Music – Page 2790 – 105.7 WDNY

Eddie Vedder, Alice Cooper, Dave Matthews & more taking part in Audible’s ‘Words + Music’ series

August 23, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen VAX LIVE

Pearl Jam‘s Eddie Vedder, Alice Cooper and Dave Matthews are among artists hosting new episodes of Audible’s ongoing Words + Music series, an audio program described as a combination of music and storytelling.

Vedder’s installment, titled I Am Mine, is set to premiere October 21, and will find the grunge rocker “reflecting on a life at the intersection of art, sensitivity, masculinity, and ascendant pop/rock-super stardom that defined an age.”

Cooper will be giving a rare inside look at the real person behind his iconic shock rock persona in Who I Really Am: The Diary of a Hollywood Vampire, debuting October 7. Meanwhile, Matthews’ currently untitled episode, which has a to-be-announced release date, will find him on an “expedition filled with moments of personal insight, and global impact, scored by new renditions of the music that made him a defining voice in global, popular music.”

Other artists taking part in Words + Music include Against Me!‘s Laura Jane Grace, Elvis Costello and Sharon Van Etten. Previous episodes have been hosted by Green Day‘s Billie Joe Armstrong, St. Vincent, Tom Morello and Patti Smith.

Sunday surprise: SZA drops three new songs

August 23, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Christopher Polk/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

SZA surprised her fans Sunday with three new songs, which she described on Twitter as “Dumping random thoughts.”

The Oscar and Grammy nominee shared the new tracks on an anonymous Soundcloud account, and tweeted that her astrologer reader, known on Twitter on Messiah of Astrology, “made me do it.”

On the first song, “Nightbird,” SZA begs her lover to “please spend the night. I only have you for a short time,” followed by the midtempo “I Hate You” about a relationship filled joy and pain. The trio of tunes ends with “Joni,” a tender acoustic guitar ballad.

Two months ago, 30-year-old SZA collaborated with SAINt JHN on the love song “Just for Me,” from the Space Jam: A New Legacy soundtrack, and prior to that, in April, she teamed up with Doja Cat for “Kiss Me More.”

SZA’s last solo single, “Good Days,” was released on Christmas 2020. Its been four years since she dropped her double platinum debut album, 2017’s Ctrl.

Kool & the Gang’s Robert “Kool” Bell continuing the band’s legacy following tragic loss: “It’s kinda heavy losing my brother”

August 23, 2021 by WDNY Radio

After an amazing 57 years, Grammy winners Kool & the Gang are not allowing the recent passing of two of their founding members stop the band.

Ronald Bell, the primary composer and producer behind many of their iconic hits, including their global anthem “Celebration,” died September 9, 2020, at the age of 68, while saxophonist Dennis “Dee Tee” Thomas passed away last month at age 70.

“It’s kinda heavy losing my brother last year, Dee Tee this year, and the whole COVID thing,” band leader Robert “Kool” Bell tells Grammy.com. “We’re trying to get through it and trying to move forward. Our dates are starting to come back.”

Kool & the Gang recently performed on a European mini-tour, and reopened the Hollywood Bowl with sold-out concerts on July 3 and 4.

The group released their first new album in eight years, Perfect Union, on Friday, inspired by President Joe Biden‘s campaign slogan of the same name.

Kool says Ronald was the driving force behind the project.

“My brother basically did most of the album and got us back into the studio before I lost him last year, but it’s good to be back out there,” he comments. “When Biden was running for president, he played ‘Celebration.’ When he won, ‘Celebration’ was one of the most-played songs around the world.”

Bell adds that his brother came up with the album’s first single, “Pursuit of Happiness,” which has a theme of peace and harmony.

“When Biden was making his speech for his nomination, he went into the Constitution and spoke about the pursuit of happiness and a perfect union,” Kool notes. “We have some dance stuff on the album, but this project is about pushing for world peace and people coming together.”

Corey Taylor urges vaccination after feeling “the worst I’ve ever been sick in my life” with COVID-19

August 23, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Corey Taylor is encouraging all his fans to get vaccinated as he recovers from a battle with COVID-19.

