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Category: News
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Watch Sabrina Carpenter eat spicy wings and discuss her track ‘Nonsense’ on Hot Ones
Today, Sabrina Carpenter appeared as a special guest on Hot Ones, where all celebrities eat spicy hot wings and promote themselves. During her interview, the American pop star talked about what she does to keep her voice healthy, her love for The Beetles, meeting the legendary Paul Cartney, misheard lyrics, and more. Ending her brave streak with a burning tongue, Carpenter ate more hot wings than I’ve seen anyone eat, conquering the 2,693,000 Scoville level with the show host Sean Evans. Before sending her off, Evan asked Carpenter to illustrate her experience with a sketchpad. When she finished, they ate ice cream and vibed. Check out the video below to watch how she handled herself.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msnI0D1SDSg&h=315]
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English musician Michael Kiwanuka shares ‘Floating Parade’ produced by Inflo and Danger Mouse
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[/media-credit]Yesterday, British musician Michael Kiwanuka, an artist born to Ugandan parents who escaped the brutal Amin regime, released a new single called ‘Floating Parade’. Over the atmospheric beat, he sings about needing “foreign times to arrive” as they’ve been dealt unlucky hands.
Furthermore, Kiwanuka plans to join fellow artist Brittany Howard (Alabama Shakes) on tour for fourteen days in September in the United States. If you aren’t familiar with his work, Kiwanuka was a session guitarist for Chipmunk, Bashy and others before starting his solo career.
Michael Kiwanuka Live:
July 12 – Nos Alive, Lisbon
July 17 – Gurtenfestival, Bern
July 19 – Montreux Festival, Montreux
August 3 – Wilderness Festival (Headline)
August 9 – Syd For Solen, Copenhagen
August 10 – Grape Festival, Letisko Trenčín
September 25 – Queen Elizabeth Hall, Toronto (headline date)
September 26 – Mtelus, Montreal (headline date)
September 28 – All Things Go Festival, Columbia
September 29 – The Met, Philadelphia (w/ Brittany Howard)
September 30 – Roadrunner, Boston (w/ Brittany Howard)
October 2 – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester (w/ Brittany Howard)
October 3 – Summerstage In Central Park, New York (w/ Brittany Howard)
October 6 – Palace Theatre, Saint Paul (w/ Brittany Howard)
October 8 – The Mission Ballroom, Denver (w/ Brittany Howard)
October 10 – Idaho Botanical Garden: Outlaw Field, Boise (w/ Brittany Howard)
October 11 – Edgefield Concerts, Troutdale (w/ Brittany Howard)
October 12 – Queen Elizabeth Theatre, Vancouver (w/ Brittany Howard)
October 14 – Britt Festival Pavilion, Jacksonville (w/ Brittany Howard)
October 15 – Paramount Theatre, Seattle (w/ Brittany Howard)
October 17 – The Greek Theatre, Berkeley (w/ Brittany Howard)
October 18 – Greek Theatre, Los Angeles (w/ Brittany Howard)
October 19 – Vina Robles Amphitheatre, Paso Robles w/ Brittany Howard)
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Uncle Waffles announces first show in Canada at Rebel Toronto
Uncle Waffles, one of the custodians of the popular South African style of music ‘Amapiano’ has recently announced her world tour ‘Less Talk, More Piano’ which features tour stops in Europe, North America, Australia, and more.
Earlier today, the artist took to her socials to post this image of one of her tour stops in Toronto, Canada which expectedly got a response from Drake.
View this post on Instagram
Amapiano culture has taken its place among the heavyweight genres of the world and we love to see artists from that soundscape waving the flag and being ambassadors of the culture.
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Missy Elliott presents “Party On the Plaza: An Out of This World Experience” in Los Angeles tomorrow
As usual with the queen, this one is for the dancers.
