Posts made in September 2020

Shaylen x Temporary Feelings

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SHAYLEN RELEASES NEW EP TEMPORARY FEELINGS TODAY INCLUDES NEW SINGLE “ROLL THE DICE”


Today, Shaylen reveals her brand-new Temporary Feelings EP via The Heavy Group/Republic Records.

Listen to the Temporary Feelings EP HERE.

Regarding the four-track project, the critically acclaimed songstress commented, “This EP is a rollercoaster of emotions I went through over the last year, coming out of a really long-term relationship and thinking the world was ending. In the end, I reminded myself, everything—even feelings—are temporary.”

In order to capture these emotions like never before, she penned the songs acoustically for the very first time. She would either sit behind her piano or sing to nothing more than an acoustic guitar.

In addition, the EP talks about the emotional journey Shaylen has taken over the past year. The new single “Roll The Dice” is a power anthem about dating that brings us all the late 80’s and early 90’s Ace of Base feels. Produced by Loote’s very own Jackson Foote (Demi Lovato, The Chainsmokers) and co-produced by Tushar and Jeremy Skaller (Zayn Malik, Nicki Minaj), “Roll the Dice” is at once aggressive, vulnerable and nicely nostalgic sounding. On the other end of the spectrum, “Voicemails” talks about memories left behind from those who are gone, inspired by messages left by her late grandpa. “Sometimes, those voicemails are all we’re left with of those chapters in our lives,” she says.

Meanwhile, “Goodbye” takes a re-invented look at the classic Macy Gray track and updates it for a new generation on a tune about “saying goodbye to those crutches in life.” While Shaylen was writing it, Macy Gray walked into her writing session and gave her blessing for the new take on the track!

She initially paved the way for the EP with “Forgive Myself,” which was the first track Shaylen wrote for the project and was written “after one of the hardest times in her life when I was really struggling with self-forgiveness as if I would wondering if I would ever move forward.” Upon arrival, Billboard touted it among “10 Cool New Pop Songs To Get You Through The Week” and claimed, “As far as brutally honest self-assessments go, ‘Forgive Myself’ is at once easily understood and affecting.”

ABOUT SHAYLEN
Way more than a singer and songwriter, Shaylen might just be your shoulder to cry on, partner-in-crime, and the keeper of your most intimate truths. Spilling her secrets first, she doesn’t just welcome this sort of vulnerability as she does command it. She’ll open up about days on the floor in tears, share the mantras she spoke to the mirror on Instagram, and laugh about going home alone despite eyeing a dude across the bar like, “You gonna make a move or what, bruh?” Listening to her is like sharing an Uber with a brand new best friend. It doesn’t matter where you’re headed; you just hope the ride doesn’t end, because the conversation is so freakin’ interesting.

As a result, she racked up over 12 million streams in twelve months across her debut EP Highs & Lows, singles such as “Sprite,” and collaborations a la “Come Back To Me” with Chantel Jeffries as she twisted up pop, R&B, and alternative on her own terms. Not to mention, she garnered acclaim courtesy of Billboard, Just Jared, Hollywood Life, Popdust, and Idolator who predicted “[she’s] on the brink of a major breakthrough.” 

However, she embraces listeners even tighter on her 2020 Temporary Feelings EP [Republic Records] led by the singles “Forgive Myself” and “Roll The Dice.”

SHAYLEN: INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

ABOUT REPUBLIC RECORDS
A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Drake, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie J, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Liam Payne, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Zendaya and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Lava Records, Monkeywrench, XO, Young Money, among others. Republic also maintains long-standing strategic alliances with Universal Music Latin Entertainment (J Balvin and Karol G) and Hollywood Records. In addition, Republic has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Universal Pictures (Fifty Shades of Grey), Sony Pictures (Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse) and NBC TV (The Voice), as well as other notable film and television franchises. Extending further into the worlds of film, television, and content, Republic launched Federal Films in order to produce movies and series powered by the label’s catalog and artists. Its first production was the Jonas Brothers documentary Chasing Happiness for Amazon Prime Video.

Oakley Fall/Winter 2020 DEFINITION Collection

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Oakley has just released the Fall/ Winter 2020 DEFINITION Collection, which places an emphasis on urban exploration and freedom of movement by fusing technology and nature. The result is a range of dynamic looks for every day and every place.

