Posts made in April 2021

Backyarding Trends

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The TurfMutt Foundation Predicts “Backyarding” To Become Permanent Trend

“Backyarding,” the new trend to move many indoor activities–from working in an office or classroom to dining and recreation–to the great outdoors, is growing. Under pandemic conditions, yards and other managed landscapes became a safe haven for social gatherings, celebrating milestones/holidays, working, studying, playing, exercising, relaxing.

“Your own backyard is nearly limitless with possibilities, and homeowners got really creative as they expanded and enjoyed their yards over the last year,” said Kris Kiser, President & CEO of the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and the TurfMutt Foundation. “We predict, long after the COVID-19 pandemic passes, our yards will become an even greater part of our lives. The notion of ‘backyarding’ is here to stay.”

In 2020, home improvements – many of them in the backyard – skyrocketed. So did the demand for outdoor power equipment as homeowners invested in making their outdoor spaces fabulous, functional and flourishing. Overall, shipments of outdoor power equipment increased 16 percent in 2020.

“Expect people to continue to invest in their outdoor life this coming spring,” said Kiser. “Many homeowners who put time and effort into their landscapes last year will be rewarded when that yard comes back to life this spring. But, even if you did little last year, it’s never too late to start – just start.”

Here are some ways to bring more “backyarding” into your life:

1.   Invest in your yard. Design a dream lawn and garden. Consider its purpose. Don’t design just for aesthetics. Do you have kids and pets who need a place to play? Will you be hosting safe gatherings? Do you need a place for rest and relaxation and/or games and recreation?

2.   Get the whole family involved. Create a game or a friendly competition with your family to help identify all the ways you can move your indoor life to the great outdoors – and right out your backdoor. Can you take office calls and video meetings to the patio or porch? Can your kids do their online learning outdoors? How often can you take dining outside? Keeping safety in mind, can you gather outdoors for family celebrations, birthdays, graduations and reunions?

3.    Plant something—as early as you can. (Or plant more). Adding trees, bushes, grass and flowering plants is a good yard investment, but they often take time to grow. Plant as early as recommended so you can enjoy the benefits faster. Just remember “right plant, right place.” Location, maintenance, sunlight and watering needs should all be considered, as well as your climate zone.

4.    Stretch winter-weary muscles. Take workouts, yoga classes and meditation sessions outdoors. You also can let off some steam by mowing the grass, trimming the hedges, or edging the lawn. Working in the yard not only helps our living landscapes look better and stay healthy, it also gives us a sense of accomplishment and control in trying times.

5.   Plan a staycation. A makeshift “resort” or vacation spot could be just out your back door. Pitch a tent, build a campfire, hang a sheet between trees to make a movie screen, set up games – these are just a few ideas to make the backyard a vacation spot.

6. “Level up” nature care. Add flowering plants, trees and shrubs to give wildlife and pollinators food and shelter. Your yard is part of the larger ecosystem, so check your climate zone for landscaping options that support your birds, bees, butterflies and other wildlife. Don’t forget to take time to just sit and drink it in, observing the wildlife and nature around you.

Research shows simply spending time in nature – which starts in your backyard – is good for reducing stress, boosting heart health, boosting Vitamin D levels, and enhancing memory. Thanks to the family yard, the health and well-being benefits of being outside are just a few steps away.

To learn more, go to TurfMutt.

THE DALLAS OPERA LAUNCHES STREAMING PLATFORM

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THE DALLAS OPERA LAUNCHES NEW STREAMING PLATFORM FOR GLOBAL AUDIENCE: THEDALLASOPERA.TV

Monthly Subscription Provides Access to Video Catalogue from tdo network, OperaKids Programs, and Performances; New Content will be Added Regularly

Premium Films—Known as Originals—to be Featured Periodically as Special Pay-Per-View Rentals

The Dallas Opera (TDO) announces the launch of its new subscription streaming platform. Available starting today, the website brings together TDO’s full catalogue of existing video content—which ranges from full opera productions for audiences of all ages, to musical conversations and original opera-themed sit-com style episodes, to artist-hosted series that spotlight their interests and careers, educational series, and more—with new original opera films created specifically for a virtual audience.

The Dallas Opera represents a new avenue of presentation and production for an opera company, beyond the physical space of an opera house. Rather than offering only streams of staged productions filmed archivally, The Dallas Opera’s platform offers primarily original content filmed exclusively for streaming, available for viewing 24/7, 365 days a year by a global audience.

