Month: July 2023

Categories
Rock Daypop

Exodus and Fit for an Autopsy to launch co-headlining U.S. tour this fall

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Fit For An Autopsy and Exodus will be hitting the road this fall for a U.S. tour, with support from Darkest Hour and Undeath.  The trek is scheduled to kick off on November 15th in Ft. Lauderdale, FL and will run through December 10th in New Kensington, PA.

Exodus was on the road earlier this year, serving as support for Anthrax and Black Label Society’s trek. Meanwhile, co-headliner Fit for an Autopsy will be out in support of 2022’s Oh What the Future Holds.

General tickets go on sale Friday (July 28th) at 10 a.m. local time via Ticketmaster.

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Categories
Rock Daypop

Metallica searching for “superfans” to appear in new documentary

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Metallica is calling on its biggest super fans to appear in an upcoming documentary.

The band sent out the invitation posted online from Mercury Studios, reading: ‘Has Metallica impacted the course of your life? Have you done wild things to see the band live? Metallica are looking for their strongest family members! We want your story.’ The accompanying QR code takes fans to a Metallica email address at Mercury Studios, while there is also an online form asking Metallica aficionados a series of questions about their unwavering fandom, with questions including: ‘Why do you feel that you’re different from other Metallica fans?’ and ‘If there was a movie based on your life, what Metallica song or songs would be on the soundtrack and why?’

Casting director Darren C Moore wrote on the Reality TV Casting Calls Facebook page: “Is Metallica your favourite band? Are you a high profile attorney who has been following Metallica since middle school? Did you devote a whole room of your house to Metallica? Do you owe a significant life accomplishment to their music? I’m looking for big personalities, unique characters and unexpected stories from Metallica fans who consider Metallica to be their favourite band, real “5th Member” types. All stories and walks of life are welcome and encouraged to reach out. This is being produced by Metallica and Mercury Studios, Powered by Universal Music Group.”

Editorial credit: Ben Houdijk / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

‘American Idol’ judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return next season

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ABC announced that “American Idol” judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan will all return for Season 22, along with the show’s veteran host, Ryan Seacrest.

The announcement comes just before the reality singing competition kicks off its “Idol Across America” auditions on Aug. 2. The live virtual auditions give singers and musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents face to face with an “American Idol” producer from anywhere in the U.S., with the hopes of advancing to audition for the trio of judges themselves. For the first time in “Idol Across America” history, contenders will also be given the opportunity to audition under their genre.

The auditions begin with the First 700 event, in which potential contestants can sign up to grab a VIP spot before anyone else. The Judge’s Song Contest returns as judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie each suggest songs for the contestants to choose from.

Season 22 of “American Idol” will debut Spring 2024.  For more info on how to sign up for “Idol Across America” auditions, visit www.americanidol.com/auditions.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Entertainment Daypop

‘American Idol’ judges Katy Perry, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie will return next season

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ABC announced that “American Idol” judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan will all return for Season 22, along with the show’s veteran host, Ryan Seacrest.

The announcement comes just before the reality singing competition kicks off its “Idol Across America” auditions on Aug. 2. The live virtual auditions give singers and musicians the opportunity to showcase their talents face to face with an “American Idol” producer from anywhere in the U.S., with the hopes of advancing to audition for the trio of judges themselves. For the first time in “Idol Across America” history, contenders will also be given the opportunity to audition under their genre.

The auditions begin with the First 700 event, in which potential contestants can sign up to grab a VIP spot before anyone else. The Judge’s Song Contest returns as judges Luke Bryan, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie each suggest songs for the contestants to choose from.

Season 22 of “American Idol” will debut Spring 2024.  For more info on how to sign up for “Idol Across America” auditions, visit www.americanidol.com/auditions.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Federal Reserve raises key interest rate to highest level in more than 20 years

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The Federal Reserve announced Wednesday it had raised its key interest rates by another 0.25 points, increasing the federal funds rate range to a 22-year high of 5.25% to 5.5%, the highest level in 22 years. This is the 11th Fed interest rate increase since March 2022.

