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Squaring the Circle (The Story of Hipgnosis) Doc Gets A Trailer

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The story of the creative geniuses behind the iconic album art design studio, Hipgnosis, responsible for some of the most recognizable album covers of all time.

Celebrated photographer, creative director and filmmaker Anton Corbijn’s (CONTROL and A MOST WANTED MAN) first feature documentary SQUARING THE CIRCLE (THE STORY OF HIPGNOSIS) examines the life and work of Storm Thorgerson and Aubrey “Po” Powell, who formed Hipgnosis in Cambridge during the ferment of the ’60s and became rock royalty during the boom time of the ’70s. They conjured into existence sights that no one had previously thought possible, produced visuals which popularized music that had previously been considered fringe, and were at the white-hot center of the maddest, funniest and most creative era in the history of popular music. The film features brand new interviews with Roger Waters, David Gilmour & Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, Jimmy Page & Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney, Peter Gabriel, Graham Gouldman of 10cc, Noel Gallagher, and many more.

It gets a wide release throughout North America on June 20, 2023.

Paisley Park’s Celebration 2023 To Feature New Unreleased Music By Prince

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In memory of musical and cultural icon Prince, Paisley Park’s annual Celebration returns June 8-11, 2023. The star-studded event features the exclusive presentation of unreleased music from the famous Prince Vault and special appearances by and conversations with Grammy-winning artist Chaka Khan and Hip-Hop legends Chuck D, D-Nice and Doug E. Fresh (celebrating Prince and Hip Hop 50), with performances from powerhouse Minnesota gospel groups Sounds of Blackness and The Steeles, R&B star Stokley of Mint Condition, artist, DJ, and producer D-Nice, and DJ Rashida, members of Prince’s band NPG, Prince backup singer and solo artist Shelby JMinneapolis youth choir Known MPLS, and an exciting showcase of new artists.

Prince fans will gather once again at the late artist’s world-class recording studio, museum, and concert venue in Chanhassen, Minnesota for an extended-weekend event. Celebration shall also include a special Prince Legacy Tribute to one of the founding members of Prince’s New Power Generation—the beloved vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Rosie Gaines. Fans will also receive exclusive access to the “Purple Rain” singer’s vault of unreleased recordings and performances.

In addition, Celebration 2023 will feature celebrity panel discussions of Prince’s life and career—looking at his relationship with Hip-Hop, the significance of the number “7” in his work, and the passionate voices and “fams” who are preserving Prince’s legacy.

Maintaining the event’s tradition, attendees will be split into two tracks, “Diamond” and “Pearl,” to allow for intimate experiences throughout Prince’s legendary complex.

Celebration is an annual gathering of Prince fans (or “fams,” as he called them) that launched under Prince’s direction in 2017 (initially inspired by a weeklong party Prince hosted in 2000 for his 42nd birthday). Prince’s collaborators, fans, and industry legends alike gathered for past Celebrations to honor his memory and share stories about the trailblazing artist. The event allows Prince’s colleagues and fans–from around the world—to amplify his work and legacy.

Maintaining the event’s tradition, attendees will be split into two tracks, “Diamond” and “Pearl,” to allow for intimate experiences throughout Prince’s legendary complex.

This year’s Celebration marks seven (a number significant to Prince) years since his passing. Paisley Park and the new Prince leadership, Prince Legacy, LLC and Prince OAT, LLC, are delighted to welcome everyone back to Paisley Park this June.

Paisley Park is Prince’s private estate, an active museum, state-of-the-art recording studio, and concert venue in Chanhassen, MN. The museum is open for public tours, giving fans of the music icon the unprecedented opportunity to tour the legendary, 65,000-square-foot complex that served as the center of Prince’s creative universe. Guided tours lead visitors through the extensive spaces of Paisley Park, including studios where Prince recorded, produced and mixed many of his biggest hits; exhibit spaces that chronicle films like the global hit Purple Rain; Prince’s private NPG Music Club; and a massive soundstage and concert hall where Prince rehearsed for concert tours and held exclusive events and concerts. For more information about Paisley Park, visit PaisleyPark.com.

.HIPHOP Domain Name Registry Announces the addition of GoDaddy to its list of Registrar Partners

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The .HIPHOP Domain Name Registry is excited to announce that it has added the world’s largest domain name registrar, GoDaddy, to its list of accredited partners accepting domain registrations for the .HipHop domain name extension.

The .HipHop domain extension was created to serve the Hip Hop community, including artists, musicians, DJs, producers, and fans. By GoDaddy joining .HipHop in its effort to help support the advancement of Hip Hop culture online, GoDaddy customers now have access to a unique platform offering meaningful connections to the Hip Hop community.

