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TOMORROW X TOGETHER Embark On Groundbreaking K-Pop VR Concert Theater Tour Across the US with AmazeVR

Eric Alper
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TOMORROW X TOGETHER Embark On Groundbreaking K-Pop VR Concert Theater Tour Across the US with AmazeVR

Gen Z Icons TOMORROW X TOGETHER, also known as TXT, consisting of SOOBIN, YEONJUN, BEOMGYU, TAEHYUN, and HUENINGKAI, are set to dazzle fans with their first-ever VR concert, ‘HYPERFOCUS : TOMORROW X TOGETHER VR CONCERT’. This unparalleled show will transport audiences to TXT’s dimension, bringing them up close and personal to provide an unforgettable experience that is sure to leave fans breathless.

The concert features a phenomenal setlist, including “Sugar Rush Ride”, the lead single of The Name Chapter: TEMPTATION,  and “Deja Vu”, the lead single of minisode 3: TOMORROW, with TOMORROW X TOGETHER taking the audience on a thrilling journey through different worlds. Moments of connection and conversation with fans between performances make it an unforgettable experience. The poster and teaser clip introduces the members in a lush, fantastical setting, with the five members walking out of a huge beam of light to a preview of the “Deja Vu” performance.

The concert theater tour takes place in 5 cities starting in Los Angeles on August 8. Tickets go on sale July 17. More information is available at www.txt-vrconcert.com.

AmazeVR, the VR concert platform company, has established itself as a pioneer in the field securing the #1 rank in music apps and #8 rank in entertainment apps in Apple Vision Pro. “We are thrilled to work with TOMORROW X TOGETHER, a global artist, on this project,” they said. “With our technology and visual storytelling expertise, we have created a dynamic VR concert that combines the group’s explosive live performance with the immersive power of VR.”

TOMORROW X  TOGETHER said, “We have been thinking about how to get closer to our fans, and this VR concert is an opportunity for us to do so. We hope this experience will be a cherished memory for our fans, just like it was for us to make it.”

What is a VR concert?
A VR Concert is an immersive experience where every fan has front-row seats. Participants will watch the performance in a theater with VR headsets and theater sound system with peers, creating a one-of-a-kind communal fan experience.

VR CONCERT THEATER TOUR DATES
Los Angeles, CA: August 8 – 21
Buena Park, CA: August 23 – September 1
Houston, TX: September 5 – September 22
Chicago, IL: September 26 – October 13
New York, NY: October 17 – November 10

CBC Music Live At Massey Hall Presents: Celebrating Gordon Lightfoot, July 1 On CBC Gem And CBC Radio

Eric Alper
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CBC Music Live At Massey Hall Presents: Celebrating Gordon Lightfoot, July 1 On CBC Gem And CBC Radio

To honour the iconic Canadian musician’s legacy, CBC and Massey Hall, in collaboration with the Gordon Lightfoot Estate, present CELEBRATING GORDON LIGHTFOOT, broadcasting nationwide on Canada Day, July 1 at 12 p.m. (12:30 NT) on CBC Radio One and CBC Listen, 4 p.m. (4:30 NT) on CBC Music and CBC Listen, and available to stream as of 9 a.m. ET on CBC Gem in Canada and worldwide on CBC Music’s YouTube channel. Recorded live from Massey Hall’s Allan Slaight Stage in Toronto this spring, the special features a memorable night of music with Blue Rodeo and The Gordon Lightfoot Band as the house bands, welcoming some of Canada’s brightest talent to join them on stage to celebrate the late Gordon Lightfoot’s work, including: Allison Russell, Aysanabee, Burton Cummings, Caroline Wiles and Bob Doidge, City and Colour, Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson, The Good Brothers, Julian Taylor, Kathleen Edwards, Meredith Moon, Murray McLauchlan, Serena Ryder, Sylvia Tyson, Tom Cochrane, Tom Wilson and William Prince. 

Lightfoot had many connections to the venue, having performed on the Massey Hall stage over 170 times – more than any other artist in the Hall’s 130-year history. Lightfoot was the last artist to perform before Massey Hall closed for renovations in 2018 and the first to appear after the re-opening in 2021. Following his death on May 1, 2023, Massey Hall opened its doors to allow fans to offer condolences and lovingly remember the legendary artist.

Also airing on July 1, the annual evening celebration CANADA DAY: FEEL THE RHYTHM will begin at 8 p.m. local time (9 AT, 9:30 NT) on CBC TV and CBC Gem hosted by Isabelle Racicot and feature performances by Chromeo, Corneille, FouKi, Kanen, Kiesza, Maestro Fresh Wes, Metric, Neon Dreams, Qattuu, Sara Dufour and Willows.

Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll And Rauw Alejandro To Headline 2024 Global Citizen Festival In Central Park

Eric Alper
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Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll And Rauw Alejandro To Headline 2024 Global Citizen Festival In Central Park

Global Citizen, the world’s leading international advocacy organization on a mission to end extreme poverty, today announced the lineup of the 2024 Global Citizen Festival, set to take place on Central Park’s Great Lawn on September 28. Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll and Rauw Alejandro will headline this year’s festival, with additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks. Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman will host the event, which will also feature appearances by Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace, and Global Citizen Festival Curator, Chris Martin of Coldplay.

The hunger crisis continues to grow, infectious diseases are still spreading, debt is on the rise, and last year was the hottest on record. Meanwhile, governments everywhere are reducing their contributions to foreign aid, with more than half of G7 countries having proposed cuts this year. Despite the emerging gap between what the world needs and what seems politically possible, the plight of the world’s most vulnerable communities is more urgent than ever. This is a critical year for the global community to support frontline organizations, invest in lifesaving solutions, and act today, to save tomorrow.

The 2024 Global Citizen Festival takes aim at these major issues perpetuating extreme poverty around the world. Tickets to the Global Citizen Festival are free and can be earned by taking action on the Global Citizen app or at globalcitizenfestival.com to demand change from governments and private sector leaders. This year, global citizens everywhere will unite to call for urgent action to:

Defeat Poverty 
Global Citizen is calling on the G7 countries – Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the UK and the US – to increase their support for anti-poverty programs worldwide, including increasing their contributions by at least 25 percent to the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund dedicated to defeating poverty in the world’s 75 lowest-income countries. Achieving an IDA replenishment of at least $100 billion will support the social and economic development of more than 1.5 billion people, including providing 250 million people with access to electricity by 2030, addressing malnutrition for over 40 million women and children per year, and driving domestic investment in healthcare, agriculture and education. Global Citizen’s campaigning for the IDA replenishment will include hosting the Economic Development Assembly just days after the festival on October 9-10 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in partnership with Bridgewater Associates, Harith General Partners, and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire. Additionally, Japan, the UK, Australia, UAE, Qatar, Canada, Norway and Korea need to reallocate their remaining Special Drawing Rights – a special type of currency from the IMF – to Multilateral Development Banks, which will mobilize $80 billion for the green transition and pandemic preparedness for countries in need.

Defend the Planet 
Global Citizen is calling for businesses, philanthropic foundations and governments to protect and restore the Amazon rainforest by investing $1 billion, including supporting indigenous communities, who are guardians of 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity. The Amazon is one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, storing 150 billion tons of carbon – equivalent to 15-20 years of global greenhouse gas emissions – making it vital to slowing climate change. The EU and G20 countries should also set specific timelines by which they will phase out coal, oil and gas, in line with the historic decision made at COP last year, to ensure a swift and equitable green transition and avoid more human suffering due to climate change.

Demand Equity
Global Citizen is calling for equitable access to nutritious food, stronger health systems, and quality education. Governments such as Australia, Canada, European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US must commit at least $5 billion collectively to organizations working to provide equitable access to meet peoples’ basic needs. Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, must also be fully funded through 2030, significantly to help reach the more than 14 million “zero-dose” children who have never received a life-saving vaccine.

Organizations Global Citizen is campaigning for this year include CGIAR, Education Cannot Wait, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, The International Fund for Agricultural Development, International Labor Organization, United Nations Population Fund Supply Partnership, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the World Health Organization, and for domestic resource mobilization for women, health, food, and education. Global Citizen is also calling for a world where everyone’s human rights are respected and protected, including the rights of advocates and activists worldwide, particularly defenders risking their lives to take action on extreme poverty and protect the planet.

As part of the Global Citizen Festival and campaign, Global Citizen is proud to support and partner with a variety of nonprofit organizations that are aligned in mission and cause across New York’s five boroughs, including Black Surfing Rockaway, The Bowery Mission, Breaking Ground, Citymeals on Wheels, Covenant House International, Elevate New York, Expecting Relief, Girl Be Heard, Good Shepherd Services, Outright International, South Asian Youth Action (SAYA), South Bronx Unite, Win (Women in Need), and YMCA of Greater New York – Bed Stuy. Global Citizen will once again partner with Everland to make a positive contribution to nature and cover the estimated carbon emissions of the festival by supporting community-centered forest conservation.

“It’s been a few years since I was last on the Global Citizen Festival stage in Paris, and I’m excited to join forces with Global Citizen once again in Central Park this September to drive as much action as we can to make the world a better place,” said Doja Cat. “We all have a part we can play to help end extreme poverty and stand up for equity. I’m looking forward to being part of this major evening of positive change.”

