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Timbaland Becomes Strategic Advisor to Leading AI Music Company Suno

Eric Alper
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Timbaland Becomes Strategic Advisor to Leading AI Music Company Suno

Making yet another major move, four-time GRAMMY Award-winning multi-platinum artist, creator, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and one of the most influential music producers of all-time Timbaland has announced an official partnership with leading AI music creation tool Suno. After months of being a top user of the platform, he has formalized his involvement as a strategic advisor to push forward creative strategy and inspire a new generation of artists to innovate and create.

To kick off the collaboration, Timbaland is previewing his latest single, “Love Again,” exclusively on the platform, and inviting the community to participate in a Remix Contest, which opens in 24 hours suno.com/timbaland. The remix contest will include feedback and judging from Timbaland himself, with over $100K in prizes for winning remixes, along with the opportunity to have Timbaland release the top two remixes of “Love Again” on DSPs.

Timbaland’s collaboration with Suno reflects his commitment to innovating in music and fostering new talent, complementing Suno’s mission to invite all musicians, whether established or aspiring, to push the boundaries of music and create music together.

Taking an active role, the producer will support Suno with day-to-day product development and strategic creative direction in order to ensure new generative music tools will meet the needs of both established and emerging artists. This partnership places Timbaland on the ground floor of what has all the makings of the next music industry revolution.

“When I heard what Suno was doing, I was immediately curious,“ said Timbaland. “After witnessing the potential, I knew I had to be a part of it. By combining forces, we have a unique opportunity to make A.I. work for the artist community and not the other way around. We’re seizing that opportunity, and we’re going to open up the floodgates for generations of artists to flourish on this new frontier. I’m excited and grateful to Suno for this opportunity.”

“It’s an honor to work with a legend like Timbaland. At Suno, we’re really excited about exploring new ways for fans to engage with their favorite artists. With Timbaland’s guidance, we’re helping musicians create music at the speed of their ideas—whether they’re just starting out or already selling out stadiums. We couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead!” said Mikey Shulman, CEO of Suno.

With a discography second to none, Timbaland’s signature sound remains downright inescapable. His dramatic keys, swaggering grooves, and unmistakable drums have underscored successive generations of smashes—ranging from Jay Z’s “Dirt Off Your Shoulder” and “Big Pimpin,” Justin Timberlake‘s “Sexy Back” and “Cry Me A River,” and Missy Elliott‘s “Get Ur Freak On” and “Work It” to Aaliyah’s “Are You That Somebody” and “One In A Million,” Ginuwine’s “Pony,” and One Republic’s “Apologize.” His discography spans cuts for Madonna, Beyoncé, Mariah Carey, Rihanna, Drake, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Nelly Furtado, Nickelback, Sam Smith, The Fray, Bryson Tiller, and Chris Cornell, to name a few. Along the way, he has collected four GRAMMY Awards out of 18 nominations in addition to 200-plus ASCAP Music Awards. Scoring more Top 10 hits than either Elvis Presley or The Beatles, Billboard voted him #3 on its “50 Greatest Producers of the 21st Century.“ No stranger to tech, he also launched the music technology platform Beatclub as a co-founder, owns and operates his label Mosely Music Group, and co-created and co-owns VERZUZ alongside Swizz Beatz.

5 Surprising Facts About The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’

Eric Alper
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5 Surprising Facts About The Beatles’ ‘Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band’

The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band is often hailed as a defining moment in music history, setting new standards for sound, concept, and visual presentation. Yet beyond the celebrated songs and iconic cover art, the album is filled with intriguing details and groundbreaking choices that went on to shape the world of music and pop culture. Here are five lesser-known facts about Sgt. Pepper that reveal just how innovative the Beatles were.

