Home Blog Page 237

Kim Gordon Shares Video for New Song ‘Bangin’ on the Freeway’

Today, Kim Gordon has shared the deluxe edition of her second solo album, The Collective. It includes the previously released single ‘ECRP’, as well as a new song, ‘Bangin’ On the Freeway’, which comes with a video directed by Coco Gordon Moore and starring Kim and Coco on a road trip. Watch and listen below.

In a press release, Gordon said: “Feel like I’m just getting started! Thanks for all the love!”

The Blueprint for Social Media Success: Building a Sustainable Career Online

In today’s digital age, a career in social media can be incredibly rewarding, but it requires more than just a passion for posting and sharing content. To build a successful and sustainable career online, it’s essential to understand the nuances of the social media landscape, craft a unique brand, set clear goals, and engage effectively with your audience. This guide provides a comprehensive look at the strategies and considerations necessary for thriving in the world of social media.

Understanding the Social Media Landscape

The social media landscape has evolved significantly since the early days of platforms like MySpace and Facebook. Today, the digital world is populated by a diverse array of platforms, each with its unique audience and features. From Instagram’s visual-centric approach to LinkedIn’s professional networking, understanding these nuances is crucial for tailoring your strategy.

Current trends indicate a growing emphasis on video content, with platforms like TikTok and YouTube leading the charge. The rise of ephemeral content, such as Stories on Instagram and Facebook, reflects a shift towards more authentic and immediate forms of engagement. Anticipating these trends and adapting your content strategy accordingly can help you stay ahead of the curve.

Identifying and understanding your target audience is a critical component of this process. Researching demographics, interests, and online behaviors will allow you to tailor your content and messaging to resonate with the people you want to reach. Additionally, if you’re looking to accelerate your growth, you might come across services where you can purchase X followers.

Crafting Your Unique Brand

Your personal or professional brand is the cornerstone of your online presence. Developing a brand identity involves creating a compelling and authentic persona that reflects your values, expertise, and personality. This identity should be consistently communicated across all your social media platforms to build recognition and trust.

Crafting a unique brand begins with defining your core message and values. What sets you apart from others in your field? What are your strengths and passions? Once you have a clear sense of your brand identity, you can translate it into visual elements like logos, color schemes, and typography, as well as verbal elements such as tone and style.

Consistency is key in branding. Your profile photos, bios, and content should all align with your brand identity. This not only helps in establishing a cohesive online presence but also makes it easier for your audience to recognize and connect with you.

Setting Clear Goals and Objectives

Short-term goals might include increasing your follower count, boosting engagement on specific posts, or launching a new content series. These goals should be specific, measurable, and time-bound, allowing you to track your progress and make necessary adjustments.

Long-term goals, on the other hand, focus on broader achievements such as establishing yourself as an authority in your niche, securing brand partnerships, or transitioning to a full-time social media career. Aligning these goals with your career aspirations ensures that your social media efforts are directed toward achieving your ultimate vision.

Content Creation and Strategy

Content is the lifeblood of social media, and creating high-quality, engaging content is essential for building a successful online presence. The types of content you produce—whether blogs, videos, podcasts, or infographics—should be tailored to your audience’s preferences and the platform you’re using.

Developing a content calendar is a strategic approach to maintaining a consistent posting schedule. This calendar should outline the topics, formats, and posting times for your content, ensuring that you remain organized and relevant. Incorporating storytelling and visual elements can further enhance engagement by making your content more relatable and memorable.

Building and Engaging Your Audience

Growing and engaging your audience is a dynamic process that requires ongoing effort and interaction. Organic growth strategies include optimizing your profile, using relevant hashtags, and collaborating with other influencers or brands. These tactics help increase your visibility and attract new followers who are genuinely interested in your content.

Engagement goes beyond merely gaining followers; it involves building relationships with your audience. Responding to comments and messages, participating in conversations, and soliciting feedback are all crucial for fostering a sense of community. Collaborating with other creators and participating in joint projects can also expand your reach and enhance your credibility.

