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PB&J POP Hits Shelves at Costco and Retailers Nationwide

Snacking Leader SNAX-Sational Brands Introduces PB&J POP, Inspired by Smucker’s® Grape and Strawberry Jelly and JIF® Peanut Butter.

SNAX-Sational, a leader in the innovative snack market, is taking its popcorn offerings to the next level with a groundbreaking partnership with two beloved American brands: Smucker’s® and JIF®.

In December 2024, SNAX-Sational Brands’ premiere popcorn brand, inclusive of Cookie Pop, Cereal Pop and Candy Pop, officially expanded its portfolio offerings to further innovate the snacking aisle with the introduction of the highly anticipated PB&J POP popcorn variety, featuring Smucker’s® Grape and Strawberry iconic jelly flavors, combined with signature JIF® Peanut Butter flavor, debuting this month with a full nationwide retail roll-out.

PB&J POP, inspired by Smucker’s® Jelly and JIF® Peanut Butter, brings the timeless flavors of everyone’s favorite childhood sandwich and current day kids lunch staple, in an entirely new way. Each handful blends the smooth, nutty richness of JIF® peanut butter flavor with the fruity sweetness of Smucker’s® jelly, all drizzled over crunchy popcorn.

It’s a delicious throwback to after-school snacks for adults and lunch box memories, reimagined for today’s snack lovers. Find the PB&J Grape flavor 24oz bags in COSTCO locations across the Pacific Northwest, and additionally our 5.25oz PB&J Grape bag available at Stop and Shop & Winn-Dixie. Kicking off the new year, Burlington and Five Below will carry both the PB&J Grape & Strawberry 5.25oz flavors as well! Also available at cookiepopcandypop.com for online ordering.

“We are excited about the introduction of our latest innovation, PB&J Pop, in both Grape and Strawberry. The response to our initial seeding through consumer focus groups and commercial clients has been overwhelming, generating anticipation in the category like we haven’t seen in recent times,” stated Mike Hagan, CEO of Snaxsational Brands. “Expectations are high, as customers are already reaching out to secure distribution of this unique product across the market. We listened to our customers and have heard you! Snaxsational Brands is thrilled to bring this American classic to its customers and continue delivering products that truly resonate with them.”

“We are pleased to be the first licensee to collaborate with Smucker’s® and JIF® to create and deliver innovation in the category,” stated Frank Florio, Founder/Creator of Cookie/Candy Pop and Chief Innovation Officer of Snaxsational Brands.

We are thrilled to partner with SNAX-SATIONAL BRANDS to help PB&J fans enjoy the flavors of JIF® peanut butter and Smucker’s® fruit spreads in an exciting new way,” said Nicole Massey, VP Marketing, Frozen Handhelds & Spreads at J.M. Smucker. “These classic flavors paired with popcorn bring a delicious twist to a perfect anytime snack.”

This licensing partnership was brought to life by J.M. Smuckers’ licensing agency, Brand Central, LLC.

PB&J POP Hits Shelves at Costco and Retailers Nationwide via 360 MAGAZINE.

THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE

FLETCHER releases her first-ever live album — a 21-song double LP called THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE. Available digitally and as a two-LP vinyl edition, THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE features all the hits, deep cuts, and fan favorites performed during the In Search of The Antidote Tour — a powerhouse global run in support of FLETCHER’s sophomore album of the same name. In addition, FLETCHER’s online store is hosting an exclusive download version of the live album with two bonus tracks. Go HERE to stream/download THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE now, and order the vinyl edition HERE.

“This live album feels like such an honoring of the last 5 years I’ve spent on the road,” says FLETCHER. “It has brought about some of the most challenging times in my life, but also more beauty and I ever could have imagined. I’m so grateful to sing face to face with thousands of lil angels around the world and listening to this instantly snaps me back to the energy of being on stage. I hope it takes the fans back to the shows they’ve spent with me, and even if someone has never been able to come to one, just shut your eyes and suddenly we’re scream singing this record together in the flesh. It was made with literal blood, stage sweat and tears. I hope it takes you on a similar energetic ride to the one it’s taken me on all these years.”

