Posts made in July 2021

Prateek Kuhad – Shehron Ke Raaz EP

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**PRATEEK KUHAD UNVEILS OFFICIAL SHEHRON KE RAAZ VIDEO**

WATCH HERE

NEW EP SHEHRON KE RAAZ

AVAILABLE NOW

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Prateek Kuhad has unveiled the official music video for Shehron Ke Raaz, the title track from his recently released Hindi EP. Directed by award-winning filmmaker Reema Sengupta, the slice-of-life music video pays a charming ode to old Bombay and captures a theme that is central to the four-track Shehron Ke Raaz EP, secret stories of love nestled in the big cities. The video is streaming now on the artist’s official YouTube channel.

Kuhad shared, I’m super excited about the ‘Shehron Ke Raaz’ music video – been waiting to share it for a while. I worked with Reema on ‘Tum Jab Paas’ last time around and we’ve known each other for many years. She’s a dear friend and a brilliant filmmaker. The music video has a lot of vibes – can’t wait for everyone to see it!

Shedding light on the vision behind the music video, director Reema Sengupta adds, Prateek and I have been working together for many years, and it was exciting to put together his first dance music video! ‘Shehron Ke Raaz’ felt so beautifully nostalgic to me, I knew I had to create a visual mood that feels the same. Every city has its stories of hidden love, that play out in fleeting glances, secret dates, and coded gestures. I wanted to explore what that romance would look like if the world wasn’t watching. I wanted to make this feel rooted and real, and have this couple’s little fantasy of romance play out within that reality. Something that feels, at once, old-worldly and contemporary. And hopefully, emotionally – timeless.

The Shehron Ke Raaz EP arrived earlier this month and has already amassed nearly ten million streams globally. Kuhad returns his Indian roots on the project, recording in Bombay and singing in Hindi as he explores the intimate, often hidden worlds that lovers create for themselves. There’s a sweetness to his delivery that transcends language and culture, resulting in a dreamy and profoundly moving body of work that speaks to the kind of fundamentally human desires that bind us all. The four-track collection includes an acoustic version of Kuhad’s 2020 breakout hit Kasoor, and was heralded by singles Tere Hi Hum and the EP’s title track. Shehron Ke Raaz is available now on all streaming platforms via Elektra Records.

Last fall, Prateek announced his signing to Elektra Records, making history as the first solo Indian act to join the storied label. The news was heralded by the re-release of his 2018 breakthrough EP cold / mess, lauded by Atwood Magazine as an utterly breathtaking, expansive piece of indie folk mastery. The collection has racked up critical praise from NPR, Vulture, Billboard, Uproxx, and former President Barack Obama, who featured cold / mess on his 2019 Songs of the Year playlist. In February, Kuhad shared cold / mess (on piano), a stripped-back take of the delicate ballad.

About Prateek Kuhad

Hailed by Rolling Stone India as one of the country’s leading singer-songwriters, Prateek Kuhad has taken the rest of the world by storm in recent years, writing and performing in both Hindi and English and garnering a slew of accolades and honors around the globe with his mesmerizing, cinematic songwriting.

Growing up in the small city of Jaipur, India, Kuhad’s childhood listening diet consisted primarily of the Indian pop and Bollywood soundtracks that filled the local radio dial, as well as his parents’ CD collection, which contained only limited Western music. A move to New York City for college opened Prateek’s eyes to a new world of music, discovering Elliott Smith and inspiring him to seriously pursue his musical ambitions. While Kuhad has long been a household name in his native country (he became one of Spotify India’s most-streamed artists when the service launched there and the cold/mess EP debuted at #1), 2019 proved to be his breakout year in North America, with a star-making turn at SXSW and a cross-country headline run that culminated with three sold out shows in New York City.

Prateek’s debut album In Tokens and Charms was an instant hit, earning the artist an MTV Europe Music Award, Indie Album of the Year honors from iTunes, and the title of Best Pop Artist at the Radio City Freedom Awards. The album’s opening track, Oh Love, captured first place in the prestigious International Songwriting Competition, which previously helped launch artists like Gotye and Passenger to global audiences. Kuhad has sold out auditorium and amphitheater dates across India, landed arena support slots with the likes of Alt-J and Mike Posner, and traveled the world for headline and festival performances in the US, UK, Australia, Singapore, Canada, and France.

