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Watch Megan Thee Stallion Join the First Live Performance of Encanto’s ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ at 2022 Oscars

Megan Thee Stallion, Luis Fonsi, and Becky G joined the Encanto cast for the first-ever live performance of the film’s breakout hit ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ at the 94th Academy Awards last night. The song was written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, who was absent from the ceremony after his wife tested positive for COVID-19. Watch it below.

‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ wasn’t nominated for Best Original Song last night, but another Encanto track, ‘Dos Oruguitas’, was. Billie Eilish and Finneas’ James Bond song ‘No Time to Die’ ultimately won. Encanto took home the award for Best Animated Feature Film.

Earlier this year, ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ became the second Disney song to reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, spending five weeks at the top of the chart.

Watch Beyoncé Perform ‘Be Alive’ at 2022 Oscars

Beyoncé opened the Oscars ceremony last night. She delivered a remote performance of ‘Be Alive’, her original song from the film King Richard, from the Compton tennis courts where Venus and Serena Williams once practiced. Venus and Serena introduced the performance, which featured dozens of young dancers, including Beyoncé’s daughter Blue Ivy. Watch it below.

‘Be Alive’ was nominated for Best Original Song, marking Beyoncé’s first Oscar nomination; Billie Eilish’s James Bond theme ‘No Time to Die’ ended up winning. This was Beyoncé’s fourth performance at the Academy Awards, following her 2009 appearance as part of a musical medley with host Hugh Jackman. Her last public performance was at Kobe and Gianna Bryant’s 2020 memorial.

Hans Zimmer Wins Best Original Score for ‘Dune’ at 2022 Oscars

Hans Zimmer took home the award for Best Original Score at the 2022 Oscars last night. His work on Denis Villeneuve’s Dune remake beat out a field that included Nicholas Britell for Don’t Look Up, Germaine Franco for Encanto, Alberto Iglesias for Parallel Mothers, and Jonny Greenwood for The Power of the Dog. Zimmer was not in attendance at the ceremony this year due to being on a concert tour in Europe. Upon receiving the news, Zimmer posted a photo of himself in a hotel bathrobe holding the award, writing, “It’s 2am in Amsterdam, and my daughter Zoë woke me up to go to the hotel bar. Wow!! #Oscars.”

This marks Zimmer’s second Academy Award win; he won Best Original Score for The Lion King back at in 1995. He has 10 other nominations for his work on films including Gladiator, Rain Man, As Good as It Gets, Dunkirk, Inception, and more.

In addition to Best Original Score, Dune won for Best Visual Effects, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Achievement in Sound, and Best Film Editing.

Watch Maren Morris Perform ‘Circles Around This Town’ on ‘Fallon’

Maren Morris was the musical guest on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon last night (March 25), delivering a performance of her recent single ‘Circles Around This Town’. The Nashville songwriter also sat down for an interview, where she talked about having a child during the pandemic. Watch clips from the appearance below.

‘Circles Around This Town’ is taken from Maren Morris’ new album Humble Quest, which came out yesterday. The LP also includes the promotional singles ‘Nervous’ and ‘Background Music’.

 

Alivenique Releases New Song ‘Vanguards’

Alivenique has shared a new song, ‘Vanguards’, the latest track from her forthcoming album Year of the Statement. Listen to it below.

The idea of the mythological wolf calls during the intro and chorus was inspired by both my time spent in nature and as a student of wilderness survival, where I would literally spend hours daily in nature observing animal patterns and ecology as well as the incredibly inspired and poetic book by Dr Clarissa Pinkola Estes Women Who Run with the Wolves: Myths and Stories of the Wild Woman Archetype,” Ali Beletic explained in a statement. “If you don’t know her work, she is a really fascinating author and scholar, a Mestiza Latina author who was raised in now nearly vanished oral and ethnic traditions.  In the honor of these two inspirations, a portion of the proceeds of this song will be donated to both protecting the wolves and indigenous women’s causes.”

Year of the Statement is due for release on September 22 via Lightning Studios. So far, Alivenique has previewed it with the single ‘Rain’ and the title track.

Foo Fighters Drummer Taylor Hawkins Dead at 50

Taylor Hawkins, the longtime drummer for Foo Fighters, has died. The band were on tour in South America at the time of Hawkins’ death and were scheduled to perform at Festival Estéreo Picnic in Bogotá, Colombia. No cause of death has been revealed. Hawkins was 50 years old.

“The Foo Fighters family is devastated by the tragic and untimely loss of our beloved Taylor Hawkins,” a statement from the band reads. “His musical spirit and infectious laughter will live with us forever. Our hearts go out to his wife, children, and family, and we ask that their privacy be treated with the utmost respect in this unimaginably difficult time.”

