“This music comes from love”


Bruno Mars has spoken out about the cultural appropriation claims he has faced during his career in a new interview.

The musician – who is of Filipino, Puerto Rican and Ashkenazi Jewish descent – has been accused of appropriating Black music through his work.

During an appearance on New York radio show The Breakfast Club last week (March 5), Mars defended himself against those allegations. “I would say you can’t find an interview where I am not talking about the entertainers that have come before me,” he said. “The only reason why I’m here is because of James Brown, Prince, Michael [Jackson] – that’s the only reason why I’m here.

“I’m growing up as a kid watching Bobby Brown, saying, ‘OK, if that’s what it takes to make it then I gotta do the running man, I gotta learn how to do the moonwalk’. That’s it. This music comes from love and if you can’t hear that, then I don’t know what to tell you.”

He added: “What’s the point if we, as musicians, can’t learn from the guys who came before us? Why did they do it? I hope later on down the road there’s gonna be a band that’s taking what we did and flipping that and freaking that and putting their own spin on it, because if they don’t then what was the point of us doing this?”

Mars recently launched a new group, Silk Sonic, with Anderson .Paak, releasing their debut single ‘Leave The Door Open’ last week. The track will feature on the pair’s upcoming collaborative album ‘An Evening With Silk Sonic’.

The project follows the two artists touring together on Mars’ 24K Magic world tour in 2017, while the album will mark Mars’ first studio album since the 2016 record that tour was named after.





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Kaskade Releases Debut ‘Reset’ EP On Monstercat


Following three dynamically diverse singles, Kaskade finally completed his debut EP on Monstercat, Reset, featuring the final track, “Miles To Go” in collaboration with Ella Vos. Since December, Kaskade has launched a series of high-octane songs on the label, including “Flip Reset” with WILL K, “Solid Ground,” and “Closer,” all in partnership with the video game Rocket League. Accumulating over 15 million streams to date, each track has been a reflection of Kaskade’s poignant style, from anthemic, uplifting vocal tunes, to deep and hypnotic house records.

The Reset EP is both forward-thinking and nostalgic-feeling, with “Miles To Go” bringing a deeply personal and signature touch to the project. The single arrives on Monstercat Silk, the label’s third brand formed upon the recent acquisition of leading progressive/deep house label, Silk Music.

“Working with Rocket League as the first artist to conceptualize and create music for an entire season of their game was such an honor, and I also knew I couldn’t mess it up…gamers take their music and sonic landscapes very seriously. So while I felt a little pressure, it was mostly just an amazing time to pull together songs that could really go along with the various moods that we go through while immersed in a game like Rocket League. They’re finally all getting a release together on the Reset EP which will include my final song, ‘Miles to Go’ with Ella Vos, so the entire experience can be found in one place.”

Check out the full EP below!

 

Photo via Rukes.com



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ODESZA to Release Debut NFT Collection

As lockdown measures and the absence of live music events continue into a second year, the EDM community has recently experienced an explosion in the popularity of NFTs. The items have emerged as a means for artists to gain financial support during a time when many performers’ livelihoods remain uncertain. 





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Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett reunite for first time in six years


Rilo Kiley’s Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett reunited for the first time in six years to perform on a charity livestream.

The former bandmates took part in Linda Perry’s Rock-N-Relief livestream, which was held across this weekend (March 6-7).

Lewis and Sennett performed the track ‘Let Me Back In’ on the livestream, which originally appeared on Rilo Kiley’s compilation ‘RKives’ in 2013. During the performance, Sennett played the guitar in what looked like a diner booth, while Lewis sang to the camera, occasionally lifting a black dog into the frame.

Watch the pair’s reunion below, around the 5:35:30 mark. The Rock-N-Relief livestream also featured performances from Foo Fighters, Macy Gray, Juliette Lewis & The Licks and more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Afg0NaaJFL0

The musicians have previously played together only once since the band went on hiatus in 2010. Sennett joined Lewis at Coachella in 2015 to perform ‘Portions For Foxes’ with her.

Rilo Kiley took a break in 2010, but did not officially confirm their break-up until a year later Sennett told Consequence Of Sound in 2011: “I would say that if Rilo Kiley were a human being, he’s probably laying on his back in a morgue with a tag on his toe. Now, I see movies where the dead get up and walk. And when they do that, rarely do good things happen.”

