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7 Benefits of Dancing That Will Make You Practice This Hobby

Dancing is a beneficial activity for all ages. It acts as a complete workout for general well-being. Not only does it help you improve your physical condition, but it helps you reduce stress and improve your concentration. Also, it will also help you get out of your comfort zone and meet new people. If you have not yet decided to join a group or dance classes, you may choose to do so after reading this article.

1. Improves Cardiovascular Health

National and international health authorities recommend the health benefits of dancing. According to its guidelines, adults should do at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly or 75 to 150 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity per week.

Dance styles with a fast, steady tempo are great for cardio workouts, as you challenge your heart rate when performing the different moves.

2. Improves Balance and Strength

One of the reasons dancing is such a great form of fitness is because it incorporates movement in all planes of motion and from all directions.

The movements we usually do in our daily lives, such as walking, climbing stairs, and common workouts like treadmills and cycling, occur in the sagittal plane (forward and backward, left and right). But dancing works on your body from all planes, including lateral and rotational, which serves to really work all the muscles.

3. It Is Gentle on Your Body

Even if you have a physical problem or limited mobility, there will be a type of dance you can practice without worrying about it affecting your body. Remember that you should also talk to your instructor and explain your situation. If your instructor knows your physical condition, they will make sure to adjust the class to your needs. They can help you with any modifications if necessary.

4. It Challenges Your Brain

If you have ever tried tap dancing, then you know what we mean by challenging your brain. To dance, you will not only have to focus on changing the movements, but you will also have to remember the steps and choreography. Tap dancing could be an excellent way to exercise your brain of mental exercise regardless of your age.

5. It is Inclusive

One of the best things about dance is that anyone can participate. If you can move, even if it is just your upper body, then you can dance. That is what makes dancing so popular even among people who usually avoid other forms of exercise.

6. It Can Be a Social Activity

If you tend to be a solitary person, you will learn what it is like to enjoy an activity as a team or with a partner. Whether it is signing up for a ballroom or belly dancing class, dancing with friends, or dancing with your children or grandchildren, dancing with others will expand your social circle and improve your emotional health.

7. It Helps Improve Your Mood

Venting through dancing will help you improve your mental and emotional health by reducing stress, decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and increasing your self-esteem.

The Psychological Benefits of Dancing

We often forget the therapeutic function of exercise. Beyond the physical benefits, dancing can also help our overall mental health. Our brain houses the so-called pituitary gland, which releases endorphins when we exercise, and these travel throughout the body to help you feel better.

But, also, and thanks to the fact that we enjoy what we do, dancing gives us an extra boost. Dancing releases endorphins that can improve mood and help reduce cortisol levels produce serotonin and dopamine, and stress levels. Experts recommend dancing for 30 to 45 minutes to release these natural happiness hormones.

Types of Dance You Can Try

All dance styles, from traditional ballet to funk, have physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Each one will help you in a different way.

Belly Dancing

Belly dancing is a great style to start with. Especially if you want to learn to express yourself using the muscles of your stomach, trunk, arms, and hips. It is a very rhythmic and fun style of dance, which also has an empowering component by freeing areas whose expression we often limit due to the rigidity of social conventions.

Hip Hop

This genre is a unique free form of dance that will help you express your personality through your body and movement. Also, there are other sub-genres related to hip-hop that you can try.

Free Dance

It pursues maximum liberation from conventional movement patterns to allow new spontaneous movements associated with expressing emotions. We experience a deep sense of freedom by moving under an emotional impulse.

Ballet

Also known as classical dance, this is an elegant and technical form of dance, but it is also perfect for all ages. It helps you become deeply aware of each part of your body and its potential and also will improve your flexibility.

Zumba

This is a dance and type of physical training inspired by the movements of various Latin American dance styles. It has become a form of intense and fun training, fashionable around the world, taught in gyms.

Ballroom

Ballroom dancing can lower blood pressure and cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health, strengthen weight-bearing bones, help prevent or delay bone loss related to osteoporosis, reduce the risks of obesity and type 2 diabetes, and promote a healthy lifestyle and greater lung capacity. Are you interested in practicing this type of dance? Here, you can get men’s ballroom dance shoes to get you started right away.

