Bill McClintock’s “I’ll Be a Disciple for You” is a masterclass in contrast—Slayer meets Friends. By merging heavy metal chaos with sitcom warmth, he creates The Slaybrandts, a mashup so bizarre it actually works. You’ll never hear either song the same way again.
Frankie Beanie Drops “I Used to Live in England” From His Genre-Blending Project ‘Supermodel*’
Los Angeles-based artist and producer Frankie Beanie is proud to unveil his new project supermodel*, a vibrant and genre-defying musical persona that marks the culmination of a lifelong journey through punk, UK indie, hip-hop, and dance culture. To make the occasion he shared his brand new single ‘i used to live in England’, which premiered on 6music’s ‘New Music Fix’.
Supermodel* is the brainchild of Frankie Beanie, a Virginia native whose musical path has spanned east coast punk bands, the indie and dance scenes of Liverpool, and a deep love for hip-hop and the Beastie Boys.
Of the project, Supermodel* says “the rules are there to stop me from making boring sh*t. supermodel* has to feel stolen, stupid, instinctive and raw – like it’s breaking its own logic. a reminder not to take it too serious and just make the best sh*t possible. the lowercase thing is just cause it looks better. i just decided i wasn’t going to compromise anymore. i wasn’t going to hide behind some “cool guy” aesthetic or act like i don’t give a f*** about my art when i obviously do. make the best sh*t possible and put it in lowercase. that’s supermodel*'”
The new single, “i used to live in england,” delivers a hypnotic, dance-driven soundscape anchored by Frankie’s signature deadpan American delivery. With razor-sharp cultural references, from Tesco meal deals to playful American stereotypes, the track is a witty exploration of Frankie’s transatlantic experience. The accompanying music video, self-directed and shot on evocative 16mm film, pays homage to Fatboy Slim’s iconic “Weapon of Choice.” Set against the stark, liminal backdrop of an office building, the video showcases supermodel* dancing with growing intensity, culminating in a rooftop sequence in downtown Los Angeles. This single kicks off the rollout of an upcoming EP, released later this year.
rules of supermodel*
don’t try and be “cool”
steal everything
all lowercase always
don’t overthink sh*t
always talk about fight club
From Clutter to Clarity: Essential Editing Image Background Hacks
By Mitch Rice
In our fast-paced digital world, visuals play a vital role in effective communication. However, cluttered backgrounds can distract viewers from the focal point of your images. What if you could effortlessly enhance your images by removing unnecessary background clutter?
Editing image content may seem daunting, but it can be as easy as using a few essential tricks and tools. By mastering these editing image techniques, you can transform your visuals from messy to beautiful in no time.
This article shares simple hacks to remove or edit image backgrounds with ease. Discover tools and tricks to turn cluttered visuals into clean, clear designs.
The Importance of Clean Images
Visual content is often the first impression brands make on their audience. It’s crucial that your images are not only visually appealing but also clear and focused. Consumers judge a brand’s credibility based solely on its visual content.
A cluttered background distracts from the main subject and can diminish your brand’s professionalism. This is where effectively editing images comes into play.
Common Challenges in Image Background Editing
Editing image backgrounds can be tricky, and many people run into a few common problems. Sometimes the background is very detailed. This makes it hard to separate from the main subject.
Other times, the edges of the subject can look jagged or uneven. This makes the image look unprofessional. Inconsistent lighting can also be a problem, as it can reveal where the background was edited.
However, with a little guidance, these challenges can easily be overcome. By leveraging the right techniques, you can maintain the focus on your subject while achieving a polished look. Once your images are polished, services like Printmoz make it easy to transform those clean visuals into professional prints, signage, or marketing materials.
Tools for Editing Image Backgrounds
There are many tools that can help make editing or removing the background of a picture much easier.
Adobe Photoshop is a favorite for professionals because it gives a lot of control with advanced tools. GIMP is a free option that works like Photoshop and has many good features for all users.
Canva is simple and easy to use. This makes it great for beginners who want to remove backgrounds quickly. It allows users to quickly take background out of picture using its background remover tool.
