dodie has released ‘I’M FINE!’, her first new solo single in more than three years. Recorded in London, the track arrives alongside a video by dodie and frequent collaborator Sammy Paul. Check it out below.
“I’m Fine’ is an unconvincing exclaim,” dodie said of the new song. “Sarcastic and hollow, this song is a mental battle that balances between panic and relief, before tumbling into something overwhelming.”
dodie’s debut LP, Build a Problem, came out in 2021, and was followed by the Hot Mess EP in 2022. Revisit our interview with dodie, breaking down Build a Problem track by track.
Sunken, who are about to go on tour with julie this month, have shared a new single called ‘sofie’. The hypnotic, murky track arrives on the heels of the London quintet’s 10K EP. Check it out via the accompanying video, directed by frequent collaborators Travis Barton and Dylan Coates, below.
”I think some people you meet only want to interact with you because they want something and that always seems to end in an awkward tension where you both know you don’t really like each other,” singer Poppy reflected in a statement. “‘Sofie’ isn’t a real person, it’s just a placeholder for someone you meet who sucks and that’s what the song is about.”
The Raincoats’ Gina Birch has released a new single, ‘Doom Monger’, the latest offering from her upcoming solo LP Trouble. Following previous cut ‘Causing Trouble Again’, the track arrives alongside a music video directed by Birch and Dean Chalkley. Check it out below.
“This is about the world going to hell in a handcart, feeling overwhelmed, but yearning for peace and happiness,” Birch said in a statement, adding of the video:
At art school I had made a 16mm film made up of nine Super 8 screens of a friend, standing in Alexandra park, turning round. I divided the body into head, torso and feet. Each frame was filmed independently and I then refilmed the super 8, on a grid, and filmed on 16mm rewinding the canister each time. This process has inspired me to make several videos, and now one for myself, using 9 frames. I wanted to make a colourful fun video for ‘Doom Monger’, that had an element of humour to it. With 9 screens to watch simultaneously, it’s possible to miss things, so the video may have to be viewed several times. Among other things, I seemingly punch myself, and I outstretch my arms and have to duck down out of their reach. I hammer frames out of the way, and I turn negative on many occasions, and I layer the individual frames so that there is a complex layer of images at other times.
Summer travel is the perfect opportunity to unwind, see new places, and enjoy a break from routine. But let’s be honest: long flights, layovers, and road trips can get a bit dull. The solution? A selection of great games to keep your phone and your mind entertained.
Whether you’re into puzzles, action, or something a bit more thrilling, there are plenty of games to download before you hit the road. With help from Dream Jackpot, the best place for PayPal slots, here are some games to consider.
Puzzle and Strategy Games
Puzzle games are ideal for travel because they’re easy to pick up and put down, perfect for quick bursts of fun between sightseeing stops. Monument Valley and The Room series are visually stunning and thought-provoking. For something more casual, try Candy Crush Saga or Two Dots — classics that still hold up.
If you like flexing your strategic muscles, Plague Inc. challenges you to develop a virus to wipe out humanity (grim but engaging), while Mini Metro turns you into a subway planner tasked with building a transit system that works, easier said than done!
Action and Adventure Games
Need to keep the adrenaline pumping? Action and adventure games can transport you into whole new worlds while you’re waiting at the airport. Alto’s Odyssey and Jetpack Joyride are endless runners with vibrant graphics and easy-to-learn controls. For those craving deeper stories, Genshin Impact offers breathtaking visuals and RPG elements in an open-world setting.
Mobile Slot Games
For a dose of fun that feels like a mini casino in your pocket, mobile slot games are a popular choice. There are a variety of virtual slot machines and casino-style games that are perfect for passing time.
Mobile slot games replicate the thrill of spinning reels and scoring big wins, all without the risk of real-money losses (unless you opt for in-app purchases). With eye-catching graphics and plenty of themed slots, these games are an easy and relaxing way to keep entertained on the go.
Multiplayer and Social Games
Travelling with friends? Multiplayer games like Among Us and Clash Royale are great for connecting with fellow travellers (or making new friends). Even games like Words With Friends or 8 Ball Pool can keep you engaged with family and friends back home while you’re off exploring the world.
Final Thoughts
No matter what kind of games you love, there’s something for everyone this summer. Just remember to pack your phone charger and maybe some noise-cancelling headphones, you’ll be gaming your way through every layover, bus ride, and hotel stay!
