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Interview: Darin

Modestas Mankus
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Interview: Darin

Sweden has produced some of the most significant names in the music world: ABBA, Roxette, Ace of Base, and countless others. Today’s interview is with Darin, perhaps Sweden’s most successful pop artist, with several Grammy wins and eight number-one albums. To talk about his latest track Electric, Darin joined us for a brief chat.

Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your new single Electric and what it represents to you personally?

For me, Electric is a memory. It’s a memory of a very special night in Palma, Mallorca where I live. But it was a night of highs and lows. My best friend Lewis told me he was going to leave Mallorca, and in a few days’ time! It was also the night I met the love of my life for the first time. It was a crazy intense feeling I didn’t expect and wasn’t prepared for. I sometimes describe it like a magnetic pull and I think the song touches on that feeling and that force. That all happened on a night that my closest friends were there with me to celebrate my birthday – definitely a night to remember!

In what ways did the production process of Electric contribute to its infectious energy and sound?

It’s produced in a house/dance way, so the beat is definitely made for people to dance to. I think the topline (lyrics and melodies) could have a different costume, but I like the fact that it all started with this beat. And that something energetic and uplifting could also be meaningful.

Your music has touched on a range of genres, from synth-pop to folk ballads. What draws you to explore an array of musical styles, and how does Electric fit into your overall discography?

I see my artistic style as always evolving, it changes with me. I like to experiment with different sounds and genres. Right now, it feels colourful, exciting, energetic. As long as it feels honest it will feel right to me. Personal growth is definitely a theme across my music. It’s the things we all feel, things that are relatable I would say. I write about love, relationships, life and the journey we are all on really. I love strong melodies that make you want to sing along. People only feel energy if you feel it yourself, so I always think that’s important in my music, for it to be heartfelt, whether uptempo or slow. So I think Electric just naturally takes its place in that context.

You’re regarded as Sweden’s most successful pop artist with multiple Grammy wins and eight number-one albums; what does this type of success mean to you, and what is its impact on your development as an artist?

That all sounds great when you say it, but I guess I don’t really see myself that way. I’m very proud of what I’ve accomplished and the songs I’ve written, but I feel like every time I write a song or release something new it’s the first time again, like I start from scratch – which I am doing in countries outside of Sweden at the moment. And I think for me that’s been a good thing.

As you look toward the future, what can fans expect from this new era you’re launching with Electric, and what is in store for your future endeavors?

I just had so much fun doing my Arena Tour last year, and I see live music taking a big place in my future projects. I would like to do as much of that as possible going forward. Electric is definitely a song I want to perform live!

Finally, for many artists reading this, what advice would you give to those up-and-coming in the industry 

I will always say that surrounding yourself with good people is very important – people who understand you artistically and share your vision. That was incredibly important for me when I reflect on starting out, and reminds me how important it still is now

Electric by Darin is available on Spotify and other major platforms.

Hauser & Wirth to Display a Rare Exhibition of Museum-Loaned Works by Eva Hesse

Modestas Mankus
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Hauser & Wirth to Display a Rare Exhibition of Museum-Loaned Works by Eva Hesse

With her use of alternative forms and materials, Eva Hesse revolutionized the language of sculpture. With her use of latex, Fiberglas, and industrial plastics, Hesse challenged the hard-edged, manufactured aesthetic of the minimalist movement of her day.

Almost half a century after her groundbreaking oeuvre was exhibited for the first time in 1968, it remains as powerful now as it was then. In the decades following Hesse’s death in 1970, some fifteen exhibitions have been held, a testament to her ongoing relevance.

As of 2nd of May, Hauser & Wirth will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the estate’s representation by the gallery by spotlighting Hesse’s remarkable achievements in ‘Eva Hesse. Five Sculptures.’ In collaboration with art historian and critic Briony Fer, this exhibition brings together five of Hesse’s most celebrated large-scale works made from 1967 to 1969, all on loan from major American museums. Rosen has been an adviser to the Hesse estate for many years.

