Posts tagged with "Los Angeles"

Ava Max Releases Debut Album – “Heaven & Hell”

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Global pop sensation Ava Max, who has already accumulated more than 4 billion career streams has today released her highly-anticipated debut album Heaven & Hell. The record features eight new tracks alongside her previously released hit singles “Sweet But Psycho,” “Who’s Laughing Now” “So Am I,” “Salt” and “Kings & Queens,” the latter of which spent five weeks at #1 on European airplay and is currently #21 on Top 40 radio.

Click HERE to buy/stream the album.

“Heaven & Hell represents light and dark, good and evil, and the devil and angel on your shoulder,” said Ava. “I’m discussing the dualities of the challenges we face each day. Some songs have darkness; other songs are more positive. Heaven & Hell is the middle ground.”

Ava has also today revealed the video for her track “Naked,” which was directed by Hannah Lux Davis (Ariana Grande, Halsey, Doja Cat).

“It’s about the real emotions we go through,” said Ava. “If you don’t know my mind, soul, and heart, you’ll never know me by seeing me naked. We are more than our physical bodies. That’s what I wanted to show.”

Click HERE to watch the video.

A truly international artist, Ava sealed her pop superstar status with the blockbuster success of the RIAA 3x-platinum certified hit, “Sweet but Psycho.” Currently boasting over 2 billion global streams and counting, “Sweet But Psycho” was named among the New York Times “54 Best Songs of 2019,” spent three weeks in the top 10 of Billboard’s “Hot 100,” peaked at #3 at US Pop Radio and earned Ava her first-ever Teen Choice Awards nomination for “Choice Pop Song.” The song was joined by an official video that has more than 600 million views on YouTube. Produced by GRAMMY Award-winning super-producer Cirkut (Maroon 5, Miley Cyrus, The Weeknd) and co-written with Madison Love (Camila Cabello), “Sweet But Psycho” hit #1 on both Spotify’s “United States Viral 50” and Billboard’s “Dance Club Songs” while becoming one of “The Top Most-Shazamed Songs of 2019.” The song’s stateside success followed the track’s remarkable popularity abroad, including four consecutive weeks atop the UK Singles Chart and #1 rankings on charts in nearly 20 countries.

Dubbed an “Artist You Need to Know” by Rolling Stone, Ava has been feted with a wide range of media attention including high profile features in Vanity Fair, Billboard, FORBES, PAPER, and more. The pop star first took over TV with performances of “Sweet but Psycho” on CBS’ The Late Late Show with James Corden, NBC’s TODAY, and the Ellen DeGeneres Show, as well as a summer performance of her RIAA-certified gold single “So Am I,” on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. Ava became one of 2019’s most honored performers, including Best New Artist nominations at both the 2019 MTV Video Music Awards and the 2019 MTV Europe Music Awards. The latter was highlighted by both Ava’s first-ever win for Best Push Artist; and show-stopping live performances of both “Torn” and “Sweet But Psycho,” streaming now HERE.

ALBUM TRACKLISTING:

Side A Heaven:

1. H.E.A.V.E.N

2. Kings & Queens

3. Naked

4. Tattoo

5. OMG Whatߣs Happening

6. Call Me Tonight

7. Born to the Night

Purgatory:

8. Torn

Side B Hell:

9. Take You To Hell

10. Who’s Laughing Now

11. Belladonna

12. Rumors

13. So Am I

14. Salt

15. Sweet But Psycho

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Tags: Ava Max, 360 Magazine, Vaughn Lowery, debut album, new music, Apple Music, TikTok, Youtube, Spotify, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Heaven & Hell, Los Angeles, LA,

Baby Keem – hooligan and sons & critics freestyle

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LISTEN AND WATCH THE VISUAL HERE

Today, Baby Keem releases two new songs titled ‘hooligan’ and ‘sons & critics freestyle,’ with a striking visual for ‘hooligan’ directed by Jake Schreier and filmed in Los Angeles. Listen to both tracks and watch the visual here.

