Filed under: News
Universal Music
Fast rising retro soul sensation Janelle Monae has confirmed a one off show in London this September.
All the craft seems to have gone out of performing. Gone are the days when kids would watch 'Top Of The Pops' and bust a move, attempting to replicate their heroes on the carpet of the front room.
However Janelle Monae is a graduate of the old school. Her retro soul sounds are devoid of slick production, adding some grit to her songcraft.
Alongside this, though, is the art of show business. Janelle Monae can seriously move, like a young Michael Jackson mixed with something fresh, something modern. Deeply individual, the singer made a number of high profile appearances on American television recently gathering huge acclaim.
For a recent interview with Janelle Monae just click HERE.
Now the singer is focussed on the UK. Janelle Monae recently released her debut album 'The ArchAndroid' a colourful collection of soulful pop. Reaching a small fan base, the singer is now planning a charm offensive on the UK.
British appearances are thin on the ground, with the singer set to play a one off show in London shortly.
Janelle Monae is due to tread the boards in KOKO on September 8th. Support for the show has yet to be confirmed with tickets due to go on sale this Friday (July 30th).
Meanwhile, the singer is plotting a joint tour with Of Montreal. The two acts met recently and struck up a conversation, with Kevin Barnes suggesting a tour. Plans are already being made for the jaunt, which would be an eye catching mixture of two unique talents.
Janelle Monae has confirmed the following shows:
September
8 London KOKO
Click here to buy tickets for Janelle Monae!
Filed under: News
PA Photos
Filed under: News
Noel Vasquez, Getty Images
Filed under: News
PA Photos
Dance icons The Chemical Brothers are to release new single 'Another World' on August 16th.
The Chemical Brothers are back, bringing a host of 90s dance icons with them. The duo's new album follows from successful offerings from The Prodigy and Underworld, with Orbital plotting a new album.
Releasing 'Further' earlier this year, The Chemical Brothers produced a sizzling update on their big beat template. Their first album in some time, the material felt fresh without departing too much from their back catalogue.
Delighting fans, the band played a four night in London to launch the album. Preparing for a nationwide tour, The Chemical Brothers now confirmed that their new single 'Another World' will drop on August 16th.
Available on 12 inch and digital download, the track is a pulsating slice of electronica. Displaying the duo's other worldly, dreamy side 'Another World' opens with bubbling synths before the beat drives forward.
Finishing as a dancefloor ready monster, it is set to become a feature of the group's celebrated live set. Bringing it bang up to date, The Chemical Brothers have handed the track over to a select batch of producers.
German techno don BoysNoise has added his own touch to the track, with his booming beats adding another dimension to 'Another World'. Meanwhile fidget don Popof has carved his name into the song.
Available on August 16th, the new single comes with an inventive new video. Famed for their visuals, The Chemical Brothers have teamed up with their long term collaborator Flat Nose George.
Watch the video below...
Not content to taking over dancefloors worldwide, Swedish House Mafiosi Axwell, Steve Angello and Sebastian Ingrosso's debut single 'One (Your Name)' is storming the charts this week, and the boys have put together this mind-boggling video to go with the release. Directed by fellow Swede Christian Larson, it's actually rather good – and if you want to see a whole lot more of it, you can buy the track online here: itunes.com
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Submitted by mike monypenny on 29 July 2010 - 11:52
This is a Mixmag Story.
Welsh rock survivors Manic Street Preachers have recruited Michael Sheen to star in their new video.
After more than two decades together, Manic Street Preachers still have a desire to prove themselves. Confirming details of their new album 'Postcards From A Young Man' the band aim to reclaim the stadiums.
Following on from last year's emotional 'Journal For Plague Lovers' the album is a return to their rock roots. Upcoming single '(It's Not War) Just The End Of Love' is set to have an unusual video, starring Michael Sheen.
Best known for portraying Brian Clough in 'The Damned United' the actor has also taken on parts in 'The Queen' and new sitcom '30 Rock'.
Now Michael Sheen is set to work with Manic Street Preachers. The actor is due to play Russian chess icon Gary Kasparov the upcoming video, inspired by a classic match between two Grandmasters.
"It looks like Michael Sheen is gonna be in the video, which we're really thrilled about," Nicky Wire told the NME. "We've tried to recreate the classic '70s chess match between Kasparov and (Bobby) Fischer. That's the kind of vibe behind it. It's real '70s Russia – just that idea of 'it's not war, just the end of love', I think a chess game really fits that."
