With the first round of Coachella performances now behind us, our head is swimming with festival news and performance recaps.
With such a huge festival like Coachella underway, it can be easy to forget that there’s a music world outside Indio, CA. But, there is, and this week, artists spoke out to voice concerns, details and statements.
After 2Pac’s hologram resurrection alongside Snoop Dogg at last weekend’s Coachella, Pitchfork reports that Dr. Dre and Snoop are discussing logistics of a tour that would incorporate the new 2Pac hologram. Developed by Digital Domain Media Group Inc., the hologram is actually a 2-D projection that uses visual tricks and technological advances to create a virtual illusion.
The same technique, projecting a 2-D image upon Mylar plastic, has been used before in the Gorillaz’s 2006 Grammy performance with Madonna. Rumors of a potential stadium tour are currently circulating, which would feature famed hip-hop and rap artists like Eminem, 50 Cent and Wiz Khalifa alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg and the 2Pac reincarnation. For now, the tour is speculative, but we’ll have to see what pans out.
A 2-D hologram is exactly what Guns N’ Roses needed last week at their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction in Cleveland, as former front man Axl Rose refused to come, issuing a long statement detailing his reasons for refusing his own induction. Since then, Axl Rose has delivered yet another long-winded statement, an open letter, for the Internet community to read.
The latest letter is more on the side of an apology to Cleveland and fans worldwide for snubbing last weekend’s induction ceremony. “I would like to apologize to Cleveland, Ohio for not apologizing to them beforehand for not attending [the ceremony] in their city. I think they know how much I genuinely love performing there,” stated Rose in his second, more rational open letter.
Sure, we’re only halfway through Coachella, but it’s never too early to set your sights on the next epic music festival. The lineup for San Francisco’s 5th annual Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival was released this week, and it does not disappoint in the slightest. Slated for August 10-12 at Golden Gate Park, the festival will feature acts like Metallica, Stevie Wonder, Foo Fighters, Jack White, Neil Young & Crazy Horse, Skrillex and many more.
Besides the staggering amount of well-established headlining acts, the festival will also showcase respectable newcomers like Alabama Shakes, White Denim, Tennis and Cavemen. Tickets went on sale Thursday, April 19th at noon, so make sure to grab tickets for this soon!
Massive Attack’s longtime producer Neil Davidge has signed on to create the soundtrack for the upcoming and highly anticipated Halo 4 video game. When long-standing Halo composer Marty O’Donnell stepped down from producing the latest soundtrack, Davidge snatched the job opening up right away.
Davidge has big shoes to fill, as all previous Halo soundtracks are highly acclaimed. But, Davidge should be able to handle the task, as typical Halo compositions have been of his forte, featuring mystical sci-fi soundscapes and dark, airy synth. Whatever Davidge comes up with, we can rest assured that the upcoming Halo 4 soundtrack is in good hands.
Rapper/producer Q-tip is most likely celebrating, as he was signed to Kanye West’s label, G.O.O.D. Music, this week.
Just in time for his upcoming fourth solo album, The Last Zulu, Q-tip’s induction into Def Jam Recordings is said to have come into fruition through he and West’s growing partnership, cultivated through his contributions to My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy and Watch the Throne. Q-tip released a brief statement, saying, “As far as G.O.O.D. Music, I’m excited to solidify my working relationship with Kanye, and I look forward to all the opportunities that lie ahead in our partnership.”
Unplugging in Brief:
2Pac Hologram Might Be Going on Tour – After the test run at Coachella, 2Pac’s hologram reincarnation may be hitting the road with Snoop Dogg and Dr. Dre.
Axl Rose Delivers Another Statement Regarding Not Showing Up for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction – Axl Rose continues to release statements regarding his refusal to be inducted into Cleveland’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Outside Lands Festival Announces 2012 Lineup Featuring Metallica, Stevie Wonder, Jack White and More – Start planning for your next music festival now; the lineup for the Outside Lands Festival has been released.
Massive Attack’s Neil Davidge to Craft the Soundtrack to Halo 4 – Massive Attack producer Neil Davidge is trying his hand at video game composing.
Kanye West Signs Q-Tip to His Label – After some great collaborations, Kayne has decided to take he and Q-Tip’s relationship to the next level by signing the talent to his label.
