Chester Thompson’s Drum Cam from Phil Collins’ live version of “Take Me Home” offers viewers an electrifying glimpse into the rhythmic mastery that defined Collins’ iconic sound. As the backbone of the band’s performance, Thompson’s precision and energy are on full display, driving the song forward with relentless power and finesse. The drum cam footage provides an intimate perspective, allowing fans to witness Thompson’s extraordinary skill up close as he navigates intricate fills and grooves with effortless fluidity. From thunderous tom rolls to crisp snare accents, Thompson’s dynamic performance serves as a testament to his status as one of the most respected drummers in the industry.
Photo Gallery: The Glorious Sons with Brother Elsey at the St. Catharines Meridian Centre
All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.
The Top 15 Mystery Creature Stuffed Animals of 2024: Which One is Your Favorite?
By Mitch Rice
In a world where imagination meets plush fabric, we present to you 15 exceptional stuffed animals, each with its own unique charm. From mystical dragons to charming unicorn stuffed animals, these cuddly companions hold secrets waiting to be uncovered. Join us as we embark on an adventure into the enchanting universe of these captivating creatures, perfect for both young explorers and the young at heart. Let the magic unfold!
Drogons
Cute Peppermint Dragon Plush
Among the 15 best mystery creature stuffed animals, this enchanting dragon plush toy stands out like a forgotten legend. Crafted with meticulous care, its mint-green fur whispers of ancient forests and hidden realms. Those black-tipped, pointy ears? They’ve heard tales of cryptic creatures and whispered secrets. And those delicate wings, a lighter shade of green, are poised for flight—ready to carry young adventurers to uncharted skies.
This plush dragon isn’t just a toy; it’s a portal to magic. With every cuddle, it invites imaginations to soar, mysteries to unravel, and wonder to ignite. Let your little ones embrace the extraordinary, cradling this mythical companion as they dream of quests and unravel enigmas. Adventure awaits!
Goth Red and Black Dragon Plush
This dragon plush toy is an impressive depiction of the legendary creature. Its striking red and black colors are captivating, while the intricate design features menacing yet endearing eyes and a mouth full of sharp teeth. The wings are expansive and detailed, reminiscent of the fabled dragons of olden times. Every stitch and seam is expertly crafted to ensure that this mystical creature is not only visually appealing but also sturdy. This plush toy is an ideal gift for your friend who loves rock and roll or has a strong sense of individuality.
Cute Giant Dragon Plush
This dragon plush toy is made with great attention to detail, and it is more than just a plaything. With its soft, scaled fabric, it is inviting to touch and sparks curiosity in young minds. It is 50cm/19.7 inches in size, perfect for hugging, and its cream color, adorned with subtle green accents on wings and horns, reminds of ancient legends. The eyes of the dragon plush draw children in, and they can weave their own tales of magic and wonder. This dragon plush is perfect for perching on a bed or nestling in a reading nook, and it embodies the mystique of elusive creatures. It is a captivating companion for those who love to dream and explore.
Cute White Baby Dragon Plush
This plush toy depicting a baby dragon is truly remarkable. Its soft white fur and intricate detailing capture the mysterious essence of mythical creatures. The golden wings of the plush toy are crafted with precision and embody a magical allure that sparks the imagination. Its black eyes gleam with intrigue, inviting both children and adults into a world where fantasy and reality blend together. Imagine holding in your hands a magnificent dragon that transports you to a world of adventure and mythical tales. This enchanting creature is not just a mere toy, it’s an experience that stimulates your imagination and fills your heart with wonder. Its intricate stitching and soft stuffing are just the beginning of its charm, as it ignites your imagination and takes you on an unforgettable journey.
Kawaii Round Chunky Dragon Plush
The Pink Dragon Plush Toy is a beautiful and comfortable creation of imaginative design. It has been crafted with great attention to detail and invites both baby and adult to explore the mystical unknown.
The plush toy has soft, velvety fur, which feels like a thousand whispered secrets and beckons to be touched. Delicate wings, adorned with intricate patterns, evoke ancient tales of dragons soaring through moonlit skies. The plush’s eyes are mysterious and alluring, seeming to hold forgotten memories and untold stories.