Monetization Strategies

Monetizing your social media presence involves exploring various revenue streams that align with your brand and audience. Sponsored posts and affiliate marketing are popular methods, allowing you to earn money by promoting products or services that resonate with your followers.

Creating and selling your products or services offers another avenue for revenue. This might include digital products like eBooks or courses, or physical merchandise such as branded apparel. Understanding platform-specific monetization options, such as YouTube’s Partner Program or Instagram’s shop features, can also provide additional income opportunities.

Conclusion

Building a sustainable career in social media involves a combination of strategic planning, creative content creation, and ongoing engagement with your audience. By understanding the social media landscape, crafting a unique brand, setting clear goals, and staying adaptable, you can create a successful and enduring online presence. As you embark on this journey, remember that success in social media requires dedication, continuous learning, and resilience.

Top Prescription Medications for Weight Loss: How They Work and Their Benefits

While diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes are often the first recommendations for weight loss, they may not be sufficient for everyone. This is where prescription weight loss medications come into play. These medications offer a medically supervised option for those who have not found success with other methods or for those with obesity-related health issues that make weight loss an urgent necessity. In this article, we will explore the top prescription medications for weight loss, understanding how they work and the benefits they offer.

Understanding Prescription Weight Loss Medications

Prescription medications for weight loss are becoming a powerful tool in the fight against obesity, offering targeted support for long-term success. Brands like Ahara are leading the way in providing effective, personalized solutions that help individuals achieve their weight loss goals safely and sustainably.

These medications are typically prescribed to individuals with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or 27 or higher if they have weight-related health conditions such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure. The decision to use these medications is made by a healthcare provider, who assesses the patient’s overall health, medical history, and weight loss goals. It’s important to note that prescription weight loss medications are not a quick fix; they are meant to support, not replace, healthy lifestyle changes.

These medications work in various ways to aid weight loss. Some suppress appetite, making it easier to consume fewer calories, while others inhibit fat absorption or increase the body’s energy expenditure. By targeting different aspects of weight regulation, these medications can provide more comprehensive support for weight loss efforts. For example, those looking to get Saxenda online can benefit from its ability to mimic hormones that regulate appetite, leading to reduced calorie intake and effective weight management.

Top Prescription Medications for Weight Loss

Several prescription medications are commonly used to help individuals achieve their weight loss goals. Each of these medications works uniquely, offering different benefits and potential side effects. Below, we take a closer look at some of the most widely prescribed options.

Orlistat (Xenical)

Orlistat, marketed under the brand name Xenical, is a medication that works by inhibiting the absorption of dietary fats in the intestine. By blocking the enzyme responsible for breaking down fat, Orlistat reduces the amount of fat absorbed by the body, which in turn reduces calorie intake.

The benefits of Orlistat include modest but steady weight loss, improved cholesterol levels, and a lower risk of developing obesity-related conditions. However, because it interferes with fat absorption, Orlistat can cause gastrointestinal side effects such as oily stools, flatulence, and frequent bowel movements. These side effects can be mitigated by adhering to a low-fat diet, which is typically recommended in conjunction with the medication.

Phentermine-Topiramate (Qsymia)

Phentermine-Topiramate, sold under the brand name Qsymia, is a combination medication that includes phentermine, an appetite suppressant, and topiramate, a drug used to treat epilepsy and migraines. Together, these components work to suppress appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and boost energy expenditure.

Qsymia has been shown to produce significant weight loss in clinical trials, making it one of the more effective options available. Beyond weight loss, Qsymia may also help improve obesity-related conditions such as high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. However, it is not without potential side effects, which can include mood changes, insomnia, and an increased heart rate. Patients taking Qsymia require regular monitoring by their healthcare provider to ensure the medication is working effectively and safely.

