Publishing date: May, 26, 2023
If you’re anything like us, we see an interesting headline during our daily scroll—pause to read it—but then keep scrolling without reading the actual story. So at the end of each week, we’re rounding up all the buzziest, news-worthy headlines you might have missed. Think of it like the “saved” feature on Instagram but for news instead of aesthetically pleasing photos. Travis Scott reveals the meaning behind his upcoming album title, Japanese Breakfast’s Michelle Zauner announces a casting call for Crying in H Mart, and the star-studded Barbie album tracklist features Nicki Minaj, Tame Impala, Karol G, & even Ryan Gosling—this is what you missed.
#1
The Star-Studded ‘Barbie’ Album Soundtrack Features Nicki Minaj, Tame Impala, Dua Lipa, Charli XCX, Karol G & More
Greta Gerwig’s star-studded Barbie movie now has a star-studded soundtrack to match. The film’s soundtrack was announced in a collaborative post with Rolling Stone, featuring Barbie herself Margot Robbie holding a newspaper displaying the soundtrack lineup. Mark Ronson served as executive producer on the album which features tracks from Ava Max, Charli XCX, Dominic Fike, Dua Lipa, Fifty Fifty, Gayle, Haim, Ice Spice, Kali, Karol G, Khalid, Lizzo, Nicki Minaj, PinkPantheress, Tame Impala, and The Kid Laroi—with more Barbies and Kens to be announced. Dua Lipa, who portrays Mermaid Barbie in the film, has contributed to the soundtrack rollout with her latest single “Dance The Night” and is featured in the newest trailer for the film which was released earlier this week. In addition to the slew of artists contributing to the soundtrack, Ryan Gosling, who stars as supportive-just-Ken to Margot Robbie’s Barbie, is also featured. Barbie The Album is set to be released on July 21st is will be available on vinyl and cassette, with various limited edition colorways. Ah, life in plastic is after all, fantastic.
#2
Travis Scott Reveals the Meaning Behind ‘Utopia’ and Continues Album Rollout
If there’s one thing Travis Scott is highly skilled at—aside from, you know, rapping, producing, and performing—it’s an album rollout. The anticipation for his upcoming album Utopia continues to build closer to its release. The release date is currently unknown, with the intention to be released in June, but as producer-engineer-extraordinaire Mike Dean said on Twitter, let them cook! La Flame recently explained the meaning behind the LP’s title to Pin-Up magazine, where he gave personal definitions for words using letters of the alphabet, focusing on the concept of the album for the letter “U”. “Utopia is something that people feel is so far-fetched and out of reach, some perfect state of mind,” Travis Scott explained. “But you create it yourself. There are people who achieve utopia every day. They may not be the richest people with the dopest cribs, but it’s a utopia wherever they are, and that’s the most you can have.” Travis Scott continued to explain that with every album he creates, he dreams up a world to match in his mind, and wants to show people experiences where he feels utopia can exist and create energy that “spews out magical things—new cures, new buildings, new avenues for people to move forward.” Signs that Utopia is coming soon are popping up more frequently, with Travis playing the entire album recently for the Houston Astros baseball team, and Travis Scott’s security guard being seen walking around with what we would presume to be the album in a briefcase handcuffed to his arm. He continued the antics at the Cannes Film Festival in France where The Weeknd’s “The Idol” premiered. Travis hit the red carpet in Cannes in support of Abel and the new HBO series and sported a dark brown outfit to match the aforementioned briefcase which signals promotion for the album. And Travis’ security guard isn’t the only one! The Weeknd posted a photo where his security guard is also seen holding a Utopia briefcase handcuffed to his arm which we are taking as confirmation of Abel being on the album.
#3
Japanese Breakfast’s Michelle Zauner Announces Casting Call for ‘Crying in H Mart’ Movie
Japanese Breakfast’s frontwoman Michelle Zauner has announced a casting call to fill the role of herself in the film adaptation of her memoir Crying in H Mart—big shoes to fill, but no pressure. Zauner took to Twitter to search for 18-25-year-old Korean-Americans to audition for the project, which was originally released in 2021 as an expansion of Zauner’s New York Times essay of the same name. The memoir chronicles her experience as a Korean-American and how the loss of her mother helped shape her identity. Michelle also wrote the screenplay for the film, tapping The White Lotus star Will Sharpe to direct. Zauner shared with Consequence this past March that she hopes Crying in H Mart will be released “maybe sometime in the next few years.”
