Posts made in September 2021

Ashley Kutcher – Fake Bitches

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Rising pop singer/songwriter Ashley Kutcher unleashes her explosive new single Fake Bitches with accompanying music video out today on Interscope Records. The 22-year-old artist holds nothing back on the track, using her soaring vocal melodies to tear into fakes, flakes, and haters.

“The idea for this song came about after talking about my transition from nursing to signing a record deal” says Ashley on the creation of ‘Fake Bitches.’ “While it’s an exciting stage of my life, I have also received a lot of unwanted “feedback” from people around me. This made me realize that as I’ve gotten older, I really only have a couple of real friends that truly have my back. I wanted to make a fun song that people can relate to when it comes to knowing who the real people in your life are, and of course, knowing who’s definitely not.”

The scathing, yet sincere track starts on the defensive. “I know I got a couple things to prove,” she admits in a bold, breathy croon. A moody guitar builds into a fist-pumping chorus as Kutcher flexes her vocals and shows her teeth. “One more basic conversation. Fuck no baby, I can’t take it,” she sings. With production by Los Angeles duo Afterhrs (who’ve co-written and co-produced tracks for artists including Louis Tomlinson, Maroon 5, and One Direction), “Fake Bitches” is a fun, feisty spin on Kutcher’s poignant, confessional songwriting.

“Fake Bitches” arrives amid a productive streak for Kutcher. She recently shared the sentimental single “Favorite What If” and the softly cinematic “If I Could,” the latter of which has gathered nearly 2 million Spotify streams since its April release. This recent run follows Kutcher’s breakout debut song, “Love You From A Distance,” which has amassed over 36M combined streams across Spotify and Apple Music, and earned placement on highly coveted playlists including Pop Rising, Fresh & Chill, Alone Again, and more.

With nearly 36K TikTok creates under her belt and radio placement from BBC Radio 1’s “Best New Pop” and Sirius XM’s “The Pulse,” the Baltimore native has started to embrace her place as one of pop music’s most affecting newcomers. Tracks like “Fake Bitches” show her songwriting prowess and range, something she’ll only continue to develop as she works on her debut EP, which is due to be released later this year on Darkroom / Interscope.

About Ashley Kutcher

Baltimore, MD, singer, songwriter, and artist Ashley Kutcher distinguishes herself as the kind of raw talent equally at home on the stage of a neighborhood watering hole or live on social media. Post-high school, she pursued a nursing degree at Towson University. While at Towson, a local bar came across a video of her singing online and invited her to perform on their stage. This opportunity opened the floodgates as Ashley quit her waitressing job shortly after and logged regular marathon sets, often playing four hours per night. During her senior year, she uploaded a demo of her original composition “Lust” to TikTok. The video instantly gained traction and garnered thousands of views in just 48 hours. To sustain this momentum, she released a follow-up demo called “Hands To Myself” to streaming platforms and the song quickly surpassed 1 million streams on Spotify. While her nascent fan base continued to grow, Ashley came across a tweet from blackbear that read “hit me up if you don’t like me.” As her creative neurons began to fire, she used the tweet as inspiration and responded with her own song similarly named “HMU if U Don’t Like Me,” which went on to quickly rack up another million streams. At this point, she realized the power of transforming a post into a song and did the same thing with “Love You From a Distance,” setting TikTok on fire with just a D.I.Y. performance clip from her bathroom. Produced by Eric Taft, the song quickly eclipsed 9.5 million Spotify streams as she signed to Darkroom/Interscope Records (now at over 36M combined). Amassing 20 million streams independently and 20 million TikTok views, Ashley’s heartfelt honesty captivates on a series of singles for Darkroom/Interscope and her forthcoming 2021 debut EP.

L’FREAQ showcases her raw talent

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Today, LA-based dark-synth pop artist, L’FREAQ, shares a live and unplugged version of her newest single, “LOUD,” from her sophomore EP, Showgirl, due out on September 23, 2021 via Position Music. The intimate performance on plush red couches and a heart-shaped bed shows L’FREAQ’s literal comfort with vulnerability and also with her own power. Without a mic, and accompanied only by an acoustic guitar player, the glittering bones of this powerhouse song are brought to light.

