The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, founded in memory of the late heavy metal icon, will join forces with virtual event producers Rolling Live Studios to celebrate Ronnie’s birthday on Saturday, July 10th. 

The global fundraising event will bring together celebrities and fans all over the world to honor Dio’s undeniable impact both on and off the stage.  The front man for Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, and DIO – Ronnie lost his battle with gastric cancer in 2010. 

Hosted on rollinglivestudios.com beginning at 10:00 PM BST, the event will feature special guest performances, interviews and birthday messages from artists including Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell); Teddy ‘Zig Zag’ Andreadis (Guns N’ Roses, Alice Cooper); Carmine Appice (Vanilla Fudge, Beck, Bogert & Appice); Vinny Appice (DIO, Black Sabbath); Michael Angelo Batio (Nitro, Holland, Shout); Joey Belladonna (Anthrax); Chuck Billy (Testament); Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses, Slash’s Snakepit); Melody Cristea (Liliac); Aynsley Dunbar (Journey, Frank Zappa); Frank Ferrer (Guns N’ Roses); Lita Ford; Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple, Black Country Communion); Terry Ilous (Great White, XYZ); LA metal band Liliac; Sean McNabb (Quiet Riot, Dokken); Jeff Pilson (Foreigner, DIO); Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne); Glen Sobel (Alice Cooper, Hollywood Vampires); Lajon Witherspoon (Sevendust); and Brent Woods (Sebastian Bach, Wildside).

Also participating will be members of the DIO band–Simon Wright, Oni Logan, Scott Warren, Bjorn Englen and Rowan Robertson, who will also appear with fellow castmate Paul Shortino (Rough Cutt) from the Las Vegas production “Raiding the Rock Vault.”  Radio and television personalities Eddie Trunk and Matt Pinfield will be on hand during the broadcast conducting interviews with artists as well as with DIO producer Wyn Davis and Ronnie’s widow and long-time manager Wendy Dio.  

The STAND UP AND SHOUT FOR RONNIE JAMES DIO’S BIRTHDAY virtual event will feature brand new performances and stories from Ronnie’s friends and fans, as well as exclusive archival footage from Dio’s life and long-spanning career, and never-before-seen footage from Dio Cancer Fund events held in Los Angeles since 2011 when the organization began.  Through musical performances and storytelling, a wide array of guests will celebrate the life of a man who deeply influenced their lives through his artistry and larger-than-life presence.

Throughout his career, Ronnie James Dio was a passionate supporter and contributor to charitable work and numerous animal charities. He was an artist who was not only well respected for his talent, but also admired and loved by his peers and fans worldwide, some of which included renowned celebrities, musicians, and prominent individuals from all walks of life.

Tickets go on sale today (June 9) at https://rollinglivestudios.com/dio with General Admission tickets priced at $20 (Early Bird general admission tickets at just $15 are available through June 16).  In addition to tickets to view the show, Rolling Live Studios will offer special merchandise packages and virtual VIP experiences for fans to take part in this unusual worldwide event.  Included among the value-added items is a specially designed event tee–shirt, baseball cap and laminate plus “grab bags” of vintage DIO and Dio Cancer Fund event merchandise.  Ticket packages that include access to a Pre-Show Virtual Meet & Greet and a Post-Show Virtual VIP Party are also available.  Additionally, a limited number of copies of RAINBOW IN THE DARK:  THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY, written by Ronnie James Dio (with Wendy Dio and Mick Wall) and signed by Wendy Dio, will be made available prior to its publication and availability to the public on July 27.     

The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund (www.diocancerfund.org), dedicated to cancer prevention, research and education, has raised over $2 million in its history.  The organization’s last in–person event was its 10th Anniversary Gala held at the Avalon in Hollywood in February, 2020.  Its annual RIDE FOR RONNIE Motorcycle Ride and Concert and BOWL FOR RONNIE Celebrity Bowling Tournament have been suspended as the result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

STAND UP AND SHOUT FOR RONNIE JAMES DIO’S BIRTHDAY is the latest in a lineup of stellar events produced by Rolling Live Studios. In January, the studio worked alongside Mike Garson to bring together an extraordinary slate of vocalists to perform with David Bowie’s band alumni for “A Bowie Celebration: Just for One Day” streaming concert event.  The following month, YUNGBLUD’s stunning performance of “Life on Mars?” from the event played after millions of viewers watched NASA’s Perseverance rover successfully touch down on Mars. 

About The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund:

The Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charitable fund formed in honor of the legendary Ronnie James Dio, who lost his life to stomach cancer on May 16, 2010. Cancer is a deadly disease that robs families of loved ones, and the Dio Cancer Fund is dedicated to support cancer prevention research, raise awareness and educate the public with the focus that early detection and prevention saves lives.

Monies raised have been committed to the cancer research work of the T. J. Martell Foundation for Cancer, AIDS and Leukemia Research, the gastric cancer research unit of the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, where Ronnie was treated for gastric cancer during the last six months of his life, and other cancer research projects. Since 2016, the Dio Cancer Fund has also committed funds to support the research of Dr. David Wong and his team at the UCLA School of Dentistry in developing a simple, non-invasive saliva test for the early detection of cancer, which is in keeping with the Fund’s mission of cancer prevention, research and education.

