SPIRITS

DAVIDO × Live Nation

DAVIDO & LIVE NATION URBAN LAUNCH ARE WE AFRICAN YET? (A.W.A.Y)

MUSIC FESTIVAL TO PROMOTE CULTURAL EXPLORATION AND COLLABORATION BETWEEN AFRICA AND THE WORLD

DAVIDO, KIZZ DANIEL, PHEELZ, LOJAY, VICTONY, OXLADE, BNXN, FOCALISTIC, AND MORE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2022

STATE FARM ARENA, ATLANTA

General ticket on-sale begins for Afrobeats superstar, recording artist, producer, and philanthropist, Davido‘s ARE WE AFRICAN YET? (A.W.A.Y) Festival, a one-day music festival and cultural experience taking place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on November 18, 2022. The festival was conceived to promote and foster cultural exportation and collaboration between Africa and the world. Davido’s level of collaboration with U.S based artists over the years has positioned him as a unique bridge between Africa and the world, a mantle that he has carried proudly.

Purchase tickets HERE.

The demand for African music, fashion, and culture worldwide has restored a sense of pride to Africans everywhere with most yearning for a deeper connection with home, Davido reflectingly asks ‘Are we African Yet?‘, are we willing to claim our heritage and our culture? The A.W.A.Y Festival is an opportunity that urges the African diaspora and non-Africans around the world to find and celebrate each other roots and experience African culture like never before.

Afrobeats music is currently one of the fastest growing music genres, gaining global recognition and some of Africa’s finest artists will grace the stage alongside some of the hottest stars stateside, with headline performances by DAVIDO, KIZZ DANIEL, PHEELZ, LOJAY, VICTONY, OXLADE, BNXN, FOCALISTIC, AND MORE.

“Growing up, we were often made to feel unworthy as Africans, so many of us didn’t want to claim where we were from and in some cases denied our heritage. That’s not the case anymore, we are proud Africans, and we want to invite people to enjoy our culture our music, food, and art. That’s what The A.W.A.Y Festival is all about.” said, A.W.A.Y Festival Founder, Davido.

ARE WE AFRICAN YET?‘s mission is to unite communities, promote collaboration and celebrate the diversity and magic of African music and culture. It is an opportunity to build coalition between Africa and the world. Through the power of music, A.W.A.Y seeks to celebrate our shared parallels in culture, dance, clothing and provide an opportunity to empower everyone to build pride and claim their heritage proudly.

About Davido

2022 has been a busy year for Afrobeat’s icon Davido. The American-born, Nigerian-raised superstar saw his music streaming surpass +2 Billion and his social media footprint exceed +50M, making him the most followed Afrobeat artist in the world. In April 2022, Davido released new projects including the multi-million streaming Stand Strong ft. Sunday Service Choir, the first single off his highly anticipated forthcoming album and his collaboration with FIFA on their 2022 World Cup Soundtrack “Hayya Hayya (Better Together)“. Davido recently finished performing his sold-out, We Rise By Lifting Others World Tour.

Davido (born David Adedeji Adeleke) has cemented his position as a global force within the music scene, capped off by several milestones for the platinum artist including his second sold-out show at London’s O2 Arena and the release of his third studio album, 2020’s A Better Time, the critically acclaimed follow up to his 1.2 billion streaming 2019 release, A Good Time. Released at the end of 2020, A Better Time debuted on Billboard 200 album chart garnering over 560 million streams and producing certified hits High featuring Adekunle Gold, Holy Ground Ft. Nicki Minaj and Shopping Spree ft. Chris Brown & Young Thug. Shopping Spree marked Davido’s 10th entry on Billboard’s World Digital Song Chart, it was highlighted by millions of video views and attracted the praise of Rolling Stone, HighSnobiety, and Complex. In addition to both fan and critical acclaim, Davido’s U.S. visibility continues to soar with thrilling national television appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah and Jimmy Kimmel Live, and magazine covers of Billboard, Flaunt, Dazed, L’Officiel to name a few. Davido has also been recognized with Billboard Music Award, BET Award, as well as several Grammy Nominations.