The frame lingers—not for show, but to let something deeper register. Light enters gradually, softening the edges, revealing details you weren’t looking for but now can’t unsee. There’s a quiet before the movement, a stillness that feels intentional. Nothing rushes. The transition doesn’t call attention to itself. It simply unfolds, as if the design already knows what it needs to become. You’re not just watching. You’re inside it—carried by rhythm, held by atmosphere.
This kind of emotional clarity defines the work of Jiani Hong, a visual and motion designer based in Los Angeles. Her practice merges 2D/3D animation, film-inspired design, and emotional storytelling into visual systems that don’t just move—they remember. Her frames breathe with intention. Her compositions hold tension. And across every medium, she works with a kind of authorship that prioritizes resonance over spectacle.
To understand her process is to understand how rhythm, light, and feeling become the structure, not the surface, of design.
How Cinema Shaped Her Lens
Jiani Hong’s relationship with motion began in movie theaters, where light flickers shaped her understanding of time, emotion, and silence. “There’s a rhythm in the pause before a line is delivered,” she says. Those early moments now guide how she designs: not just with visuals, but with breath, tension, and pacing.
While earning her BFA in Graphic Design at ArtCenter College of Design, she developed a hybrid practice of narrative design, emotional tone, and cinematic precision.
“I don’t treat motion as an afterthought,” she explains. “It’s the structure I build everything on.”
Motion as Memory
Jiani’s independent projects distill her creative intent—they are self-directed, concept-driven, and led by emotion, and motion serves as narrative, not ornament.
Amoeba Music Rebrand: Reimagining Cultural Memory
When rebranding Amoeba Music, California’s iconic independent record store, Jiani approached the project as a restoration, not a redesign. The goal wasn’t just to update assets but to interpret a living cultural history archive through contemporary visual language.
She designed the whole brand identity system, including brand identity film, logo design, posters, signage, print collateral, and a digital platform. The identity system merges retro aesthetics with bold typography and layered compositions, channeling both the analog soul and community energy of Amoeba’s legacy.
The color palette was grounded in contrast: Venetian reds convey rhythmic passion, capturing the emotional impact of live performance. Beige shades allude to Golden Years and Highlight Moments, providing a sense of warmth and balance. The gray-black tone reflects Vinyl Memory, grounding the palette with material depth. Secondary accents—nostalgic blue and vibrant yellow—enhance the overall rhythm and cultural resonance. Motion plays a central role. Her transitions aren’t just effects—they simulate flipping through records, scanning posters, and catching movement from the corner of your eye in a crowded store.
The result feels like rediscovery: familiar but recharged. It captures physical media’s tactile and emotional nature in a digital-forward design. This project earned awards from Communication Arts, Young Ones TDC, Core77, and Graphis New Talent—affirming its ability to resonate beyond nostalgia and into relevance.
Dead Poets Society Title Sequence: Framing the Intangible
Inspired by the emotional weight of Dead Poets Society, Jiani created a cinematic title sequence that reframes the film’s tone through animated visual storytelling. This wasn’t an homage. It was a retranslation—rebuilding the film’s core themes of longing, rebellion, and reflection through design.
Jiani directed every stage: storyboarding, visual development, 2D and 3D animation, lighting, and scene composition. Each frame was treated as a miniature film set, intentionally using shadow, space, and light to mirror the characters’ internal landscapes.
Typography was used sparingly, allowing silence and image to lead. Motion design here serves as emotional pacing, guiding the viewer not through exposition, but intuition. The sequence earned recognition from Communication Arts for its cinematic execution and narrative sensitivity.
Leading with Vision
Jiani Hong’s storytelling carries into her professional work as a Motion Art Director at Petrol Advertising, where she led motion graphics in campaigns for major game and entertainment properties. Her motion direction and concept development have shaped trailers and visual assets for projects including Squid Game: Unleashed (Netflix), Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 (Activision), Dragon Ball: Sparking Zero (Bandai Namco), Additional work for Bethesda and Tripwire Interactive.
Jiani maintains a focused approach in high-speed pipelines: every movement must have purpose. Even within a few seconds, she constructs arcs with intentional framing, emotional beats, and visual rhythm.
The Way It Moves
For Jiani Hong, design starts with timing. Before color or type, she considers how a moment should land—abrupt or gentle, held or released. Motion design isn’t decoration; it’s how she structures memory.
Lighting becomes tone. Transitions guide emotion. “I want the work to be felt before it’s understood,” she says. “Design should stay with you.”
As motion expands into immersive platforms, Hong continues to build experiences where narrative and interaction overlap. Whether shaping a brand identity or crafting a title sequence, her focus stays constant: to create motion that carries meaning.
To explore more of Jiani Hong’s work, including her cinematic design projects and visual identity systems, visither website.