Liraglutide (Saxenda)

Liraglutide, marketed as Saxenda, is a medication that mimics a hormone called GLP-1, which regulates appetite and food intake. By enhancing the body’s natural satiety signals, Liraglutide helps reduce calorie consumption and promote weight loss.

The benefits of Saxenda extend beyond weight loss, as it has also been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in people with obesity and type 2 diabetes. However, it is associated with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, particularly when first starting the medication. Despite these side effects, Liraglutide is considered a valuable tool for individuals seeking long-term weight management, especially those with obesity-related health conditions.

Comparative Analysis of Weight Loss Medications

When choosing a prescription medication for weight loss, it’s important to consider the efficacy, suitability, and safety of each option. Different medications offer varying degrees of effectiveness, with some producing more significant weight loss than others. For example, clinical trials have shown that medications like Qsymia and Semaglutide tend to produce more substantial weight loss compared to Orlistat.

The suitability of a medication often depends on the individual’s overall health and specific weight-related conditions. For instance, individuals with type 2 diabetes may benefit more from medications like Saxenda or Wegovy, which have additional benefits for blood sugar control. On the other hand, those with a history of seizures may need to avoid Contrave due to the increased risk associated with its use.

In addition to prescription medications, CelluCare is a safe and natural supplement designed to support healthy blood sugar levels, boost energy, and improve circulation. It complements weight loss efforts, making it a great choice for those seeking natural, sustained weight management.

Conclusion

Prescription medications for weight loss offer a valuable tool for individuals struggling with obesity, especially when traditional methods have not produced the desired results. Medications like Orlistat, Qsymia, Saxenda, Contrave, and Wegovy each offer unique benefits and work through different mechanisms to support weight loss. When chosen carefully and used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, these medications can significantly improve health outcomes and quality of life.

The Power of Professional Headshots: Why They Matter Across All Industries

A professional headshot is more than just a photo; it’s a powerful tool that represents you in the professional world. It’s designed to capture your essence in a way that conveys competence, reliability, and professionalism. Unlike casual or personal photos, a professional headshot is carefully crafted to align with your brand and the industry you work in. In today’s digital age, where first impressions are often made online, the importance of a high-quality headshot cannot be overstated. This article explores why professional headshots are crucial across various industries and how they contribute to creating a strong personal and professional presence.

First Impressions Matter

First impressions are formed quickly, and a professional headshot plays a pivotal role in shaping those initial perceptions. When potential clients, employers, or colleagues come across your profile, whether on LinkedIn, a company website, or a networking event, your headshot is often the first thing they notice. A well-taken photo can project confidence and competence, setting a positive tone for any subsequent interactions.

For those seeking high-quality images in Texas, professional headshots in Houston are available. These headshots can significantly impact job applications and networking opportunities by enhancing your professional appearance. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about conveying professionalism and making a strong impression that can lead to further conversations and opportunities.

Brand Identity and Personal Branding

A professional headshot is a cornerstone of building a consistent and effective personal brand. Your headshot helps establish and maintain your brand image, showcasing who you are and what you represent. In various industries, the role of a headshot can differ significantly.

In the corporate world, a headshot often emphasizes professionalism and credibility. It should project a polished image that aligns with the formal nature of the industry. On the other hand, in creative fields, a headshot can reflect personality and creativity, providing a glimpse into the individual’s unique style and approach. For those in the medical and legal professions, the focus is on trustworthiness and authority. The right headshot can help convey the seriousness and competence required in these fields, helping to build confidence among clients and colleagues.

Enhancing Online Presence

In an increasingly digital world, a professional headshot is essential for enhancing your online presence. Platforms like LinkedIn and company websites rely heavily on visual impressions. A professional headshot on these platforms helps establish a strong, credible presence, making you more approachable and trustworthy to potential connections and employers.

