Search
SUBSCRIBE
Home Blog Page 557

Top 13 Weekend Roadtrips for Music Lovers!

Our Culture Mag & Partners
-
0
Top 13 Weekend Roadtrips for Music Lovers!

Ready to turn up the volume on your weekends? Well, it is something that only a music lover can relate to the most.

That’s why, to help you with the hunt, we have put together a list of the top thirteen weekend road trips for music lovers. So, you don’t have anything to worry about.

From a jazz aficionado to a country soul, there is a road trip for everyone. They are as follows:

1. A Musical Mystery Tour

First off, we have the musical mystery tour. And why not?

Whether it be the indie gigs in hidden venues or the city corners echoing with the notes of the historic jazz, soul, and opera – they are a place where you will feel the ultimate thrill with each of the stops offering a unique auditory experience.

And for the best part, you will not need any sort of directions here, instead, the music will be there to guide you through every path. It may be anything from a local band playing in a quirky roadside cafe or an underground vinyl store.

In other words, it is a place every music lover will be on their peak level. So, make sure to grab your tickets for live events whenever they are available.

2. Preservation Hall

Are you a jazz lover?

If so, then this place is something you cannot miss at all.

Located in the center of the city’s French Quarter, this hall began in the 50s as an art gallery where the jazz performers initially played for tips. Afterward, in the 1960s, it took a new turn and music became the main attraction of the hall. Since then, this place has won people’s hearts with fine tunes.

You can somehow compare this hall to one of the sacred places where the spirit of jazz music literally comes to life. All credit goes to the worn wooden floors and dimly lit ambiance that just sets the mood for joining in the dance of the music.

3. Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Situated on the shores of Lake Erie in Cleveland, Ohio, this iconic place was created in the year 1983.

It is a six level hall with a beautiful series of displays that offer tribute to each genre in such a classic and elegant way that you will automatically pay homage. Doesn’t matter whether you are a true music geek or not.
Plus, they regularly host live events of various musicians and also have a library and archives where you can visit, read, and listen to music, according to your preference.

So, if you are a music lover, make sure to put the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame at the top of your weekend road trip list. After all, sometimes, the best way to hear and feel the vibes of the music is to see it.

A dream come true, indeed!

4. Café Wha

Situated in the heart of the Greenwich Village, this place is like a pilgrimage for music lovers.

In fact, you will be surprised to know that it is the birthplace of various legends, namely Bob Dylan, who strummed his very first notes while Jimi Hendrix set his guitar ablaze.

And once you put your foot inside, you will be instantly blown away by the eclectic melodies of folk, jazz, and rock swirl altogether. In other words, it has an ambiance that instantly connects with the soul.

5. The Grand Ole Opry

Moving on, we have the Grand Ole Opry. The number one thing about this place is the hundred-year-old country and Western Cred.

It is so good that the moment you enter, it will feel like you are living in a dream. And, since the year 1974, it was relocated from its previous place, the famed “circle” has proudly held some pretty good country music stars, paving the way for many aspiring musicians.

One of the beauties of this place is the air in this place is full of nostalgia that will surely take you back. After all, you will sit in the same wooden peas that once welcomed the legends.

So, whether you are a die-hard country fan or maybe a causal listener, this place is something you cannot bear to miss.

6. Motown Museum

Motown Museum?

Well, it is more than just a museum. You can say it is more like a celebration of the rhythm and soul that is shaping generation after generation with its magic.

And as you stand in Studio A, you will hear the echoes of “My Girl” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. Much like an adventure, right?

Plus, you will also find the artifacts of the living legends like Micheal Jackson’s initials dotted white glove and black fedora and, of course, the heroic Motown piano. This place also has guided tours from Wednesday to Sunday.

7. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

If you are looking for an open air theater, then the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts is the ultimate place to be.

From being surrounded by lush greenery to an acoustic experience, they set the bar to a new level. And for the ultimate showdown, once you settle into your seat under the open sky, you will experience the vibrations of the iconic performance from the past echoing through the air.

You can also explore the prize-winning display on “Woodstock and the Sixties,” which relives the magical moments of the 1960s era.

8. Buddy Guy’s Legends

Buddy Guy!nWell, who doesn’t know about this legend?

Located in the heart of Chicago, this place is a living testament to the soulful heartbeat of the city. And, if you have not guessed it yet, this iconic venue was founded by the legendary Buddy Guy himself.

So, while you step in, you will feel you are a part of the living – taking you all the way back to the roots of the blues music.

All the dim lights, the rustic environment, and the raw, unfiltered talent on stage certainly make every visit worthwhile. In fact, if you don’t visit this place, you will miss out on a very important place that just promises to offer an unforgettable and soulful experience.

9. The Fillmore

Ever heard walls can talk?

Well, that is what you will feel when you visit the Fillmore. From hosting the likes of Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Grateful Dead, this venue is one of the iconic places that holds American music history in the most unique way possible.

And as you walk through the door, you will feel like you are on a roller coaster ride of time travel. From the psychedelic posters to the vintage vibes and the creaky wooden floors, the list goes on!

10. Graceland

Graceland is a place that must be on every music lover’s bucket list. In fact, your adventure is incomplete without visiting this iconic place.

This place was once the house of the king. And is widely advertised as “the ultimate rock ‘n’ roll destination.”

From having an exhibition entry to a dining space, a shopping mall, and the incredible Chapel in the Woods – they literally have everything. So, if you think it is maybe just a theme park, you are getting it wrong.

And, in case you are a proud member of the Elvis Presley Fan Club, you will have a chance to tour the mansion along with being a part of the live events. Doesn’t matter whether you are certified or not!

11. La Scala

La Scala is one of the iconic opera houses in the heart of Milan, with the estimated inauguration in 1778.

In fact, you will be surprised to know that, they are considered one of the leading opera and ballet houses throughout the globe.

After the World War II bombings, this place was renovated to its ancient grandeur. It has a holding capacity of nearly 2000 seats and continues hosting several kinds of ballets, operas, orchestras, and cultural programs.

