Morris Day and the HAIM Perform “Jungle Love” on Jimmy Kimmel Live as part of their week-long adventure to pair up musicians together not seen onstage before.
http://youtu.be/p7rGrcdnwh0
St. Vincent’s Heartfelt Note About Being A Musician Is Brilliant
St. Vincent’s self-titled effort won Best Alternative Music Album at this year’s Grammy Awards, and while Annie Clark was not present to accept the award, but she sent out a thank you letter to her email subscribers. You can read it in full below:
in 2007, i signed to beggars banquet records. i was living in dallas, texas in my childhood bedroom at the time, which i had fashioned into a makeshift studio in order to record some of what would end up being my debut album “marry me.”
the first days of touring my own songs and as “st. vincent” are very vivid. in early 2007, in anticipation of the release of my record, my (much beloved) agent put me on the road as solo support for jolie holland and midlake. he saw potential in me, but rightfully, thought i needed to get my live act together. get comfortable playing for people. get road-tested. like most of the rest of my career, it was a trial by earth, wind, and fire.
i was performing solo; just my voice, a guitar through an array of effects pedals, a “stomp board” — a homemade device i made out of a piece of plywood and a contact microphone that i ran through a bass EQ pedal, and a keyboard. i thought the keyboard looked unmysterious on it’s own, so i designed a lighted wooden enclosure to go around it. my brother-in-law helped me build it in his garage. it weighed a gazillion pounds and gave me splinters to carry, and i don’t think anyone was under any illusion that there was anything but a keyboard inside it. neither the first nor the last in a series of hilariously ill-fated ideas.
january 2007, i borrowed my father’s station wagon and drove 12 hours from dallas to frozen lincoln, nebraska to open for jolie holland (what a voice) at a half-full 150 capacity carpeted club. i believe the compensation was $250/gig but it could have been as much as $500 — more $ than i’d ever seen for a gig for sure and guaranteed, no less! in my memory, this midwestern jolie tour dovetailed right into opening the midlake tour. they were out in support of their excellent record, “the trials of van occupanther” and were the sweetest good texas boys you could ever hope to meet. the drummer of midlake, mackenzie smith, would later prove to be a great collaborator, playing on actor, strange mercy, and st. vincent.
on this tour, i’d enlisted my dear friend, jamil, to come and sell merch and help do the long drives. we’d just played a show in detroit and while we’d been inside, a blizzard had swept through and covered the stationwagon in snow and ice. it was treacherous. jamil, who always had some incredible hustle going, hired a homeless man named larry to dig the stationwagon out of the snow. (in college, he had a gold lexus, stripped it of the good parts, and resold it. when i asked if he was sad to see it go, he said, “girl, they think they bought a lexus but they bought a corolla.”) i’ll never forget driving out of bombed out-detroit, apocalyptic at 1 AM. interstate 94 tense and quiet, jamil trying to make sure we didn’t crash or stall on the icy road.
i have eaten years of veggie subway sandwiches on highways 10-90, stayed at a super 8 motel behind a kansas federal prison, peed in cups in dressing rooms when there was no bathroom, gotten eaten alive by bedbugs at a cincinnati days inn. i would not trade a single highway or city or moment or person i met for anything. i have loved it all.
i’m very grateful to have received this grammy. thank you to my producer john congleton, thank you family, thank you friends, thank you to all the incredible musicians involved, thank you managers and agents and publishers and labels and publicists and everyone who works hard at their jobs. and thank you guys. thanks for everything.
Barack Obama Sings Taylor Swift’s “Shake It Off”
Who knew that Obama said “mhmm” so much in speeches and even used “Shake It Off” before?
Haters gonna hate. Watch Obama shake em off.
The best video résumé you’ll see all week
Video résumés aren’t so popular anymore, but this one will get them going again, I’m sure of it. This is a self promotion video of a copywriter who just moved to London and is looking for work. You’ll have to watch it until the end to get it…
JUNO-Nominated Singer-Songwriter Peter Katz Announces March 31st Release Date For “We Are The Reckoning” Album
“If you want to make something that’s like nothing you’ve made before, then you have to shake yourself up, go beyond what’s comfortable and known and let yourself feel disoriented, overwhelmed, even intimidated. Those moments, where you lose your bearings, where you’re forced to sink or swim, are the moments where you have an opportunity to rise to the occasion, to surprise yourself, to do the things you didn’t know you could do. That’s what making this album was for me, I’m so proud of the process, and I’m so proud of the result.” – Peter Katz
=JUNO nominated singer-songwriter Peter Katz, who recently signed a label deal with Maple Music Recordings/Fontana North, announced today the March 31st release of his brand new album “We Are The Reckoning”. Katz announced the release in addition to the premiere of the albums lead single and video “Brother”. Featuring long-time friend and multi-talented Canadian artist Royal Wood, the track is a heartfelt, uplifting tribute to relationships built and bonds forged. “We Are The Reckoning” is available now to pre-order on iTunes with an instant download of the single “Brother” (ft. Royal Wood).
