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Showing posts from August, 2024

Democrats Set Their Convention Roll Call to a Soundtrack: Here’s How Each Song Fits Each State

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The traditional roll call at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago took on a festive tone this year, turning into a lively dance party as each state and territory announced their votes for presidential nominee Kamala Harris to the beat of a carefully selected song. DJ Cassidy provided the soundtrack for the evening, with some of the musical choices being spot-on and others leaving people scratching their heads. For example, Massachusetts went with a punk song about Boston, while Kansas, predictably, chose a hit from the band Kansas. However, some selections, like American Samoa’s choice of Lady Gaga’s “Edge of Glory,” were more unexpected, and in some cases, delegations didn’t even have a say in the matter. Here’s a breakdown of how each song likely fits each state or territory, following the roll call order: - Alabama : “Sweet Home Alabama” by Lynyrd Skynyrd . Despite the band being from Florida, this Southern anthem is Alabama’s most famous name-check. - Alaska : “Feel It S...

There’s More to Tinashe’s New Album ‘Quantum Baby’ Than Being ‘Nasty’

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  Tinashe has never been one to shy away from life’s uncertainties—or the music industry’s unpredictability—and her latest album, Quantum Baby, is proof of that. The success of her cheeky, innuendo-laden hit “Nasty” is just the icing on the cake. “You never really know when a song is going to take off. It’s always a surprise,” Tinashe said of the track, which reached No. 61 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the TikTok Billboard Top 50. “It’s been a blessing, and I’m just super excited about it.” Leading off her seventh studio album Quantum Baby, which dropped last Friday, “Nasty” became a sensation after a social media user combined a snippet of the song with a viral video clip. The track caught the attention of music legends like Beyoncé, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera, Anitta, and more, with its standout lyric “match my freak” becoming a popular catchphrase. Quantum Baby marks the second installment of a three-part trilogy and invites fans to explore Tinashe’s personal uni...

Music Review: Post Malone’s Country Album ‘F-1 Trillion’ Proves It Was Worth the Wait

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  Post Malone’s highly anticipated country debut, F-1 Trillion, has finally arrived, and it’s clear that this album has been a long time coming. Just two days before the album’s release, Malone made his Grand Ole Opry debut, introduced by none other than Brad Paisley , who praised the rapper-turned-country singer for his impressive career and undeniable “country heart.” When Malone took the stage, beer in hand, he was his usual charming self, full of “sirs” and “ma’ams” that showcased his effortless blend of humility and charisma. It was clear that Malone was right at home in Nashville, and his new album, F-1 Trillion, solidifies his place as a potential country superstar. The 18-track album features a star-studded lineup of country music heavyweights, including Dolly Parton , Hank Williams, Jr. , Morgan Wallen , Jelly Roll , Lainey Wilson , Tim McGraw , Blake Shelton , Chris Stapleton , Ernest , Sierra Ferrell , HARDY , Billy Strings , and Luke Combs , who appears twice. The resu...

Local Band Ole 60 Earns Double Nominations at 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards

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  Local sensation Ole 60 has been nominated for two awards at the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards. The event, hosted by country music icon Shania Twain, is set to take place on September 26 and will be broadcast across NBC and Peacock. Ole 60 skyrocketed to fame earlier this year, thanks to their hit single “Smoke & a Light,” which went viral on TikTok. This breakout success led to the recording of three additional tracks, culminating in the release of their debut EP, *Three Twenty-four*, late last year. Since then, the band has gained significant attention, earning a devoted fanbase and chart-topping success on Apple’s Country Charts. The band, which includes members from Owensboro, Hawesville, Ohio County, and Tell City, has quickly become a household name despite having only six tracks on Spotify. Impressively, they’ve garnered over 2 million monthly listeners on the platform. Leading the band is Jacob Young, who handles vocals and guitar, with Ryan Laslie on lead guitar...

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars Drop New Track, ‘Die With a Smile’

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  The wait is over! Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars have finally released their highly anticipated new song, “Die With a Smile.” The track dropped last night, Thursday, August 15, at midnight ET / 9 p.m. PT, after days of buildup and excitement from fans. The song has already started making waves, with its accompanying music video showcasing both artists in country-inspired outfits, hinting at a surprising genre crossover. Gaga and Mars join a growing list of pop stars who have embraced country music this year, following in the footsteps of artists like Beyoncé and Post Malone . “Die With a Smile” is a stand-alone single, not tied to any upcoming albums, according to a representative. The track also features the influence of Grammy-winning songwriter-producer Andrew Watt, who is known for his work with rock legends like the Rolling Stones, Elton John, and Ozzy Osbourne. Watt had teased his involvement on social media before the release, adding to the anticipation. This new song marks t...

