Showing posts sorted by relevance for query music. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query music. Sort by date Show all posts

Tuesday 16 July 2013

She's still got the moves! Supportive Demi Moore, 50, dances with the kids as her talented daughter Rumer Willis performs

Giving her all: Demi got dancing but she stuck to a healthy green smoothie for refreshment
Giving her all: Demi got dancing but she stuck to a healthy green smoothie for refreshment 

Like many mothers and their daughters, they've certainly had their ups and downs.
But it looks as if Moore and her eldest child Rumer are finally back on track after a rocky couple of years following the explosive breakdown of the actress's marriage to Ashton Kutcher.
The concert is just the latest example of the pair's growing closeness and Demi's willingness to forge a strong bond with her eldest.
Cheering squad: Demi threw her all into cheering her gal along
Cheering squad: Demi threw her all into cheering her gal along

Repairing the bond: Demi Moore came to cheer on her daughter Rumer Willis as she sang at an Los Angeles music festival over the weekend
Repairing the bond: Demi Moore came to cheer on her daughter Rumer Willis as she sang at an Los Angeles music festival over the weekend

Dressed in a cool black, lace sundress and with over-sized sunglasses, she fitted right in with the eclectic music crowd.
Ever-youthful Demi, who turned fifty last year, gossiped with her daughter before Rumer took to the stage with her band.
The 24 year-old was poised to follow her famous parents into acting, but it seems Rumer is leaning to a career in music.
Supportive mom: Youthful Demi joins the crowds at the LA music festival
Supportive mom: Youthful Demi joins the crowds at the LA music festival

Is she really fifty? Demi and Rumer could be sisters as they chat before the performance
Is she really fifty? Demi and Rumer could be sisters as they chat before the performance

Coordinating: The mother and daughter seemed to be checking on the timing as they chatted together
Coordinating: The mother and daughter seemed to be checking on the timing as they chatted together
For she looked every inch the grunge rock chick as she performed with her band.
The first born daughter of actor Bruce Willis and his ex wife Demi Moore seemed right at home with a microphone in her hand.
And the enthusiastic crows turned up en masse to see her set.
Rock chick: Rumer Willis showed she was a natural performer just like her mother and father as she took to the stage at a Los Angeles music festival on Sunday
Rock chick: Rumer Willis showed she was a natural performer just like her mother and father as she took to the stage at a Los Angeles music festival on Sunday
Famous face in the crowd: Demi mingles with the other revellers as she watches her daughter on stage
Famous face in the crowd: Demi mingles with the other revellers as she watches her daughter on stage

Lazy Sunday afternoon: Demi blended in with the huge crowd and stayed at the festival well into the evening
Lazy Sunday afternoon: Demi blended in with the huge crowd and stayed at the festival well into the evening

Something funny? One gentleman seemed a little shocked about something as he chatted to Demi
Something funny? One gentleman seemed a little shocked about something as he chatted to Demi
Rumer made her acting debut at the tender age of five in the movie Now and Then alongside her mother.
The following year she appeared in Striptease and she also worked alongside her dad in The Whole Nine Yards in 2000.
This year, the 24 year-old won a role in an episode of the hit TV show Pretty Little Liars which is due to air this month.
Dressed for the part: Striking Rumer wore dark glasses and a fedora hat with a shapeless sundress
Dressed for the part: Striking Rumer wore dark glasses and a fedora hat with a shapeless sundress
Playing the crowd: The 24 year-old shows no sign of stage fright
Playing the crowd: The 24 year-old shows no sign of stage fright
Taking the lead: Rumer had been tipped for a career in the film business but perhaps things are about to change
Taking the lead: Rumer had been tipped for a career in the film business but perhaps things are about to change
Relaxing after the gig: Rumer chats with fans and friends
Relaxing after the gig: Rumer chats with fans and friends
But last year Rumer tested her musical talent belting out rock songs and jazz standards at the Sayers Club three times and at the SLS Hotel in Miami.

So perhaps she is getting serious about swapping the movie business for the music industry or perhaps she is just mixing it up
One thing's for sure, this weekend Rumer was a sure fire hit when she performed at the trendy The Lot Party LA.
On show: Rumer gave a glimpse of her bikini top beneath her dress
On show: Rumer gave a glimpse of her bikini top beneath her dress

Hanging out: Rumer seemed to be having a great time as she hung out with pals
Hanging out: Rumer seemed to be having a great time as she hung out with pals
Quick on her feet: Demi was in her stride as she dashed across the street in ankle boots, black leather jacket and short dress
Quick on her feet: Demi was in her stride as she dashed across the street in ankle boots, black leather jacket and short dress

Keeping company: Rumer didn't seem nervous at all as she arrived to the venue with her pal ahead of the show
Keeping company: Rumer didn't seem nervous at all as she arrived to the venue with her pal ahead of the show

