Music features

In his deeply personal story Belfast , writer-director Kenneth Branagh a child’s view of conflict. When he was nine years old, the Troubles in Northern Ireland began and Branagh had to leave his hometown. Belfast follows Buddy, a fictionalized version of Branagh’s childhood self, played by Jude Hill, as he deals with the loss of the peaceful city he has known. While the subject matter is dark, Branagh chose to focus on how a boy and his family cope with the traumatic experience in true Irish fashion, with humor, dancing and music. Hill stars alongside Judi Dench, Caitríona Balfe, Jamie Dornan and Ciarán Hinds. DEADLINE: This was something of a departure for you, so what made you want to tell this story now? KENNETH BRANAGH : Well, it was definitely enhanced by the idea of the lockdown. There was much more introspection, I think, at the beginning of this period. But the desire to write something about Belfast had been with me really ever since I left the … [Read more...] about ‘Belfast’ Writer-Director Kenneth Branagh On Revisiting Childhood Trauma And How “Humor Becomes Not Just Valuable, But A Necessity”

Meat Loaf, the rock superstar loved by millions for his 'Bat Out of Hell' album and for such theatrical, dark-hearted anthems as "Paradise By the Dashboard Light", "Two Out of Three Ain't Bad" and "I'd Do Anything for Love (But I Won't Do That)", has died. He was 74. The singer born Marvin Lee Aday died Thursday, according to a family statement provided by his longtime agent Michael Greene. "Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight,” the statement said. "We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man... From his heart to your souls… don't ever stop rocking!" No cause or other details were given, but Aday had numerous health scares over the years. "Bat Out of Hell", his mega-selling collaboration with songwriter Jim Steinman and producer Todd Rundgren, came out in 1977 and made him … [Read more...] about Meat Loaf, ‘Bat Out Of Hell’ Rock Superstar, Dies At 74

Are You Ok?, a music video by Ton Chanseyma, Cambodia's top singer, has gone viral in Cambodia, garnering over 117 million views since its recent release on the CAM-POP Galaxy Navatra. Ton Chanseyma, Cambodia's youngest singer, is receiving high praise from viewers on CAM-POP Galaxy Navatra's YouTube channel for her captivating song. So much so that the top advertising firms have begun to line up to sign Chanseyma for the branding of well-known companies in Cambodia. The music video has been released recently featuring melodies and lyrics by Cambodian real estate tycoon Leng Navatra, who owns the banner of Galaxy Navatra production. The song is written in English by Heng Long, composed by Tempo Tris, and directed by Rawyer, Juedy, Run Sokheng. Watch the video. Ton Chanseyma said, "Are You Ok? is the first song to gain stupendous popularity among music lovers in Cambodia. The entire team at Galaxy Navatra productions has worked very hard to make this … [Read more...] about Ton Chanseyma’s Are You Ok? Becomes The Most Popular Song In Cambodia