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Abstract Partners with Modhaus to Bring K-Pop Fan Platform Cosmo to Blockchain

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 Abstract, a consumer-first blockchain built to accelerate the mass adoption of crypto and lead the next wave of the culture economy, today announced a strategic partnership with Modhaus, the South Korean entertainment company behind breakout K-pop groups tripleS, ARTMS and idntt. As part of the collaboration, Modhaus’s fan engagement platform Cosmo will launch on the Abstract blockchain—marking a major step in bridging global entertainment with next-generation blockchain technology.

Built for mainstream audiences, Abstract delivers seamless, email and passkey-based onboarding and invisible blockchain experiences, making it an ideal home for Modhaus’s Web2-friendly fan engagement app. Cosmo lets millions of fans collect digital photocards, vote on group decisions, and complete interactive quests—all powered by digital collectibles and voting tokens behind the scenes. With its launch on Abstract, Cosmo gains faster performance, scalable infrastructure, and deeper integration with a growing ecosystem of culturally relevant crypto-native apps and global brands.

The partnership comes amid explosive growth in the global K-pop fandom market, a multi-billion-dollar industry fueled by one of the most engaged digitally native communities in the world. tripleS has amassed 3.4 million followers and won Best New Female Artist at the 2023 MAMA Awards, one of the largest and most influential music award ceremonies in the K-pop industry. Meanwhile, ARTMS recently reached #1 on Billboard’s Top New Artist Albums and earned over 90 million streams on Spotify.

Streetwear, gaming, hip-hop, and now K-pop—each flipped the script and empowered a new generation to move and shape culture,” said Michael Lee, co-founder and CEO of Abstract. “Cosmo is exactly what Abstract was built for—a space where fans don’t just watch, they vote, collect, and move in sync with their favorite artists. Together, Cosmo and Abstract aren’t just tech—they’re the prototype for a new cultural operating system. One that brings back what the internet lost: fun, ownership, and unapologetic creativity.

By moving to Abstract, Modhaus unlocks faster performance, seamless onboarding with just an email, Touch ID or Face ID, and deeper integration into a growing ecosystem of culturally relevant, consumer-first applications. Fans will gain all the benefits of blockchain without ever needing to understand it – leveraging Abstract’s technology to make Web3 invisible, accessible, and powerful for the everyday user.

Together, Abstract and Modhaus are redefining how fans engage with their favorite artists—bringing the power of blockchain to global audiences without the friction of crypto complexity.

At Modhaus, we’ve always believed fans deserve a real seat at the table—not just as viewers, but as participants in the creative process,” said Jaden Jeong, CEO of Modhaus. “Partnering with Abstract allows us to elevate that vision on a global scale, without forcing fans to navigate the complexities of blockchain technology. Together, we’re creating a new standard for artist-fan interaction—one that’s immersive, democratic, and built for the next era of K-pop.

With close to 2 million Abstract Global Wallets deployed, Abstract is fast becoming the blockchain of choice for culture-defining projects that demand speed, scale, and simplicity. Its user base is largely composed of Gen A and Z consumers with discretionary spending power in high-GDP markets—making it a uniquely valuable platform for brands looking to activate digitally native, culturally fluent audiences. The Modhaus integration expands Abstract’s growing roster of high-impact Web3 applications that are reimagining how consumer industries—like music, entertainment, and gaming—use blockchain to unlock new models of growth, participation, and creative ownership.

Alt-Rock Breakout Nate Vickers Drops Heart-Wrenching New Single ‘Deja Vu’

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Alt rock’s breakout act to watch, Nate Vickers, puts his scars on display with his brand new single, “Deja Vu“, out today via Oxide Records. Framed by restless nostalgia, looping memories, and the dizzy feeling of watching your own mistakes play back in slow motion, the new single sees Nate Vickers grappling with the hangover of heartbreak.

Caught somewhere between letting go and holding on too tight, the brand new video for “Deja Vu” follows Nate Vickers through a whirlwind of emotion in a haze of moody, blue tones. Swirling through tense visuals of Nate and an ex-partner locked in arguments and distance, the video blurs the line between personal breakdown and a public confession.

Digging into the ache behind “Deja Vu,” Nate Vickers shares:

“‘Deja Vu’ is a raw confession of guilt, longing, and being haunted by someone you can’t forget.”

With his smash hit “A Little Too Late” cementing Nate Vickers as a breakout voice and his previous single “Parasite” pushing his sound into a darker, more visceral territory, latest singles “Falling Away From Heaven” and “Deja Vu” build on that rising momentum. Seeing Vickers blending gritty guitars with pain and the pursuit of healing, these latest tracks capture an artist unafraid to bare his scars while reaching for something greater.

