Home Blog Page 121

The Fabulous Thunderbirds Celebrate 50th Anniversary With “Payback Time (feat. Billy Gibbons)” From Struck Down Album

Stony Plain Records proudly announces the signing of legendary American band, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, who will celebrate their 50th anniversary with the release of their first studio album in eight years, Struck Down, on June 28th. The album’s first single, “Payback Time,” featuring Billy Gibbons, is out now.

The album features contributions from Elvin Bishop, Terrance Simien and Canadian blues guitar ace Steve Strongman, who co-wrote with Kim Wilson nine of the album’s 10 tracks. The lone cover song on the album is a scintillating take on Memphis Minnie’s “Nothing in Rambling,” featuring Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal and Mick Fleetwood.

Struck Down was produced by Kim Wilson, Steve Strongman and Glen Parrish; recorded in New Jersey and Hamilton, Ontario; and mixed by acclaimed recording engineer Shelly Yakus (John Lennon/U2/Tom Petty). In addition to the searing first single, “Payback Time,” other standout tracks include the album’s opener, “Struck Down By The Blues,” featuring Steve Strongman on guitar; the Cajun-flavored “Don’t Make No Sense,” featuring Terrance Simien on accordion; “Watcha Do To Me,” featuring guitar icon Elvin Bishop; and the wistful closing track, “Sideline.”

The catalyst for the recording sessions happened when blues guitarist Steve Strongman hooked up with Kim Wilson on a trial basis to write some songs. Thunderbirds manager Glen Parrish had convinced an at-first hesitant Kim Wilson to give it a try by co-writing with Strongman, who flew down to California from Canada. As a songwriting team, they clicked immediately.

“In the first three days, we wrote five songs,” recalled Wilson. “He came back for another three days, and we wrote 12 songs. I would say there was chemistry there.” Together, Wilson and Strongman wrote 17 songs. They selected nine originals and one cover tune for Struck Down.

“Working with Kim Wilson and the Thunderbirds was a very organic process,” added Steve Strongman. “I snuck into a club to see Kim play with Mel Brown in Canada when I was 16 years old, so I have always held him in the highest regard. I could tell we had a mutual respect for each other after the initial writing sessions in California. The songs just seemed to flow naturally, we both had very open minds during the process, and there was great energy in the room while we wrote these songs. He is a true living legend, and it has been an incredible experience to co-write this record with Kim, and to produce this album with Kim and Glen Parrish.”

For the recording sessions, Wilson called a few friends. The first single, “Payback Time,” features Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top on guitar and backing vocals. “Billy is someone I talk to on a pretty regular basis,” said Wilson. “He is a dear friend, a great musician, and he knows how to make a record.” Regarding the great interplay on the track between Gibbons’ guitar and Wilson’s harmonica, Wilson said, “It was really all him. Being the great musician that he is, he created that conversation.”

The cover of Memphis Minnie’s “Nothing in Rambling” is overflowing with talent. “All of these people I have the utmost respect for,” said Wilson. “Taj Mahal was one of my very first influences. He is one of the reasons I started playing the harmonica. Bonnie Raitt and I have always been very close. I love what she does. I love her voice. I love Keb’s voice. And Mick was kind enough to put his performance on that track as well.” “I love the material, the performances, and the sound of the album. It was mixed by Shelly Yakus and mastered by Greg Calbi and Steve Fallone. They are the very best there is.”

When talking about the full-time members of the Thunderbirds, Wilson proclaimed, “The strength of this band has inspired me to be more creative. This band really allows me to do anything I want to do: modern, traditional, anything in between. They are masters of it all. And as for what’s next…“I’m far from finished.”

Formed in 1974, The Fabulous Thunderbirds is a familiar name for anyone into contemporary blues and blues rock. This is the band that created classic albums like T-Bird Rhythm and Tuff Enuff, powered by hits like the title track and “Wrap It Up,” Tuff Enuff went platinum, selling more than one million copies. Led by founding member Kim Wilson, The Fabulous Thunderbirds have been nominated for Grammy Awards six times and for Blues Music Awards more than 20 times.

The Fabulous Thunderbirds continue to tour internationally, selling out venues and headlining festivals with the current line-up of Kim Wilson on vocals and harmonica, Johnny Moeller on guitar, Bob Welsh on keyboards and guitar, Rudy Albin on drums and Steve Kirsty on bass.