L’FREAQ recently shared the official video for “LOUD.” In a music world (and the whole world) where women have consistently been silenced, taken as a joke, out-shadowed and pushed around, this song reminds anyone who’s ever been shut up not to shut down. In fact, L’FREAQ recommends getting loud. As the ferocious beat slaps, the fiercely free lyrics gain momentum: “You ask me why can’t you sit down and shut up and wait your turn / I want it now so I guess you could say I never learn” and “I’m gonna be loud / I’m gonna break out / So watch my mouth / I’m gonna be loud / I’m gonna break the mold.”

On the new track, L’FREAQ says, “I made LOUD as my war paint song. I’ve had so many experiences in the music industry of men trying to take advantage of me, specifically one man who led me down a dark alley when I was 16 and made fun of me when I said I didn’t trust him. I went into the studio with my cowriter, Chris Ayer, and we played badass movie scenes on mute of women standing in their power, letting their kick ass personas inspire us. I wanted to make a song that could perfectly narrate those movie scenes, so LOUD was born. This is the song I would play for the 16-year-old version of me, helping her realize that she doesn’t need a man to get ahead, and she’s free to take on the world.

The official video, shot in an alley and harkening back to that moment, reclaims autonomy and energy with hair flips, rhinestone gloves and bold fashion. On the video, she adds, “I filmed this video in 110-degree heat in my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona. Bless my videographer, Josue Orozco, for always being game to do crazy things like this with me. The unique clothing is from my friend Robert who owns one of the coolest vintage clothing stores in the country, Fashion by Robert Black. I wanted the video to be messy and fun and LOUD, and I edited it myself to create the perfect atmosphere.”

L’FREAQ’s previous single and battle cry title track, “Showgirl,” is also out now. She also recently shared a lyric video of the single. The word empowered stands boldly in front of the red curtain in the lyric video, and in the new live and unplugged version L’FREAQ’s voice alone is full of potent, passionate energy. Her raw performance, only accompanied by an acoustic guitar, proves every lyric’s realness in every note.

Furthering the story from the debut single and music video for “Gimmick,” it’s clear that the upcoming EP is absolutely stacked with metaphor, all-star fashion, witchy babe vibes and an important message about the role media plays with children especially young women. L’FREAQ is turning trauma into triumph, tapping into her heart and getting out of her head.

From puppet to powerhouse (just like in The “Gimmick” video), L’FREAQ breaks free of the monotony and shreds through the brainwashed stereotypes, as she literally shreds on a guitar. “Gimmick” showed L’FREAQ embodying themes of resilience in a time of self-doubt, combining heart-pounding beats with passionate lyrics about believing in the power that everyone inherently owns and nobody else can take away. It also emphasizes L’FREAQ’s expansive “robust range (Refinery29),” which is also on full display in her recent live and unplugged version of “Gimmick.” This new track follows in those footsteps and takes it further into a deeper love of music, family and personal freedom.

Having recently performed for Backline’s “Set Break” live stream alongside Alanis Morissette, Tom Morello, Ben Folds, Sara Bareilles and more to raise funds and awareness for mental health services to be distributed to music industry for free, L’FREAQ has been a champion for her community. This song is another chapter of that consistent commitment to rise up and bring people with her.

L’FREAQ, continues to remain an open book of emotions for fans as she lays out her own experience with rejection and struggles with mental health. L’FREAQ belts, “Got the courage to be vulnerable, got the guts to wear the crown, cause I dare to bare it all, I refuse to water down,” as a testament of truthfulness and self-confidence even when it’s hard. Intimacy on this level allows L’FREAQ to push the storyline forward when it comes to believing in dreams as a reality, especially in the face of adversity. Nylon Look at L’FREAQ, draped in jewels and Cleopatra-esque eye makeup; then look a little harder. Behind the artifice, integrity abounds.”

