5 Things You Might Know Have Known About Oasis’ ‘Definitely Maybe’ Album

Sep 26, 2024

Oasis’ Definitely Maybe wasn’t just an album—it was the musical and cultural shift that made Britpop explode worldwide. From the anthemic “Rock ‘n’ Roll Star” to the cool swagger of “Supersonic,” Oasis crafted a debut that captured the raw hunger of a band who wanted it all, on the brink of actually getting it. Recorded over multiple sessions with relentless energy, Definitely Maybe didn’t just launch a band—it defined an era.

Debut Album Sales Record: Upon its release in 1994, Definitely Maybe became the fastest-selling debut album in UK history, selling over 86,000 copies in its first week. This record stood until it was surpassed by Arctic Monkeys’ Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not in 2006.
The Original Recording Was Scrapped: Before the final version, the entire album was recorded at a different studio with a different producer. The band was unhappy with the sound, leading them to scrap the initial recordings and start over with producer Owen Morris, who gave the album its signature loud, raw sound.
“Supersonic” Was Written in a Day: Noel Gallagher wrote the band’s first single, “Supersonic,” in just one day during a recording session. The song wasn’t planned but emerged organically as the band jammed in the studio, and it became one of their most iconic tracks.
Influenced by T. Rex and Slade: While Definitely Maybe is often associated with its heavy Beatles and Stones influence, some tracks were also shaped by glam rock bands like T. Rex and Slade. You can hear that gritty, anthemic style in songs like “Cigarettes & Alcohol.”
Noel Played Every Guitar Solo: Despite Liam Gallagher’s dominant role as lead vocalist, Noel Gallagher played all the guitar solos on Definitely Maybe, including the powerful solos on tracks like “Live Forever” and “Slide Away,” showcasing his dual role as both lead guitarist and songwriter.

5 Fun Facts About The Beatles’ Revolver Album

Sep 26, 2024

Revolver marked a pivotal moment in The Beatles’ career, blending experimental sounds with groundbreaking studio techniques. Tracks like “Tomorrow Never Knows” and “I’m Only Sleeping” showcased the first use of backward guitar recording and automatic double tracking (ADT), pushing the boundaries of music – popular and otherwsise. From psychedelic rock to children’s tunes like “Yellow Submarine,” there really is something for everyone.

First Use of Backward Guitar Recording: Revolver features the first use of reversed guitar recordings in popular music, particularly on the song “I’m Only Sleeping.” George Harrison’s guitar solo was recorded, reversed, and then layered onto the track, giving it a dreamy, otherworldly sound.
First Use of Automatic Double Tracking (ADT): Engineer Ken Townsend at Abbey Road Studios developed ADT specifically for The Beatles during the Revolver sessions. This technique automatically doubled a vocal or instrumental track, creating a fuller sound without the need for manually recording multiple takes.
“Tomorrow Never Knows” Inspired by Timothy Leary: The lyrics of “Tomorrow Never Knows” were inspired by Timothy Leary’s book The Psychedelic Experience, which was itself a reinterpretation of The Tibetan Book of the Dead. John Lennon drew from these texts, creating the song’s spiritual and experimental atmosphere.
Ringo’s Favorite Drum Sound: Ringo Starr has often stated that the drum sound on Revolver is one of his favorites. His tight, punchy drumming on tracks like “She Said She Said” and “Tomorrow Never Knows” was achieved by stuffing blankets in his bass drum and closely mic-ing the kit.
“Yellow Submarine” Was Written for Children: While it’s often viewed as a whimsical Beatles classic, “Yellow Submarine” was intentionally written as a children’s song. Paul McCartney composed it with a simple, sing-along structure and handed the vocals to Ringo Starr, as he often sang the more lighthearted songs.

Photo Gallery: Vampire Weekend with Cults at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage

Sep 26, 2024

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.

Live Nation Canada unveils plans for Rogers Stadium, a new seasonal concert venue in Toronto

Sep 26, 2024

Live Nation Canada has unveiled plans for Rogers Stadium, a new seasonal outdoor concert venue that will open at YZD (formerly Downsview Airport Lands) summer 2025. With a capacity of 50,000, Rogers Stadium will become Toronto and the GTA’s largest purpose-built music venue hosting fans and artists from around the globe. Built as a unique open-air experience, the facility will become one of Canada’s newest landmark concert destinations, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a must-play market on the global music scene.

