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  • You Can Add ABBA and the White Stripes to the Long List of Musical Acts Who Want Nothing to Do With Donald Trump

    You Can Add ABBA and the White Stripes to the Long List of Musical Acts Who Want Nothing to Do With Donald Trump

    One week after the Foo Fighters went after Donald Trump for using their music at a campaign event and said any royalties generated as a result will be donated to Kamala Harris’s campaign, White Stripes frontman Jack White similarly made clear that his group wants nothing to do with the ex-president.

    After a Trump campaign aide used a clip of the band’s song “Seven Nation Army” in a pro-Trump social media post, White wrote on Instagram, “Don’t even think about using my music you fascists. Law suit coming from my lawyers about this (to add to your 5 thousand others.) Have a great day at work today Margo Martin.” (Martin is Trump’s deputy director of communications.) White added, “And as long as I’m here, a double fuck you DonOLD for insulting our nation’s veterans at Arlington you scum. You should lose every military family’s vote immediately from that if ANYTHING makes sense anymore.” (Two members of the Trump campaign reportedly had a “verbal and physical altercation” with an Arlington National Cemetery official this week. A spokesperson for the campaign denied the physical-altercation aspect of the story, but the Army said in a statement that it absolutely occurred.)

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    A spokesperson for the Trump campaign did not immediately respond to Vanity Fair’s request for comment.

    White’s words for Team Trump came the same day that the Swedish musical act ABBA demanded the ex-president stop using its music, telling Swedish newspaper Svenska Dagbladet, “We, together with the members of [ABBA], have discovered that videos have been released where Abba’s music has been used at Trump’s events and have requested that such use be immediately taken down and removed. Universal Music Publishing AB and Polar Music International AB have not received any request, so no permission or license has been granted to Trump.” (In a statement, the Trump campaign told The Washington Post it had a “license to play ABBA music” through an agreement with Broadcast Music and the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers.)

    Other artists who’ve taken issue with being associated with Trump include Céline Dion, Beyoncé, and the estate of the late Sinéad O’Connor. In 2018, Axl Rose of Guns N’ Roses tweeted, “The Trump campaign is using loopholes in the various venues’ blanket performance licenses which were not intended for such craven political purposes, without the songwriters’ consent. Can u say ‘shitbags?!’”

    JD Vance’s campaign appearances continue to go great

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    Bess Levin

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  • ABBA tells Trump campaign to stop using their music

