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Martha Skye Murphy Unveils New Song ‘IRL’

Martha Skye Murphy has shared a new single, ‘IRL’, taken from her upcoming debut album Um. “IRL is about longing to be somewhere else, a digital space maybe, and not being allowed to drive a car while in LA,” she explained in a statement. Check it out below.

Um is due for release on June 14 via AD 93. The record was announced earlier this month with the single ‘Pick Yourself Up’.

Mabe Fratti Shares New Single ‘Enfrente’

Mabe Fratti has unveiled a new single, ‘Enfrente’, lifted from her upcoming album Sentir Que No Sabes. Following previous offerings ‘Kravitz’ and ‘Pantalla azul’, the track comes with a video directed by José Ostos and Ana Drucker and featuring Fratti, Edwin Mensah, and Timi Adisa. Check it out below.

Speaking about the song, Fratti said in a statement: “We would say that ‘Enfrente’ is kind of like the ‘spoiled’ kid of the record: it started in a different context, it was going in a different direction: I rarely start a song playing the piano (to then play at the cello) and with this one I had the chords and an idea of the melody, while Héctor came with the idea of making a kind of trip hop beat for it and adding some extended technique with the guitar adding some t-rap under the strings of the guitar. As we were recording the beat with Gibrán Andrade at the studio, Héctor suggested adding some drum and bass at the ending that also became instantly iconic. There’s a sensation of fear of being heard in the intention of the song, and being one step behind everything that’s going on, and feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to follow up.”

Ostos & Drucker added of the video: “The starting point was water, we were interested in its movement and plasticity. We also wanted the images to work as a rhythmic accompaniment to the song’s groove. After some testing, we established a system that enabled us to film diverse subjects through distortions and reflections created by the dynamic interaction of light and water. We focused on this technique to create a series of scenes and images with an internal rhythm and a chromatic palette that blended with the textures and colors of Mabe’s song.”

Sentir Que No Sabes arrives on June 28 via Unheard of Hope. Fratti recently joined Efterklang on their song ‘Plant’.

Revisit our Artist Spotlight interview with Mabe Fratti.

Sports and Art: Exploring the Intersection of Athleticism and Creative Expression

The fusion of sports and art creates a unique blend of athleticism and creative expression. This article delves into how these two worlds intersect, highlighting the synergy between physical prowess and artistic creativity. Detailed statistics, records, and names are included to provide a comprehensive and informative discussion.

The Historical Connection Between Sports and Art

The intersection of sports and art dates to ancient Greece, where athleticism was celebrated through sculpture and pottery. The Discobolus (Discus Thrower), created by Myron around 450 BC, is a famous example. This sculpture captures the grace and power of an athlete in motion, symbolizing the ideal human form and the harmony between physical and artistic excellence.

During the Renaissance, the connection between sports and art was revitalized. Artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo studied the human body in motion, creating works that celebrated both physical and artistic achievements. Michelangelo’s David, sculpted between 1501 and 1504, embodies this fusion, depicting the biblical hero with an athlete’s physique and a poised, artistic elegance.

Modern Examples of Sports as Art

Figure skating is a prime example of the intersection between sports and art. Skaters like Michelle Kwan and Yuzuru Hanyu have turned their performances into artistic expressions, combining athletic skill with graceful choreography. Kwan, a two-time Olympic medalist, and five-time World Champion, is known for her artistic interpretation and technical prowess, making her routines visually stunning and emotionally impactful.

Artistic Representations of Sports

Sports photography captures the beauty and intensity of athletic moments, turning them into timeless works of art. Renowned photographers like Neil Leifer and Walter Iooss Jr. have immortalized iconic sports moments. Leifer’s photograph of Muhammad Ali standing over Sonny Liston in 1965 is a powerful image that combines athletic prowess with artistic composition.

Artists often draw inspiration from sports to create visual art. LeRoy Neiman, known for his vibrant and dynamic paintings, frequently depicted sports scenes. His works, such as “Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier” and “Football Star,” capture the energy and movement of athletes, blending sports with visual art in a unique and expressive way.

Athletes as Artists

Muhammad Ali, beyond his boxing career, was also known for his poetic expressions. His rhymes and verbal artistry added a creative dimension to his athletic persona. Ali’s famous quote, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” exemplifies how he used language to enhance his image and convey his boxing philosophy artistically.

