According to The Pulse Of Radio, TOOLsingerMaynard James Keenan has addressed his reputation for being a very difficult interview in the latest installment of his bi-weekly online column for the Phoenix New Times. Keenan, who doesn't give a lot of interviews to begin with, has also been known to shut down during question-and-answer sessions depending on the journalist or situation. He explained in his column that it all comes down to the way the journalist presents the questions, saying, "The awesome writers strike up a conversation and my publicist has to cut us off 'cuz we're having too much fun. We call these people journalists. The lazy ones have a list of questions to which they've already anticipated the answers, so they don't bother listening to my responses. We call these people never again."
Keenan added, "There seems to be an epidemic raging out there. A whole lot of people are calling themselves professionals who really have no business doing so . . . Their skill is squeaking and moaning in order to get their way. Which is fine with me. It makes for easier targets."
The vocalist also brought up the fact that he was interviewed for his upcoming "semi-autobiography" by his co-writer on the project, who told him how "forthcoming" he was during their interview.
Keenan continued, "She said it stood in direct contrast to some — but not all — of my tight-lipped discourse she'd found online. Her guess was that the journalists in question lacked enthusiasm. Her understatement was correct. This is not the case with all journalists I've encountered, but unfortunately, it's the norm."
Keenan has told The Pulse Of Radio in the past that he's not fond of the idea of musicians being treated like celebrities. "There's this kind of idol situation that's been set up," he said. "I think it's out of proportion with what's real. It's hyped up by damaged musicians who need some kind of acknowledgement and need to fill that empty hole for attention, for recognition. I would like to see it get to the point where it's just people enjoying music for music's sake."
Keenan's other band, PUSCIFER, will release a new EP called "Donkey Punch The Night" in February, while TOOL is expected to issue its first album since 2006 sometime next year as well. Details on that, however, remain unclear.
Source: Blabbermouth.net
Fun., Mumford & Sons, Black Keys' Auerbach Among Leading Grammy Nominees
It was a fun night for fun. on Wednesday, when the nominations for the 2013 Grammy Awards were announced.
On the strength of their smash hit "We Are Young," the pop-rock band earned a leading six nominations. Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, Jay-Z, Mumford & Sons, Frank Ocean, and Kanye West also earned six.
fun. is nominated in each of the four biggest categories: album of the year, for Some Nights; record of the year and song of the year, for "We Are Young"; and best new artist.
There's a decent chance that a rock artist will win album of the year. Aside from fun.'s disc, the nominees include The Black Keys' El Camino, Mumford & Sons' Babel, and Jack White's Blunderbuss.
The Black Keys are also a contender for record of the year, for "Lonely Boy." Though Auerbach has six nods, The Black Keys as a group have five.
Nominations in select categories were revealed during a one-hour CBS special, Grammy Nominations Concert Live!!!, hosted by Taylor Swift and LL Cool J in Nashville.
The program also featured performances by some of the newly-minted nominees as well as other prominent artists. They included:
-- Dierks Bentley and The Band Perry: the Johnny Cash-JuneCarter song "Jackson," in a tribute to The Man in Black.
-- Maroon 5: "One More Night," "Moves Like Jagger," "Daylight" and "Payphone."
-- The Who: "Won't Get Fooled Again."
-- Luke Bryan: "I Don't Want This Night to End."
-- fun. featuring Janelle Monae: "We Are Young."
-- Ne-Yo: "Let Me Love You (Until You Learn To Love Yourself)."
The 55th Grammy Awards will be held in Los Angeles on February 10, 2013. CBS will televise the ceremony.
