photo From : http://www.billboard.com )

Alison Krauss Reflects on Making First Album With Union Station Since 2004

2011-02-10T21:07:00.000+07:00

After years working with Robert Plant, Krauss describes songs on 'Paper Airplane' as 'being in the middle of the worst kind of heartbreak and waiting for it to pass'
By Patrick Doyle

“All these tunes are about a trial,” Alison Krauss says, describing Paper Airplane, her first album with longtime band Union Station since 2004. “They’re about trying times, being in the middle of the worst kind of heartbreak and waiting for it to pass.”
The disc’s 11 tracks of Grammy-ready modern bluegrass range from the Depression-themed ballad “Dustbowl Children” (sung by guitarist Dan Tyminski) to “Lie Awake,” which Krauss says was inspired by George Michael’s “Father Figure:” “I love the way it’s so open, such a spooky song. I thought, ‘Oh, man, I wish we had that kind of song.’”

It’s her first disc with Union Station – lap steel player Jerry Douglas, guitarist Dan Tyminski, banjo player Ron Blood and bass player Barry Bales – after spending years recording and touring with Robert Plant. The band gathered in Nashville with engineer Mike Shipley in August 2009 and began recording, but Krauss halted sessions shortly after. “I was hoping the band were going to be excited about it,” she says. “I got self-conscious. We had to step away and I said, ‘We don’t have it – I have to mess around and gather more things.'”

Months later, the band reconvened and cut five more songs – including a cover of Jackson Browne’s “The Opening Farewell” and the heartbreaking acoustic title track, written with Nashville songwriter Robert Lee Castleman. “I wouldn’t have done it any other way,” she says. “It would have been a lot harder to have felt like we were compromising or settling for less.”

Krauss has fond memories of her experience making Raising Sand, saying producer T. Bone Burnett’s changed the way she thinks about the recording process. “He made me see you may be able to manufacture a better vocal because of the opportunities that the studio gives you – singing things and putting them together – but it’s not something I like doing anymore.”
Plant, Krauss and Burnett reconvened for a scrapped follow-up to the Grammy-winning LP, which Plant recently reflected on in an interview with Rolling Stone. "The sound wasn't there,” he said. “Alison is the best. She's one of my favorite people. We'll come back to it."
Krauss agrees with his assessment, but adds, “I don’t want to make it sound like we’re saying that someone else’s performance wasn’t there – the band was fantastic, the same as the first record.”
She adds: “He’s a delightful person, and I’ll never meet another like him." Still, she has no regrets. “Working with this band is where I really find out what’s going on. The five of us have something that is meant to stay together.”

Paper Airplane track list in full:

1. Paper Airplane (Robert Lee Castleman)
2. Dustbowl Children (Peter Rowan)
3. Lie Awake (Angel Snow/ Viktor Krauss)
4. Lay My Burden Down (Aoife O’Donovan)
5. My Love Follows You Where You Go (Lori McKenna/ Barry Dean/ Liz Rose)
6. Dimming Of The Day (Richard Thompson)
7. On The Outside Looking In (Tim O’Brien)
8. Miles And Miles To Go (Barry Bales/ Chris Stapleton)
9. Sinking Stone (Jeremy Lister)
10. Bonita and Bill Butler (Sidney Cox)
11. Opening Farewell (Jackson Browne)

( News & Photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

OZZY OSBOURNE HAS STOPPED IN HIS TRACKS

2011-02-10T21:03:00.000+07:00

Given everything that Ozzy Osbourne has been through in his life, you would be forgiven for thinking that he was immortal. After all, if he has not been killed off by now, what are the chances of anything stopping the Price of Darkness in his tracks?

You can sometimes forget that Ozzy is a human as well given his over the top persona but a reminder has been delivered to his masses of fans with the news that an illness has forced the cancellation of Ozzy’s show in Nevada this Sunday evening.

The gig has been rescheduled for April

The show’s promoter hasn't provided too many details about the cancellation but did say that the concert would hopefully be rescheduled for April. This will be a major disappointment for Ozzy fans in Reno, Nevada but it is better to see the singer in top form as opposed to struggling with an illness. There will be some fans that probably cannot make the rescheduled show but equally, there may be some who benefit from this rescheduled show.

Will Ozzy bounce back quickly?

Ozzy fans will be waited with baited breath to see if any further cancellations occur or if this is just a one-off event. With the summer festival season approaching and Ozzy still being in huge demand, there will be many people keeping an eye out for health updates from the legendary singer. With rumours of a Black Sabbath reunion still circulating, a lot of people have a lot riding on Ozzy remaining fit and healthy enough to perform on a regular basis.

( news & Photo From : metal.com )

Reviewed: R.E.M. 'Sound Like an Awesome R.E.M. Tribute Band'; Mogwai Keep the Spirit of the Nineties Alive

2011-02-09T07:39:00.000+07:00

In this week's slate of Rolling Stone album reviews, Rob Sheffield declares that the Scottish indie band Mogwai are fighting harder than any of their Nineties peers to "keep the decade's anything-goes spirit alive" on their new record Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will. Jody Rosen is less enamored of the Eighties-obsessed Australian dance pop group Cut Copy's Zonoscope, which he says suffers somewhat from "slavish revivalism."

Jonah Weiner is lukewarm on Nicole Atkins' "thoroughly pleasant" new album of "brunch blues" tunes, while Rosen praises Jessica Lea Mayfield's "languid drawl" on her sophomore effort Tell Me.

On the singles front, Will Hermes digs Panda Bear's hypnotic "Atiba Song," and Rosen says that R.E.M. sound "like an awesome R.E.M. tribute band" on their new track "Mine Smell Like Honey."

ALBUMS
Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will (stream full album)
Cut Copy - Zonoscope (stream full album)
Jessica Lea Mayfield - Tell Me (stream full album)
The Dears - Degeneration Street (stream full album)
Yuck - Yuck (stream one song)
James Blake - James Blake (stream one song)
Nicole Atkins - Mondo Amore (stream one song)
Bright Eyes - The People's Key (stream full album)
Amos Lee - Mission Bell (stream one song)

SINGLES
Panda Bear "Atiba Song" (stream)
Nicki Minaj feat. Lil Wayne "Roman's Revenge" (stream)
The Kills "Satellite" (stream)
R.E.M. "Mine Smell Like Honey" (stream)

( Reviewed & Photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

Neil Young, Paul Simon and Elton John to Induct New Members of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

2011-02-09T07:36:00.000+07:00

Rob Zombie, Bette Midler and Jon Densmore will also give speeches at March 14th ceremony
By Andy Greene

An A-list group of rock stars will give the induction speeches for this year's crop of Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced. Neil Young will induct his longtime friend Tom Waits, while Elton John will do the honors for his recent collaborator Leon Russell and Paul Simon will give the speech for his fellow Brill Building songwriter Neil Diamond. The annual induction ceremony will take place March 14th at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City. It will be broadcast on Fuse.
Also on hand that evening will be Rob Zombie to induct his hero Alice Cooper, John Legend to induct his fellow piano player Dr. John and Bette Midler to induct her singing idol Darlene Love. Elektra Records founder Jac Holzman will be inducted by Doors drummer John Densmore, while Speciality Records founder Art Rupe will be inducted by Lloyd Price, who was discovered by Rupe in 1952.

( News & Photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

AUTOPSY RECORDING FULL-LENGTH ALBUM MACABRE ETERNAL

2011-02-09T07:34:00.000+07:00

Autopsy are currently in Fantasy Studios, Berkeley CA to record their latest studio album which will be their first since 1995's 'Shitfun'. Autopsy announced their reunion in June 2009 and then released an EP titled 'The Tomb Within' last October, which was the bands first release of new material in over 10 years. The new album will be released June 2011 and titled 'Macabre Eternal'.

Autopsy are a Death Metal band formed in 1987 by Chris Reifert after he left the band Death. The sound of Autopsy started out in a similar vein to that of Death's 'Scream Bloody Gore', but they later refined their sound into more of a Death/Doom hybrid. They've been considered by many as a pioneer in the Death Metal genre along with the bands Death and Possessed.

Drummer/Vocalist for Autopsy, Chris Reifert, commented on the latest album

“We've brewed up the sickest and heaviest material that our rotten souls could possibly spew forth, and we are confident that it's our best stuff yet. The EP was a taste of what's to come, but now it's time for the full assault from beyond the grave.” he continued “The album will contain no repeated EP tracks, no re-recorded old songs, no triggered trickery, and nothing less than the pure death metal brutality that Autopsy has always delivered."

A few of the confirmed track names for the album are "Always About To Die", "Hand Of Darkness", "Spill My Blood" and "Bludgeoned And Brained". Performing on the album will be the reunited original trio of Chris Reifert, Danny Coralles, and Eric Cutler, and they will be joined on the bass guitar by Joe Trevisano (ex-Abscess).

Autopsy have confirmed a number of tour dates for later in the year as below:

2011-04-29 - Neurotic Deathfest 2011 - Tilburg , Netherlands
2011-06-02 - Chaos in Tejas - Austin, TX, United States
2011-06-02 - Chaos in Tejas 2011 - Austin , TX, United States
2011-06-30 - Roskilde Festival 2011 - Roskilde , Denmark
2011-07-15 - Hammer Open Air Metal Festival 2011 - Lieto, Finland

( News & Photo From : http://www.metal.com )

Germany announces artist line-up for SXSW 2011

2011-02-09T07:32:00.000+07:00

Germany returns to SXSW 2011 with a fantastic lineup of hand picked artists performing at this year's festival, including Brandt Brauer Frick (!K7), Hundreds (Sinnbus), Norman Palm (City Slang), Daniel Benjamin (Haldern Pop Recordings), and Schlachthofbronx (Man Recordings).

Initiative Musik will once again be hosting the followup to their successful Wunderbar-presented Lunch with the Germans music and culinary event last year, involving all of the localized German organizations in one place, including C/O Pop, Reeperbahn Festival, Jazzahead!, 20 Berlin-based companies and 25 nationwide German organizations, with food provided by Berlin's outdoor venue/gastropub Bar 25 and entertainment from the electronic music scene (to be announced soon). The luncheon will take place once again from 12-4pm on Thursday, March 17 at Parkside, located right in the heart of 6th Street. Stay tuned for the official invite details!
Brandt Brauer Frick

Daniel Brandt and Jan Brauer, who as a duo named "Scott" produce club music with a jazz attitude, are joined by Paul Frick, a classically trained composer who also releases house music.Recently, they had the honor of being selected to perform at Gilles Peterson's Worldwide Awards in London, alongside Flying Lotus, James Blake, Mount Kimbie, Four Tet and others. The trio are also confirmed for Coachella in support of their acclaimed album, You Make Me Real, out now on !K7. Download and listen to "Teufelsleiter."

Hundreds

Hundreds combine cutting edge electronic and well selected vintage sounds to create an aesthetic of dry melancholy. Hundreds is taking the next step in bringing their music abroad, with their album Let's Write the Streets out later this year in the US on Sinnbus Records. Download and listen to their song "Solace."

Norman Palm

Norman Palm first made waves when he self-released his first album by enclosing each song within the pages of a 200 pg book with the help of Ratio Records. His latest album, Shore to Shore, is out now on City Slang Records and you can preview the full album by streaming direct from his website. You can also download his song "Landslide" via City Slang.

Daniel Benjamin

Recently signed to Haldern Pop Recordings (Liam FInn, Shout Out Louds), Daniel Benjamin has proven to be one of the most promising experimental pop acts from Germany. You can download and listen to his song "My Cloud Has Lost Its Silver Lining" via Last.FM.

Schlachthofbronx

Munich trio Schlachthofbronx have released a s/t debut on Mad Decent/Disko B/Man Recordings, which follows the group's widely circulated Belly Full of Pills mixtape and EP. XLR8R said of the LP, "Miami bass, reggaeton, techno, hip-hop, kuduro, dancehall, and even bouncy, polka-esque deutsche schlager all converge in a way that's so smooth and sensible that you hardly notice... As if the airhorn that adorns the cover weren't enough of an indication, the heaving bass, hard bounce, over-the-top synth lines, and dutty rap vocals that pour forth from its insides just scream "party!"' Download and listen to "Mad Instrument."

( news & Photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

INTERVIEWS : Chase & Status

2011-02-08T07:43:00.000+07:00

Saul 'Chase' Milton, and Will 'Status' Kennard first won a widespread audience with their debut album More Than Alot, gaining particular attention for the guest vocalists chosen to complement their smoothly-produced drum and bass. Ready to drop their new album No More Idols a little over two years after its predecessor, those winning elements have been turned up to 11. The list of collaborators is something to behold, and the beats promise to conquer more dance floors and more hearts than ever before.
We spoke to Saul and Will about how they've evolved on the new album, working with a wide range of artists, the music that's been floating their boat of late, and what comes next.

"I Like Music because…silence is boring." CHASE & STATUS

How do you feel now that your new album is finished?

Saul: Relieved, yet very anxious. I want to see the reactions; how it's going to be received, how it's going to do.

Will: Kind of nervous excitement really, full of anticipation and expectation.

Saul: I want the finished album in my hand with all the artwork and CD casing…God knows who buys CDs these days but I'd like to see that as it is, and just put it next to the first album on the shelf!

How did you approach your second album? Did you have a set structure in mind?

Will: It was a case of taking what we thought worked from the first album and expanding on it. We definitely liked the fact that we used some vocalists from different scenes on More Than Alot; Plan B and Kano. We felt it gave some of the songs a bit more character than maybe traditional dance music sometimes has, it worked well for us and helped us stand out a bit. So we were definitely keen to use our links and our exposure to get some other songwriters to feature. We wrote a list of people we were interested in working with - it was quite a big list! We actually managed to get most of them on there, which was quite surprising. So it was just a case of "let's try to write some exciting music, incorporate what we do with some of the talent in this country - new, old and established - and see what happens!" Just write as much stuff as possible and take the best 12 or 13 tracks. And that's kind of how it worked.

( news & Photo From : http://www.ilikemusic.com )

Justin Bieber, Ozzy Osbourne Poke Fun In Super Bowl Commercial

2011-02-07T13:22:00.000+07:00

Best Buy aimed to make Super Bowl fans Beliebers when they aired their ad starring Justin Bieber and Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne during the big game between the Steelers and the Packers.

