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Fucked Up Release New Song ‘Divining Gods’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Fucked Up Release New Song ‘Divining Gods’

Fucked Up have dropped another single off their upcoming album Another Day, the follow-up to last year’s One Day. ‘Divining Gods’ follows previous cuts ‘Stimming’ and the title track. Check it out below.

Speaking about the track,

As with all the songs on Another Day having some sort of relationship with their counterpoint on One Day, Diving Gods is the continuance of the conversation started with “Nothing’s Immortal”. While the first song dealt with loss in belief in an idol, Diving Gods is questions the need to make idols in the first place. 

As religion has become less of a factor in our society, this spiritual void has been filled with the fanatical unquestioning worship of idols. And this isn’t just on the grandiose levels of cultural superstars, even in punk there is a tendency to build up our musical heroes to superhuman levels of grandeur. But humans putting others humans on pedestals rarely works out well. 

People are going to fail us, as we are going to fail people. It is the human condition to not live up to expectations. Where does this leave the godless worshipers? New gods will be found and new churches built to them, only to one day be burnt again. The void is continually emptied and filled. It almost seems like there is a natural cyclical nature to things.

Another Day is set to come out on August 9.

Clothing Release New Single ‘Paper Money’ Featuring Elliott Skinner

Konstantinos Pappis
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Clothing Release New Single ‘Paper Money’ Featuring Elliott Skinner

Clothing – the duo of Aakaash Israni (Dawn of Midi) and Ben Sterling (Cookies, Mobius Band) – have shared a new single, ‘Paper Money’, featuring Elliott Skinner. It’s taken from their upcoming debut album, From Memory, which is out July 26 and features earlier singles ‘Still Point’ (featuring L’Rain), ‘Kingdom’ (with Amber Coffman), and ‘Modern Interiors’ (featuring Anna Wise’). Check out the track’s animated video, directed by Shira Inbar, below.

“A lot of our songs secretly have more than one pulse going at once,” Sterling commented in a statement. “‘Paper Money’ is the only song that shifts gears between them so clearly.”

The duo produced over 200 versions of ‘Paper Money’, which is mostly composed of just bass and vocals. They ended up returning to one of their earliest ideas, an outcome “anyone besides us could’ve seen coming from a mile away,” Israni said.

“Elliott brought a ton of magic to the vocals,” the band added. “He sent endless stacks of incredible harmonies. We could barely fit half of them into the song, but what remains is glorious.”

Cold Cave Announce New Album ‘Passion Depression’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Cold Cave Announce New Album ‘Passion Depression’

Cold Cave have announced a new album titled Passion Depression. The 8-track LP is set for release on October 15. It includes the previously unveiled singles ‘She Reigns Down’, ‘Shadow Dance’, ‘Blackberries’, and ‘Hourglass’. Check out the album artwork and the band’s upcoming tour dates below.

Cold Cave released a mini-album, Fate in Seven Lessons, back in 2021.

Passion Depression Cover Artwork:

Cold Cave 2024 Tour Dates:

Sept 5 Santiago, Chile – Blondie
Sep 6 Sao Paolo, Brasil – Carioca
Sep 7 Lima, Peru – C Festiva
Sep 8 San Jose, Costa Rica – Amon Solar
Sep 20 Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory
Sep 22 San Diego, CA – The Observatory
Sep 27 San Francisco, CA – The Chapel
Sep 28 Sacramento, CA – Harlow’s
Oct 4 Brooklyn, NY – The Monarch
Oct 5 Amityville, NY – Amityville Music Hall
Oct 6 Chicago, IL – Thalia Hall
Oct 11 Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom
Oct 27 London, UK – 02 Forum
Nov 2 Los Angeles, CA – Substance Festival

Ben Katzman and Guerilla Toss Team Up on New Song ‘Final Vibal’

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Ben Katzman and Guerilla Toss Team Up on New Song ‘Final Vibal’

Former Guerilla Toss bassist and recent Survivor contestant Ben Katzman has a new album on the way called Tears on the Beach, which boasts features from Mannequin Pussy, Illuminati Hotties, Shannon & the Clams’ Shannon Shaw, and more. Today, he’s shared the Guerilla Toss collaboration ‘Final Vibal’. Check it out below.

