Archive

MUSIC NEWS: WEDNESDAY, MAY 6, 2015

PANAMANIA

Psych-rock outfit the Flaming Lips and long-running alt-hip-hop band the Roots will perform free public shows during the Pan Am Games in Toronto this summer. 

Adventurous R&B singer Janelle Monae is another of almost 1,300 artists on the bill for the 35-day cultural festival accompanying the Pan Am Games and the Parapan American Games, running July 10 to Aug. 15. 

The musical program also includes Jann Arden, A Tribe Called Red, Death From Above 1979, Lights, Tanya Tagaq and Brigitte Boisjoli.

The multi-disciplinary festival will also feature presentations by Quebec theatre artist Robert Lepage, Toronto photographer Edward Burtynsky and dancer Veronica Tennant. 

Toronto's Nathan Phillips Square will host nightly concerts, fireworks and victory celebrations for medal-winning athletes. 

The Flaming Lips will perform there July 19, the Roots on Aug. 8 and Arden on Aug. 11. 

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RUSH 40TH ANNIVERSARY COVER SONG CONTEST  

ole, the world’s fastest growing independent rights management company, is teaming with Indaba Music to launch a special cover-song contest in celebration of iconic rock band Rush’s 40th Anniversary Tour, which kicks off May 8 in Tulsa, OK. 

Indaba members will be able to choose one of 10 classic Rush tracks from the ole library and create their own unique version, which will be voted on by the general public and by Indaba’s community of more than 1,100,000 musicians worldwide. The winner will then be picked from all submissions by a jury of music industry tastemakers that includes Rush’s A&R with SRO Anthem, Andy Curran. The grand prize winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize, two tickets to see Rush perform at the tour’s final stop on August 1 in Los Angeles, two meet-and-greet passes for the show, a meeting with an ole creative representative, a limited edition Fender Squire Rush bass, and a lyric video for their cover that will be promoted on the ole YouTube channel. The second place winner will receive a $3,000 cash prize and a Rush swag pack, and the third place winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a Rush swag pack. 

“Rush fans span every generation, and we’re excited to see the expression that the Indaba community can give to these great songs,” said Robert Ott, Chairman and CEO of ole. 

“Rush has had a profound impact on music and those who love it over the past 40 years, and we’re excited to celebrate that legacy with this contest,” said JJ Rosen, CEO of Indaba Music. “There’s no better way to honor your influences than by putting your own spin on the songs you love, and we’re thrilled to give our community the chance to do just that with some of Rush’s best tracks.” 

“Rush fans are loyal diehards and very passionate about the band’s music. Many of them are extremely creative in how they reinterpret the band’s songs,” said Rush A&R Rep Andy Curran. “The Rush catalog, which spans over 40 years, is such a great body of work, and to see their music taking on new life through the hands of other musicians is a very cool concept.” 

To enter the contest, go here  https://www.indabamusic.com/opportunities/rush-40th-anniversary-cover-competition/details

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ONE DIRECTION

James Corden just scored a coup in the late-night wars. He's getting his pals One Direction to appear on ``The Late Late Show.'' One Direction's Liam Payne calls Corden ``one of our best mates.'' They will appear on the May 14 show. 

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MARIAH CAREY

Mariah Carey will perform on the Billboard Music Awards. She has been added to the lineup which also includes Kelly Clarkson, Van Halen, Nick Jonas, Sam Smith, Little Big Town and Faith Hill. The Billboard Music Awards are May 17. 

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PAUL SHAFFER

Thunder Bay, Ontario, native Paul Shaffer says it's sad to think on May 20th, his 33 years as David Letterman's bandleader will be over when Letterman tapes his final ``Late Night'' show. But while Letterman may be going off the air, Shaffer says he doesn't plan on disappearing. He says he hopes to do a bit of acting, some comedy and play a bit of jazz, now that he'll have more free time. Shaffer's first big break came as the music director for the legendary Toronto production of ``Godspell'' in the early 70s. The at-the-time unknown cast included Martin Short, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Victor Garber and Gilda Radner. 

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''THE VOICE``

Christina Aguilera says she wishes she could have kept them both. But, of course, she couldn't. Two members of Team Christina were in the bottom two on ``The Voice'' last night, India Carney and Kimberly Nichole. They both sang for the instant Twitter save, with India coming out on top. She moves into the Top 5 and will sing again next week. Each coach is represented by at least one singer. Team Pharrell has two, Koryn Hawthorne and Sawyer Fredericks. 

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CANADIAN INDIE-ROCK VIDEO GAME

Toronto-based video game developer is seeking Kickstarter funding for Loud on Planet X, a video game that would have players using music to defend themselves from alien attacks. The game will be soundtracked by a who’s-who of Canadian indie rock artists including Metric, Tegan and Sara,  Austra, and Metz. 

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BRITISH RESEARCHERS TRACE POP MUSIC REVOLUTIONS