STEVE AOKI Joins Forces with THEOS To Create New TV Show THE GATHERING Celebrating the World’s Greatest Festivals
Steve Aoki uncovers the most significant cultural celebrations in THE GATHERING. The project is a personal journey which takes Aoki from offstage and into the crowd in a way we’ve never seen before.
Executive Producer David Lingwood brings us to significant cultural festivals worldwide through the eyes of one of today’s most renowned global DJs.
A man of the people, Steve Aoki, tends to meet the locals and discovers their stories whenever he travels around the globe. It’s a desire he has to dive deeper into the social fabric of our times. This passion for telling personal stories was most famously captured when he interviewed cab drivers of Middle Eastern descent right after 9/11. With THE GATHERING, travel further to find engaging interactions and encounters with communities and why they come together to celebrate the human condition the way they do. Through Aoki’s unique storytelling, watch as he goes to England for “The Appleby Horsefair” to learn about England’s deep gypsy roots. Or “The Boryeong Mud Festival” in Korea to learn about another side of their culture. Steve fearlessly shares his contagious passion for culture and adventure and carries you to places and events that you’ve never heard of. A master at his craft, his goal is to find commonality through expression and community while highlighting music, authentic food, culture, people, and travel. Viewers will see some genuinely surprising answers.
DAVE LINGWOOD
David has 10+ years of experience producing award-winning television for numerous networks, including MTV, FOX, Freeform, and HGTV, to name a few. With an instinctual knack for sniffing out contemporary talent and formats, he has an unparalleled eye for recognizing trending IP. As one of the co-founders of THEOS, David has developed and sold dozens of pilots and series to networks and platforms throughout his career. In addition to producing, David shares duality as talent too, which began as one of the millennial-defining MTV series The Buried Life stars. He also wrote New York Times #1 bestseller “What Do You Want To Do Before You Die.”
THEOS is a new media entertainment company of curious storytellers. We focus on creating the most innovative and stylized media for all new domestic and global platforms. Our mission is to create demographic-specific content targeting Gen-Z and Millennials. Our goal is simple: create content that destroys molds. To learn more, visit www.theos.co
Lexus NX is one of the most popular luxury compact SUVs in the United States.
The 2022 Lexus NX model has brought us two unprecedented features: 1) the all-new Plug-In Hybrid Electric (450h+) and 2) the all-new Lexus multimedia interface.
As of late, 360 MAGAZINE was invited to Phoenix to attend the release of the all-new Lexus NX. Its appeal will foster youth, technology, and multiculturalism.
Upon arrival, the team checked into the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort (also part of Hilton). The grounds boast lush scenery and majestic mountains as a backdrop. For nearly a century, the lodge has played a prominent role in its habitat. Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural style offers a generous splash of Hollywood glamor.
With history worth of noting, the Biltmore was opened by brothers Warren McArthur, Jr. and Charles McArthur with John McEntee Bowman on February 23, 1929. The land spans across thirty-nine acres with 700 guest rooms. Amenities include eight outdoor pools, a 92-foot slide with a swim up bar, seven tennis courts, two golf courses and seven restaurants. There is also a fitness center, a children’s camp, a play area, as well as a full-service spa (fee not included).
Services at Tierra Luna Spa were remarkable, creating a place of sensory adventure. Within its walls, arid curative properties have been exploited in a variety of memorable experiences. Spa treatments focused on desert plants, cosmic connectivity, and dynamic recovery.
Performance
When stepping foot into the driver’s seat of the newly designed vehicle, enthusiasts can instantly notice a lower sense of gravity, thus enhancing overall handling and making it appear more aggressive. Moreover, the 2022 NX 350 model has been upgraded to a 2.4L turbo. Thanks to the integrated 8-speed transmission, the car was able to enjoy a smoother riding experience.
This trim level has an input of 275 hp with 317 pound-feet of torque, pushing 0-60mph in a time of 6.6 seconds. It’s over a half-second faster than the last model. These are impressive performances for a compact SUV in its market segment. Not to mention, it gets a combined estimate of 25 mpg.
In addition, the first-ever NX 250 features a naturally aspirated 2.5-litre 4-cylinder engine with start/stop function and an eight-speed transmission. The NX 250 model includes FWD and AWD options and a combined MPG estimated by the EPA of 28. The SUV is also capable of producing 203 horsepower and 184lb-ft of torque. Since it is a lower-level version than NX 350, the 0-60 mph comes to 8.2 seconds for the FWD version and 8.6 seconds for AWD.
