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Jessie Ware and Romy Team Up on New Song ‘Lift You Up’

Jessie Ware and Romy Thave joined forces for a new song, ‘Lift You Up’, which they debuted at Glastonbury on Saturday. Check it out below.

“I was so excited to be in the room with my friend and to see how she works and to hear her beautiful voice,” Ware said in a statement. “I’m so proud of the record. It’s a song that’s about both of us being too hard on ourselves, and not believing enough in ourselves. I think anyone can relate to that. There was a wonderful serendipity about the fact that she worked with Stuart Price on the last record too.”

“It’s going to be so exciting for people to hear this and people to hear it live at Glastonbury,” Ware continued. “It seems to be a theme of mine that I now debut songs at Glastonbury and I’m excited for everyone to hear us celebrating each other.”

Romy added:

I’ve been a fan of Jessie’s music for a long time and it was amazing to finally work together after many years of friendship.

Sometimes we all need a friend there to lift us up and help us see things differently. A memory comes to mind of Jessie and I backstage at a festival when I was just starting to play my solo music live and I was still figuring things out. She hyped me up and helped me believe in myself when I was feeling unsure. The conversation we had really stayed with me and was definitely in my mind when we were writing the lyrics.

It was so wonderful working with Stuart Price again after we worked so closely on my album and with the brilliant Clarence Coffee jr for the first time. We wanted this song to be uplifting, celebrate togetherness and I can’t think of a better way to share it with everyone than at Glastonbury.

Jessie Ware’s latest studio LP, That! Feels Good!, made our list of the 50 Best Albums of 2023. Last year, Romy released her solo debut, Mid Air, and recently dropped the song ‘Always Forever’.

Killer Mike Shares Video for New Song ‘Humble Me’

After winning three Grammys, including Best Rap Album for Michael, in February, Killer Mike was arrested and taken away in handcuffs. Last night, the rapper took home the BET Award for Album of the Year, and also dropped a new song addressing the arrest. ‘Humble Me’ arrives with a black-and-white music video, which you can check out below.

“Technically, I was not supposed to be here,” Killer Mike said during his Album of the Year acceptance speech at the BET Awards. “I was put in handcuffs, and I was marched out of this building, but I want to tell you, look at God because I’m back, baby! I’m back and I’m winning. I want to tell Black people that, because of BET, I’m back. Not ’cause of no white person calling nobody. A Black man runs this business, a Black company put this show on, and they got my Black ass back in here. Thank y’all.”

In a press release about the new song, Mike commented: “I was in the studio the very next day. I’m as inspired as ever and I’m just following the music at this point. All my heroes have been cuffed and mishandled in some way. I just thanked God in that moment of being Daniel in the lion’s den. I came out of the jailhouse in the pouring rain to my wife waiting for me, lit a joint, celebrated a bit and then woke up and got the news about my son’s kidney. I believe that humility and worship granted me God’s grace in the face of that test, and I believe my son receiving his kidney was a blessing from God.”

This Week’s Best New Songs: MJ Lenderman, Bright Eyes, Allegra Krieger, 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.

On this week’s list, we have the phenomenal lead single from MJ Lenderman’s new album Manning Fireworks, ‘She’s Leaving You’, which alternates between witty, slacker verses and a massive chorus; Clairo’s gorgeous, folky new song ‘Nomad’; ‘Bells and Whistles’, the jaunty lead single off Bright Eyes’ upcoming album; Allegra Krieger’s electric, elegantly-worded ‘Never Arriving’, which leads her new album Art of the Unseen Infinity Machine; GIFT’s swirling, hypnotic ‘Later’; Peel Dream Magazine’s mesmerizing new single ‘Lie in the Gutter’; and Pom Pom Squad’s first single in three years, ‘Downhill’, which as dark as it is danceable.

Best New Songs: July 1, 2024

Song of the Week: MJ Lenderman, ‘She’s Leaving You’

Clairo, ‘Nomad’

Bright Eyes, ‘Bells and Whistles’

Allegra Krieger, ‘Never Arriving’

GIFT, ‘Later’

Peel Dream Magazine, ‘Lie in the Gutter’

Pom Pom Squad, ‘Downhill’

Exploring the Vibrant Narratives of Yilin Bai’s Illustrations

Yilin Bai, a London-based illustrator, is renowned for her vibrant and intricate illustrations that seamlessly blend abstract and figurative elements. Her work explores profound themes such as consumerism, identity, and the coexistence of diverse cultures. Bai’s ability to use color and detail to create compelling visual narratives invites viewers to delve deeper into the complexities of contemporary life. Bai’s work is a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and profound themes, capturing the complexity of contemporary life through her unique artistic lens. This article provides a detailed critique of some of her most notable works, highlighting her unique artistic vision and technical prowess.

