Singer/songwriter Doug Levitt specializes in war zones. Initially working as an overseas reporter for outlets like CNN and MSNBC, he'd gather firsthand accounts from people in Rwanda, Iran and Bosnia. But now the Washington, D.C., native is "reporting" on conflicts of a different kind.
Four years ago, after returning to the United States, Levitt boarded a Greyhound bus with a bag and a guitar and crossed America for six weeks. He interviewed other travelers—many of them armed service veterans—and began writing songs based on stories of poverty and sticky social issues. He performed in bus terminals and at political rallies and city meetings. When he returned home, he burned some CDs of the songs and wrote a book, "The Greyhound Diaries," published by Dogged Pony. Then he did it all again. And again.
"I'm political to the extent my music reflects what people are feeling and speaks to the conflicts of the moment," Levitt says. "I write on our human portrait. We're dealing with a different war here."
Levitt has since created a Web series that features his music and narrative accounts on douglevitt.com, a home for his thoughts on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and hopeful musings on America's shifting political climate. His support of the Democratic party has also lead to a unique way to share his music: He is a surrogate for the Barack Obama campaign and has stumped for the presidential candidate when he was unable to make an appearance at rallies himself.
"I consider myself a musician first, but there's a shift toward being a multiplatform artist," the 36-year-old says. Levitt has been moving forward with licensing opportunities with the help of powerhouse lawyer Ken Hertz (Will Smith, Beyoncé, Christina Aguilera) and is in talks with TV producer Bryn Freedman ("TMZ," A&E's "Intervention") about bringing "The Greyhound Diaries" to cable. He has already released a "Greyhound Diaries" EP, produced by David Henry (Guster, Josh Rouse) and is planning to release a full-length by September—just in time for election season.
See Also
Monday, 23 June 2008
Wednesday, 18 June 2008
MP3-killers line up against the king of digital music formats
DENVER - Much like the Dvorak keyboard, new digital music formats pose a challenge even as they offer solutions.The Dvorak is an alternative to the standard QWERTY keyboard that rearranges the keys so that typing on it is much quicker and more efficient. Yet few outside of hardcore computer programmers use it because replacing the existing QWERTY standard would be too costly and difficult. For much the same reasons, alternative digital music formats face an uphill battle replacing the tried-and-true MP3.The Motion Pictures Experts Group, otherwise known as MPEG, will meet this month in Germany to consider making a new digital audio format called MT9 an international standard.Developed by the South Korean company Audizen, the MT9 format - commercially known as Music 2.0 - splits an audio file into six channels, such as vocals, guitar, bass and so on. Users playing the track can then raise or lower the volume on the different channels like a producer on a mixing board, to the point of isolating a single item.
According to the Korea Times, its inventors say the new format will replace MP3 as the standard for all digital music. But certain music industry realities stand in the way of their goal.From a technical perspective, replacing MP3 with a new digital music standard would be rather easy. Digital retailers in a matter of months could refresh their entire database with music containing the new format - just as Napster and Wal-Mart quickly switched from digital rights management to non-DRM formats.But to do so, these retailers would need their label partners to provide them with music encoded in the new format, meaning that all the major labels and the host of independents would need to one day agree to start using a new technology to sell their music.Then they would need audio manufacturers - in particular, Apple - to start making products that support the format and its capabilities. The average life span of today's MP3 player is about eight to 12 months, so it would take time to re-seed the market with new devices.Implementing a new digital music format would require an unprecedented level of cooperation among the labels, digital retailers and manufacturers.Keeping fans interestedIt's possible to attempt a staged rollout, where only a computer could access the full features of the new format while portable devices slowly caught up, but that setup would be far less interesting to the music fan."The value proposition to the consumer is linked to the functionality," says Napster COO Christopher Allen, who oversaw the company's format change to MP3. "So if I can do something on my PC with a client player but I can't do it on the web or my device, the value to the consumer of that format is not as exciting as if there were a whole ecosystem that could take advantage of the new format's capabilities."
