Posts made in March 2020

Indira Cesarine x The Labyrinth

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THE LABYRINTH
An Installation and Exhibition by Indira Cesarine

ARTIST RECEPTION + PERFORMANCE
Featuring Katherine Crockett
Thursday, March 12, 6pm-9pm

EXHIBITION ON VIEW
March 12 – April 11, 2020
THE UNTITLED SPACE
45 Lispenard Street, NYC 10013

The Untitled Space is pleased to present THE LABYRINTH an installation and exhibition of works by artist Indira Cesarine featuring photography, video, painting, and sculpture, as well as a series of performances inspired by the artwork. The exhibition will open with an artist reception on March 12th, 2020 featuring a special performance by renowned modern dancer Katherine Crockett, and will be on view through April 11th.

For “THE LABYRINTH” Cesarine has created an immersive installation, transforming the gallery into a maze through which viewers can experience her contemporary female gaze on Surrealism, a theme the artist has been exploring through a variety of mediums over the past several decades. “THE LABYRINTH” is a surreal odyssey that reveals through its passages a kaleidoscopic universe of subconscious realities bound by the contrasts of hyperrealism and ethereal symbolism. Cesarine leads the viewer through this maze of discoveries, presenting works that are deeply personal and equally created in response to the influence of Surrealists including Jean Cocteau, Man Ray, and Dora Maar. “THE LABYRINTH” explores the juxtaposition of contrasting opposites, dimension, distortion, and the power of light to engage and reflect on our own stream of subconscious while provoking the tangibility of perceived realities. The result is a journey through our fantasies and expectations, rendered through the lens of dreams and desires.

The juxtaposition of Cesarine’s macro and kaleidoscopic florals created for “THE LABYRINTH” play in sharp contrast to the visual yin yang of her surreal portraits of women that explore female sensuality and identity. Through the lens of fantasy and illusion, she toys with imagery of the subconscious mind, depicting the human form with power and subjectivity. Hands and faces intertwine in a reverie that is part real, part illusion. Sculptural hands project from the walls of the installation as though coming alive, part human, part sculpture, in a manner that is both seductive and haunting. Video art, including a 2020 remix of her film “The Spell” which was featured at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, adds to the visual poetry and experience of the maze. Her use of symbolism and dramatic chiaroscuro conveys emotionally charged imagery that presents both an escape into fantasy and a journey through our unattainable desires. As one walks through “THE LABYRINTH,” there is a sense of being lost in time as kaleidoscopic images come alive off the walls. Mirrors positioned throughout the installation emphasize our own reflections while exploring the surreal landscape of the artworks on display.

“THE LABYRINTH” exhibition and installation features Cesarine’s most recent body of work, as well as select works from her “Goddess”, “Les Fleurs du Mal”, “Pandora’s Box” and “ONLY YOU” series. Cesarine’s “Goddess” series, featuring dancer Katherine Crockett, presents emotive images of the female form juxtaposed with detailed florals, creating surreal portraits that according to the artist, emphasize the graceful strength of Mother Earth as a goddess and the power of nature. “Les Fleurs du Mal” welded steel sculpture series reflects on the emotional impact and symbolism of flowers. The depiction of flowers, whether as a still life, as part of a photographic composition, or in the form of a 3 dimensional sculpture has been an ongoing theme in Cesarine’s artwork dating back to her early photography series shot on medium format film in the 1990s. Also featured in the “THE LABYRINTH” are a selection of photography and video art from her “ONLY YOU” series, which focuses on the eyes as an emotional portal. Works from her “ONLY YOU” series were previously exhibited at Cannes Film Festival, Art Basel Miami, SCOPE Basel, Switzerland, CICA Museum (South Korea), Red Bull Studios (London), and Norwood Arts Club, NY.

ARTIST STATEMENT

“Empowering feminist themes are often a point of departure for my multi-sensory series. My work questions the place of humanity in context with contemporary civilization and is often influenced by autobiographical content and women’s history at large. I connect with thematic subject matter that engages a narrative of social discourse and art activism. As a multi-disciplinarian artist, I often work across several mediums such as photography, video, sculpture, painting and printmaking to convey a rich and diverse narrative. Through my exhibitions and artwork, I challenge the status quo, as well as tackle stereotypes and double standards. I draw from historical narratives in an effort to create empowering artwork that can have an impact on the viewer, be a catalyst for change or provide insight into history, which may have been overlooked. As an artist, I find it is more effective to communicate my ideas through visual and sensory explorations that can uniquely address the world we live in today.

