If you’re seriously thinking about finding a Ukrainian bride, there’s a good chance you’re wondering: how much is this really going to cost me? Not just the flights or a one-time dating site fee, but everything. From the moment you sign up on a dating platform to the day you (hopefully) say “I do,” what should you realistically expect to spend?
The short answer? It’s not cheap. But also not insane if you plan wisely. We’ve broken it all down into categories so you can see exactly where your money might go—and where you can save.
1. Online Dating Sites: What You’ll Pay to Chat
Let’s start with dating sites because the Ukrainian brides profiles are what most men begin to browse when searching for a partner. These platforms usually work on a credit-based system. You buy credits or coins and use them to message, chat, send gifts, or video call.
On average, expect to spend between $150 and$400 per month if you chat regularly. The cost depends on how much you use features like live chat, video calls, or sending virtual and real gifts. Prices vary widely across platforms, but most charge per interaction, not per month.
Some men choose to invest more in the early stages, especially if they’re talking to multiple women or using video chat often. Others keep it minimal—focusing on deeper conversations with just one or two women and avoiding flashy add-ons.
How to save: Skip virtual gifts. They usually don’t add much value. Limit expensive features like video or voice calls until you’re sure the connection is strong. And be strategic with your first messages so you’re not burning through credits too quickly on dead-end chats.
What you can skip to save: Avoid sending virtual gifts, limit video calls unless things are serious, and make your first few messages count so you don’t end up spending $100 just getting to know someone who’s not a match.
2. Travel Expenses: Getting There (and Back Again)
At some point, if things go well, you’re going to want to meet in person. Ukraine isn’t exactly around the corner, so travel costs matter.
Here’s a rough breakdown of a one-week trip for one person to Ukraine:
Round-trip flight from the U.S. to Ukraine (or nearby country like Poland or Romania if flights to Ukraine are suspended): $700–$1,200
Hotel stay (7 nights): $40–100/night = $280–$700
Food & dining: $20/day = $140
Transportation (taxis, trains): $100
Dates & entertainment: $200–400 (depending on how fancy you go)
Estimated total: Around $1,500–$2,500 for a 7-day trip
That’s for a moderate trip. If you want to go all-out or travel more than once, expect to spend more. Some guys also choose to take their date to a neutral country for the first meeting, like Turkey or Czechia, which comes with its own price tag.
3. Gifts and Surprises: How Much Is Too Much?
Sending gifts is a nice gesture, especially when you’re building trust and showing genuine interest. But do you have to send flowers or teddy bears every other week? Absolutely not. Still, many men do spend on virtual and real gifts, especially if the platform makes it easy—and tempting.
Here’s what gifting might cost:
Virtual gifts: Usually range from $2 to $10 (but often feel a little meaningless, especially to Westerners)
Real gifts: Flowers, chocolates, or perfumes delivered to her door can cost $50 to $150 per item
High-end gestures: iPhones, jewelry, designer bags—yes, some sites offer these, and yes, they can run up to $500 or more
Gifts aren’t a requirement. But once you start getting serious, sending one real, thoughtful gift might mean more than a dozen emoji-laden teddy bear icons.
Estimated spend: Anywhere from $0 to $500+, depending on how extra you feel.
4. Visa and Legal Paperwork: The Final Hurdle
Let’s say things go really well, and you both decide to get married and live together in the U.S. (or your home country). Congrats! But now comes the less romantic part: government paperwork.
If you plan to bring your Ukrainian bride to the U.S., here’s what you’re looking at:
K-1 Fiancée visa filing: $535 (USCIS filing fee)
Medical exam: Around $200–300 (depends on country)
Embassy interview fees: ~$265
Translation and document fees: $100–200
Attorney (optional but helpful): $1,000–2,500
Estimated total: $1,100–3,500 depending on how much you handle yourself versus outsource
It’s not a huge number compared to wedding costs or years of rent, but it’s definitely something you need to plan ahead for. You don’t want your immigration paperwork to stall your relationship.
5. Wedding Costs: If You Go All the Way
This one’s a wildcard. Do you have a small ceremony in Ukraine with her family? A big bash in the U.S.? Both?
Here are a few versions:
Simple civil ceremony in Ukraine: $300–500
Moderate wedding in Ukraine (restaurant, dress, photographer): $2,000–4,000
Wedding in the U.S.: $5,000–15,000+ depending on the venue, guests, and how Pinterest-crazy you go
Some couples split the difference: one ceremony abroad, one celebration at home later. Either way, factor in the costs.
You might also need to fly her family in for a second ceremony—which adds more airfare and hotel costs to the bill.
Estimated total: Anywhere from $500 to $15,000+
6. Hidden Costs and Emotional Budgeting
Now let’s talk about the sneaky stuff—the costs that aren’t listed on any site or embassy form. The emotional investment, the time off work, the extra coffees while waiting for her to reply, the late-night video calls that make you zombie-walk through the next morning’s meeting.
You might pay for:
Gifts for her family when you visit (very common in Ukraine): $100–200
Extra clothes or grooming because, yes, you’ll want to look your best
Cultural prep: buying books, language learning apps, or even a short course on Slavic etiquette
Time off work to travel, handle paperwork, or just recover from jet lag
These don’t always show up on your credit card bill, but they’re real. The smartest approach is to not just budget money—budget energy and patience too.
Estimated total: $0–$1,000+ depending on how you roll and how much you prepare for that.
Final Thoughts: So… How Much Does It Really Cost?
If you add it all up, here’s a rough estimate of what a full journey might look like:
Dating sites (6 months average): $900–2,400
Travel (1–2 trips): $1,500–5,000
Gifts: $100–500 (or more if you’re generous)
Visa and legal: $1,100–3,500
Wedding(s): $500–15,000+
Hidden stuff: $0–1,000
Total range: Around $4,000 to $27,000+
That might sound like a lot, but consider this: people in your hometown spend that on weddings alone, or even on luxury honeymoons. This isn’t just about money—it’s about the life you’re building. And like any relationship, it’s an investment.
Just make sure it’s with the right person—because that’s the only part that really can’t be refunded.
Mobile gaming is transforming the casino landscape, bringing excitement to your fingertips. With the rise of intuitive apps and mobile-friendly browsers, players now enjoy unprecedented access to their favorite games. Big clash casino stands at the forefront, embracing these innovations for an unmatched gaming experience.
