The ABC hit comedy “Roseanne” was cancelled this afternoon after the star, Roseanne Barr, tweeted out a racist comment. The network decided that there was no way to have the main character on the show after the tweet hit the media, but the show wouldn’t be “Roseanne” without Roseanne Barr herself. To read more on the Roseanne scandal click CNN Roseanne.
Today, May 29th, Starbucks will be closing around 8,000 stores to train their employees on anti-bias after an incident in Philadelphia. The training will last for around two to three hours causing a loss in profit up to around $12 million dollars. For more information visit USA Today at: http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2018/05/29/starbucks-closure-racial-bias-training-tuesday/650316002/
‘GET STUPID’ VIDEO
Aston Merrygold has debuted the video for his track ‘Get Stupid,’ currently featured on the latest Samsung Galaxy S9 TV advert and recently the most #1 Shazamed advert in the UK, having just completed a sold out tour of the UK and Ireland, including a show at London’s KOKO venue.
The video, filmed at Aston’s dance studios BASE in Vauxhall, London, has been made in conjunction with mysnapp, a mobile app where fans can shop the fashion worn in the video, including exclusive clothing designed by Aston and only available through the app (mysnapp.co.uk).
The Samsung Galaxy S9, which was launched worldwide by Samsung on February 25th and heavily features ‘Get Stupid’, catapulted the pop track back into the charts globally, currently charting in 36 countries including Top 40 in the USA. This week ‘Get Stupid’ shot up to the coveted position of the #1 Most Shazamed Advert in the United Kingdom, topping global brands including H&M, Missguided and M&S.
Click here to watch the Samsung Galaxy S9 advert: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FI2CpNdaJAc
Aston said “It’s amazing to see Get Stupid back in the charts as part of the Samsung S9 Galaxy campaign. The advert has given the song a whole new lease of life. I’ve always believed in this song so I couldn’t be happier it’s getting this recognition.”
The track, which was written with Karen Poole and Sonny J. Mason, is an electrifying score with celebratory horns, pulsating bass grooves and vibrant rhythms topped by Aston’s ultra-charismatic vocal delivery. It’s pure contemporary pop grounded within the finest traditions of sixties R&B, with the entire song created with live instrumentation, the record has an electrifying if not jaw dropping effect when Merrygold takes it to live performance.
‘Get Stupid’, initially released in July of 2015, took Aston from UK boyband sensation as part of JLS (10 million records sold worldwide), to platinum selling solo artist in international territories – he toured Australia off the back of ‘Get Stupid’ being one of the most played songs on radio, as well as winning Best New Song at the RTL Awards in Italy. The song also caught the attention of James Corden, who invited him to perform on The Late Late Show in the US, as well as performing at Shazam’s International Conference in Los Angeles.
Aston has spent the last three years touring, writing new music for himself and other artists including co-writes in the Asian market. ‘Bounce’ by TVXQ, co-written by Aston, is currently #1 in over 13 countries, and top 10 in the global chart. He’s also due to feature in his debut film role in ‘Boogie Man’ (directed by Andy Morahan), release details TBA. Additionally, he was invited to join Kygo on his summer tour, and the pair will continue to work together this coming summer.
In 2017 he performed to over 10 million people weekly on BBC1’s prime time Strictly Come Dancing. Aston is continuing this journey with past Strictly winners Harry Judd from McFly and Olympic champion Louis Smith on a two month UK tour which will see the three boys performing to music from the 60s, as part of the Rip It Up show. The London show will be at The Palladium on October 12th.
Influenced by the likes of the late Michael Jackson when he takes the stage, Aston has proven to be a dynamic performer, featuring as a judge on Got To Dance, as well as recently launching his new business venture BASE Dance Studios.
In early 2018 Aston also became a father for the first time, with him and his fiancé welcoming his son Grayson Jax Merrygold, with a wedding due for later this year.
Ben Howard’s new song, “Murmurations,” as well as his music video for the lead single, “Nica Libres At Dusk,” is out now—listen to the song HERE and watch the video HERE. The new music appears on Howard’s highly anticipated new album, Noonday Dream, out June 1 on Republic Records. Howard filmed and directed the “Nica Libres At Dusk” video with Australian cinematographer Allan Wilson in the Atlas Mountains.
The new music has begun to receive widespread critical praise—The Independent proclaims, “‘A Boat To An Island On The Wall’ is a sprawling, mesmerizing track that shifts restlessly, rocking back and forth like that small boat on the waves, with the familiar sound of Howard’s low, gruff vocals,” while Paste adds, “This seven-minute single [‘A Boat To An Island On The Wall’] features Howard harmonizing with himself, as ambient chords slowly ease the quiet song into a grungy guitar riff.” NYLON furthers, “Press play and let this cinematic gem wash over you.” Additionally, you can watch Howard’s performances of “Towing The Line” and “Nica Libres At Dusk” on “Later… with Jools Holland” HERE and HERE.
