Posts made in November 2023

Elton John – Diamonds

Earlier this month, Elton John was presented with a plaque commemorating the RIAA Multi-platinum certification of more than 2 million copies of Diamonds with Universal Music Group Chairman & CEO Sir Lucian Grainge and Universal Music Enterprises President & CEO Bruce Resnikoff in Los Angeles, CA. Elton is currently celebrating the 50th anniversary of his beloved holiday tune, “Step Into Christmas,” originally released November 23, 1973, and can be found on Diamonds. In honor of the song’s anniversary, Elton has released a brand new digital “Step Into Christmas” EP featuring Elton’s top holiday hits. Listen to the “Step Into Christmas” EP now HERE.

Elton John’s “Step Into Christmas” has become a timeless and enduring holiday classic, adding a touch of musical magic to holiday celebrations worldwide. Originally released as a stand-alone single in 1973, with “Ho, Ho, Ho (Who’d Be a Turkey at Christmas)” on the B-side, the track was intended to be an audible holiday card for his fans following the monumental release of his chart-topping, record-breaking album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. The catchy tune, recorded on a Sunday and released less than a week later, was Elton’s first single aside from “Rock And Roll Madonna” in 1970. The catchy tune peaked on the UK Singles Chart at No. 24 upon release; however, proving it has become a perennial favorite for listeners around the world, it reached a new peak at No. 8 in the UK Singles Chart 46 years later in 2019, and certified double platinum in 2021. In the United States, the single hit the top of the Billboard Christmas Singles Chart in 1973, and it was certified Gold by the RIAA in 2021.

“Step Into Christmas” has become an essential part of the Christmas music canon, and its cheerful and festive spirit continues to delight audiences during the holiday season. Listen to Elton John’s “Step Into Christmas” EP now HERE.

Photo Credit: Matthew Baron

ComplexCon 2023 – Day 1

The Long Beach Convention Center witnessed a pop culture extravaganza as ComplexCon kicked off its two-day spectacle on Saturday, November 18th. In its 2023 iteration, ComplexCon proved to be a must-attend event, drawing fashion enthusiasts and pop culture aficionados alike. The participating brands brought their A-game, but one that stole the spotlight and captured the essence of the event was none other than Mood Swings, a brainchild of fashion icon Bloody Dior.

Bloody Dior’s Mood Swings booth emerged as a favorite among attendees and garnered praise from 360 Magazine. The collection featured cool pieces, with beanies stealing the show. The eccentric colorways and a font straight out of a ’70s magazine added a touch of nostalgia, creating a visual feast for fashion enthusiasts. The crowd unanimously favored the shirt adorned with Campbell’s soup artwork, showcasing the brand’s commitment to blending art and fashion seamlessly.

Navigating Kid Cudi’s MOTR booth at ComplexCon felt like entering a fashion labyrinth. The booth, cleverly designed as a maze, challenged attendees to find their way through while being surrounded by the avant-garde MOTR clothing line. Unconventional pieces teased fashion norms, creating a surreal experience for those seeking a unique blend of style and maze-like mystery. Adjacent to this fashion journey, the Babylon x Minion bounce house added an extra layer of intrigue, capturing the attention of onlookers with its playful vibes.

Amidst the sea of brands and fashion-forward displays, Complex Con treated visitors to top-notch DJ sets by renowned talents such as Luka Sabbat, Lil Yachty, and socialite Zack Bia. Lil Yachty, in particular, used the platform to preview new music, solidifying his position as an artist pushing the boundaries of rap electronica. The audience was captivated as he showcased a sound uniquely his own, marking a defining moment in his musical journey.

After seeing countless articles of clothing 360 Magazine decided to venture outside to the the First We Feast Lagoon food court. There were countless food vendors like Broad Street Oyster Co, Brique French Toastery, Chicken and Mumbo Sauce, etc. So many different options to choose from.

Having immersed themselves in the fashion maze, 360 Magazine ventured outside to explore the delectable delights at the First We Feast Lagoon food court. The air was filled with tantalizing aromas as an array of food vendors beckoned. From the seafood wonders of Broad Street Oyster Co to the mouth watering creations at Brique French Toastery and the irresistible combo of Chicken and Mumbo Sauce, the food court offered a feast for the senses. With so many diverse options to choose from, it was a culinary adventure that complemented the avant-garde spirit of ComplexCon.

