The roots of Doomtree took seed sometime around 2001, when P.O.S. and MK Larrata decided to launch a record label/production crew. While the roster has changed between now and then, the most well-known Doomtree lineup has been in place for several years. It’s a seven-member musical arsenal of DJs, beat-builders, rappers, and producers: P.O.S., Cecil…

If you thought U2‘s Songs of Innocence album cover was awkward, wait until you see their new tour publicity photo (above). At least they’re wearing more clothes than Fleetwood Mac did when they got under the covers for a 1977 Rolling Stone shoot. The Grammys have announced nominations in a few categories; the rest of the 83 categories will be announced…

1. The Trashmen are a garage and surf rock group from Minneapolis that formed in 1962. 2. Their 1963 hit “Surfin’ Bird” reached number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 later that year. It has since been recorded by artists like the Ramones, the Cramps, Silverchair and Pee-Wee Herman. The song was used in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket and on…

Yesterday in New York, a grand jury voted not to bring criminal charges against Daniel Pantaleo, a police officer whose chokehold grip on Eric Garner led to Garner’s death. Musicians were among those who rapidly shared responses, many expressing outrage. (Billboard) “Can anyone explain to us why it’s acceptable that there’s no indictment in the murder of…

The Austin Chronicle reports that British music legend Ian McLagan died this afternoon at the age of 69. McLagan earlier suffered a stroke and was hospitalized in Austin, where he lived. McLagan was scheduled to appear tonight at First Avenue with Nick Lowe and Los Straitjackets. That show is still scheduled to proceed. Venue staff…

Bedlam Theatre, celebrating its first holiday season with its new location fully open, will welcome a new entertainment and arts production company called the Avant Garde. On Saturday, Dec. 13 at 10 p.m., the Avant Garde will be hosting a launch party in the spirit of the holidays at Bedlam’s Lowertown venue. Chadwick “Niles” Phillips…

Prince upgraded himself from guest to featured performer during the W Hollywood’s jazz night on Sunday. As the house band played the Beatles‘ “With a Little Help from My Friends,” Prince picked up a guitar to rip a long solo. (Consequence of Sound) Meanwhile, the Who‘s Roger Daltrey crashed a couple’s wedding in Scotland, cruising up to the stage…

Nicholas David Soulful singer Nicholas David released his newest EP, Make Hope. The EP is his second release since finishing in third place on The Voice in 2012; he previewed two songs from the new release almost a year ago when he stopped by the Current’s studios. David is now rehearsing for his December shows, including a Saturday…

Doomtree have announced the title and artwork for their new album, All Hands, which will be released on Jan. 27. In announcing the release, Doomtree shared a new single. “Gray Duck” blares like a warning siren, the seven members’ voices echoing in a rugged refrain to “go get it,” like something good is coming. (Listen below.) Starting…

With Bono still recovering from a recent bike accident, Bruce Springsteen and Coldplay‘s Chris Martin stepped up to sing with U2 last night at a World AIDS Day concert in Times Square. Kanye West and Carrie Underwood also performed at the concert (“not with U2, however,” notes Billboard). Martin joined U2 for “Beautiful Day” and “With or Without You,” while Springsteen took the mic for “Where…