Remove.bg is another tool made just for background removal, and it works fast. This makes it perfect for quick edits.
Key Techniques for Editing Image Backgrounds
Mastering the art of editing image backgrounds requires practice and the right techniques. Here are some simple hacks you can implement:
1. Utilize Selection Tools
Using selection tools effectively is essential for precise background removal. Tools like the lasso or quick selection in Photoshop can help isolate the subject efficiently. With practice, you can make clean cuts around even the trickiest edges like hair or fur.
2. Layer Masks
Using layer masks allows for non-destructive editing. This means you can adjust your background removal without permanently altering the original image.
This technique is particularly useful when fine-tuning edges. It also gives you the freedom to go back and fix mistakes without starting over.
3. Utilize Clipping Paths
Though commonly used in vector editing software like Illustrator, clipping paths can be applied in photo editing as well. This technique involves drawing a path around the subject to create a mask. It’s especially handy when working with objects that have smooth, well-defined edges.
4. Use the Magic Wand Tool
In programs like Photoshop, this tool allows you to select areas of similar color. This makes it easier to isolate your subject from a busy background. Adjusting the tolerance level can help refine your selection.
5. Blurring the Background
If removing the background completely isn’t an option, consider blurring it instead. A slight blur can draw attention to the subject while keeping the visual context intact. Most editing software includes this feature.
Enhancing Edges Post-Editing
After removing the background, you may notice the edges of your subject appear rough. Here are a few tips to enhance those edges:
1. Feathering Edges
Feathering helps blend the subject more smoothly into a new background. This technique softens the edges, avoiding the harsh cut-out look. Adjusting the feathering level carefully ensures the subject looks natural and not blurry.
2. Adding Shadows
When placing a subject on a new background, adding a subtle shadow can create depth and realism. Shadows can help ground your subject in its new environment. Experimenting with the shadow’s angle and intensity makes the final image look more professional.
Using Backgrounds to Your Advantage
After successfully editing an image, don’t underestimate the importance of selecting a suitable background. A clean background not only emphasizes your subject but can also contribute to the overall message you are trying to convey.
The Power of Consistency
When working on a group of images, it’s important to keep a consistent editing style. This means using similar backgrounds and colors across all your pictures.
One way to do this is by creating templates with your favorite settings, like colors and layer styles. This makes editing faster and keeps everything looking the same.
Another helpful tool is batch processing. This lets you apply the same editing techniques to many images at once. This saves time and keeping your work consistent.
Tips for Enhancing Edited Images
Improving an edited image isn’t just about removing the background. It’s also about making the subject look its best.
You can adjust the brightness and contrast to help the subject stand out and make the image look sharper. Color correction is another helpful step, making sure the subject’s colors match or look good with the new background.
Finally, always zoom in and check the edges. Using tools like a brush to clean up rough outlines can make a big difference, even with small adjustments.
Advanced Techniques for Professionals
For those who want to take their editing skills to the next level, there are some advanced techniques to try. Using blend modes can create cool effects by changing how your subject looks with a new background. It makes your images more interesting.
You can also use artificial intelligence (AI) tools. This make editing easier and more accurate. AI can automatically detect and remove backgrounds, helping you get clean, professional-looking results quickly.
Embrace Visual Clarity
Editing image backgrounds might seem complex, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s possible to achieve professional results. By utilizing selection tools, layer masks, and enhancing edges, you can transform cluttered visuals into stunning designs. Remember, the goal is to create images that effectively communicate your message.
Start experimenting with these hacks today, and visualize the clarity you can achieve!
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Sekou Shares Soulful New Single “Never Gunna Give You Up” With Retro-Inspired Video
Following his triumphant musical reemergence with track ‘Catching Bodies’, and recent O2 Academy Brixton performance supporting FLO on their UK and EU Tour, 21-year-old singer/songwriter Sekou delivers latest single ‘Never Gunna Give You Up’, alongside accompanying music video directed by RELTA, out at 12pm BST.
Re-defining modern Motown, the BRIT Rising Star nominee energetically releases his newest ballad ‘Never Gunna Give You Up’ to an eager audience, showcasing the young star’s capability of marking themselves as the voice of a generation.
