Posts made in August 2017

TCA AWARD NOMINEES

The Television Critics Association (TCA), a media organization with more than 200 professional TV critics and journalists from the United States and Canada, announced today the nominations for the 33RD Annual TCA Awards. The 2017 TCA Awards recognize outstanding television programming in the 2016-2017 season, honoring actors, producers and programs in a variety of categories, including news and information, youth, reality, drama and comedy. Any show airing the majority of its season between June 1, 2016 and May 31, 2017 was eligible for consideration. The winners of the 33RD Annual TCA Awards will be announced at the invitation-only presentation on Saturday, August 5, 2017, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, as part of the group’s summer press tour. Legendary TONY® and EMMY®-winning entertainer Kristin Chenoweth serves as host for the evening’s festivities.

This year’s nominations are spread across three broadcast networks—ABC, CBS and NBC—as well as PBS, 10 cable networks, and internet-streaming services Amazon, Hulu, and Netflix. For the second consecutive year, HBO is in the lead with 12 nominations; FX has 11; Netflix has 10; NBC has seven; Hulu has four; ABC and PBS have three; Amazon, Disney and Showtime each have two; and A&E, AMC, BBC America, CBS, CNN, ESPN, and TBS finish with one.

The awards ceremony puts the spotlight on a roster of diverse programs and performances, a wide variety of themes and subjects from heart-pounding genre fare and historical docuseries, to emotional dramas, irreverent comedies, and everything in-between. This year’s notable nominees include Oscar® winners Nicole Kidman, Jessica Lange, and Susan Sarandon; sitcom standout Kristen Bell; versatile writer-director-stars Donald Glover and Aziz Ansari; as well as dynamic programming featuring ESPN’s five-part miniseries event “O.J.: Made In America;” Amazon’s tragicomic British series “Fleabag;” Showtime’s controversial political profile “Weiner;” and FX’s Golden Age diva drama “Feud: Bette And Joan,” among others.

The lineup also features a fresh batch of first-time nominees including an unprecedented double nomination for Carrie Coon for her performances in “The Leftovers and “Fargo;” “Fleabag” favorite Phoebe Waller-Bridge; the ‘80s-inspired creature caper “Stranger Things;” A&E’s investigative reality series “Leah Remini: Scientology And The Aftermath;” NBC’s heavenly sitcom “The Good Place;” ABC’s compassionate family comedy “Speechless;” Pamela Adlon and Louis C.K.’s bittersweet parenting dramedy “Better Things;” the celebrated Queen Elizabeth epic “The Crown;” and the CNN news show “The Lead With Jake Tapper.”

Locked in a tight race for the honor of Program Of The Year is an impressive list of competitors that includes the FX comedy-drama “Atlanta;” HBO’s star-studded suburban murder mystery “Big Little Lies,” and the spiritually rich final season of “The Leftovers;” Netflix’s smash sci-fi thriller “Stranger Things;” NBC’s multi-generational drama “This Is Us;” and the acclaimed dystopian opus “The Handmaid’s Tale,” which netted Hulu its first-ever TCA Awards nominations.

“This was truly a landmark season for diversity in television, and the TCA nominations reflect this. Our members have chosen a variety of series that celebrate and represent a wide spectrum of performances,” said TCA President Amber Dowling. “With so many great programs—both new and returning—it was a real challenge for our members to whittle these nominees down. We’re excited to see which programs and performers make the cut as voting now gets underway to determine the TV standouts of the 2016-17 season.”

The Summer TCA Press Tour will be held Tues., July 25 through Wed., Aug. 9.

Below is the list of the 2017 Television Critics Association nominees, excluding the Career Achievement and Heritage Award winners, which will be announced on the night of the awards.

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA

Sterling K. Brown, “This Is Us,” NBC

Carrie Coon, “The Leftovers” & “Fargo,” HBO & FX

Claire Foy, “The Crown,” Netflix

Nicole Kidman, “Big Little Lies,” HBO

Jessica Lange, “Feud: Bette And Joan,” FX

Elisabeth Moss, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” Hulu

Susan Sarandon, “Feud: Bette And Joan,” FX
INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY

Pamela Adlon, “Better Things,” FX

Aziz Ansari, “Master of None,” Netflix

Kristen Bell, “The Good Place,” NBC

Donald Glover, “Atlanta,” FX

Julia Louis-Dreyfus, “Veep,” HBO

Issa Rae, “Insecure,” HBO

Phoebe Waller-Bridge, “Fleabag,” Amazon
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN NEWS AND INFORMATION

“Full Frontal With Samantha Bee,” TBS (2016 Winner in Category)

“Last Week Tonight With John Oliver,” HBO

“The Lead With Jake Tapper,” CNN

“O.J.: Made in America,” ESPN

“Planet Earth II,” BBC America

“Weiner,” Showtime
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN REALITY PROGRAMMING

“The Circus,” Showtime

“The Great British Baking Show,” PBS

“The Keepers,” Netflix

“Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath,” A&E

“Shark Tank,” ABC

“Survivor: Game Changers,” CBS
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN YOUTH PROGRAMMING

“Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood,” PBS (2016 Winner in Category)

