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Aloe Blacc and 2ŁØT Channel Memento Mori in Bold New Single “Immortal”

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The emerging genre-bending outfit 2ŁØT has teamed up with GRAMMY-nominated artist Aloe Blacc to release “Immortal,” a bold new single inspired by the ancient philosophical concept of memento mori—a Latin phrase meaning “remember you must die.” Far from morbid, the song is a rallying cry for courage and clarity, urging listeners to reflect on life’s impermanence and ask a single transformative question: What would I do if I weren’t afraid?
 
Fusing 2ŁØT’s genre-defying sound with Aloe Blacc’s soul-stirring voice, “Immortal” is both a spiritual provocation and a musical revelation. The track draws its power from the timeless reminder that tomorrow is never guaranteed—and dares the listener to live fully, bravely, and with purpose. “‘Immortal’ is about unlocking the part of you that’s waiting to be set free,” says Rudy Love Jr. of 2ŁØT. “It’s a reminder that fear is the biggest barrier between you and your true calling. If you knew your time was short, what would you change?”
 
“From a lyrical standpoint, it’s one of the strongest songs I’ve been a part of writing,” reflects Aloe Blacc. “This line—‘when I tumble over, the broken pieces fit together better in the end’—reminds me of the Japanese art of kintsugi, where broken pieces are mended with gold. The broken parts of us, when they’re healed, become the strongest parts of us.

Earlier today, Aloe Blacc and 2ŁØT appeared on KTLA in Los Angeles for the first live performance of their new single “Immortal.” The stripped-down set offered a raw, intimate take on the track’s powerful message, paired with a short on-air interview that gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the collaboration and the meaning behind the song.

“Immortal” builds on the conceptual foundation laid by 2ŁØT’s debut album Entropy, which draws from another powerful law of existence: the 2nd Law of Thermodynamics, which states that all systems tend toward disorder over time. Where Entropy explored how to make peace with chaos, Immortal calls for action—to transcend it.

With singles like “Never Knew You,” “Arrow of Time” (featuring Michael Kang of The String Cheese Incident), and “Call For Me,” 2ŁØT has built a body of work rooted in personal resilience, social impact, and philosophical depth. In April, the band released “Entropy (Paul Oakenfold Remix),” a euphoric reinterpretation of their title track by one of dance music’s most legendary producers. It marked the band’s entry into the global electronic scene, expanding their reach without compromising their core message.
 
On June 13–14th, Aloe Blacc and 2ŁØT will reunite to perform “Immortal” live at Somewhere Festival & Conference in Wichita, KS—one of the most socially conscious festivals in the country. The event will feature genre-spanning acts like Deadmau5, Flying Lotus, and Suki Waterhouse, as well as immersive tech, interactive art installations, and a community-driven conference. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit: somewhere-fest.com.
 
At the heart of Somewhere Festival is a shared ethos with 2ŁØT: that music can be a vehicle for meaning, connection, and social change. Festival organizers partner with nonprofits including The Phoenix, 1 Million Strong, Create Campaign, and others to offer real-world opportunities for impact—turning the festival into a launchpad for community action and dialogue.
 
“It’s about giving artists the space to create, but also the tools to build sustainable careers,” adds Rudy Love Jr. “The knowledge to make an impact, and the community to support them along the way.”
 
Grammy nominated Aloe Blacc has long been a voice for the people—a globally recognized singer, songwriter, and changemaker whose music uplifts, empowers, and unites. Best known for genre-defying anthems like the international smash “Wake Me Up” with Avicii, anthemic “The Man,” and the timeless “I Need A Dollar,” Blacc continues to inspire through sound and purpose. In 2025, Aloe Blacc returns with his most mission-driven work to date: a new full-length album titled Stand Together. Stand Together is both a celebration and a call to action, with Blacc’s signature soul and sincerity woven into every note. With powerful new music, renewed purpose, and a voice as vital as ever, Aloe Blacc stands at the center of culture and conscience in 2025—reminding the world that one good song really can change everything.
 
