Xoomei, matouqin (or horse head guitar) and long tune are all artistic heritages of the Mongolian minority in China. DOLAN, a group of musicians passionate about Mongolian folksongs, want to let people know about their traditional form of art, with an added modern twist. Their aim is to have Mongolian sounds resonate in the hearts of the younger generations by presenting traditional songs in a novel fashion.
Music is food for the soul, and there are neither boundaries nor borders to its beauty. This is exactly what DOLAN believes in.
Some people don't even want to try to listen to new types of songs simply because they don't understand the language. This puzzles me. The same crowd is sometimes hardcore followers of Bon Jovi or Michael Jackson. Do they speak fluent English? Not necessarily", said Sunbori, the leader and guitarist of the band.
"Appreciation of music has two dimensions. You can enjoy its beautiful lyrics, or you can simply love the tunes. If you can listen to a foreign song without understanding a word, you can do the same with other types of songs, including Mongolian folksongs", Chaoluomeng, the lead matouqin player, added.
Friday, September 28, 2012
Katy Perry: Billboard's woman of the year
Pop star Katy Perry was named Billboard's Woman of the Year on Tuesday, after a whirlwind 12 months in which she split up with her husband and turned their break-up into a hit single and film.
Perry, 27, channeled her split with British comedian Russell Brand in late 2011 into the chart-topping hit "Part Of Me" and a 3D behind-the-scenes film "Katy Perry: Part Of Me" that documented her personal and professional ups and downs.
The singer has won over a legion of fans, known as 'katycats,' on Twitter and Facebook with her quirky costumes and catchy bubble gum pop songs.
Forbes placed Perry at No. 3 on their highest-earning female musicians list in December 2011, estimating her pre-tax earnings at $44 million.
She has sold 48 million tracks in the United States alone, according to Billboard, including the hits "Firework," "California Gurls," "E.T." and "Hot N Cold" from her major-label 2008 debut "One Of The Boys" and 2010 album "Teenage Dream."
Perry has become a branding machine, lending her name to her own fragrance, nail polish and false eyelash lines. She is also the face of skin care line Proactiv and Popchips snacks.
Billboard's editorial director Bill Werde said in a statement that Perry was chosen for her achievements, calling her "one of the most exciting and inspiring artists in the industry."
"Katy Perry broke into the industry not even five years ago, and has already accomplished more than most artists can hope for in an entire career," Werde said.
Perry, 27, channeled her split with British comedian Russell Brand in late 2011 into the chart-topping hit "Part Of Me" and a 3D behind-the-scenes film "Katy Perry: Part Of Me" that documented her personal and professional ups and downs.
The singer has won over a legion of fans, known as 'katycats,' on Twitter and Facebook with her quirky costumes and catchy bubble gum pop songs.
Forbes placed Perry at No. 3 on their highest-earning female musicians list in December 2011, estimating her pre-tax earnings at $44 million.
She has sold 48 million tracks in the United States alone, according to Billboard, including the hits "Firework," "California Gurls," "E.T." and "Hot N Cold" from her major-label 2008 debut "One Of The Boys" and 2010 album "Teenage Dream."
Perry has become a branding machine, lending her name to her own fragrance, nail polish and false eyelash lines. She is also the face of skin care line Proactiv and Popchips snacks.
Billboard's editorial director Bill Werde said in a statement that Perry was chosen for her achievements, calling her "one of the most exciting and inspiring artists in the industry."
"Katy Perry broke into the industry not even five years ago, and has already accomplished more than most artists can hope for in an entire career," Werde said.
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Tony Iommi denies report of Black Sabbath reunion
Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi on Tuesday denied a report that the veteran British rock band was getting back together in its four man original line-up.
British paper The Birmingham Mail had reported that Iommi, singer Ozzy Osbourne, bass player Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward had begun rehearsing for a tour and a new studio album for release next year.
It quoted Iommi, 63, as saying the original foursome, which dates back to 1969, was looking forward to performing together again.
But in a statement on his official website on Tuesday, Iommi said he was just speculating and described the report as "absolute nonsense."
Iommi said the journalist had taken "a conversation we had back in June and made it sound like we spoke yesterday about a Black Sabbath reunion.
"At the time I was supporting the Home of Metal exhibition and was merely speculating, shooting the breeze, on something all of us get asked constantly, "Are you getting back together?"
"Thanks to the Internet it's gone round the world as some sort of "official" statement on my part, absolute nonsense," Iommi said, apologizing to his three bandmates.
Osbourne was fired from the band in 1979, leading to a revolving line-up for a number of years. The original members got back together for the 1998 album "Reunion" but split again afterward.
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Glee: The 3D Concert Movie' not just about music
LOS ANGELES - Concert movies typically offer a peek into the private moments of a pop star's life. "Michael Jackson: This Is It" revealed the entertainer's perfectionist tendencies, and sly sense of humor. "Justin Bieber: Never Say Never" showed the teen singer's drive for success.
But "Glee: The 3D Concert Movie," opening Friday, is an 83-minute romp with the fictional characters who populate the Fox TV series. It's multi-purposing at its finest: Stars Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Kevin McHale, Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, Heather Morris and the rest maintain their "Glee" personae while performing hits from the show during the concert tour that traveled the country earlier this summer.
