The Best Gig I Ever Saw: Sylvia Black Recalls Cramps and WeirdosMulti-faceted post-punk and psychedelic blues femme fatale Sylvia Black told us about her Cramps/Weirdos experience...

Sylvia Black: I probably haven't seen as many live shows as one might expect. Tough to choose between Betty Carter at Yoshi’s in Oakland, CA, and Retrovirus with Lydia Lunch in Brooklyn Summer of 2017. But I s’pose one of my most memorable concerts was one of my firsts. It was 1990, San Francisco Civic Center, New Year’s Eve. It was the party to go to that night in the Bay Area with the Red Hot Chili Peppers headlining. But that night was where we discovered The Cramps and The Weirdos, who were supporting acts. 

It was loud and wild. The energy was just reverberating through the steamy air as Lux gave us a show in his shiny skivvies. Let’s just say that my best girlfriends and I had the full San Francisco experience and crossed some kind of threshold that night. It was NYE so everyone was ramped up and loaded to 11. We were completely and utterly young, dumb, feral and free. There wasn’t one corner of the Civic center or the surrounding streets that could contain us for long. And somehow we came out unscathed.

There was no photographic record. Were no text chains or geo locating. No real safety nets. My god, I feel so bad for my parents. But Lux did leave an indelible mark on my mind as I went on to make The Cramps song ‘Primitive’ one of my main cover songs in my lounge act. I soon thereafter discovered Primitive was originally recorded by The Groupies. 

Sylvia Black's new single "Long Gone Gardens" is out now; the album Shadowtime is out January 16.

The post The Best Gig I Ever Saw: Sylvia Black Recalls Cramps and Weirdos first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Live Nation moves again to dismiss DOJ antitrust suit, claims ‘Zero Proof’Live Nation and Ticketmaster delivered a bold new filing on December 29th in its ongoing antitrust battle with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). The entertainment giant claims prosecutors have produced no credible evidence showing its business practices cause real-world harm to artists, venues, or fans.
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Why Did So Many Music Festivals Cancel in 2025?The 2025 festival season saw out some of live music and DJ culture's most beloved festivals due to surges in costs, an exodus of sponsorship, and a “saturation of sameness.” Let's talk about it.
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Your Support Helps Organizations Like We Make NoiseNAMM released a statement on Tuesday to say that, "As we continue highlighting the organizations supported through NAMM Foundation global grantmaking, this week, we’re proud to share the work of We Make Noise, which advances global gender equity through music & technology. They blend music creation, technology training, community building and career development needed for success in the music industry."

"From songwriting and recording to digital production and performance, We Make Noise provides students with opportunities to explore their creativity while developing confidence, community and career-building skills."

"The NAMM Foundation grants support 57 organizations, expanding music-making and career mobility worldwide. Programs like We Make Noise demonstrate how grassroots music education can empower the next generation of artists, producers, engineers and innovators."

"We Make Noise provides free and low-cost access to contemporary music education, including digital recording, songwriting and production camps, performance ensembles, creative workshops and an online global Hub connecting creators across more than 20 countries."

"Their programs intentionally cultivate safe, inclusive spaces where women and gender-expansive participants build technical fluency, professional networks and a sense of belonging. These experiences serve as entry points into music careers and cultural leadership, helping participants move off the sidelines and into the rooms where creative decisions are made."

"Lamond GenNext Award – Connecting college students to career opportunities and mentorship at The NAMM Show."

"Women of NAMM Leadership Fund – Supporting mentorship and leadership development for women shaping the music industry’s future."

"Your year-end gift helps sustain these programs and continues the legacy of music your generosity makes possible."

