Joe Taveras is a Boston-based abstract artist who switched to art after a career in robotics. In only the first year of his representation with Galerie Michael on Rodeo Drive in Los Angeles, he sold over fifty large artworks to collectors around the globe, making him the highest-selling artist in the gallery’s 30-year history. To talk about his work, Taveras joined us for a brief interview.
Your journey into the art world is quite unconventional, transitioning from a career in robotics to becoming a self-taught artist. How did your background in robotics influence your artistic practice, especially in exploring the fusion of science and philosophy?
I’ll never forget flying into Tokyo alone for the first time. It was midnight, and after changing into a suit in the airplane bathroom, I was ready to deliver and demonstrate the two robots to the group that was about to become our distributors in Japan. Immediately after exiting the plane, I was met by a group of armed forces who interrogated me about the nature of the two robots that I had just brought in from New York City. After alleviating any worry and showing them that Temi’s a friendly robot, I continued on to my meeting. The robots and I stood across the boardroom from the large group of distributors, each of whom have spent many decades in the field. The CEO of the company slowly walked up to the robot, tapped on its head and suddenly the robot began to move towards him. What happened next is something that I am eternally grateful to have witnessed thousands and thousands of times before: he looked at the robot and a huge smile stretched across his face. In the couple hundred thousand miles I flew while spreading robots around the world, I got a front row seat to a fascinating psychological experience. Every time, without fail, the person using the robot would smile, step back, and, as the robot would follow them, they would change their own behaviors, movements, and patterns to effectively synchronize with the robot. It was in watching how they would predict its movements based on their own that I began to see not only all of the math in between the human and the robot, but also how fluid the parameters can be for our own personal object of consciousness.
In my travels, I’ve collected countless stories like this, all of which have undertones of cultural intensity, spiritual curiosity, and technological advancement. I often think about how odd it is that the art world places so much value on a formal institutional arts education when what really determines an artist’s impact is the amount of connected nodes of cultural information they are able to gather. That and the fact that all techniques can be learned outside of a classroom.
Untitled, 2023
As someone who emerged into the art scene during the Covid-19 pandemic, how do you think the global challenges of that time have influenced your artistic perspective, and do you foresee a continued impact on your future work?
My entire team at the robotics company had been terminated, and I was about to become a fully independent robotics dealer. My day-to-day would look no different than what I was doing at Temi: traveling around with robots, developing software for different businesses, etc. In hindsight, almost everything I learned about sales, distribution and dealing luxury items came from those experiences. All of that knowledge and information instantly carried over into my painting practice. Something about that time triggered a deep-rooted obsession for expression. When I first sat down in front of my first canvas on March 14, 2020, I saw it all. My entire life, and beyond. I saw the moment I was in, not what was directly around me in my garage in LA, but the cultural moment. I zoomed out and could see the historical moment of this generation, the millennium, and my place in it. I zoomed back in and saw myself looking back at me, but this time it wasn’t in my mind’s eye but directly in front of me, sized at 20 x 16in. Every day since then, I have stood in front of a canvas and experienced total ego death for hours on end. In this free-flow state, the zeitgeist moves my hand, filling canvases with rich energetic vibrance. In bypassing the ego, nature becomes central to the process of bringing a painting to life.
Your artworks have found their way into over 300 private collections globally. Could you share a specific instance where a collector’s interpretation or reaction to your work particularly resonated with you, and how it influenced your subsequent creations?
I have this one collector who I am grateful to have become friends with over the years. He is a well-known collector in the U.S. with thousands of works in his collection. I was holding an open-studio event in my warehouse studio in Boston and he showed up a couple hours early. He told me that he had mistaken the opening time, but I knew that this was simply one of his collecting strategies. I welcomed him in and we talked about how my practice has been and what I was currently working on. He spent nearly an hour going through piles of works, looking in all the nooks and corners of my studio only to pull out a seemingly unsuspecting small work on canvas. Unbeknownst to him, he happened to find
what may have been the most rare work in the room: my first screen printed artwork. It combined layers of screen-printing and oil paint to build an energetic portrait. The work really spoke to him and he needed to have it. This experience will always hold a special place in my life. Despite this, I have not screen-printed since. The experience did not influence me to suddenly start screen-printing on everything I could find, but instead it was a very poignant reminder of how important it is to bring authenticity into your practice. You should never feel like you cannot create something because it looks different than what you usually make or what people typically respond to. You never know, it could be a breakthrough. If I was afraid to try something new, I never would have picked up a paint brush in the first place.
Everyday, 2024
If you could give any advice to aspiring artists looking to switch from a different field, what would it be?
Being an artist can be extremely challenging and it is not for the faint of heart. Growing up in America, I often heard people discussing the importance of career development and finding a good job. It was only until I became an adult that I first heard about the difference between career and vocation. When you feel an infallible sense of purpose in your core, not only will you outwork and out-finesse everything in front of you, but you will also spend every moment contributing to your higher self. I was called to paint by something infinitely more powerful than myself. One day I had never painted before, and the next day I was without a body and needed to create one. It is the biggest mystery of my life and it is the daily exploration of that unknown that makes every moment so f*****g beautiful!
