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Day in Pop Report for 05/29/2015


Taylor Swift Concert Bracelets Help Save Teens Lives
(Radio.com) For Taylor Swift's 1989 tour, a key element is bracelets that are handed out to the audience that light up with the music. During the concert, it presents a cool moment of connection for all in the audience to the music.

But after the recent performance in Louisiana, the bracelets provided a different way for fans to connect, and it might have saved their lives. Elizabeth Dazzio was driving her sister Caroline and a friend home from the show when she passed out behind the wheel and crashed the car, making it impossible for the teens to exit the vehicle.

When no cars stopped to help, and with their cell phones not working, the young women used the bracelets to signal to passing cars until one stopped, leading to their eventual rescue from the vehicle, according to WBRZ. Read Taylor's reaction here.

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Michael Jackson Molestation Lawsuit Dismissed
(Radio.com) Michael Jackson's name has been cleared--at least when it comes to a molestation lawsuit from a choreographer. A posthumous lawsuit against the singer filed by choreographer Wade Robson was dismissed this week because too many years had elapsed, according to Rolling Stone.

Robson, who alleges he was molested by Jackson from 1990 to 1997, waited 16 years to file the lawsuit. His case wasn't helped by the fact that he was one of Jackson's supporters while other victims came forward and testified against Jackson, including witnesses who claimed to have seen Jackson molest Robson.

Years later though, Robson says he confronted Jackson's past sexual abuse in a 2012 therapy session. "I began to recognize for myself that Jackson had molested me," Robson said in a sworn statement, before filing his lawsuit, according to People. "I first spoke about the sexual activity I had with Jackson. This revelation initiated an enormous emotional, psychological and physiological upheaval in my life that continues until this day."

Superior Court Judge Mitchell Beckloff, who handled the case on Tuesday, said that Robson was able to file a lawsuit "only for a reasonable time period after any violence, intimidation or threatening conduct by the decedent ceases," before dismissing it. Read more here.

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Kanye West Settles Lawsuit Over 'Bound 2'
(Radio.com) Kanye West has been involved in litigation for the last two years over a sample he used in his 2013 song "Bound 2," but now it looks like those days are over.

He's settled with Ricky Spicer, former singer of The Ponderosa Twins Plus One, after Spicer sued him, Roc-A-Fella Records, Universal Music Group and Island Def Jam Music Group on Dec. 23, 2013, Billboard reports.

He claimed that West didn't have permission to use his song "Bound," and that he received no royalties for it. West fought the allegation is court, but now he's settled with Spicer for an undisclosed sum. Hint: it was probably a ton of cash.

Spicer plauyed a major role in the song: it's his voice, processed through a vocal filter, that sings the chorus' iconic refrain "Bound to fall in love." Read more here.

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Drake Reveals New Verse About 'Friends'
(Radio.com) Drake has been teasing his forthcoming Views from the 6 for months, and it looks like he may have let a verse from the project slip loose Wednesday night while continuing his Jungle Tour in Detroit.

Whatever it was, it was new: "Look, I would have so many friends if I didn't have money, success and accomplishments," he raps. He continues on the theme as the verse stretches on.

"I could have so many friends if I don't tell the truth but I ain't about compliments/ I would have all of your fans if I didn't go pop and I stayed on some conscious s-/ I would have so many more friends if I lost all my respect and my calculus/ You feel me?"

At least, it sounds like he says "calculus." Anyone got a direct line to Drizzy himself? Check it out here.

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Jack Antonoff, Metallica's Robert Trujillo Part Of Bonnaroo SuperJam
(Radio.com) It's become a yearly spectacle: the Bonnaroo SuperJam, a one-night musical set of epic proportions, taking place in the wee hours of the morning. Now, we have a clearer idea of who'll be performing during it for 2015.

