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Level Up Casino Online Review 2024

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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Level Up Casino Online Review 2024

Welcome to our deep dive into Level Up Casino, one of the most exciting and innovative online casinos in Australia today.

Level Up Casino has swiftly climbed the ranks to become a go-to gaming destination for players around the globe. Established in 2020, this casino has seamlessly combined modern technology with classic casino appeal, creating an online gaming experience that’s hard to match. In this Level Up Casino review, we’ll walk you through everything from its background and bonuses to gameplay and support.

About Level Up Casino 🎉

Level Up Casino was launched in 2020, right in the heart of the online gaming boom, and it’s managed to capture the attention of players worldwide. Licensed and regulated by the government of Curaçao, this casino is designed to provide a safe and thrilling experience. It was created with a mission to bring a premium casino experience right to the comfort of players’ homes. With a user-centric interface, an extensive game library, and mobile optimization, Level Up Casino offers a top-notch gaming experience, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player.

VIP Program and Loyalty Rewards 🎖️

Level Up Casino takes player loyalty seriously with a rewarding VIP program designed to elevate the gaming experience. As players engage and wager on the platform, they accumulate points that can be redeemed for various perks, from cash bonuses to exclusive promotions. The VIP program is tiered, so as you climb the levels, you unlock more substantial rewards and benefits. This feature not only adds excitement but also ensures that regular players feel valued and rewarded for their commitment.

Responsible Gaming Tools ⚖️

Level Up Casino promotes responsible gaming by offering tools and resources to help players manage their gambling habits. Players can set deposit limits, wager limits, and even session time reminders to ensure they stay in control. For those who might need a break, Level Up Casino provides self-exclusion options, allowing players to temporarily or permanently restrict access to their accounts. Additionally, the casino collaborates with organizations that provide support and assistance to those experiencing gambling-related challenges, underlining its commitment to a safe and healthy gaming environment.

Exclusive Seasonal Games and Tournaments 🎉

Adding to the thrill, Level Up Casino regularly hosts seasonal events and tournaments that bring an extra layer of excitement to the platform. These events often feature exclusive or themed games and offer players a chance to compete for big rewards, including cash prizes and free spins. The competitive aspect of these tournaments gives players a chance to challenge themselves and see how they rank against others on the leaderboard, making for a social and engaging gaming experience.

Pros and Cons of Level Up Casino 🕹️✨

Pros 👍

  • Wide Game Selection: Thousands of games from top providers.
  • Generous Bonuses: Attractive welcome packages and regular promotions.
  • User-Friendly Site: Clean, intuitive design for easy navigation.
  • 24/7 Customer Support: Available through live chat and email.
  • Secure Transactions: Uses SSL encryption to protect player data.
  • Mobile-Friendly: Optimized for gaming on mobile browsers.

Cons 👎

  • No Dedicated Mobile App: Players have to access the casino through a browser.
  • Restricted Countries: Some bonuses and games are unavailable in certain regions.
  • Limited Search Functionality: Finding specific games can be challenging.

Official Website Experience 💻

The official website of Level Up Casino is a blend of style and functionality. Upon landing on the homepage, players are greeted with a clean design featuring the latest promotions, popular games, and an easy-to-navigate layout. The casino employs sleek visuals with vibrant colors, creating an inviting environment that enhances the gaming experience. Key sections are clearly labeled, allowing users to navigate from the games lobby to the promotions and banking sections with ease. This design is complemented by a fast-loading interface, minimizing wait times and ensuring that games run smoothly on both desktop and mobile browsers.

How to Sign Up at Level Up Casino 📝

Registering at Level Up Casino is straightforward. Follow these simple steps:

  1. Visit the Level Up Casino Website: Open the official site on your browser.
  2. Click on “Sign Up”: This button is typically located in the top right corner of the homepage.
  3. Fill in the Registration Form: Enter your email, choose a password, and fill in other necessary details.
  4. Confirm Your Account: Check your email for a confirmation link and click it to activate your account.
  5. Complete Profile Details: Fill in additional personal information to fully activate your account.
  6. Make Your First Deposit: Head over to the cashier section, choose a deposit method, and get started!

Bonuses and Promotions at Level Up Casino 🎁💸

Level Up Casino’s bonuses are designed to enhance your gaming experience from the get-go. Here’s a closer look:

Welcome Bonus 🌟

The welcome bonus package is spread across the first four deposits and offers a total of up to $900 along with 200 free spins. Here’s how it breaks down:

  • 1st Deposit: 100% up to $400 + 100 free spins (Bonus Code: LVL1)
  • 2nd Deposit: 50% up to $600 + 50 free spins on selected slots (Bonus Code: LVL2)
  • 3rd Deposit: 50% up to $600 + 50 free spins on Elvis Frog in Vegas (Bonus Code: LVL3)
  • 4th Deposit: 100% up to $400 (Bonus Code: LVL4)

Regular Promotions 🎉

Apart from the welcome package, Level Up Casino keeps players engaged with various promotions:

  • Midweek Boost: 50% up to $100 plus 20 free spins every Monday to Thursday.
  • Weekend Surge: 50% up to $200 with 40 spins for weekend play.
  • VIP Program: Loyal players can earn points and redeem rewards, including cash bonuses and exclusive perks.

These bonuses cater to both newcomers and regulars, ensuring there’s always a reward around the corner.

Software Providers 🎲

Level Up Casino partners with industry-leading software providers to ensure a top-notch gaming experience. Players can enjoy titles from renowned names like:

  • Microgaming
  • NetEnt
  • Play’n GO
  • Evolution Gaming
  • Yggdrasil

With providers like these, you can count on high-quality graphics, seamless gameplay, and fair play. New titles are frequently added, keeping the gaming library fresh and exciting.

