Wednesday, October 31, 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.
Website to pay $950000 for posting Beatles hits
LOS ANGELES – A website that sold Beatles songs online for 25 cents apiece before they became legally available has agreed to pay record companies nearly $1 million to settle a federal lawsuit.
US District Judge Josephine Staton Tucker signed off on the settlement between BlueBeat.com and music companies EMI Group PLC, Capitol Records and Virgin Records America on Friday. The judge ruled in December that the site violated the music labels' copyrights and presented unfair competition.
A trial to determine how much BlueBeat owed the companies was scheduled to begin Tuesday in Santa Ana, Calif.
BlueBeat streamed and sold music by the Fab Four and other top-name acts, including Coldplay and Lily Allen, for several days before music companies sued to shut it down in November 2009. By then, the site had already distributed more than 67,000 songs by The Beatles.
The posting of Beatles songs came shortly after the release of the group's re-mastered albums and a pricey box set. A year later, Apple Inc. announced with great fanfare that it was selling Beatles music on its popular music service iTunes.
Within the first week, more than 2 million Beatles songs were purchased online for $1.29 apiece and 450,000 albums were sold.
BlueBeat had denied wrongdoing, claiming owner Hank Risan had pioneered a method called "psycho-acoustic simulation" that resulted in unique versions of copyrighted music.
The judge rejected his arguments and explanations of his technique in her December ruling, noting that Risan's recordings were based on copies of CDs that he had purchased.
Risan said the settlement amount was a fraction of what the companies sought. He said the site, which is still active but doesn't have any Beatles music available, is still working to register copyrights for 800,000 recordings.
"So long as we pay royalties, we can stream their stuff all day and all night without a problem," said BlueBeat's attorney Archie Robinson.
US District Judge Josephine Staton Tucker signed off on the settlement between BlueBeat.com and music companies EMI Group PLC, Capitol Records and Virgin Records America on Friday. The judge ruled in December that the site violated the music labels' copyrights and presented unfair competition.
A trial to determine how much BlueBeat owed the companies was scheduled to begin Tuesday in Santa Ana, Calif.
BlueBeat streamed and sold music by the Fab Four and other top-name acts, including Coldplay and Lily Allen, for several days before music companies sued to shut it down in November 2009. By then, the site had already distributed more than 67,000 songs by The Beatles.
The posting of Beatles songs came shortly after the release of the group's re-mastered albums and a pricey box set. A year later, Apple Inc. announced with great fanfare that it was selling Beatles music on its popular music service iTunes.
Within the first week, more than 2 million Beatles songs were purchased online for $1.29 apiece and 450,000 albums were sold.
BlueBeat had denied wrongdoing, claiming owner Hank Risan had pioneered a method called "psycho-acoustic simulation" that resulted in unique versions of copyrighted music.
The judge rejected his arguments and explanations of his technique in her December ruling, noting that Risan's recordings were based on copies of CDs that he had purchased.
Risan said the settlement amount was a fraction of what the companies sought. He said the site, which is still active but doesn't have any Beatles music available, is still working to register copyrights for 800,000 recordings.
"So long as we pay royalties, we can stream their stuff all day and all night without a problem," said BlueBeat's attorney Archie Robinson.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Britney is back but can she compete with Gaga
Her younger rivals' dominance this week may be coincidental -- indeed, Spears also topped the ranking recently with "Hold It Against Me." -- but the chart is a reminder of how crowded the pop diva market has become since Spears rose to fame as a teenager.
There is little doubt her fans will ensure brisk sales -- Spears has sold nearly 70 million albums, according to label Jive Record -- and her music is making headlines again instead of personal meltdowns, a custody battle and rehab stints.
Spears kicked off a string of promotions for the album on Friday with a performance at a Las Vegas nightclub. On Sunday in San Francisco she will record a sold-out mini-concert to be aired on ABC's "Good Morning America" TV show on Tuesday.
Yet after more than 10 years in the music business, Spears, now 29, may have to do more to remain relevant in the era of Gaga, critics say.
"As far as novelty goes, her natural demographic now has an icon as quirky and characterful as Lady Gaga to fascinate and fuss over," said Andy Gill of Britain's Independent newspaper.
"Gaga's music, let's be frank, is not that much better than, or even different to, that on 'Femme Fatale', but she knows the lingering appeal of playing dress up," he added in a two-out-of-five star review of Spears' record.
Adrian Thrills of the Daily Mail added: "The one-time gymslip diva has had to contend with the emergence of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Rihanna -- a brash new wave of female performers who have made their mark while seemingly exercising far more creative control."
There is little doubt her fans will ensure brisk sales -- Spears has sold nearly 70 million albums, according to label Jive Record -- and her music is making headlines again instead of personal meltdowns, a custody battle and rehab stints.
Spears kicked off a string of promotions for the album on Friday with a performance at a Las Vegas nightclub. On Sunday in San Francisco she will record a sold-out mini-concert to be aired on ABC's "Good Morning America" TV show on Tuesday.
Yet after more than 10 years in the music business, Spears, now 29, may have to do more to remain relevant in the era of Gaga, critics say.
"As far as novelty goes, her natural demographic now has an icon as quirky and characterful as Lady Gaga to fascinate and fuss over," said Andy Gill of Britain's Independent newspaper.
"Gaga's music, let's be frank, is not that much better than, or even different to, that on 'Femme Fatale', but she knows the lingering appeal of playing dress up," he added in a two-out-of-five star review of Spears' record.
Adrian Thrills of the Daily Mail added: "The one-time gymslip diva has had to contend with the emergence of Lady Gaga, Katy Perry and Rihanna -- a brash new wave of female performers who have made their mark while seemingly exercising far more creative control."
Monday, October 29, 2012
King Singers right royal treat
As a young DJ with a radio station in Hong Kong, I had to host a late-night easy listening program called Oldies But Goodies. It came on at 11 every night and my instructions from the program director were: No rock, no Beatles, nothing loud.
