It’s a safe bet that most radio listeners have never heard of rock singer Matthew Harrison. The owner of tiny Third Monk Records, which released Harrison’s album, says there’s a simple reason: The company can’t afford the hidden costs of obtaining radio airplay. Jeff Robinson, the label’s sole proprietor, said he doesn’t have the money to hire independent promoters who heavily influence station playlists. “They’ve got it locked up and there’s absolutely no room to do what I’m trying to do,” Robinson said. “And if you can’t get exposure for your product, you’ll never be able to sell any records.”… Read more »
Elton John says he has gone “back to basics” to produce his new album, “Songs from the West Coast,” and he believes it’s the best one in 25 years. Elton said the album, which is due out on October 1, was recorded in a studio in Los Angeles with musicians he’d never worked with before. “So I was a bit scared of working with them,” he told the Sunday Telegraph magazine. “Of course, I hadn’t written anything before I went into the studio. Ha! Ha! Ha!” Elton said he has “gone back to basics,” returning to his original line-up of… Read more »
“What’s beef?” the Notorious B.I.G. asked on his song of the same title. “Beef is when your moms ain’t safe up in the streets.” There’s no need for rappers’ mothers to put on the Kevlar just yet, but their MC sons are spewing a lot of venom at each other these days. Jadakiss has been beefing with Beanie Sigel. Sigel has made it clear he’s not feeling DMX. DMX may have it in for Jay-Z; Nas definitely does. Nas is also going at it with Sigel, Cormega, Freeway and Memphis Bleek. Jadakiss swears it’s mostly hype. “The industry ain’t like… Read more »
Former Beatle George Harrison told his fans on Monday “I am feeling fine” after successfully undergoing radiotherapy at a Swiss cancer clinic. A statement from his London lawyer disclosed that the 58-year-old guitarist and singer underwent treatment at the hospital in Bellinzona over a month ago. It said Harrison had a course of radiotherapy. Doctors do not see any need for further treatment. In a message to fans, Harrison said: “I am feeling fine and I am really sorry for the unnecessary worry which has been caused by the reports appearing in today’s press. Please do not worry.” Swiss cancer… Read more »
Even in its early days of release, Devil’s Night-the new album from D12, the Detroit rap group that includes solo superstar Eminem-is drawing criticism for its lyrical content about drugs, booze, weapons, raping grandmothers, having sex with pit bulls, and exacting violent revenge on enemies. This certainly isn’t news to Eminem fans, who have grown used to the “Parental Advisory” stickers that grace his albums, as well as Devil’s Night. And that certainly hasn’t been enough to keep it from blowing out of stores, with an expected debut at Number One in next week’s Billboard. MC Proof, who co-founded D12… Read more »
Tree River is about to release a brand new album, Time Being, on April 1 via Big Scary Monsters. I caught up with Trevor Friedman and Phil Cohen to learn how the two started to collaborate on music, how Time Being came to life, and how Max Bemis of Say Anything got into the mix.
Northern Faces will head out on a co-healdine run with Buried Beds in January. The band, who have toured with the likes of Say Anything and RX Bandits, are currently writing for their debut full-length album, which is expected to be released in 2014.
Jake and Jeff from XO and Say Anything join Mike via Skype this week. They discuss everything from the song writing process to conscious living. Tune in and stay inspired! Tonight at 8pm ET/ 5pm PT.
Max Bemis of Say Anything will be heading out on a solo tour this December with support from Matt Pryor(The Get Up Kids), Sherri DuPree-Bemis(Eisley), Perma(Max and Sherri), and Merriment.
HRVRD have announced some summer headlining dates, in addition to the Say Anything “Rarities” tour they’re currently on. You can check out those dates by clicking “Read More.”