“The number of stadium-level acts touring today is unprecedented, with more acts than available nights at existing venues. That’s why we’re making this investment—to ensure Toronto fans don’t miss out on world-class artists. Rogers Stadium will not only meet this demand but also offer a premium stadium show experience, combined with the festival vibe that our fans love,” said Erik Hoffman, President, Music, Live Nation Canada. “This a natural evolution of our stadium programming and we’re excited to bring this new venue to life with our partners at Rogers while continuing to book world-class shows at Rogers Centre, as well.”

“As Canada’s leading communications and entertainment company, we’re proud to partner with Live Nation to bring the country’s newest landmark concert destination to Toronto,” said Tony Staffieri, President and CEO, Rogers. “Rogers Stadium will attract the best artists from around the world and provide concertgoers with a premium entertainment experience in a unique festival atmosphere.”

“I’m so pleased to welcome Live Nation and the future Rogers Stadium to YZD,” said Premier Doug Ford. “This exciting venue will bring even more tourists and investment to our province, boosting local businesses, creating new jobs and drawing in artists and events from around the world.”

Rogers Stadium will be strategically positioned at the north end of the former airport’s runway, serving as a temporary fixture as Northcrest’s $30B transformative masterplan unfolds over the coming years. The stadium is centrally located, with easy access to 400-series highways and public transit connections, making it easily accessible. This landmark will not only visually anchor the evolving 370-acre site but play a crucial role in energizing both the city and the region’s economy. By hosting a wide range of concerts and music acts, Rogers Stadium’s construction and operation will generate thousands of jobs, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses and injecting an estimated $80-$100M into the local economy.

“This new music venue will enhance Toronto’s reputation as a world leading destination for the biggest touring acts from around the globe,” said Mayor Olivia Chow.

“Rogers Stadium is a testament to our vision for this masterplan, which includes a series of communities, creating a space where people come together to experience the best the city has to offer,” said Derek Goring, Chief Executive Officer of Northcrest Developments. “Our 370-acre project’s scale and impact are unprecedented. With development plans for these lands years away, this new venue serves not only as a premier concert venue but also reflects Northcrest’s commitment to creating a seasonal destination that brings much-needed infrastructure for the city’s arts and culture sector. This partnership is one of the many ways we continue to shape the soul of this community before development even begins, ensuring that YZD becomes a beacon of cultural and community life for years to come”.

The YZD transformation project, spearheaded by Northcrest Developments, represents one of North America’s largest mixed-use redevelopments. Over the coming decades, YZD will evolve into a connected series of communities with seven new neighborhoods, accommodating over 55,000 residents. The development includes more than 28 million square feet of residential space, seven million square feet of commercial and cultural spaces, and nearly 74 acres of parks and green spaces.

How Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour Is Boosting Local Economies

Sep 26, 2024

When Taylor Swift rolls into town, it’s not just her fans who feel the excitement—local businesses do too. With an estimated $10-13 million flowing into local economies for each stop of her Eras Tour, Swift’s concerts are more than just a cultural event; they’re an economic engine. From packed hotels and busy restaurants to jammed parking lots and lineups at retail stores, the financial impact of her shows reaches far beyond the stage. Whether it’s fans snapping up merchandise, booking flights, or checking out the local attractions, Taylor Swift is leaving a long-lasting mark on the cities she visits, driving revenue across a dozen sectors and creating a effect that benefits countless local companies and lives.

Hotels & Accommodation

Revenue: Hotel bookings for out-of-town visitors attending the concert.
Where it goes: Local hotels, Airbnb hosts, and other lodging services benefit from increased bookings.

Restaurants & Bars

Revenue: Fans dining before and after the concerts at local eateries.
Where it goes: Local restaurants, bars, cafés, and fast-food outlets.

Transportation

Revenue: Spending on taxis, ride-sharing services (Uber, Lyft), public transportation, and parking fees.
Where it goes: Local transportation services, parking lot operators, and ride-sharing companies.

Retail & Merchandising

Revenue: Purchases of concert-related merchandise (T-shirts, posters, etc.), as well as shopping at local stores.
Where it goes: Concert venues (for official merchandise sales), local malls, gift shops, and retail stores.