The Slipknot frontman revealed that he tested positive for the virus last Friday, a day after he finished a solo tour. In a new video message posted Monday afternoon, Taylor shares that he’s feeling much better — his fever’s broken, and he no longer feels body aches — and credits being fully vaccinated for helping him in his recovery.

“This is the worst I’ve ever been sick in my life,” Taylor says. “Had I not been vaccinated, I shudder to think how bad it would have been. But because I had that extra little bit of protection, man, it definitely helped me get through it.”

To those who are “still on the fence” about getting the jab, Taylor has one piece of advice: “Go, go, go.”

“If you’re still on the fence, I’m telling you right now, it’s the best thing you can do for yourself,” he says.

Just a little update on how I’m recovering. Thanks so much to everyone who sent their best wishes and to friends and family who reached out. pic.twitter.com/haWwWZbdN3

— SHRED DJENT REDEMPTION (@CoreyTaylorRock) August 23, 2021

Elton John charts on the ‘Billboard’ Hot 100 for first time in 21 years

August 23, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Elton John is back on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time in 21 years — and he has Dua Lipa to thank.

Billboard reports Elton’s song with Dua, “Cold Heart (Pnau Remix),” debuts at number 81 on the chart dated August 28.

Elton’s last appearance on the chart was on the tally dated July 29, 2000, when “Someday Out of the Blue” ranked at number 99 after peaking at 49.

“Cold Heart” also debuted at number three on the Hot Dance/Electronic Songs chart and at number 16 on the Adult Contemporary radio airplay chart, giving Elton his 74th career entry and extending his current record for the most AC hits of any artist.

Kelsea Ballerini pays tribute to Taylor Swift with “Teardrops on My Guitar” cover on Jonas Brothers tour

August 23, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Kelsea Ballerini kicked off her opening slot on the Jonas Brothers‘ tour with a tribute to Taylor Swift.

During the opening night of The Remember This Tour in Las Vegas on Friday, Kelsea dedicated part of her set to a medley of songs by her favorite artists, including that of the country and pop superstar.

“There is one particular woman who really paved the way for people like me,” Kelsea prefaced her performance, playing a few notes on her guitar before launching into “Teardrops on My Guitar,” as the crowd let out elated cheers upon hearing the first few lyrics.

Kelsea then offered an understated, acoustic rendition of the track, and the audience sang passionately alongside her.

“Teardrops on My Guitar” was released in 2007 as the second single off Taylor’s self-titled debut album. The multi-platinum song reached the top 15 of the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Hot Country Songs chart.

Kelsea continues on with the Jonas Brothers through the fall, when the tour wraps at The Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles on October 27.

Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson and more stars pay tribute to late Everly Brothers singer Don Everly

August 23, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Don Everly of the influential early rock ‘n’ roll duo The Everly Brothers died Saturday at his home in Nashville at the age of 84. In the wake of his passing, musicians who were inspired by the duo’s music have taken to social media to post tribute messages in Don’s honor.

Former Beatles drummer Ringo Starr posted an homage to Don and his younger brother and band mate, Phil, who died in 2014, on his Twitter that reads, “God bless Don and Phil the Everly brothers we loved them peace and love.” The message is accompanied by a vintage photos of The Beatles and The Everly Brothers together.

Founding Beach Boys member Brian Wilson also paid tribute to Don on his Twitter page. “I’m sad to hear about Don Everly passing,” Wilson wrote. “The Everly Brothers were a big influence on us and we learned a lot from their beautiful harmonies. Love & mercy to Don’s family.”

Meanwhile, Peter Frampton tweeted, “I am so sad to hear about the loss of Don Everly. Both Phil and Don created songs and harmonies that changed music forever. You will be together again now. RIP Don and Phil.”

Here are tributes from some other notable music artists:

Rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Jerry Lee Lewis: “The Everly Brothers are integral to the fabric of American music. Very few of us can say we were around at the beginning, and even fewer can say we’re still here. With my friend Don’s passing, I am reflective…reflective on a life full of wonderful friends, spectacular music and fond memories…God Bless Don Everly and long live Rock and Roll music.”