We tend to think of office design as a one-time setup. New desks roll in, chairs are arranged, and a layout gets set like wet cement. The problem with that mindset is how fast tech, team dynamics, workflows, and everything else shift. If the physical space doesn’t evolve with it, things start to feel off, even if nothing is technically broken.
One of the clearest insights based on environment interactions and patterns that rarely show up in a design blueprint? Future-proofing isn’t about trying to predict exactly what’s coming. It’s about giving your space the flexibility to adjust when it does.
From keeping up with air conditioning repair Birmingham to setting your space up for an open layout, here’s how to build an office that doesn’t need to be ripped apart every time a department reorganizes, a new platform rolls out, or people start showing up on Tuesdays instead of Fridays.
Here’s how to build an office that doesn’t need to be ripped apart every time a department reorganizes, a new platform rolls out, or people start showing up on Tuesdays instead of Fridays.
Start by Asking Who’s Actually Using the Space
This sounds obvious, but it’s where most offices go wrong. Design decisions are made based on the organizational chart or how a building looks on a walk-through. However, a true future-proof layout begins with observing how people interact with their space now. Think about what’s improvised, what’s unused, and what people avoid.
A breakout area that always turns into storage. A bank of hot desks that no one wants to use because of the glare. These are clues. Use them.
A good space doesn’t resist change. It absorbs it.
Flexibility Beats Forecasting
Instead of trying to design for specific use cases, plan for movement. Find desks that can be clustered or pulled apart. Think of having power that’s accessible from multiple points. Lastly, pick furniture that doesn’t lock you into a fixed footprint.
The future workplace might bring in hybrid meetings, more cross-functional collaboration, or heads-down solo time. You don’t need to know which one will dominate next quarter. You need the space to shift if it does.
Don’t Forget the Basics That Age Well
Some elements of good design don’t need to change. They just need to be chosen with care the first time.
Takeoffice chairs, for example. They’re one of the most personal pieces of shared equipment, and yet they’re often treated as an afterthought. Investing in ergonomic, adjustable chairs that support a range of postures and preferences can reduce strain across the board and prevent the need for constant replacement.
Built-In Wiggle Room
Offices that last don’t use every square foot immediately. They allow for growth without crowding.
Leave breathing space between desk clusters
Use partitions that can be rolled or removed
Make use of vertical storage to free up ground-level access
Keep extra power and data points open, not buried behind furniture
Treat walls as functional and not just decorative surfaces
Listen to Friction
People will try to fix their own environment when it doesn’t fit. They’ll shift desks closer to power outlets. They’ll stack books to raise monitors. Workers will even put up makeshift signs to keep others out of quiet zones.
Instead of policing that, pay attention. That friction is feedback. The more patches people create, the more they know what’s actually needed.
Layered Zones Work Better Than Open Concepts
The all-open layout is on its way out. It’s not because it was a bad idea, but because it was one idea applied to every situation. A future-proof space includes quiet corners, semi-private collaboration spots, open areas for movement, and rooms that can be repurposed based on the day.
Even simple things like acoustic panels or smart lighting controls can create micro-environments that let people dial in their own work style without relocating.
Use Materials That Hide Wear Well
Tech evolves fast. Walls and floors do not. Choose finishes that get better with use, or at least hide it. Matte textures, forgiving colors, and low-maintenance surfaces will keep a space looking sharp without constant upkeep.
It’s easier to upgrade your tools when the space underneath them doesn’t fall apart first.
Keep the Conversation Going
No space is ever “done.” One of the most underrated parts of future-proofing is the review process. Walk the floor once a quarter. Ask people what’s working and what doesn’t. Make small tweaks often instead of big overhauls once every few years.
Designing for the future doesn’t mean knowing exactly what it’ll bring. It means building a space that won’t panic when it gets here.
Guide to Future-Proofing Office Spaces
The office environment has come a long way. From rigid rows of cubicles in the ’90s to modern coworking spaces brimming with flexibility, workplaces have undergone a dramatic transformation. Today, the rise of remote work, hybrid office models, and rapidly evolving technologies have redefined how businesses approach their workplace designs.
But here’s the catch—change isn’t slowing down any time soon. With economic uncertainties, accelerating tech innovations, and shifting workforce expectations, the need to “future-proof” office spaces is more critical than ever. Businesses that fail to adapt risk losing talent, efficiency, and productivity.
This guide will walk you through the essential steps and strategies for future-proofing your office, ensuring your workspace remains adaptable, engaging, and efficient for years to come.