“As a longtime supporter of Global Citizen and its mission, I am thrilled to be returning as host of the Global Citizen Festival this fall,” said Hugh Jackman, Global Citizen Ambassador. “For over a decade, Global Citizen has driven life-saving impact for nearly 1.3 billion people around the world, and we’ll gather once again on September 28 to help end extreme poverty, defend the planet, and demand equity. I can’t wait to see you all on Central Park’s Great Lawn to collectively call for change on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable communities.”

“The Amazon rainforest is movement, spirituality, and vital energy. It plays an essential role in combating the climate emergency, and restoring the Amazon and protecting its people is our responsibility,” said Janja Lula da Silva, First Lady of Brazil. “Fighting to overcome poverty among the most vulnerable populations living there, who are protecting the forest, must also be a priority, and we welcome Global Citizen’s immense support. This campaign is important for us to mobilize different actors and care for this fundamental ecosystem for our collective future. And Brazil is ready to lead by example.”

Global Citizen Festival is presented by Citi and Cisco. Major Partners are Bridgewater Associates, Delta Air Lines, Motsepe Foundation, P&G, Verizon and World Wide Technology; Production Partner Live Nation; Exclusive US Audio Partner iHeartMedia; and Location Partner New York City Parks. The 2024 Global Citizen Festival is produced by Diversified Production Services.

The 2024 Global Citizen Festival campaign and its policy goals are supported by a global coalition of over 90 organizations including: Africa Forward by Catalyst 2030, African Climate Reality Project, African Renaissance Trust, Aspire Artemis Foundation, Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, Black Professionals in International Affairs, Blended Finance Taskforce, Bread for the World, Buyambo, Center for Global Alchemy and Cross-Cultural Leadership, Center for Music Ecosystems, CIVICUS, Climate and Health Foundation, Climate Action Platform – Africa, Climate Cardinals, Common Good Marketplace, Connected Development, dev.tv, Don’t Gas Africa, e^2=equitable energy, Education Cannot Wait – UN Global Fund for Education in Emergencies, Equitable Earth, European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, Farmer on Fire Ltd, Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), FOCUS 2030, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Gender and Economy Research Center NPGE, Global Health Advocates, Global Leading Light Initiatives, Global Nation, Global Witness, Go Global Enterprises – Educate, Lead, Advocate, Hope for Her International, Hungry for Action, iDE (International Development Enterprises), IEC Global Impact Fund, International Labor Organization, Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI), Integrity Initiatives International, International Fund for Public Interest Media, Jacob’s Ladder Africa, Jara, Junior Achievement (JA) Africa, LEAP Africa, Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, Malaria No More UK, Marafiki United Green Youths Initiative, mothers2mothers, Norwegian Human Rights Fund (NHRF), OHCHR, ONE, OurCause, Outright International, OWIT Brussels, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, PA, Phakamani Young Minds Academy, Plastic Punch, Power Shift Africa, Power to Girls Fdn, Project Vote SA, Re:wild, Rotary International, SDG2 Advocacy Hub, Sharing Strategies, Shule Foundation, Inc, Stark NKD, Sungulo Comm NPC, Sustainability and Climate Show, Teen Aid international organization, The Access Challenge, The Asian Network, The Erline Bradshaw Foundation, The Global Education & Leadership Foundation (tGELF), The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, The Global Sunrise Project & 1.5 Degrees of Peace, The Green Protector, The Village Youth Fund, UNESCO Center for Peace, United Nations Association of the National Capital Area, United Nations Global Compact Brazil,  United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund, United Young Farmers Forum, WA Bat Network, Walkers Reserve, Women At Risk International Foundation, World Health Organization (WHO), Yamba Malawi, and Young Climate Collaborative. Additionally, in order to ensure a fair, fast and funded phase out of fossil fuels, Global Citizen joins 13 Nations, hundreds of businesses including 17 banks, over a 100 cities, thousands of civil society groups and scientists calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to compliment the Paris Agreement and ensure international cooperation.

The ‘Pre-Recorded Call-In Show’ Could Be Mr. Show’s Most Brilliant Sketch

Eric Alper
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The ‘Pre-Recorded Call-In Show’ Could Be Mr. Show’s Most Brilliant Sketch

If you’re reading this now, it was taped last week. Why don’t you people get it?

MMA’s Surge in Popularity

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

Mixed martial arts (MMA) has grown exponentially from an obscure combat sport to a global mainstream sensation. This dazzling metamorphosis was brought about by historical benchmarks, strategic media partnerships, and cultural assimilation, just like the MelBet app, which has enabled fans to bet more on sports during such games. Today, millions of people worldwide are enthralled by MMA, thereby demonstrating its dynamic nature and wide reach.

