Home Blog Page 1155

Squirrel Flower Announces New ‘Planet’ EP, Shares New Songs

Squirrel Flower has announced a new EP called Planet, which will arrive on January 28 via Full Time Hobby. To accompany the announcement, the Boston singer-songwriter has shared two new tracks: a cover of Björk’s ‘unravel’, and a new original titled ‘ruby at dawn’. Check out a video for ‘unravel (Björk Cover) and listen to ‘ruby at dawn’ below, and find the EP’s cover art and tracklist further down.

“I filmed the ‘unravel’ video by projecting open source footage of underwater lava cooling into rock over myself,” Ella Williams explained in a statement. “I love the way the lava unravels and moves, looks like yarn, looks like a heart. It represents to me the tension and pain and exuberance of love.”

Following her sophomore album Planet (i), the Planet EP consists of self-recorded demos of previously unreleased songs, two of which were part of the album sessions. “I’ve always felt that the pieces and process and secrets behind a finished record are the most important parts,” Williams said. “Most of these songs showcase my own production and exact vision, my first time in a long time releasing music that I’ve produced alone. Releasing this EP is an exercise in self trust and experimentation. Not all songs need to be precious and kept for the exact right time, not all recordings need to be perfect.”

Squirrel Flower is set to head out on a world tour in early 2020. Read our Artist Spotlight interview with Squirrel Flower.

Planet EP Cover Artwork: 

Planet EP Tracklist: 

1. open wound
2. your love is a disaster
3. unravel
4. long day’s done
5. sitting in traffic
6. ruby at dawn
7. live wire

Jimmy Fallon, Ariana Grande, and Megan Thee Stallion Share New Holiday Song

Jimmy Fallon, Ariana Grande, and Megan Thee Stallion have teamed up for a new holiday song called ‘It Was a…(Masked Christmas)’. The track comes with an accompanying video directed by Dan Opsal. Check it out below.

‘It Was a… (Masked Christmas)’ marks Megan’s first Christmas-themed track, while Grande has released the holiday EPs Christmas Kisses and Christmas & Chill in 2013 and 2015, respectively. They previously collaborated on ’34+35 (Remix)’, also featuring Doja Cat. In 2019, Fallon and Megan Thee Stallion linked up for the Tonight Show sketch ‘Hot Girl Fall’.

Magdalena Bay Announce 2022 Tour, Share Live Video for ‘You Lose!’

0

Magdalena Bay, the duo of Mica Tenenbaum and Matthew Lewin, are set to embark on their first headlining tour next year, supporting their debut album Mercurial World. The North American tour kicks off in Boston on February 17 and concludes in San Fransisco in April. Tickets go on general sale on Friday (December 10) at 10am here. Find the full list of dates below, along with a new live video for ‘You Lose!’.

Check out our Artist Spotlight interview with Magdalena Bay, and read about the artwork for Mercurial World in our 50 Best Album Covers of 2021 list.

Magdalena Bay 2022 Tour Dates:

Dec 18 Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy
Dec 19 Pomona, CA – The Glass House
Dec 29 Miami, FL – Gramps
Feb 17 Boston, MA – The Sinclair
Feb 18 Brooklyn, NY – Elsewhere
Feb 19 Washington, D.C. – Black Cat
Feb 21 Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry
Feb 23 – Cleveland, OH – Grog Shop
Feb 24 – Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
Mar 23 -Boise, ID – Treefort Music Festival
Mar 27 – Seattle, WA – Barboza
Mar 30 – Portland, OR – Holocene
Apr 1 – San Francisco, CA – Popscene @ Rickshaw Stop

Billie Eilish Shares New Video for ‘Male Fantasy’

Billie Eilish has shared a new music video for ‘Male Fantasy’, a track off her sophomore full-length Happier Than Ever. Check out the clip, directed and edited by Eilish, below.

Happier Than Ever came out back in July, following Eilish’s 2019 debut WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? Around its release, Eilish shared visuals for the album tracks ‘Therefore I Am’, ‘Your Power’‘Lost Cause’, ‘NDA’, and the title track, as well as a live performance video for ‘Male Fantasy’. The singer earned nominations in seven different categories at the 2022 Grammys, including Record of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year.

