About 360 MAGAZINE

360 MAGAZINE is an award-winning international publishing on popular culture and design. We introduce avant trademarks to efficacious architects. We are a LGBTQIA2S+ friendly publication--officially recognized by the NGLCC. Our core demographic ranges from 19 to 39-year-old college-educated trendsetters within their respective international communities. The pages in this art book satisfy their strong interests including music, art, travel, auto, health, fashion, tech, philanthropy, design, food and entrepreneurship. It's an introspective digital/print/tablet portrait series, which encapsulates artists/brands/entities who embody the true essence of our publication- empowerment, equality, sensuality and most important of all, humanity within a global society.

Summer Watson inside 360 MAGAZINE

Premiere: Summer Watson Inspires People To Take Their Masks Off And Show Their Core On New Single “Unveiled” 

The wonderful Classical crossover icon, singer-songwriter Summer Watson, is releasing a much anticipated new single, “Unveiled,” following-up on her previously released song “Break The Silence.” Both singles are off her upcoming album, also titled Unveiled. Summer Watson has graduated from the Royal College of Music, and throughout her education, she has received numerous individual awards and grants. Blending her classical textures with pop sonic constructions, Summer is the first-ever classical artist to sign a £1mln deal with Sony Music, which comes as no extraordinary fact once we listen to her hypnotic and incredibly beautiful voice. This time, Summer Watson is releasing her own music, after singing other artists’ music for years. What radically changed her approach in life is a series of difficulties to face, among which being diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer. It is noteworthy to mention that she has overcome cancer with natural treatments only, as she refused to undergo chemotherapy. Her warrior spirit and skills to adapt to new situations have helped her become a stronger version of herschel;f than she ever was before. 

Both “Break The Silence” and “Unveiled” are aligned in their purpose and mission; to heal and be true to oneself. She is a lyrical healer, and uses music as a powerful tool of expression to help others overcome and understand what she herself has painfully learned along the way. The LA-based classical crossover star is rapidly and exponentially expanding her fan base this year, with her wisdom, beauty, and charisma simply being mind blowing, and after listening to the first two parts of her upcoming album, we are highly anticipating its release. 

Listen HERE.

Everything We Know About Managing Pain With Cannabis

Though studies have found that CBD is invaluable in helping manage certain seizure disorders and that THC is a near-miracle treatment for those suffering from nausea and loss of appetite, there is one issue that cannabis users always come back to: pain management.

Chronic pain is one of the worst diagnoses imaginable. Often, the source of chronic pain is difficult for medical professionals to identify, which makes it almost impossible to treat effectively. Current pain management solutions include opioids and NSAIDs, both of which can have devastating impacts on health and well-being in the short and long term. Thus, it makes sense that natural, safe cannabis is rapidly becoming a popular pain management solution for those suffering from chronic pain.

Yet, the jury is still out with regards to whether cannabis does actually positively affect the experience of pain. Here’s a rundown of current research regarding pain relief and cannabis, so you can make an informed decision for your health.

Pain Reception and the Endocannabinoid System

You might believe that pain reception is solely the realm of the nervous system. Nerves throughout your body help you sense and experience the world around you, so why wouldn’t nerves be responsible for detecting and communicating pain? It seems that it is slightly more complicated than that.

Closely associated with the nervous system — and several other systems within the body — is the endocannabinoid system, or ECS. The ECS has many responsibilities essential for maintaining life, chief among them being the management of homeostasis, or internal balance despite external change. To accomplish this, the ECS can shift core temperature, moderate metabolism, elicit stress responses and, most germanely, signal pain.

Since discovering that the endocannabinoid system is affiliated with the experience of pain, many studies have sought to better understand its role. Though knowledge surrounding this issue continues to evolve, at present researchers believe that the ECS has control over blocking or permitting the sensation of pain. It does this by creating a compound called palmitoylethanolamide, or PEA, which binds to receptors in the nervous system to send messages about pain to the brain. PEA has analgesic properties, meaning it essentially blocks the experience of nociceptive pain, or pain that develops as the result of physical stimuli, like a hot pan or a strained muscle.

There is another type of pain, called neurological pain, that results from a malfunctioning nervous system possibly caused by damaged nerves. Though less is understood about the ECS’s role in moderating neurological pain, there is some evidence that endocannabinoids can impact this pain experience as well.

