Record of the Day - In tune. Informed. Indispensable.
In tune. Informed. Indispensable.
Thursday 30 April 2020
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We do love a slice of euphoric pop here at RotD, especially in times like these, and this anthemic indie-pop gem from artist, producer and composer Brijs delivers it in buckets. Full of spacious production, driving percussion and layers of textured vocals combine to create something joyous and brimming with positivity. It’s Brijs’ first outing as an artist for some time, having worked as a composer on award-winning film and TV projects for the BFI, BBC and Channel 4, as well as commissions for Rankin, Kurt Geiger and Liu Jo. So it’s no surprise to hear that this stonking track has already secured a sync placement with fashion brand Tommy Hilfiger. Produced by Rob Brinkmann (Drake, Royal Blood, Pixies, Clean Bandit and Mumford & Sons) and mixed and mastered at Abbey Road by Oli Morgan (Bastille, Princess Nokia), the track is the first offering from his debut album due for release later this year, and if every track is as good as this, it’s going to be a blinder.
Spotify continued growth in Q1; podcast figures rise (see Business, Digital, Analysis)
TikTok passes two billion download mark (see Digital)
Record of the Day
Paul Scaife
Joe Taylor
Kevin Marston
Lee Thompson
Ruth Kilpatrick
Edited by Kevin Marston and Paul Scaife +44 (0)20 8223 1224
Record of the Day is a trading name of Music Today Ltd, a company registered in England under registration number 4546152; registered office: 4 Green Lanes, London N16 9NB
Ghana born, Nana Kofi, is creating a sound that is undeniable. Now based in Atlanta, the artist and producer is taking from his experiences to create the type of music his listeners are sure to love. “From pain, love, heartbreaks and learning experiences, I’m able to express that through my music, ” he explains and the evidence is all in his work.
Kofi: An international collision of an undefined melodic presence
Bringing versatility with an international melodic passion to life musically; Kofi is ready to make a long-standing imprint in his career. Introducing his debut project entitled “Love is Pain,” Kofi has been building his music catalogue. He has already collaborated with artist that include Quality Control’s own Lil Baby and Kollision, Derez DeShon, and Don Q just to name a few. Artist, Producer and Songwriter; Kofi presents a project that will steer passion, emotion, presence and a distinct sound to keep his uniqueness fresh. “Love is Pain” comes from life events and experiences, relationship encounters and obstacles that has shaped his drive and determination to succeed limitlessly.
“From pain, love, heartbreaks and learning experiences, I’m able to express that through my music being presented to the world. This project isn’t just a release for my own experiences, but relatable to so many people’s lives as well. You can’t experience love without pain, and pain cannot truly be felt in life without the feelings that come from love. Love is Pain is an expression of living life abundantly while embracing your journey with the good, bad, highs and lows.” Kofi adds.
Kofi is more focused on the development behind his artistry. His is honing a household international brand that combines a mix of his Ghanaian culture and his love of the diversity in the American music arena. Born as Nana Kofi Okyere Baffour Katinka Amponsah IIin Kumasi, Ghana, raised in Ohio, and recently moved to Atlanta, Georgia to pursue building his career in music and entertainment. His multicultural upbringing gives his talent an accelerated boost in creating a lane of his own in his lyrical keen and melodic delivery. Kofi charismatically infuses his love of Afrobeats, R & B and Soul on his EP project.
“Love is Pain” is about creating a musically infused connection with my fans. We all experience these emotions, and some of us utilize our life as an example to express where these feelings have taken our journey out loud for others to be able to embrace their paths more openly. My direction in creating music derives from a mood felt, or a mood or event that I am currently faced with, so the collection on my debut project will stream various moods. For example, the song "Deserve it" is from loving someone strongly and the ride behind these feelings. And another track entitled, "Young & Deadly" is another song that stands out that is a tribute to my brother that recently passed away.” – Kofi explains.
Kofi’s professional path in music began at nine years old as the pianist for his church. From there, his attraction to production came at just eleven years old where he would sneak and play around on music production programs on his father’s computer. Once he realized he had a story to tell, Kofi began to add words behind his own production. Passionate, driven, determined while stemming involvement in his growth as a man before the artist, Kofi opens a musical dialogue from real-life events and messages throughout his new project. His artistry isn’t about just making a hit song or project, Kofi wants it to be meaningful while building a fanbase as he is establishing his own imprint on a long-term manner.
