Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:59:48

Shooter Jennings Photos

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Shooter Jennings Videos

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Critically acclaimed country star Shooter Jennings will hit the road with a string of shows to promote his fifth studio album Family Man, which is being released by Entertainment One Music Group on March 13, 2012. The tour, which he will co-headline with Cody Canada and The Departed, features special guest Uncle Lucius and kicks off on March 19 in Austin, TX.

“Writing, recording and producing this album was truly a labor of love. Each track is a piece of me and I am looking forward to getting out on the road again and performing for my fans,” said Shooter.

Jennings recently premiered the video for “The Deed and the Dollar,” the first single off, on CMT where it instantly became the No. 1 viewed video on the country channel.

The video also features home shot footage of Shooter with his girls, fiancée Drea de Matteo and daughter, Alabama Gypsy Rose. “The Deed and the Dollar” was released on iTunes on Dec. 20, 2011 and is considered by Shooter to be “the perfect love song.”

As the title suggests, Family Manis Shooter’s most personal and introspective album to date, focusing on his home life, the endless temptations of life on the road, his Southern heritage and upbringing, and his unique position among today’s country musicians. Produced by Jennings, the album also features appearances by Tom Morello and Eleanor Whitmore.

Tour Dates:

Date City- Venue

March 16th Austin, TX- Saxton Pub (SXSW)
March 18th Longview, TX – The Levee
March 22nd Denton, TX – Rockin Rodeo
March 23rd Tulsa, OK – Cains
March 24th Wichita, KS – Cotillion
March 26th St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House
March 28th Minneapolis, MN-The Cabooze
March 30th Chicago, IL -Joe’s
March 31st Dubuque, IA -Miss Moon Bar

Are you going to see Shooter Jennings or check out Family Man?

—Maggie Pannacione
02.20.12

Tags: Shooter Jennings, Cody Canada, The Departed, Uncle Lucius, Tom Morello, Eleanor Whitmore

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Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:34:49

Nicki Minaj Photos

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Nicki Minaj Videos

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Go here to watch Nicki Minaj video promoting her partnership with MAC’s Viva Glam campaign, where every cent of the selling price of a tube of Viva Glam lipstick is donated toward the MAC AIDS fund, which provides support to those living with AIDS.

In the vid, Minaj talks about her love of MAC lipstick. We’re right there with her. Ricky Martin, the first Latin male pitchman for the campaign, is also featured, talking about MAC lip conditioner. It’s all for a great cause.

Do you wear MAC products? Do you support the Viva Glam campaign?

—Maggie Pannacione
02.20.12

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Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:34:51

Kevin Costner‘s at it again…musically speaking!

The critically-acclaimed actor, director and now musician is heading out on the road. Kevin Costner & Modern West will take center stage with a concert tour that’s scheduled to launch this spring in Lakeland, Florida. Academy Award-winning Costner co-founded the rock/country band after being encouraged by his wife, Christine, to reconnect with his music passion.

Some background info on Costner’s musical return: In 2005, he teamed with songwriter John Coinman and bassist Blair Forward, band mates of their original group, Roving Boy, from the late ’80s. Other members of Modern West include Larry Cobb (drums), Park Chisolm (vocals & guitar), Teddy Morgan (lead guitar & producer). Bobby Yang, Roddy Chong and Luke Bulla will rotate fiddle performances. For the past 6 years, the band has been electrifying audiences across the globe with shows in Europe, Asia, Canada, South America, and the US.

When it comes to pursuing music, Costner describes it as a journey taken with a personal and purposeful approach. “I always thought that music could build a stronger, more personal moment with people. It could create an opportunity for genuine exchange much greater than a movie, TV interview or magazine. It would be real, full of mistakes and without apology. But most of all, there would be a chance to have some fun.”

Kevin Costner & Modern West released their first CD, Untold Truths, on Universal Records in 2008. The following year, Turn It On was launched in Europe on Edel Records. The band toured Europe during that period, playing 38 shows in six weeks. In 2011, it released From Where I Stand on Edel Records and kicked off another extensive tour.

In the midst of hectic schedules and a steady stream of CDs, Kevin Costner & Modern West have continued with its commitment of giving back and lending a helping hand. Over the years, the group has performed at various benefit events and USO concerts for military troops serving abroad. The band has appeared at premiere music events such as Country Thunder, Stagecoach, Grand Ole Opry and Ottawa Blues Festival, to name a few. It was also featured in an hour-long CMT special. The group plays all original material written by its band members.

