Home Blog Page 47

Kelsey Lu Announces First Album in Seven Years, Unveils Single

Kelsey Lu has announced a new album, their first since 2019’s Blood. It’s called So Help Me God, and it’s set to land on June 12 via Dirty Hit. The breathtaking lead single, ‘Running to Pain’, arrives with a Savanah Leaf-directed video starring Titane actor Garance Marillier. Check it out and find the album cover and tracklist below.

So Help Me God was produced with Jack Antonoff, a name I never expected to see alongside Lu’s, as well as Yves Rothman. Kim Gordon, Sampha, Kamasi Washington, and Lady Jess feature on the project, which was mixed by Oli Jacobs.

So Help Me God was built slowly and intentionally across seven years of transformation,” Lu shared in a statement. “Sonically and emotionally it holds so many different worlds at once – devotion and desire, collapse and becoming – trying to make sense of what it means to break, to believe, to long for something without seeing it clearly, and to be reborn again and again and again.”

So Help Me God Cover Artwork:

SHMG Album Artwork

So Help Me God Tracklist:

1. Reaper
2. Portrait of a Lady on Fire
3. What Can I Do
4. Running to Pain
5. Comfort
6. American Sonnet
8. 52
9. Only the Lonely
10. Better Than That
11. Cutting Off the Head Of A Ghost

Top Reasons to Hire an Athens Delivery Vehicle Accident Lawyer

Accidents involving delivery vehicles can be sudden and life-changing, leaving victims with serious injuries, property damage, and unexpected financial burdens. In Athens, Georgia, where busy streets, local deliveries, and high traffic can create hazardous conditions, collisions with delivery trucks and vans are unfortunately common. An Athens Delivery Vehicle Accident Attorney can provide essential legal guidance, helping victims navigate the complex claims process and ensuring their rights are fully protected. Experienced attorneys understand the unique challenges associated with delivery vehicle accidents, including insurance disputes, commercial regulations, and determining liability, which makes professional legal representation critical for obtaining fair compensation.

Understanding Delivery Vehicle Accidents in Athens

Delivery vehicle accidents often differ from standard car accidents due to the size of the vehicle, the frequency of stops, and the commercial nature of delivery operations. Common causes of accidents include driver fatigue, distracted driving, speeding, improper cargo loading, and mechanical failures. Environmental factors, such as wet roads, poor visibility, or construction zones, can also contribute to crashes. Injuries from these accidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures, head trauma, and spinal injuries. Because multiple parties may be involved—including the driver, the delivery company, and sometimes other third parties—determining liability can be complex. A skilled Athens delivery vehicle accident attorney investigates every aspect of the accident to establish fault and build a strong case.

Why You Need an Athens Delivery Vehicle Accident Attorney

After a delivery vehicle accident, victims often face mounting medical bills, lost income, and the stress of interacting with insurance adjusters who may attempt to minimize payouts. Hiring an Athens delivery vehicle accident attorney provides critical support and guidance through this challenging process. Attorneys act as advocates, handling communications with insurers, gathering evidence, negotiating settlements, and pursuing legal action if necessary. Early involvement of a lawyer helps preserve crucial evidence, ensures that deadlines are met, and prevents victims from making errors that could compromise their claims. Legal representation increases the chances of obtaining fair and adequate compensation for both immediate expenses and long-term needs.

Common Causes of Delivery Vehicle Accidents

Delivery vehicle accidents in Athens occur for a variety of reasons, many of which involve negligence or unsafe driving conditions. Distracted driving is a leading factor, as delivery drivers may be managing phones, GPS devices, or package scanning equipment while on the road. Fatigue is another major concern due to long hours and tight delivery schedules. Speeding, aggressive driving, and failure to follow traffic laws can all lead to collisions. Additionally, improper maintenance of vehicles, faulty brakes, worn tires, and unsecured cargo may contribute to accidents. Environmental conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or poorly maintained roads, can further increase risks. Identifying the cause of the accident is crucial for determining liability, and an experienced attorney will investigate every contributing factor.

Types of Compensation Available

Victims of delivery vehicle accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the circumstances and severity of injuries. Compensation can cover medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering. In cases involving reckless or negligent behavior, punitive damages may also be available. Athens delivery vehicle accident attorneys evaluate the full impact of the accident on the victim’s life, including long-term medical needs, ongoing therapy, and loss of earning capacity. By securing appropriate compensation, victims can focus on recovery without the added stress of financial uncertainty.