Vona B., is a 23 year old Bay Area native whose passion and natural talent for performing was evident at a very young age. Born in Oakland, CA, Vona B. is an R&B Artist, whose influences range from Beyonce, Whitney Houston, Mariah Carey, Ari Lennox and Kehlani. Vona B. self-released her debut EP "Down To Mars" in 2016. She then released three singles in 2017: "Running", "Touch" and "My Way". Vona B.'s latest release entitled "Pieces" was released in late January 2020 in honor of her brother, RBCBugzy who passed away in late December 2019. A Lover of Life, Vona B., a self-proclaimed "Hippie" strives to make music that makes you move, challenges your thoughts, and lifts your spirit.
Pieces was written by Vona B. as a loving tribute to her brother RBCBugzy who passed away in late December 2019. The song has already started to create a buzz, having been placed on the Spotify Playlists "R&B Hits 2020", "Top Starz", "Rising Hot Hits", "Up & Up", "Jazz-Blues-Soul-Funk Hits", "R&B Smooth Vibes" and "Music Cruise".
Radio Airplay.Com reviewed the song and raved that Pieces is a "Great track. It hits it right out of the park. The songwriting, the lyrics, the performances, all are exactly the way you would want a R&B track to feel and sound.....It is nice ear candy to make the hook very audibly interesting. Excellent job!"
The moving lyrics of Vona B.'s tribute to her brother "are very relatable" and it is easy to see how anyone hearing them "instantaneously having a bond to them...The melody of the lyrics are perfect for this track. It sits perfectly in the pocket...I could see this track going somewhere and doing great things." (Radio Airplay.com, 4/5/2020).
For anyone who has ever lost a loved one, Pieces beautifully expresses their pain, but also gives comfort knowing that for the loved one that has gone on, "Heaven Couldn't Wait This Time", and they are in a better place.
Vona B. is on the rise and has much in store for the coming year. Take a listen to her new single Pieces, and stay tuned for more soon.
Host: Dubmatix Title: Bassment Sessions Radio Show Genre(s): Reggae, Jungle, Hip-hop & more Weekly
SHOW #68 1 Skittles - Tip-I-Cal-Ly 2 Flowering Inferno, Quantic - 1000 Watts (feat. Christopher Ellis) 3 Shakezpeare, Jman & Skinnyman - Meditation 2019 4 DJ Format - Diamond Hunter (feat Abdominal) 5 Beastie Boys - Get It Together - A.B.A. Remix 6 Wowox, Ken Boothe Akil of Jurassic 5 - Chaos - K+Lab Remix 7 Unglued & MC Conrad - Born in ‘94 8 Jam Baxter & Dabbla - Eggs - Stivs & Kelvin 373 Rmx 9 Year Of The Ox - Grandmaster 10 Pete Cnnon & Inja - No Regrets 11 TC & Jakes - Deep 12 Dub Phizix & Skittles - I’m A Creator 13 Chopstick Dubplate - Worldwide Traveller (feat. Top Cat & Mr Williamz)
Carry the show If you're interested in carrying The Bassment Sessions on your station please contact Monique radio@rdxpromo.com to subscribe and access all 68 shows.
Dubmatix at The Controls! XM Satellite Radio / Newstalk 93 FM - DC & Jamaica
AN INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL PERSPECTIVE OF GROOVE Beginning on the Paris France show Partytime Radio as an online streaming video/audio feed, the show has caught the ear of music lovers everywhere bringing together music fans across borders, cultures and generations. Host Dubmatix is an award-winning artist / producer with a deep background in radio and production - beginning as a producer for one of Canada’s top radio stations CHUM FM Radio in Toronto. Dubmatix was a producer for various radio programs including swing for AM / FM Morning shows and overseeing the Satellite Radio department feeds.
In the late 1990’s Dubmatix together with host Bill King produced inflght jazz programming for Air Canada Airlines, reaching over 2 million passengers monthly.
As a professional musician for 30 years, Dubmatix has developed legions of fans around the world working with over 25 releases and extensive touring. He brings a unique perspective to his radio program The Bassment Sessions - fusing international musical styles ….
Today Dubmatix continues to release new music and host the Bassment Sessions as well as co-hosting Soul Nation on JAZZFM91 with father Bill King. 500k weekly station listeners.
