I have gotten a plethora of cool press releases have been flooding my inbox recently that you may find interesting. This post includes blurbs on Sublime, Olivia Rodrigo, The Beach Boys, Nelly Furtado, Joy Oladokun, bülow, 3 Doors Down, Quincy Jones, Paris Jackson, Glass Animals, The L Word: Generation Q, River City Drumbeat, Baker's Dozen, and City on a Hill.
- Southern California’s reggae-punk pioneers Sublime are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their iconic self-titled album that spawned timeless hits like “What I Got,” “Santeria,” and “Wrong Way.” Fans can expect numerous special releases, events and new merch to celebrate the 25th anniversary, including a virtual plaque ceremony to commemorate over 18 million in album consumption in the U.S. according to MRC, limited-edition AleSmith Sublime Mexican Lager cans, a graphic novel by Z2 Comics called SUBLIME: $5 At the Door, new music videos for “Garden Grove” and “Pawn Shop” and much more.
- Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, today released multi-platinum, critically acclaimed singer/songwriter Olivia Rodrigo’s short film as part of her LIFT series, shot on film. The visual, available to watch HERE, follows Rodrigo’s songwriting process, what creating music has taught her, and her incredible career development over the years. Vevo recently announced Olivia as their first LIFT artist of 2021 and unveiled live performances of her songs “deja vu” and “favorite crime,” both also shot on film, off her debut album, SOUR - out now on Geffen Records.
- In honor of 50 years of The Beach Boys’ timeless and often underappreciated albums, Capitol/UMe will release an expansive 5CD and digital box set titled Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971 on July 30 that chronicles and explores in depth this metamorphic and highly influential 1969-1971 period of the band’s legendary career. Assembled by Mark Linett and Alan Boyd, the team behind 2013’s GRAMMY® Award-winning SMiLE Sessions, the expansive collection features newly remastered versions of Sunflower and Surf’s Up and boasts 135 tracks, including 108 previously unreleased tracks, live recordings, radio promos, alternate versions, alternate mixes, isolated backing tracks and a cappella versions, culled from the album sessions. Pre-order Feel Flows – The Sunflower and Surf’s Up Sessions 1969-1971. Stream/embed “Big Sur”
- When Grammy® winning singer/songwriter Nelly Furtado released Loose, her third studio album, the nightlife anthem for summer 2006 quickly proved to be the third track, “Promiscuous” feat. Timbaland. The breezy, worldly pop that initially defined Furtado expanded to include an empowering self-assuredness across so many genres that she reinvented what it means to be a pop star. Today, IGA/UMe marks the 15th anniversary of a career milestone with Loose (Expanded Edition), a digital reissue with an additional 12 rare remixes and bonus tracks, many previously unavailable on streaming services. Available now, HERE, Loose (Expanded Edition) further illuminates the attitude, vibe and creativity that captured the hearts of fans and critics alike. Among the rarities and bonus material on Loose are a version of “Do It” feat. Missy Elliott, Spanish versions of “All Good Things (Come To An End),” “In God’s Hands” and “Te Busque” feat. Juanes, plus several remixed tracks.
- Emerging singer, songwriter, and musician Joy Oladokun’s highly anticipated major label debut album, in defense of my own happiness, is out today via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records. Stream/purchase HERE. With in defense of my own happiness, Oladokun is forging her own path, sharing the unique perspective she’s gained from living in today’s world as a black, queer woman and first-generation child of Nigerian immigrants. Born in Arizona and now living in Nashville, her musical exploration began at age ten when she was inspired to learn guitar after seeing a video of Tracy Chapman—the first time she’d ever seen a black woman play the instrument. Already receiving widespread acclaim, the new record builds on a breakout year for Oladokun and features 14 tracks including “breathe again” and “sunday,” as well as special collaborations with Maren Morris (“Bigger Man”), Jensen McRae (“wish you the best”) and Penny & Sparrow (“heaven from here”).
- Today, alternative pop singer and songwriter bülow unveils a new single entitled “Revolver.” Listen to “Revolver” HERE via Republic Records and Universal Music Canada. Regarding the track, she shared, “I want people to feel empowered listening to it. You are as powerful as you want to be. I don’t wake up every day feeling my most confident self. No one does. I struggle with finding my footing and falling into a state of confidence every day where what people say or do doesn’t affect me. It’s something I work on every day, but I know that when I am that and I believe it, I’m not afraid of fucking up/falling on my face. That’s how I want to live. And that’s what I want people to feel when listening to ‘Revolver’.
- 3 Doors Down will be celebrating the 20th Anniversary of their debut album "The Better Life" this summer by hitting major markets in amphitheaters across the US for The Better Life 20th Anniversary Tour. "Kryptonite," which launched their career, has become a juggernaut hit across the globe that generations now sing. 2020 marked the 20th Anniversary of their debut, and for the first time ever, the band will play The Better Life in its entirety, front to back, along with the rest of their hits on The Better Life 20th Anniversary Tour. Produced by Live Nation, tickets for the tour will be available HERE.