To purchase tickets and VIP and merchandise packages for the Ronnie James Dio Virtual Birthday Celebration, visit https://rollinglivestudios.com/dio

Ronnie James Dio Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund:

www.diocancerfund.org

www.facebook.com/RJDSUASCF 

https://twitter.com/DioCancerFund 

https://www.instagram.com/diocancerfund/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpIsd0Sa3IXQY2t33G3oEEg

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Columbia Records and Legacy Recordings, a division of Sony Music Entertainment, are pleased to present Release Me 2, a new collection of ten previously unreleased studio performances from the legendary Barbra Streisand, available Friday, August 6, 2021.

The first new Barbra Streisand album title since 2018’s Walls, Release Me 2 is the eagerly-awaited second volume of Barbra Streisand rarities, a timely companion to her highly-successful 2012 Columbia/Legacy album Release Me, which entered the Billboard 200 at #7, making it her 32nd Top 10 and 7th consecutive Top 10 album at the time.

Giving fans their first taste of Release Me 2, “I’d Want It To Be You”–Barbra’s irresistible duet with Willie Nelson–will be released via all digital service providers along with a lyric video for the song on Friday, June 4. A track originally intended for Partners, her 2014 album of duets with superstar male singers, this Barbra Streisand-Willie Nelson vocal collaboration was still a work-in-progress as Partners‘ release date approached. Produced by Walter Afanasieff & Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, “I’d Want It To Be You” was recorded in 2014 and 2020.

Please enjoy the video for “I’d Want It To Be You” HERE

Release Me 2 showcases exquisite songs and sublime studio performances recorded over the course of Barbra’s astounding career, but shelved for various reasons. In her notes for the album, Barbra says, “For me, the studio is a combination musical playground and laboratory…a private sanctuary, where the possibility of catching lightning in a bottle always exists. Whenever that kind of magic happens, it’s extremely satisfying. Sometimes though, when the arrangement doesn’t quite gel or the song no longer fits the tone of the album it was meant for, the tapes go into the vault for safekeeping. Working on this 2nd volume of Release Me has been a lovely walk down memory lane…a chance to revisit, and in some cases, add a finishing instrumental touch to songs that still resonate for me in meaningful ways. I’m particularly struck by the ongoing relevance of ‘Be Aware’ and ‘One Day,’ which still speak to our collective sense of humanity.”

Throughout her career, Barbra’s passionate social activism has been a driving force in her art and life. Her performances of “Be Aware” and “One Day (A Prayer)” connect to the core of the human condition. Written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David as response to the plight of world hunger and homeless children, “Be Aware” was recorded in the studio to establish an arrangement for Barbra’s appearance on the 1971 television special, “Singer Presents Burt Bacharach. Produced by Burt Bacharach & Barbra Streisand, “Be Aware” was recorded in 1971 and 2020.

Featuring a melody by Michel Legrand and lyrics by Alan Bergman and Marilyn Bergman, “One Day (A Prayer)” is an evocatively hopeful message of peace. Barbra recorded the song on three separate occasions in 1968-69, each with a different arranger. All three versions were archived in the vault until 1990 when a rough mix of the Don Costa arrangement was broadcast on The Earth Day Special (ABC), featuring a video of Barbra performing the song. Release Me 2 presents the Don Costa arrangement of this glorious anthem with the finished mix it’s always deserved. Produced by Barbra Streisand & Wally Gold, “One Day (A Prayer)” was recorded in 1968.

Release Me 2 features songs penned by celebrated writers and tunesmiths including Burt Bacharach and Hal David, Barry Gibb, Randy Newman, Michel Legrand/Alan Bergman/Marilyn Bergman, Harold Arlen and “Yip” Harburg, Carole King, Steve Dorff, Paul Williams/Kenny Ascher, and Walter Afanasieff/John Bettis.

In addition to her duet with Willie Nelson, Release Me 2 features Barbra singing with Muppet superstar Kermit the Frog on the classic composition “Rainbow Connection” (originally intended for Barbra’s Wet album in 1979) and a musical collaboration with Barry Gibb on “If Only You Were Mine,” written by Barry Gibb/Ashley Gibb/Stephen Gibb as a potential bonus track for 2005’s Guilty Pleasures. Produced by Barbra Streisand & Jochem van der Saag, “Rainbow Connection” was recorded in 1979 and 2020. “If Only You Were Mine” was produced by Barry Gibb and John Merchant in 2005.

Other highlights on Release Me 2 include Barbra’s interpretation of Carole King’s “You Light Up My Life,” a song from King’s 1973 Fantasy album which Barbra recorded for potential inclusion on her 1974 Butterfly collection. Produced by Barbra Streisand, with additional production and mix by Jochem van der Saag, “You Light Up My Life” was recorded in 1974 and 2020.

Release Me 2 includes a spellbinding studio performance of the Walter Afanasieff/John Bettis composition, “Sweet Forgiveness,” a soaring emotional ballad produced by Walter Afanasieff & Barbra Streisand, recorded in 1994.

Barbra’s heartrending interpretation of Randy Newman’s “Living Without You” was one of four Newman compositions originally recorded in 1971 for Barbra’s Stoney End album. Fine-tuned and polished for Release Me 2, “Living Without You” was produced & arranged by Walter Afanasieff & Barbra Streisand and recorded in 1971 and 2020; the original vocal was produced by Richard Perry.

