154: It’s Really Really Season Nine

Brad Sundberg, Michael Jackson’s Technical Director, is celebrating ten years as the host of “In the Studio with MJ“, a touring seminar exploring Michael’s music.

But in January of this year he fell victim to a crime which sent shockwaves through the fan community, when his personal equipment was stolen by a bootlegger, who raided and released the contents.

In his first and only interview about the devastating theft, he speaks to The MJCast co-hosts Elise Capron, Jamon Bull, and guest host Shawn Shackelford.

Kicking off Season Nine of The MJCast, Brad explains for the first time how the thief made off with hundreds of unreleased Michael Jackson songs and videos and the impact that has had on Brad’s personal and professional lives.

He also shares stories from his time working with the King of Pop, explains what it takes to run a touring seminar on the scale of ITSWMJ, and reveals what’s next for Brad Sundberg.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Participants
• Elise Capron
• Jamon Bull
• Shawn Shackelford
• Brad Sundberg

Additional Links
• The “In the Studio with MJ” website and new merch
• Brad Sundberg’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages
• The MJCast 015: Brad Sundberg Special
• The MJCast 142: Reflections on John Barnes Roundtable
• 100% of The MJCast’s content is, and will remain, free. If you enjoy our show, consider a donation to help support us. All donations go directly towards off-setting our costs of running the show: Website hosting, equipment purchases, and more. You can donate any amount via PayPal. Thank you so much for your support!

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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

148: It’s Been a Minute

In this regular news episode, Q joins host Jamon Bull for a round-up of all the latest news in the world of Michael Jackson. The dynamic duo discuss the Estate’s gradual reveal of bonus tracks on “Thriller 40”, the return of “This Is It” to Netflix, controversial leaked live “HIStory World Tour” vocals, a new podcast series on the Michael Jackson allegations, the new TMZ documentary, “Who Really Killed Michael Jackson”, an MJ connection to the new TV series “The Sandman”, and more. Plus, Friend of the Show Jenny Winings contributes a special report on the MJ birthday events in Las Vegas.

This episode was edited by Charlie Carter.

Discussion Topics
• Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” is returning to Netflix for a limited time during September.
• J. Randy Taraborrelli has revealed that CNN is working on a Victory Tour documentary.
• Vincent Paterson’s books “Icons and Instincts” has been released in English.
• Live “HIStory World Tour” vocals have leaked, and we aren’t sharing them.
• Michael Jackson wanted to star as Morpheus in “The Sandman”.
• Roundup of MJ birthday events in Vegas courtesy of Friend of the Show, Jenny Winings. A partial livestream can be seen here.
• The Estate are slowly revealing Thriller 40 bonus tracks before release. So far, “Behind the Mask (Demo)”, “She’s Trouble” and “The Toy”.
• Michael Jackson fans, mother daughter duo Sheryl and June from Virginia, are about to release the “Michael Jackson: Case for Innocence” podcast series.
•  Fox has released a new documentary called “TMZ Investigates: Who Really Killed Michael Jackson”.

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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Michael On!

125: It’s All for Love

Q returns to The MJCast as a guest host for the first time in Season 6, joining Jamon for a massive news and discussion episode! The original MJCast teammates catch up on loads of updates in the world of Michael Jackson, including the sad news of Bruce Swedien’s passing, a couple of (good!) Estate projects, a mountain of recent leaks, new remixes, podcasts, a new fan forum, and more. Plus, the guys discuss updates on the Safechuck court hearing, music from TJ and Paris, and they get into a good old fashioned Estate rant. This episode is sure to please long-time listeners of the show, and introduce newer listeners to the in-depth fan chat for which The MJCast is known.

