Music News: #RaffiGate
by Daniel Nass
April 18, 2017
The Current finds itself at the origin of Twitter beef between Raffi and A.C. Newman
When the New Pornographers were in The Current's studio on Tuesday, April 18, producer Anna Reed tweeted, "It's a real treat to have @TheNewPornos in studio at @TheCurrent today. Full session airs tomorrow at 7:30 am!" Little did Reed know this tweet would be the point of origin for an ensuing imbroglio between fellow Canadian musicians Raffi Cavoukian and A.C. Newman. As Pitchfork subsequently reported, Raffi has taken a firm stance against the New Pornographers' band name, noting the word "Pornographers" (and its related forms) is "not a word to normalize in public conversation. consider youngsters, etc." Newman, meanwhile, remarked that Raffi was saying "mean things about [Newman's] life's work." (Pitchfork)
Father John Misty covers the Velvet Underground
Father John Misty has teamed up with composer/production duo the Mondo Boys for a new rendition of the Velvet Underground's "Who Loves the Sun." The song appears on the soundtrack to Eddie O'Keefe's Shangri-La Suite, and was recently shared as part of 30-minute Soundcloud mixtape. Jump ahead to the 2:59 mark to hear the cover. (Rolling Stone)
Eddie Vedder and Stevie Nicks headline new festival
It was recently announced that a brand new festival will be taking place in Louisville, Ky., promising "a perfect blend of bourbon, food, and music." The Bourbon and Beyond Festival is happening Sept. 23 and 24, featuring headliners Eddie Vedder and Stevie Nicks. Other confirmed performers include Band of Horses, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Fantastic Negrito, and even Kiefer Sutherland. (Consequence of Sound)
Gorillaz to hold their first live interview
Masterminds behind the animated band Gorillaz — Damon Albarn and animator Jamie Hewlett — have been doing press for the group's upcoming album, but the next interview will be a bit different: for the first time ever, cartoon band members 2d and Murdoc Niccals will be interviewed live and on camera. The interview takes place on Thursday, April 20, but fans can submit questions on the live stream page's chat box. Their new album, Humanz, drops on April 28. (SPIN)
Spoon appears on "Ellen"
On Tuesday, Austin-rockers Spoon appeared as musical guests on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." They performed the first single and title track from their most recent studio album, Hot Thoughts. See the performance below. (Pitchfork)
Trent Reznor unveils a new mix of his collaboration with Todd Rundgren
After the recent release of "Deaf Ears" — a collaboration between Todd Rundgren, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross — Reznor unveiled a "Nine Inch Nails mix" of the song, which can be heard below. Rundgren's upcoming solo album White Knight comes out May 12. (Rolling Stone)
Woman breaks into Drake's mansion, drinks his soda
Earlier this month, a member of Drake's entourage entered the rapper's Los Angeles home and stumbled upon an intruder hanging out in a bedroom, wearing one of Drake's hoodies. Police were called, and the 24-year-old burglar told them that she had permission to enter (obviously she did not). Eventually she confessed to stealing some drinks (around $10 worth) and was charged with felony burglary. What type of drink did she steal? Sprite, of course (along with Pepsi and Fiji water). (Consequence of Sound)