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Artist Spotlight: Kite

Konstantinos Pappis
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Artist Spotlight: Kite

Kite are a Swedish electronic duo comprised of singer Nicklas Stenemo and keyboard player Christian Berg. Their music, both powerfully abrasive and wildly nostalgic, captures the kind of euphoric rush that’s accompanied by a feeling of slow disintegration, like the soundtrack to a world blissfully teetering on the edge of oblivion. It’s why their latest collaboration with Benjamin John Power, aptly called ‘Teenage Bliss’, hits so hard — a founding member of experimental electronic outfit F*ck Buttons also known as Blanck Mass, Power’s production gives the rapturous new track that darker edge that renders it so raucously exhilarating. With a throbbing beat and a transcendent synth line that sends the track soaring, ‘Teenage Bliss’ combines the aesthetics of 90s club music, 80s synth pop, and a touch of modern alternative. It’s one hell of a comeback after a few years of relative silence, and we can’t wait to hear more.

We caught up with Nicklas and Christian for this edition of our Artist Spotlight series, where we showcase up-and-coming artists and give them a chance to talk a bit about their music.

How did you form Kite?

N: Back in 2007 we were both working on some sort of solo projects, after being in bands since the early 90s. We met in a club when Christian told me he had some music that needed vocals. I tried, and it became our first song ‘My Girl & I’. It felt really good so we just kept on going from there.

C. We both realized that it was more fun and inspiring to work with someone else. Even if we don’t really have the same kind of influences and the same idea how to make music we realized that it worked really well to combine our ideas. It was a new way of working for both of us.

What are some of your inspirations, musical or not?

N. I’m unfortunately bad at keeping up with contemporary music. But I’ve been absorbing all kinds of great music since forever, so there is a lot to pull out from the heart when it’s time to be creative. I started in the early Swedish black metal scene, but in the mid 90s i wasn’t as angry anymore, so I found Bowie and started to be more interested in songwriting than riffs.  I’ve also, during my whole life, been listening to a lot of film music such as Michael Nyman and Morricone.

C. Yeah, film music is a big source of inspiration, but also movies in general. I started out in the goth and electronic scene in early 90s, since then I haven’t really left it. But music wise Alessandro Cortini, Spacemen 3, Brian Eno and Suicide are big inspirations to me.

Could you talk about working with Blanck Mass for ‘Teenage Bliss’?

N. That was a dream come true. Christian showed me F*ck Buttons back when we started the band, and we became very influenced by their repetitive songs and awesome sounds, we never came close to that ourselves though…

C. I work at some venues in Stockholm, booking bands etc. We had Blanck Mass a couple of times at our venue, so we started to become friends. So it felt quite natural to ask him.

What ideas went into the making of the track?

N. The song started as an attempt to make some sort of dreamy, happy/sad ”Dream baby dream” kind of song. Then when the demo was there, and we started to produce, we felt it was really hard to make it energetic. It was a good song but kind of a sleeping pill. So who ya gonna call….

C. You know we have played together for more than 12 years, it’s quite easy to end up the same. We have our tricks and ways to do music. So it was really nice to have someone with fresh ears to put some layers and programming beat to our stuff. I think he is really brave and experimental with his way of producing music and that was exactly what we were looking for. We are really happy with the result!

How does the track compare to your previous releases?

N. Well, it feels like a long time since we made an upbeat song, so that feels kind of new again. And this is the first time we have worked with someone else on the production, so that feels very new, at least for us.

C. Many people says it sounds like the really early Kite, I didn’t think about it before, but now when I’m looking back I can see their point.

What are your plans for the future?

N. We are gonna continue to write and release songs throughout this corona-fucked up year. We are also making a double live LP that was recorded when we played with the Swedish Royal Orchestra at The Royal Opera in Stockholm last year. And when it is legal to make concerts again, we really wanna do that a lot.

C. We also have a couple of more singles in the pipeline. It’s quite stressful to try to make an album, so we are gonna try to release music more often instead. I think its really beautiful with 7” singles, it reminds me of the time when I bought records as a kid. It wasn’t  often you could afford a full length album.

TV On the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe Releases New Protest Song ‘People’

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
TV On the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe Releases New Protest Song ‘People’

TV On the Radio’s Tunde Adebimpe has released a new track called ‘People’. The protest song marks Juneteenth, the day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States.

With help from fellow TV On The Radio member Roofeo, the self-produced track is now available to stream or buy via Bandcam. All profits will be donated to Southern Poverty Law Center, Movement for Black Lives, and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Earlier in June, Adebimpe shared an emotional video on Instagram addressing victims of police brutality in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. A number of artists and industry professionals have spoken out and demanded justice for deaths of black people at the hands of police.

For resources in the fight against racism and police brutality, as well as a list of organizations you can donate to, click here.