Swifties Disenchanted by Germany’s New Taylor Swift Wax Figure

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  "Darling, it's a daydream dressed like a nightmare." Taylor Swift fans, known as Swifties, are in distress over a less-than-flattering new wax figure of the pop star that was unveiled in Germany this week. The figure, which debuted on Tuesday at the Panoptikum in Hamburg, Germany’s oldest and largest wax museum, has left fans less than enchanted. The wax figure is dressed in a sequined romper reminiscent of the one Swift wore at the 2019 iHeart Radio Music Awards, though it features different shoes and Swift’s hair down. However, it’s the lack of resemblance to the singer that has fans up in arms. Swifties quickly flooded the museum's Instagram post with brutally honest feedback. "Darling, it's a daydream dressed like a nightmare," one fan commented, flipping a famous lyric from Swift's 1989 hit "Blank Space." Another user chimed in with, "What is that? 😭😭 Sorry, but that's embarrassing!" while another bluntly stated, ...

Chappell Roan Calls Out VIPs at San Francisco’s Outside Lands Festival: “You’re Not Fun”

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  Chappell Roan made it clear she wasn’t here for any passive vibes during her highly anticipated set at San Francisco’s Outside Lands festival. On the final day of the event, the rising pop star didn’t hold back when she noticed some lackluster energy from the VIP section. “It’s so weird that VIP thinks they’re way too cool to do this!” Roan exclaimed as she introduced her hit song “Hot To Go!” The crowd in the VIP area, who had shelled out hundreds of extra dollars for their prime spot near the Lands End Stage, wasn’t giving her the enthusiasm she expected. This moment came just after Roan shared a special milestone with the audience, mentioning that she was wearing the same glittery blue leotard from the “Hot To Go!” music video, which had just celebrated its one-year anniversary. As the 26-year-old singer-songwriter encouraged the audience to spell out H-O-T-T-O-G-O with their arms—a routine that her dedicated fans in the general admission area already knew by heart—she added a...

"Anywhere She Goes Is a Security Issue": The Complex Task of Keeping Taylor Swift Safe

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  In 2010, I had a firsthand encounter with Taylor Swift's security detail while working for a teen magazine. Back then, her entourage was modest—just her mother, manager, publicist, and an assistant. I was even invited to an after-show party at the O2, but as the crowd thinned, a burly man with a headset politely but firmly told me it was time to go: "Friends and family only," he said as he ushered me out. Fast forward 14 years, and Taylor Swift's star has soared to unimaginable heights. With 14 Grammys, a record-breaking tour, and the title of the first musician to reach billionaire status solely from her music, her security detail has had to scale up accordingly. Today, her security operations rival those of the British Royal family or even the American president. If I tried to get into an after-show party now, I probably wouldn’t even make it through the door. This week, Swift was forced to cancel three performances in Vienna after Austrian police uncovered a plot...

Iron Maiden’s Nicko McBrain Opens Up About the Lasting Impact of His 2023 Mini-Stroke: “I Don’t Play the Trooper Fill Anymore”

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  Iron Maiden drummer Nicko McBrain has candidly shared the ongoing challenges he faces following a mini-stroke he suffered in early 2023. The 72-year-old drummer, who has been with the legendary heavy metal band since 1982, experienced a transient ischaemic attack (TIS) in January 2023 but was back on stage by June for the band’s Future Past tour. In a recent interview on The Washington Tattoo  podcast, McBrain discussed how the TIS has impacted his drumming abilities, specifically when it comes to performing one of Iron Maiden’s iconic songs, 1983’s “The Trooper.” “I can’t do a 16-note roll going into 32nd-note rolls anymore,” McBrain revealed. “What happens is I can play eighth notes, like that kind of groove. I can do doubles, but when I try and play that 16th at that speed, instead of going up and down, it wobbles from left to right when I start playing fast. So I’ve had to adjust my fills now.” He further explained, “I don’t play the ‘Trooper’ fill anymore because I can’...