Oakley, Inc. based in California is a subsidiary of the Italian corporate giant Luxottica based in Milan. Found in 1975, it began in the garage of James Jannard with an initial investment of just $300. The company designs, develops, and manufactures sports performance equipment as well as lifestyle pieces, with the Fall/Winter 2020 DEFINITION Collection falling into the category of the latter.

The collection includes eyewear, apparel and accessories that feature dark tones and technical fabrics with reflective details, matching futuristic design concepts with simplistic performance-driven aesthetics. The collection is thus the ultimate combination of form and function, with the ability to be worn for sports performance or street style, depending on the occasion.

While the DEFINITION Project has continued to evolve, each collection can be traced back to the simple belief that technology can be (and should be) elevated to an artform. Oakley has explored this concept since the early ‘90s while staying true to its roots, transforming a passion for performance into a new type of visual expression at the forefront of design.

Most famous for their sunglasses, Oakley also counts sports visors, ski/snowboard goggles, watches, apparel, backpacks, shoes, optical frames, and other accessories. A vast majority of the designs are completed in house, with Oakley currently holding an impressive number of patents, over 850.

The new Oakley DEFINITION collection will be available at Oakley.com, flagship Oakley Stores and selected retailers worldwide in Fall/Winter 2020 season.

Freeman Young x The Blue Pill

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FREEMAN YOUNG RELEASES DEBUT EP THE BLUE PILL FEATURING NEW SINGLE “RED PILL”

LISTEN HERE

Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and producer Freeman Young drops his debut EP TheBlue Pill today. The EP features his new single “Red Pill,” alongside his previously released tracks “Running Back” and “No Nevermind.”

LISTEN TO THE BLUE PILL EP HERE AND LISTEN TO “RED PILL” HERE!

The four-track The Blue Pill EP goes down like a revelatory coming-of-age story set to a soundtrack of blissful post-alternative R&B psychedelia. Freeman discusses this awakening with candor by offering the following observation: “A lot of awesome experiences went south tryna keep my vice grip on my outdated beliefs and ideals. I did my utmost to be transparent about it on the records—even when I didn’t see a way out. These records were written with a lot less hindsight than this writeup was,” he laughs.

To be in the moment with Freeman is to live through his transformation on the likes of the kinetic first single “Running Back” and its spiritual successor “Awreddy.” Meanwhile, the dreamy harmonies of “No Nevermind” double as “the genesis of all the stories in the album.” Everything ultimately culminates on the new single and finale “Red Pill.” A hypnotic choir gives way to breathy confessions as his rapid cadence builds towards an echoing admission, “I took the red pill anyway,” just above sweeping synths.

Of the latter, he shares, “‘Red Pill’ is an anthem for the emotionally unavailable. At the time, no one could get through to me. It didn’t matter what you had to offer beyond the physical. All that was on my mind was escaping. I really wanted *out*. It took hella trial and error, but I finally agreed with myself to crack open the bonnet, take a hard look at myself, accept the reality of what’s there and what’s not and start the long and arduous task of rebuilding myself.”

Take The Blue Pill now and experience the journey with Freeman Young.

ABOUT FREEMAN YOUNG
For as much as Freeman Young roots his music in smooth guitar, percussion and timbre, he also pins it to a singular journey as “a flawed kid” and boundary-agnostic musician. Freeman Young’s first chapter unfolded in the blue-collar city of Surrey, BC, Canada. Born to Jamaican immigrants, he grew up in a town of “houses from the seventies occupied by families who work three jobs.” Inspired by everything from D’Angelo, Radiohead and Jeff Buckley to Kings of Leon and Coldplay, this mélange of influences ultimately dictated the course of his creativity. In between a series of short-lived projects, he played keyboards in a local reggae group, learning arrangements from much older members. During 2016, he co-founded production collective The Expo Liners alongside lifelong collaborator Xander Miller and friends Franco and Miguel Maravilla. They spent countless hours cooking up beats out of a house in Vancouver before eventually uploading a demo version of “Awreddy” to Soundcloud and stoking very early buzz. After agreeing, “Fuck it, let’s move to L.A. and see what happens,” the four friends piled into a car and drove for 24 hours to the City of Angels. Freeman eventually inked a deal with Republic and crafted what would become his debut project in Los Angeles, introduced by the singles “Running Back” and “No Nevermind.”

