Music
5 Ways Bob Dylan Had a Lasting Impact on Popular Music
2024-12-09
Throughout his remarkable career spanning over 60 years, Bob Dylan has left an indelible mark on the world of music. His extensive repertoire of more than 600 songs, including timeless classics like “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Like a Rolling Stone,” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” has captivated audiences worldwide. In 2016, his engaging and powerful lyrics earned him the prestigious Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first musician to receive this honor.

Unlock the Musical Revolution of Bob Dylan

Dylan Elevated Folk Rock

During his time at the University of Minnesota, Dylan's interest in folk music flourished. Instead of focusing on studies, he immersed himself in acoustic gigs at coffee houses in Dinkytown. He absorbed the music like a sponge, listening to Lead Belly and encountering Woody Guthrie for the first time. This laid the foundation for his deep understanding of folk music.By 1961, Dylan had dropped out of university and made his way to New York, becoming a prominent figure in the Greenwich Village folk music circuit. His albums like “The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’” established him as a major name in the genre. However, he was eager to move beyond folk. On his fifth album, “Bringing It All Back Home,” he showcased a blend of rock and acoustic guitar. While his rock songs were initially booed at the Newport Folk Festival, they went on to popularize the folk-rock genre. “Like a Rolling Stone” took this sound to new heights and inspired both older folk performers and the emergence of new rock subgenres. Dylan's refusal to be confined to one genre inspired artists like David Bowie and Madonna to follow suit.

He Popularized the Protest Song

Before Bob Dylan, there were protest songs. But in the early 1960s, Dylan wrote a plethora of them in a short time, becoming the quintessential protest singer. Songs like “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” “Only a Pawn In Their Game,” “Masters of War,” and “A Hard Rain’s a-Gonna Fall” addressed various social and political issues. Dylan borrowed tunes and was inspired by earlier ballads but made them his own and put them in a modern context. His songs like “Blowin’ in the Wind” and “The Times They Are a-Changin’” were covered by popular artists and continue to be used in protests today. They are not bound by time and can be adapted to different causes.

He Showed Longer Songs Can Be Hits, Too

The success of “Like a Rolling Stone” proved that longer tracks could have mainstream appeal. At 6 minutes and 13 seconds long, it defied the music industry's belief that singles should be restricted to three minutes. Dylan didn't care about the three-minute rule or radio play. He had something to say and would express it, regardless of the length. When Columbia Records initially hesitated to release the song, it became a word-of-mouth hit in New York clubs. It remained on the U.S. charts for 12 weeks and inspired other artists. Paul McCartney was influenced by “Like a Rolling Stone” and later admitted that “Hey Jude” was partly inspired by it.

He Made One of the Earliest Music Videos

“Subterranean Homesick Blues,” released in 1965, was one of Dylan's earliest recordings with an electric guitar. It mixed a Chuck Berry style riff with stream of consciousness lyrics inspired by writers like Jack Kerouac and Allen Ginsberg. This song is also regarded as one of the first to be prominently presented in a music video. Director D.A. Pennebaker filmed Dylan holding up cue cards with selected words from the song while shooting a documentary on his tour of England. The video promoted the documentary and had a significant influence on the development of music videos and MTV culture.

He Introduced The Beatles to Marijuana

In 1964, Bob Dylan visited The Beatles at the Delmonico Hotel and introduced them to marijuana. This led to a series of experiments with drugs among the band members, which in turn influenced their music. Albums like Rubber Soul, Revolver, and Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band became more experimental. For Daniel, this story represents Dylan's broader influence on culture, showing how he opened the minds of other musicians and inspired them to think differently about their art.
Music Superstar Nelly's "Where The Party At Tour" Across 4 Continents
2024-12-09
Nelly, the multi-platinum, multi-diamond-selling, 3x Grammy-winning music superstar, is all set to embark on an exciting journey in 2025 with his highly anticipated Where The Party At Tour. This tour marks the 25th anniversary of his debut studio album, Country Grammar, and will take him across 54 dates in New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Europe, and the United States. After successfully gracing Janet Jackson's Together Again Tour as a special guest, Nelly is now ready to headline once again.

