<![CDATA[Nikka Costa]]> http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/costa_nikka/artist.jhtml (c) 2007 MTV Networks. (c) and TM MTV Networks. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. See http://www.mtv.com/sitewide/mtvinfo/terms.jhtml for terms and conditions. http://www.mtv.com/sitewide/images/u/mtv-logo.gif MTV http://www.mtv.com/music/artist/costa_nikka/artist.jhtml 65 44 Music en-us 15 <![CDATA[New Releases: Audioslave, Gorillaz, Common, Wallflowers, Sleater-Kinney & More]]> Also due Tuesday are albums from Stephen Malkmus and Nikka Costa.
By Alyssa Rashbaum


Audioslave's <I>Out of Exile</I>
Photo: Interscope

After making history earlier this month by playing the biggest show ever by an American rock band in Cuba, Audioslave are preparing to take on the albums chart this week. The band is releasing its sophomore album, Out of Exile, which follows 2002's self-titled album.

After four long years of waiting for two-dimensional artists Gorillaz to deliver a studio follow-up to their 2001 self-titled album, the band composed of animated members 2-D, Russel, Murdoc and Noodle is back with Demon Days. Led by its first single, "Feel Good Inc.," the LP features two major changes — the absence of former producer Dan "The Automator" Nakamura and the presence of Danger Mouse in his place.

Common, king of conscious rap, is going back to his roots with his latest album, Be. After releasing 2002's highly experimental, sprawling Electric Circus, Common narrows his focus this time around, employing two main producers, Kanye West and J Dilla.

The Wallflowers are taking a cue from the title of their new album, Rebel, Sweetheart, defying the ever-changing climate of the mainstream with another straight-up rock and roll album that follows 2002's Red Letter Days.

Nikka Costa's long-awaited new album, Can'tneverdidnothin, hits stores this week on the heels of the single "Till I Get to You." Frank Sinatra's goddaughter is back, four years after the release of Everybody Got Their Something.

Former Pavement frontman Stephen Malkmus releases his third solo album, Face the Truth, while fiery female rock trio Sleater-Kinney follow up 2002's One Beat with The Woods. South African hard rockers Seether unleash their sophomore effort, Karma and Effect.

On the hip-hop side of new releases, there's the latest from Young Gunz (Brothers From Another), former Immature/IMX member Marques Houston (Naked) and B.G. (The Heart of tha Streetz).

In DVD news, fans of Dave Chappelle who are still reeling over the news that the next season of his "Chappelle's Show" will be postponed can comfort themselves with the DVD of season two.

Also out this week are albums by Belle and Sebastian (Push Barman to Open Old Wounds), Alkaline Trio (Crimson), Gucci Mane (Trap House), the Agony Scene (The Darkest Red), Death in Vegas (Satan's Circus), Shout Out Louds (Howl Howl Gaff Gaff), Pretty Ricky (Bluestars), Meat Beat Manifesto (At the Center) and Shelby Lynne (Suit Yourself).

Out Tuesday, May 24:

May 31:

June 7:

June 14:

Related Artists ]]> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1502815/20050523/audioslave.jhtml News Article http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1502815/20050523/audioslave.jhtml 23 May 2005 08:37:00 EDT <![CDATA[For The Record: Quick News On Britney Spears, 'American Idol,' String Cheese Incident, Wilco, Nikka Costa & More]]>
Britney Spears (file)
Photo: Jive

The estimated 15,000 singers who auditioned for "American Idol" in Cleveland this week was the largest group the show has seen in its four years, topping the 13,000 who tried out in New York a year ago. Cleveland was the first stop on an audition tour that will head to Orlando, Florida; St. Louis; Washington, D.C.; New Orleans; Anchorage, Alaska; San Francisco and Las Vegas. ...

According to Britney Spears' mom, the singer is shooting a TV spot this week to promote her upcoming Elizabeth Arden fragrance, called Curious. Lynne Spears posted on Britney's Web site that her daughter had also "been lying in the sun and doing some shopping," as "wedding plans are going along smoothly. Britney and I both are getting very excited!" The singer posted a note herself to fans, thanking them for the well wishes she received during her knee recovery and for the congratulations on her impending nuptials. "This is the happiest time for me," she wrote. ... Jam giants the String Cheese Incident will stretch their current tour through the end of the year. A 19-show fall stretch begins September 11 in San Francisco and includes a New Year's Eve gig at New York's Radio City Music Hall. ...

The Sean McGrath Hold Onto Your Friends cancer benefit concert has been postponed due to unforeseeable circumstances. Originally scheduled for August 14 in New York, the show was set to raise money for the final medical expenses of the late McGrath, who played bass with Saves the Day, Mouthpiece, Hands Tied and the Alps. Organizers say the event is tentatively rescheduled for November or December. ... Soulful songstress Nikka Costa always names her records at the 11th hour, and she's finally come up with a title for her long-overdue follow-up to 2001's Everybody Got Their Something. The more rockin' Can't Never Did Nothin' is due October 5; the first single is called "I Don't Think We've Met." ...

