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Pophouse Acquires The Music Catalogue, Brand Name And IP Of Legendary Rock Band Kiss

Eric Alper
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Pophouse Acquires The Music Catalogue, Brand Name And IP Of Legendary Rock Band Kiss

Pophouse, the pioneering global entertainment and music investment firm, announces the acquisition of the music catalogue, brand name and likeness – including the world- famous face paint designs – as well as trademarks of the iconic American rock band KISS. This groundbreaking partnership will enable Pophouse to further develop and amplify the unique KISS legacy worldwide: preserving their iconic music, enigmatic personas, and expressive imagery for generations to come. Plans for a biopic, an avatar show, and a KISS themed experience are already in the works. KISS will remain active and play key roles in the development of the projects, working closely together with Pophouse.

Pophouse has today concluded a landmark agreement with the iconic band KISS. Pophouse is the Swedish entertainment and music investment firm renowned for its development of brand-building activities in music and entertainment, such as the groundbreaking ABBA Voyage show in London, in which Pophouse is the founding investor.

Pophouse has acquired KISS’ artist share of the master recordings and publishing rights.* Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

Working closely with KISS, Pophouse will follow its unique, value-add approach of drawing upon its world-class, in-house creative and storytelling expertise to unlock new audiences and revenue streams. Pophouse will use its proven, industry-defining playbook to create new content and experiences to enrich the KISS catalogue for fans, old and new, actively seeking to enrich and add value to the brands and artists it partners with. Inclusivity and community have always been vital to the KISS experience, and Pophouse is committed to nurture the close relationship between KISS and its devoted fans moving forward.

“KISS is one of the most recognised and iconic bands in the history of music. They redefined the concept of rock shows and have always taken their artistry to new unchartered territories. The band has consistently been able to appeal to new generations of fans and our mission is to fulfill the band’s vision to become immortal, and to let new generations discover and be part of the KISS journey and carry it forward. With the help of the fans’ energy, the band, our expertise, and creativity – we will make that vision happen” says Johan Lagerlöf, Head of Investment at Pophouse.

“KISS has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has throughout their 50-year career continued to push the boundaries in popular culture. The band’s enigmatic personas, unparalleled band attributes, and iconic imagery have made them a cultural force and a legendary act with multigenerational appeal. We will safeguard and enrich this legacy through future global endeavors, by breathing new life into their characters and personas while also leveraging and elevating the visual world of KISS” comments Per Sundin, CEO at Pophouse Entertainment.

As part of the partnership, Pophouse will create digital versions of KISS that will allow the band and their unique personas to live forever. The project, already underway, was previewed at the final KISS show in Madison Square Garden, New York on December 2nd 2023 when, to the audience’s surprise, KISS avatars closed the night with a rendition of ‘God Gave Rock And Roll To You’ (resulting in international headlines). Through a magical combination of cutting-edge technology and unrivalled creativity, Pophouse will bring the full, authentic KISS experience to both existing and new fans for years to come. The avatar show is planned to launch in 2027.

 

Pophouse, the pioneering global entertainment and music investment firm, announces the acquisition of the music catalogue, brand name and likeness – including the world- famous face paint designs – as well as trademarks of the iconic American rock band KISS. This groundbreaking partnership will enable Pophouse to further develop and amplify the unique KISS legacy worldwide: preserving their iconic music, enigmatic personas, and expressive imagery for generations to come. Plans for a biopic, an avatar show, and a KISS themed experience are already in the works. KISS will remain active and play key roles in the development of the projects, working closely together with Pophouse.

Pophouse has today concluded a landmark agreement with the iconic band KISS. Pophouse is the Swedish entertainment and music investment firm renowned for its development of brand-building activities in music and entertainment, such as the groundbreaking ABBA Voyage show in London, in which Pophouse is the founding investor.

Pophouse has acquired KISS’ artist share of the master recordings and publishing rights.* Financial terms of the transaction are not being disclosed.

Working closely with KISS, Pophouse will follow its unique, value-add approach of drawing upon its world-class, in-house creative and storytelling expertise to unlock new audiences and revenue streams. Pophouse will use its proven, industry-defining playbook to create new content and experiences to enrich the KISS catalogue for fans, old and new, actively seeking to enrich and add value to the brands and artists it partners with. Inclusivity and community have always been vital to the KISS experience, and Pophouse is committed to nurture the close relationship between KISS and its devoted fans moving forward.