“’Final Vibal’ is truly a celebration of the homies who stuck it out together for the long run,” Katzman said in a statement. “Nine years ago I was in Guerilla Toss. We’ve all come a long way since starting out in basements so to be able to reconvene and rock at this point where our dreams are becoming realities feels so sick. ‘Final Vibal’ is definitely a nod to Survivor’s Final Tribal. Dance Punk music laden with kraut metal guitar riffs sprinkled with congas and all things shred.”

Tears on the Beach is set to arrive on August 23.

Jessica Boudreaux Unveils New Song ‘Cut and Run’

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Jessica Boudreaux Unveils New Song ‘Cut and Run’

Ahead of the release of her debut solo album The Faster I Run this Friday, former Summer Cannibals leader Jessica Boudreaux has shared one more single, ‘Cut and Run’. It follows previous entries ‘Be Somebody Else’, ‘Back Then’, and ‘Main Character’. Check out director Karlee Boon’s video for the song below.

WHY? Share Video for New Song ‘Jump’

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
WHY? Share Video for New Song ‘Jump’

WHY? have released a new single’, ‘Jump’, lifted from their forthcoming album The Well I Fell Into. Following previous cuts ‘G’dzillah G’Dolah’ and ‘The Letters, etc.’, the track arrives with an accompanying video from director Scott Fredett. Check it out below.

“’Jump’ was written at various times (starting around 2014 and finished in 2022) from the same hopeless, desperate feeling,” WHY?’s Yoni Wolf explained in a statement. “It’s a pessimistic song for sure but it’s at least a reaching out. It asks for help. It’s written from deep in trough state, but the songs around it on the album carry the hope and walk it home–so hang on (haha). I feel like our music is for people who’ve been through some shit and are still here trying to be better. Some songs – like ‘Jump’– are written from deep within that shit. But there’s always a sunrise after. There’s always someone around you who will call.”

Fredett added of the visual: “Coming off a more technical video for ‘G-dzillah G’dolah,’ and a compromising bout of sickness for Yoni, he wanted to go DIY and raw and fast. We filmed this in 3 evenings, using one toy lens with one light, and edited it in several days (thank you Evan Cutler Wattles). The only thing we did before we started filming was a motion test to see what type of walk looked best backwards. Very little planning, and made things up as we filmed. It wasn’t precious and that I think is good for WHY?.”

The Well I Fell Into is due out August 2 on WHY?’s own Waterlines label.

The Breeders’ Kim Deal Releases New Solo Single ‘Coast’

Konstantinos Pappis
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The Breeders’ Kim Deal Releases New Solo Single ‘Coast’

Kim Deal, of Pixies and Breeders fame, has released a new solo single called ‘Coast’. It marks Deal’s first single to be released through 4AD under her own name. Listen to it below.

Deal wrote ‘Coast’ in 2020 after being at her friend Mike Montgomery’s wedding when the house band, The Grape Whizzers, played Jimmy Buffett’s ‘Margaritaville’ with “revelatory levels of low self-esteem,” per a press release. The track was recorded by Steve Albini at his Electrical Audio studio in Chicago and features Deal’s twin sister and guitarist, Kelley Deal, marching band Mucca Pazza, and rhythm section Lindsay Glover and Mando Lopez.

This Week’s Best New Songs: Kelly Lee Owens, Johnny Blue Skies, Laura Marling, and More

Konstantinos Pappis
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This Week’s Best New Songs: Kelly Lee Owens, Johnny Blue Skies, Laura Marling, and More

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

This week’s list includes ‘Jupiter’s Faerie’, the centerpiece of Sturgill Simpson’s debut album as Johnny Blue Skies, a heart-wrenching meditation on grief that sprawls over seven minutes, stretching the mundane into the cosmically intimate; Kelly Lee Owens’ sultry and infectious ‘Love You Got’, which craves pure euphoria and actualizes it; Magdalena Bay’s slinky and confident new song ‘Image’; Christian Lee Hutson’s ‘After Hours’, which introduces the warm, enveloping sound of his upcoming album Paradise Pop. 10; Laura Marling’s ‘Patterns’, a gorgeously tender acoustic ballad that leads her forthcoming album; Silverbacks’ curiously propulsive new single ‘Selling Shovels’; Merce Lemon’s wistful, fiery new track ‘Backyard Lover’; and ‘Breath Out’, the cavernous, mesmerizing first single from Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn’s second collaborative LP.

