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    Voxtrot Return With First New Single in 14 Years

    Voxtrot. Credit: Daniel Everett Patrick & Angie Bandari

    Voxtrot are back with their first new single in 14 years, ‘Another Fire’. Featuring the group’s five original members – Ramesh Srivastava, Jason Chronis, Matt Simon, Mitch Calvert, and Jared Van Fleet – the track arrives with a video directed by Srivastava. Check it out below.

    “‘Another Fire’ is about personal and universal regeneration,” Srivastava said in a press statement. “Hearing it come to life through my bandmates’ contributions was thrilling – just like old times, but unmistakably new.”

    Jean Dawson Enlists SZA for New Song ‘NO SZNS’

    SZA (Jacob Webster) / Jean Dawson (Nico Hernandez)

    Experimental pop artist Jean Dawson has teamed up with SZA for a new song titled ‘NO SZNS’. Listen to it below.

    Last month, Dawson shared three new songs as part of the second installment of his trilogy, DESTRUCTION FOR DUMMIES, PT. 2 (JEAN DAWSON AS “NIGHTMARE”). His latest album, Chaos Now, came out last year. In 2021, Dawson enlisted Mac DeMarco for the song ‘Menthol*’.

    Earlier this month, SZA unveiled an acoustic version of ‘Snooze’ featuring Justin Bieber and joined forces with Drake for ‘Slime You Out’.

    Zach Bryan Releases Surprise EP ‘Boys of Faith’ Featuring Bon Iver and Noah Kahan

    Zach Bryan. Credit: Trevor Pavlik

    Zach Bryan has surprise-released a five-track EP called Boys of Faith. Arriving just weeks after the country-rock star’s self-titled, self-produced album, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, the collection features collaborations with Noah Kahan and Bon Iver. Take a listen below.

    “bon iver is such a generational act and such a genius in my eyes if you guys only understood how far this goes back for me and if you understood he’s the reason I started playing music that meant somethin’,” Bryan recently wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

    Last year, Bryan released his major-label debut, American Heartbreak.

    070 Shake Shares Video for New Single ‘Black Dress’

    070 Shake. Credit: Noah Lee

    070 Shake has returned with a new single called ‘Black Dress’. It’s the first preview of a forthcoming album, which is “coming soon,” according to a press release. Produced by longtime collaborator Dave Hamelin, the track comes paired with a music video from director Noah Lee. Check it out below.

    ‘Black Dress’ follows Shake’s 2022 collaboration with RAYE, ‘Escapism’. Also last year, Shake released her second album, You Can’t Kill Me.

    DJ Shadow Shares Video for New Song ‘You Played Me’

    DJ Shadow. Credit: Koury Angelo)

    DJ Shadow has released a new single, ‘You Played Me’. It’s set to appear on his new album Action Adventure, which arrives on October 27, along with the previously shared song ‘Ozone Scraper’. Check out its accompanying video, directed by the Reggies, below.

    ‘You Played Me’ was partly inspired by an eBay auction of 200 tapes that were culled from a Baltimore/DC-area radio mix station in the ’80s, blending dance music, R&B and early hip-hop. “It’s an example of one of my favorite aspects of the music I make, which is just 100% serendipity,” DJ Shadow explained in a statement. “There are a thousand records sitting next to me that aren’t going to work; the right record got put on at the right moment to change the course of my album. It’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever made.”

    Albums Out Today: Doja Cat, yeule, Kylie Minogue, Slaughter Beach, Dog, and More

    In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. Here are the albums out on September 22, 2023:


    Doja Cat, Scarlet

    Doja Cat has returned with Scarlet, the follow-up to 2021’s Planet Her, out now via Kemosabe Records/RCA Records. The album boasts no features but includes production from Rogét Chahayed, Kurtis McKenzie, London on da Track, Earl on the Beat, Jay Versace, and more. Ahead of its release, Doja Cat promoted it with the singles ‘Attention’, ‘Demons’, ‘Paint the Town Red’, and ‘Balut’. She also had to change its cover art after it became apparent it was nearly identical to the one for the new album by the German metalcore band Chaver, Of Gloom, which is also out today.