12. Red Rocks Amphitheater

Red Rocks Amphitheater is an outdoor site that is constructed into a rock formation about twenty minutes southwest of Denver. This place is certainly one of the most delightful venues to enjoy a live event.

However, one thing to note is that it is about 6,500 feet high above sea level. Meaning, you will have to climb almost hundreds of stairs to relish the entire place.

13. Country Music Hall of Fame

Lastly, we have the Country Music Hall of Fame.

It is definitely one of the sacred places where you will see the twang meeting the timeless tales, where the essence of country music is preserved in every possible note and artifact. And while you have a walk through the hallowed halls, you are sure to get captivated by the artifacts of the legends.

From Hank Willaims’s cowboy boots to the echoes of Folsom Prison Blues, the list goes on!

Besides, for the special attraction, the multiple entry choices allow the tourist to participate in everything from gathering knowledge about letterpress printing to famous studio expeditions and strolling the hall with an audio guide. There are also composer sites and various activity events for the children.

Wrapping Up

There, you have it – the top thirteen weekend road trips for music lovers.

From offering a scenic drive to a symphony of sounds, each of the places mentioned above is bound to make your heart sing along with creating some unforgettable memories.

In other words, it is something you probably would not want to miss in your lifetime, especially as a music lover.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, cue up the playlist, and hit the road as your next musical adventure begins – where every mile is a melody waiting to be discovered!

This Week’s Best New Songs: The Smile, Madi Diaz, Emily Yacina, and More

Konstantinos Pappis
-
0
This Week’s Best New Songs: The Smile, Madi Diaz, Emily Yacina, and More

Throughout the week, we update our Best New Songs playlist with the new releases that caught our attention the most, be it a single leading up to the release of an album or a newly unveiled deep cut. And each Monday, we round up the best new songs released over the past week (the eligibility period begins on Monday and ends Sunday night) in this best new music segment.

On this week’s list, we have the Smile’s dreamy, subtly stirring new song ‘Wall of Eyes’; Shygirl’s latest club banger, ‘thicc’, featuring London singer Cosha; A. G. Cook and EASYFUN’s soaring new single as Thy Slaughter, ‘Lost Everything’, which was co-written by SOPHIE and features Wolf Alice’s Ellie Rowsell; Wishy’s radiant, evocative indie rock tune ‘Too True’; Mannequin Pussy’s ‘Sometimes’, another blistering preview their forthcoming LP; Madi Diaz’s heart-rending duet with Kacey Musgraves, ‘Don’t Do Me Good’; ’22’ a stunning track from Julie Byrne’s collaborative EP with Laugh Cry Laugh; Emily Yacina’s ‘Nothing Lasts’, which sees her approaching perennial themes with more expansive production aided by Rostam; and boygenius’ beautifully gentle rendition of the traditional ballad ’The Parting Glass’, released in tribute to the late Sinead O’Connor.

Best New Songs: November 20, 2023

The Smile, ‘Wall of Eyes’

Shygirl feat. Cosha, ‘thicc’

Thy Slaughter, ‘Lost Everything’

Wishy, ‘Too True’

Mannequin Pussy, ‘Sometimes’

Song of the Week: Madi Diaz feat. Kacey Musgraves, ‘Don’t Do Me Good’

Emily Yacina, ‘Nothing Lasts’

boygenius and Ye Vagabonds, ’The Parting Glass’

A Curated List of Online Games for Adults You Will Probably Enjoy Playing

Our Culture Mag & Partners
-
0
A Curated List of Online Games for Adults You Will Probably Enjoy Playing

In the past, gaming was relegated to kid’s play…playing Sonic the Hedgehog or any number of games that were available in the halcyon days of the 90s. However, then came a considerable jump in technological capabilities, and many of those 90s kids grew up with a continuing love of gaming. Now firmly in adulthood and with spare cash to burn, this enthusiasm for gaming certainly hasn’t abated and, in some cases, has even morphed into the realm of more…adult titles that titillate the deepest parts of the human psyche even further! This post is dedicated to providing you with a range of games that might border on the risque to those that are a little more conventional.

“Adult” games!

As alluded to in the introduction, some games firmly cross the border between kind of OK for everyone to definitely not let the kids check your Steam account! Because of the proliferation of these games and the fact that they are pretty much an unknown entity to most, it pays to use adult gaming guides to help assist you in determining where to look and what categories are available. Nevertheless, most should be able to find something that matches their predilections and is sure to turn a dull Sunday on your own into something a tad more exciting…

Live Poker

This heading specifies poker, but in reality, you can choose any casino game that takes your fancy, with the idea being that you play a live tournament. Why live, you might ask? Well, it adds an extra layer of excitement and involves pitting your wits against other players who also relish the opportunity to beat a random person on the other side of the world! Being able to watch the action unfold live rather than on predetermined animations taps into our innate desire to witness the unpredictable unfold before our eyes. Moreover, combining it with the final option on this list can make the entire experience even more immersive.

Brain Puzzles

Who doesn’t love a good puzzle? Well, I suppose some may take every chance to avoid them when reasonably possible, but the vast majority of humans enjoy putting their mental faculties to good use, finding patterns, and solving puzzles. The term “brain games” is pretty ambiguous but can include anything from the usual chess, scrabble, and sudoku to the more modern options like Wordles et al. These games really get you thinking far more than the average FPS ever could, and there are some indications that they are relatively good for your brain health.

Anything With VR

VR isn’t new, but it has taken off massively in the past 5-10 years, partly thanks to Meta’s insatiable desire to get as many folks into the metaverse as possible. While that particular dream may have backfired and caused them some short-term stock-related pain, the fact is that VR headsets are ubiquitous, able to connect to a variety of platforms, and are more affordable than you think. When you play a game in virtual reality, you are transported to new worlds and feel far more immersed than you might staring at your PC screen.