Crewnecks vs V-necks: Which One Is Better?

Crewnecks and V-necks are the most popular t-shirt styles out there. Summer or winter, they’re great to be worn on their own or as a layering piece for some amazing cold-season outfits.

Most guys have at least a few tees in different colours in their closets and couldn’t imagine their lives without them, but just the same many of them don’t put much thought into the differences between the two styles.

Which one’s are trendier, and which occasion calls for which style?

So let’s take a look at these two styles and investigate crewnecks vs. V-necks: which one is better?

Crewneck t-shirt

Let’s start with the original tee – the crewneck. It started its history in the 19th century and has become one of the most beloved pieces of male clothing among all generations.

Crewnecks have a round neckline close to the neck, which helps balance out the proportions for guys with long necks and slimmer faces. They’re also great for guys with narrow shoulders because they may help your shoulders appear more square.

Crewnecks are also the most popular neckline for all workout and performance shirts. Visit FreshCleanTees.com/collections/crew-necks to find some good affordable options.

How to wear crewnecks

Crewnecks look great on their own with jeans, chinos, cargo trousers and shorts, but they also work well for layering under crewneck sweaters, hoodies, jumpers and your everyday blazers.

Don’t layer a crewneck under a V-neck sweater or certain cardigans and button-down shirts if you want to sport the laid-back “first button unbuttoned” look because the tee neck will show!

Crewneck tees are most beloved for casual or semi-casual styles, and only the exceptionally high-quality tees can be worn with a suit or a sports coat.

Crewnecks are also great if you prefer the classic traditional style, but if you want to look more modern, find some exciting accessories like bracelets or necklaces to spice things up.

Lastly, if you like street or sporty style, we think crewnecks are the best way to go paired with your joggers and sneakers!

V-neck t-shirt

V-necks are the younger brother of crewnecks, and they were first invented after complaints about peeking undershirt collars became more common. Later, men started to wear them on their own, and their peak popularity was reached in the early 2000s.

V-neck neckline has a V cut going down from the collar bone. The cut can be shallow or deeper, depending on your preference.

V-necks are a great option if you want to look casual but just a tad classier and put-together.

How to wear V-necks

V-necks are perfect for shorter or a little chunkier guys as they create an elongated and slimming effect.

V-necks are great on their own on a hot summer’s day or for layering under button-down shirts (no collar peeking), cardigans, V-neck sweaters and blazers.

V-neck is an excellent choice if you want to show off your gains at the gym as it draws attention to your chest, so pair it with simple jeans or chinos, and you have yourself a nice outfit without too much effort.

While V cut lengths vary, don’t go for a too-deep one as it will look douchy and tacky. What about chest hair? It’s a question of personal taste, but we’re leaning towards less or well-trimmed hair.

Lastly, if you’re planning to wear a V-neck with a semi-casual outfit, make sure your tee is high-quality and has just a proper V cut. Maceoo designer V-necks are a perfect choice, offering premium fabrics, a tailored fit, and stylish V-cuts that elevate your look effortlessly.

So which one is better?

As you may have concluded yourself, there is no clear-cut answer because the best choice depends on your build, style and outfit you’re wearing.

So our advice is to decide what works best for you and stick to it despite what others might say!

What Is A Location Recce in Video Production?

If you are in video production, at some point along the line you will have to do a location recce. It’s an important part of pre production since it gives your team a chance to look around the location that you intend to shoot in, whether you’re looking at houses for filming, or any other location, whether it be indoors or outdoors. A good camera operator often knows that even if there is lighting equipment available on a shoot he will perform a location scout, to see if there is a better place in the location to set up.

The team leader should conduct the recce no more than a couple of days before the shoot date. The actual time you spend at this stage will depend on the size of your production team and how many locations you have to visit. It’s possible that all you may need to do is make one visit, but it could be more. In general, though, it shouldn’t take longer than half a day for every location you plan to use.

Why is a location recce important?