“KISS is one of the most recognised and iconic bands in the history of music. They redefined the concept of rock shows and have always taken their artistry to new unchartered territories. The band has consistently been able to appeal to new generations of fans and our mission is to fulfill the band’s vision to become immortal, and to let new generations discover and be part of the KISS journey and carry it forward. With the help of the fans’ energy, the band, our expertise, and creativity – we will make that vision happen” says Johan Lagerlöf, Head of Investment at Pophouse.

“KISS has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and has throughout their 50-year career continued to push the boundaries in popular culture. The band’s enigmatic personas, unparalleled band attributes, and iconic imagery have made them a cultural force and a legendary act with multigenerational appeal. We will safeguard and enrich this legacy through future global endeavors, by breathing new life into their characters and personas while also leveraging and elevating the visual world of KISS” comments Per Sundin, CEO at Pophouse Entertainment.

As part of the partnership, Pophouse will create digital versions of KISS that will allow the band and their unique personas to live forever. The project, already underway, was previewed at the final KISS show in Madison Square Garden, New York on December 2nd 2023 when, to the audience’s surprise, KISS avatars closed the night with a rendition of ‘God Gave Rock And Roll To You’ (resulting in international headlines). Through a magical combination of cutting-edge technology and unrivalled creativity, Pophouse will bring the full, authentic KISS experience to both existing and new fans for years to come. The avatar show is planned to launch in 2027.

 

 

Resilience Through Music: Violins of Hope Exhibition Showcases Historic Instruments Connected to the Holocaust

Eric Alper
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0
Resilience Through Music: Violins of Hope Exhibition Showcases Historic Instruments Connected to the Holocaust

The National Music Centre, in partnership with the Calgary Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Foundation of Calgary, is pleased to announce the latest exhibition taking place at Studio Bell – Violins of Hope.

Scheduled to run from May 3 to June 16, 2024, Violins of Hope is a poignant collection of string instruments dating from before and during the Holocaust. These meticulously restored instruments once belonged to Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Today these instruments stand as enduring symbols, serving to educate and memorialize those affected by one of history’s darkest chapters through concerts, exhibitions and other commemorative projects.

“Violins of Hope marks a significant milestone as the first internationally-themed music exhibition hosted by the National Music Centre,” said Andrew Mosker, President and CEO, National Music Centre. “We are excited to host this moving exhibition that promotes hope and healing through music. Bringing audiences together and fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of music through education is central to NMC’s vision. As the first of many more international travelling exhibitions to come, we are excited to welcome other diverse voices in the future.”

Originating from Tel-Aviv, Israel, the collection is owned and curated by violin maker Avshi Weinstein and his late father, Amnon. The instruments were donated or purchased from survivors and descendants or recovered from remnants of ghettos and concentration camps. Each instrument has borne witness to unimaginable hardship while embodying resilience and perseverance.

Travelling the world, Violins of Hope brings these instruments to communities worldwide, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in their beautiful sound, delve into their historical significance and examine the tragedy of the Holocaust. The instruments have previously travelled to Australia, Germany, and cities across the U.S.

“Violins of Hope shares the history and narratives surrounding the instruments once belonging to Jewish survivors of the Shoah (Hebrew word for Holocaust),” said Marnie Bondar, Co-Chair, Holocaust and Human Rights: Remembrance and Education department of Calgary Jewish Federation. “Each instrument stands as a monument to survivors and victims. We need to tell and preserve their stories to show the strength of the human spirit and the power of music to offer hope in the darkest of times.”

This NMC exhibition will offer immersive in-gallery experiences, enriched by historical images and the poignant stories that accompany each instrument. Violins from the exhibition will also be incorporated into additional programming that is national in scope. Montreal rapper Socalled, known for blending klezmer and hip-hop, will perform live with his international string quartet at Studio Bell on May 26. On June 2, NMC will present 2023 JUNO Award-winning singer and composer Lenka Lichtenberg, featuring Drew Jurecka and Rebekah Wolkstein on strings. Tickets are on sale now for both concerts at studiobell.ca/whats-on.