The digital revolution has drastically altered how we engage with entertainment, and the casino industry is no exception. Big clash casino continues to benefit from these changes, as mobile gaming’s surge in popularity is reshaping player habits, offering a level of convenience that traditional platforms can’t match. As more players seek flexibility and ease of access, mobile platforms are becoming indispensable in delivering top-notch gaming experiences.
The Mobile Gaming Revolution
Mobile gaming is no longer just a trend; it’s a significant shift that caters to modern players’ lifestyles. Big clash casino has also contributed to this ongoing transformation. With smartphones now ubiquitous, people are seeking entertainment options that fit seamlessly into their daily routines. This change has led casinos to adapt quickly, focusing on creating experiences that are as engaging on a small screen as they are on desktops. The ease of accessing games anytime and anywhere is a primary driver behind this movement.
Big Clash Casino exemplifies this shift by offering a platform optimized for mobile play, ensuring users have a seamless experience whether they’re commuting or lounging at home. The transition to mobile gaming has not only improved accessibility but also enhanced user satisfaction by providing uninterrupted play and immediate access to favorite titles. This evolution highlights the growing importance of flexibility in meeting player needs.
As more individuals turn to their phones for entertainment, the demand for high-quality mobile gaming experiences continues to grow. Big clash casino remains a key contender in meeting these evolving demands. Casinos like Big Clash are focusing on optimizing performance and usability to keep up with this demand. It’s clear that mobile platforms will continue to dominate the casino industry as players prioritize convenience and accessibility.
User Preferences And Accessibility
Understanding player preferences is crucial in shaping the future of mobile gaming. Big clash casino meets these expectations by ensuring its platform delivers both speed and reliability. The ability to play on-the-go transforms casual moments into opportunities for entertainment, appealing especially to those with busy lifestyles. Whether it’s during a commute or a quick break, having games readily available enhances the overall player experience.
Big Clash Casino has tapped into these preferences by ensuring its platform delivers both speed and reliability. The ability to play on-the-go transforms casual moments into opportunities for entertainment, appealing especially to those with busy lifestyles. Whether it’s during a commute or a quick break, having games readily available enhances the overall player experience.
This focus on accessibility reflects broader trends within the industry as casinos recognize the need to adapt to changing consumer behaviors. By prioritizing user-friendly designs and efficient performance, platforms like Big Clash are setting new standards in mobile gaming.
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The aesthetics and functionality of a mobile platform significantly impact player engagement and satisfaction. Intuitive design elements ensure that users can navigate games effortlessly, enhancing their overall experience. For casinos like Big Clash, incorporating sleek graphics and responsive interfaces is crucial in maintaining player interest.
Performance also plays a critical role; lag or crashes can deter users from returning. Therefore, optimizing for smooth gameplay is essential for retaining players who expect seamless experiences akin to those on desktop platforms. These improvements are not just about aesthetics but also about reliability and speed.
As technology continues to evolve, so too does the potential for enriching mobile gaming experiences. Platforms must continually innovate in design and functionality to remain competitive and meet player expectations effectively.
As festivals continue to draw massive crowds, one trend that has gained significant traction is the rise of nicotine-free vapes, especially those made from real fruit juice. Festival goers, always on the lookout for new experiences, are increasingly turning to these healthier alternatives for a fun and flavorful way to enjoy a vape.
Among the numerous brands popping up, Blakk Smoke has set itself apart by offering a unique vaping experience that replaces traditional tobacco and nicotine with refreshing fruit-infused liquids.
But what is it about these nicotine-free vapes that festival goers love? In this post, we’ll explore the reasons why this trend has become so popular and why Blakk Smoke is leading the way.
Why Fans Love Blakk Smoke
Blakk Smoke has become a fan favorite for several compelling reasons. Here’s why festival goers are flocking to these nicotine-free vapes:
Healthier Alternative: Unlike traditional vape pens and hookah devices, Blakk Smoke is free from nicotine, tobacco, and other addictive substances. This makes it a healthier option for those looking to reduce their exposure to harmful chemicals commonly found in smoking and vaping products.
Real Fruit Juice Flavors: Blakk Smoke uses only real fruit juice in its vapes, offering a rich and authentic flavor experience. This natural approach to vaping not only enhances taste but also eliminates the artificial chemicals typically found in most vape pens.
No Charging Required: One of the standout features of Blakk Smoke is its convenience. The devices are disposable and do not require any charging, making them perfect for festival-goers who need a hassle-free vaping experience.
Breath-Activated Technology: With its innovative breath-activated design, Blakk Smoke makes the vaping experience smooth and easy. There’s no need to press any buttons or deal with complicated settings; simply inhale, and the vape automatically activates, releasing a burst of flavor with each puff.
LED Lights for a Vibrant Experience: Each puff from a Blakk Smoke device is accompanied by an LED light, adding a fun, colorful element to the vaping experience. This small detail makes it a perfect accessory for festival vibes, where atmosphere and style are just as important as the product itself.
A Little About Blakk Smoke
Blakk Smoke has revolutionized the vaping world with its commitment to health, flavor, and convenience. Unlike traditional vapes that often rely on nicotine and synthetic chemicals, Blakk Smoke uses real fruit juices to create vibrant and enjoyable flavors. These hookah pens are disposable, so there’s no need for recharging or refilling, making them ideal for on-the-go use at festivals and events.
What sets Blakk Smoke apart is its patented design, which integrates breath-activated technology. This allows the user to enjoy a smooth, seamless experience with every puff. Moreover, the device’s LED lights provide an extra touch of flair, elevating the aesthetic of any festival or social setting. With its emphasis on quality and user experience, Blakk Smoke is not just another vape; it’s a statement of fun and healthy enjoyment.
Advantages of Nicotine-Free Vaping
Vaping, as an alternative to smoking, has already carved out a space in the wellness community. But the growing popularity of nicotine-free vapes is taking it one step further. Here are some key advantages of choosing nicotine-free vaping:
Reduced Health Risks: Traditional vaping devices often contain nicotine and various harmful chemicals that can contribute to addiction and long-term health problems. Nicotine-free vapes, such as those offered by Blakk Smoke, provide a much safer alternative. As Neal Benowitz, a professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco, notes, “We know that vaping does help some people stop smoking; they switch from smoking to vaping. For those people, I think there’s a very clear health benefit.”
