Music Industry in Flux: Festival Hiatus, AI Partnerships, and Sinatra Secrets Dominate Headlines
The music world is navigating a period of significant change, marked by festival uncertainty, controversial tech collaborations, and a resurfacing of classic celebrity lore. This week’s headlines range from the indefinite pause of a beloved Pacific Northwest festival to a surprising alliance between a major record label and an AI music generator, alongside a candid revelation from music legend Paul Anka.
THING Festival Announces Indefinite Hiatus
Organizers of the THING Festival announced on Thursday, December 7th, that the festival will not return in 2026. STG Chief Programming Officer Adam Zacks stated the decision is intended to allow for a “recalibration of its vision,” adding, “We want to take time to do THING right and ensure it’s the best it can be.” Launched in 2019 in Port Townsend, Washington, THING quickly filled a void left by the Sasquatch Festival, evolving from a single event to a multi-weekend series held in Carnation.
Brandi Carlile to Take the Super Bowl Stage
Ravensdale, Washington’s own Brandi Carlile is set to perform at the Super Bowl pregame show this coming February, joining Charlie Puth and Coco Jones before halftime entertainment from Bad Bunny. This marks a significant moment for the acclaimed singer-songwriter, bringing her music to a massive national audience.
Warner Music Group and AI: A Deal with the Devil?
In a surprising turn of events, Warner Music Group has partnered with AI song generator Suno, just one year after initiating a copyright infringement lawsuit against the company. According to a report from Pitchfork, the partnership aims to establish a licensed model where users will pay to download AI-generated songs, ensuring artists are compensated and retain “full control” over their music and likeness. The long-term implications of this collaboration remain to be seen.
Paul Anka Reveals Sinatra Sauna Story
Paul Anka, while promoting his upcoming HBO documentary Paul Anka: My Way, shared a long-rumored anecdote about his time with Frank Sinatra. Anka confirmed to Page Six that he once shared a sauna with the Rat Pack icon, famously noting, “Yeah, it was huge,” and admitting to experiencing “trouble with eye contact” during the encounter.
John Waters: A Christmas Iconoclast
A recent interview with the “undisputed King of Christmas,” John Waters, revealed his unique approach to the holiday season. Waters, known for his transgressive films and unconventional style, transforms into new characters through his novelty singles on Sub Pop Records. He describes his Christmas decorations as a blend of tradition and subversion, featuring Divine’s electric chair from Female Trouble alongside handmade ornaments from fans.
When asked about a particularly wild Christmas memory, Waters recounted a youthful escapade involving stolen gifts. “We would throw them out the window! Or worse yet, if they had a gift slip, we would take them to the store and get the money!” he confessed. He also shared a cautionary tale about consuming 14 doses of THC unknowingly, resulting in a frightening experience that left him fearing a stroke. “Never eat food from fans!” he emphatically warned.
Seattle Concerts to Look Forward To
Looking ahead, music fans in the Seattle area have a diverse lineup of concerts to anticipate this December and January. Highlights include performances by Rochelle Jordan on December 4th at Barboza, concerts of The Muppet Christmas Carol and The Snowman with the Seattle Symphony on December 5th-7th and 6th respectively at Benaroya Hall, Alaska Presents: A Very Alaska Christmas Show on December 5th at the Neptune Theatre, the 19th Annual Tom Waits Night on December 6th at Conor Byrne Pub, and a show featuring Wimps, Mark Robinson, and Pitschouse on December 9th at the Sunset Tavern. The Vera Project, in collaboration with Good/Bad, has also announced the lineup for their 14th annual Rock Lottery, featuring members of local bands like Gender Envy, RUB, and Naked Giants.
Songs on Repeat: Callahan and Fry
This week’s recommended tracks offer a contemplative counterpoint to the holiday rush. “The Man I’m Supposed to Be” by Bill Callahan is praised for its honest vulnerability, while “I Lived in Trees” by Mark Fry is lauded for its beautiful, layered soundscape, evoking the spirit of artists like Robert Wyatt and Nick Drake.
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