Posts made in August 2020

Rise of Influencers and Success Tips

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By Krishan Narsinghani

Over the course of the past few years, we’ve seen the term “influencer” unfold into a new category of jobs within the market. Influencers are essentially tastemakers of a certain genre that work prominently via digital platforms to shape a certain trend or lifestyle. We’ve seen influencers on social media, but it also stems further to where creators first started on YouTube and bloggers online.

We’ve even see influencers like ChadGoesDeep fight for influencer rights within the LA community, and reinforcing the fact that it’s a leading industry that hasn’t been been looked at properly in today’s society. Traackr, an influencer management platform, claims that seventy-two percent of notable brands dedicate a strong portion of their marketing spends to influencers.

With the rise of apps like TikTok (which claim they aren’t going anywhere in the US), the most downloaded app on the App Store, teens seem to become millionaires through quick viral moments that in return start a brand for themselves. Now we see influencers in the realms of food, auto, tech, music, fashion, travel and everything in-between. Cultivating your passion through social media can open more doors than you’d think.

Figuring out the algorithm has been a mystery to all. Here are some key tips to remember. Posts tend to do better in the morning/afternoon. Make sure your photos and videos are high res and collect post of your engagement on Instagram during the first to ensure it’s position towards the top of your fans’ feeds. Most importantly in today’s society, influencers need to curate original contest that is authentic. TikTok posts spark vitality with relatable or authentic content that distinguishes itself from all other platforms. It’s suggested to start posting on Triller as well.

With the overflow of new creator platforms and digital agencies, it can be hard to filter with are trustworthy and legit. Try using top choice platforms like Intellifluence that provides opportunities for all people regardless of the size of your social media accounts. If you’re wanting to learn more about how to connect with your audience while looking behind the scenes at an influencer’s creative process, check out this article from the The Drum.

John Coltrane’s “Giant Steps” 60th Anniversary Album

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By Krishan Narsinghani

“John Coltrane’s Giant Steps is one of the most important albums in American music history.” – Pitchfork

The John Coltrane Estate and Atlantic Records (Rhino Records) announce an upcoming release of Coltrane’s remastered jazz sensation, Giant Steps. Fans can expect 8 alternate takes or bonus tracks on the LP and CD physical pieces and 20 extra tracks on the super deluxe edition available on steaming platforms and digital downloads.

Along with the release, the Coltrane estate is giving away a Pro-ject turntable in celebration of the announce. Rules indicate to follow John Coltrane on Spotify.

Over 60 years ago, John Coltrane embarked on principal recording sessions for his first Atlantic album that became “Giant Steps,” less than two weeks after completing work with Miles Davis on what would become “Kind of Blue.” This was Coltrane’s first album comprised entirely of original compositions.

‘Giant Steps,’ the title track, has become one of the most legendary recordings in all of jazz history for its virtuosity. Pianist, Tommy Flanagan, originally thought that the song was a ballad when first reviewing the score, with its 26 chord changes in the 16-bar theme that has challenged musicians since its inception.

The first single “Naima” is available now. Listen here.

Bronson

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Grammy-nominated duo Harrison Mills and Clayton Knight of ODESZA, and ARIA-platinum selling Australian producer Tom Stell of Golden Features, today release their highly anticipated self-titled debut album from their new joint project, BRONSON. Out on Foreign Family Collective and Ninja Tune, BRONSON is a striking collection of ten songs that vacillate between intense, emotive instrumental-heavy tracks and revelatory, melodic vocal-driven compositions. The trio embrace an alternate identity on the record, achieving a newfound limitlessness and ability to explore different soundscapes, free from any expectations attached to their respective projects. BRONSON welcomes guest features from notable vocalists including Gallant, Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs, and lau.ra (of Ultraísta), as well as a surprise appearance from Harrison and Tom themselves providing the vocals for “CALL OUT.”

On the album, BRONSON reveals: “This record isn’t like anything any of us have done before; it’s a creative departure from the worlds of ODESZA and Golden Features – but that’s the beauty of it and the fundamental intention of the project. We initially began making music with one another with no goal in mind, we were just bouncing ideas back and forth (halfway across the world) and experimenting with new sounds. What ensued was the start of something we felt so pulled and drawn to explore further, so much so that the creation of the full-length album essentially took on a life of its own. BRONSON was born out of a need, almost subconsciously, to push our creative boundaries and build something bold and free of any expectations; it was a really cathartic process.”

