Month: June 2022

A couple of months ago, Arcade Fire finally released the long-awaited, new album We, following the 2017 album Everything Now. Along with the unveiling of the album, there was the unexpected announcement that Will Butler had exited the band. “I left at the end of last year, after the new record was complete,” he wrote. “There was no acute reason beyond that I’ve changed—and the band has changed—over the last almost 20 years. Time for new things. I’m working on a new record; booking some shows this summer. I’m working on music for a David Adjmi play (which is so good). A few other projects percolating.”

One of those projects has already materialized; he has released “A Stranger’s House” and “Nearer To Thee,” his first new solo material since 2020’s Generations. He has also announced a small tour in August, kicking off in Cambridge, MA at The Sinclair and ending in Philadelphia, PA at Johnny Brenda’s.

Listen to “A Stranger’s House” above and “Nearer To Thee” below. Find the full tour dates below the video.

8/11 – Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
8/12 – Montreal, QC @ Theatre Fairmount
8/13 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace
8/14 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Cafe
8/19 – Brooklyn, NY @ Brooklyn Made
8/20 – Washington, DC @ DC9
8/21 – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s

Like fellow Twilight alum Robert Pattinson, Kristen Stewart is no stranger to challenging fare. The actress and hopeful future director even won a César, the French equivalent of an Oscar, for her work in Olivier Assayas’ enigmatic Clouds of Sils Maria — then teamed up with him again for the even more mysterious Personal Shopper (the one where she seems to text with a ghost). But her latest may be too much even for fans of her franchise where she can’t decide if she’s in love with a vampire or a werewolf — or, really, for anyone.

That film is Crimes of the Future, the latest from body horror master David Cronenberg (who hasn’t done full-on, gross-out body horror in quite some time). Cronenberg himself has speculated that the movie will prompt mass walk-outs in the first five minutes alone, and no wonder: Its trailer features characters talking about how “surgery is the new sex.” But if are among those who run fleeing from the theater, sounds like Stewart will be cool with that. Indeed, she may even kind of enjoy it.

“Everyone loves to talk about how his movies are difficult to watch and it’s fun to talk about people walking out of Cannes screenings,” Stewart said last week at a presser for the film’s Cannes premiere.

But Stewart, who told Insider she and her fellow actors were unclear what they were doing while filming it, says she’s really into what Cronenberg does, saying that “every single gaping, weird bruise in his movies, it makes my mouth open. You wanna lean in toward it. And it never repulses me ever. The way I feel, it is through really visceral desire and that’s the only reason we’re alive. We’re pleasure sacks.”

Let’s say you agree with Stewart and you really dig all the vomit-sack shots of scalpels slicing human flesh and scientists creating weird organs. Well, there’s a large back catalog of Cronenberg shockers to feast upon, from Shivers to The Brood to Videodrome to his take on The Fly to Naked Lunch to the one Stewart herself watched at a way too young age — all of it featuring a plethora of sights unfit for print here.

Crimes of the Future opens in limited release on June 3.

(Via Insider)

There have been a few records set on Apple Music this year. Kendrick Lamar broke the record for the most first-day streams for an album released on the platform in 2022 with Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. Elsewhere, Harry Styles broke the record for the most first-day streams for a pop album in 2022 in just two hours with Harry’s House. That trend continues thanks to BTS who broke Apple Music’s record for the biggest radio show in 2022. The platform shared the news today just three days after BTS held the inaugural episode for BTS Radio: Past & Present, their weekly limited series, on May 28.

BTS Radio: Past & Present will only have three episodes that will air weekly leading up to the release of the band’s upcoming anthology album Proof which arrives on June 10. For the first episode, the band gave listeners an exclusive look into songs including “Intro: The Most Beautiful Moment in Life,” “Epilogue: Young Forever,” “I Need U,” “No More Dream” and “We Are Bulletproof, Pt. 2.”

Apple Music’s announcement was one of two big things that happened to BTS today. In other news, the band made a stop at The White House where they held a discussion about anti-Asian hate and Asian representation. BTS later appeared at a White House press briefing where they shared their gratitude for the meeting. “We thank President Biden and The White House for giving this important opportunity to speak about the important causes, remind ourselves of what we can do as artists,” RM said.

You can view Apple Music’s announcement in the post above.

If you’re in search of a destination that combines incredible wildlife, diverse landscapes, stunning coastlines, and vibrant culture, look no further than South Africa. With a wide range of destinations to visit –encompassing vast grasslands, sandy beaches, and iconic cities like Cape Town and Jo-Berg — the country offers plenty of adventures for every kind of traveler.

One avid explorer who fell in love with South Africa is Ali Alsulaiman.Born in Saudi Arabia, Alsulaiman started his career as a medical doctor in Europe, but he craved more adventure in his everyday life and career. His wanderlust eventually led him to London to pursue his passion for photography and travel.

