Music Biz Headlines, March 5, 2018
Names in the news today include Spotify, Diana Panton, Charlie Watts, Rich Aucoin, Tory Lanez, the CMA, British jazz, Johnson Crook, Hedley, Kim Deal, Memphis music, Born Ruffians, and Lila Downs.
By Kerry Doole
Classical music has always enabled bad behaviour. It’s time for that to change
We need great musicians and conductors — yet we also need them to respect human dignity – John Terauds, Toronto Star
Is Spotify worth $20B?
The music service will soon have its IPO and investors think it can be as big as Netflix. Are they right? – Alex Hern, The Guardian
A salute to women who rock
I have been in awe of many amazing females who rock (and, admittedly, I have had crushes on many of them). I have always had great interviews with my favourite females who can wield a guitar and/or rock just as hard as the guys – Bill Welychka, thewhig.com
"I'm more confident in being in the moment" — The Diana Panton interview
The Hamilton-based, Juno-winning vocalist performed Saturday night in the National Arts Centre's Azraeli Studio in Ottawa – Peter Hum, Ottawa Citizen
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts reveals the secret to his long marriage
Married to wife Shirley Ann Shephard for 54 years, the couple stayed together even when the band was on tour and the other members were partying hard – Lisa Bowman, NME
Rich Aucoin took the Drake on a cinematic odyssey through his mind
The Halifax musician's early release show for his new Hold EP was a vast and holistic presentation of his YOLO message – Ian Gormely, NOW
Tory Lanez: Memories Don't Die review – a gutless rap rip-off
Drake’s no-longer nemesis presents no semblance of originality this astonishingly hackneyed, aggressively chameleonic LP – Ben Beaumont-Thomas, The Guardian
Mike Huckabee resigns from Country Music Association Board as Nashville firestorm ignites
“Basically, every gay man in town is furious,” says one manager of the former Arkansas governor's short tenure with the CMAs' educational wing – Chris Willman, Variety
Jazz's new British invasion
In America, jazz is buzzier than it's been in years. But will the music's next breakout stars come from overseas? – Piotr Orlov, Rolling Stone
Johnson Crook has a natural authenticity
Though formed in Toronto, rising roots-rock quartet Johnson Crook's members originate from small towns across North America, lending the harmony-laden and musically proficient alt-country of their 2017 debut, "The Album," a genuine feel – Neil McDonald, Waterloo Region Record
Hedley and fans muddle through Brampton show despite sexual-misconduct allegations
Supporters in half-full arena help frontman Jacob Hoggard rediscover some of his charm, vowing by the end that ‘it won’t be our last time here.’ One fan observes, ‘they’re still playing Chris Brown music. So it’s like, 'why are you hating on my band?’ – Ben Rayner, Toronto Star
Kim Deal: "Misogyny is the backbone of the music industry"
The Breeders’ singer and guitarist talks rehab, Pixies and caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s – Barbara Ellen, The Guardian
Eight new David Bowie records to be released in the coming month
A series of vinyl reissues and rarities are forthcoming, including a demo version of "Let's Dance"; the 1977 promotional LP Bowie Now; and two live releases – Consequence of Sound
Robert Gordon captures Junior Kimbrough on ‘Memphis Rent Party’
Historian, author, film producer and director, and Memphis resident Robert Gordon has written a book about his journey of discovery as he was befriending various artists of the city. Here's an excerpt – Barry Kerzner, American Blues Scene
Keeping it in the family
The new album from Born Ruffians reunites original members and pays tribute to their fathers – Vanessa Polojac, The Silhouette
A new compilation shows DIY guitar music is alive and well in Toronto
On Art of the Uncarved Block's new cassette, bands like Triples, Humanities and Low Sun bring pre-internet aesthetics into the urgent, noisy present – Mark Streeter, NOW
Lila Downs delivers new sophistication
“I don’t think we see music as having to do with genre. Rather, we just learn from all the music that’s out there in the world—and that’s very exciting" – Alex Varty, Georgia Straight
