Irish singer-songwriter Nell Mescal has shared a new song, ‘Punchline’. It’s her third single of 2023, following March’s ‘In My Head’. Check it out below.
“I wrote punchline in my bedroom last year about a friendship ending before it needed to and the heartbreak that comes with it,” Mescal explained in a statement. “It’s about trying to ‘win’ the friendship breakup by pretending it doesn’t hurt you that much, but still having that sick feeling you get in your stomach because you miss the other person.”
Skrillex and Boys Noize have joined forces for a new single, ‘Fine Day Anthem’. Fred again.. co-produced the track, which was first teased during Skrillex, Fred again.., and Four Tet’s headlining set at Coachella. The single artwork was designed by digital artist Thomas Harrington Rawle. Take a listen below.
‘Fine Day Anthem’ marks the producers’ first collaborative release since 2019’s Turn Off The Lights EP. Skrillex dropped a pair of albums, Don’t Get Too Close and Quest for Fire, earlier this year.
Skrillex and Boys Noize (Photo courtesy of the artists)
PJ Harvey is back with her first album in seven years, I Inside the Old Year Dying. The follow-up to 2016’s The Hope Six Demolition Project was co-produced by longtime collaborators John Parish and Flood. It includes the previously released singles ‘A Child’s Question, August’ and the title track. The songs “all came out of me in about three weeks,” Harvey said in press materials, and are meant to provide “a resting space, a solace, a comfort, a balm – which feels timely for the times we’re in.” She added, “I think the album is about searching, looking – the intensity of first love, and seeking meaning. Not that there has to be a message, but the feeling I get from the record is one of love – it’s tinged with sadness and loss, but it’s loving. I think that’s what makes it feel so welcoming: so open.” Read our review of the album.
Julie Byrne has returned with her first album since 2017’s Not Even Happiness. She began working on The Greater Wings with longtime collaborator Eric Littmann, who passed away in 2021, and finished the album with Alex Somers. “My hope for The Greater Wings is that it lives as a love letter to my chosen family and as an expression of the depth of my commitment to our shared future,” Byrne said. “Being reshaped by grief also has me more aware of what death does not take from me. I commit that to heart, to words, to sound. Music is not bound to any kind of linear time, so in the capacity to record and speak to the future: This is what it felt like to me, when we were simultaneous, alive, occurring all at once. What it has felt like to go up against my edge and push, the love that has made it worth all this fight. These memories are my values, they belong with me.” Read our review of The Greater Wings.
ANOHNI and the Johnsons, My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross
ANOHNI and the Johnsons have released their new LP, My Back Was a Bridge for You to Cross, via Rough Trade and Secretly Canadian. The follow-up to 2016’s HOPELESSNESS was previewed with the singles ‘Sliver of Ice’, ‘It Must Be Change’, and ‘Why Am I Alive Now?’. “I want the record to be useful. I learned with HOPELESSNESS that I can provide a soundtrack that might fortify people in their work, in their activism, in their dreaming and decision-making,” ANOHNI explained. “I can sing of an awareness that makes others feel less alone, people for whom the frank articulation of these frightening times is not a source of discomfort but a cause for identification and relief. I want the work to be useful, to help others move with dignity and resilience through these conversations we are now facing.”
Minneapolis-based rock band 12 Rods have issued their first new album in 21 years. Out now via American Dreams and Ryley Walker’s Husky Pants Records, If We Stayed Alive follows 2002’s Lost Time and includes the previously unveiled tracks ‘Twice’, ‘My Year (This Is Going to Be)’, and ‘Private Spies’. The LP came together after frontman Ryan Olcott found some of the band’s unfinished demos during lockdown. “These are songs that I forgot about,” Olcott explained in press materials. “It took a couple days to get my voice back with that range and that power, but I can do it!” He added, “To be honest, I think it’s the best material I’ve had to offer so far.”
Rauw Alejandro has dropped Playa Saturno, a “spinoff” of the Puerto Rican star’s last LP Saturno. The record features guest spots from Junior H, Ivy Queen, Miguel Bosé, Jowell y Randy, and Ñego y Dálmat. “When I was touring, I couldn’t stop thinking of summer, the season that holds so many memories and adventures near the beach of Puerto Rico, where music has always been with me,” Alejandro wrote on Instagram. “Being away from home really is like living on Saturn and I felt so much nostalgia hahaha and with zero time I don’t know how I made this happen.” He added, “I decided to make this album for the fans of classic and modern reggaetón, especially for my people of PR. 10000% PERREO.”