DONATE NOWThe post Your Support Helps Organizations Like We Make Noise first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

A Guide to Using Apple Music for Artists to Promote Your New MusicA guide for promoting your music through Apple Music for Artists. Here's everything you need to know if you're an indie artist.
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Jacob Varghese of Noctil Shares His 2026 Music PredictionsHypebot's Future Predictions series is back. Join us as we ask the music industry's expert analysts what they think might unfold in the world of music in 2026.
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RIP Nigerian Afro-Rock Music Percussionist/Drummer Remi Kabaka Tony Amadi a journalist on PressReader.com reported news of Remi Kabaka’s passing on December 20, 2025. 

“Rock music percussionist of international repute and Nigeria’s unsung hero Remi Kabaka has passed on at 80 with details of his death still shrouded in uncertainty. He died in Los Angeles where he lived his final days on earth on December 8, 2025. 

“He was the most influential rock musician in Nigeria history but he never flaunted the roles he played to make Nigerian music great.” 

The musician and master of the talking drum was born March 27, 1945 in Ghana to Nigerian parents.  Kabaka relocated to London in the mid-sixties, and became a central figure in the city’s expat music scene inside venues like Club Afrique in Soho.     

I knew of Remi Kabaka’s African rhythmic contributions to several Island Records discs, and Paul McCartney & Wings’ Band On The Run, along with studio sessions and live road work with Ginger Baker’s Air Force, Hugh Masekela, and Paul Simon’s Rhythm of the Saints tour.  Kabaka also wrote the tune “Happy Vibes” on the Steve Winwood four-CD set, The Finer Things.  

During the 1970s, Remi was entrenched in the afro-jazz scene and composed the 1978 soundtrack to director Ola Balogun’s Black Goddess. 

In June, 2001, The L.A. Weekly nominated Remi Kabaka in their awards category for “Best World Percussionist.” 

Over the last 25 years, Kabaka was booked in clubs and hotels around the beach community of Santa Monica.            

“To start with, I’m here to support with my hands,” explained Remi in a 2001 interview with me. 

“You establish support, and then it builds. The talking drum is an amazing instrument. It does everything that a drum can do, but it spreads the keys too.  It has taken me years to transpose all the stuff on to the talking drum.  That comes from experience as well. The vibe is almost scientific.  We tell stories with our hands and fingers,” emphasized Kabaka.  

“I’ve worked with John Martyn, Stevie Winwood, Jim Capaldi, John Lennon, George Harrison, Brian Jones, Keith Richards, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Arthur Lee, Denny Laine, Bob Marley, Stephen Stills, Mariam Makeba, Doris Troy, Paul McCartney, and the Rolling Stones.”

Remi appeared three times with the Stones providing percussion during “Sympathy for the Devil” in 2002 and 2003 Southern California shows. Kabaka was on stage at their July 1969 Hyde Park London concert event. 

This century, Kabaka recorded with guitarist Toulouse Engelhardt and producer Chris Darrow, and sessions with the production duo Tea.   

In our conversation, I asked about Jimi Hendrix. Kabaka knew Jimi, and occasionally played and jammed with him in the studio. 

“I called him Marshall,” Remi recalled,” a loving nod to his civilian name, James Marshall Hendrix. 

On March 17, 1970 Kabaka and Hendrix were invited by Love co-founder Arthur Lee to Olympic Studios in London and cut “The Everlasting First,” with Lee. It was included as part of Love’s False Start.  

I was aware of the association Remi had to Bob Marley and the Wailers.  He encountered Marley in very late 1970 or early 1971 at the time Bob was doing live dates in England with songwriter, mentor and music publisher, Johnny Nash.  

When Marley with the Wailers arrived in the UK for their own debut, it was Kabaka recommending his guitarist, Al Anderson for the band, and suggested another guitarist who joined Marley and the Wailers, Junior Marvin.  

Kabaka earlier studied under master percussionist and musician Ambrose Campbell, who Fela Kuti has hailed as “the father of modern Nigerian music.” 

In the mid-seventies Leon Russell invited Campbell to record and tour with him. In 1979 Leon introduced me to Ambrose, and continued to praise him globally as his “spiritual adviser.”   