Day one set the bar high, and anticipation is building for day two on November 19th. F1lthy is set to take the stage with electrifying DJ sets, promising an immersive audio experience. The climax of Complex Con 2023 will be a special performance by the one and only Kid Cudi, ensuring a memorable conclusion to the two-day extravaganza.

For those hungry for more Complex Con updates and highlights, head over to complex.com. Stay tuned for a recap of the unforgettable moments, exclusive interviews, and a deeper dive into the pop culture phenomena that defined Complex Con 2023!

By Yash Thadani, Krish Narsinghani, Vaughn Lowery

Dr. Darren Burke’s Top 5 Tips

for Aspiring Psychologists Mastering the Mind

In the dynamic field of psychology, guidance from seasoned professionals can be invaluable for those embarking on a journey to understand the intricacies of the human mind. Dr. Darren Burke, an esteemed Assistant Professor in the School of Psychology in the USA, shares his wealth of experience and imparts essential advice for aspiring psychologists.

Here, we delve into Dr. Burke’s top 5 tips, offering a roadmap for those eager to make a meaningful impact in the realm of psychology.

1. Embrace Diverse Perspectives:

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of the human experience is crucial in psychology. According to a survey conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), 82% of psychologists believe that exposure to diverse perspectives positively influences their approach to understanding and addressing mental health issues. This underscores the importance of diverse viewpoints for effective communication and problem-solving in the field.

2. Stay Curious and Open-Minded:

Cultivating a relentless curiosity about the workings of the mind is foundational for success in psychology. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that psychologists who engage in ongoing education and remain open-minded contribute significantly to advancements in the field. Staying curious enables psychologists to adapt to the evolving landscape of psychological research and theory, ensuring they stay at the forefront of knowledge.

3. Prioritize Self-Care:

In the demanding field of psychology, prioritizing mental and emotional well-being is a necessity. According to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, psychologists who practice regular self-care exhibit higher levels of job satisfaction and are better equipped to provide effective care to their clients. Establishing healthy boundaries, practicing mindfulness, and seeking support contribute to a psychologist’s ability to care for others.

4. Build Strong Communication Skills:

Effective communication is at the core of successful psychology practice. The APA highlights that psychologists with advanced communication skills are more likely to establish positive therapeutic relationships with their clients. Aspiring psychologists should hone their ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner, enhancing therapeutic interactions and contributing to meaningful collaborations and research dissemination.

5. Cultivate Resilience:

Psychology delves into the challenges of the human experience, requiring psychologists to cultivate resilience. A study published in the Journal of Counseling Psychology found that psychologists with high levels of resilience exhibit lower levels of burnout and are better able to navigate the emotional demands of their profession. Developing the ability to bounce back from adversity is crucial for maintaining mental well-being and sustaining a fulfilling career.

Conclusion:

These invaluable insights serve as a compass for those navigating the intricate landscape of psychology. Aspiring psychologists are encouraged to embrace diversity, nurture curiosity, prioritize self-care, refine communication skills, and cultivate resilience.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is projected to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations, underscoring the increasing demand for well-prepared professionals in the field. By integrating these tips into their professional journey, individuals can embark on a path that not only enriches their own lives but also contributes meaningfully to the well-being of others.

MOTS-c Peptide: Insulin Resistance Research

Studies suggest that peptides are amino acid chains that may serve important roles in various biological activities. Recently, mitochondrial ORF of the 12S rRNA type-c (MOTS-c) peptide has emerged as a promising compound in mitochondrial research.

The mitochondrial genome encodes a peptide that controls nuclear gene expression in the mitochondria in reaction to conditions like metabolic stress. It has suggested promise in anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and metabolic studies in the laboratory. However, further study is required to understand the potential of MOTS-c fully.

The potential properties of MOTS-c peptide for sale, including improved muscular function, reduced insulin resistance, reduced inflammation, improved bone health, and improved metabolic and cardiovascular health, will be discussed.

Overview of the MOTS-c Peptide

The MOTS-c peptide is naturally produced. It is found in the energy-generating organelles of cells called mitochondria. The peptide has the amino acid sequence H-Met-Arg-Trp-Gln-Glu-Met-Gly-Tyr-Ile-Phe-Tyr-Pro-Arg-Lys-Leu-Arg-OH, and it is 16 amino acids in length.

