Posts made in January 2025

Murano wins certification by Forbes travel guide via 360 MAGAZINE.

MURANO WINS CERTIFICATION BY FORBES TRAVEL GUIDE

Miami Beach luxury residences has collaborated with the Global Hospitality Authority

Murano, a Marquis Association Management property and South Florida’s premier condominium residences located in Miami Beach, has become one of the few luxury residential developments in the world to collaborate with Forbes Travel Guide. Known for creating the five-star rating system for hotels, Forbes Travel Guide has long been the global authority on luxury service. Murano has established itself as a market leader in world-class residential hospitality through engagement with Forbes Travel Guide for a comprehensive luxury service program.

“Since 2001, Murano has become a premier luxury residential experience for seasonal and year-round homeowners, with a reputation for being one of the finest in the region” says Rishi Idnani, Managing Director at Marquis Association Management. “With more than two decades of setting the standard in premium residential hospitality, we are delighted to align our second South of Fifth community with the industry’s gold standard in luxury service.”

Forbes Travel Guide is highly regarded for its annual global Star Awards for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas and cruise ships in more than 85 countries. As the global authority on luxury hospitality, FTG brings the lessons of the world’s finest hotels, restaurants and spas to its consulting clients such as Murano.

Through this prestigious collaboration with Murano, Forbes Travel Guide has developed customized brand standards and a comprehensive training program for onsite staff based on global hospitality principles. FTG executive trainers worked closely with Murano’s management team to ensure world-class training is delivered to each staff member. The intensive training program has enhanced service skills and inspired staff to elevate the lifestyle experience for residents and their guests.

“We are proud to collaborate with the Murano as one of the few Forbes Travel Guide-trained luxury residential developments in the world,” said Hermann Elger, CEO of Forbes Travel Guide. “Murano has shown its dedication to being a market leader and catalyst for the luxury hospitality industry. The property is investing in delivering superior service, which will ultimately enrich its residents’ quality of life.”

Perched on the tip of the Miami Beach Marina, Murano represents the best-in-class of luxury living in the United States. Since 2001, the world’s most affluent and discerning residents of South Florida have revered the waterfront community as the preeminent choice of primary and seasonal home within the historic South of Fifth neighborhood.  With its three-tiers on a 4.5-acre site, the Murano is considered one of the most luxurious condominium residences in Miami Beach, with unobstructed views of Biscayne Bay and partial views of the Atlantic Ocean. Murano’s amenities include bay-front pool and spa, tennis courts, fitness center, freshwater pools, private beach club, media and multi-purpose rooms, 24-hour security, and valet service.

For more information, visit www.marquishoa.com.

Murano, a Marquis Association Management wins Forbes Travel Guide certification via 360 MAGAZINE.
Murano, a Marquis Association Management wins Forbes Travel Guide certification via 360 MAGAZINE.
Murano, a Marquis Association Management wins Forbes Travel Guide certification via 360 MAGAZINE.

TROPIC BOUND FAIR 2025

Tropic Bound – South Florida’s first international biennial artists’ book fair – to the Miami Design District (MDD), taking place from Thursday, February 6th, through Sunday, February 9th, in two of the district’s beautiful rooftop destinations: Paradise and Palm Court Plaza Event Spaces.

Tropic Bound celebrates the unique artistic genre of “artists’ books,” which bridge fine art, craft, and literature. These creations tell stories—sometimes without words—and represent a rich variety of cultural traditions. The fair highlights books and bookworks made or altered by hand and enables visitors to meet the artists and artisans behind them.

Visitors can explore the genre of artists’ books while learning about book binding, paper-making and marbling, letterpress printing, and other techniques particular to this art form. They can also purchase works, speak to book artists, printers, and collectors, and attend talks and panels that dive deeper into this special form of expression. 

The event comprises over 90 international exhibitors from 12 countries and over 725 artists’ works, along with a special keynote speaker, Stephanie Stillo, Chief of Rare Book and Special Collections at the US Library of Congress. 

Tickets for the Tropic Bound Shuttle Tours, Symposium, and Welcome Party can be purchased HERE. General admission to the Book Fair is free and open to the public.

