Posts tagged with "Women empowerment"

MARY J. BLIGE | STRENGTH OF A WOMAN FESTIVAL

Mary J. Blige and Pepsi proudly announce the second annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit in partnership with Live Nation Urban. The festival returns to the vibrant city of Atlanta, GA with four days devoted to music, comedy, female empowerment and community building between May 11th -14th, 2023. For tickets, visit: www.soawfestival.com.

Created and curated by Grammy-award-winning R&B songstress Mary J. Blige, Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is the only festival experience in the market brought to you exclusively by an all-Black, female team and will return this spring to the hotbed for creativity and culture, Atlanta, GA. After selling out in less than 72 hours last year, the festival continues to bring what are sure to be iconic moments back to the State Farm Arena with two incredible nights of music; the #HipHop50 celebration featuring rarely-performed hits by Mary J. Blige and friends in a special MJB B-Sides set; and a special R&B night with performances by the legendary Lauryn Hill, Summer Walker, Lucky Daye, Muni Long, and more.

This year’s festival is a clear leveling-up; with an expanded footprint in the city and its programming, aiming to create even more opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to find community and joy. New to the festival this year is a special live music event with Grammy-Award winner Robert Glasper along with the Sunday night closing event, PURPOSE BALL, powered by Gilead, produced by Miss Lawrence and featuring a special performance from Saucy Santana. The PURPOSE BALL was created after connecting with friends and partners in the LGBTQAI community around how the festival could celebrate and honor their impact on popular culture especially in Atlanta. After an extremely successful launch in 2022, and the overwhelming feedback from attendees, the female-led team are set to deliver bigger, better and more impactful programming for 2023 with support from returning and new partners this year including Mielle Organics, CVS Health, and Twitch.

As a 9x Grammy Award-Winning Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer, Philanthropist & Global Superstar, Mary J. Blige has committed the majority of her career to amplify, empower, and give voice to BIPOC women through the art of music and truth-telling. This multi-touchpoint festival, which focuses on Music, Wellness, Tech, Beauty, and Financial Literacy is the evolution of her life’s mission and purpose.

“I’m so excited to bring our Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit back to Atlanta for its second year, ” said Mary J. Blige, Founder of Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit. “Having the opportunity to continue to uplift, inspire, and build amongst a community of women is the reason why we created this festival. I’m so grateful for all of the support from our performers and participants and of course Live Nation Urban, Pepsi and our additional partners who are committed to celebrating and creating community for Black women.”

The Strength of a Woman festival is engaging with women more than ever before and returns as the go-to destination for inspiring programming, pivotal panels, musical performances, workshops, and much more! Following the success of its debut last year, Blige, and her partners Nicole Jackson, Vice President of MJB Inc., and Marketing Maven Ashaunna Ayars of The Ayars Agency will return this May with initiatives that further empower women of the BIPOC community. The festival is dedicated to curating a safe haven for women, led and assembled by women from production to performances that sustain the festival’s inaugural blueprint.

Jackson, Mary’s long-time business partner, shared , “the popularity and impact of the inaugural Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit successfully showed how and why Black women are the blueprint for cultural relevancy and inclusion. Being able to look back and see the global reach the festival had through our livestream and billions of media impressions is confirmation that we are filling a void in the festival space. Mary, Ashaunna and myself are overjoyed to be back in Atlanta again and look forward to continued expansion in our programming and partnerships.”

Presented by Pepsi, the festival’s inaugural partner returns to support Blige and her impactful work on and off the stage in a shared mission to inspire the next generation of women. For the second annual festival, Pepsi will once again bring its powerful platform to the production and event experience as it activates throughout the festival grounds, including amplifying the musical experience for fans, elevating local women-led businesses, and more to engage the Atlanta community across the festival and summit.

“The Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is a testament to the power of amplifying Black women and their voices starting with Mary, someone whose vision and presence has been instrumental in its success. As a brand and company rooted in celebrating culture and uplifting communities, we are thrilled to show our support and continue to provide new ways to elevate the festival experience for guests throughout the expanded weekend of activities, all while highlighting and supporting the remarkable women of the Atlanta community”, said Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President, PepsiCo Industry Relations and Multicultural Development.