Discussion Topics
• Bruce Swedien has passed away at age 86.
• Michael Jackson has again earned the position of the year’s highest paid deceased celebrity.
• The Michael Jackson Estate premiered a limited-run of ‘Ghosts’ in high quality on its YouTube channel during Halloween.
• The official Michael Jackson website’s FAQ has been updated.
• They Don’t Care About Us (2020) has premiered on YouTube.
• James Safechuck court case dismissed.
• Musician Daeshard illegally shoots music video at Neverland…and gets caught.
• New music from TJ Jackson and Paris Jackson.
• Greg Spinks has launched his long awaited ‘Behind The Mask’ forum.
• The Leaks have been out of control!
Someone Put Your Hand Out
Man In Black
Turning Me Off
Don’t Believe It
Smooth Criminal (1985 Demo)
Give In To Me (Work Tape)
I Like the Way You Love Me (Acapella)
Faces
Childhood (Work Tape)
• Some great MJ remixes have come out
Michael Jackson – Beat It (Groovefunkel Remix)
Michael Jackson – Smooth Criminal (Nick* Rad Remix)
Michael Jackson – Thriller (Nick* Freestyle Funk Remix)
Michael Jackson – 2 Bad (Nick* Deluxe Long Version)
Michael Jackson – Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ (SWG Extended Dance Mix)
The Jacksons – Can You Feel It (SWG Extended Mix)
Michael Jackson – Billie Jean (SWG Extended Mix Video Version)
• New podcasts
The Genesis of Thriller
MJNewsDigest
Der Michael Jackson Podcast
HIStory in the Mix: The Reboot
The Black Jackson Estate

Sponsors
• Instacart – Convenient, inexpensive, and reliable same-day personal shopping for U.S. and Canada-based #MJFam.
• The MJCast’s official shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our merchandise.

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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Michael On!

120: I’ve Found Peace Within Myself

Damien Shields returns to The MJCast as a guest host, joining Elise for a jam-packed news and discussion episode! Damien is a long-time Friend of the Show, author, and Cascio tracks expert. The duo catches up on loads of updates in the world of Michael Jackson, including several new MJ-related books, a new podcast, updates on MJ One and the Robson/Safechuck hearings, Paris Jackson’s debut EP, lots of recently leaked MJ songs, amazing new content for fans from John Cameron, Marcos Cabota, Brad Sundberg, ?uestlove, Single White Glove—and much, much more. Plus, Damien and Elise discuss the Estate’s approach to HIStory25.

Discussion Topics
• New footage from the Bad World Tour live in Los Angeles 1988 has leaked.
• Single White Glove’s Heal the World video has premiered.
• MJFanGirl and The Detail have teamed up to release a new podcast called Michael Jackson Unspun. The latest episode is with Michael Bush’s assistant.
• Pez Jax’s book ‘The Story of HIStory’ is now available for pre-order, and will be officially released on July 20.
• Brice Najar has announced his new book, ‘Blood on the Dance Floor: Let’s Make HIStory in the Mix’.
• Dwayne Swingler, Neverland Valley Ranch supervisor has released a book.
• MJ Memorial Day Live happened on Facebook on June 25th, hosted by the King of Pop Events group. It featured interviews with Travis Payne, Jimmy Locust, Steven Paul Whitsitt and others. You can see the whole series of interviews here
• New Facebook group for online events and fan chat: Michael Jackson Book Club.
• MJ One is currently set to re-open in Las Vegas in early August. Meanwhile, Cirque du Soleil is over $1 billion in debt, and is seeking bankruptcy protection. They have laid off 3,500 employees, including Blue Man Group. However, all their non-touring shows plan to re-open as soon as they are allowed to do so.
• Marcos Cabota’s Sonic Fantasy documentary gets a trailer.
• Archival interviews of Michael Jackson’s children have been released on YouTube channel ‘Jacksonology‘, apparently created for a cancelled documentary about MJ.
• Soundflowers’ docuseries, ‘Unfiltered: Paris Jackson and Gabriel Glenn’, streaming on Facebook through the summer. Plus, their debut EP has been released.
• Sia and Paris drama.
• Danny Wu’s Square One has been released on Amazon Prime.
• Charles Thomson has released his first podcast, called Shoebury’s Lost Boys, which details his decade long investigation into one of Britain’s most serious child sex abuse allegations cover-ups.
• Robson and Safechuck trial update. As predicted, Dan Reed was there filming.
• The Jacksons’ video for Can You Feel It gets released on YouTube, as well as Michael Jackson’s HIStory teaser.
• Original versions of some 2007 Ebony photoshoot pics have leaked.
• ?uestlove has streamed three massive Jackson family DJ experiences here, here and here. Full “Quarantine Live DJ Sets” playlist available here.
• John Cameron is about to release his latest episode of #JCsMusicology, which will focus on the Off The Wall era.
• Brad Sundberg has shared his ‘7 Songs, 7 Stories’ series on YouTube as a way to honour ‘MJ Week’ during COVID-19 restrictions.
• So…it’s been a bit leaky lately. See this channel.
• HIStory25 got the Dangerous25 treatment.