Wilco have added a slew of dates to their current tour, scheduled in the wake of Lollapalooza's cancellation. Starting August 6 in Portland, Maine, the band will travel across the country with stops at the Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island on Sunday and the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Texas September 19, ending in Ann Arbor, Michigan, October 10. Joining Wilco for seven dates will be the Fiery Furnaces, who are also headlining their own tour in support of their second album, Blueberry Boat, starting September 8 in Wellesley, Massachusetts, and ending October 31 in Hoboken, New Jersey. ... For the first time, video footage from the Warped Tour stage is available for purchase. Concertgoers can now purchase, download and burn videos from Altnet Network Web sites and peer-to-peer affiliates including Kazaa. "We want to give artists as many ways as possible to connect with their fans," Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman said in a statement. "If you can't make it to a show, check out Altnet's feed on our site, and even if you did, check it out to catch stuff you missed, or remember your favorite performances." ...

You won't find Death Cab for Cutie's new EP, Studio X Sessions, in stores. This four-song, piano-driven EP, recorded at the end of their spring tour, is available exclusively through iTunes' music store in MP3 format. Death Cab will also take part in four late summer festival dates, including Bumbershoot in Seattle, before joining Pearl Jam on the Vote for Change Tour in October. ... Pearl Jam bassist Jeff Ament, his Three Fish collaborator Richard Stuverud and King's X singer Doug Pinnick have recorded an album tentatively titled Montana. Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready also contributed to the group, which does not yet have a name. ...

Sheryl Crow is giving back to her hometown — by giving them a new swimming pool. The singer pledged last fall to get a new community pool for the town of Kennett, Missouri, and while details of her financial involvement were not disclosed, the local chamber of commerce kicked in a $250,000 grant to go toward building the Sheryl Crow Community Aquatic Center, which is scheduled to open around Memorial Day next year. ... Moby's tea, TeaNY, was launched this week in New York, where the bald-headed musician DJed at a cocktail/tea party at A60 in SoHo (the only time he's DJing in New York this year). Moby's cookbook/autobiography that ties into the tea line is now set to come out in April. ... Glam-pop group Scissor Sisters are bringing their traveling act to more familiar terrain. The band will embark on its first U.S. tour starting September 7 in Washington, D.C.; the monthlong trek wraps September 29 in Hollywood. ...

08.05.2004

New Found Glory's set Wednesday at the Bristow, Virginia, stop on the Vans Warped Tour was cut short by a microburst, a meteorological phenomenon in which a violent wind suddenly descends over a small area. The heavy wind caused a giant weather balloon to hit a fence, which then collided with some concertgoers. One boy was seriously injured and needed to be medivac-ed from the scene after having convulsions. He was kept overnight at a local hospital and was recovering at press time. ...

The 47th annual Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from the Staples Center in Los Angeles on February 13, 2005, it was announced Thursday (August 5). This marks the second straight year the event will be held at the venue. ... Destiny's Child want you — if you're hot and male and can dance, that is. The trio are looking for dancers for performances on tour, TV appearances and music videos. Auditions will be held in New York (Sunday at the City Center, Studio 4, at 2 p.m.), Atlanta (August 12 at Pop City Studios at 5 p.m.), Los Angeles (August 14 at Screenland Studios at 3 p.m.), Chicago (August 15, time/place TBD) and Houston (August 16, time/place TBD) with choreographer Frank Gatson. "It is my — and Destiny's Child's — belief that great dancers are everywhere," Gatson said in a statement. "Dancers have a destiny. ... If they are really talented, we will find them." ...

R. Kelly's upcoming double album, Happy People/ U Saved Me, due August 24, will have 21 tracks total. The next single from the release is a song called "If," shipping to radio on Friday. Other songs on the double LP include "Red Carpet (Pause, Flash)," "Ladies' Night (Treat Her Like Heaven)," "If I Could Make the World Dance," "Prayer Changes," "I Surrender," "The Diary of Me" and "3-Way Phone Call," featuring Kelly Price, Kim Burrell and Maurice Mahon. ... Pink Floyd's The Wall is coming to Broadway. Harvey Weinstein and Tommy Mottola will develop and produce a Broadway musical based on the band's 1979 double album, The Wall, the third-best-selling album of all time, with Floyd co-founder Roger Waters writing the show's book and arranging and orchestrating the music. "Now I can write in some laughs," Waters said, "notable by their absence in the movie." ...

Poor Justin Hawkins. The ailing Darkness frontman has been battling what he calls "a tummy upset," and his band had to pull out of the Summer Sonic Festival in Osaka and Tokyo. The singer has actually been diagnosed with gastroenteritis, and his consultant recommended he take at least one week off from performing to recuperate before starting the tour up again. The band is scheduled to pick up the tour in Austria on Sunday and will still headline the U.K.'s Reading and Leeds festivals August 27-28. ... To add to his misery, on Wednesday Hawkins discovered his jet-black Jaguar XK8 up on bricks outside his London apartment. Seems someone had stolen all four wheels from the car. Hawkins is offering a reward for any information leading to the return of the wheels. ...

