Home Blog Page 1224

Evan Rachel Wood Claims Marilyn Manson “Essentially Raped” Her On-Camera

Warning: This article details allegations of sexual assault.


The first part of Phoenix Rising, the new documentary that focuses on the life and career of Evan Rachel Wood, premiered Sunday night (January 23) at the Sundance Film Festival. The film – which director Amy Berg clarified is a work in progress, as Pitchfork reports – details the actress and activist’s tumultuous relationship with the shock rocker, who Wood publicly accused of sexual and physical abuse in February 2021. It also includes new allegations from Wood, who claims that she was “essentially raped on-camera” by Marilyn Manson.

Wood appeared in the music video for Manson’s 2007 single ‘Heart-Shaped Glasses (When the Heart Guides the Hand)’ when she was 19 years old. In the clip, Wood wears a pair of heart-shaped sunglasses identical to those seen on the poster from Lolita, Stanley Kubrick’s 1962 film about a man who becomes sexually obsessed with an underage girl. The video features Manson appearing to have sex with Manson while the duo are drenched in fake blood.

“[The glasses are] so iconic and it was meeting someone who had the sense of humour to know that, OK, people are going to make fun of the fact that it’s a Lolita-esque friendship/relationship, whatever the case might be,” Manson told SPIN in 2007.

“It’s nothing like I thought it was going to be,” Wood said of being in video’s set. “We’re doing things that were not what was pitched to me. We had discussed a simulated sex scene, but once the cameras were rolling, he started penetrating me for real. I had never agreed to that … It was complete chaos. I did not feel safe. No one was looking after me. It was a really traumatizing experience filming the video. I felt disgusting and that I had done something shameful and I could tell that the crew was uncomfortable and nobody knew what to do.”

“I was coerced into a commercial sex act under false pretenses,” she added in the documentary. “That’s when the first crime was committed against me. I was essentially raped on camera.”

Wood claims that Warner was clear about how she should discuss the video when it came up in interviews at the time. “I was supposed to tell people we had this great, romantic time and none of that was the truth,” she said. “But I was scared to do anything that would upset Brian in any way. The video was just the beginning of the violence that would keep escalating over the course of the relationship.”

Since Wood’s initial accusation, more than a dozen women have come forward with allegations of abuse against Manson, including Game of Thrones actor Esme Bianco. Manson has previously denied all claims of abuse made against him.

Part one of the two-part Phoenix Rising will air in full on HBO later this year.

Reach Out for Help

If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, we encourage you to reach out for support.
Crisis Text Line
UK: Rape Crisis
US: RAINN

This Week’s Best New Songs: Nilüfer Yanya, caroline, Big Thief, and More

Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.

On this week’s list, we have Nilüfer Yanya’s ‘midnight sun’, the cathartic and mesmerizing new single from the British songwriter’s second album, PAINLESS; ‘Sunset’, a wondrous acoustic highlight from the third chapter of Beach House’s Once Twice Melody; Big Thief’s ‘Simulation Swarm’, another elusive yet captivating cut off their forthcoming double album; ‘Running With the Hurricane’, the confident new offering from Camp Cope’s upcoming album; Jenny Hval’s ’Year of Love’, an evocative single in which the Norwegian artist reflects on her relationship with the institution of marriage; caroline’s ‘Good morning (red)’, a pensive slow burn from the London-based eight piece’s eponymous debut; and ‘Quicksand’, the glistening, poppy second single from Hatchie’s upcoming sophomore album.

Best New Songs: January 24, 2022

Song of the Week: Nilüfer Yanya, ‘midnight sun’

Beach House, ‘Sunset’

Big Thief, ‘Simulation Swarm’

Camp Cope, ‘Running With the Hurricane’

Jenny Hval, ‘Year of Love’

caroline, ‘Good morning (red)’

Hatchie, ‘Quicksand’

Thierry Mugler, Designer for David Bowie, Beyoncé, and More, Dies at 73

Thierry Mugler, the French fashion designer behind the Mugler fashion line, has died at the age of 73. “We are devastated to announce the passing of Mr. Manfred Thierry Mugler on Sunday January 23rd 2022,” a statement on his official Instagram account reads. “May his soul Rest in Peace.” The Mugler brand added: “It is with deep sadness that the House of Mugler announces the passing of Mr Manfred Thierry Mugler. A visionary whose imagination as a couturier, perfumer and image-maker empowered people around the world to be bolder and dream bigger every day.” No cause of death has yet been revealed.

