POP/R&B

SZA’s VMAs withdrawal: Artist of the Year snub sparks controversy. What really led to her surprising decision?

Grimes Takes Legal Action Against Elon Musk Over Parental RightsLegal proceedings are in motion as Grimes, the renowned musician and former partner of Elon Musk, has initiated legal action to establish her parental rights. This move was recorded in California courts on September 29, although details regarding the case remain confidential.In pursuit of a more comprehensive understanding of the situation, Newsound has made attempts to contact Grimes’ representatives and her attorney, Samantha Bley DeJean, for comments and further insights into the case.Grimes and Elon Musk’s high-profile relationship first became public knowledge in 2018 when they made an appearance together at the Met Gala. However, in the subsequent years, Musk stated that they were semi-separated. The couple shares the unique distinction of having three children together: X Æ A-Xii, Exa Dark Sideræl, and Tau Techno Mechanicus Musk.Notably, Grimes took to X (formerly known as Twitter and owned by Elon Musk) in a now-deleted post to discuss her concerns regarding Shivon Zillis, with whom Musk also shares children. In her message, Grimes implored, Tell Shivon to unblock me and tell Elon to let me see my son or please respond to my lawyer. I have never even been allowed to see a photo of these children until this moment, despite the situation utterly ripping my family apart.In a subsequent statement, Grimes emphasized, I spoke with Shivon at length finally, which was long overdue. This wasn’t her fault, please don’t be angry at her! We respect each other a lot, and we’re excited to become friends and have the kids grow up together.She further commented on the tendency for women to be placed in adversarial roles, stating, Women are so often pitted against each other. Speaking with Shivon, it’s very evident she’s an amazing human, and we both just want what’s best for our kids.The unfolding legal proceedings between Grimes and Elon Musk promise to remain a topic of significant interest, not only for their respective fan bases but also for anyone interested in the complexities of family dynamics and parental rights. As this case evolves, the world will be watching closely, hoping for an amicable resolution that prioritizes the well-being of the children involved.

Troye Sivan Delivers a Mesmerizing Rendition of Billie Eilish’s What Was I Made For? at BBC Radio 1’s Live LoungeIn an electrifying visit to BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge, Troye Sivan left listeners spellbound with his captivating cover of Billie Eilish’s iconic track, What Was I Made For? But that wasn’t all; he also treated us to a sultry and enticing twist on his own summer hit, Rush. If you missed it, you definitely missed out!Mark your calendars, because Sivan’s upcoming album, Something to Give Each Other, is set to drop on October 13th via Capitol Records. The anticipation has been building since July when he unveiled Rush as the album’s lead single. And since then, he’s delighted fans with a series of remixes featuring the likes of Big Freedia and PinkPantheress. September saw the release of Got Me Started, the LP’s second single, leaving us hungry for more of Sivan’s musical magic.Sivan’s artistic journey has been nothing short of incredible. After his 2018 full-length album, Bloom, which received critical acclaim, he followed it up with the mesmerizing EP In a Dream in 2020. Now, with Something to Give Each Other on the horizon, it’s evident that Sivan continues to evolve and push the boundaries of his musical prowess.Stay tuned, folks! With Troye Sivan’s upcoming album, we’re in for a musical feast that promises to be nothing short of sensational. And if his cover of Billie Eilish’s hit is any indication, it’s going to be a sonic journey worth embarking on. Don’t miss out on what this talented artist has in store for us on October 13th!