Born in Fort Worth, Texas in 1972, Hawkins relocated to Laguna Beach, California with his family four years later. He got his start in music in the mid-1990s, playing drums for the band Sylvia and the rock singer Sass Jordan before becoming the touring drummer for Alanis Morissette from 1995-1997 during her tour supporting Jagged Little Pill.

Hawkins joined Foo Fighters at Dave Grohl’s request in 1997, following the departure of original drummer William Goldsmith during the recording sessions for the album The Colour and the Shape. Grohl had contacted Hawkins seeking recommendations for a new drummer, under the impression that he would not leave Morissette’s band, but was surprised when Hawkins volunteered to join the band himself. “I think it had more to do with our personal relationship than anything musical,” Grohl said in a recent interview with 95.5 KLOS. “And to be honest, it still does. Our musical relationship, the foundation of that is our friendship, and that’s why when we jump on stage and play, we’re so connected because we’re like best friends.”

In his 2021 autobiography, The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music, Grohl referred to Hawkins as his “best friend and partner in crime,” writing: “During his stint as Alanis Morissette’s drummer, long before he became a Foo Fighter, we would bump into each other backstage at festivals all over the world, and our chemistry was so obvious that even Alanis herself once asked him, ‘What are you going to do when Dave asks you to be his drummer?’ Part Beavis and Butthead, part Dumb and Dumber, we were a hyperactive blur of Parliament Lights and air drumming wherever we went.”

In addition to playing drums on every Foo Fighters album starting with 1999’s There Is Nothing Left to Lose, Hawkins occasionally provided vocals, guitar, and piano. He sang lead on ‘Cold Day in the Sun’, a single from 2005’s In Your Honour, and ‘Sunday Rain’, from 2017’s Concrete and Gold. He also co-starred with his bandmates in the Foo Fighters’ horror-comedy film, Studio 666, which came out last month.

During his time with Foo Fighters, Hawkins played in various side projects, including Taylor Hawkins and the Coattail Riders, Chevy Metal, and the Birds of Satan. More recently, he teamed up with Jane’s Addiction members Dave Navarro and Chris Chaney for the supergroup NHC, which formed during pandemic jam sessions at Hawkins’ home studio in Los Angeles and released an EP last month.

As a member of Foo Fighters, Hawkins was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame by Paul McCartney last year. Earlier this week, the band was announced as one of the performers for the April 3 Grammy Awards.

Hawkins is survived by his wife, Alison Hawkins, and their three children, Oliver, Annabelle, and Everleigh.

Cassandra Jenkins and Wednesday Share New Songs for Secretly Canadian’s 25th Anniversary

Cassandra Jenkins and Wednesday have shared new songs as part of the ongoing celebration surrounding Secretly Canadian’s 25th anniversary. Listen to Jenkins’ ‘Pygmalion’ and Wednesday’s ‘Feast of Snakes’ below.

Jenkins recorded ‘Pygmalion’ at Abbey Road, with backing from members of the Scottish band Lylo. “The lyrics in this song revisit the story of Pygmalion, the Greek mythological figure who, scornful towards women, falls in love with an ivory statue of his own making,” Jenkins explained in a statement. “When the sculpture comes to life, they live happily ever after. Through today’s lens, we might view this as a tale of an incel who falls for his ivory sex doll, and one that lacks any trace of the female voice. I wanted to give the statue a chance to speak, and to address Pygmalion directly as he begins to carve her likeness according to his vision.”

She continued: “The result is short & bittersweet, expressing part menace, sarcasm, and exhaustion, and part lucidity. I wrote it in a moment when I was frustrated by a relationship, and recorded it while I was on tour (at Abbey Road Studios). I was thinking about how easy it is to box each other into molds, and to impose our solipsistic ideals upon other people, only to be disappointed when they exhibit their true character. In that equation, everyone misses out, and there’s so much more to be gained from burning down ancient ideals. This song aims to strike the match.”

Elaborating on ‘Feast of Snakes’, Wednesday’s Karly Hartzman explained:

I 100% ripped off the chords for this song from Jason Molina’s ‘Almost Was Good Enough’. When I wrote it I had just finished reading his biography Riding With The Ghost which has a ton of information about Molina’s music and by extension the beginnings of Secretly. I thought channeling his music for our contribution to SC25 would be fitting!

The lyrics are inspired by Harry Crews’ novel Feast Of Snakes. So much of the darkness in that book is reminiscent of Molina lyrics. We wanted to keep the instrumentation pretty sparse and scary so it’s just me on vocals and guitar and Xandy [Chelmis] on steel and banjo.

