Posts made in April 2022

Lamborghini Aventador NFT

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As Automobili Lamborghini moves to electrify its complete line-up in 2023 and 2024, the legendary super sports car Aventador is approaching its end of production. In an unprecedented project, the Italian marque is auctioning the last Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Coupé ever produced as a one of one NFT, in collaboration with two of the most iconic creators of our time, contemporary artists Krista Kim, Steve Aoki and global brand storytelling agency [INVNT GROUP]™. The Lamborghini ‘Ultimate’ drop is the world’s first supercar 1:1 NFT, marking the end of a successful era for Lamborghini and moving the raging bull forward into the digital era.

For the first time, Lamborghini is auctioning a super sports car linked to an exclusive NFT, before the top model of the Italian luxury brand becomes a V12-powered plug-in hybrid. The lucky collector will be part of the brand’s iconic legacy and will have access to VIP utilities, which include exclusive virtual previews of future, limited edition Lamborghini models, a private tour of the Museo Lamborghini, and a virtual “Meet and Greet” with Steve Aoki and Krista Kim, plus other VIP benefits. There will only be one collector who will own the ultimate 1:1 NFT Lamborghini collectible that can be shared across generations to come.

The drop is the world’s first NFT ever to be auctioned with a physical super sports car. Lamborghini, Krista Kim, and Steve Aoki, all leaders in their own fields, will redefine the supercar and NFT space and bridge the gap between the physical and virtual world. The sale will be hosted in a dedicated online auction by RM Sotheby’s, the world’s foremost collector car auction house.

“Lamborghini and the NFT community fit together very well, as we share many values. We are both young-spirited innovators, looking out for unexpected projects and technological solutions”, explains Stephan Winkelmann, Chairman and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “This project is very special for us as it is a true first, a path nobody has ever taken; to collaborate with such outstanding creative minds makes it all the more special.”

Krista Kim is creating the visual artwork for the NFT. It will feature her infamous Mars House and her signature gradient work. Her gradients will also appear in the bespoke customization of the physical Lamborghini Aventador Coupé, made possible through Lamborghini’s Ad Personam program: “This Aventador is a legend; it is the first physical-digital supercar! When higher states of consciousness meet leading-edge technology and design, we see elevated beauty on another level. In my Lamborghini NFT dream, I envision meditating in front of a sublime Mars sunset with Steve, as he transforms the engine sound into a meditative vibe. I couldn’t be more excited to bring this vision to life in the physical car and NFT.”

Steve Aoki will provide the custom developed track for the NFT, an exclusive soundtrack for the physical car inspired by the last Aventador and will consult on the design of the NFT and physical car customization: “I’m honored to be partnering with Lamborghini and Krista Kim on this historic project! The drop signifies the ultimate intersection—where the physical world, digital art, and music come together as one. Every design element of this car is purposeful. It truly has its own story, and therefore I wanted my music track to reflect its soulful energy—the vibe, the spirit, and the power.”

These three iconic brands, in partnership with [INVNT GROUP] and its portfolio of disciplines, came together to creatively develop the NFT. “This event will likely be one of the most prolific NFT drops this year and will certainly be one of the most historic automobile auctions ever. Our collaboration with Lamborghini, Steve Aoki and Krista Kim is a representation of our boundless innovation to bring brands and artists together. I am beyond proud of our entire global group, notably, our innovation team out of Singapore, INVNT.ATOM; HEVĒ, our digital content studio; and our [INVNT GROUP] marcomms team.” said Scott Cullather, President and CEO [INVNT GROUP].

The NFT and exclusive Lamborghini Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Coupé will be auctioned by RM Sotheby’s on April 19^that 6:00 PM CET/12:00 PM EST.

Drai’s × GRAMMYs

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Drai’s Beachclub • Nightclub was at the center of all the action for Las Vegas’ first time ever hosting the GRAMMY Awards show with dynamic performances by DaBaby, French Montana and Nelly. The 64^th annual celebration assembled a multitude of superstars at Drai’s including G Eazy, Karreuche, Tyler Boyd, Yung Bleu, Key Glock and London on Da Track.

Grammy-nominee DaBaby jumpstarted the celebration with a much-anticipated performance on the Drai’s LIVE stage on Friday, April 1. He performed an epic full-length concert with top-charting hits including “BOP” and “Ball If I Want To.” DaBaby kept the party going with his first-ever performance at a packed Drai’s Beachclub on Saturday, April 2. He took over the stage performing more hot hits like “Red Light Green Light” and “Suge.”

Drai’s Nightclub welcomed industry icon French Montana to perform a full-length Drai’s LIVE concert on Saturday, April 2. The three-time Grammy-nominated artist hyped up the crowd with an unforgettable performance featuring crowd favorites “All The Way Up” and “Pop That.” On Sunday April 3, multi-platinum selling and Grammy-award winning artist Nelly brought his classic hip-hop influence on the Drai’s LIVE stage as he wrapped up the weekend celebration with a full-length concert. The crowd jumped to their feet as he performed some of his popular throwback hits including “Hot In Herre” and “Dilemma.”

Drai’s Beachclub is now open from 11 AM to 6 PM Friday through Sunday through April and will open daily starting in May. Drai’s Nightclub is now open from 10 PM to 4 AM Friday through Sunday. The upcoming Drai’s Beachclub and Drai’s LIVE concert lineup can be found HERE.

About Drai’s

Found 11 stories high surrounded by stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip, the sweeping 35,000-square-foot Drai’s Beachclub is famous for sensational pool parties, luxurious cabanas and bungalows, and live performances. In addition to two full-service bars, Drai’s Beachclub offers more than 75 luxurious VIP tables under an awning of towering palms. Tickets to Drai’s Beachclub events are available HERE. The upcoming Drai’s Beachclub lineup can be found HERE.

Drai’s is the only nightclub in Las Vegas that offers full-length concerts by today’s top-charting artists. Every weekend, the Drai’s LIVE concert series brings big names like DaBaby and Lil Wayne to the rooftop of The Cromwell, with banner performances set to the stunning backdrop of the lights of the Las Vegas Strip. Tickets to Drai’s Nightclub events are available HERE. The upcoming Drai’s LIVE concert lineup can be found HERE.