“Doc McStuffins,” Disney Junior

“Elena of Avalor,” Disney Channel

“Odd Squad,” PBS

“Sesame Street,” HBO

“Speechless,” ABC
OUTSTANDING NEW PROGRAM

“Atlanta,” FX

“The Crown,” Netflix

“The Good Place,” NBC

“The Handmaid’s Tale,” Hulu

“Stranger Things,” Netflix

“This Is Us,” NBC
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MOVIES, MINISERIES AND SPECIALS

“Big Little Lies,” HBO

“Fargo,” FX

“Feud: Bette and Joan,” FX

“Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” Netflix

“The Night Of,” HBO

“Wizard of Lies,” HBO
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMA

“Better Call Saul,” AMC

“Stranger Things,” Netflix

“The Americans,” FX (2015 & 2016 Winner in Category)

“The Crown,” Netflix

“The Handmaid’s Tale,” Hulu

“This Is Us,” NBC
OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY

“Atlanta,” FX

“black-ish,” ABC (2016 Winner in Category)

“Fleabag,” Amazon

“Master of None,” Netflix

“The Good Place,” NBC

“Veep,” HBO
PROGRAM OF THE YEAR

“Atlanta,” FX

“Big Little Lies,” HBO

“Stranger Things,” Netflix

“The Handmaid’s Tale,” Hulu

“The Leftovers,” HBO

“This Is Us,” NBC
NETWORK TALLY

HBO – 12

FX – 11

Netflix – 10

NBC – 7

Hulu – 4

ABC – 3

PBS/PBS KIDS – 3

Amazon – 2

Disney Channel/Disney Junior – 2

Showtime – 2

A&E – 1

AMC – 1

BBC America – 1

CBS – 1

CNN – 1

ESPN – 1

TBS – 1
PROGRAM TALLY- (denotes shows with more than one nomination)

“Atlanta,” FX – 4

“The Handmaid’s Tale,” Hulu – 4

“This Is Us,” NBC – 4

“Big Little Lies,” HBO – 3

“Feud: Bette And Joan,” FX – 3

“Stranger Things,” Netflix – 3

“The Good Place,” NBC – 3

“The Crown,” Netflix – 3

“Fargo,” FX – 2

“Fleabag,” Amazon – 2

“Master Of None,” Netflix – 2

“The Leftovers,” HBO – 2

“Veep,” HBO – 2

Past TCA Award winners are listed on the organization’s official website.

ABOUT THE TELEVISION CRITICS ASSOCIATION

The Television Critics Association (TCA) represents more than 200 professional journalists who cover television for publications across the United States and Canada. The members reach tens of millions of consumers each week, and are considered experts within the industry, representing their employers as moderators, panelists, radio/TV guests and more. The prestigious organization honors outstanding achievements in television and enduring contributions to the medium’s heritage through the TCA Awards each year. This year’s TCA Awards are the organization’s 33rd anniversary. For additional information about the TCA, visit www.tvcritics.org; Facebook; and Twitter. To follow the Summer TCA on twitter, follow tweets with the hashtag #TCA17.

George Dickel

By Ilona Thompson

George Dickel is an accessible domestic whiskey distilled and aged in Tennessee. Although now owned by Diageo, it doesn’t present as a corporate entity. If anything, it feels like a small, family-run operation, with centuries-long history. And as it happens, it is.
 
Founder, George Dickel, believed that his whiskey was on par with the world’s finest Scotches, so he insisted on the traditional Scottish spelling of whisky on his labels. To this day, it remains one of a handful of domestic distilleries that spell it that way.
 
George Augustus Dickel, a German-born merchant, immigrated to the United States in 1844, at age 26. He ended up running a liquor store in Nashville and subsequently founded George A. Dickel and Company. It became a wholesale operation that bought whiskey from regional distillers and distributed it in bulk. Their reputation quickly spread for choosing only the finest spirits around. When Dickel passed away, he handed his holdings to his wife, who subsequently willed it to his business partner, Victor Schwab.
 
Victor quietly acquired shares of their favorite whiskey supplier, Cascade Hollow. Having both supply and distribution channels locked, he acquired a saloon. In the following years he expanded production and sourced additional whiskey from neighboring Coffee County. Eventually he started advertising the whiskey nationally, and then internationally. The distillery continued to grow and gain momentum. With media support and public adulation the company seemed unstoppable… until, in 1910, Tennessee outlawed the production of whiskey. Forced to leave the state, Schwab, relocated to the Stitzel Distillery in Louisville, Kentucky. He crafted his Cascade whiskey there, utilizing what came to be known as the Lincoln County Process, a charcoal mellowing vat, that ensured the continuity of flavor. In January of 1919, Prohibition became the law of the land and shut down the alcohol industry.
 
A loophole allowed Stitzel distillery to stay alive, as the law permitted the distillation of medicinal spirits. Cascade whiskey began to be sold as medicine in 1920. By the time Prohibition had been repealed in 1933, the brand had undergone several incarnations. It ultimately became Cascade Hollow Bourbon.
 
