Relatives and Associates of Toomaj Salehi, Iranian Rapper Sentenced to Death, Speak Up: ‘He Has Been Condemned to Death for His Music’
Feature on the imprisonment and death sentence of dissident Iranian rapper, Toomaj Salehi, with input from his family and friends for Variety: Relatives and Associates of Toomaj Salehi, Iranian Rapper … Continue reading
Blur Works Out the Kinks in Real Time at Pre-Coachella Warm-Up Show: Concert Review
Blur at Fox Theater in Pomona reviewed for Variety: Blur Works Out the Kinks in Real Time at Pre-Coachella Warm-Up Show: Concert Review Listen the the Blur episode of the … Continue reading
Super Bowl DJ Tiësto Talks Spinning the Big Game: ’200 Million People Watching? Yeah, That’s a Bit of Pressure’
Tiësto interviewed ahead of his appearance as the pre- and in-game DJ at Super Bowl LVIII for Variety: Super Bowl DJ Tiësto Talks Spinning the Big Game: ’200 Million People … Continue reading
Hollywood’s New Leaders of 2023
Profiled new leaders Maxime Cottray, Dane Joseph, Sherry Liu, Nick Bral, Marta Planells, Gabrielle Blitz Rosen, Shelby Shaftel, Warda Baig, Layne Cooperstein, Andie Cox and Kailey Marsh in music, film, … Continue reading
An Italian ‘Renaissance’
Composer Cristobal Tapia de Veer and DJ/producer Tiësto interviewed for their work on The White Lotus main title theme, and remix, respectively, for Variety May 31, 2023 Issue: How ‘White Lotus’ … Continue reading
Spain’s Primavera Sound Kicks Off Europe’s Music Festival Season With Mirrored Lineups in Barcelona and Madrid
Primavera Sound‘s Alfonso Lanza interviewed for a preview of the festival for Variety: Spain’s Primavera Sound Kicks Off Europe’s Music Festival Season With Mirrored Lineups in Barcelona and Madrid Headliners … Continue reading
Variety’s Legal Impact Report 2023: Meet Hollywood’s Top Entertainment Dealmakers and Litigators
Profiled music attorneys Jason Boyarski, Eugene Salomon, Jr., Ethan Schiffres, Donald S. Passman, David Lande, David Byrnes, Paul Rothenberg, Jeremy Mohr, Josh Binder, Bobby Rosenbloum, Jess Rosen, Jeff Biederman, Steve … Continue reading
How Coachella’s Do LaB Tent, With Its Unpublished Lineups, Became the Festival’s Coolest and Biggest Open Secret
The Do LaB‘s Flemming brothers interviewed for the 20th anniversary of their brand ahead of Coachella 2023 for Variety: How Coachella’s Do LaB Tent, With Its Unpublished Lineups, Became the … Continue reading
Myke Towers, Ivy Queen and Vivian Tu Among Creatives Celebrated in Variety’s Miami Entertainment Impact Report
Profiled Miami music executives Nelson Albareda, Miguel Lua, Gustavor Menendez, Lex Borrero and Tainy, Mia Nygren, AJ Ramos, and Laura Tesoriero for the Miami Entertainment Impact Report for Variety April 11, 2023 Issue: Myke Towers, … Continue reading
Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Sisters on Curating ‘King Pleasure’ Exhibit and Their Brother’s Legacy: ‘People Are Drawn to His Unedited Creativity’
Jean-Michel Basquiat‘s sister Lisane Basquiat and Jeanine Heriveaux interviewed for the opening of Jean-Michel Basquiat: King Pleasure© at The Grand LA for Variety: Jean-Michel Basquiat’s Sisters on Curating ‘King Pleasure’ … Continue reading
Los Angeles’ United Recording Studios, Known as ‘the Abbey Road of the West,’ Scales Down Music Operations
Report on United Recording Studios‘ pivot from music to film and events for Variety: Los Angeles’ United Recording Studios, Known as ‘the Abbey Road of the West,’ Scales Down Music … Continue reading
Which Ultra? Dance Music Festival, Label and Publisher Share Name but Are Not Connected, Market Confusion Be Damned