Hesse’s materially experimental and psychologically charged sculptures will be exhibited on the ground floor of Hauser & Wirth’s gallery on West 22nd Street.

Book Review: Directed by Yasujiro Ozu

Patrick Galvan
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Book Review: Directed by Yasujiro Ozu

Yasujiro Ozu directed some of the most profoundly moving films in cinema history. Despite skepticism during his lifetime that his simple stories about the joys and sorrows of everyday life couldn’t be appreciated outside Japan, he’s been celebrated worldwide. (One need not have grown up in Japanese society to recognize Setsuko Hara’s love for her father in 1949’s Late Spring and her frustrations with being pushed away from a status quo she’s comfortable with.) Being a director with universal appeal, Ozu is worthy of universally appealing studies: ones that educate readers and analyze his films in such a way that deepens appreciation for them.

Thus my disappointment that Ozu instead has become a bully pulpit for academic ramblings that are anything but universal. Notwithstanding a handful of exceptions (namely Donald Richie’s Ozu: His Life and Films), English language tomes on this director tend to be ostentatious and logy; and if Shiguéhiko Hasumi’s newly translated Directed by Yasujiro Ozu is any indicator, the same is true in Japan. Long celebrated in academe as a landmark study, Hasumi’s book—first published in Japanese in 1983—is, alas, gruelingly typical, using Ozu merely as an excuse to unleash indecipherable word salads such as:

“Only those moved by the fertile chatter between narrational structure and thematic system will be able to liberate themselves from the image of Ozu as defined through absences and negative rhetoric. And liberation, precisely, is the mission that any discourse about cinema should embrace.”

“The films that Ozu made in the late period are all narratives of the vivid present that progress toward the materialization of this tangible nothingness. […] We might provisionally call this a kind of realism, but a realism that cinema has not encountered anywhere outside of Ozu and may never encounter elsewhere.”

That, unfortunately, represents the bulk of the text. To Hasumi’s credit, he occasionally zeroes in on something interesting: e.g., Ozu’s general lack of interest in extreme weather. (Hasumi likewise salutes Akira Kurosawa and Kenji Mizoguchi for their pictures’ emphasis on fog and rain, and in doing so pushes the reader to think about the careers of all three directors.) The book also concludes with an appendix interview with Ozu’s long-time cameraman Yuharu Atsuta. The interview itself is not especially in line with the three hundred pages that came before, as Atsuta steers from waxing philosophy in favor of discussing Ozu’s personality and the challenges cinematographers face. For this reason, this appendix—vestigial as it is—is the book’s most stimulating section: a welcome escape from Hasumi’s prattling.

Directed by Yasujiro Ozu might be a classic in academic circles, but its appeal elsewhere will remain limited, and not due to a lack of interest in the filmmaker under discussion. For passionate moviegoers who admire Ozu for the feelings and thoughts his movies evoke, I continue recommending Richie’s Ozu: His Life and Films. Richie’s tome remains the most accessible study on this director for the simple reason that he had an authentic interest in educating readers on his subject and his fascination with human experience. The key to Ozu’s lasting cross-cultural appeal is not how his movies can be used to demonstrate academic concepts, but how they reflect what people across the globe experience in the natural course of life. A shame that Shiguéhiko Hasumi didn’t think to inject more human feeling when discussing one of cinema’s most beloved directors.

Is it legal to play real money pokies in Australia?

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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Is it legal to play real money pokies in Australia?

The gambling and betting industry in Australia is in a very unusual position. On the one hand, local gambling operators cannot offer real money pokies to Australians. On the other hand, most online casinos operate under licence from overseas regulators and do not break any laws.

Unlike European countries, Australia boasts a more lenient legislative framework. For instance, online casinos and sports betting activities in Hungary are overseen by a state regulatory authority. This information is sourced from somagyarkaszino.com, which features a dedicated section for licenses and regulations.

Why is it legal to play poker for money online in Australia?

Licensed real money pokies offer players the safest possible money playing environment. The novice gambler must remember that he or she is not breaking anything in Australia. Betting, winning and withdrawing winnings is completely legal. Restrictions and rules apply only to casino operators.

