Resembling windows, tent and bricks, Xin Zhang’s artworks sit on the theme of urban alienation and migration, asking how home is built, unbuilt and remembered across cities, materials and body. Born on the south coast of China and now living in London, Xin looks back at the shifts between cities to confront origins and identity in their barest form.
Refusing to be grounded by categories, Xin is constantly looking for new language and form. Her design background and trainings in traditional printing at the Royal College of Art laid the ground work for her interdisciplinary practice across printmaking, photography and installation. Fueled by extreme tenderness and passion, it drifts in the in-between and leads us through the limbo of self-recognition.
Under the Roof of an Alienated City
In one of her latest work Insomnia I (2025), where a twisted view of the city floats before a window of light, Xin commented on the alienation of metropolitan life. The photograph conjures a real yet surreal and detached location, gesturing towards a sense of placelessness——an anonymous space of in transit, as described by Marc Auge’s.
The eccentric line ‘where to look under this temporary roof’ is threaded between the layers. Such text recurs across her work as either a narrative, a critique or a confession, offering a glimpse into Xin’s method of working where writing and making feed into one another.
As is looking through a window, Insomnia I articulates urban alienation while opening a space for self-reflection and recognition.
The Gentle Aching of Home
While she remains critical towards the definition of home, Xin’s tender telling of memory and trauma surfaces in Growing Pain(2025) and Of Eros of Dust(2023).
Growing Pain, 2025 UV print on tissue paper, 10×5 cm (individual)
In Growing Pain(2025), columns of brick-like cubics carry grids, stains and handwriting, weightlessly floating and cut into the air. The papery material mimics the shape of the actual brick yet poetically contradicts its concrete heaviness that suggests vulnerability of body. Set against an actual brick wall, the doubling of the image and the object is deliberate: the actual structure and its representation occupy the same visual space but never quite meet.
Deeply personal, Growing pain dirssects into the East-Asian family value and its emphasis on discipline and self-scarifice——what is being socially produced? Carried by metaphor of ‘brick as body’, the work earns its clarity through an well restraint argument on modern alienation, and the desire to rebuild otherwise.
Of Eros of Dust, 2023 Mix medium, variable size
Originally presented as a half-burned tent on a pile of charred wood and ash, with a flaming red print telling a personal story of love and destruction,Of Eros of Dust(2023) took on a new life in the garden of a traditional hanok in Seoul, installed for the exhibition The Stone We Hold curated by 13B Gallery.
“ Me and Sangwon and Eunwoo (founders and curators of 13B) spent so much time discussing what’s the best way to install the work over email. We all agreed that we wanted it to evolve from the previous installation and interact with the new context,” Xin shares the story behind.
It now sits quietly in the clearing, a log and the remnants of a bonfire at its side. Unlike its first appearance it expresses longing in a calmer yet firm manner, signaling an evolution in the artist’s own state.
The piece takes on a different perspective on the relationship between self and origin when compared with Insomnia I, which expressed a need of stability, Of Eros of Dust suggests a nomadic and free-spirited view, and a active state of being on the road with no need of permanent structure.
Across the Borders, the Ongoing Quest
Xin’s resent body of work reflects a continuous quest for identity within the them of global migration. She says London has opened a new perspective for her to doubt and question, to search and conclude, while keeping the past in view. What emerges is her rebellion against received structure, articulated in a precise and poetic language, Xin reminded us of how can be call Home.
In the world of collegiate sports recruitment, where dreams meet rigorous academic and athletic demands, Neta Rozentale stands out as a guiding force. As a Placement Assistant at ASM Sports in West Palm Beach, Florida, Rozentale leverages her remarkable journey as a former elite international athlete to empower the next generation. Her informed perspective, forged through years of high-level competition and navigating the complex collegiate system, makes her an invaluable resource for aspiring U.S. student-athletes.
Born Janeta Rozentale in the small town of Dobele, Latvia, Neta’s basketball journey began at just nine years old. Though her hometown was quaint, the basketball court in nearby Jelgava, some 30 kilometers away, became her proving ground. By 13, her high-performance talent caught the eye of national selectors, earning her a spot on Latvia’s U-14 national team. Her debut representing her country at the Baltic Cup, where her team clinched first place, was a pivotal moment. “That was my first experience representing my country, and it sparked a journey that would shape her life forever,” Rozentale reflects, highlighting the genesis of her lifelong dedication to the sport.
Her rise through the ranks was swift and impressive. At 15, Rozentale was a key player for the U-16 national team, which achieved a remarkable 5th place at the European Championship. This performance not only showcased their prowess but also secured a coveted spot at the U-17 World Championship in Zaragoza, Spain, the following year. Her progression continued seamlessly, as she went on to represent Latvia at the U-18 and U-20 levels. With the U-18 team, competing against an older age group, she helped secure a fourth-place finish at the European Championship, qualifying for the World Cup in Italy. Around this time, her exceptional talent even earned her an invitation to train with the senior national team, a testament to her burgeoning skill and potential. At 17, Rozentale joined TTT-Riga, Latvia’s premier women’s basketball club, where she also contributed to the junior team’s 3rd place finish in the Latvian Estonian league.
