Michael Gilas at The Cutting Room New York, NYWeb: michaelgilasmusic.comContact: sotthuggermusic@gmail.com Players: Michael Gilas, lead vocals; Allan Phillips, musical director, keyboards, guitars; Natalya Phillips, guitars, background vocals; Daneen Wilburn, background vocals; Draeh Jirnae, background vocals; Shirly Ace, drums; Angelica Yamada, bass; Brian Kennedy, keyboards

It's hard to put a period on Michael Gilas’ music. His influences run the gamut from legendary artists like The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Carole King, and Steely Dan to as current as Billie Ellish. Those influences run through the set which was comprised of songs from his current release, 231 Kensington Road. 

Pouring all that musical diversity into the show, Gilas delivers a blend of mostly up-tempo, groove-laden songs staying in an adult contemporary lane, with his seven-piece band (including three backup singers) rounding out the sound. 

He kicks off the set with “Convenience Store,” a clever comparison between his open heart and a store that never closes: “There’s something ‘bout that neon glow/I can see so through ya/I can’t say no to ya/You go and get what you need/anytime you need it/my heart’s open 24/7.”

In “Sigmund Freud Girlfriends,” we hear tongue-in-cheek quips about past girlfriends dissecting their relationships and why they failed: “Tell all your Sigmund Freud girlfriends the damage, the savage/there’s always another chapter about the baggage we never unpacked…cheaper than a couch confession/ I’ll even pick up the tab for the session.”

Gilas surrounds himself with a coterie of excellent musicians and background singers. Though they offer strong support, an interlude or two of an instrumental breakdown, putting Gilas further out front would have given us the chance to hear more of his voice unfettered by the size of the band.

At the start of the show, a woman stepped up to the mic with a brief but cryptic comment alluding to the bravery of the performer we were about to witness. We never find out what that comment meant but what it most likely amounted to was a missed opportunity for Gilas to connect more profoundly with the audience. After a life-altering horseback riding accident that left him with a broken neck, unable to walk and limited use of his hands he took stock of his life. “Music became my therapy, my escape, and my way forward. I wrote song after song from my bed, never knowing they’d turn into my first album.”So, the question is how did this near-tragic event fuel the songs on the album? Audiences love to know these backstories.

Still, the show was entertaining with all its bells and whistles, though Gilas unfortunately omitted sharing these songs shaped by his life experiences, most notably, the riding accident. While many of us have been in a dark place at some point in our lives, we welcome hearing how others have overcome insurmountable obstacles. The post Michael Gilas at The Cutting Room New York, NY first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Remember ‘Say No To Suno’? Someone just hired a plane to fly it over an AI investor summit… featuring Mikey Shulman.Its location in the skies was significant – directly over the UBS AI in Entertainment Summit at the Shutters on the Beach hotel, where Suno CEO Mikey Shulman was among the speakers.
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Composer, Recording Artist, and Songwriter Colin Stetson Signs With Third Side Music News broke this week that "Global independent publisher Third Side Music (TSM) has re-signed award-winning composer, artist, songwriter, and arranger Colin Stetson, whose career trajectory has soared since the beginning of his long and successful 15-year partnership with the company."

According to a statement, "Through the exclusive, worldwide administration deal, TSM will continue representation of the renowned bass and alto saxophone player’s entire catalog, and work closely to foster new collaborations and creative opportunities in films, TV series, advertising, games, and other media.  Stetson’s talents and versatility as a multi-instrumentalist, his groundbreaking performances, and genre-defying scores have attracted diverse projects and made him one of today’s most in-demand composers."

"Colin has been part of the TSM family for years, and it’s been incredible to watch his career continue to evolve. As both a composer and recording artist, he brings a unique creative perspective to everything he does. Beyond his talent, he’s thoughtful, collaborative, and genuinely great to work with—qualities that make every project better," Alex Kelman, TSM EVP Creative Services/A&R, told MC.

