Billboard Bits serves up the best bite-sized nuggets of music news and gossip.
Jay-Z Launches Lifestyle Site
Life + Times, an extensive lifestyle website helmed by Jay-Z, has premiered today (April 5). The site features pieces on indie bands, an interview with chef Daniel Boulud, and a video on a young soccer player, among other things. (Life + Times)
Mumford & Sons Announce June Tour Dates
After hitting Coachella and embarking on their Railroad Revival tour later this month, Mumford & Sons will hit the road for a proper tour this June. Beginning June 3 in Kansas City, the folk rockers’ trek will also make a stop in Manchester, Tenn. for Bonnaroo on June 11. (Spin)
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Gaga’s “Born This Way” Country Remix Released for Charity
The country remix of Lady Gaga‘s “Born This Way,” produced by the pop star and Fernando Garibay, has been officially released today (April 5) with a portion of the proceeds going to charity. First released on Mar. 24 as a gift to her fans, “Born This Way – Country Road Version” will now be used to benefit the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network (GLSEN).
Katy Perry, Keith Urban Supporting Charity Auction for Japan
From the Beatles to Katy Perry to Keith Urban, artists signed to the EMI label group are doing their part to support the Red Cross by donating memorabilia for worldwide auction to benefit victims of the Japanese earthquake and tsunami. There will be two phases to the charity auction with the first starting today (April 5) and running until April 15th with more than 200 exclusive invaluable items. (Full story at Billboard.biz)
Lil Wayne Hit with $5 Million Tax Bill
A little over a month before “Tha Carter IV” is released on May 16, Lil Wayne has reportedly been hit with a $5.6 million tax bill. The IRS filed a tax lien against the rapper on Monday (April 4), claiming that he owes income taxes from 2008-09. ( Detroit News, via MTV)
Robbie Robertson Considering Autobiography
After releasing his first solo album in 13 years (“How to Become Clairvoyant”), Robbie Robertson now has a book in his sights. “I’m going to write an autobiography,” the performer, producer, songwriter and former member of The Band tells Billboard.com. “I’m going to get started in the next couple of months. I’ve got some other things that I have to finish up, and then I’m going to roll up my sleeves and start telling stories.”
(Reporting by Jason Lipshutz and Gary Graff)