Music journalists get hit with a steady helping of press releases every day. For the music fan without that kind of sensory overload, a lot of music news can pass by without being seen. Every Friday, we will weed through and compile a list of some of the most intriguing press releases to come across our virtual desk.
Mac Miller
We at M.E. are saddened to hear about Mac Miller’s untimely death today at the age of 26.
Peep a recent live performance of “Hurt Feelings” off his latest album ‘Swimming”.
Music journalists get hit with a steady helping of press releases every day. For the music fan without that kind of sensory overload, a lot of music news can pass by without being seen. Every Friday, we will weed through and compile a list of some of the most intriguing press releases to come across our virtual desk.
Art of Cool Fest
The 5th Annual Art of Cool Fest returns to Durham, NC on September 28-30, 2018! Don’t miss a chance to see Erykah Badu, Maxwell, Nas, Sons of Kemet, Iman Omari, Sángo and Damien Escobar! Get tix HERE!
Music journalists get hit with a steady helping of press releases every day. For the music fan without that kind of sensory overload, a lot of music news can pass by without being seen. Every Friday, we will weed through and compile a list of some of the most intriguing press releases to come across our virtual desk.
Enchanted Forest
Enchanted Forest Gathering just dropped its 2018 lineup including its usual dose of high-octane EDM performers and a more substantial array of diverse talent ranging from hip-hop to reggae, soul, and jam in 2018. The annual camping event will feature live performances from Beats Antique, Keys n Krates, Graves, Ozomatli, Dumpstaphunk and Del the Funky Homosapien w/ Amp Live, Lyrics Born, Truth, Mark Farina, Antennae, Sticky Buds, Phutureprimitive and over 100 nationally renowned acts, over three days this summer.
From the throbbing bass of The Grove to the soulful roots of The Knoll, music fills the air at Enchanted Forest. Whether you’re splashing to the bouncy beats at the Saucy Spa or grooving to local tunes at the Summertronica Lounge, there is more than great music at this great festival including daily yoga, workshops and even daycare at Kidslandia – a unique family supported aspect of the weekend camping event. More like an adult utopia on the edge of the redwood forest, this is one of the events that make the California music scene unique.
In the spirit of so many, Dave Chapelle (Comedy Central), Barry Sanders (Detroit Lions), surely music has it’s share of those cut cut their own careers short. Hate to use the word careers, but, if it fits, wear it. No, I’m not talking about those cut short by death, but why not (morbidly) scan the list?
Bob Marley
The Doors
Janis Joplin
Sublime
Nirvana
Snot
Jeff Buckley
Elliot Smith
…
Pardon to those we missed. But those that made that one album that finally dug deep, or even made just one album, never to be heard from again. For some reason, the mystery will always exist for these fine collectives.
Music journalists get hit with a steady helping of press releases every day. For the music fan without that kind of sensory overload, a lot of music news can pass by without being seen. Every Friday, we will weed through and compile a list of some of the most intriguing press releases to come across our virtual desk.
Afropunk BK
AFROPUNK ANNOUNCES BROOKLYN FESTIVAL LINEUP FOR AUGUST 25TH AND 26TH
INCLUDES ERYKAH BADU, TYLER, THE CREATOR, MIGUEL, JANELLE MONAE , THE INTERNET, LOLAWOLF, TWIN SHADOW, IBEYI, DENZEL CURRY, H.E.R., JADEN SMITH, WILLOW SMITH, JAMILA WOODS, JESSIE REYEZ AMONG OTHERS
The world renowned festival, AFROPUNK, has announced the lineup for its critically weekend-long, annual celebration, AFROPUNK BROOKLYN to take place on August 25 & 26 at Brooklyn’s Commodore Barry Park in Fort Greene. The 2018 version of AFROPUNK Fest continues to display one of the most exciting and inclusive lineups in the world. Headlining the fest is Erykah Badu, Tyler, The Creator, Miguel and Janelle Monae. Other performers include The Internet, Twin Shadow, Ibeyi, H.E.R., Daniel Caesar, Lolawolf, Jaden Smith, Willow Smith, Trash Talk, The Fever 333, Denzel Curry, Smino, Jamila Woods, Jessie Reyes and many more (initial lineup below).
The festival that began in Brooklyn in 2005 has since expanded around the world – to Paris and Johannesburg, to London and Atlanta. Beyond the constellation of large-scale live-music events, AFROPUNK is a world-wide community that is the engine of the global black experience, creating space and value for the intersections, embracing the plurality of our stories and individualities across borders and continents. The AFROPUNK festivals are gathering places to experience art and fashion, food and local markets. AFROPUNK is where the global majority comes to see and be seen, to speak loudly and proudly, to resist and party – and, most of all, to make the future.