Last year, Rilo Kiley reissued their rare self-titled debut album and made it available on streaming services for the first time. The record was originally released in 1999 on the band’s own label Rilo Records.

Meanwhile, in 2019, Lewis told NME she was open to getting the band back together. “Sure!” Lewis replied when asked if a reunion could be in her future. “I did a Postal Service reunion tour a couple of years ago, so I’m open to anything these days. My mantra is ‘Yes’.”





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New York to Reopen Arts & Entertainment Venues at 33% Capacity Next Month


New York is preparing to reopen arts and entertainment venues beginning April 2.

Next month, venues will be able to welcome back attendees at 33% capacity, up to 100 people indoors and up to 200 people outdoors. With testing, up to 150 people indoors and up to 500 people outdoors. Social distancing and face masks will still be required at all events.

Governor Andrew Cuomo made the announcement earlier this week, also stating residential outdoor gatherings of up to 25 people can take place beginning March 22. Indoor gatherings must stay restricted to 10 people max.

Governor Cuomo proudly stated:

New Yorkers have done a tremendous job working to defeat COVID, and we’re gradually loosening restrictions as the numbers reduce and the public health improves. It’s clear that if we remain vigilant, we will reach the light at the end of the tunnel.

He asked New Yorkers to “double down” on behaviors that fight the coronavirus — washing hands, wearing masks, and social distancing.

Watch the official announcement below.

Governor Cuomo On Reopening of Arts & Entertainment Venues

 

Source: governor.ny.gov



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Vanesa Seco Shines in The Hotel Lobby’s Breezy “Gold” Music Video

The Hotel Lobby is back with their new single “Gold,” a collaboration with Vanesa Seco. While many know Seco as a shuffler and dancer, “Gold” sees her in a new light: as a singer-songwriter.





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GABRY PONTE & MOTI say‘OH LA LA’ (ft. MOUGLETA)


Italian hit producer Gabry Ponte (Eiffel 65) has struck an exciting collab with Dutch DJ/producer MOTi, building a sweet blend of singalong pop with vigorous dance rhythms. ‘Oh La La’ features vocals of Lebanese-Canadian singer Mougleta, turning this track into a unique song, building musical bridges to create feelgood vibes all over the world.

It’s been quite the ride so far for Gabry Ponte. Producing an international hit single by the end of the ’90s with his band Eiffel 65, the song ‘Blue (Da Ba Dee)’ turned into a dance classic that’s still played to this day. In the meantime, the Italian DJ/producer kept releasing solo material, always in rhythm with the newest sounds in electronic music.

In 2019 he dropped another worldwide smash with his LUM!X collab ‘Monster’, followed last year by two more hit collabs with LUM!X in the shape of ‘The Passenger’ (along with D.T.E.) and ‘Scare Me’ (along with KSHMR), plus team-ups with Timmy Trumpet (co-producing the title track for Timmy’s ‘Mad World’ album) and Galwaro and LIZOT (co-producing the popular cover of ‘Like A Prayer’).

And now, he’s struck another golden collab, joining forces with Amsterdam-based artist MOTi, known as a world-renowned producer in both dance, pop, and hip hop. He’s delivered instant classics since the early 10’s, from his widely acclaimed Martin Garrix collab ‘Virus’ to the massively supported party tune ‘Up All Night’ (together with R3hab) and last year’s vocal house gem ‘Push It Right’. Next, to this MOTi has several notable collaborative records on his roster with the likes of Major Lazer, Ty Dolla $ign, and Tiësto.

‘Oh La La’ Together, the guys know how to drop a beat. ‘Oh La La’ brings a subtle groove with influences from triplet sounds and deep house, featuring a nice wobbly bassline and sweet pop and R&B styled vocals, courtesy of Mougleta. She takes the song next level, as she uses her international flavor (of Lebanese-Canadian origin, born in Dubai, based in Berlin) to create a fusion of oriental influences with western pop sounds.

Gabry Ponte, MOTi – ‘Oh La La’ (ft. Mougleta)

Mougleta’s musical versatility is noted in such collaboration like Kpop sensation, Oh my Girl and renowned German DJ Kianu Silva on “Rocket Ride”, Topic with “Talk to me” As well as her song “Nice to Meet you” which was included on the soundtrack of the hit ABC network TV show The Baker and the Beauty.

