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El Michels Affair Announce New Album ’24 Hr Sports’, Enlist Clairo for New Song ‘Anticipate’

El Michels Affair have announced a new album, 24 Hr Sports, which is set for release on September 5. Bandleader Leon Michels, who co-produced Clairo’s delightful 2024 album Charm, has tapped the singer-songwriter for its lead single, ‘Anticipate’, which would’ve fit snugly into that record. Check it out below, and scroll down for the cover art and tracklist.

In addition to Clairo, the follow-up to 2023’s Glorious Game features appearances from Norah Jones, Shintaro Sakamoto, Florence Adooni, Rogê, Dave Guy, and a sample from the late Rahsaan Roland Kirk. Michels took inspiration from Sports Illustrated magazines, he explained: “The graphic design, the look, the pictures, and the way people dressed… that kind of super colorful but very two-dimensional design. I wanted to make music that sounds like that.”

“I think the evolution of my sound is this: It’s coming from old records, so it references the past a lot, but I’m not a purist, I’m a fan of modern technology,” Michels added. “I think what I’m doing is new. It’s a merging of the past and present, not unprecedented, but a good mix of then and now.”

24 Hr Sports Cover Artwork:

24 Hr Sports cover

24 Hr Sports Tracklist:

1. Drumline
2. Mágica [feat. Rogê]
3. 24 Hr Sports Theme No. 1
4. Say Goodbye [feat. Florence Adooni]
5. Oakley’s Car Wash [feat. Dave Guy]
6. Anticipate [feat. Clairo]
7. Eastside
8. Clean The Line
9. Cortex
10. Shining
11. 24 Hr Sports Theme No. 2
12. Indifference [feat. Shintaro Sakamoto]
13. Carry Me Away [feat. Norah Jones]
14. Take My Hand [feat. Rahsaan Roland Kirk]
15. Open Season
16. Victory Lap

Translating Wounds: Wuchao Feng’s Feminine Ecologies and Transcultural Alchemy

In the silence between materials, Wuchao Feng makes language. In her work, the salt crystals crunch underfoot, uneven pearls spell aphasic fragments, and a red heap dissolves into migration trails. Each of the elements gestures toward a poetics of the inarticulable. If her earlier work offered a visual grammar of fluid identity, her most recent explorations in salt and pearl have shifted toward a dense, embodied metaphysics.

Wuchao was born in the port city of Ningbo and is now based in London. Her work is inspired by the sentiment of a dual inheritance. Dilution (2020) is a long-evolving performance and installation project that maps a symbolic topography of identity through the dispersal of sea salt. She treats salt not only as a substance but as semiotic residue, each crystalline trace a metaphor for the disarticulation of the self in transit. The female body becomes a non-fixed and fluent salt body.

The image of the scar and the healing wound haunt Wuchao’s Pearl series explicitly. Unlike the salt which liquefies with time, the pearls calcify around intrusion. This metaphorical symbol becomes the heart of her formal inquiry. Pearls of Wisdom (2023) uses different shapes of pearls to form words and phrases. In the delicately represented pearls, one reads trauma not as rupture but as the beginning of formation. 

Where salt dispersed the subject, pearls insist on coherence, but a coherence born through resistance. These are not metaphors of feminine delicacy but of a kind of mineralized endurance. The feminist logic lies in the body, absorbing its violence and metabolizing it into form. Drawing from Elaine Scarry and Judith Butler, the artist understands the body not only as a site of injury but as a site of inscription. These alphabet pearls do not just spell, they scar and shimmer.

The way Wuchao situates these processes in a transcultural method is striking. The salt, harvested from Ningbo’s traditional salt fields, references histories of labor and survival specific to China’s coastal economies. The pearls are sourced from flawed industrial batches, symbolizing both the feminized labor of pearl cultivation and the global circuits through which value is assigned to aesthetic purity. She refuses to aestheticize them into perfection, instead, she materializes cultural specificity through the lens of the personal and gender-related trauma.

Language becomes unstable under her hands. Not just because it is formed from irregular pearls, but because the words themselves stutter across meaning. She is not interested in clarity but in the failures of translation: between cultures, between bodies, between pain and speech. There is no neutral tongue here. There is only the muteness of affect, slowly reconstituted into something almost, but not quite speakable yet.

