David Friend
@dfriend.bsky.social
1.3K followers 85 following 330 posts
Entertainment reporter at The Canadian Press Music/film & TV/streaming + biz. Variety contributor | Insta: dj_friend
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dfriend.bsky.social
I'm obsessed with crafting music playlists, no matter the genre. Here's a thread of ones I've made on Spotify:

#Essentials - 1990s Dance History: A chronological journey from Detroit house to Europe's pop-techno takeover.

open.spotify.com/playlist/3oP...
dfriend.bsky.social
The New York Times has done a nice job balancing D'Angelo's intent versus his public perception, and why it might've contributed to him stepping away from the spotlight.

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/14/a...
D’Angelo, Acclaimed and Reclusive R&B Innovator, Dies at 51
www.nytimes.com
dfriend.bsky.social
A 2013 Toronto Star piece by Ashante Infantry explains some of the reasons why D'Angelo's star eluded this country for much of his career.

www.thestar.com/entertainmen...
D’Angelo steps out of the shadows
Reclusive neo-soul pioneer set for first Toronto show since 1995
www.thestar.com
dfriend.bsky.social
Benny Safdie split with his co-director brother after their success on "Uncut Gems" and "Good Time."

I spoke to him about their perceived sibling rivalry and making a hero's journey out of Dwayne Johnson in "The Smashing Machine."

www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
Benny Safdie on making a hero's journey out of Dwayne Johnson in 'Smashing Machine'
TORONTO - Benny Safdie understands why some people might want to see him take a swing at his older brother, Josh.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
dfriend.bsky.social
Sam Smith is set to honour Beverly Glenn-Copeland at the PTP Pink Awards.

The Toronto celebration of LGBTQ trailblazers will also honour actor-writer Bilal Baig, Devery Jacobs, Rough Trade vocalist Carole Pope and others.

My look at the November event: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
Sam Smith set to honour Beverly Glenn-Copeland at LGBTQ celebration PTP Pink Awards
TORONTO - Global pop star Sam Smith will honour legendary singer and composer Beverly Glenn-Copeland at the second edition of the PTP Pink Awards.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
dfriend.bsky.social
"In these times when there is fear about speaking truth, we have to speak truth even more consistently, intentionally and loudly."

Allison Russell says she feels "galvanized" by the public outcry to Jimmy Kimmel's suspension.

My story: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/politics/all...
Allison Russell says she feels 'galvanized' by public outcry to Kimmel suspension
TORONTO - Allison Russell says the swift public outcry to Jimmy Kimmel's suspension has given her hope that people will continue to fight for free speech.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca
dfriend.bsky.social
I feel like most people outside of big US cities are probably learning about this show for the first time.
dfriend.bsky.social
Bomb threats. Picketers. Questions of why she hated men.

Sarah McLachlan is decades out from organizing Lilith Fair, but she still remembers the pressures in keeping the all-women concert tour on the road in the late 90s.

My story: www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/entertainmen...
Lilith Fair doc shows pressure Sarah McLachlan faced as tour was mocked, criticized by outsiders
TORONTO - Sarah McLachlan says preparing for a new documentary about the legacy of Lilith Fair kicked up emotions she hadn't felt in years.
www.thecanadianpressnews.ca