Along with the album today arrives the stand-out track “KNOW ME”, featuring vocals from dazzling R&B talent, Gallant, who delivers a breath-y, raw vocal, that in turn, elevates the energy and intention of the track to an entirely different magnitude of depth. Paired with its emotive and pointed production, “KNOW ME” transcends as a cathartic calling, that speaks to the complexities of connection and the subsequent realizations we come to in the aftermath.

Each track on the album stands as a testament to the trio’s artistic depth and sonic versatility as electronic visionaries, with an unparalleled ability to harmonize genres and unexpected sounds – from the slow-building modest synths on “FOUNDATION” to the high-octane industrial noise on “TENSE,” spanning to the lush, soaring lyrical moments heard on “DAWN”. Together, BRONSON set out to craft a body of work that was reflective of the duality of lightness and darkness, inherent to the human condition. The result is an introspective record with an extraordinary profundity, yet in the same breath, universal relatability, striking a delicate balance in which the listener can find a truly remarkable sense of solace and escape.

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Icona Pop – Feels In My Body

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Global chart-topping duo Icona Pop are back following their 2020 smash collaborations with heavyweights Steve Aoki and Hayden James, this time with another banger called “Feels In My Body,” which is out now via RECORD COMPANY TEN/ULTRA Music. The song also comes paired with a music video, shot by director Gustav Stegfors and acclaimed Director of Photography, Crille Forsberg (David Bowie, Adele, ZAYN). Watch HERE.

Speaking about their new feel good-summer jam, Icona Pop’s Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo reveal, “Feels In My Body is all about hitting your peak, being so full of energy that you want to burst and share it with everyone around you.”

Listen to “Feels In My Body” H ERE.

“Feels In The Body” follows two massive collaborations this year for Icona Pop, including “Right Time,” with Australian producer and songwriter Hayden James, which Rolling Stone said “captures the feeling of the dance floor during this time of isolation,” and “I Love My Friends,” the lead single off Steve Aoki’s recent album, Neon Future IV.

Swedish chart-topping duo Icona Pop continue to slay since their 2013 full-length debut, This Is… Icona Pop, which garnered critical acclaim from the likes of Pitchfork and Rolling Stone as the duo performed on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and America’s Got Talent in addition to featuring on the iconic HBO series Girls and a popular Saturday Night Live sketch. They canvased the globe on sold out tours with Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, and One Direction and joined Tiësto for the banger “Let’s Go” in 2014. Along the way, the duo has performed alongside everyone from Avicii to The Chainsmokers as well as gracing the stages of Ultra, Tomorrowland, Mark Ronson’s Club Heartbreak, and more. Since then, they have consistently filled the gap in music when it comes to upbeat, carefree, quality dance-pop.

Last year, the girls DJ’d across Europe, Asia and North America as well as released a string of bangers including their Yves V and Afrojack collaboration for “We Got That Cool.” In addition, IconaPop continued their message of inclusivity, self-acceptance and positivity on the road for their WorldPride tour, culminating with a show-stopping performance at Stockholm Pride that included a special appearance from Sporty Spice herself, Melanie C.

Stay tuned for more news and music from Icona Pop.

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OMB Bloodbath – Bolt

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OMB Bloodbath brings the bars and ladies out in her latest single, “Bolt.” Produced by DZL and Johnny Yukon, the Houston MC bodies the beat with a continuous flow that caters to fans who enjoy her quick-witted rhymes. For the studio-based visuals, Bloodbath entertains the ladies during a studio session interrupted by a seafood boil, luxury retail tags, and her animated personality.

Listen HERE

Watch HERE

Fitting on any quarantine turn up playlist, “Bolt” is another hit on Bloodbath’s discography which has been praised by peers in the game like Obe Noir, Stunna Bam and Grammy-nominated producer Murda Beatz. She also found a huge fan in Beyonce when her “2018” track “All I Know” was featured on the singer’s “Classy Bougie Ratchet” playlist for TIDAL.

Representing Houston’s historic Third Ward, OMB Bloodbath is in a class all her own. Making her name for herself on the local tip with the hometown favorite, “Shootston” the rapper secured a deal with 10:22 PM and Love Renaissance (LVRN), in partnership with Interscope Records. Her first single“Dropout” showcases a vicious back and forth flow with fellow Texas native Maxo Kream. HotNewHipHop describes the song as a “slowburner” that confirms the artist “is providing all the reasons in the world right now to make sure all eyes are on her.”

