Posts made in April 2022

Tauren Wells – Joy in the Morning

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Ten-time GRAMMY nominee Tauren Wells will release his new album, Joy in the Morning, on June 10. As the album pre-order launched, he shared his new single, “Empty,” and announced that he will give the song its national television performance debut on the Tamron Hall Show. (Check HERE for air times.) The soaring piano ballad is perhaps Wells’ most empathetic song to date. “You could have it all / You could have the whole world at your feet / But still feel empty,” he sings, his voice reaching new crescendos. He wrote the track with Tedd T., who also produced, and Paul Duncan. Listen to “Empty” HERE. View the visualizer HERE. Check out the album trailer HERE.

Joy in the Morning, Wells’ third album and first for Capitol Records/CCMG, follows 2021’s Citizen of Heaven (Live), which received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album. He also received GRAMMY and NAACP Image Awards nominations for “Hold Us Together (Hope Mix),” his 2021 duet with H.E.R. On Joy in the Morning, Wells pushes the limits of what people might expect from him, combining sonically adventurous music with a deep, abiding message.

“I’ve come to view my music as an entrance not as an escape—it’s where you get to step in and consider your life,” explains Tauren Wells, who will be co-hosting the K-LOVE Fan Awards in Nashville this May. “You can consider the pain. Consider the disappointments. Consider the dreams. And now, all of a sudden, you have a soundtrack that helps soothe the wounds or awaken the dreamer. It’s not about getting out of your life. It’s about getting more out of your life.”

Joy in the Morning includes his recent single “Fake It” Feat. Aaron Cole, praised by E! News as an “upbeat, infectious track.” Wells recently gave an exclusive live performance of “Fake It” from the Vevo Studios. Watch HERE.

Fans who pre-order the digital edition of Joy in the Morning will instantly receive “Empty” and “Fake It.” The album is also available in Wells’ online store along with an exclusive line of Joy in the Morning merchandise, which includes t-shirts, long-sleeve shirt, hats and more.

About Tauren Wells

tThe celebrated recording artist, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter has amassed one billion combined global streams and 225 million video views in his career to date, charted six No. 1 radio singles and earned one RIAA Platinum certification and two Gold records. Remembering his childhood in Battle Creek, Michigan, he notes what a varied and diverse his musical upbringing he had. “My dad played everything for me from Winona Judd to the Isley Brothers to Bonnie Raitt, Black Sabbath, ZZ Top, AC/DC, James Brown, Prince,” Wells recalls. “I realized I could make music as inspiring and exciting as Michael Jackson while also talking about things that actually matter to me through this lens of faith and love. Now I can sit down at the piano and talk about what I’m going through and, because of the power of songwriting, someone else can identify with the same thing I’m feeling even though we’ve never met and I’ve never heard their story. That was the thing that propelled me to sing and write and dance and perform and create.”

KB Mike – What We Had

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Buzzing Chicago phenom KB Mike reveals his emotionally charged new single “What We Had” via Republic Records. Listen to “What We Had” HERE

On the track, his voice echoes between strains of soft piano. He looks back nostalgically on an old relationship with hopes of a new beginning. It showcases his dynamic range from moments of melodic bliss to high register explorations of heartbreak.

This Spring, KB Mike joins Marzz on the Love Letters Tour. It kicks off on April 22 at Cambridge Room @ HOB in Dallas, TX, visits major markets, and concludes on June 17 in Louisville, KY at Mercury Ballroom. Get tickets HERE.

He has built momentum throughout 2022 with tracks such as “Members” with Yungeen Ace. It followed “Keep Yo Head Up” which continues to gain traction on streaming platforms. Just prior, KB Mike dropped the powerful “Deserve Better,” which addressed domestic violence head-on. Upon arrival, HotNewHipHop claimed, “The nearly three-minute track sees the rapper encourage listeners to remove themselves from toxic relationships while spreading awareness about the brutal realities of domestic violence.” Maintaining his momentum, “Deserve Better” arrived on the heels of his latest single and music video “L.O.V.E.” and his breakout anthem “Used To,” which has racked up millions of streams to date. He’s already received looks from Elevator, REVOLT and many more.