A beloved and influential figure in the fashion world, Mugler is credited as one of the first designers to use celebrities as models. He created iconic looks for Beyoncé and David Bowie, who wore a Mugler dress on Saturday Night Live in 1979, and also worked with Lady Gaga, Diana Ross, George Michael, Cardi B, and many more.

After retiring from his eponymous brand in 2003, Mugler focused on fragrances and costume design and continued to supply clothes for some of the biggest stars in contemporary music. Rihanna, Dua Lipa, and Katy Perry have worn pieces from the Mugler brand in recent years. Lady Gaga wore a vintage Mugler dress when making her entrance to the 2011 Grammys inside an egg. Mugler also created all of the costumes for Beyoncé’s 2009 ‘I Am…’ world tour, on which he served as artistic director. On the front page of Beyoncé’s official website, a square now appears with a photo of Mugler, a collage of the creations he made for her over the years, and the caption: “Rest in peace Thierry Mugler.”

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by MUGLER (@muglerofficial)

Don Wilson, the Ventures’ Co-Founder and Rhythm Guitarist, Dead at 88

Don Wilson, the co-founder and rhythm guitarist of the influential instrumental rock band the Ventures, died Saturday at the age of 88. Wilson passed of natural causes in Tacoma, Washington, surrounded by his four children, according to a statement from his son Tim. “Our dad was an amazing rhythm guitar player who touched people all over world with his band, the Ventures,” Tim Wilson told The News Tribune. “He will have his place in history forever and was much loved and appreciated. He will be missed.”

Wilson formed the Ventures in 1958 alongside guitarist/bassist Bob Bogle, when the pair were working as construction workers in Seattle. Eventually recruiting drummer Howie Johnson and lead Nokie Edwards, the group would score their biggest hit just two years later with their rendition of Johnny Smith’s ‘Walk, Don’t Run’, which reached No. 2 on the Hot 100. When the group released a re-recorded version of the track in 1964, in the midst of the surf rock wave era, it once again rose to the Top 10.

The Ventures would go on to sell an estimated 100 million records, making them the best-selling instrumental band of all time. Bands such as the Beatles, Beach Boys, Led Zeppelin, and KISS and have cited them as inspiration, with Gene Simmons reportedly having been an early member of their fan club.

The Ventures were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2008. “‘Walk, Don’t Run’ started a whole new movement in rock and roll,” Creedence Clearwater Revival’s John Fogerty said at the ceremony. “The sound of it became ‘surf music’ and the audacity of it empowered guitarists everywhere.”

Wilson was the last surviving member of the Ventures’ classic ’60s lineup; Edwards passed away in 2018, Bogle in 2009, and Taylor in 1996. The band continues to tour with no original members. “Don Wilson, guitarist for Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame group, The Ventures, passed away this morning,” a statement on the official Ventures page reads. “Don was an inspiration and mentor. He was a unique talent that inspired countless musicians like us. We lost a good friend, fellow musician, world class performer, and beloved bandmate. Don Wilson has left the stage. We will miss him always.”

13 Best Stills from What Do We See When We Look at the Sky?

0

What Do We See When We Look at the Sky? is a Georgian film that premiered at the 71st Berlin International Film Festival. After making the festival rounds, the film garnered the attention of critics but unfortunately hasn’t yet made as much of an impact on casual viewers.

This quirky, beautifully shot story begins with a fun piece of narration as the two main characters meet and fall in love. However, the next day they wake transformed in new bodies, apparently the result of some curse they were unaware of. Unable to recognize each other, Lisa and Giorgi fail to meet and get to know each other as they had planned.

Writer-director Aleksandre Koberidze captures the warm atmosphere of Kutaisi – the riverside town in which Lisa and Giorgi keep missing each other – with tender attention to detail: dogs and humans lay equal claim to the streets, while the entire town is caught up in a frenzy over the World Cup. At the same time, Faraz Fesharaki’s cinematography elevates the fable-like tone that envelopes Giorgi and Lisa’s journeys. Youth and curiosity is brought to the forefront of many shots, with children kicking footballs in courtyards, closeups of wandering shoes, and the ever-present greenery that tinges the surrounds.

What Do We See When We Look at the Sky? is currently available on MUBI in the United States.

How to Promote Green Living and Sustainability in Your Community

Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important topic, as people are beginning to realize the importance of living in a way that doesn’t harm the environment. If you’re looking for ways to promote green living and sustainability in your community, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we will discuss seven ways that you can do just that. Let’s get started!

#1 Start at home

The first step to promoting green living and sustainability in your community is to start at home. If you want people to see the importance of these topics, you need to lead by example. Make an effort to reduce your own environmental impact and encourage others in your household to do the same.

