TRAVEL+FOOD

Hotel Californian summer schedule via 360 Magazine

Hotel Californian’s Summer

Nestled in the heart of Santa Barbara’s vibrant Funk Zone, Hotel Californian is pleased to announce its summer calendar of engaging events and immersive experiences. Catering to visitors and locals looking to indulge in the hotel’s iconoclastic spirit, the chic urban hotel has curated a series of seasonal events that showcase its compelling indoor and outdoor spaces while embracing the vibrant vibe of the surrounding neighborhood. The exciting roster of activities includes the reintroduction of the hotel’s HOWL @ Djinn full-moon event series and Sunset Sessions with live DJs on the Mirador rooftop deck – both back after a two-year hiatus – along with the hotel’s first-ever Winemaker Dinner Series at Blackbird restaurant and in person wellness programming – all designed to further demonstrate the hotel’s connection to the local community and position as the pinnacle destination along the American Riviera. Dedicated to the pursuit of getting lost in the experience, Hotel Californian invites guests to fill their summer days and nights with unforgettable happenings that capture the untamed essence of Santa Barbara through these invigorating summer programs.

HOWL @ DJINN

Monthly at Djinn, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Guests can expect the unexpected as Hotel Californian brings back its popular HOWL @ Djinn full-moon event series with inventive cocktails by legendary mixologist Devon Espinosa. Happening monthly during each full moon in Djinn, the hotel’s library bar named after supernatural genies from Moroccan folklore, each event features mystic libations – with each month featuring a unique cocktail based on the lunar cycle, personalized Tarot card readings, and classic board games while local indie record label Val-Mar Records spins vinyl. Complimentary to join and open to guests and the public, visit Hotel’s Californian’s online calendar of events for more information or to RSVP for the next HOWL @ Djinn event:

•       Wednesday, July 13: Buck Moon

•       Thursday, August 11: Sturgeon Moon

•       Friday, September 9: Harvest Moon

•       Sunday, October 9: Hunter’s Moon

•       Monday, November 7: Beaver Moon

•       Wednesday, December 7: Cold Moon

SUNSET SESSIONS

Every Sunday from July 3 – September 4, Mirador rooftop deck, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Every Sunday from July 3 to September 4, audiophiles and sunset seekers alike can come together for Sunset Sessions at Mirador, Hotel Californian’s exclusive rooftop deck, to enjoy craft spirits, delectable bites, and live DJ sets. The ultimate wind down to the weekend, guests can take in 360-degree panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and majestic Santa Ynez Mountains as the sun sets over the American Riviera. The complete list of participating musical tastemakers, which will be unveiled on an ongoing basis, is being curated by popular local DJ Dan Dubinsky, who will also headline throughout the summer. Sunset Sessions is free to hotel guests and costs $15 presale and $20 at the door for locals. Space is limited so advance registration via Hotel Californian’s website is highly encouraged.

WINEMAKER DINNERS

Monthly at Blackbird, 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

The newest addition to Hotel Californian’s program lineup is the Winemaker Dinner series, a monthly food and wine pairing hosted in Blackbird restaurant by visiting winemakers from the Foley Family Wines portfolio. Traveling oenophiles and local wine enthusiasts can indulge in exquisite wines paired with a four-course meal curated and prepared by Hotel Californian Executive Chef Travis Watson. This special dining experience features a rotating selection of wines from across the Foley Family Wines portfolio paired alongside local, sustainable dishes for a contemporary upscale dining experience like no other. Guests who enjoy the wines featured at the Winemaker Dinners can experience them again by visiting The Society: State & Mason, which is now open daily, from Sunday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Serving as Santa Barbara’s newest refuge for wine aficionados in the bustling Funk Zone neighborhood, the intimate tasting room celebrates the intersection between world-class wines, exquisite cuisine, and immersive, memorable travel experiences. To learn more and book a reservation to the first Winemaker Dinner of the series on Thursday, June 23, visit Hotel’s Californian’s online calendar of eventsTiming for each monthly event will be available online ongoing and pricing for each event varies.