Games at Level Up Casino 🎮

Level Up Casino boasts an extensive collection of games, covering all categories from slots to live dealer games.

  • Slots: Titles include popular games like Aztec Magic Bonanza, Elvis Frog in Vegas, and Big Wild Buffalo. Slot fans can choose from classic three-reel slots to advanced video slots.
  • Table Games: If you’re a fan of table games, you’ll find plenty of options here, including Blackjack, Roulette, and Baccarat.
  • Live Casino: The live casino section offers an immersive experience with real dealers. Games like Live Blackjack and Live Roulette provide a real-world casino atmosphere.

Safety and Fair Play 🔒

Level Up Casino is committed to providing a safe gaming environment. The casino is licensed by the government of Curaçao, ensuring compliance with industry standards. Moreover, the site uses SSL encryption technology to secure player data and transactions. Regular audits by independent agencies guarantee fair gameplay, and players can access audit results to verify game fairness.

Banking Options 💵

When it comes to transactions, Level Up Casino offers a range of secure options:

  • Deposit Methods: Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, and cryptocurrencies.
  • Withdrawal Methods: Visa, Mastercard, Bank Transfer, and e-wallets.

Most deposits are processed instantly, while withdrawal times can vary depending on the method chosen. Crypto transactions are usually processed faster, making it a convenient choice for players looking for quicker withdrawals.

Mobile Gaming 📱

While there’s no dedicated app, Level Up Casino’s website is fully optimized for mobile play. The mobile version retains all the features and games found on the desktop version, offering a seamless experience on smartphones and tablets.

Customer Support 💬

Level Up Casino provides 24/7 customer support through:

  • Live Chat: Immediate assistance with queries and issues.
  • Email Support: Responses within 24 hours.
  • FAQ Section: Comprehensive answers to common questions.

The support team is friendly, knowledgeable, and dedicated to helping players resolve any issues.

FAQ 🤔

  1. How do I sign up for Level Up Casino?
    Visit the site, click on “Sign Up,” fill in your details, and confirm your email.
  2. What payment methods are available?
    You can deposit and withdraw via Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller, and cryptocurrencies.
  3. Does Level Up Casino offer a mobile app?
    No, but the mobile-optimized site provides a smooth gaming experience on mobile browsers.
  4. Is Level Up Casino safe?
    Yes, the casino is licensed and uses SSL encryption for secure transactions.
  5. What games are available?
    Level Up Casino offers slots, table games, and live casino games from top providers.

Final Verdict: Level Up Casino – Worth the Hype? 🌐✨

In the competitive online casino world, Level Up Casino stands out for its robust game selection, generous bonuses, and player-centric approach. With an intuitive design, secure banking, and dedicated customer support, it’s an excellent choice for both new and seasoned players in Australia. While the absence of a mobile app and some regional restrictions could be downsides, the overall gaming experience is top-notch.

For players ready to “level up” their gaming experience, this casino is a must-try!

Synthetic Wilderness: Exploring the Intersection of Nature and Technology

Abbie Wilson
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Synthetic Wilderness: Exploring the Intersection of Nature and Technology

The exhibition proudly featured young artists Yilin He (Piry), Yihe Huang, Taojun Yang, Keyi Liu, and Ruiyan Sun, showcasing their works in Upper East Manhattan from October 18 to October 25. Drawing inspiration from nature, these artists explored the tension and harmony between the artificial and the natural, aiming to create a delicate balance through their artistic narratives. Employing synthetic materials, light and shadow media, and digital technology, their creations overlay imaginative constructs onto the real world. The resulting pieces exude an uncanny yet familiar quality, awakening hidden memories and emotions. This shared characteristic—emotive and vibrant—defines the essence of the exhibition.

Synthetic Wilderness, Photography by Judo

Today, artificially manufactured environments are constantly encroaching on the few remaining natural wildernesses, and this impact is irreversible and indelible. The advancement of digital technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, bionics, genetic engineering, and other new technologies has repeatedly surpassed human cognitive boundaries, blurring the distinction between nature and the non-natural. This exhibition intends to lead visitors to a synthetic wilderness where nature and the non-natural intermingle, urging them to confront the materialized world with a critical and questioning attitude in order to attain harmony with nature and sustainable development.

Untitled Natural Stills by Yilin He(Piry), Photography by Judo

Untitled Natural Stills by Yilin He(Piry)

In the imaginative world of artist Yilin He(Piry), there is a fusion of virtual landscapes and real nature. She seals imaginative elements from ancient myths and real natural symbols together in digital media, creating digital life forms that seem to have always existed. Her works are pseudo-documentary image symbols, yet they are able to evoke genuine emotional resonance.

Nature Archive by Yihe Huang, Photography by Judo

Nature Archive by Yihe Huang

The works of artist Yihe Huang showcase post-humanist doubts in a palpable and concrete manner. Human bodies will ultimately perish, yet consciousness will be sustained in artificial entities to attain immortality. Currently, words, images, sounds, and videos are all means of documenting human consciousness, but they are also information that is readily manipulable and modifiable. Human civilization, similar to nature, confronts the threat of being hijacked by technology.

Light and Cold Conversations: Atlantic, Algorithms and Visibility by Juntao Yang

Drexciyans, an underwater race possessing the ability to inhabit the vast oceanic depths, as they are the descendants of thousands of pregnant African slaves who were tossed into the sea from a ship bound for America on account of illness.

Artist Juntao Yang’s film transports the nautical Afrofuturist myth originating from the Detroit music production collective Drexciya to a future world where artificial intelligence is widely used. It utilizes absurd metaphors to convey contemporary truths. AI algorithms are creating another wilderness, a truly unfamiliar and desolate no-man’s-land. And at the root of it all, it still stems from human selfishness, bias, and greed.

