Posts made in July 2021

Siiikbrain × Silence

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Siiikbrain, aka Caroline Miner Smith, released the music video for her most recent single Silence.

Experimental rock artist Siiickbrain has unveiled her latest single, Silence, today. The intoxicating track pairs the artist’s unique blend of sensual singing, soul-capturing screams, and emotionally gripping lyrics. The accompanying video is premiering exclusively with NYLON today.

“The song, which kicks off as an angsty and tumultuous hyperpop track about the trappings of love, gets amped up several notches during its screamed intermission.” – NYLON

“While recording this song, I was thinking about how love can make you blind to how toxic a situation can be,” Siiickbrain shares on her release. “The video is based around the idea that in your mind you see things differently than how they really are when you’re drowning in emotions. For the video, I also wanted it to be really stylized and just lean into the fashion side of things in a really creative way.”

Siiickbrain is the musical persona of Caroline Miner Smith. She grew up in a rural town and was always drawn to music but was afraid to dive in fully. While establishing herself as a highly desired model in New York City, Caroline started writing poetry as a means to cope with her own anxiety and personal demons. After moving to Los Angeles, Caroline was hit with a very close personal loss. “I really was hit with the reality that life is too fragile. I want to do what makes me happy and realized that I had nothing to lose by taking this leap. I just want to reach people and help them feel empowered to be themselves.”

Most recently, Siiickbrain joined Skrillex and Swae Lee on their propulsive track, Too Bizarre. She also teamed up with incomparable Russian protest art collective Pussy Riot to unleash an electrifying anthem, POWER, which drives home the idea that women can take back any power that was ever taken from them. Inspired by her favorite movie Fight Club, the music video showcases an all-female cast of bright, young rising stars like phem, Chloe Chaidez, and more fighting it out, highlighting the raw power of women. The video was directed and produced by Andrew Sandler and part of the team behind Machine Gun Kelly’s Downfalls High, which Siiickbrain appeared in.

The visually-stunning music video is yet another iteration of Siiikbrain’s edgy, intoxicating, impactful style. Paired with her unique vocals and heart-thumping beat, this video is a must-see.

CHIAE — “CASH OUT”

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The Atlanta R&B singer Chiae (formerly known as Malachiae) returns with a lush and lavish new single, “Cash Out,” out today on Motown. The swirling instrumental produced by T-Minus (Drake, Justin Bieber, The Weeknd) is smooth yet vibrant, setting the tone for Chiae’s tales of romantic encounters in the lap of luxury. You can watch the “Cash Out” visual HERE.

“Cash Out” is the sort of low-key ballad that Chiae has made his name on over the last few years. Dizzy synthesizers and neon sub-bass provide the soundtrack for a song full of easy romance and casual flexing. Chiae sets the scene early on: when a love interest slides into his side of town, he’s busy, making moves at the bank. But he makes time because they both appreciate the finer things in life. Sunny-eyed, he expresses his affection, while letting the instrumental breathe. It’s beautiful, light and sensual, like Chiae’s best songs to date.

This new single follows a string of sensitive and colorful tracks from the vocalist. In 2020, he released “Bedroom to the Club,” a luxe R&B song full of light-hearted come-ons, and “Get to the Bag,” a money-minded cut about providing for the one he loves. These tracks follow four years of EPs, singles and steadily building buzz for one of R&B’s rising stars. Last year, Chiae played TRILLERFEST, one of the largest virtual music festivals, alongside Migos, Mario, Pitbull, Marshmello, G Herbo and many more to help raise money for those affected by COVID-19.

Though Chiae’s just getting started, he’s already had huge success working with fellow Atlanta superstars Migos, playing a lead role in the movie Million Dollar Quartet, and securing national radio and TV plays on channels like BET Jams. “Cash Out” is proof that he remains dedicated to the grind, but that he’s also able to take time to enjoy the fruits of his budding fame, too. With songs as charismatic and magnetic as this, he’s sure to have even more success soon.

Halsey Releases New Album

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On August 27, Capitol Records will release Halsey’s If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power. She unveiled the album’s cover art at The Met Fifth Avenue in New York City. View the artwork unveiling HERE.

Halsey penned the songs for If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power herself. She recorded the career-defining album with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, known for their work in Nine Inch Nails and as Oscar, Golden Globe and GRAMMY^®-winning film/television composers.