Crystal Hermitage Garden

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The Sierra Nevada holds a golden nugget for those who love springtime and flowers, especially tulips. After a two-year closure due to COVID-19, Ananda’s glorious tulip garden will open in April. The Crystal Hermitage Garden is meticulously planted with over 17,000 tulips and other spring flowers each year. Just 25 minutes above Nevada City proper, this beautiful, pristine, and lovingly attended garden is well worth the drive (about 90 minutes from Sacramento).

Advance tickets are required this year. This allows proper social distancing and provides guests with safe and optimum enjoyment of this wonderful garden. No on-site tickets will be sold, so plan your visit and get tickets in advance HERE.

The Crystal Hermitage Garden provides a rare view across the wild and scenic Yuba River Canyon far below this refined garden, bursting with color and sequentially planted throughout the spring with many contrasting flowers. Wherever the eye falls, the attention to detail and care shines through in this treasured garden. Each year, thousands make the trip to soak in the stellar beauty of nature tamed so tenderly by gentle gardeners’ hands contrasting with nearby wildlands and Ananda’s 700 acres of rolling green hills.

Visitors can chat with Crystal Hermitage lead gardeners, visit the museum or quietly enjoy the peace and beauty. For lunch, visitors will find delicious vegetarian fare at the Expanding Light Retreat or at Master’s Market in Ananda Village. The Expanding Light Retreat Center also offers overnight accommodations, with advance reservations. Note: There is no picnicking allowed in the gardens.

The garden will be open seven days a week in April, from 10 AM to 5 PM. The cost for adults (13 years and older) is $10 on weekdays and $12 on weekends. Tickets are available HERE.

Lloyiso – Speak

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Gearing up for a massive 2022, South African singer and songwriter Lloyiso returns with his brand new single ‘Speak‘ via Universal Music Group South Africa/Republic Records. Listen to ‘Speak‘ HERE

On this ballad, bold piano introduces the track as his undeniable voice immediately captivates. The vocals stretch from vulnerable verses into a soulfully striking refrain as he pleads, “Speak, don’t let this love hold you down.” It exudes raw and real emotion in between each breath. Stay tuned for the premiere of the cinematic music video very soon.

Regarding the single, he commented, “I co-wrote ‘Speak’ with Molly Irvine and Dennis Neuer. I loved working with them, and they brought all the amazing flavors and color that this song needed. ‘Speak’ is about that moment when you realize that you’re honestly not sure whether your presence is wanted or not. Personally, it took me a while to come to terms with the doubt that comes from that realization. ‘Speak’ is the song that made me realize that if I’m honest with myself and the way that I feel, I can get relief from the pain!”

Last year, he made his international debut for Republic Records with the single ‘Seasons.’ Right out of the gate, it tallied 16 million streams and garnered a ton of buzz. Right now, Lloyiso is working on more music for release very soon.

About Lloyiso

Hailing from just outside of Port Elizabeth, South Africa, singer, songwriter, and producer. Lloyiso wields the kind of voice that instantly tugs at heartstrings. It’s the kind of voice that shines in any arena—whether in front of a laptop camera or under the lights of a festival stage. It’s the kind of voice that makes you stop what you’re doing and sing along.

At 16-years-old, he appeared on South African Idol and placed fifth in the competition. Following “three weeks at university,” he left school and focused on music inspired by the likes of Sam Smith and Kanye West. He performed anywhere possible, singing in exchange for dinner at local pubs. He even recorded in English and ten different African languages.

Taking over social media, Lloyiso amplified his voice globally by posting covers on Facebook before embracing YouTube. He gained the endorsement of everyone from Kygo to Tyga, and gradually amassed an enthusiastic audience. Nailing viral renditions of Rihanna, Billie Eilish, Lewis Capaldi, and more, he launched his TikTok during 2020, generating tens of millions of views and attracting the attention of labels worldwide.

Finding his home, he notably made history as “the first South African artist signed to Republic Records.” Following the 2021 fan favorite ‘Seasons,’ he connects like never before with the powerful piano-driven ballad ‘Speak‘ in 2022 and much more to come.

Lloyiso press image via Canton Parker for use by 360 MAGAZINE

How Graphic Design is Used for Online Gaming

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When most individuals are asked what graphic designers do, they are likely to say they create logos, business cards, t-shirts, or other 2D images. Even though we engage with visual designers’ work every time we choose which games to play online, few people will mention their importance in game design.

However, graphic design has taken on new dimensions in the twenty-first century, and with the growing online digital environment, it now plays a more critical function than ever before. Graphic design may be seen everywhere on the digital screen, from building web interfaces to online marketing, social media to online games.

The gaming industry is perhaps one of the most challenging fields in digital design. Of course, you need motion graphics, but you also need to pay attention to detail for credible elements and gaming instructions. Nevertheless, it’s safe to conclude that the gaming industry has progressed significantly. This article will look at how graphic design is vital in online gaming.

Marketing

Because many graphic designers work in marketing, their ability to create appealing visuals could benefit video games. Design specialists will capture people’s attention and enhance revenue long term by developing gorgeous banners. As users’ attention spans have shrunk dramatically in recent years, a visual approach gradually takes over written content.

User Interface

A graphic designer creates a game’s user interface (UI). The user interface is a collection of visual elements that allow the player to interact with the game and access various tools and settings. Several user interfaces are frequently found in a single game. When you initially start a game, the first UI you see is usually the launch screen, which sends you to the Menu, which is another UI. Each menu item opens to its own UI, which uses components like volume sliders and mouse sensitivity to assist you in navigating through each setting.

A graphic designer is responsible for selecting where all of these visual components and text should be placed so that they do not obstruct the player’s main view. Therefore, an excellent understanding of visual hierarchy is one of the most crucial skills a graphic designer possesses.

Gaming

So far, we’ve looked at how graphics are utilized in online games to attract attention and convey instructions, but what about the game itself? The motion graphics are well-articulated to guarantee that they achieve their full potential in terms of authenticity. Because online games are frequently adaptations of real-life games, such as casino games, getting them as similar to the real thing as possible is critical to ensure the gamer has a good time. Some of the most well-known gaming studios have reaped the benefits of advances in graphic design and computer technology, producing games that are as immersive as they come.