Struck Down Track Listing
1. Struck Down By The Blues (featuring Steve Strongman), 3:41
2. Don’t Make No Sense (featuring Terrance Simien), 2:47
3. Payback Time (featuring Billy Gibbons), 3:35
4. Nothing in Rambling (featuring Bonnie Raitt, Keb’ Mo’, Taj Mahal & Mick Fleetwood), 3:55
5. Won’t Give Up, 3:35
6. The Hard Way, 4:06
7. Whatcha Do To Me (featuring Elvin Bishop), 3:09
8. I’ve Got Eyes, 4:07
9. That’s Cold, 2:18
10. Sideline, 4:03

Jennarie’s Pop Jazzy Self-Love Anthem With ‘Stop (you can let it go)’

Montreal-born, Toronto-raised Queer pop artist Jennarie’s sophomore luscious jazz single “Stop (you can let it go)” is out now. This vibey and motivational track is anchored by luscious vocals and a splash of jazz harmonies reminiscent of Yebba and Amy Winehouse.

Jennarie first cut her teeth in the Toronto music scene, where she gained a powerful stage presence by performing regular live shows all over town. She’s continued to make waves and build a strong name for herself in the years since, with renowned Canadian print and online magazine The WholeNote recently hailing her for her “big voice, fearless delivery, ebullient sense of rhythm, and bubbles of humor.”

She enlisted producer Nick Tateishi for the project, who recently provided production to singer and songwriter Francois Klark’s JUNO Award-nominated 2022 sophomore album, Adventure Book, and is known for his work with the likes of Clerel, HILLARI, and Kiki Rowe, to name a few.

“I’ve learned to detect the subtle yet potent presence of resentment in my body—a tightening in my chest, a tendency to ruminate on others’ choices or actions (or lack thereof). Recognizing this, I redirect my focus inward,” Jennarie explains on the track. “The opening line, “When you point your finger at another, you are pointing at the mirror,” speaks to the process of healing people-pleasing tendencies and transforming resentment into self-empowerment and love.”

“Stop (you can let it go),” is a vibey R&B and pop track featuring lush vocal stacks and a splash of jazz harmony that inspires listeners to choose compassion and self-love. “I aim for “Stop (you can let it go)” to serve as a beacon of empowerment for those grappling with comparison, judgment, and gossip,” Jennarie said. “Drawing from my DBT practice, I hope the song’s themes offer both instruction and comfort to those in need.”

OUDi’s Emotions Are Up In The Air On Transporting New Hit “Afraid Of Flying”

Her solo career may be soaring, but OUDi still doesn’t like heights. On her latest single, industrial pop’s prodigal daughter admits she’s “Afraid of Flying” — because the higher you go, the farther you might plummet.

I miss the horizon, I miss the views
It never used to scare me but now I know the truth
That what goes up, must come down
I’m afraid of flying, I’m afraid of heights
‘Cause now I know what it feels like, falling from that high
Feeling so helpless, I can’t help it
Oh, I’m afraid of flying

Those are understandable sentiments indeed for an artist who’s only recently made a bold return to her roots after a wildly successful sojourn into contemporary country. (As Chrystal Leigh, she was one-half of the Billboard-charting, CCMA Award-nominated duo Sons of Daughters.) But for all the existential dread OUDi professes as she navigates the uncharted territory of a solo career, the new record represents the best of the two worlds she’s inhabited. You can hear the country chops in her catlike purr as she confesses her innermost anxieties over the dark, immersive soundtrack of electronic rattles and horror-movie stabs assembled by producers Dave “Rave” Ogilvie (a veteran of sessions with Skinny Puppy and Nine Inch Nails) and Anthony “Fu” Valcic, known for his work with Front Line Assembly and Julien-K.

“‘Afraid of Flying’ speaks to the fear that keeps us from taking those imperative leaps of faith, whether it’s due to the fear of the unknown or a fear of failure,” OUDi says.

That’s exactly where her head was at when she came up with the number with help from co-writers Jennifer Kennard and Danielle Blakey. The collapse of Sons of Daughters had taken its toll on her confidence, to the point where she felt “paralyzed” with terror: “I wasn’t sure I could do start another music project from the ground up again,” she says. That’s notwithstanding the safety net of once again working with Ogilvie, for whom she had sung in the pop-industrial project Jakalope before Nashville came a-calling.

