“STRANGERS” feat. A$AP ROCKY & RUN THE JEWELS OUT NOW
NEW ALBUM, CHEAT CODES, OUT AUGUST 12th
Ahead of the imminent release of their collaborative album – Cheat Codes, out this Friday (12th August) – DangerMouse and BlackThought have unleashed stone cold banger, “Strangers.”
This thrilling new single sees the duo enlist hip-hop A-listers A$AP Rocky and RunTheJewels. The result is a tour de force from Danger Mouse – one of the best producers in the world – and Black Thought, A$AP, El-P and Killer Mike – four of the best rappers around.
Run The Jewels said, “We were honored to get down with our elite and legendary friends Danger Mouse, Black Thought and A$AP Rocky on this banger.”
Previously, Danger Mouse executive produced A$AP Rocky’s acclaimed album, AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP, and released “Chase Me“ featuring Run The Jewels; “Strangers” finds him renewing those fruitful creative collaborations.
“Strangers” is the final pre-album single release from CheatCodes and follows “No Gold Teeth,”“Because“ featuring JoeyBada$$, Russ & Dylan Cartlidge, and “Aquamarine“ featuring MichaelKiwanuka. CheatCodes – which also features Raekwon, KidSister and ConwaytheMachine – is Danger Mouse’s first hip-hop album since his The Mouse & The Mask collaboration with the late MF DOOM, and follows Black Thought’s pioneering output with The Roots, sensational viral freestyle and acclaimed solo trilogy, Streams Of Thought.
Out today – Paul’s three iconic solo albums (McCartney, McCartney II, and McCartney III) available together for the first time as a limited-edition box set
McCartney, McCartney II, and McCartney III also available across digital platforms – the first Paul McCartney solo albums to be made available in Dolby ATMOS
Written, performed, and produced entirely by Paul McCartney, his three eponymous career-spanning solo albums (1970’s McCartney, 1980’s McCartney II, and 2020’s McCartney III) have been packaged together and are now available in one special boxset for the first time.
McCartney I II III box set is available in three different formats – Limited Edition Color Vinyl, Black Vinyl Edition, and CD – each including three special photo prints with notes from Paul about each album. The newly created boxset cover art and typography for the slipcase are by Ed Ruscha. Order McCartney I II IIIHERE.
Bookending 50 years of unparalleled work, each album demonstrates Paul McCartney’s restless creativity and adventurous artistic spirit. McCartney, the Number One Album was Paul’s first solo album released in 1970 and features timeless tracks “Every Night” and “Junk,” along with the immortal classic “Maybe I’m Amazed.” This album saw a global music superstar pioneer a novel homespun approach to recording that would, in time, become a sought-after sound and the highly influential precursor to the “lo-fi” alternative genre.
Just as McCartney marked the end of an era with Paul’s first release after leaving the biggest band in history, Paul did it again in 1980, this time signaling the end of 70s rock giants Wings. Taking a fresh approach to things, Paul wrote, performed, and produced the avant-garde masterpiece McCartney II, which reached Number One in the UK, and Number 3 in the US, producing such classics as “Coming Up,” “Waterfalls,” and “Temporary Secretary.”
With McCartney III Paul went back to basics again to create some of his most revealing work to date. Released in December 2020, just two years after Paul’s Billboard-topping Egypt Station album, “Rockdown,” saw Paul turn unexpected time on his hands into an opportunity to get into the studio on his own. An intimate and loose record featuring “Find My Way” and the now live favorite “Women and Wives,” McCartney III features Paul’s melodic gift at its forefront throughout. Upon release, McCartney III charted at Number One on the UK’s Official Album Charts and Number One on Billboard’s Top Album Sales Chart.
In an unrivaled career, Paul has always been willing to take risks and have fun along the way – his musical projects have included classical albums, electronic albums, ballet scores, writing for video games, and left-field collaborations – along the way, breaking chart records, box office records, winning countless awards and remaining one of the world’s most influential and revered artists of all time. McCartney, McCartney II, and McCartney III captured and documented landmark moments of his singular career, each offering a personal snapshot of a unique artist at a particular moment in time.