Analgesia Through THC and CBD

Through history, marijuana has been used as a tool for managing pain, and many sufferers of chronic pain vociferously argue that weed is one of the only truly effective treatments for their condition. As a result, research has sought to better understand what compounds within cannabis function as analgesics and how.

Unfortunately, science has not yet revealed all of these secrets. Currently, the two most-studied compounds unique to cannabis are the cannabinoids delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol / delta-8 THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD.

THC is the dominant compound responsible for getting marijuana users high. It binds directly to the endocannabinoid system’s CB1 receptors, which are located primarily in the brain and digestive system. In contrast, researchers aren’t certain how CBD interacts with the human body; it seems to encourage either the ECS or the nervous system to release endocannabinoids or neurotransmitters.

Both THC and CBD can be valuable in mitigating the experience of pain. THC has an almost identical structure to the neurotransmitter anandamide, also known as the bliss molecule. Thus, those suffering from chronic pain can use THC as a distraction for their brains, a way to feel good. Further, there is evidence that the endocannabinoids and/or neurotransmitters released by CBD help eliminate inflammation and block pain temporarily, which can be an immense relief.

Conclusion

Science will continue to reveal more about how the ECS interacts with pain expression and how compounds with cannabis can be applied to make chronic pain more manageable. If you suffer from chronic pain, you might want to take advantage of free resources like Weedmaps, which not only has information on the best medicinal marijuana strains but also compiles maps of nearby dispensaries as well as updates on cannabis research.

Pain remains a frustratingly difficult subject to study, but the discovery of the ECS, endocannabinoids and cannabinoids have rocketed research forward. Chronic pain could have a solution in your lifetime, and the solution could be based on weed.
 
 

A SHOC ENERGY BEVERAGE INSIDE 360 MAGAZINE

Join the A SHOC Challenge!

Adrenaline Shoc (aka A SHOC), a modern fitness enhanced energy drink designed for an active lifestyle, recently launched their first fitness challenge. 

www.ashoc.com/challenge

A SHOC Challenge Description:

Join the A SHOC community from November 2nd to 22nd and complete in their virtual challenge: A 3-week fitness virtual event with 2 main challenges and multiple bonus challenges presented by pro athletes. The main challenge is to crush 300 minutes of activity each week and to get outside and cover 10 miles of distance. Any sport, any time; run, bike, walk, or surf, just get after it. Compete with top Olympic, X Games, and professional athletes from Billy Kemper, Big Wave Surf World Champion, to Gwen Berry, U.S. Olympic Hammer Thrower, who will guide you through some of their unique workouts. View your results on the leaderboard for motivation to push your limits. Whether you are a runner, cyclist, speed walker, weight lifter, or weekend warrior– you were made for this challenge.

About A SHOC

Stay Energized this Fall with Adrenaline Shoc’s newest flavors Blue Raspberry and Orange Freeze, which just hit shelves.

Adrenaline Shoc (aka A SHOC) is a modern fitness enhanced energy drink designed for an active lifestyle, and is growing in popularity by the day amongst fitness enthusiasts. Designed as a performance energy drink, A SHOC was created to inspire people everyday to live an active and healthy lifestyle, offering a natural smart energy blend that is a guilt-free boost to maximize the day.

With 300mg of natural caffeine sourced from yerba mate, green coffee beans, coffee fruit extract and guarana, electrolytes sourced from ocean minerals, 9 essential amino acids to boost performance, and BCAA’s for muscle recovery, A SHOC is the smart energy and a guilt free choice.  But it doesn’t stop there! A SHOC also contains zero sugar, zero chemical preservatives, zero artificial flavors, and zero artificial colors, what more can you ask for?

A SHOC is sold at retailers nationwide including 7-Eleven, Target, CVS, and is now available on Amazon. The flavor offerings include Acai Berry, Shoc Wave, Peach Mango, Frozen Ice, Cotton Candy, Fruit Punch, Watermelon and Sour Candy, with two new flavors  Blue Raspberry and Orange Freeze. To find a store near you visit the store locator on www.ashoc.com
 
Follow A SHOC on Instagram  @AShocEnergy #ReachYourPeak 

Will Trump Attend Inauguration?

