MusicFreaks

Category: Pop

  • DOMi, JD BECK Ready First LP Since ’22

    DOMi Louna and JD Beck have always operated outside the lines, chasing sonic landscapes that defy easy categorization. Their journey began as an exciting experiment, where the duo embraced a restless creative philosophy, stating early on that they were simply trying to make the music they heard, positioning themselves as one of the most unpredictable acts emerging from jazz’s modern fringe.

    Four years after the release of their acclaimed debut, NOT TiGHT, the keyboard-and-drums tandem is ready to deliver their sophomore effort. They are set to release WHO ASKED? on July 31, a collaboration facilitated through Anderson .Paak’s APESHIT imprint and Blue Note Records.

    NOT TiGHT established the duo as breakout stars, earning two Grammy nominations by refusing to neatly fit into traditional jazz boundaries. Now, with WHO ASKED?, they are expanding that maximalist musical language, taking a fascinating detour from their previous work while maintaining an equally ambitious scope.

    While the sound of NOT TiGHT was defined by a star-studded guest list, the new album features a different kind of collaboration. Instead of leaning on external talent, DOMi and JD have enlisted a larger internal cast, incorporating a chamber-sized ensemble of classical musicians to realize their increasingly ambitious orchestral ideas.

    The resulting sound of WHO ASKED? is simultaneously stripped-down and highly elaborate. It weaves together jazz-fusion muscle with a kaleidoscopic indie-tronica sensibility, filtered through impossible time signatures. It’s chamber pop if you squint hard enough at the rhythm.

    This fusion creates an auditory experience that is both sophisticated and dizzying, pushing boundaries in a fresh way. The project maintains their experimental streak while exploring richer harmonic territory than before.

    Fans already had a taste of this evolution when the duo debuted instrumental versions of several tracks at the Toronto Jazz Festival. As anticipation builds for the full release, more previews are slated to arrive in the coming weeks with scheduled appearances at the Ottawa Jazz Festival and the Montreal Jazz Festival.

    Beyond the music itself, DOMi and JD Beck are also offering a unique visual experience through a series of cinematic vignettes that provide cryptic glimpses into the world surrounding WHO ASKED?, further deepening the immersive reality of their sophomore project.

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    Credit: Spin

  • Brandon Flowers Turns Rootsy On Solo LP

    photo: Chris Phelps

    Brandon Flowers is ready to trade the neon glow of Las Vegas for the warm embrace of Americana, announcing the release of his first solo album in over a decade, THRASHER. This new project isn’t just a collection of songs; it’s an intimate journey that pulls Flowers deep into the heart of American tradition, delivering what he describes as some of his most personal and vulnerable material yet.

    The sonic landscape of THRASHER is steeped in the country-western sounds that have long informed Flowers’ life story. While his public persona has often been defined by arena rock grandeur, this album steps back to explore the heritage that shaped him, tracing a path from his adolescence in Nephi, Utah, where he absorbed post-punk influences alongside the sounds of Johnny Cash and Waylon Jennings.

    This deep connection to the American landscape informed every note recorded. The sessions were held in Nashville’s historic RCA Studio A, providing an authentic backdrop for Flowers to weave tales rooted in family and history. He brought together an impressive group of Nashville heavyweights to help craft this earthy sound, including guitarist David Rawlings, pedal steel master Bruce Bouton, and the legendary harmonica player Charlie McCoy, whose unmistakable voice echoes through Bob Dylan’s Nashville albums.

    The album is a tapestry woven from real-life narratives. Tracks like “Plans” prompt contemplation on cosmic luck, while “One Of Us” honors a lost family member, and “Miss America” explores the complicated memories of childhood milestones. Other songs delve into the bittersweet realities of life in Vegas casino environments with wry humor, as heard in “Paradise.”

    The thematic range is expansive, moving seamlessly between rural landscapes and glittering city dreams. Tracks like “Red Ground” introduce mariachi flourishes, while “Tiger’s Blood” blends the album’s raw textures with Flowers’ signature arena-rock energy. The sprawling closing track, “An American Dream,” serves as a surreal meditation on memory, family, and fleeting moments of eternity.

    The first taste of this journey arrives on June 26th with the single “Plans.”

    Credit: Spin

  • Minogue, Tarantino, RZA Are Getting ‘Tangled Up’

    Kylie Minogue in 2017 (photo: Ryan Pierse / Getty Images).