Tomorrow, Missy Elliott, our groundbreaking and talented living legend, presents ‘Party on the Plaza: An Out of this World Experience’ in Los Angeles, California, at the Jerry Moss Plaza at the Music Center. The event promises to feature live DJs, her mega-talented tour dancers, and a special surprise “that will have all eyes on the sky,” according to the promo. This event is free and open to the public. If you’re heading to the event after supper, you may want to arrive by 7 o’clock. Scroll under the promotional flyer to see information for tomorrow’s event.
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[/media-credit]The Music Center is at 135 N Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. Public parking will be available at the main Music Center Garage (cash only) at 135 N Grand Avenue and in The Music Center’s Walt Disney Concert Hall Garage (cash and credit cards) at 111 S Grand Avenue for a flat rate of $10 per vehicle. Valet parking will not be available. Event attendees are highly encouraged to take public transportation. The Music Center is across the street from Gloria Molina Grand Park, home to the Civic Center/Grand Park station along the Metro B Line (Red) and Metro D Line (Purple). Guests could reach The Music Center easily by riding Metro’s new Regional Connector to the Grand Ave Arts/Bunker Hill stop.
Can you believe it’s the queen’s first headlining tour ever? She’s been able to produce and curate evergreen cultural moments through her immense musical talents. As taken from the official press release, this grand Summer, Missy Elliott will headline arenas across North America on her debut tour, ‘Out of This World — The Missy Elliott Experience’, with Hip-Hop legend Busta Rhymes, multi-platinum selling superstar Ciara, and mega-producer and close friend Timbaland by her side. This tour is Summer’s hottest ticket, produced by Live Nation in association with Mona Scott-Young, Elliott’s longtime manager and CEO of Monami Entertainment. Tickets for the thirty-date run are on sale via her website, with VIP packages offered via this link.
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YouTube adds more content creator features in new updates
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[/media-credit]YouTube recently unveiled an enhanced eraser tool designed to help creators effortlessly remove copyrighted music from their videos without disrupting other audio components like dialogue or sound effects. YouTube’s chief, Neal Mohan, announced the tool’s release on X, stating, “Good news, creators: our updated Erase Song tool helps you easily remove copyright-claimed music from your video (while leaving the rest of your audio intact).”
According to a video from YouTube, the tool had undergone extensive testing but initially lacked precision in removing copyrighted songs. The updated version leverages an AI-powered algorithm to accurately detect and eliminate copyrighted music while preserving the remaining audio in the video. Despite the improvements, YouTube’s support page advises that the algorithm may occasionally struggle to isolate and remove only the song. The company cautions, “This edit might not work if the song is hard to remove. If this tool doesn’t successfully remove the claim on a video, you can try other editing options, such as muting all sound in the claimed segments or trimming out the claimed segments.”
Alternatively, creators have the option to select “Mute all sound in the claimed segments” to silence sections of the video containing copyrighted material. Once the video is successfully edited, YouTube removes the content ID claim, its system for identifying copyrighted content in different clips.
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HairPod, a podcast breaking stigmas surrounding hair loss
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[/media-credit]Hair Club for Men, Ltd, Inc. (“HairClub” or the “Company”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tokyo-based Aderans Co Ltd (“Aderans”), the world’s leading provider of total hair loss solutions, is thrilled to announce the launch of its latest venture—a weekly podcast called HairPod. This podcast features guests from all walks of life sharing their personal hair loss stories and life-changing experiences. HairPod aims to break the stigma surrounding hair loss and foster honest conversations about the topic.
“Hair loss affects many people, but it’s not always discussed with the same openness and acceptance. With HairPod, we want to change that. We want everyone experiencing hair loss to know that they are not alone”, says Jonelle John, VP of Marketing at HairClub. “We want to create a safe space for individuals to share their stories and help others who may be going through a similar journey.”
The podcast delves into the journey of overcoming hair loss and embracing transformations with courage. Featuring candid and heartfelt stories from ordinary people to public figures, each episode seeks to dispel the negative connotations associated with hair loss by showcasing those who have overcome this challenge and are now living their best lives.
