Hip hop biopic Straight Outta Compton was released in U.S cinemas last weekend, before opening up in Australia early next month. Revolving around the rise and fall of the notorious rap legends N.W.A, the film has already been met by many with critical acclaim. It has doubled it’s budget in profits within a few days, raking in an astounding $56.1 million across its opening weekend. It currently holds a rating of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, the site describing it ‘as a biopic that’s built to last’, a review that’s sure to relieve long-time fans of the Compton rap group.
Considering how much the group have bene in the media lately, not to mention the long-awaited relesae of Dr Dre’s third album, inspired by the movie, titled Compton, it’s no surprise that everyone else is getting on board – including video game developers.
Youtuber AnimalRobot utilised the Rockstar Editor program that is included with the PC version of grand Theft Auto V, one of the most popular video games, based on a Los Angeles-type world. There’s even a fictional version of Compton in there, and many of it’s best rappers feature on the in-game radio stations.
Compare the pair here:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUnnf9KgbjM&w=560&h=315]
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMZi25Pq3T8&w=420&h=315]
During an interview with Complex, Wu Tang Clan rapper Raekwon describes what superhero he would be – and the result is touching and remarkably thoughtful.
His superhero alter-ego, dubbed ‘King Kwan’, would help the less fortunate and be there for the people that ‘are doing things for themselves’.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zqc-eSiHk18&w=560&h=315]
His costume would consist of ‘ill nikes and the half moon cut’, and he would be running with his sidekick ‘Eraser Head’, who, with his head shaped like an eraser, would be able to rub out villians.
“I might go to a neighborhood and see an unfortunate kid, I would give him all the elements,” Raekwon continued, “You know, if he wanted to be a great writer, I would make sure that he had the best pens. I would design a nice desk for him and set up a studio for him and make him smile at the end of the day like, ‘Thanks King Kwon’ and I fly out in the sky.”
While King Kwon would make for an interesting side project, it’s unlikely this alter-ego will ever eventuate. Who knows, maybe we’ll eventually hear a Ghostface/Tony Starks-esque album from the Wu-Tang rapper.
For the mean time, at least we still have regular ‘Kwon.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BKhwnbGzwg0&w=560&h=315]
Marilyn Manson and The Smashing Pumpkin’s Billy Corgan, or as he now likes to be called, William Patrick Corgan, paired up over the weekend to perform Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, in a preacher man and nun costume.
Manson has been on the road with The Smashing Pumpkins for the majority of the American summer for their The End Times tour.
The pair had previously been embroiled in a feud that lasted two decades. The feud allegedly began after Corgan sent a letter to Manson’s then girlfriend, Rose McGowan.
Manson himself, has commented on the feud in the past while being interviewed by the iconic Larry King:
“I haven’t spoken to him but there was no fall out or anything. I think he might have got mad once when I told him that it would be a good marketing idea that if he sold Charlie Brown T-shirts and bald caps at concerts and he may not have liked that. He does look like Charlie Brown a little bit, in fairness.”
Now, all seems resolved when they announced the joint co-tour, fulfilling the wishes of ’90s rock fans all over the world. If you think you’ve heard all the Cyndi Lauper covers one needs to in a lifetime, this will prove you wrong.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sIuLa9U47KY&w=560&h=315]
Thom Yorke is making his Broadway debut, as a composer. The Radiohead mastermind is working for the Roundabout Theater Company’s revival of the 1970’s show Old Times, this October.
While Yorke will not be making an appearance in the show, the score was penned mostly by himself, with help by the play’s director Douglas Hodge. Working closely with the director through email correspondence, Yorke spent approximately six months working on the project. The score will feature intro and exit music, along with transitions.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1uYWYWPc9HU&w=420&h=315]
”It’s been a pleasure working with Doug on my first stage production,” Yorke said in a statement. “I’ve enjoyed exploring through music the script’s themes of love and memory as well as Pinter’s rhythms, twists and turns.’