Gaming means many things to many people, but the one thing that connects the thread is that anyone who plays games usually enjoys them. From games on the riskier side of life to exploring exciting locations using VR, the possibilities are endless and you can see just how far VR has come in the adult gaming space with games like virt-a-mate.

Chris over at cammiesonthefloor did a full breakdown of virt-a-mate, and you can see for yourself just how far adult gaming has come on over the years.

Interview: Jerry McLaughlin

Modestas Mankus
-
0
Interview: Jerry McLaughlin

Amid the cultural hub of San Miguel de Allende, Jerry McLaughlin’s abstract paintings, rooted in natural materials, offer a glimpse of his journey as an artist. Beyond traditional creation, McLaughlin embraces destruction, burning his canvases to create ash for new works, creating a cycle of renewal.

McLaughlin’s art intimately explores personal loss, human touch, and intertextual inspirations like Federico García Lorca’s poetry. Throughout this interview, we explore the layers of McLaughlin’s work, a blend of personal narrative and broader reflections on humanity and the environment.

Hi, how are you, and how did your journey into art start?

Hi! I’m doing really well, thank you. This is an exciting time for me. I have two big projects I’m working on, I’m feeling more connected to the art world of Mexico, and I have two residencies there next year. I’m also excited about this interview.

I started into the art world as a photographer. After I finished my medical training, I realized I had a deep creative desire I had been ignoring. Since childhood I had taken pictures, so I dove into photography. I ended up having exhibitions and teaching classes, but I never really felt the connection I was looking for, so I abandoned it. 

What I really wanted was to be a painter, but I had been scared to admit it, let alone pursue it. After leaving photography, I knew I had to do it. I didn’t have a choice. I always loved process and materiality, even with photography, so I started with encaustics. The wax and the heating and the scraping initially appealed to me, but after a while they started to feel limiting. I tried some cold wax, just as an experiment, and fell in love. From there my journey really started to grow and led me to where I am now.

The physicality of your paintings, with their layers of beeswax, pigment, and ash, is a defining characteristic. Can you describe the process of building these layers and how you achieve such a balance on the canvas?

I have two main ways of working.

When I’m painting with oil paint, wax, and ash, it is a slow layering process building up anywhere from 20-60 layers of material. I press in textures as well as manipulate and develop textures using my tools. Because of the physicality of the process, the surface has to firm up between layers. Paintings can take a couple of weeks to a couple of months to complete. In these works, the medium creates the textures and covers the whole surface. 

When I’m working without paint, with just wax and ash, the process is quicker, more gestural. I allow the physicality of the ash and cinder to do more of the work of creating textures. There are fewer layers, no more than six or seven. In these works I allow areas of bare substrate to show through.

I think of texture the way many artists think of color. They work with hue, value, and saturation. They choose complementary or analogous colors. They think about color relationships and color contrast. In texture, I think of character, scale, and intensity. I also think about complementary and analogous textures, texture relationships, and texture contrast. When I’m working with paint and the surface is covered, I create those relationships and the range of contrasts. When I’m working with just ash and wax, I allow the texture of the substrate to play a strong role in the relationships and contrast. In the end, the balance comes from those relationships and those contrasts. 

Viewers are attracted to the tactile nature of your works, feeling drawn to touch them. How do you view this interaction between the viewer and your art? Is it something you intentionally cultivate?

I love this interaction between the viewer and my work, and it is very deliberate. Texture is different from the other elements of painting. Color, shape, value, and line require our eyes, but texture is about touch. We don’t even need our eyes. We can perceive it with our hands, our mouths, every square inch of our bodies, and that is special. Connecting to the world through touch is an intimacy very different from merely seeing something. Textures create desire. We want to feel the bark of a tree, feel our lover’s body against ours. When you make a painting that people don’t just want to look at but want to touch, you have formed a deeper connection with them, an intimacy. You’ve elicited their desire. 

Some artists identify themselves as ‘colorists’ and rely strongly on color to elicit the emotional responses to their work. I don’t make colorful paintings. Using texture is a powerful way for me to make my work evocative. Perhaps I am a ‘texturist’. 

How do you decide when a piece has achieved this delicate balance between beauty and darkness? Are there specific moments or feelings you are trying to convey?

It’s an interesting question. For me, shapes and surfaces, lines and edges—they all have moods and personalities. Those moods and personalities can vary depending on their circumstances, on the conversations they have with each other. Those circumstances and conversations are essentially the compositions of my paintings. Of course the colors, my palette, contribute to this as well. As I paint, I am constantly watching the moods and conversations happening on the surface. I’m asking myself, ‘Is the conversation about melancholy, about longing, about loneliness or loss, about want or desire?’ If not, then I have to change things. If so, then I keep those circumstances, that conversation going until it’s there, captured all at once in a lasting moment that has taken days or weeks or months to arrive at.

Poetry, especially from poets like Federico Garcia Lorca, Edna St Vincent Millay, and Constantine Cavafy, plays a significant role in your work. How do you translate the emotions and themes from their poetry into the visual language of your paintings? When did your relationship with poetry begin?

I love this question, but it’s a tough one. I don’t know if translation is the right word, but I also don’t know if there is a better one. When I read the poetry that is important to my work, the feelings and moods I want in my paintings become focused. I can feel them very specifically. And it changes how I see. Poetry helps reframe my mind, and I suppose my heart, so that I understand how my colors, shapes, and surfaces work together. The way a song might make your body want to move a certain way, reading poetry helps me paint in a certain way. It creates a space inside me where I can see and feel how to paint what I paint. 

My relationship with poetry began about 15 years ago. A friend gifted me a book of Millay’s sonnets. I was hooked. I then read her biography and her collected works. I found Cavafy through my favorite photographer, Duane Michals. He did a small photo book dedicated to Cavafy. I had two exhibitions inspired by Millay and Cavafy, and after seeing those exhibitions, an artist friend gifted me a book of Lorca’s work. It’s been a beautiful and synchronistic journey. Next on my list is Octavio Paz. I love his work, and now that I live in Mexico, it’s a perfect match.