Local Natives have put out their fifth studio album, Time Will Wait for No One, via Loma Vista. The follow-up to 2019’s Violet Street was recorded in Los Angeles with producer John Congleton and features the advance tracks ‘Paradise’, ‘Just Before the Morning’, ‘NYE’, Desert Snow’, and ‘Hourglass’. “This record was made during a time of metamorphosis for us,” the band said in a statement. “Former selves melting away as some of us became fathers, endured periods of isolation, loss, and identity crisis. The highs and lows we were feeling at the same time were so extreme.”
Little Dragon have followed up 2021’s New Me, Same Us with a new album, Slugs of Love, out now via Ninja Tune. It features guest appearances from Damon Albarn and Atlanta rapper JID, as well as the singles ‘Gold’, ‘Kenneth’, and the title track. “We’ve been exploring different ways to collaborate and communicate,” the group explained. “Dissolving patterns and making new ones. Nurturing our ability to curiously press down keys, to bang—sometimes hard sometimes gently—on different things, strumming strings, recording sounds and investigating the limits for how much or little a sound can be tweaked… Together we have developed, replayed, danced to, cried, and laughed to this music as it has evolved forwards, backwards, sideways and all around, but now finally as a complete masterpiece… This feels like our finest work yet. We are very proud.”
Gus Dapperton’s third album, Henge, has arrived today via Warner Records. The follow-up to 2020’s Orca features the BENEE collaboration ‘Don’t Let Me Down’, as well as contributions from poet Ocean Vuong and Cruel Santino. The album title is a reference to what is known as “Manhattanhenge,” a natural phenomenon that occurs twice a year in New York City when the setting sun aligns perfectly with Manhattan’s grid-patterned streets.
Other albums out today:
Dominic Fike, Sunburn; Grouplove, I Want It All Right Now; Alice Phoebe Lou, Shelter; Saloli, Canyon; Jim O’Rourke, Hands That Bind (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack); Tony Allen, JID018; Aluna, MYCELiUM; L.Zylberberg, her her; Longings, Dreams in Red; Lauren Bousfield, Salesforce; Froglord, Sons of Froglord; Zaumne, Parfum.
Chicago rapper Valee has teamed up with Action Bronston and producer Harry Fraud for a new single, ‘Vibrant’. It comes alongside the announcement of Valee and Fraud’s upcoming album Virtuoso, which arrives on July 21. Check it out below.
“We’ve been quietly working on this project, and it’s finally ready for the world,” Valee said in a press release. “It will be unlike anything you’ve ever heard; so expect the unexpected.”
Fraud added, “Valee has been one of my favorite artists since the first time I heard him, and it’s always been a goal of mine to collaborate with him.”
Taylor Swift has released her third re-recorded album. Following Fearless (Taylor’s Version) and Red (Taylor’s Version), Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) includes new versions of the 16 songs originally featured on the 2010 album alongside ‘From the Vault’ tracks featuring Fall Out Boy and Paramore’s Hayley Williams. Listen below.
“It’s an album I wrote alone about the whims, fantasies, heartaches, dramas, and tragedies I lived out as a young woman between 18 and 20,” Swift wrote on Instagram. “I remember making tracklist after tracklist, obsessing over the right way to tell the story. I had to be ruthless with my choices, and I left behind some songs I am still unfailingly proud of now. Therefore, you have 6 From The Vault tracks! I recorded this album when I was 32 (and still growing up, now) and the memories it brought back filled me with nostalgia and appreciation. For life, for you, for the fact that I get to reclaim my work. Thank you a million times, for the memories that break our fall.”
Phoebe Boswell’s immersive new work inhabits Orleans House Gallery and its surrounding woodlands in an intergenerational call and response, where trees become repositories of inquiry, engaging the audience in an intergenerational call and response. Boswell provides a sanctuary where we can ask questions and listen to elders articulate life in a way we can understand.
Inspired by Hermann Hesse’s ‘Trees are Sanctuaries’, the artist collected questions from the public. These questions were used in her interviews with a diverse group of respected elders worldwide. Interviewees included a feminist activist from Gorée, a former nun turned actor from Ireland, a Greek scientist passionate about plants, and the first Black woman to represent Britain at the Venice Biennale.
