SiriusXM Launches New Music Channels
SiriusXM announced today that it has launched four new music channels that will further expand the range and depth of the company’s industry leading line-up of commercial-free music channels.
The new channels will feature expertly-curated music in the Pop, Rock and Hip-Hop/R&B genres.
The introduction of these innovative new channels is consistent with SiriusXM’s track record of developing unique formats not heard on traditional broadcast radio, such as The Coffee House, Lithium, Chill, Pop2k, Y2Kountry and Faction.
“Our lineup of commercial-free music channels continues to evolve to meet the changing tastes of our growing subscriber base and to satisfy the next generation of core subscribers,” said Steve Blatter, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Music Programming, SiriusXM. “Building on our success at delivering an unmatched curated listening experience, several of the new channels feature music and artists from a period when many of our subscribers first connected with this music. These new and innovative radio formats make our broad range of music channels stronger than ever.”
Velvet (channel 13): Today’s top contemporary pop vocalists showcasing artists like Adele, Beyoncé, Sam Smith, Idina Menzel, John Legend and Adam Lambert. Velvet will launch with special guest DJ sessions with Idina Menzel, Josh Groban and Adam Lambert.
FLY (channel 47): Hip-Hop and R&B from the ’90s and 2000s featuring artists like Jay-Z, Destiny’s Child, Outkast, Mary J. Blige, P. Diddy and Missy Elliot. Fly will launch with a special guest DJ sessions hosted by R. Kelly, Warren G. and Nelly.
Turbo (channel 314): Hard Rock music from the ’90s and 2000s featuring artists such as Linkin Park, Korn, Papa Roach, Godsmack and System Of A Down.
Poptropolis (channel 300): Pop hits from the ’80s through 2000s featuring artists such as Michael Jackson, Madonna, George Michael, Alanis Morissette, Pink and Kelly Clarkson.
Additionally, SiriusXM will launch Limited Edition, channel 18, on August 13—which will be the home for SiriusXM’s exclusive, limited-run channels. SiriusXM’s Road Trip Radio, the limited-run channel featuring summer driving tunes—a mix of music from all genres and eras—will be available on SiriusXM’s Limited Edition beginning August 13.
The channels, available on satellite will also be available through the SiriusXM Internet Radio App on smartphones and other connected devices, as well as online at siriusxm.com.
Metallica Is Going To Get Their Own Pinball Machine
Stern Pinball, Inc., the world’s oldest and largest producer of arcade-quality pinball games, announced today the re- introduction of their previously sold out Metallica Monsters Premium pinball machine. The highly popular Metallica title honors one of the world’s foremost rock bands. Metallica’s notoriously fast tempos and aggressive musicianship set the tone for an exciting pinball player experience.
Players bang their heads and their flippers to 12 classic Metallica hits including “Master of Puppets,” “One” and “Fade to Black.” Other action-packed game features include an electric chair, snake, grave marker and unparalleled magnetic action. “The longevity of the Metallica title has strengthened our commitment to produce high-energy music titles,” said Gary Stern, Chairman and CEO of Stern Pinball, Inc.
Metallica Premium features exclusive game art and a one-of-a-kind collectible Sparky toy designed by world-renowned pop culture artist “Dirty” Donny Gillies. Donny is a well-known freelance artist who creates paintings, album covers, show posters, concert posters, vinyl toys and skateboards. “Since working with Stern to create one of a kind Metallica pinball art, I have become an even bigger fan of what Stern is doing to grow pinball,” said artist Donny Gilles a dedicated pinball enthusiast.
Metallica’s Premium Model will have a $7,595 MSRP and are available through authorized Stern Pinball distributors and dealers around the world.
Stephen Colbert, Salma Hayek And Hugh Jackman Announced As Hosts For 2015 Global Citizen Festival
Global Citizen has announced that Stephen Colbert, CHIME FOR CHANGE co-founder Salma Hayek Pinault, Deborra-Lee and Hugh Jackman, Kerry Washington and Olivia Wilde will appear as the lead hosts of the 2015 Global Citizen Festival, presented by Gucci and CHIME FOR CHANGE. The free-ticketed concert, headlined by Pearl Jam, Beyonce, Ed Sheeran and Coldplay, will take place on the Great Lawn of New York’s Central Park on September 26, 2015.
