Now Hear This is a monthly A&R column that provides you with exciting new sounds we discovered through the innovative new music platform Groover. Each month, you can expect a varied bouillabaisse of songs from a vast spectrum of artists from all over the globe, regardless of genre or geography. In December, we hope to…
You know your band’s legacy is secure when the sold-out crowd at your show can sing two full verses of your song before you even play a single note. Not that the U.K. Oi! punk originators Cock Sparrer were remotely worried about how they’ll be remembered during their two recent sold-out shows at the Hollywood…
Luke Spiller has had a year of “achievements.” He mentions the term twice during our conversation. Once in connection with his group the Struts, who celebrated the 10-year anniversary of their debut album, Everybody Wants, with a major tour. And once when speaking about his debut solo album, Love Will Probably Kill Me Before Cigarettes…
In February 2014, I tuned in to the BRIT Awards to watch my newly minted friends Rudimental’s performance. I didn’t expect to get knocked out by Ella Eyre, the featured vocalist on their chart-topping, BRIT-winning single “Waiting All Night.” In a painted-on catsuit, with enviable tresses, and a commanding presence, she owned that stage. Like…
These tentpole moments are important for creating touchpoints with brands and fans. Events like this create momentum around premieres and previews, generate conversations around projects, and hijack the airwaves. Miami Art Week is bombing everyone’s social feeds. As a music marketer and cultural anthropologist, I cherish the opportunity to mix and mingle with the best…
Stepping onto Azam Ali’s property in Glendale, located in northeast Los Angeles County, is like entering the titular space in Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic novel, The Secret Garden. Despite cars rushing by faster than the speed limit, the foliage surrounding Azam’s home acts as a sound barrier that makes me want to be ultra-quiet. The…
"We're taking over, basically," says Laidback Luke, aka Lucas Cornelis van Scheppingen. (Photo by Yavez Anthonio) Laidback Luke is in the midst of a personal renaissance. From his recent James Brown remix to the countless collaborations with Daft Punk, Madonna, Lil Jon and others, Luke is helping build a new movement for the dance community….
Visual artist and puppeteer Wayne White doesn’t claim to be a good musician, at least not in the traditional sense. But then again, nothing is traditional when it comes to White. And he prefers it that way. White is a man you may not be familiar with, but his work you’ve most definitely seen. As…
Skrillex, the Strokes, GRiZ, Turnstile, Rüfüs Du Sol, Teddy Swims, the Neighbourhood, Noah Kahan, Role Model and Kesha will headline next year’s Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, on the heels of a disastrous rain cancellation at this year’s event. Weather-related upgrades will be in place when the fest returns to its longtime home in Manchester,…
After its summer debut in London, Gorillaz are rebuilding the exhibition House of Kong for Los Angeles audiences at Rolling Greens DTLA from Feb. 26-March 19. The event dovetails with the March 20 release of the Damon Albarn-led cartoon band’s new album, The Mountain. As part of the celebration, Gorillaz will also perform standalone shows…