Inspired by icons such as Linkin Park, Three Days Grace, and Bad Omens, Nate Vickers has crafted a sound that is unmistakably his own, drawing more than 1.5 million followers to his TikTok and 530K to his Instagram. Between viral, late-night covers and playlist-dominating originals, Vickers has also earned his place as a standout favorite on Pandora and Sirius XM’s Octane. What began as a spark has now become an alt-rock wildfire.

Songwriter and Novelist Jon Loomis Releases Debut Album ‘The King of Good Intentions’

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Jon Loomis released his debut album, The King of Good Intentions, today, produced by rock n’ roll legend Eric “Roscoe” Ambel. While Loomis has enjoyed a successful career as an accomplished songwriter, poet, novelist, and musician, this marks his first foray into the professional recording world.

For The King of Good Intentions, Loomis assembled a cast of ace studio musicians, including Ambel himself, Charlie Giordano of E Street Band fame, Kenny SouleMary Lee Kortes, and Keith Voegele of the Bottle Rockets, among others.

A Storyteller’s Record

The album’s ten narrative-based tracks run the emotional gamut. Influenced by icons like John PrineGuy ClarkLoudon Wainwright III, and the Two Toms (Waits and Petty), Loomis strikes the perfect balance of humor and heart.

From “Anna’s Garden,” a murder ballad with a male victim for once, to the daring and darkly funny “Skinny Love” (not to be confused with the Bon Iver song), the rueful “Big Ol’ Stupid Love,” and the chaotic fun of “Open Carry Fish Fry,” Loomis showcases lyrical dexterity honed through years of dedication to his craft.

A Career in Words and Music

A nationally acclaimed poet and novelist, Loomis has earned rave reviews from the New York Times Book ReviewWashington Post BookworldThe Chicago TribuneThe Toronto Star, and many more. His poetry has garnered prizes, fellowships, grants, and awards, and his most recent collection, The Mansion of Happiness (Oberlin College Press), was a Pulitzer Prize nominee in 2016.

As a songwriter, Loomis has long been recognized for his talents. His original “Heartbreak City,” recorded by the Ohio-based bluegrass band The Rarely Heard in the mid-’90s, climbed to #7 on the national bluegrass charts. When not writing, Loomis plays lead guitar for the Eau Claire-based cover band The Flaming Doublewides and fronts his alter-ego band Creeping Charlie and the Roundups.

Tracklist – The King of Good Intentions

  1. Big Ol’ Stupid Love
  2. Anna’s Garden
  3. The King of Good Intentions
  4. Problem Child
  5. Beautiful Wreck
  6. Skinny Love
  7. What You Do To Me
  8. Open Carry Fish Fry
  9. Local Boys
  10. Aging Disgracefully

GLAAD Launches Star-Studded #SpiritDay Auction Featuring Barbra Streisand, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sam Smith

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GLAAD – the world’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) media advocacy organization – today announced a star-studded auction in honor of #SpiritDay, supported by artists including Barbra Streisand, Olivia Rodrigo, Sam Smith, Adam Lambert, KATSEYE, FLETCHER, Chelsea Handler, Sarah Jessica Parker and more. Held annually, #SpiritDay unites against bullying and supports LGBTQ youth. 100% of the proceeds will benefit GLAAD in support of their mission to accelerate acceptance for the LGBTQ community, hosted on eBay.

Since its 2010 inception, GLAAD has orchestrated a powerful campaign and on Thursday, October 16th will once again bring together celebrities, media outlets, brands, landmarks, sports leagues, faith groups, school districts, organizations, colleges, and universities. This visible anti-LGBTQ bullying initiative sees participants go purple as a united show of support for LGBTQ youth.

Launching globally on October 6 at 12pmET/9amPT and running through October 16 at www.eBay.com/glaad, eBay shoppers will have the opportunity to bid on one-of-a-kind items and experiences from celebrity GLAAD supporters.