The earliest studio recording on Release Me 2 is Barbra’s incandescent performance of “Right As The Rain,” an elegant ballad penned by Harold Arlen and E.Y. “Yip” Harburg (“Over The Rainbow”) for the 1944 Broadway musical, “Bloomer Girl.” This is one of four songs Barbra recorded in 1962, prior to cutting her debut album the following year. Though she re-recorded the song for The Second Barbra Streisand Album in 1963, this essential early studio performance captures the sound and spirit of a young emerging superstar talent. Produced by Mike Berniker, “Right As The Rain” was recorded in 1962.

Release Me 2 closes with “Once You’ve Been In Love,” a Michel Legrand/Alan Bergman/Marilyn Bergman composition transformed into a stunning once-in-a-lifetime tour de force, a single-take live-in-the-studio performance with Barbra singing directly in front of the orchestra without the benefit of an isolated vocal booth. The effect is remarkable, with Barbra’s voice, the orchestration, the lyrics and the music blending together in a cascading unified complex of sound and emotion. Produced by Barbra Streisand, arranged & conducted by Michel Legrand, mixed by John Arias, “Once You’ve Been In Love” was recorded in 1973.

Release Me 2 will be available as a digital album as well as a CD digipak with a 32-page booklet–featuring liner notes by Barbra Streisand and Jay Landers, the album’s executive producers. Several collectible 12″ vinyl editions, art directed by Barbra Streisand, will be available in a variety of color packages, color vinyl pressings, and a special picture disc.

Barbra Streisand

Widely recognized as an icon in multiple entertainment fields, Barbra Streisand has attained unprecedented achievements as a recording artist, actor, director, producer, screenwriter, author, songwriter and concert performer. Streisand has been awarded two Oscars, five Emmys, ten Grammys including the Legend Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award, a Tony Award, eleven Golden Globes including the Cecil B. DeMille Award, three Peabodys, and the Director’s Guild Award for her concert special — the only artist to receive honors in all of those areas.

In addition, Streisand has also received the American Film Institute’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Kennedy Center Honor. She also received the National Medal of Arts from President Clinton, the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Obama, and France’s Légion d’Honneur.

She is the first woman to direct, produce, write, and star in a major motion picture, the first woman composer to receive an Academy Award, the only recording artist who has achieved #1 albums in six consecutive decades, and the first and only woman to receive a Golden Globe Award for Best Director.

A woman of action, Streisand is a devoted philanthropist who works tirelessly to fight for what she believes in. She founded The Barbra Streisand Women’s Heart Center at Cedars-Sinai and co-founded the Women’s Heart Alliance, helping to raise awareness and push for more research into women’s heart disease, the leading cause of death among women. Through the Streisand Foundation, which she established in 1986, she has fought for progressive ideas. She has been a leading environmental activist funding some of the earliest climate change research. She has long been a staunch supporter of racial equality, women’s rights, civil rights, and the very urgent need to protect voters’ rights.

BARBRASTREISAND.COM 

COLUMBIARECORDS.COM

LEGACYRECORDINGS.COM

Following a string of emotionally charged singles, rising star Jack In Water has announced his debut album, You Don’t Feel Like Home, out August 27th on Netwerk Records. Alongside the announcement Jack In Water releases his breathtaking new single ‘For You’, a dreamy desperate love song about falling for someone out of a fear of loneliness which was written alongside acclaimed songwriter Justin Parker (Lana Del Ray, Bat For Lashes, Banks) – listen here.

Produced by Oli Bayston (Loyle Carner, The 2 Bears) at his East London Studio, You Don’t Feel Like Home is not a record to rush. A drama-packed delve back to Will Clapson, aka Jack In Water’s, childhood, the album features deeply personal, coming-of-age songs, drawing on the topics of family, friendship and falling in love but also addressing darker, deeply personal issues – sexual abuse, alcohol misuse and the discovery of death.

“Looking back at your childhood, somewhat from a distance, I think that’s how I would sum the album up,” Will reflected. “When you’re no longer tangled up in its ups and downs but you’re still able to see that you’re inevitably a result of everything that’s happened to you so far. It’s allowed me to say goodbye to certain parts of my past as well as to accept that they will somehow always live with me.”

Brought up in a little village in Essex, Jack In Water is the alias of singer-songwriter William Clapson. A string of DIY EP releases to date has an impressive accumulated streaming figure of over 10 million.

Now signed to Netwerk Records and with an album ten years in the making, You Don’t Feel Like Home is a stunning statement of acceptance, as much about moving on as it is about looking back. Enjoy the ride.

Tracklisting:

1. You Don’t Feel Like Home
2. Beast Behind Your Eyes
3. Just Smile
4. For You
5. Unconditional Love
6. If I Cared
7. Anxious Smothers
8. Monster
9. Everyone Will Be Lost
10. Step Down

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Following on from their 40th anniversary celebrations last year which saw them release their greatest hits and anniversary box set, ’Souvenir’, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark (OMD) have announced further remastered reissues of their UK Top 20 album Liberator and their 1996 album Universal on vinyl on August 6th on UMC/Liberator.

