August 15, 2022 - Music Observer

Fast-Rising Artist Walid Shares His Passion for Connecting People Through Music

Music Observer Staff on August 15, 2022

The music industry is filled with talented individuals, powerful vocals and catchy lyrics powering the trends and swaying the beat of nations. Amid this sea of talents and accomplished entertainers, some individuals, such as Walid, still manage to stand out as dominant voices. His powerful and authentic vocals are distinct on tracks captivating listeners worldwide.

Walid is a Moroccan-American singer and multi-instrumentalist renowned for his remarkable versatility and overflowing creativity. As an artist, Walid has established his name in the industry through his strings of covers, and a demo of The Way You Talk, which got him into the We Can Survive 2022 Opening Act contest. The contest grants the winner a chance to open the Audacy’s (formerly Radio.com) annual concert at the Hollywood Bowl this year.

Growing up in the eclectic music scene of his home country, Morocco, Walid always dreamed of becoming an artist. From a young age, he performed on a few local stages as a singer and guitarist in a pop/rock band, displaying his innate musical talent. He later emigrated to San Diego, California, to pursue his dream of becoming an artist and establishing his musical brand. His biggest influences are artists like Shawn Mendes, South Korean music producer Gray, John Mayer, Billie Eilish, Jessie J, Anees, Chris Brown and Giveon. “Listening to music and to some artists I love has helped me through some of the hardest parts of my life, so I would hope that I could bring that kind of help and support to others who may need it,” he shared.

On a mission to steadily rise to stardom status and carve a name for himself in the industry as an artist with a distinctive flair and unique voice, Walid submitted a Youtube demo, The Way You Talk. His brilliant discography captured the attention of many big names in the field, and he was selected to compete for a chance to open for some of the biggest artists at the We Can Survive 2022 music concert by Audacy radio at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. He recently advanced into the top 5, and only one artist gets to win.

When asked about his motivation, Walid shared his passion for connecting with people through music. “I’m just a guy with a guitar and a few other instruments trying to navigate the music industry the best I can and hoping that I could connect with as many people as possible either in person or from a stage. At the end of the day, life is about people. We live once, and that ‘once’ can either go by quickly or slowly depending on how and who we decide to live it with,” he said.

With a heart full of music and unparalleled determination, Walid is currently vying for an opportunity to perform at the ‘We Can Survive 2022’ and open for some of the biggest names in the industry. He hopes that people will vote and support him throughout his journey.

In the coming years, Walid wants to continue making music and fulfilling his long-time passion as a musical artist. He hopes to become an internationally acclaimed artist, perform his songs on stages worldwide, and go on tours.

To learn more about Walid and his recent music project, you may visit his Instagram.

Lisa Kudrow Afraid of Rejection for The Comeback Season 3

Music Observer Staff on August 15, 2022

One of the best TV shows in the world, The Comeback has only two seasons to its name, which were released within nine years of interval.

Now, with (again) a nine-year milestone without Ms. Valerie Cherish, those curious want to know: Can we expect a Season 3 next year?

Actress and creator Lisa Kudrow is afraid to bring up the affair with HBO. Kudrow sat down with The Daily Beast and doubted they (and likely co-creator Michael Patrick King) would fulfill the nine-year tradition for a third season, as neither will ignite the flame.

“I don’t think we’re gonna make it! Not make it ever, but I don’t think we’re gonna make it in nine years,” Kudrow stated.

“We also don’t know if HBO wants it, by the way. But we haven’t asked. We’re both sort of like, ‘I’m not gonna ask, are you?’ ‘No, I don’t want to hear no.’ It’s something we love so much. That’s why it took nine years the first time!”

The Comeback: A Nine-Year Interval

The Comeback Season 1 was released in 2005 and didn’t quite make a spotlight for itself, but it did earn Kudrow a well-deserved Emmy nomination – she didn’t bag the award, though. It was ultimately given to Julia Louis-Dreyfus for The New Adventures of Old Christine.

The frequently cringe deeds of Valerie Cherish, a 90’s sitcom actress who’s not satisfied with her 15 minutes of fame, didn’t really catch the attention of audiences at the time, as well as its show-within-a-show theme, joking about the then-young reality TV genre.

However, over the years, kudos to word of mouth, the total domination of reality to TV, and a firm gif game, The Comeback gained popularity, significantly so that HBO gave Val another shot.