Early studies examined its possible relevance in the context of research in age-related conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, postmenopausal obesity, and Alzheimer’s disease. Studies suggest that “under stress circumstances, MOTS-c translocates to the nucleus where it controls a wide range of genes in response to metabolic dysfunction.”

MOTS-c Peptide and Insulin Resistance

The prospect of MOTS-c in insulin resistance and metabolic studies are among its most actively studied potential properties. In metabolic diseases like insulin resistance, improving glucose metabolism in skeletal muscles has been suggested by many animal studies. Skeletal muscle glucose uptake may be increased, and visceral fat levels may be reduced as a result of this method of action, research suggests.

Activation of the AMPK pathway has been speculated to occur due to MOTS-c’s selective targeting of skeletal muscle and its inhibition of the folate cycle and its attached de novo purine production. Thus, it seemed that MOTS-c in mice may have prevented insulin resistance and diet-induced obesity caused by both aging and a high-fat diet.

In addition to its potential properties for cardiovascular health, MOTS-c has been suggested to increase thermogenesis in adipose tissue and promote the “browning” of white (beige) fat. The ERK signaling pathway is thought to be the mediator of MOTS-c’s actions.

Studies in gestational diabetes, a kind of diabetes caused by increased insulin resistance during pregnancy, have also purported that MOTS-c may be relevant. Findings suggest that hyperglycemia appeared dramatically decreased, insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance seemed enhanced, and birth weight and the risk of neonatal mortality were reduced in a mouse subject of type 2 diabetes when MOTS-c was given daily during pregnancy.

MOTS-c seems to have an impact on skeletal muscles beyond only enhancing glucose absorption. The peptide may also affect muscle atrophy associated with obesity and type 2 diabetes, as suggested by findings from animal studies. In mice, MOTS-c seems to work by lowering plasma myostatin levels and increasing AKT phosphorylation, both of which suppress the activity of the muscle-wasting gene transcription factor FOXO1. Research suggests that dystrophic muscle atrophy may also be mitigated, especially in models of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

MOTS-c Peptide and Cardiovascular Function

It has been hypothesized that MOTS-c peptides may have a protective impact on the heart muscle owing to increased mitochondria activity in the myocytes. One research study suggested that the peptide may have improved cardiac function and reduced inflammation in a mouse model of heart failure. The peptide seemed to increase antioxidant capacity in the hearts of mice, decrease cell apoptosis, and activate the AMPK pathway.

Studies in diabetic rats suggested that presentation of the peptide appeared to have enhanced myocardial mitochondrial impairment, maintained cardiac systolic and diastolic function, and modified 47 disease-causing genes related to apoptosis, immunoregulation, angiogenesis, and fatty acid metabolism, suggesting that MOTS-c may also help reduce the detrimental impact of type 2 diabetes on the heart.

Thanks to activating the AMPK and the anti-oxidative activities of the peptide, animal studies also suggest it may support the decrease of inflammation in the heart and shield against vascular calcification (VC), which is a consequence of atherosclerosis.

Heart systolic function, mechanical heart efficiency, and diastolic function are all hypothesized to be enhanced by MOTS-c in mice. These findings purport that MOTS-c may enhance the cardiovascular advantages of exercise. Researchers have speculated that stimulating the NRG1-ErbB4-C/EBP pathway may have comparable effects on cardiac function as exercise.

MOTS-c Peptide and Bone

Investigations purport that MOTS-c may improve bone health via its proposed potential to activate phosphorylated AMPK. One research suggests that in a mouse model of osteoporosis, MOTS-c peptide appears to dramatically block osteoclast development and minimize bone loss, as measured by micro-CT examination. As a result of their research, the team speculated that “MOTS-c may wield as a blocker of osteoporosis condition via AMPK dependent inhibition of osteoclastogenesis.”

In another study, researchers hypothesized that ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene particle-induced osteolysis in an animal model appeared to have resulted in less bone loss and inflammation. Osteoclastogenesis seemed to be suppressed by MOTS-c because it may have increased the osteoprotegerin to receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand ratio in osteocytes.

