Billie Eilish was the musical guest on last night’s episode of Saturday Night Live, which was hosted by Michael Keaton. Joined by her brother Finneas, Eilish performed a pair of songs from her latest album Hit Me Hard and Soft, ‘Birds of a Feather’ and ‘Wildflower’. Watch it happen below.
This was Eilish’s fourth musical guest appearance on SNL. She last appeared on the show in December to sing ‘What Was I Made For?’, her contribution to the Barbie movie, as well as a cover of ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas’.
Eilish just completed three sold-out shows at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. Her North American tour in support of Hit Me Hard and Soft continues early next month in Georgia before wrapping up in Los Angeles in December.
Life moves fast, and it’s easy for precious memories to get swept under the carpet. But fret not! Locket photo prints are here to save the day and help you keep those cherished moments close to your heart.
Whether you’re a fan of vintage lockets or modern mini pendants, locket size photos offer a unique and intimate way to carry your loved ones with you. So, let’s dive into why these little treasures are too good to forgo and how you can make the most of them.
The Timeless Appeal of Locket Photo Prints
Lockets have stood the test of time, and for good reason! Historically, these tiny keepsakes held everything from portraits to locks of hair, becoming dear reminders of loved ones and special milestones.
For many, the principal reason to invest in locket photos is the intimate connection they provide. The act of carrying a photo within a locket, worn around your neck or carried in a pocket, keeps that memory alive and close.
Nowadays, locket photos continue to hold their ground, offering a tangible connection to our memories that digital photosjust can’t replicate.
Sentimental Value: In a world where digital photos are a dime a dozen, locket photos carry a unique emotional punch. They’re nothing if not a special keepsake that assumes a place close to your heart.
Customization: When it comes to capturing memories, locket photo printing allows for a high level of personalization. One shot at getting the perfect moment? You got it!
Durability: Unlike digital photos that can get lost in the flurry, well-maintained locket pictures have the staying power. They’re not just keepsakes; they’re family heirlooms in the making.
How to Get the Perfect Locket Photo Print
So, you’re sold on the idea, but how do you go about it?
While getting the perfect locket photo might seem simple, there are challenges along the way. Choosing the right image can be tricky, and it’s easy to get caught lacking when deciding which memory to preserve. It’s also essential to remember that not every image will translate well to a locket size photo. If you try to stretch a low-quality photo, you may end up with a blurry, underwhelming result.
But once you’ve made your selection and the photo fits perfectly, the rewards are nothing short of breathtaking. Seeing that tiny, flawless image inside your locket for the first time could easily put you in great spirits.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to get the perfect locket photo print:
Step 1: Choose the Right Photo
Select a picture that captures a meaningful moment or emotion. But, as has been mentioned already, just because it’s your favorite photo doesn’t mean it’ll translate well into a locket size. Opt for a picture that retains its impact even when minimized.
Step 2: Customizing the Size
Locket photo printing services can help resize your chosen image to fit your locket perfectly. Many online services offer unbridled discretion in customizing the size, making sure you won’t lose your flow during the process.
Step 3: Printing Options
From high-quality photo paper to metal prints, the options are plenty. While the best materials might cost an arm and a leg, the end result is well worth it. Don’t cut corners when it comes to quality!
Whether you’re printing a candid family shot or an old sepia-toned portrait, the quality needs to be top-tier, ensuring the memory lives on in vivid detail.
Modern Uses for Locket Photos
Who says lockets are old-school? We beg to disagree! The resurgence of lockets is proof that some traditions never go out of style.
While trends come and go, the timeless nature of locket size photos remains relevant in today’s world. In a society where quick, digital fixes dominate, the slow, thoughtful process of crafting and wearing a locket is a reminder of the value of time and care.
Besides, the tides are changing, and modern fashion has incorporated these traditional keepsakes into contemporary styles. Whether you’re into vintage vibes or sleek, modern designs, locket photos find fertile ground in today’s fashion scene.
Caring for Your Locket Photos
Taking care of your precious locket photos ensures they last a lifetime:
Protect from Moisture: Keep your locket dry to prevent any damage to the photo inside.
Avoid Abrasion: Regularly check your locket to ensure the photo remains clear and unobstructed.
Periodically Update: Photos can fade over time, so keep a digital backup to update your locket photos as needed.
Special Occasions and Gifting
Looking for a gift? Lockets are perfect for special occasions. From anniversaries to memorials, these personalized keepsakes convey a heartfelt message that’s hard to match. It’s a sentimental gift that keeps on giving.
Trust us, offering a thoughtful locket photo as a gift or personal keepsake is a decision that has few equals. It shows a level of care and consideration that’s becoming few and far between in a world dominated by disposable trends.
Locket Photos: A Cost-Effective Option
It might feel like getting into locket photo printing will cost you an arm and a leg, but that’s far from the truth. There are affordable options that don’t involve cutting corners on quality. Whether you’re just getting started with your first locket or looking to expand your collection, there’s a budget-friendly option for everyone.
