Author: djfrosty
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Universal Music Group (UMG) and Nashville-based non-profit Music Health Alliance (MHA) are expanding their relationship to launch the Music Industry Mental Health Fund, which will provide comprehensive, high-quality outpatient mental health resources for music industry professionals across the United States, it was announced Thursday (Feb. 13).
The new partnership, which builds upon the healthcare access program launched by UMG and MHA in April 2021, will provide a range of mental health services, including individualized recommendations for mental health professionals; grants to help offset costs; and funding resource recommendations to ensure continuity of care through additional financial and mental health support. Clients from UMG and beyond will have access to MHA’s team of advocates, with initial inquiries receiving a response within 24 hours.
“Music Health Alliance possesses the comprehensive resources necessary to address the full spectrum of mental health needs for music industry professionals,” said MHA founder/CEO Tatum Hauck Allsep in a statement. “This includes financial assistance, a continuum of care for both mental and physical health, and wraparound services such as psychiatric support, facilitation of intensive outpatient and inpatient programs, and data collection. MHA’s holistic approach ensures a long-term commitment to the health, well-being, and sustainability of the music industry workforce.”
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Services will be open to current and former music professionals, including those outside of UMG.
“We have been working on ways to establish a streamlined pathway for mental health access, funding and care planning,” said UMG chief impact officer Susan Mazo. “Growing and continuing our partnership with Tatum and the Music Health Alliance was the most natural way to ensure continuous and effective mental health support for anyone working in our industry.”
In addition to the expanded services, MHA offers a full spectrum of mental health and healthcare advocacy services, including dental care resources via the Richard M. Bates SMILE Fund, group health services, healthcare advocacy and confidential guidance. MHA, which boasts more than 32,000 members from across the music community, also offers individual/family healthcare insurance, senior care support via Price Legacy Fund and vision care resources.
According to UMG and MHA, the entities’ earlier healthcare access program, which provides a healthcare concierge to clients, has served nearly 1,000 clients to date and saved them more than $12.5 million in healthcare costs.
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Dave Chappelle will receive the President’s Award at the upcoming NAACP Image Awards, which will be held later this month.
On Tuesday (February 11), the NAACP announced that the iconic comedian Dave Chappelle will be the recipient of their lauded President’s Award at the 56th NAACP Image Awards ceremony, which will be held on February 22. The award, which is bestowed “in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service”, has been given to such luminaries as Usher, Gabrielle Union-Wade, Dwyane Wade, Rihanna, LeBron James, Kerry Washington, Spike Lee, Muhammad Ali, Jesse Jackson, Colin Powell, Condoleezza Rice, Shawn “JAY-Z” Carter, and Ms. Lauryn Hill. The honor comes at a keen moment for Chappelle, as he’s preparing to embark on another tour this year, and was the host of Saturday Night Live after the 2024 presidential election last November. He’s slated to take part in the variety show’s 50th anniversary special which will be aired on February 16.
“The President’s Award honors an unwavering dedication to community, and throughout his distinguished career, Dave Chappelle has consistently been recognized as a powerful voice of social consciousness,” said NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson in the press release announcing the honor. “Through his unique ability to transform complex political issues into thought-provoking humor, Dave has solidified his place as one of the most impactful voices of our time. His work sparks conversations that compel people to examine their own beliefs, proving that in an age where open dialogue is increasingly rare, comedy can be both a powerful truth-teller and a driver of progress.”
The 56th NAACP Image Awards will be held at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, California on February 22 at 8 P.M. EST, and aired live on BET and CBS. This year, the event will be extended to run for 2.5 hours and honor the Altadena, Pacific Palisades, and Pasadena communities who have been affected by the recent wildfires. The ceremony will also provide support for the Altadena Community Preservation Fund, which was created to preserve the area’s cultural heritage and to defend homeowners from being displaced. The fund was created through a partnership between BET Media Group, NAACP, Johnson Shapiro Slewett & Kole (JSSK), and WME with LA County. The fund collaborated with and received feedback from several local community organizations, including Community Aid Dena, Altadena Heritage, and WalkGood LA,
Debut albums by Jay-Z, Luther Vandross and Big Star and breakthrough singles by Miami Sound Machine and Eddie Floyd are among the 13 recordings that were inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame this year. This year’s additions (eight albums and five singles) meet the main requirements – they exhibit “qualitative or historical significance” and […]
Sum 41 singer Deryck Whibley offered up his sincerest apologies to the pop punk band’s Australian fans in a video posted this week after the group were unable to play what were slated to be the final-ever shows Down Under in December due to his illness. “This is the part that I hate… The fact […]
Sony Music reported 14% revenue growth in the quarter ending last year — or total revenue of 482 billion yen ($2.72 billion) — bolstered by big releases from ATEEZ and Tyler, the Creator and subscription streaming growth across recorded and music publishing divisions, its parent company Sony Group Corp., reported Thursday (Feb. 13). Sony Music’s […]
Kendrick Lamar hid a bunch of Easter eggs in his historic Super Bowl LIX halftime show. But there’s one little nod you may have missed, but Paramore‘s Hayley Williams sure didn’t. The rocker slipped into the comments on the Instagram feed of Good Dye Young earlier this week to jump for joy after see that […]
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Valentine’s Day is this Friday (Feb. 14) and we’re already seeing the evidence of such with flowers, cards, and candies on full display online, where we shop, and beyond. For Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together a cannabis gift guide for the lovers out there, even those flying solo.
