FASHION+MUSIC

THE COMPLEX COVER profiles Lana Del Rey on the heels of her recently released fourth studio effort Lust for Life. In the interview – filmed at the Prohibition era-inspired, Hollywood hotspot No Vacancy and produced in the nostalgia-inducing style of the 50s and 60s she’s known for – Del Rey opens up to Complex’s Noah Callahan-Bever about the album’s overall lighter tone, explains her decision to weave elements of the current political climate throughout the record, reflects on her experience collaborating with her friends, explores her growth as an artist, and more.

Lana Del Rey Quotes From The Complex Cover interview

On the potential of her political songs alienating her core fan base

“You don’t negotiate when it comes to your work or your art. You stand totally firm and take the consequences. In terms of losing fans, I don’t care. Period.”

On how she’s grown as an artist since her first album Born to Die

“Maybe just the ability to integrate my own experiences with what I’m observing. To be able to reflect back, like a good mix of inner world [and] outer world.”

On the challenge of revealing a personal side musically as she achieved greater success

“I’ve never been somebody who turned away from really hard work… If I feel like I’m just not getting it right, I’ll just keep on trying different things until I feel like I’m hitting my stride in that department. I don’t know, finding your own path is not for the faint of heart…”

On infusing hip-hop into her album seamlessly

“I never feel like I’m not where I’m supposed to be… No matter who I’m with, I’m always doing my own thing. I can’t remember the last time I was in a club or somewhere and felt like, ‘Man, I’m not supposed to be here.’ I’ve been kind of doing it for so long, I feel like everybody I’m friends with, everyone I know just knows I’m all about the music.”

The Complex Cover is one of the latest original series from Complex, joining Sneaker Shopping, the No. 1 sneaker show on the web; Complex Live and Complex Con(versations), both available on go90; Everyday Struggle; and more.

KWAYE RELEASES NEW TRACK “SWEETEST LIFE” THAT COMPLETES HISSOLAR EP ON MIND OF A GENIUS

“KWAYE is bringing back pop sounds from a bygone era with a resoundingly modern twist.” – HIGH SNOBIETY

Zimbabwe-born artist Kwaye has released his debut Solar EP, out today via Mind of a Genius/Warner Bros. Records. The EP features his previous hits “Cool Kids” and “Little Ones,” which have earned over 2.3 million streams to date.The final track in this trilogy, “Sweetest Life,” debuted today as Zane Lowe’s World Record premiere on Beats 1.
LISTEN TO “SWEETEST LIFE” HERE.
SOLAR EP AVAILABLE AT RETAIL HERE.
Mind of a Genius recently signed this dynamic talent following a chance encounter. The 22-year-old had moved to the States, pursuing a dual major at UCLA in African American studies and the music industry. One night, he hopped in an Uber whose driver happened to be a former A&R executive. Kwaye played “Cool Kids” in the car, and the driver decided to share it with Mind Of A Genius label founder David Dann. A deal followed, making him the company’s very first UK signing.

As a child, Kwaye developed an encyclopedic musical taste, devouring everything from Zimbabwean traditional songs to D’Angelo, John Legend, Thundercat, Tracy Chapman, and The Eagles. He taught himself viola, saxophone, and guitar and cut his teeth playing open mic nights in London and in the famed West End. His personal fashion mirrors the melting pot at the heart of his music, merging bright Zimbabwe-style colors and London refinement.

Kwaye arrives as a new global voice in 2017 with the power to shake things up.

Indie singer/songwriter Sam Valdez shares her debut single “Hours”

The song was premiered yesterday on Black BookStream and share “Hours” Soundcloud, Spotify, iTunes.

“Hours” is a warm and dark track, like nighttime in summer. Sam Valdez’s voice has been compared to Lana Del Rey and Cat Power, and the melody of “Hours” stands front and center of a minimalistic composition, with the keys, guitars and other instruments adding color to her lyrics, rather than taking turns between words and music. The song was produced, mixed and mastered by Max Braverman at his studio in Los Angeles.