Event Tickets

Revenue: Ticket sales for the concert itself.
Where it goes: Ticketmaster, the artist, the concert promoter (Live Nation), and the venue.

Tourism

Revenue: Revenue generated by tourists visiting local attractions, museums, or cultural sites before or after the concert.
Where it goes: Local tourism boards, museums, attractions, and cultural venues.

Hospitality & Services

Revenue: Additional services like tour guides, salon/spa visits, and other luxury experiences.
Where it goes: Local businesses providing these services.

Venue Operations

Revenue: Income from concessions (food, drinks) and VIP packages at the concert venue.
Where it goes: Venue operators, concession providers, and service staff.

Temporary Employment

Revenue: Jobs created by the concert, such as security staff, ushers, parking attendants, and clean-up crews.
Where it goes: Local event staffing agencies and individuals hired temporarily for the event.

Advertising & Marketing

Revenue: Spending by local businesses on advertising to attract concertgoers.
Where it goes: Local marketing agencies, media outlets, and billboard companies.

Air Travel

Revenue: Flight bookings for fans traveling from other cities or countries.
Where it goes: Airlines and related travel services, as well as airport vendors.

These revenue streams create a ripple effect, benefiting a wide range of local industries and driving significant economic activity.

My Next Read: “Hope” by Terry Fox and Edited by Barbara Adhiya

Sep 25, 2024

In 1976, when Terry Fox was just eighteen years old, he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma and his right leg was amputated just above the knee. It quickly became his mission to help cure cancer so others would not have to endure what he had gone through. He dreamed up a Marathon of Hope ― a fundraising run across Canada, from St. John’s, Newfoundland, to Victoria, British Columbia. 7,560 kilometers. 4,700 miles.

When he set off on April 12, 1980, Canadians were dubious. But as he continued across the country, enthusiasm grew to a frenzy. Sadly, Terry’s cancer returned, and after 143 days and 3,339 miles, he was forced to stop his Marathon of Hope. He passed away in 1981, but the nation picked up his mission where he left off, and the annual Terry Fox Run has even spread to cities around the world, raising more than $850 million to date ― well over Terry’s goal of one dollar for every Canadian.

After conducting over fifty interviews with people throughout Terry’s life ― ranging from his siblings, nurses, and coaches to volunteers during the Marathon of Hope ― editor Barbara Adhiya discovers how Terry was able to run a marathon a day. Through their stories, passages from Terry’s marathon journal, and over 200 photos and documents, Hope shows that with enough resilience, determination, humility, and support, ordinary people can do impossible things.

Miranda Lambert honored with SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award

Sep 25, 2024

download (5) — Photo: Miranda Lambert receives the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award from SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe in New York City. (Photo credit: JJ Tanaka)

SoundExchange, the premier music tech organization powering the future of music, announced today that Miranda Lambert has been honored with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award, recognizing her stature as one of the most streamed creators in the organization’s 20-plus year history of administering digital performance royalties.

“Miranda Lambert is a dynamic and fearless storyteller who has captured the hearts and imaginations of generations of fans,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “Miranda explores music well beyond country and embraces life through melody, empathy, and wit. She is one of the most significant country artists of this century and we are proud to present Miranda Lambert with the SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award.”

“I am grateful to SoundExchange for this honor, and to know that the music I’ve poured my heart into for the past two decades has connected with people all over the world,” Lambert said. “I’ve been a member since the beginning of my recording career and I appreciate all that SoundExchange does in advocating for the fair treatment of all creators.”

Lambert has been a SoundExchange member since 2005 and entrusts SoundExchange to collect worldwide neighboring rights royalties on her behalf through more than 65 agreements SoundExchange has with counterpart organizations, covering 88% of the global neighboring rights market.

Lambert’s latest critically acclaimed studio album, Postcards from Texas, was released Sept. 13 and is available everywhere now. Recorded in Austin, Texas, the follow-up to her 2022 GRAMMY-nominated project, Palomino, features current single “Wranglers” as well as fan favorites “Dammit Randy,” “Alimony,” “Armadillo,” and more.

It was also recently announced that Lambert will be honored with the Country Icon Award at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, set for September 26 at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House and airing live on NBC.