FREEMAN YOUNG: INSTAGRAM

ABOUT REPUBLIC RECORDS
A division of Universal Music Group, the world’s leading music company, Republic Records is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Drake, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie J, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Liam Payne, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Zendaya and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Lava Records, Monkeywrench, XO, Young Money, among others. Republic also maintains long-standing strategic alliances with Universal Music Latin Entertainment (J Balvin and Karol G) and Hollywood Records. In addition, Republic has expanded to release high-profile soundtracks for Universal Pictures (Fifty Shades of Grey), Sony Pictures (Spider-Man Into the Spider-Verse) and NBC TV (The Voice), as well as other notable film and television franchises. Extending further into the worlds of film, television, and content, Republic launched Federal Films in order to produce movies and series powered by the label’s catalog and artists. Its first production was the Jonas Brothers documentary Chasing Happiness for Amazon Prime Video.

Neffex Releases Debut Album

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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA’s NEFFEX RELEASES THEIR DEBUT ALBUM NEW BEGINNINGS VIA 12TONE MUSIC. Listen HERE

ALBUM FEATURES JEZ DIOR, ROZES, AND MASN
 

DUO PREVIOUSLY RELEASED 100 SONGS IN 100 WEEKS AMASSING OVER 2 BILLION STREAMS
 

“Dabbling in everything from rock to hip-hop, EDM and more, the duo’s impossible to pigeonhole sound is a reflection of the way music is consumed today.” -Forbes

NEFFEX, the duo who garnered over 2 billion streams by releasing 100 self-produced, self-mixed, and self-mastered songs in 100 weeks in 2018, have released their debut album, New Beginnings, today via 12Tone Music – listen HERE. Their previous untraditional, non cookie-cutter release strategy continues to stream at approximately 100M+ per month and sparked the interest of hundreds of online channels and influencers. By the end of 2018, they had unleashed over 110 originals, plus remixes, that blended the sonic worlds of guitar- driven pop, alternative, electronic and hip-hop. Now with the release of their debut album the duo states, “New Beginnings really has become its own journey where each song tells a story of its own, but all comes together in a unique, but cohesive way. We are so incredibly excited to finally release this album and give our fans tons more music and what we believe is our best body of work yet.”

It all started as a garage band using GarageBand. Since their teenage years, Bryce Savage and Cameron Wales have made music with the intent of providing the feeling once felt when they first heard their favorite artists. It’s a passion which helped translate into billions of streams under their collective group name of NEFFEX. Now, as the Southern California duo releases their debut album, the momentum and drive to craft accessible tunes like they did when they made their first 100 songs in 100 weeks continues – and they’re just getting warmed up.


New Beginnings tracklisting:

  1. Sometimes
  2. Be Somebody (feat. ROZES)
  3. New Beginnings
  4. Scars
  5. I’ve Been Let Down
  6. Hell Won’t Take Me
  7. I Wanna Play a Game (feat. Jez Dior)
  8. Don’t Hate Me
  9. Mind Reader (feat. MASN)
  10. Unavailable
  11. When it Flows
  12.  WOW!
  13.  Worst of You
  14.  Closer to Heaven
  15.  Space
  16.  I’ll be Fine

Saygrace x Used To

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SAYGRACE RELEASES “USED TO”

LISTEN NOW: https://smarturl.it/xUsedTo

What The Press is Saying About SAYGRACE:

“stunning and emotional…”- Fader

“spotlights the rising star’s rich, bluesy vocals”-Consequence of Sound 

“Grace is leaving her mark on 2020…(the EP) is  jam-packed with fiery bangers.”

“Impeccable…Here’s to the 22-year-old finally getting the recognition she deserves.” –Idolator

“Bouncing between soulful vocals and spurts of rapping, SAYGRACE gets everything off her chest…the songstress changed her moniker and gained a new sense of self.” – Earmilk

Listen to SAYGRACE’s Interview with NPR’s “All Things Considered”

SAYGRACE today releases a new single entitled “Used To” via RCA Records. CLICK HERE to listen now.