Along with other specialized educational programs hosted by NMC, an artist residency will take place in June with the opportunity to record music using pieces from the collection. A call for applications for the residency is now open, interested artists can apply at studiobell.ca/artist-in-residence.

Violins of Hope is the first of other internationally themed exhibitions that will be coming to Studio Bell in the future. Through this exhibition and others, NMC seeks to catalyze meaningful discourse, share diverse stories, and offer inclusive educational experiences in an innovative and accessible format, all through the lens of music.

For further information regarding the Violins of Hope exhibition and ticket purchases, please visit studiobell.ca.

Using Mobile Proxies to Fetch Product Data

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

Access to comprehensive and up-to-date product data is important for businesses to succeed. This data helps them make informed pricing strategies, competitor analysis, and product development decisions.

Pricing Strategies: By analyzing competitor pricing data and understanding market trends, businesses can optimize their pricing strategies to remain competitive and maximize profitability.

This approach can involve setting competitive prices for core products, offering strategic discounts and promotions, or implementing dynamic pricing based on real-time market conditions. 

For example, a company selling athletic apparel might use web scraping to track competitor pricing for popular running shoes. This data can then be used to adjust its pricing strategy to ensure it remains competitive and captures market share.

Product Development: Product data can provide valuable insights into customer preferences, buying habits, and emerging market trends. 

Businesses can leverage this information to identify opportunities for product development, ensuring they are creating products that meet the evolving needs of their target audience. 

A company developing a new product can use web scraping to analyze customer reviews of similar existing products on e-commerce platforms. The gathered data can provide insights into common customer pain points and desired features, allowing the company to develop a product that addresses these unmet needs.

Product Offering Refinement: Understanding customer preferences through product data analysis allows businesses to refine their product offerings to cater to specific customer demands.

This understanding can involve tailoring product features and functionalities to align with customer expectations or expanding product lines to encompass new categories or high-demand variations. 

For example, an online retailer might use web scraping to analyze customer reviews of a particular item on their website. This can reveal insights into customers’ most important features. The retailer can then use this information to refine their product offerings by prioritizing headphones meeting customer expectations.

Understanding Mobile Proxies

Mobile proxies are proxy servers that utilize residential IP addresses originating from real mobile devices.

When using a mobile proxy, your web scraping requests are routed through the mobile device associated with the IP address. Thus, it appears as if a real mobile user is accessing the website, bypassing potential website restrictions.

Advantages of Mobile Proxies for Data Acquisition

Bypassing Anti-Scraping Measures

Websites can use anti-scraping techniques to detect scraping bots, like:

  • Analyzing traffic patterns for unusual activity, such as a sudden surge in requests from a single IP address.
  • Identifying characteristics of bot behavior, such as rapid page requests and disregard for website navigation patterns.

Mobile proxies offer a significant advantage by allowing frequent rotation of IP addresses. 

Enhanced Success Rates

Some websites restrict access to certain product data based on user location (geo-restricted data). Mobile proxies enable you to access this data by providing IP addresses from specific geographic regions, allowing you to gather comprehensive product information regardless of location.

Additionally, rotating mobile proxies helps avoid getting blocked by websites implementing rate-limiting measures. These measures restrict the requests a single IP address can make within a specific timeframe to prevent overloading their servers.

Accessing Mobile-Specific Data

Mobile proxies can provide access to product information that might not be available on the desktop version of a website. This can include data such as:

  • Mobile-optimized product descriptions with a focus on key features relevant to mobile users.
  • Product listings within app stores, providing valuable insights into app store trends and competitor offerings.

Conclusion

Mobile proxies offer a powerful solution for fetching product data by overcoming anti-scraping measures, increasing success rates for data collection, and providing access to mobile-specific information.

The Evolution and Impact of Music Distribution Platforms

Eric Alper
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0

By Mitch Rice

In the modern era of digitalization, music distribution has undergone significant transformation, primarily due to the emergence of music distribution platforms. These platforms have revolutionized the way music reaches its audience, altering the landscape of the music industry forever.

Music distribution platforms, such as Spotify, SoundOn, Apple Music, and Amazon Music, have made it possible for artists to distribute their music globally with unprecedented ease and speed. Gone are the days of physical records and CDs; now, with just a few clicks, a song or an album can be uploaded and made available to millions of listeners worldwide. This shift has not only opened doors for independent artists but has also given rise to new business models within the music industry.