Designing for a Tech-Enabled Future
Technology is the backbone of the modern office, driving efficiency, collaboration, and smarter decision-making. Future-ready office environments must integrate technology seamlessly to stay competitive and functional.
Smart Office Technologies
Smart technologies are no longer optional; they’re a must for office efficiency and a positive employee experience. Key innovations include:
Sensors and IoT Devices
Smart sensors can monitor everything from lighting to occupancy. They adjust the environment based on real-time data, optimizing lighting, HVAC systems, and space usage.
Benefits: Lower energy bills, reduced waste, and improved comfort for employees.
Automation for Lighting and HVAC
Automated lighting and temperature controls create a tailored, comfortable office environment while significantly reducing energy costs.
Hybrid and Remote Work Infrastructure
The rise of hybrid work means office spaces need infrastructure that caters to both in-person and remote employees. These tools enhance inclusivity and collaboration for distributed teams.
Cloud-Based Collaboration Tools
Solutions like Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Asana ensure seamless communication and project management, whether your employees work in the office or from home.
Video Conferencing Solutions
A high-quality A/V setup for remote meetings shows your team that collaboration is a priority. From cameras to microphones, investing in the right video conferencing infrastructure is essential.
Designing Hybrid-Friendly Layouts
Incorporate zones such as quiet rooms for focused work, touchdown desks for drop-ins, and private spaces for video calls or meetings. It’s about balancing employee needs for productivity and comfort.
Building in Flexibility
Adaptable office designs are future-proof by nature because they evolve with your business. Whether you’re scaling up or downsizing, flexibility ensures your office grows with you.
Modular and Scalable Design
Gone are the days of static, fixed layouts. Modular office furniture and flexible layouts allow businesses to reconfigure workspaces as needs change.
Movable walls or partitions provide an easy way to redefine space without major disruptions.
Adjustable office chairs and ergonomic setups accommodate a variety of employee preferences, ensuring both comfort and productivity.
Activity-Based Working (ABW)
Activity-based working supports diverse work styles, creating tailored environments for different tasks. A well-designed workspace might include zones for:
Focused Work: Soundproof booths or quiet areas for deep concentration.
Collaboration: Open lounges or huddle spaces for group interactions.
Relaxation: Rejuvenation areas with comfortable seating and calming decor.
This balance empowers employees to choose an area that matches their task, boosting productivity and satisfaction.
Sustainability and Employee Well-Being
Sustainability and employee wellness should be at the forefront of workplace design. Not only are these features more environmentally responsible, but they’re also proven to attract talent and improve retention.
Eco-Conscious Design Choices
Offices with sustainable design elements create less waste, minimize their environmental footprint, and appeal to eco-conscious employees.
Examples include:
Energy-efficient fixtures like LED lighting.
Sustainable materials, such as recycled flooring or FSC-certified wood.
Achieving certifications like LEED to showcase your commitment to sustainability.
Designing for Wellness
An office that considers employee well-being is an investment in productivity and morale. Key design elements include:
Ergonomics: Adjustable desks and office chairs that promote proper posture and reduce strain.
Natural Light and Biophilic Design
Exposure to natural light and greenery has been shown to boost mood and focus. Incorporating plants, large windows, or living walls can transform the workplace.
Acoustic Privacy
Reduce noise distractions with sound-absorbing materials and private spaces for calls or focused tasks.
Wellness-focused workplaces not only improve employee health but also create a positive company culture.
Strategy for Staying Ahead
Future-proofing is about more than just design. It’s an ongoing strategy that combines data and culture to anticipate and adapt to change.
Data-Driven Workplace Design
Every decision should be informed by data. Identify what works in your office by using tools like occupancy sensors, employee surveys, and key performance metrics.
Are some spaces underutilized while others are crowded?
Are employees satisfied with their office environments?
Leverage this feedback to make smarter adjustments, ensuring your workplace evolves with your team’s needs.
Creating a Culture of Agility
Design can only take you so far. True adaptability starts with fostering an agile company culture. This includes encouraging:
Continuous Learning
Train employees on new tools and technologies that enhance the work environment.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Break down silos and create opportunities for teams to work together in flexible and open spaces.
By focusing on adaptability, your office becomes not a static location but a dynamic ecosystem that thrives in any context.
Prepare Your Office for the Future
Designing for change isn’t about predicting every new trend. It’s about creating an office environment that’s flexible, employee-focused, and tech-enabled.
Assess your current space and ask these critical questions:
Are you leveraging technology to optimize operations?
Does your workplace design meet the diverse needs of your team?
Are you prioritizing sustainability and well-being?
