Paul Weller Announces "A Kind Revolution" in May

Paul Weller has announced details on his upcoming new album. A Kind Revolution via Warner.  His 13th solo set streets on May 12. Listen to  “Nova” and “Long Long Road” below.   “Work began on the new record immediately after wrapping up  2015’s Saturns Pattern and once again features the full spectrum of Weller’s influences, from rock to R&B, soul to jazz, and funk to folk,” his official press release states. Weller long-standing touring band of Andy Crofts, Ben Gordelier, Steve Cradock and Steve Pilgrim are joined by a variety of guests.

Soul legend PP Arnold, who sang with the Small Faces and others, joins the cast along with Madeleine Bell, who has backed up the Rolling Stones and Elton John. And, Robert Wyatt contributes vocals and a trumpet solo to the track “She Moves With the Fayre.” The former Soft Machine member has worked with Weller in the past, but announced his retirement a few years back.

Strypes guitarist Josh McClorey also lends a hand, but a big surprise here is Boy George, who duets with Weller on the song “One Tear.” “It’s quite housey,” Weller recently told Uncut magazine. “George sings the first verse and then he comes in on the chorus. Our voices sound really good together.”

WMG and Crush Music Announce Joint Music Venture, Kicks off With New WEEZER Album

Warner Music Group (WMG) has announced the creation of a joint venture with Crush Music co-founders, Jonathan Daniel and Bob McLynn. The first act signed to the newly established label is the multi-platinum-selling band Weezer, who will be released via WMG’s Atlantic Records. Future Crush Music label releases will be released via Atlantic or Warner Bros. Records.

Daniel and McLynn are responsible for discovering Crush Music’s major acts, including Fall Out Boy and Panic! At The Disco, while revamping the careers of megastar Sia, San Francisco’s Train, and indie-alternative staple, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. Since its establishment as a management company in 2002, Crush Music has grown into a full-service music company that has key staff in radio, digital, TV/film, brand partnerships, PR, and content production. Crush Music's highly innovative marketing staff, overseen by CMO Dan Kruchkow, will work all releases in conjunction with either the Atlantic or Warner Bros. team. Crush’s A&R staff, helmed by Evan Taubenfeld, will continue to focus on unearthing and building talent.

 “We’ve had a great relationship with Atlantic and the entire global Warner Music team over the years, developing and breaking artists such as Panic! at the Disco, Travie McCoy/Gym Class Heroes, and more,” said McLynn. “So when it was time to find a partner for our new label venture, we knew WMG would be a natural fit.”