Gaming for hours can be thrilling, but it can also wreak havoc on your spine. Poor posture and repetitive movements put you at risk of back pain and long-term spinal issues.
Small tweaks to your setup and routine make a big difference. From adjusting chair height to practicing mobility drills, these tips protect your back while keeping you comfortable. Here are 9 actionable strategies for staying healthy during marathon gaming sessions.
1. Adjust Chair and Monitor Height
Your chair and monitor setup is the foundation of good posture. If it’s off, your spine takes the hit.
Position your chair so your feet rest flat on the ground, with knees at a 90-degree angle. Your back should stay supported by a lumbar-friendly cushion or built-in support.
Place the monitor directly at eye level. Tilting your head down or up strains neck muscles and compresses spinal discs over time. Small adjustments create a more neutral sitting position, reducing stress on your spine during long gaming sessions.
2. Support Your Spine With Lumbar Cushions
Building on the importance of chair setup, lumbar support cushions are game-changers for spinal health. They maintain the natural curve of your lower back, reducing pressure on discs.
Without this support, prolonged slouching compresses nerves and increases the risk of chronic pain. Symptoms like tingling or weakness in your legs can signal deeper issues.
While these habits often prevent problems, severe cases might require medical intervention. Procedures like TLIF surgery (transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion) aim to relieve nerve compression when conservative care falls short.
3. Schedule Regular Microbreaks
Sitting for hours can stiffen your back and strain spinal discs. Adding short breaks to your routine combats these effects.
Every 30-60 minutes, stand up, stretch lightly, or take a quick walk around the room. This boosts circulation, eases muscle tension, and keeps joints mobile.
Set reminders or timers to make this habit stick during intense gaming sessions. Over time, consistent movement prevents stiffness from turning into chronic pain while keeping you focused and ready for your next challenge.
4. Optimize Your Controller Setup
Controller remapping isn’t just for better gameplay—it’s also a way to avoid strain on your hands and spine. Customizing button layouts can minimize repetitive motions that lead to discomfort.
For example, moving key actions to more accessible buttons reduces awkward wrist angles or overreaching movements. This has a ripple effect on posture, helping you keep your back neutral instead of slouching forward during intense moments.
Pair this with shorter gaming sessions when trying new setups, giving your body time to adjust. A well-mapped controller keeps you comfortable and reduces unnecessary tension across your whole body, including the spine.
5. Use a Footrest for Better Posture
When your feet dangle or rest unevenly, it throws off your entire sitting posture. Adding a footrest keeps your knees level with or slightly above your hips, promoting proper spinal alignment.
This small adjustment reduces strain on the lower back and prevents compression in the lumbar region. Even a stack of books works as an interim solution if you don’t have a dedicated footrest. Combined with lumbar support and correct chair height, stable footing ensures comfort during long gaming marathons while significantly reducing stress on the spine over time.
6. Practice Mobility Drills Between Matches
Staying seated for extended periods stiffens muscles and restricts spinal movement. Simple mobility drills keep your back limber and reduce tension build-up.
Focus on exercises like cat-cow stretches or gentle twists to activate the spine’s natural range of motion. Dynamic stretches, such as forward bends or side lunges, help loosen tight hip flexors that pull on your lower back when sitting too long.
Take just 5 minutes between matches to perform these movements. Regularly incorporating mobility drills prevents stiffness from escalating into pain, keeping your spine flexible and ready for more hours of comfortable gameplay.
7. Keep Hydration in Check
Staying hydrated does more than boost focus—it also supports your spine’s health. The discs between your vertebrae rely on proper hydration to maintain their cushioning ability.
Dehydration causes these discs to lose elasticity, increasing the risk of back pain and stiffness over time. Having a water bottle nearby during gaming sessions makes staying hydrated easy and consistent.
Sip regularly instead of waiting until you’re thirsty. Opt for water or electrolyte drinks, avoiding sugary sodas that dehydrate further. This simple habit protects spinal discs, helping them absorb pressure while keeping you refreshed and alert during long play sessions.
8. Use Proper Lighting to Avoid Forward Head Posture
Poor lighting can lead you to lean closer to the screen, creating forward head posture that strains your neck and upper spine. This common habit often results in tight shoulders and long-term back pain.
Position a soft, even light source behind or beside your monitor to reduce glare and enhance visibility. Avoid overly dim or harsh lighting that forces your eyes to strain.
This adjustment encourages you to sit upright with a neutral neck position, protecting the cervical spine from unnecessary stress while keeping your casino gaming session comfortable for extended periods.
9. Track Pain Patterns With a Journal
To wrap things up, maintaining a pain journal helps you identify and address patterns that affect your spine. Writing down when discomfort arises, what activities preceded it, and its severity can reveal triggers you may not notice otherwise.
Include notes on posture changes, new habits like lumbar support use, or stretches added to your routine. This record keeps progress visible while guiding adjustments to prevent further strain. If persistent issues occur—like leg tingling or weakness—this log becomes valuable for medical consultations to determine next steps in care.
Wrapping Up
Your spine supports every movement you make—even during long gaming sessions. Small adjustments to your setup and habits can mean the difference between enjoying hours of gameplay or dealing with pain later on.
Start with one or two changes today, like adjusting your chair height or scheduling microbreaks. Each step toward better spinal health ensures you can keep playing comfortably without compromising your body’s well-being over time.
Macfox X1S is an electric commuter bicycle. It has a 500W nominal motor on the peaks at 750W, which gives immediate acceleration and maximum speed of 25 mph. The bike is designed for daily traffic with a range of 38–76+ miles. It also has 65Nm torque. This e-bike is a good choice for the city ride, which provides balance of power and range for everyday use.
What is the battery capacity of the Macfox X1S?
The normal e-bike battery for this range based on trim and pack varies from 360 WH to 720 WH.
If you want, I can help you:
See the accurate imagination from the manufacturer or retailer
Explain how to estimate battery capacity from displayed range and motor power
Compare with the same bike to estimate typical capabilities
How does the Macfox X1S compare to other e-bikes?
Here is a practical comparison ofMACFOX X1S against specific urban/commuter e-bikes. I will focus on important glasses that most of the riders care about: motor, speed, range, torque, weight, battery and features. If you have a specific model you are considering, tell me and I can tailor comparison.
Macfox X1S (Recap)
Motor: 500W minimal up to 750W highest
Highest speed: 25 mph
Range: About 38-76+ miles (aid level, area, rider weight, batteries vary with battery size)
Torque: 65 Nm
Specific Uses: City Committing, Daily Work, Light Hills
Notable strength: Strong mid-range torque for quick start, decent high speed capacity for preserved bike lane, appropriate range for one day-to-day commuter
General comparison vs. typical urban e-bike (mid-range category)
Motor and Shakti
omany urban bikes use 250W nominal motors with 500W peak, which is sufficient for the speed of assistance of 20–28 mph. The 500W of the X1S gives the nominal more continuous power, which helps with the climb and with heavy loads.
oSome high-end urban/e-gravel bikes provide 750W+ peaks or even mid-drive motors that apply electricity more efficiently on the hills. The X1S sits in a comfortable middle for torque and punch.
pace
o25 mph hat is common for pedal-astrist city bikes in many markets (based on class 2/3 throttle increases and local laws). If you are after a high top speed (30 mph++), you look at the bike with a more aggressive motors or thrustal class 3/4 setup, which may have legal limitations in your area.