Don McLean: “I met the Everly Brothers in 1969 and asked them about Buddy Holly. Phil said Buddy took the plane so he could do his laundry. I think Buddy had other laundry to do as well. This started my thinking for ‘American Pie’ which I wrote later. Additionally, Don was a great lead singer and unique rhythm guitar player.”

Kinks guitarist Dave Davies: “Very sad day. Both of the Everlys were part of my musical life growing up. We were inspired by their wonderful records and their singing and their voices. ‘Wake Up Little [Susie]’ was my favorite as a kid.”

David Crosby: “[The Everly Brothers were the first] people who made me really love harmony…'[All I Have to Do Is] Dream.'”

Megan Thee Stallion drops new “Tuned in Freestyle” video for her haters

August 23, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Following up her recent “Outta Town Freestyle” video, Megan Thee Stallion is once again slayin’ her haters with a new rapid-fire freestyle track and video called “Tuned in Freestyle.”

The clip, which was released Monday, captures Megan in a recording studio. Decked out in a lime-green top with matching hot pants and glasses, the “Hot Girl Summer” artist begins, “This goes out to all you tuned in, the hotties, the secret hotties,” then later raps, “Talk about something y’all like, stop talking ’bout me.”

She also references a couple of Pokémon characters, rapping: “I’m the hot girl, feelin’ like Charizard/ And he know he finna win if he get my card.”

The three-time Grammy winner appears on the cover of the September/October 2021 issue of Essence, which hit newsstands on Monday. Megan has six nominations, including a nod in the Artist of the Year category, for the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, which takes place on September 12 in New York City.

Styx collaborates on new “Renegade”-inspired beer, Oh Mama, made for band’s Pittsburgh fans

August 23, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Styx‘s 1979 hit “Renegade” has long been embraced as the adopted theme song of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and now the veteran rockers have partnered with the Pittsburgh-area Voodoo Brewing Co. to create a beer inspired by the classic tune.

Oh Mama beer, named after the opening lyrics of “Renegade,” is a traditional golden lager brewed by Voodoo especially for Styx’s fans in and around the Steel City.

The brew currently is available in four packs of 16-ounce cans and in 50-liter kegs at Voodoo’s corporate pubs and franchise locations; online for home delivery in Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C.; at select beverage outlets in Pittsburgh and Erie, Pennsylvania; and for delivery in various states via the Tavour app — using the code word “renegade.”

Oh Mama also can purchased on tap at select bars and pubs.

“We are excited to announce that STYX, in partnership with Voodoo Brewing Co., is bringing our Oh Mama beer to a frosty mug near you,” say singer/guitarist Tommy Shaw in a statement. “We think you’re gonna love it as much as we do. Cheers!!!”

Adds guitarist James “JY” Young, “As we have our tradition with ‘Renegade’ and the Steelers, we are excited to announce our Oh Mama beer. We look forward to bringing a part of Steeler tradition to our fans that they can enjoy from home.”

“Renegade” is played at every Steelers home game during the third quarter as the soundtrack to a video compilation of defensive highlights meant to inspire the team’s players and fans. Styx also has performed the national anthem at several Steelers games over the years.

Styx released its latest studio album, Crash of the Crown, in June and the band has a bunch of 2021 U.S. tour dates scheduled to support the record.

Phoebe Bridgers moving all fall tour dates to outdoor venues

August 23, 2021 by WDNY Radio

Ilya S. Savenok/Getty Images for Tibet House

Phoebe Bridgers is bringing her tour outside.

The “Kyoto” artist has announced that all of her upcoming fall tour dates will be taking place in outdoor venues. The decision was made “in the interest of safety” amid the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, all venues will require attendees to be fully vaccinated, except for where that is “not permissible by law.” In those cases, attendees must either show proof of vaccination or obtain a negative test with 48 hours of entering the show.

“Please wear a mask,” Bridgers says. “I love you. See you soon.”

Bridgers’ tour is set to kick off September 3 in St. Louis. Due to the venue rearranging, some shows have been postponed to a different date.

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