Joyous and assertive, ‘Never Gunna Give You Up’ tells a tale of intertwining connections and unwavering foundations, throughout meandering and ever changing circumstances. Sekou is unabashed and true in his honest proclamation of emotions, complemented sonically with an instrumental backing soaked in nostalgia and glee. The new song’s official video captures the expressive culture of the 70s and 80s combined with the youthful and energetic spirit of Gen Z, translating Sekou’s emotions in a way that is authentically widely resonant.
Talking of the track, Sekou notes: “‘Never Gunna Give You Up’ is about freedom, but also that feeling of finding what’s yours and not letting anyone else have it.”
Garnering over three million streams in just six weeks, Sekou sensationally reentered the music sphere with previous single ‘Catching Bodies’ in August, premiering on Jack Saunders’ New Music Show. Having already earned a place in the Top 10 of BBC Radio 1’s Sound of 2024 poll, completed standout performances on Later… with Jools Holland and 2025’s TIFF Tribute Awards, plus making history as the youngest ever BRIT Nominee with a Rising Star Award nomination, Sekou has built the foundations for greatness. With almost one million Spotify listeners, and climbing well past half a million followers across socials, his recruited list of loyal listeners is only growing in size. Sekou has since understandably expanded his network of fans and collaborators, working with some of the biggest names in the industry. Featuring on the tracks of Justin Bieber, Central Cee, and Kevin Abstract, the reason for his iconic alliances bodes no secret.
Skip Marley Delivers Powerful New Single “Cry Wolf”
Today, GRAMMY award-winning, multi-platinum artist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist Skip Marley shares another stellar track titled “Cry Wolf,” out now across all platforms via Tuff Gong International/Def Jam Recordings. Listen HERE.
Written by Skip Marley and produced by KTOE and Kardinal, Skip Marley shares on his latest release how everyone must be “unifying against all odds, against injustice, against propaganda — bringing to light how we must take a stand and do what is right: the fall of Babylon.” “Cry Wolf” highlights his evolution and fearlessness as an artist, blending genres, the young Marley continues his family’s message and duty to speak out for the disenfranchised. Staying vocal about today’s injustices and global issues, Marley doubles down on the message.
“JAH give me resilience, so we bleed no more
Clothing for the naked Feed the hungry
Feed the poor…
See the Wolf
Hear the cry
Read the news
See Lies
How them move
See the signs
Dem a play
With people life.”
“Cry Wolf” follows last month’s video release for “In Our Sight” [Listen HERE]. Drawing on Skip’s grandfather Bob Marley’s message of unity, the young firebrand is seen recruiting soldiers in Jah army to “Report. It’s hand in hand now,” as the opening lyrics of “In Our Sight” serve to narrate. Skip expounded, “what I want people to take from this video?…strength. I want you to feel not defeated. I want you to feel like all things is possible through the powers of the Most High.” The track came with an official music video shot in Skip’s birthplace of Jamaica. The new visuals present a picturesque call to action befitting of the motivational anthem that has been blazing the reggae airwaves and playlists since its release in August. The “In Our Sight” video was directed by Aka.Ruppi.
UK Rap Star Dave Announces Third Album ‘The Boy Who Played the Harp’ Out October 24
After much anticipation, Dave has returned to announce his eagerly awaited third album – The Boy Who Played the Harp to be released October 24th with pre-order available now.
Widely regarded as the most exciting storyteller of his generation, the announcement marks the first taste of a new chapter from the multi award-winning musician behind the critically acclaimed No.1 albums Psychodrama and We’re All Alone in This Together.
The Boy Who Played the Harp will be the first release from Dave since 2023, when self-produced Central Cee collaboration ‘Sprinter’ broke the record for the longest running #1 rap record in UK chart history, succeeding his 2022 single ‘Starlight’ which set the record for longest-running No.1 solo UK track, and the first UK No.1 by a sole writer and producer in 8 years.
The record-breaking release of We’re All Alone In This Together in July 2021 confirmed Dave as one of the most established artists of our time, with the biggest first week sales across all genres for 2 years at the time (74,000+) and the biggest UK Rap record in over a decade, achieving gold status within 3 weeks of release, and quickly becoming his second Platinum album.