Report on Ultra Music Festival versus Ultra Records versus Ultra International Music Publishing for Variety: Which Ultra? Dance Music Festival, Label and Publisher Share Name but Are Not Connected, Market … Continue reading
Pictures of Lily Podcast: Episode 4.69: Taylor Hanson
In the 69th episode of the Picture of Lily Podcast, I talk about my recent experiences with Taylor Hanson in connection with his activism for the people, particularly the women, … Continue reading
‘Poker Face’ Music Supervisor Breaks Down Season 1’s Best Songs, From Paul McCartney to Tom Waits
Music supervisor Thomas Golubić of SuperMusicVision interviewed about the needle drops on the first season of Poker Face for Variety: ‘Poker Face’ Music Supervisor Breaks Down Season 1’s Best Songs, … Continue reading
From Abby Ajayi to Rosalía: Meet Variety’s Impactful International Women of 2023
Profiled international women Anitta, Karima Damir, Kazia Davy, Leila Oliveira, Vanessa Picken, Marie-Anne Robert, Rosalia and the women of Wasserman Music for Variety March 1, 2023 Issue: From Abby Ajayi to Rosalía: Meet Variety’s Impactful International … Continue reading
10 Music Supervisors to Watch in 2023: From ‘Yellowjackets’ to ‘Call of Duty’
Profiled music supervisors Becky Bentham, Mike Caroleo, Jillian Ennis, Evelin Garcia, Bruce Gilbert, Lauren Mikus, Michael Hill, Whitney Pilzer, Henry van Roden, Nicole Weisberg, Brandon Young and Ryan Tomlin profiled … Continue reading
Led by Beyonce, House Music Gets Its Grammy Moment
Op-ed on the return of house music to the Grammys with input from Heidi Lawden and Grammy nominee Byron Stingily of Ten City for Variety: Led by Beyonce, House Music … Continue reading
Spotify Launches ‘Women of Iran’ Playlist
News item on the launch of an official Spotify playlist called “Women of Iran” and its accompanying video clips for Variety: Spotify Launches ‘Women of Iran’ Playlist Listen to the … Continue reading
Female Executives of Iranian Descent Making an Impact in the Music Industry
Music executives Debra Delshad of Angry Mob Music, Izabelle Pourreza Wilson of Artium Music and Rebecca Sahim of SalXCo talk about their experiences being Iranian and the current upheavals in … Continue reading
BeatStars Is Making Bank for Its Stable of Music Creators
BeatStars‘ Abe Batshon and 1SRAEL interviewed for Variety Hitmakers 2022 Issue: BeatStars Is Making Bank for Its Stable of Music Creators Check out BeatStars.
Variety Hitmakers 2022: Justin Tranter
Justin Tranter interviewed for his songwriting on Imagine Dragons‘ “Enemy” featuring J.I.D. for Variety Hitmakers 2022 Issue
Variety Hitmakers 2022: Sarah Hudson
Sarah Hudson interviewed for her songwriting on Dua Lipa‘s “Levitating” for Variety Hitmakers Issue
Variety Hitmakers 2022: Jasper Harris
Jasper Harris interviewed for his work on Jack Harlow‘s “First Class” for Variety Hitmakers 2022 Issue
Variety Hitmakers 2022: Clint Gibbs and Kalani Thompson
Mix engineers Clint Gibbs and Kalani Thompson interviewed for their work on Latto‘s “Big Energy” for Variety Hitmakers 2022 Issue
Variety Hitmakers 2022: Serban Ghenea
Serban Ghenea interviewed for his mixing on Imagine Dragons’ “Enemy” featuring J.I.D, the Weeknd’s “Save Your Tears,” the Kid Laroi and Justin Bieber’s “Stay” for Variety Hitmakers 2022 Issue Read my feature … Continue reading
Variety Hitmakers 2022: Rogét Chahayed
Rogét Chahayed interviewed for his work on Jack Harlow‘s “First Class” for Variety Hitmakers 2022 Issue Read my feature on Rogét Chahayed as Hitmaker of the Month.