Dressed in "Tron"-type clothing, Ozzy appeared on a space set selling 4G service for Best Buy. In the ad, Ozzy shoots a commercial within the commercial for the store. Flubbing his lines, it's announced that a new face will replace the rock icon.
"I'll take it from here," Bieber chimes in. Then Bieber, also dressed in "Tron" clothing, looks into the camera and says, "It's Bieber 6G fever," besting Ozzy's 4G claims.

"What's a 6G?" Sharon Osbourne asks.

"What's a Bieber?" Ozzy replies.

Then Bieber, with facial hair and disguised as a crew member, reappears and says, "I don't know, but it kind of looks like a girl."

According to a press release for the ad, the commercial aimed to "showcase creativity and humor to millions of football and advertising fans throughout the country."

"We're delighted to have Justin and Ozzy help us tell the Best Buy story," said Drew Panayiotou, senior vice president of U.S. marketing at Best Buy. "We know people have high expectations for these ads, and Justin and Ozzy add a whole new dimension of fun."

Bieber made numerous high-profile appearances last week in anticipation of the February 11 release of his 3-D movie "Never Say Never," including stops at the "Today" show, "Late Night With David Letterman," "The Seven" and "Saturday Night Live." Next week, he'll premiere the flick in L.A.

When Bieber sat down with MTV News on Friday, he gave us his pick for the Super Bowl ... sort of. "Either way, whatever team wins, it's not my team," he said. Though he did have props for one team's fan-made theme song.

"Did you hear the Lil Wayne song ... 'Green and Yellow'?" he asked Sway of the New Orleans MC's remix of Khalifa's "Black and Yellow." "I saw it today and I thought that was pretty cool."

( News & Photo From : http://www.mtv.com )

Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash Light Up Super Bowl XLV Halftime Show

2011-02-07T13:16:00.000+07:00

The Black Eyed Peas promised a party at the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday (February 6), and the pop supernovas definitely delivered, with a performance teeming with lights, dancers and surprise appearances from celebrity pals.

Following a Chatter.com commercial that showed animated versions of the Peas showing off their social-media skills, the group kicked things off with their 2009 smash "I Gotta Feeling," descending from the ceiling on illuminated platforms onto a stage surrounded by a cluster of dancers clad in white bodysuits. The foursome led the team of fist-pumping troops in "Tron"-like getups, with Taboo sporting an outfit covered in flashing lights, will.i.am rocking a shiny hairpiece, Apl.de.ap wearing huge bright studs and Fergie vamping it up in bling-laden shoulder pads.
When the speaker-busting bass of "Boom Boom Pow" dropped, the dancers dispersed across the field to create arrow-shaped formations as the glow-in-the-dark lights on their suits illuminated the stadium. Then rumored surprise guest Slash of Guns N' Roses rose from below the stage for a "Sweet Child O' Mine" duet with Fergie. The GNR great rocked a finger-searing solo in a studded version of his signature black top hat as more angular platforms and dancers moved across the gridiron. The platforms were bearing scores of marching-band musicians who blasted their horns and pounded away on their drums as the Peas went into "Pump It" and blue lights splashed across the production.

Quick streams of fog heralded the arrival of the Peas' second surprise guest, Usher, who swooped in on a long chain to bust out his will.i.am-assisted joint "OMG." Rocking a sparkly collar on an otherwise all-white ensemble, the R&B hitmaker cranked out several counts of energetic choreography, enlivening moves from his "OMG" video and at one point jumping over Will and landing in a split.

A spray of pyro ushered in the collective's breakout 2003 hit "Where Is the Love?" as the oddly shaped platforms spelled out the word "Love" in bright-red letters. The team of dancers, which appeared to have multiplied to over 100, formed hearts across the field as will updated the lyrics of the smash with lines like, "Obama, let's get these educated."

Then the group jumped ahead to their most recent single, 2010's "The Time (Dirty Bit)," as several back up hoofers rocking cubed helmets joined the Peas onstage and dancers lined up along the gridiron to simultaneously bust out the Running Man, a move which drew cheers from the crowd.

The platinum-selling Peas wrapped up the performance with a reprise of "I Gotta Feeling," as the quartet triumphantly signed off amid of blitz of fog, firepower and flashing lights.

Ripping the halftime show was clearly a touching moment for will, who tweeted beforehand, "Me and apl started the peas when we were 16 yesterday we were dreamin now were livin it. Wow. I'm not crying out of sadness or nervousness its joy and pride and memories and the journey."

And once the crew left the stage, the frontman was not only proud, but pumped. "That was so freakin sick," he wrote. "Wow...!!!"

( News & Photo From : http://www.mtv.com )

Gary Moore dies

2011-02-07T13:05:00.000+07:00

The legendary Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore has died at the age of 58.
The renowned rock guitarist Gary Moore has died in a hotel room while on holiday in Spain.
The Belfast-born musisian was hailed as one of rocks greatest guitarists.
Thin Lizzy manager Adam Parsons said he had died in the early hours of Sunday morning.
He was found dead in a hotel room on the Costa del Sol reports Sky news.
He will always be in my thoughts and prayers and I just cannot believe he is gone.
The Northern Ireland guitarist was only 16 when he moved from Belfast to Dublin in 1969, to join Skid Row, which featured Lynott as lead vocalist.

He was later brought into Thin Lizzy by Lynott to replace the departing Eric Bell, another guitarist from Northern Ireland.

Lynott died in 1986 but a new line-up of Thin Lizzy continues to tour.
Thin Lizzy founding member Brian Downey paid tribute to his friend.

"I am in total shock. He will always be in my thoughts and prayers and I just cannot believe he is gone," he said.

Downey added: "I have known Gary since 1967 when he was in Platform Three and he's been an amazing friend ever since.
"It was a pleasure to play with Gary again in 2006 after his days with Lizzy.

"He will always be in my thoughts and prayers and i just can't believe he is gone."

A statement from the official Thin Lizzy Facebook page said: "It is with great sadness we hear of the passing of Gary Moore.
"Our thoughts go out to Gary's family at this time and our memories of Gary and his contribution to Thin Lizzy and music in general will live on forever."

Moore was drafted into Thin Lizzy by its singer Phil Lynott.
One of the most notable moments in his time with the group came with his solo on Still In Love With You, from the band's 1974 Nightlife album.

He also enjoyed a successful solo career and collaborated with luminaries such as BB King, Albert King and Greg Lake.

( News & photo By : http://www.music-news.com )

BluesFest London 2011

2011-02-04T07:55:00.000+07:00

The very first BluesFest London comes to town this summer for a week-long celebration of incredible music from some of the greatest names in the business. The Festival will run from 27th June to 3rd July 2011.

The Festival's unique scope covers a huge range of music from the broad Blues, Soul and Jazz spectrum - with such a wealth of musical acts and iconic London venues on offer, the festival presents something for music lovers from all walks of life.
Legends such as BB King, Dr John, Booker T, and The Blind Boys Of Alabama will be gracing stages all over London. International names from all around the globe including Buddy Greco, Max Weinburg, Scott Hamilton, Harry Allen, Trombone Shorty and Monty Alexander will rub shoulders with home-grown talent, among them Georgie Fame, Chris Barber, Jon Cleary, James Hunter, Claire Martin, Tommy Smith, Martin Taylor, Incognito, Sandi Thom, The Unfortunate Sons and Annie Ross.

From concert halls to intimate club surroundings, BluesFest London 2011 will take advantage of some of the capital's best loved venues; from the grandeur of the Royal Albert Hall, to Oxford Street's iconic 100 Club; North London's Jazz Café and The Union Chapel, West London's Bush Hall and Under The Bridge, and Soho's Pizza Express Jazz Club - with further venues to be announced - BluesFest London 2011 covers the length and breadth of the entire city.

www.bluesestlondon.com

( News & Pgot From : http://www.ilikemusic.com )

ALBUM REVIE : Slash - Beautiful Dangerous

2011-02-04T07:45:00.000+07:00

Artist : Slash
Album : Beautiful Dangerous
Realease : 28 Oct 2010
Label : Roadrunner
Rating : 8

Slash is one of those rare musicians who needs no introduction. If you were unaware, he’s recently released a solo album with a gratuitous amount of guest musicians on. Some of which also need no introduction, such as Fergie who guest appears on the latest release from the album Beautiful Dangerous.
When it first leaked that the Black Eyed Peas singer was working with the rock legend, Guns n Roses fans were in uproar at the thought of pop mixing with rock. Image and snobbery aside, it certainly is an interesting mix of creative musicians who have made an end product somewhere perfectly in the middle of their respective genres.

On first listens, Beautiful Dangerous sounds like a nineties girl group trying to rock out to some cheesy backing music. However this tune quickly grows on the listener with its infectious squelchy synth pop, stabbing guitars and uplifting, motivating chorus. And of course there’s a widdly guitar solo your dad can air guitar to.

I’ve not heard the album yet but from listening to this song I am very intrigued to hear what the rest of Slash’s music sounds like. It’s certainly an interesting mix of genres in this one song./ reviewer: Josh Charig

( Reviews From ; http://www.music-news.com )

IS COREY TAYLOR THE NEW SINGER FOR VELVET REVOLVER?

2011-02-04T07:42:00.000+07:00

There are several rumors around naming Corey Taylor, vocalist for both Slipknot and Stone Sour, as the new vocalist for Velvet Revolver as well. Taylor was questioned in a recent interview, but would not give a definitive yes or no response. Whether it is Taylor or not, whoever the new vocalist is they have been working with Velvet Revolver in secret.

Although there is no confirmation from Corey Taylor himself, Velvet Revolver has been expected to announce their new vocalist's identity any day now. Taylor has his hands full with his responsibilities to both Slipknot and Stone Sour, but he fits the description of a "known" singer with a "heavier" style than previous vocalist Scott Weiland.
When questioned about Slipknot's future after the passing of bass player Paul Gray last May, Taylor is more informative, but still unsure. He says he has been taking "baby steps" to try to cope with Gray's death. On one hand he says "There are moments when I'm like ‘Lets keep going for Gray'. Then there are moments when I'm like ‘It's not the same without him" Right now my main concern is baby steps." There has been talk from other members of Slipknot with regards to getting back into the studio to begin work on a new album. However, Taylor says he's just not ready for that yet, stating "There's a lot of things I have to figure out before I can even contemplate that."

Right now Corey Taylor is on tour with Stone Sour, and will be for a while. Stone Sour will be on "The Nightmare After Christmas" tour until February 13, 2011. After that they head off to Australia to kick off the "Avalanche Tour" on March 24, 2011. Assuming that Taylor is the new Velvet Revolver front man, we won't be hearing anything from them any time soon.

( News & Photo From : metal.com )

Elton John says frustration at his dad inspired him to make it in music

2011-02-04T07:40:00.000+07:00

Sir Elton John says being angry about his father inspired him to become a musician.

The openly homosexual pop star wishes his father, Stanley, had been 'more loving', but believes his negative feelings towards him gave him the drive to pursue his songwriting career.

Elton ' born Reginald Dwight ' told the Daily Mirror newspaper: ' blamed a lot of my lack of self-esteem on him, my problems with weight, my glasses ' all these things which are so rooted in your childhood and never go away.
' always wanted my dad to hug me and tell me he loved me. He didn't but he loved me in his own way. I now think that maybe my relationship with my dad, which I spent so many years being angry about, is the thing that actually made me successful. I never wanted to be this big performer, this Elton John, but something inside me gave me the courage to answer an ad in the New Musical Express and it started from there. I do think wanting to prove myself to my father had everything to do with that.'

The flamboyant 63-year-old singer and his husband David Furnish, 48, became parents to son Zachary Jackson Levon through a surrogate mother on Christmas Day (25.12.10), and Elton insists his own upbringing will influence how he raises Zachary.

However, he worries about how his fame and vast wealth will affect his son.

He said: 'Both David and I thought long and hard and this is a worry. But it's something you have to deal with. I would have hated to be born rich. I think it's more of a curse than anything else.

'Our child's life will be different. I don't believe every child needs a mother and a father and that is the only way. How many marriages split up, how many children are unwanted? We love our child, we want him to be surrounded by love and every problem we face will be together.'

( News & Photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

INTERVIEWS : Wretch 32

2011-02-03T07:37:00.000+07:00

After years of climbing the ranks of the underground urban scene, Jermaine Scott (aka Wretch 32) has finally forced his way into the charts with his jaw-dropping, hip-swaying single Traktor. Dubbed The Metaphor Man by fellow artist Devlin, his ability to drop fresh beats with infectious melodies has already taken the mainstream by storm, and the hype around his name shows no sign of slowing.
We caught up with Wretch to talk about breaking through the glass ceiling of the underground scene, using cans as instruments in the studio, and wearing his heart on his CD…

"I Like Music because…it makes me feel me. It makes me express myself, it makes me feel good about myself and feel good about life also." WRETCH 32
Hey....just heard Traktor played out on Radio One…

Wretch 32: Wahoooooooo!

Congratulations, it's a massive tune! Everybody's talking about it!

Wretch 32: Thank you!

Even though you've been making music for some time, Traktor is the first introduction to your music for quite a few people. Can you tell us a bit about the track?

Wretch 32: When I was making my new album, Traktor was one of those beats I got sent over, and it had a lot of elements that I like: it's got a reggae element, it's got a cool, classy element… So we put a vibe down, then said "let's add to it." I thought it wasn't finished without the bridge so I said "let me come back in, let's add some soul to it so it's got all the genres of music that I like." So it's kind of got the bounce, but it's still soul-ish and it kind of catches you. We spent a lot of time making that record to make sure it was right, because we thought we had something special there. We didn't know if it was a single. We knew it was a nice feeling track and that's the kind of vibe that I go for. It's about the feeling.

What has it taken to get to this stage with your music?