With sold out stops at legendary venues like Radio City Music Hall in New York City and the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, the In Search of The Antidote Tour brought FLETCHER’s phenomenal live show to major cities across the U.S., Europe, Australia, and New Zealand and included performances at Lollapalooza South America in Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. On THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE, the Asbury Park-bred artist shares the entire setlist from the ecstatically received tour, including hits like “Bitter” (from her chart-topping 2020 EP THE S(EX) TAPES) and “Becky’s So Hot ,” (an instantly iconic track that reached No. 3 on the iTunes chart across all genres). One of the most thrilling moments on the album, “Undrunk (Rock Version)” offers up an explosive rendition of her 2019 breakthrough single (a platinum-certified smash that spent several weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and scored the No.1 spot on Spotify’s Viral Chart).

Featuring a number of tracks from her critically praised 2022 full-length debut Girl Of My Dreams, THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE perfectly captures the powerful balance of larger-than-life energy and unfiltered intimacy that makes FLETCHER’s live show so transcendent. To that end, the album fully delivers on the promise of rave reviews from the likes of Rolling Stone, who proclaimed that “FLETCHER has established herself as one of pop’s most versatile stars. She can pen a heartbreak ballad or craft a raucous dance hit and have tens of thousands sing the words back at her.” With Clash Magazine noting that “FLETCHER’s symbiosis with her wide-eyed fans has only grown in fervour and intensity.”

Along with earlier hits like “girls girls girls,” THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE features plenty of highlights from In Search Of The Antidote — an early-2024 release made in collaboration with GRAMMY®-winning producer/songwriter Jennifer Decilveo. Those standouts include hits like “Eras Of Us” (named a “Song You Need To Know” by Rolling Stone), “Lead Me On ,” “Doing Better ,” and “Pretending,” as well as fan-beloved cuts like “Ego Talking” (a soaring and soul-baring post-breakup anthem) and “Crush” (a wildly hypnotic expression of all-consuming lust). At every turn, THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE channels the electrifying abandon of her latest body of work — a guitar-heavy, gloriously unbridled document of all the heartbreak and healing on her journey toward true self-realization. See below for the complete tracklists to the digital and vinyl editions of THE ANTIDOTE: FLETCHER LIVE.

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Photo: Sebastian Faena

Find X8 phone: Ultimate Power, Ultimate Camera

The OPPO Find X8 combines powerful performance with advanced camera capabilities, making it a standout in the smartphone market. Powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, it delivers exceptional speed, efficiency, and gaming performance. The camera system, enhanced by OPPO’s collaboration with Hasselblad, offers professional-grade photography with stunning detail and clarity. With a seamless balance of cutting-edge power and photography technology, the Find X8 phone is designed to cater to both performance-driven users and photography enthusiasts.

Ultimate Power – Performance of OPPO Find X8

MediaTek Dimensity 9400 Chipset

The OPPO Find X8 is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset, utilizing TSMC’s advanced 3nm process technology for improved performance and efficiency. This chipset is built on the ARM V9 architecture, providing faster processing speeds, enhanced multitasking, and smoother gaming experiences. The 3nm process offers significant improvements in power efficiency, reducing energy consumption while boosting performance, allowing users to enjoy longer battery life without compromising on speed or power.

Performance Enhancements

Trinity Engine for Optimized Performance OPPO’s Trinity Engine is a powerful chip-level solution that fine-tunes performance, enabling a balanced distribution of peak performance and power efficiency. This results in smoother gaming, faster app launches, and improved overall system responsiveness. The Trinity Engine also contributes to better battery life by optimizing resource usage, ensuring that users can enjoy high performance for extended periods.

RAM and Storage Options The OPPO Find X8 offers up to 16GB of RAM, ensuring seamless multitasking and smoother transitions between apps. With up to 1TB of storage, users have ample space for apps, media, and files, enabling smooth operation even with high storage demands. This combination of large RAM and extensive storage capacity supports power users and gamers looking for a device that handles demanding tasks effortlessly.

