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Nubya Garcia Announces New Album ‘Odyssey’, Shares New Single

Nubya Garcia has announced her latest album, Odyssey, sharing the single ‘The Seer’ along with the news. The follow-up to 2020’s Mercury Prize-nominated debut Source arrives on September 20 via Concord Jazz. Check out ‘The Seer’ and find the album artwork and tracklist below.

Introducing the overarching theme behind Odyssey, Garcia said: “It represents the notion of truly being on your own path, and trying to discard all the outside noise saying you should go this way or that way.” The record features collaborations with Esperanza Spalding Georgia Anne Muldrow.

‘The Seer’, the jazz saxophonist added, is about “wishing that you could get a peek at the future, or even just gathering some guidelines in your own future so that you could know that you’re on the right path.”

Odyssey Cover Artwork:

Odyssey Tracklist:

1. Dawn [feat. esperanza spalding]
2. Odyssey
3. Solstice
4. Set It Free feat. Richie
5. The Seer
6. Odyssey (Outerlude)
7. We Walk In Gold [feat. Georgia Anne Muldrow]
8. Water’s Path
9. Clarity
10. In Other Words, Living
11. Clarity (Outerlude)
12. Triumphance

Polaris Music Prize 2024 Long List: Cindy Lee, Allie X, Ducks Ltd., and More

Canada’s Polaris Music Prize has revealed its 2024 long list. It spans 40 albums, including the latest records by Cindy Lee, Allie X, Ducks Ltd., Helena Deland, La Force, KAYTRAMINÉ, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Tomb Mold, Haley Blais, and more. The shortlist of ten finalists will be unveiled on July 11 before the winner is announced on September 17 at a ceremony at Massey Hall in Toronto. The victory comes with a $50,000 monetary reward courtesy of Slaight Music.

Last year, Debby Friday took home the prize for her debut album GOOD LUCK.

Allie X — Girl With No Face
BAMBII — INFINITY CLUB
The Beaches — Blame My Ex
BIG|BRAVE — A Chaos Of Flowers
Haley Blais — Wisecrack
Charlotte Cardin — 99 Nights
Beverly Glenn-Copeland — The Ones Ahead
Corridor — Mimi
Helena Deland — Goodnight Summerland
Annie-Claude Deschênes — LES MANIÈRES DE TABLE
Devours — Homecoming Queen
DijahSB — The Flower That Knew
Ducks Ltd. — Harm’s Way
Jeremy Dutcher — Motewolonuwok
Elisapie — Inuktitut
Dominique Fils-Aimé — Our Roots Run Deep
Shane Ghostkeeper — Songs For My People
Karkwa — Dans la seconde
KAYTRAMINÉ — KAYTRAMINÉ
KEN mode — Void
La Force — XO Skeleton
La Sécurité — Stay Safe!
Cindy Lee — Diamond Jubilee
Sean Leon — IN LOVING MEMORY
Terra Lightfoot — Healing Power
LOONY — LOONY
Jon Mckiel — Hex
myst milano. — Beyond the Uncanny Valley
NOBRO — Set Your Pussy Free
NYSSA — Shake Me Where I’m Foolish
Pelada — Ahora M​á​s Que Nunca
PETER PETER — Éther
Population II — Électrons libres du québec
Allison Russell — The Returner
Arielle Soucy — Il n’y a rien que je ne suis pas
Super Duty Tough Work — Paradigm Shift
TALK — Lord of the Flies & Birds & Bees
TEKE::TEKE — Hagata
TOBi — Panic
Tomb Mold — The Enduring Spirit

Wishy Share Video for New Single ‘Triple Seven’

Wishy have shared a video for ‘Triple Seven’, the title track of their upcoming debut album. It follows lead single ‘Love on the Outside’, which made our Best New Songs segment. Check out is accompanying video, directed by Haoyan of America, below.

“I wrote ‘Triple Seven’ with our friend Steve Marino after he approached me with the guitar parts for the song and asked if I wanted to write a melody and lyrics over them,” the band’s Nina Pitchkites explained in a statement. I pulled a lot of initial inspiration from The Sundays for the sound and direction. Uncertainty, intuition, and personal growth are central lyrical themes— hence the angel number 777— which have everything to do with romantic relationships and how we act within them.”