    ABBA tells Trump campaign to stop using their music

    ABBA is requesting that former President Donald Trump stop using their music for his presidential campaign, after the group became aware of unauthorized use of its songs at a recent rally.A representative for ABBA told CNN that the Trump campaign did not request or obtain permission from the group or its label, Universal Music.In a statement to CNN, a representative for the band said: “ABBA has recently discovered the unauthorized use of their music and videos at a Trump event through videos that appeared online. As a result, ABBA and its representative has promptly requested the removal and deletion of such content. No request has been received; therefore, no permission or license has been granted.”A Trump official told CNN: “The campaign had a license to play ABBA music through our agreement with BMI and ASCAP.”BMI and ASCAP are Performance Rights Organizations based in the U.S. For a political campaign to play music at a rally, a license from a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) is required. Even with a PRO license, artists and songwriters have various rights of approval, depending how a song is used in a rally, according to legal experts.Attorney Heidy Vaquerano, a Los Angeles-based partner at the law firm Fox Rothschild who specializes in music, explained to CNN that if a song is used with video images, it could require an additional license.”The campaign would need to reach out to the respective songwriters of the musical composition through their publisher and the artist’s record label for permission. The publisher, in turn, would go to the artist for their approval for the use,” Vaquerano told CNN.ABBA joins a growing list of artists who have spoken out against Trump using their music for campaign purposes.The rock band Foo Fighters said they did not authorize the Trump campaign to use their song “My Hero,” which was played at a rally in Arizona.Trump’s campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung told CNN they did “have a license to play the song.” A representative for Foo Fighters told CNN the band was not asked permission by the Trump campaign.The feud between Trump and Foo Fighters highlights a now-familiar tension between some musicians and the campaign, which despite obtaining certain licenses are faced with artists who do not want their music being aligned with Trump’s politics.More artists speak outRocker Jack White has also condemned the Trump campaign for using his music in a social media video.On Thursday, Trump’s Deputy Director of Communications Margo Martin posted a video on X of the former president boarding a plane that was set to The White Stripes’ hit song “Seven Nation Army.”White wrote a strongly-worded post on his Instagram that read in part: “Don’t even think about using my music.” He said he intended to file a lawsuit.The video was removed from Martin’s X account shortly after White’s post.CNN has reached out to the Trump campaign and representatives for White for comment.This is not the first time the Trump campaign has pulled down a social media video, after a star objected and threatened legal action.Earlier this month, Cheung posted a video of Trump on X that was set to Beyoncé’s song “Freedom.” Beyoncé’s label reportedly threatened the Trump campaign with a cease and desist for the social media video. It was shortly taken down after. (CNN has reached out to a representative for Beyoncé.)CNN previously reported that Beyoncé gave her sign-off to Kamala Harris to use “Freedom” as her official campaign song.At a Trump rally in Montana earlier in August, Celine Dion’s song and video for “My Heart Will Go On” was played, prompting her team to speak out. “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use,” the singer’s team said in a statement.The estate of soul singer Isaac Hayes filed a copyright infringement suit against Trump for using the soul artist’s songs at rallies, so far becoming the only musician to take legal action against the campaign. A hearing on the matter is set for next week.Trump has been using music from artists who don’t support him for years.During his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, musicians including Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Phil Collins, Neil Young, Pharrell, Rolling Stones, Adele, Guns N’ Roses and the estates of the Beatles and Prince all spoke out against Trump for using their music.

    ABBA is requesting that former President Donald Trump stop using their music for his presidential campaign, after the group became aware of unauthorized use of its songs at a recent rally.

    A representative for ABBA told CNN that the Trump campaign did not request or obtain permission from the group or its label, Universal Music.

    In a statement to CNN, a representative for the band said: “ABBA has recently discovered the unauthorized use of their music and videos at a Trump event through videos that appeared online. As a result, ABBA and its representative has promptly requested the removal and deletion of such content. No request has been received; therefore, no permission or license has been granted.”

    A Trump official told CNN: “The campaign had a license to play ABBA music through our agreement with BMI and ASCAP.”

    BMI and ASCAP are Performance Rights Organizations based in the U.S. For a political campaign to play music at a rally, a license from a Performance Rights Organization (PRO) is required. Even with a PRO license, artists and songwriters have various rights of approval, depending how a song is used in a rally, according to legal experts.

    Attorney Heidy Vaquerano, a Los Angeles-based partner at the law firm Fox Rothschild who specializes in music, explained to CNN that if a song is used with video images, it could require an additional license.

    “The campaign would need to reach out to the respective songwriters of the musical composition through their publisher and the artist’s record label for permission. The publisher, in turn, would go to the artist for their approval for the use,” Vaquerano told CNN.

    ABBA joins a growing list of artists who have spoken out against Trump using their music for campaign purposes.

    The rock band Foo Fighters said they did not authorize the Trump campaign to use their song “My Hero,” which was played at a rally in Arizona.

    Trump’s campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung told CNN they did “have a license to play the song.” A representative for Foo Fighters told CNN the band was not asked permission by the Trump campaign.

    The feud between Trump and Foo Fighters highlights a now-familiar tension between some musicians and the campaign, which despite obtaining certain licenses are faced with artists who do not want their music being aligned with Trump’s politics.

    More artists speak out

    Rocker Jack White has also condemned the Trump campaign for using his music in a social media video.

    On Thursday, Trump’s Deputy Director of Communications Margo Martin posted a video on X of the former president boarding a plane that was set to The White Stripes’ hit song “Seven Nation Army.”

    White wrote a strongly-worded post on his Instagram that read in part: “Don’t even think about using my music.” He said he intended to file a lawsuit.