According to the Korea Times, its inventors say the new format will replace MP3 as the standard for all digital music. But certain music industry realities stand in the way of their goal.From a technical perspective, replacing MP3 with a new digital music standard would be rather easy. Digital retailers in a matter of months could refresh their entire database with music containing the new format - just as Napster and Wal-Mart quickly switched from digital rights management to non-DRM formats.But to do so, these retailers would need their label partners to provide them with music encoded in the new format, meaning that all the major labels and the host of independents would need to one day agree to start using a new technology to sell their music.Then they would need audio manufacturers - in particular, Apple - to start making products that support the format and its capabilities. The average life span of today's MP3 player is about eight to 12 months, so it would take time to re-seed the market with new devices.Implementing a new digital music format would require an unprecedented level of cooperation among the labels, digital retailers and manufacturers.Keeping fans interestedIt's possible to attempt a staged rollout, where only a computer could access the full features of the new format while portable devices slowly caught up, but that setup would be far less interesting to the music fan."The value proposition to the consumer is linked to the functionality," says Napster COO Christopher Allen, who oversaw the company's format change to MP3. "So if I can do something on my PC with a client player but I can't do it on the web or my device, the value to the consumer of that format is not as exciting as if there were a whole ecosystem that could take advantage of the new format's capabilities."
Sunday, 8 June 2008
Spiritualized announce October tour
Spiritualized have announced a new UK tour, set to take place in October.
Jason Pierce's group will call at seven cities on the tour, including Newcastle, Oxford and Birmingham.
The jaunt is in support of Spiritualized's new album 'Songs In A&E'.
The band will play:
Newcastle Academy (October 9)
Leeds University (10)
Manchester Academy (11)
Oxford Academy (13)
Portsmouth Pyramids (14)
Birmingham Academy (15)
London Roundhouse (16)
To check the availability of Spiritualized tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now, or call 0871 230 1094.
May 20, 2008 at KOKO, London -
May 28, 2008 at Tripod, Dublin -
May 29, 2008 at Mandela Hall, Belfast -
More Spiritualized tickets
Jason Pierce's group will call at seven cities on the tour, including Newcastle, Oxford and Birmingham.
The jaunt is in support of Spiritualized's new album 'Songs In A&E'.
The band will play:
Newcastle Academy (October 9)
Leeds University (10)
Manchester Academy (11)
Oxford Academy (13)
Portsmouth Pyramids (14)
Birmingham Academy (15)
London Roundhouse (16)
To check the availability of Spiritualized tickets and get all the latest listings, go to NME.COM/GIGS now, or call 0871 230 1094.
May 20, 2008 at KOKO, London -
May 28, 2008 at Tripod, Dublin -
May 29, 2008 at Mandela Hall, Belfast -
More Spiritualized tickets
Saturday, 7 June 2008
Faye Dunaway - Dunaway Slams Hollywood Ageism
Veteran actress FAYE DUNAWAY has scolded Hollywood film producers for denying older female stars the chance to play major movie lead roles.
Dunaway, 67, insists movie bosses' casting decisions are hypocritical - because they allow ageing male stars, including her former Chinatown co-star Jack Nicholson, to romance much younger actresses on the big screen.
She says, "I am furious that they think I'm too old to play the love interest of guys like Jack Nicholson and Clint Eastwood. Why should I play sisters and mothers while guys like Jack and Clint (Eastwood), who are older than me, have on-screen lovers half their age?"
See Also
Fleetwood Mac and Christine Perfect
Artist: Fleetwood Mac and Christine Perfect
Genre(s):
Other
Discography:
Albatross
Year: 1977
Tracks: 16
Boyz II Men stand up for Simon Cowell
Denied: Paris Not Pregnant
Hold the congratulations!
Paris Hilton is not pregnant, her rep tells OK!.