Duran Duran have started shooting a video for their upcoming comeback album, Astronaut. The clip for the first single, "Sunrise," is being directed by Mark and Michael Polish ("Twin Falls Idaho") with each bandmember's part shot separately. Bassist John Taylor's scenes are in the California desert, frontman Simon LeBon races his motorbike through Spain's countryside, drummer Roger Taylor cruises the U.K. in a car, guitarist Andy Taylor hits the clubs of Ibiza, and keyboardist Nick Rhodes hovers in a spaceship above London. ... Former Butthole Surfers frontman Gibby Haynes is launching a national tour to support his first solo album, Gibby Haynes and His Problem, due August 24. The trek kicks off at Emo's in his hometown of Austin, Texas, on September 4 and ends at the same venue on October 9. ...

Cincinnati's city council unanimously voted to lift a ban on concert general-admission seating that had been in place for almost 25 years, according to The Cincinnati Post. The ban was imposed after 11 fans were crushed to death at a performance by the Who on December 3, 1979. The decision to lift the ban came on Wednesday, accompanied by a set of regulations including a limit on the number of tickets for the festival seating area of shows and a requirement that promoters have a written evacuation plan. ... Shawn Colvin is sharing her experience with depression through a national education campaign, sponsored by pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline. "Beyond the Music: Shawn Colvin Speaks Out About Depression" is designed to raise awareness of the symptoms of depression and to motivate those who may be suffering to seek medical help. ...

Related Artists ]]> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1490023/20040806/spears_britney.jhtml News Article http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1490023/20040806/spears_britney.jhtml 6 Aug 2004 05:37:00 EDT <![CDATA[Nikka Costa Lands Prince For New LP; Outkast, Missy May Be Next]]> Singer's follow-up to 2001's Everybody Got Their Something due this spring.
By Corey Moss


Nikka Costa
Photo: MTV News

BEVERLY HILLS, California — Nikka Costa's primary producer, Justin Stanley, is also her husband, so for her to collaborate with another man (or woman), it has to be someone special. That explains her upcoming follow-up to 2001's Everybody Got Their Something, for which the soulful songstress has already worked with Prince and is talking with Outkast and Missy Elliott.

Costa's relationship with the artist formerly known as the Artist began when he started covering her "Push & Pull" in concerts a couple of years ago. She eventually joined him onstage for the song, which was filmed for a live DVD.

"That was amazing 'cause I'm such a fan and he's been so cool," Costa said. "[Afterward,] I said, 'I want to write with you on my record,' and he was like, 'Send me a poem.' I said OK and sent him a poem, and he came back and MP3ed me this beautiful kind of jazz thing with him singing it. It's really cool."

The song, titled "Silver Tongue," is more mellow than Costa's typical party tracks, but the rest of the album heads in the opposite direction.

"It's kind of a cool evolution from the last one, a bit more rock, a bit more 'f--- you,' " she said.

As for what inspired the progression, Costa joked, "Lots of pot," before explaining, "No, you know, just life and stuff that goes on around, and wanting to experiment in different things. I just wanted to strip down and get a bit more raw."

Costa is eyeing a spring release for the as-yet-untitled album. "I always name records at the very end," she said. "I just feel like it's a bit too soon. I have a cool song title, but I'm not gonna give it away until I have it nailed down."

The singer, who is Frank Sinatra's goddaughter, did reveal the title of the likely first single — "Can't Never Did Nothin'."

"It's a hard, heavy kick-ass song, but there is no guitar on it," she said. "It's just fuzz bass, drums and vocals and it's really screamy."

Costa hopes to start touring in early 2004.

Related Artists ]]> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1483934/20031230/costa_nikka.jhtml News Article http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1483934/20031230/costa_nikka.jhtml 30 Dec 2003 03:38:00 EST <![CDATA[Elton John Saluted By John Mayer, Vanessa Carlton, Others]]> Norah Jones, Nikka Costa, Elvis Costello, Brian Wilson, Ray Charles also on hand.
By Corey Moss


Jewel and John Mayer at the Elton John benefit
Photo: Michael Caulfield/WireImage.com

ANAHEIM, California — Along with selling millions of his own records every year, Elton John likes to champion a few of his favorite up-and-comers and help expose their music to the masses.

Three of his 2002 projects, Best New Artist Grammy nominees John Mayer, Norah Jones and Vanessa Carlton, joined past favorites like Nikka Costa and Rufus Wainwright in repaying John by singing his classics in a tribute concert Friday.

The event, a benefit for music education sponsored by Yamaha as part of the 2003 International Music Products Association winter conference, also featured some of John's influences, ranging from Brian Wilson to Ray Charles, entertaining a near-capacity crowd at the Arrowhead Pond.

Fifteen artists performed John numbers before the man of the hour (three, actually) took the stage for his own show, which mixed hits from 2001's Songs From the West Coast with classics like "The Bitch Is Back" and "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues."

Of all the acts on the bill, Mayer was the sole performer who actually got to duet with John, sharing verses on a moving version of "Sacrifice" (which John introduced as his first #1 single) midway through the English legend's set.

Jones' appearance also stood out, as she was the only artist whose own band joined her, for a jazzy take on "Tiny Dancer" with an extended guitar solo. That's not to say John's band, including longtime drummer Nigel Olsson and guitarist Davey Johnstone, weren't consistently impressive throughout the night.