On an even more intimate level to which just about any listener can relate, while she was striking out on her own professionally, her personal life was a huge, flashing question mark as well.

“I had gone through so much heartbreak that I started to think that love wasn’t for me.”

Whatever does or doesn’t happen for her on the relationship front, the roll of the dice she made in her artistic career is already reaping big rewards. Her January 2024 debut single, the equally distraught industrial ballad “My Old Friend,” saw her reconnecting triumphantly with mechanistic melodrama, and went on to garner thousands of streams. Meanwhile, the accompanying music video she herself directed racked up over 30,000 views, establishing her as a creative force to be reckoned with behind the mic and the camera.

In a further harbinger of good things ahead, she’s recently signed with Bailer Music Publishing, a multinational outfit with headquarters in both Nashville and Germany. Their partnership signals a promising future for OUDi as she continues to develop her sound and expand her artistic reach.

None of which means, of course, that she’s suddenly going to become a mountain of confidence whose songs will rival Whitney Houston’s for self-assured moxie. She’s gone all-in on honest vulnerability, and a whole new audience has clearly embraced the approach. To put it another way, this flight is already out over the waters, and there’s no way to turn back now. Fortunately, there’s no reason to either.

Mestre Sérgio Xocolate’s XOCÔ Unveils Historic Musical Odyssey With New “Guerrra” Video

XOCÔ (Lulaworld Records) represents Mestre Sérgio Xocolate’s visionary venture, blending Afro Indigenous Brazilian rhythms with elements of rock, psychedelic music, and various modern influences. Hailing from the Northern region of Brazil, Sérgio brings forth a vibrant fusion of traditional native rhythms intertwined with folklore, capoeira, and poetry.

In his music, Sérgio’s lyrics hold a profound power, embodying a narrative of embracing courage. This spirit shines brightly in his latest single, “Guerra”, where he paints a portrait of resilience and strength. The video is historic, in terms of the Eagle & Condor Prophecy manifestation of an Indigenous artist from the North, CLASSIC ROOTS, the King of Pow Wow Techno, collaborating musically on the new invocation of the song while also dancing together in regalia with XOCÔ, an Indigenous Artist of the South.

Penned aboard a Toronto streetcar, Sérgio’s inspiration was stirred by the rhythmic resonance reminiscent of the traditional Guerra rhythm, as heard during carnival in Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, performed by the Indigenous Jurema Caboclinhos.

Infused with lyrics that offer courage to those grappling with fear, alongside a heartfelt plea to the Orixá Xângo, this song stands as a dedicated anthem to justice and protection for the world’s indigenous peoples, who persist in their courageous journey of existence.

XOCÔ showcases a masterful blend of cultural influences, offering a rich tapestry of sound and storytelling. Crafted under the guidance of the acclaimed, multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire, Rommel, the album flourished. This past Winter and Spring, Rommel, renowned for his ability to seamlessly blend traditional Música Popular Brasileira (MPB) with Afrobeat, Reggae, Funk, and Jazz, lent his expertise to the project, producing the entire album from his home studio in Montréal, Québec.

Mestre Sérgio Xocolate is not just an award-winning composer and international recording artist but also a singer/songwriter, percussionist, and advocate for Indigenous and Afro Brazilian culture. He’s also a master teacher of capoeira and a lifelong arts educator.

XOCÔ merges his original compositions with poetry, politics, and spirituality, honoring his ancestors by revitalizing their rhythms with new lyrics and passion.

Toronto-Based Real-Life Princess (Like, REALLY) R&B Rising Star ZOCHI Releases “Alone (Whole Again)”

While the supposedly religious try to claim God’s favor for themselves and deny it to anyone they see as “other,” Canadian Afrobeats queen Zochi – and a real-life Princess in royalty, too – has something more open-hearted in mind. Her new single, “Alone (Whole Again),” sees her praying for the consummation of a same-sex attraction not just because she wants it, but because the Lord must too.

Taking inspiration from 1 Corinthians 13:13 — you remember, the one that says love is even greater than faith or hope — Zochi applies her persuasive purr to a romantic sentiment that’s positively holy in its urgency. “Maybe you’ll show up this time in the night when I’m all alone,” she imagines, in what could be a reference to the object of her ardor or to God himself. “This your love you give me so/ E dey make me whole again.”