We are huge fans of Scottish singer-songwriter Tamzene, having followed her progress since we featured her gorgeous, soul-pop single, Last Song, back in December 2018. It was a big, bold statement of intent from the multi-instrumentalist, which gained recognition across numerous Spotify streaming playlists. Since then she has been honing her craft and working with a number of co-writers and producers, as well as releasing the smashing follow up singles You’re With Somebody Now and Soldier. Both received similar levels of streaming support and found tastemaker fans in likes of the Line of Best Fit, Clash, Indietronica and Tenement TV. This raw display of emotion, backed by a luscious stripped back production and simple piano melody is her latest release. It’s a powerful and honest lament about ‘picking up the pieces’ and is, quite simply, magnificent. We said it before, but we really do believe she has everything, the voice, the songwriting talent and natural ability to challenge Adele for her soul-pop crown.
Live Nation makes sweeping changes to address Covid-19 situation (see Business)
Respected bioethicist predicts 'fall 2021' return for US concerts (see Comment)
BUSINESS
Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino will forego his $3m 2020 salary and senior executives will see their salaries reduced by up to 50%, amid other cost-cutting moves and an amendment to its existing credit agreement that includes a new $120m revolving loan facility. (Variety, Billboard)
NEWS AND FEATURES
Weekend media coverage of Friday's story on the BPI's launch of its All About The Music 2020 yearbook: Classic rock hits from 1970s and 1980s reborn thanks to Spotify streaming revolution. (Times) 21st century music fans party like it’s 1999. (Telegraph) The whole world sang together in 1967 and we’re still singing now. (Telegraph - Neil McCormick) Elton John, Queen & Mariah Carey boost catalog streaming in UK. (Billboard)
Abbey Road recording studio is embroiled in a planning row with residents over proposals to convert a nearby office into a music school. (Times)
Ticketmaster has quietly changed its refund policy to cover only canceled events instead of indefinitely postponed or rescheduled ones. (DMN, Complex)
Ahead of what would have been Record Store Day 2020 this Saturday, the OCC has launched an interactive map showcasing over 120 independent music stores across the country that will deliver direct to the door during lockdown. (OCC)
Amazon, in the US at least, will begin allowing third-party sellers on its platform to resume shipping so-called nonessential items this week. (NYPost)
Charts: Dua Lipa climbed to the top of the Album chart with a figure of 16,000, despite her sales being down 53% from last week's debut. Blinding Lights by The Weeknd remained top of the Singles chart. Drake's Toosie Slide, at No. 2, was the only new entry in the top 30. (OCC)
US charts: The Weeknd remains top of the Billboard 200 with a figure of 90,000. The album continues to benefit from sales of merchandise/album bundles. (Billboard)
DIGITAL
Instagram has plans to help artists monetise livestreams. (MusicAlly)
Spotify’s self-serve ad platform Ad Studio is expanding and now available in 22 markets globally. (MusicAlly)
COMMENT, OPINION AND ANALYSIS
Tom Watson’s appointment as the new Chair of UK Music has "sparked a wave of disgust" because "most of them (the major players) didn’t even know the job was up for grabs". (Mail - Richard Littlejohn)
A University of Pennsylvania bioethicist believes the best-case scenario for restarting the American economy is in June and that the only ethical way to do it will be in stages. "I think those things (inc concerts) will be the last to return. Realistically we’re talking fall 2021 at the earliest". (NYTimes, CoS)
What does Apple Music’s $50m Covid-19 fund mean for indie labels? (Pitchfork)
New data shows how entertainment consumption Is changing. (Billboard) Audio music streams declined week-on week in the US, while video music streams increased.
A report finds that 60% of the US population are engaging with more entertainment now that so many people are working from home. (Billboard)
Analysis of the credit card and debit card purchases of nearly six million people in the US suggest consumer spending on music streaming services rose by just over 20% year-on-year in the week when compared to the same week last year. (NYTimes)
Update on Covid-19 initiatives in Europe and elsewhere. (Legrand)
MEDIA
Head of BBC Music James Stirling has taken on a new role as executive editor for the corporation’s centenary programme. The pan-BBC programme of on and off-air events and activities to mark the centenary of the BBC in 2022. (MusicWeek)
Radio 2, using data from PPL, revealed the top 40 most-played songs on UK TV and radio of the last decade. (BBC, BBC programme) Happy by Pharrell Williams topped the chart.
Radio X asked listeners to name the 100 Best British Songs Of All Time. Florence Welch and Amy Winehouse aside, there was no other female, or BAME, representation.