SATURDAY SESSIONS AT MAJORELLE

Every Saturday until October 1, outdoors (weather permitting), 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Workouts don’t have to feel like work at Majorelle’s Saturday Sessions, which has returned in-person after being hosted virtually for the past two years. This summer, the exclusive fitness series will be curated by Los Angeles-based fitness instructor and founder of Recharge Wellness Co., Rachel McClusky, who also created The Recharge Method. Rachel has hand-selected a rotating lineup of all-star instructors and classes that emphasize the connection of mind and body while moving and creating a release, and she will also host her own series of classes during Saturday Sessions. From sun salutations to sculpt, HIIIT, barre, Pilates, dance cardio, healing meditation, and more, these feel-good fixes are suitable for all levels and provide the perfect excuse to hit pause, reconnect and recharge. Curious exercisers can continue to join these sessions via Hotel Californian’s Instagram LIVE every Saturday morning to get fit and fabulous from anywhere in the world. Upcoming Saturday Sessions include:

·       Saturday, June 18: Barre with Amanda Glassman          

·       Saturday, June 25: Sculpt with Katie Mullen                     

·       Saturday, July 2: Recharge Method with Rachel McClusky             

·       Saturday, July 9: Sculpt with Remy Kam                          

·       Saturday, July 16: Yoga with Marquite Rene                 

·       Saturday, July 23: Pilates with Alysia Pope                        

Saturday Sessions classes are $10 for locals and complimentary for hotel guests and members of Majorelle’s membership program. This newly launched offering provides members with two 60-minute Custom treatments per month, complimentary Fitness Center access, 20 percent off additional treatments and spa retail, access to the Tan-Tan rooftop pool (blackout dates apply), 10 guest passes per year, and $10 daily valet parking. Members also receive 15 percent off the Best Flexible Rate for an overnight stay and a 15 percent food and beverage discount at The Society: State & Mason, Blackbird, Goat Tree, Djinn, and Tan-Tan poolside dining. More information about membership and Majorelle’s one-of-a-kind spa treatments can be found at HotelCalifornian.com.

Situated 90 minutes from Los Angeles, 15 minutes from the Santa Barbara Airport, and one block from the Amtrak station, Hotel Californian is ideally situated for travelers seeking an iconoclastic getaway. Reservations for The Society: State & Mason’s seated tastings can now be made on Tock.com or by calling the hotel directly at (805) 882-0100. More information about the tasting room, membership to The Foley Food & Wine Society, and Foley Family Wines can also be found online at HotelCalifornian.com and FoleyWines.com.

 

Picture of Netsky and Rita Ora via Stoked PR for use by 360 Magazine

NETSKY F/ RITA ORA – BARRICADES

NETSKY & RITA ORA TEAM UP FOR NEW SINGLE ‘BARRICADES’ RELEASED TODAY VIA HELIX RECORDS

LISTEN TO ‘BARRICADES’ [HERE]

OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO PREMIERES TOMORROW 23RD JUNE 2022 5PM BST [HERE]

Today, global superstar Rita Ora joins forces with award-winning world renowned producer and DJ NETSKY on summer anthem “Barricades” released via Helix Records

Produced with super-producers Stargate, the brilliant collaboration between the headline artists ‘Barricades’ combines Netsky’s trademark energetic production style and knack for a soaring pop chorus with Rita Ora’s distinctive uplifting vocals to produce an anthem sure to soundtrack this summer. The track’s official music video will premiere tomorrow 23rd June 2022 at 5pm BST and features a captivating performance from Rita Ora filmed in Los Angeles by director Joe Mischo.

About their “Barricades” collaboration, Netsky says; “I’ve wanted to work with Rita since I heard ‘RIP’, so it was really special to get her and Stargate together in the studio again. We wanted to make a song that really showcased the power of her voice. The song is about the battles people go through being in love. We combined the simple beauty of pop with the power of breaks/drum and bass. I want to make dance music that has honesty and emotion – I think this song is that.”

Rita Ora adds; ‘It’s been amazing to work with Netsky on ‘Barricades’. It’s an honour to get to work with such a talented producer, especially on a track like this. Collaborating on another Drum n Bass record a decade after my first no.1 ‘Hot Right Now’ with DJ Fresh, feels like coming home, and I’m beyond excited for everyone to hear it. I hope they love dancing to it as much as I do!’

