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Spinnaker Join Forces with the Marine Conservation Society

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Spinnaker, the brand home to some of the finest budget-friendly dive watches, has collaborated with the Marine Conservation Society. Spinnaker launched three pieces in their latest release: the Spence 300, the Cahill 300, and the Hass. All of the watches are equipped with over 300m water resistance, Swiss Super-LumiNova and clear-cut indexes to help in low visibility conditions.

Proceeds from every collaborative timepiece will be donated to the MCS to support them in their fight for a cleaner and healthier ocean.

Clean seas, beaches, and the protection of marine life are the goals of the Marine Conservation Society (MCS). MCS raises awareness of the many threats that threaten our seas through education, community involvement, and collaboration and encourages individuals, businesses, and the government to take action.

The watches range from £370 to £650.

Aluna Announces New Album, Shares New Song ‘Oh the Glamour’ With Pabllo Vittar, MNEK, and Eden Prince

Aluna has announced her sophomore album, MYCELiUM, which will be released on July 7 via Mad Decent and Because Music. Along with the announcement, the British singer has teamed up with Pabllo Vittar, MNEK, and UK producer Eden Prince for the new single ‘Oh the Glamour’. Check it out below.

Talking about the new track, Aluna said in a press release: “What is the allure of glamour? To me it holds most of its power in the aspirations of those living a life of struggle. Glamour can uplift the worst of days and the darkest of hearts, make tears beautiful and pain graceful. My mother always worried about my expensive taste, but for me it was the taste of survival….for who can live this miserable life without a touch of glamour?”

“Black and LGBTQ+ people go through a lot of shit, but we often present ourselves as glamorous,” she continued. “Being glamorous is an aspiration that drags you out of bed. Aiming for normal and average is a way to send yourself into the shackles of society. Glamour can often be a method to break free, celebrate, and thrive.”

Introducing her new album, Aluna added: “The Mycelium is the cell network seeped into the fabric of nature. I’m not talking about the bloom or the fruits. You need to lay the groundwork to see the fruit one day. I got burnt out from trying to work with powerful people who have lots of money and no actual genuine care for what I’m trying to do. I realized there was no foundation where I was standing, and we have to build our own foundation. It’s not going to be all bells and whistles; it’s going to be substance. So, I broke some barriers and started mentoring creative fans. I built a community of Black Ravers on Geneva and by joining groups on Instagram and social media. Now, the album is my community I’ve created.”

MYCELiUM Cover Artwork: 

MYCELiUM Tracklist: 

1. Before The Bloom (Intro)
2. The Way I’m Wired
3. Underwater (with Route94)
4. Killing Me (with TSHA)
5. Supernova (with The Picard Brothers & Kaleena Zanders)
6. Love and Money (Interlude)
7. Oh The Glamour (with Pabllo Vittar & MNEK) (feat. Eden Prince)
8. Running Blind (with Tchami & Kareen Lomax)
9. Mine O’ Mine (with Jayda G)
10. Sugar (with Preditah & Lauren Faith)
11. Beggin’ (with Chris Lake)
12. Kiss It Better (with MK)
13. Playin Wit Ya (with Walker & Royce)
14. Future (with Kooldrink)

Shamir Announces New Album ‘Homo Anxietatem’, Shares New Single ‘Oversized Sweater’

Shamir has announced his ninth album and debut for Kill Rock Stars, Homo Anxietatem. The follow-up to 2022’s Heterosexuality is out August 18. The 11-track LP was recorded and produced by Hoost (aka Justin Tailor) in London. Today, Shamir has released its first single, ‘Oversized Sweater’. Check out its accompanying video and find the album cover and tracklist below.

“The first quarter of 2020 before lockdown I felt a lot of anxiety,” Shamir shared in a press release. “I was fresh out the psych ward and had quit smoking weed and cigarettes cold turkey. I spent the first couple months of 2020 knitting this huge baby blue sweater. It’s basically a wearable security blanket that I used to channel all my anxiety into. I wear it all the time, but most notably in the video for my song ‘Diet.’”

On the video, he added: “I found this room set in LA and knew it would be perfect for the video. It was shot and co directed by myself and my friend and tour manager Felix Donate Perez.”