No jitters here: The eldest Willis daughter broke into a grin
No jitters here: The eldest Willis daughter broke into a grin

And she has the perfect mentor if she does opt for a career in music - her younger sister Scout.
The 21 year-old was invited to play at the prestigious South By South West festival in Austin, Texas this spring.
Rumer, who was in the crowd that night, was clearly impressed.
'Scout just killed it,' she tweeted.
Mixing it up: Rumer wore cowboy boots with her printed dress and beaded necklace
Mixing it up: Rumer wore cowboy boots with her printed dress and beaded necklace
Any words of advice: Rumer seemed to be having a last minute girl chat
Any words of advice: Rumer seemed to be having a last minute girl chat

Home time: Demi and Rumer seen leaving the event separately and heading into the night
Home time: Demi and Rumer seen leaving the event separately and heading into the night
Home time: Demi and Rumer seen leaving the event separately and heading into the night


She's been berated for trying to act younger than her years.  But when 50-year-old Demi Moore decided to get down with the kids at an L.A. music festival on Saturday, it was for a very good reason indeed.  The raven-haired beauty was supporting her daughter Rumer, 24, who was performing with her band at the event.  Down with the kids: Demi Moore threw out some moves while watching her daughter perform at an LA music festival on Sunday  Down with the kids: Demi Moore threw out some moves while watching her daughter perform at an LA music festival on Sunday  Giving her all: Demi got dancing but she stuck to a healthy green smoothie for refreshment  Giving her all: Demi got dancing but she stuck to a healthy green smoothie for refreshment   Like many mothers and their daughters, they've certainly had their ups and downs.  But it looks as if Moore and her eldest child Rumer are finally back on track after a rocky couple of years following the explosive breakdown of the actress's marriage to Ashton Kutcher.  The concert is just the latest example of the pair's growing closeness and Demi's willingness to forge a strong bond with her eldest. Cheering squad: Demi threw her all into cheering her gal along  Cheering squad: Demi threw her all into cheering her gal along  Repairing the bond: Demi Moore came to cheer on her daughter Rumer Willis as she sang at an Los Angeles music festival over the weekend  Repairing the bond: Demi Moore came to cheer on her daughter Rumer Willis as she sang at an Los Angeles music festival over the weekend  Dressed in a cool black, lace sundress and with over-sized sunglasses, she fitted right in with the eclectic music crowd.  Ever-youthful Demi, who turned fifty last year, gossiped with her daughter before Rumer took to the stage with her band.  The 24 year-old was poised to follow her famous parents into acting, but it seems Rumer is leaning to a career in music. Supportive mom: Youthful Demi joins the crowds at the LA music festival  Supportive mom: Youthful Demi joins the crowds at the LA music festival  Is she really fifty? Demi and Rumer could be sisters as they chat before the performance  Is she really fifty? Demi and Rumer could be sisters as they chat before the performance  Coordinating: The mother and daughter seemed to be checking on the timing as they chatted together  Coordinating: The mother and daughter seemed to be checking on the timing as they chatted together  For she looked every inch the grunge rock chick as she performed with her band.  The first born daughter of actor Bruce Willis and his ex wife Demi Moore seemed right at home with a microphone in her hand.  And the enthusiastic crows turned up en masse to see her set. Rock chick: Rumer Willis showed she was a natural performer just like her mother and father as she took to the stage at a Los Angeles music festival on Sunday  Rock chick: Rumer Willis showed she was a natural performer just like her mother and father as she took to the stage at a Los Angeles music festival on Sunday Famous face in the crowd: Demi mingles with the other revellers as she watches her daughter on stage  Famous face in the crowd: Demi mingles with the other revellers as she watches her daughter on stage  Lazy Sunday afternoon: Demi blended in with the huge crowd and stayed at the festival well into the evening  Lazy Sunday afternoon: Demi blended in with the huge crowd and stayed at the festival well into the evening  Something funny? One gentleman seemed a little shocked about something as he chatted to Demi  Something funny? One gentleman seemed a little shocked about something as he chatted to Demi  Rumer made her acting debut at the tender age of five in the movie Now and Then alongside her mother.  The following year she appeared in Striptease and she also worked alongside her dad in The Whole Nine Yards in 2000.  This year, the 24 year-old won a role in an episode of the hit TV show Pretty Little Liars which is due to air this month. Dressed for the part: Striking Rumer wore dark glasses and a fedora hat with a shapeless sundress  Dressed for the part: Striking Rumer wore dark glasses and a fedora hat with a shapeless sundress Playing the crowd: The 24 year-old shows no sign of stage fright  Playing the crowd: The 24 year-old shows no sign of stage fright Taking the lead: Rumer had been tipped for a career in the film business but perhaps things are about to change  Taking the lead: Rumer had been tipped for a career in the film business but perhaps things are about to change Relaxing after the gig: Rumer chats with fans and friends  Relaxing after the gig: Rumer chats with fans and friends  But last year Rumer tested her musical talent belting out rock songs and jazz standards at the Sayers Club three times and at the SLS Hotel in Miami.  So perhaps she is getting serious about swapping the movie business for the music industry or perhaps she is just mixing it up  One thing's for sure, this weekend Rumer was a sure fire hit when she performed at the trendy The Lot Party LA. On show: Rumer gave a glimpse of her bikini top beneath her dress  On show: Rumer gave a glimpse of her bikini top beneath her dress  Hanging out: Rumer seemed to be having a great time as she hung out with pals  Hanging out: Rumer seemed to be having a great time as she hung out with pals Quick on her feet: Demi was in her stride as she dashed across the street in ankle boots, black leather jacket and short dress  Quick on her feet: Demi was in her stride as she dashed across the street in ankle boots, black leather jacket and short dress  Keeping company: Rumer didn't seem nervous at all as she arrived to the venue with her pal ahead of the show  Keeping company: Rumer didn't seem nervous at all as she arrived to the venue with her pal ahead of the show  No jitters here: The eldest Willis daughter broke into a grin  No jitters here: The eldest Willis daughter broke into a grin  And she has the perfect mentor if she does opt for a career in music - her younger sister Scout.  The 21 year-old was invited to play at the prestigious South By South West festival in Austin, Texas this spring.  Rumer, who was in the crowd that night, was clearly impressed.  'Scout just killed it,' she tweeted. Mixing it up: Rumer wore cowboy boots with her printed dress and beaded necklace  Mixing it up: Rumer wore cowboy boots with her printed dress and beaded necklace Any words of advice: Rumer seemed to be having a last minute girl chat  Any words of advice: Rumer seemed to be having a last minute girl chat  Home time: Demi and Rumer seen leaving the event separately and heading into the night Home time: Demi and Rumer seen leaving the event separately and heading into the night  Home time: Demi and Rumer seen leaving the event separately and heading into the night 
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Tuesday 5 November 2013