Three years in the making “We Are The Reckoning” follows 2012’s “Still Mind Still” which paved the way for three successful national and international tours. The new album, documents the evolution of Katz’s artistic vision and the realization that he needed to make a change and progress creatively in order to be heard with fresh ears, for the ‘first time’ – again.
“With this record, I took my time; I shook myself up, threw myself into unfamiliar territory and took some big risks,” says Katz. I had to make better art and I had to stop being so good at answering emails and updating my website and get better at writing songs and push myself creatively. I kind of abandoned my email for months on end, slowed down my touring, and worked on music. I wrote songs like a maniac, I put myself in rooms to write with all kinds of people that intimidated me, I studied the masters, and I put the music first, with no deadline.”
Katz spent more than two years writing well over 50 new songs – some with an impressive list of co-writers – all the more remarkable since Katz typically writes alone. His profound determination paid off, attracting the attention of co-producers Royal Wood (Meesha Brueggergosman) and Bill Lefler (Ingrid Michaelson, Cary Brothers), who signed on to help Katz create his most sonically-rich album to date – unlike anything he’s produced before.
“I’m in a different place than I was when I started ten years ago,” says Katz. “Now I know what this thing is, I know the relentlessness that’s required, I know it’s not a race, and I know that the music has to come first. Now that I’m on the other side of it, I can see why it was the right thing to do and I’m more excited than ever to share what we made.”
“We Are The Reckoning is a striking 11-song collection that boasts an impressive guest list of collaborators including rising Scottish star Rachel Sermanni, legendary lap steel player Ben Peeler (Fleet Foxes, Jimmy Cliff, Wallflowers) and Felicity Williams (Bahamas) to name a few.
Katz is no stranger to the music business, a business he’s called home for the last decade. He’s celebrated #1 album debuts on the iTunes Singer-Songwriter Charts, toured all over the world, often playing to capacity crowds and has shared the stage and studio with notable artists including Academy Award winner Glen Hansard (Once, The Swell Season), The Good Lovelies, Melissa McCelland (Whitehorse), Joel Plaskett, Dan Mangan, Royal Wood and the legendary Garth Hudson (The Band).
Named “Best Male Vocalist” in the popular NOW Magazine “Best Of Toronto” 2014 reader’s poll, nominated for a 2012 JUNO Award for Music DVD of the Year and Emerging Artist of the Year at the Canadian Folk Music Awards, and the recipient of the CBC Galaxie Rising Star Award, Katz has built an impressive fan-base of loyal listeners and industry tastemakers alike. With the release of “We Are The Reckoning” and the promise of a full band national Canadian and international tour, 2015 is shaping up to be a big year for the artist whose work Chart Attack called “lyric and vocal virtuosity”.
For more information on Peter Katz visit:
@peterkatzmusic
www.facebook.com/peterkatzmusic
WE ARE THE RECKONING Track Listing:
1. We Are The Reckoning (Katz/Glasco)
2. Lay It On Me (Katz/Kosowski/Delila)
3. Brother (ft. Royal Wood) (Katz/Wood)
4. When The Day Is Done (Katz/Orso)
5. Dark (ft. Rachel Sermanni) (Katz)
6. Follow The Way (Katz/Wood/Lefler)
7. Driving A Dream (Katz/Wood/Lefler)
8. We Won’t Mind (Katz/Ray)
9. No Natural (Katz/Rollo)
10. Beacon (Katz)
11. Story You Forgot (Katz/Bursk)
Patoranking Is First African Dancehall Artist To Sign Distribution Deal with VP Records/VPAL
Nigerian dancehall star Patoranking signs a deal with VP Records’ distribution arm VPAL Music to release his debut album. He is the first African dancehall artist to partner with the world’s largest reggae company. VP Records has been home to Jamaican dancehall superstars like Sean Paul, Beenie Man, Elephant Man, Lady Saw, Mavado, Busy Signal and many more.