FORMAT INFO: Slipcase cover art and typography by Ed Ruscha (all formats)
1) Limited Edition Color Vinyl · Three-disc 180g audiophile vinyl set (McCartney – clear, McCartney II -white, and McCartney III – creamy white vinyl) · Three x 8 x 10” photo prints with introductions from Paul
2) Limited Edition Black Vinyl Edition · 180g audiophile vinyl set · Three x 8 x 10” photo prints with introductions from Paul
3) Limited Edition CD · Limited Edition three-disc set · Three photo prints with introductions from Paul
Mixed in Dolby Atmos by Giles Martin and Steve Orchard Dolby Atmos mastered by Emily Lazar
SEE ‘CRACKER ISLAND ft. Thundercat’ VIDEO DEBUT HERE
“…dance-floor-ready banger of a track…the summer anthem of this year.” – BEATS PER MINUTE
“…a sleek and summery jam…invites the listener to simply lock into its blissed-out groove.” – NEW YORK TIMES
“… a groove made all the more golden by virtuoso bassist Thundercat” – THE INDEPENDENT
“…the cartoon poppers are starting a cult in California, this jaunty tune will net some followers.” – THE OBSERVER
“…a bustling blast of dance funk that tempers its slick, bass-heavy groove with plenty of grit and a touch of dark wave energy.” – ROLLING STONE
In a delirium of police lights and hallucinations, the BRIT and Grammy-winning virtual band Gorillaz ring in a new dawn, teaming up with Nexus Studios to create the epic psychedelic video for their summer banger ‘Cracker Island ft. Thundercat’. Directed by artist and Gorillaz co-creator Jamie Hewlett and the Emmy nominated Nexus Studios director, Fx Goby, Cracker Island takes viewers on a late night journey into the City of Angels. Watch HERE.
Murdoc said – “Think of it as the final scene in the movie, the bit after the grand finale when the hero (me) is about to stride into the sunset, credits rolling. That’s right, we’re starting at the end. Why? COS I WORK IN MYSTERIOUS WAYS.”
Originally based at Kong Studios in West London, the group of musical misfits – Murdoc, Noodle, Russel and 2D – have relocated to Silverlake, California as they recruit new members to join ‘The Last Cult’, in search of the one truth to fix the world.
Cracker Island features virtuosic bassist, mercurial talent and twice-Grammy winner Thundercat, with production courtesy of eight-time Grammy Award-winning producer/multi-instrumentalist/songwriter extraordinaire Greg Kurstin, Gorillaz and Remi Kabaka Jr.
The Gorillaz World Tour 2022 which started in South America earlier in the year has seen the band play to ecstatic crowds at Primavera and across Europe, and on to Australia for the Gorillaz’ first visit in 12 years, before one-off shows next month in London at All Points East on August 19th and Dublin’s 3Arena on August 17th ahead of a hugely anticipated U.S. run of dates in September and October. Complete list of dates here.
Created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, Gorillaz is singer 2D, bassist Murdoc Niccals, drummer Russel Hobbs and Japanese guitar prodigy Noodle. The BRIT and Grammy-winning virtual band formed following a collision of mishaps, meetings and pure luck to blow up a pre-digital world with their colourful backstory and ground-breaking virtual ways. Based at Kong Studios in West London, Gorillaz settled into a life of musical innovation with an eye-wateringly exciting roster of collaborators, a list that includes musical legends, geniuses and future stars from Elton John to Little Simz, MF Doom to Jean-Michel Jarre, Grace Jones to slowthai, Kali Uchis to Sidiki Diabaté, plus so many more. With seven albums to their name, Gorillaz (2001), Demon Days (2005), Plastic Beach (2010), The Fall (2011), Humanz (2017), The Now Now (2018) and Song Machine: Season One – Strange Timez (2020), Gorillaz is a truly global phenomenon, achieving success in entirely new and unique ways, touring the world from San Diego to Syria, Montevideo to Manchester and winning numerous awards including the coveted Jim Henson Creativity Honor.