And that's what sets it up for success, says director Kevin Tancharoen.
"It would have been completely disconnected from what made (the show) extremely popular if it had turned into, 'Oh, look at Lea Michele and Cory Monteith and Harry Shum Jr. be superstars and rehearse and do press and record and go on tour,'" Tancharoen said.
"That's why I think it's different from those other concert films," he continued. "Those are all rock stars and musicians, and these are characters who mean something different to everybody else. They are extremely talented and they all sing very well and perform very well, and that's another big part of the show that was very popular, so we kind of wanted to mix all that stuff together to make this 3-D concert experience."
In addition to on-stage performances of songs such as "Teenage Dream" and "I'm a Slave 4 U," the film also shows its stars giving backstage interviews in character. In one segment, Michele's character, the spotlight-loving Rachel Berry, explains her pre-performance ritual of drinking "lukewarm hot water."
But "Glee: The 3D Concert Movie," opening Friday, is an 83-minute romp with the fictional characters who populate the Fox TV series. It's multi-purposing at its finest: Stars Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Kevin McHale, Chris Colfer, Amber Riley, Heather Morris and the rest maintain their "Glee" personae while performing hits from the show during the concert tour that traveled the country earlier this summer.
And that's what sets it up for success, says director Kevin Tancharoen.
"It would have been completely disconnected from what made (the show) extremely popular if it had turned into, 'Oh, look at Lea Michele and Cory Monteith and Harry Shum Jr. be superstars and rehearse and do press and record and go on tour,'" Tancharoen said.
"That's why I think it's different from those other concert films," he continued. "Those are all rock stars and musicians, and these are characters who mean something different to everybody else. They are extremely talented and they all sing very well and perform very well, and that's another big part of the show that was very popular, so we kind of wanted to mix all that stuff together to make this 3-D concert experience."
In addition to on-stage performances of songs such as "Teenage Dream" and "I'm a Slave 4 U," the film also shows its stars giving backstage interviews in character. In one segment, Michele's character, the spotlight-loving Rachel Berry, explains her pre-performance ritual of drinking "lukewarm hot water."
Monday, September 17, 2012
From Murrieta to Beijing
They became one of the most successful bands in the United States on the back of just one album. They also performed on The Tonight Show, twice during the past nine months, and the top-rated TV show Glee has paid tribute to them.
Though the band didn't anticipate success so soon, they keep moving forward and are now about to play their first concerts in China, two nights in Beijing and Shanghai.
"We kind of found out at the last minute that we were being added to the bill, and so we took the opportunity. I didn't know the rock show was still happening, so we're just happy to be playing," says Tyler Glenn, the lead vocalist and keyboardist.
For the 75-minute shows, the band will perform 15 songs, including the hit song Animal and some new tunes. They promise a gig full of energy.
"It's such an eye-opening opportunity, to see that our music travels to places we didn't think it would get to," says Glenn in an interview with China Daily.
Not so long ago, Glenn and Chris Allen, the band co-founder and guitarist, who are in their late 20s, attended Coachella Festival as fans. But in April they were part of the lineup, with big names like Arcade Fire, Kanye West and Duran Duran.
Their dream started in Murrieta, California, where their fathers worked together. Named after the sign that sits atop the US hamburger chain In and Out, the two started making music as Neon Trees in 2005.
Though the band didn't anticipate success so soon, they keep moving forward and are now about to play their first concerts in China, two nights in Beijing and Shanghai.
"We kind of found out at the last minute that we were being added to the bill, and so we took the opportunity. I didn't know the rock show was still happening, so we're just happy to be playing," says Tyler Glenn, the lead vocalist and keyboardist.
For the 75-minute shows, the band will perform 15 songs, including the hit song Animal and some new tunes. They promise a gig full of energy.
"It's such an eye-opening opportunity, to see that our music travels to places we didn't think it would get to," says Glenn in an interview with China Daily.
Not so long ago, Glenn and Chris Allen, the band co-founder and guitarist, who are in their late 20s, attended Coachella Festival as fans. But in April they were part of the lineup, with big names like Arcade Fire, Kanye West and Duran Duran.
Their dream started in Murrieta, California, where their fathers worked together. Named after the sign that sits atop the US hamburger chain In and Out, the two started making music as Neon Trees in 2005.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Emmy show aims for laughs, including for the dead
This year's Primetime Emmy Awards will feature a healthy dose of irreverence -- and that may even extend to remembering TV performers who have died.
"I think the in memoriam segment doesn't need to be a bummer. It can be a celebration of what is left behind," Mark Burnett, who is producing the 2011 Emmy show, told reporters on Friday.
"I am going to look at it a little differently...You are there to honor people's work, and so we can be very sad about it or uplifting about what is left behind," said the reality TV producer behind hits such as "Survivor."
The "in memoriam" segment honors TV actors, actresses, directors and other industry players who have died in the past year and, more often than not, can be a section that brings sadness to what is supposed to be a joyous awards show.
Burnett said he planned plenty of fun and spoof moments during the September 18 televised ceremony on Fox, when the most coveted awards in TV will be handed out to the year's top comedy, drama, reality show, actors and writers.