“We are so thrilled that thedallasopera.TV is launching today,” said Ian Derrer, The Dallas Opera’s Kern Wildenthal General Director and CEO. “To watch this project go from idea to reality in less than a year has been amazing to see, and we’re so proud of the content that we have ready to offer our global audience. This platform truly helps redefine our company as a leader in digital content, as well as on the opera house stage. We are breaking new ground in the field while continuing to preserve the great traditions of live opera.”

“What we’ve learned over the course of the past year without live performances is that there is a thirst for quality online content, and we are so happy to lead the way in producing that for our eager fans around the world,” said David Lomelí, a tenor, TDO’s Artistic Consultant, and creative force behind the initiative. “Statistics show that viewers ages 18-34 and 34-45 are online for more than 10 hours each day, and our efforts to reach that demographic—through unique and creative offerings—have proven successful, growing in just a year from 2,000 unique views in March 2020 to more than 150 million unique views today on our Facebook channel. Our hope is that this streaming model will reach even more.”

Subscriptions to the streaming platform are available for $4.99/month with a free seven-day trial. In addition, premium content–Originals–will be offered periodically at a pay-per-view price.

Two Originals are available as thedallasopera.TV launches today: “That Which We Love”, a recital by acclaimed mezzo-soprano Isabel Leonard, and “Vanished,” a three-part art film starring countertenor John Holiday and tenor Russell Thomas with music by Gluck, Monteverdi, and Janáček assembled into a new narrative. A third original, “The Heart of the Song,” featuring conversation with and performances by tenors Javier Camarena, Rolando Villazón, and David Lomelí, will be released on May 25 for a limited viewing period.

Thedallasopera.TV Content

Video content on thedallasopera.TV will be housed in four categories—Originals, Stages, tdo network, and OperaKids—and available via an app for mobile devices (iOS and Android), on smart TVs via Fire TV and Roku, and on the website for desktop/laptop users.

Originals

· “T hat Which We Love” – Isabel Leonard in recital, pianist John Arida

This program features a mix of classical and popular songs by Sondheim, Bernstein, Kern, Offenbach, Berlioz, Bellini, and others. Rental fee = $6.99 for three months. Available now.

· “Vanished” – an art film in three parts about longing, heartbreak, and the search for love featuring John Holiday and Russell Thomas

Directed by bass-baritone and film-maker Ryan McKinny, Vanished uses a variety of special effects and cinematic techniques to create the world of imagination depicted in the film. The soundtrack includes all 22 songs from Janáček’s “The Diary of One Who Disappeared”, as well as scenes from Gluck’s “Orfeo ed Euridice,” and Monteverdi’s “L’incoronazione di Poppea.”

Pianists for “Vanished” are Kevin J. Miller and Kathleen Kelly. The story is by Ryan McKinny, Tonya McKinny, and Kathleen Kelly. McKinny’s production company, Helio Arts, filmed, produced, and edited the film. Rental fee = $19.99 for all three episodes for six months. Available now.

· “The Heart of the Song” – tenors Javier Camarena, Rolando Villazón, and David Lomelí

Three famous Mexican-born tenors and friends engage in serious conversation and humor-laced repartee as they offer a celebration of much-loved Mexican and Latin American songs. Filmed in Dallas, Zürich, and Paris, the show is produced by director Laura Prieto and producer Jeremy Tang. English subtitles are provided for the songs, which are all sung in Spanish.

Rental fee = $11.99. Available May 25-31 only.

Stages

Stages content is included with thedallasopera.TV subscriptions, and will feature a catalogue of “greatest hits” from The Dallas Opera, including full-length operas, concerts, recitals, and archival video streams and radio broadcasts.

Thedallasopera.TV platform launch includes:

· The company’s 2019 production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, presented in the 1999 Sir Peter Hall production. Conducted by Emmanuel Villaume, TDO’s Mrs. Eugene McDermott Music Director, the cast includes Italian tenor Paolo Fanale as Tamino, soprano Andrea Carroll as Pamina, soprano Jeni Houser as The Queen of the Night, baritone Sean Michael Plumb as Papageno, and bass Morris Robinson as Sarastro. Kyle Lang directed the production for TDO.

· “The John Holiday Experience,” a recital by recent finalist on The Voice, was recorded April 9 at the Winspear Opera House in TDO’s first live presentation since early 2020. Holiday, along with pianists Kevin J. Miller and Neeki Bey, performs a wide-ranging program of songs by Stevie Wonder, George Gershwin, Henri Duparc, Tyshawn Sorey, Norah Jones, and others.

