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mxmtoon Announces New Album ‘liminal space’, Enlists Kero Kero Bonito for New Song ‘the situation’

mxmtoon has announced a new album called liminal space, which arrives November 1 via AWAL. Along with the announcement, the singer-songwriter has shared ‘the situation’, a collaboration with Kero Kero Bonito. Check it out and find the album cover (by KangHee Kim) below.

“In the turmoil of the last two years since my second record, I’ve felt suspended in a transitory landscape that often at times felt endless,” mxmtoon shared in a statement. “It’s easy to feel trapped in something you barely understand, and life has thrown an onslaught of questions towards me that I can only respond with, ‘I have no idea how to answer this.’ So, suspended in the unknown I wrote these songs. I tried to unravel how I’ve chosen to fulfill the roles I’ve been given in my own life, and at times how I’ve failed to keep up with them.”

liminal space is an album for people struggling to understand agency, who bathe in the bittersweet and lose themselves wandering in their own endless hallway with no ending,” she added.”

Speaking about ‘the situation’, mxmtoon said:

What is there to say… we get older, then we die, and there’s nothing you can do about it! A lot of the songs on this record deal directly with the concept of girlhood and the cycle of life. I was twenty-three when I wrote ‘the situation’ and I feel like I grew up with this idea that my early twenties were gonna be the time of my life where I’m the hottest and most fun I’ll ever be. Society as a whole really pushes the narrative that women reach a peak and then slide down for the rest of their lives… and that’s just stupid. I always love to use some sarcasm in the mix when I’m writing songs that tend to be pretty emotionally raw though, and ‘the situation’ was the perfect opportunity to make fun of how dumb that is. Getting to work with Kero Kero Bonito on this song in particular was such a dream come true too. I’ve been listening to KKB since 2013, and Sarah’s vocals have been stuck in my head since Intro Bonito. Her contribution to the song was so perfect and fun, it really glosses up the song to be externally peppy when the whole thing is about dying! She’s amazing.

liminal space Cover Artwork:

yunè pinku Drops New Song ‘Half Alive’

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yunè pinku has released a new song, ‘Half Alive’. It’s taken from her upcoming EP Scarlet Lamb, which is out October 4 and includes last month’s ‘Believe’, a collaboration with Cecile Believe. Check out ‘Half Alive’ below.

Jane Remover Releases New Songs ‘Magic I Want U’ and ‘How to Teleport’

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Jane Remover has dropped two new songs, ‘Magic I Want U’ and ‘How to Teleport’. They follow another pair of tracks, ‘Flash in the Pan’ and ‘Dream Sequence’, which came out in July. Take a listen below.

Jane Remover released her most recent album, Census Designated, last year.

Naima Bock Unveils New Song ‘Feed My Release’

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Naima Bock has offered another preview of her upcoming full-length Below a Massive Dark Land. ‘Feed My Release’ follows previous offerings ‘Kaley’, ‘Further Away’, and ‘Gentle’. Listen to it below.

“‘Feed My Release’ is mostly about regret,” Bock explained in a statement. “It’s a simple song I thought wasn’t worth recording for a long time until I started singing it with violinist Oliver Hamilton and his harmonies brought it to life. Then Holly Whitaker joined along with her amazing voice, as well as Cassidy Hansen, Clem Appleby and Meitar Wegman adding their parts and the song in its current form was born! It’s a very collaborative arrangement & recording, everyone’s contribution to it is really their own.”

Below a Massive Dark Land, the follow-up to 2022’s Giant Palm, is out September 27 via Sub Pop/Memorials of DistinctionRead our Artist Spotlight interview with Naima Bock.

Autre Ne Veut Announces First New Album in Nine Years, Shares New Single

Arthur Ashin, the electronic producer who records as Autre Ne Veut, is back with news of their first album since 2015’s Age of Transparency. It’s called Love, Guess Who??, and it’s set to arrive on November 1 through Rebel Bodies. The LP features the previously unveiled song ‘Okay’, as well as a new track, ‘About to Lose’. Check out its Allie Avital-directed video below.

Love, Guess Who??? features contributions from Micah Jasper (ELIO, Rebecca Black), Kris Yute, Spencer Zahn, BlankFor.ms, Jessica Zambri (Solvey, Zambri), Cristi Jo Zambri (Ex Mazed, Zambri), Joe Stickney (Bear In Heaven, Ex Mazed), Jacob Becker, Raia Was, and Joxx Wilson.

