[TODAY IN MUSIC] 5 Things You Should Know On Monday, September 17th, 2018

MRW I saw the news about Australia’s first female-focussed and LGBTIQ+ inclusive booking agency

Hi so I’m going to try a thing. I do my best to keep up with relevant things happening in and thought a recap of the things that stand out the most to me might be mutually beneficial. If you want to chat in the comments (or on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram) about any of these I’m all ears! 😎

• TL;DR: Ad Rock and Mike D did NOT give Eminem permission for the Kamikaze artwork. In fact, a lot of us knew about the artwork before they did. [Exclaim!]

• Dua Lipa’s body guards from her Shanghai show were detained by police after reports of them dragging out fans waving rainbow fans and beating members of the audience. 🤬 [NME]

• If you have a never ending love/hate relationship with AutoTune, you might find this very thorough history of how it revolutionized popular music interesting. [Pitchfork]

• ICYMI: we’re still trying to get the very forward thinking legislation known as the Music Modernization Act passed in the US. Neil Diamond took to the LA Times to detail how our current outdated laws negatively effect legacy acts' ability to earn performance royalties on digital/satellite radio. [LATimes]

• AMAZING news from down under: Australian booking agent Kailei Ginman has launched Australia’s first female-focussed and LGBTIQ+ inclusive booking agency – an all-female roster, run by female agents, employing all-female freelancers and supporting community charities – aptly named Alpha. [The Music Network]

[News] Beastie Boys' Ad-Rock and Mike D Respond to MCA's Passing

In the wake of Beastie Boys member MCA's unfortunate death this past Friday, Ad-Rock and Mike D, the other members of the famed New York group, have both issued statements regarding the loss of their friend and bandmate.

Ad-Rock took to the band's official website, saying, "As you can imagine, shit is just fkd up right now. But i wanna say thank you to all our friends and family (which are kinda one in the same) for all the love and support. i’m glad to know that all the love that Yauch has put out into the world is coming right back at him. thank you."

Mike D's reaction came on Facebook, where he wrote, "I know, we should have tweeted and instagrammed every sad, happy and inspired thought, smile or tear by now. But honestly the last few days have just been a blur of deep emotions for our closest friend, band mate and really brother. I miss Adam so much. He really served as a great example for myself and so many of what determination, faith, focus, and humility coupled with a sense of humor can accomplish. The world is in need of many more like him. We love you Adam."

Numerous other musicians gave statements in response to MCA's passing, including Jay-Z, Thom Yorke, and Madonna.

[Download & Listen] Ad-Rock & Cut Chemist Remix tUnE-yArDs' "Gangsta"

tUnE-yArDs have released their latest EP for the single "Gangsta" from one of my favorite releases of the year w h o k i l l. The EP features two awesome remixes from Ad-Rock of The Beastie Boys and DJ Cut Chemist. Take a listen to both mixes below, where you can also receive a free download for the Ad-Rock remix. The Gangsta EP is now available to purchase via iTunes and is set to be released on 12" next month which you can preorder here.

Gangsta (Ad Rock Remix)

Gangsta (Cut Chemist Remix)

[Listen] Rival Schools - "69 Gunz (Ad Rock Remix)"

It appears that Beastie Boys' Ad Rock got a little antsy for his own album to drop (which is next week, btw). What to do? Remix a post-hardcore band, duhh! Not that we're complaining, as Ad Rock managed to take a bright guitar-driven song like Rival Schools' "69 Guns" and transform it with booty-bouncing beats over Walter Schreifels' a capella vocals into almost a completely different song. According to Spin, the band thought that it was a fun experiment for them, despite it defintely being new ground for them. 

Have a listen and tell us what you think!