ABOUT NEXUS STUDIOS
Nexus Studios is a global creative studio fostering world-class talent to produce high-quality long-form and short-form films, music videos, title identities and immersive experiences. With studios in London, LA and Sydney, they craft visually distinct narrative-led stories. Their prolific output includes collaborations with the likes of Billie Eilish, Tom Odell, J-Balvin, Coldplay, U2, Childish Gambino and more. Along with a BAFTA win, an Oscar and an Emmy nomination, they hold two Grammy nominations for the concert feature ‘Billie Eilish: Happier Than Ever’ and the music video ‘Take Me Out’ for Franz Ferdinand. Most recently Nexus Studios enlisted Oscar winning composer Gustavo Santaolalla to create the original score of their Netflix anthology ‘The House’.
MTV – LIVE FROM THE MINISTRY To Air Throughout Week of July 25
IMPERATOUR North American Arena Tour Kicks Off August 26
Photo Credit: Ryan Chang
“The Swedish band Ghost reliably hits the three Ps hard: proggy, punky and poppy. Its fifth album, IMPERA, packs the ambitious sprawl of ’70s rock epics into (relatively) bite-size packages with amusingly confounding story lines. ‘Spillways,’ one of the album’s most straightforward tracks, starts with a pounding piano straight out of Billy Joel’s ‘All for Leyna’ and quickly segues into a sweetly constructed rock tune. Think Bad Religion with ‘Jesus Christ Superstar’ running through its veins.”—THE NEW YORK TIMES
From the pages of the gray lady to the silver screen… Ghost presents the phantasmagorical video for “Spillways,” rendering the irresistible earworm of IMPERA’s latest single — a solid contender to continue the band’s streak of Rock Radio #1s (IMPERA’s “Call Me Little Sunshine” and “Hunter’s Moon” bringing Ghost’s career total to five consecutive #1s) — in majestic visual form courtesy of director Amir Chamdin. To lose yourself in the cinematic world of “Spillways,” watch HERE.
In other Ghost audiovisual news, MTV is currently in the midst of a massive 10 full-length broadcasts of Ghost’s 6-song “Live From The Ministry” ritual in its entirety on MTV Live. Check local listings for remaining specific dates and times.
Finally, for the North American faithful anxiously awaiting another taste of Ghost in the flesh, Papa Emeritus IV and the Nameless Ghouls will once again bring the “euphoric spectacle” (ROLLING STONE) of its live ritual to North America for the next leg of its globally dominating IMPERATOUR. The North American IMPERATOUR will see the GRAMMY® Award-winning Swedish theatrical rock band headlining 19 arenas across the U.S. and Canada (plus an appearance at Virginia’s Blue Ridge Rock Fest), kicking off August 26th at San Diego’s Pechanga Arena and running through September 23rd at the Resch Center in Green Bay.