Wretch 32: It's been a great journey. I couldn't have asked for a better one. I started off doing my own mixtapes a few years back - well a couple of years ago - and just kind of climbed the ranks in the underground. From there I got radio behind me. 1Xtra were really supportive and started playing me. From there I started playing a lot of shows, I linked up with Scorcher, Devlin, Ghetto and Mercston - we formed a little rap group for about a year and a bit, The Movement, and put a CD out. I did a free download CD, then me and Chipmunk did one together… I've done quite a lot of CDs, about seven. Just to keep my name floating on the underground, you know? Then you kind of get to the glass ceiling and you've just got to smash through it; hopefully the Traktor single is helping me do that!

( Interviews From : http://www.ilikemusic.com )

Stevie Nicks, Rod Stewart Discuss Touring Together for the First Time

2011-02-03T07:34:00.000+07:00

Idea for the shows came from Stewart's daughters. Plus: New LPs from both
By Patrick Doyle

Rod Stewart hadn't seen Stevie Nicks since the mid-1980s, when both of them were recording in the same L.A. studio. Until last month, that is, when the pair, who are gearing up for a 16-date co-headlining tour‚ were reunited to perform on Ellen. "I tiptoed up behind him and put my arms around his waist from the back," Nicks tells Rolling Stone. Adds Stewart, "I'd know those hands anywhere."
The pair have never worked together before, but they've crossed paths over the years. Nicks recalls attending a New Year's party in the Seventies at Stewart's L.A. home. Nicks remembers Stewart, afraid she was drunk and might damage his collection of Tiffany lamps, asking, "Can I have that glass of wine before you walk in?' I was horrified." Stewart says, "Oh, the bitch I am sometimes. I probably wanted more wine for myself."

This article appears in the February 17, 2011 issue of Rolling Stone. The issue will be available on newsstands and in the online archive February 4th.

The idea for the shows (which kick off in March) came last year from Stewart's daughters Ruby and Kimberly. "They love Stevie," he says. "She's just ultra-cool – she has a cult." Nicks will open the three-plus-hour show with solo tunes and Fleetwood Mac classics, followed by a Stewart set that will likely mix deep tracks and hits.

They're still working out the pacing, but there will be a portion of the shows where they sing together. "We won't let people down on that score," Stewart says, adding he hopes to tackle Nicks and Don Henley's 1981 duet, "Leather and Lace." Nicks wants to join Stewart on "The First Cut Is the Deepest" and "Reason to Believe." "That'd be a wonderful one," he says. "We're both sort of sopranos, so it'll sound great."

At the Ellen rehearsal, Nicks spent two hours running through “Stand Back” with her band while Stewart showed up and banged out “Hot Legs” once. “He walks in, expects the band to be fantastic, and then it's, ‘Let’s go and I’m out of here,’” says Nicks.

“In the Faces, we never rehearsed,” Stewart says. “I always like there to be the element of risk in any show. When things go wrong, I love it. We’ll have to meet in the middle.”

Outside of the tour, Stewart is planning an LP with former bandmate Jeff Beck‚ their first full album together since they were in the Jeff Beck Group in the late Sixties. One proposed album title: Unfinished Business. Stewart is also in talks to extend his recent stand at Las Vegas' Caesars Palace to multiple residencies over the next two years, and he's considering a stint at Carnegie Hall performing only American Songbook material. "I'm proud of those records," he says.

Meanwhile, Nicks is readying her first studio album in a decade. In Your Dreams, due May 3rd, is co-produced by an old friend, Eurythmics' Dave Stewart. Together, they wrote seven of the LP's 13 tracks, including "Everybody Loves You," inspired by their experiences of being in bands with lovers (Nicks with Lindsey Buckingham, Stewart with Annie Lennox). "We know what it's like to be in love with the person and be in love with what the person does," she says. "It's different from just being in a band."

Nicks praises the producer for adding a Sixties pop vibe. "I have never written a song with anybody sitting in the room, not even Lindsey," she says. "I suddenly realized why John Lennon and Paul McCartney wrote together. I haven't had this much fun since Lindsey and I were working in the beginning."

( News & Photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

Lil Wayne to guest on new Mike Posner single

2011-02-03T07:30:00.000+07:00

Ex-jailbird Lil Wayne drops some rhymes on Mike Posner's third single.

Smooth US singer and producer Mike Posner scored a hit with his first single 'Cooler Than Me' from his debut album 31 Minutes To Take Off.

It went top 10 in Australia, the US, the UK, Canada and a handful of other countries, but his second single 'Please Don't Go' was a bust.
Posner has now released the third single 'Bow Chicka Wow Wow', with a guest spot from Lil Wayne.

He linked to a streaming version of the track from his twitter here, with Weezy drawlin' at about two thirds in.

He also tweeted a fuzzy photo from the set of the song's video, with a special guest spot from Lil Wayne, to be released soon.

( news & Photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

SONISPHERE CONTINUING TO CREATE A STRONG LINEUP

2011-02-03T07:29:00.000+07:00

Sonisphere was already looking like being one of the biggest Metal weekends of the year, but the new additions to the line-up has heaped even more expectation onto the bill. There will be some purists that say the new additions slightly dilute the Metal feel of the festival but it certainly doesn’t detract from it.

Four new acts on the bill

Airbourne, Weezer, Architects and veterans Diamond Head are all new announcements and should give everyone at least something else they want to see. The addition of Weezer may cause some consternation amongst the more hardcore fans heading to Sonisphere but even Rivers Cuomo and the boys have been known to rock out when the mood takes them.

The addition of Diamond Head is probably the most left-field of additions but when you think of the Big Four additions, it makes perfect sense. After all, Diamond Head were a huge influence on both Metallica and Megadeth and they are probably looking forward to catching up with their old friends at the festival.

You will probably know some Diamond Head songs.

With Metallica covering Diamond Head songs in the past, most festival goers should have a rough idea of what their sound is going to be like but Sonisphere represents a great opportunity to acquaint yourself with a larger selection of their back catalogue.

Airbourne will ensure that the air guitars are out in force and Architects will be hitting the UK festival scene for the first time new album 'The Here and Now' in tow. There may have been one or two surprises in the mix but these additions to the Sonisphere line-up should help make this a festival worth seeing.

( News & Photo From : Metal.com )

Lady Gaga, Rihanna Had Most-Played Videos on MTV in 2010; Swizz Beatz Gets Mashed Up With Fela Kuti on New Mixtape

2011-02-02T07:31:00.000+07:00

Rihanna and Lady Gaga Had Most-Played Videos on MTV Last Year
The single most-played clip was Rihanna's "Rude Boy" with over 20,000 plays, but Lady Gaga scored more big hits than anyone with "Bad Romance," "Telephone" and "Alejandro" all landing in the network's Top 10 videos. Eminem and Rihanna's hit "Love the Way You Lie", Katy Perry's "California Gurls" and Ke$ha's "Tik Tok" also placed in the Top 10. [Press release]
Swizz Beatz Gets Mashed Up With Fela on New Mixtape
Swizz Beatz has released a new mixtape comprised entirely of mash-ups of his productions with the music of Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti. Highlights include a seamless blend of the Beyoncé single "Get Me Bodied" with Kuti's "No Agreement" and Eve's "Tambourine" set to the rhythm of "African Woman." [Monster Mondays]

The New Pornographers to Tour With the Walkmen
Canadian indie pop supergroup the New Pornographers have announced that they will be teaming up with winter-obsessed New York City rockers the Walkmen for a brief tour of the Midwest in April. The first of their dates together will be at the Vogue in Indianapolis, Indiana on April 22. [Pitchfork]

Jónsi Releases New Live Set
Sigur Rós frontman Jónsi just put out a concert album titled Go Live last year, but that has not stopped the Icelandic singer from releasing Jónsi Live at the Wiltern this week in the iTunes store. The show, which was recorded in Los Angeles by NPR in October, is available as both audio and video. [Pitchfork]

( news & Photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

MURDERDOLLS HAVE A WHINE IN BORDEAUX

2011-02-02T07:29:00.000+07:00

It must be frustrating for any musician to have sound problems when you are tying to entertain people who have paid good money to come and see you at a show. Sound-checks should hopefully sort out any problems that a band may be experiencing and sound engineers and roadies should be on hand to fix anything during the gig. Sometimes though, things can still go wrong and this was the case at the Murderdolls gig in Bordeaux.

Jordison stormed off stage twice

The first sign of trouble came when Joy Jordison took his guitar off and threw it at the drum-kit before running off stage. The rest of the band kept on playing before they all trooped off stage before returning with Jordison moments later. Sadly, the same issue resurfaced and again, Jordison stormed off the stage. This time though, the rest of the band continued playing and finished the gig without him.

Was it technical difficulties?

A problem related to tinnitus was the reason cited for Jordison storming off but moments like this are sure to raise questions about the moral of the band. Sometimes people just have bad nights but there will be many people keeping a close eye on the performances of this act for the near future for any other signs of stress or disharmony.

The band is in the UK between the 2nd of February and the 14th of February so hopefully these shows will pass off without any controversy and fans will get to see the full quota of the line-up.

( News & Photo From : metal.com )

Ricky Martin says fatherhood has taught him 'unconditional love'

2011-02-02T07:26:00.000+07:00

The 'She Bangs' singer's two-year-old twin sons Matteo and Valentino have made him a lot less selfish because he always thinks of them before himself.

When asked what he has learnt from his children, Ricky said: "Heavy lessons about simplicity and unconditional love. I don't want to sound cliche, another father talking about unconditional love, but man, that's the way it is. You hear it all the time, but when you feel this other branch of love getting stronger and stronger every day, it's just amazing."
The 39-year-old pop star says hearing his sons ' who were born via a surrogate mother in August 2008 ' tell him they love him is the best thing that has happened in his life.

He told Parade magazine: 'Every day they teach me different things. The love is there. When you have a two-year-old saying every other hour, 'Papi, te amo. Papi, I love you,' it can't get better."

It seems Matteo and Valentino are following in their father's musical footsteps as they both love instruments.

He said: "The other day I took them to a toy store and they went straight to this tiny piano. And I'm like, 'Look at the robot!' But no, it was the piano - both of them. So it's very beautiful."

( News & Photo from : http://www.music-news.com )

Britney Spears Walks Down the Aisle, 'London Calling' Hits 'Rock Band'

2011-02-01T07:47:00.000+07:00

Britney Spears Walks Down the Aisle at Miami Wedding
Britney Spears attended a low-key wedding over the weekend -- but don't worry, this isn't Jason Alexander Pt. 2. Spears was a bridesmaid at the Saturday wedding for her assistant, Brett Miller, in Miami. "It was a nice wedding and low-key, even with Britney in attendance," a guest reported. "Britney didn't want the ceremony to be about her and wanted it to be Brett's day, so she stood off to the side a lot and was at the end of the line for the wedding." (Us Weekly)

The Clash's 'London Calling' Comes to Rock Band
Grab your five-button guitar, keep your eyes glued to the flat screen and get ready to rock out to what is arguably the greatest record ever made: The Clash's classic 1979 double album "London Calling." Harmonix Music Systems, the creators of Rock Band gaming franchise, announced the Clash's touchstone recording will be available for download on Feb. 1 in the Rock Band 3 music store. The game can be played with Xbox 360, PlaySation3 and Wii. (Billboard.biz)

Ricky Martin To Launch First U.S. Tour In Three Years
Ricky Martin will launch his 2011 Musica + Alma + Sexo world tour with three dates -- March 25-27 -- at Puerto Rico's Coliseo de Puerto Rico. In Martin's first leg of his U.S. concert tour, his first stint in the country in over three years, the singer will play 22 dates in 19 cities, mainly in arenas. Martin's tour is in support of his new album, "Musica + Alma + Sexo" (Feb 1/Sony), and he is expected to tour in Europe and Latin America before returning to the United States for a second leg of his tour in the fall. (Billboard.biz)

PJ Harvey Signs Publishing Deal With EMI, New Album On Vagrant Records
EMI Music Publishing today announced it signed a global co-publishing deal with British singer-songwriter PJ Harvey. The announcement comes two weeks before Harvey's eighth studio album (and first with Vagrant Records), "Let England Shake," arrives on Feb. 14. EMI Music Publishing represented Harvey previously between 1992 -2001. (Billboard.biz)

Sean Lennon, Charlotte Kemp Muhl to Soundtrack Rebecca Minkoff Runway Show
Designer Rebecca Minkoff will debut her first runway show during New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center on Friday, Feb. 11. The New York-based designer announced that the collection's muse, Charlotte Kemp Muhl, along
with Sean Lennon, Muhl's boyfriend and collaborator in the band Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger, will provide the live soundtrack throughout the show.

(Reporting by Andy Gensler, Leila Cobo, Jillian Mapes and Kevin Rutherford)
( News & Photo From : http://www.billboard.com )

INTERVIEW : Bruno Mars Chats To Interviews

2011-02-01T07:42:00.000+07:00

First he was a successful producer, working on worldwide hits with the likes of Alexandra Burke, Flo Rida and Cee Lo Green. Then he co-wrote and sang on more worldwide hits, with similarly huge popstars like B.o.B and Travie McCoy. Now, following the release of Just The Way You Are, Bruno Mars is a worldwide number one artist in his own right. Some people are just born to make music, and clearly he's one of them.

I Like Music chatted to Bruno about touring with Travie McCoy, his song-writing skills, growing up in Hawaii and his album Doo-Wops and Hooligans.

"I Like Music because…it's all I've got." BRUNO MARS

What should people be expecting when they go to see Bruno Mars live?

Bruno : Some hooligans on stage, having a good time! It'll turn into a party!

Your brother is in the band with you, how's that?

Bruno: Awesome. I don't know what I'd do without him. Being on the road is hard, but it's a lot easier when you've got family and friends there. And that's kind of the beauty of coming to see the show; the guys playing with me are not just hired musicians. They're guys I was playing with in pubs and bars and stuff for two or three years before I got signed. The audience gets that sense. You think you're going to go and see Bruno Mars, but you're actually going to see a whole bunch of characters on stage.

Can you tell us about the band...

Bruno : As of now it's five people. Philip Lawrence, who's written all the songs with me, is in the band. He's a character! He's incredible live, and so fun to watch. My brother's in there, plus a great keyboard player by the name of Brian London. The newest edition to the band is a guy I've known for a long time and have always wanted to play with, but the timing was never right. He's called Kenji, and we call him Kenjiman Slim. He's a little Asian kid, but he's badass on the bass!