Conclusion

There is nothing more incredible than exercising and relaxing your mind while having fun. And that is what you can achieve if you make dancing your new hobby. The benefits are countless. Not only will you be able to exercise and tone your body, but you will also be able to relax your mind and feel more active and happy thanks to the increase in endorphins. Do not hesitate and start dancing to get the best version of yourself!

Types of Best Casino Bonuses in 2024: No Deposit, Free Play & More

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Many casino sites offer a range of bonuses and promotions for players both new and existing to redeem on their site. Bonuses and promotions are an incentive for players to play trial a casino provider or casino game before depositing their own money or being rewarded for their loyalty. There are many different types of casino bonuses available, below we look at some of the best casino bonuses in 2024.

No Deposit Bonus

As the name suggests, no deposit bonus focuses on allowing you to bet without depositing any of your money. Typically, this will be restricted to certain types of games, and types of bets. This type of bonus is an excellent way for gambling sites to allow you to play without the added risk factor, letting you understand how the platform works while allowing you to have fun when you play slots or blackjack.

A no deposit bonus can be as little as $5 to as a high as $50 dollars. They can also appear as a free play bonus which we discuss below. While restrictions will apply, you can typically use them for game show games, instant wins, and roulette.

Free Play Bonus

Free play bonus, sometimes also called a free spin bonus, depending on the platform and game, is another fantastic bonus offer for those seeking to not separate with their hard-earned cash without paying for the chance to play. This typically becomes a welcome or incentive offer to bring you back to a platform. They are a great way to explore new games while minimizing risk.

Welcome Bonus

Like the two above, a welcome bonus is exactly what is said on a tin: a welcoming bonus when you join a betting platform. Welcome bonuses can differ in quantity from $5 to $50 to 20 free spins on specific games.

While most platforms allow no deposit for this type of bonus, some will require a deposit to make the claim valid.

Payment Method Bonus

Payment providers have different costs for casino platforms, which means they’d rather you use specific platforms. This has aided them in providing you with payment method bonuses, which typically come at a discounted rate when you top up, for example, 10% off your top-up.

Affiliate / Referral Bonus

Referral bonuses allow players who love sharing their gaming experiences with friends to earn rewards while they are doing it. It’s a neat concept and helps those who want to share their gambling experiences with their friends and family. As a reward for referring players, the referrer may receive a bonus or commission based on the referred players’ activity. This bonus is a win-win situation for both referrers and referred players.

No Wagering Bonus

There are wagering requirements for most casino bonuses. This means that you have to wager the bonus funds a specific number of times. It could vary anywhere from 5 to 50 times. After you meet the wagering requirements, you can withdraw the funds. The opposite is true for no-wagering bonuses. The bonus can be claimed on the promotions page, used, and withdrawn at any time.

Final Thoughts

While the risk of gambling can be intimidating, welcome bonuses and free play bonuses aid you in understanding if betting is right for your personality type as a form of fun and excitement. We recommend using online tools and expert guides to find the best casino bonuses that are the most suitable for you, whether it be utilizing a no-deposit bonus or referring your friends to receive a referral bonus.

Your Complete Guide to Fashion SEO

Do you want to take your fashion studio or boutique to a new level this year? Search engine optimization (SEO) for fashion may be the answer. Whether you want to encourage more in-person visits to your local studio or boost sales and conversions to your online ecommerce site, SEO can produce excellent results.

What Is Fashion SEO?

Fashion SEO is a digital marketing strategy that includes optimizing your website for search to generate more traffic and sales, specifically for fashion brands. SEO for fashion helps your brand stand out among its competitors. Even the best-designed websites with a unique, trendy inventory of clothing and accessories won’t do well if no one is able to find the page.

Why SEO for Fashion?

The ecommerce industry is highly competitive. IBISWorld estimates that there are as many as 178,366 fashion boutiques in the United States, which is a 1.7% increase year over year. The barrier to starting a fashion store is simple, yet a large percentage of smaller startup fashion boutiques close within the first year due to a lack of customers and sales.

A comprehensive marketing strategy is a must to stand out in the fashion industry today, especially when selling products online. SEO has the potential to boost your search rankings, meaning your website will be placed in front of your target customers at the same moment they’re shopping for items similar to what you sell.

