In a recent interview with Interview magazine, Conor Oberst had admitted that he auditioned for the title role of the Coen Brothers latest film, Inside Llewyn Davis, which is about the early days of New York's history Greenwhich Village folk scene. Oberst admitted that, "They auditioned a lot of musicians and actors for this part. To the point where I heard the Coen brothers and T Bone Burnett say that they had more or less given up on the idea of finding someone." The role eventually went to actor Oscar Isaac.
The Pixies released another surprise EP, their second in about six months called EP-2. It is available on the band's website.
After it was recently announced that Slipknot drummer Joey Jordinson left the band, he is now claiming he did "not quit," and was "blindsided" by the news. In a statement to Metal Hammer, he said, "To my fans, friends, and associates… I would like to start the New Year by addressing the recent rumours and speculation regarding my departure from Slipknot. I want to make it very clear that I DID NOT QUIT SLIPKNOT. This band has been my life for the last 18 years, and I would never abandon it, or my fans." He then went on to say, "While there is much I would like to say, I must remain silent to further details at this time. I would like to thank you all for your unwavering love and support, and wish everyone a very happy and healthy new year." Before this statement went public, Slipknot frontman Corey Taylor tweeted, "For those who think The Knot are falling apart, you are greatly and sadly mistaken. Bring On 2014. Great Things Are Coming. Stay Tuned."
The Smiths are not getting back together, surprise, surprise. In a Q&A with fansite True to You, Morrissey was asked if he would reform the iconic British band. He said, "I haven't done an interview with a British music magazine since 2007, so the process doesn't drill through my head anymore. As an entity, I have no interest in The Smiths, so as long as I'm not asked about The Smiths, I won't slip into permanent unconsciousness. And that's a promise." Also in the interview, Moz revealed that he has finished another new album, his previous "new" album has been done for years and has not found a label to release it, and after the success of his autobiography, Autobiography, he plans to write another novel.
In related news, in a recent interview with Q magazine, former Smiths drummer Mike Joyce as asked about a reunion as well. He said, "Of course, we'd all do it if we were asked. We were one of the greatest bands ever. Watching us must have been like seeing Iggy (Pop) or the (Rolling) Stones. As a performer, there was nobody better than Morrissey. But a reunion is never going to happen." In the same interview, Joyce was asked if he has read Morrissey's book and he said, "I've not read the book, and I never will."