Blige and continued partners chose to return to Atlanta for the second annual event given its reputation as the mecca for young Black creatives and entrepreneurs. The festival is proud to partner with dozens of local, minority, and female-owned businesses and vendors to help cultivate the best experience for attendees. The love for Atlanta is reflected not only in the festival’s investment into the local entrepreneurial community but also in the performers and hosts for the various events taking place over the weekend.

Lindsey Jacobellis on Stress Relief

S-T-R-E-S-S-!

It’s keeping more of us on edge during the day and awake at night here in the U.S. than ever before, according to several recent studies. Odds are you are feeling some level of stress right now.

Some stress is an expected part of normal adult life and actually has some positive value. It gets us up and out of bed in the morning and “adulting” – taking care of family, work, and other responsibilities. But an unreasonable, unrelenting amount of stress can be withering – mentally and physically – and wreak havoc long term on our emotional wellbeing and overall health.

So what can we do to find a healthier balance in our lives? RESCUE Remedy^®, the world’s No.1 Stress & Sleep support brand, turned to one of our own loyal fans who knows a thing or two about stress – two-time U.S. Olympic Gold Medal Snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis, the winningest snowboard cross athlete alive.Over the past 20 years, Jacobellis has competed in five Olympics and has also won 1 silver medal and is a 6-time world champion and 10-time X Games gold medalist.

Jacobellis shares perspective and tips on how she navigates the stress of slippery slopes and everyday life.

What is the most stressful time of the day for you?

I would say the late afternoon and evening are my most stressful times of the day. That’s when I am thinking ahead to what needs to be accomplished in the next day, week, month and beyond.

What are the top 2-3 everyday stressors that you experience?

Like most people, I stress about my work goals and my financial future. As an athlete who is still actively competing, I also worry about my long-term health.

Who do you turn to for support when you are stressed?

Friends and family provide so much support for me, whether I am competing or training.

Does stress affect your sleep?

If I am overwhelmed with priorities and tasks, my daytime stress can easily spill over into my sleep. I need to be able to clear my mind so I can get the rest I need for the next day ahead.

What are your tried-and-true tips for managing stress?
- Talk it out. I have found that talking out the moments in life that are stressful can usually generate solutions. But if I am mentally blocked, I can’t always see solutions. An “outsider” with a fresh perspective can be very helpful.
- Change up your routine. Sometimes you need space to find perspective about a stressful situation. Exercise always works for me. Sometimes I just need to find time for myself to think and then I can refocus to accomplish what needs to get finished.
- Support other women. I think it is very important for women to be there for one another and support each other. From my personal experience, it is very common for women not to make themselves a priority because they have so many other responsibilities, especially within a family dynamic. Just helping a woman notice she is not even making herself a priority is the first step. Carving out time for herself will directly impact her overall health and that can translate into her family’s overall health. There is a balance with life and that shifts all the time. Women need to be there for one another always.
- Look into therapy. I have found professional therapy to be helpful. It’s always okay to not be okay and to ask for help.
- Use RESCUE Remedy^® for natural stress relief. I love this product for its natural homeopathic properties. That’s what sold me.I have been a professional athlete for over two decades. At this level, I am always responsible for what I put into my body, as I can be drug tested at any moment. Knowing every ingredient and researching products is vital for sustaining myself and complying with U.S. Anti-Doping regulations. I use RESCUE Remedy^® to help reduce stress and get to sleep.

Jacobellis uses the RESCUE Remedy^®Stress Dropper in the familiar yellow box and bottle. It’s a must have in the globetrotting athlete’s travel bag and bedside table.

“I find myself reaching for Rescue^®, when I have several things going on all at once: travel, training, or work deadlines. Also, right before bed is a very ideal time for me to take RESCUE^®. It helps me relax and get a good night’s rest so I can be more efficient the next day,” she said.

Like many RESCUE^® fans, Jacobellis discovered the brand while researching stress relief for her four-legged canine friend, Gidget. Pets get stressed, too. Ask any pet lover and they’ll tell you their pet’s stress raises their stress level, too.

“Gidget was always very stressed during thunderstorms, and a vet recommended RESCUE Remedy^® Pet. I was not even aware that RESCUE Remedy also has a product for use by people. At the time I was more focused on what it did for my dog,” said Jacobellis.