Love, Guess Who?? Cover Artwork:

Love, Guess Who?? Tracklist:

1. Run Away
2. World War, Pt. 3
3. Homemaker
4. Okay
5. Break In
6. Itchy Blood
7. Ways I’m Like My Mother
8. Become a Flower
9. Heavy Tho
10. Heaven’s for the Living
11. Sexdepressed
12. About to Lose

MJ Lenderman Releases New Song ‘Wristwatch’

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Ahead of the release of his new album Manning Fireworks on Friday, MJ Lenderman has released one more single, ‘Wristwatch’. It follows previous entries ‘Joker Lips’ and ‘She’s Leaving You’. Check it out below, along with Lenderman’s upcoming tour dates.

MJ Lenderman 2024 Tour Dates:

Thu Sep 5 – Sat Sep 7 – Raleigh, NC – Hopscotch Music Festival
Wed Sep 18 – Nashville, TN – Blue Room at Third Man %
Thu Sep 19 – Nashville, TN – Basement East (ANTI- Showcase at Americanafest)
Thu Oct 3 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West &
Fri Oct 4 – Atlanta, GA – Terminal West &
Sat Oct 5 – Nashville, TN – Basement East &
Sun Oct 6 – Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theater &
Mon Oct 7 – Louisville, KY – Whirling Tiger &
Tue Oct 8 – St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway &
Thu Oct 10 – Omaha, NE – Waiting Room &
Fri Oct 11 – Iowa City, IA – Gabe’s &
Sat Oct 12 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue &
Sun Oct 13 – Eau Claire, WI – Stones Throw &
Mon Oct 14 – Milwaukee, WI – Turner Hall &
Wed Oct 16 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall &
Thu Oct 17 – Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall &
Fri Oct 18 – Detroit, MI – El Club &
Sat Oct 19 – Toronto, ON – Lee’s Palace &
Mon Oct 21 – Montreal, QC – Theatre Fairmount &
Tue Oct 22 – Boston, MA – The Royale &
Thu Oct 24 – Philadelphia, PA – Union Transfer &
Fri Oct 25 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg &
Sat Oct 26 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg &
Sun Oct 27 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg &
Tue Oct 29 – Pittsburgh, PA – Thunderbird Music Hall &
Wed Oct 30 – Washington, DC – 9:30 Club &
Fri Nov 1 – Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel &
Mon Nov 11 – Berlin, DE – Privatclub ~
Tues. Nov 12 – Hamburg, DE – Hafenklang ~
Thu Nov 14 – Amsterdam, NL – Bitterzoet
Fri Nov 15 – Brussels, BE – Botanique Witloof Bar
Sat Nov 16 – Paris, FR – Point Ephemere ~
Mon Nov 18 – London, UK – The Garage ~
Tue Nov 19 – London, UK – The Garage ~
Thu Nov 21 – Manchester, UK – YES Pink Room ~
Fri Nov 22 – Leeds, UK – Brudenell Social Club ~
Sat Nov 23 – Dublin, IE – Workman’s Club ~
Sun Nov 24 – Dublin, IE – Whelan’s ~
Wed Jan 29 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle ^
Thu Jan 30 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle ^
Fri Jan 31 – Athens, GA – 40 Watt ^
Sat Feb 1 – Birmingham, AL – Saturn ^
Sun Feb 2 – Oxford, MS – Proud Larry’s ^
Tue Feb 4 – New Orleans, LA – Tipitina’s ^
Wed Feb 5 – Houston, TX – White Oak Music Hall (Upstairs) ^
Thu Feb 6 – Austin, TX – Emo’s ^
Sat Feb 8 – Oklahoma City, OK – Beer City Music Hall ^
Mon Feb 10 – Santa Fe, NM – Tumbleroot ^
Tue Feb 11 – Tucson, AZ – 191 Toole ^
Thu Feb 13 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda ^
Fri Feb 14 – Los Angeles, CA – The Fonda ^
Sat Feb 15 – Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theatre ^
Mon Feb 17 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent ^
Tue Feb 18 – San Francisco, CA – The Independent ^
Thu Feb 20 – Portland, OR – Revolution Hall ^
Fri Feb 21 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theatre ^
Sat Feb 22 – Seattle, WA – Neptune Theatre ^
Sun Feb 23 – Boise ID – Shrine Ballroom ^
Mon Feb 24 – Salt Lake City, UT – Soundwell ^
Wed Feb 26 – Fort Collins, CO – The Aggie ^
Thu Feb 27 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre ^
Fri Feb 28 – Denver, CO – Bluebird Theatre ^
Sat Mar 1 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep ^
Mon Mar 3 – Lawrence, KS – Bottleneck ^
Tue Mar 4 – Urbana, IL – Rose Bowl Tavern ^
Thu Mar 6 – Lexington, KY – Green Lantern ^
Fri Mar 7 – Lexington, KY – Green Lantern ^
Tue Apr 29 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel $
Wed Apr 30 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Steel #

