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Edinburgh Reporter
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Reporter
Speaking to Martha Wainwright
Martha Wainwright is about to return to Edinburgh for a special evening at The Queen's Hall to perform her debut album supporting a 20th anniversary release which includes a first release on vinyl. 'If you heard the record you were special because it was a little niche and emotive and it felt special'. The album was a long time in the making but as Wainwright explained: 'I felt a great relief because I had been working so hard. I was concerned about what was going to happen and to 'make it' or have a career. Finally, after years of effort, I flew over to England and the press showed up, the record came out and I appeared on Jools Holland. It felt all of that was not for nothing and I was going to have an opportunity to have a career in music.' The debut is a confessional singer-songwriter long-player that continues to stir the emotions, what's it like to revisit those tracks twenty years later? She said: 'I wouldn't want to tour an anniversary record for the rest of my life but a lot of the lyrics still apply or have taken on a new meaning. One of the lyrics in Far Away is 'I have no children/I have no husband/I have no reason'. I no longer have a husband and my children are almost teenagers, so in a way, it still applies. It was a period in life, the people and relationships, it was such a very emotional record and not necessarily a pop record or one that everyone knew or listened to. 'If you heard the record you were special because it was a little niche and emotive and it felt special. It was my story in the music business and I was really at a turning point or crossroads. What's a relief is that I can still easily sing the songs, they are in the same key. I'm not wrestling with the material and I'm still enjoying it.' The album contains a beautiful rendition of Whither Must I Wander by composer Ralph Vaughn Williams. He was inspired by the Robert Louis Stevenson poem of the same name and used Stevenson's verse for the lyrics. Martha said: 'My mum (Kate McGarrigle) and brother Rufus (Wainwright) would have suggestions for songs and they picked that one for me. I usually do at least one cover, they are quite important on my records. It's funny Rufus says 'We're the same age now' and I'm like 'Nope; I'm two and a half years younger'. After all the time he spent telling me what to do as the little sister I get to hold on to being younger!' Rufus also joins Martha for Bring Back My Heart on the vinyl release of a track that only appeared on certain editions of the album. She said: 'I've tried to use my brother and his name to my advantage and that includes having his talent on the records.' Being part of a songwriting dynasty does have its advantages. A memorable event was when her mother and aunt, Kate & Anna McGarrigle, were invited to record with Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds for his No More Shall We Part album back in 2001. 'It was super cool that Nick Cave had them be Bad Seeds and introduce people of our generation to them. I don't know if they knew how cool Nick Cave was and is, they were just into the music and into him and whatever he did. It was so awesome, interesting and intriguing. I think for them it was exciting to be part of an album that mattered and to be invited by Nick Cave who they were both completely in love with.' The sisters, also said to be an influence on Kate Bush, inspired a variety of artists but chose to keep a relatively low profile adding to their mystique. 'My mother pointed it out in a cool McGarrigle way (about Kate Bush), she was happy to tell me about it. I don't know if it was made clear by Kate Bush or in an article. They were so hip in so many ways without trying and that was the nature of their career. It was a little outside of the grind of the music industry and they made decisions as artists that were perhaps unconventional. They toured but didn't tour like many of us do, it was a rare thing. I think she wondered what might have happened had she gone further and dedicated herself more but for whatever reason she didn't.' Martha also starred in Martin Scorsese's The Aviator (2004) performing the great American standard I'll Be Seeing You. It was a definitive experience that included her father Louden Wainwright III and brother Rufus. 'That was really where nepotism came in handy. I was in that movie with Rufus and my father and we all do a scene each at different points.' The song was recorded in New York City and Martha was later invited to shoot her scenes in Montreal. After a long wait in full costume and make-up, she began to wonder if her scene was going to happen, at the end of a long day a sense of deflation set in. 'The next day they finally called me to do my scene, it took about 45 minutes and it was just me and Scorsese and he directed me. It was one of the greatest things that ever happened in my life.' The last time I met Martha for an interview, she had just climbed Arthur's Seat with her band for the first time back in 2005. Is it something she plans to do this time around? 