Friday, February 28, 2020

Japan Anime Music Lab Throws Spotlight on Virtual Pop Star "Kizuna AI"

THE JAPAN ANIME MUSIC LAB. WEBSITE SPOTLIGHTS THE VIRTUAL YOUTUBER MUSIC PHENOMENON IN AN INTERVIEW WITH THE PRODUCER OF KIZUNA AI

JAMLAB. Showcases The Latest Trends In J-Pop And Ani-Song Music And Highlights A New Breed Of Pop Star With A Virtual YouTuber With More Than 2.6 Million Subscribers

Tokyo, Japan – The Japan Anime Music Lab. (www.japan-animemusic.com; JAMLAB.), an official online information hub connecting the global entertainment and music industries with the top echelon of Japanese music and “ani-song” (anime song) artists and their official representatives, spotlights the fast-growing musical phenomenon of “Virtual YouTubers” in an insightful multi-part interview with Takeshi Osaka, the CEO and founder of the virtual talent creative studio, Activ8 Inc. and producer of the virtual pop star, Kizuna AI.

Virtual YouTube stars, or “VTubers” comprise a colorful vanguard of digital celebrities who are building an ardent global following by redefining what a pop star is in the 21st Century. In the interview, Osaka explains how music and cutting-edge technology have aligned to create this new breed of pop star.

Catch the insightful interview with Takeshi Osaka exclusively on the JAMLAB. website at: https://japan-animemusic.com/en/news/news.html.

Kizuna AI is one of the world’s first virtual YouTuber stars and operates 2 popular channels on YouTube - "A.I.Channel” and "A.I.Games.” She currently has over 2.6 million subscribers and recently has begun to also garner a substantial following in China. Other popular Virtual YouTuber performers include Luna Kaguya, YuNi, tokinosora, Aoi Fuji. Virtual YouTuber artists are the latest addition to the scope of genres JAMLAB. features.

JAMLAB. supports the prolific Japanese pop/rock/hip hop/virtual music scene and has put a particular emphasis on anime song “ani-song” artists whose music is widely featured as the theme songs to popular anime series. The global popularity of anime now presents these artists with a wider platform than ever before to bring their music to an international fan base.

Continued technological innovation combined with an expanding international fan base for virtual pop stars have also inspired a talented cadre of Japanese designers, producers and digital innovators to create the next generation of virtual pop stars with Virtual YouTubers such as Kizuna AI. JAMLAB. embraces this continued evolution and looks to help raise the profile of these stars among a global audience of fans and industry professionals.

Japanese companies and record labels currently participating in JAMLAB. include AVEX, SACRA MUSIC (a Sony Music label), Lantis, King Record, Pony Canyon, Flying Dog, Yoshimoto Music Entertainment, For Live Music Entertainment, NBC Universal Entertainment Japan, MAGES., Being, Nippon Columbia, Tokuma Japan Communications, Toho, Teichiku Entertainment, Zero-A, Victor Entertainment, and Universal Music.

Artists currently featured on the JAMLAB. website include: Maaya Sakamoto, Nana Mizuki, May'n, Ali Project, LiSA, JAM Project, Kalafina, EGOIST, ClariS, GARNiDELiA, Konomi Suzuki, fripSide, Nagi Yanagi, Kanoko Ito、Aimer, Granrodeo, Mamoru Miyano, Minori Chihara, ASCA, halca, and Aquors.

About The Japan Music Cultural Export (JMCE) Organization:
The Japanese music industry organization (formally known as PROMIC) is renowned for organizing the annual music trade event, Tokyo International Music Market (TIMM), and launching the Japanese anime music website, Japan Anime Music Lab. (JAMLAB.). The JMCE organization has continuously focused on showcasing Japanese pop, rock and ani-song artists to a global audience. The foundation is supported by the Japanese music industry and the main supporting members of the foundation are; major Japanese record labels and music trade bodies and associations representing; artists, performers, record labels, management companies, music publishers, concert promoters and music retailers. More information is available at: www.japan-animemusic.com and at https://jmce.or.jp/.

-------------------

Wednesday, February 26, 2020

Usher to Host and Perform at 2020 "iHeartRadio Music Awards"

Usher to Host and Perform During the 2020 “iHeartRadio Music Awards,” Airing Live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Sunday, March 29, on FOX

Halsey and Lizzo Join Previously Announced Justin Bieber as Performers

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--iHeartMedia and FOX Entertainment announced that eight-time Grammy award-winning artist Usher, who has sold more than 65 million albums worldwide, will host and perform during the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards. The event will also feature live performances from Halsey and Lizzo, as well as previously announced performer, Justin Bieber, with more to be announced. The two-hour event will air live from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, Sunday, March 29, 2020, (8:00-10:00 PM ET live / PT tape-delayed) on FOX. The seventh annual iHeartRadio Music Awards will also broadcast live on iHeartMedia radio stations nationwide and iHeartRadio, the all-in-one digital music, podcast, on demand and live-streaming radio service.