No Addiction: One of the main concerns with traditional vapes and cigarettes is the addictive nature of nicotine. Nicotine-free options eliminate this risk, making them a perfect choice for those looking to avoid addiction while still enjoying the sensory pleasures of vaping.
Better Flavor: Nicotine-free vapes often focus more on the flavors themselves rather than masking them with nicotine. Blakk Smoke, for example, uses real fruit juices to create natural, rich flavors that enhance the overall experience. The use of high-quality ingredients makes each puff feel more satisfying.
Non-Tobacco: Traditional hookah pens and cigarettes are often laced with tobacco, which contains numerous harmful substances. Blakk Smoke eliminates this by using fruit-infused liquids, providing a healthier option for those who still enjoy the ritual of smoking or vaping but want to avoid tobacco’s negative effects.
Enhanced Social Experience: Many festival-goers enjoy using vaping as a way to socialize and unwind. With nicotine-free options like Blakk Smoke, people can enjoy the communal aspect of vaping without worrying about the negative side effects or addiction risks associated with nicotine.
The Future of Vaping: Moving Toward Healthier Alternatives
As the vaping industry evolves, many users are turning to healthier alternatives to traditional nicotine-filled products. The rise of nicotine-free vapes is a direct response to growing concerns about the long-term health effects of nicotine addiction and tobacco use. Nicotine-free vapes, such as Blakk Smoke, offer users the chance to enjoy the sensory experience of vaping without the harmful side effects. This trend aligns with the growing focus on wellness and healthier lifestyles, especially among younger, more health-conscious consumers.
Lynn Kozlowski, a psychologist, emphasizes the importance of switching to vaping as a healthier alternative to smoking: “If you’re trying to reduce the harm that you face, switch completely exclusively to vaping and don’t touch a cigarette ever again.” While the jury is still out on the long-term health effects of vaping, opting for nicotine-free alternatives can undoubtedly be seen as a step in the right direction.
The Blakk Smoke Experience at Festivals
For festival-goers, Blakk Smoke has quickly become a favorite due to its ease of use, refreshing flavors, and vibrant LED lighting. Its disposable nature means there’s no need to worry about carrying around extra accessories or charging devices. Just grab your Blakk Smoke pen and enjoy it wherever the festival takes you. The blend of fruit juice and innovative technology makes for a fun, flavor-packed experience that fits perfectly with the lively festival atmosphere.
Moreover, the breath-activated feature enhances the convenience factor, allowing users to enjoy a smooth puff with minimal effort. The added LED lights create a lively, party-like atmosphere with every pull, making Blakk Smoke a favorite for those looking to enhance their festival experience in a fun, memorable way.
Conclusion
In an era where health-conscious choices are becoming more prominent, Blakk Smoke offers festival-goers a chance to indulge in a fun, flavorful vaping experience without the risks of nicotine or tobacco. With its unique combination of real fruit juice, breath-activated technology, and a hassle-free, disposable design, it’s no surprise that Blakk Smoke is making waves in the vaping world. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a healthier alternative to traditional vapes or simply want to add a little extra flair to your festival experience, Blakk Smoke has quickly become a top choice for those in the know.
Watch bands are more than just accessories; they’re essential elements that bridge the gap between style and practicality. As we navigate our busy lives, the right watch band can elevate our outfit while providing the functionality we need. Whether it’s a sleek leather strap for a formal event or a durable silicone band for outdoor adventures, the choices are endless.
In today’s fashion landscape, watch bands have evolved into a statement piece that reflects our personal style. Options that deliver timeless style with premium watch bands give wearers the chance to showcase individuality while ensuring their timepieces remain comfortable and secure. By understanding the role of watch bands, we can make informed choices that enhance both our wardrobe and our daily routines. Let’s explore how these versatile accessories seamlessly blend fashion and function, making them a must-have in any collection.
The Evolution of Watch Bands
Watch bands have transformed significantly over time, reflecting both technological advancements and changing fashion sensibilities. This evolution showcases how these accessories blend style and functionality.
Historical Overview
Initially, watch bands consisted of simple leather straps or metal chains designed purely for practicality. These early bands prioritized durability, often made from materials like brass or leather sourced from local artisans. As time progressed, the introduction of synthetic materials in the 20th century, such as nylon and rubber, diversified options further. The 1970s marked the popularity of quartz watches, leading to innovative band designs that combined modern aesthetics with enhanced comfort. This decade paved the way for various styles, from sporty to elegant, appealing to diverse consumer preferences.
Modern Trends
Currently, watch bands exhibit a dynamic mix of materials and designs. High-tech options like smartwatches feature interchangeable bands, allowing users to switch styles easily for different occasions. Sustainable materials, such as recycled plastics and vegan leather, have gained traction, aligning with the eco-conscious mindset of consumers. Personalization is key, as manufacturers offer customizable colors and patterns to reflect individual tastes. The rise of athleisure has also influenced designs, incorporating breathable fabrics and adjustable closures, blending function with everyday fashion.
Fashion Aspects of Watch Bands
Watch bands serve not just as functional components of timekeeping but also as bold fashion statements. We explore how material choices and design styles contribute to this intersection of fashion and function.
Material Choices
Materials play a crucial role in the fashion aspect of watch bands. We see options like leather, providing a classic, sophisticated look suitable for formal occasions. Silicone bands offer vibrant colors and durability, appealing to those engaged in active lifestyles. Metal options, ranging from stainless steel to titanium, add a touch of elegance and sturdiness, perfect for both casual and dressy looks. Additionally, eco-friendly materials, such as recycled plastics and organic fabrics, reflect our modern values while serving style purposes. Each material not only enhances visual appeal but also affects comfort and functionality, catering to diverse fashion preferences.
Design Styles
Design styles of watch bands encompass a wide array of aesthetics. We encounter minimalist designs that promote simplicity, often complemented by clean lines and subtle tones. Conversely, intricate patterns and bold colors cater to those seeking a statement piece. Sporty styles with features like perforated ventilation provide comfort during physical activities while maintaining a trendy look. Moreover, customizable watch bands allow for personalization, enabling us to express our individuality. Vintage-inspired options also resurface, connecting past styles with contemporary trends, demonstrating the timeless nature of watch bands in fashion.