“Since embracing fearlessly my sexuality, my experiences with God’s love—for me, and for other people—testifies to me that the book is true,” she attests. “Not only is this song important to me, but I also believe love can and will save the world. It doesn’t matter who is loving who. We just must love.”

It’s hard to disagree when the argument sounds this gorgeous. The instrumental track Zochi and producer RoyMade (Roy Msiska) have assembled has the reassuring calm of the truly divine, and her vocal line—her first experiment with writing to the cadence of African instrumentals—has her singing against herself on opposing tracks, with some judiciously applied autotune for extra character.

It took some doing, however, for the song itself to be made whole. Zochi recorded an early version in 2021 that had a different backing track, only for its foundational beat to be purchased out from under her by a certain Interscope act (cough Byron Messa ft. Burna Boy cough), who now owned the exclusive copyright to it. So she sent her vocal stems to producer RoyMade and instructed him to devise an entirely new underpinning for them.

“That was how ‘Alone (Whole Again)’ came about,” she explains. “I did it alone, and now it’s whole again.”

Back to the Princess for a moment – her grandfather is the Late King Samuel Paul Uwakwe (S.P.U OGAN) of Okrika Rivers State Nigeria. He is also referred to as the Amanyanabo of Okrika. So, Toronto has literal royalty amongst us in the music community.

With the creative process behind “Alone (Whole Again),” she says, “I just wanted a visual that feels good because the meaning of the song feels good. The song’s emotions or feeling is like the type some accept, and some don’t. Yes, that latter hurts when you’re not accepted, but the feeling – being yourself loving who you are are/becoming – itself before validation from people, for the one who is experiencing it, always is good. So, we stick to that and don’t care what people say about who we are. I have a wild imagination, I love art, I love drawings, I love architecture, and I wanted all those elements in my video. So, I linked with Anastase Maragos and Ariana Donovan, to shoot a video that allows us to play with our imagination and I think and hope my viewers will feel seen and accepted for who they are, after watching the video.”

Born in Nigeria but a resident of Regina, Saskatchewan, since 2013, Uzochi Lolia Ifeanyiukachu is the only Afrobeats artist currently working in Canada, and she has the recognition to show for it. In 2022, she was nominated in the Contemporary Artist of the Year category at the Sask Music Awards—just one of numerous appearances she’s made at top Canadian awards shows, festivals and industry symposia. She’s also been seen on high-profile programs on CBC television, and heard on Black-focused radio shows in Canada and Kenya. Her 11 singles have been streamed more than 40,000 times on Apple Music, Spotify, Tidal, SoundCloud and other major services.

Even before “Alone (Whole Again),” Zochi had been collaborating with RoyMade on a handful of other tracks that will finally see release as an EP on May 17, 2024. And of course, you’re going to want to reserve a place in your heart for it. Because love, after all, is what God wants.

Celebrated Author/Singer Tonia Evans Cianciulli Teaches Parents To Unlock Their Kids’ Emotional Potential

One of the toughest jobs any parent has to master is helping their children wrestle with the confusing emotions they’re just starting to develop in a world that’s hard on everybody. Qualifying psychotherapist and acclaimed singer-songwriter Tonia Evans Cianciulli will show how to pull off that tricky feat of child-rearing in an upcoming series of book-signing events keyed to her 2023 volume, Flick Your Heart-Light On, Let Your Fears Be Gone! Helping Children Connect to Their Heart to Soothe Their Mind. You can get it on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

The fun and educational program Cianciulli has planned underlines why the book is such a powerful resource for both children and their caregivers. It’s structured around a series of engaging, easy-to-understand exercises by which kids can tap into the power of their heart to process difficult feelings like anxiety, fear, anger and sadness. Attendees at the signings will learn how to use those exercises and other strategies to cultivate their children’s self-awareness, self-compassion and resilience—allowing them to discover their own unique talents and then channel those gifts into creating a more loving and compassionate world.