The world of blockchain technology has revolutionized many industries, including online gaming. With the rise of Ethereum blockchain, a new wave of decentralized games has emerged, offering players a secure and transparent gaming experience. Among these games, blackjack Ethereum online stands out as one of the most popular choices for Ethereum enthusiasts. In this article, we’ll explore the world of Ethereum blackjack and other popular games on the Ethereum blockchain.
Ethereum Blackjack: A Favorite Among Players
Blackjack has long been a staple in both traditional and online casinos. Its simple yet thrilling gameplay has made it a favorite among players worldwide. Now, with the advent of Ethereum blockchain technology, players can enjoy blackjack in a decentralized and secure environment.
How Ethereum Blackjack Works
Ethereum blackjack operates similarly to traditional online blackjack games. Players use Ether (ETH), the native cryptocurrency of the Ethereum blockchain, to place their bets and participate in the game. The use of blockchain technology ensures transparency and fairness, as all game outcomes are recorded on the blockchain and cannot be tampered with. Ethereum blackjack sites leverage smart contracts, which are self-executing contracts with the terms of the agreement directly written into code. These smart contracts automatically handle the transactions and game logic, eliminating the need for intermediaries and ensuring that payouts are executed accurately and without delay.
To use Ethereum to play blackjack, players first need to acquire Ether through a cryptocurrency exchange or other means. Once they have Ether in their digital wallet, they can visit Ethereum blackjack sites and deposit their funds securely. From there, they can choose their preferred blackjack variant, place their bets using ETH, and enjoy the game. Winnings are automatically credited to the player’s Ethereum wallet, and withdrawals can be made seamlessly using the same cryptocurrency. With blackjack on Ethereum, players can enjoy the thrill of the game with the added benefits of blockchain technology, including security, transparency, and fast transactions.
Advantages of Playing Ethereum Blackjack
When it comes to playing blackjack online, Ethereum offers several distinct advantages:
Security and Transparency: Ethereum blackjack sites leverage blockchain technology to ensure that all transactions and game outcomes are transparent and verifiable.
Fast and Secure Transactions: With Ethereum, players can enjoy fast and secure transactions, eliminating the need for traditional banking methods.
Anonymity: ETH blackjack allows players to remain anonymous while enjoying their favorite game, enhancing privacy and security.
Global Accessibility: Since Ethereum is a decentralized blockchain, players from around the world can access Ethereum blackjack sites without restrictions.
Other Popular Games on Ethereum Blockchain
While Ethereum blackjack remains a favorite among players, there are several other popular games available on the Ethereum blockchain.
Ethereum Roulette: Ethereum roulette offers players the chance to enjoy the classic casino game of roulette using the Ethereum blockchain. Players can place bets and spin the virtual wheel, with game outcomes recorded securely on the blockchain for transparency and fairness.
CryptoKitties: CryptoKitties is a game that allows players to collect, raise, and trade virtual cats. Every CryptoKitty is unique and stored on the Ethereum blockchain, making them valuable digital assets.
Decentraland: Decentraland is a virtual reality platform built on the Ethereum blockchain. Players can buy, sell, and trade virtual land and assets, creating a decentralized virtual world.
Axie Infinity: Axie Infinity is a game based on the blockchain technology that features cute collectible creatures Axies. Users can battle, breed, and trade Axies, with each Axie represented as a non-fungible token (NFT) on the Ethereum blockchain.
Gods Unchained: Gods Unchained is a blockchain-based trading card game where players collect and trade digital cards representing powerful gods and creatures. The game features strategic gameplay and competitive tournaments, with all cards stored on the Ethereum blockchain as NFTs.
Challenges and Opportunities Ahead
While Ethereum gaming offers numerous benefits, there are also challenges that need to be addressed. Scalability remains a major concern, as the Ethereum blockchain can become congested during periods of high demand, leading to slow transaction times and high gas fees. Additionally, regulatory uncertainty and security concerns may hinder the widespread adoption of Ethereum gaming. However, with ongoing research and development efforts, including the transition to Ethereum 2.0 and the implementation of layer 2 solutions, these challenges can be overcome, paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable gaming ecosystem on the Ethereum blockchain.
Final Words
As the Ethereum blockchain continues to evolve, so too does the world of decentralized gaming. Ethereum blackjack and other popular games offer players a secure, transparent, and exciting gaming experience. Whether you’re a fan of traditional casino games like blackjack or prefer exploring virtual worlds and collecting digital assets, there’s something for everyone on the Ethereum blockchain.
So, why not use Ethereum to play blackjack and explore the wide array of games available on this revolutionary platform? With its decentralized nature and innovative features, Ethereum gaming is poised to reshape the future of online entertainment.
Last year, Lizzo was accused by her backup dancers of sexual harassment and fostering a hostile work environment. The singer denied the allegations, calling them “false” and “too outrageous not to be addressed.” Now, after months of criticism, she shared a statement on Instagram insinuating she may be quitting music.
