Month: August 2024

Categories
Rock Daypop

Gojira, Ministry, Dimmu Borgir, Papa Roach to headline Wacken Open Air Festival 2025

Lead singer and guitarist Joe Duplantier from Gojira^ perfoming live at Bloodstock Open Air Festival Uk^ 13th August 2016

Organizers of the Wacken Air Festival (WOA) have announced 34 performers for the 2025 edition of the festival, set to take place from July 30th through August 2nd in Wacken, Germany (in the area between the villages of Wacken, Gribbohm, Holstenniendorf and Bokelrehm, in the North of Germany). The 2024 edition of Wacken Air Fest featured Scorpions as headliners.

A post on social media read: “And here they are: The first 34 Bands of Wacken 2025! 🛾 Get your ticket August 4th, 8pm! 🛾”. Machine Head, Saltatio Mortis, Papa Roach, Gojira, Apokalyptica, Saxon, Within Temptation, Dimmu Borgir, Ministry, Michael Schenker, Peyton Parrish, Beyond The Black, Clawfinger, Grave Digger, August Burns Red, Obituary, Wind Rose, Brothers Of Metal, Tarja & Marko Hietala, Hanabie, Decapitated, Destruction, Celeste, Orange Goblin, Angel Witch, Dominum, Exhorder, Night Demon, Mimi Barks, Seven Spires, Clowns, Dool, Crownshift, Midnight are all on the bill for next year.

Tickets are on sale now via metaltix.com. Camping is included in the ticket price and will be offered from July 31st until noon on August 3rd. The first ten thousand ticket buyers will receive an exclusive free t-shirt.

For further information, head to the festival’s official website.

Editorial credit: ChrisJamesRyanPhotography / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Pop Daypop

Sam Smith shares video for ‘I’m Not The Only One’ ft. Alicia Keys

Sam Smith arriving for the BRIT Awards 2019 at the O2 Arena^ London. LONDON^ UK. February 20^ 2019

Sam Smith has shared the video for “I’m Not The Only One” featuring Alicia Keys, taken from the 10th anniversary edition of Sam’s In The Lonely Hour, out now. The 10th anniversary edition of In The Lonely Hour also includes the album’s original songs with a re-recorded version of “Stay With Me,” the exclusive new track “Little Sailor,” live versions of numerous tracks, and pairings with featured artists including Mary J. Blige, A$AP Rocky, and John Legend.

The video, directed by Ava Rikki, includes footage from Sam’s 2024 ‘Pride Party’ at Julius, the oldest gay bar in New York City. ‘Pride Party’ was hosted by drag icon Lady Bunny and included Sam’s celebrity friends including Kim Petras, Dylan Mulvaney, Christian Cowan, Ella Snyder and Nick Champa, and featured Sam and Alicia surprising the crowd with their rendition of “I’m Not The Only One.”  The duo later went on to record the song in Alicia’s studio, which later went on to appear on the 10th anniversary edition of In The Lonely Hour. 

In The Lonely Hour, released in 2014, is certified six-times platinum by the RIAA, and  includes the breakthrough diamond-certified hit “Stay with Me,” seven-time platinum “I’m Not the Only One,” five-time platinum “Lay Me Down,” and the platinum-certified “Money on My Mind” and “Like I Can.” The album earned Smith six Grammy nominations, and they won four.

Shared Sam: “This album was written about a period of unrequited love in my life. It’s a real life coming-of-age story. I am so honored to have worked with Alicia who is an incredible talent and a beautiful soul joining me to re-imagine such a special track to celebrate a decade of In The Lonely Hour.”

Keys adds, “I LOVED working on this with Sam! And for such a special moment! It’s been on both of our wishlists! The vibe was super intimate. We recorded it at my studio in New York. My son Egypt played Sam some keys and my son Genesis was telling jokes the whole time. Pure music, singing in the room together while I was playing piano.”

Take a look at the video for “I’m Not The Only One” featuring Alicia Keys: here.

Editorial credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Kacey Musgraves drops deluxe version of ‘Deeper Well’

Kacey Musgraves performs in concert on NBC's 'TODAY' show on July 19^ 2019 at Rockefeller Plaza in New York City.

Kacey Musgraves has released the expanded version of her latest album Deeper Well, which dropped this past March. Musgraves posted on social media: “We’re going 𝓭𝓼𝓼đ“čđ“źđ“». The expanded version of Deeper Well includes 7 new songs.”

The 14-track Deeper Well marked the follow-up to Musgraves’ 2021 album Star-Crossed.  Kacey notched her first Billboard Hot 100 chart leader with the Zach Bryan duet “I Remember Everything,” which also won a Grammy for best country song by a duo or group.

