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Fragrance guide for men: Tips to choose the right perfume

As men, we often tend to overlook the power of our sense of smell and its importance. You can make a strong statement with the right fragrance without even uttering a word. A well-chosen cologne that matches your personality can be extremely attractive. But choosing the right one can be overwhelming with so many options available.

Fragrance Guide for Men

Fear not, we’ve got you covered with this ultimate fragrance guide for men! From understanding different notes and longevity to picking out the perfect scent for every occasion – we’ll help you choose the right perfume that suits your taste.

Understand Different Scent Notes:

Before diving into buying any random perfume bottle, it’s essential to understand how fragrances work. The three primary notes are the top note, middle note, and base note.

  • Top Note: This is what you first experience when applying any scent and lasts only up to 15 minutes. It usually consists of light floral or citrus aromas.
  • Middle Note: It’s also known as the heart note, which emerges after the initial top note fades away. Middle notes appear between 30-45 minutes after application and commonly consist of spicy or herbaceous tones.
  • Base Note: The final stage appears at least an hour since applied onto the skin and remains there several hours later. Base notes are usually made from long-lasting scents such as musk and sandalwood.

Consider Longevity:

Longevity characterizes how long a scent will last on your skin after spraying it on yourself. This aspect depends on various factors such as concentration levels of essential oils in cologne and whether it’s an oil-based or alcohol-based product.

Generally speaking, Eau de Cologne has about 2-4% concentration that lasts up to two hours; Eau de Toilette contains around 5-15% concentration which stays up until three hours, while Eau de Parfum has 15-20% concentration that lasts up to five hours.

Choosing a scent with good longevity is essential as it prevents frequent reapplication of perfumes – which can become quite expensive in the long run!

Define Your Personality:

When selecting a fragrance, you must consider your personality. A scent can give off an impression of whether you’re introverted or extroverted, confident or timid – so make sure you choose one that reflects your personality and character traits.

For instance, fresh scents with citrusy notes are known to be suitable for outdoors people or sporty individuals. On the other hand, complex fragrances with earthy tones, such as sweet cedarwood notes, give off calmness and elegance to introverts.

Occasion Matters:

Different occasions create a unique ambiance, with scents designed explicitly for events like romantic dates or casual settings. 

On a date night, lean towards warm and spicy smells like musk colognes. While at work meetings,  go for something subtle that wouldn’t necessarily distract people around them, like light fruity fragrances.

Avoid Being Monotonous:

It’s not uncommon for men to stick to their familiar scent, but doing so indicates a lack of versatility, showcasing their lifestyle complacency. This accentuates why having more than one signature scent is crucial, as it gives leeway in choosing various options in different situations.

Consider categories when picking out perfumes; have a work category where you’d wear lighter scents, stronger ones for formal events like weddings, and muskier winter fragrances during colder seasons.

Conclusion:

Picking out the right fragrance is not rocket science but needs careful consideration – especially since it’s an extension of your personality. Knowing different scent notes aids in selecting products that appeal more to your liking. Always remember various aspects when choosing perfumes, such as longevity, occasion, and personality, among others. 

Allow yourself to experiment with other scents outside your comfort zone; venture into winter fragrances or floral tones outside summertime–after all, it’s this type of versatility that adds character and intrigue!

Taking Charge of Your Health: Essential Tips for Men’s Well-being

In the dynamic, fast-paced world we live in today, maintaining your health has become more crucial than ever, yet paradoxically more challenging. This especially holds true for men, who often find themselves at the crossroads of societal expectations, career pressures, and familial responsibilities. Neglecting health in favour of these demands can lead to a host of physical and mental health issues, making it crucial for men to make proactive, informed choices about their well-being.

The following article will delve into practical tips, preventive strategies, and the necessary changes that can lead to improved overall well-being. We will explore various facets of health — physical, mental, emotional, and social — while also examining the specific health concerns that tend to affect men. We’ll discuss nutrition, exercise, stress management, regular check-ups, and the importance of seeking help when needed.