Design
The most noticeable difference of its makeover is the signature spindle grille. While maintaining the overall skeleton of the incumbent, the mouth has become pouty and polished. Furthermore, the newly introduced L-E-X-U-S rear badging rests under the continuous tail-lamp. Say goodbye to the Toyota-like emblem on its boot. The lateral profile, at first glance, closely resembles the current model, but this is not the case. The length, width and height of the body are respectively 4660/1865/1640mm and the wheelbase is 2690 mm. In comparison with the current model, the length and width have increased by 20mm, and the wheelbase has increased by 30mm. Taking a peek inside, the redesign of the cabin will completely hypnotize you. The new NX uses the Tazuna cockpit concept to communicate more directly and efficiently between the driver and the vehicle. The standard 9.8-inch touch panel can be upgraded to 14 inches. The infotainment unit is considerably taller than the center console, and the edges and corners have an elegant diamond shape. What makes this vehicle more intuitive than its predecessors are the steering commands that are imitated on the head-up display of the windshield. Overall, this vehicle screams ergonomically for drivers and larger passengers with enough space for four to sit comfortably. In addition, Lexus offers a panoramic moonroof that allows extra light to spread through its corridors, making stargazing more accessible than ever. At night, up to 64 selected colors of ambient light can be seen in footwells, center console and door panels.
Technology
The revamped NX marks the introduction of a brand-new Lexus multimedia platform that outperforms its current system, meeting customers’ priority for fast, intuitive on-board connectivity. Operation is as simple as using a tablet, allowing drivers to stay connected to the Lexus interface on an ongoing basis. There is wireless integration of Apple Car Play and Android Auto, Voice Assistant, cloud-enabled navigation with Google Points of Interest (POI), on aerial updates and Digital Key available. Additionally, the vehicle provides integrated streaming from Apple Music and Amazon Music. And their premium audio package features a 17-speaker system equipped by Mark Levinson. This 1800-watt high-fidelity pack effortlessly improves compressed audio, spelling out all your favorite lyrics and instruments.
Highlight: First Lexus Plug-In NX 450h+
Historically, Lexus hybrid models have captured more than 23% of their sales. The bold design and signature make the Lexus NX one of the most popular models among Gen Z and Gen Y affluent drivers. According to Koji Sato, Lexus International President and former chief engineer, electrification is already one of the most important goals for Lexus to conquer. With that, the first plug-in Lexus NX 450h+ has now been released.
The NX 450h+ has an EPA estimated range of 36 miles on electricity alone; the lithium-ion battery made this possible. This electrical system equates to a 2.0-liter motor. When combined with the newly developed hybrid, a 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder engine offers an estimated duration of 6.0 seconds from 0 to 60.
Safety
Safety comes first every time, and Lexus knows it. The Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 makes driving an easy task. Other new features like Curve Speed Management and Intersection Support provide a multi-level protection base. Optional Digital Key and Advanced Park on NX 350h and NX 450h+ models make vehicle access and parking a breeze. After all, a digital key is convenient for customers who use their vehicles in car sharing apps such as Turo.
Price
The Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price for each all-new NX are:
– $37,950 for NX 250 FWD
– $39,550 for NX 250 AWD
– $41,550 for NX 350
– $41,050 for NX 350h
– $55,560 for NX 450h+
– All prices listed are exclusive of $1,075 delivery, processing, and handling fee.
Conclusion
The 2022 Lexus NX is a compact luxury SUV that offers an abundance of powertrains, a competitive edge against rivals like the Acura RDX and BMW X3
With the ability to tow kayaks and jet skis, this all-rounder would be great for a summer getaway to the lake. Additionally, mainly due to its petite chassis, it’s a shoo-in for parking in overcrowded urban areas and city centers.
In short, driving comfort and quiet cabins have always been an attribute of the NX; however, now with its sensual silhouette, and gorgeous lines, it’s best described as a dime piece.
Finally, Lexus introduced the IS 500 F Sport model to consumers in the American marketplace. Although the IS is not a brand-new product, it has been readjusted by engineers with a large facelift and power plant. The new IS model is always perfectly balanced, and the Lexus IS 500 is by far the best Lexus IS model proposed to date.