Clever Tactics Casinos Use to Make You Spend More Money

The house always wins, and they darn well make sure of it. While margins on some casino games might be extremely slim, casino companies know what they are doing in encouraging customers to stay and play, spending up big – even when they don’t mean to. Within the bounds of the law, casinos deploy a range of successful measures to entice players to spend more money. Like Black Friday sales, some things are just too enticing to pass up.

The thing is, these tricks of the trade are only seen and experienced when playing at your traditional brick-and-mortar casino. Online casinos cannot implement such sneaky tactics since players generally gamble in the comfort of their own homes or familiar surroundings. Plus, there are certain time limits you can set to limit your gambling activities too. Of course, when we’re talking about online casinos, we’re referring to the fully licensed and regulated ones, like those that are advertised on bonusmonitor.ca, we cannot speak about the rogue ones with possibly shady practices.

The Glitz & Glam

If you’re playing at any sort of well-attended casino, you’ll notice that it’s slick and shiny; filled with nice chandeliers, an appealing layout, expensive fixtures, gorgeous bathrooms, well-dressed attendants, and eye-catching art features. There is sex appeal and comfortability practically oozing from every corner, and always something new to look at.

Casinos keep you entertained by keeping their floors visually appealing from angles. The design of the casino spaces makes you want to stay – at least for a few hours – to truly soak up all the intricacies of the place. While you may have stumbled across a dated, stinky casino or two, these aren’t very popular and you probably won’t stay long.

Everything You Need in One Place

Want a beer? You got it. A steak dinner? Right over there, Sir. A band for a music break, or a pumping dancefloor? Yes, just over in the far corner. A comfy chair for some time out? Try the Keno space. Need a nap? We have rooms upstairs. A swim? Sure, the pool is open and has lifeguards 24/7. Breakfast at midnight? Our buffet is constantly stocked.

A good casino has everything a person could possibly want right at hand, so you’ll never be wanting for more. By giving you literally no excuse to ever need to leave a casino’s complex, they can effectively trap willing participants as long as they like. And if you’re in Vegas, hey, the whole city is a trap – it’s by design!

Where’s The Time Gone?

No natural light and no clocks? You’re either in a nightclub or on a casino floor. Casinos take away the cues that we use to determine what time it is so that you’re unaware of just how must time has passed since you stepped through those doors. Did you come here three hours ago or five now? Is the sun up outside? Maybe it’s sunset again, uh-oh.

If you’re not paying attention to your watch or phone, you might find yourself falling out those casino doors at 11 am instead of leaving at 3 am as you’d planned. You’re in an alternate reality here, so you better keep tabs on yourself.

Drinks Aplenty

There’s a bar over here, a bar over there, a waitress coming round with a tray of highballs, and a drinks button right over there. Hey, this one is even free, too! Keep them coming!

The alcohol flows at casinos like they have a free-flowing river of it right out back that they keep behind closed doors. Casinos are aware that alcohol is a legal, mind-altering substance, so they’re happy to keep patrons topped up so that they keep on playing, even beyond when they maybe should’ve stopped. When you’re playing at the more expensive tables, you even get free drinks to boot. As someone who’s had too much to drink is probably a worse player, it works out even better for the house.

Come On Down For Our VIP Bonuses

Casinos have VIP clubs that anyone can sign up to. Depending on the country or region, these clubs have different perks. For instance, a popular perk at Australian casinos is the lucky draw: VIP players must be onsite at a certain time to be called for a cash grab in a glass box where $10,000 is blowing around for a minute.

VIP clubs are often geared to get players in the door on a given day at a given time or at various times. While there is zero obligation for VIP members to play that day, the casino knows that once a member is in the casino they’re more than likely to stay for a little while to play their favorite games.