The administration of the online casino will not pay out money only in one case. When the user can not or is not ready to verify his age, the cashier will not accept the application for withdrawal. The norms of responsible gaming are based on this. The operator guarantees fast payouts of winnings, and the user must not violate the rules of the user agreement.

Which Australian online casino to choose to play poker?

Today on the Australian market you can find many virtual gambling clubs. Play poker beginners can play in each. In addition, some online casinos host official international championships. Therefore, the evening hobby for many becomes a professional business, which brings a lot of income.

The rating of current casinos in Australia with poker includes several positions:

  • Pokie Spins. A gambler will be able to take a welcome bonus and realise the advantage of starting promotions not only in slot machines. The online club operator offers several types of poker and regularly launches local competitions among registered customers.
  • Neon54. It is here that a poker fan has a chance to turn from an amateur to a professional. The administration organises tournament events, the prize pool of which often exceeds a million dollars. Participants can use any techniques to win. Some manage to outwit their opponents by bluffing.
  • Golden Pokies. This virtual casino attracts players who prefer to bet in cryptocurrency. Thanks to it, users can easily increase their digital budget several times.

Bonuses become the main criterion when rating gambling clubs often. However, the beginner should not forget about the basic rules of the game.

Tips for beginner poker players

Poker requires not only luck, but also skills and knowledge. If you are just starting to familiarise yourself with it, you may be confused by the large number of terms and rules.

The first step in learning is to understand the combinations. The highest combination is a flush royal and the lowest is a pair. There are many others in between. For example, it is a straight, a flush, and so on.

However, to win in poker, you need not only to know them, but also to be able to read your opponents and make the right decisions in different situations. It is important to realise that poker is not only a game of cards, but also a psychological battle between players.

One of the basic principles of poker is bluffing. Bluffing is a tactic that involves tricking your opponent into believing that you have a better combination of cards in your hand than he does. But it must be used wisely, because if it is unsuccessful, you can lose a lot of chips.

It is also important to be able to read your opponents. Observe their behaviour and try to determine what cards they may have in their hand. For example, if your opponent starts to think for a long time, he may have a weak hand. If he bets quickly, he may have a strong hand.

Another important aspect of poker is bankroll management. The bankroll is the amount of money you are willing to spend on the game. It is important to determine it in advance and not to exceed it to avoid big losses.

Poker is a game and the goal should not only be to win, but also to enjoy the process. You should not forget about the sporting spirit and respectful attitude towards your opponents. Remember that every poker player is trying to win, but that doesn’t mean you should be hostile to them. Try to play fair and respectful even if you almost lose.

Watch Billie Eilish Join Lana Del Rey for ‘Ocean Eyes’ and ‘Video Games’ at Coachella

Konstantinos Pappis
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Watch Billie Eilish Join Lana Del Rey for ‘Ocean Eyes’ and ‘Video Games’ at Coachella

Lana Del Rey headlined the first night of weekend one of Coachella on Friday (April 12), marking her first performance at the festival since 2014. She brought out a few guests, including Jon Batiste for ‘Candy Necklace’, Billie Eilish for ‘Ocean Eyes’ and ‘Video Games’, and Jack Antonoff for ‘hope is a dangerous thing for a woman like me to have – but i have it’. After the performance, Del Rey called Eilish “the voice of your generation,” and Eilish responded by telling the crowd: “This is the reason for half you bitches’ existence — including mine!” Watch footage from the show below.

Del Rey began her set with ‘Without You’, which she performed for the first time since 2014. It was followed by Ultraviolence‘s ‘West Coast’ and her cover of Sublime‘s ‘Doin’ Time’. Check out the setlist below, too (via setlist.fm).

