The name Rothbury confuses me. I immediately think it's a European festival, but in fact, the jam-band heavy music festival that premiered in 2008 takes place in Rothbury, Michigan. This year's lineup was just announced...

The Dead (their ONLY summer appearance!), Bob Dylan, The String Cheese Incident, Willie Nelson & Family, and The Black Crowes will top the bill of over 60 diverse and stellar artists at the second annual ROTHBURY Festival at the Double JJ Ranch in Michigan on July 2-3-4-5, 2009.

Also on the bill are Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley & Nas, STS9 (2 shows: full band/Live PA Set), G. Love & Special Sauce, Gov't Mule, Broken Social Scene, Cold War Kids, Matisyahu, Guster, Les Claypool, Chromeo, Girl Talk, The Hold Steady, Ani DiFranco and many others.

Full lineup below...

Continue reading "Michigan's Rothbury Festival - 2009 artist lineup "

by Ryan Barkan

When it comes to licensing, Tom Waits has a strong reputation..

Waits has steadfastly refused to allow the use of his songs in commercials and has joked about other artists who do. ("If Michael Jackson wants to work for Pepsi, why doesn't he just get himself a suit and an office in their headquarters and be done with it?") He has filed several lawsuits against advertisers who used his material without permission. He has been quoted as saying, "Apparently, the highest compliment our culture grants artists nowadays is to be in an ad -- ideally, naked and purring on the hood of a new car," he said in a statement, referring to the Mercury Cougar. "I have adamantly and repeatedly refused this dubious honor....

...In 2005, Waits sued Adam Opel AG, claiming that, after having failed to sign him to sing in their Scandinavian commercials, they had hired a soundalike singer. In 2007, the suit was settled, and Waits gave the sum to charity." [Wikipedia]

Speaking in an interview in 2005 to NPR's All Things Considered, Waits bluntly says "I'd rather have a hot lead enema" than have a song in a commercial. At the time he was referring to products like Doritos, cars and diapers. His stance isn't as strong when it comes to a good cause. His song "Never Let Go" is the soundtrack to a new PSA by the Ad Council for Feeding America.

The campaign, shot by American History X director Tony Kaye, launched November 25th and is intended to raise awareness and drive action to fight hunger in America.

Created pro bono by Ogilvy NY, the new TV, radio, print, and web advertising aims to change the way Americans look at this critical issue affecting our country and to understand the fact that many people they interact with on a daily basis may not know where their next meal will come from...

"We are thrilled to partner with Feeding America to educate Americans about just how close hunger is to each one of us," according to Peggy Conlon, President & CEO of The Advertising Council. "I believe that the 1 in 8 campaign will inspire Americans to become involved in this critical issue."

"This work uses simple visual imagery to demonstrate the reality of the fact that everyone today knows someone who is hungry," said Antonio Navas and Chris Bradley, creative directors at Ogilvy who developed the campaign. "We were very fortunate to get musician Tom Waits to contribute a beautiful piece of music - "Never Let Go" off of 2006's Orphans -- that helps bring the work to life and connect with the public in a tangible way. We believe it will have great impact on this important cause."

Per the Ad Council model, the PSAs will be distributed to media outlets nationwide this week and will run and air in advertising time and space that is donated by the media.

Waits says of the project: "We all need to be reminded that the folks who need help getting back on their feet are all members of our family." Watch the two different PSAs below.

Other Notable Licensing News:

Another band that usually passes on licensing requests for its music is Arcade Fire. The Canadian band decided to let its song "My Body Is A Cage" be used in the trailer for the new Brad Pitt movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

According to the Arcade Fire's management, "This is the first time the band have used their music in this way. David Fincher asked them to look at the trailer. They all thought it was a good use of the music. They have no issue with licensing music when it's used in a creative way. It rarely happens." [Pitchfork]

Watch the trailer below.

The soundtrack to Juno continues to inspire advertising creatives. One of Barry Louis Polisar's songs from that soundtrack, "All I Want Is You", gives it a go in a spot for the National Lottery in the UK. The commercial can be seen below.

I've seen the commercial for Ubisoft's new Prince Of Persia game on air this past week. Just like the trailer (watch it below), the spot features the song "Saeglopur" by Sigur Ros. This is the second video game featuring Sigur Ros music - EA's trailer for Dead Space (released in October 2008) uses "Track 7" as the soundtrack.