The Last Dream by Keyi Liu, Photography by Judo

The Last Dream by Keyi Liu

In the series of illustrations crafted by artist Keyi Liu, the entire order of the mundane world is shattered and supplanted by a capricious and unrestrained new realm. The dragons transmuted from colored glass, a lonesome mermaid yearning for a rain of blossoms, and a blue-haired damsel ensnared in a peculiar ritual – all elements shatter the shackles of the rules and flaunt the freedom inherent in their nature.

Whispers of the Departed: A Memorial Reflection Experience by Ruiyan Sun and Light and Cold Conversations: Atlantic, Algorithms and Visibility by Juntao Yang, Photography by Judo

Whispers of the Departed: A Memorial Reflection Experience by Ruiyan Sun

The installation artwork by artist Ruiyan Sun is about the unique memories of an anonymous man throughout his life. It reflects on the relationship between the living and the dead, especially intimate relationships. The memories shared in the installation are short-lived, but they can enrich the stories of the dead. Leveraging the fleeting nature of memory, the artist aims to remind the audience t

Author Spotlight: Sergio de la Pava, ‘Every Arc Bends Its Radian’

Sam Franzini
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Author Spotlight: Sergio de la Pava, ‘Every Arc Bends Its Radian’

When Riv del Rio flies back to Cali, Colombia, fleeing an ugly breakup, he has no idea about the journey he’s about to take. His cousin sets him up with work — finding a local woman’s daughter, an intelligent woman who has been missing for a while. Seems easy enough, but as Riv finds himself more enmeshed with the story of the town and the underlying criminal activities within it, he seems to realize he’s out of his league, but not before he comes face to face with the Earth’s darkest secrets and unlikely realities. Funny, philosophical, and genuinely mind-bending, Sergio de la Pava’s Every Arc Bends Its Radian constantly surprises and shocks. 

Our Culture chatted with Sergio de la Pava over email about conversations, arguing, and genre.

Congrats on your new novel! How has the reception been so far?

Well, that’s really none of my business, is it? If someone says I messed with their head,
or words to that effect, then I guess success. Either way the globe will keep spinning
undeterred and largely undetected.

Riv is such an interesting narrator; he’s pulled to his homeland of Colombia, half fleeing a breakup, half to look for other work. When did he start to form in your mind?

Riv seems the reactionary type. Events form him at least as much as he initiates them. So I’ll say he started forming on that flight to Cali.

I like that the book is mostly dialogue — he trades off jabs with his friends and later foes with really clever ideas. What goes into one of your conversations?

I respond best to conversations where you feel the parties have arduously reasoned the matter through for themselves well beforehand and are just now filling us in.

Each chapter begins with an ‘argument’, a kind of motto that determines how he acts in the world. Some interesting ones assert ‘How any misgiving, if properly investigated, is empirically sound,’ or ‘The world as a kind of sleight of hand.’ How did this structure influence the novel’s themes?

These arguments seem to be able to exist out of time, as it were, to comment helpfully on what then unfolds. The words entry and argument helpfully have multiple meanings and connotations and it’s mostly left to the reader to disseminate this ambiguity as they see fit.

The book takes a bizarre turn that I didn’t see coming where Riv comes face-to-face with the criminal syndicate Mondragon, a villainous non-entity he’s been tracking down. Were there any real-life influences for this character?

Sadly, our world is full of Mondragons. The only question remaining is whether we will allow them to win; not looking good so far.

Even though it starts out as a detective novel, you really subvert it by adding body horror and bold ideas, along with becoming a thriller towards the end. Did you set out to write something kind of difficult to classify?

The kind of classification you’re talking about is, above all, unnatural. Genre works are very careful about their rules. How depressing, it ain’t me.

One of the book’s main ideas is that reality as we know it is not as it seems — you certainly make a parallel as the book peels back more and more layers. Why did you want to explore this idea?

I suspect it’s more like there are varying levels of reality, all true in their special way, but most of them untrue in the ultimate ways that signify.

You also touch on artificial intelligence and superhuman cognition, the origins of humanity. Was this inspired by the recent upticks in AI research?

Novels mostly have to opt out of current events. This one’s no different as its inventions predate the rise in notoriety you’re referencing.

So many ideas come together towards the end, I kind of picture you as someone who works out philosophical ideas through fiction — they’re definitely picked apart and examined from every angle. Is this a correct read?

It’s correct in that I know a lot more about what I believe at the end of a novel than I do at the outset. But it can be difficult, even for me, to tease out what’s motivation and what’s byproduct.

Finally, what’s next? Are you thinking of any themes for the next work?

How much of what we call romantic love is bound up in notions like loyalty and erasure of self?

Every Arc Bends Its Radian is out now. 

Casino Gaming Industry This 2024: Online Casino Trends of 2024 and Popular Casino Games Around the World

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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Casino Gaming Industry This 2024: Online Casino Trends of 2024 and Popular Casino Games Around the World

Casino gaming is a global phenomenon that continues to grow in popularity, evolving with technological advancements and changes in consumer preferences. From traditional table games to innovative online slots, the world of casino gaming offers a wide range of entertainment options for players of all types. In this article, join Glory Casino Online as we explore the latest trends in casino gaming and take a look at some of the most popular casino games played around the world.

The Evolution of Casino Gaming

From Land-Based Casinos to Online Platforms

Casino gaming has come a long way from the classic land-based casinos that were popular in cities like Las Vegas and Monte Carlo. With the rise of the internet, the industry has shifted towards online platforms, allowing players to enjoy their favorite games from the comfort of their homes. Online casinos offer a wide variety of games, including slots, table games, and live dealer experiences, making it more convenient for players to access their favorite forms of entertainment.