Age and Demographic Trends in Canadian Online Gambling: A CasinoOnlineCA Analysis

Canada is steadily becoming a gambler’s paradise, with its fair laws catering to iGaming. The recent changes to rules, which mandate provinces to set regulations, have changed the industry. Hence, more betting options exist, whether in sports or casino gaming.

Different Canadian online gambling trends have reflected these new changes. As of the end of 2023, the total country’s population stood at over 40 million. Interestingly, despite the country being the second-largest in terms of land size,  there are not as many entertainment options.

It comes as no surprise that iGaming is the go-to platform for recreation. A review of the top 10 online casinos in Canada details their exciting game libraries with unique bonuses.

This article will discuss the results of our CasinoOnlineCA team research on new demographics for Canada. It will focus on age, gender, and geographic factors.

General Overview of Demographic and Internet Conditions

The findings from CasinoOnlineCA research include data from over 100 non-governmental and governmental reports. As stated, the vast land size means more residents in smaller towns have less social interaction daily. However, big cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Calgary account for over 5 million people, which are strong provinces with stable iGaming laws.

The nation is also bilingual. It recognizes Canadian French and Canadian English as official languages. Hence, you’ll find online casinos offering a chance to change the dialect on the site. Currently, female residents are taking up gambling as recreation, a move from recent trends that were male-dominated. Males account for 57% of the internet gambling population, leaving 43% to females.

The number of users handling smartphones and tablets rose in 2022, boosting the widespread popularity of digital casinos. Current statistics show 37 million active internet users, which could grow in upcoming years. Here’s a breakdown.

  • Operating System Preference. Most Canadians prefer Apple devices, which account for 79%, leaving Android OS at 21%.
  • Internet Infrastructure. The Internet architecture provides LTE, 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage. This allows for fast internet connections and seamless gaming experiences.

Our analysis also shows that smartphone gambling is rising. The different regulations for mobile casinos have led to the development of optimized games compatible with varying screen sizes. We found that most players prefer platforms with native mobile apps available for download.

Gender Dynamics for Online Gambling: Our CasinoOnlineCA Review

As stated, men were heavily involved in gambling in the past. Recently, the landscape has been shifting, with women narrowing the gap. Our research indicates that the change is the increased engagement on online platforms.

57% of total players are men, making up a significant portion across all age groups. Participation is mainly in games viewed as highly competitive or require strategy, including poker, blackjack, and live dealer tables. The appeal is challenged to test their skill set against other players and boost their chances of winning. Some members also prefer casual gambling, including slots, and enjoy the recreational aspect.

The female gender is left with 47% of the total gambling population. The most popular titles they prefer are slots, offering simpler gameplay styles and fewer strategy requirements. Other games are bingo and lottery options. Besides, they enjoy the social aspect, which leads to interaction.

Age Demography

The age revolution is among Canada’s most impressive features of online gambling. Our research team at CasinoOnlineCA discovered that the range uniquely differs from other countries. You may assume iGaming is reserved for the young playing generation, but the reality is different.

First, legalities differ between provinces. The minimum age allowed to sign up at casinos is 18-19. It’s a sharp contrast to the United States, where many jurisdictions require players to be at least 21.

Provinces Legal Gambling age
Ontario 19
Quebec 18
Newfoundland 19
Nova Scotia 19
Prince Edward Island 19
New Brunswick 19
Manitoba 18
Saskatchewan 19
Alberta 18
British Columbia 19
Yukon 19
Northwest Territories 19
Nunavut 19

The different legislations are heavy on responsible gambling, stating heavy penalties for operators that don’t enforce age verification. It may look like online gaming is left for the young demographics. However, the reality is different.

Millennials and Gen Z (18-34)

Players (64% or 18.9 million residents) aged above 15 state they have gambled once. Their introduction to advanced technology trends, including smartphones and artificial intelligence, offering seamless gambling, is a reason for the transition. It also allows private gaming, including options like cryptocurrency for funding.

Millennials are attracted to accessibility and convenience. Online casino gambling is available during lunch breaks and after work hours to ease stress. The feature of playing from anywhere is a reason for its rise.

Gen Z players are attracted to mobile gambling. Added effects like gamification elements that provide extra winning chances, like loot boxes, improve their engagement levels. Furthermore, the thrill, twists, and social integration of different games make the iGaming experience more than a winning opportunity.

Gen X (35-57)

Analysis from various polls and surveys shows that the Gen X demographic is heavily involved in online gambling. The group participates in more challenging games which require skill and strategy. Top titles like blackjack and poker are popular among them. A 2018 study proves players over 44 accounted for over 50% of the active gaming population.