Video games are multi-faceted bodies with a semiotic landscape as one of them. Signs, display panels, visual announcements, and various other features distinguish games. These graphic objects are frequently employed in real life, such as in ads and the in-game world. As a result, it’s critical to pay close attention to them, enlisting a graphic designer’s help.

Graphic designers’ responsibilities do not end with the elements mentioned above. These designers will always be in demand for a variety of projects. In addition, graphic design is an integral part of gaming since it allows you to fully immerse yourself in the experience. We may take the technology employed in the graphical design component of games for granted, still, it has taken a long road of experimentation in line with general advances in computer technology to get to where we are now.

Overall, graphic design has become an essential part of many industries. It has been established via the study of online gaming that graphic design is critical to the success of the digital game. Consider this: without design in marketing, fewer people will be drawn to the game; without design in instructions, people may be confused about how the game works; and without design in the game itself, people may be dissatisfied with the game they have played.

The Grammy Awards

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Sunday, April 3, the 64th Grammy Awards were held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Trevor Noah hosted the esteemed award show where looks were turned on the red carpet, performances were given and winners were crowned.

A good number of awards were bestowed before the telecast commenced, including The Best Rap Album award won by Tyler, the Creator’s Call Me If You Get Lost. The Grammy’s have had a longstanding history of opposition with hip-hop dating all the way back to 1989. A pattern of not broadcasting or platforming hip-hop has grown to be infamous with the Grammy’s, hinting as to why many artists in the genre were not in attendance and have even boycotted the show.

Of the most captivating performances of the night included Olivia Rodrigo, who walked away with a stunning three Grammy Awards by the end of the night. She took to the stage while performing her breakout 2021 hit, ‘Drivers License,’ which ultimately won the Grammy for Best Pop Solo Performance.

Other noteworthy acts included Billie Eilish’s rendition of her hit ‘Happier Than Ever,’ and Lil Nas X joined by Jack Harlow to perform fan favorite ‘Industry Baby.’

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy sent in a pre-taped message to the Vegas showing in which he spoke on the significance of music and support for Ukraine right now. While words were spoken, John Legend took to the stage to perform “Free,” with Ukrainian artists Siuzanna Iglidan, Mika Newton and Lyuba Yakimchuck.

Zelenskyy began his speech, stating, “The war doesn’t let us choose who survives and who stays in eternal silence, […] Our musicians wear body armor instead of tuxedos. They sing to the wounded in hospitals. Even to those who can’t hear them. But the music will break through anyway.

“We defend our freedom. To live. To love. To sound. On our land, we are fighting Russia which brings horrible silence with its bombs. Fill the silence with your music. Fill it today. Tell our story. Tell the truth about the war on your social networks and TV. But not silence.”

One of the most touching moments of the night came from Jazmine Sullivan‘s superb acceptance speech as her album was named the R&B Album Grammy winner.

Sullivan spoke to the inspiration of the piece, and how the album embodied a voice for Black women, while stating, “I wrote this project to deal with my own shame and unforgiveness around decisions I made in my 20s that weren’t favorable. But what it ended up being was a safe space for Black women to tell their stories, for us to learn from each other, laugh with each other, and not be exploited at the same time. That’s what I’m most grateful for. Shoutout to all Black women who are just living their lives and being beautiful.”

We also saw Doja Cat and SZA receive their first wins for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance for their collaboration on “Kiss Me More.” Their acceptance speech rung more lighthearted, with both artists cracking jokes about Doja rushing to the bathroom prior to the announcement. SZA teased, “Bro, you went to the bathroom for five minutes. Are you serious?” to which Doja replied, “I have never taken such a fast piss in my whole life.”

The pair continued to thank express their gratefulness to each other and those around them, to which Doja showed emotional rawness while raving, “I like to downplay shit, but this? It’s a big deal. Thank you, everybody.“

See the full list of 2022 Grammy Award winners.

Record of the Year

“Leave the Door Open,” Silk Sonic

Album of the Year

“We Are,” Jon Batiste

Song of the Year

“Leave the Door Open,” Brandon Anderson, Christopher Brody Brown, Dernst Emile II and Bruno Mars, songwriters (Silk Sonic)

Best New Artist

Olivia Rodrigo

Best Pop Solo Performance

“Drivers License,” Olivia Rodrigo

Best Pop Duo/Group Performance

“Kiss Me More,” Doja Cat featuring SZA

Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album

“Love for Sale,” Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga

Best Pop Vocal Album

“Sour,” Olivia Rodrigo

Best Dance/Electronic Recording

“Alive,” Rüfüs Du Sol

Best Dance/Electronic Music Album

“Subconsciously,” Black Coffee

Best Alternative Music Album

“Daddy’s Home,” St. Vincent

Best Contemporary Instrumental Album

“Tree Falls,” Taylor Eigsti

Best Rock Performance

“Making a Fire,” Foo Fighters

Best Metal Performance

“The Alien,” Dream Theater

Best Rock Song

“Waiting on a War,” Dave Grohl, Taylor Hawkins, Rami Jaffee, Nate Mendel, Chris Shiflett and Pat Smear, songwriters (Foo Fighters)

Best Rock Album

“Medicine at Midnight,” Foo Fighters

Best R&B Performance

“Leave the Door Open,” Silk Sonic

“Pick Up Your Feelings,” Jazmine Sullivan

Best Traditional R&B Performance

“Fight for You,” H.E.R.

Best R&B Song

“Leave the Door Open,” Brandon Anderson, Christopher Brody Brown, Dernst Emile II and Bruno Mars, songwriters (Silk Sonic)

Best Progressive R&B Album

“Table for Two,” Lucky Daye

Best Rock Album

“Medicine at Midnight,” Foo Fighters

Best R&B Performance

“Leave the Door Open,” Silk Sonic

“Pick Up Your Feelings,” Jazmine Sullivan

Best Traditional R&B Performance

“Fight for You,” H.E.R.

