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Music News: Streaming will now count towards albums earning Gold and Platinum awards

by Staff

February 01, 2016

As the music industry moves even further into the streaming era, the Recording Industry Association of America has announced that plays on streaming services — like Spotify and Apple Music — will now count towards album sales certifications like Gold, Platinum, and Diamond. The rule change immediately moves 17 albums into Gold and Platinum status — but though that includes To Pimp a Butterfly going Platinum, the CEO of Kendrick Lamar's label isn't hanging any awards on his wall. "No cheat codes 2 platinum," tweeted Anthony Tiffith. "Ole skool rules apply, 1 million albums sold is platinum. Until we reach that #, save all the congrats." (Rolling Stone)

On Saturday, Louis C.K. surprised fans by premiering the debut episode of a new Web series, Horace and Pete. The show's theme was written and performed by none other than Paul Simon. (Stereogum) Listen to an excerpt below:

Adele's representative has clarified that the singer has not given permission for any political campaign to use her music. Adele's hit "Rolling in the Deep" has been a favorite of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, and the campaign of Mike Huckabee has taken down a video about Iowa campaigning that was adapted from Adele's song "Hello." The British star is being "very petty" about disallowing politicians' use of her music, said a disappointed Huckabee. (Billboard)

Low have released a new video for Ones and Sixes track "Into You." The live clip was filmed in Glasgow, Scotland. (Pitchfork)

In a new video for "River," Leon Bridges pairs his performance of the song with televised footage of last year's protests in Baltimore. (Rolling Stone)

Boisie indie-rocker Trevor Powers says that after one more tour, he'll be done playing under the name Youth Lagoon. Powers says he'll continue, however, to make music in the form of other projects. (Rolling Stone)

Kanye West has released details for live screenings of his Madison Square Garden Waves premiere event at movie theaters in 20 countries around the world on Feb. 11. U.S. screening details haven't been announced yet, but it sure looks like there's a Minnesota dot on this map. (Rolling Stone)

Def Leppard have postponed their remaining U.S. tour dates due to an unspecified "illness." (Billboard)

In a clip from a behind-the-scenes program, Chris Martin of Coldplay seems to confirm that not only Beyoncé but also Bruno Mars will join the band this Sunday for the halftime show at Super Bowl 50. (Billboard)

Noel Gallagher tells Rolling Stone that he has high hopes for his next High Flying Birds album. "I'm doing some stuff that, this time in particular, will get really, properly ignored in America. I don't just mean ignored like the rest of 'em. I mean properly ignored. That's what I'm aiming for: total, total anonymity. I'm sick and tired of being in New York and being pestered by one person a month. That's gotta f---ing stop." Overall, the former Oasis member feels great about 2016. "I remain f---ing totally awesome," he says. "In 2016, I'm as awesome as I was in the back end of 2015. My hair is impeccable; it's not showing any signs of thinning, at all. I'm f---in' thriving. Thriving!"

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