Day in Pop Report for 08/04/2014
Johnson co-wrote over half of the songs on the album, which was produced by Grammy Award nominated producer Howard Benson who has worked with Cold, P.O.D., Sepultura, Daughtry, Kelly Clarkson, Creed, Adam Lambert, Chris Cornell, Hoobastank, Motorhead and more. Johnson is giving fans an early taste of what is to come with the release of the album's first single "Only One," which has been released to Active Rock radio and can be streamed online here and fans can also check out short clips of all of the album tracks here.
Jessie J explained the nontraditional recording process for Bang Bang by saying, "Sadly, it's very rare to actually ever meet someone that you record a song with, because usually when you want someone that's successful and great, they're very rarey available, so we [Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj] actually meet for the first time in the morning. I fly to L.A. in about two hours to shoot the video tomorrow so, we have yet to meet. So what a great to way to meet and be like 'Yo, wassup! Yeah we got a number one song on iTunes!'" When TJ asked Jessie J how she would be interacting with Ariana and Nicki on set tomorrow, Jessie compared the relationships of famous people to those of dentists: "They don't all roll together just 'cause they're dentists. They might be completely different people, they just all like doing teeth." We really hope Jessie, Ari and Nicki get along, but Jessie said that it really depends on the vibe on set. She continued with, "I don't force friendships with anyone just 'cause people are famous. If someone's nice, I'll be nice back and always be nice back." The 26 year-old pop star also dished with TJ and Loren about her personal life and how she longs to find a husband. Read about that and a stream of the full interview here.
Apparently the song's Egyptian motif had Illuminati written all over it, for some. If you're wondering exactly what about it said Illuminati, luckily the guys over at The Wire broke down all of the references in the "Dark Horse" music video. Now Katy Perry is finally addressing the Illuminati accusations - and she claims she's not a part of it. In her Rolling Stone cover story, the singer says, "Listen, if the Illuminati exist, I would like to be invited! I see all that s-t, and I'm like, 'Come on, let me in! I want to be in the club!' more on this story
Decorating the dull facade of the Santa Fe Lofts in Downtown Los Angeles, the mural was recently slotted to be painted over after it was decided that Foster the People painted it without the proper permissions. Foster the People tweeted their fans, who subsequently made a petition, and then Mayor Eric Garcetti declared that the mural at 539 S. Los Angeles Street was staying put. However, a joint statement just came out from Garcetti, Foster the People, and Capital Foresight that said the Santa Fe Lofts are a "State Historic Building that receives tax credits for maintaining original design features under the Mills Act." "It is necessary to remove the mural to return this historic property to its original state," continued the statement. The story doesn't end there.
Bringing Back the Sunshine comes hot on the heels of Shelton's 2013 platinum-selling album Based on a True Story�. Like True Story, new album Sunshine is produced by Scott Hendricks. A new single from the upcoming album is expected to drop soon. Shelton's been on a major hot streak lately. Not only has he gained national attention as a coach on TV's The Voice, he's currently one of country music's top hitmakers. He's racked up 17 No. 1 singles so far, five of them from his album True Story ("Doin' What She Likes," "Boys Round Here," "Sure Be Cool If You Did," "Mine Would Be You" and, most recently, "My Eyes"). Shelton is also currently on his Ten Times Crazier Tour, which has seen him sell out shows at Madison Square Garden in New York City and Wrigley Field in Chicago, among other venues. More including the artwork here.
That hasn't stopped the song from leaking before its official release, albeit currently in low quality. "Anaconda" is built around a sample of Sir Mix-a-Lot's "Baby Got Back," which makes sense now given the title of "Anaconda" but wasn't exactly a for-sure move on her part until the song was leaked. Mostly, the track uses the "My anaconda don't want none unless you got buns, hon" line and brings it back throughout the song, along with the original's horns. more on this story
Joe pops off the Rico Love-produced track with a verse about models, cigars and Versace before Lopez comes in on the chorus singing about ordering bottles in the club. Fat Joe, who's admittedly never been a particularly stylish guy, later proves his fashion knowledge shouldn't be underestimated, dropping a verse that namechecks Alexander McQueen, Balmain and Kanye West's Red Octobers within a few lines. With that kind of lifestyle, we wouldn't be stressed either. Listen to the track here.