Additionally, your headshot plays a crucial role on social media and personal websites. It acts as a visual representation of your professional persona, creating a cohesive and recognizable image across various platforms. A consistent and high-quality headshot can help reinforce your brand and make a lasting impression on anyone who views your profile.

Headshots for Networking and Marketing

Networking events and conferences often rely on visual recognition. A professional headshot on your business cards or event profiles can significantly enhance your networking efforts. It provides a visual cue that helps people remember you and associate you with the image you want to project.

Moreover, professional headshots are valuable in marketing materials. Whether it’s for promotional content, press releases, or company brochures, a high-quality headshot can contribute to a polished and professional image. It’s an investment in how you present yourself to the public and potential clients, reflecting your commitment to professionalism and attention to detail.

Consistency Across Platforms

Maintaining a unified image across various platforms is crucial for effective personal branding. Having the same headshot on LinkedIn, your website, and other professional profiles helps create a consistent and recognizable image. It ensures that people who come across your profiles can easily connect the visual representation with your name and professional identity.

Updating your headshot is also important. As you progress in your career or undergo changes in your appearance, refreshing your headshot helps keep your image current and relevant. An outdated photo can give the wrong impression and may not accurately reflect your current professional status.

The Psychological Impact of a Professional Headshot

The psychological impact of a professional headshot is significant. A well-crafted headshot can boost your self-confidence, making you feel more assured in professional settings. This increased confidence often translates into more positive interactions with others.

Furthermore, how others perceive you based on your headshot can influence their interactions with you. A professional and approachable headshot can foster trust and credibility, making it easier to build relationships and advance in your career. It’s a visual representation of your professionalism and competence, which can greatly affect how you are perceived by others.

Conclusion

A professional headshot is a powerful tool for building and maintaining a strong personal and professional presence. It plays a crucial role in creating positive first impressions, enhancing online profiles, and supporting personal branding efforts across various industries. Investing in a high-quality headshot and maintaining consistency across platforms can significantly impact how you are perceived by others, boosting your professional image and opening doors to new opportunities. As you consider your professional image, remember that a well-crafted headshot is an investment in your success and credibility in the professional world.

Sharpen Your Skills: How Casino Games Enhance Critical Thinking and Decision-Making

Humans have something in common. This is the ability to unwind with games, whether online or offline. These days, many divert toward playing video games, which are quite rampant in the online landscape. On platforms like the Spin City casino, users can find various games that make the experience quite immersive and fun. Themes of such pastimes vary from sci-fi and fantasy to mythology and many more.

Many think of casino entertainment as a way to unwind and have fun. However, it offers so much more than this benefit. In that, it can also improve your critical thinking and offer problem-solving skills. Let’s look at some ways through which gaming skills sharpen your reasoning effectively.

The Upsides of Gaming on Cognitive Skills

Play is crucial for developing the brain, especially for children. Also, it helps people learn various skills like concentration, creativity, language, memory, social skills, etc. It also plays an important part in developing people’s emotional development. So, studies have proven that if you want to improve your critical thinking skills, all you need to do is play games, even if you are not a child anymore. The following are some ways that gaming can positively impact your brain:

  • Enhancing concentration: According to a study, video games help to improve attentional control. That is, it helps players to focus better on particular objects in the gaming landscape. Also, gamers are said to be able to predict a particular outcome more accurately. In a nutshell, playing video games helps to improve focus, attention, response time, and predictive accuracy;
  • Boosting brain: Expert players of video games usually experience enhanced functional connectivity in certain parts of the brain. These parts of the brain are linked to sensorimotor and attentional networks in those regions;
  • Improving memory: Gaming greatly benefits the player’s memory. In that, it offers better visual memories and greater accuracy than other non-gaming counterparts. Therefore, these video games can boost memory formation as well as improve the hand-eye coordination and reaction speed of players even when performing other tasks. Also, it increases the brain functions of older adults with positive signs and may even protect against Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Studies have proven that an average gamer’s brain is better at monitoring and updating information, which in turn positively impacts cognitive reasoning.