While it would truly be something to go to a Radiohead-themed play, Yorke worked extensively with 1970’s synthesisers so that his music would fit with the era. Unfortunately it’s doubtful that we will be hearing a Chicago-esque rendition of Creep in the near future.
Old Times will begin previews on September 17th, premiere October 6th and run until November 29th.
The news comes off the back of the related headline that Radiohead are working on a brand new album. No details have been confirmed. Stay tuned…
After establishing his career dropping heavenly bass music to the masses, Sable has let his alter ego escape from the recesses of his mind. Let us introduce you to Shadow Sable.
Shadow Sable is the producer’s antithesis. Described as his ‘enemy’, this moniker allows Sable to depart from the sound he’s known for, and work outside of the constraints of genre, sound and release schedules.
This announcement comes with the release of Player 1, and its follow up Want It. The two tracks show a significant departure from Sable’s signature sound, producing a darker, sinister yet still bass driven style. While Shadow Sable is likely out of the producers comfort zone, it still upholds the same standard in quality.
As well as unveiling his dark side, Sable debuted The New Adventure’s of Sable, which made its first appearance on Facebook last week. The comic is said to continue across social media during the build up to Sable’s album, URL LOVE, which is set to drop September 18 on Pilerats Records.
You can get acquainted with Shadow Sable here.
Melbourne based punk band, Deaf Wish, have released their first LP, Pain, on the legendary label Sub-Pop. The band are the first in Australia to be signed with the label, which makes sense considering their post-punk, grunge sound is perfect for the label that has signed acts as notable as Nirvana and Soundgarden.
It’s hard to review the album as a whole, each song is individualised and unique in structure. The band gives everyone an equal share of vocals, making each track considerably different from the last – there’s something for everyone. Each member has their own style behind the mic, and they utilise their instruments to work with each unique approach.
The album kicks off with The Whip, a fragile rumbling, slow-paced track that graduates from a two-note riff with layered vocals to a full-blown, hectic, cymbal crashing affair. The quick change in this introduction is indicative of the entire album. The LP is ever-changing, showcasing fast-paced, energetic tracks like Newness Again, and Eyes Closed, and then progressing into the airy, subtle Sex Witch.
As the album moves forward, the differences between each track become the norm, and it starts to blend as one. That is, until Dead Air, a full six minutes of messy guitar riffs and distortion. The song will have you waiting for something more, vocals, consistency, anything. But it ends without submitting to your wants, leaving a confusing sense of satisfaction for what was just listened to. They bring it back with Calypso, a song that meets the probable expectations from the band. It is a nice close to an eclectic album, making the LP feel whole.
Pain is an interesting progression on from your average punk album. Everything about this band, from the album name, to the track’s titles seem fitting for the genre, but they have created something that is almost, but not quite, out of the box. On the initial listen, the bands sound is reminiscent of established punk bands like Trapped Under Ice and Have Heart. However, as the album progresses it proves to be so much more than the stock-standard punk album. The members share of the musical duties is probably the most simple evidence of this, but the melodic nature of their sound also should be noted. It isn’t just punk, it’s progressive, it’s dark, it’s expansive – especially for a genre that has arguably remained stagnant in recent years.
While Deaf Wish certainly have a ways to go in terms of exposure and popularity, they are creating something very important for their scene. They are exactly what punk needs right now.
You can purchase the album here.
Most of us have heard about #freethenip by now, the movement intended to allow nipple-based equality for women. However, with our focus on our nipples, have we been fighting for the wrong cause? Is it really time to #freethepeen?
Probably not, however if that movement ever ensues, Lenny Kravitz has already made their first statement.
Performing in Stockholm on Monday night, the musician/actor rocked so hard his dick (quite literally) fell out of his signature leather pants.
Die hard fans of the singer will be excited to learn that not only does Kravitz not wear underwear, he also has his nether regions pierced, facts that were previously not known by the public.
