| TOP STORIES | Speakers and topics announced for this year's CMU+TGE conferences READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| LEGAL | R Kelly loses civil assault case by default after failing to appoint new legal team Alleged Ticketfly hacker charged with extortion READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| RELEASES | Grab some kindling and don't delay, Perfume Genius's new album is on the way Kelly Lee Owens announces second album Inner Song Jaga Jazzist return with first album since 2015 READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| ONE LINERS | Coco, UK Eurovision, Gang Of Four, more READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| AND FINALLY... | Britney Spears shares "kind of loud" foot break video READ IN THIS EMAIL | READ ON THE WEBSITE |
| Check out all the latest job opportunities with CMU Jobs. To advertise your job opportunities here email [email protected] or call 020 7099 9060. | |
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SECRETLY GROUP - PROJECT MANAGER (BLOOMINGTON/BROOKLYN/LA) Secretly Group is looking for a motivated, ambitious and enthusiastic full-time Project Manager. The position will be based in one of our three main US offices: Bloomington (IN), Brooklyn (NY), Los Angeles (CA). 2-4 years of music industry experience are essential. For more information and to apply click here. |
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UNION CHAPEL - HEAD OF EVENTS & COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES (LONDON) Union Chapel looking for an experienced Head of Events and Commercial Activities with a keen interest in events management, programming and income generation for the benefit of the arts, culture, social justice and heritage. For more information and to apply click here. |
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HELP MUSICIANS UK - CREATIVE PROGRAMME OFFICER (LONDON) As Creative Programme Officer at Help Musicians UK, you will play a key role in the innovation and delivery of our impactful programmes for musicians, ensuring we can continue to make a meaningful difference to the lives and careers of musicians for the next 100 years and beyond. For more information and to apply click here. |
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NINJA TUNE & JUST ISN'T MUSIC - SYNC CREATIVE (LONDON) Ninja Tune and Just Isn't Music are hiring a Sync Creative. The applicant will have at least five years experience in actively procuring placements in UK for advertising, film and TV. For more information and to apply click here. |
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WIENERWORLD - MARKETING/ADMIN ASSISTANT (LONDON) Independent DVD and CD distributor Wienerworld is looking for a Marketing/Admin Assistant who will be responsible for increasing our artist, press, PR and social media presence, implementing and running digital and traditional marketing campaigns, as well as assisting in various administrative office duties. For more information and to apply click here. |
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ADELPHOI MUSIC - BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT (LONDON) Adelphoi Music works with brands and agencies to create music and sound concepts for moving images. They are on the lookout for a remarkable individual to join the team in generating new business opportunities for music composition, music licensing, recording projects and artist partnerships, and to lead new business for the UK and beyond. For more information and to apply click here. |
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3TONE RECORDS - MARKETING ASSISTANT (BRISTOL) Independent label 3tone Records is looking for an enthusiastic and adaptable Marketing Assistant to join their Bristol office. You'd be assisting the Marketing department in co-ordinating social media plans, researching, executing effective advertising, creating compelling assets and liaising with external teams to serve a growing roster of genre-spanning artists. For more information and to apply click here. |
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NAME PR - PUBLICIST (LONDON) Name PR is looking to hire an accomplished communications professional with demonstrable experience. You will help lead our growing consumer division, working on exciting projects like 51st State Festival, the AIM Independent Music Awards and Ninja Tune technology releases, and clients as diverse as Jean-Michel Jarre and VP/Greensleeves Records. For more information and to apply click here. |
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EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL - MUSIC PUBLICIST (EDINBURGH) The Edinburgh International Festival is looking for an experienced, passionate and dedicated Music Publicist to join the marketing and communications team. We want you to help us deliver this unparalleled celebration of the performing arts, which brings some of the most exciting and creative artists working today to audiences from around the world. For more information and to apply click here. |
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WARP RECORDS - LEGAL AND BUSINESS AFFAIRS ASSISTANT (LONDON) Warp Records is seeking a legal and business affairs assistant to join its team in London. The role will also give the opportunity to work closely with other parts of the Warp Group, including Warp Publishing and its retail and technology businesses. For more information and to apply click here. |