Could you share a poem or line that has deeply influenced a recent piece of yours and how it guided your creative process?

It’s not quite so direct as that. Specific poems or lines don’t usually influence individual pieces but rather a series or group of work, and multiple poems might influence the same pieces over time. But here’s a stanza from Lorca’s soneto ‘El poeta dice la verdad’ [‘The poet tells the truth’] that I’ve been thinking about lately:

Quiero matar al único testigo / I want to kill the only witness
para el asesinato de mis flores / to the murder of my flowers
y convertir mi llanto y mis sudores / and turn my weeping and my sweat
en eterno montón de duro trigo. /  into an eternal pile of hard wheat.

I’ve been thinking about what humans do with deep hurt and loss. In this poem the poet simply cannot bear the pain. It is so great he wants ‘to kill the only witness’ to it, a profound denial that it ever happened. No one will be able to testify to it. And the ‘weeping and sweat’ are too much. They cannot go on. Instead, he wants to transform them into something pragmatic, useful, enduring (and endurable), something that will always be there but that he can live with and work with, an ‘eternal pile of hard wheat’.

So, a stanza like this helps me live in and explore human interaction with suffering and loss, and that, in turn, allows me to see how I want my paintings to feel. 

Being represented by galleries in London and New York, major art centers, how do you navigate the differences in the art scenes of these cities, and how do they influence your work and its reception?

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be part of an art ‘scene’, as I try to deepen my connection to the art world of Mexico, particularly Mexico City. It’s interesting, challenging, and not always pleasant. The truth is I don’t really feel a part of either London’s or New York’s art scene. I have only visited New York and London, never lived there. So when I do go, I always feel more of an observer rather than belonging to those worlds. I think I’ve always felt an outsider in the art world, like maybe I don’t really belong there, don’t really fit in, and that’s tough to say out loud. 

As for how they influence my work, I would say they don’t influence what or how I paint. That comes from inside me. But there has definitely been better reception of my work in larger, more urban centers. I think pure abstraction, my neutral palette, my minimalist aesthetic, my focus on darker themes have a larger audience in big cities. Perhaps there is more experience, more familiarity with that style of work. Perhaps it’s simply that there are more people. I’m not sure.

Everything You Need To Know About Teen Patti Online

Our Culture Mag & Partners
-
0
Everything You Need To Know About Teen Patti Online

Indians love to play card games, and one popular card game known to have originated in the country is Teen Patti. It’s a traditional card game that’s played in a lot of gatherings and even cultural celebrations.

While many have enjoyed playing it with friends and family, the digital age has ushered in a new era for this classic game. Teen Patti has now taken its place at online gambling sites. So thanks to online casinos, you can now enjoy real money Teen Patti anytime, anywhere.

Whether you’ve played this card game before or you’d like to give it a try at your favorite online gaming sites, we’ve got everything you need to know about it.

What is Teen Patti and How Do You Play It?

Teen Patti, which translates to “three cards” in English, is a traditional Indian card game that shares similarities with poker. So, this is a game that doesn’t heavily rely on luck as you can also strategize to improve your chances of winning.

This Indian card game is played with a standard deck of 52 cards, and it’s typically played by 3 to 6 players. However, there are some Teen Patti variations that can accommodate players.

Each player will be dealt with three cards, and the objective is to create the best possible hand. Take a look at the hands in Teen Patti which we ranked from highest to lowest:

  • Trail or Set: A set of three cards with the same rank. For example, three kings or three 4s.
  • Pure Sequence: Three consecutive cards of the same suit, such as 7, 8, and 9 of hearts.
  • Sequence (Run): Three consecutive cards of different suits, like 5 of hearts, 6 of clubs, and 7 of diamonds.
  • Color: Three cards in the same suit (usually red or black), but not in sequence.
  • Pair: Two cards of the same rank, accompanied by a third card of a different rank.
  • High Card: When none of the above combinations are achieved, the player’s hand is determined by the highest card.

It’s a straightforward and simple card game that anyone can easily enjoy. That said, even if you don’t have much experience in online gambling or playing other card games, it shouldn’t take you long to learn how to play it.

Playing Teen Patti Online

If you’re new to Teen Patti online, don’t worry because it’s easy to get started. You need to find a website where you can play Teen Patti live like 10CRIC. You can either go to the website or download the mobile app to join the casino.

The sign up process usually only takes a few minutes. You’ll just need to fill out their requested information, make a deposit, and you’re good to go. You might also want to check if an online casino has any bonus to offer to get the most out of your gaming budget.

Tips on Playing Teen Patti Online

We’re sure you’re excited to play Teen Patti live online, but before you do that, here are some great tips to keep in mind:

  • Choose a Reputable Platform: Begin by selecting a trusted online Teen Patti platform. Look for sites or apps with positive reviews, secure payment options, and a strong track record for fair play. Your gaming experience largely depends on the platform you choose, so do your research.
  • Understand the Rules: Before diving into a game, take the time to familiarize yourself with the rules of Teen Patti online. While it shares similarities with its offline counterpart, there may be slight differences or additional features in the online version as they come in different varieties.
  • Practice with Free Games: Many online Teen Patti platforms offer the option to play with virtual currency or “play money.” This is a great way for beginners to practice without risking real funds. Use this opportunity to hone your skills, learn the ropes, and gain confidence in your gameplay.
  • Start with Low Stakes: When you’re ready to play with real money, it’s ideal to start with low-stakes tables or rooms. This allows you to experience the thrill of real-money gaming without the pressure of high bets. As you gain experience and build your confidence, you can gradually increase your stakes.
  • Observe and Learn: Learning from experienced players can be incredibly valuable. While playing, observe the strategies and tactics used by more seasoned competitors. Pay attention to how they bet, bluff, and respond to different situations. You can pick up valuable insights by watching and learning from others.

Conclusion

Overall, Teen Patti is a classic that many Indian players love. But thanks to online casinos, anyone from around the world can now enjoy this game. You won’t even have to easily get tired of this because it now comes in different varieties you can explore.