Whether placed on a child’s bed or displayed as a collector’s treasure, the Pink Dragon Plush Toy is more than just a plaything. It is a work of art that transcends mere play and holds a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate its beauty.
Cute Long Dragon Pillow Plush
In the world of enchanting mystery creature stuffed animals, behold the long dragon plush toy pillow. It’s a true marvel that bridges the gap between myth and cuddly companionship. The plush toy pillow is crafted from a velvety-soft blend of polyester and cotton, which envelops you in comfort. Measuring approximately 47 inches from snout to tail, this dragon sprawls luxuriously. Its elongated form invites both children and adults to embrace its mythical allure. Imagine sinking into a cloud – this plush delivers just that. Its plushness is akin to a thousand whispered secrets, soothing and inviting. This enigmatic creature transcends age. Children find solace in its presence during bedtime adventures, while adults appreciate its whimsical charm as a decorative accent. It’s more than just an object; it’s a mysterious creature, ready to share secrets and dreams under moonlit skies.
Unicorns
Goth Lace Fabric Black Unicorn Stuffed Animal
The Gothic style unicorn plush is adorned with intricate lace fabric, giving it an air of mystery and elegance. It comes in a pair with a white unicorn, making it a perfect gift for couples. Its softness is comparable to the tender touch of moonlight. This plush is designed for individuals who are attracted to the Gothic and mysterious. It whispers secrets of ancient creatures, waiting to be uncovered. It is a companion for the curious and a gateway to wonder.
Goth white Lace Fabric Unicorn Stuffed Animal
Introducing a captivating stuffed toy of a unicorn that is bound to capture your heart with its mystery beauty. This white unicorn has big black flower eyes that are full of wonder, and a small yet sharp horn that adds a touch of magic. The lacy fabric that wraps around the unicorn adds elegance and grace, while the delicate flower patterns on its body add intricacy and charm. One of the unique features of this toy is the long white ponytail that is braided with soft cotton, which adds playfulness to its appearance. To complete its dreamy look, a veil gracefully adorns the back of its head, adding an extra touch of enchantment. You can also purchase the black unicorn to have a matching pair.
Goth Skeleton Unicorn Stuffed Animal
In the mysterious recesses of the mind, there exists a unicorn plush toy that embodies the gothic style – an animal that is both fascinating and elusive. Made of a dark fabric that is as black as the night, its velvety texture invites discovery. The intricate white patterns that adorn its dark hide tell stories of ancient mysticism, captivating the hearts of both young dreamers and seasoned explorers of the unknown.
This enigmatic plush toy is a modest size, neither overwhelming nor underwhelming. Its softness cradles the senses like whispered secrets. It is designed for those who have a taste for mystery, and with its timeless appeal, it’s a companion for both starry-eyed children and adults who yearn for twilight adventures.
This plush toy is more than just a product of stuffing and stitching; it is a manifestation of the mystical, a guardian that protects the threshold between reality and myth. As the moonlight dances on its dark form, it whispers secrets that only the curious can hear-a gift of wonder wrapped in obsidian fur.
Cute White Unicorn Plush with Wings
This unicorn plush toy, standing as a testament to mystical elegance, is crafted with precision to offer a soft, cuddly companion for enthusiasts of all ages. Its white, velvety texture and compact size make it a perfect fit for little arms to embrace and adults to admire. The plush toy boasts a silver horn and hooves that gleam with an ethereal charm, while its wings spread in gentle allure. It’s not just a toy but an embodiment of fantasy; ideal for those who find solace and joy in the enigmatic world of mythical creatures. Every stitch and detail is designed to bring the legendary unicorn to life, offering comfort and companionship.
Adorable Colorful Cuddly Unicorn Stuffed Animal
Behold the enchanting Unicorn Plush Toy! Crafted with meticulous care, this mystical companion stands as a testament to elegance. Its soft, white plush fabric invites gentle caresses, promising comfort beyond measure. The golden horn and hooves add a touch of magic, captivating both young and old. Sized just right for cuddling, it becomes an inseparable friend. The blue mane, subtly adorned with an anchor imprint, appeals to sea lovers and fantasy enthusiasts alike. More than a toy, it bridges the gap between reality and the mystical realm.