2ŁØT is a five-piece band known for their genre-defying sound, Electronic Jam Music (EJM). Formed during challenging times, the group combines elements of hip hop, soul, funk, jazz, rock, and electronic music. Comprised of members Rudy Love Jr. (vocals / keys), Omar Jawar (drums), Sage Judd (keys), Chase Koch (guitar), and Robert Trusko (bass), 2ŁØT is dedicated to advocating for social change, focusing on overcoming addiction, supporting youth, and criminal justice. Their mission is to activate and inspire audiences through both their music and their commitment to making a difference.
 

5 Surprising Facts About Brian Eno’s ‘Another Green World’

Brian Eno’s 1975 album ‘Another Green World’ didn’t chase trends or follow formulas. It explored sound the way a painter explores a blank canvas—slowly, curiously, with endless possibilities. With only five vocal tracks and a dream team of collaborators, this record became a quiet landmark in music history. Here are five facts that reveal how deep the creativity runs.

1. Phil Collins Was Given a Musical Puzzle to Solve

Before his solo career exploded, Phil Collins showed up to Eno’s sessions with nothing but his sticks and an open mind. Instead of handing him a chart, Eno gave him a list of numbers. Each one stood for a chord or sound. Alongside bassist Percy Jones, Collins turned the numbers into rhythm, using instinct and improvisation to build something that felt spontaneous and alive. It wasn’t about rules—it was about sound in motion.

2. John Cale’s Viola Added a Strange and Beautiful Layer

John Cale, already known for his work in The Velvet Underground, played viola on two tracks. His string parts brought a mysterious, elegant energy to the sessions. Cale’s background in classical and experimental music gave the album a texture that was rich and unpredictable. His contribution wasn’t flashy—it quietly shaped the emotional tone of the music.

3. Robert Fripp Turned a Science Lesson Into a Guitar Solo

When Eno asked Robert Fripp to record the guitar part for “St. Elmo’s Fire,” he described something very specific: the movement of electricity in a Wimshurst machine. Fripp picked up his guitar and created a sound that shimmered and surged with controlled energy. That solo became one of the most distinctive parts of the album. It captured Eno’s vision with a few minutes of fearless playing.

4. Some of the Most Vivid Tracks Were Just Eno, Alone in the Studio

Tracks like “The Big Ship” and “In Dark Trees” weren’t built by a band. They came from Eno layering sounds on his own. Using synthesizers, tape loops, and drum machines, he created entire environments. These pieces feel like quiet weather patterns, each one with its own mood and atmosphere. Eno treated the studio like an instrument, finding new ways to express feeling through sound.

5. The Lyrics Came From Gibberish That Turned Into Meaning

Eno didn’t start with written lyrics. He sang nonsense syllables over the music until the right sounds appeared. From those sounds, words began to form. It was like listening for the language hiding inside the melody. This method gave songs like “I’ll Come Running” and “Golden Hours” a loose, dreamlike quality. They sound like memories you can’t quite place but still recognize.

‘Another Green World’ feels like a walk through a place where music grows on trees and time stretches out in every direction. With each listen, new textures come forward, and familiar parts reveal new details. It’s not just an album—it’s a creative space that’s still open to anyone willing to explore it.

5 Surprising Facts About Bob Dylan’s ‘John Wesley Harding’

It was sparse. It was mythic. It was quiet, and then it wasn’t. Released at the tail-end of 1967, ‘John Wesley Harding’ found Bob Dylan trading in the psychedelic swirl of the era for something far more haunting. But behind its no-frills sound are stories worth turning the volume up for. Here are 5 things you might not know about this understated masterpiece.

1. Dylan Recorded the Whole Album in Under 12 Hours

Dylan wasn’t in the studio long—he didn’t need to be. The entire album was tracked in just three short sessions in Nashville, totaling less than 12 hours of studio time. Most artists need that much time just to set up the drums. With only bassist Charlie McCoy and drummer Kenny Buttrey backing him, Dylan knocked out songs like “All Along the Watchtower” in just a few takes. No overdubs. No frills. Just pure songwriting, straight to tape.

2. The Songs Were Not From ‘The Basement Tapes’

Although it was recorded just after the famous Basement Tapes sessions with The Band, none of the songs from ‘John Wesley Harding’ came from that legendary stockpile. Dylan had written a brand-new batch of songs, separate from the rambling, rootsy demos that would later surface. While the world assumed he’d raid the vault, he surprised everyone with a fresh set of parables, folk tales, and cryptic ballads that sounded like they came from a different century.