    yeule, softscars

    yeule has followed up last year’s Glitch Princess with a new LP, sofstcars, out now via Ninja Tune. It spans 12 tracks, including the previously released singles ‘inferno’‘ghosts’‘dazies’, ‘fish in the pool’, ‘sulky baby’, and the title track. “I took the metaphor of the scar to represent each song, and each scar remains soft,” yeule explained in a statement. “Whether you’re healing from emotional trauma or a physical wound, time never heals a scar completely. There’s no more pain, but you can still see the mark afterward. I have a deep feeling that the things my ancestors went through got passed down; there’s some trauma that just sticks. There was always decay and distortion in my life, there’s always been something wrong or ugly. So the scar reminds me that I’m being protected, and I should protect myself.”


    Kylie Minogue, Tension

    Kylie Minogue is back with a new album called Tension. Following up 2020’s DISCO, the LP features the advance single ‘Padam Padam’ and the title track. Minogue enlisted a number of producers for the album, including longtime collaborators Biff Stannard and Duck Blackwell. “I loved being back in the studio with my collaborators but was also able to benefit from remote recording, which we have all got used to – my mobile studio never left my side for a year and a half!” she said in a press release. “The album is a mix of songs I have written and songs which really spoke to me. Making this album helped me navigate challenging times and celebrate the now. I hope it accompanies listeners on their own journeys and becomes part of their story.”


    Slaughter Beach, Dog, Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling

    Slaughter Beach, Dog have released their latest album, Crying, Laughing, Waving, Smiling, today via Lame-O Records. The follow-up to 2020’s At the Moonbase was previewed by the singles ‘Strange Weather’‘Float Away’, ‘Summer Windows’, and ‘Engine’. At the beginning of the pandemic, Jake Ewald moved from his longtime home of Philadelphia to a house in the Poconos. “The first winter we were here, we got a lot of snow, and it was incredible to just be completely put in my place by snow,” he explained in our inspirations interview. “Like, it doesn’t matter what I want to do, doesn’t matter what I’m in the mood for, doesn’t matter what my aspirations or fears or dreams are, because this is more powerful than me, and it’s completely beyond my control. Anytime I’m reminded of that on a regular basis, I am happier and more productive and more sure of myself and more compassionate and more plugged into everything. It was so incredibly helpful to be reminded of that so often out here.”


    Will Butler + Sister Squares, Will Butler + Sister Squares

    Will Butler and his band Sister Squares – Miles Francis, Julie Shore, Will’s wife Jenny Shore, and Sara Dobbs – have dropped their new self-titled album via Merge. “I had quit my band Arcade Fire very recently, after 20 years—maybe the most complex decision of my life,” Butler said in a statement about the LP. “I had spent the preceding two years at home with my three children. I was 39 years old. I was waking up every morning and reading Emily Dickinson, until I had read every Emily Dickinson poem. I was listening to Morrissey, to Shostakovich, to the Spotify top 50. I had unformed questions with inchoate answers. But, honestly, I was feeling great about the record.” The singles ‘Long Grass’‘Arrow of Time’, ‘Willows’, and ‘Stop Talking’ arrived ahead of the release.


    The Alchemist, Wiki, & MIKE, Faith Is a Rock

    The Alchemist, MIKE, and Wiki have joined forces for a new collaborative record, Faith Is a Rock, out today via the producer’s ALC Records. Following One More, a three-song EP the trio put out last year to promote the Patta x Tommy Hilfiger capsule collection, the 10-track LP was previewed earlier this week with the single ‘Mayors a Cop’. MIKE recently appeared for a guest verse on the Alchemist’s joint album with Earl Sweatshirt, Voir Dire.