Category
o~ 40–80 miles are competitive to the city rider with a border with a middle-capacity battery. The real -world border support levels vary with rider weight, terrain and weather. Some bikes emphasize the range with large batteries (eg, 750–750Wh or more), which are 60–100+ miles under specific circumstances.
Torque and climbing capacity
o65 Nm is solid to carry the city hills and cargo. Associate with other bikes: Many 250W-class bikes deliver 40-60 Nm; some high-torque copies push 70–90 Nm, contribution strong hill performances.
weight
omany urban e-bikes weigh 45-60 lb (20–27 kg). X1S weight is not specified here, but the mid-range bike usually about 50-60 Lb. Liters improve options when the handling improves when the motor is closed; Heavy bikes feel strong but require more effort during lifting.
Battery and charging
oMost mid-rangeebikes use removable lithium-ion packs with 36–48V systems. Capacity (WH) controls the range to a great extent. If you are comparing, check the battery capacity (AH x voltage) and whether many batteries or fast charging are available.
Features and riding experience
oComparison for Comparison: Pedal Assist level, display readability, integrated lights, fenders/racks, derailure vs. internal gear hub, suspension (front fork), brake type (disk vs. rim), and connectivity (app integration, anti-athphic).
oX1S usually targets practical daily use: reliable braking, comfortable ride geometry and accessible maintenance. Other bikes may provide sports geometry or more rugged options for cargo.
How to choose which is finest for you
Commuting distance and terrain: If you have long urban traffic along the hills, the torque and range of X1S are attractive. If you ride mostly flat short trips, a light, more budget -friendly model may be sufficient.
Legal ideas: Ensure top speed and assist the class compliance with local rules (some spaces are throttle-able or restricting motor power).
Cargo and cargo-carrying requirements: If you carry heavy bags or grocery items, check the payload capacity, rack compatibility and frame hardness.
Maintenance and Services Network: Consider local support and availability of parts for other brands Macfox vs.
Budget: Compare the total cost of ownership, including the battery replacement cycle, service gaps, and it includes the items involved.
What are the safety features of the Macfox X1S?
Here are usually highlighted security features for Macfox X1S, as well as brief explanation. If you have a specific model year or configuration, I can tailor it in that version.
Disc brakes with ABS or strong stopping power: efficient and reliable braking in different weather conditions, helping reduce the distance of stopping.
Bright integrated lighting: to improve front and rear lights, plus reflective tires or delicles for visibility in low-light conditions.
Horn/Announters or Horn button: audio alert for pedestrians and cyclists.
Tire pressure monitoring or clear tire QA: Stable handling with proper tire inflation, reduce the risk of flats or reduce the loss of control.
Stability and geometry tune for city ride: The lower center of gravity and balanced frame geometry to improve rider stability and confidence at city speed.
Battery and motor safety facilities: Overcc, overheet and short-circuit protection to prevent power defects affecting security.
PAS (pedal assist) and throttle safety: smooth association with progressive assistance to avoid sudden increase; Some models include a minimum torque/speed ramp.
Building demonstration indicators: The battery level and motor status visible to the rider to prevent unexpected electricity damage.
Reflective ingredients and horn or bells: increase awareness for other road users.
Comprehensive warranty and post -sales support: access to maintenance and possible security.
Minutes and instructions:
Continuously dress a helmet and reflect additional protective gear.
Squared regular brakes, tires, lights and battery connections before the ride.
Trail local laws and helmet requirements, as e-bike rules differ by the region.
Conclusion
The Macfox X1S Ebike is characterized by its power and durability, characterized by a 500W motor that has a capacity to reach the maximum speed of 25Mph to the peaks at 750W. It provides immediate acceleration and 65Nm torque, which makes it suitable for road use. While not attractive, it provides reliable performance. It is known for its extraordinary power.
Gaming may often seem like a world dominated by iconic franchises and blockbuster titles, yet beyond these AAA hits are thousands of lesser-known gems waiting to be explored – games with unique experiences and fresh viewpoints that fly under the radar but that offer something truly worthwhile for gamers of any kind.
One of the greatest joys of gaming lies in discovering under-appreciated titles nobody is talking about – these under-the-radar gems often provide something special beyond marketing muscle; whether that means engaging story, innovative gameplay, or simply offering fresh takes on familiar genres – making for hours of excitement-packed gameplay!
Why Hidden Gems Matter?
Gaming news often revolves around major releases like Call of Duty or Zelda titles; as a result, it can be easy to overlook more minor releases which do not make headlines as quickly. But these under-the-radar titles often push gaming further by offering experiences not available from mainstream titles, and offering unique gaming experiences that would otherwise remain unseen by gamers.
These games may range from indie titles developed with passion by small teams to lesser-known entries from more established developers who decided to experiment and take risks. Whatever their form or creator, these titles serve as reminders that gaming encompasses so much more than big names; it’s about creativity, experimentation and experiencing something fresh! Best 6000 Vape Hayati Pro Max Plus is an excellent example of how innovation and new experiences can transcend different industries, even within the gaming world.
Gaming Communities and Forums
Looking for game recommendations from real players? Joining communities like Reddit or gaming Discord servers can be immensely useful for finding them. Subreddits like r/indiegames are especially great places for this, as members regularly share their discoveries!
Celeste is an engaging platformer that not only tests your reflexes but also tells a powerful, personal story. Madeline struggles with self-doubt and mental health while ascending her mountain in this challenge-rich title that offers challenging levels and pixel-perfect gameplay to drive home its message of perseverance and self-love with many players – an example of how indie games can provide interactive solutions to real-life issues.
Oxenfree, for fans of story-driven games, is an unmissable experience. This supernatural thriller revolves around four friends who accidentally open a portal into another dimension and interact with characters through natural dialogue – creating conversations that feel genuine while keeping you gripped until the very last frame! Oxenfree’s chilling atmosphere and twists will keep you on edge until the very last moment!
Why You Should Explore Hidden Gems of Gemology?
If you haven’t discovered the world of hidden gems yet, you are missing out on some truly unforgettable gaming experiences. Explore as if you’re browsing an online vape store in the UK for your favourite product. These lesser-known titles provide something fresh and different from what mainstream titles can provide; many boasting creativity, passion and heart that make playing them immensely satisfying and rewarding experiences.