Functional Attributes of Watch Bands
Watch bands enhance both functionality and style, providing essential attributes for everyday use and specific activities. Their design affects not only how we present ourselves but also how we experience comfort and durability throughout the day.
Durability and Comfort
Durability defines a watch band’s ability to withstand daily wear, while comfort impacts its ease of use. We find materials like stainless steel and leather offer robust longevity, resisting scratches and tears. Conversely, silicone and nylon straps provide lightweight options that are soft against the skin, enhancing wearability. Adjustability in design caters to personal preferences, ensuring a secure fit. Specifically, popular brands utilize features like moisture-wicking fabric and breathable designs to enhance comfort, making these bands ideal for a variety of environments.
Features for Active Lifestyles
Active lifestyles demand watch bands that combine function with resilience. We appreciate bands designed for sports, equipped with features like quick-release mechanisms for easy swapping. Waterproof materials, such as rubber and silicone, resist damage from sweat and water exposure. Additionally, integrated fitness trackers in smartwatch bands provide real-time health monitoring. Adjustable lengths accommodate fluctuations in wrist sizes during workouts. Reflective strips enhance visibility during nighttime activities, ensuring safety alongside performance.
The Intersection of Fashion and Function
We explore how watch bands serve as a crucial intersection of style and practicality, reflecting the evolving needs and preferences of consumers.
Popular Brands
Brands like Apple and Fitbit exemplify the fusion of fashion and function in their watch bands. Apple’s selection includes leather, silicone, and stainless-steel options, catering to both formal and casual styles. Fitbit offers sporty bands made from durable materials that resist wear and tear during physical activities. Garmin emphasizes functionality with its rugged designs suited for outdoor adventures. Each brand understands consumer demand for stylish yet practical solutions, leading to innovative designs that enhance both usability and wardrobe aesthetics.
Consumer Preferences
Consumer preferences for watch bands showcase a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional features. Many users prioritize comfort and durability, seeking materials like silicone for active lifestyles or leather for a polished look. Customization options attract consumers, allowing for personal expression through color and style combinations. Sustainability also influences choices, with an increasing number of consumers opting for eco-friendly materials. Ultimately, these preferences drive brands to innovate and offer a range of stylish, functional options that meet diverse needs and occasions.
Yesterday, Taylor Swift announced her new album, The Life of a Showgirl. She shared the title of the record in a teaser for the latest episode of New Heights, the podcast her boyfriend Travis Kelce hosts with his brother Jason. The cover artwork was blurred out, but now that the full episode is out, she’s revealed it along with the release date and tracklist.
The Life of a Showgirl, the follow-up to 2024’s The Tortured Poets Department, will be released on October 3. Its 12 tracks feature production from Max Martin, Shellback, and Swift herself, while Sabrina Carpenter appears on one song. Ahead of the announcement, Swift shared a Spotify playlist comprising 22 songs of hers that were produced by Martin and Shellback.
The Life of a Showgirl Cover Artwork:
The Life of a Showgirl Tracklist:
1. The Fate of Ophelia
2. Elizabeth Taylor
3. Opalite
4. Father Figure
5. Eldest Daughter
6. Ruin The Friendship
7. Actually Romantic
8. Wi$h Li$t
9. Wood
10. CANCELLED!
11. Honey
12. The Life Of A Showgirl [feat. Sabrina Carpenter]
There’s so much music coming out all the time that it’s hard to keep track. On those days when the influx of new tracks is particularly overwhelming, we sift through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most interesting new releases (the best of which will be added to our Best New Songs playlist). Below, check out our track roundup for Wednesday, August 13, 2025.
David Byrne – ‘The Avant Garde’
David Byrne is pretty upfront about the subjects of his songs in his Who Is the Sky? singles. After ‘Everybody Laughs’ and ‘She Explains Things To Me’, we get to hear his thoughts on ‘The Avant Garde’. “Some people will hear this and say, ‘David is calling bullshit on his friends’, but it’s more nuanced than that,” Byrne explained. “Anyone who knows me knows that I go to plenty of shows that might be classified as avant-garde or experimental. Edgy and untraditional work is hugely inspiring to me, as it often changes the way I think and influences what I do (without me simply appropriating the ideas, I hope).”
“That said, trying something unproven and radically new is risky,” he continued. “Sometimes, as with anything risky, it doesn’t quite hit the bullseye. There’s no guarantee that it will achieve what it aims to do, but when it does, the emotional and intellectual rewards are worth it. That is the risk one takes while making something new and unconventional. So yes, there are times when it doesn’t mean shit, but often there are times when something wholly original comes into being and it’s all worth it. I love that the Ghost Train folks and Kid Harpoon took what could have been a fairly conventional song I’d written (musically at least), and steered it into something that to me sounds like Led Zeppelin meets Dirty Projectors.”
Alexa Rose – ‘Where the Magic Lives’
It’s been four years since Alexa Rose’s last full-length, Headwaters, which earned her an Artist Spotlight feature. Today, she’s announcing a new record, Atmosphere, out October 31 on First City Artists, with the gorgeous and searching ‘Where the Magic Lives’. “Have you ever been in some situation you should be enjoying but somehow just can’t? It’s happened to me at the best concerts and under the starriest skies. This song is about fighting to find enchantment again, and making peace with the time that feels lost. I was thinking a lot about growing up in the early aughts, before I always had a phone in my pocket, and how I felt a curiosity about the world that couldn’t be answered with a quick Google search. Sometimes I think leaving a little mystery is what we need to be able to run towards those dreams, to let ourselves bask in a question before we know the answer.”
Skullcrusher – ‘March’
You can take a breath between every piano chord on Skullcrusher’s new single, ‘March’. On first listen, I felt like doing that intuitively, until I was struck by Helen Ballentine’s emotive lyrics, the way she stretches the words beautiful and terrible. “‘March’ is like a confession,” Ballentine reflected. “It felt like surrendering myself to the things I’ve lost, the things I don’t understand, the confrontation of life & responsibility. While I reflect on things, familiar situations take different forms. I make a friend cry as I play them my song, I make them cry because I said something hurtful. There is beauty and terror in the unknown.”