Critical Thinking Benefits

Playing strategy pastimes has a positive impact on critical thinking and problem-solving. This has to do with the way they are recently designed, which often encourages critical thinking and reflective learning. These pastimes require players to be as resourceful and adaptable as they can be without prior knowledge. This prompts players to think deeply and find suitable solutions to successfully play these pastimes to earn the rewards attached. Players find multiple ways of accomplishing the various tasks available in these games.

Gamers are left to make their way around these complex virtual worlds. Usually, this results in an improvement in visuospatial skills and intelligence. Casino pastimes help novices improve their visual performance and offer experienced players a higher skill in this regard. In the long haul, video game players become faster than non-gaming individuals when it comes to noticing targets. Also, extensive video gaming experience transforms cortical networks for complex visuomotor changes.

Decision-Making Benefits

Playing casino pastimes leads to faster decisions that are accurate and on point. The interesting part is that this skill does not apply to just playing video games. It can also be applied in other areas of life: driving, reading, and multitasking, to mention a few. Playing interactive pastimes can also help to minimize one’s bias and improve their decision-making skills.

At the end of the day, you can take advantage of the benefits that gaming provides by simply making the time to play. There are tons of virtual gaming experiences online that can help improve your cognitive ability. So, whether you play slots or table games, all you need to do is begin. This choice-making is the beginning of honing your decision-making skills that can be overlapped even in the real world.

It is important to note that moderation is key. So, while throwing yourself into gaming to hone your cognitive abilities, avoid spending too much time. This is because it can have a detrimental effect like sleep deprivation, risk of addiction, and declining performance, to mention a few. Knowing your limit and a perfect time to stop is another way to build and maintain a great decision-making habit.

Prepare to Hone Your Skills!

Whenever you are available, you can always sharpen your critical thinking and problem-solving skills with the various casino games online. It is great that everyone can now access these sites to play their favourite pastimes at any time. So, you can just sit back and have a good experience with various online casino pastimes. From slots and roulette through poker and blackjack to baccarat and live dealers, there are tons of exciting options to explore.

With these games, you can always put your critical thinking and problem-solving skills to the test. So, start playing!

Why Podcasts Are Now a Major Influence on Film Criticism

Podcasts have emerged as a major platform for film criticism, offering a flexible and accessible medium for audiences to consume content. As highlighted by the Texas Music Office, podcasts allow creators and listeners to connect more intimately, providing a direct way for individuals to share and discover new ideas. This conversational format makes it easier to engage in real-time discussions, offering a more personal and dynamic approach to exploring films, fostering debates on cinematic trends, and expanding the reach of film criticism.

How Podcasts Became a Popular Medium

The rise of podcasts can be attributed to their flexibility. People can listen on the go, whether commuting or relaxing at home. The simplicity of recording and distributing podcasts has also encouraged many to launch their own shows, creating a space for both professional and amateur film critics.

The Appeal of Conversations in Criticism

Film podcasts allow for lively conversations, where multiple voices discuss different perspectives. This makes the analysis feel more engaging compared to written reviews, as listeners get to experience a dialogue that may resonate more deeply with their own thoughts on a film.

Accessibility and Global Reach

Podcasts are easily accessible across the world, making them inclusive and available to a diverse audience. As they are free or low-cost to produce and distribute, many critics can share their opinions with a global listener base, expanding the reach of film criticism beyond geographic limitations.

New Voices in Film Criticism Through Podcasts

Podcasts have revolutionized film criticism by offering a platform for a wide variety of voices. Traditional outlets, often limited to professional critics, are no longer the sole gatekeepers of film discourse. Podcasts give anyone, from professional reviewers to casual movie lovers, the chance to share their perspectives on cinema.