SEO Techniques for Fashion Stores

Fashion stores and boutiques have a lot of excellent options when it comes to optimizing their websites for ranking purposes. Here are a few SEO techniques to consider:

A User-Friendly, Trustworthy Website

A user-friendly website is a must in today’s technological world. In addition to fast page load speed times, the website should also be easily navigable using multiple devices. Ideally, you’ll want to generate traffic from both desktop and mobile phone users. Ecommerce websites require another element – trustworthiness.

You have to capture your customer’s trust to encourage them to pull out their payment information and place a sale. Google considers many factors in SEO, with your website layout and user-friendliness being two of the most important factors. A good working website falls under technical SEO, and technical SEO should be a part of every search campaign.

Descriptive Keywords

Product listings should clearly define what the user is getting. However, you don’t just want to satisfy your users; you also want to provide Google bots with a clear understanding of the items you’re selling. Careful, strategic use of descriptive keywords tells Google what search phrases your items should rank for.

In-depth keyword research in the fashion industry can help you decide which keywords to target. Consider factors like search volume and how easy or difficult it will take to earn those rankings. This is where many fashion boutiques choose to turn to agencies and opt for their SEO keyword research services.

SEO agencies typically have specific strategies that can help increase your rankings even more. For example, schema markups that tell Google exactly what to expect from your website can offer more relevant traffic. Carefully placed guest posts put your brand in front of more users, giving you more opportunities to convert sales.

Build Trust

We have already established that trust is extremely important in the e-commerce industry. There are a number of ways to build trust, including customer reviews, backlinks, and secure payment processing.

Encourage and make it easy for previous customers to share feedback or reviews, not only of your brand but also of specific items. Backlinks are an effective SEO strategy that can help build trust among your customers and Google. Leveraging professional partnerships with other website owners and swapping a guest post in return for a link shows Google that others trust you. Additionally, as users see your brand across multiple platforms, they’ll be more trustworthy with your website.

Any business that accepts payment information online needs a secure payment processing system. Working with an established processor, like PayPal, can ensure your customers trust your website enough to provide information.

Start a Fashion Blog

A fashion blog is an especially powerful SEO strategy that allows you to create evergreen content that resonates with your target audience. You can also use your blog to increase keyword usage while positioning your boutique or fashion company as an industry leader and trendsetter. Finally, a fashion blog is a great way to partner with other industry-relevant websites to acquire backlinks or drive more organic traffic to your product pages.

A fashion boutique or online ecommerce store can benefit from SEO. SEO techniques drive more organic traffic to your website, which allows you to display your products to a wider audience. SEO campaigns can also increase brand awareness and overall trust, helping you turn that increase in audience into more conversions.

Concept2048 Unveils “Whisper of the Sea” at the Personal Structures Exhibition During the Venice Art Biennale 2024

Concept2048, the visionary artistic duo, is set to captivate the art world with their multimedia project “Whisper of the Sea” at Venice’s historic Palazzo Bembo.

This immersive exhibition, part of the 7th edition of the Personal Structures exhibition, organised by the European Cultural Centre, held during the 60th Venice Art Biennale, runs from April 20 to November 24, 2024. It intertwines mythical narratives with urgent global concerns, showcasing the duo’s innovative fusion of contemporary art, activism, and multimedia storytelling.

The theme of this year’s Personal Structures exhibition “Beyond Boundaries,” perfectly aligns with the concept of “Whisper of the Sea”. The project challenges the audience to look beyond the tangible, engaging with the environment on a profound, unseen level, in line with the exhibition’s ethos of transcending conventional barriers for a more integrated global perspective.

At the heart of Concept2048’s work is a commitment to envisioning a brighter future, using art to challenge perceptions, and inspire transformative thought and action across societal, and environmental realms. Ekaterina Perekopskaya and Rostyslav Brenych, the creative force behind Concept2048, craft a multisensory journey with “Whisper of the Sea.” This project brings to life the AquaSouls—ancient beings from the water depths, imbued with the wisdom of the Earth in their DNA. Once in harmony with humans, they now come ashore seeking to mend a gap widened by people’s disregard for global harmony, aiming to heal humanity’s wounds and halt the ongoing cycle of destruction.