Annie Lennox wins praise from Adele and Elton John at Music Industry Trust Award

All eyes were on singer, Annie Lennox on Monday night when she attended the 22nd Music Industry Trust Award at the Grosvenor Hotel in London.
The former Eurythmics star was honoured in recognition of her outstanding contribution to British music and her charity work at the event which was hosted by BBC Radio 2 presenter, Jo Whiley.
Annie, whose solo hits include Why and Walking On Broken Glass, was thrilled with the accolade and said: 'I’m very touched and honoured to receive this award.
There must be an angel: Annie Lennox arriving at the Music Industry Trust Award at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Monday night
There must be an angel: Annie Lennox arriving at the Music Industry Trust Award at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London on Monday night
'Music has given me a lifetime of experiences and opportunities that I would never have dreamed possible, and I feel very privileged to have been able to become an artist and communicator, especially as a woman.'
The 58-year-old looked decadent in a long gold down with perfectly matching heels. She wore pink lipstick and she kept her famously short, bleached, cropped hair, neat and fuss-free.
Singers Sir Elton John and Adele were among the stars who praised the chart-topping performer.
Who's that girl? The global superstar wore a gorgeous gold dress to the event
Who's that girl? The global superstar wore a gorgeous gold dress to the event
Speaking in a recorded video message, Sir Elton: 'It is so well deserved and not only for your extraordinary contribution to music and songwriting but also for your outstanding and tireless work as an HIV and AIDS activist and supporter of woman’s rights.'
Archbishop Desmond Tutu also spoke on the film. He said: 'She is one of those exemplary human beings who chose to put her success in her chosen career to work in order to benefit others. She is a true friend of Africa and of South Africa.
'Her Aids activism in general, and support for the treatment action campaign in-particular, contributed significantly to turning the pandemic around in our country.'
Congratulations: Annie was honoured for her contribution to music on the night
Congratulations: Annie was honoured for her contribution to music on the night
And writing in the programme for the event, Oscar-winning singer Adele added:
'So many of her songs have been the soundtrack to my life. Annie Lennox has been a constant part of my life. An example of a brilliant talent that exudes excellence and influence on everyone.'
The fundraising event was attended by more than 1000 other guests, including musicians, David Gray, Sandie Shaw and Peter Gabriel.

