So of course, when running your own blog solo it can be tough to keep up with the s**tload of stuff that comes across our ears over a weekend! Some good, some bad, some not even worth mentioning. I guess that's how I use AFGM in general. These articles that I go through everyday from various sites (Blabbermouth,. CBC, National Post, AV Club, Exclaim, Music News, Rolling Stone, etc.) and sort of "filter" some of the nonsense news such as the latest fashion design, who's got beef with who and who ISN'T doing music...still.
These articles brought forth are for a few different reasons:
1. It is relevant music information that pertains to you as a reader, no matter the level of intent or the genre.
2. They are relevant to the music I would be currently listening to or a genre I have put some attention and focus on.
3. I am rather patriotic about my Canadian music, so that always comes as a first for me. I enjoy music from all parts of the world respectively, but I still have to promote local if I can. Canadian music rocks!
4. Because it's humourous and we can ALWAYS use a good laugh. Rarely will it be at someone's expense...but then again I am just the guy talking about it. They're the ones causing the comments.
So in closing, I trust you all will not read EVERY single article posted here. But I hope you find something of use here and keep the conversation going by forwarding it onto someone else. Click on each article heading for redirection to the full article. Cheers!
Unsigned Only Music Competition Opens:
"Unsigned Only is a unique music competition designed for solo artists, bands, and singers all over the world who are not signed to a major label record company or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, or imprints. The goal of Unsigned Only is to find an outstanding, talented performer: a band, singer, or solo artist...a newcomer or veteran...raw or polished - the “gem” that needs to be discovered. Unsigned Only is looking for the total package."
All entries must be postmarked/mailed on or before March 13, 2014. If you are entering online, the deadline is 11:59 EST (US) on March 13, 2014.
SOCAN & Audiam Partner YouTube Revenue Deal:
"The Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) has entered into an agreement with Audiam that will make it easier for SOCAN members to receive additional money from the use of their music in any videos posted to YouTube."
Canadian Music Week Gets M.I.A., City and Colour, Tegan and Sara, Neko Case, Television for 2014 Edition:
Some of the first big names to be unveiled were M.I.A., City and Colour, Tegan and Sara, Television, Neko Case, Ellie Goulding, Walk Off the Earth, Flatbush Zombies, OFF!, Dodos, the King Khan and BBQ Show, Rich Kidd, No Age, Woods, Sleepy Suns, Indian Handcrafts, Maylee Todd, Half Moon Run, the Dirty Nil, Tasha the Amazon, Cheetah Chrome, Comeback Kid, and much more!
The Mahones - "Shakespeare Road" Video:
"Shakespeare Road" is taken from The Mahones' 2012 album "Angels & Devils", which was released on November 13th, 2012 via Whiskey Devil Records.
Last.fm now lets you stream your Spotify music collection too:
"We’ve teamed up with Spotify to bring their entire catalogue, on demand, to the world’s leading music recommendation service. Whether it be your own profile page, artist pages or album pages – if Spotify has it, you can play it and control it on Last.fm via the Spotify playbar at the bottom of the screen. Using your Spotify account (premium or free) you can listen to any track simply by pressing the play button. This will load all tracks on a Last.fm page as a playlist in Spotify."
Fleetwood Mac Reportedly Plotting New Album with Christine McVie:
"According to an interview Jon Woodhouse of Maui News had with Mick Fleetwood right after the Willie K BBQ Blues Festival on Maui on January 11th, Mick again confirmed Christine's return to the band but also added that she's composed new songs and that Christine will begin recording with most of the rest of Fleetwood Mac beginning in March. Mick also indicated to Jon that the new Fleetwood Mac tour with all five members will begin this fall. He didn't indicate where the tour would start.
Mick also said that the door to Christine's return all began on Maui in early 2013 when she appeared on stage for the first time in 15 years with him and his blues band at Castle Theater."
4 Ways To Hear More In Music:
Rhythm, Meter, Melody, Harmony, Color, and Texture. Seems pretty easy right?