SAYGRACE says about her inspiration for the new track: “I was dealing with fuckboys and commitment phobes and as a result developed this kind of tough exterior really tryna protect my heart. Out of nowhere, I found myself falling in love for the first time ever, all mushy in a serious relationship.  I was like ‘wtf this is so weird, how did this happen how is this real’ and ‘Used To’ is just an expression of all that inner turmoil.”

SAYGRACE has enjoyed over 167 million streams of her hit single “Boys Ain’t Shit” including her original version as well as her collaborations withpowerful female artists including Flo Milli, Tate McRae, Audrey Mika and Becky G on new versions of the hit single. Check those out HERE.

About SAYGRACE:

Her debut hit single “Boys Ain’t Shit”  has charted on the Spotify Viral Charts in over 25+ markets around the world including Top 15 Global and Top 5 on the viral charts in the US and Canada.  The single has also been trending on TikTok with overat 1.3 Million + video creations and over 167 million streams globally of the solo version plus collaborations with Tate McRae, Audrey Mika and Becky G. Watch SAYGRACE’s Genius Verified interview HERE.

SAYGRACE released her critically-acclaimed debut EP The Defining Moments of SAYGRACE: Girlhood, Fuckboys & Situationships released earlier this year to rave reviews from NPR, Fader, Idolator, Billboard, Consequence of Sound, and more.  

The Brisbane, Australia born singer/songwriter SAYGRACE made the conscious decision to put the version of herself she wants to be into the world. She created songs that tells girls they don’t have to have it all figured out or succumb to pressure to be something they’re not. That it’s okay to just be yourself. And that it’s okay if you don’t know who that is yet. SAYGRACE’s “Boys Ain’t Shit” is an anthem for all women who feel like swiping, doing emotional labor, and the interchangeable nature of modern dating is dehumanizing. Her debut EP, The Defining Moments of SAYGRACE: Girlhood, Fuckboys & Situationships, is her manifesto.

Li Heat Press Photo featured by 360 Magazine

Li Heat is Heating Up

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By Hannah DiPilato

Breakout rapper Li Heat just dropped a new single featuring Big Yavo called “Titi.” With a funky beat and rhythmic bars, this is a song to add to your hip-hop playlist. 

Originally from Birmingham, AL, Li Heat is an up and coming viral rap phenomenon prepared to take over the industry’s new hip-hop wave. Heat knew he wanted to do something out of the ordinary from a young age. Growing up in Birmingham, he began accumulating mild offenses until he was put on house arrest freshman year of high school. After his mischievous younger years he attended boot camp and eventually graduated high school which led to a mundane job at Church’s Chicken. He knew he wanted more than this and began his journey of becoming a rapper. 

Heat took note of rappers around him and how successful they were able to become by doing something they loved. He too wanted to be financially stable simply by creating pieces of music he was proud of. Heat’s inspirations include NoCap, Rylo Rodriguez, Tee Grizzley, Luh Soldier, and Lil Baby which shows through in his music. By incorporating the same kinds of lyrics and beats as these rappers, the influence of current-day popular rap shines through. However, he adds enough of his own style to stay bold in the world of rap and is able to stand out among many other breakthrough artists. The sound of his music is recognizable and will draw people in, but unique enough to keep listeners engaged. 

Heat began recording music in December 2019 and slowly learned the ways of the studio. His most notable track “007” was released to Spotify on May 27, 2020. This song was an instant viral success and now with over 3 million views on youtube is his biggest single to date. The “rambunctious, trap-flavored, warm tune” brought fame and success to the young rapper. Because of the song’s simple, yet catchy set up, thousands of people became fans of Heat and he now has over 30,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Popular rappers Young Thug and Gucci Mane also became fans and Heat has since collaborated with them both. 

Li Heat’s style is catchy, steady, and will instantly draw in music listeners everywhere. Heat is excited to be working on finishing his debut project, which will exhibit his growth as an artist. The Alabama-bred rapper is on the verge of becoming a hip-hop sensation after only being present in the music industry for not even a year. 

Listen to Heat’s new single “Titi” and watch the music video here. Catch up with him on Instagram to see all of his upcoming projects. 

