On Wednesday, Kanye West went on an anti-Grammys rant on Twitter. He accused the awards of neglecting important and popular black artists like Young Thug and Future. (West also said that he has a new album "coming this summer.") National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences president Neil Portnow replied that the Academy's "doors are always open" to West. "I continue to welcome Kanye, personally, to engage in a direct and productive dialogue about the future of music and the important role that music creators play in shaping that future." (Pitchfork)

On his own Twitter account, West collaborator Justin Vernon co-signed West's Grammys stance. "I'm not actually complaining maybe but the year Bon Iver had nom for Record and Song of the year," tweeted Vernon, "Ken (Grammys producer) [...] wouldn't let us play our own song. The song that was nom'd. Said it wouldn't hold ratings." (City Pages)

#BritAwards #FreeKesha

Meanwhile, at the Brit Awards — often called the British Grammys — Tame Impala took the award for international group of the year. Awards also went to British artists Adele, James Bay, and Coldplay as well as international artists Justin Bieber and Björk. (Pitchfork)

The Brit Awards featured a tribute to the late David Bowie, climaxing with Lorde singing "Life on Mars?" backed by the band that played with Bowie on his final tour. (Rolling Stone)

Accepting her award, Adele said, "I'd like to take this moment to publicly support Kesha." (NME)

Kesha herself issued her first public statement since a New York judge refused to dissolve her recording contract with the producer Dr. Luke, who she has accused of sexual and emotional abuse. "All I ever wanted was to be able to make music without being afraid, scared, or abused," Kesha wrote. "This case has never been about a renegotiation of my record contract — it was never about getting a bigger, or a better deal. This is about being free from my abuser. I would be willing to work with Sony if they do the right thing and break all ties that bind me to my abuser." (Rolling Stone)

Remembering René

On Tuesday in Las Vegas, Celine Dion performed publicly for the first time since her husband René Angélil died last month. "Throughout my life," said Dion, fighting tears, "I only had eyes for my husband." (NME)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iIc6prvcqDg

Eno is down with The Ship

Brian Eno has announced his first solo album in four years. The Ship, out April 29, was inspired by the Titanic disaster. The last of the album's five long tracks will be a cover of the Velvet Underground's "I'm Set Free," which Eno says has long inspired him. (Rolling Stone)

Rivers joins Tinder

Despite being married, Rivers Cuomo has joined Tinder. His description says, "Not looking to hook up, just trying to have new experiences and get some ideas for songs." (Rolling Stone)