Posts tagged with "Minneapolis"

Valley Last Birthday The After Party EP Art via Capitol Music Group for use by 360 Magazine

Valley – The After Party

Following a whirlwind 2021, JUNO nominated, alternative-pop band Valley kicked off the new year with the release of a three-track EP, The After Party, out now via Capitol Records.

The After Party is released as an extension of the band’s previous EP, Last Birthday (October 2021) and as lead singer, Rob Laska notes “our most personal songs we’ve ever written as a band to date.” The three new songs mirror the upbeat energy of the previous EP, taking a more somber approach to the music and lyrics. “Last Birthday” is a standout track on this latest project which Valley worked on over the past two years and signifies the final release of the Last Birthday era. “The song really explains what we’ve been trying to put into words for a long time,” the band explains, “in a way it feels like the first song we’re singing directly to ourselves and our fans.” To illustrate the significance of “Last Birthday,” the band shared a Song Stories video explaining the process of writing and creating the new song. Watch the Song Story for “Last Birthday” HERE.

Last year was nonstop for Valley with a steady release schedule, each song capturing the feeling of relatable moments in time while being perfectly danceable. The explosive first single of 2021, “Like 1999” whose genesis traces back to a viral TikTok post that drove the band to finish the track in under 48 hours and went on to push their catalog to over 280 million global streams. The band performed “Like 1999” for the 2021 MYX Awards in the Philippines. Back at home, Valley was selected as Apple Music’s Up Next artist for Canada in September, joining the vast Up Next roster of past Canadian talent including Grammy-nominated and critically lauded talent like 6lack, Daniel Caesar, Jessie Reyez, Orville Peck, and Tate McRae.

Valley burst back into playing live last year, reconnecting with fans across North America. The band played their first American festivals over the summer and recently sold out shows with COIN on a 17-date North American tour. The band finished the year with two epic hometown shows at The Opera House in Toronto. Valley is gearing up for the ‘I’ll Be With You Tour,’ the band’s first-ever headlining tour with 30 dates across North America. The tour is almost entirely sold out with tickets and details available on Valley’s website.

THE AFTER PARTY EP Tracklisting

  1. Last Birthday
  2. 7 Stories
  3. Paper Cup (sorry for myself)

‘I’ll Be with You’ North American Tour Dates 

February 16 Cambridge, MA The Sinclair SOLD OUT

February 18 New York, NY Irving Plaza

February 19 Philadelphia, PA The Foundry at the Fillmore SOLD OUT

February 20 Washington, DC Songbyrd SOLD OUT

February 22 Nashville, TN Basement East SOLD OUT

February 23 Atlanta, GA The Loft

February 25 Austin, TX Antones SOLD OUT

February 26 Dallas, TX Cambridge Room @ House of Blues SOLD OUT

March 1 Phoenix, AZ Rebel Lounge SOLD OUT

March 3 Los Angeles, CA The Troubadour SOLD OUT

March 4 San Francisco, CA Popscene @ Rickshaw Stop

March 5 Santa Cruz, CA The Atrium @ Catalyst

March 8 Portland, OR Holocene

March 9 Seattle, WA The Crocodile Second Stage SOLD OUT

March 11 Salt Lake City, UT The Grand @ The Complex SOLD OUT

March 12 Denver, CO Bluebird Theatre

March 15 Chicago, IL Subterranean SOLD OUT

March 16 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry SOLD OUT

March 18 Winnipeg, MB Park Theatre

March 19 Saskatoon, SK Amigos

March 22 Victoria, BC Capital Ballroom

March 23 Vancouver, BC Biltmore Cabaret

March 25 Edmonton, AB The Starlite Room

March 26 Calgary, AB Commonwealth

April 14 St Catharines, ON Warehouse

April 15 London, ON Rum Runners

April 16 Waterloo, ON Maxwell’s

About Valley

Valley, comprised of Rob Laska, Karah James, Mickey Brandolino, and Alex DiMauro, has spent the past two years developing organic buzz through a personal and intimate connection with their fans. Valley put together alternative pop with the care, adventurousness, and personal touch of a handmade burned CD. Cycling through moods like your favorite throwback Pinterest board, the Toronto quartet amplify sticky hooks through eloquent songcraft that’s cognizant of what came before, yet ready for the future. In 2016, Valley formed by accident when a local studio double booked them. During high school, Mike and Karah played in one band, while Rob and Alex played in another. They introduced themselves with self-written, self-produced releases, including the EP This Room Is White (2016), the full-length debut MAYBE (2019) and their EP sucks to see you doing better (2020). They joined Lennon Stella and The Band CAMINO on sold out tours across North America and even picked up a 2020 JUNO Award nomination in the category ofBreakthrough Group of the Year.” Most recently, the band released their latest EP Last Birthday via Capitol Records and joined COIN for a North American tour.

JOY OLADOKUN – SUNDAY

JOY OLADOKUN DEBUTS SPOTIFY SINGLES SESSION

FEATURES NEW VERSIONS OF “SUNDAY” AND BONNIE RAITT’S “I CAN’T MAKE YOU LOVE ME” FEAT. JASON ISBELL
FIRST NATIONWIDE HEADLINE TOUR CONFIRMED FOR SPRING 2022

PRESS ASSETS HERE

Breakthrough singer, songwriter and musician Joy Oladokun’s debut Spotify Singles session is out today. Listen/share HERE. Recorded at Sound Stage Studios in Nashville, the release includes a new rendition of Oladokun’s “sunday” as well as a version of Bonnie Raitt’s classic “I Can’t Make You Love Me” with special guest Jason Isbell on guitar.

Reflecting on the project, Oladokun shares, “I’ve been a rabid consumer of Spotify Singles since their inception. Being asked to do one was a dream come true and I wanted to bring in the best crew. I asked Jason Isbell to play guitar on the Bonnie Raitt cover and he absolutely smashed the energy and emotion of what I was trying to do. So excited to have these out in the world.”

The release adds to a landmark year for Oladokun, whose major label debut album, in defense of my own happiness, is out now via Amigo Records/Verve Forecast/Republic Records. Moreover, Oladokun released a special deluxe edition, in defense of my own happiness (complete), this past July which includes all 14 tracks from her major-label debut, ten additional songs from her self-released 2020 record, in defense of my own happiness (the beginnings), and one new track, “judas.”

In celebration of the new music, Oladokun will embark on her first ever headline tour next spring with newly confirmed shows at Austin’s Antone’s, Dallas’ Club Dada, Los Angeles’ Troubadour, San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall, Seattle’s Neumos, Denver’s Marquis Theater, Minneapolis’ Fine Line, Chicago’s Lincoln Hall, New York’s Bowery Ballroom, Washington, DC’s Union Stage, Atlanta’s Terminal West and Nashville’s The Basement East among several others. See below for complete itinerary. Tickets for the tour are on-sale now, full details can be found at here.