  1. The Album Concept Began Mid-Flight
    Paul McCartney conceived the idea of an “Edwardian military band” during a flight back from Kenya, inspired by the era’s colorful style and charm. This vision evolved into the fictional “Sgt. Pepper” band, which granted the Beatles a playful freedom to experiment musically, taking them beyond their established image.
  2. The Real Sound of Psychedelia
    Inspired by the experimental sounds of artists like John Cage and Karlheinz Stockhausen, the Beatles and producer George Martin incorporated innovative studio effects like tape manipulation, ambiophonics, and direct injection recording. Tracks like “Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds” showcase their unique blend of sound design and psychedelia.
  3. An Expensive and Iconic Album Cover
    The Sgt. Pepper cover cost nearly £3,000, a groundbreaking expense for an album cover at the time. Designed by Peter Blake and Jann Haworth, it featured a vibrant collage of influential figures, including Bob Dylan, Karl Marx, and Oscar Wilde, reflecting the Beatles’ cultural awareness and impact.
  4. An Accidental Experiment with Dog Whistles
    As a final quirky addition, John Lennon suggested adding a 15 kHz tone at the end of the album to amuse (or perhaps annoy) dogs. This high-pitched sound, inaudible to most humans, made Sgt. Pepper not only a feast for human ears but also an unexpected curiosity for canine listeners.
  5. The First Rock Album to Print Lyrics on the Back Cover

    Sgt. Pepper’s was the first rock album to include printed lyrics on the back cover, a groundbreaking move that invited fans to dive deeper into the Beatles’ poetic and often surreal words. This choice highlighted the importance of the album’s lyrical content and its role in shaping the listener’s experience, further blurring the line between popular music and high art.

With these details, it’s easy to see why Sgt. Pepper’s is more than just an album—it’s a landmark in the evolution of modern music. Each song, choice, and experiment by the Beatles added depth to the album’s impact, ensuring its place not only as a classic record but as a cultural icon.

My Next Read: “Eternal Flame: The Authorized Biography of The Bangles” by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike

Eric Alper
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My Next Read: “Eternal Flame: The Authorized Biography of The Bangles” by Jennifer Otter Bickerdike

From their first meeting in 1981, the Bangles were ambitious, focused, and intentional; their hard-work and determination resulted in millions of records sold across the globe, before becoming the first all-girl band to have five “Top 10” hits. Not long after coming together, they toured the world, released #1 records, and collaborated with the biggest artists of the day. They seemed unstoppable—until tensions within the band, artistic differences, and the pressures of sudden celebrity tore them apart less than a decade later.

ETERNAL FLAME is the story of those eight years: of a diverse and vibrant Los Angeles music scene, unfettered work ethics and self-belief, the dawn of MTV, the unpredictable consequences of fame, life as a touring band, and their rapid rise to global domination–then imploding at the height of success. But it’s also a story of the very real challenges faced by women attempting to follow their artistic dreams in a media and music industry ecosystem which seemed set up for their failure from the start.

With unprecedented access to founding members Debbi Peterson, Susanna Hoffs, and Vicki Peterson, ETERNAL FLAME is the first authorized biography of this iconic group, featuring exclusive stories, input, and interviews from the pioneering band members themselves as well as those that knew them best. From playing the club circuit in 1980s’ LA to bunking with Sting during a PR trip to the UK to topping the Billboard charts, to interludes with Prince and appearances on the definitive MTV, ETERNAL FLAME traces the band’s rise to superstardom, taking readers behind-the-scenes and sharing with them never-before-shared anecdotes and personal ephemera.

As Debbi herself notes, “I think it’s about time that our true story was told. People only see certain aspects of the Bangles, especially as the media has twisted the past and we have been misrepresented for a long time. Plus, certainly in the eighties, we were women making it in a man’s world. I think that needs to be celebrated.”

Dynamic, daring, and deliciously entertaining from start to finish, ETERNAL FLAME is a tribute to one of the greatest pop bands of the 20th century—and a long-overdue corrective that restores The Bangles to their rightful place in music history as feminist trailblazers.

Dr. Jennifer Otter Bickerdike is a rock & roll cultural historian and author, working across music heritage, fandom, broadcast and academia. Originally from Santa Cruz, California, she has appeared in over 50 documentaries about pop culture and is the author of a number of books on music, including YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL AND YOU ARE ALONE, BEING BRITNEY, and WHY VINYL MATTERS, among others. Bickerdike lives in Devon, UK with her husband and rescue dog, Woody.