Collaborative Projects Between Athletes and Artists

Nike has partnered with various artists to create sportswear that blends functionality with artistic design. Collaborations with artists like Tom Sachs and Virgil Abloh have resulted in limited-edition sneakers that are both athletic gear and art pieces. The Nike x Off-White collection by Abloh, which includes the iconic “The Ten” series, exemplifies this fusion, with each shoe design reflecting a unique artistic vision.

The Influence of Sports on Performing Arts

Theatre productions often incorporate athletic elements to enhance performances. Productions like Cirque du Soleil combine acrobatics, dance, and storytelling to create captivating shows. Athletes trained in gymnastics and dance perform in these productions, displaying their physical skills in an artistic context. Cirque du Soleil’s “O” and “KA” are prime examples, blending athleticism with theatrical artistry to create visually stunning performances.

Films and documentaries about sports often highlight the artistic aspects of athleticism. “Raging Bull,” directed by Martin Scorsese, portrays the life of boxer Jake LaMotta, blending gritty sports drama with cinematic artistry. The documentary “The Last Dance” provides an in-depth look at Michael Jordan’s career, using artistic storytelling to capture the essence of his athletic achievements.

Art in Sports Venues

Sports venues themselves can be works of art. The Allianz Arena in Munich, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, is renowned for its unique architectural design. The stadium’s façade changes color based on the team playing, creating a dynamic visual experience. Similarly, the Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing, designed for the 2008 Olympics, is an architectural marvel that blends functionality with artistic design.

Murals and street art in and around sports venues celebrate athletes and their achievements. The “LeBron James Witness” mural in Cleveland, created by artist Jonas Never, is a tribute to James’s impact on the city and sport. Street art in cities like Los Angeles and New York often features famous athletes, turning urban spaces into galleries that honor sports legends.

The Role of Art in Sports Marketing

Artistic elements are integral to sports marketing campaigns. Nike’s “Just Do It” campaign, featuring powerful imagery and inspirational messages, uses art to connect with audiences emotionally. The campaign’s visual artistry and compelling storytelling have made it one of the most successful marketing strategies in sports history.

Promotions from the best betting sites often feature sleek graphics and engaging content, blending sports excitement with artistic presentation to enhance user appeal and engagement. These promotions capitalize on the dynamic intersection of sports and art, attracting a broader audience and increasing engagement.

The Future of Sports and Art

Emerging technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are opening new possibilities for the intersection of sports and art. VR experiences allow fans to immerse themselves in virtual sports events, blending athletic performance with digital artistry. AR applications enhance live sports events with interactive graphics and artistic overlays, creating a richer spectator experience.

Integrating art into sports education can foster creativity and holistic development in young athletes. Programs that combine athletic training with artistic activities, such as dance and visual arts, can enhance physical and cognitive skills. Schools and sports academies that adopt this interdisciplinary approach can cultivate well-rounded individuals who excel in both sports and the arts.

The intersection of sports and art is a dynamic and evolving landscape that enriches both fields. From ancient sculptures to modern collaborations, the fusion of athleticism and creative expression continues to inspire and captivate audiences. This synergy enhances the aesthetic appeal of sports and deepens the cultural significance of athletic achievements.

Where Community Meets Art: Renowned Artist Yicong Li’s Sculptural Performance Engages Chicago’s AAPI Audience

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May 25th, 2024 from 1:00 – 7:00 pm for a special “Picnic in the Library with Museum Squatters” to celebrate AAPI Heritage Month. At Picnic in the Library with Museum Squatters, a day-long community arts event hosted by the Chinese American Museum of Chicago, artist Yicong Li unveiled an immersive participatory installation that seamlessly bridged contemporary art and public engagement. At the heart of the presentation were Li’s signature wearable soft sculptures, which transformed a photo booth into a space for playful exploration and embodied transformation.

Other artists participating in trying on the wearable sculptures, Zachary Sun and Jinlu Luo.

Far from static objects, Li’s wearable sculptures served as performative tools—inviting visitors to step inside the works and experience how material, texture, and form could reframe their sense of identity. Designed to be accessible across generations, the booth welcomed participants ranging from children to elders (ages 5 to 50), fostering an open, inclusive environment of creative experimentation. The installation drew strong interest from both the local Chinese American community and Chicago’s broader art scene, with artists such as Yuge Zhou and artist-curator Larry Lee actively engaging with the work.