Triple Seven, the follow-up to last year’s Paradise EP, arrives on August 16 via Winspear. Check out our Artist Spotlight interview with Wishy.

Boosting Brainpower: Cognitive Benefits of Playing Social Casinos

Did you know that you can now play your favorite casino games for free? Yes, you’ve heard that right, I know it sounds crazy since the casino industry has always been about money.

But with social casinos, the process is much simpler. You get to play casino games using virtual currency that is given to you when you make your account for free. So, if we take the risk factor out of the occasion, what else is left for the casino industry?

Well, we have entertainment. Remember, not everyone goes to a casino just so they can make money. Some people want to play casino games just for fun. Additionally, these games can also have some cognitive benefits so you can improve certain parts of your brain just by playing casino games.

They are also a good exercise for people who want to sharpen their skills before they enter play real-world casino games with money on the line.

So, you get to play casino games for free, have fun, and at the same time develop some skills that might come in useful later in life. But what are the cognitive benefits that come from playing casino games?

What Exactly Are Social Casinos?

If you still don’t know what are social casinos, let’s clear the air. To put it simply, social casinos are basically video games that you can play for free that have casino-like features. In other words, they are video games that mimic the exact environment at online casinos.

The idea is simple. Social casinos like Huuuge Casino are designed with entertainment in mind. They focus only on providing the best possible casino experience for players in a risk-free environment with a bunch of social interaction features that improve the overall gameplay.

If you want to check out Huuuge Casino, read more here: huuugecasino.com

You just sign up, get a bunch of free credits (virtual currency), and use it to bet on your favorite games.

So, how the process of playing casino games for free can have any benefits for you?

Cognitive Benefits from Social Casino Games

1. Enhanced Memory and Recall

Casino games are perfect for improving memory, especially when we talk about card games like poker. Have you ever tried to remember a complex poker hand or the sequence of cards dealt in blackjack? Well, social casino games, especially those centered around strategy require players to recall previous moves just so they can anticipate future outcomes/actions in order to increase their winning chance.

Doing this repeatedly will boost your memory and recall abilities. Many researches prove that these mentally stimulating activities can delay cognitive decline and improve memory function.

2. Improved Problem-Solving Skills

Think of casino games like strategic puzzles. Yes, they might be very different from traditional puzzle games, but if we peel back a couple of layers, we can find that they are centered around similar principles.

To win, players must analyze different situations, consider all probabilities, and use this data to make calculated decisions. Basically, social casinos are constant problem-solving games that can improve your analytical thinking as you are making constant in-game decisions based on changes in the gameplay.

3. Increased Social Interaction

Social interaction is one of the main pillars of these games. After all, it is in the name of these casinos for a reason. We as humans are social creatures. These casinos have multiple chat features and they usually promote social interaction and reduce feelings of depression, isolation, and loneliness.

This doesn’t have a direct impact on any cognitive abilities, but it can help you get into a better mental state. Cognitive health is directly linked with social interaction. Being surrounded by people can help you feel better, and therefore improve your mental health.

The Science Behind Social Casino Games

Neuroplasticity

When we talk about brain health, we have to mention neuroplasticity. It is a word that might sound too complicated, but the explanation is quite straightforward. Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to recognize itself by forming new neural connections.

So, engaging with challenging activities like social casino games can stimulate this process. It’s like a little gym workout for your brain, helping it stay sharp at all times.

Dopamine and Motivation

Dopamine is the main driving factor of casino games, even when we talk about social casino games that aren’t centered around money. Thanks to the constant wins at social casino games, your brain releases dopamine, which is the feel-good hormone.

This not only makes you happy but also motivates you to continue playing. So, you feel good, you are motivated and you are constantly engaged which challenges your brain even further.

With social casino games, even small wins can help you feel motivated and your brain engaged in the games.

What Are the Real-World Benefits?

Better Decision-Making in Daily Life

One of the biggest benefits of social casino games is the improvement of strategic thinking. Your job is to constantly balance the risk and reward thinking of the best move you should make. This can lead to better decision-making in real life.