Setlist: 

Without You
West Coast
Doin’ Time (Sublime cover)
Summertime Sadness
Cherry
Pretty When You Cry
Ride
Born to Die
Bartender
Chemtrails Over the Country Club
The Grants
Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd
Norman Fucking Rockwell
Arcadia
Candy Necklace (with Jon Batiste)
ocean eyes (with Billie Eilish)
Video Games (with Billie Eilish)

Encore:
Hope Is a Dangerous Thing for a Woman Like Me to Have – But I Have It (with Jack Antonoff) (Holographic Lana Interlude)
A&W
Young and Beautiful

From Scribes to Bots: How Technology is Transforming the Art of Writing

Sebastian Bickley
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From Scribes to Bots: How Technology is Transforming the Art of Writing

A lone figure hunches over a damp clay tablet in the dimly lit room. With focused concentration, they etch symbols with a sharpened reed, meticulously preserving knowledge for future generations. Imagine a time long ago when people called scribes carefully wrote down stories and knowledge on scrolls made of papyrus. This shows how much humans have always wanted to share ideas and stories. But thousands of years later, how we share things would change completely. We tap away at glowing screens, crafting messages in mere seconds. Technology has revolutionized writing, not just the tools we use but the very nature of how we express ourselves. With AI playing a bigger role in content creation, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s written by a person and what’s generated by a machine. To promote transparency in writing, AI detectors help identify automated text and preserve originality.

Even with this digital revolution, the core challenges of writing remain. Students today grapple with crafting clear and concise essays, formulating strong arguments, and meeting deadlines. Sources like EssayService review can offer valuable assistance. These reviews provide feedback on grammar, plagiarism checks, and suggestions for improvement. By leveraging technology effectively, students can elevate their writing skills and navigate the ever-evolving world of communication.

The Evolution of Writing Tools

Long before the click-clack of keyboards, writing was a laborious task. From the earliest civilizations, humans carved cuneiform script onto clay tablets in Mesopotamia and hieroglyphs onto stone walls in Egypt. These methods were slow and cumbersome, limiting the spread of written knowledge to a select few. 

The invention of papyrus in ancient Egypt offered a more portable option, but the true game-changer arrived in 1440 with Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press. The printing press marked the beginning of a new era, one characterized by a greater spread of ideas and a renewed focus on accuracy and detail. 

Beautifully crafted fonts and meticulously laid-out pages became the hallmark of the written word. However, writing itself remained a physical act, requiring pen and paper. But the march of innovation never stops. In the late 19th century, another invention emerged that would further revolutionize communication: the typewriter.

The rhythmic clatter of the keys offered a newfound speed and accuracy, empowering a new generation of writers. No longer confined to the slow, deliberate strokes of a pen, thoughts could now flow freely onto the page, fueled by the mechanical symphony of the typewriter.

The arrival of the computer keyboard in the mid-20th century marked another leap forward. Gone were the limitations of fixed-width fonts and the need for white-out correction tape. The computer screen became a blank canvas, allowing writers to edit, revise, and format their work easily. This digital revolution also ushered in a new era of collaborative writing, allowing multiple authors to work on a document simultaneously, a stark contrast to the solitary toil of the scribe.

The Transformation of Writing Style 

The digital age has not only reshaped the tools of writing but also fundamentally changed the way we express ourselves through text. The late 20th century saw the rise of email, which sparked a new era of casual communication in writing. Gone were the rigid formalities of traditional letters; emails embraced a more conversational style characterized by shorter sentences, informal greetings, and liberal use of emoticons. 

Text messaging further streamlined communication, introducing abbreviations, acronyms, and emojis as a new shorthand form. Social media platforms added another layer to this evolving landscape, fostering a culture of rapid-fire exchanges and bite-sized messages. The notion of “writing” began to encompass a wider range of communication styles, blurring the lines between formal and informal expression.

The digital age has birthed a new era of casual communication and given rise to entirely new forms of writing. The proliferation of online content has fueled the growth of content marketing, a field focused on creating engaging and informative web content to attract and retain customers. This type of writing prioritizes clarity, search engine optimization (SEO), and the ability to capture the reader’s attention within a short timeframe. 

Gone are traditional literature’s long, flowing narratives; content marketing thrives on concise, keyword-rich articles, listicles, and infographics.