Bruce Springsteen illustration by Kaelen Felix for 360 MAGAZINE

Bruce Springsteen × AARP

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Music legend Bruce Springsteen, known for hits including “Born To Run,” “Thunder Road,” and “Badlands,” as well as five decades of exhilarating live performances, is making an exciting return to his native genre with a new rock album, “Letter To You,” releasing Oct. 23. The 71-year-old welcomed AARP The Magazine to his New Jersey farmhouse overlooking 378 acres of beautiful horse country, for a socially distanced conversation on his career, family, marriage, friendships, new album and more.

With 20 GRAMMYs, two Golden Globes, a Tony Award, an Oscar, inductions into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and more than 150 million records sold worldwide, Bruce Springsteen is a music icon. In his 20th studio album, “Letter To You,” the esteemed songwriter and the E Street Band make a powerful return to rock ‘n’ roll with 12 new tracks that touch on the great mysteries of life and death, the shedding of past lives, the passage of time and looking forward.

The following are excerpts from ATM’s October/November 2020 cover story featuring Bruce Springsteen, written by Editor in Chief Bob Love. The issue is available in homes starting in October and available online now at www.aarp.org/magazine/.

On his return to writing rock and roll songs:

“It’s part of the anxiety and mystery of the job that I do – which is a magic trick, because you take something out of the air that isn’t there… You can go for long periods without picking up anything significant. Or you’ll just pick up different things. It’s like you’re in a mine and one vein has gone dry, so you tap into another. A pop vein or a folk vein, and so you start working there. … But because I am primarily a rock ‘n’ roll musician when I’m operating sort of at my peak—I like to…every once in a while, come up with some rock songs.”

On his long career:

“I heard something of mine from 1975 on a record the other day, and I said, ‘That was about seven or eight lives ago. It was a full and entire life of its own.’ And I lived that one, and it was a great one, and now I’m living another one. I lived a life where we raised our children. That life is gone now. Now Patti and I are living another life. So, you live a lot of lives over the course of your one life.”

On loss of loved ones:

“So, this idea is you don’t lose everything when someone dies. You do lose their physical presence, but their physical presence is not all of them, and it never was all of them, even when they were alive. Spirit is very strong. Emotion is very strong. Their energy is very strong. And a lot of this, particularly for people who are very powerful, really carries over after death. It’s like my friend George passes away and leaves me with all of these songs. Clarence passes away and leaves me with these songs. Danny passes away, leaves me with these songs. And what are songs but dreams, at the end of the day? It really is all my dreams that I put down on paper and on tape.”

On finding inspiration in today’s economic climate:

“You have your antenna out. You’re just walking through the world and you’re picking up these signals of emotions and spirit and history and events, today’s events and past remembrances. These things you divine from the air are all intangible elements: spirit, emotion, history. These are the tools of the songwriter’s trade before he even picks up the pen.” 

On recording new album, “Letter To You”:

“We spent one week in the studio—five days—and cut the entire record. It was all live, no overdub vocals and just a few overdub instruments. It’s the first truly live, in-the-studio record of the band we’ve ever made.”

On self-care and therapy:

“The talking cure—it works. But you’ve got to commit yourself to a process. And I was pretty good at doing that. I enjoyed the investigative examination of issues in my life that I didn’t understand. I learned a lot and therefore was able to exploit what I had learned and turn it into a real life.”

On his post-pandemic plans:

“All I can tell you is, when this experience is over, I am going to throw the wildest party you’ve ever seen. And you, my friends, are all invited.”

# # #

About AARP

AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence and nearly 38 million members, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation’s largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.

Bruce Springsteen’s Official Site

Bruce Springsteen’s Wikipedia

Bruce Springsteen’s Twitter

Kaelen Felix illustrates Elkhart Lake for 360 magazine

Elkhart Lake WI

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By Elle Grant x Vaughn Lowery

As summer winds down and fall arrives, many find themselves itching for one last summer getaway, or rather, that first autumn weekend away. 360 Magazine was able to take advantage of such a trip, visiting Wisconsin’s Elkhart Lake this past September. Located in the heart of Kettle Moraine State Forest, Elkhart Lake is the ideal natural getaway, being home to lake activities as well as canopied hiking and biking trails.