As the lead hosts of the Festival, Stephen Colbert, Salma Hayek Pinault, Deborra-Lee and Hugh Jackman, Kerry Washington andOlivia Wilde will encourage fans and friends to get involved with the Global Citizen movement and help end extreme poverty by 2030. Each host is committed to encouraging actions on GlobalCitizen.org, where fans can participate in the latest Action Journey and enter the draw to win a pair of tickets to the Festival.
Since the headliner announcement of the 2015 Global Citizen Festival in early July, nearly half a million actions have been taken on behalf of the world’s poor. Today’s official host announcement coincides with the next Action Journey release, where global citizens will champion the importance of improving universal access to education, especially for girls and women. Global citizens will be asked to send a voice message to Prime Minister Erna Solberg of Norway, encouraging her to attend the 2015 Global Citizen Festival and make a commitment to universal education. Hugh Evans, CEO of The Global Poverty Project, will be meeting with the Prime Minister next week where he will personally deliver these messages.
MSNBC returns as a media partner of the Global Citizen Festival for the second year. Willie Geist, Janet Mock, Thomas Robertsand Alex Wagner will host the simulcast of the full concert from 4-10 p.m. ET on MSNBC and MSNBC.com live from Central Park. The YouTube livestream will be hosted by AsapSCIENCE and Matthew Santoro on youtube.com/globalcitizen, presented by T-Mobile.Tamron Hall will host NBC’s one-hour television special of the event, produced by director and screenwriter Richard Curtis, to air onSunday, September 27. A one-hour special of the Festival will also air on BBC One in the UK on Monday, September 28 and will be distributed globally through BBC Worldwide. The Festival will be produced by Emmy Award-winning producer, Ken Ehrlich (Grammy Awards). An audio feed of the concert will also be simulcast live on the “Global Citizen Radio” digital station on iHeartRadio, iHeartMedia’s industry-leading digital radio service, making this the fourth year that iHeartMedia has partnered with Global Citizen in support of the Festival. Audio from the Festival will also be digitally streamed on innovative music and entertainment platform, Tidal.com. The Festival will be produced by Emmy Award-winning producer, Ken Ehrlich (Grammy Awards).
Said Stephen Colbert, “I am honored and thrilled to join Global Citizen in urging world leaders to commit to ending extreme poverty. Finally, all that U.N. traffic will have a purpose!”
“We can’t wait to stand with these awesome artists, co-hosts, and thousands of global citizens in Central Park this September as we call on our leaders to end the injustice that is extreme poverty,” said Deborra-Lee and Hugh Jackman. “The Global Citizen movement is proof that when we come together and raise our voices, our leaders pay attention.”
Kerry Washington said, “I am very excited to be a part of the Global Citizen Festival and to join in this movement calling for an end to extreme poverty so that our future generations can live in a more just and equal world.”
“Over the last four years the Global Citizen Festival has achieved real and meaningful impact for those in need around the world. I’m excited to join everyone again this year to show what we can achieve when our energy is focused in the right place,” said Olivia Wilde.
“We are so grateful for the support of these world-class artists and activists,” said Hugh Evans, CEO, The Global Poverty Project. “Ending extreme poverty is a long-term commitment for global citizens around the world. With the help of these individuals to inspire and motivate our movement brings us a step closer to realizing the Global Goals.”
Said YouTube star Matt Santoro, “I’m incredibly excited to be hosting this year’s festival. The Global Citizen project is something I am very passionate about, and it is the perfect way to involve my audience in a movement that is making a difference worldwide!”
“We are honored to be a part of Global Citizen,” said AsapSCIENCE. “It is important that we embrace our global community and urge world leaders to fight poverty, embrace equality and create a more sustainable world for everyone. We can’t wait to be surrounded by people who share this common goal and have worked hard to create a positive change in the world!”