I have been exploring themes of Surrealism in my work since my very first forays into photography back in the late 80’s. Experimental darkroom techniques such as solarization and double exposures have played an important part of my visual narrative, which also often employs nuances of fractured light. While studying for my degree in Art History at Columbia University in Paris I became very interested in the history of Surrealism, and wrote a 30 page paper, “Surréalisme, Sexualité, et La Femme,” on the male gaze and misogyny of many of the original Surrealists. Presenting an empowering female perspective on images of women has always been an important part of my work. Explorations of female identity, sexuality, dreams, and desires have been returning themes in my artwork since I first started creating. In the early 2000s, I expanded from the still frame and works on canvas and paper to moving images, with experimental filmmaking and video art. As my artwork has evolved, I have become inspired to create 3 dimensional works in glass and steel that further propel my visual language. My sculptures explore themes of female identity, symbolism and experience, employing a technical emphasis on light and reflection, often combining figurative sculpture with neon or video display to further engage a multifaceted experience.

In several of my recent works featured in “THE LABYRINTH” I explore surreal techniques of “light painting” that were invented by Man Ray in1937, which I have juxtaposed with dramatic chiaroscurist portraits of women in order to evoke an ethereal universe of light and energy. I also find myself returning to the visual language of flowers – as a representation of women’s sexuality, as well as emotional expression of love, forgiveness, sorrow, and hope. Throughout history, flowers have been ripe with symbolism, with each blossom or arrangement having different meanings. The language of flowers dates back many centuries, and they were often used to send secret messages to lovers. For me the flower can be alluring, mysterious, sensual and full of emotions that are difficult to express with words. There is also something intrinsically female about flower blossoms and their visual reference to a women’s body that resonates with me as an artist. It has been inspiring to bring together multiple aspects of my creative process into one exhibition, with “THE LABYRINTH” featuring many varied artistic mediums that become unified through the installation of the maze. I conceived of the maze concept for an exhibition and installation a few years ago after my father passed away. This exhibition is inspired by the maze of life, the power of human connection, emotion and experience – combined with the surreal nature of the unknown.”

ARTIST BIOGRAPHY

Indira Cesarine is a multidisciplinary artist who works with photography, video, painting, printmaking, and sculpture. A graduate of Columbia University with a triple major in Art History, French and Women’s Studies, she additionally studied at Parson’s School of Design, International Center of Photography, School of Visual Arts, Art Students League and the New York Academy of Art. Cesarine had her first solo show at the age of sixteen at Paul Mellon Arts Center. Her work as an artist has been featured internationally at many art galleries, museums, and art fairs, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Hudson Valley MOCA, Mattatuck Museum, Albany Institute of History and Art, CICA Museum, San Luis Obispo Museum of Art, French Embassy Cultural Center, Art Basel Miami, SCOPE Art Basel, SCOPE Miami, SPRING/BREAK Art Show, Getty Images Gallery, Cannes Film Festival and the International Festival Photo Mode to name a few.

In 2014, her public art sculpture “The Egg of Light” was exhibited at Rockefeller Center as part of the Fabergé Big Egg Hunt supporting The Elephant Family. Her work has been auctioned at Sotheby’s New York for the annual Take Home A Nude art benefits in 2017-2019, at ARTWALK NY benefiting the Coalition for the Homeless in 2018 and 2019, as well as at Tabula Rasa, the 26th Annual Watermill Center Benefit and Auction, July 2019. Her work is additionally on view at Norwood Art Club’s “Ingenuity” exhibition until August 2020. Her artwork and exhibitions have been featured internationally in many publications including American Vogue, Vogue Italia, Forbes, Newsweek, W Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, Dazed and Confused, New York Magazine, i-D Magazine, and The Huffington Post among many others. Cesarine currently lives and works in Tribeca, NY.

“THE LABYRINTH” Opening Performance: Katherine Crockett March 12, 2020

Katherine Crockett is a celebrated modern dancer and choreographer who performs internationally. She was the principal dancer for Martha Graham Dance Company and toured internationally with the company for 21 years. Crockett starred as The Queen in the Off-Broadway immersive theater hit, “Queen of the Night,” for which she created and choreographed her role. She played Cate Blanchett’s dancer double in “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” starring Blanchett and Brad Pitt, directed by David Fincher, and starred alongside Mikhail Baryshnikov as Helen in Richard Move’s “Achilles Heels-The Show”. Crockett has additionally performed at the Cannes Film Festival, the VH1/Vogue Fashion Awards, and on the runways of Prada, Alexander McQueen and numerous other global luxury houses. She has collaborated with artist Indira Cesarine on a variety of art series, and recently performed at Cesarine’s “EDEN” exhibition at the UN Plaza.

Website Here

THE UNTITLED SPACE
Web | Artsy | Facebook | Instagram

Zegrahm Expeditions × Cheetah Conservation

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Zegrahm Expeditions Announces Cheetah Conservation Fund Partnership

The pioneering expedition company is the headline sponsor of the Cheetah Conservation Fund’s 2020 education tour

Zegrahm Expeditions, the pioneer in small-group expeditions around the world, is now the largest sponsor of the Cheetah Conservation Fund<> (CFF)’s 30th Anniversary education and lecture tour, contributing significantly to the CCF’s research, education and conservation efforts that help to secure the survival of the cheetah and its ecosystem.