“I’m getting tired of putting up with being dragged by everyone in my life and on the internet,” Lizzo wrote. “All I want is to make music and make people happy and help the world be a little better than how I found it. But I’m starting to feel like the world doesn’t want me in it. I’m constantly up against lies being told about me for clout & views… being the butt of the joke every single time because of how I look… my character being picked apart by people who don’t know me and disrespecting my name.”
She added: “I didn’t sign up for this shit — I QUIT.”
The message comes nearly two months after a judge denied Lizzo’s motion to dismiss the lawsuits filed by three of her former dancers.
Earlier this month, Lizzo posted a message telling fans she is “writing some of the best music and I’m so excited for y’all to hear. I’m almost ready to be a normal human again … to be outside … to love and trust people … to try and make new friends … to sing and talk about my pain and joy. Just give me a lil more time. Thank u for the patience, and to the ones who unfollowed, thank u too, cus now I know where we stand.”
VIAL is the Minneapolis-based indie punk trio of bassist Taylor Kraemer, guitarist KT Branscom, and drummer Katie Fischer. Kraemer, Branscom, and Kate Kanfield – who has since left the band – met at an after-school music program, and after looking for a drummer and coming across Fischer on Tinder, formed VIAL in mid-2019 and quickly recorded their first EP, Grow Up. The group’s feisty, relatable debut full-length, LOUDMOUTH, arrived in July 2021; its credits thank Marisa Dabice for “musical guidance,” and Dabice’s band Mannequin Pussy is aptly included as an RIYL in the press release for VIAL’s brand new LP, burnout, along with Olivia Rodrigo and illuminati hotties. Despite being inspired, in part, by the overwhelming grind that comes with becoming full-time musicians who are also expected to act as influencers, the album has no shortage of energy: it stays captivating by doubling down on both the aggression and theatricality of the band’s earlier material, covering a range of styles and emotional states in less than 20 minutes. ‘therapy pt. iii’, continuing a series that began on their debut, segues into ‘just fine’, a track that’s stuck in desperation and denial; other songs are bratty, self-deprecating, or downright silly. But by the end, burnout makes sure to release several sessions’ worth of pent-up catharsis.
We caught up with VIAL’s Taylor Kraemer and KT Branscom for the latest edition of our Artist Spotlight series to talk about the band’s formation, recording burnout, the album’s journey, and more.
Do you mind sharing your first impressions of each other? How did you know you wanted to form a band?
Taylor Kraemer: KT was scary as hell.[laughs]
KT Branscom: Yeah, a scary-as-hell 15-year-old.
TK: You scared the shit out of me, dude! I think we both wanted to be in a band.
KTB: Yeah, definitely. I wanted to be in a band, or at least be some form musician, since I was really little. Taylor texted me out of the blue one day, a couple of years after we had first met each other. She was like, “Hey, wanna start a band?” I was like, “Dude, that’s my dream. Let’s do it.”
TK: And then we went on Tinder, and we found Katie.
Right, I heard that’s the lore.
TK: Yeah, it’s been love ever since. My first impression of Katie, simply because her name was Katie, was like, “Yeah, you belong with us. Get the hell in here.”
KTB: My first impression of Taylor – I thought Taylor was pretty cool. I thought she had a shitty boyfriend at the time. [Taylor laughs] I was like, “Come on. You could do so much better, you’re so cool.”
TK: Who is this? [KT whispers to Taylor] Oh, yeah, yeah.
KTB: My first impression of Katie, I thought that she was kind of shy. She was a little bit less alternative than the rest of us. I was like, “I don’t know how this will work in the band, but I’m really excited to see where this goes because she’s really talented.” I’m glad we stuck by her.
How quickly did you get the sense that this was the band?
KTB: We just clicked. They very quickly became like my best friends, and we were making such good music, and music that I always wanted to write and make. I kind of thought, “I don’t know if I’ll ever feel this connection with other people in the future.”
TK: I’d say mine was all of that in Chicago. Our first time travelling together was during the pandemic to record our first full-length. It was a very strange time, obviously, and it just kind of worked. We had each other’s backs, and we were interacting with people on the internet – it was just, “Oh, people are excited about this.”
KT, how do you look back on that time?
KTB: Very fondly. I was actually looking through old videos of us in Chicago last night, and it was very heartwarming. And I was so young, too, I was like 19 at the time. I love my friends.
How long had you been playing music by that point?
KTB: I started playing guitar at age 12 or 13, but I wasn’t very good. I didn’t take it too seriously.
TK: You were so good, you were a shredder!
KTB: I can play a mean power chord, man.
TK: I did singing, but classical singing, since I was in middle school, and then finally got into contemporary training in high school. And then recently, I took up bass, so I was just flying by the seat of my pants. [laughs]
KTB: I’d always been a “singer” since I was a little kid, but I went to this performing arts high school, and I also got classical and contemporary training for two and a half years before the band started.
You’re the only band I know of that has covered both the Hex Girls and Nirvana. What sort of bands and influences did you bond over early on?
KTB: Definitely Nirvana. That was a big one. I think me and Taylor especially bonded over ‘90s riot grrrl.