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SNAPPER MUSIC - DIGITAL MARKETING COORDINATOR (LONDON) Experienced digital marketing person required to work within long established independent record company Snapper Music in central London. The label covers a broad section of music from alternative rock to metal. Knowledge of this music genre is not essential but a passion for digital marketing is. For more information and to apply click here. |
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CHERRY RED RECORDS - SYNC MANAGER (LONDON) Cherry Red Records is looking for a dynamic, self-motivated Sync Manager to join its existing team. Applicants must have a good level of experience and contacts in the world of synchronisation, and an interest in music's rich and varied past. For more information and to apply click here. |
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PRS FOR MUSIC - CONTENT EDITOR (LONDON) PRS For Music is looking for an experienced Content Editor with a flair for creating engaging copy and rich media to play an integral role in the organisation's Creative Services team. For more information and to apply click here. |
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DOMINO - HEAD OF MARKETING (LONDON) Domino Recording Company seeks a full time UK Head of Marketing. The Head of Marketing will lead Domino's marketing strategy delivering compelling and innovative (digital-first) experiences to engage our artist's audiences. For more information and to apply click here. |
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SECRETLY GROUP - OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR (LONDON) Secretly Group/Secretly Distribution requires an Office Administrator. Located in the Shoreditch office, this is the perfect position for anyone with office administration or management experience. For more information and to apply click here. |
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ERASED TAPES - DIGITAL CONTENT & COMMUNITY MANAGER (LONDON) Erased Tapes is seeking a dynamic and highly organised digital creative to develop engaging content for strategic social media campaigns around our artist releases, tours and label events across all platforms, working 2-3 days per week. For more information and to apply click here. |
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MINDS ON FIRE - PUBLISHING ASSISTANT (LONDON) Minds On Fire is looking for an aspiring professional with outstanding administration skills to join our team based out of its new office in Kings Cross, London. The ideal candidate will have had some music publishing experience in a relevant role either as an employee or as an intern. For more information and to apply click here. |
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YOUR ARMY - INFLUENCER PROMOTIONS MANAGER (LONDON) This role is to launch a new exciting service at Your Army, creating moments in the real world that will impact on the digital space. The ideal candidate will have a comprehensive understanding of Influencer and DJ culture and a love of pop, dance and urban music. For more information and to apply click here. |
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AUDIO NETWORK - COPYRIGHT ADMINISTRATOR (LONDON) Audio Network is looking for an experienced and highly organised Copyright Administrator to join its publishing team, responsible for the end-to-end copyright and royalty payment processes through registering and managing PRO works data (via CWR), to running royalty distributions to our composers/artists. For more information and to apply click here. |
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STAY LOOSE - SENIOR PRESS OFFICER (UK - FLEXIBLE) Stay Loose is hiring for a full-time publicist with at least two years of PR experience. The ideal candidate will be driven, highly-organised and with proven experience in managing campaigns for returning names and helping break new artists. For more information and to apply click here. |
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ADELPHOI MUSIC - PRODUCER/MUSIC SUPERVISOR (LONDON) Adelphoi Music is seeking a Producer/Music Supervisor to join its London team. You will manage production and music supervision ensuring high-quality output in order to increase conversion rate. For more information and to apply click here. |
Speakers and topics announced for this year's CMU+TGE conferences
Today we publish topic outlines and announce initial speakers for this year's three CMU+TGE conferences which take place as part of The Great Escape in Brighton this May. Once again CMU will present a full-day of sessions around three different topics: music education, music media and global music markets.
The Music Education Conference on Wednesday 13 May brings to life all the work of CMU's Pathways Into Music project, which is mapping music careers and exploring the respective role of music education and the music industry in supporting future music talent.
The conference will ask those at the start of their music careers what information, knowledge and resources they need in order to progress. It will look at why creative entrepreneurship should be included in the music curriculum, and what that means. It will put the spotlight on collaborations between educators and industry. And ask, if we could write a music curriculum from scratch, what would it look like?