Sabrina Carpenter Clarifies She Didn't Seek Taylor Swift’s ‘Permission’ for Skims Campaign

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  Sabrina Carpenter is setting the record straight regarding her April 2024 Skims campaign, which sparked speculation among fans due to her close friendship with Taylor Swift . In a recent interview with Variety, the 25-year-old singer addressed the rumors that she sought Swift's approval before posing for Kim Kardashian's brand, despite Swift's long-standing feud with the reality star. During the interview, Carpenter praised Swift , describing her as a "rock star" and downplaying the significance of the campaign as it was portrayed by fans. “She’s just such a gangster with all of it. No matter what people are saying, everything that I’ve ever seen her tackle, she’s done so with grace,” Carpenter said, emphasizing that the decision to model for Skims was entirely her own. Carpenter dismissed the idea that she needed to ask for Swift’s permission, stating, “The posts about me having to ‘ask for her permission’ — no. She’s one of my best, best friends, and we grab d...

Travis Scott Detained by French Police Following Altercation at Paris Hotel

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  Rapper Travis Scott remains in French police custody following an altercation with a security guard at a Paris hotel, according to French prosecutors on Saturday. The Paris prosecutor’s office confirmed that Scott’s detention was extended Friday night, though no additional details were provided as the investigation is still ongoing. Scott was taken into custody early Friday after police were called to the Georges V hotel. The initial report stated that a man, identified as Travis Scott, was involved in an altercation with a security guard who intervened during a dispute between the rapper and his bodyguard. A representative for Scott in the U.S. and his legal counsel have not yet responded to inquiries from The Associated Press regarding the incident. Following Scott’s arrest, a representative for the rapper stated that they are “in direct communication with the local Parisian authorities to resolve this matter swiftly and will provide updates when appropriate.” The representativ...

Shawn Mendes Opens Up About Near Fatherhood in New Song: ‘Shook Me to My Core’

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  Shawn Mendes has candidly shared a deeply personal experience in his latest single, “Why Why Why,” where he reflects on a moment of fear and uncertainty about potentially becoming a father. The song, released on his 26th birthday, August 8, is one of the first tracks from his upcoming fifth studio album, *Shawn*. The song’s lyrics reveal Mendes’ emotional turmoil: “Opened up my journal to a page / Everything that hurts me’s still the same / Feels like there’s nothing new for me to say / Why, why, why? Why, why, why?” In the bridge, he continues, “I thought I was about to be a father / Shook me to the core, I'm still a kid (Ooh) / Sometimes I still cry out for my mother / Why, why, why? Why, why, why?” In addition to “Why Why Why,” Mendes released another single titled “Isn’t That Enough.” While it's unclear if these songs are based on actual events in Mendes’ life, the artist has hinted at the deeply personal nature of his music. When announcing the album earlier this month, ...

Slipknot Revives Their Self-Titled Album for 25th Anniversary Tour Kickoff

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  Note: “Everything You Hear Tonight Was Written Before 1999!” Slipknot launched their highly anticipated 25th-anniversary tour with an electrifying performance in Noblesville, Indiana, declaring a clear message to fans: “Nothing you will hear tonight was written after 1999.” The band delivered a setlist that functioned as a live retrospective, taking fans on a journey through the raw energy and intensity of their early years. The show opened with the ominous "742617000027," seamlessly transitioning into the ferocious "sic," capturing the essence of the chaos that defined their breakthrough era. Throughout the night, Slipknot played fan favorites from their pre-Y2K catalog, including essential tracks like "Wait and Bleed," "Prosthetics," "Purity" (with a lead-in from "Frail Limb Nursery"), and "Eyeless," all of which received a tremendous response from the crowd. However, the standout moments came from tracks that ha...