Throughout 2020 both Zegrahm Expeditions and the CCF are celebrating 30 years of existence, having followed similar paths of intense appreciation for the natural world for the past three decades.

“We are in awe of the enduring and unending habitat and ecosystem conservation efforts of the CCF and are honoured to be involved in this way,” says Robin Brooks, Director of Partnerships for Zegrahm Expeditions. “We see a close tie between the Zegrahm and CCF communities of conscientious explorers, wildlife enthusiasts, activists and people who have always celebrated our world to its fullest degree.” CCF founder Dr. Laurie Marker, whose work has been covered by TIME, Smithsonian, National Geographic and more, is still at the helm today as the fund’s Executive Director, working passionately to continue her life’s work in cheetah conservation.

CCF Founder Dr. Laurie Marker
“Support from like-minded entities like Zegrahm Expeditions is what makes action to save the cheetah from extinction possible,” says Dr. Marker. “We do live in a world where people and organizations care deeply about preservation, conservation and appreciation of the natural world, and that continues to inspire me.”

Backed by 30 years of research, education and conservation work, CCF is the longest-running cheetah conservation program in existence. CCF’s programs serve as the model for predator conservation programs everywhere.
Dr. Marker’s work has been awarded and recognized around the world and CCF’s programs provide a holistic conservation approach that carefully balances the needs of both people and wildlife sharing the same
ecosystems.Expedition Highlights

During Zegrahm Expeditions’ small-group, land-based expedition Namibia Under Canvas departing April 19, 2020, guests will visit CCF’s research centre in Otjiwarongo, Namibia, which has earned the title “Cheetah Capital of the World.” The centre is a world class research, education and conservation facility set on a private wildlife reserve. During this itinerary guests will have many opportunities to search both by vehicle and on foot for the elusive cats, and other rare species that call Namibia home.

The Zegrahm Expeditions and CCF partnership began December 19, 2019.

For more information about CCF, please visit www.cheetah.org. For a full list of other events in the CCF’s 2020 education tour, please visit www.cheetah.org/get-involved/ccf-events.

For more information about Zegrahm Expeditions, please visit www.zegrahm.com or call 1-866-327-9140.

About Zegrahm Expeditions
Celebrating 30 years in expedition travel, Seattle-based Zegrahm Expeditions Inc. is a leading adventure travel company specializing in small-ship expedition cruises, tours and safaris to remote and intriguing destinations around the world. Led by expert guides and lecturers, Zegrahm itineraries are carefully crafted and all-inclusive, feature deluxe accommodations, and operate in all seven continents.
Zegrahm.com

Expert Tips on How to Start a Business with Your Spouse

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Starting a business with your spouse, whether it’s a restaurant, real estate agency, consulting firm, tech startup or other type of company, can be a wonderful adventure to share together as a couple.

But there are challenges that go with running a business with your spouse. If you want to avoid some of the potential personal and financial risks of entrepreneurship, and make the most of the upside, it’s important to plan ahead and work as a team.

Here are a few key tips and strategies to keep in mind when starting a business with your spouse.

Decide on Your Choice of Business Structure

One of the first decisions you should make is choosing your business entity structure to incorporate your business and make your business “official” in the eyes of the law.

There are several options for a choice of business entity, depending on your goals and what type of business you want to run. One of the most popular entity types is the limited liability company (LLC), which can help potentially protect your personal assets in case of a lawsuit against the business. If you have big growth goals for your business and potentially want to go public with an Initial Public Offering, a C Corporation might be a better choice.

Whether you set up an LLC, S Corporation, C Corporation or Partnership, it’s important to create a registered business entity for your company. This will help you get a business bank account, build business credit and potentially protect your personal finances from some of the worst-case scenarios of being in business.

Will You Be Co-Owners?

As part of setting up your official business entity, you need to be ready to clarify the ownership responsibilities of the two of you as spouses. Is this a business that one spouse is mostly going to be in charge of and the other is serving in more of a support role? Or are you both equal business partners? Will one spouse be an employee of the company, or will both spouses be listed as co-owners of the company?

There are certain paperwork complexities and tax implications that depend on whether both spouses are listed as co-owners of the company. For example, if one spouse is listed as the owner and the other spouse is an employee, the employee spouse might have to pay taxes at a higher rate on their income from the company, compared to what they would owe if they could treat their income as qualifying pass-through business income (which, depending on your income and business type, might qualify for a 20% tax deduction).

There is no single “right answer” for every situation, but talk with your tax advisor before you start a business with your spouse. It might be advantageous for tax purposes to both be listed as owners of the company.

Separate Your Business and Personal Finances

Once you have your business entity established, it’s time to get your official Employer ID Number from the IRS and get set up with a business bank account, including a checking account, savings account and business credit card.

Keep your business finances totally separate from your personal finances. Don’t pay for business expenses with your personal money, or vice versa. This will help you stay in compliance with the law and maximize your business tax deductions.

