Latest news with #FlyingLotus
ABC News
7 hours ago
- Entertainment
- ABC News
Kamasi Washington on composing for Lazarus anime, Fearless Movement, and his Australian tour
Is there anybody who's done more to make jazz hip again in the past decade than Kamasi Washington? A virtuoso saxophonist, composer and band leader, the Grammy-nominated musician splices jazz with elements of hip-hop, soul and funk. His sprawling excursions resonate with modern audiences and jazz purists alike. It certainly helps he counts Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill and Brainfeeder record label boss Flying Lotus among his many collaborators. He also got a shout-out on Kendrick Lamar's GNX album (on recent US #1 hit 'squabble up'), after first linking up for the rapper's To Pimp A Butterfly — one of the most critically acclaimed albums of the 2010s. Since the crossover success of his 2015 triple album The Epic, Washington has continued expanding his repertoire — from scoring the 2020 Michelle Obama documentary, Becoming, to an electrifying live show that gets prime position on festival bills worldwide. That includes Australia. Ever since his debut on our shores (as part of Bluesfest 2016), Washington has regularly toured here, playing bigger shows on each visit. This month, he plays Vivid Sydney and headlines concerts in Melbourne and Brisbane. Backing him will be his ensemble of crack instrumentalists, some whom he's played with since his days as a 19-year-old UCLA music student. "I'm bringing an eight-piece band: three horns, a vocalist, keys, bass, drums," he tells Andrew Ford on The Music Show. But there are a few added twists, including vocalist Patrice Quinn and LA hip hop producer DJ Battlecat. "He's going to do some work on the turntables, percussion, and some talk box. So, it's a pretty interesting band." Rickey Washington, Kamasi's father, will also be breaking out the passport. Washington Sr has regularly played flute and soprano saxophone with his son since the mid-2000s, when Kamasi was in The Young Jazz Giants — a UCLA-bred group that featured a who's who of California's current jazz scene. Namely, saxophonist-rapper-producer Terrace Martin, drummer Ronald Bruner and his younger brother, Stephen Bruner, better known as bass virtuoso Thundercat (all of whom also featured on To Pimp A Butterfly). Joined by his father and live band, Washington's current Australian shows are in support of his 2024 album, Fearless Movement, which adds a new name to the muso's star-studded CV: his daughter, Asha. "She's four, almost five [years old] now," Washington remarks. But she was "around two" when her tinkling on the keys inspired the melody for the track 'Asha The First', earning the toddler a co-writing credit. "She's pretty musical. She would get up every morning and just play the piano. She was pretty random," Washington explains. "Then one day it was like she discovered she could control the piano. She played this little melody and just kept playing it over and over and over. "And so, I recorded it and then added some harmony and some words, then we made it into a song. It's beautiful." Fatherhood often changes people and, for Washington, parenting Asha became "like a restart of my journey in music, because I'm playing her all my favourite albums. Going back and introducing her to music in a way that reintroduces it to myself as well". "Right now, she's into James Brown," he notes. Understandably, jazz was one of her formative favourites. "It was actually Eric Doplhy's Out To Lunch! — that album [and] song. I was like, 'What kind of baby do I have!?' Washington has described Fearless Movement as a "dance album", a tribute to the art of movement where he reconnects with the roots of rhythm. "I've always been drawn to rhythm [but] definitely, for this record, it felt like it was even more there than normal." The result? Washington's penchant for sprawling, cosmic soundscapes gets hot-wired by funked-up rhythms, fiery rapping and compelling collaborations. Parliament-Funkadelic's George Clinton and Inglewood rapper D Smoke guest on the strutting 'Get Lit', and rapper-turned-flute wizard André 3000 appears on the fittingly titled 'Dream State'. Meanwhile, twin brothers and MCs Taj and Ras Austin liven up 'Asha The First', where Washington instructed his band to play as if they were supporting a horn solo. "Normally when we hear rap, it's always over a loop. So, instead … I wanted it to be over music that was moving, growing and expanding. "Ras and Taj Austin — they're so musical that I knew they would really get it. And they nailed it. The meter's shifting, the chords, the feel — there's so much going on. It was fun to hear." Fearless Movement also features an earnest re-imagining of 'Computer Love' by 80s electro-funksters Zapp (which is where DJ Battlecat's aforementioned talk box comes in), while 'Prologue' interpolates Argentinian tango composer Astor Piazzolla. "I've been a fan for a long time. I always refer to him as the meanest of Argentina," Washington