It’s time to move beyond the outdated and harmful stereotypes discouraging men from prioritising their health. Today, we stand for proactive health management and embrace the idea that taking care of one’s health is not just a necessity but a primary responsibility to oneself and one’s loved ones. So, let’s dive in and start the journey towards a healthier, happier, and longer life.

Understanding The Unique Health Challenges And Societal Expectations Faced By Men

Both biological reasons and societal expectations contribute to the unique health risks that men experience. Men are biologically predisposed to develop health problems like cardiovascular disease, prostate cancer, and erectile dysfunction. In addition, men are typically discouraged from getting help or talking openly about health difficulties due to social expectations that they should be strong, self-reliant, and invulnerable.

This combination of factors can lead to men neglecting their health and failing to address potential issues in a timely manner. It is crucial to acknowledge and understand these challenges in order to effectively manage and improve men’s well-being. By recognising the impact of societal expectations and breaking free from harmful stereotypes, men can take charge of their health and make informed decisions that prioritise their overall well-being.

The Role Of Toxic Masculinity In Neglecting Health Issues

Toxic masculinity refers to the harmful societal expectations and stereotypes that place undue pressure on men to conform to rigid gender norms. These expectations often discourage men from seeking help for their health concerns, as it may be perceived as a sign of weakness or vulnerability. This can have serious consequences for men’s health, as it may lead to delayed diagnosis, lack of preventive care, and increased risk of developing serious health conditions.

It is important to challenge and dismantle toxic masculinity in order to promote men’s health and well-being. Men should be encouraged to seek help when needed, engage in open discussions about their health, and prioritise self-care without fear of judgment or stigma. By creating a supportive and inclusive environment, we can break free from the limitations imposed by toxic masculinity and promote a healthier, more proactive approach to men’s health.

An Overview Of Common Men’s Health Issues

Men’s health encompasses a wide range of issues, both physical and mental. Understanding and addressing these common health concerns is essential for maintaining overall well-being. Some of the most prevalent health issues faced by men include heart disease, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction, mental health disorders, and substance abuse.

Understanding Erectile Dysfunction: Causes, Impacts, And Treatment

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition characterised by the inability to achieve or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. It can have a significant impact on a man’s self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life. Understanding the causes, impacts, and available treatments for ED is crucial for men’s well-being.

Many different physical and mental conditions might contribute to ED. Diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, and hormone imbalances are some examples of underlying medical issues that could be to blame. Stress, anxiety, depression, and interpersonal difficulties can all play a role in the onset of erectile dysfunction. In order to properly manage and treat ED, it is necessary to address both the medical and psychological elements of the illness.

The impacts of ED extend beyond the physical realm. It can lead to feelings of embarrassment, shame, and frustration. It may also strain relationships and cause emotional distress for both the individual and their partner. Therefore, seeking professional help and discussing the issue openly is crucial for addressing the emotional and relational aspects of ED.

Several treatment options are available for ED, depending on the underlying cause and individual needs. Medications such as Caverject for ED can help improve erectile function by increasing blood flow to the penis. Additionally, therapy and counselling can be beneficial for addressing psychological factors contributing to ED.

Prostate Cancer: Awareness, Prevention, And Early Detection

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers among men. It develops in the prostate, a small gland located below the bladder that produces seminal fluid. Raising awareness about prostate cancer is crucial for early detection and successful treatment. Regular screenings, including a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and digital rectal exam (DRE), can help identify potential issues early on. In order to make an educated decision, men should talk to their GPs about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, engaging in regular exercise, and not using tobacco products, as well as getting screened regularly, are all effective preventative measures against many forms of cancer.