On Thursday (May 28), the festival announced that the 2015 Bonnaroo SuperJam will be "throwback" themed and will include Pretty Lights, DMC (of Run-DMC), Metallica's Robert Trujillo, Bleachers and fun. member Jack Antonoff, Late Late Show bandleader Reggie Watts and Chance the Rapper.

Other performers include Eric Krasno, Jamie Lidell, Karl Denson, John Medeski, Oteil Burbridge, Robert 'Sput' Spearight, Brian Coogan and Brownout Horns, plus special guests Rhiannon Giddens and Cherub.

Other surprise performers, like most years, will likely be kept under wraps until the superjam itself. Read more here.

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Chris Young Release 'I'm Comin' Over' Video
(Radio.com) Chris Young finds love in a coffee shop in his latest video for "I'm Comin' Over." On Thursday (May 28), the country singer released the new music video for his latest single via CMT, including shots of the New York City skyline peppered with sexy selfies from his new love interest.

The video shows Young and his lady friend first chatting over the register at a cafe where she works. The two hit it off and she brings his latte over with her number handwritten on the cup. The video continues to tell the story behind their relationship with several dates and makeout sessions.

However, when the relationship comes to a close it has both Young and his lady staring into the night wishing they were still together. Meanwhile, she sends him plenty of steamy selfies that make her impossible to forget.

''I'm Comin' Over' describes that feeling when you can't get someone off your mind and you just have to be with them no matter the consequences," Young said in a press release about the video. Read more here.

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Jake Owen Recorded The Vocals For His New Album In One Take
(Radio.com) Following the release of his new single "Real Life" this week, Jake Owen says his upcoming album will be a shift from the fairytale lifestyle and more about the 'real.'

"This is real life, these are real songs, real-life scenarios," Owen told Rolling Stone Country. "There is a lot of music right now that is fictional--and I've made some of it."

In an effort for a more "real" release, Owen only recorded his vocals once for his upcoming release, which is due out later this year and was produced by Shane McAnally and Ross Copperman.

"All the singing I did live. I didn't re-sing any of it," he said. "I was listening to the vocals and I was like, 'Guys, when are we going to go back and sing it?' They said, 'We're not, you're done.'"

Owen said that this done-in-one-take sound on the record will be similar to what fans hear when they see him live. Read more here.

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Modest Mouse, Iggy Pop, Run-DMC Lead Riot Fest Linep
(Radio.com) Riot Fest comes to Chicago, Toronto and Denver in 2015, and now fans have a good idea of who to expect at each location. It all starts off with Denver's Riot Fest Aug. 28-30, with Modest Mouse, Iggy Pop, Run-DMC and Pixies among the main acts at the National West Complex.

Then at the main Chicago event, held Sept. 11-13 in Douglas Park, Modest Mouse and Iggy Pop will be joined by No Doubt, Faith No More, Motorhead and more.

Finally, Riot Fest 2015 concludes with a two-night Toronto event Sept. 19-20 at Downsview Park, with Alexisonfire, Wu-Tang Clan, Motorhead, Rancid and Tyler, the Creator the main draws. As with their Denver set, Rancid will perform 'And Out Come the Wolves, their 1995 album that helped the band find their largest amount of success commercially, in full. Read more here.

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Yelawolf Releases Somber 'Johnny Cash' Video
(Radio.com) How does one compose a visual accompaniment to a song that is the remembrance of a failure? This is the question director Michael Mihail had to grapple with and it seems he decided to go with slow motion. Lots and lots of slow motion.

In "Johnny Cash," Yelawolf recalls bombing in front of an audience, using the chorus and some of the verses to hype himself up, in order to perform better the next time.

It's not like Mihail could put him in front of an unresponsive audience, lest he risk doing a recreation of that famous scene in 8 Mile. He attempts to capture Yelawolf's future self hyping up his past self instead, opting to follow him through a pre-show routine that is complete with a bit of singing to himself in the mirror, to create a sense of anticipation.