Tropic Bound Fair 2025 via 360 MAGAZINE.
Fall of diddy via 360 MAG.

ID EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW W/ FORMER ASSISTANT DIDDY

ID TO AIR EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH FORMER ASSISTANT TO SEAN ‘DIDDY’ COMBS, EXPANDING TONIGHT’S FINALE OF THE FALL OF DIDDY  

Journalist Mara S. Campo to Interview Combs’ Former Assistant Phil Pines in Exclusive Sit-Down Airing Tonight Tuesday, January 28 at 11PM ET/PT on ID

Investigation Discovery announced today it will air an exclusive sit down with Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs’ former assistant, Phil Pines, expanding the finale of ID’s four-part docuseries THE FALL OF DIDDY. The 30-minute interview, conducted by journalist Mara S. Campo, who is also a featured contributor in THE FALL OF DIDDY, will premiere tonight Tuesday, January 28 beginning at 11PM ET on ID, and will be available to stream on Max and discovery+.  

Filmed Wednesday, January 22 in New York City, the interview with Phil Pines, who served as Senior Executive Assistant with Combs from 2019 to 2021, addresses allegations he made against the hip hop mogul in a December 2024 civil suit, providing intimate details of his time working for Combs. Pines will speak, for the first time on camera, at length about his experience in Combs’ employment – including being allegedly tasked with setting up and cleaning up Combs’ ‘Wild King Nights,’ some of the alleged behavior he witnessed, and the alleged manipulation he experienced under the fear of Combs’ retribution and power.  

The exclusive interview sit down will premiere following the conclusion of ID’s highly anticipated four-part docuseries THE FALL OF DIDDY. From Maxine Productions (the producers behind Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV) and Rolling Stone Films, the docuseries features exclusive, never-before-heard accounts and never-before-seen archival footage, offering personal insights into harrowing allegations of violent behavior and illegal activity that have shadowed the music mogul. Spanning Combs’ decades-long impact on music and popular culture, from his early days as a talented creative to his 2024 arrest, the docuseries uncovers the insidious and terrifying allegations of sexual assault, abusive behavior, violence, and other disturbing claims that lay beneath his success. The first two episodes of THE FALL OF DIDDY premiered last night on Monday, January 27 from 9-11PM ET/PT and the finale will continue tonight Tuesday, January 28 beginning at 9PM ET/PT on ID. Episodes will be available to stream on Max and discovery+. 

Latto + Playboi Carti – Blick Sum

ATL-based Grammy nominated Queen of the Souf rapper Latto drops her highly anticipated collaboration with multi-platinum, genre-defying Atlanta rapper Playboi Carti for the alternate version of “Blick Sum” via RCA Records– click here to listen / click here to watch. Shot in Atlanta, the Hidji World and Gunner Stahl-directed video shows Latto and Carti in different spots flexing their cash, style and bars. Upon release, the song garnered the cover of Apple Music’s NMD and a Pandora billboard. Latto is currently nominated for a 2025 Grammy Award – Best Melodic Rap Performance for her single “Big Mama.”

WATCH “BLICK SUM” FEATURING PLAYBOI CARTI HERE 

Lattomade history this past year withher critically acclaimed third studio album Sugar Honey Iced Tea as the first solo female rapper from Atlanta to ever have a #1 on Billboard’s Top Rap Albums chart, debut or otherwise. The album also earned Big Mama a top 15 spot on the Billboard 200 chart, her highest debut to-date at #15. Overall, she is only the second female rapper in 2024 to have a #1 Rap Album debut and Top 15 Billboard 200 debut.

Sugar Honey Iced Tea is centered around Latto’s Georgia Southern roots and displays her signature raw, witty lyricism over magnetic beats. The 21-track album features A-List Southern artists including Megan Thee Stallion, Ciara, Coco Jones, Young NudyFlo MilliTeezo Touchdown and more. Latto’s major Billboard July cover print issue came out around the album release and most recently she graced the December issue of EBONY Magazine.

