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How The Illharmonic’s mix of hip-hop and classical builds community, one show at a time
The Illharmonic Orchestra, led by married performers Jeffrey and Andrea Coln McNeill, combines hip-hop and R&B with live classical instrumentation. The group says its performances create a sense of community while challenging the limited racial representation still found in many major symphony orchestras. Jeffrey McNeill began connecting the genres as a child in 1987, when…
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The 1993 Rush song that became a “nightmare” for Geddy Lee
Rush’s 1993 song ‘Cold Fire’ reportedly became a difficult writing experience for Geddy Lee and the band, who struggled to make the track sound as they intended. The account highlights the trial-and-error behind Rush’s polished recordings, even during the sessions for a well-regarded album. ‘Cold Fire’ appeared on Counterparts, Rush’s 15th studio album, released in…
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Anitta’s ‘EQUILIBRIVM II’ Album & More: Vote for the Best New Latin Music Release This Week
Billboard has opened its weekly New Music Latin poll, inviting readers to choose their favourite recent release from a selection curated by its Latin and Spanish-language editorial teams. The leading release is Anitta’s two-part, 32-track album *EQUILIBRIVM II*, while the poll also highlights Cypress Hill’s first Spanish-language project and new music from Ryan Castro, Lunay…
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The 1984 song Billy Joel always identified with: “It really moved me”
Billy Joel said he strongly identified with Don Henley’s 1984 song ‘A Month of Sundays’, describing its portrayal of an isolated farmer as deeply affecting. The article argues that the song’s empathy for ordinary working people aligns with themes Joel also explored in his own music. The track appears on Henley’s 1984 album *Building the…
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The 1982 Fleetwood Mac album Christine McVie had no memory of recording
Fleetwood Mac’s 1982 album *Mirage* was one of the band’s commercial successes, but Christine McVie later said she had very few memories of making it. The article places this in the aftermath of the group’s highly strained late-1970s period, when personal break-ups and heavy substance use had contributed to conflict within the band. Mick Fleetwood…
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The shows Bruce Springsteen called “one of the greatest” to play
Bruce Springsteen described performing at European summer festivals as “one of the greatest experiences” of his career, highlighting the scale and atmosphere of open-air shows. The article emphasises that these events allow artists to reach large, enthusiastic crowds and play alongside other major acts, making them especially memorable. He singled out festivals including Glastonbury, Roskilde…
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The Sunshine Underground play first show in nearly 10 years ahead of huge Leeds reunion
The Sunshine Underground returned to the stage in Manchester on 23 July for their first full live performance in nearly a decade, ahead of a larger reunion concert in Leeds. The warm-up show marked the revival of a band closely associated with Leeds’ indie-dance and “nu-rave” scene, and previewed celebrations for the 20th anniversary of…
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Executive Turntable: Sphere & Fender Name New Chief Communications Officers
Music and entertainment companies have announced several senior communications and promotion appointments, reflecting efforts to strengthen brand storytelling, corporate reputation and radio outreach as they expand. – Sphere Entertainment appointed Karen Laureano-Rikardsen as global head of corporate marketing and communications, based in New York and reporting to president and COO Jennifer Koester. – Fender rehired…
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SLADE Guitarist DAVE HILL Shares ‘Play It To The Crowd’ Single From Upcoming ‘Dirty Foot Lane’ Solo Album
Dave Hill, founding lead guitarist of Slade, has released “Play It To The Crowd”, the first single from his debut solo album, “Dirty Foot Lane”, which is due on 30 October. Written during the COVID-19 lockdowns, the song celebrates the return of live music and the shared energy between performers and audiences. The arena-rock track…
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The 1982 Don Henley song that turned celebrity gossip into a rock anthem
Don Henley’s 1982 hit ‘Dirty Laundry’ turned frustration with celebrity gossip and sensationalist television news into a hard-edged rock song. The article presents it as an early critique of media culture, using satire to expose how broadcasters can prioritise shock, scandal and ratings over accuracy or compassion. Released during Henley’s early solo career after the…