Talking about the exhibition Boswell stated “Making this work has been endlessly rewarding. Taking the time to sit with each participant, listening as they wind their way through the sometimes fluid sometimes knotty paths of their lives has been an immense honour. A revelation. I have learned a lot. Mostly about courage, and dignity, humour, love, and simply how to live in our own bodies as well as in relation to one another. Whenever I make work that invites participation, I am stunned by the generosity and trust inherent in the bond. It is this that informs the work – it becomes what it needs to be – and I am very grateful.”
The exhibition will open from the 7th of July until the 5th of November, 2023 at Orleans House Gallery, Orleans Rd, Twickenham, TW1 3BL.
Are you interested in a step-by-step guide that demonstrates how to use SmartArt and diagrams to create compelling illustrations on PowerPoint slides?
The essential tool for communication in our different societies is a PowerPoint presentation. When designing engaging and informative slides, incorporating visual elements is key. Among the many features that PowerPoint offers, SmartArt graphics and diagrams are powerful tools that can bring your ideas to life.
You can incorporate Simple Slides visuals into your SmartArt PowerPoint creation. Simple Slides is compatible with PowerPoint SmartArt features that can assist you in using SmartArt graphics and diagrams. If you want to enhance your presentation and take it to the next level, consider exploring the expansive collection of powerpoint design templates that will help capture your audience’s attention.
If you’re interested to know the guide, this article will show you a step-by-step guide using smart art and diagrams for illustration on PowerPoint Slides. Below are the steps that will guide you using the SmartArt graphics or diagrams.
Step 1: Launch PowerPoint and select a slide layout
Enhance your diagram with visually appealing SmartArt graphics and layouts; you can utilize PowerPoint SmartArt. SmartArt in PowerPoint is a feature that allows you to create professional-looking diagrams, flowcharts, and other visual representations easily.
To begin your first SmartArt graphic or diagram, open PowerPoint, then create a new presentation or open an existing one. Choose a suitable slide layout that will accommodate your illustration. Keep in mind that certain layouts may work better for specific types of diagrams, so select one that aligns with your content.
Step 2: Insert SmartArt Graphic or Diagram
Next, to insert a SmartArt graphic or diagram, follow these steps:
a) “Insert” tab on the PowerPoint ribbon.
b) Click the “SmartArt” icon or “Diagram” option, and a SmartArt graphic dialog box will appear.
c) Click the “SmartArt style” or “Diagram layout” that best fits your illustration group purpose.
Step 3: Customize the SmartArt Graphic or Diagram
Once you have inserted the SmartArt or diagram onto your slide, it’s time to customize it to match your content and visual preferences. Select the SmartArt graphic, and you will notice the “Design” and “Format” tabs appearing on the ribbon.
a) Design: The “Design” tab provides options to modify the overall look and layout of your entire SmartArt graphic. You can find SmartArt layouts, colors, and styles until you find the right choice that you need for your content. You can choose various SmartArt styles to give your graphic a polished and professional appearance.
b) Format: The “Format” tab allows you to fine-tune the appearance of individual elements within your SmartArt graphic. Here, you can change colors, adjust shapes, apply effects, and add text. You have the flexibility to customize the entire SmartArt graphic or focus on specific elements within it.
Step 4: Add Text and Labels
An essential aspect of creating informative illustrations is providing clear labels and descriptions.
To add text to your SmartArt graphic and format the text by changing its font sizes, color, and alignment, you can follow these steps:
a) Click on the desired “shape” and start typing. PowerPoint will automatically adjust the size and position of the text boxes to fit the shape.
b) For formatting, the options available are in the “Home” tab.
Step 5: Create a graphic group
To further enhance your illustration, you can create a graphic group in PowerPoint SmartArt. A graphic group allows you to combine the text box, shape, and image into a single object, making it easier to manipulate and apply formatting options.
a) Select the “elements” you want to group by holding the “Shift key” and clicking on each elements.
b) Then, right-click on the selection, navigate to the “Group” option, and choose “Group” from the submenu.
Step 6: Animating the SmartArt Graphic or Diagram (optional)
To further enhance your presentation, add various animations to your SmartArt graphics or diagrams. Animations can help you reveal information step by step or emphasize specific elements.
To apply animation, follow these steps:
a) Select the “SmartArt graphic.”
b) Then, navigate to the “Animations” tab, and explore the various entrance, emphasis, and exit animations available.
Ensure they align with your intended visual effects.