The evening of musical tribute performances and award presentations will take place at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium. The night will be a celebration of the non-televised special honorees and winners from the 49th annual Academy of Country Music Awards, held earlier this year. Honorees include Special Awards recipients Bob Beckham (posthumously), Steve Buchanan, Jack Clement (posthumously), Dean Dillon, Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson, Ronnie Milsap, Paul Moore, Buck Owens (posthumously), Carrie Underwood and Rascal Flatts. more on this story
In an editorial posted Friday (Aug. 1) in The Tennessean, Urban talks of the importance to keep Nashville's Music Row alive despite ongoing developers encroaching on the city. "I would drive to the Row almost daily in my rented crap car to write, record demos and generally hang around, meeting all kinds of people," Urban writes. "Music Row became my center, because Music Row IS a center. Music Row is where the past, present and future meet, and that's a vital part of keeping balance." Urban stressed that Music Row is under serious threat from developers and wants to make sure we all know about it. A photo in the newspaper shows a lot being cleared across the street from the legendary Bradley Studios. "Nashville's growth is exciting, but not at the risk of losing the creative epicenter that is Music Row and that truly makes Nashville Music City." more on this story
From the outside looking in, Agron and her husband, The Mindy Project's Chris Messina, look like the picture perfect couple. But once Messina heads to work, Agron's left to her own devices. And it's safe to say, she is not having nearly as much fun as Tom Cruise in Risky Business when she's got the house to herself. Instead she's filling her day by longingly drinking champagne by her in ground pool and laying sadly on the carpet, sliding on and off her wedding ring as mascara stained tears roll down her cheeks. What's Messina doing? Well, he's just making out with a beautiful woman in a barely lit bar and then getting frisky in an elevator. Let's hope this isn't what monogamy holds for any of us. Watch the clip for "I'm Not The Only One," off his debut, In The Lonely Hour, here.
The 2,700 acre property in California's Santa Barbara County, which the King of Pop bought back in 1988, is owned by a private investment firm called Colony Capital, which bought it in late 2007 for a mere $23.5 million when the King of Pop was heavily in debt. It was revealed last year in court that Jackson was three to four months behind on payments for the sprawling estate accompanied by a $702 million IRS bill that his estate is currently appealing. Since taking over the property as a personal favor to Jackson, billionaire Tom Barrack of the Colony Capital firm has invested $5 million a year for the property's upkeep, which combined with the original $23 million investment and other miscellaneous expenses comes to an estimated $50 million investment in just seven years. Though Jackson was not living at the Ranch at the time of his death over five years ago-he actually hadn't lived there since 2005-his estate is unhappy about the impending sale. Especially since near the end of his life Jackson seemed interested in turning Neverland into a school for the performing arts. more on this story
It's now the end of the week, and lo and behold, the reason is here, as rumored: Minaj pops up on a remix of Beyonc�'s "Flawless." The track, off Beyonc�'s self-titled surprise album from late 2013, gets an upgrade toward its end from Minaj, as well as a new sample of an OutKast song, "SpottieOttieDopalicious." There's even a Met Gala elevator reference: "Of course sometime s-t go down when it's a billion dollars on an elevator," Beyonc� sings as she throws down the reasons for her perfection. Meanwhile, Minaj is there to lay down a pretty raunchy verse that also doesn't avoid noting that two of hip-hop and R&B's top women are together on the track. "The queen of rap slayin' with Queen Bey," she raps. "If you ain't on the team, you playin' for team D." Listen here.
Opening with a steamy scene, the music video, which also features Jeezy, is all about the one thing money can't buy: love. In it, Ne-Yo cruises around L.A., posts up outside of the historic Capitol Records building in Hollywood, hits up a bodega, and drops by a birthday party with his best gal in tow. Never mind the white elephant in the video, the white Rolls Royce that they drive. Next to the shots of L.A., there's also some fascinating fashion choices happening in the video. Ne-Yo rocks a leather bucket hat and a tee that says "Your network is your net worth," while his lady opts for a more revealing tee. Chris Robinson directed the video. He's worked with Ne-Yo before on the videos for "Miss Independent," his collaborative track with 50 cent "Baby by Me," "Think Like a Man" with Jennifer Hudson and Rick Ross, and "Knock You Down" with Keri Hilson and Kanye West. Watch the video here.