Proceeds from the tracks will go towards Secretly Canadian’s $250,000 fundraising goal for the Bloomington emergency-housing nonprofit New Hope For Families. So far, Phoebe Bridgers, Hatchie, Porridge Radio, Skullcrusher, Stella Donnelly, Bartees Strange, Bright Eyes, and more have contributed to the label’s SC25 series.

Cassandra Jenkins and Wednesday both released their sophomore albums last year: An Overview of Phenomenal Nature and Twin Plagues, respectively. More recently, Wednesday issued the covers collection Mowing the Leaves Instead of Piling ‘Em Up.

Revisit our Artist Spotlight interviews with Cassandra Jenkins and Wednesday.

The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn Announces Album, Shares New Song

The Hold Steady’s Craig Finn has announced a new solo album titled A LEGACY OF RENTALS. The follow-up to 2020’s All These Perfect Crosses is set for release on May 20 via Positive Jams/Thirty Tigers. Along with the announcement, Finn has shared a new song called ‘Messing With the Settings’. Check it out and find a trailer for the album below.

A LEGACY OF RENTALS was produced by Finn’s longtime collaborator Josh Kaufman and engineered by D. James Goodwin. “The title A LEGACY OF RENTALS acknowledges that we can never completely hold any of our possessions, and that our bodies are merely a temporary residence for our souls,” Finn explained in a statement. “All moments are fleeting. After the destruction of the past few years, I believe that there is joy in each and every living action, however mundane — walking to the kitchen, missing a train, spilling coffee, cleaning it up, meeting a friend for a meal. We all want to be remembered. We all want our time here to be consequential. In taking these daily actions, we engage in hope, and we guarantee our unique place in history.”

Speaking about ‘Messing With the Settings’, he added: “Memory is a major theme through A LEGACY OF RENTALS, and I wanted the first song on the record to open on that note. This song is literally a eulogy. It’s delivered by someone who has lost touch with the recently deceased but still finds them important. Musically, it really explores the line between talking and singing, which was something we leaned into on this record. We wanted to make this song an incantation of sorts. It also features the beautiful 14-piece string section that played on a lot of these songs. I wanted to it have a cinematic feel, like Gone With The Wind or something like that.”

The Hold Steady’s most recent album, Open Door Policy, came out last year.

LEGACY OF RENTALS Cover Artwork:

LEGACY OF RENTALS Tracklist:

1. Messing With The Settings
2. The Amarillo Kid
3. Birthdays
4. The Year We Fell Behind
5. Due To Depart
6. Curtis & Shepard
7. Never Any Horses
8. Jessamine
9. A Break From The Barrage
10. This Is What It Looks Like

Latto Enlists Childish Gambino and Lil Wayne for New Song ‘Sunshine’

Atlanta rapper Latto’s new album 777 has dropped today (via RCA). The LP includes a new collaboration with Lil Wayne and Childish Gambino called ‘Sunshine’. Check it out below.

777 is the follow-up to Latto’s 2020 debut Queen of da Souf. Ahead of the album’s release, she shared the singles ‘Big Energy’‘Soufside’, and ‘Wheelie’. In addition to Lil Wayne and Childish Gambino, the record features guest appearances from 21 Savage, Lil Durk, Nardo Wick, and Kodak Black.

7 Things All Entrepreneurs Should Take On Board

Entrepreneurs realize how much time it takes to manage their businesses. You wouldn’t trade it for anything, yet there are moments when you wish you could enjoy the benefits of the fantastic options that are available. Successful people combine the characteristic traits that appear in their way of thinking and actions. Is it possible to encourage and develop these qualities on your own? In the method of studying biographies of those young and social purpose-driven entrepreneurs, you will find that every successful person has been told by someone that he is a failure, or had a few tough conditions, however, they in no way surrender and maintain to comply with their dreams. It’s important to learn about business hacks, so let’s have a look at some examples. Consider carefully what your main demographic is searching for when developing successful company tactics. In addition, you must examine what is financially feasible for you as a company owner while making decisions. A few minutes spent contemplating the following smart business hacks will have an enormous impact on how your company runs on a daily basis.

SEO Tips and Tricks

In order to operate a successful company in 2022, you must become well-versed in all things SEO. SEO (search engine optimization) will help your company rank higher in the search in Google. If you’re strategic with your SEO, you’ll have an advantage over your competition and be able to promptly and efficiently reach your intended audience. Keywords and backlinks on your blog are just a few of the many components that make up search engine optimization. If SEO is a challenge for you, you may want to enlist professional help for these services. You’ll notice progress in your SEO efforts if you keep at it.

Blogging

Blogging is highly effective for companies and works hand in hand with SEO. Producing more free material can help establish your authority in your sector. You should really consider starting a business blog if you don’t currently have one. To stay consistent with weekly or monthly blog entries, you could hire freelance writers. Starting a company blog establishes you and builds trust with your target audience.