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. For additional information, visit www.livenationentertainment.com.

Live Nation Urban (LNU) is a partnership with Live Nation Entertainment, the world’s leading live entertainment company. Specifically focusing on Hip-Hop, R&B, and Gospel, LNU builds platforms, events, and festivals globally and develops dynamic content strategies based upon the live properties created. Live Nation Urban considers itself the most powerful source for live urban music. For additional information, visitwww.livenationurban.com.

CONNECT WITH DAVIDO

DAVIDO.COM

ASAP ROCKY × MERCER + PRINCE

Friday September 9 btw 11pm-2am in NYC, Mercer + Prince kicked off fashion week in New York with Mercer + Party a night of whiskey and music hosted by A$AP Rocky.

Living between the intersection of art and culture, Mercer + Prince embraces the cutting-edge style and sophisticated taste of co-founder A$AP Rocky with a focus on celebrating creativity in all forms. Mercer + Party exists to bring this lifestyle into fruition.

The evening was full of impromptu performances and unforgettable moments, starting with a surprise performance by Thottwat. The night continued with music by Iceywat and A$Ap Lou. Additional guests: Rihanna, Tremaine Emory, 40oz Van.

ABOUT MERCER + PRINCE

Born at the intersection of art and culture, Mercer + Prince is a Canadian whisky that is defying the traditional rules surrounding the whisky industry through co-founder A$AP Rocky’s cutting-edge style and sophisticated taste. Distilled, aged, and blended in Canada complemented by a minimum of 4 years aging in American White Oak barrels, Mercer + Prince has a complex profile driven by fruit, vanilla and caramel balanced with a combination of light and toasted oak, layered with intense hints of baked apple and cinnamon from the Japanese Mizunara oak. Named after A$AP Rocky’s favorite New York City cross streets, Mercer + Prince is for cultural tastemakers that push boundaries consistently. Mercer + Prince’s artistic yet functional design is created to stand out on any surface, with two cups built in yet hidden to the naked eye. Consumers can immediately open the bottle and pour a drink for themselves and a friend, celebrating creativity in all forms. Mercer + Prince will be available in retail this summer at the suggested retail price of $29.99.

To learn about Mercer + Prince, follow @mercerandprince on Instagram or visit HERE.

Images courtesy of Mercer + Prince.

Hardwell – RND

After months of single drops, Hardwell releases his full REBELS NEVER DIE album.

Stream/Download HERE.

Over six months ago, electronic dance pioneer Hardwell surprised fans around the globe with a return show at Ultra Music Festival in Miami and the announcement of a new album and world tour. Now, following weeks of waterfall releases, Hardwell makes the whole REBELS NEVER DIE album available for fans worldwide to enjoy in its entirety.

As part of the official release, Hardwell also delivers the final single from the album, the title track REBELS NEVER DIE. The track’s arrival in the public domain now positions it as the depth-filled centrepiece of what the entire album is about. The lyrics on the track, “Live life to the fullest, don’t be afraid to die, legends live forever, but rebels never die”, also align with the philosophy behind this new music created by Hardwell. Which is to give 100%, have no fear and be bold in your convictions as an artist – all mantras that Hardwell has held dear throughout his entire career.

Featuring entirely solo material, the arrival of REBELS NEVER DIE ushers in a new era for one of electronic music’s biggest-known stars. Including goosebump-inducing singles like ‘BROKEN MIRROR’,’INTO THE UNKNOWN’, and ‘I FEEL LIKE DANCING’, alongside the seismic club bangers’ GODD’, ‘LASER’ and ‘PACMAN’, fans have been given a chance to dive headfirst into Hardwell’s creative mind.