By playing hidden gems, you’re supporting indie developers and smaller studios who take risks and push the envelope when it comes to game creation. So if you’re up for something different and exciting, why not explore this world of hidden gems? Who knows… You could just discover your new favourite game!
Conclusion
Ultimately, gaming offers many hidden gems worth your consideration. From action games and story-driven experiences to puzzle-solvers and role-playing titles – something is out there for every taste and preference! So next time you search for games to play, don’t limit your choices solely to big-name titles; venture off the beaten path and see what treasures lie within!
The online casino industry thrives on creativity, with design elements playing a pivotal role in shaping player experiences. As new online casinos emerge, they bring fresh perspectives and innovative designs that captivate audiences. These trends are not only about aesthetics but also about enhancing user engagement and satisfaction.
The significance of design in the online casino industry cannot be overstated. It’s not just about visual appeal; it’s about creating an immersive environment where players can escape reality. The industry’s competitive nature means that staying ahead with cutting-edge designs is essential for attracting and retaining players. New online casinos often push the boundaries with unique themes and interfaces, making the gaming experience more engaging than ever before. Players look for more than just games; they crave an experience that feels personal and tailored to their preferences.
Branding and player experience
In the world of online casinos, branding is a powerful tool that shapes player perception and engagement. A strong brand identity can make a casino stand out in a crowded market, offering something memorable to players. Branding goes beyond logos and color schemes; it encompasses the entire user experience, from the first visit to ongoing interactions. Players gravitate towards brands that convey trustworthiness and excitement, both of which are crucial in building long-term relationships.
A cohesive visual identity is essential for any successful online casino. It creates a seamless experience that resonates with players, making them feel comfortable and engaged from the start. Visual elements such as typography, color palettes, and imagery work together to form a unique brand persona. This consistent branding helps establish credibility and fosters loyalty among players who appreciate a well-crafted narrative that aligns with their expectations.
Engaging branding strategies also involve understanding player demographics and preferences. By tailoring branding efforts to match the desires of their target audience, casinos can create personalized experiences that resonate deeply with players. This approach ensures that branding efforts are not only visually appealing but also strategically effective in driving player engagement and retention.
Layout and user interface
The layout of an online casino plays a crucial role in player retention and satisfaction. A user-friendly design ensures that players can navigate the platform effortlessly, enhancing their overall gaming experience. Intuitive navigation is key to keeping players engaged, as it allows them to find their favorite games quickly without frustration or confusion.
Effective layouts prioritize simplicity while ensuring all necessary features are easily accessible. This balance between functionality and aesthetics creates an environment where players can focus on enjoying their games rather than struggling with complex interfaces. Clean designs with clear calls-to-action guide users through the site smoothly, leading to higher levels of satisfaction and prolonged engagement.
User interface design is another critical aspect influencing player satisfaction. It encompasses everything from button placements to menu structures, all designed to facilitate easy interaction with the site. A well-designed interface minimizes cognitive load on users, allowing them to immerse themselves in gameplay without distractions or unnecessary hurdles.
Artwork and immersion
Artwork plays a vital role in crafting immersive gaming environments that captivate players from the moment they enter an online casino. High-quality graphics and creative visuals transport players into different worlds, enhancing their overall gaming experience. The use of vibrant colors, intricate details, and thematic elements adds depth to virtual spaces, making them more engaging for users.
Visually appealing designs are not just about aesthetics; they contribute significantly to creating an emotional connection between players and the platform. When artwork resonates with users’ preferences or evokes certain emotions, it enhances their level of immersion within games. This connection encourages longer play sessions as players lose themselves in beautifully crafted digital landscapes.
Examples of captivating designs abound in the industry today. From lush tropical islands to futuristic cities filled with neon lights, each theme offers unique experiences tailored specifically for different player tastes. These visually striking environments serve as backdrops for thrilling adventures where every spin or card dealt feels like part of a larger narrative journey.
Innovative design elements
The latest trends in online casino design reflect innovations such as gamification and personalization aimed at elevating player engagement levels further still. Gamification introduces elements borrowed from video games—such as achievements or rewards—that incentivize continued play by adding layers of fun beyond traditional gambling mechanics alone.
Personalization has become increasingly important as well—players now expect tailored experiences based on individual preferences rather than generic offerings. By leveraging data insights collected over time, casinos can curate content specific to needs and interests, resulting in highly customized interactions that feel truly personal instead of a one-size-fits-all approach.
Newer casinos are increasingly adopting unique design features intended to differentiate themselves amidst growing competition. Examples include interactive live dealer tables featuring real-time social interactions with other players, in addition to advanced VR capabilities providing fully immersive settings. Such innovations demonstrate a commitment to pushing boundaries and continuously evolving to meet the changing demands of discerning clientele seeking unparalleled entertainment value with every visit.
Effortless – that word has been used to describe Superchunk’s steady delivery of punchy hooks and anthemic choruses for over three decades. But even going by instinct requires not just the wherewithal but the inspiration to follow through with the original idea. ‘Care Less’, a highlight from the indie veterans’ new album Songs in the Key of Yikes, is all about trying to. “Whatever you do don’t waste your life/ Searching for a song,” Mac McCaughan quips, a line that, like many things about the record at first glance, can seem fatalistic. But McCaughan and his bandmates’ workmanlike dedication remains indisputable. Instead, he suggests, let the songs come to you. Try to make magic out of words and sounds, but if you find yourself digging or thinking too hard, let a single question – the one that gives the record’s opener its title – be your axis: ‘Is It Making You Feel Something?’
We caught up with Superchunk’s Mac McCaughan and Jim Wilbur to talk about The Lemonheads’ It’s a Shame About Ray, Heather Christle’s The Crying Book, Southern rock, and other inspirations behind Songs in the Key of Yikes, which is out today.
The Lemonheads’ It’s a Shame About Ray
Mac McCaughan: Jim, is that the record that we toured with them in Europe?
Jim Wilbur: It might have been.
Wasn’t it after Come On Feel the Lemonheads?
MM: Yeah, the one after it, maybe. I always thought of three previous Lemonheads records, Lovey, Creator, and Hate Your Friends, as really being in my wheelhouse. And then by the time It’s a Shame About Ray came out, I mean, I liked it, but it wasn’t my favorite Lemonheads at the time. Maybe a year ago, when they did an anniversary reissue, I was riding around New York with Patrick Stickles from Titus Andronicus, and he had the anniversary CD in his stereo. And I was like, “What? You’re into this record?” He’s like, “Yeah. It’s a classic.” We just listened to it a couple of times, and of course, I knew all these songs already because they’re so catchy they were in the back of my mind. But it really brought me back to that record, and I’ve listened to it a bunch since then. ‘Rudderless’ is one of my favorite Lemonheads songs.