At the same time, the events will draw on Cianciulli’s hugely successful parallel career as a classically oriented vocalist and songwriter whose four album releases—plus the forthcoming Love Me ‘Til I’m Me Again—resonate with themes of mental health and inner forgiveness. Joining her for these signings will be fellow psychotherapist and singer-songwriter Melissa Moore, who shares Cianciulli’s goal of empowering parents and their offspring through love, empathy, education and tailored resources. Together, the two will perform some relevant music, including Moore’s new single “I Love Me,” a jaunty, ukulele-driven singalong that teaches kids to maintain a positive self-image and appreciation of others.

Tonia will also be seizing the occasion to introduce a new online community, A Mother’s Journey, which provides therapy and mentoring for moms and teens.

Dates are as follows:
TORONTO – Sunday, June 9: 5 Hartfield Road
NEWFOUNDLAND – Thursday, Aug. 22–Wednesday, Aug. 28

When it comes to sage advice, the Newfoundland-born, Toronto-based Cianciulli is a source both adults and kids can trust. She’s not only a qualifying psychotherapist with a master’s from Yorkville University, but a certified Neuro Linguistic Programming practitioner and a certified teacher with the Institute of HeartMath as well. She’s also a registered doula/birth coach and the homeschooling mother to two teenagers of her own. Her daughter, Sophia Josephine Cianciulli, provided the colourful and compassionate illustrations seen throughout the new book, and appeared alongside her in the video for her 2023 single, “Thousand Cries.”

Cianciulli’s empathetic and understanding writing has drawn raves from readers of all stripes. Laura Robinson, an Emmy-nominated TV producer and co-inventor of the game BALDERDASH, says Flick Your Heart-Light On, Let Your Fears Be Gone! is “a must-read for parents and kids alike!” International speaker, author, mentor and business expert Tanya Chernova calls it “a warm hug for the heart and soul.” And author and TV host Christy Primmer pronounces it “a game-changer for children and parents alike. Five stars all the way!!’

With her education, career accomplishments and personal life experiences as her guide, Cianciulli has gone one step further in her mission to provide parents and other caregivers with the tools their children need to heal, thrive and create along their personal journeys. Oh, and that book title? It comes from the lyrics to Cianciulli’s song, “Red Carpet,” which encourages listeners to “Flick your heart-light on, let your fears be gone.” The song is available on YouTube and all digital platforms—alongside “Hold His Heart” and “Always Her Home,” two other numbers she wrote and recorded with her children, Sophia and Anthony. That’s lesson number one, moms: The family that autoplays together, stays together.

Coors Light Announces New “Chill Amplified” Music Platform Headlined by Lainey Wilson, LL COOL J, Mt. Joy and Tainy

Coors Light is launching “Chill Amplified,” a new music platform made to help drinkers discover the chillest places in music and unlock perks like VIP access to top artists, concerts and backstage experiences.

As part of Chill Amplified, Coors Light is partnering with some of the biggest names in music to help drinkers choose chill across various musical genres including GRAMMY award-winning Country sensation, Lainey Wilson, hip-hop icon LL COOL J, indie rock headliners Mt. Joy, and iconic producer and reggaeton artist Tainy.

Chill Amplified will bring Coors Light and music to life everywhere through covetable artist-inspired merch, retail point of sale, and limited-edition packaging where consumers can enter for a chance to win VIP experiences like premium tickets, concert activations and exclusive meet-and-greets with Coors Light’s roster of artists.

“Our new music program is inspired by something really simple– when Coors Light and music come together, your chill gets amplified,” said Marcelo Pascoa, vice president of marketing for the Coors Family of Brands. “We’re working with some of the best musicians in the game – from Grammy winners to artists with sold-out tours and chart-topping hits. No matter what kind of music you listen to, Coors Light is helping you chill like a VIP.”

To celebrate the launch of Chill Amplified, Coors Light is giving fans the opportunity to chill like their favorite artists with limited edition ‘Backstage Six-Packs,’ four unique collections of backstage essentials curated by each of the Coors Light musicians. The Coors Light x Lainey Wilson Backstage Six-Pack will drop first on Wednesday, May 8th at 12 PM EST and includes:

  • Coors Light x Lainey Wilson Mini Fridge to keep Lainey’s favorite beer and essential products chill.
  • Coors Light x Lainey Wilson Blue Sweatsuit inspired by Lainey Wilson’s signature look.
  • Coors Light Dog Bowl, so your backstage buddy can chill like Lainey’s dog, Hippie Mae.
  • Coors Light x Lainey Wilson beer glasses to drink like a VIP.
  • Coors Light x Lainey Wilson “Red Truck” Rug to make backstage feel like home.
  • Coors Light Chill Amplified LED sign to bring some neon to your chill.
  • Coors Light for the summer to keep every listening party, tailgate and cook out chill (beer provided in the form of gift card in the amount of $87.50).