And in a world where digital photos often fall down on the priority list, the timeless appeal of locket photo prints continues to offer something unique and irreplaceable. They span emotional depths, wrapped in a tangible piece of art that’s accessible anytime.
So, if you’re considering this age-old tradition, now is the perfect time to claw through the modern photography clutter and embrace the beauty of locket photo prints. They make sure you’re never caught lacking when it comes to preserving your most treasured moments.
Remember, life’s moments are rare, but locket photos help you capture and cherish them forever.
Finding a good way to lift your energy and focus at work feels tough, especially when tiredness hits and lowers your efficiency. Kratom might help here. It’s a natural option that lots of people use for keeping the mind sharp and energy steady. Think about starting your day with a plant-based option instead of coffee, staying alert without feeling shaky.
We checked out different Kratom kinds that many folks use not just for energy but also for staying focused longer. Not all Kratom is the same; each kind offers special perks to match what you need. Look at the top strains that really keep you energized and focused.
Top Kratom Strains for Energy
Maeng Da comes up a lot when people talk about energy and getting things done. It’s popular because of its strong effects, mainly due to its high mitragynine, which helps with energy. Those who try it often say it makes them feel lively and clear-headed. For a variety of options, check out Bulk Kratom Now Strains.
Both green and white Maeng Da are known for helping with physical strength and keeping the mind clear. This helps users handle tough jobs, whether they’re doing creative work or hard physical tasks.
Besides Maeng Da, White Borneo gets attention for its energy support. White Borneo gives a smooth energy lift like caffeine but without the shaky feeling. It’s seen as a great choice for anyone wanting to be productive without feeling uncomfortable like they do with coffee.
Green Malay is also a well-liked choice for energy. Green Malay is good because it gives balanced benefits, making it great for those who need energy and pain relief. Users talk about having steady energy all day or during tough tasks. Green Malay gives strong but not overwhelming energy, helping people stay productive while managing any pain during busy times.
Choosing the best Kratom for energy relies on what you personally need and like. Maeng Da is great for some with its strong effects, while others prefer the smoothness of White Borneo or the balance of Green Malay. Knowing these differences helps you pick what fits your aims.
Energetic Benefits of Maeng Da
Maeng Da often gets praise for lifting energy levels due to how it’s grown and its special mix of elements. It not only boosts energy but also sharpens the mind and improves overall health.
Unique Alkaloid Composition
The special strength comes from its distinct blend of chemicals, especially high amounts of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These key compounds interact with the brain, sparking happiness while lifting energy and focus. This action benefits users by providing vitality without making them sleepy like other types. People stay active and creative all day with steady energy.
Personal Experience
Stories from users show that Maeng Da really sharpens the mind and strengthens the body. John from Texas talks about how a morning dose of White Maeng Da replaced his coffee. He feels excited and clear-headed, something he didn’t have before using this specific kratom. These stories highlight the big changes users see, positioning Maeng Da as a very strong option for those needing more energy and a focused mind.
The attraction of Maeng Da extends beyond energy; it also supports ongoing productivity without bad effects. Learning how this works prepares you to find another type that might improve focus and drive.
Green Vein for Focus
Green Vein kratom is known for balancing energy and focus well. Unlike some strains that cause jitters, Green Vein delivers a gentle, steady uplift. This benefits people who must stay focused on long tasks – like detailed work projects or intense study sessions.
The efficacy of Green Maeng Da and Green Bali illustrates the superior qualities of this strain. These specific varieties are favored not only for their energy-boosting effects but also because they promote mental clarity and focus. Imagine poring over a complex report or preparing for a big presentation; the last thing you’d want is to be distracted. Users frequently report that these strains help to enhance their cognitive function without the emotional rollercoaster that may accompany other types of kratom.
Green Maeng Da: Known for its potency and effectiveness, it’s often the top choice among users seeking sustained focus.
Green Bali: This strain excels at providing a calming yet uplifting effect, making it great when stress management is also essential.
Green Malay: While it energizes, it does so gently, making it suitable for those who prefer a more subtle approach.
To make the most out of these strains, timing and dosage are critical. It’s advisable to start with lower amounts, especially if you’re new to kratom, so you can gauge how your body responds. Some people find benefits with as little as two grams, while others may require larger doses depending on their individual tolerance and day-to-day needs.
If you’re excited about enhancing your focus further while exploring stimulating options, there are specific strains that promise to take your productivity to the next level.
White Vein for Stimulation
White Vein kratom strains are renowned for their stimulating effects, making them a popular choice for individuals seeking to enhance focus and productivity without the jitteriness that often accompanies caffeine consumption. Unlike coffee’s fleeting bursts of energy followed by a crash, these strains offer a more stable and enduring stimulation. This is particularly beneficial for those engaged in demanding tasks or prolonged activities where maintaining mental sharpness is crucial.
