After laying relatively low in recent months, Kid Rock is gearing up for some greater visibility as he prepares for the expected fall release of his next album.

The Michigan-based rocker, who's currently on the high seas finishing his first Chillin' The Most Cruise, has been announced as the host of this year's CMT Music Awards, which will air live on June 9 from Nashville. In a posting on his web site, Rock -- whose hits "Picture" and "All Summer Long" have crossed over into the country charts -- said that, "All I can promise is I will be awesome."

He's planning on giving fans a batch of new music in May as well. Already guesting on the song "I Hold On" from Slash's self-titled solo album, Rock will also appear to a new version of "It's Good to Be Me," the next single from good pal Uncle Kracker's latest album, "Happy Hour." The revised track is due out in early May. Meanwhile, in a unique promotion with his sponsor, Jim Beam Bourbon, Rock -- who's been outspokenly resistant to distributing his music via digital outlets -- is offering a download of a new song, the "Times Like These," as well as a six-song digital live EP from his July 2009 home town stadium shows at Detroit's Comerica Park. The downloads will be available with the purchase of special edition gift cartons of Jim Beam or the cherry-flavored Red Stag by Jim Beam, beginning next month. The live tracks include "Rock N Roll Jesus," "All Summer Long," "Amen," "Picture," "So Hott" and "Bawitdaba."

Rock premiered "Times Like These" at the Detroit concerts, introducing it as "In Times Like These" and explaining that while he usually doesn`t play new material until it`s released, he felt this was "an important song" inspired by tough economic times around the country and especially in his home state of Michigan. "It`s the truth, and we hope it`s more inspirational than anything," Rock told the crowd.

The gift cartons will also promote donations for Operation Homefront, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency financial and morale assistance to U.S. military personnel and their families.

Rock has been working on the follow-up to 2007's triple-platinum "Rock N Roll Jesus" since early 2009, switching gears to work with producer Rick Rubin after starting work on the as-yet-untitled album himself. Besides "Times Like These," Rock has mentioned songs such as "One Woman Man," "The Midwest Fall" and "Care" with a guest appearance by rapper T.I. Lil Wayne also cut a track at Rock's home studio, and he's mentioned covering Alabama's "Mountain Song" as well as possible guest appearances by Bob Seger, Metallica's James Hetfield and country stalwarts George Strait and Merle Haggard. The album is expected in early September, but no release date has yet been announced.

Meanwhile, Rock's summer touring schedule includes opening dates for Bon Jovi in North America and Europe, as well as festival appearances in Calgary, Detroit Lakes, Minn., and Sturgis, S.D.

Source Billboard

Paris Hilton is seemingly set to relaunch her pop career.

The 29-year-old socialite met up with acclaimed songwriter Linda Perry – who is responsible for Christina Aguilera’s 'Beautiful’ and Gwen Stefani’s 'What You Waiting For?’, among other tracks – sparking speculation she is planning a follow-up to her 2006 LP 'Paris’.

Paris revealed the news on twitter, writing: 'Went and visited Linda Perry at her studio. She is so cool and her studio is incredible. I respect her so much as a producer, what a talent.'

'Stars Are Blind’, the first single from 'Paris’, was an international smash hit upon its release, reaching the top five in the British, Italian, Swedish and Canadian charts.

Even Lady Gaga admitted she was a fan of the song.

She said: 'I always thought that 'Stars Are Blind’ was one of the greatest records ever. Quite honestly it was a great pop record.'

Paris previously admitted she would like to work with the 'Telephone’ hitmaker on some new music.

She said: 'Anything we do will be a surprise, so you can’t know about it.'

Paris recently got some musical inspiration at the Coachella Music Festival in California, and 'rocked out' to acts including Gorillaz and David Guetta.

She wrote on twitter: 'So much fun tonite! Rocked it out to Tomm Yorke and the Gorillaz! So sick!! Loves it! :)

'Raged on the stage at MGMT then David Guetta and now am rocking to Muse. Best spot in the house! Huge! Coachella Rocks... Jay Z was amazing! So much fun with my sis and all my girls! :) (sic)"

Source music-news

Paul Weller has lashed out against social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace.

The Modfather told the Independent that he thinks the sites are "bullshit".

Weller said: "Why not go down the pub? A guy once came up to me at a gig and asked me if I had MySpace. I said, 'This is my space, and you're invading it'," he said.

Source UNCUT

The Felice Brothers, Wild Beasts, Old Crow Medicine Show and The Dave Rawlings Machine are to headline a new London festival this autumn.

Campfire Trails takes place at the Troxy Theatre from September 15-17, with the stated aim of showcasing “the finest indie/rock and Americana artists in one of East London’s most beautiful venues”.

More supporting names are being added, but tickets are on sale now for The Felice Brothers (September 15), Wild Beasts (September 16) and Old Crow Medicine Show with special guests The Dave Rawlings Machine (September 17).

Tickets cost £18.50 per night, though there are a limited number of three-day tickets for Campfire Trails priced £47.50. You can buy them now from Seetickets.com.

Source UNCUT

City Showcase, the live music event which takes over the capital each year and takes place from 5 to 9 May, will this year launch in Chinatown bringing live music to the cultural capital where East literally meets West, in the heart of London’s West-End.

Critically acclaimed English indie-rock group The Magic Numbers will be headlining the event with an exclusive acoustic set, playing some tracks from the forthcoming new album 'The Runaway' that comes out on June 7th. Showing their support of City Showcase and the wealth of new talent supported by City Showcase, The Magic Numbers’ set will follow a showcase of some of the best up and coming acts including festival favourites Rebel Control, YouTube sensation Cherry Lee, and the romantic vocals of Vietnamese singer/songwriter Tuanne.

City Showcase has confirmed the first after-show party of its 2010 calendar. Whisky Mist, renowned as the favoured club of stars of stage, screen and even the Royals, will be the venue for 5 May, celebrating the end of City Showcase's Chinatown evening.

True to City Showcase's reputation of promoting great new music talent, there will be a live performance by Will Kevans. Described as Johnny Cash meets Pulp and Quite possibly the finest home grown singer-songwriter of recent times, Will brings his own Nashville-influenced brand of hooky songs to City Showcase and Whisky Mist.

Nanette Rigg of City Showcase said 'The first of the City Showcase parties is always fantastic and this time we're delighted to link up with Whisky Mist. City Showcase wristband holders will also enjoy the Whisky Mist experience with no entry fee, if they arrive before midnight!'

The Magic Numbers said: 'It is not easy to break in the music industry – it takes a great deal of hard work and dedication. We are pleased to be able to help shine a light on new artists that are coming through and performing in City Showcase’.

Whisky Mist is pleased to take part, saying ''We are very excited to be involved in City Showcase this year and are looking forward to hosting this special event for City Showcase wristband holders and Whisky Mist patrons alike.’

For your free entry to Whisky Mist before midnight and to all other City Showcase events get your wristbands online at www.cityshowcase.co.uk

Source music-news

Sonic Youth and Norah Jones are among the names set to perform a series of free shows in New York.

Playing as part of the Celebrate Brooklyn! Festival, the gigs will take place at Brooklyn's Prospect Park Bandshell throughout the summer.

Opening with a show from Norah Jones on June 9, Sonic Youth will perform on July 31, with Konono #1 also confirmed to play on July 15.

The full line-up of free summer gigs will be announced on May 4. For more information, visit BricArtMedia.org.

Source NME