Best R&B Song

“Leave the Door Open,” Brandon Anderson, Christopher Brody Brown, Dernst Emile II and Bruno Mars, songwriters (Silk Sonic)

Best Progressive R&B Album

“Table for Two,” Lucky Daye

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

“Younger Me,” Brothers Osborne

Best Country Song

“Cold,” Dave Cobb, J.T. Cure, Derek Mixon and Chris Stapleton, songwriters (Chris Stapleton)

Best Country Album

“Starting Over,” Chris Stapleton

Best New Age Album

“Divine Tides,” Stewart Copeland and Ricky Kej

Best Improvised Jazz Solo

“Humpty Dumpty (Set 2),” Chick Corea, soloist

Best Jazz Vocal Album

“Songwrights Apothecary Lab,” Esperanza Spalding

Best Jazz Instrumental Album

“Skyline,” Ron Carter, Jack DeJohnette and Gonzalo Rubalcaba

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album

“For Jimmy, Wes and Oliver,” Christian McBride Big Band

Best Latin Jazz Album

“Mirror Mirror,” Eliane Elias With Chick Corea and Chucho Valdés

Best Gospel Performance/Song

“Never Lost,” CeCe Winans

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

“Believe for It,” CeCe Winans; Dwan Hill, Kyle Lee, CeCe Winans and Mitch Wong, songwriters

Best Gospel Album

“Believe for It,” CeCe Winans

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

“Old Church Basement,” Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music

Best Roots Gospel Album

“My Savior,” Carrie Underwood

Best Latin Pop Album

“Mendó,” Alex Cuba

Best Música Urbana Album

“El Último Tour Del Mundo,” Bad Bunny

Best Latin Rock or Alternative Album

“Origen,” Juanes

Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano)

“A Mis 80’s,” Vicente Fernández

Best Tropical Latin Album

“Salswing!,” Rubén Blades y Roberto Delgado & Orquesta

Best American Roots Performance

“Cry,” Jon Batiste

Best American Roots Song

“Cry,” Jon Batiste and Steve McEwan, songwriters (Jon Batiste)

Best Americana Album

“Native Sons,” Los Lobos

Best Bluegrass Album

“My Bluegrass Heart,” Béla Fleck

Best Traditional Blues Album

“I Be Trying,” Cedric Burnside

Best Contemporary Blues Album

“662,” Christone “Kingfish” Ingram

Best Folk Album

“They’re Calling Me Home,” Rhiannon Giddens with Francesco Turrisi

Best Regional Roots Music Album

“Kau Ka Pe’a,” Kalani Pe’a

Best Reggae Album

“Beauty in the Silence,” Soja

Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical

“Love for Sale,” Dae Bennett, Josh Coleman and Billy Cumella, engineers; Greg Calbi and Steve Fallone, mastering engineers (Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga)

Producer of the Year, Non-Classical

Jack Antonoff

Best Remixed Recording

“Passenger” (Mike Shinoda Remix); Mike Shinoda, remixer (Deftones); track from: “White Pony” (20th Anniversary Deluxe Edition)

Best Global Music Performance

“Mohabbat,” Arooj Aftab

Best Global Music Album

“Mother Nature,” Angelique Kidjo

Best Children’s Music Album

“A Colorful World,” Falu

Best Spoken Word Album

“Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation From John Lewis,” Don Cheadle

Best Comedy Album

“Sincerely Louis C.K.,” Louis C.K.

Best Musical Theater Album

“The Unofficial Bridgerton Musical,” Emily Bear, producer; Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, composers/lyricists (Barlow & Bear)

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

“The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” Andra Day

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media

“The Queen’s Gambit,” Carlos Rafael Rivera, composer

“Soul,” Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, composers

Best Song Written For Visual Media

“All Eyes On Me [From Inside],” Bo Burnham, songwriter (Bo Burnham)

Best Immersive Audio Album

“Alicia,” George Massenburg and Eric Schilling, immersive mix engineers; Michael Romanowski, immersive mastering engineer; Ann Mincieli, immersive producer (Alicia Keys)

Best Immersive Audio Album (for 63rd Grammy Awards)

“Soundtrack of the American Soldier,” Leslie Ann Jones, immersive mix engineer; Michael Romanowski, immersive mastering engineer; Dan Merceruio, immersive producer (Jim R. Keene and the United States Army Field Band)

Best Engineered Album, Classical

“Chanticleer Sings Christmas,” Leslie Ann Jones, engineer (Chanticleer)

Producer of the Year, Classical

Judith Sherman

Best Orchestral Performance

“Price: Symphonies Nos. 1 & 3,” Yannick Nézet-Séguin, conductor (Philadelphia Orchestra)

Best Opera Recording

“Glass: Akhnaten,” Karen Kamensek, conductor; J’Nai Bridges, Anthony Roth Costanzo, Zachary James and Dísella Lárusdóttir; David Frost, producer (The Metropolitan Opera Orchestra; The Metropolitan Opera Chorus)

Best Choral Performance

“Mahler: Symphony No. 8, ‘Symphony of a Thousand,’” Gustavo Dudamel, conductor; Grant Gershon, Robert Istad, Fernando Malvar-Ruiz and Luke McEndarfer, chorus masters (Leah Crocetto, Mihoko Fujimura, Ryan McKinny, Erin Morley, Tamara Mumford, Simon O’Neill, Morris Robinson and Tamara Wilson; Los Angeles Philharmonic; Los Angeles Children’s Chorus, Los Angeles Master Chorale, National Children’s Chorus and Pacific Chorale)

Best Chamber Music/Small Ensemble Performance

“Beethoven: Cello Sonatas – Hope Amid Tears,” Yo-Yo Ma and Emanuel Ax

Best Classical Instrumental Solo

“Alone Together,” Jennifer Koh

Best Classical Solo Vocal Album

“Mythologies,” Sangeeta Kaur and Hila Plitmann (Virginie D’Avezac De Castera, Lili Haydn, Wouter Kellerman, Nadeem Majdalany, Eru Matsumoto and Emilio D. Miler)

Best Classical Compendium

“Women Warriors – The Voices of Change,” Amy Andersson, conductor; Amy Andersson, Mark Mattson and Lolita Ritmanis, producers.