The Shins' "Sleeping Lessons" provides a cool soundtrack to Statkraft Energy's new European commercial. Watch it at Boards Mag.

Sony has released quite a few new commercials recently for both the PS3 and PSP that have good musical soundtracks. The "Mural" spot features "Everybody Ona Move" by Michael Franti & Spearhead, "LA Plays PSP" has The Grouch featuring MURS' "The Bay To LA", and "NYC Plays PSP" uses Chromeo's "Fancy Footwork". Watch the last one below.

continued below...

Continue reading "This week in Music Licensing"

Nas is playing Hammerstein Ballroom on December 26th. Tickets are now on presale. Password = HOT97

Oasis tickets are still on presale. Password = Supernova. Venue = MSG.

Stellastarr* are playing five shows at Pianos in December. All five are on sale.

Tickets are now on sale for both of the upcoming CSS shows at Webster Hall

Tickets are on sale for both of the upcoming NYC Eagles of Death Metal shows.

Tickets are still on sale for the Department of Eagles show at the Bell House.

Tickets are still on sale for the 826NYC benefit that Department of Eagles, Paul Simon and members of TV on the Radio are playing.

Toad the Wet Sprocket is playing Webster Hall (??) on February 26th. Tickets are now on sale.

Tickets are still on sale for the Barack Rock benefit Les Savy Fav, Andrew Bird, and the Fiery Furnaces are playing in Brooklyn. Tickets are also still on sale for the show Les Savy Fav is playing at Music Hall on October 12th.

Tickets are still on sale for the animal shelter benefit that Debbie Harry is playing. Deborah is also playing one of the 10 free shows Joe's Pub is hosting.

Secret Machines are playing Webster Hall on October 18th. Tickets are on sale.

the Beck shows went back on sale.

Brad Mehldau and Chris Thile are playing "A Concert for Obama" at (le) poisson rouge on October 10th. Tickets are on sale.

Tickets are still on sale for the show Brightback Morning Light are playing at (le) poisson rouge.

If you're from PA, get your free tickets to see Bruce Springsteen.

It was announced today that Smirnoff Experience, a global series of original nightlife events, will be the hottest ticket in town on October 7th at a private New York City event [at Capitale] being headlined by two of hip-hop's most successful talents, N*E*R*D and NAS. The all-star lineup will also feature musical collaborations with established and emerging urban artists (additional talent to be announced shortly) and unique drinking experiences, for a truly unforgettable evening.

N.E.R.D. are also going on tour with Common and play Roseland Ballroom on October 4th.

The show is this Wednesday (click the link to request tix) (thx all). More upcoming hip hop shows HERE.

by Black Bubblegum

Q-Tip with A Tribe Called Quest at Rock The Bells, 8/3/08 (villageslum.com)

King Khan pretty much ruled, but maybe, the award for show of the day could go to Rock The Bells at Jones Beach...

"Mos Def was joined by Talib Kweli for a series of Black Star songs including "Definition," "Respiration" and "Brown Skin Lady."......with Pharoahe Monch joining former label-mates on stage for a boisterous performance of "Simon Says."

....Slick Rick joined his Def Jam proteges [ED: Method Man & Redman] briefly for a partial performance of "La Di Da Di,"....... After Raekwon, who performed earlier with Ghostface returned to the stage, EPMD followed, performing "Strictly Business" and "So What Cha Saying." Washington DC's DJ Kool entered the set, performing "Let Me Clear My Throat,"...... Upon the set closing, Keith Murray completed the Def Squad triad with a performance, without Sermon at the time, of "Rapper's Delight."

.....the largest crowd reaction came from Nas speaking to the crowd about how he needs to "breathe." Repeating the word, DJ Green Lantern played the instrumental to "Success," prompting a Yankee-cap tucked low Jay-Z to rush on the stage.... and perform his first verse..... the two then performed "Black Republicans."

.... A Tribe Called Quest headlined the night joined by luminaries such as Busta Rhymes on "Scenario" as well as Consequence.

Other guests.... included DJ Premier, M.O.P., Jeru Da Damaja, Biz Markie, Skyzoo, Mickey Factz and others. "
[HipHopDX.com]

Zaaaaam. Luckily, we have some photos (courtesy of Village Slum) and a video of that "Black Republicans" performance down below.....