A family affair: Annie's daughters, Lola Fruchtmann and Tali Lennox turned up to support their mother
A family affair: Annie's daughters, Lola Fruchtmann and Tali Lennox turned up to support their mother
Annie's daughters, Tali Lennox, 20 and Lola Fruchtmann, 23, were also there to support their mother on the night.
Tali wore a black midi dress with a sweetheart neckline with black and yellow lace heels and her sister, Lola, wore a gold beaded tunic mini dress over black tights and colourful strappy sandals.
Previous winners of the award have been Sir Elton, Gary Barlow and Kylie Minogue OBE
The Music Industry Trusts Award has so far raised over £4.3 million for Nordoff Robbins and the BRIT Trust.
Sweet dreams: Annie's daughters, Tali (left) and Lola (right) look just like their mum
Sweet dreams: Annie's daughters, Tali (left) and Lola (right) look just like their mum
Sweet dreams: Annie's daughters, Tali (left) and Lola (right) look just like their mum
Down to earth: Singer Peter Gabriel was on the guestlist at the MIT's award
Down to earth: Singer Peter Gabriel was on the guestlist at the MIT's award
Special guests: Musicians David Gray (left) and Sandie Shaw (right) also made an appearance
Special guests: Musicians David Gray (left) and Sandie Shaw (right) also made an appearance
Special guests: Musicians David Gray (left) and Sandie Shaw (right) also made an appearance
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Thursday 17 July 2014

The Curious Mechanics of EDM and How It Became Distinct From Electronic Dance Music

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Over the next two weekends, the People of Tomorrow will witness floating stages, pyrotechnic phenomena, fountains, flamethrowers and flowers dropped by helicopters. They will camp in DreamVille, push buttons on their bracelets to keep in touch, and find the mythical key to happiness. They are 360,000 deep, they hail from 220 countries, and they are here for the largest electronic dance music (EDM) festival in Europe. Their stories will live on in the Book of Wisdom, and in the photos and videos they are statistically more likely to share before, during and after an event than their non-EDM peers.



The 10th anniversary of Tomorrowland will bring approximately 400 DJs to 20 stages. But according to many, the festival experience far eclipses the music: a phenomenon unique to EDM. The smoke and mirrors (often literally) of lasers, lightshows, projections; the neon aesthetic of rave culture; the associated drugs and alcohol, the tutting, twerking, and the PLUR handshaking kandi kids -- all these things constitute an attraction of their own. The music isn't always center stage. This year, Electric Daisy Carnival (the largest EDM festival in the world) sold out before the lineup was even released. According to a 2013 Eventbrite study, over a quarter (28 percent) of EDM fans don't listen to the music but still like going to the events. And a significant percentage of fans considered the event venue and promoter to be just as important as the artist performing when it comes to purchase decision (80 percent and 38 percent of fans, respectively).



These facts, along with dispensable income and social networking tendencies of EDM fans have bolstered the global EDM market to the tune of $6.2 billion dollars (with some valuations as high as $20 billion). As Diplo told SPIN , "A band plays, it's 45 minutes. DJs can play for 4 hours." In Vegas, that will turn a crowd over twice -- in the middle of the day. Nightclubs there are giving casinos a literal run for their money: XS, a club inside the Encore Resort brings in between several hundred thousand and a million dollars a night. And consequently, DJs, promoters and venues are making out with tens of millions annually for their efforts.



The commercialization of EDM has embittered fans and DJs alike, causing Deadmau5 to rename the genre "Event Driven Marketing" at the 2013 South by Southwest festival. Inevitably, things are sacrificed for the spectacle and there are many who believe music quality is one. "It's so big now it's just getting milked," Avicii told the Guardian . "Originality is definitely missing from EDM." "I feel like I've heard 10,000 DJs playing the exact same sets," DJ & producer Porter Robinson told Do Androids Dance last summer. And the ever inflammatory Deadmau5 chimed in this spring: "EDM all sounds the same to me."



However, the demand for the genre remains relentless. Tomorrowland is rumored to have sold out in seconds. As the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) 2014 Digital Music Report revealed, urban and dance music "consistently 'over index' on streaming services, which means that record companies are striving to sign more artists performing in these genres."



As musicians and fans alike begin to dissociate their electronic dance music from the mainstream commercial glow of the acronym EDM, and simultaneously more EDM is produced, the proliferation of the genre has been remarkable. Take, for example, the absurdity and multiplicity of the following tracts: brostep, techstep, drumstep, luvstep, thugstep, two step, darkstep, funkstep, hardstep, jazzstep, breakstep -- all are subgenres of either Dubstep, Garage, or Drum and Bass.



To be fair, genre lines are always amorphous at best, but within the realm of electronic dance music, the distinctions are especially weak. House, techno and trance all conform to a static 4/4 time signature, kick drum on every beat, high hat click to the off-beat (16th note), a repetitive structure and similar harmonic/melodic construction. We can talk semantics around trance's tendency to build up and break down its repetitions, or the tweaked instrumentation that seems to accompany techno -- but those slights of character would never make or break a category in classical, jazz, or rock.