L’FREAQ is all about being inclusive, and she is outspoken when it comes to defending the underdog. As an ally of everyone on the spectrum of gender and sexuality, bullies, racists and sexists are not allowed in L’FREAQ’s kingdom. She also shows her love for those closest to her, by highlighting their work: namely her fashion photographer mom, Kelly Cappelli (as seen Vogue), who does all the photography.

The new release follows L’FREAQ’s debut Weird Awakenings, which played with themes of self-discovery, as well as her 2021 single “Make Me Move.” Armed with a full book of poetry, L’FREAQ took pieces of her work and composed songs with Mike Irish, who also produced and mixed the EP at Shifted Recording Studios. The EP was mastered by Stuart Hawkes at Metropolis London Music. They took their time in discovering a sound that felt genuine, one that explored all the raw places she had been longing to find.Together, they created a modern amalgamation thoughtful poetry and her raw musical instincts ;which inevitably alchemized ;into songs that are all at once aggressive, sensual and moving.

Having shared a stage with ABBA, India.Arie and Jakob Dylan, it’s important to note her live performance prowess, even without tour dates on the books (speaking of longing). L’FREAQ played a packed NYC performance debut at SoHo House, and channeled Britney Spears (especially during her ferocious “Toxic” cover”), Nick Cave and Beats Antique vibes. The Deli Magazine;later dubbed her Éc;NYC’s Favorite Emerging Artist.Éd; She’s also currently playing Amy Winehouse in Las Vegas show “27”, and has been featured on the news several times for her iconic portrayal of Winehouse, who inspired her to sing in the first place, leaving audiences moved to tears from the experience.

NEW SINGLE “LOUD” OUT TODAY

WATCH “LOUD” LIVE & UNPLUGGED

WATCH OFFICIAL VIDEO HERE | LISTEN HERE

NEW DARK SYNTH-POP EP SHOWGIRL DUE OUT SEPTEMBER 23, 2021 VIA POSITION MUSIC

PRE-SAVE HERE

Track listing: SHOWGIRL EP

1.Gimmick

2. Showgirl

3. Take You Down

4. LOUD

5. Nothing on Me

PREVIOUS RELEASES BY L’FREAQ:

LISTEN TO “MAKE ME MOVE”: HERE

WATCH “NEW SKIN”: HERE

LISTEN TO WEIRD AWAKENINGS EP: HERE

WATCH “WEIRD AWAKENINGS” VIDEO: HERE

WATCH “MOONLIGHT” VIDEO: HERE

Olivia Holt Performs on Bachelor

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ABC announced that Olivia Holt performed her new single “Next” on an episode of their summer reality series Bachelor in Paradise now in its seventh season, which was aired Tuesday September 7, 2021, at 8/7c on ABC. This performance will mark Olivia’s national TV debut performance of the song which was written by Meghan Trainor, Ross Golan and Johan Carlsson.

LISTEN TO NEXT HERE

WATCH NEXT VIDEO HERE

FOLLOW OLIVIA:

About Olivia Holt

With over 600M streams, a #1 dance hit ;(“Generous”), a GOLD single; (“History”), and starring in Freeform’s #1 hit series, Cruel Summer, Olivia Holt is at the top of her game — and with her new single, “Next” (written by Meghan Trainor, Johan Carlsson, and Ross Golan) she continues to deliver a dynamic form of pop music that’s undeniably catchy. “Next” is part of a new era of music for Olivia which kicked off in 2020 with the release of the critically acclaimed “love u again” featuring R3HAB and the steamy “talk me out of it. Earlier this year, Olivia released “Do You Miss Me” and her first co-written song, the impassioned “love on you” with plans to release new music this fall. Since her 2016 debut EP OLIVIA, this multi-talented artist has amassed over 9M+ social followers and received critical acclaim from tastemaker press including The Fader, Idolater, Entertainment Weekly and TeenVogue. Beyond her own music, has been featured in tracks by some of today’s most electrifying producers and DJs including Martin Jensen, R3HAB, Nicky Romero, and Banx & Ranx.