One thing that I think is inspirational about Evan’s songwriting is that there will be these big hooks, but then he’ll have these very strange parts either in the middle, like a heavy metal bridge or something, or an outro or an intro that’s just real atonal and kind of punky-sounding. All mashed together, but it all makes sense. That record and Evan’s songwriting in general has always been inspirational in its willingness to just do something odd that makes you think about the song differently. But he also keeps the songs really short, which I think is key. Our songs aren’t super short, but I do appreciate a kind of “get in, get out” approach to songwriting. I’m excited, there’s a new Lemonheads record. I hope to see Evan on this tour.
JW: I lost them after the first three records, like you said, and now maybe I should go back and listen to that stuff closer.
MM: It’s a Shame About Ray also has ‘Alison’s Starting to Happen’ on it. We played shows in Australia back in December, and we played with Smudge, which is a band we toured with back then. I’m pretty sure that’s about Alison from Smudge.
JW: And Tom [Morgan] wrote a lot of those songs with Evan, right?
MM: Yeah.
I saw that Classic Rock Magazine just described Songs in the Key of Yikes as “the Byrds if Evan Dando had sat in for the session.”
MM: That’s about our record? That’s a pretty good quote.
JW: I’ll take it. Any reference to the Byrds, I’ll take.
Richard Brautigan
JW: When we were writing this record – Mac wrote the songs, but when we were arranging them and practicing and learning the parts and coming up with what the band would play on these songs, we worked really fast. It seemed like we would practice once or twice, and it was whatever came out initially, it didn’t get worked over too much. Richard Brautigan gets lumped in with Beat writers, and he was more like a hippie loner guy. He didn’t really fit with the Beats, but his writing often, when I read it, seems like it’s unedited and stream of consciousness. It’s just whatever he wrote first, he kept. He never went back and rewrote anything, it doesn’t seem like. And a lot of it’s very surreal and playful. Insofar as coming up with parts, I would be like, “Shit, what am I gonna play on this song?” I might have a couple ideas, but then I’d start playing something and Mac would be like, “Oh, that’s good.” And then all of a sudden, it’s like, “Okay. That took about five minutes.” [laughs] And then in your brain, you’re like, “Now it’s set. And for the rest of time, I’m going to have to play this song this way.”
MM: [laughs] Be careful what you play first.
JW: Yeah. But I’m not unhappy with that, actually. Everybody’s performance on the record. I’m really pleased with it. So I think it’s maybe a good idea to not overthink things.
Mac, are you inspired at all by his poetry?
MM: A mutual friend of mine and Jim’s, Matt Steigerwald, was really into Richard Brautigan. That’s who I first heard about Richard Brautigan from. I mean, I like reading poetry in general largely because I don’t understand it, so it’s just kind of refreshing. You’re just like, “I don’t know how someone writes this.” But I feel like the best poetry for me is poetry that has a way of surprising you, but doesn’t feel like it’s trying to, and it doesn’t feel like it’s been worked on too hard. It feels a little bit casual but taking surprising turns.
Heather Christle’s The Crying Book
I have another Heather Crystal book that was here in the studio, actually, The Trees The Trees, because I just find that reading poetry gets you out of your standard way of thinking and writing and gets you out of a linear kind of headspace. I really like Heather Christle’s poetry. The Crying Book is a little bit different in that it’s paragraphs and it’s writing, but the paragraphs are kind of disconnected from each other. It’s examining different kinds of crying as well as her own reasons for crying, like grief; she’s going to have a kid, so that’s another emotional thing that’s happening. Both Heather’s books and other poetry books I have by my bedside because I often have trouble reading at night. I just start falling asleep if I’m trying to read a novel or something like that, but I can usually get through a poem or a paragraph or something like that.
I really like this quote that I saw from it: “Maybe we do not cry about, but rather near or around. Maybe all our explanations are stories constructed after the fact.” Does that resonate with you?
MM: That thing about not understanding something until after – I think about that a lot with records because we’ll finish a record and then someone will be like, “Wow, our record’s about this.” And I’m like, “Yeah. We didn’t really know that until we had done the whole thing.” I know some people write concept albums and mean for them to be a whole thing all the way through, but that’s generally not what we’re doing.
This also made me think of a line from ‘Everybody Dies’ that I’d love for you to offer some context around: “I was just trying to get that song out of my head/ It never made me cry.”
MM: Oh, yeah. I’m trying to think about whether that was about a specific song that I was thinking of. I think that that’s just more about the meaning of things changing over time. A song that you loved and maybe would have made you really happy or excited or maybe just neutral at one time in your life – later all of a sudden it’s like, “Why does this song have some emotional resonance for me now that it didn’t when it came out and I was 25?” Well, because it’s invoking these other things. And a lot of times it’s not even your favorite song or an important song. It’s just a random song that just brings up associations that you wouldn’t predict. And since that song is about people dying and remembering different moments, maybe where you were around them, songs obviously play a big role in that type of memory association.
Do you mind sharing one thing that recently made you cry?
MM: You know, it’s interesting. I don’t really cry watching movies or anything. It could be the saddest movie of all time, it’s not going to make me cry, even though I might feel like it’s a good, powerful movie. I tend to cry – and this is only as an old person – if something happens that’s really happy. It could be in a movie. It tends to be more like, if I’m watching the Olympics and someone wins a gold medal or has some amazing performance and they’re just enjoying that moment. To me that is what will bring a tear to my eye more than something sad.
A triumph?
MM: Yeah, a triumphant moment of celebration, basically. Just seeing people so excited about something.
JW: You’re such a dude.
MM: [laughs] I know.
How about you, Jim? Anything that comes to mind?
JW: Oh, I’ll cry at the drop of a hat. But I keep it very quiet and very secret. I mean, I get choked up at movies sometimes. But, generally, only if I’m with other people. If I’m watching a movie by myself, I don’t get choked up. We have a family Sunday afternoon where my mother and father-in-law will come over, and sometimes when I’m sitting with them, I’ll watch something, and I’ll be starting to tear up. And then they all look at me and tease me about it. But it doesn’t happen very often. I mean, the world makes me cry on a daily basis. I just do it internally.
Southern rock
JW: I’m not the greatest guitar player of all time, and I couldn’t even pretend to play a Lynyrd Skynyrd riff. Anything noodly like that is usually just beyond me. I’m thinking specifically about the song ‘Cue’, which is the first song on the second side. And Mac, help me remember – wasn’t the demo of it drastically different from the way we ended up? Because I remember when you and I were hashing it out, I started playing it very muted and kinda tight. And in my brain, I was channeling this stupid ‘80s power ballad by 38 Special.
MM: Oh yeah, ‘Hold on Loosely’?
JW: No, ‘Second Chance’. It was, like, late period 38 Special. [Mac laughs] I listened to it yesterday for the first time because I was like, I should maybe see what I was actually thinking about before doing this piece with you. It wasn’t that I was trying to play the song itself, but I was trying to play, like, my memory of the song. It was a huge departure for 38 Special. They had a different singer, and it’s really slick and almost adult contemporary. It sounds like Dan Hartman’s ‘I Can Dream About You’ or something. Maybe it was reminding me of that memory of that song from back in high school – because it was high school – and I hadn’t heard it since then. And then I just listened to it again yesterday, and I was kind of amazed.