“At the first sign of a storm I would put a few drops on her tongue. As a result, her anxiety would be greatly reduced. This would inadvertently reduce my stress, knowing she was more comfortable. I wanted the best for my dog and her overall health was very important to me,” she said.

While maintaining a busy competition and training schedule, Jacobellis also lives her advice for women supporting other women as the inspirational leader and mentor for the Super Girl Pro Series to encourage up-and-coming female athletes and snowboarders.

“It is important for me to support the next generation of action sport females. I had so many struggles as a female athlete in a male dominated sport, and it took me years to earn the respect of the men in my field. I want younger athletes to look up to me and learn how to grow in the sport as well as individuals. Making an environment that supports the younger women in snowboarding provides more diversity in the sport, and, therefore, we can all grow from each other’s experiences and create lifelong friendships,” said Jacobellis.

Learn more about RESCUE Remedy^® and how it can support you through your stressful days at: https://www.rescueremedy.com

RESCUE Remedy® claims are based on traditional homeopathic practice, not accepted medical evidence and are not FDA evaluated. RESCUE Remedy® may not be effective for everyone. Individual results may vary.

Johnnie Walker for Angel City FC

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By Yash Thadani, Krishan Narsinghani

Johnnie Walker, the notably acclaimed scotch-whiskey brand, has launched a long-term initiative, First Strides. To kick-start this enterprise, an exclusive event was held at Los Angeles’s very own Catch One with Johnnie Walker doing a collaboration with the Los Angeles professional women’s soccer team Angel City FC. The Mid-City nightclub was the perfect venue to celebrate the steps that are being taken for women’s progression, and what better way to portray women’s forwardness by having the Angel City FC soccer team in representation.

Immediately upon entering, the right side of the venue had a soccer goal being used as an aesthetic for pictures. Straight ahead of the cabaret, the drink menu presented different variations of Johnnie Walker cocktails. The crowd favorite was called Welcome to LA, a gingery-lemony drink that contained a heavy pour of Black Label. In the interim while waiting for the drinks to be dealt, a multitude of servers were walking around passing out the variety of hor d’oeuvres. There were small plates with dishes like tuna tartar, mini cheeseburgers and more. As the attendees wrapped up their post-dinner snack, guests were directed to go towards the rear of the building.

The back of Catch One is where the majority of the invitees continued to mingle and enjoy the party. The night really began when the live show commenced. The Los Angeles Marching Band, and upcoming artist Tia P performed the newly released ACFC anthem Running with the Angels. This track was created by five-time Grammy Award-winning artist Brittany Howard and LA-based artist Tia P. The anthem is an ode to the team’s trailblazing spirit, as the world’s first majority women-founded, owned and operated pro-soccer team. The song will serve as a celebratory anthem for the team and their fans. Key members of the Angel City FC community including Christen Press and Julie Ertz. VIPs attended, including the likes of Lilly Singh, Kenya Barris and more. Safe to say, the live performance of the Angel City FC’s newly commended track was the highlight of the evening. It was the perfect depiction of the proclivity behind pushing women forward.

Along with the hype anthem release, Johnnie Walker will enable more people to take bold steps towards progress through a series of First Strides grants. Anyone 21+ can apply for a First Stride grant but the brand will continue to dedicate funding to communities where inequality exists. Through a partnership with go-to crowdfunding marketplace IFundWomen, Johnnie Walker will continue to support women entrepreneurs and fuel women-owned businesses. The brand is also introducing a grants and mentorship program with first-of-its-kind streaming service Blacktag, who is changing the model for pay equity among black creators.

Catch One, formerly known as Jewel’s Catch One, was a landmark for the city of Los Angeles. This iconic night club was originally known as the longest standing gay dance-bar, and Initially opened in 1973. Forty years later a new owner did a complete revamp of the location. This historic site still continues to serve its purpose for having a good time.

MUNI LONG ANNOUNCES ‘ONE NIGHT ONLY’

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Muni Long teams up with Femme It Forward and Amazon Music to celebrate her new music with a single ‘One Night Only’ live performance showcase in Los Angeles. Throughout the show, fans will have the opportunity to see Muni stage hits like “Hrs and Hrs” live.