In 2014, season 2 of The Comeback is quite a masterpiece – the final episode alone is a must-watch, and Kudrow’s performance is unprecedented. With this, she was again nominated for Lead Actress in a Comedy Emmy but lost again to Louis-Dreyfus with Veep.

And although season two’s finale felt final, there is always room for more.

“We always talk about what it would be. Always,” Kudrow stated.

“Younger and younger people come up to me and go ‘The Comeback!’ Because they weren’t around when it was on TV and didn’t know what it was like in 2005 when it came out. And I love being her. My God, that’s one of the easiest things to do.”

Weezer Announces Broadway Show Cancelation

Music Observer Staff on August 15, 2022

Weezer is currently experiencing only one sensation: disappointment.

The band would have a residency at the Broadway Theater in September, where they would deliver old Weezer classics along with songs from their seasonal EPs from SZNZ for five nights. However, the Weezer Hive did not hit the quota for the continuation of the show.

Rivers Cuomo revealed via the band’s Discord that it was the end of their supposed Broadway journey before it even started.

“I just learned that our Broadway shows have been canceled (due to low ticket sales and unbelievably high expenses.) I’m very sorry to be telling you this now after we’ve already invested so much time, thought, and emotion,” Cuomo said.

“Extra apologies to those of you who cleared schedules and made travel plans to be with us. Thanks to @Broadway Producer for all your hard work and great ideas. I loved where we were going, and I hope we can find a way to resurrect our vision.”

While the Broadway show may seem in line with the band’s current affinity for stunts and performances, Weezer continue to make good music nearly 30 years after their 1994 debut.

Their most recent release in 2021, Van Weezer, “a double-shot espresso of sped-up joy,” reached the ranks of EW’s mid-year roundup of best albums.

So it could have been Broadway’s loss.

The Start of Weezer

Weezer is a rock band born in 1992. It consists of members Rivers Cuomo – lead vocals, lead guitar, keyboards; Patrick Wilson – drums; Scott Shriner – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals; and Brian Bell – rhythm guitar, keyboards, and backing vocals.

In 1993, they signed to Geffen Records and dropped their self-titled debut album, Blue Album, in May 1994. The Blue Album paved the way to multiplatinum success with music videos for songs “Buddy Holly,” “Undone – The Sweater Song,” and “Say Ain’t So” backing the album.

Their second album, titled Pinkerton, was released in 1996, containing a darker, more brusque sound. But it failed to secure commercial success and earned mixed reviews from listeners and critics alike. But years later, it gained cult status and was critically acclaimed.

Since then, Weezer has proved to be good musicians as their music received recognition and applause.

Rebel Wilson Honors Screen Mom Olivia Newton-John

Music Observer Staff on August 15, 2022

Rebel Wilson will always be proud to have spent the time as an on-screen daughter of Olivia Newton-John.

Just a day following the death of Newton-John, 73, Wilson honored her former co-actor, with whom she made a comedy in 2011, A Few Best Men, with and expressed her gratitude for the inspiration she needed to become an actress.

“You were the most gorgeous lady inside and out, you are a true Aussie icon, and to play your daughter on screen in A FEW BEST MEN was beyond an honour,” Wilson posted on her Instagram handle with a picture of them alongside fellow cast Laura Brent.

A Few Best Men, shown in Australia in 2012, followed the story of a groom gathering his friends for a big wedding. Newton-John portrayed the party-loving mother of the bride, and Wilson played the character of the bride’s clumsy but dear sister.

Newton John is an Icon for Wilson

Wilson then recounted how watching Newton-John in Grease largely impacted her.

“Seeing you star in the huge Hollywood blockbuster GREASE with your natural accent was so instrumental to me as a little girl,” she said, continuing, “helping me to believe that it was possible for an Aussie girl to star in huge international musicals.”

Wilson ended her heartfelt message by revealing how much she learned from her colleague, friend, and costar.

“You were the reason I auditioned for my high school production of GREASE at 15 – I was only in the chorus, but it was a start!” she said.

“You tried to teach me about health years before I took it seriously. You were so kind to me, and it was such a blessing to know you, Olivia. I’ll never forget us singing at the piano in our lunch break on set together – what a complete legend you are! I am so sad you are gone 💗 Love and Light always to you ONJ, Rebel xoxo.”

Olivia Newton-John Honored Through Australian Landmarks

Music Observer Staff on August 15, 2022

On Wednesday, the Sydney Opera House turned pink in tribute to Olivia Newton-John, singer and Grease actress whom we lost on Monday.

