Manchester magnetized an eclectic mass of artists, industry trailblazers, and talent of tomorrow at Beyond The Music 2023.
Housed in the heart of Manchester, the multi-day event comprised insightful panel conversations led by leaders in the business (both seasoned and soaring) and intimate live performances from some of the most exciting names on the scene.
This year’s festivities were launched by the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham – who commended the city’s rich history of musical magnificence and the potentness of the Beyond The Music platform.
That Grape Juice was on hand at the resonating event. Head below for our highlights…
As Madonna embarks on a new world tour, she is the artist behind this week’s From The Vault pick. We present her sultry rendition of ‘Fever’ from the early ’90s.
A cover of the song made popular by the classic Peggy Lee, ‘Fever’ was released as an international single from Madonna’s controversial fifth studio album, ‘Erotica.’ On the track, her soft, seductive vocals provide a stark contrast to the thumping House beats of the production, courtesy of Shep Pettibone, making for a surprisingly refreshing remake.
Although it wasn’t commercially released in the US, it became her 15th #1 hit on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. It was a success in Europe, peaking at #6 in the UK, #1 in Finland, and inside the Top 20 in many other countries.
Directed by Stephane Sednaoui, the song’s accompanying visual sees the entertainer sporting several edgy looks in front of kaleidoscopic backgrounds. This editorial affair continues to be a reference for Pop artists to this day (hello silver body paint!).
Whether it was lauded or loathed, Madonna wasn’t afraid to push the envelope during the first part of the 1990s. The ‘Erotica’ era is living proof of that. Sonically and visually top-tier, the material she was serving up stood the test of time and was able to receive its recognition later.
Although we may not have been as enchanted with some of Madge’s more recent efforts, there is something to be said about her uncanny ability to remain an exciting music act even 40 years into her career.
Ice Spice took center stage on Saturday Night Live as she continues on her heat streak.
The femcee, who is fresh from releasing her new single ‘Pretty Girl’ featuring Rema, brought the Nigerian hitmaker along with her to perform the track.
Taylor Swift, who previously collaborated with the rapper on ‘Karma,’ made a surprise cameo introducing the showing. Her rumored boo Travis Kelce also appeared on the broadcast.
Elsewhere on the bill, Ice Spice also rocked the house with ‘In Ha Mood.’
Madonna reminded in earnest why she is the Queen of Pop at the electrifying launch of ‘The Celebration World Tour.’
The slick production set sail at London’s O2 Arena and served as the first of six sold-out shows at the iconic venue.
Already one of the year’s most eagerly awaited spectacles, the global trek was dramatically postponed early this summer after the singer battled sudden health issues.
As has been the reality of her near five-decade spell in the spotlight, Madge bounced back and delivered a seismic show that left fans in awe.
True to form, the diva dazzled with state-of-the-art staging and illuminated the O2 with her colossal catalog of classics including ‘Holiday,’ ‘Open Your Heart to Me,’ ‘Ray of Light,’ and ‘Vogue.’ The latter of which morphed into a ballroom extravaganza – helmed by the tour’s MC, Bob the Drag Queen.
The megastar also incorporated rare gems and seldom performed numbers such as ‘Die Another Day’ and cuts from ‘Erotica.’
Amidst the army of dancers and creatives aboard the must-see show were Madonna’s children – Lourdes, David, Mercy James, and Estere.
Check out more from the launch night of ‘The Celebration Tour’ below….
Nearly a year after getting her fans on the dancefloor with the retro-inspired ‘Stop This Feeling,‘ GRAMMY-nominated singer Jordin Sparks is looking to garner similar critical acclaim for its follow-up – ‘Call My Name.’
“Feel like I can take on anything when you / You call my name,” she sings on the track crafted by superstar producer Dem Jointz.
Believed to be the latest taste of new music set to line her forthcoming 2024 studio album, the yet-titled follow-up to 2015’s ‘Right Here Right Now,’ hop inside to hear the ‘American Idol‘ alum’s newest offering.
It’s not even been six months since DaBaby began enjoying the first fruit of comeback success with the release of the 3-song EP ‘Call Da Fireman‘ (featuring the blazing hit ‘Shake Sumn‘), but the 31-year-old is striking while the iron is hot by releasing another 3-song EP: ‘Let’s Do It.’
Delivered via South Coast Music Group/Interscope Records, the project features the new tunes ‘D*ck,’ ‘No Finsta,’ and ‘Crash the Jeep.’
Dropped Friday (October 13), the collection arrives just days after the hitmaking rapper lifted the lid on the music video for the Charlie Heat-produced ‘Trickin‘ (which prominently samples the 1980 Devo classic ‘Whip It’).
In addition to peeping the self-directed clip inside, get your latest fix of the Billion Dollar Baby via Apple Music and Spotify.
