Iggy Pop reflected on pushing the Stooges’ most acclaimed album to completion despite knowing the band was disintegrating at the time.
Raw Power, released in February 1973, became a landmark work of punk rock. In a new interview with Uncut, Pop marked its upcoming 50th anniversary by naming his favorite song from the eight-track title.
“‘Search and Destroy’ has become very popular,” he said. “My personal favorite, though, is ‘Shake Appeal.’ Because that was the only three minutes of my life when I was ever going to approximate Little Richard. It’s practically impossible for me to hit a sustained high tone like that and scream that sort of hyped-up, crazy hillbilly rock thing that I always liked.”
He allowed that “Search and Destroy” was the “record’s masterpiece,” continuing: “I knew it when we did it. I felt a sense of relief that it made me artistically secure. But I knew I was still socially fucked.”
The band, with a new lineup, had relocated to London to make the record at the invitation of David Bowie’s management company, MainMan. “I realized that there was almost no one in the world who wanted to save the Stooges,” Pop said. “I knew that there were a few malcontented, strange people out there who were actually going to like this, but there was no apparatus to gather them up.
“I knew our management didn’t want it, I knew that radio didn’t understand it and I knew that most people wouldn’t get it. On top of that, we were all one step away from becoming junkies and the ones that weren’t junkies were completely out of touch with reality. I knew what was going to happen.”
Pop insisted that MainMan had represented the band’s “best shot to do something,” and reported they’d been well-treated during their time in the U.K. “They respected us and left us alone. We were given every artistic requirement – a place to rehearse, and a good studio. The band had a nice house to live in. When I couldn’t come up with the lyrics and live with them at the same time, they put me in the basement of Blakes Hotel. I’d stick my head out and see Lord Snowdon and Princess Margaret. ‘Oh, I say, it’s Iggy Pop!'”
Despite the Stooges’ disintegration months after Raw Power was released, he added: “I had the faith that if we did our best, things would come around. Of course, they did. We were very well rewarded for that record, later. … All three Stooges albums are equal to me. But Raw Power is the high-priced spread when you’re talking about the Stooges. That’s the big one.”
Listen to Iggy and the Stooges’ ‘Shake Appeal’
Top 10 Punk Albums
You’ll find some familiar names, but also bands that didn’t sell as many records while having just as much impact.
The writer (at the back playing guitar) joins a group of music enthusiasts at Independence Square to form an alliance that believes that music heals
It all started with a wish to reach out to a world that seems to be slipping away.
After three years of Covid and lockdowns, followed by the nightmare of a crashed economy and political mayhem, everybody’s in need of help, sympathy and a degree of comfort.
But it’s hard to reach out to people in the streets. There’s a lot of mistrust. In a broken society, no one has much faith in anyone or anything.
But music is a great healer. On Christmas day, I decided to reach out to a bleak world by playing music in a public space.
I planned to go alone, but a friend volunteered to accompany me and also take a few photographs. We selected Vihara Maha Devi Park as our venue. There wasn’t the usual holiday crowd; the lack of public transport, fuel prices and cost of living inducing most people to remain home. But it was a beautiful evening and the park and the Town Hall were nicely lit.
The goal was to open a direct communication between me and the fascinating world of music and people who create marvelous sounds with all kinds of instruments, to go beyond being a listener or fan to a more proactive role as a musician
For me, it was a big psychological breakthrough as well. As an adult learner of music, I had to work very hard towards my goal of becoming a musician, and I started with the violin, a difficult instrument.
The goal was to open a direct communication between me and the fascinating world of music and people who create marvellous sounds with all kinds of instruments, to go beyond being a listener or fan to a more proactive role as a musician.
But there was an acute fear of playing for an audience. Playing for yourself at home is one thing. I remember venturing out long ago and then panic setting in.
But there comes a time when you know it’s now or never. Either it happens now or it won’t happen, ever. On Christmas day, I gathered enough nerve to venture out, and it wasn’t the same old world of complacent securities, or comfortable illusions covering up latent insecurities, that I stepped into.