    The video was removed from Martin’s X account shortly after White’s post.

    CNN has reached out to the Trump campaign and representatives for White for comment.

    This is not the first time the Trump campaign has pulled down a social media video, after a star objected and threatened legal action.

    Earlier this month, Cheung posted a video of Trump on X that was set to Beyoncé’s song “Freedom.” Beyoncé’s label reportedly threatened the Trump campaign with a cease and desist for the social media video. It was shortly taken down after. (CNN has reached out to a representative for Beyoncé.)

    CNN previously reported that Beyoncé gave her sign-off to Kamala Harris to use “Freedom” as her official campaign song.

    At a Trump rally in Montana earlier in August, Celine Dion’s song and video for “My Heart Will Go On” was played, prompting her team to speak out. “In no way is this use authorized, and Celine Dion does not endorse this or any similar use,” the singer’s team said in a statement.

    The estate of soul singer Isaac Hayes filed a copyright infringement suit against Trump for using the soul artist’s songs at rallies, so far becoming the only musician to take legal action against the campaign. A hearing on the matter is set for next week.

    Trump has been using music from artists who don’t support him for years.

    During his 2016 and 2020 campaigns, musicians including Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Phil Collins, Neil Young, Pharrell, Rolling Stones, Adele, Guns N’ Roses and the estates of the Beatles and Prince all spoke out against Trump for using their music.

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  • ABBA, Blondie, The Notorious B.I.G. among 2024’s additions to National Recording Registry

    ABBA, Blondie, The Notorious B.I.G. among 2024’s additions to National Recording Registry

    ABBA, Biggie, Blondie and Rudolph are entering America’s audio canon. New inductees into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress include ABBA’s 1976 album “Arrival,” The Notorious B.I.G.‘s 1994 album “Ready to Die,” Blondie’s 1978 breakthrough “Parallel Lines” and Gene Autry’s 1949 version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

    Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced the 25 new titles in the class of 2024 on Tuesday, saying in a statement that they are “worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.”

    “Arrival” was the disco-tinged fourth album from the Swedish supergroup ABBA, and included their hits “Dancing Queen,” “Money, Money, Money” and “Fernando.”

    In 2021, CBS News correspondent Seth Doane asked members Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus what they thought are the ingredients for a good pop song.

    “I think a pop song should have something that you don’t expect it to have,” Andersson replied. “You recognize it when you hear it.”

    Ulvaeus added, “Simple, yet very innocent.”

    From left, Abba members Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog and Bjorn Ulvaeus pose for a picture in 1974 in Stockholm after winning the Swedish branch of the Eurovision Song Contest with their song
    From left, ABBA members Benny Andersson, Anni-Frid Lyngstad, Agnetha Faltskog and Bjorn Ulvaeus pose for a picture in 1974 in Stockholm after winning the Swedish branch of the Eurovision Song Contest with their song “Waterloo.”

    Olle Lindeborg/AFP via Getty Images


    Blondie and singer Deborah Harry had their commercial breakthrough with “Parallel Lines,” an album with a famous striped black-and-white cover that featured “Heart of Glass.” It’s joined this year by another new wave classic from the same year, the self-titled debut album by the Cars.

    The Notorious B.I.G.’s 1994 album “Ready to Die” featuring “Juicy” and “Big Poppa,” the only album released during his life, headlines hip-hop entries that also include “La-Di-Da-Di” — Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s 1985 single.

    Rapper Notorious B.I.G., aka Biggie Smalls, rolls a cigar outside his mother's house in Brooklyn, New York, Jan. 18, 1995.
    Rapper Notorious B.I.G., aka Biggie Smalls, rolls a cigar outside his mother’s house in Brooklyn, New York, Jan. 18, 1995.

    Clarence Davis/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images


    Puerto Rican singer Héctor Lavoe’s signature song, 1978’s “El Cantante,” written by Ruben Blades, will enter the registry, along with Mexican singer Juan Gabriel’s 1990 tribute to his mother, “Amor Eterno.”

