Anthony Bourdain had the same philosophy on food as he did music and he regularly featured musicians from all different walks of life. Iggy Pop, Questlove, Margo Price, Lupe Fiasco… and a slew of others. Check out the video for his musical roots and the backstory on the Queens Of The Stone Age/Screaming Trees collab that birthed a Bourdain theme song.
While he leaves behind a myriad of heartbroken fans and unanswered questions, remember to consider his legacy. He was a guy who embraced realness, fearlessness, humanity, adventure and found some of the richest people in the poorest pockets of the world.
Click here for more of Bourdain's best music moments. Compliments of Rolling Stone.
The CMT Music Awards were last night, with some great performances and some big wins – including Blake Shelton taking home two trophies for Male and Video of the Year for “I’ll Name The Dogs.” But to me, the most fun was had BETWEEN the performances and awards.
Just the opener got several laughs. Dustin Lynch, Jake Owen, and Jon Pardi dressed for a bridal shower? CHECK. Darius Rucker as the Queen of England? Yep. The guys in Midland taking over a party barge and kissing… each other? It’s all here, along with Florida Georgia Line dressed as Princes Harry and William, driven in a horse-drawn carriage by Trace Adkins. You’re not dreaming. It happened.
The show was hosted by Little Big Town, and for some reason one of Karen Fairchild’s costume changes included… pajamas. Seriously.
My favorite moment was when Carly Pearce won Breakthrough Video of the Year for “Every Little Thing,” a song she wrote about a breakup. Her shout to her ex at the end of this emotional acceptance speech was probably the best thing ever. On behalf of every woman who’s ever had her heart broken (which is like all of us, right?) I so hope he sees it.
Also amazing: Darius Rucker, Charles Kelley (of Lady Antebellum), Jason Aldean, and Luke Bryan as “The Troublemakers” singing “Straight To Hell,” and Sam Hunt’s performance of “Downtown’s Dead” while walking from one bar to another in downtown Nashville, and finally walking to the stage in the middle of the street. I don’t know how they choreographed that, I don’t know how he could hear himself, and I have no idea how they kept that huge crowd of people out of the way, but it worked.
My fascination with Japanese commercials dates back to the dawn of youtube, where it was the wild west of who knows what you could find. My favorite discoveries after hours of random kanji were the Japanese commercials. For me, these commercials were more than odd spectacles of nonsense, no, they were windows to a culture that fascinated me and had me applaud their guts to push a products using inventive methods.
Now, I can hear already… “Aidan, this is cool and all, but where is the metal?”
Well my delightful friend, I got you! Japanese noodle company Nissin has rolled out a really well done and also very metal commercial for their product. The commercial features a noodle-eating chicken devil, summoning noodle snake from the ground, and the eventual destruction of all.
“According to the story in the magazine, the statue seen at the beginning is a being called "Akuma no Kimura." Hiyoko-chan participates in rituals to the demon to satisfy its desire for perfection and obtain what is missing to achieve that desire. The description goes on to say that the demon isn't really an external entity, but more of a representation of a demon-like thing that exists within human beings that cannot be destroyed.
The ad repeats the phrases "Sugu oishii, sugoku oishii" (immediately delicious, super delicious). This repetition is supposed represent that the phrase itself no longer has meaning outside of being a spell to access the subconscious. Eventually the phrase transforms into "jigoku oishii" (hellishly delicious). The change happens naturally to the point where the listener doesn't notice until both "delicious" and "hell" coexist.
After Hiyoko's transformation, he becomes a devil named "Caym," a reference to the apocryphal demon also known as Camio that has a bird-like appearance. The demon is well known in Japan because of artist M.L. Breton's depiction in Collin de Plancy's Infernal Dictionary.”
Soooo yeah, THAT IS SO METAL FOR A COMMERCIAL! All this lore in a ramen commercial really makes me wish Cannibal Corpse would make a cameo in a children cereal commercial or something. Actually, I need to make some calls to make that happen now.
Happy Pride! June is, of course, Pride Month, so LXL and Slacker Radio will be championing some of our favorite LGBTQ artists all month!
Aussie artist Troye Sivan may be young, but he’s been out his entire career, and talked to Music Choice about how he’s trying to bend and break barriers of gay representation in popular media with his songs and videos. He told them.
“I, obviously, I’m LGBTQ myself, and um… just know how that feels, and know what I wanted to see when I was a kid and know what kind of would’ve helped me, I think. And now I’m just trying to be that for someone else, you know?"
See what else Troye has to say about being part of the Queer community in the video above. Oh! And wish him a happy birthday – he turns 23 tomorrow!