“This song is about the hold loss can have on us, while simultaneously being in love with someone who shares a similar experience. I wanted “Hours” to convey the feeling of being aware of pain and the dependencies it can create, and learning to just give into it sometimes and then let it go,” says Sam.

“Hours” is the first single of Sam Valdez’s debut EP, due out late 2017.
LISTEN AND SHARE “HOURS”

About Sam Valdez
Sam Valdez is a 23 year old indie/folk singer based in Los Angeles. After playing with several bands and outfits, she found the essence of her solo sound and decided to run with it in both music and performances. Her unique voice and singing style has set her apart in and created great expectations for music to come.
Sam grew up at the edge of the desert, in Las Vegas (NV), and credits the desert as a major influence in her writing and composing. Classically trained in violin, the instrument also makes an appearance in some of her songs. Sam has been writing her own music for the past 3 years, mostly Americana material, but over the course of these years her style has evolved, letting her new influences have a sway over her music.
Sam listens to a lot of “old school folk stuff” such as Leonard Cohen and Emmylou Harris, but nowadays she’s more influenced by grunge and indie rock, such as The National, The War On Drugs, etc. Also a lot of downtempo, indie music make it onto the mix.
Approximately one year ago Sam Valdez decided to write and perform under her own name, to change the style and create more music. Being able to indulge in her own creative process has made this period of time very fruitful, and after gathering a band of talented musicians around her, she has been performing her own material around Los Angeles for the last 6 months. Aside from her own performances, she has collaborated with many musicians and projects in LA, either with her violin\ or as backup vocals.
Next Show

August 3rd at The Bootleg Theatre, L.A w/ Loyal Lobos and Aldre Williams. Tickets.

Connect with Sam Valdez

Facebook
Instagram
Soundcloud

PLANET FASHION SWIM WEEKEND PRESENTS: “THE MAIN EVENT”

Following an immensely successful Opening Night at Planet Fashion Swim Weekend at SLS South Beach – with stunning presentations by Roberto Cavalli Swimwear, Nash Beach, and Revel Rey, Planet Fashion presents “The Main Event” on the second night of the weekend’s cutting-edge fashion phenomenon. This evening’s sizzling showcase featuring next season’s sexiest swimwear will include shows by today’s iconic designers and some of the nation’s most buzzworthy bikini brands, including DSquared2, Karma Bikinis, and OMG Miami Swimwear. Presentations by some of today’s globally renowned fashion houses and popular local designers from Miami, will show their latest creations adorning some of today’s top runway and swimwear models.

On Friday and Saturday of Planet Fashion Swim Weekend (July 21st and 22nd) “Swim Pop” presents an exclusive Pop-up shop and gifting suite for invited attendees to browse, featuring an Evian Water Bar, La Croix Beauty and Nail Bar, as well as apparel from designers Karma Bikinis, Masahua and Logophile The Label among many others. Swim Pop will be open from 11am—6pm, July 21 and 22.

Following each nightly series of fashion shows will be the Planet Fashion After-party at Hyde Beach, the property’s luxe indoor-outdoor hotel lounge, serving a selection of handcrafted signature cocktails.

The Main Event: featuring DSquared2, Karma Bikinis and OMG Miami Swimwear

WHEN: Friday, July 21: Doors open at 7:30pm – Media

WHERE: SLS South Beach, 1701 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139

Check-in is through the front of the hotel at the bottom of the stairs towards the pool (beyond Katsuya).

SABRINA CARPENTER VIDEO

Sabrina Carpenter has just released the companion video to new single “Why.” Shot in Los Angeles with director Jay Martin (Shawn Mendes, Christina Perri) and featuring Riverdale star Casey Cott as Carpenter’s love interest, “Why” explores the age-old theory that opposites attract, “and we don’t even know why.”