TK: For LOUDMOUTH, it was Dazey and the Scouts, illuminati hotties.
KTB: For sure.
Going into the studio to record burnout, did you set out to approach things differently?
TK: I think we attempted it a bit differently, being that we had a lineup change. I guess I only ever recorded bass for two other songs before we recorded these ten, so that inherently is a different process. Other than that, we kept it pretty much the same – besides the sound, the process remained pretty similar, where we do live tracking so that it feels very organic.
KTB: The other difference was, we didn’t go to Chicago this time. We stayed in Minneapolis, which was helpful, to be able to go back to our own houses at the end of the night. We actually did record it a bit differently – with LOUDMOUTH, we did individual tracking of every instrument: drums first, then bass, and then guitar, then vocals. But with burnout, we did live recording, like Taylor said, where we’d all play at the same time.
Did you come up with ‘chronic illness flare ups’ in the moment, or was it planned?
TK:I have chronic illness, so when I was having a flare up, I would sing that song to myself to kind of make it silly. Having chronic illness, for me, came with a lot of body hatred, so to make it less stressful, I always sang that. And I was like, What if we made this a song, an actual song?” So we wrote the guitar riff, which is just the same riff the whole time. It took like five minutes, the whole thing.
KTB: Taylor sent us a voice memo of that song in our group chat, and we immediately were like, “This is going on the record, this is too good.” And then the synth that we added on top of that – we really liked the synth that we did in ‘Planet Drool’ off of Loudmouth, we wanted to recreate that a little bit with at least one song, and we thought ‘chronic illness’ was perfect for that because it’s a little silly. It fit right in.
Taylor, what was it like for you to write the lyrics for ‘bottle blonde’ and then have Katie sing them along with you?
TK: It was inspired by listening to a lot of Girlpool, and a lot of Girlpool is that kind of layered duet. I kind of always heard Katie’s vocals as the leads in that song as I was writing it, and I love to belt high notes, so that’s just how it shaped up. It was always the intention to begin with the influence that it had from Girlpool.
KTB: I do remember that you were a little nervous about being like, “Katie, I want you to sing the main vocals.” So you had both of us do a competition, The Voice-style singalong to the song, because I think you were worried about hurting my feelings or something.
TK: I don’t remember this, but I’m sorry!
KTB: No, it happened, so we both sang the verse and the chorus of the song, and we’re like, “Okay, Taylor, which one did you like better?” And you went, “Um, I feel weird saying this…” And I was like, “You’re not gonna hurt my feelings if you want Katie to sing it.” And you were like, “Yeah, I think Katie’s timbre just fits with the song perfectly.”
TK: I’m a people pleaser, and I’d rather die than hurt somebody’s feelings.
Did you have to talk about the song at all?
TK: I feel like as a band, we know each other so well that when we get lyrics from one another, the meaning or the implication is always understood without having to discuss what it meant to us when we were writing it. I always trusted whoever was going to sing it with the lyrics and the meaning. Sometimes we switch vocals because all three of us have very different timbres. Katie’s is very bright, and then – what would you say our timbres are? You got a nice dark one.
KTB: Yeah, I feel like I’m dark and you’re more bright. Katie can go very soft, but she can also scream her head off. Our timbers together I feel complement each other very well, and I think you and Katie together blend very well.
As bandmates, do you feel like your communication has gotten more intuitive in terms of making decisions and understanding each other’s strengths?
KTB: I think we’ve definitely gotten a lot better over the course of
recording two records and an EP together at understanding each other and communicating well, and knowing what will sound good. That has made recording go a lot faster and smoother in a lot of cases. We’re all very much people pleasers and we don’t want to hurt each other’s feelings, but I feel like now we know what will and won’t in regards to recording music.
TK: Yeah, I agree wholeheartedly. I think there’s more that can be left unsaid musically and we all just are on the same page, which is really awesome after so many years of working together. But also, we’ve turned up the dial on communication when it comes to people’s emotions and comfortability and mental health.
KTB: We’re all really in tune with each other, and we can all tell when maybe somebody’s not feeling the best, or when somebody might disagree on something. I think we tackle those issues with a lot of tact now.
In what ways have you learned to be more mindful of those things?
KTB: We’re so much better at communication now, and that, I think, was a really big hurdle when we first started touring. We were in tune with each other before we started touring in August 2022, and then things kind of – we had to revisit a lot of communication stuff when we first started touring together, because you’re living with
your friends for two weeks to a couple of months on end, and that can be a challenge. But we’re very much fans of talking it out, not holding things in, not letting things bubble up and boil over.
TK: We’re also all introverts, very bad introverts, so space is another one of those things that we’ve learned is super valuable in conflict resolution – just leaving each other the hell alone sometimes. [laughs]
How does that tie into the title of the album, burnout?
KTB: Most of the songs on the album are personal songs – you’re getting a glimpse into our psyches, a little bit of our lives. And with all of those songs being super personal, they kind of surrounded the idea of being burnt out, whether that being burnt out from a career or burnt out because of a relationship or friendship or whatever.