Battery Life and Charging

The OPPO Find X8 is equipped with a robust 5,630mAh silicon-carbon battery, which provides significant advantages in terms of longevity and efficiency. This battery technology enhances overall performance while ensuring that the device remains lightweight. The Find X8 supports rapid charging capabilities with 80W SUPERVOOC™ wired charging, allowing the device to reach a full charge in just 48 minutes. For wireless charging, the phone features 50W AIRVOOC™, enabling a complete charge within 90 minutes, offering convenience without sacrificing speed.

Additionally, the Find X8’s battery is designed to perform well in extreme conditions, including an Extreme Cold Mode that allows charging at temperatures as low as -20°C. This feature ensures stable battery life even in challenging environments, making it suitable for users who often find themselves in colder climates.

Ultimate Camera – Photography Capabilities

Hasselblad Camera System

The OPPO Find X8 features the Hasselblad Master Camera System, which includes a HyperTone Three Main Camera System equipped with four 50MP sensors. This sophisticated setup consists of a 50MP wide-angle camera with a Type 1/1.4 sensor and an f/1.6 lens, a 50MP ultra-wide camera with a 15mm equivalent focal length and an f/2 lens, and two periscope telephoto cameras. The first telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom with a 73mm equivalent focal length, while the second provides an impressive 6x optical zoom, making the Find X8 capable of capturing stunning details from a distance.
Advanced Imaging Features

1. AI-Powered Features

AI Telescope Zoom: Utilizes artificial intelligence to enhance zooming capabilities, delivering clearer, more detailed shots even at a distance. The AI algorithm reduces image noise and ensures sharpness and clarity in zoomed-in shots.
Lightning Snap: Enables ultra-fast photo capturing, allowing users to snap photos instantly with minimal lag. This feature is perfect for fast-moving subjects or fleeting moments.

2. Video Recording Capabilities

The OPPO Find X8 excels in video recording, supporting 4K video at 60fps across all cameras, ensuring smooth, high-quality footage.

With Dolby Vision support on every camera, videos are enhanced with vibrant colors, rich contrast, and a greater dynamic range, delivering a cinematic experience. This feature is perfect for users who want professional-grade video recording without additional equipment.

Specialized Shooting Modes

The Find X8 offers several specialized shooting modes to enhance its photography capabilities.

Hasselblad Portrait Mode: Features unique focal lengths, including 23mm, 35mm, 48mm, 73mm, 85mm, and 135mm, designed to replicate the iconic look of Hasselblad lenses. This mode enhances portraits by delivering natural bokeh effects and stunning detail, ideal for capturing high-impact photos of people and pets.
Hasselblad Master Mode: Grants users professional-grade manual controls over settings such as ISO, shutter speed, exposure compensation, focus, and white balance. This level of control allows photographers to adapt to various shooting conditions and unleash their creativity.

Combining Power and Camera for an Unmatched User Experience

How Performance and Camera Work Together

The OPPO Find X8 seamlessly integrates powerful performance with advanced camera capabilities, creating an unmatched user experience for gaming and content creation. The MediaTek Dimensity 9400 chipset ensures minimal lag during demanding tasks, allowing users to enjoy smooth gameplay and efficient multitasking. This chipset not only enhances gaming performance but also provides quick processing speeds for high-resolution photography and video editing, enabling users to capture stunning images and edit them on the go without delays.

User Experience and Multitasking

With up to 16GB of RAM and storage options reaching 1TB, the Find X8 excels in multitasking, making it easy to switch between apps, play graphics-intensive games, and utilize the camera features simultaneously. The combination of processing power and sophisticated camera technology results in a fluid user experience that stands out in the competitive smartphone market.

3. Comparison with Other Flagship Phones

When compared to other flagship smartphones, the OPPO Find X8 stands out for its unique integration of high-end processing power and a professional-grade camera system. While many competitors focus on either performance or camera quality, the Find X8 successfully merges both, providing users with an unmatched experience for gaming, photography, and content creation. This makes it a top contender in the premium smartphone market, offering a balanced, high-performing device for all needs.

Final Thoughts

For users seeking the best of both worlds – top-tier performance and outstanding photography – the OPPO Find X8 is a standout choice. Its balanced approach to power and camera excellence makes it a versatile device that meets the needs of both casual and professional users alike.