The Boy Who Played the Harp is available to pre-order via Dave’s website here.
Lauren Spencer Smith Drops Empowering New Single “Thick Skin”
Fresh off the heels of her latest album THE ART OF BEING A MESS, breakout vocalist and songwriter Lauren Spencer Smith unveils a new song, “Thick Skin.” Listen/share HERE.
“I wrote ‘Thick Skin’ during a time when I felt both anger and power,” says Spencer Smith. “It’s about realizing that every setback was actually building my strength—that what was meant to break me only made me tougher. My hope is that this song inspires people to embrace their resilience and recognize that true strength is the best revenge.”
“Thick Skin” follows the success of her critically acclaimed sophomore album THE ART OF BEING A MESS, out now via Island Records/Republic Records.
She recently performed the fan-favorite track “IF KARMA DOESN’T GET YOU (I WILL)” on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!,” a standout song from the LP that also landed on Spotify’s U.S. Viral Chart. WATCHHERE
Spencer Smith is currently on an extensive tour across Europe, the U.K., Australia and New Zealand, with upcoming stops in Liverpool, Glasgow, Sydney, Melbourne and more.
In February 2026, she’ll set out on a 32-date North American headline tour with stops in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Nashville, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Austin and more. See below for a complete list of dates. Tickets and more information HERE.
Vinyl, CDs and signed product are available via her online store HERE.
True to its name, THE ART OF BEING A MESS captures the emotional rollercoaster Spencer Smith experienced while writing her second album. Each song taps into a feeling—anger, devastation, love, peace, confusion and everything in between, sometimes all at once. Reflecting on the chaos of being human, each song finds Spencer Smith revisiting real stories and experiences in her life. With this album, she reminds listeners to embrace and feel comfortable in their emotions, that not everything is black-and-white.
THE ART OF BEING A MESS follows her debut album, Mirror (2023), which features the RIAA Certified Platinum singles “Flowers” and “Fingers Crossed”—the latter of which peaked at #19 on the BillboardHot 100 and has reached over 875 million global streams.
From a small town on Vancouver Island, Spencer Smith began her musical journey in 2019, gaining a sizeable audience online. Through her music, she explored breakups, complex feelings about school, family and friends. Spencer Smith has performed at the MTV Video Music Awards, The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, and the People’s Choice Awards—where she was also a Best New Artist nominee.
TRACK LIST
1. What a beautiful day
2. Sticks & Stones
3. bridesmaid
4. Lighting the flame
5. parallel universe
6. IF KARMA DOESN’T GET YOU (I WILL)
7. things you never say
8. Long Story Short
9. WORSE
10. Pray
11. Looking Up
12. Someday
LAUREN SPENCER SMITH LIVE
October 3—Liverpool, UK—Olympia
October 5—Glasgow, UK—O2 Academy
October 6—Glasgow, UK—O2 Academy
October 8—Manchester, UK—O2 Victoria Warehouse
October 9—Leeds, UK—O2 Academy
October 10—Newcastle, UK—O2 City Hall
October 12—Birmingham, UK—O2 Academy
October 13—Bristol, UK—Beacon
November 2—Auckland, NZ—Town Hall
November 4—Sydney, AU—Hordern Pavilion
November 6—Brisbane, AU—The Fortitude Music Hall
November 7—Melbourne, AU—Festival Hall
November 8—Adelaide, AU—Hindley Street Music Hall
November 10—Perth, AU—Astor Theatre
February 4—Nashville, TN—Ryman Auditorium
February 6—Dallas, TX—South Side Ballroom
February 7—Austin, TX—ACL Live – Moody Theatre
February 9—Houston, TX—House of Blues
February 10—New Orleans, LA—The Fillmore
February 12—Orlando, FL—House of Blues
February 13—Atlanta, GA—The Tabernacle
February 14—Charlotte, NC—The Fillmore
February 17—Silver Springs, MD—The Fillmore
February 18—Philadelphia, PA—The Fillmore
February 20—Brooklyn, NY—Brooklyn Paramount