The Age of Automation: Writing Bots Enter the Scene

The latest chapter in the writing story is the exciting rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and writing bots. These automated programs use complex algorithms to generate human-quality text, from basic summaries to creative writing. 

Though still under development, AI writing assistants promise to transform the writing process in several ways. Imagine a tool that instantly suggests grammatically correct synonyms, eliminates writer’s block by proposing new ideas, or even personalizes content for specific audiences.

However, the rise of writing bots also raises concerns. One major worry is plagiarism. As AI learns from existing writing styles, there’s a risk that generated content could inadvertently copy existing works. Additionally, the widespread use of AI writing tools could lead to a homogenization of writing styles, with a loss of the unique voice and creativity that distinguishes human authors. 

The most thought-provoking question surrounding AI writing assistants is whether they have the potential to replace human writers completely. While AI can excel at generating factual content, the ability to evoke emotions, tell compelling stories, and inject humor and personality into writing remains a uniquely human skill.

The Future of Writing: Friend or Foe?

Scrolling through TikTok, you might see endless dance challenges and funny skits, but there’s a new trend emerging for students. They’re discovering the best custom paper writing service that leverages AI writing assistants. AI assistants can be a powerful ally for students facing writer’s block or crunching deadlines. These tools can provide instant brainstorming prompts, help overcome creative roadblocks, and even suggest sentence structures to keep the writing flowing.

AI writing assistants can offer valuable support, suggesting creative approaches, overcoming writer’s block, and even helping with basic research. While AI assistants can be a valuable asset, it’s important to remember they’re just one tool in the writer’s toolbox. The ability to craft a clear thesis, structure a compelling argument, and infuse writing with your unique voice are all essential human skills that AI can’t replace.

The future of writing lies in collaboration. Students can leverage AI for brainstorming and efficiency while retaining control over the creativity and critical thinking that makes their writing stand out.

Conclusion

Technology has undeniably transformed the art of writing from the detailed work of scribes to the instantaneous communication of social media. As AI continues to evolve, how we write will change even further. However, one thing remains constant: the power of words to inform, persuade, and entertain. Whether penned by hand or generated by algorithms, the written word will continue to be a powerful tool for human expression in the digital age.

Sabrina Carpenter Shares Video for New Single ‘Espresso’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Sabrina Carpenter Shares Video for New Single ‘Espresso’

Sabrina Carpenter has shared her new single, ‘Espresso’. She wrote the song with previous collaborators Amy Allen, Julian Bunetta, and Steph Jones. Bunetta also produced the new track, which arrives with a music video from director Dave Meyers. Watch and listen below.

Speaking about ‘Espresso’ in an interview with Zane Lowe on Apple Music 1, Carpenter said: “Weirdly enough, ended up writing this song in France, and I think that that probably had a little bit of inspiration to how the song ended up feeling. It just had that excitement and that energy of almost kind of travelling the world. We wrote it in France and I remember it being a very, very quick process. I mean, from start to finish I think that’s why you can kind of feel how fun it is. And I think for me, there was something really exciting about the fact that there was so much personality throughout the entire song, because those are the ones that are really, really fun to sing live with a crowd. Those are the ones that people, I think when they don’t know my music or who I am or anything, they can just tune in to a single song and kind of leave with a better idea of my sense of humor.”

Nell Mescal Shares New Song ‘Yellow Dresser’

Konstantinos Pappis
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Nell Mescal Shares New Song ‘Yellow Dresser’

Nell Mescal has released another song from her upcoming debut EP Can I Miss It For A Minute?. This one’s called ‘Yellow Dresser’, and it follows the previously unveiled ‘Warm Body’ and ‘Killing Time’. Take a listen below.

“Yellow Dresser is a song about realising you have fallen out of love with a person you are very close with,” Mescal explained in a statement. “It’s about reaching your limit and figuring out how to move on even if it’s painful.”

Can I Miss It For A Minute? arrives May 3 via LAB Records.

