Posts made in August 2020

Rosalia

MAC’s New Ambassador is Rosalía

M•A•C announces their NEWEST VIVA GLAM Ambassador, Rosalía!

The groundbreaking GRAMMY Award-winning and multiple Latin GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist joins us to launch VG26 — our all-new, limited-edition, fiery-red M•A•C VIVA GLAM Lipstick shade that celebrates 26 years of giving back 100%.

Influenced by flamenco, urban rhythms, electronic beats- and a feminist ethos- the Barcelona-born singer, songwriter and record producer embodies passion, courage and originality that inspires us and her fans across the world. The Grammy-Award winning artist has established herself globally as a unique, dynamic feminist who inspires self-expression and represents creativity and individuality – all values that are core to M•A•C’s VIVA GLAM mission- where 100% of the lipstick selling price supports healthy futures and equal rights for women, girls and the LGBTQ+ communities while maintaining its decades-long support for those living with HIV/AIDS.

“We are beyond proud to join forces with the incomparable Rosalía, who will elevate the M•A•C VIVA GLAM campaign to new levels this year. Aside from her epic voice and coveted style, Rosalía is deeply committed to improving the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS around the globe, especially those most vulnerable, including women, girls and the LGBTQIA+ community,” says John Demsey, Chairman of the M•A•C VIVA GLAM FUND & Executive Group President, The Estee Lauder Companies Inc.

Rosalía also recently recently released her second creative pairing with Travis Scott with the song “TKN”; Watch here and listen here.

Find Rosalía on Instagram

Rita Azar illustrates fashion article in 360 MAGAZINE

The Forging of Silver Jewelry

Human beings have been adorning themselves with jewels for thousands of years. Jewelry is one of the eldest archeological artifacts. Ancient Egypt is where it all began thousands of years ago. Since then, so much has changed, but some practices remain the same.

Jewelry makes a statement, highlights status, and indicates personal style. Silver, for instance, is used in making these pieces. It is highly malleable and reflective as well, which makes it an ideal raw material for making designer silver jewelry. This includes rings, anklets, bracelets, earrings, and plenty more besides.

Jewelry can be mass-produced in a plant, but it can also be forged from the comfort of your home. Below, we will look at the various kinds of silver that are used in the manufacture of jewelry pieces.

Types of Silver Used in Jewelry Making

Fine .999 Silver

Fine .999 Silver is the nearest metal to the unadulterated silver element. It is described as .999, representing 99.9% purity. Fine silver appears duller in comparison to the bright polish of sterling silver.

Fine silver is lax and will scratch, dent and bend shape reasonably easy. This is why fine silver jewelry is not as common as sterling silver jewelry since the pieces are not durable. The advantage of fine silver is that it is easy to forge, and it is highly impervious to tarnish.

Sterling .925 Silver

Sterling silver is the quality standard of jewelry in most world markets, making it the most known of the kinds of Silver used in jewelry. Sterling silver is an alloy consisting of 92.5% pure silver. The residual 7.5% usually is copper, though other elements such as nickel are at times used as well.

The other elements add strength, durability, and shine to the silver. Sterling silver is shiny but very prone to tarnish. Although sterling silver is tougher than fine silver, it is still reasonably lax compared to many other metals.

Nickel Silver

With regard to this type, silver defines the color of the metal and not the content. Nickel silver is a base metal alloy entailing of mostly copper coupled with nickel and/or zinc.

It is a cheap base metal that is comparable in appearance to sterling silver. Nickel silver is used in clothing jewelry but should be evidently marked and labeled as a nickel alloy since many individuals are allergic to nickel.

Tibetan Silver

Tibetan silver is also known as Tribal Silver, is a base metal alloy that has a silver appearance. The insides of this alloy tremendously vary and may lack silver entirely.

Some of these come from mysterious lands and can contain hazardous metals such as lead, so be careful when purchasing. However, the pieces can be attractive, so buy for the design and not for the quality of the metal.