A press release continues, "As the composer of more than 15 films and series, Stetson’s recent projects include the hit horror-thriller Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, which has ranked as one of Netflix’s most popular original series, Mayday, Apple Original Films’ upcoming spy thriller and comedy starring Ryan Reynolds (releasing Sept. 4, 2026), and the IMAX documentary Stormbound, which premiered at SXSW in March and won the 2026 Special Jury Award. His film scoring credits include Hereditary (2018), Texas Chainsaw Massacre (2022),Hold Your Breath (2024), Color Out of Space (2019), Mayday (2021), the Netflix documentary Martha (2024), and The Menu 2022)."

"Stetson’s television credits include Hulu’s The First (2018), Adult Swim’sUzumaki (2024), the Disney+ NASA docuseries Among the Stars (2021), National Geographic’s Barkskins (2020), and Deliver Us (2019), among many others. For Red Dead Redemption 2 (2018), one of Rockstar Games’ highest selling games, Stetson collaborated with composer Woody Jackson and received critical acclaim for his contributions to the original score."

“Alex Kelman, and everyone at Third Side Music have been avid and active advocates of my music, in both my work in film and my solo recording career. They are, and always have been, truly familial in their care, consideration, and support. I am enormously grateful for all their dedication and counsel over the years,” said Stetson. 

“Colin is a dream to work with—truly a once-in-a-lifetime talent. He brings a singular, progressive creative vision to everything he does, paired with a genuine sense of care, compassion, and thoughtfulness. Every project he’s involved with is elevated by these qualities,” added Kelman.

For more information, visit: thirdsidemusic.com

The post Composer, Recording Artist, and Songwriter Colin Stetson Signs With Third Side Music  first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

BMI promotes four executives across Creative and Corporate Communications teamsBMI promoted John Ellwood to Vice President, Creative, and elevated Deirdre Chadwick, Jeff Gilligan and Jodie Thomas to Assistant Vice President positions.
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2 Live Crew can’t take back their recorded music copyrights after all, appeals court rulesA US federal appeals court has overturned 2 Live Crew's high-profile victory in their long-running copyright fight
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Apply Now to the BMI Foundation 2026 Songwriting & Composer AwardsThe BMI Foundation has officially opened applications for its Summer 2026 awards, offering emerging songwriters and composers a pair of high-impact opportunities designed to support artists at a pivotal stage in their careers.

This year’s open programs include the peermusic Latin Music Award and the Pete Carpenter Fellowship, each tailored to distinct creative paths within the music industry. Submissions for both are due by June 30, 2026, with all eligibility requirements determined as of that date.

Aimed at songwriters working within Latin genres, the peermusic Latin Music Award recognizes excellence in songwriting while providing financial support and industry visibility. Meanwhile, the Pete Carpenter Fellowship is geared toward aspiring film and television composers, offering mentorship and hands-on experience in media scoring—an area often difficult to break into without direct access.

Together, the two programs reflect the BMI Foundation’s broader mission: to provide not just recognition, but meaningful resources for artists navigating the early stages of professional development.

“We are thrilled to offer these launchpads for the next generation of songwriters and media composers,” said BMI Foundation President Deirdre Chadwick. “Each award is uniquely tailored to the needs of creators within a specific genre. Everyone at the BMI Foundation is proud to provide financial, business and artistic support for these emerging artists at a critical point in their careers.”

While industry accolades can often feel symbolic, initiatives like these tend to offer more tangible outcomes—whether through funding, mentorship, or connections that extend beyond the award itself. Past recipients have gone on to build sustainable careers across songwriting, production, and media composition, underscoring the long-term value of such programs.

For artists currently refining their sound or looking to expand into new areas of the industry, the BMI Foundation’s Summer 2026 awards represent a rare combination of credibility, access, and support.

Applications are now open, find your application here. The post Apply Now to the BMI Foundation 2026 Songwriting & Composer Awards first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Classical Highlights for May 2026This past month there seemed to be a sizeable amount of very good keyboard music, as well as opera or opera-adjacent recordings. Nikolai Lugansky (pictured) gives masterful readings of three of Schumann's large piano compositions, while harpsichordist Pierre Gallon selects pieces to accompany the nighttime hours before dawn, and Claire Huangci plays music by German and American female composers.