Steps to Take After a Delivery Vehicle Accident

Taking the right steps immediately after a delivery vehicle accident is essential to protect legal rights and strengthen a potential claim. First, seek medical attention for all injuries, even if they seem minor, because symptoms may develop later. Second, report the accident to local authorities and obtain a police report documenting the incident. Third, document the scene with photographs of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible damage or injuries. Collecting witness statements and keeping detailed records of medical treatment and expenses is also important. Finally, contact an experienced Athens Delivery Vehicle Accident Attorney as soon as possible. Early legal guidance ensures evidence is preserved, claims are handled properly, and victims’ rights are fully protected.

Choosing the Right Delivery Vehicle Accident Attorney

Selecting the right attorney can significantly impact the outcome of a delivery vehicle accident case. Look for lawyers with experience handling commercial vehicle accidents, a history of successful settlements and verdicts, and a client-focused approach. A competent attorney communicates clearly, explains complex legal matters in understandable terms, and advocates aggressively on behalf of their clients. Understanding local laws, federal transportation regulations, and insurance strategies is crucial in building a strong case. The right attorney provides not only legal expertise but also guidance and support during a stressful and challenging time, ensuring that victims have the best chance of obtaining justice and fair compensation.

Conclusion

Delivery vehicle accidents in Athens can result in serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences, but victims do not have to face these challenges alone. An Athens delivery vehicle accident attorney provides critical legal guidance, protects victims’ rights, and works to secure compensation for both immediate and long-term needs. From investigating the accident and determining liability to negotiating with insurance companies and representing clients in court if necessary, a skilled attorney ensures that victims have the strongest possible case. Seeking professional legal assistance after a delivery vehicle accident is a vital step toward recovery, financial security, and peace of mind.

How Valentine’s Day Gifts Can Teach Our Kids How To Care About Others

Valentine’s Day may be just another day, but it’s also another day when we can show our appreciation and love for the people that matter most to us.

Traditionally, it’s about romantic relationships, but today it’s about all relationships. Paper hearts, parties, and a lot of candy: whatever we want and like to put a smile on those we love.

But beyond all the material things, there is an opportunity for something more – something greater. It is an opportunity to teach. As parents, we spend as much time as we’re able teaching our kids, shaping them to be the best that they can be. We teach manners, routines, and responsibility.

Every little thing we can. We pour our all into them. And why wouldn’t we?

Our kids are what matter the most. Suffice it to say, when an opportunity to let them grow into better people presents itself, it is a good opportunity to take. What better opportunity could there be but a holiday dedicated solely to caring?

Empathy is one of life’s most important skills. Kids are like a sponge; they absorb what they hear and see. If they grow up in a place of love and caring, they will naturally become more loving and caring.

Valentine’s Day is the perfect time for this.

It’s basically an opportunity to not just tell what kindness is, but to show it. And show it in bundles.

Love Is More Than a Card, Although It Took Most of Us Quite Some Time to Learn That

When kids think about Valentine’s Day, they often think about who they’ll give cards to or what treats they’ll get.

I’m sure most of us can’t really blame them. Perhaps it is childish, but we can all still remember the first time we got a card or some candy on that auspicious day. It was fun, and it felt good.

It’s not a bad thing to have fun, but why not take that fun and expand it into something more while we’re at it? It could be fun.

Some of the questions we can ask are:

  • What does it mean to show someone you care?
  • How can we help someone who might be having a hard day?
  • Who in our family might need a little extra love right now?

These conversations don’t have to be serious or heavy. It’s better if they aren’t. A nice venue, like a cozy dinner, can help brighten up the venue.

And even if all fails, we still get to have a cozy dinner.

Grandparents In The Picture

Grandparents love their grandkids – sometimes a bit too much.

Kisses and hugs are fine, but too much can be a little bit suffocating.

Whether our grandparents live nearby, across the country, or in an assisted living or a nursing facility, Valentine’s Day is a wonderful excuse to check in.

The best present for our grandparents is time spent together, but a little bit extra might not hurt.

Maybe the kids could:

  • Draw a picture for Grandma or Grandpa
  • Record a short ‘Happy Valentine’s Day’ video
  • Make a handmade card filled with things they love about them
  • Ask about their favorite childhood memory

These small gestures teach our children that love includes paying attention and staying connected. After all, time is precious and especially so to older loved ones.

It’s difficult being lonely, and a small gesture goes a long way.

Caring for Those That Cared For Us

Although important, health isn’t only about washing hands, produce, and having clean clothes.