Eliza McLamb – ‘Every Year’
Don’t let the shiny indie rock of ‘Every Year’, Eliza McLamb’s latest single, distract you from its fantastic lyrics. “My stories kept me safe but now I understand/ A story is a lifeboat and sometimes there is land/ You can get out, tie your story to the dock/ Now there’s so much more you can think about,” she sings. The song, McLamb explained, “is the thesis of the record. It provides the context that every other song lives in.”
Asher White – ‘Cobalt Room: Good Work / Silver Saab’
Asher White has unveiled ‘Cobalt Room: Good Work / Silver Saab’, an ambitious 7-minute single from her forthcoming LP 8 Tips For Full Catastrophe Living. Both jazzy and jagged, White has this to say about it: “It’s the sequential sum of what I was listening to and reading at the time. I was interested in pulling every idea to its extreme. Because it’s just me recording, I can pursue the most whimsical, outrageous aspects of the music. What would be the funniest or most cartoonish place to take this? And how can I make that rewarding still?”
King Princess – ‘Girls’
King Princess has shared ‘Girls’, the stormy third single from her upcoming album Girl Violence, and also at the heart of it. “Girl violence is very sneaky,” Mikaela Straus said in a statement. “It’s not physical, it’s deeply emotional, spiritual, and spooky. Women are both amazing and sinister — including myself — and it’s my curiosity to understand all the love, loss, and changes that come out of my love for women. Why are we so inclined to cause and receive chaos?”
Chrissie Hynde – ‘Always on My Mind’ [feat. Rufus Wainwright]
Chrissie Hynde’s new duets album features the Killers’ Brandon Flowers, Julian Lennon, Cat Power, Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan, Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Low’s Alan Sparhawk, Garbage’s Shirley Manson, Lucinda Williams, the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, and the late Mark Lanegan. Today’s announcement comes with the release of her take on the classic ‘Always on My Mind’ featuring Rufus Wainwright.
Miya Folick – ‘Elton John’
Miya Folick has released ‘Elton John’, a heart-wrenching single from the deluxe edition of her latest LP Erotica Veronica. “After my dad died, I spent the following weeks at my parents’ house, getting used to the idea of calling it ‘mom’s house’ and helping her plan the funeral,” she explained. “The first time I came back up to LA, I drove aimlessly through the city, listening to music and crying. I felt the presence of my dad as a young man, living in Los Angeles just like me, loving music just like me. We were different in many ways, but my dad and I could always connect through music. When I had a show at the Troubadour, my dad was excited because he’d been going there since he was a teenager. He liked talking about how he saw Elton John play there in 1970. What an iconic moment. What a part of music history. That’s where the title and the idea of this song comes from. “Elton John” is a song about grief and Los Angeles, and how the people we love are so richly present after we lose them.”
Shame – ‘Spartak’
Shame keep toying with different genres on their Cutthroat singles, and ‘Sparktak’ is pretty countrified. According to guitarist Sean Coyle-Smith, it came about as he “was basically trying to write a Wilco song.” Charlie Steen added: “I guess this disdain towards cliques comes from how shit I was made to feel by the cool kids growing u. I was a chubby teenager who liked the wrong type of music and wore the wrong type of clothes. It’s just another time I’d like to say fuck you to those people, and to anyone who makes someone feel shitty for not fitting in.”
Dance Gavin Dance have tapped Parliament-Funkadelic leader George Clinton for their new single, which is called ‘Space Cow Initiation Ritual’. It sounds like an odd team-up – until, that is, it actually gets funky. “Getting to work with an icon like George Clinton was surreal,” guitarist Will Swan commented. “It pushed us to dig deeper into the funk and find a balance between his iconic groove and our own post-hardcore edge. ‘Space Cow Initiation Ritual’ blends those worlds in a way that feels fresh but familiar – I think fans of both camps are gonna vibe with it.”
Agriculture – ‘The Weight’
“‘The Weight’ is part of a series of songs on the album that bears witness to queer life,” Leah Levinson said of the latest single from Agriculture’s The Spiritual Sound.” It was written reflecting on a particular month last year when so much seemed heightened. It seemed like many of my friends were being harassed in public—both verbally and physically—for being trans, for being queer, and/or for being women (it’s not always clear which). This was also a time when I was feeling a lot of love and a lot of community. I wanted this song and the songs around it to honestly reflect both these elements. I wanted to write about transness but didn’t want to rely on political aphorisms and indulgent images of suffering. I wanted to paint a holistic portrait of queer life.”
Constant Smiles – ‘Time Measured in Moonflowers’ [feat. Cassandra Jenkins]
Cassandra Jenkins lends her voic to ‘Time Measured in Moonflowers’, the gently swirling new single from Constant Smiles. Moonflowers, the New York project’s debut on Felte, arrives on November 7. “I became obsessed with The Wind Rises by Hayao Miyazaki and would watch it constantly,” Ben Jones explained. “Unlike his other films, this one felt much more direct, beautiful and meditative, but it took me a while to fully understand it. I was fascinated, so I kept coming back to it. The song grew out of that experience, built around the idea of riding inspiration when it comes, like the wind, letting it arrive naturally, take flight, and guide you.”
He added: “It’s also about how time slips through your fingers, how life moves like the wind, and the importance of appreciating it while you can. I was deeply inspired by the people around me, which is why I wanted to include so many of them on the track, people who have truly shaped me.”
“Cassandra’s music was a big influence on this record, so having her sing on it made perfect sense. I’ve looked up to P.G. Six since high school when I saw him perform for the first time it genuinely changed my path. Steven R. Smith has long been an inspiration, and I even had the chance to release one of his records on my own small label. Collaborators like Jen, Shahzad, Leon, and Adam Lipsky have all taught me so much.”
The Belair Lip Bombs – ‘Hey You’
The Belair Lip Bombs, who recently signed to Third Man Records, have announced their first album for the label, Again, out on Halloween. It’s led by the soaring and synthy new single ‘Hey You’. “Having a synth loop driving a whole song is something that we’ve never done before,” singer Maisie Everett said in a statement. Daniel “Dev” Devlin added, “We kind of leaned into that and pushed to make the scope of the song bigger than some of the other songs in the album.”
Fleshwater – ‘Last Escape’
Fleshwater have dropped a new single from their upcoming album, ‘Last Escape’, which rips. It follows 2000: In Search of the Endless Sky‘s equally good first single, ‘Jetpack’.