References

[i] Ming W, Lu G, Xin S, Huanyu L, Yinghao J, Xiaoying L, Chengming X, Banjun R, Li W, Zifan L. Mitochondria related peptide MOTS-c suppresses ovariectomy-induced bone loss via AMPK activation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2016 Aug 5;476(4):412-419. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.05.135. Epub 2016 May 26. PMID: 27237975.

[ii] Lee C, Kim KH, Cohen P. MOTS-c: A novel mitochondrial-derived peptide regulating muscle and fat metabolism. Free Radic Biol Med. 2016 Nov;100:182-187. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.05.015. Epub 2016 May 20. PMID: 27216708; PMCID: PMC5116416.

[iii] Lee C, Zeng J, Drew BG, Sallam T, Martin-Montalvo A, Wan J, Kim SJ, Mehta H, Hevener AL, de Cabo R, Cohen P. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c promotes metabolic homeostasis and reduces obesity and insulin resistance. Cell Metab. 2015 Mar 3;21(3):443-54. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2015.02.009. PMID: 25738459; PMCID: PMC4350682.

[iv] Lu H, Tang S, Xue C, Liu Y, Wang J, Zhang W, Luo W, Chen J. Mitochondrial-Derived Peptide MOTS-c Increases Adipose Thermogenic Activation to Promote Cold Adaptation. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 May 17;20(10):2456. doi: 10.3390/ijms20102456. PMID: 31109005; PMCID: PMC6567243.

[v] Yin Y, Pan Y, He J, Zhong H, Wu Y, Ji C, Liu L, Cui X. The mitochondrial-derived peptide MOTS-c relieves hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in gestational diabetes mellitus. Pharmacol Res. 2022 Jan;175:105987. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105987. Epub 2021 Nov 17. PMID: 34798268.

HARRY POTTER + REEBOK

Reebok just announced its latest collaboration with Warner Bros: Harry Potter x Reebok. The full-family collection includes four pairs of adult footwear, each of which represents pivotal moments from Harry’s time at Hogwarts. Paired with the footwear is a range of adult, collegiate-style apparel as well kids Club C’s and Classic Leathers.

Accompanying the collection is campaign imagery that was shot in the UK and gives off a very cool, UK student energy (see sneak peek below).

The product will be launching on Reebok.com and Amazon.com on 12/1.

Reebok just announced its latest collaboration with Warner Bros: Harry Potter x Reebok via 360 MAGAZINE.

REEBOK + SHAKUR

Reebok partner and boxing superstar, Shakur Stevenson, just became a 3-division world champion (see Reebok post here) following his tactful victory on Thursday night in Las Vegas. During and leading up to the lightweight world title fight, Shakur and his team were kitted in Reebok footwear and custom Reebok apparel including an exclusive “PRIDE OF NEWARK” graphic tee and “TEAM SHAKUR” tracksuits. On fight night, Shakur also unveiled and wore his own fighter-exclusive Reebok boxing boot in a bold low-cut “solar” colorway.

Shakur and Reebok partnership via 360 MAGAZINE.

Captured by @leviventura.media (who has shared more amazing content via his page).

Announce Partnership Ahead of November Title Fight

A product of Newark, New Jersey (like Shaquille O’Neal) and Bethel High School (like Allen Iverson), Stevenson became an amateur boxing champion at the age of 14 and would make his pro debut three years later in 2017. Since turning pro, Shakur has won all 20 of his professional bouts on his way to becoming a two-division world champion (with the opportunity to become a three-division world champion on Nov. 16), including 10 wins achieved by way of knockout.

Beginning in November 2023, Shakur and Reebok will work together to drive hype ahead of his November 16 title fight in Las Vegas, while bringing awareness and validation to Reebok’s lifestyle and performance product stories through the end of the year. As part of the partnership, Shakur has also received his own special “fighter-exclusive” prototype Reebok boxing boot, for which he’ll reveal a compelling fight-exclusive colorway just ahead of his Nov. 16 title fight in Vegas.

For consumers and fans, Shakur has curated a special product collection for Reebok.com – “Move Like Shakur” – highlighting his favorite footwear, apparel, and accessories for the gym, at home, and around town.

The Other Grand Prix

Race week in Las Vegas kicked off with four Formula 1 drivers piloting out-of-this-world vehicles in a series of three challenges in the Nevada desert. The fourth episode of the (Un)serious Race Series saw the quartet of F1 World Champion Max Verstappen and Oracle Red Bull Racing teammate Sergio “Checo” Pérez and Scuderia AlphaTauri aces Yuki Tsunoda and Daniel Ricciardo face off in two-seater hovercrafts. The isolated site is well known for a different type of hovering vehicles – alien spacecraft – so F1 drivers racing hovercrafts, highly unusual anywhere else, was par for the course.