The impact of these platforms on music distribution is profound. Firstly, they have democratized the process, enabling even the smallest of artists to have a voice and a platform. This has led to a surge in the number of creators and a more diverse range of music genres available to listeners. Secondly, the analytics provided by these platforms have given artists and record labels insights into listener behavior, preferences, and trends, allowing them to make more informed decisions about their music and marketing strategies.

However, the rise of music distribution platforms has not been without challenges. The shift to digital has led to a decline in revenue for many artists, as streaming royalties are often lower than those from physical sales. Additionally, the saturation of the market with millions of tracks has made it harder for artists to stand out and gain recognition.

Despite these challenges, the future of music distribution looks bright with the continued evolution of these platforms. We can expect to see more personalized recommendations, better user interfaces, and innovative ways for artists to connect with their fans. The integration of social media and music distribution platforms will also play a key role in shaping the future of music distribution, allowing artists to build stronger communities and engage with their followers more effectively.

In conclusion, music distribution platforms have revolutionized the way music is distributed and consumed, opening up new opportunities for artists and listeners alike. While there are challenges to be faced, the future remains promising as these platforms continue to innovate and evolve. It is an exciting time for the music industry, and we can only imagine what the future holds for music distribution.

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

 

7 Tips for Making Better TikTok Content

Eric Alper
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0
7 Tips for Making Better TikTok Content

For a musician, TikTok is really important. It’s a place where they can share their music and connect with fans in a fun and creative way. On TikTok, musicians can reach a big audience quickly, even if they’re just starting out. They can show off their talent, share behind-the-scenes moments, and join in on trends to get noticed. TikTok helps musicians build a strong fanbase and grow their career by getting their music out there for more people to hear. Plus, it’s a platform where they can be themselves and have fun while sharing their passion for music. Here are a few tips on making better TikTok videos.

  1. Find Your Niche: TikTok offers a wide variety of content to explore. Your For You page is personalized based on your interests, so sticking to a specific niche can help you connect with like-minded people.
  2. Engage with Larger TikTokers: Interacting with other creators, especially by commenting on popular videos, can help you get noticed and reach a broader audience.
  3. Use Relevant Hashtags: Hashtags can increase the visibility of your posts. Look for trending hashtags on TikTok’s Discover tab, and also explore hashtags popular within your niche.
  4. Prioritize Quality: High-quality videos perform better on TikTok. Aim for at least 720p resolution, invest in good lighting and sound equipment, which doesn’t have to be expensive.
  5. Encourage Engagement: Encourage viewers to engage with your content, as user-generated content is highly valued. Even participating in trending challenges can boost your visibility.
  6. Keep it Short: Grab viewers’ attention within the first three seconds and keep videos short (10-15 seconds). Shorter videos tend to perform better and hold viewers’ attention.
  7. Try TikTok’s Promote Feature: Utilize TikTok’s Promote feature to turn organic videos into ads, reaching new audiences and driving traffic to your content or business website. Gain insights to improve future efforts.

SiriusXM Announces Extensive Coverage for 2024 Masters

Eric Alper
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0
SiriusXM Announces Extensive Coverage for 2024 Masters

SiriusXM, the exclusive audio broadcaster of the Masters Tournament, today announced its extensive broadcast plans for Masters week, April 6-14, with live coverage of all four days of Tournament play, daily Masters-focused talk programming, specials and more.

Masters Radio on SiriusXM will be available to subscribers across North America in their cars (channel 92) and streaming on the SiriusXM app. The SiriusXM app will feature a special Masters page enabling listeners to easily access Tournament coverage, and special Masters Week programming.

“The Masters is always one of the most anticipated weeks on the sports calendar, and our team at SiriusXM prides themselves on bringing our listeners across the country closer to everything happening that week at Augusta National,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “We’ll cover the action on the course from the first tee shot on Thursday through the presentation of the Green Jacket on Sunday, and bring you news from Augusta National throughout the week, interviews with competitors and much more.”