Following a distinguished high school athletic career, Rozentale accepted offers to play and study in the United States, seeking to combine her passion for basketball with academic pursuits. She initially committed to the University of South Florida before transferring to Florida Atlantic University (FAU). There, she spent five transformative years, not only excelling on the court as a Division-1 collegiate basketball athlete from August 2019 to March 2024 but also earning two degrees: a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies with a minor in Sociology (graduating August 2022) and currently pursuing an MBA in Sports Management, anticipated in August 2024, maintaining an impressive 3.8 GPA. Rozentale’s outstanding commitment to academic excellence was further recognized through her inclusion on the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll and other academic accolades.
Now, as a Placement Assistant at ASM Sports, Rozentale bridges the gap between aspiring athletes and their collegiate dreams. Her role is multi-faceted, involving daily interaction with young U.S. athletes, primarily between 14 and 18 years old, who harbor ambitions of playing college sports. She provides crucial guidance on NCAA rules, demystifies different college divisions (DI, DII, DIII, NJCAA, NAIA), and clarifies standardized tests such as the SAT or ACT, along with the process of translating academic grades. Beyond the technicalities, Rozentale imparts invaluable soft skills, teaching athletes how to effectively communicate with coaches, what questions to ask, what to avoid, and how to present themselves professionally. Once an athlete commits, her support extends to admissions, visa preparation, and even housing arrangements, ensuring a smooth transition to their new environment. “Having gone through the entire journey herself, she is passionate about helping young athletes follow their dreams—just like she did,” notes her bio, underscoring the personal investment Rozentale brings to her work.
Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Women’s Sports
Addressing the persistent perception of sports as a male-dominated field, Rozentale offers an optimistic outlook, particularly regarding women’s athletics. “I think women’s sports have been growing for the past couple of years, especially women’s basketball,” she asserts. “In recent years, NCAA women’s March Madness is just as anticipated as men’s and it is so amazing to see.” At ASM Sports, supporting both female and male athletes, empowering U.S. players to achieve their dreams, is a core principle.
“At ASM, we work hard to ensure that female athletes are supported throughout the recruitment process,” Rozentale explains. “We promote them with the same visibility as male athletes, through highlight videos, social media exposure, and direct outreach to coaches.” This commitment reflects the broader positive shift reflecting the rising popularity of women’s sports for both athletes and spectators.
The Holistic Approach to Athlete Development
When asked about the starting point for athlete development, Rozentale emphasizes a holistic perspective. “When helping an athlete develop, the first step is understanding them as a whole—their goals, motivation, challenges, and academic standing if relevant,” she states.
This foundational understanding allows Rozentale to assess athletes’ current level, evaluating technical skills, tactical understanding, physical condition, and reviewing game footage. Identifying key areas for development, she then meticulously crafts a tailored training plan.
Setting clear short- and long-term athletic goals is crucial, with regular progress tracking to adjust the plan as needed. Beyond training, supporting exposure is vital, which includes assistance with recruiting, highlight videos, and direct communication with coaches. “Above all, provide consistent support, mentorship, and accountability throughout their journey,” Rozentale advises, highlighting the continuous nature of athlete development.
Empowering Athletes for the Business Side of the Game
In an era where collegiate athletes can capitalize on their Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rights, managing the business aspects of a sports career has never been more critical. Rozentale and ASM Sports prioritize educating athletes on this front. “We train athletes to manage the business side of their career by emphasizing the importance of education,” she explains. “We ensure they understand that academic success is just as important as athletic performance for long-term opportunities.”
A significant part of this training involves demystifying NIL. “We help them understand how NIL works, how to build their personal brand responsibly, and how to identify legitimate opportunities.” Through a comprehensive approach that includes workshops, mentorship, and guidance on communication, networking, and financial literacy, ASM prepares athletes to “think beyond the game and take control of their careers both on and off the field.”
Preparing for the Spotlight: Publicity and Press
The transition to collegiate or professional sports often thrusts young athletes into the public eye. Rozentale dedicates significant effort to preparing them for this reality. “I prepare athletes for publicity and press by teaching them how to effectively communicate with coaches and present themselves with confidence and professionalism,” she elaborates. This includes practical advice on handling interviews, crafting proper emails, and articulating their goals and achievements clearly. She also stresses the importance of managing their social media presence, recognizing its profound impact on public perception.
“I also help them understand how to manage their social media presence and emphasize the importance of body language and tone,” she adds. Her ultimate goal is to instill a sense of self-awareness and professionalism: “My goal is to make sure they know how to represent themselves well in every interaction, because how they carry themselves off the field is just as important as how they perform on it.”
Recruitment Rates: A Universal Pursuit of Talent
Dispelling notions of high and low recruitment rates across sports, Rozentale offers an insightful perspective. “Every sport has a strong recruitment rate because college coaches are constantly looking for new talent—it’s a critical part of their job, and their careers often depend on the success of their teams,” she asserts. “Coaches are always scouting, evaluating, and connecting with potential recruits across all sports.”
At ASM Sports, the scope of their work is broad. “The most common ones among our student-athletes are soccer, golf, tennis, basketball, and volleyball,” she notes. However, their expertise is not limited to these. “We support athletes in virtually any sport—whether it’s swimming, track and field, rugby, baseball, or others—our placement team is equipped to help athletes pursue opportunities in their specific discipline.” This comprehensive approach ensures that every aspiring athlete, regardless of their chosen sport, can find the guidance they need.