Hollywood’s New Leaders of 2022
Write-ups on MGM Studios VP Music Mandy Mamlet and SiriusXM program director Rida Naser for Variety November 9, 2022 Issue for Hollywood’s New Leaders of 2022:
Justin Tranter Welcomes Billy Porter, Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds for Fourth Annual ‘Beyond’ Benefit; Raises $400,000 for LGBTQ Youth
Justin Tranter‘s Beyond benefit concert for GLAAD and Spirit Day covered for Variety: Justin Tranter Welcomes Billy Porter, Imagine Dragons’ Dan Reynolds for Fourth Annual ‘Beyond’ Benefit; Raises $400,000 for … Continue reading
15 Essential Iranian Protest Songs in the Wake of Mahsa Amini’s Death
Listicle of Iranian protest songs that have emerged in the wake of Mahsa Amini‘s death for Variety: 15 Essential Iranian Protest Songs in the Wake of Mahsa Amini’s Death
Depeche Mode’s David Gahan on How Co-Founder Andrew Fletcher’s Death Affected New Album, ‘Memento Mori’
Depeche Mode‘s Dave Gahan interviewed ahead of the release of their album, Memento Mori, for Variety: Depeche Mode’s David Gahan on How Co-Founder Andrew Fletcher’s Death Affected New Album, ‘Memento … Continue reading
Desert Daze Festival Has Its Vibey, Happy Crowd Tripping on Tame Impala and King Gizzard (and on Gopher Holes, Too): Concert Review
Desert Daze 2022 reviewed for Variety: Desert Daze Festival Has Its Vibey, Happy Crowd Tripping on Tame Impala and King Gizzard (and on Gopher Holes, Too): Concert Review Check out images … Continue reading
Hitmaker of the Month: Atlantic Records Group’s Aton Ben-Horin Rewrites the A&R Rulebook With Jax, JVKE, Producer Johnny Goldstein
Aton Ben-Horin interviewed for Variety‘s Hitmaker of the Month: Hitmaker of the Month: Atlantic Records Group’s Aton Ben-Horin Rewrites the A&R Rulebook With Jax, JVKE, Producer Johnny Goldstein Keep up with Aton’s moves … Continue reading
Gorillaz Bring Out Beck, Tame Impala at Los Angeles Concert; Tell Hilarious Bad Bunny Story During Q&A
Recap of Gorillaz special performance at Los Angeles’ Kia Forum and Cracker Island album playback and Q&A with Damon Albarn, Jamie Hewlett and Greg Kurstin at Henson Recording Studios for Variety: Gorillaz … Continue reading
Swedish House Mafia and IKEA Unveil Joint Product Line at Hollywood Launch Event
Launch party for IKEA x Swedish House Mafia‘s limited-edition collection, Obergränsad, covered for Variety: Swedish House Mafia and IKEA Unveil Joint Product Line at Hollywood Launch Event More details on Obergränsad collection … Continue reading
Sidney Poitier and Judy Garland Featured in New Six-Story Hollywood Mural
The official reveal of artist Tristan Eaton‘s “City of Angels” mural on the Aster Club and Hotel covered for Variety: Sidney Poitier and Judy Garland Featured in New Six-Story Hollywood … Continue reading
This Ain’t No Picnic Festival Blurs Genres and Generations at the Rose Bowl: Concert Review
This Ain’t No Picnic Festival reviewed for Variety: This Ain’t No Picnic Festival Blurs Genres and Generations at the Rose Bowl: Concert Review Check out images from the festival on their … Continue reading
Why ‘Pam and Tommy’ Used Sebastian Stan’s Vocals Instead of Tommy Lee’s for Motley Crue Covers
Music supervisor Amanda Krieg Thomas interviewed about the music of the Hulu original series, Pam and Tommy for Variety June 15, 2022 Issue: Why ‘Pam and Tommy’ Used Sebastian Stan’s … Continue reading
Hitmaker of the Month: Producer Rogét Chahayed Is Flying High With Jack Harlow’s Chart-Topping ‘First Class’
Rogét Chahayed interviewed for Variety‘s Hitmaker of the Month: Hitmaker of the Month: Producer Rogét Chahayed Is Flying High With Jack Harlow’s Chart-Topping ‘First Class’ Check out a playlist of songs Rogét has … Continue reading
Supergrass Lights Up the Wiltern in Long-Overdue Return to the States: Concert Review
Supergrass at The Wiltern reviewed for Variety: Supergrass Lights Up the Wiltern in Long-Overdue Return to the States: Concert Review Watch a video of “Richard III” from that evening.