Keep the Conversation Going
No space is ever “done.” One of the most underrated parts of future-proofing is the review process. Walk the floor once a quarter. Ask people what’s working and what doesn’t. Make small tweaks often instead of big overhauls once every few years.
Designing for the future doesn’t mean knowing exactly what it’ll bring. It means building a space that won’t panic when it gets here.
Free streaming is your all-access pass to the world’s biggest watch fest. Correspondingly, one famous website that embodies this essence is LookMovie. It provides the thrill of free movies and the adventure of skipping ads. But when reality hits, you will realize that having alternatives would be beneficial. More options are helpful, especially when sites like LookMovie run into various issues and suddenly become unavailable.
Unlock these free streaming alternatives and get tips and updates from Reddit users.
Top Five Suggested LookMovie Alternatives
GoMovies
GoMovies retains its standing as a favorite among streaming buffs. Additionally, it offers countless movies and TV shows for free. The website also provides different streaming servers to ensure that users have a backup.
WatchMovieStream
WatchMovieStream is a provider of a smooth streaming experience with minimal ads. Users can find a great variety of content on this website. Specifically, they can watch romantic comedies, silent films, parodies, slapsticks, horrors, and actions.
MovieWatcher
MovieWatcher covers everything from movies to TV series. It hosts a wide range of popular titles that are available for instant viewing. Moreover, users appreciate the website for its free streaming service combined with consistent availability.
Soap2Day
Soap2Day still offers a free online streaming service for online users. In line with this, it has a broad catalog of films, TV shows, and even sports programs. Most importantly, Soap2Day is accessible to anyone all over the globe.
YesMovies
YesMovies shines with its outstanding offering of more than 9,000 titles. Further, this platform includes the latest episodes of many series online. Similarly, it streams movies and documentaries for free.
Mirror Sites for LookMovie
According to the LookMovie Official Community Forum, the new mirror site is https://www.lookmovie2.to/. While we are at it, let us remind you that accessing mirrors can harm your device. You will be exposing it to data theft, malware, and other unwanted dangers.
Latest Reddit Updates
Based on the r/Piracy thread on Reddit, LookMovie was down three months ago. Nonetheless, it seems that users can access it now through the new mirror site mentioned above.
Stay updated on Reddit to get new information about LookMovie or other streaming websites online.
The Bottom Line
No matter how great LookMovie’s services are, it still faces the usual challenges of free streaming websites. Consequently, it would be best if you would try our recommended alternatives. These new and better options guarantee that you will never run out of amazing content.
Streaming brings us all together. And getting to stream for free will make us stick together! Why pay for subscriptions when you can dodge those pop-ups? After all, the best things in life sometimes come with a few ads. In connection with this, TinyZone is a popular choice among movie streamers. Sad to say, it experiences downtime, broken links, and domain changes. Consequently, securing a list of alternatives is a must if you want a non-stop streaming experience with your group!
Swap up your go-to website with these sweeter streaming options.
Top Five Suggested TinyZone Alternatives
FlixHQ
FlixHQ features an awesome library of movies, TV series, and original content. You can enjoy unlimited streaming for free with no sign-ups. Moreover, users can find a robust range of content. Discover titles of comedies, actions, and horrors.
Vumoo
Vumoo is a free streaming service that values straightforward access to content. Additionally, the platform description says that users can find thousands of titles, and it is an awaiting entertainment paradise. Enjoy all genres on any device.
MoviesJoy
MoviesJoy built a loyal following for its vast content of movies. More specifically, the website states that it offers more than 200,000 videos in HD. Plus, they contain an English and Spanish subtext. Also, they have multiple streaming servers.
Sflix
Sflix is one of the most reliable free streaming sites online. At the same time, it claims that it hosts videos with zero ads. Without having to register or pay, users can watch thousands of movies and TV shows.
Crackle
Crackle lets people enjoy high-quality entertainment using any device anywhere and anytime. In just a few clicks, you can access its huge library of free movies and TV series. Furthermore, it offers content across different genres. Mainly, the website includes drama, action, comedy, and more.
Mirrors Site for TinyZone
As of writing, there are no other mirror sites for TinyZone. Accordingly, the working domain is https://ww4.tinyzone.org/movie/7/. Having no other mirrors could mean that the main website is still working. This instance boosts its reliability.
Latest Reddit Updates
Reddit remains a key hub for users tracking streaming websites like TinyZone. Subsequently, many users have been posting concerns about TinyZone’s changing of domains. Here is a glimpse of the situation on Reddit:
Sara_Krys: “Is TinyZone dead for real this time? Domain has expired since yesterday.”
