Protected: Integrate × Fortune 500 Companies
Enter your password to view comments.
Posts made in July 2020
Troye Sivan – Easy
Troye Sivan Shares Official Video for “Easy.” On August 21, Capitol Records will release IN A DREAM, Troye Sivan’s new six-song concept EP. Today, Troye shared the official video for “Easy,” an infectious plea to set a relationship back on course.
Troye directed the official video for “Easy”. “A story that’s still unfolding, this small collection of songs explores an emotional rollercoaster period in my life when the feelings and thoughts were most shockingly fresh,” explains Troye Sivan. “Revisiting these songs and moments is tough, but I’m proud of this music and excited to have it out in the world.” Troye recorded five of the EP’s six songs with producer Oscar Görres (The Weeknd, MARINA, Tove Lo) between Stockholm and Los Angeles, just prior to the lockdown.
The leadoff track, “Take Yourself Home,” trended at #1 on Twitter worldwide following its release earlier this year and has now attained over 76 million cumulative global streams. The New York Times hailed “Take Yourself Home” as an “understatedly lush quasi-soul thumper.” PAPER said, “It’s perhaps the first great song to come out of our collective apocalyptic state of mind during the COVID-19 outbreak.”
See below for the full EP tracklisting.
Track Listing – IN A DREAM
- IN A DREAM
- Take Yourself Home
- Easy
- could cry just thinkin about you
- STUD
- ranger teenager!
In his career to date, Troye has amassed nearly eight billion combined global streams. His sophomore album, Bloom (Capitol Records), was named as one of the best albums of 2018 by critics at Rolling Stone, USA Today, Billboard, OUT, NPR Music, The Guardian, and numerous other publications. TIME said, “Troye Sivan is the perfect pop star.” He was recently named as one of five ambassadors to launch the Pasha de Cartier watch. His numerous awards include a Billboard Music Awards trophy, three MTV Europe Music Awards, and two GLAAD Media wins. “Revelation” – his collaboration with Jónsi for the film Boy Erased, which Troye co-starred in – was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Original Song – Motion Picture and shortlisted for an Oscar. “Louder Than Bombs,” a track Troye co-wrote, is featured on the new BTS album, Map of The Soul: 7, which debuted at No. 1 in the U.S., Korea, Australia and around the world.
Chaz Cardigan – Everything’s Wrong
After exploring his mental health and panic disorder on the early 2020 EP Vulnerabilia, Chaz Cardigan takes on post-breakdown life with his bombastic new single, “Everything’s Wrong,” co-written by Julian Dente and produced by Simon Oscroft (The Aces, The Naked & Famous). Download/stream here.
“’Everything’s Wrong’ is about not letting a breakdown keep you broken down. There’s liberation in feeling low because things can only get better,” explains Chaz Cardigan, “On ‘Not OK!’ and ‘S.O.S.’ I’ve been talking about repeating cycles and wanting to break them. ‘Everything’s Wrong’ is what it feels like for a cycle to actually break –to say ‘okay, on to the next thing!’ It’s me saying, ‘I accept the chaos, I accept that everything is always changing. I’m going to ride the dragon and change with everything around me.’”
On July 18, Chaz will give the opening performance at To All The Music, a virtual concert event celebrating the vinyl release of the To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You original soundtrack. He’ll be performing his contribution to the soundtrack, “As I’ll Ever Be.” Hosted by film lead Lana Condor, who plays Lara Jean, To All The Music will bring the movie’s cast and musical artists together to perform hit songs from the soundtrack and give fans an inside scoop behind the music and movie. Tune in on Saturday, July 18, at 5:00p.m. PT on Awesomeness TV’s YouTube channel. Chaz will have more music to share soon.
FOLLOW CHAZ CARDIGAN: Website | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
The Roots Jam Presents Solo Sessions
The Roots announce the tenth installment of their The Roots Jam Presents Solo Sessions including performances by Quincy, who recently created an EP featuring a duet with his father, Al B. Sure!, a re-work of his father’s 1988 hit “Nite and Day,” and North London R&B powerhouse vocalist Sinéad Harnett. The episode is hosted by Captain Kirk and will be available on Thursday, July 16th at 6pm EST.
This series is part of the custom content being delivered to fans during this time via The Roots YouTube Channel. All content is created by The Roots and produced by their production company, Two One Five Entertainment, in partnership with Live Nation Urban and available here.
The Roots Jam Presents Solo Sessions is an artist performance series highlighting emerging talent. In the spirit of the legendary Roots Jam Sessions, the band is opening up its platform to feature one song performances from music artists that are handpicked and curated by the band; artists that The Roots feel you should know. The pillars for The Roots Jam sessions are creativity and discovery and it is these same tenants that fueled the creation of Solo Sessions. Click here to view episode 9.