Prateek Kuhad

Shehron Ke Raaz EP

AVAILABLE NOW

Tracklisting

Shehron Ke Raaz
Khone Do
Tere Hi Hum
Kasoor, Acoustic

Connect with Prateek Kuhad via their website, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Elektra Music Group × The New Orleans Musicians’ Assistance Foundation

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Elektra Music Group is proud to work with The New Orleans Musicians’ Assistance Foundation’s (the 501(c)3 nonprofit, which operates the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic) Makin’ Groceries program, to distribute hurricane preparedness kits to more than 100 elder and medically vulnerable New Orleans performers. Elektra Gives Back, an employee-led philanthropic initiative within Elektra Music Group, brings national attention to the Makin’ Groceries community health efforts and hurricane preparedness initiative. Makin’ Groceries, Elektra Gives Back, and partnering organizations are asking community members to sponsor kits or supply items, including: first aid essentials, garbage bags, flashlights, sunscreen, batteries, and more, so that New Orleans culture bearers served by the program can safely weather the 2021 storm season.

Suzi Akyuz, Elektra Music Group Vice President of Marketing, said, “New Orleans is such an important city arguably the most important in music history and culture. Through Elektra Gives Back, the Elektra Music Group is proud to join the New Orleans Musicians’ Assistance Foundation in the vital work they do in protecting the city’s elder and medically vulnerable culture bearers. With hurricane season already upon us, NOMAF’s Makin’ Groceries and hurricane preparedness initiatives are in desperate need of support. We’re glad to offer any and all help that we can.”

Arejay Hale of GRAMMY Award winning band Halestorm adds, “New Orleans has always held a special place in my heart. I’ve had so many amazing experiences performing there with my band, and spending time in that great city. The musical history and culture is so rich, with no shortage of talent. I’m so proud to be a member of the Warner Music Group family, who are working to bring awareness to the great efforts of the New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic’s Makin Groceries program and their hurricane preparedness kits through Elektra Gives Back. So many local musicians and unsung heroes need our help, especially with hurricane season upon us. Please go to The New Orleans Musicians’ Clinic right now to learn more and to find out how you can get involved!”

Launched in June 2020, Makin’ Groceries provides weekly, home-delivered care packages of nutritious food items, prepared meals, health education, and lagniappe to a group of 100+ culture bearers and their families. Led and produced by a network of local musicians, community health workers, volunteers, and businesses, the program is designed in collaboration with those served to show gratitude and admiration for their profound influence on New Orleans culture.

“What began as a pandemic response program to ensure the health and safety of culture bearers has evolved into a multi-year program with a ton of meaningful partners,” says Erica Dudas, Managing Director of the New Orleans Musicians’ Assistance Foundation. Makin’Groceries Program Director, Arsène DeLay adds, “We have a unique opportunity to make a difference when it comes to addressing health inequities and food insecurity at the ground level. All while strengthening our communal bonds, celebrating a love of music, and showing gratitude to our culture bearers. This is what collective care looks like in action and we need people to give back.”

Makin’ Groceries and partners will continue to ensure New Orleans culture bearers have access to healthy food and feel safe, mentally healthy, and cared for during Hurricane Season with a little help from friends near and far, who they invite to contribute by purchasing from their Amazon Wishlist or giving directly at nomaf.org/makingroceries.

Blxst and Bino Rideaux × Pop Out

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Following the release of their acclaimed summer mixtape, Sixtape 2, rising LA hip-hop artists Blxst and Bino Rideaux drop the music video for their single “Pop Out.” Set in the streets of Los Angeles, the fast-paced visual shows the two South Central artists as they drive through the city, culminating in a late-night party.

“‘Pop Out’ was a good tone to start with because Sixtape 2 was highly anticipated,” says Blxst. “It was kind of a double meaning, speaking to a female but also speaking to our fans.”

“‘Pop Out’ is just a testament to the amount of time it took us to double back for Part 2 as well as coming out of a pandemic,” says Bino Rideaux. “They been waiting on this and we have too. So we had to pop out one time.”

Serving as the highly anticipated sequel to the 2019 release of Sixtape, which helped establish both artists as two of the West Coast’s must-watch talents, the release of Sixtape 2 has been met with both critical and fan acclaim, with over 20 million streams to date. Debuting at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart and #117 on the Billboard Top 200, the project hit #4 on the Apple iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap Top Albums Chart, as well as #8 on Spotify’s Top 10 Album Debuts Chart in the US. Blxst and Bino celebrated the release with an interactive fan experience hosted by Rotation, Amazon Music’s global Hip-Hop and R&B brand. Inspired by the music video for their hit single “Movie,” both artists were able to give back to their community, providing over 300 free car washes to attendees.