3. “All Along the Watchtower” Became More Famous Without Him

When Dylan first recorded “All Along the Watchtower,” it was just two minutes long, built on a simple three-chord cycle. No guitar solos. No explosions. Enter Jimi Hendrix. His version, released just months later, reimagined the track with stormy guitars and turned it into a rock anthem. Dylan was so blown away by Hendrix’s take that he began performing it more like Jimi than himself. It’s one of the rare times a cover version redefined the original artist’s own song on stage.

4. There Might Be Beatles Hidden in the Trees

Look closely at the album cover. No, closer. Rumors flew in 1968 that the knots in the tree bark behind Dylan contained hidden faces of the Beatles. Photographer John Berg was skeptical at first—until he turned the photo upside down and saw what everyone else was seeing. Was it intentional? He swore it wasn’t. But Dylan had met the Beatles by then, and he certainly loved a good puzzle. Whether it was divine coincidence or playful mysticism, fans have been squinting ever since.

5. The Title Spelled the Outlaw’s Name Wrong—and No One Knows Why

The real John Wesley Hardin was one of the most infamous gunfighters in the Old West. Dylan named the album after him but added a “g” to the surname—making it “Harding.” Was it a typo? A poetic twist? A deliberate distancing? To this day, Dylan has never explained it, and those close to him haven’t either. Wesley Stace, who later adopted the stage name John Wesley Harding, joked that “no one’s ever bothered to ask.” And that’s just the kind of mystery Dylan might appreciate most.

Linkin Park Electrifies UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show with Stunning Set

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Global superstars LINKIN PARK delivered an exceptional headline performance at the Munich Football Arena for this year’s UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi. One of the world’s most iconic rock bands performed live, just minutes before the biggest match in European club football, with the eagerly awaited show providing an unforgettable experience for the thousands in the stadium and the millions watching around the globe.

The UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show presented by Pepsi took place in front of a sold-out crowd ahead of the epic encounter between Paris Saint-German and FC Internazionale Milano, with LINKIN PARK entertaining fans with an exhilarating performance, featuring fan favourite tracks, an iconic stage and world-class special effects.

LINKIN PARK recently made a triumphant return to the spotlight with the release of FROM ZERO, their first new music in seven years. The album hit the top of the charts across the globe and features #1 smashes “Heavy Is The Crown” and “The Emptiness Machine,” which surged as the biggest rock song of 2024 with over 250 million streams. Notably, as reported by Billboard, LINKIN PARK was the one-and-only rock band to cross over 2 Billion yearly streams in 2024. 

Now, the band has taken its brand-new era to new heights by uniting football and music fans with a mesmerising performance featuring a setlist representing the best of their legacy, past and present. Throughout the performance LINKIN PARK gave a typically energetic performance of iconic hits including “In The End” and “Numb”, as well as “Heavy Is The Crown” and “The Emptiness Machine” from their new FROM ZERO (Deluxe Edition) album, which launched on 16th May. Fans can catch LINKIN PARK on their From Zero World Tour now, with all dates and remaining tickets available at linkinpark.com/tour

The setlist also featured a segment of the track LINKIN PARK recorded to mark the official announcement in April, blending the band’s iconic sound with the culture of European football. Incorporating sounds inspired by UEFA Champions League football – the strike of leather, the whistle of a free kick, the sounds of the most passionate fans in the world – the segment was a direct nod to football fans in the stadium and around the world.

LINKIN PARK’s standout performance combined masked performers in flowing capes, dynamic flag choreography, and cutting-edge SFX to create a visually striking blend of music, movement, and design.

With historically deep roots in sport and music, Pepsi is proud to present the UEFA Champions League Final Kick Off Show each year by merging the worlds of football and music together to create one night of epic entertainment. The momentous event continues to showcase the most iconic artists and unites football and music fans alike through one compelling spectacle, embodying Pepsi’s ‘Thirsty For More’ global platform.

Art Garfunkel Performs Historic Tel Aviv Show Amid Missile Threats, Joined by Son Art Jr. and Aviv Geffen

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In a moment of profound cultural significance, music icon Art Garfunkel took the stage last night in Tel Aviv’s Ha’Yarkon Park before a cheering crowd of over 50,000, becoming the first international artist to perform in Israel since the devastating attack at the Nova Music Festival in October 2023.