Spider-Woman

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By Karla Pacheco and Jason Tayer

This October, Marvel is proud to celebrate the 100th issue of SPIDER-WOMAN with a gorgeous variant cover from acclaimed artist Peach Momoko. Known for her striking depictions of female Marvel heroes, Peach Momoko has become one of the most popular cover artists in the industry. Her iconic work continues with this stunning depiction of Jessica Drew charging up her trademark venom blast as she prepares for her next vicious battle with the nefarious HYDRA mastermind, Octavia Vermis!

The story of SPIDER-WOMAN originates as she is stuck in a chamber for years, and decades later, she breaks out in her same form as a teenager. Accompanying her spider-driven powers, SPIDER-WOMAN or Jessica Drew serves as a bounty hunter and a model for female, powerful leaders.

SPIDER-WOMAN #5 will be a special giant-sized issue of the current action-packed run by writer Karla Pacheco and artist Pere Pérez that will propel Jessica Drew into a redefining chapter of her illustrious Super Hero career! Don’t miss your chance to get Peach Momoko’s radiant variant cover for this milestone 100th issue when SPIDER-WOMAN #5 goes on sale in October!

Nasty C – Zulu Man

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Global multi-platinum rapper, Nasty C, releases the high energy track and hot visual, “PALM TREES,” the latest single from his forthcoming and highly anticipated album, “ZULU MAN WITH SOME POWER” to be released via Def Jam Recordings on August 28. “ZULU MAN WITH SOME POWER” is available for fans to pre-save now.

Quoted by Billboard as “South Africa’s best bet for a mainstream crossover,” Nasty C has been delivering hit after hit with “PALM TREES” being the next single solidifying him as a global sensation.

In July, Nasty C teamed up with DJ Whoo Kid to put together a mixtape for fans around the world. The musical masterpiece titled, “ZULU” features the hit track, “They Don’t” includes his first-ever collaboration with Tip “T.I.” Harris for “They Don’t,” a powerful track created by the rappers in the wake of global unrest over rampant police brutality and racial injustice. On June 23, Nasty C and T.I. joined Late Night with Seth Meyers for a virtual performance of the protest anthem.

For nearly a decade, Nasty C (Nsikayesizwe David Junior Ngcobo) has had a singular focus: to push the boundaries of his own potential. He has been pursuing his hip-hop dreams since childhood when, legend has it, he began rapping and learning to lay down tracks at age nine under the tutelage of his older brother. At just fifteen years of age, Nasty released his debut mixtape, One Kid, A Thousand Coffins (2012). He shot to stardom in 2014, with his boundary-breaking second mixtape, Price City, and “Juice Back,” a continent-wide instant classic smash. The “Juice Back” remix featured Nigerian muso, Davido and South African rapper Cassper Nyovest. This early success won Nasty C the Best Freshman prize at the highly competitive South African Hip-Hop Awards.

Nasty C’s popularity detonated with his 2016 debut album Bad Hair, which hit #1 on the iTunes local chart and was the country’s most-streamed album within 24 hours of release. Its re-release, Bad Hair Extensions featured French Montana. The seminal album earned him Nasty C four Metro FM Music Awards, a South African Music Award and a BET Awards nomination. The momentum surged with Strings And Bling in 2018, named one of South Africa’s greatest hip-hop albums by such influential local outlets as TimesLive and IOL. Nasty C was the only South African nominated for a BET Hip- Hop Award in the Best International Flow category in 2019, and was also nominated for an MTV Europe Music Award that year. Strings and Bling won him two South African Music Awards and two AFRIMMAs (All African Muzik Magazine Awards).

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Billy Raffoul – What Makes a Man

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Today, singer/songwriter Billy Raffoul shares his powerful new song “What Makes a Man” and its accompanying video. Available now at all digital retailers,“What Makes a Man” is the first single from Raffoul’s upcoming album International Hotel, due out via Interscope Records on August 28. Fans who pre-order the album will receive an instant download of “What Makes a Man.”

Watch the video for “What Makes a Man” by Billy Raffoul HERE.

Sparsely arranged but full of raw feeling, “What Makes a Man” is a profoundly moving protest song that speaks out against systemic racism in policing. As Raffoul explains, “What Makes a Man” was the final song written and recorded for International Hotel.