In a statement Wednesday afternoon, the Federal Reserve said that while consumer prices have declined for 12 straight months, consumer prices increased 3% year on year in June. Inflation remains elevated and job gains have been robust while unemployment has remained low. By raising its interest rates, the Federal Reserve hopes to make borrowing and investing more expensive, thereby reducing overall demand for goods, services and labor in the economy.  However, Wednesday’s rate increase will make it harder still for consumers and business to afford loans.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell affirmed after Wednesday’s interest rate announcement that the central bank no longer expects a recession to occur as a result of the increases, adding that it could bump up the key interest rate even further. The Federal Reserve’s statement said it “seeks to achieve maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2 percent over the longer run. In support of these goals, the committee decided to raise the target range for the federal funds rate to 5-1/4 to 5-1/2 percent.”  As it continues to monitor inflation there’s a possibility of yet another interest rate hike ahead. the Fed said it will “continue to assess additional information and its implications for monetary policy.”

Editorial credit: Domenico Fornas / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Hunter Biden pleads not guilty to tax charges after plea deal falls apart

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President Biden’s son, Hunter Biden, pleaded not guilty to federal tax charges on Wednesday, after a plea deal fell through during the court hearing amid a dispute between the legal teams over a separate gun-related charge. Biden appeared in court with the intent of pleading guilty, as lawyers deliberated for more than three hours over the terms of the original deal. Back in June, Biden said he would plead guilty to two federal offenses connected with his taxes and businesses.

Presiding District Court Judge Maryellen Noreika questioned whether Biden would still agree to the terms of his plea arrangement if there was a potential for additional charges in the future. Biden said he would not plead guilty to the tax charges without a deal in place to avoid prosecution on the gun charge, but changed course after extensive negotiations between his lawyers and prosecutors while Noreika waited in her chambers. Biden’s lawyer Chris Clark said during the hearing that the deal was off: “As far as I’m concerned, the plea agreement is null and void.” The parties ultimately agreed that the deal would only grant Biden immunity on a limited set of tax, drug and firearm offenses.

Biden pleaded not guilty to charges of failing to pay taxes on more than $1.5 million in income in 2017 and 2018 despite owing more than $100,000, prosecutors allege. He did not enter a plea in a separate case where he is charged with unlawfully owning a firearm while addicted to and using a controlled substance, a felony. Biden also possessed a firearm in October 2018 despite “knowing he was an unlawful user of and addicted to a controlled substance,” a charge for which he had agreed to enter a pretrial diversion agreement to avoid prosecution.

The case marks the first time the Justice Department has brought charges against the child of a sitting president. If the issue isn’t resolved, Hunter Biden would face a court trial.

Editorial credit: Domenico Fornas / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

NY Giants and OT Andrew Thomas agree to record-breaking $117.5M extension

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The New York Giants and left offensive tackle Andrew Thomas agreed to a record-setting 5-year, $117.5 million contract extension. The contract includes $67 million in guarantees for the 2020 first-round draft pick, the most ever for an offensive lineman. The guaranteed money tops the previous record of $64.1 million received by Baltimore Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley in 2020.  Thomas, 24, is now under contract through the 2029 season.

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound offensive lineman entered the league as the No. 4 pick by the Giants in the 2020 NFL Draft, and has started 44 of his 45 games through his first three campaigns, 16 of those last season. Thomas earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2022, and was the third-highest rated tackle in the NFL last season. He also was the third-best pass blocker and seventh-best run blocker.

Giants general manager Joe Schoen said of Thomas’ extension: “Ecstatic about that. He played at a high level. He’s our type of guy.” Thomas’ signing comes one day after the Giants signed star running back Saquon Barkley to a 1-year deal worth up to $11 million. Giants veterans reported to training camp Tuesday.

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Categories
Sports Daypop

MLB commissioner Rob Manfred gets 4-year extension through January 2029

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On Wednesday, Major League Baseball voted to extend commissioner Rob Manfred’s contract for 4 years, which will keep him in that position through January 2029. The 64-year-old Manfred had one more season remaining on his previous contract; his latest extension is his second.