Hardwell’s sabbatical opened the opportunity to commit more focus in the studio for artist discovery. He used this time to explore complete creative freedom, playing with new ideas and making new music with no real plan. Back to the music he used to listen to as a child, rediscovering his old vinyl collection, Hardwell was inspired to make his new album REBELS NEVER DIE. The result is a solo studio album that combines the music he started with, early hard trance riffs, and the energy of his big room sounds, all built around a techno-esque musical structure. “I hate to be caught up in one particular genre. I always try to make music I love to play out. I don’t consider myself a mainstream artist, techno, or big room artist, I consider myself Hardwell, and this is what Hardwell is. If it’s not a genre, then it’s not a genre; it’s just me.”

Always a leader with a quest to evolve, not repeat. REBELS NEVER DIE marks a critical point in the musical shift for Hardwell’s legacy as one of dance music’s most iconic figures.

HARDWELL x REBELS NEVER DIE ALBUM
1. BROKEN MIRROR
2. INTO THE UNKNOWN
3. FUCKING SOCIETY
4. BLACK MAGIC
5. DOPAMINE
6. GODD
7. PACMAN
8. MIND CONTROL
9. REMINISCE
10. ZERO GRAVITY
11. LASER
12. I FEEL LIKE DANCING
13. SELF DESTRUCT
14. REBELS NEVER DIE

Hardwell’s REBELS NEVER DIE is available now on all streaming platforms via Revealed Recordings!

Tickets for the REBELS NEVER DIE album world tour are available now via: www.djhardwell.com

For more information check:
www.djhardwell.com | www.facebook.com/djhardwell
www.twitter.com/hardwell | www.youtube.com/hardwell
www.instagram.com/hardwell | www.open.spotify.com/user/hardwellofficial

John Legend – Legend Album

Multi-platinum, 12-time Grammy Award-winner John Legend released his highly anticipated eighth studio album, LEGEND, via Republic Records. Executive produced by Legend and prolific producer-writer Ryan Tedder (Beyoncé, Adele, et al), the vibrant double album is suffused with an unapologetic spirit of sensuality and joy, informed by the full vulnerability of pain, praise and healing. LEGEND is available to stream/download HERE.

ACT I of the epic double album recalls vividly the worldly, sensual pleasures of Saturday night – full of lust, self, sex and adventure. It opens with “Rounds”, an immersive joint featuring Rick Ross, an artist with whom Legend has collaborated perhaps more than any other. Other tracks include the smoldering R&B bedroom romp “Splash” featuring Jhene Aiko and rapper Ty Dolla $ign, “Dope,” a “summery, feel-good track” featuring rapper JID (Rolling Stone) and “Love,” featuring Jazmine Sullivan, whom Legend has known since she was a young artist. ACT I climaxes in the immediately addictive and utterly uplifting “All She Wanna Do” featuring Saweetie, which Uproxx called a “sexy, dancefloor banger” and Rolling Stone described as a “roller disco jam.”

ACT II evokes the feeling of a Sunday morning, with its focus on healing, intimacy, soulfulness and commitment. It includes “Honey,” “a sultry, jazz-inspired” R&B track featuring Muni Long (Billboard) and “Wonder Woman,” a touching tribute to the power and grace of all the women in Legend’s life featuring the nostalgic, soulful Dap Kings. Other tracks on ACT II include “Good,” featuring Ledisi, a tale of intimate healing and the relief that comes with knowing you’re in a relationship with the right person and “Pieces,” a devastatingly beautiful ballad about living with loss and grief.

LEGEND has the feeling of a classic, and yet feels new, representing a fresh start for the artist with record label Republic, and a playful, adventurous feel. At the same time, it asserts its place in the canon of Black art, where honoring one’s ancestral story is as much part of existence as is that love, beauty and joy.

“I never feel divorced from my ancestors,” said Legend. “I have such reverence for my musical heritage, that I don’t feel like I need to leave it behind to be adventurous, or creative, or to try something new. When I’m creating something new, I’m still hearing the voices and influences of Stevie, Marvin, Curtis, Aretha, Nina, Donny and Prince. Black musicians have always been at the forefront of innovation in music. But where I think hip hop is always about what’s new, with soul music, we are a bit more nostalgic … and hopefully what we’ve been able to do with LEGEND is that synthesis of looking forward, but also connecting with where we come from.”