Among the speakers already confirmed are Darren Hemmings from Motive Unknown, Erika Thomas from the Watermelon Agency, Mark Lippman from Scruff Of The Neck, entrepreneurial artist Eckoes and music consultant Vick Bain.
The Music Media Conference on Thursday 14 May will put the spotlight on how consumers are interacting with media and influencers in 2020, and what that means for the way artists, labels, managers and promoters go about marketing their music and events.
The conference will begin by asking what we even mean by music media in 2020, before checking in on all the different publications, stations, platforms and people who influence music fans today. We'll then dissect the podcasting business, looking at how podcasters find audiences, make money and promote new artists. We'll consider the latest trends in sync and the way the licensing of music in TV is changing. And then debate an artist's freedom of expression, and when they might not want to use it.
Among the speakers already confirmed are Simon Pursehouse from Sentric Music, Jason Cator from Spotify, Xanthe Fuller from Mixcloud, Sophie Paluch from Blueprint Pods and Anya Du Souzy from Warner Music/Parlophone.
The Global Markets Conference on Friday 15 May - supported by BPI - will explore the key differences, challenges and opportunities in streaming, touring and social media in each key region of the world, as well as championing best practice export strategies.
The conference will begin with a speedy overview of each regional music market, summarising trends in streaming, touring and social. We'll then ask some leading artist managers what they learned when they took their artists into new territories for the first time. We'll look at the tools and tactics for better music export. And then we'll ask whether singing in English still gives an artist an advantage if they want to go global.
Among the speakers already confirmed are Amanda Carmichael from PPL, Ed Peto from Outdustry, Mathew Daniel from NetEase Cloud Music, Sami Valkonen from PRS For Music and Vladimir Philippov from Heaven11.
To get access to all of this - plus the wider TGE Conference which includes partner panels, networking sessions and the AIM House programme - you need to get yourself a delegate or conference pass. Standalone day tickets are also available for the Music Education Conference for just £75.
The line-up is also rapidly growing for the TGE festival, with more than 130 acts added just this week, including the likes of Fontaines DC, Nasty Cherry, Gang Of Youths, Ashnikko and Blanco Brown. Live Nation and the Country Music Association will also bring their new Next From Nashville initiative to Brighton. Plus details have been announced about this year's Late Escape, featuring a late night programme of the best dance and electronic artists at Brighton's Patterns venue on the Friday and Saturday nights of the festival.
R Kelly loses civil assault case by default after failing to appoint new legal team
A woman who sued R Kelly over allegations of sexual abuse has been awarded a default judgement in her favour, after the musician failed to meet a deadline to appoint new legal representation. His former attorneys in the case withdrew last month, saying they felt "that circumstances have evolved that prevent the counsels from zealously advocating on behalf of the defendant".
The case was filed against Kelly last year by Heather Williams. She says that she met the singer in 1998 when she was sixteen and initially agreed to spend time with him at his studio because he promised to put her in a music video. Instead, she says, they then began a sexual relationship which she now views as abusive.
The judge already made a default judgement in Williams' favour last April after Kelly failed to respond to her complaint. However, his attorneys then successfully argued that the case should be reopened. The reason Kelly had not responded, they said, was that his illiteracy meant that he could not read the summons he had been sent, so he did not know that there was a civil case against him.
The lawyers then attempted to get the case dismissed on the grounds that the statute of limitations had expired. The judge denied this request, saying that it was reasonable for Williams to argue that, as a minor at the time, she had not realised that the relationship was abusive until years later.
Then last month, attorneys Zaid Abdallah, Shady Yassin and Raed Shalabi filed a motion to cease representing Kelly, saying that they no longer felt able to. This was granted and Kelly was given 21 days to appoint new attorneys. That deadline passed this week and, it having not been met, the judge ruled in Williams' favour by default (again).
Kelly is currently in prison awaiting trials on criminal charges relating to sexual abuse in Chicago, New York and Minnesota. He also faces a number of civil cases on other matters, including unpaid child support and attempts to evict him from his Chicago recording studio - a second lawsuit on that latter case was filed by his landlord last week, claiming that Kelly now owes $3.4 million for unpaid rent and damage to the building.