Fans can purchase one of the 25 Coors Light x Lainey Wilson Backstage Six-Packs at coorslightbackstagesixpack.com for $300 per kit. Five Six-Packs will be dropped each day on May 8th, 9th, 10th, 13th and 14th. Proceeds from each Coors Light x Lainey Wilson Backstage Six-Packs will benefit Heart Like A Truck. Backstage Six-Packs for LL COOL J, Mt. Joy and Tainy will drop in the coming weeks and will be announced on @Coors Light social channels.

Music fans unable to purchase a Backstage Six-Pack can still enjoy exclusive backstage experiences from Coors Light this summer! Visit coorslight.com/summermusic to enter for a chance to win.*

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Promotion ends on 9/3/2024 at 11:59 PM CT. Open only to legal residents of 50 U.S. (D.C) excl. Maryland, 21+ years of age. Where available, use regional keyword to get entries for regional prizes (end dates vary). See Official Rules, including how to enter, odds, Keywords, prize details & restrictions, at www.coorslight.com/summermusic. Void where prohibited.

KOCOWA+ Partners With HYBE To Bring Fans Content From Global Phenoms BTS And SEVENTEEN

As the home of the largest library of Korean content outside of Korea and over 10,000 hours of K-Pop content for its fans, including live K-Pop performances, behind-the-scenes, and artist-centered dramas, variety, and reality shows, KOCOWA+ has expanded its offerings to K-Pop fans by partnering with HYBE. KOCOWA+ will bring 18 new shows to their platform, including global megastars like BTS and SEVENTEEN, beginning in May. Now viewers can watch all and their favorite artists, like BLACKPINK, EXO, NCT, Red Velvet, NEW JEANS, aespa, BTS, SEVENTEEN, and more, on KOCOWA+.

“As the ultimate destination for Korean Entertainment, K-Pop content is an extremely important part of our offerings to our passionate audience. Partnering with legendary HYBE and adding SEVENTEEN and more BTS content to our slate is a natural fit. We are thrilled to be bringing more world-class entertainment to our fans!” KunHee Park CEO/CPO.

To celebrate this partnership and SEVENTEEN’s recent comeback, KOCOWA+ is adding 6 fan favorite shows featuring the band beginning in May! Shows will include their latest travel show called “NANA TOUR with SEVENTEEN”, shows featuring their iconic stage performances like “SEVENTEEN ‘Ode To You’ in Seoul“, “IN THE SOOP SEVENTEEN” a reality series that follows the band on an R&R trip in the ‘soop’ (meaning ‘forest’ in Korean).

They also have “SEVENTEEN in CARAT LAND”, which features the band meeting their adoring fan group CARATs, and live performances.

These will be the first shows from HYBE to debut on KOCOWA+, followed by 12 additional shows featuring 21st-century pop icons BTS. From movies to iconic performances to docuseries shot around the world, viewers will be able to immerse themselves in every detail of their artists’ lives.

41st Annual ASCAP Pop Music Awards Winners Include Songwriters of the Year Olivia Rodrigo and Daniel Nigro; Song of the Year “Calm Down”

ASCAP, the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers, the only US PRO to operate on a not-for-profit basis, announces the winners of the 2024 ASCAP Pop Music Awards.

Olivia Rodrigo and co-writer Daniel Nigro, who ruled the pop charts in the past year with “vampire” and “bad idea right?” are this year’s ASCAP Pop Music Songwriters of the Year. It is the second win for Rodrigo, who first scored the honor in 2022. Chappell Roan presents Nigro with his award tonight at an invitation-only event in Los Angeles celebrating this year’s ASCAP Pop Music Award winners.

British avant-pop and electronic sensation Charli XCX receives the ASCAP Global Impact Award for the enduring worldwide popularity of her music. Charli is gearing up for the release of her sixth solo album, BRAT on June 7 and a North American tour with Troye Sivan, who will present her with the award.