Kawaii Bright Cheerful Unicorn Stuffed Animal
This delightful plush toy embodies the allure of mystical creatures in a compact, huggable form. With a moderate size that fits snugly in both little hands and grown-up arms, it strikes the perfect balance. The plush exterior, velvety soft to the touch, invites gentle cuddles and soothing comfort. Its whimsical design features a golden horn and a pastel-colored mane, evoking the magic of legendary unicorns. Whether as a playmate for imaginative adventures or a charming décor piece, this kawaii unicorn plush enchants hearts of all ages. Bring a touch of wonder into your world with this adorable companion!
Others
Emo Cute Yeti Stuffed Animal
This Emo Yeti plush toy stands as a captivating embodiment of mystical creatures. Its compact size ensures it fits snugly on shelves, desks, or beds, inviting companionship. Crafted from soft, plush material, it beckons with a tender touch. The minimalist design, in pristine white, exudes an aura of enchantment and mystery. Whether for curious children or adults seeking a touch of whimsy, this Emo Yeti transcends mere plushness—it embodies the allure of mythical beings. A delightful addition to any collection or a thoughtful gift, it whispers secrets of hidden realms.
Cute Green Monster Stuffed Animal
This delightful monster plush toy is a whimsical wonder that captivates hearts. Its teal fur, reminiscent of a mystical lagoon, invites gentle caresses. Standing at a moderate size, it nestles comfortably in both small hands and grown-up arms. The plushness is irresistible—each squeeze reveals a cloud-like softness. Its unique shape, adorned with friendly horns, sparks imaginative play. Whether for curious kids or nostalgic adults, this enchanting companion brings comfort and a touch of magic to any embrace. A must-have for those who seek cuddly companionship in the realm of mythical creatures.
Cute Pink One Eye Monster
Introducing the Mystical Monster Plush Toy: This enchanting creature captivates young hearts with its soft, fluffy embrace. Standing at a moderate size, it fits perfectly into tiny arms, inviting warm hugs and imaginative play. Its whimsical design features a single eye, adorned with playful red horns and vibrant pink hands. The plush toy’s texture is irresistibly soft, making it a delightful companion for bedtime snuggles or magical adventures. Crafted for children who revel in the mystical, this plush toy sparks creativity and storytelling. Whether nestled on a shelf or clutched tightly during bedtime, the Mystical Monster Plush Toy promises endless wonder and comfort.
Summary
You have just read an article about 15 of the best mythical creature plushies that you can buy online. You have seen how these adorable stuffed animals can bring joy and wonder to your child’s life. You have also learned some fascinating trivia about the origins and legends of these fantasy creatures. Whether you choose a dragon, a unicorn, a mermaid, or any other mythical creature, you will be giving your child a gift that they will cherish for years to come. We hope you enjoyed this article and found it helpful. Thank you for reading and happy shopping!
Gaming Genres with the Best Soundtracks
By Mitch Rice
When it comes to gaming, music is an incredibly important part of the experience. Even the creators of Pong (1972), one of the earliest hit games, incorporated audio design into the game. Though minimal, it was already apparent to video game developers that using different sounds to dictate gameplay would be important.
Fast forward a half-century and some video game releases are hotly anticipated at least partly because of their soundtracks. For example, the later releases of the original DOOM video game (1993) were all at least partly high-profile because of the soundtrack. The first game had created such hype with its heavy metal and hardcore soundtrack that gamers were highly invested in the next composers to take on the job.
From the first iterations of audio design from Atari to franchises leaning on heavy metal soundtracks, there’s great diversity within video game audio design and soundtracks. But which genres take the cake when it comes to having the best soundtracks across multiple releases? Let’s explore.
Slots
Hardcore soundtracks tend to focus on larger-scope games—which we’ll get to next. However, let’s first point out that audio design is important even on a small scale. Games like slots, the world’s most popular offering from virtual casinos, require players to simply push the spin button and then wait to see how the reel lands. To keep the game’s momentum alive and to keep players interested, developers focus on things like visual design and audio design.