BookMaker.eu released odds on whether President Trump will attend the inauguration of Joe Biden and the public vehemently disagreed with their prediction. “Initially we priced President Trump at a 1/2 (-200) favorite to attend. Meaning you had to wager $2 to win $1 on Trump attending,” said Head Political Trader Angus Hamm. “The public did not share our belief in Trump adhering to tradition and we were buried in bets against Trump attending to the point where the odds shot up to 1/3 (-300) that Trump will not attend.” 

Live Odds — https://www.bookmaker.eu/live-lines/politics

Will Donald Trump attend the inauguration of Joe Biden?

Yes- 5/2 (+250)
No- 1/3 (-300)

Since 1985, BookMaker.eu has earned its reputation as “Where The Line
Originates” among professional and recreations sports bettors by always
paying and never kicking out winners. Widely-recognized by oddsmakers worldwide as the principal market mover in North American betting markets, BookMaker.eu is the industry authority and a leading media source for betting information on sports, entertainment, and political betting
markets.

Twitter: @bookmaker_eu

Kaelen Felix Land Rover

Does Car Insurance Cover Hail Damage to My Car?

On average, the cost of repair for hail damage to a car is about $2,500. 

If you recently had a bad storm that damaged your car, you might not have the money to repair the car, especially if you weren’t expecting that extra cost. 

However, in some cases, you could turn to your insurance to help you out. But when does that work? We’ll break down everything you need to know, so make sure you keep reading!

Your Coverage

Before you can submit a claim for the insurance company to cover your hail damage, you’ll need to check your insurance policy first to figure out if you have a hail damage claim.

If you only have liability coverage, then you’re not covered for hail damage. Liability coverage will only protect you if you cause damage to someone else’s vehicle in an accident. 

However, if you have comprehensive coverage, you might be able to submit a claim. This will let you submit a claim to have any damage to your car paid for. This includes things like an animal damaging your car, a tree falling on it, glass shattering, or hail damage. 

If you know that there is a big storm coming, you may not be able to automatically sign up for comprehensive insurance. Insurance companies normally put a hold on when you can sign up so that you don’t do it just for catastrophic events. This is why you should have insurance at all times. 

The Deductible

If you have comprehensive insurance, you’ll likely also have a deductible. This is the amount you’ll have to pay out of your own pocket before the insurance steps in and covers some of it. 

If you have a higher deductible, you might also have a lower premium, so consider that if you’re new to signing up for comprehensive insurance. 

However, if you live in an area where hail storms happen often, you’ll have to figure out whether you can afford the out-of-pocket deductible if you need to submit a claim. 

In some instances, the insurance company might waive the deductible if it affects the glass of your car. 

Your Premium

Whenever you make a claim, it gets added to your insurance record. Every time you submit a claim, it could end up affecting what you pay for car insurance, but that’s only if you submit a lot of claims over a short period of time.

Deciding to file a claim will depend on how much damage you have. If the damage isn’t that bad, it might save you money, in the long run, to just pay for it yourself. However, if your car is going to have thousands of dollars in hail damage and you don’t have the money to pay for it, it might be better to risk the higher premium later on.

How to File a Claim

If you decide that you do want to file a claim for hail damage to car, you should do it as soon as possible. 

You’ll do it the same way that you’ve filed other claims for your car before. Contact the insurance company either on the phone or online. You should do it as soon as the storm is gone.

If it’s a large storm, your neighbors in the area will likely be doing the same thing, so you want to make sure you try and get in as soon as possible to avoid waiting for hours to reach someone. 

Once you actually get to file the claim, the insurance company will send a claims adjuster to look at the damage and figure out how much they will pay you to fix the hail damage. 

How to Fix the Damage

Whether the insurance company decides to help you or not, you’ll still need to then fix the damages. 

If your car is already paid for and the damage isn’t too bad, you could decide to just leave the dents. But if you still have a loan on the car, you’ll need to find someone to repair it. 

For those who did file a claim, the claim adjuster will help you find an auto body shop and get an estimate for the repair. For those who didn’t have the insurance to cover it, you can find your own auto body shop and get quotes on your own.

If you’re going to do that, make sure you shop around so that you can find the best deal possible. 

How to Protect it in the Future

To avoid all of this in the future, you’ll also have to figure out how to protect your car from future hail storms.