“I knew I wanted another song, and with so many important things going on in the world I was finding it hard to write another love song,” says Raffoul. “I thought about how since the quarantine started in March I had been driving my car around with expired plates for three months. I couldn’t get down to Nashville to get new tags, yet still I didn’t think twice about it. I can’t help but feel like that is a confidence that only privilege can give you.”

Like all the songs on International Hotel, “What Makes a Man” was recorded with two microphones in Raffoul’s girlfriend’s room in his hometown of Leamington, Ontario. The simplicity of that approach is perfectly suited to the rugged intimacy of Raffoul’s songwriting, and to the Americana-leaning sensibilities he brought to the making of International Hotel. To that end, “What Makes a Man” marks the first time Raffoul ever recorded a song with harmonica (a move partly inspired by Neil Young, one of his musical heroes). The song’s homespun austerity also extends to its video, shot in warm black-and-white and quietly centered on Raffoul’s impassioned performance.

Raffoul announced the forthcoming release of International Hotel during the first show of his International Hotel IG Live Tour, treating fans to a surprise performance of “What Makes a Man.” Launched on August 5th, the International Hotel IG Live Tour continues through the end of August, with shows taking place every Wednesday at 3 p.m. EST on Raffoul’s IG account.

ABOUT BILLY RAFFOUL:

Growing up in the small farming town of Leamington, Ontario, Raffoul first discovered his gift for songwriting at age ten, thanks in no small part to the influence of his father — a musician who’s opened for everyone from Joe Cocker to Bon Jovi. After landing his first paying gig (playing to long-haul drivers at a local truck stop), Raffoul began performing at nearby bars and clubs at age 16, often driving into Detroit for shows. He eventually connected with a manager and moved down to Nashville to push forward with his music career. Soon after scoring a deal with Interscope Records, Raffoul released the critically acclaimed song “Driver,” which he then followed with his debut EP 1975 (a 2018 release featuring the fan-favorite “Acoustic”). Arriving in spring 2019, his sophomore EP Running Wild found him joining forces with leading producers like Greg Kurstin, as well as collaborating with such boundary-breaking artists as singer/songwriter Julia Michaels. In April 2020, Raffoul returned with his third EP, A Few More Hours at YYZ. Over the past few years, he’s opened for heavyweights like Kings of Leon, X Ambassadors, and NEEDTOBREATHE, captivating crowds with his understated yet intensely passionate stage presence. After postponing the West Coast run of his A Few More Hours At…2020 North American Tour, Raffoul found himself back in Leamington and immediately took to Instagram Live for intimate performances from his father’s home. Since the launch of the Still Social Distancing Tour 2020, he’s joined forces with special guest artists like Alec Chambers, Zac Barnett, Caitlyn Smyth, Wrabel, John Paul White, and more.

Stream “What Makes a Man” HERE.

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Brytiago ft. Jon Z – Crush Videoclip

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These past weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions for Brytiago, since the release of his new album “Organico”, followed by 3 video clips from the same project, the interpreter has been keeping his fans up to date and today its not the exception.

This time, Brytiago joins the always controversial and irreverent Jon Z. This highly anticipated musical collaboration brings a fresh vibe to the urban atmosphere, perfect for the summer season, and its name is “Crush.” The song, with no explicit content, was produced by Cromo X, Lanalizer and Viti, and was recorded in Puerto Rico.

“Crush” music video is a visual proposal that mixes unrealistic events with real life. Its director, the filmmaker Letour, had a lot of fun turning both singers into movie-store sales associates, but, with a surprising turn of events, under the wing of Business Music record label.

“Crush” is part of Brytiago´s new studio album “Organico”, which in less than a week after its release already collects hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube. The album consists of 16 original songs and contains musical collaborations with great colleagues from the urban scene, such as: Omy de Oro, Darell, Wisin, Rauw Alejandro, Dalex, Lenny Tavárez, Farruko, Kiko el Crazy, Lunay, Arcángel, Juank, Jhay Cortes, Jon Z and Darkiel.

Watch the video for “Crush” HERE.

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2 Chainz – Money Maker

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2 Chainz, the multi-platinum, Grammy Award®-winning MC returns with “Money Maker” feat. Lil Wayne, the first new single from his forthcoming sixth studio album via Def Jam Recordings. The song samples Louisiana’s HBCU Southern University world-renowned marching band, Human Jukebox, which are also featured in the artwork. 2 Chainz previewed the song last night during his Verzuz battle with Rick Ross where the King’s of the South celebrated their legacies and iconic catalogs. “Money Maker”is the first new music from 2 Chainz since his January single + video “Dead Man Walking” featuring Future.