KSI – DIRTY

KSI has dropped his electrifying new single “Dirty,” out now via Warner Records. Listen HERE.

With haunting production by Matt Zara (Mabel, Niall Horan, Diplo) and lyrics penned by an all-star team, “Dirty” plunges into the turmoil of a toxic, all-consuming relationship. The track captures the agony and ecstasy of being irresistibly drawn to someone you know is no good for you. The brooding, gritty soundscape mirrors the chaos and emotional conflict of this dangerous infatuation.

KSI says: “I wanted “Dirty” to capture that raw, messy emotion of being in a relationship that’s as intoxicating as it is destructive. It’s about that push and pull—the chaos you feel when you can’t let go, even though you know it’s breaking you. The female vocal (who I’m not allowed to say) brings a haunting energy to the track, and I think it’s going to have people talking. I love creating music that sparks conversation and connects with people on a surface or deeper level, and “Dirty” definitely does exactly that.”

“Dirty” follows the massive success of KSI’s Top 10 for five consecutive weeks and Billboard Hot 100 hit, “Thick of It,” which solidified his status as a global streaming powerhouse with over 8 million monthly listeners. Its official video has racked up over 82 million YouTube views, claiming the #1 spot on the platform’s trending chart across 15 countries and cementing its place as a viral phenomenon. On TikTok, the song has seen over 5 billion views, with celebrities like Kim Kardashian and North West, Drake, Kai Cenat, IShowSpeed, Mr Beast, Adin Ross and Logan Paul all joining in on the craze, showing the widespread impact of KSI’s latest musical chapter.

With “Dirty,” KSI continues to push boundaries and redefine his musical narrative. The single not only showcases his artistic growth but also underscores his knack for sparking cultural moments.

KSI is currently recording his third album.

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Louis Vuitton – Escale Platinum Guilloché

Louis Vuitton presents its Escale Platinum Guilloché and Grand Feu Enamel Dial Watch. A tribute to the Maison’s legendary trunks, the Louis Vuitton Escale now becomes a stage for the exponents of grand feu enamel and guilloche to showcase their time-honoured crafts on the hand-made dial.

Bestowed upon each example of this limited series is a dial decorated with guilloché as well as grand feu enamel in two techniques, champleve and flinque. Four artisans were called upon to create each dial. The complexity of the dial dictates the Escale is a limited edition of just 50 watches in platinum.

Louis Vuitton dial watches via 360 Magazine.

VEVO END OF YEAR CHARTS

Vevo, the world’s leading music video network, has released its annual end-of-year charts, revealing the most-watched music videos and artists, as well as top premieres, of the past 12 months.

“Artists are the biggest influencers in the world, and the visual nature of music videos deepen an artist’s connection with their fans in a unique way that goes beyond the music itself. A frequent and consistent video release strategy not only enhances an artist’s brand, but it also galvanizes their fanbase,” said JP Evangelista, senior vice president, Content, Programming & Marketing, Vevo. “Major pop culture moments are therefore reflected in music video viewership, and Vevo’s annual recap provides the music and wider media and entertainment industry with a barometer for what was trending this year.”

For Vevo’s 2024 Top Charts* in full, please visit here.

KAROL G and Taylor Swift once again stand atop the Global and US artist charts, respectively

Worldwide, KAROL G is the ‘Most Watched Artist’ on Vevo for the fourth consecutive year, gaining 3.5 billion global views in 2024. Second on Vevo’s global 2024 chart, Shakira accumulated 1.96 billion global views, while Taylor Swift came in a close third with 1.95 billion global views. The Weeknd (1.8 billion global views) and Feid (1.7 billion global views) round out the top five globally. Of note, Ariana Grande, Maluma, Billie Eilish and Lady Gaga each re-entered the global Top 10.

In the US-specific chart, this is Taylor Swift’s second consecutive year in the top spot, accruing 470 million US views over the past year. Future moved up 5 spots from last year to No. 2 on the US chart, with 462 million US views. The hip-hop artist delivered a staggering 90 videos to Vevo in 2024, which drove a 37% year-over-year increase in his US viewership. Eminem and Post Malone re-entered the US Top 10 this year, alongside GloRilla, who makes her first appearance ever on the chart.