The MMA’s Journey

The growth process of this sport can be outlined with reference to various events and persons of interest:

  • Initial stages: In 1993, the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was held, where fighters from different martial arts backgrounds came together, thus creating a unique competitive atmosphere.
  • Unified rules: During the early 2000s, unified rules were implemented, which standardised the game, making it safer and more attractive to a wider audience.
  • Notable fighters: Legends like Royce Gracie and Ken Shamrock helped popularise MMA through their unique set of skills combined with memorable fights they participated in.
  • Worldwide expansion: Internationalisation efforts saw UFC hold events in Japan, Brazil, as well as Europe, which led to a diversification of fans across continents for greater support base establishment.

All these milestones show how adaptable MMA is as it rose from obscurity into international recognition.

Media and Broadcasting Milestones

From all points of view, media and broadcasting played a significant role in bringing mixed martial arts into the limelight. “The Ultimate Fighter” reality television show that premiered in 2005 was the turning point, as it offered fans an exclusive glimpse into fighters’ lives and training, thus considerably growing its popularity. Moreover, signing major deals with ESPN and Fox Sports, among others, has served only to push MMA even higher by making live events together with exclusive content available to millions of households worldwide. 

In addition, the digital epoch saw the light at the end of the tunnel for this sport through platforms like UFC Fight Pass, which have increased its outreach. Now, fans can stream live fights or watch any previous event from their library. These strategic alliances with various media outlets across different countries were responsible for turning what used to be just another fringe sport into a worldwide entertainment giant within mainstream sports culture today.

Impacts on Culture

MMA was able to influence popular culture in a big way, appearing in movies, TV programmes, and video games. Combining skill with entertainment has made it a popular attraction among people globally, hence making it part of contemporary enjoyment. This sport’s cultural presence is enhanced, as well as the fact that it is one of the major global sports.

Celebrities’ Involvement

MMA’s profile enhancement was brought about by celebrity involvement. For instance, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Conor McGregor, being some of the highest-paid endorsers, have increased their popularity among a larger audience. More so, celebrities have been involved by attending events, promoting, and even going to train in MMA gyms, which has made it even more popular. 

This has helped to bridge the gap between sporting fans and those who enjoy entertainment, thus attracting a wider audience. By leveraging celebrity influence, MMA has effectively broadened its outreach while also establishing itself within popular culture.

Social Media Dynamic

Social media offers MMA an opportunity to reach out and engage its audience like never before. On platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or YouTube, fighters can connect directly with their fans and share training routines, behind-the-scenes content, and personal stories. Through this direct interaction, a strong bond arises among fans who consider themselves stakeholders in both the game and the players involved in it. 

Also, social media helps enhance live event coverage and outlining moments, which makes it easier for supporters to get involved in the event on a real-time basis. The sport’s rapid growth is attributed to this dynamic interaction that builds an international fan base that is loyal beyond doubt.

Technological Advancements in Training

Thanks to technological advancements, the training methods in MMA have changed dramatically. Some advanced techniques, for instance, smart gloves and motion capture systems, are now being employed by fighters to monitor and analyse their activities in real time, which makes them more productive. Another example is the growing use of virtual reality to simulate different fight scenarios without any actual harm. 

These progressions enable fighters to become better equipped while reducing the number of injuries sustained during training sessions. This application of contemporary tech has made MMA’s training programme much more sophisticated than ever before.

Regulatory Changes and Safety

Because of the increasing importance placed on safety in MMA, many regulations have been enacted over time. Key improvements include:

  • Unified rules: Designed so that it could be played safely anywhere globally, these rules were established in the early 2000s.
  • Medical protocols: Better screening techniques before fights as well as post-fight evaluations provide closer monitoring of fighters’ health status.
  • Weight classes: Clearly defined weight classes promote fairness in matches, hence reducing instances of severe injuries.
  • Protective gear: This includes new types of gloves that last longer and mouth guards, among other things that make fighting safer.

These laws have helped encourage greater public participation by assuring that fighter safety always comes first.

Final Words

MMA’s rise into popular culture can be traced back to a combination of historical milestones, media influence, advances in technology, and strict safety measures. Thus, the reasons for this multi-pronged approach were not only to raise the sport’s profile but also to ensure that it continues to be relevant to future generations. As it becomes more mainstream, its impact on popular culture and sport will continue escalating, thereby cementing its position as a major worldwide sport.