Diversity of Opinions

One of the most significant benefits of podcasts is the range of opinions they bring forward. Listeners can hear from different kinds of critics—some with academic backgrounds in film, others simply passionate about movies. This diversity allows for broader discussions that explore unique viewpoints, leading to richer film critiques. Listeners can choose from various podcasts that align with their personal tastes and interests, giving them access to fresh and diverse opinions.

Breaking Traditional Boundaries

Podcasts also break away from the constraints of traditional media. Unlike written or televised reviews, podcast creators have more freedom to express opinions without the limitations of time, length, or formal language. They can cover niche films, lesser-known genres, or explore cultural contexts, allowing for in-depth discussions that often go beyond the scope of traditional reviews. This open-ended format provides a space for voices and ideas that might otherwise be overlooked, making film criticism more inclusive and comprehensive.

Connecting Podcasts to Broader Entertainment Trends

Podcasts in film criticism reflect broader trends in the shift toward digital media consumption. As audiences move online, podcasts have grown alongside other popular forms like streaming services and user-generated reviews. Both platforms offer accessible, on-demand content, allowing people to engage with film criticism in flexible ways that fit their schedules.

How Film Criticism Podcasts Mirror Trends in Online Media

The rise of film criticism podcasts mirrors trends in other online media, such as the growth of streaming platforms and online review sites. Like streaming services, podcasts allow users to engage with content on their own time, breaking away from traditional media schedules. This shift has given audiences more control over how and when they consume film-related discussions, much like online reviews and platforms such as YouTube.

The Influence of Online Platforms Like Sweepstakes Casinos

Podcasts and online platforms like sweepstakes casinos both benefit from the growing demand for digital content. Both leverage the power of online communities to engage wider audiences through user-friendly interfaces. Sweepstakes casinos, for example, attract users with easy-to-use platforms, similar to how podcasts use accessible formats to reach more listeners. Websites like Sweepscatters provide valuable insights into these platforms, helping users find the best ways to enjoy sweepstakes gaming while staying informed about the latest offers. These shared trends reflect how online platforms are expanding the ways people interact with entertainment content, from games to film discussions.

The Power of Long-Form Conversations in Film Criticism

Podcasts provide a unique opportunity for film critics to engage in long-form conversations, allowing for deeper and more nuanced analysis of films. Unlike traditional reviews, which are often constrained by word count or time, podcasts can dedicate extended periods to dissecting movies, giving listeners a richer understanding of the subject.

In-Depth Analysis in Podcast Formats

The open-ended nature of podcasts enables critics to dive deeper into films, exploring everything from themes to cinematography. This format allows critics to unpack the nuances of a film, offering a more thorough critique than the brief summaries often found in written reviews. By taking the time to analyze plot details, character development, and artistic choices, podcasts provide listeners with a more comprehensive understanding of the movie’s layers.

The Role of Interviews with Filmmakers and Critics

Many film-related podcasts feature interviews with directors, writers, and other film professionals. These interviews offer behind-the-scenes insights that are rarely available in traditional film criticism. By hearing directly from the creators, listeners can gain a deeper appreciation of the artistic choices behind a movie. These discussions also add another dimension to film criticism, as listeners are exposed to new perspectives, enriching their viewing experience and understanding of cinema.

Podcasts vs Traditional Film Reviews

Podcasts offer a more flexible and interactive approach to film criticism, setting them apart from traditional reviews. Studies highlight that podcasts are now used to disseminate complex information effectively, making it easier to connect with wider audiences. Podcasts have evolved into powerful tools for communication, allowing for spontaneous, in-depth discussions that traditional formats often lack. This helps to bridge the gap between experts and general listeners, offering richer conversations and deeper insights that encourage broader public engagement in topics like film criticism.

Flexibility and Engagement

Podcasts give critics and audiences a more engaging experience. Listeners can tune in whenever they like and listen at their own pace. The interactive format, often including guest speakers and live audience feedback, enhances engagement in ways that written reviews can’t match.