When planning your shoot it’s important to know the limitations of each location you use. This is particularly true if you’re shooting on a limited budget or have tight deadlines to meet, as happens with corporate video production.

The location recce will give you information about things that are difficult to plan for, such as weather conditions and how much time your team will need to get from one location to another.

Why should you hire a local location professional for location recce?

The location you choose for your video shoot will make a huge difference to the overall look and feel of the production. Think about it; if you were producing a romantic comedy, would you set it at an abandoned warehouse studio in London, or in front of an amazing sunset?

Your local location professional knows all the best locations for your video shoot, whether they’re indoors or out, free or with hire charges attached. They also know their history and significance to the area, which can be important when dealing with historical documentaries or events that are still fresh in people’s minds.

The 10 most important things to  remember for Location Recce:

Know your script:

The script will play a vital role in your location recce. It’s the only way to tell what’s going to happen in each shot and how much space you will need for each one. If every scene has people walking through it, for example, then you know that you can’t shoot at a location where there is very limited access.

Ensure all locations are safe: You don’t want anybody getting injured while you’re shooting or during the pre-production process – especially since they’ll be moving equipment from place to place! Never underestimate safety procedures no matter how big or small your production team is.

Transportation:

When you are doing a recce there is no way you can be expected to get around without your own transport.  Some of the places on your list may be close by, but there’s no guarantee of this, and if they’re several miles away then you don’t want to waste half your day getting from one place to another. If you have the transportation available then even better!  If not then hire or borrow some vehicles or scooters for the production team- anything that will get everyone where they need to go in good time.

Lighting:

It’s important to check out lighting conditions at each location.  You need to know where you have natural light coming in, what time the sun rises and sets, how much sunlight you have for each part of your shoot day, and so on.  This information will be essential when you’re planning your production schedule.

Safety:

It’s vital to check for safety issues at every location.  If you’re going into a warehouse, for example, it’s important to inspect the stairs and ladders that will be used and the condition of the flooring, and any other potential hazard that could cause injury or death if your team members aren’t careful.

Is there a make-up or green room?

The location that you choose could also need different kinds of preparation such as having a green room built for the crew to use.  It’s important to find out if any has been prepared for your shoot- if so, ask the production manager about it and I think you will agree with me when I say we should thank our lucky stars and take advantage of this possibility! If not, you may have to consider looking at other locations further away from where you want to be shooting. It might be more stressful on your team but it could open up a lot of doors later on in post production. 

Are the spaces soundproof?

This is particularly important if you plan to use a space that has been used for other activities at some point in the past.  It’s fine doing a recce but it’s always better to have someone who can give you an honest opinion on whether they think this location will be suitable for your production or not. Make sure that there are no structures behind where you want to set up.

This is another issue that could affect recording quality- so when you are searching for your perfect location make sure that someone checks behind the spot where your camera operator wants to place his equipment. 

Bathrooms:

There is nothing more off-putting for a subject who’s just been brought somewhere to be interviewed than arriving and discovering that there are no public bathrooms anywhere nearby.  If one person has done the recce before the main crew visits then it’s good if they put a tick or some sort of mark next to all the locations where bathroom facilities can be found, but apart from this make sure you always have a backup plan.  If your interviewee needs to go at any point, offer them a ride back wherever you’re based until they’re ready again. Even if it means taking them on a two-hour round trip that will still be better than having him drop out because he had to wait 30 minutes for his own.

Hazards:

It is always important to check the location for any potential hazards such as tripping risks, puddles, and dry rot.  You’d be surprised at how many times people do fall over in their sets, so make sure you find out if there are any wet patches or loose floorboards! It may sound like common sense but it would be terrible to have someone injure themselves before they even had a chance to line up an interview. Also, don’t visit during storms without checking on all the possible dangers first! This will also allow you to secure anything that might fly away or damage your equipment due to strong winds.

Sun position:

It is always best to scout out the location at different times of the day so you can check the sun’s position at each one.  As well as looking at where shadows will be, you should also consider how the light interacts with your background and what might be revealed by it. If there are any buildings or structures in front of your camera then they may suffer too, I’m not saying this is never OK but try to avoid it whenever possible.