KB Mike has a massive 2022 ahead. Stay tuned!

About KB Mike

A show of emotion equates to a show of strength. KB Mike doesn’t hold back his emotions. In the process, he asserts himself as a strong, soulful, and spirited voice for not only his native Chicago, but the culture at large. He’s endured his fair share of pain and gained wisdom and perspective as a result. Growing up on the city’s notorious Southside, he watched friends and family fall prey to violence and drugs. At the same time, he gained popularity throughout his high school and community. Stuck at home on house arrest, he honed his voice through a series of freestyles online. During 2020, he brought his Spotify stream tally into the millions on the back of “Addicted” and initial breakthrough “Deep In Love.” After piling up over 15 million views and 10 million streams, the artist immediately connects by holding nothing back.

NFT | LA Roundup

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At the crux of the crypto community are gatherings. During a four-day inaugural conference from March 28-31, the brilliant minds behind the Edge of NFT podcast–Joshua Kriger, Jeff Kelley, Eathan Janney and Zack Sekar brought the LA blockchain clique together.

L.A. LIVE, the entertainment complex perfectly set in DTLA and adjacent to the Arts District is where tons off-site events were held. Since parking is difficult to navigate, public transit is one’s ideal option. In fact, some arrived via e-bikes with helmet in tow.

Attendance included financial experts alongside web developers, to those eager to learn about digital market spaces, DeFi, Web 3 and minting NFTs. Thanks to the growing tech within the City of Angels, largely in part to lower startup costs in comparison to Silicon Valley, the event drew an international crowd.

Notable speakers ranged from billionaire Mark Cuban, NBA legend and founder of Black Santa Baron Davis, famed DJ Steve Aoki and world-renowned CEOs Robby Yung and David Wachsman. Other highlights which grabbed our attention were the art installations, innovative activations and musical performances.

The venue’s outdoor courtyard provided us with a much needed recess in between talks. In fact, we caught performances by rappers Nelly and Rich the Kid, played Trivia at the Freckle and snacked on lite bites from a plethora of parked food trucks.

Wednesday night included an exclusive party held by Magic Eden, the leading NFT market place on Solana. The beginning of the night included a panel discussion from the Magic Eden team members Jack Tanlu, Zhuoxun Yin, Sidney Zhang and Zhuojie Zhou. After the discourse, the night was led by sets from Flosstradamus, Waka Flocka Flame and Migos‘ very own Quavo.

However, like many industries in America, the tech arena is white male-dominated, threatening new generational wealth of both women and minorities.

That said, there were few discussions which concentrated on marginalized people within the realm, including the web3 panel which featured Dapper Labs, Stephanie Smellie, Ridhima Khan, Jayne Peressini, Nicole Rochette with moderator Ros Gold-Onwude.

Perhaps next season, the organizers will consider grants for POC, LGBTQ and artists alike, encouraging inclusivity.

In celebration of this metaverse, 360 MAGAZINE, a brand which was established within this emerging smart city, launched its NFT capsule.

Recap of NFT.NYC

360 MAGAZINE NFT ANIMAL SERIES ON OPENSEA

Article: Bee Davies, Yash Thadani, Vaughn Lowery

MARVEL × ASIAN PACIFIC/AMERICAN

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Shang-Chi, Kamala Khan, Wong, Mantis, and Jimmy Woo headline MARVEL’S VOICES: IDENTITY #1 2022. The second Marvel’s Voices anthology honoring Asian Pacific American Heritage Month will showcase brand new stories crafted by both emerging and established Asian and AAPI talent. Arriving on May 25, MARVEL’S VOICES: IDENTITY #1 2022 will feature four action-packed and heartfelt adventures set throughout the Marvel Universe plus an introduction by Isabel Hsu, Senior Manager of Creative Development at Marvel Games and exclusive interview with longtime comic book letterer and industry pioneer, Janice Chiang. Right now, fans can get their first look at all four covers and preview each of the featured stories, including:

· Writer Pornsak Pichetshote and artist Creees Lee take Shang-Chi and Jimmy Woo on a vital mission with some unexpected surprises

· Writer Sabir Pirzada and artist Eric Koda teams up Ms. Marvel with Shang-Chi in a story that explore these two heroes’ differences and similarities

· Writer Jeremy Holt and artist Kei Zama spotlight the Guardians of the Galaxy’s Mantis, diving into the iconic character’s fascinating past and gearing her up for a bright future

· Writer Emily Kim and artist Rickie Yagawa showcase the power and expertise of master of the mystic arts, Wong, in an exciting solo adventure

MARVEL’S VOICES: IDENTITY #1 2022 continues the tradition of inspiring and uplifting storytelling that truly reflects “the world outside your window.” These stories celebrate Marvel’s ongoing, ever-expanding pantheon of heroes and the vastness of all Asian, Asian American and Pacific Island cultures and identities. Check out all four covers now and visit Marvel.com to see an exclusive sneak peek and hear from the creators themselves! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

To find a comic shop near you, go HERE.

FTC Attacks False Bamboo Claims

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The Federal Trade Commission used its Penalty Offense Authority to take action against national retailers Kohl’s, Inc. and Walmart, Inc. for falsely marketing dozens of rayon textile products as bamboo. Both companies also are charged with making deceptive environmental claims, touting that the “bamboo” textiles were made using eco-friendly processes, while in reality converting bamboo into rayon requires the use of toxic chemicals and results in hazardous pollutants.

The Commission has asked the court to order Kohl’s and Walmart to stop making deceptive green claims or using other misleading advertising, and pay penalties of $2.5 million and $3 million respectively, by far the largest penalties in this area. The complaints and proposed orders were filed by the U.S. Department of Justice on the FTC’s behalf.

“Kohl’s and Walmart are paying millions of dollars under the FTC’s Penalty Offense Authority for mislabeling their rayon products as bamboo,” said Samuel Levine, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “False environmental claims harm both consumers and honest businesses, and companies that greenwash can expect to pay a price.”

The FTC’s complaints against Kohl’s and Walmart are similar in their structure and allegations. According to the complaints, since at least January 2015, Kohl’s, headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, and Walmart, based in Bentonville, Arkansas, have each marketed at least two dozen items as made of bamboo in both product titles and descriptions. In addition, the companies have marketed some of the “bamboo-derived” products as providing general environment benefits, such as being produced “free of harmful chemicals, using clean, non-toxic materials.”

As the complaints allege, Kohl’s and Walmart’s supposed “bamboo” textiles are actually made of rayon derived from bamboo, which was not disclosed to consumers, in violation of the FTC Act and the Textile Act and Rules. Further, the complaints allege the claimed environmental benefits of the products are false and misleading because the rayon manufacturing process uses toxic chemicals and results in the emission of hazardous pollutants.

In conjunction with this announcement, the FTC is reviving additional Notices of Penalty Offenses that were issued in the 1970s or 1980s but remain valid and relevant. These notices cover, for example, textiles, energy savings, fur products, home improvement products, auto rentals, bait and switch, toys, and weight reduction. Businesses in these industries should familiarize themselves with the Commission’s determinations in these areas.

The Commission vote to authorize the staff to refer the complaints to the DOJ and to approve the proposed orders was 4-0. The DOJ filed the complaints and proposed orders on behalf of the Commission in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia.