Additional Links
• Damien’s website.
• Damien’s excellent book, Michael Jackson: Songs & Stories From The Vault.

Sponsors
• Audible – Great audiobooks. Great a free one-month trial (including one free audiobook) and help support the podcast by using our custom MJCast promo link.
• The MJCast’s official shop. Support The MJCast and Michael Jackson all at the same time by buying some of our merchandise.

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If you have feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Stay BAD!

116: We’re All Experts in the Rearview Mirror

Damien Shields returns to The MJCast as a guest host, joining Jamon for our first regular news and discussion episode of Season 6! Damien is a long-time Friend of the Show, author, and Cascio tracks expert. The fellas catch up on loads of updates in the world of Michael Jackson, including the Estate’s #HealTheWorld2020 video, newly leaked MJ vocal snippets, an awkward snafu by Teddy Riley, developments around Dan Reed, good news for Tom Mesereau, a beautiful film-tribute to Michael Jackson’s artistic legacy, and more. Plus, Jamon and Damien ask the question: Could HIStory 25 happen?

Discussion Topics
• Cirque du Soleil temporarily suspends MJOne due to COVID-19.
• French documentary Lettre d’amour à Michael Jackson premieres on YouTube.
• Teddy Riley claims that a previously released vocal cover of the song Joy, sung by MJ vocal impersonator Marcus Williams, is actually a demo he recorded with Michael.
• Michael Jackson’s Privacy acapella has leaked.
• Rodney Jerkins allegedly plays an unreleased Michael Jackson snippet called Rampage during a live stream event.
• Previously unreleased footage of Michael Jackson surfaces at gottahaverockandroll.com
• Dan Reed successfully gains access to film future court proceedings involving Wade Robson and James Safechuck.
• Tom Mesereau is now working as Special Counsel for John Branca, co-executor of the Michael Jackson estate.
• So #HealTheWorld2020 happened.
• Is HIStory 25 going to be a thing?

Additional Links
• Damien’s Twitter page, website, and book, Michael Jackson: Songs & Stories From The Vault.
• Dan Villalobos’ website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Orbits EP on Apple Music and Spotify.

Ad Breaks
• Crack Corn – Ridiculously delicious puff corn
• The MJCast Shop

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comStay BAD!

100: Brad Buxer Special

To celebrate The MJCast’s 100th episode, Jamon and Q put the focus back on music and welcome a particularly special guest, Brad Buxer. Buxer was one of Michael Jackson’s key artistic collaborators, who worked with Jackson for 20 years, from the Dangerous album onwards, and who would become one of his closest producers, musicians, and songwriters. Along with Michael Prince, there was no one else who Michael Jackson trusted more to capture his most personal creative visions.

The guys dive into an incredible, in-depth discussion with Buxer about his early life and music career working with icons such as Stevie Wonder, how he first came to work with Jackson, what it was like creating the Dangerous, HIStory, Blood on the Dance Floor, and Invincible albums, his role as Musical Director for both the Dangerous and HIStory World Tours, the experience of playing music and writing songs with Jackson, insights into Jackson’s life as a father, details about working together in the final years of Jackson’s life, his thoughts on unreleased tracks, and much more.

In addition, The MJCast is honored to have received many congratulations from previous guests on the show, whose audio snippets are included in this episode.

It’s been an amazing run so far, and incredible to watch the show evolve and grow. The MJCast team couldn’t be prouder to be well into Season 5. Jamon, Q, and Elise want to thank each and every listener, supporter, guest, and friend who has been part of this experience. We look forward to our next 100 episodes!

Additional Links
• “Brad, what are you gonna do?” clip.
• Michael Jackson beatboxing clip collection.
• Michael Jackson HIStory World Tour Munich 1997 concert footage.
• Michael Jackson and Friends charity concert, Germany.
• “A Night at the Apollo” Democratic National Convention performance.
• “Blood on the Dance Floor” official video.
• Michael Jackson interview with Geraldo Rivera.
• “In the Back”, from The Ultimate Collection.