Sixtape 2 is out now via Red Bull Records. Full tracklist is below and is available to stream on all platforms here.

WATCH MUSIC VIDEO: https://youtu.be/uBy7Ubjv_n4
STREAM / DOWNLOAD: https://ffm.to/sixtape2

Roosevelt Collection Shops Announce Boxed Experience

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The interactive Boxed Experience is set to open in the Roosevelt Collection shops from August 14 – September 30.

Roosevelt Collection Shops is thrilled to announce Boxed Experience, the latest activation soon to open within their new exhibit space, 150 West. Opening August 14 and running through September 30, the interactive theatrical experience will amaze visitors through map projections and hyper-realistic rooms as guests investigate and decide the fate of a man being accused of a horrible crime. In each room, clues and evidence will alter thoughts on guilt and innocence through intriguing visuals, mind-bending sensories, and a storyline that will leave attendees speechless. Tickets range from $35-55.

“We are always searching for cutting edge activations to engage and entertain our visitors,” said Shannon Ridgeway, General Manager at Roosevelt Collection Shops. “Boxed Experience will be a one-of-a-kind way to dig deep into social issues and raise our collective consciousness in an interactive, fun way as a community.”

Live actors will bring characters in the story to life, interacting with guests along the way. Created to shed light on the various barriers among different cultures, ethnicities, and social issues, the exhibit aims to shift mindsets and take visitors’ thought patterns to new heights.

About Roosevelt Collection Shops

Managed and leased by Poag Shopping Centers, Roosevelt Collection Shops is Chicago’s premier shopping, dining, and lifestyle destination, situated for travelers and locals alike in the heart of the city’s beloved South Loop neighborhood. Offering impeccable views of the skyline, unique art installations, and more for all to enjoy, the center is a short walk to a variety of community mainstays including school campuses, museums, and sports arenas. Offering a well-balanced mix of retailers and amenities, the center features a dog-friendly plaza, children’s play area, koi pond, fire pit, gorgeous 19,000 square foot open rooftop space, and a public park and event space. Shops that call the lifestyle center home include The Container Store, Ulta Beauty, H&M, Fleet Feet Sports, and LensCrafters, among many local boutiques including Love Peridot, Divinity 7, Sultry Steps Boutique, and KIDO Chicago. Visitors are welcome to visit for a walk with friends or their furry companions, gather over a great meal, break a sweat at one of the three fitness-focused offerings, or take in a film at Showplace ICON Theatre, all in one convenient hub.

The Outlierman × 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance Tie

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The Outlierman, makers of handcrafted luxury driving accessories, is excited to announce that they are accepting pre-orders of the exclusive limited edition 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® tie, before its unveiling next month.

Limited to 50 pieces, The Outlierman has exclusively designed, in partnership with Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, a tie which celebrates one of the world’s most iconic GTs – the 1956 Ferrari 410 Superamerica by Pininfarina. Produced by one of the greatest coachbuilders to ever exist, the 410 Superamerica will become the main focal point of the tie design, in line with the event’s wider celebration on the creations of Carrozzeria Pininfarina.

On August 15, while the extraordinary GT that is the showpiece of this silk tie will make its runway of honor at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, current and prospective clients will be able to discover the new design that synthesizes all its glory.

A classic concours collaboration

Established in 1950, the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® is considered to be the world’s premier celebration of the automobile and takes place each year on the 18^th fairway of Pebble Beach Golf Links, with the Pacific Ocean serving as stunning backdrop to the event.

Since 2016, The Outlierman has proudly partnered with Concours d’Elegance® to produce bespoke handcrafted ties, which celebrate the theme of each occasion. Previous designs include the Bentley 8 Litre silk tie (2019), the OSCA “the giant killer” silk tie (2018), a silk tie inspired by the masterpieces of the Italian car manufacturer Isotta Fraschini (2017) and a silk tie celebrating French car manufacturer, Delahaye (2016).

Made exclusively for the prestigious annual classic car event, each collector presenting their vehicle at Concours d’Elegance® – alongside the judges adjudicating them – will receive one of the tailored ties, complimentary of The Outlierman.

Lovingly handcrafted by elite artisans from Como, Italy, each tie is made from 100% twill silk fabric (18 momi) and features a 100% wool interlining. The quality of the silk highlights bold colors and an elegant design; the key to any tie tailored for an established event such as Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®.

Andrea Mazzuca, Founder of The Outlierman, said: “After what feels like an eternity since the last Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, my team and I are incredibly excited to share with you our final design for 2021, when it’s unveiled next month.