“The .HipHop domain name really showcases the possibilities with domain name extensions,” said GoDaddy President, Domains Paul Nicks. “It is ideal for businesses and individuals looking to establish a unique and authentic online presence that reflects their passion for Hip Hop culture. GoDaddy is committed to empowering our customers with the tools and resources they need to succeed online, and the .HipHop domain extension is a perfect example of that.”

“We’re excited to add GoDaddy to our list of partners and bring the .HipHop domain extension for websites, email, and Web3/Blockchain applications to a wider audience,” said Monte Cahn, Managing Partner and Director of the .HIPHOP Registry. “This partnership offers a tremendous opportunity to showcase the passion and creativity of the Hip Hop community and reach new audiences on a global scale.”

The .HipHop domain extension provides a platform for individuals and businesses to showcase their love for Hip Hop culture, connect with like-minded individuals, and promote their brand and services within the community. The addition of GoDaddy to .HIPHOP’s list of registrar partners will enable more people to participate in this global and dynamic community, and strengthen the connection between Hip Hop culture and the wider online world.

Ajene Watson, Managing Partner and Director of the .HIPHOP Registry said, “GoDaddy is an industry staple. A name people trust and naturally gravitate toward when registering a domain name. I’d like to thank GoDaddy for understanding the plight of the communities comprising Hip Hop, and being a supporter of the culture. Demonstrated in both the entrepreneurial and businesses programs they currently offer, and of course by accepting the .HIPHOP Domain Name Registry as a partner too now carry the .HipHop domain extension. This is a big day for Hip Hop culture!”

To register a .HipHop domain name, visit www.get.hiphop or any of our accredited registrar partners, including GoDaddy, for assistance.

About the .HIPHOP Registry
Dot Hip Hop, LLC was founded in 2021 to serve as the exclusive ICANN Accredited domain name registry for the .HipHop top-level domain. Its mission is to give artists, entertainers, musicians, athletes, brands, the culture and community of Hip Hop, the ability to further brand their identity with domain names that fully represent and encapsulate who they are. Hip Hop is, and has always been, more than music. Hip Hop represents an eclectic culture, which has defined several generations around the world for nearly 50 years, and will continue to do so for many years to come.

Made to Move You: Panasonic’s New RZ-B310W and RZ-B110W True Wireless Earphones

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Panasonic is pleased to announce two new pairs of Digital Wireless Stereo Earphones that are perfect for people on the go. Each pair caters to a different listener priority: noise cancelling or longer battery life. For those who value Active Noise Cancelling, the new RZ-B310W are an inner-ear model with Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling capabilities. Meanwhile, the RZ-B110W offer an incredible 26 hours of playback time for those who want to listen to music longer without worrying about maintaining a charge. The earphones themselves can hold a six-hour charge and are provided with an extra 20 hours-worth of playback from a fully charged carrying case.

Both pairs of new earphones are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time thanks to Panasonic’s ‘Ergofit’ design. Both headphone pairs are outfitted with XBS tech to energize the listener’s tunes with powerful bass that is streamed wirelessly via Bluetooth® 5.3.

The RZ-B310W and RZ-B110W offer incredible value for the money at $99.99 and $59.99, respectively. They are available now in a black color on Amazon.com.

RZ-B310W with Active Noise Cancelling

Hybrid System – Ideal for the Commuter

Using both feedback and feedforward, with microphones inside as well as outside, Panasonic’s RZ-B310W earphones neutralize distracting ambient noise. They’re ideal for travel, removing the repetitive background noise from planes, trains, buses and other forms of public transport.

RZ-B110W for 26-Hour Party Performance

With Fully Charged Carry Case

When listeners are enjoying music, the last thing they want is to be caught short of power. Thanks to the RZ-B110W’s 6-hour battery life, supplemented with 20 hours of additional run-time from the carrying-case, these earphones will keep listeners tuned in to their music or dialled-in to calls for more than a full day. These new earphones are quickly and easily charged using the supplied USB-C cable.

Separately, the B310W users can enjoy a 16-hour battery life, even when using active noise cancelling. The earphones themselves provide five hours of non-stop playback and the carrying case can provide an extra 11 hours when fully charged.

‘Ergofit’ Design

Canal Style Earphones with Comfort in Mind

Thanks to the ‘Ergofit’ design, which has a canal type structure, B310W and B110W wireless earphones provide a comfortable and secure fit to keep them and the user’s tunes where they belong – in their ears.