During this time, The Roots have been developing weekly content around The Roots members that varies from short form storytelling to live conversations, as well as performances and podcasts. This will continue in the coming weeks with content featuring other influential artists, authors and creatives.
Be sure to watch The Roots Jam Presents Solo Sessions featuring Quincy and Sinéad Harnett, available at 6pm EST on July 16th here.
Yungblud – Strawberry Lipstick
YUNGBLUD shares his explosive new song “Strawberry Lipstick” and its equally outrageous video. Released via Locomotion/Interscope Records, “Strawberry Lipstick” is the brand-new single from the British singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist full-length sophomore album, due out later this year. Stream/download “Strawberry Lipstick” HERE, and check out the video HERE.
Directed by Christian Breslauer (Roddy Ricch, Tory Lanez, Marshmello) the “Strawberry Lipstick” video stars YUNGBLUD, his band, and L.A.-based singer/songwriter Jesse Jo Stark. With a whirlwind intensity true to YUNGBLUD’s chaotic charisma, the visual places him in a series of outlandish scenarios: mixing it up in a boxing ring, dancing in a custom Union Jack dress, lounging in a bathtub full of strawberries alongside Stark. A perfect foil to YUNGBLUD, Stark is a captivating presence.
Co-produced by YUNGBLUD with his longtime collaborators Chris Greatti (Poppy, Grimes) and Zakk Cervini (Bishop Briggs, Machine Gun Kelly), “Strawberry Lipstick” is a delightfully warped love song propelled by the 22-year-old artist’s snarling vocals and larger-than-life energy. With its fuzzed-out riffs and glam-rock flash, the gloriously catchy track also spotlights YUNGBLUD’s gender-bending tendencies.
Endlessly creative, YUNGBLUD also recently announced the upcoming release of his new graphic novel, The Twisted Tales of the Ritalin Club Volume 2: Weird Times at Quarry Banks University. The follow-up to The Twisted Tales of the Ritalin Club (his 2019 debut as a graphic novelist), the comic follows YUNGBLUD and his super-powered friends as they navigate university life and all its drugs, sex, and relationship drama — ultimately finding themselves caught in a trip that may cost them their lives. Due out via Z2 Comics this November, Weird Times at Quarry Banks University is now available for preorder in multiple editions. Go HERE for more info.
Born in Yorkshire, England, YUNGBLUD (aka Dominic Harrison) is a multi-instrumentalist who first picked up a guitar at age two and began writing his own songs at age 10. The 22-year-old artist is known for voicing what he feels are major concerns for his generation, using his music to unite and empower the youth of today. After breaking onto the scene with his self-titled EP, YUNGBLUD made his full-length debut with 21st Century Liability — a 2018 release that channeled his outrage about the state of the world into confrontational yet catchy songs steeped in punk fury and pop melodicism. The following year, YUNGBLUD released Live In Atlanta and the hope for the underrated youth EP, which debuted in the top 10 on the UK Official Albums chart. Over the years, YUNGBLUD has performed to sold-out crowds in over 20 countries and played some of the world’s biggest festivals, including Austin City Limits, Life Is Beautiful, Lollapalooza, Reading and Leeds Festivals, and Vans Warped Tour.
Hollister Back-to-School
Hollister Co., a division of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF), and the global teen brand celebrating the spirit of an endless summer, is partnering with TikTok stars Charli and Dixie D’Amelio and Noah Pugliano for its new back-to-school campaign – leveraging the platform that has rapidly grown in popularity among its teen audience.
Charli, Dixie and Noah will serve as the brand’s “Jeanealogists”, together with science educator and television personality Bill Nye. The trio’s “experiments” in Hollister’s Jean Lab, led by Bill Nye, determined the science behind the brand’s perfect denim fits. This content will be featured across Hollister’s social channels and in store. Every aspect of the jean fits were tested and approved by Charli, Dixie and Noah, alongside other teens, to ensure they make teens as comfortable and confident as possible through features like smoothing pockets, curvy fit styles, new soft stretch fabrics and more.
“The ‘jeanealogy’ experience was amazing for us because Hollister has always been one of our favorite brands. We’ve been buying their denim for years and even borrowing each other’s. We loved being able to perfect our favorite denim and share it with everyone else,” said Charli and Dixie. Charli and Dixie’s favorite jean fits, which they hand-selected and marked with their official “stamps of approval,” will be featured in stores and online starting today, July 16.
As part of the partnership, Charli, Dixie and Noah are also launching the #MoreHappyDenimDance – a TikTok challenge choreographed by Charli that encourages users to celebrate comfort, and to share their “happy dance” when they slip into the perfect pair of Hollister jeans. Hollister fans who participate in the challenge will have the chance to be selected for a virtual meet-and-greet with Charli and Dixie.