    Other titles deemed to be among “the defining sounds of the nation’s history and culture” are Jefferson Airplane’s 1967 album “Surrealistic Pillow,” Green Day’s 1994 album “Dookie” and the Chicks’ 1998 “Wide Open Spaces.”

    Lily Tomlin’s 1971 album of sketches “This Is a Recording” is the only comedy and the only non-musical recording on this year’s list.

    Autry, the singing cowboy who was among America’s biggest stars in the mid-20th century, recorded the definitive version of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Last year a newer holiday perennial, Mariah Carey’s, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” joined the registry, which now has 650 titles.

    “Rocket ’88′” by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats, the 1951 single that some argue was the first rock ‘n’ roll song, is also on the list.

    Career-defining singles from several canonical artists are also entering the registry, including “Chances Are,” from Johnny Mathis, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” from Bobby McFerrin,” “The Tennessee Waltz” from Patti Page and “Ain’t No Sunshine” from Bill Withers.

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  • ABBA, Blondie, And The Notorious B.I.G. Enter The National Recording Registry – KXL

    ABBA, Blondie, And The Notorious B.I.G. Enter The National Recording Registry – KXL

    FILE – Notorious B.I.G., who won rap artist and rap single of the year, clutches his awards at the podium during the Billboard Music Awards in New York, on evening, Dec. 6, 1995. Albums from ABBA, Blondie and the Notorious B.I.G. are entering the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. They’re among the 25 titles announced Tuesday, April 16, 2024, that have been selected for preservation as “defining sounds of the nation’s history and culture.” (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)

    LOS ANGELES (AP) — ABBA, Biggie, Blondie and Rudolph are entering America’s audio canon.

    New inductees into the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress include ABBA ‘s 1976 album “Arrival,” The Notorious B.I.G. ‘s 1994 album “Ready to Die,” Blondie ‘s 1978 breakthrough “Parallel Lines” and Gene Autry’s 1949 version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

    Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden announced the 25 new titles in the class of 2024 on Tuesday, saying in a statement that they are “worthy of preservation for all time based on their cultural, historical or aesthetic importance in the nation’s recorded sound heritage.”

    Puerto Rican singer H袴or Lavoe’s signature song, 1978’s “El Cantante,” written by Ruben Blades, will enter the registry, along with Mexican singer Juan Gabriel ’s tribute to his mother, “Amor Eterno.” The library is enshrining a 1990 recording of the song first released in 1984.

    Other titles deemed to be among “the defining sounds of the nation’s history and culture” are Jefferson Airplane’s 1967 album “Surrealistic Pillow,” Green Day ’s 1994 album “Dookie” and The Chicks ’ 1998 “Wide Open Spaces,” the most recording among the new inductees.

    Lily Tomlin’s 1971 album of sketches “This Is a Recording” is the only comedy and the only non-musical recording on this year’s list.

    Autry, the singing cowboy who was among America’s biggest stars in the mid-20th century, recorded the definitive version of “Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer.” Last year a newer holiday perennial, Mariah Carey’s, “All I Want For Christmas Is You,” joined the registry, which now has 650 titles.

    “Arrival” was the disco-tinged fourth album from the Swedish supergroup ABBA, and included their hits “Dancing Queen,” “Money, Money, Money” and “Fernando.”

    Blondie and singer Debbie Harry had their commercial breakthrough with “Parallel Lines,” an album with a famous striped black-and-white cover that featured “Heart of Glass.” It’s joined this year by another new wave classic from the same year, the self-titled debut album by the Cars.

    The Notorious B.I.G.’s 1994 album “Ready to Die” featuring “Juicy” and “Big Poppa,” the only album released during his life, headlines hip-hop entries that also include “La-Di-Da-Di” — Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick’s 1985 single.

    “Rocket ‘88’” by Jackie Brenston and His Delta Cats, the 1951 single that some argue was the first rock ‘n’ roll song, is also on the list.

    Career-defining singles from several canonical artists are also entering the registry, including “Chances Are,” from Johnny Mathis, “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” from Bobby McFerrin,” “The Tennessee Waltz” from Patti Page and “Ain’t No Sunshine” from Bill Withers.