Argentium Silver

Argentium silver comprises much cleaner than sterling and is available in two grades: 93.2% or 96% purity.  This is coupled with copper and germanium, which makes the metal more robust, more resistant to discolor, easier to clean and maintain.

Because this is a brand, only sanctioned jewelers can use the Argentium stamp, which features a flying unicorn. Argentium silver is nickel-free and hypoallergenic, but it also costs more than most other silver alloys.

Silver-Filled

Silver-filled is parallel in features to gold-filled metals. In terms of worth, it sits somewhere between sterling and Silver coated.

Silver-filled is not an alloy but rather a kind of coating that contains a denser layer of silver. Silver-filled jewelry is difficult to preserve as it discolors quickly. However, on the bright side, it’s cheaper than sterling silver.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, silver jewelry can be forged from various types of silver. The wearer is the one who decides the kind of silver they want on their jewelry, depending on their price point and the type of shine they wish for their pieces.

Dog and Cat illustrated by Mina Tocalini for 360 MAGAZINE.

What To Do For Dog Bites

Every year, 4.7 million people in the United States suffer dog bites.

Dogs might be our best friends, but the reality is that they’ve got some sharp teeth. If you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time, you could fall victim to their pearly whites. 

If you suffer a dog puncture wound or a full-on bite, it is important to know what to do in the aftermath. 

Keep reading to find out the five most important things to do after a dog bite when it comes to your health and legal action you may need to take.

Document the Wound

If you or someone around you can, take pictures of the wound before tending to it. Having evidence of the dog puncture wound or dog bite in its original state will be helpful if legal action is taken later on. It will provide photo evidence of the severity of the injury.

Call for Help

Place a clean towel or cloth over the wound, and apply pressure to stop the bleeding. If the injury is serious and requires professional care, call emergency services. While you are waiting for them to arrive, you can begin to collect information from the dog’s owner and anyone in the area who witnessed the event. 

Exchange Information 

Make sure to exchange contact information with the dog’s owner. You will need these details in case legal or insurance-related action is taken and because you will want to be able to obtain information on the dog’s medical history. Be sure to get their name, address, phone number, and any other relevant contact information. 

It will be important to find out whether the dog was vaccinated for certain diseases such as rabies because, after a dog bite, you are at risk of infection from any bacteria or illness the dog might have had and will require treatment accordingly.

Get Contact Information of Witnesses

If there were witnesses at the scene of the crime, make sure to get their information. In the case of a lawsuit or insurance claim, witness accounts of the incident will likely help your case. They will be able to corroborate and provide a more accurate idea of the events that took place. 

If you decide legal action is the appropriate route, you will need to present all of the information obtained at the crime scene to a dog bite lawyer. The lawyer will use the information provided to build a case. 

Seek Medical Help

After an aggressive encounter with a dog, you should seek help from a medical professional who knows how to treat a dog bite. A doctor will be able to determine whether you need stitches, clean the wound thoroughly, and advise you on how to prevent the wound from getting infected.

If you do notice signs of infection, such as redness, pus, increased pain, or fever, it is important to go back to the doctor for further treatment.

Taking Care of a Dog Puncture Wound or Bite

If you have suffered from a dog puncture wound or a dog bite, it is important to follow all of these steps. They will help you stay healthy by minimizing the risk of infection, and they will allow you to qualify for the best legal help possible. The more information you are able to obtain about the dog and its owner, the better. 

Mina Tocalini illustrates Rolls-Royce for 360 MAGAZINE

Car Buying Tips & Tricks

Buying a car is exciting. It’s the perfect example of out with the old and in with the new! You’ve already begun looking at different vehicles and narrowing down the type of vehicle you want based on the make and model.

As exciting as it is to purchase a new car, you should keep a few car buying tips in mind throughout the process. If you’ve never purchased a car before or haven’t done it many times, then it’s important to know that there are people out there looking to scam you.

Unfortunately, getting scammed when buying a car is quite common. Don’t let it happen to you. Continue reading below for a list of car buying tips and tricks!