Best Contemporary Classical Composition

“Shaw: Narrow Sea,” Caroline Shaw, composer (Dawn Upshaw, Gilbert Kalish and Sō Percussion)

Best Instrumental Composition

“Eberhard,” Lyle Mays, composer (Lyle Mays)

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella

“Meta Knight’s Revenge (From ‘Kirby Superstar’),” Charlie Rosen and Jake Silverman, arrangers (The 8-Bit Big Band featuring Button Masher)

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals

“To The Edge Of Longing (Edit Version),” Vince Mendoza, Arranger (Vince Mendoza, Czech National Symphony Orchestra and Julia Bullock)

Best Recording Package

“Pakelang,” Li Jheng Han and Yu, Wei, Art Directors (2nd Generation Falangao Singing Group and the Chairman Crossover Big Band)

Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package

“All Things Must Pass: 50th Anniversary Edition,” Darren Evans, Dhani Harrison and Olivia Harrison, art directors (George Harrison)

Best Album Notes

“The Complete Louis Armstrong Columbia and RCA Victor Studio Sessions 1946-1966,” Ricky Riccardi, album notes writer (Louis Armstrong)

Best Historical Album

“Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 1: The Early Years (1963-1967),” Patrick Milligan and Joni Mitchell, compilation producers; Bernie Grundman, mastering engineer (Joni Mitchell)

Best Music Video

“Freedom,” (Jon Batiste); Alan Ferguson, video director; Alex P. Willson, video producer.

Best Music Film

“Summer of Soul,” (Various Artists); Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, video director; David Dinerstein, Robert Fyvolent and Joseph Patel, video producers.

April Top Stories

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With Covid rates remaining stagnant and Russia continuously attempting to invade Ukraine, the world is in a very odd place as we enter April. Here are the top news stories of the month.

Sacramento Shooting

Twelve people were injured, with six dying, as a result of two gunmen in Sacramento, California. Dandrae Martin was arrested on April 4th for his alleged connection to the crime. Police expect more suspects to surface as massive amounts of video footage and physical evidence are examined.

360 NFT

On April 1st, 360 Magazine launched its very own NFT collection, Animal Series. Despite the date of release, the NFT is no joke. There are four animal themed NFTs currently on the market, which will be available to bid on until May 1st. Head to OpenSea to secure an animal of your own.

The Grammys

The 64th Grammy Awards were held on April 3, giving well-deserved wins to artists like Olivia Rodrigo, who went home with three Grammys (one of which she broke). Lil Nas X performed “Industry Baby” with Jack Harlow and Billie Eilish performed “Happier Than Ever.” Other highlights include a message from Ukrainian President Zellenskyy in which he discussed the importance of music during these troubling times. Find more information HERE.

Fashion Week Brooklyn

Fashion Week Brooklyn is now underway. For Rick Davy, founder of the 501c3 non-profit BK|Style Foundation (BK|SF), sponsorships and partnerships have been key factors in ensuring the success of the esteemed showcase. This year’s series of runway shows and events kicked off April 2nd with kidswear at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum with events across the borough and a finale at Socceroof on April 10th.

Urban Beauty TV is partnering with BK|Style Foundation to highlight the April 8th Denim show. This program will air during season two, slated for premiere in August (National Black Business Month). Coverage includes onsite interviews with the founder(s) of Fashion Week Brooklyn, featured designers and behind-the-scenes footage. Host of Urban Beauty TV, Midori Amae, will present the segment filmed backstage. A teaser will be released shortly after production via social media.

Oklahoma Abortion Ban

Oklahoma recently passed Senate Bill 612 that bans abortion except in the case of a medical emergency. Rape and incest are not causes for abortion, with Republican Sen. Jim Olsen stating that the baby “should not be liable for the sins of the father.” Those attempting to perform an abortion will be subject to a $100,000 fine or 10 years in prison.

This bill is especially troubling for Texans, as many fled to Oklahoma for their operations because of the state’s ban. Now many are left without options.

Smiley Martin Arrested in Connection with Sacramento Shooting

With Dandrae Martin arrested April 4th, another individual has been detained in relation to the six murders: Smiley Martin, Dandrae’s brother. A fully-automatic machine gun converted from a pistol was also recovered.

Smiley was convicted in 2016 after beating the mother of his two children. He was attempting to force her into prostitution.

Judge Jackson Confirmed

Despite an extensive confirmation process, the Senate has officially confirmed the nomination of Ketanji Brown, making her the first Black woman to serve. In a close 53-47 vote, three republicans joined the democrats. Only five women have ever been on the Supreme Court prior to Jackson, and this move will greatly broaden the diversity of the Supreme Court.

Britney Spears Teases Pregnancy

April 11, Britney Spears took to Instagram hinting at a pregnancy. The caption to a photo of a pink tea set and flowers left fans a little confused, while others began congratulating her. Britney teased about being “food pregnant,” but then states, “So I got a pregnancy test … and uhhhhh well … I am having a baby …”

Further on in the post, Britney speaks about the depression she experienced with her past pregnancies stating, “I obviously won’t be going out as much due to the paps getting their money shot of me like they unfortunately already have … it’s hard because when I was pregnant I had perinatal depression … I have to say it is absolutely horrible … women didn’t talk about it back then …”

New York City Shooting

Tuesday morning a shooting reportedly broke in Brooklyn upon the subway. There has been 13 people reported injured after the gunman threw smoke bombs into a subway car and began shooting on the southbound R train. The gunman has not been identified, but was seen wearing a construction vest and gas mask. Schools in the area went into lockdown as the NYPD and FBI began their search for a suspect.

Frank James Arrested in Relation to Brooklyn Shooting

Frank James was arrested in connection to the shooting in the Brooklyn subway. Reports have suggested that he was a lonely and angry man, very active in politics, and had a YouTube channel where he discussed current events. Police have not yet released a motive.

Video Footage Released from Patrick Lyoya Police Shooting

On April 4, Patrick Lyoya was fatally shot by a Grand Rapids, Michigan police officer after being pulled over. Video footage was captured from varying angles, including from a police bodycam point-of-view, a police dashcam, cell phone and home surveillance footage. The video shows the police officer, whose identity has been kept private, shooting Lyoya in the head and killing him. An investigation is underway.

DJ Kay Slay Passes From COVID

New York City graffiti artist and hip-hop musician DJ Kay Slay passed away at 55 on April 17 after a longstanding battle with COVID-19. After being hospitalized with the virus in December, as the Sun reported, he was placed on a ventilator and has been dealing with health problems since.