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

LooPS Find An Endpoint To Sorrow In New Single “Mourning Girl” And Announce New Tour Dates

Eric Alper
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LooPS Find An Endpoint To Sorrow In New Single “Mourning Girl” And Announce New Tour Dates

One of the hardest things about a relationship is realizing when to let go. And when the relationship is with a song you’re writing, you can sometimes have just as much trouble knowing when it’s finished.

Both scenarios are at play in “Mourning Girl,” the latest single from British Columbia’s favorite acoustic-pop duo, LooPS. A sad farewell to a love that’s run its course, the song has an arrow-through-the-heart immediacy that belies the long and involved path it took to reach its final form.

In a full-on show of tearjerking balladry, lead singer Kevin Roy pours out a metaphorical 40 to a girl who isn’t coming back, while partner Jon Fennell chimes in with piano and backing vocals that provide a poignant echo:

Mourning girl, filled with dreams left incomplete
A shattered soul left on my own
Mourning girl, I wish I could have seen the sign
She’s left me now, she’s never coming home

The song was first written years ago, when Roy was finding the strength to move on from a long-distance situation, he knew couldn’t survive his stint in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. As a writing exercise, “Mourning Girl” served its purpose, and Roy quickly filed it away, part of a chapter in his life that was closing before his eyes.

Flash-forward to years later, by which time the relationship was long defunct and Roy had developed severe PTSD and retired from the RCMP to pursue music full time. He was working by then with partner Fennell, who came upon Roy’s old demo of the tune and suggested they dust it off, with some key tweaks like replacing Roy’s acoustic guitar with his own keys. A full-fledged LooPS song was born.

It was typical, they say, of the way they work. Hence the name of the band itself, which signifies the unbreakable interdependence of equal parts—and also their use of loop pedals, like the ones that insinuate themselves into “Mourning Girl” as its melancholic tensions mount. Not for nothing, the name is also an homage to Kamloops, BC, the town where the two men met and formed a full-time musical partnership in 2019.

“Mourning Girl” made it to the group’s self-titled first album, which was produced by JUNO- nominated producer and BC Music Hall of Famer Doug Cox and released in spring 2022. But Roy and Fennell had always considered the 11-track LooPS to be basically a demo, and when it came time to step up their game by working at EchoPlant studios with producer/engineer David Ziehr, revisiting the song was one of their first priorities.

The newly re-redone and polished version of the number is actually the second recording to emerge from those sessions. The first was “Last Goodbye,” a summer 2023 single that was slightly sprightlier from a musical standpoint but explored similarly forlorn thematic terrain. That track has generated over 35,000 streams on Spotify alone. While “Mourning Girl” is more obviously and uniformly doleful, both numbers live up to the thumbnail Roy and Fennell commonly use to describe their music: what it would sound like if Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi were to have a musical baby.

Their live shows, though, are anything but somber. In addition to their world-class originals, LooPS maintain a repertoire of literally hundreds of covers, from hits of the 1960s to today’s top 40. It’s why they always go down a treat, whether they’re playing intimate gigs in small venues or high-energy, large-scale shows. And with “Mourning Girl” now out, they’re back on the concert trail to prove it. Current dates are as follows:

June 27 – Deadfall Brewing, Prince George
June 30 – Valhalla Music Fest, Terrace
July 5 – Summerland Waterfront Resort, Summerland
July 12 – Scotch Creek Hub, Scotch Creek
July 19 – Portside Pub in Gastown, Vancouver
July 21 – Overlander Day, Kamloops
July 27 – Stoneboat Vineyards, Oliver
August 2 – Summerland Waterfront Resort, Summerland

These summer shows find Roy and Fennell cruising on the momentum they began to build up on their first BC-wide tour in 2021-22, which saw them playing 12 shows over three weeks in 10 different cities. But that’s nothing compared to the feat they pulled off on July 8, 2023, when they broke a Guinness World Record by performing nine concerts in as many cities starting in Squamish and finishing in Langley within the space of 12 hours. The effort raised $18,402 for the BC Children’s Hospital Foundation.

LooPS have a proud history of supporting charities: On Remembrance Day 2020, at the height of Covid-19, they performed three separate 90-minute livestreamed shows to raise money for the Kamloops Legion poppy fund, and in December of that year, they created a 24-day “musical advent calendar” to benefit The Salvation Army. They ended 2020 with a marathon five-hour livestream in which they rang in the New Year for every time zone in Canada, offering a sense of community and solidarity to their fans in the midst of the countrywide lockdown. Other prestigious appearances by the group have included a six-song set in the Vancouver Island MusicFest, Scotties Tournament of Hearts and Memorial Cup.