There’s another aspect of health, and that’s emotional health or well-being. This is even more important to seniors who have a lot on their plates. After all, you don’t get to be a senior by not experiencing a lot in life.

Children don’t need to know every detail and every nuance their grandparents are going through, but it doesn’t hurt to understand that sometimes a little added support may be needed.

A little empathy and awareness could go a long way.

Kids Learn From Watching the Adults

If our kids see us caring for our parents, they’ll learn the importance of doing the same. Sometimes our parents need extra care depending on their situation.

For any family with relatives in long-term facilities, like nursing homes or assisted living homes, it is important to understand the signs and causes of nursing home negligence or watch out for any negative indicators to advocate for proper care.

While this isn’t something kids can see or understand in detail, it’s still important to have awareness to some degree.

Dignity and respect are human rights.

Some warning signs adults watch for may include:

  • Unexplained bruises or frequent injuries
  • Sudden weight loss or dehydration
  • Changes in mood, fearfulness, or withdrawal
  • Poor hygiene or unsanitary conditions
  • Lack of responsiveness from the staff

When children see adults checking in, asking questions, and staying involved, they learn that love isn’t passive.

Conclusion

Make or buy something small to show your appreciation to parents, grandparents, or family friends. Anything goes.

It’s all about community and connection. And since kids learn from parents, we’re guiding them into becoming better people. Better humans.

Lana Del Rey’s ‘Stove’ Era: Dreaming to the New Singles and Finding the Perfect Chill Soundtrack Vibe

As of mid-March 2026, Lana Del Rey’s long-teased tenth studio album Stove remains one of the most anticipated—and shape-shifting—projects in recent music memory. What began as the country-leaning Lasso in 2024 evolved into The Right Person Will Stay with a planned May 2025 release, only to be delayed, reworked, and renamed again. In an August 2025 W Magazine interview, Del Rey revealed the new title Stove and pushed the timeline into 2026, citing deeper autobiographical layers and additional tracks that demanded more time. Collaborators like Jack Antonoff, Drew Erickson, and family members (including husband Jeremy Dufrene, sister Chuck Grant, and brother-in-law Jason Pickens) have helped craft what feels like her most personal chapter yet.

The rollout has been slow but tantalizing. Early singles “Henry, Come On” (April 2025) and “Bluebird” offered glimpses of the country-infused introspection. Then came the standout “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter,” released February 17, 2026—Del Rey called it her “favorite song” on the album in an Instagram Story announcement. With its poetic, eccentric title and lyrics touching on domestic magic (“I wanted to know if I could use your stove / To cook somethin’ up for you”), the track blends haunting melodies, subtle country twang, and that signature Lana cinematic haze. Fans speculate the full album could arrive around May–June 2026, factoring in vinyl production delays she mentioned in interviews.

For longtime listeners, Stove represents evolution: from the hazy nostalgia of Born to Die and Honeymoon to the reflective folk of Chemtrails Over the Country Club and Ocean Blvd, now leaning into a warmer, more grounded Americana. It’s music for quiet moments—driving at dusk, staring out windows, or simply letting thoughts wander. And in 2026’s fast-paced world, that kind of immersive escapism pairs beautifully with other low-pressure activities that encourage zoning out and savoring the atmosphere.

The Psychology of Pairing Lana’s Sound with Relaxed Play

Lana’s songs create space: slow builds, emotional layers, and a sense of timeless drift. Psychologically, this makes her ideal for activities that reward patience and presence rather than high adrenaline. Think curating playlists for late evenings or pairing tracks with gentle, repetitive tasks that let the mind wander while still engaging the senses.

Online gaming, when kept casual and low-stakes, fits this niche surprisingly well. The rhythm of spins or simple decisions mirrors the anticipation in her ballads—small rewards feel like subtle chorus lifts, and the privacy of modern platforms means no interruptions or judgments. Players often report that ambient or dreamy music enhances focus and enjoyment during relaxed sessions, turning solitary play into a personal soundtrack experience.

Crafting Your Stove-Inspired Listening + Activity Session

Here are some ways fans are blending Stove-era tracks with chill downtime:

  1. For Haunting, Atmospheric Builds (“White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter,” “Bluebird”) Opt for low-volatility experiences where wins come steadily rather than explosively. The gentle pace complements Lana’s sweeping strings and poetic delivery—perfect for unwinding without pressure.
  2. Nostalgic Mid-Tempo Reflections (“Henry, Come On,” Honeymoon-era echoes) Medium-variance activities with exploration elements evoke the adventurous yet introspective feel of Lana’s storytelling. It’s like embarking on a quiet journey synced to her lyrics.
  3. Moments of Subtle Hope or Drama If Stove delivers more uplifting turns, higher-variance options can match those emotional peaks—but keep stakes light to preserve the relaxed vibe.