As has become custom of the now-global movement, AFROPUNK has created a theme for this year’s festivals: The People Resist, a message that brings together AFROPUNK ideology and the people who support it, in resistance to those that strive to oppress. (The entirety of The Peoples Resist statement can be read at the bottom of the press release.)
This year through the work of the AFROPUNK Global Initiative, AFROPUNK has created a new ticketing program called BOGO (Buy One Give One). With each BOGO GA Ticket purchase, (1) additional ticket will be provided to a New York City area youth participating in diversion programs with arts organizations like Recess Art and Young New Yorkers that create pathways to art disciplines and access to mentorship from working artists as an alternative to incarceration.
Within that same breadth and in an effort to make sure that everyone who wants to be a part of the AFROPUNK experience can be, the festival will be bringing back it’s earned ticket program called AFROPUNK ARMY. The earned ticket social justice advocacy program gives fans the opportunity to join AFROPUNK’s volunteer corps for admittance to the festival. AFROPUNK works closely with nonprofit partners to provide volunteer activities and community givebacks in exchange for a ticket to the festival (a minimum of 8 hours of volunteer work will earn ONE General Admission ticket). The AP ARMY program will launch later in the year. To find out more information about the AFROPUNK ARMY volunteer program, fans can sign up at afropunkfest.com.
Also returning this year is The SpinThrift Market, which showcases the best of the AFROPUNK maker community. 90+ DIY-minded craft vendors who sell an array of one-of-a-kind jewelry, natural beauty products, apparel, housewares, books, prints, and more. First selections for the SpinThrift Market include BLK MKT Vintage, Wrap Life, STUZO CLOTHING, Fanta Celah International, ReformedSchool, SHAKALULU and Afrodesiac Worldwide.
As AFROPUNK links communities around the world, it’s important for the AFROPUNK community to connect with unique experiences for the best value. AFROPUNK has partnered with local hotels to offer special rates to attendees The BKLYN House, Brooklyn Hotel, Even Hotel, Hampton Inn, Red Lion, Tilary Hotel, Hotel RL and William Vale among others. AFROPUNK is also proud to announce that we have partnered with Black & Abroad, Tastemakers Africa, and NOMADNESS Travel Tribe to provide uniquely immersive experiences in each festival city that are authentic, inclusive, and most importantly, celebrations of black history and culture. Stay tuned as we announce the experiences that bring each AFROPUNK Festival city to life!
Music journalists get hit with a steady helping of press releases every day. For the music fan without that kind of sensory overload, a lot of music news can pass by without being seen. Every Friday, we will weed through and compile a list of some of the most intriguing press releases to come across our virtual desk.
Soundset 2018
With Spring fast approaching, Rhymesayers Entertainment and Rose Presents reveal the details for the 11th annual Soundset Festival. Once again, the pre-eminent Midwest music and lifestyle experience takes over the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on the Midway Sunday May 27, 2018.
This follows last year’s 10 year anniversary, the biggest year to date, which attracted over 35,000 fans.
Over the years, Soundset has asserted its place at the forefront of the culture as “the largest one-day Hip-Hop festival in the world.” 2018 continues that tradition, only bigger, better, and bolder. In addition to over 40 of the genre’s hottest acts, the day features b-boy and b-girl competitions, DJ sets, live production showcases, art exhibits, a skateboard showdown, custom car show, and more.
It all goes down when gates open at 11:00 AM on May 27 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds on the Midway. Rain or shine.
Confirmed artists for Soundset 2018 include:
Logic, Migos, Atmosphere, Erykah Badu, Tyler The Creator, Russ, Wu-Tang Clan (25th
Anniversary Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers), Brockhampton, Ice-T, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie, Hieroglyphics, Prof, Jaden Smith, Grieves, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Murs, Rapsody, Evidence, Kamaiyah, Westside Gunn & Conway, J.I.D, Young M.A, deM atlaS, DJ
Scratch, Pell, Jack Harlow, Skratch Bastid, DJ Livia, Bugus, Quincey White, The
Lioness, OG Grip, Lazerbeak and Paper Tiger are Sick Trim, Willie Wonka, DJ
Rowsheen, Mike 2600, DJ Bles One and more.