My favorite fallback album from the library then was a well-worn vinyl record with six fresh-faced, soap-scrubbed young men in Oxfords grinning engagingly from the cover. They were The King's Singers, and they sang a cappella in perfect harmony. They also made pleasing my bosses so much easier.
That was at least 30 years ago, and the group had already been singing for more than 10 then. Fast-forward to 2011, when they celebrated their 43rd anniversary, with their popularity no less than it has always been.
When a group stays evergreen with no sign of fading, you sit up and want to know more about the formula for success. For the King's Singers, it has always been perfect harmony - and proof that the most beautiful and versatile instrument is the human voice.
When The King's Singers toured China recently, they stopped in Beijing for a one-night performance at the Concert Hall of the National Center of the Performing Arts. The acoustics in the hall are excellent, as we all know, and The King's Singers exploited all the advantages.
My favorite fallback album from the library then was a well-worn vinyl record with six fresh-faced, soap-scrubbed young men in Oxfords grinning engagingly from the cover. They were The King's Singers, and they sang a cappella in perfect harmony. They also made pleasing my bosses so much easier.
That was at least 30 years ago, and the group had already been singing for more than 10 then. Fast-forward to 2011, when they celebrated their 43rd anniversary, with their popularity no less than it has always been.
When a group stays evergreen with no sign of fading, you sit up and want to know more about the formula for success. For the King's Singers, it has always been perfect harmony - and proof that the most beautiful and versatile instrument is the human voice.
When The King's Singers toured China recently, they stopped in Beijing for a one-night performance at the Concert Hall of the National Center of the Performing Arts. The acoustics in the hall are excellent, as we all know, and The King's Singers exploited all the advantages.
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Gaga gives a naughty and nice concert in NYC
Gaga performed a slightly naughty rendition of the holiday classic Friday night as part of her mini-concert at the radio station's event at Madison Square Garden. Gaga — sporting tight studded leather pants, matching top and a bare midriff — gyrated on a set that included antlers, Christmas trees and holiday lights as she performed "White Christmas."
"So I recently added a couple of lyrics to this song because I think it's too short. It's like when you really start to enjoy it it stops. It's like a really bad orgasm. Merry Christmas New York!" she shouted. Later, she made a suggestive pose as she gave a come hither coo to Santa.
But her performance wasn't all saucy. She was nostalgic and appreciative as she thanked the radio station for allowing her to be the headliner of this year's show, which included performances from Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, LMFAO, Pitbull, David Guetta, Foster the People, Hot Chelle Rae and more.
Gaga said her first concert as a young girl growing up in New York City was the Z100 Jingle Ball.
"I worked so hard and when I was 11 ... my mom got me tickets to Jingle Bell Ball," she said.
Gaga opened the Jingle Ball concert three years ago, she said: "I'll never forget there were a whole lot of superstars and no one knew who the hell I was. ... Some people thought I was going to be a one-hit wonder."
The singer, recently nominated for three Grammys, proved to be otherwise, and sang a few of her best-known songs, including "Telephone," ''Just Dance" and "Edge of Glory."
"So I recently added a couple of lyrics to this song because I think it's too short. It's like when you really start to enjoy it it stops. It's like a really bad orgasm. Merry Christmas New York!" she shouted. Later, she made a suggestive pose as she gave a come hither coo to Santa.
But her performance wasn't all saucy. She was nostalgic and appreciative as she thanked the radio station for allowing her to be the headliner of this year's show, which included performances from Kelly Clarkson, Demi Lovato, LMFAO, Pitbull, David Guetta, Foster the People, Hot Chelle Rae and more.
Gaga said her first concert as a young girl growing up in New York City was the Z100 Jingle Ball.
"I worked so hard and when I was 11 ... my mom got me tickets to Jingle Bell Ball," she said.
Gaga opened the Jingle Ball concert three years ago, she said: "I'll never forget there were a whole lot of superstars and no one knew who the hell I was. ... Some people thought I was going to be a one-hit wonder."
The singer, recently nominated for three Grammys, proved to be otherwise, and sang a few of her best-known songs, including "Telephone," ''Just Dance" and "Edge of Glory."
Friday, October 26, 2012
Spreading the rock and roll gospel
China's burgeoning music festival scene helps bridge the regional differences when it comes to understanding rock 'n' roll.
In 2010, there were more than 60 music festivals across the country, from the northern grasslands of Inner Mongolia to the southern highlands of Yunnan province.
In 2011, the growth of music festivals has continued, with more than 100 staged across the country.
In December 2011 alone, there will be three outdoor music festivals on in southern cities, including Guangdong province's Shenzhen, Fujian province's Xiamen and Yunnan.
The headliners include the "Godfather of Chinese rock 'n' roll" Cui Jian, rock singer/songwriters Zheng Jun and He Yong, and bands like Miserable Faith and Second Hand Rose.
"We believe the three music festivals will help promote rock music from the North in the southern cities," says Xu Xiaofeng, whose National Music Industry Base has been working with Beijing Beida Jade Bird Co to build a series of platforms for music festivals.
With a 250 million yuan ($39.3 million) investment, the two companies will jointly host 20 music festivals in 20 cities across China in 2012.
"Usually, a music festival gathers some big names and some new faces. But the influence of those bands doesn't last as the music festival ends after several days. What we are going to do is to make the festival longer and more lasting," says Xu, who started preparing the program over a year ago.
In 2010, there were more than 60 music festivals across the country, from the northern grasslands of Inner Mongolia to the southern highlands of Yunnan province.
In 2011, the growth of music festivals has continued, with more than 100 staged across the country.
In December 2011 alone, there will be three outdoor music festivals on in southern cities, including Guangdong province's Shenzhen, Fujian province's Xiamen and Yunnan.
The headliners include the "Godfather of Chinese rock 'n' roll" Cui Jian, rock singer/songwriters Zheng Jun and He Yong, and bands like Miserable Faith and Second Hand Rose.
"We believe the three music festivals will help promote rock music from the North in the southern cities," says Xu Xiaofeng, whose National Music Industry Base has been working with Beijing Beida Jade Bird Co to build a series of platforms for music festivals.