A full list of nominees is available on Grammy.com. Here are the nominees in the notable categories: Album of the Year
The Black Keys, El Camino
fun., Some Nights
Mumford & Sons, Babel
Frank Ocean, Channel Orange
Jack White, Blunderbuss
Record of the Year
The Black Keys, "Lonely Boy"
Kelly Clarkson, "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)"
fun. featuring Janelle Monae, "We Are Young"
Gotye featuring Kimbra, "Somebody That I Used to Know"
Frank Ocean, "Thinkin Bout You"
Taylor Swift, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together"
Song Of The Year [awarded to songwriter]
"The A Team," Ed Sheeran, songwriter (Ed Sheeran)
"Adorn," Miguel Pimentel, songwriter (Miguel)
"Call Me Maybe," Tavish Crowe, Carly Rae Jepsen & Josh Ramsay, songwriters (Carly Rae Jepsen)
"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)," Jörgen Elofsson, David Gamson, Greg Kurstin & Ali Tamposi, songwriters (Kelly Clarkson)
"We Are Young," Jack Antonoff, Jeff Bhasker, Andrew Dost & Nate Ruess, songwriters (fun. featuring Janelle Monae)
Best New Artist
Alabama Shakes
fun.
Hunter Hayes
The Lumineers
Frank Ocean Best Pop Vocal Album
Kelly Clarkson, Stronger
Florence + the Machine, Ceremonials
fun., Some Nights
Maroon 5, Overexposed
Pink, The Truth About Love
Best Pop Solo Performance
"Set Fire To The Rain (Live)," Adele
"Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)," Kelly Clarkson
"Call Me Maybe," Carly Rae Jepsen
"Wide Awake," Katy Perry
"Where Have You Been," Rihanna
Best Pop Duo/Group Performance
"Shake It Out," Florence + The Machine
"We Are Young," fun. featuring Janelle Monae
"Somebody That I Used To Know," Gotye featuring Kimbra
"Sexy And I Know It," LMFAO
"Payphone," Maroon 5 and Wiz Khalifa
Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album Christmas, Michael Bublé A Holiday Carole, Carole King Kisses On The Bottom, Paul McCartney
Best Rock Performance
"Hold On," Alabama Shakes
"Lonely Boy," The Black Keys
"Charlie Brown," Coldplay
"I Will Wait," Mumford & Sons
"We Take Care Of Our Own," Bruce Springsteen
Best Hard Rock/Metal Performance
"I'm Alive," Anthrax
"Love Bites (So Do I)," Halestorm
"Blood Brothers," Iron Maiden
"Ghost Walking," Lamb Of God
"No Reflection," Marilyn Manson
"Whose Life (Is It Anyways?)," Megadeth
Best Rock Song
"Freedom At 21," Jack White
"I Will Wait," Mumford & Sons
"Lonely Boy," The Black Keys
"Madness," Muse
"We Take Care Of Our Own," Bruce Springsteen
Best Rock Album El Camino, The Black Keys Mylo Xyloto, Coldplay The 2nd Law, Muse Wrecking Ball, Bruce Springsteen Blunderbuss, Jack White
Best Alternative Music Album The Idler Wheel Is Wiser Than The Driver Of The Screw And Whipping Cords Will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do, Fiona Apple Biophilia, Björk Making Mirrors, Gotye Hurry Up, We're Dreaming, M83 Bad As Me, Tom Waits
Best R&B Performance
"Thank You," Estelle
"Gonna Be Alright (F.T.B.)," Robert Glasper Experiment Featuring Ledisi
"I Want You," Luke James
"Adorn," Miguel
"Climax," Usher
Best Traditional R&B Performance
"Lately," Anita Baker
"Love On Top," Beyoncé
"Wrong Side Of A Love Song," Melanie Fiona
"Real Good Hands," Gregory Porter
"If Only You Knew," SWV
Best R&B Song
"Adorn," Miguel
"Beautiful Surprise," Tamia
"Heart Attack," Trey Songz
"Pray For Me," Anthony Hamilton
"Refill," Elle Varner
Best Urban Contemporary Album Fortune, Chris Brown KaleidoscopeDream, Miguel ChannelOrange, Frank Ocean
Best R&B Album Black Radio, Robert Glasper Experiment Back To Love, Anthony Hamilton Write Me Back, R. Kelly Beautiful Surprise, Tamia Open Invitation, Tyrese
Best Rap Performance
"HYFR (Hell Ya F***ing Right)," Drake Featuring Lil' Wayne
"N****s In Paris," Jay-Z & Kanye West
"Daughters," Nas