Beverly Glenn-Copeland – ‘What’s Going On’ and ‘Heal The Children’ (Marvin Gaye Covers)
Beverly Glenn-Copeland has covered two Marvin Gaye classics, making them sound as pertinent as ever. “Marvin Gaye was my teacher,” Glenn-Copeland shared. “Though I didn’t get the chance to meet him in this life, his untimely death broke my heart. I still listen and learn from his wisdom. Marvin’s music is prophetic, and his message of unity through love still rings true today. I’m honored to be covering these two deeply meaningful songs that captured the zeitgeist of a nation at a pivotal time in our shared history. Listen to his introspective lyrics. Dance to his soulful grooves. Get yourself alive in the hands of a master and heed his call.”
William Tyler – ‘Passport to Magonia’ and ‘Covert Services’ [feat. claire rousay]
As if releasing his mesmeric album Time Indefinite earlier this year and prepping a full-length collaboration with Four Tet wasn’t enough, William Tyler has shared two new tracks, the misty, claire rousay-featuring ‘Covert Services’ and ‘Passport to Magonia’. “I’ve been a fan of claire’s since discovering her music and have been grateful to develop a friendship,” Tyler shared. “I would like to think this track is our version of pop music, a little bit Stereolab, a little bit Burial.” He added of ‘Passport to Magonia’: “This song was recorded as an improvisation at The TANK in Rangely, Colorado, a singular place of remarkable reverb in the middle of nowhere western Colorado. The space itself is an abandoned seven story steel water tower. The title of this piece comes from the classic book on ancient alien folklore by Jacques Vallee.”
Guitar – ‘Pizza for Everyone’
Next week, Mac DeMarco will release his new album Guitar, which has nothing to do with the newly announced album from Portland’s Guitar, We’re Going to the Lake. Lead single ‘Pizza for Everyone’, though, has some of that slacker rock energy, with bandleader Saia Kuli explaining, “This song is both an epic non-sequitur rally cry and also about being broke and bored sitting on a couch.”
Neko Case – ‘Winchester Mansion of Sound’
Neko Case has previewed her forthcoming album Neon Grey Midnight Green with a new song, ‘Winchester Mansion of Sound’, a beautiful ballad that struck with me with the line, “Your gravity un-designs you all the time.” It was inspired by the ‘Down Down Baby’ nursery rhyme, the Robbie Basho song ‘Orphans’ Lament’, and Case’s late friend and collaborator Dexter Romweber of the Flat Duo Jets.
Drain – ‘Who’s Having Fun’
Sometimes you feel like you don’t have a partner, and sometimes you feel like you’re the only one who’s having fun. Drain make a great case for the latter on their new single, which is lifted from their upcoming album …Is Your Friend. “‘Who’s Having Fun?’ is summertime music written to be played really loud in the car with your friends and the windows down on a beautiful sunny day,” vocalist Sammy Ciaramitaro explained. “It’s what happens when you just write music that makes you feel happy and don’t really care about fitting into a box or meeting someone else’s genre criteria. DRAIN is gonna do whatever the hell we want. This was the first song that we wrote for this album — it started out as a pretty barebones punk rock song, but we kept adding little moments and flare and all the sudden we turned it into a badass song that truly encapsulates everything that DRAIN is. This song can be about whatever you want it to be — but I think when looking for the truth in life, a good rule of thumb is to ask yourself: Who’s Having Fun? Hopefully it’s you.”
Wicca Phase Springs Eternal – ‘Magic Moment’ and ‘Settler’s Bend’
Wicca Phase Springs Eternal has shared two more songs from his new album Mossy Oak Shadow. (Not to be confused with Cass McCombs’ Interior Live Oak, which is out this Friday; we’ll have to wait another month for this one). Adam Andrzejewski recorded them with producer/engineer Ben Greenberg (Depeche Mode, Drab Majesty, Show Me The Body), accompanied by just a drummer and keyboardist. If you told me they’re taken from Springsteen’s seemingly endless vault, I’d believe you.
Google Earth – ‘endless corridor’
John Vanderslice and James Riotto have a new Google Earth song out, ‘endless corridor’, from for Mac OS X 10.11. It’s groovy and off-kilter. “This is one of those songs that flows effortlessly but took 100 hours to tetris in,” Vanderslice shared. “It almost didn’t make the record until Andrew Maguire added percussion and a blurring of the lines between drum machine and live room recording! Like all Google Earth songs, most of the song was recorded by Jamie and me in a 2 hour improv session. We then built it out from there.”
“Years ago I got stoned and went to see Interstellar in IMAX, and before the movie there was a sort of demonstration of the Dolby Sound system with lots of groovy, very hi-fi, but also quite silly, percussion music,” Rioto added. “I actually think John was with me, and we laughed so hard in the theater as it played. Endless Corridor sort of reminds me of that music.”
Spite House – ’10 Days’
Montreal melodic hardcore band Spite House have dropped ’10 Days’, the second preview of their upcoming sophomore album Desertion. “’10 Days’ about the time I spent by my mom’s side in the hospital after we learned she had cancer,” vocalist/guitarist Max Lajoie explained. “She was gone 10 days after her diagnosis. The song captures what I felt for leaving her behind years earlier, for all the things I couldn’t do, for not being able to stop time.”
“I’m a material bitch,” Amaarae declares on ‘100DRUM’, “but I know the worth of a mind.” On ‘B2B’, she repeats the word “heart” more times than probably any body part mentioned on her new album. And yes, it’s called Black Star and Naomi Campbell appears on one song, but its best track is probably the PinkPantheress duet, which says a lot about its yearning emotionality. Black Star is as exuberant, reckless, and lavish as the Ghanaian American visionary’s major label debut, Fountain Baby, but it’s also mindful and sensitive as it expands on her globalist, Afrodiasporic vision of club music. The more time she spends in the club, the softer – yet no less inventive – her music becomes. You can get off a dozen different drugs, she knows, but no high can match that of a love that outlasts the rush.
1. Stuck Up
The opener frames Black Star as a clubbier record than its predecessor: buzzing, jagged, and outright funny. “If I fuck a bitch in a truck, hmm, did I put a 10 in a coma?” she quips, before declaring that her album “went Blackinum.” Black Star deserves the same recognition, and then some.