XBS Extra Bass

Boost the Rhythm for Better Engagement

Thanks to Panasonic’s XBS tech and 10mm drivers, the new B310W and B110W earphones deliver clear sound with extra bass. The combination will energize the listener’s music and bring a spring to their step.

Bluetooth 5.3 Wireless

Cut the Cords for Freedom

Tangled wires are a thing of the past thanks to B310W and B110W’s Bluetooth® capabilities. Connect quickly and easily to mobile phones, and other smart devices, via Bluetooth® 5.3 tech for greater battery efficiency, a more stable connection, and crystal-clear clarity for music and calls.

IPX4 Water Resistance

For Real-World Use

Featuring IPX4 water resistance, both B310W and B110W are equally at home on an intense indoor workout in the gym or outside in the rain. Moisture won’t get in the way of enjoying music.

Voice Assistance

Compatible with Google Assistant and Siri

Both new pairs of Panasonic’s true-wireless earphones are Google Assistant and Siri compatible. A tap on the side of the chosen earphone, with the ‘wake words,’ will bring the relevant digital assistant to life.

Country Music Hall Of Fame And Museum Opens Taylor Swift Pop-Up Exhibit Featuring Wardrobe Spanning The Eras Of Her Career

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The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum unveiled a pop-up exhibit today that displays a selection of iconic costumes worn by 12-time Grammy Award winner, Taylor Swift. Titled Through Taylor Swift’s Eras, the limited-run exhibit includes a total of 10 outfits that represent each of the artist’s 10 albums, from 2006’s Taylor Swift to 2022’s Midnights. The pop-up exhibit is part of the museum’s comprehensive gallery experience and is included with general admission. It runs through May 31.

Swift has consistently reinvented herself with each new album through changes in everything from her musical direction to the costuming that defines the eras of her career. On the United States leg of “Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour,” which began in mid-March and runs through August, Swift is playing 52 stadium concerts.

NOTE: Timed tickets are available for museum entry between 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., with a limited number of museum admission tickets available each day. The museum’s self-guided experience takes approximately 90 minutes. The museum is open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Advance ticket purchase is encouraged via the museum’s website. Six ticket limit per person. No reentry. Click here for more information on ticket availability and visitor experience.

Among the items on display from Swift’s wardrobe are:

  • The Vivetta faux fur jacket and rhinestone-accented Norma Kamali bikini Swift wore in the 2019 music video for “You Need to Calm Down.”
  • The Marina Toybina-designed circus ringmaster ensemble of a top hat, cane, rhinestone and sequin-embellished jacket, shorts and knee-high, laced LaDuca boots Swift wore to perform “We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together” at the 2012 “MTV Europe Music Awards,” November 11, 2012.
  • The Mandalay multicolored fringe dress, embellished with beads and sequins, and Everybody by B. Z. Moda tall boots Swift wore during the first act of her “Fearless Tour” in 2009-2010.

The museum also updated its display in the third-floor Taylor Swift Education Center with new artifacts representing Swift and her latest studio album, Midnights. These objects will be on view through early summer 2024 and are also accessible with general museum admission.

New items now on display in the Taylor Swift Education Center include:

  • The sequin-covered cape, Michael Schmidt Studios bustier and briefs, and Stuart Weitzman boots worn by Swift in the 2022 music video for “Bejeweled.”
  • The Taylor GSLJ “Living Jewels” acoustic guitar Swift used to perform “Last Kiss” during her “Speak Now World Tour” (2011-2012) and in the 2022 music video for “Anti-Hero.”
  • The New York University cap and gown Swift wore when she received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree and delivered the commencement address at the school’s 2022 graduation ceremony.

The Taylor Swift Education Center is located within the museum’s galleries. The two-story, 7,500-square-foot center opened in 2013 and was made possible through a generous donation from Swift to the museum’s capital campaign, which doubled the size of the nonprofit cultural organization. The education center includes classrooms, youth art installations, interactive galleries and learning labs with resources to facilitate distance learning and songwriting programs. In 2022, more than 134,000 people were served through more than 1,100 educational programs offered by the museum — many of which originated in the Taylor Swift Education Center.

Additionally, Swift’s contributions to country music are represented with artifacts in the museum’s core exhibition, Sing Me Back Home, and in its annual American Currents: State of the Music exhibit, located adjacent to the new pop-up exhibit.

Photo Gallery: Billy Idol at Niagara Falls’ OLG Stage

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All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or Twitter

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50 Cent Announces Global “The Final Lap Tour 2023”

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For approved artist images and hi-res tour art, please download HERE.