Fans can pre-order If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power on Halsey’s store beginning today. Look for more to come from Halsey soon and be sure to visit loveandpower.com.

In her career to date, Halsey has surpassed 60 million RIAA-certified units across albums, singles and features. Worldwide, she has sold over 150 million adjusted singles. If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power follows Manic, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart. It was the first album of 2020 to be certified Platinum in the U.S. and attained Platinum certification in numerous other countries also.

She continues to push creative boundaries, expanding her influence and impact beyond music. Her first book, I Would Leave Me If I Could: A Collection of Poetry, debuted on The New York Times Best Sellers list last November. Named as one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2020, she has won over 20 awards, including an AMA, MTV VMA, GLAAD Award, the Songwriters Hall of Fame’s Hal David Starlight Award and a CMT Music Award. Halsey recently introduced about-face, a multi-dimensional makeup line for made for everyone. Halsey continues to use her voice to speak up for causes she passionately believes in, including disenfranchised youth, women’s rights, mental health and the LGBTQ community.

ALLISON PONTHIER — FAKING MY OWN DEATH

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Twenty-five-year-old singer-songwriter Allison Ponthier will release her debut EP, Faking My Own Death, on August 6 via Interscope Records. You can pre-save Faking My Own Death HERE. Today, she shared her spellbinding new single, “Hell Is A Crowded Room.” Ponthier’s crystalline voice skims along a gentle guitar as she explores a common fear. “Hell Is A Crowded Room” is available HERE. You can view the visualizer for the song HERE.

“‘Hell Is A Crowded Room’ is a song about pushing through social anxiety, especially when it manifests in a really physical way,” explains Allison Ponthier, who wrote the song with Rick Nowels (Lana Del Rey, Stevie Nicks), who produced it along with Dean Reid and Brandon Shoop. “I always wondered why a shy person like me would choose to be an artist when it’s constantly putting yourself in front of people, and I think HIACR is a response to that. It took on a much more intense meaning post-pandemic, but I also think that it’s an applicable song for anyone that gets nervous in groups and is doing their best to be brave enough to get through it.”

Ponthier will join Lord Huron on select dates for the Long Lost Tour which kicks off September 9^th in Philadelphia and hits various venues in New York City, Los Angeles, Boston, Seattle, Portland and other markets across the country. Check out the full itinerary HERE. They recently performed their collaboration “I Lied,” on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Watch it HERE.

Growing up as a wide-eyed misfit in the Lone Star State, Ponthier dreamed of running away to New York City. When she made the move to Brooklyn at age 20, she felt out-of-place in a new way—like a goody-two-shoes Southerner in the epicenter of East Coast hipsterdom. The corresponding internal journey has inspired a string of reflective, idiosyncratic yet relatable songs.

Faking My Own Death merges raw self-expression with a sound both timeless and delicately inventive, tapping Ponthier’s affinity for indie-folk and alt-rock, yet hinting at her country roots with its heart-on-sleeve storytelling. Additional producers who joined her in the studio include Mike Crossey, Ethan Gruska, Dan Wilson and Adam Melchor. Along with “Hell Is A Crowded Room,” the EP features her debut single, “Cowboy”—which was an Apple Music World First—and “Harshest Critic.” See below for track listing.

Billboard said, “’Cowboy’ immediately captures and captivates as both a personal and professional coming-out story” while FADER called the track a “bright slice of queer country-pop.” In this feature, Vogue delved into the details behind the accompanying video, directed by Jordan Bahat and informed by the campy B-movies that Ponthier adores.

Teen Vogue noted, “‘Harshest Critic’ continues her enjoyable, introspective musical hot streak.” V Magazine declared, “You’re going to need to learn to pronounce this name because Allison Ponthier (Pon-tee-ay) is here to stay.”

Track Listing – Faking My Own Death:

Cowboy
Paid For
Harshest Critic
Hell Is A Crowded Room
Faking My Own Death
Tornado Country

Naliya Releases Official Music Video – Handshakes

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By: Ally Brewster

Earlier this year, Naliya, singer, songwriter and producer, released her dreamy debut single “Handshakes.” The debut song about heartbreak and moving on was an introduction to the artist’s personal, unfiltered songs.