February 21—Boston, MA—Citizens House of Blues
February 22—Ottawa, ON—Bronson Centre
February 24—Montreal, QC—MTELUS
February 25—Toronto, ON—HISTORY
February 26—Toronto, ON—HISTORY
February 28—Detroit, MI—The Fillmore
March 2—Indianapolis, IN—Egyptian Room at Old National Centre
March 3—Chicago, IL—Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
March 4—Madison, WI—The Sylvee
March 6—Kansas City, MO—Uptown Theater
March 7—Minneapolis, MN—The Fillmore
March 10—Denver, CO—The Fillmore
March 11—Salt Lake City, UT—The Union
March 13—Phoenix, AZ—The Van Buren
March 14—Anaheim, CA—House of Blues
March 17—Los Angeles, CA—The Wiltern
March 18—San Francisco, CA—The Masonic
March 19—Sacramento, CA—Ace of Spades
March 21—Portland, OR—Roseland Theatre
March 22—Vancouver, BC—The Orpheum
March 23—Seattle, WA—Moore Theatre
Country Star Dierks Bentley Expands ‘Broken Branches’ With Two New Tracks on Deluxe Edition
Following a summer packed with standout performances and fan-favorite collaborations, multi-Platinum singer-songwriter Dierks Bentley will expand his 11th studio album with BROKEN BRANCHES EXTENDED, out this Friday, October 3. Bentley continues to grow his signature blend of against-the-grain creative courage, offering two brand new tracks, including the rowdy standout “IYKYK” and the driving, dobro-laced “All Night to Figure It Out.” Fans can pre-save BROKEN BRANCHES EXTENDED ahead of Friday’s release HERE.
The punchy foot-stomper “IYKYK” comes out swinging with a spirited mandolin riff, courtesy of Charlie Worsham, that hits like a honky tonk anthem on overdrive. With lyrical nods to fiddle, steel guitar, Natty Light and Friday nights, Bentley leans into a defiant celebration of the country way of life—one that doesn’t need explaining if you already live it. Meanwhile, “All Night to Figure It Out” sets the (acoustic) mood for a little romantic research. Burning with slow-grooving, stomp-and-clap desire, the dobro-drenched jangle rocker features a loose, casual sway, with Bentley’s easy vocal in no hurry for the moment to end.
The two new tracks join Broken Branches’ original 11, which have been praised for being “full of heart and commitment to his craft as a musician and a songwriter” (Country Central) and for linking “country’s roots to its present in the most seamless and timeless-feeling manner possible” (Tennessean) since the album’s release in June. Rooted in raw honesty and storytelling, the album embraces life’s outliers and underdogs with songs about resilience, change, and connection. Praised for its “distinctive and daring sound” (Esquire), the original collection features a cross-generational lineup of collaborators—including John Anderson, Riley Green, Miranda Lambert, and Stephen Wilson Jr.
BROKEN BRANCHES EXTENDED Track List:
Cold Beer Can (featuring Stephen Wilson Jr)
Jesus Loves Me
She Hates Me
Something Worth Fixing
Standing In The Sun
Well Well Whiskey
Broken Branches (featuring John Anderson and Riley Green)
Off The Map
Near You (featuring Miranda Lambert)
For As Long As I Can Remember
Don’t Cry For Me
IYKYK
All Night to Figure It Out
After more than 20 years on country’s family tree, the multi-Platinum superstar’s new album follows eight Number One albums, 22 Number One songs and over 9.5 billion global streams, plus 15 Grammy nominations and membership in the historic Grand Ole Opry. Bentley also launched the Broken Branches Fund this summer, a multi-year initiative in partnership with Music Health Alliance to provide mental health support for the music industry’s creative and touring professionals. Continuing the path built from the ground up, as an entrepreneur, he has four locations of the gastropub and live music venue “Dierks Bentley’s Whiskey Row,” has a Flag & Anthem lifestyle collection “Desert Son” and recently released a third expression of ROW 94 – a Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey crafted with only “three ingredients and the truth” at Kentucky’s Green River Distilling Co.