Lexus engineers have always focused on creating high-performing products for the North American market. As a result, this Lexus IS 500 F Sport is the first in its history. It’s in position to rival the AMG C43, Audi S4 and BMW 340i models.
F Sport IS 500 is the highest level of the IS series and comes well-equipped with a throaty quad exhaust, stiffer steering/suspension as well as 472 hp with 395 lb-ft of torque. The 5.0L engine delivers 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
Plus, the all-new Lexus IS 500 F Sport has 19-inch wheels and scuff plates.
Sator has just announced its partnership with one of the most recent chimpanzee sanctuaries, Project Chimps. The collaboration includes the launch of a sequence of Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) on the Sator app. Each chimp at Project Chimps will receive their own specially minted NFTs, and all proceeds will be returned back to the sanctuary.
The Project Chimps sanctuary is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of north Georgia, where former research chimps are given lifelong refuge and rehabilitation. Home to 82 chimps today, Project Chimps aims to grow these numbers and provide more chimps with accessible care. To learn more about the chimps, visit ProjectChimps.org.
With the announcement of the collaboration, this supports the sanctuaries’ goal to assist more chimps in the future. The proceeds accumulated through the purchase of the NFTs go directly back to the sanctuary, providing more resources for better care of the chimps and to house more chimps in the future.
The NFTs will be released in a sequence of groups. The first collection drop is “The 5 Alphas.” “The 5 Alphas” include the heads of the 5 separate family units at the Project Chimps sanctuary: Binah, Bo, Kareem, Kirk and Patrick. “The 5 Alphas” NFTs can be accessible now through the Sator app. There are around 5,000 NFTs for each individual Alpha offered. NFTs can be bought through Sator’s native token (SAO) for roughly $5 each.
Sator’s President Chris Martin speaks on the significance of the collaboration between the two teams. Martin states, “We are honored that Project Chimps chose Sator to launch their first-ever NFT campaign in support of the sanctuary’s efforts to provide care to the retired research chimpanzees. We see it as a creative way to bring awareness to their mission and we’re very excited to be a part of it.”
A feature apart of the Sator app allows users to diverge into various realms to earn crypto tokens through playing games and connecting with content. These crypto tokens can be substituted for NFTs in the app. The app also allows users the opportunity to conversate with other users around the world.
Gen Z Icons Willow Smith and Harry Hudson Unveil an Eyewear Collection – the First Project of X8
X8 is a new venture company building a creative hub for artists and avatars who will meet In Real Life (IRL) and The Metaverse.
Gen Z stars Willow Smith and Harry Hudson are the faces of X8 Eyewear, the brainchild of X8, a paradigm shifting, creative projects platform, and seed-stage venture fund based in New York, Seoul, and Singapore.
X8 Eyewear draws its inspiration from psychoanalyst Carl Jung‘s Animus and Anima, a theory in analytical psychology that describes the feminine and masculine duality of our unconscious minds.
X8 created a 23-piece collection that transcends gender labels with fluid cool oversize shapes and architectural flourishes.
“I was honored to join the X8 Anima/Animus campaign because I loved the messaging of gender fluidity and the duality of masculine and feminine energies that I believe exists inside every one of us. I had so much fun shooting this concept with my dear friend, Harry,” said Smith, who is an actress, singer-songwriter, and talk show host known for her progressive personal style.
“I was inspired by X8’s creative vision of two forces working together in harmony with one another. A lot of my music has been about balancing the light, dark and the masculine, feminine energy of life, so that idea of true duality really spoke to me and made me want to be a part of this campaign. Also, shooting with my friend and genius Willow was too much fun,” said Hudson, 21, a singer-songwriter famous for documenting his battle with cancer on social media.
While this is Smith and Hudson’s first foray into working with eyewear, it isn’t for X8, which was recently co-founded by Won Lee, the former CEO and CCO of Gentle Monster USA—the South Korean eyewear company—overseeing its rapid rise as one of the biggest eyewear brands in the world.