Auction items include:

  • Adam Lambert: Adam Lambert Autographed NASA Jacket from the 2019 Queen + Adam Lambert Rhapsody Tour in Houston
  • Atsuko Okatsuka: Two Tickets + Meet & Greet to see Atsuko Okatsuka on The Big Bowl Tour
  • Barbra Streisand: Signed vinyl of The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two by Barbra Streisand
  • Brandy & Monica: Two Tickets + Meet & Greet to see Brandy and Monica on The Boy Is Mine Tour!
  • Chelsea Handler: Two Tickets + Meet & Greet to see Chelsea Handler in Las Vegas!
  • FLETCHER: Collection of 5 Vinyls Autographed by FLETCHER
  • G Flip: Two Tickets + Meet & Greet to see G Flip at any North American tour stop
  • Jonathan Bennett: A personalized video call for Christmas from Jonathan Bennett
  • KATSEYE: Two Tix + Meet & Greet to see KATSEYE on The Beautiful Chaos Tour
  • Olivia Rodrigo: GUTS World Tour book autographed by Olivia Rodrigo
  • RK Russell: Score Four VIP Tickets to an LA Rams Game with NFL Legend RK Russell
  • Ronen Rubinstein: TK Strand’s Necklace from 911 Lone Star
  • Sam Smith: Two Tickets + Meet & Greet to see Sam Smith at their To Be Free Residency on November 21
  • Sarah Jessica Parker: (3) Pairs of SJP Heels Autographed by Sarah Jessica Parker

All auction items will start at $0.99.

Captain Pikant Recreates the Wild Drum Track from Michael Sembello’s ‘Maniac’

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The drum track on Michael Sembello’s “Maniac” isn’t just complex — it’s chaos perfectly choreographed. Captain Pikant’s Hapax recreation proves just how wild ’80s production could get when maximalism met precision. It’s synths, sweat, and sheer adrenaline — Flashdance for the drum machine generation.

Chicago Blues Legend Billy Branch Announces New Album ‘The Blues Is My Biography’ Out November 7

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Billy Branch is excited to announce the forthcoming release of The Blues Is My Biography on November 7th. This largely autobiographical album will be the first release for Rosa’s Lounge Records, a Chicago-based label. 

Billy’s latest single, unveiled today, is “Hole in My Soul.” It’s Billy’s statement about the essential importance and effect of connecting with the Blues, and features Bobby Rush contributing vocals and harmonica. “Hole In Your Soul” is an expression I’ve heard countless times over the years,” Billy states, “there was a Blues deejay in Chicago at WVON who used to say it all the time, and other artists have said it as well. It was time to put it into a song because I believe it to be true.”

The highly anticipated album, The Blues Is My Biography, was produced by Larry Batiste and recorded at Infinite Studios in Alameda, California, and JoyRide Studio in Chicago, IL. In addition to Bobby Rush, the album also features Shemekia Copeland, who adds guest vocals to “Begging For Change.” Billy’s band, The Sons of Blues, provides the instrumental accompaniment, while Larry Baptiste arranged the horns.  

The music on the album runs the gamut from the soulful strains of “Toxic Strain”” and the rugged R&B that identifies “All Your Bluff,” to the propulsive pacing of “Roaches,” the resolve and reflection shared in the title track, and the tell-tale call of “The Harmonica Man.” There’s an emphatic emotion echoing through “Toxic Love,” while “Real Good Friends” comes across as a good-time, upbeat romp. “How You Living?” is a pure hip-hop gem, an ideal companion piece to “The Ballad of the Million Men,” which finds Branch and company incorporating a solid reggae rhythm. The most telling song on the album may well be “The Harmonica Man.” “It’s as autobiographical as you can get, ” Billy insists.

“Every song on this album has special meaning to me in terms of my journey,” says Billy, “This is the most important work I’ve ever done, and it’s the best work I’ve ever done as well.”

At the age of 10, Billy bought his first harmonica at Woolworth’s and taught himself to play. A few years later, he delved into the Chicago blues scene and was mentored by such iconic individuals as James Cotton, Junior Wells, Carey Bell, Willie Dixon, and Big Walter Horton. In 1975, he gained his first high-profile experience performing with the Willie Dixon Chicago Blues All-Stars, a role he held for seven years. It eventually led to his signing with Alligator Records, where he performed on 1978’s Living Chicago Blues Volume Number 3 and 1990’s Harp Attack, featuring him alongside Carey Bell, Junior Wells, and James Cotton. He calls that album “My diploma and my PhD.”

In 1977, Billy became a band leader for the first time when he formed the group The Sons of Blues. This ensemble currently includes drummer Dionte “Musik “Skinner, keyboardist Sumito Ariyoshi, aka Ariyo, bassist Ari Seder, and guitarist Giles Corey. The prestigious Chicago Blues Festival honored the band in 2007 on their 30th anniversary and again ten years later, for their 40th. 

In addition to recording 15 albums with The Sons of Blues, he’s contributed harmonica playing to over 300 albums by such notables as Vince Gill, Billy Gibbons, Stephen Stills, Koko Taylor, Lonnie Brooks, Lou Rawls, Johnny Winter, Taj Mahal, Son Seals, Mike Mills of REM, Kevin Cronin of REO Speedwagon, and scores of others.  