HairClub invites listeners to join the conversation and become part of a supportive community dedicated to changing the narrative around hair loss. By shedding light on this often-sensitive topic, the podcast aims to empower individuals to embrace their unique transformations and find strength in their journey.
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Listen to Nigerian Afrobeats star Pheelz’s incredible new 5-track EP: Pheelz Good II
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[/media-credit]If you’ve been looking for an Afrobeats project to rinse, here’s your chance.
In the dawn of June, award-winning Nigerian Afrobeats star Pheelz shares his appealing new extended play consisting of five graciously mixed songs. Starting with ‘Fever’, the enchanting dance record featuring Nigeria’s Afro-House queen Niniola, the Lagosian sings emphatically about a stubborn babe on the temperature-rising composition. Keeping the energy very high, ‘Majo’ meaning “dance”, is according to the press release, inspired by the vibrant Owambe vibe. Written after a friend’s wedding, the electrifying tune captures the essence of a Lagos party, with melodies and rhythms designed to get people moving. Smoothing it out and slowing the tempo down at this point, ‘Kamikaze’ is a deeply personal song reflecting on the struggles of life and societal hardships. Within the lyrics, Pheelz expresses his stress and frustration through poignant lyrics, making this track a resonant piece for anyone dealing with similar anxieties.
The tracks after this one simmer. As described in the label’s official press release, ‘Yeye’ is a heartfelt love song capturing the joy and vulnerability of being in love. It’s a serenade filled with passion and hope, with a melody that’s both soothing and emotional.
And last but not least, ‘Rotate’ is a sensual dance track with a slower, more intimate vibe, compared to ‘Majo’. It’s about connection and rhythm, capturing the magic of dancing in sync with a partner.
About the project, Pheelz shared, “This album is an intimate reflection of my true self, where I’m unapologetically me, embracing my vulnerabilities and my ‘crayge’ – that crazy rage within. It’s about fully owning who I am and allowing my audience to connect with the raw, unfiltered version of myself. I’m pouring my heart into this project, creating music that I’m incredibly proud of. This release isn’t just another album; it’s a journey, a statement, and an invitation for my fans to experience my evolution. With this EP and album, I want to inspire authenticity and resonate deeply with everyone who listens. It’s about embracing our true selves and celebrating our unique stories together.”
Without further ado, listen to ‘Pheelz Good II’ today and through your weekend. You won’t regret it.
It comes after his production and songwriting work on Usher’s chart-topping album ‘Coming Home’. He has also worked with Kali Uchis, The Chainsmokers and Pharrell Williams, and is co-signed by Dr Dre and Timbaland.
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Kesha returns with ‘Joyride’, first release since Dr Luke settlement: Stream
“I’m a free mother******* woman!”
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[/media-credit]Today, American pop star Kesha makes her highly-anticipated return to music after a seemingly endless battle with Dr Luke, her former producer and alleged abuser. During her recent Planet Pride performance in New York City, the ‘TiK ToK’ star played a never-released spankin’ new track ‘Joyride’ for her vibrant audience. Onstage, the Los Angeles-born Dance-Pop icon shared that it had been almost twenty years since she entered the music industry! Unfortunately, Kesha’s years-long legal fight with Dr Luke is to blame.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kybWHpIiXp8&h=315]
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[/media-credit]The young lady now woman, who has sold over thirty-three million records and ringtones in the United States alone as of 2013, addressed the crowd moments before debuting the uptempo composition. In her short yet deliberate speech, Kesha reminded the concertgoers that they all deserve the freedom to be themselves, love who they love, and lay with who they want to lie beside. As the pop star known for her witty and carefree lyrics celebrates her freedom, she also has a few shows coming up and one today in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
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[/media-credit]‘Joyride’, Kesha’s new track is out independently through Kesha Records today. Stream the pulsating dance record to get your body moving this 4th. Kesha was eighteen when she signed her first record deal. Now, she’s thirty-seven-years-old and free!