Latto wrapped her first North American Sugar Honey Iced Tea Tour last year with special guests Mariah The Scientist and Karrahbooo. In addition to touring, she was also a performer and had a panel chat at the 2024 Teen Vogue Summit in Los Angeles, performed her Grammy nominated single “Big Mama” on The Jennifer Hudson Show (plus a couch interview) and held her own event at the Grammy Museum that included an acoustic performance.

With the release of her third studio album and over 1 billion streams worldwide across all platforms, in addition to accolades continuing to rack up from her success, Latto has full command of the stage to become a global superstar and this next chapter of Latto’s career spotlights her new music, new creative vibrant visuals and gives more big energy from The Biggest aka Big Latto.

Buy/Stream/Watch “Blick Sum” featuring Playboi Carti

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Watch “Big Mama”

Buy/Stream Sugar Honey Iced Tea

  “Blick Sum” featuring Playboi Carti Single Artwork 

Keep Up With Latto: 

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Photo Credit: Gunner Stahl

 

Gucci Changemakers North America via 360 Magazine.

Gucci Changemakers North America

Gucci is pleased to announce that applications for the sixth chapter of the Gucci Changemakers North America initiative are officially open. This initiative includes the Impact Fund, Scholarship Program, and Creative Fellowship, which support talented students and non-profit organizations.

Titled  “Manifesting Visions of Tomorrow,” the awardees will be individuals and organizations imagining a positive future in arts and culture. To celebrate, a short film directed by Anthony Prince Leslie features Gucci Changemakers Scholars and Impact Fund recipient Custom Collaborative, represented by its Executive Director, Ngozi Okaro. 

Since 2019, the Gucci Changemakers North America Impact Fund has supported 67 non-profit organizations across North America, impacting the lives of over 880,000 community members. In addition, the Gucci Changemakers Scholars program has provided funding to 74 talented students. Gucci’s support has resulted in over $7M in funding since 2019.

To apply for the programs and review eligibility requirements, please click here or call 1-877- 482-2430.

Los Angeles Fire via 360 Magazine.

VeVe Launches LA Strong Hearts

Digital Collectibles to Support Red Cross Wildfire Relief Efforts 

VeVe, the industry leader in premium digital collectibles, is proud to announce the launch of the “LA Strong Hearts” Series, an exclusive collection of 3D digital collectibles designed to support victims of the recent wildfires that have devastated the Los Angeles (LA) area. All proceeds from the sale and auction will go directly to the Red Cross to aid wildfire relief efforts.

The LA Strong Hearts Series features six unique collectibles inspired by the California State flag, with each heart symbolizing resilience and hope. In addition to the series, VeVe is unveiling the “Heart of Renewal”, a poignant 1:1 digital collectible available through a silent auction. This exclusive piece serves as a powerful tribute to the strength and unity of communities affected by the wildfires.

“Los Angeles has a special place in VeVe’s heart,” said Ben Rose, Co-CEO of VeVe. “It’s more than just the home of movie-making and iconic brands like Disney; it’s home to many of our VeVe community members who inspire us daily. Watching the devastation caused by these wildfires has been heartbreaking. As a company rooted in innovation and community, we want to do our part to help those in need by leveraging our platform for good. This initiative is a way to give back and support LA’s recovery.”

According to estimates, the California wildfires have caused billions of dollars in economic damage, displacing thousands of residents and leaving a lasting impact on communities across the region. VeVe’s partnership with the Red Cross demonstrates its commitment to using digital collectibles as a force for positive change.

LA Strong Hearts Series Details:

  • Drop Date:January 27, 2025, 8:00 AM PT.
  • Editions: 1,781 of each collectible, representing the year Los Angeles was founded.
  • Price: 15 per collectible.
  • Global Availability.

Heart of Renewal Silent Auction Details:

VeVe invites digital collectors worldwide to participate in this impactful initiative and collect the full set of hearts. Together, we can make a difference for those affected by the wildfires while honoring the strength and resilience of the LA community.

For more information on how to participate, read our blog: https://blog.veve.me/post/veve-la-strong-hearts

After selling out shows around the world for her upcoming The Lifetimes Tour, Katy Perry has announced that she will launch an extensive run in the United States, beginning in Houston, Texas on May 7 at Toyota Center via 360 Magazine.