“We are thrilled to partner with Charli, Dixie, Noah and Bill, as they combine the excitement of TikTok with the nostalgia that our teens love,” said Kristin Scott, President, Global Brands at Abercrombie & Fitch Co. “This is the start of a longer-term relationship with Charli and Dixie, both of whom share our passion to spread positivity and build confidence among teens – especially during the uncertainty that surrounds this year’s back-to-school season. Additionally, as one of Hollister’s original brand agents in 2017, we are excited to have Noah on board for an even more robust partnership.”
Throughout the fall, Charli and Dixie will also be participating in various Hollister digital activations, in-store shopping events, and more. For more information on Hollister’s back-to-school campaign visit www.hollisterco.com, and follow the brand on Instagram and TikTok to learn more about the #MoreHappyDenimDance challenge.
SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995
A&F cautions that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained herein or made by management or spokespeople of A&F involve risks and uncertainties, and are subject to change based on various important factors, many of which may be beyond the Company’s control. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, we assume no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties related to the duration and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Company and the factors disclosed in “ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS” of A&F’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2020, in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, the company’s financial performance and could cause actual results for fiscal 2020 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements included in this press release or otherwise made by management.
The quintessential retail brand of the global teen consumer, Hollister Co. believes in liberating the spirit of an endless summer inside everyone. At Hollister, summer isn’t just a season, it’s a state of mind. Hollister creates a carefree style designed to make all teens feel celebrated and comfortable in their own skin, so they can live in a summer mindset all year long, whatever the season.
Hollister is a division of Abercrombie & Fitch Co. (NYSE: ANF) and is sold through approximately 540 stores worldwide and www.hollisterco.com globally.
San Miguel de Allende Reopens
As of July 15th, travelers can enjoy San Miguel de Allende while businesses must have state health certifications to operate
San Miguel de Allende, known as the “Heart of Mexico,” will start reopening to tourists today, with hotels working with a maximum 40% capacity and everyone must adhere to social distancing and mask protection.
On May 25, the city launched its “Health First” certification, which is granted after local health and safety officials evaluate each location and certify compliance with sanitary protocols for reopening. This was followed on July 2 with the city receiving the World Travel & Tourism Council’s Safe Travels seal.
“Obtaining the WTTC’s ‘Safe Travels’ seal endorses this work and reaffirms that San Miguel de Allende is properly ready in terms of sanitation,” said Laura Torres-Septien, President of Tourism Board.
The town has a mystical quality that is unlike anything many travelers have experienced. With picturesque cobblestone streets and Spanish colonial architecture, the city showcases traditional architecture with modern excitements. For example, San Miguel de Allende has a spectacular setting for hot-air balloon rides and open eatery food tours, a flourishing wine country and tequila fields, and rooftop bars and restaurants.
Those planning to make their way to San Miguel in its current state will find the city fits well with the new realities of social distancing and the craving for outdoor activities. El Charco del Ingenio, Cañada de la Virgen, Benito Juárez Park, El Chorro Park, and Coyote Canyon Guanajuato are all exciting spots that visitors should be sure to enjoy.
Lebanon Currency Crisis
By Rita Azar
The Lebanese currency has severely depleted in value during the last few months. Although many politicians claim that the lira will stabilize at 3000 to a dollar, the currency crisis continues to rock the finances of Lebanon. Ever since 1990, 1500 liras have always equaled a dollar. Although this is a far cry from 1980 when three liras equaled one dollar, the instability of the lira from 1990 on is treacherous to the economy. The worst the conversion rate has ever been was when the dollar reached a staggering 12000 liras.
One must grasp the country’s financial decisions to understand what led to the economic collapse. Lebanon’s broken electricity, water, and waste collection systems has cost the country billions of liras of debt. Before the early 2000s, most of Lebanon’s debt was local; this means that, theoretically, the debt could be paid off by simply printing more lira, which the central bank has the power to do. But after the former prime minister, Fouad Siniora, took billions of dollars worth of foreign loans in 2007, Lebanon needed to collect foreign currency to pay for the debt debt. On top of this, Lebanon’s economy damaged by an immense decrease in tourism and foreign investments. Due to this, Lebanon has used the little foreign money that still exists in the central bank to pay off its foreign debts which leaves the citizens and companies of Lebanon unable to withdraw dollars from their bank accounts.
Due to foreign currencies being rare to find in Lebanon’s economy, they have become far more expensive. In addition, because of the abundance of Lebanese liras, the lira has fallen dramatically in value. This has led to massive gouging by all types of businesses that need to import with foreign currencies that are no longer accessible. In response, the government and central bank have taken measures to stop the massive inflation of the lira. One method is keeping the official rate, 1500 lira to one dollar, from small scale transactions and being a little more lenient with larger transactions by offering a rate of about 4000 lira to a dollar.
