Latest news with #Heavy
Los Angeles Times
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Los Angeles Times
SiR on his upcoming Hollywood Bowl show, his mother's passing and making a classic record
In a TikTok video captured by a fan at one of SiR's sold-out L.A. shows last August, the Inglewood-born singer-songwriter breaks down into tears after his wife appears onstage behind him. 'Y'all give it up for my beautiful wife, Kelly Ann,' he says on the mic after collecting himself. When he leans to give her a kiss, the crowd erupts into a sea of 'aws' and cheers. It was a tender moment between the couple during the final stretch of his Life Is Good tour in support of 'Heavy' — his most vulnerable project yet, which took five years to make and tackles his years-long battle with drug addiction, depression, infidelity and the process of getting sober. Behind the scenes, though, SiR was grappling with a different hardship: The death of his mother, Jackie Gouché, a talented performer who sang with Michael Jackson and Stevie Wonder, and helped build SiR's confidence as an artist. His team was 'ready for me to just drop everything and come home,' says SiR over Zoom. 'But I prayed about it. I talked to my family, and we made the decision for me to finish the tour out, in honor of her.' So by the time he got to the Hollywood Palladium, where he performed back-to-back shows, he says, 'I think I was drained and I needed my support, and my wife just so happened to be there, which was just perfect for me. I'll never forget that night.' Since that emotional performance, SiR, born Sir Darryl Farris, released an extended version of 'Heavy,' subtitled 'The Light,' in April, which features six new tracks, some of which are new, such as 'Sin Again' and 'No Good,' and others that didn't make the cut on the original project. The Grammy-nominated singer, who is signed to L.A. powerhouse label Top Dawg Entertainment alongside R&B darling SZA, is set to make his headlining debut at the Hollywood Bowl on July 20 for the KCRW Festival. The upcoming show will feature an opening set from singer-songwriter Leon Thomas, of whom SiR is a 'huge fan,' along with two surprise appearances from, he says, the 'best guests I could get.' Ahead of the upcoming show, we caught up with the 'John Redcorn' singer to discuss how he's keeping his late mother's memory alive through his music, how becoming a father of two daughters has affected him both personally and artistically and his goal to make a classic record that everyone knows. This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. You recently wrapped up your Step Into the Light tour a few weeks ago. How was it being onstage with your older brother, Davion, who sang background vocals, and your uncle Andrew, who is a gospel bass legend? It was so fulfilling. I've worked with them before on so many different levels. My uncle plays on all my songs, and Davion and I write songs together, but to have them on the road with me was just a different outer-body experience. I think my favorite part of all of that was the time we spent [together] before and after the shows, like having dinners with my uncle and finding out things about my parents that I didn't know. Finding out stories about my grandfather that I'd never heard. Now, our bond is that much stronger. It's really nice to have him on the road. My uncle Andrew is awesome. I got sick of my brother. [laughs] You were also on tour last year in support of 'Heavy,' which is your most vulnerable project yet. How was it performing these songs this time around as opposed to last year? Did any songs hit differently? We changed the set list just a tad because we had new music that we wanted to promote. The newer songs felt great. I was really specific about which ones I added because I wanted them to be songs that I enjoyed singing. The songs that I have in the set list that are staples still hit the same, and the audience still responds the same way. But it was surprising to see people singing the new music. I was fully prepared to go there and have to explain myself through these songs, but people were already vibing and singing along, which was great. My audience is great. I love my fans so much. What songs did you add from the 'Heavy Deluxe: The Light' project? We added 'No Good,' 'Sin Again,' 'Out of My Hands' and then, of course, 'Step Into the Light,' which we added to the end of the set. But we also have songs like 'John Redcorn' in there, which is a staple. If I don't sing 'John Redcorn,' people will come for my neck. Last August, a fan posted a video of you crying during one of your shows at the Hollywood Palladium after you saw your wife, and the comment section was filled with sweet and supportive messages. Do you mind sharing what headspace you were in that night and why you felt so emotional in that moment? That was