· A celebration of the first five years of The Dallas Opera Hart Institute for Women Conductors, which features selections from the five annual Showcase Concerts that mark the culmination of each year’s Institute. Featuring Hart Institute participants and The Dallas Opera conducting The Dallas Opera Orchestra.

tdo network

Launched in February 2020, tdo network has amassed a viewership of nearly 157 million followers from 50 countries in the past year with its ever-evolving collection of whimsical, topical, and informative original content hosted by artists and social media influencers. Access to all tdo network content is included with thedallasopera.TV subscriptions.

OperaKids

OperaKids offers programming for children, as well as educational resources for parents and children, all produced by The Dallas Opera’s education department and included in the monthly subscription price.

Two family operas are available now, as is Kids Opera Boot CampTM:

· “Jack and the Beanstalk” (music by Sir Arthur Sullivan and others; words and story adaption by John Davies) brings the classic fairy tale to the opera stage in a screen adaptation by Mary Dibbern and Ryan Lescalleet of John Davies’ delightful children’s opera.

· “Dr. Miracle” (music by Georges Bizet and others/libretto by Leon Battue and Ludovic Halévy) tells the tale of young love through a series of disguises, mishaps, and eventual happily-ever-after in a screen adaptation by Mary Dibbern and Ryan Lescalleet of this opera in one act that the composer wrote when he, too, was just a teen.

· Kids Opera Boot CampTM—an interactive look behind the scenes at the opera, where viewers can learn from a series of five video lessons what it takes to make an opera, how to make an opera set, and how to learn music like an opera singer. Each of the five episodes is designed to show students what it takes to create opera through an engaging combination of hands-on activities, fun facts, and laugh-out-loud characters. The program concludes with a performance of The Bremen Town Musicians—a screen adaptation by Mary Dibbern and Ryan Lescalleet of John Davies’ delightful children’s opera about the value of teamwork. Designed for grades K-6.

About The Dallas Opera

Thedallasopera.TV is made possible through the McCasland Strategic Opportunities Fund with additional support by The Dallas Opera donor family.

SEASON SPONSOR: The Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family

The Dallas Opera is supported, in part, by funds from: Elsa von Seggern Foundation; Texas Instruments; the City of Dallas Office of Arts and Culture;

the Texas Commission on the Arts; and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). American Airlines is the official airline of The Dallas Opera.

Lexus is the official vehicle of The Dallas Opera. Advertising support from The Dallas Morning News. NorthPark Center, the official shopping center of The

Dallas Opera The Dallas Opera is a proud member of OPERA America.

MACHINE GUN KELLY ANNOUNCES TOUR

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MACHINE GUN KELLY ANNOUNCES FALL 2021 “TICKETS TO MY DOWNFALL” US TOUR

TICKETS WILL BE ON PRE-SALE TUESDAY, APRIL 27 / PUBLIC ON SALE FRIDAY, APRIL 30

Recording artist Machine Gun Kelly, the award-winning global performer and most recognized rockstar of his generation, will be taking his show on the road this fall. Hitting live concert venues for the first time since the release of his #1 album “Tickets to My Downfall,” fans can expect rocking performances of Platinum hits “bloody valentine,” “my ex’s best friend” and more.

Praise for the artist’s fifth studio album “Tickets to My Downfall” came from both fans and music critics, with Billboard lauding its “dazzlingly effective songs,” Vulture calling it “punk rock excellence,” and NME praising it as “brilliant.” To kick-off 2021, MGK wowed TV viewers from Times Square at Dick Clark’s Rockin’ New Year’s Eve followed by a legendary appearance on Saturday Night Live. ET had a glowing review for SNL, saying: “MGK’s second performance really showed the range of his style and substance, as he delivered a remarkably beautiful and emotional performance of his song “lonely” and Rolling Stone praised the “raucous” performance.

Special guests on the tour include carolesdaughter, jxdn and KennyHoopla.

The “Tickets to My Downfall” tour will kick off September 9 in Minneapolis, MN and will conclude December 18 in his hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, playing the city’s largest venue, the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse.

Tickets will be available for pre-sale starting Tuesday, April 27, with the public on sale Friday, April 30 in all markets on Machine Gun Kelly’s website.