Slots that focus on music, from Village People to Motorhead, have soundtracks baked into the game. But others are quite imaginative and well done. The Phantom of the Opera from Microgaming has a symphonic soundtrack that’s beautiful all on its own, while others like The Walking Dead include zombie-centric and bloodcurdling audio clips. Though small, a good audio design can be mighty.
Sports
Sports games were some of the first video games to bring on hits from pop culture. Once again, this isn’t quite the large-scale compositional design that gamers would think of—but these games have left their impact. This trend kicked off with 1999’s Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater, which included a long list of hits from the 80s and 90s. It was followed by 2000’s Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX, which was composed of a series of progressive rock and hip-hop hits.
As time went on, many of these mashup soundtracks were exported to more traditional sports simulations. Some of the most memorable releases to nail their soundtracks were Madden NFL 10 and MLB 07: The Show.
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FPSs
Within the context of sports, many soundtracks were designed as background music with the goal of extending a gamer’s session. But within the context of first-person shooters, soundtracks tend to take on a larger and more atmospheric role. Halo’s soundtrack, for example, is so popular that it has been remixed in a variety of genres, from hard rock to opera.
But the most memorable releases are DOOM, outlined above, and other hits from the 1990s and early 2000s. Quake, for example, perfectly bridged its industrial compositions with the horrific and gothic world in which the game is set. Metroid Prime, by contrast, had a soundtrack designed to reflect the lonely and haunting landscape that players must navigate to succeed.
Open-world RPGs
Finally, let’s cover some of the top soundtracks from the gaming world: open-world RPGs. Soundtracks tend to be grander in terms of composition and scale because these games cover large landscapes, include dozens of missions and side quests, and are designed for total immersion. A lackluster soundtrack threatens to break players out of the atmosphere—but a great soundtrack can have them playing for hours on end.
The Zelda franchise, and especially Ocarina of Time, are well-known in the gaming industry. Nintendo’s other projects from Pokémon also include varied influences, from Western music to tropical orchestras. Both tend to include upbeat and low-fi soundtracks that keep the gameplay light and enjoyable.
Others, however, take a more theatrical approach. Elder Scrolls releases include the infamous Skyrim soundtrack—which most people would recognize without knowing that it’s a video game composition. It’s epic enough to challenge the LOTR soundtrack.
3-Time GRAMMY nominee and Blues Legend Eric Bibb Readies New Live at The Scala Theatre Album for April 5
Stony Plain Records, under an exclusive worldwide license agreement from Repute Records, will release on April 5th the new album from 2024’s “Best Traditional Blues Album” GRAMMY nominee and Blues/Roots music legend Eric Bibb, Live at The Scala Theatre. The upcoming disc follows 2023’s Ridin’, which has also received two Blues Music Award nominations from The Blues Foundation, whose winners will be announced May 9th in Memphis.
Eric Bibb also recently taped a performance at the SiriusXM Radio studios In New York City that will premiere on BB King’s “Bluesville” channel in April around his live album release, and then air shortly thereafter on “The Village.”
Performed in front of a live audience at Stockholm’s Scala Theatre in 2023, the atmosphere captured in these recordings is electric. Live at The Scala Theatre contains a selection of songs cherry-picked from Bibb’s history, infused with the folk and blues tradition with contemporary sensibilities. The performance features an all-star lineup of musicians including Eric’s longtime collaborator, musical director and producer Glen Scott on bass, keys, drums and backing vocals; Olle Linder on drums and acoustic bass; Johan Lindström on pedal steel and electric guitar; Christer Lyssarides on electric guitar and mandola; Esbjörn Hazelius on fiddle and cittern; Greger Andersson on harp; Lamine Cissokho on kora and vocals; special guest vocalists Sarah Dawn Finer, Rennie Mirro and Ulrika Bibb, as well as string arrangements by Erik Arvinder and David Davidson, performed by Hanna Helgegren and Sarah Cross on violins, Christopher Öhman on viola and Josef Ahlin on cello.
