Wednesday Music News

03/09/2016

Janice Headley

More sad news from the world of music: producer and manager George Martin passed away peacefully in his London home last night at the age of 90. Martin is often referred to as "The Fifth Beatle," as he was the one who discovered The Beatles, signing the young band to Parlophone Records in 1962, and producing their albums 'til their 1970 break-up. Surviving Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr have publicly expressed their condolences. McCartney writes, "I’m so sad to hear the news of the passing of dear George Martin. I have so many wonderful memories of this great man that will be with me forever. He was a true gentleman and like a second father to me. He guided the career of The Beatles with such skill and good humour that he became a true friend to me and my family. If anyone earned the title of the fifth Beatle it was George. From the day that he gave The Beatles our first recording contract, to the last time I saw him, he was the most generous, intelligent and musical person I’ve ever had the pleasure to know." [Spin]

And sadly, the Northwest's own Andrew Loomis of Dead Moon has passed away. As the Portland Mercury reports, "While Loomis was cancer free at the time of his death, he had been diagnosed with lymphoma last year and spent much of 2015 fighting hard, undergoing surgery and radiation treatment for the disease and combatting some other health problems." Loomis founded the legendary band with Fred and Toody Cole back in 1987, and we know their influence will continue to live on in the Northwest and beyond. KEXP sends our love to all who knew him. [Pitchfork]

Indie icon Bob Mould shares a single from his upcoming 12th solo album, Patch the Sky, out March 25th via Merge. Stream the song "The End of Things" below, which the former Hüsker Dü frontman says was inspired by his current home in San Francisco. He told Rolling Stone, "There have been earthquakes, and things can change very quickly. And when something like that happens, my mind wanders into places like, ‘What happens if it does fall apart, so to speak? What if everything collapses?'" KEXP Presents Bob Mould at The Showbox on Tuesday, May 10th. [Consequence of Sound]

We've been fans of Icelandic group Vök for a while, so we're especially excited to share a new single from the band. Check out the track "Waiting" below with a video showcasing how truly lovely their hometown is. Vök are currently at work on a full-length debut. Watch their KEXP session from our Iceland Airwaves broadcast here. [Stereogum]

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