While it was a friendly competition, the competitive nature of the drivers shone through, leading to strategy discussions between teammates and on-track game faces appearing between the near-constant laughter. The 13-foot long, 26.5 horsepower hovercraft tested the drivers’ skills as they provided little traction and relied on counter steering to glide through the course at a top speed of 30 mph/48 kph. Dry desert wind and ample dust only added to the skill needed to tackle the unique challenge.

Daniel and Yuki, who were pitted against each other in the mini jet boats in Miami, proved a formidable hovercraft team, and while Max and Checo won the first challenge and put up a solid fight to the end, the Scuderia AlphaTauri drivers were able to eke out the overall win by a 2-1 challenge tally. But there was nothing but smiles from all four drivers as the trophy was awarded against a crashed flying saucer not far away.

“It’s fun to be out here in the desert ahead of the Las Vegas GP. I think the hovercrafts look really cool and they were really fun to drive. They were slower than I thought they would be, but I suppose you’re floating over the ground. The challenges are fun, especially when you get to do it together as a team with Checo, also with Scuderia AlphaTauri. This series has been fun this year, we’ve driven lots of different vehicles all over the world, I think that makes it beautiful,” said Max.

Regarding the hovercrafts, Checo commented, “I’ve seen them, but I’ve never driven a hovercraft before, so it’s my first time…and I ended up eating a lot of sand, so I don’t need lunch for today. They collapse and go into the floor when you unbalance them, so it was quite challenging – you have to think a lot while driving them.” Of the upcoming Las Vegas race, he said, “I think Las Vegas is a unique venue – with the fans, the racing at night for the first time here – I think people are really going to enjoy it.”

“I definitely enjoy doing these things,” said Ricciardo. “On a race week we have the race and that’s our primary focus, and on track everything’s so competitive, so to spend some time with not only Yuki, but Max and Checo and to be out here in the desert in an environment where we’re all just having a laugh – these are probably the best workdays we can get.”

“I didn’t know how the vehicles behave,” said Tsunoda. “It’s actually a lot of fun, lots of drifting, but at the same time you have to control the throttle precisely to make it turn quickly. If you release too much throttle and touch too much ground, you stop. So, there’s fine tuning and that makes it difficult, but overall, it’s really, really fun.”

Here’s how it all unfolded:

Challenge 1: “Rescue Mission” – Max and Checo are victorious.

The teams took turns embarking on a tandem sprint through a course laden with obstacles in pursuit of a lockbox at the end of the course. Their mission: recover the lockbox, execute a driver switch and race back to the starting point. Victory belonged to the team that accomplished this rescue and return mission with utmost speed and finesse.

Challenge 2: “Crop Circles” – Daniel and Yuki make a comeback and earn the win.

Each driver was given 30 seconds to complete as many “crop circles” as possible around the pillars, creating crop circles in the process. Victory would go to the team that completed the most donuts/circles. In an unexpected and humorous move, Max attempted to get a “leg up” on the competition by hanging out of the hovercraft and using his left foot to assist in completing tighter and faster donuts. Unfortunately, the out-of-the box strategy was not enough to take the win.

Challenge 3: “The Final Race” – Daniel and Yuki are the winners!

With each team having a win under their belt, they put all the chips on the table for the relay tie breaker. In a head-to-head race, the teams made their way through a slalom course one driver at a time, switching drivers for the second lap. Daniel banked turn after turn before booking it down the straight with Max just milliseconds behind him before Yuki and Checo jumped into the vehicles. In the end, Yuki was able to pull ahead and float across the finish line to secure the overall victory.

The fourth (Un)series Race Series unfolded in typical lighthearted and tongue-in-cheek style. Through the year, the friendly – but ultimately somewhat competitive – series kept the drivers on their toes and challenged them in unfamiliar vehicles and terrain: from the waterways of Miami in mini jet boats, to the Erzberg iron mine of Austria in 500 horsepower mega trucks, from Kei trucks in a Japanese-style gameshow to Renegade Hovercrafts in the Nevada desert.