Today, EMMY® and GRAMMY® award-winning multi hyphenate, Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson, announced that he will embark on a global tour in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of his game-changing debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Produced by Live Nation and presented by Sire Spirits, The Final Lap Tour will make stops across North America and Europe including Toronto, Brooklyn, Atlanta, Houston, Amsterdam, Oslo, Paris, and many more. Additional markets to be announced soon.

The Final Lap Tour will feature the rap icon performing dozens of fan-favorite and chart-topping hits along with select tracks that have not been performed live in decades. Plus, the tour will feature support from special guest and longtime friend, Busta Rhymes, across all dates and Jeremih supporting on all North American dates with more special guests to be announced.

Kicking off with its North American leg, the first date will be on Friday, July 21st at Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, UT and the European leg will commence on Thursday, September 28th at Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Additional dates to be announced in Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe.

Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson’s Sire Spirits brands, Branson Cognac and Le Chemin du Roi Champagne, will be available throughout the tour and at select Live Nation venues for other events.1 This relationship ties into Live Nation’s commitment to diversity and supporting fully Black-owned brands, of which Sire Spirits is one of the few.

Recognized as one of the most talented and prolific music artists of his time, 50 Cent rose to fame with his record-shattering debut album, Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Since then, he has sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and has been awarded the most prestigious accolades. Jackson has leveraged his star power to achieve unparalleled success as an entrepreneur, actor, director, and executive producer. From Get Rich or Die Tryin’ being one of the fastest-selling albums in history to creating one of the most influential deals in hip-hop with the sale of Vitaminwater, Jackson continues to break records. Currently, he holds the record for the highest rated premiere of a series ever on Starz with “Power Book II: Ghost.”

THE FINAL LAP TOUR 2023 – NORTH AMERICAN TOUR DATES:
Fri Jul 21 – Salt Lake City, UT – Maverik Center
Sun Jul 23 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
Tue Jul 25 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – STL
Thu Jul 27 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
Fri Jul 28 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena
Sat Jul 29 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
Mon Jul 31 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
Wed Aug 02 – Montreal, QC – Bell Centre
Thu Aug 03 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center
Sat Aug 05 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
Sun Aug 06 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
Tue Aug 08 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Wed Aug 09 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
Fri Aug 11 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre
Sat Aug 12 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
Sun Aug 13 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Tue Aug 15 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Wed Aug 16 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
Thu Aug 17 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheatre
Sat Aug 19 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sun Aug 20 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
Tue Aug 22 – Tuscaloosa, AL – Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
Thu Aug 24 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center
Fri Aug 25 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
Sun Aug 27 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater
Tue Aug 29 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
Wed Aug 30 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
Thu Aug 31 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
Sat Sep 02 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
Mon Sep 04 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center
Wed Sep 06 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
Thu Sep 07 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
Fri Sep 08 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena
Sun Sep 10 – Calgary, AB – Scotiabank Saddledome
Mon Sep 11 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place
Wed Sep 13 – Winnipeg, MB – Canada Life Centre
Fri Sep 15 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center
Sat Sep 16 – Chicago, IL – United Center
Sun Sep 17 – Detroit, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre

THE FINAL LAP TOUR 2023 – EUROPEAN TOUR DATES:
Thu Sep 28 – Amsterdam, Netherlands – Ziggo Dome
Fri Sep 29 – Hamburg, Germany – Barclays Arena
Sat Sep 30 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Royal Arena
Wed Oct 4 – Oslo, Norway – Spektrum*
Thu Oct 5 – Trondheim, Norway – Spektrum
Sat Oct 07 – Stockholm, Sweden – Avicii Arena
Mon Oct 09 – Riga, Latvia – Arena Riga*
Wed Oct 11 – Lodz Poland – Atlas Arena
Sat Oct 14 – Berlin, Germany – Mercedes-Benz Arena
Sun Oct 15 – Oberhausen, Germany – Rudolf-Weber-Arena
Fri Oct 20 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
Sat Oct 21 – Nice, France – Palais Nikaia
Sun Oct 22 – Milan, Italy – Mediolanum Forum
Tue Oct 24 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
Wed Oct 25 – Mannheim, Germany – SAP Arena
Thu Oct 26 – Brussels, Belgium – Forest National
Sat Oct 28 – Prague, Czech Republic – O2 Arena
Tue Oct 31 – Strasbourg, France – Zenith
Thu Nov 02 – Nantes, France – Zenith
Fri Nov 03 – Paris, France – La Defense Arena
Mon Nov 06 – Dublin, Ireland – 3Arena
Thu Nov 09 – Glasgow, Scotland – OVO Hydro
Fri Nov 10 – Manchester, England – AO Arena
Sat Nov 11 – London, England – The O2
Sun Nov 12 – Birmingham, England – Resorts World Arena