“I love medicine and the rewarding feeling I have every time I help a patient. However, the practical part is sedentary and it doesn’t allow me to be creative,” he shares, “Traveling, on the other hand, filled my life with passion and drive.”

Now, the doctor-turned-content-creator enthusiastically explores beautiful places around the world while capturing his adventures along the way on camera. Out of the many places he’s ventured to, South Africa proved to be one of his all-time favorite destinations for its heaping of good food, people, adventure, and nature.

To help you make the most out of your next trip to this bucket list location, Alsulaiman is sharing his guide to South Africa below.

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WHY SOUTH AFRICA?

South Africa simply has it all. Beautiful weather, numerous beaches, great food, breath-taking safari experiences, and friendly people! It’s hard not to fall in love with this country! Also, you can’t get bored there as there are many activities from hiking, surfing, horse riding on the coast to trekking in the bush! Therefore, it’s a must-visit country, especially for those who want to unwind, enjoy incredible views and escape the hectic lifestyle.

What’s one thing that every first-time visitor should see or do in South Africa?

Every visitor needs to feel the wild side of South Africa and spend a night in the bush. One of my favorite experiences was a sleep-out under the stars in a tree-house, right under the strikingly beautiful sheer cliffs of the Waterberg in Marataba. An elephant visited me in the middle of the night and two lions roaring just at the bottom of the tree woke me up at 2 am. These are unforgettable moments that everyone should have.

However, if you are in Capetown, then you should definitely meet the penguins at Boulders beach. The ancient granite boulders protect it from the wind and large waves, making it ideal for swimming. If you want to get up close and personal with the penguins, make your way to Foxy Beach. Just don’t get too close – those beaks are razor sharp

South African city with the best food scene?

I really like the food scene of Cape Town. There are lots of little cafes and bistros all over the place, many of them serving excellent fresh seafood — some situated right at the beach with a beautiful view. I would suggest trying the Cousins Trattoria, an excellent authentic Italian cuisine. My favorite meal was their signature dish, Tagliolini tossed in a wheel of Parmigiano.

There are also numerous excellent restaurants for those who enjoy haute cuisine and a classy dinner. My personal favorite in Cape Town is La Colombe, a Michelin Star restaurant. The tuna dish is legendary and the passion fruit curry is one of the most memorable dishes I’ve had on a tasting menu.

Best South African location for spending time in nature?

Bloubergstrand Beach has spectacular views of Table Mountain and the coastline. It’s the perfect spot to go for a stroll and to watch the sunset. It’s also an excellent location for surfers and kite surfers.

Best outdoor excursion or adventure activity to do in South Africa?

Personally, my favorite outdoor activity is horseback riding on Noordhoek Beach. A stretched white sandy beach as far as the eye can see. Absolutely breathtakingly beautiful and tranquil! Magnificent ride on the beach with well-controlled horses. It’s also perfect for a stroll.

Coolest hotel or place to stay?

It’s difficult to mention only one place as South Africa has so many places oozing beauty. If you’re in Cape Town, Villa Obsidian and Llandudno Rock Villa are by far my favorite two places to stay. Rented through CapeConcierge, Villa Obsidian is located in Clifton, my favorite area in Cape Town. The villa is just a few steps from the beach and has the most spectacular view of the twelve apostles.

As for Llandudno Rock Villa, it’s an architectural masterpiece nestled in the natural rock outcrop of the exquisite Llandudno shores. Sitting by the fire, watching the sunset was an absolute highlight of my last trip to Cape Town. With uninterrupted sea and mountain views along with the luxurious design, this villa offered me peace and harmony.

However, if you plan to experience the wildlife, my favorite two lodges are:

AndBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge. Set into a cliff face, with wraparound views of the Lebombo Mountains, this lodge is the ultimate safari destination. With only six intimate suites, each with a plunge pool and a viewing deck to observe rare wildlife. A true paradise, peaceful and relaxing. It’s the most romantic lodge I’ve ever stayed at.

Marataba Mountain Lodge is in its exclusive location, set secluded within the Waterberg and surrounded by Marakele National Park. Just five private Eco Suites — open onto a setting renowned for its magnificent scenery and flourishing wildlife, including the critically endangered black rhino.

On the same private game reserve, Marataba Safari Lodge is a collection of very exclusive luxury tents. Where rich red mountain rock meets lush green plains. I remember stepping out of my tent in the morning and watching an elephant passing by very close and shortly after baboons. I felt so connected to nature. I also loved relaxing at the pool lounge area with a cool breeze and the gentle chirruping of the birds whilst antelopes were roaming around the pool.

Best time of year to visit?

If you’re visiting Cape Town, then I would suggest going from March to May or from September to November. These shoulder seasons boast enviable weather, fewer crowds, and lower prices. If you’re going on a safari, the dry season is from May to October. The grass is shorter and hence has better visibility for wildlife viewing. Nonetheless, I deliberately went there in late November (rainy season) and absolutely loved the green grass as shown in my photos.