Best New Songs: July 15, 2024

Song of the Week: Johnny Blue Skies, ‘Jupiter’s Faerie’

Kelly Lee Owens, ‘Love You Got’

Magdalena Bay, ‘Image’

Christian Lee Hutson, ‘After Hours’

Laura Marling, ‘Patterns’

Silverbacks, ‘Selling Shovels’

Merce Lemon, ‘Backyard Lover’

Dawn Richard and Spencer Zahn, ‘Breath Out’

Redefining Fashion Photography: Explore the photographic art of Hsin I Lin

Abbie Wilson
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Redefining Fashion Photography: Explore the photographic art of Hsin I Lin

In the contemporary field of photography, Hsin I (Camille) Lin’s work skillfully integrates profound reflections on various aspects of life with philosophical inquiries, redefining fashion photography with her unique narrative style and visual talent. Originally from Taipei and now active in New York, Hsin I (Camille) Lin is a fashion photographer, artist, and visual director whose creative mediums encompass photography, video, and literature. Her works have been published in internationally renowned media such as Vogue China, Elle China, and Harper’s BAZAAR.

Hsin I possesses a rich and professional educational background, having earned a Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy from Fu Jen Catholic University (2018-2022) and a Master’s degree in Photography from the School of Visual Arts in New York (2022-2023). These academic experiences laid a solid foundation for her artistic creation, and her artistic style has evolved through different phases, influenced by film directors like Apichatpong and Akira Kurosawa. Her themes traverse subcultures, philosophy, and spiritual exploration. She explains, “My inspiration mainly comes from those indescribable abstract feelings in concrete life, experiencing the world through my lens from my perspective, and extending imagination and philosophical thoughts from it.” Today, we have the privilege of engaging in an in-depth conversation with Hsin I (Camille) Lin to gain a deeper understanding of her work and creative journey.

When discussing her creative process, Hsin I shared her most memorable work, “While we are young” (2020-2023). This piece was created during the lockdown period in Taipei. “While we are young” is a four-year photography series shot entirely on 35mm film. The core theme of the series focuses on Generation Z youth from various fields, collaborating with several cross-disciplinary talents, including models, musicians, and more. Through Hsin I’s lens, it tells the story of contemporary youth growing in different roles, exploring the creative thoughts of young musicians, the rebellious confidence of independent models, and the inner universe of love queens, presenting a diverse image of contemporary youth. This series also garnered Hsin I (Camille) the attention and collaboration opportunity with the renowned Tokyo street photography platform Drop Tokyo, where she captured a series of contemporary youth street fashion photos in Taipei, showcasing the diversity of fashion photography and further expanding her professional career.

Recently, Hsin I (Camille) Lin has focused on breaking traditional photography boundaries, redefining contemporary photography with experimental fashion aesthetics. Influenced by Akira Kurosawa’s film “Dream,” Hsin I combines live portrait studio shooting with AI virtual synthesis technology, creating a new fashion photography series called “Dream.” This work expresses the indescribable fantasies in dreams through highly experimental methods, blending the stream of consciousness atmosphere with real-world scenes with a vivid visual style. This series was shortlisted for the Fine Art Photography Award this year.

Hsin I (Camille) Lin’s work showcases her profound philosophical thinking and visual talent, redefining fashion photography and offering viewers a new perspective on examining every aspect of life. Looking ahead, Hsin I (Camille) plans to join a creative agency in New York to continue exploring more themes related to subcultures and philosophical meanings, creating more pioneering, experimental, and narrative visual works, and analyzing life through her lens from her perspective.

Oktoberfest to Christmas: Unique German Gifting Customs

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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Oktoberfest to Christmas: Unique German Gifting Customs

Germany is a country rich in traditions and cultural customs, many of which revolve around gift-giving. From the lively celebrations of Oktoberfest to the festive joy of Christmas, each occasion brings its unique flair to the practice of giving gifts. This article explores the distinct customs associated with gift-giving in Germany, providing insights into what makes these traditions special. Whether you’re planning to send German gift baskets or are simply interested in learning more about these cultural practices, this guide will offer valuable information and tips.