Continuing, the bass player explained that the video would tackle Cold War politics. "It's a really serious intellectual game but, you know, it's not World War Three. Although the cold war chess games were kind of like wars played out on a chess board. Me and James (Dean Bradfield) have come up with the idea for it."
Meanwhile, tickets are still up for grabs at a special one off London show. Manic Street Preachers are set to perform in London later this summer, with the audience comprising just 100 competition winners.
If you miss out, the Welsh trio have confirmed details of a lengthy British arena tour this winter.
Manic Street Preachers are set to release '(It's Not War) Just The End Of Love'.
Filed under: Free MP3 Download of the Day
Anthony Dixon
UNKLE have confirmed details of new single 'The Answer' and a provocative new video.
UNKLE have had a busy year. The continually fluctuating dance collective returned earlier this year with a well received new album, displaying all the vigour which first turned them into critical darlings.
Supporting Ian Brown at his Platt Fields show, UNKLE played to one of the biggest crowds of their career. Organising a major British tour, the collective teamed up with an avant garde orchestra for some startling new arrangements.
London based group The Heritage Orchestra re-worked some of the group's classic material for a handful of shows. One of the year's most unusual collaborations, the shows are set to be followed by a new single.
Taken from their new album, 'The Answer' is due to be released on August 23rd. The track will be available as a digital download, but the EP package is set to be available as part of a limited edition vinyl pressing.
Bound with new remixes, the vinyl edition forms part of an art exhibition at Haunch of Venison gallery. James Lavelle is curating an exhibition, which aims to marry music with modern art.
Meanwhile, the single features in the short film 'Saviours And Angels'. Directed by Paul Andrew Williams, the experienced film maker has crafted something visually unforgettable but definitely not safe for work.
Watch it below...
Saviours And Angels from UNKLE on Vimeo.
From the opening tripartite bombardment of a spry yet tellingly ferocious This Is Not A Love Song which segued seamlessly into a hypnotic, rolling on the balls of the feet Poptones straight into Memories, it’s clear we were witnessing a group in their absolute prime. There’s not an ounce of musical fat on these guys; stripped back, lean and spirited, this is the real deal and you better believe they mean it.
The familiar tribal drumming of Flowers Of Romance from the excellent and incendiary Bruce Smith (formerly of The Pop Group & The Slits) extended the song into a glorious improvisational loop of near meditative clarity. The razor sharp playing of (former Damned guitarist) Lu Edmonds came into it’s own playing a Middle Eastern dulcimer/banjo like instrument with a bow (I asked him afterwards what it was but confess the red stripe dulled my brain; a Bouzouki?). Whilst former eclectic session man Scott Firth decimated any lingering shadow of Wobble with his shuddering bass, which battered through the audience’s organs like a well timed juggernaught.
An insidious and blistering Religion grew from a feral caterwauling into a full blown ancestral assault on the senses: a base hatred for dogma virtually seething from the stage like a bag of snakes. We knew the Pope would get a mention…this time not only was he questioned as a Nazi? but a potential paedophile? At the very least, a facilitator of heinous crimes. Perfectly provocative for the historically divisive and sectarian Glasgow audience, such sentiments certainly received a big cheer.
There was a small surprise at the inclusion of ‘Psychopath’ into the set, one of Lydon’s solo songs which he rather charmingly dedicated to the ladies whilst he gurgled and spat brandy into a dustbin on stage (as elegantly as one is able). It’s lubrication for the vocal chords he advised me, which is required during a 2 hour plus set, which saw him wail, moan and scream with the sprightly conviction of a man half his age.
His glitchy ‘dancing’, all stiff armed and splayed at the wrists, had him come over like some gloriously fucked up Balinese dancer and is the only thing that belied his (non obvious) stage fright. A dub heavy ‘Death Disco’ was a highlight, as intense and emotional as it should be; urgent, explosively menacing and simultaneously melancholic. The lighting guy was also bang on the money swathing the stage with pulsating red beams in perfect syncopation with the rhythm section.
The unfussy encore began with a high energy and long awaited Public Image followed by the sing along, bone fide hit of Rise, the entire crowd chanting along to ‘anger is an energy’. It all came to an end with a delightful and unexpected take on ‘Open Up’. Everyone I saw leaving the venue was electric, charged up, smiling.
Earlier in the evening a minor problem with the monitors was requested to be sorted out with “I may be old but that doesn’t mean I don’t care”. Well, you didn’t need to tell us that John. Every cell and nerve assures us that you do.
Canadian indie rock giants Arcade Fire have spoken about the inspiration behind new album 'The Suburbs'.