But Burnett said the fun and laughter would be affectionate, rather than snarky.
"Fox is edgier than other networks...You are allowed to jump off the cliff at MTV. At Fox you are allowed to lean over. What we need is to have a little fun with it. And the way you can do that is to have spoof moments -- a lot of small, very funny moments that have good natured fun with the last year in television," Burnett said.
"I think the in memoriam segment doesn't need to be a bummer. It can be a celebration of what is left behind," Mark Burnett, who is producing the 2011 Emmy show, told reporters on Friday.
"I am going to look at it a little differently...You are there to honor people's work, and so we can be very sad about it or uplifting about what is left behind," said the reality TV producer behind hits such as "Survivor."
The "in memoriam" segment honors TV actors, actresses, directors and other industry players who have died in the past year and, more often than not, can be a section that brings sadness to what is supposed to be a joyous awards show.
Burnett said he planned plenty of fun and spoof moments during the September 18 televised ceremony on Fox, when the most coveted awards in TV will be handed out to the year's top comedy, drama, reality show, actors and writers.
But Burnett said the fun and laughter would be affectionate, rather than snarky.
"Fox is edgier than other networks...You are allowed to jump off the cliff at MTV. At Fox you are allowed to lean over. What we need is to have a little fun with it. And the way you can do that is to have spoof moments -- a lot of small, very funny moments that have good natured fun with the last year in television," Burnett said.
Friday, September 14, 2012
Adele, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne to perform at VMAs
NEW YORK - Chris Brown and Lil Wayne are returning to the MTV Video Music Awards stage, while Adele will make her first appearance.
The trio are the first performers announced for the Aug. 28 ceremony in Los Angeles, at the Nokia Theatre. The announcement was made Thursday.
Brown's star, once tarnished because of his attack on Rihanna, is shining bright this year, and MTV has taken note.
"He is having a moment with multiple hits this year, and he always delivers on the VMA stage," said Amy Doyle, executive vice president of music and talent at MTV, on Wednesday.
She called his 2007 performance at the VMAs one of the most memorable: "He will give an energetic, bombastic, jaw-dropping performance."
Adele, who is nominated for seven VMAs, is also scheduled to perform. Only Katy Perry has more VMA nods with nine; Adele is tied with Kanye West with her seven.
Doyle predicted Adele would "bring chills down everybody's spine, if not bring them to tears, too."
Adele has the year's best-selling album with "21," but Doyle notes that her live act hasn't been seen much: Adele was forced to reschedule some concerts earlier this year because of a throat problem.
Lil Wayne's appearance will come a day before the scheduled release of his much-anticipated new album, "Tha Carter IV." Like Brown, he has also performed before on the VMAs.
The trio are the first performers announced for the Aug. 28 ceremony in Los Angeles, at the Nokia Theatre. The announcement was made Thursday.
Brown's star, once tarnished because of his attack on Rihanna, is shining bright this year, and MTV has taken note.
"He is having a moment with multiple hits this year, and he always delivers on the VMA stage," said Amy Doyle, executive vice president of music and talent at MTV, on Wednesday.
She called his 2007 performance at the VMAs one of the most memorable: "He will give an energetic, bombastic, jaw-dropping performance."
Adele, who is nominated for seven VMAs, is also scheduled to perform. Only Katy Perry has more VMA nods with nine; Adele is tied with Kanye West with her seven.
Doyle predicted Adele would "bring chills down everybody's spine, if not bring them to tears, too."
Adele has the year's best-selling album with "21," but Doyle notes that her live act hasn't been seen much: Adele was forced to reschedule some concerts earlier this year because of a throat problem.
Lil Wayne's appearance will come a day before the scheduled release of his much-anticipated new album, "Tha Carter IV." Like Brown, he has also performed before on the VMAs.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Festival high notes
Like many other Chinese rock bands, Hanggai is in the fortunate position of being able to decide which music festival invitation to accept and which to turn down.
"This year's schedule is busy, as we will play at more than 10 music festivals in China. We could play at more if their dates didn't overlap with each other," says Ilchi, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist of the band.
The increase in Hanggai's festival dates has to do with not only the band's success, but also the growth of music festivals in China.
There will be more than 100 music festivals held across the country in 2011, a remarkable figure compared to 10 years ago when music festivals were largely unheard of in the country.
During this year's May Day holiday, four festivals were held simultaneously in Beijing alone. More were held in other cities.
Many festivals are held in July and August to target students and young urban people, such as the InMusic Festival in Zhangbei of Hebei province (July 29-31), Ocean Midi Music Festival in Rizhao of Shandong province (Aug 4-7), and Peach Island Music Festival in Zhoushan of Zhejiang province (Aug 5-6).
"This year's schedule is busy, as we will play at more than 10 music festivals in China. We could play at more if their dates didn't overlap with each other," says Ilchi, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist of the band.
The increase in Hanggai's festival dates has to do with not only the band's success, but also the growth of music festivals in China.
There will be more than 100 music festivals held across the country in 2011, a remarkable figure compared to 10 years ago when music festivals were largely unheard of in the country.