(Inner Vision)

“Inner Vision” is a profound exploration of the human psyche and its connection to the external world. Bai’s use of vibrant colors and intricate patterns creates a dynamic visual experience that draws the viewer into a world of introspection and self-discovery. The integration of abstract elements with human features symbolizes the complexity of our inner thoughts and emotions. This piece challenges the viewer to look beyond the surface and explore the deeper layers of consciousness, making it a powerful commentary on the human condition. Bai’s meticulous attention to detail and her ability to convey profound themes through her art make “Inner Vision” a standout piece in her body of work.

(Heart of Tranquility)

“Heart of Tranquility” delves deep into the theme of inner peace amidst chaos. Bai’s soft, flowing lines and muted color palette create a calming, almost meditative atmosphere. The abstract forms and harmonious color transitions reflect a serene state of mind, providing a visual representation of tranquility. The composition’s fluidity mirrors the concept of mental and emotional balance, suggesting that peace is found in the harmony between our inner and outer worlds. The gentle blending of colors and the understated details encourage a slow, introspective engagement, making this artwork a visual sanctuary for the viewer. Bai’s ability to evoke a profound sense of calm through her nuanced use of color and form underscores her mastery in creating emotionally resonant art.

(Harmony of Symbiosis)

“Harmony of Symbiosis” exemplifies Bai’s skill in depicting the interconnectedness of human and natural elements. The piece is a vibrant celebration of life’s symbiotic relationships, portrayed through a dynamic interplay of bold colors and intricate patterns. The human faces seamlessly integrated into the landscape symbolize the unity and mutual dependence between humanity and nature. The vivid yellows, blues, and greens not only captivate the eye but also convey a sense of vitality and growth. Bai’s meticulous attention to detail is evident in the delicate textures and flowing lines that weave through the composition, creating a cohesive and lively visual narrative. This artwork challenges the viewer to consider the intricate balance required to maintain harmony in our natural world, making it both visually and intellectually stimulating.

Yilin Bai’s artistic style is distinguished by her bold use of color and meticulous detailing. Her ability to blend abstract and figurative elements allows her to explore complex themes in a visually engaging manner. The dynamic compositions and rich textures invite viewers to immerse themselves in her work, discovering new layers of meaning with each viewing. Bai’s skillful use of color not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of her illustrations but also serves as a powerful narrative tool, guiding the viewer’s emotional response and engagement with the artwork.

Yilin Bai’s illustrations are a testament to her exceptional ability to combine aesthetic beauty with profound thematic depth. Each piece is an invitation to explore, reflect, and engage with the complex interplay of color, detail, and narrative. Bai’s work stands out in the contemporary illustration scene for its unique blend of vibrancy and subtlety, making her a compelling artist whose work continues to resonate on multiple levels. Her art not only delights the eye but also enriches the mind, offering a rich tapestry of visual and intellectual exploration.

How To Choose the Best Proposal Software for Your Company

Selecting the right proposal software is crucial for any company looking to increase the efficiency and quality of their proposal creation and management processes. It can streamline your workflow, enhance collaboration among team members, and ultimately lead to higher win rates for business opportunities. However, this selection is not without challenges, as the market is flooded with options, each boasting unique features and benefits. Identifying the perfect fit for your company’s needs calls for a comprehensive approach. Below, we’ll navigate the aspects you must consider to make an informed choice.

Evaluating Key Features of Proposal Software for Optimal Functionality

As you start evaluating software options, focus on the core features that will significantly impact your proposal process. The ability to create and customize professional-looking templates is a basic necessity, as it saves time and ensures brand consistency. Look for software that offers a high degree of customization to cater to your proposals’ unique branding and layout requirements.

Version control is another vital feature, as it helps prevent discrepancies and minimizes errors during the collaborative editing process. Some software options provide advanced tracking and comparison tools, allowing you to easily manage multiple versions of a document and understand the changes made over time.

Integration capabilities cannot be overstated; the best proposal software should integrate smoothly with other systems you already use, such as your CRM or project management tools. This ensures a seamless transfer of data and maintains continuity in your workflow.

Lastly, consider the level of support and training the software vendor provides. An intuitive interface is ideal, but access to training materials and customer support can be crucial, especially during the initial implementation phase and for onboarding new users.