Neta Rozentale’s journey, from a young Latvian basketball prodigy to a seasoned collegiate athlete and now a dedicated advocate for aspiring student-athletes, is a testament to her commitment to growth and service. Her unique combination of first-hand experience, academic prowess, and a profound understanding of the sports recruitment landscape positions her as a pivotal figure in helping young talent navigate the complexities of achieving their athletic and academic dreams. Her work at ASM Sports, coupled with her extensive volunteer efforts and unwavering dedication, highlights Rozentale’s role not just as a professional, but as a passionate mentor shaping the future of sports.
You might think that creative endeavors exist in a different world from financial ones, like forex trading. But there’s actually a lot of alignment between creative and financial pursuits. After all, traders have to be creative thinkers, ready to pounce on good opportunities and weigh big decisions. Even if traders are working with numbers and charts rather than paintbrushes or cameras, they’re still focused on looking for patterns and trusting their intuition—just like creative individuals.
Read on to discover four unique ways that forex trading mirrors creative decision-making!
1. Learning to Take Risks
The artistic process is all about taking risks. Fashion designers can score new followers by deviating from current trends in favor of bolder, different designs. Similarly, musicians can take risks by shifting their instrumental arrangements or musical styles on a new album. Forex traders also need to take risks in their daily operations, with data and instincts driving their decisions.
Taking risks in creative fields might not pay off. And for forex traders, making the wrong investment could lead to financial loss. But on either path, the advantages of taking risks far outweigh the negatives, giving both creatives and forex traders an opportunity to grow.
2. Turning to Data for Guidance
Data and forex trading might seem like a logical pairing. Forex traders will analyze real-time data as they make decisions about trading currencies. Axi a broker for forex, offers a robust platform with data and trading tools that enable forex traders to gain a thorough analysis of the markets.
But the notion that creative individuals use data to inform their actions might be less obvious. Musicians, artists, and other creative individuals rely on data to hone their craft, too. For example, game studio designers may determine their next move based on consumer reactions to a new game series. Or fashion designers will assess the consumer response to existing lines as they work toward a launch of their newest collection.
3. Studying Patterns
Forex traders look over charts and economic indicators, like inflation rates or employment data, as they approach their work. While creatives aren’t necessarily evaluating candlestick charts or oscillators, they are looking at patterns, too.
Anything from social conditions to consumer culture can inform how a musician or visual artist crafts their next song or painting. Musicians investigate patterns, like rhythms and beats or chord progressions. How they arrange sequences of music can impact the tone and emotional pull of a song. Likewise, theatre artists have to consider patterns and rhythms as they write a play, generating scripts with peaks and valleys that will keep their audience engaged.
4. Keeping Emotions Under Control
Emotional control is essential for artists hoping to complete a sculpture or writers trying to finish a novel. Periods of frustration or creative block can test the limits of emotional control, however. And artists frequently deal with burnout or anxiety as they push through an idea.
Forex traders face similar challenges as they pursue financial analyses that can affect their bottom line. One wrong trade can upend a stable financial situation, so the pressure is high. Consequently, just like creative individuals, forex traders must maintain a level-headed approach as they navigate the international trading landscape.
A Creative Kinship
Creative choices and forex trading are more similar than most people would guess. Both creatives and forex traders must remain focused on their goals and keep their emotions under control. They have to take risks and live with the consequences. And they need to keep their eye on data and patterns as they consider a new trade or fashion line. With the right strategy, artists and traders can arrive at a successful outcome in their respective fields.
Facing a household maintenance issue can be daunting. Whether it is a leaky faucet, blocked drainage, electrical glitch, or a major breakdown like a furnace malfunction, deciding when to involve professionals can be quite tricky.
It’s essential to discern when DIY home repairs are feasible, beneficial, and economical versus when expert intervention is necessary to save your property from costly repairs or potential damage. But how do you determine when to move beyond the enticing notion of self-repair and actually seek professional help?
Recognising the Need For Experts
Understanding when to call in professionals starts with assessing the complexity and seriousness of the problem. While minor tasks—like fixing a dripping tap, replacing a bulb, or clearing a slow drain—can often be tackled with basic tools and a bit of online guidance, more serious issues require specialist intervention. Situations involving electrical faults, structural concerns, heating breakdowns, or significant plumbing problems often need immediate repairs and should be left to qualified tradespeople to ensure safety and proper resolution.
Understanding Risks Of DIY Repairs
One crucial point homeowners should take into account before trying to resolve maintenance issues themselves is safety. Many homeowners have ended up with accidents, some fatal, while attempting to undertake complex repairs. While the search for “home maintenance near me” can yield an array of amateur solutions on the internet, it’s not always the go-to route. Dealing with gas leaks, faulty wiring, broken HVAC systems, or any infrastructure repairs can pose serious risks and lead to dire consequences if mishandled.
Moreover, these DIY repairs can sometimes exacerbate the issue, leading to more complex repairs in the future, which may increase costs.
Checking Cost Effectiveness
The most common reason for homeowners striving for DIY repairs is to reduce expenditure. However, you must understand that without ample knowledge, the right tools, or practical experience, these attempts can laughably backfire, causing expensive damage that far exceeds the initial repair costs. As such, it becomes incredibly economical to seek the help of experts from the onset for significant repairs – even if simply for a professional opinion and cost estimate.