Highest Gymnastics Championships Viewership

The NCAA announced that this year’s Women’s Gymnastics Championships brought in a record 922,000 viewers. This championship has an 11% higher viewership compared to 2021. Oklahoma’s Trinity Thomas recieved a perfect 10 and won gold.

South Africa Suffers Fatal Floods

Flooding across South Africa’s eastern KwaZulu-Natal province has shocked the country, with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa affirming a state of disaster. A total of over 440 people were killed, with around 40,000 people homeless. With little water, food or housing, $68 million for cleanup was dispersed from the national government after the natural disaster hit South Africa.

Airlines Lift Mask Mandates

Many US airlines have discontinued mask mandates that have been in place for almost two years. The lift came after US District Judge Kathryn Kimball Mizelle ruled that the CDC’s travel mask mandate was unlawful. Said airlines lifting their mask mandates include Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Spirit and JetBlue.

Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard Defamation Trial

Johnny Depp and his ex-wife Amber Heard took to a Fairfax, Virginia courtroom to battle out their defamation trial. The lawsuit filed resulted from Heard’s reported allegations of abuse during their marriage. Having divorced in 2016, an op-ed written for the Washington Post by Heard in 2019 alleged she was a victim of domestic violence. The trial took to the courtroom on April 11.

Syracuse Police Scrutinized Over Treatment of 8-year-old Boy

An investigation went underway surrounding a video that went viral of an 8-year-old boy being placed into the back of a police car by Syracuse police offers. The boy allegedly stole a bag of chips, and the video shows him crying while officers put him into the car. In the video footage recorded by Kenneth Jackson, he offered to pay for the bag of chips and walk the young boy home.

The young boy was not handcuffed or arrested, and officers drove him back to his father’s house. The child’s father, Anthony Weah, spoke to ABC News when recalling “that police knocked his son off his bike and slapped him on the back, according to his son.”

Biden Announces Additional Ukraine Assistance

Thursday April 21, President Joe Biden declared that the United States would be sending $800 million in military aid to Ukraine amidst the ongoing against Russia. He also made announcements that the US would ban all Russian-affiliated ships into the nation’s ports. Included within the package of assistance is “heavy artillery weapons, such as 72 155-mm howitzers, 144,000 rounds of artillery and dozens of tactical drones.”

Shanghai COVID Lockdown

In late March of this year, Shanghai endured their largest COVID-19 outbreak to date since the onset of the pandemic. Since the outbreak, strict lockdowns were set into place, significantly affecting businesses. There has been a push from China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology to reopen major businesses, but labor shortages affect the likelihood of returning to work.

Mike Tyson Punches Plane Passenger

Video footage of Mike Tyson depicts the former heavyweight champion boxer getting physical with another passenger aboard a plane at San Francisco International Airport. Said passenger seemed to annoy after taking a photo with him, and Tyson ended up punching the man, leaving him with a slightly bloody head.

Marjorie Taylor Greene Testifies

Republican Congresswomen Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia undergoes a disqualification hearing based off her involvement with the January 6 uprising on Capitol Hill. Some of her involvement on social media involving the insurrection has raised questions. Regarding the pro-Trump protest, Green stated while testifying, “I only believe in peaceful demonstration… I do not support violence.”

There has, also, been evidence from Greene’s socials depicting “support for executing prominent Democratic politicians in 2018 and 2019 before being elected to Congress in 2020.” Greene rebutted by claiming she has a lot of people running her socials, so she doesn’t know who liked said posts.

Washington DC Shooting

Friday April 22 a shooting erupted in Northwest Washington DC. A suspect has not been identified yet, while three adults and one child were reportedly injured. The suspected gunman is Raymond Spencer, a man who was updating a Wikepedia page for the school across from where the shooting took place.

The Washington Post reported that Spencer wrote, “A gunman shot at the school on April 22, 2022. The suspect is still at large,” with another post on 4chan stating, “Dear God please forgive me,” and “Waiting for police to catch up with me.”

The shooter reportedly committed suicide, and it is unknown if Spencer is the confirmed gunman.

Air Force General Receives First Court-Marital Conviction

Maj. Gen. William T. Cooley of the US Air Force was found guilty of one of three abusive sexual contacts. This court-marital trial and conviction became the first of a general officer in the Air Force to ever be found guilty. The incident dates to 2018 in which Cooley has been found guilty of “the first specification, ‘kissing (the victim) on the lips and tongue, with an intent to gratify his sexual desire.’”

Will Smith Endures Oscars Backlash

Following the Oscars held in May of this year, Will Smith continues to suffer consequences after slapping Chris Rock during the award ceremony. Two of his upcoming films have halted production, with one being cancelled altogether.

Netflix’s Bright 2 has officially been rescinded, with Netflix stating that the cancellation has nothing to do with Smith’s Oscars turmoil. National Geographic has postponed filming for Pole to Pole, which followed Smith as he traveled from the North and South Pole.

Elon Musk Buys Twitter

Coming in at a whopping $44 billion, Elon Musk is set to close a deal on buying Twitter. The venture began when Musk became one of the platforms largest shareholders, swiftly being offered and turning down a set on Twitter’s board to finally bidding to purchase the site.

Regarding the acquisition, Musk stated, “Free speech is the bedrock of a functioning democracy, and Twitter is the digital town square where matters vital to the future of humanity are debated, […] Twitter has tremendous potential — I look forward to working with the company and the community of users to unlock it.”

Oldest Living Person Passes Away

A Guinness World Record holder, Kane Tanaka of Japan has passed away at the age of 119. Tanaka held the record for the eldest living person and was confirmed on March 9, 2019. Her family released a statement in Tanaka’s words, in which she stated, “I was able to come this far with the support of many people. I hope you will continue to have fun, [and be] cheerful and energetic.”

Footage Following “Rust” Shooting Released

Video footage taken after the deadly shooting on the “Rust” movie set has been released. The shooting occurred onset of the Western movie, in which Alec Baldwin allegedly shot a prop gun that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and struck director Joel Souza.

Footage has been made public depicting Baldwin debriefing with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s office, as well as officers speaking with Souza in a hospital room after the shooting.

Kamala Harris Tests Positive for COVID-19

April 26 Vice President Kamala Harris tested positive for COVID-19. She released the following statement via Twitter, “Today I tested positive for COVID-19. I have no symptoms, and I will continue to isolate and follow CDC guidelines. I’m grateful to be both vaccinated and boosted.