Within defense of my own happiness, Oladokun is forging her own path, sharing the unique perspective she’s gained from living in today’s world as a black, queer woman and first-generation child of Nigerian immigrants. Born in Arizona and now living in Nashville, her musical exploration began at age ten when she was inspired to learn guitar after seeing a video of Tracy Chapman—the first time she’d ever seen a black woman play the instrument.

Recently named one of the “Best Albums of 2021 So Far” by Rolling Stone and Variety, and one of Billboard’s “Best Albums by LGBTQ Artists of 2021 So Far,” in defense of my own happiness features special collaborations with Maren Morris, Jensen McRae and Penny & Sparrow and continues to receive widespread critical praise:

“She has a remarkable ability to distill how forces at work in the world…she can make even social and political protest feel like an intimate, warmly human act”—NPR Music 

“Joy Oladokun, like all of us, is a work in progress. But when you talk to Joy, it’s almost like you can see that growth happening right in front of you. Every time she speaks, she’s discovering a new idea or a new thing about herself or uncovering a new way of looking at the world.”—NPR World Café 

“a serious talent with a kind of low-key, casual ease…she’s always seeking out the light to point the way, making for one of the year’s most uplifting listens.”—Rolling Stone 

“one of the hottest new singer-songwriters making music…surgical songwriting and soulful vocals that will send chills down your spine on each repeat listen.”—Billboard

“songwriting and production values that could take these bold tunes to a broad audience. These are affecting songs of loss, both romantic and mortal, that land far from any soapbox”—Variety 

“Joy Oladokun is a rare talent who manages to dissect Christianity, queerness, race and mental wellness with a delicate yet determined touch”—Vogue

“Oladokun’s message is not only timely, but essential.”—them.

“There aren’t many frills to Joy Oladokun’s folk music but that doesn’t mean her songs, which capture the quieter moments of life with a frank honesty, don’t still sear to the core.”—Nylon

“a stunning major label debut…any Nashville musician worth their salt should be pinching themselves to work with Oladokun, among the most exciting talents this city has seen in years.”—The Tennessean

“the rising singer-songwriter proves her worth as a master storyteller”—American Songwriter

“Oladokun’s ability to shine a light on the truth is remarkable, but perhaps even more so is her ability to do so with kindness.”—No Depression

“this compelling young artist, now a Nashville resident, has seized headlines for the honesty and depth with which she conveys her experience…but her songwriting is poignantly universal.”—Hits Daily Double 

“Oladokun is giving us her whole self, and hoping to inspire us to be our whole selves too”—Nashville Scene

“often striking, and always satisfying”—Nashville Lifestyles

“an artist able to turn an idiom on its head through powerful messaging and an open honesty about her own life and her own family and her own roots.”—Folk Alley

“it’s pop music approached from the mindset of a true singer/songwriter, not far removed from the art of Carole King…each composition is flawlessly conceived”—Holler

“Open about her queerness, mental health, and her mission to be intentional with the music she creates, Oladokun…is making a name for herself in Nashville and beyond.”—uDiscover Music

Oladokun has continued to receive widespread attention in the past year. She was recently featured as part of NPR Music’s “Tiny Desk (Home) Concert” series, performed on “CBS Saturday Morning,” “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” and “TODAY” and will make her debut on PBS’ “Austin City Limits” early next year as part of the legendary program’s 47th season. She has also been named a member of the #YouTubeBlack Voices Class of 2021, a NPR Music/Slingshot’s 2021 Artists to Watch, a Billboard LGBTQ Artist of the Month, Spotify’s RADAR US: Artists to Watch 2021 and Amazon Music’s Artists to Watch 2021, was highlighted as part of HULU’s “Your Attention Please: The Concert” alongside 24kGoldn, Kiana Ledé, Lil Yachty and Swae Lee, and had her music featured on CBS’ “CSI: Vegas,” NBC’s “This Is Us,” ABC’s “Grey’s Anatomy,” ABC’s “Station 19” and NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” Moreover, Oladokun recently collaborated with Brandi Carlile and Lucie Silvas on new song “We Don’t Know We’re Living” as well as with Noah Kahan on his track, “Someone Like You.”

IN DEFENSE OF MY OWN HAPPINESS (COMPLETE) TRACK LIST

  1. jordan
  2. smoke
  3. if you got a problem
  4. i see america
  5. heaven from here (feat. Penny & Sparrow)
  6. younger days
  7. sunday
  8. bad blood
  9. lost
  10. who do i turn to?
  11. sorry isn’t good enough
  12. taking the heat
  13. someone that i used to be
  14. brick by brick
  15. unwelcoming
  16. Bigger Man (feat. Maren Morris)
  17. mercy (feat. Tim Gent)
  18. let it be me
  19. judas
  20. mighty die young
  21. breathe again
  22. too high
  23. look up
  24. wish you the best (feat. Jensen McRae)

JOY OLADOKUN CONFIRMED TOUR DATES

October 23—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium

October 24—Atlanta, GA—Shaky Knees Music Festival

October 28—Grand Rapids, MI—CFAC Auditorium at Calvin University

November 5—San Diego, CA—House of Blues

November 6—Los Angeles, CA—The Novo

November 7—San Francisco, CA—The Regency Ballroom

November 9—Portland, OR—Roseland Theater

November 10—Vancouver, Canada—Commodore Ballroom

November 11—Seattle, WA—The Showbox

April 7—Austin, TX—Antone’s Nightclub

April 8—Dallas, TX—Club Dada

April 10—Phoenix, AZ—The Crescent Ballroom

April 11—Los Angeles, CA—Troubadour

April 13—San Francisco, CA—Great American Music Hall

April 15—Portland, OR—Doug Fir Lounge

April 16—Seattle, WA—Neumos

April 19—Salt Lake City, UT—Soundwell

April 20—Denver, CO—Marquis Theater

April 22—Kansas City, MO—recordBar

April 23—Davenport, IA—The Raccoon Motel

April 24—Minneapolis, MN—Fine Line

April 26—Madison, WI—Majestic Theatre

April 27—Chicago, IL—Lincoln Hall

April 29—Toronto, ON—Horseshow Tavern

May 1—Cambridge, MA—The Sinclair

May 2—New York, NY—Bowery Ballroom

May 5—Holyoke, MA—Gateway City Arts

May 6—Ardmore, PA—Ardmore Music Hall

May 7—Pittsburgh, PA—Thunderbird Music Hall

May 9—Washington, DC—Union Stage

May 10—Durham, NC—Motorco Music Hall

May 11—Asheville, NC—The Grey Eagle

May 13—Atlanta, GA—Terminal West

May 14—Nashville, TN—The Basement East

www.joyoladokun.com

Spiral Tour Admat via RCA Records for use by 360 Magazine

Rezz Spiral Tour

DJ/producer Rezz announces North American headline dates for her “Spiral Tour” which kicks off on February 5th, 2022 in Vancouver, BC. Tickets go on sale this week starting with Spotify pre-sale on Wednesday, September 29th at 10am local time (Password is Spiral) and tickets for the general public go on sale starting Friday, October 1st at 10am local time. Check out the tour dates below and tickets can be purchased HERE.

