So, apparently in Madison, WI, a woman got so mad at some DJ’s track choice that they not only assaulted the DJ, but destroyed his headphones, laptop and microphone. And, just in case you didn’t think that was bad enough, the Typhoon of Ruin is still at large. Watch your back road warriors. Also, don’t play Levels. Not because she’s out there, just because Levels.
Wu-Tang’s next album will be sold in an extremely small run. Total number of copies? One. That’s right. Forbes released a piece detailing the purpose & aims, which can be found here. Apparently, the album will never be released in digital format and will only be available to be heard at festivals, galleries, museums and showcases, as if a traveling painting. I cannot over-emphasize how much I like this idea (with Bob Lefsetz) backing me up. The buzz created just from the Forbes article is enough that it’s worth the action. This will be one of the most sought-after works in the world. I’ll pay $30 to go listen to it after giving up my cell phone & listening in sponsored Beats headphones or something, so will everyone else. Or, I’ll just listen at Coachella or Electric Zoo. Is there a Wu-Tang Booth somewhere at Miami Music Week? We’ll find out.
(Photo via: http://scluzay.com/)
Diplo is world famous for combining dirty dancing & beats, and has been doing so since Miley was still in elementary school. However, it seems he’s got his sights set on taking care of the kids he’s become a hero to, and not just the ones who send him snapchat #twerk pictures. Diplo is partnering with Mark Cuban to generate a new kind of RECESS. From the RECESS Site:
RECESS IS A MUSIC + IDEAS FESTIVAL THAT BRINGS TOGETHER SUCCESSFUL ENTREPRENEURS, THE COOLEST NEW STARTUPS AND THE HOTTEST ACTS IN MUSIC TO INSPIRE THE NEXT GENERATION OF WORLD CHANGING ENTREPRENEURS.”
While I’m not sure I can support the idea that dance music, traditionally anti-corporate & anti-consumer, is now being paraded around during an entrepreneurial/capitalist Jamboree, I’ve got no problem with college kids getting a little more employment-directed education, networking & insider access instead of just hanging around playing Madden on a Saturday while you wait for the DJs to show up for the party. Combining a pitch room, idea filtration down to a national competition and a phat party at the end of it is an idea I wish I thought of, and with sponsorship from companies like Indiegogo, This Song Is Sick & General Assembly, some good might come out of the CashMoneyInterns Tour yet. (No, that’s not the real tour name, but it so should be)
Always aim for Biblical my friends. Always. (via Laughing Squid)
Just in case you missed it, DJ Shadow showed back up as of late. Beatport dropped the news & shortly after, a new full track appeared on DJ Shadow’s Soundcloud. While the guy has a list of musical accomplishments longer than most people’s gig history, he’s still challenging himself. Namely, after kicking a Machinedrum track around for fun & profit, he’s returned with a confusingly good rework of a track released approximately 40 years ago. Supersister, a Dutch prog group, released “Dona Nobis Pacem.” Apparently Shadow had met the keyboardist in the group in 2010, and had been a fan of his work for some time. Gotta appreciate the retro futuristic sound. Maybe that Mansion promoter was right. This stuff is too future, and it’s a free download. I’m into it. You?
Ok, everything about this is correct. This quote, less than 20 seconds into the video, really captures how bad it’s gotten in some circles these days.
It takes a smart person to love something in a way that takes all the fun out of it.”
There’s about 2:45 of good stuff here, so put it into your face, and trust me, don’t google Louisiana Swamp Pop. It sounds like flies & relaxed sadness.
So, in case you’ve not heard The Chainsmokers new earworm #selfie, you may not ever have to. While I’ll link it here, just watch the ballad cover done by Sam Tsui & be serene in knowing all is right with the world. I mean, then watch the video and see what you’re going to hear at least twice daily in Miami if you’re headed down there this week. But, while electro-big-haus is melting your face, remember this smooth cover by someone who needs to win an idol-esque show like now. Randy, get on that. (via EDMTunes)
My girl Dopeshoes put this into my face over the weekend and I really could not be more pleased by it. Yanis Marshall & friends make a great video about dance & Thought Catalog did a great interview with him to be consumed here. I think this is a fabulous time to be pushing LBGT equality, with midterms approaching and the death of Fred “God Hates Fags” Phelps, the air is ripe for change. Yes, change includes men dancing in heels on the street in Paris, we’ve come a long way from Madonna’s “Sex.”
So, it seems one country really can make the difference when it comes to sales of an entire medium. In case you weren’t aware, the Japanese need to have it. Not a download of it, It. The purchase of the vinyl, cassette, 8track or CD has been a shot in the arm for the industry for years, with hard-to-find physical presses with bonus tracks only available in Japan (like the Random Access Memories CD with an extra track, not released anywhere else in the world). As the world slowly switches to internet-based streaming services such as Spotify, Soundcloud and Pandora, the sales took a huge hit in Japan, to the tune of a 16% drop in the country. To put that in perspective, digital consumption was up 13% in Europe. Writing’s on the wall everyone. Get your shit up for free on Soundcloud & YouTube. Ain’t no one buying your CD until they see you at a show. (via FACT)
And just like that, it was over. The Hollywood Reporter…is reporting that the suit involving GoldieBlox rip off of the 1987 Beastie Boys song “Girls” is over and done with. Ever the gentlemen, it seems the lawsuit was settled for an apology and a donation to (and I quote):
a payment by GoldieBlox, based on a percentage of its revenues, to one or more charities selected by Beastie Boys that support science, technology, engineering and mathematics education for girls.”
Freaking win. They took a situation where a company was legit ripping off artist after artist, and turned it into a situation where girls continue to be the winners. Great to see & kudos to the Beasties once again. (via The Hollywood Reporter)
Terry Gotham 