Tour Dates/Venues (*additional dates and cities to be announced)

09/09 MINNEAPOLIS, MN THE ARMORY

09/10 COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA WESTFAIR AMPHITHEATER

09/11 INDIANAPOLIS, IN TCU AMPHITHEATER

09/13 NEW YORK , NY CENTRAL PARK SUMMERSTAGE

09/15 BOSTON, MA LEADER BANK PAVILION

09/17 WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA THE BIG E

09/21 DETROIT, MI ARETHA FRANKLIN AMPHITHEATER

09/22 CINCINNATI, OH THE ICON FESTIVAL STAGE AT SMALE PARK

09/24 ORLANDO, FL REBEL ROCK FESTIVAL

09/25 LOUISVILLE, KY LOUDER THAN LIFE

09/28 ST. LOUIS, MO ST. LOUIS MUSIC PARK

10/02 ROGERS, AK WALMART AMP

10/03 BONNER SPRINGS, KS PROVIDENCE MEDICAL CENTER AMP

10/05 MILWAUKEE, WI EAGLES BALLROOM

10/06 NASHVILLE, TN ASCEND AMPHITHEATER

10/09 SACRAMENTO, CA AFTERSHOCK FESTIVAL

10/10 SAN FRANCISCO, CA THE WARFIELD

10/12 SPOKANE, WA SPOKANE PAVILION

10/13 TROUTDALE, OR MCMENAMINS EDGEFIELD

10/17 SALT LAKE CITY, UT THE COMPLEX

10/18 DENVER, CO RED ROCKS AMPHITHEATER

10/20 LOS ANGELES, CA THE SHRINE

10/21 PHOENIX, AZ MESA AMPHITHEATRE

10/24 DALLAS, TX THE PAVILION AT TOYOTA MUSIC FACTORY

10/27 CHARLOTTE, NC METRO CREDIT UNION AMPHITHEATER

10/28 RICHMOND, VA VIRGINIA CREDIT UNION LIVE!

10/30 PITTSBURGH, PA PETERSEN EVENTS CENTER

12/18 CLEVELAND, OH ROCKET MORTGAGE FIELDHOUSE

Tim Hentschel × HotelPlanner

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By: HotelPlanner.com Co-Founder/CEO Tim Hentschel

We all welcomed the news of vaccine rollouts that started in January this year, but what does this specifically mean for the travel and hospitality industry? How do vaccine passports work? And are they ethical?

Experts agree that we will start to see real progress against the spread of Covid once 70 percent of a country’s population is vaccinated. We’re already hearing more optimistic sentiments from many governments, travel organizations and businesses as countries reach 30% to 50% vaccination levels. Still, the rate of vaccinations varies greatly per country, and this is causing daily changes to the do-not-fly list, which makes it extremely challenging to reliably plan international travel.

That said, there is great optimism in our industry. For example, the International Air Transport Association Director General and CEO Alexandre de Juniac was quoted in March that “personal and leisure travel will return from the 2H2021. ″

Tim Hentschel, CEO and co-founder of HotelPlanner, we are developing the tools to travel safely in Covid, with vaccines on a worldwide rollout, he discusses how this will affect tourism and hospitality locally and across the world.

Vaccine passports become essential

The European Commission has been the latest body to propose vaccine passports. While there are concerns about discrimination against the unvaccinated, an internationally recognized official certification for vaccinated travelers would help to lift quarantine restrictions and ease the processes of entering other countries.

In fact, Singapore Airlines began piloting a digital vaccine passport in December 2020 and has plans to integrate it into their mobile app by mid-2021.

During the pandemic, travel operators have acted quickly to label hotels that have complied with Covid-19 countermeasures and get the word out to their customers.

In the coming months, we expect operators to start implementing new measures based on vaccine passports that will be in line with government regulations. The simplest way is to have travelers include a vaccine certification as part of their personal details for bookings. These details could then be shared with partner airlines and hotels to facilitate a smoother, less restricted travel experience.

Of note, it’s important to distinguish the vaccine passport initiatives individual countries or international bodies are pursuing versus what some private sector venues are piloting. For example, the Biden Administration clarified recently that they would not be sponsoring or mandating a country-wide vaccine passport and that any related projects would be up to the private sector. Florida’s Governor also recently banned the use of vaccine passports in the state entirely, which could trend in other states. To date, New York is one of the few states that has piloted what they’re calling an Excelsior Pass to verify vaccine status before entering venues like Madison Square Garden or Barclays Center.

Green lanes and travel bubbles will revive suffering travel destinations in the short term

Governments should speed up establishing green lanes or travel bubbles with ‘safe’ countries, where travelers are exempt from quarantine. These partnerships will be critical for bringing life back to economies that rely on service-based and labor-based industries.

Thailand, for instance, has seen an 83 percent drop in foreign tourists. This is a devastating blow that contributed to the Thai economy falling by 6.1 percent in 2020, its worst performance since the 1997 Asia financial crisis.

The Thai Hotels Association estimates at least a million workers have been laid off from its hospitality sector as hundreds of hotels have closed. Domestic tourism and the implementation of special tourist visas for long stays have done little to reverse the pandemic’s impact on the industry.