Whether we are talking about managing finances, opening a business, or making health-related choices, social casino games are great for improving cognitive skills. You’d know how to balance out your risks and rewards, which will eventually lead to better decision-making.

Stress Relief

Playing social casino games can also serve as a stress reliever. Engaging in a fun and immersive activity can distract from daily stressors and promote relaxation. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t need a little stress relief these days?

Crafted with Love: Unique Leather Gift Ideas for Your Beloved Husband

Gift-giving is a language of love, a way to express affection and appreciation for our beloved partners. When searching for the perfect gift for your husband, consider the timeless elegance and sentimentality of leather. In this article, we’ll explore a variety of unique leather gift ideas that are sure to delight and impress your husband, showcasing the craftsmanship and thoughtfulness behind each selection.

Personalized Leather Accessories

A personalized genuine leather wallet is both practical and sentimental. Consider opting for one with his initials or a special message engraved or embossed on the surface. This adds a personal touch he’ll appreciate every time he reaches for his wallet.

A monogrammed leather keychain adds a touch of sophistication to his keyring while also constantly reminding you of your thoughtfulness. Choose a high-quality leather keychain that can withstand daily use and prominently displays his initials.

Consider gifting him an engraved leather bracelet for a stylish accessory he can wear every day. Whether it’s a simple leather band or a more intricate design, an engraved bracelet adds a touch of personalization and sentimentality to his wardrobe.

Leather Tech Accessories

Protect his most prized possession with a sleek leather phone case. Not only does it offer superior protection against bumps and scratches, but it also adds a touch of sophistication to his device. Look for a case that combines style with functionality, offering easy access to ports and buttons.

Upgrade his work gear with a luxurious leather laptop sleeve. Not only does it provide added protection for his laptop, but it also adds a touch of professionalism to his ensemble. Look for a sleeve with padded interiors and a secure closure mechanism to keep his laptop safe and secure.

Say goodbye to tangled cables and messy desks with a leather cable organizer. This practical yet stylish accessory keeps his cables neatly organized and easily accessible whenever he needs them. Look for a compact design with multiple compartments to accommodate various cables and accessories.

Leather Home Décor

Add a touch of elegance to your home with a set of leather coasters. Not only do they protect your furniture from unsightly water rings, but they also add a touch of sophistication to any table setting. Look for coasters crafted from high-quality leather that feature stylish designs that complement your home décor.

Keep his everyday essentials organized and within reach with a leather valet tray. Whether it’s his keys, wallet, or watch, a valet tray provides a designated space for his belongings, helping to reduce clutter and streamline his morning routine. Look for a tray with a soft suede lining to protect his valuables from scratches and damage.

Capture and display your most cherished memories with a leather picture frame. Not only does it add a touch of elegance to your home décor, but it also serves as a constant reminder of the love and happiness you share. Look for a frame crafted from premium leather that features timeless designs that complement any photograph.

Leather Travel Essentials

Make his travels more enjoyable with a stylish leather duffel bag. Whether he’s jetting off on a weekend getaway or embarking on a business trip, a leather duffel bag offers ample storage space and timeless style. Look for a bag crafted from full-grain leather that features sturdy hardware for added durability.

Keep his travel documents safe and secure with a leather passport holder. Not only does it protect his passport from wear and tear, but it also adds a touch of sophistication to his travel ensemble. Look for a holder with multiple card slots and a secure passport pocket to keep his essentials organized and easily accessible.

Upgrade his grooming routine with a luxurious leather toiletry bag. Whether he’s traveling for business or pleasure, a leather toiletry bag offers ample storage space for his grooming essentials while adding a touch of elegance to his travel ensemble. Look for a bag with waterproof lining and multiple compartments to keep his belongings organized and easily accessible.

DIY Leather Gift Ideas

Get creative with a DIY leather key fob. With just a few simple materials and basic crafting skills, you can create a personalized key fob that he’ll cherish for years to come. Experiment with different colors and textures of leather to create a one-of-a-kind accessory that reflects his personality and style.

