Music news

• Spectre: Sam Smith In The Lonely Hour album sales soar following James Bond theme tune release

  07-10-2015 20:20
  
  Sam Smith's theme tune for the forthcoming James Bond film may have received mixed reviews but that little detail has not stopped the singer's career going from strength to strength. The sales of his debut album have more than tripled on Amazon.co.uk since his Bond song Writing's On The Wall was released. According to Bang Showbiz, In The Lonely Hour – originally released in May 2014 – is set to make a chart resurgence after spiking by more than 216% since Writing's On The Wall made
  
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• Bob Dylan Appears In an IBM Artificial Intelligence Ad…

  07-10-2015 19:53
  
  Bob Dylan is no stranger to commercials, with previous ads involving Chrysler, Cadillac, and even Victoria’s Secret.  Here, Dylan goes electric once more in a chit-chat with artificial intelligence…The post Bob Dylan Appears In an IBM Artificial Intelligence Ad… appeared first on Digital Music News.
  
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• Finn Balor Remembers How Dusty Rhodes Helped Him In NXT

  07-10-2015 19:29
  
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• Russian Court Acquits Vkontakte of Massive Copyright Infringement

  07-10-2015 19:03
  
  “The court’s findings confirm the lack of basis of the applicants’ claims and back up our position that we have taken throughout the case. We will continue to establish constructive dialogue with the record companies and look to agree mutually beneficial terms for co-operation.”
  Vkontakte CEO Boris Dobrodeev
  A St. Petersburg court has officially dismissed copyright infringement charges against Vkontakte, the end of a major battle involving major labels Sony Musi
  
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• Listen to Robert Smith's remixes of Ride's Vapour Trail

  07-10-2015 18:33
  
  The Cure frontman and friend of the group has created two alternate versions of the shoegaze band’s track from 1990. Listen to them here and let us know what you think! Genre hybrid obsessives, all seven of you, should be well aware of blackgaze by now – the fusion if black metal with shoegaze, more of which you can read about here. But what of robgaze, a trend currently sloping its way through the internet? The all-new movement begins today; as shoegaze band Ride unveil remixes of t
  
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• Taking it slow: the welcome return of the country ballad

  07-10-2015 18:07
  
  After being pummeled with bar-stomping tunes for years, country fans turn to more sensitive and ruminative songs about love, loss and the power of musicNashville labels and country radio programmers love to talk about the importance of tempo in today’s biggest hits. Flip through industry publications like Country Aircheck or Billboard Country Update and you’ll see that labels frequently buy up ad space to encourage radio stations to play songs like Brad Paisley’s Crushin’
  
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• Is This What The New Pretty Little Liars Credits Are Going To Look Like? We’re Thinking Yes

  07-10-2015 18:07
  
  Because this whole waiting thing is AWFUL.
  
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• Con sabor bilingüe debutan los Latin American Music Awards

  07-10-2015 18:05
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Con actuaciones que incluyen a Yandel con el rapero estadounidense Lil Jon, y a la cantante holandesa Natalie La Rose con el reggaetonero estadounidense De La Ghetto y el rapero colombiano Kevin Roldan, la primera edición de los Latin American Music Awards tendrá un sabor bilingüe.
  
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• Rihanna, Nicki Minaj and the pitfalls of talking politics in interviews

  07-10-2015 18:01
  
  It’s refreshing when pop culture figures try to publicly engage with politics, but this social engagement game isn’t an easy one to playWe were doing so well. It seemed as though we could have made it to the end of the year without needing to think about Rachel Dolezal again. If you had the pleasure of missing this story the first time round, Dolezal is a white woman who’s been living in gently bronzed blackface and self-identifying as African American, while working as an NAAC
  
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• Charlotte Crosby And Max Morley's Love Story So Far

  07-10-2015 17:59
  
  It's been a whirlwind romance but we're already obsessed with these two...
  