“I feel a sense of pride checking out world beat and global music saturating the planet,” Remi emphasized. “I’ve been watching and helping spread the African beat around the world for the past 35 years.  

“Now I’ve got out all my recipes in a big pot.  It’s an amazing soup and all this experience of a half a century. We now get to utilize different tempos and timings in the structure of the items we record and perform together,” he summarized. 

Remi Kabaka is the father of artist and musician Remi Kabaka Jr., since 2015, the drummer, voice over artist and a producer of the virtual rock group the Gorillaz.  

(Harvey Kubernik is the author of 20 books, including 2009’s Canyon Of Dreams: The Magic And The Music Of Laurel Canyon, 2014’s Turn Up The Radio! Rock, Pop and Roll In Los Angeles 1956-1972, 2015's Every Body Knows: Leonard Cohen, 2016's Heart of Gold Neil Young and 2017's 1967: A Complete Rock Music History of the Summer of Love. 

Harvey and Kenneth Kubernik’s published The Story Of The Band: From Big Pink To The Last Waltz in 2018. In 2021 the duo wrote Jimi Hendrix: Voodoo Child. 

Harvey’s Screen Gems: (Pop Music Documentaries and Rock ‘n’ Roll TV Scenes) is scheduled for 2026 publication).  The post RIP Nigerian Afro-Rock Music Percussionist/Drummer Remi Kabaka  first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

What Is Tickets For Good?In a live-music industry constantly battling rising ticket costs, empty seats, and fan disengagement, Tickets For Good is shifting the narrative. Here's an introduction to their work.
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What was it like for Jewish Rapper to perform on Hanukkah in 2025? [Kosha Dillz]Indie rapper and filmmaker Kosha Dillz writes about how much has changed since October 7th and more recent events, and the enduring power of music during the toughest times.
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GRAMMY Nominations 2025: Best Gospel, Best Contemporary Christian Music AlbumsThe 2025 GRAMMY nominations are here and we're going to help you to untangle it all right up until the big event, continuing with the Best Gospel Album and Best Contemporary Christian Music Album categories.

Take a listen to the nominated albums below--who do you think will win?

See the full list of nominees in every category here.

Best Gospel Album

Sunny DaysYolanda Adams

TashaTasha Cobbs Leonard

Live Breathe FightTamela Mann

Only On The Road LiveTye Tribbett

Heart Of MineDarrel Walls, PJ Morton

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

CHILD OF GOD IIForrest Frank

Coritos Vol. 1Israel & New Breed

King Of HeartsBrandon Lake

ReconstructionLecrae

Let The Church SingTauren Wells

Yolanda Adams photo by Dennis LeupholdThe post GRAMMY Nominations 2025: Best Gospel, Best Contemporary Christian Music Albums first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

GRAMMY Nominations 2025: Best Gospel, Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

The 2025 GRAMMY nominations are here and we're going to help you to untangle it all right up until the big event, continuing with the Best Gospel Performance/Song and Best Contemporary Christian Performance/Song categories.

Take a listen to the nominated performances/songs below--who do you think will win?

See the full list of nominees in every category here.

Best Gospel Performance/Song

Do It AgainKirk Franklin; Kirk Franklin, songwriter

ChurchTasha Cobbs Leonard, John Legend; Anthony S. Brown, Brunes Charles, Annatoria Chitapa, Kenneth Leonard, Jr., Tasha Cobbs Leonard & Jonas Myrin, songwriters

Still — LiveJonathan McReynolds & Jamal Roberts; Britney Delagraentiss, Jonathan McReynolds, David Lamar Outing II, Orlando Joel Palmer & Terrell Demetrius Wilson, songwriters

AmenPastor Mike Jr.; Adia Andrews, Michael McClure Jr., David Lamar Outing II & Terrell Anthony Pettus, songwriters