In any case, as subgenres flood the scene, and commercial interests continue to inflate the EDM bubble, the People of Tomorrow will descend unperturbed. They're there for the experience. And in Tomorrowland, there's little a bubble wand can't solve.
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Monday 22 July 2013

'When you fall in love, you feel alive and everything is magical': Diana Vickers opens up on her romance with George Craig as she poses for high-fashion shoot

She's about to burst back onto the music scene after a three-year hiatus from the industry.
But Diana Vickers has admitted falling in love with her One Night Only rocker beau George Craig has had a 'big impact' on the creative process of recording her second studio album, Music To Make Boys Cry.
Opening up about her two-year romance with the Burberry model - who previously dated actress Emma Watson - the 21-year-old singer admitted she has felt like 'everything is magical' ever since the pair got together. 
Scroll down for behind-the-scenes video
Scarlet woman: Diana Vickers opened up on love, life and making music in an interview with the August edition of DRAFTED magazine
Scarlet woman: Diana Vickers opened up on love, life and making music in an interview with the August edition of DRAFTED magazine
Speaking in an interview with the August edition of DRAFTED magazine, she said: 'I fell in love over these past two years when I was writing the album, so that had a big impact on the creative process.
'It makes you feel happy and that affects your work – whatever you do in life. When you fall in love, you feel alive and everything is magical. You can always tell when someone’s in love because it radiates from them.
'I wrote half the album before I met my boyfriend, but falling in love has definitely had an effect on the overall record.'
Smouldering: The 21-year-old singer looked incredible as she posed up a storm in a high-fashion shoot for photographer Jay McLaughlin
Smouldering: The 21-year-old singer looked incredible as she posed up a storm in a high-fashion shoot for photographer Jay McLaughlin
Smitten: The Lancashire-born starlet admitted falling in love with her One Night Only rocker beau George Craig has had a 'big impact' on the creative process of recording her second studio album, Music To Make Boys Cry
Smitten: The Lancashire-born starlet admitted falling in love with her One Night Only rocker beau George Craig has had a 'big impact' on the creative process of recording her second studio album, Music To Make Boys Cry
Posing in a stunning high-fashion shoot styled by Rivkie Baum, the Lancashire-born beauty worked her magic in front of the camera for photographer Jay McLaughlin.
Diana explained she and George, 22, try not to get too wrapped up in the 'superficial side' of their relationship, although she admitted she finds it easier to date someone else in the public eye because he isn't 'fazed' by her fame.
She added: 'When you first start seeing someone, people want to know about that person and they dig up things about the person you’re dating. Sometimes that can be hard.
Loved-up: Opening up about her two-year romance with Burberry model George - who previously dated actress Emma Watson - Diana admitted she has felt like 'everything is magical' ever since the pair got together
Loved-up: Opening up about her two-year romance with Burberry model George - who previously dated actress Emma Watson - Diana admitted she has felt like 'everything is magical' ever since the pair got together
Talented: Diana explained she and George, 22, try not to get too wrapped up in the 'superficial side' of their relationship, although she admitted she finds it easier to date someone else in the public eye because he isn't 'fazed' by her fame
Talented: Diana explained she and George, 22, try not to get too wrapped up in the 'superficial side' of their relationship, although she admitted she finds it easier to date someone else in the public eye because he isn't 'fazed' by her fame
'But at the end of the day that’s not reality. The reality is just the two of you and the life you have at home and your friends and family. Going out and getting papped together is nothing, it’s just the superficial side to the relationship.
'That’s why I’ve found it good to date someone that’s in the industry because they’re generally used to it and not really fazed by it.'

Although the couple may be love's young dream, Diana joked that music is her 'baby', and admitted she is '10 times' happier with her second album offering than her debut record, Songs From The Cherry Tree, which hit the number one spot back in 2010.
New beginnings: Although the couple may be love's young dream, Diana joked that music is her 'baby'
New beginnings: Although the couple may be love's young dream, Diana joked that music is her 'baby'
Satisfied: Diana admitted she is '10 times' happier with her second album offering than her debut record, Songs From The Cherry Tree, which hit the number one spot back in 2010
Satisfied: Diana admitted she is '10 times' happier with her second album offering than her debut record, Songs From The Cherry Tree, which hit the number one spot back in 2010
Read the full interview with Diana, wearing a Mawi London necklace, in the August issue of DRAFTED magazine, out August 5
Read the full interview with Diana, wearing a Mawi London necklace, in the August issue of DRAFTED magazine, out August 5
She added to DRAFTED: 'Music is my baby. It’s so nice to get back into the swing of it all. I had a bit of a break, but the second time round feels so much better.
'I’m in a much better headspace now and I love this album 10 times more than my first one.
'I’m loving it! This time around I know myself better and I’ve opened up to a whole different type of music...
'After my first album I had a bit of an identity crisis. I wasn’t really sure what kind of artist I was.
'The album did really well but it felt very young. I really wanted to go away and find myself and rediscover a few things...
'I really understand myself now and I’m so happy with the songs. You can see the transition of me as a person in my music.
'It’s more mature and sophisticated and feels like there’s more of a structure and consistent vibe to it.'
Read the full interview with Diana Vickers in the August issue of DRAFTED magazine, out August 5.
Happy couple: Diana and George attended the UK premiere of The Lone Ranger in London's Leicester Square on Sunday night
Happy couple: Diana and George attended the UK premiere of The Lone Ranger in London's Leicester Square on Sunday night