Meanwhile, Australian landmarks like Perth’s Optus Stadium and Melbourne’s Flinders Street railway station gleamed pink lights on Tuesday to remember the performer who was born in the United Kingdom yet is currently among Australia’s favorite celebrities.

According to Victorian state Premier Dan Andrews, the action was done “to remember Olivia Newton-John, and her enormous contribution to cancer awareness, research, and treatment.”

An image of the late Newton-John was also shown on the side of Fed Square – an arts and culture place in the city center of Melbourne.

Newton-John overcame two waves of breast cancer – one in the 1990s and another in 2017. Then within a year in 2018, she announced that she was fighting cancer again, this time at the base of her spine.

Newton-John Stayed Positive Amid the Disease

While she was struggling with the disease, Newton-John never lost hope.

“I believe that when you go through something difficult, even something as dramatic as cancer, that something positive will come of it,” she said on the website for the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Wellness and Research Centre, which started its operation in Melbourne in 2012.

“With more and more people affected by cancer every day, I believe we are in a world desperate for healing, and I’m committed to doing whatever I can to help.”

After her death, the organization issued a statement, saying Newton-John’s “generous support and gift provided hope and changed the lives of thousands of cancer patients.”

Australia Organizes Two State Funerals This Month

Mere hours following her death, Andrews stated that the state would meet with Newton-John’s family to discuss the probability of a state funeral. In an interview with Nine Network, Newton-John’s niece Tottie Goldsmith said they wanted to give their approval.

“I think Australia needs it,” Goldsmith said, crying. “She’s so loved. And I think our country needs it, so we’re going to accept that.”

The premier’s office has not yet confirmed or announced any information about the funeral.

If the state funeral is pushed through, it will be the second time an Australian singer has been offered this honor this month. The Victorian government is conducting a state funeral for Judith Durham, The Seekers’ lead singer, who died on August 5 at 79.

RoRo Yone Turns Toxic Relationship Experiences Into Musical Art

Music Observer Staff on August 15, 2022

In his latest released hit, ‘My Ex’, Hip-Hop Artist RoRo Yone puts himself in other people’s shoes as he dishes about the most toxic exes out there. To hear ‘My Ex’, visit roroyone.com

Originally from the Philippines, Rodolfo Goyone Jr. (known as RoRo Yone) comes from humble beginnings, but his talent and passion for music has brought about an interesting skill, which allows RoRo to put himself into other people’s situations while listening to their stories. He embodies their experiences and turns them into songs. The newly released hip-hop hit, ‘My Ex’, is the exact example of this. When asked who this catchy and relatable song is about, RoRo states, “My Ex is not about anyone specific actually. This is me putting myself into the position of someone who is going through a toxic relationship by listening to multiple people’s situations, whether it’s real-life scenarios happening around me or on TV.” ‘My Ex’ was released on August 13, 2022 on all major music platforms.

When listening to ‘My Ex’, it is quickly noticed that there is even more depth and meaning behind the lyrics. There is quite a word play taking place. For example: “Girl you always been after my W” has two meanings. One is that you have always been after my wins; and the other is that you have always been my Ex as the letter X comes after the letter W. The meaning behind “Gonna enjoy all these V’s cause I’m done with You” is that he will enjoy all the other ‘vixens’ because he is done with you, but also because right after U, V ‘comes’ next. These hidden messages are also implied in the cover art for ‘My Ex’.

Cover Art photographed and created by Noel Calubaquib

‘My Ex’ was written by RoRo Yone and produced by Impala Beats, which is a female European production team. RoRo recorded this catchy song at CSP Music Group studio headed by Christopher Starr as the executive producer; tracked and mixed by Anthony “Sam Peezy” Avery who is a number 1 Billboard Charting and Grammy nominated producer in the USA. The song was then mastered by CSP Music Group.

‘My Ex’ is a bouncy hip-hop track, guaranteed to make the listeners move while experiencing the 2010’s pop/hip-hop feel with a mix of modern 2022 vibe. The song is now available on all major platforms as well as roroyone.com. Follow RoRo Yone on Instagram @roroyone for more exclusive content.

Press Release by Yelena Scheidler | PR Director, DASH TALENTS | 703-967-5758 | info@dashtalents.com | www.dashtalents.com

Chris Hemsworth Had Previously Wore a Batman Shirt

Music Observer Staff on August 15, 2022

Now, can Bruce Wayne wield Thor’s Hammer?

Thor franchise actor Chris Hemsworth celebrated his 39th birthday this week. He shared an old photo from a non-Marvel-ous time in his life.