Hip-Hop dominates social conversation and debuts like “Houdini” and “Not Like Us” sparked major viral moments during their release

Eminem’s nostalgia-packed “Houdini” is the ‘Top Global Premiere’ of 2024 on Vevo, garnering 56.2 million global views within the first two weeks of its debut. On May 31, “Houdini” pulled in 11.6M global views in a single day – the highest single-day performance of any music video released on Vevo this year.

Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” is the No. 2 premiere globally on Vevo (also pushing it into the rankings for the most-watched global music videos of 2024), with over 51.1 million global views in the first two weeks. Globally, The Weeknd’s “Dancing in the Flames” is the third biggest premiere (44.9 million global views in the first two weeks); Sabrina Carpenter’s “Taste” is the fourth (44.7 million global views in the first two weeks); and KAROL G, Feid, DFZM ft. Ovy On The Drums, J Balvin, Maluma, Ryan Castro, and Blessd’s “+57” rounds out the Global Top 5 Debut chart (36.6 million global views in the first two weeks).

In the US, “Not Like Us” is the ‘Top US Premiere’ of 2024, garnering 23.5 million US views within the first two weeks of its debut, while “Houdini” swaps for the No. 2 spot on U.S. Top Debut chart, with 17.6 million US views within the first two weeks. Sabrina Carpenter’s Taste” is third (11.9 million US views within the first two weeks); Jojo Siwa’s “Karma” is fourth (11.1 million US views within the first two weeks); and Sabrina Carpenter’s “Please Please Please” is fifth (8.3 million US views within the first two weeks).

Country, Hip-Hop, and Regional Mexican genres make historic strides on Vevo’s ‘Most Watched Music Video’ charts

Globally, Becky G’s “POR EL CONTRARIO with Leonardo Aguilar & Ángela Aguilar (Performance Video)” is the most watched music video of the past 12 months on Vevo, having accumulated over 312.7 million views worldwide. This marks the first time that a Regional Mexican music video has taken the No. 1 spot on Vevo’s ‘Global Most Watched Videos’ chart.

Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars’ “Die With a Smile” comes in second on the global most-watched chart with 298.6 million global views, with a close third from “Gata Only” by 2025 Vevo DSCVR Artist to Watch FloyyMenor and Cris MJ (296.4 million global views). Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso” is No. 4 (211.2 million global views) and KAROL G’s “Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” is No. 5 (193.7 million global views).

Stateside, Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy) [Official Visualizer]” is the No. 1 most-watched music video in the US, having gathered over 82.9 million US views. This is the first time in Vevo’s history that a Country video has topped Vevo’s US Top 10 chart, as well as the first time that a Country video made it into Vevo’s Global Top 10 chart.

In second on the US chart, Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” accrued 65.1 million US views over the year on Vevo, followed closely by Post Malone’s Country hit “I Had Some Help (feat. Morgan Wallen)” with 64 million US views. “Yeah Glo!” by GloRilla (2023 DSCVR Artists to Watch alum) is fourth (50.9 million US views) and Beck G’s “POR EL CONTRARIO” takes fifth (45.5 million US views).

“This year’s rankings reflect the continuing globalization of music, and 2024 was a year of firsts for genres like Country, Hip-Hop and Regional Mexican on Vevo. Each of these genres have made a massive impact on pop culture and solidified their relevance in the cultural zeitgeist,” added Evangelista.

*Source: Vevo Internal Analytics pulls global, ad-supported views from music videos released in the timeline of 11/30/23 through 11/29/24. “2024” refers to the date range 11/30/23-11/29/24, and “2023” refers to the date range 11/30/22-11/29/23.

OPEN: SUPER APP

OPEN SuperApp, the innovative platform that seamlessly blends social commerce, messaging, creator communities, and AI into one ad-free space, has officially announced the top 5 finalists for the final round of its inaugural OPEN Verse independent music competition. This finale marks a monumental moment for AAPI voices in the music industry, as it is the first-of-its-kind competition dedicated to amplifying AAPI talent and empowering the next generation of artists.