Hope this one helped and good luck on your games!

Brittany Howard Releases New Song ‘Red Flags’

Konstantinos Pappis
-
0
Brittany Howard Releases New Song ‘Red Flags’

Brittany Howard has released ‘Red Flags’, the latest preview of her forthcoming album WHAT NOW. After announcing it with the title track, she’s now also shared the details of the follow-up to her 2019 solo debut Jaime, which lands on February 2 and was co-produced in Nashville with Shawn Everett. Listen to ‘Red Flags’ and find the album cover and tracklist below.

“In my past relationships, I’ve had a tendency to see red flags as part of some parade just for me — something for me to run right through without paying any attention,” Howard said of the new song in a statement. “To me, ‘Red Flags’ sounds very dystopian, which makes sense for a song that feels like end-of-times as far as me emotionally maturing. It’s like a big tower fell and now I have to create something new.”

WHAT NOW Cover Artwork:

WHAT NOW Tracklist:

1. Earth Sign
2. I Don’t
3. What Now
4. Red Flags
5. To Be Still
6. Interlude
7. Another Day
8. Prove It To You
9. Samson
10. Patience
11. Power To Undo
12. Every Color In Blue

Artist Spotlight: Daneshevskaya

Konstantinos Pappis
-
0
Artist Spotlight: Daneshevskaya

Daneshevskaya is the project of singer-songwriter Anna Beckerman, who grew up in a musical household; her father is a musicologist, her mother studied opera, and her brothers played various instruments in the house growing up. Now working as a social worker for preschool kids in Brooklyn, Beckerman started releasing music on Bandcamp in 2017, using her middle name, also her great-grandmother’s last name, as a tribute to her familial roots. Her debut EP, Bury Your Horses, came out in 2021, and last week, she followed it up with Long Is the Tunnel, which was co-produced by Ruben Radlauer of Model/Actriz, Hayden Ticehurst, and Artur Szerejko, and features contributions from Lewis Evans (of Black Country, New Road), Maddy Leshner, and Finnegan Shanahan. Both playfully enchanting and hauntingly poignant, its seven tracks toe the line between traditional and patchwork songwriting, blending memories, diary entries, and dreamy images in ways that hold a mirror up to her own life, those around her, and beyond. They’re haunted by the past but possess a childlike curiosity that seems to drive them down unpredictable paths, artfully arranged but pure in its emotional expression. You may not be able to pin it down to a single thing, but Beckerman holds battling emotions at once, hoping you get closer to the truth somewhere in the middle.

We caught up with Daneshevskaya for the latest edition of our Artist Spotlight series to talk about her musical upbringing, working around children, Long Is the Tunnel, and more.

How do you look back on your musical upbringing?

It was always such a huge part of my family and the way I interact with the world. In some ways there was some pressure to learn how to do things the right way, but in a lot of ways, when you just have a lot of instruments around – like, how many kids get to have a piano in their house growing up? When I got older and was left alone, I feel like being able to wander over to a piano and just play, even if I didn’t necessarily know what I was doing, is a very unique thing that I feel very lucky that I got to do. It was both that everyone around me was playing music, but also, there was so much music accessible to me. It was before iPads or whatever, so if I was really bored, I would just plunk around on the piano or the accordion or whatever – my dad loves to collect random instruments, so just whatever was around. I’ve taught music here and there, and the way it’s usually taught is so regimented and practiced. I think there that has so much value, but just the value in encouraging a child to not know what they’re doing and go up to an instrument and just be silly and play, in the way that they would play with toys, is cool, too. I feel like I got to do that, with also the framework of lessons and having someone to give some of the language that you need to interact with music.

And then, just so much singing. It’s one of those things where you don’t realize how special it is until you leave and go form your own life, and then coming back to my house and staying the night and waking up to my dad playing a beautiful piece on the piano and be like, “What? I grew up with this? I’m the luckiest kid on earth.” [laughs] Having a guitar in the living room, and whoever’s around it will just pick it up and start playing – it’s involved in the house, but it’s not about, like, “Everyone look at me, I’m performing.” It’s about, “This is just a part of our house.”

So much of it sounds based around community, but did you crave that time to be alone with music? What else did that unlock for you?

I mean, so much of it is just being bored as a kid and having access to the right things when you’re bored. Our family computer had GarageBand on it when I was like 11, and I would just spend hours making songs about, like, the TV show Lost. I must have had three songs on GarageBand about Lost. [laughs] If I were to listen to them now, I’m sure I’d be like, “That’s so horrible, I can’t believe I made that.” But the expectation wasn’t like, “I’m gonna make something for someone.” It was just like, “I need to make something right now, and I have access to these tools.” Boredom’s a very big thing that I try and remind myself is a blessing.

I always think about, there are so many great breakup albums, and I definitely think it’s because there’s a lot of emotion and feeling and ideas that come with a breakup. But I also wonder how much of it is just – there’s so much space in your life all of a sudden. I know so many people that have a breakup and they’re like, “I’m going to learn guitar,” or, “I used to play piano, I’m going to try that again.” When this space opens up in your life, things come in to fill it, and it’s about being open to just letting stuff happen.

Was there a moment when the reason you made songs, or the weight that they had, started to change?

I think as I started working with more people and had certain expectations surrounding music, it went from just being something that was purely for fun and joy, to something like, “Oh, I have to get this done.” I’m not great with deadlines – the feeling of having to do something is challenging for me, but I think I’ve tried to maintain the feeling that you have when you’re a kid on GarageBand or whatever, that curiosity. I try and keep that at the heart of what I’m making, because I do think you can hear it when someone has to make something. They lose completely the part of it that is fun and exciting and is a discovery.

The titles of both of your EPs reference car games one might remember playing as a kid, like guessing how long a tunnel will last. That also feels like an invitation to talk more about the importance of this kind of childlike playfulness in your music.