  1. Compare Prices

Your first step, after figuring out what type of vehicle you want, should be to start comparing prices. Look up the vehicle you want based on the make and model. Look at several different sites and see what dealers are listing it for.

Keep in mind that private sellers will have theirs listed for a cheaper price than the dealer, but there might be more risk involved buying from a private seller.

You can do a check online on car value sites to get an idea of what a fair value is as well. Once you’ve compared prices, you can get a good idea of what you should pay for that vehicle.

  1. Visit Your Bank

If you’ve found a specific vehicle you think you want to go look at, then your next step should be to visit your bank. Credit unions are a great choice for taking out loans. If you don’t bank with one, you can still take out a loan with them by opening a savings account.

When you visit the bank, have information on the vehicle with you. The VIN number is most important. Your bank will be able to tell you what a fair price for the vehicle is. If the vehicle you want isn’t listed for a fair price, the bank won’t give you a draft for what the dealer is asking.

Instead, they’ll give you a draft for a fair price, and you can use this as a negotiation tool.

  1. Run a VIN Number Check

If you decide to take a loan out with the bank, the bank will run its own VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) check. If you don’t, then you’ll want to run a VIN check yourself. You might have to pay a fee to do this, but it’s worth it and can save you from being scammed.

A VIN check will tell you how many owners the vehicle has had, all different states the vehicle has been owned in, any accidents, and maintenance reports. This information is crucial. If the vehicle comes back as a rebuilt title, then this means the vehicle was totaled and you should avoid making the purchase.

  1. Take It for a Test Drive

Always take the vehicle out for a test drive. When taking it out for the test drive, you should be sure to take the vehicle on a road where you can go over 55 mph. This will give you a good idea of how the car reacts to higher speeds.

Some issues might not appear until the vehicle goes over a certain speed. When testing driving, be very attentive. Listen for all sorts of noises.

You can turn the radio and AC on to ensure they both work, but then lower them so they don’t drown out different sounds that could signal problems.

  1. Have Your Mechanic Inspect It

Have a mechanic come out and inspect the vehicle. If you’re buying a used truck, then there are certain things you want to ensure it has and ensure are in working order. These things might be different if you’re buying a car.

Your mechanic will know what to look for and what to check. Cars that come from up North or if you’re buying in a state where it snows, then look out for rust under the vehicle.

If the mechanic says it passes the test, then you’re good to go. If the mechanic finds any issues, then you can discuss these with the dealer and ask about lowering the price or fixing the issues before selling it to you.

  1. Ask the Dealer About Discounts

Don’t hesitate to ask the dealer about discounts as well. Some dealers will give discounts on certain vehicles. There are also deals and specials that dealers give out during certain times of the year.

Be on the lookout for these deals and discounts. You can call the dealer ahead of time and ask if they have any current deals or when their next big sale will be. Those are the best times to shop.

  1. Prepare to Negotiate

At last, it’s time to make the purchase. Prepare to negotiate the price before settling with the price the dealer listed. If you have a draft from your bank, then you can use this to negotiate.

The dealer should be willing to sell you the vehicle for the price the bank offers in the draft. If you’re not good at negotiating, then consider bringing a friend or someone with you who is. Don’t feel bad about it either.

Dealers are expecting buyers to try to bring the price down and in reality, they price the cars higher than fair price for this reason. It’s up to you to get them to come down to a fair price.

Don’t Forget These Car Buying Tips

If you’re ready to buy a car, then don’t forget these car buying tips! Knowing a few tips for buying a used car is the best way to ensure you get a good deal and avoid being scammed.

For more posts on auto and motor, be sure to visit regularly!

Illustration for 360 MAGAZINE

Ways to pass the time in the fall

Do you feel stuck at home when the weather suddenly starts to change? Does the gloominess of fall make you lazy and unproductive? While most people keep on using social media platforms to kill their boredom, there are other ways to feel motivated. Some of you may surf the Internet for fun like playing MrBet online pokies nz. The options are endless. Let’s have a look at them to maintain your sanity during such a season.