New Canadian Sit-Down Production of Smash Hit Musical Comedy & JULIET – Begins December 2025 at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre

Eric Alper
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New Canadian Sit-Down Production of Smash Hit Musical Comedy & JULIET – Begins December 2025 at Toronto’s Royal Alexandra Theatre

David and Hannah Mirvish are thrilled to announce a new Canadian sit-down production of & Juliet, the internationally acclaimed, hit musical comedy that began its North American life in Toronto over July and August of 2022 in a sold-out eight-week pre-Broadway engagement.

& Juliet will begin performances in December 2025 at the historic Royal Alexandra Theatre. Exact dates and ticket details will be announced soon.

Casting for the new production will begin immediately and features casting by Stephanie Gorin, CSA, CDC. Open call auditions will be announced at a later date. Audition updates will be posted regularly at mirvish.com

“The summer of 2022 will forever be in our minds as the summer of & Juliet,” said David and Hannah Mirvish. “After two years without any live performances, this smart, funny, thrilling and infectious musical brought back joy to our city in a major way. & Juliet filled the theatre again and reminded everyone how special it was to be part of a community of theatregoers sharing great entertainment, live and in person.

“The energy audiences generated responding to the show was a joy to behold. The ovations at the curtain calls were extraordinary. That’s when we knew & Juliet had to return to Toronto in a local, sit-down Canadian production. We can’t wait to see it back on stage here.”

About & Juliet
With a book by Toronto’s own David West Read, the Emmy Award-winning writer from Schitt’s Creek, and music from legendary five-time Grammy Award-winning songwriter/producer Max Martin, & Juliet uses some of the most beloved pop songs of the last three decades to tell a multi-generational story of self-discovery, empowerment and love.

& Juliet flips the script on the greatest love story ever told, imagining what would happen next if Juliet hadn’t ended it all over Romeo, and got a second chance at life and love – on her terms. Juliet’s new story bursts to life through a playlist of pop anthems as iconic as her name, including “Since U Been Gone,” “Roar,” “I Want It That Way,” “Confident,” and more.

The production’s full creative team includes: Luke Sheppard (Direction), Jennifer Weber (Choreography), Bill Sherman (Musical Supervision, Orchestrations and Arrangements), Soutra Gilmour (Scenic Design), Paloma Young (Costume Design), Howard Hudson (Lighting Design), Gareth Owen (Sound Design), Andrzej Goulding (Video & Projection Design), J. Jared Janas (Hair, Wig & Makeup Design), and Dominic Fallacaro (Co-Orchestrations and Arrangements).

& Juliet premiered at the Manchester Opera House in September 2019, before transferring to the West End in November 2019. At the 2020 Laurence Olivier Awards, & Juliet received 9 nominations and won 3 awards. Following a pre-Broadway summer run in 2022 in Toronto, & Juliet opened at New York’s Stephen Sondheim Theatre in November 2022, where it continues to play to sold-out crowds and break box office records.

This fall, the first North American tour of & Juliet kicked off its route in Baltimore, Maryland, and will play in more than 30 cities in the next year. The North American tour joins the UK Tour (which began in July 2024), and an upcoming German production (October 2024). By Spring 2025, the musical will have played in nine countries and on four continents since its West End Premiere in 2019. The Original Broadway Cast Recording of & Juliet was released in October 2022 on Atlantic Records and is available wherever streaming music is played.

& Juliet is produced on Broadway by Max Martin, Tim Headington, Theresa Steele Page, Jenny Petersson, Martin Dodd and Eva Price.

Dolly Parton Accepts State Department and Recording Academy’s 2024 Peace Through Music Award

Eric Alper
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Dolly Parton Accepts State Department and Recording Academy’s 2024 Peace Through Music Award

The U.S, Department Of State is proud to honor icon, philanthropist and 10-time GRAMMY winner Dolly Parton with the 2024 PEACE Through Music Award. Her timeless music and philanthropic efforts continue to bridge divides and promote peace worldwide, showcasing the positive power of music.

SiriusXM Kicks Off Holiday Season with New Jimmy Fallon Holiday Channel and the Return of Beloved Festive Channels

Eric Alper
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SiriusXM Kicks Off Holiday Season with New Jimmy Fallon Holiday Channel and the Return of Beloved Festive Channels

SiriusXM today announced the return of its extensive holiday music lineup with 26 festive channels, including a new channel, Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Radio. The holiday season officially kicks off on Friday, November 1 on SiriusXM with many of the channels live now and streaming on the SiriusXM app.