TK: Looking back on it now, I don’t think it was our intention, but I think we also had a lot of burnout from being content creators over lockdown. We aren’t content creators – we’re musicians, and we were kind of put into that place where that’s the only way we could connect with people. So, a lot of burnout from how much we poured into that.
KTB: For sure. We were being looped in as influencers as well as musicians, and I’m not an influencer. Man, don’t listen to me. [Taylor laughs] Don’t take my advice.
It feels very much like the songs on the album are in conversation with each other, despite having different writers. Was there a point while you were assembling them when you realized what they had in common, that they made sense as a record?
KTB: Definitely. We actually have more songs written for this record than we’ve put onto it, and we had to sort through all of them and think about which ones sound good together and make sense together thematically, which songs can be left to the next one. But I think we did a good job with that. I think the record, even though it’s very personal, it’s very relatable, and you can make your own story from it while listening through. But our story about the record – we think it kind of follows the stages and processes of going through or losing a relationship. The anger that comes with that, the acceptance, the guilt, the self-loathing that comes with that.
TK: It was really cute, our managers were like, “So, then, ‘broth song’ is a metaphor for the person that you’re writing this about?” We’re like, “No, it’s a song about soup.” [laughs]
KTB:That’s a good middle point for the record being like: we’re feeling all of these really big emotions at the beginning, with ‘two-faced’ and ‘bottle blonde’ and ‘falling short’, and then there’s ‘broth song’, and that just pulls you right back into reality.
There’s a sense of continuity to the songs you each lead in the second half of the record, with ‘therapy pt. Iii’ and just fine’ going into ‘friendship bracelets’ and ‘ur dad’, but there’s also an interesting contrast between your writing styles.
KTB: We knew we wanted ‘just fine’ to be in the middle because that’s the middle stage of grief or losing somebody, self-loathing and self-deprecation. And then getting straight back into anger and being pissed off at somebody, and then revenge with ‘ur dad’.
TK: Those four songs very much felt like a great B side, like a great finale, and they fit together even though they don’t have the same writers. We also felt they were very captivating, and a lot of times B sides can be neglected, so we wanted to keep people engaged when they flip the record. But that was about the most thought that went into it.
It feels intentional to end with ‘apathy’, which feels like the most cathartic song on the album. There’s no sense of irony or self-deprecation in that one.
TK: Imagine if we ended on your ‘ur dad’.
KTB: Oh my gosh. We were thinking of that. [laughs] When we
were starting the process of structuring the album, I knew in my heart and soul that we needed to start with ‘two-faced’ and end with ‘apathy’. ‘two-faced’ being the most angry, screamy song, and then ending with an outpouring of catharsis, despite the song being called ‘apathy’ and talking about apathy. It’s a big sigh, that song, and after all of the emotional turmoil that the rest of the record hits you with, I think that we really needed to end with with a big sigh.
Could you share one thing that inspires you about each other and Katie?
KTB: I very much admire Taylor’s gusto, Taylor’s assertiveness, and wanting to go above and beyond. I think you’re a really good person.
TK: I admire KT’s drive to always be their best authentic self.
I admire your style and your songwriting. Katie can write riffs for days. And then Katie, I admire Katie’s honesty. Katie doesn’t give a fuck. I admire Katie’s missingness right now.
KTB: And she just texted us.
TK: [laughs] Katie is an enigma.
KTB: I admire Katie’s absolute ferality and anger, and her willingness to beat somebody up if they do either of us wrong. She’s also an incredible songwriter as well. She’s not one of the main songwriters, but she adds the missing puzzle piece to our writing, and I think all of our songs are better for it.
TK: She also protects her peace like a grizzly bear, which I respect so much. Katie and I will be running ourselves bone dry, lighting the candle at both ends, just burned out, and Katie will be like, “Yeah, I’ll catch you all, I’m gonna sleep in my own bed. See ya!”
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Cowboy Carter has arrived. Continuing the three-act trilogy Beyoncé launched with 2022’s Renaissance, the 27-track LP features the singles ’16 Carriages’ and ‘Texas Hold ’Em’, as well as covers of Dolly Parton’s ‘Jolene’ and the Beatles’ ‘Blackbird’, and appearances from country legend Willie Nelson and Parton herself. Miley Cyrus, Post Malone, Shaboozey, Linda Martell, and Willie Jones are also among the album’s guests. “This album has been over five years in the making,” Beyoncé wrote on Instagram. “It was born out of an experience that I had years ago where I did not feel welcomed…and it was very clear that I wasn’t. But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of Country music and studied our rich musical archive. It feels good to see how music can unite so many people around the world, while also amplifying the voices of some of the people who have dedicated so much of their lives educating on our musical history.”
Chastity Belt have released their latest album, Live Laugh Love, through Suicide Squeeze. The follow-up to the band’s 2019 self-titled record was previewed by the singles ‘I-90 Bridge’, ‘Hollow’, ‘Chemtrails’, and ‘Laugh’. “We’ve been playing music with each other for over a decade, so it really does feel like we’re all fluent in the same language, and a lot of it just happens naturally,” the band’s Julia Shapiro reflected in press materials. Lydia Lund added: “We have such a strong sense of each other’s musical inclinations. I think this allows for a lot of playfulness…we can kinda surprise each other, like a good punchline would.”