Artists and curators posing with the wearable Sculptures

A key moment of the event occurred at 3:00 PM, when performer Shuo Cai activated Bound, one of Li’s most emblematic wearable sculptures, in a live performance. The work explores themes of transformation and identity fluidity; through Cai’s movements, Bound became a dynamic, living structure—shifting with the body, responding to the surrounding space, and dissolving the boundaries between sculpture, performer, and audience. The performance prompted thoughtful conversations about the potential of wearable art to reimagine the body’s relationship to material and viewer.

Guest experiences the wearable Sculptures

Li’s practice consistently blurs the line between art and daily life, foregrounding tactility and embodiment as central to participatory experience. Her work functions as a catalyst for social exchange, merging formal innovation with community interaction. This event further underscored her distinct position within contemporary performance and installation art.

Picnic in the Library with Museum Squatters exemplified the Chinese American Museum of Chicago’s mission to foster cultural dialogue through accessible and meaningful programming. Through Li’s interactive installation, the museum offered a platform where art, identity, and community came together in vibrant and resonant ways.

Pond Share New Single ‘So Lo’

Pond have shared a new single, ‘So Lo’, which will appear on their upcoming album Stung!. It follows previous cuts ‘Neon River’ and ‘(I’m) Stung’. Check it out below.

“I think Gum was just messing around on guitar playing something fun and cheesy and then realized it could be cool in a kind of cold, concrete, No-Wave way,” the band’s Nicholas Allbrook shared in a statement. “I wrote the line about white dreads while waiting for a bus in Tottenham – maybe there were some hippies around, maybe there weren’t, who can really say where hippies are or aren’t at any given time… The words were ‘all these tablets got me breaking in two’ but when I first double tracked the vocals they were a bit out of time and gum thought I said, ‘these tummy tablets got me breaking in two’ which made us laugh, and thus, by the laws of Pond, became official. Some of the lyrics are sad honestly, about watching your future as you’d imagined it evaporate before your eyes – being haunted by ‘a child as brittle as paper’. Gum thought I was saying ‘horny badger, brittle as paper’ but that was a bridge too far, even for us. This song sort of skirts between being horrendously bleak and really dumb. The vocoder Gin and Gum put on ‘so European’ absolutely kills me.”

Stung! is set for release on June 21 via Spinning Top.

Margaux Unveils New Song ‘What Could I Say?’

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Margaux has released ‘What Could I Say?’, the latest single from her debut album Inside the Marble – out June 7 on Massif Records. Listen to it below.

“As I’m sure most can relate, I find it takes me quite some time to feel truly at ease around a new group of people… being a touring musician I am often thrown into these new social settings of people I don’t know that well but am suddenly in quite close quarters with,” Margaux said in a statement. “It’s like you’re spending all your time together but isn’t it too soon to start asking questions about what your parents are like? But who wants to talk about fluff? ‘What Could I Say’ is about feeling socially anxious and unsure and how that can manifest as seeming reserved and closed off… a nifty feedback loop that feels a lot like the inside of a marble just swirling around meeting back up with itself.”

Romy Shares Video for New Song ‘Always Forever’

The xx’s Romy has put out a new song, ‘Always Forever’, which interpolates Donna Lewis’ 1996 hit ‘I Love You Always Forever’. She worked on the track with  Fred Again.. and Joy Anonymous, and it comes with a music video helmed by Aftersun director Charlotte Wells. Check it out below.

“we are so grateful for you @donnalewismusic thank you so much for giving your blessing to sample your beautiful and iconic song “I love you always forever,” Romy wrote on Instagram. “we love the original so much and our version has been some years in the making so can’t wait for you all to hear it.”

Romy released her debut solo album, Mid Air, last year.

Body Meat Drops Video for New Single ‘North Side’

Body Meat has released a new single, ‘North Side’, the latest single from his debut album Starchris – out August 23 on Partisan Records. It comes paired with a music video featuring gameplay footage of a video game that project leader Chris Taylor coded himself. Check it out below.

Outlining the plot of the game, Taylor explained:

A shop keep returns to his forest after a long and tiring journey. Hesitant, he runs across the bridge that connects the world to his home. A strange patron awaits him. He is used to selling great weapons that help keep the realm at peace. Upon entering his humble shop he is thrust into a void: A great orb is unleashed. The orb engulfs the forest and chases the shop-keep deeper into the void. A mysterious being appears and helps the shop keep escape the orb. Thrust into a realm between worlds, here the shop keep makes a stand and must defeat the orb to bring the forest back and return to the place he once called home.