Watch Scuderia AlphaTauri and Oracle Red Bull Racing in hovercrafts HERE. A newscut, social newscut and rights free imagery are available on Red Bull Content Pool HERE.

CHIP ZDARSKY SHARES DARK SECRETS

Earlier today, retailers were invited to the Avengers: Twilight Retailer Conference to learn more about AVENGERS: TWILIGHT straight from the source! Series writer Chip Zdarsky and Marvel Comics VP Executive Editor Tom Brevoort teased the upcoming saga’s biggest mysteries, discussed the series’ scope and impact, and answered retailer questions. Hosted by Ryan Penagos (VP & Creative Executive at Marvel), attendees also got an exclusive look at never-before-seen covers along with interior artwork and design sheets from series artist Daniel Acuña. Right now, fans are welcome to check out some of what was unveiled in anticipation of the debut issue hitting stands on January 10!

In AVENGERS: TWILIGHT, readers will leave the Marvel Universe they know behind as they follow an aged Steve Rogers through a dark future where the Avengers’ dream has been twisted into a nightmare! Along the way, Zdarsky and Acuña will introduce a fascinating new cast of characters, including future versions of familiar faces as well as future Avengers members who have startling connections to the heroes of today. Instead of protecting the world, the new Avengers of AVENGERS: TWILIGHT use their power and influence to control it, driving Steve to come out of retirement to end their rule and restore the Avengers’ legacy to its former glory, but even after assembling the few friends he has left, Captain America will be hopelessly outmatched by the system the Avengers’ ruthless successors built. This bold and thought-provoking saga that tackles the very nature of being a super hero will also slowly peel back the layers of a shadowy history, exposing the shocking events that caused Earth’s Mightiest Heroes to fall so far…

“My goal with anything is to create a story that is both new reader friendly and also welcomes in older readers who will enjoy the references sprinkled throughout,” Zdarsky explained on the call. “I think if you have a base knowledge of Marvel super heroes, there’s really something for you here. And getting a chance to do something that’s self-contained in six issues with one consistent artist throughout is my favorite kind of project because those are types of books you can sell forever.”

Get a new glimpse into this corrupted vision of Marvel’s tomorrow, including design sheets for Cap’s new allies and enemies and a first look at the series’ new look for Thor in the issue #4 covers. Stay tuned for more AVENGERS TWILIGHT news and preorder issue #1 at your local comic shop today! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

ZECCA – 3X GRAMMY WINNER

WHO IS ZECCA? MEET THE YOUNG ARGENTINE PRODUCER WHO JUST WON HIS FIRST THREE LATIN GRAMMYS

As 22 years old, the Argentine musician, producer, and mixing engineer arrived for the first time at the Latin Grammy Awards with four nominations in the categories of “Song of the Year,” “Best Pop Song,” and “Best Recording of the Year,” for the hit “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. #53,” in which he participated in the role of mixing and mastering engineer, as well as the composition, and in “Best Urban Song” with “Quevedo: Bzrp Music Sessions Vol. #52.”

He now returns to Argentina with three awards: “Song of the Year,” “Best Pop Song,” and “Best Urban Song.”

Argentine music is having an amazing moment and has an even more promising future. In the context of the enormous momentum that the local scene is going through worldwide, there is a name that started to appear at full speed in the credits of international successes: ZECCA. Behind the a.k.a. is self-taught musician, producer and infallible mixing engineer. Yesterday ZECCA left the award ceremony carrying three Latin Grammys.

2023 was the pivotal year of his career is backed up by the fact that it was the first time that his name was among those of the nominees for the prestigious Latin Grammys, one of the most important awards in the Spanish-speaking industry, and he did so in no less than four central categories such as “Song of the Year,” “Best Pop Song,” “Best Recording,” in which he was nominated for the colossal breakup anthem that is “Shakira: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. #53” and in “Best Urban Song” with “Quevedo: Bzrp Music Sessions Vol. #52.”

ZECCA’s participation in the process that led to Shakira’s session is a clear example of his chameleonic figure in the scene: he was in charge of the mixing and mastering of both tracks –an art in which he was self-taught as a kid– he participated in the songwriting process together with Santiago Alvarado, Bizarrap, Keityn and Shakira in the first one, and is also among the songwriters of the winning song in the Urban genre with Santiago Alvarado, Bizarrap and Quevedo himself.