laughs. "I just love his work. I love his melodies, they're so powerful." "That melody has always been one of my favourite melodies ever since I heard it, years and years ago." Washington and pianist Cameron Graves were "messing around" with Piazzolla's 'Prologue (Tango Apasionado)' when fellow band mate Brandon Coleman walked in, "listening to some drum-and-bass music. And we all were like 'Oh, let's do it like that!" Earlier this year, Washington released a swift follow-up to Fearless Movement: an album that reaches audiences in the wildly popular medium of Japanese animation, courtesy of a bucket-list collaboration with anime master Shinichirō Watanabe. Washington grew up a teenage anime fan in the 90s, seeking out DVD copies of legendary titles like Dragon Ball Z, Ghost In The Shell, and Cowboy Bebop. Watanabe-san's most famous and influential work, Cowboy Bebop, used a fusion of big band jazz, blues and beyond to underscore action, melancholy and dystopian sci-fi themes. Washington has said it deeply informed him as an artist. Music continued to play an integral role in Watanabe-san's anime. Samurai Champloo blended hip-hop with traditional Japanese music, while Carole & Tuesday concerned a female duo trying to make it in the music industry… on a colonised Mars dominated by AI-produced pop. Lazarus, Watanabe-san's much-anticipated new series, saw the director tapping Washington, as well as electronic producers Bonobo and Floating Points to each compose the show's soundtrack. Once again, Lazarus employs evocative music to amplify Watanabe-san's unique sci-fi setting and storytelling, concerning a rogue team of misfits tasked with saving humanity from a ubiquitous, cure-all drug that's revealed to be a deadly toxin. Washington, however, knew none of this when he was initially brought on board the project. "It wasn't finished," he notes. "[Watanabe] didn't really have me write the music to picture. He had me write it to prompts. Like, he gave me an idea… a story or plot line, and he asked me to write something that felt like that emotion, which is a very different way for me than I've worked on films in the past." "For example: 'There's a group of people, they're searching for this guy, but keep running into road blocks.' It was like creating music from written word rather than from a visual." Instructed to create an original album, rather than a soundtrack, Washington gave Watanabe-san the individual, isolated audio elements of each recording and "he took the music and made it fit". "There's some editing that he did — it's pretty seamless. I think it was a two-way street, he was adjusting the music and adjusting the picture at the same time." For instance, Washington intended the track 'Lazarus', with its wild flurries of brass and grand choir, to be the show's theme song. Instead, Watanabe-san used the piece for a chase sequence and ultimately selected an edit of the thrilling 'Vortex' to become the main theme. Washington only learned of the decision after the show's completion. Kamasi Washington plays the following dates on his Fearless Movement Australian tour, with support from Micah Heathwood. Tickets available now. Sunday, June 8 — Carriageworks: Gadigal Land, SydneyWednesday, June 11 — Palais Theatre: Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Land, Melbourne Thursday, June 12 — QPAC Concert Hall: Turrbal Jagera Land, Brisbane
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Sound, Spirit, and Celebration: Maejor, Jim James, and Vic Mensa Lead the Musical Heartbeat of Psychedelic Science 2025
• Music Is the Bridge: Frequencies, Visions, Creativity Session at PS2025 Explores the Role of Sound in Emotional Integration, Brainwave Regulation, and Therapeutic Breakthroughs • Reggie Watts, Flying Lotus, Maejor, Jim James, and Vic Mensa Live Performances and Events Bring the Healing Power of Music to Life Beyond the Convention Center DENVER, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Psychedelic Science, the premier global gathering for psychedelic research, medicine, policy, and culture hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), has unveiled an inspiring lineup of musical visionaries headlining both the keynote stage and immersive live events at Psychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025) in Denver, Colorado. Keynote: Sound, Frequencies, and Emotional AlchemyGrammy-nominated artist and sound healing innovator Maejor (Brandon Green) and rapper and activist Vic Mensa will join forces in a powerful keynote session titled Music Is the Bridge: Frequencies, Visions, Creativity. On Wednesday, June 18 (2:30–3:15 PM MDT) in the Bluebird Ballroom 1A – these artists will explore how sound becomes medicine and melody a tool for transformation. Maejor—known for mastering albums at 432 Hz—shares how scientifically tuned music fosters deep harmony and Vic Mensa will speak to how medicine journeys have influenced his music, activism, and sense of ancestral connection. 