"FINALLY!!!" the singer tweeted. "#ROGUE for MEN is here September!!! I've waited years for this moment!!" She adds, "LADIES!!! This September wake up next to your man smelling like this!!! Makes you wanna steal his Tshirts #ROGUEMAN http://t.co/HLqeeXb0bx" You may remember that Rihanna's women's fragrance, Rogue, was nominated for a FiFi last year - meaning it's within reason to expect this men's fragrance to be equally successful. See the tweets here.
But the competition isn't going to be easy. The Game has already found the entry to beat. Last week he posted it on Instagram while announcing that he's crowdsourcing the artwork for his upcoming album, Year of the Wolf. In it, the rapper sits on a throne in what looks like a pair of Red Octobers with two white wolves at his feet. The artwork is finished off with a splattering of blood. If you think you can beat that, take heed to the rapper's instructions: "Just FOLLOW & tag our@bloodmoneylafamilia page with your album cover art & may the best artist win !!!!!!!!!!!" more on this story
According to those very same marquee DJs, however, the Ibiza experience has become far too expensive for the average EDM fan to enjoy, with exorbitant ticket prices and VIP amenities turning the legendary island into just another playground for the rich and famous (Ibiza is where actor Orlando Bloom recently took a swing at Justin Bieber as Leonardo DiCaprio cheered him on). "It was more of a tastemaker, a musical discovery, than it is now," DJ Steve Angello, former member of the Swedish House Mafia told BBC Newsbeat. "Now it is about selling tickets and big names, it has become what it is everywhere else. The mystique of Ibiza isn't there any more." The way the party promoters tell it, the high price of Ibiza nightlife is a necessary evil to present A-list DJs and synapse-firing productions seven days a week throughout the summer. "It is as expensive as any other holiday destination that has to make it's money in a small window when the tourists are here," explained Steve Hulme, the musical director for popular Ibiza club, Pacha. "There is no real desire from the clubs just to up the charges as much as we can, there's a cost versus income and a basic profit that needs to be made. So the ticket prices are not 'Let's charge X amount for X amounts'. Everything is calculated on a needs must, we have major costs of running the businesses we have here." Even pioneering DJ Paul Oakenfold, who despite feeling like the Ibiza party scene is "ripping us off," concedes that fans ultimately get what they pay for when they hit the island. more on this story
According to the Tennessean, the Hendersonville, Tenn., property, where the Cash family lived until their deaths in 2003, is being eyed for possible redevelopment as a residential medical facility. Paperwork has been filed to rezone the area for use as an employment center of some sort - in this case a facility that is being touted as "high-end" and would focus predominantly on helping women with eating disorders, much like the property owner James Gresham's Illinois facility Timberline Knolls that treats women's eating disorders, alcoholism, drug addiction and more. More on this story.
At 37, Congleton has racked up an impressive list of credits that range from producing to mixing to engineering to drum programming for artists like David Byrne, Swans, Amanda Palmer, The Walkmen, The War on Drugs, Bill Callahan, fellow Texans Explosions in the Sky and his own band The Paper Chase. This year alone, he's worked on eight albums, producing three of the most well-received indie records of 2014, so far: Cloud Nothings' Here and Nowhere Else, Angel Olsen's Burn Your Fire For No Witness and St. Vincent's self-titled release, which is his fifth collaboration with the singer. "A lot of producers have a X, Y and Z way of doing a record. That's not the way I work," Congleton told Radio.com over the phone. "Mainly because I think that's unfair to the artist, but also boring to me. I might as well go work at a bank if I'm going to do the same thing all the time." Unlike other producers, Congleton doesn't think it's interesting to have an overt style. "Just picking over everything and making it exactly how I want it, that's so boring. I'm just gonna have a bunch of records that sound the same," he said. "It's also not particularly playing its part in the nexus of music that you're just sort of destroying a style that an artist has cultivated throughout the years." Instead Congleton says his goal as a producer is to capture that feeling he had when he was 13 years old, back when he felt like his favorite music just fell out of the sky. "It just felt like it just happened as opposed to created," he explained. Congleton considers himself to be a "spectrum producer," meaning he will take on whatever role the band needs him to just as long as the record sounds good. Sometimes a band comes into the studio and has tortured themselves over every note so Congleton's job is to record as much as possible and use his ear to decide which takes are best. Other times, Congleton is like an additional band member, co-writing music or acting as a session player, something he prefers not to do. "The moment I play something, I become one of the musicians and I sort of have some weird preciousness about it," he explained. "It f-ks with your brain too much." Congleton mixed the latest Strand of Oaks record, HEAL at his Dallas studio, Elmwood Recording with singer Timothy Showalter asking him to take "broad strokes," knowing if there was something he didn't like, he could send it back. Congleton sent what would become the final product to Showalter in just five days. "I'm not a technically minded person so I have no idea how he made [HEAL] sound that good," Showalter said, before offering up a well-thought explanation, "You could tell there was compassion in his mixing. It wasn't a job. It wasn't, 'Oh this band is paying me, I'll just go through the motions.' It was actively being involved and actively making artistic choices, not just technical choices." A lot more here.