ABOUT X8
X8 is at the nexus of all things creative (fashion, art, entertainment, technology) and the future. It is Co-founded by Won Lee from South Korea who, outside of his tenure at Gentle Monster, has had an eclectically creative background developing hospitality projects with mega real estate groups such as CBRE, Prodigy and Soho House, as well as a $50M Media/Light Art project in Jeju Island, South Korea, and Nikhil ‘Ra’ Sharma, an Indian entrepreneur, producer and creative projects specialist who has also had a diverse background working with brands such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel Beauté, producing shows with talents such as David Bowie and Prince, Executive Producing a film by Oscar nominated director Fernando Meirelles, and working on projects with personalities such as Silicon Valley icon Sean Parker (Napster, Facebook, Spotify) to Fashion photography legend, Ellen von Unwerth.
Lee (Creative Director, Real World) and Ra (Creative Director, Metaverse) will be working as brothers in arms to morph the present into the future; the real with the virtual. They will oversee two core teams—an artistic, creative, manufacturing team in South Korea; and the Metaverse, NFT, Gaming, AI, Future Tech Studios in India.
X8 is actively developing the X8 Neo-Circus (X8NC), a members-only creative hub/platform for artists, celebrities and influencers in Jeju, and Decentraland: the first decentralized metaverse. This will go hand in hand with a secret character-based NFT project driving the platform. All X8 products will be showcased and sold in X8NC—in both physical and digital forms.
X8 has collaborated with Xelpmoc Design & Technology, a BSE/NSE listed company (XELP:IN). They will join X8 to build X8M (X8 Metaverse) in India to develop and invest in technologies to scale the X8 proposition globally. The core team of X8M are Sandipan Chattopadhyay, Suman Bose and Monce C. Abraham. Sandipan is the founder and MD of Xelpmoc; the co-founder of MoneyControl; and the ex-CTO of Just Dial. Suman Bose—Director and Chief Evangelist at Xelpmoc—was the former Managing Director of Siemens Industry Software. Sandipan and Suman will spearhead the tech and investment strategies for X8M. Monce C. Abraham—Director at THEV—will be focusing on operations and growth strategies for X8M. Abraham, at 24 years of age, was the youngest individual ever to head Marketing and Research at IVCA (Indian Private Equity & Venture Capital Association).
X8’s mission is to empower those who dare to dismantle the past, unsettle the present, and create a new and more exciting world for all. “We do not think in boxes,” say Lee and Ra. The founders see a world which will be driven by cross-industry innovation where an electric car can be built from the ground-up. Such a universe brings together fashion/textiles design, digital art, sustainable materials science, AI tech, rocket science and automotive engineering and Metaverse gaming. “We are driven by a passion to discover the unknown and see the world through the eyes of the new generation and beyond. Today, we may be considered a special projects and venture capital company. Yet our vision is set on tomorrow. The future will define us.”
X8’s venture fund is led by Lee-Woong Yeol, Honorable Chairman of Kolon Group, South Korea. A visionary, Lee has invested in a wide array of businesses and ideas with an intent to create a think-tank. He coalesces solutions, services and products of the future.
Other X8 ventures include the following: 1) SLFF Kaimin—a brand by the New York designer Kaimin—whose futuristic cyber goddess looks have been worn by some of the most outlandish women in entertainment including Björk and Lady Gaga. 2) KLAW—a new sneakers collection for the “universal activity of walking”. 3) 1PEACE—a conscientious fashion and textiles brand that upcycles deadstock for new use.
After amassing over 4 million song views and 1 million likes on TikTok before officially releasing the song, singer and songwriter Lyn Lapid drops the video for her latest single, “In My Mind”—watch HERE!
On making the video, Lyn says, “I knew from the start that I wanted the video to center around the many things that run through my mind, and so what better way than to focus on the concept of daydreaming? The entire video focuses on me working at a mundane office job, trying not to doze off while I get the paperwork done. Then suddenly you see me go on a rampage, chuck office supplies everywhere, and maybe swing a bat once or twice at my stingy mannequin boss. The catch is that whatever you see when I’m not typing my life away at my computer is all a daydream. It was exhilarating being able to destroy the office space in my little rampage moment, I think it was the first time someone ever told me to let loose and make a mess. I loved working with everyone on set, and one of the best parts was all of the snacks there. Eliot Lee is super talented, and he did a fantastic job bringing my initial vision for the video to life.”
Dedicated to the “‘quiet kids’ such as [herself]”, Lyn first teased “In My Mind” on TikTok a week before it was released, and the video quickly garnered over 3 million views in just a few days with her fans lovingly dubbing the song the “quiet kids song.” “In My Mind” has already amassed over 1 million streams in just a few weeks, and not to mention, it has been praised by Consequence, SPIN, Atwood Magazine, and more, with HYPEBAE proclaiming, “Lapid’s soothing vocals seamlessly blend with the airy notes of the guitar,” and Ones To Watch praising her as “a fearless and irrefutable voice of Gen Z.”