The Bottom Line
Watching with your friends should not be expensive. With the best alternatives on this list and a good internet connection, entertainment can be cheap but priceless!
There’s so much music coming out all the time that it’s hard to keep track. On those days when the influx of new tracks is particularly overwhelming, we sift through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most interesting new releases (the best of which will be added to our Best New Songs playlist). Below, check out our track roundup for Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
Ethel Cain – ‘Nettles’
It’s been more than two months since Ethel Cain announced Willoughby Tucker, I Will Always Love You, the proper follow-up to her 2022 debut, Preacher’s Daughter. (She released a 90-minute experimental project called Perverts in January.) Now, we get its first single, ‘Nettles’. In addition to a beautifully layered vocal performance, Hayden Anhedonia plays banjo, synths, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and piano on the track, which features Donny Carpenter on fiddle, Todd Beene on pedal steel, Dillon Hodges on banjo and acoustic guitar, Steven Colyer on organ, Matthew Tomasi on electric guitar, and Bryan De Leon on drums.
Sprawling over eight minutes, ‘Nettles’ feels like the album’s emotional centerpiece. “This song and the last track on the record were both written the same week, the very first week I moved into the house in Alabama where I finished Preacher’s Daughter,” Cain said in a press release. “In similar fashion to Preacher’s Daughter (specifically ‘A House in Nebraska’ and ‘Strangers’), I wrote what essentially became the beginning and end of the story without realizing it. What were originally just little vignettes of emotion I was feeling at the time ultimately became the tentpoles for a larger narrative. ‘Nettles’ became a dream of losing the one you love, asking them to reassure you that it won’t come true and to dream, instead, of all the time you’ll have together as you grow old side by side. Every once in a blue moon, it feels good to slough off the macabre and to simply let love be.”
Water From Your Eyes – ‘Life Signs’
On their just-announced album It’s a Beautiful Place, Water From Your Eyes “wanted to present a wide range of styles in a way that acknowledges everything’s just a tiny blip,” according to the duo’s Nate Amos. On lead single ‘Life Signs’, that style happens to be nu metal, though Amos and Rachel Brown contort it in typically off-kilter, deadpan fashion.
Hand Habits – ‘Wheel of Change’
Hand Habits is back with a piercing, evocative new single, ‘Wheel of Change’, which leads their forthcoming album Blue Reminder. “Both lyrically and in its production, this song is about the impossibility of return—you can’t go back to the way things were, no matter how much you might want to hold on to a time, or a feeling, or a person,” Meg Duffy explained. “Lyrically there’s a kind of desperation (‘I need it now more than ever’), but in it there’s also a request, ‘don’t take it away just yet,’ which is not a question but a demand, and I wanted the production to reflect that. That in longing, there can be this sharper, wild edge. Like, no I need this, give it to me, don’t take it away.”
King Princess – ‘RIP KP’
King Princess – the project of Brooklyn-based vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, producer, and actor Mikaela Straus – is back with a new track. She’s announced her third album and first for section1, Girl Violence, will be released on September 12. It’s led by the sultry and infectious ‘RIP KP’, which is accompanied by a Warren Fu-directed video. “‘RIP KP’ is about the sexy side of girl violence – when love takes over your brain like a cordyceps and suddenly you’re getting fucked all over your house, acting a fool,” King Princess remarked. “It’s the perfect way to open the record: dramatic, unhinged, and a little tongue-in-cheek. I wrote it during a full ego death – leaving LA, my label, my old life – and somehow landed back in NYC making the music I would’ve obsessed over at 15. It’s a slutty anthem for the lesbians. We need debauchery this summer.”
Pool Kids – ‘Easier Said Than Done’
“I’ve been told I fixate/ I’m drinking on a Wednesday,” Pool Kids frontperson Christine Goodwyne sings on ‘Easier Said Than Done’, which happens to be out on a Wednesday. It’s the title track from their just-announced album that comes out August 15 via their new label home, Epitaph Records. “OCD can just rob your life of joy,” Goodwyne said of the new song. “Things can be going so well, and then it just sucks any enjoyment out of it.”
Indigo De Souza – ‘Crying Over Nothing’
“‘Crying Over Nothing’ is about heartbreak that feels beyond reason,” Indigo De Souza said of the vulnerable yet gleaming second single from her upcoming LP Precipice. “Pain that follows no matter where you go or how much you try to lose it. Pain that comes from memories you can’t erase and love you can’t unfeel. It’s about loss that is never-ending.”