With a 250 million yuan ($39.3 million) investment, the two companies will jointly host 20 music festivals in 20 cities across China in 2012.
"Usually, a music festival gathers some big names and some new faces. But the influence of those bands doesn't last as the music festival ends after several days. What we are going to do is to make the festival longer and more lasting," says Xu, who started preparing the program over a year ago.
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Korean pop music out to conquer the world
A host of young Korean stars are taking to the stage in London, New York and beyond in a bid to crack one of the final global frontiers for Asian culture -- pop music.
"K-pop," as Korean pop is called, has made major inroads into Japan, the world's second largest music market.
But breaking into key countries further afield like Britain, Germany, France and, most crucially, the United States, has so far eluded acts who may be household names at home but remain virtual unknowns outside Asia.
Korean bands are not the only ones trying to be the next Britney Spears, Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber.
Japanese artists, some of them "J-pop" superstars, have also looked overseas for new audiences, although the size of their own market, only just behind the United States in the world rankings, means they have less incentive.
"It is a pain for a lot of these Japanese bands to make the effort to try and penetrate overseas markets," said Steve McClure, executive editor of McClure's Asia Music News and an authority on the region's music scene.
"Time spent doing that is time not spent here and it's a really fast-paced market and you have to work at it," he told Reuters, speaking from Japan.
"K-pop," as Korean pop is called, has made major inroads into Japan, the world's second largest music market.
But breaking into key countries further afield like Britain, Germany, France and, most crucially, the United States, has so far eluded acts who may be household names at home but remain virtual unknowns outside Asia.
Korean bands are not the only ones trying to be the next Britney Spears, Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber.
Japanese artists, some of them "J-pop" superstars, have also looked overseas for new audiences, although the size of their own market, only just behind the United States in the world rankings, means they have less incentive.
"It is a pain for a lot of these Japanese bands to make the effort to try and penetrate overseas markets," said Steve McClure, executive editor of McClure's Asia Music News and an authority on the region's music scene.
"Time spent doing that is time not spent here and it's a really fast-paced market and you have to work at it," he told Reuters, speaking from Japan.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
A key instrument of changing times
Guangdong province's Shenzhen enjoys an emergent reputation as the country's 'Piano City', creating an oasis in a metropolis once known as a 'cultural desert'. Mu Qian reports.
Russian pianist Galina Chistiakova says she has never experienced anything like the 16 days she spent in Guangdong province's Shenzhen city earlier this month.
The 24-year-old says it has been a blur of immersing herself in Chinese culture amid a whirl of piano competitions.
"This is the most difficult competition I have taken (part in)," Chistiakova, who took first prize, says.
"I feel like a sportswoman in the Olympic Games, as I have to play two concertos without a break in the final. But my stay in Shenzhen is a perfect experience. I didn't have to worry about anything and could concentrate totally on my performance."
She had never even heard of the metropolis, she says, until she entered the China Shenzhen International Piano Concerto Competition. That's despite Shenzhen's domestic identification as the country's "Piano City".
The contestants stayed with about 30 host families, most of whom are well-to-do and have children studying piano.
Chistiakova's hosts provided her with an independent sleeping room and bathroom, three daily meals, a car to drive her to and from the performance venue, and a Boston piano for practicing.
"I have participated in many competitions around the world, but never in my life there was anything like this," she says.
Russian pianist Galina Chistiakova says she has never experienced anything like the 16 days she spent in Guangdong province's Shenzhen city earlier this month.
The 24-year-old says it has been a blur of immersing herself in Chinese culture amid a whirl of piano competitions.
"This is the most difficult competition I have taken (part in)," Chistiakova, who took first prize, says.
"I feel like a sportswoman in the Olympic Games, as I have to play two concertos without a break in the final. But my stay in Shenzhen is a perfect experience. I didn't have to worry about anything and could concentrate totally on my performance."
She had never even heard of the metropolis, she says, until she entered the China Shenzhen International Piano Concerto Competition. That's despite Shenzhen's domestic identification as the country's "Piano City".
The contestants stayed with about 30 host families, most of whom are well-to-do and have children studying piano.
Chistiakova's hosts provided her with an independent sleeping room and bathroom, three daily meals, a car to drive her to and from the performance venue, and a Boston piano for practicing.
"I have participated in many competitions around the world, but never in my life there was anything like this," she says.
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Halin is flying high
Known as the "Mongolia Enya" and a real-life princess, the singer is about to make her debut on the Beijing stage. Chen Nan reports.
Singer Halin recalls a spring day school outing when she was 6 in her hometown of Ejina, in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. A nomad passed by, bowed and addressed her as "dear princess" -startling her classmates. She is from one of the four major subgroups of the Four Qirats of Mongolia, and her mother's father was prince of the 13th generation of the Torghut clan.
The clan moved west to Volga in 1630 after the Four Qirat Alliance collapsed and returned to Mongolia in 1771.
The group of about 300,000 people and 6 million animals suffered from raids and starvation, and was reduced to just 85,000 survivors after eight months, before settling near the Ejin River.
"I have been called 'princess' since I was born," says Halin, whose name in Mongolian means "flying high".
"My mother told me never to forget my identity. It's my faith," the 27-year-old, who now lives in Beijing, says.
"I grew up with the family legends and received a lot of respect because of my blood line. Though the times have changed and we live ordinary lives now, the spirit of our family still remains."
Singer Halin recalls a spring day school outing when she was 6 in her hometown of Ejina, in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region. A nomad passed by, bowed and addressed her as "dear princess" -startling her classmates. She is from one of the four major subgroups of the Four Qirats of Mongolia, and her mother's father was prince of the 13th generation of the Torghut clan.
The clan moved west to Volga in 1630 after the Four Qirat Alliance collapsed and returned to Mongolia in 1771.
The group of about 300,000 people and 6 million animals suffered from raids and starvation, and was reduced to just 85,000 survivors after eight months, before settling near the Ejin River.
"I have been called 'princess' since I was born," says Halin, whose name in Mongolian means "flying high".