Create a Shared Vision and Strategic Plan

Make sure both of you have a shared strategic vision for what you want your business to be. Create a business plan. Work together on a mission statement, business name, business tagline and logo. Everything that represents your business should represent both of you; you’re a team, and your business should reflect that.

Clarify Your Roles and Responsibilities

Make sure you both understand what your specific “jobs” are in running the business. Is one of you going to be the “face” of the company who’s out making sales and meeting customers, while the other works behind the scenes? Is one of you the Chief Technology Officer and the other is the Chief Operating Officer? Play to your strengths and be prepared to wear many hats.

Establish Work-Life Boundaries and Balance

Make sure you agree upon what business hours are, and when you can turn off your phones and laptops. Make time to go out for dinner and take vacations and talk about life, not just work. You’re not just business partners, you’re still a couple in love.
Running a business with your spouse should hopefully make your life feel bigger and better. Working hard together and investing in your shared future can help your love grow.

About Dustin Ray

Dustin Ray leads business development and growth initiatives at Incfile, a national incorporation service company specializing in business formation and small business services. Founded in 2004, Incfile makes it possible to start a business with a $0 formation + state fee and has assisted in the formation of more than 250,000 corporations and LLCs.

Eminem × “Godzilla” Video

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EMINEM RELEASES MUSIC VIDEO FOR “GODZILLA” FT. JUICE WRLD DIRECTED BY COLE BENNETT

Check out the video HERE

Disclosure × 2020 Tour Dates

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DISCLOSURE ANNOUNCES SERIES OF INTIMATE SHOWS

Duo Will Headline 1720 In Los Angeles On April 17 And Public Records in Brooklyn on April 29

GRAMMY®-Nominated Duo Will Headline 1720 In Los Angeles On April 17 And Public Records in Brooklyn on April 29 2020

Festival Performances Include Coachella, III Points, Lovebox, Primavera, Riverside Festival Glasgow And Down The Rabbit Hole

Disclosure will play a series of headline shows across the U.S., U.K. and Europe this spring. The U.S. dates will find the GRAMMY®-nominated U.K. duo performing at such intimate venues as 1720 in Los Angeles (April 17) and Public Records in Brooklyn (April 29).

See below for itinerary.

Tickets will go on sale Wednesday, March 11, at 10:00 AM local time HERE.

The band will also be playing numerous 2020 festivals, including Coachella and III Points in the States. Disclosure will headline the Lovebox Festival in London on June 13 and perform at Primavera Sound in Barcelona, Spain, Riverside Festival Glasgow and Down The Rabbit Hole in The Netherlands.

Disclosure’s new five-song EP, was hailed by Billboard as “an immediate national treasure.” Rolling Stone praised the “scintillating beats and euphoric builds” of “Tondo” and the “groovy house number” “Expressing What Matters.” Run The Trap said, “Disclosure Make Their Grand Return With ‘Ecstasy’ EP…Filled with groovy rhythms and diverse landscapes, [Ecstasy] is sure to hold fans over until their next album.” Download / stream Ecstasy HERE.

Like Disclosure’s 2018 EP, Moonlight, Ecstasy received a weeklong roll-out, with the duo revealing a track a day, culminating with the EP’s release on February 28. Disclosure, comprising brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence, made its debut 10 years ago with the single “Offline Dexterity.” In that decade, the brothers have released two albums – Settle (2013) and Caracal (2015) – clocked up 4.5 billion streams and 4.5 million album sales, received five GRAMMY nominations, sold 500,000 tickets to their headline shows and topped festival bills all over the world. Both of their full-length albums topped the U.K. Official Albums chart and received GRAMMY nominations for Best Dance/Electronic Album. Settle was named the No.1 dance album of the decade by Billboard. “Know Your Worth,” the second collaboration between Khalid and Disclosure following the #1 global smash, GRAMMY-nominated “Talk,” was released in February.

Disclosure – North American Tour Dates

Tickets go on sale Wednesday, March 11, at 10:00 AM local time HERE

4/11 Indio, CA Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
4/14 San Jose, CA San Jose State University – Event Center
4/15 Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara Bowl
4/17 Los Angeles, CA 1720
4/18 Indio, CA Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival
4/22 San Francisco, CA Halcyon
4/24 Chicago, IL Spybar
4/25 Detroit, MI TV Lounge
4/29 Brooklyn, NY Public Records
5/1 Miami, FL III Points Festival

Franky Baca Footwear

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Franky Baca [FB] is a breakthrough designer for 2020. With 70’s inspired unisex athleisure, he has fabricated key components for all. A stand alone piece of his recent collection consolidates a sophisticated pallet for sneaker heads and shoe aficionados alike. Possessing snap-on lace guards as well as a removable sock extension, his designer tennis shoes are ideal for any major music festival attendee. As most fashionable avid travelers, not having to carry additional pieces for a comfortable casual outfit is always ideal. The functionality of this affordable accessory with suede accents and robust patent leather tongue makes them unparalleled.