Homo Anxietatem Cover Artwork:

Homo Anxietatem Tracklist:

1. Oversized Sweater
2. Wandering Through
3. Our Song
4. Appetizer
5. Calloused
6. Crime
7. The Beginning
8. Without You
9. Obsession
10. Words
11. The Devil Said the Blues is All I’ll Know

Unraveling Life’s Lessons Through The Movie Lens

The magic of movies extends far beyond the thrill of captivating plots and stellar performances. As an intricate tapestry of human experiences and societal evolution, films are time capsules that offer profound lessons about our past, present, and future. They capture historical moments, reflect social norms, expose political realities, and even imagine future possibilities. Every film holds a mirror to some facet of human existence. This blog post takes a look at the multifaceted role of movies as educators, explorers, and visionaries. We will journey through 13 different ways movies, including those found through platforms like Tutor Hunt, teach us valuable lessons about life, history, society, and ourselves, unraveling the wisdom concealed behind the cinematic spectacle.

#1 – Perspective On Historical Events

Movies have always been a fascinating medium for relaying historical events. By bringing pivotal moments to life, they allow us to feel as though we’ve been transported back in time. As an example, consider watching some of the best war movies on Netflix to really understand what men and women went through during times of war. These films not only teach us about significant wars but also depict the human experience during these times. The past then becomes a story, not just a set of facts, engaging our empathy and understanding of the trials and tribulations of our ancestors.

#2 – The Evolution Of Society And Culture

Movies are mirrors reflecting societal norms, prejudices, and values of their time. By studying films of various periods, we can trace the evolution of society and culture. For instance, movies from the ’50s reflected a post-war society clinging to traditional values, while the ’70s cinema was marked by a move towards individualism and counterculture. These cinematic chronicles offer us insights into how society has evolved over the decades and how cultural trends have shaped our world.

#3 – An Insight Into The Progress Of Technology

Movies are also a testament to the development of technology. Early silent films and black and white movies demonstrate the initial stages of film technology. The advent of color, surround sound, special effects, and now 3D and virtual reality all mark significant milestones. Observing this progression through movies teaches us how technology has revolutionized storytelling, influencing not just the film industry but our perception and interaction with the world around us.

#4 – Promoting Cultural Diversity And Understanding

Cinema has the power to traverse geographical boundaries and present different cultures, enhancing our global understanding. Bollywood, Nollywood, and films from other non-Western countries provide insights into their respective cultures, societies, and perspectives. They encourage us to appreciate diversity, broadening our worldview and promoting empathy and mutual respect across different cultures.

#5 – Narrating Stories Of Social Change

Movies often tackle social issues, stirring public discourse and occasionally influencing policy. Films like “12 Angry Men”, “Spotlight,” and “To Kill a Mockingbird” highlight societal problems like systemic prejudice, corruption, and injustice. They don’t just reflect reality but also inspire change, teaching us that art can be a powerful tool for social reform.

#6 – Exploring Human Psychology

Movies delve deep into the human mind, providing fascinating insights into psychology. Complex characters like Travis Bickle in “Taxi Driver” or Norman Bates in “Psycho” offer us a glance into mental health issues and moral ambiguity. Comedies and romantic movies explore social interactions, emotional connections, and the complexities of relationships. As we witness these intricate emotional journeys, we not only empathize with the characters but also gain a nuanced understanding of our own feelings and reactions. Consequently, movies can serve as valuable tools for self-reflection and emotional development.

#7 – Understanding The Consequences Of Actions

Movies frequently highlight the domino effect of choices and actions, both good and bad. They illustrate how personal decisions can profoundly impact our lives and those around us. For example, “Atonement” showcases how a young girl’s misunderstanding can drastically alter several lives. On a larger scale, war movies often depict the cascading effect of political decisions on societies. By exposing us to the far-reaching consequences of actions, movies underline the importance of responsible and ethical decision-making, both at a personal and societal level.

#8 – Highlighting The Power Of Human Resilience

Cinematic storytelling often revolves around characters overcoming adversity, thus highlighting human resilience. Films like “Cast Away” or “127 Hours” depict individuals surviving extreme situations, demonstrating the sheer strength of the human spirit. Such narratives can be profoundly inspiring. As we see characters endure hardship and come out stronger, we are reminded of our innate resilience. These cinematic examples provide comfort during our own struggles and reinforce our faith in our ability to weather life’s storms.