"Mercy," Kanye West Featuring Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz
"I Do," Young Jeezy Featuring Jay-Z & André 3000
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration
"Wild Ones," Flo Rida featuring Sia
"No Church In The Wild," Jay-Z & Kanye West featuring Frank Ocean & The-Dream
"Tonight (Best You Ever Had)," John Legend Featuring Ludacris
"Cherry Wine," Nas Featuring Amy Winehouse
"Talk That Talk," Rihanna featuring Jay-Z
Best Rap Song
"Daughters," Nas
"Lotus Flower Bomb," Wale Featuring Miguel
"Mercy," Kanye West featuring Big Sean, Pusha T & 2 Chainz
"The Motto," Drake featuring Lil' Wayne
"N****s In Paris," Jay-Z & Kanye West
"Young, Wild & Free," Snoop Dogg & Wiz Khalifa featuring Bruno Mars Best Rap Album Take Care, Drake Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album, Pt. 1, Lupe Fiasco Life Is Good, Nas Undun, The Roots God Forgives, I Don't, Rick Ross Based On A T.R.U. Story, 2 Chainz
Best Country Solo Performance
Dierks Bentley, "Home"
Eric Church, "Springsteen"
Ronnie Dunn, "Cost of Livin'"
Hunter Hayes, "Wanted"
Blake Shelton, "Over"
Carrie Underwood, "Blown Away"
Best Country Duo/Group Performance
"Even If It Breaks Your Heart," Eli Young Band
"Pontoon," Little Big Town
"Safe & Sound," Taylor Swift & The Civil Wars
"On The Outskirts Of Town," The Time Jumpers
"I Just Come Here For The Music," Don Williams featuring Alison Krauss Best Country Song
"Blown Away," Carrie Underwood
"Cost Of Livin'," Ronnie Dunn
"Even If It Breaks Your Heart," Eli Young Band
"So You Don't Have To Love Me Anymore," Alan Jackson
"Springsteen," Eric Church
Best Country Album Uncaged, Zac Brown Band Hunter Hayes, Hunter Hayes Living For A Song: A Tribute To Hank Cochran, Jamey Johnson Four The Record, Miranda Lambert The Time Jumpers, The Time Jumpers
Jack White Says Lady Gaga's Image Is "All Artifice" with "No Meaning"; Complains About Press Response
Jack White has a bone to pick with British music magazine, NME. In a statement provided to ABC News Radio, the ex-White Stripes frontman voiced his frustration at the magazine’s interpretation of a quote about pop superstar Lady Gaga from his recent interview with Esquire U.K.
In the original Esquire article, which will be featured in the January issue of the magazine, White is quoted as saying, “I don’t think [Lady Gaga] lives it because it’s all artifice. It’s all image with no meaning behind it. You can’t sink your teeth into it. It’s a sound bite. It’s very of this age, because that’s what people want.” NME.com then reported that White “criticized Lady Gaga by claiming that her music is ‘all image with no meaning behind it,’” while the singer says that the statement was taken out of context.
White now takes issue with how NME reported his Esquire U.K. comments. “I never said anything about her music, or questioned the authenticity of her songs in any way,” said White the statement. “I was in a conversation about the drawbacks of image for the sake of image, and that it is popular nowadays to not question an image in front of you, but only to label it as ‘cool’ or ‘weird’ quickly and dispose of it. “
White adds that the press should be “held accountable for what they say” and that “tabloid drama” affects an artist’s ability to express their opinions in the media. The singer also notes that he respects Gaga for her social activism. “Peace to lady gaga and I fully congratulate and compliment her on her championing of gay rights issues and the momentum it's given to help create change,” he writes.
In other Jack White news, the singer will be featured in an upcoming episode of the long-running PBS series Austin City Limits. White will play a one-hour set during his appearance, which airs on January 5. Visit ACLTV.com for more information.