Frontman Andy McCluskey’s fascination with WWII bombers influenced the title of the UK Top 20 album Liberator named after the B-24 Liberator aircraft. Peaking at number 14 in the UK album charts, the record features singles ‘Stand Above Me’ and ‘Dream Of Me’ as well as a cover version of the Velvet Underground’s 1967 track, ‘Sunday Morning’. Universal, the band’s tenth album released in 1996, also had chart success with single ‘Walking On The Milky Way’ entering in the Top 20 in the UK singles charts and saw the band make their 29th and final appearance on Top of the Pops. 

Both albums, which haven’t been available on vinyl since their first release, will be reissued on 180g black vinyl and were remastered at the iconic Abbey Road studios. The releases follow a string of reissues in the last year from OMD including the limited 12” vinyl of their legendary anti-war hit single ‘Enola Gay’ as well as a limited reissue of the bands iconic debut single, ‘Electricity’, on 7” vinyl. 

OMD will also embark on a UK arena tour in November of this year. The tour, which will see the band perform songs from their iconic album ‘Architecture & Morality’, plus many more hits from their legendary back catalogue, will stop off at London’s Eventim Apollo, and two hometown shows at the Liverpool Empire and Olympia. 

As well as the tour, fans and the band can give back to the tour crew at the ‘You Me & OMD’ livestream at London’s Indigo at The O2 on June 19th. The show is set to raise money and awareness for their crew, whose livelihoods have been so affected in the wake of the global Covid-19 pandemic.

Strap in and prepare for nothing but the best from a band who are unquestionably still at the very top of their game.

The band will play the following UK arena headline shows in November 2021:

2021 UK Headline Tour Dates

November

Mon 1st GLASGOW, O2 Academy

Tue 2nd EDINBURGH, Usher Hall

Wed 3rd GATESHEAD, Sage

Fri 5th HULL Bonus Arena

Sat 6th LEEDS, First Direct Arena

Sun 7th CAMBRIDGE, Corn Exchange

Tue 9th LEICESTER, DeMontfort Hall

Wed 10th CARDIFF, Motorpoint Arena

Fri 12th BIRMINGHAM, Resorts World Arena

Sat 13th LONDON, Eventim Apollo

Sun 14th BOURNEMOUTH, BIC

Tue 16th BRIGHTON, Brighton Centre

Wed 17th OXFORD, New Theatre

Fri 19th MANCHESTER, O2 Apollo

Sat 20th MANCHESTER, O2 Apollo

Sun 21st LIVERPOOL, Empire

Tue 23rd LIVERPOOL, Eventim Olympia

OMD have sold an astonishing 25 million singles and 15 million albums, which has established them as electronic synthesiser pioneers and one of Britain’s best-loved pop groups. Their 13 albums include recently reissued ‘Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark’ (1980), ‘Organisation’ (1980), ‘Architecture & Morality’ (1981) and ‘Dazzle Ships’ (1983).

Liberator tracklisting:

Side A:

Stand Above Me

Everyday

King Of Stone

Dollar Girl

Dream Of Me (Based On Love’s Theme)

Sunday Morning

Side B:

Agnus Dei

Love And Hate You

Heaven Is

Best Years Of Our Lives

Christine

Only Tears

Universal tracklisting:

Side A:

Universal

Walking On The Milky Way

The Moon And The Sun

The Black Sea

Very Close To Far Away

The Gospel Of St Jude

Side B:

That Was Then

Too Late

The Boy From The Chemist Is Here To See You

If You’re Still In Love With Me

New Head

Victory Waltz

www.omd.uk.com 

Kasabian make a most welcome return to touring with 15 must see intimate shows kicking off October 13th at the 02 Academy, Glasgow, including a hometown show at Leicester’s De Montfort Hall October 27th and climaxing at London’s O2 Academy Brixton on November 2nd.

“We’re incredibly excited to announce these intimate shows. We love our band, our music and our fans too much to ever stop! We’ll be playing all the classic tunes plus something new for the mosh pit to bounce too. So come join us for the biggest party of 2021! See you there.” – Sergio, Chris and Ian x

Sign up for pre-sale tickets here, closing at 11.59pm Tuesday June 1st. Tickets go on general sale Friday, June 4th at 10.00am.

Oct 2021
Wed 13 GLASGOW, O2 Academy
Thu 14 LIVERPOOL, O2 University (Mountford Hall)
Fri 15 CARDIFF, Great Hall
Sun 17 LEEDS, O2 Academy
Mon 18 LINCOLN, The Engine Shed
Wed 20 NOTTINGHAM, Rock City
Thu 21 SHEFFIELD, O2 Academy
Fri 22 MANCHESTER, O2 Victoria Warehouse
Sun 24 NORWICH, UEA
Tue 26 NEWCASTLE, O2 City Hall
Wed 27 LEICESTER, De Montfort Hall
Thu 28 BOURNEMOUTH, O2 Academy
Sat 30 SOUTHAMPTON, O2 Guildhall
Sun 31 BRISTOL, O2 Academy
Nov 2021
Tues 02 LONDON, O2 Academy Brixton 

Kasabian are: Serge Pizzorno, bassist Chris Edwards, drummer Ian Matthews and guitarist Tim Carter.

www.kasabian.co.uk

Today, Andrew Marlin and Emily Frantz of Watchhouse – the critically acclaimed roots music duo who until recently were known as Mandolin Orange – announce their new self-titled album Watchhouse, out August 13 on Tiptoe Tiger Music / Thirty Tigers. With the change of name comes an artistic rebirth: While still firmly rooted in poetic Appalachian folk, there’s a sonic adventurousness informed by American primitivism and ambient soundscapes that gives Marlin and Frantz’s songs a new, unknowable allure. Watchhouse is audacious, spectral music that wrestles with and finds magic in the relationships we build with our families, our society, our planet, and ourselves.

