Month: December 2022

The Weeknd teases music release for ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’

Post author By Staff
Post date December 5, 2022
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The Weeknd – born Abel Tesfaye – shared a teaser clip touting the arrival of new material on social media.

On Sunday morning, the Canadian singer uploaded a short clip where a choir can be heard, supported by a booming drum beat (reminiscent of the previous film’s score by James Horner). The visual culminates with the flashing of the ‘Avatar’ movie logo, while the caption attached reads “12.16.22” (the date the new film arrives in North American theaters).

Avatar’s official account retweeted the post and uploaded a clip of the account following The Weeknd on Twitter. Jon Landau, the film’s producer then posted a clip of the two together with the caption: “As the Na’vi [the fictional language of the film] say, ‘Zola’u nìprrte’ soaiane Avatar’… Welcome to the Avatar family.”

It remains unclear what the extent of the Weeknd’s involvement will be in the film or the soundtrack.

Editorial credit: Christian Bertrand / Shutterstock.com

Go Country 105

Nashville notes: New songs from Parker McCollum, Brett Young + more

Post author By abookbinder
Post date December 2, 2022
No Comments on Nashville notes: New songs from Parker McCollum, Brett Young + more

Parker McCollum dropped his latest new song, “Stoned,” on Friday. Tickets for his 2023 headlining dates are on sale now.

Brett Young puts a new spin on his song “You Aren't Here to Kiss Me” in an updated version that is out now. Brett is headed out on his headlining 5 Tour 3 2 1 next spring.

Darius Rucker will headline the first-ever SHOWdown Lex event next fall. Billed as an annual event taking place before a major football home game for the University of Kentucky, the first iteration will take place on October 13, 2023. Tickets start at $49.

Shane Profitt has a new song out Friday called “Country Boys.” The up-and-comer will be on tour with Chris Janson in 2023.

Go Country 105

Kelsea Ballerini updates fans on mental health, music + more in a social media Q&A

Post author By abookbinder
Post date December 2, 2022
No Comments on Kelsea Ballerini updates fans on mental health, music + more in a social media Q&A

Kelsea Ballerini checked in with fans this week, answering questions about her dog Dibs, her upcoming tour with Kenny Chesney and more in an Instagram Stories Q&A.

It's been a year of highs and lows for Kelsea, who released her Subject to Change album and filed for divorce from fellow country artist Morgan Evans in 2022, so one fan simply asked how she's been doing.

“Thanks for askin,” Kelsea wrote back over a clip of herself enjoying a hot beverage on a balcony.

“I'm feeling very, very human,” she continued. “There's been really hard days, there's been days of uninhibited joy. I'm just welcoming it all. I'm proud of the music I'm making. I'm proud of the true connection to myself and lil close circle, and I'm proud of the openness I feel to life and whatever it has in store.”

In another slide, the singer said that she doesn't see a deluxe version of Subject to Change coming out in the future, but that doesn't mean she doesn't have new music up her sleeve.

“I'm so proud of STC just as it is, but I am working on something,” she teased, sharing a screenshot of a Notes file that shows an audio recording labeled “penthouse RUFF.”

Kelsea recently wrapped her Heartfirst Tour, but it seems she might not be done with the trek yet. When asked if there could be a part two of the tour, the singer simply responded, “Yes.”

Additionally, when a fan asked if Kelsea had any plans to tour in Europe, she replied, “I will say it has been way too long…”

Kelsea also shared a snapshot of herself and her soon-to-be tour boss. Kenny Chesney's 2023 tour dates featuring Kelsea as an opener are on sale now.

Go Country 105

Dolly Parton drops details on her rock album during stop on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'

Post author By abookbinder
Post date December 2, 2022
No Comments on Dolly Parton drops details on her rock album during stop on 'The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon'

Ever since news broke that she was being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Dolly Parton has been promising fans a full album of rock music.

It's been clear for a while that Dolly's been busy behind the scenes — she's even hinted that she's enlisting some big-name duet partners for the project — but during a Wednesday night stop on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, she was ready to drop some concrete details.

“It's gonna come out next fall,” the singer shares during her conversation with show host Fallon. “And you know what I'm calling it? Rock Stars!”

She goes on to say that the project will feature some original numbers, star cameo appearances and covers of classic rock songs through the years.

“We're gonna have a lot of great, iconic songs, like Purple Rain,' and (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction,' and Stairway to Heaven.' Freebird'! I even did Freebird,'” Dolly continues.