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Interview: Actor Michael Sirow talks about his role as Tate in Lionsgate’s new action/thriller ‘Boneyard’ movie, working with the star-studded cast, and more
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[/media-credit]Yesterday evening, I had the honour and privilege of interviewing movie actor Michael Sirow, the spirited man portraying Tate in Lionsgate’s ‘Boneyard’. It draws inspiration from a true crime story involving the skeletal remains of eleven women and girls discovered in the New Mexico desert. The direction follows Police Chief Carter, portrayed by Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, Detective Ortega (Brian Van Holt) and Agent Petrovick (Mel Gibson). If you aren’t familiar with the storyline, watch the not-yet-rated trailer below to see a multi-agency effort to identify and apprehend the killer.
[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GS5OoPsRkKs&h=315]
During our chat, Michael Sirow shared what it was like to work with such a legendary cast, the script, what made him take the role, where they shot the movie, and a bit about his work as a producer. Here it is.
GRUNGECAKE: When did you know you were going to take this role?
Michael Sirow: Right when I read… Well, I read it. I read the script. And then I reread it very quickly, again, for the reason that there was a separate draft and a later draft, which had been done right then. So I read that one after. So, the second time I read—because I read it twice in a row. So I just was like, “Yes, I want to do this!”
GRUNGECAKE: Was there anything specific about [the script] that spoke to you?
Michael Sirow: I, the character had a lot of scenes with girls. So… I’m being stumped. Okay… (He laughs)
GRUNGECAKE: (Then, I laughed, and I laughed really hard.)
Michael Sirow: I’m joking. (He laughed) And I get to, I get to say some… I get to behave naughty. I get to be very… and I don’t get to… I don’t get to get away with that at home. I get in a lot of trouble, so… (He laughs)
GRUNGECAKE: Got you.
Michael Sirow: So no, no, look… I think that and I like this question because it’s something that I felt would make me uncomfortable to do and say and perform certain things.
GRUNGECAKE: Okay. (Nodding)
Michael Sirow: And so in on a serious note, and just like, you know, if I didn’t feel like this was a character where it was just a one dimensional—you get up there and you just say a bunch of stuff and look really, you know, act really nasty. It’s just there’s more more to this guy, I thought, then that.
GRUNGECAKE: Definitely! He had some some depth to him.
Michael Sirow: Yeah, [it] was fun, so…
GRUNGECAKE: Yes, indeed. How was it working with your cast members? And do you have any teaching moments from working with the cast?
Michael Sirow: Oh, boy, um, first of all, they were some of the best I’ve ever encountered. If not, like top top tier, like it was just just the overall experience. Not because you know, Curtis (Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson”) is who Curtis, and Mel (Mel Gibson) is Mel, or Brian and Nora, are who are who they are, but they were just so… and that’s the thing I really have been stressing on a lot of today is just they’re, they’re so easy going and down to earth. And when you’re there past the first couple hours and you realising “Okay, they’re great conversationalist,” you know, like, it just you’re talking about everything else, but the work while you’re waiting around, because there’s so much waiting around.
GRUNGECAKE: Got you.
Michael Sirow: But then, when we start getting into it, it’s just like, “Okay, well, let’s just do what we know how to do.” And then, there’s always a little extra coddling to Michael because I need the hand holding. (He smiled and I laughed.) It was… listen, the rehearsals were you know, it was like Summer camp. This to me was what I identify as just really loving what you do. It’s just the perfect version of that because you do… I didn’t want it to… I didn’t want to wrap. I wanted to keep going. I could have shot another three weeks. The only thing I would have changed was I mean, you can’t really do anything about it, but the scorching desert heat is something that…
GRUNGECAKE: Okay (nodding and smiling).