About Bachelor in Paradise

Bachelor in Paradise features some of The Bachelor’s biggest stars and breakout fan favorites. They all left The Bachelor or The Bachelorette with broken hearts, but now they know what it really takes to find love, and on Bachelor in Paradise they’ll get a second (or third) chance to find their soul mates. Living together in a dreamy oasis in Mexico, these former bachelors and bachelorettes will explore new relationships, fall in love, or go through renewed heartbreak. Bachelor in Paradise is a production of Next Entertainment and Warner Bros. Unscripted Television in association with Warner Horizon.

For more information on Bachelor in Paradise visit https://abc.com/shows/bachelor-in-paradise.

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Toys for Tots Literacy Program

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Toys for Tots^® Literacy Program Provides almost 500,000 Books to Title 1 Funded Schools Supported by The UPS Store^® network!

The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, through the Toys for Tots Literacy Program supported by The UPS Store network, provided almost 500,000 books directly to schools receiving Title I funding. With the outstanding assistance of the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA), administrators and teachers at Title I schools across the nation requested books for their students. These books were provided free to the schools due to charitable donations from The UPS Store network as well as the generosity of the American public.

There are 976 schools in 15 states currently receiving 492,839 books. These books primarily focus on subjects that provide children with the tools necessary to be successful throughout their lives. Books emphasizing STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math), as well as titles that provide both entertainment and enrichment, will be welcoming students back-to-school this year!

As background, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, with our long-time ally The UPS Store, Inc., launched the Toys for Tots Literacy Program in 2008, a year-round initiative to support less fortunate children across our nation’s communities. The program offers the nation’s most economically disadvantaged children the ability to compete academically and to succeed in life by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively. This program not only brings the joy of reading to these children, but also serves as an important tool in breaking the cycle of poverty. Since its inception, the generosity of the 5,000 The UPS Store locations and their communities have contributed over $7.5 million and assisted Toys for Tots in distributing over 44 million books.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit public charity which was created at the behest of the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program began in 1947 in Los Angeles, and since it first National Campaign in 1948 has distributed more than 604 million toys, games, and books to 272 million children.

The UPS Store® locations are independently owned and operated by franchisees of The UPS Store, Inc. (although one or more may be company owned) in the USA and by its master licensee and its franchisees in Canada. Products, services, prices and hours of operation may vary by location.

New and Noteworthy: JBI Design Studios

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EchelonSeaport, a 3.5-acre, 1.33 million square-foot mixed-use development by Cottonwood Management located on Seaport Boulevard in the heart of the Seaport District, introduces a new “luxury destination lifestyle” concept to the Boston residential market. With three luxury residential towers (133 Seaport, 135 Seaport, and The Alyx) above two floors of signature street-level retail, EchelonSeaport features an unprecedented 60,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor private residential amenities.

Making our residential debut in Boston, we designed EchelonSeaport’s signature lobbies, lounges, terraces, and amenities. With soaring vaulted ceilings and outdoor spaces, which are tailored extensions of indoor living spaces, EchelonSeaport is a perfect canvas for our studio’s award-winning, distinctive, luxury residential style, inside and out.

133 Seaport, A Regent Collection: The first of the three towers features signature amenities including an elegant, vaulted-ceiling lobby and lounge spaces, a wine room, signature spa, and extensive outdoor amenities, such as a waterfall terrace pool, fireside lounges and dining areas.

135 Seaport, A Regent Collection: The second of the three towers features active indoor fitness amenities including an indoor pool, basketball court, yoga room and a massive fifth-floor terrace with a grand outdoor pool, sun cabanas, outdoor dining and lounge areas for all residents to enjoy.

The Alyx at EchelonSeaport: Tower three within the transformative mixed-use development offers a full suite of amenities. As the luxury rental tower, the design is more youthful and urban compared to that of its sister properties, condominium towers 133 and 135

Echelon Innovation Center: A first-of-its-kind for a residential community, the Echelon Innovation Center houses the Echelon Club which is a private members-only lifestyle club featuring high-tech collaborative elements and programming developed by some of Bostonߣs leading academics, businesses, and incubators.