But before she fully immerses herself in her foray into rock music, Dolly has big holiday plans. Her latest Christmas movie, Dolly Parton's Mountain Magic Christmas, airs Thursday on NBC. It'll feature plenty of big-name guest stars, including Fallon, Willie Nelson, Miley Cyrus, Jimmie Allen and more.

Go Country 105

Keith Urban pays tribute to “the incredible Christine McVie” onstage in Australia

Post author By abookbinder
Post date December 2, 2022
No Comments on Keith Urban pays tribute to “the incredible Christine McVie” onstage in Australia

As the world reeled from the death of Christine McVie this week, Keith Urban paid tribute to the late, great rock vocalist with a medley of Fleetwood Mac songs during a show in Gold Coast, Australia.

Keith offered his spin on snippets of “Say You Love Me,” “Everywhere” and “Songbird” — all of which McVie wrote solo or had a hand in writing — during his set. After the fact, he shared video footage of his tribute on his social media, with the caption, “Last night in Gold Coast.”

The country star prefaced his Fleetwood Mac medley by acknowledging the loss of “the incredible Christine McVie” and telling the crowd a little bit about what her music, and Fleetwood Mac's catalog in general, meant to him growing up.

“For me growing up listening to their music, you had three incredible vocalists,” Keith said. “You had Lindsey Buckingham, who brought this kind of punk, angular ethos to the whole thing, and you had Stevie Nicks, whose voice was just angelic, otherworldly.”

The crowd cheered and whooped as Keith went through Fleetwood Mac's bandmates, finally arriving at McVie. “And then you had Christine, who for me was the maternal, soulful, heartbeat vocal of the band. I just wanna sing a few of her songs tonight,” he concluded.

McVie died on Wednesday at the age of 79. A statement from her family explains that she died “peacefully at hospital” after “a short illness. The family requested privacy and added, “… we would like everyone to keep Christine in their hearts and remember the life of an incredible human being, and revered musician who was loved universally.”

Go Country 105

Kane Brown + wife Katelyn take the stage together for first live performance of their hit duet, “Thank God”

Post author By abookbinder
Post date December 2, 2022
No Comments on Kane Brown + wife Katelyn take the stage together for first live performance of their hit duet, “Thank God”

Kane Brown had a very special surprise up his sleeve when he took the stage in Ottawa, Canada, on Thursday night: His wife, Katelyn, joined him onstage for the very first performance of their hit duet, “Thank God.”

Both Kane and Katelyn shared video of the moment on their social media accounts, giving fans a front-row look at the performance. The husband-and-wife team gazed into each other's eyes as they sang, with Kane playing hype man and dancing along as Katelyn took her solo verse.

“My baby's first time onstage singing our song together,” the singer wrote in the caption of his video post. “She killed it of course and I'm so proud of you!!!!”

In the comments, Katelyn said that she was “speechless” and expressed gratitude to the crowd and her superstar husband for putting her at ease during the performance.

“Thanks babe for making me as comfortable as possible and for everyone being so kind,” she wrote.

“Thank God” is Kane's current radio single, and it's rapidly rising up the charts. The track comes off of Kane's Different Man album and has been in the making for a long time.

“My fans have been waiting for five years for us to sing together,” he told People upon the song's release, revealing that the couple went through four other duet ideas before settling on “Thank God.”

Pop Daypop

Elton John confirmed as headliner for 2023 Glastonbury Festival

Post author By Staff
Post date December 2, 2022
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Elton John has been confirmed as the first headliner for 2023 Glastonbury Festival, who will perform on the Pyramid Stage on Sunday, June 25, 2023. Glastonbury organizers tweeted: “We are incredibly excited to announce that the one and only @EltonOfficial will headline the Pyramid Stage on Sunday night at Glastonbury 2023, for what will be the final UK show of his last ever tour.”

Glastonbury co-organizer Emily Eavis added: “It gives me enormous pleasure to let you know that the one and only Elton John will be making his first ever Glastonbury appearance, headlining the Pyramid Stage on the Sunday night next year. This will be the final UK show of Elton’s last ever tour, so we will be closing the Festival and marking this huge moment in both of our histories with the mother of all send-offs. We are so very happy to finally bring the Rocket Man to Worthy Farm!”

John posted on social media that he “couldn’t be more excited” to be headlining “the greatest festival in the world” next summer: “Every week I speak to new artists on my radio show and Glastonbury is often cited as a pivotal moment in launching their careers – the festival’s genuine, enthusiastic support for the best emerging talent is something I’ve long admired. Thank you for having me Emily Eavis for my final UK show – it’s going to be emotional.”