Once again, Atmosphere is primed to deliver an unforgettable hometown set following up their critically acclaimed, Fishing Blues. Red hot from the runaway success of his GRAMMY® Award-nominated quadruple-platinum smash “1-800-273-8255” and third opus Everybody, Logic joins the bill among the headliners, promising nothing short of a show-stopping gig. Three of the hottest names in the game, the multiplatinum triumvirate Migos stand poised to bring the house down after crushing the Billboard Top 200 at #1 with Culture II earlier this year. It’s the first time they’re here!
Legendary R&B and soul sorceress Erykah Badu graces the stage with what promises to be pure magic as Odd Future founder and gold force of nature Tyler, The Creator gets ready to ignite the mosh pits. Supporting his full-length debut There’s Really A Wolf, Virginia’s own Russ takes over with his own fire and flash.
A group that needs no introduction, Wu-Tang Clan will unite to celebrate one of the most influential, impactful, and important rap albums of all-time as Enter The Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers turns 25 this year, Multiplatinum New York disruptor A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie brings new East Coast energy, while Ice T reps the West Coast O.G.’s like only he can. Musical collective Brockhampton turn up with their wave-making sound as rising pop icon Jaden Smith fuels the party with style and substance. Minnesota’s own Prof will be on hand to rep his hometown, introducing the audience to his new album Pookie Baby due out on April 13.
Touting new music from his latest Rhymesayers epic Weather or Not, Dilated Peoples’ Evidence makes his way back to the hallowed Soundset stage. Pell drops in with some New Orleans style, and XXL Freshman Cover star Kamaiyah flaunts Bay Area bravado with a hint of massive melody. Just a month after releasing A Journey Into the Unimaginable, L.A.’s own Murs unlocks a live trip of his own for fans. Making his first appearance at Soundset, the legendary DJ Jazzy Jeff brings decades of skill to the lineup. Rhymesayers own and another vet Grieves returns to Soundset performing his new album, Running Wild. Rapsody is back for a second go-round, as is Hieroglyphics. Dreamville’s own J.I.D. ignites the stage with tracks from his debut The Never Story. Minnesota native Lazerbeak also teams with Paper Tiger for their first ever live performance as Sick Trim.
Reprising his role as main stage master of ceremonies for the sixth time, radio and television personality Sway Calloway of SiriusXM Shade 45 returns to the fest. Heather B of SiriusXM, JPRATT and CROS One are also on hand again to host the other stages.
Always going beyond the music, the Essential Elements tent houses the 5th annual Freestyle Session Minnesota B-Boy/B-Girl competition. The Skateboard Showdown presented by Familia offers an extreme angle for the eighth year. Fans get to experience the Soundset Custom Car Show and the Last of the Record Buyers production showcase for the tenth time. Plus, the second live painting exhibition.
That’s not even half of it though. You’ll have to get a ticket for the full effect…
Music journalists get hit with a steady helping of press releases every day. For the music fan without that kind of sensory overload, a lot of music news can pass by without being seen. Every Friday, we will weed through and compile a list of some of the most intriguing press releases to come across our virtual desk.
Cheltenham Jazz Fest
Stars from all corners of the globe will once again descend on the Regency town of Cheltenham for the return of the Cheltenham Jazz Festival. Boasting a unique programme packed with UK debuts, one-off performances and exclusively curated concerts, this year’s festival, which runs from May 2nd to 7th, is set to deliver its trademark, broad-appealing mix of the best classic and contemporary jazz, soul, blues, and pop on offer from an array of international powerhouse acts, and the brightest emerging talent.
Joining an impressive raft of high-profile names already announced for this year’s festival, including the likes of Kamasi Washington, Randy Crawford, Donny McCaslin, Beth Hart and Nigel Kennedy, are visionary singer-songwriter Van Morrison, multi-million-selling Corinne Bailey Rae, award-winning pop-jazz singer Caro Emerald and chart-topping Irish vocalist Imelda May. Rick Astley will be exploring jazz and the Great American Songbook backed by the Ronnie Scott’s Big Band and internationally revered food critic Jay Rayner fronts his much-lauded piano quartet. 2018 will also see the festival’s first curated concert series by DJ and broadcaster Gilles Peterson, which will feature shows from neo-soul frontrunner Jordan Rakei, MOBO and Jazz FM Award-winning drummer Moses Boyd’s Exodus, and the hotly-tipped UK singer-songwriter Zara McFarlane. Artistic Curator Jamie Cullum has once again selected some of his stand-out acts for the festival, with Mercury-nominated prog jazzers Dinosaur, cinematic nu-jazz outfit Portico Quartet, and the first ever UK performance from Christian McBride’s Big Band among his top picks.