Sudan Archives just recently released “Home Maker,” her first song in three years. She stated that it was “about women and the celebration of hair. It’s about representation of different hair textures and embracing all colors and textures of it.” It’s likely not the last material she’ll put out this year, especially since she has just announced a fall tour.

The run begins in June in Portland, Oregon at the Beloved Festival and ends in October in Los Angeles, CA at the Lodge Room. Check out the full dates below.

06/04 — Portland, OR @ Beloved Festival
06/17 — Brooklyn, NY @ BK Mag Fest
06/25 — Calgary, Alberta @ Sled Island Festival
07/07-10 — Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Winnipeg Folk Festival
07/08 — Montreal, Quebec @ Montreal Jazz Festival
07/22-24 — Seattle, WA @ Capitol Hill Block Party
07/29-31 — Denver, CO @ Underground Music Showcase
07/30 — Omaha, NE – Maha Festival
08/19-21 — Hamburg, Germany @ MS Dockville Festival
08/23 — Leeds, England @ Belgrave Music Hall
08/25 — London, England @ All Points East
08/26 — Stockholm, Sweden @ Popaganda Festival
08/26-28 — Darmstadt, Germany @ Golden Leaves Festival
08/28 — Edinburgh, Scotland @ Connect Festival
08/30 — Brighton, England @ Patterns
09/01-04 — Salisbury, England @ End of the Road Festival
09/03 — Bristol, England @ Forwards Festival
09/24 — Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up Tavern
09/25 — Santa Barbara, CA @ Soho Music Club
09/26 — Sacramento, CA @ Harlow’s
09/27 — San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
09/30 — Vancouver, British Columbia @ Fortune
10/01 — Seattle, WA @ Neumos
10/04 — Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
10/05 — Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
10/08 — Ottawa, Ontario @ Bronson
10/10 — Cambridge, MA @ The Sinclair
10/11 — Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
10/14 — Washington, DC @ Black Cat
10/17 — Asheville, NC @ The Grey Eagle
10/18 — Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
10/19 — Nashville, TN @ The Basement East
10/21 — Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room

Details continue to emerge about how the Uvalde Police Department handled the mass shooting that happened last Tuesday, and they have not been encouraging. The picture that has emerged shows that officers were slow to engage with the shooter, who killed 19 children and two teachers. One reason: because, as one official put it, “they could’ve been shot.” The final verdict on what happened may be damning, which may be why the department is reportedly no longer cooperating with investigators.

Multiple law enforcement sources have told ABC News that the department had cut off communication with the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) after Friday. That’s when the group’s director, Col. Steven McCraw, held a news conference in which they called officers delaying entry into the classroom that housed the shooter and many of his victims “the wrong decision.”

When reached by ABC News, a spokesperson for the DPS said Uvalde PD had been cooperating, with the chief of police providing an initial interview. That person, however, hasn’t responded to a request for a follow-up discussion made two days prior.

The Uvalde massacre was the worst school shooting since Sandy Hook in 2012, and the most high-profile since the one in Parkland, Florida in 2018. While those on the left (and even Trump cheerleader Jon Voight) have called for renewed discussions about gun control, many on the right have tried to deflect blame elsewhere, from doors to even teachers.

(Via ABC News)

Lil Nas X has had a few unique collaborations in his career, especially those that take place outside of music. He partnered with MSCHF for their “Satan Shoes” collaboration, which was a customized Nike Air Max 97, and that resulted in a lawsuit from Nike which the two sides later settled. He teamed up with Maury for a fictional episode that continued the storyline from his “That’s What I Want” video. There’s also Lil Nas’ upcoming possible collaboration with the Teletubbies. His trend of these types of collaborations will stay alive thanks to the announcement of his partnership with M&M’s.

Together, Lil Nas and M&M’s aim to use the power of “music, art & entertainment” to bring fans together and build connections through initiatives that they will debut later this year. “M&M’s is iconic and I’m a huge fan of the brand,” Lil Nas X said about the partnership in a statement. “I’m excited to work with them on some really cool projects this year that are as colorful as they are.”

Allison Miazga-Bedrick, Mars Wrigley’s Senior Brand Director, said the partnership aligns with M&M’s commitment to “inspiring moments of connection and fun by encouraging a deeper sense of belonging.” Miazga-Bedrick added, “Music is one of the most powerful tools to bring people together. Like our iconic M&M’s brand, music sparks nostalgia, memories, and fun, and we are thrilled to be able to partner with one of the most trailblazing artists in the world, Lil Nas X, to help us further cement M&M’s role within entertainment.”

Specific details about the partnership have not been revealed yet. However, stay tuned for updates on Lil Nas and M&M’s collaboration.