The tracks precede a new project from the nineteen-year old artist dropping soon. ‘hooligan’ and ‘sons & critics freestyle’ are the first release since Baby Keem’s 2019 album ‘Die for My Bitch,’ which earned him critical acclaim including being honored on XXL’s Freshman List.

The tracks are released on pgLang, in partnership with Columbia Records. Baby Keem is the first artist to partner with pgLang, a new multi-lingual, at service company founded by Kendrick Lamar and Dave Free, which launched in March 2020. A visual mission statement titled ‘welcome to pgLang’ starring Baby Keem can be seen here.

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Savannah Lee May

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Q: How did you first get into acting and has it always been a passion of yours?

A: I started off dancing when I was 3 1/2 and instantly fell in love with performing. So, I guess you could say that was my first passion. I really didn’t start getting into the acting and singing side of it all until I was 11 when auditioned for a musical theatre academy in Houston. Once I started training with them, I quickly realized that this was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I truly couldn’t imagine doing anything else.

Q: What has been the biggest change or adjustment you’ve had to make when moving from Houston to LA?

A: The weather was definitely one of the major changes haha! But I think being so far away from family was the biggest adjustment we had to make. Growing up, we were all so close and saw each other almost every day. I mean, my cousins were basically like my older brothers, we were constantly together. The furthest we had ever lived from any of them was about 15 minutes, so to move to a completely different state is something that we are still trying to get used to.

Q: Which kinds of characters do you enjoy playing the most and why?

A: Definitely ones that come with a challenge. I’ve always been the kind of person who was down to try anything and as an actor, you can’t be afraid to fail. It’s better to give it everything you got instead of holding back because you’re scared of not being perfect. So, playing characters that are really far from myself or ones that really push my limits are always the ones I enjoy playing the most.

Q: Why do you think the fine arts are such a crucial part of society and why should everyone appreciate them?

A: I think they’re incredibly crucial! The fine arts are such an amazing outlet for people to really express themselves and to share their passion with the world. I know from personal experience, it’s the best escape for anyone going through a tough time. It’s definitely something that is under appreciated, especially in schools. You know, it’s a proven fact that students who are in theater, drama, dance, etc. have higher test scores than their peers who are not in the fine arts and are less likely to drop out. It makes me so sad to see schools that continue to cut their fine arts programs for budgetary reasons when the fine arts have helped so many people in their personal lives.

Q: What has been your favorite production that you’ve worked on, and why?

A: I’ve been very lucky to have a career where I have loved every project that I’ve been a part of. Knight Squad” was my first job and I learned so much while working on it. I made lifelong friends on that show and I think it will always have a special place in my heart. With “Secret Lives of Cheerleaders,” that was the first movie I ever did and it was my first leading role. It was such a wonderful experience. Then with “Julie and The Phantoms,” it’s everything I could’ve ever dreamed of rolled into one! The cast is unbelievably talented, working with Kenny Ortega is a dream and I feel really honored to be a part of such a beautiful show.

Q: Have you branched out or thought about branching out into other forms of art, such as singing or dancing, and why or why not?

A: I definitely have! Like I said, dancing has played such a huge roll in my life so I know that’s something I will continue to do and honestly, it’s the same with singing. I’ve written a couple of songs just to play around with a few ideas and I’m still very new to it haha! Coming out with original music sometime in the future is definitely something I could see myself doing.One thing I’d really love to do is also branch out into becoming a choreographer. I constantly make up choreography to different genres of music just as another outlet to create. Even though being in front of the camera and performing myself will always be my number one focus, I’d love to have that chance to choreograph one day.

Q: What has been the best part about playing Carrie in “Julie and The Phantoms”?