On July 7^th Naliya is set to premiere the music video for her debut single “Handshakes.” Being her first music video, it will establish the artist’s visual identity as she works on her first album.

As the video begins, Naliya emerges from a body of water, glitter surrounding her acting as sun-reflections, creating an ethereal feel. The scene then cuts to Naliya in a setting with tile walls and plants all around, these scenes visually showing the lyric “’Til you left me with the wave, I just made it back to shore” from the song.

The video continues to be filled with effects, such as glitter and lens flares, continuing the dream-like quality, matching the smooth vocals of the song. It draws clear inspiration from Euphoria’s aesthetic with its makeup, wardrobe, glitter and colors. It’s filled with bright pops of colors, with a pink, yellow, and brown color scheme, creating a soft and sultry palette for the breakup song.

The song and music video are written and produced like a letter to the boy that left her as she tries to move on from him and rebuild herself. Throughout the music video, Naliya looks into the camera, as if talking to the boy as she sings lines like “I can’t forget your face,” and asks, ““Tell me, do you really think you’re better off without me, on your team?”

Though the song is about a break-up, the video pairs that theme with Naliya vibing to the catchy beat of the song, dancing and feeling herself; a reference to part of the hook “Now I’m fucked up at this party,” as she tries to move on from the boy, but isn’t able to.

The music video is beautiful and dreamy with its glitter, coloring and lights, pairing well the ethereal and angelic hook and melody of the song. The video sets a the tone for what her style and intentions are as an artist: to be raw and honest, and still showing the beauty in it.

The music video for “Handshakes” can be viewed here.

Her single “Handshakes” was just a taste of what the multi-talented artist has to offer as she continues to work on her debut album throughout the year.

ABOUT NALIYA

Naliya personally touches every element of her music. Behind a desk running Ableton Live by herself, she’ll conjure up a beat before picking up a pen to write lyrics and finally grabbing a microphone to bring the production and words to life. The singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer architects an unfiltered and undeniable take on pop warmed by handcrafted beats and lyrics so intimate they could be a DM. She spent the first eight years of her life in Calgary before the family moved to Paris where she resided until 16. Returning to Vancouver Island Canada for high school, she admittedly didn’t have many friends and felt like an outcast. Staving off feelings of depression, she downloaded GarageBand one day and started making beats of her own. Fast-tracking her degree, she finished Berklee College of Music in just three years, got a Visa, and relocated to L.A. Releasing a series of early singles and collaborations, she repeatedly achieved six-figure streaming numbers. During a Shark Tank-style Instagram Live hosted by powerhouse songwriter J Kash [Maroon 5, Charlie Puth, Selena Gomez], she shared a composition and landed a deal. With Kash in her corner, she co-wrote Jason Derulo’s Lifestyle [feat. Adam Levine] and Tate McRae’s Rubberband. After amassing nearly 2 million streams independently, she formally introduces herself on a series of 2021 singles for Interscope Records led by “Handshakes.”

Stay connected with Naliya:

Instagram – Twitter – Facebook – Youtube – Spotify – Apple Music – Soundcloud

Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae

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Automobili Lamborghini announces the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae: a celebration of the iconic V12 super sports car and combustion engine in a final production model, concentrating the purest features of all Aventador editions into a perfect finale. The Aventador LP 780-4 harnesses the performance of the SVJ and intensifies the sophisticated elegance of the Aventador S, converging design and dynamism into a decisive collector’s piece in both coupé and roadster forms.

“The Aventador LP 780-4 denotes the final, purest, timeless naturally-aspirated production V12 Lamborghini,” says Stephan Winkelmann, President and CEO of Automobili Lamborghini. “It delivers the essential twelve-cylinder experience in terms of inimitable design, engineering solutions and the most emotive driving experience, and is the definitive Aventador concluding an extraordinary era. It is the last of its kind: it delivers the maximum power and conclusive performance expected from Lamborghini’s current V12 engine, combined with our inimitable flagship’s design DNA. The Aventador was destined to become a classic from launch, and the Aventador LP 780-4 is the most beautiful expression of timeless design and technical solutions in a final edition: Ultimae.”

After more than a year where events worldwide were cancelled due to the pandemic, the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae coupe and roadster will be displayed at the UK’s 2021 Goodwood Festival of Speed in front of automotive enthusiasts and owners.