MM: Did you nail it?
JW: If you play them next to each other, there is sort of a vibe there. And I was afraid to tell you this because from now on, every time you hear it, you’re going to have 38 Special on your mind.
MM: I mean, we’d be lucky to write a song as good as ‘Hold on Loosely’.
JW: Of course, that goes without saying.
Flying Nun Records
I’m curious if this is related to Matthew Goody’s book about the label, Needles and Plastic, that came out in 2022.
MM: Yeah, that’s a great book. Not to speak for Jim, but I think we’ve both been big fans of Flying Nun bands since we first heard them, which was in the mid-eighties.
JW: That’s true.
MM: I think that there are so many things about that label and that scene that are inspiring. There’s the fact that they’ve created all this music from this very small place, so far from everyone else, and they made their own thing, and they made a lot of great records. A lot of different artists came out of there making amazing records. I always appreciate a scene like that where they’ve just got their own language and style.
One thing that’s amazing about Flying Nun is the fact that the label had such an aesthetic identity – whether it was Hamish Kilgour or Chris Knox or Alec Bathgate doing the art for the different sleeves – both the front cover art and the back covers often had a lot of handwritten information and drawings. It was all super handmade-feeling, which is so important. It was a little strange when some bands, like The Chills, would get signed to a bigger international label, and then they would make a record with still really cool art, like Submarine Bells, but it just looked very slick compared to what had been the style. I feel like with Superchunk, we try to keep a semblance of that handmade feel both in the music and the art. The cover painting on the new record is by this artist Scott Reeder. He’s a great artist and we’re really thankful that he let us use that painting, which just seemed to go perfectly with the times and the record.
Thirdly, of course the songs themselves and the approach that these bands took to guitar playing – whether it’s the Clean or the Bats or the Chills or the Verlaines – they all had their own style, but a lot of it was just so individualistic, the way they played guitar and the way they wrote songs. You knew what you’re hearing, so that’s always been super inspirational. And the song ‘Care Less’ has a bit of a Clean lyric in there, which was the B-side to the ‘Getting Older’ single, ‘Whatever I Do Is Right / Wrong’. Those Clean records and David Kilgoour solo records are always things I think about when I’m playing guitar and writing guitar parts.
Friends
Jim. I saw the Digging for Something episode that you did recently, and you talked about Bricks songs being about friends. It’s always endearing when you get that sense from a record.
JW: I hope I wasn’t misspeaking when I said that, but my memory of all the Bricks songs – it seemed like most of the Bricks stuff was generated by true life amongst the extended group of friends that we all had back then.
MM: Yeah, totally, just characters that we know.
MM: But what I really meant when I said friends as an inspiration for this record – whenever I’m trying to come up with what to play in the band, I’m thinking about not wanting to shame my friends or look like an idiot or sound weird to the people I care about. You don’t want to make a fool of yourself in front of those people, so in that way, those friends are a huge inspiration to try not to suck and not shame them.
Mac, do you feel a similar way about lyrics?
MM: Always. Kind of along the lines of what Jim’s saying, I think about it two ways. One, I don’t want to write lyrics that are going to embarrass my family or anyone in the band. Secondly, I do want to write lyrics that when people we know hear them, it makes them laugh. At least a couple lines here and there are kind of a joke – not unserious, but just meant to be funny. Beyond that, I try not to think about it too much, because I think you can get a little hung up if you’re worried too much about how something will be received.
Anniversary tours
You played a run of tour dates celebrating the 30th anniversary of Foolish last year. How do you look back on that experience?
MM: Remember when All Tomorrow’s Parties started and they were getting people to play a whole album? You know, getting Belle and Sebastian to play If You’re Feeling Sinister or whatever start to finish. And at the time, I remember thinking that it was not for me. Like, I don’t like seeing a band if I know what song is coming next, if they’re just doing something in order. And, also, I don’t really anticipate liking being in a band that’s playing the same songs in order every night. We’ve never done that. But then over the years, I got to see Gary Numan play Replicas at this club in Durham during Moogfest one year. It was incredible. I’ve gotten to see the Psychedelic Furs or X, these bands that I love and that maybe I didn’t think I would get to see again, doing anniversary tours, either the anniversary of the band or a certain album, and I always find it super fulfilling and exciting to see. I’m sure not every concert is in that mode, but for the most part, I found myself going like, “I gotta go see this band again.” So that took a little bit of the stigma for me out of doing an anniversary tour.
We were already playing a lot of these songs live in our set because we play songs from all different records and different eras. But to be able to let fans know, “If On the Mouth is your favorite record, we’re doing a lot of songs from that on this tour.” I’m not saying we’re playing the whole thing start to finish – on the On the Mouth anniversary tour, we played it start to finish once In New York. But that’s weird because then your set’s over, and it’s 45 minutes. So then we came back out and played a 10-song encore or something like that. We’re doing these anniversary tours, and we are playing a lot of songs from those records, but we’re also mixing it in with other things for the most part. I’ve enjoyed it because, obviously, fans love it, and it makes us relearn some songs from those records that we don’t normally play because if we’re only playing if there’s only room for two songs from Foolish in a set where we’re trying to play songs from 15 different records, one of those songs is probably not going to be ‘Keeping Track’. But if you’re trying to play a lot of different songs from Foolish, then you have to learn these kinds of deeper cuts.
Is relearning deep cuts also inspiring when you’re in a phase of writing or working on demos?
MM: I don’t know how much those things have overlapped, but I do think it’s interesting to revisit old songs and just go like, “What were we thinking when we used this tuning or had this song structure?”
JW: It’s surprisingly difficult to remember how to play some of this stuff. Like, “Who was I?”
MM: And it’s weird because a lot of times, there’s muscle memory. I can’t remember how to play it, but if I’m trying to figure it out, I’ll know what I wasn’t doing. My hand was not in this part of the neck; I must have been playing it differently. So then you mess around until you’re like, “This feels familiar.”
How did touring in general inspire Songs in the Key of Yikes?
MM: I think that touring has always been a source of material in terms of the lyrics. But in particular, touring for the last couple of years has been inspirational because it’s the first since we started playing with Laura King on drums. Playing with someone new, it’s kind of like, if someone hands you a guitar that you’ve never played before and they’re like, “Write some songs.” Just playing a different instrument is inspirational in itself; it just sounds different, feels different. And so playing with Laura King has been super exciting and fun. Once we had a bunch of shows under our belt, we’re like, “Now this is going to be awesome to get to make a record with her, because we know what it feels like to play with her, and it’s great.” Just having her in the band has been inspiring.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity and length.