See below for a complete list of dates. For more information, including details re: limited VIP packages, go to www.ghost-official.com
GHOST IMPERATOUR North America 2022 Fri Aug 26 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena San Diego Sat Aug 27 – Tucson, AZ – Tucson Convention Center Arena Tue Aug 30 – Austin, TX – Moody Center Wed Aug 31 – Corpus Christi, TX – American Bank Center Arena Fri Sep 2 – Huntsville, AL – Von Braun Center’s Propst Arena Sat Sep 3 – Duluth, GA – Gas South Arena Sun Sep 4 – Asheville, NC – ExploreAsheville.com Arena Tue Sep 6 – Tampa, FL – Yuengling Arena Thu Sep 8 – Alton, VA – BLUE RIDGE ROCK FEST* Fri Sep 9 – Trenton, NJ – CURE Insurance Arena Sat Sep 10 – Belmont Park, NY – UBS Arena Mon Sep 12 – Providence, RI – Dunkin Donuts Center Tue Sep 13 – Bangor, ME – Cross Insurance Center Thu Sep 15 – Quebec City, QC – Centre Videotron Fri Sep 16 – Laval, QC – Place Bell Sat Sep 17 – Toronto, ON – Coca Cola Coliseum Mon Sep 19 – Saginaw, MI – Dow Event Center Tue Sep 20 – Youngstown, OH – Covelli Centre Wed Sep 21 – Peoria, IL – Peoria Civic Center Arena Fri Sep 23 – Green Bay, WI – Resch Center**
*Ghost and Spiritbox only**Ghost, Spiritbox and special guest Carcass
“AQUAMARINE” FEATURING MICHAEL KIWANUKA VIDEO & SINGLE OUT NOW
Cheat Codes out August 12 via BMG
Danger Mouse and Black Thought have shared new single, Aquamarine featuring British soul star, Michael Kiwanuka. Aquamarine is the latest single from Danger Mouse and Black Thought’s highly-anticipated album, Cheat Codes, out 12th August.
Danger Mouse’s rousing, cinematic production and Black Thought’s razor sharp vocals are perfectly complimented by Kiwanuka’s soaring and soulful hook. The single is accompanied by a kaleidoscopic video directed by UK creative duo UNCANNY: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHvNapx5PFo
Aquamarine continues Danger Mouse and Kiwanuka’s fruitful creative collaboration, following their work on the singer’s breakout, chart-topping album, Love & Hate, and the Mercury Music Prize-winning follow up, Kiwanuka.
“For “Aquamarine”, when I heard the music I just had a feeling to sing about standing up for something that’s unique and following that path”, reflects Kiwanuka. “I don’t know why but that’s what came out. Sometimes when you’re following something that’s unique to you it’s as if ‘enemies are all around’. At times life can feel fragile like ‘everything’s burning down’. For some reason the chords and music made me feel that way.”
Cheat Codes, the collaborative debut album from Danger Mouse and Black Thought is out August 12 via BMG. In addition to Michael Kiwanuka, the record features Kid Sister, A$AP Rocky, Run The Jewels, MF DOOM, Joey Bada$$, Russ, Conway the Machine and more.
Photo Credit: Olivia Rose Photo Credit: Shervin Lainez
“You guys are seriously a lifesaver. I applied for so many scholarships throughout my time in college and never received any of them. I honestly didn’t think I was special enough. I had to take out a loan and put myself in debt to follow a dream. Thanks to you, I don’t have to take out any more money! I can just focus on school and not worry about money. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!” – Samantha Sparks, Welder, Columbia Gorge Community College
Since establishing the Metallica Scholars Initiative in 2019, All Within My Hands (AWMH) has been working with the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) to provide direct support for career and technical education programs across the US. Having grown from a concept to a thriving educational strategy that focuses on enhancing skills while providing services to students looking to enter a traditional trade or other applied learning program, the Metallica Scholars Initiative has generated a proven and measurable impact. AWMH will replicate the program further by adding ten more schools to the roster, investing $1.8 million to expand in year four.
“Our goal for the Metallica Scholars Initiative is to shine a light on workforce education and support the next generation of tradespeople,”said Peter Delgrosso, Executive Director of All Within My Hands. “With the addition of the 2022-2023 Metallica Scholars program, our grants will reach over 2,000 men and women in 32 community colleges across 27 states. We are honored to support these students of all ages and backgrounds and look forward to growing the program even farther in the future.”
Direct impact on job and wage growth drives the Metallica Scholars Initiative. On average, students who complete the program see new job opportunities and increased salary potential up to three times higher than pre-program. Countless testimonials from Metallica Scholars tell firsthand what it means to them, and it is these stories that inspire program expansion.