No other acts have yet been confirmed for the 2023 Glastonbury Festival, taking place between June 21-25, 2023. Arctic Monkeys and Harry Styles are the rumored remaining two headliners; however, the official announcement of performers is expected to be revealed in March.

Editorial credit: A.RICARDO / Shutterstock.com

Pop Daypop

BTS’ RM shares video for ‘Wild Flower’ off debut solo album

Post author By Staff
Post date December 2, 2022
No Comments on BTS’ RM shares video for ‘Wild Flower’ off debut solo album

BTS’ RM has released his debut solo album Indigo and shared the video for its lead single “Wild Flower.” Indigo is the follow-up to RM’s two mixtapes – 2015’s RM and 2018’s mono – and is the third solo project to be released by a member of the K-pop group this year.

According to a press release, Indigo is a “record of [RM’s] twenties and a candid introduction of who RM truly is. Each track portrays RM’s outspoken opinions, prevailing thoughts, reminiscence of the past and instant feelings.” The album features collaborations with artists from across the globe, including neo-soul icon Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Mahalia, Korean R&B singer Paul Blanco, iconic Korean singer and actor parkjiyoon, Epik High’s Tablo, and more.

You can check out the video for Wild Flower – here.
Buy or stream Indigo – here.

RM drops ethereal music video for new single, ‘Wild Flower’

Editorial credit: Silvia Elizabeth Pangaro / Shutterstock.com

News Daypop

Supreme Court set to review legality of Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan

Post author By Staff
Post date December 2, 2022
No Comments on Supreme Court set to review legality of Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan

According to a SCOTUSblog report, the U.S. Supreme Court will review the legality of the Biden administration’s student debt relief plan during an oral argument in February. Biden’s student debt forgiveness plan would cancel up to $20,000 in federal student loan debt for eligible student borrowers, however, the plan has since been brought to a standstill due to several lower court rulings. The Supreme Court report comes almost two weeks after the Department of Education extended the student loan payment moratorium from its Dec. 31 expiration date to June 2023.

The Biden administration unveiled the federal student loan debt program in August, stating it would cancel up to $10,000 in student loan debt for anyone making less than $125,000 or for households making less than $250,000 a year. Pell Grant recipients, who receive aid based on financial need, would get an additional $10,000 in debt relief. It expected around $32 billion in federal student debt to be canceled for more than 1.6 million Americans during through administration’s student loan forgiveness actions.

Education Secretary Miguel Cardona said in a statement: “We’re extending the payment pause because it would be deeply unfair to ask borrowers to pay a debt that they wouldn’t have to pay, were it not for the baseless lawsuits brought by Republican officials and special interests.” The Department of Education wrote in a statement that the pause will extend 60 days after the Biden administration is allowed to implement its student loan forgiveness plan or legal challenges are resolved. Officials said the 60-day period will give the Supreme Court an opportunity to resolve the case during its current term. If the Department of Education can’t proceed with its policy and the legal challenges are still in play by June 30, 2023, student loan payments will resume 60 days after that date.

Editorial credit: EQRoy / Shutterstock.com

Go Country 105

“Hijacked … and used”: Jessica Chastain & Michael Shannon defend the legacy of 'George & Tammy'

Post author By abookbinder
Post date December 2, 2022
No Comments on “Hijacked … and used”: Jessica Chastain & Michael Shannon defend the legacy of 'George & Tammy'

Long before Jessica Chastain won the Oscar for playing Tammy Faye Bakker, she started on her journey to embody Tammy Wynette.

This Sunday, you can experience her interpretation of the first lady of country music for yourself, as she and Academy Award nominee Michael Shannon become George & Tammy.

The six-part series traces the love affair of George Jones and the “Stand by Your Man” hitmaker, with Chastain and Shannon even doing their own singing. In an eerie twist of fate, the real George and Tammy were not far away.

“At the studio we were recording at, there was a cemetery behind it,” Shannon explains. “And you could go back and see George’s grave and the mausoleum where Tammy’s ashes are.”

“And it was a very kind of, I don’t know, sacred experience, you know, going back there,” he adds. “We went back there more than once, actually.”

Since the limited series is based on the book written by George and Tammy’s only child, Georgette, it was even more crucial for Chastain to get it right.

“Georgette was very, very important,” the actress points out. “You know, she introduced us to so many people.”

“It was just such an important story to tell. In some sense, my heart kind of broke for all their kids, because these are two people that were just gifted and so open and so full of intensity and love and passion,” Chastain tells ABC Audio. “And I hate to say it, but I kind of feel like they were both hijacked, you know, in some part of their lives and used.”

George & Tammy premieres simultaneously on Showtime and Paramount Network Sunday at 9 p.m. ET.