Space:

With only a few exceptions, nothing looks smaller on screen than it does in real life. To avoid your set looking cramped you should always scout the location to see how much space is available. It doesn’t matter if it will be fine when the crew arrive- there is nothing worse than having people crowded together so closely that they can barely move. If your interviewee has any movement restrictions then you may need even more space!

Why is a recce of the studio space more efficient?

During the studio shoot, your crew will usually be ready in advance of when the talent arrives. This is to ensure that when they do arrive everyone is well prepared and can get rolling without wasting time at the beginning of the day.  During the planning stage, it’s a good idea to take a look at the studio yourself so you know roughly how long it takes for your lighting and camera equipment to be set up.

It’s always better to give yourself too much time than not enough.  If someone is late arriving then don’t panic: you can use that extra time productively by running through some test shots and checking that everything is working as expected (just make sure you tell the director, producer, and talent).  Just before they arrive say goodbye to them and check with them about 15 minutes later; if they are still nowhere in sight then don’t sit around waiting – go ahead with the recce as planned or do some further tests if you like.

Examine the elements:

If your studio or on-location shoot has an outdoor space attached to it then make sure you look at the weather forecast before finalizing any plans.  You should also check if there are any obstacles that may block natural light from entering the set, and look out for anything that may distract the eye of the camera.

Initially, avoid pointing yourself in the direction of your sun while doing this recce. It’s best to try to watch what is happening by looking over one shoulder; turning around 180 degrees and noting down any problems. You can usually use simple objects like boxes or chairs to indicate where the talent will be standing during filming

Conclusion:

A recce is an important process that cannot be overlooked if you want to have a successful shoot.  It’s vital that everyone knows what to expect at the location, whether it’s the best place for the session or not. Try and remain flexible throughout but don’t be disheartened by anything that might happen- after all, no one can predict exactly how everything will run smoothly. You’ll always discover new things during the recce which you didn’t originally know!

5 Different Resources to Help Kids Learn to Code

A recent study found that 76% of parents want their children to end up in STEM-related careers. And with an ever-growing number of jobs requiring knowledge of new technologies, it isn’t very hard to see why. From manufacturing to marketing, most jobs today are dependent on computers for their success. And computers are dependent upon code.

That’s probably why so many parents are hoping to get their kids into coding.

As many as 85% of parents are encouraging their children to learn to code, according to one study. But despite wanting their kids to learn, many parents are at a loss about the best resources available to help kids to code. Where can a parent start when they want to help their child dive into this new field, especially if they don’t know much about coding themselves?

Narrow down the options by understanding the different categories of resources out there. Then, you can decide which resources best meet your needs.

Coding Classes

One of the best all-around methods for teaching kids to code is taking a coding class for kids. Coding classes come in a variety of formats and price ranges, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. That can make it tricky to pick the right coding class.

For instance, in-person classes have teachers that regularly interact with their students. This is a huge advantage because it means that students can receive real-time feedback on their questions! However, many live coding classes have limited schedules and require you to live nearby. Depending on where you live, it can be hard to find coding classes near you.

Online coding classes for kids, on the other hand, allow for flexibility in both scheduling and location, but are often pre-recorded. That can limit their ability to respond to questions quickly, or even at all!

Of course, there are other classes that combine the best of both worlds by hosting live classes on an online platform. These allow for flexibility of location and real-time feedback.

Coding Apps

Coding apps can be a great supplemental resource for kids learning to code. Many kid’s coding apps use bright colors, animations, and fun gameplay to encourage kids to learn the basics of coding. They can be great for getting an understanding of what a conditional or a loop is, but few of them get into the nitty-gritty of real-world coding.

If you are wanting to get the most out of coding apps, it’s better to use them in conjunction with an established coding course. That way, the base concepts taught in the coding apps can immediately be used in a more and more specific context.

Coding Challenge

Another useful supplemental activity is a coding challenge.