Rezz will be releasing her new single “Let Me In” with fknsyd along with the music video this Friday, October 1st. You can pre-save it HERE.

Rezz says, “I’m so excited to announce the Spiral tour as it will feature the biggest production I’ve ever had by far. “Let me in” with fknsyd is one of my favourite songs I’ve ever worked on , her voice & song writing is so incredible I can’t wait for you to hear. 

“Let Me In” with fknsyd follows “Chemical Bond” with DEATHPACT. Both tracks will be featured on Rezz’s fourth album spiral which is set to be released this fall via Rezz Music/RCA Records.

“Spiral Tour” Dates

Feb 4 – PNE Forum, Vancouver, BC 

Feb 18 – Masonic Temple, Detroit, MI 

Feb 19 – Navy Pier, Chicago, IL 

Feb 25 – Armory, Minneapolis, MN 

Feb 26 – Factory, St. Louis, MO 

Mar 4 – Terminal 5, New York, NY 

Mar 5 – Terminal 5, New York, NY

Mar 11 – The Met, Philadelphia, PA 

Mar 12 – Echostage, Washington, DC 

Mar 18 – Riverworks, Buffalo, NY 

Mar 19 – Express Live!, Columbus, OH 

Apr 1 – Bayou, Houston, TX 

Apr 2 – South Side Ballroom, Dallas, TX 

Apr 30 – Frost Amp, Stanford, CA 

Over the summer, Rezz teamed up with Dove Cameron to release “Taste of You” which was declared “…the best electronic collaboration of 2021 to date” by EDM.com while Billboard stated, “Their combined efforts make for a catchy, fairly traditionally structured but nonetheless punch-packing track that demonstrates the skills of each artist…” Earlier this year Rezz released “Sacrificial” feat. PVRIS along with the video. Watch HERE. Alternative Press praised the track by calling it “…the perfect blend of both artists’ strengths and distinct artistry.”

About Rezz

26-year-old Canadian DJ/producer Isabelle Rezazadeh AKA Rezz has racked up tens of millions of streams, sold out legendary venues and headlined top festivals around the world. She oozes originality and produces genre-bending electronic works, striking a sharp balance between bass-heavy and minimal tech compositions. Her first independent project – the adventurous Beyond The Senses EP – was released in 2019 and garnered praise from Alternative Press, SPIN and Billboard who called it “her most impactful project to date” and went on to receive The JUNO Award for Electronic Album of the Year in 2020. She graced the cover of Billboard’s 2019 Dance Issue and has been attributed as being at the forefront of the dance and rock music crossover. 2020 marked a banner year for the producer who released her first single through RCA Records “Someone Else” with Grabbitz which has garnered over 50 million streams worldwide and reached #15 on Alt Radio in the US and #1 in Canada. Alternative Press praised the song upon its release, including it as the lead track in their weekly playlist. They called the video “another high point in Rezz’s canon,” saying, “…the song evokes a sinister groove that will appeal to dance music devotees as well as industrial rivetheads…Rezz is heavily featured in a documentary called “Underplayed,” available on Amazon Prime Video, which highlights the current issues female DJs face in the dance industry.

TRIPPIE REDD ‘TRIP AT KNIGHT’ album cover from Hannah, 10kprojects for use by 360 Magazine

TRIPPIE REDD ANNOUNCES FORTHCOMING ALBUM – TRIP AT KNIGHT

Multi-platinum selling recording artist Trippie Redd has announced his forthcoming album, Trip At Knight, will be released on August 20 via 10K Projects/Virgin. His fourth studio album will include features from Drake, Juice WRLD, XXXTentacion, Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert, Polo G, Lil Durk, SoFaygo, Ski Mask The Slump God, BabyFace Ray, Sada Baby and Icewear Vezzo. See below for full track listing. Five days after its release, Trippie will kick off his headlining North American tour, Tripp At Knight, produced by Live Nation and presented by Rolling Loud, on August 25 at The Armory in Minneapolis, MN. Joined by fellow 10K Projects artist iann dior, and fast rising Atlanta artist SoFayGo, tickets for Trippie’s 25 stop tour are on sale now at the Trippie Redd website.

Despite the odds, 2021 has been one of Trippie’s biggest years to date. His latest single “Miss The Rage” with Playboi Carti, which features on the album, debuted at #11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart (the highest chart debut for either artist) and its music video surpassed 1M views in four hours. He also kicked off the year with his first-ever rock album NEON SHARK, produced by close friend and collaborator Travis Barker. NEON SHARK features appearances by Machine Gun Kelly, Chino Moreno (Deftones), blackbear and more, and acts as the deluxe edition of Trippie’s October 2020 album, Pegasus, which debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Trip At Knight Track List:

Molly Hearts

MP5 Ft. SoFaygo

Betrayal Ft. Drake

Finish Line

Holy Smokes Ft. Lil Uzi Vert

Super Cell

Miss The Rage Ft. Playboi Carti

Supernatural

Demon Time Ft. Ski Mask The Slump God

Matt Hardy 999 Ft. Juice WRLD

Vibes

New Money

Danny Phantom Ft. XXXTentacion

Space Time

Baki

iPhone

Rich MF Ft. Polo G & Lil Durk

Captain Crunch Ft. BabyFace Ray, Sada Baby & Icewear Vezzo

Tripp At Knight 2021 Tour Dates

08-25 Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

08-27 Cincinnati, OH – The ICON Festival Stage at Smale Park

08-28 St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis Music Park

08-29 Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP

08-31 Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheatre at White River State Park