Music Breaks
• Michael Jackson – Heal the World (7″ Edit)
• Michael Jackson – Dangerous (Live From A Night at the Apollo, 2002)
• Michael Jackson – Days In Gloucestershire (Demo)

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

085: For all the YANA Lovers Out There?

After hosting four (epic!) back-to-back special episodes, Jamon takes a well-deserved break, handing the reins over to Q, Elise, and Damien Shields, who catch up on more than a month’s worth of MJ and Jackson Family news. They revisit The MJCast’s recent interview with Judith Hill, and look ahead to events planned for MJ’s birthday on August 29th, including a screening of Moonwalker at the British Film Institute, as well as developments around the Estate’s ‘Diamond Celebration’, which include partnering with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation and the release of a vinyl anthology box set.

In other news, Michael has been making appearances on tracks by major recording artists, including Christina Aguilera’s ‘Maria’, and Drake’s ‘Don’t Matter To Me’, which has earned Michael Jackson his 30th Hot 100 Top 10 Billboard hit. Plus, developments are in the works for a Broadway show based around Michael’s music, and Omer Bhatti reveals the long-rumoured original golden Invincible album cover artwork. In Jackson family news, Janet continues her big year by receiving the first ever Impact Award at Radio Disney Music Awards, and reports are circulating that she is collaborating with Bruno Mars, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis on her new album. Lastly, be sure to check out the Michael Jackson Academic Studies courses, which have recently been made available for free online.

Q and Elise also get a chance to ask Damien about the revised and expanded edition of his book, Michael Jackson: Songs & Stories From The Vault (previously titled Xscape Origins), and about the progress on his “A Truth Untold” project.

News
A new German-language book about Michael has been released, Make That Change: Michael Jackson: Botschaft und Schicksal eines spirituellen Revolutionärs (Message and Fate of a Spiritual Revolutionary) by Sophia Pade and Armin Risi.
• Reports are circulating that Janet Jackson is to collaborate with Bruno Mars, as well as Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis for new album.
• New Christina Aguilera song, “Maria, featuring an MJ sample.
• The Michael Jackson Estate is set to partner with The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation for Michael’s “Diamond” birthday celebration.
• Janet Jackson receives the first ever Impact Award at Radio Disney Music Awards and gives another inspirational acceptance speech.
• A Michael Jackson Broadway show may be coming in 2020, organised by the Estate and Columbia Live Stage.
• New Drake song with previously-unreleased MJ vocals, “Don’t Matter to Me“, which has earned Michael his 30th “Hot 100 Top 10” Billboard hit.
• London’s prestigious British Film Institute has announced a screening of Moonwalker on August 29th for Michael Jackson’s birthday.
• The National Portrait Gallery has opened its Michael Jackson – On the Wall exhibition, which will be travelling to France later this year.
• Fashion house Balmain launches its Spring 2019 Menswear collection featuring Michael Jackson-inspired designs from designer Olivier Rousteing.
• SWG (Single White Glove) has released a new (10 minute long!) You Are Not Alone Extended Mix. Enjoy, YANA-heads!
• Omar Bhatti reveals the long rumoured original golden Invincible album cover artwork.
• MJAS have just made all their courses available for free.
• MJ60 Birthday events: What’s happening? Let us know details! Organise something yourself!
• Most of MJ’s albums are to be officially re-released as picture discs in a US$175 vinyl anthology box set. (No BOTDF!)
• Elise shares a few Los Angeles MJ Week stories.

Main Discussion Topic
Damien Shields discusses his new edition of Michael Jackson: Songs & Stories From The Vault (previously titled Xscape Origins).
• Check out Damien’s original appearance on The MJCast about the first edition of his book; The MJCast – Episode 008: Xscape Origins Special
• Damien also brings us up to speed on A Truth Untold

Finds of the Week
Q – Soundtrack (iTunes) for the film “Love, Simon”, which features the Jackson 5 Christmas classic, “Someday at Christmas”. (Check out the film, it’s great!)
• Elise – MJ FAQ by Kit O’Toole.
• Damien – ?