Carlton chose the newer "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me" for her tribute, and although the singing was shaky at times, she entertained the older audience by leaving the piano midway through and dancing energetically around the stage.

"Will & Grace" star Eric McCormack hosted the event, sharing comical stories of his childhood fascination with John and delivering one-liners. "I need to inform you of some last-minute cancellations," he said at one point. "Winona Ryder won't be singing 'Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word' after all."

McCormack even sang "Captain Fantastic," shocking the crowd with his solid voice.

Other highlights included Jewel's twangy rendition of "Your Song," Brian McKnight's spot-on "Rocket Man" and Charles' touching "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word."

After Yamaha president Terry Lewis presented John with the Lifetime Achievement in Musical Excellence Award, all of the evening's performers took the stage, along with Elvis Costello, to squeal the "wah, wah wah wah wah wah" chorus of the finale, "Crocodile Rock."

Set list:

  • Nikka Costa - "Levon"
  • Rufus Wainwright - "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"
  • Eric McCormack - "Captain Fantastic"
  • Bruce Hornsby - "Burn Down the Mission"
  • Jewel - "Your Song"
  • Brian McKnight - "Rocket Man"
  • Norah Jones - "Tiny Dancer"
  • Brian Wilson - "Someone Saved My Life Tonight"
  • Randy Newman - "Bennie and the Jets"
  • Diana Krall - "Border Song"
  • Take 6 - "Philadelphia Freedom"
  • Vanessa Carlton - "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
  • Ray Charles - "Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word"
  • Michael McDonald - "Take Me to the Pilot"
  • Carmen Twillie and Circle of Life Choir - tribute to "The Lion King"
  • Elton John - "Funeral for a Friend," "I Want Love, "The Wasteland," "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues, "Sacrifice" (with John Mayer), "Original Sin," "I'm Still Standing," "The Bitch is Back," "Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting," "Crocodile Rock"

Related Artists ]]> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459615/20030121/john_elton.jhtml News Article http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1459615/20030121/john_elton.jhtml 21 Jan 2003 07:14:00 EST <![CDATA[Nikka Costa Going For 'Rawer' On Next LP, Hopes To Nab Lenny Kravitz]]> Singer said to expect the as-yet-untitled album next summer.
By Corey Moss


Nikka Costa
Photo: Virgin Records

Nikka Costa is working on the follow-up to her acclaimed major-label debut and is reaching out to a fellow retro rocker for assistance.

"I might do something with Lenny [Kravitz]," Costa said at the recent release party for Justin Timberlake's Justified. "I'm trying to reel him in, but you never know."

A few people Costa will definitely be working with are her husband, Justin Stanley, and Mark Ronson, together known as the Soundhustlers. Aside from working together on Costa's Everybody Got Their Something, which was nominated for last year's Shortlist Music Prize (see "Gorillaz, PJ Harvey Among Finalists For Shortlist Prize"), the trio have also worked together on Ronson's upcoming album.

"At the moment it's looking like it's going to be a lot rawer, you know, the real rock chick," Costa explained. "It's coming along really good. [There's] going to be some different colors on this one."

Costa said to expect the as-yet-untitled album next summer.

Everybody Got Their Something featured the singles "Like a Feather," "Push & Pull" and the title track (see "Nikka Costa Blowing Up With Album Due In May").

Related Artists ]]> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458572/20021107/costa_nikka.jhtml News Article http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1458572/20021107/costa_nikka.jhtml 8 Nov 2002 07:50:00 EST <![CDATA[Britney Avoids Vice, Justin Talk At Sin City Tour Opener]]> With exception of a few remixes, pop princess avoids change at kickoff of tour's second leg.
By Corey Moss


Britney Spears performs at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas on 5.24.2002.
Photo: John Shearer

LAS VEGAS — In the city of sin, Britney Spears behaved.

There was no dissing of Justin Timberlake during the opening night of the second leg of the Dream Within a Dream Tour. No cigarette smoking. No ... whatever vice the rumor mills have her doing this week.

Things may have changed in Britney's well-chronicled life since the last time we saw her onstage — and that's only if you believe the gossip — but there were no signs of it Friday at Mandalay Bay. The 20-year-old headliner was the same pop princess she was at 19. (Click here for photos.)

Nearly every part of Spears' 90-minute show was the same as it was when she launched the tour last November (see "Britney Goes Bald, Plays Tiny Dancer, Gets Caught In The Rain At Tour Kickoff"), save for a few production details, updated remixes and a new song, or at least part of one.

About midway through the eye candy that is Dream Within a Dream, after fireworks capped off a vigorous version of "Stronger," Spears sat down on a piano bench next to one of her keyboard players (the one who resembles a young Elton John). Instead of addressing the flack she has taken for her revealing garments, like she did on the first leg of the tour, Spears told her adoring fans she wanted to update them on her life. Don't hold your breath: She didn't reveal the status of her relationship with Timberlake or go into other nitty gritty details, but instead talked about feeling overwhelmed and writing songs as therapy.

Spears then sang a few verses of a new ballad before segueing into "I'm Not a Girl, Not Yet a Woman." The new song, for which Spears did not announce a title, was similar to the fan favorite that followed, but with a bit more traditional R&B flair, a la Alicia Keys.