Howard will return stateside this fall confirming a run of headlining North American dates, which include stops at legendary venues such as Berkeley’s Greek Theatre, Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Los Angeles’ Shrine Auditorium, New York’s Hammerstein Ballroom, Montreal’s Bell Centre as well as DC’s new venue Anthem. Fans can purchase tickets at http://benhowardmusic.co.uk/live. See below for complete tour details.
Noonday Dream was written and produced by Howard, with production contributions from regular collaborator and band-mate Mickey Smith. The album was recorded over the course of two years in various studios throughout Europe, including the legendary Sawmills Studio as well as locations in southwest France. The new recording continues to highlight Howard’s sonic evolution with unpredictable and textured arrangements and rich, emotive songwriting.
Howard’s debut album Every Kingdom was released in October 2011. The album sold more than one million copies globally, receiving a Mercury Music Prize nomination, and winning him two Brit Awards in 2012 for “British Breakthrough” and “British Solo Male Artist.” The follow up, I Forget Where We Were, which was released in 2014 was met with similar critical and commercial acclaim—the album earned an Ivor Novello Award nomination, the U.K.’s most prestigious songwriting accolade, and charted #1 in the U.K. Howard’s music has amassed well over half a billion streams to date.
Next Town Down’s latest video leaves everything on the dance floor as the New Edition inspired vocal group showcases both their dance moves and rhythmic R&B vibes. The video which is set inside what looks likes a Hollywood mansion plays on how a video of themselves leads to the thoughts and dreams of them one day making it big.
Although the video shows them working as cleaners, The members of NTD are no stranger to working a few crazy jobs of their own. In fact, the video’s inspiration gives a nod to those jobs they worked (i.e Dominoߣs, Subway, the corn fields, bill collection, and the Atlanta airport) before meeting over social media.
I think it’s safe to say, they wanted to let you know in a fun, smooth way that some dreams are just hard to shake. Or in their case, “ROCK.”
Keep Up with Next Town Down!
Learn more about Next Town Down HERE.
Don’t Forget to Check out “EASY” and“ROCK”HERE!
Originally from Kirkland, Washington, Japanese-American actress Ally Maki moved to Los Angeles when she was 14 after being scouted by a talent agent. Ally is now showcasing her comedic acting chops in the TBS comedy series “Wrecked,” as “Jess,” the fun, feisty, and hopeless romantic of the ensemble cast. The show centers around a group of plane crash survivors adapting to life on a re-
mote island, and adjusting to a new world. “Wrecked,” premiered as the #1 Cable Comedy of 2016 with its third season set to premiere June 2018. Ally was recently
a celebrity guest on Conan, discussing all things Wrecked and celebrity crushes on a national talk show outside of her role on the series.
In addition to “Wrecked,” Ally can also be seen in Freeform’s Marvel series “Cloak & Dagger” premiering on June 7th. Her previous television credits include Ikumi in “Dear White People” and recurring roles on popular series such as “New Girl,” “2 Broke Girls,” “NCIS,” “The Big Bang Theory,” and “10 Things I Hate About You,” as well as the role of ‘Min’ in the 2013 film, “Geography Club.” Multi-talented, Ally was approached by Columbia Records upon arriving in Los Angeles to ultimately join the all-girl band “The Valli Girls.”
Beyond acting, Ally has been working hard to ensure diversity is being recognized in Hollywood. She recently participated in the Diversity Speaks panel during LA
Film Festival along with other well-known Asian American actors in the industry. She also has partnered to support GIRLS INC. and wants to help empower young women.
Photo by Rick Bhatia
Best known for his breakthrough role on the ABC hit series, Suburgatory, Parker Young can currently be seen as a lead on the scripted Bravo series, Imposters. Parker takes on the role of Richard, a sensitive golden boy who thought he finally had it all when he married his trophy wife Alice.
After she leaves with all of his money, he decides to search for his wife with a glimmer of hope that there still might be a chance to reconcile. The first season is now streaming on Netflix, and the second is currently airing on Bravo. Prior to Imposters, Parker was a lead on the critically acclaimed FOX series, Enlisted, and had a starring role in the indie, Fourth Man Out. Soon thereafter, he also booked a recurring role on the hit CW series, Arrow.
Born in Tucson, Arizona, Parker began acting in high school while also holding the position of captain of his Varsity football team. Upon graduation, Parker set off for college in Los Angeles and shifted his focus to pursue a career in entertainment. Parker currently resides in San Diego with his fiancee Stephanie and they are expecting a baby girl.
Photo by Ryan West
New York, NY (May 25, 2018) GRAMMY Award-nominated, multi-platinum musician Halsey receives RIAA platinum certification with her second album, hopeless fountain kingdom, which has over 1 billion streams. Halsey is currently on her world tour kicking off in the U.S. on May 27 in Napa, California.