Iceage’s Elias Rønnenfelt Releases Debut Solo Single ‘Like Lovers Do’

Iceage leader Elias Rønnenfelt has shared his debut solo single, ‘Like Lovers Do’. He co-produced the track with Nis Bysted. It was mixed by Andrew Sarlo and features contributions from Iceage drummer Dan Kjær Nielsen. Check it out via the accompanying video, which was directed by Kasper Miz in Milan, below.

Iceage’s last album was 2021’s Seek Shelter. In 2022, the Danish band released the compilation Shake the Feeling: Outtakes & Rarities 2015–2021. Last year, Rønnenfelt published a book of poetry called Sunken Heights, and he recently appeared on a new EP from Dean Blunt and Joanne Robertson.

Irish Online Casinos: Exploring How Video Games Can Be Used To Improve User Experience

The phenomenon of online gambling is in the process of evolving, especially in Ireland, where online platforms are taking more and more cues from video games. This is not just a trend but rather a smart move that aims at improving users’ interaction, interface, and entertainment value, at which online casinos should excel not only at attracting gamers but also at providing an experience that is as close to high-end video games as possible.

The Various Aspects of Gamification: It’s Use in Online Casinos and More

Evolving at the center of this process is the notion of gamification, which implies the integration of features characteristic of video games into online casinos and platforms providing comparisons and reviews such as https://www.irishluck.ie/ and more around the country of Ireland. This involves levels, achievements, storylines, character development and so on, so as to make the use of the product a more fulfilling experience. Of these features, those related to navigation and customer engagement are especially important to Irish online casinos because of the highly competitive environment in the country.

One of the most effective forms that has been applied is the use of narrative in order to engage the players and make the gaming environment more interesting. The gaming industry is creating elaborate plots that can be followed by the player during the process of the game. This approach is similar to the concept of role-playing games (RPGs), where the story develops based on the choices and accomplishments of the player. Through such measures, online casinos are no longer simply destinations for gambling but rather virtual realities to explore and narratives to join.

Improved Interaction and Networking Capabilities

Video games are by their nature social and many games are designed with social elements and services integrated into the game. Online casinos based in Ireland are quickly adopting this by incorporating social interactivity into their platforms. For example, there are live dealer games, which allow the gambler to interact with dealers and other players, making a social atmosphere that may be missing in other types of online gambling.

Furthermore, the inclusion of chat functions, leader boards and multiplayer tournaments has helped to increase the social aspect of online casinos mirroring the social aspect of many video games. These functions are not only fun but also contribute to the formation of a regular audience, to which people come back not only for the game but also for like-minded people.

High tech Graphics and Virtual Reality

There are several aspects to consider when it comes to the aesthetic appeal of video games, including advanced graphics and engaging interfaces. This element is evident in Irish online casinos that are improving their visual designs, graphics, and animations to resemble modern video games. This is being taken a step further with the introduction of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) technologies which provide a fully immersive experience that will place the players right into a real casino environment with realistic rooms and realistic slot machines.

This technological advancement not only improves the satisfaction of the users but also increases the level of realism of online gambling which would attract a new generation of users who are accustomed to the use of graphics-oriented video games.

Adaptive and Intelligent Technology

The gaming industry has been known to employ technologies that make the games change as the player plays them based on the player’s demeanor. In line with this, online casinos are also employing similar technologies, especially data analysis and machine learning to make games more personalized. For example, through the analysis of data, casinos can monitor the players’ preferred games and betting habits to suggest the games the player likes most and set betting limits that they consider more appropriate. This approach not only enhances the site’s utility but also helps in responsible betting campaigns because it enables the identification of players’ problematic betting habits more efficiently.

Ethical Gaming Practices

With influences from the video game industry, online casinos are shifting their attention and investing in ethical gaming. These are features that show odds and risks in a more transparent manner, facilities to regulate spending and functionalities to track time spent gambling. Some video games have been criticized for their addictive designs in the past, and the online casino industry is very cautious not to follow the same path. Hence, they are adopting more transparent and fair gaming policies, a factor that is vital in ensuring the long-term support of players and regulatory approval.

Conclusion

The combination of video games and online gambling in Ireland can be viewed as a progressive step towards the development of online casinos. Thus, following the examples of video games and implementing the principles of gamification, increased interactivity, or better technology integration, Irish online casinos not only diversify their audience but also raise the bar for what online gambling can achieve. As this trend persists, it becomes more apparent that the future of online gambling is not just brighter but also more in tune with the global digital entertainment landscape, which means a more immersive experience for users everywhere.