All that activity and accrued good will have paid off in spades. LooPS made the top 100 in the 2021 CBC Music Searchlight competition, and they were named Best Band/Singer in the 2022 and 2023 Kamloops This Week Readers’ Choice Awards. Their loyal and rapidly expanding Canadian fanbase now numbers over 6,000 followers spread across all relevant social-media platforms.

To keep the ties with their followers strong, they’ve spent the last two years hosting a weekly podcast series, “LooPS: Diary of an Indie Band”—a personal “accountability journal” in which they tell stories, share their progress as a group and promote other musicians. As of this writing, the podcast has reached over a dozen countries, with over 35 episodes released thus far.

“Mourning Girl” and the current shows are an episode all their own—another installment in LooPS’ ever-deepening romance with the listening public. But unlike the doomed love that inspired the song in the first place, this is an affair that happily has no end in sight.

Making Waves: Les Stroud And Slash Hit A High Sea On “One Giant Farm”

Eric Alper
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Making Waves: Les Stroud And Slash Hit A High Sea On “One Giant Farm”

For decades now, Les Stroud has been using his platform as an award-winning filmmaker, composer, singer-songwriter, author and world-famous adventurer to lobby passionately for the preservation of the natural world. With the release of his new song “One Giant Farm,” he’s inviting us all along to make a deeply emotional reckoning with a particularly devastating reality: the sacrifice of marine life on the altar of human greed and whim.

A track from the newly remastered and expanded vinyl edition of Stroud’s 2019 album, Mother Earth, “One Giant Farm” decries the harrowing destruction of our oceans in the service of nothing of value. It’s a protest only Stroud could make so convincingly and poetically. And with guitar god and fellow committed conservationist Slash in tow to lend a fret-burning “ditto,” the track becomes a stirring rallying cry against the exploitation of marine creatures.

“The ocean is a bucket we just keep dipping a net into until it’s cleaned out,” Stroud laments. “The wildlife are nothing more than commodities to be consumed and farmed, and we are indifferent to their suffering. So I began with a call to action—a challenge to the masses: ‘Stop living blindly/ Hear what I say/ Stand up/ Don’t walk away.’ In other words, ‘Where do you think you’re going? You’re going to stand still and listen to this.’”

Our attention duly held, the song makes its point in no uncertain terms:

I know this world is smaller now
Don’t ignore this simple truth
The Earth is not one giant farm

It’s a philosophy of Stroud’s that’s only been strengthened by the images he’s witnessed and the experiences he’s had while traveling the globe to shoot his acclaimed environmentalist travelogues, like his hit TV docuseries, Survivorman. In particular, he was honored to have made the final cut that saved a baby humpback whale from its entanglement in a discarded, free-floating “ghost net.” (The Coast Guard said “Let it be”; Stroud politely declined to listen.) What’s rewarding to live, though, can be painful to revisit.

“The video we produced for ‘One Giant Farm’ is hard to watch,” Stroud admits. “It brought my editor to tears, and I have friends who still can’t watch it.” But there were others—like a certain guitarist—who felt just as strongly that the clip was essential viewing:

“Slash told me during the recording of his solo that the whole reason he was there was based on me going through with showing this video to the world,” Stroud says. “If I didn’t show the video, he wouldn’t contribute his solo.”

The six-string great certainly upheld his end of the bargain. The finished track runs through several moods and tempos, beginning with some guitar keening that’s appropriately whale-like. When the rhythm kicks in, Slash follows suit in an almost Spanish style, tracing curlicues on his neck pickup on the way to one of those overdriven crescendos we all know and love.

For Stroud, the rerelease of Mother Earth is a watershed moment in the 35 years of songwriting and music-making that’s accompanied his ongoing mission to celebrate and protect nature. Expanded from its original seven tracks to 10, the record was produced by the legendary Mike Clink, whose history with Slash goes all the way back to Guns N’ Roses’ groundbreaking 1987 debut, Appetite for Destruction. Seven-string virtuoso Steve Vai and saxophonist/vocalist Mindi Abair are just two more of the immensely pedigreed musos who join Stroud on the album to help him preach respect and protection of the world’s precious resources.

And there’s waay more where that came from. Over the coming years, Stroud plans to release literally hundreds of songs he’s recorded in the course of his adventures, making a hefty addition to his already mighty repertoire of rock, world, prog, folk, blues and balladry. Proceeds from those projects will go toward (naturally) wildlife and wilderness protection and preservation. Sales of “One Giant Farm” in particular have been earmarked to support organizations like WWF, IFAW and The Dolphin Project, ensuring that the fight for marine conservation continues on the front lines.