'In Edinburgh that first time I got the band up to Arthur's Seat, it's always a big thing and experience to do that walk before a show.' While this tour will feature a full band she is expecting to also take the songs out on another run during an acoustic tour. 'I have to say this band is fantastic. I'll probably have to go out on the road and do this record solo to make some money but it's wonderful to come out with musicians on the first go around and recreate the music. 'We've been on the road with the record for a month in North America so we are getting really comfortable with it and we are opening up the songs and taking more liberties. The Maker has been really fun, there are some songs where you feel connected less but they can return and ring true in that moment.' Martha Wainwright will play The Queen's Hall on Wednesday 4 June Tickets are sold out but there is a waiting list. Credit Gaëlle Leroyer Credit Gaëlle Leroyer Credit Gaëlle Leroyer Like this: Like Related
Daily Record
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Nickelback's name has secret meaning and fans have only just realised it
Nickelback has been a mainstay of the music scene for almost three decades, but many people are still unaware of the meaning behind the Canadian rock band's name. Nickelback has been producing chart-topping hits since they first entered the music industry - and the rock band continues to enjoy popularity. The Canadian group consists of lead singer and guitarist Chad Kroeger, bassist Mike Kroeger, and rhythm guitarist, keyboardist, and backing vocalist Ryan Peake. Over its initial 10 years, the band saw a rotation of drummers before Daniel Adair became a permanent fixture. Brothers Chad and Mike, who founded the band, initially named it Village Idiot. This was swiftly changed to Nickelback. Although the band, recognised for a discography that spans genres such as post-grunge, pop rock, alternative rock and more, was established in 1995, they didn't achieve mainstream success until 2002. Their big break came with the release of the single, How You Remind Me, which climbed to the top spot in both the United States and Canada, peaking at fourth in the UK, reports the Express. Further success ensued, with albums achieving platinum status and mega hits like Photograph, Far Away and Rockstar securing their position in the cultural landscape of the early 2000s. Despite their fame and wealth, many people don't know the origin of the band's name. The story behind Nickelback's name was discussed on the social media platform, Quora. Fans and music enthusiasts alike were eager to share their thoughts and insights on the band. As it turns out, the name Nickelback has ties to the well-known coffee shop chain, Starbucks. Responding to a query about the origin of the band's name on Quora, one user detailed: "Nickelback started life as a covers band called Village Idiot. "The band later changed its name to Nickelback, which originated from the nickel in change that band member Mike Kroeger gave customers at his job at Starbucks; he would frequently say, 'Here's your nickel back'." Adding more depth to the coin reference, another user shared: "In the sixties, a phone call from a public phone cost a nickel. "To save money, I would give my parents one ring on the telephone when I was returning from NYC, they would then pick me up at the bus stop. If you hung up after one ring, you got your nickel back." In a Reddit thread, a social media user admitted to recently discovering the band was initially named Village Idiot. Speculating why they might have opted for a different name, one person suggested: "I guess they changed it because the original name was a bit too 'on the nose'." Another added: "They are one of my favorite bands. I'm glad they chose the current band name instead of the other." Regarding the initial name, Ryan Peake clarified: "Our small town was almost village-sized, so I thought it was appropriate." Eventually, the band decided to change their name as Village Idiot could potentially attract negative attention, particularly as they aimed to appeal to broader audiences. The origin of the name Nickelback actually stems from Mike Kroeger's time working at a Starbucks, where he would frequently hand customers a "nickel back" as change after they purchased their beverages. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
Daily Maverick
01-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Andor Season 2 swaps space wizards for wartime complexity and suspense