Pro tip: Build a dedicated playlist starting with the new singles, weaving in classics like “Summertime Sadness,” “Video Games,” or “Young and Beautiful.” Play on Spotify or Apple Music while engaging in your chosen activity—many find the combo boosts immersion and makes ordinary evenings feel cinematic.

Privacy and Ease in Modern Escapism

In an era of increasing data scrutiny, anonymity matters for these personal moments. Platforms that allow wallet-based access without ID verification let fans stay fully in the zone—no sign-up friction, instant action, and quick cashouts if luck strikes. Sites like Toshi.bet exemplify this approach: crypto-only deposits (BTC, ETH, USDT, etc.), provably fair games for trust, and features like daily rewards or lossback perks that extend sessions responsibly. It’s one way to keep the focus on the music and mood rather than logistics.

Responsible Enjoyment in Lana’s World

Lana’s themes often explore vulnerability, resilience, and finding beauty in the quiet. Any paired activity should honor that—set limits, play only what you can afford, and use built-in tools for breaks or self-exclusion. The goal is enhancement, not excess: letting her voice guide a peaceful escape.

Waiting for Stove: The Anticipation Builds

With “White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” still fresh and more singles likely on the way, Stove feels closer than ever. Whether it drops in spring or summer 2026, the wait has only deepened the connection fans feel. In the meantime, experimenting with these dreamy crossovers—music drifting over a relaxed session—offers a way to celebrate the era now.

What tracks are you looping most? And how are you soundtracking your own quiet escapes? Share in the comments—we’re all in this Lana season together.

Play responsibly. 18+. Activities like gaming involve risk—wager only what you can afford. For privacy-focused options, explore platforms emphasizing no-KYC and provably fair play.

Discover more about Lana’s evolving world at ourculturemag.com, and if you’re seeking seamless, private ways to enjoy your playlists, check out Toshi.bet as one example.

This version should land better as editorial content on their site (aligning with their music/culture focus and occasional crypto pieces). It prioritizes value for readers (Lana updates, playlist ideas, thoughtful insights) while subtly including the backlink—improving chances of approval, organic shares, and real SEO lift.

The Evolution of Game Server Hosting in Modern Video Games

Behind every smooth online match or persistent world in video games lies complex server infrastructure that players often do not see. Changes in how these servers are managed have influenced expectations for reliability, fairness, and social connectivity. The evolution of game server hosting has shaped nearly every modern multiplayer experience in significant ways.

For anyone playing contemporary online games, the technical decisions behind server infrastructure are more influential than many realize. Whether you join a fast-paced shooter or a large open-world environment, the way servers operate determines what you expect from uptime, matchmaking, and the potential for cross-platform play. As studios look to deliver seamless experiences for growing global audiences, they increasingly choose scalable game server hosting to manage both regular traffic and unexpected spikes. This ongoing transformation affects how video games function at a fundamental level and continues to shape how communities form and interact online.

How server infrastructure reshaped gameplay standards

Early multiplayer games relied on player-hosted servers or local area network (LAN) connections. These setups provided substantial control but could result in inconsistent quality, unbalanced matches, and interruptions stemming from host instability. As online gaming became more popular, the need for reliable and fair experiences prompted studios to take on more direct control over hosting.

The shift to publisher-run dedicated servers has generally improved latency consistency, moderation tools, and reliability compared to player-hosted setups. Centralized management can support more consistent matchmaking and higher server uptime when executed effectively. Persistent worlds and always-online features also became more feasible as studios invested in stronger server operations. Dedicated infrastructure further supports anti-cheat systems and staged updates, influencing player retention and allowing developers to oversee game environments more closely.

The impact of dedicated servers and backend platforms

As multiplayer genres expanded, dedicated servers made it possible to create larger-scale environments and more structured competitive gameplay. Genres such as first-person shooters and battle royales often benefit from reduced latency and stable matches, where real-time response is essential. Managed backends and standardized middleware have also made it easier for smaller studios to implement features like matchmaking, leaderboards, and user-generated content without building every component independently.