    Another Michael, Wishes to Fulfill

    Another Michael have put out a new LP, Wishes to Fulfill, via Run for Cover. It follows their debut full-length, 2020’s New Music and Big Pop, and includes the singles ‘Angel’, ‘Candle’, and ‘Water Pressure’. “Music is a medium of communication,” bassist/co-producer Nick Sebastiano said in a statement. “It’s not a purposeful decision to talk about music in our songs but it just inherently means so much to us. If something makes your heart sing, the audience is going to hear it.” Another Michael are set to release another record, Pick Me Up, Turn Me Upside Down, in early 2024.


    Laurel Halo, Atlas

    Laurel Halo has issued a new full-length, Atlas, via her new imprint Awend. The follow-up to 2018’s Raw Silk Uncut Wood includes the lead single ‘Belleville’ and the title track. Halo began working on Atlas in 2020 when she reacquainted herself with the piano, writing and recording various sketches and improvisations before taking up a residency at Ina-GRM Studios in Paris, where she dubbed, stretched, and manipulated some of the material she’d recorded. The album features contributions from saxophonist Bendik Giske, violinist James Underwood, cellist Lucy Railton, and vocalist Coby Sey.


    Loraine James, Gentle Confrontation

    Loraine James has unveiled a new album, Gentle Confrontation, via Hyperdub. Featuring contributions from Marina Herlop, keiyaA, George Riley, Eden Samar, and more, the record follows the London producer’s 2019 album For You and I, her 2023 self-titled debut under the electronic moniker Whatever the Weather, as well as Building Something Beautiful for Me, an album reinterpreting and responding to the work of American composer Julius Eastman. Along with ‘Déjà Vu’, a collaboration with RiTchie of the Arizona rap group Injury Reserve, the album includes ‘2003’, which served as an introduction to the album’s themes: “relationships (especially familial), understanding, and giving back a little grace and care.”


    Teenage Fanclub, Nothing Lasts Forever

    Teenage Fanclub have dropped their latest record, Nothing Lasts Forever, via Merge Records in the United States and the band’s label, PeMa, in the United Kingdom and Europe. The singles ‘Back to the Light’, ‘Foreign Land’, and ‘Tired of Being Alone’ previewed the follow-up to 2021’s Endless Arcade. “We never talk about what we’re going to do before we start making a record,” the band’s Raymond McGinley explained. “We don’t plan much other than the nuts and bolts of where we’re going to record and when. That thing about light was completely accidental; we didn’t realise that until we’d finished half the songs. The record feels reflective, and I think the more we do this thing, the more we become comfortable with going to that place of melancholy, feeling and expressing those feelings.”


    CHAI, CHAI

    CHAI’s self-titled album is out now via Sub Pop. The Japanese band’s fourth LP, which follows 2021’s WINK, was preceded by the tracks ‘NEO KAWAII, K?’‘PARA PARA’, ‘WE THE FEMALE!’, and ‘GAME’. “This is CHAI! With our self-titled album CHAI, CHAI declare that we live proudly as Japanese women We hope this album gives everyone a little more confidence in living how they want to live,” the band’s Mana said in press materials. “That is our ideal. If this album becomes that existence for anyone, that is the right answer in our eyes. Listen, feel. We give you our evolution, inside and out! Now come onnn, NEO-KAWAII BABIES. If you can’t catch up with us, you’ll never feel the NEO KAWAII


    Devendra Banhart, Flying Wig

    Devendra Banhart has released his first LP for Mexican SummerFlying Wig, following 2019’s Ma. Made in collaboration with Welsh singer-songwriter Cate Le Bon, the 10-track effort includes the previously unveiled songs ‘Sirens’, ‘Twin’, ‘Nun’, and ‘Fireflies’. “She’s the only person I wanted to make this record with,” Banhart said of working with Le Bon. “We set out to make a record sonically unlike anything I have made before – with a new creative partner at the helm. We definitely wanted a new sound, electronic yet organic and warm…we wanted to draw out and emphasise the emotional aspect of a synthesiser.”