09-01 Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center

09-03 Detroit, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill *

09-05 Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center *

09-06 Baltimore, MD – MECU Pavilion

09-08 Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater

09-10 Brooklyn, NY – Coney Island Amphitheater

09-12 Philadelphia, PA – Skyline Stage at Mann

09-14 Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre

09-15 Raleigh, NC – The Red Hat Amphitheater

09-17 Atlanta, GA – Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood

09-18 Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place

09-19 Miami, FL – FPL Solar Amphitheatre

09-22 Houston, TX – Smart Financial Centre at Sugar Land

09-23 Irving, TX  – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

09-26 Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre

09-28 Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

10-01 Portland, OR – Theatre of the Clouds at Moda Center

10-03 Seattle, WA – WaMu Theatre

10-05 Concord, CA – Concord Pavilion

10-06 Los Angeles, CA – Performance Venue at Hollywood Park

*SoFaygo not on this date

About Trippie Redd:

One of the most versatile and creatively daring artists in hip-hop today, Trippie Redd makes music that’s both wildly experimental and massively appealing. Since delivering his debut mixtape A Love Letter to You in 2017, the multi-platinum-selling, chart-topping rapper, singer and songwriter has continually defied genre boundaries, embedding his melodic take on rap with frenetic elements of rock-and-roll and heavy metal. And with his penetrating lyrics and nuanced but hard-hitting vocal performance, the 21-year-old Ohio native matches that endless ingenuity with a powerfully raw emotional impact.

A self-professed workaholic who’s now debuted five consecutive projects in the top 5 of the Billboard 200 chart —Trippie got his start as a teenager “living in a basement with roaches recording music,” as he tells it. Born Michael Lamar White IV and raised in Canton, Ohio, he grew up on hip-hop icons like Tupac Shakur, Nas, and Jay-Z, but later became fascinated with the shock-rock of Slipknot and Rob Zombie. As he recalls, the urge to create his own music arose soon after his older brother (an aspiring rapper who went by the name Dirty Redd) died in a car accident when Trippie was 10. (“I took his dream and did it myself,” Trippie says now.) Drawing much of his inspiration from the free-flowing style and inventive lyricism of Lil Wayne, Trippie began recording in his cousin’s basement and later relocated to Atlanta to further hone his skills, quickly landing a record deal with 10K Projects.

Though 2020 brought its fair share of adjustments, Trippie used his time in quarantine to make some of his boldest career moves yet, including making his acting debut during an episode of Lil Dicky’s critically acclaimed DAVE and headlining Rolling Loud’s Loud Stream. Trippie also dropped his highly anticipated album, Pegasus, on Halloween. The mythical LP, which debuted at #2, included the intoxicating “Excitement” featuring PARTYNEXTDOOR and highlighted Trippie bridging the generational gap with the legendary Busta Rhymes on “I Got You.” The deluxe version of Pegasus comes in the form of NEON SHARK: Presented By Travis Barker, released in February.

Follow Trippie Redd:

Instagram / Youtube / Twitter / Facebook

Cartooning While Black cartoon via Will Brierly for use by 360 Magazine

Cartooning While Black Gallery Exhibit

Black cartoonists from The New Yorker present their work at the Cartooning While Black Gallery Exhibit at ChaShaMa.

Chashama and Art To Ware present Cartooning While Black, a preview of the art from the upcoming One Idea Press title release, The Anti-Racism Activity Book. Art from the volume, written and illustrated by cartoonist and comedian Victor Varnado, will be shown alongside fellow black New Yorker cartoonists, Yasin OsmanAkeem S Roberts, and Jerald Lewis II. This exhibition is curated by Rebecca Mills.

LOCATION: ChaShaMa Gallery, 320 West 23rd Street, NY, NY

WHEN: Thursday, July 15, 2021, to Thursday, August 5th.

The Anti-Racism Activity Book is a social satire created in the style of a children’s puzzle and coloring book. The exhibit will feature crosswords, word finds, and other nostalgic activity book throwbacks, combined with original cartooning work from Varnado, all using humor to illustrate how dumb racism is.

“Traditionally, very few black cartoonists have appeared in the New Yorker, but recent efforts by the magazine and the cartoon editor Emma Allen have made an exhibit like this possible,” said Jason Chatfield, president of The National Cartoonists Society and New Yorker cartoonist.

“Yasin Osman, Akeem S Roberts, Jerald Lewis II, and Victor Varnado’s illustrative works shown together in the same exhibit will be the first time such a presentation has ever happened,” he added.

As a comedian, Victor Varnado has appeared on Late Night With Conan O’Brien and Jimmy Kimmel Live. His writing and cartooning work have been showcased in MAD magazineVICEMarvel Comics and Salon. Varnado was born legally blind and is albinistic. His New Yorker cartoon created in response to the national unrest following the murder of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police was one of the magazine’s most engaging pieces of content in 2020. Like Floyd, Victor also grew up in Minneapolis.

Lindsey Stirling Tour Dates from Bari Lieberman for use by 360 Magazine

Lindsey Stirling’s Official Music Video – Masquerade

Ahead of this weekend’s official launch of her cross-country headlining Artemis U.S. Tour, platinum-selling electronic artist, violinist, and multi-talented entertainer Lindsey Stirling, known all over the world for her unique, futuristic violin-driven electronic music and exquisite live show, has gifted fans with a new music video for the song “Masquerade,” off her latest chart-topping studio album Artemis. Inspired by early 20th century silent films, the new visual for the instrumental track was filmed at The Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles and co-directed by Stirling and Stephen Mallett (Pentatonix, Logic, CHVRCHES). Press here to watch.

“While I was writing the song ‘Masquerade,’ I knew immediately that it would be about a wealthy over-the-top aristocratic woman,” shares Stirling. “The song has such a comedic feel to it, which made the music video really, really fun to plan and make.”

The Artemis U.S. Tour marks the first time Stirling will be performing the tracks off Artemis as well as her current single “Lose You Now” in front of an American audience. The 35-date outing, featuring special guest electro-pop artist Kiesza, kicks off this Saturday, July 3rd in Kansas City, MO and will stop in most major markets across the country including New York City (August 2nd at the Beacon Theatre), Los Angeles (August 30th at the Microsoft Theater), Denver (July 7th at Red Rocks Amphitheatre), Dallas, Houston, Nashville, Philadelphia, Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland, Boston, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, and many others, before wrapping September 10th in Milwaukee at Summerfest. See below for full list of tour dates. Visit Lindsey Stirling’s website for all ticketing details including special VIP packages that are also available. Press here to watch the official promo video “First Tour In Forever.”

Stirling has also launched a national contest with Fandiem for the ultimate VIP experience at her San Diego show on August 31st. The winner will receive roundtrip airfare for two plus two-night hotel stay, premium reserved seats in the first 8 rows, meet & greet photo opportunity with Lindsey, lunch at Lindsey’s favorite restaurant, merch, and more, along with a 45-minute helicopter tour of San Diego courtesy of Imagine Jets. Proceeds from entry donations will support Stirling’s nonprofit charity outreach program The Upside Fund, helping families and individuals affected by Covid-19. Press here to enter.