Lauren Spencer Smith Announces Debut Studio Album ‘Mirror’

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Today, multi-platinum singer-songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith announces her debut full length album Mirror, to release July 14, which will feature 15 deeply moving, personal records tells a story filled with autobiographical ups and downs. The title Mirror is personal and deliberate. “I’ve been working on this album for years. It has been with me through so much in my life, the highs and the lows, and it means more to me than I can put into words. It tells a story of reflection, healing and growth.” says Spencer Smith. “I went through a hard breakup, and the album tells the story of that all, the journey of that and now being in a more happy relationship. The title comes from the one thing in my life that’s seen me in every emotion through that journey— my bedroom and bathroom mirror.”

Songs from the album have already amassed over 1 billion streams. Released in 2023, “Best Friend Breakup” presents a song that resonates with almost anyone yet fills a creative void, while most recent single “Fantasy” confronts toxic relationships through a collaboration with GAYLE and Em Beihold. Having grown up in a small town without a music community, Smith considers her collaborators the friends she always longed for. The chemistry from their group chats comes alive in the single and video.

By the age of 19, Lauren had already created two hits, “Fingers Crossed” and “Flowers.” The RIAA-certified platinum singles represent a rare voice in music. “I always tell people that the only reason I feel obligated to write is because I didn’t have this song when I was sad. I feel like writing about it can help somebody else.” Lauren Spencer Smith writes and sings from very personal places, but she does so in a way that is relatable to so many. While often sad, these songs include deep reflection, processing, and analysis. “I don’t enjoy writing songs when I’m not over the situation,” she offers. “I enjoy going to therapy and talking about it. Once I have both sides, and I can be unbiased about it, I can write the best song.” After achieving over 1 billion global streams through resonant singles, Lauren Spencer Smith is eager to share more of herself. Her upcoming debut album, Mirror, promises depth, range, and narrative.

My Next Read: “A Dream About Lightning Bugs: A Life of Music and Cheap Lessons” by Ben Folds

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Ben Folds is a celebrated American singer-songwriter, beloved for songs such as “Brick,” “You Don’t Know Me,” “Rockin’ the Suburbs,” and “The Luckiest,” and is the former frontman of the alternative rock band Ben Folds Five. But Folds will be the first to tell you he’s an unconventional icon, more normcore than hardcore. Now, in his first book, Folds looks back at his life so far in a charming and wise chronicle of his artistic coming of age, infused with the wry observations of a natural storyteller.

In the title chapter, “A Dream About Lightning Bugs,” Folds recalls his earliest childhood dream—and realizes how much it influenced his understanding of what it means to be an artist. In “Measure Twice, Cut Once” he learns to resist the urge to skip steps during the creative process. In “Hall Pass” he recounts his 1970s North Carolina working-class childhood, and in “Cheap Lessons” he returns to the painful life lessons he learned the hard way—but that luckily didn’t kill him.

In his inimitable voice, both relatable and thought-provoking, Folds digs deep into the life experiences that shaped him, imparting hard-earned wisdom about both art and life. Collectively, these stories embody the message Folds has been singing about for years: Smile like you’ve got nothing to prove, because it hurts to grow up, and life flies by in seconds.

Pussy Riot & Boys Noize Team Up And Bring Alice Glass Along For “Chastity”

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Today, a brand new trifecta comes to you in the form of Russia’s Pussy Riot, Berlin’s Boys Noize and Canada’s Alice Glass who are offering up “Chastity” via Boysnoize Records. Nadya Tolokonnikova says: “This song will put the patriarchy in a tiny cage and throw the key out.”

With “Chastity,” Pussy Riot and Alice Glass wield Boys Noize’s racing techno-NRG as a weapon of mass domination. The femme-fatale vocalists take turns drenching the Berlin producer’s dark adrenaline with syrupy acid – and while it’s an undeniable peak-time rush, a closer listen to the lyrics reveal disturbing new details.

One can never know for sure if the ladies are just singing along or issuing commands. Did Boys Noize know his production was being used by Pussy Riot and Alice Glass to create the first sissy-hypno-core banger? But the question that “Chastity” has everyone really asking is, “Who has the key?”

“Chastity”’s official music video concept & still images are by LIL INTERNET, the edit & animation by TRLLM [K8 Howl & Jak Ritger]. Don’t miss!