Live Masters Broadcasts

SiriusXM’s live Tournament broadcast will air each day – Thursday, April 11, through Sunday, April 14 – starting at 2 pm ET and running through the completion of play. Additionally, each day before the broadcast begins at 2 pm, SiriusXM will provide live look-in coverage of featured groups during its programming in the morning and early afternoon so listeners can follow the play of groups playing earlier in the day.

Mike Tirico returns as SiriusXM’s lead play-by-play voice for all four Tournament rounds. He will be joined on the broadcast all four days by Steve Melnyk, who competed in five Masters Tournaments and will be SiriusXM’s main analyst. In 1971 Melnyk was the low amateur at the Masters and the following year competed to a tie for 12th place at Augusta National after winning that year’s Par 3 Contest.

On the course, SiriusXM’s commentators will be John Maginnes, who will be calling the action on the second hole and at “Amen Corner” (11th, 12th and 13th), Brian Katrek, on the 5th, 15th and 16th holes, Maureen Madill on the 8th and 17th, and Johnson Wagner on the 4th, 13th and 14th.

Augusta National Women’s Amateur

SiriusXM will provide live coverage of the final round of the Augusta National Women’s Amateur on Saturday, April 6 (noon – 3 pm ET). SiriusXM’s Chantel McCabe and Fred Albers will host the broadcast, with special commentary from Annika Sorenstam and Nancy Lopez. Sorenstam will also have a one-on-one interview with the Augusta National Women’s Amateur champion on a new episode of her SiriusXM show, “Annika,” airing Tuesday at 7 pm ET.

Masters Par 3 Contest

SiriusXM’s live coverage of the 2024 Masters Par 3 Contest will air on Wednesday, April 10 (2 pm ET). David Marr III will host the coverage alongside World Golf Hall of Famer Hale Irwin, Fred Albers and Chantel McCabe.

Exclusive SiriusXM Masters week programming

Masters Radio on SiriusXM will feature comprehensive pre- and post-round coverage, as well as several specials airing throughout the week.

  • SiriusXM’s pre-round coverage will air live from 7 am to 2 pm ET Thursday and Friday, and 8 am to 2 pm ET on Saturday and Sunday. Taylor Zarzour and Brian Katrek will anchor the coverage, providing play-by-play updates on featured groups, with commentary from Bob Ford, Carl Paulson, David Marr and Greg DuCharme. Jim McLean and Jason Sobel will report from the Tournament Practice Area at Augusta National.
  • Immediately following each round, listeners will hear a live post-round show hosted by Gary Williams and Drew Stoltz.
  • On Thursday, SiriusXM will have live coverage of the Honorary Starters Ceremony and the opening tee shots of Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and Tom Watson, followed by interviews with these three legendary players. The introduction of the Honorary Starters and their tee shots historically precede the first tee time of the Tournament’s first competitive round, signaling the official beginning of Masters competition.
  • “Seve and Me” – SiriusXM will present an audio documentary dedicated to the legendary two-time Masters champion Seve Ballesteros (1980, 1983), and his influence on the successful Spanish players who have followed him in professional golf. Listeners will hear interviews with 2023 Masters champion Jon Rahm, 2017 Masters champion Sergio Garcia and 1994 and 1999 Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabel as they share their memories of Seve and the impact he had on their careers. The one-hour special can be heard anytime on the SiriusXM app here: https://sxm.app.link/Seve
  • “Backstory: The Masters” – On this special, listeners will get a look back at Arnold Palmer’s final Masters victory in 1964, 60 years after he became the first player ever to win the Tournament four times. Five years after Tiger Woods’ memorable 2019 Masters win, the broadcasters who called the event recall being on air that Sunday and delivering that moment to fans watching and listening around the country. One year after Jon Rahm became the fourth Spaniard to win the Masters, the special looks at the success of Rahm, Seve Ballesteros, Jose Maria Olazabel and Sergio Garcia at Augusta National. “Backstory: The Masters” can be heard anytime on the SiriusXM app here: https://sxm.app.link/BackstoryMasters

Listeners will also hear regularly scheduled shows hosted throughout the week by SiriusXM’s exceptional roster of current and former players, instructors and other experts on the game. For more on SiriusXM’s golf programming click here.