Lily Allen at The Orpheum Theatre  Los Angeles, CAWeb: lilyallenmusic.com

The noise surrounding Lily Allen’s incredible 2025 comeback album West End Girl has been close to deafening. Justifiably so, because this is so much more than a regular album. West End Girl recalls, in excruciating detail, a chapter of Allen’s life that could diplomatically be referred to as difficult. Moreover, it’s a vitally important opus because it lends a voice to other women in an abusive situation. 

We knew, going into the first of Allen’s two nights at the Orpheum, that the album is essentially about her marriage to actor David Harbour which lasted from 2020 to 2025. We knew that there was a definite “ick” element about the whole concept of essentially being pushed into an open marriage. From the day of the record’s release, that felt like a very specific form of hell: wanting a loving, committed, monogamous marriage but being faced with the choice of “open or nothing” and choosing the former in order to keep the family together.

It’s also true that, while with Harbour, Allen didn’t release an album. Her last one prior to West End Girl was 2018’s No Shame. The fact that Harbour sent Allen a sinister note with “bad luck flowers” when she appears in the play 2:22 A Ghost Story in 2021 naturally makes one wonder just how controlling he was over her career.

Regardless, Allen is back now, the album is pure brilliance, and her one woman show at the Orpheum was a celebration of those things. Still, it remains a fact that we weren’t ready for the emotions that this album, performed start-to-finish on this tour, would stir in the live environment. Seeing Allen, alone on stage and utterly vulnerable, singing these beautiful, strong, devastating songs was an undeniably powerful experience. 

It’s worth mentioning that, as an opening act, the Dallas Minor Trio is a group of cellists who play songs from Allen’s prior albums, while a screen beams out the lyrics so that the crowd can sing along. Tons of fun to be had there, and it highlights the fact that Allen is the focus here.

Again, the album was performed in its entirety and in order, so Allen’s set list offered no surprises. The title track kicked off the West End Girl show, a song that immediately introduced the toxicity that plagued Allen’s marriage: “You were pushing it forward, Made me feel a bit awkward.” The songs also dip into the aforementioned play (gifting the album and song its title): “That’s when your demeanor started to change, You said that I’d have to audition, I said, ‘You’re deranged.’”

With the stage set, Allen moved straight into “Ruminating,” a song that any human can relate to. Her husband is out and about, sleeping with other people, and Allen is lying awake at night unable to exorcise the mental image. Pure, vicious agony!

“Sleepwalking” is nothing short of a musical plea. “Tennis” and then “Madeline” awkwardly introduce the begrudged rules of their “open marriage.” Jesus fucking Christ, it’s all so unpleasant. “Pussy Palace” follows, and then “4chan Stan,” with the refrain “What a sad, sad man, It’s giving 4chan stan.” 

“Nonmonogamummy” is the best song on the album, and of the night. Structurally, it’s an upbeat pop song with a ‘60s go-go vibe, plus additional vocals by reggae man Specialist Moss. But, unsurprisingly given this album, the lyrics touch all the feels: “I’ve been trying to be open, I just want to meet your needs, and for some reason, I revert to people pleasing, I’ll be your Nonmonogamummy.” Just ouch!

“Dallas Major” gets its name from the moniker Allen used on the dating apps that she didn’t want to be using. Through it all, she poured her heart out for Los Angeles, and the crowd reacted in kind. This wasn’t just a concert, or even a regular one-woman theatrical performance. This was and is a giant therapy session. It’s also a display of strength, of resilience, and yes, of love. 

Musically, the songs are dazzling; 14 pop gems ending with the ultimately affirming “Fruityloop.” Allen’s voice is on point throughout and, when she took her flowers at the show’s conclusion, it would be tough to imagine that any artist has earned them more. 

Photos by Christina Bryson (@averagecowgirl).The post Lily Allen at The Orpheum Theatre  Los Angeles, CA first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

TikTok trumpets Temper City’s viral ‘Self Aware’ as SoundOn expands services for US indie artists and labelsThe track has surpassed 150m streams on Spotify and has been used to soundtrack more than 6.4m videos on TikTok
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Radio Memphis Keeps Memphis’ Heritage Upfront… and PersonalIf ever there were a musical “bunker,” it’s the place Radio Memphis calls home. You find it tucked deep in the basement of an unassuming strip mall somewhere around 4745 Poplar Avenue in Memphis, TN. It’s easy to miss from the outside—but once you’re inside, you realize this little station has been sending out waves of good vibes since day one.