Critically acclaimed groundbreaker/songwriter/superstar Miranda Lambert has defined her multi-faceted career as an artist, entertainer, entrepreneur, advocate and businesswoman with an unflinching quest for excellence, honesty and conviction. With her ninth solo studio album, Postcards from Texas available everywhere now via Republic Records, the most-awarded artist in Academy of Country Music history, including their top honor for Entertainer of the Year, has also won three GRAMMYs and 14 Country Music Association Awards. A TIME100 honoree and perennial best-of-the-year list maker at the New York Times, TIME, Rolling Stone, Billboard, Stereogum, People and more, NPR has called her “the most riveting country star of her generation.”

A multi-dimensional superstar, she’s earned seven No. 1 solo albums, 10 No. 1 hit radio singles, more than 80 prestigious awards and countless RIAA certifications; conquered Las Vegas with her twice-extended Velvet Rodeo residency; blurred genres with Leon Bridges, the B-52s, Loretta Lynn, Enrique Iglesias, Sheryl Crow and Elle King; and delivered her LGBTQ+ inclusive anthem “Y’All Means All” for Netflix’s “Queer Eye.” She’s taken those standards to become a New York Times bestselling author and the first female restaurateur on Lower Broadway with her Tex-Mex cantina Casa Rosa, while also expanding her creative reach with her Wanda June Home collection exclusive to Walmart and her Idyllwind clothing and boot line at Boot Barn. Her passion for rescue animals inspired the creation of her MuttNation Foundation, which has raised nearly $10 million since inception to promote adoption, support shelters across the country, advance spay & neuter and assist with the transport of animals during times of natural disaster.

Macklemore, Seven Lions, Alison Wonderland, Russell Dickerson and Neon Trees to Headline Inaugural Neon City Festival On November 22-24

Sep 25, 2024

The inaugural Neon City Festival (NCF) is set to electrify downtown Las Vegas November 22-24, 2024, with an all-star lineup including Macklemore, Seven Lions, Alison Wonderland, Russell Dickerson and Neon Trees. The first-of-its-kind music, art and culinary event is free to all ages and will feature local food and beverage vendors, art shows, fireworks and additional musical talent spanning a variety of genres.

The “festival without fences” will transform downtown Las Vegas into a sprawling open-air playground, extending from the Fremont East District to Fremont Street Experience and the Downtown Las Vegas Events Center, to the Arts District all the way down to Las Vegas Blvd. and The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower.

In addition to the musical acts, Neon City Festival will also feature:

Food and drink specials from local Las Vegas restaurants and bars
Captivating moments such as laser art shows, strolling entertainment and a special 3D-motion graphic show on “Viva Vision,” the world’s largest LED canopy screen
Citywide entertainment featuring block parties, pop-up performances, street festivals and surprises from beloved downtown attractions

Created by downtown Las Vegas casino owner Stevens – with support from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) – and overseen by appointed Neon City Festival CEO Victor, the event was conceived to show appreciation for Las Vegas locals and visitors alike.

Neon City Festival’s founders include Stevens (Circa Resort & Casino, Golden Gate Hotel & Casino, the D Las Vegas and Downtown Las Vegas Events Center), LVCVA, Steve Thompson (Boyd Gaming Corporation: Fremont Hotel & Casino, California Hotel Casino, Main Street Station), Terry Caudill (Binion’s Gambling Hall and 4 Queens Hotel & Casino), Chris Latil (Golden Nugget Las Vegas Hotel & Casino), Jonathan Jossel (Plaza Hotel & Casino), Blake Sartini Jr. (The STRAT Hotel, Casino & Tower), Andrew Simon (Fremont Street Experience), Joe Woody (El Cortez Hotel & Casino) and Eric Buksa (Downtown Grand Hotel & Casino).

Additional Neon City Festival acts and happenings will be shared in the coming weeks. For more information, click here.

SoundExchange Developing Global AI Sound Recording Registry

Sep 25, 2024

SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe yesterday announced that the company is developing a global artificial intelligence (AI) registry for sound recording creators and rights owners. Huppe shared the information during a discussion with multi-platinum, GRAMMY^® Award-winning producer and artist Timbaland about music rights in an evolving creator landscape at the annual Fast Company Innovation Festival in Manhattan.