The socialite was captured sporting a tiny bump underneath her satin green dress while out at Eva Longoria's restaurant Beso Wednesday night, sparking rumors that she is with child. But those reports are "false," her rep says.
However, the 27-year-old hasn't been shy about wanting to reproduce. Since her BFF Nicole Richie gave birth to daughter Harlow in January, Paris has been vocal about following in her footsteps with beau Benji Madden.
�I do want a baby, pretty soon," she has said. "Not yet because I'm so busy, but next year.�
See Also
Travolta defends his friend Cruise
Actor John Travolta has spoken up for his friend Tom Cruise, after criticisms of the star following the leaking of a Scientology video on the Internet.
According to People magazine, Travolta said: "[Tom] has - we all have - the right to practice how we feel. It finally becomes unfair."
Travolta claimed that the media invasion into Cruise's life had gone too far.
The former 'Grease' star made the comments at the weekend, while attending the G'Day USA Gala to honour singer Kylie Minogue.
Check out all the photographs from the G'Day USA Gala here.
According to People magazine, Travolta said: "[Tom] has - we all have - the right to practice how we feel. It finally becomes unfair."
Travolta claimed that the media invasion into Cruise's life had gone too far.
The former 'Grease' star made the comments at the weekend, while attending the G'Day USA Gala to honour singer Kylie Minogue.
Check out all the photographs from the G'Day USA Gala here.
'Idol' viewers give Brooke White the hook
After a performance of Neil Diamond's "I'm a Believer" this week--which curmudgeonly judge Simon Cowell dubbed "a nightmare"--"American Idol [ tickets ]" contestant Brooke White found herself booted from the talent competition Wednesday (4/30).An evening devoted to Diamond songs, Tuesday's (4/29) performance segment marked the first time the contestants--who also include David Cook, David Archuleta, Jason Castro and Syesha Mercado--sang two songs. There were no miscues for White this week, but, overall, her performance of "I'm a Believer" was panned by the panel of judges. Judge Randy Jackson dubbed it "a little karaoke." The second song, "I Am I Said," with White playing the piano, went a little better for the Mesa, AZ, native. "I really, really hated the first song," Cowell said. "It was sort of like girls' night at the karaoke bar. This is the Brooke we like, sitting behind the piano. It wasn't incredible, but it was a million times better than the first song. Well done." Well done, maybe, but Cook received the compliment of the night after singing "I'm Alive" and "All I Really Need is You." Cook paid tribute to his brain cancer-stricken brother, Adam, by placing his initials on his lapel and also on his guitar. "I feel like I'm already looking at the American Idol," said judge Paula Abdul. Cowell added, "I'm going to be honest with you, I thought the first song was OK. I thought the second song was brilliant. You actually made it feel like that song was written this year. You changed the arrangement. You made it work for you. That was smart. Well done."Archuleta, who performed "Sweet Caroline" and "America," also received good marks. "This was the absolutely perfect song for you to sing," Abdul said about "America." "Your voice is so on point."Barefoot Mercado, who was in the bottom two, let loose on "Hello" and the lesser-known "Thank the Lord for the Night Time." Jackson was proud of her performance."You know what I'm loving about you at this moment?" Jackson said rhetorically. "I think you're finally realizing who you are. I like you in this."Diamond had good things to say about Castro, who sang "Forever in Blue Jeans" and "September Morn." However, the judges didn't agree. "It was just OK," Jackson said. "That was just another OK, whatever, performance for me. Definitely not the best." Next week's performance show will feature the contestants performing material by members of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame. Though White won't be crowned this year's American Idol, she and the other Top 10 contestants will be appearing on the upcoming "American Idols Live [ tickets ]" tour, which gets underway July 1.
That's Showbuzz! Highlights of U.S. celeb magazines
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Here is a round-up of this week's U.S.
celebrity magazines In Touch, Life and Style, People, US Weekly
and OK! Reuters has not verified these stories and does not
vouch for their accuracy.