Listen to Beyoncé’s New Song ‘Black Parade’

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Listen to Beyoncé’s New Song ‘Black Parade’

Beyoncé is back with a surprise new song called ‘Black Parade’. Co-written by Jay-Z, Derek Dixie, Caso and Kaydence, the song was released on Juneteenth (June 19), the day commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. Listen to it below.

Alongside the new track, Beyoncé also launched a new charitable initiative by the same name which spotlights Black-owned businesses through an online directory. Proceeds from the track will also directly benefit BeyGOOD’s Black Business Impact Fund. A message on the site reads, “Being Black is your activism. Black excellence is a form of protest. Black joy is your right.”

The singer also wrote on Instagram: “Happy Juneteenth Weekend! I hope we continue to share joy and celebrate each other, even in the midst of struggle. Please continue to remember our beauty, strength and power.”

In the midst of worldwide protests over police brutality and systemic racism, Beyoncé has been using her platform to demand justice for George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.

In April, the singer put out a remix of Megan Thee Stallion’s ‘Savage’ to benefit Bread of Life Houston’s COVID-19 relief efforts.

Alicia Keys Shares New Track ‘Perfect Way to Die’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Alicia Keys Shares New Track ‘Perfect Way to Die’

Alicia Keys has shared a new track called ‘Perfect Way to Die’. Written and produced by Sebastian Kole, the song deals with police brutality and systemic racism. Check it out below.

“Of course there is no perfect way to die,” Keys explained in a statement. “This phrase doesn’t even make sense but that’s what makes the title so powerful and heartbreaking because so many have died unjustly.”

“It’s written from the point of view of the mother whose child has been murdered because of the system of racism that looks at Black life as unworthy,” she continued. “We all know none of these innocent lives should have been taken due to the culture of police violence.”

The singer previously shared ‘Good Job’ back in April, a track dedicated to those “on the frontlines at the hospitals, balancing work, family and homeschool teaching, delivering mail, packages, or food, or facing other personal difficulties because of COVID-19.”

Her upcoming LP, ALICIA, was scheduled for release in March, but has since been indefinitely postponed.

Cat Power Pays Homage to Cassius’ Philippe Zdar with Cover of ‘Toop Toop’

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Cat Power Pays Homage to Cassius’ Philippe Zdar with Cover of ‘Toop Toop’

Cat Power has shared a cover of Cassius’ 2006 hit ‘Toop Top’ in tribute to French producer and DJ Phillippe Zdar. The cover, which features French artist -M-, arrives on the anniversary of Zdar’s death. Listen to it below.

Cat Power – real name Chan Marshall – and Zdar collaborated on numerous occasions, including on Cassius’ 2016 record Ibifornia and Cat Power’s 2012 album Sun. 

In a press release, Zdar’s widow, Dyane de Serigny, talked about the recording of the acoustic track: “We were standing by the entrance, not daring to enter the studio room as the events were too recent and surrealistic,” she said. “It felt unreal to be there without him. Cat Power and -M- started humming ‘Toop Toop’… That moment was so magical that we decided to turn the console, plug in the microphones and make the first recording of this new chapter in life. This foundational event gave us the strength and encouraged us to preserve the future of his beloved studio.”

de Serigny also provided the single’s cover art, which is the photograph that came up on her phone when Zdar would call. “It’s…an image that represents him perfectly: somewhere on an island, the sun reflecting on his eyes, his hair salty and damp from the sea,” she said.

Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Nose Piercing

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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Everything You Need to Know About Getting a Nose Piercing

Are you considering getting a nose piercing? Whether this is your first piercing or the latest of several, it is not wise to jump into it without thinking. Before making any big decisions, you should do some research and talk to people who have had it done to find out what is involved and whether it is right for you. From the piercing process to cleaning, there are a few things you need to know about getting your nose pierced before you go under the needle.

What are your options?

There are so many different options to choose from when it comes to nose piercings, both in terms of the type of piercing you want and which part of your nose you have pierced. The nostril is the simplest and most common part of the nose to pierce, but if you prefer something more eccentric and unique, you could opt for the septum, the bridge, or the tip. The size and shape of your piercing is another choice you will have to make. Do you want a small, discreet stud, or do you prefer a more noticeable ring, hoop, or barbell? The choice is yours.

Does it hurt?

There are a lot of nerves in the nose, so there is no getting around the fact that it will hurt a bit. For some people, a little bit of pain is all part of the experience, but the anticipation is usually worse than the actual procedure. You will feel sore afterward, and your nose may swell, but it does not require a high pain tolerance. As long as the process is carried out correctly by a trained professional, there is nothing to worry about. With this in mind, always make sure you choose a respected piercing artist to do it for you. Do plenty of research and ask people for recommendations. If you arrive at the shop and you don’t feel it looks sufficiently sanitary, don’t be afraid to bow out.

How long will it take to heal?

How quickly a nose piercing heals depends on the individual, but usually, it will take somewhere between two and three months to completely get back to normal. It is during the healing process that you are most at risk of getting an infection, so make sure you do not change the piercing or play with it, as this will increase the likelihood. If it has not healed after three months, go back to your piercer who will help you figure out the best way for you to recover fully.