In 1958, Cascade Hollow Distillery opened its doors once again, in close proximity to where the original distillery stood before prohibition. The charcoal filtering process was reinstated. The first mash was produced at the new distillery on July 4, 1959. Dickel Black Label Old No.8 and Tan Label Superior No.12 debuted in 1964.
 
Today, the brand is still distilled and aged in Cascade Hollow, near Tullahoma. In 1994, the original site of the George Dickel distillery was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
 
A slew of mergers and acquisitions resulted in Diageo Corporation’s ownership of the Dickel brand. Today, an extensive portfolio of traditional George Dickel whiskies is produced.
 
Increased production in the 1990s caused oversupply; in response, the distillery was shut down. However, it reopened in 2003 just in time to meet growing demand due to renewed consumer interest in craft whiskies.
 
Since 2015, Allisa Henley has filled the role of Master Distiller. She was born and raised in Coffee County, just a few miles down the road from the distillery. Prior to her role at Dickel, she traveled extensively, visiting a number of U.S. distilleries as well as several across Scotland and Ireland. She learned all about the whiskey production worldwide, prior to returning to her roots in Tennessee. Allisa completed the Malt Advocate Course in Scotland and Ireland as a part of her whiskey education. In her own words:
 
“In my international travels, it was interesting to see the use of different grains and the effects they have on flavor. In the U.S., we mainly use corn, while Scotland mainly utilizes malted barley. Across the world, distilleries of all sizes have processes that are unique to their site. For example, some use pot stills others column stills; some age in new charred oak barrels, others in used or rejuvenated barrels. Although there are different processes and different distillery sizes, one message is clear: we all strive to produce the best quality whisky for our consumers while staying true to our distillery character.”

One of a handful of female distillers, she is immensely talented. Allisa is truly hands on – from weighing the grains to stacking sugar maple to burn on-site for the charcoal. She is dedicated to maintaining the historic craftsmanship of this beloved whiskey. Under her leadership, the fundamentals of Dickel’s distillation process remain unchanged. Her whisky is smooth, powerful, sensually satisfying and qualitatively sound. In her own words:
 
“George Dickel is one of the most unique distilleries in America – our tagline Handmade the Hard Way is a way of life in Cascade Hollow. There is a human being at every stage of the distillation process. Everything is meticulously measured and recorded by hand.”
 
We barrel tasted a 17-year old treasure bottled as a distillery-only offering and chatted of passions past and present and the extraordinary historical context of Dickel brand. After the barrel tasting, we got into a wagon, and slowly drove with the moon lighting the path to a barn structure, where a magical evening was about to commence.

 
We sat down and enjoyed a beautiful Southern meal catered by Martin’s BBQ, a local hot spot, that featured mouthwatering pulled pork and brisket. They were complimented by cocktails expertly crafted by Freddy Schwenk, a top mixologist at Nashville hotspots Kreepy Tiki Bar & Lounge, Chauhan Ale and Masala House.
 
The drinks: “Nothing to Write Tullahoma About,” “Mellow as Moonlight” and “Cascade Hollow Mule” made with George Dickel whiskies were superb. 
Below is the recipe for my evening’s favorite: Mellow as Moonlight:
 
· George Dickel Rye
· Landy Cognac
· Amaro di Angostura
· All Spice Honey
· Tiki Bitters
· Mole Bitters
We tasted George Dickel No.1, No.12, a 9-yr-old Hand Selected Barrel and yet unreleased George Dickel 17-year-old whiskey. The 17-year old was a show stopper. Deep, profound flavors coated the palate in an intricate dance of Tahitian vanilla, spiced nuts and honeyed apricot.

I have not necessarily thought of whisky as a hedonistic experience, yet somewhere between the outstanding cocktails and the 17-year old I realized just how decadent such a combo can be. It was touching and somewhat transformational. Sipping on history, from long ago and yet unchanged was comforting.
Dickel’s Cascade Tennessee Whisky – Mellow as Moonlight. History meets Magical Mash and together they create an incredible experience.

Bordeaux 101 – Bitesize Guide


By Ilona Thompson

Bordeaux, France’s most high-profile wine region, is located in southwestern France, just the north of the Aquitaine region. The city is built on a bend of the river Garonne, and is divided into two parts: the right bank to the east and left bank in the west. At the center of it all is the historic city of Bordeaux, an epicenter of winegrowing, world-class cuisine, art and culture. 


  

With 280,000 acres under vine, farmed by over 6,460 producers, it is the largest wine growing area in the country. Over 707 million bottles are produced, including the famed “First Growths.” 

  

The region has sixty-five appellations, with main regions being Graves, Fronsac, Medoc, Pomerol, Saint Emilion and Côtes de Bordeaux. Interestingly, approximately 8% of the total production of the AOC wines from Bordeaux are made up of dry white wines.   

RIGHT VS. LEFT BANK 

  

The geology and climate of Bordeaux is ideally suited to viticulture. Gravel and limestone soil, well-drained and heavy in minerals and calcium deposits, tied with maritime influences from the Atlantic makes for an excellent blend of environments. Geographically, the region is delineated by rivers. There is an old saying that grand Bordeaux estates enjoy “the river views.” Everything on the left side of the Garonne river, west and south of the region, is referred to as “left bank” Bordeaux. Left bank is home to Graves and Medoc. Everything to the right side of another river, Dordogne, in the northern side, is considered the “right bank.” The area within both is the center of the region. 