She recently graced the stage of The Voice to perform her hit single “Alone” alongside rapper Big Sean. Watch it HERE. She also released a behind the scenes video to “Alone” where fans can get an inside look of Halsey’s video shoot with cameos from Big Sean and Stefflon Don. Watch it HERE.
On June 1st, Halsey will perform on Good Morning America in Central Park as part of their 2018 Summer Concert Series. She will also make her big screen debut joining the cast of the animated Teen Titans GO! To the Movies as the voice of Wonder Woman in theaters July 27th. Also GLAAD recently honored her as Outstanding Music Artist. It never stops.
NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATES
with Special Guest JESSIE REYEZ
MAY 27 NAPA CA
JUN 24 HEBER CITY UT
JUN 29 MILWAUKEE WI
JUL 06 LANSING MI
JUL 08 MONTREAL QC*
JUL 11 EAST PROVIDENCE RI
JUL 12 SARATOGA SPRINGS NY
JUL 14 ATLANTIC CITY NJ*
JUL 15 VIENNA VA
JUL 17 INDIANAPOLIS IN
JUL 18 NASHVILLE TN
JUL 20 ROGERS AR
JUL 21 INDEPENDENCE MO*
JUL 25 TROUTDALE OR
JUL 27 MOUNTAIN VIEW CA
JUL 28 LAS VEGAS NV
JUL 30 DENVER CO*
AUG 03 HONOLULU HI*
*Jessie Reyez not performing
Celebrity Trainer, Body Transformation Specialist, and TV Personality, Corey Calliet, has built an unparalleled rapport
within the entertainment industry since arriving in Los Angeles in 2014. With over 10 years of experience in sculpting
and transforming physiques, Corey formulates and implements techniques catered to the specific goals and needs of
each of his clients. Best known for his work in transforming Michael B. Jordan for his lead role as Adonis Creed in the
movie Creed and most recently Black Panther, Corey possesses the expertise and professionalism needed to
successfully meet demands and sculpt physiques for the big screen, while coaching his clients to fully embody the
characters they play. This work ethic has made an impact on many celebrity clients such as; John Boyega, Tyreke
Evans, Lance Gross, Tony Bellew, Rocsi Diaz, Terrence Jenkins, Jasmine Sanders, James Frecheville, Robbie Jones,
Sterling Brim, and Keith Powers. He stamped the motion picture world by way of Fox, MGM, Universal Pictures,
Marvel, and Walt Disney.
Corey’s cutting-edge training style, known as “The Calliet Way”, pulls from athletic strength and conditioning
techniques and professional bodybuilding fundamentals. Not only does Corey’s unique method shape an aesthetic body
for his clients, it trains them to meet high physical demands and function at an elite level. His ability to transform both
mind and body makes him highly sought after by celebrities, professional athletes, and those requiring drastic changes
to their physique.
As Corey’s style is evident in the results you see in his clients, his physique is equally important. Recently deemed as
one of the 50 Most Fit men in the world on the Flex50 list by AskMen Magazine alongside Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps
and Conor McGregor; Corey and his work have been covered in an array of media outlets, including health & fitness
and lifestyle magazines, such as: People Magazine, Men’s Fitness, GQ, Men’s Journal, MAXIM, TRAIN magazine,
Brit + Co and Health Magazine.
In addition to training the stars and everyday people, Corey is a motivational speaker, a passionate advocate for the
fight against childhood obesity, and a devoted father of one. Corey can be seen flexing his transformation skills as
Leading Trainer and Personality on E!s hottest new show, Revenge Body by Khloe Kardashian. The successful
series premiered its second season in January. He is also a Beats by Dre brand ambassador, which recently
launched “Stories”, a digital content platform on which Corey will be featured delivering expert advice in fitness.
Photo by Bobby Quillard
Today The Economist launched its first real-time midterm model, which uses statistical forecasting to predict how many seats in the House of Representatives each party is likely to win in this year’s US midterm elections.
View the model here:
Applying cutting-edge machine-learning techniques to political science, the model combines information from polling, past elections, special elections, fundraising, ideology and “fundamental” factors like the economy and incumbency. It has been trained on every election cycle since 1942 and nearly 6,500 historical district races. The model will conduct 4.35 million simulated elections every day until the vote, live-updating to incorporate up-to-the-minute data.
The Economist’s midterm model currently predicts that Democrats have a 2 in 3 (or 65%) chance of taking the House, and holding an average of 222 seats, or 4 more than is needed for a majority. It shows that there is a 95% chance that the Democrats will hold between 206 and 241 seats.
The Economist’s data team plans to launch a similar model to forecast Senate results later in the year once primaries are complete and more polls become available.
Find out more about The Economist’s midterm model here.