Step 7: Save and Present
Once you have completed designing your slide with the SmartArt diagram, it’s important to save your PowerPoint presentation. Follow these steps:
a) Click on the “File” tab.
b) Choose “Save” or “Save As” to save your work.
c) Write a descriptive “name.”
d) Select the desired “location” in your files.
Now you are ready to present your PowerPoint presentation slide with a captivating and informative SmartArt graphic or diagram. Practice your presentation and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a smooth flow between slides.
Related Questions:
What is SmartArt Graphic or Diagram? SmartArt graphics is a valuable tool in Microsoft PowerPoint that can enhance your presentations by visually representing information and ideas. SmartArt graphics can communicate information using shapes, color variations, and font and sizes. The SmartArt graphic is easily customizable, and you can remove or add shapes to your presentation. It is also flexible on the animations and transitions and can create professional-looking visuals. SmartArt graphics or diagrams can make your audience understand and follow the key points presented by formatting data into visuals.
What are the SmartArt tools for presentation? SmartArt Graphics in PowerPoint offers several SmartArt tools and options to enhance presentations. Here are some of the available features: Layouts: SmartArt graphic or diagram provides a variety of predefined SmartArt layout options. These layouts determine the arrangement and organization of selected shapes within the graphic. Styles: SmartArt allows you to apply different visual styles to your graphic, which can change the colors, shapes, and overall appearance. PowerPoint provides a range of built-in styles that you can apply to your SmartArt to match your presentation’s design. Text Formatting: SmartArt Graphics enables you to add and format text within the shapes. Shape Editing: SmartArt shapes can be modified and customized to fit your specific requirements. Animation: SmartArt can be animated to add visual interest and engage your audience. Data Integration: SmartArt can also be linked to external data sources such as Excel spreadsheets or any databases. It enables you to update the content of your SmartArt automatically when the underlying data changes.
Conclusion:
With the power of SmartArt graphics or diagrams, you can enhance the illustrations in your PowerPoint slides significantly. By following the steps detailed in this blog post, you can create presentations that excel in layouts, styles, font choices, shapes, and animations. These creative and easy-to-understand guides will surely capture your audience’s attention effortlessly. With SmartArt graphics or diagrams, your presentation will stand out, leaving a lasting impression on your viewers.
Quality sleep and a balanced sleep schedule are essential for overall health and well-being. Lack of proper sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and decreased productivity. While there are various lifestyle changes one can make to improve sleep, like buying yourself a new pair of trainers and increasing your exercise – there are even many Adidas discount codes available online! Supplements can also play a crucial role in promoting better sleep patterns.
In the following sections, we will explore some of the best supplements that have shown promising results in enhancing sleep quality and duration.
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland situated in the brain. It regulates the sleep-wake cycle and helps establish a regular sleep pattern. Melatonin supplements are commonly used to alleviate insomnia and jet lag. It best takes 30 minutes before bedtime to synchronise the body’s internal clock and promote better sleep.
Valerian root is a well-known natural solution to regulate sleep. It has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for sleep disorders. It contains compounds that interact with the GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. Valerian root supplements improve sleep quality and help individuals fall asleep faster.
Magnesium is known to help with sleep regulation. It activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and calmness, which can be beneficial for those struggling with insomnia or difficulty staying asleep. Products like Bioceuticals Ultra Muscleze Night offer a targeted magnesium supplement designed to support restful sleep and muscle relaxation.
Lavender is a soothing and calming herb that’s become popular for its effects. It has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and sleep. Lavender supplements or essential oil can be used as part of a bedtime routine to create a peaceful sleep environment and enhance sleep quality.
Chamomile is a gentle herb often consumed as a tea to induce relaxation and improve sleep. It contains compounds that bind to certain receptors in the brain, promoting sedation and reducing anxiety. Chamomile supplements or tea can be an excellent natural remedy for those struggling with insomnia or restlessness.
Passionflower is a plant with tranquillising properties that can help ease anxiety and promote better sleep. Its compounds interact with the brain’s receptors, increasing gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, a neurotransmitter that reduces brain activity and induces relaxation. Passionflower supplements are commonly used to improve sleep quality and alleviate insomnia.
Ashwagandha has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to combat stress and promote relaxation. By reducing cortisol levels, a stress hormone that can interfere with sleep, ashwagandha supplements help individuals achieve a more peaceful state of mind, allowing for better sleep.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a compound that plays a crucial role in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation and sleep. Taking 5-HTP supplements can help increase serotonin levels, promoting a sense of calmness and aiding in achieving restful sleep.