The "intimate portion" of the evening (if that sounds cliché, it's because it was) seemed to resonate the loudest with the nearly sold-out arena (seats behind the stage were still available for $50, half the regular price), if not for being the biggest deviation from the show most of them probably already own on DVD, then for being the only real chance to see Britney concentrate on singing.

The rest of the show was far more about the dancing and the spectacle. Despite taking several months off, Spears didn't miss a step, looking as well rehearsed as ever. Some things, such as a few of the "thank yous," appeared a bit too practiced, but no one seemed to mind.

Either because they had already seen it or were still lost in it, the audience didn't pay much attention to the whole Dream Within a Dream concept video that began the show. It was when Spears appeared strapped to a moving wall like a knife thrower's target that the building erupted. It helped that the band had already gone into a remix of "Oops! ... I Did It Again" that enlivened the original with an insulin shot of funk.

Spears continued into "(You Drive Me) Crazy" and the rest of the winning formula that is the Dream Within a Dream set list, complete with all 12 different outfits and stage props that vary from a giant music box to a Flintstones-like car.

Theatrically, there were a few changes. Video screens did not have as prominent a role on the stage (the bald Britney footage was axed completely), except when the real Spears danced with a video of herself.

Musically, the biggest difference was "Boys," which was replaced by a new remixed version, presumably the one Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes has done for the "Austin Powers in Goldmember" soundtrack (see "Beyonce, Britney Serve Up First Singles From 'Goldmember' "). Spears didn't talk about the remix, which is also her next single and video, but she did wear a new outfit for it that was a tad more shagadelic than the suspenders she had previously worn for the number. "Overprotected" was also remixed for the second leg of the tour.

For the grand finale, the waterfall was back, and it's still quite possibly one of the coolest (and sexiest) stage effects ever. Undoubtedly the loudest screams of the night came when Britney's cowboy hat first hit the water. It's just one of those moments that you can see over and over and still find gripping.

Although the rest of the night seemed mostly like a rerun, there was one huge difference: the opening act. Rather than snag another "TRL" favorite, Spears handpicked soulful up-and-comer Nikka Costa.

Costa — who noted her godfather is Las Vegas legend Frank Sinatra — and her party-starting back-up band had a hard time luring in the pre-teen crowd that was still outside purring over the newest Britney posters, but the older women and men in the crowd, ranging from high schoolers to grandparents, were grooving along by the second song.

A cover of Sly & the Family Stone's "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" didn't get the response Costa had hoped for, though her own "Like a Feather" had people dancing in the aisles.

Wearing Lenny Kravitz glasses and a floral-patterned dress over cut-off jeans, Costa didn't appear to have much in common with Spears, but as she sang, "Everybody got their something."

Spears' Dream Within a Dream Tour continues Tuesday (May 28) in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is scheduled to run through July 27 in Mexico City (see "Britney Returns To Vegas For Second Leg Of North American Tour").

For more sights and stories from concerts around the country, check out MTV News Tour Reports.

Related Artists ]]> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1454548/20020528/spears_britney.jhtml News Article http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1454548/20020528/spears_britney.jhtml 28 May 2002 11:14:00 EDT <![CDATA[Alien Ant Farm, Fenix TX At Heart Of SnoCore Tour]]> More eclectic SnoCore Icicle Ball to feature Karl Denson's Tiny Universe, Nikka Costa.
By Joe D'Angelo


Alien Ant Farm
Photo: Eufloria for MTV

Alien Ant Farm, Fenix TX and Glassjaw are among the bands on board for the seventh annual SnoCore festival.

Like last year, SnoCore will once again be split into two factions: SnoCore Rock and SnoCore Icicle Ball, which adopts a more eclectic, avant-garde vibe.

AAF and the like-minded rock lineup will kick things off February 15 in Providence, Rhode Island, according to the tour's publicist. While 26 cities are confirmed thus far — through March 30 in Las Vegas — additions to the trek are expected, as is the announcement of another opening band.

Icicle Ball will begin its cross-country trek February 15 at Los Angeles' Wiltern Theatre, then head east to conclude in Toronto on April 1. The far more diverse jaunt will feature the progressive, saxophone-led Karl Denson's Tiny Universe headlining most dates, with a mixed bag made up of politically minded hip-hoppers Spearhead, dance maven Nikka Costa, funk metal collective Ozomatli, hip-hop duo Blackalicious, improvisational jazzbos Sector 9 and political poet Saul Williams slated for what is expected to be a 40-date run, though just 31 gigs are currently confirmed.

Last year's SnoCore tours featured Fear Factory and Kittie on the Rock bill, while Les Claypool's Frog Brigade led the Icicle Ball charge (see "Dual SnoCore Tours Raging, Jamming Across North America").