Love Is Blind: UK brings the global hit dating experiment to Britain, and viewers continue to engage with its captivating format. The second season of the series, currently on Netflix, made the streamer’s top 10 list in 32 countries this week, with 2.6 million views.
Two additional episodes of the current season will drop on August 27. Once things are wrapped up, should we expect more? Turns out, we have good news in that department.
Love Is Blind: UK Season 3 Release Date
Love Is Blind UK season 3 is definitely happening. Netflix has renewed the series, so you can expect at least another installment to come your way in 2026, likely during the summer.
In fact, given the success of the franchise, we wouldn’t be surprised if the show went on for years to come.
Love Is Blind: UK Season 3 Cast
With season 2 not even in the rearview window, we don’t know anything about the season 3 cast just yet. Matt and Emma Willis will return to host, but who enters the pods will depend on how casting goes.
Speaking of, if you ever dreamed of going on the series, there’s no better time than the present to take the plunge. Applications for Love Is Blind: UK Season 3 are now open.
What Is Love Is Blind: UK About?
As most dating shows, Love Is Blind: UK centres on singles searching for love. The ace up its sleeve is the premise.
Over several weeks, participants form connections in “pods.” They talk without knowing how the other person looks, in an attempt to discover whether emotional chemistry can outweigh physical attraction.
If a bond proves strong enough, couples get engaged sight unseen. Then, they meet in person and test their relationship in the real world. At the end of the experiment, they must decide at the altar whether they’re truly meant to be.
The pod setup creates genuine emotional connections and makes Love Is Blind: UK stand out from typical dating shows. At the same time, the big reveal moments add tension and surprise into the mix.
All in all, the show is more than a guilty pleasure. It’s exciting and highly bingeable. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for new seasons to keep coming our way.
Are There Other Shows Like Love Is Blind: UK?
If you like the UK version, you will probably enjoy the original Love Is Blind, as well as any of the spin-offs.
If you were a fan of competition show The Biggest Loser, which aired for 18 seasons, you’ve probably wondered what really went on behind the scenes. Thanks to a new Netflix docuseries, you can find out. As expected, it wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies.
Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser premiered on the streaming platform on August 15. It’s currently the second most-watched English show globally, with 7.5 million views this week alone. Does that mean more episodes might be on the way?
Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser Season 2 Release Date
Over the course of three episodes, the docuseries does an effective job of taking viewers behind the scenes of the hit reality show. Unless any new information from that time comes to light, we’re pretty sure this is all we get.
Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser Cast
Bob Harper
Alison Sweeney
Ryan Benson
Suzanne Mendonca
Jennifer Kerns
Olivia Ward
What Is Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser About?
The Biggest Loser saw contestants unhappy with their weight work with trainers to slim down through intensive exercise and strict diet plans. They also had weekly challenges and faced eliminations based on their progress. Whoever lost the most weight got a cash prize.
The show won over viewers with tales of triumph, grit, and reinvention. In reality, things weren’t always as inspiring as they looked on TV.
Fit for TV sets out to explore the show’s impact on contestants’ physical and mental health. It also touches on the extreme methods used to achieve rapid results, and the broader cultural obsession with weight loss that fueled its success.
Through interviews and archive footage, it examines how the show made entertainment and wellness collide, sometimes in unfortunate manners. Expect appearances from former participants, as well as trainer Bob Harper and host Alison Sweeney.
While there’s no doubt that the reality show was culturally significant, its legacy is complicated. We may not get Fit for TV: The Reality of The Biggest Loser season 2, but the three episodes currently streaming raise enough questions about body image and the ethics of reality TV.
It’s not about how fast you get shredded, but more about whether you stay the course.
Are There Other Shows Like Fit for TV?
If you enjoyed Fit for TV, you might also like Dark Side of Reality TV, which tackles shows like America’s Next Top Model, Toddlers & Tiaras, and Survivor.
In this segment, we showcase the most notable albums out each week. Here are the albums out on August 22, 2025:
Water From Your Eyes, It’s a Beautiful Place
“It ended up being about time, dinosaurs and space,” Nate Amos said of Water From Your Eyes‘ new album It’s a Beautiful Place. “We wanted to present a wide range of styles in a way that acknowledges everything’s just a tiny blip.” The follow-up to 2023’s breakout Everyone’s Crushed is characteristically silly, freaky, and clunky – because what’s more awkward than making sci-fi indie rock about cosmic existentialism – until its vast emotional range hits you. In the “long hard road from here to the truth,” as Rachel Brown puts it on ‘Playing Classics’, the band hardly stays motionless, let alone cynical. Silly, yes, but undeniably soulful and striking. Read the full review.
It was about time for Mac DeMarco to release a record like Guitar, an unironically guitar-based and ostensibly straightforward collection of songs that he recorded alone at his home studio in Los Angeles in about two weeks. As breezy and easygoing as it sounds, DeMarco has cultivated his gift for fraying and flexing the edges of his cozily bare-bones sound, both lyrically and vocally. He has a way of coming off both emblematically laidback and somehow unmoored, showing you the way around the wandering heart of his music without ever handing you the key. Read the full review.
Deftones are back with their 10th album, private music, which deftly balances their signature brutality and lushness. Featuring the previously released singles ‘milk of the madonna’ and ‘my mind is a mountain’, the follow-up to 2020’s relatively muted Ohms was produced by Nick Raskulinecz, who previously worked on 2010’s Diamond Eyes and 2012’s Koi No Yokan and does an incredible job here. Also joining the band’s creative core of Chino Moreno, Stephen Carpenter, Abe Cunningham, and Frank Delgado is touring bassist Fred Sablan, making it the first since Sergio Vega’s departure in 2021.
Superchunk have returned with their 13th studio LP, Songs in the Key of Yikes, their first since 2022’s Wild Loneliness and the departure of longtime drummer Jon Wurster. With Laura King now a permanent member, the effortlessly catchy and defiant album also features Bella Quinlan and Holly Thomas of Quivers, Rosali, as well as touring bassist Betsy Wright. “It’s always been the case that everyone is going through something that you may not be aware of,” Mac McCaughan said in a press release. “This is currently more true than ever—but also the case that we are all going through some things together. In the face of that, what good is art and where is happiness found? (Spoiler alert: I don’t know.)” Read our inspirations interview with Superchunk.
Though oscillating between emotional extremes, Hand Habits’ new album Blue Reminder gels together beautifully. Nimble, patient, yet ambitious, the 12-track LP was recorded in Los Angeles by Phil Hartunian with co-producer Joseph Lorge. It features contributions from Alan Wyffels, Gregory Uhlmann, Olivia Kaplan, Blake Mills, Tim Carr, Daniel Aged, and Joshua Johnson, and Anna Butterss of SML. “For this record I set out to no longer shapeshift when it came to the person I become in the face of love,” Meg Duffy said. The singles ‘Wheel of Change’, ‘Jasmine Blossoms’, ‘Dead Rat’, and ‘Bluebird of Happiness’ arrived ahead of the release.