It is likely that Kelly will be ordered to pay financial damages to Williams. A final hearing on the litigation is now set for 10 Mar.
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Alleged Ticketfly hacker charged with extortion
A criminal action has been launched in the US against the man accused of hacking the Ticketfly website in 2018, exposing the personal information of around 27 million of the ticketing firm's customers, and forcing its operations offline entirely for several days.
When the Ticketfly website went down at the end of May 2018, the company - by that point owned by Eventbrite - said that "following a series of recent issues with Ticketfly properties, we've determined that Ticketfly has been the target of a cyber incident".
It went on: "Out of an abundance of caution, we have taken all Ticketfly systems temporarily offline as we continue to look into the issue. We are working to bring our systems back online as soon as possible. Please check back later".
In subsequent statements, the company confirmed it had been hacked and - while no credit or debit card information had been accessed - other personal information linked to about 27 million Ticketfly accounts had been taken.
At the time, Vice's tech site Motherboard reported that it had spoken to the hacker, who went by the ID IsHaKdZ. He told the Vice site that he'd warned the ticketing company of a vulnerability that gave him access to the firm's entire database and website. He'd apparently offered to explain what that vulnerability was in return for one bitcoin.
IsHaKdZ is seemingly Moulay O Ishak, who is now facing criminal charges for "extortion in relation to damage to a protected computer". Legal papers filed by the FBI earlier this month say that the maximum penalty for that crime is three years in jail and a $250,000 fine.
Outlining the alleged crime, the FBI's papers state: "On or about 27 May 2018, and continuing to at least 31 May 2018, in the Northern District of California and elsewhere, the defendant, with intent to extort from Ticketfly money and other things of value, transmitted in interstate and foreign commerce a communication containing a demand and request for money and other things of value in relation to damage to a protected computer, to wit, Ticketfly's servers, where such damage was caused to facilitate the extortion".
Eventbrite has welcomed the development. It said in a statement: "We're pleased to see that the alleged perpetrator of the malicious attack on Ticketfly that occurred in 2018 has been identified and indicted. We appreciate the efforts of the FBI and the United States Attorney's Office in their continued pursuit of justice and for seeking closure for all involved".
| Approved: Song Sung Twin sisters Georgina and Una McGeough grew up in Monaghan, Ireland, but only began making music together when they moved to New York around a decade ago. By the time they began working with David Holmes in 2015 - on their debut album that is due for release later this year - they'd amassed over 600 songs. Their first encounter with Holmes came when they recorded a cover of 10CC's 'I'm Not In Love' for his 'LateNightTales' compilation. From there, they continued speaking, ultimately working together on the Song Sung album. "We were very excited to work with David, the whole process was amazing and such a privilege - a golden collaboration", says Una. "He got us immediately". Describing their unusual creative process, Georgina explains: "We make melodies using alternative ways, but we also dabble in software. In the beginning, we created melodies by using our own vocals over some of our favourite music. Our first apartment in the East Village was located above a bar and our back room was situated directly above the DJ booth. This is going to sound ridiculous, but it's true, we started making melodies over the bass of the tracks coming through the floor from the bar below". It might sound ridiculous, but the influence of that way of working remains in their debut single 'Come To The Water'. The track is taken from an EP, titled 'I Surrender', which precedes the full album. That EP - composed by Holmes with longtime collaborator Keefus Ciancia - is out on 27 Mar. "'Come To The Water' is a song caught somewhere between obsession and vulnerability", says Georgina. "There's a fragility in the tone, a yearning within and an uncertainty in the end". 'I Surrender' is out on 27 Mar. Watch the video for 'Come To The Water' here. Stay up to date with all of the artists featured in the CMU Approved column by subscribing to our Spotify playlist. |
Grab some kindling and don't delay, Perfume Genius's new album is on the way
Perfume Genius has announced that he will release his fifth album, 'Set My Heart On Fire Immediately', in May.