You can also promote sustainable living through your actions outside of the home. For example, if you’re a member of a club or organization, try organizing a discussion on how we can all work together to improve our environment. You could also volunteer with a local organization that focuses on sustainability, such as Green Teams or Sustainable Earth Summit.

Whatever you do, make sure that you’re always respectful when discussing these topics and be open to learning new things yourself. After all, we’re all on this journey together! There are many ways that you can reduce your environmental impact and live a greener life at home. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Reduce your energy consumption by using power strips, turning off electronics when they’re not in use, or adjusting the thermostat.
  • Opt for low-emitting products such as LED light bulbs, organic cotton sheets, and furniture made from recycled materials.
  • Cut down on waste by composting food scraps, recycling paper, and plastic products, and choosing items with minimal packaging. If you need to dispose of large, unwanted items, hire ethical rubbish removalists in Sydney who prioritise upcycling and recycling over land waste disposal.
  • Plant trees to help improve air quality and create shade in your neighborhood.

#2 Start a social media campaign

One of the easiest ways to promote green living and sustainability in your community is through social media. Start a campaign on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram that encourages people to make small changes in their everyday lives that can greatly impact the environment.

You could also create a hashtag for your campaign so that it’s easy for people to follow and share with others. For example, you might use #SustainabilityLivesHere or #GoGreen2022. Whatever you choose, be sure to make it catchy and easy to remember!

If you don’t feel comfortable starting your own social media campaign, why not join an existing one? There are plenty of campaigns out there that focus on environmentalism and sustainability, so find one that speaks to you and get involved.

How to grow your online presence

Start by creating a social media strategy. This will help you to define your goals, target audience, and the type of content you’ll share. Also, make sure that your profile is complete and up-to-date, and include a link to your website or blog.

In addition, share interesting and engaging content that relates to your niche. This could be anything from infographics and articles to videos and quotes. It’s important to engage with others in your community by commenting on their posts, liking them, and sharing them with your followers.

#3 Partner with a non-profit organization

Another great way to promote green living and sustainability in your community is by partnering with a non-profit organization. There are many organizations out there that focus on environmentalism and sustainability, so find one that aligns with your own values and get involved.

You could volunteer with the organization or even partner with them to organize events or workshops that focus on these topics. By working together, you can help spread awareness and encourage others to take action. If you’re not sure where to start, try contacting your local Chamber of Commerce. They likely have a list of different non-profit organizations that operate in your area.

#4 Create a community garden for produce

One way to encourage people to live more sustainably is by creating a community garden for produce. A community garden is a great way to get people involved in growing their own food, and it also helps to reduce the environmental impact of gardening. Not only will a community garden help promote green living and sustainability, but it will also bring the community together. People can meet new friends while working on common goals, which can create a sense of camaraderie and support.

If you’re interested in starting a community garden, there are plenty of resources available online that can help you get started. And if you need additional assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local municipality or non-profit organization. They would be more than happy to help!

#5 Collect garden waste to recycle

Another way to promote green living and sustainability in your community is by recycling garden waste. Garden waste can include things like leaves, flowers, branches, and weeds. By recycling this waste, you’re not only reducing the environmental impact of gardening, but you’re also helping to conserve resources.

There are several ways to recycle garden waste, so find one that works best for you. For example, you could start a compost pile in your backyard or take your waste to a local recycling center. If you have a lot of garden waste, you might even want to consider starting your own small-scale recycling business.

#6 Encourage local businesses to go paperless

One of the best ways to reduce the environmental impact of your community is by encouraging local businesses to go paperless. By going paperless, businesses can save energy and resources, which helps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. There are many ways for businesses to go paperless, so find one that works best for them. Some common methods include using digital invoices and receipts, signing up for e-newsletters, and communicating via email instead of phone or fax.

There are many ways for businesses to go paperless, so find one that works best for them. Some common methods include using digital invoices and receipts, signing up for e-newsletters, and communicating via email instead of phone or fax. Here are some tips on how to go paperless:

  • Use digital invoices and receipts: This is a great way to reduce the amount of paperwork your business generates. Plus, it’s more efficient because you can track payments and orders online.
  • Sign up for e-newsletters: Many businesses offer e-newsletters as a way to stay in touch with customers. Signing up for these newsletters allows you to receive updates without having to print anything out.
  • Communicate via email: Email is a great way to communicate with customers and suppliers. It’s fast, efficient, and doesn’t require any paper.
  • Use recycled paper: If you do need to print something out, try using recycled paper. This will help conserve resources and reduce the environmental impact of your business.