Power and performance

The Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae’s elegant lines belie the performance of this final edition. The twelve-cylinder, 6.5-liter ‘Longitudinale Posteriore’ (LP) engine delivers 780 CV: 40 CV more than the Aventador S and 10 CV over the SVJ to its permanent four-wheel drive. The LP 780-4 Ultimae celebrates the visceral character, power and performance of the Lamborghini’s Aventador’s ten-year evolution, including the know-how of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife record SVJ powertrain set in July 2018; the super sports technical advances and luxury of the S mode; and the purity of the original Aventador concept. It is the grand finale of the traditional V12 combustion engine, and the ultimate Aventador in every sense.

The Aventador LP 780-4’s unique, extremely rigid and lightweight carbon fiber monocoque, and extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the body, contributes to its dry weight of just 1,550 kg. The coupé version, weighing 25 kg less than the Aventador S, delivers the same weight-to-power ratio as the SVJ at 1.98 kg/CV accelerating from 0-100 km/h in 2.8 seconds and a top speed of 355 km/h, with 720 Nm of torque at maximum 6750 rpm, and optimized VVT (Variable Valve Timing) and VIS (Variable Intake System) for an optimised torque curve. Its CCB braking system delivers 100 km/h to standstill in just 30 m.

Lateral control is optimized through four-wheel steering, introduced on the Aventador S, ensuring agility at low and medium speeds and enhanced stability at high speed. Lamborghini Dynamic Steering (LDS) on the front axle is calibrated for responsive feedback with sharp turn-in while adapted to integrate with the active rear-wheel steering on the rear axle: separate actuators respond in five milliseconds to drivers’ steering movements, allowing a real-time adjustment to steering angles enhancing cornering properties.

The LP 780-4 Ultimae’s design adopts a specific front bumper concept for increased aero load on the front, with longitudinal performance similar to the SVJ. The ESC is calibrated for fast, precise traction control and vehicle dynamics, recognizing and adapting to differences in grip, including on low-grip surfaces such as snow and ice. The permanent four-wheel drive, due to the rear-wheel steering, is calibrated to allow more torque to the rear axle so that when powering off, less torque is shifted to the front axle to allow sporty but safe over-steer behavior. The systems are managed by Lamborghini Dinamica Veicolo Attiva (LDVA) that processes precise, real-time information on body motion via sensors, thus defining the best response of all active systems to deliver the best vehicle dynamics in every condition.

Delivering the state of the art aerodynamic performance, the front splitter and open ‘mouth’ of the LP 780-4 directs additional airflow to optimize aerodynamic efficiency, engine and radiator cooling. The front bumper’s airducts and side cooling inlet reduce aerodynamic interference from the front tires and optimize wake flow to the rear radiator, with the Ultimae’s lightweight rear bumper completing the dynamic exterior and celebrating the SVJ’s track-oriented heritage.

The active aero system’s rear wing moves into three positions – closed, ‘maximum performance’ and ‘maximum handling’ – dependent on speed and the drive mode selected, optimizing the car’s overall balance and working with vortex generators created in the front and rear of the chassis’ underside to maximize air flow and assist with brake cooling. Transmission is via Lamborghini’s lightweight Independent Shifting Rod (ISR) 7-speed shifting system, providing robotized gearshifts in up to 50 milliseconds.

The Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae’s drive modes allow the pilot to select not only STRADA, SPORT and CORSA dynamic options, but in EGO mode choose their own parameters for optimum set-up of the Lamborghini active suspension (LMS), traction controls (engine, gearbox and four-wheel drive) as well as steering.

A final production masterpiece – Ultimae

The Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae celebrates the Lamborghini Aventador’s complex yet elegant lines and surfaces: the culmination of Lamborghini’s aspirated-V12 design legacy. Paying homage to the benchmark performance of the SVJ and the ageless super sports elegance of the S model, it takes the best components of both to create a perfect balance between performance and dynamism with an enduring sophistication.

A new palette of options for exterior and interior is created for owners of the 350 coupés and 250 roadsters numbered editions of the Ultimae, offering a refined yet dynamic, elegant yet distinctive representation of the last Aventador. Its silhouette, clean and unfettered, is as recognizable and timeless an outline as other V12 Lamborghini classics such as Countach, Diablo and Murciélago. The new collection of tone-on-tone colors are elegant while recalling the Aventador’s powerful original design cues taken from the world of aeronautics. Offered as standard are 18 colors, with an unprecedented range of options and more than 300 colors available through Lamborghini Ad Personam, allowing owners to create their own, unique piece of Lamborghini V12 motoring history.

The Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae coupé is launched in a two-tone, grey-on-grey configuration, with lines and details such as the front splitter’s outline and ‘teeth’ picked out in matt red Rosso Mimir, with the accent line continuing along the car with matching accents on the rear fins of the visible carbon fiber rear diffuser: elite performance and design purity in perfect harmony. On the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster, the roof is also offered in visible carbon fiber.

The matt Grigio Acheso and Grigio Teca external colors’ elegant yet sporty two-tone is echoed in the interior: black leather and Alcantara base materials feature stitching and trim in a complementary grey to the exterior, with ‘Y’ seat inserts in black Alcantara. An optional laser cut ‘Y’ repeat motif with contrast backing color on seats and dashboard, distinguishes the Ultimae model: a dynamic, stylistic feature offered for the first time. The LP 780-4’s comfort seat is taken from the Aventador S, with the ‘Ultimae’ name embroidered into the seat bolster, while the A-pillar driver dashboard area carries the 001 of 350/250 reference to the limited edition.

The client can play with the ‘S’ line highlights in seat, door and dash trims with three standard colors, (silver, bronze and white), a further five foptional colors and, of course, the almost infinite spectrum of options through Lamborghini Ad Personam. A standard carbon fiber package CFK highlights exterior and interior features, and the exterior is available in a matt finish to match the exterior colors with low gloss.

Silver Dianthus 20” and 21” forged alloys come as standard together with further 20” and 21” options in Dianthus, Leiron and Nireo in bronze, black and titanium, fitted with Pirelli PZero Corsa tires. The exterior features the extension of the color accent livery in three colors: white, silver and bronze matching the accent on the front bumpers and the rear diffuser fins. Silver calipers as standard are joined by a range of further optional caliper colors that are echoed in the wheel monolock.

The Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae Roadster is launched in Blu Tawaret and Blu Nethuns with the roof panels in high gloss black carbon fiber.

The driver and passenger environment is just as refined: the customizable TFT digital dashboard displays driver modes as well as controlling in-car connectivity. Apple CarPlay manages voice activated communications and entertainment, with the Lamborghini telemetry system available as an option for those wanting to celebrate the last Aventador on track.

From launch, the Aventador LP 780-4 Ultimae will be available in both coupe and roadster configurations in the Lamborghini network with the exception of the markets: Mainland China, South Korea, Vietnam, Brazil and Chile.

James Vincent McMorrow × Paradise

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James Vincent McMorrow shares the music video for Paradise from his upcoming album, Grapefruit Season, to be released on September 17.

“McMorrow has a soul voice to cherish” – Guardian

“The ever-shifting Irish singer-songwriter…it works” – Sunday Times, Hottest Tracks

“A deft collaboration, with James pushing his music onto a different realm, whilst maintaining that recognizable emotional pull” – CLASH

“Lyrically raw and immensely quotable” – The Forty Five

James Vincent McMorrow shares the video for new single Paradise, which is available now via Sony Music UK/RCA Records. Paradise is the latest taste of James’ much-anticipated new album Grapefruit Season – which also features teaser singles Headlights, Gone, and I Should Go (with Kenny Beats) – and is now set for release on September 17.

Produced by James alongside Paul Epworth and Lil Silva, Paradise is about pretending everything is fine when, beneath the surface, it really isn’t. Initially struggling to find its visual concept, the Paradise video started as an off-hand remark (“why don’t I just dig out my rollerblades and film myself learning to skate again in the park behind my house?”) but now feels like the perfect fit to the track’s uplifting, feel-good but melancholic center.

Paradise further previews Grapefruit Season, James Vincent McMorrow’s upcoming, fifth studio album – and one in which the artist, producer, and songwriter pushes himself (and his sound) in all new ways. The record was recorded between London, Los Angeles, and Dublin, largely before the pandemic struck. It embraces the timeless yet timely fact that life is chaos; the idea of growing up, but as Paradise suggests, still feeling none the wiser. Each song is held together by McMorrow’s instantly-identifiable voice, an untethered musical imagination, and (from dancehall to soul, country to R&B) purposefully little else in its pursuit of fear-free pop music. Even the title, Grapefruit Season, seems to signpost doing simply what you want, rather than what you are supposed to do – it was inspired by James watching his mum eat grapefruit as a kid, and the idea that what’s good for you may not actually be pleasurable.