    Other albums out today:

    Kim Petras, Problematique; Bleach Lab, Lost in a Rush Of Emptiness; Lydia Loveless, Nothing’s Gonna Stand in My Way Again; Patio, Collection; Flat Worms, Witness Marks; Eartheater, Powders; Jenny Owen Youngs, Avalanche; KEN Mode, Void; underscores, Wallsocket; Al Menne, Freak Accident; Colleen, Le jour et la nuit du réel; Chaver, Of Gloom; Duffy x Uhlmann, Doubles; Föllakzoid, V; Samantha Urbani, Showing Up; Cannibal Corpse, Chaos Horrific; Kevin Drew, Aging; Sally Anne Morgan, Carrying; Helena Hauff, Fabric Presents Helena Hauff.

    5 things to look out for during a typical Blackjack game

    a close-up of a game board

    Many people love a game of Blackjack and it’s not surprising due to how easy it is to play and the fun gamers can have when playing.

    Within a typical game of Blackjack there are a variety of things to know and look out for that will make your gaming experience a whole lot easier.

    Whilst these tips may be useful for the most classic Blackjack (also known as American Blackjack), they may come in handy for a variety of Blackjack games.

    So, what should you be looking for during a typical Blackjack game?

    Table rules and game variations

    There are a variety of Blackjack games available to play, each with its own rules and betting options.

    Before playing or betting, it’s useful to be aware of these rules. For example, a rule that can differ from game to game is whether the dealer hits or stands on a hand of 17.

    Familiarising yourself with this and the other rules that may be in play can help during future Blackjack games to come if you choose to play again!

    The dealer’s upcard 

    If you know anything about Blackjack, you’ll know that one of the most important elements of a Blackjack game is the dealer’s up card, which is visible to every player.

    Utilising this card during gameplay can help shape your next move – you’ll be more inclined to know whether you should hit, stand, split your hand, or double down.

    Of course, it’s still all based on chance, so even when you do see the dealer’s up card, you won’t be sure to win the game if you use this information.

    Your hand total

    Knowing how much your hand totals is vital within any Blackjack game, as it determines how to best play – similarly to the dealer’s up card.

    You want to get as close to 21 as possible without going bust. Although this is impossible to control yourself as the game is based on chance, some things may help gameplay.

    For example, if your hand total is low, it may be best to hit – and if your total is looking high, choosing to stand to avoid going bust could be a wiser decision.

    It’s also important to understand the value of an Ace card, which can be one or 11, based on which benefits your current hand or they can even be split to form two separate hands.

    So, what will you decide to do?

    Other players’ actions

    Typically, you won’t be playing against other players in a Blackjack game – you’ll be solely playing against the dealer.

    Although, the actions of other players at the table can still impact your game and how you decide to play.

    By paying attention to how others are playing, you can see how it affects the cards that are dealt, so if a player is dealt a card you were hoping for, you could change how you play.

    Again, due to the chance-based nature of the game, although this can help, this can never determine success!

    Bankroll management

    Blackjack is not all about playing cards, you also have to balance that with managing your bets and bankroll.

    A good tip is to set a budget before playing, so you can decide how much you’re willing to wager and stick to it.

    Defining your bankroll management is key to ensuring a fun and fair game without risking more than you can afford to lose!

    With these five things to look out for during a standard Blackjack game, how will you use them in your next game?

    Reasons Why You Should Give Gel Balling a Try

    man in black jacket sitting on brown wooden bench near brown trees during daytime

    If you’ve ever wanted a new and exciting way to get an adrenaline rush that won’t break the bank, then gel balling is for you! Although it may seem like a relatively new sport, it has quickly gained popularity around the world due to its ease of access and fun-filled action. From kids in their backyards to seasoned pros on professional courses, this activity offers something for everyone – no matter your age or skill level. With so many great reasons why you should give gel balling a try, we’re here to share just a few as to why it’s worth jumping into this thrilling hobby!