Don't you remember in The Pick Of Destiny when Jables leaves the oppressive clutches of a religious home (Meatloaf is his movie dad FTW) , heads to Venice Beach and serendipitously meets beach busker, Kyle Gass?
Now Jack gets to play the Venice Beach music maestro, albeit slightly more agile/chill than the scene where he first meets KG.
Meanwhile beloved virtual band members, 2-D, Murdoch and Russell soak up VB vibes....complete with rollerskates, muscles and hijinks!
Sooo with Gorillaz new album The Now Now on June 29th and The Pick Of Destiny sequel release later this year, wouldn't a Gorillaz cameo make purrrfect sense? *If it does happen, let's remember this moment 🙂
Jackie Lee had no intention of sharing his struggles with cancer with the rest of the world. He didn’t want to be known as “the cancer guy.” But then he remembered the healing power of music, and he’d written this song after his mother’s passing in 2016 – from cancer, no less – and after his first battle with testicular cancer, telling People magazine he didn’t care if anyone else ever heard it. It was for him.
But then the cancer came back. It was a highly curable form of cancer, but that didn’t make the chemo any easier, or the fact that he was physically unable to stay out on the road doing what he loved. He says the whole experience made him question his purpose, and wonder what he could do to make an impact for good.
During the course of his treatment, he’d shot a lot of homemade video, but didn’t know what he’d use it for. And he still hadn’t planned to share this personal song he’d written. But then he realized that because it was so personal, because it was his story, but also a story that could touch other people, and it was obvious that he had to release it. He did that with this video, using his footage from his treatment.
And we’re all happy to hear he rang the bell to signify his last day of chemo in January, and he’s healthy now. Thanks for sharing your long year with us, Jackie.
Well this has been a crazy month, especially in the world of metal. If you are kind of behind on what's new, look, I get it. There are just simply not enough hours in the day to stay up to date on what's out. But fear not, I’m here to catch you up! So without further ado, here are the metal albums for May 2018 that you simply have to know:
MY BOY JONATHAN DAVIS! Well, ok, I've never met him… but regardless (!), Jonathan Davis of Korn released a great solo album that surprisingly brings something for both fans and not-fans of Korn. Confused? Let me continue. Let’s just say that he’s stretching his artistic boundaries here, and I was simply not expecting how experimental things get. This one feels like we’re all getting some deep cuts that Jonathan has been waiting years to share.
The enduring Aussie metalcore bruisers return with this sixth studio album, and, man, it was a great way to kick off the month. The single "The Void" is an ultra-melodic, old-school chugger that strongly reminds me of good 80's metal. Solid listen for metalheads of all varieties, and one that makes me personally excited to see them again live.
Holy shi- a new Dimmu Borgir album came out?? The last one came out...8 years ago! Sure, they might have given me nightmares as a young man, but it would be disrespectful to all the symphonic black metal fans out there if I didn't mention the new album. Though it might not live up to the level of "Abrahadabra," Shagrath's vocal work on Eonian is nothing short of grade A brutal. And for that alone, I deem this must-listen.
To put this album in perspective: it's one part talent and one part "punch to the face." The band consists of vocalist Tommy Vext (ex-Divine Heresy, ex-Snot), drummer John Boecklin (ex-DevilDriver), lead guitarist Doc Coyle (ex-God Forbid), rhythm guitarist Chris Cain (ex-Bury Your Dead, ex-For the Fallen Dreams) and bassist Kyle Konkiel (ex-In This Moment, Vimic). All of these super-seasoned vets are managed by Zoltan Bathory of Five Finger Death Punch. Add all that up and it should paint the picture for this super group that you owe yourself to check out.
Want to know something interesting? The band had already completed recording of the album by December 31, 2016! However, due to ongoing problems with their label Prospect Park, the album was delayed all that way until 2018, which is now! Was it worth the wait? My opinion is yes, but these juggernauts don’t need my approval as they've been killing it since their debut way back in 2007. And hell, I'll probably be promoting them in another 10 years, so if you haven't listened to it yet... DO IT!
Til the next month’s wrap up, keep it metal and have an awesome day!
While c credits space flame, Elon Musk with the idea, she says Claire has been the bane of her existence ever since she became “sentient.” (Hurriedly checks definition of “sentient” for fear of looking uncool)
The thing is, even the most simple name change can be maddening given how many times you have to correct people…Some just didn’t know you changed your name. Others have a hard time reprogramming their brain and you end up answering to both. Each time reciting a memorized explanation in defeat.