Promotional trail: Diana made an appearance on ITV's This Morning on Monday
Promotional trail: Diana made an appearance on ITV's This Morning on Monday

Promotional trail: Diana made an appearance on ITV's This Morning on Monday
She's got The X Factor: Diana took to the stage to perform her new single, Cinderella, live
She's got The X Factor: Diana took to the stage to perform her new single, Cinderella, live
Read More »

Thursday 17 July 2014

Amerigo Gazaway: For Love of Hip Hop

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Music has a funny way of imprinting a time period in the listener's head. And maybe that's why we like it. As a work of both art and performance, listening to music becomes more than a passive experience. The audience participates in different, and now evolving ways. Technology has drastically changed the way we enjoy and consume the music we love, as well as changed the way it's produced. This evolution has come at a cost, however, and there are various schools of thought as to who is on the side of good or not. In 1979, The Sugar Hill Gang's "Rapper's Delight", incorporated nearly note for note, Chic's "Good Times", and went on to become an international hit. It was a defining moment in what would come to be known as hip hop. It wasn't however, a new phenomenon.



DJs of those days would play popular records, often-times, the extended 12" mixes, accompanied by an MC, (then also known as "master of ceremony") who would rhyme along to the music with prearranged lines and call-and-response chants. This was a building block of the culture from the days of basement parties in the Bronx. But, alas, the party would eventually have to stop. As the phenomenon turned from a regional happening to a marketable commodity, the publishing companies, and original artists took notice, and wanted due compensation. There is a long list of specific legal cases, many of which were pioneered in the realm of hip hop, that brought us to where we are today: De La Soul, Public Enemy, The Beastie Boys, Luther Campbell, and just recently, producer, Easy Mo Bee losing a suit regarding a Notorious B.I.G. song using sample from The Impressions, to name but a few. It's likely the trend of pursuing legal claims will continue as more copyright holders discover their songs have been used. Considering the personal relationship listeners have with music, where does this bring the conversation regarding ownership and fair use, and the love of hip hop?



I spoke with DJ/producer, Amerigo Gazaway, late of Gummy Soul Music, about these ideas, as well as his process in creating new works using samples from well known artists. His responses have been edited for length and clarity.



I think the idea of a "mashup", the combining of two or more songs together to form a new song, has been around (in a mainstream way) in force for about ten years. Your projects take on two or more artists to create a whole album experience. That's a bigger undertaking. What is your motivation or ambition?



My ultimate motivation with the projects is to create something that sounds authentic and organic enough that it maintains the integrity of the original work. Most people consider the artist and work I re-imagine to be untouchable so I'm driven by the challenge to do the original work justice. That can sometimes involve a lot of re-worked vocals/samples with other outside elements or it can involve just one sample that's been manipulated in a cool and interesting way. It really depends on the tone I'm trying to convey at that particular moment in the album. People tend to think that's what sets me apart from other mashup producers- that I use a lot of samples. But that's not necessarily the case, and sometimes less is more. Not to say there isn't a distinction between what people might typically consider a "mashup" album and the type of conceptual collaborations I create but they're just two different approaches to the art of sampling.



In the so-called "Golden Age" of hip hop, the art of sampling was established, with some artists making their biggest hits by appropriating the works of others. One of the results was the now hyper-vigilance of publishing companies seeking out copyright violators. After years of precedent deciding in favor of the copyright owners, what compels you to do what you do?



Aside from my personal belief that sampling is a legitimate and viable art form (and should be recognized, accepted and treated as such), the support and encouragement I get from the fans is more than enough to compel me to keep creating. I want to help move us towards a more creatively free culture. Not only for me but for all the artists and producers who want to express themselves creatively but are afraid to because of overly restrictive and unconstitutionally long copyright laws. The irony is that DJ/producers are one of the most valuable assets a publishing company or label can have in terms of promotional tools. We're bringing attention to material that more often than not, was released years or decades ago. Why not embrace and leverage what we're doing as opposed to shutting down a free project that's bringing awareness to that material? The good news is that more and more labels, artists, and estates are starting to recognize the potential value in opening up their catalogues for producers like myself to re-imagine. There is still a lot of money to be made from those catalogues, and there are entirely new markets of potential fans/listeners out there waiting to be reached.