Mobile Gaming: The Future of Casinos

Mobile gaming is one of the biggest trends in the casino industry today. With the widespread use of smartphones and tablets, players can now access casino games on the go. Mobile apps and responsive websites have made it possible for players to enjoy a seamless gaming experience, whether they are waiting in line or relaxing at home. Mobile gaming has brought casino entertainment to a broader audience, making it more accessible than ever before.

Popular Casino Games Around the World

Slot Machines: The Most Popular Casino Game

Slot machines are the most popular casino game worldwide, and they come in a wide variety of themes and formats. From classic three-reel slots to modern video slots with multiple paylines and bonus features, slot machines are loved for their simplicity and excitement. In regions like North America and Europe, slot machines dominate casino floors, while online casinos offer thousands of different slot games to suit every player’s preference.

Blackjack: A Classic Card Game

Blackjack is one of the most popular card games in both land-based and online casinos. Known for its simple rules and low house edge, blackjack is a favorite among players who enjoy using strategy to increase their chances of winning. The goal of the game is to get as close to 21 as possible without going over, making it a game of skill and chance. Blackjack tables are a staple in casinos around the world, from Atlantic City to Macau.

Roulette: The Game of Chance

Roulette is a classic casino game that has captivated players for generations. With its spinning wheel and the thrill of predicting where the ball will land, roulette is a game of pure chance that offers an exciting experience. Players can choose from different types of bets, such as betting on a specific number, a color, or a range of numbers. European roulette and American roulette are the two most popular variations, with slight differences in the wheel layout and odds.

Baccarat: A Favorite Among High Rollers

Baccarat is a card game that has gained popularity, especially among high rollers and players in Asia. The game is known for its elegance and simplicity, with players betting on whether the player or banker hand will win, or if the result will be a tie. Baccarat is particularly popular in Macau, where it accounts for a large portion of casino revenue. The game’s straightforward rules and high stakes make it an appealing choice for many players.

Emerging Trends in Casino Gaming

Live Dealer Games: Bridging the Gap Between Online and Land-Based Casinos

Live dealer games are becoming increasingly popular as they offer a more immersive experience for online players. By streaming real dealers from a studio or a land-based casino, live dealer games bring the atmosphere of a physical casino to the player’s screen. Games like live blackjack, live roulette, and live baccarat allow players to interact with the dealer and other players, creating a social experience that bridges the gap between online and traditional casinos.

Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology

Cryptocurrency is making its mark on the casino industry, with many online casinos now accepting Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital currencies as a form of payment. Blockchain technology is also being used to increase transparency and fairness in gaming, providing players with greater confidence in the integrity of the games. The use of cryptocurrency offers faster transactions, increased privacy, and lower fees, making it an appealing option for many players.

Virtual Reality (VR) Casinos

Virtual Reality (VR) is an emerging trend that is set to revolutionize the casino gaming experience. VR casinos allow players to immerse themselves in a virtual casino environment, complete with realistic graphics, sounds, and interactions. Players can walk around the casino floor, play at different tables, and interact with other players—all from the comfort of their home. VR technology is still in its early stages, but it has the potential to create a fully immersive and engaging gaming experience.

Regional Differences in Casino Gaming Preferences

North America: Slots and Poker

In North America, particularly in the United States, slots and poker are among the most popular casino games. Las Vegas is known as the gambling capital of the world, with its iconic casinos offering a wide range of games and experiences. Texas Hold’em poker has a strong following, with numerous tournaments and events held across the country. The popularity of poker has also been boosted by televised events and online platforms, making it a favorite for many players.

Europe: Roulette and Blackjack

In Europe, roulette and blackjack are the most popular casino games. European roulette, with its single zero wheel, offers better odds compared to American roulette, making it a favorite among players. Blackjack is also widely played, with many European casinos offering different variations of the game. The rich history of casino gaming in countries like Monaco and the United Kingdom has contributed to the popularity of these classic games.

Asia: Baccarat and Sic Bo

In Asia, baccarat is by far the most popular casino game, especially in regions like Macau and Singapore. High rollers are drawn to baccarat due to its simplicity and the potential for large wins. Sic Bo, a dice game that originated in China, is also popular in Asian casinos. The game involves betting on the outcome of three dice, and its fast-paced nature makes it an exciting choice for many players.

Conclusion

Casino gaming is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry that offers a wide range of entertainment options for players around the world. From classic games like blackjack and roulette to emerging trends like VR casinos and cryptocurrency gaming, there is something for every type of player. As technology continues to advance, the future of casino gaming looks bright, with new innovations and experiences that will continue to captivate and entertain players for years to come.

Laraaji, Hand Habits, Brad Oberhofer, and More on Their Relationship With the Piano

Konstantinos Pappis
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Laraaji, Hand Habits, Brad Oberhofer, and More on Their Relationship With the Piano

The artists featured on piano1, the label section1’s new compilation dedicated entirely to solo piano compositions, were given two guidelines: piano has to be the main instrument, and the piece must not feature any vocals. Artists like Kelly Moran, the acclaimed pianist and composer whose contribution opens the vinyl version of the album, are used to experimenting with the natural sound of the instrument, weaving a dance between emotion and technique. But for others, like Japanese singer-songwriter Ichiko Aoba and Hand Habits’ Meg Duffy, whose primary instrument is the guitar, the project posed an interesting, even mysterious, challenge. Listening to piano1 is an opportunity to hear musicians with varying relationships to the instrument explore a simple prompt that incites a curious mix of comfortability and complexity: Danish artist ML Buch translates her hypnagogic dream-pop on ‘Getting to Know Each Other’, fiddling with a grand piano’s clean precision; Brad Oberhofer captures a dusty, wistful intimacy; and ambient veteran Laraaji’s piece is intricate and playful, less inclined to slip into dreamy territory. But while it conjures a range of moods that speaks to its diversity of talent, piano1 is wonderful to sink into as a whole, an invitation – as it was for every contributor – to slow down, drift off a little, and perhaps start remembering.

