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Spike Lee’s Michael Jackson Documentary in Post-Production
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Concerts / Tours, Industry News, Pop,
The legendary filmmaker is in the latter part of post-production on the project, which will focus on the story of the late singer's Bad album, world tour and videos to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the record following its release in August 1987. The documentary will feature more than 40 interviews, conducted by Spike - who directed both short films for Michael's "They Don't Care About Us" in 1996 - with the "Thriller" hitmaker's confidants, choreographers, collaborators and musicians who worked on the record.
"I'm more than just a huge fan of Michael Jackson, and having the chance to actually know him and work with him, I deeply care about his legacy. With this Bad project I was able to uncover just what made this such a huge, important coming of age in his career and unearth compelling stories surrounding the making of the album, the long awaited follow-up to Thriller - the best selling album of all time - the short films and the tour that may have never seen the light of day," he said.
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Marilyn Manson Praises Accessible Music Technology
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Gossip, Industry News, Rock,
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Marilyn Manson thinks it is great technology means anyone can make music.
The "Dope Show" hitmaker disagrees with his friends who find it frustrating that people can utilize special software to harness their creativity, and doesn't think there is anything difference between that and learning a musical instrument. "Friends of mine who are musicians or directors are really frustrated, and they say 'I hate iMovie or Garageband because anyone can make something.' I think the exact opposite. There's always been a piano, a guitar, a microphone and anyone can always have made something."
The rocker believes the music scene has changed a lot with modern culture because rock stars are now also seen as "celebrities."
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Katy Perry to Launch Her Own Label
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Industry News, Pop,
The "Part of Me" singer is working on plans to create a company which gives power to the artist rather than label executives.
"I'm preparing for it now. And when this record label does come to fruition, I'm going to try and avoid the things that take away any fighting chance for an artist to have financial success. As people are coming to me with opportunities, I'm thinking, 'How would I want to be treated?'" she told The Hollywood Reporter.
By setting up her own label, Katy - who has been signed to EMI's Capitol Records since 2007 - will follow in the footsteps of Madonna, who started Maverick Records under Warner Music Group in the 1990s; Frank Sinatra, who founded Reprise; and Prince, who created Paisley Park Records in 1985.
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"The family of Robin Gibb, of the Bee Gees, announce with great sadness that Robin passed away following his long battle with cancer and intestinal surgery. The family have asked that their privacy is respected at this very difficult time," said a statement released by relatives.
Robin had surgery on his bowel last year for an unrelated condition, but a tumor was discovered and he was diagnosed with cancer of the colon and then liver. He was recently thought to be in remission, but his condition worsened when he was diagnosed with pneumonia last month.
In February Robin told how he felt "fantastic" and had made spectacular progress in his cancer battle, and even returned to the stage, receiving a standing ovation when he appeared at a London Palladium charity concert supporting injured servicemen and women with The Soldiers, performing Bee Gees tracks "How Deep Is Your Love" and "I've Gotta Get A Message To You."
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Adele Outsells Michael Jackson
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Industry News, Pop, R&B / Soul, Sales,
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Adele's 21 has now outsold Michael Jackson's Thriller in the UK.
The "Rolling In The Deep" hitmaker's second album - which was released in January 2011 - has sold 4,274,300 copies in Britain, more than 500 more than the late singer's 1982 classic record, meaning it is now the fifth best-selling album of all time in the UK. "To add to her many landmark records, Adele's achievement in overtaking Thriller in the all-time sales list is truly remarkable. Thriller has long been recognized as one of the most iconic albums of all time - there is now no doubt that 21 can be spoken of in the same breath," said Official Charts Company's managing director Martin Talbot.
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Will.i.am Calls for Better Use of Music Technology
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Industry News, iTunes,
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Will.i.am has called for the music industry to better embrace technology. The Black Eyed Peas boss believes record labels should look to the success of Apple's iTunes and invest more money into using digital advances to further their market and prevent further decline in the ailing industry.
"The music industry never had an appreciation for technology. We're going to work out how to make money once we marry music and science. Apple is worth $800 billion now - the music industry far less. Music helped define what that company is, but they made all the money," he said, speaking at London's Royal College of Art's Innovation Night last night.
The "I Gotta Feeling" hitmaker later admitted he had had fun at the event and was pleased to get the chance to express his opinion. "I had fun... I'm glad you got to see that side of me... this is how I think & talk every minute of the day outside of music. I like future talk," he wrote on his Twitter.