Willow Pill Wins Rupaul’s Drag Race

Willow Pill, the underdog of season 14, surprised many by winning the season 14 crown. The “twisted little doll” from Denver, Colorado and drag sister of season 11 winner Yvie Oddly had a sweet personality and dark, eccentric style of drag. She became the first trans contestant to win a regular season of drag race. Many remember Willow for her runway looks, like her all-white, early ’00’s inspired entrance outfit and her white with red spots mushroom getup. Fans loved her talent show, her roast and her direction in the Girl Group episode. Despite her constant battle with cystinosis and only receiving one challenge win, she won the hearts of many—and the crown.

US Marine Returned Home from Russia via Prisoner Exchange

Russia and the US engaged in a prisoner exchange to return home previous Marine Trevor Reed. Reed was jailed in Russia during the summer of 2019 after allegedly assaulting a Russian police officer. The trade also brought Russian drag trafficker Konstantin Yaroshenko back to his country after being sentenced 20 years in prison in 2010.

Reed’s family made a statement to the public, in which they expressed, “Today, our prayers have been answered and Trevor is safely on his way back to the United States, […] While we understand the interest in Trevor’s story – and as soon as he’s ready, he’ll tell his own story, we’d respectfully ask for some privacy while we address the myriad of health issues brought on by the squalid conditions he was subjected to in his Russian gulag.”

Dr. Anthony Fauci States US is “Out of the Pandemic Phase”

When sitting down with PBS NewsHour’s Judy Woodruff to discuss the state of the US, Woodruff asked Dr. Anthony Fauci questions about the pandemic and the status of the country.

Woodruff raised the question of when we would see the closing of the pandemic, in which Fauci replied, “We are certainly, right now, in this country out of the pandemic phase, […] Namely, we don’t have 900,000 new infections a day and tens and tens and tens of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands of deaths. We are at a low level right now.”

Disney and Florida Battle Ongoing Dispute

Republican Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida has thrown out Disney World’s special tax status that has been in place since 1967. The status allowed the corporation to operate as a self-government, which includes making decisions about construction on properties, reducing taxes and creating electricity, which saved millions of dollars for them.

The repeal comes after the newly passed is the “Parental Rights in Education” law, commonly known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill. Disney’s chief executive Bob Chapek has publicly shown his disapproval for the bill, in which DeSantis countered via a fund-raising email to supporters, “If Disney wants to pick a fight, they chose the wrong guy.”

Disney has not released a statement regarding the loss of their exclusive rights.

Southern California Drought Controls

The state of California has experienced its driest conditions in state history throughout the course of the past three years. 2022 has already revealed extremely dry conditions through in the state in just the early first three months, which are times in which California typically obtains half of its precipitation totals. Because of this, the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California declared a Water Shortage Emergency, and have limited outdoor watering to only one day per week in certain regions.

Biden Proposes New Ukrainian Aid Bill

President Joe Biden has asked Congress to pass a $33 billion bill to help provide relief to Ukraine throughout the war with Russia. The bill is set to provide $20.4 billion in military/security aid, $6 billion towards the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative and $4 billion towards the State Department’s Foreign Military Financing Program.

About the bill, Biden stated, “The cost of this fight is not cheap, but caving to aggression is going to be more costly if we allow it to happen. We either back Ukrainian people as they defend their country, or we stand by as the Russians continue their atrocities in Ukraine… We need this bill to support Ukraine in this fight for freedom.”

Moderna Submits COVID-19 Vaccine for Younger Children

Moderna submitted their request for granted emergency use authorization (EUA) regarding new COVID-19 vaccines for children under the ages of six to the Food and Drug Administration. Currently, children above the age of five are able to be vaccinated in the US.

Regarding the submission, Moderna’s chief executive officer Stéphane Bancel stated, “We believe mRNA-1273 will be able to safely protect these children against SARS-CoV-2, which is so important in our continued fight against COVID-19, and will be especially welcomed by parents and caregivers.”

Naomi Judd Passes Away at 76

Naomi Judd, one half of the mother-daughter Grammy award winning duo The Judds, passed away. The singer, mother to her bandmate Wyonna and Ashley Judd, was dealing with mental illness as reported by her children through a statement released on Saturday April 30.

“Today we sisters experienced a tragedy. We lost our beautiful mother to the disease of mental illness,” the daughters stated, “We are shattered. We are navigating profound grief and know that as we loved her, she was loved by her public. We are in unknown territory.”

Cinco De Mayo × Santo Spirits

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When it comes to celebrating Cinco de Mayo, tequila-based cocktails are the obvious choice. Honor Mexico’s victory with the authentic and bold flavors of Santo Spirit‘s premium Tequilas crafted in the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico. Rocker Sammy Hagar has harnessed his knowledge and experience in the spirits industry and Guy Fieri infuses his extensive culinary experience to create this amazing portfolio of tequilas including the incredibly smooth Blanco, the world’s only Mezquila, the perfectly rested Reposado and the recently launched Single Barrel Reposado.

Spend the holiday sipping on The Classic Santo Margarita, Sammy’s take on the beloved tequila cocktail. Mixed with a splash of Cointreau and ½ oz of Damiana Herb Liqueur, this traditional cocktail is simple and smooth, allowing the bold notes of Santo Blanco to shine. The full and complex notes in taste are complimented by earthy, white pepper and citrus aromas. Enjoy with or without a salt rim or blend with ice for a perfect poolside libation.

Guy Fieri created his take on the cult favorite spicy margarita with the Santo Caliente Margarita. The perfect balance of spicy and sweet, this cocktail also includes fresh cilantro leaves for an herbaceous kick that will transport you straight to the beaches of Mexico. Guy recommends substituting the salt rim with his Rojo Rim recipe for even more intensity. You can find the full recipe HERE.

The Classic Santo Margarita

Ingredients:

2 oz Santo Blanco Tequila
1 oz Cointreau
1 oz lime juice
Salt
½ oz of Damiana Herb Liqueur (Optional)
¼ teaspoon agave or simple syrup (Optional)

Method:

Mix all ingredients except the salt in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake and strain into a cocktail glass with salted rim.