Ride have returned with a new album, Interplay. The follow-up to 2019’s This Is Not A Safe Place was produced by the band and Richie Kennedy, and was mixed by Claudius Mittendorfer. “This album has taken a long time to make, and has seen the band go through a lot of ups and downs; maybe the most of any Ride album,” guitarist and singer Andy Bell commented. “But it has seen us come through the process as a band in a good place, feeling able to shake off the past, and ready to celebrate the combined musical talents that brought us together in the first place.” The LP was preceded by the singles ‘Peace Sign’, ‘Last Frontier’, and ‘Monaco’.
No Glory is the debut album by h. pruz, the moniker of Queens singer-songwriter Hannah Pruzinsky. Featuring the early singles ‘I Keep Changing’ and ‘Dawn’, the LP was produced with Told Slant’s Felix Walworth and largely recorded at a cabin in upstate New York. “Writing No Glory was my chance to explore every crevice of guilt, second thought, and pain that comes with the complete changing of oneself that comes with a life altering change,” Pruzinsky reflected in press materials. “It was a lesson to myself in giving into the complete dismantling of a structure I had taken so much time to build, the necessary acknowledgement of guilt (and its seat next to pain), and the inevitable hope of forgiveness, one extending back to myself.”
VIAL – the Minneapolis-based punk trio of bassist Taylor Kraemer, guitarist KT Branscom, and drummer Katie Fischer – have dropped their sophomore album, burnout. Out now via Get Better Records, the follow-up to 2021’s LOUDMOUTH was recorded by Mik Finnegan at Minnehaha Recording Company, with production by Hansel Romero. It includes the previously released singles ‘just fine’, ‘ur dad’, ‘falling short’, and ‘apathy’.
New York pianist and composer Kelly Moran has issued Moves in the Field, her first new album in six years, via Warp. It finds Moran working with a Disklavier player piano, “a special instrument that allows you to record your performance for the piano to play back on its own,” as she explained. “The Disklavier allowed me to record multiple layers of my playing so I could create music on the piano that would require more fingers or greater endurance than I physically have – like chords that had more than 10 notes in them, or chords that were spaced out farther than my hands could stretch,” Moran added. “Sometimes I’d record a pattern and then speed it up to play back faster than I could ever physically play. My imagination exploded at all the possibilities this instrument allowed me to create, and these explorations culminated in my new record, Moves in the Field.”
Sheryl Crow is back with a new album, Evolution. The follow-up to 2019’s Threads was produced by Mike Elizondo and includes the promotional singles ‘Alarm Clock’, ‘Evolution’, ‘Do It Again’, and ‘Digging in the Dirt’. “Everything is more song oriented now with streaming, and making an album is a huge endeavor,” Crow said in a statement. “I started sending just a couple of demos to Mike, but the songs just kept flowing out of me and it was pretty obvious this was going to be an album.” She added: “This music and these lyrics came from sitting in the quiet and writing from a deep soul place. I said I’d never make another record, thought there was no point to it. But this music comes from my soul. And I hope whoever hears this record can feel that.”
Reyna Tropical, the project led by Los Angeles musician and She Shreds founder Fabi Reyna, has come out with its debut album, Malegría, via Sylvan Esso’s Psychic Hotline label. It includes the early singles ‘Catragena’, ‘Conocerla’, and ‘Conexión Ancestral’. “I’ve always wanted to have a home—a place or a sound or a person to go to—because I think our people, who are severed from our lands and our histories and our stories and our communities, have for generations not really known where to go,” Reyna explained in a press release. “There are times on stage where I can feel that my movement isn’t my movement. I can feel that I’m being moved by and I’m speaking for other people. I know in my body when my ancestors are there, when a decision is us.”
Other albums out today:
Shabazz Palaces, Exotic Birds of Prey; gglum, The Garden Dream; Sum 41, Heaven :x: Hell; Frail Body, Artificial Bouquet; Peel, Acid Star; Arushi Jain, Delight; The High Llamas, Hey Panda; A Country Western, Life on the Lawn; Blu DeTiger, All I Ever Want Is Everything; Gesaffelstein, GAMMA; Harmless, Springs Eternal; Machine Gun Kelly & Trippie Redd, Genre: Sadboy; The Church, Eros Zeta and the Perfumed Guitars; Bianca Scout, Pattern Damage.
Courting have dropped a new song, ‘Battle’, which was recorded during the sessions behind the band’s sophomore LP New Last Name. Listen to it below.
Today, the Liverpool four-piece have also released New Last Name on vinyl and CD; the album came out digitally in January. Check out our Artist Spotlight interview with Courting.
Sofia Bolt has teamed up with Stella Donnelly for ‘Bus Song’, the latest offering from her sophomore album Vendredi Minuit. Listen to it below.
Vendredi Minuit, the follow-up to 2019’s Waves, is set for release on May 10 on Born Losers. It was led by the track ‘Go Away’. Stella Donnelly last released Flood in 2022.