“Calm Down,” performed by Rema and featuring Selena Gomez wins ASCAP Pop Song of the Year. Co-written by Rema, Gomez, Michael “LONDON” Hunter, Amanda “Kiddo AI” Ibanez and Andre Vibez, the song topped the Billboard Pop, Adult Pop and Rhythmic Airplay charts, and hit #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Calm Down” is published by Hook Like Behavior, Kobalt Music Publishing, Livelihood Music Company, SMG Tunes, Sony Music Publishing, Universal Music Publishing Group and Warner Chappell Music.

Publisher of the Year goes to Universal Music Publishing Group for songs including “Calm Down,” “Cuff It” (Beyonce), “Dance the Night” (Dua Lipa), “Barbie World” (Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice with Aqua), “Lavender Haze” (Taylor Swift), “Paint the Town Red” (Doja Cat), “Star Walkin‘ (League of Legends Worlds Anthem)” (Lil Nas X) and “Sure Thing” (Miguel).

Other 2024 ASCAP Pop Music Award-winning songwriters include Mariah Carey and Walter Afanasieff (“All I Want for Christmas Is You”), Dua Lipa (“Dance the Night”), Noah Kahan (“Dial Drunk”), St. Vincent (“Cruel Summer”), Meghan Trainor (“Made You Look”) and Leon Thomas (“Snooze”).

The ASCAP Pop Music Awards honor the songwriters and publishers of the most-performed ASCAP pop songs of 2023. The winning songs are determined by data on terrestrial and satellite radio and for programmed and on-demand audio streams, all provided by Luminate Data LLC in accordance with ASCAP’s publicly available rules.

More information on the 2024 ASCAP Pop Music Award winners is available at www.ascap.com/popawards24.

Composers for Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, The Last of Us, Only Murders in the Building, American Symphony and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Honored with ASCAP Composers’ Choice Awards

Honoring the composers whose music enriches the art of visual storytelling, The American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) announces today the recipients of the 2024 ASCAP Screen Music Awards, including the highly-anticipated winners of the ASCAP Composers’ Choice Awards.

The ASCAP Composers’ Choice Awards, chosen by the ASCAP composer and songwriter community, stand out as a distinctive recognition among US performing rights organizations. The 2024 winners crafted the music for a critically acclaimed animated film, a hit post-apocalyptic drama, a binge-worthy whodunnit series, a poignant musical documentary and a popular Star Wars franchise video game:

  • Film Score of the Year: Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Daniel Pemberton
  • Television Score of the Year: The Last of Us – David Fleming
  • Television Theme of the Year: Only Murders in the Building – Siddhartha Khosla
  • Documentary Score of the Year: American Symphony – Jon Batiste
  • Video Game Score of the Year: Star Wars Jedi: Survivor – Gordy Haab

In addition, the ASCAP Screen Music Awards recognize some of the top composers of the past year’s hit streaming series and films. The Top Rated Streaming Series winners include Robert Duncan for his work on one of 2023’s most-watched shows, The Night Agent, Natalie Holt for her musical storytelling in hit show LokiBear McCreary for his music in the streaming remake of beloved book series Percy Jackson and the Olympians and dynamic duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis for their work on the popular dramedy Unprisoned. Among the Top Rated Streaming Films winners, Germaine Franco is honored for her score in action-thriller The MotherMarcus Miller receives recognition for his music in the holiday comedy Candy Cane Lane, and Lorne Balfe is celebrated for his work on both historical thriller Tetris and action-romance Ghosted.

In other categories, Daniel Pemberton also takes home Top Box Office Film of the Year for his exhilarating score to the blockbuster animated film Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, and industry giant David Vanacore is named the top Most Performed Themes and Underscore winner for his work on shows including SurvivorThe Kardashians and The Daily Show. Composers Matthew Hawkins, the late Maurice “m.0.” Jackson and the late Neil Martin (collectively known as Numeriklab) win Top Network Television Series for their main theme for NCIS, while John Sereda is recognized with Top Cable Television Series for his music in the historical drama When Calls the Heart.

ASCAP celebrates the award-winning composers tonight at an exclusive party in Los Angeles, where the 2024 ASCAP Composers’ Choice Awards winners will be unveiled live among an audience of peers.

The complete list of winners is available on the ASCAP website: www.ascap.com/screenawards24.