I. GOSLING IN THE PIT
After 2011 we’re all a little in love with the endlessly handsome Ryan Gosling. From the list-topping badassery that was Drive through his charming grin in the surprisingly bearable Crazy Stupid Love dude has our heartstrings on lock. But now he’s even cooler because he’s a hardcore kid! When legends American Nightmare made their Los Angeles return on January 31 the Goz was there and rumour has it he participated in a stagedive or two. Add that to photographic evidence that he has attended shows from Kid Dynamite Deafheaven and Thee Oh Sees and I’m already trying to figure out his user name on the Bridge 9 message board.
II. AZEALIA’S BANK
Since breaking with tracks like “212” and “Liquorice” Harlem rapper Azealia Banks is one of the buzziest little performers out there. Allegedly coaxing numerous major label deals the artist confirmed her big plans on Twitter writing “I am not going to stay independent. I do not want to be the grungy hipster brown girl you all are begging me to be” and adding “I never heard of anyone paying their rent with ‘cool’.” The statements did not sit well with prominent hip-hop journalist Andrew “Noz” Nosnitsky. Mimicking her statements he Tweeted “I am not going to stay independent. I would rather gamble my future economic stability away in favor of a slim chance of being famous.”
III. GRIMES TIME
Speaking of big time record deals Claire Boucher’s Grimes project has recently signed with venerable major indie 4AD. Joining the home of Blonde Redhead Deerhunter Gang Gang Dance and others Grimes has some big-time labelmates now. The Vancouver resident will still be releasing her next album Visions on Arbutus Records in Canada with 4AD handling the American deal. With such a far reach don’t be surprised when it ends up on a ton of 2012 year-end lists.
IV. MTT FEST
In local news yet another music event will transform the Royal Legion No. 1 into a wonderful sonic playground. Called MTT Fest the night of Saturday March 24 will see local regulars like The Famines Ketamines and Extra Happy Ghost!!! play alongside fascinating headliners like Can’s Damo Suzuki and Spacemen 3’s Sonic Boom. There’s also a secret guest that I can’t announce but I promise that it’s actually a decent surprise that will have many of you very excited.
V. R.I.P. SLIM DUNKIN
Last month Waka Flocka Flame associate Slim Dunkin was shot and killed in an Atlanta recording studio. The 24-year-old 1017 Brick Squad recording artist was allegedly murdered after arguing over a piece of candy. After a search fellow rapper Young Vito was accused of the killing and turned himself into the police over fears that he would be murdered in retaliation. Over on Twitter Waka Flocka lamented the loss with Tweets like “DAMN I MISS MY DOG SHIT DONT FEEL RIGHT #FUCKDAWORLD.”