Picture of Netsky and Rita Ora via Stoked PR for use by 360 Magazine

Rita Ora is one of the most successful female UK artists of the 21st century and an international critically acclaimed singer-songwriter with four #1 UK singles. She holds the record for the most Top 10 singles for a British female artist in the UK in history with a total of 13. In 2021, she co-wrote and produced the global collaboration Bang with GRAMMY winning Kazakh DJ and record producer Imanbek. Featuring David Guetta, Gunna and Argentinian rapper KHEA, the four track EP is a mix of modern pop, 80s and 90s club culture and floor-filling house. The EP was the follow up to her album Phoenix, which has amassed over 4 billion streams worldwide, spawned 3 platinum singles and includes “Lonely Together,” her collaboration with Avicii which won “Best Dance” VMA at the MTV Video Music Awards. In addition, her debut album, Ora, debuted at #1 on the UK charts and was certified platinum. Rita is also a multi-talented industry leader across TV, culture and fashion, with brand partnerships across key sectors. Her film and television credits include the Fifty Shades of Greyfranchise, Fast & FuriousSouthpaw, POKÉMON Detective Pikachu, Twist, and the upcoming film Tin Soldier and series Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight.

NETSKY has emerged as one of the most in demand music producers and a trendsetting global heavyweight in electronic music. Amidst a catalogue of hits, he has collaborated with everyone from Lil Wayne, Aloe Blacc, David Guetta, Becky Hill, Emilie Sande, Swedish House Mafia and Rudimental while the likes of Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Jack Ü have sought him out for remixes. From selling out Arenas to headlining some of the worlds biggest festivals, he also ignited the Netsky & Friends brand as an extension of his creative influence, curating and hosting his own stage at Tomorrowland and rolling out the concept at festivals and clubs across Europe. . 

Stay tuned for more to come from Netsky.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Netsky:

Spotify | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Rita Ora:

Spotify | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter YouTube

Download hi-res artwork & press shots here

For media enquiries please contact:

Kate Head at Stoked PR kate@stokedpr.com // 07946599507

Julie Smith at Stoked PR: julie@stokedpr.com // 07961002495

ABOUT HELIX RECORDS

Helix Records, established in April 2022, is a multi-territory independent home for the world’s best new electronic dance music. Patrick Moxey’s ascending flagship electronic dance music label has already signed several high-profile new artists including renowned electronic duo Snakehips, British-Australian band AR/CO, party rockers Two Friends, legendary house dj/producer Marshall Jefferson, and tech house maven DJ Susan, with more announcements to come.

Rain Radio - "He goes down"

RAIN RADIO GOES DOWN

Rain Radio continues its hot streak with a brand-new single, He Goes Down.” 

Centering around the sultriest of Nicole Scherzinger samples (Right There), He Goes Down” sees Rain Radio tap into a raw, vocal-driven club with a deep slap house bassline. It follows 079 featuring Block Notice, a recent club smash that has already racked up over 4 million Spotify streams.

Rain Radio remains an anonymous collective of producers and DJs. The mysterious music-making entity burst onto the scene last year with Talk About, a viral smash with Irish breakout talent DJ Craig Gorman that peaked at #9 in the UK’s Top 20′. It has also amassed over 188 million combined global streams.

One of dance music‘s best-kept secrets, the mysterious Rain Radio continues to have the scene talking.

Landon Barker

boohooMAN × Landon Asher Barker

Singer, songwriter and reality TV star Landon Asher Barker launched his new capsule collection with the prominent British retailer boohooMAN. What better way to celebrate the exclusive launch of the musician’s garment line than to have a premiere party in Hollywood.

The soiree was held at the newly opened rooftop lounge Desert 5 Spot. If you are ever in Hollywood, and want stunning city views with live rock and country music, this favorite locale is the place to go. The venue can be found on the top floor of the stylish Tommie Hollywood Hotel.

Upon entering the event, celebrities were greeted with a red carpet to capture the amazing looks from the new line. The punk-rock looks had the usual leather jacket statement, but edged out with accessories and designer accents. One of the crowd favorites was the metallic skeleton studded jacket – a silhouette of a skeleton on a gray leather base with studs along the collar.