Elkhart Lake, located on the east side of Wisconsin, is both a stunning sojourn into nature and also a historical destination. With a population just under 1000, the village maintains a cozy quality, with local shops, restaurants, and activities maintaining a small-town, yet polished feel. Yet during the summertime, the town swells and comes to life. First inhabited by the Potawatomi Indians, the name Elkhart stems from the description Native people had of the area that the lake resembled the shape of an elk’s heart. Native American culture can easily be explored in the area through local tours and at the Henschel’s Indian Museum. Elkhart Lake is also a significant historical destination in terms of its relationship to racing, reaching its peak in the mid 1950s.

Our stay at the Shore Club was nothing short of superb. The new owners, Tom and Kristin Pagel, have done an incredible job renovating the hotel. Renovations include adding updated technology to enhance guest stays such as Netflix, Alexa, a digital concierge through the Whisper app, and luxury motor sports for those interested. Peloton bikes will soon be available for the additional fitness convenience of guests. Furthermore, the site also boasts an indoor pool, a game room with ping pong tables and vintage arcade games, and a gym. For those interested in seeing Elkhart Lake on two wheels, free bikes are available for guest use at the front desk. The restaurant on-site, the Cottonwood Social, offered consistently well-done meals, including the perfect weekend brunch.

We began our lake escape with a pontoon cruise on the namesake of the area, Elkhart Lake. Before departing, we sipped and snacked on the Osthoff’s signature cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. On the pontoon boat, we were able to view the lake’s crystal-clear lake waters and receive a tour that included information of the area’s history, legends, and folklore. The evening air aboard the boat made this the perfect way to begin a stay. Following the pontoon ride, dinner at the Osthoff Resort’s newest restaurant, Concourse Restaurant and Lounge, proved to be a unique culinary experience. With specialties such as honey balsamic trout, seared scallops with sweet pea risotto, and veal schnitzel with pickled cucumber relish, there was a delicious and refined option for every set of tastebuds. The restaurant’s décor, a tribute to the area and Osthoff’s vintage racing roots, also deserves special note.

Elkhart Lake is famed for its historic roots as a racing circuit in the 1950s. During this decade, the village of Elkhart Lake transformed into an open-road race circuit where top sports car drivers traveled from all around the world to take on the unique terrain. Likewise, thousands of fans were drawn to the area, eager to see the athletes and vehicles alike. The racing today is focused at Road America. The historic circuit is marked with signs denoting Wacker’s Wend, Kimberly’s Korner, and Dicken’s Ditch. This auto focused tour of the area isn’t to be missed. Road America also offers an opportunity to join in on the fun with options such as go-karting and ATVs at this world-acclaimed facility.

Road America and Elkhart Lake are famous as one of the oldest, largest, and most iconic tracks in the world. Currently, its original course is registered on the National Register of Historical Places, emphasizing its significance. Gaining popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, the post-World War II economy spurred on the influx of sporting luxury automobiles. For Elkhart Lake specifically, the notable Sports Car Club of America was the main organizer of their races. Incredibly popular races such as the RoadAmerica 500, SCCA National Sports Car Championship, the United States Road Racing Championship and the IMSAGT Championship took place here. Today, it continues to host luxury races and draw motorsports fans and can even be found in numerous racing video games!

Following a wild time racing, spend time winding down at the Aspira Spa. Inspired by local Native American practices and traditions, the spa has fused these with modern technology, science, and comfort. The inside space of the Aspira is thoughtfully designed and embraces the concept of Feng Shui as well as the natural elements. 360 recommends the Element Facial. This facial features a mask focused in traditional Chinese medicine representing the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. Harmony can be restored through the combination of colored light and essential oils inspired by these elements. By exalting the healing practices of indigenous cultures around the world, Aspira is able to provide a holistic, organic, and thorough approach to healing and relaxation.

Travel back in time once again with a visit to the Carriage Museum at Wade House – back to the 1860s stagecoach era located within this Wisconsin Historical Site. To get a full experience of the period, we were able to travel in a horse-drawn carriage! The museum also features Wisconsin’s most diverse collection of transportation of this kind with over 100 horse-and-hand drawn vehicles. For the transportation enthusiasts, this isn’t to be missed.