Before long, you understand why it’s become the go-to groove joint for musicians passing through Memphis.

What happens here—what you’re stepping into—is an outlet for the music, the culture, and the history of Memphis. And the blues, of course. Keeping that flame alive isn’t always easy, but every day something happens in the station that reminds you why it matters. You leave feeling proud to be even a small part of the musical fabric of Memphis, TN.

You’re plugged directly into the city’s musical bloodstream—from Beale Street to the Delta, from the P&H Café to Little Rock. There’s a pulse here that hits harder and grooves deeper than almost anywhere else.

But access to The Bunker isn’t automatic.

You might even face a little pop quiz at the door.

Four Things You Must Do Before Entering the Radio Memphis Bunker

Know something about the Memphis Blues scene.

Order a cheeseburger from Matt at the P&H Café (bring the receipt).

Grab a cup of coffee at Java Cabana in Cooper-Young.

Know what the “B.B.” stands for in B.B. King.

Get those right—do a little homework—and you’re in good shape. And if you love Blues or rock-and-roll in any of its many forms, you’ll have a mighty fine time down in the Bunker.

Meet the Crew

At the center of it all is Rick Chetter, the calm eye of the storm and the waterspout from which the Radio Memphis groove flows out into the known universe.

Rick’s on the mic in the Bunker more often than not—day or night. If you stop by, chances are you’ll find him there, rocking the airwaves amid the flotsam and jetsam of what can only be called The Radio Life.

There’s always something happening: new recordings arriving, new guests dropping by, or the occasional surprise visit from an A-list blues artist who happens to be in town. Interviews happen. Impromptu showcases happen. Sometimes people just walk through the door and plug in.

Legends like Paul Butterfield, Howlin’ Wolf, and Stevie Ray Vaughan are part of the station’s musical DNA, and the playlist also welcomes rising artists from around the world.

Send in your music, and chances are they’ll play it.

Then there’s “Dirty D”—Dianna Fryer—who’s been with Radio Memphis since the very beginning. She hosts several shows and also serves as the station’s General Manager. Good radio attracts good people, and when it comes to Dirty D (Detroit street shorthand), you’ve hit the jackpot.

She’s the driving force that keeps the station alive—keeping the lights on, the doors open, and the signal strong. So be polite, be respectful… and don’t challenge her musical knowledge unless you’re ready to lose.

Running a radio station is a labor of love. It can be challenging, infuriating, and occasionally overwhelming. But when the day ends and the microphones go quiet, you realize there’s nowhere else you’d rather be than right here at Radio Memphis, working with remarkable people and helping keep Memphis music alive.

Dianna also happens to be a terrific on-air personality and a skilled interviewer. Like Rick, she has a way of putting you at ease immediately. Talking with her feels natural—easy, relaxed, and genuinely fun.

And they’re not alone. The station has a fantastic team of hosts, including Phil Berger and Jeff Janovetz, along with a lineup of other dedicated radio lifers who bring their own shows and personalities to the airwaves.

Connected Locally… to the Universe

If you’re serious about the blues in Memphis, sooner or later you’ll cross paths with the Memphis Blues Society. The organization plays an important role in keeping the scene thriving—and it’s closely tied to the Radio Memphis family.

If you’re heading to Memphis or just passing through, make a point of connecting with Mark Caldwell from the Memphis Blues Society. He’s the kind of guy you’d clone if science allowed it—but until that technology arrives, you can meet him in person at the station.

And while you’re exploring the region, don’t forget the nearby musical landmarks—Muscle Shoals, FAME Studios, and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. That whole corridor is soaked in music history.

Back at Radio Memphis, you never quite know who you’ll meet. Artists wander in, friendships form, and bands you hear in the Bunker today might be touring nationally tomorrow.