The best way to describe the wardrobe of the event would be contemporary acid rock. Landon had a few words about the partnership “the collection is primarily inspired by what I wear on an everyday basis, and boohooMAN really allowed me to showcase that through my creative direction.” He finished with “I love the collection created because it feels very me. The rocker elements really reflect my personal style, and I am so proud of the vibe we cultivated through every look. I’ve been into fashion from a very young age so it’s been fun to create something on my own.” Looking Through the selection of clothes you can see the rockstar persona shine through.

The end of the event was followed by a performance. The young artist gave the guests a show to remember. He performed two unreleased songs, and a Juice Wrld cover to pay respects to his recently passed friend, TikTok star Cooper Noriega. Juice Wrld and Cooper were huge inspirations to Landon’s career, and to pay tributes to both icons he sang Armed and Dangerous.

After the performance ended you can clearly see being musically inclined doesn’t fall far from the family tree. The legendary drummer for Blink-182 and Kourtney Kardashian’s new husband Travis Barker was in attendance supporting his son. This young composer seems to already have built a strong foundation in the Hollywood scene. The evening was filled with other rising talent like Charli Damelio, Dixie Damelio, Austin Mahone, 24K Goldn and many others.

The boohooMAN x Landon Barker collection, available globally on boohooMAN.com, features bold colors, chain metal details and faux-leather statement pieces. The product ranges from$19- $67, making the range accessible while in keeping with the fashion forward elements that compliment Landon’s style. Find more info here.

Article:

Yash Thadani, Krishan Narsinghani

Mary J Blige tour announced via 360 Magazine

MARY J. BLIGE TOUR

One of Time Magazine’s icons listed in “The 100 Most Influential People of 2022” and the recipient of the 2022 “Billboard ICON Award,” the undisputed Queen of Hip Hop Soul, Mary J. Blige, announces her Good Morning Gorgeous tour presented by Hologic in partnership with The Black Promoters Collective (BPC). GRAMMY Award-winning and Oscar-nominated Blige will perform in 23 cities with special guests, platinum-selling, GRAMMY Award-winning artist Ella Mai and platinum-selling rising star Queen Naija beginning on Saturday, September 17, in Greensboro, NC, and ending on Saturday, October 29 in Atlantic City, NJ. The tour also stops in Los Angeles, New York, and Atlanta.

Before offering to the general public, the Good Morning Gorgeous tour tickets go on presale today with The American Express Card Members beginning June 15 at 10 am local time through June 16 at 10 pm local time. Tickets will be available to the general public on June 17 at 10 am local and range from $69.50 to $189.50. Tickets can be purchased here.

“Mary J. Blige has been one of a select handful of artists at the top of our desired list to partner with since the initial construction of The BPC. Having her support in our mission so early in the process is a testament to the hard work we have put in to bring superior cultural experiences powered by black business to the masses. We firmly believe this is a match made in heaven and are honored to partner with the Queen,” states The BPC Co-Founder and President Shelby Joyner.

“We’re thrilled to continue our partnership with Mary J. Blige as the presenting sponsor for her Good Morning Gorgeous tour,” said Steve MacMillan, Hologic’s Chairman, President, and Chief Executive Officer. “As a global leader in women’s health, we’re committed to emphasizing the lifesaving importance of preventive screenings and the annual Well Woman exam, and Mary’s voice is a powerful way to reach millions of women.”

In addition to the previously stated accolades, the tour follows Blige’s early 2022 album release of Good Morning Gorgeous. The album was released leading into her energetic Super Bowl Halftime performance. The title track rose to #1 at R&B radio for 9 weeks and the song became a viral backdrop for many expressing self-love, with over 40,000 users creating videos using the song on TikTok. A deluxe version was dropped just ahead of her wildly successful Strength of a Woman Woman festival that took place last month in Atlanta.

For more information, go HERE.

Saucy Santana and Latto Booty song release via 360 Magazine

Saucy Santana × Latto

Today, viral rapper and hitmaker Saucy Santana releases his anticipated new single “Booty.” Stream it HERE.