New Miami Exhibits

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In the Miami Design District, a new pop-up exhibition debuted: Metonym, by Nadir Souirgi, which displays paintings that challenge human positionality in relation to other animals. Additionally, an eclectic group of Ukrainian artists are featured in the pop-up exhibition: The Memory on Her Face Pt. 2 which addresses issues of national identity from creators Nikita Kadan, Lesia Khomenko, Nikolay Karabinovych, Maria Sulymenko, Vlada Ralko and Oleksiy Sai.

Nadir Sourigi: Metonym | April 4 – May 27, Palm Court

This pop-up exhibition of new paintings by Nadir Souirgi challenges human positionality in relation to other animal realms through disorientation, interweaving, and framing. Souirgi’s work ranges from moments of ludic evolutionary force in Pink Light, where the background creates a levity to a scene that could otherwise be interpreted as simply agonizing, to moments of upturned abstraction which upon further examination reveal a code of phantom spaces and faces as in Carnival. The exhibit is presented by Bas Fisher Invitational as part of “Waterproof Miami,” a series of environmentally-informed projects done in collaboration with Bridge Initiative.

Ukrainian Artists: The Memory on Her Face Pt. 2 | April 2 – 25, Laverne Building

Presented by Voloshyn Gallery, The Memory on Her Face. Part 2 is a collective exhibition of Ukrainian artists. Addressing issues of national identity, destruction and renaissance, the exhibition highlights the artists’ take on historical events and processes, interactions between the past and the present, and ideas for the future. The first iteration of this exhibition, The Memory on Her Face, was presented in Miami between February 5–March 28, 2022. After the Russian Federation invaded Ukraine on February 24, the exhibition project gained new relevance. Documenting the events that unfolded in Ukraine over the last 8 years, the works in the show trace the physical

destruction and collective anguish caused by unfathomable events that demand global attention.

Amani Lewis | Baltimore’s Finest: Mr. Girlyoucrazy and Dev

Amani Lewis, known exclusively for canvas work, unveiled their first-ever mural in The Miami Design District‘s Jade Alley. Being a Black and nonbinary artist, Amani Lewis creates works of art with the mission to move and inform. They pull from their personal adversity and social and creative circles to make stunning portraits that point out prevailing narratives and societal misconceptions.

In the mural, Amani constructed a double portrait highlighting a creative couple from their hometown of Baltimore. Spanning a massive 40ft x 12ft, the mural depicts musician Mr. GirlYouCrazy and fashion stylist Devrene in tender embrace.

Fainzilber | Melin Windows

This window installation comprises three photographic series: Somewear, 2014; Wild Flowers, 2016; and The Cookbook, 2019) by New York-based Argentinian photographer Lucía Fainzilber. Arranged in the Melin Building windows, these highly stylized visual compositions trigger an enhanced sensorial perception through a deliberate manipulation of the artist’s preferred subjects: fabrics, food, and color. As an immigrant female artist working in New York City, the experiences of cultural and gender difference inform Fainzilber’s approach to photography, and distinguish her idiosyncratic body of work.

Matteo Bocelli × Sebastián Yatra

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Italian singer-songwriter Matteo Bocelli and Colombian singer-songwriter Sebastián Yatra released a romantic new single as a three-track EP with renditions of the song in English (“Until She’s Gone”), Spanish (“Tu Luz Quedó”) and Italian (“Un Attimo di Te”). The tender ballad conveying regrets and hope for reconciliation, performed remarkably by the acclaimed vocalists, who are accompanied by poignant piano and soaring strings, is complemented with a stunning music video shot in the Mediterranean island of Malta. All three versions of the song were produced by Mauricio Rengifo and Andrés Torres, who have helmed such multi-Platinum hits as Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito.” Matteo Bocelli wrote the track with Jez Ashurst and Emma Rohan (Little Mix, Susan Boyle). Yatra collaborated with Matteo on the Spanish lyrics.

Listen HERE.