Continue reading "Rock The Bells @ Jones Beach, pics & video, TONS of guests"

by Black Bubblegum

Q-Tip, Maryland, 7/27/08, and lookie what he's wearing... (seoulchild)

"The Abstract", aka Q-Tip, has announced The Renaissance - due October 14th (but let's not hold our breath). The new track "Gettin Up" is currently streaming at his myspace. The new album marks Tip's (not T.I.P.'s) first album since the almost-entirely-J.Dilla-fied Amplified that came out nine years ago.

"The Ab" along with Phife Dawg, Jarobi, and Ali Shaheed Muhammad will reunite at the Rock The Bells Festival as A Tribe Called Quest, flanked by fellow Native Tongues members De La Soul and Mos Def, as well as Nas, Raekwon & Ghostface (playing tracks from their FOREVER upcoming, Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II), a reunited Pharcyde (!), Immortal Technique, Method Man & Redman and dead prez. The NY date is this Sunday (August 3rd) at Jones Beach. Set times are below...

When they aren't reuniting, Q-Tip & Ali Shaheed Muhammad have been busy spinning records at Triple Crown, APT, and most recently, Santos Party House among other spots.

And in case ya missed it, Nas hates Rupert Murdoch. Check out those set times...

Continue reading "Rock the Bells Sunday set times, new music by Q-Tip"

by Black Bubblegum

Nas at Fox News - July 23, 2008 (ColorOfChange.Org)

Nasty Nas showed up in Midtown yesterday, for a little while at least. Nas lead a protest by ColorOfChange.Org at the house O'Reilly built (aka Fox News) in order to hand deliver a petition of 620,127 signatures charging the network with racist reporting. The petition alleges that the network is inherently racist, pointing to several incidents involving Barack Obama and his treatment by the network. The incidents in question include referring to Michelle Obama as "Obama's baba mama", alluding to the assassination of Obama, and referring to the infamous onstage fist pound as a "terrorist fist jab" (an obvious Obama-Osama dig).

Nas said, "Fox poisons the country with racist propaganda and tries to call it news". Fox News responded, "Fox News believes in all protesters exercising their right to free speech including Nas who has an album to promote."

After the protest, Nas showed up at The Colbert Report to discuss "papa bear" (Colbert's nickname for O'Reilly) and Fox News, as well as perform "Sly Fox" (about guess what), a song from his new album titled, um, Untitled. Nas & Bill O'Reilly have been feuding, with Nas even challenging him to a debate.

Ah... Nasty Nas. Now, if we can just get him to show up on record again.

Nas is touring with Talib Kweli, including one date at Rock The Bells with A Tribe Called Quest at Jones Beach and another far more intimate one at Toad's Place in New Haven, CT. Nas's former co-conspirator AZ is playing the Knitting Factory with Sadat X (but you can call him X-Man).

Fox News & Colbert Report videos below...

Continue reading "Nas protests Fox News, appears on Colbert Report (videos)"

Influential and often controversial multiplatinum New York rapper Nas (Nasir Jones) has announced his full summer tour schedule, in support of his untitled ninth studio album. Produced by Guerilla Union (Rock the Bells, Paid Dues), THE JONES EXPERIENCE--"a big show in an intimate venue," as described by Nas--will feature him along with special guests Talib Kweli, Jay Electronica and DJ Green Lantern performing in small clubs across North America. The 21-date tour kicks off Tuesday, July 22 in Montreal and wraps up Labor Day weekend in Minneapolis. The shows will take place in between Nas' previously announced appearances on this summer's Rock The Bells 2008 International Festival Series, which will also feature Jay Electronica and DJ Green Lantern.

Dates below....

Continue reading "Nas & Talib Kweli - 2008 Tour Dates"

some hip hop in the news
* Rapper's Road to Pop
* P Diddy did not change his name
* Fifty Cent and His Ex Get Court Orders
* Nas moves new album back two weeks
* Missy Elliott prepares for a summer "Block Party"
* DJ Green Lantern & Nas release The Nigger Tape
* On 'Carter III,' Lil' Wayne perfects the art of the brag
* Kanye West, Lupe & N.E.R.D. added another NYC show
* Lil Wayne's CD, fueled by leaks, poised to sell more than any album so far this year

Black Sheep are playing Knitting Factory in NYC tonight (6/11).