Experience Nelly's Epic Where The Party At Tour

AUS + NZ: Nelly, St. Lunatics, Chingy, Jermaine Dupri

In New Zealand and Australia, fans can look forward to an electrifying performance by Nelly along with his collaborators St. Lunatics and Chingy. The energy on stage is bound to be contagious as they bring their chart-topping hits to life. From the moment Nelly steps on stage, the crowd is sure to be in for a treat.

Imagine the excitement as Nelly belts out hits like Hot in Herre and Ride wit Me, accompanied by the talented St. Lunatics and Chingy. This leg of the tour is set to be a memorable one for fans in the Australasian region.

CANADA: Nelly, Ja Rule, Chingy, Jermaine Dupri

In Canada, Nelly will be joined by Ja Rule, Chingy, and Jermaine Dupri, creating a lineup that is sure to leave fans in awe. The chemistry between these artists is palpable, and their performances are bound to be explosive.

With Nelly's larger-than-life personality and Ja Rule's charisma, along with the talent of Chingy and Jermaine Dupri, this Canadian leg of the tour is expected to be a highlight. Fans can expect to hear their favorite tracks and witness some unforgettable moments.

EU + UK: Nelly, Eve, Fabolous, Jermaine Dupri

In Europe and the UK, Nelly will be accompanied by Eve, Fabolous, and Jermaine Dupri. This diverse lineup brings together different styles and talents, creating a unique musical experience.

Eve's presence adds a touch of femininity and energy to the stage, while Fabolous brings his own brand of hip-hop. Together with Nelly and Jermaine Dupri, they form a powerful combination that is sure to captivate audiences across the continent.

US + Toronto: Nelly, Ja Rule, Eve, Chingy, Jermaine Dupri

In the United States and Toronto, the lineup is truly star-studded. Nelly will be joined by Ja Rule, Eve, Chingy, and Jermaine Dupri, making this a must-see event for fans.

The combination of these talented artists creates a musical synergy that is hard to match. From Nelly's smooth vocals to Ja Rule's rap skills, Eve's stage presence, and the talent of Chingy and Jermaine Dupri, this US leg of the tour is expected to be a blockbuster.

Nelly shared, "Yo, 'Where Da Party At Tour' we are taking this tour worldwide — I got my folks with me Ja Rule, Jermaine Dupri, Eve, the St. Lunatics, and Fabulous — so you know it’s all 2025… LETS GOOOOO..!!! Da Party AT…!!" This shows his excitement and dedication to delivering an unforgettable experience to his fans.

The Live Nation produced run, which kicks off in New Zealand on March 21, 2025, will include stops at major venues like Amsterdam's Ziggo Dome, Paris' Accor Dome, London's O2 Arena, Los Angeles' Intuit Dome, and more. It will take fans on a journey through Nelly's career, including chart-topping hits like Hot in Herre, Dilemma, and Ride wit Me.

VIP: Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, invitation to the Nelly MoShine VIP Lounge, exclusive swag bag, autographed tour poster, early entry & more. VIP package contents vary based on offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com. In addition, fans will be able to purchase add-on VIP packages that include meeting Nelly after the show and even sitting on stage with him at a VIP table while he performs in select markets. For more information regarding the add-on VIP packages, visit rncentertainment.com/nelly-vip.

TICKETS: The general onsale for all countries will begin on Friday, December 13 at 10AM local time at RealNelly.com. Tickets will be available starting with various presales beginning Tuesday, December 10 starting at 10AM local. Additional info presale info here:

UNITED STATES: Citi is the official card of the U.S. dates of the Where The Party At 2024 Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, December 10 at 10AM local time until Thursday, December 12 at 10AM local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

CANADA: American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets in Canada before the general onsale beginning Tuesday, December 10th at 10AM local time through Thursday, December 12th at 10PM local time.

EUROPE: Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets in Denmark, France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Mastercard Presale starts Wednesday, December 11 at 10AM local time and ends Friday December 13 at 9AM local. Plus, Preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets are available in the countries listed and the UK from Friday, December 13 10AM local time. Check out priceless.com/music for details.