Alongside the album announcement, Watchhouse also share the music video for “New Star,” a song about familial solidarity and self-sacrifice that is plain-spoken but vital. Directed by Sylvan Esso’s Amelia Meath, the video centers on the almost instinctual rituals of our lives that tie us to our various communities: children playing, friends sharing a cigarette, families gathering for dinner. After a year that forced many of us apart, it’s a reminder of the joys we are just beginning to return to and the strength we draw from each other.

Watch the video for ‘New Star’ HERE

 Produced by Andrew Marlin and Josh Kaufman — who has produced records for The National and Bonny Light Horseman, and also played on Taylor Swift’s folklore and evermore — Watchhouse, as the name change suggests, is a reinvention. These nine songs are both personal and political, touching upon Marlin and Frantz’s newfound parenthood as well as climate change and caustic online interactions as they parse out how to live a kinder, more decent life on their own terms.

“We’re different people than when we started this band,” Marlin says, reflecting on all these shifts. “We’re setting new intentions, taking control of this thing again.”

To create the album, Watchhouse decamped to Smith Mountain Lake, a sprawling hideaway at the foot of the Appalachians. Kaufman urged Marlin and Frantz to approach the process with new eyes and throw out their old conceptions about what their music sounds like. Alongside drummer Joe Westerlund, guitarist Josh Oliver, and bassist Clint Mullican, Marlin and Frantz broke loose, surprising themselves as they indulged in novel structures and textures. “Belly Of The Beast” is an astral waltz, while “Better Way” shifts from nimble harmonies to an acoustic drone. “Beautiful Flowers” is a particular highlight: A sparse elegy for a butterfly crushed by an car windshield that ponders industry and environmental degradation, it climaxes with funereal horns and Frantz’s affecting vocal.

Watch the gorgeous and geometric video for “Better Way” (directed by Lachlan Turczan) here: https://found.ee/WHBetterWayVideo

It’s been a long road for Watchhouse, who have “redefined roots music for a younger generation” (Washington Post) as they’ve gone from coffee shops to the Ryman and Red Rocks. Their 2019 album Tides Of A Teardrop was a runaway hit that lead to the band’s first ever national TV performances on CBS Saturday and the TODAY Show as well as an NPR Tiny Desk. Rolling Stone says Tides is “compelling…a new step for the band, and one that’s rewarding to hear.”

Watchhouse Tracklist

“Wondrous Love”

“Better Way”

“Belly of the Beast”

“New Star”

“Upside Down”

“Lonely Love Affair”

“Coming Down From Green Mountain”

“Beautiful Flowers”

“Nightbird”

Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter

Following the release of The Third Chimpanzee earlier this year, Martin Gore, songwriter and founding member of Depeche Mode, has announced he will release The Third Chimpanzee Remixed on Mute on 20 August 2021, a collection of remixes and reworkings of tracks from his acclaimed release. The Third Chimpanzee Remixed will be released as a Limited Edition double coloured vinyl, CD and digitally.

The second track from the release is a stunning remix of ‘Vervet’ by techno DJ and fellow Mute artist, Chris Liebing. “Martin’s The Third Chimpanzee is from out of this world from a sound and production standpoint, that’s even before you mention the music itself. Getting asked by Martin, one of the most talented musicians and poets alive, to officially remix one of those tracks… I am still pinching myself.” – http://mute.ffm.to/ttc-rmx 

The first taste of The Third Chimpanzee Remixed came in February from Brazil’s ANNA, who opens the release with a mesmerising mix of Martin’s pulsating track ‘Howler’ – included in recent BBC 6Music and BBC Radio 1 mixes. The special edition also sees remixes from celebrated artists including JakoJako, Jlin, Kangding, Rrose, Wehbba, The Exaltics, MoReVoX and Barker.

Martin says of the release,  “I am very excited to have such a talented list of remixers for this project. The mixes are all fantastic.”

Tune into some of Martin’s influences and favourite acts with his latest playlist HERE.

The Third Chimpanzee Remixed

Vinyl Tracklisting:

A1 – Howler (ANNA Remix)                               

A2 – Mandrill (Barker Remix)                            

B1 – Capuchin (Wehbba Remix)                                      

B2 – Vervet (JakoJako Remix)                            

B3 – Howler (Kangding Ray Remix)    

C1 – Howler (The Exaltics Remix)                     

C2 – Mandrill (Rrose Remix) 

D1 – Capuchin (Jlin Remix)                  

D2  – Vervet (Chris Liebing Remix)                    

D3 – Mandrill (MoReVoX remix)                       

CD Tracklisting:

Howler (ANNA Remix)

Mandrill (Barker Remix)

Capuchin (Wehbba Remix)

Vervet (JakoJako Remix)

Howler (The Exaltics Remix)

Mandrill (Rrose Remix)

Capuchin (Jlin Remix)

Vervet (Chris Liebing Remix)

Howler (Kangding Ray Remix) 

Mandrill (MoReVoX remix) 

Listen to Chris Liebing’s new remix of ‘Vervet’: http://mute.ffm.to/ttc-rmx 

Embed: <iframe width=”560″ height=”315″ src=”https://www.youtube.com/embed/qS-3jsyvIuw” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture” allowfullscreen></iframe>

Listen to ANNA’s remix of ‘Howler’: https://youtu.be/ZRnzW0WPB58 

Pre-order The Third Chimpanzee Remixed: https://mute.ffm.to/ttc-rmx 

The Third Chimpanzee: https://mute.ffm.to/mg-ttc

http://martingore.com/

http://mute.com/

Simply Red return with brand-new song ‘Earth In A Lonely Space’. The track is the first new music since the band’s acclaimed 2019 feel-good album Blue Eyed Soul.