"My mother told me never to forget my identity. It's my faith," the 27-year-old, who now lives in Beijing, says.
"I grew up with the family legends and received a lot of respect because of my blood line. Though the times have changed and we live ordinary lives now, the spirit of our family still remains."
Monday, October 22, 2012
Black Sabbath announce new album 2012 world tour
Veteran British rock band Black Sabbath announced on Friday they are reuniting in their original four man line-up for their first new album in 33 years and a 2012 world tour.
Singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bass player Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward told a news conference at legendary Sunset Strip club Whisky a Go Go they would perform at the Download Festival in England in June 2012, and then embark on a world tour.
The band, which first got together under the Black Sabbath name in 1969, said they were working on new material for the album for release in the fall of 2012. There is no title as yet but it will be produced by Rick Rubin.
"It's now or never. We are getting along great. Everything's really good," Iommi told reporters at the club where Black Sabbath played their first show in Los Angeles exactly 41 years ago.
"It's like putting on an old glove. It's fantastic," Iommi added.
The four musicians, now all in their 60s, released their last studio album of all original material in 1978 with "Never Say Never."
Rumors of a possible reunion of the English metal band, regarded as one of the pioneers of heavy metal with hits like "Iron Man" and "War Pigs," had been swirling for months.
"It's just time," Osbourne said, noting that the four had tried in the past to work together again. "This time, for some magical reason, we have written about seven or eight songs."
Singer Ozzy Osbourne, guitarist Tony Iommi, bass player Geezer Butler and drummer Bill Ward told a news conference at legendary Sunset Strip club Whisky a Go Go they would perform at the Download Festival in England in June 2012, and then embark on a world tour.
The band, which first got together under the Black Sabbath name in 1969, said they were working on new material for the album for release in the fall of 2012. There is no title as yet but it will be produced by Rick Rubin.
"It's now or never. We are getting along great. Everything's really good," Iommi told reporters at the club where Black Sabbath played their first show in Los Angeles exactly 41 years ago.
"It's like putting on an old glove. It's fantastic," Iommi added.
The four musicians, now all in their 60s, released their last studio album of all original material in 1978 with "Never Say Never."
Rumors of a possible reunion of the English metal band, regarded as one of the pioneers of heavy metal with hits like "Iron Man" and "War Pigs," had been swirling for months.
"It's just time," Osbourne said, noting that the four had tried in the past to work together again. "This time, for some magical reason, we have written about seven or eight songs."
Friday, October 19, 2012
The sounds of Romance are in the air
Shenyang explains there was method, rather than mere madness, to his repertoire selection at the recently concluded Beijing Music Festival.
The bass-baritone performed works by not only the acclaimed names of the Romantic Austro-German lieder but also those by the genre's more obscure composers, such as Carl Loewe and Hugo Wolfe. He completed his performance with an encore of four Chinese songs - Xia Zhiqiu's Longing for Home, Chen Tianhe's In the Mountain, and Huang Zi's Plum Blossoms in the Snow and Flower in the Mist.
These four songs were composed between 1919 and 1945, which Shenyang calls "the era of Chinese Romanticism".
"Chinese people were exposed to the outside world after the last dynasty's fall, catalyzing an era of Romanticism in China more than 100 years after the West's," he says.
"These works aren't perfect but stand out because of their sincerity and passion."
As for the little-known foreign songs, he says, "I chose this program to provide a wider picture of the Romantic Austro-German lieder, so audiences can feel the influence of destiny and this historical era on composers."
The 2007 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World will perform three operas during the 2011-12 season. He'll stage Rodelinda and Don Giovanni with the Metropolitan Opera, and La Cenerentola with the Glyndebourne Festival Opera.
"I don't believe Western vocal music belongs solely to the West," the Juilliard School graduate says.
The bass-baritone performed works by not only the acclaimed names of the Romantic Austro-German lieder but also those by the genre's more obscure composers, such as Carl Loewe and Hugo Wolfe. He completed his performance with an encore of four Chinese songs - Xia Zhiqiu's Longing for Home, Chen Tianhe's In the Mountain, and Huang Zi's Plum Blossoms in the Snow and Flower in the Mist.
These four songs were composed between 1919 and 1945, which Shenyang calls "the era of Chinese Romanticism".
"Chinese people were exposed to the outside world after the last dynasty's fall, catalyzing an era of Romanticism in China more than 100 years after the West's," he says.
"These works aren't perfect but stand out because of their sincerity and passion."
As for the little-known foreign songs, he says, "I chose this program to provide a wider picture of the Romantic Austro-German lieder, so audiences can feel the influence of destiny and this historical era on composers."
The 2007 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World will perform three operas during the 2011-12 season. He'll stage Rodelinda and Don Giovanni with the Metropolitan Opera, and La Cenerentola with the Glyndebourne Festival Opera.
"I don't believe Western vocal music belongs solely to the West," the Juilliard School graduate says.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
U2 honored as Greatest Act in 25 years
LONDON - Rock icons U2 have something new to brag about - winning Q Magazine's Greatest Act of the Last 25 Years award.
The annual music awards by Britain's best-selling music monthly took place Monday in London and the Irish quartet was among the music notables at the ceremony.
The U.K.'s artist of the moment, singer/songwriter Adele, won two awards, for Best Female and Best Track for her song "Rolling in the Deep." She didn't attend, since the event comes just two weeks after she was forced to cancel her U.S. tour due to throat problems.
Coldplay was voted Best Act in the World Today, although lead singer Chris Martin disagreed with the accolade.
"U2 are the best band in the world at the moment. We are about seventh," he said.
Noel Gallagher, one-half of the warring brothers who led the rock band Oasis to chart glory, was named a Q icon. But he said that award did not come close to rivaling his joy when his favorite soccer team, Manchester City, smashed crosstown rival Manchester United 6-1 on Sunday.
"No award can compare to that. That was the best day of my life, bar my children being born," Gallagher said.
Eighteen awards were handed out, including to rapper Tinie Tempah for Best Male Artist and to U.S. internet sensation Lana Del Ray, who was crowned the Next Big Thing.