In July, Global Citizen announced a new partnership with Gucci and the CHIME FOR CHANGE campaign to build a community of people who want to learn about and take action on the biggest challenges faced by girls and women. CHIME FOR CHANGE was founded by Gucci in 2013 to raise funds and awareness for girls and women’s equality. Led by co-founders Beyonce Knowles-Carterand Salma Hayek Pinault, the campaign has joined forces with Global Citizen to promote education, health and justice for girls and women around the world.
“As a global citizen and co-founder of CHIME FOR CHANGE, I am honored to co-host the 2015 Global Citizen Festival,” said Salma Hayek Pinault. “Empowering girls and women is a key step toward ending extreme poverty, and I am proud to be a part of this historic moment where we will raise our voices together to create real change for girls and women around the world.”
In coordination with Global Citizen, CHIME FOR CHANGE and Salma Hayek Pinault are encouraging supporters to “CHIME for Education” through a recently launched Crowdrise campaign that supports girls’ and women’s education efforts around the world. By donating to CHIME for Education, fans will be entered to win two VIP tickets to this year’s Global Citizen Festival. To find out more information and support the campaign, visit https://www.crowdrise.com/CHIME.
Presenting partner Gucci and CHIME FOR CHANGE join proud core partners of the Festival: Citi, Unilever, YouTube, TIDAL, Google, iHeartRadio, Clear Channel Outdoor, MSNBC, New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, H&M, and T- Mobile. Supporting partners are BBC Worldwide, Universal Music Group Distribution, Pratt Foundation, Waislitz Foundation, The Huffington Post, Milk Studios, RYOT and Riot House.
Citi has been a proud partner of the Global Citizen Festival since inception four years ago, and Citi credit cardmembers enjoy exclusive access to VIP offers and ticket pricing.
People everywhere are invited to sign-up, take actions, and enter the prize draws for free tickets. In total, 48,000 free tickets to the Festival will be given out to Global Citizens. Once fans complete an Action Journey on globalcitizenfestival.com, they can enter to win free tickets. Ticket draws will occur throughout the summer and fans will be notified via Global Citizen when they have been selected.
For more information about the artists, schedules, and event, please visit www.globalcitizenfestival.com and follow @GlblCtzn Twitter,Facebook and Instagram using #GlobalCitizen.
Selling Out? Modern musicians were ALWAYS selling products
I always have to laugh when people talk about musicians, authenticity and selling out, the act of artists promoting products through advertisements or product placements and endorsements. It was always like this. Check out these vintage ads for proof.
Video: Teenage Michael Stipe As Rocky Horror’s Frank-N-Furter
Among one of the coolest pre-rock star videos I’ve ever seen is this one – it’s from a St. Louis news broadcast from the late 1970s about the fans of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the city’s Varsity Theater.
At around the 1:25 mark, you’ll see future R.E.M. frontman Michael Stipe, in his best Frank-N-Furter drag, giving his enthusiastic impressions of the film.
Here are some AWESOME musical answering machine messages brought to you by the good people at Radio Shack
Here are some AWESOME musical answering machine messages brought to you by the good people at Radio Shack.
1. 21st Century Funk (0:16)
2. Rappin (0:17)
3. Soft Contemporary (0:17)
4. Jazz (0:17)
5. Jamaican (0:16)
6. Vaudeville (0:16)
Record your own message with these B-side instrumentals.
7. 21st Century Funk Instrumental (0:17)
8. Rappin Instrumental (0:17)
9. Soft Contemporary Instrumental(0:17)
*To download mp3s, right click (control click on mac) and choose “save target as”
BadBadNotGood on Ghostface Killah collaboration: “It’s a completely different style of songwriting”
It all started with a YouTube video. Three young men flipped Odd Future songs into a jazz medley in an abandoned apartment. The drummer wore a pig mask. They were christened the Odd Trio via cardboard sign.
Toronto musicians Matthew A. Tavares, Chester Hansen and Alex Sowinski first met in Humber College’s Music Performance program, bonding over a common love for Odd Future, Gucci Mane and Lil B. With Matthew on piano and synths, bassist Chester, and Alex on drums, they began jamming casually and the Odd Trio was assembled.