For a cool golf look, bump off the guard and rock a polo shirt. Or, sport a guard and sock on alternating foot for an avant garde exhibition. Whatever the case, FB has struck gold by making a dynamic tier for fashion/istas and mavens during a period of personal style. With durability, customization on a whim coupled with a generous price point, this layer is soon to be SOLD OUT by Gen X, Y and Z.

Established in 2013, self-taught designer Franky Baca set out to construct his first garments. The brand drew inspiration from nature, architecture, classic paintings, motion pictures and his Bay Area neighborhood, ultimately creating a sense of individuality for both men and women.

In 2014, their products were available to the public using futuristic yet historic silhouettes, its singularity is what differentiated the collection from what’s already been offered in the marketplace.

Franky says “My goal in creation is for the customer to question why something so different from there style is still beautiful to them. I want to challenge them to what they thought they knew about beauty. I always wanted to design clothing and loved fashion but I was hesitant because I didn’t want to design for others. I thought it took away from my individuality. I realized I could never be them and they could never be me, and I knew I must move forward. We need to inspire people and it’s the inspired people that create heroes of tomorrow.”

Buy HERE.

Dylan Fuentes x Record Deal

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BREAKOUT COLOMBIAN ARTIST DYLAN FUENTES SIGNS TO THE NEON16 INCUBATOR BACKED BY TAINY AND LEX BORRERO

Colombian artist, singer and songwriter Dylan Fuentes is signed onto the NEON16/INTERSCOPE RECORDS talent incubator backed by award-winning producer and artist, Tainy, and President and CEO of NEON16, Lex Borrero.

With help from the innovative minds at NEON16, Dylan will continue to evolve as an artist and usher in a new sound for the Latin music genre with his natural charisma and unique skills as an actor, artist, songwriter and performer.

“The world has a lot of talent, but very few artists. Even less artists that can be creative in both music and film. Dylan is one of those few, I’m a fan and knew we had to sign him from the moment I met him.” comments Borrero on signing Fuentes.

Dylan has already showcased that he can hang with top Urban music talent when he joined Puerto Rican producer and hitmaker Tainy on his upcoming EP “The Kids That Grew Up On Reggaeton: Neon Tapes.” Dylan lent his vocals on EP focus track “Tu Amiga” alongside American reggaeton singer Justin Quiles, Puerto Rican reggaetonero Lennox, and fellow Colombian singer Llane.

In 2019, Dylan released the viral hit “Ajena” featuring Myke Towers, which counts with over 24 million views on Youtube and has accrued over 13,000,000 streams on Spotify.

His hit with Myke Towers, along with his role on the Netflix series “Siempre Bruja,” allowed Dylan to build and establish a strong and loyal fan base. Apart from playing a lead character, Dylan sang on the official show soundtrack. Through his work, he has been able to reach an audience of over 1.1 million Instagram followers, 1.03 million YouTube subscribers and 400,000 Spotify listeners.

As one of the first artists signed under the NEON16 banner, Dylan will be releasing his debut single “Bipolar,” which will be his first song off of his upcoming album. The 23-year-old will be working closely with NEON16 in 2020 to create music that will resonate with audiences globally.

KEEP UP WITH DYLAN:
Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | Youtube

WATCH THE “BIPOLAR” TEASER HERE

John Newman x “Stand By Me”

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JOHN NEWMAN RELEASES NEW SINGLE “STAND BY ME” OUT NOW

LISTEN HERE

John Newman who has written and performed on some of the biggest anthems of the last seven years, bursting onto the scene as the co-writer and voice on Rudimental’s classic “Feel The Love”, releases his brand new single “Stand By Me” today. Listen HERE.

Fans will have a chance to hear John performing the single live for the first time on the BBC’s annual Sports Relief Telecast on Friday March 13th. Newman, one of the UK’s best loved and more enduring artists has enjoyed three #1 singles in the UK and built a large and fervent following. “Stand By Me” was co-written by John alongside Swedish collective BLNK collective who wrote “Paris” for Chainsmokers, and was produced by Steve Mac who has contributed to 30 #1 singles in the UK and is best known for his work with Ed Sheeran, Mabel, Little Mix, Pink and Jess Glynne to name but a few.

It was the global #1 smash ”Love Me Again” and subsequent #1 platinum certified debut album, Tribute which also spawned the huge hit single “Come & Get It”, that established the Yorkshire-man as one of the UK’s most singular talents and consistently successful artists. Global monster “Blame”, which sold over 4 million worldwide, gave John his third UK #1 single following Rudimental’s “Feel The Love” and his own chart-topping debut “Love Me Again”. Indeed Newman has sold over 6 million singles world-wide to date. Since then John Newman has travelled the world, headlining some of the most legendary venues and performing on some of the biggest stages.