KATY PERRY ANNOUNCES U.S. LEG OF THE LIFETIMES TOUR

After selling out shows around the world for her upcoming The Lifetimes Tour, Katy Perry has announced that she will launch an extensive run in the United States, beginning in Houston, Texas on May 7 at Toyota Center.

Produced by Live Nation and announced today, the U.S. leg of the tour will also include concerts at United Center in Chicago, IL (May 12), the Kia Forum in Los Angeles, CA (July 15), Madison Square Garden in New York City (August 11), Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena (August 19), and Paycom Center (May 9), which will mark Katy’s first ever performance in Oklahoma City.  Touring in support of her new album, 143, the global pop superstar will be performing all of her hits, drawing from her extensive catalog. See below for itinerary.

TICKETS: Tickets for the U.S. dates will be available starting with Citi and Verizon presales (details below) beginning Tuesday, January 28. The artist presale will begin Wednesday, January 29, at 10am local time ahead of the general onsale starting Friday, January 31, at 10am local time at KatyPerry.com

Citi Presale: Citi is the official card of The Lifetimes Tour in the U.S. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, January 28, at 10am local time until Thursday, January 30, at 10pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit http://www.citientertainment.com/.

Verizon Presale: Verizon will offer an exclusive presale for Katy Perry’s ‘The Lifetimes Tour in the U.S. through Verizon Access, just for being a customer. Verizon Access Presale tickets for select shows will begin Tuesday, January 28, at 10am local time until Thursday, January 30, at 10pm local time. For more details visit Verizon.com/Access.

Katy will launch the Lifetimes Tour in Mexico, with seven arena shows. In Australia, the demand for tickets to her initial eight arena shows was so strong that five shows were added. The summer will bring Katy back to North America where, in addition to crisscrossing the U.S., she’ll play seven sold-out arena shows in Canada.

September will bring her to South America, where her arena dates in Buenos Aires are sold out and limited tickets remain for her stadium show in Chile. Katy will wrap up the 2025 tour in the UK and Europe, where popular demand led to multiple added shows in London, Paris, and new shows in Munich and Bologna.

Katy launched 143 – a bold, exuberant dance-pop album with the symbolic 143 numerical expression of love as a throughline message – with a sold-out headline show at Rock in Rio in Brazil in September 2024. Rolling Stone Australia observed, “Perry’s midnight set on the Palco Mundo stage where she would play her newest tunes for the first time became the high point of the night. Taking the stage as fireworks lit up the Rio sky, Perry had the 100,000-strong crowd going wild with dazzling visuals and pyrotechnics that transformed the City of Rock into a vibrant spectacle…”

FOLLOW KATY PERRY

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On 25th January, James Blake joined Timothée Chalamet on SNL for his live performance of Bob Dylan’s “Three Angels” via 360 MAGAZINE.

JAMES BLAKE PERFORMS ON SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE

On 25th January, Blake joined Timothée Chalamet on SNL for his live performance of Bob Dylan’s “Three Angels”

On Saturday 25 January, Mercury Music Prize and GRAMMY® Award-winning UK singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer James Blake performed with Timothée Chalamet on Saturday Night Live. Blake accompanied Chalamet on piano for a stirring rendition of “Three Angels” – one of three Dylan deep cuts performed by Timothée, fresh off his Oscar nomination for his acclaimed portrayal of the songwriting legend in A Complete Unknown.

James Blake posted about the performance HERE

James’ surprise appearance on SNL follows his instantly sold-out intimate back-to-back piano shows in London last month and the recent release of his single “Like The End”.

Released on James’ CMYK label, the “Like The End” single is accompanied by an AI-driven music video directed by Jon Rafman and a live performance video shot at Real World Studios. It also soundtracks Netflix’s The Madness trailer.

Exploring the collapse of trust in information, “Like The End” paints a stark picture of today’s uncertain times capturing the feeling of not knowing what’s real anymore.