Legend is set to perform “Pieces” from the new album at the 74th Primetime Emmy Awards on September 12. Next month, the EGOT winner will return to Las Vegas for his critically acclaimed “Love in Las Vegas” residency, with shows running from October 14 through October 29. Billboard previously raved about the show, saying “…Legend held the full house in his hands as they danced, screamed and aah-ed their way through a generous set encompassing the multiple Grammy winner’s eight-album catalog of hits and fan faves.” Tickets are available HERE.

Connect with John Legend:

ADELE × ELLE

KO Média is excited to unveil the September issue of ELLE Canada, featuring British singer-songwriter Adele. The multi-Grammy-award-winning star finally opens up about the difficult decision to cancel her Las Vegas residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. “The first couple of months were really, really hard,” she says. The star dives into how she went into hiding after the dramatic cancellation announcement on Instagram, her reasons for doing so and how the last-minute decision actually “made [her] confidence in [herself] grow because it was a very brave thing to do.” During the intimate interview at her home in July, only weeks out from her half-decade-long stage break, Adele spoke about the incredible arrangement she and her former partner have when it comes to co-parenting their son and even gushed about being madly in love—and joked about being unmarried (for now)—with her new man, sports agent Rich Paul. But it wasn’t all lighthearted. The singer went into detail about enduring the lowest points of her career, feeling lonely, experiencing anxiety attacks and finding herself again through fitness and kickboxing. Now Adele is on her way back to Las Vegas, and the response has been better than she could have imagined.

With the strongest of the summer season’s rays behind us, it’s time to stock up on hydrating foundations and skin-perfecting serums to help restore our skin after all the sand and sun we indulged in. For readers trying to hold on to the warmth for as long as possible, we take a look at Barcelona’s hottest spots, highlighting where to stay, what to eat and where the best shopping is in the Catalan city. And nothing says endless summer like the fresh, romantic scent of roses, which are the highlight of Lancôme’s French estate and its timeless perfume line.

Looking ahead, our biggest trend reports have the scoop on what you’ll want to wear and how you’ll want to style your hair and do your makeup for the fall season. And with the inevitable return (at least in part) to the office, the baggy, flowy, oversized power suit—inspired by the likes of Yves Saint Laurent, Martin Margiela and Yohji Yamamoto—has made its way from the runways into our closets. Work attire has finally shifted from tight and structured-tight to loose and comfortable—think Zendaya in Valentino’s latest ad campaign. Just add this season’s neon liner, bold lips and big accessories, and “What should I wear to work?” will seldom be a question in the morning. However, heading back to the office doesn’t come without a shift in work-life balance. Val Desjardins, our new health and wellness contributor, explains her holistic approach to adopting new habits and pursuing daily pleasure, making the transition to a new normal a breeze.

This issue also focuses on female empowerment. We spoke to multi-Juno-winning R&B artist Savannah Ré about her new album as well as bestselling author Lisa Taddeo about how she helps readers grapple with feelings of loneliness and grief. We also have advice for Canadian women on how to ask for a raise or promotion—and get it too—and we chatted with actor Myha’la Herrold about feeling bold, confident and empowered in her career. But empowerment isn’t only career-focused; non-binary and transgender people are starting to feel more empowered through their hair. New salons are ditching the old-school binary haircuts and opting for more inclusive services, allowing everyone to express themselves through their hair.

On the fashion front, up-and-coming South African designer Lukhanyo Mdingi is creating a legacy through his designs and using the skills of local people to create his brand’s blueprint. And we take a closer, more critical look at the well-intentioned trend of donating clothing. What we discovered is that a large majority of these pieces end up in the oceans, on beaches and in landfills in other countries, like Ghana. This piece makes us rethink the Instagram trend of having a different outfit for every post, the ethics of fast-fashion companies like Shein and how we can reduce our carbon footprint when it comes to our closets.

Lil Tecca – Treesha

After igniting a groundswell of anticipation from fans worldwide, multi-platinum rapper Lil Tecca serves up his anxiously awaited new single “Treesha” today to celebrate his 20th birthday!