During this year's May Day holiday, four festivals were held simultaneously in Beijing alone. More were held in other cities.
Many festivals are held in July and August to target students and young urban people, such as the InMusic Festival in Zhangbei of Hebei province (July 29-31), Ocean Midi Music Festival in Rizhao of Shandong province (Aug 4-7), and Peach Island Music Festival in Zhoushan of Zhejiang province (Aug 5-6).
Wednesday, September 12, 2012
Katy Perry crushes Gaga in MTV music video noms
Pop singer Katy won a leading nine nominations for the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards on Wednesday, reducing eccentric superstar Lady Gaga to also-ran status with just three nods.
Sultry British singer Adele, whose second album "21" is the world's top-selling record this year, earned seven nominations -- all of them for her hit single "Rolling in the Deep".
Rapper Kanye West was the top male nominee, with seven nods for his futuristic "E.T" collaboration with Perry as well as his own music videos for "All of the Lights" and "Power".
Soulful "Grenade" singer Bruno Mars earned four nominations while Beyonce, Eminem, rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars and female rapper Nicki Minaj racked up three nods apiece. The awards will be handed out during a televised live show in Los Angeles on August 28. Winners are picked by public voting.
The nine nods for Perry, 26, were the climax of an extraordinary 12 months that has seen the once struggling gospel singer reinvent herself as a pop sex kitten with a string of hits like "California Gurls", "Teenage Dream" and "Firework".
"Firework" was nominated for both video of the year and best female video, while "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)" got a best pop video mention.
Perry will compete with Adele ("Rolling in the Deep"), first time VMA nominee Tyler the Creator ("Yonkers"), Bruno Mars ("Grenade") and the Beastie Boys ("Make Some Noise") for video of the year --the top MTV video music prize.
Lady Gaga was the big winner at last year's MTV music awards, taking home eight prizes, including video of the year for "Bad Romance".
Sultry British singer Adele, whose second album "21" is the world's top-selling record this year, earned seven nominations -- all of them for her hit single "Rolling in the Deep".
Rapper Kanye West was the top male nominee, with seven nods for his futuristic "E.T" collaboration with Perry as well as his own music videos for "All of the Lights" and "Power".
Soulful "Grenade" singer Bruno Mars earned four nominations while Beyonce, Eminem, rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars and female rapper Nicki Minaj racked up three nods apiece. The awards will be handed out during a televised live show in Los Angeles on August 28. Winners are picked by public voting.
The nine nods for Perry, 26, were the climax of an extraordinary 12 months that has seen the once struggling gospel singer reinvent herself as a pop sex kitten with a string of hits like "California Gurls", "Teenage Dream" and "Firework".
"Firework" was nominated for both video of the year and best female video, while "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F)" got a best pop video mention.
Perry will compete with Adele ("Rolling in the Deep"), first time VMA nominee Tyler the Creator ("Yonkers"), Bruno Mars ("Grenade") and the Beastie Boys ("Make Some Noise") for video of the year --the top MTV video music prize.
Lady Gaga was the big winner at last year's MTV music awards, taking home eight prizes, including video of the year for "Bad Romance".
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
G&D Music Festival to hit Beijing
The G&D Music Festival is returning this summer to the Goose and Duck Club in Beijing’s Huairou district from July 29 to 31 and the three-day musical feast promises to be bigger and better than ever.
This year’s event will once again focus on musical innovation with two different stages set up - professional bands and artists will perform on the pool stage while amateurs can display their skills on an amateur’s stage.
The double stage design is a selling point of this year's festival. The amateur’s stage will be offered for jams during the day, and the pool stage will showcase professional musical performances on water at night.
Plenty of other attractions will be on offer to entertain festival goers, including barbeques, electronic dance music parties, bikini nights, bikini queen contests, body painting and large-scale magic shows. They can also cool down with a drink at a bar, meet new friends at the plaza or purchase some organic food from the farmer's market.
More than 20 bands and musicians will be in attendance, including some well-known faces such as Yuan Weiren, a music producer from Taiwan Province, Shin Band, a Chinese band based in Taiwan Province and mainland band Da Maimai.
In addition, three foreign DJs - DJ Mo Bass of Los Angeles, DJ Thome Tomato from Denmark and DJ Travis Todd from Chicago - have been invited to perform alongside China’s P.L.U.R.
This year’s event will once again focus on musical innovation with two different stages set up - professional bands and artists will perform on the pool stage while amateurs can display their skills on an amateur’s stage.
The double stage design is a selling point of this year's festival. The amateur’s stage will be offered for jams during the day, and the pool stage will showcase professional musical performances on water at night.
Plenty of other attractions will be on offer to entertain festival goers, including barbeques, electronic dance music parties, bikini nights, bikini queen contests, body painting and large-scale magic shows. They can also cool down with a drink at a bar, meet new friends at the plaza or purchase some organic food from the farmer's market.
More than 20 bands and musicians will be in attendance, including some well-known faces such as Yuan Weiren, a music producer from Taiwan Province, Shin Band, a Chinese band based in Taiwan Province and mainland band Da Maimai.