Thailand’s special tourist visa permits foreign visitors to stay up to 90 days, including 14 days of quarantine, with the option for two extensions. It has attracted only a fraction of the expected 1,200 monthly visitors since its launch in October 2020, likely due to the lengthy quarantine requirement.

India is now experiencing a huge spike in Covid infections, and the USA has added them to the list of over 100 countries that US citizens cannot fly to. As India is one of the US’s largest trading partners, this will hurt both countries with similar effect to the tourism devastation in Thailand.

As we look to the future, there is a golden opportunity for the USA and other developed nations of the world, which have successfully implemented vaccine rollouts, to continue to help countries that are still challenged. This will help the USA, EU, and UN reestablish themselves as global leaders. If all goes well, we could be celebrating a return to near normal by the Tokyo Olympics this summer.

LIL YACHTY – MICHIGAN BOY BOAT

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LIL YACHTY ANNOUNCES APRIL 23 RELEASE OF MICHIGAN BOY BOAT, REVEALS ARTWORK

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR THE MIXTAPE SPOTLIGHTING MICHIGAN RAPPERS HERE

Today Lil Yachty reveals the artwork and April 23 release date for his highly-anticipated mixtape “Michigan Boy Boat.” Featuring rappers from Detroit and Flint, Yachty unveiled a behind-the-scenes trailer filmed in the Great Lake State.

WATCH HERE.

Lil Yachty has long been collaborating with Michiganders. Since his 2017 Tee Grizzley collaboration “From the D to the A,” Yachty has been featured on songs with Michigan artists Sada Baby, YN Jay, RNC Mike, and Krispylife Kitdd–and these were only primers.

“Yachty’s upcoming mixtape, Michigan Boy Boat, is an ode to the state where a new crop of MCs is currently restitching the fabric of modern hip-hop. It’s also a testament to one of the 23-year-old rapper’s greatest gifts: his ear for talent,” states Rolling Stone.

In February, Lil Yachty released a video for his song, “Royal Rumble,” which features six MCs from Michigan’s vibrant rap scenes. Along with Yachty, the song boasts Krispylife Kid, RMC Mike, Babyface Ray, Rio Da Yung OG and Icewear Vezzo.

Stereogum wrote of the song/video: “For the past few years, the Atlanta rap star Lil Yachty has been making tracks with the best rappers that the thriving Michigan underground has to offer. Yachty was arguably the first mainstream rapper to recognize the talent of people like Sada Baby and Rio Da Yung OG, and when he records tracks with guys like that, it usually brings out the best in him.” Pitchfork stated Yachty “always holds his own and makes everyone around him sound more motivated than usual.”

Lil Yachty has been busy. In between developing a heist movie based on the card game Uno, a series for HBO Max, diving into crypto currency, partnering with Reese’s Puffs cereal, remixing the Saved by the Bell theme song, and becoming a favorite on TikTok, “hes a mentor and a mogul…”he’s become an elder statesman of a certain brand of young superstar — and something like the Gen Z answer to Diddy” (Rolling Stone).

Hot Wheels Legends Tour

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The Hot Wheels Legends Tour Kicks Off First North American Stop

Live Virtual Event on April 29

Presented by Mobil 1 and in partnership with throtl, premiere car culture livestream will take place on the Hot Wheels Facebook page and on throtl YouTube channel beginning at 5:00 p.m. PDT on Thursday, April 29
Hundreds of custom car creations have been submitted
The winner will go on to compete for the chance to become the next Hot Wheels Garage of Legends inductee and have their custom car creation immortalized as a 1:64 Hot Wheels diecast toy

On Thursday, April 29, the global hunt for the 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour winner continues with the first North American stop. Now in its fourth year, the world’s largest traveling car show resumes as a live virtual event that will take place on the Hot Wheels Facebook page and throtl YouTube channel beginning at 5:00 p.m. PDT. Hundreds of cars have been submitted by custom car builders across the United States and Canada, all competing to become the next Hot Wheels Garage of Legends inductee and have their ride turned into a Hot Wheels die-cast vehicle that will be sold–and played with by kids of all ages–around the world.

To watch this premiere automotive livestream event which will bring together every part of car culture, visit the Hot Wheels Legends Tour Facebook page or the throtl YouTube channel.

The 2021 Hot Wheels Legends Tour is bigger than ever with stops spanning 13 countries and 5 continents. Presented by Mobil 1 and sponsored by Dynacraft and Milestone S.r.l., the first North American event continues this year’s first virtual stops in New Zealand (April 15) and Australia (April 22). Judging will take place live throughout the virtual event by known auto enthusiast personalities, including automotive YouTube sensation and builder TJ Hunt, throtl co-founder Mickey Andrade, motorsports ambassador Jarod DeAnda and top motorsports athlete Collete Davis, as well as Bryan Benedict, Director of Hot Wheels Die-Cast Design, Ted Wu, Global Head of Hot Wheels Design and Mobil 1 special guest and professional drifter, Ryan Tuerck.