But the sun sets without being overwhelmed by humanity’s myriad problems. On a good day, global warming notwithstanding, it will set a great stage for us to step out and do our thing. To go out and reach out, being comforted by the fact that you still have enough resources to offer the world a little listening pleasure.
I took the violin because it can be heard above the din of motor traffic. I played a few short pieces – Hymn for Joy from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, Greensleeves and my own composition.
I was there for just half an hour, but it made a world of difference to me. A few walkers and even a motorcyclist stopped to listen. I wasn’t asking anyone for a favour. But I was doing one for myself; in terms of self confidence and self esteem.
Musicians don’t need to retire. My age group was among the worst affected by the pandemic; leading to depression and suicide. Things only got worse last year. But, if you can play any instrument, you still have a great resource. You can go out and play, and disseminate your music via social media. You don’t need to be famous or have a band or a contract. As for antiquated laws, the police often turn a blind eye to a solitary musician on the street. Or you can go to a police station and obtain permission.
The violin sounds beautiful in the dusky light. But any instrument played well can transport us to other, better, worlds. That’s the power of music.
The same night, a friend asked me to come and play near All Saints Church, Colombo 08, after the midnight mass. As I waited on the pavement, a group of policemen came to check me.
They said people inside were alarmed that a stranger with a black case was waiting outside. After checking my ID, and once I explained why I was there, they relaxed a bit, but asked me to leave.
“Go home, have a drink and have a good night’s sleep without wasting your time,” a senior policeman told me. It was a stark reminder of the times we live in. I forgot that church audiences have been traumatised by the 2019 Easter bombings.
Nothing has been resolved, but we need to move on. The healing power of music can help. The responses to my Face Book post that night was overwhelming and surprised me. There are many people out there so pleased that you have reached out to the world with a little music making in these difficult times.
One thing leads to another. Iqbal Mohomed, driving force behind the Guitar Festival who has done more than anyone else to promote free music in Sri Lanka, called and said he was performing with others at the Independence Square on the first of January by singing Guantanamera and other songs. I decided to join them. True to his political beliefs, he was celebrating Cuba’s national day as well. I don’t engage in politics, but I believe in the power and pleasure of music. Shakespeare has said a lot about music – ‘If music be the food of love, play on’, and ‘the earth has music for those willing to listen.’ He must have been a big music fan.
Iqbal was there with his wife Gayathri Gananathapillai, and old friend Rohan Silva. Gayathri plays guitar as well as flute, while Rohan can sing and play harmonica. Iqbal brought along his piano accordion.
Again, the dusky weather was lovely as we sat between the two ponds and played. The repertoire included Guantanamera and Bob Dylan’s Where Have All the Flowers Gone, Russian and Latin American folk songs and Iqbal’s own soulful orginal ballad dedicated to national hero Monaravila Keppetipola.
The crowd wasn’t large, but we had an attentive audience. A Malaysian visitor strode over to inquire about Gayathri’s Andean flute. He said there is a similar instrument in Malaysia and Indonesia. Music can get strangers talking. That’s the power of music.
Now we plan to get together again at the same venue on February fourth. Music is addictive. I think it’s the best thing one can get addicted to. As Bob Marley said, when music hits you, you don’t feel the pain.
Country music star Hardy will be performing live at the Royal Rumble later this month.
WWE announced during Raw on Monday that Hardy will perform the single “Sold Out”, the official theme song for Royal Rumble, live on January 28 at the Alamodome in San Antonio.
Hardy appeared on Raw during a Music City Street Fight between Solo Sioka and Elias. At one point during the match, Hardy gave Elias a guitar, which Elias used to attack Sikoa with. Towards the finish, Hardy entered the ring and smashed another guitar in the back of Sikoa. However, Sikoa was unfazed by the attack. Hardy immediately left the ring as Sikoa soon picked up the victory after throwing Elias on top of a piano.
After the show ended, WWE posted an interview with Hardy, who said he wanted to help his fellow musician.
Hardy previously performed for WWE at the 2020 Tribute to the Troops event.