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• Thank You for Diversifying: Pandora Acquires Ticketfly for $450 Million…

  07-10-2015 17:58
  
  Theoretically, companies can’t go on forever without turning a profit, though perhaps Pandora’s problem is diversification.  Or, lack thereof: as ad-supported online music proves to be one of the worst business models on the planet, Pandora is smartly branching out into something else: ticketing.
  As of this (Wednesday) morning, Pandora has confirmed its $450 million purchase of Ticketfly, with a combination of stock and cash clearing the deal.  “Over the past 10 year
  
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• Verdi: Aida review – Pappano brings gorgeous colours and textures to a spectacular studio recording

  07-10-2015 17:47
  
  Harteros/Kaufmann/Semenchuk/Tézier/Schrott/Santa Cecilia O and Chorus/Pappano
  (Warner Classics, three CDs)The first new recording of Aida from a major label since the beginning of the century is also that real rarity nowadays – an opera set that comes from bespoke studio sessions rather than being pieced together from concert or stage performances. Warner Classics assembled a headline-grabbing lineup of soloists for its much-hyped project in Rome last February, but the real theatric
  
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• Life after death: why Tupac and Notorious BIG's rivalry endures

  07-10-2015 17:42
  
  The murders of two of 90s rap’s most compelling figures were a pivotal moment, but 20 years on why has one become so much more influential?Twenty years ago this month, Tupac Shakur was sprung from Clinton correctional facility in upstate New York, where he was awaiting appeal to his conviction for sexually assaulting a woman named Ayanna Jackson. Suge Knight and Interscope Records put up Tupac’s $1.4m bail, and the rapper quickly signed a handwritten contract to record for Knight&rsq
  
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• WWE: See Seth Rollins Tear Up Over NXT Match Between Bayley And Sasha Banks

  07-10-2015 17:34
  
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• Pop, country singer Billy Joe Royal dies at age 73

  07-10-2015 17:29
  
  NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Billy Joe Royal, a pop singer who popularized the song "Down in the Boondocks," and crossed over into country music, has died. He was 73 years old.
  
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• The Guardian Showcase at Culture Collide Festival

  07-10-2015 17:15
  
  Check out our showcase featuring some of LA’s hottest on-the-rise actsOn October 8-10 the Guardian presents Culture Collide Festival - a quintessential music, arts, and industry experience celebrating creative curiosity at multiple venues across downtown Los Angeles.
  Kicking off three days of music discovery are Ladyhawke, disco-rock project The Juan Maclean and Melbourne’s resident party crew Northeast Party House, alongside over 40-plus international bands. Continue reading...
  
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• Elvis Costello: 'I bear a grudge, I'm vindictive'

  07-10-2015 17:13
  
  Ahead of the release of his memoir, Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink, Rock’s Backpages brings you a short, sharp interview with pop’s ‘antihero’ by the Evening News, originally published on 3 September 1977Anyone who dares to cross Elvis Costello is in for big trouble. He always takes revenge.
  The latest people to feel the wrath of this small man with glasses are the music-business moguls who overlooked him in the past. Continue reading...
  
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• Girl Band review – the last rave before the apocalypse

  07-10-2015 16:58
  
  100 Club, London
  The Irish avant-rock act make a visceral, wall-shaking, ear-flattening noise – and they make it fun“Well it’s definitely very hot in here,” deadpans singer Dara Kiely one song in, blond fringe already thick with sweat. The humidity is exacerbated by the capacity audience bunching as close as they can to the stage. Maybe they’re hanging on for dear life, because there’s something so brilliantly visceral about Girl Band’s noise that it&rsq
  
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• Little Big Town review – the antidote to bro-country

  07-10-2015 16:51
  
  Brooklyn Bowl, London
  With their silvery harmonies and non-traditional perspectives, the Grammy-winning foursome are like a Rumours-era Fleetwood Mac, with Georgia accentsThe annual Country2Country festival, which showcases the best of Nashville, is growing in stature, and with that come the complaints that things ain’t what they used to be. At the launch of the 2016 event, set to take place in London, Glasgow and Dublin next March, an audience member grabs a microphone to say icily: &ldqu
  
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• WWE 2K16: WWE Hall Of Fame Class Of 2015 Showcase Confirmed!

  07-10-2015 16:33
  
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• Yoga serving as inspiration for Aguilera's new music

  07-10-2015 16:24
  
  NEW YORK (AP) — Yoga is serving as inspiration for Christina Aguilera's upcoming album.
  
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• Louis Tomlinson Threatens Liam Payne With His Muscles, All As A Joke Of Course

  07-10-2015 16:12
  
  DON'T WORRY THEY STILL LOVE EACH OTHER.
  
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• The hands that play the blues – in pictures

  07-10-2015 15:38
  
  Joseph A Rosen’s Blues Hands is a photographic look at the strength and diversity of blues music. The book features images from the music photographer’s three-decade-long career photographing some of America’s greatest musicians, including Buddy Guy, Al Green and the Blind Boys of Alabama. Blues Hands is available through Schiffer Publishing and Amazon.com Continue reading...
  