With Valentine’s Day falling on a Friday this year, we can expect every restaurant that’s been buzzing online to be fully booked and that there won’t be many empty spaces where folks socialize as couples take to the streets. Beyond the cute dates and nightlife, some folks will stay indoors and find ways to connect in loving ways. Safely adding cannabis to the could have some very positive effects, especially for couples.
In this roundup, we’ve got some brands we’ve featured in previous cannabis gift guides along with some items especially tailored for sexy time. Also, we’ve got devices that can be shared with your loved one, rolling papers, cones, and other communal applications to enjoy each other’s time with a little enhancement. We even have drinks for those engaging in the California sober trend (and we’ll cover that trend very soon too).
I want to wish our readers a happy, safe, and enjoyable Valentine’s Day. As I always like to say, indulge responsibly and keep your wares tucked safely away. We’ve got a lot of celebrating to do this weekend and for the rest of the year.
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Photo: Getty
1. Blazy Susan V-Day
Source:Blazy Susan
Blazy Susan is one of our favorite brands to feature and they’re always doing some cool things with their rolling papers and accessories, including their Honey Lemon line. However, since it’s V-Day, we suggest going for their pink pre-roll cones or rolling papers.
Learn more here.
2. Cantrip
Source:Cantrip
I may have shared this before but my first time realizing that you can drink your THC occurred when I attended the Cannabis Cup in 2014 in the Bay Area. It was legitimately mind-blowing to have an infused soda pop. Cantrip satisfies that urge for a sweet, fizzy treat boosted with hemp-derived cannabis and fantastic effects. Ships to 34 states nationwide too!
Learn more here.
3. DaySavers Toke With Me Cones
Source:DaySavers
DaySavers, co-founded by Harrison Bard, who also co-founded Custom Cones, is offering a cute, Valentine’s Day-themed pre-roll set that just needs your flower and finishing construction before passing them off to your boo. They even have a V-Day bundle that features their Perfect Pack device, which I am eager to try out.
Learn more here.
4. Fable
Source:Fable
Created in 2016 by Kristin and Benjamin Kennedy, Fable takes the concept of canned mocktails but instead of spirits like the typical RTDs (ready-to-drink) options, their focus was on cannabis as the special sauce. Fable comes in three distinct flavors that definitely have all the flavor and balance of an artfully crafted cocktail.
Learn more here.
5. Flower Union Artisan Gummies
Source:Flower Union
Flower Union Artisan Gummies brings something new to the edibles game by way of infusing its treats with the entire plant. The brand boasts that this gives a true-to-flower effect and promises fast-acting effectiveness. The brand even tailors its gummies for whatever you might need for the day.
Learn more here.
6. Indacloud Chronic Crystals
Source:Indacloud
Indacloud Chronic Crystals are designed to take you back to the days of Pop-Rocks and come in two formulas: Day or Night. Hemp-derived cannabis is all the rage now and Indacloud has D8, D9, and THC-A products.
Learn more here.
7. Jaunty
Source:Jaunty
Jaunty owns the distinction of being the top-selling 510 vape cart brand in New York City, and now has some new flavors coming soon to the marketplace.
Learn more here.
8. Muha Meds Mambas
Source:Muha Meds
Muha Meds, founded by Ali Garawi, is one of the fastest-rising cannabis brands out there, specializing in all kinds of varieties to consume your medicine. We’re featuring their Mambas gummies for Valentine’s Day, which ships nationwide.
Learn more here.
9. Neno’s Naturals
Source:Neno’s Naturals
Neno’s Naturals is all about CBD, the cannabinoid that is praised for its potential to deliver health benefits without the psychoactive effects of THC. They even have an offering for your pets.
Learn more here.
10. Puffco Peak – Bliss
Source:Puffco
I didn’t get a Puffco pitch for V-Day but that’s not an issue. Anytime I can mention this fantastic brand, I will. Given the theme of the weekend, we’re highlighting their Peak Smart E-Rig in its new Bliss color.
Learn more here.
11. Sauce Essentials
Source:Sauce Essentials
Sauce Essentials has an array of potent pre-rolls, their Dream Pen AIO, their Sauce Bars carts, and the delicious Bursts gummies with sectioned dosage. Available in eight states so far with two more on the horizon, Sauce Essentials is making some moves.
Learn more here.
12. STIIIZY
Source:STIIIZY
STIIIZY is a brand cannabis connoisseurs are well aware of, and now, they’re in the seltzer biz via their D9-infused sips. The THC is hemp-derived so it can be shipped to several states across the nation.
Learn more here.
13. Vessel
Source:Vessel
Vessel continues to be one of the most innovative brands around when it comes to cannabis accessories. The brand’s new Tide carrying case for its Pipe offering just launched, but they also have the Compass, Core, Vista Edge, and more.