Ad & Music Breaks
Mike Tompkins feat. Michael Jackson – Don’t Matter To Me (Remix)
Michael Jackson – Maria (You Were the Only One) [Emile Haynie Remix from the Michael Jackson Remix Suite album]
Moonwalker cinema promo
The Jacksons – Wondering Who (Nick* Deluxe Mix)
Janet Jackson – Nasty (Nick* Cool Summer Redux)

Correspondent Appearances
Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent)
Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent)

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comKeep Michaeling!

079: Bryan Loren Special

As regular listeners of The MJCast know, Jamon and Q are sensitive to the delicate nature of leaks. While often thrilling for fans, they can profoundly affect the trajectory of a song, an album, and a career. In the case of renowned record producer, singer-songwriter, and instrumentalist Bryan Loren, much of his work with Michael Jackson, to which he dedicated years of hard work, leaked out to the public. Because of these unfortunate events, as well as other factors, Loren never got credit or compensation for much of the material he created. Loren is now inviting Michael Jackson fans to consider respectfully offering him a token of thanks, a voluntary sum of money through his website, along with a note on how we’ve enjoyed his music over the years.

In this week’s exclusive interview, Jamon, who is hosting solo, welcomes Season 4’s first musical collaborator special guest, Bryan Loren. Loren has worked as a producer with a number of notable artists, including Whitney Houston, Barry White, Sly Stone, Sting, and, of course, Michael Jackson. A talented musician at a young age, Loren was a professional session artist by age 15 and had signed his first contract at only 17. He had two Billboard-charting R&B songs in 1984 as a solo artist, including ‘Lollipop Luv’ and ‘Do You Really Love Me’. Loren started working with Michael Jackson in the years leading up to the release of the Dangerous album in 1991. They collaborated on several songs together, including, to name just a few, ‘Work That Body’, ‘Serious Effect’, ‘She Got It’, ‘Man In Black’, ‘Superfly Sister’, ‘Mind Is The Magic’ and ‘Do the Bartman’. Their collaborative relationship and friendship would last for many years beyond those early sessions. Loren continues to make his own music as a solo artist, and plans to release his new album in the Summer of 2018.

This week’s episode is a a tough but important discussion about the deep and complex impact that leaks and other events have had on Loren’s life and career. Ultimately, The MJCast hopes that this interview will inspire listeners to think about the rights of artists, and about where lines must be drawn.

Links
• Bryan Loren’s website and letter to fans, which includes information about how to make financial contributions.
• Bryan Loren’s Facebook, Twitter and Apple Music pages.
• You can read Jamon’s ‘Thoughts on Leaks…’ op-ed here.
• The Philadelphia Experiment album
• The Jacksons’ self titled album and Goin’ Places
• Bryan Loren – Lollipop Luv (12″ Version)
• Michael Jackson – Superfly Sister
• Do The Bartman
• Gavin Christopher – One Step Closer
• Rufus & Chaka Khan – Destiny
• Bryan’s three favourite albums (Stevie Wonder’s Music Of My Mind, Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall and Steely Dan’s Aja).

Music Breaks & Ads
• Michael Jackson – Work That Body
• 
Michael Jackson – Serious Effect
• Do The Bartman
• Michael Jackson – She Got It

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on the show, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.com. Keep Michaeling!

078: That was a Q-incidence

Jamon and Q are excited to dig into a big news roundup this week, with lots of developments in the world of Michael Jackson and the Jackson family. They cover the outcome of the Moonwalkers documentary on Kickstarter, a new book publishing this Fall by Richard Lecocq and Francois Allard, and news from Will.i.am regarding music he worked on with MJ. They also discuss the new Bad World Tour concert footage released by the Indy Channel, and Bryan Loren’s public plea to fans for monetary compensation regarding his leaked tracks.

On the Jackson family events front, Janet Jackson has announced additional tour dates (and launched a national back-up dancer search!) and will be headlining a major music festival in Los Angeles this summer. The Jacksons will perform at the Detroit Music Weekend, a three day festival celebrating their impact and legacy. And, in Tulsa, OK, a Michael Jackson Tribute event will be held on June 24, hosted by Jankins of Moonwalk Talks.