Watch girl in red Perform ‘Too Much’ on ‘Fallon’

Konstantinos Pappis
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0
Watch girl in red Perform ‘Too Much’ on ‘Fallon’

girl in red was the musical guest on last night’s episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where she performed ‘Too Much’ from her just-released second album I’m Doing It Again Baby!. Watch it below.

The Norwegian singer-songwriter’s new LP follows her 2021 debut If I Could Make It Go Quiet. In addition to ‘Too Much’, it includes the promotional singles ‘Doing It Again Baby’ and the Sabrina Carpenter collaboration ‘You Need Me Now?’.

How To Stay Compliant While Importing Goods From China

Our Culture Mag & Partners
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How To Stay Compliant While Importing Goods From China

Running a business comes with many different components to be aware of, and the notion of compliance can be overwhelming. Whether in charge of an e-commerce business or attempting to ship goods overseas, you must be compliant in every way. Here, we will show you how to stay compliant when importing goods from China.

Research and Select Reliable Suppliers

One of the most critical things regarding China to UK shipping is evaluating potential suppliers based on several variables, such as product quality, pricing, reputation, and customer reviews. Beyond this, you should verify their credentials and ensure they are the right fit for you, as this due diligence upfront can mitigate a lot of trouble later.

Understand the Documentation Requirements

There are many different essential documents, such as:

  • The Bill of Lading, a crucial shipping document that serves as a contract between the owner of the goods and the carrier, also acts as a receipt while outlining the contract terms and serves as a document of title proving ownership of the goods being transported.
  • Certificates of Origin, signed documents guaranteeing the origin of exported items, are usually certificates validated by a chamber of commerce in the UK.
  • An export licence, a government document authorising the export of restricted goods, is essential for ensuring compliance with regulations and approving the export of certain goods from one country to another.
  • An import licence is just as crucial for regulating imports into a country and may be required under specific circumstances or with certain products.

Ensuring You Clear Customs Properly

When importing goods, you must know how to clear the customs process and avoid delays during customs clearance. To do this correctly when you’re importing goods from China to the UK, you will need to ensure you have:

  • A Chinese Customs Registration (CR) number and a Power of Attorney (POA) number for your goods.
  • Obtain essential documents such as a packing list, commercial invoice, and required licence or certificates.
  • Fill out a China Customs declaration form listing all imported items and providing accurate values for each item.
  • Pay import duties, VAT, and any other applicable fees based on the type and value of goods imported from China into the UK.
  • Obtain an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) Number starting with GB for goods going to England, Wales, or Scotland, or XI for Northern Ireland.
  • Ensure you comply with UK customs rules and regulations, including proper labelling, marking, and adherence to all requirements.

The time taken can vary, but depending on your documentation accuracy, it could be several weeks.

Navigate Control Quality Issues

Importing goods into the UK can be a minefield, but you also need to ensure that you are navigating quality control issues:

  • Where possible, conduct pre-shipment inspections to ensure the quality of the goods before they leave, which helps to identify any defects or issues early on.
  • Establish clear communication with the suppliers in China to ensure they understand your quality requirements and expectations.
  • Consider engaging quality assurance companies in China for more extensive product orders to ensure adherence to quality standards and specifications.

Be Aware Of Regulation Changes

It is just as vital for you to stay abreast of changes from the relevant authorities about import and export catalogues and licensing from China to the UK:

  • Regularly monitor the latest updates from the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) and the General Administration of Customs (GAC) regarding licensing, import, and export catalogues.
  • Evaluate how these updates will impact your supply chains, business operations, and compliance and be sure to seek professional guidance if needed so you can understand the implications.
  • Adjust your strategies based on the updated requirements and plan to guarantee a smoother transition, which will help minimise disruptions.
  • If appropriate, establish communication channels with the relevant authorities and trade organisations to seek clarification on any uncertainties.
  • Finally, consider partnering with experts who specialise in these regulations to ensure you can navigate the complexities with the latest requirements effectively so you are not caught out with surprises.

Importing goods from any country requires understanding the numerous rules and regulations. By following these approaches diligently, you can ensure compliance, which will put you and your business in an advantageous position.

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