SiriusXM’s highly anticipated holiday lineup will ring in the season early with a wide variety of festive tunes including traditional holiday songs, classic Christmas carols and Hanukkah music as well as several genre-specific channels including holiday pop, country Christmas, seasonal soul and more.

This year’s newest addition, Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Radio, will feature a mix of holiday classics handpicked by the holiday connoisseur himself as well as funny stories, holiday dedications to fans and an inside look at the making of his new album Holiday Seasoning, that releases November 1. The channel will also air “Jimmy Fallon’s 12 Days of Christmas” special consisting of a dozen curated genre-specific playlists from yacht rock to country and more, as well as a Thanksgiving dinner special hosted by Fallon.

Also returning this holiday season are a myriad of channels exclusive to SiriusXM including Hallmark Radio, Trans-Siberian Orchestra Radio, Mannheim Steamroller Channel and more.

SiriusXM’s holiday channels are available to subscribers nationwide in their cars and on the SiriusXM app. Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

For more information visit: https://www.siriusxm.com/music/holiday

SiriusXM’s Holiday Channel Line-Up

Jimmy Fallon’s Holiday Seasoning Radio: Celebrate the Holiday Season by listening to a mix of classic holiday songs personally picked by Jimmy Fallon as well as funny stories, exclusive holiday mixes and holiday dedications to fans around the world. This channel will also give listeners a rare and intimate look into the making of Jimmy Fallon’s new album, Holiday Seasoning, featuring the Jonas Brothers, the Roots, Justin Timberlake, Ariana Grande, Megan Thee Stallion, Meghan Trainor, Dolly Parton and more. Available on the SiriusXM app and on channel 17 from November 1 through December 27.

Acoustic Christmas: Unplug this Christmas with nothing but acoustic holiday tunes. Hear new and classic holiday songs from well-known singer songwriters and bands like Taylor Swift, Kacey Musgraves, Norah Jones, The Lumineers and more. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26 and on channel 3 from December 24 through December 25.

Christmas Spirit: Christmas music and family holiday favorites all from contemporary Christian artists heard on The Message. Here, the reason for the season is not just remembered, He’s celebrated in song, commercial free! Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26 and on channel 65 on December 6 through December 26.

Cool Jazz Christmas: Elevate the season with a jazzy holiday soundtrack that is everything you need for a cool yule! Pour the eggnog and let the festivities begin with Christmas classics from some of the greatest contemporary and smooth jazz instrumentalists including Dave Koz, David Benoit, Jonathan Butler and Boney James, plus a sprinkling of some of the smoothest vocals of the season from the likes of Diana Krall, Anita Baker, Take 6 and Natalie Cole. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26

Country Christmas: Country stars spanning many generations come together with both traditional and contemporary holiday songs. Hear music from artists including George Strait, Carrie Underwood, Thomas Rhett, Lainey Wilson and more. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26 and on channel 58 from December 4 through December 26.

Hallmark Radio: Hallmark Radio is back for the holidays featuring timeless Christmas music and carols that celebrate the joy of the season. Hear the songs you love including new music from this year’s holiday movies and special greetings from Hallmark’s fan favorite stars. Hallmark Radio is the perfect way to embrace the wonder of the season with loved ones near and far. Listen all season long! Available on the SiriusXM app and on channel 105 from November 1 through December 26.

Holiday Chill-Out: SiriusXM brings you a 24/7 Holiday Chill-Out channel featuring downtempo relaxing electronic holiday favorites. ’Tis the season to relax. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

Holiday Instrumentals: String, piano and orchestral versions of seasonal favorites designed to set the holiday mood. No vocals…just instruments playing holiday hits so you can sing along! Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

Holiday Pops: Classical Christmas carols and holiday favorites performed by the greatest classical artists of all-time including the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Luciano Pavarotti, New York Philharmonic, King’s College Choir, Boston Pops and Thomas Hampson. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26 and on channel 78 from December 24 through December 25.

Holiday Traditions: Traditional holiday favorites from the ’40s through the ’60s by artists such as Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Peggy Lee, Burl Ives and Nat ‘King’ Cole. Available on the SiriusXM app year-round and on channel 71 from November 1 through December 26.

