Billie Eilish just shared a video (above) that superfans are going to eat up: It’s a 16-minute video made in partnership with American Express, in which she and Finneas break down specifics of Hit Me Hard And Soft hit “Birds Of A Feather,” digging deep into songwriting, production, singing, lyrics, and more. Emerging from this is one particularly interesting piece of information that was news to even Eilish herself.
At about ten minutes into the video, Finneas laughingly brings up a production element that can only be heard when closely listening to the song’s second verse. He plays the heavily manipulated audio (a “vocal chop,” as Eilish calls is), and Eilish asks Finneas if he has the original sound from which that came. He did and he played it, and it was Eilish singing, “’cause the stranger.” Eilish was left mouth agape when she realized that sample came from their 2021 Happier Than Ever song “Getting Older.”
“I didn’t even know that,” she exclaimed through laughter.
This sort of thing isn’t foreign to Finneas’ production style. In a 2020 appearance on The Tonight Show, for instance, Finneas revealed he worked the sound of an Australian crosswalk light into “Bad Guy,” a fact that left Questlove in shock.
The evening will be soundtracked by electronic producer and curator Le Chev, feature soulful R&B duo THEBROSFRESH, and be headlined by country star Dasha. The event invites fans to enjoy the city’s singular music culture before it ushers in the next installment of Austin City Limits and gives attendees a chance to see Dasha in an intimate setting ahead of her headlining festival set that same weekend.
Attendees can enjoy Texas-style must-haves, including free Sparkling Ice cocktails, a barbeque, taco, and quesadilla station, flash tattoos, Texas-style lawn games, and more.
While the event is free and open to the public, an RSVP is required for entry. To attend, you must be approved on Partiful, after which entry will be on a first-come, first-served basis until the venue reaches capacity. RSVP for free here.
Reacher won’t return until 2025 for Alan Ritchson’s third season as a brick sh*thouse with magical deduction powers, but that’s alright. Another sleuth (and an actual professional detective) will be able to fill that void while also, as a Cross trailer claims, “living rent free” in suspects’ heads.
James Patterson’s legendary D.C.-based forensic psychologist is heading back to adaptation city again, and Aldis Hodge will duly take on the Alex Cross role for Prime Video/Amazon, which has already greenlit two streaming TV seasons that promise to bring a new (and old) hero to the Dad TV realm. However, Patterson has penned dozens of Alex Cross-focused books, and curiosity sparks the question of which book that Cross‘ first season will adapt.
As readers know, the Morgan Freeman-starring movies were based upon the first two Alex Cross books, Along Came A Spider and Kiss The Girls, and the Tyler Perry movie adapted Patterson’s 12th Alex Cross book, simply titled Cross. As Hodge recently told TV Insider, however, the first season of Crosswill not strictly adhere to any specific Patterson novel. Rather, the show “is based on the foundation of Alex Cross” with creator Ben Watkins using “the bone structure of that world and fill[ing] it up with a beautiful story.” Hodge further believes that the show will become “something completely unique.”
“I said I was not going to do any of the seasons based on the books. I thought it was really important that we give fans a new offering, that we honor the characters and the world so that they would feel like they were getting what they signed up for, but also then give them a new story.”
The first season will pick up after the death of Cross’ wife, and his search for the killer will occupy plenty of his headspace. In the story, Cross had hoped to take a leave of absence from work, but, according to Hodge, “he gets pulled into a very serious and sinister case with a new serial killer moving narcotics and they need him to handle it.” From the show’s synopsis:
Cross is a crime thriller that follows the investigations of brilliant forensic psychologist and DC Metro Detective Alex Cross. Together with his best friend and partner Detective John Sampson, Cross delves into the psyches of America’s most insidious killers while fighting to protect his family from the dangers of the criminal world.
Cross‘ will co-star Isaiah Mustafa, Caleb Elijah, Melody Hurd, Eloise Mumford, Samantha Walkes, Jennifer Wigmore, Alona Tal, Ryan Eggold, Johnny Ray Gill, and Juanita Jennings. The series debuts on November 14.
The “I’m Still Standing” singer invited singer Grian Chatten on his Elton John’s Rocket Hour show, and he had nothing but nice things to say about the Irish band. “Fontaines DC, for me — and I’ve watched you grow from album to album — have been the band that have progressed musically, lyrically, live, every single album, and they’ve changed their sound,” John raved, according to Brooklyn Vegan. “For me, you’re the best band out there at the moment, having watched you at Glastonbury, having heard the new album. You’ve just grown with every album, and you seem to have found your feet with this album in such a big way.”
John went on to say that Fontaines DC’s latest album, Romance (which came out last month), is the album that takes them to “a different level. I just think this is the album that breaks you through to the act that you always promised to be, from a popularity standpoint. And the music is just so great.”
Fontaines DC is currently on tour. You can see the dates here. As for John, he played his final show ever last year — unless Fontaines needs an opener. Then maybe he can be coaxed out of retirement.