2 Chainz’ most recent Def Jam album, Rap Or Go To The League (released March 2019), was described as his most personal, most lyrical, most soulful record to date. It challenged the notion that the only way out of the inner city is either to become a rapper or a ball player. The album flipped that trope, celebrating themes of black excellence, the power of education, and entrepreneurship. A&R’d by LeBron James, Rap Or Go To The League spun off two smashes: the MTV VMA-nominated “Rule The World” featuring Ariana Grande, which boasts nearly 22 million YouTube views to date; and the RIAA platinum “Bigger Than You” featuring Drake and Quavo which has amassed over 62 million combined YouTube views to date.

Rap Or Go To The League was 2 Chainz’ first new studio album since Pretty Girls Like Trap Music, his RIAA gold #1 release of 2017. That LP netted over 2 billion streams after racking up three consecutive RIAA multi-platinum hits: “4 AM” featuring Travis Scott; “It’s A Vibe” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, Trey Songz and Jhené Aiko; and “Good Drank” featuring Quavo and Gucci Mane.

In addition to music, his wildly popular tv show Most Expensivest on VICELAND wrapped up its third season in 2019 with 20 new episodes; view the series trailer HERE. His “Chain Reaction” sneaker collaboration with Versace hit stores in the spring 2018, and was their most popular shoe of the year. His cannabis brand, GAS Cannabis Co. is available throughout California HERE. And he starred with Adam Scott in the 2019 Super Bowl LIII Expensify tv spot, “the world’s first Super Bowl commercial you can expense.”

Following his run as a founding member of Def Jam duo Playaz Circle from his native Atlanta, 2 Chainz’ name was on everyone’s lips in 2012, when he stole a verse on “Mercy,” fellow Def Jam artist Kanye West/G.O.O.D. Music’s RIAA triple-platinum #1 R&B/#1 Rap hit (from Cruel Summer). In August 2012, Chainz arrived as a Def Jam solo artist with Based On A T.R.U. Story, his debut album. B.O.A.T.S. entered Soundscan at #1 and was certified RIAA gold. Its success was fueled by the RIAA platinum #1 “No Lie” featuring Drake, the double-platinum “Birthday Song” featuring Kanye West, and double-platinum “I’m Different.” “Mercy” was subsequently a Grammy® nominee for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance, while B.O.A.T.S. was nominated for Best Rap Album. Chainz’ dominance was extended when the sequel, B.O.A.T.S. II: Me Timeentered the Soundscan hip-hop chart at #1 in September 2013, and spun off the RIAA gold single, “Feds Watching” featuring Pharrell.

In 2016, Chainz brought it back to his essence with a series of mixtapes that dominated the streets: Felt Like Cappin, Daniel Son; Necklace Don, and Hibachi For Lunch. Also in 2016, he released the lauded collaborative album ColleGrove with New Orleans hip-hop luminary Lil Wayne. Critics agreed that 2 Chainz conquered 2016, with the New York Times proclaiming “all hail our greatest punch line rapper, 2 Chainz.” The year was capped off with his first Grammy Award, Best Rap Performance for his verse on Chance The Rapper’s hit song “No Problem.”

With momentum on his side, 2 Chainz released his first solo album since 2013: Pretty Girls Like Trap Music (June 2017) was accompanied by a 35-city tour of North America through September. Chainz’ TV appearances included visits with Jimmy Kimmel (HERE), Jimmy Fallon (HERE), and Trevor Noah (HERE). 2018 brought the EP releases The Play Don’t Care Who Makes It(February, with the RIAA gold “Proud” featuring YG and Offset), and Hot Wings Are A Girl’s Best Friend (November), pointing to the March 2019 release of Chainz’ fourth solo album, Rap Or Go To The League. Chainz’ impact on popular culture encompasses not only music but his Most Expensivest cable tv series on VICELAND, his “Chain Reaction” sneaker collaboration with Versace, his GAS Cannabis Co. brand, and his 2019 Super Bowl LIII Expensify tv spot with Adam Scott. TheRinger.comwas inspired to write: “Forget Mount Rushmore – 2 Chainz deserves his own national monument. This year dude is top five humans of all time.”

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