Budgeting and Financial Planning

A financial planner is incredibly vital for many people all around the globe. They provide a wide range of products and services. They can assist you with everything relating to your financial situation. They are quite knowledgeable in a wide range of subjects ranging from estate planning and saving to retirement, investments, taxes, and insurance. Their areas of competence are vast and varied. Considering that money is a major cause of worry for many people, this might be a helpful approach to alleviate some of the burden.

What are the advantages of having a financial plan?

Do you actually have the time to organize your business finances? Leaving it in the hands of a professional may help to alleviate pressure. Don’t forget how big of a job this can be. Because of the fast-paced nature of today’s business world, it might be difficult to devote the necessary time to properly managing your funds. Moreover, rushing will only result in missed advantages.

Finding opportunity – You will be shown the finest prospects, particularly in investment management, if you seek professional assistance. This is why financial advisors are so crucial. To guarantee you get the most out of your investments, they have the connections, expertise, and industry knowledge.

Minimize risk and maximize benefit – Early financial preparation is best. If you wait too long, achieving your objectives will be tough and costly. When it comes to your investments, you’ll be able to reap the benefits of patience. In the financial world, there is no place for haste.

Self-awareness – Financial planning may go astray if individuals underestimate or overestimate their present financial condition. This is when an unbiased viewpoint comes in handy.

Experience in the field – There is no one better to provide you with the knowledge you want than someone with years of experience and understanding. You can count on them to be completely open and honest with you. They will advise you on insurance coverage. They’ll tell you where you’re going wrong right now. If you’re looking for an honest assessment of your financial status, they’ll be able to help. This will ensure the success of your financial planning.

Accountability – The professionals hold you responsible. This helps to guarantee that you stick to the goals they’ve set for you. But, they are also responsible to you, which guarantees that you get the highest possible quality of service. It’s a win-win. If you’re struggling with debt, they’ll be able to help you with resources like a credit card calculator and a detailed strategy that will make it much simpler for you to stick to your budget.

If you do decide to hire or outsource a financial planner, you can also maximize their efforts by providing them with tools and resources to make their work even more effective. Things like an underwriting workbench and scheduling software to keep them organized with your finances. Don’t underestimate how important your finances are when it comes to business. Once small slip or mistake could break or break a business, and this is something you want to indefinitely avoid.

Networking

Networking is vital in business. You don’t have to meet individuals in your field in person to network; you can also do a lot of it virtually. This is a great form of contact if you are already active on social media and want to expand your reach while also collaborating with other professionals. Start by writing a blog article for their website, or give them a demo version of your products in exchange for internet publicity. Explore your possibilities for collaborating with other industry experts now.

If you find satisfaction in face-to-face interactions and genuine discussions within your field, you can construct a strong network by actively engaging in business gatherings and conferences. It’s essential to communicate effectively and adapt your way of speaking to suit the formality level your audience requires.

For example, individuals such as speakers, executives, and entrepreneurs frequently turn to TED-style talk coaching and guidance to improve their speaking abilities. Delivering a TED-style talk includes presenting your business with a conceived and well-delivered speech, combining both relaxed and formal approaches.

Planning

Starting a company without a strategy is like going into combat without a helmet or shield to protect you. In the absence of a well-thought-out strategy, how can you hope to succeed? Without precise objectives and strategies, your company will not be able to succeed. Make sure your marketing strategy, target audience information, and budget are included in your company plan as soon as possible. It is easier to be self-assured about your company if you have a well-thought-out strategy in place.

Branding

Your company brand communicates to your target audience who you are. Your brand has to be consistent from your advertising efforts to your website’s color design. There are many specialists that can help you with your branding requirements, so contact them if you need assistance. Just make sure your message is always abundantly clear when it comes to your brand’s identity.

Website Refinement

It is necessary to have a company website in today’s world; but, do you have a website that is optimized and that people would want to spend time on? After briefly discussing SEO, it’s critical that your website be optimized in other ways as well. Is your website simple to use and fast to load? Having the right keywords is one thing, but is your website user-friendly and easy to navigate? If you don’t implement these changes, you could lose a lot of customers. If you’re unsure where to begin, web designers can help. Paying a professional often increases sales as a consequence.

It is possible to take your company to the next level by assessing your strengths and limitations. However, you should be aware that you won’t see any improvements straight away; you’ll need to be constant in your efforts to do so. There are a variety of methods to improve your company, such as establishing a blog, enhancing your branding, or learning more about your tax obligations. It’s best to get started sooner rather than later, since your competition may have already figured out these techniques. Hopefully, these suggestions will assist you in strengthening the weak areas of your business so that you can achieve your objectives and make more money in the future.