The Changing Role of Film Critics in the Digital Age

In the digital age, the role of film critics has shifted. Podcasts allow critics to embrace a more casual and open style, connecting with broader audiences. They give critics a voice beyond the page, helping to shape new ways to discuss and analyze films, contributing to the evolving landscape of film criticism.

The Future of Film Criticism and Podcasts

Podcasts have established a strong presence in film criticism, and their future looks promising as they continue to grow in popularity. With current trends in digital media and audience engagement, it’s likely that podcasts will remain a dominant form of film critique for years to come.

Will Podcasts Continue to Dominate?

Considering the flexibility and accessibility of podcasts, they are poised to maintain their influence in film criticism. As more people turn to on-demand content, the conversational and long-form nature of podcasts offers an engaging alternative to traditional written reviews. Additionally, their ability to reach global audiences with diverse voices keeps them relevant in the evolving landscape of media consumption.

The Integration of New Technologies

The future of podcasts could also see new technologies, such as AI-driven content or interactive features, enhancing the listener experience. AI could assist with transcription, personalized recommendations, or even voice-activated search functions. Interactive elements, like real-time polls or audience participation, may also become more common, allowing listeners to engage directly with the discussion. These advancements could push the boundaries of how podcasts are produced and consumed, ensuring their ongoing role in shaping the future of film criticism.

Conclusion

Podcasts have become a significant force in film criticism, offering a flexible and engaging platform for diverse voices to share their insights. Their conversational style allows for deeper, more dynamic discussions compared to traditional reviews. As the podcasting space continues to grow, it opens the door for new perspectives and longer, more detailed analyses of films. The integration of new technologies, such as AI and interactive features, may further enhance this medium. With these trends, podcasts are set to remain a dominant and evolving platform in the world of film criticism.

Fazerdaze Shares Video for New Song ‘A Thousand Years’

0

Fazerdaze has released ‘A Thousand Years’, the latest preview of her forthcoming album Soft Power. It follows the lead single ‘Cherry Pie’. Check out the self-directed music video for the track below.

Fazerdaze’s Amelia Murray shared the following statement about the song and video:

Hey, it’s Amelia. I wanted to share with you my new track A Thousand Years along with the music video. This is one of the more electronic-leaning songs from my new record Soft Power (out November 15).

The track scratches the surface of the power dynamics I experienced in my late teens and twenties with someone 20 years older—a dynamic that lasted over a decade.

I filmed, directed and edited this clip in my home in the depths of Christchurch winter. I wanted this video and song to feel unsettled, on edge, isolated and detached.

The video is a self-portrait of my experience with high-functioning depression. My character exists within a box that never stays the same. It tightens, expands, but never at her will. I wanted to show feelings of isolation and powerlessness. My character appears composed – makeup, a suit – but psychologically is not.

As I was filming and editing this video, I thought a lot about Cindy Sherman and her process of taking self portraits. She does her own makeup, sets up the camera, gets into character, and takes these photo of herself, all while working unassisted. Knowing this made me feel comforted as I put on my suit over a series of freezing cold Christchurch nights and experimented with a handy cam, a projector, and simple textures. My years spent making music alone, and Cindy’s work, guided me in making this video (and YouTube tutorials of course). You can watch and listen to it here.

With Soft Power, I hope this record inspires people to see that true power doesn’t come from control or dominance, it comes from something much quieter and deeper within us. True power radiates from the heart, not the head, and leads from love rather than fear.

I hope to see a world where soft power is the star.

Inside Isaac Sultan Cohen’s World of Passion-Driven Art Collecting

For Isaac Sultan Cohen, art collecting was always more than just a hobby. In his world, art collecting is an emotional pursuit to which he is intimately connected, reflecting his passion for modern and contemporary art. Based in Miami, a city internationally known for a colourful art scene, and hosting the internationally renowned Art Basel fair, Sultan Cohen has become a central part of the city’s cultural landscape. His distinct approach to collecting, stands in contrast to much of the profit driven approaches prevalent in today’s art world. Sultan Cohen’s collecting is rooted in passion for the art, not financial gain. “Even if you’re wrong on the price,” he says, “what really matters is being right on the piece.”