In addition, three foreign DJs - DJ Mo Bass of Los Angeles, DJ Thome Tomato from Denmark and DJ Travis Todd from Chicago - have been invited to perform alongside China’s P.L.U.R.
Music keeps things cool in the capital's heat
Icelandic violinist Sigrun Edvaldsdottir and pianist Selma Gudmundsdottir will play a series of concerts in Beijing, Tianjin and Chengdu through July 8. The performances, co-organized by the embassy of Iceland, include performances in Hangzhou, Ningbo, Huzhou and Beijing.
Edvaldsdottir began to play the violin at the age of 5 and has been the concertmaster of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra since 1998.
Gudmundsdottir, president of Richard Wagner Society in Iceland, is a member of the Reykjavik Chamber Orchestra. She often plays in Iceland, Britain, Germany and Norway.
Pakistan's Ambassador to China Masood Khan has been elected the first mayor of Global Village by the students of Tsinghua University.
This is an honorary post conferred on a leading personality.
Tsinghua University has been organizing a Global Village for the past five years. The Global Village brings together students from all over the world who display their way of life and culture on the campus of the University.
Morning Tears, a charity that supports children of prisoners, hosted a charity fair and barbecue at the Belgian embassy in Beijing in June. The Belgian restaurant Morel's was one of several businesses that provided food, beer and entertainment. Morning Tears has offices in Belgium and Spain and China.
Edvaldsdottir began to play the violin at the age of 5 and has been the concertmaster of the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra since 1998.
Gudmundsdottir, president of Richard Wagner Society in Iceland, is a member of the Reykjavik Chamber Orchestra. She often plays in Iceland, Britain, Germany and Norway.
Pakistan's Ambassador to China Masood Khan has been elected the first mayor of Global Village by the students of Tsinghua University.
This is an honorary post conferred on a leading personality.
Tsinghua University has been organizing a Global Village for the past five years. The Global Village brings together students from all over the world who display their way of life and culture on the campus of the University.
Morning Tears, a charity that supports children of prisoners, hosted a charity fair and barbecue at the Belgian embassy in Beijing in June. The Belgian restaurant Morel's was one of several businesses that provided food, beer and entertainment. Morning Tears has offices in Belgium and Spain and China.
Monday, September 10, 2012
'Good Girl' Carrie Underwood kicks off country awards
The Academy of Country Music Awards kicked off on Sunday with Carrie Underwood singing her new song, the rocking "Good Girl," and co-host Blake Shelton declaring "this is the party of the year" for country music.
Hosted by Shelton and Reba McEntire, the awards program annually is among the biggest events in country music and numerous stars from Jason Aldean and Kenny Chesney to Martina McBride, Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum are on hand.
Chesney comes into the show with a leading nine nominations followed by Aldean with six and Lady Antebellum with five.
Chesney is a favorite to take home his fifth entertainer of the year award, but he faces the likes of Swift, who at age 22 has already won that award twice, and is coming off a recent Grammy victory for best country song with "Mean."
Both Chesney and Swift face stiff competition from popular Aldean and Blake Shelton, who has seen his star rise this past year as a judge on highly-rated TV show "The Voice." Rounding out the category is veteran Brad Paisley.
The show started with Shelton and McEntire trading barbs with each other. She chided him about his strong year crossing over into mainstream TV stardom, and he teasing her about her veteran status in country music.
Along with Underwood's song at the top of the show, early performances included Chris Young singing "Save Water, Drink Beer," and the Zac Brown Band and The Band Perry both belting out tunes for a packed house at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Hosted by Shelton and Reba McEntire, the awards program annually is among the biggest events in country music and numerous stars from Jason Aldean and Kenny Chesney to Martina McBride, Taylor Swift and Lady Antebellum are on hand.
Chesney comes into the show with a leading nine nominations followed by Aldean with six and Lady Antebellum with five.
Chesney is a favorite to take home his fifth entertainer of the year award, but he faces the likes of Swift, who at age 22 has already won that award twice, and is coming off a recent Grammy victory for best country song with "Mean."
Both Chesney and Swift face stiff competition from popular Aldean and Blake Shelton, who has seen his star rise this past year as a judge on highly-rated TV show "The Voice." Rounding out the category is veteran Brad Paisley.
The show started with Shelton and McEntire trading barbs with each other. She chided him about his strong year crossing over into mainstream TV stardom, and he teasing her about her veteran status in country music.
Along with Underwood's song at the top of the show, early performances included Chris Young singing "Save Water, Drink Beer," and the Zac Brown Band and The Band Perry both belting out tunes for a packed house at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Friday, September 7, 2012
Madonna's 'MDNA' receives lukewarm welcome from critics
The music doesn't stop for pop icon Madonna, and neither does the controversy, as the 53-year-old 'Queen of Pop' returns to the spotlight with her latest album "MDNA".
The uptempo record "MDNA" sees Madonna continue her love affair with dance music in an album dedicated to club-friendly tracks.
And Madonna has lost none of her ability to push boundaries, just as she did 25 years ago with themes of sexuality and youth rebellion.