the end of the tour, so I knew I was done, and in the middle of that tour, I actually lost my mom. At the time, I was on the phone with [TDE Chief Executive Anthony 'Top' Tiffith], and he asked me if I wanted to continue. They were ready for me to just drop everything and come home. But I prayed about it, I talked to my family, and we made the decision for me to finish the tour out, in honor of her. My energy was just so low. I've never felt like that and had to go perform, and we had like eight more shows left. So by the time I got to the Palladium, I was drained. There's a song that I sing called 'Tryin' My Hardest,' and I wrote that when I wasn't sober and I was just trying to work myself through recovery. It was an ode to my mother and my wife, just telling them that I wasn't giving up every time I relapsed. I [think] it was that song that she came out to. Half the time, tears were flowing down my face. So I think I was drained and I needed my support, and my wife just so happened to be there, which was just perfect for me. I'll never forget that night. We sold out the Palladium twice. You had a really close relationship with your mother, Jackie Gouche, who was a phenomenal artist in her own right. Have you written any songs in dedication to her since her passing? I have a song that goes: (Starts singing lyrics) Her name is Danielle, born in December but never felt the cold Chocolate skin and a heart that's made of goldA certain resemblance to someone that I know As bitter, as sweet As easy as it was to sweep me off my feet I never imagined that you may never meet I wish you could be here to watch my baby grow She's gonna to do well Her name is Danielle. It's just a song about my daughter that I wrote for her, and hopefully, I put it on the next project. Ooh. But we'll see. My mother was such a big reason why I started really writing songs and wanting to be SiR. I was a different kind of guy growing up. I was very timid. I wasn't sure about my musical abilities or gifts, and anytime I sent her songs, she would just light up and tell me how beautiful it was and give me advice, which was very important. After a while, I just kept impressing her and kept blowing her away in her own words. She was a huge part of my confidence. You've been vocal and vulnerable about your experience of dealing with addiction and all of the lifestyle changes you've made since becoming sober. Can you talk about what you've learned about yourself throughout this time? I've learned that I have an addictive personality, no matter what the drug is, and I've created some good habits. The gym is now the biggest addiction that I have. I definitely had to just learn who I was looking at in the mirror, because when you're inebriated, intoxicated all the time, you don't really know what's going on or who you are, and it's a tough place to be. It's a tough hole to dig yourself out of, but once you get out of that, you've got to navigate not falling back into the hole. It took about a year before I even got close to being sober. I'd have, like, sober weeks, and relapse after relapse and things like that. But at this point, I'm proud of where I am as a father, as a husband, and I'm trying to make sure that I just keep nourishing my artistry, because as much as I'm glad that that album came out, it took me five years to put that album out, and that shouldn't happen. I always like to think of myself as a hyper-creative, and I should be able to have an album out every year. I'm a studio rat, so we should be able to find it. But my sobriety had to be at the forefront of everything, and I'm navigating being SiR sober. This is all new, and it's definitely fun, but I definitely had to really work to get here. Since releasing 'Heavy,' you had another daughter, whom you talked about earlier, so now you're a father of two. Can you talk about how fatherhood has affected you personally and creatively? Fatherhood is like, ooh man, it's a process. It taught me a lot about myself. I'm selfish. I'm impatient. I'm getting old. [laughs] My body doesn't move and respond the same. When you have a 3-year-old who's running as fast as she can and you're trying to keep up with her, it's tough. But it also just taught me a lot about how well I was raised. My parents were sweet. They were so nice and so kind and so gentle with us, and very protective, but in the best ways. If I'm half as good of a parent to my kids as my mother was to me, I think they're going to be fine. On Sunday, you are going to headline the Hollywood Bowl for the first time. How are you feeling about the show and what are you most excited about? I can't lie, I was excited about Leon Thomas' set, but I realize now that I'm not going to be able to watch it, because I'm going to be doing my vocal warmups and getting ready for own thing. So now I'm just excited to see that sea of