The expanded version of Deeper Well includes seven new songs, previewed with the track “Irish Goodbye”. The song, which Musgraves has previously performed in concert, centers on someone struggling to forgive an ex lover who left without properly ending the relationship. Stream it now: here.

In April, Musgraves embarked on the Deeper Well World Tour, launching the tour in Dublin, Ireland. The trek will run through December, concluding with two shows at Nashville’s Bridgetone Arena.

Stream Deeper Into The Well: here.

Editorial credit: Debby Wong / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Judge Juan Merchan rejects Trump’s third request to remove him from hush-money case

Former President Donald Trump speaks to press before the start of civil fraud trial brought by NYS Attorney General Letitia James at NYS court in New York on October 2^ 2023

Judge Juan Merchan has rejected a third request by the attorneys for former President Donald Trump to remove him in the New York criminal case that convicted Trump on 34 felonies of falsifying business records – the latest attempt to get the judge presiding over his New York criminal case to recuse himself.

Trump’s attorneys have repeatedly argued that Merchan’s daughter’s work as a Democratic consultant created a conflict of interest. Trump’s lawyers first made the request in May 2023, before the case went to trial, arguing that Merchan should step aside because of work Merchan’s daughter had done as a Democratic consultant in support of President Biden. A state ethics panel last year later concluded that “the judge’s impartiality cannot reasonably be questioned based on the judge’s relative’s business and/or political activities.”

After the latest request, Merchan responded that the claims were “noting more than a repetition of stale and unsubstantiated claims,” addressed by the previous decisions that “provided nothing new for this Court to consider.” Merchan wrote in the ruling made public Wednesday: “This Court now reiterates for the third time, that which should already be clear – innuendo and mischaracterizations do not a conflict create. Recusal is therefore not necessary, much less required. Defense Counsel’s reliance, and apparent citation to his own prior affirmation, rife with inaccuracies and unsubstantiated claims, is unavailing. As such, Defendant’s motion is again DENIED. The court will continue to base its rulings on the evidence and the law, without fear or favor, casting aside undue influence.”

Trump was found guilty of falsifying the records to hide payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016, with prosecutors saying that the payments were made to illegally influence the election by preventing voters from learning about Trump’s relationship with Daniels. A unanimous jury found Trump guilty on May 30 of 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. Trump has sought to overturn the conviction, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling on “presidential immunity.” Merchan will rule on that effort on Sept. 6.

Editorial credit: lev radin / Shutterstock.com

Categories
News Daypop

Tropical Storm Ernesto strengthens into hurricane after knocking out power in Puerto Rico

Tropical Storm Ernesto 05L approaching Central America morning overpass. Tropical Storm Ernesto 05L approaching Central America morning. Elements of this image furnished by NASA.

Tropical Storm Ernesto strengthened into a hurricane on Wednesday, after bringing “significant flooding” to Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands and moved north. The National Hurricane Center shared earlier in the day that Ernesto, located about 175 miles northwest of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and 835 miles south-southwest of Bermuda, had maximum sustained winds of 75 mph, becoming a Category 1 storm on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, and was traveling northwest at 16 mph. Forecasters expect it to even strengthen more in the coming days.

NHC officials said that they believe the storm will continue to move over the western Atlantic later in the week and be near Bermuda by Friday, with hurricane-force winds extending outward up to 35 miles from the storm’s center and tropical storm-force winds extend outward up to 230 miles.

More than 700,000 customers in Puerto Rico – half of all customers on the island – were without power Wednesday, according to LUMA Energy, the private company that operates the transmission and distribution of power in Puerto Rico. In the US Virgin Islands – which includes the island of St. Croix and nearly everyone on the islands of St. Thomas and St. John — with more than 46,000 customers were without power, which is about 92% of the island’s tracked customers, according to PowerOutage.us.

President Biden approved an emergency declaration for Puerto Rico, with the White House saying they were authorizing FEMA to help with storm recovery.  The hurricane center said the storm is expected to produce between 4 and 6 inches of rain over the U.S. and British Virgin Islands and up to 10 inches across southeastern Puerto Rico. Flash flooding and mudslides could occur in the U.S. territories, the hurricane center said, as Ernesto continues bring “ongoing heavy rains.”

Ernesto marks the fifth named storm so far of the Atlantic hurricane season. NOAA has predicted an above-normal season, with 17-25 named storms, eight to 13 hurricanes, and four to seven major hurricanes.

Editorial credit: BEST-BACKGROUNDS / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Cleveland Browns and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah agree to $39M contract extension

Cleveland Browns National Football League ( NFL) team's vector logo and symbol isolated on white background.