The finalists will compete for a life-changing $10,000 cash prize, a distribution deal with Empire Records, free studio time at the AVEX Studio Compound, and the unique opportunity to collaborate on a brand-new song with renowned producer and judge, Brian Lee. The finalists include a line-up of artists who have worked with the likes of Jung Kook and V from BTS, Jay Park, and more:

Ahead of the live performance on December 15th, the finalists will receive exclusive mentorship from an esteemed panel of AAPI music industry luminaries, who will also serve as judges during the finale:

Madison Love (Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Katy Perry, Kim Petras)
Verbal (Japanese rapper – Kanye West, Pharrell, Kylie Minogue)
Brian Lee (DJ Snake, BLACKPINK, Justin Bieber, Post Malone, Lady Gaga)
Jeffrey Yoo (Senior VP at Empire, recently signed G-Dragon)
True Smith (Label & International Director at Avex USA)
Hajime Harada (A&R, Publishing, and International at Avex USA)

The competition will also feature a special guest performance by Spencer Lee (88Rising, Ear Drummers Entertainment).

Conceived by OPEN’s Alison Boya Sun who led the AAPI crew, Eastern Standard Times, in Red Bull’s Culture Clash NYC last June, OPEN Verse celebrates the diversity and power of AAPI voices within the music industry. By offering both emerging and established AAPI talent the opportunity to shine on a national stage, OPEN Verse provides AAPI artists with unparalleled mentorship, resources, and a platform to showcase their talents. OPEN SuperApp is leading the charge in transforming the music landscape into a more inclusive, dynamic space for all.

The OPEN Verse finale will take place on December 15th from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM PST at ResidentLA in Los Angeles, CA and will also be streamed live on Twitch and YouTube.

To purchase a ticket, PRESS HERE, download the OPEN SuperApp, and create an account. Join us for this unforgettable evening of music, mentorship, and innovation.

FOLLOW OPEN SUPERAPP

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Of late, 360 MAGAZINE had an opportunity to have a sit down with OPEN’s founder, Eric Tu.

Eric Tu + open super app via 360 Magazine.

What inspired the Super App? How does it differ from platforms like Sonicbids and Reverbnation?
Open Super App was inspired by the challenges creators face in the modern creator economy. Many indie artists struggle to monetize their music and art effectively—streaming revenue alone, and it is often insufficient to sustain their livelihoods. Our platform is designed to empower these artists by providing solutions tailored to their needs. We offer a free merch solution with no upfront costs and a platform where their work can gain visibility among fans and industry leaders. Unlike other platforms, Open Super App focuses on creating multiple streams of revenue for artists, blending e-commerce, branding, and industry connections into one ecosystem.

How important is it for an artist to have distribution, merchandise, and proper branding?
Distribution ensures an artist’s work reaches the right audience—visibility is key. Branding, however, is what makes that audience stay and engage. For example, Sabrina Carpenter had been in the industry for years with limited recognition, but her rebrand transformed her career and helped her go viral. Merchandise is equally vital as it provides one of the fastest ways for artists to monetize their work. Music is not just an art form; it’s a business. Today’s artists need more than just talent—they need a business mindset to approach their careers like startups, leveraging tools like branding and merch to build sustainable income.

Currently, you’re running a competition for a $10,000 prize. How will this help amplify an artist’s talents, merchandise, and music?
The $10,000 prize can be a game-changer for an indie artist. It provides the financial flexibility to invest in their growth—whether by hiring a skilled producer, creating high-quality merch, or launching a targeted marketing campaign. This funding can help amplify their work, expand their reach, and position them as serious contenders in the music industry.

Is there anything we haven’t touched on that you would like to mention?
Yes, at Open Super App, we’re not just building a platform; we’re cultivating a community. Our mission is to empower creators to take control of their careers while connecting them with fans, industry leaders, and innovative tools. We believe that by providing these resources, we’re helping to redefine what’s possible for indie artists in today’s creator economy.

Follow Eric Tu on Instagram.

MYLES SMITH + BRIT AWARDS

MYLES SMITH ANNOUNCED AS WINNER OF BRITS RISING STAR AWARD!