Holidays with Jessi & Friends: Celebrate the holidays with Jessi Cruickshank and friends as they bring you a festive mix of comedy, stories, and music. Join them as they share heartwarming holiday traditions, favorite recipes and the ultimate holiday playlist with hits from Michael Bublé, Mariah Carey, Kelly Clarkson and more. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

Holly: Modern holiday hits featuring songs by Mariah Carey, Michael Bublé, Dean Martin, Kelly Clarkson, Pentatonix, Josh Groban, John Legend, Brenda Lee, Train, Gwen Stefani, and more. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through January 8 and on channel 79 from November 1 through December 26.

Jingle Jamz: Jingle Jamz features a mix of R&B and Hip-Hop artists from the 90’s to now, singing and rapping about the holidays. ’Tis the season to be jammin’ with artists like Alicia Keys, Boyz II Men, Mary J. Blige, Mariah Carey, Chris Brown, John Legend and more. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

Jolly Christmas: Upbeat, energetic holiday hits from The Chipmunks and Gene Autry to Mariah Carey and Jose Feliciano. Feel-good, singing along with the songs you know, bringing smiles to the season. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

Kids Christmas: The soundtrack for the most magical time of year! Welcome the holiday season with songs the whole family will love. From holiday classics to today’s most jingle-jangling tunes: It’s all here on Kid’s Christmas! Rudolph, Santa Claus, and Frosty the Snowman take over the airwaves to delight both kids and kids-at-heart all season long. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

Mannheim Steamroller Channel: Celebrate the holidays with Chip Davis of Mannheim Steamroller featuring their signature blend of symphonic, new age and rock inspired Christmas music. Explore more than three decades of their majestic sounds plus Chip’s groundbreaking Fresh Aire music. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

Navidad: Latin holiday music and traditional sounds, including Ricky Martin, Gloria Estefan, José Feliciano, Tito El Bambino, Marco Antonio Solís and Fania All-Stars. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through January 8.

New Year’s Nation: It’s a non-stop party with New Year’s Nation! Your ultimate upbeat multi-format collection featuring the year’s biggest hits to ring in the new year. Available on channel 79 from December 27 through January 3.

Noël Incontournable: Holiday music channel featuring Francophone Christmas classics and contemporary holiday hits from the ‘60s to today with music from Ginette Reno, Bruno Pelletier and Laurence Nerbonne. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

Radio Hanukkah: Extensive collection of Hanukkah-themed music, including contemporary, traditional and children’s selections as well as daily reflections and prayers related to the holiday. Available on the SiriusXM app December 24 through January 4.

Real Jazz Holiday: Bop and swing under the mistletoe with some of the most memorable Christmas classics that make for a “real” jazz holiday!  Hear jazz masters like Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong and the Count Basie Orchestra to today’s stars like Wynton Marsalis, Samara Joy and Christian McBride. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

Rockin’ Xmas: SiriusXM’s Rockin’ Xmas Channel brings you memorable Christmas songs that Rock including hits from AC/DC, Paul McCartney, Bon Jovi, U2, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Pearl Jam, Eagles, Blink-182 and more. Trim your tree and fill your stockings and ears with Classic Rock, Punk Rock, Hard Rock, Alternative Rock, Hair Metal and Blues Rock…All songs that will rock your holidays. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

Sleep Christmas: Drift off to meditative versions of classic Christmas melodies and stay well-rested throughout the holidays with Sleep Christmas. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

Smokey’s Holiday Soul Town: Celebrate the season with Smokey Robinson as he plays soulful holiday faves from the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s!  From standards by Etta James and Eartha Kitt, to classics from Stevie Wonder and The Temptations – you’ll hear them all in Smokey’s Holiday Soul Town. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26 and on channel 74 from December 4 through December 26.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Radio: ‘Tis the season for the multi-generational holiday tradition Trans-Siberian Orchestra! Dive into the realm where rock music pushes classical’s boundaries, where holiday classics fuse with powerful electric guitars, and where a diverse lineup of vocalists come together to create storytelling like no other. Hear the band’s iconic Christmas discography, exclusive concert recordings, original shows hosted by band members and much more. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

70s/80s Holidays: Sing along to the biggest holiday songs from the 1970s & ‘80s. Available on the SiriusXM app November 1 through December 26.