Utilising Experience And Techniques
Professionals have spent years honing their skills. They not only have the right tools but also have the aptitude to determine underlying issues that might not be evident to an untrained eye. Their vast experience in handling similar problems means that they can efficiently troubleshoot and ensure long-term solutions.
Time Management
Time is a valuable resource. Repairing household issues by yourself can consume an enormous amount of your time, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the task at hand. Hiring a professional allows you to focus on other essential activities, knowing that your problem is getting resolved by experts within a specified period.
In conclusion, understanding the nature of home maintenance issues and their corresponding requirements is crucial in deciding when to call in the experts. Opting for professional assistance instead of a DIY repair can save you from personal injuries, secondary damages, additional costs, and legal complications that could arise from improper handling. So, in the face of maintenance nightmares, don’t just rely on the search results for “home maintenance near me“. Instead, prioritise your safety and your property’s well-being and seek professional help when necessary.
Ever wondered about how WWE legends and feuds are made? Now you have the chance to find out. WWE: Unreal is a documentary series that takes viewers beyond the ring and into the writers’ room.
Judging by initial reactions, interest is high, with fans eager to learn more about their favorite wrestling superstars. The series premiered on Netflix on July 31, and is currently the ninth most watched English show globally, with 2.3 million views this week alone.
Could that mean that season 2 is on the way?
WWE: Unreal Season 2 Release Date
At the time of writing, there’s no official news about a potential WWE: Unreal Season 2.
That said, Netflix’s partnership with WWE keeps going strong, and solid viewership numbers could mean that additional content is on the way. The streaming service might just want to assess the show’s performance for a bit longer before giving the green light.
As long as that happens, a second season of the docuseries could arrive sometime in 2026.
WWE: Unreal Cast
The series follows the staff and WWE superstars as they create storylines and matches, so you’ll see plenty of familiar faces along the way.
The first season features Triple H, Cody Rhodes, John Cena, Rhea Ripley, CM Punk, Jey Uso, Bianca Belair, Chelsea Green, Charlotte Flair, and Xavier Woods.
What Is WWE: Unreal About?
Over the course of five episodes, WWE: Unreal promises to offer an unprecedented, insider view into WWE’s creative process. Think of it as a wrestling version of Formula 1: Drive to Survive.
Narrated by WWE Chief Content Officer and former world champion Paul “Triple H” Levesque, it showcases how storylines and character arcs take shape before they hit the ring.
For instance, the first episode centres on the historic Netflix debut of Monday Night RAW, spotlighting the CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins main event. The second revolves around the 2025 Royal Rumble, while the third highlights the women’s division. You get the idea.
All in all, the series does a good job of revealing how the world’s largest wrestling entertainment company builds its spectacles, especially if you’re a casual fan. Veterans might already be familiar with how the WWE operates, but the show still makes for a fun watch.
As for WWE: Unreal season 2, we’re guessing it would keep the same format, while focusing on different superstars. For now, we need to sit tight and wait for an official announcement.
A new telenovela is taking the world by storm. Unspeakable Sins, which premiered on Netflix on July 30, is currently the most-watched non-English series on the platform.
It amassed 5.1 million views in a week and became the #1 show in 11 countries where the streaming platform is available. With such good viewership numbers, should we expect it to come back with more?
Unspeakable Sins Season 2 Release Date
A second season of the series hasn’t been officially confirmed by Netflix just yet.
Even so, the great audience response will probably be enough to make Unspeakable Sins season 2 a reality. As long as that happens, new episodes could arrive on the streaming service sometime in 2026.
Unspeakable Sins Cast
Zuria Vega as Helena Rivas
Andrés Baida as Iván
Erik Hayser as Claudio Martínez
Adriana Louvier as Fedra
Manuel Masalva as Octavio
Ana Sofía Gatica as Livia
What Could Happen in Unspeakable SinsSeason 2?
This suspenseful thriller is the kind of series you can’t look away from. Over the course of 18 episodes, it takes viewers on a wild ride.
The plot revolves around Helena, a woman trapped in a controlling and abusive marriage with Claudio. Looking for a way out, she embarks on a passionate affair with Iván, a younger man, hoping to reclaim her agency.
However, their relationship escalates. When they get embroiled in a risky scheme to blackmail Claudio, everything spirals. Dark secrets surface, and a deadly confrontation keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.
It all culminates when Helena makes a desperate gesture and tries to cover her tracks. Iván helps her, and the first season ends with them seemingly breathing easily. Still, Claudio’s influence continues to threaten their safety, suggesting there may be another shoe about to drop.
Unspeakable Sins season 2 could follow Helena and Iván as they navigate the next stage of their relationship. While you can try to escape your past, it has a knack for catching up with you.
Telenovelas tend to run long, for 100-200 episodes. We can’t wait to see what the writers have in store for these two moving forward.
Are There Other Shows Like Unspeakable Sins?
Looking for something to keep you busy until Unspeakable Sins (hopefully) returns? Check out Big Little Lies, Dark Desire, The Affair, and Fatal Seduction.