Arcade Fire have a vast sound which seems to bring people together. Recently returning to Britain for a one off show in London, the band's euphoric sound resulted in a hugely memorable show.
Previewing their new album, material from 'The Suburbs' was rapturously received. Arcade Fire were on triumphant form, with the full studio effort due to be released later this summer.
Now the band have spoken about the inspiration behind the new release. Songwriter Win Butler explained to the NME that the new album was partially inspired by love letters from a teenage romance.
Referring to 'We Used To Wait' the frontman recalled a previous romantic liaison. "In high school I had a letter-writing romance with a girl," he said. "I was trying to remember that time… waiting an entire summer, pretty much half a year, the anxiousness of waiting for letters to arrive."
"All day every day there's almost this cloud of feeling hanging over everything. We'd be in Maine, I'd walk down to the post office and come back… the whole day was consumed by that feeling."
Elsewhere, the frontman praised his U2 counterpart Bono. The Irish singer has taken flak for his political ambitions, but Arcade Fire respect him for becoming involved. "As much as people slag Bono, I will forever give him credit for engaging with George W Bush when he was president," he said.
"Even though it was a deeply unpopular move, even in his own band. The HIV medications in Africa, every aspect of the US foreign policy – it was a hell of a lot more than any president before had done."
Click HERE to read our review of 'The Suburbs'!
Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody has spoken about Tired Pony, his new collaboration with Peter Buck.
Announcing their arrival earlier this year, Tired Pony feature two songwriters who thrive on collaboration. REM guitarist Peter Buck has worked with Billy Bragg and Robyn Hitchcock, while Snow Patrol singer Gary Lightbody has engineered a few all star projects.
Once sitting at the helm of The Reindeer Section, Gary Lightbody is now working with Tired Pony. One of the most refreshing projects either songwriter has been involved in for some time, the group's debut album is a delight.
Recorded with Jacknife Lee, 'The Place We Ran From' was laid down in just one week. Speaking to the NME, Gary Lightbody explained that the record is much darker than his previous projects.
"There's quite a lot of blood dripping from this record," the singer said. "You have to go really deep into the record before you find it, but it's there. There's quite a lot of dark tales of bad deeds."
Meanwhile, Peter Buck explained that the album sessions were quite freeform. "I had no idea if the music was going to be country, folk, blues or whatever," he claimed. "I was prepared for a punk record, I brought my mandolin. As long as it was spontaneous and improvised, it sounded like a very exciting thing to do."
Tired Pony feature a range of guest stars, with Editors singer Tom Smith appearing alongside members of Belle & Sebastian and more. "It was a loose-limbed idea of mine to get people together to record a bunch of songs I'd been writing," added Lightbody.
"But when I got in the studio I realised the songs we were writing there were better than the ones I'd already written."
Tired Pony's debut album is out now.
Famed producer Daniel Lanois has spoken about the motorcycle accident which could have killed him.
Daniel Lanois is one of the most respected producers on the planet. Forming part of U2's production team, the musician has also played a vital role in the renaissance of Bob Dylan, amongst other roles.
The producer is also an acclaimed solo artist, releasing several albums under his own name. However earlier this year fans were left shocked when Daniel Lanois were involved in a serious motorcycle accident.
Driving in Los Angeles, Lanois were thrown from his bike and suffered extensive injuries. Spending time in hospital, the producer now seems to be on the mend.
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine, Daniel Lanois recalled the day of the accident. "I was on my bike with a friend of mine on the back and a guy coming the other way decided to turn in front of me into a variety store," he said.
"I veered to miss him, but I hit an industrial box on the sidewalk going 35 miles per hour. I blacked out and when I came to I was laying on my back in the parking lot and people were telling me, 'Don't move.' Then they hauled me away to a hospital and I had to lay there like a vegetable for three weeks."
Daniel Lanois has undergone extensive treatments and therapy, with the producer still in a wheelchair. The accident has left him unable to make music, forcing Lanois to postpone a series of tour dates.
The musician performs with the group Black Dub, who were supposed to kick off a British tour on Tuesday (July 27th).
Meanwhile, U2 continue their massive world tour. A series of Italian dates later this year have forced Juventus to re-arrange a Europa League tie - at least the players will have something to do on their night off.
Lanois is expected to make a full recovery.
World pop star M.I.A. has launched fresh verbal attacks at Lady Gaga and Oprah Winfrey.
It's been a week of mixed fortune for M.I.A. New album 'MAYA' was given mixed reviews, following on from a seismic piece in the New York Times. The record sold less than expected in the United States, but still reached the Top Ten.