TOP STORY - JESSICA SIMPSON'S ROMANCE WOES
- Jessica Simpson's jealousy of a friendship between her
boyfriend, quarterback Tony Romo, and his ex-girlfriend Carrie
Underwood nearly tore the couple apart, but "everything is fine
with us now," the singer says - IN TOUCH
- Meddling by Simpson's father Joe, has prompted Romo to
give his girlfriend an ultimatum, "tell her dad to butt out or
its over" - US WEEKLY
- Simpson is putting on a happy face as she struggles to
make her romance with Romo work. She was overheard complaining
that he had hung up on her during a recent phone call - LIFE &
STYLE
OTHER TOP STORIES
- Kevin Federline personally drops off his two young sons
for a custody visit with their mother Britney Spears. Federline
wants to give Spears one last chance to prove herself as a
mother by giving her more contact with the kids - LIFE & STYLE
- Former "Full House" star Jodie Sweetin speaks about her
addiction to crystal meth, her recovery and on becoming a
mother to seven-week-old daughter Zoie - PEOPLE
celebrity magazines In Touch, Life and Style, People, US Weekly
and OK! Reuters has not verified these stories and does not
vouch for their accuracy.
TOP STORY - JESSICA SIMPSON'S ROMANCE WOES
- Jessica Simpson's jealousy of a friendship between her
boyfriend, quarterback Tony Romo, and his ex-girlfriend Carrie
Underwood nearly tore the couple apart, but "everything is fine
with us now," the singer says - IN TOUCH
- Meddling by Simpson's father Joe, has prompted Romo to
give his girlfriend an ultimatum, "tell her dad to butt out or
its over" - US WEEKLY
- Simpson is putting on a happy face as she struggles to
make her romance with Romo work. She was overheard complaining
that he had hung up on her during a recent phone call - LIFE &
STYLE
OTHER TOP STORIES
- Kevin Federline personally drops off his two young sons
for a custody visit with their mother Britney Spears. Federline
wants to give Spears one last chance to prove herself as a
mother by giving her more contact with the kids - LIFE & STYLE
- Former "Full House" star Jodie Sweetin speaks about her
addiction to crystal meth, her recovery and on becoming a
mother to seven-week-old daughter Zoie - PEOPLE
Rihanna: 'haircut Helped Me Find Myself'
Singer RIHANNA has credited her shorter hairdo with distinguishing her from other pop stars - and for allowing her to discover herself.
The 20-year-old rebelled against her record label's wishes last year (07) when she chopped her long locks into an edgy pixie cut to coincide with the release of her album Good Girl Gone Bad.
And the Umbrella hitmaker insists the change in style helped her establish her independence.
She says, "I felt like the whole world had long, curly, flowy blonde hair. Ciara, Beyonce, Mariah, Christina Milian. Everybody wanted to be like everybody else. So I cut my hair and they (Def Jam) made me put my long hair back in (as extensions).
"The second time, I didn't have any discussions, nothing. I just cut it, I dyed it black, I went into the studio making music my way. I found myself all at once. I like things strong, edgy, a little to the left. I don't like things that are expected - nothing cliched."
The 20-year-old rebelled against her record label's wishes last year (07) when she chopped her long locks into an edgy pixie cut to coincide with the release of her album Good Girl Gone Bad.
And the Umbrella hitmaker insists the change in style helped her establish her independence.
She says, "I felt like the whole world had long, curly, flowy blonde hair. Ciara, Beyonce, Mariah, Christina Milian. Everybody wanted to be like everybody else. So I cut my hair and they (Def Jam) made me put my long hair back in (as extensions).
"The second time, I didn't have any discussions, nothing. I just cut it, I dyed it black, I went into the studio making music my way. I found myself all at once. I like things strong, edgy, a little to the left. I don't like things that are expected - nothing cliched."
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