For more international content available on Netflix, we recommend recent series Delirium, Secrets We Keep, The Gringo Hunters, Under a Dark Sun, and Olympo. You might also like Money Heist, an entertaining series that skillfully blends thriller and telenovela elements.
Debby Friday likes to craft music that seeps into the subconscious while being intensely physical. “Are you aware of my body? Do you like the way I dance?” she sings on ‘Arcadia’, from her recently released album The Starr of the Queen of Life, immediately following it with: “Could you cut to the core of my matter?” For the Nigerian-Canadian artist, the dancefloor not just a vessel for escapism but a sacred place, teeming with symbolic and actual possibilities, in the vein of FKA twigs’ latest album EUSEXUA. On the dizzying, starry-eyed follow-up to her Polaris Prize-winning debut, GOOD LUCK, Friday steps into the spotlight as a means of interrogating its very performativity, delivering sweaty dance cuts before urging you to see things in a different light. Having developed complicated ideas around success and artistry in the wake of GOOD LUCK, she channels them through the “feminine vision,” as referenced in ‘Arcadia’, of an alien woman falling to Earth like a star. Far from cold and unaffecting, though, it ends up hitting close to home.
We caught up with Debby Friday to talk about London, Under the Skin, Martin Buber, and other inspirations behind The Starr of the Queen of Life.
London, UK
Most of the album was recorded in London. What does it mean for you to go back there after touring?
It’s so weird, it’s kind of become a city that I’ve been back to a bunch of times now. I just keep finding myself there over and over again for one reason or another. I wasn’t a big fan of London the first time I went there, but it’s one that’s definitely grown on me. I put it down as inspiration, obviously, because we recorded the album primarily in London, and I think that that month that I spent there last year just working on this record was very transformative. I feel like I came out on the other side of it with a totally different mindset.
You’ve talked about coming up in the clubs, and I’m curious if you’ve explored nightlife in London in a way that fed into The Starr.
I wouldn’t say for the making of the album, just because we really did not spend much time outside the studio. But all the other times I’ve been in London, I’ve definitely engaged a lot with the nightlife and music communities. It’s such a big city as well, I feel like I’ve only gotten just little drops of it here and there. I don’t actually feel like I’ve fully been immersed in it. But I’ve gone out a bunch of times in London, and I have this distinct memory – it would have been maybe last year, if I’m remembering this right. I came to play Pitchfork Festival, and after the festival, I ended up going out with a bunch of people, and we ended up in Dalston at this random bar. And that night, there were a bunch of people DJing – Dinamarca and The Dare. To me, it was so random because it was really unexpected. But it was cool to see these different facets of electronic music and club music converging in this one place. I associate that with London – I think of it as a very postmodern city. It has all of these things going on that end up creating this very hybridized identity of the city and of the people.
Under the Skin (dir. Jonathan Glazer)
This was probaly the first avant-garde film I watched, and to me it’s inextricable from Mica Levi’s soundtrack.
Under the Skin is one of my favorite movies, and it’s one that I go back too often. I love all the performances in it, but also, it’s a movie that I really think of as being audiovisual in this way that’s very particular. The score is just as much a part of the film as the visuals are and the actual image is. I remember the first time I watched it and just being so transfixed by both what I was seeing but also what I was hearing. That definitely inspired a lot of the story behind The Starr of the Queen of Life in the sense that the album started off as this concept that I had of this alien creature woman falling to earth and learning how to be a human being. That’s basically what happens in Under the Skin – there’s this alien woman, and she’s learning how to be a human. She’s actually not having that good of a time, but I really identify with that for some reason. [laughs] I don’t know why I see myself as this alien creature woman, but I do often feel very foreign to Earth, and I like to explore that a lot in my work.
Dogville (dir. Lars Von Trier)
Essentially, the entire film takes place on a stage. There’s no real houses or anything, everything is on just this one stage set. I remember watching this right before I started working on the album last August, and I just was so taken by how immersed I was in the story and in the film itself. Even though it was all set on the stage, it pretty much all looks the same. There’s not really that much variation in terms of the images themselves, but it was so compelling. I got really obsessed with this idea of a stage play and the analogies between that and being a musician, these ideas of performance. That was something I really wanted to explore with the visuals for The Starr of the Queen of Life. I like to make everything really cohesive, so I had this idea to shoot all the videos at the same time, and I wanted them to be connected.
This was something that I had tried to do with GOOD LUCK. I made the GOOD LUCK short film, and then there were the music videos, but I think that was my first attempt to try to create some cohesion with the visuals for an album. But it’s actually quite hard to do, just because of time, money, so many factors. But this time, I was like, I want to make something cohesive, and I saw this idea of the stage setting as a way to create that cohesion. So all the videos for The Starr of the Queen of Life, it’s all part of essentially this performance that’s happening, and I’m playing the character of the alien woman who’s fallen to earth, and I’m performing for essentially what is an empty theater. I’m not sure how well it comes across because I do think the videos do this thing where they can stand alone as works, but they also, if you read into them altogether, there is this narrative that’s part of them.
I wanted to investigate this idea of, what does it mean to be a performer? Is it only when you’re performing in front of thousands of people in a full house? What if there’s no one? Just investigating being alone with your performance and all these ideas and thoughts I had in my mind. I wouldn’t say that they were fully fleshed out through the music videos, but I’m satisfied with my attempt, I’ll say that.