    The cinematic landscape just got a splash of unexpected color, as director Quentin Tarantino has found an unconventional detour for his long-awaited next project. Instead of settling on one final film, the auteur has teamed up with pop icon Kylie Minogue, hip-hop legend RZA, and the spirit of Bob Dylan to craft something entirely new: Tangled Up in Blue.

    This ambitious new feature is helmed by British filmmaker Jamie Adams, whose vision brings a wildly eclectic cast to the screen. The movie draws its thematic inspiration from Bob Dylan’s iconic 1975 classic, promising a narrative rich with musicality and emotional complexity.

    The ensemble cast is already packed with recognizable talent, including Allison Williams, Jason Isaacs, and Sofia Boutella, while Wu-Tang Clan principal RZA will grace the story as himself. Minogue joins Tarantino in this venture, adding an undeniable pop sensibility to what promises to be a deeply textured narrative.

    Filming for this unique collaboration is taking place in Wales, where the creative process is unfolding amidst stunning scenery. Reports indicate that scenes were shot in the seaside town of Porthcawl, including sequences set during a wake at the Saltwater Inn and another filmed at a church in nearby Newton.

    For Tarantino, the project represents another exciting collaborative step, moving him further along his journey as a director. Adams, who recently worked with Tarantino on other projects like Only What We Carry, described the experience of working with the director as feeling “like Disneyland for filmmakers.”

    In Tangled Up in Blue, Tarantino steps into the role of Jake Stroud, a veteran music manager forced to confront deep emotional truths while stranded in a hotel bar between an old flame and a lost soul. The casting brings diverse perspectives to this intimate drama.

    Kylie Minogue brings her unique blend of pop stardom and dramatic acting experience to the project, expanding her foray into the world of cinema. Having built a career that spans from television appearances on Neighbours to iconic films like Moulin Rouge! and Street Fighter, she is now exploring new avenues in acting.

    While the creative process continues, there is no official release date announced for Tangled Up in Blue. It remains a fascinating example of how high-profile figures and legendary music can intersect to create a truly unique cinematic experience.

    Credit: Spin

  • Watch Nate Mendel return to sing Sunny Day Real Estate as Foo Fighters cover ‘Seven’

    When the legendary Foo Fighters hit the stage, there was a moment that bridged decades of rock history, connecting modern anthems with nostalgic gems from the 90s. Guitarist Nate Mendel brought this connection to life by performing a cover of Sunny Day Real Estate’s track Seven during their recent tour.

    Mendel’s journey into Foo Fighters is an interesting footnote in rock history. He started his musical journey as a member of the Seattle group, Sunny Day Real Estate, before eventually joining the acclaimed Foo Fighters in the mid-1990s.

    The band’s formation involved some shifting dynamics. While Mendel was an early fixture, the original drummer, William Goldsmith, departed in 1997 during the recording of their album The Color And Shape, with Dave Gro

    Credit: NME

  • Jim James Finds A ‘Wow’ Signal

    When you step back from the relentless hum of modern life, what do you find? For musician Jim James, the answer lies in a deeper exploration of wonder, quiet joy, and the potent balm of music. As My Morning Jacket frontman prepares for an upcoming residency, he is turning inward, gathering his thoughts and his sound for his most personal project yet: the solo album Wowed Out.

    Wowed Out is not just a collection of songs; it is a deeply personal meditation on sensory exhaustion. The title itself captures that feeling—the overwhelming stimulation of the contemporary world—yet James uses this experience as a launchpad to find the simple, enduring joys that manage to cut through the noise.

    This new 24-track collection marks Jim James’ first solo effort in eight years, and it is built upon a unique foundation. The music originated from scoring for a pair of abandoned film projects, giving the album an inherently cinematic texture. James transformed these original compositions into something profoundly personal, weaving them into a tapestry of feeling.

    The creative process involved revisiting years of recordings made alongside longtime collaborator and acclaimed composer Brian Reitzell. Reitzell’s extensive filmography, including masterpieces like Lost in Translation and Lost Child” and “Hands On” champion tenderness, nature, and empathy, positioning them as powerful antidotes to the anxiety and disconnection that so often define modern existence. James reflects that music has always served as his anchor, pulling him back to comfort during times of feeling lost or depressed.

    The resulting record is a masterclass in emotional resonance. It was thoughtfully mixed alongside Grammy-winning engineer Emily Lazar, ensuring the sonic quality mirrored the depth of the lyrical content.