“We have had the great honor to partner with this fantastic event since 2016, creating a bespoke design based on the theme each year. I can’t wait to share with everyone our upcoming design for the 70^th anniversary – I promise it won’t be one to miss out on!”

The Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® will take place on Sunday, August 15, 2021, and will celebrate its 70 anniversary.

100% handmade in Italy

The Outlierman company was formed with a mission to handcraft a range of accessories inspired by the breath-taking beauty, supreme quality, and timeless appeal of the world’s most iconic cars.

Pre-orders of the 2021 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance® tie can be made here.

The latest Outlierman products can be found here.

Ka$hdami × ssgkobe – Wake Up

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WATCH KA$HDAMI’S MUSIC VIDEO WAKE UP WITH ssgkobe

DELUXE EDITION OF MIXTAPE EPIPHANY RELOADED OUT NOW

Ascending to the forefront of the game at lightspeed, Las Vegas-born and DMV-based buzzing 16-year-old rapper KA$HDAMI unleashes the music video for his new single Wake Up with ssgkobe. Watch it HERE. The song remains a standout from his critically acclaimed red hot debut mixtape, Epiphany, and its expanded counterpart, Epiphany Reloaded.

Watch the music video for Wake Up: HERE

Listen to Epiphany & Epiphany Reloaded

After a quirky animated intro complete with an old school iPod, the clip springs to action. Kinetic and tripped out visuals of KA$HDAMI and ssgkobe speak to the frenetic energy of the song with power and psychedelic splendor.

Tracks from Epiphany have already generated over 30 million streams and counting, and Pitchfork observed, The teen rapper’s dreamy yet dark mixtape leans into gruff flows and gun-toting punchlines with a wink.

Upon arrival, Epiphany earned a Top 10 debut on Spotify, while multiple cuts lit up playlists such as Soundcloud’s New & Hot Overall and New & Hip Hop Charts. Not to mention, Cole Bennett, Internet Money, Lil Tecca, Trippie Redd, Yung Bans, and more have publicly endorsed KA$HDAMI. He also kept the momentum going with the recent music video for Wake Up [feat. ssgkobe].

Recently, Pigeons & Planes hailed him as one of the Best New Artists for May 2021, and he lives up to this high praise on the project. In addition to the recent single Dior, the tape includes the magnetically melodic standout I Know produced by none other than multiplatinum phenomenon Lil Tecca. Not to mention, ssgkobe dips into the undeniable Wake Up. YVNGXCHRIS trades bars with KA$HDAMI on Fitness, while BABYSANTANA pulls up with a rich cameo of his own on Receipts.

Epiphany includes KA$HDAMI’s recent single Dior and the viral banger Look N The Mirror!. The latter crashed the Top 20 of the Spotify Viral Chart and Top 25 on the Rolling Stone Breakthrough 25 Chart, while Pitchfork proclaimed, Must Hear Rap Song of the Day. It has already racked more than 20 million total streams.

With bold bars and electrifying flows, KA$HDAMI initially set TikTok on fire with Kappin Up. At just 12-years-old, he accumulated traction on Soundcloud as part of the hvmor rap collective. As he took off online solo, he served up the independent projects #KashDontMiss and 16.

Hip-hop will have an Epiphany about KA$HDAMI’s greatness in 2021.

ABOUT KA$HDAMI

KA$HDAMI envisioned his dream and chased it down relentlessly as a rapper and entrepreneur. The 16-year-old Las Vegas-born and DMV-raised multi-hyphenate possesses wisdom and business acumen beyond his years coupled with impressive lyrical acuity. At 12-years-old, he joined the hvmor rap collective and lit up Soundcloud. Finding his signature sound, he continued to rap on Instagram throughout 2020, teasing out snippets and organically building viral buzz. Eventually, his original Kappin Up caught fire on TikTok. It appeared in videos by Bronny James, Tory Lanez, Shareef O’Neal, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, piling on tens of millions of views. As he took off online solo, he unleashed the independent projects #KashDontMiss and 16. In 2021, Look N The Mirror! crashed the Top 20 of the Spotify Viral Chart and Top 25 on the Rolling Stone Breakthrough 25 Chart, while Pitchfork proclaimed it a Must Hear Rap Song of the Day. At the same time, it accumulated 3 million-plus streams straight out of the gate. Gathering millions of streams, lighting up TikTok, launching his successful Ka$hwayz brand, and receiving acclaim, he presents an unfiltered and undeniable vision on his official debut mixtape, Epiphany, led by Dior.