Taking place at Moroccan Lounge on Valentine’s Day 2022, you’ll want to grab at ticket to see Muni’s impeccable vocality in person. Buy your tickets HERE.

Muni Long

Acclaimed R&B/pop songwriter and artist Muni Long has perfected her craft over the years. Originally known as Priscilla Renea, she began her journey with music as a songwriter for the likes of Rihanna, Madonna, Mariah Carey and Selena Gomez, working for the best of the best in the music industry. After making the decision that she wanted to bask in the spotlight for herself, she hit the scene as Muni Long, opening up her own solo career. Her debut EP Black Like This was full of innovative R&B/pop tracks about personal experiences with relationships. Muni released the Public Displays of Affection EP in November of 2021 with her record label Supergiant Records. This EP housed her viral hit “Hrs and Hrs,” which swiftly rose to No. 17 on the Billboard 100.

Femme It Forward

Producing musical concerts, festivals, content/music and more, Femme It Forward serves as a female-led entertainment firm that aims to lift up and showcase women in the industry of music. Nurturing inventive and inspired women in the field, Femme It Forward cultivates one-of-a-kind events to celebrate the power of women.

SPOTLIGHT ON MARÍA BECERRA

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María Becerra is a tour de force. The Argentinian songstress, known as “la nena de Argentina” released her second EP in 2021, embracing and experimenting with hip-hop, reggaeton, trap, R&B, salsa, and more to craft her new sound. Described as a “leading voice in Argentina’s urban pop movement,” Becerra is a star on the rise. As the first Latin artist signed to indie American record label 300 Entertainment and with a Latin Grammy Award for Best New Artist pending, it is clear despite her successes already, she is only just beginning. She sat down to answer a few questions for 360 Magazine including how she got her start in music, the story behind her nickname, her influences, and what to expect from her in 2022.

How would you describe your style of music?

I believe I have a very melodic and versatile musical style. In the studio, we always try to ensure that each song has a varied melodic line, with different degrees of nuances. Above all, we aspire to make a melody that sounds familiar and enjoyable to the public. I have experimented with several genres and in all of them, I was able to find how to make my own style fit within them. I hear they call me ‘the Queen of Weeping,” which makes me laugh. I have many songs that are for dogging and dancing, and others that are a bit sadder.

How did you first become interested in creating music?

From a very young age, art was important to me; I learned how to sing, act and dance as a child. In my home, we listened to a lot of music. For a while, I did covers of famous songs as I learned. I think I was absorbing different music and styles to the point where I felt the need to start expressing myself with my own works. Despite this desire, I was not 100% confident in my abilities yet and had many insecurities. I was afraid of how the public would receive my music and doubted if this was my true path. Luckily, things turned out in a positive way. Today, I have no doubts that yes, I was born to create music and it brings me a lot of joy.

Which songs are you most proud of?

Mm, they are all special to me and fill me with pride. It is difficult for me to pick just one. If I had to choose one, my first instinct is to say Ademas De Mi or Mi Debilidad, that song is very significant to me as an artist. I cried a lot while making it and recording the video.

You were a Youtuber before becoming a singer. How was the experience of transitioning from an influencer to an artist?

YouTube was a beautiful experience, and I am grateful that the opportunity was a positive one. The change in my life was progressive over time. Being on YouTube allowed me the chance for people to get to know me, while I gained confidence and worked on my own fears as a public person. Obviously, my life and my career are now on another path but having the experience of being a YouTuber served as the foundation for everything that has gone on to happen in my life.

What is your favorite fan moment?

My favorite moments are when my fans tell me everything in my music speaks to them. It’s amazing how something I pour so much love into in the studio can reach so many people and positively influence their lives. In live concerts, we would raise up different fans to speak with them, and at one performance a girl told us that with my song ‘Tell Me How I Do,’ she declared her love to her girlfriend. I found it beautiful. Those moments fill me with incredible happiness.

How does it feel to have reached this level of popularity so young?

It still doesn’t feel real. It is incredible to me, but I just try and take things one day at a time. I try to appreciate the small things and remain the humble girl I’ve always been because that’s still who I am. I surround myself a lot with my friends, my family, and my pets who are my rocks – they remind me of where I come from and who I am.

Why do you refer to yourself as the Girl from Argentina?