“The Live at The Scala concert was, without a doubt, the most ambitious gig and recording project of my career,” says Eric Bibb. “Captained by my super-talented friend, musical director and producer, Glen Scott and graced by an amazing array of musicians, the resulting album is one that defines me as an artist. I couldn’t be more pleased and eager to share it with you all.
“In selecting the album’s songs we wanted to cover three categories: 1)Tried and true fan favorites that had not appeared multiple times on previous live recordings; 2) A few songs from the recently released studio albums, Dear America and Ridin’; 3) At least one song that I’d never before recorded.
“Every song on the album holds a special place in my heart. I’ll elaborate on three of them: ‘Rosewood,’ which tells the story of the horrendous massacre in 1923, that wiped out the African American community of Rosewood in Florida, is both an important history lesson, particularly relevant today in the current climate of disunity in America and the world and hopefully, a story that encourages us to face and learn from our past. ‘Whole World’s Got The Blues’ is, in the way that songs can sometimes be, prescient. It is both a lament about the current state of the world and a warning. ‘Things Is ‘Bout Comin’ My Way,’ adapted from ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World’ and written by Walter Vinson, is a bluesy affirmation that resonates with my own journey. And one of my fondest memories of that night at The Scala Theatre was being surrounded by the spirited singing, on stage and in the audience, of ‘Mole In The Ground.’“
With a career now spanning five decades, three Grammy nominations, a multitude of Blues Foundation awards and countless more accolades, Eric Bibb has secured his legacy as a legendary figure in the blues and roots genre.
As Eric reflects on his musical journey, gratitude pervades. Evolution is evident in his voice and guitar playing, with his words grounded in truth and fostering a vision of unity in a world filled with divisive rhetoric. Eric Bibb is more than a blues troubadour – he is a storyteller and philosopher. His legacy is not just in the notes he plays or the stages he graces but in the questions he poses and the hope he instills.
Live at The Scala Theatre is a continuation of the vision that informs Bibb’s artistry as a modern-day Blues troubadour. Grounded in the folk and blues tradition with contemporary sensibilities, Bibb’s music continues to reflect his thoughts on current world events and his own lived experiences, whilst remaining entertaining, uplifting, inspirational and relevant.
Eric Bibb summarizes the new album by saying: “To all the wonderful players, singers and facilitators who contributed to this triumphant endeavor, I can only say, from the bottom of my heart:
Thank You! Merci Mille! Tusen Tack!”
Sue Foley Announces New One Guitar Woman Album And Releases First Single – Elizabeth Cotten’s “Oh Babe It Ain’t No Lie”
Sue Foley’s new acoustic solo album, ONE GUITAR WOMAN is a moving tribute to the female pioneers of guitar, the women whose music and lives delivered the inspiration and paved the way for those that followed. Sue honors artists spanning a whole spectrum of styles. She writes in her liner notes, “They were massively talented, and they all possessed courage and vision which transformed both their cultures and the story of the guitar.”
True to the album title, Sue performs all these songs with ONE GUITAR. While many of Sue’s fans are used to seeing her playing “Pinky,” her pink paisley Fender Telecaster through her Fender Bassman amp, for this album she chose a nylon-string acoustic guitar, a flamenco Blanca made by master luthier Salvadore Castillo, purchased by Sue on a 2022 excursion to Paracho, Mexico.
The first single, available now, is “Oh Babe It Ain’t No Lie”, a delicately nuanced track from Elizabeth Cotten. Sue captures the playful yet plaintive tone of the original, but doesn’t imitate the voice of Cotten, who didn’t record until she was quite elderly. Sue sings in her own voice, which is strong and vibrant. “‘Oh Babe It Ain’t No Lie’ is one of my favorite songs to play on guitar,” says Sue. “I just love that Piedmont fingerpicking that was made famous by the incomparable, Elizabeth Cotten. Cotten had an original guitar style, as she played left-handed and upside down, so her songs are not easy to tackle. She also had such charm and character in her voice, and wit in her lyrics. Her songs can be challenging to learn but they’re always so fun and satisfying when you figure them out. This one just makes me smile every time I play it.”