Geographic Trends

Canada’s large land size played a huge role in the changes to online gambling legislation. The Internet revolution also made it easier for Canadian players to access online casinos. However, regional differences and their regulators still influence the types of games available and what sites are available.

Ontario

Ontario is the most populous province in Canada, making it a hub for iGaming. It has the strongest laws regulating online gambling. The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario is the government’s regulator in approving licences. In addition, most residents enjoy wagering on slots, poker, baccarat, and sports. Ontario is home to six major operators, the largest of most provinces.

Quebec

Quebec is similar to Ontario but has a distinct cultural environment. Its primary language is Canadian French, which influences its gaming tradition. The majority of residents prefer lotteries and bingo to slots and poker.

Furthermore, the “Act, respecting the Société des Loteries du Québec” and the “Act, respecting Lotteries, Publicity Contests, and Amusement Machines” are the major legislations regulating iGaming. More platforms that centre on French are successful in this province.

Atlantic Provinces

Atlantic provinces, smaller in population than Ontario and Quebec, have dedicated gamblers. The jurisdictions include Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island. These jurisdictions have tight communities encouraging social interaction, especially for live dealer tables. They also favour popular titles like slots, bingo, and government-owned sites that allow lottery betting.

Western Canada (Manitoba, British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan)

Our review of Western Canada’s online gambling market shows it is dynamic, with unique additions from the provinces. British Columbia is known for its fair laws, serving a tech-savvy gaming population. Its “Gaming Control Act” offers stiff penalties for unlicensed operators. The British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) is the government’s regulator and authorised gaming site. In addition, the province contributed 13% of the total gambling revenue in Canada in 2022. Other jurisdictions like Manitoba, Alberta, and Saskatchewan contribute fair amounts due to widespread internet broadband connection.

Final Words

Canada is home to a dynamic iGaming environment. The gender myth that stated gambling is a “male” activity is slowly disappearing with the closing of the gap. More females now participate in different activities to enjoy online gaming, offering casual betting as the primary focus. The active playing population is Gen X, which accounts for over half of internet gamers. Geographical considerations also influence the industry, especially with language differences. As technology continues to change the trends, our CasinoOnlineCA experts believe the dynamism will only deepen. It will expose players to innovative features for an immersive experience.

Reasons Why You Should Hire a Catering Service for Your Next Event

Planning an event can be both exciting and stressful. From selecting the venue to organizing the guest list, there are countless details to consider. One of the most critical aspects of any event is the food. The right menu can make your event memorable, while the wrong one can leave guests disappointed. This is where hiring a professional catering service comes into play. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top reasons why you should hire a catering service for your next event. Whether you’re planning a wedding, corporate event, or family gathering, professional caterers can elevate your event to the next level.

Expertise and Experience

When you hire a catering service, you’re not just getting food; you’re getting years of expertise and experience. Professional caterers have extensive knowledge of food preparation, presentation, and safety. They know how to create menus that cater to diverse tastes and dietary requirements, ensuring that all your guests leave satisfied. Their experience in handling events of all sizes means they can anticipate potential issues and handle them efficiently, allowing you to focus on enjoying your event.

Wide Range of Culinary Services

One of the significant advantages of hiring a catering service is the variety of culinary options available. Professional caterers can offer a comprehensive suite of culinary services, from traditional dishes to exotic fare, ensuring there’s something for everyone. They can also accommodate specific dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergen-free options. This flexibility means you can customize your menu to suit the theme and tone of your event, creating a unique dining experience for your guests. Furthermore, caterers stay updated with the latest food trends, bringing innovative and trendy dishes to your table.

Time-Saving Convenience

Planning and preparing food for a large group is incredibly time-consuming. When you hire a catering service, you save valuable time that can be better spent on other aspects of event planning. Caterers handle everything from menu planning and grocery shopping to cooking and serving. They also take care of the cleanup, allowing you to enjoy your event without the hassle of post-party chores. By delegating the food responsibilities to professionals, you can ensure that every detail is taken care of, making your event run smoothly.

Professional Presentation

The presentation of food is just as important as its taste. Catering services excel in creating visually stunning displays that enhance the overall ambiance of your event. From elegant table settings to beautifully plated dishes, professional caterers know how to make food look as good as it tastes. This attention to detail adds a touch of sophistication and professionalism to your event, impressing your guests and creating a memorable dining experience. Whether it’s a buffet, plated meal, or hors d’oeuvres, catered food will always look its best.