Streamlining Collaboration: Proposal Software That Fosters Teamwork

Collaboration is at the heart of effective proposal management. The right software should offer features that encourage teamwork and make it easier for multiple stakeholders to contribute and review content. Real-time editing, commenting, and annotation tools allow team members to collaborate synchronously, regardless of location.

Additionally, consider access controls and permissions within the software; you’ll want to ensure that sensitive information is secure yet accessible to authorized personnel. Good proposal software allows you to easily manage user roles and permissions, creating an environment where collaboration is facilitated without compromising security or compliance.

Tracking contributions can also help assign accountability and ensure that proposals move forward effectively. Look for software that provides comprehensive activity logs and auditing capabilities. These features help keep everyone on the same page and can lead to better coordination and a more streamlined proposal development process.

Don’t neglect the user experience. If the software is difficult to navigate or understand, it will hinder rather than help collaboration. User-friendly interfaces and the availability of on-the-go access via mobile apps can significantly enhance the collaborative experience.

Ensuring Seamless Integration: How Proposal Software Fits with Your Tech Stack

Integration with your existing technology stack is critical when investing in new software. The goal is to ensure that proposal software works in harmony with the tools your team already uses. Integration reduces the need for repetitive data entry and allows seamless information flow between systems, improving consistency and accuracy.

Assess whether the software offers APIs or native integrations with popular business platforms. This level of compatibility will determine how well the new system can communicate with your CRM, ERP, or document management systems. A solution that doesn’t integrate well can create more work and disrupt your team’s established processes.

Altogether, choosing the right proposal software is a careful balance of understanding your needs, evaluating core features, ensuring effective collaboration, assessing cost-effectiveness, and checking integration capabilities. Overall, the aim is to enhance your proposal process, increase win rates, and drive business growth through a well-chosen tool that serves your workforce and aligns perfectly with your company’s workflow and objectives.

The Best Time To Post On Instagram In 2024

In 2024, knowing the best times to post on Instagram is crucial for getting more likes and reaching more people. Instagram’s rules for showing posts keep changing, so it’s essential to determine when your followers are most active.

To find the best times, think about who follows you, where they live, and when they usually use Instagram. This includes considering their daily routines and when they’re likely to check their feed.

By understanding these patterns, you can ensure that your posts are seen by more people. This guide will help you figure out the correct times to post to get the most out of your Instagram presence in 2024.

In the ever-evolving social media outlook, mastering the art of posting at the right time can significantly impact your Instagram engagement. As we navigate through 2024, understanding the best times to share your content on this popular platform remains crucial for maximizing reach and interaction.

Why Timing Matters In Posting On Instagram?

Understanding Instagram’s feed algorithm is critical to maximizing your post visibility 2024. The algorithm favors recent and relevant content, meaning your posts’ timing can significantly impact their reach. Strategic planning increases your chances of appearing on your followers’ feeds when they will most likely be online and engaged. While some consider buying Instagram followers to boost visibility, this approach can be beneficial to increase visibility, as in sometimes it will automatically start giving you authentic followers.

Timing your posts to coincide with your audience’s peak activity periods enhances the likelihood of engagement. Factors such as time zones, daily routines, and typical usage patterns should be considered to optimize visibility. For instance, posting during lunch breaks or in the evening when people are winding down can increase interaction rates.

Moreover, staying updated on algorithm changes or trends that influence when content is most visible is crucial. This proactive approach ensures your posts align with Instagram’s current priorities and user behaviors, maximizing their potential impact. By adapting your posting schedule based on these insights, you can enhance engagement, reach a broader audience, and ultimately achieve tremendous success on the platform.

Factors Influencing Post-Timing Of Instagram

Determining the optimal times to post on Instagram involves considering several key factors that influence audience engagement and visibility:

Audience Demographics

Understanding your audience’s demographics is crucial. Factors such as their geographic location, time zone differences, and daily routines significantly impact when they are active on Instagram. For instance, if your audience spans multiple time zones, you must schedule posts to reach them during peak activity hours.

Platform Insights

Instagram Insights provides valuable data on your audience’s online behavior. This tool offers insights into when your followers are most active throughout the day and week. Analyzing these patterns allows you to schedule your posts to maximize visibility and engagement. Adjusting your posting times based on these insights ensures that your content appears when your audience is most likely to interact with it.

Industry Trends

Trends within your industry or niche can significantly influence the optimal times to post on Instagram. By observing when competitors and influencers in your field share their content, you can gain valuable insights into when your target audience is most active. For instance, if your niche is fitness, posting during early morning or evening hours when people are most likely to be working out can result in higher engagement rates. 