 

Unlock the Internet with IP2World Proxy: Exceptional Value with Tailored Proxy Plans

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

In the digital age, a reliable and affordable proxy service is essential for secure and unrestricted internet access. IP2World Proxy stands out as a top provider, offering a range of plans suited to diverse user needs, from individuals to large enterprises. Each plan is crafted with unique features, ensuring you find the right solution for your online activities.

IP2World Proxy Plan Breakdown

Explore the detailed offerings of IP2World Proxy, designed to meet specific needs and deliver robust online security:

  • S5 Proxies/Static ISP Proxies Plan – Perfect for casual users or those new to proxies. This plan provides essential privacy and security features, ideal for basic browsing and occasional usage. With easy setup and a low monthly fee, it’s an excellent choice for safeguarding your online presence without a heavy investment.
  • Residential Proxies Plan – Geared towards moderate users, this plan offers enhanced speeds and additional support, suited for professionals and small businesses. With access to more IP locations and increased bandwidth, it’s perfect for tasks like research, light data scraping, or managing multiple accounts.
  • Unlimited Proxies Plan – For those requiring top-tier performance, this plan includes dedicated IP addresses, higher speeds, and priority customer support. Ideal for e-commerce businesses, frequent data scraping, or accessing geo-restricted content without delays.
  • Enterprise Custom Plan – Large organizations can opt for custom solutions tailored to specific needs. This plan supports bulk usage, provides extensive geographic coverage, and offers personalized support to handle high-demand activities such as large-scale web scraping, market research, or managing extensive account networks.

Why Choose IP2World Proxy?

  • Affordable Pricing – IP2World Proxy delivers excellent value across all plans. With competitive rates, users get high-performance proxies without compromising on budget.
  • High Speed & Stability – Fast and reliable connections ensure smooth browsing and effective data access, crucial for uninterrupted online activities.
  • Global Coverage – Access IPs in multiple regions, allowing seamless navigation around geographic restrictions, no matter where you are.
  • User-Friendly Setup – IP2World Proxy is built for ease of use, making it simple to configure and start using your proxy quickly, even if you’re new to proxies.
  • Exceptional Support – With a knowledgeable support team ready to assist, users receive prompt help with setup and troubleshooting to maximize their experience.

Discover the plan that’s right for you by visiting the IP2World Proxy website—each option is designed to deliver the best value for money and ensure a secure, high-speed online experience.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

 

UnitedMasters and TikTok Celebrate Independent Music Together Through Direct Deal

Eric Alper
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UnitedMasters and TikTok Celebrate Independent Music Together Through Direct Deal

UnitedMasters, the industry’s premium music distribution platform for independent artists, today announced it is entering into a direct partnership with TikTok. The multi-year agreement will provide TikTok with UnitedMasters’ full, expansive catalog of music, and provide additional commercial opportunities to UnitedMasters’ artists via TikTok’s Commercial Music Library.

“Our partnership with TikTok provides UnitedMasters’ artists unparalleled access to a vast global audience, while TikTok creators and users gain early exposure to some of the most impactful independent music today,” stated Steve Stoute, Founder and CEO of UnitedMasters. “TikTok recognizes the power of music and creativity, which is why we are excited to formalize this partnership.”

Through the newly forged partnership, UnitedMasters and TikTok are reinforcing their commitment to independence – reiterating their shared mission of providing fair opportunities for artists at every stage of their careers.

“We want to make the world’s best music available to our global community of over a billion music fans,” said Ole Obermann, Head of Music Business Development at TikTok. “That’s why we are so excited to be entering into a direct deal with a prominent independent label like UnitedMasters, with its deep, diverse roster of independent artists. Together, we’re ready to amplify these voices and bring their music to a global stage, unlocking new opportunities for discovery.”

UnitedMasters has already helped launch the careers of emerging artists like BigXThaPlug, Anycia, Tobe Nwigwe, and FloyyMenor, whose top hit song, ‘Gata Only,’ has been streamed over a billion times, was announced as TikTok’s #1 Song of the Summer globally, and won the Billboard Global 200 Latin Song Music Award.  With the success of ‘Gata Only,’ millions of users across continents created TikTok videos to the song – leading to billions of views and further expanding his global reach as he enjoyed a multi-week run atop the charts.