For more information, visit masters.com or follow @TheMasters on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM for free. Go to siriusxm.com/GetSiriusXM3mos to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

Sun Ra’s Business Cards Are As Astonishing As His Music

Eric Alper
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0
Sun Ra’s Business Cards Are As Astonishing As His Music

Sun Ra, the visionary jazz composer, bandleader, and philosopher, revolutionized the genre with his avant-garde approach and cosmic ideology. His influence extended far beyond music, permeating into realms of spirituality, Afrofuturism, and even entrepreneurship. One of the most striking manifestations of his creativity was his original business cards. These cards were not just contact information; they were vibrant, kaleidoscopic expressions of Sun Ra’s cosmic vision. Adorned with images of celestial bodies, Egyptian hieroglyphs, and cryptic messages, they served as gateways to the otherworldly realm of Sun Ra’s imagination. Through these cards, Sun Ra not only promoted his music but also invited recipients to explore the boundless depths of his philosophical musings and the cosmic universe he inhabited. In this way, Sun Ra’s business cards became emblematic of his unparalleled ability to blend art, mysticism, and entrepreneurship, leaving an indelible mark on both the jazz world and beyond.

Glass Animals Announce Fourth Album ‘I Love You So F***ing Much’ To Be Released On July 19

Eric Alper
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0
Glass Animals Announce Fourth Album ‘I Love You So F***ing Much’ To Be Released On July 19

Today, global and platinum diamond-selling British band Glass Animals announce details of their fourth studio album, I Love You So F***ing Much, to be released on 19 July 2024 on Polydor Records/Universal Music Canada. It is the follow-up to 2020’s critically revered Dreamland, which sold over 12M copies globally and gave life to ‘Heat Waves’, the record-breaking song that became the biggest international hit from a British band in almost 30 years. It was the first song to reach #1 with a single writer and producer since Pharell’s ‘Happy,’ and led to the pop world’s biggest acts, including Florence Welch, all wanting to work with Glass Animals frontman, songwriter and producer, Dave Bayley. But the birth of I Love You So F***ing Much was an existential crisis. Dave found himself struggling to make sense of this newfound global stardom, having watched it all happen while the world was in lockdown. “Life can change dramatically, but sometimes you aren’t able to change as quickly on a personal level. You end up feeling like a spectator. And then you are asked and expected to be a certain type of person, a different person. But…I wasn’t sure how. It confused me to the point of not knowing who I was or if anything was real.” It took being stranded on a cliff in a wooden house on stilts during one of California’s biggest storms in history to push that feeling into a full existential crisis. In forced isolation, watching trees tumble down mountains and assuming “death was coming,” Dave began asking questions of himself, of the universe and of the human experience: namely, love. As he came to accept himself as an introvert, Dave realised that “human connection and the love between us is much bigger, more important, and more complex than anything else”. ‘Creatures in Heaven’ is the sublime first glimpse into 10 intimate love stories set against the backdrop of the universe.

“I love you so f***ing much, I LOVE YOU SO F***ING MUCH, I love you SO f***ing MUCH, I love you so F***ING much, I LOVE you so f***ing MUCH. These words take on a different meaning every time you say them. The universe may make us feel overwhelmingly small, but we have this human connection that is far vaster and more mysterious. Love comes in an infinite number of forms and shapes and sizes. It is so complex, and so powerful that even witnessing the tiniest instance of it can change your life forever.” – Dave Bayley

Full of 70s analogue synths and a vast space-scale of production, “Creatures in Heaven” tackles the moment: Are you here in the moment? Be in the moment. “It’s about a moment in time, be it a split second or a year or whatever, having the capacity to be enormously formative and life-changing. Even if it is over. Or if it doesn’t go as planned. Or if it dies too soon. It is still fucking beautiful. The love and care and the feeling in that moment lives forever. It never really dies. If that’s how you choose to see it,” says Dave.

Wanting to bring fans into the sci-fi-inspired world of I Love You So F***ing Much early, Glass Animals set up a landing page that simply read “Panic. Answer the Question please” (a nod to Douglas Adams’ infamous Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy). With 15,000 questions posed to the band within the first couple of days, they set about trawling through them: What’s going on (existentially)? Will Glass Animals perform in Space? Are we hitchhiking the universe? What is the meaning of life? To Dave, it’s a continuation of the Open Source website the band started in the pandemic. A site where fans could download jpegs and mp3s from the band, share them and create their own artwork and tunes. Engaging with each other and Glass Animals in a deeper way, this modernist iteration of “Ask Me Anything” sparked a conversation around the power of love in a-what-can-sometimes-feel-like-a cold and loveless world.