I’m curious if that was also inspired by the highs and lows of being a touring artist – I think you’ve mentioned once performing to an empty crowd at a festival.
Oh, yeah, for sure. I remember that, actually. [laughs] I kind of repressed it, but I remember that performance. It was very strange and surreal in this way, and it did make me reflect a lot on so much of my own artistry. I think it really influenced the sound of this new record. I think for the first time, I started thinking about sounds that either attract or repel. And I don’t think that it’s as black and white as, things that are discordant or nonharmonious are the ones that repel, and the ones that are harmonious or whatever are the ones that attract. I think it’s complicated.
Dry, desert heat
When I first started conceptualizing the album, I wanted to make it in a place that was really hot. I was so fixated on that, and I did partially – I worked on the record in Mexico City. I did some stuff there and I had this fantasy of, Heat is the name of the game for this record. I feel like you can hear that on some of the songs, like ‘Leave.’ and ‘Arcadia’ and even ‘In the Club’. I just had this idea of heat, so I put that down on the inspirations list, but I think the record took on a life of its own because, in a lot of ways, it’s very wet as well too.
Why do you think heat was the starting point?
I think to me, it’s because GOOD LUCK felt very cold as an album, just emotionally, so I wanted to go in the opposite direction. I also associate it with wintertime because I made it in the winter during COVID, I shot a lot of music videos in the dead of winter. I knew that I was going to release this album during the summer.
The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector
This is my favorite Clarice Lispector book. I just remember the first time reading it – it was one of those books that just gets you right in the heart. It’s basically the story of this young woman who’s living in poverty in Brazil. It’s not a long read at all, but basically throughout the book, she kind of dreams of how she is ignited with the spark to dream of a better life. You see her go through the motions of her life and just kind of feeling complacent – maybe a better word to use would just be she’s so oppressed by the circumstances of her life. She’s been through a lot of trauma – you could just tell this is somebody who’s never felt true, unfiltered joy, so the idea of even dreaming of a better life is something that felt so far away.
But then as the book progresses, you see her get ignited and activated by this dream, and it ends so tragically. I don’t want to give it away, but it ends so tragically and heartbreakingly. I really connect with stories like this that feel melancholic – not cynical, because I would never call Clarice Lispector cynical, but it’s devastating, it’s tragic. But there’s so much realization and crystallization that happens during her tragic end. I think that’s just because so much of my philosophy and what I believe about the world is that that there is goodness in suffering. I think that suffering can really act as this illuminating force. And throughout The Hour of the Star, Maccabea – that’s the name of the narrator – she just suffers so much. And I think that there’s still goodness in that. There are things that she learned and gained from that suffering that she otherwise wouldn’t have. It’s just a beautifully written novel, it’s so poetic and philosophical at the same time. I feel like what Clarice does with writing is partially what I’m trying to do with music, which is to create something beautiful but also true. And because it’s true, that means that it’s not always going to be pleasant, and there might be suffering involved.
Do you sometimes find it daunting sometimes, given the added layers of sonics and visuals, to communicate these philosophical and poetic ideas?
No, I don’t find it difficult. I think it’s my life’s work. I think what I’m supposed to be doing is trying to figure out a way of communicating these things through my music and my art. One of the things I’ve done on this record is I’ve explored pop music, and something that I respect about pop music is its ability to communicate complex human emotions in a way that’s so accessible and very open. Anybody can connect with it. I think that’s the true power of music, and it is part of my life’s work to try to do that. When I really get into talking about philosophy and stuff, it can be really quite dense and twisted up, but when you put it in music, the point is to make it so that people can hear what it is that you’re saying in a melody or a drum line or something that doesn’t necessarily require thought. It becomes more symbolic.
I and Thou by Martin Buber
Speaking of dense philosophical ideas – from what I understand, the essence with this one is that we, as humans, find meaning through relationships.
That’s definitely a complicated one as well. This is the only book I’ve read from Martin Buber, but it was one that really struck me just because, again, it’s this distilling of something that I knew inside of me, but I couldn’t articulate or name it. It’s exactly what you said – it’s this whole idea of we understand ourselves and we understand the world through relationships, and human beings are meant for relationships. But he has two philosophies around the modes of relating that people do with the world. The first one is I/It, which is where we relate to things as an object. It’s very consumptive. It’s like the thing is outside of us, and there’sa distance and a detachment with the world or whatever the object is. Then there’s I/Thou, and that is where we relate to things as true, full, sacred presence. We take that thing in as part of ourselves and we as part of it, and there’s this understanding of connectedness and togetherness. Those are the two pillars of his philosophy in this book.
I think about that so much in relation to how I really like albums versus singles. Making a body of work to me is having an I/Thou relationship. I’m not trying to downgrade on singles or artists who decide that they want to do a bunch of singles – there’s nothing wrong with that. But I love an album. I will always prioritize an album. There’s so much time, effort, energy, but also love that goes into an album. There’s no ability to make an album disposable in the same way that you can do with a single because you have to spend so much more time with it – all of its pieces, but also the thing as a whole.