Brian May and Roger Taylor accepted entry into the Q Hall of Fame on behalf of glam rockers Queen, and Take That's Gary Barlow was honored as Classic Songwriter.
The annual music awards by Britain's best-selling music monthly took place Monday in London and the Irish quartet was among the music notables at the ceremony.
The U.K.'s artist of the moment, singer/songwriter Adele, won two awards, for Best Female and Best Track for her song "Rolling in the Deep." She didn't attend, since the event comes just two weeks after she was forced to cancel her U.S. tour due to throat problems.
Coldplay was voted Best Act in the World Today, although lead singer Chris Martin disagreed with the accolade.
"U2 are the best band in the world at the moment. We are about seventh," he said.
Noel Gallagher, one-half of the warring brothers who led the rock band Oasis to chart glory, was named a Q icon. But he said that award did not come close to rivaling his joy when his favorite soccer team, Manchester City, smashed crosstown rival Manchester United 6-1 on Sunday.
"No award can compare to that. That was the best day of my life, bar my children being born," Gallagher said.
Eighteen awards were handed out, including to rapper Tinie Tempah for Best Male Artist and to U.S. internet sensation Lana Del Ray, who was crowned the Next Big Thing.
Brian May and Roger Taylor accepted entry into the Q Hall of Fame on behalf of glam rockers Queen, and Take That's Gary Barlow was honored as Classic Songwriter.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
All we had was our voice
The mainland's queen of pop of the 1980s, Mao Amin, proves her vocals still have the magic of her first solo concert. Chen Nan reports.
The 1980s and 1990s were decades when mainland pop stars were nothing short of divas. They appeared at every kind of gala, and their tapes were everywhere. Of these, the most famous was Mao Amin, who was as much sought after for her silky smooth voice as her gorgeous onstage presence. So it came as quite a surprise to discover she seems utterly devoid of celebrity pretensions or airs, face to face. She still has the same friends as before she became famous and sees being a pop star as just another job, one that she says she is incredibly lucky to have.
She even credits the tax scandal of 1990, which broke out when she was at the peak of her career, and all but destroyed her reputation, with helping her become more musical.
When she returned to the stage in January 2010, for her first solo concert in a three-decade-long career, she proved her genius is still intact, a sentiment acknowledged by the rapturous applause of the full house.
The 1980s and 1990s were decades when mainland pop stars were nothing short of divas. They appeared at every kind of gala, and their tapes were everywhere. Of these, the most famous was Mao Amin, who was as much sought after for her silky smooth voice as her gorgeous onstage presence. So it came as quite a surprise to discover she seems utterly devoid of celebrity pretensions or airs, face to face. She still has the same friends as before she became famous and sees being a pop star as just another job, one that she says she is incredibly lucky to have.
She even credits the tax scandal of 1990, which broke out when she was at the peak of her career, and all but destroyed her reputation, with helping her become more musical.
When she returned to the stage in January 2010, for her first solo concert in a three-decade-long career, she proved her genius is still intact, a sentiment acknowledged by the rapturous applause of the full house.
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Red bright and true
Wearing a casual white T-shirt paired with navy blue jeans and trendy sneakers, pianist Li Yundi looks every bit a Mando pop star. The 29-year-old is a star, a huge celebrity, but moves in very different musical circles within the world of classical performance. Last month he launched his new album Red Piano, the first in which he focuses only on Chinese folk music masterpieces.
Li says the recording is a milestone turning point in his musical career. After years of playing Western classical music Red Piano reveals the young man's desire to look for new inspiration by returning to his own cultural roots.
"I hope Red Piano opens a new gateway for music lovers in the West. They may better understand the folk features of Chinese music and it may spark their interest to know more about China, the place where I come from," Li says.
Li knows the power of music and its global reach. "Music is the best communication tool that does not need language and can bring people from different cultures together. My new album is an opportunity to win glory for Chinese music."
Li also knows about the glory of music.
When Li was just 18 he walked onto the international stage and was rocketed to fame when he won the International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in 2000. He became the youngest winner of this prestigious prize.
Li says the recording is a milestone turning point in his musical career. After years of playing Western classical music Red Piano reveals the young man's desire to look for new inspiration by returning to his own cultural roots.
"I hope Red Piano opens a new gateway for music lovers in the West. They may better understand the folk features of Chinese music and it may spark their interest to know more about China, the place where I come from," Li says.
Li knows the power of music and its global reach. "Music is the best communication tool that does not need language and can bring people from different cultures together. My new album is an opportunity to win glory for Chinese music."
Li also knows about the glory of music.
When Li was just 18 he walked onto the international stage and was rocketed to fame when he won the International Frederick Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw in 2000. He became the youngest winner of this prestigious prize.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Adele cancels US dates due to vocal hemorrhage
British singer-songwriter Adele is canceling the remainder of her sold out U.S. tour due to a hemorrhage in her vocal chord, her record label said on Tuesday.
The Grammy-winning singer pulled out of 10 dates, starting with Atlantic City in New Jersey on October 7 and finishing with three gigs in Texas two weeks later, on the back of her bestselling album "21" that has produced hits such as "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You."
"I have absolutely no choice but to recuperate properly and fully, or I risk damaging my voice forever," the 23-year-old singer said in a statement on her website. "I have great confidence in believing you know how much this upsets me, how seriously I take it and how truly devastated and annoyed I am by this."
Adele was already forced to postpone several U.S. dates earlier this year due to vocal chord issues and was finishing up a tour in Britain when her illness reappeared and she decided to cancel the remaining U.S. dates, said a statement by Columbia Records.
"My voice is weak and I need to build it back up. I'm gonna be starting up vocal rehab as soon as, and start building my overall stamina in my voice, body and mind," the singer said. "I will be back and I'm gonna smash the ball out the park once I'm touring again. I apologize from the bottom of my heart, sincerely I do."
The Grammy-winning singer pulled out of 10 dates, starting with Atlantic City in New Jersey on October 7 and finishing with three gigs in Texas two weeks later, on the back of her bestselling album "21" that has produced hits such as "Rolling in the Deep" and "Someone Like You."