#7 Get involved with your local government

One of the most effective ways to promote green living and sustainability in your community is to get involved with your local government. Find out if your town or city has a sustainability plan in place and offer to help create or improve it. You could also attend council meetings and voice your concerns about environmental issues.

If you’re feeling especially motivated, you could even run for office! This could be very beneficial, especially when considering Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez net worth. There are many opportunities to get involved in politics these days, so there’s no need to feel shy—the more people who care about these topics, the better.

In conclusion, there are many ways to promote green living and sustainability in your community. By following these tips, you can make a difference and help improve the environment for everyone. Thanks for reading!

Kaunas Kicks Off 2022 as the European Capital of Culture

0

Lithuania’s second-biggest city Kaunas began 2022 with celebrations as the European Capital of Culture. The Prime Minister of Lithuania, Ingrida Šimonytė, visited Kaunas to mark the occasion which put the city in the spotlight of a celebrated initiative. 

Talking about the occasion, Šimonytė stated: “I am convinced that Kaunas city and Kaunas district will be discovered not only by the whole Europe, but that all of us living in Lithuania will also see and hear Kaunas anew.” 

The European Capitals of Culture initiative has been running since 1985. During this time, almost 60 cities in various countries have been awarded the title of European Capital of Culture. This title has enabled cities to draw attention to themselves, both nationally and internationally, and implement socio-economic programmes through culture.

Watch Elvis Costello Perform ‘Farewell, OK’ and ‘Magnificent Hurt’ on ‘Colbert’

0

Elvis Costello and the Imposters appeared on last night’s episode of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert to perform two tracks from their recently released album, The Boy Named If –  ‘Farewell, OK’  and ‘Magnificent Hurt’ – along with a surprise rendition of his hit ‘(What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding’, originally written by English singer-songwriter Nick Lowe. Costello also sat down for an interview with Colbert to talk about the new album, watching Peter Jackson’s Get Back with Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, and more. Check out the performance and clips from the interview below.

Katie Dey Announces New Album ‘forever music’, Shares New Songs

Australian singer-songwriter Katie Dey has announced her next album: forever music will be self-released on January 28. The album, which Dey recorded entirely on her own, will be intially available as a Bandcamp exclusive, although she notes in a press release that “it may be released on streaming services in the future if i feel like it.” Listen to the first two singles from the record, ‘unfurl’ and ‘real love’, below.

Talking about the new album, Katie Dey said in a statement (via Stereogum):

forever music is about the eternal power of music and genuine love between women.
its about staying alive as long as possible, in defiance against all odds,
through life-threatening sickness in world made to hurt u,
doing what little things possible to care for the people you love the most.

i think it’s the most vulnerable and straightforward music i’ve ever made.
my voice is frequently unfiltered and dry and i tried to keep the songwriting and production as efficient and minimal as possible.
i was inspired by musicians including but not limited to : tori amos, utada hikaru, prince, ryuichi sakamoto, regina spektor, jpegmafia, & hatsune miku.
it was written / performed / produced / mixed / mastered by me at my home in melbourne australia.

Katie Dey’s most recent solo LP, mydatacame out in 2020, followed by the remix album urdata. Late last year, she shared a cover of Laugh & Peace’s ‘In the Sky’.

forever music Cover Artwork:

forever music Tracklist:

1. unfurl
2. real love
3. no love for songs
4. fuckboy
5. sharp teeth
6. equidistant
7. impossible
8. happy girl
9. forever music
10. rot with me

Maggie Gently Announces Debut Album, Releases New Single ‘Worried’

0

San Francisco-based songwriter Maggie Gently has released a new single, ‘Worried’, lifted from her forthcoming debut LP Peppermint. Check out a visual for the track below.

“‘Worried’ is kind of a love song, but also kind of a reckless, frantic snapshot of an anxious person trying to hold on to the things she thinks she can’t afford to lose,” Maggie Gently explained in a statement.

Peppermint is due out March 18 via Refresh Records. The album, which includes the previously unveiled single ‘Hold My Hand’, was recorded by Grace Coleman at El Studio in San Francisco and Brian Ishiba in Los Angeles. It was produced by Eva Treadway (Pllush, The She’s) and mixed and mastered by Grace Coleman.

Peppermint Cover Artwork:

Peppermint Tracklist:

1. Worried
2. Emperor
3. Hold My Hand
4. Steady
5. Don’t Have Time
6. About Leaving
7. My Favorite Song
8. That Noise
9. Dear You