Take Slim and the Percolators from Philadelphia. Memphis noticed Slim tearing it up at The Twisted Tail in Philly. A few years later he landed in Memphis for the International Blues Challenge—and he’s been rocking stages ever since.

That’s the magic of the place.

Everyone you meet at the station feels real—natural, grounded, and completely committed to the mission. Before long, you find yourself caught up in the excitement and riding the same wave.

The Blues World Converges Here

Every year Memphis hosts the International Blues Challenge, one of the biggest gatherings of blues talent anywhere on the planet. Artists come from around the world—and if Jupiter or Mars had blues clubs, they’d probably send competitors too.

If you’ve never been, you’re missing out.

Because one day—far, far down the road—you may find yourself sliding up to the Pearly Gates. And St. Peter might look over his glasses and say:

“Hey… weren’t you the one I saw in Memphis last year at the P&H Café?”

Think about it.

Note: Sadly, we lost Diana a few months back and she’ll be forever missed...The post Radio Memphis Keeps Memphis’ Heritage Upfront… and Personal first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

New Music Critique of The New Music SculptorsContact: crj@newmusicsculptors.comWeb: newmusicsculptors.bandcamp.comSeeking: ReviewStyle: Freak Rock, Punk

Who are the New Music Sculptors? “A group of sonic sculptors with over a century of combined musical wherewithal,” is what they say. A song like “Doom” would suggest that this is a band of skilled, experimental musicians, happy to dispel the notion that a group needs to be tied down by genres and labels. It’s jazz-like in its desire to deconstruct traditional song structure. Fans of Zappa and Captain Beefheart will love the freedom and whiff of chaos with which these guys play. But the songs are there. Like Zappa, or perhaps Primus, you just have to dig a little.The post New Music Critique of The New Music Sculptors first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Official: UMG rejects Bill Ackman’s $64B takeover bidUniversal Music Group has rejected Bill Ackman's takeover offer.
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COURT HOLDS LIVE NATION MONOPOLIZED THE MARKET FOR CONCERT TICKETSA Federal court jury in New York recently held that Live Nation and its subsidiary, Ticketmaster, had an illegal monopoly on concert ticket sales. Live Nation/Ticketmaster used its dominant position in the market to make things more difficult for its competitors.

The witnesses in the trial included Live Nation head Michael Rapone and Ben Lovett from the group Mumford & Sons.

Over 30 states sued Ticketmaster, claiming that it dominated major concert venue sales and maintained high prices with their anticompetitive practices in large entertainment venues.

Concert goers have long complained about exorbitant ticket prices. This recent verdict in the antitrust trial against Live Nation could mean lower ticket prices in the future but it does not appear it will happen immediately.

One week after the trial began on March 2, the federal government entered into a $280 million settlement. Some states agreed to participate in the settlement which must still be approved by the judge. However, over 30 states decided to continue with their lawsuit in court.

The jury concluded that Ticketmaster overcharged $1.72 per concert ticket in 21 states and Washington D.C. due to Live Nation’s anticompetitive actions.

The acting assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s antitrust division, Omeed Assefi, stated the verdict was “a fantastic outcome for the American people... DOJ and some states settled their cases and got instant relief. The remaining states received a liability finding and will now move on to the next phase of a remedies trial. Everyone but Live Nation wins with this scenario.”

 The judge in the case, Arun Subramanian, will be the person who decides what the remedies are. It could be divestments by Live Nation of some of its companies or ordering Live Nation and Ticketmaster (they merged in 2010) to separate. Live Nation will also be required to pay back millions of dollars in overcharges.

During the trial, Live Nation argued that it was not a monopoly and stated that the jury’s verdict “is not the last word on this matter” as there are motions pending which may decide whether the rulings on liability and damages will stand. Live Nation also stated that it should not have to pay over $450 million in damages.

Ticketmaster is the largest ticketer of live events in the world. During the trial, Jeffrey Kessler, an attorney for the states, testified that Ticketmaster has an 86 percent share of the ticket sales market at “major concert venues” which he said are the 250 U.S. amphitheaters and arenas that can accommodate 8,000 people and have more than 10 concerts a year. Live Nation contends that their market share is only 44 percent if smaller venues are considered.