HOSPITALITY: THE NEWBURY BOSTON IN BOSTON, MA

The Newbury Boston is a luxury hotel and a beloved landmark in the city. Located in the premier shopping and dining neighborhood of Back Bay and adjacent to The Public Garden, this iconic establishment originally opened in 1927 as one of the first Ritz-Carlton hotels in the United States. Leveraging the talent of three world-renowned designers, Jeffrey Beers International, Champalimaud Design, and Ken Fulk, the building has been thoughtfully transformed into a 286-room hotel with 16,000-sq-ft of stunning event spaces, signature dining experiences and a reimagined front entrance on Newbury Street.

“Words that come up often in conversation with Beers are “tailored,” “warm,” and playful.” All of those adjectives fit what he’s done with the space. I’ve walked through the hotel multiple times, and it’s clear that Beers didn’t feel beholden to the stuffy details that would have defined a luxury hotel of the 2000s or even the early 2010s. The Newbury is a hotel that can hold its own against properties in London or New York. I say this as an impartial observer and travel writer who has stayed in many hotels over the years.” – Christopher Muther of The Boston Globe

HOSPITALITY: DISTRITO T-MOBILE, PUERTO RICO

At DISTRITO T-Mobile, Puerto Rico’s ultimate venue for fun entertainment, you will find a variety of super fun options for drinking and dining, either daytime or nighttime. JBI designed three of the memorable venues, including Barullo Taberna Espanola, La Central By Mario Pagan, and Lupe Reyes. Each distinct venue celebrates a certain culture and culinary tradition with a fresh, modern approach to hospitality design and Puerto Rican tradition.

Color, artistry, and lighting are carefully choreographed to create venues that are distinctive, inviting, and visually tantalizing. Hand painted murals, traditional Spanish tiling and colonial vernacular are carefully pared with modern aesthetic, precise interior planning, and detailed interior touches to create a distinctive venue.

Barullo Taberna Espanola: Design details feature shapes and textures of blue and terracotta hues inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, which dazzle to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.

La Central By Mario Pagan: Sky-high ceilings frame the prominent copper rum still in the heart of the bar, setting the tone for the restaurant’s rum-forward cocktail menu.

Lupe Reyes: A vibrant place that celebrates the distinctive cuisine and history of Mexico, where the inviting open kitchen will allow you to witness the art of handcrafted tortilla making.

HOSPITALITY: RENOVATION OF FOUR SEASONS VAIL, CO

The Four Seasons Vail debuts a fresh new look with newly renovated public spaces, guest rooms, and condos by JBI. Inspired by Vail’s luxurious offerings, breath taking vistas, and causal mountain village vibe, we wanted the re-design to feel luxuriously comfortable. Bold material choices paired with residential elements breathe new life into the iconic property while keeping the atmosphere familiar and memorable.

Josh Johnson – Fallin’

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The Daily Show writer, comedian, and artist Josh Johnson has shared “Fallin (With Groovebox & Jesse Cale),” the original work that bookends Trevor Noah Presents Josh Johnson: # (Hashtag), out September 30 via Comedy Central Records.

“In a special about the world feeling like it’s in free fall, and a year that saw me plunged even deeper into the grip of an online rat race to belong and get attention, ‘Fallin’ is the perfect theme song,” says Johnson. “It’s about comparison and connection, about letting go without being gone and taking time to catch yourself. It was co-written by me and Groovebox, who lends his incredible vocals with a feature from Jesse Cale.”

Vulture named # (Hashtag) one of the ‘Best Comedy Specials of 2021’ saying, “the best representation so far of a comedy special that attempts to bridge what just happened with an effort to reincorporate that experience into the rest of life… Johnson’s cool, controlled, endearing stage presence is completely winning.”

Variety named Johnson a ‘Comic To Watch in 2021’ and The New York Times said, “Josh Johnson is a rising star” in covering his mistape, Elusive and # (Hashtag). Johnson recently starred in “The Really Cool Converse Club” commercial directed by Tyler, The Creator.

Trevor Noah Presents Josh Johnson: #(Hashtag) is Executive Produced by Josh Johnson, Trevor Noah, Haroon Saleem, Bob Bain, Samantha Murphy, and Mainstay Entertainment’s Norm Aladjem, Derek Van Pelt, and Sanaz Yamin. Ryan Moran and Gabriella Yacyk are Executive Producers for MTV Entertainment Studios.