Come Jesus ComeCeCe Winans Featuring Shirley Caesar

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

I Know A NameElevation Worship, Chris Brown, Brandon Lake; Hank Bentley, Steven Furtick, Brandon Lake & Jacob Sooter, songwriters

YOUR WAY'S BETTERForrest Frank; Forrest Frank & Pera, songwriters

Hard Fought HallelujahBrandon Lake With Jelly Roll; Chris Brown, Jason Bradley Deford, Steven Furtick, Benjamin William Hastings & Brandon Lake, songwriters

HeadphonesLecrae, Killer Mike, T.I.; Tyshane Thompson, Bongo ByTheWay, Michael Render, Lecrae Moore & Clifford Harris, songwriters

AmazingDarrel Walls, PJ Morton; PJ Morton & Darrel Walls, songwriters

CeCe Winans photo by Hanna CorwinThe post GRAMMY Nominations 2025: Best Gospel, Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Top New Music Industry News Last WeekTop new music industry news last week includes predictions for 2026 from experts, how musicians will get discovered in 2026, Songcards, the Measure of Music Conference, France honoring EDM and more.
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Vinyl Minded, Gift Guide Edition Vol.3Pansy Division

Deflowered (Sounds Rad)

Iconic punk band Pansy Division have celebrated the 30th anniversary of the sophomore Deflowered album with a limited edition, red vinyl rerelease. It also marks the first tine the album has been released on vinyl in over 20 years. So we're due a fresh listen.

The songs are magnificent; perfectly constructed, gloriously poetic and very witty slices of gay life. In the sleeve notes, singer and guitarist Jon Ginoli says that the album originally came out during the AIDS crisis, and that "the original inner sleeve provided safe sex instructions, information we thought could save lives." Commendable stuff.

"Chris [Freeman] and fellow co-founder Jon Ginoli (lead vocals, rhythm guitar) reflects on the impact of Deflowered's 30 years in a funny and revealing video, touching on topics as the album’s artwork, the 'dirty and sweet' balance of the lyrics, the inclusion of lesbian/bi/gay youth support group directory in the liner notes, and interpolating 'MMMbop' by Hanson and Cher’s 'Believe' into their live performances of 'Groovy Underwear,'" reads a statement. See that video below.

Shonen Knife

Our Best Place (Good Charamel Records)

Japanese punk-pop (not pop-punk) trio Shonen Knife have released an expanded edition of the 2023 album Our Best Place, with four new tracks and brand new embroidered sleeve art.

The ladies had food on their mind a couple of years ago, as they sang about "Vamos Taquitos," "Spicy Veggie Curry," and even "Afternoon Tea." Whatever they were singing about, the songs are typically fun, catchy and easy to sing along to.

The new tracks include Japanese versions of "The Story of Baumkuchen" and "Girl's Rock." If anything, the new versions are better than the originals.

Whipping Boy

Disillusion (Blackhouse Inc.)

There's a certain segment of the punk-loving population that will be whooping and cheering for this reissue. It's a niche release, sure, but the best ones usually are.

Originally produced by Dead Kennedys man Klaus Flouride over four decades ago as Muru Muru, the renamed Dysillusion is a quite wonderful, experimental slab of SF hardcore.

The influence of the likes of the DKs and also Flipper can be heard in the left field, out of kilter punk rock. But once your mind settles into it, the songs are a joy. "Sunshine Nellie," for example, is a weirdly psychedelic, experimental yet infectious tune. It's followed by the sinister "Myster Magi," and the juxtaposition is wonderful.

Dig in!The post Vinyl Minded, Gift Guide Edition Vol.3 first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

How an Athletic Mindset Can Help Artists With Performance AnxietyDr. Noa Kageyama, PhD takes a look at research into how athletes deal with performance anxiety to extract a framework for musicians struggling with stage fright.
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Randi Zimmerman of Symphonic Shares Her 2026 Music PredictionsHypebot's Future Predictions series is back. Join us as we ask the music industry's expert analysts what they think might unfold in the world of music in 2026.
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