Jay Jules, the territory manager at VP Records Music Group Africa, expressed his enthusiasm. “VP Records’ team and I are proud and excited about Patoranking joining our renowned home of internationally recognizable reggae and dancehall superstars. African dancehall is at an exciting place. This deal is simply the next step to break our first African dancehall artist in the global music arena. VP records is undoubtedly in the best position to facilitate this,” he states.
As of one of the younger, bolder new voices of this generation, Patoranking rose to prominence in Africa with his unique blend of dancehall and reggae music. In 2014 alone, the singer-songwriter received a total of 18 major nominations and 9 wins – including Nigeria’s most sought after title for Next Rated Act at the Headies Awards and Best New Act Of The Year at the City People Entertainment Awards.
His popular releases include “Alubarika” (which means God’s blessings) featuring Timaya, “Girlie O” and “Girlie O Remix” featuring Tiwa Savage. He has also collaborated with popular Nigerian artists, including MI Abaga on “Enemies” and Seyi Shay on “Murda.”
Patoranking’s music is a conscious version of dancehall that references social and political issues. His influences include Buju Banton, Bob Marley, Fela Kuti, Lucky Dube, Chaka Demus, Majek Fashek, Blackky, Blackface, Tuface and Marvelous Benjy.
More details about his upcoming debut album will be released at a later date.
Commander Chris Hadfield Gives an Astronaut’s View of Earth
Commander Chris Hadfield shares what it’s like to see the Earth from orbit, and gives some extraordinary stories from his life as an astronaut, and how to make the impossible a reality.
The Jack Daniel’s Supporting Act Contest Is Closing Soon
Music fans have always been Jack Daniel’s greatest supporters and now it’s time for Jack to give back. Jack Daniel’s Supporting Act fuels music fans’ passions by making musical dreams a reality. Whether you’re music fan looking to see your favourite Live Nation concert, a musician with lots of talent and in need of help, or an industry professional looking for your big break. No matter what your need, Jack Daniel’s Supporting Act could help you realize your musical dream.
What do you need to do?
Tell Jack Daniel’s who you are, where you’re from, what you need to keep music in your life, and why you need Jack’s help to make it happen.
Upload your video to www.JDSupportingAct.com ENSURE YOUR VIDEO MEETS THE CRITERIA:
1. An original 60 second video – make sure it’s your own, and that you are of legal drinking age in your province of residence (VERY important)
2. Clearly state what you are applying for
3. Make sure the value of your request has a maximum possible value of $7,000, In the spirit of Jack Daniel’s Old No. 7!
What kinds of things can I ask for?
Whatever you need to keep music in your life – replacement equipment for the stuff that got stolen at your last gig, some studio time to record, even if you aren’t a musician, tuition towards your education in the music industry!
What will my video be judged on?
STORY (40%)
Priority will be given to videos that tell compelling, personal stories. They’re looking for stories that thrill, entertain or pull at the heart strings For example, If you need concert tickets, tell us about the time you missed seeing your favourite Live Nation concert. Try creating videos that resonate with music lovers anywhere.
CREATIVITY (30%)
Videos that get their message across in creative ways will also be given priority. Don’t be satisfied by taking a video in your living room. Get out into the world and show us how creative you can be. You could write a song with your request, perform a dance or express your love of music in a hundred different ways.
PRESENTATION (30%)
In the world of videos, looks matter! Use the tricks and tools of directors to make your video look like a winner. Play around with sound, editing, titles and lighting to give your video a professional presentation. They want to see that love and care has gone into the making of your video.
When can I apply?
The contest is open now! Every two weeks we’ll be selecting four finalist videos to be up for public voting. The votes, in combination with the judges score will determine the winner. We’re giving away 8 prizes from December to March – winners every two weeks!
Go to www.JDSupportingAct.com now and submit your entry!
Trey Parker’s Cannibal The Musical is coming to Toronto
Before South Park and The Book of Mormon, there was Trey Parker’s fan-favourite film, Cannibal! The Musical. This winter Trey Parker’s Cannibal the Musical makes its world premiere as a re-vamped stage show with new jokes and new songs, bearing all the hallmarks of a Parker-Stone collaboration – it’s the Canadian theatre event of the season, and runs from February 10 until March 8 at the Panasonic Theatre.