As an ambassador for the blues, he has taken his music to the People’s Republic of China a dozen times, to the halls of Parliament in Turkey, to South and Central America, Mexico, Israel, throughout Europe, Africa, and Australia. He has also performed at numerous high-profile festivals, including the Chicago Blues Festival, the Montreux Jazz Festival, the North Sea Jazz Festival, the Long Beach Blues Festival, and the San Francisco Blues Festival. 

Billy is an award-winning musician, actor, and educator who carries the torch for the promotion and preservation of the blues. He’s been inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame and has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his 50-year career. He’s received an Emmy, three Grammy nominations, three Blues Music Awards, two Living Blues Awards, a pair of Keeping the Blues Alive Awards, the JJus’Blues Willie Dixon Lifetime Songwriters Award, and the Charles Walton Award for Outstanding Contribution to Black Music, to name just a few. HHe’salso served on the Grammy Board of Governors, the Board of Directors of the Little Walter Foundation, and the Blues Foundation Board of Directors. 

Billy’s work has also been included in the Grammy Museum’s Woody Guthrie installation, “Songs of Conscience, Sounds of Freedom.” And he’s also received two proclamations from the City of Chicago acknowledging his ongoing commitment to maintaining the legacy of Chicago Blues.  

“My wife, Rosa, keeps saying that my life is like a movie,” Billy nods. And indeed, the variety of music and messaging on the album fully reflect Billy’s commitment to craft and communication.”

‘New Year’s Eve Live: Nashville’s Big Bash’ Returns with Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, and Bailey Zimmerman

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NEW YEAR’S EVE LIVE: NASHVILLE’S BIG BASH is back to ring in the new year with country superstars Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson and Bailey Zimmerman headlining the “epic” (Country Now) five-hour event. The country superstars will perform live at Nashville’s very own Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park, airing LIVE Wednesday, Dec. 31 (8:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT, 10:30 PM-1:30 AM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+*.
 
Gospel music legend CeCe Winans will take the stage as a special guest, bringing her powerhouse vocals to the night’s festivities alongside the acclaimed Fisk Jubilee Singers, adding a soulful note to the star-studded lineup that Music City locals and visitors can enjoy for free at Bicentennial Park’s main stage. As Variety notes, “If an artist had a big year in country, they’re celebrating in Nashville.” The festivities will be capped off by the iconic Music Note drop at midnight. Last year’s event marked an all-time high for attendance, with 220,000 people gathering to see “the biggest country music concert of 2024” (American Songwriter). The five-hour broadcast will feature electrifying performances from Jason Aldean, Lainey Wilson, Bailey Zimmerman, and more, uniting country music fans for one of the nation’s largest New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Video: Andy Kaufman’s Legendary Elvis Presley Impression on The Tonight Show

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While appearing on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson in March 1977, Andy Kaufman began with his timid foreign character routine — then stunned the audience with a pitch-perfect Elvis Presley impression. He nailed the jumpsuit, the voice, and the hip-swinging swagger so precisely that Elvis once called it his favorite impersonation. In three minutes, Kaufman turned comedy into magic — and the King back into legend.

Fred again.. Launches New Era with ‘you’re a star’ Featuring Amyl and the Sniffers

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Fred again.. releases new single “you’re a star” with Amyl and the Sniffers. “you’re a star” arrives as the first track from the new era of Fred’s infinite, ever-evolving USB album.

Last week, Fred announced the next run of his acclaimed USB series, revealing he will be releasing ten songs and playing ten shows in ten cities around the world across ten weeks.

Fred’s USB album originally began in 2022, featuring tracks like “Baby Again”, “Rumble” alongside Skrillex & Flowdan, “Jungle”, “leavemealone” with Baby Keem and “stayinit” with Lil Yachty, as well as remixes from Nia Archives, HAAi and Rico Nasty, before the first collection was released on vinyl as USB001 in 2024.

Abramorama Acquires John Prine Tribute Film ‘You Got Gold’ for North American Theatrical Release

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Abramorama announced today that it has acquired North American theatrical rights to the RadicalMedia and Oh Boy Pictures production – You Got Gold – A Celebration of John Prine. A tribute to the legendary songwriter’s life and music filmed at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium, the doc features exclusive interviews and performances by musical luminaries including Brandi Carlile, Kacey Musgraves, Tyler Childers, The War and Treaty, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle, Bonnie Raitt, Dwight Yoakam, Jason Isbell, Kurt Vile, Lyle Lovett, Allison Russell & JT Nero, Valerie June, Nathaniel Rateliff, The Milk Carton Kids, Swamp Dogg, I’m With Her and The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir.