In general, it is known that many of the best discoveries occur accidentally, and this was no exception. When we recorded Animal with Cazzu, in the song’s lyrics I sing “Las Nenas de Argentina,” as if referring to the two of us. Apparently, when people listened, they heard “La nena de Argentina” and everyone loved that I referred to myself that way. From there, I started to use it as my brand, and I feel it gives me a special power for communicating to the world my music and I are made and from Argentina.

Who are your influences?

Wow, so many artists! I especially love and admire Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, and Rihanna. They are very important role models to me. I watch their shows and videos a lot.

How did it feel to join a label as prestigious as 300 Entertainment?

I am honored and very happy to work with them. They have always been supportive, even affectionate, towards me. Unfortunately, their office is in Los Angeles, so we don’t have the opportunity to see each other that often, but when we do it’s always a special moment. I know the whole team at 300 takes care of me and wants the best for me, so I respect them and thank them very much.

Your most recent EP blended many different genres. Which genres would you like to experiment with in the future?

I like Bachata, and I think more songs like this are coming from me. Yet as I said before, I don’t want to pigeonhole myself. I love to experiment with different genres and different sounds, and that is what is important to me as I create music today. So, in 2022 you and all my fans can be surprised with what I come out with next.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

I feel like 2022 is going to be a great year. My team and I are working hard to make it so. I’m locked in the studio, and many of the songs we are currently working on are tremendous. I am already anxious for people to listen to them. This year, a new album is coming, as well as trips and several shows in Argentina and Europe. We hope to reach many places and have everyone dance and sing to my music.

Photos: Christian Garfa

BILLIE EILISH × ELLE CANADA

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KO MÉDIA REVEALS A BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL NOVEMBER ISSUE OF ELLE CANADA

KO Média is excited to unveil the November issue of ELLE Canada featuring Billie Eilish. The singer-songwriter opens up about making music, directing her own videos and evolving her style no matter what people have to say about it. “You’re not even supposed to really know who you are until you’re at least my age or older,” says the 19-year-old, admitting she struggles with the vitriol from certain fans over her experimentation with fashion. “It’s very dehumanizing.” And now that her sophomore album has debuted at number one around the world, Eilish reflects on her creative process during lockdown. “The album came from a lot of self-reflection,” she says. “Happier Than Ever is really just me processing trauma. Making (it) was cathartic and freeing.”

Post pandemic freedom is fueling a new version of glamor for the 2020s that combines liberation and self-expression (with a priority for sustainable choices). When it comes to fashion trends, this edition runs the gamut — from playful, luxurious silhouettes and rebellious blends of punk and prep to plush accessories and denim everything. We even look back at futuristic wardrobes inspired by the cosmos. Plus, we reveal the cream of this year’s crop in makeup, skincare, hair care and body care products with results from ELLE’s Beauty Grand Prix.

For a dollop of inspiration, we talk to Top Chef host Padma Lakshmi about being an unapologetic voice of reason, paving the way for women in the media and publishing her first children’s book (about food, of course). Dame Helen Mirren reflects on being a L’Oréal Paris ambassador at 76 and why the word “swagger” should replace “beauty”; Shay Mitchell of Pretty Little Liars fame discusses her healthy approach to social media; and Toronto-based actor Bilal Baig talks about crafting the style of a gender-fluid character for prime-time television.

Women take center stage in articles about the rise of diverse female voices in the graphic-novel world and Canadian Black women in the film industry who are breaking the mold. But things also get dark as we explore the dangers of skin bleaching and involuntary celibacy among women driven by a toxic blend of misogyny and impossible beauty standards.

In design, creative director Willo Perron steers his multi-faceted career toward new territory with furniture; two architects take on the challenge of modernizing a 17th century canal house in the heart of Amsterdam without losing its character; and Montreal designer Jessy Colucci lets his intuition guide the slow creation of collections in an industry defined by fast-paced seasonal cycles.

And before the first snowfall, find out if ditching the city for life on the farm feels as enchanting in person as it looks on Instagram, and (re)discover how to get joy out of your running practice.

The November issue of ELLE Canada will hit stands and Apple News+ on November 18, 2021.