“In an era calling for urgent action, “Whisper of the Sea” transcends conventional exhibition boundaries, serving as a clarion, an immersive call from the depths to awaken a collective conscience,” explains Perekopskaya. Brenych adds, “We aim to fully engage the senses, inviting the audience to immerse themselves in the project, reflecting our commitment to using art as a catalyst for change and innovation across communities and ecosystems.”

The Palazzo Bembo is an ancient and historically significant building, situated in front of the famous Rialto Bridge and Grand Canal. Its location makes it an ideal venue to showcase the duo’s exhibition, which aims to encourage a vital dialogue on our interconnection with the natural world and urging a harmonious and balanced coexistence.

About Concept2048

Concept2048 is a duo of visual artists, Ekaterina Perekopskaya and Rostyslav Brenych, who specialise in art photography. Originating from the realm of fashion, they employ a multidisciplinary approach, integrating conceptual art with fashion. The number in the duo’s name, 2048, symbolises a not-so-distant future, and serves as a reminder of the importance of proactive measures today in order to shape a better tomorrow. The artists also create editorials, 3D animation, various types of creative content, and advertising. For more information about Concept2048 and their work, please visit: https://concept2048.com

About Personal Structures

Personal Structures is the biennial contemporary art exhibition organised and hosted by the European Cultural Centre in Venice. The group seeks to document the diversity of contemporary art in today’s world, aiming to feature and combine different expressions from visual artists, galleries, as well as photographers, sculptors, institutions, and universities, that break away from any ideological, political and geographical barriers.

About the European Cultural Centre 

The European Cultural Centre (ECC) is a non-profit organisation headquartered in the Netherlands. We are cultural entrepreneurs committed to promoting culture through international exchanges. We work with associations and partners from around the world, ranging from educational, cultural and governmental institutions to non-governmental organisations as well as museums, foundations and several private initiatives. For more information, please visit the organisation’s official website: europeanculturalcentre.eu

About the ECC Italy

Based in Venice, ECC Italy is the main branch of its larger parent organisation the European Cultural Centre. Focusing on diverse topics within art, architecture and design, we aim to create dynamic exhibition spaces that show the interchanging of ideas from different cultures. Our architecture exhibition Time Space Existence.

Reimagining French Elegance: The Rise of Tassiana Laurre

In the design sphere, where boundaries are often rigidly defined, a new visionary emerges, challenging norms with creativity and versatility. Meet Tassiana Laurre, an interior designer breaking moulds by crafting captivating spaces, innovative products, and iconic brand identities. Seamlessly blending form and function across diverse mediums, she breaks past  conventional labels, crafting immersive experiences resonating with authenticity and elegance.

“For me, design harmoniously intersects functionality and aesthetics, transforming not only physical spaces but also how people experience and interact with environments,” explains Tassiana, a graduate of Strate School of Design in Paris and Italy’s Politecnico Di Milano. She sees design as a means to address societal challenges, foster innovation, and build community, enriching lives with beauty and efficiency.

With cross-disciplinary knowledge and a fresh perspective, Tassiana integrates new materials and processes into her work, distinguishing her in the industry. Beginning her journey at Studio Ange, she contributed to notable projects like the Mandarin Oriental Residences in Beverly Hills and the Ulla Johnson luxury fashion store in Los Angeles with Kelly Wearstler’s award-winning team.

Tassiana’s success lies in her blend of artistic ingenuity and strategic insight. Her leadership at My Exclusive Collection, crafting the brand identity for their French Haute Parfumerie, exemplifies this. Drawing from Guerlain’s legacy, she designed the perfumery’s bottle, logo, website, and social media content, leaving an indelible mark on the brand.

Recognized internationally, Tassiana’s work has been featured in publications like Elle Romania and Vogue Mexico, showcasing her diverse portfolio spanning interior design, art direction, and brand identity across France, Italy, and the United States.

Rooted in a childhood fascination with art and architecture, Tassiana’s journey is guided by her motto, “Innovate with Purpose, Design with Soul.” Her love for interiors, nurtured by her grandmother’s passion for antiquing, fuels her constant exploration and self-discovery through design.

While her proficiency in design and technology, coupled with multilingualism, enables her to work seamlessly with international clientele, interior design remains Tassiana’s passion. Her latest project on the French Riviera demonstrates her knack for infusing spaces with sophistication and creativity.