If you live somewhere that constantly has hail storms, you should look into preventative measures. Some of them include just buying a car cover to prevent hail damage that you can keep in the back of your trunk. If a hail storm pops up, you can easily pull over and cover your car to help reduce the impact from the hail.

Weather apps can also be useful and send you alerts when a storm is about to pop up. If you have enough time, you should try and find a garage or a covered area to help stop the hail from damaging your car. 

Learn More About Hail Damage to a Car

These are only a few things to know about hail damage to a car, but there are many more tips on how to get it fixed.

We know that dealing with car problems of any kind are a nuisance and can be stressful, especially if you don’t know how to solve it. That’s why we’re here to help you!

If you enjoyed this article, make sure that you explore our website to find more articles just like this one!

Male Pattern Baldness article illustrated by Kaelen Felix for 360 MAGAZINE

Everything You Need To Know About Male Pattern Baldness

The average person loses anywhere from 50 to 100 hairs a day—it’s part of the natural hair cycle and won’t make a difference on the scalp.

It only becomes a problem when there isn’t new hair to replace the ones that you’ve lost. A medical condition, it can be caused by a number of things from medications to hormonal changes.

Genetics can play a role as well. If anything, that’s what causes androgenic alopecia aka male pattern baldness.

Think you might have it? Want to know what some of the possible treatments are? If so, be sure to read the rest of the post!

What Is Male Pattern Baldness?

Male pattern baldness is a condition that causes loss of hair in men. In the United States, it affects nearly 50 million individuals. In fact, it’s said that more than half of all men will experience it to some extent by the age of 50.

And while it doesn’t pose any health threats, it can be psychologically distressing.

What Causes Male Pattern Baldness? 

Male pattern baldness has to do with the male sex hormones aka androgens. More specifically, they have an effect on the hair growth cycle. Instead of producing new strands to replace the ones that have fallen out, the hair follicle shrinks.

Over time, this leads to baldness.

While the condition is often inherited, it can also be caused by other things such as medications and certain cancers. In cases like that, it’s often accompanied by a rash or peeling of the scalp.

Who’s At Risk?

When do men start balding? It depends, but male pattern baldness typically occurs when an individual is in his 30s or 40s (the likelihood increases with age). With that said, it can also happen during the teen years after puberty. 

Since it’s genetic, those with a family history of the condition are also at a higher risk of developing the condition. This is especially true if it runs on the material side of the family.

Common Symptoms 

Male pattern baldness shows up in a telltale shape. That is, it often starts as a receding hairline with thinning strands around the hair.

Over time, it’ll continue to move backward, forming an “M” shape. Eventually, as the hair becomes shorter and finer, it’ll create a horseshoe pattern with hair on the sides of the head.

Depending on the severity, the hairline may continue to recede until all of the strands are gone.

Treating Male Pattern Baldness 

Unfortunately, there’s no cure for male pattern baldness. Having said that, there are treatments available for those who’d like to improve their appearance. 

Medications

There are a couple of medications that can help with the condition, one of which includes a topical lotion or foam. Available over-the-counter, it works best on the crown of the head.

Keep in mind, however, that it can take several months for you to see results. Also, the medication must be used indefinitely to preserve the effects.

And while it’s typically well-tolerated, it can cause side effects such as itching, irritation, or swelling of the skin.

In addition to that, there’s a prescription medication that you can take orally. Put it simply, it prevents DHT, a male hormone, from shrinking the hair follicles on the scalp. In doing so, it can slow the progression of baldness.

As with the lotion, however, the effects will be reversed if the pill is stopped.

Wigs 

Wigs can be used to cover receding hairlines, thinning hair, or complete baldness. The best part is that they come in a variety of colors and styles so that you can choose the one that’s right for you.

You can also work with a professional wig stylist for a more natural look.

Hair Weaves 

Weaves are basically wigs that are sewn into your hair. There’s just one thing—you must have enough hair for them to work with.

Unlike wigs, which can easily come off, weaves will always stay on, even if you’re running or swimming. However, they must be sewn again whenever new hair growth occurs.

Hair Transplants 

A hair transplant is the most invasive option and because of this, it’s often considered to be the last resort. How does it work?

A doctor will remove hair from areas of the scalp that still have active growth and transplant them to balding areas. Generally speaking, multiple treatments will be necessary.