2. Starkilla [feat. Bree Runway and Starkillers]
Amaarae and Bree Runway repeat the words “ketamine, coke and molly” over a house beat on the chorus, offering little context beyond the fact they’re about to serve somebody. Their voices glitch in the background, part of a few subtle switches to an otherwise straightforward song. But the real twist, foreshadowed by Amaarae’s reminder that “love is free,” comes from Runway: “Ketamine, molly and I don’t even take that shit/ I’m already high as shit off of my life and shit.” Different kind of shit worth exalting in.
3. ms60 [feat. Naomi Campbell]
It’s funny that Naomi Campbell strutted her way into both Black Star and the latest Miley Cyrus album; there isn’t a whiff of a story to her appearance here, as there was on Something Beautiful, but it has a similar effect – converging, of course, on the word “pose.” With rumbling drums and bass that contort at the last minute, it raises the pulse even higher.
4. Kiss Me Thru The Phone pt 2 [feat. PinkPantheress]
Love may be free, but it’s not easy, especially in a digital world. Serving as a sequel to the Soulja Boy original, Amaarae’s PinkPantheress collab languishes in that kind of yearning. It’s Black Star’s unlikely gem, a 180 from the album’s boastful opening run that showcases its gentle heart. On an album where skin-to-skin contact is paramount and various substances course through your body, the loneliness of ‘Kiss Me’ is all the more sharp.
5. B2B
At first, ‘B2B’ seems to turn her attention back to the simple dynamics of sex, but it doesn’t take long for the melancholy of ‘Kiss Me’ to stream back in. Unlike the amapiano of ‘ms60’, the beat here disintegrates to the rhythm of the relationship in question, with Amaarae admitting, “I can’t even miss your body/ Your spirit needs too much work.” Over Spanish guitar that puts a delicate spin on her vulnerability, she keeps landing on the phrase “my heart” as if holding on to it. It’s as sad as a house track can get, and you’ll want to play it that much louder.
6. She Is My Drug
As she spins Cher’s ‘Believe’, you’d be forgiven for mishearing Amaarae sing “Do you believe in love after drugs?”, but “off the drugs” is much more fitting. Feeding off the complicated tension of ‘B2B’, you can feel her faith withering away over muted production, her vocals breaking apart at “Really don’t think you’re strong enough.”
7. Girlie-Pop
The album’s thesis arrives exactly at the halfway point, revelling in the simple pleasure of “switching genres into pop.” But in context, it’s also about the “sweet release of love,” the kiss that felt so distant on the PinkPatheress duet. ‘Girlie-Pop’ is the shortest track on the record, evidence that you don’t need much more to fuel your daydreams.
8. S.M.O.
Two months after the single’s release, I still can’t stop thinking about the line “I wanna week with her, she taste like Lexapro.” But now I can’t ignore how the unabashedly sweaty track also dissolves towards the end, with the singer’s lover threatening to “blow my high” and bring her to tears with a single look. “You don’t need sex to slut,” she declares at one point. You don’t need it for power, either.
9. Fineshyt
Amaarae can do pure hedonism just fine, but she wants a little more, which is exactly the subject of ‘Fineshyt’. “The rush has subsided,” she admits early on, yet lingers in it over trance synths that are a little too sparse to feel like a throwback. “Don’t you feel the sadness?” By this point, you surely do, but you want to stay for that final stretch.
10. Dove Comeron
No, there’s no hidden feature here – Amaarae can really switch up her cadence like that, the most interesting element of a song that otherwise doesn’t add much to the progression of Black Star.
11. Dream Scenario [feat. Charlie Wilson]
Amaarae has been holding back tears this whole time, but no more. She does away with drums and fashions an orchestra around her vocals, never more moving than in their high-pitched, AutoTuned falter. “I know my heart is sensitive,” she sings, leaning forward: “What are you gonna do with it?” Charlie Wilson’s appearance turns the song into something transcendent, like the heavenly breath Amaarae longs for. At the end of the day, it can overpower every misalignment.
12. 100DRUM [feat. Zacari]
After owning her sincerity on ‘Dream Scenario’, Amaarae’s voice sinks even lower, veering into paranoia. The song itself is subtly mesmeric until the breakdown, where it’s slathered with effects and barely holds itself together.
13. FREE THE YOUTH
Hyped-up and abrasive like the record’s first few songs, ‘FREE THE YOUTH’ makes Black Star feel like a spiral, both spiritually and musically akin to post-After Hours the Weeknd (‘tears in the club’ producer El Guincho worked on the track). It jumps and jitters at the edge of ecstasy, its refrain of “Day by day I used to pray” turning it into an anthem of defiance. As she wraps up her vision of Black pop stardom, she may be in line with some of her decadent contemporaries, but she’ll always be on a different high.
The Pretenders’ Chrissie Hynde has announced a new duets album, Duets Special, which arrives on October 17 via Rhino. Credited to Chrissie Hyde & Pals, it features the Killers’ Brandon Flowers, Julian Lennon, Cat Power, Depeche Mode’s Dave Gahan, Blondie’s Debbie Harry, Low’s Alan Sparhawk, Garbage’s Shirley Manson, Lucinda Williams, the Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, and the late Mark Lanegan. They cover songs from Elvis Presley, the Beatles, Morrissey, Low, 10cc, the Righteous Brothers, Billy Paul, and Brenda Holloway. Check out the lead single, a cover of ‘Always On My Mind’ with Rufus Wainwright, below.
“I never thought about doing a Duets album before. I think the idea came about in 2023,” Hynde said in a statement. “I was talking to Jörn, Rufus Wainwright’s husband, on the phone. I think we were recommending novels to each other, and for some reason, I said Hey, maybe Rufus and I should do something, and quickly scribbled out 10 songs off the top of my head. So Jörn asked Rufus, who was up for it, and that’s how it started. A spontaneous and what I thought would be a fun thing.”