The title, "MDNA" -- an allusion to the drug MDMA or ecstasy -- has caused a stir, while the music video for the second single, "Girl Gone Wild", has been slapped with an age restriction after YouTube deemed it too raunchy for under 18 year-olds.
The video, shot in black and white, sees the singer writhing and grinding with scantily dressed men, in a style similar to her "Erotica" days, when the video for her song "Justify My Love," was banned by MTV in 1990.
Madonna has said that the title meaning of her 12th studio album is threefold -- a reduction of her name, an abbreviation for "Madonna DNA," and a reference to ecstasy and the euphoria often experienced by its users.
But some music critics haven't exactly been blown away despite Madonna recruiting a bevy of top dance music producers, including house music DJ Benny Benassi, electro-pop duo LMFAO and her Grammy-winning "Ray of Light" album producer William Orbit.
The uptempo record "MDNA" sees Madonna continue her love affair with dance music in an album dedicated to club-friendly tracks.
And Madonna has lost none of her ability to push boundaries, just as she did 25 years ago with themes of sexuality and youth rebellion.
The title, "MDNA" -- an allusion to the drug MDMA or ecstasy -- has caused a stir, while the music video for the second single, "Girl Gone Wild", has been slapped with an age restriction after YouTube deemed it too raunchy for under 18 year-olds.
The video, shot in black and white, sees the singer writhing and grinding with scantily dressed men, in a style similar to her "Erotica" days, when the video for her song "Justify My Love," was banned by MTV in 1990.
Madonna has said that the title meaning of her 12th studio album is threefold -- a reduction of her name, an abbreviation for "Madonna DNA," and a reference to ecstasy and the euphoria often experienced by its users.
But some music critics haven't exactly been blown away despite Madonna recruiting a bevy of top dance music producers, including house music DJ Benny Benassi, electro-pop duo LMFAO and her Grammy-winning "Ray of Light" album producer William Orbit.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
RTW winner Uta goes to Hollywood
In late September, 'Rock The Web’ winner, Uta, will be travelling to Hollywood to produce her new single. The most active fans of season one of the reality contest will get the opportunity to go with Uta to the US, sharing the experience of glamorous Hollywood with her.
Superstar Avril Lavigne’s producer Scott Spock is going to work with Uta on the track.
Uta told reporters that she is incredibly excited to work with Spock and she has been listening to all types of music for inspiration. She hopes that this single will be unique, and represent her own music style.
"One thing is for sure, the style of the song is going to be very cool with electronic elements," Uta revealed.
Uta won the competition on July 14 with an adaption of a classic Chinese song, "The Olive Tree". After working with Seth Riggs, the late Michael Jackson’s vocal coach, Uta’s music style developed and now has more personality. She believes this competition has changed the way she thinks about music and will have a great impact on her career.
Uta says the RTW competition meant a lot to her as an artist, saying that she still would have learned a lot "even if I did not win".
"This whole experience has made me think that folk music is not enough for me, and now I can make my music more lively and powerful. I even dream that one day, my music could embody one of Chinese styles and I can show it to the world." She developed different music styles and got new ideas from the experience.
Due to the similarity in music style, a lot of media tend to compare her with Chinese singer Sa Ding Ding, but Uta marks a contrast between herself and the famous Sa.
Superstar Avril Lavigne’s producer Scott Spock is going to work with Uta on the track.
Uta told reporters that she is incredibly excited to work with Spock and she has been listening to all types of music for inspiration. She hopes that this single will be unique, and represent her own music style.
"One thing is for sure, the style of the song is going to be very cool with electronic elements," Uta revealed.
Uta won the competition on July 14 with an adaption of a classic Chinese song, "The Olive Tree". After working with Seth Riggs, the late Michael Jackson’s vocal coach, Uta’s music style developed and now has more personality. She believes this competition has changed the way she thinks about music and will have a great impact on her career.
Uta says the RTW competition meant a lot to her as an artist, saying that she still would have learned a lot "even if I did not win".
"This whole experience has made me think that folk music is not enough for me, and now I can make my music more lively and powerful. I even dream that one day, my music could embody one of Chinese styles and I can show it to the world." She developed different music styles and got new ideas from the experience.
Due to the similarity in music style, a lot of media tend to compare her with Chinese singer Sa Ding Ding, but Uta marks a contrast between herself and the famous Sa.
Richards apologizes to fellow Rolling Stone Jagger
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards has apologized to Mick Jagger for derogatory comments he made about the lead singer in his 2010 memoir "Life", which caused a rift within the band.
In comments reported by Rolling Stone magazine, the two rock'n'roll veterans agreed it was time to move on.
Fans will be relieved to see them burying the hatchet, as the row had threatened to undermine plans to celebrate the Rolling Stones' 50th anniversary this year and to go on another world tour.
"Looking back at any career you are bound to recall both the highs and the lows," Jagger was quoted as saying. "In the 1980s for instance Keith and I were not communicating very well.
"I got very involved with the business side of the Stones, mainly because I felt no one else was interested, but it's plain now from the book that Keith felt excluded, which is a pity. Time I reckon to move on."
Richards added: "Mick's right. He and I have had conversations over the last year of a kind we have not had for an extremely long time and that has been incredibly important to me.
