Music Biz Headlines, Feb. 13, 2019
Daniel Caesar (pictured) and Greg Wells win their first Grammys, Everest scales new heights, and Heart regroups. Also in the headlines are NOV3L, Harpdog Brown, Kaia Kater, Drake, Alex Chilton, Nicki Minaj, and Michael Lynton.
By Kerry Doole
Toronto's Daniel Caesar wins first Grammy for 'Best Part' with H.E.R.
The Toronto-raised musician split the honour for Best R&B Performance with American performer, H.E.R., for their song, "Best Part.'' Caesar was previously nominated twice at the 2017 Grammys for his debut album, "Freudian," and single, "Get You." – Charmaine Noronha, Huffington Post
‘That movie moment’: Canadian Greg Wells on winning Grammy for The Greatest Showman
Music producer Greg Wells says winning his first Grammy for the soundtrack to “The Greatest Showman” felt like a scene lifted from the pages of a Hollywood screenplay. The Peterborough, Ont.-raised songwriter said Sunday that reality was still sinking in for him.–CP
On Our Radar: NOV3L smarter than the average brainiac with explanation for "To Whom It May Concern"
It goes without saying that NOV3L (pronounced "Nove-three-elle") has left us a little baffled, starting with its band mission statement. – Mike Usinger Georgia Straight
Harpdog Brown and the Uptown Blues Band head to The Krossing
Harpdog Brown is a powerhouse, one-of-a-kind blues master. And these days, he’s super excited about hitting the road with his band and showcasing brand new tunes from his upcoming album – For Love & Money – produced by Steve Dawson and due for release in late April. – Mark Weber, Red DeerExpress
Review: Everest scales new heights in innovative opera
It is, essentially, the Dallas production that was presented by Calgary Opera, with tenor Andrew Bidlack reprising his lead role as Rob Hall, the doomed expedition leader and central character. – Kenneth DeLong, Calgary Herald
Inspired musicians stir their ingredients into roots and global music
“I think the banjo is defying a lot of its previous stereotypes. It can inhabit a lot of different roles and I hope to help broaden those horizons.” – Kaia Kater. – Roger Levesque, Edmonton Journal
International
Was this year's Grammys the beginning of the end for a white, male music industry?
In a stark contrast to last year's Grammys, women received numerous major category wins and highlighted the night with a variety of buzzy performances. – Lorraine Ali, LA Times
Women win big at the Grammys a year after being told to ‘step up’
Women and rap triumphed at the Grammys on Sunday as female acts took home top prizes including album of the year and best new artist, and Childish Gambino made history when his hit “This Is America” became the first rap-based track to win record and song of the year. – Mesfin Fekadu, AP
In silencing Drake, the Grammys continue to have a problem with rap
The Canadian rapper’s speech was cut off, further damaging the standing of the ceremony in the hip-hop community, despite championing more women. – Alexis Petridis, The Guardian
Robert Christgau on Alex Chilton's fragile love songs
The Dean of American Rock Critics reviews three records from the late Big Star singer, including a new 15-track compilation, ' From Memphis To New Orleans.' – Noisey
Nile Rodgers announced as guest curator for Meltdown festival 2019
The prolific singer and producer of landmark pop anthems takes over Southbank Centre’s annual music series.– The Guardian
Heart regroups for tour with Joan Jett, Sheryl Crow
Rockers Heart have regrouped after a family squabble for a tour with Joan Jett and Sheryl Crow. Sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson fell out on tour three years ago following an altercation between Ann’s husband and Nancy’s kids backstage. – WENN
Nicki Minaj drops out of BET festival after network shades her
Nicki Minaj and Cardi B might have publicly buried their beef, but that didn’t stop BET from using Cardi’s historic Grammy win to dredge up drama between the two women. And it appears it has cost the network the biggest headliner it had booked for its annual BET Experience festival this summer. – Gerrick D. Kennedy, LA Times
Michael Lynton expected to join the Warner Music Group board of directors
The former Sony Entertainment CEO will work with a group of ten other WMG board members as its non-Exec Chairman. – Tim Ingham, MBW