Seattle Mariners chairman John Stanton, who chaired the meeting that approved Manfred’s extension, wrote in a statement: “At a critical moment in the history of our game, Commissioner Manfred has listened to our fans and worked closely with our players to improve America’s pastime. Under his leadership, we have been responsive to the fans’ desire for more action and better pace, continued the game’s spirit of innovation, expanded MLB’s role in youth baseball and softball, and beyond. The significant momentum that MLB has built reflects his ongoing initiatives that are advancing the game.”

Manfred began working with MLB by helping with collective bargaining in 1987 and joined the league full time as executive vice president in 1998 for the next 17 years. He officially succeeded Bud Selig as commissioner in January 2015. The extension to Manfred’s contract puts him in line to guide owners through another round of collective bargaining; the current CBA is set to expire after the 2026 season.

Manfred said in a statement: “It is an honor to serve the best game in the world and to continue the pursuit of strengthening our sport on and off the field. This season our players are displaying the most vibrant version of our game, and sports fans are responding in a manner that is great for Major League Baseball’s future. Together, all of us in the game will work toward presenting our sport at its finest and broadening its reach and impact for our loyal fans.”

Manfred’s tenure has been marked with conflict from both the players and MLB Players’ Association, due in part to his controversial handling of the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, as well as the labor dispute in Winter 2021 which prompted a 99-day lockout. On the flip side, new rule changes implemented, notably the pitch clock, have been widely popular with fans. Additionally, MLB exceeded $10.8 billion in revenue under Manfred’s watch in 2022, rebounding strongly after two years impacted by the pandemic.

Editorial credit: Al Teich / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Cody Johnson confirms deluxe album, new single ‘The Painter’

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Cody Johnson recently revealed that a new single titled “The Painter” is coming mid-August, followed by Part 1 of a two-part album dubbed “Leather” dropping this fall.

Said Johnson: “ … so August 14th, we have a new single going to radio. It’s called ‘The Painter.’ This fall, I’m not sure if it will be November or December, the first part of my deluxe album will come out, and I’ve been secretly behind everybody’s back recording a 24-track deluxe album…The album is called Leather.”

Johnson shared that Leather will feature a mix of classic country and gospel sounds: “But when I recorded it, that’s a gospel song. Those three songs are recorded just for my live show, whether they ever go anywhere that’s because I wanted to. That’s because it’s so country I wanted to. Nobody else would cut it. These songs right here we’d probably put on the radio, because that’s what we’re here to do is make country music. And I think that’s what’s gonna separate us from a lot of people.”

Johnson also revealed that multiple projects are on the way, including a concept album called ‘The Cowboy Sessions,’ as well as expanding his music into the bluegrass and gospel genres: “I think a bluegrass album, I think a gospel album. I think it would be really fun one time to just record a full blown like rock album. Like I would never go tour it. Like if I did, I might play like three shows like you go like New York, LA, Chicago or somewhere crazy like Austin.”

Johnson’s most recent studio album, the 18 track, two-disc set ‘Human: The Double Album’ was released in fall 2021, and featured the multi-week No. 1 hit “’Til You Can’t.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

HARDY drops the official music video for ‘Truck Bed’

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HARDY has released the official music video for ‘Truck Bed,’ off his latest album, the mockingbird & THE CROW, which was released earlier this year.

HARDY himself came up with the concept for the music video for “Truck Bed”, which was shot in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and directed by Justin Clough. The video kicks off showing HARDY sleeping in the bed of his truck on an empty bag of corn, and showing nothing on his feet (a tongue-in-cheek nod to the singer-songwriter’s 2020 single, “Boots.)”  The video then flashes-back and shows how HARDY and a few hundred of his friends (including actor King Bah, former NFL offensive tackle Taylor Lewan, professional golfer John Daly, and his touring band — Harry Miree, Justin Loose, Rhett Smith) partied in the front yard late into the night.  HARDY says of the “Truck Bed” music video: “We just wanted it to be a good time…and it was.”

Watch the star-studded music video for “Truck Bed” – here.

WATCH: HARDY Throws Rowdy Backyard Party In New “Truck Bed” Music Video

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