So what would unhinge you first? Correcting people or the paperwork? Don’t forget to include the multiple phone calls because it still isn’t updated in their system. As for the dreaded trip to the DMV? She might end up living in space with Elon and I don’t think you even need a driver’s license in space.
Let me start by first saying I loved the whole weekend. I was lucky enough to watch Rock on the Range and talk to some (of you!) really cool people all from the comfort of my apartment. If you missed it and are just finding out, LiveXLive streamed Rock on the Range and I was watching it every day and leading the chat! Talking music, giving the people the knowledge they need, the occasional tech support, and generally talking METAL.
It was great! How great? Let me give you the play by play.
Friday:
The first day! Breakfast burrito in my hand! The scheduled performances tabbed! Oh yeah, I was ready. When 1:30 PM hit, the chat opened and in came the people ready to join me on the ride.
The first act to hit the stream was Machine Gun Kelly which was a great way for the stream to start off. He brought a spectacle to his performance that actually outplayed some of the other bands that night. For that alone, awesome job MGK!
The next to hit the stream was The Fever 333. This was probably up there for my favorite acts of the weekend and the same for a lot of people watching with me. Jason Aalon Butler was a complete animal, running everywhere and climbing on the monster semi-truck while headbanging with such force… I became lightheaded afterwards. Awesome set overall!
Later in the night Baltimore’s Turnstile would shake up the stage. I was looking forward to this band the most on Friday, and they did not disappoint. Bringing the same chaotic energy they do from smaller venues to the big stage was what I needed to see at the festival.
10 Years might have stolen the night by playing possibly the best rendition of Nirvanas’ Heart Shaped Box. Just sayin.
Underoath wrapped up the night with a lot of their classic tracks. Bringing me back to a good ol’ nostalgia high that rekindled my love of post hardcore. Great to see they are back.
Saturday:
Okay some crazy stuff happened with lightning storms… BUT THAT DID NOT STOP US!
ASKING ALEXANDRIA was sick! Huge fan of the band, and was a huge on preaching their newest album. It's very good if you did not know.
After the storm settled, a new one formed… on the stage! (Like what I did there?)
From Ashes To New managed to make an impact with the new time frame. Three Days Grace had probably the coolest stage entrance and loudest crowd for “Riot.” Techn9ne brought what only Techn9ne can bring of strange and mysticism. Stone Sour killed it, then again, Corey Taylor could sing me the alphabet and I would be more than satisfied.
Then boom! Avenged Sevenfold came on and man that chat blew up!!! Brazil really loves some A7X and I don’t blame them. They played all of my favorite tracks including “A Little Piece of Heaven” (which was my ringtone for 2 years). Then ending with of course, Unholy Confessions. I can’t speak Portuguese, but I think a lot of the fans of Brazil were super happy.
Sunday:
This day should be renamed to just 'BABYMETAL day.' When Sunday rolled along I was happy to hear that the weather was clear, the line-up was all set, and I had another breakfast burrito, but I knew another wave will come crashing on me.
As the day continued, the chat became more and more full of fans. I was moderating the best that I could, just shooting the breeze and helping people with schedules. Again, I could feel the unstoppable wave creeping closer.
The bands were all playing stellar sets and the chat was going off. Then I saw twitter:
“Oh shi-“
BABYMETAL’s rabid fanbase showed up in force!
Pouring in to see the band, loud praises and thanks for getting the act for the stream. All I could do was hunker down and make sure everybody was enjoying the show. Even in the madness I had a moments to watch the show and fan out a bit. Heck if you didn’t know I even wrote about BABYMETAL for LiveXLive before. INSERT SHAMELESS PLUG : Can We Talk About Babymetal?
As Sunday wrapped up with Godsmack, taking me back with old tracks, I was super humbled by the tons of awesome people that thanked me and LiveXLive that put on this stream event. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend my weekend any other way. Talking with some great people that came under the same banner of music; what more could I have wanted?
So from me and everyone involved from LiveXLive and Slacker Radio would like to thank you! Yes you! For watching the stream over the weekend and I hope to see you again for the next stream. *Big Hug* Now if you would excuse me… I need a burrito.
When Tiësto arrived at EDC Vegas via helicopter, we had no idea he'd brought along a special guest for an emotional tribute. Tiësto devoted almost 15 minutes of his set to honor Avicii, and Aloe Blacc joined him on stage to be a part of the tribute. The two artists performed Avicii's hit "Wake Me Up" and the crowd at EDC definitely felt the love. Watch Tiësto and Aloe's arrivals now.
