Tandav row

Got a new agenda, With a new dream, I’m kicking out the old regime, Liberation, elevation, education. The lyrics of Janelle Monáe’s Oscar shortlisted song, “Turntables” are a call for accountability flavored with positive promise. Written for the Liz Garbus and Lisa Cortés-directed documentary about Georgia political activist Stacey Abrams, All In: The Fight for Democracy , Monáe’s song aligns in every sense with Abrams’ single-minded refusal to tolerate insidious, endemic and overwhelming voter suppression following her 2018 run for governor of Georgia. Rapping about a “new dream”, Monáe speaks to the long-sought turning of a societal and political tide in this country. The call came early on in the pandemic. As an Abrams fan and a Georgia voter herself, Monáe had previously offered to help Abrams in any way she could. But when the documentary team approached, Monáe was, she says, “not in a healthy space mentally”. Not only were her tour dates disappearing and … [Read more...] about Janelle Monáe On Writing “Turntables”, Supporting Stacey Abrams & Creating “More Stories Of Black Joy”

Fresh off the release of their new album When You See Yourself , Kings of Leon kicked off a two-night stand on The Late Show with “ The Bandit ,” a track from their latest LP. For the virtual performance, the Followill gang congregated on a soundstage to breeze through When You See Yourself’ s first single. Additionally, Kings of Leon marked their new album’s arrival by dropping a video for the album track “Stormy Weather.” Kings of Leon are also the first artist of their stature to release new music in the form of a non-fungible token (NFT) , which utilizes blockchain technology to create unique packages. Dubbed “NFT Yourself,” the album is offered in three packages: One type is a special album package, a second type offers live show perks like front-row seats for life, and a third type is just for exclusive audiovisual art. “We approached the release of When You See Yourself in such an analog way, from the band’s approach in the studio to shooting … [Read more...] about See Kings of Leon Perform ‘The Bandit’ on ‘Colbert’

Play video content Exclusive TMZ.com Timothy V. Murphy is ready to throw back some Irish whiskey and beer for St. Patrick's Day ... and he'll be doing it at a pub, even though the CDC wants the holiday to go virtual. We got the "Sons of Anarchy" star at LAX Friday afternoon and our photog asked the famous Irishman about his St. Paddy's Day plans. Timothy says he's looking forward to drinking at some popular Irish pubs in L.A. and he's not about to cancel the holiday for the second year in a row, despite the CDC urging folks to stay home and celebrate. The way Timothy sees it ... St. Patrick's Day just doesn't work in a virtual setting, so he's keeping it live and in person. L.A. has outdoor dining (and drinking) again, so he'll have options. Play video content Our guy also asked Timothy about Conor McGregor catching heat for buying a bottle of Proper 12 inside a liquor store without wearing a mask. Sounds like Timothy's … [Read more...] about Timothy V. Murphy Says Sorry CDC, Party’s On for St. Patrick’s Day