    “I’m so excited to host the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards and help celebrate the music that I and millions of other music lovers listened to this past year”

“I’m so excited to host the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards and help celebrate the music that I and millions of other music lovers listened to this past year,” said Usher. “It’ll be like hanging out with old friends.”

Nominees for the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards were announced on January 8, 2020. Artists receiving multiple nominations include Ariana Grande, Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Cardi B, Daddy Yankee, Dan + Shay, Drake, Ed Sheeran, El Fantasma, Halsey, J Balvin, Jonas Brothers, Justin Bieber, Khalid, Kygo, Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Luke Combs, Maren Morris, Post Malone, Selena Gomez, SHAED, Shawn Mendes, Snow, Summer Walker and Taylor Swift. For a full list of nominees and categories, please visit iHeartRadio.com/awards.

This year’s awards will feature a broad array of categories, including Female Artist of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Best Duo/Group of the Year and individual winners for Album of the Year in music’s biggest genres including Pop, Country, Alternative Rock, Rock, Dance, Hip-Hop, R&B and Latin Pop/Urban.

In addition to paying tribute to music and artists, the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards will again celebrate the fans, giving iHeartRadio listeners the opportunity to decide winners in several new and established categories. Fan voting will determine this year’s Best Fan Army, Best Lyrics, Best Cover Song, Best Music Video, Best Remix, the Social Star Award, Favorite Tour Photographer and the first-ever Favorite Music Video Choreography Award.

Social voting began on January 8 and will close on Monday, March 23, 2020 at 8:00 PM ET / 5:00 PM PT for all categories except for Best Fan Army, which will continue through Friday, March 27 at 9:00 AM ET / 6:00 AM PT. Fans can vote on Twitter using the appropriate category and nominee hashtags or by visiting iHeartRadio.com/awards.

This year, iHeartRadio and Taco Bell’s Feed The Beat program are teaming up to reinforce a shared commitment to new artists. Leading up to and throughout the night of the awards, iHeartRadio and Taco Bell will showcase new artists across iHeartRadio platforms, so fans can see who’s next in music, alongside the biggest artists on the planet.

Tickets are currently on sale to the general public at AXS.com.

Proud partners of the 2020 iHeartRadio Music Awards include Taco Bell, with more to be announced.

Executive producers for the iHeartRadio Music Awards are Joel Gallen, for Tenth Planet Productions, and John Sykes and Tom Poleman, for iHeartMedia.

For breaking news and exclusive iHeartRadio Music Awards content, visit iHeartRadio.com/awards or follow the social buzz on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Google+.

About iHeartMedia
iHeartMedia (NASDAQ: IHRT) is the number one audio company in the United States, reaching nine out of 10 Americans every month – and with its quarter of a billion monthly listeners, has a greater reach than any other media company in the U.S. The company’s leadership position in audio extends across multiple platforms, including more than 850 live broadcast stations in over 150 markets; digital radio via its iHeartRadio digital service available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices; through its on-air influencers; social; branded iconic live music events; and podcasts as the #1 commercial podcast publisher. iHeartMedia also leads the audio industry in analytics, targeting and attribution for its marketing partners with its SmartAudio product, using data from its massive consumer base. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

About FOX Entertainment
A division of Fox Corporation, FOX Entertainment’s 30-year legacy of innovative, hit programming includes 9-1-1, THE MASKED SINGER, PRODIGAL SON, EMPIRE, LAST MAN STANDING, “24,” “The X-Files” and “American Idol.” Delivering high-quality scripted, non-scripted and live content, FOX Entertainment’s broadcast network airs 15 hours of primetime programming a week, as well as major sports; and is the only major network to post year-over-year growth among viewers during the 2018-2019 broadcast season.