The musical follows five miners from Utah who embark on a treacherous journey to stake their claim on land in the Colorado Territory. Led by their reluctant guide, Alferd Packer, the group encounters trappers, natives and a whole lot of tom-foolery before losing their way in the Rocky Mountains. When they’re found days later Alferd is the only one left standing, and the Sheriff arrests him for cannibalism – but what really happened out on them there mountains? Intrepid reporter Polly Pry is determined to tell the REAL story… that is, if she doesn’t fall in love with the unsuspecting Packer first.
Starring Elicia MacKenzie (from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “The Sound of Music”) and Triple Sensation’s Liam Tobin, and Second City stars Mike “Nug” Nahrgang, Marc Andrada, Marty Adams and Trevor Martin, “Cannibal The Musical!” promises to be a hilarious evening of Trey Parker zaniness. Additional book, lyrics and music were created by Christopher Bond, Aaron Eyre and Trevor Martin.
Toronto run:
February 10 – March 8, 2015
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Tue Feb 10 at 7pm
Wed Feb 11 at 7pm
Thu Feb 12 at 7pm
Fri Feb 13 at 7pm
Saturday Feb 14 at 2pm, 7pm and 10:30pm
Sunday Feb 15 at 2:30pm and 7pm
Tue Feb 17 at 7pm
Wed Feb 18 at 7pm
Thu Feb 19 at 7pm
Fri Feb 20 at 7pm
Sat Feb 21 at 2pm and 7pm
Sun Feb 22 at 2:30pm and 7pm
Tue Feb 24 at 7pm
Wed Feb 25 at 7pm
Thu Feb 26 at 7pm
Fri Feb 27 at 7pm
Sat Feb 28 at 2pm and 7pm
Sun Mar 1 at 2:30pm and 7pm
Fri Mar 6 at 7pm
Sat Mar 7 at 2pm and 7pm
Sun Mar 8 at 2:30pm and 7pm
The Prism Prize Top Ten: Short-List For Best Canadian Music Video of 2014
The Prism Prize is thrilled to announce the Top Ten Best Canadian Music Videos of 2014, as voted by a jury of more than 120 industry professionals from the worlds of music, film, broadcast and web media. After viewing hundreds of music videos released in 2014, jurors selected the Prism Prize Top Ten based on originality, creativity, style, innovation and effective execution. The jury will vote once more to determine the Prism Prize winner, who will receive a $5,000 Grand Prize at the Awards Presentation on March 29, 2015 at TIFF Bell Lightbox. For the first time ever the Prism Prize Awards Presentation will be open to the public. Tickets are available at www.prismprize.com/tickets
In addition to the Grand Prize announcement, the Prism Prize Awards Presentation will include a screening of the Top Ten videos, sponsored by MuchFACT; and presentation of the Audience Choice Award, Presented by Noisey Canada; the Prism Prize Special Achievement Award for artistic achievements and exceptional contribution to music video art on a world stage; and the Arthur Lipsett Award, Presented by Art Works Art School, for innovative and unique approaches to music video art.
THE 2015 PRISM PRIZE TOP TEN (in alphabetical order, by director name):
The New Pornographers – Dancehall Domine (Directors: Scott Cudmore and Michael LeBlanc)
PUP – Guilt Trip (Directors: Chandler Levack and Jeremy Schaulin-Rioux)
Fur Trade – Same Temptation (Director: Kheaven Lewandowski)
Rich Aucoin – Yelling in Sleep (Director: Joel Mackenzie)
Ryan Hemsworth – Snow in Newark (Director: Martin C. Pariseau)
Kandle – Not Up to Me (Director: Natalie Rae Robison)
Kevin Drew – You in Your Were (Director: Samir Rehem)
Odonis Odonis – Order in the Court (Director: Lee Stringle)
Chad VanGaalen – Monster (Director: Chad VanGaalen)
Timber Timbre – Beat the Drum Slowly (Director: Chad VanGaalen)
The Prism Prize Top Ten videos are live at www.prismprize.com, where fans can watch and vote on who will take home this year’s Audience Award.
Past Prism Prize winners for Best Canadian Music Video of the Year include Noah Pink for Rich Aucoin’s Brian Wilson is A.L.i.V.E (2012) and Emily Kai Bock for Arcade Fire’s Afterlife (2013).
Prism Prize is proud to host a comprehensive resource for music fans to watch the best Canadian music videos all in one place. Videos and news from Canada’s music video community are available throughout the year at www.prismprize.com.
