Noteworthy
Shorter bits and pieces of news and noteworthy developments.
Universal Music Halts Collaboration with Rammstein
Universal Music stops collaboration with Rammstein, according to reports.
According to a report from «Süddeutsche Zeitung», the label Universal Music stopped the collaboration with Rammstein after allegations against the band‘s frontman Till Lindemann.
«We are convinced that a full clarification of the allegations, also by the authorities, is absolutely necessary and must also be in the interest of the entire band. After the allegations became known, we have suspended the marketing and promotion activities for the band's recordings until further notice,» a Universal spokesperson told the newspaper on Thursday.
Further, the company said: «The accusations against Till Lindemann have shocked us, and we have the greatest respect for the women who have spoken out so courageously in public in this case.»
The label's announcement is significant. Universal Music Group, the world's biggest major label, has been working with Rammstein since their 1995 album Herzeleid.
Janosch TroehlerNegative White
On Wednesday, it was reported that the public prosecutor’s office in Berlin had initiated preliminary proceedings against Till Lindemann.
According to the public prosecutor’s office, the investigation was initiated ex officio and based on several reports by third parties that were «not involved in any of the offences». There were allegations «in the area of sexual offences and the distribution of narcotics».
The public prosecutor’s office did not provide any further information concerning the personal rights of the potentially injured parties and the accused.
Till Lindemann rejects the accusations against him, his lawyers announced legal steps.
Artificial Intelligence Helps Creating «The Final Beatles Record»
Sir Paul McCartney told the BBC that he used AI to create a «final Beatles record» scheduled to release this year.
The BBC reports that Sir Paul McCartney has employed artificial intelligence to create what the artist calls «the finale Beatles record». In an interview with BBC Radio 4, he explained that the technology had been used to «extricate» John Lennon's voice from an old demo.
«It's kind of scary but exciting, because it's the future. We'll just have to see where that leads,» he told BBC Radio.
He explained that they just finished it and would release the song later this year. Although McCartney didn't reveal the song's title, it's speculated that it will be Lennon's 1978 composition Now And Then.
The song was previously considered a possible «reunion song» for the band back in 1995 when the remaining band members compiled their career-spanning Anthology series.
According to the BBC, McCartney received the demo in 1994 from Yoko Ono. It was part of an array of songs on a cassette labelled «For Paul», created by Lennon shortly before he died in 1980.
Janosch TroehlerNegative White
The release of new material isn't a precedent for the Beatles, who parted ways in 1970. In 1995 and 1996, they released Free As A Bird and Real Love—cleaned up by producer Jeff Lynne. Both tracks were on the mentioned cassette.
While McCartney attempted to release the song Now And Then later, he never succeeded and has repeatedly talked about his desire to finish the song. It seems that with the help of AI, he finally made it.
Negative White interviewed Paul McCartney in 2012. Read it here in German.
Negative White presents Dennis Kiss on Album Tour
Dennis Kiss will release his debut album on the 6th of October. Negative White presents the subsequent tour of the Swiss-German artist. Here are the dates.
On October 6, the Swiss-German artist Dennis Kiss will release his debut album, Norddeich Mole. With his tristesse-filled indie sound, Kiss reflects on living in a postmodern society but still finds ease within the heavy-heartened.
One of the singles announcing the album, Bordeaux, has been featured in Weekly5. It's an exciting foretaste of the upcoming debut.
Bordeaux is shaped by forward-facing indie rock and a portion of postmodern sadness in the realm of artists like Betterov. However, the song reaches its unforgettable climax when the sax kicks in.
Experience The Album Live
With the release of Norddeich Mole, Dennis Kiss also kicks off an album tour through Switzerland and Germany—presented by Negative White.
- 06.10.2023 – St. Gallen (CH), Grabenhalle
- 07.10.2023 – Zurich (CH), Werk21
- 11.10.2023 – Cologne (DE), Stereo Wonderland
- 12.10.2023 – Hamburg (DE), Astra Stube
- 13.10.2023 – Bremen (DE), Bürgerhaus Weserterassen
- 19.10.2023 – Bern (CH), Stellwerk
- 20.10.2023 – Basel (CH), Sommercasino
- 21.10.2023 – Lucerne (CH), Treibhaus
- 07.12.2023 – Munich (DE), Glockenbachwerkstatt
Helvetiarockt Wins Swiss Music Prize 2023
Helvetiarockt, the organisation fighting for diversity and equality in the music business, wins the Swiss Music Prize.