“We are witnessing the end of being able to depend on information, on knowing if a video is real, knowing if a voice is real, knowing if the person you’re arguing with online is a real person. We’re witnessing the loss of faith in experts and the complete breakdown in trust in our governments and our advisors. It’s the end of that, but it might, hopefully, mark the beginning of a more localised community.  When we get together in person, do things in person and listen to music in person with each other, then that’s the beginning.”  –James Blake

FOLLOW JAMES BLAKE HERE:

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SCAM, the book, is an in-depth investigation of Southeast Asia’s online fraud and hacker industry and its human toll via 360 MAGAZINE.

SCAM: Inside Southeast Asia’s Cybercrime Compounds

By Mark Bo, Ivan Franceschini, and Ling Li

An in-depth investigation of Southeast Asia’s online scam industry and its human toll.

Fuelled by the widespread immiseration caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and facilitated by the boom in cryptocurrencies, online frauds have grown exponentially in recent years. From the infamous “pig butchering” romance scams to sophisticated online extortion ploys, phony crypto schemes, and other investment scams, Southeast Asia has rapidly emerged as a global hub for a host of cybercrime operations targeting individuals all over the world.

Based on years of engagement in the field, this book offers an in-depth look into the rise and inner dynamics of the online scam industry, exposing the appalling situation of the individuals who toil in conditions akin to modern slavery in hundreds of “scam compounds” that have mushroomed all over the region. What are the origins of this industry? Who is behind these operations? How do people end up in them? How is their labor organized? How do they manage to get out? These and other questions are at the center of this investigation that will bring readers to the core of one of the least-known humanitarian crises of the twenty-first century through the voices of some of its survivors.

Mark Bo is a researcher who has been based in East and Southeast Asia for two decades. He has worked globally with local civil society partners to monitor and advocate for improved environmental and social practices in development projects and utilises his background in corporate and financial mapping to investigate stakeholders involved in Asia’s online gambling, fraud, and money laundering industries.

Ivan Franceschini is a lecturer at the Asia Institute, University of Melbourne. His current research focuses on ethnic Chinese transnational crime, especially in the field of online fraud. He co-founded the Made in China Journal and The People’s Map of Global China/ Global China Pulse. His books include Proletarian China (2022), Global China as Method (2022), and Afterlives of Chinese Communism (2019). He also co-directed the documentaries Dreamwork China (2011) and Boramey (2021).

Ling Li is currently pursuing a PhD at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice with a focus on the role of technology in enabling modern slavery and human trafficking in East and Southeast Asia. In the past few years, she has been providing support to survivors of scam compounds in Southeast Asia, interacting with local and international civil society organizations to bring them relief and help with repatriation.

More about Scam

GiGi Vega via 360 Magazine.

GIGI VEGA – BACK HOME

WINNER OF BEST INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD, SINGER – SONGWRITER, DANCER GIGI VEGA, BRINGS AWARENESS TO THE EXISTING HOSTAGE CRISIS WITH HER HIT SONG, “BACK HOME”

GiGi Vega’s song, “Back Home” was released on Dec. 7, 2024. A heartfelt project that was inspired by the October 7th – Hamas led attack on Israel in 2023. Of the 250 hostages taken on October 7, 2023, about 100 remain held in Gaza with a third or more of those still presumed dead. “Back Home” is shedding light on those hostages that are still missing, that need to get released and sent back home. In lieu of the eminent hostage release and cease fire, this song means even more now.

On the heels of GiGi Vega’s amazing performance her Christmas hit, “Mistletoe Kiss” at the Spirit of Independence Awards in December, – BOM – BreakOut Music, Movies, and Media Awards, continues to be a holiday classic. “Mistletoe Kiss” has 10 million views on TikTok, and top 30 on US Radio AC Charts. GiGi Vega received the coveted Independent Artist of the Year Award for her creativity, work ethic, and discipline, in pushing through challenges. “Back Home” – the music video, already has more than a million views, is a stunning creation highlighting the emotional struggles of loved ones separated during this very difficult time of war and devastation. When talking about “Back Home”, Gigi Vega’s perspective is that “Everyone has their own interpretation of what ‘Back Home’ means to them, but broadly it is meant to inspire surviving adversity and fighting for a better outcome.