While he does his best for the planet, Stroud is being honored in kind. Most recently, his “Gypsy Soul” was nominated for Best Country/Bluegrass Song in the 2024 International Acoustic Music Awards. That followed his strong showing in the 2023 competition, in which another Mother Earth cut, “Arctic Mistress,” had been a finalist for Best Song, and
Les Stroud and the Pikes (his collaborative project with Potvin’s Northern Pikes) had reached the finals for Best Group/Duo. The same year, the Canadian Screen Awards nominated Stroud in the categories of Best Direction, Lifestyle or Information and Best Original Music, Factual, Lifestyle, Reality or Entertainment (with partners Kevin Kossowan and David Bateman).

For Stroud, all of it—awards, music, activism—is in service of a future that’s not so much idyllic as it is simply workable. “Yes, we are forced to live lives of conflict; we can’t escape that,” he says. “I drive cars and live in a house. But we can turn a corner. We can fix this mess. We can ‘free the dolphins and save the whales.’ We can ‘love the land and love the sea.’ But I beg the world to open its eyes. To not live ignorantly. To protect and preserve and fix and clean and restore once again our great places in nature.”

Yes, there are wonders all around us. And they deserve to be cherished. Mother Earth gives us 10 more.

Afropop Artist ADEOLUWA Sings To Vulnerability In Love With “Under The Moonlight”

Eric Alper
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Afropop Artist ADEOLUWA Sings To Vulnerability In Love With “Under The Moonlight”

Nigerian-born and Canadian-based artist ADEOLUWA is steadily crafting a memorable music career. Following the release of his EP “King of Detours” in January 2024, he embarked on a successful Canadian tour and released a brilliant Afropop EP called “For The Fourth” coinciding with the first tour day.

“Under The Moonlight” is a part of this scenic EP, blending hypnotic indie pop melodies with the best of Afrobeats in this single. The artist shares that the recording of the track was a truly intimate experience, infusing Afropop sounds with modern pop elements in a fresh and authentic way. Indeed, the song has the power of creating a psych-like soundscape, mixing captivating synth harmonies and traditional African rhythms in a clever way.

The unique fusion of the sound and the lyrics create a space for reflection. This, according to the artist, was what he experienced sitting under the moonlight and feeling the weight of his emotions whilst looking at the vast night sky. He adds: “The night sky has always been a source of inspiration for me. There’s something about the moonlight that makes emotions feel more intense and real.”

The essence of the song lies in its ability to make the listeners feel the rawness of love – the need, the desire, and the vulnerability that comes with it. This idea is manifested in the chorus, poetically enriched by the addition of nature elements:

“Under this moonlight, I need your warm sun,
I can’t keep floating in these wild oceans,
Sinking and falling, I’ll just keep praying
You reach for me, please reach for me.”

Slowly but steadily, the song builds an ethereal atmosphere that explodes when the minute two arrives. Energetic pop drums and a more up-tempo rhythm open up the bridge, along with harmonious chorus voices that complement ADEOLUWA’s rich and deep tone. All of these elements create an epic feel, magnifying the celebration of love in its most vulnerable form: “It’s about letting someone see your true self and hoping they embrace it.”

The artist’s impressive highlights include headlining the SaskMusic Winter Showcase, where he earned five nominations from the SaskMusic Awards, including a nomination for the inaugural “AfroBeats Artist of the Year” category. As one of 2024’s must-listen up-and-coming acts, he has been airplayed on numerous radio stations and featured on Spotify official editorial playlists such as New Music Friday.

While the Afrobeats genre has conquered global top charts in the past years, some of ADEOLUWA’s music referents include Nigerian international acts such as Adekunle Gold. In fact, Nigeria has become a significant hub for artists whose music transcends cultural and geographical boundaries. Next up is ADEOLUWA, who has become known for his experimental style, innovative music and mesmerizing live performances.

Toronto’s K-Pop Rising Artist Sydney <3 Explores Social Anxiety In "Anywhere But Here"

Eric Alper
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Toronto’s K-Pop Rising Artist Sydney <3 Explores Social Anxiety In