Jamon and Q will also discuss the news from 3T, who have released their Chapter III song, “Fire”, as a single in France. And on TV, La Toya Jackson dons her beloved classic headband on the reality show, “Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition”. Plus, Paris Jackson has a star-studded 20th birthday bash, and gets some well-deserved attention for the important work she’s doing on the activist front by publishing an op-ed in Teen Vogue about HIV/AIDS awareness. Paris will receive the LIFE+ award on behalf of her godmother, Elizabeth Taylor’s AIDS foundation, at the 25th Life Ball this June.

This episode also features several of our correspondents, including Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent), Charles Thomson (Legal Correspondent), and Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent).

News
• 
Richard Lecocq and Francois Allard are set to release a new book on Michael Jackson titled Michael Jackson – All The Songs: The Story Behind Every Song, Every Video, Every Dance Move.
• Will.i.am again tells reporters he won’t be releasing the songs he worked on with Michael Jackson.
• The Indy Channel has released a retrospective article on Michael’s final performance in Indianapolis featuring never-before-seen footage from the Bad World Tour.
• Record producer Bryan Loren has released a plea to Michael Jackson fans asking for monetary compensation regarding his many leaked tracks
• Upcoming Michael Jackson Tribute event, Sunday, 24 June 2018, Tulsa Oklahoma, held by Jankins of the Moonwalk Talks podcast. Games, trivia, movies, dance, art, prizes and charity, tickets are $10, or $5 for 14 and under.
• Paris Jackson Said Goodbye to Her Teens with a Star-Studded 20th Birthday Bash
• Paris writes inspiring op-ed piece for Teen Vogue magazine on why HIV/AIDS awareness is close to her heart, and also will receive the LIFE+ award on behalf of her godmother, Elizabeth Taylor’s AIDS foundation at the 25th Life Ball, June 2 charity event in Vienna.
• The Jacksons are set to participate in Detroit Music Weekend, a three day festival celebrating their impact and legacy
• 3T to release their Chapter III song, “Fire”, as a single in France.
• La Toya Jackson participates in the new season of “Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition”
• Janet Jackson to perform at LA’s FYF Fest in July
• Janet Jackson launches #DanceWithJanet campaign, and announces further dates for her successful State of the World tour.
• Will Smith shares his story of the one time he met Michael Jackson.

Main Discussion Topic
• 
Random fan chat!

Finds of the Week
• 
Jamon – Michael Jackson’s 30th Anniversary Celebration: The Solo Years (Long Version)
• Q – New Michael Jackson video mix by @roboemjay on Vimeo, from late 2017.

Additional Links
• 
Kylie Minogue’s new album ‘Golden
• Michael Jackson’s Legacy project
• Prince Jackson’s Heal LA project
• Michael’s Dream Foundation
• Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation
• 3T’s Dee Dee Jackson Foundation
• MJ Fans for Charity website and the Global Total page
• Michael Jackson Monthly Giving Project
• Photo of Michael Jackson and Will Smith ‘in the closet’

Ad & Music Breaks
• 
Janet Jackson and Kylie Minogue – Slow and Nasty (Initial Talk Mix)
• The Jacksons – Music’s Takin’ Over (Belabouche & Fendercillo Discotronix Mix)
• Michael Jackson – Remember the Time (Aevion Remix)

Correspondent Appearances
• Steven Hodges of MJFFC (Charity Correspondent)
• Charles Thomson (Legal Correspondent)
• Janneke van der Linden of Jackson Source (Jackson family Correspondent)

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If you have any thoughts, opinions, or feedback on this Michael Jackson podcast episode, we’d love to hear from you. Contact us at themjcast@icloud.com or find the links to our many social networks on www.themjcast.comStay BAD!

Thoughts on Leaks…

 

By late 2002 I’d been a Michael Jackson fan for just one year. His last album of new material, Invincible, was released a year prior. Sadly, this ended up being the first and only time I had the privilege of experiencing the release of a studio album that Jackson himself had given his blessing. The recording sessions for Invincible are rumoured to have been some of the most fruitful of his career, producing dozens of musical pieces, many of which the public are still yet to hear. Due to nefarious actions that are yet to be fully uncovered, one such piece of music, a full and complete song that was not released on the album, leaked to the public. The song was titled Escape. In response, Michael Jackson issued a statement outlining his disappointment with the leak. As much as I loved hearing this masterpiece of a song, its premature release clearly hurt him.