Polish your Skills

This is the best time to work on your skills and polish them. Learn something of your interest online or take a short course. Consume your time in learning something relevant to your field or just work on your hobbies. Explore more options and set a goal. Improve your skills, whether it be crafting, writing, graphic designing, photography, or whatever. Just believe in yourself, so that you can achieve everything.

Spark Creativity

When creativity strikes, one can have numerous ways to have fun-filled days. If you have an interest in casino games, then get this bonus. Many creative and innovative ideas are bound to make your days full of spice and thrill. Some of these are:

  • Have a backyard party. Sounds interesting? Just grab some barbeque grills, comfy chairs, and call over your friends. You are all set to have the best time.
  • Play a new game. Yes, believe us, it helps energize and entertain.
  • Challenge yourself every day.
  • Paint the wall of your room. Use different techniques to make it look brighter and sharper. Google the options.
  • Start gardening. Spend your time with the plants and take care of them. This kind of activity will have a soothing and calming effect on you.
  • Try out a new recipe. Good food makes everyone happy.
  • Have you borrowed a book ages ago from your friend? Time to sit draped in a blanket on the couch and finish it. It is the best way to kill time productively.
  • Nothing makes you happy? Don’t worry. Just switch on your TV and tune into Netflix. Time to watch the series, but grab some popcorn first.
  • Reconnect with life. Explore the beauties of nature. Rake up the fall leaves and click some fall pictures.
  • Bake fall-inspired cookies. Invite your friends and decorate cookies together.    
  • Fall is the best season to make leaf garlands. Try your hands out on this craft.    

Conclusion

If you are curious and excited to learn, there are many ways to keep you entertained. Never limit yourself, but try to explore all the options. If you are on the verge of tears because of boredom, try out some of these activities. We are sure you will find a way to conquer boredom, which will keep you on track this fall season.

Author: Nick Chong

Online game illustration for 360 MAGAZINE

4 Observations Showing Us the World Has Changed

Oh boy. Did you ever think back in, hey, just 2019, that we’d end up where we are now? The world has changed significantly over the course of a year, but honestly, the writing has been on the wall for a while now that things are about to get real.

1. Celebrity status is now cemented as a valid work background as a politician, even president

Yep, Kanye is making a swing at getting on the ballot for the next election in the US. Crazy? No, considering both Trump and Schwarzenegger paved the way have gone on to be successfully voted in, after serving as a reality TV star (/businessman) and action movie hero, respectively.

Celebrities are (mostly) aware that they get a huge platform to speak from: they already have household name recognition. In fact, this is why Taylor Swift said she kept her political opinions to herself for so long. She believed that she was ‘just a pop singer’ so her approval or disapproval of political goings-on shouldn’t be used to sway her listener’s votes. She ended up changing her tune, but it really speaks to the reasons why we shouldn’t listen to celebs just because they’re in our faces.

Instead (sorry, Ye) we should look to people experienced in politics, leadership, international relations, and industry, instead of celebrities who have experience in their craft, marketing, and jet setting. Instead, politicians should listen to celebs as consultants – they have a unique world view which can be useful to hear.

2. International travel is no longer a thing

Planning your next far-flung island getaway? Ha! Hahaha! Yeah… about that. 

Throw your mind waaaay back, back to the beginning of 2020. International travel was more affordable than ever. Your Instagram was filled with stories from your mates time at the Maldives, or Bali, or Croatia. Life was grand and you were excited for your summer trip this year. Then came Covid and now international travel is only really for EU citizens (and maybe not even) and everywhere else is closed. No stamps on your passport, ridiculously expensive flights, and zero tourist visas anyway. 

Hope you’re happy holidaying somewhere close to home or getting the green screen out and just pretending. How many airlines will collapse before this is all over? How much will the tickets be afterward? When are we going to get to travel? Who. Knows.