Confirmed SnoCore dates, according to the tours' publicist:

    SnoCore Rock

  • 2/15 - Providence, RI @ Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel
  • 2/16 - Worcester, MA @ The Palladium
  • 2/17 - Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
  • 2/18 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
  • 2/19 - Clifton Park, NY @ Northern Lights
  • 2/24 - Hartford, CT @ Webster Theatre
  • 2/25 - Rochester, NY @ Water Street Music Hall
  • 2/26 - Pittsburgh, PA @ M (formerly Metropol)
  • 3/1 - Asbury Park, NJ @ Convention Hall
  • 3/2 - New York, NY @ Roseland
  • 3/4 - Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
  • 3/5 - Indianapolis, IN @ Egyptian Room
  • 3/6 - Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's
  • 3/7 - Detroit, MI @ State Theatre
  • 3/8 - Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre
  • 3/9 - Milwaukee, WI @ Modjeska Theatre
  • 3/11 - Minneapolis, MN @ Quest Club
  • 3/12 - Iowa City, IA @ IMU Main Lounge
  • 3/13 - St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant
  • 3/19 - Portland, OR @ TBA
  • 3/21 - Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theatre
  • 3/22 - Chico, CA @ Rose Garden
  • 3/25 - Santa Cruz, CA @ Civic Auditorium
  • 3/27 - La Jolla, CA @ RIMAC Arena
  • 3/28 - Hollywood, CA @ Hollywood Palladium
  • 3/30 - Las Vegas, NV @ Desert Breeze Skate Park

    SnoCore Icicle Ball

  • 2/15 - Los Angeles, CA @ Wiltern Theatre (with Karl Denson, Spearhead, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 2/16 - Mammoth Mountain, CA @ Club Canyon Grand Room at Mammoth Mountain (with Karl Denson, Spearhead, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 2/17 - Santa Cruz, CA @ Civic Auditorium (with Karl Denson, Spearhead, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 2/18 - Arcata, CA @ John Van Duzer Theatre (with Karl Denson, Spearhead, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 2/21 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom (with Karl Denson, Spearhead, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 2/22 - Seattle, WA @ Moore Theatre (with Karl Denson, Spearhead, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 2/23 - Whistler, BC @ Conference Centre (with Karl Denson, Spearhead, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 2/24 - Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom (with Karl Denson, Spearhead, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 2/26 - Eugene, OR @ McDonald Theatre (with Karl Denson, Spearhead, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 2/28 - Chico, CA @ Senator Theater (with Karl Denson, Ozomatli, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 3/1 - San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield (with Karl Denson, Ozomatli, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 3/2 - San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield (with Karl Denson, Ozomatli, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 3/4 - Park City, UT @ Harry O's (with Karl Denson, Ozomatli, Sector 9 and Blackalicious)
  • 3/5 - Boise, ID @ Big Easy (with Karl Denson, Ozomatli, Sector 9 and Blackalicious)
  • 3/6 - Missoula, MT @ Wilma Theatre (with Karl Denson, Ozomatli, Sector 9 and Blackalicious)
  • 3/8 - Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium (with Karl Denson, Ozomatli, Sector 9 and Blackalicious)
  • 3/9 - Denver, CO @ Fillmore Auditorium (with Karl Denson, Ozomatli, Sector 9 and Blackalicious)
  • 3/10 - Vail, CO @ Dobson Arena (with Karl Denson, Ozomatli, Sector 9 and Blackalicious)
  • 3/11 - Boulder, CO @ Fox Theatre (with Karl Denson, Ozomatli and Blackalicious)
  • 3/13 - Iowa City, IA @ IMU Main Lounge (with Karl Denson, Nikka Costa, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 3/14 - Minneapolis, MN @ Quest Club (with Karl Denson, Nikka Costa, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 3/15 - Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theatre (with Karl Denson, Nikka Costa, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 3/16 - Detroit, MI @ State Theatre (with Karl Denson, Nikka Costa, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 3/17 - Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre (with Karl Denson, Nikka Costa, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 3/19 - Cincinnati, OH @ Bogart's (with Karl Denson, Nikka Costa, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 3/21 - New York, NY @ Hammerstein Ballroom (with Karl Denson, Nikka Costa, Spearhead and Blackalicious)
  • 3/23 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club (with Karl Denson, Nikka Costa, Spearhead and Blackalicious)
  • 3/25 - Burlington, VT @ Burlington Memorial Auditorium (with Spearhead, Nikka Costa, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 3/29 - Portland, ME @ State Theatre (with Spearhead, Nikka Costa, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 3/30 - Montreal, QC @ Metropolis (with Spearhead, Nikka Costa, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)
  • 4/1 - Toronto, ON @ Kool Haus (with Spearhead, Nikka Costa, Blackalicious and Saul Williams)

Related Artists ]]> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451774/20020114/alien_ant_farm.jhtml News Article http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451774/20020114/alien_ant_farm.jhtml 14 Jan 2002 04:29:00 EST <![CDATA[Sigur Ros Beat Out Talib Kweli, Gorillaz For Shortlist Prize]]> Other nominees were Nikka Costa, Ryan Adams, Air, Bilal, PJ Harvey, Dandy Warhols, Jay Dee.
By Corey Moss


Sigur Rós
Photo: Fatcat Records

HOLLYWOOD — Sigur Rós' voyage from Iceland to sunny California to perform at the Shortlist concert Monday proved worthwhile, as the dreamy rock quartet was awarded the evening's namesake prize.

The Virgin Megastore Shortlist Prize for Artistic Achievement in Music, as it is formally known, was given to Sigur Rós along with $10,000 and a $10,000 donation to a September 11 relief charity in the band's name.