The registry will provide a much-needed resource for creators and rights owners to protect their rights related to the use of their content in AI models, allowing them to “reserve” those rights (if they so choose) against training by AI algorithms. While U.S. law does not require such a reservation to protect creators’ rights, the global registry will be another tool to help AI companies properly handle their training data and to help facilitate similar protections in Europe and elsewhere.

Expected to launch in the first quarter of 2025, the registry is an evolution of systems purpose-built by SoundExchange for the collection and distribution of recording royalties and will utilize SoundExchange’s authoritative and comprehensive international standard recording code (ISRC) database. Companies building AI training models will be able to reference the database of authorization declarations before ingesting recordings, helping to ensure appropriate permissions before capitalizing on others’ intellectual property.

“The rapid proliferation of companies building and leveraging AI music models demands creators have an ability to declare easily whether or not they want their work used in that process,” said Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange. “Our driving mission is to simplify the music industry and protect the value of music. Because of our role in the music industry and our authoritative data, SoundExchange is in a unique and trusted position to create an AI sound recordings registry. We see this as another opportunity to bridge the information gap while keeping control in the hands of the creators and rights owners and providing AI companies with a centralized resource for researching consent.”

Record labels and other rights owners would still have the ability to undertake a reservation of rights individually with each AI company (as some have done). The SoundExchange AI registry will supplement that ability and facilitate economies of scale in the notification process. The database will be a voluntary tool, and rights owners will maintain all legal rights to their recordings regardless of their listing in the registry.

As the sole organization designated by the U.S. government to administer the country’s non-interactive streaming license, SoundExchange maintains the world’s largest and most comprehensive music rights catalogue, comprised of more than 126 million sound recordings. The organization is designated by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to maintain U.S. ISRCs and operates the industry’s largest sanctioned ISRC database.

SoundExchange is a founding member of the Human Artistry Campaign, a global alliance of more than 170 organizations from 34 countries that recognizes the value of AI as a tool for artists, but fundamentally believes that AI can never replace human expression, creativity, and artistry.

How Blues Musicians Can Do Remixes For Their Single

Sep 25, 2024

guitar-2886886_1280 — Image by Rahul Yadav from Pixabay

Blues music has always been a genre rooted in emotion and storytelling, but remixing it can open up exciting new possibilities. Whether you’re looking to give a track a modern electronic edge, a laid-back lo-fi vibe, or infuse it with elements from genres like funk, jazz, or even reggae, there’s no limit to how a blues song can evolve. Here are 10 creative remix ideas that can take your favorite blues track in fresh and unexpected directions, while still staying true to its soulful roots.

Electronic Blues Remix – Add some deep bass, electronic drums, and synth sounds while keeping those soulful vocals at the forefront. It’ll create a cool blend of blues and electronic music.
Lo-Fi Chill Blues Remix – Use mellow beats, vintage sound effects, and warm, muted instruments to give the track a relaxed, lo-fi vibe. Perfect for a laid-back, chill listen.
Funky Blues Remix – Bring out a groovier side of the blues by adding funky basslines, guitar riffs, and brass. This would make the song more upbeat and perfect for dancing.
Acoustic Blues Remix – Strip the song down to its basics, focusing on acoustic guitar, harmonica, and minimal percussion. This remix emphasizes the emotional core of the track.
Reggae Blues Remix – Infuse the song with reggae’s signature offbeat guitar chords, dub effects, and a laid-back rhythm for a unique blend of blues and island vibes.
Jazz-infused Blues Remix – Add a jazzy twist with smooth saxophone solos, walking bass lines, and more complex piano arrangements to give the song a sophisticated, refined sound.
Country Blues Remix – Mix in country elements like pedal steel guitar and banjo, along with traditional blues sounds, for a rootsy, Americana-style remix.
Hip-Hop Blues Remix – Combine hip-hop beats, record scratching, and spoken-word verses with the blues vocals to create an exciting cross-genre collaboration.
Gospel Blues Remix – Add a gospel choir, organ, and uplifting harmonies to give the song an inspiring, spiritual vibe.
Latin Blues Remix – Incorporate Latin percussion like congas and bongos, along with flamenco-inspired guitar, for a lively, rhythmic take on the blues.