A: There are so many that it’s hard to pick just one! You know, I’ve never been given the chance to play the “mean girl” before so Carrie is a whole new ball game for me. I’ve always wanted to play this kind of role so I’m excited for people to see me do something different. Also, with Julie and The Phantoms being a musical series, being able to go through the process of recording the songs in the studio, learning the choreography and putting it on camera was such an incredible, new experience. One of the best parts is for sure our cast. I can honestly say that these are some of the most talented and kindhearted people I have ever met. They all bring something so incredibly special to the show, so I feel extremely lucky to get to work with each and every one of them.

Q: To anyone pursuing acting as a career, what would be your best piece of advice?

A: Never forget why you wanted to become an actor. I see a lot of people who enter the industry because they genuinely love to act, and they want to pursue it. Then as time passes, they begin to lose sight of that love and start focusing on wanting the fame. I honestly think social media plays a very big hand in that. People can get so wrapped up in their follower count that they forget why they started acting in the first place. If it doesn’t come from your heart and you’re not passionate about it, then why be in it at all?

Q: Who has been your greatest source of inspiration or support as you have risen up in the entertainment industry?

A: There’s a lot of people that have inspired me in this business and I look up to tons of different actors, directors, choreographers etc. So, I don’t think there’s one main source but there is definitely a mix of sources haha! As far as support goes, that is without a doubt my family. They all completely changed their lives to help me achieve my dreams and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for them.

Q: How do you plan on growing your acting career in different directions?

A: I don’t think there is a set plan, but I definitely want to continue to challenge myself with new types of characters. Expanding your abilities in different ways is something I think every actor wants and hopes for. I do have some dream roles/projects that I still have on my bucket list so I guess we will just have to see what happens next!

Photo courtesy of Amanda Elkins.

Marshmello Sports Premiere Apparel

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By Cassandra Yany

Marshmello sported a Premiere Apparel Tie Dye Hoodie to promote his new song and music video with Demi Lovato. The electronic music artist and pop singer took to Instagram on Thursday to share the release of their track “OK Not To Be OK” and the accompanying music video. In the photos, Marshmello is wearing a tie-dye hoodie by the LA brand Premiere Apparel.

The color-infused “Rain Forest Hoodie” pairs perfectly with the DJ’s electronic sound, and is one of the brand’s many tie-dye signature styles. Premiere Apparel creates clothing with colorful, mesmerizing designs and comfortable fits.

Marshmello and Lovato teamed up with the non-profit movement Hope For The Day for this collaboration. The pair are working with the organization— whose motto is “It’s OK Not To Be OK”— to start a conversation about mental health and eliminate the stigmas and judgment that go along with it. While promoting the song, Lovato shared a message via Instagram on Thursday, which was also Suicide Prevention Day, expressing her struggles with mental health and encouraging her followers to check in with themselves and loved ones.

About Premiere Apparel

California grown and LA-Based uni-sex brand Premiere Apparel has a vision of reinventing lifestyle. Creating go-to comfy fits to traditional yet innovative looks as well as environmental manufacturing friendly.

Premiere Apparel is a unisex streetwear premium brand that combines modern essentials with innovative wash techniques to create comfy go-to basics that make a statement. They believe in true essentials designed from life inspired color palettes that satisfy the soul.

Whether it’s your favorite weekend tee or that cozy sweatshirt for a cool night, Premiere Apparel offers well-made items for everyday people and their ever changing lifestyles. Fewer well designed pieces that are made to last and can go anywhere. They manufacture basics from the highest quality materials, using American-made materials and American labor.

Vaughn Hebron QxA

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“The Oval,” the hit BET show from Tyler Perry, will return to homes for its second season in Oct., and Vaughn Hebron is front and center.

Playing Barry, a man whose daughter was kidnapped by his ex-girlfriend, Hebron finds himself in the middle of a show about an interracial family living in the White House. Perfect on the outside but full of lies on the inside, the family brings some of the best drama to television.

Hebron was born in Baltimore and attended Pennsylvania’s Lafayette College on a Division 1 football scholarship. At Lafayette College, he joined Omega Psi Phi Fraternity and eventually graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Economics and Business and minor in Africana Studies.