We asked some the artists featured on piano1, which is out today, to talk about their earliest memories of the piano and how contributing to the project reignited or deepened their relationship with it. Check out their responses and listen to the album below.

Laraaji

My earliest experience of the piano was through the church at the age of ten, when no church service was in progress, and I was alone with the piano. I would explore it with enthusiasm. My mother lovingly acknowledged this and invested in an upright piano for the house as well as piano lessons. This support started me on my quest of mastering improvisational music through the piano. Today, my expression ability through the keyboard is greatly developed, and one of my favorite musical expressions through the piano is spontaneous improvisational waltzes.

Hand Habits

My earliest memories of piano: a dusty piece of furniture, out of tune, intimidating, music locked away and inaccessible behind technique and knowledge. The piano was the place where the embarrassing family photos live. An altar for wooden santas, candelabras, last week’s junk mail. The piano was a mystery to me… a place where melody doesn’t quite sound right.

In college, I dreaded piano class. I got lost in all of the lines and spaces that seemed to exist beyond all margins. In February of 2023 I was asked to perform two of my songs on the piano at Carnegie Hall. During this time, I took lessons and started very very slowly developing a comfortable yet still mysterious relationship with the piano. I was shown the deep and unfurling realm of resonance, the fixed voicings only found in one place per octave, the sympathetic colors that seem to endlessly blossom and chance beneath my touch.

I’ve always primarily written and composed on the guitar and have spent most of my life monogamously with guitar as my channel. I still feel intimidated by the piano, but this composition has inspired me to explore the complex simplicity that this instrument has to offer. Being a part of section1’s compilation motivated me to compose from a place of curiosity and follow my ear.

Brad Oberhofer

I have surprisingly few early memories of piano, given there was always one in my living room growing up. I briefly took lessons around age 8 in Tacoma, WA. My teacher smoked a ton of cigarettes and collected dollhouses. There were several dollhouses and miniatures around the living room where I took lessons. She had this bizarre and magical aura about her, on top of being an incredible pianist and teacher. She was a deeply kind and empathetic person, with a toughness about her. She occasionally taught lessons out of her parents’ house, who were both concert pianists. Her parents were collectors, too: covering the walls of their home – which struck me as grand and castle-like when I was young – with dozens of pendulum clocks. To exist there was to witness a fragment of my teacher’s strange and mystical childhood. When my lessons ended, I could experience that spectrum of strange clocks, chiming differently in unison.

Contributing to this compilation has resulted in my first ever solo piano piece pressed to vinyl, and I can only imagine that if my childhood teacher were to hear me playing solo piano on a record, she’d be proud.

The Kimba Unit

My earliest memories of the piano would be in the beginning of high school (I was a late bloomer) trying to copy and learn songs from D’angelo, Prince, Stevie… that family tree. This project made me more comfortable with simplicity. There’s infinite things you can discover about yourself and your craft when you bring restraint into your practice.

Alan Wyffels

I have been playing the piano for as long as I can remember and it has always been my main outlet for creativity, curiosity and self-regulation. When I sit down to play the piano it’s never with the intention to “write a song” – I just play. The seeds of the piece I contributed to the piano1 have been floating around in my improvisations for many years. But given the assignment I was motivated to flesh out the ideas into some sort of beginning, middle and end.

Matthew Tavares

My earliest memory of the piano is when I went to a group piano lesson with my mom. I was 4 years old and I absolutely hated it. I didn’t go to another lesson until I was 9 when I suddenly wanted to try again and I fell in love with the instrument. Even though I owe my whole musical career to the piano, I haven’t really thought about it much the past 5 years. I play here and there but it hasn’t been the focus of my musical life. Sometimes I forget I can even play the piano lol. When I do play it’s normally improvising pieces and recording it on iPhone, which felt like the most natural thing to contribute. Getting asked to be a part of this project made me remember that one of the deepest relationships I have is with the piano, I had simply forgotten.

piano1 is out now via section1.

Albums Out Today: Father John Misty, Kim Deal, Michael Kiwanuka, Red Hot Org, and More

Konstantinos Pappis
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Albums Out Today: Father John Misty, Kim Deal, Michael Kiwanuka, Red Hot Org, and More

In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. Here are the albums out on November 22, 2024:

Father John Misty, Mahashmashana

Father John Misty has released his sixth LP, Mahashmashana, via Bella Union (the UK and Europe) and Sub Pop (everywhere else). The 2022’s Chloë and the Next 20th Century. includes the previously unveiled singles ‘Screamland’ (featuring Alan Sparhawk of Low on guitar) and ‘She Cleans Up’, as well as ‘I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All’, which also appeared on a greatest-hits compilation the singer-songwriter released earlier this year. Father John Misty, aka Josh Tillman, produced the record in Los Angeles with Drew Erickson, while frequent collaborator Jonathan Wilson served as executive producer.

Kim Deal, Nobody Loves You More

Kim Deal of the Breeders (and formerly of Pixies) has issued her debut solo album, Nobody Loves You More, via 4AD. The 10-track effort was previewed by the songs ‘Coast’, ‘Crystal Breath’, ‘A Good Time Pushed’, and the title track. Some of the songs on the record date all the way back to 2011. Collaborators on Nobody Loves You More include past and present members of the Breeders (Mando Lopez, twin sister Kelley Deal, Jim Macpherson, Britt Walford), as well as Raymond McGinley (Teenage Fanclub), Jack Lawrence (Raconteurs), and Savages’ Fay Milton and Ayse Hassan. The LP was mixed by Marta Salogni and mastered by Heba Kadry.