    The album’s introduction single, “Come Again,” arrived with a powerful message of perseverance. Originally conceived for a scene set in a teddy bear factory, the song evolved into a universal anthem about finding the strength to keep trying and finding joy despite changing directions.

    Before the full release of Wowed Out on August 28, James is taking time to share this new vision live. He will join a stellar lineup for July’s all-star Music From the Films of Wes Anderson concerts at the Hollywood Bowl, and he plans to offer an intimate solo acoustic set at Utah’s Song Summit.

    Credit: Spin

  • Marcey Yates: “God Put Me Here For A Reason”

    North Omaha, nestled along the Missouri River and Carter Lake, is more than just a place on the map; it’s a vibrant cultural crucible. With a rich history steeped in blues, jazz, and the birthplace of Malcolm X, this area pulses with an energy that defines its residents.

    At the heart of this creative landscape is Marcey Yates, an artist and visionary whose work bridges the gap between musical genius and community building. He established Culxr House, a dynamic creative hub in North Omaha since 2018, transforming it into a vital intersection where music, fashion, the arts, and civic engagement thrive.

    Culxr House serves as a powerful resource for promoting creativity, hosting concerts, art exhibitions, and workshops, motivating Yates daily with a singular drive: to sustain himself while helping others grow. His vision extends far beyond the studio; it is rooted in holistic self-improvement and connection.

    Yates’ journey into creativity was shaped by deep personal experiences. His early spiritual foundation taught him how to express emotion through music, instilling a pure sense of feeling that he carries into his art today. This soulful approach evolved as his life encountered hip-hop.

    Introduced to the genre by family, Yates absorbed influences ranging from West Coast legends like San Quinn and Kurupt to East Coast giants such as JAY-Z and Nas, alongside foundational figures like Dilla and Wu-Tang Clan. This rich tapestry of sounds became the bedrock of his artistic identity.

    Seeking formal training, Yates spent time at the University of Nebraska-Omaha before pursuing music production studies in Arizona. This blend of practical experience and academic knowledge allowed him to hone his craft, leading to solo releases and projects under aliases like Op2mus, including early works such as Vanilla Sky and Social Studies.

    The influence of hip-hop proved transformative, fundamentally shaping how Yates built himself. While he remains a core hip-hop producer, his influence has expanded into collaborations with the symphony and opera, demonstrating a mastery that transcends genre boundaries. He is an emcee, recording artist, performing artist, all while remaining deeply rooted in the culture of hip-hop.

    With a decade and a half dedicated to perfecting his craft, Yates has continually released projects like Chocolate For Water (2023) and 9 Months (2024). He has been recognized for his community stewardship, earning five Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards, including accolades for Culxr House: Freedom Summer.

    More recently, Yates has continued his evolution with new releases like House Rules and his latest album, Vanilla Sky II, released in February. This work is a celebration of classic boom bap beats and sharp lyricism, balanced by introspective themes on relationships and the challenges of being an independent artist.

    In an industry often characterized by superficiality, Yates’s introspective lyrics and distinctive production style offer a refreshing counterpoint. He continues to push boundaries, leveraging his platform through brand partnerships, launching his media company Culxr Media, and pursuing goals that ensure his music reaches everyone’s ears, all while remaining grounded in the love and support of his family.

    Credit: Spin

  • Legendary Music Exec Clive Davis Dies At 94

    Clive Davis in 2017 (photo: Francois Durand / Getty Images)

    The world of music pauses today to remember Clive Davis, a titan whose influence reverberated across six decades of popular music. With a career spanning more than sixty years, Davis didn’t just manage records; he built entire musical empires, shaping the sounds that defined generations and guiding countless careers from the page of a contract to the peak of global stardom.

    Born in Brooklyn in 1932, Davis possessed an innate knack for the industry. After graduating from New York University and Harvard Law School, he joined Columbia Records as an attorney, quickly ascending through the ranks. By 1966, he was already serving as vice president and general manager, a role he ultimately held as president the following year.

    From the outset, Davis had an uncanny ability to spot talent. He famously signed groundbreaking acts like Janis Joplin’s Big Brother and the Holding Company, while bringing titans such as Bruce Springsteen, Chicago, Santana, Laura Nyro, and Aerosmith into the Columbia fold. His vision extended across genres, helping steer the careers of Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Sly and the Family Stone, Barbra Streisand, and Miles Davis.

    Davis was instrumental in transforming the landscape of soul music, partnering with Gamble & Huff to bring Philadelphia International Records into Columbia, thereby profoundly shaping the sound of Black music in the 1970s. After leaving Columbia in 1973, he carved out his own path, authoring the bestselling memoir Clive: Inside the Record Business and founding Arista Records with Columbia Pictures.

