MusicFreaks

Tag: Alanis Morissette

  • Watch Kings Of Leon headline first ever State Fayre Festival: “It feels like coming home”

    When the UK’s largest music and barbecue event rolls into town, things get hot, hungry, and incredibly loud. The inaugural State Fayre festival delivered a sizzling start at Hylands Park in Chelmsford last weekend, setting a high bar for what a massive outdoor celebration can achieve.

    Leading the charge was the legendary Kings of Leon, who kicked off the festivities with a headline set that felt less like a performance and more like coming home. Amidst the record-breaking UK heatwave, as the smell of barbecue drifted across the site, frontman Caleb Followill captured the mood perfectly, telling the crowd, “it feels like being home.”

    The band delivered an absolutely packed performance, diving deep into their catalog with anthems like ‘Find Me’ and fan favourites including ‘The Bucket’, ‘Use Somebody’, and the explosive energy of ‘Sex On Fire’. The setlist was a masterclass in rock exhilaration, showcasing their enduring appeal.

    Kings of Leon‘s appearance was just one vibrant thread in a sprawling weekend lineup that mixed rock, Americana, and country influences with American-inspired food, decor, and classic fairground attractions. The festival featured powerhouse acts such as The Black Crowes, Stephen Wilson Jr, Kingfishr, Alanis Morissette, Skunk Anansie, The Lumineers, Elvis Costello & The Imposters with Charlie Sexton, and Counting Crows.

    The sheer diversity of talent across the weekend ensured there was something for every taste, providing a rich tapestry of music as attendees enjoyed the spectacle.

    Beyond the main stage highlights, Kings of Leon is gearing up for an extensive tour, continuing their UK and Ireland dates next week in cities like Belfast, Limerick, Glasgow, Manchester, and Leeds, with further stops including Madrid.

    The band’s recent work has been highly regarded; their 2024 album ‘Can We Please Have Fun’ was praised as one of their most promising and liberated records for over a decade. During interviews surrounding the release, the band spoke about rediscovering their excitement while making the music, noting that they allowed themselves to be musically vulnerable on the record.

    Credit: NME

  • US Copyright Office & Publishing Leaders Met to Discuss the Future of Music AI

    The music publishing world recently convened for a vital conversation about its future at the 2026 AIMP Global Music Publishing Summit. Held on June 9th in New York City, the event brought together leaders from across the global publishing community—publishers, songwriters, attorneys, rights organizations, technology companies, and sync executives—to tackle the defining challenges and opportunities facing music publishing today.

    Amidst a whirlwind of activity that included the A2IM Indie Week, the NMPA Annual Meeting, and Songwriters Hall of Fame Awards, the Summit provided a dedicated space for conversation focused squarely on navigating the evolving landscape of music rights and creation.

    One of the day’s most illuminating sessions featured a fireside chat with Shira Perlmutter, Register of Copyrights and Director of the U.S. Copyright Office, and Emily L. Chapuis, General Counsel and Associate Register of Copyrights. They addressed the complexities of copyright policy in an era defined by rapid technological shifts, exploring how the Copyright Office remains dedicated to promoting creativity despite legal, political, and operational challenges.

    The conversation delved into some of the most pressing new issues, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence, streaming platforms, and rapidly evolving technologies on creators and rights holders. Chapuis further discussed the Copyright Office’s role in helping address emerging questions surrounding AI-generated works, royalty administration, and copyright policy, underscoring the increasingly intricate relationship between technology, authorship, and rights management.

    Adding a layer of timeless perspective to the discussions was a keynote conversation with legendary songwriter and producer Glen Ballard. Reflecting on a career spanning iconic hits for artists like Michael Jackson, Alanis Morissette, and Ringo Starr, Ballard shared candid insights into the value of music publishers. He passionately affirmed, “I wouldn’t be here without a publisher,” highlighting the crucial role these entities play in nurturing creative risk-taking and fostering songwriting.

    Ballard emphasized that true success is built on curiosity, persistence, and daily creative practice, encouraging attendees to remain open to inspiration wherever it appears. He recalled how Alanis Morissette’s landmark album Jagged Little Pill emerged from intensely creative writing sessions, a testament to the power of collaborative creation.

    Beyond these high-level discussions, the summit provided practical insights into the mechanics of the industry. The topic of artificial intelligence dominated many sessions, where experts focused on real-world applications—exploring how AI is already being leveraged for catalog administration, metadata management, fraud detection, and operational efficiency, always stressing the irreplaceable value of human oversight.

    Global growth was another recurring theme. Panelists representing diverse regions discussed the expanding importance of local expertise, regional partnerships, and culturally informed strategies as music consumption continues to flourish worldwide. This reinforced the idea that the future of publishing will be shaped by cross-border collaboration rather than traditional market boundaries.

    Finally, practical discussions focused on the realities of sync dealmaking, prompting attendees to emphasize preparation, patience, complete rights information, and agility when opportunities arise. Ultimately, the event reaffirmed a powerful truth: while technology, business models, and global markets are in constant motion, strong creative relationships and trusted partnerships remain the bedrock of the music publishing future.

    Credit: Hypebot