Certainly, the impulse to flee uncomfortable social situations is a universal experience. However, for Toronto artist Sydney <3 and countless others, these episodes keep kicking in repeatedly without an apparent reason. This time, social anxiety has been an inspiration for the talented K-Pop artist, infusing “Anywhere But Here” with raw emotion. The song, already available in three different versions - Bilingual, Korean and English - will surely resonate with listeners who suffer from this. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r63gcD-a228 Sydney <3’s debut single “Picture Perfect, released in January this year, smashed through the digital sphere with over 50,000 streams across all major platforms. But that's not all – the lyric video accompanying the track has captivated audiences, racking up an impressive 100,000 views. And it didn’t stop there; her magnetic presence has caught the attention of Spotify editors in Asia, setting the stage for an unstoppable journey into the spotlight, truly emboding the creative intersections and evolving influences between Korean, American and Canadian music. With a flair for K-Pop and a clear American 2000’s Pop influence, the song follows a melodic and catchy sequence of synthesizers that immediately gets stuck in the listener’s head. To create “Anywhere But Here”, Sydney <3 collaborated with well-known Adam H. (known for his work with K-pop artists such as Super Junior, Girls Generation, TVXQ, BoA and Lee Hyori) along with Don Wolf (White Wolf, Poison, Falco, Point of Power, Project X), and adds: “My favourite part of the creation process was learning how to create a storyline within the song. I liked watching their creative process in coming up with the music to go with the lyrics.” https://open.spotify.com/album/78ciF696Xfki1ZI8Vqko8z?si=YTl87cXbRjqI-Ayob69UOw As social anxiety becomes an increasing condition among teenagers, 16-year-old Sydney <3 aims to help others feel less alone in their struggles. She shares: “Anywhere But Here” is important to me, because it’s a relatable topic.” The artist reflects her internal battles and worries throughout the song, resonating with the shared issues that many others face:
“Maybe tomorrow things will finally be better,
And maybe I can start putting myself back together.
Maybe I’ll wake up and not feel the pressure,
Maybe maybe never comes.”

Surprisingly, the hopelessness of the lyrics doesn’t come across that way thanks to the melody, which helps create a soothing atmosphere. Indeed, Sydney <3 states that this isn’t something accidental: “I hope the song doesn’t make anyone feel sad or upset. I hope the song is relatable and helps people feel like they’re not alone with their feelings.” And further shares more details about her personality: “I want people to know that it’s okay to be awkward with others when you meet them for the first or 10th time. I know I am.” When the chorus unfolds, the artist even reflects some of anxiety’s physical manifestations: “Take me anywhere but here,
I can’t catch my breath,
Heart is beating out my chest.”

As a young artist, Sydney <3 also draws inspiration from her daily life and rich internal universe. Apart from personal experiences, characters in books, images on social media and therapy sessions also nurture her creativity. Moreover, she has been immersed in the arts from a very young age, participating in ballet, hip-hop, and jazz dance lessons. A standout moment in her education was the opportunity to train with Cara Chisholm, known for her roles in the award-winning masterpiece “Les Misérables” and other acclaimed musicals such as “Phantom of the Opera”. Sydney <3’s journey as an artist is just beginning, but her ability to transform personal struggles into relatable, compelling music is already making a significant impact. With "Anywhere But Here," she not only highlights the challenges of social anxiety but also offers solace and solidarity to those who experience it. As she continues to blend her diverse influences and experiences, there is no doubt that Sydney <3 will continue to inspire and resonate with listeners around the world.

Hamilton Rocker ANDREW IRVING Releases Heartfelt Tribute “Hometown Heroes” Honouring First Responders

Eric Alper
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Hamilton Rocker ANDREW IRVING Releases Heartfelt Tribute “Hometown Heroes” Honouring First Responders

Andrew Irving, the multi-faceted singer and songwriter from Hamilton, Ontario, has announced the release of his newest single “Hometown Heroes” – available now.

Inspired by two of his lifelong friends, a firefighter, and a police officer, Hometown Heroes honours the courage and dedication of first responders who work tirelessly to make our world a safer place. This touching song spotlights the many everyday heroes whose selfless actions and unwavering commitment improve the quality of life in our communities.

“Movies and TV shows have taught us to admire superheroes”, Irving explains. “But we don’t often enough think about the heroes that surround us in our day-to-day lives, in our cities and our hometowns.”

When Irving and his longtime collaborator, Mike McCormick, first experimented with a new chord structure and ambient guitar riff, they realized they had created something exceptional. This uniquely epic sound called for an equally epic theme.

“And the result of this collaboration was Hometown Heroes”, Irving proudly proclaims. “It’s a song that not only celebrates first responders but also encourages everyday acts of love and kindness.”

Irving’s latest single stands as the anthem for his forthcoming tour across Canada, dedicated to honouring and expressing gratitude to first responders. This concert series will serve as a platform for uplifting and acknowledging the individuals who selflessly safeguard our communities. Irving will commence the tour in his hometown of Hamilton with a performance at The Anchor Bar on July 27th, followed by a second concert in Brantford, Ontario on August 24th.

For over two decades, Irving has passionately advocated for his community through music, addressing issues of mental health and addiction. Four years sober, his journey deeply influences his music, specifically in the powerful song “Scars.” Irving’s career spans across Canada, Europe, and the U.S., with notable collaborations and performances alongside major acts like The Watchmen, Our Lady Peace, and I Mother Earth.

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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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