Impress him with a handmade leather cardholder. With a bit of time and effort, you can craft a sleek and stylish cardholder that he’ll be proud to carry. Experiment with different stitching techniques and embellishments to create a unique design that suits his taste.

Elevate his writing experience with a handmade leather journal cover. Whether he’s jotting down notes or sketching out ideas, a leather journal cover adds a touch of sophistication to his writing routine. Experiment with different leather finishes and decorative accents to create a personalized cover that reflects his personality and style.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect gift for your beloved husband can be a daunting task, but with the timeless elegance and sentimentality of leather, you can’t go wrong. Whether it’s a personalized accessory, a stylish tech accessory, or a luxurious home décor item, a leather gift is sure to impress and delight him. So why wait? Show him how much you care with a unique leather gift crafted with love.

Choosing the Right Hair Extensions: Tips for Finding Your Perfect Match

In today’s world, hair extensions have become a popular solution for those seeking to add length, volume, or even just a bit of flair to their natural hair. With a wide array of options available, choosing the right hair extensions can sometimes feel overwhelming. However, fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the world of hair extensions, offering valuable tips and insights to help you find your perfect match.

Understanding Different Types of Hair Extensions

Hair extensions come in various types, each with its own set of pros and cons. Here’s a brief overview:

Clip-in Hair Extensions

Clip-in extensions are temporary and easy to apply. They consist of wefts of hair with clips attached, allowing for quick installation and removal.

Tape-in Hair Extensions

Tape-in extensions are semi-permanent and are applied by sandwiching sections of natural hair between thin, adhesive strips. They offer a seamless look and are relatively low-maintenance.

Sew-in Hair Extensions

Also known as weave extensions, sew-in extensions involve braiding the natural hair and then sewing wefts of hair onto the braids. They provide long-lasting results but require professional installation and regular maintenance.

Cold Fusion Hair Extensions

Cold fusion hair extensions, also known as micro-link or micro-bead extensions, utilize a cold method to attach individual strands of extension hair to the natural hair. This method is gentle on the hair and offers a natural look.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Hair Extensions

Different hair extensions work better with certain hair textures and types. For example, clip-in extensions may not blend seamlessly with very thin or fine hair, while sew-in extensions may need to be lighter for delicate strands.

Consider the length and volume you want to achieve with your hair extensions. Clip-in extensions are great for adding temporary length and volume, while sew-in or tape-in extensions offer more permanent results.

Think about your daily activities and how they may affect your hair extensions. If you lead an active lifestyle or frequently participate in sports or outdoor activities, you may opt for low-maintenance extensions that can withstand various conditions.

Tips for Finding Your Perfect Match

Schedule a consultation with a reputable stylist who specializes in hair extensions. They can assess your hair type, lifestyle, and preferences to recommend the best options for you. Take the time to research different kinds of hair extensions and read reviews from other users. Look for testimonials and before-and-after photos to get an idea of the results you can expect.

Be realistic about the level of maintenance you’re willing to commit to. Some types of extensions require more frequent upkeep than others, so choose accordingly based on your lifestyle and schedule. Try out different types of hair extensions before committing to a complete set. Some salons offer sample extensions or temporary installations, allowing you to see how they look and feel before making a decision.

Ensure that the texture and color of the extensions blend seamlessly with your natural hair. Your stylist can help you find the perfect match or customize the extensions to achieve the desired look. 

Maintenance and Care Tips for Hair Extensions

Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner specifically formulated for hair extensions. Avoid applying conditioner directly to the roots or bonds of the extensions to prevent slippage or loosening. Limit the use of heat styling tools and opt for heat protectant products when styling with heat. Avoid pulling or tugging on the extensions, especially when brushing or detangling, to prevent damage or breakage.

When using heat styling tools, such as flat irons or curling wands, use a lower heat setting and avoid applying direct heat to the bonds of the extensions. Always use a heat protectant spray or serum to minimize damage. Schedule regular maintenance appointments with your stylist to ensure that the extensions remain secure and in good condition. Depending on the type of extensions, touch-up appointments may be needed every 6-8 weeks to adjust or reapply the extensions as the natural hair grows.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Hair Extensions

Skipping a consultation with a professional stylist can lead to choosing the wrong type or color of extensions for your hair. Take advantage of their expertise to ensure the best results. While budget is an essential factor, keep quality high for the sake of saving money. Investing in high-quality extensions will result in a better overall experience and longer-lasting results.