According to local reports, Kravitz promptly retreated backstage to change into another pair of leather pants, however the hilarious moment was recorded for us to enjoy in GIF form again, and again, and again. It’s really quite cathartic if you stare at it for long enough.
The singer has commented on the incident by tweeting a text sent by Aerosmith‘s Steven Tyler, casually reminding us that despite #penisgate he is still in better company than the rest of us. For him to be shocked is surely a pretty big feat.
And here it is in all its glory:
You may have caught Shaggy on his last Australian tour in May. Or, maybe the last you heard of him in, like, 1998. Either way, it’s interesting to see how the reggae singer has progressed since Mr Boombastic and It Wasn’t Me.
The singer was a staple on our radios in the early 00’s, before the digital revolution. While he has lost exposure since his album Hot Shot, which was certified platinum x6, Shaggy is back with I Need Your Love.
The track features the Jamaican singer, along with the Swedish Mohombi, Lebanese Faydee, and Romanian Costi.
It’s a mix of many cultures, which aids in distinguishing the song from every single other dance track out right now.
While there is a lot going on here, and the song doesn’t show any definite last-ability, it is a good way to spike your nostalgia. Or, maybe you could just dust off your old copy of Hot Shot, which would probably be both more enjoyable and effective.
If nothing else, it’s interesting to see artists like Shaggy continuing to record music, clearly years after their prime. Whether you like it or not, power to him, right?
Listen to I Need Your Love below:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IEthfU2_j_8&w=560&h=315]
Splendour in The Grass is over, the mud has been washed off, and a post-festival come down is imminent. There’s no need to stress though, while you may be spending your time revelling in the twitter beef the festival left behind (Azealia Banks, we’re talking about you), there’s many more, lesser known festivals that you can plan ahead for.
Burning Seed
You may be familiar with Burning Man, the weeklong annual event held in San Francisco. The festival is possibly the most hardcore doof in the world, taking over an entire city for its duration, and now Australia has found its counterpart.
Burning Seed is held in the Matong State Forest, NSW. Running from Wednesday, 30th September to Monday, 5th October, it’s creators describe it as ‘an experimental gathering dedicated to creativity, collaboration and a gifting community- conceived, built, run and returned to nothing again by YOU’.
While those new to Burning Seed may consider it like any other festival, it is much more than that. The event seeks to act as an outlet for punters creativity, imagination and ideas.
You can purchase tickets here.
Chi Wow Wah Town
One hour out of Melbourne, Chi Wow Wah Town offers cutting edge music of the techno persuasion and art for those who prefer their festival to be a little more creative.
The festival has hosted techno acts such as Uone, Katie Drover and David Mayer.
An annual event held each February, this one is definitely not to miss.
Let Them Eat Cake
Held at the Werribee mansion on new years day, Let Them Eat Cake caters for anyone looking to extend their NYE festivities. The festival has drawn many big acts to their festival, most notably Kanye West-collaborator and serious up and comer Cashmere Cat.
Each stage doubles as an artwork, all of them are unique, and become more intriguing with each year. If you’re into art, deep-house, and wearing a bin bag over your clothes because it’s that wet, LTEC is the festival for you.
Strawberry Fields
Truly one of the gems in the Australian festival scene, Strawberry Fields, draws one of the most eclectic crowds that I have ever seen. With that said, the festival comes with a carefree attitude, while the crowd is varied in demographics, there are no problems that come with.
You can purchase tickets here.
Festival of The Sun
Held at the seaside of Port Macquarie, Festival of The Sun was a lesser-known festival that is quickly becoming more prominent on our radar. With only one single, intimate stage, and approximately 3000 attendees, it is truly a boutique festival. Old setlist’s have boasted acts such as Violent Soho, and The Jezabels, it is clear that there is a lot more to come for this event.
You can purchase tickets here.