  

Bordeaux, known for its outstanding viticulture, in addition to ideal climate and soils has yet another strategic advantage: it was a major port city for centuries. That gave the local vignerons an unprecedented access to the world. Unlike other French wine regions that are landlocked, Bordeaux had a direct link to the vessels and visitors that arrived daily. One of the wares the callers left with? Wine. As the word of Bordeaux being an epitome of wine degustation spread overseas, wealthy merchants and traders across Europe became the world’s first wine collectors. Bordeaux wine’s reputation as a refined drink of the upper-class began to take hold. 

BORDEAUX VARIETIES 

  

The classic roster of red Bordeaux varieties consists of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Petit Verdot and, occasionally, Carmenere. Merlot deserves a special mention, as it’s by far the most widely-planted variety, comprising ¾ of all red varieties planted.  The whites are dominated by Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon plantings with a smattering of Muscadelle. There are also small amounts of Colombard, Folle Blanche and Ugni Blanc. 

  

The region’s most prestigious vineyards are located on the “Left Bank” of the Garonne river, with its world-famous clay, gravel and sandstone “terroir” (aka, dirt!) It is a winery’s river bank location that determines the proportion of Merlot to Cabernet Sauvignon in the final blend. If the winery is located on the Left Bank, the blend created will have more Cabernet Sauvignon than Merlot. If the winery is located on the Right Bank instead, the blend will have more Merlot than Cabernet Sauvignon. 

  

The majority of wine produced in the region is known as “Claret”—an English term that refers to a traditional red Bordeaux blend. 

  

There are plenty of great dry white blends, referred to as “White Bordeaux,” followed by a few “Sauternes” or late harvest wines. While both red and white blends are technically Bordeaux, the classic definition of the term is primarily associated with red wine. 

BORDEAUX CLASSIFICATIONS 

  

There are several Bordeaux classifications, spread across different parts of the region. The famed 1855 one, established by Napoleon Bonaparte, is known as Official Classification. It recognized the “First Growths” of the Medoc area. 

  

They are: 

1.     Château Haut Brion 

2.     Château Lafite Rothschild 

3.     Château Latour 

4.     Château Margaux 

  

100 years later, the 1955 classification of another region, St.-Emilion, updated the list with two more:  Château Ausone  and  Château Cheval Blanc 

  

In 1953, the Official Classification of the Graves took place. Then, in 1973, another brand was added to the First Growth rarified club:  Château Mouton Rothschild. 

  

In 2012, two more Chateaux got the prestigious nod:  Chateau Angelus  and  Chateau Pavie . Oddly, there is yet to appear any official recognition for Chateau Petrus and Chateau Le Pin, which bears no reflection on their reputation with oenophiles. Chateau Petrus is often the costliest wine from the region. 

  

There is one late harvest wine, or  Sauterne , that is classified as “First Growth” – the famed Chateau d’Yquem. 

  

Many of these prestigious Chateaux wines are sold  en primeur  or as “futures.” Merchants world-wide make a rigorous effort to secure these wines at pre-release or “futures” prices, as they often go up in value after the official release. Many consumers, just as the collectors did all those centuries ago, stock up on precious juice. Despite large production levels, the wines are continuously in high demand. Newer markets, such as Asian countries, are full of consumers who are eager to acquire the prestigious, age-worthy wines.  

BORDEAUX BOOM 

  

One of the Europe’s largest cities, Bordeaux, is a vibrant, dynamic city. Although predominantly known for its wine prowess, Bordeaux is about much more than grapes. A city of over a million inhabitants, it’s a sprawling metropolis that is a study in integration of traditional architecture and modern lifestyle. 

Occasionally referred to as “Little Paris” as a nod to its cobblestone streets and charming disposition, Bordeaux’s recent economic boom has placed it among the liveliest world cities. 

 An astonishing number of restaurants, cafés, parks, and museums sprung up in the last decade. An energetic university community, 60,000-strong, establishes Bordeaux authority in educational circles. 

 Generally, the city has a laid-back vibe, yet enjoys a highly animated cultural, artistic, and music scene. 

 Bordeaux is a flat city, built on river banks, so bicycling is the preferred mode of transportation. With 370 miles of bike trails among a beautiful backdrop, you are highly advised to skip the car and hop on a bike to explore the area’s glory. 

WHAT TO EAT AND DRINK IN BORDEAUX 

  

Touring the vineyards and wine tasting is an obvious choice; one of the best you can make when visiting the region. The second largest wine-growing area in the world makes some of the most well-known wines on the planet. Make sure that you plan your trip thoughtfully. The more care you put in the process, the better the end experiences will be. Most wineries require plenty of advance notices for visiting, so pick your optimal route and see how close you can get to your dream scenario! 

  

Where there is great wine, there will be great food. Gastronomical pleasures are integral to the Bordeaux identity. The city, which is packed of restaurants and eateries of all sorts, is a mecca of cosmopolitan cuisine. Asian, African, Italian, Middle Eastern restaurants supplement an extensive array of classic French restaurants. Rue de Saint Remi is a renown culinary street with a myriad of dining options. Michelin adorned restaurants abound, courtesy of culinary stars such as Joel Robuchon, Bernard Magrez and Gordon Ramsay.

