Welcome! Log into your account

your username

your password

Password recovery

Recover your password

your email

A password will be e-mailed to you.

That Eric Alper

Home
Who It Is!
Media and Public Relations Services
Contact

Home Blog Page 1868

Insomnia, anxiety, break-ups … musicians on the dark side of touring

Sep 9, 2015

While many may envisage the life of a touring musician to be that of a glorified jetsetter, the reality is far from idyllic. A recent study by charity Help Musicians UK found that over 60% of musicians have suffered from depression or other psychological issues, with touring an issue for 71% of respondents.

Singer Alanna McArdle recently announced her departure from Cardiff punk band Joanna Gruesome for mental health reasons, her statement hinting that the strain of touring may have been a factor in her decision to quit.And when Zayn Malik broke the hearts of millions by pulling out of One Direction’s tour of Asia – leaving the boy band shortly after – a source close to the band told the tabloid press: “Zayn went because he’d had enough. Have you ever been on the road for four years? ”

“The classic image of a touring musician would seem counterintuitive to all we know about well-being,” says Isabella Goldie of the Mental Health Foundation. “Drinking in moderation, avoiding drugs, getting sufficient amounts of sleep, and having a support base of close friends and family nearby. These are the bonds that help keep you grounded … It’s no surprise that some musicians struggle.”

Via The Guardian

John Oates On Writing Hall & Oates’s “She’s Gone”

Sep 8, 2015

What do you remember about writing it?

John Oates: I remember everything about writing it! I had met this girl at three in the morning in a soul food restaurant in the Village called the Pink Teacup. It was one of the few places in the Village in the early ’70s that actually stayed open all night, believe it or not. I was in there, God knows why, at three in the morning, and in comes this gal, she had a pink tutu and cowboy boots on and it was December and I thought that was pretty cool. So we started dating, we kind of hooked up. It was the ’70s, so things happened kinda fast. We saw each other a few times, and then I asked her if she wanted to hang out on New Year’s Eve, and she said yes. She was supposed to come to my apartment and meet me and she never showed up. As it was getting toward midnight, I finally realized that she wasn’t coming and I just sat down with my guitar and started writing this almost, like, folk song. All it said was “She’s gone, oh oh oh, she’s gone” and “What went wrong?” It was really very simple.

The next day Daryl came back to the apartment and we sat down, and I said, “Hey man, you know I got stood up last night, but I wrote this chorus, this hook that’s kind of cool.” And I played it for him, and he sat down at the piano and he immediately started getting into it and he played the piano part that you hear in the beginning of the song. We began to write the verse together. I bet it didn’t take more than an hour to write the whole song. We just used very mundane, everyday images to kind of symbolize loneliness and loss, even in the opening line, “Everybody’s high on consolation / everybody’s trying to tell me what’s right for me,” “I’m worn as a toothbrush hanging in the stand,” these very simple, lonely images, they’re very kind of everyday things that people can relate to but somehow speak on more universal terms. I think that’s really why the song has connected over the years, because everyone can relate to the idea of loss. We just captured this spirit in some way that has just stood the test of time.

Via Grantland

Free Cision Report: 12 Must-Have PR Apps

Sep 8, 2015

Today’s PR reps and marketers have amazing tools available to them to work smarter and get more done. Cision spoke with Canadian PR leaders like Martin Waxman, Joe Thornley and Nikki Tudico to find out what apps help them achieve results.

Review our 12 Must-Have PR Apps and find out how to use new tools to research and find great content, stay organized and keep projects on track, increase conversion rates and make business impact.

Go to Cision to check out their findings, it’s a must-read.

John Oliver Gives Students Back to School Advice

Sep 8, 2015

John Oliver gives students a crash course in everything they will learn — or not learn — in school this year.

Famous Comedians Dealing With Hecklers, Part 2

Sep 8, 2015

You asked for it, so here it is. And although it need not be stated — don’t go to a comedy show just to be a jerk. Be prepared for some NSFW language.

You can watch Part 1 here:

Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien & More Give Hosting Advice for Stephen Colbert

Sep 8, 2015

Dear Stephen Colbert,
Don’t screw it up.
Love, Jimmy Kimmel, Conan O’Brien, John Oliver, Seth Meyers, Bill Maher, Trevor Noah, and James Corden

50 Years of EXILE: The Story of a Band in Transition Book Is Out Now

Sep 8, 2015

The story of one of the most successful bands in Country Music history has been documented with the recent release of the book 50 Years of Exile: The Story of a Band in Transition. Written by Randy Westbrook, an Eastern Kentucky University musicologist, the book details the group’s rise to prominence over the past five decades.

