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Music News: Sharon Van Etten releases song for Orlando victims

by Staff

August 23, 2016

Sharon Van Etten has released "Not Myself," a song written in the aftermath of June's mass shooting at an Orlando nightclub. "In the memory of those trying to be safe and be themselves," writes the singer-songwriter in an accompanying statement, "I hope we can all come together to help prevent another massacre like this and end gun violence." Proceeds from "Not Myself" will be donated to the Everytown for Gun Safety Action Fund. (Stereogum)

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Empire of the Sun recruit all-star guests

Australian dance music duo Empire of the Sun have recruited a motley assortment of guest stars for their forthcoming album Two Vines. The album will feature Lindsey Buckingham (Fleetwood Mac), Wendy Melvoin (the RevolutionWendy & Lisa), and two members of David Bowie’s Blackstar band. Two Vines is out Oct. 28. (Billboard)

Bono wanted to beam U2 concerts to space station

The release of e-mails from Hillary Clinton’s tenure as Secretary of State is revealing some of the many requests that crossed her desk. Among the stranger inquiries: Bono wanted to have U2 concerts beamed to the International Space Station. The Washington Post reports that Clinton's aide "was puzzled by this request, and nothing was ever done about it."

Remembering Headley Bennett

Jamaican saxophonist Headley Bennett has died at age 85. Bennett stepped into music history in 1962, when as a session player at Beverley's Records, he played on "Judge Not," the first recording by 16-year-old Robert Nesta Marley — later to become better-known as Bob Marley. (Billboard)

Liam Gallagher gives first interview in three years

Liam Gallagher spoke to Q magazine for his first interview in three years, and he's just as feisty as ever. Among the subjects he touches on: his perpetually contentious relationship with his brother. "Lots of people say I need to chill out about Noel," says Liam. "Not until they stop Twitter." Liam also told a story about getting drunk and throwing rocks at the windows of his neighbor Jamie Oliver, telling the celebrity chef "to chuck down some bacon rolls." (Pitchfork)

Chance criticizes police violence

Chance the Rapper took to Twitter to share some thoughts on police violence and the American court system. The occasion for his tweets was the need to refute rumors that he would be appearing at an upcoming panel discussion on "Athletes, Responsibility, and Violence." (Pitchfork)

Big Boi and Killer Mike team up

Big Boi and Killer Mike plan to release a collaborative EP. "We’ve been entertaining the idea for a long time and finally got enough songs to where we just said the other night that we’re gonna do it," says Big Boi. No release date has yet been announced. (Billboard)

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This activity is made possible in part by the Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts & Cultural Heritage Fund.