The Cleveland Browns and linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah have agreed to a three-year contract extension.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the deal is worth up to $39 million, and it will pay Owusu-Koramoah $25 million guaranteed: “The #Browns have agreed to terms with standout, do-it-all LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who cashes in after a Pro Bowl season. He gets a 3-year deal worth up to $39M with $25M guaranteed in a deal negotiated by CAA that gets the 24-year old back to the table quickly.”

Owusu-Koramoah 24, said via the team’s website: “Cleveland has become a place where I’ve felt truly connected, where I’ve been able to align my values with my work on and off the field. I’m deeply grateful to the Browns organization for believing in me and for this opportunity to continue this journey together. I’m excited to keep pushing forward, to build on the foundation we’ve set and to work tirelessly alongside my teammates to achieve greatness for this city and its incredible fans.”

Owusu-Koramoah, at an average of $13 million per year, becomes the NFL’s sixth-highest paid linebacker in terms of average salary per year (just behind the Steelers’ Patrick Queen at roughly $13.7 million).  He joined the Browns as a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and registered a career-high 101 combined tackles, 20 tackles for a loss, six passes defensed, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and a forced fumble over 16 games last season.

Owusu-Koramoah logged 247 combined tackles, 30 tackles for a loss, 14 passes defensed, five sacks and five forced fumbles through his first 42 NFL appearances. He is considered one of the best young defensive players in the NFL, coming off a Pro Bowl season in 2023 in which he collected 101 combined tackles (20 for losses), 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and one forced fumble in 16 games (13 starts).

The Browns will face the Minnesota Vikings in their second preseason game at 4:25 p.m. EDT Saturday in Cleveland.

Editorial credit: Kiran Jyothi VP / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Sports Daypop

Baltimore Ravens TE Mark Andrews avoids injury after serious car accident

BALTIMORE RAVENS #89 MARK ANDREWS. NOVEMBER 27^ 2022 at TIAA BANK FIELD JACKSONVILLE FLORIDA

Baltimore Ravens tight end Mark Andrews avoided injury Wednesday morning after being involved in a serious car accident. The Baltimore County police confirmed that two vehicles sustained heavy damage in the accident, which occurred while Andrews was driving to the Ravens’ team facility for training camp.

According to a preliminary report by Baltimore County police, officers responded to a crash at 9:45 a.m. on the 9700 block of Lyons Mill Road, 1.5 miles from the Ravens’ facility. No injuries were reported, and police said that the case remains open.

According to a statement from the team, Andrews, 28, was evaluated by Ravens medical staff and “did not sustain any apparent injuries” and was well enough to attend team meetings. The Ravens added that he would not practice on Wednesday, but it was a scheduled day off. The team statement added that he “is expected to return to practice in the coming days.”

Andrews said in a statement: “I appreciate everyone’s thoughts and well wishes. This is a great reminder about the importance of wearing seatbelts and remaining alert while driving a car.”

Andrews, entering his seventh NFL season, has totaled 347 catches and 37 touchdowns since 2019. A first-team All-Pro in 2021 and a three-time Pro Bowler, Andrews had his best season in 2021, catching 107 passes for 1,361 yards and nine touchdowns. He followed that up in 2022 with 72 receptions for 847 yards and five scores. Andrews dealt with an ankle injury and was forced to undergo surgery late in the 2023 season, but returned for the AFC Championship Game against the Chiefs.

Editorial credit: April Visuals / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Farm Aid 2024 to take place in Saratoga Springs with Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Dave Matthews and more

Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson performs at the 2018 Farm Aid. Hartford^ CT - September 22^ 2018

Farm Aid is returning to New York this September, featuring a lineup including Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and more.  The annual charity concert will be held Sept. 21 at Broadview Stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, New York. Proceeds from Farm Aid support local family farming.

The Farm Aid 2024 lineup also features Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson with the Travelin’ McCourys, Charley Crockett, Joy Oladokun, Southern Avenue, Cassandra Lewis and Jesse Welles. Additional artists are yet to be announced.

Farm Aid has raised nearly $80 million to aid programs that help farmers survive and thrive over the past 35 years. Farm Aid also promotes the acceleration of the Good Food Movement and family farms as well as works to shift the dominant system of industrial agriculture. Nelson, Young and Mellencamp organized the inaugural Farm Aid concert in 1985 to raise awareness and funds to combat the loss of family farms. Matthews joined the Farm Aid board of directors in 2001, while Margo Price joined the board in 2021.