Matteo Bocelli says, “‘Until She’s Gone’ is an incredible romantic ballad that I had the pleasure of singing with my friend Sebastián Yatra. I met him two years ago and we immediately connected on a musical and personal level. I am so honored to sing this song with him in Spanish, English and Italian. It is truly an international project.”

Sebastián Yatra added, “Matteo is a terrific artist and I am deeply excited about singing such a beautiful song with him and about having the opportunity of doing so in Spanish, English and also Italian. I’ve always been inspired by the Italian language and their music, starting from Matteo’s father Andrea Bocelli. Matteo and I had a spectacular time in Malta shooting the video and hopefully we will get to sing this song live many times.”

Bocelli and Yatra perform the three versions outdoors, directed by Italian filmmaker Cosimo Alemà. The video for “Tu Luz Quedó,” which was released today, can be viewed HERE. Watch for the YouTube Premiere of the official video for “Until She’s Gone” on Monday, April 11, and for the “Un Attimo di Te” official video soon after.

The three videos were shot in the unique setting of the Island of Malta, thanks to Visit Malta, Ministry of Tourism and Consumer Protection, Malta Tourism Authority, the Mediterranean Tourism Foundation and Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA).

Yatra recently stunned at the 94th annual Academy Awards performing a beautiful rendition of the RIAA certified Gold “Dos Oruguitas” from The Walt Disney animated film “ENCANTO” which was nominated this year for an Oscar and a Golden Globe. The multi-platinum singer-songwriter also recently released a powerful bilingual celebration of his single “Tacones Rojos” which reached #1 on Latin Radio in the US, from his multi-platinum new album “Dharma,” which is the #1 streamed Latin album released this year on Spotify. The genre-bending 17-track third studio album’ features his 8x platinum hit “Pareja del Año,” 4x platinum smash “Chica Ideal,” and the Latin GRAMMYs nominated ballad “Adios,” and boasts 5.4 Billion combined streams. While Yatra has released bilingual collaborations in the past, “Un Attimo di Te” is his first recording in Italian. Currently nominated for five Latin American Music Awards, and starring in Netflix’s “Érase Una Vez Pero Ya No,” he will resume his 2022 ‘Dharma World Tour’ later this month with a series of dates in Mexico, followed by the US and Canada.

Earlier this year, Matteo Bocelli made his Spanish language recording debut with “Dime,” which he also recorded in Italian (“Dimmi”). He recently joined his father, opera legend Andrea Bocelli, on a sold out U.S. arena tour, which included two shows at Madison Square Garden shows in New York City and the Hollywood Bowl. Matteo Bocelli, who is graduating at the Conservatory of Lucca in Tuscany, began learning piano at age six. At 18, he made his stage debut, singing Verdi at the Rome Colosseum. Much of the world first heard Matteo’s mellifluous vocals and textured piano playing on 2018’s “Fall on Me,” the English/Italian duet he co-wrote for Andrea Bocelli’s chart-topping Sì album. The song, which went on to soundtrack Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms, has attained over 300 million combined global streams. Matteo released his fittingly titled debut single “Solo” in 2021. Combined global streams of the song have surpassed seven million and views of the official video now exceed five million. He performed the follow-up single, “Close,” on “The Kelly Clarkson Show” in January 2022.

*Photo by Luca Rossetti

Natura Ora

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In celebration of Earth Day this month, The St. Regis Bora Bora is delighted to officially launch Natura Ora. Tahitian for “Living Nature,” Natura Ora is the resort’s sustainability initiative dedicated to protecting the environment, supporting local people and communities, preserving French Polynesian culture, and practicing more responsible consumption.

“For several months, our teams have worked closely with our new Sustainability Development Officer, Lucie-Léa Viot, to develop the Natura Ora concept and we are excited to officially debut this important sustainability initiative in celebration of Earth Day,” states General Manager Emmanuel Richardet. “Our goal is to create lasting, pro-active programs under the Natura Ora umbrella that inspire colleagues and the local community to work together to protect our fenua (Tahitian for land), support the people and preserve the culture of French Polynesia.”