Follow Ka$hdami on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Spotify.

Nipsey Hussle Biography ‘The Marathon Don’t Stop’

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Rob Kenner is one of the most prolific and influential voices in hip hop publishing and a founding editor of Vibe magazine.

After meeting Nipsey Hussle in the offices of Vibe, Kenner spent the next ten years tracking the life and career of the hip hop mogul, artist, and activist. THE MARATHON DON’T STOP: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle by Rob Kenner (Atria Books; Hardcover; March 23, 2021; $27.00; ISBN: 9781982140298) is the first in-depth biography of Nipsey Hussle, whose transformative legacy inspired a generation with his motivational lyrics and visionary business savvy—before he was tragically shot down on March 31, 2019 in the very neighborhood he was dedicated to building up. August 15th is Nipsey Hussle’s birthday. He would be turning 36 this year.

Combining on-the-ground reporting and candid interviews with Hussle’s friends, family, and peers, THE MARATHON DON’T STOP traces the life and work of an extraordinary artist, placing him in historical context and unpacking his complex legacy.

Some details of Hussle’s life that Kenner can discuss in an interview include:

Ermias Asghedom, before he was Nipsey Hussle, was a brilliant, soft-spoken, and underestimated young man who loved hip hop with a passion and was determined to build his own successful music label and clothing business—as well as other businesses that would employ many members of his community.
His life in the Crenshaw District starting in 1985, placing Hussle in historical context within the evolution of Hip Hop, Los Angeles, and America.
Hussle’s genius as a teenager who built his own computers and went on to push the envelope of technology in growing his businesses as well as innovating new revenue models for independent musicians that have since been adopted by the mainstream music industry
Hussle’s life-changing trip to Africa to visit his father’s family in Eritrea, as well as his little-known first meeting with Afeni Shakur, long before he called himself the ‘Tupac of My Generation’ or even took the rap name Nipsey Hussle.
Hussle’s impact as an activist, and his efforts to re-align L.A. gang culture with the mission of organizations like the Black Panthers…AND MORE.

Rob Kenner is one of the most prolific and influential voices in hip hop publishing. A founding editor of Vibe, Kenner joined the start-up team of Quincy Jones’ groundbreaking hip hop monthly in 1992. During a nineteen-year run at Vibe he edited and wrote cover and feature stories on iconic cultural figures ranging from Tupac Shakur to Barack Obama as well as writing the acclaimed column Boomshots. Kenner’s writing has appeared in Complex, Genius, Mass Appeal, Pigeons & Planes, Ego Trip, Poetry magazine, The New York Times, and Billboard. He’s also produced and directed documentary shorts on the likes of De La Soul, Nas, and Post Malone. As an editor at Vibe Books, Kenner worked on the New York Times bestseller Tupac Shakur and contributed to The Vibe History of Hip Hop. He went on to co-author VX: 10 Years of Vibe Photography and produced the book Unbelievable, a biography of The Notorious B.I.G. by Cheo Hodari Coker Jr., which was optioned for the motion picture Notorious.

Read here – The Marathon Don’t Stop – a link to the open NetGalley widget. You will need to create a free account to access the egalley.

Teatro Nuovo’s The Barber of Seville

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By: Emily Bunn × Armon Hayes × Vaughn Lowery x Sydney Mayer

On Wednesday night, 360 Magazine had the pleasure of viewing Teatro Nuovo‘s The Barber of Seville. While we were originally visiting Chicago on assignment, after finding out about this monumental production, we knew it couldn’t be missed. We immediately dropped what we were doing and used our Amtrak monthly pass to dash to Damrosch Park in New York City.

Our experience was impressive from the start as soon as we entered the space. Damrosch Park is part of the Lincoln Center complex nearby Fordham University Lincoln Center. It includes the Daniel and Florence Guggenheim outdoor bandshell in the greenspace’s center. The park encompasses the Metropolitan Opera House, the New York State Theater (now the David H. Koch Theater), and Philharmonic Hall (later Avery Fisher Hall and now David Geffen Hall).

The opera buffa invited in guests with a whimsical atmosphere of musical merrymaking. This classic two-act opera, originally by Gioachino Rossini with an Italian libretto by Cesare Sterbini, was developed into a cutting-edge interpretation by Teatro Nuovo–Italian for the new theater. The expansive stage, which included a backdrop with soft, rosy clouds, was decorated with a cast of performers donning black-tie apparel. The rostrum was well-lit and easily viewable from all angles of the venue.