Stress Reduction

Hosting an event can be stressful, especially when you’re responsible for feeding a large group of people. Hiring a catering service significantly reduces this stress. Professional caterers take care of all the details, from ingredient sourcing to meal preparation, allowing you to focus on other important aspects of your event. They also handle unexpected issues that may arise, such as dietary restrictions or last-minute guest changes. Knowing that the food is in capable hands gives you peace of mind and allows you to enjoy your event alongside your guests.

Cost-Effective Solutions

While it might seem like hiring a catering service is an added expense, it can actually be a cost-effective solution. Professional caterers have established relationships with suppliers and can purchase ingredients in bulk, often at a lower cost than you would pay at a retail store. They also have the equipment and expertise to cook efficiently, reducing waste and ensuring that you get the most value for your money. Additionally, caterers can help you plan a menu that fits your budget without compromising on quality or quantity, providing a better overall value.

Customized Menu Planning

Every event is unique, and so are its food requirements. Catering services offer customized menu planning to match the specific needs and preferences of your event. Whether you want a formal sit-down dinner, a casual buffet, or a themed menu, professional caterers can create a bespoke dining experience that aligns with your vision. They can also provide recommendations based on their expertise, helping you choose dishes that will be a hit with your guests. This customization ensures that your event reflects your personal style and leaves a lasting impression.

Hiring a catering service for your next event offers numerous benefits, from saving time and reducing stress to providing a wide range of culinary options and professional presentations. With their expertise and experience, professional caterers can elevate your event, ensuring that your guests enjoy a memorable dining experience. If you’re planning an event and want to focus on enjoying the moment rather than worrying about the food, consider hiring a catering service. Their attention to detail and commitment to quality will make your event a success, leaving you and your guests with fond memories.

The Most Famous and Unusual Tattoo Culture

In 1769, Captain Cook made a voyage to Tahiti. He brought back wondrous drawings of this strange thing the natives called “tatau.” It was an elaborate drawing on the skin, but it was permanent. The people in the West were aghast with this practice, creating a stigma that will last for centuries. The 1902 Century Dictionary, printed in the US, called tattoos the sign of the uncivilized.

Today, the vibrant tattoo culture has a global reach and no stigma. Tattoos are no longer for savages, sailors, convicts, and pilgrims to Jerusalem. Anyone can have one, and motifs can vary from cartoons to religious motifs. Here’s a journey through tattoo art from its origins to its modern forms.

The Origins of Tattoo Culture

Tahiti is only one Pacific island with a rich tattoo culture. Another one is Samoa, where tattoos were a rite of passage for men. The tattoo, called Pe’a, covers the entire midsection with dots and lines. The pattern can also be concentric, expanding in a circle from a joint. The best visual example is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. He sports a Pe’a on his left arm that includes circles radiating from his left shoulder.

The traditional way to make a Pe’a is with a comb-like tool made out of bone and turtle shell. The tattoo artist taps the comb with a mallet, driving its needles into the skin. They deliver the pigment, made out of sugar cane and soot, that forms the Pe’a pattern. The pattern is then covered with healing ointment made out of coconut oil. Celebrating the Samoan tattoo culture in this way is a testament to the Samoa man’s courage.

Traditional Tattoos in Japan

The Japanese tattoo culture dates back to prehistoric times, with tattoos called “irezumi.” It took a modern turn around the 7th century, when it got the stigma of association with crime. By the 18th century, peasants, gang members, and laborers wore irezumi. The Japanese government banned irezumi for everyone except foreigners. That let sailors get irezumi and spread it around the world. In 1948, irezumi became legal in Japan, but the common people still shy away from it.

Nature motifs are the most common ones in the irezumi tattoo culture. Cherry blossoms represent the short-lived beauty of life. Lotuses mean serenity; koi fish signify luck. There are mythological creatures and persons as well, such as heroes and demons. No matter which motif is in irezumi, it is always bright and vivid. The traditional irezumi technique involves weeks of painstaking labor with wooden tools. The ink is sometimes from the indigo plant. After making the body art, the artist signs his or her name in a special spot.