"Obviously, this guide isn't meant to replace a more thorough study and grounding (or, more to the point, basic music education in the schools). But our hope is that when you're approaching a piece of music either for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, you might ask yourself a few of these questions as a way of digging into what makes it tick."
Moby to Release New 'Almost Home' Live Package:
"On October 2nd,3rd, and 4th, Moby performed his 11th studio album Innocents live at the famed Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles. Many of his album collaborators and friends joined him for the performance. Almost Home ? Live at the Fonda is the deluxe 2x CD/DVD package capturing that performance along with tons of bonus material such as music videos and making-of specials. Special guests include Damien Jurado, Mark Lanegan, Cold Specks, Skylar Grey, Greg Dulli."
Beats Music May Look Better Than Other Music Streaming Apps, But Like Your Friends Warned, It's Just Too Shallow:
"There are a few reasons to consider using Beats Music over the competition, such as free streaming and family plans starting at just $14.99, that I couldn't test out since I'm not an AT&T customer. If you are, then these may just be the most compelling reasons to give Beats Music a go. Otherwise, at $9.99 a month, don't bother. It's a looker, but you really shouldn't make any commitments just yet. It has some issues it needs to work through first."
Why is pop music still stuck on the same old song?:
"Every piece of music causing these apparent schisms – from Lorde’s bird-like singing to Daft Punk’s electronic buzzing – is a song, a very simple and codified form. Never does the discussion about the worthiness of each song step outside itself and question the worthiness of songs themselves. No surprise here: Pop music is by far the most conservative art form there is."
Canadian Olympics songs mix music with a message:
"New Brunswick singer-songwriter Roch Voisine is unveiling Living Out My Dreams, an anthem dedicated to Canada's Olympians competing in the Sochi 2014 Games.
Featuring conductor Kent Nagano and the musicians of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra as collaborators, Voisine's tune debuts on iTunes on Tuesday, with profits from its sale earmarked for the Canadian Olympic Foundation in support of emerging athletes."
Kid Rock, Alan Jackson Are the Guys Who'll Play SeaWorld When No One Else Will:
"...A few of those people: Willie Nelson, the Beach Boys, Pat Benetar, Heart, Trace Adkins, Martina McBride, Trisha Yearwood, Barenaked Ladies, and 38 Special. Each pulled out of the aquatic park's Bands, Brew & BBQ concert series as a result. Good thing Kid Rock and country star Alan Jackson were around to pick up the slack."
“The live music industry is dead” says NSW Police Minister:
“I’m sorry that the live music industry is dead. You only have to look at the ‘70s and ‘80s to see how prolific it was right across the pub scene. The places were packed to the rafters to go and listen to the music, not packed to the rafters for the grog.” -Mike Gallacher
METALLICA's 'Through The Never' Named 'Best 3D Documentary' At CREATIVE ARTS AWARDS:
"Four years ago, when we got this idea — we had no idea what this move would be — other than we knew that it was going to be in 3D." -Lars Ulrich
Device creates tracks tailored to the mood and rhythm of your favorite sports:
"One-Track taps into your personal library of music, and because it’s still in early beta stage, there’s no telling where it will end up. The company are open to ideas for what the one-track mode will entail, so don’t be afraid to give them some input if it’s the kind of device you could see yourself using."