It's an important signal and a well-deserved acknowledgement of tireless effort for equality and diversity in Switzerland's music business. Awarded by the Federal Office of Culture, the Swiss Music Prizes showcase the country's musical creativity and reward aspirations for diverse and equal representation.
Helvetiarockt wins one of the three Special Music Prizes 2023. For already 14 years, the organisation has fought for the equality and visibility of women and inter, non-binary, trans, and agender people in popular music in Switzerland. On its website, the Federal Office of Culture writes:
[…] The dynamic Helvetiarockt team has not only raised awareness of the Swiss music scene, it has also moved it forward: databases such as the «Music Directory» or guides such as the «Diversity Roadmap» are constructive instruments that organisers can hardly do without in their daily work.
Furthermore, the laudatory text highlights the easy access to practical workshops and mentoring programs that span from songwriting and beat-making to DJing to inspire and encourage underrepresented groups.
With its campaigns and practical programs, Helvetiarockt emphasizes the importance of diverse concert programmes and fair working conditions both in front of and behind the stage. In this, it challenges all outdated structures and puts central issues that affect all music makers in Switzerland up for public debate.
The award further stresses the significance of Helvetiarockt's efforts and goal to «sensitise and raise awareness in the music industry». The organisation says in the official press release: «This recognition of our work sets an example for all women, inter, non-binary, trans, and agender people (FINTA) in music, as well as for feminism, for equal opportunity and the movements that go with it. We're staying tuned. And are very happy about this appreciation!»
Helvetiarockt's work is, unfortunately, still necessary, as the majority of last year's festival line-ups in Switzerland have shown.
New Project Aims to Support Swiss Newcomer Artists
The project «riser» seeks to bring the spotlight onto up-and-coming artists and bands in Switzerland with a fresh approach.
Young musicians and bands trying to take their careers to the next level often struggle to find stages to play and grow their audience. Exacerbated by the pandemic, this situation leads too many artists to stop pursuing a professional music career.
With «riser», a new project seeks to counteract this trend. It uses already-established artists' spotlight and network effects to promote Swiss newcomers. The offer to the audience is simple: Come for the famous name, discover a new one.
It's hardly a revolutionary idea as supporting bands always profited from the main act's publicity. However, «riser» gives it a fresh spin, a focused and decisive approach to further newcomers' careers.
Two Formats Are Planned
The project is split into two different formats:
- riser.AMP (short for «Amplify»): Established artists and bands (Knöppel, KT Gorique, Nativ, Crème Solaire, I Used To Be Sam, Crimer, Marius Bear) choose two young, up-and-coming artists and create a show together with them. The rising artists are not overshadowed but are part of a joint performance. By working together with more established artists and bands, the attention of the rising artists is increased.
- riser.FAV (short for «Favourites»): The «Favourites» selected by more established artists and bands perform on their own. Shows are also organised in which several different rising artists perform together. This emphasises stylistic diversity and promotes exchange with each other and with concert organisers.
Although established artists usually approach participating newcomers, they can also apply on the project's website. Participation is—expectedly—free of charge, and bands will receive an appropriate fee for their performances.
A Non-Profit Association With Established Players
«riser» is a non-profit association based in Zurich and Fribourg. It's run by renowned names in Switzerland's music business like Pascal Vonlanthen, musician, co-leader and founder of La Gustav or Stipe Svalina, partner and managing director of EXIL Club, co-booker and communications manager of M4Music Festival.
As participation is free and the performance fees also need to be paid, the project is supported by sponsors.
Several Shows Are Lined Up
The project has already lined up many shows in both formats. They will work as proof of concept and inevitably decide on the project's sustainability and success.
The project's kickoff will be on May 25 at Exil Club in Zurich. In the format «riser.AMP», Swiss punk veteran Jack Stoiker and his band Knöppel will perform with Mamba Bites from Neuchâtel and Fluffy Machine from Valais.
More dates have been announced, but most artists still need to be communicated. An up-to-date list of all the concerts can be found on the project website.