Gwendlyn Brown is not holding back when it comes to how she feels about Robyn Brown.
Christine Brown’s daughter has admitted that she is not close with her dad Kody Brown’s remaining wife. In a video posted to YouTube Gwendlyn filmed a reaction to the second episode of Sister Wives‘ 17th season, where she shared that she and Robyn just don’t get along.
“I don’t really like her as a person. Watching her [on Sister Wives] makes me like her less, for sure,” said Gwendlyn.
Gwendlyn also went on to praise her mother Christine’s decision to leave her father Kody.
“I was like, ‘You’re leaving? Good for you!’ She told me she was moving and divorcing my father all at the same time, so I was all hype for her,” she said.
“Obviously I love her and obviously I visit her all the time, but she was going home and I was happy for her. And I didn’t really love the relationship they had. And she’s doing really great now,” she continued.
However, she went on to share that she should not be “choosing sides” between her parents.
Watch her reaction to Robyn below:
The news of Kody’s daughter not approving of his remaining wife comes shortly after it was announced that he had split from Meri.
According to Meri, two years after the family moved to Arizona in 2020, Kody told her he didn’t consider himself and Meri married.
“He’s like, ‘I don’t even know why you called me, Meri.’ He’s like, ‘We’re not married. We’re not acting as married,'” she claims he told her.
Gwendlyn’s mother Christine left Kody prior to his split with Meri. She was the first wife who left or separated from Kody.
As 2022 comes to a close, we’re looking forward to all the new music 2023 has in store.
And it’s already looking like a promising year for country music, as several artists have announced their upcoming albums.
Here are six of the most highly-anticipated country albums of the new year so far.
Hardy
Hardy, best known for songs like “Rednecker” and “wait in the truck,” is promoting his sophomore album, The Mockingbird & the Crow, which will be released on Jan. 20, 2023.
Per his Instagram post, fans can listen to the title track and two other new songs everywhere now, while also pre-saving or pre-ordering the album.
Elle King
The singer made a splash in the pop world, but she’s ready to claim the country genre as her own as she gears up for her most country-inspired album yet. Come Get Your Wife is available for pre-order now and is set to arrive on Jan. 27, 2023.
When announcing the album on Instagram, she explained: “Remember that one time I was beating some asshole at a game and he yelled, “Come get your wife!” to my partner!?!? And I’m not even married! Lol. Thanks for the album title, babe Each track comes from influences of all genres, and I now know country music is where I belong.”
Tyler Hubbard
Tyler Hubbard is an established name in country music as one-half of Florida Georgia Line, alongside Brian Kelley, but he’s hoping to stand as a solo artist with his debut album, which will be available Jan. 27, 2023 and is available for pre-order now.
“For me to be releasing my first album as a solo artist, it means everything. I feel really proud of this music and how special it is to have the opportunity to share my personal story. Hopefully it makes you want to come to a show and hang out because most of these songs were created to play live. I can’t wait for you to hear it, I hope y’all get to know me on a deeper level, and I’m so grateful to have you all with me on this incredible journey,” he noted in the album announcement on Instagram.
Shania Twain
2022 was a good year for Shania Twain, but 2023 is going to be even better as she has already announced her Queen of Me album, her first studio album since 2017. It’s expected to arrive on Feb. 3, 2023, ahead of her “Queen of Me Tour,” which will begin in the spring. Fans can pre-order the album now and snag tickets to the tour.
“These days, I’m feeling very comfortable in my own skin – and I think this album reflects that musically. Life is short and I want to be uplifted, colorful, unapologetic and empowered. I want to carry a clear message, particularly as a woman, to always remember my power and I hope the songs are a reminder to you, of that same power inside you!” she explained of the album in a recent caption on Instagram.
Chase Rice
The country crooner is making his comeback on Feb. 10, 2023, with his “first full album since 2017,” titled I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell.
He took to Instagram to pen an emotional note for fans, stating that for “10 years, I’ve put out glimpses of who I truly am in my music, but I’ve never been able to piece it all together.” He explains that he finally deals with the loss of his dad in the album, which is one he “would have been proud of.”
