Random Music News for Thursday, February 1, 2018

We’re one-twelfth done with 2018. Only another seven weeks until spring. Think about that as you browse through the music news for February 1, 2018.

1. A couple of Israelis have launched an interesting lawsuit involving Lorde and her decision to cancel her tour stop in that country.
2. Lorde took out a full-page newspaper ad in New Zealand supporting female musicians.
3. And still with Lorde, she’s officially sold more than 10 million copies of “Royals” in the US alone.
4. With all the #MeToo talk, we’re going to need a new breed of record company executive. About time, too.
5. And the head of the Grammy Academy who said women need to “step up” is facing a petition with more than 10,000 signatures asking him to step down.
6. A renown harpist–a woman–has been charged with abusing a schoolboy.
7. A TLC gig in Australia had to be canceled when 40-degree heat literally melted all the computer gear they need to perform.
8. Spotify is now offering a very Pandora-like service called “Stations.” It’s only available for Android now, but it’s just a matter of time.
9. Sony and Chinese Internet streaming giant Tencent have announced plans to start a record label in that country.
10. This rock guitarist from Wales killed himself because his hearing was so sensitive he could hear his eyeballs move.
11. Hollywood is sniffing around hot podcasts, looking to see if any of them can be turned into TV shows or movies.
12. Is it rude to listen to podcasts while at the dentist? I hope not because that’s the only way I can get through an appointment.
13. Here’s why it’s good to be in a successful boy band.
14. A Judas Priest memoir is on the way.
15. These women were told they couldn’t drum. Then they showed they could.
16. There was a Nazi songbook fraternity? Today?
17. Someone should sample this possum sound now. It’s a hit!
18. Finally! The inside story of Katy Perry’s “Left Shark!”
19. Pussy Riot has announced their first-ever tour of North America.