Jump forward five years, and it’s 2008. Michael is beginning the process of working with a range of contemporary producers to potentially flesh out a new sound for his upcoming studio album. Among these producers is the R&B hit-maker Akon. Michael spent weeks in the studio with Akon crafting the sublime ballad Hold My Hand, which would end up having its own sad history despite its uplifting nature. Not only would the song suffer the same fate as Escape and prematurely leak to the public, but it would eventually go on to serve as the lead single from his ill-fated first posthumous album of new material, Michael. Jackson family members and many fans would agree that Hold My Hand was a song Michael cared deeply about. Since then, there have been many more song leaks, some when Michael was alive, but most after his death. These leaks continue to be the source of debate amongst the Michael Jackson fan community.

Today another Michael Jackson song leaked, but this time a piece that was worked on during the Dangerous sessions called Ghost of Another Lover. The leak occurred due to an attendee of a Michael Jackson convention recording the song whilst it was played for the audience by one of Michael’s studio engineers. They did this against the wishes of the convention organisers and the engineer. I won’t name the person who recorded it, the engineer who decided to play it or the event at which it was played, as I don’t think these are crucial elements of the scenario. Like times previous, rich debate is currently taking place within the Michael Jackson fan community around how leaks should be handled, and for good reason.

Seldom does widespread public debate over the ethical nature of something occur when there’s some simple, logical answer regarding the correct way that thing should be. I feel this conflict over leaks acutely as not only am I a Michael Jackson fan who desires to honour and respect Michael’s artistic privacy, but I am also a historian, who recognises the immense cultural value Jackson’s art has, at any stage of completion.

Ultimately, I do feel that if previously unreleased Michael Jackson material is to be played for a paying audience, it should first have the approval of his Estate beneficiaries with the full knowledge and understanding of the risks involved regarding potential leaks. That’s fairly black and white for me. No conflict there. But it’s after leaks happen where things get murky. Michael Jackson’s music grows legs of its own. And with good reason, because it’s usually excellent music. In the age of digital file sharing and social media, there’s no stopping how far and wide this material can reach. In an instance such as today, when a previously unheard Michael Jackson song leaks, I believe that it’s a matter of historical importance that knowledgeable fans, scholars of Michael Jackson, deconstruct and analyse the material so that a historically accurate narrative can be built. As an example, Ghost of Another Lover today leaked with completely the wrong title! A fan uploaded it as Ghost of Another Girl. Knowledgable Michael Jackson fans picked this up swiftly. Not only this, but there’s a certain inevitability to leaked material being discussed. It’s pointless to think it won’t be. Sharing and discussing leaks is inevitable, and both are very, very different behaviours to facilitating or instigating a leak.

Yet at a deeper level, it’s the ethics around actually releasing Michael’s previously unheard work at all that interests me. Earlier I opined that Michael’s estate beneficiaries should have the final say. And this is true for now, especially in our lifetimes where there are many people still alive directly connected to him. Artistic collaborators, close friends, business partners, fans and most importantly…family. Yet Michael is now gone, and it can’t be argued that his art doesn’t have immense historical value, even his unreleased material including demos which serve the purpose of teaching us how he created, flaws and all.

Ethically, at what point does it become acceptable for his unfinished work to actually come out without debate? Would anybody disagree now with an unfinished Michaelangelo piece being displayed in an art gallery for scholarly debate? I don’t think so. A lot of this debate comes from the fact that Michael has so recently passed away and many people in some way feel emotionally connected to him and naturally want to defend or protect his wishes. The MJ fan side of me certainly feels that, but as previously mentioned, the historian in me feels the importance of learning as much about his genius as possible, especially while his artistic collaborators are here to engage in dialogue around his work. Like I said, conflict. There is no easy answer.

There will be more Xscape, Hold My Hand and Ghost of Another Lover moments in the future and opinions will vary around these leaks depending on who you talk to. But suffice it to say, while people are around who are still emotionally connected to Michael Jackson as a person, the best people to judge whether his unreleased art should be seen by the public are those who were closest to him, those whom he left his Estate to, his beneficiaries.

Jamon Bull