THERION - 'Adulruna Redivia And Beyond' Trailer:
DVD 1:
1. The Rise Of Sodom And Gomorrah
2. Son Of The Sun
3. Midgård
4. Asgård
5. The Wine Of Aluqah
6. Wisdom And The Cage
7. Kali Yuga I
8. Kali Yuga II
9. Kali Yuga III
10. Lemuria
11. Via Nocturna
12. An Arrow From The Sun
13. Typhon
14. Ginnungagap
15. Preludium
16. To Mega Therion
17. Cults Of The Shadows
18. In The Desert Of Set
19. Interludium
20. Nightside Of Eden
21. Opus Eclipse
22. Invocation Of Naamah
23. The Siren Of The Woods
24. Grand Finale / Postludium
25. Adulruna Rediviva
26. Black Funeral
DVD 2:
1. Sitra Ahra
2. The Wine Of Aluqah
3. Typhon
4. Perennial Sophia
5. Hellequin
6. Nifelheim
7. Clavicula Nox
8. Voyage Of Gurdjieff
9. Ljusalfheim
10. Dies Irae
11. Ginnungagap
12. Kali Yuga III
13. Call Of Dagon
14. Siren Of the Woods
15. The Wild Hunt
16. Blood Of Kingu
17. Lemuria
18. Abraxas
19. The Rise Of Sodom And Gomorrah
20. To Mega Therion
21. Quetzalcoatl
Bonus DVD 3:
1. 011 - An Adventure with Therion
2. 011 - Documentary And Behind The Scenes
3. Amazing Voice
"Adulruna Redivia And Beyond" will be made available on February 28th, 2014 via Nuclear Blast Records.
Our Last Enemy - '10,000 Headless Horses' Video:
"10,000 Headless Horses" is taken from OLE's debut North American album "Pariah", which will be released on March 11th, 2014 via Eclipse Records.
Metalworks Institute Introduces New Digital Music Production Program:
“We are extremely pleased about what this new curriculum has to offer for students interested in a career in digital music. The music industry is ever-evolving and digital recording technologies are revolutionizing how independent producers are creating and recording music. Our Digital Music Production program offers students extensive insight and the practical skills necessary to create their own music using the latest digital recording technologies available.” -Craig Titus (Metalworks Institute Academics Director)
METALLICA's JAMES HETFIELD Says ORION MUSIC + MORE Festival Has Been A Financial 'Disaster':
"Right now, it seems like metal is struggling a little bit in the States. Obviously, the Orion [Music + More] festival that we had tried to do the last couple of years has really not been… Gosh, it's been a disaster financially, and it's not able to happen again because of that. So it's a bummer. So, you know, we're doing what we can to keep being alive here. And I hope to get out and play in the States. It seems like forever since we've been out and about. You know, we've hit the coasts and we've done TV stuff and things like that. But it will happen again. So hopefully, to get your fix, you're able to get the ['Metallica Through The Never'] DVD and sit there and headbang with your friends." -Hetfield
Mike Vallely Apologizes for "Subpar" Black Flag Reunion with Ron Reyes:
"We feel that, generally, the band fell short in 2013 because of a difference in the philosophies of Ron and Greg – it just led to dysfunction. It could have been better. [Black Flag] can be a stronger, more cohesive, tighter band. We want to prove that." -Vallely
PRIMAL FEAR - 'King For A Day' Video:
"King For A Day" is taken from the band's tenth studio album, "Delivering The Black", which was released on January 28th [in North America] via Frontiers Records.
JANE'S ADDICTION To Perform Entire 'Nothing's Shocking' Album During Las Vegas Stand:
"We had a blast performing at our event during the CES show this month so we decided that Vegas would be a great spot for a final celebration of our 25th anniversary. Jane's is first and foremost always a great live experience. just because we are on break doesn't mean we won't go play a great gig if one comes up." -Farrell
Chiodos To Release New Album In April, Premiere New Song:
1. U.G. Introduction
2. We're Talking About Practice
3. Ole Fishlips Is Dead Now
4. Why The Munsters Matter
5. 3 AM
6. Sunny Days & Hand Grenades
7. Duct Tape
8. Behvis Bullock
9. Looking For A Tornado
10. Expensive Conversations In Cheap Motels
11. I'm Awkward & Unusual
12. Under Your Halo
13. I Am Everything That's Normal
“Devil isn’t something I thought long and hard about. It is something that hit me, and hard. I asked myself if I was brave enough to stand behind such a strong, emotionally evoking word.. and I knew right then, that was it.
