A weekly update on all things music, entertainment and technology, coming straight to you from Anthony Vanger at MassiveMusic. #TWIM
ARTIST OF THE WEEK: MAGGIE ROGERS
Last week we wrote about the visceral and technical qualities of Aretha Franklin’s voice. This week we are highlighting the attributes of a female vocalist of a different kind: Maggie Rogers, a 24-yr old American musician, singer-songwriter, and producer from Easton, Maryland. She shot to fame 2 years ago after her song “Alaska” was played to Pharrell Williams during a master class at New York University. Back then she was mainly a folk singer, but after discovering electronic music during a student trip to France, she migrated over to a more poppy, electronic sound. The song below, Give a Little, is the single from her upcoming debut album. I love her voice – rich, subliminal, poppy – because it demands to be listened to and taken seriously. And the poppy sound of her new single is pure bubble gum pleasure. One to watch.
AD OF THE WEEK
This week old favourite John Lewis occupies the top spot, pairing up with Waitrose. As Campaign writes, “Full of heart and humour without being brash, this big, beautifully-crafted production stands as a piece of entertainment in its own right. With fresh brand identities, John Lewis and Waitrose are back on form.” This version of Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody had me sitting on the edge of my seat at work, praying that the kids would somehow manage to pull it off. And they do! So happy to see this classic song get a fresh new take. Watch the original soar up the charts!
HACKNEY ARTS CENTRE UNVEILS NEW NAME AHEAD OF SEPTEMBER RELAUNCH
East London’s latest cultural venue unveils new name, branding and design.
Previously known as Hackney Arts Centre, the creative project has been re-named Evolutionary Arts Hackney, AKA EartH.
It’s Autumn programme will include artists such as Erol Alkan, George FitzGerald, Grouper, Leon Vynehall, Gilles Peterson and more, as well as curated events from the likes of The Heatwave and Soundcrash.
Developed by the team behind popular London venue Village Underground, EartH will be “curated to span art forms and a multitude of genres and voices encompassing an international live music programme, performance art, special talks and debates, comedy, and film,” according to a recent press release.
EA SPORTS – FIFA 2019 IN GAME SOUND TRACK REVEALED
Gorillaz, Peggy Gou, Young Fathers and Bob Moses are among the artists featured in the forthcoming video game soundtrack.
Big sync deals come with big brands, so there is no surprise that this year’s FIFA game secured some big name acts. Stream the playlist via Spotify below.
EMINEM ON COURSE FOR NO.1 ALBUM WITH KAMIKAZE
And on track to break records!
The rapper’s latest album, “Kamikaze,” is quickly rising to the top of the charts after its surprise release last week.
The Detroit native is currently on track for his album to debut No.1 on the Billboard 200 chart. The feat would mark Eminem’s ninth No. 1 album, according to Nielsen Music. His previous seven albums also debuted at No. 1. If Slim Shady pulls it off again, he’ll be the first artist in history with eight consecutive album entries in the top spot.
YAMAHA’S LATEST TURNTABLE STREAMS MULTI-ROOM AUDIO VIA WIFI
You can pair a turntable with a multi-room audio setup (Sonos even offers a bundle), but even that option that usually means wiring your record player into the setup. Yamaha thinks it can do better. Its newly launched MusicCast Vinyl 500 turntable, selling for $699.95, uses WiFi to stream records wirelessly to MusicCast speakers in your home. If you don’t insist on that distinctive vinyl sound, the machine will natively stream digital services like Spotify, Pandora and Tidal.
Ed Note: I know quite a few vinyl hounds who will seriously be into this machine!