Coding challenges, or hackathons, are hosted events where coders get the chance to simultaneously reach outside their coding comfort zone and show off their skills. It adds a competitive element to the learning process, which can be a great motivator for many kids.

Usually, there is a specific challenge or set of challenges that must be overcome through the use of code. The difficulty levels can vary greatly between challenges, but that’s part of the fun! Challenges are often teacher-directed events, too. That way, even if a challenge proves too difficult for a kid to figure out on their own, the teacher is there to help them learn and progress.

Coding Camps

While coding classes are the fullest featured and most effective way to learn the intricacies of coding, they do take a while to get through. Sometimes, it can be an effective use of time to move quickly through the basics so you can spend your time on the more advanced skills.

This is where summer coding camps come in.

Coding camps, or coding bootcamps, are intensive courses designed to get their students through the basics. That way they can focus on the lessons that they really want to be learning. They save valuable time by teaching a wide variety of coding skills quickly.

Since they only last for a short period of time, they are a great fit for students who have a chunk of free time available to dedicate to learning a new skill. Summer break is a great time for this.

More intensive coding camps can help students to master the basics quickly and take higher-level classes sooner. It’s a great way to accelerate their learning.

Coding Books

In today’s connected world, it may seem odd to mention books as being a good coding resource, but there are some definite advantages to the medium.

For one, no one can be online all the time, and books can be a great resource even when screen time is over. Books tend to be a lot more in-depth than many online guides because the authors know that all the necessary information needs to be included upfront. There’s not the option to link to throw in a link to supplemental material.

And, it can be a lot easier to flip between a physical book and what’s happening on the screen without losing your place. Though, that can be a matter of preference.

Of course, the effectiveness of any book as a coding resource depends greatly on which book you’re using. It can be difficult to know if a specific book will cover the things your kid wants to learn. Make sure to choose a book that’s listed as a reliable resource for kids to get the most value.

CONCLUSION

No matter where your kid ends up on their coding journey, there are amazing benefits to learning to code. And that will only become more true as time goes on.

Coding, as a field, isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, and the list of amazing resources is only continuing to grow. These 5 types of resources are a great way to get started, but there are many other kids coding resources out there. We encourage you to find somewhere to start and explore from there!

Pocket Matrix: How Phones Are Altering Reality With The Help Of VR & AR

Since the 80s, virtual reality has been nothing more than a dream, with movies like Back To The Future and Tron simply speculating as to what could be. How would virtual reality come into our lives and how could it change our daily lives? While building blocks such as the Oculus Quest 2 and HTC Vive Pro 2 have promised to keep the virtual reality front evolving at a rapid pace, mobile phones have also been adding some pieces to the puzzle that is not only a virtual reality but also augmented reality, a technology that can alter our physical surroundings as opposed to making a whole new reality.

It’s hard to believe that something so small can have the processing power to change the reality around us, but the technology is there and finding new ways to change the game every day. This became huge when game developer Niantic created their AR version of the ever-popular Pokemon series. In this iteration, Pokemon can be caught in your surroundings. For example, if you’re walking in the park and happen upon a Pokemon in the game, a scenario is created in augmented reality using your phone’s camera and the view it is capturing of the park around you. The Pokemon is then placed into that augmented reality where you can then catch it.

It was a small step for the augmented reality field but garnered the attention of fans everywhere with Pokemon being one of the most popular gaming franchises out there. Take that same technology and place it on something like casino gaming to repackage the product entirely. A business like Playerz casino could use both augmented reality and virtual reality to breathe a completely different life into their games by making players feel like they’re really sitting down at a table playing against competitors all over the world. With the popularity of live dealer games, Playerz could take augmented reality to digitally place dealers in a living room, basement, or garage. This would essentially give fans of the online casino a portable blackjack or roulette table – dealer included!

If you want to play the slots instead, you can see the lights flashing all around you, you can hear the bells and chimes in a 360-degree cone around you with the help of Bluetooth headphones. The potential this technology has to enhance immersion is everything we’d hoped it could be in the ’80s and then some.