Common tooling provided by these platforms enables developers to prioritize gameplay development over core networking tasks. This increased accessibility has raised standards for what players expect, even from smaller games. Community-run server models remain prevalent, offering persistent player groups, server customization, and extended game lifespans. These developments help shape social dynamics and support fan-driven communities around particular titles.

Modern trends and future pressures on hosting technology

The adoption of elastic, cloud-based server models allows studios to handle unpredictable demand, such as on patch days or during special events. Rapid scaling reduces wait times even when many players log on at once, changing expectations for downtime and performance. Modern infrastructures also support cross-play, enabling users to connect from different platforms and devices, while routing traffic to encourage responsiveness and fairness.

Security threats and account safety remain important concerns, increasing the need for robust game server hosting. Studios may address cheating tools, distributed denial-of-service attacks, and privacy risks by investing in improved protection and real-time monitoring. Looking ahead, continued interest in hosted options for specific titles, including Hytale server hosting for your community, demonstrates how communities rely on reliable infrastructure. Game server hosting is likely to remain mostly unseen by players while continuing to influence the quality of online gameplay experiences.

Kehlani’s Self-Titled Album: Everything We Know So Far

Kehlani has a new album on the way. The self-titled record is set to arrive on April 24 via Atlantic Records. Here’s everything we know so far.

What does the album cover look like?

kehlani cover

Has the tracklist been revealed?

Announcing the record on March 17, Kehlani didn’t reveal its tracklist. They did share two singles in 2025, ‘Folded’ (which won them Best R&B Performance at the 2026 Grammys) and ‘Out the Window’.

How many years has it been since Kehlani’s last album?

Kehlani marks the R&B artist’s first LP since 2024’s Crash.

What do we know about the album’s themes?

According to a press release, the record explores “themes of love, transformation, vulnerability, and growth,” presenting “Kehlani fully in her element – raw, reflective, and unapologetically herself.”

Has Kehlani released any singles from the album?

On April 10, Kehlani shared the first single from the album, a collaboration with Missy Elliott called ‘Back and Forth’.

This post will be updated…

Nicolas Ghesquière Took Louis Vuitton to the Mountains for Fall 2026

0

Sometimes you just have to sit through a back-to-the-roots-heavy Paris fashion week schedule fueled by wearability alone, just to get your imagination going at the very end. Although Ghesquière’s collection was far from wearable, it was still rooted. Rooted in Louis Vuitton’s (the actual human behind the name) own backyard, high up in the Jura Mountains where France meets Switzerland. The set design was, at least. The clothes weren’t exactly French.

“When we started the collection, we wanted to work on architectural clothing that could express different cultures around the globe. I think clothes are bringing us together, and it’s kind of a form of anthropology—to think about how people can find things in common in different parts of the world in their way of dressing. I wanted to highlight that Nature is the greatest designer, and folklore is an attempt to explain the forces of Nature and the elements,” Ghesquière explained to the gaggle of press once the show wrapped.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2026 show at Paris fashion week
@louisvuitton via Instagram

Before you knew it, Turkish, Mongolian, Nepali, and Peruvian touches (and that’s just scratching the surface) had claimed the “neo-landscape”. And the grass was finally greener, literally, thanks to Severance production designer Jeremy Hindle. The show opened with an unmissable quartet of looks that were suspiciously reminiscent of Turkish kepenek, basically what shepherds wore when the mountains weren’t very friendly, just stylishly exaggerated for our viewing pleasure.

Louis Vuitton Fall 2026 show at Paris fashion week
@louisvuitton via Instagram

What followed were shearling hats that could be distant cousins of the paper sailor ones we made as kids, just with a little curve and a bit Ghesquière. Sheep made their appearance on mini skirts, courtesy of Ukrainian artist Nazar Strelyaev-Nazarko. Now picture ruffled collars, fur, feathers, florals, and a whole lot of mix-and-match. At some point I saw a model carry her bag on a stick, like she was done and headed home, while another seemed to carry her home, or at least a convincing bag version of it. Either way, the front row did some traveling too, mostly in their heads, but hey, that’s the kind of trip Paris serves up when your name’s literally on the seat.

Vladimir Season 2: Cast, Rumours & Release Date

0

Netflix dark comedy-drama Vladimir has all ingredients of a hit. The story is based on a best-selling book, the solid cast is led by Rachel Weisz, and the premise is too tantalising to resist, especially once you’ve binged the latest Bridgerton.