    Discover What Gel Balling Is 

    Have you ever heard of gel balling? If you haven’t, you’re in for a treat! Gel balling is a thrilling activity that has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. It’s a game that involves using gel blasters that shoot small water-filled gel balls at your opponents. The objective is similar to that of other team-based games, meaning you have to eliminate the other team’s players and complete certain objectives to win. The game is not only fun, but it’s also a great exercise that gets you running around and working up a sweat. If you’re looking for an exciting new activity to try, give gel balling a shot! You can find affordable gel ball blasters online by doing some research. It’s the perfect hobby to jump into that won’t break the bank.

    Get Ready for Action

    Are you ready to take on the challenge of gel balling? If so, it’s time to get your gear together and prepare for some intense action! Depending on your budget and preferences, you can choose from a wide variety of gel blasters out there. Gel blasters come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, colors, and styles – so find one that fits your needs best. Once you have your blaster, you’ll need to stock up on some gel balls. These come in packs of various sizes and colors so you can choose the ones that suit your play style best. Once you’re equipped with your blaster and ammo, it’s time to get out there and have some fun!

    Learn the Rules of the Game 

    Have you ever played a game with rules? This holds true for gel balling as well! Before you hit the battlefield, it’s important to understand the rules and regulations of the game. Each course or playing area has its own set of rules that need to be followed in order to play safely and fairly – so make sure you read up on them before getting started. Additionally, each blaster has its own firing rate, so make sure you know how to load your blaster and fire accurately. Once you understand the rules of the game, you’ll be ready to have some serious fun!

    Meet Other Like-Minded People with Similar Interests

    Are you looking to join a group of like-minded gel ballers? If so, there are plenty of squads out there that you can join. Many of these squads have tournaments and events that you can participate in or even just socialize with other players. Joining a squad will give you access to experienced coaches who will help you hone your skills and become the best player possible. You’ll also get to meet other gel ballers who share your passion and are looking to have a great time! Whether you want to join the competition or just have some fun, joining a squad can be an extremely rewarding experience.

    Invest in High-Quality Protective Gear That Will Keep You Safe

    Protecting yourself while playing gel balling is a must – so make sure you invest in quality protective gear before heading out on the field. From helmets and face masks to chest protectors, it’s important to get the right gear that will keep you safe from gel balls as they fly around. You can find affordable protective gear online by doing some research or visiting your local sports shop. Investing in quality protective gear is a great way to ensure that you have the best possible experience when it comes to gel balling.

    Gel balling is an exciting, thrilling activity that is fun to share with friends and family. If you’re looking for a way to get away from the hustle of everyday life and immerse yourself in the outdoors while having an amazing time, then look no further than gel balling. From gathering all your gear to following the rules of the game, finding a squad during competition, and taking all necessary precautions to protect yourself, you can become one of the best players out there by mastering a few simple strategies. So don’t wait—take part in this fun activity today! Gather up your friends and family, pick up some protective gear for safety purposes, and head outdoors for an awesome gel balling experience!

    Finding the Perfect Companion to Discuss the Arts? Essential Tips You Should Follow

    assorted-color paintbrushes

    Are you looking for a companion to discuss the Arts with? At times, it can be challenging to find someone who shares your passions and interests. Whether you’re looking for a friend to attend museums or galleries with or just an avid admirer of artworks in general – finding the right person who understands your connection with the arts is essential. In this blog post, we’ll provide some guidance on how to locate someone compatible and discuss topics focusing on fine art from around the world! With our tips, you’re sure to make long-term connections and relationships based on shared interests in no time.

    Figure out what type of art you are most interested in

    Understanding your artistic preferences is the cornerstone of finding a companion to discuss the arts. Are you captivated by the timeless strokes of oil paintings or the avant-garde nature of contemporary art? Perhaps the performing arts, with their live and dynamic appeal, hold a special place in your heart. Recognizing your specific interests in the vast world of art will guide your search for a compatible companion. If you’re a fan of visual arts, pinpoint the eras, styles, or artists that resonate with you. If performing arts are your passion, determine whether you prefer theater, dance, music, or all of them. This self-awareness not only helps you find someone who shares your enthusiasm but also facilitates engaging and meaningful conversations about the arts.