Tour Dates:

03/28/2012 Lakeland, FL @ Lakeland Center
03/31/2012 Fort Pierce, FL @ Sunrise Theatre
04/01/2012 Charleston, SC @ Music Farm
04/03/2012 Annapolis, MD @ Rams Head On Stage
04/04/2012 Annapolis, MD @ Rams Head On Stage
04/05/2012 North Bethesda, MD @ Strathmore
04/06/2012 Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights
04/07/2012 Cranston, RI @ Park Theatre
04/09/2012 New York, NY @ City Winery
04/10/2012 Ridgefield, CT @ Ridgefield Playhouse
04/11/2012 Norfolk, CT @ Infinity Music Hall & Bistro
04/13/2012 Windsor, Ontario, Canada @ Caesars Windsor
04/14/2012 Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
06/30/2012 Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada @ Casino Regina
07/01/2012 Grande Prairie, Alberta, Canada @ Bud Country Fever

Who is your favorite actor-turned-musician?

—Amy Sciarretto
02.20.12

Tags: Modern West, Roving Boy, Kevin Costner

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Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:34:53

Morrissey Photos

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Morrissey Videos

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It’ll be like 1988 all over again on March 26 when EMI reissues Morrissey‘s debut solo album Viva Hate, which was originally released in 1988.

Remastered by original producer Stephen Street, the reissue features the song “Treat Me Like a Human Being” in place of “The Ordinary Boys.”

Also, it’ll look pretty, as the original cover art has been restored, and the booklet/sleeves feature previously unseen photos taken by Jake Walters and Kevin Cummins. It also contains liner notes by the Pretenders‘ Chrissie Hynde.

What is your favorite Morrissey song?

—Amy Sciarretto
02.20.12

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Tags: Morrissey, The Pretenders

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Tue, 21 Feb 2012 17:34:55

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Go here to watch Italian band Hopes Die Last and their video for “Unleash Hell” and watch the “Never Trust The Hazel Eyed” music video here and you will understand why we invited them to Take Aim!

The final track of Trust No One is certainly unique from the rest on the album, can we expect more of this mash of metal/dubstep from HDL in the future?

Yes, I think you can expect some more material like that. As you’ve said “Keep Your Hands Off” sounds really different from the rest of the record. Who helped us in this amazing experiment is Nekso, a very close friend of ours, who we’ve enjoyed working with, because he’s been a great inspiration.

Can you provide some insight on the story behind the epic music videos for “Unleash Hell” and “Never Trust The Hazel Eyed?”
Everything started by chance. At the beginning, the idea was to shoot two different videos, then after we shot “Unleash Hell,” I thought, ‘Why don’t we make a sort of second chapter that continues the story of the first video?’

Often the big blockbusters have a sequel, and that’s how we decided to shoot the video for “Never Trust The Hazel Eyed,” like a second part, linked to the first one, in order to create a short movie. The concept was inspired by some of our favorite directors: Robert Rodriguez, Quentin Tarantino, Guy Ritchie and their masterpieces. Ours is a real homage to them.

If you weren’t doing music, you’d be:
This is tough! I’ve never thought about an alternative, because ever since I was young, my unique aim has been to work in the music field. And I admit that I’ve never lost sight of it. I can’t imagine my life without music and without all the excitement and satisfaction that music gives me.

Pick one song and put us inside it.
The song that I would choose instinctively is “Life After Me Life After You,” because it means a lot for me. I wrote it two years ago, after a very important loss in my family. In fact. I have dedicated the whole album to her. In this song, I have tried to put into words and empathize what this person could think before the end; about her beloved ones, everything she has had, everything she has fought for, and everything she is about to lose. This is certainly the song I love the most.

Any non-music hobbies or skills?
I am an amateur photographer, I love photography, especially applied in music – gigs or bands’ promo photo shootings. And this is something I occasionally do for the Roman music scene.

Did you dig?

—Carly Costello
02.20.12

Tags: Hopes Die Last, Guy Ritchie, Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez

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Country stars Sugarland have responded to a civil suit filed against them after last year’s deadly Indiana State Fair stage collapse, insisting they’re not the ones to blame for the tragedy.