I know that you come from a family background steeped in music. Who were your influences coming up?



My mom is from Rio de Janeiro and plays a bit of bossa nova guitar so there was always Brazilian jazz, funk, rock, and bossa nova (Carlos Jobim, Gilberto Gil, Milton Nascimento, etc.) playing around the house growing up. And my father is a jazz horn player and composer too, so I'd spend entire summers at his house just going through his huge record collection, discovering everything from Weather Report to Otis Redding. He listened to a lot of world music and more obscure stuff so all of those elements molded the way I approach music today.



Fela Kuti and De La Soul? How does that happen?



It's funny because I had the idea for Fela Soul way before I decided to actually go through with it. I had been a big fan of both artists and thought that bringing them together would be a really dope concept. But then I ended up forgetting about the idea and it didn't re-surface until a couple of years later when I was working on something else. For some reason, I started humming the horns from Fela's "Water No Get Enemy" while listening to De La's "Breakadawn" and the combination of the two ended up being the first track I produced for the project.



Without considering any legal hurdles it would involve, what would be the project you'd most want to work on, and why?



If there weren't any legal hurdles, I'd love to re-release "Bizarre Tribe" but that's a whole other story. When we first got the cease and desist, I had this crazy idea of hiring real musicians to recreate the beats live instead of using the original samples that Tribe had flipped but I ended up not being able to do it. I've wanted to do a project with Digable Planets' first couple of albums for a while too, but can't seem to get my hands on any of their acapellas or multi-tracks. Would love to do something with all the Outkast albums, Stevie Wonder, Rick James, Prince... I could literally go on for days with this one.



Part of the DJ culture has always been the selection and use of "white labels" - records with unmarked labels, to obscure the source information from the eyes and ears of other DJs. In your Yasiin Gaye project, you made use of alternate vocals, b-sides, rehearsals - material the majority of Marvin Gaye or Yasiin Bey listeners had never heard before. You even speak about it some during that project. Can you explain that process a little further?



There's a long research process I go through before starting on the music itself and I can sometimes search for weeks and not find what I need to flush out a full project. With Yasiin Gaye, there were a lot more resources out there so I was able to get my hands on a lot of acapellas and multitrack sessions which allowed me more creative freedom in the studio. Also, the Trouble Man soundtrack reissue has lots of cool outtakes and unreleased material, which I utilized on both sides of the Yasiin Gaye project.



For this album (and a lot of my other projects), I worked closely with The Goodwill Projects to create do-it-yourself acapellas. This process uses phase Inversion to isolate and extract just the vocal track of a particular song. Most of the songs you hear on side two wouldn't have been possible without using that technique. I also like to find and use elements that haven't been used in the same way I'm presenting it. On "There Is a Way", for example, I pulled vocals from a video clip of Mos (Yasiin Bey) spitting a verse from "Auditorium" while he's walking the streets of Tokyo. "Anna's Love Song" is another good one where I took a snippet from an interview Mos did about Marvin Gaye and incorporated that into the hook.



One of the earliest songs to be classified as hip hop was Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force's 1982 rework of the Kraftwerk song "Trans Europe Express". Largely unknown to American listeners, that song and technique helped to lay the foundation for hip hop for years to come - still echoing today. As someone carrying on that tradition, where do you see hip hop, and popular music as a whole going in the next decades?



I'm definitely seeing a return to physical media, particularly with vinyl and even cassette tapes. I get emails every day from people asking if I'll release the projects on vinyl. Music is a very personal thing for people and there's an emotional connection that the listener has with a physical record that can't be replaced with an iTunes or Spotify playlist. Because of social media, I'm also seeing a lot more direct artist-to-fan interaction with fans participation playing a role in the direction of the music itself. I try to encourage my fans to send me samples, stems, ideas etc. to remix or use in future productions because I think that dialogue is important to the process.



Your latest project, The Big Payback, Vol. 3, is an exploration and mashup of James Brown recordings with other hip hop sources. James Brown is, and has been an elemental part of hip hop. Tell me what his music means to you as a DJ and producer.



In my opinion, James Brown paved the way for people like Afrika Bambaataa and Soul Sonic Force, guys like Busta Rhymes and some of the other artists I sampled on "The Big Payback." I consider artists like James Brown, Fela Kuti, and Lee Scratch Perry to be some of the very first emcees and pioneers of hip-hop culture. These guys were rapping, dj-ing and remixing tracks before we even knew what those words meant.



You've got a pretty lengthy list of releases since you got started in 2011. How have you been so prolific, and what's up next for you?