He also announced his upcoming tour, writing, “Gonna be playin almost the whole “I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell” album, Eyes On You, Drinkin’ Beer, all the good stuff. Lemme know any other songs y’all wanna hear below. Tickets on sale now let’s gettttt it”
Jordan Davis
The country hitmaker is gearing up for the release of his second album, Bluebird Days, on Feb. 17, 2023.
“pumped to share new music with y’all next year,” he wrote on Instagram, along with info on how to pre-order exclusive merch bundles.
The album will include Davis’ chart-topping hit “Buy Dirt” with featured artist Luke Bryan, which was co-written by the artist with his brother Jacob, along with Matt and Josh Jenkins.
Since it’s still so early in the game, plenty of other well-known country stars, along with rising newcomers, will likely announce albums, but this is a promising start and leaves us excited for the upcoming year in country music.
Rafael Nadal is satisfied with his on-court results in 2022, given that he won two Grand Slams — a feat he considers to be a difficult ask in tennis.
The Spaniard won his 21st and 22nd Majors this year by emerging as champion at the Australian Open and the French Open. He now holds the record for most Grand Slam singles titles won by a male player.
In a recent interview with Esquire, the 36-year-old was asked to name the best and worst parts of his life this year. He expressed satisfaction with his professional life, highlighting how he has won Majors in a year in which he has been plagued with injuries.
“I think the year in general has been very good at a professional level. Two Grand Slam titles are not easily won every year and that has made me satisfied in terms of results. It is true that I have had some injuries at the beginning of the year and in the middle of the year that have prevented me from competing in other tournaments and kept me at home longer than desired,” Nadal said.
Interestingly though, Nadal himself has won multiple Majors in a calendar year on six occasions, last achieving the feat in 2019. Novak Djokovic, too, has pulled off this feat six times, and surprisingly enough, so has Roger Federer.
While this might make it seem like the said feat is easy, it is pertinent to note that no other male player, besides the Big 3, has won two Majors or more in a calendar year in the 21st century.
Nadal then reflected on a major personal milestone in his life this year, namely the birth of his son, which happened under stressful circumstances. His wife Maria endured a complicated pregnancy which kept the former World No. 1 on tenterhooks throughout the American hardcourt tour.
“On a personal level, moments of immense joy have also been combined with the birth of our son with others in which we went through complicated situations that kept us on our toes and prevented a normal development of what we were doing, in my case competing in the open USA. But in the end everything turned out well and I have the sweet taste of the year that is about to end,” he stated.
“Water is what I like the least, but what I drink the most” – Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal opening a bottle of water at the 2019 Australian Open
During the interview, Rafael Nadal was asked to pick his drink of preference amongst wine, water, and soft drinks. Unsurprisingly, he revealed that water is what he drinks the most even though it is his least favorite drink.
“To tell you the truth, maybe water is what I like the least, but what I drink the most. I like wine, but lately they have it more limited, almost forbidden, just like a soft drink that I always had with some olives and which lately I’ve had to give up,” he said.
The 22-time Grand Slam winner was also asked to name his preferred choice between rock, pop, and classical music. He divulged that he has had a soft spot for classical music from a young age given his grandfather was a conductor in an orchestra. However, the 14-time Roland Garros champion also admitted that pop singer Julio Iglesias is his favorite vocalist, and further revealed his love for reggaeton.
“Well, here I tell you that I am one of the three. My grandfather was a conductor in Manacor and he instilled in me a love for classical music as a child. Nor am I deceiving anyone by saying that my favorite singer is Julio Iglesias and that I also listen to reggaeton. I leave it there,” he expressed.
A work inspired by the brutalist architecture of Owen Luder claims the A4 Quartet Composition prize.
A work inspired by the buildings designed by renowned British ‘brutalist’ architect Owen Luder has won the 2022 A4 Brass Quartet Composition Competition.