Garfunkel was joined by his son, Art Garfunkel Jr. Prior to Garfunkel and Garfunkel taking the stage air raid sirens were heard due to missile fire reportedly targeting the concert in Tel Aviv. The father and son duo proceeded with their performance against a backdrop of missile interceptions.

The emotional appearance of the family pair performing at Neshef Rock as Garfunkel & Garfunkel, soared on timeless classics including Bridge Over Troubled WaterThe Sound of Silence, and Mrs. Robinson, weaving a musical thread between generations, resilience, and hope.

The family duo’s most recent album, Garfunkel & Garfunkel Father and Son, is available worldwide from BMG. Art Garfunkel Jr. was reported by Rolling Stone as one of Germany’s most successful artists and continues to extend his own audience.

“I am happy to be here in Israel,” the 83-year-old performer told tens of thousands of cheering fans. “If Israel is in danger, the entire world is in danger,” Garfunkel told the audience. “We all must not allow fear to define or control us. I am here with my entire family. Music is my gift from God, and my son Art Jr. is carrying our torch of music forward.

Adding to the emotional weight of the evening, Garfunkel also performed The Boxer alongside Israeli rocker Aviv Geffen, uniting two eras of musical expression in a rare collaboration.

Art was accompanied by his wife of many years, Kathryn “Kim” Luce Garfunkel—who is currently launching a new design and licensing initiative—and their younger son, Beau. The Garfunkel family’s presence underscored the personal nature of this landmark event.

Notably, Garfunkel has largely stepped back from public appearances and media in recent years making this live concert from Israel a rare and powerful moment.

RISE Festival Unveils Massive New Stage ‘The Horizon’ for 10th Anniversary in Mojave Desert

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 In celebration of its 10th anniversary, RISE Festival is proud to unveil The Horizon – a sleek new massive open-air stage designed to rival the most iconic performance spaces in the world. Set against the vast expanse of the Mojave Desert, The Horizon makes its debut October 3 through 5, 2025, transforming the Jean Dry Lake Bed near Las Vegas into a breathtaking, high-impact concert environment.

Blending architectural vision with large-format production, The Horizon will host an incredible lineup of world-class talent, led by RÜFÜS DU SOLCalvin Harris, and John Mayer – each headlining a night of the festival’s three-day run.

Blending state-of-the-art production with architectural elegance, The Horizon introduces a dramatic new chapter for RISE – known for its iconic and inspiring Sky Lantern Ceremony. This year, the festival expands its footprint and its creative ambition, offering two exceptionally unique and immersive stages in an outdoor festival of art, music, and light.

With 18 separate screens spanning a stage more than 200 feet wide and anchored by 12 stadium towers, The Horizon is built to rival the most celebrated stages in the world – pairing panoramic sound design with immersive video and lighting. Designed to hold thousands in an open desert setting, the new stage brings headliner-scale performances to the Mojave Desert while preserving the spiritual energy that defines RISE.

“We are unbelievably excited to debut The Horizon,” said David Oehm, CEO of RISE Festival. “We have created something that doesn’t just house performances – it amplifies them and elevates them. It’s bold, breathtaking, and built for celebration.”

While The Horizon leads RISE into a new era, The Compass remains the centerpiece of the RISE experience. The longtime home of the RISE Sky Lantern Ceremony, the open air 360° Compass stage is surrounded by thousands of torches accented by comfortable lounges and gathering spaces for the collective sky lantern release beneath the stars.

With more than 40,000 sky lanterns released each night into the moonlit sky, many RISE guests are moved to tears by the remarkable sight of thousands of heartfelt messages gently ascending to the heavens.

Together, The Compass and The Horizon are two totally unique stages that will certainly create a once in a lifetime experience for RISE guests and will set the tone for the next decade of RISE.

Founded in 2014, RISE is the world’s largest sky lantern festival featuring a collective celebration that blends art, music, and light in an unforgettable shared experience in the Mojave Desert south of Las Vegas. Returning for its 10th anniversary October 3rd, 4th, and 5th, 2025, RISE is a luminous celebration of light, sound, and soul, bringing people together in a shared journey of elevation and joy. As a non-profit charitable event, RISE is a collective art project dedicated to advancing the arts through education, appreciation, and financial support for artists around the world. Visit www.RISEfestival.com for more information.