In conversation, the artist has spoken of her own struggles with expression across languages—Mandarin, English, dialects, and the voiceless syntax of trauma. This multiplicity is not resolved in her work but embraced as the condition of its genesis. Like a poem composed from borrowed alphabets, her practice reclaims the right to speak with brokenness.

It is within this fragmentary ethos that her engagement with feminist and transcultural discourse becomes most potent. Her salt trails crisscross, interrupt, and disappear—much like the diasporic experiences that inform them. And her pearls do not align neatly into syntactical order but drift into loose constellations—suggesting not mastery of language, but intimate cohabitation with its limits.

When some artists construct worlds, Wuchao reconstructs injuries. Her installations are not landscapes but woundscapes. They consist of pain, memory, and place colliding. Yet they are never solely about her. In refraining from autobiographical legibility, she allows her viewers to enter these landscapes not as voyeurs but as witnesses.

In an era when identity is often weaponized as a static declaration, Wuchao offers something riskier: an aesthetic of becoming, of slow accumulation, of intimate estrangement. Through her work, trauma is neither fetishized nor resolved. It is translated, haltingly, into a shared visual syntax—one that, like all good metaphors, both reveals and refuses.

She continues her practice within the context of the UK’s art world, especially during her residency at the Bomb Factory Art Foundation. Wuchao’s work promises to deepen these lines of inquiry. Her commitment to biomaterial research and feminist methodologies speaks not only to personal evolution but to a broader collective reckoning with how we remember, how we endure, and how we speak. Wuchao Feng does not ask us to understand. She asks us to listen—to what language cannot hold, but materials can.

Superchunk Announce New Album ‘Songs in the Key of Yikes’, Share New Single

Superchunk have announced their 13th studio LP, the fantastically titled Songs in the Key of Yikes. Arriving August 22 via Merge, it features the previously released Rosali collab ‘Bruised Lung’, as well as the newly unveiled opening track, ‘Is It Making You Feel Something’, which is lively and anthemic. Check it out and find the album’s cover artwork and tracklist below.

Songs in the Key of Yikes, the follow-up to 2022’s Wild Loneliness, also marks the band’s first album since longtime drummer Jon Wurster left the band the following year. With Laura King now a permanent member after two years as their touring drummer, the album also includes contributions from Bella Quinlan and Holly Thomas of Quivers, as well as touring bassist Betsy Wright. It was engineered by Paul Voran (The Menzingers, Hurray for the Riff Raff) and Eli Webb, and mixed by Mike Montgomery (The Breeders, Protomartyr).

“It’s always been the case that everyone is going through something that you may not be aware of,” the band’s Mac McCaughan reflected in a press release. “This is currently more true than ever—but also the case that we are all going through some things together. In the face of that, what good is art and where is happiness found? (Spoiler alert: I don’t know.)”

About the new single, he added: “This song is about not second-guessing yourself in the very second-guessable process of writing words and music. It’s about the legitimate question of ‘who needs this and what is it good for?’ but also about not setting such a high bar for making art that you never get started. ‘Is it making you feel something?’ OK, that’s a place to start.”

 

Songs in the Key of Yikes Cover Artwork:

Songs in the Key of Yikes

Songs in the Key of Yikes Tracklist:

1. Is It Making You Feel Something
2. Bruised Lung
3. No Hope
4. Care Less
5. Climb the Walls
6. Cue
7. Everybody Dies
8. Stuck in a Dream
9. Train on Fire
10. Some Green

PrimeWire Alternatives, Mirror Sites & Reddit Updates

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It is already 2025, and it is time to forget about channel surfing. Why? Streaming lets you surf the entire ocean of entertainment. If you did not know this before, then you are missing out on a lot of fun. Moreover, most people would first try to find free streaming platforms. Accordingly, PrimeWire is a long-standing favorite in the free streaming world. However, unofficial platforms like PrimeWire are prone to takedowns, broken links, and shifting mirror sites. For that reason, it is nice to know other free streaming websites.

Discover the best choices and learn about new updates on Reddit.

Top Five Suggested PrimeWire Alternatives

  • Hoopla

Hoopla is a streaming website that offers diverse content, such as movies, TV shows, audiobooks, and music. What makes it sweeter is that everything is available for free — thanks to your public library. Also, the website syncs across all your devices, which enables instant streaming.

  • MusicHQ

MusicHQ delivers a massive catalog of titles. More specifically, it is a premier platform that contains a collection of HD movies and TV series. It even includes several recent titles and typically has many streaming links per content.  