Founded in Richmond, Kentucky by Jimmy Stokley, Ronnie ‘Mack’ Davenport, Paul Smith, Mike Howard, Billy Luxon, Buzz Cornelison, and J.P. Pennington – while all were still in high school – the band found a following in the Lexington area. But, the Exile story doesn’t end there. A stint on the Dick Clark Caravan of Stars in the mid 1960s broadened their audience even more. During that stint, they opened for such Pop acts as the legendary B.J. Thomas.

Continuing to record and tour throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s, Exile’s star began to shine bright with the 1978 release of the single “Kiss You All Over.” After fifteen years in the business, the band was suddenly an “Overnight Success,” with the song hitting number one in the fall of 1978, and selling over 5 million singles. The single’s massive commercial success introduced Exile as the new opening act on the Aerosmith tour and then the Heart tour, respectively. The group followed up that hit with another Top 40 on the Hot 100, “You Thrill Me.”

In the 1980s, Pennington – along with members Sonny LeMaire and Les Taylor – began to have success a songwriter in Nashville with cuts by Alabama (“Take Me Down”), Kenny Rogers (“Take This Heart”), Janie Fricke (“It Ain’t Easy Bein’ Easy”). That, combined with the fact that their roots had always been steeped in Country (Pennington’s mother, Lily Mae Ledford, was one of the stars of the iconic Renfro Valley Barn Dance), led them to sign with Epic Records in 1983.

Their first single, “High Cost Of Leavin,” found success at radio, and set the stage for hit after hit throughout the decade. “Woke Up In Love” became their first chart-topper, and it was followed by songs such as “She’s Too Good To Be True,” “Hang On To Your Heart,” and “She’s A Miracle.”

50 Years In Exile: The Story of a Band in Transition is an honest look at one of America’s most enduring success stories, with anecdotes from many of the band’s former and current members, including Paul Martin, who later went on to fame as one of Marty Stuart’s Fabulous Superlatives.

Praise for the book has come from a variety of critics and fans, with Randy pinpoints individual performances, instruments as well as the members themselves. Steve Goetzman, longtime drummer of the band, stated “Randy pinpoints individual performances, instruments played and recording techniques used, all in fine detail, yet in a language music fans will enjoy reading. This musicologist’s analysis of song after Exile song intertwined with an accurate history of a 50-year-old band might set a new standard for music reviewers. Colorful personalities, career-shaping decisions and solutions for longevity are talked about here.”

Keyboardist Marlon Hargis says the book was educational – even for him, “I learned things about the band that I never knew before! An interesting history of Exile from a musician’s viewpoint. I recommend it to any Exile fan, or any budding musician wanting a realistic depiction of a band’s life!”

Published by Acclaim Press, 50 Years of Exile: The Story of a Band in Transition is available in select bookstores and Amazon. The band continues to tour in 2015, with dates already being added to their itinerary for 2016.

Deane Cameron announced as President and CEO of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall

Sep 8, 2015

The Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall Board of Governors today announced the appointment of Deane Cameron as its new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective September 15, 2015.

A respected music and entertainment senior executive, the Torontonian and life-long Canadian arts and culture advocate, will oversee all aspects of the Corporation’s management.

“The Board are excited and pleased to have a person of Deane Cameron’s calibre to lead the Corporation at such an exciting time in our organization’s history,” said Richard Hamm, Chair of the Corporation of Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall Board of Governors. “We have full confidence that Deane will bring meaningful opportunities for audiences and artists alike on behalf of one of Canada’s premiere music and entertainment institutions.”

“I am honoured and thrilled to not only be a part of this iconic music company’s legacy, but to join the impressive momentum within the organization” says Cameron of the appointment. “The team is a creative force in the live entertainment world and this is truly a unique opportunity for me, as a proud Canadian, to explore and support all exciting ways that we can best serve the community through the revitalization of Massey Hall, new program initiatives on all of our stages, and beyond.”

For more than 40 years, Mr. Cameron has played a significant role in shaping the music and entertainment industry in Canada and is often regarded as a Canadian Music Ambassador. As President and CEO of EMI Music Canada, a role he held for 24 years, Cameron has been instrumental in the careers of countless Canadian and international artists, closely connected with not only Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall but the biggest names in entertainment.