While John’s career has reached some wonderful and memorable highs, his personal life has brought serious health issues in the shape of a recurring brain tumor condition, which has required constant monitoring. Thankfully the signs are that everything is under control and manageable. In the last year John has also recently revealed his entrepreneurial side by launching a high-end exclusive chauffeur service. Stay tuned for further details. And finally combining his love of cars, music and conversation, John is also set to launch his own podcast, which will feature a mix of famous friends and interesting characters far from the showbiz spotlight whose paths he has crossed over the last decade.

FOLLOW JOHN NEWMAN
Instagram – @johnnewmanmusic
Twitter – @JohnNewmanMusic
Facebook – John Newman – @johnnewmanmusic

iHeart Media x Anthem Sports

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Anthem Sports & Entertainment and iHeart Media Announce Strategic Partnership

Partnership includes promotion of the Anthem properties across iHeartMedia’s multi-platform audio network; and collaboration on original programming

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc., a globally integrated multi-platform media company, and iHeartMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: IHRT), America’s leading audio company, announced today that they have entered into a multi-year agreement to establish a strategic partnership under which the parties will collaborate on the co-production of original programming and on the marketing of Anthem’s properties across iHeartMedia’s multi-platform audio network.

The partnership comes at a time of expansion for Anthem, which acquired a majority interest in AXS TV in 2019, becoming partners with remaining shareholders Mark Cuban and Anschutz Entertainment Group while bringing Steve Harvey Global into the company as an investor and advisor on content development. Anthem also recently announced that it had become an investor and strategic partner in PlayersTV, the sports lifestyle digital network being launched by Players Media Group.

“We continue to build key strategic partnerships that expand our reach,” said Len Asper, Anthem CEO. “Our new partnership with iHeartMedia gives us unprecedented access to its quarter of a billion monthly listeners, reaching 9 out of 10 Americans each month through its national network of local radio stations and its ubiquitous digital app, live events, podcasts and other properties. Joining forces with iHeartMedia provides an invaluable opportunity to extend the reach of our brands, and to create unique and original content that serves our passionate communities.”

“It’s an exciting time for Anthem as they continue to expand their reach” said Peter Volynsky, Executive Vice President of Corporate Development and Ventures for iHeartMedia. “We are looking forward to collaborating with the Anthem team, offering even more unique and compelling content to our audiences, while also helping them build further awareness and grow their brand through our massive scale and national reach across our powerful multi-platform assets.”

Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc.
Anthem Sports & Entertainment Inc. is a globally integrated multi-platform media company with offices and studios in Los Angeles, Denver, Nashville, New York, Toronto, London and Istanbul. Anthem’s portfolio includes AXS TV, a leading music, entertainment and lifestyle television channel; Fight Network, the world’s premier combat sports channel; IMPACT Wrestling, one of the world’s leading wrestling organizations specializing in original programming and live events; Game+, the leader in Esports and gaming content; GameTV, the home of game shows and competition-based reality series; and HDNet Movies, which features theatrically released films and documentaries. Anthem also has a significant ownership interest in Pursuit Channel, one of the top outdoor channels in the U.S.

About iHeartMedia
iHeartMedia (NASDAQ: IHRT) is the number one audio company in the United States, reaching nine out of 10 Americans every month – and with its quarter of a billion monthly listeners, has a greater reach than any other media company in the U.S. The company’s leadership position in audio extends across multiple platforms, including more than 850 live broadcast stations in over 150 markets; digital radio via its iHeartRadio digital service available across more than 250 platforms and 2,000 devices; through its on-air influencers; social; branded iconic live music events; and podcasts as the #1 commercial podcast publisher. iHeartMedia also leads the audio industry in analytics, targeting and attribution for its marketing partners with its SmartAudio product, using data from its massive consumer base. Visit iheartmedia.com for more company information.

Monster Energy & X Games Norway 2020

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Monster Energy’s Ski and Snowboard Athletes Claim Three Gold Medals in Slopestyle Events on Day Two of X Games Norway 2020

Way to close out an epic edition of Winter X Games! Monster Energy congratulates its ski and snowboard athletes on a dominant performance on the final day of X Games Norway 2020 this Sunday.

In front of a stoked crowd at Hafjell Resort, team riders Max Parrot (Snowboard), Zoi Sadowski-Synnott (Snowboard) and Maggie Voisin (Freeski) claimed gold medals in Slopestyle events, joined by a silver-medal finish from Kokomo Murase (Snowboard) and bronze medals for Ståle Sandbech (Snowboard) and Giulia Tanno (Freeski).

Now in its fifth consecutive year in Norway, the biggest spectacle in action sports returned to Hafjell Resort about 120 miles north of the city of Oslo for snow sports competitions in a festival atmosphere. Aside from showcasing the highest level of freestyle skiing and snowboarding, the event featured concerts by hot musical acts Arif, Musti, Chris Abolade, and Alan Walker.