Sigur Rós, whose name means "Victory Rose" in Icelandic, claimed the trophy at the end of an eclectic concert at the Knitting Factory that included performances from them and fellow nominees Nikka Costa, the Dandy Warhols and Talib Kweli.

Videos from the other Shortlist Prize nominees — Ryan Adams, Air, Bilal, PJ Harvey, Gorillaz and Jay Dee — were shown throughout the evening, while the organizers encouraged the capacity crowd to check out all of the contenders. The nominees, whose albums qualified by having sold fewer than 500,000 copies, were narrowed in late summer from a list of 80.

Sigur Rós, whose powerful performance found lead singer Jon Thor Birgisson struck with so much emotion he turned his back to the audience and sat down on the stage for a song, was the clear favorite of the audience, which included many of the panel members who decided the winner earlier that evening at a private dinner debate.

Beck, who introduced the group with producer Ross Robinson, watched intensely from the balcony. Robinson declared that his favorite going into the voting dinner came out victorious. "They are like one of those leaf blowers that can come in and blow away all the garbage," he said.

Other panelists present at Monday's concert included the Roots' ?uestlove, Mos Def, Macy Gray, Aimee Mann, Michael Penn, producer Steve Lillywhite and other insiders and music journalists. Dave Grohl, Trent Reznor and Lucinda Williams also submitted votes, though they could not make the event, according to organizers.

"We were politically correct for at least 95 percent of the proceedings, then when it came down to crunch time, there was more pugilism," ?uestlove said. "[The Short List] is necessary. It's bringing light into the world."

Music industry veterans Greg Spotts and Tom Sarig, who founded the Shortlist Prize earlier this year (see "Beck, Dave Grohl, Others To Recognize Best Non-Hit Album"), said the voting was so close they nearly called it a tie. Although they did not reveal who came in second, ?uestlove hinted it was Talib Kweli, who ignited the crowd by bringing Mos Def on stage for an impromptu Black Star reunion.

Other concert highlights included Costa's "unplugged," hit-laden set, and surprise acoustic opening performances by David Poe and Julia Fordham.

The Shortlist Music Prize is the first of many annual award events, according to organizers. Next up will be the Shortlist Fiction Project in early 2002.

Sigur Rós' winning album, Ágætis Byrjun , which translates from Icelandic to English as "A Nice Beginning," was recorded in 1998, though was not released in the U.S. until May (see "Sigur Ros Get 'Nice Beginning' In U.S.").

Related Artists ]]> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451109/20011120/sigur_ros.jhtml News Article http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1451109/20011120/sigur_ros.jhtml 20 Nov 2001 02:01:00 EST <![CDATA[Third Eye Blind, Lil' Kim, Nikka Costa, Sugar Ray Do Breathe For Breast Cancer]]> Crazy Town, Seal, Deftones, Jurassic 5 also perform at benefit concert.
By Corey Moss


Seal and Stephan Jenkins at the Breathe benefit concert for breast cancer.
Photo: Josephine Close

HOLLYWOOD — What could have possibly brought Third Eye Blind, Seal, Deftones, Lil' Kim, Sugar Ray, Nikka Costa, Crazy Town and Jurassic 5 to the same stage?

"We're here to save the boobs!" declared Crazy Town's Shifty Shellshock at Saturday's inaugural Breathe benefit concert for breast cancer.

Organized by Third Eye Blind frontman Stephan Jenkins, the five-hour marathon concert took a lighthearted approach to a serious issue.

Rage Against the Machine guitarist Tom Morello and model Rebecca Romijn-Stamos, serving as hosts, tossed out jokes about examining yourself or someone else, while acts such as Nikka Costa and Sugar Ray happily flaunted their own sexuality. Lil' Kim could hardly save her own breasts from falling out of her bikini top.

Breathe was the anti-Women Rock!, the other star-studded breast cancer benefit hosted by Lifetime Television at the same Wiltern Theater a few weeks ago (see "Mary J. Blige, Pat Benatar Take On Breast Cancer, Prove Women Rock!"). While all of the acts at that show were women, including Sheryl Crow, Nelly Furtado and Mary J. Blige, the majority at Breathe were men, which Jenkins said was intentional.

"If we can get Deftones fans and Crazy Town fans, who are pretty much all guys, to say, 'This is something that is cool to me,' we are going to widen the scope of awareness for this disease and widen the scope of fundraising for this disease," Jenkins said.

Jenkins, who promised the event would continue next year, wanted to get involved raising awareness for breast cancer after his mother contracted the disease three years ago.

"Before that I always thought of breast cancer as a women's issue, which is much the way the disease has been marketed to the public," he said. "Witnessing her ordeal made me realize it's not a woman's issue. It's a son's issue. It's a family's issue. It's everyone's issue. This is something that is statistically going to attack someone in my family."

Though full of laughs, Saturday's concert was not without heartfelt performances. Seal brought a mixed crowd that included children, grandparents and Tom Hanks to its feet during both of his appearances.