When I was making this album, I was experimenting with pop, but at its core, it’s still electronic music. It’s still experimental because if you look at a lot of the songs, they’re not typical pop structures. A lot of the songs are actually structured very strangely. The arrangements are all over the place, and they’re not the typical way that things are structured. I did that on purpose because when you hear them, it just kind of soaks into the subconscious in a deeper way, because your subconscious mind registers it as being atypical. It’s harder to listen and be like “Oh, whatever.” You’re actively listening. And same with the album cover – I made the album cover in order to have people take a second look. When you first look at the image, it’s like, “Oh, a girl that’s upside down.” But then you look at it, you’re like, “Wait, how did she get in that position?” Again, tthat was because I wanted people to spend time with the record.
A Gerald Donald quote
The quote goes: “I do not wish to specify any particular ethnicity. I would state that all variations of humanity have contributed to the evolution of electronic music. Electronic music is the only music type that is global in scope and not specific to any particular culture. Granted, if a variety stems from a particular culture, then it will apply its own idiosyncrasies to the form. But in general it’s a universal sonic medium with endless contributions.” There’s different elements to this, but what resonates with you the most?
I think all of it. I really like that sentence where he says, “Electronic music is the only music type that is global in scope, not specific to any particular culture.” And I believe him. I totally agree. I do think that electronic music is global music. I think that it’s one of its defining points and one of its characteristics that makes me love this kind of music. It’s made everywhere in the world. If you have a computer or technology of any kind – you don’t even necessarily have to have technology in the traditional sense, because there’s electronic music being made with literally random scrap metal junkyard parts.
When I think about my own philosophies around music making as well, I aim for is this idea of making music such that anybody anywhere in the world is able to connect with. And that’s part of why I really lean into ideas of hybridity and genre-blending, and that’s also how I even came to music. When I was really young and finding music, it would be through the internet. Just these random just random bits and pieces of pop culture. Whatever I could get my hands on through the internet, through downloading or online forums, that’s what I would listen to. It didn’t matter the language. It didn’t matter the genre.
And I do think of electronic music also as “music of the future.” I say that in quotations, meaning, we are in the future now, right? So it’s the music of the now, and it’s the music of the people.
The phrase “endless contributions” implies endless possibilities.
Exactly.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
When we think about the design and function of furniture, our minds usually drift toward fabrics, colors, shapes, or even price. Yet, beneath every elegant table, comfortable couch, or statement chair lies a core element that determines longevity, strength, and daily performance: the structure. While wood, plastic, and engineered materials have long been staples in furniture construction, metal stands in a category of its own when it comes to reliability and support. It’s not just a trendy alternative—it’s a practical foundation your furniture truly deserves.
Understanding Structural Integrity in Furniture
The term “support” doesn’t simply refer to whether a chair holds your weight or if a table stands upright. It encompasses how a piece of furniture withstands movement, stress, repeated use, and time itself. With so many furniture options available today, understanding the material beneath the surface becomes critical. Many inexpensive or mass-produced items use hollow boards or low-grade particleboard that eventually warps or splinters. These materials may look appealing on the surface, but begin to show their weaknesses after a short while. In contrast, metal frames and components offer exceptional structural integrity, making them a solid choice for any home or office environment.
Why Wood Isn’t Always Wonderful
Wood furniture carries an undeniable charm, especially when handcrafted or made from high-quality hardwoods. However, it’s not always the most stable option—particularly when softwoods or composite boards are used. These materials are prone to expansion and contraction with humidity and may be vulnerable to insect damage, cracking, or bending under prolonged weight. Even high-end wood furniture needs periodic maintenance, such as sealing or conditioning. Metal, on the other hand, remains consistent. It doesn’t warp with moisture, and its rigidity provides a level of endurance that most woods struggle to match.
The Flimsiness of Plastic and Synthetic Alternatives
Plastic-based furniture might seem like a budget-friendly and lightweight solution, but it comes with drawbacks that go beyond aesthetics. Over time, plastic degrades—especially when exposed to temperature fluctuations or sunlight. Cracks, discoloration, and weakened joints are common issues. This becomes even more apparent in supporting structures such as legs or underframes. When you compare that to powder-coated steel or aluminum supports, the difference is clear. Metal doesn’t snap under stress—it distributes weight evenly, creating a more stable and durable foundation.
Weight Capacity and Everyday Use
Every day use demands a material that doesn’t just look good but performs well under pressure. Consider a dining table that needs to hold dishes, serveware, and perhaps the occasional stack of books. Or a sofa that supports multiple people, sometimes in motion. Metal furniture components are engineered to carry substantial loads without shifting or groaning under pressure. That’s something weaker materials can’t promise. Especially in high-traffic homes or office settings, you want a piece that handles repeated use effortlessly.
Design Versatility Without Compromising Strength
Gone are the days when metal furniture meant cold, industrial aesthetics. Today’s designs incorporate sleek powder-coated finishes, brushed stainless steel, matte black frames, and custom shapes that blend into any style—from modern minimalism to rustic farmhouse. The beauty of metal is that it can be molded, sculpted, or machined into a variety of forms while maintaining its strength. This means your furniture can be both visually appealing and structurally sound, without compromise.
Durability Through the Decades
One of the greatest selling points of metal is its resistance to wear and tear. Unlike wood, which chips, or plastic, which cracks, metal resists dings, scratches, and environmental stress. With proper care, a piece with a metal base or support system can last for decades. This makes it not just a smart aesthetic choice, but a wise investment in the long run. Furniture that doesn’t need to be replaced frequently is not only more sustainable, but also more cost-effective.