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• Jennifer Lopez to host 2015 American Music Awards

  07-10-2015 15:32
  
  The singer and actress will host and perform at the November 22 show, to air live on ABC from the Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles.
  
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• The playlist – hip-hop: Rick Ross, Run the Jewels and more

  07-10-2015 15:30
  
  Rick Ross keeps to his usual shtick, eXquire sounds fresh on gentrification, a Drake collaboration barely qualifies as one and Run the Jewels impressYou might expect Rick Ross to have slowed down recently. He had a brush with the law that saw him renege on his own philosophy (when I interviewed him in 2012, he said of rap’s relationship with incarceration: “I’m saying being successful is gangsta, being rich is gangsta. Going to prison isn’t gangsta”). He has had a b
  
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• A Christmas Melody: Hero singer Mariah Carey directs festive movie

  07-10-2015 15:14
  
  After selling millions of records, Mariah Carey tried her hand at acting with roles in films including 1999's The Bachelor, 2001's Glitter and 2013's The Butler and now the singer is taking a seat in the director's chair. The Hero Hit maker is directing a Hallmark movie for the holidays called A Christmas melody. Lacey Chabert, who played Gretchen Wieners in the popular film, is said to have been hand-picked by Carey to play the lead.
  
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• John Fogerty on ups, downs, becoming music's fortunate son

  07-10-2015 15:13
  
  TOPANGA, Calif. (AP) — Although he wrote the classic Americana songbook, it took John Fogerty more than 30 years to come to terms with the realization he really was one of rock music's fortunate sons.
  
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• Sleaford Mods review – the most compelling live act in music right now

  07-10-2015 14:57
  
  Old Market, Hove
  Despite the minimal stagecraft, Jason Williamson’s charisma and intensity make all other frontmen look like posers
  Midway through Sleaford Mods’ set, Jason Williamson inquires after the audience’s welfare in time-honoured style. Or at least, his inquiry begins in time-honoured style: “Are you having a good time?” The crowd cheers. “I never used to ask before because I wasn’t fucking bothered,” he adds. “But now the cunt&rsquo
  
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• Jennifer Lopez to host the 2015 American Music Awards

  07-10-2015 14:32
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jennifer Lopez is taking on hosting duties at next month's American Music Awards.
  
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• We’re Not Emotionally Ready For This Last *Ever* Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 Trailer

  07-10-2015 14:30
  
  We can’t believe it’s almost over.
  
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• Watch WWE's King Barrett Reveal How Film Co-Star 'Knocked Lumps Out Of Him'

  07-10-2015 14:17
  
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• Kylie Jenner Gives Caitlyn Jenner A Blue Lip Makeover Just Like Hers

  07-10-2015 13:47
  
  Kylie can literally make anything look cool.
  
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• Justin Bieber Only Went And Got His New Album Name Tattooed On His Six Pack

  07-10-2015 12:35
  
  It was totally on purpose. Sorry.
  
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• J.Lo será la anfitriona de los American Music Awards

  07-10-2015 12:35
  
  LOS ANGELES (AP) — Jennifer López será la anfitriona de los American Music Awards el mes próximo.
  
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• Ouch! Vicky Pattison Says She Would AVOID Zayn Malik In A Game Of Snog Marry Avoid

  07-10-2015 12:16
  
  Poor Zayn!
  
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• Vicky Pattison Comes Out On Top As The Ex On The Beach Lads Play Snog Marry Avoid

  07-10-2015 12:10
  
  It looks like Bear wanted to marry Vicki before they even met, n'aww!
  
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• Stealing Sheep – watch their new video for Apparation

  07-10-2015 12:00
  
  The eccentric electronic trio are back with a Morris dancing video, naturallyStealing Sheep are one of the most intriguing acts on Heavenly Records’ current roster – a trio prone to appearing live in vivid lycra, playing homegrown electronica. And their new video does nothing to dispel the air of eccentricity around them, with its theme of Morris dancing. Continue reading...
  
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• Check Out Example's Acting In Our World Exclusive 'Between Two Worlds' Clip

  07-10-2015 11:56
  
  Everyone's favourite rap/pop/dance star treads the boards…
  
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• Howay The Lass! Charlotte Crosby Sizzles Alongside Li-Lo At Celeb Party

  07-10-2015 11:31
  
  Geordie Shore star gives Hollywood hottie a run for her money...
  