DFRNTPIGEON AT POOLTRADESHOW

Check out on August 14-16, dfrntpigeon at POOLTRADESHOW. Dfrntpigeon’s teen designers recently launched their edgy inaugural collection: Identity, which will be exciting to look forward to at POOL this year.

Dfrntpigeon is a dynamic streetwear label launched by the nonprofit New Avenues for Youth. Based in Portland, dfrntpigeon is the result of a social enterprise that provides at-risk youth (many of which are LGBTQ) with a professional design mentorship from volunteers across the creative industry. They go from being kids who wear the brands they didn’t ask for, to concepting, creating, designing, and launching a line of clothing that directly challenges the negative perceptions of youth homelessness.

From shirts, pins, to tote bags, each and every design has a special message created by these designers. One incredible designs challenges the question of “who are you?” Seemingly ambiguous at first, the Collage Tee (pictured below) combines facial features and expressions to capture the complex spectrum of our emotional identity.

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For more information and more designs, check dfrntpigeon at: dfrntpigeon Official.

LIL YACHTY – “FOREVER YOUNG (FEATURING DIPLO)”

Today, GRAMMY® Award-nominated multi-platinum artist, fashion disruptor, and “King of Teens” Lil Yachty shares the music video for his new single “Forever Young [feat. Diplo]”. Watch it HERE.
The video relays a story of young love in the modern age. From go-karts to waterslides, Yachty guides viewers through a carnival as his sonic tilt-a-whirl spins from Diplo‘s dreamy production into a magnetic and massive refrain-“We could be together forever”-awash in echo and falsetto.
The song also stands out as a critical favorite. Pitchfork proclaimed it “Best New Track,” while further praise came courtesy of Rolling StoneHigh Snobiety, and more. Already, it cracked 6.6 million Spotify streams and counting, while its animated lyric video clocked nearly 2 million YouTube/VEVO views in under a month.
Up next, Yachty hits the stage at the 2017 Teen Choice Awards on Sunday August 13for his television debut performance of “Forever Young. To kick off the ceremony, he first joins Kyle for the platinum smash “iSpy” before breaking into “Forever Young.” Be sure to tune in!
Bringing his show on the road, Yachty launches his headline “Teenage” Tour on August 11. He’s quickly becoming known for his explosive live performances, which UPROXX described as “just as wildly fun as you’d expect.” See the full itinerary below.
Forever Young hi-res
“TEENAGE” TOUR DATES:
8/11     Dallas, TX                               Bomb Factory
8/12     Houston, TX                           Warehouse Live!
8/13     New Orleans, LA                    The Joy Theater
8/15     Orlando, FL                            Hard Rock Live
8/16     Jacksonville, FL                      Mavericks
8/17     Columbia, SC                         Music Farm
8/18     Norfolk, VA                             The NorVa
8/22     Baltimore, MD                        Rams Head Live
8/23     Washington, D.C.                   Echo Stage
8/24     Philadelphia, PA                     Electric Factory
8/25     New York, NY                         Terminal 5
8/26     Boston, MA                            The Wilbur
8/28     Royal Oak, MI                         Royal Oak Music Theatre
8/30     Milwaukee, WI                        The Rave
8/31     St. Paul, MN                           Myth
9/2       Salt Lake City, UT                   The Complex
9/3       Seattle, WA                             Bumbershoot Festival
9/5       Denver, CO                             Ogden Theatre
9/6       Albuquerque, NM                   The Historic El Rey Theatre
9/14     Las Vegas, NV                        Brooklyn Bowl
9/15     Los Angeles, CA                     The Novo
9/18     San Diego, CA                        The Observatory
9/19     Santa Ana, CA                        The Observatory
9/21     San Francisco, CA                  The Warfield
9/23     Portland, OR                           Roseland Theatre
9/24     Vancouver, BC                        P.N.E. Forum
 

REO CRAGUN RELEASES GROWING PAINS TODAY VIA VIRGIN RECORDS

REO CRAGUN RELEASES GROWING PAINS TODAY VIA VIRGIN RECORDS

ARTIST, PRODUCER, AND SONGWRITER PREMIERES VIDEO FOR NEW SINGLE, “ON MY WAY
REO CRAGUN TO JOIN LIL YACHTY ON THE TEENAGE TOUR THIS SUMMER

 

 

 
August 4th, 2017 – (Hollywood, CA) – Artist, producer, and songwriter Reo Cragun releases the mixtape Growing Pains, out now via Virgin Records and available at all digital partners. Watch the video for his new single “On My Way” HERE. The video was directed by Brendan Vaughan (Lil Yachty, Young Thug, Juicy J) and shot in Washington- Reo’s home state. Pigeons & Planes declares, “Reo Cragun is having a moment…the ‘On My Way’ video is truly epic. It’s a powerful video that places Reo against some of nature’s most formidable scenery, and Reo holds his own. The combination of song and video exudes determination and confidence that only comes with knowing what it’s like to struggle…Reo is just getting started, but he’s clearly prepared to make a major impact.”  