Common side effects include numbness on the treated areas of the scalp, swelling, and scarring. The new hair may also appear less dense over time depending on the density of follicles in the transplanted area.

Is Male Pattern Baldness Preventable?

Currently, there’s no known way to prevent the condition. With that said, some researchers believe that it may help to reduce stress. Ultimately, this has to do with the fact that stress can contribute to hair loss by increasing sex hormones.

Given that, you may want to participate in relaxing activities such as walking or listening to soothing music.

Understanding Male Pattern Baldness 

Now you know all about male pattern baldness. As you can see, it can be caused by various things from medications to genetics. Fortunately, there are ways to treat the condition. When in doubt, consult with your primary care doctor!

Did you enjoy this post? Looking for more pages like this? If so, why not check out the rest of our site?

Business illustration for 360 magazine article

5 Morning Hacks to Make Getting Ready for Work a Bit Easier and Faster

There are around 115 million employed people in the United States, and a staggering 29% of them are late for work at least once a month!

Are you one of the people struggling to get leave the house on time in the mornings?

We take a look at how getting ready for work can be faster and easier to get you where you’re going on time. 

Getting Ready For Work

Everyone hates getting out of bed in the morning for the rush to work. But with tips from prepping the night before to popping on your favorite tunes, we have you covered.

1. Super Charge Your Alarm

You know how you feel when your favorite song comes on? Set your alarm to something fun and upbeat to make you want to get out of bed and start dancing to it.

A sure-fire way to help you ditch the snooze button and get pumped the second you open your eyes. 

2. Plan Your Outfit

It only takes a few minutes to check the weather app on your phone and plan your outfit for the next day. Get all the items out and ready for the morning.

In the winter you could even hang them over your radiator so they’re nice and toasty for you to put on. A bonus tip is so pop your clothes on before you leave the bedroom. It saves on time coming back to dress later and is a good morning routine!

3. Ditch Breakfast

If you think you can manage it, ditch breakfast first thing. It’s actually good for your body to be able to wake up before eating and will help you get ready faster.

Pre-plan your breakfast on the go so you can grab it as you leave and enjoy it on your journey or even when you get to work. 

4. No Makeup

Are you brave enough to leave the house without your face on? Take charge of how beautiful you are and try skipping makeup once in a while.

If that’s not your thing, you could apply your foundations on the bus. Be careful with your lipsticks, eyeliners and mascara though, it can be tricky to stay steady on public transport!

So, whether you choose to go makeup-free or opt for a minimalistic approach, consider enhancing your natural beauty with a simple touch such as the best natural lashes Lilac St. Just a gentle accentuation can make all the difference without wasting your time.

Pre-planning what you need and having it laid out in order will also help. You might find liquid foundation takes too long so switch to powder. You can also make sure your nails etc are done the night before. 

5. Shower Before Bed

If you shower the night before it saves tons of time and makes getting ready in the morning a breeze. If that’s not an option, try in shower moisturizers to be even quicker and brush your teeth while you’re drying off and give hair plopping a go to get your locks dry in no time. 

No Excuses!

Unfortunately, you now have no excuse for leaving the house late! Check out our other great articles and leave your top tips for getting ready for work faster in the comments below. 

Rita Azar Illustrates a Drug Law Article for 360 MAGAZINE

How Marijuana is Becoming More Popular in Pop Culture

Cannabis in pop culture isn’t exactly a new concept. You’ve probably heard plenty of songs and seen a variety of movies where people talk about weed. However, the influence of this substance on pop culture might be bigger than you’d think. It turns out that almost half of all the US hip-hop and R&B songs in the industry have some mention of cannabis. Historically, people have largely referenced marijuana in the same vein, connecting it to lazy stereotypical stoner types. This concept is something that many people appreciated several years ago, but it’s quickly becoming outdated in a world where scientific research is beginning to demonstrate the potential of this natural substance for medical purposes. As the benefits of marijuana continue to be researched and proven, people seeking a natural healing process have obtained a medical marijuana card in order to get relief from pain, anxiety, and depression. Things are beginning to turn a corner in the pop culture landscape, but it’s a slow process, and we have a long way to go. 

The Changing Presence of Cannabis in Culture

Say the word marijuana to most people and they’ll think of old-fashioned stoner portrayals that represent anyone who uses this drug as lazy and under-educated. Over the years, the way that we view this product has been mostly negative, thanks to the way that television and movie producers used the drug to represent a very specific kind of character. Today, studies indicate that pop culture is referencing weed more than ever before, but the general attitude to it might be changing. 