The enchanted lighting cast a sultry wash of deep blue hues over all the guests in attendance. Opera enthusiasts of all ages were present for one of the first shows since lockdown. Joining us were people from all ages, races and walks of life: biracial couples, youthful gay couples, and arts aficionados who appeared to be well into their 90s. This sensual, post-pandemic moment of calm finally brought New York’s community of playwrights, musical lovers, and opera fans together yet again.

This marvelous production of The Barber of Seville has surely been long-awaited by many – a worthy cause for celebration. Still, Teatro Nuovo employed all current CDC guidelines. Similar to the seating at fashion shows, guests were organized into pods of two people. Security guards were also present at the venue to enforce these restrictions.

The orchestra was unbelievably incredible, climaxing to a crashing cadenza that captivated the entire audience. Impressively, the conductor of the show also played violin. The cast was headlined by mezzo-soprano Hannah Ludwig. She was joined by the Figaro of Bass, Hans Tashjian, and the Almaviva of tenor, Nicholas Simpson. The three artists are additionally accompanied by soprano Alina Tamborini as Berta, bass Daniel Fridley as Don Basilio, and baritones Scott Purcell and Kyle Oliver as Bartolo and Fiorello, respectively. All of the singers had impressive skill and exhibited raw, uninhibited talent. Their on-stage vulnerability lent for an impassioned delivery which was impactful to all who were lucky enough to hear it. Bellowing vocals swelled the venue with their prolific pipes.

The opera included an intermission, which kindly allowed for guests to relive themselves and enjoy the provided refreshments.

The classic tale of this passionate love story enraptured the audience of emotional fans. 360 Magazine had goosebumps and became teary-eyed at the sublime, awe-inspiring rendition. The vibrant energy of love made one of our team members wish that their parents were still alive to witness this event. This romantic, operatic show was reminiscent of a foreign film gone wild. Fortunately, sub-captions were included.

Teatro Nuovo’s production of The Barber of Seville was truly the performance of a lifetime. 360 Magazine can now joyously cross seeing this spectacular show off of our bucket list.

A standing ovation for Teatro Nuovo’s The Barber of Seville can be viewed HERE.

*Photo credit: Steven Pisano

Kyle Olliver (Fiorello), Teatro Nuovo chorus. Photo Credit: Steven Pisano.

Hans Tashjian (Figaro), Hannah Ludwig (Rosina), Nicholas Simpson (Almaviva). Photo credit: Steven Pisano.

Hannah Ludwig (Rosina), Nicholas Simpson (Almaviva). Photo credit: Steven Pisano.

DEBATING THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN THE DRAFT

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By: Clara Guthrie

Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee have proposed a revolutionary reconfiguration of the federal military draft that is aimed at including women in the Selective Service System, according to a release from POLITICO. As the law stands now, all American men must register for the service when they turn 18, although the draft has not actually been enacted in more than 40 years since the Vietnam War. Refusing or failing to register can lead to fines, being denied student financial aid or federal jobs, and even prison time.

In the new proposal – authored by Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed of Rhode Island – the language regarding who must enlist at 18 would be expanded to include “all Americans,” not just men.

The conversation around including women in the draft has picked up speed and garnered national attention in the past few years. In June, the National Coalition for Men brought a case to the Supreme Court that challenged the male-only draft, calling it unconstitutional. While the Court declined to hear the case, three Justices—Sonia Sotomayor, Stephen Breyer and Brett Kavanaugh—did release a public statement on the topic. The statement argued that the exclusions of women from the draft made little sense when considering how much the military has changed in the past four decades since the Supreme Court first held up the original policy. The tone of the statement was unsure about whether the draft meets the standard of “exceedingly persuasive justification” to discriminate on the basis of gender. The Justices also noted the monumental 2015 decision from the Pentagon to open all military combat roles to women as further evidence.

This hot-topic issue most recently entered Capitol Hill in 2016. At the time, the Senate voted to have the decision become part of the annual defense policy bill; the House Armed Services Committee adopted a similar provision, but eventually scrapped it. As a compromise, an independent commission was formed to study the draft and the pressing question of what role gender plays in it. In March of 2020, the commission published its final report, which backed the idea of requiring women to register for Selective Service.