( Photo & Intervies from : http://www.ilikemusic.com )

Florence Welch inspired by heaven and hell

2011-02-01T07:34:00.000+07:00

Florence and the Machine's next album is inspired by the "intensity" of heaven and hell.

Singer Florence Welch admits the first music she fell in love with were the hymns she sung at school, and though she is not a religious person, she is fascinated by the themes they explore.

She said: "I went to Catholic school, and the first songs I remember liking were hymns. I find it's nice to mix the mundane and the magical, the irrelevant with the huge themes. Sex, love, death, marriage, guilt - mix that with seeing a huge sky or going for a walk or turning the page of a book. Living is dealing with the everyday and the notion that you're going to die.

"I don't think of myself as religious, but on the next album I'm moving toward the intensity and passion of heaven and hell, revelation and retribution, that kind of battle. The first album was more about flesh. This is about light."

The 24-year-old 'Dog Days are Over' hitmaker is nominated for a Grammy award this year for Best New Artist alongside Drake, Justin Bieber, Mumford & Sons, and Esperanza Spelding and Florence admits she is astonished to be in the running.

She added in an interview with USA Today newspaper: "I feel relatively unknown in America, so I can't quite believe it. It's such an iconic award. Drake is a good friend, and that's what's important. There's no competition. When you take away the glamour and have a chat about your families, you find out you're going through the same situations. He's a real sweetheart. If he wins, I'd be over the moon."

( News & Photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

DJ Kool Herc Needs Help With Medical Bills; Kings of Leon Cancel March Tour Dates

2011-02-01T07:32:00.000+07:00

Hospitalized DJ Kool Herc Needs Help With Medical Bills
According to DJ Premier, hip-hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc is hospitalized with a serious illness and is need of financial assistance in paying off his medical bills. Premier did not get into the specifics of Herc's condition but he did provide a post office box address for fans to send donations to the ailing rap icon. [Village Voice]

Kings of Leon Cancel Tour Dates
Kings of Leon have been forced to cancel all of their tour dates scheduled for March while drummer Nathan Followill recovers from surgery for a torn bicep. The group's next scheduled show will be at the Coachella Festival on April 15th. [Spinner]

Fleet Foxes Return With New Album
Fleet Foxes have announced that their second album Helplessness Blues will be released on May 3 on Sub Pop Records. The folk pop group will begin their tour in support of the album in Vancouver on April 30th. [NPR]
'Glee' Star Debuts Original Music
Glee star and Broadway veteran Matthew Morrison gave his fans a taste of songs intended for an upcoming album at an outdoor concert in Los Angeles on Saturday. The show, which was filmed and posted to YouTube, included original compositions along with songs Morrison has sung on Glee, like the Police hit "Don't Stand So Close to Me." [Broadway.com]

(News & Photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

JUDAS PRIEST'S FINAL WORLD TOUR NOT FINAL AFTER-ALL?

2011-02-01T07:30:00.000+07:00

A month or two back Judas Priest announced their 'Epitaph World Tour' which was planned to be the band's last, although recently the band has announced via their official website that they are writing new material. Does this mean they'll wrap up their Epitaph tour, release a new album, then turn around and tour to support it?

Regarding the new material Priest recently posted the following simple message on their website "The guys are working together on writing new material - all is going really well - more details later!"... Although this is just two months after the band released the press release with the statement "After storming the world for nearly 40 years and taking their very special brand of heavy metal to all four corners of the planet, JUDAS PRIEST - one of the most influential heavy metal bands of all time, have announced this will be their final world tour!!"

A bunch of other big older band's who've finished their 'Final' tour tend to realize a year or two later how much $$ can be made by doing a second 'Final' tour, and start planning their next one. I wonder if Judas Priest will fall into the same category? Vocalist and Priest front-man Rob Halford turns 60 this year, was it his plan to hang up his leather jacket and retire at 60? C'mon Halford, look at Keith Richards, he's 67 and still going strong (well, he's going... I don't know about strong), surely you've got another 5 years in you!

Stay tuned for more info on the new material, and possible new album.

( News & Photo From : metal.com )

Nicki Minaj, Mark Zuckerberg Shake Up 'Saturday Night Live'

2011-01-31T07:37:00.000+07:00

Facebook founder meets onscreen alter egos Jesse Eisenberg and Andy Samberg, while Minaj rocks the stage and hilarious sketches.

Jesse Eisenberg just scored an Oscar nomination for his portrayal of Facebook wunderkind Mark Zuckerberg, and on "Saturday Night Live" he got the chance to share the screen with his real-life inspiration.

After Eisenberg prattled on about how confident he is in comparison to the characters he often plays, Andy Samberg crashed "The Social Network" star's opening monologue as a bratty version of Zuckerberg. The two compared their Zuckerberg styles — Eisenberg speaks in short sentences, while Samberg just wears a sweatshirt and says "I'm Mark Zuckerberg" — while the real social media whiz chopped it up backstage with "SNL" executive producer Lorne Michaels. Eventually, the 26-year-old billionaire took the stage, and when it was revealed that Eisenberg and Zuckerberg have never met, Samberg quipped "Awkward!" and ran off. Zuckerberg then called the Oscar-nominated tale of the origins of Facebook "interesting," and Eisenberg graciously let the Internet entrepreneur introduce the show.

Eisenberg assumed a number of alter egos on Saturday's broadcast, like the horny adolescent who rubbed balloons on his partner's private parts during a demonstration of static electricity on "Mr. Wizard's World." The "Network" actor also turned up as a hapless contestant on VH1's "Don't Forget the Lyrics" who blurts out whatever's on his mind, like belting "one extra testicle" instead singing Robert Palmer's "A Bad Case of Lovin' You."

The star also turned up in a sketch reminiscent of his "Network" performance, as a college student who gets roped into a television interview with a surly, geriatric reporter who easily loses his train of thought and continuously slams his mic into Eisenberg's face.

Eisenberg also appeared as a castmember of MTV's "Skins" who is reduced to hawking fried chicken and used cars by reciting clumsy product-placement lines, and paired with Samberg once again for an ad for "El Shrinko," a product that reduces man bits to a size the ladies like — or so they say.

Eisenberg also joined forces with musical guest Nicki Minaj for the "Bride of Blackenstein" sketch. Minaj played a bootylicious but mouthy creation of a groovy evil genius while Eisenberg hobbled along as the hunchbacked flunky.

Minaj also rocked a digital short as a geeky voyeur with an affinity for eyeing folks during inappropriate times like, say, a funeral, and even showed viewers how to do the Peeping Tom-approved dance "The Creep."

In addition to showing off her funny side, the Trinidadian-born MC also treated viewers to two theatrical stage performances. Minaj first played "Right Thru Me," taking the stage in a voluminous mauve ball gown made of frilly tiers as pink-tinted fog enveloped the set. The star topped off the dress with a two-toned version of the Gumby-shaped wig that captivated fans when she recently hit London. Perhaps it was the gigantic gown, but Minaj stayed put for most of the song. However, she did keep the energy up by dipping in and out of her animated voices.

Minaj ditched the princess look for a funky colorful bodysuit for "Moment 4 Life." She also swapped out her Gumby wig for the towering, streaky hairpiece from her "Bride of Blackenstein" sketch, and added thigh-high magenta boots. This time, Minaj took advantage of the stage, energetically strutting around. The MC crouched and gyrated throughout the set as she showed off her singing skills, and wrapped up the performance with a dramatic pose and sneer — the type of out-of-nowhere zaniness her fans have come to crave.

"I mean, to be raised in New York, and to always hear about 'SNL,' " Minaj told MTV News last week. "I never had the honor of getting a pinkie toe in the building, now [I'm] here and it feels incredible."

( News & Photo From : http://www.mtv.com )

Lil Wayne’s new album finally finished?

2011-01-31T07:30:00.000+07:00

According to Young Money CEO Mack Maine, Lil Wayne’s super anticipated full-length Tha Carter IV is finished. Maine told XXL, “I was in the studio all night workin’ on this Carter IV. We pretty much finished, to be honest; we probably need about two more songs. We got David Banner coming in tonight, so hopefully he’ll come with somethin’.

We try to make sure–he kind of makes every album. He made Tha Carter III, and made [We Are Young Money] — Two or three more songs I’d say. We could be finished as of today, but we perfectionists so we still looking for one or two more sounds.”

.
Earlier this month producer T-Minus confirmed that the album was almost finished, telling Complex, “Me and Drake had this record that we were going to put on Take Care, but [producer] 40 put this crazy mix on it and just made the beat bang–and after Wayne heard the mix that 40 did he was just like, ‘Wow, I’ve got to use this for my album.’ So yeah, I’m on the Tha Carter IV. ” Producer Boi-1da also recently revealed that Lil Wayne traveled up to New York City to record the album, so all of this seems to check out.
.

While no one has said what the album will sound like, you may remember that Cash Money’s co-founder Baby told MTV last year, “Nothing we do is half-stepping or half-cocked. I think it’s a great album. To me, he’s switching back: (Tha Carter IV) has no Vocoder, he’s back to raw rap. He’s just rapping how he’s feeling. He’s a genius, so the music is always gonna be great.” Sounds fantastic! But when are we going to hear it? Hook us up, Weezy!

( News & Photo From : http://www.myspace.com )

The Vaccines go down a storm at KCKSU

2011-01-31T07:19:00.000+07:00

The Vaccines played a storming set at Kings College London Student Union Saturday night.

A short, sharp and sizzling set saw the indie quartet kick off with 'Wreckin' Bar (Ra Ra Ra)' and immediately the excitement of their live show was visible for all to see.

After having been announced 3rd in the BBC Sound of 2011 the boys have continued to create a well deserved stir in the industry.

Frontman Justin Young told the audience 'As a London band we don't have a home venue as such but you are making us feel really welcome.'

'Six months ago I was a history student here, and now we're playing it'.

Current single 'Post Break-Up Sex' which was refered to as 'a song about us' was also one of the many crowd pleasers.

( news & Photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

FEAR FACTORY FOOTAGE FROM 70000 TONS OF METAL

2011-01-31T07:16:00.000+07:00

70000 Tons Of Metal was a cruise which left from Miami on the 24th of January, circled around Cozumel Island, Mexico, and returned and returned on the 28th. Fear Factory were one of 40 bands playing to around 2000 fans over the 4 day cruise.

Longtime Fear Factory members Dino Cazares on guitar, and Burton Bell on vocals have led the band since the 80's, and Byron Stroud on bass formally of Strapping Young Lad joined in the 00's. Fear Factory have recently been joined by Gene Hoglan on drums, who's famous for being in a ton of Metal bands, some of which are Devin Townsend, Death, and Testament.

Before the cruise, Los Angeles based Fear Factory had been touring to support their latest album 'Mechanize', which was released early last year. The band have 7 albums in total and through their career have spanned Death Metal, through to Industrial and Alternative inspired Metal. This combination of styles has also tagged Fear Factory as being a 'gateway' band for non-metal fans to get into the genre.

For all those who couldn't make 70000 Tons cruise, here's some video clips of Fear Factory's performances. No doubt more videos will pop up from other artists in the near future, stay tuned...

( news & Photo From : metal.com )

Van Halen Working On New Album With David Lee Roth

2011-01-29T19:08:00.000+07:00

Van Halen have entered the studio to record their first album in 27 years with original frontman David Lee Roth.

Though no official announcement has been made, producer John Shanks tweeted about starting the project last week and shared a photograph of Eddie Van Halen's distinctive guitar amp. Shanks, who has recorded albums with Bon Jovi, Jane's Addiction and Fleetwood Mac, had been rumored as the producer for the new album for some time.

Besides contributing two tracks to the band's 1996 Greatest Hits album, this will be Roth's first appearance on a Van Halen record since 1984 (released in January 1984). Still, it will not be a full-on band reunion. Roth-era bassist Michael Anthony is still absent from the group, and was replaced by Eddie's 19-year-old son Wolfgang Van Halen around the time Roth rejoined the band in 2007.

( News & Photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

VINNIE PAUL ADDRESSES PANTERA REUNION RUMORS

2011-01-29T18:55:00.000+07:00

These sorts of rumors pop up pretty often, and once again, as expected, they were shot down in flames. Pantera broke up in 2003 after guitarist Dimebag Darrell was tragically shot on-stage by a psychopathic fan. As the other Pantera members have previously said, Vinnie Paul, drummer for Pantera, once again commented that Dimebag was too much a part of the band for it to be reproduced in any way without him.

"It's ridiculous. Dime was such a huge part of it; it would be just completely asinine to even consider that. I think it's pretty disrespectful from people to even suggest it. He left an amazing legacy and it's gonna be left untouched, it's beautiful, it's pristine and I wanna leave it that way. I am really proud of what I do with [HellYeah]. Of course the history of Pantera speaks for itself. I want him to always be known as ‘the dude', you know. Period. Forever."

Besides simply wanting to preserving the legacy of Pantera and Dimebag, the other members are all pretty busy with the new bands anyway... Vinnie is now drummer for HellYeah, the Metal super-group consisting of the Mudvayne vocalist Chad Gray and guitarist Greg Tribbett, Nothingface guitarist Tom Maxwell, and Damageplan bassist Bob Zilla. Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown are members of the Southern Stoner Doom Metal inspired Down, as well as popping up in a bunch of other projects.

To whoever keeps starting these rumors - please stop! Let the legacy of Pantera speak for itself, there's no possibility for a comeback without Dimebag, and even if the other guys wanted to do it wouldn't be the same.

( News & Photo From : metal.com )

INTERVIEW : Richy Muirhead

2011-01-29T18:52:00.000+07:00

There doesn't seem to be anything more popular in the mainstream charts these days than Scottish pop music (need I even mention Biffy Clyro or Frightened Rabbit?). The Scottish music scene is unearthing hundreds of brilliant new bands; may they be in the charts or not, Scottish bands are putting forward the most exciting path for music enthusiasts worldwide. Amongst this booming scene is Richy Muirhead, a student with a passion for new music who has created something brilliant:

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards is a ceremony and show designed to honour and celebrate the non-Biffy Clyros - the alternative and best new bands in Scotland. As the nominees are announced and the SAMA website growing each day, I caught up with Founder Richy Muirhead to find out more about the event.