Oktoberfest: A Celebration of Bavarian Culture

History and Significance

Oktoberfest, held annually in Munich, is the world’s largest Volksfest (folk festival) and a significant part of Bavarian culture. It began in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Today, it attracts millions of visitors who come to enjoy the festivities, including traditional music, dances, and, of course, beer.

Gift-Giving Traditions

While Oktoberfest is primarily about celebration and enjoyment, gift-giving plays a subtle yet meaningful role. Common gifts during Oktoberfest include:

  • Lebkuchenherzen (Gingerbread Hearts): These decorated gingerbread cookies are inscribed with sweet messages and are a popular gift among friends and couples.
  • Traditional Bavarian Clothing: Gifting a Dirndl or Lederhosen can be a thoughtful and culturally significant gesture, especially for those who partake in the festivities.
  • Beer Steins: Authentic German beer steins, often intricately designed, make excellent gifts for beer enthusiasts. For more on these, check out Authentic German Steins.

St. Martin’s Day: Lanterns and Sweets

Celebrating St. Martin

St. Martin’s Day, celebrated on November 11th, honors St. Martin of Tours, known for his acts of kindness and charity. The day is marked by children parading through the streets with handmade lanterns, singing songs, and receiving sweets.

Gift-Giving Traditions

Gift-giving on St. Martin’s Day focuses on children and includes:

  • Handmade Lanterns: Often crafted at home or in school, these lanterns are sometimes exchanged as gifts among children.
  • Sweets and Treats: Chocolate and candies are commonly given to children during the lantern parades.
  • St. Martin’s Bread: Also known as “Weckmänner,” these sweet bread men are baked in the shape of the saint and are a traditional gift for children.

Christmas: The Pinnacle of German Gift-Giving

Advent and Christmas Markets

The Christmas season in Germany is a magical time, beginning with Advent and marked by the opening of Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) across the country. These markets are famous for their festive atmosphere, where visitors can buy unique gifts, enjoy seasonal foods, and partake in various holiday activities.

Gift-Giving on Nikolaustag

On December 6th, St. Nicholas Day (Nikolaustag) is celebrated. Children place their shoes outside the door in hopes that St. Nicholas will fill them with small gifts and sweets.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

The main gift-giving event occurs on Christmas Eve (Heiligabend). Families gather for a festive meal, after which they exchange gifts. Traditional gifts include:

  • Handcrafted Items: Christmas markets are an excellent source of handmade gifts, such as wooden toys, ornaments, and crafts. For more inspiration, visit German Christmas Market Gifts.
  • Books and Puzzles: Intellectual and educational gifts are popular among families.
  • Food and Drink: Gourmet hampers filled with German delicacies, such as stollen (fruit bread), marzipan, and fine wines, are cherished gifts. Explore options at Specialty Food Shops.

New Year’s Eve: Silvester Celebrations

Bringing in the New Year

New Year’s Eve, known as Silvester in Germany, is celebrated with fireworks, parties, and a variety of traditions meant to bring good luck for the coming year.

Gift-Giving Traditions

Gifts during Silvester are typically tokens of good luck and include:

  • Four-Leaf Clovers and Lucky Pigs: Small figures of clovers or pigs (Glücksschweinchen) are given to symbolize good fortune.
  • Marzipan Treats: Marzipan pigs or other shapes are popular gifts.
  • Personalized Calendars: A thoughtful gift to help loved ones plan their year ahead. Check out Personalized Calendars for customizable options.

Understanding German Gift-Giving Etiquette

Dos and Don’ts

When giving gifts in Germany, it’s important to follow certain etiquette rules to ensure your gesture is well-received:

  • Do: Wrap gifts nicely. Presentation is important in German culture, and a beautifully wrapped gift shows thoughtfulness.
  • Don’t: Give overly extravagant gifts. Moderation and practicality are valued, so avoid gifts that may seem too lavish or unnecessary.
  • Do: Bring a small gift when invited to someone’s home, such as flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of wine.
  • Don’t: Expect gifts to be opened immediately. While some may open gifts right away, others may wait until later.

Conclusion

German gift-giving customs are deeply rooted in the country’s rich cultural traditions, from the lively Oktoberfest to the festive Christmas season. Understanding these customs and adhering to proper etiquette can enhance your gifting experience, making it more meaningful and appreciated.

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