“Since the very early stages of my professional career Deane has supported and encouraged me, and he was there to celebrate with us when I made my headline debut at Massey Hall just over a year ago,” commented recording artist Serena Ryder. “Every artist knows that these are among the greatest stages a musician can aspire to anywhere in the world. I congratulate Deane on this announcement on behalf of all artists fortunate enough to work with him and know that music fans everywhere will benefit – because he’s one of us. A true music champion.”

Mr. Cameron is the recipient of some of the highest honours awarded to Canadians for contributions to arts and culture. In 2010 he was named a member of the Order of Canada, and has been celebrated by the JUNO Awards for lifetime achievement with the Walt Grealis Special Achievement Award, in addition, the Canadian Country Music Association presented Cameron with the Hank Smith Award of Excellence for outstanding contributions made to the advancement of Country music in Canada.

The venerable Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall have earned a reputation as Canada’s home for the world’s most popular music and entertainment, spanning many genres as well as homes for showcasing the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, TIFF Gala Screenings, The Munk Debates, National Geographic Live and more.

“To lead a company that supports such a diverse offering to both the public and the corporate communities of Canada, a senior executive that understands not only the business of entertainment but our unique place in the Canadian music landscape is essential,” says Eileen Costello, Chair of the Board of Governors Search Committee. “We are ambassadors for live music in Toronto on an international level and the Massey Hall Revitalization is a critical time for the Corporation to renew its leadership. Deane Cameron has exemplified not only the intelligence and experience required to lead the Corporation at this time but most importantly, the emotional connection to what makes these halls and our place in the community so exceptional.”

“Over the past number of years we’ve been investing heavily in supporting the developing careers of artists who we present, not only on our main stages but on smaller stages throughout the city,” says Chris Lorway, Director of Programming at Massey Hall and Roy Thomson Hall. “One of our key objectives is to facilitate the growth of our country’s next generation of musical greats while ensuring that the diversity of Toronto is reflected on our stages. As a management team we welcome and look forward to working with Deane to take these efforts to even greater heights. His achievements in fostering excellence for the benefit of these incredible talents is inspiring and we are confident that both artists and our audiences will gain considerably from his leadership.”

Mr. Cameron served on the Board of Directors of The Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) from 1985 – 2014, and was a founding Director in the development of MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity. Cameron served on the Board for Music Canada, and the Canadian Country Music Association (CCMA), and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Unison Benevolent Fund, MusiCounts, and the newly founded Canadian Board of Directors of Vintage TV.

Alanis Morissette “Superstar Wonderful Weirdos” online premiere tonight at Midnight

Sep 8, 2015

Alanis Morissette was just a few months shy of her 20th birthday when she started recording Jagged Little Pill. This year, the legendary album has reached that same landmark. To celebrate the double-decade milestone, the multiple Grammy®-winning singer-songwriter has curated a special collector’s edition of her debut, an album that’s sold more than 33 million copies around the world and ranks as one of the best-selling albums of all time.

This new four-disc JAGGED LITTLE PILL: COLLECTOR’S EDITION includes remastered audio of the original album plus an entire disc of 10 unreleased demos from the era handpicked by Morissette from her archives, offering a deeper and more personal look at the classic album. Also included is a previously unreleased concert from 1995 as well as 2005’s Jagged Little Pill Acoustic. Limited to 30,000 copies worldwide, JAGGED LITTLE PILL: COLLECTOR’S EDITION will be available from Rhino on October 30th. Also available on the same day is a two-disc DELUXE EDITION that includes the remastered original album and the second disc of unreleased demos. Both collections will also be available digitally.

“I’m super excited to share this music with a whole new generation of peeps, as well as people who have grown along with me over the last two decades,” says Morissette. “Thankfully, these songs have stood the test of time for me, and in their timelessness, I am thrilled to honor and reflect on them as well as the last twenty years of my life and career.”

In addition to selecting music for the set, Morissette dug into her personal collection to include never-before-seen photos and other ephemera from the time. She also contributes a new essay reflecting back on this time in her life along with stories behind the 10 demos she recorded between 1994-98, all of which are making their official debut here. The track “The Bottom Line” is possibly the most historically significant—it’s the first song Morissette and album producer Glen Ballard wrote together within an hour of their very first meeting in 1994. Other early tracks from those sessions include “Superstar Wonderful Weirdos” and “Closer Than You Might Believe.” Also featured are several tracks Morissette wrote while touring the world and ascending into a global phenomenon following the album’s release including “King Of Intimidation” and “Death Of Cinderella.”