Firstly, I've been really lucky to have tons of support from my team, my family, my friends, and my fans - without their help, I wouldn't be able to do what I do. I think hip hop truly is a universal language and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to share the collective experience of music with so many others around the world. As far as next steps, the logical progression is for me is to start working with more artists, labels and publishers directly. There's an untapped opportunity for labels and remix artists to work to together in a situation where everybody wins. The demand for bootleg vinyl alone is proof that people will pay good money to hear their favorite artists re-worked or remixed. It's important for me to keep getting these projects out there and heard so people will open their eyes to the potential of sample-based music and hip hop. I want to remind people why they fell in love with those classics it in the first place by taking them on a journey that's somewhat familiar yet feels completely new.
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Monday 12 August 2013

Madonna shows off diamond encrusted grills as she attends Menton music festival with boyfriend Brahim Zaibat

The singer shows off her grills as she arrives at the event in southern France with Brahim Zaibat
Madonna showed off her distinctive looking grills when she arrived in the south of France accompanied by boyfriend Brahim Zaibat.
The 54-year-old singer was paying a visit to Menton, a picturesque coastal town close to the French-Italian border and site of the annual Festival de Musique de Menton – a celebration of classical music with performances from a range of global artists and symphony orchestras.
But while then occasion was all about classical music, Madonna also took the opportunity to show off the distinctly urban grills she previously showcased for followers on picture messaging service Instagtram.
The bizarre fashion accessory includes 24 diamonds and an open-tooth design that shows her real teeth underneath.
Something to smile about: The singer shows off her grills as she arrives at the event in southern France with Brahim Zaibat
Evidently delighted with her new mouthpiece, Madonna has since showing them off in a range of shots over the last few weeks, including one in which he appears to be biting down on a sword.
Dressed a little less provocatively than usual in a polka dotted black dress and white cardigan, Madonna was spotted taking in performances from concert pianist sisters Katia and Marielle Labèque and Basque band Kalakan, with whom the singer is close friends.
But while Zaibat looked bright and cheerful in a Comme des Garcons T-shirt, his famous girlfriend looked distinctly weary as they entered the venue for a night of world music.
Indeed, Madonna appeared to be ready for a good nights sleep as she ran a hand through her hair, her eyes downcast as she followed festival art director Paul Thomas Emmanuel into the event, with a grinning Zaibat bringing up the rear.
Ready for bed: Madonna looks washed out as she attends a performance at the Menton Music Festival in southern France
Ready for bed: Madonna looks washed out as she attends a performance at the Menton Music Festival in southern France
The pop legend runs a hand through her hair as she arrives at the venue for a performances from piano sisters Katia and Marielle LabËque and Basque trio Kalakan with Zaibat and festival artistic director Paul Thomas Emmanuel
Exhausted: The pop legend runs a hand through her hair as she arrives at the venue for a performances from piano sisters Katia and Marielle LabËque and Basque trio Kalakan with Zaibat and festival artistic director Paul Thomas Emmanuel

Something has caught Madonna's eye as she arrives accompanied by her young boyfriend
Eyes right: Something has caught Madonna's eye as she arrives accompanied by her young boyfriend

The Borderline singer added a touch of mainstream glamour to an event not generally known for attracting mainstream celebrities.
But while she was warmly greeted at the event, she’s said to be less welcome in Russia after reportedly violating the terms of her visa by claiming money for a performance in St. Petersburg last year.
According to ABC performers are not allowed to earn money in the country while visiting on a tourist visa.
Lady Gaga has been accused of breaching the same rule while performing in Moscow and St. Petersburg with her Born This Way tour in 2012, but insiders claim real the source of the controversy is their apparent promotion of gay rights while visitors.
The festival director places a hand on the hitmaker's back as she makes her way to her seat
Seats please: The festival director places a hand on the hitmaker's back as she makes her way to her seat
Madonna and Zaibat chat to another guest as they wait for the performance to get underway
Passing the time: Madonna and Zaibat chat to another guest as they wait for the performance to get underway

Madonna looked surprisingly low-key in a black polka-dotted dress and white cardigan at the Menton music festival
Material girl: Madonna looked surprisingly low-key in a black polka-dotted dress and white cardigan at the Menton music festival
‘The Russian government is sending a shot across the bow to Lady Gaga, Madonna, and other performers who are taking up gay rights in Russia,’ Centre for the National Interest executive director Paul Saunders told ABC.
During her concert in Russia, Madonna reportedly told the audience: ‘Gay people here and all around the world have the same rights.’
The comment is understood to have incensed advocates of St. Petersburg’s anti-gay law, which prohibits people to openly talk about homosexuality around minors.
Anyone breaking the law face potential fines, deportation and – in extreme cases – imprisonment.
Madonna bites down on a sword with her grilled teeth in a picture from her Instagram account
Sharp-tongues: Madonna bites down on a sword with her grilled teeth in a picture from her Instagram account
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