'Music is a universal language. It resonates deeply, brings people together, and creates space for healing and self-discovery. That is why we use it as a bridge, not just to inspire but to share resources, support community, and spark curiosity. This keynote features some of the most visionary artists of our time, showing how music can be a catalyst for healing and radical creativity. And beyond the stage, the energy continues throughout the week as Denver becomes a living soundscape, with performances by Flying Lotus, Reggie Watts, Vic Mensa, and more.'—Devon Phillips, Community & Partnerships Officer More Music, More Magic Across DenverBut the magic doesn't stop at the Colorado Convention Center. Throughout the week, Denver transforms into a vibrant soundscape with unforgettable performances and immersive events: MAPS Psychedelic Science Kickoff Party with Flying Lotus & Reggie Watts Live, and Jim James and Vic Mensa DJ Sets: My Morning Jacket's Jim James and Vic Mensa will both host special DJ sets, setting the tone for an unforgettable evening ahead of Flying Lotus & Reggie Watts Live at the Mission Ballroom on Tuesday, June 17. Presented by Good Trip Studios, producers of Have a Good Trip on Netflix, this kickoff promises an electrifying fusion of music, art, and community. Tandava with Poranguí & Savej: Join Tandava Retreats on Tuesday, June 17, at Cervantes for a night of tribal rhythms, global healing sounds, and comedy by Dennis Walker (the Mycopreneur). Good Trip Presents: Conversation + Listening Party with Vic Mensa (Wednesday, June 18 at The PORTAL Dome): An intimate, 360° experience with music, film, and deep conversation. Join rapper and activist Vic Mensa for a Q&A and listening session, blending beats and dialogue in the immersive PORTAL Dome. Moderated by Donick Cary (Have a Good Trip, The Simpsons). Blind Melon with Ridgeliners Live at Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom (Thursday, June 19): Experience an unforgettable night of alternative rock as Blind Melon brings their neo-psychedelic sound to Denver's Cervantes' Masterpiece Ballroom on Thursday, June 19. Known for their 1993 hit "No Rain," Blind Melon continues to captivate audiences with their unique blend of rock and soulful melodies. Good Trip Presents: Conversation, Q&A, and Listening Party of My Morning Jacket's New Album 'Is' with Jim James (Friday, June 20 at The PORTAL Dome) invites you to an intimate, 360° experience that blends music, film, and deep conversation. Join My Morning Jacket frontman Jim James for a Q&A and exclusive listening session for the band's new album, 'is' in the immersive PORTAL Dome. Moderated by Donick Cary (Have a Good Trip, The Simpsons). LSZEE: LSDREAM & CloZee Live at Mission Ballroom (June 19–22): A bass-fueled collaboration that fuses psychedelic rhythms and global beats for an auditory adventure. Ecstatic Dance Denver (Sunday Morning Dance Party – Sober, Safe, and Sacred): No booze. No cell phones. No small talk. Just pure movement with Denver's top EDM DJs. Other highlights include immersive series like Shroomski Melt, Queer Magic 2, and more community gatherings. Visit to view the full schedule, register for workshops, and explore hotel and travel options. Workshop spaces are limited and available on a first-come Psychedelic SciencePsychedelic Science 2025 (PS2025), hosted by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), is the world's leading psychedelic conference. Returning to the Colorado Convention Center in Denver from June 16-20, 2025, this five-day event brings together a global community of scientists, therapists, policymakers, cultural leaders, and advocates to explore the forefront of psychedelic research, therapy, and culture. Facilitated by Superfly, known for producing iconic events such as Bonnaroo and Outside Lands, PS2025 will feature expert speakers; hands-on workshops; community events with art, music, and mindfulness activities; and scholarship opportunities to support broad participation. Since its inception in 2010, the Psychedelic Science conference series has fostered knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and community-building within the psychedelic ecosystem. Join thousands of attendees as we explore the transformative potential of psychedelics and shape the future of mental health, policy, and cultural understanding. For more information and registration details, visit and follow us on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. ABOUT MAPSFounded in 1986, MAPS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit research and educational organization that develops medical, legal, and cultural contexts for people to benefit from the careful uses of psychedelics and marijuana. MAPS' conference flagship, Psychedelic Science, has been the leading convening of the psychedelic community since 2010. MAPS incubated Lykos Therapeutics, a drug-development public benefit company, and the Zendo Project, a leader in psychedelic harm reduction. Since MAPS was founded, philanthropic donors and grantors have given more than $150 million to advance research, change drug policy, and evolve education in the field of psychedelics. CONTACTmedia@