"I wanted to feel more open, more free and spiritually wild", he says. "I'm in a place now where those feelings are very close - but it can border on being unhinged. I wrote these songs as a way to be more patient, more considered - to pull at all these chaotic threads hovering around me and weave them into something warm, thoughtful and comforting".
The first single from the album is 'Describe', of which he says: "It started as a really sombre ballad. It was very minimal and very slow. And then it turned into this beast of a song. I started writing about when you are in such a dark place that you don't even remember what goodness is or what anything feels like. And so, the idea was having someone describe that to you, because you forgot or can't get to it".
The track's video, which he directed himself, envisions - he adds - "an end of the world where there are no boundaries, there are no edges, no rules, or the rules are completely new with how you interact with each other and the space around you".
The album is out on 15 May through Matador. Check out 'Describe' here.
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Kelly Lee Owens announces second album Inner Song
Kelly Lee Owens has formally announced her second album, which is 100% the most exciting thing that has or will happen this week. Titled 'Inner Song', the album's announcement is accompanied by new single 'Melt!' - a track inspired by climate change, both lyrically and down to the samples of glaciers melting that sit within it.
"I wanted to create something that sounded hard but with organic samples", she says. "I felt those were great representations of what's happening in the world, that every moment you're breathing and sleeping, this is taking place".
As well as the global issues, the album is also influenced by personal issues faced by Owens in the three years since she released her debut. A period she describes as "the hardest three years of my life".
"My creative life and everything I'd worked for up to that point was deeply impacted", she says. "I wasn't sure if I could make anything anymore, and it took quite a lot of courage to get to a point where I could create again. [The album's title] really reflects what it felt like to make this record. I did a lot of inner work in the past few years, and this is a true reflection of that".
'Inner Song' is out on 1 May. Listen to 'Melt!' here.
You'll also be able to see Owens live in a number of places over the next few months. This Friday, she'll be DJing at the Southbank Centre in London before a headline set by Plaid. She'll also play two festival season warm-up shows at Patterns in Brighton on 6 May and Yes in Manchester on 8 May.
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Jaga Jazzist return with first album since 2015
Jaga Jazzist have announced that they will release their first album for five years in April. Titled 'Pyramid', the follow-up to 2015's 'Starfire' will also be their first release through Brainfeeder - the band having previously put out music through its sister label Ninja Tune.
Taking a different approach to the making of 'Starfire' - which was painstakingly constructed over a two year period with Jørgen Træen - 'Pyramid' was recorded over an intense two weeks, the five members of the band holed up alone in a Swedish woodland location.
"The most important thing is that we didn't want to over-analyse every musical idea", says drummer Martin Horntveth. "We wanted to follow the first and original idea and keep the freshness. It was hard but felt natural to [produce the record] ourselves, as five of us are producers and make records for a living".
Commenting on the finished result, frontman Lars Hontveth adds: "I felt that this album is a small symphony, each part containing its own rooms to explore".
The album is out on 24 Apr, and you can hear one of its four tracks, 'Spiral Era', now. The band will also play a UK show at London's Islington Assembly Hall on 6 May.
DEALS
Sentric Music has signed a new long-term publishing deal with grime MC and producer Coco, he having spent a number of years utilising the company's publishing services on a more basic 28 day commitment deal. "Sentric have always passionately worked his music with a very friendly and approachable demeanour, so it was a no-brainer to move this into a long-term commitment", says his manager Helena Antoniades.
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APPOINTMENTS
Universal Music India has promoted Vinit Thakkar to COO for India and South Asia, and hired Gaurav Chaturvedi as VP Domestic Labels. Meanwhile, Pranav Thakker has been named General Manager of New Business Development at Universal Music Group Brands for the same region. "The potential for artist talent and creativity in India is huge", reckons Adam Granite, Executive Vice President of Market Development at UMG.
Downtown's Songtrust has hired Rob Wetstone as Head Of Client Relations. He was previously VP Of Digital Strategy & Operations at RED Distribution. Songtrust has also promoted Sean McGraw to Global Head Of Rights Management Operations, and Dewayne Ector to Global Head Of Partner Relations & Income Tracking.