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    Grant McHill

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  • Sweden To Join NATO

    Sweden To Join NATO

    Hungary’s parliament voted 188 to 6 in favor of allowing Sweden to join NATO, the final hurdle standing in the way of the Scandinavian country becoming the 32nd member of the military alliance, one year after neighboring Finland was admitted. What do you think?

    “That’s gonna be a big help when we pull out next year.”

    Lucy Moss, Grimoire Expert

    Biden Gives Americans Nuclear Launch Codes In Case Anything Ever Happens To Him

    “I feel better knowing Russia will think twice before attacking ABBA.”

    Austin Mabuza, Monologue Editor

    “I finally understood geopolitics and now I have to start all over again.”

    Kris Odling, unemployed

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  • Sweden And Marijuana

    Sweden And Marijuana

    Sweden is in the news again. But digging deeper, is just a frosty nanny state?

    Sweden is home to the Northern Lights, Abba, incredible nature and wildlife, cold winters and cool classic design. IKEA, Ericsson and Volvo are among the global companies who started in Sweden. It is a democracy with a parliament and a ceremonial monarch (who are related to the British Royal Family).  But it is also a nanny state?  The country is rough on alcohol and even rougher on cannabis. In today’s world, it is a bit of a surprised Sweden and marijuana aren’t a good match.

    Related: California or New York, Which Has The Biggest Marijuana Mess

    The traditional toast of skål is also a call of good cheer, but drinking in Sweden takes a bit of an effort. Sweden has a long and complicated history with alcohol, from problems with everyone always being slightly drunk to today’s intense state control. Sweden has created a national alcohol monopoly, removing the right of private businesses and citizens to produce and sell alcohol. This has lead to very high prices which has lead to systematic changes in how the population drinks.

    Not surprisingly, Sweden is very anti marijuana legalization, they do not even have a medical marijuana program. Cannabis is illegal in Sweden, which the government strictly enforces. This includes all personal use or possession, both of which are considered criminal offenses. While there are very slim exception for medical, the government takes a very negative stance on any cannabis.

    In the United States and Canada, over 85% of the population are pro some form of marijuana legalization, in the EU, the number is slightly around 55%. In Sweden, the government has supported a long campaign it is a dangerous drug and can ruin your life.

    In a country which has waged a long campaign against drinking, hoping for a change in marijuana remains small. While not at the bottom, Sweden has a lower than European average of alcohol consumption.

    RELATED: Science Says Medical Marijuana Improves Quality Of Life

    The Stockholm Medical Cannabis Conference took place in 2022. The patient advocacy group Aureum Life bravely facilitated the event, inviting the Swedish press to cover the conference. With over 300 attendees, co-founder and CEO Angelica Örnell was hopeful. “We are proud to have organized the first medical cannabis conference in Sweden,” she said. “It’s one step forward in informing the public and healthcare professionals about the many benefits of cannabis as medicine.”

    The government definitely has a nanny feel when it comes to intoxicants. But, there is some hope on bringing at least science based medical information to the public.

    Sarah Johns

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  • Kate McKinnon & Billie Eilish Rock SNL With Help From Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, & Greta Gerwig! – Perez Hilton

    Kate McKinnon & Billie Eilish Rock SNL With Help From Maya Rudolph, Kristen Wiig, & Greta Gerwig! – Perez Hilton

    Kate McKinnon is back on Saturday Night Live — and she brought friends new and old!

    Over the weekend, the hilarious actress returned to host the beloved sketch comedy show more than a year after departing as a series regular. And she certainly reminded us of her tenure in her opening monologue!

    Related: Kourtney Kardashian & Travis Barker Celebrating Rocky’s First Christmas In The CUTEST Way!