Failing to follow proper maintenance and care instructions can result in damage to both the extensions and your natural hair. Be sure to commit to the necessary upkeep to keep your extensions looking their best. Consider the health and integrity of your natural hair before getting extensions. If your hair is damaged or fragile, it may not be suitable for certain types of extensions or may require special precautions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing the right hair extensions is an important decision that can have a significant impact on your overall look and confidence. By considering factors such as hair type, lifestyle, and budget, as well as following the tips and insights provided in this guide, you can find your perfect match and enjoy the benefits of beautiful, natural-looking hair extensions. Whether you opt for clip-in, tape-in, sew-in, micro-link, or cold fusion extensions, remember to prioritize quality, maintenance, and proper care to ensure stunning results that last.

Album Review: Fine, ‘Rocky Top Ballads’

Fine’s music doesn’t feel timeless so much as lost in time. She writes about days that wisp by and drown you along with them, writing as if it’s the only way to get a grasp on reality. “Oh boy,” she exclaims in a daze at one point, “I still remember the heart becoming you and me.” This you and me never feels tied to particulars – it’s always something, somewhere, sometimes in these lyrics – yet the songs are so textured and delicate that you can feel the air they’re breathing, old yet captured straight from the present moment. The word Fine uses, halfway through her entrancing debut album Rocky Top Ballads, is “ageless,” which is a broad feeling as much as the promise of a romantic escape: “Would you get lost with me, my love?”

Maybe it’s that feeling that gives Rocky Tops Ballads the glimmer of a long-lost classic; it’s hard to pin down in sound and even harder to build a narrative around. Fine Glindvad Jensen does come from the same Copenhagen scene that gave us Erika de Casier and Astrid Sonne, both of whom she’s collaborated with: she co-wrote three songs for K-pop superstars NewJeans along with de Casier and is in a project called Coined with Sonne. But this information isn’t particularly helpful in describing the music she creates under this solo moniker, which perhaps has more in common with the uncanny gleam of another fellow Danish musician, ML Buch. Its ethereal beauty naturally brings to mind Mazzy Star, a comparison Fine invites by hazily singing “I look to you to see truth” on the final song; at times its layers align it with with what modern listeners might dub “countrygaze,” but it’s also clearly inspired by the traditional folk music of her childhood. Fans of Ethel Cain’s Gothic Americana and Midwife’s “heaven metal” shouldn’t skip on it, either.

Combining sample-based production with organic instrumentation, the music here – personal, doleful, and intuitive – feels like it’s strange to Fine, too, or at least strangely new. That’s not to say it’s not an assured debut – the singer-songwriter uses a process she calls “magical thinking method,” which involves writing as if she already knows the song she’s about to write. And Rocky Top Ballads, which was written over the last few years, does feel lived-in. “I’ve come to lighten this heart of mine/ A flame still burns from time to time,” she sings on ‘Days Incomplete’, perfectly describing the yearning strewn across it – fervent, youthful, yet oddly mature and even detached. We follow an intimate journey with no clear beginning or end, no set location, between lovers so entwined you’re never quite sure if they’re wavering or switching perspectives. They want to go, and stay, and go back. “Let’s not say/ We’re like wind and sea,” the singer suggests at one point, true as the metaphor may feel.

The push-and-pull animates an otherwise forlorn listen. On the striking ‘Losing Tennessee’, Fine sings, “There’s something/ I’m leaving everyday/ Something I have to give you,” this something so dangerously elusive in a song so dreamily reserved. Later, the narrator grows decisive, in a state of quiet rapture: “I’ve seen my favourite summer turn blue with you/ I’m running on my own/ Oh I’m ready to fly/ Embrace my time,” she sings on the highlight ‘Big Muzzy’. The guitars echo out to space and her vocals gently soar, though by the plaintive ‘Smile’ they’re steeped back in regret (“I can’t stop thinking about those days at the river/ I wanted time to fly cause I knew somehow/ I’d leave it all”). For all its swooning mystery, this is a record brimming with possibilities at every turn, curious as they might also seem: “I can think of thousand ways I call you a lover,” she offers over the beguiling piano melody of ‘Whys’.