  • StreamM4u

StreamM4u is a website that provides high-quality streaming links from different sources. Consequently, users can enjoy quality entertainment without any interruption. On top of that, it has an impressive range of content, including cult classics, indie films, and modern titles.

  • AsianCrush

AsianCrush serves a unique offering on the streaming table. It allows you to dive into international cinema, especially Asian content. Based on the description, the platform features the best Asian entertainment. You can find premium movies and dramas and watch them on demand.

  • AZMovies

AZMovies is a website that acts as a movie search engine. It assists users in finding movies and where to watch them. At the same time, AZMovies gives users an overview of various content. In line with this, you can discover movie trailers, information about the cast, and the synopsis of the film.

Mirror Sites for PrimeWire

According to TechnoXYZ, the working mirror site for PrimeWire is http://ww2.1primewire.com/. Before you proceed, you must understand that mirror sites may come with malware and data theft risks. The original website is always better and relatively safer. For your peace of mind, try using the suggested alternatives.

Latest Reddit Updates

Several users on the r/Pracy thread on Reddit shared that PrimeWire was down about a month ago. Fortunately, some replied that it is back and working once again. Correspondingly, they suggested alternatives to check out when PrimeWire goes missing again.

The Bottom Line

Whether you are a newbie or a veteran in the streaming game, it is never too late to try other streaming options. As the saying goes, the more the merrier. Besides, having more on your list of platforms allows you to really experience the future of entertainment today.

Movie4K Alternatives, Mirror Sites & Reddit Updates

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Who says the best things in life are not free? Movies and TV shows are probably some of the best things in life — and they can come free of charge! There are plenty of no-cost streaming gems out there! One of them is Movie4K. While every other streaming platform continues to rise and fall, it remains one of those names that refuses to disappear. However, even if it works just fine, the search for worthy alternatives is constant.

Explore some of the most talked-about and unique options and what Reddit users say about them.

Top Five Suggested Movie4K Alternatives

  • WatchFree

WatchFree has quietly gained traction in the streaming landscape. It is mostly because of its extensive library of TV shows, live TV channels, and movies. Additionally, it includes a feature that allows multiple user profiles so they can personalize their experiences.

  • Rainierland

Rainierland claims it is not illegal, as it does not host streams. It only links embedded codes. Moreover, it is not overloaded with ads. As a result, users can enjoy watching their content of choice with straightforward access.

  • BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer lets you catch up on TV programs you missed. More than that, it also offers exclusive content. Specifically, users can find and stream high-quality documentaries, films, and shows. It is still a solid pick, even if it does not contain the same range of blockbusters as Movie4K.

  • WatchYour.TV

WatchYour.TV somehow provides a similar experience to BBC iPlayer. Particularly, this website delivers the best premium USA live TV shows. In addition, its service is available on any device, including Androids, iPhones, and through web browsers.  

  • Cineb

Cineb features a user-friendly free streaming service. This website gives users access to a wide range of movies and TV series. Navigating the site is also easy with its neat interface and structured categorization. Plus, it includes various servers to ensure non-stop streaming.

Mirror Sites for Movie4K

Mirrors are duplicate sites of the main website. They often appear when the original platform gets taken down. In line with this, you can find lists of Movie4K mirror sites online. However, after checking, it is safe to say that they are not working anymore. It is best to stay away from accessing them. Nevertheless, the main site is still accessible, and many alternatives are available.

Latest Reddit Updates

Based on the r/Piracy thread on Reddit, the most recent discussion about Movie4K is from a year ago. Subsequently, users asked about alternatives since Movie4K stopped working for them at the time. Sadly, there is no new information about the streaming platform.

The Bottom Line

If you want to stick with Movie4K for as long as it is working, then that is perfectly fine! However, if you want to try alternatives that offer something similar and something very different, this list is perfect! Whatever your decision is, always remember that free streaming has so much to offer.

Rituals of Care: A Mindful Dog Owner’s Daily Rhythm

Like any other responsibility, dog ownership can start to feel regimented. You have to feed your pooch, go on walks, and, of course, make time for play. But if you can reframe how you approach these activities, you’ll be able to slow down and savor each moment. Looking after your furry friend can be more than just another item on your to-do list. Caring for a pup with intentionality can help form a more mindful daily rhythm. 