Other heavyweight names confirmed for the 6-day event are British jazz giant and multiple MOBO winner Courtney Pine’s celebrated collaboration with soul singer Omar, legendary funk crew Tower of Power, Roller Trio with an exclusive set premiering new material, inimitable US jazz vocalist China Moses, boundary-pushing sounds from venerable British saxophonist Evan Parker’s Trance Map+ for what will be their second ever performance, Seun Kuti, the son of the legendary Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, with his late father’s band Egypt 80, and previously unheard material from Empirical.. Kansas Smitty’s House Band return to the Daffodil following their sold-out takeover last year to present their best of the programme from their East London bar. Also back by popular demand are electronic musicians Iain Chambers and Dan Nicholls with their Recomposed series, which this year will see performances from Swiss vocalist Lucia Cadotsch and Kit Downes’ fierce piano trio ENEMY, who launch their new album at the festival, reworked and artfully mixed into an entirely new piece of music at the Parabola (“an exhilarating ride” – The Guardian). A unique cross-arts project is also set for the Parabola, which brings together the dynamic Birmingham-based band Hansu-Tori with dancers from Birmingham Royal Ballet to perform excerpts from their show Wolves Are People Too, inspired by the iconic Japanese animation film Wolf Children.
Long-standing festival partner BBC Radio 2 will host live onsite broadcasts across the weekend, including a Rollin’ On The River themed Friday Night Is Music Night which will see the BBC Concert Orchestra and Guy Barker Big Band plus a host of acclaimed guest vocalists including Shaun Escoffery and Vanessa Haynes on a musical journey along the Mississippi River. There will also be live broadcasts from Clare Teal and Jo Whiley, as well as from Cerys Matthews and Gilles Peterson on BBC Radio 6Music.
Representing the younger generation are London-based contemporary jazz guitarist Rob Luft, the breathtaking vocals of Jazzmeia Horn, who blew audiences away with her performance at this year’s Grammys ceremony, US soul singer Jalen N’Gonda, best known for his 2017 breakthrough hit “I Need You”, Jamie Cullum’s festival pick vocalist Anoushka Lucas, and a double bill from 24-year-old rising star vocalist Hannah Grace, and last year’s winner of Glastonbury’s ‘Emerging Talent’ competition Josh Barry.
As well as providing a platform for a new generation of artists, the festival offers a range of inspirational opportunities for young people: introducing jazz to preschoolers in the Yamaha Discovery Space; initiating primary-aged children in the joy of jazz; providing performance opportunities for local school jazz bands; and offering behind the scenes access and one-on-one career advice from industry professionals, which will be available for the first time this year by appointment. The winner of the inaugural LetterOne ‘RISING STARS’ Jazz Award, 19-year-old guitarist Tom Ibarra, will start his tour of the seven major jazz festivals in Europe at Cheltenham.
The 2018 Cheltenham Jazz Festival is hosted in a tented festival village in the town centre’s picturesque Montpellier Gardens, featuring the Henry Westons Big Top stage, Jazz Arena, Free Stage, Yamaha Discovery Space, a programme of family activities and events and a food, drink and market area. The Festival reaches beyond the festival village into Cheltenham bringing jazz to venues throughout the day until late into the night. These include Cheltenham Town Hall, Cheltenham Ladies’ College Parabola Arts Centre, Hotel du Vin, Malmaison and The Daffodil, as well as a dynamic free fringe line-up …around town with over 90 shows across the festival weekend.
Tickets go on sale to members from February 28th and on general sale from March 7th.
Music journalists get hit with a steady helping of press releases every day. For the music fan without that kind of sensory overload, a lot of music news can pass by without being seen. Every Friday, we will weed through and compile a list of some of the most intriguing press releases to come across our virtual desk.
2018 She Rocks Awards
The sixth annual She Rocks Awards rocked the House of Blues Anaheim on January 26, 2018. Hosted by the Women’s International Music Network (the WiMN), the gala celebration featured a star studded array of honorees that included Melissa Etheridge, Kate Pierson & Cindy Wilson of The B-52s, Exene Cervenka of X and members of the pioneering all-female rock band Fanny, as well many other women from all corners of the music and audio industry.