Listen to Treesha: HERE

The track’s frenetic production matches the pace of his nimble flow. Tecca unloads incisively sharp and slick bars evocative of his lyrical prowess. This barrage collides with an instantly repeatable refrain.

It arrives on the heels of the fan and critical favorite “Faster.” Thus far, it has generated millions of streams and right out of the gate, XXL named the latter one of “The 13 Best New Hip-Hop Songs This Week,” and HotNewHipHop raved, “The track is catchy and it is also full of melodic prowess.”

“Treesha” just sets the stage for more music to come from Tecca very soon.

Tecca dominated the US on his “Tecca Loves You” tourand he will continue to take stages by storm with his performance at Rolling Loud New York on Saturday, September 24 and on his tourthat continues in Europe starting in Zürich Switzerland on October 13 and ending on November 7 in Lisbon, Portugal. More information on the tour is available HERE.

Tecca’s latest album, We Love You Tecca 2, notably marked his third Top 10 debut on the Billboard Top 200. It also bowed at #6 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Chart, making for his third Top 10 debut on the respective chart as well. Meanwhile, “Never Left” and “Repeat It” vaulted on to the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs Top 30 and has already tallied over 800 million global streams. Right out of the gate, We Love You Tecca 2 received widespread acclaim. HYPEBEAST cited among “the 10 best projects” of the week. HotNewHipHop proclaimed, “Lil Tecca has already proven to be a solid hitmaker in the industry, and with each new album, he impresses his fans with his summer vibes, catchy melodies, and solid hooks.” HipHopDX highlighted his “infectious jubilance,” and wrote, “Tecca’s bubbling raps have always straddled the line between Hip Hop and pop, finding catchy melodies throughout.” REVOLT declared the album “has more hits than a great number of artists twice his age.”

The sequel carried on the legacy of its predecessor, We Love You Tecca. In 2019, the original mixtape bowed at #4 on the Billboard Top 200, went platinum, and amassed 6.6 billion-plus streams.

Posting up over 8 billion streams and claiming multiple platinum certifications, Lil Tecca has quietly cemented himself as one of rap’s most vital rising superstars. In 2020, his full-length debut album, Virgo World, bowed in the Top 10 of the Billboard Top 200 and yielded two Hot 100 entries—namely “Dolly” with Lil Uzi Vert and “When You Down” feat. Lil Durk with Polo G. HotNewHipHop praised it as “a great starting point for the 18-year-old.” Tecca first exploded with his platinum-certified mixtape, We Love You Tecca, and his breakout quadruple-platinum single “Ransom” in 2019. He reeled in acclaim from New York Times, Billboard, HYPEBEAST, Complex, and many others in addition to selling out shows on his first headline run, the We Love You Tecca World Tour. He launches into his next chapter with more new music coming this year.

MADONNA

Last night Madonna celebrated the release of her forthcoming compilation album, FINALLY ENOUGH LOVE: 50 NUMBER ONES – arriving next Friday, August 19 – with a roller disco party at DiscOasis in Central Park, New York. Madonna and Nile Rodgers reunited for the event and spoke to the audience about making Like A Virgin together. Questlove served as DJ for the event, spinning Madonna hits & disco classics all night while guests danced and skated under the stars.

Guests enjoyed specialty Belvedere Vodka & Perrier cocktails like “THE QUEENS SPRITZ” & “THE MATERIAL GWORLLLLLLLL” named after Madonna’s recent hit remixes with Beyonce & Saucy Santana. Madonna was joined by friends and family, including Ariana Debose, Christian Siriano, Steven Klein, Jeremy O. Harris, and more.

The event occurs ahead and in support of FINALLY ENOUGH LOVE: 50 NUMBER ONES, Madonna’s 50-track career spanning compilation album, releasing on Friday, August 19, 2022 in digital and physical format. Pre-order and Pre-save now. The collection, curated by Madonna, is in celebration of her historic milestone as the first and only recording artist to have 50 #1 hits on any single Billboard chart when she topped the Dance Club Songs chart for the 50th time.