people. In L.A., I've done some really good shows, but it's a 17,000-cap venue, and I think we're doing good on ticket sales. This is the largest SiR audience that I've ever seen, so I'm excited to see the fans and hear them sing along. Have you met Leon Thomas before? We haven't met, but I'm a huge fan. I don't know if a lot of people [know], but Leon Thomas was a songwriter before he started putting music out on his own. Of course, everyone knows him from his acting days, but he was a part of a writing group that is based in L.A. and has been writing songs for other artists, so to see him come to the forefront of his own artistry is a beautiful thing. I think I'm on the waiting list for a Leon Thomas session. Collaborating is big right now with me, especially since things have changed and I don't work as much as I used to on my own. I want to bounce ideas off of good artists, and I want to have great musicians in the room so we can make sure that everything is where it's supposed to be in the song. We talked about it. I texted him [last] week just to thank him for being a part of this, and I wanted to congratulate him on all of his success. He's a good guy, and I'm definitely a huge fan. Why is collaboration so important for you now? What's changed? I want better songs. I've been around a long time. I got a lot of music out, but I have this thing in my head where I just want a classic. I feel like I have some really good records, but I want a song that everybody knows. As a songwriter, I think the most beautiful music comes from collaboration because you have people there to give you guidance in your own thought process. Even if I'm leading the way, I have somebody in my ear that's navigating into this place we're trying to get to. But I definitely just want to write better songs, and I'm not afraid to ask for help. I've had to learn that the hard way. I spent a lot of time over the years just kind of closed off in my box, which was great because it created my world, my sound. But now that I have established my sound, I should always be open to people helping me create in my world, especially if they know what my world is. Have you started thinking about your next project yet? I am definitely thinking about my next project. It does not have a name. We don't have a date, but I am as busy as I can be right now, just with new songwriting and trying to stay ahead of it, because if I make you guys wait another five years for another project, I don't think I'ma survive. I might have to go get me a day job. So I'm definitely working, but I'm not gonna rush. I'm not gonna force anything. I'm not just gonna put out anything. We need, you know, at least 40 to 45 minutes of just greatness, and I'm gonna do everything I can to deliver for the fans, because they deserve it more than anything.
Japan Forward
01-07-2025
- General
- Japan Forward
An Imperial Week in Photos: Prayers for Peace and Celebrating the Arts
このページを 日本語 で読む To mark the 80th anniversary year of the end of World War II, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako visited Hiroshima Prefecture. The region was one of the sites devastated by the atomic bombing during the war. On the 20th, they traveled to the Yagi district in Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City. The area was struck by a massive landslide in August 2014 that claimed 77 lives. There, they offered a silent prayer in remembrance of the victims. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako bow toward the site where homes once stood, near the Obarayama erosion control dam. Morning of June 20, Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City. Their Majesties then observed the progress of erosion control projects and were briefed on ongoing recovery efforts and mental health support for local residents. They listened attentively and asked many questions, showing deep interest and concern. At the nearby Hiroshima City Heavy Rain Disaster Memorial Museum, the Emperor reflected on a program that encourages survivors to share their experiences. He remarked, "I see that talking with one another can bring a sense of peace." During a meeting with bereaved families, Their Majesties offered heartfelt condolences to a couple who had lost their two sons, aged 11 and 2. "It must have been truly difficult," they said with deep compassion. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako view exhibits during a visit to the Hiroshima City Heavy Rain Disaster Memorial Museum. Morning of June 20, Asaminami Ward, Hiroshima City. Later that day, they visited Yano Orizuru-en, a care facility for atomic bomb survivors. A woman who had lost her mother due to the bombing's aftereffects expressed her gratitude for the Emperor's commitment to peace. The Empress gently responded, "You must have gone through such hardship. Your mother as well." That evening, Their Majesties returned to Tokyo from Hiroshima Airport. On June 23, Their Majesties Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, along with their daughter Princess Aiko, observed a moment of silence at the Imperial Residence in honor of Okinawa Memorial Day. The day commemorates those who lost their lives during the Battle of Okinawa. Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko also observed a moment of silence at their home, the Sento Imperial Residence in Minato Ward, Tokyo. On June 24, Emperor Naruhito attended the Japan Art Academy Prize ceremony at the Japan Art Academy Hall in Ueno, Tokyo. The award honors individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the arts. During the event, the Emperor spoke with the recipients and observed a demonstration by renowned Bunraku puppeteer Kazuo Yoshida. He also handled a puppet's head to learn how it is operated. Emperor Naruhito speaks with recipients of the Japan Art Academy Prize and the Imperial Prize of the Japan Academy. Morning of June 24, Japan Art Academy Hall, Taito Ward, Tokyo. That afternoon, a tea reception was held at the Imperial Palace for the prize recipients and newly appointed Academy members. Empress Masako, Princess Aiko, Crown Prince Fumihito, Crown Princess Kiko, and their second daughter, Princess Kako, were also in attendance. Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako speak with Japan Art Academy Prize recipients during a tea reception at the Imperial Palace's "Rensui" Room. Afternoon of June 24, Imperial Palace. At the reception, Princess Aiko spoke with new Academy member and animation director Yoshiyuki Tomino about his work, including the iconic anime Mobile Suit Gundam . Princess Kako asked veteran actor Isao Hashizume, "What do you value most when developing a role?" Princess Aiko, daughter of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, and Princess Kako, second daughter of Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko, speak with Japan Art Academy Prize recipients during a tea reception at the Imperial Palace's "Rensui" Room. Afternoon of June 24, Imperial Palace. Later, Their Majesties and Princess Aiko welcomed Princess Kako, who had returned from her official visit to Brazil on June 17. According to the Imperial Household Agency, she shared her experiences and interactions with the people of Brazil. On June 23, Princess Kako canceled a planned visit to the Musashino Mausoleum (the resting place of Emperor Hirohito) and the Musashino Higashi Mausoleum (the resting place of Empress Nagako) in the Musashi Imperial Graveyard in Hachioji City, Tokyo. The cancellation was due to symptoms of dizziness and fatigue. She had planned to report the completion of her Brazil visit at the sites. On June 26, the Imperial Household Agency announced that the family's beloved dog, Yuri, passed away on June 23. Yuri had been adopted in 2009 through an animal hospital. Their Majesties and Princess Aiko said their final goodbyes at the Imperial Residence. Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter Princess Aiko with their dog Yuri on the grounds of the Nasu Imperial Villa in August 2019. On June 22, Princess Nobuko, widow of the late Prince Tomohito of Mikasa, returned to Japan following an unofficial visit to Hungary. While there, she attended the World Judo Championships. That same day, Princess Hisako met with recipients of the Prince Takamado Visiting Student Scholarship at her residence on the Akasaka Estate in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The scholarship was established in memory of her late husband, Prince Norihito, who studied at Queen's University in Canada. Author: Masashi Nakamura and Tomomi Yoshizawa, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Glasgow Times
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
Irish punk group Sprints to perform at SWG3 in Glasgow
Sprints, popular for tunes like Little Fix and Heavy, will be performing at SWG3 in the city's West End. The gig will take place on Thursday, November 6. READ NEXT: Huge American singer announces show at beloved Glasgow venue (Image: Image of Sprints performing at TRNSMT 2024) The show will follow the release of the Dublin group's new album, All That Is Over, set to be released on September 26. It will be their second studio album. Tickets for the upcoming show will go live at 10am on June 27. To purchase tickets, click HERE READ NEXT: Legendary rapper Betty Boo names THIS Glasgow band as dream collaboration The band, which consists of Karla Chubb (vocals, guitar), Sam McCann (bass, vocals), Jack Callan (drums) and Zac Stephenson (guitar), formed back in 2019. Between 2019 and 2022, the band recorded and released a series of singles and EPs before their debut album, Letter to Self, was released in January 2024 to widespread critical acclaim.