    The 39-year-old joked about being back at her “old job,” noting how “weird” it was to be doing the opening monologue, rather than just participating in skits. She took fans down a stroll on memory lane with a few pics of some of the wacky wardrobes she sported over her 11 years on the show — even showing off her NBC ID badge, which she says was taken on her first day. Ha! But the best part about being back was “running into old friends” — like Maya Rudolph and Kristen Wiig! The Office Christmas Party actress brought out the two SNL alums on stage with her and the three ladies hilariously promised an excellent show… And they didn’t disappoint! See (below):

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZmFyCTNrPs

    Alongside Kate on the Studio 8H stage was none other than Billie Eilish, who was this week’s musical guest! She blessed viewers with a BEAUTIFUL rendition of What Was I Made For from the Barbie soundtrack as her brother Finneas O’Connell played the piano — which was made even better by the fact that Kate, who starred in Barbie, had director Greta Gerwig help introduce the brother-sister duo! Watch (below):

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkqTsLVHwuQ

    We never get tired of hearing that song! And for Billie’s second performance, instead of singing another hit from her own chart-topping discography, she festively opted for a holiday classic: Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas! Allow yourself to be beautifully serenaded (below):

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JHm8Bso53s

    What a voice.

    And that wasn’t the extent of the 21-year-old songstress’ participation on the show, as she teamed up with Kate as crazy cat ladies who discover they’re actually mother and daughter. It was purrrty cute! LOLz! Ch-ch-check it out (below):

    Keeping in line with the musical theme, Kate, Maya, Kristen, and show regular Bowen Yang dressed up as ABBA to perform hilarious takes on the band’s classics — but with holiday twists! They sang Santa Queen, Who’s That Baby (It’s the Baby Jesus), Frostitia, and more. Watch (below):

    LOLz! They could hardly keep straight faces!! Maya and Kristen are such an iconic comedy duo!

    The episode also featured a bunch of other festive sketches, which you can catch up on (below):

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjHV7uAq5fU

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21TvzYmsXEA

    Kate, Maya, and Kristen also had one more musical skit up their sleeves — this one about a Tampon Farm! Ha! Watch (below):

    And of course, the Weekend Update — which featured a pretty controversial (to say the least) joke swap, and an appearance from activist Dr. Hattie Davis. See for yourself (below):

    Overall, Kate brought the FUN to this week’s episode, especially with help from standouts Maya and Kristen — and Billie rocked the house!

    Thoughts?? Did YOU enjoy? Let us know in the comments down below!

    [Images via NBC/Peacock]

    Perez Hilton

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  • Lasse Wellander, ABBA Guitarist, Dead At 70

    Lasse Wellander, ABBA Guitarist, Dead At 70

    By Leah Sarnoff, ETOnline.com.
    Published:

    ABBA guitarist Lasse Wellander has died at 70 years old, the musician’s family announced. The Sweden native died on Friday, April 7 after a battle with cancer.

    Taking to Wellander’s official Facebook page, his family wrote, “It is with indescribable sadness that we have to announce that our beloved Lasse has fallen asleep. Lasse recently fell ill in what turned out to be spread cancer and early on Good Friday he passed away, surrounded by his loved ones.”

    “You were an amazing musician and humble as few, but above all you were a wonderful husband, father, brother, uncle and grandfather. Kind, safe, caring and loving… and so much more, that cannot be described in words. A hub in our lives, and it’s unbelievable that we now have to live on without you.”

    The post, written by his family members, Lena, Ludvig and Andréas, concluded, “We love and miss you so much.”

    Wellander began his career as a guitarist as a child in the early sixties and was a member of local bands in his hometown of Nora, Sweden.

    In October 1974, Wellander began recording with ABBA for their hits, “Intermezzo No.1” and “Crazy World.” He became the Eurovision-winning band’s main guitarist and toured with them in 1975, 1977, 1979 and 1980.

    In 2007, Wellander helped record the soundtrack for Mamma Mia, starring Meryl Streep and Amanda Seyfried, at the Atlantis Studio in Stockholm. The musical film tells the story of a bride-to-be trying to find her real father told using hit songs by the popular 1970s group ABBA.

    Wellander details the experience on his website, revealing, “Atlantis is the former Metronome Studio where many ABBA songs were recorded before the Polar Studio was built in 1979. So there was a real feeling of déjà vu when we returned to ‘the scene of the crime’ after 25 years to record ABBA songs again.”

