Why Myspace Still Matters

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June 23, 2013

by Variance Staff

"Welcome to the neighborhood," says the message that greets visitors when they land on Myspace's homepage.

The former social media giant launched its new mobile app earlier this month, after a period of tweaking its site and perhaps realizing its purpose. While once the top dog in the game, this king isn't necessarily coming back for the throne. And those behind Myspace's resurrection are totally OK with that.

JAY Z's 'Magna Carta Holy Grail' Tracklist Revealed

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June 22, 2013

by Variance Staff

JAY Z is certainly playing by those "new rules" he's been referencing since the announcement of his new record, Magna Carta Holy Grail. The rapper creatively revealed the tracklist for the new album in the form of a scavenger hunt, coordinated by his publicist, who tweeted hints on Saturday that directed fans to a location where books could be found containing the titles of each of the 13 tracks on the album.

JAY Z's Samsung Album Giveaway Won't Count as Sales

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June 21, 2013

by Variance Staff

Since JAY Z's announcement that he is releasing a new album, Magna Carta Holy Grail, next month, many questions have arisen. The big one, however, is whether the rapper has a platinum album before even releasing it. One million copies are being given to fans with specific Samsung mobile devices, and Mr. Carter's camp says those should count as album sales because Samsung purchased them for a reportedly $5 per record. Billboard said on Friday that despite a "passionate and articulate argument by Jay's team," those copies will not be included on the charts as sales.

Imaginary Cities Tackle U.S. With Sophomore Album

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June 20, 2013

by Eli Provenzano

Up-and-coming band Imaginary Cities are proving that Canada has more to offer than just maple syrup and Mounties. Sultry-voiced Marti Sarbit leads the indie band, supported by Rusty Matyas on guitar and vocals, Zack Antel on keyboard, David Landreth on bass and Ryan Voth rocking out the drums. The band’s debut album, Temporary Resident, caught worldwide attention and won the Western Canada Music Award for Best Pop Album of the Year.

REPORT: Kanye West, Kim Kardashian Name Baby North West

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June 20, 2013

by Variance Staff

Remember in the weeks leading up to the birth of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian's baby, when everyone was speculating about the possible names? Oh, how ridiculous they were. Some bloggers even joked, "What if they name her North—North West?" LOLZ. Well, apparently Kimye were listening to the Internet, and they have obliged by naming their little bundle just that: North West.

'The Voice' Winner Danielle Bradbery Signs With Big Machine Records

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June 20, 2013

by Variance Staff

Photo by Tyler Golden/NBC

Well, that didn't take long. Danielle Bradbery, the 16-year-old winner of season four of The Voice, has signed with Big Machine Records (aka the house that Taylor Swift built). The young singer is reportedly expecting to get into the studio rather quickly. She joins a small roster that also includes Tim McGraw and Rascal Flatts.

Avicii Sets September Release Date For Debut Album

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June 20, 2013

by Variance Staff

Despite having sold out Radio City Music Hall, collaborated with Madonna and produced multiple hit dance tracks, Swedish DJ Avicii (aka Tim Bergling) has yet to release a studio album. That all changes this September, as the DJ-producer is set to release his debut album, #TRUE (yes, with the hashtag), on Sept. 17.

'Sopranos' Finale Restaurant Overflowing With Fans; Table Reserved For James Gandolfini

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June 19, 2013

by Variance Staff

Photo via Naughty But Nice Rob

Following news that actor James Gandolfini, known to many as Tony Soprano on HBO's The Sopranos, had passed away, fans were quick to react. Not long after it was confirmed, Holsten's ice cream shop in Bloomfield, N.J., the site of the final scene of The Sopranos, was overflowing (as seen in the photo above).

Robin Thicke's 'Blurred Lines' Stays On Top; Pharrell Gets 'Lucky' at Nos. 1 & 2

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June 19, 2013

by Variance Staff

Unsurprisingly, Robin Thicke's ear worm track "Blurred Lines," featuring Pharrell Williams and T.I., remains on top of the Billboard Hot 100 for its second consecutive week. The song, which is Thicke's first chart-topper, gains 18% with 371,000 downloads sold in the last week. It is also the top song on the Digital Songs chart, a well as Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

'The Sopranos' Actor James Gandolfini Dead at 51

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June 19, 2013

by Variance Staff

Actor James Gandolfini, known to many as Tony Soprano on HBO's The Sopranos, has passed away, according to Deadline. There were initially conflicting reports about cause of death, but an HBO spokeswoman and the actor's manager have cited a possible heart attack. He was 51.

The three-time Emmy winner was reportedly in Italy to attend the Taormina Film Festival.

He recently starred in several films, including the Oscar-nominated Zero Dark Thirty, The Taking of Pelham 123 and Killing Them Softly.

Super Tuesday Album Sales Projections: Kanye West, J. Cole, Mac Miller, Kelly Rowland & Others

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June 19, 2013

by Variance Staff

UPDATE (06.22.13): As of Saturday, industry sources are beginning to project what the final numbers may look like on Sunday night (end of tracking period), and they are adjusting Yeezus lower than Thursday's 360,000. With more than 24 hours remaining, insiders expect West's record may actually come in around 330,000-340,000.

UPDATE (06.20.13): As of Thursday afternoon, insider projections suggest 380,000 for Yeezus may be a little high, and that number has been adjusted to the 360,000 range. Of course, the weekend may change things. J. Cole is looking solidly at 300,000, according to mid-week projections. We will likely update this space through the weekend as the numbers fluctuate.

'The Voice' Scores Biggest Finale Audience Ever Despite NBA Finals

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June 19, 2013

by Variance Staff

Photo via NBC/Trae Patton

Despite its finale being held weeks after the traditional spring season ended, The Voice managed to attract its biggest audience ever on Tuesday night—even going head-to-head against Game 6 of the NBA Finals. The singing competition, which closed out Season 4 with performers such as Cher, OneRepublic, Bruno Mars and others, was watched by 15.3 million viewers and held its own against Game 6, which attracted 16 million viewers.