#4
Stars Pay Tribute to the Legendary Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll Tina Turner
Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll, has sadly passed away at the age of 83, leaving behind a legacy of music and inspiration, and a profound impact on the music industry. The legendary singer, known for hits like “Proud Mary”, “The Best”, and “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” enchanted fans worldwide with her boundless passion for life. Fellow entertainers and collaborators have paid tribute to Tina Turner on their social platforms with an outpouring of heartfelt messages to pay their respects, creating a community of mourning and appreciation for her, following her death in Switzerland, following long-time illnesses. Questlove, the producer, and frontman of The Roots acknowledged Turner’s impact by stating, “Long Live The Queen. Long Live The King. Long Live Tina Turner.” Michelle Williams, one-third of Destiny’s Child, expressed her admiration, saying, “You’ve meant so much to us!! Your courage, strength, resilience, and uniqueness have been some of the main ingredients of your blueprint!! Rest well!!!” Mick Jagger, who had the honor of performing with Turner at Live Aid in 1985 and brought her on tour as the Rolling Stones’ opening act, shared photos of the two of them together on Instagram. In his caption, Jagger expressed his deep sadness, saying, “I’m so saddened by the passing of my wonderful friend Tina Turner. She was truly an enormously talented performer and singer. She was inspiring, warm, funny, and generous. She helped me so much when I was young, and I will never forget her.” Bette Midler, the iconic singer, and actress, expressed her grief and admiration on Twitter, writing, “Our beloved #TinaTurner has died. From #Nutbush to the top, she was an absolutely brilliant performer and inspiration to us all. May flights of angels sing her to her rest, but if I know Tina, she is singing lead.” Bryan Adams, who toured with Turner and collaborated on the hit duet “It’s Only Love,” posted a photo of them together on Instagram. Adams expressed his gratitude for the experience of working with her and the impact she had on people worldwide, writing, “RIP @tinaturner I’ll be forever grateful for you bringing me on tour with you, going in the studio together and being your friend. Thank you for being the inspiration to millions of people around the world for speaking your truth and giving us the gift of your voice. My condolences to Erwin and Tina’s family. It’s Only Love… and that’s all.” These are just a few of the tributes pouring in from the music industry. Diana Ross, Lionel Richie, Ciara, Ringo Starr, Brian Wilson, Elton John, Mariah Carey, Rod Stewart, JT of City Girls, Kygo, Alicia Keys, and many others have also expressed their condolences, shared memories, and celebrated the impact of the legendary and dearly missed Tina Turner.
#5
Foo Fighters Share New Single “Show Me How” and Play First Concert With Drummer Josh Freese
Foo Fighters kicked off their summer tour this week at Bank Of New Hampshire Pavilion At Meadowbrook in Gilford, New Hampshire, also marking their first performance with new drummer Josh Freese. The smashing 21-song set also featured three new songs off their upcoming album, But Here We Are, dropping on June 2nd. Frontman Dave Grohl welcomed Freese to the band during the show sharing that the drummer “has helped save the band” and that they “would not be here tonight if it weren’t for Josh.” The band also performed their track “Cold Day In The Sun” in honor of Taylor Hawkins, who wrote and sang lead vocals for their 2005 album In Your Honour. Hawkins tragically died last year during the band’s South American tour. Foo Fighters announced the news ahead of their tour this summer, which marks their first outing since Hawkin’s death. The cheeky livestream, titled “Foo Fighters: Preparing Music for Concerts,” featured appearances from notable drummers like Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Tommy Lee (Motley Crüe), and Danny Carey (Tool) all vying for the coveted spot. It’s then revealed that legendary Josh Freese will take the seat behind the kit. Freese is known for his work with Guns N’ Roses, A Perfect Circle, Nine Inch Nails, Weezer, Paramore, and many others.