Michael Sirow: We shot it in Vegas, so it was no joke over there.
GRUNGECAKE: Yeah, it’s not a game. I was living over there for three years, so I know what you mean. Okay.
Michael Sirow: Yeah.
GRUNGECAKE: Because of that heat, were there any scenes that you found difficult to shoot?
Michael Sirow: Um, man, we… the raid. There was a raid that we shot. We jumped out of a van and I… may call you Richardine? Right, that’s your name?
GRUNGECAKE: Yeah.
Michael Sirow: Richardine…
GRUNGECAKE: Yeah…
Michael Sirow: The amount of sweat the amount of faints that just the overall (I laugh) but it was great though. It was like, “Why does this turn me on?” (I laughed) You know, it was kind of like one of those things where it was like we were really enjoying it because we really getting into it.
GRUNGECAKE: Yeah.
Michael Sirow: But we were disgusting because we’re so filthy (We laugh). And I, you seen the film so you know what scene I’m talking about.
GRUNGECAKE: Yes.
Michael Sirow: That day in particular, people were dropping. I’m not ashamed to say it but it was like we were dropping. No, not in the way where we were fainting, but it was so hot. Like, they just when we would finish, you know, an 18 pack of water. So, the poor PAs would go and they’d come back and it was it was a lot. It was a lot, you know, but you feel like “Well, I don’t have to go to you know any gym for the for the next two months or anything.” (I laugh) It’s really just, sweating out all my body weight.
GRUNGECAKE: You got your cardio in and everything thing else.
Michael Sirow: Oh my God! Yeah, yeah, but it was… in that van before we got out that was, you know, it’s like, okay, you know, [sound’s people] “We’re rolling! “Oh, wait! Hold on, hold on!” You know, and it’s like, “No, no, we’re gonna die! Someone’s gonna die!” And so, and I felt bad because those guys… those guys because I had short sleeves on I think.
GRUNGECAKE: Okay.
Michael Sirow: But those guys were all in SWAT gear. So I was just like, “Somebody’s going to pass out and we’re going to have to get an IV into into somebody with a bag of sodium sodium chloride. But it was yeah, it was very fulfilling. It was just a great time, you know?
GRUNGECAKE: So, it says in your bio, that you worked as a producer, also…
Michael Sirow: Yeah, I started getting into that. And, you know, what’s interesting is like, I got some… An actor friend of mine years ago, was sort of like, “Look, you know, these days of waiting by the phone, you know, going very, just, you go in, you go home, you go and you go home, you know, as far as just auditioning, and then you leave it at the door. And that’s that, and you’re waiting for a phone call.” He’s like, “Those kinds of, you know, those days are coming to a close. And, you know, everyone’s out there trying to create their own opportunities.
GRUNGECAKE: Yes.
Michael Sirow: And he was right! He was right. And this was a person of note, and he’s someone that someone’s… you know, everyone’s very familiar with, but he’s like, “Look, I got a lot of my own shit that I’m, you know, I’m passionate about and this and this.” And I said to him, “Yeah, but, you know, you’re you!” (He laughs). So, and I appreciate… but he’s like, “Look, look, it starts off with, you know, the producing, which is a whole separate conversation entirely. But producing can just be is something like where you’re going and just as simple as making an introduction between two sides. It’s, it’s, you know, but then you have, you know, all the other mechanics that come with it, which, you know, that’s for… That’s for smart people. (He jokes and I laugh).
GRUNGECAKE: What’s the name of your production company?
Michael Sirow: Oh, I don’t… I don’t it… That’s just me. That’s just…
GRUNGECAKE Oh, that’s just you!
Michael Sirow: Yeah, yeah. I just go where I’m told… You know, just… I show up!
GRUNGECAKE: Good, good. Okay, my last one for you. Because it says online that your birthday is November 15th. Is that accurate?
Michael Sirow: It is! It is.