He took the stage early in the evening for a somber version of "Prayer for the Dying" as a tribute to Aaliyah, who volunteered to perform at the benefit before she died in a plane crash in August (see "Aaliyah Killed In Plane Crash"). Rashad Haughton, Aaliyah's brother, introduced Seal after presenting Jenkins and the concert's charity, Step Up Women's Network, with a check for $41,000 from the Aaliyah Memorial Fund.

British singer Julia Fordham, who opened the event, also included a tribute in her 15-minute set, performing a song she wrote for Minnie Riperton, the "Lovin' You" soul singer who died of breast cancer in 1979 at the age of 31.

Costa, all attitude behind her bright red shades, chimed her way through a funky set that included the hit "Like a Feather" and her new single, "Everybody Got Their Something," which she turned into a rally anthem for women by declaring, "This song is about a guy who f---ed me over."

Crazy Town and Sugar Ray followed with hit-filled sets that were nothing out of the ordinary except for the latter's Mark McGrath blending "Fly" into the Beatles' "All You Need Is Love" from the balcony of the theater.

Lil' Kim tried dropping her familiar raps over last summer's "Lady Marmalade" cover to open her set, but struggled to match her parts and was interrupted when the track suddenly shut off.

Remy Zero took the stage for a rock-solid set that included a few tracks from their new album, The Golden Hum, including the single "Save Me." Singer Cinjun Tate, who looked and sounded like R.E.M.'s Michael Stipe, was a crowd favorite. At one point during the band's performance, an audience member yelled out, "Finally some talent!"

The next set saw Deftones and Jurassic 5 mixing it up together. Chino Moreno and crew played "Change (In the House of Flies)" and other emo-metal tunes from their White Pony before providing the backdrop for Jurassic 5's "Great Expectations." Moreno scratched his guitar strings like a turntable and added in a few words here and there. The Los Angeles hip-hop outfit, minus their superstar DJs, followed with the title track of last year's Quality Control.

Jenkins followed up on his promise to pack the benefit full of collaborations, bringing up Liz Phair and Seal during Third Eye Blind's set.

Phair took over vocals on "Jumper," performed her hit "Supernova" with Third Eye Blind backing her, then dueted with Jenkins on her song "F--- and Run." Jenkins called the Exile in Guyville cut "one of my favorite naughty songs."

Seal kicked off his stirring set by debuting the ballad "Love Is Better" from his upcoming album, Togetherland.

"We are going through some rough times right now," Seal said, alluding to the September 11 terrorist attacks. "I have faith that we will get through this. History shows that good always triumphs over evil."

Answering a standing ovation, Seal closed out the show with an acoustic version of his breakthrough hit, "Crazy." "We're never gonna survive unless we get a little crazy," he sang.

They were the perfect words to define the event.

Related Artists ]]> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1450412/20011029/third_eye_blind.jhtml News Article http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1450412/20011029/third_eye_blind.jhtml 29 Oct 2001 07:08:00 EST <![CDATA[Nikka Costa Reschedules Headlining Tour]]> Outing was postponed due to September's terrorist attacks.
By Teri vanHorn


Nikka Costa
Photo: Virgin

After postponing her Funky White Bitch tour in the wake of September's terrorist attacks, Nikka Costa has slotted a new string of dates, kicking off Thanksgiving weekend in San Diego.

Costa is launching her first headlining tour in support of her debut album, Everybody Got Their Something. She toured earlier this year supporting Erykah Badu.

Labelmate Miranda Lee Richards will open for Costa on her trek. Richards is supporting her debut release, The Herethereafter.

For a feature interview with Costa, check out "7 Questions With Nikka Costa".

Nikka Costa tour dates, according to Virgin Records:

  • 11/23 - San Diego, CA @ 'Canes Bar & Grill
  • 11/24 - Los Angeles, CA @ Knitting Factory
  • 11/25 - San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo's 365 Club
  • 11/27 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater
  • 11/28 - Seattle, WA @ Experience Music Project
  • 12/1 - Minneapolis, MN @ Quest Club
  • 12/2 - Chicago, IL @ Park West
  • 12/3 - Cincinnati, OH @ Top Cats
  • 12/5 - Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall
  • 12/7 - Boston, MA @ Paradise
  • 12/9 - New York, NY @ Irving Plaza
  • 12/10 - Philadelphia, PA @ Theatre of Living Arts
  • 12/11 - Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
  • 12/13 - Atlanta, GA @ Earthlink Live
  • 12/14 - Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
  • 12/17 - Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa
  • 12/18 - Dallas, TX @ Trees
  • 12/20 - Denver, CO @ radio show
  • 12/22 - Tucson, AZ @ Gotham

Related Artists ]]> http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1450244/20011022/costa_nikka.jhtml News Article http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1450244/20011022/costa_nikka.jhtml 22 Oct 2001 06:09:00 EDT <![CDATA[Nikka Costa - Stuck To You]]> Nikka Costa - Stuck To You

Stuck To You

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Related Artists ]]> Photos http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1496896 http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1496896 12 Feb 2005 12:00:00 EST <![CDATA[Photos | Nikka Costa Photos]]>

Nikka Costa Photos

Related Artists ]]> Photos http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1443432 http://www.mtv.com/photos/?fid=1443432 7 May 2001 10:38:00 EDT