Featured performers Command Sisters delivered an upbeat B-52s medley that had the house singing along. The evening also included the premiere of a new song by WiMN founder Laura B. Whitmore and recording artist Jenna Paone called, “Just a Girl,” along with a moving video that delivered a message encouraging girls to dream big. Laura B. Whitmore co-hosted along with Kat Corbett of LA radio station KROQ.
Other highlights included a fantastic performance of the Etheridge hit “Come to My Window” by Laura Clapp, and Olivia Rox’s rendition of the Pat Benatar anthem “Invincible.” Alaska Reid of Alyeska interpreted X’s hit “Breathless” with sultry abandon. Members of the pioneering rock band Fanny shared their new project, Fanny Walked the Earth, with a preview of their upcoming 2018 release.
The rousing finale brought together members of Fanny, The B-52s, Melissa Etheridge and performers Olivia Rox, Jenna Paone, Laura Clapp and Sabrina Lentini to deliver an inspired performance of “Respect.” The song, made famous by Aretha Franklin, but written by Otis Redding (whose daughter, Karla Redding-Andrews, was also honored during the event), was an energetic ending to a moving evening.
The full list of 2018 honorees includes:
• Pat Benatar, four-time GRAMMY® Award-winning artist
• Melissa Etheridge, Grammy® Award- and Academy® Award-winning artist
• The B-52s Katie Pierson & Cindy Wilson, original members of one of the most beloved party rock bands of all time
• Karla Redding-Andrews, Executive Director for The Otis Redding Foundation
• Exene Cervenka, vocalist for the iconic punk band, X
• Amberly Crouse-Knox, Senior Director of Creative and Business Development, BMG Production Music
• Jean Millington Adamian, June Millington, Brie Howard Darling, Patti Quatro Ericson and Alice de Buhr of the pioneering all-female American rock band, Fanny
• Candace Stewart, Studio Manager, EastWest Studios in Hollywood
• Dawn Birr, Channel Manager for the Americas, Sennheiser Business Solutions
• Fabi Reyna, Founder and Editor of She Shreds Media
• Vanessa Mering, Marketing Manager, HARMAN Professional
• Kristy Porter, Guitar Center’s Director of Merchandising, General Accessories & Media
Whitmore reflected, “We were proud to formally recognize all the 2018 honorees at the She Rocks Awards. From manufacturers to musicians, our honorees span all corners of our industry. I felt truly humbled to be able to acknowledge their leadership and accomplishments. It was such a pleasure to join with them in this year’s celebration of women in music.”
Friends, foes and the rest, lend me your ear as we go over what is expected to be the best year of albums releases in albums releases since, god knows when. What is likely to be looked back at as the legendary year of hypes, flops and… the rest…
1. Radiohead – Since “Pablo Honey”, these guys don’t know what musical privacy means. That said, they ALWAYS COME THROUGH in the coffee clutch. Gonna be a a great recording folks.
2. Brand New – Tease and tease, seemingly, this album was recorded, mixed and planned months ago, they’re biding their time, as per status quo. Good luck will bring it in 2016. Hang in there.
3. Atmosphere – Sean Daley and Aaron Lewis have surely met? “It’s been a while” since you inspired with that uniqueness you bleed.
4. Deftones – The teaser was so fine, let’s stick with it…don’t just be another album again.
5. Kings of Leon – We know you’re saying “God’s (not Lord’s) gonna get us back,” just admit it bro. Seriously, two straight disappointing albums, its time the Talihina foursome hits us with the real thing. They will lose the majority of their fans if they don’t publish aggressive, reckless loving punk and blues again. Sorry, this is the awkward truth.
6. Tool – In the same ilke of KOL, these guys could lose some fans if after years of inter-drama and all that jazz they don’t release a majory innovative collection of songs. This album cements their place in musical history, for good-or-ill, we ain’t talking about Puscifier folks, we’re talking that over-grown, over analyzed, ridiucoulous amount of materials (drums and strings) for one six settings recording session that includes echoes and avenues never visited by any rock band in history.
7. Jeff Buckley –
8. Explosions In The Sky- They just NEVER FAIL
9. Incubus – They could ressurect their career with a return to aggro-rock, but no one would believe it. Just go back to heartful shit and wish for the best.
10. M83 – Stick with what works, we obviously love the instrumental and lyric-light strife, make more!!!!!
Even big names like Wolfmother, Metallica, NIN, RHCP, Sepultura, Soundgarden,, TEsament, U2 and Wiz Khalifa will all bring a dramatic expectation to their release, whether they meet it or not, well, I suppose that’s a horse of another colour.
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