It was early on in his life that Sultan Cohen began his journey into the world of art, inheriting an uncle’s collection, which included a number of world-famous pieces and influential modern artists. This was the foundation of his passion. “When I was first introduced to my uncle’s collection, it was like opening a window to an entirely new world,” Sultan Cohen recalls. “Those early experiences shaped how I see art today—something that enriches my life, challenges me to think profoundly, and evokes some of my deepest emotions.”

While more often than not, those collecting art are motivated by profit, Sultan Cohen is unconcerned with financial returns. His philosophy is quite straight forward: collect what you love and you will never need to worry about valuation. “I did not get involved in the world of art to make headlines for a big sale or successfully speculate on a new artist. I don’t see myself as an art investor,” Sultan Cohen says candidly. “I buy the works of established names in the art industry because of the intrinsic value they hold to me. I cannot explain the rush you get from being able to own a masterpiece.” For Sultan Cohen, purchasing a piece of art is very obviously far more than simply a transaction.

Isaac Sultan Cohen’s appreciation for masterpieces can be seen through the works which he has collected over the years. His extensive collection includes artworks from some of the most iconic artists of the 20th and 21st centuries—Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Anish Kapoor. Each work represents a milestone in contemporary art history, and each was carefully chosen as a result of both the central role which the respective artist plays in the modern art world, as well as an emotional connection. “A rule of thumb that I collect by is that I only focus on household names,” Sultan Cohen explains. Clarifying the reason, he continues, “Not because of their market value or trends in the art market, but as a result of their legacy. Any true collector will understand what I mean.”

Being based in Miami, Sultan Cohen reflects both on the city’s character and its unique position in the art world. The city, which is known to be a hub for art, draws a mix of traditional and contemporary art forms. “Miami is a great city. One of my favourite dimensions of the city is the way in which it merges various influences—from Latin American modernists to the multiple contemporary art installations which art lovers can find on display at almost any given time” Sultan Cohen says. “The art scene here is super exciting.”

For art lovers looking to start their own collections, Sultan Cohen offers some advice on the basis of his own personal journey. “Don’t be blinded by the potential for profit. Collect what moves you,” he advises. “Never worry if the piece will appreciate or depreciate in value. What matters is your connection. Trust your instincts, trust your heart. It is the same with a job. Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Lily Seabird Announces New EP, Unveils New Song ‘Fuckhead’

0

Burlington-based songwriter Lily Seabird has signed to Lame-O Records, marking the announcement with a new single called ‘Fuckhead’. Listen to it below.

“I wrote this one when I was 16 and it felt great to sing on the day we recorded acoustic versions of Alas, songs,” Seabird said in a statement. “It was for my friend Emmi who I was in my first band with when we were in high school. We used to think we were really cool and badass for calling each other fuckhead. I haven’t changed the song at all or the title since I wrote it.”

On November 15, Lame-O Records will reissue Alas, the album Seabird released back in January. It will also put out Alas, (acoustic versions), featuring acoustic versions of songs from the record.

Cardinals Release New Song ‘Get It’

0

Irish indie rockers Cardinals have dropped a new single, ‘Get It’. Following their recently released debut EP, the track was recorded with Chris Ryan (Just Mustard, NewDad, Robocobra Quartet) at his Belfast studio earlier this year. Check it out below.

“To me it’s a song about reflection, looking at what went wrong but also at what went right. The worst and the best,” frontman Euan Manning explained in a statement. “Its climax crowns love as an overwhelmingly positive force, whichever type of love that may be. It’s a change of pace for us and definitely feels like a bridging moment for what’s to come next.”