------------------------


Tuesday, February 25, 2020

Taylor Sheridan, Creator of "Yellowstone," Signs Deal with ViacomCBS

Yellowstone Co-Creator Taylor Sheridan Signs Overall Production and Development Deal with ViacomCBS Entertainment & Youth Brands

Pact Covers Multiple Projects Being Developed with 101 Studios for ViacomCBS Entertainment & Youth Brands And Their Content Studios, Including First Season of Mayor of Kingstown for Paramount Network

Paramount Network Orders Season Four of Sheridan’s Hit Series Yellowstone with Kevin Costner Before Season Three Premiere this Summer

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--ViacomCBSEntertainment & Youth Brands announced an overall production and development deal with critically acclaimed, Oscar®-nominated screenwriter Taylor Sheridan, co-creator of Paramount Network’s hit series Yellowstone. Sheridan’s deal covers multiple projects across Chris McCarthy’s portfolio, including projects for the newly created Entertainment & Youth Studios. David Glasser and 101 Studios will executive produce all projects under the deal. Keith Cox, President of ViacomCBS Entertainment and Youth Studios, will oversee the projects.

Additionally, Paramount Network ordered a fourth season of Sheridan’s Yellowstone, the #1 scripted series of the summer across cable and broadcast TV in the key P18-49 and P25-54 demos and the most-watched 2019 summer series on cable TV among total viewers. Season three of Yellowstone premieres this summer.

Yellowstone is Paramount Network’s most-watched scripted series ever and season two holds a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The series stars world-renowned actor and Oscar®-winner Kevin Costner as John Dutton, who controls the largest, contiguous ranch in the United States. Yellowstone is co-created by Sheridan and John Linson. Yellowstone is co-produced by 101 Studios. Executive producers for Yellowstone are John Linson, Art Linson, Taylor Sheridan, Kevin Costner, David C. Glasser and Bob Yari.

Sheridan’s deal also includes a first season of scripted drama, Mayor of Kingstown, which the brand ordered in January 2020. Set in a small Michigan town centered on seven federal prisons, Mayor of Kingstown follows the McClusky family, the power brokers between the criminals, the cops, the prisoners and politicians who all have something at stake. The series comes from creator and executive producer Sheridan, along with co-creator and executive producer Hugh Dillon, executive producer David Glasser and production company 101 Studios.


About ViacomCBS
ViacomCBS (Nasdaq: VIAC; VIACA) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide. Driven by iconic consumer brands, its portfolio includes CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, CBS All Access, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others. The company delivers the largest share of the U.S. television audience and boasts one of the industry’s most important and extensive libraries of TV and film titles. In addition to offering innovative streaming services and digital video products, ViacomCBS provides powerful capabilities in production, distribution and advertising solutions for partners on five continents. For more information about ViacomCBS, please visit www.viacbs.com and follow @ViacomCBS on social platforms.

About Paramount Network
Paramount Network is a premium entertainment destination that pushes the limits of storytelling with bold original scripted and non-scripted series. Inspired by over a century of cinema, Paramount Network is where today’s brightest stars bring the experience of the big screen to every screen with stories that are immersive, inclusive, and deeply personal. A subsidiary of ViacomCBS, Paramount Network has a global reach of 234 million households across 117 countries. For up-to-the-minute and archival press information and photographs visit Paramount Network’s press site at paramountnetwork.com/press and follow us on Twitter at @ParamountNetPR for the latest in breaking news updates, behind-the-scenes information and photos.

-----------------------

Monday, February 24, 2020

BOOM! Studios from Diamond Distributors for February 26, 2020

BOOM! STUDIOS

DEC191244    ANGEL & SPIKE #9 CVR A MAIN PANOSIAN    $3.99
DEC191245    ANGEL & SPIKE #9 CVR B CONNECTING DEL RAY VAR    $3.99
DEC191246    ANGEL & SPIKE #9 CVR C PREORDER BUONCRISTIANO    $3.99
DEC198642    ANGEL & SPIKE #9 FOC VAMPIRE VAR    $3.99
DEC198643    FOLKLORDS #3 (OF 5) 2ND PTG    $3.99
DEC191269    FOLKLORDS #4 (OF 5)    $3.99
DEC198644    FOLKLORDS #4 (OF 5) FOC RUBIN VAR    $3.99
OCT191421    JIM HENSON BENEATH DARK CRYSTAL HC VOL 03    $24.99
DEC191274    JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #6 CVR A FINDEN    $3.99
DEC191275    JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #6 CVR B MATTHEWS    $3.99
DEC198645    JIM HENSON DARK CRYSTAL AGE RESISTANCE #6 FOC PETERSON VAR    $3.99
DEC191262    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #48 CVR A CAMPBELL    $3.99
DEC198646    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #48 FOC MORA VAR    $3.99
DEC191264    MIGHTY MORPHIN POWER RANGERS #48 FOIL MONTES VAR    $4.99
DEC198647    ONCE & FUTURE #1 (8TH PTG)    $3.99
DEC198648    ONCE & FUTURE #2 (4TH PTG)    $3.99
DEC198649    ONCE & FUTURE #3 (3RD PTG)    $3.99
DEC198650    ONCE & FUTURE #4 (2ND PTG)    $3.99