‘Luder’s Dreams of a Castle’ by Matthew Sergeant took the £500 first prize and will now be performed by the award-winning ensemble in performances to mark their 10th anniversary.
Controversial buildings
The RNCM graduate is Reader in Music at Bath Spa University and has already gained widespread acclaim for his compositions which have been performed internationally on concert and festival platforms by ensembles including the London Symphony Orchestra and BBC Concert Orchestra, the Divertimento Ensemble (Italy), and the Nieuw Ensemble (Netherlands).
Owen Luder was a British architect who was particularly renowned for his controversial buildings of the 1960s — the brutalist style that included the Tricorn Centre in Portsmouth, Derwent Tower in Gateshead and Trinity Square in Gateshead, whose multi-storey car park featured in the film iconic British film ‘Get Carter’.
Futuristic castles
Speaking about the work he said: “Luder was particularly renowned for his buildings expressed in angular and uncompromising concrete shapes — often resembling futuristic castles.
Although not always successful or popular, Luder’s architecture was driven by utopian ideas; a personal wish to make the living and working conditions of ordinary people better. The piece presents images of both the shocking angular forms of Luder’s architecture alongside his hopes and wishes for a better world. As such, in a sense, these are Luder’s dreams of a castle.”
Owen Luder was a British architect who was particularly renowned for his controversial buildings of the 1960s4BR
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Runner-up and Under 24 winner
Runner-up from a record field of entrants was Robert Ely for his one movement work ‘Four Play’ inspired by thematic ideas of a classic scherzo.
The Under 24 Award was won by Naomi Hill, a baritone and euphonium player currently studying at the University of Huddersfield.
Her work, ‘As We Dwell’ is inspired my what she called “melodic conversations”that provide “a sense of space and serenity”- as if dwelling in the “calmness of the music”.
The other finalists were Joe Galuszka (‘Ukraine2022’); Harry Weir (‘Music in Four Parts’) and Akira Shoji (‘Sonatina’).
Well-known musician and journalist Peter Cooper recently passed away on Tuesday, December 6, at the age of 52. He died from complications from a head injury he sustained from an accident last week.
His family disclosed the news on social media, saying that he passed away in his sleep:
“We so appreciate the kind words and prayers you have offered over the past few days. Please know that they have provided Peter and us with much comfort. We will soon announce details about a celebration of life to take place in early 2023.”
Following the accident, Peter did not show any signs of improvement. The visitors, however, said that he was responding to the treatment he received.
Cooper’s friends can offer their donations instead of flowers to the Baker Cooper fund. The collected amount shall be sent to the Hall of Fame and Museum and help Cooper’s son pursue his education.
Peter Cooper pursued journalism before foraying into the world of music
Peter Cooper was initially worked in a Tennessee newspaper and later pursued a career in music (Image via jday15/Twitter)
Although Peter Cooper’s date of birth remains unknown, he was a native of South Carolina and finished his schooling in Washington, DC. He initially started his career as a journalist and later decided to pursue a career in the world of music.
Peter covered everything related to the music industry for the Tennessee newspaper until 2014. His writing style was praised by his seniors and colleagues. He later gained recognition for his work at the Country Music Hall of Fame and actively participated in their events while working in various departments.
As a musician, he collaborated with many artists and released albums like The Lloyd Green Album, The Master Sessions, and more. The albums received positive reviews from various publications and audiences. He became popular for working with Eric Brace on two albums.
Cooper received the Mission Door diploma from the Tom T. Hall School of Damn Good Songwriting. He joined the band of Todd Snider after leaving his job at a Tennessee newspaper, and the group performed on various occasions.
He had a short career as an author where he wrote a book, Johnny’s Cash & Charley’s Pride: Lasting Legends and Untold Adventures in Country Music. Bob Edwards described Cooper as a modern-day renaissance man.
His name was included in the list of 10 Most Interesting People by Nashville Arts & Entertainment Magazine. Peter Cooper performed in various places around the world with his band and as a solo artist. He also worked as a senior music writer at Nashville’s The Tennessean and was a senior lecturer at the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University.