He began a career in pharmaceuticals but eventually moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Early on he booked commercials, and he’ll appear in the Will Smith-led “King Richard” in 2021.

Hebron answered a few questions for 360 MAGAZINE regarding “The Oval,” the entertainment industry and his future.

360: Tell us about “The Oval” and your character and what we can look forward to in season 2.

Hebron: “The Oval” is a Tyler Perry soap, set in the White House, that centers around the First Family and their staff. Well, at least it did in the first season. The series has expanded and plunged into the personal and dramatic lives of each individual and is now a whirlwind of dramatics and juicy story lines. I play Barry Hallsen on the show, the son of the White House Head Butler. Barry is a young man in his early 20s trying to establish himself while providing for his daughter, Callie. In the first season, he faces extreme challenges in and out of the White House, namely having his daughter kidnapped by his baby mother, Ruth, who is part of a vicious cult. The first season follows his journey to finding his daughter and the many problems he creates for himself in doing so. What viewers can look forward to in the second season is Barry getting closer to finding his daughter but also getting closer to the imminent danger that surrounds her.

360: Before you became an actor, you were in pharmaceutical sales. How was the transition, and are you excited about the career change?

Hebron: The transition was a big adjustment, going from a steady, regular paycheck and working every day to not knowing when the next time I’ll be working but still getting paid for it. Basically, I had to start all over from square one and figure things out each step of the way. It was intimidating and uncertain, but it’s also been very fulfilling. It feels like I am being driven by something that I never felt in my corporate career: a new sense of purpose. The unknowingness was both scary and exciting.

360: What has been your biggest challenge thus far in the industry?

Hebron: Coming from a corporate background, I was used to a lot of structure. There were always deadlines, expectations that would be met, structured and upkept working conditions, and if there were any questions, someone there to help. There’s almost none of that in the industry. There are no set timelines on when we book jobs, no set path on how to be successful and reach a certain level in your career and no formal performance evaluations. Even asking for help could be just as bad as not asking for help. The biggest challenge for me was adjusting to this space of having to completely trust in the process and letting God take the wheel. I had to surrender to the journey and have faith that the things I was doing were going to work out the way they were meant to. I really had to believe that everything would happen for a reason. It was a complete mindset shift; a completely different life. I still struggle with it at times.

360: Where do you see your career in 5 years? 10 years?

Hebron: Well, one of the first lessons I learned in this industry is that you can’t put a timeline on things. At all. They could happen way sooner, or way later than you think, so just be open and ready when the time comes. My ultimate goal in this industry is to become an A-list storyteller. That’s the level I want to be at. However, storytelling comes in many different forms. Obviously acting is the main form of storytelling that I’m doing right now, but I’ve also written and pitched TV shows and see myself dabbing in that. I also see myself directing and producing one day as well. Additionally, I have a lot of ideas outside of the industry for my fitness and business, and of course I want to have a family one day.

360: Do you have any future projects that you’re allowed to talk about?

Hebron: Yes, I will be in the upcoming feature film “King Richard” starring Will Smith, as one of the main antagonists, hitting theaters Nov. 2021. We are working a couple other projects that are under wrap right now.

To learn more about Hebron, you can click right here.

You can also follow Hebron on Instagram and Twitter.

IQ Advantage

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IQ Advantage, founded by the serial entrepreneur Jackson Reding, is a digital agency based out of Los Angeles. They represent everything a modern day agency should be representing and are operating through three branches:

IQ Advertisement
IQ Talent
IQ Media

IQ Advertisement

IQ has been praised by over 750 clients for its top tier advertisement services, its social media growth and its leadership for businesses and influencers. It hosts loop giveaways and teaches different sorts of growth methods, like the fan page method among various others.

They also works directly with record labels to achieve a stronger social media presence for artists, models, bloggers and entrepreneurs.