Throughout the emotional highs and lows of Grapefruit Season, you are reminded of the risks James Vincent McMorrow has taken since the singer-songwriter roots of debut album Early In The Morning (which turned ten in 2020); but also that those same instincts – to follow inspiration wherever it leads, and to be as brutally honest possible – remain a refreshing constant. Whilst there may always be trouble in Paradise, what’s emerged is James Vincent McMorrow’s most essential album to date.

James also made headlines recently playing the first concert in Ireland with a live audience since the beginning of the pandemic (tickets sold out in just 30 seconds). With festivals including Latitude and Isle of Wight confirmed to follow this summer, McMorrow’s UK and European tour for early 2022 includes a London date at Kentish Town Forum on February 21 and two homecoming shows at Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on April 19-20.

February 4 – Leuven @ Het Depot

February 5 – Paris @ Le Trianon

February 6 – Luxembourg @ Den Atelier

February 8 – Frankfurt @ Batschkapp

February 9 – Amsterdam @ Paradiso

February 10 – Hamburg @ Grunspan

February 12 – Stockholm @ Nalen

February 13 – Copenhagen @ Vega

February 15 – Berlin @ Metropol

February 16 – Cologne @ Gloria Theatre

February 18 – Manchester @ O2 Ritz

February 20 – Birmingham @ O2 Institute

February 21 – London @ O2 Kentish Town Forum

February 22 – Bristol @ O2 Academy

February 23 – Glasgow @ Barrowland Ballroom

April 19 – Dublin @ Olympia Theatre

April 20 – Dublin @ Olympia Theatre

April 21 – Belfast @ Limelight

April 22 – Limerick @ Milk Market

“BEST DRIVING SONG” SURVEY RESULTS

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Insurance.com’s survey of the year’s most popular driving songs shows that most people get in touch with their inner disco dancer—with or without bell bottoms and platform shoes—while they’re on the road. “Dancing Queen” by ABBA shimmied its way into the top spot this year, knocking last year’s favorite, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, to fourth place.

This one-stop destination for expert advice on health, life and auto insurance asked drivers to name the best and worst road trip tunes, the genres most suited for driving, and the artists they’d rather not admit are on their playlist.

Find the complete survey results and detailed analysis on each category HERE.

Songs topping driving playlists this year include:

ABBA – Dancing Queen – 26%
Journey – Don’t Stop Believin’ – 25%
AC/DC – Highway to Hell – 23%
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody – 23%
Carrie Underwood – Jesus Take the Wheel – 20%

Not surprisingly, “Dancing Queen” was most popular among drivers aged 45-54, who may be nostalgic about boogying the night away to the song years ago.

Survey participants also made predictions about what the next great classic road trip songs will be:

Bruno Mars – Uptown Funk – 34%
Taylor Swift – Shake it off – 27%
Justin Timberlake – Can’t Stop the Feeling – 26%
Florida Georgia Line – Cruise – 25%
Billie Eilish – Bad guy – 20%

Although a disco song topped the list, the genre itself did not rank among drivers’ favorites for road trips. Instead, they prefer classic rock (15%), followed by country (12%) and ‘80s music (11%). Those who want to let Jesus take the wheel reported Christian gospel music is their favorite road trip genre (8%). Among the least popular genres—all with 1% popularity—were heavy metal, Latin, K-pop and indie/folk. Punk rock was dead last with 0%.

Survey respondents also listed some tunes and recording artists that they are unlikely to listen to with their windows down.

Some of the most popular artists in the “guilty pleasures” category are:

Britney Spears – 16%
Adele – 15%
Bon Jovi – 12%
Justin Bieber – 12%
Celine Dion – 12%

“This is the third year we’ve conducted this light-hearted study,” explains Les Masterson, managing editor for Insurance.com. “It’s an opportunity to remind consumers that we spend a lot of time in our cars and it’s important to have the best possible car insurance coverage in the event that anything goes wrong.”