“TikTok has proven that it’s a launchpad for artists, turning viral moments into chart-topping hits,” Stoute emphasized. “With this partnership, I look forward to seeing our artists thrive on TikTok and extend their reach and influence across the music industry. We’re building a future where they can own their success and grow their careers on their own terms.”

TikTok and UnitedMasters share the vision and understanding that commercial use of music on platforms offers significant revenue and promotional opportunities for artists. TikTok’s commercial music library gives artists unparalleled access to the 70+ million brands on the platform, creating net new revenue and promotional streams for artists.

Beyond TikTok, UnitedMasters creates thousands of sync opportunities for the artists on their platform, securing placements and partnerships across major brands and media companies like Diageo, Bose, Walmart, ESPN, Coca-Cola, IKEA, Dove, and many more. UnitedMasters helps brands and media companies navigate the complexities of staying culturally relevant while also being legally compliant.

UnitedMasters is the leading software and services platform for independent artists. Through our unique mix of music distribution services, innovative technology, and first-of-its-kind artist marketing solutions, UnitedMasters acts as the operating system that enables artists to own their futures. We fuel the careers of artists like Floyy Menor, Brent Faiyaz, BigXthaPlug, Tobe Nwigwe, and Anycia — and unlike traditional record labels, UnitedMasters’ artists retain full ownership of their careers and the master recording rights to their music. We connect over 2M+ independent artists on our platform with global brands like ESPN, Diageo, and Coca-Cola. These connections are powered by our world-class creative talent to propel the commercial success of artists and brands in today’s world.

TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. TikTok’s global headquarters are in Los Angeles and Singapore, and its offices include New York, London, Dublin, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo.

Toronto Transforms into the Ultimate Swiftie Getaway this November

Eric Alper
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Toronto Transforms into the Ultimate Swiftie Getaway this November

Excitement is building for this year’s most anticipated concert experience, Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour. Known as one of the world’s top destinations for global music tours, Toronto is rolling out the “Red” carpet as Swift takes over Canada’s largest city with six unforgettable shows on November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, and 23 – the most shows in North America, outside of Los Angeles.

With an expected 240,000 concert-goers attending Swift’s shows, Toronto will have no shortage of Swift-inspired events and packages for those visiting the city, whether for one night or six.  From where to stay, where to eat or where to shop your best looks for the concerts, Destination Toronto has fans covered with the dedicated website, Taylor Swift in Toronto.

Visitors can stay at one of the city’s many hotels within walking distance of the Rogers Centre offering special packages or activities during the concerts such as the Toronto Marriott City Centre Hotel, Bisha Hotel, Omni King Edward Hotel or 1Hotel. While in the area, fans can walk on ‘Taylor Swift Way’- Queen Street West and John Street, between Nathan Phillips Square and the Rogers Centre, which will be renamed for the month of November.

From one-night only events to ongoing offerings, visitors have many options to celebrate their love for Taylor in Toronto. They can get a lay of the land with a Toronto aERAs City Tour, stop by a Swift-themed pop-up such as the One Of A Kind Winter Show (Taylor’s Version) or test their knowledge at a Taylor Swift Trivia & Drag. They could also “Shake it Off” at In Our Era Dance Party, sing their heart out at a Taylor Swift Sing-A-Long, Eras! Eras! Eras!, or visit the pre-concert event, Taylgate ’24  at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Or simply be “Fearless” and take on the Edgewalk at the CN Tower and capture the breathtaking views of downtown Toronto from 356 metres (1,168 feet) up in the air.

With a food scene worth travelling for, fans can feast on a diverse array of Taylor-themed bites – from venturing on their own Toronto Eras Tour food crawl and sampling some of Taylor’s favourite eats across the city, or fuelling up before or after the concerts at one of many spots at The Well ,a new mall concept just steps from the concert venue.

“Toronto is renowned as a vibrant music city. If there’s a major International concert tour happening, you can be sure it will stop in Toronto,” said Andrew Weir, CEO & President at Destination Toronto. “Our city’s passionate, open and inviting energy, combined with Swift’s  dedicated global fans, will create an unforgettable atmosphere. We invite everyone to come experience Toronto before, during or after this tour.”