As a result, ‘Oh La La’ sounds like a playful piece of dance music but crawls under your skin as its tempting, singalong chorus won’t leave you untouched. This is a tune to lift up spirits, using elements of feelgood rave anthems and infectious pop hooks, solely aimed to get you dancing and raise a smile. Gabry Ponte, MOTi, and Mougleta have put in their best of abilities, leading to a song that’s going to work its magic every chance it gets.

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Flo Rida features on San Marino’s Eurovision song for 2021


Flo Rida features on the San Marino entry for the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest – listen to the song below.

The track, ‘Adrenalina’, comes from singer Senhit, who was supposed to represent her country at last year’s cancelled Eurovision, and did so previously in 2011.

It appears that Flo Rida will not perform the track with Senhit at this year’s live ceremony on May 22 in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, but appears on its official version.

Listen to ‘Adrenalina’ below:

Last week (March 3), the organisers of the Eurovision Song Contest have said that all 41 artists will perform live and in-person at this year’s competition.

Speaking to the BBC‘s Newscast podcast, Eurovision’s executive supervisor Martin Österdahl said that the contestants’ travel to Rotterdam was “necessary,” adding: “This isn’t a holiday trip, this is actually a job that needs to be done.”

Delegations from each country will be limited to 20 people (down from an average of 38), while media and commentators – such as the BBC’s Graham Norton – will broadcast from ventilated commentary booths to further help prevent the spread of the virus.

James Newman will represent the UK at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. The singer-songwriter was previously chosen as the UK’s entrant last year.

Reviewing last year’s virtual Eurovision, held remotely due to COVID-19 restrictions, NME wrote: “In March, when COVID-19 forced Eurovision to be cancelled for the first time in 64 years (the Rotterdam venue due to host the contest is now a COVID-19 emergency hospital), the organisers took the festivities online, and to everyone’s surprise the result was a life-affirming, much-needed success.”





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R3HAB Teams Up With Fafaq and DNF for New Tech House Single “Ringtone”


A couple of weeks ago, we reported that Middle East Superbrand MDLBEAST would be launching their own record label. Now, the first single from the new imprint is finally here. It’s the latest track from R3HAB, “Ringtone.” However, this is a side of the Moroccan-Dutch superstar that we haven’t seen before. Teaming up with Polish producing talents Fafaq and DNF, “Ringtone” is a fun experiment in tech house.

After R3HAB veered hard into more pop-oriented, radio friendly singles in 2020, “Ringtone” is another example of Fadil El Ghoul going back to his club and festival roots in 2021. R3HAB previously collaborated with Fafaq nearly six years ago on their classic track “Tiger,” which was R3HAB at the peak of his mainstage, big room powers. This makes “Ringtone” an unlikely, but very welcome collaboration.

The track opens with a familiar, four-on-the-floor beat, you can hear a phone ringing in the background. There’s also a familiar bassline, and that eerie, reverbing synth you hear in the background of tech house songs. The trademark of the song comes in as we get a Siri-like voice saying “Sorry, I missed your call. I was dancing to the ringtone.” It’s not unlike the voice in Knife Party’s “Internet Friends,” although it’s far less ominous. There’s a cool buildup, and then the drop is the four-four beat and bassline layered with some cool synth effects going up and down the musical scale.

“Ringtone” is an afterhours track, and a side of R3HAB we’ve never seen. Here’s what he had to say about the origins of the track and releasing on MDLBEAST.

“I’ve been working on this record for so long, and I’m so happy it’s finally seeing daylight. ‘Ringtone’ has all the pieces to be an actual banger with its compelling melody, bassline, and modern tech influences, which combine to create an escape into a virtual reality. I’m honored that it is being used to announce the launch of MDLBEAST Records and their debut album, which has features from top tier artists lined up. I can’t wait to play ‘Ringtone’ in front of big crowds, but until then, I hope it inspires you to forget your worries, get up, and dance.”

Check out the official video for R3HAB x Fafaq x DNF’s, “Ringtone” out now on MDLBEAST. Stay tuned for the latest on MDLBEAST’s upcoming showcase album.



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Read The Prodigy’s Tender Tribute to Keith Flint on Anniversary of Legendary Singer’s Death

On the second anniversary of Keith Flint‘s death, iconic electronic music group The Prodigy has shared a tender tribute to their fallen brother.





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