Despite being a well-known personality, he did not have a Wikipedia page, due to which detailed information on his career is not available. Peter Cooper’s survivors include his ex-wife Charlotte, father Wiley Cooper, stepfather Al Smuzynski, stepmother Emily Cooper, brother Chris Cooper, sister-in-law Jessie Swigger, nephew Jack Cooper, and niece Madeline Cooper.
Kim Petras is getting more recognition in the music industry after her smash collaboration hit song with Sam Smith titled “Unholy” went viral on TikTok. However, not all fans were happy as the German pop star appeared to have defended herself after working with embattled music producer Dr. Luke.
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains topics surrounding sexual assault, battery, and abuse
It all started over the weekend when the “Coconuts” hitmaker tweeted “get talented or good at anything then talk to me,” which appeared to be a shade to her haters.
One user immediately called her out, replying that she should stop defending Dr. Luke first as he has a lot of controversies in the music industry.
Kim Petras defends her decision to work with Dr. Luke:
“5000000 ppl work with him why y’all only coming at me . I have nothing to say or be ashamed of at all. go away.” pic.twitter.com/I1D4KXY0Jv
Petras then doubled down her previous statements about the controversial record producer, writing, “500000 ppl work with him why y’all only coming at me. I have nothing to say or be ashamed of at all. go away.”
The pop star has since deleted her response, but many online users were able to screenshot the tweet and re-post it on the social media platform.
READ ALSO: The 1975’s Matty Healy Viral After Yelling at Security in Auto-Tune [WATCH]
After the post went viral, many users called out the singer and other musicians working with the producer, with one fan writing, “Pls stop supporting her and other artists working with luke.”
“career hasn’t even started and already needs to be cancelled,” another one wrote.
Dr. Luke’s controversy started when singer/songwriter Kesha accused him of sexual assault in 2014.
Kim Petras Cut Ties With Dr. Luke in Latest Single
In early reports, Kim Petras made a name for herself for releasing hit pop songs independently. In 2016, she moved to Los Angeles, California, to work on her music career full-time and she was signed under Prescription Songs, an imprint of Lukasz Gottwald, popularly known as Dr. Luke.
However, in her recent project, it appears that Petras has severed her ties with the embattled record producer as he wasn’t credited in the track.
In an interview with i-D Magazine, the “Can’t Do Better” songstress praised Republic Records co-president Wendy Goldstein for the latest era of her new music as she was the person who helped her write better songs.
As of this writing, Kim Petras has not confirmed whether she would stop working with Dr. Luke for good or if she would still collaborate with him on future projects.
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Northwest Indiana man receives one of the most prestigious recognitions in country music
One of the most prestigious recognitions in country music was awarded to a northwest Indiana man.
DeMOTTE, Ind. – One of the most prestigious recognitions in country music was awarded to a northwest Indiana man.
Nate Venturelli brings a sizzle and unique story to the country music stage.
“I don’t know really of any musicians preaching about unions or blue collar…I’m proud to be a union worker and write music about it,” said Venturelli, who is a union steelworker.
He rose to fame locally, in his hometown of DeMotte with his song, “Union Man”, written about his grandfather who was also a union steelworker.
“I wanted to get the union image out more than it is because it’s a great living and college really isn’t for everybody,” said Venturelli.
Last month, on the Grand Ole Opry stage, Venturelli received the Josie Music “Male Rising Star” award. The competition is the largest music awards show for independent artists in the country.
Venturelli beat out 50,000 other applicants.
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“My heart sank into my stomach. I just didn’t think it was real, you know,” he said.
Even more shocking considering the 31-year-old didn’t start singing in public until four years ago or pick up the guitar until he was 25. He’s hoping more people can relate to his music, that’s not the norm in the glitz and glamour of the Nashville music scene.
“Northwest Indiana is a big union region, all the steel mills, you have BP Refinery, all the factories up north, it’s heavily influenced my blue collar writing.”
Venturelli and his band hope to release eight more songs in the next couple years. The award has already helped them book gigs around the country.