Lyn says, “I wrote ‘In My Mind’ about my experience growing up as the ‘quiet kid.’ People would always tell me how I never talked at all and how quiet I was. Well, they weren’t wrong, I kept to myself all throughout school, even when I hung out with my friends. I remember when I sang for my school’s talent show for the first time, one of my classmates went up to me afterward and was like, ‘You know I was surprised when you walked on stage, you hardly ever talk. I thought you were gonna suck. But you actually didn’t!’…I’m not sure how you would respond to that honestly. I also wrote about what runs through my mind, and how if people knew what I was actually thinking, they’d be thankful that I kept to myself.”
“In My Mind” arrives during a breakout year for Lyn Lapid – she released her first three singles, “Producer Man,” “Itsy Bitsy,” and “Infinite,” received co-signs from Billie Eilish, BTS’ Jungkook, Sabrina Carpenter, and more amassed over 72 million global streams to date, and been praised by the likes of Rolling Stone, Buzzfeed, E! Online, Refinery29, HYPEBAE, Idolator, and others. With more music on the way, Lyn has affirmed herself as a star on the rise for 2021.
“Her irreverent lyricism and hip hop-infused beats and emo punk aesthetics make her a splash of cold water to the face as far as the pop landscape is concerned.” – Dazed
“A brilliantly chaotic sound” – i-D
“Gutsy and spiky-edged come to mind when digesting the alt-pop bops of Willow Kayne.” – The Line Of Best Fit
“The Gen Z talent links together huge opposing forces, creating her own potent brand of rebel-pop.” – Clash
After capturing imaginations with her rabble-rousing, genre-fluid debut single “Two Seater” back in May, London-via-Bristol superstar in waiting Willow Kayne has returned with a brand new single “I Don’t Wanna Know.”
Teaming up with UK hitmaker Oscar Scheller, “I Don’t Wanna Know” takes all of the attitude Willow has become synonymous with and ramps it up to 11 – taking cues from the old school rave culture that she is obsessed with by sticking a middle finger up to trolls over a drum & bass indebted backing. Inspired by the very real online abuse Willow received on TikTok, it’s a high energy example of just how unpredictable a talent Willow is, and how easy she makes it look; the track is packed with hilarious one-liners that cut those who have bullied her online to size. “I Don’t Wanna Know” is an empowering anthem that deals with real life Gen Z issues with a sense of confidence that feels so refreshing in the landscape of pop today.
The track’s visual builds on Willow’s own postmodern sense of creation with a surreal take on the track’s subject matter. Directed by Bedroom (Beabadoobee, Arlo Parks, Sports Team), the video finds Willow falling victim to online trolls (also played by herself) before flying through cyberspace to learn that success is the best revenge, all in Willow’s own cartoonish, singular vision.
The video comes alongside the news that Willow has been nominated for the Rising Star award at this year’s Ivor Novello awards. Alongside the nomination, Willow has been paired in a mentorship scheme with legendary songwriter Nile Rodgers ahead of the ceremony on September 21st 2021.
A bracingly vivid look into the creative mind of one of 2021’s most fiercely uncompromising pop talents, “I Don’t Wanna Know” is the perfect example of Willow Kayne’s powers. Weaving relatable stories amongst high-energy unpredictable sonics, Willow is still breathing new life into a scene that’s been without anarchy and spontaneity for years, and in her hands, the future of pop will be anything but boring.
After amassing over 4 million song views and 1 million likes on TikTok before officially releasing the song, singer and songwriter Lyn Lapid delivers her new fan favorite single “In My Mind”—listen here!
Dedicated to the “‘quiet kids’ such as [herself]”, Lyn first teased “In My Mind” on TikTok in August, and the video quickly garnered over 3 million views in just a few days with her fans lovingly dubbing the song the “quiet kids song.” “In My Mind” hinges on a jazz-y groove as Lyn adopts a fittingly smoky delivery. Her voice wraps around airy guitar and a steady beat, as it builds towards a swooning refrain and she reveals, “People say I’m quiet most of the time, If only you knew what goes on in my mind.” Once again, Lyn’s dynamic vocals and sharp songwriting instantly enchant listeners.