With an emphasis on collaboration and co-creation, the resort is working with various organizations to achieve Natura Ora’s goals including the local environmental protection organization, Ia Vai Ma Noa; Amazones Pacific, a non-profit organization supporting women whose lives have been compromised by cancer; Pae Tai Pae Uta, a waste management consultancy firm; and the Agency for Environment & Energy Management (ADEME).

“This is such an incredible destination that is rich with cultural and environmental treasures,” states Lucie-Léa Viot, the resort’s Sustainability Development Officer. “I’m proud to be given this opportunity to bring our vision for Natura Ora to life to ensure that French Polynesia’s fenua, its people, and its culture thrive for many years to come.”

Projects launched as part of the Natura Ora initiative include:

Waste Management – Repurposing of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)

The resort has partnered with the local charity, Ia Via Ma Noa, to collect and repurpose electronic and electrical equipment for donation to local families and businesses in need.

Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Market

As part of Natura Ora’s mission to support good health practices, an on-property weekly market was established to sell fresh, locally-sourced produce at below market prices to help make healthy eating more accessible and affordable for colleagues and the local community.

Coral Planting

“In French Polynesia, the protection of marine life, particularly the preservation of corals, is

essential for biodiversity,” states Sustainability Development Officer, Lucie-Léa Viot. To that end, the resort will launch a coral reforestation program that invites guests to actively participate in the planting of coral with the resort’s marine specialist. Guests will receive a diploma for their work and can follow the evolution of the coral they planted year after year.

The Green Council

This 10-person team was curated from different resort departments for the purpose of brainstorming and implementing new concepts and programs in accordance with Natura Ora’s goals and areas of focus.

Annual Earth Hour Event

On March 26 this year, the resort held its first annual commemoration of Earth Hour to increase awareness about the need to reduce energy consumption to help save the planet. Between 8:30 PM – 9:30 PM, electric lights were extinguished on the resort’s Main Beach—380 candles and two fire pits were lit to illuminate the area. The event included live music and a presentation about the origins and purpose of Earth Hour.

Additional Natura Ora projects in the pipeline include taking waste management practices to the next level by increasing recycling rates and improving sorting, further development of the coral reforestation program, installment of water fountains to eliminate the use of plastic water bottles, and increasing the consumption of local products to decrease the resort’s carbon footprint. For resort colleagues, more wellness offerings and volunteer opportunities are also in development.

About The St. Regis Bora BoraThis expansive 44-acre tropical paradise combines French Polynesian hospitality with St. Regis’ renowned service. The resort’s 90-rooms are comprised of charming garden view villas, beachside villas, two-bedroom reef side villas perfect for families, and the largest overwater villas in the South Pacific. Accommodations throughout the resort are idyllically situated to optimize views of majestic Mount Otemanu and access Bora Bora’s brilliant turquoise waters and pristine beaches. Lagoon by Jean Georges Restaurant, the Iridium Spa nestled on its own private island, St. Regis’ signature butler service, a fun-filled Kids Club and the property’s stunning Lagoonarium flush with marine life are just some of the things that make this award-winning hideaway one of the world’s leading luxury resorts.

El Alfa – Sabiduría

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El Alfa, the most representative Urban artist from the Dominican Republic releases his 4th studio album titled “Sabiduría” (Wisdom). A comprehensive production of 14 songs with “explosive” collaborations that transports the artist closer to the Anglo market, proving a musical maturity that the interpreter defines as “the best I have done in my artistic career to date.”

The album’s title “Sabiduría” hails from the mere meaning of the word; ‘wisdom’ being the definitive feature of El Alfa’s artistic career; foresight, prudence, insight and experience are contributing factors that have allowed him to make the best decisions over time to climb the steps of musical success.

“Each of my albums has been the clear representation of my artistic career. From the man who understood that discipline would be his livelihood, to the man today who has the wisdom to make his dreams come true. I hope you enjoy it,” El Alfa said.