#9 – Imagining Future Possibilities

Science fiction and futuristic movies offer a glimpse into potential future realities. They speculate on advancements in technology, societal changes, and existential threats. For instance, “The Matrix” imagines a world controlled by artificial intelligence, while “WALL-E” warns of a future earth ravaged by environmental neglect. Such movies invite us to ponder possible futures, helping us contemplate the implications of current actions on our future. This cinematic exploration fosters innovation and contributes to the collective human imagination.

Via Pexels

#10 – Inspiring Change For A Better Future

Movies can act as catalysts for change by highlighting critical global issues. For example, “Erin Brockovich” tells the story of a single mother taking on a power company polluting local water sources. Similarly, “Chasing Ice” showcases the drastic effects of climate change. By narrating these stories, movies raise awareness about crucial issues and inspire viewers to take action. They show us that each of us, irrespective of our circumstances, can contribute to making a better future.

#11 – Exposing Political Realities

Films often play a crucial role in revealing political realities, making them accessible to a wider audience. From historical dramas like “All the President’s Men” to satires like “Dr. Strangelove,” movies have dissected politics, presented global issues, and depicted the intricacies of power dynamics. They showcase political movements, governmental policies, international relations, and political ideologies, giving us a broader understanding of global politics. These narratives encourage us to think critically about our political landscape, promoting civic awareness and informed participation in democratic processes.

#12 – Cinematic Projections Of Scientific Advancements

Science fiction movies often serve as a canvas for illustrating potential scientific advancements and their implications. Films like “Inception” and “Ex Machina” explore uncharted territories of neuroscience and artificial intelligence respectively. They provide thought experiments about upcoming technologies, their ethical implications, and societal impact. By introducing these concepts in an engaging way, movies contribute to public discourse on science and technology, fostering curiosity and promoting scientific literacy among viewers.

#13 – Representing Artistic Evolution And Influence

Movies, as a form of art, also chart the evolution of artistic styles and aesthetics. The progression from silent films to talkies, from black-and-white to Technicolor, and the constant innovation in visual effects mark the journey of cinematic artistry. Films like “La La Land” pay homage to classic cinema, showcasing the influence of past art forms on contemporary works. Furthermore, movies themselves influence other art forms, from literature and painting to music and fashion, exemplifying the interplay and co-evolution of different art forms. By appreciating these artistic influences and transformations, we gain a deeper understanding of our shared cultural and artistic heritage.

Final Thoughts

In essence, movies are comprehensive capsules of human civilization, reflecting our historical events, societal norms, psychological complexities, technological advances, and artistic evolutions. They illuminate our understanding of our past, make sense of our present, and stimulate our imagination for the future. As we engross ourselves in these cinematic narratives, we are also subconsciously absorbing lessons about life, society, and ourselves. So, the next time you watch a film, remember to look beyond the plot – there’s a wealth of knowledge and insights waiting to be discovered.

Deeper Announce New Album ‘Careful!’, Share New Song ‘Build a Bridge’

Deeper have announced a new album, Careful!, their debut for Sub Pop. It’s out on September 8. The band recorded the LP at Palisade Studios in Chicago with help from producer/engineer Dave Vettraino. Lead single ‘Build a Bridge’ today arrives with a video directed by Austin Vesely. Check it out and find the album’s cover art and tracklist below.

“‘Build a Bridge’ was the first song written remotely in a new format that would come to define the writing process of Careful!,” Deeper explained in a statement. “In the early days of the band, we would throw shit at the wall in our practice space and see what stuck. Being forced to stay in our apartments during lockdown allowed us to apply more intention to a song and really dissect it piece by piece.”

“We worked with Austin Vesely (Chance the Rapper, Whitney) on the video in which the band is hooked up to a machine, taking turns controlling alternate versions of ourselves in a different dimension,” they added. “The sequence keeps repeating with each of us failing, but each attempt equips us with more knowledge from these prior failures to eventually succeed in vanquishing the spirit.”