GiGi Vega’s 2 other hit songs – “Down Crazy”, which was #1 on the iTune Charts, #19 on Billboard Charts, and over 5.5 million views on the official music video, and “Watchu Tryna Do” ft. Rapper TEC – 26 on R&B itunes Charts. Both songs represent Gigi Vega’s versatile ability to move across all genres of music.

Vega’s record label, BreakOut Music – has also produced films that have been seen on Netflix, Amazon, TUBI, and their own streaming platform, BOM PIC Global TV. BOM has written, produced and directed 4 very successful films in the last four years. “The App That Stole Christmas”, “The Microchip That Ruined Halloween”, and “The Drone That Saved Christmas”, and a documentary on the 50-year anniversary of Harvard Women’s Tennis. BOM also represents independent Billboard charting artists with marketing, production, sync-licensing, and touring.

Gigi Vega has many loyal fans, who have been with her from day one. Vega released her “Down Crazy” EP on tour with Tay Money. Her new song, “Honest” – coming soon, promises to take over the airwaves, as the lead single for her next EP.

Whether it’s writing music that inspires people to be stronger and stand up for themselves, Gigi Vega has an optimistic view of the world that can be felt through her music. She just wants to empower those that need to be reminded of how much they matter. Her talent radiates to all she touches; she truly is a force to be reckoned with.

Watch Back Home Video

@gigivegamusic
@gigivegaofficial

GiGi Vega via 360 Magazine.

GIGI VEGA Q+A

GiGi Vega Q&A – Gigi Vega talks about her new single “Back Home,” and discusses conflict in the Middle East.

What was it like going on tour, with well-known artists such as, Master P?

It was great, especially the support during the whole process – you really just have to take it in, and the response that you get while always being yourself, it’s just the best. They were super nice.

Can you talk about your process as a songwriter?

Sure. I’m a heavy writer. It’s all about starting from nothing and getting to something, but in a very deliberate way. Like so many others, I was so impacted by the separation of loved ones in Ukraine and then in Israel. With this piece, my goal was to give someone a sense of hope. Amongst natural disasters, as well, and everything going on, it was crucial to have a slower, more orchestral piece. It was more challenging than anything else I’ve done. But these things are going on. And we have to talk about it.

Do you come up with the lyrics first and then the music?

I had wanted to do a ballad for a while, but wasn’t planning on it, either. I had some things that I was holding onto. When everything happened at the Nova festival in Israel, I knew I had to come back to it and build from there. I was going to do something very simple, but it turned out to be a big production. I couldn’t do anything else before I spoke about these conflicts.

How do you prepare for your music video?

Really identifying what is the best way to have this piece come across in a simple yet classic way. I didn’t want too much going on. I wanted the audience to understand the story of this woman who was grieving. This involved many conversations with the team and director. We had to get the point across.

Is acting in your music video easy for you?

It was heavy. It’s about realizing that it’s more than yourself, and it’s not just a video. It’s things that are going on in people’s lives.

Can you talk about who you worked with for the music video?

Cinematographer and Director, Michael Givens.
Initially, we weren’t supposed to get too much of our guy/actor – but Michael insisted on telling the story more between these two people.

What is the video about?

It is a story of a woman and her grieving process, as her husband, a soldier (or possibly a prisoner) goes off to war. She considers taking matters into her own hands and goes out to find him to carry her loved one back home. Because of her persistence and her fight, we have a knock at the end on the door. This knock resembles unity and togetherness, insinuating that the two came together again. Throughout, there are clips of both Ukraine and Israel in the video

Can you talk about who all you worked with to make this song happen?

I am grateful for everyone who came along and got onboard on this journey, especially once I showed them the piece that I had. I had already, in a way, produced it long before we touched it. I got down a solid foundation on the production with Doug Hammer, a dear friend. Other producers involved in this project were Miklos Malek, Frank Socorro, and Tracksionz. Thank you.

Do you have a safe space where you do your songwriting?