In the build-up to today’s announcement cryptic flyposters, graffiti and billboards of the album’s title have been popping up globally since Valentine’s Day, with the band officially revealing the first visual taste of the album, the cosmic zoom, on socials earlier this month. Last week Dave began sharing “Desperately Seeking Dave” ads in local newspapers, prompting fans to find him for an exclusive play of the single before its release across London, NYC and Kansas City. Glass Animals have also announced intimate pop-up shows for this Spring, selling out instantly, they’ll be taking place in California (at the legendary Pappy + Harriet’s in The Mojave Desert) and Mexico City. More shows are due to be announced soon.

Having a bird’s-eye view of life is a view that Glass Animals have become comfortable with. Dreamland was released during the pandemic in 2020, and it was the album that elevated Glass Animals to mythical status. The single Heat Waves broke records across the planet, becoming the first song by a British band since the Spice Girls’ Wannabe in 1995, to claim #1 for 5 consecutive weeks in the Billboard 100. Having achieved Grammy and BRIT nominations, being crowned Triple J’s Hottest 100 winner, claiming over 44B global streams and becoming the first British band to achieve #1 in the Spotify global chart, whilst holding space in the Billboard Hot 100 for longer than the Weekends Blinding Lights. But the backdrop of this critical success was a band locked in their separate homes; a form of “detachment”.

Glass Animals toured the album when the world was just emerging from the pandemic. There was still so much unknown, and artists couldn’t get insurance for tours. “It was survival mode. We had to frontload the tour. We had no insurance on the shows. We just had to make them happen and be very careful. My manager and I wrote a manual that other artists ended up using at venues. Dreamland became the dream. We were basically jumping on stage, doing the show, then back in this silent metal tube [the bus]. It was quite odd. We were like, is this real?”. The four-piece; Dave, Drew MacFarlane (guitar, keys), Edmund Irwin-Singer (bass, keys) and Joe Seaward (drums) who all met at school, saw huge flashes of how far their music had come – from crowds outside buses to post-show street parties after the show spilling out of the New York subway – but all from the confines of the metal tube. This detachment was heightened when the band made it to the Grammys, only to be stopped before the event by Dave getting Covid. They had come so close to the tangible but were still so far away from it. Having sold well over 340K tickets globally, Glass Animals commenced their UK tour, headlining Alexandra Palace in a triumphant show to mark the end of 2021, and the end of a rollercoaster time that changed their lives forever. Finding sense in that chaos is where I Love You So F***ing Much begins. Join the love space odyssey today.

Live Pop-Ups
11 April – Pappy + Harriet’s, CA, USA
15 April – Mexico City

I Love You So F***ing Much Tracklist:
Show Pony
whatthehellishappening
Creatures in Heaven
Wonderful Nothing
A Tear in Space (Airlock)
ICMYFILA
How I Learned To Love Bomb
White Roses
On the Run
Lost in the Ocean

Pet Shop Boys Release Their Brand-New Single ‘Dancing Star’

Eric Alper
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0
Pet Shop Boys Release Their Brand-New Single ‘Dancing Star’

Pet Shop Boys release their brand-new single ‘Dancing star’ on Parlophone today. The song was inspired by the life of the ballet dancer, Rudolf Nureyev, who defected from the Soviet Union and became a global star.

‘Dancing star’ has also been remixed by Solomun and the single bundle also includes two bonus tracks, written and produced by PSB: “Sense of time” and “If Jesus had a sister”. A Superchumbo (Tom Stephan) remix of “Party in the Blitz” is also included and features the voice of London clubland legend, Princess Julia.

The single is available as a six-track bundle through all digital outlets and a CD single will be released on May 3.

‘Dancing star’ is the second song to be previewed from Pet Shop Boys’ eagerly awaited new studio album ‘Nonetheless’ which will be released on April 26. The album features 10 new songs and was produced by James Ford who has recently produced albums by Blur, The Last Dinner Party and Beth Gibbons.

The Guardian wrote of the forthcoming album: ‘…Nonetheless’ is gorgeous: buoyant with optimism, it basks in songwriterly lusciousness.’