3. We’re doing evvvverything online

Working from home, attending classes online, socializing via Zoom. Everyone has had to get used to doing their regular ‘in-person’ activities in a stripped-back, purely online form. And it’s worked for the most part.

Even activities you may not have thought of have shifted online – for instance, gamblers stepping away from the huge, luxury casinos they’re used to playing at in favor of online houses. Of course, these land-based casinos have something their online counterparts cannot replicate (it’s good but not quite the same). When you enter you feel the energy, the scale of the places, and, unless you’re a billionaire, you may feel a little intimidated.

With such a huge shift online, it’s unlikely we’ll see the pendulum swing back entirely the other way to in-person activities. It’s great not having to wear pants, after all.

There is now such a thing as BC and AC: Before COVID-19 and After COVID-19, and it is apparent that there is a shift in international relations during these time periods. While there may not be a significant shift in power dynamics between different countries – yet – there certainly has been some interesting ripples as different countries, and even different regions within countries, feel dismayed at others’ policies.

4. International relations have shifted

Of course, much of this international shift has to do with the posture of the US, with Europeans now alarmed at the rising rates of coronavirus and wondering why US citizens aren’t more concerned with their health. There’s also the president out here returning to calling COVID-19 “The China Virus” which strains already fraught tensions between the two superpowers. The meddling of Russia in both the US elections and (allegedly) Brexit. People are still wary of China and yet intrigued as to how cleverly they’ve seemingly handled their internal coronavirus situation.

To sum up: it’s enough to make anyone’s head spin.

However, these new emerging dynamics are unlikely to go away, or back to the way they were any time soon, if at all. It’s going to be a very interesting few years to come.

The world has changed and it’s still changing – faster and faster. Let’s see where we end up next, hey? And can 2020 please be over already?

Rita Azar illustrates March on Washington for 360 MAGAZINE

Get Your Knee Off Our Necks

By Payton Saso

On Friday, August 28, 2020, tens of thousands of Americans from all racial, religious and geographic backgrounds gathered in Washington, D.C. on the 57th anniversary of the historic March on Washington to recommit themselves to the fight for justice; a fight that calls for the eradication of systemic racism, police reform and full and open access to the ballot box in November’s presidential election and beyond.

Others joined virtually from cities and states across the world to show their solidarity and to call for longstanding change. You can watch the complete coverage here on C-Span.


The day was empowering. Reverend Al Sharpton issued a clarion call for the next steps. Between now and November, National Action Network will organize voting education brigades and train poll workers to work the polls on Election Day. Our vote will not be suppressed.

According to CBS News, “Sharpton first announced plans for the march during a memorial service for George Floyd, the 46-year-old father who died at the hands of police in Minneapolis in May.” After the unjust killing of Floyd at the hands of police, cases of police brutality against the black community gained media attention, sparking protests across the world.


Many of those families who had been dismantled because of this violence epidemic had the opportunity to speak at this year’s march, coined the “Get Your Knee Off Our Necks” Commitment March on Washington. Philonise Floyd, George Floyds brother, and Tamika Miller, mother of Broenna Taylor who was killed in her home by police, both took the podium to speak to the crowd. NPR reported that Floyd told the crowd, “My brother, George, he’s looking down right now. He’s thankful for everything that everybody is doing right now. Our leaders, they need to follow us while we’re marching to enact laws to protect us.”


The March also hoped to bring attention to the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. According to the New York Times the bill would, “overhaul law enforcement training and conduct rules to try to limit police misconduct and racial bias.” Which comes after months of protest demanding the defunding of police departments and more education for those pursuing a career in law enforcement.


We will work tireless to push for the passage of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020 and the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2020, named in honor of our beloved Congressman who recently passed away after a heroic battle with cancer. You can read more about these proposed pieces of legislation below.

More importantly, if you are not registered to vote, please do so today. Most states are offering mail-in and early voting. The 2020 presidential election may be the most significant election of our lifetime. Key issues that impact the civil rights community will be on the ballot. Additionally, you will want to make your voice known in your local elections, particularly on issues relating to education.