We’re beginning to see the substance from a new perspective on the television and movie screens, because the attitude of the public is changing. These days, it’s becoming much more acceptable for people to use natural products like marijuana for the treatment of various conditions. You can get your Nevada medical marijuana card in a matter of minutes online from NuggMD, with a quick and easy process that only bills you on approval. It’s part of everyday life for a lot of individuals. As laws around the drug continue to change, so too do the opinions of the people who view this product as a pop culture icon. 

Taking on a New Light

Scientific study and access to more data about the benefits that the right strain of certain substances can have on particular diseases is leading to a more educated community. We know today that there’s more to this plant than we originally thought, and many experts believe that it could be the key to managing some very serious and life-changing conditions. The people who use marijuana today aren’t just college kids looking to pass time or get high between classes. 

Although there are still many states that offer the product recreationally, it also has much more important benefits that are worth considering too. Not only is cannabis a great medicine, but it can also be a product that helps to relieve anxiety and reduce inflammation. People are even discovering new ways to experiment with the product in the form of CBD oils and various edibles. The landscape is beginning to evolve, and soon, the demand for a new view of weed in pop culture will be greater than ever.

Rita Azar illustrates relationship article for 360 MAGAZINE

In With the Old – The Eccentricities of Generation Z

Gen Z is….strange.

Born at a time where the Twin Towers were gone, Limp Bizkit were popular and Manchester United were kings of Europe, the genesis of Gen Y was certainly an exercise in the bizarre. 

It’s no surprise, then, that those born at the turn of the millennium have no shortage of quirks. 

Whether it’s the surreal sense of humor, ‘depression memes’, mumble rap, or hydro flask stickers, the self-expression of Gen-Y’ers is certainly much, much different than previous generations.

Why Are Gen-Z’ers So…Weird?

I don’t mean to use the word ‘weird’ in a derogatory fashion, much the opposite. This generation is more in-tune than ever in noticing, documenting, and even embracing, the absurdness of the human condition in the form of social media and news outlets – and their methods of self-expression are something that Existentialist philosophers would turn their heads at. Maybe this is due to the abnormal cauldron that was boiling away during Gen-Z’s formative years, and what ongoing events are continuing to influence the young minds of Gen-Z.

The 2000’s were a strange decade for us Westerners. We were getting to grips with the Internet, and the juggernaut of social media was in its infancy – never before was it so easy to connect with, talk to, and even stalk, our friends, families, and our friends’ friends. With the all-seeing visibility of social media platforms, Gen-Z developed a level of expectation and social pressure that was completely unknown to their predecessors. 

Generation Z was the first generation whose presence was truly immersed in the Internet. The effect of the Web can be seen not only in their sense of humour, but also their fashion choices, too. 

Gen-Z’s Value Comfort Above All Else

The rise of athleisure clothing in recent years has brought with it a level of comfort that other styles simply can’t offer. 

Though wearing gym-gear to the office sounds like something out of 1990s Silicon Valley to some, it’s become the norm to arrive at the office wearing yoga pants and a T-shirt. 

The rise of social media influencers have definitely had a part to play, too. Celebrities are often seen in public wearing candid, gym-based uniforms, and actors like Dwayne Johnson and Hugh Jackman have helped make healthy lifestyles cool. 

Not only does athleisure provide comfort, some of it is pretty damn stylish nowadays – and both are attributes that Gen-Z’ers value. 

 Are The Early 2000’s Back?

The fact that the early-2000s were twenty years ago is unfathomable for most of us. 

Simpler times, they were, but at least the 2020s have resurrected some nostalgia-inducing outfits for us to remember days long gone by. Whether it’s tiny sunglasses, low rise jeans, or mesh tops (for both men and women) some of the outfits worn by Gen-Z’ers are enough to usher in years of nostalgia, for better or worse.

Luckily for us, frosted tips, and baggy, Eminem-esque t-shirts remain on the ash heap of history, for now anyway.

Perhaps this return to the early-2000s is simply Gen-Z’s returning to the outfits they saw in their youth – perhaps it’s meant as an antidote to today’s current crazy climate, one that will unquestionably define their twenties and thirties. On the other hand, it could be neither of those – and Gen-Z’s are simply wearing them because they like them. Either way, retro-inspired get-up is all the rage in 2020. 