FEATURING: A TRIBE CALLED QUEST, NAS, MOS DEF, THE PHARCYDE, DE LA SOUL, METHOD MAN & REDMAN, RAEKWON & GHOSTFACE, IMMORTAL TECHNIQUE, DEAD PREZ, MURS, SPANK ROCK, WALE, JAY ELECTRONICA, SANTOGOLD, COOL KIDS, B.O.B, KIDZ IN THE HALL, AMANDA BLANK and HOSTED BY- B-REAL, SUPERNATURAL AND SCRATCH and DJ GREEN LANTERN

There are four different presales going on for the Rock the Bells show at Jones Beach. The Nokia presale password = band.

One (sold out), two (sold out), three... Jay Z & Mary J Blige - May 2nd @ MSG, tickets ($199.75, $129.75, $99.75 & $69.75) on sale March 7th at 10 am.

Kanye West is still only playing one.

"An in depth look at the very disturbing truth behind some of mainstream music's most 'popular' celebrities and their occult practices" below....

Continue reading "Jay-Z & Mary J, a 3rd NYC show at MSG, Kanye, the occult"

February 27, 2008 -- RAPPER Nas was shocked when Maxim gave his new album, "N - - - - r," a 21/2-star review - because it isn't even finished yet. "I'm finishing the album now, and it will be out April 22," Nas told Page Six. Maxim has since apologized for the premature review, but Nas doesn't care. "I'd prefer [a review from] Playboy," the rapper said. "That kind of stuff doesn't reach my radar or effect anybody around me. I don't know what a music rating from Maxim is . . . I don't know what it even means really." Maxim also reviewed the Black Crowes' album, "War Paint," without listening to it in its entirety. [NY Post Page 6]

(thx Rich)

Nas and Kellis wore the controversial name of his new album on their outfits to the Grammys last night. More photos below....

Continue reading "Nas & Kelis wore/promoted "Nigger" at the Grammys"

Tickets are on sale for a December 26th NAS show at Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC. "Nigger" - originally supposed to be out before Christmas, will be released in February.....

"It's not an attack on white people at all," he promised, regarding the record's content. "It's knowledge; it's understanding for all people. It's not an attack on any race."

"It's about the attacks that have happened to blacks, whites, all ethnicities," he continued. " 'Mick' niggers, 'guinea' niggers, 'kike' niggers. I have a song called 'You a Nigger Too.' "

"It's all over the place," he added. "Balance is so important because there's a fun level to the [album] too. There's an attractive, sexy, aspect to it; a stylish aspect, a flashy aspect. It takes negatives and makes them good."

"I have a song called 'The Fear,' " he said. "The full title of the record is 'The Fear of the Black Man's D---.' That's some sh-- you can get comedy [from], or you can get some seriousness from it when you talk about the barbaric castrations that happened in our past — which is very serious, nothing to laugh at." [MTV]

Nas & Jay-Z

Beanie Sigel, Diddy, Jay-Z and LeBron James

Jay-Z & Beanie Sigel

Ryan Dombal visited the Apollo Theate in Harlem last night (Nov 13, 2007) and came back with these great photos of the Jay-Z show. Other on-stage guests included Memphis Bleek and Freeway. Puff Daddy (the guy in the ugly coat) also showed up at the Hammerstein Ballroom show two nights earlier. LeBron James's day job is basketball player (but it's not the first time he and Jay-Z have hung out). American Gangster is out now, but you won't find it on iTunes.

Nas is calling his new album "Nigger" (not "Nigga") - a term this is symbolically illegal in NYC, and NYC is the one putting up the biggest fight....

Behemoth record label Universal Music Group must change the name of rapper Nas’s new album, “Nigger,” or risk losing $84 million in state investments, a Fort Greene assemblyman said this week.

“[They are] profiting from a racial slur that has been used to dehumanize people of color for centuries,” said Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries (D–Fort Greene), a former entertainment industry big-wig. [Brooklyn Paper]

Nas told Rolling Stone he'll stick with the name anyway, even if...

“It’s probably going to make people uncomfortable. I don’t expect a lot of people to sell a record called Nigger. Hopefully, people can open their minds up and lose some of their fear and deal with it. It’s just an album. It’s one piece of the many things I do, and this will be one of my favorite pieces.” And his label is firmly behind him, “It will be certain record stores that will be scared to deal with it. The record label is gung ho, and it’s ready to go.”

50 Cent says Nas sucks. Some say it's just a publicity stunt. What do you say?