Random music news for Friday, December 20, 2024
Back on this side of the planet after a vacation. Music news continues as usual for December 20, 2024, and for the rest of the year.
- I was shocked to learn of the passing of David Farrell, one of Canada’s most important music journalists ever. He was also one of the nicest guys you’d hope to meet in the business.
- It is, sadly, that time of year when we start looking at lists of the musicians and music people we lost in 2024. Here’s a list.
- It’s also time for breaking down the year’s charts to see what happened in music. Here’s some analysis.
- Rich musicians ripping off US taxpayers? Say it ain’t so? Oh. It is?
- Is this the grungiest Christmas mashup of all time?
- “What happens when the internet disappears?” Discuss.
- Thanks to Felonia Musk and the downfall of Xitter, Threads and Bluesky are really taking off.
- Julian Lennon, John’s son, needed emergency surgery for cancer.
- Maybe labels and artists are listening to superfans a little too much.
- Taylor Swift’s private jet trips on the Eras tour left a big carbon footprint. The solution? Plant a forest. (Rick J)
- This new book on Spotify looks interesting.
- Also interesting: The data behind pseudonyms in music.
- App downloads were down in 2024 but spending on them was up.
- Olivia Rodrigo has donated US$2 million to charities with proceeds from her Guts world tour.
- Need to kill some time at work before the holidays? Here’s Metallica’s Helping Hands charity concert in full.
BONUS: Who the hell is investing in a crypto called “Fartcoin?” Quite a few people, actually.