California LightWorks × Nipomo AG

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California LightWorks, a leading provider of horticultural lighting solutions, announced that Nipomo AG, a licensed 70,000 sq. ft. cannabis greenhouse in San Luis Obispo County has adopted the new MegaDrive LED system. Nipomo Ag converted from producing roses to cannabis several years ago. The company realized that in order to overcome the competitive market forces, especially in the winter months, it needed to install high-tech supplemental lighting. After exploring many options, Nipomo AG chose California Lightworks’ unique MegaDrive system, based on its high efficiency, ease of installation and lowest total installed cost.

“The challenges presented by climate, regulatory policy and the economics of cannabis cultivation drive the demand for cutting-edge technology and best practices,” said Brett Vapnek, of Nipomo AG. “We knew we had to get the best lighting technology installed so that we could increase our yields and revenue, while cutting costs and reducing our climate impact.”

Nipomo AG installed the California Lightworks’ MegaDrive® LED Lightingsystem in their San Luis Obispo facility that has four bays for flowering, and two bays veg and mothers. The MegaDrive is a patented cost-effective LED lighting system for greenhouse operations that is simple to install yet highly effective in increasing both crop quality and yield.

Other lighting solutions require power drops throughout the greenhouse that can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. One of the unique challenges of the Nipomo Ag installation was that in addition, they would have had to run new power lines to both ends of the 270 ft. greenhouse. The cost of bringing heavy power to the far side of the greenhouse alone was estimated to well over $100,000.

However, the MegaDrive’s unique central power supply did not require any power line runs anywhere over the canopy. Instead, the MegaDrive systems were installed across one wall of the greenhouse closest to the power transformer and connected directly to three phase 480V, reducing installation cost by over 80%.

“The MegaDrive installations are great because you can have the system that powers and controls the lights, installed away from the grow area, even up to 300 feet from the light fixtures,” added California Lightworks CEO George Mekhtarian. “The system is also able to be carefully turned for spectrum and intensity, saving energy and increasing yields. The lighting can simulate sunrise and sunset, and the lighting intensity can be dialed up and down as necessary automatically via a photo sensor. With the MegaDrive central power supply design, all the power electronics are removed from the fixtures and the lights become very robust and ideal for high humidity environments.”

California has issued a large number of cannabis cultivation licenses, increasing competitive pressure. Cannabis prices have come down significantly in the past two years. Greenhouse production costs are generally lower than indoor grows, but the quality also tends to be lower. In addition, yields in a greenhouse during the winter season are less than half of the yield in the summer. This makes it a challenge for greenhouse operations in California to stay profitable year-round. High efficiency supplemental lighting is a must-have in order to compete and win.

Compared to the grow operations outfitted with traditional high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights or no lights at all, California Lightworks’ MegaDrive increases the yield (both in terms of pounds per square foot and pounds per watt) and quality of the crop. MegaDrive LED technology reduces fixture costs by up to 30% and installation costs by up to 80%. In addition, these benefits come at a 50% lower operating cost than traditional HPS lighting systems.

The MegaDrive spectrum and dimming controls can be integrated with third party greenhouse environmental control systems or done independently using unique touch screen and wireless solutions. Every aspect of the yield can thus be dialed in. In addition, the system’s slim linear light design and central power supply reduce shadowing.

Greenhouses are notorious for power quality issues and lightning spikes. The MegaDrive LED system has the industry’s most robust transient protection making them extremely reliable.

The installation of California Lightwork’s MegaDrive LED system is helping to keep Nipomo AG at the forefront of California’s booming cannabis industry.

About California Lightworks

Since 2008 California Lightworks has been a pioneer in advanced technology LED lighting for horticulture. All products are designed, manufactured and supported in our Southern California factory and we stand behind every product we have ever made. From small scale home grow to large scale indoor and greenhouse applications, we offer optimal lighting solutions. California Lightworks has reduced carbon emissions by 465,813 metric tons.

World Autism Awareness Day

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Saturday, April 2, at the world-famous Guggenheim Museum on New York’s 5th Avenue, EML‘s Global Director of Public Relations, Marie O’Riordan, an Autistic Savant, was honored to travel from Ireland to be a VIP at the UN World Autism Awareness Day celebrations with America’s Autism Hearts Foundation.

The UN designates April 2nd as an official world Autism observance day each year, one of seven annual UN health awareness days. This year’s theme is Inclusive Quality Education For All. The pandemic affected 90% of students worldwide, with pupils living with Autism disproportionately affected.

The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum is an Autism and sensory-friendly and accessible space for all with ongoing inclusive online family art classes, welcoming everyone on the Autism Spectrum.

The Autism Hearts Foundation, (AHF), a 501 (c)(3), is on a mission to maximize the potential of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to learn, develop, function independently, and participate in the full range of social and cultural activities for an improved quality of life.

The Guggenheim and Autism Hearts presented the Hope fashion and arts event by young artists living with Autism inspired by the late artist, Vasily Kandinsky, whose works are featured in the Around The Circle exhibition running until September 5th. It is speculated that Kandinsky lived on the Autism Spectrum.

“EML is beyond proud of our employees taking time to champion diversity and celebrate their own purpose. Marie and the networking she does to celebrate UN World Autism Awareness Day is the perfect example of EML’s commitment to inclusion; when we listen and celebrate what is both common and different, we become wiser, more inclusive, and better as an organisation,” said Kristen Shaw, Group Chief People & Culture Officer at EML.

“It’s an incredible honour to be an Autistic woman experiencing UN World Autism Awareness Day at The Guggenheim with Autism Hearts. The arts hold a vital key to helping children and adults on the Autism Spectrum, and Vasily Kandinsky has always been one of my favourite artists. There were many wow moments at the event, and The Guggenheim was a befitting stage for such talented young artists living with Autism. 2022 marks the 11th year I’ve been humbled to be a patron to Neurodiverse artists, retired theatre and entertainment professionals and a theatre company in North America and Europe. I am acutely aware that an estimated 85% of Autistics are under or unemployed, and I have EML’s progressive and forward-thinking approach to People and Culture to thank for the incredible opportunities that present themselves to me in my career working alongside my amazing teammates every day,” added Marie O’Riordan, Global Director of Public Relations at EML.