Embracing Early Morning Solitude

In the wee hours of the morning, there’s a calm like no other. Before the sun is fully up or the rest of your household is awake, take advantage of this stillness to be with your canine companion. Enjoy the thumping of their tail on the floor as you emerge from bed, or their watchful eyes that are anticipating an early morning walk. 

Sip your morning coffee sitting next to your pup. Sit quietly and enjoy the sunrise out your kitchen window with your dog at your side. Or venture outside for a refreshing morning walk before the rest of the world has stirred. 

Maybe your dog breed is a snuggler, and you just want to cuddle on the couch for 15 minutes in silence. No matter what you do, sharing these morning rituals can deepen your bond with your dog and set the tone for the rest of the day. 

Nourishing Your Pup

Scooping food into a bowl is one way to feed your dog. But when you treat their mealtime with greater significance as a key component of their wellness routine, both you and your dog will gain more from it. First, make sure you’re feeding your dog quality food with the best blend of natural ingredients. Take note if your dog isn’t responding positively toward a given food and try other options, if necessary.

Consider looking into natural supplements, as well. These additions to your dog’s care routine can support anything from a better immune system to a silkier coat. You can offer a CBD dog treat, for instance, to help ease your dog’s emotions before a trip to the vet or a long ride in the car. Investigate the benefits of rounding out your pup’s wellness needs with supplements as an enhanced form of care. 

Focusing on Mindful Walking

You’ll need to take your dog outside for a walk several times each day. But don’t view this action as a chore. Instead, look at each walk as a unique opportunity to experience the outside world with your favorite pup by your side. Plus, you’ll reap the physical rewards of walking, too. 

Look for environmental changes, even if subtle, as you stroll through the neighborhood or a local park. Admire new buds ready to burst open on trees in April. Find joy in watching your dog burrow into snowbanks in the winter.

Let your dog guide you through the walk, helping you know when to slow down and when to move more briskly. You’ll share small moments that mark the passage of time and the cycle of life in the natural world. You’ll also give your mind a break from other responsibilities as you spend time with your dog. 

Caring for Your Dog

Being an intentional dog owner requires focusing on your pup’s well-being and embracing what each moment has to offer. Routines that become monotonous can feel more meaningful with the right mindset. 

Make rituals like feeding and walking your dog special by living in the present and being attentive to your dog’s needs. You’ll feel more engaged as an owner and companion. And you’ll lay the groundwork for an attentive and patient approach to each day—an ideal mental reset in a busy, rushed world.

5 IT Trends Managed Service Providers Can’t Ignore in 2025

Technology never stands still, and neither should Managed Service Providers (MSPs). As businesses race to adopt smarter tools, MSPs face challenges to meet new demands. Falling behind isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a fast path to losing clients and revenue.

By 2025, trends such as AI-powered services and stronger cybersecurity will significantly influence the IT industry. Studies already show increasing investments in automation and data security solutions across all sectors.

These changes aren’t optional—they’re necessary for survival.

This post outlines five significant trends shaping managed IT services in 2025. You’ll discover how these changes can benefit your business today. Ready to find out more? Keep reading!

AI and Automation in MSP Services

Artificial intelligence reshapes how service providers manage operations. Automation trims downtime, saves costs, and keeps businesses running smoothly.

Leveraging AI for predictive maintenance

AI removes uncertainty in equipment maintenance. Predictive systems examine current data to identify signs of wear or failure before problems occur. Sensors and analysis tools identify irregularities, minimizing unplanned downtime and expensive repairs.

Small businesses reduce expenses by resolving issues early. For example, AI-driven platforms used in IT infrastructure keep track of server health constantly, finding weaknesses. Consequently, Managed Service Providers enhance service reliability while ensuring clients’ operations remain efficient.

Predictive maintenance isn’t just tech—it’s a more intelligent approach to safeguarding investments.

End-to-end automation for efficiency

Automating tasks from start to finish reduces human errors. Managed tech outsourcing helps providers implement systems that handle repetitive processes like ticketing, patch management, or reporting without manual effort.

This accelerates workflows and allows teams to concentrate on complex challenges instead of routine tasks.

Tools combining AI with automation enable quicker responses to client requests. For example, automated monitoring tools identify issues in IT infrastructure and address them immediately.

Such solutions enhance service delivery while minimizing downtime. Enhanced cybersecurity strategies further improve MSP offerings as threats evolve daily.