Thankfully, succeed it did. With 4.2 million views amassed in its first week on the platform, Vladimir became a top 10 show in 74 countries where Netflix is available. Does that mean fans should gear up for season 2?

Vladimir Season 2 Release Date

At the time of writing, there’s no official news about a potential Vladimir season 2. Additionally, the story is pretty self-contained. The novel of the same time by Julia May Jonas doesn’t have a sequel.

Finally, the title is listed as a limited series on Netflix. It looks like the episodes currently streaming are all we’ll get.

Vladimir Cast

  • Rachel Weisz as M
  • Leo Woodall as Vladimir
  • Jessica Henwick as Cynthia
  • Ellen Robertson as Sid
  • John Slattery as John

What Is Vladimir About?

Vladimir follows a middle-aged literature professor whose life unravels following her husband’s scandal and the arrival of a charismatic younger writer, Vladimir.

As she becomes increasingly smitten with Vladimir, she spirals into complete chaos. The show explores desire and power dynamics, as well as the blurred line between fantasy and reality.

See, the protagonist is an unreliable narrator, and the series unfolds as a slow psychological descent. She begins to project fantasies onto Vladimir, convincing herself their connection is deeper than it really is. With her marriage and career in jeopardy, her obsession escalates, and she loses her grip on reality.

By the time the finale rolls around, the narrative reaches a fiery climax, and things are left somewhat ambiguous. No spoilers, but suffice to say that you might be left scratching your hear and wondering, not for the first time, whether the main character can be trusted.

Vladimir season 2 seems unlikely at this point, yet not impossible. If the series blows up, a sequel is never out of the question. Even without it, the show is odd in an appealing way, with a memorable performance from Weisz. Bottom line, it’s worth the hype.

Are There Other Shows Like Vladimir?

If you enjoyed Vladimir, we recommend checking out Prime Video’s 56 Days, an erotic thriller series that came out earlier this year. Similarly steamy titles include The Affair, Sex/Life, Dirty John, and Tell Me Lies.

Alternatively, check out everything else trending on Netflix. Like Bridgerton, The Dinosaurs, The Museum of Innocence, The Art of Sarah, or The Night Agent.

MUNA Release New Single ‘So What’

The leading title track from MUNA’s upcoming album Dancing on the Wall made our list of the best songs of February. Today, they’re back with the second single, ‘So What’, which is more contemplative. Check it out below.

“We’re at the point in our career where we’ve been to a lot fancy parties in beautiful rooms with important people and we know the particular sadness of realizing it doesn’t make you feel better,” the group shared in a statement. “We’ve learned the hard way that validation is hollow and we actually just want connection. This is a song about going to one of those parties and leaving worse off than when we got there.”

Dancing on the Wall is out May 8 via Saddest Factory/Secretly Group.

Widowspeak Announce New Album, Share New Single ‘If You Change’

Widowspeak have announced Roses, their first album in four years. Following The Jacket, the band’s seventh LP lands on June 5 via Captured Tracks. Listen to the jangly lead single ‘If You Change’ below, and scroll down for the album cover and tracklist.

Opening up about ‘If You Change’, vocalist Molly Hamilton says she “thought about the fear of change, and when things (situations, objects) feel stuck in time because of a fear of ruining them. You always hear ‘mint condition’ as though it is as an asset, but it also means that thing hasn’t been used, lived with, loved. It never gets to fulfill its destiny.”

“Incidentally one of my favorite childhood books is The Velveteen Rabbit and growing up we had this VHS copy of Meryl Streep reading it over Ken Burns-esque slow-panned illustrations,” Hamilton shared of the accompanying video. “It’s sort of burned into my mind. Even now, I can hear her voice saying ‘I am real!’ My sister ended up getting me a copy of it on vinyl, which is incredible. Maybe I’ve also been thinking about it more now because we have a board book version we read to the baby. But, the point of the story is that only through being loved can something become ‘real’… and that’s sort of how the video came to be what it is.”

The duo of Hamilton and Robert Earl Thomas is now a married couple. They recorded the new album at the Old Carpet Factory on the Greek island Hydra, which you can read a bit about in our recent interview with Westerman. It was mixed by Alex Farrar at Drop of Sun Studios and mastered by Greg Obis at Chicago Mastering.

Roses Cover Artwork:

Widowspeak - Album Art - Roses.

Roses Tracklist:

1. The Hook
2. No Driver
3. Roses
4. If You Change
5. Wondering
6. Angel Number
7. Soft Cover
8. Heaven is Waiting
9. Actor
10. Hourglass