The Fashion Meets Music Festival (FMMF) has pulled one of its headlining artists from the bill following public backlash and a revolt in which several bands on the lineup had pulled out in protest.
R. Kelly was set to give a top-billed performance at the inaugural FMMF – taking place in Columbus, Ohio from 29th – 31st August – but organisers now say they have reached a “mutual decision to cancel” the controversial RnB singer’s appearance.
A statement from Kelly’s publicist reads: “R. Kelly is sorry to disappoint his fans, but looks forward to seeing them in the near future during one of his upcoming tours.”
FMMF and R. Kelly have decided to part ways. Thank you for your support, we look forward to seeing you next month. http://t.co/6d1OVaNHJT
— Fashion + Music Fest (@FMMFestival) July 28, 2014
The move comes in the wake of two bands on the FMMF lineup, Saintseneca and Damn The Witch Siren, withdrawing from the event in response to Kelly being booked as a headliner, citing they were protesting to the singer’s past child pornography charges and sexual assault allegations.
“We feel [R. Kelly’s] selection as a performer ignores his very serious allegations of sexual violence and assault,” wrote the members of Ohio folk band Saintseneca in a blog post. “We feel it is an affront to all survivors, who are already often overlooked and forgotten in our society.”
The festival’s Facebook and Twitter feeds were also flooded with numerous complaints over the singer’s booking. R. Kelly was indicted in 2002 on 21 counts of child pornography. That figure was later reduced to 14 and by 2008, he was acquitted of all charges.
Other artists on the FMMF lineup include O.A.R., Destiny’s Child singer Michelle Williams, Local Natives, Cold War Kids, Circa Survive, New Found Glory, and Future Islands.
(via Billboard)
This Week’s New Tracks On Triple J
Adds:
Velociraptor – Sneakers [Dot Dash/Remote Control]
Benjamin Booker – Have You Seen My Son? [Rough Trade/Remote Control]
Courtney Barnett – Pickles From The Jar [Milk! Records]
Kito & Reija Lee – WORD$ {Ft. Zebra Katz} [Sony]
Nadus – Nxwxrk [Pelican Fly]
Northeast Party House – Sick Boy [Stop Start/Inertia]
ODESZA – Memories That You Call {Ft. Monsoonsiren} [Inertia]
Priory – Weekend [Warner]
Spots:
Anna Lunoe – All Out [Sony]
Fences – Arrows {Ft. Macklemore & Ryan Lewis} [Warner]
Moses Gunn Collective – Shalala [triplejunearthed.com]
Rustie – Attak {Ft. Danny Brown} [Warp/Inertia]
Slumberjack – Felon [triplejunearthed.com]
Industry News
NIMA 2014 Finalists Announced
An impressive selection of homegrown talent has been nominated by the National Indigenous Music Awards (NIMA) 2014. Dan Sultan has scored three nominations off the back of his Blackbird album, including Album, Song, and Artist of the Year nods.
Gurrumul also lands multiple nominations, including two best album nods and up for Artist of the Year alongside Sultan, Shellie Morris and Jessica Mauboy. Busby Marou, Dewayne Everettsmith, and Jimblah have all scored Song of the Year nods, while the New Talent category is populated by East Journey, Briggs, and Tjintu Desert Band. The winners will be announced at the Darwin awards ceremony on Friday 15th August. View the full list of 2014 finalists at the official NIMAs site.
Melbourne Venue Launches Noise Complaint Fundraiser
After being stung with ongoing noise complaints from neighbouring residents, Thornbury live music venue Tago Mago are hosting a gig on Saturday 2nd August to raise funds towards $23,000 in soundproofing to make the venue (the same involved in the ‘Prostitute Killers’ name change controversy) operation compliant. Spencer P Jones & Escape Committee are headlining, joined on the bill by Sons Of Lee Marvin, Submarines, The Annie Crooners, and six more acts. Tickets are $20 at the door from the venue. More info at the official Facebook event.
Bose And Beats In Noise Cancellation Tech Dispute
High-end headphone manufacturers Bose have sued Beats Electronics, claiming that the Apple-owned company has violated patents for noise cancellation technology in producing its own Studio and Studio Wireless headphones. In the lawsuit, filed in a US District Court last week, Bose claims it has lost profits as a result of Beats consciously infringing on their patented tech and is seeking an unspecified amount in damages. (via The Music Network)
Aussie Touring Company Rebrands
Nine Entertainment’s company, Nine Events, has been rebranded as Nine Live. First established in 2011, Nine Live’s existing businesses – Ticketek Australia, Ticketek New Zealand, Eventopia, Softix, Nine Rewards and Allphones Arena – will continue operating under their brand names but the touring and events arm of the company will be renamed Nine Touring and Events. The company has presented Aussie tours from One Direction, Ricky Martin and Keith Urban. They are presenting forthcoming tours by The Tea Party and the Madden Brothers. (via IF.com.au)
Artist Signings
Client Liaison Signs To Dot Dash/Remote Control
Dot Dash/Remote Control has welcomed Melbourne’s “purveyors of turn-of-the-90s Business Class Australiana” Client Liaison for the release of their six-track, self-titled debut EP in late August. Bookers Select Music have also touted an August/September tour from the duo to accompany the EP release.
Zeahorse Sign International Label Deal
Sydney rockers Zeahorse have signed with esteemed Canadian label Dine Alone Records for the release of their debut US EP Pools. The five-track release is a pared-back version of Zeahorse’s full-length Aussie LP of the same name (one of 2013’s best albums you might have missed) with the quasi-title track ‘Pool’ premiered on Stereogum.
Title Fight Inks Deal With Anti- Records
US indie label Anti- Records has welcomed Title Fight as their latest signee. The Kingston, PA band is joins a respected roster which includes Tom Waits, Neko Case, Dr. Dog, Mavis Staples and Wilco. The deal comes ahead of the release of a new Title Fight studio album, their first since 2012’s Floral Green.