Michael Kiwanuka, Small Changes

Michael Kiwanuka has dropped a new album titled Small Changes. He reunited with producers Danger Mouse and Inflo on the record, which marks his first full-length since 2019’s KIWANUKA. It also features contributions from bassist Pino Palladino (D’Angelo, Beyoncé) and Jimmy Jam of Jam & Lewis. The singles ‘Floating Parade’, ‘Lowdown (part i)’ and ‘Lowdown (part ii)’, and ‘The Rest of Me’ arrived ahead of today’s release.

Red Hot Org, TRA​И​Ƨ​A

The Red Hot Organization’s latest compilation, the 46-track TRA​И​Ƨ​A, has arrived. Billed as a “spiritual journey celebrating trans people,” the album brings together artists including André 3000, Sade’s Sade Adu, Moses Sumney, Fleet Foxes, Yaeji, Perfume Genius, L’Rain, Adrianne Lenker, Sam Smith, Beverly Glenn-Copeland, Clairo, and Cassandra Jenkins, among many others. “We hoped to create a narrative that positions trans and non-binary people as leaders in our society insofar as the deep inner work they do to affirm who they are in our current climate,” producer Dust Reid explained. “We felt this is something everybody should do. Whether you identify as trans or non-binary or otherwise, if you took the time to explore your gender, get in touch with the feeling side of yourself, maybe we would have a future oriented around values of community, collaboration, care, and healing.”

LEYA, I Forget Everything

New York-based duo LEYA are back with a new mini-album, I Forget Everything, via NNA Tapes. Following the guest-heavy 2022 mixtape Eyeline, the collection marks harpist Marilu Donovan and vocalist/violinist Adam Markiewicz’s first release without collaborators since 2020’s Flood Dream. “I Forget Everything was written amidst confusion and exhaustion,” they explained in a press release. “It speaks through the distortion of memory, an abandonment of the cruelty of utopia, and the imminent loss of the past despite an unimaginable future.”

Various Artists, piano1

section1 has released a new compilation of solo piano music. piano1 features new original compositions from Hand Habits, Youth Lagoon, Mark William Lewis, Kelly Moran, Ichiko Aoba, ML Buch, Laraaji, Alice Boman, and more.
“piano1 is as much about showcasing the artists involved as it is showcasing the piano as an instrument, how different artists approach their creative relationship with the instrument, and how, depending on an artist’s approach, the same 88 keys used by each can produce such drastically different sounds, moods, etc.,” the label said in a statement. “The hope, all the while, was to create an album that accommodates many levels of listening attention (be it active listening, passive listening, or somewhere in between), while inducing calm and creating a space to think. As much as possible, we wanted to make this record as an invitation to the listener(s) into that space.”

Other albums out today:

Dean & Britta & Sonic Boom, A Peace of Us; Lifted, Trellis; Boldy James & Harry Fraud, The Bricktionary; Bibio, Phantom Brickworks (LP II); PAPA M, Ballads of Harry Houdini; Squanderers, If a Body Meet a Body; Opeth, The Last Will and Testament; Soap&Skin, Torso; Daryl Johns, Daryl Johns; Alice Ivy, Do What Makes You Happy; Quiet Husband, Religious Equipment; Fan Club Orchestra, VL_Stay.

André 3000 Releases New Song ‘Moving Day’

Konstantinos Pappis
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André 3000 Releases New Song ‘Moving Day’

André 3000 has released a new song called ‘Moving Day’. The track was featured earlier this week in a short film of the same name, directed by Dexter Navy, which chronicles the making of André 3000’s 2023 album, New Blue Sun. It comes with two additional tracks: a reversed version called ‘Day Moving’ and ‘Tunnels of Egypt’, which is billed as an unreleased piece from New Blue Sun. Take a listen below.

André 3000 received three nominations for the 2025 Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year for New Blue Sun and Best Instrumental Composition for ‘I Swear, I Really Wanted to Make a ‘Rap’ Album but This Is Literally the Way the Wind Blew Me This Time’. He recently contributed the track ‘IV. Something Is Happening and I May Not Fully Understand but I’m Happy to Stand for the Understanding (Awakening)’ to the Transa compilation.

ROSÉ Shares New Single ‘NUMBER ONE GIRL’

Konstantinos Pappis
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ROSÉ Shares New Single ‘NUMBER ONE GIRL’

ROSÉ has released a new single, ‘NUMBER ONE GIRL’, taken from her upcoming debut album rosie. It follows the Blackpink member’s Bruno Mars collaboration ‘APT’. The track was co-written and co-produced by Amy Allen, D-Mile, Omer Fedi, Carter Lang, Bruno Mars, and Dylan Wiggins. ROSÉ herself directed its music video, which you can check out below.

rosie is set to arrive on December 6 via Atlantic Records/THEBLACKLABEL.

Artist Spotlight: two blinks, i love you

Konstantinos Pappis
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Artist Spotlight: two blinks, i love you

two blinks, i love you is the project of Liverpool-based singer-songwriter Liam Brown, who was previously known for his work under the moniker pizzagirl. The phrase is a nod to a specific time and relationship in Brown’s life, and the songs he began releasing under the name would harbour the same earnest vulnerability. And like the name, their intimacy is often more important than the details around a particular feeling; two blinks, i love you songs can be blurry yet direct, aching yet vibrant. On his first EP, their bedroom folk quality reflected Brown’s solitary and unfiltered process. With ep2, though, he tracked the songs in a studio with engineer Sophie Ellis, remaining spontaneous while widening his indie rock palette, stunning in both its hushed and energic moments. Influenced by his trip to New York – how a big city can both make you feel both fantastically alive and aware of your smallness – the record starts out charmingly conversational, picks up the pace, and lands in a more exposed and cathartic place than you’d expect, even given the confessional style of songwriting. “When I look back on my life/ I’ll scrape that barrel dry/ Say things that make me cry,” he sings, like he hasn’t already started.