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RELEASES
Having removed public voting from the selection process, the BBC has announced that James Newman will represent the UK at this year's Eurovision Song Contest with the song 'My Last Breath'. As expected, taking the public out of the equation hasn't really helped matters.
Gang Of Four have released their final EP, recorded shortly before the recent death of guitarist Andy Gill. "From the hospital, Andy continued to give final notes on mixes of music that he looked forward to releasing", Gill's wife Catherine Mayer tells Consequence Of Sound. "Since his death, I have been working with the band to fulfil his vision. The only change we have made is to include on the EP two brief recordings of Andy speaking, both, in different ways, essence of Andy".
Mabel has released new single 'Boyfriend'.
Lianna La Havas has released new single 'Bittersweet'. "I'd forgotten how much I love singing", she says of making the track. "I've tapped into the best and worst parts of me and while I didn't expect this to be the new direction, it's my reality and its driven by emotion".
Dan Le Sac has released new EP 'Promise Of A New Life'. "I enjoyed the freedom of [previous EP] 'The Death Of Me' so much, I wanted to do it again", he says. "So here it is in all its tape fluff and distorted glory".
Former Maccabees frontman Orlando Weeks has released his debut solo single 'Safe In Sound'. He will also be touring in March. Tickets on sale now.
Phoebe Bridgers has released new single 'Golden Song'.
Shabazz Palaces will release new album, 'The Don Of Diamond Dreams', through Sub Pop on 17 Apr. From it, this is first single 'Faster Learner', featuring Purple Tape Nate.
Car Seat Headrest will release new album 'Making A Door Less Open' through Matador on 1 May. The album was recorded twice - once with live instruments as CSH, and as performed by electronic side-project 1 Trait Danger. The final version of the album then blends these two recordings together. Here's first single 'Can't Cool Me Down'.
Liturgy have released new single 'Pasaqalia II', a reworking of 'Pasaqalia' from the band's 2019 album 'HAQQ'.
Rina Sawayama has released the video for her latest single 'Commes Des Garçons (Like The Boys)'.
Dirty Projectors have released new single 'Overlord'.
The Naked And Famous have released new single 'Come As You Are'. "It started out as a song about how everyone comes into a new relationship with history and baggage, and how you shouldn't let that stop you from making a connection", says the duo's Alisa Xayalith. "But ultimately it's about accepting people for who they really are, and recognising that everyone deserves love".
Minor Science has announced that he will release his debut album, 'Second Language', on 3 Apr. From it, this is lead single 'Blue Deal'.
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GIGS & TOURS
Kim Gordon is heading out on her first ever solo tour this summer, with UK dates in Manchester on 27 May and Bristol on 28 May. Tickets are on sale now.
Check out our weekly Spotify playlist of new music featured in the CMU Daily - updated every Friday.
Britney Spears shares "kind of loud" foot break video
Britney Spears has shared a video of herself breaking her foot, because she knows what the people really want. The singer's boyfriend Sam Asghari revealed on social media last week that she had broken the metatarsal bone in her foot while dancing.
"I haven't danced in six months so I was full throttle at this spot", she says, captioning a clip of herself dancing to the Kings Of Leon's 'Sex On Fire' on Instagram. "And yes, I know I'm barefoot. Don't laugh but I grip the floor better that way".
"PS", she adds casually, "you can hear where I broke my foot here. Sorry it's kind of loud!"
Is this a warning not to dance barefoot? I don't know, but I'm not going to risk it. Especially as I have now watched Britney Spears break her foot twelve times trying to figure this out, which I think is enough. Either way, from now on I'm always going to make sure I put on my slippers before jumping around the living room.
Revealing the injury last week, Asghari wrote in his own Instagram post: "When you break something it tends to heal stronger, especially when you're my girl. My lioness broke her metatarsal bone on her foot doing what she loves which is dancing. Wishing her the best recovery so she can jump, run, and dance her butt off".
Scientists have not yet fully explained the healing qualities of being Asghari's girl.
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