RADIO
06.00 Radio 2 Zoe Ball - with All Saints' Shaznay Lewis09.30 Radio 2 Ken Bruce - with Nick Mason
PODCAST
Podcasts: Dolly Parton’s America (Times - 3* James Marriott)
ARTIST AND MUSIC FEATURES
As many turn online for their live event fix, IQ speaks to two industry experts and asks how the livestreaming business could prove a true ancillary to live.
How to help your favourite band survive the coronavirus crisis. (Times - Will Hodgkinson)
How Laura Marling gave me a guitar lesson on Zoom. (Times - Will Hodgkinson)
How did Billie Eilish redefine pop stardom – without going blonde, baring any flesh or hiding her history of depression? (Times - Jonah Weiner)
Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs Pigs: 'When music is loud, niggling troubles just go'. (Guardian - Dave Simpson)
Radiohead's Ed O'Brien is recovering from coronavirus – a pandemic he says is a global wake-up call – and releasing the solo album he finally plucked up the courage to make. (Guardian - Jazz Monroe)
Ed O’Brien: the Radiohead guitarist on his first solo album, self-doubt and battling depression. (SundayTimes - Jonathan Dean)
The Strokes found instant fame in their twenties, but drink, drugs and a gruelling tour schedule splintered them. (Times - Will Hodgkinson)
Thundercat found fame with breakthrough album, but the death of his friend Mac Miller forced him to confront hard truths about his own lifestyle. (Guardian - Kate Hutchinson)
America's great unifier: why nobody tugs on the heartstrings like Dolly Parton. (Telegraph - Lauren Bravo)
Isobel Waller-Bridge, who scored her sister’s sitcom Fleabag, talks about composing for the RSC and her debut album. (Times - Dominic Maxwell)
The Gen Z Power List: Greta Thunberg is at No.1, with music names Billie Eilish (2), Dave (9), SophiaGrace Brownlee and Rosie McClelland (13), Jorja Smith (14), J Hus (15), Lil Nas X (17), Aitch (20). (Times)
At 16, I Think We’re Alone Now made Tiffany a star of 80s pop. Now, after legal battles, style shifts and celebrity TV, she may finally have found herself. (Observer - Miranda Sawyer)
Remembering one of America’s most influential songwriters John Prine (Sun - Simon Cosyns)
John Prine: a singer-songwriter revered by peers from Bob Dylan to Bruce Springsteen. (SundayTimes - Dan Cairns)
When Ziggy played guitar: relive the electrifying experience of Bowie in his pomp. (Telegraph - Neil McCormick)
Bob Dylan surprises us all with new track Murder Most Foul (Mirror p42 - Gavin Martin)
Berlin is the centre of a new wave where hits such as Bye Bye Nursery are belted out at afternoon gigs. (Observer)
Why The Beatles split: The true story behind the break-up of the biggest band ever. (Independent - Mark Beaumont)
‘We came out of anarchy’: How the new wave of British heavy metal changed the face of rock’n’roll. (Independent - Ed Power)
Shania Twain’s Come On Over is an overlooked feminist masterpiece. (Independent - Roisin O'Connor)
New Order: where to start in their back catalogue (Guardian - Dave Simpson)
Obituary: Adam Schlesinger - Musician with Fountains of Wayne and Ivy who wrote award-winning songs for theatre, TV and films. (Guardian)
Obituary: Bill Withers, songwriter whose soul was a quiet symbol of black pride. (FT)
SHOWBIZ AND NEWS
Miles Leonard, the former chairman of Parlophone and Warner Records, has set up an internet radio station that broadcasts twice a week from his pub in a Somerset village with a mix of music and interviews. (Times p21)
Larry Sherman, founder of the seminal Chicago house label Trax Records, has died of heart failure. (Pitchfork)
Liam Payne has confirmed One Direction are planning a special project together to mark their tenth anniversary in July. (Sun) @ThePopHub tweeted "One Direction's Apple Music page has been updated to feature a photo with all members including Zayn". The other four members of the band have started re-following Zayn Malik on Twitter. (Mail, Independent)
Download Festival is to host a virtual festival on 12-14 June via YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram channels.