Importance Of A Balanced, Nutritious Diet

A balanced and nutritious diet plays a vital role in men’s overall health and well-being. Incorporating a variety of foods from different food groups is essential for obtaining a wide range of nutrients. Fruits and vegetables, in particular, are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre, which support a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In addition to a balanced diet, staying hydrated is crucial for optimal health. Water plays a vital role in regulating body temperature, transporting nutrients, and removing waste products. It is recommended to drink at least eight glasses of water per day and even more during physical activity or in hot weather.

The Role Of Regular Exercise In Managing Physical Health And Mental Stress

Regular exercise is an essential component of maintaining physical health and managing mental stress. Engaging in physical activity has numerous benefits for men’s well-being, including improved cardiovascular health, weight management, increased muscle strength, enhanced mood, and reduced stress levels.

In addition to physical benefits, exercise also plays a crucial role in managing mental stress and promoting overall well-being. Physical activity releases endorphins, which are natural mood elevators. It helps reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, improves sleep quality, and enhances cognitive function. Incorporating activities such as yoga, tai chi, or meditation can further enhance the mind-body connection and promote relaxation.

Wrapping Up

Taking charge of your health is a fundamental responsibility that can significantly impact your overall well-being and quality of life. Men face unique health challenges and societal expectations that can often hinder their ability to prioritise self-care. However, by understanding these challenges, challenging harmful stereotypes, and making proactive choices about nutrition, exercise, regular check-ups, and mental health, men can take control of their well-being.

It’s time to move beyond the outdated notions that discourage men from prioritising their health. Let’s embrace the idea that taking care of one’s health is not just a necessity but a primary responsibility to oneself and one’s loved ones. By implementing the practical tips and preventive strategies discussed in this article, men can embark on a journey towards improved overall well-being, leading to a healthier, happier, and longer life.

beabadoobee Shares Video for New Single ‘the way things go’

beabadoobee has shared a new single, ‘the way things go’, alongside an accompanying video. The track arrives ahead of a run of tour dates across the US kicking off this month. Check out the Renaissance-themed, Jacob Erland-directed clip below.

‘the way things go’ follows beabadoobee’s Valentine’s Day single ‘Glue Song’, which she recently updated with vocals from Clairo. Her latest album, Beatopia, came out last year.

Mali Velasquez Announces Debut Album, Shares New Single ‘Tore’

Nashville singer-songwriter Mali Velasquez has announced her debut album, I’m Green, which will be released on October 13 via Acrophase Records. To mark the announcement, she’s shared the new single ‘Tore’, which was produced by Josef Kuhn and comes alongside a Reed Schick-directed video. Check it out below.

“‘Tore’ is a song mostly about my own way of self sabotaging,” Velasquez explained in a statement. “I have no idea how to combat being embarrassed all the time still, but explaining it has helped some. Being comfortable in my skin is something that feels out of reach a lot of the time. The themes of time passing slowly and seeming to get away at the same time are the strongest in this song.”

Stephen Steinbrink Unveils New Single ‘Poured Back in the Stream’

Stephen Steinbrink has shared a new single, ‘Poured Back in the Stream’, from his upcoming album Disappearing Coin – out August 18 via Western Vinyl. It follows previous offerings ‘Cruiser’ (featuring Boy Scouts’ Taylor Vick) and ‘Opalescent Ribbon’. Give it a listen below.

“I wrote ‘Poured Back in the Stream’ in early 2019 at the end of the rainy Bay Area winter,” Steinbrink reflected in a statement. “Most evenings after finishing work at the stained glass studio, I’d take BART to the meditation center to sit and hear Zen Master Bon Soeng talk. Over several weeks the song came to me while walking home from the center, reflecting the change in my thinking around meaninglessness from a desperate, negative concept into a liberating point of curiosity. This one is the disappearing coin of grief/freedom. I finally recorded this version of the song three years later at my home studio, with Taylor Vick singing backup on this one. I shot the video on a MiniDV camera around my home in Oakland and the Marin Headlands.”