"I have absolutely no choice but to recuperate properly and fully, or I risk damaging my voice forever," the 23-year-old singer said in a statement on her website. "I have great confidence in believing you know how much this upsets me, how seriously I take it and how truly devastated and annoyed I am by this."
Adele was already forced to postpone several U.S. dates earlier this year due to vocal chord issues and was finishing up a tour in Britain when her illness reappeared and she decided to cancel the remaining U.S. dates, said a statement by Columbia Records.
"My voice is weak and I need to build it back up. I'm gonna be starting up vocal rehab as soon as, and start building my overall stamina in my voice, body and mind," the singer said. "I will be back and I'm gonna smash the ball out the park once I'm touring again. I apologize from the bottom of my heart, sincerely I do."
Saturday, October 13, 2012
Latin Grammys name Shakira person of the year
Organizers for the Latin Grammys, the top honors for Latin music, on Monday named Colombian superstar Shakira as their person of the year to be feted at the group's annual awards show in November.
Shakira, who was nominated for three Latin Grammys this year including album of the year for her "Sale el Sol," will be given the award not only for her songs and performing but for philanthropic work through her Pies Descalzos Foundation.
"We are honored to pay homage to this dynamic, socially conscious woman whose illustrious career has touched so many people around the world, both musically and personally," Latin Recording Academy president Gabriel Abaroa, Jr. said in a statement.
Shakira, 34, rose to fame as a singer in the early 1990s combining rock, Latin and Mediterranean music with her own original dancing -- a feature of Shakira's that eventually manifested itself in the smash hit single, "Hips Don't Lie."
In 1996, Shakira released "Pies Descalzos" with hit singles "Estoy Aqui" and "Se Quiere...Se Mata." Her first crossover album, Laundry Service, debuted in 2001 and went on to become her most successful album, to date.
Shakira's foundation focuses on helping impoverished children receive an education.
Shakira, who was nominated for three Latin Grammys this year including album of the year for her "Sale el Sol," will be given the award not only for her songs and performing but for philanthropic work through her Pies Descalzos Foundation.
"We are honored to pay homage to this dynamic, socially conscious woman whose illustrious career has touched so many people around the world, both musically and personally," Latin Recording Academy president Gabriel Abaroa, Jr. said in a statement.
Shakira, 34, rose to fame as a singer in the early 1990s combining rock, Latin and Mediterranean music with her own original dancing -- a feature of Shakira's that eventually manifested itself in the smash hit single, "Hips Don't Lie."
In 1996, Shakira released "Pies Descalzos" with hit singles "Estoy Aqui" and "Se Quiere...Se Mata." Her first crossover album, Laundry Service, debuted in 2001 and went on to become her most successful album, to date.
Shakira's foundation focuses on helping impoverished children receive an education.
Friday, October 12, 2012
Michael Jackson saw salvation in dangerous drug
LOS ANGELES — Michael Jackson was physically exhausted from a day of grueling rehearsals for his marathon 50-night comeback tour. But his nightly battle with insomnia had just begun. After showering and getting into bed, he called for his "milk," a powerful drug he had been using to escape into unconsciousness.
Jackson saw the anesthetic known as propofol as his salvation. On June 25, 2009, it became the King of Pop's death potion.
How he overdosed in his mansion on a drug intended for hospital use is at the center of the manslaughter trial this week of the doctor he hired to be his highly paid personal physician for the "This is It" tour.
Testimony about the drug is expected to dominate the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, a Houston cardiologist who has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in Los Angeles Superior Court.
The prosecution claims Murray was grossly negligent in giving Jackson propofol at home without proper lifesaving equipment available and then left the room long enough to find his patient not breathing when he returned.
His defense team claims the singer, desperate for sleep, swallowed an additional dose of the drug when his doctor was out of the room.
Getting to the truth of it will come down to sometimes technical testimony from an array of medical experts, pathologists and even the police officers and paramedics who inspected Murray's equipment in the bedroom where Jackson went into cardiac arrest.
Jackson saw the anesthetic known as propofol as his salvation. On June 25, 2009, it became the King of Pop's death potion.
How he overdosed in his mansion on a drug intended for hospital use is at the center of the manslaughter trial this week of the doctor he hired to be his highly paid personal physician for the "This is It" tour.
Testimony about the drug is expected to dominate the trial of Dr. Conrad Murray, a Houston cardiologist who has pleaded not guilty to a charge of involuntary manslaughter in Los Angeles Superior Court.
The prosecution claims Murray was grossly negligent in giving Jackson propofol at home without proper lifesaving equipment available and then left the room long enough to find his patient not breathing when he returned.
His defense team claims the singer, desperate for sleep, swallowed an additional dose of the drug when his doctor was out of the room.
Getting to the truth of it will come down to sometimes technical testimony from an array of medical experts, pathologists and even the police officers and paramedics who inspected Murray's equipment in the bedroom where Jackson went into cardiac arrest.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Got Talent Not really
Actor-singers are not a new phenomenon, but what is new is that fierce competition is forcing more young stars, with indifferent skills, to release albums to stay in the limelight. Chen Nan reports.
Actress Yang Mi has finally signed up with a record company, Show City Times, to produce an album, capping a long career in singing. Over the past year, she has partnered popular mainland singers such as Zhang Liangying (Jane Zhang) at New Year galas across the country.
She has also sung the theme song of popular TV series Palace, which brought her overnight fame.
In the horror film, Mysterious Island, which grossed more than 90 million yuan ($14 million) in the mainland, Yang is not just the lead actress, but also the singer. Her two singles, Love of Support and Summer in Love, have topped local new song charts and are highly rated online.
Show City Times, founded by former Super Girl winner Zhang Liangying, comes under the China branch of Universal Music Group (UMG), which has signed on such stars as Mariah Carey, Akon and Bjork.
The actress, who began acting at the age of 4, played a minor role in King of Beggars in 1992, which starred Stephen Chow in the lead. The slim, big-eyed girl then went on to study at Beijing Film Academy.