Strong Energy Boost
Types like White Thai and White Borneo are really popular because they help people stay energetic all day. Users often say these strains give clear thinking and a lively alertness, helping with complex tasks. Many professionals choose White Thai to remain focused during long meetings or when working against tight deadlines.
Getting the most out of White Vein kratom relies on the right timing and amount. Starting with less, about 2-3 grams, helps test your body’s reaction before slowly increasing if needed. This way, you avoid unwanted effects and find the right amount for you. Taking it on an empty stomach might make it work faster, as no food means quicker absorption.
Helpful Tips for Using
When new to White Vein kratom, try keeping a journal to note feelings and work levels during the day. This helps track how it works for you and makes it easier to adjust later.
Drinking lots of water is very important; staying hydrated supports brain function and health.
Avoid other stimulants at first; knowing how White Vein affects you alone helps create the best work environment.
Learning about these things not only improves your experience but also your health as you include White Vein kratom in your routine. As you get more into safe methods, you’ll find helpful information for your journey.
Different Ways to Use Kratom
Kratom can be used in several ways, each giving its own benefits. Traditional use involves making it into a tea. Similar to brewing herbal tea, steep kratom leaves or powder in hot water. This method not only covers the bitter taste but also lets it enter your system quicker, so effects happen faster. Drinking kratom tea can also serve as a calming practice in your day.
Busy people who are always moving might like capsules. They offer consistent doses without the need to measure powder or make tea. Capsules might take longer to break down in the stomach, delaying effects, but they could suit those who want something easy.
Apart from tea and capsules, other methods suit different choices and ways of living.
Powdered Style
Using kratom powder can work really well if done right. Many people like mixing the powder in smoothies, yogurt, or applesauce to make it more enjoyable. Another way is the “toss and wash” method where users put the powder on their tongues and wash it down with water or juice. This allows kratom to enter the bloodstream quickly – just drink lots of fluids afterward for digestion.
Each method’s effectiveness depends on individual metabolism. Some find kratom drinks act faster than capsules; others like the slower release from pills. Paying attention to how your body reacts helps you find the best way.
Choosing the right method improves your kratom use and daily productivity.
Whether you like making tea, prefer capsules for their ease, or enjoy trying different mixes with powder, getting the energy you want from kratom depends on picking the right method for you. Each way offers something unique; finding the best fit helps you use kratom effectively.
Exploring further, knowing the right kratom amount to take greatly affects your experiences and results.
Dosage Suggestions
Finding the right amount to take can really change your kratom experience, so it’s important to approach this carefully. Too little might not give you the energy and focus you want, and too much might bring side effects like nausea or dizziness. Understanding these amounts is very important for a good experience without problems.
Beginners
Starting with kratom means being patient. Begin with about 1 to 2 grams of powder. This lets you see how your body reacts without too much stress. Many new users find this small amount interesting for its benefits, helping them figure out how much they need in the future.
Regular Users
After some time using kratom, most people stick with 3 to 5 grams. This amount definitely provides energy without too many negative effects. Users often say these doses help them focus on daily tasks. But remember, kratom’s effects depend on how much you use. Larger amounts might very well bring stronger effects but also increase the chance of issues.
Higher doses give more noticeable effects but might also cause problems if used without caution. Going beyond 5 grams might really boost energy but could cause problems like insomnia or feeling very jittery.
Being aware of your dose and how your body reacts helps you find a good balance with kratom. Understanding how much works for you, let’s look at how to keep using kratom safely and effectively.
Quality and Safety Tips
Quality control in kratom matters a lot. It affects your health and how well the kratom works. If products come from bad sources, bad substances might get in, which is why picking good sellers is very important. This means choosing sellers who really prove their products have no bad stuff. Nobody wants unexpected ingredients to ruin their time.
Certified Vendors
When looking around, choose sellers with strong proof their stuff gets tested in labs. This checks for bad stuff that could hurt your body. The American Kratom Association provides a list of good vendors that follow GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), which really helps choose safely.
Finding good sellers feels like searching for a needle in a big haystack. Luckily, the American Kratom Association really helps make this easier.
Vendor
Certification
Price Range
Kraken Kratom
AKA GMP Certified
$20 – $150
PurKratom
cGMP Compliant
$15 – $130
Super Speciosa
Third-party tested
$25 – $180
After finding certified sellers, focus on storing kratom correctly. Even the best kratom gets weaker if exposed to air, light, or moisture.
Safe Storage
Put kratom in a tightly sealed container in a cool and dry spot away from the sun. These easy actions keep it strong and fresh so each dose works well when you seek energy or clear thinking.
Being careful about where you buy kratom and how you keep it means you enjoy its effects fully while staying safe.
Overall, focusing on quality and safety is key for getting the most benefits from kratom and reducing possible risks.
Caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease can be tough. The symptoms can make life hard for both the person with the disease and their caregiver. One thing that can help a lot is mindfulness. But what is mindfulness, and how can caregivers use it to help Parkinson’s patients feel better?
Mindfulness is the practice of focusing on the present moment, which can help reduce stress and improve emotional well-being. In this article, we are going to explore it in detail and how home care for parkinsons patients can make it easier for individuals to learn and use meditation.
What Is Mindfulness and Why Does It Matter?
Mindfulness is a way to calm the mind by staying focused on the present. Imagine being able to pay attention to only what’s happening right now without worrying about the past or the future. It is like watching a leaf float down a river—you are aware of it, but you just let it go. Many people, including those with Parkinson’s, find this very helpful. It helps them relax and deal better with feelings like stress, fear, or sadness.
Parkinson’s disease can cause the body to feel stiff, tremble, or move very slowly. It also affects mood and emotions. Mindfulness and meditation can help with these problems by making the person feel more relaxed. It may not cure the disease, but it can make daily life easier and a little more comfortable.
Step-by-Step Guidance from Caregivers
In-home caregivers play a very important role in helping Parkinson’s patients learn and enjoy meditation. The first step is to introduce it slowly. For someone who is new to meditation, the idea might feel strange or even difficult. Caregivers can start by explaining that mindfulness just means paying attention to breathing and feeling calm. It is all about keeping things simple.
Setting Up a Peaceful Space at Home
A peaceful place makes a big difference when practicing meditation. A caregiver can help create a cozy spot for this. It may be near a window, on a comfy chair, or in a quiet corner. Adding a soft pillow, a warm blanket, or even some gentle music can make this space feel special. When the meditation area feels good, it’s easier for the patient to enjoy the experience.
It’s important to make sure there aren’t any distractions during this time. Caregivers can turn off the TV or ask family members to stay quiet while meditation is happening. A calm environment makes everything better.
Using Breathing Techniques
Meditation often starts with focusing on breathing. The caregiver can ask the person to take deep breaths—in through the nose and out through the mouth. Proper breathing techniques help the body relax, which is really good for Parkinson’s patients. Caregivers can practice this together with the patient, counting breaths or imagining breathing in peacefulness and breathing out any worries.
Even a few minutes of focusing on breathing can help reduce stress. A caregiver might say, “Breathe in deeply… hold it… and breathe out slowly.” Doing this a few times can make a big difference.
Mindful Movement for Parkinson’s Patients
Sometimes, sitting still isn’t comfortable for people with Parkinson’s. That’s when “mindful movement” can help. Caregivers can encourage light stretching or simple yoga poses that go along with breathing. Gentle movements while focusing on how the body feels can help with stiffness and make the person feel more at ease. Tai Chi, a very gentle form of exercise, is also good for Parkinson’s patients, and caregivers can do it with them.
Mindful movement can be very simple—just raising and lowering the arms while deep breathing can be a good start. It’s all about keeping it easy and fun without causing any discomfort.
Making Meditation Part of the Daily Routine
Consistency is key when learning something new. Caregivers can help make meditation a regular part of the patient’s day. It could be done after breakfast, before going to bed, or any time that feels right. By practicing at the same time each day, meditation becomes part of the routine, which makes it easier to stick to.
The goal is to make meditation something the person looks forward to, not something they feel forced to do. Caregivers can be gentle and encouraging, always reminding the patient that there’s no right or wrong way to meditate.
Tips for Choosing a Home Care Service
If families are looking for help, choosing the right in-home caregiver is really important. Look for someone who is kind, patient, and understands how to care for Parkinson’s patients. It’s helpful to ask questions about their experience and make sure they are comfortable with helping the person practice mindfulness.
Mindfulness and meditation can be a wonderful way to help Parkinson’s patients feel more relaxed and calm. With the help of home care for parkinsons patients, learning mindfulness can become a simple and enjoyable part of everyday life. It’s all about taking small steps, being patient, and celebrating the progress made. Whether it’s focusing on breathing, creating a calm space, or using apps, every bit of mindfulness helps make life a little easier for those living with Parkinson’s.
The modern online betting industry is changing and developing dynamically. Sports betting has long ceased to be the prerogative of exclusively professional bettors. Today, anyone can challenge their luck at Pin Up Bet and other platforms to add excitement to watching their favorite match, and if you’re lucky, get a solid win. The main thing is to avoid making a mistake when choosing a bookmaker.
Criteria for choosing a reliable bookmaker
Every year, hundreds of new sports bookmakers appear on the Internet. However, not all of them can ensure security and guarantee the withdrawal of winnings. To get the most out of sports betting, you should choose only online legal betting sites in India with an impeccable reputation and positive reviews from bettors.
To do this, pay attention to the following aspects:
User-friendly interface. Make sure the website is easy to navigate, so you can quickly find events, promotions, and account options. Also, check that the platform works well on both desktop and mobile devices for smooth betting anywhere.