The Menzingers Share New Single ‘There’s No Place in This World for Me’

The Menzingers are back with a new song, ‘There’s No Place in This World for Me’. The track was recorded at Sonic Ranch in April 2023, produced by Brad Cook, mixed by Jon Low, and mastered by Ryan Smith. Listen to it below.

Speaking about the track, the band shared in a statement: “Very excited to share our new single, ‘There’s No Place In This World For Me,’ from our upcoming album that… well we can’t go into details just yet but trust us, it’s coming soon! This song is an anthem for anyone stuck between where they are and where they want to be. Additionally, we’re thrilled to announce a fall North American headline tour with Microwave, Cloud Nothings, and Rodeo Boys! Truly honored to share the stage with such great bands.”

Earlier this year, the Menzingers unveiled ‘Bad Actors’, a track lifted from the sessions behind 2019’s Hello Exile.

Angel Du$t Announce New Album, Share New Single ‘Space Jam’

Angel Du$t have announced their next LP: BRAND NEW SOUL drops September 8 via Pop Wig Records. Today’s announcement comes alongside the release of the new single ‘Space Jam’, which follows early cuts ‘Very Aggressive’ and ‘Love Slam’. Check it out below and scroll down for the album cover, tracklist, and Angel Du$t’s upcoming tour dates.

The band’s Justice Tripp helmed the production on BRAND NEW SOUL, which was recorded with Paul Mercer and mixed by Rob Schnapf. It features the lineup of Daniel Star and Steve Marino on guitar, Zechariah Ghostribe on bass, and Thomas Cantwell on drums, as well as contributions from longtime collaborators Daniel Fang and Pat McCrory and vocal appearances from Mary Jane Dunphe and Citizen’s Mat Kerekes.

“The band has always centered around me, but I’ve never written the music just for me,” Tripp explained in a press release. “It always felt like it was meant to be played by a band, I love the team effort. Angel Du$t isn’t about me – it’s about the spirit of rock music and the energy that that gives off. It’s like we’re committed to a cause.”

““I wanted to just be able to try anything with no fear,” he added. “I can’t operate with fear. This record is about zero compromise, it’s about giving yourself over completely to what you’re doing. It’s not about ego, it’s about submitting yourself to this feeling – it’s rock and roll music, period. That’s it.”

Brand New Soul Cover Artwork:

Brand New Soul Tracklist:

1. Brand New Soul
2. Love Slam
3. Don’t Stop
4. Racecar
5. Space Jam
6. Born 2 Run
7. Muck Motors
8. Very Aggressive
9. Sippin Lysol
10. I’m Not Ready
11. Fuel For The Fire
12. Waste of Space
13. In The Tape Deck

Angel Du$t 2023 Tour Dates:

Sep 6 Cardiff, UK – Clwb Ifor Bach *
Sep 7 Bristol, UK – Strange Brew *
Sep 8 Torquay, UK – Burn It Down Fest *
Sep 9 Brighton, UK – Patterns *
Sep 10 Bedford, UK – Esquires *
Sep 12 Huddersfield, UK – The Parish + *
Sep 13 Manchester, UK – Canvas + *
Sep 14 Glasgow, UK – Slay + *
Sep 15 Blackpool, UK – Bootleg Social + *
Sep 16 Newcastle, UK – World Headquarters + *
Sep 17 Liverpool, UK – District + *
Sep 19 Sheffield, UK – Leadmill + *
Sep 20 London, UK – New Cross Inn *
Sep 21 Tunbridge Wells, UK – The Forum *
Sep 22 Norwich, UK – Waterfront *
Sep 23 Birmingham, UK – Asylum *
Nov 3 Baltimore, MD – Baltimore Soundstage ^ ~ =
Nov 4 Cambridge, MA – Middle East Downstairs ^ ~ =
Nov 5 Montréal, QC – Le Foufounes Électriques ^ ~ $
Nov 7 Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace ^ ~ $
Nov 8 Detroit, MI – Edgemen Printing ^ ~ $
Nov 9 Chicago, IL – Metro ^ # $
Nov 10 Minneapolis, MN – Underground Music Venue ^ # $
Nov 11 Omaha, NE – The Waiting Room ^ # $
Nov 13 Denver, CO – Marquis Theatre ^ # !
Nov 14 Salt Lake City, UT – Beehive ^ !
Nov 15 Boise, ID – Shrine Ballroom ^ !
Nov 16 Seattle, WA – Neumos ^ ! %
Nov 17 Portland, OR – Hawthorne Theatre ^ ! %
Nov 19 Reno, NV – Holland Project ^ !
Nov 20 Berkeley, CA – Cornerstone ^ & !
Nov 21 Los Angeles, CA – The Echoplex ^ !
Nov 22 Anaheim, CA – Chain Reaction ^ !
Nov 24 Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom ^ &
Nov 25 Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad ^ &
Nov 27 San Antonio, TX – Paper Tiger ^ & <
Nov 28 Austin, TX – The Mohawk ^ & <
Nov 29 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live Studio ^ & <
Nov 30 Fort Worth, TX – Tulips ^ & >
Dec 1 Oklahoma City, OK – Resonant Head ^ & >
Dec 2 Lawrence, KS – The Bottleneck ^ ~ >
Dec 3 St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway ^ ~ >
Dec 5 Columbus, OH – Skully’s ^ ~ >
Dec 6 Cleveland, OH – Beachland Ballroom ^ ~ >
Dec 7 Morgantown, WV – 123 Pleasant Street ^ ~ >
Dec 8 Richmond, VA – The Warehouse ^ ~
Dec 9 Philadelphia, PA – Underground Arts ^ – =
Dec 10 Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere Hall ^ – =

* with Powerplant
+ with TS Warpaint
^ with Candy
= with Loosey
~ with Dazy
$ with 9 Million
# with Bib
! with Mary Jane Dunphe
% with TV Star
& with Restraining Order
< with On Being An Angel
> with Steve Marino
– w/ith Missing Link

Five Frightful Films Screening at Fantasia 2023

One of the major annual events for fans of genre cinema, Fantasia International Film Festival is soon to return to cinemas in Montreal, Canada. Running from Thursday 20 July to Wednesday 9 August 2023, this year’s festival features a line-up of over 120 features and 200 short films – as well as tributes to cult hero Nicolas Cage and Canadian filmmaker Larry Kent.

With so many screenings and events taking place over the festival’s three-week run, here are five films we’ve picked out of the line up to keep an eye on…

Words by Craig Ian Mann and Liam Hathaway.

Blackout (dir. Larry Fessenden, USA)

We’ve been waiting a very, very long time for Larry Fessenden’s werewolf movie. Nearly thirty years ago, Fessenden made what remains one of the greatest independent vampire films ever made: Habit (1995), in which a down-and-out alcoholic (played by Fessenden himself) crosses paths with an enigmatic creature of the night. More recently, Fessenden put his stamp on Frankenstein’s monster with Depraved (2019), a sombre and deeply personal take on Mary Shelley’s novel (which also served as the inspiration for his 1991 film No Telling). It’s no secret that the respected writer, director, actor and producer has wanted to make a werewolf movie for years, and Blackout – the result of those long-standing ambitions – will finally receive its world premiere at Fantasia in just a few days.

Blackout began life as an episode of Tales from Beyond the Pale, a series of “radio plays for the digital age” that Fessenden has been making with his frequent collaborator Glenn McQuaid since 2010. So far the only episode to make the leap from the airwaves to the screen (though we sincerely hope more of them are adapted to film in future), Blackout draws on Fessenden’s love of classic werewolf movies; it stars Alex Hurt as struggling artist Charley Barrett, a recently infected werewolf struggling with his curse. But this is, of course, a Larry Fessenden movie – so expect a hefty dose of politics in a film with plenty to say about capitalism, racism, small-town conservatism and the lycanthropic nature of modern America.