ONE GUITAR WOMAN also covers the hard-driving Memphis Minnie and icons like Maybelle Carter and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, as well as heroes like French classical guitarist Ida Presti, Tejano sensation Lydia Mendoza, and the often-underrated Charo. Less well-known but equally compelling are Southern blues women Geeshie Wiley and Elvie Thomas. All in all, the twelve tracks of this album pay deference to eight female guitarists.
Foley is a complete artist, and the album features her songwriting as well as her guitar playing and singing. “Maybelle’s Guitar,” is Sue’s original composition that incorporates Maybelle Carter’s signature “Carter Scratch” guitar style while telling the story of the vast influence and power of the Carter Family’s music. Lydia Mendoza’s Tejano classic “Mal Hombre” is performed in Spanish, and Foley contributes her own English-language verse, which is far superior to the translation.
The album includes two instrumentals: “Romance in A Minor” by virtuoso violinist Niccolò Paganini is derived from guitarist Ida Presti’s interpretation. Sue’s version is heart-rending. Also featured is the explosive flamenco “La Malagueña”, popularized by Charo.
The full album will be released worldwide on March 29, 2024 on Stony Plain Records.
Sue will soon be debuting her ONE GUITAR WOMAN show, a solo show which will celebrate the lives, stories and music of the female pioneers of guitar. It will incorporate multimedia elements and present some great music as well as uplifting, provocative stories of brave, trailblazing women. This show will be presented in theaters on select dates through 2024.
Sue Foley has released thirteen albums and won many awards, including the Blues Music Award for Traditional Female Artist of the Year, which she has won three consecutive times; she is once again nominated in this category for 2024.
SUE FOLEY TOUR DATES:
Wed, MAR 6 Victoria Hall – One Guitar Woman “SOLO”, Cobourg, Canada
Thur, MAR 7 Meaford Hall – One Guitar Woman “SOLO”, Meaford, Canada
Wed, APR 17 SPACE, Evanston, IL
Fri, APR 26 Old Quarter Acoustic Café, Galveston, TX
Sat, APR 27 Austin Blues Festival 2024, Austin, TX
Sun, MAY 26 Main Street Crossing, Tomball, TX
Sat, JUN 15 Utah Blues Festival 2024, Salt Lake City, UT
Manchester’s Rock Veteran LUNA COLLINS Unleashes Her Signature Sound in Latest Single ‘Man In The Mac’
Luna Collins, the seasoned pop-rock musician and former frontwoman for the all-female band, The Relay, has released her latest single, “Man In The Mac” – available now.
The San Francisco native was heavily influenced by the music of Motown and the Everly Brothers, but when she saw The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show for the first time, she knew she wanted to be like that. Moving to the UK at 17, she experienced the emergence of the punk scene with bands like The Sex Pistols, The Jam and The Clash. She intertwined the catchy, high-energy vibe of the punk movement with her Beatles-inspired melodies when she returned to the United States, touring with her group The Relay.
It was during that time that Luna set out on a trip to Portland aiming to broaden the band’s audience beyond San Francisco. As fate would have it, Luna’s unexpected meeting with the legendary Ray Davies, chief songwriter of the Kinks, at a Portland airport served as the inspiration for “Man In The Mac.”
“After this encounter with Ray Davies, I knew I wanted to write about him in a fun, yet mysterious way, and that was the birth of the song Man In The Mac. It ended up being a crowd favourite at gigs, but it was never recorded until now,” Luna excitedly explains.
Luna was the lead vocalist and pianist in Man In The Mac, joined by guitarist Danny Kehlenbeck and drummer Dan Wiebe. Additionally, the lineup includes backup vocals by Paul Kopf and mellotron played by Alec Palao. The production and mixing were creatively overseen by Danny Kehlenbeck at Airtight Studios in Manchester, UK, while the mastering was carried out by Frank Arkwright at Abbey Road Studios in London.
“The people on this track are some of the most talented in their fields of expertise. I have been working with Danny K for years at Airtight Studios since I moved to Manchester – it is my happy place and Danny reads my musical mind perfectly” says Luna.
Luna’s origins in music date back to the late 1960s Summer of Love. Resilience and a strong love for her work have been hallmarks of her musical journey, from time spent in UK pub bands to the highs and lows she experienced with The Relay. After returning to England in her 60s, Luna released an EP in 2022 that gave her the motivation to keep making music.