Been Stellar – ‘Breakaway’
New York’s Been Stellar have dropped their first single of 2025, following their debut album Scream from New York, NY. “We needed to capture a few feelings with this song,” vocalist Sam Slocum said of the track, which is soaring yet emotionally tangled. “Some mixture of sadness, anger, regret— and ultimately optimism. “When Sky first showed me the initial idea it struck me how punchy yet melodic it was. There were already a few emotions in the guitar part alone, so the words followed naturally and the song came to life. We quickly brought it into the studio with Aron (Kobayashi-Ritch) and recorded it together live.”
Ivy – ‘Say You Will’
Ivy have announced their first LP in 14 years, Traces of You, releasing September 5 via Bar/None. It’s led by the mesmerizing ‘Say You Will’, which features Joey Waronker (Beck, R.E.M.) on drums.
Teyana Taylor – ‘Long Time’
Teyana Taylor has dropped a new single, ‘Long Time’. It’s an auspicious preview of her forthcoming album Escape Room, the follow-up to 2020’s The Album, which arrives in August.
McKinley Dixon – ‘Magic, Alive!’
Ahead of the release of his new album Magic, Alive!, McKinley Dixon has served up the title track, which really lives up to its name. “‘Magic, Alive!’ is me telling the audience what the record means,” Dixon revealed. “To run, to dance, to survive. It’s the ending of the record while in some ways serving as the beginning for the character. Just because that tale is over, the sun is still there. At the end of the day, at the end of your story, do you feel the love? Do you feel the magic?”
Frankie Cosmos – ‘Pressed Flower’
Frankie Cosmos have unveiled ‘Pressed Flower’, the gently moving opening track of their upcoming full-length Different Talking. It arrives with a music video directed by Adam Kolodny.
S.G. Goodman – ‘Michael Told Me’
S.G. Goodman’s new album, Planting by the Signs, marks the singer-songwriter’s reunion with longtime collaborator Matt Rowan; the pair fell out due to the grueling nature of touring, then reconnected while grieving her father figure and mentor, whom she lovingly referred to as “Murray Dad Mike.” “The grief of losing a father figure amounted to needing all of my chosen brothers,” Goodman explained. “We told each other that we loved each other, and Matt told me he would take care of Mike’s partner and all of our friends while we finished up our run. The song ‘Michael Told Me’ was started shortly after our falling out in 2021, and the song fully revealed itself in the winter of 2024.”
“It is a song of reconciliation, and a testament to my relationship to two great men who believe that there is something worth getting to on the other side of feeling hurt,” she added. “Our friendship had been pruned back for a time, but Mike had always assured me that new growth would come, and I believed him. It truly is one of life’s greatest gifts to understand and to experience love that can overcome ruptures.”
Editrix – ‘The Big E’
Editrix have announced their third album and Joyful Noise debut, The Big E, arriving July 25. The trio of guitarist/vocalist Wendy Eisenberg, drummer Josh Daniel, and bassist Steve Cameron have today shared the record’s title track, which is nervy yet exhilarating. “This was the first time we were making an album with us spread apart,” Daniel explained. “Time was a more precious resource. Once we hit our stride with it, it became very exciting because we would get together for a rehearsal and write a song in one sitting.”
Ain’t – ‘Jude’
South London band Ain’t have dropped a knotty, emotive new song called ‘Jude’. “George [Ellerby] wrote the main riff and named the song Jude, which reminded me of a pub called Jude the Obscure, where I went with a friend from university,” vocalist Hanna Baker Darch explained. “He’s a brilliant writer and is doing a PhD in philosophy, but he channels his talents into relentless overthinking. Some of the lyrics reflect the bitter pints-deep tone of our conversations, which has been described as the dynamic of a witch-hag and her raccoon accomplice.”
Gordi – ‘PVC Divide’ [feat. Anaïs Mitchell]
Gordi has teamed up with Anaïs Mitchell for a new song, ‘PVC Divide’, which is inspired by Gordi’s experiences working in hospitals during the COVID pandemic. It’s set to appear on her forthcoming album Like Plasticine.
Sophia Stel – ‘Everyone Falls Asleep in Their Own Time’
Sophia Stel has shared a wispy, swirling new single called ‘Everyone Falls Asleep in Their Own Time’. It comes paired with a music video by Scarlet Ross and Aaron Lum.
james K – ‘Play’
New York artist has unveiled an enchanting new track, ‘Play’, which leads her forthcoming album Friend. The record, out September 5, features Special Guest DJ, Francis Latrielle, Ben Bondy, Patrick Holland, Hank Jackson, and Adam Feingold.