All-round sophisticated, prequel series Andor is not only one of the greatest pieces of Star Wars media ever created, but ranks among the best wartime thrillers to reach the small screen. If you're someone who doesn't like politics in your entertainment, you should stay far away from Andor. That said, with the release of the series' second and final season, you should also be aware that you'll be missing out on not only one of the greatest pieces of Star Wars media ever created but also one of the best wartime thrillers to reach the small screen in recent years. For a short while in the mid-2010s, custodians of the Star Wars brand decided to give filmmakers more creative freedom when playing in A Galaxy Far, Far Away. By 2018, that experiment seemed over, as evidenced by the complete overhaul of Solo, but before that, audiences were treated to Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, which stripped out the space wizards with laser swords and delved into the sacrifices of the grassroots Rebel Alliance in their efforts to take down the Galactic Empire. Set before the original Star Wars film, A New Hope, this was a universe where the Jedi were thought extinct, and any acts of insurrection were by ordinary people facing disheartening odds; individuals who could be killed by a single blaster shot. Darker, more mature, Rogue One was massively acclaimed and proceeded to spawn a prequel series in the form of Andor in 2022. With Rogue One's co-writer and reshoot director Tony Gilroy — the same man responsible for writing the Bourne movies, and making Michael Clayton — at the helm, Andor explores how Cassian Andor (Diego Luna) transitions from a survival-minded thief to a key Rebel leader. Following Rogue One's tonal lead, Season 1 of Andor doubled down on showing the horrors of life under the Empire, which previous Star Wars popcorn blockbusters only alluded to. It's one thing watching a planet exploded from a distance, and another to witness prisoner deportations and forced labour due to warped judicial process; the rape of planetary resources as locals and their culture are steamrolled into oblivion; and torture techniques using the screams of genocided children. And that was just Season 1. During the space of three years in our off-screen reality, Andor has transformed from a cautionary tale to something perhaps too on the nose. And yet, the Star Wars fans who were so vocal about The Acolyte's 'wokeness' have been very quiet about a series that is so unveiled in its antifascist attitudes and representational inclusion. Then again, Andor benefits from a kind of credibility that runs through to its core. In addition to embracing the use of real-world, tactile sets and costuming, the series doesn't hide behind the distraction of franchise cameos and whizz bang special effects; the kind of visual dazzle seen in fellow Star Wars series The Mandalorian, for example. At times, it's easy to forget that you're even watching Star Wars, until a squad of Stormtroopers marches by, or characters jump in a spacecraft. Even alien creatures seem a minority on Andor's homogenous planets under Empire control. Andor continually leans into the recognisable for audiences. Until the show, did anyone know that Core World citizens in Star Wars get their news from propaganda-twisted broadcasts, and have their tradition-drenched weddings culminate with shots on the dancefloor under a disco ball? Suddenly, Star Wars feels a lot more relatable. Sophistication Paired with its practical visual approach and a general sophistication in cinematography and cross-cut editing, Andor is slow-burning, performance-driven and keen — in between the series' signature, rousing speeches — to show, not tell, the complexities of its world. Andor even gives space to emotionally stunted people who might find (or think they find) their place within the Empire's governing bodies. These include ambitious Imperial Security Bureau supervisor Dedra Meero (Denise Gough) and browbeaten administrator Syril Karn (Kyle Soller), both of whom crave approval and glory, but find themselves shaken over where their goals lead them — especially once Director Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn) appears on the scene with his top secret Death Star project. We're all the heroes of our own story, after all. On the good guys' side, meanwhile, it's not just about Cassian. Andor is an ensemble, and makes sure to spotlight the immense risk taken by Rebel organisers operating in plain sight on the city planet of Coruscant, along with the morally grey decisions they must make. Standing out here are Stellan Skarsgård as Luthen Rael, an apparently flamboyant antiques dealer funding the Rebellion alongside idealist Senator Mon Mothma (Genevieve O'Reilly), who is forever walking a tightrope under intense surveillance. Luthen and Mon's secret identities must hold, or else. Arguably, only one character in Andor is done dirty, and that's Adria Arjona as Bix Caleen, a black market dealer and mechanic, whose 'development' over two seasons runs disappointingly backwards, positioning her solely as motivation for Cassian. Speaking of seasons, Andor S2 is quite different to Season 1 structurally, despite both consisting of 12 episodes. Whereas the debut season focused on a relatively compact time period, the latest batch of episodes spans four years, jumping forward 12 months every three instalments. Viewed another way, Andor Season 2 comprises four movies (it's releasing in three-episode portions) devoted to a plot arc, before moving on. This approach is handy for covering a lot of ground narratively, but the downside is that it can be frustrating for audience emotional investment. Some storylines are more engaging than others. While the opening chapter draws parallels with Zack Snyder's Rebel Moon, it's the episodes devoted to the Empire's chilling and