Power of Women New York 2022: Music Executives Making an Impact Include Kara DioGuardi, SB Projects’ Jules Ferree
Write ups on Jules Ferree of SB Projects, Lanre Gaba of Atlantic Records, Daisy Hoffman and Mallory Smith of Wasserman Music, Stephanie LaFera of WME, and Carolyn Williams and Camille Yorick of RCA Records for Variety Power of Women … Continue reading
‘Russian Doll’ Music Supervisor on the Time-Traveling Cues of the ’70s and ’80s for Season 2
Music supervisor Brienne Rose interviewed about the needle drops on the second season of Netflix‘s Russian Doll for Variety April 20, 2022 Issue: Russian Doll Music Supervisor on the Time-Traveling Cues … Continue reading
What’s the Optimal Time for a Festival Performance? Don’t Sleep on the Sunset Slot at Coachella
Op-ed for Variety on what is the best timeslot at a music festival with input from Range Media Partners‘ Evan Winiker, United Talent Agency‘s Mike Guirguis and Moby: What’s the Optimal Time for a Festival … Continue reading
Harry Styles’ ‘Sign of the Times’ Gets String Arrangement for ‘Bridgerton’ — How the Cover Came to Be
Angry Mob Music‘s co-founder/executive producer/senior director of creative, Sean Harrison, senior director of licensing and synchronization, Debra Delshad, and composer and performer Steve Horner, and music supervisor Justin Kamps interviewed … Continue reading
Duran Duran Lights Up Hollywood With Rooftop Performance, Dedicates ‘Ordinary World’ to Ukraine
News item on private Duran Duran performance on the rooftop of The Aster for Variety: Duran Duran Lights Up Hollywood With Rooftop Performance, Dedicates ‘Ordinary World’ to Ukraine Watch a … Continue reading
Hitmaker of the Month: How Josh Gudwin’s ‘Mix Energy’ Helped Boost Justin Bieber’s ‘Ghost’
Josh Gudwin interviewed for Variety‘s Hitmaker of the Month: Hitmaker of the Month: How Josh Gudwin’s ‘Mix Energy’ Helped Boost Justin Bieber’s ‘Ghost’ Check out my previous stories on Josh here and … Continue reading
10 Music Supervisors to Watch in 2022
Profiled music supervisors Tiffany Anders, Matt Biffa, Stephanie Diaz-Matos, Matthew Hearon-Smith and Chris Mollere for Variety March 8, 2022 Issue: Music Supervisors to Watch in 2022: From ‘Ted Lasso’ Team to ‘Sex Education’ Soundtracker … Continue reading
With a Major Label Deal in the Rearview, L.A.’s Lo Moon Is Relishing Its Newfound Independence ‘And Having Way More Fun’
Lo Moon‘s Matt Lowell and Sam Stewart interviewed about their new album, A Modern Life, for Variety: With a Major Label Deal in the Rearview, L.A.’s Lo Moon Is Relishing … Continue reading
Johnny Marr on His New Double Album, Becoming James Bond’s Guitarist and Taking on the ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Theme
Johnny Marr interviewed for his album, Fever Dreams Pt. I-IV, for Variety: Johnny Marr on His New Double Album, Becoming James Bond’s Guitarist and Taking on the ‘Top Gun: Maverick’ Theme Keep up … Continue reading
Pictures of Lily Podcast: Episode 3.66: Googoosh
In the 66th episode of the Picture of Lily Podcast, I talk about my lifetime of connections with iconic Iranian signer Googoosh and how the effect of the current uprisings … Continue reading →