Yeah. Just no messes, please. lol.

What do you do for your own self care?

That can be hard when you’re doing all these things, but we have to consider being persistent and consistent in the gym. Putting a log together on how to get that done, set alarms, etc. Whatever it takes for you to do it.

How do you take care of your voice?

Lemon, pineapple, ginger, and turmeric.

Does your own life experience help in your songwriting?

It depends on what you’re talking about. I don’t have a personal connection to war or a veteran, obviously, but in this case, I was able to capture what these people were going through.

Why do you think this subject matter is so important?

It is happening. It’s happening all around us. In the news. California has been hit with some massive wildfires, as well. It hasn’t been like this. We need to be there for one another. And, we must be careful of saying things like, 3rd world – etc. We are one, and it’s about our humanity. Help others when they need it the most. I hope that’s what this song can do. Make us all recall our humanity. “You know that he has put the fight in us” This represents the fight in all of us, and with resilience and persistence, you’ll have a better outcome. For sure. In the end, it ends with love. That is the solution. Having more love for one another truly can heal the world. Something we are lacking. One simple gesture goes a long way.

What would you tell a young singer-songwriter to do to help the world be a better place?

Don’t force anything. You are called an entertainer, for a reason – and that is to entertain others. Just realize that’s it’s bigger than you. Don’t make it all about yourself, but don’t question yourself, either.

Why do you think this song has hit home with so many people?

I think that many people, wives, etc. have had to overcome the loss of a loved one and separate from families. It’s not about politics but rather about humanity. “Back Home” means something different to everyone. Whether that be person, place, or a thing. Sometimes, you want to take matters into your own hands and do something about it, even if it appears to be impossible or like you can’t. We all want to be there for our loved ones. That fight is in all of us.

Do you see yourself writing more songs like this and being an advocate for future wars?

I hope there are no future wars.
But yes, absolutely. I will be touching on things of that nature. I will be talking about America, as well.

What else will you be releasing?

Much more. It will revolve around love, but not the kind of love that you’re thinking about.

Would you like to travel to war-torn countries to perform?

Yes, my goal is to travel more and would go where this message reaches the most, of course.

Do you think it would make a difference if you performed for war-torn countries?

Yes. I have gotten a lot of responses and messages from people in the Ukraine and Israel – It really means everything to hear from them.

How can we all as a nation lift the spirits of those people who are still suffering?

We need to be vocal. Being silent is being complicit. Stand up for what you believe. Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Do you think there will ever be a day when the conflict in the Middle East will be stopped?

That starts with leaders and rulers in Gaza. A lot of countries are dealing with a corrupt system. This is continuously being worked on.

We are about to change our political administration; how do you think this is going to affect what is going on with the hostages?

The cease fire and freeing of the hostages has started. Hopefully, the new administration will continue to be successful until all the hostages are freed.

Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

Keep fighting and seek what is really going on. There’s nothing worse than being misinformed and believing whatever pops up on your feed. That’s dangerous.

What would you tell the youth to keep up their hope for a brighter future?

Work hard, work right, and get educated about the issues. This new generation must start seeking facts. Do the research.

What was your reasoning for writing a song like this?

People connect to music; it can motivate and inspire. The hope with this song is that it gives people hope to keep going and never gives up that you will reconnect with your loved one.

You feel so strongly about the hostage situation. Is there a reason for this?

This goes back to humanity and understanding that we are one. First, Ukraine. It is devastating to be separated from your loved ones due to one man’s rash decision. The hostages, the warfare that these people have had to go through isn’t understandable – I hope that they all (the hostages) receive the help and support that they need.

What do you think the outcome of this situation will be in the future?

Well, what I can say is that hopefully, the terrorists and the whole terrorist movement will be abolished, and there will be peace in the Middle East (finally). Many countries are trying to get there.

What can you tell those who want to help and get involved?

First, be kind to everyone. Second, if you see something is wrong, do something about it. There is so much wrong in this world, so I don’t think it is hard for people to find a way to do good. It is important to continue to be vocal and share the stories so people can know what’s happening. We must fight for our loved ones and fight for the truth, as well.