But, this means that the Lebanese people are losing money when exchanging foreign currency into lira. This has led many people living in the country to go to the black market to exchange money with rates other than the governmental regulations. While the black market approach has allowed many Lebanese people to get their money’s worth, it has caused the government to enforce stricter exchange rates to control inflation and ban the black market.
https://aawsat.com/home/article/2356311/ذعر-في-لبنان-بسبب-تدهور-الليرة
https://www.alhurra.com/lebanon/2020/04/23/يسقط-حكم-المصرف-تدهور-الليرة-اللبنانية-يشعل-الاحتجاجات-مستقبل-مجهول
https://www.tayyar.org/News/Lebanon/358134/دياب–سلامة-مسؤول-عن-أزمة-الدولار
Politics Hindering Public Health
Partisan divisions about the pandemic are negatively affecting public health and economic recovery, according to experts at Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. Christopher Kulesza, research analyst for the Child Health Policy program, and Quianta Moore, fellow in child health policy at the institute, are available to talk to the news media about the intersection of politics and public health.
“Public health should not be a political issue,” they wrote in a recent Baker Institute blog post. “The division between the public across party lines is hinderingour progress as a nation to restore the health and vitality of our country and its residents. We must set aside political ideologies and follow data, evidence and science.”
Polling between Republicans and Democrats conducted since March has documented a partisan divide in response to the pandemic, according to the authors. For instance, a recent Pew Research poll showed that most Americans are wearing masks, but rates differ by individual party identification – half of Republicans said they wear a mask most or all of the time compared to 76% of Democrats.
The authors argue there is overwhelming evidence now, as opposed to the beginning of the year, that masks can be highly effective at reducing the spread of COVID-19. Yet “there is still a wide gap between recent medical research findings on COVID-19 and public opinion.”
State and federal leaders on both sides have become more open to public mask requirements, according to the authors. However, “none of the Southern or Western governors have publicly considered instating a lockdown similar to that which brought the New York City epidemic under control.”
Kulesza and Moore argue it is more critical now than at any time during the pandemic to set aside partisanship and to direct policy using an evidence-based approach.
“State and local policy officials may need to make decisions that are unpopular with their respective voter base to ensure a safe return to work,” they wrote. “If they do not, we risk prolonging the pandemic and further delaying our economic recovery and experiencing a greater loss of life.”
Oliver Malcolm The Machine
Consistently bringing his one-man-production skills to create a one of a kind soundscape, rising act Oliver Malcolm is back with his next track, “The Machine.” This new cut is inspired by Oliver’s love for The Clash as well as the gloomy grey atmosphere of his hometown in London, U.K. The track first premiered on BBC Radio 1’s Indie Show with Jack Saunders, who delved deep into the meaning behind the track. Oliver tells the radio host that the lyrics revolt against the social institutions that prioritize material and financial gain above all else, transforming their subjects into simple cogs in “The Machine.” Fast becoming known for his eclectic visual pairings to his songs, Oliver will release a video for the track in a couple of weeks.
“The Machine” follows tracks “Helen,” “Kevin,” and debut single “Switched Up” — all with its own genre-blending sounds that showcases the breadth and creativity the young artist has and will be employing when crafting his debut project, later this fall.
Praise for Oliver Malcolm:
“Oliver Malcolm is the dynamic rising star ready kick up a storm with his diverse, new punk-indebted EP” — NME
“With its deep bassline and bluesy melodies alchemizing jazz and pop influences, he crafts an almost tangible atmosphere of melancholy [in “Helen”] as pleas to a woman echo throughout” — Pigeons & Planes, Best New Artist
“The drums lurch toward the offbeats, some looped guitar picking tugs against that pulse and Malcolm’s voice is a rattled, quavery moan…Everything stays off-kilter for the two and a half paranoid minutes of “Switched Off” by Oliver Malcolm” — New York Times, Playlist
“Oliver Malcolm’s ‘Switched Up’ Is Intoxicating… new single ‘Switched Up’ is a mesh of influences, a confluence of sounds, a mosaic of techniques.” — CLASH
“A lot of artists claim genre-blending style, but Malcolm’s is altogether impossible to define. Is it alt-blues? Dark electro-pop? Folk-hip-hop? Does it matter?” — TIME Magazine, Best New Song
“The hip-hop producer-turned-twisted musical anarchist is making songs for nobody but himself. You’ll love them anyway.” — i-D Magazine
About Oliver Malcolm
Oliver Malcolm got his start early, teaching himself how to spin records at 12 years old. Shortly after, he downloaded Logic and taught himself how to produce – working with IDK, Aluna George, Joey Bada$$, Jay Rock, Masego Tinashe and more. Now twenty, Oliver has developed his own voice. Touching everything from the production, vocals, songwriting, engineering, mixing and mastering, Oliver’s sound is unique and does not fit the mold of one genre. A multidisciplinary at heart, this is just the beginning of music lovers can look forward to from the new artist.