Additionally, some users contemplate purchasing Instagram followers to boost engagement. Although not widely adopted, those who have tried it often see an immediate increase in followers, which might attract real followers and enhance their reach.

Seasonal and Cultural Events

Consider seasonal or cultural events that may influence user activity on Instagram. Holidays, festivals, or significant events can shift user behavior and impact optimal posting times. Aligning your content with these events can enhance relevance and increase the likelihood of engagement.

Testing and Iteration

Finding the best posting times may require experimentation and iteration. Test different posting schedules based on audience insights and observe how engagement metrics fluctuate. Over time, you can refine your strategy to deliver content that resonates most with your audience consistently.

By incorporating these factors into your Instagram strategy, you can optimize your posting schedule to enhance your content’s visibility, engagement, and overall effectiveness in reaching and resonating with your target audience.

Some General Guidelines For Posting Times

While specific optimal times can vary based on your unique audience, industry, and location, several general guidelines can help you determine when to schedule your Instagram posts:

  • Weekdays vs. Weekends: Weekdays generally see higher engagement levels than weekends, as many users check social media during work breaks or commutes. However, weekends may also present opportunities, depending on your audience’s habits.
  • Morning and Evening Peaks: Mornings between 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and evenings from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM often witness peak engagement. These times coincide with when users wake up, commute, or relax after work, making them ideal for reaching a broad audience.
  • Lunchtime Lulls: Avoid posting during typical lunch hours (12:00 PM to 1:00 PM) when engagement decreases as people take breaks from their screens.
  • Experimentation and Adjustment: The best posting times are not set in stone and may require experimentation. Regularly reviewing your Instagram Insights and adjusting your posting schedule based on performance metrics can optimize your strategy.

Tailoring Your Post Strategy For Instagram

To refine your Instagram posting strategy for 2024:

  • Test Different Times: Conduct A/B testing by scheduling posts at various times to identify peak engagement periods for your specific audience.
  • Utilize Scheduling Tools: Use Instagram’s scheduling features or third-party tools to plan and automate posts, ensuring consistency even during off-peak hours.
  • Engage with Analytics: Continuously monitor and analyze your posts’ performance metrics to refine your strategy and capitalize on trends.

Final Thoughts: Best Times To Post On Instagram In 2024

In 2024, mastering the timing of your Instagram posts is crucial for maximizing engagement and expanding your reach. Key strategies include understanding your audience demographics, utilizing data-driven insights from tools like Instagram Insights, and staying attuned to industry trends. 

By aligning your posting schedule with when your audience is most active and receptive, you can optimize visibility and increase interaction with your content. This strategic approach not only enhances engagement but also helps maintain relevance and capture your target audience’s attention effectively on this influential platform.

Chvrches’ Iain Cook Remixes the Cranberries’ ‘Linger’

Chvrches’ Iain Cook has reimagined the Cranberries’ 1993 single ‘Linger’. Listen to the remix below.

“When I got the stems, the first thing I did was listen to Dolores’ vocal tracks in isolation,” Cook explained in a statement. “Hearing those for the first time was magical; I was shocked by the intimacy and emotion in her performance. The first thing I did was to sit with the vocals on their own and rework the chords on piano. I often find that this is a great starting point with remixes as it helps you to shake off some associations that you have with the song, and this is a song which I’ve known and loved for over 30 years.”

Cranberries drummer Fergal Lawler commented: “Iain did an outstanding job in remixing ‘Linger.’ He reimagined the song completely, creating a fresh and upbeat version of this classic.” He added, “Dolores’s original vocal is retained and sounds so beautiful and vulnerable at times. I’m sure she would have loved it.”

Indy Yelich Unveils New Single ‘East Coast’

Indy Yelich has returned with a new single, ‘East Coast’. It marks her first new music since her 2023 debut EP Threads. According to a press release, the songs finds the New Zealand-born singer-songwriter drawing inspiration from none other than her sister, Lorde. Listen to it below.

“I wrote East Coast after a toxic on-and-off relationship finally came to an end,” Yelich explained in a statement. “I had been traveling back and forth from NY to LA every couple of weeks, and it was taking a toll on me. Arguments over the phone, codependency across two coasts, and I just had this moment where I was driving along the PCH with friends and I was getting all these long text messages, and I just felt like throwing my phone out the window. I was in my early twenties, but he wanted me to be such a grownup, and I just wanted to be free and to create music that I love.”