When one thinks of wine country, Wisconsin might not exactly spring to mind. Yet award-winning sommelier Jaclyn Stuart operates Vintage Elkhart Lake, a charming shop where she hand-selects all wines available. The tasting at her bar came paired with cheese plates, potato chip flights, and other delectable pairing bites. The shop, beyond wine unique to the area, also sells other local delicacies for those interested in bringing home a taste of Wisconsin.

It would hardly be a trip to Elkhart Lake without time spent fishing. Elkhart Lake is 119 feet deep and 292 acres wide, providing the perfect home to a variety of fish species: musky, walleye, northern pike, largemouth and smallmouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill and crappie. Going with a licensed guide like Jay Brickner will aide in explaining all of those numerous species. Below the surface isn’t the only place to find remarkable species – a variety of endangered bird call this estuary home including bald eagles. Whether or not fishing is an interest, time spent on this beautiful, blue lake is worth taking a boat out for. Closer to shore also boasts some of the lake’s best charms. From the time when Native Americans lived along its banks, Elkhart Lake’s pristine quality has been appreciated. Taking advantage of more advanced activities like a hydrobike or other watersports can be a more adventurous way to embrace lake life. Other options include standup paddleboard, jet skis, and speedboats. Even taking a walk in the sand along the shoreline is a great way to embrace all the lake has to offer.

The natural beauty of Elkhart Lake is its most obvious draw, but the culinary scene isn’t to be underestimated. Lake Street Café, serving California Bistro style fare, also offers Wisconsin’s third largest wine list ensuring the perfect pairing for any dish. Quit Qui Clubhouse features classic pub and grill fare with a Wisconsin twist, including homemade soups, chili, sandwiches, burgers, and more. Siebkens Resort and 67 Saloon are also phenomenal dinner options reflecting inspiration from the area.

Elkhart Lake proved to be a much-needed September getaway. The natural beauty paired with the historical aspects of the Native American culture, coupled with the scene of luxury racing and delectable eats makes this an incredibly well-rounded destination.

Sean “Diddy” Combs x REVOLT

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Comcast and REVOLT, the unapologetically Hip Hop content platform from Sean “Diddy” Combs dedicated to the creators of this generation, have reached an agreement to significantly expand its availability to Xfinity TV customers across the country in new and existing markets.

On September 29, REVOLT will be added in HD to the Xfinity Digital Starter package in Philadelphia, Northern New Jersey, Orlando, West Palm Beach, Ft. Myers, Jacksonville, Tampa, Knoxville, Indianapolis, Charleston, and Augusta, making the network available to millions more Xfinity customers. Additionally, in markets where REVOLT has been available in standard definition as part of the Xfinity Digital Premier package, the network will be moved to Digital Starter in HD, beginning September 29.

“REVOLT exists to tell our stories and empower our community,” said Sean “Diddy” Combs, Chairman, REVOLT Media & TV. “As one of very few Black-owned media platforms, it is important that we can reach our audiences wherever they are. We are excited to continue to grow with Comcast and deliver our content to millions of additional homes.”

“Comcast was one of the first television distributors to carry REVOLT to millions of its customers when it launched in 2013, and we are very pleased to bring its creative music- and social justice-focused content to even more Xfinity TV customers across the country,” said Dana Strong, President, Xfinity Consumer Services. 

As part of the new agreement, the companies will collaborate to create impactful cultural content. The first program, “Black Voices on Mute,” will feature original content that bridges the past with the present to illuminate the importance of voting and the history of voter suppression in the Black community. This short form content will amplify narratives around social justice, empowerment, and voter turnout leading up to the November 3rd national election.

This original content will also be featured in Black Voices. Black Stories, a specially curated content collection on Xfinity X1, Stream and Flex featuring a wide variety of movies, documentaries, TV series and more. Designed to educate and drive awareness, the collection of curated content specifically reflects the country’s long history of racial discrimination and injustice along with bold movies and specials featuring some of the most recent efforts by the Black community to attain social justice and create inclusive movements towards equality.   