Lyn says, “I wrote ‘In My Mind’ about my experience growing up as the ‘quiet kid.’ People would always tell me how I never talked at all and how quiet I was. Well, they weren’t wrong, I kept to myself all throughout school, even when I hung out with my friends. I remember when I sang for my school’s talent show for the first time, one of my classmates went up to me afterwards and was like, ‘You know I was surprised when you walked on stage, you hardly ever talk. I thought you were gonna suck. But you actually didn’t!’ …I’m not sure how you would respond to that honestly. I also wrote about what runs through my mind, and how if people knew what I was actually thinking, they’d be thankful that I kept to myself.”
“In My Mind” arrives during a breakout year for Lyn Lapid – she released her first three singles, “Producer Man,” “Itsy Bitsy,” and “Infinite,” received co-signs from Billie Eilish, BTS’ Jungkook, Sabrina Carpenter, and more, amassed over 72 million global streams to date, and been praised by the likes of Rolling Stone, Buzzfeed, E! Online, Refinery29, HYPEBAE, Idolator, and others. With more music on the way, Lyn has affirmed herself as a star on the rise for 2021.
About Lyn Lapid
A classically trained musician, unpredictable vocal dynamo, and fearless genre-breaker, Lyn Lapid asserts herself as an individual through and through. At 18-years-old, the singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and member of vocal collective EARCANDY has unassumingly emerged as an unapologetic and undeniable voice for her generation. In 2018, Lyn posted a ukulele and vocal cover of “Best Part” by Daniel Caesar and H.E.R. on YouTube. She went on to deliver D.I.Y. YouTube renditions of everyone from Ariana Grande and Sabrina Claudio to Edith Piaf and Sarah McLachlan, amassing 40 million-plus views and counting on her channel. In late 2019, Lyn launched her TikTok page, building an audience of over 4 million followers at a rapid pace. Meanwhile, a snippet of her first original, “Producer Man,” exploded. Produced by Dan Nigro [Olivia Rodrigo, Conan Gray, Carly Rae Jepsen, Lewis Capaldi, Sky Ferreira, Empress Of], the song has gathered over 70 million views and 8 million likes thus far and emerged as “the most-viewed unreleased demo on a TikTok video in 2020.”
About Republic Records
A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Black Thought, Drake, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie J, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Lava Records, XO, Young Money, among others. Republic also maintains a long-standing strategic alliance with Universal Music Latin Entertainment (J Balvin and Karol G). In addition, Republic has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Universal Pictures (Fifty Shades of Grey), Sony Pictures (Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse) and NBC TV (The Voice), as well as other notable film and television franchises. Extending further into the worlds of film, television, and content, Republic launched Federal Films in order to produce movies and series powered by the label’s catalog and artists. Its first production was the Jonas Brothers documentary Chasing Happiness for Amazon Prime Video.
Debut Album Puppies Forever Arriving October 15 via Dirty Hit PRESS HERE to Pre-Save
Joining beabadoobee’s U.S. Headline Tour this November – PRESS HERE for Tickets
BLACKSTARKIDS are at the height of their powers – Billboard
Taking the media they loved growing up in the 2000s and combining it with their formidable songwriting and producing talent, [BLACKSTARKIDS] are creating captivating, timeless sounds at an incredible pace. – MTV
BLACKSTARKIDS have already caused a stir with their recent singles. Although they are fresh out of high school, [Whatever, Man] is impressive in its scope and executed with the grace of a veteran group – UPROXX
BLACKSTARKIDS have released their brand new single FIGHT CLUB, the second track from their upcoming debut album Puppies Forever out October 15 via Dirty Hit. PRESS HERE to listen to FIGHT CLUB, a cheeky anthem that showcases the unapologetic, confident sound of the forthcoming album. FIGHT CLUB sees BLACKSTARKIDS launch out of the gate and directly into your faces, oozing with swagger as Ty, Deoindre, and The Babe Gabe trade off verses with ease.
PRESS HERE to watch BLACKSTARKIDS as they take over a convenience store in the energetic, self-directed music video for FIGHT CLUB. PRESS HERE to pre-save Puppies Forever.
‘FIGHT CLUB’ really captures the way we feel when we’re all together and everything is going smoothly for us, says BLACKSTARKIDS on the single.