Ballard also oversaw mixing and mastering for this collector’s edition. “Twenty years has not diminished the energy and excitement we captured on these recordings from 1994,” says Ballard. “It’s been a joy to sit with these tracks after two decades and to find them in such good shape. The power of digital recording gives us this time machine and, although we are twenty years older, this music still sounds fresh!”

The third disc of JAGGED LITTLE PILL: COLLECTOR’S EDITION features Jagged Little Pill Acoustic. Released in 2005 to celebrate the album’s 10th Anniversary, this collection finds Morissette delivering “unplugged” and alternate interpretations of every song from the original album.

The set concludes with an unreleased complete concert from the Jagged Little Pill tour. Recorded in London at Subterranea on September 28, 1995, the show captures Morissette at the peak of her success as she makes her highly anticipated UK concert debut. For this powerhouse performance, she was backed by her touring band (dubbed Sexual Chocolate), which featured a stellar rhythm section with bassist Chris Chaney (Jane’s Addiction) and drummer Taylor Hawkins (Foo Fighters).

JAGGED LITTLE PILL: COLLECTOR’S EDITION
Track Listing

Disc One: 2015 Remaster
1. “All I Really Want”
2. “You Oughta Know”
3. “Perfect”
4. “Hand In My Pocket”
5. “Right Through You”
6. “Forgiven”
7. “You Learn”
8. “Head Over Feet”
9. “Mary Jane”
10. “Ironic”
11. “Not The Doctor”
12. “Wake Up”
13. “You Oughta Know” (Jimmy The Saint Blend) / “Your House” (A Capella)

Disc Two: Demos (Previously Unreleased)
1. “The Bottom Line”
2. “Superstar Wonderful Weirdos”
3. “Closer Than You Might Believe”
4. “No Avalon”
5. “Comfort”
6. “Gorgeous”
7. “King Of Intimidation”
8. “Death Of Cinderella”
9. “London”
10.”These Are The Thoughts”

Disc Three: Jagged Little Pill Acoustic
1. “All I Really Want”
2. “You Oughta Know”
3. “Perfect”
4. “Hand In My Pocket”
5. “Right Through You”
6. “Forgiven”
7. “You Learn”
8. “Head Over Feet”
9. “Mary Jane”
10. “Ironic”
11. “Not The Doctor”
12. “Wake Up / Your House”

Disc Four: Live At Subterranea, London 09/28/95 (Previously Unreleased)
1. “All I Really Want”
2. “Right Through You”
3. “Not The Doctor”
4. “Hand In My Pocket”
5. “Mary Jane”
6. “Ironic”
7. “You Learn”
8. “Forgiven”
9. “You Oughta Know”
10. “Wake Up”
11. “Head Over Feet”
12. “Perfect”

Sam Smith To Sing Title Song To “SPECTRE”

Sep 8, 2015

Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment today confirmed that Sam Smith has recorded “Writing’s On The Wall,” the theme song to SPECTRE, the 24th James Bond adventure. SPECTRE will be released in the UK on October 26 and in the US on November 6. The song, released by Capitol Records, will debut and be available to purchase and stream on September 25.

Multi-platinum selling artist Sam Smith has co-written the title song, “Writing’s On The Wall,” with fellow GRAMMY® Award winner Jimmy Napes. It is the first James Bond theme song recorded by a British male solo artist since 1965. Smith’s debut album In The Lonely Hour launched at No. 1 in the UK and bowed in at No. 2 in the US, and has since earned five No.1 UK singles, four GRAMMY® Awards, three Brit Awards, six MOBO Awards, Q and AMA Awards.

Commenting on the announcement, Michael G. Wilson and Barbara Broccoli, the producers of SPECTRE, said, “Sam and Jimmy have written the most inspirational song for SPECTRE and with Sam’s extraordinary vocal performance, ‘Writing’s On The Wall’ will surely be considered one of the greatest Bond songs of all time.”

Smith said, “This is one of the highlights of my career. I am honoured to finally announce that I will be singing the next Bond theme song. I am so excited to be a part of this iconic British legacy and join an incredible line up of some of my biggest musical inspirations. I hope you all enjoy the song as much as I enjoyed making it.”

The 23 previous James Bond theme songs make up some of the most memorable movie music of all time. The previous Bond theme song, “Skyfall,” was performed by Adele, and was honored with the Academy Award® and Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song, the Brit Award for British Single of the Year, and the Grammy Award for Best Song Written for Visual Media.