“While we look forward to the Hot Wheels Legends Tour returning to in-person events, the virtual contest format has created opportunities for more fans across the United States and Canada to share their passion projects,” said Ted Wu, Global Head of Hot Wheels Design at Mattel. “With so many submissions already in North America and immensely popular events in Australia and New Zealand earlier this month, we’re confident this year’s competition will be fierce.”

Dates for future stops will be announced soon, and fans may register or learn more about the Hot Wheels Legends Tour by visiting Hot Wheels. Livestreams will be available to view on the Hot Wheels Facebook page, on Walmart and through automotive media partners in specific countries. Live events will be returning to U.S.-based Walmart stores this summer.

For further information and to register for an upcoming event, please visit the Hot Wheels website.

Calvyn Cass

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Q & A with Calvyn Cass

Singer-songwriter, Calvyn Cass, has begun dominating the music song with lyrical tunes to the beat of self-love and acceptance. The hit single, “Me, Myself, & I”, explores complicated relationships and self-acceptance winning over insecurities.

Here at 360 Magazine, we had the chance to have a Q&A with Calvyn. Read on to learn more about Calvyn Cass and his upcoming new music, WHITE FLAG.

Q- Could you tell us about the creative direction behind ME, Myself & I?

CC- ME, MYSELF & I was one of the first few songs; the third to be exact. It starts with the hook, but it definitely brought up old feelings. I started writing about feeling hurt by someone I loved, and it ended in being def reflection story. The video shows that with me performing to myself in all my different layers. It’s probably the fastest I ever wrote and recorded a song. From starting to put pen to paper with the first line to finishing recording the demo was probably an hour.

Q- What would you like fans to take away from ME, Myself & I along with the video?

CC-I think the main narrative is that is ok to embrace all feelings but not let them define you. You can look at yourself and be like, “it’s not all about you” and own the way you were but move on from it. On the flip side my new song coming out April 28th is WHITE FLAG and that’s about identifying navigating how to be there for others in the way they need you. It’s a song about someone I love having an internal battle that made them reactive to me. In that moment I felt that I could either be reactive myself in response or step back, realize this is not about me and just give love. Sometimes it’s hard to watch someone you love to behave in a destructive way, but you can’t force someone to see something they aren’t ready to see. You just gotta let them know you come in peace and that you’re there when they are ready to let you in.

Q- Who was your biggest musical inspiration in writing ME, Myself & I?

CC- I have to admit I struggled with this in the beginning. I have always had this immense pressure to associate myself with other artists in order to justify my music. When I wrote that record, I kept thinking of Beyoncé and her record from her first album. I have always been a Destiny’s Child fan and I loved her record, but I know it’s been done. More than trying to find inspiration I found myself avoiding doing what’s been done. She’s an icon and I think what got her there is doing her thing and owning it. I think I look to artists like Bey who have paved their own musical lane as career inspiration. I’m just gonna keep doing my thing. Some people will love it, but others won’t, and I’m cool with that now.

Q- Who would you like to collaborate with in the future?

CC- So many artists for so many different reasons. I love Lil Nas X because he represents what I am hoping to achieve as an artist. I think we would make insane music together. Miley is a powerhouse and if I could be on a record with her, it would be a wet dream. Demi is having this journey unfold before us all. There are so many parts of that journey that are familiar in one way or another and the message is something I would be honored to be a part of. Olly Alexander who recently starred in “It’s A Sin” is seemingly embarking on the next chapter of his career embracing his identity more. If I could be apart of any of these artistic moments that I believe will help change and shape the world I would count myself lucky as hell.

Q- Did your move from South Africa to Canada influence your music at all?

CC- I see the cultural shift I experienced at a young age as a stage in my life that shaped me. It was probably my least favorite time of my life. I was this small, effeminate boy when I moved. In South Africa I struggled fitting in with the hyper masculine molding boys are expected to be. In Canada I saw it as a chance to start over without anyone knowing my past struggles. That didn’t go as planned because I was then the weird immigrant who spoke differently and had a very different perception of the world. In each circumstance I tried fitting in and when it didn’t work out, I had to step back and try figure out why. I didn’t when I was young, but I see it now. It complex to break down in a short interview but now every time I write and record, I tap into the cultural difference and similarities. I want to be able to speak to as many people and be as relatable as possible. Everyone is navigating this complicated journey called life. The best we can do is try being empathetic and honest.