 

“Most of the songs are about all the changes I’ve gone through over the past couple years, which has been a huge period of evolution in my life,” says the 23- year old Cragun who’s now based in Los Angeles. “They’re about the pain that comes with those changes, but also about recognizing the fact that you’ve got to go through that pain.”

 

Throughout Growing Pains, Reo shows a raw vulnerability that he traces back to his upbringing. Raised by his mother and his aunt (both single moms), Cragun faced various adversities growing up, including a father in prison. But he excelled in academics and earned a full scholarship to pursue a degree in biology. Cragun hoped to become a doctor before his grandmother’s unexpected death led to a change of heart. He dropped out of school, gave up his scholarship, and dedicated himself to making music – the one thing that has always remained constant in his life. After playing music for most of his childhood – including taking up trumpet in sixth grade – Cragun honed his musicianship from an early age and now plays piano, violin, guitar and more.

 

His recent track, “Night Crawler,” is the latest in a string of critically well-received alt-hip-hop/R&B tracks that Cragun has released over the past year. His 2016 breakthrough “Inconsiderate“has amassed over three million Spotify streams and led to Cragun’s collaboration with Nipsey Hussle on “Lost” – a slow-burning early-2017 single that’s now racked up more than 353K streams to date. With the follow-up release of “Peso” in March, Cragun scored over 1.2 million streams and earned praise from the likes of Earmilk, who noted his “captivating production” and a lyrical candor that “dives deep into a discussion about his personal drive and journey with music.”

 

Catch Reo Cragun on the Teenage tour with Lil Yachty this summer. Please see below for all upcoming dates.

 

TEENAGE” TOUR DATES WITH LIL YACHTY

8/11 Dallas, TX Bomb Factory

8/12 Houston, TX Warehouse Live!

8/13 New Orleans, LA The Joy Theater

8/15 Orlando, FL Hard Rock Live

8/16 Jacksonville, FL Mavericks

8/17 Columbia, SC Music Farm

8/18 Norfolk, VA The NorVa

8/22 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live

8/23 Washington, D.C. Echo Stage

8/24 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory

8/25 New York, NY Terminal 5

8/26 Boston, MA The Wilbur

8/28 Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre

8/30 Milwaukee, WI The Rave

8/31 St. Paul, MN Myth

9/2 Salt Lake City, UT The Complex

9/3 Seattle, WA Bumbershoot Festival

9/5 Denver, CO Ogden Theatre

9/6 Albuquerque, NM The Historic El Rey Theatre

9/14 Las Vegas, NV Brooklyn Bowl

9/16 Los Angeles, CA The Novo

9/18 San Diego, CA The Observatory

9/19 Santa Ana, CA The Observatory

9/21 San Francisco, CA The Warfield

9/23 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre

9/24 Vancouver, BC P.N.E. Forum

10/20 Atlanta, GA The Fox Theatre
 

Soundcloud / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook


“Reo Cragun is having a moment…the’On My Way’ video is truly epic. It’s a powerful video that places Reo against some of nature’s most formidable scenery, and Reo holds his own. The combination of song and video exudes determination and confidence that only comes with knowing what it’s like to struggle…Reo is just getting started, but he’s clearly prepared to make a major impact.”

 

 

 

“‘Peso’ sees Reo Cragun flex his impressive vocals over captivating production. He harnesses infectious vocals and layers them on top of modern production to produce a contemporary vibe that leaves us wanting more.”

 

 

 

“Fast-rising Washington spitter, Reo Cragun, returns to the scene dropping off a new song called ‘Peso,’ and it’s pretty fire. Reo shows off his versatility and both raps & croons effortlessly over the infectious production…(while) his track ‘Lost’ is a moody and impressive offering that showcases the young artist’s vocal ability and builds on his appeal and unique sound.”

 

 

 

NOAH KAHAN COVERS POST MALONE’S “CONGRATULATIONS”

NOAH KAHAN COVERS POST MALONE’S “CONGRATULATIONS”
WATCH HERE (Post & Share)

 

ON TOUR WITH THE STRUMBELLAS THIS FALL! TICKETS HERE.


“Post Malone has a genius way of making his unique style applicable to many different interpretations across different genres. This is a cover I recorded before my hometown show in Strafford, VT. I added my own vibe to the song. Hope you enjoy!” – Noah Kahan

Noah Kahan has just released a live acoustic cover of Post Malone’s “Congratulations” which was recorded in a New England Townhouse built in 1776 in his hometown of Stratford, VT. Noah’s ascension from the small town of 1000 people began earlier this year. After connecting with Lorde and Khalid’s producer Joel Little, Noah released his single, “Young Blood” which debuted at #5 on Spotify’s US Viral Chart. Noah has since surpassed 15 Million streams, hit the road supporting Milky Chance on their sold-out U.S. Tour, and performed a sold-out show with Ben Folds. Noah will be performing next Friday, August 11th in Chicago at Lincoln Hall and the following night on August 12th in Minneapolis at 7th Street Entry before heading out on tour again this October with The Strumbellas – a complete list of upcoming tour dates can be found HERE.