all-too-familiar actions on the Old Europe-esque planet of Ghorman that hit hardest, and they're in the middle of the season. After that, you might find your interest flagging. In addition, with Andor S2 covering nearly half a decade, characters simply disappear from the story, or are denied on-screen catharsis regarding tragic events. Then again, this is the realism of Andor. No matter the feelings of those left behind, people do blip out of existence while life carries on, especially during wartime. While the Star Wars movies might deliver a heroic death set to a soaring John Williams score, in Andor, characters fall silently as a result of an accident. Sometimes they're even killed offscreen. It's a bold creative choice that demands reconciliation on the viewer's part. At the same time, though, it means that the stakes are very high. Anyone can die, which means suspense is ramped up to nearly unbearable levels when characters are on high-risk missions or generally in peril. There's no escaping that, as a prequel to Rogue One, Andor needs to wrap up with its pieces perfectly placed, leading to some convolution and jarring late-stage cast additions. How the series sets up its board, though, is brave (like its isolated resistance fighters), thought-provoking and relevant today more than ever. It's Star Wars, fully grown up, holding open the eyes of viewers whether they want to see or not, and is more likely than any other entry in the franchise to win over people who declare they don't like Star Wars. DM Andor Season 2 is screening on Disney+ from 23 April in South Africa. It will release with three-episode drops every week for four weeks. PFangirl.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zendaya to star in Shrek 5 alongside Cameron Diaz and Mike Myers
Hollywood actress Zendaya is to star in Shrek 5 alongside Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz. The Challengers star, 28, appears to have taken on the role of Shrek's daughter in the popular film franchise, which sees Myers voice the title character, who is married to Fiona (Diaz), and has a best friend in Donkey (Murphy). A teaser posted to the official X page for Shrek shows Donkey asking 'who is the fairest of them all?' to the magic mirror. Far, Far Away's finest are coming. — Shrek (@Shrek) February 27, 2025 The magical piece of furniture responds, 'why Shrek of course?' before showing pictures of the ogre that mimic popular memes of him found on the internet. One image, which shows the character with abs, results in his daughter, who has a nose ring, green lipstick and ombre hair, saying: 'Eww dad bleugh.' The post is captioned, 'Far, Far Away's finest are coming' with the teaser revealing a release date of Christmas 2026. Zendaya has a busy schedule and is expected to star in a third instalment of Dune as well as Euphoria season three, with reports she has also been cast in Sir Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. She could also reprise her role as MJ in the new Spider-Man film, after her boyfriend, Tom Holland, confirmed a fourth film last year. In 2024, Zendaya starred in tennis film Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, and Dune: Part Two which won Bafta awards for sound and special visual effects earlier in the month. The first Shrek film premiered in 2001 and the forthcoming movie will the franchise's first in the main series since Shrek Forever After in 2010.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Zendaya to star in Shrek 5 alongside Cameron Diaz and Mike Myers
Hollywood actress Zendaya is to star in Shrek 5 alongside Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy and Cameron Diaz. The Challengers star, 28, appears to have taken on the role of Shrek's daughter in the popular film franchise, which sees Myers voice the title character, who is married to Fiona (Diaz), and has a best friend in Donkey (Murphy). A teaser posted to the official X page for Shrek shows Donkey asking 'who is the fairest of them all?' to the magic mirror. Far, Far Away's finest are coming. — Shrek (@Shrek) February 27, 2025 The magical piece of furniture responds, 'why Shrek of course?' before showing pictures of the ogre that mimic popular memes of him found on the internet. One image, which shows the character with abs, results in his daughter, who has a nose ring, green lipstick and ombre hair, saying: 'Eww dad bleugh.' The post is captioned, 'Far, Far Away's finest are coming' with the teaser revealing a release date of Christmas 2026. Zendaya has a busy schedule and is expected to star in a third instalment of Dune as well as Euphoria season three, with reports she has also been cast in Sir Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey. She could also reprise her role as MJ in the new Spider-Man film, after her boyfriend, Tom Holland, confirmed a fourth film last year. In 2024, Zendaya starred in tennis film Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, and Dune: Part Two which won Bafta awards for sound and special visual effects earlier in the month. The first Shrek film premiered in 2001 and the forthcoming movie will the franchise's first in the main series since Shrek Forever After in 2010.