What are SCOTTISH ALTERNATIVE MUSIC AWARDS?

The Scottish Alternative Music Awards is a brand new, unique creative project that sets out to recognise and award some of the best new talent emerging in the Scottish music industry across various genres. Voting takes place on the official website by the public in the following categories: Best Rock/At, Best Metal, Best Live Act, Best Electronic, Best Newcomer, Best Acoustic, and the winners are announced on 25/02/10 at the Classic Grand, Glasgow. The event will feature some special performances, with some secret guests involved.

Where did the idea for SAMA come from?

Strangely enough I got inspired from attending MTV Europe Music Awards in Berlin 2009 and was completely blown away from the high production and scope of artists/event. Then I had the ambitious idea to recreate it back in Scotland, at the time it also tied in with a creative music module at university so it made a lot of sense to try something new!

You are the founder and organiser of SAMA, but who else has been involved in this project?

A few of my close friends help with aspects such as creating a hype, poster/flyer campaigns. To generate the nominees I organised a music panel of regional bookers, a&r scouts, and radio pluggers with a set criteria to select various artists. Other people involved include web designers and graphic designers, as i've no experience in these fields.

How far has SAMA changed since last year, and what can we expect from this year’s show?

Its changed quite a lot. This year I felt the need to grow the nominees out to 6 categories, these are Best Electronic and Best Acoustic. The reasons for this are simply because there is a real scene all around Scotland for these two types of music, from innovative producers such as Akira Kiteshi, through to really gifted performers such as RM Hubbert. The scene is great! I'm also pleased to announce that the project now runs in association with Red Bull, Jagermeister, Shootback Productions, Music-News, Ignite Records & Jamhut Studios.

What was the highlight of last year’s awards? What will be this year’s highlight?

Last year was a great show, Billy Kirkwood done a fantastic job hosting it and all the bands were having a great time. Personal highlight for me would be the aftershow...too many stories!

Last year’s show was possibly one of the best gigs of 2010 for me, how are you going to top last year?

This years show will feature some of the best artists from around the country performing, with some special guests, and of course there will be some surprises thrown in the mix!

2011 will only be the second year of SAMA, where do you see it ten years time?

Time will tell, but you gotta start small and remain completely focused and realistic in order to progress.

How much goes in to production back stage for SAMA?

As much as possible – its very important that the artists and crew involved all work as a team, and are all excited to be a part of the project and of course they are well catered for.

Obviously you can’t announce the nominees for the awards as yet, but what bands should we keep and eye out for in 2011?

A local band from Ayrshire called Athos Vienna really caught my attention recently– they're a 3 piece who are a really tight band, with good arrangements and big harmonies. Can't really go wrong with that mix! The band are heading down to Manchester to record in February with Gavin Monaghan (Kings Of Leon / Ocean Colour Scene / The Editors)– can't wait to hear the results! A few other artists to look out for are Miniature Dinosaurs and Xavia. they're ticking all my boxes.

Apart from SAMA, what other projects are you working on and what’s your plan for 2011?

Well I'm currently doing a postgraduate course in entrepreneurship & music innovation, so my main goal is to successfully pass that. I also work for Red Bull & AEG Live which keeps me busy! Roll on 2011.

( Intrview & Photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

Eminem too expensive for Glee but not for Dr Dre

2011-01-29T18:48:00.000+07:00

Eminem's songs won't be on Glee, but he will appear on Dr Dre's new single.

Glee co-creator Ryan Murphy has been dishing the dirt lately. First he started a fight with Kings Of Leon and now he says that Eminem's music was too expensive to license.

He said the price of $200,000 to license 'Lose Yourself' was 'jaw-droppingly expensive'.

He continued, 'We couldn't do it because the episode would've been so over budget.'

There are no such problems for Dr Dre, of course. He'll have Eminem guesting on his new single 'I Need A Doctor'.

The song will also feature singer Skylar Grey and has been produced by Alex Da Kid.

'I Need A Doctor' will be released on February 1 as the first single from Dre's long-awaited Detox album, which he has hinted will be released on April 20 ' the unofficial National Weed Day in the US.

(news & Photo from : http://www.music-news.com )

Nicki Minaj's 'Moment 4 Life' Video To Premiere Thursday On MTV

2011-01-27T07:59:00.000+07:00

On Thursday, Nicki Minaj will reveal her long-awaited "Moment 4 Life" video on MTV. The clip, which was shot in December in Los Angeles, features Young Money labelmate Drake and is rumored to show the pair playing up their "are they or aren't they?" relationship with a kiss.
The "Moment 4 Life" clip will premiere at 7:54 p.m. ET on MTV.

When MTV News' Sway spoke to Drake on the set of "Moment 4 Life," the MC compared the success of his and Minaj's debut albums to Weezy's opening-week sales of Tha Carter III, saying each subsequent project further cemented the collective's status.

"I think it's crazy that somehow, some higher power brought all these individuals together," Drake said. "I remember being on the [tour] bus when Wayne played me Tha Carter III, which went on to sell a million copies in one week. Then it was Thank Me Later. It was this big pressure, and that went on to sell what it did.

"And now," he continued, "to think of the girl that I used to ride the bus with — and that's what she was to me: this girl that I rode the bus with. I was like, 'Female rap?' And I'm being dead honest with you. [I thought,] 'Man, it's been a while since there's been a female rapper, and I'm curious to see how this works.' It's not that I didn't believe. And she was probably looking at me like, 'This Jew from Canada: I don't know.' "

And now, after the successful debut of Pink Friday, the Toronto lyricist said he couldn't be happier for Minaj.

"It's amazing now to see her come into her own, build this brand and persona," he said. "It's incredible."

( News & Photo From : http://www.mtv.com )

AGNOSTIC FRONT – reveal cover artwork & tracklist!

2011-01-27T07:57:00.000+07:00

2011-01-25 11:00 - The Godfathers of New York Hardcore, AGNOSTIC FRONT, have revealed the cover art (attached) and track listing to their upcoming record entitled „My Life My Way“.

Cover artwork was brought to life this time by artist Todd Hubber, who also works with vocalist Roger Miret on designing his street wear clothing line American Made Kustom (www.americanmadekustom.com).  

“The concept was to capture the D.I.Y. ethic and crude themed artistry of the early punk flyers, with a nod to the era of crime and pulp comic themes of the early 50's. Society deemed those materials as having no social redeeming values, and as a contributor to youth delinquency. Similarly outcasted were punk and hardcore in the early day for its aggressive, anti-authority message, and dangerous aura. „My Life My Way“ is a throwback to the early days, and AGNOSTIC FRONT has proven that what society deems unredeeming, has been, still is, and will continue to be relevant.”  

„My Life My Way“ will be released on March 4, 2011

My Life My Way“ Track Listing:

1. City Street
2. More Than a Memory
3. Us Against the World
4. My Life My Way
5. That’s Life
6. Self Pride
7. Until the Day I Die
8. Now and Forever
9. The Sacrifice
10. A Mi Manera
11. Your Worst Enemy
12. Empty Dreams
13. Time Has Come

( News & Photo From : http://www.nuclearblast.de )

Nas Owes the IRS Nearly $6.5 Million

2011-01-27T07:54:00.000+07:00

Rapper also struggling with child and spousal support payments, condo fees and other debts
By Matthew Perpetua

Nas is in some very serious debt. According to public records, the rapper owes the IRS over $6.46 million dollars in back taxes. The IRS filed a $514,298 tax lien on January 10th, which was added on to a $3 million lien from February 2010 and a $2.5 million lien from October 2009.

Tax debts are not the only significant financial troubles facing the legendary emcee: He has reportedly not paid his monthly condo fees in nearly a year, and he is also responsible for paying $5,000 a month in child support and $20,000 a month in spousal support following his divorce from the R&B singer Kelis.

( News & Phot From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

WILL THE BLACK SABBATH REUNION WORK THIS TIME AROUND?

2011-01-27T07:51:00.000+07:00

Regardless of what style of Metal you like, and there are many to choose from, a huge level of gratitude is owed to Black Sabbath. The Birmingham band was instrumental in laying the foundations for Heavy Metal and the many spin-off genres that spawned from it. Front man Ozzy Osbourne may be revered as a reality TV legend these days but his career high point still reverberates around the ground-breaking work the band did in the 1970s.

The last reunion attempt failed

Which is why the latest talk of a reunion of the original line-up is of great interest and you wonder if the band can get it together this time? There was supposed to be a reunion of the original Black Sabbath line-up back in 2001 but Ozzy scuppered those plans by moving onto a solo project. Legendary producer Rick Rubin was all set to work with Ozzy, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward but that mouth-watering prospect never took.

A tour would be hotly anticipated

Therefore, whilst the news that the original line-up are in discussions about reforming is positive, it should not be considered as a done deal just yet. A new album would be welcome but the thought of a reunion tour is what would interest most fans...and the bank managers of all the relevant parties. The original line-up of Black Sabbath could probably name their price for a series of reunion shows and the major festival circuit would be heavily interested if these plans come to fruition.

There may still be a lot of work to do before these plans eventuate but if the original Black Sabbath get back on the road, expect the demand to be high.

( News & Photo From : metal.com )

INTERVIEW : Wheels George Runciman, Felix Howes, Yacob Andersen, Stirling Mitchell

2011-01-24T09:56:00.000+07:00

Wheels are George Runciman (Vocals/Guitar), Felix Howes (Guitar), Yacob Andersen (Bass) and Stirling Mitchell (Drums), a band of fresh-faced London boys who emulate Britpop cool and create credible guitar pop - think Blur, not Busted. Their influences span at least five decades and include David Bowie, The Beatles, The Verve, and The Smiths. After reviewing their impressive single 'Feel About Me' I cought up with Felix to find out a little more about them.

How did you get together and Stara playing music?

We were all in bands before together that didn’t work out. Me and George decided to start something fresh, we advertised for a bass player on gumtree and ended up with Yacob. Best find ever! Stirling who I’d been in a band with before was looking for a band so we snapped him up.

Which are your main musical influences?

We don’t have main ones. All our favourite bands are slightly different but we all love a bit of everything, new and old.

Describe your sound in a few words.

Spacey, guitar monster.

Many critics have compared your music style to the likes of The Beatles, what do you think about that?

It’s news to me. That would be a huge compliment and I would like to shake their hand, but at our core I don’t think we sound like the Beatles: but we love them to bits.

Britpop doesn’t usually succeed outside the UK. Do you think you can be different and go worldwide? Any plans in the near future to take your music to USA?

Of course. We want go everywhere. And I wouldn’t class us as Britpop so I think we’ll be fine.

Feel About Me has had a great critic response. Were you expecting it? How does it feel?

Whatever else they said about it, I definitely wasn’t expecting them to say it was a bad song, because I know it’s a good song. And it’s one of the best feeling’s in the world getting good reviews.

What do you think you can bring to the current musical panorama, which is dominated by pop and dance music?

Big anthemic guitar based hits that people can really get behind. Everybody in the whole world has an affinity with the guitar because it created popular music, it’s the most played instrument and it’s easily accessible. However many DJ’s and drum machines patrol the country a guitar band for every generation is always going to spring up and bring it home.

Do you write your own music? Take us through the process of creating a song.

We’re just like anyone else we take an idea and put it down then build on it. But it always varies song to song. It’s a magical business songwriting.

If you could sing with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

David Bowie. Or Meat Loaf because he’d be a great laugh.

( Interview From : http://www.music-news.com )

Simon Cowell fears he is too old to have children

2011-01-24T09:49:00.000+07:00

The 51-year-old music mogul ' who got engaged to make-up artist Mezhgan Hussainy last February ' admits he struggles to relate to very young kids, but would love to have youngsters of his own to play games with.

He said: ' worry about it ' because of my age. When I was a youngster, my dad used to play soccer and games with me. And I worry that if I was 70.

'Also, if children could be born at the age of five I'd quite like that. I like them at that age when they can talk and understand. I'm not sure I could deal with the whole 'ga ga goo' thing. But I genuinely like kids.'

Simon also admitted Mezhgan, 36, has 'softened' him and has finally made him think about settling down forever.

He added on a forthcoming episode of 'Oprah Presents Master Class': 'Mish has softened me. She's helped me see the world differently. She has knocked my socks off.

''d never been good with relationships and I never thought I'd be with one person ' I do now.

' genuinely believed no one would want to marry me. I am difficult to live with. I'm selfish, quite weird and I need time on my own to think ' and then I work all night long. That is difficult for someone to deal with. And it would drive me mad ' I could never be my own girlfriend!'
( News & Photo From : http://www.music-news.com )

U.K. TRIES TO MAKE HEAVY METAL AN OFFICIAL RELIGION

2011-01-24T09:47:00.000+07:00

Last week, a popular Metal magazine began a campaign that has attracted almost 10,000 followers. U.K. Metal fans are requested to "officially register their faith as Heavy Metal" when they fill out the next census questionnaire.

Saxon lead singer Biff Byford has publicly stated his support for the campaign and would accept the title as "World Metal Peace Ambassador" for the Metal faith.

A similar campaign in 2001, year of the last UK census, led 390,000 UK residents to list their official religion as "Jedi". However, the Office For National Statistics did not recognize Jedi as an official religion and the poor self-proclaimed Jedi’s were simply counted as having no religion at all.

So the question remains: can Heavy Metal be considered a true religion? Why not? We worship by gathering at concerts, by listening with true devotion to our beloved artists that we adore with a fierce loyalty, by purchasing the our albums and listening to them as though they are sermons, feeling the music as it touches our soul. We are passionate about our Metal favorites, and like any other religion, it is something very personal and sacred to each and every one of us. We are a global force to be reckoned with - Heavy Metal will always be my religion!(red/ by: weezel666 )

( News & Photo By : metal.com )

Beyonce hints she was a virgin until she met Jay-Z

2011-01-22T07:04:00.000+07:00

Beyonce Knowles has hinted she was a virgin until she met her husband Jay-Z.

The 29-year-old singer claims she only had one boyfriend when she was a teenager and their relationship never went as far as the bedroom and she has never dated anyone else apart from her rapper spouse ' who she met in 2002.