Barry Avrich’s Thriller Doc The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue Hits Theatres Today
TORONTO, CANADA – The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue opens exclusively in theatres across North America today, October 3, 2025. To purchase tickets, go here.
Directed by acclaimed Canadian filmmaker Barry Avrich, The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue tells the extraordinary true story of retired Israeli general Noam Tibon, who on October 7, 2023, received a desperate text from his son: terrorists had stormed his home, and he, his wife, and their two young daughters feared for their lives. With no time to spare, Tibon embarked on a ten-hour mission across a country under siege to save his family.
Relying on instinct and military training, Tibon navigated ambushes, roadblocks, and a collapsing security system in a relentless race against time. Blending intimate firsthand testimony with the raw urgency of a survival thriller, the film retraces every step of that harrowing day.
Set against the backdrop of one of Israel’s darkest days, The Road Between Us: The Ultimate Rescue is both a gripping retelling of an extraordinary rescue and an unflinching look at the failures and resilience revealed on October 7. At its heart, it is a profoundly human story about courage, family, and the power of love in the face of unimaginable terror.
Barry Avrich, Director, says, “When I first heard Noam’s story, I knew it was not just a story of one man’s courage, but of family, resilience, and the choices we make in the face of terror. This film retraces an extraordinary day but also reflects the broader human capacity for bravery and love in the darkest of moments. I am honored to share this story with audiences across North America and grateful to our partners who believed in its importance from the very beginning.”
This release is also being supported by The Impact Series, a social-issue–focused organization committed to using film as a catalyst for awareness and action.
Spotify’s EQUAL Initiative Showcases the Rise of Colombian Women in Music
In Colombia, the sound of success for female artists is unmistakable, and much of that success is fueled by female fans. According to Spotify data, 58% of listeners of female artists in the country are women, highlighting a vibrant ecosystem where women are championing and elevating one another.
And the momentum is clear: Over the past five years, streams of female artists in Colombia have increased fivefold, while the catalog of songs by Colombian women has grown by 36%. The impact goes far beyond national borders. Globally, Colombian female artists have seen their streams grow 170 times in the last decade, cementing their status as cultural exports who are captivating audiences worldwide.
This remarkable growth reflects a changing industry. As Mia Nygren, Managing Director for Latin America at Spotify, notes: “The industry has evolved greatly in the decade Spotify has been in Latin America, and women’s roles have shifted as well. The numbers reflect this—not only in streams, but also in royalties. Still, they know there’s much more to be done, and that’s why we continue creating spaces and initiatives to promote and spotlight women in music.”
Empowerment Days: Building community in Bogotá
To fuel this momentum and address ongoing challenges, Spotify recently brought these milestones and conversations to the forefront at the third edition of Empowerment Days at Casa Spotify Bogotá. Designed by and for women in the music industry, the event is a cornerstone of Spotify’s global EQUAL initiative. EQUAL, which champions women artists and creators both on- and off-platform, has supported more than 1,200 ambassadors worldwide.
Across two days, managers, producers, artists, and creators gathered to share advice and reflect on the unique challenges women face in music. A highlight was a panel featuring Mia, manager Rebeca León, and singer-songwriter ELENA ROSE, who discussed topics like education, independence, and the importance of financial literacy.
“Education is my top recommendation,” advised ELENA ROSE. “Be across everything, read what you sign, understand every meeting. That way, you’ll avoid mistakes other artists have made.”
León echoed this sentiment, stating, “We need to talk about and understand money. It’s not all about shows or performances. Every creative idea should generate income so you can make a living doing what you love.”
A movement in motion
Empowerment Days wasn’t just about powerful dialogue; it was also a celebration of talent. Alongside the conversations, the event pulsed with live music as EQUAL artists Ysa C, Delfina Dib, and ELENA ROSE took the stage, reinforcing the spirit and energy behind this movement.
And this is just the beginning. Spotify remains committed to fostering and amplifying the voices of women who are not just participating in, but actively shaping, the future of music in Colombia and around the world.
Stream the EQUAL Andes playlist on Spotify to discover music from women artists across the region.