Vienna Sends Strauss’s “Blue Danube” to Space With Live Bryant Park Celebration

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The Vienna Tourist Board is hosting a unique free event in New York’s Bryant Park on June 1 to celebrate a historic transmission into deep space.

In partnership with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Wiener Symphoniker (Vienna Symphony Orchestra), Vienna will launch Johann Strauss II’s “The Blue Danube” waltz towards NASA’s Voyager 1. This interstellar broadcast is part of a larger celebration marking the 200th anniversary of Strauss’s birth and rectifies its omission from the original Voyager Golden Records.

Norbert Kettner, Director of the Vienna Tourist Board, said: “Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey made the ‘Danube Waltz’ the anthem of space – the omission of the most famous of all waltzes from the 1977 Voyager Golden Record is a cosmic mistake that we are correcting.”

The event is the culmination of Vienna’s “Waltz Space” campaign, which invited fans to symbolically send a note of the song into space, with 13,743 note sponsors. The campaign aims not just to commemorate Strauss’s birth, but to reinforce Vienna’s status as the music capital of the world, positioning it as a destination full of rich musical experiences.

The free event will take place in Manhattan’s Bryant Park from 1:00 to 5:00 PM:

Idris and Sabrina Elba Launch ‘No Lip Service’ Album and Lip Salve With S’ABLE Labs

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Idris and Sabrina Elba premiere “No Lip Service” today, a groundbreaking new album created in collaboration with S’ABLE Labs. This bold, first-of-its-kind project merges music and beauty in a dynamic expression of art, identity, and cultural care. Featuring a powerful lineup of Black artists, the record explores themes of wellness, creativity, and connection—positioning African-founded beauty brands at the forefront of innovation in the industry.

The release coincides with S’ABLE Labs’ first foray into the lip category: the launch of the Moringa Lip Salve. Together, the album and product mark a new kind of brand strategy—resisting, restoring, and repairing through the intersection of sound, storytelling, and self-care.

“At S’ABLE Labs, we believe wellness is cultural, emotional, and communal, not just topical,” says Sabrina Elba, co-founder and CEO of Sable Labs. “No Lip Service is about honouring that. It’s about supporting artists not just as ambassadors, but as co-creators and storytellers. This album is our love letter to creative care and to the communities that inspire everything we do.”

“Music has always been a form of therapy for me,” says Idris Elba, co-founder of S’ABLE Labs and featured artist on the album. “The track I contributed to No Lip Service speaks to the tension between strength and vulnerability—something we don’t talk about enough, especially as men. Wellness isn’t just physical; it’s emotional, spiritual, and creative. This project is about making space for that conversation.”

In tandem with the release of No Lip Service, S’ABLE Labs unveils its latest skincare innovation: The Moringa Lip Salve. A future-forward lip treatment rooted in centuries old African care traditions. Just like the record, the salve goes deeper than surface—challenging the notion that beauty is only skin-deep and redefining care as something truly intentional.

Formulated with a potent blend of African botanicals and S’ABLE’s proprietary HyperPrevent™ technology, the vegan formula delivers long-lasting hydration while helping to brighten, smooth, and protect. Lipid-rich Castor and Marula Oils help stimulate collagen and lock in moisture, while Prickly Pear and Moringa soothe and shield against free radical damage.

“I needed more than moisture. This salve goes further—with rich nourishment and real care for hyperpigmentation. It’s the lip care I always wished existed,” says Sabrina Elba, Co-Founder and CEO of S’ABLE Labs

Each track on No Lip Service explores a different dimension of Black life and wellness from rest and softness to resistance, joy, and ancestry. The artists involved represent a broad spectrum of Black identity and sound, with songs that feel as intimate as a journal entry and as expansive as a global conversation.

No Lip Service features a collection of original songs inspired by S’ABLE Sounds, a curated event held in London, UK, that brought together artists, thinkers, and cultural icons to reflect on what wellness means across the Black diaspora, including conversations of the night.