Supported by Monster Energy as the official energy drink partner of X Games, the competition attracted the world’s best athletes in competitive freeski and snowboarding. Over the course of two action-packed days, X Games Norway 2020 awarded 26 medals overall, with Monster Energy riders claiming nine medals total (3 gold, 3 silver, 3 bronze).

Here’s how the action unfolded for team Monster Energy on the final day of the invite-only competition in Scandinavia:

Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle: Monster Energy’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott Claims Second Career Gold Medal, Kokomo Murase Earns Silver Medal

The Monster Energy team’s gold medal run began in Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle, the first medal event contested on Sunday. Amidst low visibility and drizzling rain, eight of the world’s best freestyle snowboarders took on a downhill obstacle course stacked with creative rail elements, quarterpipes, and a massive ‘Money Booter’ jump at the bottom. In a format change introduced at X Games Aspen 2020, winners were no longer determined by their highest-scoring runs, but in a 32-minute jam session scored on overall impression.

When all was said and done, Monster Energy’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott brought the right blend of technical tricks and solid consistency to the demanding course.

Known for her mastery of switch tricks and new-school style, the 19-year-old from Wanaka, New Zealand, worked the rail section with backside bluntslide to back 180 Same Way out, switch backside 180 over the rail, noseslide pretzel, switch boardslide to gap, and frontside boardslide down the big rail. In the jump section, she sent a big backside 720, switch backside 540, frontside 720, switch backside double cork 900 stalefish, and a double backflip over the Money Booter that sealed the win.

“It’s pretty tricky right now because it’s raining, which has been a change from all the other days we’ve been riding. I came in today knowing it’s about who rides the best under these conditions. So that’s what I was trying to do,” said Zoi Sadowski-Synnott upon claiming gold in Women’s Snowboard Slopestyle at X Games Norway today.

Her latest Slopestyle gold is already the second win in the discipline for Sadowski-Synnott, bringing her X Games count to three medals (2 gold, 1 silver). The young Kiwi ripper barged onto the scene by claiming Slopestyle gold and Big Air silver at X Games Aspen 2019 and won every big-ticket event of that season, including the Burton U.S. Open. Recognized as Rookie of the Year in the inaugural Snowboarder Magazine Awards in 2020, Sadowski-Synnott also made history as the first athlete from New Zealand in 26 years to win a Winter Olympics medal when she earned Slopestyle bronze at PyeongChang 2018.

Joining Sadowski-Synnott on the Slopestyle podium today, Kokomo Murase came into X Games Norway not only as the youngest rider at age 15 but also the lightest at a mere 105 pounds. But that didn’t stop the Japanese snowboarding wunderkind from dropping some of the heaviest tricks of the weekend.

Working the course with speed and difficult aerial moves, Murase sent a backside 360 over the rail and hit the rail section with frontside nosebluntslide, pole jam Indy grab, and frontside lipslide 270 out the big rail. In the jump section, the 15-year-old from Gifu, Japan, stoked the crowd with backside 720 mute, frontside double cork 900, frontside 720 stalefish, and a backside 1260 with a slightly imperfect landing for a strong silver-medal finish.

On the strength of today’s silver medal, Murase now owns five X Games medals (1 gold, 3 silver, 1 bronze) across Slopestyle and Big Air disciplines. Murase has been turning heads since her upset victory at X Games Norway 2018, where she made history as the first girl to land a 1260 double cork in a competition and became the youngest competitor ever to earn a medal at Winter X Games at age 13. She has reached the podium in all five of her X Games starts and was recently named Snowboarder of the Year at the 2019 Japan Action Sports Awards.

Women’s Ski Slopestyle: Monster Energy’s Maggie Voisin Claims Second Gold Medal, Giulia Tanno Takes Bronze

Next, the action moved into Women’s Ski Slopestyle as the day’s first freeski event. A total of seven different countries were represented in the eight-rider final with athletes hailing from Canada, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, Sweden, as well as the UK and United States. Much like in the Snowboard Slopestyle final, the judges were looking for best overall impression in a 32-minute jam format.

Stepping into the final fresh off yesterday’s Big Air silver medal, Monster Energy’s Maggie Voisin unleashed a diverse trick selection onto the stacked course. In the rail section, the 21-year-old from White Fish, Montana, posted a gap to disaster, switch left 270 on 270 out, backside 270 left disaster on the down-flat-down, and left 270 on 270 off. Upping her trick difficulty from run to run, she also hit the massive jump elements with a rightside 720 tailgrab, letfside Rodeo 900, switch leftside 900 safety grab, and almost landed a leftside double cork 1260 for the best overall impression and the win.

“Today the weather was really tough and you just kind of had to roll with it. I just tried to stay consistent. Getting a podium yesterday and the win today, I’m just so grateful,” said Voisin upon claiming Women’s Ski Slopestyle gold at X Games Norway 2020 today, adding: “Today is also International Women’s Day, so a big shout out to all the women snowboarders before us. I’m just so stoked to be a female athlete in action sports.”