Blackout screens at Fantasia on Thursday 20 July and Thursday 27 July.

The Sacrifice Game (dir. Jenn Wexler, Canada)

Those familiar with Jenn Wexler’s 2018 feature debut, The Ranger – a pacey Glass Eye Pix-produced backwoods slasher that pits on-the-run punks against a violently deranged park ranger – will understand two things: 1) That binoculars are surprisingly effective weapons to combat assailants with, and 2) Wexler is a particularly talented filmmaker to keep an eye on. Mixing the deranged spirit of classic ’80s slashers at their scuzziest, a helping of anti-authority attitude inspired by Psycho Cop (1989) and Psycho Cop 2 (1993) – check the posters for a direct lineage –  and an adoration for the individualism of punk culture as seen recently in Green Room (2015) and Uncle Peckerhead (2020), The Ranger is one of the finest independent calling cards of late.

Finally, after half a decade, Wexler, along with her co-writer Sean Redlitz, have produced what is bound to be another hit with The Sacrifice Game, a film shot entirely in Quebec. Set in a girl’s Catholic school in the 1970s, it follows two outcast girls, Samantha (Madison Baines) and Clara (Georgia Acken), who are not able to return home for the Christmas holidays and so must remain in their almost-deserted school with a young teacher, Rose (Chloë Levine). However, as Christmas draws closer, a slew of murderous fanatics intent on unleashing evil supernatural forces invade the school grounds to inflict horror and torment on those who remain. So, ignore the odds and ditch the rule book – they need not apply to The Sacrifice Game.

The Sacrifice Game screens at Fantasia on Friday 28 July.

T Blockers (dir. Alice Maio Mackay, Australia)

At just sixteen years old, Australian filmmaker Alice Maio Mackay made her first feature film: So Vam (2021), an unapologetically queer take on The Lost Boys (1987) in which a drag artist living in a small, conservative town falls in with a group of vampiric vigilantes. Two years later – now aged eighteen – Mackay has not one but two films on the festival circuit in 2023. The first, Bad Girl Boogey, has screened at Chattanooga Film Festival in the US and Soho Horror Film Festival here in the UK as part of its 2023 Pride edition; the filmmaker’s take on the slasher sub-genre, it focuses on a cursed mask that turns anyone who wears it into a rampaging bigot. The second, which has its Canadian premiere at Fantasia later this month, is Mackay’s spin on alien invasion horror: T Blockers.

Like both So Vam and Bad Girl Boogey, T Blockers is set in small-town (and small-minded) Australia. Lauren Last plays a trans filmmaker looking for a lost film, whose search is interrupted by an earthquake that lets loose subterranean parasites that begin to infect the town’s population and turn them into a murderous, homogenous mob that wishes to destroy anyone who dares to display their difference. A queer twist on Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956) made to launch an outright attack on those fuelling anti-LGBTQ sentiment as part of a twenty-first century moral panic, Mackay’s third feature promises to be her most subversive and political yet (and, by all accounts, her grossest).

T Blockers screens at Fantasia on Sunday 30 July.

Suitable Flesh (dir. Joe Lynch, USA)

Joe Lynch has long been one of the most exciting voices in American independent horror. After making his directorial debut with 2007’s Wrong Turn 2: Dead End (which remains one of the best films in the long-running franchise), he went on to work with Adam Green – director of Frozen (2010), Digging Up the Marrow (2014) and the Hatchet series (2006–2017) – on the outrageous anthology horror Chillerama (2011) and the cult favourite horror sitcom Holliston (2012–2013). He then took the festival circuit by storm in 2017 with his corporate horror movie Mayhem, starring genre stalwarts Steven Yeun and Samara Weaving, before going on to work on Shudder’s Creepshow (2019– ). So, any new Joe Lynch project is cause for celebration, but this one is something really special…

For Suitable Flesh is not just a Joe Lynch film – it’s also a tribute to the late, great Stuart Gordon, the celebrated director of horror classics Re-Animator (1985), From Beyond (1986), Castle Freak (1995) and Dagon (2001). Like all of the aforementioned films, Suitable Flesh is based on the work of H. P. Lovecraft (in this case his 1933 short story “The Thing on the Doorstep”), and that’s not where the Gordon connections end; the film is produced by frequent Gordon collaborator Brian Yuzna and features Re-Animator and From Beyond star Barbara Crampton. Pitched somewhere between Lynch and Gordon, this psychosexual thriller might just be the perfect meeting of the 1980s and the twenty-first century.