Written by Mick Hucknall and produced by Andy Wright with engineering/mixing by Gavin Goldberg at Home Studios and SouthWest Studios, ‘Earth In A Lonely Space’ takes us back to the melodic songwriting of the 60s with its layered instrumentation and ethereal sound. The accompanying video, directed and animated by the team at Cine1080, takes us on a lonely, but stunning journey through space.

“The earth itself is in a lonely place,” Mick said of the track. “It’s the job of any artist to try and capture the moment and right now, a lot of people are isolated and alone.”

Watch the video for ‘Earth In A Lonely Space’ HERE

Simply Red head on a huge UK and Irish tour in February 2022, including two must-see shows at London’s O2 Arena. Support on the tour comes from Mica Paris. Tickets on sale now from myticket.co.uk/artists/simply-red  

February 2022:
Wed 2nd DUBLIN, 3Arena
Fri 4th HULL, Bonus Arena
Sat 5th HULL, Bonus Arena
Sun 6th MANCHESTER, AO Arena
Tue 8th NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, Newcastle Utilita Arena
Wed 9th LEEDS, first direct Arena
Fri 11th GLASGOW, SSE Hydro
Sat 12th LIVERPOOL, M&S Bank Arena
Sun 13th BIRMINGHAM, Resorts World Arena
Tue 15th BOURNEMOUTH, Bournemouth Int’nl Centre
Wed 16th BOURNEMOUTH, Bournemouth Int’nl Centre
Thu 17th NOTTINGHAM, Motorpoint Arena Nottingham
Sat 19th LONDON, O2 Arena
Sun 20th LONDON, O2 Arena
Tue 22nd BRIGHTON, Centre
Wed 23rd BRIGHTON, Centre
Thu 24th CARDIFF, Motorpoint Arena

Mick Hucknall has been Simply Red’s songwriter and bandleader since the very beginning in 1985, aided by long-serving saxophonist Ian Kirkham since 1986. The current line-up has remained consistent since 2003, and the new tour will play to the core strengths of this fantastic band. “I want them to enjoy playing, for crowds to get up and move around, and everybody to put their heart into it. It’s all about capturing the groove.” says Mick.

www.simplyred.com

Join BAFTA winner Mo Gilligan as he’s set to make history once again, with Mo Gilligan and Friends – The Black British Takeover – December 8th at London’s 20,000-seater arena The O2. It’s set to be the biggest show of Mo’s career to date, and he’ll be bringing headline stars from the Black British circuit with him. The line up will be announced monthly in the lead up to what is set to be one of the most legendary events in British stand-up history. The O2 event is part of The O2’s Welcome Back Shows and will also be filmed for Broadcast.

The multi award winning stand up, Masked Singer judge and social media mega star, is now one of the UK’s most celebrated comics, but his first big break came from the Black British comedy circuit – a thriving stand-up scene that has been packing out theatres up and down the country for the last 30 years, with its stars selling out major venues all over the UK.

Mo Gilligan said: “I’m really proud of the Black British comedy circuit that I started on. The talent on this scene is exceptional, but all too often ignored by mainstream media, so what better place to showcase the culture than the most famous venue in country? We’re ready to bring the Great British Public a show like you’ve never seen before!”

It’s been quite a few spectacular years for Mo – with numerous award wins and nominations, recording The Big Narstie Show Series 2 and his landing his own hit Channel 4 series The Lateish Show with Mo Gilligan, which bagged him a spectacular BAFTA, winning the Entertainment Performance Award. He was named The Funniest Man in Britain by The Times and his debut Coupla Cans stand up tour came to a close selling over 50,000 tickets including a huge two week West End residency. His debut Netflix Original Stand Up Special Momentum was globally released in 190 countries. 

His There’s Mo To Life Tour sold out in record time, including 9 sell out shows at London’s Eventim Apollo. Very last remaining tickets now released HERE:

September 2021

Weds 15th READING, Reading Arts (The Hexagon) SOLD OUT
Thurs 16th  SOUTHAMPTON, O2 Guildhall SOLD OUT
Fri 17th  CAMBRIDGE, Corn Exchange SOLD OUT
Sat 18th  OXFORD, New Theatre SOLD OUT                      
Weds 22nd  LEEDS, O2 Academy SOLD OUT
Thurs 23rd  NEWCASTLE, O2 City Hall
Fri 24th  GLASGOW, The Pavilion Theatre
Sat 25th  MANCHESTER, O2 Apollo SOLD OUT
Weds 29th  CARDIFF, St David’s Hall SOLD OUT
Thurs 30th  LONDON, Eventim Apollo SOLD OUT 