The first Odd Trio video became a viral sensation as they cultivated a devoted online fan base. They dropped new videos regularly and millions of hits later, newly christened Badbadnotgood released their self-titled EP in June 2011. It was a complete UFO upon arrival on the musical landscape. Tavares’ virtuosity on keys, Sowincki’s human drum machine prowess and Hansen’s in-pocket swing on bass redefined the possibilities of what a trio can do. Inspired equally by Lil B or John Coltrane, Badbadnotgood found the post-bop in Big Apple classics (“The World Is Yours”, “Mass Appeal”, “Electric Relaxation”), Zelda themes or the off-kilter electronic soundscapes of Flying Lotus.
In September 2011, BBNG sold out their debut show at Toronto’s Red Light Club. Soon after, a friendship on Twitter led to jam sessions with Tyler the Creator while he was in Toronto. The moment was captured on Youtube and spread through the web like wildfire, soon followed by an opening set for Roy Ayers and a headlining performance in London for Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Award show in December 2011.
Nothing seems to stop these three.
BadBadNotGood released an astounding album in February of this year – Sour Soul isthe collaborative album with Staten Island rap champ and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah. Inspired by 1960s and 70s music – taking inspiration from the recording techniques and production of that era, and eschewing sampling in favour of live instrumentation, BBNG with producer Frank Dukes have created a dramatic, cinematic musical staging for Ghostface’s vivid storytelling. Sour Soul also features guest spots from MF DOOM, Elzhi (Slum Village / J Dilla), Danny Brown and prodigal new rapper Tree (Project Mayhem).
Eric: So, despite asking the obvious, what really attracted to you to work with Ghostface?
Frank Dukes: At the time I was doing a lot of work with him, I loved him as an artist and I felt like it was just a real natural collaboration. I feel like BadBadNotGood, they really care about music and not to sound cheesy but they care about making art and not anything else, really. I feel like Ghostface has a parallel career. While he’s had a long, lucrative career these guys were just like – in their early stages and I felt like it was the perfect.
Eric: Earlier in the day when you guys were rehearsing with Ghost Face, he was actually give you some pretty solid advice, about following your own path, and don’t listen to the naysayers.
Matt Tavares: I think if you try and cater to other people then you’re not being yourself. Then you can’t really make art in that case, because you really have to express yourself for it to be a true artistic thing. It’s like, sometimes it’s depressing to read when people say negative things or when people are saying you’ve put a lot of work in, then when people say good things about it you just ignore it. You take it for granted.
Chester Stone Hansen: Hearing him saying it on a life perspective of starting in the Wu-Tang Clan, all the trials and tribulations of being a worldwide phenomenon and successful everywhere but then their dynamic as a group shifting and changing over time. So many different things he was telling us but it was crazy and so honoring to hear him say that. When someone of his stature and his experience tells you that you’re good – woah, this is meaningful stuff.
Eric: Tell me a little bit about the collaboration process.
Matt: We went to New York and Dukes basically was working at the studio with Menahan Street Band, they’re an amazing band for a 50 Cent record that didn’t get cleared, but they loved the sample so much that they met up with Dukes and hit it off instantly. Then they gave him the key to the studio and he hung out there for a while. Dukes, after we met, was like hey let’s go down to Dunhams, the studio, and record some stuff. It’s all analog and they have a very purist, it’s a very authentically very purist old school sound. That’s where we laid the bed tracks, we had about 5 days there. We spent 18 hours a day in the studio and just wrote 11 songs.
Frank: From there we just – kind of like, sent those initial 11 recordings to Ghost and built a foundation of the songs we were doing and over the course of the next couple of years hatched his way into them, changed some instrumentals and wrote a few new things and kind of massaged it into the record it is today.
Eric: What are you most excited about for people to hear on this record, showing the audience this side of the band that maybe they haven’t seen before?
Chester: Maybe a more refrained side. No solos on this record, which almost every song on all of our other records had solos on it. It sounds like a small thing, but it really changes how you scope the song. Obviously Ghostface is on top, so that creates a lot of interest. Still, it’s very easy for us because we get so used to it to write a song, solo, finish the song. It’s a completely different style of songwriting.
12 hit songs and the original track they sampled
A collection of hit songs from the past 2 decades which have sampled songs of previous eras or different genres.