SCALER – ‘Salt’ [feat. Akiko Haruna]
SCALER – the Brilstol outfit composed of Alex Hill, Isaac Jones, James Rushforth, and Nick Berthoud, as well as visual artist Jason Baker – have announced their next record, Endlessly. Art School Girlfriend, Tlya X An, Shadow Stevie, Cold Light’s ELDON, Thomas Ridley feature on the LP, whose first single, the sinky, Akiko Haruna-assisted ‘Salt’, is out now. “Collaboration was central to the creation of this album, and Akiko was the first artist we reached out to,” the band noted. “We’ve been long-time fans of her vocals, sound design, and production, and working together has been something we’ve wanted to do for a long time, so we’re thrilled it finally came to life. We had this sparse and haunting track that felt like the perfect canvas for Akiko. From the moment we heard her initial ideas, we knew we had something special and couldn’t wait to share it.” Endlessly is due September 26.
Georgia Harmer – ‘Eye of the Storm’
Georgia Harmer has announced a new album, Eye of the Storm – out August 15 via Arts & Crafts. The leading title track is a tender and resonant piece of folk-pop. “‘Eye of the Storm’ is about the feeling of carrying the weight of someone else’s well-being on my shoulders,” Harmer shared. “It’s about the feeling of responsibility and helplessness towards the problem of someone else’s sadness. It’s about emotional labour and my default willingness to take on the feelings of people around me, whether it even helps them or not. And how the weight of that can hold me back from my own life.”
Snuggle – ‘Sun Tan’
Snuggle – the Copenhagen-based duo of Andrea Thuesen (Baby in Vain) and former Liss guitarist Vilhelm Strange – have unveiled a new track, which is quite nostalgic. It’s about “reminiscing summer romance and that euphoria,” according to the group. “Staying up all night when the sun never sets in the northern hemisphere, and the moment when it kind of does — the birds start chirping, the city slowly awakens, and it smells like everything green is exploding. And the spell breaks.”
The beauty about the gaming industry is that there is always something new to look forward to. Game releases are strategically scattered throughout the year to maximise the launch and initial sales. Console releases such as those from Sony and Microsoft in the past have adopted the same strategy with far less frequency, but ultimately, it is the game titles that gaming enthusiasts are interested in as the year progresses. And in 2025, there is plenty more to come from the industry along with a few surprise packages and major launches.
Football Manager 26
There are very few clues as to what new features FM 26 will have, but one thing is certain, the release is certainly highly anticipated and overdue. This is due to Sports Interactive’s decision to pull the release of FM 25. The difficult decision to focus all development on FM 26 was disappointing for fans looking forward to steering their club from the lower leagues to European dominance.
Updates were provided to ensure that FM 24 was kept relevant to transfer dealings occurring across transfer windows in the summer of 2024 and winter of 2025, but the predicted release of the latest edition in a highly successful franchise cannot come sooner for football fans. The pressure on Sports Interactive to deliver an exceptional game to make up for the lack of FM25 will be extremely high, but with many of the updates and enhancements previously expected in FM25 rolled over to FM26, the new edition could feel like two editions in one once it is released later this year.
Online Slots Bonus Buy Games
For many gaming fans, this might seem a surprise inclusion in this piece. However, due to the incredibly rapid rise of online casinos in the last few years, online slots games have established themselves in the gaming mainstream. The pandemic benefited online casinos massively and online casino markets across the world have continued to build on that success with enhanced graphics, animations, soundtracks and interactive features creating a more immersive and entertaining online casino experience.
Although millions of players around the world are propping themselves up at online roulette and blackjack tables, online slots have been by far the most popular choice of game with the latest bonus buy slots feature proving especially popular. The feature, that allows players to buy bonus rounds for extra investment but without any added guarantee of a win, can be found on popular titles such as Dead or Alive 2, Big Bass Splash, and Money Train. The online casino industry is expected to make greater strides in the coming years with tech such as augmented and virtual reality expected to improve the game play further.
Nintendo Switch 2
In a slight switch of pace (excuse the pun), we will change our focus to the release of a console that is expected to dazzle gaming fans across the world. With the second edition of the hybrid console being unleashed to different markets across the globe across the month of June, the summer could be the time to switch it up for players that are new to the Switch world, and a chance for existing Switch holders to improve their visuals and game play with the enhanced model.
With 4K resolution and a larger console screen to provide visual spectacles, Nintendo’s latest long-awaited creation expects to sell 20 million units between the release dates this month and March 2026. The versatility has always been one of the main selling points for the Nintendo Switch, and just over eight years after the original model was released, the unique gaming experience could be one of the most exciting releases of 2025.