"As far as the book goes, it was my story and it was very raw, as I meant it to be, but I know that some parts of it and some of the publicity really offended Mick and I regret that."
An eagerly anticipated world tour by one of the world's biggest music acts is now not expected to happen until 2013 at the earliest, according to the same magazine.
In comments reported by Rolling Stone magazine, the two rock'n'roll veterans agreed it was time to move on.
Fans will be relieved to see them burying the hatchet, as the row had threatened to undermine plans to celebrate the Rolling Stones' 50th anniversary this year and to go on another world tour.
"Looking back at any career you are bound to recall both the highs and the lows," Jagger was quoted as saying. "In the 1980s for instance Keith and I were not communicating very well.
"I got very involved with the business side of the Stones, mainly because I felt no one else was interested, but it's plain now from the book that Keith felt excluded, which is a pity. Time I reckon to move on."
Richards added: "Mick's right. He and I have had conversations over the last year of a kind we have not had for an extremely long time and that has been incredibly important to me.
"As far as the book goes, it was my story and it was very raw, as I meant it to be, but I know that some parts of it and some of the publicity really offended Mick and I regret that."
An eagerly anticipated world tour by one of the world's biggest music acts is now not expected to happen until 2013 at the earliest, according to the same magazine.
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Dynamic duo's pop that won't stop
Pop groups from around the world know that if they can make it Stateside, they can conquer any corner of the globe.
Swedish pop-rock duo Roxette - comprising vocalist Marie Fredriksson, and singer and guitarist Per Gessle - easily penetrated the US market in the 1980s. The band's sound is contemporary and blends rock guitar flourishes with synthesizer-driven dance beats. But its sense of melody is what enabled it to usurp a top spot in the music world.
Roxette's vast popularity brought its music to China at a time when the country had scant inkling of the Western world's music.
The group became the second pop outfit after Wham! to perform in China with its 1995 Beijing show.
Decades later, Roxette is staging its grand return with appearances in Beijing and Shanghai, where they will perform classics and new singles, appealing to both nostalgia and the desire for fresh tunes.
These concerts provide an opportunity to witness firsthand how the group has changed in the past 20 years - and how it hasn't.
8 pm March 12. MasterCard Center, Fuxing Lu, Haidian district, Beijing.
Swedish pop-rock duo Roxette - comprising vocalist Marie Fredriksson, and singer and guitarist Per Gessle - easily penetrated the US market in the 1980s. The band's sound is contemporary and blends rock guitar flourishes with synthesizer-driven dance beats. But its sense of melody is what enabled it to usurp a top spot in the music world.
Roxette's vast popularity brought its music to China at a time when the country had scant inkling of the Western world's music.
The group became the second pop outfit after Wham! to perform in China with its 1995 Beijing show.
Decades later, Roxette is staging its grand return with appearances in Beijing and Shanghai, where they will perform classics and new singles, appealing to both nostalgia and the desire for fresh tunes.
These concerts provide an opportunity to witness firsthand how the group has changed in the past 20 years - and how it hasn't.
8 pm March 12. MasterCard Center, Fuxing Lu, Haidian district, Beijing.
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
Chris Brown earns redemption from Rihanna
R&B singer Chris Brown has earned a measure of musical redemption and forgiveness from ex-girlfriend Rihanna by collaborating on new music together, three years after Brown pleaded guilty to assaulting the pop star.
Brown, 22, and Rihanna, 24, were openly tweeting each other and promoting their collaboration on each others' singles over the weekend as the Barbadian "We Found Love" singer celebrated her 24th birthday.
"@chrisbrown Turn up the music remix #RihannaNavy #Teambreezy enjoy!!!" the birthday girl tweeted on Sunday with a link to her collaboration on Brown's single, "Turn Up the Music," before posting another tweet with a link to her duet with Brown on a remix of her single "Birthday Cake."
Rihanna provided vocals on a remix of Brown's new uptempo dance song "Turn Up The Music" while Brown lent his voice to Rihanna's sexually-charged song "Birthday Cake."
Their reconciliation, which has been the topic of much speculation in the media after the two were spotted together numerous times, comes after Brown made his official return to the Grammys on February 12 and won one award, prompting him to lash out at critics saying, "HATE ALL U WANT BECUZ I GOT A GRAMMY Now!" on his Twitter.
The singer almost derailed his career three years ago on the night before the Grammys, after he was arrested for beating up his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, and since then, Brown has been working to rehabilitate himself in the eyes of fans.
His musical reunion with Rihanna had social networks abuzz through the weekend and into Tuesday, as critics and fans were split on the newly released duets, with some making cynical puns, others calling it a publicity stunt and the rest embracing the new songs.
Brown, 22, and Rihanna, 24, were openly tweeting each other and promoting their collaboration on each others' singles over the weekend as the Barbadian "We Found Love" singer celebrated her 24th birthday.
"@chrisbrown Turn up the music remix #RihannaNavy #Teambreezy enjoy!!!" the birthday girl tweeted on Sunday with a link to her collaboration on Brown's single, "Turn Up the Music," before posting another tweet with a link to her duet with Brown on a remix of her single "Birthday Cake."