There are plenty of ways how AR and VR could change the world, but in the world of gaming, it has just as many possibilities. With VR, games like World of Warcraft, New World, and Final Fantasy XIV could have the player inhabiting their avatar’s body experiencing the world from a first-person perspective, up close and personal with everything that makes their game unique. Talking with friends could be face to face, casting spells could be a full-body movement and reloading a weapon could actually be reloading a weapon.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg seems to see the potential in the technologies as he’s investing in the Metaverse and says the platform could replace the internet as we know it. The Metaverse would have humans inhabiting avatars to essentially browse the web. That includes taking part in Skype meetings, watching movies and window shopping at your favourite online retailer.

As it stands now, the technology seems to be years or decades away from being able to deliver such monumental promises. For now, we’ll just have to settle for catching monsters in our bedrooms and sitting down at a virtual poker table.

Are Hookup Sites Worthless? Of Course, No

While some people say that they’ve met their spouse through a friend of a friend, others look to dating sites and apps as ways to meet other singles. Of course, hookup sites have existed for several decades now, but only recently have people begun to embrace them, and it has yielded significant results. For a good list of the best hookup sites check here.

Here are some remarkable benefits of hookup sites to let you know why it’s worth the time:

It Is Easy to Get Started

Most hookup sites and apps have simple sign-up processes, and it’s easy to find like-minded individuals. The services have a simplified registration process, so you only have to provide your most essential information. You can stop there or include all your details. Either way, you will be able to search for a match with just a few clicks on your screen.

Hookup Sites Offer Privacy

Unlike going through a friend of a friend, hookup sites are more discreet. You can look for dates without anyone knowing, which is especially handy if you are not looking for a serious relationship.

There Is a Dating Site for Everyone

Whether you are a Christian, Muslim, a Buddhist or a Sikh, a gay man, or an LGBT supporter, there is a dating site for you. There’s even one for those who have disabilities and want to find love.

You Have the Power

As the person looking for dates, you have all the control of your preferences. You can choose only to see people of a certain height, weight, age or location. You can also choose to filter out people who do not have similar interests as you.

You Can Be Very Selective

When it comes to hookup sites, you can decide what qualities you want in the person. So if you are looking for someone with a certain degree or major, this won’t be a problem during your search. Besides, thanks to dating sites and apps, you can have access to singles from different walks of life.

It Is Safe and Secure

Most hookup sites services are safe and secure, ensuring that you only communicate with certified people who are looking for love. You can use an app or a message board to tell your matches about yourself. If they are also interested, they will reply to get acquainted easily.

You Have the Option to Meet in Person

Once you have communicated with someone and feel comfortable, you can always suggest meeting up in person. This is a great way to see the potential for a relationship.

You Can Date in Your Pajamas

You don’t have to dress up and leave the house every time you want to meet someone. You can simply log into your account and chat with matches on your laptop or smartphone – even when you feel like staying home.

Bottom Line

There are many reasons why hookup sites are becoming more popular every day. It is easy, private, and secure. You can be as selective as you want, and you can easily connect with your matches. With hookup sites, you also can meet in person for a relationship.

If you are interested in finding love but don’t know where to start, hookup sites are an excellent way to go. It offers everything you need to find the perfect match.

Bully Share New Single ‘Just for Love’

0

Bully have shared a new single, ‘Just for Love’, which was recorded during the sessions for their third album, SUGAREGG. The band has also announced a run of North American dates in support of the album, starting December 9. Check out the list of dates and listen to ‘Just for Love’, which Alicia Bognanno co-produced with SUGAREGG collaborator John Congleton, below.

Bully 2021 Tour Dates:

Thu Dec 9 – Asheville, NC – Grey Eagle Tavern & Music Hall
Fri Dec 10 – Charlottesville, VA – The Southern
Sat Dec 11 – Washington, DC – Black Cat
Sun Dec 12 – Philadelphia , PA – Underground Arts
Tue Dec 14 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
Wed Dec 15 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
Thu Dec 16 – Lancaster, PA – Tellus 360
Fri Dec 17 – Pittsburgh, PA – Club Cafe
Sat Dec 18 – Louisville, KY – Zanzabar