Q- What advice could you offer others as far as embracing the true way they see themselves?

CC- It’s no one else’s job to make you comfortable in your own skin. You will definitely feel like a victim of persecution because that’s a part of life; others will always try cut you down, so they stand taller. Appeasing others by changing who you are to make them comfortable will only hinder you on your path. It’s terrifying to stand in your truth and face scrutiny because it might cut deeper but I promise you, it did the opposite for me. When I let go of trying to impress everyone else was the first time, I felt like I could truly breathe. I released the vizard and accepted myself to find the pressure put on me was put on me by myself. I set the insane standards for myself from what I thought the people around me would feel more comfortable with. Here I am in my adult life realizing that if I had honored myself, I would have avoided a lot of sadness.

Q- Who are your musical inspirations?

CC- I’m inspired less by artists and more by the songs themselves. I love finding out who wrote a song and who produced it. Of course, the voice on a record can give me chills and bring me to tears. The way that voice shines come from all these other peoples’ talents and contributions to the music. That’s what inspires me. Paying attention to how sounds were created, layered and pieced together.

Q- You are co-founder of BRUSH Salon – do you plan to continue to pursue your career as a master stylist alongside your music career?

CC- I am. When I was in high school, I fully intended to pursue music. The world was different then and I let the people around me tell me that a gay boy with feminine features would never succeed in music. I always loved playing with my sisters hair when we watched movies. She hated it but let me anyways because it meant she could choose the movie. So, I am now at the top and have achieved so many of my goals in hair. I love it but I’ve felt like this part of me has been stuck in limbo. I can’t ignore it anymore and I want to pursue music. The world allows people to be more than one thing and I’m going to ride that wave.

Q- Outside of music and styling, what are your passions?

CC- Depends on the season. I love being outside in spring and summer. I’m one those dog lovers that sees my boys as my children, so I dedicate a lot of time to them. I love cooking and find it therapeutic to cook for my family and friends. I love being active, but my ultimate reset is to just spend a winter day in bed with snack watching movies or maybe an entire series… haha

Q- Looking ahead, what plans do you have in store for the remainder of 2021?

CC- Lots of music. I want to bring new music as much as it possible. I want to perform when I’m allowed to and introduce my music to more and more people. I’d love to collaborate with other artists when we are restricted from doing so.

CC Sabathia

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Roots of Fight Celebrate CC Sabathia

CC Sabathia’s career with the New York Yankees played out like a Little Leaguer’s wildest dreams. The hardest thing to do is to pick a single moment from his legendary run in pinstripes.

How about October 12, 2012. Yankee Stadium. A crisp autumn night in the Bronx. Game 5 of the ALDS. CC on the mound after pitching a gem in Game 1. Team on his back, and him carrying that weight inning after inning. Pitches firing across the plate like promises — like declarations — that he’d never let them lose. Fist pump. Sit them down.

Complete game victory. New York wins 3-1.

When you zoom out from the kid who grew up in hardscrabble Vallejo, California, CC’s life becomes extraordinary. A six-time Major League All-Star, a World Series Champion, a Cy Young Winner and American League MVP. He was black kid who dreamed big, and a proud member of the Black Aces who won 21 games 2010 while endearing himself forever to New York. The youngest pitcher in the league when he debuted with Cleveland at 20 years old and sure-fire Hall of Famer when retired 19 years later a Yankee.

CC pitched his heart out every time he took the mound. An idol of the Bronx, and a fan favorite who never was anything other than who he was. Forever a son. Forever a father and a husband. Forever black. Forever North Bay, and more specifically forever “The Crest” neighborhood he grew up in. Forever a kid dreaming of the big leagues, who didn’t stop dreaming even as he made it all come true.

As part of Roots of Fight’s CC Sabathia series, we are paying tribute to the great pitcher and New York legend, CC Sabathia.

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Q × A with Rarri Dream

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Q&A WITH RARRI DREAM

Rarri Dream’s album, Foreign the Speed, is getting a lot of traffic after he dropped it in August of 2020. He has artist’s Lil Jah and Hoodrich Pablo Juan featured on Foreign the Speed. The production on the album is amazing with the likes of Black Mayo, Chiveer, and Solo Cam. Songs like Televise, Get Paid and Keep it Going put you in a joyful mood with its melodic sounds. Rarri has just now gained recognition but he has been rapping ever since he was 14 in his home studio. 2021 he is planning to take over the rap game and make music with other mainstream artists. He shot the music video for the song Get Paid on the album last year in October. Everyone should be on the lookout for Rarri to do some big things soon.

