The NFL first made waves when it revealed that it does not pay its halftime acts a performance fee. The NFL may want to consider coughing up money because artists simply don’t want the gig anymore. You would think artists would jump at the opportunity to perform for a 100 million watchers.

Although the NFL likes to have younger artists perform, regardless, Maroon 5 took the non-paying Super Bowl gig. The pop band reached out to a half of dozen stars to appear as featured guests, but none have agreed. According to sources, the featured guests including Cardi B, Andre Benjamin, and Mary J. Blige turned down the offer.

As one insider said about the halftime show, “Nobody wants to be associated with it.”

But why? Some say the NFL became overly controversial with a player’s right to protest. A-list artists don’t want the risk of alienating their fanbase for a non-paying gig. Since Atlanta will host the Super Bowl, Maroon 5 is looking for a local act to perform with them.

Indie artist Joe Wood releases the track Try.  It’s a solid track that is tainted by the 80’s with its layered synths, big harmonies and a sax.  He’s a DIY artist that writes and produces all of his tracks in his Brooklyn apartment. Mind you, I see a resurgence in the Brooklyn music scene. Joe notes, “My songs process my feelings of nostalgia, and the passion and desire I have buried deep inside to take risks and break free from the comfort of the past”.  Additionally, he just wrapped a show with Kings favorite Fly By Midnight at the City Winery. Give it a listen!
mgmt@joewoodmusic.com

I don’t know how many times I hear that rock is dead. It’s becoming a meme. Maroon 5 singer Adam Levine recently said rock music is nowhere which outraged Slipknot singer Corey Taylor who said, ” Tell that schmuck to go back to The F%&$ ‘Voice’.”   I think rock is seeing a facelift.  Lead singer Wes Lauterbach who fronts the rock act Lowborn tells Kings “I think rock is in two states right now, older rock which has put in its time and built its fan base, and modern rock, which will eventually grow until it becomes the new standard.  In fact, the North Carolina based band are seeing a rise in popularity.  Three of the singles on Spotify have been streamed hundreds of thousands of times and the press is starting to react.  Describing the live show Wes notes, “It’s a room of people who all have their personal battles and for the time we with them on stage, everyone is on the same page and we love it”.  Give the track Reckless a stream. 
lowbornmgmt@gmail.com

Shai Pelled who goes under the moniker Basement Alchemy releases the slow rocker Zero To One.  With big harmonies and a melodious chorus it has hints of classic rock. Think Queen’s The Show Must Go On.  Shai started posting covers on YouTube. After collecting 2 millions views and 14k subscribers, he started writing originals.  Mind you, his cover of R.E.M’s Losing My Religion is fantastic. It’s a notable release for rather a new artist. He would make a great support act for Greta Van Fleet. Give it a listen.  basementalchemy@gmail.com