"Back Home" is the lead single off Grammer's sophomore album, Magazines or Novels, out Aug. 5. The follow-up to his 2011 self-titled debut, this time around Grammer took inspiration from artists like Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, Drake and Coldplay with their honest lyrics. While he likens his debut to a first meeting, Grammer said Magazines or Novels is more like a best friend that he shows his scars and wounds to. "What I was finding was the music that I was listening to, people were sharing of themselves in a deeper way. A lot of the albums that I've been really into are like, 'Oh man. That doesn't make him look like a perfect human. That actually shows his warts and his scars and for some reason I'm super drawn to him now because he shared that or she shared that with me,'" Grammer explained. "That was the biggest shift. I'm going to try to go more after humanity and more after honesty and hopefully people will feel that and it will pull them in the way I've been pulled into other artists. It was a little scary to go after exactly what I wanted sonically because I knew it was such a departure but I love it. I think people will follow you if it's what you love." Where Grammer's debut was mainly written on piano and guitar for a street crowd where he performed in Santa Monica, Calif., Magazines or Novels was written while on tour with acts like Train who were playing in front of big crowds. And, performing a song for arena audiences is very different than for those passing by on the street. "How do you mirror your life, even the dark interesting parts, and keep people bobbing their heads?" he asked rhetorically. "I think I did it. I hope." Songs like "Holding Out" are just one example of Grammer's blatant honesty. What he calls the most honest song on the album - which details saving his virginity for that special someone "with a little bit of prayer, a little bit of porn sorry" - he said many friends who heard the song said he shouldn't cut it.
"Oh, I watch Beyonc� videos every day with my friend at home," Trainor told Radio.com over the phone from Los Angeles. "That's the one performer I study a lot. I'm not saying I am her though, she's perfection." The Nantucket, Mass. native who now calls Nashville home is getting ready for a daytime appearance on Live with Kelly and Michael, which is set to happen in the next few weeks. Her excitement over her TV debut has translated into her spending as much time as possible rehearsing. "They got me dancing," she said. "I've never danced before. So it's like, 'Oh man, I've gotta learn to be Beyonc� for a second.'" Trainor is in high demand since her body-acceptance anthem "All About That Bass" took the internet by storm earlier this month, thanks in large part to its pastel painted video featuring women and one man - Sione Kelepi, better known as Vine star SioneMaraschino - with all the right junk in all the right places getting their groove on. The track has since crashed onto the chart, earning the No. 54 slot on the August 2 Billboard Hot 100, an impressive 30-spot jump since it debuted at No. 84 just a week ago. Trainor's debut track came out of a writing session where she decided to stop thinking about what would be right for the artist and simply write something honest. "That's your first song to say, 'Hey, I'm a little chubby, but I love myself,' that was a scary thing to do," she said. "I got a lot of support from a lot of people and it's really helping me and my confidence." One of those people was L.A. Reid - head of her label, Epic - who heard the song and immediately told Trainor it was hers, and only hers, to sing. The track has since become an anthem for all those who don't feel like they fit the perfect beauty mold. "I tear up all the time when I see young girls write about it," she said. "It's amazing." More.
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