“STARGAZING” HITS #1 AT TOP 40 AND HOT AC RADIO

FIRST UK ARTIST TO HIT #1 AT TOP 40, HOT AC & ALTERNATIVE FORMATS

WITH HIS DEBUT RADIO SINGLE IN THE US

PERFORMING ON THE VOICE SEASON 26 FINALE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10

The BRIT Awards 2025 have announced Myles Smith as the winner of the prestigious BRITs Rising Star award. This marks an incredible milestone in the 26-year-old artist’s meteoric rise. The announcement was made by Jack Saunders on his BBC Radio 1 New Music show, unveiling Myles as the first winner revealed for The BRITs 2025.

Myles shared his excitement: “Winning the BRIT award for Rising Star is such a surreal moment. Music has always been about connecting with people, and to see it resonate on this level is incredible. I’m so grateful to my team, my family, and especially the fans who’ve supported me every step of the way. Your belief in me means everything. This is just the beginning, and I’m so excited for what’s to come—thank you for being part of this journey.”

In addition to this honour, Myles continues to dominate global charts with his platinum-certified single “Stargazing.” This week, the track hit #1 at Top 40 and Hot AC radio, making Myles the first UK artist to reach #1 on all three major radio formats in the US with a debut radio single. The song previously hit #1 on the Alternative radio chart in September, cementing its cross-genre appeal.

These milestones cap off an extraordinary year for Myles. “Stargazing” is now the biggest global single from a UK artist this year, spending 29 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and amassing over 550 million streams on Spotify alone. The track is a centerpiece of his growing catalogue, which has now surpassed 1.4 billion streams worldwide. The single is now the top-selling 2024 single by an English artist this year and has dominated airplay charts across the US, UK, Germany, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland.

The past year has also seen Myles recognised as BBC Introducing’s Artist of the Year for 2024 along with making the longlist for BBC’s prestigious Sound Of poll. His recent EP A Minute… has further solidified his status which also features the recent viral hit “Nice To Meet You.” Alongside sold-out dates on his 2024 global tour, Myles has graced stages on the TODAY Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, and Later… with Jools Holland, and will be performing on the Season 26 finale of The Voice on Tuesday, December 10. Looking ahead, Myles will embark on his sold-out UK tour in February 2025 before joining Ed Sheeran on the European leg of the Mathematics Tour.

Hailing from Luton, Myles’ journey is grounded in authenticity. Taught to play the guitar and piano by the age of 12, he performed at local pubs and open-mic nights before gaining traction on TikTok in 2020. His covers of “Sweater Weather” and “I Found” went viral, paving the way for original songs like “Solo” and “My Home” that earned him a deal with RCA in 2023. Myles’ unique ability to unite audiences through his heartfelt lyrics is evident in his smash hit “Stargazing,” which pairs soaring melodies with introspective storytelling.

As he continues to shape his legacy, Myles Smith is undeniably an artist to watch in 2025 and beyond.

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Photo credit: John Marshall/JMEnternational

STEPN GO + adidas

Launch First-Ever STEPN GO x adidas Physical Shoe Drop

Social-lifestyle app STEPN GO is thrilled to announce the next milestone in its ongoing partnership with adidas: the launch of the first-ever STEPN GO x adidas co-branded physical running shoes featuring the STEPN GO logo. This exciting development follows a successful year of collaboration between the two brands, which previously saw the release of the STEPN GO x adidas Genesis NFT Sneakers. Now, the partnership moves beyond the digital world and into the physical, with a limited-edition collection of 1,200 physical adidas Ultraboost 5 running shoes.

This marks the latest phase of STEPN GO and adidas’ year-long partnership, which began in April 2024 with the launch of the STEPN Genesis NFT collection. After building excitement with the NFT drops, the introduction of STEPN GO x adidas Ultraboost 5 highlights how the two brands are pushing the boundaries of digital and real-world fashion. More HERE.

Starting December 13, the limited-edition collection of STEPN GO x adidas Ultraboost 5 running shoes will be available exclusively on the MOOAR marketplace. This initiative is reserved for holders of STEPN and STEPN GO x adidas Genesis Sneakers, reflecting adidas’ commitment to empowering physical movement and innovation.

With only 1,200 Ultraboost 5 shoes available, this drop combines the cutting-edge performance of adidas with the active lifestyle ethos of STEPN GO.