Kings of Leon have released a new single called ‘Split Screen’. It’s taken from their forthcoming album Can We Please Have Fun, following lead single ‘Mustang’. Check it out below.
“We like this song,” the band shared in a statement. “We thought the fans would like it too. ‘Split Screen’ may give people a little insight into the depth of the album, coming off of hearing ‘Mustang.’”
Can We Please Have Fun arrives on May 10 via Capitol Records.
Over the past few years, online gaming has witnessed a remarkable evolution, especially in slot games. Originating in the vibrant era of the 1990s alongside the start of online casinos, these games have transcended entertainment to become the heartbeat of the digital casino experience such as aboutslots big wins.
Today, they stand at the pinnacle of popularity within the gambling industry, captivating players with their dynamic gameplay and amazing themes.
Modern online slots have transformed, adopting cutting-edge technologies to deliver an amazing experience.
From mesmerizing video graphics to spellbinding 3D animations and many enticing themes, these games have mastered the art of engaging players of various tastes and preferences.
The appeal of slots lies not only in their visual splendor but also in their inherent simplicity and rapid-paced action, making them a cherished choice among seasoned casino fans and newcomers alike.
If you’re undertaking your maiden voyage into slot gaming, guiding the vast sea of options can be overwhelming. But fear not—we’re here to guide you through this exciting adventure and help you discover the perfect game to kickstart your game of online slots.
The Best Online Slot Games For Beginners
Finding the right games can be daunting for newcomers stepping into online casinos. Among the many options available, slot games are an excellent starting point. Their simplicity, the thrill of spinning reels, and the potential for big wins make them an attractive choice for beginners.
If you’re new to online casinos and looking for the best slot games to try your luck, you’re in the right place. This section will introduce you to the real-money online slot games tailored for new players, providing an exciting yet accessible gaming experience.
1. Starburst
First on our list is Starburst, a timeless classic developed by NetEnt. Known for its vibrant colors, sparkling jewels, and simple gameplay, Starburst has captured the hearts of countless players since its release.
The game features five reels, three rows, and 10 paylines, making it easy to understand even for those new to slot gaming. What sets Starburst apart is its innovative expanding wild feature, where wild symbols expand to cover the entire reel, triggering responses for potential big wins. With its mesmerizing visuals and straightforward mechanics, Starburst offers an engaging introduction to online slots.
2. Gonzo’s Quest
Next up is Gonzo’s Quest, an adventure-themed slot from NetEnt that takes players on a quest for ancient treasures in the jungles of South America. What makes Gonzo’s Quest particularly appealing to new players is its unique Avalanche feature, where symbols fall into place rather than spinning on reels.
The winning symbols explode whenever a winning combination occurs, allowing new symbols to fall into their place for potential consecutive wins. This cascading mechanic adds extra excitement to the gameplay, keeping players on the edge. With stunning visuals, immersive sound effects, and an exciting storyline, Gonzo’s Quest offers an unforgettable gaming experience for beginners.
3. Book of Ra Deluxe
For those intrigued by the mystique of ancient Egypt, Book of Ra Deluxe is the perfect slot game to embark on an archaeological adventure. Developed by Novomatic, this popular slot features five reels, three rows, and 10 adjustable paylines, all adorned with symbols reminiscent of ancient Egyptian culture. The highlight of Book of Ra Deluxe is its bonus feature, where landing three or more Book of Ra symbols triggers 10 free spins with a special expanding symbol.
This expanding symbol can cover entire reels, leading to lucrative payouts and thrilling gameplay. With its captivating theme and rewarding bonus rounds, Book of Ra Deluxe is ideal for beginners seeking excitement and potential riches.
4. Mega Moolah
Without mentioning Mega Moolah, the renowned progressive jackpot slot from Microgaming, no list of top slot games would be complete. Loved by players worldwide for its massive jackpot prizes, Mega Moolah offers an unparalleled opportunity for beginners to strike it rich. The game features a cheerful African safari theme, wild animals, and vibrant graphics.
What sets Mega Moolah apart is its four-tiered progressive jackpot, including the coveted Mega Jackpot, which frequently reaches multimillion-dollar sums. While the base game offers entertaining gameplay with wilds, scatters, and free spins, the jackpot wheel bonus game promises life-changing wins. With its potential for astronomical payouts and straightforward mechanics, Mega Moolah is a must-try for new players seeking the thrill of chasing jackpots.
5. Bonanza
Rounding off our list is Bonanza, a dynamic slot game from Big Time Gaming that takes players on a mining adventure searching for precious gems and gold. What sets Bonanza apart is its innovative Megaways mechanic, where the number of symbols on each reel varies with every spin, offering up to 117,649 ways to win.
This dynamic gameplay, cascading reels, and unlimited win multipliers during free spins create an electrifying gaming experience that keeps players returning for more. With its fast-paced action and potential for massive payouts, Bonanza is a top choice for new players looking for excitement and rewards in equal measure.
