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Rock

Steve Albini’s Legacy to Be Honored With Viral #ThankYouSteveAlbini Campaign

Organizers ask fans to upload photos and stories on July 22 to honor the late musician on what would have been his 62nd birthday.

Steve Albini in the 'A' control room of his studio, Electrical Audio, Chicago, Illinois, June 24, 2005.

Steve Albini in the 'A' control room of his studio, Electrical Audio, Chicago, Illinois, June 24, 2005.

Paul Natkin/Getty Images

Just months after his shocking death at 61, legendary producer/engineer/band leader Steve Albini will be honored with a global celebration of his noisy legacy. Touch and Go Records announced on Thursday (July 18) that it is turning what would have been Albini’s 62nd birthday on Monday (July 22) into a chance to share memories about the late rock rabblerouser known for creating righteously riotous music as well as for his vicious wit.

“Though we tragically lost Steve Albini on May 7, 2024, his indelible influence on music remains. Let’s turn his birthday, July 22nd, into a worldwide celebration to honor his life and legacy,” the label said in a statement announcing their request that fans and friends flood Instagram on Monday with “stories and photos that capture the essence of Steve’s impact. Share pictures of his albums that shaped you, concert memories, or even handwritten notes that resonated deeply. If you were lucky enough to meet him, let’s see those photos!”


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Posters are asked to tag their memories with #ThankYouSteveAlbini to create a digital archive of “our collective gratitude, ensuring Steve’s influence remains vibrantly visible.”

Indie rock icon Albini died on May 7 of a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of lacerating noise punk as the leader of his bands Shellac, Rapeman and Big Black, as well as a long list of credits engineering (he preferred that title rather than “producer”) such landmark albums as PJ Harvey’s Rid of Me, Nirvana’s In Utero, the Pixies’ Surfer Rosa, as well as thousands of others.

This article was originally published by Billboard U.S.

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Executive of the Week: FACTOR's Meg Symsyk on Why Supporting Canadian Music Means Supporting Cultural Sovereignty
Business

Executive of the Week: FACTOR's Meg Symsyk on Why Supporting Canadian Music Means Supporting Cultural Sovereignty

The president and CEO of FACTOR, one of Canada's most crucial music funders, explains why it's more important than ever to support homegrown culture and give it the opportunity to compete on the global stage.

When it comes to supporting Canadian music, FACTOR's influence is immeasurable. One of the most crucial funders of art in the country, the non-profit's impact is seen with its logo across countless acclaimed records and its name shouted out at concerts and award shows. But for president & CEO Meg Symsyk, it's not just about supporting Canadian music or even Canadian artists: it's about the sovereignty and identity of the country itself.

“Buying locally is more important than ever because of that consumer awareness and structural support. Canadians need to be encouraged to be more intentional. This last year and a half with the tariffs and the trade wars has put that on everyone's front burner,” she explains.

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