His first release since signing to RCA Records, Santana teams up with labelmate Latto on this early song of the summer contender. Saucy also recently supported Latto on her nationwide 777 Tour. Immediately trending online following Santana’s initial tease of the track, the song carries an upbeat, dance-worthy production and bouncing bassline, as Santana and Latto both flex instantly catchy flows.

Known for breakout singles such as “Material Girl,” “Walk,” and“Walk Em Like a Dog,” the Florida-born hip-hop artist has steered the sound of social media. His boisterous rap sound and memorable hooks have only solidified his influence in today’s music landscape, with Billboard praising him for “playing a key role in the expansion of hip-hop’s current sound and style.” With the release of “Booty” and more music on the way, as Forbes succinctly puts it, “2022 belongs to Saucy Santana.”

About Saucy Santana

Saucy Santana is a vibrant artist with a bold personality from Perry, Florida. Santana’s first-ever song, “Walk Em Like A Dog,” was a viral hit with tens of millions of streams. In January 2020, he released his first mixtape, Imma Celebrity, which contained the standout track “Material Girl,” which has charted on Spotify and surged on TikTok with millions of video creates. In July 2020, Santana released Pretty Little Gangsta, featuring “Up & Down” with Latto. Santana’s 2020 single “Walk” went viral in 2021 through YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok after being highlighted in the popular multi-platform #WalkChallenge. 

Santana has since collaborated with artists including City Girls, Kali, Ivorian Doll, and star EDM DJ R3HAB. Santana’s most recent album, Keep It Playa, features a new hit, “Shisha,” which is poised to be another classic in Saucy Santana’s young and growing career. His strong presence in the LGBTQ+ community, co-signs from Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Cardi B, Megan Thee Stallion, and Lizzo, and his infectious personality have combined to rapidly expand his fanbase and worldwide following on social media.

*Photo by Blair Caldwell

Follow Saucy Santana

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | TikTok

About Latto

Breakout Queen of Da Souf rapper Latto has been making a name for herself since she was eight years old and hasn’t stopped since. The Rap Game Season One winner has continually released music and in 2020, it landed the ATL-based artist a deal with RCA Records. In the past two and a half years, the 23-year-old released her project Queen of Da Souf followed her most recent album 777 while continuing to elevate and garner accolade after accolade. To name a few – she’s the first female rapper to ever have a #1 record at Pop, Rhythm and Urban Radio with the same single (“Big Energy”), the first solo female rapper from Atlanta to receive an RIAA-certification (both Gold and Platinum) and amassed her first top five hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with “Big Energy” (peak #3). She’s also performed on various late night television shows and televised award shows including the 2022 Billboard Music AwardsThe Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Late Night With Seth Meyers, BET Hip-Hop Awards and more. Latto’s embracing this new phase in her career – manifesting good fortune and hitting bar after bar with witty, captivating lyrics, but staying true to herself and her roots. Big Latto’s ‘got that real big energy’ and shows no signs of stopping.

Israel Tourism

The Israel Ministry of Tourism continues to help the local tourism industry, to increase the accommodation supply to lower prices. The Investment Administration in the Tourism Ministry has recently received 107 applications from entrepreneurs seeking grants to build and expand hotels.

Investors, who are optimistic about the rehabilitation of Israel’s incoming tourism industry, are seeking to establish and convert existing buildings to hotels and expand existing buildings or restore them to their original purpose. 70 applications were submitted in the building permit tracking, 22 requests as part of a track to restore buildings to hotel use and convert existing buildings into hotels, and 15 applications were submitted in the implementation track by companies who have a building permit. This year’s grant budget stands at NIS 165 million. The directives of the Investment Administration for 2022 were published last April and the deadline for applications to be submitted was mid-May 2022.

The Israel Minister of Tourism Yoel Razvozov spoke about Israels current tourism opportunities, “There is a great deal of optimism and interest among the tourism industry. This year, we broke the record for the number of grant requests for opening new hotels in Israel, with over one hundred applications submitted. The Israel Ministry of Tourism continues to invest vast efforts in increasing incoming tourism traffic to Israel and shortening the amount of time it takes to build hotels. This will inject billions of shekels into the state coffers.”