 

WATCH NOAH KAHAN PERFORM “CONGRATULATIONS” HERE

LISTEN TO “FINE” BY NOAH KAHAN HERE

LISTEN TO NOAH’S NEW SONG “HALLELUJAH” HERE

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “YOUNG BLOOD” HERE

 

“The Vermont singer/songwriter’s voice is otherworldly and his latest is every bit as moving as viral sensation “Young Blood.” – IDOLATOR

 

“Noah Kahan has one of the voices, like Angel Olsen, in which it sounds like his heart is singing rather than his mouth.” – Audio Fuzz

 

NOAH KAHAN LINKS

Website | Facebook | Soundcloud | Press Photo

BARNS COURTNEY’S DEBUT ALBUM, SET FOR RELEASE ON SEPTEMBER 29

 
Capitol Records will release Barns Courtney’s debut album, The Attractions Of Youth, on September 29. Beginning today, fans can pre-order the new album alongside exclusive merchandise bundle options at Barns Courtney.

 

Although he has only released one EP to date, Barns Courtney has already surpassed 65 million combined streams globally – with nearly half of those streams in the U.S.Tipped by Billboard as one of the “killer” artists “you don’t know that you need to see” at 2017’s summer music festivals, he will headline a Lollapalooza aftershow at Schubas in Chicago tomorrow, August 5, and perform at Lollapalooza on Sunday, August 6, on the Bud Light stage. This weekend’s performances are the young artist’s first since July when, in his singular pursuit of creating the perfect rock ‘n’ roll show, he dove offstage in Milwaukee during his Summerstage set – and broke his foot in three places. Watch the incident and aftermath here.

 

Following the release of The Attractions Of Youth, Barns Courtney will tour North America with The Kooks. The run will include two New York City shows – Terminal 5 on October 6 and Brooklyn Steel on October 7 – and will conclude at the Wiltern in Los Angeles on October 19. See below for itinerary and visit www.barnscourtney.com to purchase tickets.

 
Barns Courtney Photo Credit: Liz Gander

 

“Golden Dandelions,” the first single from The Attractions Of Youth, was produced by Killer.b. (The Prodigy / Carl Barat & The Jackals / Ho99o9). The song recently impacted Alternative and AAA radio. With nearly two million streams to date, “Golden Dandelions” is Barns Courtney’s fifth track to surpass the one million streams mark. The official video can be viewed HERE.


 

Discussing the themes of the video, director Alex Southam (alt-J, Mumford & Sons, Kodaline, Laura Mvula) says, “It’s a play on birth, life, death, rebirth and everything in between, all spun out with some cosmic psychedelia. While the video has no strict chronology, it is broken down into chapters, which act as markers for these various stages. The intent was to oppose quite serious and dark themes with the perceived innocence of mid-century Americana. Plus goldfish and floating baseballs…”

 

Hands,” from Barns Courtney’s debut EP, The Dull Drums, was tapped for a Victoria’s Secret commercial while “Fire,”a Top 5 hit at Triple A radio and a Top 15 hit at Alternative, has been heard in ads for the Volkswagen Golf Alltrack and BOSE Soundsport Wireless Headphones and for the FIFA 17 trailer. “Glitter & Gold” climbed to #1 on the Spotify UK Viral Chart and has been heard in promotional spots for Miller Lite, Showtime and the critically acclaimed film The Founder. Barns Courtney has opened for The Who at London’s Wembley Stadium and has also supported Ed Sheeran, Elle King, Blur, Fitz and The Tantrums, Tom Odell and The Libertines.

 

 

Barns Courtney – North American Tour Dates

 

8/5 – Chicago, IL @ Schubas – Lollapalooza aftershow

8/6 – Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza – Bud Light stage

 

Fall tour dates with The Kooks:

10/2 – Toronto, ON @ The Danforth Music Hall

10/3 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory

10/4 – Washington, DC @ The Lincoln Theatre

10/6 – New York, NY @ Terminal 5

10/7 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Steel

10/8 – New Haven, CT @ College Street Music Hall

10/9 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues

10/11 – Chicago, IL @ The Vic Theatre

10/13 – Portland, OR @ Roseland Theater

10/14 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox

10/16 – San Francisco, CA @ The Warfield

10/19 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Wiltern

 

###

 

For more information BARNS COURTNEY, please contact:

 

Erin Cooney, Capitol Music Group / Erin@umusic.com

or visit:

http://barnscourtney.com

http://www.facebook.com/barnscourtney

http://www.instagram.com/barnscourtney/

 

Interscope Records Releases An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power (Music From The Motion Picture) On August 4


Santa Monica, California, August 4, 2017 — Interscope Records releases An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power (Music From The Motion Picture) today, August 4. The album includes the film’s original score composed by four-time EMMY® winner Jeff Beal (House of Cards, Pollock), plus OneRepublic’s song “Truth To Power” which was written and produced for the film by Ryan Tedder and T Bone Burnett. An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power (Music From The Motion Picture) is available for streaming and digital download via all participating digital retailers-HERE.