“Sometimes differences can hold us together and I think that’s a beautiful sentiment to how we deal with divergence and how it can furthermore prove our compatibility,” Carpenter says of the Jeberg-produced song. “In the end, we don’t really need to know ‘why’ if we are confident in our own emotions.”

In support of the new single and video, Carpenter will perform “Why” on Live with Kelly & Ryan August 21.

The track, co-written by Carpenter, Jonas Jeberg and Brett McLaughlin, is available now at all digital providers HERE and all streaming providers HERE.

Carpenter is currently crossing North American on her headlining summer De-Tour, which kicked off July 6 and runs through Aug. 27. The 30+ date summer trek marks Carpenter’s second headline tour, following her sold out EVOLution Tour last fall.

The De-Tour will continue to bring a summer of fun and music across major North American cities such as Denver, Dallas, New Orleans, Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville, and Boston before concluding on August 27 in Toronto, ON. The tour, presented by American Tourister, will feature special gue! sts Alex Aiono & New Hope Club on all dates and resumes tomorrow night in Edmonton, AB. For more information, please visit www.sabrinacarpenter.com.

LIAM PAYNE + ZEDD

ZEDD RELEASES NEW SINGLE “GET LOW”

WITH LIAM PAYNE

FOLLOW UP SINGLE TO HIS #1 SMASH HIT

“STAY” WITH ALESSIA CARA

Multi-platinum, GRAMMY award-winning artist/DJ/producer Zedd has released “Get Low,” his new single with Liam Payne on Interscope. “Get Low” marks a more urban sound for Zedd that he also described as one of his catchiest songs and recently told BuzzFeed, “just had to live in the summer.” Listen to the single here:http://zedd.me/GetLow_LyricVideo

Zedd and Liam met last year as Liam was beginning to plan his solo career. Zedd had been working on “Get Low” at that time and thought Liam would be perfect for it. Zedd and Liam then began working on the song together and as Zedd recalls, “Liam’s voice gave the song a lot of soul and really influenced the song a lot.”

“Get Low” is Zedd’s second single this year, following his hit single “Stay” with Alessia Cara. “Stay” is currently #1 at Top 40 Radio for the 6^th consecutive week in the US and reached #7 on the Billboard Hot 100. Zedd will return to Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Series on July 23^rd where he will be joined by Alessia and additional surprise guests.

This fall, Zedd will kick off his Echo Tour in North America starting on September 29 in Vancouver, Canada, which he announced last month. Several shows, including San Francisco and Boston have sold out already, with a second show added in San Francisco as well as a stop in Washington, DC. Tickets are available here:http://www.zedd.net/echo

ECHO TOUR NORTH AMERICAN DATES:

09/29	Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Center	Vancouver, BC
09/30	WaMu Theater	Seattle, WA
10/07	Bill Graham Civic Auditorium	San Francisco, CA
10/08	Bill Graham Civic Auditorium	San Francisco, CA
10/12	Aragon Ballroom	Chicago, IL
10/17	House of Blues	Boston, MA
10/19	Electric Factory	Philadelphia, PA
10/21	The Anthem	Washington, DC
10/24	Revention Music Center	Houston, TX
10/26	Bomb Factory	Dallas, TX
11/01	Pepsi Center	Mexico City, MX
11/03	Auditorio Citibanamex	Monterrey, MX
11/04	Teatro Estudio Cavaret	Guadalajara, MX

Credit: Reuben Wu

Website – http://www.zedd.net

Spotify – smarturl.it/Zedd_SPEssentials

Facebook – http://www.facebook.com/Zedd/

Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/Zedd/

Twitter – http://twitter.com/Zedd

JAY-Z 13TH ALBUM 4:44 SCORES BIG!

In 4:44, Shawn Carter discusses his infidelity to Beyonce, the meaning of the title, how Blue Ivy’s birth made him more mature and addresses the Kardashians.