For visitors looking for even more ways to explore the city through a Swift lens, Destination Toronto has launched a custom-curated scavenger hunt, with each clue tied to a track from her discography. Every check-in will give participants a chance to win Taylor-inspired gift boxes or a grand prize of a weekend stay at the Fairmont Royal York, dinner at 360 Restaurant, and a gift card to CF Toronto Eaton Centre, as well as raise money to support the Community Music Schools of Toronto – a charity that provides free music lessons to kids in Toronto.

Toronto’s visitor economy is a vital economic engine for the city, generating $8.4 billion in visitor spending in 2023. Destination Toronto’s mandate is to reflect the breadth and diversity of Toronto’s people, places and culture to inspire residents and visitors to meet, visit and explore our city. Operating in partnership with the City of Toronto and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association, Destination Toronto markets and promotes the city to attract visitors and major meetings and events and supports local businesses to maximize the opportunities of the visitor economy. For more information, please visit DestinationToronto.com.

Qobuz, the Leader in High-Quality Music Streaming, Expands Into Japan

Eric Alper
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Qobuz, the Leader in High-Quality Music Streaming, Expands Into Japan

Qobuz, the French pioneer of high-quality music streaming since 2007, takes a major step with its launch in Japan, the world’s second-largest music market. This strategic expansion marks a decisive turning point in the international development of the platform, reinforcing its trajectory towards profitability and its commitment to a musical experience that combines quality and discovery.

After establishing a presence in 25 countries, Qobuz now enters the Japanese market, its twenty-sixth territory. This step forward is part of the French platform’s accelerated international expansion. Since its launch in the United States in 2019, Qobuz has opened in 15 new markets in just four years.

Qobuz’s move into Japan, following the acquisition of e-onkyo music in 2021, marks its commitment to a high-potential market. While streaming dominates the global music market with over 67% of revenue, Japan presents a unique landscape where the physical market still accounts for over 50% of sales. Paid streaming, while lagging behind with less than 30% market share (compared with over 50% in other major markets), is showing remarkable growth in a country where the offering remains limited and dominated by a few major players. With an expansion rate of almost 13%, compared with less than 7% in the US, Japan appears to be a promising market for Qobuz. Japanese music lovers, known for their high standards when it comes to sound quality, are an ideal audience for Qobuz’s high-quality offering.

Georges Fornay, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Qobuz, comments: “Our move into Japan marks a major turning point, bringing us closer to our goal of profitability. We are proud to offer Japanese music lovers a valuable musical experience combining exceptional sound quality, editorial richness, and musical discovery. This expansion into the world’s second-largest music market, where streaming is booming, comes at an ideal time and strengthens our position as the undisputed benchmark for high-quality streaming and downloading.”

A pioneer and global benchmark in high-quality sound, Qobuz stands out for its singular approach. Dedicated exclusively to music, the platform offers a unique experience combining three fundamental pillars: high-resolution streaming, high-resolution downloads, and cutting-edge editorial content. The platform offers an incomparable listening experience thanks to its uncompromised, uncompressed audio quality, ranging from 16-bit CD quality to 24-bit/up to 192 kHz, and now DXD and DSD, faithfully reproducing artists’ and engineers’ original intent in the studio, and setting new standards for the streaming industry.

Beyond streaming, Qobuz is a true cultural medium, offering a dedicated community of music enthusiasts an environment conducive to rich and varied music discovery. Qobuz Magazine features a plethora of  editorial content, including artist  interviews,  in-depth articles diving deep into genres, labels and music history, and of course a section dedicated to Hi-Fi gear reviews. The editorial team, made up of passionate music experts, puts together eclectic musical selections and hand-crafted playlists every week, covering all  genres, from rock and jazz to classical, pop, R&B, electronic, and metal.

Qobuz enriches its catalog of over 100 million titles by integrating high-resolution tracks from e-onkyo music and a repertoire of Japanese music, including specialized genres such as J-Pop for its launch in Japan. Subscribers in Japan will benefit from the complete Qobuz offer, combining streaming and downloading.

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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