She had starred in five movies and nine TV series before she rose to fame with her role in the 2006 TV series, The Return of the Condor Heroes, as the lovely and kind Guo Xiang.
Actress Yang Mi has finally signed up with a record company, Show City Times, to produce an album, capping a long career in singing. Over the past year, she has partnered popular mainland singers such as Zhang Liangying (Jane Zhang) at New Year galas across the country.
She has also sung the theme song of popular TV series Palace, which brought her overnight fame.
In the horror film, Mysterious Island, which grossed more than 90 million yuan ($14 million) in the mainland, Yang is not just the lead actress, but also the singer. Her two singles, Love of Support and Summer in Love, have topped local new song charts and are highly rated online.
Show City Times, founded by former Super Girl winner Zhang Liangying, comes under the China branch of Universal Music Group (UMG), which has signed on such stars as Mariah Carey, Akon and Bjork.
The actress, who began acting at the age of 4, played a minor role in King of Beggars in 1992, which starred Stephen Chow in the lead. The slim, big-eyed girl then went on to study at Beijing Film Academy.
She had starred in five movies and nine TV series before she rose to fame with her role in the 2006 TV series, The Return of the Condor Heroes, as the lovely and kind Guo Xiang.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Hennessy Artistry held in Beijing
Hennessy Artistry, a renowned musical event in China, was successfully held in Beijing's Coco Club on Sept 16, 2011. Songstress A-Lin, a rising Chinese star based in Taiwan province, and dance music diva Katerine Avgoustakis attended the celebration in and brought the excitement to new heights.
Hennessy Artistry, organized by the world top-class cognac maker Hennessy V.S.O.P, has always brought the newest and hippest music to every corner of the world. The final round of Hennessy Artistry 2011 has already begun and will be touring in major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chengdu, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai.A-Lin joined hands with Katerine Avgoustakis and staged an "East meets West" erformance. It was the first collaboration between A-Lin, who boasts a reputation for her clean and powerful voice, and Avgoustakis, a Greek-Belgian star who specializes in dance music. The duo gave soulful and groovy performances that warmed up the scene.
"We hope to combine different musical style and modern elements of the world to create a product where music, trends, culture and humanities converge. Art has no borders, and this is the message we want to spread," Christina Leung, director for brand communication and public relations said.
Hennessy Artistry, organized by the world top-class cognac maker Hennessy V.S.O.P, has always brought the newest and hippest music to every corner of the world. The final round of Hennessy Artistry 2011 has already begun and will be touring in major Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, Chengdu, Xiamen, Fuzhou, Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Zhuhai.A-Lin joined hands with Katerine Avgoustakis and staged an "East meets West" erformance. It was the first collaboration between A-Lin, who boasts a reputation for her clean and powerful voice, and Avgoustakis, a Greek-Belgian star who specializes in dance music. The duo gave soulful and groovy performances that warmed up the scene.
"We hope to combine different musical style and modern elements of the world to create a product where music, trends, culture and humanities converge. Art has no borders, and this is the message we want to spread," Christina Leung, director for brand communication and public relations said.
Tuesday, October 9, 2012
Chen Liyuan sings about home
Chen Liyuan, a young soloist from China Coal Mind Art Troupe, announced the release of her first album "The Moon Homeland" in Beijing.
Chen, known for her physical resemblance to famous Chinese singer Song Zuying, studied under Meng Ling of People's Liberation Army Institute of Arts and Jin Tielin of China Conservatory of Music.
Chen's new record was created by CA&VA RC (Beijing), published by China Record Shenzhen Corporation and released by Starwin Culture Communication.
Produced by the renowned music producer Zou Tiefu, the new record has 13 tracks including original songs and classic tunes. "Home" was the theme of the album and Chen sang mostly about the scenery and longing for one's hometown. Chen was praised for her mastery of techniques and emotion put into her renditions of the tracks.
Chen performed "The moon homeland" and showed its music video at the event. The video will be aired on CCTV-3 (Entertainment) and CCTV-15 (Music) channels soon.
Chen hopes that the release of her album will spur reflections and thoughts for people away from their homes during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival - a traditional Chinese festival that celebrates reunions- just like her.
She also wished to send her best wishes to those who cannot return home through her passion and devotion to music.
Chen, known for her physical resemblance to famous Chinese singer Song Zuying, studied under Meng Ling of People's Liberation Army Institute of Arts and Jin Tielin of China Conservatory of Music.
Chen's new record was created by CA&VA RC (Beijing), published by China Record Shenzhen Corporation and released by Starwin Culture Communication.
Produced by the renowned music producer Zou Tiefu, the new record has 13 tracks including original songs and classic tunes. "Home" was the theme of the album and Chen sang mostly about the scenery and longing for one's hometown. Chen was praised for her mastery of techniques and emotion put into her renditions of the tracks.
Chen performed "The moon homeland" and showed its music video at the event. The video will be aired on CCTV-3 (Entertainment) and CCTV-15 (Music) channels soon.
Chen hopes that the release of her album will spur reflections and thoughts for people away from their homes during the upcoming Mid-Autumn Festival - a traditional Chinese festival that celebrates reunions- just like her.
She also wished to send her best wishes to those who cannot return home through her passion and devotion to music.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Earthy melodies
A Henan-based band of musicians from farmer families comes under the spotlight, after spending years in anonymity. Liu Xiangrui and Pan Yanan report.
The band Farmer Brothers takes great pride in its rural roots and simple music that celebrates everyday life. The six-member band based in Xunxian, Henan province, had been playing for years in relative anonymity, but is now under the spotlight.
After appearances on local stages and TV, they made it onto CCTV (China Central Television) in July, and turned overnight into celebrities.
But even so they are sometimes mocked for their "rustic" band name, and at other times, accused of cashing in on their ordinary identities.
"We all grew up in the countryside," says the band's leader and keyboard player Jiang Liwei, 37.
"Farmers don't always wear old clothes and straw hats, just as rock musicians don't necessarily wear long hair and outlandish clothes."