SZA Cancels 2023 VMAs Performance Over Artist of the Year Snub, Reveals Top Dawg Entertainment’s PunchThe 2023 MTV Video Music Awards were set to be a night of electrifying performances and stunning moments, but one anticipated act pulled out, leaving fans puzzled. SZA, the acclaimed artist behind hits like Snooze and Shirt, had been slated to perform at the VMAs, but she made a dramatic exit from the lineup. The reason? A glaring omission that shook the music world – SZA’s absence from the Artist of the Year category.In an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone, Terrence Punch Henderson, the president of Top Dawg Entertainment and one of SZA’s managers, shed light on the situation. According to Punch, discussions were underway for SZA to deliver a show-stopping rendition of Snooze at the event. However, things took a sudden turn when MTV failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for why she hadn’t received a nomination for Artist of the Year.Punch, visibly frustrated by the lack of engagement from MTV, voiced his concerns, stating, That was the disrespect. It wasn’t just about not getting nominated. The ultimate disrespect is when you don’t even want to discuss why she wasn’t nominated or what the criteria was. He drew a parallel with the infamous Shut up and dribble comment made by Laura Ingraham in 2018, which targeted basketball stars LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Punch’s comparison underlined the feeling of dismissal and indifference that SZA’s team felt.This incident wasn’t the first time Punch criticized MTV and the VMAs. In a previous interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he expressed his bewilderment, saying, Obviously, she had one of the best years, if not the best year, of any artist at this point. I don’t see why she wouldn’t be nominated for Artist of the Year. It just really didn’t make any sense to me. It’s disrespectful. Although Punch didn’t explicitly state that the snub directly led to the withdrawal, the implication was clear.Meanwhile, in a tantalizing tidbit from the Rolling Stone interview, SZA hinted at the upcoming deluxe edition of her album SOS, aptly titled Lana. Fans can expect a generous addition of 10 new songs to the already acclaimed album, potentially arriving by the end of the fall.As the controversy unfolds, Newsound has reached out to both the Video Music Awards and SZA’s representatives for their comments on this matter. The music world awaits their response, and the 2023 MTV VMAs will surely be remembered for more than just the performances and awards.

Music artists craft tacos for charity at HomeState’s 10th Band Taco anniversary celebration. Taste the melodies!

Questlove, Local Natives, Warpaint Craft Unique Tacos for 10th Anniversary Scholarship BenefitIn honor of HomeState’s Band Taco program’s remarkable 10th anniversary, a star-studded lineup of musical artists has come together to craft delectable, one-of-a-kind tacos. Questlove, Local Natives, Leon Bridges, Warpaint, and several other prominent musicians have lent their culinary creativity to this special occasion. The Band Taco program, hosted by the renowned Los Angeles restaurant HomeState, invites artists to create and name their own signature tacos, with all proceeds generously contributing to the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund. This philanthropic organization focuses on aiding music industry professionals who are facing financial hardships.The festivities commenced with Local Natives unveiling their tantalizing Local Native taco, setting the stage for an extraordinary culinary journey. Silversun Pickups’ Wild Kind taco will be in the spotlight from October 9th to 15th, followed by Best Coast’s mouthwatering Californian taco. As the month unfolds, Fitz and the Tantrums will bring us the irresistible Hand Clap taco, Warpaint offers the delectable So Good taco, and Peanut Butter Wolf introduces the enticing Stones Throw taco. Lord Huron adds a celestial touch with the Moon Beam taco, while Questlove brings his flavorful expertise with the Paesano taco, marking his second contribution to the program since 2015. The grand finale in December will feature Leon Bridges’ Ft. Worth taco, promising a delightful conclusion to this remarkable celebration.Throughout its tenure, the Band Taco program has attracted a diverse array of musical talents to its noble cause. In 2022, the incredibly talented Phoebe Bridgers made her mark with the Maxine taco, affectionately named after her beloved dog. In recent years, other notable acts such as Chicano Batman, Vampire Weekend, and Spoon have also joined the initiative, underscoring the enduring commitment of the music community to support their peers.As we savor these artist-crafted tacos, we not only tantalize our taste buds but also contribute to a cause that resonates deeply with the music world. HomeState’s Band Taco program is a beautiful testament to the power of music, community, and culinary creativity coming together to make a positive impact. It’s a celebration that not only fills our stomachs but warms our hearts, reminding us of the importance of solidarity and support within the music industry.So, whether you’re a fan of Questlove’s rhythmic beats, Local Natives’ indie charm, or any of the other incredible artists featured in this culinary journey, be sure to swing by HomeState and savor these unique creations. You’ll not only enjoy a delicious meal but also contribute to the well-being of music industry workers who bring the soundtrack of our lives to the world.

Mac DeMarco & Ryan Paris unite for ‘Simply Paradise,’ a fun, catchy collaboration blending their unique styles.

Olivia Rodrigo shines at BBC Radio 1’s Live Lounge with her ‘Guts’ and ‘Sour’ hits, plus a mesmerizing Noah Kahan cover.

Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance’ film takes you on an epic tour journey with music, family, and Grammy glory!

Beyoncé is back in the spotlight with her latest project, Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé. This exciting new endeavor promises to be a unique blend of concert footage and behind-the-scenes glimpses from her recent Renaissance World Tour. If you’re a fan of Queen Bey, you won’t want to miss this cinematic experience, set to hit theaters on December 1, courtesy of Beyoncé’s own Parkwood Entertainment. AMC, Regal, Cinemark, and other theaters have already begun pre-sales, so grab your tickets while they’re hot!This film marks a significant moment in Beyoncé’s career, as it’s her first foray into capturing the Renaissance era on screen. Prior to this, she treated us to a tantalizing cliquebait teaser for Break My Soul and a captivating brand campaign anthem film for Tiffany & Co., featuring the enchanting backdrop of Summer Renaissance. Break My Soul also received the remix treatment from icons like Madonna and Honey Dijon, and fans were treated to instrumental and a cappella versions.The Renaissance tour itself concluded in style, with Beyoncé’s hometown of Houston, Texas, witnessing the grand finale on October 1. Throughout the tour, the Queen Bee delighted fans with guest DJs like Arca and DJ Khaled, adding a touch of musical magic to the shows. And, let’s not forget about her incredible daughter, Blue Ivy, who joined in the choreography for hits like My Power, Black Parade, and Savage. The trailer for the film even offers glimpses of the adorable Blue Ivy, as well as appearances by Rumi and Sir, not to mention the one and only Jay-Z himself.In the music world, Break My Soul made waves by snagging nominations for Record of the Year, Song of the Year, and Best Dance/Electronic Recording at the 2023 Grammys, clinching the latter category. Beyoncé, on the other hand, continued her streak of Grammy domination, taking home four more trophies that night and bringing her career tally to an astounding 32 wins. She’s officially broken records as the artist with the most Grammy victories in the history of the awards show.Before the Renaissance World Tour, Beyoncé treated lucky attendees to a mesmerizing performance in Stockholm, Sweden, marking her first tour in four and a half years. The setlist included fan favorites like Break My Soul, Virgo’s Groove, and Cuff It, all delivered in a breathtaking three-hour show. But perhaps the highlight was her closing act, where she rode atop a flying disco horse during her performance of Summer Renaissance. Talk about an unforgettable spectacle!Renaissance itself is Beyoncé’s seventh studio album and her first solo release since the critically acclaimed Lemonade in 2016. It’s the inaugural chapter of her self-described three-act project, which was conceived during the pandemic. The album boasts an impressive lineup of collaborators and sampled artists. Take Break My Soul, for instance, which features a synth line sampled from Robin S.’s classic house hit Show Me Love and a vocal snippet from Big Freedia’s Explode from the 2014 LP Just Be Free. Beyoncé, The-Dream, and Christopher Tricky Stewart played pivotal roles in producing the track, with co-writers like Adam BlaqNmilD Pigott and, of course, Jay-Z.Not one to rest on her laurels, Beyoncé’s return to the stage in January included a grand performance during the unveiling of Atlantis the Royal, a luxurious resort in Dubai. While the hour-long concert featured songs spanning her career, it notably excluded tracks from the Renaissance album.In the midst of her solo projects, Beyoncé also collaborated with JAY-Z on the 2018 album Everything Is Love and curated a companion album for Disney’s The Lion King reboot in 2019, titled The Lion King: The Gift. She even lent her voice to the character Nala in the Lion King remake. Alongside these achievements, Beyoncé gifted us with the visual masterpiece Black Is King. In 2019, she released Homecoming: The Live Album and an accompanying documentary, both of which chronicled her electrifying headlining Coachella performance. And let’s not forget her first Oscar nomination for Be Alive, featured in the biopic King Richard, which she also performed at the prestigious award ceremony.In conclusion, Beyoncé continues to reign as the Mother of the House of Renaissance, captivating audiences with her music, performances, and cinematic endeavors. With Renaissance: A Film by Beyoncé just around the corner, it’s safe to say that Queen Bey’s reign is far from over, and we can’t wait to see what she has in store for us next.