MUSIC AND TOURS
YouTube partners with U.S. State Department to promote peace
The U.S. Department of State introduced the U.S. Global Music Ambassadors Chuck D, Herbie Hancock, Armani White, BRELAND, Denyce Graves, Grace Bowers, Jelly Roll, Justin Tranter, Kane Brown, Lainey Wilson, and Teddy Swims.
Emmy® and Grammy® award-winning, world-renowned opera star Denyce Graves, Founder of The Denyce Graves Foundation, joins the ambassador roster in the June 24th, 2024 announcement.
By Lyor Cohen, Global Head of Music at YouTube/Google, and Leslie Miller, Vice President of YouTube Public Policy:
On June 24th, 2024, the U.S. Department of State announced that YouTube is partnering with the U.S. State Department, demonstrating the power of music as a diplomatic tool for fostering cultural understanding. This collaboration is part of the State Department’s Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, a worldwide effort to elevate music as a diplomatic platform to promote peace and democracy.
This effort will be grounded by a remarkable group of Global Music Ambassadors representing different genres of music and generations of people.
As the center of global music culture, YouTube is uniquely positioned to help amplify these voices. In addition to the new U.S. Global Music Ambassadors, this partnership will focus on several key areas:
- Micro-grants for social impact
- English language learning through music
- Supporting the creative economy
- Leveraging global events
This new partnership was catalyzed by the bipartisan PEACE Through Music Diplomacy Act. This 2022 law authorized the State Department to work with the private sector to design and implement music-related exchange programs.
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DCSA Director Pledges to Get Government’s Background Checking System on Track in Congressional Testimony
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Elvis Costello to Receive Industry Icon Award
Full Sail University announced that critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and legend of the rock era Elvis Costello will be the latest recipient of the university’s prestigious Industry Icon Award. The honor will be awarded during the Industry Icon Award ceremony scheduled to take place during Full Sail University’s annual Hall…
Erin Greider Unveils the Playful Spirit of ‘Taurus’ in a Special Anniversary Re-release
Erin Greider a notable talent in the Los Angeles indie music scene, is celebrating the first anniversary of her single “Taurus” with a re-release produced by Topher Mohr.
At just 24, Erin has quickly made a name for herself as a prolific songwriter and versatile musician. Her single “Taurus” blends…
Lenny Kravitz to Rock the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show Presented by Pepsi
Pepsi® and UEFA announced that legendary rock musician Lenny Kravitz will headline the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi on June 1st at Wembley Stadium in London. This is the eighth year that Pepsi and UEFA will mark the final with its eagerly anticipated curtain…
Jamey Johnson to Debut New Song “21 Guns” at PBS’ National Memorial Day Concert
On May 24, Jamey Johnson will release his much-anticipated new song called “21 Guns,” which was inspired by attending the funerals of fellow Marines who paid the ultimate price in service to their country.
Johnson will perform the national television debut of the powerful song during PBS’ National Memorial Day…
Electronic Music Pioneer Richie Hawtin Partners With Epidemic Sound to Mentor the Next Generation of Artists and Global Music Talent
Epidemic Sound, the soundtracking platform for content creation, announced today that it has partnered with renowned producer, DJ, and electronic music pioneer Richie Hawtin. Beginning in Q2 2024, Hawtin will mentor four Epidemic Sound artists: dreem, The Yard Woman, Hampus Naeselius, and Maya Lourenço. He will offer guidance…
Record-breaking numbers had their say in this year‘s DJ Mag poll
Tomorrowland has been voted the World’s No. 1 Festival in the DJ Mag Top 100 Festivals poll 2024. Record-breaking numbers had their say in this year‘s poll — which opened on 1st May, and closed on 12th June — with the Belgian festival coming out on top for the fourth time, and a third consecutive year.
After topping DJ Mag’s first ever Top 100 Festivals back in 2019, when the poll was voted for by top DJs, Tomorrowland returned to the No.1 spot in 2022 following the shift to a public vote for the first time. Last year, in 2023, the festival secured the triple, boasting a brand new stage and the return of its One World Radio station.
Now, in 2024, the Belgian mega-festival has retained its crown once more: a testament to its continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of production and curation. Stretching across not just one, but two, jam-packed weekends each July, Tomorrowland brings together the biggest names in electronic music, alongside groundbreaking stage design and world-building concepts.
At last year’s Adscendo event, more than 400,000 revellers celebrated love, music, and unity across 16 stages, and danced to the sounds of over 750 electronic music artists. Tomorrowland…
Anderson .Paak debuts "Celebrate" remix and music video, encouraging fans to get outdoors
In celebration of World Music Day, Lexus and Amazon Music have teamed up with 8x Grammy Award winning artist Anderson .Paak to launch a new campaign, “Destination .Paak – The Lexus GX Remix.” Designed to empower fans to get outdoors and enjoy what life has to offer, the campaign includes an exclusive Anderson .Paak remix and music video featuring the all-new 2024 Lexus GX, as well as behind-the-scenes interviews and interactive content with the award-winning artist. “Destination .Paak – The Lexus GX Remix” is available on destinationPaak.com beginning today.