Out now on Merge, Last Missouri Exit is the debut album by Case Oats, the Chicago-based band led by Casey Gomez Walker and featuring Spencer Tweedy on drums, Max Subar on guitar and pedal steel, Jason Ashworth on bass, Scott Daniel on fiddle, and Nolan Chin on piano and organ. “I feel like we were really relaxed. We did maybe three or four live takes of each song to make sure we got it,” Tweedy said of the recording process in our Artist Spotlight interview. “I remember, when Casey and I were opening up the basic tracks that we did with the whole band later to start adding vocals and things, feeling really proud and relieved that the tracks sounded so stable and assured.”
Wolf Alice lean into their glammiest, campiest instincts on their new album The Clearing, which follows 2021’s Blue Weekend. Compared to the fantastic lead single ‘Bloom Baby Bloom’, the rest of the LP is confident if a little timid in its grandiosity. It was written in the band’s native North London and recorded in Los Angeles with producer Greg Kurstin. ‘The Sofa’ and ‘White Horses’ also previewed the record.
Earl Sweatshirt has dropped a new album, Live Love Laugh. “I named it before I wrote it,” he remarked. “And then everything started clicking.” It marks the rapper’s first solo record since 2022’s Sick!, though in 2023 he released the Alchemist collaboration Voir Dire. Woozy, cerebral, and off-kilter, the collection features Erykah Badu on the closing track ‘Exhaust’, and features production from Theravada, Navy Blue, Black Noi$e, and Child Actor. “Constrictions breed creativity,” Sweatshirt added. “There are rules to reality. It reminds me of Ifá—how spirits operate within that system. I need rules. I need assignments.”
Marcus Brown crafted his sublime new Nourished by Time album, The Passionate Ones, between Baltimore, London, and New York. Too resonant to slip into the background, the follow-up to Erotic Probiotic 2 and last year’s Catching Chickens EP was previewed by the singles ‘Max Potential’, ‘9 2 5’, and ‘BABY BABY’. Flitting between jazz, funk, R&B, indie rock, and electronic music, Brown explores themes of romance, labor, self-actualization, and more.
Winter has followed up her 2022 breakout What Kind Of Blue Are You? with another kaleidoscopic record, Adult Romantix. The singer-songwriter described the album as “a tunnel of summers and memories,” drawing inspiration from Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and ‘90s rom-coms alike. It was recorded and produced with longtime collaborator Joo Joo Ashworth (SASAMI, Corridor, Automatic) and mixed by Henry Stoehr (Slow Pulp). While her previous album featured Hatchie and SASAMI, this time Winter enlisted Horse Jumper of Love for ‘Misery’, Tanukichan for ‘Hide-A-Lullaby’, and Alex G’s Samuel Acchione on ‘Running’.
Greg Freeman, Burnover; Laufey, A Matter of Time; Jobber, Jobber to the Stars; Hunx and His Punx, Walk Out on This World; Kaitlyn Aurelia Smith, GUSH; Ghostface Killah, Supreme Clientele 2; TOPS, Bury the Key; Hot Mulligan, The Sound A Body Makes When It’s Still; Blake Mills & Pino Palladino, That Wasn’t A Dream; Sir Chloe, Swallow the Knife; Dean Johnson, I Hope We Can Still Be Friends; Royel Otis, hickey; Jon Batiste, Big Money; Double Wish, Double Wish; Scree, August; Sombr, I BARELY KNOW HER; Delicate Steve, Luke’s Garage; Wreck and Reference, Stay Calm; Teyana Taylor, Escape Room; Kid Cudi, FREE; Anand Wilder, Psychic Lessons; BigXThaPlug, I Hope You’re Happy; Kathleen Edwards, Billionaire; Mariah the Scientist, HEARTS SOLD SEPARATELY; Dinosaur Pile-Up, I’ve Felt Better; Ava Max, Don’t Click Play; quannnic, Warbrained; Offset, KIARI; Kerala Dust, An Echo of Love; Three Days Grace, Alienation; Glitterfox, Decoder; James Yorkston, Songs for Nina And Johanna; Claire Morales, Lost in the Desert.
LWRC rifles are renowned for their exceptional performance and reliability, making them a smart choice for firearm enthusiasts. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or new to the field, these rifles offer impressive customization options. Here, we explore the top 10 reasons to buy an LWRC rifle.
Choosing LWRC rifles for your firearm collection is a decision that emphasizes quality and innovation. These firearms are meticulously engineered, providing enthusiasts with a blend of reliability, performance, and versatility. Whether your interest lies in tactical shooting or hunting, LWRC rifles can enhance your experience. This discussion outlines the key reasons these firearms are highly regarded in the market. You can explore more options here and buy LWRC rifles online.
1. Dependability and Performance
LWRC rifles are celebrated for their dependability. Designed to endure challenging conditions, these firearms maintain their functionality without fail. Their sturdy construction ensures consistent performance, whether you’re at a shooting range or out in the field. The advanced materials used in their production contribute to their durability and longevity, offering you a reliable tool that stands the test of time.
2. Superior Accuracy
Performance is another area where LWRC rifles excel. They deliver superior accuracy and smooth operation, thanks to their innovative design features. The gas-piston system commonly found in these rifles reduces recoil and enhances precision, providing you with greater control over your shots. This makes them suitable for both competitive shooting and tactical applications, where accuracy is crucial.
3. Customization Opportunities
One of the most appealing aspects of LWRC rifles is their ease of customization. These firearms allow enthusiasts to tailor their weapons to meet specific needs and preferences. From adjustable stocks to various sighting systems, the customization possibilities are extensive, ensuring your rifle aligns perfectly with your shooting style.
4. Modular Design
The modular design of LWRC rifles is especially attractive to those who enjoy personalizing their equipment. Whether you’re looking to enhance the aesthetic appeal or improve functional aspects such as grip or sight alignment, these rifles offer ample opportunities for modification. The variety of aftermarket parts available further expands your options for creating a truly unique firearm.
5. Versatility Across Activities
LWRC rifles are known for their versatility across different shooting activities. They are equally suited for hunting expeditions as they are for competitive shooting events, offering unmatched adaptability. Their design allows you to transition between various uses without sacrificing performance or reliability.
6. Wide Range of Calibers
This versatility is partly due to the array of calibers and configurations available within the LWRC lineup. Whether you’re engaging targets at long range or navigating through dense underbrush during a hunt, there’s an LWRC model tailored to meet those demands effectively. This adaptability makes them an attractive choice for a diverse group of firearm owners.
7. Accessibility
With AR15 rifles for sale online being more accessible than ever, choosing an LWRC model means investing in a firearm that grows with you as your skills and interests evolve. It provides you with an edge in any scenario where precision and reliability are essential, supporting both recreational and professional pursuits.