However, another distinctive school of thought advocates for the abolition of the draft altogether, as opposed to requiring all young people to register regardless of gender. As Boston Globe columnist Jeff Jacoby wrote in his recent piece, Women don’t register for the draft, and men shouldn’t either, “Selective Service has outlived its usefulness. It should be consigned to history. […] Congress shouldn’t just end male-only draft registration. It should end draft registration, period.” Jacoby goes on to argue that the draft is an outdated practice and that an all-volunteer army is far more effective: “Compared with draftees, [those who volunteer for service] work harder, serve longer, perform better, and are more likely to regard their service as a calling, not a compulsion. Their commitment and skill are reflected in the consistent No. 1 ranking of the military as the most trusted institution in America.” This final point is supported by a 2019 Gallup Poll that found that Americans trust the U.S. military more than any other public institution.

But, of course, there are legitimate issues posed by relying on a solely volunteer force. The All-Volunteer Force Forum (AVF Forum) is a network of military personnel and citizens alike who support some sort of draft being reinstated in order to combat the civil-military gap (a disconnect in views between military and non-military individuals). The AVF Forum cites issues including unsustainable recruiting techniques, a lack of socioeconomic and geographic diversity in the armed forces, and an inability to draw from the largest pool of possible candidates as all being exacerbated by a reliance on volunteerism.

In April, The AVF Forum held a conference to discuss potential amendments to the draft which do not include the complete dissolution of the institution. One solution is as follows:

“The conscription of only 5 to 10 percent of the force from the top 10 percent income tax bracket, [presented] by Marine Corps veteran and author Elliot Ackerman. The logic being that those within reach of the levers of power would be more inclined to limit military involvement if their own children faced drafting and deployment.”

No clear solution was reached at The AVF Forum conference, as the complicated debate continues to rage.

While it is unclear where exactly President Biden stands on the matter, he did share a clarifying quote at the Military Officers Association of America candidate forum in September of 2020 before he assumed the presidency. “The United States does not need a larger military, and we don’t need a draft at this time. […] I would, however, ensure that women are also eligible to register for the Selective Service System so that men and women are treated equally in the event of future conflicts,” said Biden.

The original proposition by the Senate Armed Services Committee is expected to be considered during committee markup this week. However, there will be no official floor action on the bill until at least later this year.

If the legislation eventually passes, the measure would only go into effect one year after approval.

Third Man announces Bob Dylan – Springtime In New York

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Third Man Records is excited to announce Vault Package #49: Bob Dylan – Springtime In New York: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 16 (1980-1985). In conjunction with Sony/Legacy, Third Man will release this 4xLP collection (pressed at Third Man Pressing in Detroit) full of previously unreleased outtakes, mixes and more, complete with a 16-page booklet of liner notes and track notations and four uniquely-colored LPs in their own individual LP sleeves, all housed together in an impressive custom slipcase. The songs on the Third Man Vault will be the ONLY vinyl release of those 42 songs. There is NO material overlap between the 2xLP version from Sony/Legacy and the 4xLP release from Third Man. Sign up is open now through July 31 at midnight CT.

In the early 1980s, while the music industry was grappling with the arrival of new trends and technology, from MTV to compact discs to digital recording, Bob Dylan was writing and recording new songs for a new decade, creating an essential new chapter in his studio catalog. The latest in Columbia/Legacy’s highly acclaimed Bob Dylan Bootleg Series revisits an often-forgotten, rich vein in Dylan’s vast and complex catalog, shining fresh light on the provocative new musical directions Dylan was taking as a songwriter and a recording artist from 1980 through 1985. Bob Dylan – Springtime In New York (1980-1985) celebrates the rich creative period surrounding Dylan’s albums Shot Of Love, Infidels, and Empire Burlesque with previously unreleased outtakes, alternate takes, rehearsal recordings, live performances and more.

Third Man Records, in conjunction with Sony/Legacy, is humbled to release a limited edition 4LP vinyl collection of Bob Dylan – Springtime In New York: The Bootleg Series Vol. 16 (1980-1985) as their 49th Vault package. Pressed on gold, violet, orange and purple discs at the state-of-the-art Third Man Pressing facility in Detroit, the set includes a 16-page booklet of liner notes and track notations, as well as individual LP sleeves all housed together in an impressive slipcase.

Bob Dylan – Springtime In New York: The Bootleg Series Vol. 16 (1980-1985) is also available in a deluxe 5xCD boxset as well as 2xCD and 2xLP 12” vinyl highlight packages. The songs on the Third Man Vault will be the ONLY vinyl release of those 42 songs. There is NO material overlap between the 2xLP version from Sony/Legacy and the 4xLP release from Third Man.