GRUNGECAKE: That’s my birthday, so that’s… crazy!
Michael Sirow: No, it’s not!
GRUNGECAKE: Yeah!
Michael Sirow: That’s why this has been my favorite interview so far! I knew there was a reason that you didn’t… And listen, I felt so bad because I had to punt all the the calls from from last week to this week. But I… there’s a reason you kept me. You didn’t you didn’t throw me out. So I wouldn’t have known! Are you going to do anything special for this birthday?
GRUNGECAKE: Yeah, I might be in Cape Town (South Africa) this year.
Michael Sirow Oh my God. That’s crazy!
Michael Sirow: That’s why this has been my favourite interview so far! I knew there was a reason that you didn’t. And listen, I felt so bad because I had to punt all the the calls from from last week to this week. But there’s a reason you kept me you didn’t you didn’t throw me out. So, I wouldn’t have known so there’s that’s crazy special. Are you going to do anything special for this birthday? Yeah, I might be in Cape Town this year.
Michael Sirow: Oh my God. That’s crazy!
Michael Sirow, the New York City-born actor, whom I awesomely share a birthday (November 15), was one of the best interviews I had in a very long time. He was funny, cool and welcoming. The chilling action/thriller is available on-demand nationwide and will be in theatres in the United States on July 5. If you’re into this genre of film/movie, check it out with a friend or many. Let’s discuss how you feel about it in the comments.
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Tom Petty’s estate signs global deal with Warner Chappell Music
The deal includes for decades of the artist’s iconic songs like ‘Free Fallin” and many more
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[/media-credit]Tom Petty’s estate and Warner Chappell Music (WCM) announced the signing of a new worldwide administration deal for the late Rock icon’s storied music catalogue today. The milestone agreement includes the vast majority of songs written by Petty throughout his lifetime, including enduring hits such as ‘Wildflowers’, ‘Free Fallin”, ‘Learning to Fly’, ‘Refugee’, ‘Here Comes My Girl’, ‘I Won’t Back Down’, ‘The Waiting’, ‘Don’t Come Around Here No More’, ‘Mary Jane’s Last Dance’, ‘Runnin’ Down A Dream’, and dozens more. The pact encompasses Petty’s work with the Heartbreakers and as a solo artist.
“We’re looking forward to this new partnership with the team at Warner Chappell, as we expand the reach of Tom’s iconic song catalog. This partnership will open the door to new licensing opportunities and serve to introduce his music to a new generation across the globe,” the Petty Estate shares. “We’re excited for this new chapter of growth, and the preservation of Tom’s legacy both at home and abroad. We look forward to working closely with Carianne, Greg, Guy, and their incredible team.”
In making the announcement, WCM Co-Chair and COO, Carianne Marshall, and Co-Chair and CEO, Guy Moot, said: “Tom Petty’s music is woven into the fabric of our lives, not just across America, but around the world. He captured the full range and resilience of the human spirit in songs about freedom and dreams, outcasts and rebels, relationships and heartbreak, the personal and the universal. Tom’s unmistakable sound and lyrics remain as timeless and vital today as ever, and all of us at Warner Chappell Music are honored to be joining with his estate to help amplify his extraordinary legacy on a global scale. Their work in recent years has already laid an incredible foundation, and we’re very excited to be partnering with such an innovative and forward-thinking team.”
WCM SVP, A&R and Catalogue, Greg Sowders added: “This landmark new deal spans 40 years of Tom’s hugely influential and much-loved songs. The depth and breadth of his catalog is exceptional, including 15 top ten albums and an incredible stream of rock classics. Tom was a born storyteller and he turned life experiences, both good and bad, into songs of extraordinary power and emotion that continue to captivate millions of fans. Tom Petty and his songs are one of the reasons I became a musician and publisher. The whole team is looking forward to partnering with his estate to ensure that his music not only endures but that its impact continues to grow for many years to come.”