Australia's music industry bans AI-generated tracks from official charts
MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australia’s recorded music industry says tracks wholly generated by AI will be barred from official charts as burgeoning generative technologies threaten artists’ livelihoods. Australian Record Industry Association announced the crackdown on Tuesday as a variation of Madonna’s pop hit “Like a Prayer,” created by an Australian producer using AI-generated vocals and drums, has spent 16 weeks in the charts. The association said some AI-assisted music will remain eligible as long as “humans wrote the song and performed the lead vocal and the primary instruments,” along other requirements.
Venice Film Festival adds Gaza doc ‘NAZA' to competition lineup
The Venice Film Festival has added a new documentary about the civilian toll of the Israel-Hamas war to its lineup. Festival organizers say “NAZA,” directed by Yuval Abraham and Rachel Szor, will screen in the main competition. The film focuses on the killings of Palestinian civilians and is the only documentary competing for the Golden Lion award. It builds on reporting from +972 Magazine, Local Call, and The Guardian. The conflict was top of mind at last year's festival in both official and unofficial ways, where there was a large anti-war protest on one of the busiest nights.
Shelley Fabares, 'Johnny Angel' singer and actor in ‘The Donna Reed Show’ and ‘Coach,’ dies at 82
Shelley Fabares, a beloved television actor known for roles on “The Donna Reed Show,” “One Day at a Time,” and “Coach,” has died at 82. Her family announced her passing on Saturday in Los Angeles, without specifying a cause. Fabares began acting as a child and gained fame as Mary Stone on “The Donna Reed Show” from 1958 to 1963. She also starred in three films with Elvis Presley.” Her family praised her kindness and spirit, noting her advocacy for Alzheimer’s awareness.
Music Review: Mike D 5D's debut solo album 'Thank You' offers glitchy, post-Beastie Boy fun
ATLANTA (AP) — Mike D 5D, a new project from former Beastie Boy Michael Diamond, will release “Thank You” on Friday. It is the debut solo album from the MC and the first new music from the Beastie Boys’ camp since the 2012 death of Adam “MCA” Yauch. As The Associated Press’ Ron Harris writes in his review: He’s Mike D and he gets respect. Harris says Mike D pushes his creative boundaries when he could be resting on his Beastie Boy laurels, which is admirable. Fans of the group’s urgent party rap will make the aural connections instantly with this solo work, acutely informed by Mike D’s heyday group rap affairs. It’s messy, noisy glitch-rap fun.
‘Spider-Man’ tops box office in fourth weekend; ‘The Odyssey’ becomes Nolan’s highest-grossing film
"Spider-Man: Brand New Day" continues to dominate the box office, holding the top spot for the fourth weekend. It added $39 million from 4,006 theaters in the U.S. and Canada, bringing its North American total to over $854.9 million. This puts it on track to surpass "Avengers: Endgame" as the second highest-grossing domestic release ever. "The Odyssey" became Christopher Nolan's highest-grossing film, adding $19.5 million domestically and $68 million internationally. Meanwhile, "Insidious: Out of the Further" earned $25.3 million, and "Mutiny," starring Jason Statham, opened with $7.5 million. The summer box office has reached $4.4 billion in North America.
What to know about the first week of a trial in the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur
LAS VEGAS (AP) — The trial of the man accused of orchestrating Tupac Shakur's 1996 murder has begun. Jurors heard this week about the night the rap giant was shot in Las Vegas after a brawl involving Duane “Keffe D” Davis's nephew. Davis allegedly procured the gun used in the shooting. His lawyers dispute this, claiming his past statements were exaggerated. Witnesses, including police and former gang members, have provided testimony, though some were uncooperative. Davis admitted to his involvement in past interviews that were played in court. He claims his family's safety is at risk because of the prosecution. The trial is expected to last about a month.
Fall books: Fiction takes the spotlight in bookstores during the midterm season
NEW YORK (AP) — Election news will likely fill the headlines this fall, but among book buyers fiction will likely have top billing. Authors with new novels range from romantasy favorites Sarah J. Maas and Rebecca Yarros to such Pulitzer winners as Barbara Kingsolver and Hernan Diaz. In nonfiction, expect to hear as much about the Biden administration as about the Trump White House. Former President Joe Biden will have a memoir out, “Promise Me, America.” Other Biden-related books include former Middle East envoy Brett McGurk’s “Brink” and Akbar Shahid Ahmed's “Crossing the Red Line.”
What to Stream: Alabama Shakes, 'The Whisper Man,' 'Leanne' and 'Star Wars Zero Company'
New streaming entertainment options are arriving soon, including a film adaptation of “The Whisper Man” and a new album from Alabama Shakes. The Associated Press highlights some top picks. “The Whisper Man,” based on Alex North’s novel, hits Netflix on Friday. Adam Scott stars as a crime writer whose son is abducted. Alabama Shakes releases “I Must Be Dreaming” on Friday, their first album in 11 years. For gamers, “Star Wars Zero Company” offers a tactical experience set during the Clone Wars. It’s available Thursday on PlayStation 5, Xbox X/S, and PC.
Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs dies in Los Angeles after illness at age 87
Early Motown songwriter Janie Bradford Hobbs has died, at the age of 87. She helped pen hits including “Money (That’s What I Want)” and “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby.” Her family said Saturday that she died after an extended illness at a Los Angeles hospital. Bradford Hobbs joined Motown as a receptionist in 1958. She and Gordy co-wrote “Money (That’s What I Want).” The song was recorded in 1959 by Barrett Strong and became an early hit before it was covered by The Beatles. “Too Busy Thinking About My Baby” first was recorded by The Temptations and later became a hit for Marvin Gaye.
Boston Symphony Orchestra and musicians extend contract for 48 hours, a sign they may avert strike
BOSTON (AP) — The Boston Symphony Orchestra and its musicians have agreed to a 48-hour extension of their collective bargaining agreement. This move suggests they could be nearing a deal to prevent the first strike in the ensemble’s 145-year history. The Boston Musicians’ Association had authorized a strike ahead of the union’s contract expiration on Sunday. The contract is now extended to Tuesday. BSO CEO Chad Smith says the extension is pending a ratification vote by the BMA and the Boston Symphony Orchestra Players’ Committee. The orchestra’s season is scheduled to open September 17.