Ticket prices have skyrocketed in the last few decades. According to Bloomberg, as Streaming income became a less profitable source of income for musicians, artists have turned to touring and are charging a higher base cost. In addition, live events boomed after the pandemic.

GLENN T. LITWAK is a veteran entertainment attorney based in Santa Monica, CA. He has represented platinum selling recording artists, GRAMMY-winning music producers, hit songwriters, management and production companies, music publishers and independent record labels. Litwak is also a frequent speaker at music industry conferences around the country, such as South by Southwest and the Billboard Music in Film and TV Conference. Litwak has been selected as a “Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyer magazine for 2022-2025. Email Litwak at gtllaw59@gmail.com or visit glennlitwak.com.

This article is a very brief overview of the subject matter and does not constitute legal advice.The post COURT HOLDS LIVE NATION MONOPOLIZED THE MARKET FOR CONCERT TICKETS first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.

Reservoir deployed $120m on acquisitions and advances in latest fiscal year, as its annual revenues grew 11% YoY to $175.7mReservoir Media has published its fiscal Q4 (calendar Q1) and full-year financial results for its fiscal 2026, ended March 31, 2026.
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Korg USA’s Joe Castronovo Joins NAMM in Urging Congress to Lift Tariffs on Musical InstrumentsSEATED L-R Joe Castronovo, Jake Connolly. STANDING L-R: NY Representative Tom Souzzi, and Melissa Heche

Korg USA and NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) brought the music industry’s concerns straight to Washington this month, as tariffs on instruments and gear continue to strike a sour note with manufacturers, retailers, and educators alike.

On May 13, Joe Castronovo of Korg USA joined roughly 100 music industry professionals representing all 50 states for the 20th annual NAMM Advocacy D.C. Fly-In, a coordinated effort to meet directly with lawmakers and push for exemptions on tariffs affecting musical instruments, accessories, and essential components. Representing New York, Castronovo was part of a broader coalition making the case that these added costs ripple far beyond manufacturers.

“Each time we come back to Washington, it reinforces how important it is for our industry to speak with one unified voice,” Castronovo said. “These conversations matter—lawmakers are listening more closely, and there’s a growing understanding of how tariffs impact a highly global, specialized supply chain like ours.”

That supply chain, as industry leaders emphasized throughout the Fly-In, is anything but simple. Musical instruments often rely on internationally sourced materials and precision components, making them particularly vulnerable to shifting trade policies. But as Castronovo and his peers were quick to point out, the real impact lands closer to home.

“But the reality is, tariffs don’t just affect manufacturers—they directly impact small retailers, increase costs for customers, and make it harder for students and first-time players to access music,” he added. “That’s why it’s so important to be here: to connect policy decisions to real-world consequences and advocate for solutions that protect both our industry and access to music.”

The message from NAMM’s delegation was clear: tariff relief isn’t just about protecting business margins—it’s about preserving access. With music programs already navigating tight budgets, rising instrument costs could mean fewer opportunities for students to pick up an instrument in the first place.

For Castronovo, the Fly-In was as much about collaboration as it was about policy. “The NAMM DC Fly-In provided a critical platform to advocate for policies that protect and expand access to music education nationwide,” he said. “Engaging with policymakers alongside industry peers underscored the importance of sustained federal support and reinforced our shared responsibility to ensure music remains an essential part of every student’s education.”

That sense of shared responsibility carried through the entire event, which brought together manufacturers, retailers, and educators under one unified goal. “My experience at the NAMM DC Fly-In was both energizing and meaningful,” Castronovo noted. “Working alongside peers from across the music industry, we came together to champion music education and demonstrate, firsthand, our shared commitment to students and communities nationwide.”

While tariff debates rarely make headlines in the music world, their effects are increasingly hard to ignore. As NAMM continues its advocacy efforts, the hope is that lawmakers will begin to see instruments not just as imported goods—but as essential tools for creativity, education, and cultural growth.The post Korg USA’s Joe Castronovo Joins NAMM in Urging Congress to Lift Tariffs on Musical Instruments first appeared on Music Connection Magazine.