When choosing online betting sites legal in India, you can count on transparent transaction conditions and honest payouts. Legal bookmakers, such as Pin Up, guarantee the protection of their client’s personal and financial information.
Line width. This is the number of sporting events on which you can bet. For example, the top bookmaker Pin Up offers a comprehensive line of sports and eSports disciplines with many tournaments, championships, and local competitions. In addition to traditional sports such as football, hockey, basketball, boxing, and tennis, Pin Up offers betting on exotic sports. The variety of options makes legal betting profitable and very interesting.
Variability of rates. On the top bookmaker Pin Up website, you can bet on outcomes, totals, handicaps, etc.
Odds level. The higher this indicator, the more money you will receive by placing a successful bet.
Convenience of financial transactions. Top bookmakers offer various payment instruments for replenishing deposits and withdrawing winnings (bank cards, e-wallets, cryptocurrency). Also, pay attention to the terms and limits for withdrawing winnings.
Remember to evaluate the work of the bookmaker’s support service. The best bookmakers, including Pin Up, try to provide as many communication channels as possible (phone, online chat, mail, social media) to quickly and effectively solve any problem.
Bonuses at online legal betting sites in India
Reputable bookmakers attract newcomers with generous bonuses and promotions. The Pin Up bookmaker is a record holder for the number of bonus offers. Both new customers and authorized users can take advantage of bonuses and promo codes. Pin Up offers generous offers and regular promotions for sporting events, quizzes, and gift drawings. All authorized Pin Up users can receive a generous welcome bonus, free bets, and other incentives.
Carefully study their terms and conditions to take full advantage of these promos. Details such as wagering requirements, validity period, and eligible games can significantly impact how you use your bonus and how quickly you can turn it into withdrawable winnings. Always make sure you understand these factors to maximize your gaming experience and potential rewards.
Pay attention to all these parameters to avoid unpleasant situations. If you have some free time, read thematic forums. This way, you will learn a lot of exciting and valuable information. A reliable bookmaker will be included in the best rating and will have many positive reviews among bettors.
Michael Bonema, the New York rapper known as MIKE, is back with a new song called ‘Pieces of a Dream’. Coinciding with the announcement of a run of tour dates, the track comes paired with a music video directed by Ryosuke Tanzawa. Check it out below.
MIKE 2025 Tour Dates:
Feb 27 Dublin, Ireland – The Button Factory
Feb 28 Glasgow, Scotland – Room 2
Mar 1 Leeds, England – Brudenell Social Club
Mar 3 Manchester, England – Gorilla
Mar 4 Birmingham, England – The Hare & Hounds
Mar 5 Bristol, England – Trinity
Mar 6 London, England – EartH Hall
Mar 7 Brighton, England – Patterns
Mar 8 Brussels, Belgium – Botanique
Mar 10 Cologne, Germany – Veedel Club
Mar 11 Amsterdam, Netherlands – Melkweg
Mar 12 Hamburg, Germany – Häkken
Mar 13 Copenhagen, Denmark – Loppen
Mar 14 Stockholm, Sweden – Bar Brooklyn
Mar 15 Oslo, Norway – John Dee
Mar 17 Berlin, Germany – Gretchen
Mar 18 Jena, Germany – Trafo
Mar 19 Prague, Czech Republic – Cross Club
Mar 20 Vienna, Austria – Das Werk
Mar 21 Munich, Germany – Milla
Mar 22 Milan, Italy – Circolo Magnolia
Mar 23 Lyon, France – Sonic
Mar 25 Toulouse, France – Le Rex
Mar 26 Barcelona, Spain – La Nau
Mar 27 Madrid, Spain – Sala Villanos
Mar 28 Lisbon, Portugal – LAV – Lisboa ao Vivo
Mar 29 Porto, Portugal – Hard Club
Mar 30 Vigo, Spain – Radar Estudios
Apr 1 San Sebastián, Spain – Dabadaba
Apr 2 La Roche-sur-Yon, France – Quai M
Apr 3 Paris, France – La Maroquinerie
Apr 16 Philadelphia, PA – First Unitarian Chruch
Apr 17 Washington, D.C. – Black Cat
Apr 18 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
Apr 19 Charlotte, NC – The Underground
Apr 20 Charleston, SC – Music Farm
Apr 22 Tampa, FL – Crowbar
Apr 23 Miami, FL – Gramps
Apr 24 Orlando, FL – The Abbey
Apr 25 Jacksonville, FL – Underbelly
Apr 26 Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
Apr 27 Birmingham, AL – Workplay Theatre
Apr 29 Oklahoma City, OK – Resonant Head
Apr 30 Dallas, TX – Tulips
May 1 Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall (WOMH) Upstairs
May 2 Austin, TX – Mohawk Outside
May 3 San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger
May 5 Tucson, AZ – Club Congress
May 6 Phoenix, AZ – Walter Studios
May 7 San Diego, CA – Quartyard
May 8 Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco
May 9 Santa Cruz, CA – Catalyst Atrium
May 10 San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
May 11 Sacramento, CA – Harlow’s
May 13 Vancouver, British Columbia – The Pearl
May 14 Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
May 15 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre
May 16 Boise, ID – Shrine Basement
May 17 Salt Lake City, UT – Soundwell
May 18 Englewood, CO – Gothic Theatre
May 20 Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck
May 21 Omaha, NE – Reverb Loung
May 22 Minneapolis, MN – Amsterdam
May 23 Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
May 24 Indianapolis, IN – Hi-Fi Indy
May 25 Detroit, MI – TBD
May 27 Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop
May 28 Toronto, Ontario – The Opera House
May 29 Montreal, Quebec – Fairmount Theatre
May 30 Boston, MA – Paradise Rock Club
May 31 New York, NY – Irving Plaza
Mk.gee has released a new song, ‘Rockman’, which he debuted at the New Haven, Connecticut stop of his North American tour. It follows August’s ‘Lonely Fight’. Check it out below.
