If you weren’t lucky enough to catch the Gorillaz at the Coachella Festival this year, things are looking up for you, friend. In support of the band’s fantastic latest record, Plastic Beach, the Gorillaz have announced that they will embark on a world-wide tour spanning North America in October, Europe in November, Australia and New Zealand in December, and Hong Kong in yet to be determined dates. More information including ticket pricing here.
The ‘Escape to Plastic Beach World Tour 2010′ trailer:
Our backing of Pittsburgh rapper Wiz Khalifa has not been inconspicuous over here at EastofLA. It goes without saying that dope music merits apt coverage and that’s what’s been resultant of the Taylor Gang don’s grind over the past few years. With an unprecedented fan base in the hip-hop community and widespread influence on the internet, it shouldn’t come as a shock that Khalifa has topped MTV News‘ ‘Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010′, surpassing over 19 other emcees in the voting process. Khalifa tallied almost twice as many votes as the follow-up Cash Money artist Nicki Minaj, with J. Cole, Travis Porter and Diggy Simmons rounding out the rest of the top five finalist round-up.
Mathangi “Maya” Arulpragasam a.k.a. M.I.A. is no stranger to controversy. Much of the eccentric U.K.-based recording artist’s works have incorporated very strong socio-political messages accompanied perfectly by uniquely dance-able, highly infectious tunes. More recently, outside of the musical aspect of her illustrious career, Arulpragasam has made broad statements regarding pop musician Lady Gaga in an interview with British publication, NME, touting her as a ‘mimic’ and going on to allege: “People say we’re similar, that we both mix all these things in the pot and spit them out differently,” she said, “but she spits it out exactly the same. None of her music’s reflective of how weird she wants to be or thinks she is.” (NME Interview).
Now, following an airborne advertising campaign in promotion of the June 29th U.S. release of her upcoming third full-length album (in the form of a blimp during rapper Jay-Z’s set at the recent 2010 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival), M.I.A. has released a controversial new music video for a recently distributed track entitled “Born Free”. The video, which was directed by French director Romain Gavras (whose portfolio includes Justice’s “Stress” and Simian Mobile Disco’s “I Believe”), is one chock-full of violence, nudity, and lots of explosions and gore. The song is pretty dope, too.
Check out the NSFW music video for “Born Free” here:
What do you think of the new music video and song? We’d love to hear your opinion in our comments section below.
To many, the break-up of The Libertines six years ago was an overwhelming disappointment and left an immense hole in the then large resurgence in the British indie rock climate. After two instant-classic records, Up The Bracket and The Libertines, the band was making huge strides in the post-punk and garage rock revival scenes. Despite the band’s critical and commercial success, however, tensions between the two frontmen, Carl Barât (vocals/lead guitar) and Pete Doherty (vocals/rhythm guitar) as well as Doherty’s obvious addictions led to their abrupt demise.
Following six years and a slew of solo/side-projects from all four members of the band, The Libertines have decided to make amends and reunite. First on the agenda are highly anticipated special appearances at the Reading and Leeds Festivals. Lets hope Carl and Pete keep it copacetic this time and old Petey stays clean (ha, right).
It can be said, without a shred of doubt, that Godspeed You! Black Emperor was one of the most influential instrumental rock bands. To this day, the Canadian post-rock pioneers (active during 1994-2003), are widely regarded as a seminal symbol of the genre and tremors of their style and innovation are felt to this day.
Shockingly, the band has abruptly announced an end to their almost decade-long hiatus and will be getting a running start with a headlining/curating slot on the Nightmare Before Christmas event presented by All Tomorrow’s Parties in Minehead, England on December 3-5. The lineup also includes: Bardo Pond, The Ex, Deerhoof, Tim Hecker, Mike Watt and Scout Niblett. According to the band’s announcement, a slew of European/U.K. dates and a small 9-date trek through America are also on the horizon.
COPYRIGHT CRIMINALS examines the creative and commercial value of musical sampling, including the related debates over artistic expression, copyright law and money. Independent Lens
Debuting tonight on PBS TV’s Independent Lens will be a documentary many around the interweb have been waiting to see. Is sampling a crime? Can anyone really own a sound? I would say no but the film delves into the concept from both perspectives and in fair and honest way.
Copyright Criminals will feature interviews with DJ Q Bert, Mix Master Mike, Pete Rock, Chuck D, George Clinton and the original funky drummer himself Clyde Stubblefield.
For your local listings check HERE and see the trailer below.
Also look into the book Pirate’s Dillema by Matt Mason it touches upon this issue in broader context.
“There are some things money can’t buy, don’t let higher education be one of them.”
Most of us here at EastofLA are students or have been students at one of the University of California campuses. Even though some of us have graduated and moved on in our lives, we still believe in equal opportunity. Not only does the University of California’s recent 32% fee hike threaten the institution of higher education but also limits the opportunities of many underprivileged people. Last time I checked, education was not a privilege but it was a RIGHT. Rise up and fight for what’s ours!
Stand in solidarity with the University of California students!
Big ups to the folks at UC San Diego for putting this video together.
Nothing lasts forever and all things must come to an end. Those two cliches exemplify the truth of this world. In that vain down in San Diego tonight will be the final “Soul Sauce”. All lovers of good music and good times should make it out there and enjoy the “Sauce” one last time before it’s gone.
Noel Gallagher has quit Oasis yet again. Here’s his personal statement from their website:
A STATEMENT FROM NOEL
28 August 2009
“It’s with some sadness and great relief to tell you that I quit Oasis tonight. People will write and say what they like, but I simply could not go on working with Liam a day longer.
“Apologies to all the people who bought tickets for the shows in Paris, Konstanz and Milan.”
“Where is My Vote” is a project dedicated to the political failures of the Iranian government and the progressive movement by the people of Iran. The project was done by “The Are” of NY. Here is a note on how the project came about.
Thank you! I started this project a while back but got side tracked with other projects. After I returned from NY a few months ago, it was one of the things I wanted to finish. After the Iran election went down and I saw the press and protest, I thought not only did I want to do this project but that it HAD to be done. - Are via FWJM
Tracklist:
1. Intro
2. Protest
3. The March
4. Love
5. The Night
6. Let’s Go
7. Closer
8. What You Don’t See On TV
9. Rooftops
10. Green
11. Protest 2
12. One Thing Remains
13. IRAN
Gorillaz Announce ‘Escape To Plastic Beach’ World Tour
