23-year-old rapper and artist, Kojaque is redefining Ireland’s music scene. The young artist, all the way from Cabra was listed by NME in January as one of the 100 new artists that they expect to do very big things in the coming year. Kojaque, whose real name is Kevin Smith, has been building a name for himself since 2015 and is heading to the States for SXSW in Texas this year. Kojaque sparked interested around the UK with the release of the music video for his song, ‘Midnight Flower’. In the video, the artist holds his breath underwater for a full three minutes as he raps and tries to swallow tablets while growing more oxygen deprived. One cannot help taking mini breathers during this captivating video. Kojaque is a creative, capable young artist who graduated from DIT with a BA in Fine Art. Alongside musician and singer-songwriter Kean Kavanagh and rapper Luka Palm, he also runs a record label called ‘Soft Boy’. If you haven’t listened to Kojaque yet, it’s time you started. There is no doubt that Kojaque is well positioned within the music scene and will continue to integrate his unique means of expression in his musical works.
Amongst The Myriad
‘Meet The Temptations’ Released 55 Years Ago, Today
With the 20th anniversary of the Temptations released their debut album ‘Meet the Temptations’ today, 55 years ago. The album was released on the Gordy (Motown) later and the lineup consisted of artists Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams and newest Temptation Davis (later David) Ruffin. Due to the fact that Ruffin only joined the act three months before the release, he only appears on ‘The Way You Do The Things You Do’. Elbridge “Al” Bryant, the original Temptation, who was fired from the group in December 1963, features on all of the album’s tracks. Initially, the album was only issued in monaural sound and a stereo remix of the album was made available in 1966. Bonus tracks were added in 1999. Although The Temptations gained local success in the midwest, the group released six singles that did not make it to the Top 100 Pop & R&B charts.
Metallica Announces 20th Anniversary ’S&M²’ Celebration Show
With the 20th anniversary of their ’S&M’ album, Metallica have announced a special celebration performance labelled ’S&M²’. The band will reunite with the San Francisco Orchestra who supported them on the live album and DVD. This upcoming celebration spectacular serves as a component of the grand opening of the new Chase Centre, the new home of the Golden State Warriors, in San Francisco. During a statement, Lars Ulrich and James Hatfield stated: “Please join us for this one-night-only show as we celebrate the addition of what is sure to become a cultural landmark in the Bay Area. We’re thrilled to be invited to be a part of it and humbled to be sharing the stage with the legendary MTT and the city’s finest musicians in the San Francisco Symphony.” The original album, composed by Michael Kamen, served as a tribute to the band’s late bassist, Cliff Burton and his love for classical music. ‘S&M²’ will be taking place on September 6, this year.
The Motortown Revue, London 1965
Today, 54 years ago, The Motortown Revue arrived at the Finsbury Park Astoria, London, England for the first night of their UK package tour. The group was set to visit 21 theatres around the UK for two shows a night and a live TV special. Features included the Supremes, Martha & The Vandellas, Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and then 14 year-old Stevie Wonder backed by the Funk Brothers. The tour then was an important milestone in Motown’s international expansion and crucial in Motown breaking the UK.
The Raconteurs Announce New Album
Three days ago, The Raconteurs confirmed that they finally finished their long-anticipated third album. This album, yet to be titled, will be the band’s first LP since 2008’s ‘Consolers Of The Lonely’. Their debut, ‘Broken Boy Soldiers’, was released two years earlier in 2006. Last year, the four-four-piece announced that they were planning a new record after releasing singles, ‘Sunday Driver’ and ‘Now That You’re Gone’. The band, consisting of members Jack White, Brendon Benson, Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler, were last active in 2011.