On Monday morning, September 23, Jay-Z’s Roc Nation announced plans for an “unprecedented grant program” tied to the profit of Caesars Palace Times Square, a casino in development from Jay-Z, Roc Nation, and SL Green and Caesars Entertainment.
“As part of $250 million community benefits commitment, Caesars Palace Times Square guarantees $15 million in initial funding to support community investments,” it reads. “Ongoing support tied directly to financial performance comes in addition to the $250 million.”
The statement continues:
“Led and initiated by Roc Nation, the bid team behind the proposal for Caesars Palace Times Square has announced a first-of-its-kind financial commitment to the Hell’s Kitchen community, including Manhattan Plaza, the famed artists’ affordable housing development.
The community would receive an initial $15 million from Caesars Palace Times Square upon arrival of its bid, and regular grants funded based on .5$ of casino performance. The unprecedented plan is another significant pillar of the Caesars Palace Times Square team’s unwavering commitment to uplifting Manhattan’s West Side and investing in New York.”
Jay-Z said, in part, “Any proposal that wins a gaming license will undoubtedly profit. Our vision is to give back to New York and ensure that the Broadway community, Hell’s Kitchen, and the surrounding businesses and areas all benefit. And not just for a minute, but for the long-term.”
This latest addition to Roc Nation’s bid echoes the sentiment initially shared in Roc Nation’s May 2023 open letter laying out a proposal for Caesars Palace Times Square, which would become New York City’s first such casino.
As relayed by Billboard, “a finite amount of licenses [are] expected to be granted by New York State in 2025.”
Keeping up with new music can be exhausting, even impossible. From the weekly album releases to standalone singles dropping on a daily basis, the amount of music is so vast it’s easy for something to slip through the cracks. Even following along with the Uproxx recommendations on a daily basis can be a lot to ask, so every Monday we’re offering up this rundown of the best new music this week.
This week saw the return of “mixtape Future” and GloRilla launch a new era. Yeah, it was a great week for new music. Check out the highlights below.
Uproxx’s Aaron Williams writes of Future’s new project, Mixtape Pluto, “The new tape indeed does find Future going solo for its 17 tracks. There’s a mixture of producers, but all of them provide vintage 808 and skittering snares — exactly the sort of backdrop over which the Atlanta native thrives. The hypnotic, chant-like choruses? They’re represented here on tracks like ‘Lil Demon’ and ‘Aye Say Gang.’ The rapping is as crisp as it’s ever been. And for those fans who love wounded Future, there are a few standouts like ‘Too Fast’ and ‘Lost My Dog.’”
Jamie xx — “Waited All Night” Feat. Romy and Oliver Sim
For years, fans of The xx have been waiting for a reunion. The band isn’t officially back together making new material yet, but they also sort of are: Jamie xx just dropped a new solo album, In Waves, and included is “Waited All Night,” a collaboration with The xx bandmates Romy and Oliver Sim.
Bon Iver — “SPEYSIDE”
While we haven’t had a new Bon Iver album since 2019’s i,i, Justin Vernon has kept busy, releasing a Big Red Machine album in 2021 and guesting on songs here and there. Now, the focus is back on Bon Iver with the announcement of a new EP, SABLE,. He also dropped the single “SPEYSIDE,” a return to his minimal folky roots.
Tommy Richman — “Whitney”
“Million Dollar Baby” only recently left the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, so Richman still has some momentum leading into the upcoming release of his debut album, Coyote. He kept the promo train rolling last week with “Whitney,” a catchy, synth-driven number.
GloRilla — “Hollon”
GloRilla already dropped her Ehhthang Ehhthang mixtape this year, but she’s not done yet: Last week, she announced a new album, Glorious. She also unveiled the single “Hollon,” an aggressive number that sees Glo on the offensive: “You must not know what you just started / Me and my b*tches go gnarly / Give a f*ck about this party / We gon’ step on sh*t regardless.”
Bad Bunny — “Una Velita”
Bad Bunny never hides his love for his home of Puerto Rico. It’s on full display on “Una Velita,” which sees him praying for the island and sees him not letting politicians off the hook.
Lil Tecca and Don Toliver — “I Can’t Let Go”
Lil Tecca has been going strong since his 2019 breakout single “Ransom.” He just dropped his fifth album, Plan A, and among the highlights is the hard Don Toliver collab “I Can’t Let Go.”
Ava Max — “Spot A Fake”
Uproxx cover star Ava Max is revving up her post-Diamonds & Dancefloors era with a new single, “Spot A Fake.” It shows Max continuing to demonstrate her knack for catchy hooks that are ready for the dance floor.
Greg Mendez — “First Time”
Mendez is the newest member of the Dead Oceans family, as he just announced his signing with the beloved record label. As expected, he has a new release — the First Time / Alone EP — on the way. He also shared the single “First Time,” which stemmed from a period when Mendez was temporarily unable to play guitar due to a wrist surgery.
Japandroids — “All Bets Are Off”
Japandroids are nearing the end. The beloved duo is preparing its final album (Fate & Alcohol), and they teased it last week with “All Bets Are Off,” the album’s closing track that sounds like a fitting farewell.