October 2021
Fri 8th  LONDON, Eventim Apollo SOLD OUT
Sat 9th  LONDON, Eventim Apollo SOLD OUT
Fri 22nd  MANCHESTER, O2 Apollo SOLD OUT
Sat 23rd  LONDON, Eventim Apollo SOLD OUT
Fri 29th  LONDON, Eventim Apollo SOLD OUT

November 2021
Sat 6th  BRIGHTON, Brighton Dome Concert Hall
Fri 12th  LONDON, Eventim Apollo SOLD OUT
Thurs 18th  LONDON, Eventim Apollo SOLD OUT
Thurs 25th  LONDON, Eventim Apollo SOLD OUT
Fri 26th  IPSWICH, Regent Theatre SOLD OUT
Sat 27th  BOURNEMOUTH, BIC Windsor Hall

December 2021
Sat 4th  PORTSMOUTH, Guildhall
Fri 10th  BIRMINGHAM, Utilita Arena
Sat 11th  SHEFFIELD, City Hall
Fri 17th  MANCHESTER, O2 Apollo
Sat 18th  BIRMINGHAM, Utilita Arena SOLD OUT                    

• BAFTA 2021 | BEST ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME NOMINEE 
• ROYAL TELEVISION SOCIETY 2021 | BEST ENTERTAINMENT PERFORMANCE WINNER
• BAFTA 2020 | ENTERTAINMENT PERFORMANCE AWARD WINNER
• BAFTA 2019 | BEST ENTERTAINMENT SHOW NOMINEE
• NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS 2020 | TV PRESENTER OF THE YEAR NOMINEE
• NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARDS 2020 | THE BRUCE FORSYTH ENTERTAINMENT AWARD NOMINEE
• ROYAL TELEVISION SOCIETY 2019 | BEST ENTERTAINMENT SHOW WINNER
• ROYAL TELEVISION SOCIETY 2019 | BEST BREAKTHROUGH NOMINEE
• EDINBURGH TV AWARDS 2019 | BEST NEWCOMER NOMINEE

Following the success of her singles ‘Get What U Get’ and ‘Flower Through Concrete,’ pianist, composer, and producer Chloe Flower — whose sensational appearance with Cardi B stole the show at the 2019 Grammy Awards — has announced the release of her self-titled debut album on Sony Music Masterworks, on July 16th .

In three acts — I. Innocence, II. Suffering and III. Hope — this sublime collection was composed, produced and recorded in the artist’s New York City apartment during the Covid-19 pandemic. It features spoken word from Deepak Chopra and an interpretation of Billie Eilish’s chart-topping hit ‘Bad Guy’. 

Chloe dedicates the new single ‘Tamie’ (and video) to her dear friend Tamie and has imbued it with the beauty and resilience of their Asian identity; releasing it in observance of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Watch here.

Of the music video, Chloe notes, “It’s a celebration of our Asian heritage and culture and was shot at a classical Chinese garden. As our communities are being targeted with anti-Asian rhetoric and violence, now is the time to celebrate Asian American pride, culture and the positive impact our community has had on the world.” 

Encompassing sweet melodies, hip-hop, and trap beats, Chloe Flower is a modern-day classical sensation, pushing the boundaries with her unique self-created Popsical genre. 

 “I was thinking about the life cycle. You start with innocence; born with a clean state. Throughout life there is suffering which hardens you. But there’s always hope for something better,” Chloe reflects. “ I want people to listen to the album as a whole body of work, which is why I have a prelude and a finale as well as the three acts. The ultimate goal was to make an album that inspires listeners, and makes people hopeful. It’s new, edgy and a sound that is authentic to me.  Even though my music has no lyrics, I still have something to say.”

What sets Chloe apart is her technique and modern musical viewpoint. Without doubt, this album will establish her as a force to be reckoned with, a new major player in the instrumental world, destined to infiltrate popular culture.

More Chloe Flower Power Info:

Chloe Flower is the most talked about pianist in the world following a show-stopping performance with Cardi B at the 2019 Grammy Awards. Chloe is an official Steinway Artist, composer, producer, activist, and fashion influencer who began playing piano at the age of two. Chloe Flower proudly celebrates her Asian heritage and culture and is a fierce advocate for women’s representation — particularly women of color — in the music industry.

Chloe sits on the board of directors for the Liberace Foundation and is a strong voice against human trafficking. She was honored by the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Activism (CAST) and has spoken at the United Nations as a music education ambassador. 

With her self-created Popsical genre — a blend of pop and classical — Chloe Flower is pushing boundaries and reaching new audiences. She has collaborated with Babyface, Nas, and Swizz Beats along with producers Tommy Brown (Ariana Grande/Meghan Trainor) and Mike WiLL Made-It (Beyonce/Miley Cyrus) to name a few.  

Website // Twitter // Instagram // YouTube // Spotify

‘Norway’s indie pop grrrl gang VEPS return with slyly subversive new single ‘Ecstasy’’ – Clash Magazine

Following the release of their nineties tinged track ‘Ecstasy’, Oslo’s VEPS, today unleash the beautifully raw ‘Girl On TV’. The track, which is accompanied by a stunning self-directed video, is the second to be taken from their forthcoming EP Open The Door, out June 11th on Kanine Records.