Careful! Cover Artwork:

Careful! Tracklist:

1. Build a Bridge
2. Heat Lamp
3. Glare
4. Tele
5. Bite
6. Pilsen 4th
7. Sub
8. Fame
9. Everynight
10. Airplane Air
11. devil-loc
12. Dualbass
13. Pressure

PUP Release New Songs ‘How to Live With Yourself’ and ‘Smoke Screen’

PUP have dropped two new songs, ‘How to Live With Yourself’ and ‘Smoke Screen’. Take a listen below.

“This was the first song we wrote when we started working on our last album,” vocalist Stefan Babcock said of ‘Smoke Screen’ in a statement. “The first one is always the hardest, you tend to overthink everything, so we wanted to start with something simple and fun, something that we wouldn’t get too in our own heads about. This one feels like a classic PUP song to me, and while our goal for the record was to push ourselves out of our comfort zone and try new things, sometimes it feels good to write a catchy, miserable ripper that feels like it captures exactly what this band is about.”

Of ‘Smoke Screen’, Babcock added: “This song originated with a Nestor riff. He sent it around, and the thing was so slow that I thought he’d exported it wrong. But his idea was to do a song that was like the ‘sludgey’ version of PUP, something we’d never really done before. The more I listened to it, the more it grew on me. I remember in the height of the pandemic sitting in the backseat of my car at the Home Depot parking lot, anything to try and escape the house, and writing and recording all the lyrics on the spot.”

Last year, PUP released their fourth LP, THE UNRAVELING OF PUPTHEBAND, which was followed by the live EP PUP Unravels Live in Front of Everyone They Know.

The xx’s Romy Announces Debut Solo Album, Shares New Single ‘Loveher’

The xx’s Romy has announced her debut solo album, Mid Air, which arrives September 8 via Young. Today’s announcement comes with the release of the new single, the Fred Again..–produced ‘Loveher’, which follows the previously shared ‘Enjoy Your Life’ and ‘Strong’. Check it out below.

In a statement about the new track, Romy said: “Fred asked me, who could this be for, and I tentatively said… ‘maybe me.’”

According to a press release, Mid Air is “an album about celebration, sanctuary and salvation on the dance floor. It’s an album that deals with love, grief, relationships, identity and sexuality and is a love letter to the queer clubs where Romy found community and connection.”

Mid Air Cover Artwork: 

Mid Air Tracklist: 

1. Loveher
2. Weightless
3. The Sea
4. One Last Try
5. DMC
6. Strong [feat. Fred Again..]
7. Twice
8. Did I
9. Mid Air [feat. Beverly Glenn-Copeland]
10. Enjoy Your Life
11. She’s on My Mind

Fiddlehead Announce New Album ‘Death Is Nothing to Us’, Share New Single ‘Sullenboy’

Fiddlehead have announced the follow-up to 2021’s Between the Richness. It’s called Death Is Nothing to Us, and it lands August 18 via Run for Cover. To mark the announcement, the Boston post-hardcore group have shared a new single, ‘Sullenboy’. Check it out below, along with the album cover, tracklist, and Fiddlehead’s upcoming tour dates.

“I don’t want people to romanticize grief and depression, myself included,” vocalist Patrick Flynn said in a statement. “But I wanted to write about the way loss can perpetuate this feeling of sadness in your life. I didn’t intend to make some kind of thematic trilogy but there is this connection to the first two records, and this album sort of rounds out some of the stages of grief that weren’t addressed previously – especially this feeling of stickiness that a depressive attitude can have.”

“We knew we wanted to do something a little more aggressive sounding,” guitarist Alex Henery added. “That kind of stuff grounds the band. I think maybe people would have expected us to go cleaner with this LP but I see this as a real mix of the first two.”