The Gen-Z Story Continues to Get Stranger

Those who are a part of Generation Z have had lives book-ended, so far, by two world-defining events – the 9/11 attacks and the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. It will be interesting to see how this weird and wonderful generation deals with the latter – and what social, personal, and political repercussions they have to deal with. Generation Z have always had their own way of doing things, and their thirst for eccentricity shows no signs of slowing down.

Music article illustration by Mina Tocalini for 360 Magazine

Grow Your Spotify Plays Overnight

If you are looking for more Spotify exposure, then you can join the millions of other Spotify artists that are trying to do the same thing. However, it feels like all we are ever doing is just treading water. We post songs and playlists only to have them fall into oblivion. They never see the light of day and never get a hit. 

Promotions seem to go nowhere. It doesn’t matter how many times you Tweet out a link to your music. It all ends up the same way, low plays, low streams, and low follows. It doesn’t have to be this way. It doesn’t have to be so hard. You have to be proactive about your marketing, but you also need to focus on the metrics that will actually improve your Spotify rankings. Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook are all great places to start but you won’t grow a following unless you hit the below metrics. Once you understand what you need to do, just rinse and repeat. You will soon be basking in the glow of plays.

You need to market your music by increase your play and follower metrics. You need to buy Spotify plays. This common practice will get your listings over the hump to be seen by a new crowd.

Why Improve Your Plays?

The Spotify algorithm is specific to Spotify platform metrics. This means that you need to focus on improving your Spotify platform numbers. Like what was mentioned above, exposure on other platforms is great but it will only get you so far. You need those marketing events to convert into Spotify metrics.

The first metric you need to improve is the play count. This could be connected to an album, playlist, or a specific song. It all depends on what your goals are for your artistic talents. Song pay count tells the Spotify algorithm that people are listening to your stuff. It shows that you are relevant and significant to the current music scene. It could be based on a genre of music or just the industry as a whole. 

Plays matter over the course of time. If you have a bunch of plays in a single day, it isn’t going to boost anything for very long. You may appear higher in the algorithm for the next 24 hours, but afterwards you will be forgotten, again. Instead you want to think about the long term. More plays overtime is the better philosophy. So, if you got 100 plays, it is better to have 1 a day for 100 days than all 100 plays in the same day. 

Why Improve Your Followers?

Remember that it isn’t just about plays. If you stuff gets played a bunch, that is great, but it isn’t the end of the story. If you are looking to solidify a top spot in the Spotify algorithm, you need to show that it isn’t just about your music, it is about you as an artist. Take a band like Radiohead. Their music is wildly popular. However, Radiohead as a band is popular as well. So, if they were still making music, they would be recommended alongside similar artists because the “followers” action shows that it is more than just a single song or two that makes them so important.

This is obvious. When you look at other social media platforms you see the same actions taking place. Instagram and Facebook are the best examples of the potential for ranking improvements when there are more followers, not just likes or shares. Instagram like increasing services like Buzzoid are often talked about, but few can deliver on the promises that Buzzoid does, say experts. Their real Instagram likes are the best on the market, and when used in combination with a Spotify boosting service it is a wonderful sight. The Spotify algorithm takes in the totality of the artist’s metrics in order to decide how worthy they are to be recommended to other listeners. Once you get there, royalties will start to improve as organic listeners start to steadily increase with time.

Are Certain Listeners Better Than Others?

Yes, certain Spotify listeners are more important than others. However, you want a mix of all types of listeners in order to really impress the algorithm. What does this mean? There are generally two types of Spotify listeners and they can interact with your account in one of two ways. So, basically, there are four different results that could happen. Let’s go through them.

First, you could have a free listener listen to a song once. This individual has the least amount of impact on your account. Second, you could have a free listener continually listen to your music. This has more impact because it shows that an individual really likes your stuff and wants to listen to it more and more.

Third, you could have a paid premium listener listen to a song once. This has some impact due to a higher royalty payment that comes from premium members. Fourth, you could have a paid premium listen subscribe and continually listen to your music. This has the largest impact of all of them. Make sure that when you are buying Spotify plays that you focus on the mix of different listeners.