Dark Horse Comics from Diamond Distributors for December 26, 2020

DARK HORSE COMICS

DEC198542    BANG #1 (OF 5) 2ND PTG    $3.99
OCT190398    BERSERK DELUXE EDITION HC VOL 04 (MR)    $49.99
OCT190328    COMPLETE ELFQUEST TP VOL 07    $24.99
OCT190376    DISNEY THE LITTLE MERMAID #3 (OF 3)    $3.99
DEC190231    HIDDEN SOCIETY #1 (OF 4) CVR A ALBUQUERQUE    $3.99
DEC190232    HIDDEN SOCIETY #1 (OF 4) CVR B DINISIO    $3.99
DEC190269    INVISIBLE KINGDOM #10 (MR)    $3.99
OCT190349    JOE GOLEM OCCULT DETECTIVE HC VOL 04    $24.99
OCT190365    STEPHEN MCCRANIES SPACE BOY TP VOL 06    $10.99
DEC190229    TOMORROW #1 (OF 5) (MR)    $3.99
DEC190293    WITCHFINDER REIGN OF DARKNESS #4 (OF 5)    $3.99

DC Comics from Diamond Distributors for February 26, 2020

DC COMICS

DEC190436    ACTION COMICS #1020    $3.99
DEC190437    ACTION COMICS #1020 CARD STOCK L PARRILLO VAR ED    $4.99
DEC190411    AMETHYST #1 (OF 6)    $3.99
DEC190412    AMETHYST #1 (OF 6) CARD STOCK STEPHANIE HANS VAR ED    $4.99
DEC190527    BASKETFUL OF HEADS #5 (OF 7) (MR)    $3.99
DEC190528    BASKETFUL OF HEADS #5 (OF 7) MATTEO SCALERA VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
DEC190440    BATGIRL #44    $3.99
DEC190441    BATGIRL #44 CARD STOCK T AND R DODSON VAR ED    $4.99
DEC190446    BATMAN BEYOND #41    $3.99
DEC190447    BATMAN BEYOND #41 FRANCIS MANAPUL VAR ED    $3.99
NOV190524    BATMAN BROKEN CITY NEW EDITION TP    $16.99
DEC190448    BATMAN CURSE OF THE WHITE KNIGHT #7 (OF 8)    $4.99
DEC190449    BATMAN CURSE OF THE WHITE KNIGHT #7 (OF 8) SEAN MURPHY VAR E    $4.99
DEC190454    BATMAN SUPERMAN #7    $3.99
DEC190455    BATMAN SUPERMAN #7 CARD STOCK ANDY KUBERT VAR ED    $4.99
DEC190535    BOOKS OF MAGIC #17 (MR)    $3.99
DEC190426    CRISIS ON INFINITE EARTHS GIANT #2 (RES)    $4.99
JUL190676    DC COVER GIRLS BATGIRL BY FRANK CHO STATUE    $130.00
JAN200100    DC PREVIEWS #23 MARCH 2020 EXTRAS    $PI
DEC190458    DETECTIVE COMICS #1020    $3.99
DEC190459    DETECTIVE COMICS #1020 CARD STOCK LEE BERMEJO VAR ED    $4.99
DEC190541    DIAL H FOR HERO #12 (OF 12)    $3.99
DEC190551    DOLLAR COMICS AMETHYST 1985 #1    $1.00
DEC190552    DOLLAR COMICS FLASH 1987 #1    $1.00
DEC190524    FAR SECTOR #4 (OF 12) (MR)    $3.99
DEC198674    FAR SECTOR #4 (OF 12) EJIKURE VAR ED (MR)    $3.99
DEC190423    FLASH #123 FACSIMILE EDITION    $3.99
NOV190539    FLASH OF TWO WORLDS DELUXE EDITION HC    $29.99
DEC190538    JOHN CONSTANTINE HELLBLAZER #4 (MR)    $3.99
DEC190479    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #20    $3.99
DEC190480    JUSTICE LEAGUE DARK #20 CLAYTON CRAIN VAR ED    $3.99
DEC190539    LAST GOD #5 (MR)    $4.99
DEC190422    LEVIATHAN DAWN #1    $4.99
DEC190498    RED HOOD OUTLAW #43    $3.99
DEC190499    RED HOOD OUTLAW #43 PHILIP TAN VAR ED    $3.99
JAN193215    SANDMAN OVERTURE GALLERY EDITION    $150.00
DEC190502    SHAZAM #11 (RES)    $3.99
DEC190503    SHAZAM #11 S DAVIS M DELECKI VAR ED (RES)    $3.99
DEC190504    SUICIDE SQUAD #3    $3.99
DEC190505    SUICIDE SQUAD #3 MICO SUAYAN VAR ED    $3.99
DEC190428    SWAMP THING GIANT #3    $4.99
NOV190565    TALES FROM THE DARK MULTIVERSE HC    $34.99
DEC190520    WONDER WOMAN #752    $3.99
DEC190521    WONDER WOMAN #752 JENNY FRISON VAR ED    $3.99
JUN190615    WONDER WOMAN BY GAIL SIMONE OMNIBUS HC    $75.00
DEC190434    YEAR OF THE VILLAIN HELL ARISEN #3 (OF 4)    $4.99
DEC190435    YEAR OF THE VILLAIN HELL ARISEN #3 (OF 4) R FEDERICI VAR ED    $4.99