8. Innovative Engineering
LWRC rifles are a product of innovative engineering, incorporating the latest technology to enhance performance. This forward-thinking approach ensures that each rifle is equipped to meet modern demands, making them a valuable addition to any collection.
9. Trusted Brand
As a trusted brand, LWRC has built a reputation for quality and excellence in the firearms industry. Their commitment to producing top-tier rifles has earned them a loyal following among enthusiasts and professionals alike.
10. Investment Value
Finally, investing in an LWRC rifle is a wise decision for those looking to add value to their collection. These rifles not only offer exceptional performance but also hold their value over time, making them a smart financial choice for collectors.
When you drop a music video on YouTube, the hardest part usually isn’t the upload it’s getting people to actually watch it. Simply hitting “publish” isn’t enough with millions of songs and videos flooding the platform daily. Promotion must be as important as creativity if you want your music to stand out.
I’ve been in YouTube growth for a while, and I can assure you: smart planning beats shortcuts. I’m sharing the greatest free and paid YouTube music video promotion methods to help you gain traction without wasting time or money.
Let’s dive in.
Why Music Promotion on YouTube Feels Different
YouTube isn’t just another social platform. It’s both a search engine and a social hub which means your video can get discovered months or even years after release if you play your cards right.
But here’s the twist: music content is one of the most competitive categories. Between official music videos from labels, independent artists, and cover creators, you’re fighting for visibility in a crowded market. That’s why promotion matters not in the “spam links everywhere” sense, but in getting your video in front of the right audience and giving the YouTube algorithm reasons to recommend it.
Free Ways to Promote a YouTube Music Video
Not everyone has a marketing budget, especially when you’re just starting out. The good news? There are powerful free tactics that can get you traction if you’re willing to put in some work.
1. Make Your Song Royalty-Free for Creators
Not enough musicians use this trick. Make your song royalty-free and let YouTubers use it to spread it.
Why? Because thousands of vloggers, gamers, and podcasters search for safe background music. They indirectly promote your music to their listeners by using your tune. That’s free exposure, and if your song is catchy, people will want the complete version.
To ensure your music is used freely on YouTube with credit, express it properly. That protects you against misuse while maximizing reach.
2. Submit to Free Music Libraries
Once your track is royalty-free, you need to put it where creators are already looking. Uploading it to YouTube music libraries is the easiest way to do that.
One solid option is the TubePilot free music library. It’s designed for creators who want safe background tracks, and having your music there means people can stumble across it while searching for their next soundtrack.
Beyond that, don’t ignore authority sources that already have strong reputations. NoCopyrightSounds (NCS), for example, is a massive channel and label that specializes in releasing music free for creators, and their reach is insane. Similarly, Kevin MacLeod’s Incompetech is legendary in the royalty-free world. Getting your song into these ecosystems can push it in front of millions, however, it may be more difficult to get approved.
3. Optimize Like a Strategist, Not an Artist
I realize most bands choose creativity over technique, but YouTube SEO counts. You may tell the algorithm who your video is for using its title, description, and tags.
Title: include your artist name + song name + keyword like “Official Music Video.”
Description: write more than a single line. Use this space to tell your story, add lyrics, include links, and keywords naturally.
Tags: target variations of your song title, genre, mood, and related artists.
This doesn’t mean spamming keywords. It means being intentional so your video surfaces in the right search results.
4. Community Building Over Spamming
Instead of dropping your link in random comment sections or forums (which rarely works), focus on building relationships in your genre’s community.
Engage on Reddit threads dedicated to your music style.
Comment meaningfully on other artists’ videos.
Join Discord communities where creators and listeners share music.
The goal is to get noticed as a genuine participant, not someone pushing links. Once people recognize your name, they’ll naturally check out your music.
Paid Ways to Promote a YouTube Music Video
At some point, you may want to accelerate growth with paid methods. The key here is to use your budget wisely because throwing money into ads without a strategy can burn cash fast.
1. YouTube Ads Done Right
Running video ads through Google Ads is one of the most direct ways to put your music video in front of targeted audiences. But here’s the catch: if you don’t set up targeting properly, you’ll pay for views that don’t stick.
Best practices:
Target by interest (people already engaging with music similar to yours).
Use placements (advertise on channels where your audience hangs out).
Test short previews of your music video as skippable ads, not the full version.
Done correctly, this can create a funnel of highly interested listeners who then watch the full video organically.
2. Influencer Partnerships
Not everyone needs A-list influencers. Many 10K – 100K micro-influencers have tighter communities and better engagement. Due to social proof, paying a niche YouTuber to highlight or react to your music might be more effective than commercials.
This doesn’t have to mean big dollars. Some influencers are open to collaboration if they like your music it’s worth reaching out authentically.
3. Professional Music Video Promotion Services
Sometimes, the smart move is to let professionals handle distribution. There are agencies and platforms that specialize in promoting music videos in ways that blend organic engagement with paid ads.
One such service which I recommend is offered through LenosTube. Their campaigns use YouTube Ads, external ads and social media to reach real, targeted audiences without bots or phony views. It’s not about exaggerating stats, but placing your video for natural growth.
Consider this a supplement to organic promotion. It works best when your music is already optimized and you’re building community, so the paid push accelerates what’s already working.
How Free and Paid Work Together
Here’s the truth: free and paid strategies aren’t rivals, they’re teammates.
Library, SEO, royalty-free, and community strategies underpin organic discovery.
Paid ads, influencer collabs, and services accelerate discovery.
If you rely only on free, growth can be slow. If you rely only on paid, growth can feel hollow. But combine the two, and you build both momentum and longevity.
The Big Picture
Promoting a music video on YouTube is about more than hitting numbers it’s about building a real audience that sticks around for the next drop. That means thinking beyond the upload:
How can I make my music spread organically?
Where can I place it so creators and communities amplify it for me?
When is it worth investing money, and what’s the smartest way to spend it?
Those with the most money don’t necessarily win on YouTube. Those who continually show up, test new things, and view promotion as an integral part of their craft.
You can’t expect anything to happen when you upload your video. If you want your music to stand out from the crowd, you need a plan that combines free visibility with clever paid boosts.
“It ended up being about time, dinosaurs and space,” Nate Amos said of 
It was about time for 
Deftones are back with their 10th album, private music, which deftly balances their signature brutality and lushness. Featuring the previously released singles 
Superchunk have returned with their 13th studio LP, 
Though oscillating between emotional extremes, Hand Habits’ new album 
Out now on 
Wolf Alice lean into their glammiest, campiest instincts on their new album The Clearing, which follows 2021’s Blue Weekend. Compared to the fantastic lead single
Earl Sweatshirt has dropped a new album, 
Marcus Brown crafted his sublime new Nourished by Time album, 
Winter has followed up her 2022 breakout What Kind Of Blue Are You? with another kaleidoscopic record, 