EBHONI – GOOD DICK & WEED

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EBHONI REPS FOR ALL THE TORONTO BAD GYALS ON NEW PROJECT “GOOD DICK & WEED”

A refreshing departure from the current landscape of R&B, 21-year-old singer/songwriter Ebhoni keeps it realer than real on her latest mixtape “Good Dick & Weed.” The 10-track project includes a collaboration with Jamaican rap star Beam in addition to Ebhoni’s breakout single “Rep It” & her confident ode to women with options, “Rotation,” produced by industry heavyweight FORTHENIGHT (Bad Bunny, Don Toliver). Born & raised in Toronto, Good Dick & Weed is heavily influenced by Ebhoni’s Caribbean upbringing and is full of bold & honest convictions, a fierce body of work that is sure to redefine what it means to be a woman fully in charge and uninhibited.

Good Dick & Weed in many ways channels a keen sense of the best parts of what some would define as nostalgia: the era of mixtapes and tumblr, telling a story through visceral imagery and honest anecdotes, the internet in its rawer early form. Good Dick & Weed paints snapshots of different cities in the same harshly ephemeral gleam, from Westwood to Wilshire, specific places made universal by the heartbreak and hopefulness within them.

On opening track “If You Know You Know”, Ebhoni speaks directly to a night where gunfire punctured six bullet holes in the backseat window of her family’s car, and they had to temporarily relocate to her grandmother’s house, where she openly wonders: what if she had been sitting in that backseat? Putting up walls for her own self-protection, she’s only now beginning to draw from the power that comes from her own vulnerability. “I really have been through so much, and it’s important to show that to help others who might not have that platform.” Good Dick & Weed draws from this agency, a declaration of assured frankness that shows the choices you make don’t have to be perfect as long as you believe in them.

Good Dick & Weed is a product of nighttime, connecting the dots and piecing together information from strings of late-night texts, voice notes from the calls you choose not to pick up, as well as poignant diary vignettes curled up in the sink from the washroom of the Atlanta apartment she currently resides. where the low-key 21-year-old feels her most authentic self. It’s also a matter-of-fact acknowledgement of growing up on Weston Road in Toronto where her father sold drugs, waking up to ringing doorbells early in the morning, seeing notes left on her mother’s car and playing outside of housing complexes while her father was inside doing deals.

Praised for her powerhouse talent, Office Magazine predicts Ebhoni “is on a fast track to worldwide recognition.” Earlier this year, Ebhoni released her EP “X,” to critical reception from press and rare groove enthusiasts. In addition to Pitchfork praising Ebhoni for “reclaiming the Toronto R&B crown for women.” HotNewHipHop wrote, “Ebhoni has been one artist to keep an eye out for in the 6ix,” it’s no wonder FLAUNT crowned her “Our favorite new R&B artist.” Tracks like “Rotation” only bolster the rep she’s built as one of R&B’s most magnetic young stars, and with the release of Good Dick & Weed, Ebhoni’s growing fandom will surely only continue to expand.

Good Dick & Weed Track List:

IYKYK
Come Over (feat. Beam)
Rep It
Rotation
Be A Man
Westwood
I Try
Think
Truth Say
Wilshire & Bixel

Zoe Wees

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By: Kai Yeo

Powerful vocal range, unguarded vulnerability, and great songwriting skills. All of that combined is Zoe Wees, 19-year-old German singer-songwriter who is creating a global imprint with her unbelievable vocal range and soulful rhythms.

If you’re new here: Zoe Wees made her stellar debut with her single “Control” in March 2020, a song she opens up about her child epilepsy, a traumatic, isolating condition that can cause severe seizures. “Before I wrote ‘Control’ I looked back to the past every evening. Like I was just sitting in my room and was just there and was just sad and looked at the wall… After I wrote ‘Control’ it was another feeling. Like the situation wasn’t even that bad no more.” The emotional ballad became a worldwide hit and entered the top 20 at Pop radio in the U.S.

A year after her debut single, Wees continued to magnify her presence in the mainstream atmosphere with her emotional release “Girls Like Us” – an empowering anthem of solidarity shared among girls fighting against the stereotypes and expectations of society. Not just about struggling with looks, it is also a song that talks about emotions and pressures of social media. Now at 13 million streams on YouTube, it is praised as “a vulnerable pop anthem that pushed for togetherness” as Wees encourages her listeners to find confidence within themselves.