    In addition to his work with ABBA, Wellander has released seven solo albums, two of which entered the Top 40 album charts in the mid-1980s.

    In 2005, The Royal Swedish Academy of Music awarded him the Albin Hagström Memorial Award and in 2018, Wellander was honored with the Swedish Musicians Union’s Studioräven Award for his work as a session musician.

    Wellander’s most recent singles — “O Come, All Ye Faithfull,” “Merry-Go-Round” and “Overdrive” — were released in 2022.

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    Emerson Pearson

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  • Maisie Peters Releases New Single, Announces Headlining Tour

    Maisie Peters Releases New Single, Announces Headlining Tour

    Interview and Photos by Jordan Edwards

    Maisie Peters released the single “Lost The Breakup” today. The driving, ’80s-inspired track is the second single from her upcoming sophomore album The Good Witch. It follows “Body Better,” which arrived in January.

    In addition to the new song, Peters announced a headlining North American tour that kicks off August 7 in Minneapolis and ends Oct. 11 in Boston.

    Since releasing her debut single “Place We Were Made” in 2017, the English singer-songwriter has grown a devoted following around the world. Along the way, she’s landed a song on the soundtrack to the film Birds of Prey and scored a string of hits in the UK. She’s also become friends with Ed Sheeran. Not only has Peters toured with the superstar, she’s signed to his label, Gingerbread Man Records.

    During a recent trip to LA, we talked to Peters about songwriting and her career so far. Read the interview and watch her episode of 5 Tracks That Inspired Me below.

    I love the sound of “Body Better.” It’s really big. What was the writing and production process like?
    I wrote it in Bergen, Norway with a producer called Matias Tellez and a songwriter called Ines Dunn. I’m really good friends with both, and it was something to do with the energy of Bergen itself, this quaint little fairytale town, and the fact that it was in between tour dates, so we were definitely running on adrenaline. That made for a really magical experience. We wrote and finished that song all in one day and it came super easily, from an idea I had written in my notes app on the plane ride there.

    Some of your recent music like “Cate’s Brother” and “Blonde” has sort of a rock vibe. Do you see yourself going more in that direction?
    I loved making those songs and experimenting in that sonic field, but my next album I think has an overall more earthy, organic feel to it. However, never say never to a whole rock-themed album one day!

    Last year you went out on your first North American headline tour. What will you remember most about that experience?
    So so much. I wrote an entire song called “The Band and I” for my second album literally about that tour, the memories we made and the legacy it left. The highest of highs and the lowest of lows. I will definitely never forget it.

    Several of your songs have been remixed by other artists. Does it make you more nervous or excited to hear what they’ve come up with?
    I love seeing how other people interpret my music, and it can take it to crazy places you never imagined it going. Cavetown did an amazing remix of my song “Sad Girl Summer” a few years ago, which is a perfect example of a great version!

    What’s the best part about touring with Ed Sheeran?
    Getting to watch an Ed Sheeran set every night is so fun, especially when my keys player/best friend Tina plays the violin for “Galway Girl.” Also getting to watch and learn from someone as successful and impressive as he is from a first hand basis.

    Maisie Peters by Jordan Edwards

    What have you learned from being around him?
    How to conduct oneself. Ed is by far one of the most down to earth, considerate people I know, as well as also being the most famous. The way he treats every single person in the room with such generosity and kindness is really cool, and something I want to bring forward with me.

    What do you do to prep your voice for a recording session?
    I try to do a few warmups, make sure I’ve got water and maybe a tea along side me, and then hope for the best!

    Are there any current artists who you look up to vocally?
    Kacey Musgraves is a big one, I’m really inspired by how her vocal strength is entirely in the purity and strength of the range she works within. Its magic is in its simplicity and its emotion, something I try to emulate.

    What have you been listening to lately?
    The new Boygenius stuff is amazing. I also love the new Samia album, especially the song “Charm You.”

    5 Tracks That Inspired Maisie Peters

    For more from Maisie Peters follow her on Instagram and TikTok.

    Staff

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