50 NUMBER ONES spans her entire dance club chart reign with dozens of remixes by the world’s top producers. In addition to fan favorites, the collection also includes a selection of rare remix recordings, with more than 20 being officially released for the first time or making their commercial/digital debut. The collection will be available digitally on August 19, along with a 3-CD version. A limited-edition, 6-LP version on red and black vinyl will also be available and has already sold out in pre-orders. The 16-track edition, FINALLY ENOUGH LOVE, will be available in physical format on August 19.

Expect more surprises to be revealed later this year around the celebration of Madonna’s 40 years in music.

*PHOTO CREDIT: RICARDO GOMES

Zedd – Make You Say

Fresh off the heels of the release of his brand-new single “Make You Say” with Maren Morris and BEAUZ (Click HERE), GRAMMY® award-winning global superstar, Zedd, announces he will perform Clarity live for one night only with a 50-piece orchestra to celebrate his iconic Platinum debut album’s 10-year anniversary. For the first-time ever, Zedd will be recreating the chart-topping 2012 album by performing it in its entirety, allowing fans to experience the project in a totally new and unique way. The incredibly special and once in a lifetime concert will take place on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at the legendary Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, CA. Artist pre-sale tickets will be available on Thursday, August 25^th at 10am local time, signup HERE. General on-sale tickets will be available on Friday, August 26^th at 10am local time. All tickets can be purchased HERE.

Zedd says: “When I was making the Clarity album I spent the most time on the melodic and harmonic elements of each song. Those motifs are the glue that hold the album together. It’s a dream to have the opportunity to play all of those ideas orchestrated and reharmonized with the instrumentation in the amazing orchestra we have put together.”

This is just one of many celebrations for the 10-year anniversary of Clarity, which includes an honorary show on October 7^th at the Bill Graham Civic Center Auditorium in San Francisco where Zedd will be playing the original album from start to finish, along with more surprises to come.

About Zedd

Multi-platinum, GRAMMY® Award-winning artist/DJ/producer Zedd made his debut with “Clarity” after signing with Interscope in 2012 and has been breaking down barriers surrounding music genres ever since. Throughout his career, Zedd has worked with a diverse range of artists to create hits, including Foxes on “Clarity” (which earned Zedd a 2014 GRAMMY® “Best Dance Recording”), Hayley Williams on RIAA platinum-certified hit, “Stay The Night” (which racked up more than 1 billion streams), and Selena Gomez on the platinum-certified track, “I Want You To Know,” which spent four weeks at #1 on Billboard’s “Hot Dance/Electronic Songs” chart. He’s also collaborated with Alessia Cara on their hit single “Stay” which has amassed over 4.7 billion streams worldwide, held the #1 spot at Top 40 radio for six consecutive weeks, and earned Zedd his second GRAMMY® Award nomination. His 2018 monster hit “The Middle” with Maren Morris and Grey is officially certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA, and the track garnered Zedd’s second #1 at Top 40 radio. Digitally, the song has over 4 billion streams worldwide and earned Zedd three GRAMMY® nominations including “Record Of The Year,” “Song Of The Year,” and “Best Pop Duo or Group Performance.” Most recently, Zedd opened the NHL All-Star Game with a performance during player introductions and he was the official pregame DJ during player warmups at this year’s NFL Super Bowl LVI.

Follow Zedd:

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | TIKTOK

Willow Kayne – Rat Race

Gen Z talent links together huge opposing forces, creating her own potent brand of rebel-pop.” – Clash

In little over a year, London based vocalist and visual artist Willow Kayne has enjoyed a prodigious ascent to the pinnacle of pop music’s more daring corners. Her postmodern approach to songwriting was rewarded in 2021 with Willow receiving the Ivor Novello Rising Star award, setting her on a path to achieve greatness early in her career. Her riotously received debut EP Playground Antics was the catalyst for an explosion of rave reviews, while with live shows and online previews, she has shared a glimpse of the soundtrack to her ever-expanding sonic world. With recent singles “Final Notice” and “White City,” Willow shared more propulsive and surreal facets of her arsenal, while with the release of new track “Rat Race” today, Willow delves deep into introspection in her own unique way.