In 2018, Tassiana established Laurre Studio of Design, undertaking projects for My Exclusive Collection and Doctor G, alongside residential ventures like the Côte d’Azur project, embodying the essence of the French Riviera. Additionally, she plans to launch an international design consultancy firm, catering to those seeking to enhance living spaces with expert advice.

Tassiana Laurre’s journey exemplifies a relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence in design. Through her transformative approach, she continues to leave an indelible mark on the world of design, shaping environments that evoke emotions, tell stories, and enhance lives.

Beyond Words: A Cinematic Journey Through Loneliness and Connection

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Experiencing a foreign country, facing difficulties alone, and not understanding the language can evoke feelings of loneliness and helplessness. In 2023, the Cinematographer and filmmaker Han Wang’s film Alone poignantly showcased these emotions through the experiences of an individual in unfamiliar surroundings. Despite its brief eighteen-minute duration, the film has received 2023 Los Angeles Film Award – Best Docudrama and nominations at numerous film festivals, affirming not only the talent of the actors but also honoring the contributions of everyone behind the scenes.

The film centers on the life of an elderly Chinese woman and her grandson living in the United States. As the film opens, the grandson prepares a list of groceries for his grandmother, advising her to take care of herself before he leaves with friends. As the film’s name Alone, the grandmother spends her evening dining solo, reading the newspaper on the sofa, and eventually falling asleep. The next day, a neighbor informs her of her grandson’s unsuccessful attempts to reach her by phone. Discovering the home phone service is disconnected, the grandmother resolves to pay the bill herself. Her limited English proficiency, however, complicates this task, and she manages to succeed only with the neighbor’s assistance.

Conveying a director’s message in a mere ten minutes is challenging, yet Han Wang skillfully uses his lens to immerse the audience in the film, allowing them to connect deeply with the grandmother’s experiences. Initially, Wang captures the elderly woman seated on the sofa, engrossed in a Chinese newspaper, setting the stage for her character as someone who does not speak English. This scene lays the groundwork for the story’s progression.

Wang then directs the camera to a post-it note and a photo left by the grandson on the refrigerator. The grandmother’s interaction with her grandson’s photo reflects her love, dependence, and yearning. When she attempts to pay the phone bill alone, Wang focuses on her despair as she sits helplessly on the ground outside the store, struggling to understand the bill. Through the use of music and cinematography, the film reaches a climax, highlighting the elderly woman’s profound sense of isolation in a foreign land.

In this film, Wang’s expertise in lens usage, attention to detail, and character portrayal deeply immerses the audience in the elderly woman’s solitary inner world. Through changes in lighting, shadow, and camera angles, warm memories are skillfully woven into the narrative, allowing viewers to empathize with her feelings. Wang’s photography transcends the depiction of solitary living conditions for the elderly, exploring themes of family, love, and companionship with depth and sensitivity.

Warp to Release Two Demo Collections by Broadcast

Broadcast have announced two collections of demos, Spell Blanket and Distant Call, which are billed as the British duo’s final albums. They’re set to arrive later this year on Warp. Spell Blanket, arriving May 3, features demos that Trish Keenan and James Cargill were working on between 2006 and 2009 for what would have been their fifth album. Distant Call, out September 28, comprises demos for songs that appeared on the albums Haha Sound, Tender Buttons, and The Future Crayon. Below, listen to ‘Follow the Light’ from Spell Blanket and ‘Tears in the Typing Pool [Demo]’ from Distant Call.

Broadcast’s last album, a collaboration with the Focus Group, was released in 2009, two years before Keenan’s sudden death at the age of 42. Distant Call also includes two early demos that Cargill discovered after Keenan’s passing, ‘Come Back to Me’ and ‘Please Call to Book’.