The Labour Party will 'remain stuck at the bottom of a moral black hole' until Sir Keir Starmer apologises for his role in the scandal of men falsely accused of sexually abusing children, Paul Gambaccini has said. (MoS)
Del Amitri are to stage a free concert for NHS workers in December at Barrowland Ballroom. (Scotsman)
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Sir Elton John’s self-titled studio album, PRS for Music has revealed a chart of his most streamed, downloaded, broadcast and performed songs in the UK. Your Song tops the list. (RotD)
Bono lobbies South Korean president and corporate bosses to secure equipment. (Guardian)
Bob Dylan tops Billboard's Rock Digital Song Sales chart with Murder Most Foul, his first No.1. (Times)
Mick Rock releases unseen photographs of 1970s rock royalty to support NHS. (Observer)
Selena Gomez poses for an edgy cover shoot for Interview magazine. (Star p15)
Sun Bizarre: Liam Payne says he felt humiliated after being rejected by The X Factor the first time he applied. Sam Smith and Demi Lovato dressed up as athletes for their collab I'm Ready. Megan McKenna is working on her follow up album to Story of Me. Example has revealed Ed Sheeran's dad threatened to punch him in the face after he started playing up backstage at a gig. Pharrell gave thanks after Happy was named the most played song on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. Ed O'Brien has ruled out any Radiohead projects soon. Dua Lipa has started thinking about her third album. Katy Perry says filming for American Idol is still going ahead.
Star Wired: Hrvy has been taking virtual piano lessons while in lockdown. J-Lo, DJ Khaled and Kelly Rowland appeared in Diddy's virtual dance-a-thon in bid to raise money for Covid-19 relief fund. Normani has been working on her debut album from her house. Katy Perry showed off her growing baby bump in an Easter Bunny onesie. Sam Smith and Demi Lovato have confirmed their collab. Dua Lipa says she is going to start thinking about her third album sooner rather than later due to the pandemic. Lewis Capaldi has blamed going veggie for piling on the pounds.
Metro Guilty Pleasures: Selena Gomez has admitted in a chat with Interview magazine she lost control of her narrative after becoming the most followed person on Instagram. Perrie Edwards says she lost her mind after taking the scissors to her blonde locks during isolation. Sam Smith has teamed up with Demi Lovato for a collab. One Direction fans went into meltdown after the band re-followed Zayn Malik on social media. Kiesza rolls around in spandex in her new video.
REVIEWS
ALBUMS
Laura Marling (Mirror - 4* Gavin Martin, Sun - 4.5* Jacqui Swift, iNews/Artsdesk - 5* Russ Coffey, Guardian - 4* Alexis Petridis, Independent - 5* Roisin O'Connor, Mail - 4* Adrian Thrills, FT - 4* Ludovic Hunter-Tilney, SundayTimes - Mark Edwards, Independent - 5* Roisin O'Connor)
The Strokes (Mirror - 3* Gavin Martin, Sun - 4* Jacqui Swift, iNews/Artsdesk - 3* Nick Hasted, Times - 5* Will Hodgkinson, Mail - 3* Adrian Thrills, Guardian - 4* Rachel Aroesti, FT - 3* Ludovic Hunter-Tilney, SundayTimes - Dan Cairns, Observer - 3* Kitty Empire)
TV: Dolly Parton: 50 Years at the Opry (Telegraph - 3* Michael Hogan)
BOOKS
One Two Three Four: The Beatles In Time (iNews - John Aizlewood, Observer - Anthony Quinn)
The Life & Times of Malcom McLaren by Paul Gorman (Times - Will Hodgkinson)
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
The 'very existence' of Germany's music industry threatened by Coronavirus shutdown, says the head of German industry organisation BVMI. (Billboard)
Former Ticketmaster chief executive Nathan Hubbard's ticketing startup Rival has been purchased by Ticketmaster. (Billboard)
Sony Corp America is investing $400m in Chinese video streaming site Bilibili. (DMN)
Fremantle, Simon Cowell's Syco Entertainment and the Shanghai Media Group have teamed on new Chinese talent show The Magnificent Dancer. (Billboard)
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Facebook has reportedly been working on a service called Campus, described as "an exclusive space" for members of certain institutions. (Telegraph)
Short-form video streaming app Quibi has hit 1.7 million downloads in its first week, according to the company. The firm said it is accelerating plans to allow the app to play on TVs. (BBC)
TikTok announced it will provide $250m to Covid-19 relief efforts, in addition to $125m worth of ad credits for public-health organisations and small businesses. (TechCrunch)
Record of the Day
Paul Scaife
Joe Taylor
Kevin Marston
Lee Thompson
Ruth Kilpatrick
Edited by Kevin Marston and Paul Scaife +44 (0)20 8223 1224
Record of the Day is a trading name of Music Today Ltd, a company registered in England under registration number 4546152; registered office: 4 Green Lanes, London N16 9NB