Now, with her debut EP “Golden Wings” out, Wees continues to relay her personal narratives in her music to create an inspiring and safe space for her fanbase – her wings. Last week, I got the chance to speak with Zoe about the five-track EP and potential live shows, as well as her struggles and autobiographical songwriting.

In your interview, you stated that this EP is your “strength and wings.” Can you share any special moments in the process of making this EP that reflects your strength and wings particularly?

“I feel like the last song for the EP that I wrote, I think it was ‘Girls Like Us.’ The one special moment I realized was that for the first time in a session, I thought about – not just about me – also the other people. About my wings and my community, which I didn’t really have before. I was always thinking about writing my own stuff down and thinking of myself for now, because it was what I was going through. But in the end, I know my music helps a lot of people. So [the one special moment] is taking extra care to also write about what people and my listeners can relate to, especially because I know what they’re going through.

Just in your lyrics and voice, the execution of your message “just want to make people feel less lonely, make them feel stronger” is shown so clearly. How do you feel about your fans’ reactions to your EP?

“I’m so happy. Cause you know actually; one thing is we wrote together. And they’re here from the beginning, and we’re gonna grow together when I go on tour and when I’m in their city. They’re gonna come visit me and I’m gonna see them. This is what makes me happy because anytime I go back to a city, I’m gonna see them again and again and again, so we grow together, which is so nice.”

Known for your “raspy low to unbelievably powerful and sky-high” singing style, is there a personal favorite style when making this EP or did you just go with the flow?

“I actually just go with the flow. Really, I just go with the flow. Whatever comes out of my mouth.”

You wrote your first song on anxiety and epilepsy; can you tell us why this was important for you to show your authentic and true self?

“Because I never write about happy things. You know, I hate writing about happy things, cause it makes me sad. That’s funny, I know. But I really like… never thought this was something I was ever gonna release. But I was just in the studio, and it was the first session, and I was so nervous. And then I thought about because I struggled so much with my epilepsy, and I still do even though it wasn’t as intense at that time, I really wanted to write a song about it. For me, it was the most natural way to be honest to my wings and everyone around me. And a way for me to be real. And that’s just me.”

Thank you for showing us such personal aspects of your life and empowering us (especially women) to be comfortable in our own bodies. Can you tell us what inspires you to write music?”

“Jessie J and Billie Eilish… and especially just what I’m going through.”

Follow Zoe Wees musical journey

Author’s Notes

P.S.: If you can’t tell from her answers… Zoe was every bit as wonderful and charismatic with her words as she is with her musical talent. Zoe, I can’t wait to see what’s next for you and to listen to more of what you create! Your music is so inspiring and when we finally meet in real life (hopefully at one of your tour stops), please remember we promised to trade my skin for your brows. Cheering for you always, stay beautiful x

The*gameHERs Launch Interactive Mobile App

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Women-Led Gaming Platform Launches Social Networking App for Women Gamers

The*gameHERs, a women-led online platform that supports and empowers women in the gaming industry, today announced the launch of the*gameHERs app, an interactive mobile and web-based application created to connect women in the gaming community. The new app will act as a social networking platform where gamers can interact through online groups geared toward gaming topics and general interests and will also feature a “Play Now” section where gamers can request players to join a game in real-time. Additionally, the app will include an “Events” section that will keep users up to date on the latest virtual events hosted by the*gameHERs.

The app is scheduled to launch its 8-week exclusive BETA in August. Users who sign up in advance will receive invitation-only access to experience and use the*gameHers app and all its custom features before it is available in the app store starting October 2021.

“We are thrilled to launch our first-ever app and create an even more accessible space where women, femme-identifying gamers and non-binary gamers who are comfortable in spaces that center women can feel safe and welcome,” said Laura Deutsch, Co-Founder of the*gameHERs. “It’s important for us to continue empowering women who game and with our new app, we are able to connect and support a wider community of women in the gaming world.”

“This is a groundbreaking day in the world of gaming,” said Todd Zander, Product Consultant at the*gameHERs. “Finally, there is an exciting and innovative way to connect women who game in a safe and supportive environment. The*gameHERs app is setting the bar in gaming for women seeking both community and entertainment.”