Ease of Maintenance and Cleaning
Cleaning and maintenance are often overlooked when purchasing furniture. Wood needs polishing, and plastic may stain or fade. With metal, you’re looking at a virtually maintenance-free material. A quick wipe with a damp cloth is often enough to keep metal legs or frames looking brand new. There’s no need to worry about rot, mold, or dust buildup in tiny crevices. This ease of care is particularly appealing in kitchen or dining areas where spills and messes are more common.
Safety and Stability at the Core
For households with children or pets, safety becomes a top priority. Unstable or flimsy furniture can be a hazard. Metal frames add weight and grounding to furniture pieces, reducing the risk of tipping or collapsing. The firm’s welds and secure joints characteristic of metal construction offer peace of mind that other materials can’t always provide. In environments where balance and stability are essential, metal makes an undeniable difference.
Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Choices
In an age where sustainability matters more than ever, metal has a clear edge. Unlike many plastic or engineered woods that end up in landfills, metal is fully recyclable and reusable. Many modern manufacturers are also turning to recycled steel and aluminum for their furniture lines, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing quality. Choosing metal-supported furniture is a smart move not just for your home, but for the planet as well.
The Cost of Strength: Investment vs. Expense
Indeed, furniture with metal components can sometimes carry a higher price tag than cheaper alternatives. But the question to ask is: what are you paying for? When you choose metal, you’re investing in longevity, durability, and safety. In contrast, low-cost furniture made from subpar materials may need to be replaced after just a few years—or even months—of use. The real cost is in constant replacement, frustration, and instability. With metal, you’re buying peace of mind and reliable performance that pays off over time.
Furniture isn’t just about how it looks—it’s about how it holds up. Whether you’re furnishing a bustling family home, a professional office, or a quiet reading nook, choosing furniture legs and frames made of metal can redefine your space in terms of both stability and style. Compared to wood, plastic, or other weaker materials, metal consistently outperforms in strength, durability, and design flexibility. If you truly want your furniture to stand the test of time and support your lifestyle without compromise, there’s no better choice than metal. Your furniture deserves that stronger support—because when the foundation is solid, everything else falls into place.
Winter has dropped ‘Hide-A-Lullaby’, the mesmerizing final single from her upcoming album Adult Romantix, which features fellow dreampop artist and Artist Spotlight alumnusTanukichan. The accompanying music video, directed by David Milan Kelly, finds the band performing in the LA river, drawing inspiration from the album’s fictional story of an indie rock romance. Check it out below.
“The song explores themes of the inner self-sabotager, the secrets hidden in the corners of the mind, and the dark forest as a symbol for the subconscious,” Winter shared in a statement. “It was amazing to have Hannah van Loon (Tanukichan) sing this one with me—her velvety, whispery voice perfectly complements the song’s haunted, mysterious romantic imagery.”
Pluto TV established itself as the streaming version of traditional cable TV. Specifically, it offers live TV channels, on-demand content, and themed channels. Anyone can also access its library for free. However, many users are saying that its on-demand offerings are not that extensive. At the same time, the streaming platform is not available in every location. That leaves many movie fans looking for Pluto TV alternatives.
This article explores some of the available streaming choices, proxy sites, and Reddit updates.
Five Recommended Pluto TV Alternatives
Bounce TV
Bounce TV is a digital broadcast television network. Traditionally, it is broadcast over the air. However, Bounce TV also has on-demand content via The Roku App, FUBO TV, and more. Particularly, the platform delivers a collection of original series, films, and live TV shows.
WatchYour.TV
WatchYour.TV lets viewers access premium USA TV channels. This one is available on every device. Similarly, you can watch its content anywhere around the world. Its offerings include movies, entertainment shows, sports, and kiddie programs.
KissMovies
KissMovies is known for hosting a wide range of movies and TV series. Likewise, you can access its library without an account. If you are not satisfied with Pluto TV’s on-demand content, this might be a good alternative for watching films and shows.
Cineb
Cineb may not be as popular as other streaming platforms. But it does offer free streaming with no payments and buffering. At the same time, Cineb contains movies and shows in full high-definition quality with English subtitles. It doesn’t require registration. But you should expect occasional ads.
StreamLord
StreamLord is a free streaming website that specializes in on-demand content. It boasts a large catalog of both classics and new releases. Similarly, you don’t need to have an account to stream its movies and TV series.
Available Mirror Sites for Pluto TV
Aside from the app, the working link for Pluto TV is https://pluto.tv/. However, not everyone can access it as it’s not available in specific areas. At the same time, users must be cautious in accessing unofficial mirror sites. The use of these can lead to data theft and malware threats.
Reddit News About Pluto TV
Contributors on Reddit threads like r/cordcutters and r/Pluto_TV share mixed feedback. Some individuals complain about buffering, repetitive content, and more. On the other hand, others are saying that they should be happy with what it offers. They encourage other users to be content, considering it’s free.
Final Notes
If you’re one of those users who find Pluto TV’s content lacking, this list should help you a lot. These Pluto TV alternatives not only give you a backup plan but also provide a wide variety of content to stream. However, it’s important to know the legal issues that come with accessing free websites.