We caught up with two blinks, i love you for the latest edition of our Artist Spotlight series to talk about his upbringing, the origins of the project, making ep2, and more.

I wanted to start with the opening line from ‘Amends’: “We are surely made by where we’re from and what we know is true.” Do you mind talking about how this idea has become clearer to you over the years?

That line definitely sums up how I see my life and how I’ve been shaped by the people around me, where I grew up, and the core beliefs instilled in me by the people I love and who are important to me. You can’t really control that; you have people around you that, for better or for worse, shape who you are. For me, thankfully, I’ve had people who’ve shaped me for the better, so it’s a nod to that. Summing up a really big idea in a simple way helps me understand the world a bit better, because I’m trying to figure everything out. Even when I was 18, I thought I had the world figured out, and you quickly realize you don’t; every song or release is just me trying to figure the world out in as best way I can. That song is a bit broader in its idea and the way it feels, but I think it’s still quite simple so I can understand it.

Can you describe yourself as a teenager? Do you think the core of your personality has stayed the same?

I think the core version of me is definitely the same. I’m quite a bit daft and love making music, and that’s literally the person I was in school. My vision of the world was a bit different. I probably thought I felt or had figured everything I needed to do in my life, like, I’m only going to feel these feelings again. But you realize there’s countless feelings you encounter in your post-teen years. That’s the ignorance of being naïve at that time. Maybe the ball was quite blurry, and as I’ve grown up it’s getting sharper and sharper, and maybe one day it will be a clear image of who I am. It’s hard to figure that out from a day-to-day point of view, but music has always been a grounding force in my life. Regardless of what goes on around in my life, music is kind of a center, and that’s always been the case since I was in school.

What kinds of music shaped you in those years?

I liked loads of folk music, 2000s indie folk, anti-folk bands. The Moldy Peaches and the Shins and Bright Eyes. I liked a lot of stuff from films that I like; coming-of-age films always have really nice soundtracks. I always liked making music to fit with a visual. I was a big Smiths fan in my teenage years; I was definitely more inclined to sad, introverted music. I listen to sad music when I’m happy as well; for some reason that just always stood out to me as music that I connected with. It was mostly singer-songwriter stuff – Elliot Smith and Alex G as well. A lot of loners, probably, which makes a lot of sense, thinking about how I make music.

Where were you at in your musical journey when you started pizzagirl?

That feels like a different person to me. I think I was about 18 or 19 when I started that project, and the music I ended up putting out on the first EP for that project, I was about 16 or 17. There’s a lot of differences to how I feel now about music ,and what I like about music is so different from what I was making back then. That came as a big lesson about the industry, and I learned so much through that band about how to embrace the imperfections of what you’re doing, how you don’t really need a massive team of people. But when I was about 22 or 23, I was thinking I don’t really have anything to relate to with this band anymore. pizzagirl to me was just a fun project, and I could be a bit funny and meme-y online. But I wanted to make a bit more honest music, and I couldn’t really see myself turning 30 and being called pizzagirl.

Going into two blinks, i love you, was making more earnest music a natural transition?

Yeah, I think towards the latter part of that project, songs were creeping in that were a bit more earnest. There was no massive shift tonally for me; songwriting just felt more at home in this project. I knew what it was going to sound like before I made it because I was eager to do it. pizzagirl to me just represented something else, and I didn’t want to be associated with it. I’m not embarrassed or anything about it; you can’t really be embarrassed about anything to do with things that you did when you were younger. That’s what makes you write or become the person you are now. two blinks, for me, just feels really comfortable, and it’s a bit more, like, Liam rather than some zany online persona that is trying really hard to be funny – and failing, most of the time.

The name itself directly pulls you into that intimate songwriting space. I’m curious if there’s a kind of vulnerability even to the name of the project, for you, that’s different from writing an intimate song.

In terms of being vulnerable, it’s easier to be a persona and kind of deflect any authentic feelings. And that’s not really how I want to navigate my life. I don’t want to shy away from intimate and vulnerable topics in my life. With this project, I’m definitely a lot more heart-on-the-sleeve in the songwriting, and I like it. It’s a kind of confessional journal of how I feel in different parts of my life, and I’d rather people instantly connect with that feeling rather than try and figure out metaphors in a persona band that has nothing to do with my life. The name is super earnest, and the songs hopefully are as well. If I’m creating that intimate world, then hopefully people feel connected to the music and want to stick around and like what the world represents. It’s definitely a hard transition in terms of how people perceive you. They might think of you as kind of a tongue-in-cheek, jokey person online, and then you make this project, and it’s really weighty, sad subjects. But hopefully, the songwriting and the world that is created through that is something that people find attractive.

When you were collecting songs for the second EP, how did they begin to differentiate themselves from ep1?

I think ep1 was a very bedroom, intimate, vulnerable project. I was so keen to make this band that everything poured out at that point. There’s something with this EP that I wanted to sonically move a bit up from. I still demo at home, and the way you hear them is kind of the way the demo sounded, just re-recorded and mixed better by my engineer, Sophie. I wanted to move it out of the bedroom and try to make it sound a bit larger and sonically a bit different. The music that I write, I think the way it sounds doesn’t really have to matter – it could be a big indie rock song, it could be an intimate folk song, it could be an electronic anthem or something. But I think the core of it is all that honesty in the lyrics. ep2 was a bit more ambitious in terms of how I was wanted to lean into these different sounds, a bit more direct as well. Maybe ep1 was, like, pastel colors, and ep2 is block solid colors – a bit more assured of itself.