LP One of Bob Dylan – Springtime In New York: The Bootleg Series Vol. 16 (1980-1985) was recorded in 1980 and 1981 and finds Dylan rehearsing a variety of his own catalog compositions (“Señor (Tales of Yankee Power)”), rearranging some traditional folk tunes (“Jesus Met the Woman at the Well,” “Mary of the Wild Moor”) and revving up a selection of surprising covers (“Mystery Train” featuring Ringo Starr, “Fever,” “Abraham, Martin and John”) with a group of musicians including Frank Fred Tackett (guitar), David Mansfield (mandolin), Willie Smith (keyboards), Tim Drummond (bass), Jim Keltner (drums) and background vocals by Clydie King, Carolyn Dennis, Gwen Evans, and Regina McCrary.

LP Two of Bob Dylan – Springtime In New York (1980-1985) is devoted to outtakes and alternate takes of recordings, produced by Chuck Plotkin for Shot of Love, as well as material Bob Dylan wrote for Infidels, performed by the all-star band assembled for the album, produced by Bob Dylan and Mark Knopfler, which featured Knopfler (guitar), Mick Taylor (guitar), Alan Clark (keyboards), Robbie Shakespeare (bass) and Sly Dunbar (drums).

LP Four of the album includes live tracks (“Enough Is Enough” from Slane Castle, Ireland, and “License to Kill” from Late Night with David Letterman, March 22, 1984) alongside alternate takes and outtakes from the Empire Burlesque sessions, produced by Bob Dylan, including the premiere of the new song “Straight A’s in Love.”

According to the Producer’s Note in the album: “The alternate takes selected for this set are different than the ones released on previous volumes of The Bootleg Series. They are included here to illustrate the musical journey Bob Dylan undertook during these years.”

In his liner notes for Bob Dylan – Springtime In New York, Damien Love writes, “And that’s the real story of this gloriously untrammeled collection. The songs. The songs stripped free of trappings, tampering, passing tastes, and judgements. The songs broken down to the sound of people really doing this, right now, acting on instinct. The songs rough and rowdy, bruised and tender, joking and crying, nagging and striving and yearning. The songs were always there, and here they are still, keeping pace with us.”

Fans have only until July 31st to subscribe to Third Man Records Vault, where they will automatically receive this package. Visit here to sign up.

Bob Dylan

Springtime In New York: The Bootleg Series, Vol. 16 (1980-1985)

Third Man Records 4-LP Set

Track List:

LP-1

Señor (Tales of Yankee Power) – Rehearsal
Jesus Met the Woman at the Well – Rehearsal
Mary of the Wild Moor – Rehearsal
A Couple More Years – Rehearsal
This Night Won’t Last Forever – Rehearsal
Mystery Train – Shot of Love outtake
We Just Disagree – Rehearsal
Let’s Keep It Between Us – Rehearsal
Fever – Rehearsal
Abraham, Martin and John – Rehearsal
Angelina – Shot of Love outtake

LP-2

Price of Love – Shot of Love outtake
I Wish It Would Rain – Shot of Love outtake
Let It Be Me – International 7” Single B-side*
Donߣt Ever Take Yourself Away – Shot of Love outtake*
Cold, Cold Heart – Shot of Love outtake
Is It Worth It? – Shot of Love outtake
Borrowed Time – Shot of Love outtake
Yes Sir, No Sir – Shot of Love outtake
This Was My Love – Infidels outtake
Donߣt Fall Apart on Me Tonight [version 2] – Infidels alternate take
Neighborhood Bully – Infidels alternate take

LP-3

Too Late [acoustic version] – Infidels outtake
Clean Cut Kid – Infidels outtake
Baby What You Want Me to Do – Infidels outtake
Foot of Pride – Infidels outtake
I and I – Infidels alternate take
Green, Green Grass of Home – Infidels outtake
Union Sundown – Infidels alternate take
Lord Protect My Child – Infidels outtake
Tell Me – Infidels outtake

LP-4

Enough is Enough [live] – Slane Castle, Ireland
License to Kill [live] – Late Night with David Letterman, March 22, 1984
Angel Flying Too Close to the Ground – Infidels outtake
Julius and Ethel – Infidels outtake
I’ll Remember You – Empire Burlesque alternate take
When the Night Comes Falling from the Sky [slow version] – Empire Burlesque alternate take

Tight Connection to My Heart (Has Anybody Seen My Love) – Empire Burlesque alternate mix
Emotionally Yours – Empire Burlesque alternate take
Clean Cut Kid – Empire Burlesque alternate take,
Straight A’s in Love – Empire Burlesque outtake
When the Night Comes Falling from the Sky [fast version] – Empire Burlesque alternate take

All tracks previously unreleased except *