The album encompasses contributions from musicians and artists from different walks of the world including Chael Produciendo, the genius behind the worldwide success of “La mamá, la mamá,” Dominican artist/producer La Nota, as well as Cubans Mauro and Lenier who poured their indisputable “flow” into the production of “Sabiduría.”

“Sabiduría” releases simultaneously along with the music video “Máquina de dinero” a collaboration with American rapper French Montana and introducing young Dominicans Braulio Fogón and Kaly, Ocho, the new generation of urban artists from this musical hit producing Caribbean country.

Additionally, “Sabiduría” contains musical collaborations with Lil Pump, Lenier, T.Y.S, Valentino, Farina and El Mayor Clásico, with the latter, El Alfa premiered the first single off the album titled “Galapin.”

“Wisdom” is available for streaming on all digital music platforms.

Watch Bendecido HERE.

Oh Wonder – Fuck it, I Love You

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Oh Wonder dropped brand new track “Fuck It, I Love You”—the second preview of upcoming album 22 Make, which will see its release on Republic Records on July 22^nd and follows the beautiful single “Magnificent“. The band’s huge run of global dates begins this week and includes a homecoming show at London’s Brixton Academy on April 21^st.

“Fuck It I Love You” is piano-driven pop at Oh Wonder‘s finest, a bridge in many ways between the worlds of accompanying albums 22 Make and 2021’s 22 Break. It was written way back in the summer of 2020 and represented a glimmer of hope for the couple, then in the throes of what seemed like the end of both the band and the couple’s relationship. “We clung to the demo for months, secretly hoping that we’d get to release ‘Fuck It I Love You’ in happier times. It was almost like the song was telling us that we couldn’t break up and disband because it needed to be released. It probably kept us together!” Now though, adds Josephine, “We’re struggling for a non-explicit version.”

Introduced in beguiling style by the first single “Magnificent”, 22 Make is the surprise second half of alt-pop duo Oh Wonder’s 22 Break project. Its first half dropped with little warning towards the end of 2021, unpicking a turbulent period in the band’s incredible story: here were universal themes (loneliness, inadequacy, resentment, fears for the future) as experienced by one couple in real-time, all blown up in the pandemic. Not many bands can make a break-up album that culminates in them tying the knot—but then again, Oh Wonder has never been like other bands. Coming out of 22 Break and all the soul-searching that it forced them to do, Josephine and Anthony got married and channeled all this into 22 Make: a whole new album soundtracking the light at the end of a tunnel and realizing despite everything—”fuck It, I Love You”.

“When we nearly broke up during the pandemic, we used music as a way out,” Oh Wonder writes, introducing the project in its entirety. “We wrote all our pain, sadness, and confusion into a collection of songs that we eventually released as the album 22 Break. But for us, that was only half of the story. We managed to survive our rocky patch and emerge stronger than ever and full of love for each other. It only felt right therefore, to write about the other side, where you realize not just that you’re meant for each other, but also that it also takes two people to make a love flourish. We are thrilled to be releasing ’22 Make’, an album full of love and life-affirming songs that reflect on fate, gratitude, and being there for someone.”

This transformative period continues Oh Wonder’s remarkable, homegrown success story. 2020’s acclaimed No One Else Can Wear Your Crown continued a run of back-to-back top 10 albums from the band who have—on their own distinct terms—become one of UK pop’s more unsuspecting breakthroughs (2.7 billion streams, 1.7 million adjusted album sales, and vocal fans in the likes of Billie Eilish). Oh Wonder even founded and literally built from the ground up the hugely popular Nola cafe in Peckham early on in the pandemic. Through opening up to their fans and each other, the ‘Make or Break?’ poised by 22 Break and 22 Make appears not so much a question, as an active choice—to be as honest as possible, to move forward, and to begin a brand new chapter in the story of Oh Wonder.