What was your favourite part of the recording process?

Working with Sophie, who mixed the EP, was amazing. We really clicked in terms of our working relationship. She works super quick, and I work super quick. It was really nice to be in a new space and have someone who enjoyed the music telling you that they enjoyed it. Sometimes when you make music alone, you kind of have to trust that you like the songs. I was very anti-studio, anti-collaboration because I do music alone, so having someone there who I trusted and had a good time with was really important. That’s what made me feel really happy and excited about the EP – it wasn’t made in a bad vibe; it was made with love, with all my friends around. It was something that I’ll cherish forever, that feeling of working with your best friends and having people there around you who believe in you. Hopefully I can make music in the future that is in that way as well.

‘For Good’ is maybe the most direct and self-consciously vulnerable song on the EP. You’ve said that many of the songs were retrospectively written about loss, and there may be aspects of it that you didn’t realize at the time. How do you relate to that song now?

Yeah, that one in particular is very direct in its themes. It touches on the feeling of things being finite and the lack of permanence. The chorus of that song is definitely me going like, ” I’d rather not deal with these subjects.” It can get quite overwhelming at times to think about life’s big questions; it upsets me sometimes, and other times I’m not that affected by it. But it’s also dealing with grief and loss – even loss in real, living relationships with people and friends. I found that really hard to deal with sometimes, and I think that song is basically just saying, “Could you not say that right now?” It’s a seven-minute vent, really. The chorus happens so often that it’s almost like pleading, it’s kind of desperate. I remember when I was writing that and performing it, I wanted to have a big, loud, screaming ending to the chorus because it relates to the feelings of the song.

When you recorded the song, was it like you imagined? What feelings came out in that moment?

Yeah, it’s weird because all the genuine feelings are kind of made when I’m alone writing the song with a guitar, in this room or working elsewhere. When I took it to a studio, there’s a certain element of, I could never be as 100% genuine as I was when I was writing it initially. But having those moments in the song to really exert a lot of energy into the performance brought back the adrenaline of making the song initially. It’s interesting to kind of relive the feeling you had when you wrote it in a new way, and sometimes it brings out new feelings that you didn’t feel before. I kind of realized how sad that song was, particularly going back to it. I didn’t really think too much about the lyrics when I was writing it.

You mentioned you usually write alone in your room, and you told me earlier that you’re now moving. Do you think about whether songs are going to come out in the same way somewhere else?

It’s funny that you say that because when I moved out the first time from my family home, that was a massive thought in my head. I was like, “Am I not going to be able to write music in the same way anymore? I’ve only ever known writing music in this house.” I think moving places as often as I have has stopped that feeling. I think no matter where I am in the world, that’s something quite central to my life, that I’ll write in this specific voice. It doesn’t necessarily change the fact that you can write different types of songs in different types of places. Maybe some days when I don’t like this apartment, there might be some songs that come out that are a bit more sad and angry. But I don’t think that’s ever too far away – I could be on a beach in the Caribbean and probably still write some sad, angry folk tunes, probably. But I did think initially, “Is the whole charm of my music going to leave when I move out?” Thankfully, I haven’t felt that.

I read that you got into film scoring this year. What’s that been like?

That was a really mad, stressful time of my life, but very fun as well. It was a really weird story because the director for the film was at a pub in Liverpool at the time, and he was chatting with my bassist, who is Irish. They were just talking about music, and my bassist asked the director what music he was into, and he mentioned two blinks, i love you. He was like, “Oh, I play bass in his band.” Then he called me at like 2am, like, “I just met this director!” We got to talking, and he was like, “I’d love you to maybe tackle the score for it.” I think I was a bit naive; I was like, “Yeah, great, I’ll do that!” Then it ended up being quite intense because there were two different styles in the film: quite intense action and drama, and then these intimate coming-of-age moments. The latter is where I’m way more comfortable writing music, but the action side was a lot more technical and scientific. I think I nearly cried about four times, but it was amazing.

With two blinks, I can kind of make the rules and write whatever I want, but this was a lot more intense, focused work. I’m really looking forward to it coming out, and hopefully, people will like the sonic world that I made. There’s a scene where it’s the view of a screen and a girl is playing a cover song on YouTube, and it says “two blinks, i love you” on the video. I was watching it, and I was like, “I think my 15-year-old self would think that was really cool.”

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.

two blinks, i love you’s ep2 is out November 22 via Heist or Hit.

New Posthumous Mac Miller Album ‘Balloonerism’ Announced

Konstantinos Pappis
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New Posthumous Mac Miller Album ‘Balloonerism’ Announced

After a posthumous album from Mac Miller was teased during Tyler, the Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw festival in Los Angeles this past weekend, the rapper’s family has officially announced it. Balloonerism is set for release on January 17 via Warner, the Friday before what would’ve been Miller’s 33rd birthday.

In a statement, Miller’s family said:

Many of Malcolm’s fans are aware of Balloonerism, a full-length album that Malcolm created around the time of the release of Faces in 2014. It is a project that was of great importance to Malcolm—to the extent that he commissioned artwork for it and discussions concerning when it should be released were had regularly, though ultimately GO:OD AM and subsequent albums ended up taking precedence.

We believe the project showcases both the breadth of his musical talents and fearlessness as an artist. Given that unofficial versions of the album have circulated online for years and that releasing Balloonerism was something that Malcolm frequently expressed being important to him, we felt it most appropriate to present an official version of the project to the world. With that in mind, we’re happy to announce that Balloonerism will be released on January 17th, 2025.

Mac Miller died from an accidental overdose in 2018. Two years later, his estate released Circles, which was intended to be a companion to his 2018 record Swimming.

 

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