Strengthening Cybersecurity Strategies

Cyberattacks are getting smarter and harder to detect. Businesses must build stronger defenses to stay ahead of threats. To better understand what’s at stake and how to prepare, MSPs can review resources like Cantey Tech’s guide to network security, which breaks down core concepts for protecting IT infrastructure.

Deepfake protection tools

Advanced tools now protect against deepfake threats. These harmful AI-generated videos can damage businesses, harm reputations, and spread false information quickly. Managed Service Providers must incorporate software that identifies irregularities in audio or video files to address such problems.

A real-time monitoring system helps identify suspicious content before it spreads. For example, AI-based solutions examine metadata and pixel-level inconsistencies within moments. “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,” holds true—early detection saves resources and trust alike.

Advanced browser security solutions

Browsers have become a main focus for cyber threats like phishing and ransomware. Managed IT services need tools that closely watch browser activity to identify harmful scripts or redirects instantly.

Features such as sandboxing separate possible threats, protecting sensitive business data.

Using browser-based encryption ensures secure transmission of client information. Solutions with URL filtering prevent access to dangerous websites before any harm is done. These actions not only lower the risk of breaches but also protect compliance with regulations in industries where privacy is crucial.

Data-Driven Decision Making

Businesses crave accuracy when plotting their next moves. Data turns assumptions into clear, practical steps.

Increased reliance on analytics for growth

Analytics plays a crucial role in helping Managed Service Providers stay ahead. By analyzing client trends and system performance, businesses can identify growth opportunities faster.

Predictive models improve decision-making, ensuring resources align with demand effectively.

Cloud-based tools allow IT Services to track key metrics like uptime, user behavior, and spending patterns. These insights help service providers enhance offerings while reducing costs.

Data analytics converts raw information into practical strategies for sustainable expansion.

Tailored IT Solutions

  1. Customized IT Solutions: Managed Service Providers now design services like a chef adjusts recipes—unique to every client’s taste and goals.

Customizable services to meet client-specific needs

Managed IT services must adapt to diverse business goals. Customized solutions align technology with specific operational demands, improving outcomes for companies of all sizes. By focusing on individual challenges, service providers create efficient systems that fit perfectly.

Businesses gain more control when tools and support address exact needs. For instance, hybrid solutions can integrate cloud computing with existing infrastructure smoothly. This approach reduces downtime while increasing flexibility in day-to-day operations.

Sustainability and Green IT Practices

Businesses now demand IT solutions that prioritize environmental responsibility. Providers must reconsider operations to minimize waste and save energy.

Adoption of eco-friendly data centers and technologies

Green technologies lower energy costs and reduce carbon footprints. Data centers now use renewable energy sources like solar or wind to power operations. These facilities also adopt efficient cooling systems that significantly reduce electricity usage.

IT providers switch to hardware with longer life cycles, preventing unnecessary waste. Cloud solutions further decrease physical server demands, saving resources. By adopting these measures, businesses align with sustainability goals while maintaining high-quality IT infrastructure performance.

Conclusion

The future of managed IT services is changing rapidly. Providers must adopt AI, cybersecurity, and data analytics to succeed. Emphasizing environmentally friendly practices and personalized client solutions significantly impacts outcomes.

These trends are not optional—they are crucial for success in 2025. Stay prepared or risk falling behind.

The Best Songs of May 2025

Every week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with several tracks that catch our attention, then round up the best songs of each month in this segment. Here, in alphabetical order, are the best songs of May 2025.


Alex G, ‘Afterlife’

It’s tempting to describe ‘Afterlife’, the lead single from Alex G’s 10th album and major label debut, as “life-affirming.” But what kind of life are we talking about? Not this one, certainly, nor some kind of traditional conception of the beyond. He sings reverently of a liminal space between “heaven and the TV screen,” as if directly feeding off his work scoring Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw The TV Glow. But rather than eerie and foreboding, ‘Afterlife’ is buoyed by mandolin strums and sparkling synth, “filling up the tank with” this big bright light of inspiration, however slippery its definition. It’s one of Alex Giannascoli’s sunniest songs to date, but don’t mishear that single-word refrain: “Son,” he sings with sheer delight. It’s weird how that burden of responsibility can also make you feel like a kid again, and Alex G runs with the feeling.

