Music News

Producer Just Blaze inspects the DJ-808, an update of the iconic Roland drum machine that aims to unite DJing, production and composition in a single device.

Music & Culture

With A Fresh Spin On The 808, DJs Become Rhythm Composers

12:34pm August 08, 2017

by Tamara Palmer

It's the Fender Stratocaster of drum machines. More than three decades after the TR-808 forever changed the sound of popular music, its creators are hoping a DJ-friendly update can make history again.

David Rodigan on July 15, 2016 in London, England. His autobiography, My Life In Reggae, was released earlier this year.

David Rodigan's Life In Reggae: Defined By Fanatical Love, Not Race... Right?

9:00am August 08, 2017

by Mina Tavakoli

David Rodigan has spent his entire life exulting in and exalting reggae. In his autobiography, published earlier this year, the soundman stays away from a topic that would seem utterly central.

Federal Donuts' Red Velvet Donut - for night 3 of Phish The Baker's Dozen.

Music & Culture

Phish Fans Are Wading In A Red Velvet Sea Of Doughnuts

3:34pm August 04, 2017

by Brian Wilensky

Federal Donuts owner Felicia D'Ambrosio and chef Matt Fein have been busy serving up 13 flavors of doughnuts, one for each of the 13 nights Phish is headlining Madison Square Garden.

Storefront of Technical Equipment Supply in Ypsilanti, Mi.

Music & Culture

How A Small Town Record Store Quietly Released An Exclusive Aphex Twin Record

12:38pm August 04, 2017

by Scott Sterling

Todd Osborn quietly put an exclusive release from electronic music legend Aphex Twin on the shelf of his store — before long there was a line around the block.

Car Seat Headrest is among the artists who are joining Bandcamp in donating proceeds to the Transgender Law Center.

Music & Culture

Bandcamp Holds Fundraiser For Transgender Law Center

11:06am August 04, 2017

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

More than 200 record labels and artists will also be donating proceeds from their sales Friday to the nonprofit.

Herbie Hancock performs at the BRIC Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival in August 2016.

Music & Culture

On The Cusp Of His North American Tour, Herbie Hancock Is Still Hurtling Forward

9:00am August 04, 2017

by Nate Chinen

Working with a new band and deep into the making of a new record with collaborator Terrace Martin, Herbie Hancock finds himself in conversation with his own visions of the future, now 40 years old.

R. Kelly, performing on May 7, 2016 in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois.

Music & Culture

R. Kelly's Live Tour Meets Opposition In Georgia

6:53pm August 03, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

The R&B icon's concert in Fulton County, Ga., is scheduled to go on despite a local effort to cancel it.

The Kennedy Center Honors will recognize the pioneering achievements of LL Cool J on Dec. 3.

Music & Culture

LL Cool J To Become Kennedy Center's First Hip-Hop Honoree

4:03pm August 03, 2017

by Rodney Carmichael

The rapper is part of an evolving appreciation of hip-hop for the Kennedy Center — and is also the youngest honoree in its history.

Music & Culture

Heavy Metal Legend Will Tour Again. This Time As A Hologram

7:00am August 03, 2017

Ronnie James Dio has been dead for seven years but his music lives on. And now he's going on tour. He'll be performing as a hologram along with his old bandmates.

Kanye West performs during his Life of Pablo tour in California on October 25, 2016.

Music & Culture

Kanye West Sues Lloyd's Of London Over Life Of Pablo Tour Cancellations

3:17pm August 02, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

The producer and rapper is hoping to be paid on an insurance claim after he canceled several shows in late 2016.