How do you clean it?

Any piercing requires cleaning and maintenance afterward to prevent infection, but a nose piercing is especially susceptible. Your piercer will go over the cleaning process with you on the day, but it usually requires a saltwater cleanse twice a day until it is fully healed. Avoid touching the piercing with your hands while cleaning, as this is likely to transmit bacteria onto the metal, so use cotton wool, Q-tips, or a clean cloth to handle it.


If you decide that your nose piercing is not right for you, don’t be afraid to take it out and try something new. Removing and replacing a nose ring can be tricky for first-timers, so find out how to put in a nose ring here.

Sound Selection 104: Justy Presents ‘Stringing Along’

Modestas Mankus
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Sound Selection 104: Justy Presents ‘Stringing Along’

Gatton Soliloquy feat. Jenna Bataller, Abigail Joy, Wyn Starks, Kennedy Brown

Entering with a euphonious song named Soliloquy is Gatton, a singer-songwriter out of Cleveland, Tennessee. The song features numerous talented vocalists, all who perform superbly adding their scent to the song. Soliloquy is a thought-driven piece; it doesn’t force itself on the listener, and it elegantly delivers its views.

Talking about the song Gatton stated: “The inspiration behind the track is my stream of consciousness trying to wrap my mind around the attributes of life like irony, and tragedy, and the song is called soliloquy because a soliloquy is a theatre term that basically is a monologue done by an actor that is just speaking stream of consciousness and not caring whether he/she is heard by anyone or no one, which is exactly what this song is for me. It’s a somewhat structure-less splatter of my brain in a song, it relates to many emotions and concepts that come with the human experience.

Justy Stringing Along

Switching our frequencies, we have Justy, a highly-promising Brooklyn-born singer-songwriter. Stringing Along, the latest single by Justy is an easy-flowing piece production-wise yet still very personal at its core as it explores the lowest period of Justy’s life, and the highs and lows of the storm surrounding it. Lyrically and vocally, Justy delivers which puts her on the map as one of most exciting artists to follow in 2020.

With Stringing Along released, we are thrilled to see what is next for Justy.

Public Enemy Return with New Protest Song ‘State of the Union (STFU)’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Public Enemy Return with New Protest Song ‘State of the Union (STFU)’

Public Enemy have returned with a new protest song called ‘State of the Union (STFU)’. Produced by DJ Premier, the new track arrives with a video featuring footage of recent protests and police brutality directed by David C. Snyder. Check it out below. The track is also available to download for free via the group’s website.

Speaking of the track, Chuck D said: “Our collective voices keep getting louder. The rest of the planet is on our side. But it’s not enough to talk about change. You have to show up and demand change. Folks gotta vote like their lives depend on it, cause it does.”

Flavor Flav added: “Public Enemy tells it like it is. It’s time for him to GO.”

Back in April, the group revealed that their split from longtime member Flavor Flav was in fact an elaborate April Fools’ hoax, a move which was met with criticism. Both Chuck D and Flav perform on the new track.

Anderson .Paak Unveils Video for New Single ‘Lockdown’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Anderson .Paak Unveils Video for New Single ‘Lockdown’

Anderson .Paak has unveiled a new song called ‘Lockdown’ alongside a music video directed by Dave Meyers. The visual features appearances from from The Internet’s Syd, Jay Rock, Andra Day, Dominic Fike, and more. Check it out below.

The video shows .Paak and other artists going to a diner after a protest. “Oh, won’t you tell me ’bout the lootin’, what’s that really all about?” he raps. “‘Cause they throw away black lives like paper towels / Plus unemployment rate, what, 40 million now? / Killed a man in broad day, might never see a trial / We just wanna break chains like slaves in the South.”

The clip ends with a Black Lives Matter logo and a list of names of those who have lost their lives to police brutality, including George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. The final frame depicts a note stating that .Paak House, the rapper’s foundation, has made donations to Action Bail Fund LA, Atlanta Solidarity Fund, and Albany Safety Fund for Black Lives. The salaries of the cast and crew were also donated to different non-profit organizations.

For resources in the fight against racism and police brutality, as well as a list of organizations you can donate to, click here.

BTS Share New Song ‘Stay Gold’

Konstantinos Pappis
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BTS Share New Song ‘Stay Gold’

Last week, BTS announced a new album, MAP OF THE SOUL : 7 ~ THE JOURNEY ~, scheduled for release on July 14. Now, they have shared a new track from the album titled ‘Stay Gold’. Check it out below.

The song is one of the few new original songs to be featured on the record, which will primarily consist of Japenese versions of songs from this year’s massively successful MAP OF THE SOUL : 7. The album will be the group’s first Japanese full-length release since Face Yourself in 2018.

Since MAP OF THE SOUL : 7, which was released this February, band member SUGA has put out a solo mixtape under the moniker Agust D called D-2 u.

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