This year marks the third time Farm Aid has been held in New York (and the second time in Saratoga Springs). In 2007, Farm Aid was held at Randall’s Island, New York, followed by Saratoga Springs in 2013. Farm Aid will feature not only music, but also homegrown food and agrarian experiences.  Said Nelson: “We’re energized to be back in New York.  The farmers here have always found ways to innovate and contribute to their communities, even as they deal with uncertainties, extreme weather and policies that favor corporations over people. Farmers need us to stand with them as they work to grow our future.”

Tickets for Farm Aid 2024 are on sale now via: Ticketmaster.com.

Editorial credit: Adam McCullough / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Rock Daypop

Farm Aid 2024 to take place in Saratoga Springs with Willie Nelson, Neil Young, Dave Matthews and more

Farm Aid founder Willie Nelson performs at the 2018 Farm Aid. Hartford^ CT - September 22^ 2018

Farm Aid is returning to New York this September, featuring a lineup including Willie Nelson, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and more.  The annual charity concert will be held Sept. 21 at Broadview Stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, New York. Proceeds from Farm Aid support local family farming.

The Farm Aid 2024 lineup also features Mavis Staples, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Lukas Nelson with the Travelin’ McCourys, Charley Crockett, Joy Oladokun, Southern Avenue, Cassandra Lewis and Jesse Welles. Additional artists are yet to be announced.

Farm Aid has raised nearly $80 million to aid programs that help farmers survive and thrive over the past 35 years. Farm Aid also promotes the acceleration of the Good Food Movement and family farms as well as works to shift the dominant system of industrial agriculture. Nelson, Young and Mellencamp organized the inaugural Farm Aid concert in 1985 to raise awareness and funds to combat the loss of family farms. Matthews joined the Farm Aid board of directors in 2001, while Margo Price joined the board in 2021.

This year marks the third time Farm Aid has been held in New York (and the second time in Saratoga Springs). In 2007, Farm Aid was held at Randall’s Island, New York, followed by Saratoga Springs in 2013. Farm Aid will feature not only music, but also homegrown food and agrarian experiences.  Said Nelson: “We’re energized to be back in New York.  The farmers here have always found ways to innovate and contribute to their communities, even as they deal with uncertainties, extreme weather and policies that favor corporations over people. Farmers need us to stand with them as they work to grow our future.”

Tickets for Farm Aid 2024 are on sale now via: Ticketmaster.com.

Editorial credit: Adam McCullough / Shutterstock.com

Categories
Country Daypop

Zach Bryan, BeyoncĂ© and Kacey Musgraves lead 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards Nominations

Shania Twain at the 2024 MusiCares Person of the Year Honoring Jon Bon Jovi at the Convention Center on February 2^ 2024 in Los Angeles^ CA

NBC and Peacock announced the nominees for the 2024 People’s Choice Country Awards, to be telecast on NBC and Peacock on Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville. The show is an offshoot of the long-running People’s Choice Awards show, which last aired in February on NBC.

The People’s Choice Country Awards, first held in 2023, will return for a second edition, and the list of this year’s nominees include BeyoncĂ©, Shaboozey, Zach Bryan, Kacey Musgraves, Morgan Wallen and Jelly Roll.

Bryan leads the nominations with 19, followed by BeyoncĂ© with 17 and Musgraves with 15. Shaboozey, the newcomer whose “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” has dominated the Billboard Hot 100 in the last couple of months, has 12 nominations. The nominees for the top award — the People’s Artist of 2024 — are BeyoncĂ©, Jelly Roll, Kacey Musgraves, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen and Zach Bryan.

Fans can now vote for their favorite nominees across 18 categories, which have expanded this year to include Female Song, Male Song, Group/Duo Song, Cover Song, New Artist Song and Storyteller Song.

Country music icon Shania Twain is set to host this year’s awards ceremony, airing live from the Grand Ole Opry on NBC and Peacock, posting social media: “Let’s go girls đŸ€  Say howdy to your 2024 #PCCAs host, @shaniatwain! Tune in to the People’s Choice Country Awards on September 26th 8/7c on NBC and streaming on @peacock.”

Twain later added in a statement: “Country has some of the most passionate fans in music and us artists are so lucky to be supported in doing what we love. I am honored to host an award show that celebrates these awesome fans. Get ready for an unforgettable show with lots of big hair, glamour, rhinestones, hats, boots, and incredible performances. Giddy up!”

Executive Vice President, Live Events and Specials, NBCUniversal Entertainment Jen Neal also shared: “With a proven track record of creating music that stands the test of time, Shania is a beloved member of the country community. As we return to the Grand Ole Opry House, she is the perfect person to help us celebrate country’s finest.”

The two-hour awards ceremony live from Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville, which is set to air Thursday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. ET/PT across NBC and Peacock.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com