In July Pet Shop Boys will play five sold-out nights at London’s iconic Royal Opera House, after headlining the Isle of Wight Festival and playing shows in Nottingham, Birmingham, Manchester and Belfast (their first show in Northern Ireland in over 30 years). A European tour includes dates in Spain, The Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Finland and the Czech Republic.

Charli XCX releases ‘Club classics’ and ‘B2b’

Eric Alper
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0
Charli XCX releases ‘Club classics’ and ‘B2b’

Charli XCX today releases ‘Club classics’ and ‘B2b’ – two new singles from her highly anticipated forthcoming new album ‘BRAT’.

You can listen to ‘Club classics’ and ‘B2b’ HERE.

‘BRAT’, Charli’s sixth studio album, will be released on Friday 7th June with the full tracklist now available below. You can pre-order the album HERE (including a number of new physical variations of ‘BRAT’) and pre-save the album HERE.

‘Von dutch’, the brash and synth heavy first taste of the album, arrived in February with Pitchfork naming it ‘Best New Track’ and Billboard describing it as “delightfully rambunctious”. You can watch the Torso-directed video HERE.

Charli also recently unveiled ‘The Von dutch Remix with Addison Rae & A. G. Cook’, an effervescent rework of the smash hit single featuring A. G. Cook’s signature brand of idiosyncratic production and Charli and Addison going back and forth on vocals. You can listen HERE.

Charli threw a momentous Boiler Room in New York’s Brooklyn in February to launch the ‘BRAT’ campaign with A. G. Cook, George Daniel, Finn Keane and Doss. The show broke the record for the most ever RSVPs to a Boiler Room event, with over 40k people registering to attend. Featuring special guest appearances from the likes of Addison Rae and Julia Fox, the show has easily become one of the viral moments of the year. You can watch the full stream of ‘Boiler Room & Charli XCX Presents: PARTYGIRL’ HERE.

‘BRAT’ is the eagerly awaited follow up to 2022’s ‘CRASH’, which reached number 1 on the UK’s official album chart, and promises to be an exhilarating club record built around high art references and social commentary.

Alongside her new album, Charli has been working on multiple film & TV projects following the breakout success of her Barbie soundtrack contribution ‘Speed Drive’ last year. She is co-executive producing the score for the A24 film ‘Mother Mary’ with Jack Antonoff and also producing original music for Benito Skinner’s series ‘Overcompensating’ on Prime Video. In addition, Charli will star in the Daniel Goldhaber remake of 1978 cult horror film ‘Faces of Death’.

Avant-pop and electronic superstar Charli XCX has become an iconic figure in the arts, having helped expand the landscape of popular music over the last decade by seamlessly traversing the underground and mainstream with her artistic output. Over the course of a trailblazing career, the multi-hyphenate creative has earned critical acclaim for her innovative style and entrepreneurial spirit and seen her forward-thinking approach reshape pop culture in the process.

Her lasting impact was cemented last year when Charli was honoured with the Visionary Award at the annual Ivor Novellos in London, while she also received the Powerhouse Award at Billboard’s Women In Music ceremony in Los Angeles in March.

 

‘BRAT’ Tracklist:
1. 360
2. Club classics
3. Sympathy is a knife
4. I might say something stupid
5. Talk talk
6. Von dutch
7. Everything is romantic
8. Rewind
9. So I
10. Girl, so confusing
11. Apple
12. B2b
13. Mean girls
14. I think about it all the time
15. 365

Charli XCX 2024 Tour Dates:
Sat 01/06/24 – Barcelona, Spain – Primavera (Live) – Sold Out
Fri 07/06/24 – London, UK – Outernet (PARTY GIRL DJ Set) – Sold Out
Tue 11/06/24 – New York, NY – Knockdown Center (Live) – Sold Out
Wed 12/06/24 – Chicago, IL – Radius (Live) – Sold Out
Sat 15/06/24 – Los Angeles, CA – Shrine (Live) – Sold Out
Wed 19/06/24 – Mexico City, Mexico – Club Loo Loo (PARTY GIRL DJ Set) – Sold Out
Fri 21/06/24 – Sao Paulo, Brazil – Club Zig (PARTY GIRL DJ Set) – Sold Out

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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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