As is well known, the corona crisis interrupted the upward growth trend in incoming tourism, which culminated in record figures in 2019 of over 4.5 million tourists. During the crisis, the Ministry of Tourism focused on preserving and nurturing the tourism infrastructure and continued assistance to entrepreneurs. This is to prepare for the return of growth. According to the Ministry of Tourism, the tourism industry’s annual contribution to the economy (before the pandemic) stood at about NIS 40 billion. The ministry is working to restore incoming tourism traffic to Israel and for the industry’s recovery following the crisis.

Despite the effects of the pandemic, progress has been registered in both planning new hotel projects and in building projects that were planned before the outbreak of the pandemic. The ministry continues to work to realize the potential inherent in hotel investments, to increase the number of tourists, and, as a result, to increase revenue from tourism to the economy.

Maurice Lacroix Swiss watch via 360 magazine

MAURICE LACROIX

Maurice Lacroix unveils the brightest, funkiest range of watches, offered in an array of eye-popping colours.

The AIKON #tide is made to be noticed. And, best of all, the AIKON #tide is helping to make the oceans a little bit cleaner, thanks to revolutionary technology that converts discarded plastic waste into Swiss quality watches.

The AIKON #tide is cool with a conscience and it will be chillin’ near you very soon. Maurice Lacroix first released the AIKON in 2016, a model that has since enjoyed incredible success. The virtues of AIKON ownership extend to the model’s precise timekeeping, impressive readability, and extraordinary levels of wearer comfort. And, in common with all Maurice Lacroix products, the AIKON delivers high perceived value.

The AIKON #tide is formed of #tide ocean-bound upcycled plastic combined with glass fiber. The resultant composite material is twice as hard as standard plastic, five times more resistant, and has a carbon footprint significantly less than the production of virgin PET. It takes 17 bottles to make one fabulous watch and its tailor-made packaging, 100% made of #tide ocean material®. It’s a win-win deal.

The case measures 40mm in diameter and features a flat sapphire crystal, augmenting readability. Beyond its vibrant hues and case, the dial is adorned with a ‘Vague du Jura’ motif, a stylish reference to the ocean. For an additional quotient of glamour, several references are also available with diamond-set indexes.

The AIKON #tide is endowed with a screwed crown together with a screwed case-back, details that contribute to the model’s impressive water-resistance of 100m. The model is also granted with the Easy Strap Exchange system, allowing the wearer to swap the strap for an alternative without tools.

Later, in 2022, Maurice Lacroix intends to unveil a second version of the AIKON #tide equipped with a bracelet made of, you guessed it, composite material! A quartz movement is at the heart of the AIKON #tide, delivering convenience and precision. As you would expect of a Swiss watch, the AIKON #tide is a quality product backed by a 5-year warranty.

THAT’S WHAT A DROP MAKES

Sometimes when an individual or company tries to make a positive change, critics declare, ‘It’s merely a drop in the ocean’. However, apathy will never address the challenges the planet is now facing. Maurice Lacroix believes its initiative with #tide will contribute to cleaner oceans and make the planet a little better. Indeed, as they say in the Swiss Jura, ‘That’s what a drop makes.’

REVOLUTIONARY TECHNOLOGY

Modern and daring, the AIKON is made for a generation of Millennials who are connected, cosmopolitan and talented. This ambitious generation is setting out to conquer the world’s cities, embracing their unique spirit. Maurice Lacroix is an active and urban brand that thrives in the electric energy of these cities. Having won over fifteen awards, the brand has demonstrated an innovative, avant-garde and perfectionist spirit over more than 40 years.

Maurice Lacroix has entered into a ground-breaking, long-term partnership with #tide to collect plastic bottles from the seas surrounding various islands in Thailand, Indonesia, and, the Philippines.

Maurice Lacroix has committed to saving 10 million plastic bottles from polluting the oceans, which involves providing significant financial support. Indeed, the Maison will sponsor plastic collection activities, pay for longtail boats and warehouses, fund educational programs and finance various types of equipment. These bottles are sorted, shredded into flakes, washed and compacted close to the point of collection, and then transported to #tide’s upcycling facilities where the fragments are compounded into smaller granules. These are then combined with an undisclosed formula, culminating in the creation of upcycled plastic which is eventually used to make lots of lovely, brightly colored AIKON #tide watches.