“My younger self would be so disappointed in my superhero choices 🦇 ⚡️,” Hemsworth said in an Instagram post, revealing a photo of himself as a child joyfully smiling while wearing… a Batman shirt.

The masked superhero is commonly known to be a DC Comics character, and we all know that Thor, who Hemsworth has played for over a decade, is one of the superheroes of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. What a traitor he is!

The only Chris known to have played Batman is Christian Bale, who played that role in Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. The DC Chris we all grew to know is Chris Pine (who played Steve Trevor). Meanwhile, the other Chrises in the Marvel Universe are Chris Evans (better known as Captain America) and Chris Pratt (aka Star-Lord).

Wife Greets Hemsworth with a Fun Photo

Elsa Pataky, the model wife of Hemsworth for nearly 12 years, also took to Instagram to give her birthday wishes with pictures of their family. The first photo has Hemsworth chilling in a tub with a parrot on his forehead.

“Happy birthday to my favorite parrot trainer, kids handler, and wife tamer,” she said. “There’s nothing you can’t do. We love you to the moon and back.”

Pataky also revealed a photo of Hemsworth having fun with their three kids and another showing the two of them in costume on the set of Thor: Love and Thunder, where she made a brief appearance.

Completing the social media birthday greeting was a clip Hemsworth posted of his kids singing “Happy birthday” with candles on the scoops of ice cream on a plate.

“Thanks for all the birthday love! And this tremendous cake that my kids made by scooping all the leftover ice cream out of the freezer onto a plate,” said Hemsworth, whose birthday was on August 11.

In the clip, he queried how long it took them to make the “cake.” His children then respond, “Two seconds!”

Thor: Love and Thunder also feature cameos of Hemsworth’s daughter India and twin sons Tristan and Sasha. It is currently in theaters and is directed by Taika Waititi.

2022 Medusa Festival Did Not Go As Planned

Music Observer Staff on August 15, 2022

Strong winds in excess of 51 mph caused part of the main stage to collapse Saturday morning at the Medusa Festival in Valencia, Spain.

It claimed one life and injured dozens of festival-goers, according to Reuters and the BBC. The extreme weather has also affected the rest of the EDM festival’s infrastructure.

After the incident, the festival grounds were evacuated and organizers canceled the remaining shows at the event.

Of the injured, three were seriously injured and 14 had minor injuries, according to local emergency services. Thirty-two people were taken to hospital, according to Reuters.

In an interview with Spanish media, one festival attendee said, “We are in a state of shock. It could have been me; it could have been anyone.”

Medusa Festival Organizers Gives Condolences to Victims

Organizers of the Medusa Festival released a statement on social media platforms expressing their disappointment and grief to the families and friends of those killed or injured in the incident.

“We are completely devastated and dismayed at what happened last morning. The management of Medusa Festival would like to express our deep and sincere condolences to the family and friends affected by the fatal consequences that occurred last night,” the festival’s organizers said in a statement posted on Facebook.

“It is a day of mourning and respect for those affected. And they will have us for everything they need. His unbearable suffering, we also make ours.”

The 2022 lineup of the Medusa Festival were Steve Aoki, David Guetta, Amelie Lens, Carl Cox, and more.

DJ Miguel Serna performed on stage for his scheduled set during the incident.

“It was a very tense few minutes; I’ve never experienced anything like it before,” Serna said in an Instagram story. “The tragedy happened just at the end of my session on the main stage, just below it, which was the most affected. It was a few moments of horror. I am still in shock.”

Keanu Reeves is a Catalyst of the Day Shift Production Team-Up

Music Observer Staff on August 15, 2022

Keanu Reeves is capable of anything.

The folks behind new action-horror comedy Day Shift say the John Wick star helped make the new Netflix movie a hit, and he wasn’t even in it.

Day Shift sees Jamie Foxx as Bud Jablonski, a vampire hunter who uses his day job as a pool cleaner in Los Angeles’ San Fernando Valley to raid the homes of bloodsuckers.

The film will feature debut filmmaker J.J. Perry directing and Chad Stahelski – the director of John Wick – producing.

“You’ve got this average Joe, Bud Jablonski, who’s trying to make a living for himself, make ends meet, it’s just the way he’s going it is through a very extraordinary way, by hunting vampires,” Stahelski says.