The pop superstar told MediaTakeOut.com: "People would be surprised as to the lack of experiences I've had. When I was 12 or 13 I had my first boyfriend, and he was my boyfriend until I was 17. At that age, that was a long time. I've always been very loyal and a little more mature.

"Though I was too young for it to really be a boyfriend - we didn't live together, we didn't, you know . . . That was my only experience with a guy, and since then I've only had one other boyfriend in my life ' Jay."

Beyonce - who married Jay-Z in 2008 ' has revealed in the past that her friendships with women have stopped her from getting tied up in unhealthy relationships with men.

The 'Halo' singer ' who was a member of girl group Destiny's Child - previously said: ' think I am a feminist in a way. It's not something I consciously decided I was going to be; perhaps it's because I grew up in a singing group with other women, and that was so helpful to me. It kept me out of so much trouble and out of bad relationships."

( News & photo from : http://www.music-news.com )

SCORPIONS PLAY TO CELEBRATE BIRTHDAY OF FORMER SOVIET LEADER

2011-01-22T07:02:00.000+07:00

The Scorpions may be closer to rock than metal but the classic German act knows how to put on a show that gets a crowd pumping. Even to this day they have the ability to whip an audience into shape so the news that they are returning to London in March is good news for everybody.

Communist block knows how to rock

In what is sure to be an interesting night, The Scorpions are part of a bill that is playing to commemorate the 80th birthday of the former Soviet Union leader Mikhail Gorbachev. It has to be said that Gorbachev is an absolute legend, first he brought about the end of the Cold War and now he is bringing rock bands to London to play in his honour, did Reagan ever manage to do that?

The Scorpions have clearly been added to the line-up thanks to their smash-hit, 'Winds of Change', which was written about the changes taking place in Easter Europe and the fall of the Communist bloc. The group also recorded a Russian language version of the hit, which remains the best selling single by a German artist.

An expensive night could be in store

The gig takes place at the Royal Albert Hall on the 30th of March, with tickets ranging between £35 and £100. The top prices are fairly dear so we can only hope there is a good line-up involved and perhaps one or two other bonuses thrown in to make it worthwhile. At a price that is dearer than the many one-day festival line-ups that will be appearing this summer, you would be hoping for a lot more than a few bands and a slice of birthday cake.

( news From : metal.com )

ARTIST - SIX FEET UNDER

2011-01-20T09:01:00.000+07:00

Six Feet Under is a death metal band with heavy rock influences on some of their albums.

Originally a side project for Cannibal Corpse vocalist Chris Barnes and former Obituary guitarist Allen West, Six Feet Under eventually became a full-time proposition when friction between Barnes and his other bandmates became too much to bear. Featuring ex-Death bassist Terry Butler and drummer Greg Gall in the rhythm section, Six Feet Under issued their debut album, Haunted, in 1995. Barnes subsequently quit Cannibal Corpse, and Six Feet Under issued the stopgap EP Alive and Dead in 1996 to tide fans over until the following year's full-length, Warpath. The bands line up has remained stable since 1997 when Allen West quit to be replaced by Steve Swanson formerly of Massacre.

Their third album Maximum Violence appeared in 1999. Graveyard Classics followed a year later and 2001's True Carnage featured guest vocals from Ice-T. Double Dead arrived in 2002, followed by Bringer of Blood in 2003, Graveyard Classics, Vol. 2 in 2004, 13 and the Decade in the Grave box in 2005, Commandment in 2007, and Death Rituals in 2008.

SFU's newest album "Graveyard Classics 3" was released on Metal Blade Records in January 2010. The album contains covers of several influential heavy metal artists including Metallica, Slayer, and Prong.

Six Feet Under has a strong following in Europe especially in Germany. In fact, the band also released a special German language version of the song "Bringer Of Blood". Six Feet Under have met moderate commercial success, with Maximum Violence being their best selling record and figure among one the top 5 selling death metal bands.

Tampa, Florida, United States
1993

METAL BLADE SIGN GLAM PUNK BAND SISTER

2011-01-20T08:57:00.000+07:00

Metal Blade have recently signed the sleaze, glam and punk influenced band 'Sister'.

Hailing from Stockholm, Sweden, Sister have been building a live reputation for the last few years, but holding out for the right label before recording their first full length album.
Now that they are under the Metal Blade umbrella they are ready to crank out their album and get on the road. No doubt these guys put on an awesome live show, which these days is really how a band like this is going to bank their coin.

Sister are Jamie on vocals, Lestat on guitars and backing vocals, Rikki on bass and backing vocals, and Cari on drums and backing vocals... I wonder if the name Sister was taken from the short-lived project that Blackie Lawless (later of W.A.S.P) and Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe) started in Los Angeles, 1976? There are certainly strong influences by both these artists on Sister.

The band recently commented on their deal with Metal Blade

"Metal Blade is the label we have been waiting for and it feels great to get shit going.
We also wanna send out a big thanks to our fans around the world who supports the band!

We're currently working on our debut album in the studio but more about that later.

Last year's focus has been on getting our shit together and make big things happen. This year is gonna
be the year of the pissed off SISTER and we plan to do what we do best, Rip shit up!!

See you on tour 2011! And til then, CHEERS TO YOU ALL FUCKERS!"

If you're a Glam/Punk/Metal fan these guys are worth putting on your radar for 2011, their debut album is due out sometime around the summer - stay tuned for more info.
( News & Photo From : http://www.metal.com )

Katy Perry announces North American summer tour

2011-01-20T08:54:00.000+07:00

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag drifting through the wind? We do and that’s why we’re stoked that Katy Perry has finally announced some U.S. tour dates in support of Teenage Dream. During a live chat on Facebook this afternoon, Perry revealed that the “California Dreams 2011″ world tour will hit the States and Canada over the summer. The trek, which for some reason is sponsored by Schick Quattro for Women, kicks off on June 7 in Atlanta and ends in Santa Barbara on August 13 and 14.
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Presale tickets for the tour will go onsale this Friday, January 21. General ticket on sale dates vary by venue. Perry has also partnered with I Love All Access to offer a slew of VIP ticket packages, including premium seats, meet and greets, photo ops and pre-show parties. You can find more info on her website here.

Although the opening acts have not yet been announced, Perry said during her Facebook chat that she handpicked all her guests. She said she “really believes in it” and that she’s “so overly involved that I might pass out from exhaustion.” Hopefully not before she finishes the tour.

Fans will also be able to submit their own photos of the show via Twitter which will be incorporated into the live show and Perry says she hopes to find ways to interact with fans throughout the tour.

Perry’s next single from Teenage Dream will be “E.T.” The singer is planning to film a video for the track soon with director Floria Sigismondi, who has directed videos for Marilyn Manson, Bjork, Christina Aguilera and Muse. Perry is also scheduled to perform next month at the Grammys and said today she will be performing a number she “has never performed before.” So we’re guessing that means she’s not going to be playing “California Gurls.”

June 7 Atlanta, GA Arena at Gwinnett Center
June 9 Orlando, FL UCF Arena
June 10 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum
June 11 Ft. Lauderdale, FL Bank Atlantic Center
June 14 Raleigh, NC RBC Center
June 15 Columbia, MD Merriweather Post Pavilion
June 17 Uniondale, NY Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
June 18 Boston, MA TD Garden
June 19 Newark, NJ Prudential Center
June 22 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
June 23 Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Events Center
June 24 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center
June 28 Detroit, MI Palace of Auburn Hills
June 30 Toronto, ONT Air Canada Centre
July 2 Montreal, QC Bell Centre
July 3 Ottawa, ONT ScotiaBank Place
July 5 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena
July 7 Milwaukee, WI Marcus Amphitheater – Milwaukee Summerfest
July 8 Chicago, IL Allstate Arena
July 9 St. Paul, MN Xcel Energy Center
July 13 Regina, SK Brandt Centre
July 14 Winnipeg, MB MTS Centre
July 16 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome – Calgary Stampede
July 17 Edmonton, AB Rexall Place
July 19 Vancouver, BC Rogers Arena
July 20 Seattle, WA KeyArena at Seattle Center
July 22 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena
July 23 Boise, ID Taco Bell Arena
July 25 Salt Lake City, UT Energy Solutions Arena
July 26 Denver, CO 1stBank Center
July 28 Dallas, TX Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie
July 29 Houston, TX Toyota Center
July 30 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center
August 3 Phoenix, AZ Comerica Theatre
August 5 Los Angeles, CA Nokia Theatre LA Live
August 12 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
August 13 Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl
August 14 Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl

( News & Photo From : http://www.myspace.com )

Kanye West Dominates 2010 Critics' Poll

2011-01-20T08:48:00.001+07:00

Annual 'Village Voice' Pazz and Jop survey also explores influence of Lady Gaga, M.I.A., Arcade Fire and Vampire Weekend

As anyone could have guessed, Kanye West's My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy won the annual Village Voice's Pazz and Jop music critics' poll by a record-breaking margin. Not only that, but West managed to score three songs — "Runaway," "Power" and "Monster" — in the poll's Top 10 singles list. Given that West's album has been praised by virtually every publication on earth and that he has won the poll twice before, this isn't much of a surprise.

Aside from a very clever analogy by the writer Steve Kandell comparing Kanye to the Mad Men character Don Draper, the poll's commentary doesn't offer too many fresh takes on West's persona and achievements, which have been obsessed over for months by most of the critics involved. This is fine, really, because the Voice's poll presentation includes some very thoughtful essays about last year's other notable artists and trends.

One of this year's highlights is Rich Juzwiak's essay, which examines the pro-gay sentiment of pop stars such as Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Ke$ha and Pink in a way that is both grateful and slightly skeptical, as stumping for gay rights can easily be taken as faddish pandering in a year when the "It Gets Better" campaign became a viral sensation.

Eric Harvey's cleverly titled "Little Pink Polos For You and Me" is another good read. In that piece, Harvey finds a shared theme between Vampire Weekend's Contra and Arcade Fire's The Suburbs, the two indie rock albums that debuted at the top of the charts in 2010. Simply put, both records deal with anxiety about social status in different ways, with Arcade Fire focused more on the angst of feeling trapped in surburban sprawl following the economic collapse and the burst of the housing bubble, while Vampire Weekend sketch out the awkward dynamics of class in contemporary America.

Spin editor Charles Aaron turned in a piece which attempts to make sense of critical backlash against M.I.A., who received some of the worst reviews of her career for her ambitious and highly abrasive third album Maya. Aaron seems genuinely crushed by the negative response to the record, and in a way, that may be the most compelling argument yet in favor of the much-maligned album. If someone cares this much, there must be something to it, right?

( By Matthew Perpetua | News & Photo From : http://www.rollingstone.com )

INTERVIEWS : Nikita 'There would be no progress in music without taking risks!'

2011-01-20T08:38:00.001+07:00

Nikita is one of the most acclaimed electronic artists in Poland, and is now breaking into the UK music scene with her single ‘Tonight’, a total winner. I reviewed it some weeks ago and completely fell in love with its vibe. It sounds like nothing out there right now, and although electronic music is not as radio-friendly as most of the stuff in the charts right now, this track is addictive. So I decided to find out a little more about this intriguingly different artist. She has an amazing background and all her influences sum up into a unique style of modern music.

You’re originally from Poland. Tell us about the music there and why you decided to move to the UK.

Poland has an amazing music heritage. The Polish Jazz scene is very interesting and has been throughout the communist times. However, I found the pop music industry quite insular at times. Language can be a little bit of a barrier. I wanted to grow as an artist and go beyond the language barriers and national taste. But there are some great projects slowly emerging . I've been away for a while now and I think things changed quite a lot since!

What do you think you have to offer to the current music scene?

I was brought up in such an unusual environment, you know it was actually music that brought the political change about? It meant so much to people and the lyrics of the biggest hits and biggest bands were all about how to sneak the anti-system message that the audience could read between the lines and the censorship couldn't put their hands on!

So everything was being said in codes, metaphores... I have been very lucky to have worked with some amazing people since I left Warsaw and I learnt a lot but I never lost that fresh perspective of an outsider. I am a purist too. I can't do something pop for the sake it it being pop, I think it should happen naturally, be still from the heart.

The music panorama is dominated by pop right now. Do you think electronic music is some kind of alternative style?

I think anything that people connect with is generally pop! It seems to be going round in circles doesn't it? For me it's about finding the balance between the live sound and the electronic, but we are a computer generation, and the computers are just sophisticated instruments.

How would you describe Trip Hop?

It's tag that I was given ages ago because my first album was actually the first electronic record released in Poland in the late 90's. I don't really know! Journalists are better at tagging! I guess it's when the music's affair with samplers decided to slow down the beat and reach for a female vocal.
You have been described as an artist that likes to experiment with music. That can sometimes be quite risky, don’t you think?

There would be no progress in music without taking risks!

You’ve worked with Joe Cross. How did that come up? How was the experience?

We got on really well. Also the fact that we worked on the album in Warsaw gave it such a unique sound. it was huge inspiration to us both - for him to taste a little of that "Bowie in Berlin" vibe, and for me to go back, filter my UK influences through the greyness of the Eastern Block, walk down the same street where i used to go to school...

I sent Joe a bunch of demos he really liked. Then he put together a couple of tracks and I loved the vibe where he was planning to take it. But Warsaw definitely gave it a fresh spin.

Explain the process of writing and arranging a song?

You wake up with a melody in your head. Or you walk down the street and catch a word on a shop front or on somebody's book. Then you start playing with it in your head, apply it to your state of mind. Then you put the two together. You take out a recorder and do it, then, there; otherwise it may get lost forever. You come home, drop the bag and pull out a new session on the laptop. Then come the harmonies, the lyrics, and there it is! The arrangement comes later, with the production, which makes is even more exciting. But it starts from a spark, a tick in my heart... I am always working on songs. I constantly tune in to the world and look for inspirations.

If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be?

I get asked that a lot, but there are too many to mention!

What are your musical influences?

Anything from classical, jazz, electronic, psychedelic, post punk. Although I also have influences from electronica and current pop.

What lies in the future of Nikita?