This weekend’s Slopestyle gold and Big Air silver medals bring Voisin’s X Games medal count to seven total medals (2 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze). The Montana native now owns two Ski Slopestyle gold after winning the event at X Games Aspen 2018. Voisin made history at XG Norway 2017 as the first American woman to medal in Big Air. After undergoing knee surgery in April 2019, the U.S. freeski prodigy returned to competition in full strength by claiming Slopestyle bronze at XG Aspen 2020 in January.

Monster Energy’s Giulia Tanno came into the final looking for a medal after closely missing the podium in Saturday’s Big Air competition. When all was said and done, the 21-year-old from Lenzerheide, Switzerland, earned the bronze medal with a solid mixture of technical rail tricks and stylish airs. In the rail section, Tanno finessed gap to disaster on the double kink, frontside 450 out, and switch-up 270 on the down rail. And in the jump section, she sent a switch leftside 900 tailgrab, and rightside 900, switch rightside 540, as well as a leftside double cork 1080 for a strong third-place finish.

This weekend’s Slopestyle bronze brings Tanno’s X Games total to four medals (2 silver, 2 bronze). The member of the Swiss national freeski team also had a successful contest run with back-to-back podiums at International Ski Federation (FIS) events. At the recent FIS Freeski Big Air World Cup in Destne, Czech Republic, Tanno took home the 2019/20 Big Air crystal globe trophy as the top rider of the season.

Monster Energy Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle: Max Perrot Takes Gold, Ståle Sandbech Earns Bronze

When the action moved into the Monster Energy Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle event, eight finalists stepped to the challenging course in a 32-minute jam session. Straight out the gate, Monster Energy’s Max Parrot revisited his rivalry with Canada’s Mark McMorris, who took the gold medal in Saturday’s Big Air final with Parrot settling for silver. Now it was time for a rematch!

Undeterred by rainy weather and the fact that his last Slopestyle win happened back in 2014, Parrot left nothing to chance in the competitive final. Hitting the rail section with difficult tech tricks, he posted a frontside bluntslide 450 off, gap backside 360 to 50-50 the kink rail, frontside nosebluntslide over the hip, pole jam Wildcat backflip, and backside lipslide fakie the big rail. Flexing his aerial skills in the jump section, Parrot sent a backside 1260, backside triple cork 1440 melon, Cab double cork 1260, Cab triple 1620 Indy grab, and a perfect frontside triple cork 1440 mute to clinch the win.

“I was definitely focused on a good result today. And I’m actually happy since the last time I won gold in Slopestyle was in 2014, so it’s been a while. It feels good to taste gold again in Slopestyle at X Games!” said Parrot upon earning Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle gold at X Games Norway 2020 today.

After claiming Big Air silver and Slopestyle gold at X Games Norway 2020 this weekend, Parrot now owns 13 medals (8 gold, 5 silver). The 25-year-old from Bromont, Canada, made an emotional return to competition by winning Big Air gold at X Games Norway 2019 after a battle with Hodgkin Lymphoma cancer. The eight-time X Games champion currently holds the record for the most medals in the history of X Games Snowboard Big Air (6 gold, 4 silver) and also earned Slopestyle silver for Canada at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.

Also stepping onto the Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle podium today, hometown hero Ståle Sandbech from Rykkinn, Norway earned bronze with a versatile trick selection.

Opening the final as the first rider in, Sandbech sent a frontside lipslide over the hip, backside 180 to 50-50, Half Cab 50-50 the kink rail, boardslide up and down the Spider Rail, and front board 270 the big rail. Maintaining his flow into the jump section, the Norwegian local posted backside 1260 mute grab, backside double cork 720, backside Cab 1260 stalefish, frontside 1440 tailgrab, and backside 1440 mute to jump onto the podium with a solid third-place finish.

Today’s Slopestyle bronze is Sandbech’s first X Games medal since XG Norway 2017 and his sixth medal overall (2 silver, 4 bronze). A long-standing member of the Norwegian national snowboarding team, Sandbech earned Slopestyle silver at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi. The 26-year-old also recently claimed third place in the Men’s Snowboard Slopestyle final at Winter Dew Tour Copper Mountain 2020 and is known for his viral StaleLIFE video series on YouTube.

Didn’t catch today’s live stream? X Games fans who missed the action at X Games Norway 2020 this weekend can re-watch all live broadcasts on the official X Games YouTube channel.

Viewers in the United States can also look forward to watching the ‘Best of X Games Norway 2020’ anthology as part of World of X Games on ABC Television. Part 1 of ‘Best of X Games Norway 2020’ will air on March 14, 1:00 p.m. ET and Part 2 on March 21, 1:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

Visit monsterenergy.com for exclusive content from X Games Norway 2020 including photos, videos, and contest results as they happen. Follow Monster Energy on Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for exclusive behind-the-scenes looks in Oslo.

About Monster Energy
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