Abramorama will release You Got Gold – A Celebration of John Prine in theaters beginning with a week-long engagement at the QUAD in NYC on November 28th followed by bookings across North America and in select North American territories. The film world premiered at the Nashville Film Festival to a sold-out audience last month. 

John Prine was one of America’s most beloved storytellers,” said Richard Abramowitz, Founder and Karol Martesko-Fenster, CEO of Abramorama. “And this film captures something truly special—the moment when a community came together to celebrate an irreplaceable voice. We’re honored to be bringing this superb concert film to audiences in the most meaningful place they can experience it – in theaters.”

You Got Gold began as a memorial concert series organized by Fiona Whelan Prine to celebrate her late husband after he passed from COVID-related complications in April 2020. The inaugural event brought together acclaimed artists, friends, and family to share behind-the-scenes stories and perform classic songs, honoring Prine’s enduring legacy. Oh Boy Pictures in partnership with Radical Media captured the special magic of this annual gathering by documenting the first concert in October 2022. The film is produced by Fiona Whelan Prine, Dave Sirulnick, and Samantha Mustari directed by Michael John Warren, and executive produced by Jon Kamen, Meredith Bennett, Jack Prine, Jody Whelan, Eileen Tilson and Robert Meitus.

“When John passed, we couldn’t mourn together in the way we and his community needed to,” said Fiona Whelan Prine. “This film documents that long-awaited moment when we finally came together at the Ryman—John’s favorite stage—to honor him with his songs, music, stories and love. I’m grateful to everyone who shared their talent and their hearts to celebrate John’s legacy, and I’m thrilled that audiences everywhere will now have the chance to experience this special night.”

You Got Gold will have its Nashville theatrical premiere on October 9th at Nashville’s Belcourt Theater, following its screening at the 2025 Nashville Film Festival. This will be followed by another all-star concert at the Ryman on October 10th, the fourth and final concert in the memorial series. The Belcourt Theater will also host screenings throughout the remainder of the year and into 2026 for Prine’s dedicated fanbase. Oh Boy Records plans premium digital releases of Prine’s music, as well as other rarities and collectibles to be announced.

“John Prine’s influence on American music is immeasurable, said executive producer Jon Kamen. “This film preserves not just incredible performances, but the intimate stories and connections that reveal why John’s songs continue to resonate with everyone from iconic artists to fans of Americana music.”

John Prine is considered one of America’s greatest songwriters, beloved by artists like Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Bette Midler, and Bruce Springsteen. In his distinguished career, John won four GRAMMYS and the GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award. He was a three-time recipient of the Artist of the Year Award at the Americana Music Honors & Awards, which also honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award for Songwriting. He won the PEN/New England Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence Award and was enshrined in the Songwriters Hall of Fame. 

John Prine passed away on April 7, 2020, due to complications from Covid, and the outpouring of grief and love from his fan community was staggering. Over 500,000 viewers participated in an online memorial tribute that raised $500k for Covid-related community relief efforts. The Prine family also established the nonprofit, The Hello in There Foundation; combined, these efforts have led to grants of over $2 million.

Abramorama has continued its streak of successful releases, including this summer’s hit The Last Class, Elliot Kirschner’s documentary on economist and former U.S. Secretary of Labor Robert Reich, which is breaking records across the country and has now surpassed $700,000 at the box office in its 15thweek of release. Next up is the Richard Gere and Oren Moverman executive produced Wisdom of Happiness. In addition to the film’s theatrical run, Abramorama is hosting a special one-night-only coast-to-coast screening event on Thursday, October 16, 2025. The film will be introduced by Gere and followed by a live panel discussion with Gere and other to-be-announced guests. The film and discussion will be transmitted live to theaters nationwide via the Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition (DCDC Network) in partnership with Abramorama and take2productions, giving audiences across the country a rare chance to experience the film collectively on the big screen.  Recently Abramorama announced the acquisition of Steve Schapiro: Being Everywhere, alongside a powerful trio of executive producers, Michael Rosenberg, Sid Ganis and Rob Friedman.YOU GOT GOLD – A CELEBRATION OF JOHN PRINE (United States, 90 Minutes – English). Abramorama presents a RadicalMedia & Oh Boy Pictures Production “You Got Gold – A Celebration of John Prine”. Executive Producers Jon Kamen, Meredith Bennett, Jack Prine, Jody Whelan, Eileen Tilson and Robert Meitus. Producer Fiona Whelan Prine. Directed by Michael John Warren. An Abramorama North American Theatrical Release.