Johnson just crossed the 50-episode threshold of his podcast, The Josh Johnson Show, where he has freeform conversations about life, love, and comedy with his friend and fellow comedian Logan Nielsen.

About Josh Johnson

Josh Johnson is a comedian and musician born and raised in Louisiana. As an adult, he moved to New York City, where he was named “New York’s Funniest comic at Caroline’s during the New York Comedy Festival.” Regularly, he performs at the Comedy Cellar, with several of his sketches going viral on Youtube, primarily “Catfishing the KKK” performed at Le Poisson Rouge in 2017.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side

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On behalf of TARA, Ink., we are proud to announce our latest partnership with the fantastic culinary phenomenon, originating from Spain, Savaje at Hyde Midtown Miami.

Imagine a space where the lush intrigue of the Amazon jungle, the passion and spice of Spain, and the mysticism of Japan coalesce, where the senses rejoice and the wildest side of us comes to life — this is what a gastronomic experience at Salvaje is like! If you thought you’ve tasted the best of Japanese and Spanish cuisines, think again! Salvaje brings your wildest fantasies to life, elevating the culinary standards for hospitality decor, flavor profiles, and energetic ambiance to unforeseen heights.

The 170-seat space boasts a retractable roof, bamboo daybeds, and an indoor/outdoor dining room featuring signature golden rhinos, oversize palms, and an assortment of illuminated light fixtures. Providing consistent service and expectations of the unexpected throughout the eight locations spanning the globe — Miami, Barcelona, Ibiza, Marbella, Madrid, Colombia — Salvaje has amassed an international reputation, and recently expanded to two new locations in Guatemala and Panama in August.

Their consistency between all locations is key and evident through their eccentric menu offerings. Imported ingredients such as octopus from Galicia, Alaskan King salmon, Japanese tuna, and Wagyu beef as well as a seasonally shifting sushi and omakase menu are just a few of the offerings of the highest quality used to exhilarate your palate. Enjoy unique performances from Spanish club dancers on the hour every hour, along with hysterically chic cocktails designed and flavored to leave you craving more. Don’t be surprised when your beautifully hand-crafted concoction is served in an unorthodox tusk or bee glass! And as if we needed another reason to visit, Salvaje’s ‘Sunset Sessions’ are sure to provide some ease for your energetic spirit, offering incomparable views of the sun-bathed cityscape and specially priced menu items daily from 4 – 6 PM.

Whether you dine at Salvaje’s venues in Miami, Barcelona, Ibiza, Marbella, Madrid, Colombia, Guatemala, or Panama, you can rest assured their presentations and flavors will transport you to an enchanting world, immersed in the flavors, movement, and rhythms of Salsa!

We invite all culinary, hospitality, and lifestyle media to dine in to experience and cover Salvaje’s out-of-this-world offerings. If interested in taking this gastronomic journey or learning more about Salvaje and its expansion plans, please write timur@taraink.com.

Where:

101 NE 34th St., Midtown Miami

Hours:

3 PM – Midnight Sunday through Thursday

3PM – 1 AM Friday and Saturday

@SalvajeMiami | miami.salvaje.world

About Salvaje:

Salvaje brings a fusion of Spanish, LatAm, and Asia-Pacific flavors in a party-like rooftop atmosphere. World-renowned for its eccentric menu offerings, lively ambiance, and expansive cityscape views, Salvaje lives up to its name, translating from Spanish to the word “wild.” The brand was conceptualized by Executive Chef Fermín Azkue, whose impressive gastronomic career throughout Europe and collaboration with traditional Japanese chefs inspired the creativity behind Salvaje. “We at Salvaje have put the quality of our food and nature of the ultimate guest experience at the forefront of our brand,” said chef Azkue. The phenomenon that started in Panama City has led locals, tourists, artists and celebrities from Hollywood, New York and all parts of the world to its doors.