The trial for the three men accused of murdering Memphis rapper Young Dolph is set to begin after nearly two years. According to local news, the jury selection was completed, and the trial — which was initially set for June 3, but delayed after the defense counsel asked for more time for everyone’s experts to review information — begins today (September 23). The trial was also subject to a change of venue, bringing in a jury from outside Shelby County due to the heavy media coverage of the murder around Dolph’s hometown.
The three men are Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith Jr., who prosecutors say executed the hit on Dolph outside Makeda’s Cookies, as ordered by Hernandez Govan. Johnson and Smith were both arrested in January 2022, and each faces a charge of first-degree murder, as well as other associated felonies including theft of property between $10,000-$60,000, and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. Govan was arrested in November 2022. All three men have pled not guilty to the charges against them.
A fourth man, Shundale Barnett, was also arrested in January 2022, but released on bail, and went missing shortly thereafter. Jemarcus Johnson, a fifth conspirator, pled guilty to three counts of accessory after-the-fact, and is expected to testify against the others in exchange for having his conspiracy to murder charge dropped.
The National is frequently praised as an exceptional live band (here’s Uproxx’s Philip Cosores doing just that, for example). Now, they’re unveiling what a press release dubs “the definitive live document of The National”: Rome a new live album.
The album was recorded live on June 3, 2024 at Auditorium Parco della Musica Ennio Morricone in Rome, Italy. The 21-track project is set for release on December 13. If you’re a member of the band’s Cherry Tree fan club, there’s an opportunity to buy “an exclusive, tricolor triple-LP featuring five additional songs.”
The band has offered a taste of the album today (September 23), though, via NTL RM EP I, which includes four songs from the album: “I Need My Girl,” “Lemonworld,” “The Geese of Beverly Road,” and “Lit Up.” Check that out below.
Find the Rome cover art and tracklist below.
The National’s Rome Album Cover Artwork
4AD
The National’s Rome Tracklist
01. “Runaway”
02. “Eucalyptus”
03. “Tropic Morning News”
04. “New Order T-Shirt”
05. “Don’t Swallow The Cap”
06. “Bloodbuzz Ohio”
07. “The System Only Dreams In Total Darkness”
08. “I Need My Girl”
09. “Lemonworld”
10. “The Geese Of Beverly Road”
11. “Lit Up”
12. “Alien”
13. “Humiliation”
14. “Murder Me Rachael”
15. “England”
16. “Graceless”
17. “Fake Empire”
18. “Smoke Detector”
19. “Mr November”
20. “Terrible Love”
21. “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks”
Rome is out 12/13 via 4AD. Find more information here.
Dino’s posted two videos on Instagram. One shows Martin thanking everyone from the stage and proclaiming “Dino’s forever.” The other one shows Martin ripping off his glasses and wig to confirm that, yes, he is Chris Martin.
“THANK YOU CHRIS MARTIN @coldplay FOR CHOOSING US TO RECORD YOUR MUSIC VIDEO WITH,” Dino’s captioned the latter Instagram video. “SUCH A VIRAL MOMENT. BIGGEST SURPRISE OF THE YEAR. Thank you again for being such a cool dude. Good luck on the new album & we hope to see you in the future.”
Was Martin’s karaoke set filmed for the “All My Love” music video? Did Martin film the “All My Love” video and then celebrate with an impromptu karaoke performance? It’s unclear, but apparently, a Coldplay music video was shot at Dino’s.
Coldplay is set to release Moon Music on October 4. The album will serve as the iconic British band’s 10th LP.
Perfume Genius’ third album Too Bright was one of 2014’s most esteemed albums, and now that it has turned a decade old, Perfume Genius has reissued the project. A vinyl reissue was released on September 20, but there’s more.
As of today (September 23), the version of the album available on streaming and DSPs has three bonus tracks: “Story Of Love,” “My Place,” and “When U Need Someone.”
Perfume Genius is also in the midst of a quick anniversary tour, on which he’s performing the album in its entirety. It kicked off on September 16 and has a few dates remaining.
Listen to one of the new songs, “Story Of Love,” above. Check out the Too Bright reissue tracklist below, along with Perfume Genius’ upcoming tour dates.
Perfume Genius’ Too Bright Reissue Tracklist
1. “I Decline”
2. “Queen”
3. “Fool”
4. “No Good”
5. “My Body”
6. “Don’t Let Them In”
7. “Grid”
8. “Longpig”
9. “I’m A Mother”
10. “Too Bright”
11. “All Along”
12. “Story Of Love” *
13. “My Place” *
14. “When U Need Someone” *
* bonus track on DSP version
Perfume Genius’ 2024 Tour Dates: Too Bright 10th Anniversary Tour
09/24 — San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
09/26 — Los Angeles, CA @ Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
09/27 — Los Angeles, CA @ Masonic Lodge at Hollywood Forever
Too Bright (10th Anniversary) is out now via Matador Records. Find more information here.
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