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• Charlotte Crosby Sizzles Alongside Li-Lo At Showbiz Bash

  07-10-2015 11:31
  
  Geordie Shore star gives Hollywood hottie a run for her money...
  
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• Nas – 10 of the best

  07-10-2015 11:30
  
  One of the greatest rappers ever, Nas’s debut Illmatic steals the plaudits for its lyrical accomplishments, but all of his records provide examples of his amazingly innovative style – here are 10 of the bestHe’d announced his presence with a verse on Main Source’s Live at the Barbecue on the 1991 album Breakin’ Atoms, but an even bigger break came for Nasir Jones when he hooked up with MC Serch. The former 3rd Bass rapper was making moves as a music mogul that would
  
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• Ariana Grande Kissed Her BFF And 'Accidentally' Posted The Video Online

  07-10-2015 10:40
  
  Hmmm.
  
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• Justin Bieber accuses One Direction of hijacking album campaign

  07-10-2015 09:52
  
  Bieber claims that the boyband chose to release their album on the same day as him to get more press Justin Bieber has accused One Direction of hijacking his forthcoming album campaign by releasing their own album on the same day.The pop star had previously hinted that he was unhappy with 1D’s decision to go head-to-head in a Snapchat video post in which he said: “The face you make when you come out with an album the same day as Justin Bieber.” Continue reading...
  
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• Lady Gaga says acting debut will tackle addiction

  07-10-2015 09:25
  
  The pop star, who is to appear in forthcoming FX anthology series American Horror Story: Hotel, says the episode will look at how we view drug dependency Lady Gaga has spoken about her forthcoming acting debut, saying it will revolve around themes of addiction. The pop icon is due to appear in the fifth instalment of FX anthology series, American Horror Story: Hotel, as a bloodthirsty hotel owner called The Countess. She revealed some details ahead of the show.Continue reading...
  
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• Gigmor, Music Box Set to Revolutionize Live Music (Sponsored)

  07-10-2015 09:20
  
  If you’re a musician searching for a plum gig or a booker seeking the perfect act for your venue, your life is about to get much easier…Gigmor, the leading social network for musicians, and Music Box, a major southern California music venue, have just announced a partnership which both parties are certain will improve the employment prospects of musicians across the globe by streamlining the talent buying process. Nothing like this has been done before, giving Gigmor the potential t
  
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• Watch Tash Oakley And Tyson Mayr Jump Out Of A Plane Like It's NBD

  07-10-2015 08:59
  
  SPOILER: They remain ridiculously good looking throughout...
  
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• 'Can I go to the toilet?': Pharrell takes novel questions at book event – video

  07-10-2015 06:50
  
  Pharrell Williams answers varied questions from precocious young reporters at an event to promote his children’s book. Happy, named after his best-selling single of the same name, is due out on 8 October. Williams also partnered with the United Nations Foundation earlier this year to promote the International Day of HappinessContinue reading...
  
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• Aria awards 2015: Courtney Barnett tops tally with eight nominations

  07-10-2015 04:23
  
  Melbourne singer picks up eight nominations for Australia’s biggest music awards, including best album, as Jack White praises her ‘wry-and-dry’ styleCourtney Barnett has conquered the international music critics and now looks set for home glory, too, topping the shortlists for the 2015 Aria awards with nominations in eight categories, including album of the year for her debut release Sometimes I Sit and Think and Sometimes I Just Sit. Continue reading...
  
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• Singer-songwriter John Mayer gushes about The Grateful Dead

  07-10-2015 02:08
  
  SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (AP) — Singer-songwriter John Mayer proudly declared himself a "Deadhead" as he defended members of the Grateful Dead in their decision to regroup after playing what was supposed to be the band's final tour this summer.
  
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• Listen to Kurt Cobain’s Lost Track, ‘Sappy,’ Recorded in 1988

  07-10-2015 00:50
  This was recorded around 1988 by Kurt Cobain using an acoustic guitar and a four-track recorder, and an early version of what would eventually become “Verse Chorus Verse.”  It’s one of several unreleased, acoustic takes that weren’t intended for release but have now been resurrected for the upcoming HBO documentary, Cobain.
  The soundtrack to that documentary, Montage of Heck: The Home Recordings, will be released on November 13th with a collection of other trac
  
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