“Lose You Now,” Stirling’s emotive pop hit about loss and grief with artist, producer, and songwriter Mako, stems from the instrumental-only track “Guardian” off her Artemis album. Since its release earlier this year, “Lose You Now” (BMG) has amassed over 9 million global streams, including over 3 million views on the song’s beautifully moving music video, as well as featured placements on American Idol and “Train Tracks” on SiriusXM The Pulse. Press here to watch the official music video for “Lose You Now.” The duo also issued an acoustic version of the song this spring, stripping it down to just piano and a full string accompaniment – Press here to listen to “Lose You Now (Acoustic).”

Artemis, Stirling’s fifth studio album released September 2019 via BMG, debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Dance/Electronic Albums Chart and remained on the chart for 15 combined weeks. The 13-track album, which has racked up over 200 million total global streams, features the singles “Underground,” “Artemis,” “Sleepwalking,” “Between Twilight” and “The Upside” featuring Elle King along with “Love Goes On and On” featuring Amy LeeArtemis has also been turned into a successful comic book series, with the sixth edition coming this summer. Press here to listen to Artemis and press here for info on the comic books.

Lindsey Stirling Tour Dates

Artemis U.S. Tour with special guest Kiesza

Saturday, July 3 – Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre

Monday, July 5 – Dubuque, IA @ Five Flags Center

Tuesday, July 6 – Omaha, NE @ Baxter Arena

Wednesday, July 7 – Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Thursday, July 8 – Vail, CO @ Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater

Friday, July 9 – Grand Junction, CO @ Amphitheater at Las Colonias Park

Saturday, July 10 – Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheatre

Friday, July 23 – Dallas, TX @ The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

Saturday, July 24 – Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

Monday, July 26 – New Orleans, LA @ Saenger Theatre

Tuesday, July 27 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart Amphitheater

Thursday, July 29 – Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater

Saturday, July 31 – Nashville, TN @ Ascend Amphitheater

Monday, August 2 – New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre

Tuesday, August 3 – Philadelphia, PA @ The Met

Wednesday, August 5 – Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap

Friday, August 6 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion

Saturday, August 7 – St. Louis, MO @ Saint Louis Music Park

Monday, August 9 – Minneapolis, MN @ The Armory

Tuesday, August 10 – Chicago, IL @ Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island

Wednesday, August 11 – Indianapolis, IN @ The Amphitheater at White River State Park

Thursday, August 12 – Detroit, MI @ Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill

Saturday, August 14 – Cleveland, OH @ Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica

Monday, August 16 – Saratoga Springs, NY @ Saratoga Performing Arts Center

Tuesday, August 17 – Boston, MA @ Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion

Wednesday, August 18 – Wallingford, CT @ Toyota Presents Oakdale Theatre

Monday, August 30 – Los Angeles, CA @ Microsoft Theater

Tuesday, August 31 – San Diego, CA @ San Diego Civic Theatre

Wednesday, September 1 – Phoenix, AZ @ Arizona Federal Theatre

Friday, September 3 – Concord, CA @ Concord Pavilion

Saturday, September 4 – Reno, NV @ Grand Sierra Theatre

Monday, September 6 – Portland, OR @ Theater of the Clouds at Moda Center

Tuesday, September 7 – Seattle, WA @ WAMU Theater

Thursday, September 9 – Bonner, MT @ KettleHouse Amphitheater

Friday, September 10 – Milwaukee, WI @ Summerfest

About Lindsey Stirling:

Since the release of her 2012 self-titled debut, the Arizona-raised, Los Angeles-based artist has racked up tens of millions of followers worldwide and more than 3 billion total views on YouTube. Stirling’s sophomore album Shatter Me was certified Gold by the RIAA, after debuting at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 and #1 on the Dance/Electronic Albums Chart and holding the #1 spot on the Classical Albums Chart for 21 consecutive weeks. Her third studio album Brave Enough, featuring guest appearances from Dan + Shay, Christina Perri, Rivers Cuomo, Andrew McMahon and others, earned Stirling her second Billboard Music Award for “Top Dance/Electronic Album.” Stirling closed out 2020 with her all-new, live-streaming holiday special “Lindsey Stirling: Home for the Holidays,” which she independently created, produced, and financed. The hour-long ticketed special, which drew over 100,000 views from tens of thousands of fans and families worldwide, featured performances to seasonal favorites off Stirling’s chart-topping holiday album Warmer In the Winter in addition to the breathtaking performance of her hit “Crystallize,” where Stirling hung by her hair for a captivating Cirque du Soleil inspired aerial display – press here to watch. Additionally, Stirling co-wrote The New York Times best-selling book The Only Pirate at the Party with her sister Brook S. Passey, was the runner-up on Season 25 of “Dancing With the Stars” and has appeared on “America’s Got Talent.”

Follow Lindsey Stirling:

Website // Facebook // Instagram // Twitter // YouTube// Spotify // TikTok // Twitch

FloggingMolly_ViolentFemmes_2021_Instagram_Post_Slide1_1080x1080_TourPoster02 from Christina Santamaria (BMG) for use by 360 magazine

FLOGGING MOLLY × VIOLENT FEMMES ANNOUNCE CO-HEADLINE TOUR

Legendary punk bands Flogging Molly and Violent Femmes are excited to announce their upcoming fall co-headline tour, featuring special guests Me First And The Gimme Gimmes and Thick. Various pre-sales begin this week, with general tickets on-sale this Friday, June 25 at 10 am local time. For tickets and more information, please visit here.

 

The run kicks off September 3 in Maryland Heights, MO and will bring good times and great music to cities from coast to coast, including a show at Pier 17 in New York City on September 21. Full routing can be found below.

 

Flogging Molly’s Dave King shares his excitement about the news: “What a joy it is to announce our co-headline tour this coming September/October 2021 with the legendary Violent Femmes. We in the Flogging Molly family cannot wait to share the stage with such an amazing group, so please join us in celebrating the return of what we’ve all truly missed: the live music experience. We cannot wait to see you all! So take care dear friends, till we raise a glass to one and all, Slainté! Flogging Molly.”

 

Violent Femmes’ Brian Ritchie shares: “Can’t be hermits forever. Violent Femmes re-enter the big bad world they sing about. We are happy to crawl out of our hole just in time to celebrate 40 years as a band.”