I love the idea that when you’re in a car, I can’t really be on my phone or be reading because of car sickness, but I always loved car games because I feel like they were this way to fill space. But yeah, I really enjoy spending time around children, and being around other people who find joy in children. It was kind of a random thing where I went back to school to get my social work degree – I wanted to work in harm reduction, and then I got placed in a daycare. I was like, “This is not what I want to do,” and then I just went to one day of work, and it was the first day of any job I had ever had where I was like, “Wait, I’m happy. I’m leaving work happy and excited to go back tomorrow.”

When the world is so new and discovery is such a big part of every day, it kind of rewires your brain – even though you’re an adult and you’ve already been through that, I feel like it does kind of change the way you think about things to just constantly be interrupted by joy and curiosity, but also extreme sadness and despair. When you go hang out with a bunch of adults or go to work with a bunch of adults, very rarely is someone going to say something that you’re just like, “Wait, what?”  But I feel like that happens to me like 40 times a day, situations I would have never imagined myself in or conversations I would never imagine myself having or ways of seeing the world that I feel distant from. I feel like being around that makes my brain more flexible and open to new ideas. It interrupts all the thought cycles of adulthood and feeling like you have to xyz, which is another reason why I think it’s such a good balance for the music world, which can feel so set and impossible.

Can you talk more about that balance?

I feel like really great artists and really great producers can have an understanding of the right way to go about something, and I think those people are really important and necessary. But  I just know that that’s not going to be the way for me, so I always try and maintain the other side of it, which is a little bit more chaotic. It’s still really important to respect people who have an idea of the right way to do things and have a more structured understanding of music, because I definitely know that I need that, but if you have all that and no chaos – it’s a very interesting interaction between the two that makes stuff that I’m interested in and stuff that I would be excited to create.

You’ve said that hearing stories about your grandmother, who passed away while you were writing these songs, made her feel like a version of you in the past. What did understanding that lineage mean for you as a songwriter in the present moment?

I had access to a lot of her words and her letters, and similarly to being surprised and being flexible with language and having curiosity with language, she was someone who really thought about words. She was a poet and she wrote so many letters, she had boxes and boxes, and she’d saved every letter she’d ever received. Sometimes when I think of the past, I think of it in like black and white, devoid of all these things that my life has. But it was very illuminating for me to read all of her poetry and look through her pictures and her letters, because I think she did have this flexibility and charm with language that reminded me of myself and the way that I want to use words and create things using words. I look back on conversations that I had with her growing up; she was so careful with the way that she picked every single word she would say. A lot of people I’ve talked to have a family member who they would see pictures of when they were younger and just be fascinated by, and she was an actress when she was younger, so there are all these amazing pictures of her in Joan of Arc or Shakespeare, all these different plays. I always found myself so entranced by them, but also part of my everyday imagery for a while was just going through her stuff. You know, part of death is stuff figuring out where stuff goes, so I was physically processing a ton of stuff, and that imagery just made its way into my brain.

Listening to Long Is the Tunnel, it sounds like nurturing that curiosity often requires a kind of peace or a moment of pause. One of my favorite lines is from ‘Pink Mold’: “I need the stillness to grow/ It’s all I know/ Forgive me just one long look into the sun.” Do you feel like that’s kind of how creativity works for you, too?

Yeah, I think you said that really nicely. Also with the titles of the albums, those in-between moments that aren’t necessarily, like, intentional space, but there’s so many moments of peace where you are able to take in all the things happening. I think those moments have always been interesting and exciting to me, like everyone looking at a bird or playing a game in the car, because that is also kind of a moment of pause. All these little moments in life where you get to not only reflect, but also just see and take in are of interest to me, and something that I find that I keep returning to when I write songs.

Some of the songs here and on your previous EP also have to do with saying goodbye, which is also a weird in-between moment. Does it ever feel like a challenge to wrap that up in a song that’s supposed to have a certain structure, a beginning, middle, and end?

I always think about my dad, he teaches music and musicology, but he did a whole class on the middle of songs. He was like, there’s so many rules about what has to happen at the beginning of the song, and there’s so many rules about what has to happen at the end of the song, and the middle of the song is where people kind of get to freak it and do what they want to do. Sometimes I’m like, what if the whole song is just the middle? [laughs] The structure can be very comforting, but finding that balance of having the right things happen at the end of a song and feeling like I’m not forcing it too much  – I’m definitely still figuring that out.

Although the nature of the songs feels personal, you don’t always reveal how they’re related to your life. Are these connections clearer to you now than they were when you were in the process of writing?

I feel like ‘Pink Mold’ and the lyrics to that one – I liked writing those and it felt like such a natural thing. And then when I looked back on it, I was like, oh, yeah, I was really thinking about taking space and being frustrated by other people when they need space and time to grow, but also realizing I need that for myself. But I didn’t realize as much what I was saying until someone said it’s like a breakup song or a goodbye song, whereas the whole time I had thought of it as kind of a love song. I always felt uncomfortable with those types of labels in a relationship where you’re like, “You’re mine, I’m yours,” so I thought that song was me trying to be like, “Look, we escaped that world of possessive love and ownership, we get to have this relationship where we choose to spend our time together.” But I didn’t really realize that’s what I meant until someone had been like, “Oh, so it’s a breakup song.” Sometimes hearing other people’s reflections can help me realize I did really mean something very specific, I just didn’t realize it until someone reflected something else. And if someone hears it as a breakup song, I think that’s cool too, it’s not like they took the wrong thing away. It’s cool, once I can get far enough away from it, that it just can be what it is, and everyone can have a different reaction to it.

I read that some of the material dates back to 2017. How does it feel to have this stretch of time captured in a record?

It feels great. I think it’s nice because you write a version of the song in 2017 and then you completely forget about it. Me and Maddy [Leshner] wrote ‘Bougainvilia’ – it must have been 2017 or 2018, and then we didn’t think about it for a long time. When we were thinking of songs for this record, we were like, “That song would be good,” but it didn’t have lyrics in certain parts, it was completely unfinished. And then you get to make it new again by adding all these pieces to it. Once we showed it to Ruben Radlauer, there was a whole other wave of newness that was added by them coming in and adding their instincts and different pieces to it. So even though the heart of the song is five years old, each step along the way, I feel like it’s gotten to grow and become what it is now. And then going on tour and performing all the songs, I didn’t ever want it to feel like we just had to play exactly how it sounds on the record. I feel like I couldn’t do it if I was just playing the same song for six years. But because like this it gets to grow, it’s really nice.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length. 