A look through the window at the constant pressures of modern life, the bewitchingly vulnerable track is drenched in captivating harmonies, flipping between Laura and Helena’s poignant vocals. “’Girl on TV’ is more like a story with a narrative than any other of our songs. It follows a girl growing up in a home where she doesn’t feel like she is being seen,” says the band. “Ultimately it’s a song about loneliness and idealisation. It’s about how lonely it can feel to grow up in an emotionally distant household, and how it’s so easy to compare your own life to others when you’re in a bad place yourself.”

Again, holding tight to their DIY sensibilities, the band shot and directed the video themselves, with a little help from friends. “We planned it on the train back from a gig in Trondheim, but another lockdown happened right after we got home so we had to improvise a lot as we were filming and didn’t really know how it would turn out until the final edit,” the band said of the video. “We wanted it to have a more introspective tone that reflects the song itself, while still maintaining that not-so-serious «cheeky» undertone.” Watch the video HERE

Recorded at Studio Tjueen Studios in Oslo, Norway, Open The Door was self-produced by the band and mixed by Girl In Red’s producer Matias Tellez. A love letter to their teenage years, the EP is an accomplished collection of songs, far beyond their tender years at just 17. 

Following their performance at The Great Escape’s digital Festival last night, the band will also play a series of shows this year including Norway’s By:Larm Festival (30th Sept-2nd Oct), with more live dates to be added soon. 

Hailing from the eastside of Norway’s capital, Oslo, VEPS have known each other since elementary school and began playing music together in middle school, aged 14. Although growing up with very different influences, the girls had a common sense as outsiders and while making a short film together decided to make an impromptu band. With Helena, Laura and June already accomplished at their instruments, Maja was assigned as drummer, she had never touched a drum set before, and VEPS was born. Already causing a stir playing a series of DIY shows wherever they could, the band self-released ‘Do I Hear A Maybe?’ on their own label in 2019, mixed by a man known only as ‘The Professor’. Making stickers with the cover art and giving them away for free, word of mouth created a buzz around the band.

Fast forward to 2021 and the band, equipped with their stunning debut EP, sign to New York label Kanine Records, planting them firmly as one of the most exciting bands in Europe. Watch this space!

‘Open The Door’ Track Listing:

1. Girl On TV
2. Do I Hear A Maybe? 
3. Ecstasy
4. Oliver
5. Funny Things
6. Colorblind

VEPS are Helena Mariero Olasveengen (keys/vocals), June K. Urholt (bass), Laura Dodson (guitar/vocals) & Maja B. Berge (drums)

https://www.vepsofficial.com/

Martha Wainwright is beginning again. The beguiling performer and songwriter makes a most welcome return with Love Will Be Reborn, her first new album in five years, released August 20th on Pheromone Records/Cooking Vinyl. 

It’s her first album since 2016’s ‘Goodnight City’, and the first since 2012’s acclaimed ‘Come Home To Mama’ to feature so much original material. All eleven songs on ‘Love Will Be Reborn’ are written by Martha. She wrote the first song, and what would become the title track, a few years ago in what was a very dark time for her personally.

The title track ‘Love Will Be Reborn’ is out today and hints at the ache of recent years while capturing a sense of optimism for the future. She wraps her wondrous, trademark vocals around the heartbreak to dizzying effect.

“I wrote the song in its entirety within ten or fifteen minutes,” she admits.” I was bawling,” 

Martha began to play the song live before she recorded the album and it became something of an anthem, giving her hope when it was most needed. The song, and the entire album, was produced by Pierre Marchand, best known for his work with Rufus Wainwright on ‘Poses’, the McGarrigle’s on ‘Heartbeats Accelerating’ and much of Sarah McLaughlin’s 90’s catalogue. Listen to the track HERE

Recorded in Martha’s Montreal hometown, the album was made in the basement of café Ursa which also served as a studio and at PM Studios. Martha plays guitar and piano and enlisted the help of Toronto musicians Thom Gill (guitars, keys, back-ups) Phil Melanson (drums, percussion) and Josh Cole (bass). Pierre Marchand plays keyboards on ‘Love Will Be Reborn’ plus two other tracks while Morgan Moore plays bass on several songs.

Alongside the album announce, Martha has announced an Autumn UK tour which includes a highly anticipated show at London’s Union Chapel on September 20th. Full list of dates below. Tickets on sale today except Birmingham which is on sale Friday May 21st from HERE:

September
Mon 20th LONDON, Union Chapel
Thurs 23rd FROME, Cheese and Grain
Fri 24th SHEFFIELD, Leadmill
Sat 25th BRIDPORT, Electric Palace
Sun 26th CARDIFF, Tramshed
Tues 28th CAMBRIDGE, Junction
Weds 29th BIRMINGHAM, Town Hall
Thurs 30th BEXHILL, De La Warr Pavillion
October
Fri 1st LIVERPOOL, Philharmonic Hall

Love Will Be Reborn tracklisting:

1. Middle Of The Lake
2. Getting Older
3. Love Will be Reborn
4. Being Right
5. Report Card
6. Body and Soul
7. Hole in My Heart 
8. Justice 
9. Sometimes 
10. Ranbow
11. Falaise de Malaise

STREAM “LOVE WILL BE REBORN” 

More info:
https://www.marthawainwright.com/