Rihanna provided vocals on a remix of Brown's new uptempo dance song "Turn Up The Music" while Brown lent his voice to Rihanna's sexually-charged song "Birthday Cake."
Their reconciliation, which has been the topic of much speculation in the media after the two were spotted together numerous times, comes after Brown made his official return to the Grammys on February 12 and won one award, prompting him to lash out at critics saying, "HATE ALL U WANT BECUZ I GOT A GRAMMY Now!" on his Twitter.
The singer almost derailed his career three years ago on the night before the Grammys, after he was arrested for beating up his then-girlfriend, Rihanna, and since then, Brown has been working to rehabilitate himself in the eyes of fans.
His musical reunion with Rihanna had social networks abuzz through the weekend and into Tuesday, as critics and fans were split on the newly released duets, with some making cynical puns, others calling it a publicity stunt and the rest embracing the new songs.
Monday, September 3, 2012
Adele set to steal show at BRIT Awards
Ed Sheeran may have been the surprise package of the BRIT Award nominations last month, bagging more than anyone else, but the show itself looks set to follow a more predictable script on Tuesday - another Adele triumph.
Sheeran, who just turned 21, was nominated in four categories - best album for "+," single ("The A Team"), breakthrough act and male solo artist.
He is up against Adele, the world's biggest selling singer last year and fresh from a record-equaling six Grammy awards earlier this month, in the album and song categories.
Bookmaker Ladbroke's makes the 23-year-old Londoner favorite to win the female category and the big prize on the night, best album, for "21," which has sold more than six million copies in the United States alone.
It did not offer odds on the best single, but few would be surprised to see her take home the statuette for "Someone Like You."
As well as the awards there are the performances, with both Sheeran and Adele set to take the stage at the O2 venue in London where the televised event will be held.
Adele chose the Grammys to make her comeback after undergoing surgery on her vocal cords late last year, but the BRITs will be a homecoming of sorts.
Also due to sing on the night are Rihanna, Coldplay, Noel Gallagher, Florence & The Machine, Bruno Mars and Blur, who will receive an outstanding contribution award.
Sheeran, who just turned 21, was nominated in four categories - best album for "+," single ("The A Team"), breakthrough act and male solo artist.
He is up against Adele, the world's biggest selling singer last year and fresh from a record-equaling six Grammy awards earlier this month, in the album and song categories.
Bookmaker Ladbroke's makes the 23-year-old Londoner favorite to win the female category and the big prize on the night, best album, for "21," which has sold more than six million copies in the United States alone.
It did not offer odds on the best single, but few would be surprised to see her take home the statuette for "Someone Like You."
As well as the awards there are the performances, with both Sheeran and Adele set to take the stage at the O2 venue in London where the televised event will be held.
Adele chose the Grammys to make her comeback after undergoing surgery on her vocal cords late last year, but the BRITs will be a homecoming of sorts.
Also due to sing on the night are Rihanna, Coldplay, Noel Gallagher, Florence & The Machine, Bruno Mars and Blur, who will receive an outstanding contribution award.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Adele back bigger than ever
The performer who had to take a career break for four months won six gongs at the Grammys and was given a standing ovation after singing. Michael Thurston reports from Los Angeles.
British soul diva Adele made a storming comeback at the Grammys on Sunday (Monday, Beijing time), performing live for the first time in four months and winning a clean sweep of six prizes at the United States music awards.
The 23-year-old, who canceled all her shows in October to undergo throat surgery, was given a standing ovation after singing Rolling in the Deep to a star-studded audience at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The tune won the best song Grammy, to go along with wins in the five other categories in which she was nominated - best record, best album for her breakthrough 21, best short video, best pop album and best pop artist.
Speaking afterwards, she admitted she had been scared when told she had to have the surgery - but that ultimately it was good to be forced to silence her usual "mouthy" manner.
"It was a bit traumatic having to have the surgery ... being silent in such a noisy world - everything's so noisy in my world - it was actually a bit of a blessing in disguise," she told reporters, backstage.
"Thank god my voice healed, and I stuck to all the rules that they gave me. And I've actually never been happier I really enjoyed having to be quiet. I'm so mouthy, it was quite nice to be forced to be quiet."
British soul diva Adele made a storming comeback at the Grammys on Sunday (Monday, Beijing time), performing live for the first time in four months and winning a clean sweep of six prizes at the United States music awards.
The 23-year-old, who canceled all her shows in October to undergo throat surgery, was given a standing ovation after singing Rolling in the Deep to a star-studded audience at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
The tune won the best song Grammy, to go along with wins in the five other categories in which she was nominated - best record, best album for her breakthrough 21, best short video, best pop album and best pop artist.
Speaking afterwards, she admitted she had been scared when told she had to have the surgery - but that ultimately it was good to be forced to silence her usual "mouthy" manner.
"It was a bit traumatic having to have the surgery ... being silent in such a noisy world - everything's so noisy in my world - it was actually a bit of a blessing in disguise," she told reporters, backstage.
"Thank god my voice healed, and I stuck to all the rules that they gave me. And I've actually never been happier I really enjoyed having to be quiet. I'm so mouthy, it was quite nice to be forced to be quiet."
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