Renowned Canadian Trumpeter Mike Herriott Releases ‘Mercutio,’ A Musical Exploration of Shakespeare’s Beloved Character
Embarking on a captivating sonic journey, renowned Canadian trumpeter Mike Herriott delves into the intricacies of Shakespeare’s mesmerizing character, Mercutio, through his latest composition aptly titled “Mercutio,” found on his most recent album, Tales of Tricksters and Vagabonds.
Drawing inspiration from the bard’s insight into Mercutio’s vibrant yet tragic existence in “Romeo & Juliet,” Herriott crafts a musical narrative that mirrors the multifaceted nature of this beloved character.
It has been said that Shakespeare found his character of Mercutio in Romeo & Juliet to be so interesting that he had to kill him off, so attention wasn’t taken away from the story. Mercutio is Romeo’s close friend and becomes known for his humour and fun-loving demeanour.
As someone who, through this friendship with Romeo and his relation to the Capulets, is able to move easily between the feuding houses, he eventually takes it upon himself to fight Romeo’s fight for him against Juliet’s cousin, Tybalt. In his final moments, he curses both fighting houses for their ongoing pettiness. His last words, before life leaves his body, are a pun: “Ask for me tomorrow, and you shall find me a grave man.”.
This piece explores the playfulness and off-beat character of Mercutio; where humour is the juxtaposition of conflicting realities, this is reflected in the juxtaposition of conflicting rhythms. The drum solo fits in well to give us a version of the famous “Queen Mab” speech. The final statement of the melody gives us the struggle of Mercutio in his swordfight, with Romeo’s tragic intervention. In the end, listen as Mercutio’s essence dissipates into the universe with a short brass choral and piano arpeggio.
Spotify Partners with Bandsintown to Boost Live Music Discovery
Bandsintown, the leading live event discovery platform, announces its partnership with Spotify to boost concert and festival discovery worldwide, empower more artists, and enhance fan experiences. With Bandsintown event listings now directly integrated into Spotify, artists can reach the right fans – while they’re listening – driving better engagement and stronger sales for their live events around the globe.
The partnership comes at a time when artists and venues face rising costs and increased competition, with 150,000 more concerts in 2023 than in 2022, based on Bandsintown data. As fans continue to demand authentic, community-driven experiences, Bandsintown and Spotify are teaming up to bridge the gap and ensure every artist gets their deserved spotlight with Spotify having increased impressions for live events across its platform by 10x in the last 12-months alone.
“Bandsintown is on a mission to help artists get discovered and sell out shows. With Spotify on board, we are bringing artists and fans closer in a world where every show counts, and every fan matters,” said Fabrice Sergent, co-founder and managing partner of Bandsintown.
Already trusted by over half a million musicians, the free Bandsintown for Artists platform gives artists full control of their event listings, providing a more complete and accurate pipeline of data to Spotify. By simply linking their Spotify profiles and publishing their shows on Bandsintown, artists can instantly amplify their reach through Spotify’s live event listings now available on several key surfaces across the platform, including artist pages, the dedicated Live Events Feed, and the Now Playing View.
Bandsintown.com is the world’s largest live music discovery platform, with over 1.5 million shows listed by 600,000 artists from 150+ countries serving 84 million users with 3.7 billion personalized concert recommendations annually. It amplifies event visibility through key partnerships and enriches the artist-fan connection with powerful direct-to-fan marketing tools through Bandsintown For Artists, its venue dedicated offering Bandsintown PRO and its promoters’ advertising platform Bandsintown Promoter.
“Our partnership with Bandsintown reinforces our commitment to help artists connect with and monetize their fanbases. With more concert listings and data directly sourced from artists, this integration gives artists more control to update their tour schedules on Spotify and ultimately improves the fan experience of discovering and purchasing tickets,” said Jon Ostrow, Associate Director, Growth & Discovery, Live Events at Spotify.
For more information, visit bandsintown.com/spotify.