Like every Porridge Radio album before it, Clouds in the Sky They Will Always Be There for Me amounts to raw, blistering catharsis. The songs are frontwoman Dana Margolin’s way of gnawing through the extremes of human emotion, which, on the new record, range from personal heartbreak to intense burnout following a period of heavy touring behind 2022’s Waterslide, Diving Board, Ladder to the Sky. But the feelings don’t follow a linear timeline: they tumble over themselves and into what Margolin calls “a dissociative fog,” blurring the line between fantasy and reality. Margolin was able to inhabit this liminal space by focusing on writing poems, which, in their transition to songs, remain either searingly literal in their descriptions of numbing pain and mundane beauty, or edge into surreal, symbolic territory. “Ten years is only the start, there’s no countdown, no limit, no end to the thoughts,” Margolin sings on opener ‘Anybody’. “And I finally found that my edges were sharp, new ways to be gentle, new ways to be hard.” Her bandmates allow her to give form to the endless stream of thoughts, ground her feverish vocals, and trace a line to the sky, where her yearning can amply be directed as she repeats, “Trying to reach you.”
We caught up with Porridge Radio’s Dana Margoling to talk about some of the inspirations behind Clouds in the Sky They Will Always Be There for Me, including the hill outside the band’s house, Led Zeppelin IV, food, and more.
The hill outside Porridge Radio’s house
Is that the “swamp-colored hill” you reference in ‘I Get Lost’?
That is actually the exact swamp-colored hill! We recorded the album in Frome, which is in Somerset in the UK. We would get a house, and as a band we’d stay in the house – there were two different places we stayed. I wrote ‘I Get Lost’ the day before we recorded it in the studio. I was just sitting at the table one morning before anyone had woken up, having a coffee, just writing and looking out the window. And yeah, it came from that hill. It was a really beautiful hill, actually. It was at the back of this house we were staying in. We were kind of at the bottom of this valley, so there was a river and then a big hill. There were a few days of really heavy rain, and the river completely swelled and burst its banks. It completely changed how the landscape looked; it became a swamp, basically. It was amazing and so beautiful just to look out the window every morning and see this big, other thing. And then we’d go to the studio and be indoors for 12 hours, which was the opposite.
Do you feel like being around nature or having that kind of view opens up your writing in some way?
With writing, I think it helps to be able to see anything outside of what you’re necessarily used to or expect. A big part of this album was nature because, when we were touring so much, it was the only thing that felt grounding, that felt like I could hold onto, that remained constant throughout all the traveling we were doing and all the shows we were doing. It definitely was really inspiring, but I don’t think it was just the fact that it was nature, it was the fact that it was outside of what was actually really involved in. My head was so in the album-making process – to then just sit and stare out at the sky and at the hill was really soothing.
A lot of the album revolves around occupying or embodying spaces in between, an example of which could be that between inside a house or studio and the outside world. I’m thinking of the line “I am the place where the roofs meet the trees” in ‘Lavender, Raspberries’.
A lot of the album – in fact, not just the album, but how I inhabit my life and the world – I’m really tied to a sense of yearning. I think that yearning is present across all the songs I’ve ever written, especially on this album. But I think that yearning is almost a liminal space as well — it’s a place that’s not quite where you are and not quite where you want to be. You’re just in the middle of it. That line, “I am the place where the roofs meet the trees,” actually comes from a song I was really obsessed with and we listened to a lot on tour called ‘My Dog’s Eyes’ by Zammuto. It was actually a reference to that song, which ended up being something we kept coming back to over and over again across that year of touring. I really loved the imagery of the roofs and the trees. There is that marginal space element of those things not quite being inside or outside, not in the present or the future, not at the start or the end. Everything is on the way, moving, trying, reaching, grasping.