Hozier and U2 Nominated for MTV Video Music Awards

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  Hozier and U2 Nominated for MTV Video Music Awards Hozier and U2 are among the nominees for this year's MTV Video Music Awards in the US. Hozier's "Too Sweet" is competing in the Best Alternative category, while U2 's "Atomic City" is in the Best Rock category. Taylor Swift leads with ten nominations, including eight for her collaboration with Post Malone on "Fortnight" and nods for Best Pop and Artist of the Year. Post Malone follows closely with nine nominations, including Best Collaboration for "I Had Some Help" with Morgan Wallen . Other nominees for Artist of the Year include Ariana Grande , Bad Bunny , Eminem , Sabrina Carpenter , and SZA . The contenders for Video of the Year alongside Swift and Malone include Billie Eilish , Doja Cat , Eminem , SZA , and Ariana Grande . In the Song of the Year category, "Fortnight" faces competition from Sabrina Carpenter , Teddy Swims , Jack Harlow , Beyoncé , and Kendri...

ARTMS Perfects Their Craft with 2024 ‘Moonshot’ World Tour

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  After several challenging years, ARTMS is stabilizing as a quintet, with the recent success of their debut concert in Seoul and the upcoming 'Moonshot' world tour. The group, consisting of former LOONA members, emphasizes their hands-on approach in the tour's setlist, stage direction, and choreography. Reflecting on their growth, member Kim Lip shares, "We really wanted to perfect everything and show that we were fully immersed in the music." This newfound creative freedom contrasts sharply with their previous experiences, where they had limited control over their artistic output. During the Seoul concerts, ARTMS delighted fans by performing reimagined LOONA hits alongside tracks from their debut album 'Dall'. HeeJin, excited about showcasing her guitar skills, said, "It was actually on my bucket list."  The tour aims to offer a unique experience at each stop, with member Choerry teasing variations in choreography. While future tour plans beyon...

Beabadoobee’s This Is How Tomorrow Moves: A Poignant Exploration of Womanhood

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  Beabadoobee’s third album, This Is How Tomorrow Moves , marks a significant evolution in her musical and personal journey. The British-Filipino artist, known for her lo-fi bedroom pop roots, has transitioned from her early EPs, like 2018’s charming Patched Up , to more polished full-length albums that chronicle her coming-of-age experiences. Now, at 24, Beabadoobee—whose real name is Beatrice Kristi Ilejay Laus—uses this album to delve into her growth into adulthood, offering a reflective portrait of her maturation. On This Is How Tomorrow Moves , Beabadoobee confronts her own experiences of womanhood and the complexities of navigating early adulthood. The album reveals a newfound clarity in her perspective, as she takes responsibility for her past actions and examines her life through a more refined lens. She describes this process as “accepting that there’s an inevitability of my fault in there too,” akin to adjusting to a sharper, clearer view of her world. The lead single, “T...

Billie Eilish and Lorde Join Charli XCX for a ‘Brat’-Inspired Birthday Bash

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 Charli XCX recently marked her 32nd birthday with a star-studded celebration that featured some special guests and a touch of musical magic. On Saturday, August 2, Charli XCX threw a private birthday party in Los Angeles, celebrating both her milestone year and the success of her latest album. The event, which included a guest list of high-profile attendees such as Rosalia, Anya Taylor-Joy, and Glen Powell, was a major highlight for fans and friends alike. Among the revelers were Lorde and Billie Eilish, who added an extra layer of excitement to the evening by playing their collaborative tracks. Social media footage captured Lorde enthusiastically singing along to her verse on "Girl, so confusing," with Charli and the crowd joining in on the remix line, “Let’s work it out on the remix.” Eilish later joined Charli for a lively performance of their new remix of “Guess,” released the same day. Fans were thrilled to see the first new photos of Lorde and Charli together since the...

Ice Spice Addresses Her Y2K! Album Sales and Fan Reactions

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  Ice Spice recently acknowledged the sales performance of her latest album, *Y2K!*, after Chart Data reported its first-week numbers. On August 5, the sales blog revealed that the New York rapper’s album had debuted at No. 18 on the Billboard 200 chart, with 28,000 equivalent album units sold between July 26 and August 4. In response, Ice Spice took to social media to share her thoughts on the achievement. While expressing gratitude for the support, Ice Spice appeared more enthusiastic about her experiences on the *Y2K! World Tour*. She tweeted, "Like..? did 15k so thank u to everyone who supported me then & thank u to all the new supporters. Y2K! WORLD TOUR been so fun that these numbers are cool and all but bitch u should of seen that Boston CROWD last night NYC TOMORROW." Other female solo rappers have achieved similar sales figures with their debut albums. For instance, JT’s *City Cinderella* sold 26,000 equivalent album units in its debut week, according to Chart Da...