Bose Announces New Ultra Open Earbuds
Today, Bose introduces a breakthrough audio wearable that lets you hear the world around you while still enjoying your music uninterrupted. The new Bose Ultra Open Earbuds feature an innovative cuff-shaped design that looks as good as it sounds. They provide amazing comfort for all-day wear without making you choose between immersive audio and awareness. Pause for nothing and hear everything.
The Ultra Open Earbuds are available starting today for $299 on Bose.com and through select resellers.
“The one bud phenomenon is real. We know people want a way to listen to their music while still being connected to the world around them,” said Raza Haider, chief product officer, Bose. “We set out to completely reimagine the future of wearable audio and deliver a better, more beautiful, and comfortable solution to provide the best of both worlds. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds do just that. Now you can enjoy your music and life, all at the same time.”
Designing the Future of Wearable Audio
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds were made to be worn throughout the day. They don’t block your ears so you can hear and remain open to what’s going on around you — all while enjoying a soundtrack for your life. Listen to a podcast as you’re walking the dog and want to hear that bicycle about to pass, hear your number called at the deli while watching a video in line, or play your favorite workout music in the background while still catching up with your friend on a run.
The buds feature a stunning design with polished, soft edges and a brushed metallic finish to make them appear more like a fashion accessory than a traditional audio wearable. And, because they attach to the side of your ear, you can wear them with glasses, a hat, or jewelry and they won’t interfere. They were also engineered for comfort and stability — a special flex arm coated in super-soft silicone connects the speaker to the battery barrel, so it rests gently on your skin for hours, while providing a light-as-air grip to keep the earbuds secure on almost any ear.
Bose OpenAudio & Bose Immersive Audio
The Ultra Open Earbuds provide high-quality audio using Bose proprietary OpenAudio technology. This feat of engineering combines a powerful transducer with a tightly controlled acoustic structure to precisely deliver clear sound to your ear with almost no sound leaks to the world around you — so only you can hear and feel every beat of your music.
Powered by proprietary Bose digital signal processing software and an onboard IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), Ultra Open Earbuds also feature Bose Immersive Audio to bring you closer than ever to your music, virtually seating you right in the acoustic sweet spot as if it were playing beyond your earbuds on a stage in front of you. Bose Immersive Audio’s wider, more spacious soundstage reveals your music’s true depth for a three-dimensional and layered listening experience that mimics the way we hear music in real life. And it works regardless of audio platform or device — making spatial audio accessible to all.
There are two options for listening to Bose Immersive Audio: “Still” or “Motion.” The “Still” mode is best when you’re not moving because the audio stays in place — perfect for when you’re sitting down and want to feel as if the sound is fixed in a specific position. “Motion” allows the audio to move with you, so it’s always out in front of you — great for staying immersed on the go.
Additional Details
The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds come in Black and White Smoke and feature an easy-to-use physical button on the top of the barrel that rests behind your ear, providing simple access to play, pause, skip, adjust volume, and more. They also include an option — available through the Bose Music app — to enable Auto Volume. This feature intelligently adjusts the volume of your audio based on the sound level of your surroundings, so your music stays at the right level as you move from place to place. And they’re built to last with an IPX4 rating for water and sweat resistance.
They provide up to 7.5 hours of battery life on a single charge when Bose Immersive Audio is turned off (up to 4.5 hours when Immersive Audio is turned on) or up to 48 hours of standby time so you can leave them on all day and stay connected even when you’re not using them. The charging case also provides up to 19.5 additional hours (or up to 12 hours of Immersive Audio), and the buds take one hour to fully charge while a 10-minute quick-charge provides two hours of playtime.
The earbuds feature Snapdragon Sound™ Technology Suite, including the latest Qualcomm® aptX™ Adaptive codec for audio streaming — for lossless and low latency capabilities — and providing more seamless, robust connectivity with premium Android devices. They also offer Google Fast Pair for added ease-of-use when pairing Android devices and are Bluetooth® 5.3 compatible.
Bose Ultra Open Earbuds also work with Bose SimpleSync technology, allowing you to pair them with select Bose smart soundbars and speakers for a personal listening experience. Independent volume controls allow you to lower or mute the soundbar while keeping the earbuds as loud as necessary.