MUSIC NEWS: WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2015
Steven Tyler has signed with Taylor Swift’s label, Big Machine Records
After a flurry of speculation in recent weeks, Big Machine Label Group officially signed iconic songwriter and prolific singer STEVEN TYLER to its superstar artist roster. The Aerosmith frontman previously confirmed the release of a solo album during a surprise appearance at the Grand Ole Opry. Tyler’s first project is expected to be released later this year on Dot Records.
“There was an immediate connection with Scott and Big Machine, and Nashville seems like the perfect segue for a solo project…and Dot Records is the right fit. My earliest influences put me somewhere between the Everly Brothers and the Carter Family and this project is all about me paying homage to my Country roots. I’ve been working with some epic Nashville songwriters, getting my feet wet with their style and groove,” Tyler shared after the signing.
Tyler joins global entertainers Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Reba, Rascal Flatts, Florida Georgia Line, The Band Perry, The Mavericks, Martina McBride and Ronnie Dunn as well as chart-toppers Eli Young Band, Brantley Gilbert, Justin Moore, Thomas Rhett; breakout duo Maddie & Tae in addition to rising entertainers The Cadillac Three, RaeLynn, A Thousand Horses, Cassadee Pope, Drake White, Danielle Bradbery, Levi Hummon, Seth Alley and Waterloo Revival.
“I have never met a more passionate human being than Steven. When he goes in, he goes all in, which is the culture of Dot Records and the Big Machine Label Group,” said BMLG President and CEO Scott Borchetta. “I truly cannot wait for the world to hear the phenomenal music that he is creating and I really feel that this chapter of his career will be among his best. He bleeds love and he bleeds music. Pinch me – it’s Steven Fkg Tyler!”
Tyler and Aerosmith have sold more than 150 million records worldwide, garnering numerous Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards and an Emmy Award. Inducted into the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame in 2013, Tyler has earned nine #1 hits, 25 Gold, 18 Platinum and 12 Multi-Platinum album certifications, in addition to earning the Founder’s Award at the ASCAP Pop Awards.
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PINK GETS HONOUR
Pink will be honoured with the BMI President's Award next month.
Broadcast Music Inc. announced Tuesday that Pink would receive the honour for her songwriting efforts and her impact on pop culture. The 63rd annual BMI Pop Awards will be presented at the Beverly Wilshire Hotel in Beverly Hills, California, on May 12.
The music rights management company has presented the award to Taylor Swift, Juanes and Willie Nelson in the past.
Pink, a three-time Grammy winner, has released six studio albums.
She has co-written most of her hit songs, including ``So What'' and ``Just Give Me a Reason.''
The BMI Pop Awards will also recognize the top songwriters and publishers of the last year.
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TWISTED SISTER BACK IN ACTION
Twisted Sister has hired drummer Mike Portnoy to replace A.J.
Pero, who died last month, and announced the heavy metal group will disband next year.
The band said Wednesday it chose Portnoy, who played with Dream Theater, Adrenaline Mob and the Winery Dogs, to perform at its remaining seven shows this year.
Two of them will be tribute concerts to Pero, on May 30 in Las Vegas, and June 13 in Sayreville, New Jersey.
The band also plans an undetermined number of concerts in 2016 to mark the end of its performing career on the 40th anniversary of its core lineup of singer Dee Snider, guitarists Jay Jay French and Eddie Ojeda, and bassist Mark ``The Animal'' Mendoza.
The band is best known for 1984's ``We're Not Gonna Take It.''
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'Furious 7' Soundtrack top album on iTunes in Canada
iTunes in Canada top 10 for the week ending April 5.
ALBUMS
1. ``Furious 7'' Soundtrack _ Various Artists
2. Carrie & Lowell _ Sufjan Stevens
3. If You're Reading This It's Too Late _ Drake
4. To Pimp a Butterfly _ Kendrick Lamar
5. X _ Ed Sheeran
6. ``Fifty Shades of Grey'' Soundtrack _ Various Artists
7. Human _ Three Days Grace
8. Kintsugi _ Death Cab for Cutie
9. Day of the Dead (Deluxe Version) _ Hollywood Undead
10. 2015 Grammy Nominees _ Various Artists
SINGLES
1. Uptown Funk _ Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars
2. B---- Better Have My Money _ Rihanna
3. FourFiveSeconds _ Rihanna, Kanye West and Paul McCartney
4. Sugar _ Maroon 5
5. Love Me Like You Do _ Ellie Goulding
6. I'm an Albatraoz _ AronChupa
7. Thinking Out Loud _ Ed Sheeran
8. See You Again _ Wiz Khalifa featuring Charlie Puth
9. Shut Up and Dance _ Walk the Moon
10. Style _ Taylor Swift