Non-Profit Label Freedom Beat Promotes Non-Violent Resistance Through Music

By James Pleasant Record labels are usually known for signing and promoting whichever artists they believe will reap the highest profit, regardless of their style or the subject matter they address. However, new record label Freedom Beat officially launched last week, breaking … Continue reading

Jack Johnson Joins the 5 Gyres SEA Change Expedition to Spread Awareness of Plastic Pollution in the Ocean

By James Pleasant Singer-songwriter and long-time environmental activist Jack Johnson has joined the 5 Gyres non-profit organization on an expedition to spread awareness and educate people about plastics pollution in the world’s oceans. On June 2, Johnson, alongside the 5 Gyres … Continue reading

Sweetlife Festival Continues with More Healthy, Locally Grown Food & Performances by The Weeknd, Calvin Harris & Charli XCX

By James Pleasant Day 2 of the Sweetlife Festival at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD, offered another helping of healthy, seasonal food options, and more amazing music performances by The Weeknd, Charli XCX, Vic Mensa, and many more. One … Continue reading

Sweetlife Festival Combines Performances by Kendrick Lamar, Pixies & More with Healthful, Locally Grown Fare

By James Pleasant More than your average music festival, Sweetlife brings together renowned artists, music fans and smartly sourced, seasonal food. Day 1 of the festival at the Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, MD boasted incredible performances by artists including … Continue reading

Drake, Alt-J & The Strokes to Headline the First-Ever Landmark Music Festival to Restore the National Mall

By James Pleasant Drake, Alt-J, The Strokes and several other notable musicians are scheduled to play at the inaugural Landmark Music Festival at Washington, D.C.’s West Potomac Park on September 26-27 to raise funds and awareness for the restoration of … Continue reading

Queens of the Stone Age, Paramore and Jimmy Eat World Team Up to Launch Charity Benefiting Disabled Musicians

By Anna DiBlosi Queens of the Stone Age frontman Joshua Homme, alongside bands Paramore and Jimmy Eat World, launched the charity The Sweet Stuff Foundation to support career musicians and recording engineers with medical treatment, income assistance and more in … Continue reading

Sia Launches Mobile Game Inspired by Her Bob Hairdo in Support of Animal Rights

By Kristina Rideout Pop star Sia has long been a defender of animal rights, and now she has found a fun and creative way to support pet adoption and no-kill shelters. Along with this week’s release of the digital deluxe … Continue reading

Pete Townshend to be Honored by Bruce Springsteen at MusiCares Benefit Concert

By Billy Restivo A collection of world-renowned artists will descend on New York’s Best Buy Theater come May 28, when the MusiCares MAP Fund presents The Who’s singer/songwriter Pete Townshend and longtime manager Bill Curbishley with honorary awards. The Boss … Continue reading

Record Store Day Ambassador Dave Grohl Joins Countless Musicians to Celebrate Indie Record Stores

By Billy Restivo It’s that time of year when spring starts to poke its head out, and the welcome signs are rushing in with a breath of fresh air. Baseball parks relish in their opening-day games, Hawaiian-shirt-clad dads everywhere reclaim … Continue reading