Daneshevskaya’s Long Is the Tunnel is out now via Winspear.

Drake Releases ‘For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition’ Featuring Six New Songs

Konstantinos Pappis
-
0
Drake Releases ‘For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition’ Featuring Six New Songs

Yesterday, Drake announced he would be releasing the third entry in his Scary Hours EP series at midnight. Instead of an EP, he’s shared a new edition of his latest album For All the Dogs, featuring six extra songs. Producers on these tracks include Lil Yachty, the Alchemist, Boi-1da, Vinylz, Ovrkast, and Conductor Williams, while J. Cole makes an appearance on the song ‘Evil Ways’. Take a listen below.

One of Drake’s new songs, ‘Red Button’, includes a shout-out to Taylor Swift: “Taylor Swift the only n—a I ever rated/ Only one could make me drop the album just a little later/ Rest of y’all I treat you like you never made it/ Leave your label devastated even when you pad the stats period I never hated.” The same song also features bars about Kanye West: “Every time that Yeezy call the truce/ He had my head inflated/ Thinking we going to finally peace it up and get to levitating/ Realized that everything premeditated.”

In a trailer released alongside yesterday’s announcement, Drake says, “I feel no need to appease anybody. I feel so confident about the body of work that I just dropped, I know I could go disappear for, whatever, six months, a year, two years – even though I’m not really into the super lengthy disappearances for the sake of mystery. But, you know, ultimately, it’s coming to me in a way that I haven’t experienced maybe since, like, If You’re Reading This, where I feel like I’m on drugs. I feel like I’m in that mental state without doing anything. I did those songs in the last five days. I didn’t have one bar written down for those songs on the night that For All the Dogs dropped. It’s not like I’m picking up from some unfinished shit. You know, this is just happening on its own. And who am I to fight it?”

Creative Ways to Have Fun with Sims 4

Our Culture Mag & Partners
-
0
Creative Ways to Have Fun with Sims 4

Are you looking to add some new and exciting activities to your Sims 4 experience? Then look no further! We know that playing the same game all the time can get tiring, so today we’re presenting a variety of creative ways you can take your Sims 4 gameplay up a notch. 

Whether it’s finding ingenious ways to utilize in-game tools or getting inspiration from other players, we’re here to make sure you have an amazing time with your Sims. With our tips and tricks, you’ll be able to explore plenty of new possibilities for both solo-play and multiplayer adventures. So let’s dive right in and find out how to have the best ever experience with The Sims 4

Design custom homes for your Sims – don’t be afraid to get creative!

Designing custom homes for your Sims is an exciting creative challenge that allows you to unleash your inner architect. With endless possibilities and no limitations, there’s no reason to hold back on your imagination. From grand mansions to cozy cabins, you have the power to bring your dream home designs to life. 

Experiment with different layouts, colors, furniture, and decor to create a personalized space that reflects your Sims’ personalities. The satisfaction of seeing your Sims thrive and enjoy their new homes will make all the effort worthwhile. Therefore go ahead and let your creativity run wild, there’s no right or wrong way to design a custom home for your Sims!

Take your Sims on adventures – explore new places and make memories

The world is full of possibilities and adventures waiting to be discovered. Imagine taking your Sims on a journey to explore new places and create unforgettable memories. The thrill of traveling to a new destination, interacting with locals, and discovering hidden treasures can be an exciting experience. 

With a simple click, you can take your Sims on an adventure to explore the vibrant culture of a new city, the stunning beauty of a tropical island, or the charm of a small town. Watch as your Sims immerse themselves in new environments and embrace new experiences that will shape their lives.

Have your Sims go camping or take a road trip

There’s nothing quite like hitting the open road and seeing where it takes you. Some people think it’s all about the destination, but with a road trip, it’s truly about the journey. And with your Sims, you can experience that journey without ever having to leave your couch. 

Whether you’re hitting the dusty trails for a camping trip or cruising the highways in your trusty RV, your Sims will love the chance to explore new places, meet new people, and have a few adventures along the way. So pack your bags, load up the car, and get ready to hit the road with your favorite Sims. The possibilities are endless, and the memories you make will last a lifetime.

Check out the new expansion packs to try out different activities in the game world

If you’re a fan of Sims 4 and are looking for ways to switch up your gameplay, then you’re in luck! The game recently released new expansion packs which introduce a wide range of activities to participate in within the game world. 

From vacation destinations to magical lands full of spellbinding creatures, there’s plenty to keep you entertained for hours. But why stop there? With the help of Sims 4 custom content, you can enhance your gameplay experience even further by adding unique items such as clothing, furniture, and hairstyles to your Sims’ world.

Create relationships between your Sims

In the world of The Sims, creating relationships between your virtual characters is just as important as designing their homes or picking out their outfits. Building friendships through shared activities, conversations, and even playful pranks can lead to lifelong bonds that your Sims will cherish. And who knows, maybe those bonds will turn into something more. Finding love is a classic Sims goal, from first dates to wedding bells and beyond. 

And if your Sims are really ready for commitment, they can start families together and raise their own little virtual humans. Whether your Sims are looking for a soulmate or just some new friends, nurturing relationships is a key part of the gameplay experience.

Try The Gallery for new content from other players’ creations 

Are you a Sims fanatic looking for some fresh new content? Look no further than The Gallery. Your one-stop shop for the latest and greatest creations from fellow Sims players. 

From stunningly designed homes and charming neighborhoods to unique households and intricate lots, there’s no shortage of inspiration to be found in the Sims community. Whether you’re seeking to shake up your own Sims world or simply appreciate the impressive skills of your fellow players, The Gallery has something for everyone. 