“While background music can be a nice way to help pass the time, it’s important that people maintain full attention on the road and avoid distracted driving,” Masterson adds.

This survey explores who controls the music during a road trip, how parents handle their children’s music choices, and what solo drivers are most likely to do when their favorite song comes on.

To gather these results, Insurance.com commissioned a survey of 1,000 drivers and asked them to choose the best and worst songs for driving, what song will be the next road-trip favorite, and which artists represent the biggest guilty driving pleasures.

Protoje × Self Defense

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One of today’s most influential reggae artists, Protoje, tells a tale of retribution in his brand new video for “Self Defense,” the single from his latest album In Search of Lost Time (In.Digg.Nation Collective/Six Course Music/RCA Records). The Jamaican lyricist addresses distrust in his country’s government and takes a vigilante approach to control the bad-minded people running the streets. The visual, directed by Rebecca Williams, shows a group of women taking matters into their own hands to expose a man of his horrific crime.

“This is one of my favorite songs from the album and I decided to do a video for it because I feel like I wanted it to be almost like a declaration or call to attention regarding how we treat our women, especially as men. I wanted the story to be told from a woman’s perspective – and that’s how I linked up with the director, Rebecca. She’s an awesome storyteller & I think she did a great job with this video,” Protoje states.

On the track, Protoje talks about the hypocrisies of a patriarchal system and how it supports domestic violence and abuse. “Me hear some man a say them rather rape than turn a gay. As if dem deh ting deh related in any way. You nuh see say a some sicko them mentality. The patriarchy propagate all of them fallacy. Even in the church the violation prevalent Jehovah, you nuh witness, tell me that no relevant. Dem deh business cyaa exist inna we regiment. A self defense and we no hesitant.”

Protoje is no stranger calling out misogyny and has made a concerted effort to help shift that paradigm. Within his own industry, he has signed and supported an all female roster of Jamaican artists including Sevana, Lila Iké and Jaz Elise through his label and artist management company In.Digg.Nation Collective to represent the full spectrum of talent that his island has to offer.

Protoje’s fifth studio album In Search of Lost Time stays in rotation since its release on August 28, 2020. He colored outside the lines for a cinematic, ethereal, multi-genre LP and executive produced the entire project and co-produced five out of the thirteen original tracks. Now the vinyl edition to In Search of Lost Time is available for pre-orderwith shipments expected in September.

Watch “Self Defense” HERE

Topps National Baseball Card Day

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The Topps Company®, the official trading card partner of Major League Baseball, is excited to announce its month-long pop-up truck tour in celebration of Topps National Baseball Card Day on Saturday August 7.

Starting on Friday July 9 in Denver, CO, the Topps Truck will kick off at MLB’s All-Star Week, and then travel to numerous cities stopping at MLB stadiums, hobby shops and local events across the country, finally ending at the Field of Dreams game in Deyersville, IA on August 12. The Topps Truck, wrapped entirely in over 11,000 baseball cards, will travel more than 6,600 miles, bringing baseball fans the ultimate fandom experience. Throughout the month-long journey, the onsite teams in each location will host trivia contests and cornhole games, along with free baseball cards and Topps swag giveaways. Fans are also invited to take a photo in a life-size Topps card frame to become their own card, as well as trade at the mobile Topps Card Wall, a staple activity at Topps events.

“Every year, National Baseball Card Day is a reminder of Topps’ rich heritage and the infectious card collecting hobby that has remained a staple for sports fans and collectors of all ages,” said Emily Kless, Topps Communications Manager. “In 2019, we celebrated National Baseball Card Day with a pop-up Topps Truck in NYC, and this year, as we continue to celebrate Topps’ 70th Anniversary of baseball cards, we wanted to bring our Topps Truck to fans across the states, and celebrate our favorite players, iconic game moments, and more, at MLB stadiums and hobby shops nationwide.”

In addition, Topps is teaming up with FOX to raise awareness of NBCD, and the highly anticipated Field of Dreams game, which will take place in Deyersville, IA on Thursday August 12.

To commemorate the occasion, Topps is also giving away packs of cards in hobby shops across the country in honor of NBCD on Saturday August 7. Consumers can follow the Topps Truck’s journey on social media @Topps, and celebrate using the hashtag #ToppsNBCD.

For more information on National Baseball Card Day, please visit the Topps website.