 

As Violent Femmes celebrate their 40th anniversary together this year, this also provided an opportunity to commemorate the band’s enduring catalog of cult classics with the long out-of-print vinyl reissue of Add It Up (19811993’). Available now via Craft Recordings, the 23-track compilation was re-released on 2-LP and digital formats, featuring the Femmes’ biggest hits such as “Blister in the Sun,” “American Music,” and “Gone Daddy Gone,” plus live recordings of fan-favorites like “Add It Up,” and “Kiss Off,” alongside a trove of demos, B-sides, interstitial voice recordings, and rarities. Click here to stream or pick up Add It Up (19811993’) on vinyl. Craft will be working with the band on more special catalog reissues to be announced shortly, stay tuned to Violent Femmes’ socials for more details coming soon.

 

This news follows exciting announcement that Flogging Molly are partnering with Sixthman for the 6th Salty Dog Cruise, setting sail March 28 – April 1, 2022 with friends Descendents, The Distillers, Frank Turner (Duo), Me First and the Gimme Gimmes, Broilers, Möngöl Hörde, Authority Zero, Dave Hause & the Mermaid, Thick, The Cherry Coke$, Punk Rock Karaoke, Guise, and more to be announced. For more information, visit Flogging Molly Cruise. The band also recently performed a special St. Patrick’s Day livestream concert broadcast from the iconic Whelan’s Irish Pub in Dublin, Ireland, in partnership with Bushmills Irish Whiskey®. Additionally, Flogging Molly will perform at Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, TN on Sunday, September 5.

 

Flogging Molly & Violent Femmes Tour Dates:

9/3 – Maryland Heights, MO – St. Louis Music Park

9/4 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheatre at White River State Park

9/8 – Columbus, OH – EXPRESS LIVE!

9/10 – Detroit, MI – Masonic Temple Theatre

9/11 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion

9/12 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summerstage

9/14 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom

9/15 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE

9/17 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion

9/18 – Rochester, NY – Main Street Armory

9/19 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts Center Inc.

9/21 – New York, NY – Pier 17

9/22 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl

9/24 – Philadelphia, PA – Metropolitan Opera House

9/25 – Big Flats, NY – Tag’s Summer Stage

9/26 – Washington, DC – The Anthem

10/5 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom

10/6 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center

10/8 – Mesa, AZ – Mesa Amphitheatre

10/9 – Las Vegas, NV – Theater at Virgin Hotels Las Vegas

10/10 – Paso Robles, CA – Vina Robles Amphitheatre

10/12 – Sacramento, CA – Heart Health Park

10/13 – Fresno, CA – Woodward Park Rotary Amphitheater

10/15 – Bend, OR – Les Schwab Amphitheater

10/16 – Seattle, WA – WaMu Theater

10/17 – Eugene, OR – Cuthbert Amphitheater

10/19 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

10/20 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom

10/22 – Milwaukee, WI – Miller High Life Theater

10/23 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory

About Flogging Molly:

Flogging Molly is comprised of Dave King (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, bodhran), Bridget Regan (violin, tin whistle, vocals), Dennis Casey (guitar, vocals), Matt Hensley (accordion, concertina, vocals), Nathen Maxwell (bass guitar, vocals), Spencer Swain (mandolin, banjo, guitar, vocals), and Mike Alonso (drums, percussion). Starting out as the house band for Molly Malone’s in Los Angeles and building a loyal following through endless touring, Flogging Molly has become a staple in the punk scene over the past 20 years, kicking off with its raucous debut showcase, Swagger, and continuing through its five additional studio albums. With numerous late-night television appearances under their belt, its sell-out Salty Dog Cruise through the Caribbean, and yearly St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Los Angeles, the band is currently working on the Rise Records follow-up to its latest LP, Life Is Good. Recently, the band reissued Swagger with exclusive tracks, an Irish traditional set, a 60-minute video feature, and exclusive merch in a collectable box set.

About Violent Femmes:

Violent Femmes formed in 1981 as an acoustic punk band playing on the streets of Milwaukee, WI, with the goal to rock harder than any other acoustic act on the planet. The band released their eponymous debut album in 1983, finally entering the Billboard Charts and earning a platinum certification eight years after the fact. Over the course of their three-decade career, the Femmes have released 10 studio albums, four live albums, four compilation albums, an EP, and several singles, earning a legendary cult status and influencing generations of musicians with their catalog.

Gorgon City 'Olympia' Artwork from nicole crystal from Capitol Music Group for use by 360 Magazine

GORGON CITY × JEM COOKE – DREAMS

Celebrated British dance duo Gorgon City have released their new track “Dreams” via Astralwerks today. Listen here. The new offering follows latest single “Never Let Me Down” featuring Hayley May, and will feature on their eagerly anticipated third album Olympia which is out this Friday, June 25th.

Offering up ethereal tones and Gorgon City’s trademark arpeggiated bassline, “Dreams” is elevated by its accompanying video, that journeys through an idyllic, paradise island scattered with imposing, Greek statues. Watch the video here.

An album shrouded in Greek mythology, OlympiaGorgon City’s third album, is as grand in scale and ambition as its title suggests. What began in 2019 as a compact, 10-track project has grown into an 18-track opus covering multiple moods and movements. From the sultry slouch of “House Arrest” with Soffi Tukker, to the big-room bridges and drops of the DRAMA, featured on “You’ve Done Enough,” each new addition to Olympia is both a symbol and product of the pair’s unbridled ambitions for what they wanted to be a big record in every way conceivable. The record includes features from an incredible roll call of exciting new talent in the form of Grace Grundy and Aura James, alongside past collaborators Josh Barry, Sofi Tukker and DRAMA.

Formed in 2012, Gorgon City have sold over 10 million singles and clocked up over 1.5 billion streams. While the duo are no strangers to chart success with hits such as “Ready For Your Love,” their sound is rooted deep in club culture and made for live shows. Many songs get road tested in clubs before being put onto an album. The live setting is where the duo truly thrives – 2019 saw amazing sets around the world including Coachella, EDC Vegas and Israel’s Get Lost Festival, as well as sold-out shows from iconic UK venues such as Printworks, Warehouse Project and Tobacco Dock.

The fans’ demand for Gorgon City’s return to the clubs is undeniable. This September, the duo will embark on some of their biggest and boldest shows to date, with the driving force being Olympia.