Almost every shot works here, except the one where he sits down to have a drink and a smoke. That look is too "leisure time after a successful show." The choice to go with black and white is necessary. This video would be a joke if it were in color.

The video leaves us when Yelawolf takes the stage and stands in the spotlight, a solitary figure. This is a battle he has to face alone. Watch it here.

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Kelly Clarkson Does 'Love Shack' Karaoke With A 10-Year-Old Fan
(Radio.com) For many Kelly Clarkson fans, meeting the Idol would be enough of a momentous occasion. But for one 10-year-old, she boldly walked up to Clarkson and got a once in a lifetime experience.

When little Ava was eating at a Nashville restaurant, she spotted one of her favorite singers. Rather than peer into her table though, Ava walked right up to Clarkson and put in a request.

"Ava asked, 'Kelly, would you sing with me, and Kelly said, 'of course!'" Angie Davis, Ava's mom, told Ram Country. "It was awesome! Kelly was so gracious."

The pair then sang the B-52s' 1989 hit "Love Shack," not exactly a song you'd expect to hear sung by a 10-year-old kid. But Ava nailed the lyrics, so confidently in fact that Clarkson ended up mostly singing backup for her.

It just got more adorable from there. Midway through the song Clarkson broke out in a dance solo while Ava pulled out some moves of her own. Read more here.

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Tracy Morgan Plans First Interview Since His Car Accident
(Radio.com) Tracy Morgan has been out of the public eye since his car crash with a truck on the New Jersey turnpike last June that claimed the life of one of his friends and fellow comedians. But he will return soon, giving his first interview on Monday (June 1).

The Today Show announced Morgan will join them on the broadcast and be interviewed live by Matt Lauer. Morgan's lawyer Benedict Morelli will also be in attendance.

The interview announcement follows news that the comedian has entered a confidential settlement in his lawsuit against Walmart. In a statement, Morgan said the company "did right by me and my family, and for my associates and their families. I am grateful that the case was resolved amicably." Read more here.

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Jane's Addiction, Wu-Tang Clan Lead Fun Fun Fun Fest Lineup
(Radio.com) This year's Fun Fun Fun Fest is celebrating 10 years with a lineup that is an eclectic mix of rock, hip-hop and indie that actually features bands that aren't scheduled to play every other festival this year.

The three-day Texas festival, taking place from November 6 to 8 at Austin Texas' Auditorium Shores, will feature headliners like the Wu-Tang Clan and Jane's Addiction, who will perform their 1990 LP Ritual de lo Habitual in full. D'Angelo, who rarely tours, is also set to play the festival with his group the Vanguard.

Other acts that you'll only see at Fun Fun Fun Fest include Gogol Bordello, who will play their 2005 Gypsy Punk, the English heavy metal band Venom, who will make their only U.S. appearance and the reunion of the Washington, D.C. hardcore band Dag Nasty.

Rounding out the lineup is Rae Sremmurd, Chromeo, Chvrches, Cheap Trick, NOFX, Grimes, Future Islands, Coheed and Cambria and Schoolboy Q.

To help celebrate the 10th anniversary of the fest they even got a very smart guy to help them announce the lineup in Bill Nye the Science Guy, who explains just why the festival is so fun, fun, fun. D'Angelo's abs are one of the reasons, along with every member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Read more here.

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Demi Lovato Asks Fans To Speak Up For Mental Health
(Radio.com) Demi Lovato has never been shy about talking about her struggles with mental health, now she wants others to speak up too. The singer has launched a new initiative called Be Vocal: Speak Up For Mental Health, which she hopes will help erase some of the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Lovato, who suffers from bi-polar disorder herself, is teaming up with five different mental health organizations to help others know that they don't have to fight mental illness alone.

The singer told People she wanted to bring this struggle out into the open so that as a community we can all do more to help those who need it most, whether it's speaking with friends and family who can offer support or writing letters to Congress.

"There's so many different ways you can help," she said. "I think together as a country we have to step up and we have to do something about this issue that is becoming quite an epidemic."