Seven people were killed and dozens more injured when the stage collapsed onto a crowd of fans as a storm swept through the Indianapolis fairgrounds in August – right before Sugarland were due to perform.

In November, affected audience members launched legal action against the band, concert promoters and stage builders, accusing them of negligence – but the Stay hit-makers have now fired back.

A legal response lodged by the group’s lawyers last week reads, “The incident at issue in this litigation resulted from a gust of wind of unprecedented intensity, which caused a structure that may have been improperly designed, maintained and/or inspected to fail. As such, this was a true accident or Act of God.”

Sugarland’s executives are currently pushing for a jury trial.

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When Justin Bieber helped Carly Rae Jepsen get signed to his manager’s record label, he said “… she’s going to blow up… Everyone, you’re going to know the name Carly Rae Jepsen.” And now we know how.

Justin Bieber, Ashley Tisdale, Selena Gomez and others have put together a viral video set to her single “Call Me Maybe” and posted it February 18. It already has about 3.5 million views. 

In the improv video, the stars mime the words to the song while dancing around a large house. We have to admit, the tune is pretty catchy, as well! No wonder Biebs got her hooked up with a deal.

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Rap mogul Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs is launching his own cable network.

The I’ll Be Missing You hit-maker has teamed up with executives at Comcast to create new music channel Revolt TV.

Announcing the news during a personalized YouTube.com video on Tuesday, he said, “When I was growing up I used to watch television all the time and I used to wonder why don’t those people look like me, or talk like me, or walk like me, so thank you to Comcast – my hat goes off to you for being the first to step up… because Revolt TV is bringing the revolution that TV needs…”

“I had a dream that one day I would get a chance and opportunity to show my perspective coming from a musical standpoint. I take a lot of pride in having experience, credibility, authenticity and the relationships to make Revolt TV the number one name and home for music on television. I’m gonna give the artists this channel… A channel that will give new artists an opportunity to get seen and to get heard (sic)…”

“This network will represent the soul of music that’s been missing for a long time. I got a lot of work to do, it’s gonna be a marathon not a sprint but I will not stop until we on top (sic).”

Revolt is slated for a 2013 launch.

Comcast chiefs have also inked deals with basketball legend Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson and Hollywood director Robert Rodriguez to create their own TV networks.

Retired Johnson will launch 24-hour black network Aspire in June  and filmmaker Rodriguez will premiere El Rey, an English-language channel aimed at Latino audiences, in 2014.

All three business ventures reflect a recent Comcast Corp. agreement with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), in which the cable operator’s executives vowed to diversify their line-up with the launch of 10 new networks by 2018.

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Adele was the early winner at the Brit Awards in London on Tuesday, taking home the honor for Best Female Solo Artist.

The singer, who scooped six Grammys earlier this month, continued her incredible run of success by fighting off competition from Florence and the Machine, Jessie J, Kate Bush and Laura Marling to win the award.
 
Accepting her prize, Adele trembled with excitement as she told the audience, “Thank you so much… it’s been an amazing year, thank you.”
 
Bruno Mars was also celebrating early at the ceremony as he was named International Male Solo Artist, and Emeli Sande received the Critics Choice award, for most promising act of the next 12 months.
 
Coldplay opened the event at the O2 Arena in London with a performance of new single Charlie Brown, followed by Florence and the Machine with No Light, No Light. Other acts due to perform at the prize giving include Rihanna, Adele, and Noel Gallagher.
 
Guests were also treated to a tribute to Whitney Houston as clips of the tragic singer, who died earlier this month, were broadcast on screens around the venue.

Later in the evening Blur, who are due to close the ceremony with a medley of their hits, will receive the Outstanding Contribution to Music honor.

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Two of our favorite new pop stars sizzled in red on the red carpet at the Brit Awards in London today. Jessie J wore a provocative see-through lace dress (something we’ve seen from her before), while Lana Del Rey wore an off the shoulder gown.

Which one do you think looks best?

Lana’s music has been hit with mixed reviews, including scathing critiques of a recent performance on “Saturday Night Live,” but the singer says she doesn’t pay attention. She told Complex magazine, “I write my own songs. I made my own videos. I pick my producers. Nothing goes out without my permission. It’s all authentic.”

Meanwhile, Jessie J has vocally drawn comparisons to Beyonce, Gwen Stefani and P!nk. You may know her from her hit single “Domino.”

http://www.starpulse.com/