Final Thoughts: Best Real Money Slots to Play Online in 2024
Choosing the right slot games can be daunting if you’re new to online casinos. However, you can greatly enhance your gaming experience and have fun with the right guidance.
Therefore, we highlighted the top five slot games perfect for new players in the articles mentioned above. These games offer a wide range of themes, from classic to innovative, and are sure to satisfy all your slot gaming needs.
Also, the timeless charm of Starburst, the adventure of Gonzo’s Quest, the futuristic world of Immortal Romance, the thrilling gameplay of Blood Suckers, and the jackpot potential of Mega Moolah – these games provide an accessible yet exhilarating introduction to the world of online slots.
So, don’t hesitate any longer. Get in to spin the reels of these top slot games and discover the excitement and entertainment that await you.
If you appreciate the vibrant ambiance of traditional casinos but prefer the convenience of staying indoors, Live casinos provide an ideal choice. Playing live casino games offers an exhilarating blend of conventional casino excitement and the convenience of online gambling. But many beginners don’t know how to play Live dealer games.
It is quite simple: by leveraging advanced live streaming technology, players can engage with real dealers and fellow gamers in real time. Players must select a reputable online casino and create an account. After depositing funds, they can navigate to the live casino section and choose from various games such as blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker.
Interacting with the live dealer through a user-friendly interface, players can place bets and make decisions just as they would in a physical casino. In this article, we will learn about how you can play Live casino games and how these casinos work.
How to Access and Play Live Casino Games?
Accessing and playing live casino games offers an immersive and thrilling experience that combines the convenience of online gambling with the authentic atmosphere of a traditional casino. Here’s a guide on how to access and play live casino games:
Choose a Reputable Online Casino: Select a reputable online casino offering live dealer games. Ensure the casino is licensed and regulated to guarantee a safe and fair gaming experience.
Create an Account: Register an account with the chosen online casino by providing your personal details. Make sure to verify your account as required by the casino’s regulations.
Make a Deposit: Once your account is set up, deposit funds into your account using one of the available payment methods. Most online casinos accept various payment options, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and cryptocurrencies.
Navigate to the Live Casino Section: Once your account is funded, navigate to the live casino section of the website or app. Live dealer games are typically housed in their own section separate from the standard casino games.
Choose Your Game: Browse through the available live casino games and choose the one you want to play. Popular live dealer games include blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and poker variants.
Join a Table: Select your preferred table based on your betting limits and the game variant. Live casino games usually offer a range of betting options to accommodate players of all budgets.
Interact with the Dealer: Once you join a table, you’ll be connected to a live dealer via high-definition video streaming. You can interact with the dealer through a chat function, and they will respond verbally or through the game interface. If you want to learn more about the rewards and bonuses provided by Live casinos, you can check this source.
Place Your Bets: Use the virtual interface to place your bets just like you would in a physical casino. The dealer will then conduct the game in real time, and you can watch the action unfold live.
Collect Your Winnings: If you win, your winnings will be automatically credited to your casino account. You can then choose to continue playing or cash out your winnings.
How Do Live Casino Games Work?
Live casino games work by combining the convenience of online gambling with the immersive experience of playing in a brick-and-mortar casino. Here’s how they operate:
Live Streaming Technology: Live casino games utilize advanced live streaming technology to broadcast real-time footage of professional dealers hosting the games from a studio or a land-based casino. Players can watch the action unfold via their computer or mobile device.
Interactive Interface: Players interact with the game through a user-friendly interface that allows them to place bets, make decisions, and communicate with the dealer and other players via live chat.
Real Dealers: Each live casino game is hosted by a real dealer who manages the game just like they would in a traditional casino. Dealers are professionally trained and provide an authentic and engaging experience for players.
Virtual Betting: Players use virtual chips to place their bets on the outcome of the game, such as the result of a card hand in blackjack or the number on which the roulette ball will land. The virtual interface mirrors the layout of a physical casino table.
Random Number Generators (RNGs): While live casino games feature real dealers and physical equipment, the outcome of each game is still determined by RNGs to ensure fairness. Independent auditors regularly test and certify RNGs to guarantee random and unbiased results.
Final Words: Playing Live Casino Games
In summary, live casino games offer an unmatched gaming experience, blending the authenticity of traditional casinos with the convenience of online platforms. With real-time interaction with professional dealers and other players, supported by advanced technology, players can fully immerse themselves in the excitement of the casino from anywhere.
Whether it’s the anticipation of the next card in blackjack or the spin of the roulette wheel, live casino games provide endless entertainment for players of all preferences and skill levels.
If you miss traditional casinos’ fun and happening environment, you must try live dealer games to relive the thrill. We hope this article will help you get all the information you sought.
Cowboy Carter has arrived. Continuing the three-act trilogy Beyoncé launched with 2022’s Renaissance, the 27-track LP features the singles 
Chastity Belt have released their latest album, 
Ride have returned with a new album, 
VIAL
New York pianist and composer Kelly Moran has issued 
Sheryl Crow is back with a new album, 
Reyna Tropical, the project led by Los Angeles musician and She Shreds founder Fabi Reyna, has come out with its debut album, 