“The fact that Metallica is spending their time and effort to support our students brings them to a different level and they are more responsible. They’re the first people to show up for class and some of the last to leave. They’re the most dedicated students because of the investment that the band has made in them.” – Tom Brown, Program Outreach Coordinator, Clackamas Community College
As in years past, AWMH has welcomed partners like Wolverine Boots & Apparel, whose annual work boot collaboration has furnished financial support while outfitting Metallica Scholars along the way. This year promises new surprises for Metallica Scholars and Wolverine’s Project Bootstrap in supporting the next generation of trade workers. The goal is to invite other great corporate partners like Wolverine into the program.
“I drive into Grand Rapids from White Cloud every day [approximately 50 miles each way] for this training, so receiving the Metallica Scholarship was like winning the lottery, and the beautiful boots from Wolverine were a bonus, too! I’m just so thankful!” – Armondo Medina, Metallica Scholar, Grand Rapids Community College.
Working closely with the AACC, a Washington D.C.-based advocate for not-for-profit, public-serving institutions, AWMH has selected ten schools to receive $100,000 each to transform the future of students in their communities. The extensive proposal process received an incredible amount of interest, and the applications were of the highest quality. Each of the ten institutions chosen intends to prioritize students interested in the skilled trades as a pathway to economic development.
The newly added community colleges are joining an already established core of 22 schools that have been invited to continue as a Metallica Scholars school. Each year the returning colleges play an integral role in onboarding, to help the new schools hit the ground running.
The 32 colleges across the country are encouraged to use the AWMH grant as the local industry dictates in terms of program and training. To provide skilled and educated tradespeople ready for the local workforce, Metallica Scholars programs include:
About All Within My Hands (AWMH) Established by the members and management of Metallica in 2017 as a means to invest in the people and places that have supported the band, the Foundation is focused on supporting sustainable communities through workforce education, the fight against hunger, and other critical local services. All expenses of the Foundation are covered by the band, the board, and a few special friends so that 100% of donations go to the organizations it supports. AWMH is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
About American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) As the voice of the nation’s community colleges, the AACC delivers educational and economic opportunities for 12 million diverse students searching for the American Dream. Uniquely dedicated to access and success for all students, AACC’s nearly 1,100 member colleges provide an on-ramp to degree attainment, skilled careers, and family-supporting wages. Located in Washington, D.C., AACC advocates for these not-for-profit, public-serving institutions to ensure they have the resources and support they need to deliver on the mission of increasing economic mobility for all.
“The Roots MC kicks off the song by strolling through the luxurious, retro-soul Danger Mouse production, itself complemented by Cartilidge’s seemingly time-warped hook. Though the new track reveals more of the intriguing dynamic between its two main stars, it’s an even better demonstration of their abilities as team players while sharing the mic with younger, cypher-ready talent. The moment is not lost on the featured rappers either, and both verses confirm they recognize the rare opportunity of earning co-signs from two music legends.” – Consequence
“Chock-full of dynamic, dextrous, lyrical ciphers and is another example of the chemistry between Danger Mouse and Black Thought….The song comes right on time for the summer and offers an array of stylings from the featured artists, over Danger Mouse’s signature retro slow-burning beats.” – Relix
“This new track is sure to have fans excited for more, and Danger Mouse and Black Thought are two legends who will always have anticipated releases.” – HotNewHipHop
“Atlanta rapper Russ and New York darling Joey Bada$$ ease into the pressures of being on a track with two legends with dexterity, floating over the nostalgic groundwork set in place by Danger Mouse.” – Paste “Because” the critically acclaimed and second “promising preview of Cheat Codes” (Stereogum) from Danger Mouse & Black Thought now has a new visual accompaniment.
Directed by UNCANNY, the video takes place through the eyes of a pedestrian within a 3D rendering of Times Square as the artists take over screens and billboards performing their verses. The single take music video features the collaborators in a mixture of real footage and AI altered imagery. Watch “Because” HERE
The highly anticipated full-length, Cheat Codes will be available worldwide on August 12th via BMG.