Olympia Tracklist:

Tell Me It’s True

Oxygen (with Aura James)

You’ve Done Enough (with DRAMA)

Dreams (with Jem Cooke)

Body Language (with Cami)

When You’re Gone

House Arrest (with Soffi Tukker)

Never Let Me Down (with Hayley May)

Sweet Temptation

Nobody (with DRAMA)

Lost Feelings

Tears (with Grace Grundy)

Waiting For The Right Time

Ecstasy (with Jem Cooke)

Foolproof (with Hayden James & Nat Dunn)

Burning (with Evan Giia)

Thoughts

Freedom (with Josh Barry)

OLYMPIA HEADLINE TOUR DATES:

9/17/21 – Seattle – Showbox SoDo

9/23/21 – Chico – El Rey is Theater

9/24/21 – San Francisco – The Midway – SOLD OUT

9/30/21 – Salt Lake City – SKY SLC

10/1/21 – Detroit – Magic Stick – SOLD OUT

10/2/21 – Washington – Echostage

10/7/21 – Charleston – Trio

10/8/21 – Charlotte – World

10/9/21 – Boston – Big Night Live

10/14/21 – Minneapolis – Exchange Nightclub

10/15/21 – Houston – Stereo Live

10/16/21 – Dallas – Stereo Live

10/17/21 – Tallahassee – Potbelly’s

10/21/21 – Columbus – The Bluestone

10/22/21 – Atlanta – District

10/24/21 – Gainesville – Vivid Sky Warehouse Backlot

10/28/21 – Denver – Mission Ballroom

10/29/21 – Chicago – Radius

10/31/21 – Austin – The Concourse Project

11/5/21 – Los Angeles – Shrine Expo Hall – SOLD OUT

11/6/21 – Brooklyn – The Great Hall

11/12/21 – Leeds – Academy

12/10/21 – Manchester – Albert Hall

12/11/21 – Liverpool – Invisible Wind Factory – SOLD OUT

12/17/21 – London – Printworks – SOLD OUT

Connect with Gorgon City:

Website I Instagram I Twitter I Facebook I Soundcloud I YouTubeSpotify

Music note illustration by Heather Skovlund for 360 Magazine

NEEDTOBREATHE – SUNSHINE – INTO THE MYSTERY

GRAMMY® Award-nominated rock band NEEDTOBREATHE have released “Sunshine” the fourth track off their forthcoming studio album Into The Mystery. The song is available to stream and download starting today hereInto The Mystery is due for release on July 30 via Elektra Records and is available for pre-order now here. Limited edition merch offerings are available exclusively through NEEDTOBREATHE’s online store here.

Last week NEEDTOBREATHE delivered the television debut performance of Into The Mystery’s current single “I Wanna Remember” alongside seven-time GRAMMY® Award winner Carrie Underwood at the 2021 “CMT Music Awards.” Watch their unforgettable performance here. Crowned as one of the most show-stopping moments of the evening by both US Weekly and Entertainment TonightBillboard shared “Bear Rinehart and Underwood’s vocals intertwining like leather and lace,” and praised, “the love song about wanting to remember an especially romantic moment felt particularly poignant as we head into a summer where new memories will be made after putting dreams on hold for more than a year.”

Into The Mystery was announced last month alongside the release of the album’s lead single and title track. Earlier this month, the band unveiled the album’s opening track “What I’m Here ForInto The Mystery’s early songs have received praise from Rolling Stone, Billboard, People, American Songwriter, and more. The album will also feature collaborations with Jon Foreman of Switchfoot and Natalie Hemby of The Highwomen.

This Fall, NEEDTOBREATHE will embark on their massive Into The Mystery Tour with support from Switchfoot and The New Respects. The 38-city trek will visit iconic venues such as Denver, CO’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre (fifth consecutive sold out appearance) and Los Angeles, CA’s Greek Theatre, and see the band perform their first-ever headline show at Nashville, TN’s Bridgestone Arena. The Into The Mystery Tour will kick off on September 7 in St. Louis, MO, and wrap on October 30 in Atlanta, GA. Tickets for all dates are available now here.

Just as their critically acclaimed 2020 album Out of Body impacted audiences, NEEDTOBREATHE capitalized on a rush of inspiration and rode the wave of creativity. Without telling a soul, the band decamped to a historic house-turned-recording studio in Columbia, TN to begin working on new music. Over the course of three weeks, they resided under one roof, laughed during meals, explored their surroundings, and recorded together with co-producer and engineer Konrad Snyder and special guests. Out of this de facto creative hub and “extended summer camp,” they handcrafted an album reflective of the moment, yet independent of all expectations, even their own. For as intimate as the story may seem, they filmed every minute of it for an upcoming documentary entitled, Into The Mystery. Watch a teaser for the film here.

The past 12 months represent one of the most prolific periods in the band’s career thus far. They recently unveiled Live from the Woods Vol. 2, a live album recorded during three sold out, socially distanced outdoor concerts at Pelham, TN’s famed The Caverns. The band previewed the album with a performance of “Alive” on CBS’s The Late Late Show with James Corden. Meanwhile, Out of Body debuted in the top 5 across three Billboard charts, and received critical acclaim from Billboard, Spin, Southern Living, American Songwriter, Taste of Country, and more.

Into The Mystery Tour Dates

September 07, 2021 – St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis Music Park

September 08, 2021 – Kansas City, MO – Midland Theatre

September 10, 2021 – Denver, CO – Red Rocks Amphitheatre – SOLD OUT

September 11, 2021 – Salt Lake City, UT – Sandy City Amphitheater

September 13, 2021 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Federal Theatre

September 14, 2021 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union OAT

September 16, 2021 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre

September 17, 2021 – Saratoga, CA – The Mountain Winery

September 18, 2021 – Bend, OR – Les Schwab Amphitheater

September 19, 2021 – Seattle, WA – Marymoor Amphitheater

September 21, 2021 – Missoula, MT – KettleHouse Amphitheater

September 23, 2021 – Fargo, ND – Bluestem Center for the Arts – Bluestem Amphitheater

September 24, 2021 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory

September 25, 2021 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee

September 26, 2021 – Indianapolis, IN – Amphitheater at White River State Park

September 28, 2021 – Cincinnati, OH – Andrew J Brady ICON Music Center

September 30, 2021 – Chicago, IL – Radius

October 01, 2021 – Detroit, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill

October 02, 2021 – Cleveland, OH – Nautica Pavilion

October 03, 2021 – Pittsburgh, PA – Robert Morris University – UPMC Events Center

October 07, 2021 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met Philadelphia

October 08, 2021 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion

October 09, 2021 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17

October 10, 2021 – Washington, DC – The Anthem

October 12, 2021 – Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace Theater

October 14, 2021 – Charlotte, NC – Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre

October 15, 2021 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater

October 16, 2021 – Greenville, SC – Bon Secours Wellness Arena

October 17, 2021 – Charleston, SC – North Charleston Coliseum

October 19, 2021 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP

October 21, 2021 – Austin, TX – Moody Amphitheater

October 22, 2021 – Houston, TX – Smart Financial Centre

October 23, 2021 – Dallas, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory

October 24, 2021 – Oklahoma City, OK – Zoo Amphitheatre

October 27, 2021 – Memphis, TN – Memphis Botanic Garden

October 28, 2021 – Birmingham, AL – Oak Mountain Amphitheatre

October 29, 2021 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena

October 30, 2021 – Atlanta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

About NEEDTOBREATHE:

Since 1998, NEEDTOBREATHE have quietly emerged as a dynamic force in rock music, topping the charts, selling out historic venues, and generating hundreds of millions of streams to date. The band has gathered one platinum single, four gold singles, and a gold album. Along the way, “Multiplied” notched their first GRAMMY® nomination. Simultaneously, they performed to sold out crowds at arenas and amphitheaters coast to coast. In addition to garnering two nods at the Billboard Music Awards, they’ve attracted acclaim from People, Rolling Stone, Forbes, and many more. In 2020, they sowed the seeds for rebirth with Out of Body. It bowed in the Top 5 of three Billboard charts and reeled in acclaim. Within weeks of its release, the quintet, Bear Rinehart [vocals, guitar], Seth Bolt [bass, vocals], Josh Lovelace [keys, vocals], Randall Harris [drums], and Tyler Burkum [guitar], stole away to an old historic house in Columbia, TN where they lived together, ate together, laughed together, and recorded together for three weeks in the fall of 2020. They returned home with their eighth album and documentary Into The Mystery [Elektra Records]. It’s the kind of record that could only be made by a band who has been through it all and still has enough faith to keep encouraging one another. It’s NEEDTOBREATHE.

Stay Connected with NEEDTOBREATHE

NEEDTOBREATHE Website

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

Youtube

Marta Klopf photo from Grace Topalian for use by 360 Magazine

Digital Artist/Designer Marta Klopf QXA

By: Ally Brewster

Marta Klopf is graphic designer that works in web and brand design. When talking about her artwork Klopf says, “My projects focus on clear communication while highlighting the values, thoughts and stories behind a brand and translating conceptual ideas into cohesive visual worlds.” Originally from Italy, Klopf graduated from Minneapolis College of Art & Design and soon moved to New York City, quickly falling in love with the city and finding inspiration in it. She loves being able to help with change through her art and design. Klopf looks forward to getting back to creating art for local community focused organizations in the future. We had the opportunity to ask Marta Klopf about her artistic journey and what’s next for the artist: 

How did you get into graphic design? Was graphic design always the direction you wanted to go?

I wasn’t one of those people who know as children what they are going to be when they grow up: for a long time I didn’t see a path that seemed right for me. I was always interested in a lot of things, and always wanted to follow new ideas and start new projects. What I did know was that I was interested in art, and that I was passionate about communicating. So I discovered design, which is at its very core visual communication. I moved to Minneapolis to pursue my BFA in graphic design and have worked in the field since. And I think it worked out, because design gives you the opportunity to be interested in a lot of things, to approach different projects with different ideas and interests.

Do you have a preference for working digitally or physically? Why?

I love working digitally: I feel like the digital world is where a lot of people today go to find information, learn things, discover brands, buy things, make connections, and therefore it is a dynamic place that is always evolving, which makes it exciting to be a part of it. I also think digital projects challenge you in a different way, because they need to make an impact while also remaining flexible and adaptable.

You stated: “New York is vibrant and makes you feel alive. You always feel like you are part of something big. It always pushes you creatively because there is always something new to inspire you.” What initially drew you to work in New York? Do you have a favorite thing in New York you always go back to for inspiration if you ever feel burnt out?

I think that, at first, what drew me to New York was the sheer quantity of creatives and creative endeavors, which gives you the opportunity to really find a path that works for you and matches your interests. But I didn’t expect to really fall for the city as much or as quickly as I did: I met a lot of inspiring designers and creatives who were pursuing their passions in so many different ways. I think the people are what always inspires me: it may be a bit cliché, but the energy that comes from surrounding yourself with other creative people can be very energizing. I also love to take long walks: you always end up somewhere new, and getting out of your usual environment and what is comfortable usually helps.

You’re a freelance graphic designer “with experience in web and brand design.” What is your favorite aspect of being a freelance artist? The most difficult?

I work for an agency and also do freelance projects, so I get the best and worst of both. I love the freedom of freelance work. You are in charge of what projects you take on, and the directness of working directly with the person who will use your work makes it empowering. The most difficult part would be that you are alone: you have to be the one who does all the organizing, the designing, the coordinating, the email writing, the zoom calls. Which I like, but can be quite a lot.

How do you begin your process of starting a new project with a brand?

The first thing I do is learn as much as I can about the project, first to determine whether it’s something I am able to take on, and then to find out what makes the project special. I would then typically meet with the client, talk about big picture things (their ideas and needs, their philosophy, and so on) as well as practical things (timeline, other people involved in the project, etc). Depending on the project I would then come up with a few ideas and see whether they will work and are well received. From there, it becomes a matter of getting more and more detailed and continuing to incorporate feedback from the client until the final product is ready.

Of the projects you’ve worked on, which is your favorite? What about it makes it so memorable/special for you? 

I recently finished a website called letstech.at. It is geared towards kids 10-18 in age and is meant to be a science/engineering portal for them: get them interested in more scientific or technical subjects, present ideas through videos and blog articles, as well as show role models (especially female ones) who work in the field and be a place where they can find information about careers in engineering. I loved working on it both because it was a design challenge (trying to speak to a relatively broad age range), and because it truly is a great resource for kids: it feels great to be part of something that empowers them through learning and through highlighting female role models.

As someone who loves being able to help change the world through your artwork, which causes are you passionate about that you would want to design for in the future?

I try not to set limits on what want to do, but generally I feel strongly about projects that are of value to people: in the case of the project above, kids who want to learn, but also, for example, design for community based organizations who help women, minorities, or in any way empower people by offering them resources that may be otherwise difficult to access. As another example, I also was part of a mentoring program, where professional designers helped create logos for groups of high schoolers who wanted to pitch ideas to help their community to investors. I love being able to use my skills that way: making an impact through design.

With your artwork, what direction do you feel like you want to go in next? Is there any new pattern, style, process, person, media, etc, that you feel has grabbed your attention and inspired your work? Is there anything you’ve done in the past you want to continue with? 

I feel that style changes constantly, and the more we focus on style the less longevity a project has. What matters to me the most are good ideas, and I think the time of the pandemic (having to stay home and mostly focus on work) really reinforced the idea of wanting to make work that has an impact. I always look at the work of Partner & Partners (where I used to work) and Hyperakt in New York as inspiration for beautiful work that is backed by great ideas and also makes an impact on the communities and the world we live in.

Marta Klopf is currently accepting freelance projects here.

Marta Klopf design for LetsTech from Grace Topalian for use by 360 Magazine

Marta Klopf design for LetsTech