Finishing the album, then the visual artwork and then hopefully gigs. I am just letting it flow... we will see!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Writing more, recording more, working with amazing people and being given better budgets so more can be done, I am looking into the possibility of acting too, I am preparing something quite uncompromising actingwise!
( interviewed by: Dani Valls Halling | http://www.music-news.com )

AXL AND SLASH UNITE TO SLATE GLEE

2011-01-20T08:22:00.000+07:00

In a world where Axl and Slash cannot even agree over a console game, it is good to know that there is still something capable of reuniting these two. It transpires that strangely popular TV show and pop chart bothering Glee was keen to feature the music of Guns N Roses on their show, and the idea was put to the bands management.

Glee worse than Grease

The idea didn't get very far before Axl Rose and Slash agreed that there was no chance of their music appearing in the show. Slash managed to put the boot in further. Slash says that Glee is far worse than the John Travolta and Olivia Newton John film 'Grease', which was never a musical that was cool or funny. You get the feeling Slash doesn't have much respect for Glee.

Without doing anything new, their back catalogue appearing on Glee, and the numerous covers being available for download, would have pocketed Axl and Slash a tidy sum without leaving the house.

The legacy of the music is important

Thankfully, it appears they would rather not have the money and leave the legacy of their songs untouched by American high school cry-babies. It is good to see that artists still have enough respect for their music and legacy to turn down these sorts of offers!

Whether you wish to ask how Axl's performances in recent years has treated the legacy of Guns N Roses is an entirely different matter, but at least on one thing, the former inseparable duo are still in agreement.

( News & Photo From : metal.com )

Album Review : Duran Duran

2011-01-14T20:50:00.001+07:00

Artist : Duran Duran
Album : All You Need Is Now
Realease : 1 January 2011
Rating : 8

The news of an 80s band making a comeback album is something we have gotten very used to hearing over the past few years. Sadly a lot of these comebacks have only provided us with disappointing half-hearted attempts and false promises of being back on form.

It’s no surprise then, when it was announced that Duran Duran were planning to make a new album, that a few eyes were rolled, especially after their disappointing album attempt, Red Carpet Massacre in 2007. However, with Mark Ronson as producer, a glimmer of hope of bringing 80s music up to date was sparked.

All You Need Is Now opens with the recently released title track which was always going to run the risk of sounding dated, yet the infectious chorus and sheer energy throughout really contribute to it impacting the listener from the first time they hear it.

Although listening to the album you instantly get the sense that they are trying to go back in their minds to the glory days, it doesn’t come across that they are trying too hard. It just seems like they’re a bunch of unpretentious middle-aged men, just relaxing and having a good time in the studio, and it seems that Ronson has really helped bring the youthfulness out of them once more and project it entirely into their music.

The track Runaway Runaway is extremely reminiscent of 1982 album Rio, and is bound to provide a sense of nostalgia for anyone who remembers the band in their best form.

It seems that the only disappointing track on the album is Before The Rain, just simply due to it taking a long time to get going. This is almost redeemed by one of the most effective aspects of the album; the fact that they have kept it short and sweet with just nine tracks.

All in all, All You Need Is Now is a very admirable attempt at bringing 80s music back up to date, and with its nostalgic appeal and get-up-and-go attitude combined, is certainly an album to please both diehard fans and new fans alike.

( From : http://www.music-news.com )

CAVALERA CONSPIRACY STUDIO UPDATES

2011-01-14T20:19:00.000+07:00

Cavalera Conspiracy are currently preparing to release their new album which will be titled 'Blunt Force Trauma'. The album was recorded at Lair Studios in Los Angeles and according to lead guitarist Marc Rizzo - "We recorded everything at eleven on this record!"

The band recorded in the typical order of drums, then bass, guitars, solos and vocals. But for each instrument they recorded the whole band was in the room jamming through the track. This recording style tends to capture a more of a raw/live feeling as well as keeping each member pumped as they record their own parts.

The band's previous album 'Inflikted' was released in 2007 and received generally positive reviews commenting that it was more thrashy and aggressive than either of Sepultura or Soulfly (Max Cavalera and Rizzos other band) had been in a long time. From the sound of things the new album will follow the trend and (thankfully) be more of the same.

Cavalera Conspiracy are the Cavalera brothers, Igor and Max of Sepultura on guitar/vocals and drums, with lead guitarist Marc Rizzo and bassist Johnny Chow. Mark Rizzo is currently touring to support his solo album titled 'Legionnaire' until the end of the month, and the Cavalera brothers are set to kick off a tour with Sepultura starting in April. No doubt Cavalera Conspiracy will announce some tour dates to support the album following these other tours.

Blunt Force Trauma is set for release on March 25, 2011. See the track listing for the album below.

1. Warlord
2. Torture
3. Lynch Mob
4. Killing Inside
5. Thrasher
6. I Speak Hate
7. Target
8. Genghis Khan
9. Burn Waco
10. Rasputin
11. Blunt Force Trauma

( from : Metal.com )

Cheryl Cole buys $3.5 million property in California to be near lover

2011-01-14T19:43:00.001+07:00

The 27-year-old pop star ' who has been heavily tipped to take on a judging role on the US version of 'The X Factor' when it launches later this year ' has splashed out on the luxury apartment, which is close to the studios where the TV talent show is to be filmed.

The Beverley hills property, which is part of the 42-storey Century building, has four acres of private gardens, boasts an in-built cinema, private 74ft pool, wine cellar and is protected by 24-hour security.

She will also be close to her reported lover, dancer Derek Hough, 25, who recently paid $630,000 for a luxury Los Angeles apartment in a bid to settle down with his famous girlfriend.

Earlier this week, Fox bosses fuelled speculation that Cheryl ' who is already a judge on the UK version of 'X Factor' ' will be joining the panel on the new programme after they praised her 'chemistry' with show chief Simon Cowell.

Peter Rice, the head of entertainment on the network, said: "If Cheryl was to be on the show, I think she's proved she's a terrific judge. She has wonderful chemistry with Simon."

( From : http://www.music-news.com )

Album Review : Stone Temple Pilots

2010-06-03T10:33:00.003+07:00

Artist : Stone Temple Pilots
Album : Atlantic
Realease : 1 June 2010
Rating : 8

Singer Scott Weiland gets his well-known baggage out of the way fast, with panache, in "Between the Lines," the opening good time on Stone Temple Pilots' first studio album in nine years.

"You always were my favorite drug/Even when we used to take drugs," Weiland proclaims in overdubbed acidic-howl harmonies, sounding like a couple of wiseguys in gold lamé and brass knuckles, against guitarist Dean DeLeo's granite-blues fuzz and the glam-rock sock of bassist Robert DeLeo and drummer Eric Kretz. STP always had that kind of David Bowie and Bad Company in their veins, even at their most dysfunctional junctions, and they still wear their classic-rock passions like badges.

You don't have to be a Bowie expert to catch the "Jean Genie" homage in "Hickory Dichotomy." The difference here – their most focused record since 1992's critically abused Core – is outlook. "Take a Load Off" is good mid-tempo-crunch advice from a singer who spent STP's biggest hits with his head full of black mojo. "Dare If You Dare" has a Seventies solo-John Lennon effect in its electric-piano stroll and Weiland's vocal challenge. Even the songs with more mess and distress, such as "Huckleberry Crumble" and "Fast As I Can," come with bright turn-around hooks and a hard-pop charge.

Not that long ago, STP would have struggled to hit the simple sparkle of "Cinnamon," with its falling jangle and "Yeah, c'mon, c'mon" chorus. The sunshine is overdue, but it suits them.

( by : David Fricke - http://www.rollingstone.com )

'Glee' Robs Stone Temple Pilots of Number One Debut

2010-06-03T10:27:00.003+07:00

Stone Temple Pilots' first album in nine years wasn't strong enough to stop the Glee juggernaut. Scott Weiland and Co. had to settle for a Number Two debut on the Billboard 200 with their self-titled comeback record, which sold 62,000 copies in its first week.

STP fell a mere thousand copies behind the Glee: Showstoppers compilation, and the Fox hit show claimed the top spot for the second consecutive week despite a 54 percent sales drop, according to Nielsen SoundScan. A trio of chart mainstays rounded out the Top Five: Justin Bieber's My World 2.0, Lady Antebellum's Need You Now and Usher's Raymond v Raymond, with its Hot 100-topping "OMG."

It was a slow week for new releases as only Stone Temple Pilots managed to crack the Top 10. Marc Anthony's Iconos debuted at Number 11, followed closely by the Sex and the City 2 soundtrack at 13. The weak sales across the board — album sales were down 11 percent compared to the same week a year ago — helped push veteran jam band Widespread Panic to their best-ever chart debut: their new album Dirty Side Down entered the Billboard 200 at Number 27, besting the band's previous peak of Number 48 with 2006's Earth to America.

Despite two powerful weeks at the top, Glee's run at Number One will undoubtedly come to an end this time next week when Jack Johnson's To the Sea hits the charts: early estimates have the folkie moving 250,000 copies. Check out Rolling Stone's recent chat with Johnson — and video clips of his newest tracks ( By Daniel Kreps - http://www.rollingstone.com )

How To Destroy Angels: Whatever happened to Trent Reznor?

2010-06-03T10:23:00.001+07:00

Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor is one third of How To Destroy Angels. The new EP is out and it sounds like Massive Attack. Exactly what has happened to Trent Reznor?

Trent Reznor is missed more than most. So you only liked Lostprophets’ first album, so Sepultura have been shit since Max left – you’ll live. Bands like Metallica left the rails for a decade or so, Fear Factory brought it back when they brought Dino back and we thought we’d had the last good Maiden album when Blaze Bayley joined.

Nine Inch Nails were for so many years so many peoples’ favourite band. Now he appears to be the once great warrior who now plays with his own poo. Or is that just what the fans of March Of The Pigs think? Ardent metalheads will have little space for much beyond The Fragile, and probably not the remix albums before it. but Nine Inch Nails, like Faith No More and all too few other great bands transcended the boundaries of music, taking heavy music further afield and bringing in elements no metalhead had ever heard: from the pop-industrial of Pretty Hate Machine, to the sprawling progressive despondency of The Fragile and the underrated ‘clean Trent’ of With Teeth.

Not only were Nine Inch Nails, important. They were amazing. From the music to the live shows to the artwork to the very idea of what Trent Reznor stood for: anti-mainstream, anti-popular culture he wanted to create something that no one had every experienced before (including himself) whatever that might have to be.

We waited four or five years between albums but we didn’t care. They were always worth waiting for. We collectively gave a massive sigh of relief when With Teeth was in fact awesome. Thank fuck Trent is amazing without drugs. As is the case with many ex-addicts Trent went on a super-productive creativity spree bring us, With Teeth, Year Zero, a remix album, Ghosts I-IV and The Slip all in quick succession.

But not everyone was happy. The initial sigh of relief was replaced with a death rattle – did we speak to soon? Had Trent run out of steam? He hadn’t run out of ideas, just – it seemed – good ones. Year Zero in particular wasn’t what people had expected or wanted. Metalheads and NIN fans wanted more of his signature cerebral industrial metal anger, but what we got was an electro album that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on Warp Records in the late 90s – Autechre anyone? The tunes had gone. The sing along mosh-anthems that could get 70,000 going at Reading and Lollapalooza were gone and we were simply drenched in wave after wave of discordant distortion. Radiohead fans were overjoyed to discover NIN but metalheads were disenfranchised.

The Slip was just that. Trent slipping into retirement. Even his last few British shows – including a performance at Sonisphere 2009 – were comprised of obscure album tracks. While we respected Trent for being Trent and not just playing the crowd-pleasing tunes, we still wanted to hear Closer, Starfuckers Inc, Head Like A Hole and others.

It’s not even been a year, and as we predicted, the fidgety frontman has been hard at work on a project with his missus, How To Destroy Angels. As a massive fan of everything NIN (OK, not so much Year Zero and The Slip – though still loving Ghosts), my hopes weren’t high. How To Destroy Angels is a collaborative effort between honorary Nine Inch Nails-man Atticus Ross and Mariqueen Maandig but Trent’s signature progressions and piano flourishes scream loud while Mariqueen’s whispered refrains offer little melodically. It is however not only refreshing but a good match to hear a delicate female voice over the cacophony. While The Space In Between sounds in parts like I Won’t Let You Fall Apart and certain drum samples are those used to Discipline there are moments of genius and as a whole the six tracks are good. Final track, A Drowning, is where the trio really spread their wings and the modernised Pretty Hate sound drips with haunting keys and Mariqueen’s vulnerable-sounding words. Trent has gone from inventor to unwitting imitator as the EP is reminiscent of the rash of great UK electronica from the mid-late 90s – Lamb, Urban Species, Imogen Heap, Portishead, Tricky and Massive Attack.

The short answer to what happened to Trent is this: he got happy. He made some money, met a girl and fell in love. Don’t worry, he’s still a genius, but he just won’t be writing Hurt again.

Nine Inch Nails may conjure up thoughts of guys all in black smashing up amps and videos with cockroaches in songs that sounded like no song you’d ever heard before. And while it’s hard to associate Trent with anything but that, he is now in How To Destroy Angels. Like saying goodbye to the girl who dumped you. You have to get over it, and get used to seeing her with another guy. You have all those memories, and hey, you may even like the guy.

( by jamesgill / Features "Spanish Inquisition" - http://www.metalhammer.co.uk )

Madonna Celebrates "Historic" Pardoning of Gay Malawi Couple

2010-06-03T09:35:00.001+07:00

"I have always believed love conquers all — yesterday I got to see it in action"

Madonna has been an outspoken advocate for gay rights throughout her nearly three-decade career, and more recently devoted herself to charity work in Malawi, the African nation that recently pardoned a gay couple previously sentenced to 14 years in prison for attempting to marry. So it was only a matter of time before she publicly commented on Steven Monjeza and Tiwonge Chimbalanga's case: the couple was arrested in late December and convicted last month of unnatural acts and gross indecency. After the United Nations, Elton John and Madonna — who gathered 30,000 signatures on her Raising Malawi website — fought the sentence, Malawi President Bingu Wa Mutharika pardoned Monjeza and Chimbalanga.