Dynamite Entertainment from Diamond Distributors for February 26, 2020

DYNAMITE

DEC191123    BLACK TERROR #5 CVR A RAHZZAH    $3.99
DEC191124    BLACK TERROR #5 CVR B FORNES    $3.99
DEC191125    BLACK TERROR #5 CVR C COLEMAN    $3.99
DEC198572    CHASTITY #5 15 COPY NODET B&W VIRGIN FOC INCV (MR)    $3.99
DEC198573    CHASTITY #5 21 COPY MAINE B&W VIRGIN FOC INCV (MR)    $3.99
DEC198574    CHASTITY #5 25 COPY NODET TINT VIRGIN FOC INCV (MR)    $3.99
DEC198571    CHASTITY #5 4 COPY CASTRO B&W VIRGIN FOC INCV (MR)    $3.99
DEC198569    CHASTITY #5 CASTRO FOC BONUS VAR (MR)    $3.99
DEC198570    CHASTITY #5 CASTRO VIRGIN FOC BONUS VAR (MR)    $3.99
DEC191115    CHASTITY #5 CVR A NODET (MR)    $3.99
DEC191116    CHASTITY #5 CVR B GARZA (MR)    $3.99
DEC191117    CHASTITY #5 CVR C MAINE (MR)    $3.99
DEC191145    DEJAH THORIS (2019) #3 ANWAR LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
DEC191143    DEJAH THORIS (2019) #3 KUNKKA LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
DEC191144    DEJAH THORIS (2019) #3 LINSNER LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
DEC191146    DEJAH THORIS (2019) #3 LINSNER RARE LTD MARTIAN RED CVR    $100.00
DEC191142    DEJAH THORIS (2019) #3 PARRILLO LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
DEC191147    GEORGE RR MARTIN A CLASH OF KINGS #2 CVR A MILLER (MR)    $3.99
DEC191148    GEORGE RR MARTIN A CLASH OF KINGS #2 CVR B RUBI (MR)    $3.99
DEC191113    JAMES BOND #3 CHEUNG LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
SEP191037    KISS ZOMBIES #1 SACKS SGN ATLAS ED    $49.99
DEC191177    RED SONJA VAMPIRELLA BETTY VERONICA #9 CVR A DALTON    $3.99
DEC191178    RED SONJA VAMPIRELLA BETTY VERONICA #9 CVR B HACK    $3.99
DEC191179    RED SONJA VAMPIRELLA BETTY VERONICA #9 CVR C BRAGA    $3.99
DEC191180    RED SONJA VAMPIRELLA BETTY VERONICA #9 CVR D PARENT    $3.99
DEC191181    RED SONJA VAMPIRELLA BETTY VERONICA #9 CVR E STAGGS    $3.99
DEC191094    VAMPIRELLA #3 (1969) REPLICA ED LTD PLATINUM FOIL    $100.00
DEC191093    VAMPIRELLA #3 (1969) REPLICA ED LTD RED FOIL    $50.00
DEC191212    VAMPIRELLA RED SONJA #6 HENRY LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
DEC191214    VAMPIRELLA RED SONJA #6 LYNNE YOSHII LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
DEC191213    VAMPIRELLA RED SONJA #6 TARR LTD VIRGIN CVR    $50.00
OCT191169    VAMPIRELLA WINDOW CLING    $PI