IQ Talent

Its talent department, IQ Talent, is build upon the slogan: “The vertex of an innovative management agency.”

Over 95% of their signed influencers are overwhelmingly satisfied with their way of operating because of their transparency and way to upscale brand endorsements and sponsorships.

Reding explains how affiliate campaigns are often the first move to build trust between the specific influencer and the brand. The projects are presented to the brand as “pay to play,” with an upfront service fee to their influencers to execute the given work for the campaign. Over 90% of affiliate campaigns result in up-front payment so that the brands realize the value of the influencers. As Reding says, “Our only goal is to generate as high a profit for our in house talents as humanly possible. That’s the simple, yet effective, foundation of IQ Talent.”

In the talent section, they involve the media department for all tailor-made campaign presentations for brands, media kits and other visuals that benefit and heighten the negotiation foundation for upscaling the price per campaign.

Their talents have worked with big cooperations such as boohoo, lululemon, and PrettyLittleThing along with various hotels and travel agencies.

IQ Media

Its media department has worked with some of the biggest aviation companies in the United States. Their main focus is to produce top tier commercials for PR and social media use.

Among others, IQ Media has produced for Coastal Helicopters (Private Jet Charter), Aviator, Bang Energy and Visit Dubai among others.

What’s next for IQ?

The future is bright for IQ despite the current situation with COVID-19. It is expanding by the minute with more departments, but if you ask Reding, the key is to keep the quality at an all time high, which can be a challenge when scaling quickly. By always meeting critiques with an open mind to learn, changing how things are done if necessary and acting fast to develop as a company as well as people, this goal is attainable.

So far, the Californian-based agency has been performing above all expectations through the world crisis of COVID-19, and they intend to keep pushing for more.

2020 Labor Day Celebrations

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By Cassandra Yany

In the face of COVID-19, Labor Day weekend looked very different his year. Absent were the large family cookouts and pool parties, or the big end-of-summer beach crowds. Many cities even had to omit public fireworks to prevent mass gatherings. Though the long weekend did not bring the celebrations we’re used to, there were still plenty of safe ways to enjoy the holiday.

Virtual events allow you to take part in more activities in different locations than you would have been able to physically. Made in America, a festival started by Jay-Z in 2012, was set to take place in Philadelphia this past weekend. On July 1, festival organizers announced that it would be rescheduled to Labor Day weekend 2021. They said in a statement “Collectively, we are fighting parallel pandemics, COVID-19, systemic racism and police brutality. Now is the time to protect the health of our artists, fans, partners and community as well as focus on our support for organizations and individuals fighting for social justice and equality in our country.”

This year’s lineup went unannounced, but last year’s festival was headlined by Travis Scott and Cardi B. Since the physical festival was canceled, a livestream showcasing the best performances took place on the music streaming service TIDAL throughout the weekend. The virtual festival included sets from Beyoncé, Nicki Minaj, Lizzo, Coldplay, Rihanna and many other chart-topping artists.

Nationally, a Labor Day virtual race was held by The Best Races for runners to run anywhere on their own time and submit their results. Participants who registered for the full package received a personal coach who was available Monday through Friday to provide help and answer questions during training, and provided encouragement and support on the day of the race.

Runners across the country were able to choose the distance of the race they wanted to participate in. Depending on what package they signed up for, they received a certificate of completion and digital medal, a 3-inch medal sent to their homes, a printable custom bib, a custom digital photo card that contains the race results, a digital running journal, a t-shirt, optional course maps and an optional pen pal program.

Based in Portland, the Oregon Labor Movement held a statewide virtual Labor Day celebration and call to action on Monday. The organizers brought light to issues taking place in the state saying, “Working Oregonians are facing three crises at once: a deadly global pandemic, an economic free fall, and long-standing institutional racism.”

The event began at noon and featured talks from Oregon’s labor leaders, elected officials, and working Oregon citizens regarding their desire for change and their pursuit toward justice for workers. This event came after Portland’s rise to national prominence for their Black Lives Matter demonstrations and federal agents entering the city in recent months.

