Catch up on all the music news you may have missed with the latest edition of On the Radar.
Maroon 5, Travis Scott, and Big Boi to officially play Super Bowl 2019 Half Time show
Well, it’s happening. Maroon 5 will headline the Super Bowl 2019 Halftime Show with special guests Travis Scott and Big Boi. Scott was rumored to be a part of the show, but the NFL recently made the official announcement. Before settling on Maroon 5 the league reached out to other artists, like Pink, Nicki Minaj, and Andre 3000, but they were turned down to show solidarity with Colin Kapernick.
Scott himself nearly dropped out after JAY-Z urged him not to play the show. He later agreed to move forward after the NFL made a donation to social justice initiatives, including $500,000 to Van Jones’ Dream Corps, an organization that works on criminal justice reform and other social causes.
“I back anyone who takes a stand for what they believe in. I know being an artist that it’s in my power to inspire. So before confirming the Super Bowl Halftime performance, I made sure to partner with the NFL on this important donation. I am proud to support Dream Corps and the work they do that will hopefully inspire and promote change,” Scott said in a statement.
Super Bowl 53 will take place February 3 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Post Malone, Cardi B, Janelle Monae and more to perform at the 2019 Grammys
The Grammys have revealed the first group of performers for music’s biggest night. Hitting the stage this year is Cardi B, and Album of the Year nominees Janelle Monae, Kacey Musgraves, and Post Malone. Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes, and Dan + Shay will also perform. The Recording Academy assures this is only the first group of performers. The second group will be revealed at a later date.
Replacing James Corden as host is 15-time Grammy award winner Alicia Keys.
“I know what it feels like to be on that stage, and I’m going to bring that vibe and energy,” the consummate performer said in a press release. “I’m so excited to be the master of ceremonies on the biggest night in music and celebrate the creativity, power, and magic. I’m especially excited for all the incredible women nominated this year! It’s going ‘UP’ on February 10!”
The Grammys air live on CBS February 10.
Bikini Kill reunites for 2019 tour dates
Legendary riot grrrl group Bikini Kill is reuniting once again for a trio of spring tour dates. The band, featuring Kathleen Hanna on vocals, Tobi Vail on drums, and Kathi Wilcox on bass, along with guitarist Erica Dawn Lyle, will play shows at the Hollywood Palladium on April 25; Brooklyn Steel on May 31; and New York’s Terminal 5 on June 1. Tickets are currently on sale. Click here for more information.
Previously, Bikini Kill reunited at The Kitchen in New York City in 2017 making it their first live performance in 20 years. Last year, they made their back catalog available on streaming services for the first time.
Upcoming Shows
Catch alt rock band Kongos with Fitness at Lincoln Hall Wednesday, January 23. You can still grab tickets here.
Luis Vasquez’s electronic project The Soft Moon plays Thalia hall with HIDE and Lingua Ignota Thursday, January 24. Get tickets here.
MØ and special guest Abra hit up The Vic Theatre for a sold out show Friday, January 25. Tickets are gone, but you can try winning some here.
Neil Young brings his solo tour to the Pantages Theatre on Saturday, January 26. This is another sold out show, but you can win tickets here.
Chicago Artist Spotlight: Birddogs
Birddogs started out with four friends who bonded over a love of music at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Now, they’re doing the most to share their mellow vibe with people all over. The band features Adam Brade (vocals/guitar), Robert Bugos (vocals/guitar/sax), Kevyn Miller (bass), and Otto Gomora (drums). They describe their sound as a fusion of jazz, pop, punk, soul, and progressive rock, which comes through on their new single “Better Off Without You.” The track is easy going with its blend of jazz elements and light rock giving it a mellow vibe. Bugos’ upbeat guitars and slick solo adds a bit of punk, but it never loses its relaxing vibe.
Recently, Birddogs premiered the music video for the single, from their upcoming self-titled EP. Check it out above. They’re still hard at work on the record, but you can catch them live around town. Make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates. Pick up a copy of “Better Off Without You” here.