Duets Special Tracklist:
1. Me & Mrs Jones [feat. k.d. lang]
2. Can’t Help Falling In Love [feat. Mark Lanegan]
3. Sway [feat. Lucinda Williams]
4. Dolphins [feat. Dave Gahan]
5. First Of The Gang To Die [feat. Cat Power]
6. Always On My Mind [feat. Rufus Wainwright]
7. Every Little Bit Hurts [feat. Carleen Anderson]
8. I’m Not In Love [feat. Brandon Flowers]
9. It’s Only Love [feat. Julian Lennon]
10. Try To Sleep [feat. Debbie Harry]
11. County Line [feat. Alan Sparhawk]
12. Love Letters [feat. Shirley Manson]
13. (You’re My) Soul And Inspiration [feat. Dan Auerbach]
Radiohead have surprise-released a new album of live recordings from the Hail to the Thief era. It features performances of most of the album’s tracks – omitting ‘Backdrifts’ and ‘A Punch Up at a Wedding’ – captured in London, Amsterdam, Buenos Aires, and Dublin between 2003 and 2009. Following the digital edition that’s out today, a one-off vinyl pressing will be released on Halloween, available for pre-order now. Listen to it below.
Hail to the Thief (Live Recordings 2003-2009) was mixed by Ben Baptie and mastered by Matt Colton. In a statement about the record, Thom Yorke said, “In the process of thinking how to build arrangements for the Shakespeare Hamlet/Hail to the Thief theatre production I asked to hear some archive live recordings of the songs. I was shocked by the kind of energy behind the way we played and it really helped me find a way forward. For us, back in the day, the finishing of this record was particularly messy and fraught, we were very proud of it but there was a taste left in our mouths, it was a dark time in so many ways. Anyway we decided to get these live recordings mixed (it would have been insane to keep them for ourselves) by Ben Baptie, who did an amazing job. It has all been a very cathartic process, we very much hope you enjoy them.”
The first thing you notice walking into Undercurrent at Artflow Studio Ltd is that it doesn’t shout for attention. It’s quiet, but not in a cold way — more like it’s got something brewing under the surface and you’re being pulled in before you’ve even decided to step closer. The white walls and bare floor make the air feel a bit sharper, like every sound in the room has space to bounce back at you. The works aren’t crammed in — they’ve got breathing room — but they still feel like they’re passing a message between each other when you’re not looking.
There are a lot of voices here, twenty-one artists all told, and somehow it doesn’t turn into a noisy mess. Installation next to paintings, video a few steps from sculpture, textiles hanging near photography. You get the sense the connections are loose but deliberate, like someone arranged a dinner party knowing half the guests might never talk, but the room would still hum. The theme — forces you can’t see but can definitely feel — isn’t handled like a school project. It’s slower, stranger. Sometimes you only catch it in the corner of your mind.
You get moments where the works almost push against you. Syntax by Yiyi Song has four ceramic pieces leaning into each other, none able to stand alone. They look steady enough, but you can tell one wrong move and the whole thing’s done for. Abbas Khan’s Jaws of Success is sharper, almost nasty — that gnawing feeling of being eaten alive by the job you thought you wanted. Xin Zhang’s Growing Pain hits in a quieter way, all bricks and walls standing in for how identity gets built and chipped at over time. Then you get Baoyue Zhang’s Blue Entropy, which just blows the whole scale out to the size of the universe — order and chaos circling each other while machines and memory fight it out.
Memory’s everywhere in this show. Not the neat, photo-album kind, but the way it actually works in your head — bent, hazy, bits missing. Lingjun Feng’s The unraveling of memories is all liquid blur, almost like it’s trying to get away from you. Amar Shrestha’s Reflection of Camden Market flips this around, catching quick, raw moments in market mirrors that weren’t meant for art at all. Both feel real in different ways, like the stuff you remember without meaning to.
Some works are about the body — what it holds onto, what it loses. Haopeng Yang’s The Diamond Cutter uses a hanging spine and medical images to talk about living with pain, and it’s not pretty or tidy. Jordan Leung’s Untitled feels like a dare to get close to nature again, even if it cuts. Lingfei Shen’s BLUE somehow makes an empty stretch of sea feel full of something you can’t name.
Other pieces dig into folklore or history, but not in a stuck-in-the-past way. Anna Yan’s AWU brings back an old Guangdong ghost story, the kind of thing kids would whisper about to scare each other. Bingge Liu’s silk landscapes need time to look at — the kind where you almost have to slow your breathing to see the details. These works aren’t rushing to make their point, and maybe that’s why they stick.
A few pieces are direct in their challenge. Xinyue Liang’s Defying the Vase is exactly what it says — not letting women be treated like something you put flowers in and leave on the table. Alina Burkovska’s I Was Whole is softer in tone, more about piecing yourself back together without pretending it’s all fine.
Not everything here is heavy. Anni Li’s A Liminal Dream floats somewhere between being a kid and an adult, half-clear, half-not. Sammy Lai’s Daydreaming catches the way a city moves, not through buildings or traffic, but through the rhythms of the people walking past you. PinChing Wu’s pieces feel like they were made on the move — part travel diary, part self-portrait — where you’re not sure what’s true and what’s made up. Minyu Zhu’s Interweave is tactile, almost like you could read it with your hands.
The works don’t wrap things up neatly. Abbas Khan’s All Fawksed Up might have flames, but it’s not about the fire you see — it’s about the quieter, slower kind that works its way in over time. Nothing here really hands you an answer, and that’s probably the point. You’re meant to take your time, even if that means standing there longer than you thought you would.
Artflow Studio’s Undercurrent pulls this off without over-explaining itself. It trusts you to connect the dots — or not — and to notice the small things that shift inside you when you’re looking. That trust feels rare. You walk out with the sense something in you has moved a bit, even if you can’t pin down what. And maybe you’re not supposed to.
Exhibition name: Undercurrent
Exhibition Date: 1 – 7 August 2025
Curated Team:HongQian Zhang and Huan Zhou
Artist list: Baoyue Zhang, Sammy Lai, Xiaobin Zhang, Jordan Leung, Yingxin Yan, Amar Shrestha, Alina Burkovska, Lingfei Shen, Haopeng Yang, PinChing Wu, Xinyue Liang, Minyu Zhu, Anni Li, Xiang Li, Xin Zhang, Abbas Khan, Yiping Gu, Longfei Jiang, Yiyi Song, Bingge Liu
Volunteer: Tizi Pu, Longfei Jiang
Photographer: Amar Shrestha
*This exhibition is presented in collaboration with Our Culture, Jenny Ping Lam Lin and Dr. Quanliu, continuing Artflow Studio’s mission to connect emerging voices with diverse audiences.
