Music

Ian Anderson always dreamed of being a guitar-god. But one 1966 album was so out of his league he turned to the flute instead

• Clapton’s 1966 album pushed Anderson away from guitar.
• Anderson found his musical voice on the flute.
• Jethro Tull built a sound that crossed genres.

Ian Anderson’s interest in guitar gave way after hearing Eric Clapton on John Mayall’s 1966 album *Blues Breakers with Eric Clapton*. Rather than compete with guitarists he admired, he chose the flute, a decision that helped give Jethro Tull a distinctive sound. Anderson also praised Jimi Hendrix’s *Are…

The musicians Jeff Lynne couldn’t stand working with: “A rotten trick”

• Jeff Lynne disliked session players having to stop at noon.
• String arrangements helped define ELO’s early sound.
• He later embraced synthesizers on 1981’s *Time*.

Jeff Lynne’s meticulous approach to recording helped make Electric Light Orchestra’s songs sound richly arranged, but he grew frustrated with the rules governing session musicians. He objected to string players having to stop at noon, even if they were part-way through a song, and said he saw the…

Remembering When Two Members of a Legendary Band Reunited for a One-off Project in 1984

• Difford and Tilbrook reunited for a 1984 album.
• The record explored a more synth-led sophisti-pop sound.
• A 1985 charity reunion helped bring Squeeze back together.

After Squeeze split in 1982, its songwriters Chris Difford and Glenn Tilbrook reunited two years later to make an album as Difford & Tilbrook. The project showed that their partnership could work beyond Squeeze’s familiar power-pop sound, but its sales were modest. Their 1984 album leaned into Britain’s…

Interscope Expands Into Brazil With Hip-Hop Artist BK, Supernova Entertainment Joint Venture

• Interscope has signed Brazilian hip-hop artist BK.
• It is partnering with Supernova Entertainment on a joint venture and distribution.
• Brazil’s music market grew 14.1%, reaching eighth place globally.

Interscope Records is expanding into Brazil through two deals: signing hip-hop artist BK and forming a joint venture and distribution partnership with Supernova Entertainment. The moves give the label access to BK’s audience and Supernova’s catalogue and future signings, as it seeks to help Brazilian artists reach international…

Dolly Parton’s estate drops lawsuit against nephew

• Parton’s estate company has withdrawn its case against Bryan Seaver.
• The dismissal was without prejudice, so the case could be filed again.
• Seaver denies that his messages were threats.

Dolly Parton’s estate has dropped its lawsuit against her nephew Bryan Seaver, ending a months-long legal dispute over his conduct and his dismissal as her head of security. The case’s end may ease tensions within the family, but the company could bring it again because it was dismissed…

Justin Timberlake was told his 2006 single “wouldn’t work”. Now, it’s been streamed over 1,500,000,000 times

• Timberlake’s label doubted “SexyBack” would work.
• The song topped the US Hot 100 for seven weeks.
• Timberlake says trusting his instincts changed everything.

Justin Timberlake says his record label doubted that “SexyBack”, the lead single from his 2006 album *FutureSex/LoveSounds*, would succeed. The song became a major hit, and his account highlights how trusting an unconventional creative choice can pay off. Speaking on Complex’s Re-Rank series, Timberlake said he and co-writer…

Mark Lee Announces New Album ‘Windmill’ and Drops New Video For ‘Happiest’

• Mark Lee’s 12-track album *Windmill* arrives on 4 December.
• New single “Happiest” centres on joy found in human connection.
• Its video features Lee and his brother Jon at a holiday dinner.

Mark Lee has announced his 12-track album *Windmill*, due on 4 December through Upper Room, and released its third track, “Happiest”, with a music video. The single pairs an upbeat alternative pop and R&B sound with a reflection on finding contentment through human connection, giving an early indication…

Showing Teeth Share Bludgeoning New Track ‘Hellraiser’

• Showing Teeth have released their first song since their debut EP.
• “Hellraiser” addresses religious hypocrisy and oppression.
• Its video features drag artists who inspire the band.

Showing Teeth have released “Hellraiser”, their first new track since their debut EP, “A FATE WORSE THAN LONELINESS”, came out in September. The band describe the song as an expression of anger at their upbringing and at people who use religion to justify oppression while protecting abusers. The…

Conley projected to oust Lawler as NASA unveils X-70 Fractal

Cait Conley is projected to win New York’s 17th District, while NASA announces a crewed aircraft to test new flight technologies. Robbie Avila is cleared for a fifth season at Saint Louis, and Bill Skarsgård praises his role in Kojima’s Physint.