“The opportunity to partner with the*gameHERs team in building an app that both empowers and connects women around the world has been a unique and gratifying experience,” said Sara Melo, Chief Architect at Oxit. “The Oxit team is privileged to play a role in the development of a tool that will provide a safe and welcoming environment for those individuals who have often felt alienated and underrepresented historically. We believe the*gameHERs app will have a very successful road ahead and we look forward to being along for the ride.”

When creating a new account in the*gameHERs app, users have the ability to choose their interests, join groups, as well as mark their favorite games to build out their profile. The “Play Now” feature, which is the first of its kind, allows users to request players to join a game in real time. If accepted, the two players are automatically put into a chat thread where they can interact and connect before heading over to their game of choice, seamlessly combining the social networking and gaming experience for the users.

The*gameHERs app also has an “Events” section where virtual events will be held regularly on a wide range of topics hosted by exceptional women in gaming and experts in the gaming industry.

Users must be 17 years of age or older to join the app and must verify their age before creating a profile. For more information and to sign up to receive exclusive first access to the*gamehers app please visit the official site.

About the*gameHERs

The*gameHERs is one of the first and largest media platforms, social networking communities, and lifestyle brands for women who game and work in the gaming industry. With its women-led social networking and game matchmaking web and mobile app, coupled with their community generated content, the*gameHERs aim to provide a safe and easy way to connect, socialize and game with other women.

Of the 2.7 billion gamers worldwide, 46% of them are women, with most of them experiencing hate and toxicity while gaming. The*gameHERs provide a sexist-free space for all kinds of gamers – from the casual players to the hardcore gamers to the techies, the streamers, the designers, the cosplayers, the developers, and programmers. The gameHERs also host the*gameHERs Awards, professional development boot camps, charity gaming streams, collegiate esports tournaments/chapters and other live and virtual events.

BIG BRATT – FIRST CLASS

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Today, rising Chattanooga-bred rapper Big Bratt releases “First Class,” an energetic new single powered by crushing bass, rapid-fire flexes, and irrepressible attitude. The track arrives with accompanying video, watch above or listen at all digital retailers here.

Over a minimal, speaker-rattling instrumental, Bratt serves up confident bars about her approach to romance. “Told him he can be my trick, but he can’t be my man,” she raps in her deep Southern drawl, “Every time I leave a nigga, make him go insane.” Elsewhere, she dives into some casual flexing, flaunting her knack for stacking money and detailing the life of luxury that’s resulted from her success. “I’m in first class with my feet up,” she raps on the infectious chorus.

With hard-hitting bars and a memorable hook, “First Class” is further proof that Big Bratt is well on her way to big things. This new song arrives just over a month after the Cinematic Music Group rapper’s “Paid in Full,” a song and video made in the spirit of the 2002 film of the same name. In the video, she plays her own version of the movie’s kingpin protagonist while still making time to hit up the basketball court and kick it with her crew. It’s a visual that is rooted deeply in hip-hop culture and it demands you pay attention, something plenty of new listeners are starting to do with every Big Bratt release.

This recent run of singles, which started with the reflective 2020 track “Rich Rollxn,” shows off why she’s caught the attention of critics and tastemakers — DJ BOOTH has already identified her as one of “10 rappers you should know right now.” With the fierce charisma and natural dexterity on display on songs like “First Class,” Bratt seems poised to continue making noise throughout the rest of 2021 and beyond.

About Big Bratt:

Raised on Southern hip-hop legends like Boosie and 8Ball & MJG, Bratt stepped into the studio for the first time as a little girl. During her high school years, she learned how to make beats and started sharing her remixes on social media, and soon began putting her fierce work ethic to the test. “Before I got my vehicle I was always catching the bus or getting an Uber to Nashville from three hours away,” says Bratt. “It was hard but I didn’t care what it took; I just knew I needed to get to the studio.”

Now at work on her debut project, Bratt has teamed up with producers like Bankroll Got It (Stunna 4 Vegas, Smokepurpp, Lil Pump) to further develop her sound. “The whole goal of this project is to be motivational,” she says. “I want all the females my age to know they deserve more, but they can’t be lazy or depend on anybody else to make it happen. It’s time to go get it on their own.”

Big Bratt – “First Class” – eSingle