In addition, his mom (Gloria Carter) ‘comes out’ as a lesbian during a touching duet.

At midnight 6/30, he dropped an exclusive audio clip during iHeartRadio‘s The Beat.

*No I.D. aka “Godfather of Chicago Hip-Hop” was named Executive Producer on 4:44.

“4:44”

“‘4:44’ is a song that I wrote, and it’s the crux of the album, just right in the middle of the album. And I woke up, literally, at 4:44 in the morning, 4:44 AM, to write this song. So it became the title of the album and everything. It’s the title track because it’s such a powerful song, and I just believe one of the best songs I’ve ever written.”

“Bam”

“The song ‘Bam’ with Damian Marley, it’s just jammin’, it’s just like the song. But it’s secretly Shawn Carter saying, ‘Man, you need a bit of ego.’ It was because of me and the things that I’ve done, this is JAY-Z saying you needed a bit of ego for us to arrive at this point.”

“Caught The Eye”

“‘Caught The Eye’ is a song that’s dealing with just being aware of your surroundings. There’s a line in it, and it says, ‘Your body language is all remedial, how could you see the difference between you and I?’ Just being so sharp about your surroundings.”

“Family Feud”

“‘Family Feud’ is about separation within the culture. Like, new rappers fighting with old rappers, saying all these things. So, the line is, ‘Nobody wins when the family feuds.'”

“Kill JAY-Z”

“The first song is called ‘Kill JAY-Z’ and obviously, it’s not to be taken literal. It’s really about the ego. It’s about killing off the ego, so we can have this conversation in a place of vulnerability and honesty.”

“Legacy”

“The song is just about what it is, it’s like a verbal will. Just a song about speaking to my daughter. She starts the song off, and she says ‘Daddy, what’s a will?'”

“Marcy Me”

“‘Marcy Me’ is a nostalgic walk through Marcy, and it’s about that hopefulness, that feeling of ‘Man, can I really do this? Can I really be one of the biggest artists in the world?’ You have these dreams, ‘Can I be one of the biggest basketball players?’ We have these dreams.”

“Moonlight”

“The hook is ‘We stuck in La La Land/Even if we win, we gonna lose.’ It’s like a subtle nod to La La Land winning the Oscar, and then having to give it to Moonlight. It’s really a commentary on the culture and where we’re going.”

“Smile”

“‘Smile’ is just what it is. There are gonna be bad times, and those bad times can do two things: they can get you in a place where you’re stuck in a rut, or it can make your future that much better because you’ve experienced these things.”

“The Story of OJ”

“‘The Story of OJ’ is really a song about we as a culture, having a plan, how we’re gonna push this forward. We all make money, and then we all lose money, as artists especially. But how, when you have some type of success, to transform that into something bigger.”

8/05/2017	Ohio Expo Center & State Fair	Columbus, OH – SOLD OUT!
8/06/2017	PNC Pavilion at Riverbend	Cincinnati, OH – SOLD OUT!
8/08/2017	Wisconsin State Fair Park	West Allis, WI – SOLD OUT!
8/09/2017	Meadow Brook Amphitheatre	Rochester Hills, MI – SOLD OUT!
8/10/2017	The Lawn at Great White River Park	Indianapolis, IN – SOLD OUT!
8/12/2017	Illinois State Fair	Springfield, IL
8/13/2017	Iowa State Fair	Des Moines, IA – SOLD OUT!
8/26/2017	Nebraska State Fair Park	Grand Island, NE
8/27/2017	Providence Medical Center Amphitheater	Bonner Springs, KS
8/28/2017	Ravinia Festival	Highland Park, IL – SOLD OUT!
8/30/2017	Minnesota State Fair	St. Paul, MN – SOLD OUT!
8/31/2017	Fox Theatre	St. Louis , MO – SOLD OUT!
9/02/2017	The Great Allentown Fair	Allentown, PA
9/03/2017	Champlain Valley Exposition	Essex Junction, VT