"I have always believed love conquers all — yesterday I got to see it in action," Madonna wrote on Raising Malawi's site. "We celebrate this astounding turn of events with Steven, Tiwonge, and the countless Malawians fighting for their release. It is a historic day for Malawi." Despite the pardon, President Bingu Wa Mutharika said he would not repeal Malawi's strict laws regarding homosexuality, and after their release Monjeza and Chimbalanga have reportedly gone into hiding to avoid further prosecution.

Since 2006, Madonna has focused her humanitarian efforts on Malawi, establishing the orphan care initiative Raising Malawi to bring relief to its nearly 2 million orphans. In 2008, Madonna helped found an all-girls boarding school, and to this day the Queen of Pop matches every dollar Raising Malawi raises. Madonna's two adopted children, David Banda and Mercy James, were once Malawi orphans, and her 2008 documentary I Am Because We Are takes a deep look at the plight facing the scores of orphans whose parents were lost when the country battled the HIV and AIDS epidemics.

( By Daniel Kreps - http://www.rollingstone.com )

Mariah Carey is pregnant

2010-06-03T09:34:00.001+07:00

The 40-year-old singer is said to be 'very excited' about expecting her first baby with husband Nick Cannon – who she married in May 2008 – but is trying to keep the news quiet.

A source told RadarOnline.com: 'They’re both very excited and very happy.

'Mariah and Nick want to keep the pregnancy quiet as long as they can.'

A spokesperson for the star refused to confirm or deny the news.

Her representative Cindi Berger said: 'I am not at liberty to discuss Mariah’s personal life at this time.'

Mariah first hinted she was planning a family in March.

Speaking at the Independent Spirit Awards, she said: 'Something else very special is on the way.'

The singer recently dropped out of her next movie, 'For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow Is Enuf’, citing medical reasons, which further fuelled rumours of a pregnancy.
(From - http://www.music-news.com )

Lamb Of God: “Why Would You Want To Even Wake Up In England?”

2010-03-24T21:44:00.002+07:00

Lamb Of God field your questions… sort of…
Here is a sample of the Lamb Of God interview in the latest Metal Hammer, out now!

What are your favourite mock porn titles, like Rambone or Womb Raider?
Luke (x), via metalhammer.co.uk
Randy: “Weapons Of Ass Destruction!”
John: “That’s a great one. And that’s real! You should check it out.”
Chris: “Frankenpenis! Edward Penishands!”
John: “I don’t look at porn.”
Chris and Randy: “Ha ha ha!”

Does Randy spend hours in front of the mirror practicing his sour face or does it come naturally?
Woodhouse, via metalhammer.co.uk
John: “Yes. To both.”
Randy: “Yes. I preen and primp and make sure I look sufficiently disgruntled whenever I leave the bus. But I came out looking that way as well.”
Chris: “It just comes from being Randy Blythe.”
Randy: “It comes from being in Lamb Of God for 15 years. That’s enough to make you sour faced.”

Why do you all look so fucking miserable?
James, from London
Randy: “BECAUSE WE’RE IN FUCKING ENGLAND!”
Chris: “We’re in England. It’s cold. There’s no sun. People look like they all just got out of a fight.”
John: “It sucks.”
Chris: “The food sucks. Everything’s just slathered with mayonnaise.”
John and Randy: “Ha ha ha ha!”
Chris: “It’s just difficult to even wake up. Why would you want to even wake up in England?”

Do you have an exact date and time the South will rise again?
Alex, from Windsor
Randy: “It does every morning in my bunk!”
John: “Again: go fuck yourself. Next question.”

What’s the best women’s mag to wank to when you don’t have access to porn?
king nothing, via metalhammer.co.uk
Randy: “Who beats off to magazines anymore? Jesus fucking Christ…”
Chris: “You mean like [US sewing mag] McCalls?”
Randy: “Ha ha ha!”
John: “The memory bank is full of much better things than pictures can even be taken of at this point!
Randy: “Who even looks at magazines? People who have never been laid, that’s who!”
John: “People who go fuck themselves? We should probably end this with a big ‘Go fuck yourself!’”

You can read the whole interview in the latest issue of Metal Hammer. ( http://www.metalhammer.co.uk )

Led Zeppelin Turn Down Offer to Headline Download Festival

2010-03-24T21:36:00.002+07:00

Ever since Led Zeppelin reunited for one night in December 2007, it’s been every festival promoter’s dream to somehow coax Robert Plant, Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones back out of their hiatus and into a headlining slot. Many have tried, all have failed, including Andy Copping of the U.K.’s Download Festival, who admitted to XFM that he approached the Physical Graffiti band about playing the fest, which takes place June 11-13th in Donington Park.

“Every single festival in the world approaches Led Zeppelin or their management to get them to pay at their festival,” Copping told XFM. “Loads of money gets thrown out. It’s not what they want to do at the moment and that’s fine. They probably never will, but everyone has a stab at it.”

As Rolling Stone previously reported, while Jimmy Page is anxious to return to the live stage, Plant is reportedly working on a new solo album as well as the follow-up to Raising Sand, his Grammy-winning team-up with Alison Krauss. “Next year I have every intention of playing music live and manifesting it,” Page said last year. “I’ve got the music waiting, and that’s what I’ll be doing.” That statement piqued the interest of Roger Daltrey, who offered to sing the blues with the legendary guitarist.

Led Zeppelin were also rumored to perform at Bonnaroo in 2008, but organizers briefly fooled journalists everywhere by instead recruiting Lez Zeppelin to play the Tennessee fest (as consolation, Plant & Krauss also performed). Even without Zeppelin, the Download Festival has pulled together a great lineup, with AC/DC, Rage Against the Machine and Aerosmith headlining the fest’s three nights, being supported by Stone Temple Pilots, Motörhead and Wolfmother. Plus, with John Paul Jones and Them Crooked Vultures also on the bill, Copping’s dream of having Led Zeppelin on the Download stage at least came a quarter of the way true. ( from : http://www.rollingstone.com )

Green Day Talk “American Idiot” on Broadway and Film at Sneak Peek of New Show

2010-03-24T21:33:00.001+07:00

Green Day’s American Idiot musical is less than one month away from opening, and Rolling Stone got a sneak peek at the Broadway version of the show — which premiered in Berkeley last September — at a sound check this afternoon, and caught up with Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool after the performance.

On a stage adorned with punk-rock posters, graffiti and looping feeds of cable TV news blather, the American Idiot company delivered an explosive, hair-raising performance of the album’s title track. Of course, American Idiot — which is helmed by Spring Awakening director Michael Mayer — is meant to be a Broadway spectacle, but the rock opera still possess plenty of Green Day’s original angst-ridden grit: the cast, sporting Vans sneakers, rock T-shirts and tattoos, snarled through lines like, “Now everybody do the propaganda/And sing along to the age of paranoia.” Like its Broadway neighbor Rock of Ages, the Idiot band plays onstage, giving the show more of a genuine arena-rock vibe.

Meet the cast of American Idiot here.

Afterward, Green Day revealed what it was like to teach the band how to learn the American Idiot songs properly. “There’s one way to simply listen to a record and learn how to play the songs,” Armstrong tells Rolling Stone, “but we sat down with them and showed them how. They’re amazing musicians. Technically, they’re better than we are.”

American Idiot was a reaction to “the age of paranoia” brought by George W. Bush’s presidency, but Green Day still believe the album’s message has resonance in the age of Obama and health care reform. “We live in a very divided country still and we’re just at the beginning of tackling a few of [these problems],” says Dirnt. “If anything, the statements in the play and everything else that’s going on in the world stand more today than maybe four or five years ago.” Armstrong was more blunt, joking, “We really hope the world stays kinda fucked up so our record stays relevant.”

After years of performing these songs, Armstrong still gets floored by hearing them live. “Watching ‘Last Night on Earth’ had a big impact on me,” he says. “Hearing women sing those songs instead of me has been eye-opening — they sound so much better than I do.”

As for the rumors that Tom Hanks’ Playtone studios will be doing an adaptation of American Idiot for the big screen, the play’s director Mayer suggested something is definitely in the works, although he’s taking things one step at a time. “We’re not dealing with [the movie] at all yet,” he says. “We just want to do our show, open it on Broadway, have that experience and then explore those options. Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman at Playtone are fabulous and they’re friends of ours. And they’ve had access and it’s been great to hear their enthusiasm [for the movie project].” ( from : http://www.rollingstone.com )

Avril Lavigne gets hold of Brody Jenner

2010-03-24T21:29:00.000+07:00

Avril Lavigne and Brody Jenner were seen 'cosying up' at a party on Monday (22.03.10).

The 'Girlfriend’ singer - who filed for divorce from rocker husband Deryck Whibley last October, a month after they separated - and the hunky reality TV star were at new Los Angeles nightspot Industry and onlookers say the pair couldn’t keep their hands off each other.

One fellow reveller said: "Avril and Brody were cosying up in a banquette. The two were dancing, singing, drinking and having a blast.

"They definitely looked extremely friendly."

Avril and Brody were first linked together last month and friends say they have been enjoying 'low-key' dates.

One said: "They're hooking up but they're keeping it low-key.

"You can tell they're into each other and both like to have a good time. They're cute together."

Since splitting from Deryck - who she was married to for three years - Avril, 25, has been romantically linked with actor Wilmer Valderrama and oil heir Brandon Davis, but pals insisted she was just friends with both men.

Brody was most recently dating Playboy playmate Jayde Nicole, but they split in December.

After revealing she and Deryck were divorcing, Avril was adamant the pair would remain friends.

She said: "Deryck and I have been together for six-and-a-half years. We have been friends since I was 17, started dating when I was 19, and married when I was 21. I am grateful for our time together, and I am grateful and blessed for our remaining friendship.

"I admire Deryck and have a great amount of respect for him. He is the most amazing person I know, and I love him with all my heart. Deryck and I are separating and moving forward on a positive note."(from : http://www.music-news.com )

Gabriella Cilmi gets a punch

2010-03-24T21:27:00.001+07:00

Gabriella Cilmi gets someone to punch her just before she goes onstage.

The 'Woman On A Mission' singer said she has a strange ritual of getting someone to inflict pain on her before she goes onstage, because it helps bring her "back down to earth".

She told BANG Showbiz: "I like to feel pain before I go onstage. I kind of lose my head before I go onstage and I just need someone to being me back down to earth and say, 'this is real and what you are doing is real, and you're alive'.

"I like to feel alive, so I like to peel pain, so I get someone to squeeze my hand or punch me or something like that - which brings me back down to earth and makes me realize where I am."

Gabriella, 18, also admitted she gets nervous ahead of her shows and is petrified of singing to a huge global TV audience when she opens the Australian Grand Prix in her hometown of Melbourne on Sunday (28.03.10), with a rendition of the country's national anthem.

She added: "It is really nerve wracking, there's some 200 million people that will be watching so it's pretty scary. I definitely know all the words, but I always think, 'oh no, what if I forget them, or what if this happens, or what if I trip?' I think too much, that is definitely my worst bad habit, thinking too much.

"I'm nervous every time I perform, but as soon as I'm there on the stage I'm fine, but it's the part before the show that gets me."

Gabriella's single 'Woman On A Mission' is out now. ( from : http://www.music-news.com )

Nick Cannon Insists: No Beef With Eminem Over Mariah Carey Dis

2009-05-24T18:18:00.000+07:00

'I never even considered it as beef,' Cannon says.

Nick Cannon was pretty steamed over Eminem's brutal lampooning of the singer and his wife, Mariah Carey, in the song "Bagpipes from Baghdad, which appears on Eminem's new LP, Relapse. Cannon wrote and then quickly took down a long blog post where he accused Eminem of being racially insensitive and "still obsessed with my wife, the same female that wouldn't let him get to second base from eight years ago"; Eminem later said Cannon had misinterpreted the song.

Entertainment Weekly talked with Cannon on Thursday about the issue.

"I felt like I said what I had to say," Cannon said. "I didn't take [the post] down, like, 'Oh, somebody instructed me to do it' or anything like that. It was just one of those things, like, I said it."

As for the real reason he took the post down, Cannon said it had to do with the traffic to his Web site, which "pretty much crashed my site. There'd be thousands and thousands of comments and people couldn't leave comments on other posts or any of that stuff. So that was the only reason why I took it down."

And while noted that he doesn't have any regrets about what he said — "I feel exactly the same way by it and stick by everything, but I think it's one of those things where it becomes that it's not really that big of a deal, you know?" — he did say he has no beef with the MC.

"I never even considered it as beef," he said. "It's not beef. It's just, Hey, I heard the record. I said what I had to say."

Cannon went on to praise his relationship with Carey. "I feel that my relationship with my wife is one of the best things — or the best thing — that's ever happened to me, and it has nothing to do with celebrity or this industry. It's all about, you know, just love and finding love and being happy and respecting the union that it is."

( By MTV News staff >> http://www.mtv.com )

Queen’s Brian May Addresses Adam Lambert Rumors

2009-05-24T18:09:00.000+07:00

After Adam Lambert’s killer performance with Queen on Wednesday night’s season finale of American Idol, rumors flew that he had already been offered a job singing with the band. That’s slightly premature, according to the band’s guitarist, Brian May. “Amongst all that furor, there wasn’t really a quiet moment to talk,” May tells Rolling Stone in an e-mail interview. “But [drummer Roger Taylor] and I are definitely hoping to have a meaningful conversation with him at some point. It’s not like we, as Queen, would rush into coalescing with another singer just like that. It isn’t that easy. But I’d certainly like to work with Adam. That is one amazing instrument he has there.”

May, whose band recently ended a four-year-long partnership with singer Paul Rodgers, is comfortable with Idol as a launching point for the careers of rock singers. “You’d have to define ‘legitimate’ first,” he writes. “The long-term answer has to be that, if you have enough talent and enough will to succeed, you will get there by whatever route presents itself. Once you have scaled the castle walls, with the sword in your hand, it matters little how you got there. I’ve not always been positive about shows like this, but there is no doubt that it offers a door to some real genuine talent along the way.”

“Both those boys are well worthy of big success,” May continues, in regard to Lambert and Idol winner Kris Allen. “So it’s pointless for someone like me to stand on the sidelines jeering. I’m confident Adam will make great use of this wonderful opportunity. I hope I’m there to see it.”
( News from : http://www.rollingstone.com )