• Click here to find out deadlines for registering to vote.

• Join National Action Network today to stay engaged

• Volunteer to be a poll worker

• Call your Senators and urge them to support the John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act of 2020.


Organizers originally estimated that there would be 100,000 protestors, according to the Washington Post; however, following a permit from the National Park Service that number was decreased to an allowed 50,000.. Organizers urged protesters to abide by COVID regulations by keeping social distance, causing some to step out into the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting pool in efforts to keep a six-foot distance.


Even with this cut, the immense power of the crowd was still felt. Protestors filled the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park holding signs painted with the faces of those who have been murder by police, calls voter registration and the dauntless reminder of the 8 minutes and 46 second George Floyd was pinned at the neck by an officer.


Martin Luther King III, King Jr’s son, spoke at the rally on the 57th anniversary of his father’s historical speech. CNN reported King III said, “If you’re looking for a savior, get up and find a mirror. We must be (our own) hero.” He reminded the crowd that quoting his father who died for this movement was not enough. King III stressed the importance of this generation of protestors to continue their activism and to vote in this upcoming election.


2020 has been a historical year engulfed by the flames of a pandemic and police brutality which both disproportionately affect black Americans. This years march served as a reminder that 57 years later, King’s dream has a long way to go and the fight for racial equality is still emanating through out America.

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act

The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act is the first-ever bold, comprehensive approach to hold police accountable, end racial profiling, change the culture of law enforcement, empower our communities, and build trust between law enforcement and our communities by addressing systemic racism and bias to help save lives. This bill addresses a wide range of policies and issues regarding policing practices and law enforcement accountability. It includes measures to increase accountability for law enforcement misconduct, to enhance transparency and data collection, and to eliminate discriminatory policing practices. The bill facilitates federal enforcement of constitutional violations (e.g., excessive use of force) by state and local law enforcement. Among other things, it does the following:

• lowers the criminal intent standard—from willful to knowing or reckless—to convict a law enforcement officer for misconduct in a federal prosecution,

• limits qualified immunity as a defense to liability in a private civil action against a law enforcement officer or state correctional officer, and

• authorizes the Department of Justice to issue subpoenas in investigations of police departments for a pattern or practice of discrimination.

The bill also creates a national registry—the National Police Misconduct Registry—to compile data on complaints and records of police misconduct. It establishes a framework to prohibit racial profiling at the federal, state, and local levels. The bill establishes new requirements for law enforcement officers and agencies, including to report data on use-of-force incidents, to obtain training on implicit bias and racial profiling, and to wear body cameras.

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act

This bill establishes new criteria for determining which states and political subdivisions must obtain preclearance before changes to voting practices in these areas may take effect. (Preclearance is the process of receiving preapproval from the Department of Justice or the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia before making legal changes that would affect voting rights.)

A state and all of its political subdivisions shall be subject to preclearance of voting practice changes for a 10-year period if (1) 15 or more voting rights violations occurred in the state during the previous 25 years; or (2) 10 or more violations occurred during the previous 25 years, at least one of which was committed by the state itself. A political subdivision as a separate unit shall also be subject to preclearance for a 10-year period if three or more voting rights violations occurred there during the previous 25 years.

A state or political subdivision that obtains a declaratory judgment that it has not used a voting practice to deny or abridge the right to vote shall be exempt from preclearance. All jurisdictions must preclear changes to requirements for documentation to vote that make the requirements more stringent than federal requirements for voters who register by mail or state law. The bill specifies practices jurisdictions meeting certain thresholds regarding racial minority groups, language minority groups, or minority groups on Indian land, must preclear before implementing. These practices include changes to methods of election, changes to jurisdiction boundaries, redistricting, changes to voting locations and opportunities, and changes to voter registration list maintenance.

The bill expands the circumstances under which (1) a court may retain the authority to preclear voting changes made by a state or political subdivision, or (2) the Department of Justice may assign election observers. States and political subdivisions must notify the public of changes to voting practices.

