The upcoming F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix features a diverse lineup of headliners including Kane Brown, Steve Aoki, Kaskade, Louis Tomlinson, and others, with various pre- and post-race entertainment options such as magic shows, DJ sets, and exclusive venues like the Paddock Club and Wynn Grid Club, making it a major entertainment event in Vegas.
Over 80 artists and speakers have withdrawn from the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in protest of sponsors with ties to Israel's war in Gaza, citing the involvement of weapons companies and agencies tied to the US Department of Defense. The boycott has garnered support from musicians, labour union organizers, and advocacy organizations, prompting a rebuke from Texas Governor Greg Abbott. SXSW defended the artists' right to free speech while justifying its ties to the defense industry, and a protest show is set to take place in Austin.
Folk-rock legend Neil Young has returned to Spotify after a two-year boycott due to Joe Rogan's presence on the platform, citing concerns about COVID-19 misinformation. Young expressed hope for improved audio quality and urged Spotify to offer higher resolution audio. His return comes as Apple and Amazon also feature the content he opposed on Spotify. Joe Rogan, Spotify's highest-paid star, recently signed another lucrative contract with the platform.
Dozens of artists and speakers have pulled out of the ongoing South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, in protest of event sponsorship from the US military and defense companies amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. The boycotting artists, mainly small bands and indie performers, have cited solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza and have announced their withdrawal from the festival on social media. The US Army is one of SXSW’s major sponsors, and at least three events have been sponsored by companies with ties to the defense industry. The festival organizers have defended their decision to accept these sponsors, while a rally over the issue is scheduled for Thursday evening outside a SXSW venue.
Universal Music Group is set to remove its music catalog from TikTok due to failed negotiations over royalties, with the current licensing arrangement expiring on January 31. UMG accuses TikTok of underpaying artists and songwriters, citing a proposed payment rate significantly lower than other major social platforms. The label also criticizes TikTok for not adequately addressing copyright violations and AI-generated recordings using UMG properties. This move comes as TikTok expands its focus on music creation and curation, positioning its TikTok Music service as a competitor to Spotify and Apple Music.
Steven Van Zandt, longtime guitarist and musical director for Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, discusses his career in music and acting, including his role in "The Sopranos." Van Zandt reflects on his friendship with Springsteen, his activism against apartheid in South Africa, and his efforts to preserve rock 'n' roll through his radio program and educational initiative. Despite his success, Van Zandt remains humble and prefers to be an observer rather than the center of attention.
Farm Aid, a nonprofit agricultural organization, is bringing its annual music and food festival back to Indiana in September, with headliners including Willie Nelson, Neil Young, and John Mellencamp. The festival will feature a day of music, family farmers, homegrown food, and agrarian experiences, with food concessions offering a diverse menu featuring ingredients produced by family farmers. Farm Aid aims to raise awareness and funds to support family-run farms and has raised over $70 million since its inception in 1985. Tickets for the festival will go on sale to the public on July 15.
Coolio's official cause of death was fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamines; Jeremy Renner details his snowplow accident in a new interview with Diane Sawyer; Drake samples Kim Kardashian talking about her divorce from Kanye West on his new song "Search & Rescue"; new music out this week includes Rae Sremmurd, David Guetta, Labrinth feat. Billie Eilish, and YoungBoy NBA feat. Nicki Minaj.