“The launch of physical shoes is a defining moment in our partnership with adidas”, says Shiti Manghani, CEO of STEPN by FSL. “We’ve moved from digital collectibles to tangible products that people can wear, showing just how far the Web3 space has evolved. This collaboration demonstrates the potential of merging fitness, digital assets, and real-world products.”

“We’re thrilled to offer a new digital experience for runners at the forefront of this exciting new era,” says Erika Wykes-Sneyd, VP and GM of adidas /// studio. “This collaboration not only brings a fresh way to engage with fitness but also introduces rewarding experiences that push the boundaries of what’s possible in both the physical and digital worlds.”

Moreover, since the Public Beta Launch of STEPN GO in September 2024, the platform’s Haus System has become a standout feature. The Haus System allows users to lend their Sneakers to friends, share Energy and earnings, and onboard new users into Web3 without needing a wallet. This has made STEPN GO more accessible to a wider audience and reinforces its focus on community-driven innovation.

The raffles for the STEPN GO x adidas Ultraboost 5 running shoes will take place from December 13 to December 17, with four separate raffles. An advantage will be given to STEPN and STEPN GO x adidas Genesis NFT holders, while opportunities for broader participation will be provided through a contest on X and two raffles exclusively open to the ALTS by adidas and STEPN Apps communities.

Winners will be able to claim their shoes between January 6 to January 22, after a 3-week trading period allowing everyone to buy their tickets on the secondary market. The collection comes in four limited edition co-branded shoe styles, with the color being randomly assigned to winners, adding a unique element of surprise.

The STEPN GO x adidas collaboration is a significant step in integrating an active lifestyle into everyday life, showcasing STEPN GO’s innovative approach to fitness technology and its leadership within the Web3 ecosystem. By combining digital and physical experiences, this partnership underscores the growing impact of STEPN GO, not just as a fitness app but as a pioneer in redefining possibilities in the Web3 space.

Ricco Ross

Podcast

Ricco Ross, an accomplished American actor, writer, and social activist, is widely recognized for his contributions to Hollywood and his two-term tenure on the SAG-AFTRA board. During the #OscarsSoWhite era, Ross was instrumental in championing representation in Hollywood casting, emphasizing talent over stereotypes. He also highlights Tyler Perry’s exceptional leadership and commitment to inclusive casting practices.

“If you want to achieve greatness, you have to find comfort in being uncomfortable,” says Ricco Ross, a mantra that has shaped his remarkable journey.

Born and raised in Chicago, Ross’s humble beginnings set the foundation for his inspiring story. A pivotal moment in his life occurred while attending UCLA, where his talent led to immediate professional opportunities. However, Ross often found himself typecast as a gangster, which left him both grateful and frustrated. Encouraged by his professor, he traveled to London to study Shakespeare, a transformative experience that expanded his artistic horizons and deepened his craft.

Ross’s career boasts a vibrant portfolio of roles across television and film, including appearances in Aliens, The Young and the Restless, P-Valley, and his recent project, Beauty in Black. In Beauty in Black, Ross plays Horace Heart Bellamy, a character he initially hesitated to portray. Reflecting on his career, Ross admits, “I was at a point where I was tired.” However, with the support of his wife, who helped him record an audition tape, he rediscovered his passion for acting. “Ninety percent of success is showing up,” he says, a lesson he embraced as he fell in love with the complexities of the role.

Under Tyler Perry’s direction, Horace Heart Bellamy evolves as a multi-dimensional character, with layers revealed gradually throughout the season. The character’s bisexuality and mysterious nature presented the type of challenge Ross craved, pushing him to channel aspects of his father’s alpha male persona as inspiration.

Ricco Ross’s recent projects continue to highlight his dynamic talent. He stars in two upcoming films, A Man’s Promise and A Lover’s Vow, and recently wrapped An Unexpected Christmas, a holiday film featuring comedian Lil Rel, Tabitha Brown, and Anne Marie Hawthorn, set to premiere next Thanksgiving.

Through his work, advocacy, and resilience, Ricco Ross exemplifies a commitment to art, representation, and personal growth, inspiring others to break barriers and redefine success in the entertainment industry.