“There is no better time than now to amplify Black stories and content, and we are excited to bring new programming from Revolt to our platform and recently launched content collection, Black Voices. Black Stories,” said Keesha Boyd, Executive Director, Multicultural Video & Entertainment, Xfinity Consumer Services. 

The broader relationship with Comcast also comes on the heels of REVOLT’s expanded commitment to social justice. In the past few months, the network aired a live and urgent town hall, “State of Emergency,” hosted by Combs, with notable guests exposing the disproportionate impact that COVID-19 has had on Black communities; partnered with NAACP, Sankofa, March for Our Lives, and Hip-Hop Week MKE for notable social justice livestream events; and launched “REVOLT Black News,” a weekly news show hosted by Eboni K. Williams that presents an unfiltered conversation about current events with the leaders of Black culture, including artists, activists, politicians, experts, and more. REVOLT has remained steadfast as an unfiltered platform and home for content by artists including its recently launched “The Fat Joe Show” and Guapdad 4000’s “The Valentino Vlog,” as well as “The Breakfast Club,” “Drink Champs: Happy Hour,” and series partnerships like “Anatomy of…”  and “What’s Good Africa.”  

With just weeks until the November election, REVOLT will air its second “State of Emergency” virtual town hall on Thursday, September 24th at 9pm EDT/6pm PDT with confirmed guests Dr. Cornel West, Kerry Washington, Tamika Mallory, Jeff Johnson, Cordae, Vic Mensa and others in a Vote or Die discussion.

Eddie Benjamin – Speechless

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Today, acclaimed and enigmatic singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Eddie Benjamin returns with his brand new single “Speechless.” Along with the release, the Australia-born, Los Angeles-based rising star reveals that he will release his anticipated debut EP later this year. Get “Speechless” HERE via Vol. 1/Epic Records.

On the track, his dynamic delivery brushes up against sparse production by Daniel Gleyzer (Noah Cyrus, AJ Mitchell). Playing every instrument as usual, he calls out to a lover with an incendiaryvocal performance. As strings ebb and flow, breathy harmonies curl around a promise on the chorus, “I’ll just stay speechless and speak with my actions and give you the reasons to pick up your phone.”

Of the song, he says, “It’s about the hopeful part of a relationship ending. Musically, it’s colorful, but there’s a darker feeling. It goes through the emotions of losing someone, yet I try to implement hope in the process through the tones.”

After a wave of buzz and mystique, Eddie formally introduced himself with his debut single “Fuck My Friends” earlier this year.In addition to racking up over 2 million streams and counting on his first-ever release, Idolator claimed, “Eddie Benjamin makes a great first impression” before assuring that he’s “certainly One To Watch in 2020.” Additionally, he sat down with Sia for an extensive conversation for Interview Magazine where she referred to him as a “genius.”

Rotating between an arsenal of instruments with punchy proficiency and singing with spotlight-grabbing swagger, Eddie Benjamin brings kaleidoscopic color to popular music. Whether nimbly slapping out a fleet-fingered bass groove on social media or belting on an arena stage, the 18-year-old Australia-born and Los Angeles-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer channels fresh fire through a classic approach. Sparking a buzz online, he initially shared viral covers on Instagram. Long hair draped over his face, he would rock an upright or electric bass and sing popular tunes. After catching the attention of Vol. 1, he translated the “I Don’t Get No Sleep Cause of Y’all” meme into a bop and reimagined Sia’s “Chandelier.” Generating millions of views, these uploads made major waves leading to Sia reposting the cover. Moving to Los Angeles, he found himself in the studio working on major releases behind-the-scenes. He has quietly become the ultimate “secret weapon” for some of the biggest superstars and powerhouses in the world as Diplo, Meghan Trainor, Ryan Tedder, Sia and Labrinth have all called on him to collaborate, entrusting him as a creative voice. This year, he turned heads with Justin Bieber, who dubbed him “the next generation.”In addition, he co-wrote and performed on “Funk” and “Here to Stay” from Meghan Trainor’s most recent album Treat Myself.

Now officially signed to Vol. 1 and Epic Records, his upcoming debut EP will fully introduce Pop’s newest savant to the world. He will leave you “Speechless,” indeed.

Photo curtesy of Demarquis McDaniels