From the untamed wilderness of the forest to vast desert fields, fans will follow Anderson .Paak as he explores California’s rugged and beautiful terrain in the 2024 Lexus GX – searching for the perfect spot and source of inspiration to bring a reimagined rendition of his original track, “Celebrate,” to life.
“After fifteen years in the music game, I’m trying to stay inspired and impress my kids,” said Anderson .Paak. “I find that getting out in nature can be both humbling and reinvigorating. That’s why this World Music Day, whether it’s a public park performance or organized outdoor concert, I’m inviting my fans to join me in getting outside to celebrate music.”
“The…
Angela Predhomme’s Upcoming Album ‘Lavender Lounge’ Features Hits From ‘Dance Moms’
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Highlights of the album…
Blake Shelton Honored at 27th Annual Power of Love Gala for Raising Funds for Brain Disorder Research
Keep Memory Alive honored Blake Shelton at the 27th annual Power of Love® gala on Friday, May 10, at MGM Grand Garden Arena. An esteemed lineup of entertainers, including Gwen Stefani, Jay Allen, Colbie Caillat, Kristin Chenoweth, Andy Grammer, Mickey Guyton, Gary LeVox, Cassadee Pope, and Jay Pharaoh, came…
DNJNBBY Drops New Single “See U Cry” Blending Dance Beats and Vulnerable Lyricism
DNJNBBY is back with a new single called “see u cry” which will be available on all major streaming platforms from May 14. The song is a unique blend of dance beats and vulnerable lyricism that explores the themes of heartbreak and unrequited love. It features a compelling breakdown…
Guitar Center Inducts Guitarist Gary Clark Jr. Into RockWalk
Guitar Center announced the induction of four-time Grammy® winning guitarist Gary Clark Jr. into the retailer’s iconic RockWalk. The private ceremony took place at Guitar Center’s Hollywood location on Sunset Boulevard. Following the ceremony, Gary Clark Jr. performed at Guitar Center’s flagship – his first concert in Los Angeles…
Toronto Raptors vs Indiana Pacers Halftime Show Brings Hip-Hop Royalty to Scotiabank Arena
As the team entered their final full week of regular season games at Scotiabank Arena, the Toronto Raptors squared off with the Indiana Pacers on April 9, 2024. Adding to what was already a high-energy performance, the Raptors vs Pacers halftime show was nothing short of a who’s who…
Maranatha Collective releases debut single "Long to Behold" capturing the essence of worship and global disciple-making
By Dennis Keller / Lifestyle EditorMaranatha Collective, an innovative global assembly of artists and disciple-makers, announced the release of their debut single, “Long to Behold.” This unique collective, comprising songwriters, graphic artists, fine artists, musicians, editors, and producers from around the world, aims to tell the story of what God is doing across the globe, especially in the most unreached and persecuted places. Maranatha Collective is part of Global Catalytic Ministries (GCM), the underground church whose journey began amidst the strict rule of the Ayatollah in Iran, expanded within the grip of the Taliban in Afghanistan, and now, within the heart of Islam in Mecca and 71 countries worldwide, covering 73% of the Middle East and 53% of the 10/40 window. This dedication to disciple-making and worship which they call “Moments to Movements” sets them apart from conventional music groups.
Maranatha Collective seeks to capture and share the unique sounds of burgeoning churches in places where the gospel has not been heard, prioritizing reaching the lost, making disciples, and fostering genuine worship, offering their music as a pure sacrifice to the Lord. This sacrificial approach aims to move God’s heart as disciples lay down their lives as sheep among wolves.
“Worship has been industrialized, turned into a machine, and losing its purity. Maranatha Collective’s mission is to call the global body of Christ out of this industry and back to a pure priesthood. We don’t want a Western sound imposed on diverse cultures like Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, or the jungles of the Amazon. Instead, we want the Holy Spirit to inspire…
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As part of the U.S. Department of State’s Global Music Diplomacy Initiative, which elevates music to promote peace and create cross-cultural connections worldwide, the Department announced today that participants from 22 countries will explore how Hip Hop has promoted peace and positive social change, as well as encourage economic…
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A Journey of Transformation
Al Nesbitt’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and resilience. Starting as a professional musician in his teenage years, Nesbitt shared the stage with some of the most iconic bands and performers of the time. His career trajectory, however, took a significant turn in 2000 when he lost his record and publishing deal. This setback prompted Nesbitt to step away from the music industry and enter the world of finance. For over 15 years, he thrived as a stockbroker, eventually establishing a successful business. In 2018, after selling his business, Nesbitt felt a powerful pull back to his first love: music. This return marked a new chapter in his life, focused on the acoustic guitar and creating a distinctive sound that combines various musical elements.
Crafting a Unique Sound
Reimmersing himself in music, Nesbitt embarked on a creative exploration that led to a unique blend of sounds and styles. By integrating Spanish guitar elements with orchestral, pop, and rock influences, he developed what many describe as a ‘Beautiful Hybrid.’ This distinctive style offers listeners an emotional depth and technical sophistication rarely found in contemporary instrumental music. Nesbitt’s compositions are characterized by their intricate melodies and rich harmonies, providing…
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Mariah Carey Recognized as One of the Most Streamed Creators in SoundExchange History
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The Black Keys Receive SoundExchange Hall of Fame Award
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