Suitable Flesh screens at Fantasia on Saturday 5 August.

It Lives Inside (dir. Bishal Dutta, USA)

There’s been no shortage of supernatural horror films in theatres since the triptych of Insidious (2010), Sinister (2012) and The Conjuring (2013) renewed an audience taste for haunted houses and demonic entities in the early 2010s. Those three films have spawned an untold number of sequels and imitators, with The Conjuring in particular generating one of the most successful horror franchises in history. For proof that supernatural horror still holds box-office sway, we need only look to the latest entry in the Insidious franchise, Insidious: The Red Door (2023), which has made just a little over $120 million since its release only a few weeks ago. But, of course, there’s always been something a little troubling about the contemporary supernatural horror cycle: with rare exceptions, it puts its focus squarely on middle-class, white, Christian families.

Written and directed by Indian-American filmmaker Bishal Dutta (who has previously worked almost exclusively in short films), It Lives Inside promises to be a breath of fresh air in a sub-genre dominated by “all-American” families in peril. It stars Megan Suri as Samidha, an Indian-American teenager who feels out of place both at home and at her high school. Things get much worse when her childhood friend Tamira (Mohana Krishnan) unleashes an insatiable demon that threatens to tear her world apart. Drawing upon Indian folklore and putting its focus squarely on the immigrant experience, It Lives Inside could – much like Keith Thomas’s The Vigil (2019) – offer a much-needed new spin on supernatural horror cinema.

It Lives Inside screens at Fantasia on Monday 7 August.

Stay tuned for more Fantasia coverage from Our Culture in the coming weeks.

Róisín Murphy Releases New Single ‘You Knew’

Róisín Murphy has released another single from her forthcoming LP Hit Parade, which has already been previewed with ‘The Universe’, ‘Fader’, and ‘CooCool’. It’s called ‘You Knew’, and it arrives with remixes by PAYFONE and Eli Escobar. Take a listen below.

“‘You Knew’ is the story of my life,” Murphy remarked in a press release. “I’m an open book, I put myself on the line and I make my motivations obvious. Many times, I have bravely loved and not been loved in return, and I’m proud of that. That phrase ‘You Knew’ just sums it all up, in fact you could put it on my headstone, except I’ve already decided it’ll say.. You Had Your Chance!”

Hit Parade comes out September 8 via Ninja Tune.

Squirrel Flower Announces New Album ‘Tomorrow’s Fire’, Shares New Songs

Squirrel Flower has announced a new album called Tomorrow’s Fire. The follow-up to 2021’s Planet (i) is set to arrive on October 13 via Polyvinyl/Full Time Hobby. Today, the Chicago-based singer-songwriter has shared two new songs: ‘Full Time Job’ and ‘When A Plant Is Dying’, alongside accompanying videos directed by Lua Borges. Check them out below and scroll down for the LP’s cover art and tracklist.

Tomorrow’s Fire marks the first LP that Ella Williams has helmed as a producer, having previously self-produced 2022’s Planet EP. She recorded it at Drop of Sun Studios in Asheville with engineer Alex Farrar (Wednesday, Indigo de Souza, Snail Mail), joined by a studio band that included Matt McCaughan, Seth Kauffman, Jake Lenderman, and Dave Hartley. “The songs I write are not always autobiographical, but they’re always true,” Williams said in a press release.

Revisit our Artist Spotlight interview with Squirrel Flower.