FIRST OFFERING FROM THEIR UPCOMING ALBUM, INTO THE BLUE
It’s the wrong time to decelerate We’re not in orbit yet
Broken Bells, the musical partnership of Brian Burton (Danger Mouse) and James Mercer (The Shins) are back with the first song from their third full-length album, INTO THE BLUE, coming soon via AWAL.
In the unique and unmistakable signature style that Broken Bells have perfected since their Grammy-nominated 2009 debut, “We’re Not In Orbit Yet…” conjures interstellar soundscapes via sublime melodies undercut with the slightest tinge of the sinister. As is Broken Bells’ wont, the song is both gorgeous and ominous, featuring quasi-hypnotic backing vocals that emulate the siren song of a master brainwasher. The band’s lush soundscapes complement its dark lyrics perfectly as always. It’s not the Shins, it’s not Danger Mouse, it’s Broken Bells.
An accompanying music video featuring Broken Bells’ cosmic imagery and ominous sci-fi visuals was directed by Johnny Chew and can be viewed here: https://brokenbells.ffm.to/orbitvideo
Full details of INTO THE BLUE are shortly forthcoming.
A new dawn is coming. Cracker Island (ft. Thundercat) — an energetic, upbeat firecracker from Murdoc, Noodle, Russel and 2D —is out today, featuring the virtuosic bassist, mercurial talent and twice-Grammy winner Thundercat and with production courtesy of eight-time Grammy Award-winning producer/multi-instrumentalist/songwriter extraordinaire Greg Kurstin, Gorillaz, and Remi Kabaka Jr.Listen here.
The world’s biggest virtual band have relocated to Silverlake, California where it turns out that the answer to life’s question – the one truth to fix the world – is to invite fans to join ‘The Last Cult’, with Murdoc as its self-appointed Great Leader. 2D said “It’s nice to be back, I’m well into our new tune, it brings back weird and scary memories of stuff that hasn’t happened yet.” The Gorillaz World Tour 2022 which started in South America earlier in the year continued at Primavera to ecstatic crowds and travels on throughout Europe, and to Australia for the band’s first visit in 12 years, before one-off shows in London at All Points East on 19th August and Dublin’s 3Arena on 17th August and on to the US in October. Full dates below.
ABOUT GORILLAZ Created by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett, Gorillaz is singer 2D, bassist Murdoc Niccals, drummer Russel Hobbs and Japanese guitar prodigy Noodle. The BRIT and Grammy-winning virtual band formed following a collision of mishaps, meetings and pure luck to blow up a pre-digital world. Based at Kong Studios in West London, Gorillaz settled into a life of musical innovation with an eye-wateringly exciting roster of collaborators, a list that includes musical legends, geniuses and future stars from Elton John to Little Simz, MF Doom to Jean-Michel Jarre, Grace Jones to slowthai, Kali Uchis to Sidiki Diabaté, plus so many more. With seven albums to their name, Gorillaz (2001), Demon Days (2005), Plastic Beach (2010), The Fall (2011), Humanz (2017), The Now Now (2018) and Song Machine: Season One – Strange Timez (2020), Gorillaz is a truly global phenomenon, achieving success in entirely new and unique ways, touring the world from San Diego to Syria, Montevideo to Manchester and winning numerous awards including the coveted Jim Henson Creativity Honor.
September 3 at Wembley Stadium September 27 at The Kia Forum
Foo Fighters and the Hawkins Family are happy to welcome the following newly added guest artists to The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts.
London at Wembley Stadium: John Paul Jones, Alain Johannes, Nandi Bushell, Nile Rodgers, Krist Novoselic, Greg Kurstin and a special appearance by Chris Rock
Los Angeles at The Kia Forum: P!NK, LeAnn Rimes, John Paul Jones, Alain Johannes, Nancy Wilson, Krist Novoselic and Greg Kurstin
More guest artists to be announced!
Tickets for both concert events are on sale today at 9:00AM local time
The Taylor Hawkins Tribute Concerts will benefit charities in both the UK and the US chosen by the Hawkins family. Beneficiaries and further details will be announced shortly.