And to think, ZECCA is just getting started. As a producer, composer, and beatmaker, he is behind some of the most solid projects of the current argentine trap scene, in the creation of several hits by Duki, Bizarrap, Emilia, Khea, and Tiago PZK, among others.

These awards attest to a meteoric rise of his singular talent, the likes of which are rarely seen. Now all eyes will be on his next step to see what he’s cooking after placing the first three trophies on his shelves. One thing is sure; we will hear his music everywhere with many more hits to come. Along with Bizarrap, ZECCA became the Argentine musician with the most awards in this edition of the Latin Grammys, proving a major impact on the global music industry.

ZECCA ONLINE
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Absolutely Cerebrum

After building up buzz with widespread tastemaker praise around the globe, acclaimed U.K. singer, songwriter, and performer Absolutely proudly presents her anxiously awaited debut album Cerebrum out now via Epic Records.

Listen HERE and view the trailer HERE

Living up to its title, Cerebrum beckons listeners down a rabbit hole and straight into Absolutely’s multi-dimensional world. Each of the record’s 13 tracks corresponds to a different “room” or chamber of her mind. It opens with Daylight where ethereal hums peek through distorted synths. As momentum builds, she issues an ultimatum on the refrain, “Baby I just need you here, it’s now or never.” Then, there’s Arrivals. She uncorks a flurry of emotions over warbling production. Holding nothing back, she wonders aloud, “How much love can I hold?” Expanding this vision, Glass hinge on an otherworldly guitar riff punctuated by head-nodding 808s and hi-hats. Fittingly, the journey concludes with Window. As if letting in a rejuvenating burst of energy, she urges, “Take a breather baby, open up a window. See the full track listing below.

The album also launched with a beautiful cover story in collaboration with The Luna Collective for a special-edition zine that will take fans into the world of Cerebrum. View the cover HERE

She paved the way for the album with Close To You and MIA. The latter has received acclaim from the likes of NYLON who praised, “There’s a strong melodic backbone that she adorns with her own quirks, scuzzying it up with contrasting textures while her silky voice flies free.”

MIA followed Symphony, which dropped this summer and claimed real estate on Spotify playlists such as “New Pop Picks” and more. Earning acclaim, she sat down for an interview with EUPHORIA. The outlet praised her as, “a young powerhouse who has been taking the industry by storm behind the scenes,” before noting, “Ready to receive her own bouquet of flowers, Absolutely has been feeding the world with her own music, and boy, what a promising artist she is already!”

She continues to serve up scorching anthems. A prior release, Stranger Phase, landed a coveted spot on the Spotify New Pop Picks playlist and earned critical acclaim from NYLON. FIZZY MAG professed, “This girl’s creativity knows no bounds, and she’s taking us on a wild journey through her world of music.” At the same time, Fever Dream has just begun to pick up steam, and its predecessor, Patterns, has already cracked over 100K streams and counting. Introducing Absolutely, FLAUNT praised her debut single, Higher, raving, “The singer-songwriter from South London brings together a plethora of genres on “Higher.” From pop to R&B and electronic, the debut single has it all with the help of Dave Hamelin, the producer behind artists like Beyoncé and 070 Shake.” Watch HERE.

Absolutely is currently touring as direct support on Raye’s My 21st Century Blues Tour, captivating audiences and gaining new fans at each stop. Tickets are available now at rayeofficial.com.

Allow Absolutely to welcome you to Cerebrum now.

Cerebrum Tracklisting:

Daylight
Arrivals
24 Hours
Higher
MIA
Fever Dream
Close To You
Glass
Patterns
Speak Up
Stranger Phase
Symphony
Window

My 21st Century Blues World Tour 2023/24 Tour Dates w Absolutely

November 18 – Paris, France – La Cigale
November 19 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg
November 20 – Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg – Rockhal
November 21 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Paradiso
November 23 – Berlin, Germany – Huxleys

November 24 – Warsaw, Poland – Progresja
November 26 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Vega
November 29 – Bridlington, UK – Bridlington Spa
November 30 – Glasgow, UK – O2 Academy

December 1 – Newcastle, UK – NX
December 2 – Manchester, UK – O2 Apollo
December 5 – Birmingham, UK – O2 Academy
December 7 – Bristol, UK – O2 Academy