Michael J.Browne’s Art for Auction

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Kicking off Dreweatts’ Modern & Contemporary Art auction is Michael J. Browne’s homage to Manchester United painted in 2013. The work shows iconic players such as Ryan Giggs, Eric Cantona, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, and Wayne Rooney alongside managers Matt Busby and Alex Ferguson in procession. The central figure, Nemanja Vidić, holds a golden ball as the players walk against a backdrop of triumphant iconography drawing on symbols of strength from the Roman Empire including the Colosseum, a triumphant arch, and the Latin word ‘Legio’meaning ‘chosen body or legion’ reigning high above the players, together with ‘X 20 X’ referring to the number of leagues won by United. To the right of the scene is Manchester United’s stadium and across the painting held high on crosses are large silver trophies with gold crowns signifying their success and achievements.

Michael J. Browne was born in Moss Side, Manchester. Growing up in a difficult household Browne found escapism in art from a very young age. He was inspired by anything that he saw around him and turned his creativity into something positive focusing on drawing. At a young age, Browne went to live with his art teacher and went on to study at Chelsea School of Art followed by an MA at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Browne has always been particularly fascinated with the Renaissance masters and has become renowned for depicting well-known figures encompassing topics of cultural importance, history, or religion. Browne shot to fame in 2001 with his work The Art of the Game depicting Eric Catona as Jesus. The work was displayed at the National Portrait Museum. Before this his copy of the Sistine Chapel painted in the Cocotoo restaurant in Manchester caused great publicity between 1992-1994. Other important figures he has illustrated include Wayne Rooney, Donald Trump, and Jeremy Corbyn.

The work is estimated to fetch £10,000-15,000 in Dreweatts’ Modern & Contemporary auction on 12^th October 2021.

MAGGIE ROSE AT THE ECHO

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Nashville-based rock and soul singer-songwriter; Maggie Rose released her highly anticipated album Have A Seat, on August 20 via Starstruck Records;The album was recorded live at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL, and was produced by Ben Tanner (Alabama Shakes).

In support of the release, Rose will bring her rousing live show to The Echo for an unforgettable evening.

Like any great soul singer, Rose beautifully captures the tensions of the current moment, gently presenting her pensive social commentary while providing a much-needed reprieve from the everyday chaos. These songs were written during a contentious time, and there are undertones to the lyrics that are influenced by the state of our world politics and the politics of the music industry; she says. Have a Seat;is responsible, placing an emphasis on inclusivity like, Here, sit down. Let’s try talking to each other. One of the most loving things we can do is listen and make others feel heard and give people the space to speak their minds and be themselves. However, there’s also an intended meaning to the title that points to the power in occupying the seat that’s designated to you: I am claiming a seat I believe is rightfully mine, and I want others to do the same.

About Maggie Rose:

Maggie Rose is a Nashville-based singer/songwriter who has dreamed up her own unbridled collision of rock n roll, soul, folk, funk, and R&B. She is about to release her third studio album;Have a Seat ;Produced by Ben Tanner of Alabama Shakes ;Have a Seat”came to life at the iconic FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. In a series of pre-pandemic sessions, Rose recorded live with a lineup of heavy-hitters that includes bassist David Hood of the Swampers (the group of session musicians who played on records from legends like Aretha Franklin and Etta James) and guitarist Will McFarlane (Bonnie Raitt, Levon Helm), along with her longtime bandmates/collaborators Larry Florman (background vocals/percussion), Alex Haddad (guitars), and Sarah Tomek (drums) of Them Vibes. Also featuring an esteemed string section and swampy horn ensemble in a way that’s never been so integral to Rose’s sonic aesthetic ;Have a Seat;continues the free-flowing musical exploration she first began on her powerhouse 2018 album;Change the Whole Thing. Centered on the stunning vocal command she’s revealed in taking the stage at The Grand Ole Opry over 80 times;Have a Seat ;finds Rose approaching her music with more confidence and clarity of vision than ever, ultimately sharing a selection of songs both timeless and urgent. In 2019, Rose toured with Heart, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and Kelly Clarkson. She also shared the Cayamo Cruise bill with Emmylou Harris and Jason Isbell.