Maurice Lacroix has conceived the AIKON #tide for a new generation who value sustainability, affordability, and notable style.

YOUR TIME IS NOW WITH MAURICE LACROIX

SOPHIA SCOTT – OOTD

After 58 million streams and one million monthly listeners, EMPIRE Nashville’s Sophia Scott released debut EP, One Of These Days–a collection of six tracks. Available everywhere now, the EP illuminates Sophia’s limitless musicality which flows seamlessly through country, pop, rock and R&B. Candidly opening up about deeply personal topics like divorce, addiction, heartache and hope, Scott turns trauma into triumph with her lyrics. With her fearless first full-length body of work, Scott emphasizes her position as a country artist-to-watch with a promising career in Nashville and beyond for many years to come. She is excited to take her new music on the road this year, kicking off with a buzz worthy performance for Spotify’s Fresh Finds stage at CMA Fest on June 12. 

Thematically connecting the EP with title track One Of These Days, which received praise from Entertainment Tonight, E! News, Holler Country, Just Jared and more, Sophia identifies how her parents’ struggling marriage eventually helped her to define her own perspectives on life – from her career, to friendships and romantic encounters. In April, she made her official television debut with a powerful performance of the song on The Kelly Clarkson Show.

With the EP’s opener Don’t Tempt Me, Scott immediately welcomes her fun side with the perfect soundtrack for a wild night out with friends. The track sets the stage for a body of work which balances poignant ballads with high-energy, country bops. Scott follows the up-tempo kickstarter with her powerful 2021 ballad Side Effects, which confronts her painful experiences watching friends and family struggle with addiction. As she heals her own scars with Side Effects, she hopes to give a voice to anyone who has also driven a loved one to rehab and taken steps to help them recover. Since its release in May 2021, the track has opened an important mental health conversation on TikTok, with many users sharing their own stories alongside the song. 

Praised for the authenticity of her writing, her music is characterized by her willingness to be raw and vulnerable. She counters this unapologetic candor with infectious confidence on the “Charlie’s Angels”-inspired anthem titled Leather Skirt, which aims to empower women of every generation. She emphasizes that the timeless fashion staple has the power to make a girl at any age feel like her best self. Further amplifying the ‘women empowerment’ vibe, Scott’s latest single for the EP, More Me, is a fiery ‘girls night out’ anthem, an invitation to hit the dance floor and reminder to love yourself. The track debuted on Spotify’s New Music Nashville and is currently featured on the platform’s Next From Nashville playlist. The EP also features her unconventional Valentine’s Day’ single Sweetheart,  which sees her reflecting on first-time love and flashing back to happy moments with an old flame who still holds a place in her heart. 

“This body of work is my heart. I am so proud of it and thrilled to finally share this piece of me. Putting my experiences into songs is my way to navigate things and has been the best form of therapy for me. I hope that my lyrics offer hope to those who can relate,” says Scott. “I hope my songs empower you to also put on your favorite outfit and hit the dance floor.”

TRACKLIST:

  1. Don’t Tempt Me
  2. Side Effects
  3. Leather Skirt
  4. One of These Days
  5. More Me
  6. Sweetheart

Stream One Of These Days, the EP, by Sophia Scott HERE. Sophia Scott may originally hail from Boulder, CO, but the singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist found a home in Nashville, TN by continuing a time-honored tradition of storytelling with no shortage of gusto and grit. When it comes to her music, she writes from the heart, shoots from the hip, and holds nothing back. Instead of retreating, she confronts heartbreak head-on and emboldens audiences with the kind of confidence only earned by a lifelong grind. After a childhood immersed in music, she settled in Los Angeles for six years. She performed around town and even headlined her own residencies. Her cover of Tove Lo’s Habits (Stay High) took off and set the stage for buzzworthy originals such as Closure. Breaking through, Quit cracked 1 million Spotify streams, while Atwood Magazine raved, “Having grown up on classic rock, R&B, and country/soul. Scott takes care in crafting both the sound and meaning of her songs – never shirking one for another.” Holler Country says,“she’s fast making a name for herself with her own unique brand of gutsy heart-on-its-sleeve southern pop.” She claimed coveted real estate on Spotify’s New Music Friday with White Fence, Drink Too Much Wine, and She Ain’t Me. Eventually, she picked up and moved to Nashville, finding a permanent foothold in Music City and landing a deal with EMPIRE Nashville in 2021. While 2021 was a major year for the rising country artist who also opened for the Jonas Brothers in Nashville and claimed a coveted spot on PEOPLE Magazine’s “artists to watch” list, 2022 is poised to be career-defining with the release of her debut EP One Of These Days.