So not a complete failure. However the album's relative success hasn't helped soothe M.I.A. and her acidic tongue. In a new interview the singer attacked Lady Gaga, for her apparently wealthy upbringing.
The Sri Lankan singer is a notable critic of Lady Gaga, having previously slated her in interviews. M.I.A. was provoked after Oprah Winfrey praised Lady Gaga at the Metropolitan Ball in New York, after apparently giving her the cold shoulder.
"(Winfrey) made this huge speech at the ball praising Lady Gaga about how she is helping Americans to be the best of themselves," M.I.A. ranted.
"There's millions of other Americans who represent that for me. Is (it) about numbers? About how much you're selling? Is it truly about the journey? Because (Lady Gaga's) journey isn't that difficult: to go from the fucking Upper East Side to a fucking performing arts school and onto a stage at the museum of fucking wherever. That journey's about four miles."
Continuing, M.I.A. seemed upset by Oprah Winfrey's attitude towards her. "Oprah seemed like she was giving me the cold shoulder," the singer argued to Time Out.
"She was with (David Bowie's wife) Iman. Iman was always dancing with me, hugging and kissing me, but Oprah seemed really pissed off with me."
M.I.A. recently played a festival in New York but walked off after only a few songs, alleging that organisers were tampering with the sound. The singer apologised to fans via Twitter, and has now promised to arrange a free show in the city.
M.I.A.'s album 'MAYA' is out now.
Sex, drugs, rock ‘n’ roll, exploding cars and snotty shirts; here is the hidden past of ‘The Bad Boys From Boston’: Aerosmith.
1. Front man Steven Tyler, or Steven Victor Tallarico to his folks, spent his formative musical years curled up under his father’s grand piano listening to his old man tinkling the ivories. The classical music he was exposed to would pave the way for an unlikely path to rock ‘n’ roll infamy.
2. After starring in a church choir in the Bronx, the lippy lothario went on to form his first band, Thee Strangeurs, who would go on to tour with The Beach Boys and The Yardbirds, before the first incarnation of Aerosmith debuted in a Massachusetts high school in 1970.
3. Axe man Joe Perry and bassist Tom Hamilton met Tyler, drummer Joey Kramer and guitarist Ray Tabano (later replaced by Brad Whitford), to form Aerosmith and, in stark contrast to the years of debauchery and excess that would follow, actually paid to play their first ever gig.
4. The fug of addiction that was to envelop the band had the most innocent of beginnings: they would congregate to smoke a joint and listen to Iggy And The Stooges for hours on end. One afternoon post-Iggy, Kramer suggested the name ‘Aerosmith’ inspired by a Harry Nilsson record.
5. Something of a quote machine, Steven Tyler has always put those lips to entertaining use, a craft he mastered in his earliest interviews. “We just wanted to be the biggest thing that ever walked the planet, the greatest rock band that ever was. We just wanted everything, we wanted it all.”
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6. Hedonism and rock went hand-in-hand with Aerosmith, but not according to newspaper comments in 1976. In an article about unsavoury rock lyrics, ‘Walk This Way’ was used as an example of wholesome lyrics. Tyler said: “I couldn’t believe it. Obviously, they didn’t get the meaning of ‘you aint’ seen nothin’ till you’re down on a muffin’.”
7. Now legendary as the first fusion of rap and rock, Aerosmith’s collaboration with Run DMC came close to never seeing daylight. Recording sessions stalled when Tyler realised he’d left the lyrics in a taxi, which left him screaming new lines and scrawling them straight onto the studio wall.
8. Aerosmith and Mickey Mouse may seem unlikely bedfellows, but not for staff of the Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster at Disney’s MGM studios. ‘Walk This Way’ was played constantly as part of the band’s video introduction to the ride, which may or may not have brainwashed innocent students in summer jobs.
9. Alongside the pitfalls of life as rockers, Aerosmith have had to overcome freak injuries and exploding cars. Just weeks apart, some onstage acrobatics landed Tyler with severe knee trouble whilst a routine gas station visit left Kramer’s car engulfed in flames.
10. Steven Tyler’s charm landed him in trouble with Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine when he ousted the ’Deth from their tour with the words, “We’d like to help you out. Which way did you come in?” All this after Mustaine blew his nose into an Aerosmith shirt on stage. Life’s jus’not fair.
Words by Ben Homewood
Photo gallery of The Black Keys, Morning Benders at SummerStage in New York (July 28, 2010).