“The opportunity to help tell this next chapter of Al Gore’s unstoppable resolve to protect our home planet’s health was a great honor for me,” says composer Jeff Beal. “Directors Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk have made a truly personal and powerful film; it’s a call to move beyond politics towards hope and solutions we can all embrace. I hope this music will inspire us all to our better selves and to do the right thing for mother earth.”  

Paramount Pictures and Participant Media present an Actual Films Production of “An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power.” A decade after AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH brought climate change into the heart of popular culture comes the riveting and rousing follow-up that shows just how close we are to a real energy revolution. Vice President Al Gore continues his tireless fight traveling around the world training an army of climate champions and influencing international climate policy. Cameras follow him behind the scenes – in moments both private and public, funny and poignant — as he pursues the inspirational idea that while the stakes have never been higher, the perils of climate change can be overcome with human ingenuity and passion.

The track-listing for An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power (Music From The Motion Picture) is as follows:
Ten Years Later (Main Title Theme)

Man On A Mission 

Greenland 

View From Space 

The Moulin 

Feed The Beast 

Projected Sea Levels 

Fear New Information 

Two Feet At A Time 

Good Time To Run Things 

Paris Accord 

Provide For Their People 

Chronic Smog 

Tacloban 

Water Cycle 

Paris 

Demands From India 

Senseless Terror 

Stand With You

Common Sense 

Political Power 

Repeating The Pattern 

100 Year Storm 

Solar Power 

Texas Wind Farms 

Discover Launch 

Arc Of History 

Truth To Power by OneRepublic 

 

An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth To Power (Music From The Motion Picture)

Retail

iTunes

Apple Music

Google Play

Amazon mp3

Spotify

 

CATFISH AND THE BOTTLEMEN KICK OFF TOUR WITH GREEN DAY

INCLUDES SHOWS AT WRIGLEY FIELD IN CHICAGO, THE OAKLAND COLISEUM, AND PASADENA’S ROSE BOWL STADIUM
PLAYING FINAL HEADLINE SHOW FROM THE RIDE AT BROOKLYN BOWL IN LAS VEGAS SEPTEMBER 15

“…unrelenting, unapologetic, irresistible rock n’ roll.”

Entertainment Weekly

 

“Catfish and the Bottlemen are ready to take on much larger venues.”

New York Daily News
August 1, 2017 — Hollywood, CA — Today, Catfish and the Bottlemen join Green Day for their Revolution Radio summer tour. The run starts tonight in Auburn, WA and hits amphitheaters, stadiums, and arenas across the country, including iconic venues such as The Oakland Coliseum, Wrigley Field in Chicago, and the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena. Full routing is below and further details are available on the band’s website HERE.

 

In addition to the Revolution Radio dates, the BRIT Award-winning UK band also announced they will play their final headline show from their sophomore album The Ride [May 2016, Capitol Records] at Brooklyn Bowl in Las Vegas on September 15. Tickets are on-sale now and available HERE.

 

Catfish and the Bottlemen have been touring nonstop for a year in support The Ride. From their recent U.S. tour, The Salt Lake Tribune wrote, “With loud sound and hunger for the road, Catfish and the Bottlemen have grown into headliners.” Overseas, in addition to sold-out headline shows at Wembley Arena and Liverpool Arena, they’re now also headlining festivals — most recently, Community Festival in London to over 40,000 fans. Metro wrote, “The Ride was built for the road…toe tapping, melodies, explosive crescendos and big finishes. And lots of happy fans.” Austin American-Statesman called the band “an extraordinarily tight ensemble,” saying they “put on a high-energy live show, with riveting frontman Van McCann at the center of the sonic maelstrom.”

 

Less than a year after its release, The Ride was certified Gold in the UK. Hot on the heels of their top 10 alternative hit “7,” the band’s third single “Twice” is currently climbing the charts: check out the music video HERE. The Ride is a follow up to their unstoppable debut The Balcony, which has been certified Platinum in the UK.

 

Catfish and the Bottlemen are: Van McCann (lead vocals, guitar), Johnny Bond (lead guitar), Benji Blakeway (bass) and Bob Hall (drums).

 

REVOLUTION RADIO TOUR DATES WITH GREEN DAY:

8/1 Auburn, WA White River Amphitheatre

8/2 Portland, OR Moda Center

8/5 Oakland, CA Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

8/7 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre

8/9 Englewood, CO Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre

8/11 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center

8/12 Omaha, NE CenturyLink Center

8/14 Maryland Heights, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre

8/16 Noblesville, IN Klipsch Music Center

8/18 Toronto, ON Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

8/20 Cincinnati, OH Riverbend Music Center

8/21 Cuyahoga Falls, OH Blossom Music Center

8/24 Chicago, IL Wrigley Field

8/26 Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Performing Arts Center

8/28 Mansfield, MA Xfinity Center

8/29 Hartford, CT XFINITY Theatre

8/31 Camden, NJ BB&T pavilion

9/1 Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek Amphitheatre

9/3 West Palm Beach, FL Perfect Vodka Amphitheatre

9/5 Tampa, FL MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre

9/6 Orange Beach, AL The Amphitheater at the Wharf

9/8 Austin, TX Austin 360 Amphitheater

9/9 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center                        

9/11 Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater

9/13 Chula Vista, CA Sleep Train Amphitheatre

9/16 Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl Stadium