The characters on Rocky Top Ballads may be lost, but at least one of them hasn’t got their head in clouds; the lyrics are perceptive in a way that both embodies and mystifies their intimacy. “You can’t conceal emotion/ It’s written on your face,” she tells a familiar someone who kisses like a stranger and whose eyes are telling stories. While evoking another intense moment of affection on ‘A Star’, that of a head placed on another’s shoulder, she can’t help but revert to the symbolic resonance of nature, “moon wrapped in clovers,” an image mirrored by streaks of distorted guitar and clambering drums. “Singing songs of joy and fear/ Will it save me, our love?” Fine wonders directly on ‘Whys’, putting herself first – literally, at least – but holding onto both. Empty of answers, her magic is to keep the questions spinning.

MILLY Release New Single ‘Bittersweet Mary’

MILLY have released ‘Bittersweet Mary’, the latest offering from their forthcoming LP Your Own Becoming. Check it out below.

“This song was actually co-written in a song trade with my close friend, Dan Poppa (People I Love, Waveform*),” the band’s Brendan Dyer explained in a statement. “I ended up taking his song and changing up the lyrics and writing a whole second part. Bittersweet Mary was his title and it’s a song about mystery and magic and love and death. Yarden does his first ever scream at the end of the song before the guitar solo brings it all home. It’s a triumphant and powerful song — anthemic like the goal of a lot of these.”

Your Own Becoming, the follow-up to 2022’s Eternal Ring, comes out June 28 via Dangerbird Records.

Hinds Share New Single ‘En Forma’

Hinds have shared ‘En Forma’, the Madrid band’s first release to be sung entirely in Spanish. It will appear on their upcoming album VIVA HINDS alongside the Beck collaboration ‘Boom Boom Back’. Check it out below.

Speaking about the new track, Hinds’ Carlotta Cosials shared: “My boyfriend broke up with me and I turned 30 years old in the same week. This was the first song I could write after months of feeling absolutely devastated, immobile and pathetic. I just wanted to get better but I just couldn’t, I couldn’t cope with this eternal race of being happier and better and cleaner and healthier.”

Ana Perrote added: “When I talk with my girlfriends, in the same afternoon we can chat about wars, philosophy, love and clothes. I tried to reflect on this song the chaos and huge spectrum of what it’s like to be a young woman these days. How overwhelming it can be to juggle the news, politics, our bodies, relationships and laundry.”

VIVA HINDS is out September 6 via Lucky Number.

Toro y Moi Announces New Album ‘Hole Erth’, Unveils New Song

Toro y Moi has announced a new album, Hole Erth, the follow-up to 2022’s Mahal. It’s set to arrive on September 6 via Dead Oceans. To mark the announcement, he’s sharing a new single, ‘Tuesday’, alongside an India Sleem-directed music video shot across Berkeley, Oakland and San Francisco, California. Watch and listen below.

Introducing the album, Chaz Bear said in a press release: “I hope you enjoy this suburban anthem, growing up the often-controversial-line between mainstream and underground artists was so defined but now that line has become so blurred I can’t even tell what I like anymore… sometimes.” Collaborators on the LP include Death Cab for Cutie and the Postal Service’s Benjamin Gibbard, Brockhampton founder Kevin Abstract, Glaive, Don Toliver, Porches, and more.

Hole Erth Cover Artwork:

Hole Erth Tracklist:

1. Walking In The Rain
2. CD-R
3. HOV
4. Tuesday
5. Hollywood [feat. Ben Gibbard]
6. Reseda [feat. Duckwrth & Elijah Kessler]
7. Babydaddy
8. Madonna [feat. Don Toliver]
9. Undercurrent [feat. Don Toliver & Porches
10. Off Road
11. Smoke [feat. Kenny Mason]
12. Heaven [feat. Kevin Abstract and Lev]
13. Starlink [feat. Glaive]