Lorde, ‘Man of the Year’

If ‘What Was That’ harked back to ‘Green Light’, then the second single from Lorde’s Virgin had to live up to the Melodrama song that quickly cemented itself as one of the defining ballads of the century. ‘Man of the Year’ is no ‘Liability’, but it is also not really a great point of comparison: it sports a different kind of vulnerability and longs for a different kind of acceptance. Musically, too, it’s far from a retread: the piano chords of ‘Liability’ sound like a full rainbow compared to the spare bass line of ‘Man of the Year’, which seems to spread itself in the ether, balloon, then suddenly evaporate. It’s not a journey so much as an uphill climb, mirroring Lorde’s headspace: “Days go by in the haze, stay up and sleep late.” In the haze, too, is where the questions present themselves. Lorde’s piercing focus, as they rise up from the chest, is simply airing them out.

Sister., ‘Two Birds’

In its strange little way, ‘Two Birds’ begins in medias res: “Then she told me we’re grieving/ And it stays in the air.” Hannah Pruzinsky and Ceci Sturman, who lead the New York indie band Sister. and whose voices intertwine on the song, are singing about leaving their old apartment and having to live apart for the first time in nearly a decade. ‘Two Birds’ crystallizes the moment that shared grief becomes tangible and overwhelming, hanging in the atmosphere yet reverberating through the body – both bodies. They decide to go to a friend’s birthday party, only to find themselves going back to their packed-up music room and make something: “I need you on the last night/ To write the rest of it down.” The rest of the band conjures a fuzzy intimacy, the prettiest noise, as if scabbing at that old wound, or taking one last good look around.

Teethe, ‘Magic of the Sale’

The subject of ‘Magic of the Sale’ reveals itself in the opening lyrics: “Pain goes down/ Watch it go down, watch it go down.” Because Teethe is, generally speaking, a slowcore band, that means the pain goes down slowly, shadowily. But the lead single off the group’s new album mirrors so many other ways in which we bear out trauma: resilience, connection, even beauty. The origins of that pain may remain elusive, but the string arrangement that sweeps over the titular chorus encapsulates all the melancholy persisting in the margins. Boone Patrello and Madeline Dowd’s verses, meanwhile, signal the ways we trade that pain, not for gain, but to lift each other up. And ‘Magic of the Sale’ may be a slowcore song, but it’s not designed to bring you down – Teethe’s ambitions lie elsewhere.

U.S. Girls, ‘Bookends’

“70,000 men, why am I wondering where Riley went?” Meg Remy sings ten minutes into ‘Bookends’. “Gotta speak at the end of my breath/ Cause I’m still wondering where Riley went.” The Riley in question is late Power Trip frontman Riley Gale, and as a tribute, a lead single, or a U.S. Girls song, ‘Bookends’ is nothing short of unconventional. Drawing from Eyewitness to History, a book about people’s eyewitness accounts of historical events, the track ping-pongs between references, soulful meditations, and solos from several different instruments, but when you arrive at that ten-minute mark, those final two minutes sound revelatory. Remy’s vocals grow piercing and primal, blurring the line between despair and transcendence. Caity Arthur, the director of the song’s music video, referred to subverting “the traditional narrative of death as a despairing void, rather, portraying it as a euphoric transitory experience.”But the best you can get out of it all, Remy seems to suggest, might just be plain acceptance. “Like it or not/ That’s what you got.”

Wednesday, ‘Elderberry Wine’

‘Elderberry Wine’ is a warm, gentle sigh of a song. But don’t let it fool you: “Sweet song is a long con” is the first line Karly Hartzman sings on Wednesday’s first single since 2023’s Rat Saw God, suggesting that whatever body of work it may be taken from won’t necessarily go down so easy. On songs like ‘Bull Believer’, Rat Saw God’s gargantuan first preview, every instrument served to accentuate the excruciating pain; here, their purpose is consolatory. When she sings that “everybody gets along just fine,” the point isn’t just that appearances are deceptive, but that the bubble is bound to burst. When you’ve tasted the hangover, you can’t help thinking about the long run. “I find comfort that angels don’t give a damn,” she realizes, her band sounding quite angelic. If only us humans weren’t so wound up by fate.

Wet Leg, ‘CPR’

Wet Leg would never write a conventional love song. ‘Being in Love’, a highlight from the British band’s self-titled debut, likened the feeling to nausea, distractibility, and being punched in the guts. ‘CPR’, the second single from their sophomore LP moisturizer, feels quite a bit like being punched in the guts, but it’s actually revitalizing. Over a chunky, buzzing bass line, Rhian Teasdale muses on the life-or-death-ness of the whole relationship dynamic; maybe being in love doesn’t always feel like “the world caving in,” as it does on the band’s earlier song, but diving off a cliff. Not saying it’s healthier, necessarily, but when Teasdale wonders, “Is this a vibe?,” the answer is obvious.

