Music News Page 1021

A new batch of inductees was introduced last Sunday. Nashville's Music City Walk of Fame honored musicians such as Wynonna Judd, Emmylou Harris, Michael W. Smith, John Hiatt, The Crickets and Frances W. Preston.

"The greatest credit to a writer is to have good writers cover their songs, John's songs have been recorded by Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nelson," said Nitty Gritty Dirt Band's Jeff Hanna who handed Hiatt's honorary. Actor Jim Caviezel on behalf of Smith said that the singer and songwriter has been such an inspiration both for him and other musicians.

The "Ivors" that appreciate the craft of songwriters and composers will be given out anytime soon as the list of nominees revealed. In the 52nd cycle, the Ivor Novello Awards is honoring not only the British but also international artists such as Madonna and Scissor Sisters.

Madonna runs for two categories PRS Most Performed Work and International Hit of The Year, thanks to the single "Sorry" that she co-wrote with Stuart Price. The single is competing with Scissor Sisters's hit "I Don't Feel Like Dancing" that is partly written by Sir Elton John in both categories. In the former their singles will be the competitors of Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On" and in the latter against Robbie Williams' "Rudebox".

The Jesus and Mary Chain is not only reuniting on this year's Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival stage, but the alternative rock band will be joined by Hollywood babe Scarlett Johansson.

It was previously announced that the band would have a 'special' guest upon their reunion tour. The closest truth that is sparking now is that Scarlett will be the back up singer of their Coachella warm-up-gig on April 26 in Pomona, California. If everything goes well, the actress might accompany the band in several shows including Europe's Summercase Festivals on July 13-14.

The Click Five has spared one position as the vocalist slash guitarist for Kyle Patrick. The new member is recruited after former frontman Eric Dill called it quit in March 2007 to pursue music and acting in Los Angeles.

With the new formation, the band will release second studio album titled "Modern Minds and Pastimes" on June 26 through Lava/ Atlantic. The first single namely "Jenny" is already available on iTunes and on the band's official website. A tour will follow starting from May 11 in Wilmington, Delaware up to June 4 in Knitting Factory, New York.

There was an announcement on April 23 that R&B star Jamelia has parted ways with her label, Parlophone/EMI. Though she refused to comment further, it was known that the British singer was unhappy with the way the recording house managed her career.

Speaking on this matter Jamelia preferred diplomatic answer. "It's not true that my record deal with EMI finishes today," she said. "I'm not really allowed to speak about it because I'm still under contract with EMI." On the same day the label made a statement that the break up was true and that the contract expired that day.

Successfully achieving platinum for previous two albums, 50 Cent is in the weight to show the same quality in "Curtis S.S.K.". However, backed up by not only lots but numerous renowned musicians, this third album surely will say something. The album will show its value when it hits the stores on June 26 via Interscope.

As the mastermind of the record, the rapper got the helping hands of Dr. Dre, Eminem, Kanye West and of course, Timbaland. In the guests corner, he had tied a deal with Robin Thicke, Justin Timberlake, Nicole Scherzinger, Akon, Eminem and of course, Mary J. Blige.

Indie rock act The Twang treats its fans with two special gigs in east London. The band will play T-Mobile Street Gig on May 2 whereby only people with invitations are granted admission.

Call it private since the number of audience is limited to 200 people. These 'chosen ones' must register first in t-mobilemusic.co.uk and only given 4 days chance that starts April 23.

Britney Spears is gearing up her comeback bang with several plans. Among the arrangements in her agenda is the duet with American Idol's most famous contestant in cycle 6, Sanjaya Malakar.

The "Toxic" singer has been watching the show since her stay in rehab and she eventually couldn't restrain her interest in recording a duet with the seventeen years old wonder. There has been a report that Britney's agent made a contact with Sanjaya to see if he would also be interested in the collaboration. No response has been quoted yet so far.

Nicole Richie will fly to Australia to attend MTV Australia Video Music Awards 2007. She is particularly keen on this event due to her lover Joel Madden's role as the host of the event. Joel and his band Good Charlotte will act as the host of the 3rd annual awards along with Stacy Ferguson aka Fergie.

The 25-year-old celebrity will be among others contributing the limelight of the event. Performers slated to appear are 30 Seconds to Mars, Aussie's very own dance group Sneaky Sound System and ARIA winning band Eskimo Joe. The ones in charge of red carpet show are blogger Perez Hilton, and singer Sophie Monk. Meanwhile, Beyonce Knowles is rumored to make an appearance that day following her Australian tour dates that is in line with the event.

Ghostface Killah will be one of the headliners of Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. The rapper who is also the member of Wu-Tang Clan will perform alongside Big Daddy Kane, Consequence, Lupe Fiasco, Skillz and hip-hop artist Rhymefest on June 23.

Held in Tobacco Warehouse, Brooklyn, the event will also feature local rap group named Tanya Morgan. "We are very excited to be part of the Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival. The event is one of the most highly anticipated concerts in New York (and) from what I can tell it's a crazy event to be aligned with," DonWill of Tanya Morgan said.

In the urgent audition for The View's supporting act, an unsigned band has stood out among the crowd. The three-piece group namely Monroes was chosen just hours before the concert began after The Horrors dropped out on April 20.

In the audition that required interested bands to submit demo tapes, Monroes beat 50 others. Drummer Lenny Rout said that he felt 'nervous and excited" upon picked. He along with band mates have started the band since 2005 but so far only performed around Norwich. They described the band's vibe as "indie new wave with ska and reggae influences".

Another act agreed to lighten up 2007 Roskilde Festival. Queens of the Stone Age said 'yes' to join the lots already confirming such as Bjork, The Who, Muse and Beastie Boys.

On April 19, the band that will release "Era Vulgaris" on June 12 have confirmed their presence along with Eagles of Death Metal that is co-found by the band's founder and only continuous member, Josh Homme.

The Decemberists will play a handful of dates this summer and fans can expect a surprise from the five-piece indie pop band. The band's show will be backed up with a full orchestra in each city.

The jaunt that is held to support the already extremely received album "The Crane Wife" will feature orchestral version of the band's songs. Composer Sean O'Loughlin will be the mastermind of the new arrangement.

Seemingly addicted, Josh Groban extends the tour dates to support "Awake" (2006) in Canada and US. The first additional date will be July 17 in Greenville, South Carolina.

The trek will continue up to August 31 in Omaha, Nebraska with 4 Canadian dates in between. These Canadian dates are Aug 12 in Winnipeg, MB, Aug 14 in Edmonton, AB, Aug 15 in Calgary, AB and Aug 17 in Vancouver, BC. Beninese singer Angelique Kidjo will still support Groban all along the extended dates.

Guns N' Roses who recently announced the postponement of Japanese dates in Chinese Democracy World Tour 2007 has further claimed that they will keep the dates starting from April 27 onwards. With this statement, they confirm that My Coke Fest in Johannesburg and May 1 show in Cape Town will resume as scheduled.

Paul Dainty as the promoter even elaborates that the reports on Australian leg that starts June 10 in Perth being cancelled is wrong. "I spoke with them last night and they did not tell me that," Dainty said in a statement. "The South Africa dates are next week. The Australian dates are still months away."