Misty mornings, the river flooding, and the gnomes we never saw
That one almost sounds like a Porridge Radio album title. It also seems to tie into the landscape you were just describing.
I guess it’s also tied to this liminality and this feeling of not quite being in any one place. A lot of this record was written in a dissociative fog – in a kind of heartbreak, depression, burnout from traveling so much, exhaustion. I think the things that saved me were magic, these weird unknown things, not quite understanding — leaning into the fog, the mystery, the confusion, and allowing for the uncertainty and terror of it all. Those misty mornings, looking up at that hill, the flooding, and the stories we made up and lived around – those were huge inspirations.
Looking at them now, are these elements that help you trace the emotional journey of the album as well, even if they remain mysterious?
Yeah, there were themes that kept recurring that I wasn’t aware of as they kept coming up. Looking at it in hindsight, I can see all the shapes and patterns that were made and all the things that were important, that made themselves known throughout the process, but that I didn’t realize until afterwards. All of these ideas, thoughts, and feelings did repeat themselves, and they make themselves known through these songs, but I don’t think I knew that was happening until after we’d finished recording.
Radiohead’s Kid A and In Rainbows, Led Zeppelin IV
Do you want to separate the Radiohead albums from Zeppelin, or is there something that ties them all together?
There is something that ties them all together. Which is that while we were recording in January and February of this year, I could only listen to Kid A. I listened to Kid A every single day, at least once, for about two months. So, when we got into the studio, I was just obsessed with Kid A. It was like the only musical reference point I had at that moment, and I couldn’t comprehend anything outside of that sound. But when we were calling out reference points in the van, our bassist, Dan [Hutchins], who was sitting next to me, shouted out In Rainbows. For me, it was Kid A; for him, it was In Rainbows. During the process of making the album, we were both thinking about those two albums every single day.
Meanwhile, Led Zeppelin IV became an important reference point because of the song ‘You Will Come Home’ on our record. Dom Monks, who produced the album, would keep talking about that song, and we would talk about that album and the way it’s produced. It kind of became a reference point for us musically, even though it’s quite removed and maybe a weird one for us to choose. [laughs] In the middle of recording, I went to a wedding. We had a full session that day, and then at about 9pm, Georgie [Stott] and I had to leave to go to this wedding that was the next day. But before we left, we were talking about Led Zeppelin IV, especially in the context of ‘You Will Come Home’, and I just put the album on really loud in the car and drove late at night back to London with Led Zeppelin IV blaring. And I realized that ‘Stairway to Heaven’ and ‘You Will Come Home’ are the same song.
It also made me think of ‘Wednesday’, with its kind of bluesy riff.
That’s funny. The thing is, with all these reference points, these were all things that were long after the songs were written. The songs were written about nine months before, except for ‘I Got Lost’, which was written in the studio. But I hadn’t even thought of ‘Wednesday’ in that context. The more live way of recording music – a big part of what we were trying to do is to honor the moment that we were in, and if you’re editing and overdubbing everything, you move away from that. So there was a really strong focus on not overdubbing much at all and keeping the original live takes of all the tracks of us playing together. I think that way of actually recording and producing meant that that kind of reference point, Led Zeppelin IV, was a helpful one.
Josh Cohen’s wedding
I know Josh Cohen is your manager. How did leaving the studio and going to the wedding affect the process?
I was really pissed off that I had to leave the studio. But Josh, my manager, is also one of my best friends. I’ve known him since we were teenagers; it’s been over 10 years of friendship and working together. I was obviously so happy and proud that he was getting married, but I was super pissed that I had to leave the studio. [laughs] Georgie, who plays keys in the band, is also really close to Josh, so we both had to leave in the middle of the recording process to go to his wedding. We even gave a speech together at the wedding. But we were in the studio like, “We’re making an album! We don’t have time to think about a fucking wedding!” And then we got there, and it was so beautiful. It was so lovely to celebrate our friend’s love and his getting married.
But also, I had to leave the studio twice in the span of about four days. The first time for the wedding, the second time for a funeral. They were both right in the middle of the recording process, but I really wanted and needed to be at both of them. It was a weird thing where, when you’re in the studio, you kind of shut down from the rest of the world. It kind of happens on tour as well. You’re in a liminal space, outside of reality, or outside the rest of your friends and families’ lives where they get to come home at the end of the day of work and get into their own bed and be with their own friends and family and partners. When you’re working as a band, your band becomes your family, and your whole life revolves around the place that you are, whether it’s the band, the venue, the studio. Generally, that means that you’re separated from the rest of your life.
But leaving for the wedding and the funeral meant that I had to remember what it was like to not be in the studio. It was really weird just being jolted out of this environment – being really hyper-focused, working 12-hour days, only thinking and talking about the record 24 hours a day – and then suddenly being at one of the most profound and important events in someone else’s life. You’re jerked out of your studio, and it’s like, Fuck, I’m suddenly back in the world, and the place I am is so intense, and then zooming straight back into the studio again. It was quite a weird experience.