FIGHT CLUB follows the recent release of BLACKSTARKIDS’ serotonin-laced lead single JUNO, an indie-pop bop described by Ones To Watch as the sort of rare track that combines all your teenage phases into one intoxicating amalgamation. PRESS HERE to listen.
Hitting the road for a string of dates with GroupLove in September and Glass Animals soon after, BLACKSTARKIDS will embark on a nationwide, 26-date tour alongside Christian Leave in support of beabadoobee on November 1 that will include a hometown show in Kansas City and stop in major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Dallas, Austin, San Francisco, Boston, Atlanta, Seattle, and more. PRESS HERE to purchase tickets. Full routing below.
Receiving critical acclaim and praise from MTV, UPROXX, Billboard, Alternative Press, Ones To Watch, Rolling Stone France, The Line Of Best Fit, DIY, Coup De Main, and more for their shimmering Gen-Z anthems, BLACKSTARKIDS are well on their way to indie stardom. Last year, BLACKSTARKIDS released their full-length project Whatever, Man, the final piece to their black coming of age trilogy following projects Surf in 2020 and Let’s Play Sports in 2019. Whatever, Man incorporates each member’s wide-ranging influences into one body of work and is fueled by the sounds of artists from Toro Y Moi, N*E*R*D, Smashing Pumpkins, and Weezer, to Outkast, Odd Future, and A Tribe Called Quest. A winding maze of surprise and discovery, Whatever, Man’s string of critically acclaimed singles, including BRITNEY BITCH, FRANKIE MUNIZ, ACTING NORMAL, andTANGERINE LOVE – grasp their blissful DIY sound which blends garage rock with synth-punk and hip-hop to usher in a new surge of indie. The body of work also features the track FRIENDSHIP, which contains personal messages from fellow Dirty Hit signees Matt Healy of The 1975, beabadoobee, and more.
Dubbed a 90’s baby literacy test by Earmilk, BLACKSTARKIDS – Ty, Deiondre, and The Babe Gabe – showcase their witty personalities and depth as musicians by seamlessly blending nostalgic pop culture references with their effortlessly cool, genre-blending sound. Now, gearing up for the release of their debut album Puppies Forever, BLACKSTARKIDS are ready to share how their experiences have made them who they are and how they fit into society today.
South African born, Germany raised, and Toronto based pop/rap artist WizTheMc releases a music video for his latest single “Everything.” Directed and edited by Clyde Monroe, and starring Noa Fisher (Uncut Gems, Betty), the video showcases the highs and lows of a whirlwind love affair. “The “Everything” video is a visual representation of Infatuation, the first of many stages of love that I will be exploring in my upcoming releases,” says WizTheMc.
The video for “Everything” serves as the first in a series of three visual chapters due from Wiz this year. Along with “Break” and “Do It Over”, the three visuals unite to tell a linear cinematic story about Wiz’s experience with love and relationships. The video for “Everything” debuted on Diffus Magazine earlier this morning.
The acoustic guitar driven single follows up the success of Wiz’s What About Now? EP, released at the end of last year on 10K Projects/ Homemade Projects. The EP includes Wiz’s breakout single “For A Minute,” which has surpassed 30M streams on Spotify to date.
Fitting for an artist who spent formative years on three different continents, WizTheMc describes his sound as “borderless music.” It’s an apt description for the 22-year-old singer, rapper, and producer, who combines an ear for sticky pop hooks with nimble rapping abilities, all bolstered by high-octane production and summery guitar loops.
Currently based in Toronto, the Cape Town-born artist is bringing his magnetic records to the masses. As a teenager, he began rapping with friends in the town of Lüneberg, Germany, and like many Gen Z creatives, applied a DIY ethos to music-making.
“For me, it was always the internet. I learned how to freestyle off the internet, how to write songs, how to make beats,” he says. “That’s so beautiful, because no matter where I was, if I had my laptop, my interface, and my mic, I could make music.”
Wiz’s career hit warp speed in the summer of 2020, when his peppy love song “For a Minute” became a major online hit, following his signing with Elliot Grainge’s 10K Projects. It’s since accrued over 27 million streams on Spotify alone. A charming music video shot in the midst of quarantine highlights Wiz’s natural charisma, easy screen presence, and goofy sense of humor. But now that he’s got more resources behind him, he’s committed to making a world that expands on his music.