A number of virtual events were held in Los Angeles this past weekend, as well. HomeState, the LA-based Texas Kitchen, held its first Margarita Showdown in 2019, but had to move it online this year due to the pandemic and social distancing measures. The virtual event took place Saturday via livestream. Margarita makers in the area competed to see whose drink was the best.

Voters received eight bottled margaritas, along with limes and garnishing salt to try the different submissions from the safety of their homes. The winner chosen was El Compadre, a local Mexcian restaurant. The event was hosted by comedian Cristela Alonzo, and featured musical performances by Chicano Batman, Spoon, Questlove, Fred Armisen, Local Natives and Angela Muñoz. All proceeds from the event benefit the organization No Us Without You! and the Watts Empowerment Center.

The Gourmandise School of Sweets & Savories in Santa Monica hosted a virtual Labor Day Pies class on Sunday. In the class, participants were taught how to make a s’mores pie and key lime pie. Registration for the class included access to the Zoom video meeting, as well as the recipe and shopping list. Recipes can also be found on Gourmandise’s Instagram.

Some cities were able to hold in-person events following social distancing guidelines. Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art, located in the Seaport District, upheld its tradition of free admission on Labor Day. The museum is typically closed on Mondays, but was open from 10 am to 5 pm for guests who reserved tickets.

Monday was the last day for guests to see the exhibits Tschabalala Self: Out of Body and Carolina Caycedo: Cosmotarrayas. Also on display were the Sterling Ruby, Nina Chanel Abney and Beyond Infinity: Contemporary Art after Kusama exhibits. The ICA has increased cleaning and follows Massachusetts COVID guidelines by requiring all staff and visitors to wear face coverings, and allowing a restricted number of guests each hour. Spaces that don’t allow physical distancing are temporarily closed, and exhibition labels and printed materials have been made available online to reduce touch surfaces.

In New York City, a Labor Day Paint in the Park event was held in Central Park. The two-hour socially distant class was led by a master artist who gave step-by-step painting instructions. Participants were required to wear masks and sit six feet apart. Admission included a pre-sketched canvas and painting supplies, and parties were encouraged to bring food and drinks to snack on during the class.

For those who wanted to enjoy the holiday by relaxing at home with their favorite movie or TV show, a number of stores had sales to mark the end of summer. There were countless deals that shoppers could take advantage of to celebrate their work.
Many workers have faced great adversity within the past eight months, some losing their positions and having to move quickly to find a new one, and others doing their job in a way they never thought they would have to. Whether you stayed in or got out of the house for some socially-distant fun, Monday was definitely a day worth celebrating.

Dominic Fike – Fortnite Party Royale Concert

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For the debut of the Spotlight concert series, star singer, rapper, and songwriter Dominic Fike is ready to bring down the house with hits from his acclaimed LP debut, What Could Possibly Go Wrong. Fike’s performance will be broadcast live in-game from the Party Royale Spotlight sound stage in Los Angeles, on Saturday, September 12.

Here’s a full look at showtimes:

Dominic Fike Premiere – Saturday, September 12 @ 5PM ET
Encore 1 – Saturday, September 12 @11PM ET
Encore 2 – Sunday, September 13 @ 1PM ET

BLXST RELEASES NEW EP

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By Armon Hayes

In celebration, BLXST held a properly social distanced and invite-only listening forum last night in Santa Monica. During the friend & family event, the artist and producer shared his highly anticipated release, No Love Lost, out now! The EP, from the West Coast rapper-singer-songwriter under Red Bull Records, is an expansive and emotive collection of music inspired by past relationships and his hometown, LA. The EP is filled with instrumentation that fills the track with raw emotion—a vibe reminiscent of the legendary Nate Dog, and is accompanied by a four-part cinematic series of videos to bring the project’s overarching narrative to life.