You say it’s weird – do you feel like it’s also important or necessary to have those moments of reconnection?
I think it’s really important to reconnect with the real world and real people. And by “real people,” I mean people who aren’t in your band. [laughs] It was really important to me to be at both of those things. But when you’re creating something, it’s also really important to fully immerse yourself in that world and not step outside of it, to be fully immersed in your craft and your practice. Actually, I found that I couldn’t think about anything else for about six months leading up to the recording, and even after, I couldn’t think about anything else. Every waking thought was this album because that’s how in it I was. And the bit of it that’s at the very core of that process, which is being at the studio, and then having to leave – it was really disorienting and confusing. But it was also just a reminder that life keeps happening, it doesn’t really matter where you are or what you’re doing. You have to make time for it.
There’s something grounding about including a list of foods here, which I’m guessing is also tied to the recording process?
It is. It’s also related to the time before we went into the recording studio. We had this rehearsal studio in Portslade, just outside of Brighton. It was in this kind of industrial estate, in a horrible old warehouse. But me and Georgie, who live in London, would drive down every week, and Sam and Dan, who were in Brighton, we would go and spend two full days in the studio, just writing and rehearsing, and then we’d sleep over at Sam’s house. We’d usually go out for fish and chips or make dinner together. We would make these big stews, usually; there was a lot of homeliness. We’d go back to the studio the next day, do another full day of work, and then me and Georgie would drive back to London. When were in the recording studio as well, we’d take turns and someone would make a big communal dinner. We ate so many potatoes and salads. Often, I’d just make a massive salad at the beginning of the day, and it would just be out for the rest of the day and everyone could eat it. It was all very communal. We did a big food shop together, we would cook for each other, we would eat together.
I think eating together – you’re sharing something that becomes part of your body, what you’re made of is what you eat. When you’re all eating the same food and cooking together, you’re also thinking together. You’re doing things in tandem. You’re aware of everybody else’s tastes, what everybody else can and wants to eat. By doing it communally, you’re taking everyone into account and you’re bearing everybody in mind. It’s very much a thing that families do that keeps you together and close — eating is the center of the home. No matter what I’m doing, it’s the thing that ties me to the people I love. We eat together, and that was just a big part of this album. And for us as a band, it always has been. If we’re on tour, we always find a Vietnamese restaurant because that’s the food that crosses over everyone’s dietary requirements and taste preferences.
Fatboy Slim’s cafe
Next to our rehearsal studio in Portslade, there’s this place called Hove Lagoon, just before you get to the beach. It’s a man-made lagoon where people do water sports, and there’s also a cafe that belongs to Fatboy Slim. I think it’s called Big Beach Cafe. There was nothing really around there, it was a bit dead other than a petrol station with some supermarket in it and that cafe. We’d often find ourselves going to the cafe, especially in the summer – we recorded the album in January, so when we started recording, it was maybe May, but by the time we finished, it was full, horrible winter in England, which is not very nice. But in the summer we would often go to the cafe and chill there in our breaks. It’s right by the beach, and it’s a really beautiful part of the beach.
The Simpsons
Are you a longtime fan or did you get into the show around that time?
I’m a longtime fan. It was like my favorite show when I was a kid. When we were having our sleepovers at Sam’s house, after we’d eaten, we’d often just chill and watch The Simpsons together. And a lot of times when we had breaks, everyone would go around and name their favorite moment from The Simpsons. It was kind of a bit we were doing, almost making a joke of how much we liked it. But then we would go home and look up the episodes that we’d been talking about that day and we would watch them in the evenings. [laughs] That was really fun. I think it’s one of the shows that we can all agree on because it’s easy to watch and we’ve all seen it a million times before. You know, we’ve been a band for about ten years, and we’ve been really good friends during that time. A lot of my memories hanging out with Sam, we would just watch The Simpsons. It reminds me of the coziness and homeliness of getting inside after a long day in the studio and watching TV with your friends, and everyone going, “Can we watch this one?” And then you do, and it’s great.
Listening to the album, as frantic and intense as it can be, I do come away from it feeling, if not a sense of homeliness, then a kind of comfort or relief in the way it resolves itself. Is that a goal for you when you’re constructing a record?
I don’t think I ever really have a goal when it comes to what I’m making. I’m really glad to hear that there’s a comforting element in the songs for you, I definitely get that. A lot of the album is working out some really hard knots and teasing out these really confusing, painful experiences, and at the end of it, what I have is just a lot of memories of spending time with my best friends, making music that I’m really proud of that I get to keep playing and share with people. There’s a feeling of connecting and being seen and allowing myself to be seen. It’s the most terrifying thing to share these ugly parts of myself that I don’t want people to see. But then I share them, and it feels like there is some kind of relief through that connection, and through that transformation as they get shared, as reflections of something really honest and true to me.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
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