The National
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
Scottish band Young Fathers behind 28 Years Later soundtrack
28 Years Later stars Jodie Comer and Aaron Taylor-Johnson as the husband-and-wife duo, Isla and Jamie, and their 12-year-old son Spike, played by Alfie Williams, as they prepare to head out to the infected mainland for the first time. The hip hop group featuring Alloysious Massaquoi, Kayus Bankole and Graham Hastings, who are from Edinburgh, were hand-picked by director Boyle despite having no experience working on film before. 'I don't know whether they'd like this description, but they're sort of like the Beach Boys, but so hardcore,' Boyle (below) told Rolling Stone UK when speaking about the group. 'I guess that's kind of their use of harmonies and melodies in their music.' Explaining how he got Young Fathers onboard with the project, Boyle said: 'It was a huge risk because they'd never done a movie before and it's that thing with any pop group, are you gonna trust the whole movie to them? 'But you go yeah! Yeah! Sony didn't know the first thing about them, but they were wonderful. We had a wonderful back and forth and I went up to Edinburgh to their studio, which is a shed. 'It literally isn't even a garage – it's a shed, and they produce extraordinary stuff there. It was very beautiful. There's some of the stuff you'd expect from them in there, which gives a very different flavour to the film.' Young Fathers won the prestigious Mercury Prize in 2014 for their debut album Dead and were nominated for a second time in 2023 for their fourth studio album, Heavy, Heavy. Known for their layered, genre-resistant and politically influenced sound, the soundtrack for 28 Years Later weaves lo-fi textures, chants, off-kilter synths and heavy percussion.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Latest Trade Proposal from Media Sends Micah Parsons To NFC Rival
Latest Trade Proposal from Media Sends Micah Parsons To NFC Rival originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Micah Parsons has been the lifeblood for the Dallas Cowboys defense since arriving at The Star four years ago. Few players league-wide on either side of the ball have the same tangible impact as Parsons on the field. Advertisement The time has come for the defensive star to get his first of likely multiple major pay days in his career. This did not sneak up on the Cowboys, but they are clearly in no rush to get this deal done. That's the norm for the Cowboys as frustrating as it may be. The same plot played out last season with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb with Prescott's extension not coming until hours before kickoff. Parsons' loyalty to the Cowboys is unquestioned. Amid these contract disputes with the team he has remained around the team and participated minimally at mandatory minicamp this week. But until the ink dries on that piece of paper – gearing a salary we bet is now going to be in excess of $40 million per year – fans will continue to speculate about what his future looks like. That's why the latest proposal from Anne Erickson at Heavy has him headed to an NFC rival in the Detroit Lions. Advertisement The Cowboys would return a second- and fourth-round draft pick in this theoretical deal. A pairing of Micah Parsons and budding star Aidan Hutchinson would test the limits of the best offensive lines in the league. But that's more likely to happen at the Pro Bowl Games or on a Madden video game. We can argue that there is not a price that can be put on a player who provides production, leadership and wants to stay put. No amount of wish casting will change that reality. But as insider Mike Fisher notes: 'A 2 and a 4? This is peak silliness.' Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones has work to do on his end, specifically in amending the relationship with Parsons' agent. But the player and the owner maintain a strong relationship, so those personal conversations are ongoing. Advertisement This waiting game will likely cost the Cowboys once again, but there's hardly any reason to believe No. 11 will not be suiting up for Dallas through the coming years. Related: Cowboys 'Jump At Chance' to Sign Jaire Alexander is Wrong Answer Related: Micah Parsons Makes Cowboys Announcement for Monday This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 14, 2025, where it first appeared.