Stone Sour Announces Co-Headlining Tour with Papa Roach
Stone Sour is hitting the road in 2013, and they’re bringing along some friends for the ride. The band has just announced that they'll kick off a co-headlining tour with Papa Roach in support of the first installment of their concept double album, House of Gold & Bones.
The trek kicks off on January 20 at the Sands Bethlehem Events Center in Bethlehem, PA, and will make stops in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Las Vegas, among other cities. More shows will be announced in the coming weeks.
Here are the tour dates:
1/20 -- Bethlehem, PA, Sands Bethlehem Events Center
1/22 -- Niagara Falls, NY, Rapids Theatre
1/23 -- New York, NY, Terminal 5
1/25 -- Milwaukee, WI, Eagles Ballroom
1/27 -- Chicago, IL, House of Blues
1/29 -- Minneapolis, MN, The Myth
2/1 -- Amarillo, TX, Aztec Music Hall
2/2 -- Lubbock, TX, Lonestar Pavilion
2/4 -- Midland, TX, Midland Horseshoe Arena
2/5 -- College Station, TX, Hurricane Harry's
2/7 -- Corpus Christi, TX, Concrete Street Amphitheatre
2/8 -- Pharr, TX, Pharr Entertainment Center
2/9 -- Laredo, TX, Laredo Energy Center
2/12 -- Tempe, AZ, Marquee theatre
2/13 -- Los Angeles, CA, Club Nokia
2/15 -- Las Vegas, NV, The Joint
2/16 -- Salt Lake City, UT, Salt Air
2/17 -- Denver, CO, Fillmore
All-Star Hurricane Sandy Relief Concert to Be Simulcast for Free at Select Theaters in Northeastern US
How would you like to watch the star-packed concert to raise money for the victims of Hurricane Sandy that's taking place next Wednesday at New York City's Madison Square Garden free of charge on the big screen? Producers of 12.12.12 -- The Concert for Sandy Relief have organized a free simulcast of the event that will take place in a variety of movie theaters in the states hardest hit by the superstorm -- New Jersey, New York and Connecticut.
Tickets for the screenings are available now at participating cinemas' box offices on a first-come, first-served basis. Visit 121212Concert.org to find out if there's a theater showing the event near you. The simulcast will begin at 7:30 p.m. ET and is expected to run until about 11:30 p.m.
The lineup for the 12.12.12 concert includes Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, The Who,Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band, Billy Joel, Roger Waters, Bon Jovi, Eddie Vedder, Dave Grohl and more. Proceeds from the show will go to the Robin Hood Relief Fund, which provides money, material and know-how to local organizations that are helping the victims of the hurricane in regions hardest hit by the storm.
In addition, the event will air live on a wide variety of TV stations around the world and also will stream on select websites.
Blur, Morrissey, Yeah Yeah Yeahs Among Performers Lined Up for Mexico's Vive Latino Festival
An impressive and eclectic list of artists will participate in the 2013 edition of Mexico's annual Vive Latino festival, which will take place March 14-17 at the Foro Sol stadium in Mexico City. Over 100 bands are set to perform at the event, including Blur, Morrisseyand Yeah Yeah Yeahs.
A ticket pre-sale for the Vive Latino fest begins on Thursday at Ticketmaster, with the general public on-sale beginning Saturday. To see the complete artist roster for the extravaganza, head over to ViveLatino.com.mx.
Watch Metallica Perform “Master of Puppets” from Quebec Magnetic Live DVD
Metallica is sharing more footage from their upcoming live DVD, Quebec Magnetic. The band has released a new video excerpt online which features the guys performing thetitle track from the band’s 1986 major label debut album, Master of Puppets. Quebec Magnetic, which documents two sold-out concerts that the band filmed in the Colisée Pepsi in Quebec City in 2009, is set to be released on December 11. It will be the first release from Metallica’s new record label, Blackened Recordings.
You can pre-order your copy of Quebec Magnetic now on the band’s official website.
