Music News: Concert hiatus hits independent promoters hard March 27, 2020 When the concert industry emerges from the coronavirus shutdown, Billboard projects, even more power is likely to be in the hands of major promoters. Also today: Bob Dylan releases the longest song of his career, random duets land in listeners' ears, Rihanna donates medical supplies, and a group of Ugandan musicians share an exuberant PSA.
Music News: Nine Inch Nails release surprise album March 26, 2020 Nine Inch Nails have released hours of new music: 'Some of it kind of happy, some not so much.' Other artists are releasing quirky new material, including Kesha's song about...Nicolas Cage? Meanwhile, some financial help for hurting artists is starting to come in, with the federal stimulus bill moving forward and Spotify contributing up to $10 million. Finally, before you can rewrite the Knack's 'My Sharona' in light of the coronavirus outbreak...don't worry, they already have.
Music News: Jackson Browne shares coronavirus diagnosis March 25, 2020 Jackson Browne has tested positive for COVID-19, and says 'it's important for all of us to be pretty forthcoming.' Also in the news today: James Taylor donates $1 million to medical emergency fund, an 'ultimate stay at home playlist' lands on the National Recording Registry, survival-themed songs climb the charts, Merrill Garbus of tUnE-yArDs talks about our perilous situation, and artists spoof the celebrity 'Imagine' cover.
Music News: Coronavirus claims jazz great Manu Dibango March 24, 2020 Jazz great Manu Dibango has died of COVID-19, and Radiohead's Ed O'Brien believes he is infected. Chris Thile talks about how the pandemic is affecting the musical life of New York City, while remote collaborations grow ever stranger.
Music News: Dolly Parton pays tribute to 'true friend' Kenny Rogers March 23, 2020 As the world mourns Kenny Rogers, his duet partner Dolly Parton paid tribute to 'a wonderful man and a true friend.' Also in the news today, Low Cut Connie's Adam Weiner talks about livestreaming concerts during self-isolation, while the ongoing public health crisis shakes up release schedules for other artists. Plus, Neil Diamond rewrites one of his hits to encourage handwashing.
Music News: John Prine's wife, diagnosed with COVID-19, urges fans to stay home March 20, 2020 John Prine's wife Fiona has tested positive for COVID-19, and is urging fans to stay home to protect themselves. Meanwhile, artists are sharing new music on Bandcamp as the platform waives fees for a day; as more and more artists use livestreams to share songs and solidarity in the ongoing public health crisis.
Music News: Major stars declare 'existential threat' to music industry March 19, 2020 Over 150 stars have signed a letter to the federal government asking for financial support to sustain the music industry through an 'existential crisis.' Also in today's news, Bandcamp is temporarily waiving its share of revenue and celebrities covered John Lennon's 'Imagine' in an endearing (if slightly awkward) video.
Music News: Glastonbury, Eurovision canceled March 18, 2020 Glastonbury and Eurovision have been canceled due to the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. The global pandemic is also causing Amazon to prioritize emergency supplies, causing challenges for media producers including record labels. In other news, many music performances are moving online.
Music News: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces nominees for 2020 October 15, 2019 The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame announced its nominees for the class of 2020 this morning including Soundgarden, Nine Inch Nails, Whitney Houston and more.
Music News: An interview with Vampire Weekend's Ezra Koenig June 12, 2019 Backstage at the Armory in Minneapolis, Jade had the chance to catch up with Vampire Weekend frontman Ezra Koenig. In the news today: White Sox take heat for celebrating 'disco demolition,' Spice Girls animated movie planned, rapper Bushwick Bill has died at 52, Radiohead dropped 18 hours of rare audio, and a 2008 fire is revealed to have destroyed priceless master recordings. Plus, this week in music history and a dive into new tunes from Iron & Wine and Calexico; Bruce Springsteen; Mattiel; and Madonna. Plus, Adele raps!