Learn more here.
14. WYNK
Source:WYNK
WYNK was the first infused seltzer I tried and I am happy to share that I’m still crushing cans of their offerings every chance I can. The award-winning brand is available to ship to 37 states nationwide.
Learn more here.
15. Zone Opto
Source:Zone Opto
Zone Opto aims to disrupt the 510 vape cart market with its customizable battery that counts draws, three modes, one of which includes the option to increase flavor, and also a handy “puffs remaining” feature.
Learn more here.
Sam Fender has extended his 2025 U.K. summer tour with the addition of three new dates. The announcement arrives ahead of the North Shields songwriter’s third LP People Watching, due next Friday (Feb. 21) via Polydor. The record marks Fender’s first full-length release since 2021’s Mercury Prize-nominated Seventeen Going Under. The first of the new […]
The Prodigy’s Liam Howlett has spoken out about the group’s absence from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, urging for their inclusion in the prestigious institution.
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Speaking ahead of the band’s upcoming Disrupta Tour in Australia, Howlett admitted that the Hall of Fame hadn’t been on his radar—until now. “It’s not something I’ve ever thought about, but yeah, as you spoke about it we should be up there. Make it happen!” he told Rolling Stone AU/NZ.
While The Prodigy didn’t make the 2025 class, which features fellow British acts like Oasis, New Order, and Billy Idol, the Essex-born electronic pioneers make a strong case for future recognition. Their 1997 album The Fat of the Land became a landmark moment for electronic music, breaking barriers in the U.S. by debuting at No. 1 on the Billboard 200—an unprecedented achievement for a band in their genre at the time.
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Two of the group’s defining singles, “Firestarter” and “Smack My Bitch Up,” cracked the Billboard Hot 100 in an era when electronic music wasn’t widely embraced by the mainstream American industry.
“I’ve said before, I never gave a f* about the charts,” Howlett recalled. “But somehow Fat of the Land going to No. 1 in the USA felt different. It had an extra ‘f*** you-ness’ about it as only a few British bands had ever done that. So yeah, you could say it gave me a certain cheeky pride for a while.”
In their home country, The Prodigy have dominated the U.K. charts, racking up seven No. 1 albums, including their most recent studio effort, No Tourists, in 2018. Their career tally also includes 11 top 10 hits on the Official U.K. Singles Chart, with “Firestarter” and “Breathe” both reaching No. 1 in 1996.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame requires nominees to have released their first single or album at least 25 years before the induction year. The Prodigy, who first hit the U.K. charts in 1991 with “Charly,” easily meet the eligibility criteria, making them potential contenders for future classes.
As the group gears up for their first Australian tour in five years, fans are eager to see Howlett and Maxim back on stage. The Disrupta Tour, which kicks off Feb. 13 in Sydney, is also their first major run since the passing of frontman Keith Flint in 2019.
Fountains of Wayne are reuniting for their first full performances since the passing of founding member Adam Schlesinger in 2020.
The power pop band—best known for hits like “Stacy’s Mom”—has announced appearances at Milwaukee’s Summerfest over the July 4 weekend and the Oceans Calling Festival in Ocean City, Maryland, on Sept. 26. Eve 6’s Max Collins will step in on bass for the performances.
The upcoming shows mark the band’s first proper reunion in over a decade. Before this, the remaining members—Chris Collingwood, Jody Porter, and Brian Young—briefly came together for a one-off performance (their first in seven years) to pay tribute to their late band member Adam Schlesinger, who passed away due to complications from COVID-19 at the age of 52. Prior to Schlesinger’s passing, the band’s last official tour wrapped in 2013.
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Fountains of Wayne formed in 1995 and gained a cult following, their mainstream breakthrough came in 2003 with “Stacy’s Mom,” which peaked at No. 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, earned them a Grammy nomination and became a pop culture staple. The track also reached No. 3 on Alternative Airplay in 2003, while their album Welcome Interstate Managers reached No. 115 on the Billboard 200.
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Despite the song’s success, Schlesinger downplayed its impact in a 2007 interview with The A.V. Club, saying, “Most people in the world still don’t have any idea who sang ‘Stacy’s Mom.’ Everybody knows that song, but most people don’t know who we are.”
Beyond his work with Fountains of Wayne, Schlesinger had a prolific career in film, television, and theater, writing songs for That Thing You Do!, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, and Music & Lyrics, among many others. His unexpected passing due to complications from COVID-19 in 2020 was a devastating loss for the music community, prompting an outpouring of tributes from artists across the industry.
Following his death, Saving for a Custom Van, a 31-track tribute album, was released in 2020, featuring covers of Schlesinger’s work from artists such as Nada Surf, Motion City Soundtrack, Rachel Bloom, and Sarah Silverman. The album raised funds for COVID-19 relief efforts through the MusiCares Foundation.
While it remains unclear whether these upcoming performances will lead to further touring or new music, fans eager to celebrate Schlesinger’s legacy will finally have the chance to see Fountains of Wayne live again.