Along with the campaign, Lovato is starting a treatment scholarship program in honor of her father, Patrick, who had schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. He died in 2013..Read more here.

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Steph Curry's 2-Year-Old Daughter Celebrates Warriors Win With Drake
(Radio.com) How did Stephen Curry's little girl Riley celebrate her dad's big win? By singing a little Drake of course. After the 2-year-old stormed her dad's press conference after his Golden State Warriors beat the Houston Rockets to head to the NBA Finals, she took a seat on is lap to deliver a few bars from Big Sean's "Blessings."

We know Drake is a fan of Curry, rapping about "Steph Curry with the shot," on "0 to 100″, but now we know Curry's little girl is also a fan as she gave two lines from Sean's song. Both happen to be Drake's.

"Way up/I feel blessed," she sang out as he dad tried to answer some important basketball questions. While some will say it's pretty disruptive, we say it's pretty adorable. Even her dad couldn't help but crack a smile when she delivered the line to the mic. "You wanted to say that," he said with a chuckle.

This little shout-out from an even littler person didn't go unnoticed by Drake. He posted the video of her rapping the line to his Instagram with the caption, "way way way."

Maybe in a few years she'll be putting out her own record on OVO with a Drake feature. Or, at the very least, getting her own emoji tattoo of prayer hands just like Drizzy. #blessed

Watch the clip of little Riley showing off her flow here.

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Luke Bryan Shares Story Behind "I See You"
(Radio.com) Sometimes, you do save the best for last. That's what Luke Bryan says he did with the final single from his mega-hit album Crash My Party, "Play It Again."

But let's go back to the beginning, when the song was written. Bryan is well known for developing a stable of songwriters he works with and some, like Cole Swindell, even end up going out on tour with him. For "I See You", he worked with two of Nashville's best known writers.

"Well I sat down with Ashley Gorley and Luke Laird," Bryan says. "Luke had the guitar lick going [already]. We wrote two songs that day and I've cut both of them. 'I See You,' I just loved it from the day we wrote it and demoed it."

If you like it, Bryan says, you're in very good company. "[Since] we completed Crash My Party, 'I See You' has always been my favorite song on the album," Bryan says of the track. "And it's Bo and Tate's favorite song--they're good at picking singles."

Bo and Tate are Bryan's sons, who he says have to hear "I See You" every time they're in his truck. Bryan's fans might be interested to find out that this song was almost the first single from Crash My Party, but it narrowly missed making the cut after his camp had what sounds like fiery debate about it. Read more here.

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Kacey Musgraves Explains Differences From Taylor Swift
(Radio.com) For the latest issue of edgy music mag The Fader, an unlikely subject graces the cover: Kacey Musgraves. It is unclear whether the move says more about the country singer or the magazine's willingness to stretch the boundaries of what they consider relevant, but regardless, the story does feature some interesting tidbits.

Maybe most notable is a section that draws comparisons between Musgraves and Taylor Swift. The author of the story asks about a particular lyric from a new track on her upcoming album Pageant Material called 'Good Ol' Boys Club" where she sings the line, "Another gear in a big machine don't sound like fun to me."

This could easily be taken as a comment on Swift's rise on Nashville's Big Machine label, but Musgraves doesn't limit it to that. 'I'm talking about a lot of different people," she explained. "Any industry has its shoo-ins and people that get in because they know somebody, or their dad worked here, whatever. But, yeah, there is a wink."

Where as Swift has embraced her massive popularity, Musgrave seems to have a different trajectory, which may be why she has elected to stay with her country roots rather than embrace pop stardom like Swift.

'The idea of massive amounts of fame--having my face on Walgreens end-caps and pizza boxes--I don't fantasize about that� I'm happy with just being a songwriter. I'd rather have smaller numbers [of fans] that are really into what I'm doing than a massive amount of people that don't really know what I'm about." Read more here.

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