“While I have such a strong sense of identity in New York, I’m sacrificing that peace to go to California consistently to pursue a career,” she added. “East Coast is an ode to saying goodbye to something that no longer serves you.”

Album Review: Mabe Fratti, ‘Sentir que no sabes’

Mabe Fratti understands improvisation as part of human nature, a conduit to our chaotic inner lives. “With myself, I sometimes can be very neurotic in my everyday life, but there are moments where I feel extremely fluent and that’s when I feel extremely comfortable,” the Guatemalan cellist told us in 2021, and this flow naturally extends to her playing. “I see improvisation as a means to understand yourself better, or even enrich or nourish yourself.” As much as it burrows reflexively inwards, her music exists and arises as a product of deliberation and communication – on a purely technical level, her latest album, Sentir que no sabes, was built around conversations with her partner and Titanic bandmate Hector Tosta (aka I. La Católica), which would last “until things became inevitable.” Through it, the boundaries of the mind and its surroundings become elastic, but rather than creating a gap between the artist and the listener, Fratti’s fertile imagination acts as the bridge. The results are raw, startling, and liberating.

n press materials, Fratti is quick to identify the quality that differentiates Sentir que no sabes – her fourth solo record in the span of five years – from her previous material: groove. But it’s not an upbeat kind of groove, or one denoting a shift towards pop, but rather the throb of that neurotic awareness. Under a different headspace, the opener ‘Kravitz’ might have loomed into view with a shadowy crawl, but as Fratti transforms her plucked cello into a thundersome instrument, it pummels and stabs – fitting for a song expressing fear about someone listening not just on the other side of the wall, but inside it. A more interpersonal kind of anxiety powers another single, ‘Enfrente’, which, along with one of the most dynamic arrangements on the album, also puts forward its most memorable refrain, though one whose lyrical interiority is aptly represented in the lyric sheet through parentheses. The rhythm here is once again one of trepidation, but Fratti and Tosta are keen to switch things up, driving the song home with some actual drum and bass.

There’s a dance, here, between the nervous emotion in these songs and the musicians’ in-your-face confidence. What jabs at you in Fratti’s music is usually a deft instrumental decision, but ‘Quieras o no’ does so through the introduction of a vocoder that wraps a noose around her voice – a warbled, deeper yearning that tiptoes into a delicate melody. The effect is repurposed on ‘Alarmas olvidadas’, where the house itself is granted a line of dialogue, The song slowly tumbles into the sky before falling into an elegiac conclusion; it should sound like defeat, but it’s almost like a revelation. There’s no lesson other than to understand that everything was a mess, Fratti sings on ‘Pantalla azull’, yet she’s capable of making the whole mess sound like a relief. That’s not to say there’s no ambivalence: on ‘Intento fallido’, she makes her demands clear – I don’t want you around me anymore – before the music, her own instrument, taunts her back. “Y me deshago ante tí.” And I fall apart before you.

Lyrically, Fratti is becoming more expressive and exacting in her songs, which also comes as result of Tosta asking about their meaning. Rather than getting lost in the tangle of words, their heightened vulnerability bleeds into her performance. Two minutes into another lurching song, the closer ‘Angel nuevo’, her soft background vocals are superimposed with a radiant bellow, unlike most anything an experimental artist not named Björk would dare put in a track. Fratti is intensely conscious of how ideas morph and grow throughout the making and duration of a song, a process for which ‘Alivios inventados’ serves as a metaphor: “Acelero enloquecida/ Busco refugio en el cielo/ Que no importa si no existe/ Si lo puedes inventar,” Fratti sings. (“I accelerate madly/ I seek refuge in heaven/ It doesn’t matter if it doesn’t exist/ If you can invent it.”) It’s this proposition she believes in most fervently, this mad hunt that makes the confusion in her music not just bright, but incandescent.

Air Join Remy Bond on New Single ‘Summer Song’

19 year-old singer-songwriter Remy Bond has released a new single, ‘Summer Song’. Air’s Jean-Benoît Dunckel co-wrote the song, and both members of the band perform on it. the Virgin Suicides-inspired track was produced by Suki Waterhouse collaborator Jules Apollinaire. Check it out via the accompanying video below.

“It’s very much an American song lyrically, reminiscing on the essence of the late ’60s and early ’70s,” Bond said of ‘Summer Song’ in a press release. “I have endless love for Sharon Tate & the American sweethearts of the time, but I didn’t want it to be so super apple pie, so I reached out to Air, which bought in rich new elements and sounds, as well as my British producers, who really brought a seasoned perspective to the project.”