    Take advantage of online resources

    In this digital age, the internet serves as a boundless realm for connecting with individuals who share your artistic inclinations. Various online platforms cater to art enthusiasts, providing forums, groups, and communities for discussions and networking. Websites like DeviantArt and Behance are excellent for connecting with visual artists and discovering their creations. Websites like SGWolves could have provided you with an excellent companion for your interests but as it has shut down, you can look for other alternatives online. Additionally, websites like Meetup.com host virtual and physical events, including art-related gatherings, workshops, and exhibitions. Utilize these online resources to expand your network and find the perfect companion for your artistic dialogues.

    Make a list of qualities you’d like your companion to have

    Defining the qualities you seek in a companion for discussing the arts is a pivotal step in enhancing your artistic journey. Consider the attributes that would elevate your conversations and interactions in the realm of creativity. Are you seeking someone with extensive knowledge of art history or a more contemporary perspective? Perhaps you value a companion with a keen eye for detail and aesthetics or someone with effective communication skills and a passion for continuous learning. An open-minded approach to different artistic styles and a shared enthusiasm for exploring the arts are often desirable traits. By delineating the qualities that matter to you, you’ll guide your search, finding a companion who aligns with your expectations, and fostering enriching dialogues about the arts.

    Consider participating in an art-focused event

    Engaging in art-focused events is an excellent way to meet potential companions who share your passion for creativity. Attend local art exhibitions, gallery openings, or craft fairs to immerse yourself in the artistic community. These events offer a vibrant atmosphere where you can connect with fellow enthusiasts, artists, and critics. Engage in conversations about the artworks, the artists’ inspirations, and the techniques used. Not only will you expand your understanding of art, but you’ll also encounter individuals who share your fervor for creative expression. Meaningful connections often stem from such events, providing a foundation for future discussions and artistic exploration.

    Join social media groups, clubs, and forums related to the arts

    Social media platforms are valuable hubs for connecting with individuals who share your passion for the arts. Joining online art communities, groups, or forums allows you to interact with a diverse array of artists and art enthusiasts. Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, and specialized art platforms host a plethora of groups dedicated to various art forms and styles. Engage in discussions, share your artistic endeavors, and seek advice from fellow community members. Social media provides a vast and accessible space to connect with like-minded individuals, paving the way for meaningful dialogues and friendships centered around the arts.

    Finding the perfect companion to discuss the arts is an enriching journey that begins with understanding your own artistic preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the elegance of oil paintings, the boldness of contemporary art, or the dynamic allure of performing arts, recognizing these inclinations guides your search for a like-minded companion. Online resources, ranging from art-focused websites to social media platforms, offer boundless opportunities to connect with fellow art enthusiasts and expand your artistic horizons. Making a list of desired companion qualities ensures meaningful and engaging conversations about the arts, enriching your experience. Engaging in art-focused events and joining online art communities provide platforms to meet potential companions who share your passion for creativity. By following these essential tips, you’re on the path to forming lasting connections and relationships founded on shared interests in the diverse world of art.

    Pile Announce ‘Hot Air Balloon’ EP, Unveil New Song

    Pile. Credit: Adam Parshall

    Pile have announced the Hot Air Balloon EP, which lands on January 5 via Exploding in Sound. The five-track release was recorded during the sessions for the band’s 2023 LP All Fiction. Listen to the new single ‘The Birds Attacked My Hot Air Balloon’ and find the EP’s details below.

    “It started off as just an image that felt related to the music (floating peacefully through the air), but it naturally turned into a story of that peace being interrupted by fear and navel-gazing,” the band’s Rick Maguire said of the new track in a statement. “I usually use songwriting as a way to look for and work through whatever might need to process, and that’s how this one shook out.”

    Hot Air Balloon EP Cover Artwork:

    Hot Air Balloon EP Tracklist:

    1. Scaling Walls
    2. The Birds Attacked My Hot Air Balloon
    3. Only For A Reminder
    4. Exits Blocked
    5. You Get To Decide