No Love Lost’s quintessential West Coast vibe will be perfect to cruise to for a long time to come.

Imagine your windows rolled down, the sun shining while your speakers are on blast. Blxst’s sound fits right in—fluid musicality slides through the pocket between R&B and Hip-Hop seamlessly, complimented with just the right amount of swagger.

The EP has an edgy attitude and slick soul lyrics that will appeal to all ears and generations. Starting with the release of his latest single, “Overrated,” Blxst speaks on love’s risk and the expectations that we and society place on relationships unexpectedly not living up to our idealized expectations. “Hurt,” on the other hand, is a mirror of life experiences, and specifically the processes of overcoming obstacles and what we learn from said trials.

Blxst is a multi-hyphenated, multi-threat talent. He initially earned notoriety for his production work and collaborations with artists like Kendrick Lamar, YG, Mozzy, G Perico, Eric Bellinger, Bino Rideaux, and more. His recent singles, including “My Emotions” and “Slip & Slide (feat. 1takejay)”, garnered praise from DJ Akademiks, Bibi Bourelly, TIDAL’s Elliott Wilson, and more

Bio
No Love Lost Trailer
“Overrated” Video

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Katie Welch, The Next Big Thing, Debuts Single “Sober” on September 4th 2020

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Katie Welch, the music industry’s best-kept secret and next big thing, is set to release her brand new single titled “Sober” Sept. 4.

Based out of Los Angeles, Welch is more than just a triple threat. Singing, dancing, acting and hosting are just the tip of the iceberg for the activist and philanthropist.

She’s finally ready to burst onto the scene after performing for small groups of celebrities, and she will introduce her new album, “The New Renaissance,” to the world to announce her presence. The album will follow up her debut EP titled “Typical Psycho,” which was released in 2018.

Welch said “Sober,” the album’s most anticipated track, is about addiction, but doesn’t just cover substances.

“It’s also about how we allow other people to consume us; how we use our vices to supplement our longing. Toxic substances fill the hole of toxic relationships. By learning to love ourselves we can fill those holes, and to be ‘sober’ is to be whole,” she said.

Katie started performing at 2 years old and spent her childhood competitively dancing and singing in choirs, in a quartet and solo.

She first came to Los Angeles in 2010 in pursuit of a solo career, but after winning the premier season of “Off The Strip,” a singing competition in Hollywood, she took up hosting the show.

She also holds an annual Christmastime concert with multiple artists performing to benefit Toys for Tots. Additionally, she created C.A.P.E. Nation, a program under Boo2Bullying designed to empower children.

Welch said she finds music to be the best way to empower and connect us all.

“We are spiritual beings having a physical experience and we are all just matter and vibration and frequency, which is why music can affect us so deeply. Music has always been there for me in any experience I’ve ever had. I have written music for heartbreak, for healing, for hope and for pure fun and entertainment. It all serves its purpose,” Welch said. “My dream is to share the music in my heart with the world in hopes others can connect to it, to know they are not alone and realize how connected we all are.”

Combining all of her passions, like singing, dancing, performing and helping others, is what earned her the classic designation of a “Renaissance woman.”

That title inspired the name of her new album, and her music follows right along with her diverse interests.

Her vocals powerful vocals are inspired by artist like Ella Fitzgerald, Whitney Houston, Amy Winehouse and Celine Dion while also taking notes from The Jacksons, Prince, Cher, Stevie Wonder and Christina Aguilera for her music as a whole.

“It never felt right for me to lock myself into one specific genre or to label myself in a finite way,” she said. “Genre crossover and blending has been happening in music for many years, and I’m excited to see where it moves to next. I believe the whole world is on the verge of a great new era of art, culture, philosophy and enlightenment, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

You can pre-save “Sober” on Spotify right now by clicking right here, and you can find it streaming everywhere Sept. 4.

You can also find out more about Katie on her website by clicking right here, and you can follow her on Twitter and Instagram.