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Music Biz Headlines, Dec. 13, 2017

In today's wrap, Sheryl Crow takes aim at country artists afraid to favour gun control, and Janelle Monae unveils her first art exhibit. Also featured are Stevie Wonder, The National, Kesha and Macklemore, R. Harlan Smith, Christmas songs, Neil Young and David Bowie.

Music Biz Headlines, Dec. 13, 2017

By Kerry Doole

Stevie Wonder opens up 'Talking Book' and 'Innervisions' at holiday benefit concert

The singer had some altruistic reasons for performing his albums “Talking Book” and “Innervisions” from beginning to end at Staples Center  – Mikael Wood, LA Times


Tracy Bonham: My five favourite Nineties songs

The US singer-songwriter looks back at classics by the Pixies, Liz Phair and more – Rolling Stone

Sheryl Crow criticizes country stars for not 'taking a stand' on gun control

Crow, who is releasing a song dedicated to Newtown victims, says country musicians are afraid of speaking about gun laws and losing their audience – Lois Beckett, The Guardian

The enduring high note of Handel’s Messiah returning in dual Toronto productions

The instant-classic composition — getting its usual seasonal productions from both the TSO and Tafelmusik – offers a grand story of how the world makes sense — John Terauds, Toronto Star

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Janelle Monae tackles surveillance and conformity in first art exhibit

The singer, songwriter and actress said she wanted to explore the "weaponization of technology" in her Refinery29 piece  – Sandy Cohen, AP

The National might sound dark and political, but their Sony Centre show was full of joy

The US band's singer Matt Berninger dedicated a song to the newly crowned MLS Cup champions Toronto FC – Max Mertens, NOW

Indies feel pushed out of vinyl boom as 'dad rock' sells in record numbers

Small labels report lengthy production delays as big stars monopolise Europe’s two main pressing plants – Zoe Wood, The Guardian

My Ten Best Albums of 2017

The year was mostly about figuring out how to balance a fear of the future with continued existence in the present. These albums provided a soundtrack for that process – Amanda Petrusich, New Yorker

Kesha and Macklemore announce joint tour for summer 2018

The Adventures of Kesha and Macklemore kicks off June 6 in Phoenix and includes Canadian dates  – Billboard

 Country star trades his guitar for a pen to write autobiography

A legion of musicians he has inspired over decades will come together for an open-mike jam session on Thursday at the Yellowhead Chateau Nova Hotel when R. Harlan Smith's book about his life, Hitch Your Wagon to a Star, will be released – Nick Lees, Edmonton Journal

Christmas songs that sleigh me

As we're deep into the holiday season, you can't help but hear the jingle-jangle Christmas music that is played endlessly at every store and mall in America from Thanksgiving to New Year’s  – Easy Ed, No Depression

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How TV music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas makes unknown artists mainstream on TV shows

Before Patsavas, music supervisor for The O.C., featured the Killers on the show, they were just another up-and-coming band – q- CBC

Music Reviews: Kevin Breit, Diablo Swing Orchestra, and Redi Hasa and Maria Mazzotta

A look at some left of centre new releases worthy of your attention –  Stuart Derdeyn, Vancouver Sun

Neil Young and David Bowie: two men, two docs, same resilient authenticity

Neil Young: Home Town and David Bowie: The Last Five Years show us two artists who stayed true to themselves  – Johanna Schneller, Toronto Star

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Billie Eilish stopped by 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' last night (Sept. 3).
Jimmy Kimmel Live!

Billie Eilish stopped by 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' last night (Sept. 3).

Pop

Billie Eilish’s Mom Defends Billie and Finneas Against ‘Nepo Baby’ Claims

"I got that episode of Friends because I was about to lose my health insurance," said Maggie Baird.

Billie Eilish and Finneas O’Connell may be two of the biggest names in music, but their mom, Maggie Baird, isn’t buying into the idea that their success is purely due to nepotism.

In a new interview with Glamour published on Oct. 3, Baird clapped back at the recent “nepo baby” label that has been attached to her kids. The term resurfaced after a clip of Maggie’s appearance on Friends began circulating online, with many pointing out her and her husband Patrick O’Connell’s connections to the entertainment industry.

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