Life house inn newly renovated just in time for travel season via 360 Magazine

LIFE HOUSE

Following extensive renovations, three-storied boutique properties located in downtown Lenox are reopening together as part of The Lenox Collection, a newly reimagined family of inns connected by their deep historical roots in the town and elevated contextual design. As part of the reopening is Ophelia’s, a 66-seat restaurant and bar offering farm-to-table comfort food in an intimate indoor-outdoor setting, with locally sourced ingredients and a curated cocktail list. New York-based firm 388 Ventures acquired the properties in 2021 and brought on an independent hotel management company, Life House, to lead design and branding, as well as oversee all hotel and F&B operations leveraging their tech-enabled management platform. 

“We’re pleased to announce the launch of The Lenox Collection, with a design language that pays homage to each property’s history while catering directly to the clientele visiting the increasingly popular four-season destination that the Berkshires have become. With Ophelia’s reopening right downtown, we’re excited to be a mainstay in the already impressive Lenox culinary scene,” says Russell Lange, partner at 388 Ventures. 

At the heart of the collection is the Whitlock – formally The Church Street Inn – built-in 1771 by John Whitlock, a local farmer who turned his two-room farmhouse into an inn for stagecoach travelers. The property now takes cues from its natural surroundings with a rustic and warm feel reminiscent of its farmhouse origins. The Whitlock’s bar and restaurant, Ophelia’s, pays homage to the ingredients and labors of the hotel’s namesake. With locally-inspired farm-to-table cuisine with dishes featuring herbs & garnishes from local purveyors, Ophelia’s is already becoming a favorite among locals, guests, and downtown bypassers.

Located in the historic center of town is The Constance – formally the Rookwood Inn – which was built in 1825 as The Williams Tavern. In the 1880s it was purchased by Frederick Constance Peters, a businessman from England, who turned the property into ancillary lodging for owners of Lenox’s famed Gilded Age estates. The inn has been completely reimagined with an extensive renovation to restore and enhance the elegant charm and whimsical character of the storied property with the benefit of modern guest amenities. 

On the north side of town is The Dewey – formally the Birchwood Inn – which was originally built by Israel Dewey, a founding member of Lenox’s Continental Congress Committee when the town was incorporated in 1767. Over the years, the site has taken on many lives, owned by various influential figures in the Berkshires. Today, the newly-reappointed inn carries on its rich tradition of hospitality with elevated guest room interiors and stately common areas.

“We are thrilled to reintroduce The Lenox Collection as the Berkshire hospitality landscape continues to mature,” says Bryan Dunn, Managing Director and Head of Growth at Life House. “In the past year alone, the market has seen luxury lifestyle brand Miraval open their first East Coast property, world-renowned designer Ken Fulk acquire the Blantyre, and Life House breathes new life into the Wheatleigh, a Leading Hotels of World property. The Lenox Collection delivers a locally-rooted boutique experience at a more accessible price point than these Five Star luxury hotels, catering to a large and diverse audience that is currently underserved by existing options in the market.” 

Life House is a vertically integrated hotel software & operations platform focused on increasing profitability and reliability for independent hoteliers. Life House was founded in 2017 as one of the only vertically integrated asset-light hotel companies backed by institutional venture and private equity investors. The company is ambitiously investing in operational systems to make it far more profitable, predictable, and seamless for owners while making the guest experience more reliable for travelers. Today the company has nearly 60 hotels in its portfolio across North America. 

For more information visit www.life-house.com.