Music Biz Headlines, Aug. 10, 2018
A possible resurgence for the compact disc, science tackles Lennon-McCartney songs, and Joe Elliott strolls down memory lane. Also in the headlines are QOTSA, Brady Bunch, Veld fest, Ludacris, Goldilox, gender equality, Lebanon fests, Brian's Record option, Jon Lovitz, X Avant, and Bear Witness.
By Kerry Doole
'Hipster kryptonite': will CDs ever have a resurgence?
Compact discs don’t have the romance of vinyl – but as a generation of tastemakers reconnect with their youth, that could be about to change. – Jumi Akinfenwa, The Guardian
Who wrote the Beatles' hit 'In My Life'? Researchers settle it with math
A new statistical model developed by researchers at Dalhousie and Harvard universities has been used to analyze multiple Lennon-McCartney songs, concluding Lennon likely penned “In My Life.” – CP
Queens of the Stone Age catches fire with an intimate cannabis-company Commodore show
Recreational cannabis industry marketing budgets are getting larger and more adventurous. In a buzz-building “for the fans” move, Canadian medicinal cannabis company Aurora blasted social media with a free QOTSA gig in Vancouver as part of the Aurora Illumination Series. – Steve Barmash, Georgia Straight
Def Leppard's Joe Elliott: 'We had this inner demon of pop wanting to come out'
The band’s frontman picks out his favourite songs from their back catalogue, and explains how they have remained positive through cancer, car crashes and alcoholism. – Michael Hann, The Guardian
‘Brady Bunch’ house acquired by HGTV for home-improvement show
A piece of sitcom history is getting a makeover for the reality-TV era. HGTV bought the Southern California home featured on “The Brady Bunch” TV show, beating ’N Sync star Lance Bass' bid. – Nick Turner, Bloomberg
5 moments that united the crowd at Veld festival
The EDM and rap festival has become a massive event. From A$AP Ferg's Toronto love to a touching Avicii tribute, here's what showed its communal spirit. – Michael Rancic, NOW
‘No ego, no attitude’: Barrie musician Bradley Daymond remembered for Love Inc. and ‘N Sync work
The Canadian producer and songwriter died last week at age 48. – David Friend, CP
Ludacris bought a woman’s groceries, not knowing the struggles she’s had
The hip-hop star/actor helps a woman at a Whole Foods store, without being aware of her troubled personal situation. – Jennifer Brett, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Goldilox, just right
After a decade in the business, bad major label deals and a name change, pop has a new disco queen—and she comes from Cape Breton. – Brandon Young, The Coast
Musicians push for all-female production teams in bid for equality
Calgary singer Lindsay Kay recalls the pushback she felt while preparing to make her debut album with only female musicians and sound engineers. – David Friend, CP
Lebanon’s glamorous music festivals struggle in tough times
Shakira and Elton John played one-off concerts in Lebanon in recent months but the summer music festivals that helped make the country a cultural lodestar for the Arab world are struggling. – Ellen Francis, Reuters
Flood could close Kingston record shop for good
A fixture in Kingston’s downtown is facing possible closure after a suspected water main break flooded Brian’s Record Option, destroying much of its merchandise. Brian Lipsin has been selling recorded music at his shop for nearly 40 years. – Megan Balogh, The Whig
Osheaga 2018: Highlights and reviews
Chants of "Blondie! Blondie!" erupted in the minutes before the legendary New York disco-punk band took the main River Stage. – T'Cha Dunlevy, Montreal Gazette
Jon Lovitz plays a Southern lawyer in ‘Chasing the Blues’
Scott Smith directed this dark indie-comedy film, which follows rival record collectors’ pursuit of rare blues LP. – Ryan Reed, Rolling Stone
Oktopus and Debaucherauntes add a little extra heat to summer with WISE Hall double bill
At this point in the summer you have a choice: sit at home in front of the London Drugs-issue Rowenta Turbo Stand Fan with a wet towel and a box of Popsicles, or hitting a dance floor and sweating until you’re soaked to the bone. – Mike Usinger, Georgia Straight
A Tribe Called Red's Bear Witness is curating this year's X Avant festival
Check out the full lineup of the Music Gallery's annual festival in Toronto. This year’s theme is inspired by the Halluci Nation concept from A Tribe Called Red’s 2016 We Are The Halluci Nation album. – NOW
Lollapalooza 2018: How brands such as Toyota and American Eagle drew guests in - and kept them cool
The annual music festival faced soaring temperatures, and brands that offered shade or icy snacks were particularly successful in luring music fans. – Jenny Berg, BizBash.com