Wolf Alice, ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’

The first thought that should pop into your head when that jazzy piano riff kicks in: This goes hard. Ellie Rowsell quickly commands your attention with lines like, “Fucking baby, baby man,” then pierces through the facade as she howls, “I’m so sick and tired of trying to play it hard.” While making their Greg Kurstin-produced new album The Clearing, the Wolf Alice frontwoman tried avoiding the guitar as a means of rejecting the “girl singer in band” trope, resulting, at least on first single ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’, in her most chameleonic performance yet. She channels frustration into self-assurance, then radiant vulnerability. “Every flower needs to neighbour with the dirt,” she sings, a symbiotic relationship in which she naturally comes out on top.

Mastering LED Gloving: A Beginner’s Guide to Stunning Light Shows

In recent years, LED gloving has emerged as a vibrant art form, captivating audiences with its hypnotic light displays and intricate hand movements. Whether you’re a dance enthusiast, a performer, or simply someone looking for an engaging hobby, LED gloving offers a creative outlet that combines technology and artistry.

This beginner’s guide will help you explore the basics of LED gloving, introduce you to the essential tools like gloves with lights, and provide tips to create mesmerizing light shows.

What Is LED Gloving?

LED gloving is a form of performance art that uses glove lights equipped with LED bulbs to produce stunning visual effects. Performers wear specially designed gloves with lights and execute intricate hand movements, synchronized with music or ambient beats.

These performances can take place anywhere—from festivals and raves to small gatherings—where the entrancing light shows create unforgettable experiences.

The beauty of LED gloving lies in its versatility. Performers can use a mix of colors, flashing patterns, and speed to create unique effects. Whether you’re drawn to smooth “flow” movements or rapid-paced “tutting,” mastering glove lights allows you to personalize your performances and express yourself creatively.

Why Should You Try LED Gloving?

If you’re intrigued by the idea of combining technology with physical movement, this is the perfect choice. Here’s why:

  • Creative Freedom: With customizable color combinations and light patterns, gloves with lights allow you to bring your artistic visions to life.
  • Stress Relief: Movement-based activities can help combat stress and promote mindfulness.
  • Community: Joining the gloving community means connecting with like-minded performers who inspire and motivate one another.
  • Skill Development: From coordination to rhythm, practicing gloving helps sharpen a variety of physical and mental skills.

Essential Tools for LED Gloving

To get started with gloving, you need the right set of tools. Here’s what you’ll need:

1.   Gloves with Lights

The cornerstone of this art form is, of course, your glove lights. These typically consist of lightweight gloves embedded with tiny LED bulbs at the fingertips. Modern gloves with lights are highly customizable, allowing you to choose from dozens of modes, colors, and flashing patterns.

2.   Light Diffusers

Think of diffusers as the magic tool that adds softness and texture to your light show. Light diffusers help your glove lights display more uniform and beautiful designs, enhancing the overall appearance of your movements.

3.   Carrying Case

Performers often bring their performances on the go—to clubs, festivals, and social gatherings. A sturdy carrying case keeps your gloves with lights safe and organized.

Key Techniques for Gloving

Now that you’ve got the right tools, it’s time to focus on technique. Practicing the following essential moves will help you build a foundation for your gloving journey:

1.   Finger Rolls

Finger rolls are among the first moves beginners should learn. This simple yet eye-catching technique involves rolling your fingers individually to create an undulating effect with your glove lights. Perfecting this move allows you to bring flow and fluidity to your performances.

2.   Tutting

Inspired by angular hand movements (resembling ancient Egyptian art), tutting is a must-know skill in gloving. By connecting straight lines and sharp angles of light, tutting adds a geometric flair to your show. (Learn more about tutting here.)

3.   Liquid Movements

Liquid movements mimic flowing water, offering a hypnotic and calming effect. These large, smooth gestures involve full-arm motions and transitions, creating beautifully flowing trails with your gloves with lights.

4.   Finger Whips

For high-energy performances, finger whips are indispensable. This technique uses quick, flicking movements of your fingers to project light outward. Finger whips are especially effective in fast-paced routines and can add a dramatic flair to your set.