AUSTRALIA: Mastercard and eligible CommBank Yello customers have special access to presale tickets starting from 11AM on Wednesday, December 11 until 9AM on Friday, December 13 local time, as well as access to exclusive preferred tickets from 10AM on Friday, December 13 local time. Tickets are available exclusively to eligible CommBank Yello customers using a CommBank Mastercard at checkout. Visit commbank.com.au/mastercardpresales to find out more.

NEW ZEALAND: Mastercard cardholders have special access to presale tickets. Mastercard Presale starts Wednesday, December 11 at 12PM local and ends Wednesday, December 11 at 11AM local. Plus, Preferred ticket access to some of the best tickets are available from Monday, December 13 at 10AM local. Check out priceless.com/music for details.

For over two decades, Nelly has been a trailblazing force in music and entertainment, blending genres like hip-hop and country, and achieving double-diamond status, three Grammys, and countless chart-topping hits. Known for iconic anthems like “Hot in Herre” and “Dilemma,” collaborations with artists from Tim McGraw to Florida Georgia Line, and ventures in fashion (Apple Bottoms), beverages (MoShine), and television, Nelly continues to innovate.

As an entrepreneur, Nelly launched Apple Bottoms fashion line as the first “inclusive” Jean line to cater to women of all shapes and sizes. He has recently just launched the new generation of Apple Bottoms once again trailblazing with new stretch technology and modern styles to embrace women of all sizes. From Grammy performances to brand partnerships, he remains a global icon while supporting philanthropic causes like Make-A-Wish and scholarships for aspiring musicians.

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Stray Kids Gives Glimpse of 'Walkin on Water' Music Video Preview
2024-12-09
South Korean boy band Stray Kids is making waves with a tantalizing glimpse into their upcoming new music video. The K-pop group, known for their energetic performances and unique style, shared a captivating preview on Monday, setting the stage for excitement among fans.

Stray Kids' "Walkin on Water" - A Musical Journey Awaits

Preview on the Balcony

The "Walkin on Water" teaser begins with a mysterious sight - a group of unknown people meticulously preparing bows and arrows on the balcony of traditional Korean buildings. This initial scene adds an air of intrigue and sets the tone for the upcoming video. It gives viewers a sense of the band's ability to blend traditional elements with their modern musical style.The details in this opening sequence are carefully crafted, from the way the bows are held to the expressions on the faces of the unknown figures. It creates a visual spectacle that leaves viewers eager to see more.

Riding Dirt Bikes in the Courtyard

Later in the teaser, the members of Stray Kids are seen riding dirt bikes in the courtyard. This dynamic scene showcases the band's adventurous side and their ability to bring a sense of energy and excitement to the screen.The contrast between the traditional setting of the balcony and the modernity of the dirt bikes adds an interesting dimension to the video. It demonstrates Stray Kids' versatility and their willingness to explore different themes and styles.

Lead Single from Upcoming Debut Mixtape

"Walkin on Water" serves as the lead single from Stray Kids' forthcoming debut mixtape, Hop. This news has fans buzzing with anticipation, as they eagerly await the release of the full album and the complete music video.The mixtape is expected to showcase the band's growth and evolution, with a collection of diverse tracks that highlight their individual talents and collective chemistry.

Track List Highlights

Hop not only features the highly anticipated "Walkin on Water" but also includes other tracks such as "Bounce Back," "U" featuring Tablo, "Walkin on Water (Hip Version)," "Railway (Bang Chan)," "Unfair (Felix)," "Hallucination (I.N)," "Youth (Lee Know)," "So Good (Hyunjin)," "Ultra (Changbin)," "Hold My Hand (Han)," and "As We Are (Seungmin)."Each of these tracks is sure to offer a unique listening experience, with a range of styles and emotions that will appeal to fans of different musical tastes.

Recent Releases

Stray Kids most recently released the Japanese album Giant in November, further expanding their international fan base. The group also released the Korean EP Ate in July, demonstrating their consistent output and creative drive.These releases have solidified Stray Kids' position in the K-pop industry and have left fans hungry for more. With the upcoming debut mixtape and new music video, they are set to continue making waves.
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