    The label quickly demonstrated its power, famously signing Barry Manilow’s “Mandy,” which Davis personally discovered and renamed. Arista became a powerhouse, launching careers for artists ranging from Houston and Patti Smith to Kenny G and Sarah McLachlan, and attracting legends like Aretha Franklin, Lou Reed, the Grateful Dead, and the Eurythmics.

    Davis’ empire continued its explosive growth. He launched Arista Nashville in 1988, cultivating country superstars like Alan Jackson and Brad Paisley. Later, he partnered with L.A. Reid and Babyface to create LaFace Records, which became a launchpad for massive acts including TLC, Toni Braxton, Usher, Outkast, and Pink.

    Perhaps one of his greatest musical triumphs was overseeing Santana’s Supernatural, the 1999 comeback album that sold over 26 million copies worldwide and secured the Album of the Year Grammy. Davis shared producer honors for this monumental success.

    His influence on new sounds continued with his launch of J Records, which introduced Alicia Keys to the world with her debut album Songs in A Minor>, an album that swept the Grammys. He oversaw successes across the spectrum, from Maroon 5 and Luther Vandross to Rod Stewart and Jennifer Hudson.

    Beyond the charts, Davis channeled his immense wealth into philanthropy. He devoted himself to education, donating significant funds to New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts to establish the Department of Recorded Music. He was also deeply involved in humanitarian causes, including AIDS-related efforts, ensuring his legacy extended far beyond the music industry.

    Clive Davis left behind a monumental soundtrack for the world. His life and career are chronicled in the acclaimed documentary Clive Davis: The Soundtrack of Our Lives and his autobiography, which continue to inspire generations who discovered that the true rhythm of life is found in the music.

    Credit: Spin

  • Olivia Rodrigo Launches Massive All-Female Fest

    Olivia Rodrigo Launches Massive All-Female Festival

    Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo is turning her advocacy into an unforgettable event with the launch of Daisy Chain Fields, a massive single-day festival dedicated entirely to women and girls. This isn’t just a concert; it’s a powerful statement that joy, community, and creativity are the ultimate drivers of meaningful change.

    Mark your calendars for August 29th, as this incredible event will take place at Great Park in Irvine, California. Daisy Chain Fields is designed to celebrate the voices, artistry, and contributions of women across the spectrum, fostering an environment where connection and inspiration thrive.

    The festival promises an eclectic and electrifying lineup spanning two stages, bringing together some of the most dynamic names in music history alongside incredible artists and organizations focused on empowerment. The roster is stacked with talent from stars like Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Doechii, Bikini Kill, Garbage, Mitski, Santigold, The Breeders, Rachel Chinouriri, KATSEYE, Die Spitz, Eli, Quiet Light, and Not for Radio.

    Adding to the magic are special guests who will lend their legendary presence, including Karen O, Sarah McLachlan, and Stevie Nicks, ensuring the event is steeped in musical history and powerful feminine energy.

    But Daisy Chain Fields is much more than a collection of performances. It is fundamentally built on a mission: to cultivate an inclusive space for dialogue, education, and activism. The festival aims to use the collective power of music and shared experience to inspire progress and social change.

    The event acts as a powerful nexus combining entertainment with philanthropy. Net proceeds from Daisy Chain Fields will directly benefit numerous nonprofits focused on critical issues facing women and girls, ranging from reproductive rights and economic empowerment to domestic violence prevention and maternal health.

    Attendees can expect far more than just live music. The festival features nonprofit activations, community art experiences, fan pop-ups, local vendors, and immersive installations that deepen the sense of community and engagement.

    Partnering with organizations such as Planned Parenthood, Baby2Baby, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, the Center for Reproductive Rights, the National Women’s Law Center, FreeFrom, and the National Domestic Workers Alliance, the event ensures that the celebration directly supports vital causes.

    As Olivia Rodrigo shared in her announcement, she emphasized that the core purpose of Daisy Chain is to create space for meaningful moments of connection across generations. She framed the festival’s goal as harnessing the energy of music to serve as enduring drivers of progress and social change.

    It’s a powerful reminder that when we bring together creativity and community, we don’t just create unforgettable moments—we build an unbreakable chain of hope. Daisy Chain Fields is proving that music can be a force for good, celebrating the wild beauty of women as they stand strong and connected.

    Credit: Spin