Tattoo Culture in Modern Society

Mass media led to the rising popularity of tattoos, especially after WWII. The first notable tattoo by a celebrity was that of musician Janis Joplin. She was popular in the 1960s because of her music but also because of her tattoos. She sported a small floral design on her left wrist and a small heart on her breast. Janis also wore colorful scarves and other accessories. That made her tattoos seem like accessories rather than permanent marks. Other celebrities picked up the trend, and soon the tattoo culture became common.

In the 1970s, the tattoo culture in the US took off. Tattoo artists set up tattoo parlors everywhere and let their imagination run wild. They used all kinds of tattoo techniques to attract attention. But, tattooing also became more and more like an industry. Out were traditional tattoo designs, and in were quirky designs and sloppy drawings. Each decade had its own motifs, for example, the 1970s had peace symbols because of Vietnam. There was still local stigma as the parlors got the blame for disease outbreaks. For example, it took until 1997 for New York City to lift its ban on tattoo parlors.

When tattoos became popular, having one or two was no longer enough. People started getting regular fresh tattoos to belong to a movement. Individual tattoo styles no longer mattered; they overlapped in intricate full-body suits. People combined these ink culture tattoos with piercings and other body modifications. The fast pace of tattoo parlors also led to the rise of sloppy designs. We’ve all seen those tattoos that look botched or warped but are still recognizable. No matter if they were intentional or not, they are still a genuine part of the tattoo culture. But, that is in the Western world. In other regions, the same tattoos are still there from generation to generation.

Geographical and Cultural Variations in Tattoo Practices

Mexico has a strong tattoo culture that honors the region’s heritage. The motifs are most often religious figures and skeletons, symbolizing faith and endurance. Each symbol in a Mexican tattoo has a hidden meaning. For instance, the skull means the cycle of life, while a rose means beauty. Together, they represent courage in the face of death. Day of the Dead tattoos have a layered meaning and symbolize the wearer’s connection with the past. They are also a source of great pride and cultural identity for Mexicans living in the US. Vibrant colors are as common as gray or all-black designs; all three variants look amazing.

Mexican culture tattoo ideas often draw inspiration from Aztec and Mayan cultures. Calendars and feathered snakes pay homage to ancient tattoo cultures. More modern symbols include powerful women, such as Virgin Mary. She symbolizes divine protection and the wearer’s devotion to praying to her. In a sense, one such tattoo is like a permanent prayer to Virgin Mary. Those ideas seeped into the modern world via Mexicans entering the US. Today, anyone can get a Mexican tattoo and blend it with modern cultural tattoo practices.

Instead of clashing, the ancient and modern tattoo cultures merged. A vintage culture tattoo can overlap with another tattoo made in a different style. Any number of cultures can merge in this way. How that ends up looking depends on the artist’s skill and imagination. That’s why it makes sense to vet the artist and gauge their skill before ordering a tattoo. The best way to do that is to check the tattoo parlor’s social media profiles for finished projects. It’s even possible to design a custom culture tattoo that combines designs in a novel way.

Unusual Tattoo Themes and Designs

Throughout history, tattoo symbolism always had to do with the wearer. It was a powerful statement of identity and heritage. But, the modern tattoo culture gave rise to corporate tattoos. In 2005, Karolyne Smith from Utah tattooed a casino advertisement on her forehead. She set up an auction on eBay and got $10,000 from Golden Palace for it. The tattoo artists offered other casino tattoo ideas for 7 hours, but she was adamant. Can you get a similar offer from the 7€ bonus casino slovensko?

Smith’s case is an extreme example of a pop culture tattoo. Regular casino-themed tattoos are more modest, with designs such as the joker tattoo. They are popular with gamblers, who are often superstitious. They want to carry their luck with them and often choose a motif that suits them. If they want luck in cards, they might get a card suits tattoo. As for the joker, he represents randomness and carefree foolishness. The joker features in many card games and can also appear as the joker card tattoo.

Casino tattoos are popular in tattoo culture, but they might not appear as such at first. They are small and delicate and blend with other symbols and designs. One such lucky charms tattoo can be anything that represents good luck, such as a horseshoe. How about a rabbit’s foot rolling dice? Tattoo culture is an infinite source of fun designs. They can be whatever the wearer wants, creating a custom message that speaks a thousand words.

Reading Tattoos Like Art

This article showed the undeniable cultural significance of tattoos. They are art that carries a message that makes sense to the wearer. Understanding the tattoo culture lets people read the meaning of a tattoo. That can be a great icebreaker and serve as the start of a wonderful relationship.