The bill revises the circumstances under which a court must grant preliminary injunctive relief in a challenge to voting practices.

vaughn lowery attends BLM march on washington for 360 MAGAZINE
vaughn lowery attends BLM march on washington for 360 MAGAZINE
vaughn lowery attends BLM march on washington for 360 MAGAZINE
vaughn lowery attends BLM march on washington for 360 MAGAZINE

Sheppard – Catalina

Heavy basslines, crunchy rhythmic guitars and a riding, Californian-tinged breakdown. This isn’t the same sound that Sheppard is known for…this isn’t the same band that fans have come to know and love…this is something completely different, in the best possible way.

Say hello to ‘Catalina’, the latest single, and a brand new side of Aussie band Sheppard!

First conceptualised in LA during a month-long writing session, before being finished in their hometown of Brisbane Australia, the band’s August-release ‘Catalina’ has been three years in the making.

We were so inspired by California when we were there, that a song about California basically wrote itself,said Amy Sheppard, whose vocals lead the new single. “It depicts a racy story of two lovers, sunglasses on and roof down, driving through the Californian desert with the sun in their faces and their real lives in the rearview mirror. This track isn’t your typical Sheppard sound, but I can’t remember the last time we had this much fun recording a single”.

Fans who have come to know Sheppard for iconic hits like ‘Coming Home’,‘Kiss My Fat Ass’, ‘Symphony’ and of course ‘Geronimo’ may be taken aback by the band’s new direction; pop-synths and piano ballads have been replaced by a collection of Californian-inspired guitar hooks and heavy beats, and arena sized euphoria has been switched out for stadium-sized rock.

Catalina also marks the first Sheppard track of 2020 to feature lead vocals from Amy Sheppard, who was last seen at the helm during her globally recognised movement for ‘Kiss my Fat Ass’.

Now officially eight months into their ‘one release per month’ project, Catalina is proof in the pudding that Sheppard aren’t interested in slowing down. They’re only getting started.

OTHER RELEASES BY SHEPPARD

Since the release of ‘Don’t Believe In Love’ back in February, Sheppard have taken fans on a rollercoaster journey through issues of the heart, with one track each month showcasing a different side of love.

Don’t Believe In Love’, the bands anti-Valentines day song shined a light on common problems in relationships, while their release for March –  ‘Somebody Like You’ – looked at the trouble with dating the same person over and over again. April had Sheppard trying to get back home to their loved ones on ‘Come Back’ and In May they said ‘Thank You’ to their mum Linda with a very special Mothers Day single. As 2020 hit the halfway point in June, Sheppard showed what falling in love looks like, with ‘Symphony’ injecting a much needed dose of hope into a world in chaos.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE VIDEO | CLICK HERE TO STREAM THE SINGLE

FOLLOW SHEPPARD

Website | Instagram | Facebook | Spotify | Youtube

Jazmine Sullivan – Lost One

Twelve-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jazmine Sullivan makes her long awaited return with the emotional new single “Lost One. Written by Jazmine and produced by Dave Watson, Jr., the smoldering ballad explores the remorse one experiences after a failed relationship. Released via RCA Records, the song is available at digital service providers – click here to listen.

“‘Lost One’ is about being careless with someone’s heart and having to live in regret from losing them. Loss is all around us, and it’s important to cherish the people you love before it’s too late,” says Jazmine.

As the first new solo recording from Jazmine in five years, “Lost One” reminds the listeners why she is often cited as one of today’s most dynamic vocalists. Sullivan’s 2015 third studio album, Reality Show, appeared on numerous “Best of” lists, including NPR Music which proclaimed Jazmine “is blessed with a ninth-wonder-of-the-world voice. She sounds sly, raspy, nimble, battleship-sturdy, gospel-drenched, emotionally devastating.”

Reality Show, which included fan favorites “Let It Burn,” “Forever Don’t Last,” and “Mascara,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, No. 2 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, No. 3 on the Digital Albums chart and No. 12 on the Billboard Top 200. The album also received three Grammy nominations.