Jiang founded the band with five teenage students in 2002, while teaching music at a technical school. However, most of the band members went their separate ways after graduating.
The only other original member of the band, besides Jiang, is 24-year-old drummer Zhao Yanqing.
"Rock bands were extremely cool then, and I joined Jiang as soon as he suggested it," Zhao says.
The band Farmer Brothers takes great pride in its rural roots and simple music that celebrates everyday life. The six-member band based in Xunxian, Henan province, had been playing for years in relative anonymity, but is now under the spotlight.
After appearances on local stages and TV, they made it onto CCTV (China Central Television) in July, and turned overnight into celebrities.
But even so they are sometimes mocked for their "rustic" band name, and at other times, accused of cashing in on their ordinary identities.
"We all grew up in the countryside," says the band's leader and keyboard player Jiang Liwei, 37.
"Farmers don't always wear old clothes and straw hats, just as rock musicians don't necessarily wear long hair and outlandish clothes."
Jiang founded the band with five teenage students in 2002, while teaching music at a technical school. However, most of the band members went their separate ways after graduating.
The only other original member of the band, besides Jiang, is 24-year-old drummer Zhao Yanqing.
"Rock bands were extremely cool then, and I joined Jiang as soon as he suggested it," Zhao says.
Saturday, October 6, 2012
Wild child's wacky styles
Musician Shang Wenjie's outlandish fashion statements say more than most care to hear. Han Bingbin reports.
When Chinese people call Shang Wenjie "China's Lady Gaga", it's not meant as a compliment.
Rather, the moniker conveys disdain for her imitation of Western fashion.
Shang traipses across red carpets with half her face painted yellow, her hair curled into a ball of frizzled wool, a mask shaped like an eagle's beak or headgear shaped like a bird's nest.
Such daring antics have earned her another nickname - "Leiren Jiaomu", which translates as, "Lady Shock".
To these detractors, she has failed to live up to the role of being China's Lady Gaga.
Her current image would have been unimaginable when the former French major at Shanghai's Fudan University first appeared in the "fair lady" role of the 2006 Super Girl reality TV singing competition, China's take on American Idol.
Shang dressed more conservatively than the other contestants and barely moved onstage. She projected what audiences widely considered a "petty bourgeois" identity, marked by reticence, elegance and arrogance.
Kevin Tsai, the Taiwan talk show host who judged the competition in 2006, said: "I would love to hear you sing jazz in a little pub."
Then, people were more likely to liken her to Norah Jones or Ono Lisa.
When Chinese people call Shang Wenjie "China's Lady Gaga", it's not meant as a compliment.
Rather, the moniker conveys disdain for her imitation of Western fashion.
Shang traipses across red carpets with half her face painted yellow, her hair curled into a ball of frizzled wool, a mask shaped like an eagle's beak or headgear shaped like a bird's nest.
Such daring antics have earned her another nickname - "Leiren Jiaomu", which translates as, "Lady Shock".
To these detractors, she has failed to live up to the role of being China's Lady Gaga.
Her current image would have been unimaginable when the former French major at Shanghai's Fudan University first appeared in the "fair lady" role of the 2006 Super Girl reality TV singing competition, China's take on American Idol.
Shang dressed more conservatively than the other contestants and barely moved onstage. She projected what audiences widely considered a "petty bourgeois" identity, marked by reticence, elegance and arrogance.
Kevin Tsai, the Taiwan talk show host who judged the competition in 2006, said: "I would love to hear you sing jazz in a little pub."
Then, people were more likely to liken her to Norah Jones or Ono Lisa.
Guitarist Jack White stalks off N.Y. concert stage after 45 minutes
Jack White didn't quite repeat the rock star meltdown by Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong, but he did enrage fans by stalking off the stage just 45 minutes into his Saturday night concert at New York City's famed Radio City Music Hall.
The critically acclaimed guitarist behind the White Stripes and The Raconteurs - and now touring behind his solo record "Blunderbuss" - pulled the plug after 12 songs lasting just 45 minutes.
White, 37, thanked the crowd and exited stage right, leaving the sold-out venue chanting for more. The crowd's enthusiasm initially turned to perplexity as roadies removed White's guitars but transformed into anger as the curtain fell on the stage.
No official explanation was given for White's quick exit. While audience members had been told not to use their cellphone cameras, early in the concert White was seen exchanging words with someone video recording the concert from the seating area nearest the stage.
In between songs, White also seemed underwhelmed by the crowd response, at one point asking, "Jesus Christ, is this an NPR convention?"
Radio City security officials scrambled to barricade the stage door as angry concert goers crowded the exit and, once outside, banged on two parked tour buses. Other fans crowded the lobby to return t-shirts, records and other merchandise purchased ahead of the show.
Twitter lit up with complaints and theories about why White quit.
"Chatter about Jack White's abbreviated show at New York's Radio City Music Hall last night has officially lasted longer than the concert itself," noted Spin.com, the music website.
The critically acclaimed guitarist behind the White Stripes and The Raconteurs - and now touring behind his solo record "Blunderbuss" - pulled the plug after 12 songs lasting just 45 minutes.
White, 37, thanked the crowd and exited stage right, leaving the sold-out venue chanting for more. The crowd's enthusiasm initially turned to perplexity as roadies removed White's guitars but transformed into anger as the curtain fell on the stage.
No official explanation was given for White's quick exit. While audience members had been told not to use their cellphone cameras, early in the concert White was seen exchanging words with someone video recording the concert from the seating area nearest the stage.
In between songs, White also seemed underwhelmed by the crowd response, at one point asking, "Jesus Christ, is this an NPR convention?"
Radio City security officials scrambled to barricade the stage door as angry concert goers crowded the exit and, once outside, banged on two parked tour buses. Other fans crowded the lobby to return t-shirts, records and other merchandise purchased ahead of the show.
Twitter lit up with complaints and theories about why White quit.
"Chatter about Jack White's abbreviated show at New York's Radio City Music Hall last night has officially lasted longer than the concert itself," noted Spin.com, the music website.
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