Artists on the album include; GyakieIdris ElbaShae UniverseMuneyiGeorge The PoetSha’Condra ‘Icon’ Sibley, and Awlyver, featuring voices of GHETTSZeze Millz and other global thought leaders.

S’ABLE Labs is rooted in uplifting and amplifying African Beauty rituals and traditions. A brand built to highlight not only African Botanicals, but the sourcing of ingredients, the communities it impacts, and the heritage in which it was foundationally founded. African Beauty is curated through passed down traditions and culture with celebrated wisdom that has spread through its roots to the rest of the world. Further, it stands as the ethos in which S’ABLE Labs was founded.

Through this interconnected journey of African roots and the immersion into the African experience, S’ABLE Sounds ‘No Lip Service’ showcases a connectedness to consciousness and the stories behind identities developed by cultural equity. ‘No Lip Service’ construct to spoken word stands to celebrate, cherish, inspire, reflect, and replenish.

Linganore Winecellars Rebrands Longest-Running Festival as Summer Soca Wine & Music Fest

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Linganore Winecellars opens public ticket sales for their newly named festival, the Summer Soca Wine & Music Festival (previously the Summer Reggae Wine & Music Festival) to be held on July 19th and July 20th, 2025. The Maryland Winery believes this shift better portrays the musical offerings and general vibe of their sensational summer festival.

Eric Aellen, Vice President and Vineyard Manager, reflects on the name change of the festival, saying “The decision to change the name of our reggae festival was a tough one. It is our longest running festival here at Linganore Winecellars, but over the years our dedicated festival goers have enjoyed the more upbeat dance-oriented Soca. Our wines have always reflected summer fun, and we want to continue this in the parties we host. Please come and enjoy!”

Tickets are available for purchase via eventbrite.com, with various ticket options such as early gate access, general admission, and VIP tickets. Optional discounts are also available for active and retired military, designated drivers, and children ages 18-20. Children under 18 are free.

Tickets include live performances by local bands and DJ Sprang International, authentic island cuisine, local artisan vendors, and tastings of 19 Linganore wines and multiple Red Shedman beers.

Linganore recommends the use of Tixel for anyone looking to sell their already purchased tickets, or for guests looking to purchase tickets that have sold out.

Tickets are available to purchase at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-summer-soca-wine-music-festival-tickets-1205382213649?aff=PressRelease

ROKFORM Launches G-ROK PRO Bluetooth Golf Speaker with 30W Sound, 24-Hour Battery, and 45lb Magnetic Mount

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ROKFORM, a leader in premium mobile accessories engineered for performance and durability, today announced the launch of the G-ROK PRO Bluetooth Golf Speaker — the next evolution of its best-selling G-ROK golf speaker. Built for golfers who demand more from their gear, the G-ROK PRO delivers powerful audio, unmatched mounting strength, and extreme durability to perform in any weather or terrain.

Designed to raise the bar, the G-ROK PRO features an enhanced magnetic mounting system with 10 rare earth magnets and over 45 pounds of pull force, 30% stronger than the original G-ROK. It stays locked in place on golf carts, even through rough rides, sharp turns, and rugged conditions. Rated IPX7 waterproof and dustproof, it’s designed to handle rain, mud, sand, and other elements on the course.

With 30 watts of immersive sound, the G-ROK PRO delivers crisp highs, deep bass, and rich mid-tones via a high-performance setup that includes a 20-watt subwoofer, dual passive radiators, and a 10-watt tweeter. Whether you’re teeing off or driving to the next hole, the sound experience is consistently loud and clear.

Golfers can enjoy up to 24 hours of continuous play due to the massive 7500mAh battery — enough for five full rounds at typical golf course volume. Plus, the G-ROK PRO doubles as a power bank, for emergency phone charging on the course.

The G-ROK PRO supports Bluetooth V5.2 and LE Audio, allowing users to pair up to 100 speakers for an extended surround sound experience — ideal for tournaments or group events. For areas with poor connectivity, an integrated SD card slot lets users preload music for offline playback.

Mounting options are unmatched in the industry with four versatile options: ROKFORM’s patented Twist Lock system, a ¼-20 threaded bottom, powerful magnets, or the included removable carabiner.

The G-ROK PRO is available now at rokform.com.