Six Tips to Master LED Gloving

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, follow these tips to take your gloving routines to the next level.

Practice Daily

Consistency is key. Set aside time each day to practice moves like finger rolls, whips, and arm waves. Over time, your muscle memory will develop, and your control over the glove lights will improve.

Start Simple

While it’s tempting to jump straight into complex techniques, begin with the basics first. Foundation moves like liquid and finger rolls are essential for building your flow. Gradually incorporate tricks and more advanced sequences into your routines.

Experiment with Colors

Part of the allure of gloves with lights is their ability to mix and match colors. Play around with your setup to see what combinations best suit your style. For example, cool blues and whites can create a soothing aura, while red and green flashes add intensity.

Synchronize with Music

Great gloving performances often have one thing in common: they flow seamlessly with the accompanying music. Choose tracks with clear beats and practice syncing your hand movements to specific tempos.

Film Yourself

Recording your practice sessions helps you gain visual insight into your performance. Not only can you spot areas for improvement, but you can also appreciate how your glove lights interact with your motion.

Join Online Communities

The LED gloving community is large and welcoming, making it an excellent resource for beginners. Platforms like Reddit, YouTube, and Discord feature tutorials, challenges, and group discussions with other enthusiasts.

Expanding Your Craft

Once you’ve mastered the basics of LED gloving, there’s plenty of room to advance your art. Some performers collaborate with other light artists, while others choreograph routines that blend dance and gloving. Experimentation is the name of the game—don’t be afraid to push boundaries with your glove lights.

For example, you can focus on creating thematic performances. Some glovers synchronize their routines with film soundtracks or pair gloves with lights with rave gear like rave fans to tell a story. As you gain confidence and refine your style, the sky’s the limit.

Final Thoughts

Mastering LED gloving is a rewarding journey that blends creativity, technology, and self-expression. Whether you’re simply curious about the art form or aspire to become a professional performer, gloves with lights provide the perfect entry point.

Start by getting the right tools, practicing foundational techniques, and immersing yourself in the supportive LED gloving community. With time, effort, and passion, you’ll be dazzling audiences with your glove lights in no time.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your first pair of gloves with lights, and let the light show begin!

She the People Season 2: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

Tyler Perry’s first Netflix sitcom looks like a slam dunk.

He’s already on a roll, with his previous show, drama Beauty in Black, reaching number one on the streamer’s Top 10 after its debut in October 2024. Now, She the People is steadily climbing the same chart, a week after its release.

With only eight episodes streaming, viewers are curious about whether they’ll get more. We’ll start with the good news.

She the People Season 2 Release Date

At the time of writing, there’s no news on She the People season 2. However, we can confirm this isn’t the last time you’ll see the charming Antoinette Dunkerson.

Netflix decided to split the first season into two parts, so another eight episodes are coming our way. They’re set to arrive on August 14.

If the show gets renewed, we’ll probably get season 2 in 2026, at the earliest.

She the People Cast

  • Terri J. Vaughn as Antoinette Dunkerson
  • Jade Novah as Shamika
  • Drew Olivia Tillman as Lola
  • Tré Boyd as Titus
  • Dyon Brooks as Basil
  • Jo Marie Payton as Cleo
  • Robert Craighead as Governor Harper
  • Michael Rose as Governor Hill

What Could Happen in She the People Season 2?

She the People revolves around Antoinette Dunkerson, who becomes Mississippi’s first Black lieutenant governor. However, her new political role comes with challenges. It doesn’t help that she has to deal with a condescending and sexist governor who seeks to undermine her authority.

On top of that, her outspoken family is no picnic, and their antics often thrust her into the media spotlight. Even so, Antoinette is determined to serve her community and fix systemic issues, which makes her easy to root for. A potential romance might be brewing as well.

Part 1 ends with Antoinette standing up for herself, but there’s still be trouble ahead, especially since viewers are left on a bit of a cliffhanger. We’ll have to wait a couple of months to see what happens next.

As for where the story might go in She the People season 2, we have no idea. It all depends on how this first installment wraps up. August can’t come soon enough.

Are There Other Shows Like She the People?

She the People blends comedy with political/social commentary, which makes it an engaging watch. If the show is up your alley, you might be into The Good Fight, The Politician, The Mayor, and Veep. Checking out Tyler Perry’s other work is also a good idea.