Geek Tyrant
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Geek Tyrant
David S. Goyer on the MCU's BLADE Reboot Delay: 'What in the World Is Going On?' — GeekTyrant
It's not just fans scratching their heads over Marvel's ongoing Blade reboot delays and issues, David S. Goyer, the filmmaker who originally helped bring Blade to life on the big screen, is just as confused. In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Goyer, who wrote all three of the original Blade films and directed Blade: Trinity , questioned the delay and even offered his help if Marvel needs it. 'I would. I've always loved the character and I love him. I've been sitting on the sidelines wondering, 'What in the world is going on? Why is it taking so long?' Because I'm a huge Marvel fan myself, and I've just been totally puzzled.' Goyer's comments echoes what a lot of fans have been feeling since the reboot starring Mahershala Ali was announced back in 2019. Since then, the project has been plagued with delays, a revolving door of writers, and shifting creative directions. The most recent draft reportedly came from Eric Pearson, making him the sixth writer after Michael Green, Stacy Osei-Kuffour, Michael Starrbury, Beau DeMayo, and Nic Pizzolatto. That script was said to have 'finally satisfied everyone involved,' but there's still no movement. In fact, reports now suggest that Blade has been placed on indefinite hold. That tracks with recent comments from DJ and filmmaker Flying Lotus, who shared on X that he had signed on to compose the film's score, only for the project to stall. So what's the holdup? Word is, it's less about the script and more about Marvel's current priorities. With Avengers: Doomsday and Secret Wars looming, it seems the studio is laser-focused on The Multiversal Saga storytelling, leaving Blade to the side… for now. Sources also say Wesley Snipes' appearance in Deadpool & Wolverine was met with such enthusiasm that Marvel may be reworking Blade as a multiverse movie and could feature both Mahershala Ali and Wesley Snipes sharing the screen. Despite the uncertainty, Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige has tried to assure fans that Blade hasn't been forgotten. He said: 'We are committed to Blade. We love the character. We love Mahershala's take on him. And rest assured: whenever we change direction with a project, or are still figuring out how it fits into our schedule, we let the audience know. 'You're all up to date on what's happening. But I can tell you that the character will indeed make it to the MCU." Hopefully sooner rather than later, but as of right now, the Daywalker is clearly fighting off development hell instead of vampires.
The Hindu
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
New on Amazon Prime Video this week: ‘Superboys of Malegaon', ‘Crazxy', ‘Veera Dheera Sooran Part 2', and more
Superboys of Malegaon - Now Streaming Superboys of Malegaon is a film based on the life of Nasir Shaikh, an amateur filmmaker from the town of Malegaon. Written by Varun Grover, Amazon MGM Studios' Original movie features a highly talented and versatile ensemble cast including Adarsh Gourav, Vineet Kumar Singh, and Shashank Arora in lead roles. An Excel Entertainment and Tiger Baby Production, produced by Ritesh Sidhwani, Farhan Akhtar, Zoya Akhtar, and Reema Kagti, the film is directed by Reema Kagti. Crazxy - Now Streaming Crazxy is an emotionally charged edge-of-the-seat thriller about a father`s redemption. Written and directed by Girish Kohli, Crazxy is produced by Sohum Shah, Mukesh Shah, Amita Shah, and Adesh Prasad and co-produced by Ankit Jain under the banner of Sohum Shah Films – the makers of Tumbbad. It features Sohum Shah as the protagonist with a stellar ensemble cast including Nimisha Sajayan, Shilpa Shukla, Tinnu Anand, Piyush Mishra, and Unnathi Suranaa in key roles. Veera Dheera Sooran Part 2 - Now Streaming Tamil action-thriller Veera Dheera Sooran: Part 2 follows the story of Kaali, played by superstar Chiyaan Vikram, and is a gritty survival thriller, delivering emotional intensity, adrenaline-pumping action, and technical brilliance in equal measure. written and directed by S. U. Arun Kumar, and boasts a powerhouse cast, including S. J. Suryah, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Dushara Vijayan, and Prudhvi Raj in pivotal roles. Sonic The Hedgehog 3 - Now Streaming Sonic the Hedgehog 3 follows Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails as they reunite to take on Shadow, a powerful new adversary unlike any they've faced before. Directed by Jeff Fowler, the film's live-action cast boasts Jim Carrey in a dual role, alongside James Marsden, Krysten Ritter, Tika Sumpter, and Lee Majdoub, with returning favourites in the voice-cast including Ben Schwartz, Idris Elba, and Colleen O'Shaughnessey, alongside Keanu Reeves, who also joins the franchise. Mazaka - Now Streaming In the Telugu film Mazaka, Ramana, a dedicated single father, and his son Krishna both fall in love, but their dreams of a happy family crumble when they learn that their partners are related and hate each other. Directed by Trinadha Rao Nakkina, the family drama features Sundeep Kishan, Murli Sharma, and Ritu Varma in pivotal roles. Étoile Season 1 - Now Streaming Étoile Season 1 follows two elite ballet companies who swap their top dancers in a bold move to save their legendary institutions. Starring Luke Kirby, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Lou de Laâge, Gideon Glick, David Alvarez, Ivan du Pontavice, Taïs Vinolo, David Haig, Simon Callow, and Yanic Truesdale in pivotal roles. Ash - Now Streaming Ash revolves around Riya, who wakes on a strange planet to find her crew dead. As Brion arrives to rescue her, a tense battle for survival begins, testing their trust amid growing terror. Directed by Flying Lotus, starring Eiza González, Aaron Paul, Iko Uwais, Kate Elliott, Beulah Koale, and Flying Lotus. Common Ground - Now Streaming Common Ground, the sequel to Kiss the Ground, follows pioneers of the Regenerative Movement as they build a new food system that heals the planet and our health. Featuring Laura Dern, Rosario Dawson, Jason Momoa, Donald Glover, Woody Harrelson, Ian Somerhalder, and Nikki Reed.
Daily Mirror
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Amazon Prime quietly adds sci-fi horror fans say is 'coolest movie' release of the year so far
It has been compared to classic films Alien and The Thing Amazon Prime has discreetly added a 'phenomenal' sci-fi horror to its roster, which is being hailed as a cross between The Thing and Alien. The film, titled Ash, has just been introduced to the retail giant's ever-evolving streaming library. Its streaming debut comes hot on the heels of its premiere at the popular SXSW festival just a month ago. Set on a far-off planet, the story follows an astronaut named Riya (portrayed by Elza Gonzalez), who wakes up to discover that her entire space station crew has been murdered and she's suffering from amnesia. With only fragmented memories of her colleagues and their mission, and plagued by paranoia, she's unsure whether to trust a man (played by Breaking Bad's Aaron Paul), who insists he knows her and was sent to save her. Ash was directed by Flying Lotus, whose real name is Steven Ellison and also goes by FlyLo. He's an American record producer, DJ, filmmaker, and rapper. This is his second directorial venture after directing a segment of V/H/S/99 in 2022 and the horror comedy anthology Kuso in 2017. He also appears in the film and composed its soundtrack, reports Surrey Live. Unsurprisingly, the film has drawn comparisons with Alien and The Thing, with special thanks given to John Carpenter in the credits. It has garnered a respectable 74% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, and critics have not shied away from acknowledging the similarities. One reviewer shared their thoughts, saying: "Ash is obviously influenced by the Alien movie franchise. This sci-fi horror flick (about two astronauts trying to solve the mystery of a massacre on their spaceship) has some pacing that's too slow, but this low-budget film is watchable overall." Another conceded that while the film doesn't reach the heights of the iconic space monster series, there's still something to enjoy: "Not Aliens or any of the other films referenced. But Eiza Gonzalez carries this sci-fi freakout on her own shoulders, impressive." Meanwhile, several cinema buffs were effusive in their praise for the movie, urging fellow fans to give it a go. One succinctly enthused: "One Word: Phenomenal. Nobody should be disappointed by it." And another was captivated by the film's suspenseful nature: "Really interesting, thought provoking sci-fi thriller. Had me guessing the entire time what was going on. Immerses you into the environment; one of uncertainty, isolation, fear, and paranoia. The lighting, cinematography, and direction was very good for the budget of the film. I recommend to any sci-fi or thriller fan." Another viewer couldn't get enough of the film, raving immediately after their first watch: "Loved this movie, I watched it twice back to back. It was a visual and aural treat. Every shot was good to look at and the multi-genre soundtrack was pure quality, whether it was synthwave or electronic. I've never heard of Flying Lotus before, but he seems very talented not just for his creative vision for this movie, but the impressive music score also which creates a mood and atmosphere for the movie throughout." Already looking forward to more, they added: "I really hope he expands this universe, there are more stories to tell here. It has elements of Event Horizon, Alien, even a bit of Pitch Black. Some people just didn't get it, I guess, the same way I personally don't get a Wes Anderson movie. If you do get it, then you know this is the coolest movie released this year so far."
