[Updated: 6:33 P.M.]
NEWS:
- LUPE FIASCO Announces U.S. Tour
Chicago rapper’s Steppin Laser trek kicks off in March. [Lupe Fiasco]
- HOLD STEADY Return with New Album May 4
The rarely idle Brooklyn rockers turn down the pianos on fifth album in six years. [SPIN]
- PAUL MCCARTNEY Announces U.S. Concerts
The Beatle will hit Phoenix and Los Angeles in March. More dates are expected to be announced soon. [NME]
- RIHANNA‘s Next Album Will Be “More Energetic”
Pop diva will combine the “grime” of her latest release, Rated R, with “more energetic, up-tempo pop.” [MTV]
- JEFF BUCKLEY‘s Songs Featured in New Musical
The Last Goodbye — the first work authorized by and created with the late singer’s estate — is an adaptation of Romeo and Juliet. [Variety]
- VAMPIRE WEEKEND, JULIAN CASABLANCAS, BECK Contribute to Haiti Benefit Album
Keane, Air, Camera Obscura also help on Hear To Help, which will raise money for Oxfam America’s Haitian relief effort. [NME]
- PETE WENTZ Named UNICEF Spokesperson
Fall Out Boy bassist will represent the Tap Project, which aims to provide clean water to children around the world. [PR Newswire]
- CHRIS MARTIN Talks New COLDPLAY Album
The bestselling Brits, currently recording in London, could have new music ready for a holiday stocking stuffer. [SPIN]
- FLEET FOXES Frontman ROBIN PECKNOLD Tours with JOANNA NEWSOM
Seattle folky will open six Midwestern dates of the songstress’ Spring trek. [SubPop]
- BROKEN BELLS Debut New Songs at L.A. Showcase
The collabo between Danger Mouse and Shin James Mercer aims for heavenly grace — and mostly reaches it. [SPIN]
- LIL WAYNE Opens a Twitter Account
“im super new to this twitter shit but wudup tho !… follow me biot¢h… .wudup mak… happy bday LO… 8 days of freedom..ym.” [Twitter]
- INTERPOL Set for U2 Tour, First Gigs Since ’08
NYC band set for six dates supporting of the Irish juggernauts’ 360 Tour this summer. Click here for dates! [SPIN]
MP3s & VIDEOS:
- WATCH: KANYE WEST‘s Haunting New Video
No, Taylor Swift isn’t in it — but “Cold Winter” features another young beauty in peril. [SPIN]
- LISTEN: New SHE & HIM Song
The duo recorded an acoustic version of new track “Thieves” at a recent BBC session. [Stereogum]
- LISTEN: DEVO Unveil New Song!
Akron, OH, new wave band leak “Fresh,” the first track from their yet-to-be-titled new album, out this Spring. [Music Slut]
- WATCH: FEIST Plays New Song Live
The Broken Social Scene members unveils “He Was Free” at Olympic concert in Vancouver, BC. [Stereogum]
- LISTEN: SPOON Play Rare Song Live
Austin, TX, band perform “Something to Look Forward To” for the first time in five years. [KCRW]