“It’s your working-class guy trying to keep his family together, trying to pay the bills – rather than some hyper-glorious vampire hunter who’s saving the world. This is a guy who just wants to get braces for his kid, he just wants to pay for her school, he just wants to get his truck fixed. Every one of us can relate to it.”

An Army veteran, Perry has long-standing ties and professional collaborations with Stahelski and was the supervising stunt coordinator on John Wick: Chapter 2 in 2017.

“Chad Stahelski is one of the first people I met when I got out of the Army,” the Day Shift filmmaker says.

“We came up through the stunt business together through the ‘90s, and I helped him with the action [on] John Wick 1, with John Wick 2. After John Wick 2, a ton of people started throwing scripts at me. They were like, ‘Oh, you’ve got to direct, you’re next.”

Day Shift Collaboration Story

Stahelski took the project as a producer following a night out with Reeves and Perry in London, where Perry serves as stunt coordinator on F9.

“We were all in London,” Stahelski says.

“I think Keanu was doing a little pre-release press for John Wick 3, and we’d all meet up. We were having a little drink in this very mellow lounge-y kind of environment. Keanu’s known J.J. for years. It’s just nice to sit and talk when there’s no press or anything. And then, two scotches in, you start going, ‘oh, that would be great,’ and you literally stop the party, and it becomes this whole creative session.”

At some point in the night, Stahelski queries Perry whether he was in the process of doing any projects which Stahelski could help create. And as fate decided to work its magic, Perry attempted to secure Day Shift’s traction and then shot a few trial action clips.

“I went out drinking with Keanu Reeves and Chad, and he said, ‘Hey, buddy, do you have anything?’ I immediately got sober,” Perry recounts.

“He said, ‘I’m leaving at six o’clock in the morning. They’re sending a car.’ It’s 3 a.m., so I was like, we gotta go.

“We get in our cabs and when I get to my hotel, I emailed him the [footage] of the fight. As soon as he saw it on the way to Heathrow he said, ‘Holy f—, how’d you get those girls to do that? Oh, my god, it’s ridiculous.’ By the time he landed in LAX he was like, ‘we’re f—ing making this movie.”

If Day Shift gets commercial and critical success, we won’t be shocked to see Perry and Stahelski re-collaborating for a sequel and even more.

“Well, this is the Day Shift,” Perry says. “You know we’ve got to do the Night Shift. And then we’ve got to do the Graveyard Shift, baby. You know what we got to do! Come on, bro!”

Megan Thee Stallion Releases Traumazine

Music Observer Staff on August 15, 2022

Megan Thee Stallion dropped her latest album, Traumazine.

The superstar had divulged the cover art and the track list of the album earlier this week because, according to her, details had started to leak.

“From my cover art, pieces of my track list and me even hearing a part of a song I haven’t dropped yet leaking (and we ALL know who the only ppl who had access to all these PRIVATE links are..) I might as well….lol,” she tweeted, revealing the tracklist and masterpiece.

Traumazine contains 18 tracks, and guests team up with Dua Lipa (“Sweetest Pie”) and Future (“Pressurelicious”). It also features Latto, Pooh Shiesty, Rico Nasty, Jhene Aiko, Lucky Daye, and more.

Thee Stallion said in an interview with Rolling Stone that the album overflows with different vibes.

“I want to take you through so many different emotions,” she told Rolling Stone. “At first, you was twerking, now you might be crying.”

Ahead of her dropping the news about the album last Thursday, Thee Stallion took to Twitter to express her gratitude to her “hotties” for the love and support she’s been given during what she called lingering label issues before her release.

Megan Thee Stallion Before Traumazine

Additionally, she sent a message to her fans saying, “We almost out,” and referred to the album as the “last one” – relating to her contract with 1501 Certified Entertainment.

“Y’all know I always have problems with dropping my music under this label,” she said. “[A]ll these games and having to go to court just to put out my art has been so stressful.”

Thee Stallion is still committed to 1501 Certified Entertainment, with whom she clashed in court earlier this year.

In the legal proceeding, 1501 accused Thee Stallion’s mixtape release on October 2021, Something for Thee Hotties, did not satisfy the definition of an album, and this did not meet the requirement of her contract.

But the release for Traumazine indicates the album’s subject material will take a more serious tone compared to her celebratory debut album, Good News.

When asked about the writing process of the album, Thee Stallion stated that it was “very hard” to “[say] certain things you’ve never said out loud before.”

Thee Stallion then revealed a trailer for Traumazine, which runs for 20 seconds, where she is in a rainy funeral and puts a rose on top of a casket.