Opening to jagged yet muted guitar tones, Willow questions her own path towards her goals – using a slack yet melodic flow to express her distaste with how uncertain her path is. Her lyricism is refreshingly appropriate for today’s current landscape, with lyrics such as “I’m only seeing successes, the others don’t reach For You page’, referencing the industry’s obsession with social media as a means of staying relevant. “Rat Race’s” chorus acts as a sonic unburdening of the mental constraints that are binding Willow, with a balmy, uplifting instrumental line that soothes the bite of the track’s previous spiked-edged momentum. Willow’s vocal elevates; fully opening up and surrendering to the ridiculousness of the industry she finds herself in and contemporary adult life.

On the track, Willow says: “I wrote ‘Rat Race’ when I was going through a little crisis; the music business sometimes makes me feel like I am a lottery ticket among millions of others. To sum it up briefly, it’s about the moment when you ask yourself “Am I doing this right? Or better yet, what AM I doing?”

Nice little existential crisis this one.”

An ode to the confidence in her own abilities, but lack of trust in the process to strive for access to her dreams, Willow Kayne’s “Rat Race” is an internal look into the anxieties of one of 2022’s most expansive pop talents. An artist who has encapsulated a no holds barred attitude to her own conviction since the outset of her career, “Rat Race” is a refreshing change of pace from Willow, who lays all her doubts on the line – still with a sense of buoyant determination and relatability at all times.

Willow Kayne will also headline a very special multi-sensory show at London’s XOYO on September 29, 2022, following her sold out dual headline dates earlier in the year, as well as triumphant set at this year’s Glastonbury Festival and London’s All Points East festival with stylistic idols Gorillaz. Tickets on sale now HERE.

Willow Kayne: Twitter | Instagram | TikTok

“Rat Race” official artwork:

ROBOT DIGIT LEARNS PAINTING

Robots have been given the gift of human creativity.

Artist Agnieszka Pilat is currently out West at the headquarters of Agility Robotics, where she has made a new friend with the humanoid robot DIGIT, and started a series of paintings with him that will be included in her upcoming show, ROBOTa.

“This is the era of the new, intelligent machine,” says Agnieszka. “The works created by DIGIT are full of mistakes. This innocence in mark-making gives them a sense of spontaneity, like children playing with crayons.”

Watch DIGIT paint here

Agnieszka is no stranger to painting with robots. She has worked closely with Boston Dynamics‘ SPOT, selling one piece created by the robot canine for $40,000 during a fundraiser to benefit Ukrainian refugees. The pieces with DIGIT and SPOT will be featured in Agnieszka‘s upcoming fall show at the gallery Modernism in San Francisco.

Agnieszka’s Talking Points:

This is the era of the new, intelligent machine. This is not a printer – an enhancement of a human hand, or a camera lens – an amplified human eye. The new machine is close to man’s nature – interested in the sublime, the essence of what it means to be human. It’s slow and curious and playful. Unlike clean, perfect classical machine esthetics, new machine esthetics are fraud with errors and imperfections.
If a human is the ideal – then robots strive to imitate their human creators. We are the parents to the machine – and intelligent machines like proper children believe in their naivete, that they can someday surpass their creators.
The new machine is close to man’s nature – interested in the sublime, the essence of what it means to be human. It’s slow and curious and playful. Unlike clean, perfect classical machine esthetics, new machine esthetics are fraud with errors and imperfections.

Agnieszka Pilat Bio:

Polish born artist, Agnieszka Pilat studied painting and illustration at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, CA. She is an award-winning artist and her works can be found in public and private collections in the United States, Poland, and Canada. Pilat currently lives and maintains a full time studio in San Francisco and is represented by numerous galleries throughout the United States and has exhibited at the Carnegie Museum of Art.