Recent videos for “All My Friends Are Stoned” and “World is Fucked” showcase Wiz’s playful and visually creative side, with rich color palettes and surreal humor. “Sometimes, I would just write the chorus and then write the music video concept just off the chorus,” he says. “With everything I’m making, there is just a visual element that’s working in the background.”
In addition to gearing up for live shows including major festival dates like Austin City Limits, Wiz is currently putting the finishing touches on a new batch of songs. He says introspective rappers like Kendrick Lamar and J. Cole have inspired him to pour more of himself than ever before into the music he’s writing; “it’s been my goal to be able to put down my emotions as accurately as possible onto paper. To the point that I feel moved by my own words because they feel so true to me,” Wiz says. “I feel like these songs are the closest to my real experience. These are the most vulnerable songs I’ve written to date.”
Forthcoming singles “Everything” and “Break” have a darker sensibility and an urgency to them, drawing attention to Wiz’s emotive rasp. He uses songwriting for emotional excavation, but maintains that what matters more to him is not what he gets out of a song, but what you do.
“My favorite thing is when I make something I don’t understand or love immediately and then it grows on me,” he explains. “I feel like it’s an empowering idea for artists that we are not really the ones in control to make something meaningful. We don’t have to understand anything to make anything great, we just have to be there and show up and let the music come through us.”
DELIVERS INTERNET-BREAKING SURPRISE PERFORMANCE AT LOLLAPALOOZA
Ready to make a major mark after gathering millions of streams and receiving widespread critical acclaim, rising singer-songwriter Nessa Barrett uncovers a new single and music video entitled “i hope ur miserable until ur dead” today. Listen to “i hope ur miserable until ur dead” HERE and watch the music video HERE.
Nessa delivers a Gen-Z grunge bop underlined by caustic guitars and a hypnotically spectral hook. Her voice teems with raw emotion as she lets everyone know exactly how she feels! In the accompanying video directed by the incomparable Hannah Lux Davis [Ariana Grande, Halsey], Nessa emerges from a television set Poltergeist-style in order to haunt a deserving ex with her undeniable presence (and totally stealable nineties prom goth looks).
Regarding the song, she said, “‘i hope ur miserable until ur dead’ is the anger you hold inside when people betray you—when people hurt you so bad and you unapologetically hope they get what they deserve.”
Most importantly, the song heralds the arrival of her debut pretty poison EP out September 10 on Warner Records. Pre-order pretty poisonHERE. Illuminating the scope of her signature style, she leans into a lullaby melody on the darkly catchy “grave,” while “i wanna die” feels tailor-made for the closing credits of a classic nineties slasher flick. Her jazzy intonation adds raw emotion to “scare myself” as she admits, “Sometimes I even scare myself.” Over wobbling distortion on the title track “pretty poison,” she urges, “Say my name, say my name like you know it’s holy.”
Check out the full tracklisting below.
Nessa broke the internet last weekend when she joined jxdn for a surprise duet of “la di die” on the Main Stage at Lollapalooza. It immediately trended across social media, generating millions of impressions. Meanwhile, she continues to attract critical acclaim. Of her latest release “counting crimes,” Clash Music wrote, “The single itself showcases Barrett’s vocal power alongside a backdrop of guitar and piano overlaid with glitchy production.” In addition to plugs from the likes of UPSET Magazine and more, The Line of Best Fit hailed her as “On The Rise,” going on to rave, “She is the architect of her own, grunge-indebted netherworld, leaning into the pop-punk revival close enough to brush shoulders with it, and yet retaining an extraordinary sense of self that belies her eighteen years.”
Earlier this year, Nessa linked up with jxdn on “I’m Dead” as part of the Official Soundtrack for the new scripted podcast Prom In Hell, the four part horror-musical-comedy series which debuted as the #1 Apple Music Podcast in April. “I’m Dead” notably marks the second collaboration by Nessa and jxdn following their breakout hit “la di die,” produced by the legendary Travis Barker. The latter has already amassed over 200 million streams, cracked the Top 15 at alternative radio and reached #27 at top 40 radio. The duo made their late-night television debut performance with “la di die” on Jimmy Kimmel Live! and also performed on The Ellen Degeneres Show. The song has received widespread acclaim from MTV, Elite Daily, Buzzfeed Radio.com and Nylon declared, “As the last line of ‘la di die’ says: She’s gonna be a superstar.”