Death Is Nothing to Us Cover Artwork:

Death Is Nothing to Us Tracklist:

1. The Deathlife
2. Sleepyhead
3. Loserman
4. True Hardcore (II) [feat. Justice Tripp]
5. Welcome to the Situation
6. Sullenboy
7. Give It Time (II)
8. Queen of Limerick
9. The Woes
10. Fiddleheads
11. Fifteen to Infinity
12. Going to Die

Fiddlehead Tour Dates:

Jun 14 Queens, NY – Knockdown Center *
Jun 15 Boston, MA – House of Blues Boston *
Jun 17 Chicago, IL – House of Blues Chicago *
Jun 18 Chicago, IL – Metro *
Jun 22 Austin, TX – Stubb’s Waller Creek Amphitheater *
Jun 24 Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern *
Jun 25 Anaheim, CA – House of Blues Anaheim *
Aug 16 Tokyo, Japan – ACB Hall
Aug 17 Manila, Philippines – Eastside by Sandugo
Aug 18 Bangkok, Thailand – Mr. Fox Livehouse
Aug 19 Singapore, Singapore – Aliwal Arts Centre
Aug 20 Jakarta, Indonesia – Rossi Music
Aug 23 Brisbane, Australia – The Zoo
Aug 25 Sydney, Australia – Crowbar
Aug 26 Melbourne, Australia – Howler
Sep 22 Boston, MA – Royale
Sep 23 New York, NY – Webster Music Hall
Sep 28 Chicago, IL – Metro
Sep 29 Toledo, OH – Ottawa Tavern
Sep 30 Detroit, MI – Edgemen
Oct 1 Toronto, Ontario – Lee’s Palace
Oct 6 San Francisco, CA – Great American Music Hall
Oct 7 Los Angeles, CA – Ukrainian Culture Center
Oct 8 Ojai, CA – Ojai Women’s Club
Feb 23 London, England – The Garage

* with Citizen

The Japanese House Shares New Single ‘One for sorrow, two for Joni Jones’

The Japanse House has shared ‘One for sorrow, two for Joni Jones’, the closing track on her new album In the End It Always Does. Amber Bain co-wrote the song with MUNA’s Katie Gavin and co-produced it with Chloe Kraemer. It’s named after Bain’s sausage dog, who is in turn named after Joni Mitchell. Check it out below.

“This is my favourite song, and I wrote it as a piece ages ago when I was playing the piano and [producer] Chloe would record me playing the piano loads with my dog on my lap,” Bain explained in a statement. “We sat on the music for ages then Katie from MUNA came down to the studio and put the rambling lyrics over music in a Joni Mitchell kind of way.

“I’m trying to encapsulate that feeling, a sort of ode to that feeling when Emma Thompson stands there and cries when she’s holding the CD in Love Actually. The lyrics are about the confirmation that my relationship was dead, and it’s the only song I’ve ever cried during the vocal take which has never happened before.”

‘One for sorrow, two for Joni Jones’ follows the previously released singles ‘Sunshine Baby’, ‘Sad to Breathe’, and ‘Boyhood’. In the End It Always Does is due out June 30 via Dirty Hit.

Glasser Announces First Album in 10 Years, Unveils New Song ‘Vine’

Glasser, the electronic project of Cameron Mesirow, has announced Crux, her first studio album in a decade. Following 2013’s Interiors and 2018’s Sextape, the LP drops on October 6 via One Little Independent. Today’s announcement comes with the release of the lead single, ‘Vine’, which you can check out below.

“I wanted to create something where all the parts sound like they’re very separated,” Mesirow said of the process behind ‘Vine’. “I was thinking like jazz, actually. It was about getting back to writing music after feeling a bit disconnected from the machinery around making music your profession.”

Speaking about her hiatus, Mesirow explained:

Just getting back to making songs was hard for me after the last album. When I made my first album, I didn’t have an established routine of trying and failing, it was very immediate. The second record was made after a few years of touring, which is a very unstable life, and I still didn’t establish a relationship to creating things regularly. After its release, I didn’t have a center from which to recompose myself. The thing that finally brought me back to music as a positive experience was that I began taking lessons to learn Balkan singing. I wanted to try to learn all this vocal gymnastic stuff that I was listening to in the Bulgarian state television choir records. I started writing songs and working toward an album.

Crux Cover Artwork:

Crux Tracklist:

1. A Guide
2. Vine
3. Easy
4. Knave
5. Mass Love
6. Thick Waltz
7. All Lovers
8. Clipt
9. Undrunk
10. Drift
11. Ophrys
12. Choir Prayer