- In 1981, Quincy Jones released The Dude, a monumental pop-soul album created with a stellar cast of vocalists, studio musicians, and songwriters. Today, IGA (A&M) / Urban Legends is pleased to announce the 40th anniversary reissue of The Dude; available for pre-order now and available June 11, 2021. Featuring bold yellow vinyl with red/orange splatter, the limited edition 40th anniversary reissue also boasts a lithograph of the iconic album art, a gatefold jacket with foil finish, and newly remastered audio. A standard edition single LP is also available, featuring a tip-on gatefold jacket and newly remastered audio. The Dude was a commercial success, spending 81 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and peaking at number three. It spawned three top 40 singles, including "One Hundred Ways" with James Ingram, which went on to become Jones' single biggest hit as a solo artist. The Latin-inspired dance number "Ai No Corrida" and tender ballad "Just Once" also charted in the U.S., while the horn-driven "Razzamatazz" achieved Jones' highest U.K. chart rank as a solo artist. Quincy Jones was awarded Producer of the Year at the 1981 Grammys. The Dude was nominated for five Grammys, ultimately winning three: Best Instrumental Arrangement, Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal, and Best Instrumental Arrangement (Accompanying Vocalists).
- Paris Jackson surprises fans with the release of a new song “adagio” featuring Manchester Orchestra. Listen to “adagio”—HERE. The track unfolds as a simmering psychedelic slow burn. Embers of distortion glow underneath Paris’s hypnotic delivery as she locks into an unbreakable groove with Manchester Orchestra. Clocking in at just shy of seven minutes, the track culminates on a moment of empowering and entrancing catharsis. Once again, she illuminates the scope of her sweeping and soaring vision. The accompanying music video brings this emotional push-and-pull to life in vivid fashion as well.
- As parts of the US welcome the first heat wave of the summer, Glass Animals continue to make waves across the globe, having recently performed at the Billboard Music Awards (watch here), released the formidable ‘Space Ghost Coast To Coast’ featuring Bree Runway, collaborated with cult Peanut Butter brand Jackpot to raise money for Music Venues Trust, announced their upcoming Good Morning America Summer Concert Series performance on July 20th, hit #15 at Top 40 radio and today, the critically acclaimed British band drop the remix of ‘Tokyo Drifting’ with Oliver Malcolm.
-In celebration of its highly anticipated season two premiere, THE L WORD: GENERATION Q will return with its first new episode on Friday, August 6, available on streaming and on-demand for all SHOWTIME subscribers, before making its on-air debut on Sunday, August 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Each new episode of the second season will be available on Fridays to stream via on-demand. The first five episodes of season two will air Sunday nights, with the final five episodes of the season airing Monday nights at 9 p.m. ET/PT up until its October 11 season finale.
- This summer River City Drumbeat will be available from PBS and its local stations beginning June 18, 2021. Check your local PBS station for scheduling and broadcast dates/times. The film will also be available on PBS platforms for streaming, including the PBS app, PBS.org, and PBS Distribution digital streaming services and providers. The critically-acclaimed River City Drumbeat is a powerful, immersive story of music, love, and legacies, as told by the members of a Black youth drum corps in Louisville, Kentucky. When the founder Edward “Nardie” White steps down, a young alum, Albert Shumake, whose life was saved by the drumline rises to mentor the next generation. Meanwhile, student drummers Imani, Jailen, and Emily navigate adolescence and life changes.
- Do they have what it takes? We are excited to announce that "Baker's Dozen," the newest baking competition that pits passionate amateur bakers against seasoned professionals, will join Hulu’s unscripted slate! Hosted by Tamera Mowry-Housley and former White House Pastry Chef Bill Yosses, contestants will go head-to-head in an effort to take home the golden rolling pin and cash prize. Passionate amateur bakers will go head-to-head with seasoned professionals in each episode of “Baker’s Dozen”. Join hosts Tamera Mowry-Housley (FOX’s “The Masked Singer,” Hallmark’s “Home & Family” and Hallmark’s “Christmas Comes Twice”) and Bill Yosses (Author and former White House Pastry Chef) for this fast-paced competition series that will determine the best baker of all! Which of the 13 bakers has what it takes to create the next viral baking sensation, win the golden rolling pin and take home the cash prize?
- SHOWTIME has picked up a third season of its acclaimed Boston crime drama CITY ON A HILL. Starring Emmy nominee Kevin Bacon and Screen Actors Guild® award winner Aldis Hodge, season three will be eight one-hour episodes and is set to resume production in New York later this year to premiere in 2022. CITY ON A HILL is executive produced by multiple Emmy winner Tom Fontana (Homicide: Life on the Street), who also serves as showrunner. The announcement was made today by Gary Levine and Jana Winograde, Presidents of Entertainment, Showtime Networks.