Ginkgo Biloba is a herbal supplement known for its potential benefits in improving blood circulation and cognitive function. By enhancing blood flow to the brain, ginkgo biloba may support better sleep quality and alleviate sleep disturbances, such as insomnia.
Lemon balm is a mint family herb with calming properties. It is known to reduce anxiety and promote sleep. Lemon balm supplements or tea can benefit those who experience difficulty falling asleep or have restless nights.
CBD oil is derived from the cannabis plant and has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic effects. It interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety. CBD oil supplements may help individuals achieve a state of calmness, facilitating better sleep.
Incorporating supplements into your daily routine can be a helpful strategy to improve your sleep quality. Among the best options, the best options are Melatonin, valerian root, magnesium, lavender, chamomile, passionflower, ashwagandha, 5-HTP, ginkgo biloba, lemon balm, and CBD oil. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional before adding any new supplements to your regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or take other medications.
Remember that supplements should be used in conjunction with good sleep hygiene practices, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, limiting caffeine and electronic device use before bed, and practising relaxation techniques.
Wells Art Contemporary (WAC) has announced its 2023 shortlist and exhibition, set to showcase contemporary art from around the world in Britain’s first gothic cathedral, Wells Cathedral, Somerset. The exhibition will be free to the public and run from Saturday, 5 August to Saturday, 2 September 2023, with a private viewing scheduled for Friday, 4 August.
The WAC exhibition received an overwhelming response, with 3,000 submissions from 1,650 artists across 55 countries.
Besides artists living and working in the four nations of the UK, entries were received from 55 countries on six continents, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Egypt, India, Iran, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam.
Over 160 works have been selected for the WAC 2023 exhibition, including work by artists from Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Spain, Slovakia, Panama, and the United States. The UK is also strongly represented.
The following prizes will be awarded at the Private View to outstanding works in the 2023 exhibition:
Howden Art Award: £2,000 awarded to one artist selected by Howden Group. NG Art Creative Prize: a two-week residency at NG Art Creative Residency & Gallery in Provence, France.
Student Prize: £1,000 awarded to a current fine art student aged under 26 by Tracey Grace.
Young Printmakers Award: £500 awarded to one printmaker aged under 35 selected by Nana Shiomi.
People’s Choice Prize: £500 awarded to one artist selected by visitors of the exhibition.
JGM Gallery Prize: works by selected artists will be showcased online by JGM Gallery.
Parker Harris Mentoring Prize: a one-to-one mentoring session covering all aspects of professional development to a selected artist.
Somerset Art Works Prize: a one-to-one mentoring session with Somerset Art Works.
St Cuthberts Mill Award: 20 sheets of Saunders Waterford 300gsm worth over £120.
Mr Jones Watches, a London-based company known for some quirky and fun watches, has unveiled its debut collection of unisex t-shirts. Inspired by the team’s love of office dogs, the collection features the unofficial brand mascot Stanley, the Dachshund.
According to the brand, general manager Ellie McAllister was inspired by what the Mr Jones Watches dogs love the most — food.
Talking about the collection, Ellie said: “Designing the t-shirts was an exciting opportunity to work on something creative for the company, my role revolves around admin tasks, so I loved being able to channel my energy into design.”
PJ Harvey is back with her first album in seven years, 
Julie Byrne has returned with her first album since 2017’s Not Even Happiness. She began working on 
ANOHNI and the Johnsons have released their new LP, 
Minneapolis-based rock band 12 Rods have issued their first new album in 21 years. Out now via 
Rauw Alejandro has dropped Playa Saturno, a “spinoff” of the Puerto Rican star’s last LP Saturno. The record features guest spots from Junior H, Ivy Queen, Miguel Bosé, Jowell y Randy, and Ñego y Dálmat. “When I was touring, I couldn’t stop thinking of summer, the season that holds so many memories and adventures near the beach of Puerto Rico, where music has always been with me,” Alejandro wrote on Instagram. “Being away from home really is like living on Saturn and I felt so much nostalgia hahaha and with zero time I don’t know how I made this happen.” He added, “I decided to make this album for the fans of classic and modern reggaetón, especially for my people of PR. 10000% PERREO.”
Local Natives have put out their fifth studio album, 
Gus Dapperton’s third album, 