Compete in challenges

When it comes to testing your skills and earning rewards, nothing beats competing in challenges. If you’re a Sims player, you’ll be happy to know that there are plenty of opportunities to flex your creative muscles and earn bonuses for your hard work. 

Regardless if you’re participating in a building competition or completing tasks to unlock achievements, there’s always something to keep you on your toes. The best part? You’ll feel a sense of pride and accomplishment each time you finish a challenge, which can make your overall Sims experience even more rewarding.

Sims can be whatever you want them to be and there is no wrong way to play. Let your imagination run wild with all the possibilities your Sims have for customization, exploration, relationships, and competition. Whether it’s camping in an outdoor paradise or competing in building competitions, the world of The Sims can offer endless hours of fun! So why not get creative and start customizing your own living space today? 

For additional content, try checking out The Gallery from other player creations. With so much to discover, don’t forget to take screenshots of your favorite moments and share them on social media with #SimsLife! Show off the amazing experiences you create and inspire others to join this vibrant gaming community. Together we can make every day a new adventure with The Sims!

Interview: Vintage Culture

Modestas Mankus
-
0
Interview: Vintage Culture

On the heels of releasing his latest single, Vintage Culture, the Brazilian sensation invites us into his creative process behind the track Come Come. This club-ready banger, crafted in collaboration with Tube & Berger and Kyle Pearce, marks another milestone in Vintage Culture’s impressive discography. With a series of singles and an eagerly anticipated debut album on the horizon, Vintage Culture takes a moment to reflect on his musical journey.

Hi, how are you and how is the music world treating you?

Great to be here with the Our Culture family. My team and I are currently preparing for a North American tour, so I’m enjoying a few minutes of quiet time with friends, family and of course, Bentin (my Corgi.) Summer is just beginning in Brazil. Here, it’s the calm before the storm.

Can you take us through the creative process behind Come Come? What drove the collaboration with Tube & Berger and Kyle Pearce, and what inspired the track?

I wanted to capture the energy and atmosphere of Ibiza and infuse it into our track Come Come. This song was born from a spirit of creativity and collaboration. I believe we’ve created an innovative sonic landscape.

Tube & Berger are talented producers. I believed blending our sounds would be a musically interesting combination of styles. The collaboration came about very naturally. We are mutual fans of each other’s work. Also, Kyle Pearce is a talented singer with a wide vocal range. I knew that his lyrics would add an essential layer of emotion to the song.

You’ve had a remarkable year with a string of head-turning singles. How does Come Come fit into the broader narrative of your musical journey and upcoming debut album?

Even in my more atmospheric, quiet tracks you’ll find there is an edge to the music. Come Come grabs the audience’s attention with the first Kick drum.  We used driving rhythms and solid melodies to create a sense of momentum in the instrumental.  This musical momentum is combined with a sense of quiet desperation which is a common thread through my music. Beneath the surface there is always a sense of urgency to my songs.

Kyle Pearce’s lyrics are very strong.  Lyrics have always been important to me when working on a top line. For me, the lyrics for a song have to be original and say something in a unique way. These are passionate lyrics with emotional depth. I think they perfectly capture the feeling of wanting something so badly that you’re willing to do anything to achieve it…. something just out of reach.

The production process and creativity surrounding Come Come was refreshing and inspiring. Each artist was very open to new ideas; And these ideas flowed between the artists freely. Even while we were in different cities we sent each other updates and creative ideas. I also experimented with a variety of sounds and musical textures until I found the perfect combination. I’m particularly drawn to the dark overtones of the track. They add a degree of drama and intensity to the song. I believe this compliments the performance of the vocals.

My forthcoming debut album will be a culmination of everything I’ve learned and experienced as an artist and a person who has, for all intents and purposes,  grown up in public. I began making music while still in my teens. In a way, the album is about this journey with all its highs and lows. It’s an indescribable feeling to hear the album transform into one cohesive body of work. Curating this sonic experience is a challenge and also very satisfying. Come Come fits perfectly into the narrative of the album. It’s a track that celebrates perseverance within an album whose central theme is about achieving goals, and striving to reach a place of peace in one’s life. We’re all searching for that promised land, too few of us find it.

Your residency at Hï Ibiza and performances at various festivals have been noteworthy this year. How has your live performance experience influenced your approach to producing music?

My residency at Hï Ibiza is one of the highlights of my career and is one of the best experiences of my professional life. This iconic Ibiza landmark allows me to curate a unique experience for my fans each week. I’ve made lifelong friends in Ibiza and the audience shares my passion for music. Ibiza has become my second home.

Do you have a favourite venue you’ve played at?

I’ve played in so many awesome venues around the world this year that it is a challenge to choose just one. In 2023 Hi Ibiza is definitely at the top of my list. This venue has made me feel completely comfortable and at home during my residency in Ibiza. The staff there have become friends. They are one of the most professional, courteous teams I’ve worked with this year.  I also miss the people at PrintWorks. That was a classic venue.  I’ve had experiences at PrintWorks that I’ll always remember — PrintWorks is another highlight from 2023.

I’ve met so many great people along the way and I am very grateful.

Lastly, where do you see yourself within the electronic music industry, and where do you hope to be in the near future?

What you’ve seen or heard is only a clue to what the future will bring. I’ve only touched the surface of my music production. Each day I’m developing as a songwriter and music producer.  The last few years have been a period of immense artistic growth. I’ve certainly entered the next phase of my career. Reaching my goals is a combination of hard work, a loyal team supporting my creative decisions, and relentless efforts. Never giving up is the key to success. My goal is to create a lasting impact. I want to leave a legacy of great music.

Stream Come Come by Vintage Culture on Spotify.

1...556557558...1,664Page 557 of 1,664

Quick Access

Our Culture

Helpful

© 2025 Our Culture Mag Limited. All rights reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement (updated 2/1/2025) and Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement (updated 2/1/2025). The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Our Culture Mag Limited.