Spell Blanket – Collected Demos 2006-2009 Cover Artwork:

Spell Blanket – Collected Demos 2006-2009 Tracklist:

1. The Song Before The Song Comes Out
2. March Of The Fleas
3. Greater Than Joy
4. Mother Plays Games
5. My Marble Eye
6. Roses Red
7. Hip Bone To Hip Bone
8. Running Back To Me
9. I Blink You Blink
10. Infant Girl
11. I Run In Dreams
12. Luminous Image
13. A Little Light
14. Hairpin Memories
15. My Body
16. Follow The Light
17. Tunnel View
18. Where Are You?
19. Singing Game
20. I Want To Be Fine
21. The Games You Play
22. Grey Grey Skies
23. Puzzle
24. The Clock Is On Fire
25. Petal Alphabet
26. Tell Table
27. Fatherly Veil
28. Dream Power
29. Heartbeat
30. Call Sign
31. Crone Motion
32. Sleeping Bed
33. Join In Together
34. Colour In The Numbers
35. I Am The Bridge
36. Spirit House

Distant Call – Collected Demos 2000-2006 Cover Artwork:

Distant Call – Collected Demos 2000-2006 Tracklist:

1. Tears In The Typing Pool [Demo]
2. Still Feels Like Tears [Demo]
3. Come Back To Me [Demo]
4. The Little Bell [Demo]
5. Distant Call [Demo]
6. Valerie [Demo]
7. Colour Me In [Demo]
8. Ominous Cloud [Demo]
9. Flame Left From The Sun [Demo]
10. Where Youth And Laughter Go [Demo]
11. Poem Of A Dead Song [Demo]
12. O How I Miss You [Demo]
13. Pendulum [Demo]
14. Please Call To Book [Demo]

Softcult Announce ‘Heaven’ EP, Share New Song ‘Spiralling Out’

Softcult have announced the Heaven EP with a new single, ‘Spiralling Out’. Set for release on May 24 through Easy Life, the EP features the previously unveiled ‘Shortest Fuse’, ‘Haunt You Still’, and the title track. Check out a video for the new cut below.

“We wrote this song about those times when we ruminate over a situation over and over again to no end,” the band said of ‘Spiralling Out’ in a statement. “Sometimes it feels like there’s no amount of self-talk that can get us out of that spiral. It feels like everything is out of control and the world is like a carnival ride spinning all around us, but we are paralyzed and unable to step on or off. Hopefully this song is one that lets other people who struggle with anxiety know that they aren’t alone and we can also relate to how they feel, and that they have the ability to step into their power and take it back.”

Commenting on the video, the duo’s Mercedes Arn-Horn Mercedes added: “Motion was a huge factor in the music video. I wanted to evoke the feeling of being pulled into an anxious spiral. I wanted to recreate the feeling of the world spinning out of control around you. We used any means of motion that we could find: a Merry-Go-Round that physically made us sick after filming, a carousel in Seattle on tour, etc. We actually gave ourselves motion sickness filming this video.”

Say Anything Detail New Album, Share New Single ‘I, Vibrator’

Say Anything have shared the details of their first album in five years. The follow-up to Oliver Appropriate is titled …Is Committed, and it’s out May 24 via Dine Alone. It includes the early singles ‘Psyche!’, ‘Are You (in) There?’, and ‘Carrie & Lowell & Cody (Pendent)’, as well as a new song, ‘I, Vibrator’. Check it out below and scroll down for the album cover and tracklist.

“’I, VIBRATOR’ is about wanting to be objectified as a righteous tool against the patriarchy for a particular girl to use at will,” frontman Max Bemis said in a press release. “One great tool for any historically undermined person with a vagina is a disembodied, always-ready penis, a role I’m proud and lucky to play for a certain lady in my life that may have been brought up to believe sex is for dudes and she isn’t the one with all the fucking power in the world.”

…Is Committed Cover Artwork:

…Is Committed Tracklist:

1. Be, Children (Introduction to the Reunion Record)
2. On Cum
3. Auto-Harmonic Ass Fixation
4. I, Vibrator
5. Psyche!
6. We Say Grace in This Goddamn Band, Mister
7. Carrie & Lowell & Cody (Pendent)
8. Are You (in) There?
9. Say Anything, Collectively, Made Love to Your God
10. Daisy’s
11. Woman Song
12. Fan Fiction

Wild Pink Shares Surprise New EP ‘Strawberry Eraser’

Wild Pink have released a surprise EP called Strawberry Eraser. It includes the recent single ‘Air Drumming Fix You’, which marked the band’s signing to Fire Talk and made our Best New Songs segment, as well as ‘Unconscious Pilot’ and the instrumental ‘Cielo Wheed’. Take a listen below.

Wild Pink’s last album, ILYSM, was released in 2022. Last year, the band’s John Ross teamed up with Laura Wolf for a collaborative project named Lilts.