Q- Can you tell us about your upbringing and how it influenced your sound? Siblings?

RD -My upbringing was cool growing up in Lithonia
In the early part of my life, I was influenced by Mike Jones T.I and Lil Wayne. My sibling is just my lil sister she’s the only one.

Q -What inspired your latest song?

FR -My latest single is called “Show it” featuring Yung Bino what inspired it was when he sent the hook back and I see he was talking about strippers and money so, I just thought to go crazy on it cause that’s my vibe.

Q- If you had an opportunity to work with a major label, would you ink the deal? Why?

RD -I would take the deal because if you think about it major labels give you so many opportunities that being independent doesn’t and, people don’t understand that.

Q- How would you best describe your style? Favorite designers?

RD- Very colorful but sometimes dark because I like wearing leather jeans on some rockstar shit, but really, I just like any designer brands with quality.

Q- Do you consider yourself a sneakerhead? If so, what’s your go to pair?

RD- Kinda I mostly wear designer shoes though my go to is the balenciaga track shoes. I also sometimes wear Air Force 1’s.

Q- Can you describe your writing process?

RD- I don’t write I just freestyle I been recording so long that I’m just used to it coming off the top of my head.

Q- What’s the number one thing people notice about you when you enter a room?

RD- My style people often ask what’s that you’re wearing? Or damn bro, you dripping lol.

Q- If you were on a deserted island, what would you bring?

RD- I would bring like 3 of my favorite outfits a bunch of food I like, a weapon to protect myself and a bad ass girl.

Q- Are you involved in your community? Can you elaborate on your last philanthropic endeavor?

RD- Not at the moment, I’m still fairly young so I’m not really into that yet, but I will soon though.

Q- If you could offer someone advice trying to break into music industry, what would say?

RD- I would say invest in yourself because the more you put in, the more you’re going to get back from it.

Q- Dream collaboration? Hobbies?

RD- Some of my dream collaborations would be with Lil Wayne, Young Thug, and Drake to name a few. My hobbies are when I’m not recording, I like to play video games or go shopping.

Puro Pro Headphone Review

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By: Emily Bunn

Calling all audiophiles! The Puro Pro Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Volume Limited Headphones with Built-In Mic are the newest audio accoutrement that will sound like music to your ears, literally. Listen to today’s top hits, like Gwen Stefani’s “Slow Clap” feat. Saweetie, or The Weeknd’s “Save Your Tears” feat. Ariana Grande.

With the Puro Pro Hybrid headphones, you can jam out to your favorite songs without compromising your hearing. Users can choose between having a maximum volume of either 85dB or 95dB. On the 85dB setting, users can safely listen to tunes for up to eight hours. On the 95dB setting, users can safely rock out for up to 50 minutes with no fear.

While cranking your favorite tunes, immerse your ears in a luxurious studio-grade listening experience with the Puro Balanced Response Curve. With 40mm dynamic drivers, listeners are guaranteed clear, crisp vocals and full, dynamic bass audio. The dynamic range of the headphone is 20Hz – 20kHz, with less <1 percent total harmonic distortion. Further, the Puro Pro’s leather ear cushions and headband allows for a comfortable listening experience. The design is foldable, so these headphones are perfect for on-the-go travel. Marrying high-quality design and premium audio capabilities, the Puro Pro’s allow you to rock out like never before.

Even when you’re surrounded by external noise, the premium active noise cancelling (ANC) technology of the Puro Pros promise significant noise reduction. Users have the option of choosing between two levels of ambient noise cancelling ability, offering both general and deep noise reduction. The headphones include five microphones– four of them for ambient noise cancelling, and one for communicating via calls.

Your personalized concert can be longer than ever before with the long battery life of the Puro Pros. With a playtime of up to 28 hours with active noise cancellation, or 32 without ANC. The Puro Pros allow for 300 hours of standby time. Access your favorite tunes on all your device with the headphone’s Bluetooth 5.0 capability.

The Puro Pros take listening to music up a notch, with pitch-perfect performance and practical design. If you aren’t completely satisfied, however, the company offers a one year warranty and thirty day money back guarantee. The Puro Pro Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Volume Limited Headphones with Built-In Mic are available for purchase here.

Features

Volume Limited (85 dB and 95dB)
Puro Balanced Response Curve
Ambient Noise Reduction
Microphone
Wireless
Long-lasting Battery Life
Custom 40mm Dynamic Drivers
Dynamic Range of 20Hz – 20kHz with <1% total harmonic distortion

Contents

Hard Carrying Case
5mm Limiter Audio Cable
Charging Cable

Puro Pro Headphone image via Noyd Communications Inc.