This title is not to be confused with the muscled, red horned man surrounded by fire. This is about the temptations of everyday life; the things that become regrets; the moments where you are forced to make a choice that will determine how it is that you look at yourself for the rest of your life. This album is my definition of Devil.” -Craig Owens
CHIMAIRA - 'Wrapped In Violence' Video:
"Wrapped In Violence" is taken from the band's seventh studio album, "Crown Of Phantoms", which was released on July 30th, 2013 via eOne Music.
Cloudkicker’s Ben Sharp Speaks On The Bands Coming First-Ever Tour (With Intronaut As His Backing Band):
“What a crazy week, in both my work life and music life. It’s nice to have a day to hang out with the dog and the wife and have an excuse to be lazy and wear sweatpants because it’s 6 degrees (or -14 C for those outside the US).
I have been in contact with Intronaut since right after Beacons came out. They played a show in Columbus in late 2010 and after [being blown away by] the set I hunted down their bassist, Joe, and offered him a Trader-Joe’s-bag full of CDs and LPs and said something to the effect of “you guys might like this.” According to them, they were so taken by my complete lack of trying to get them to do something for me that they gave the album an honest listen and actually liked it a whole lot. We’ve been in touch since then.
It was either Sacha or Dave or both who floated the idea of using Intronaut as Cloudkicker’s band. I thought it was a nice gesture but didn’t really take it seriously since I figured there wouldn’t be any way to make a live show happen given the distance between us and my work schedule that has me traveling 3-4 days a week. Fast forward to this past fall when they came through Columbus again and we spent the evening discussing what the realities of a tour like that would be.
It was definitely a fun topic to discuss, but moreover I was impressed by their genuine excitement to maybe, one day, have the opportunity to do this. And the fact that they are musicians of such caliber and professionalism made it obvious that there would be no problems handling the music and translating it to a live show with minimal time in the same room rehearsing it, so long as I provided them with appropriate materials with which to prepare.
That night I wrote an email to my company’s HR department asking for the month of April (after Intronaut’s tour with Between the Buried and Me) off as a leave of absence. I framed it as an opportunity to expand a side business that provides our household with a measurable percentage of our yearly income…which it is, in a way. I told the guys that I would keep them posted, but I was almost certain that my request would be denied. It took about three weeks to get a response, and to my astonishment and the astonishment of many of my co-workers I now had April 1 to April 30 totally free. Ye gods!
After that came a lot of talking to people on the phone and emailing people that I’m still not sure what they do and behind-the-scenes planning and “Are you sure you can’t do anything in March?” “Yes, only April” “What about May?” “No just April” and generally being confused about what was actually happening.
In the midst of this, the band and I worked out a set list and I went back and remixed the songs to make it possible for a finite number of band members (specifically guitarists) to play them. I sent this out to everyone as a full-band mix as well as a mix tailored to each instrument. The hope is that when we are ready to rehearse at the end of March, everyone will come together like a puzzle. I’ve been practicing on my own at home and it gives me shivers to imagine being a piece of this puzzle—creating music live that I’ve spent so much time being immersed in by myself, and doing it as one unit in coordination to a room full of people that are as excited to hear it as I am to play it, and then doing that for a month. What a trip.
WITHIN THE RUINS Begins Recording New Album:
“This is the most time we have ever had to focus on writing. There are a ton of new aspects to this material. We are always aiming to create the most interesting and refreshing music that we are capable of, and I think we have finally been able to accomplish that with this album.” -Cocci
Killwhitneydead Stream “Demons Consume” From Upcoming Album:
“Why do we have to wait so long to get it, Matt? Well, we are broke (we were only ever a part time band) and we need your help to raise funds to press all the merchandise YOU want. We spent money out of pocket to record the album, have Jamie King mix it, get all the nifty artwork done and here we are. You pre-order stuff, we get it made. Everyone is happy, well, except for the impatient people in the crowd. We thank you all.” -Matt Rudzinski
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