(FYI - You can also follow Albumista on Twitter.)
Gallery: Will.i.am Calls for Better Use of Music Technology
A new movie will focus on the tumultuous relationship between The Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The film will follow the singer and the guitarist through the volatile period in which they made 1972 double album, Exile on Main Street, in France.
The movie will be made by Richard Branson's Virgin Produced, and be based on Robert Greenfield's 2008 book Exile on Main Street: A Season in Hell.
"It wasn't a great environment for, like, breathing. It was very Hitleresque - the last days of Berlin sort of thing," Keith said, speaking previously about making the record
Brandon and Phil Murphy - who are currently working on a Steve McQueen project for Sony - will write the screenplay while Jason Felts will serve as producer. Casting has not yet begun on the film.
It has previously been revealed The Rolling Stones will celebrate their 50th anniversary with an authorised documentary which will trace their history from their formation in 1962 to the current day. "For anyone who wants to experience the band, this is the film that will defy convention and create a sonic tapestry to transport viewers into the world of the Rolling Stones. The film will deliver the original, bold, sexy and dangerous flavour of the iconic rock band," director Brett Morgen said in a statement.
Gallery: New Rolling Stones Biopic in Production
Avril Lavigne Grateful For Freedom
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Collaborations, Industry News, Upcoming Releases, Pop,
Avril Lavigne is grateful for the freedom she was given by L.A. Reid. The "What the Hell" hitmaker was given her first record contract by the American Idol judge when he worked for Arista and she is pleased he allowed her to write her own material.
"L.A. Reid is the man. My experience was he signed me, he believed in me, he got me. He always gave me my freedom to be who I was, to make the type of record I wanted to. On my first album, I was so young - I was 16 when I was making it. Everyone figured that people would write songs for me, and I was like, 'No, I want to write my own music.' It was so different from anything that was out there. L.A. was like, 'She's onto something. Just let her do her thing.' So it was great."
Avril admits she found it difficult working away from the music boss and feels "re-inspired" after signing a deal with Epic Records, the label now headed up L.A.. She added in an interview with WWD, "Later on down the road we got separated when he moved to another record company, and other people came in and took over. It was difficult for me, especially on my last record, working with all these random people that really didn't even understand me at the record company. And now I get to be back with him, and it's exciting again. I'm totally re-inspired. When you're writing and creating, you can't have these businesspeople come in and try to be all business. [L.A.] finds a balance between business and creative, and he's really good at not making it weird or interfering in the creative process."
Gallery: Avril Lavigne Grateful For Freedom
Eddie Van Halen Donates Guitars to Schools
Posted by Andru Edwards Categories: Artist News, Industry News, Release Dates, Upcoming Releases, Rock,
Eddie Van Halen has donated 75 of his guitars to charity. The "Jump" rocker - whose band is poised to make a comeback with original singer David Lee Roth - has given the instruments to Los Angeles area schools through charity Mr. Holland's Opus Foundation, which will distribute them to music departments for use by pupils.
"Music is the universal language. It has the ability to transcend and convey every human emotion that exists without saying a word. Music kept me off the streets and out of trouble and gave me something that was mine that no one could take away from me. If I can help a kid discover a liking, or even a passion for music in their life, then that's a wonderful thing. Music has provided a good life for me and hopefully it can help make life better for others with this donation," Eddie said.
Van Halen have are set to release their A Different Kind of Truth album on February 7, their first album with David since 1984. The group performed their first show with David back in the group in New York last week and the first single from the album, "Tattoo," was released on Monday.
Gallery: Eddie Van Halen Donates Guitars to Schools
Steve Jobs will receive a posthumous Grammy award. The Apple company boss, who died in October from a rare form of pancreatic cancer, will be honored with the Trustees Award Grammy, for "outstanding contributions to the industry in a non-performing capacity."
Steve's company popularized the personal MP3 player with their iPod device, and set up the most commonly used digital method of music distribution worldwide through its iTunes store, as well as developing a number of software packages which have aided musicians to record relatively cheaply and easily.
"This year's honorees offer a variety of brilliance, contributions and lasting impressions on our culture. It is an honor to recognize such a diverse group of individuals whose talents and achievements have had an indelible impact on our industry," said Neil Portnowin, the US National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (NARAS) CEO.
The Grammy Awards will take place on February 12, 2012 in Los Angeles.
Gallery: Steve Jobs to Receive Grammy
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