Music – Melodie Akers

Listening to Neil Young’s music makes money for BlackStone

Streaming that song might give money to BlackStone! The company accused by the UN of contributing to the housing crisis has acquired ownership of a company in possession of many popular artists’ copyrights.

Interview with Paul Smith of Maxïmo Park: moments, memory, and honesty

Paul Smith believes in honesty, even when it’s uncomfortable. “I once had a girlfriend I’d split up with. Then the band went off to be on the TV and release records and whatnot. She phoned me up one day out of the blue a year later or so, and said, ‘My friends are talking, sayingContinue reading “Interview with Paul Smith of Maxïmo Park: moments, memory, and honesty”

Album Release Date, New Music Video: Lily Allen “Our Time”

Now also published in The Sampler. Early this morning, Lily Allen announced 5 May as the release date of her new album Sheezus, quickly followed by the release of a video for her new single “Our Time”. Ever since Mean Girls made its theatrical debut, there has been much talk about Girl World and Lily Allen has not beenContinue reading “Album Release Date, New Music Video: Lily Allen “Our Time””

Sheffield: Replacing Steel with Synth

When punk came to the United Kingdom in 1977, bands from the northern industrial city of Sheffield were laughing. Kids across the country were starting bands inspired by this new D.I.Y. ethic that only required learning three chords. Sheffield bands such as Cabaret Voltaire and the Human League did not participate in this copycat behaviour;Continue reading “Sheffield: Replacing Steel with Synth”