JAZMINE’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In 2008, Jazmine Sullivan released her debut album Fearless, which featured the chart topping hit singles “Need You Bad” and “Bust Your Windows,” and earned the Philadelphia native seven Grammy nominations including Best New Artist. Jazmine released her second album, the critically acclaimed Love Me Back in 2010, of which the Associated Press declared as “something amazing” and consequently garnered her an eighth Grammy nomination for “Holding You Down (Goin’ In Circles).” Sullivan is the recipient of the Billboard Women in Music Rising Star Award (2010) and BET Her Award (2009).

STREAM/PURCHASE “Lost One” – HERE

FOLLOW JAZMINE SULLIVAN:

Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Tiwa Savage’s New Album – Celia

Today, Nigerian singer/songwriter Tiwa Savage shares her new album “Celia” via Motown Records. Listen here. The highly-anticipated third studio album further solidifies Tiwa’s position as one of the leading artists in the forefront pushing Afrobeats to a global audience. The 13-track album rhythmically entices one to dance and explores the many facets of femininity. Additionally, it speaks to the strong, modern woman that can be felt in Africa and globally.
Named after a strong woman – Tiwa’s Mother – “Celia” is a mixed bag of emotions, but is always honest while showcasing Savage’s extraordinary vocal talent and prowess as a writer on all the tracks. In addition, the album features Academy and multi-GRAMMY Award-winning pop phenomenon Sam Smith on her classy sultry track “Temptation” along with her other singles the female empowering “Koroba” and the hypnotizing “Dangerous Love.”
“Dangerous Love” marks Savage’s directorial debut as the song’s video finds Savage co-directing alongside Ibra Ake (Childish Gambino, Beyoncé) for a stunning visual shot in Lagos, Nigeria. Also, last week Tiwa made her US TV Debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon with “Dangerous Love” in a breathtaking outdoor performance which featured the 11-year-old Nigeran ballet dance sensation Anthony Mmesoma Madu.

Celia demonstrates the incredible musical growth she’s experienced over the years. Celia also has Tiwa collaborating with the likes of Naira Marley, Stefflon Don, Dice Ailes, Davido, and Hamzaa along with Sam Smith. In addition, producer credits stem from London, Cracker Mallo, P2J, Sak Passe, Pheelz, Blaq Jerzee, Speroach Beats and more.

ABOUT TIWA SAVAGE

Born in Lagos, she grew up attending church with her parents and soon developed a love for performing, then relocated to London with her family at the age of 11. At the age of 16, she found herself singing backing vocals for George Michael – a turn of events that quickly led to working with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Kelly Clarkson, Emma Bunton, and Blu Cantrell. Through the years, Savage’s fearlessness in merging eclectic genres has more than paid off, earning her an abundance of awards and accolades. To that end, she made history in 2018 by becoming the first female to win the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act. She’s since garnered four Channel O Music Video Award nominations, five World Music Award nominations, and a multitude of nominations from the MTV Africa Music Awards, BET Awards, MOBO Awards, etc.
She’s also undertaken a number of philanthropic endeavors, supporting several youth engagement organizations and breast-cancer-screening projects across Nigeria and beyond. Additionally, Savage is very active in #JusticeForUwa, loudly voicing her disgust at the rape of a young girl in a church in Nigeria. Also, she created an Instagram account where rape victims can speak out.

Celia Tracklist

1. Save My Life

2. Temptation (feat. Sam Smith)

3. Ole (feat. Naira Marley)

4. Koroba

5. Bombay (feat. Stefflon Don & Dice Ailes)

6. Dangerous Love

7. Park Well (feat. Davido)

8. Us (Interlude)

9. FWMM (F*CK With My Mind)

10. Pakalamisi (feat. Hamzaa)

11. Attention

12. Glory

13. Celia’s Song

Celia is executively produced by Tiwa Savage & Vannessa Amadi-Ogbonna

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