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Norah Jones to Receive the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award at Grammy Hall of Fame Gala

Eric Alper
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Norah Jones to Receive the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award at Grammy Hall of Fame Gala

Norah Jones is being recognized where it counts. The Grammy Museum will present Jones with the Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award at the Recording Academy and Grammy Museum’s Grammy Hall of Fame Gala on May 8 at The Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles. The evening will also celebrate the 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame inducted recordings and honor Warner Records as the year’s label honoree.

The Ray Charles Architect of Sound Award recognizes artists whose influence crosses generations and transcends genre. Inspired by Charles’ legacy as a performer, pianist, songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur, the award celebrates creative impact that reshapes the musical landscape. Jones, whose work spans jazz, pop, soul, and country, has built a body of work that is both intimate and far-reaching across more than two decades.

Jones responded to the honor directly. “Ray Charles was my musical hero, and he changed the way so many of us hear and feel music,” she said. “To be recognized in connection with his legacy, and as part of a night that also celebrates such important recorded works, is special for me.” Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr. called her work a reflection of “deep musicality, emotional honesty and a spirit of exploration.”

Jones will perform during the evening alongside additional artists to be announced. Esteemed journalist Anthony Mason returns as host, with the show produced by former Grammy Awards Executive Producer Ken Ehrlich and musical direction from Grammy and Latin Grammy Award-winning composer and conductor Cheche Alara.

The 2026 Grammy Hall of Fame class includes 14 inducted recordings, among them 2Pac’s ‘All Eyez On Me,’ Janet Jackson’s ‘Rhythm Nation 1814,’ Radiohead’s ‘OK Computer,’ and works by Alice Coltrane, Funkadelic, Heart, Nick Drake, Selena, and Eric B. & Rakim, among others.

Country Maverick Gavin Adcock Takes “The Day I Hang It Up Tour” Across 27 Cities This Year

Eric Alper
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Country Maverick Gavin Adcock Takes “The Day I Hang It Up Tour” Across 27 Cities This Year

Gavin Adcock is not slowing down. The Georgia native has announced “The Day I Hang It Up Tour” 2026, a 27-city headline run kicking off May 7 in Hollywood, Florida, and closing November 14 at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is his fourth extensive headline tour since 2024, and it is his biggest yet.

The tour draws rotating support from Braxton Keith, Corey Kent, Jake Worthington, Pecos & The Rooftops, Tyler Nance, and The Creekers. Alongside his own headline dates, Adcock joins Morgan Wallen for 16 dates on Wallen’s Still The Problem Tour 2026, cementing his place at the top tier of country music’s current generation.

Adcock has built a loyal, rabid fanbase on the strength of his live show. American Songwriter called him a “modern-day outlaw,” Holler described his performances as a “collision of extremes,” and MusicRow landed on “high-octane.” That kind of press does not come from playing it safe.

“The Day I Hang It Up Tour” scales across club rooms, amphitheaters, and arenas, reflecting exactly where his career stands right now. With venues spread coast to coast and deep into the South, this is a run built for a fanbase that has been growing fast.

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 20 at 10AM local time. A fan club presale is running now.

“The Day I Hang It Up Tour” 2026 Dates:

May 7 — Hollywood, FL — Hard Rock Live at Seminole

July 3 — Orange Beach, AL — The Wharf Amphitheater

July 29 — Spokane, WA — Gesa Pavilion

July 30 — Idaho Falls, ID — Mountain America Center

Aug. 6 — Abbotsford, BC — Rogers Forum

Aug. 7 — Tacoma, WA — Dune Peninsula

Aug. 9 — Bend, OR — Hayden Homes Amphitheater

Aug. 28 — Columbus, OH — KEMBA Live! Outdoor

Aug. 29 — Cincinnati, OH — MegaCorp Pavilion Outdoor

Sept. 11 — Cleveland, OH — Jacobs Pavilion

Sept. 17 — Lubbock, TX — Cook’s Garage

Sept. 19 — Round Rock, TX — Round Rock Amp

Sept. 24 — Baton Rouge, LA — Raising Cane’s River Center

Sept. 25 — Oxford, MS — SJB Pavilion

Oct. 15 — Macon, GA — Atrium Health Amphitheater

Oct. 16 — Birmingham, AL — Coca-Cola Amphitheater

Oct. 17 — Little Rock, AR — First Security Amphitheater

Oct. 22 — Fishers, IN — Fishers Event Center

Oct. 23 — Knoxville, TN — Knoxville Civic Coliseum

Oct. 24 — Cary, NC — Koka Booth Amphitheatre

Oct. 29 — Charlotte, NC — Bojangles Coliseum

Oct. 30 — Savannah, GA — Enmarket Arena

Oct. 31 — Estero, FL — Hertz Arena

Nov. 6 — Boston, MA — MGM Music Hall at Fenway

Nov. 7 — Reading, PA — Santander Arena

Nov. 13 — Detroit, MI — Masonic Temple Theatre

Nov. 14 — Grand Rapids, MI — Van Andel Arena

Marvellous Radio London Deliver a Tender, Timeless Love Song With “The Way You Do”

Eric Alper
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Marvellous Radio London Deliver a Tender, Timeless Love Song With “The Way You Do”

Marvellous Radio London are not chasing trends. The London-based project, helmed by Argentine producer Santi Viale, has been building a catalog rooted in analog warmth and classic songwriting values, and their new single “The Way You Do” is the clearest expression of that vision yet. No irony. No production gimmicks. Just a straight-up love ballad that means exactly what it says.

The song is a genuinely affecting listen. The arrangement breathes, making room for dynamics and emotional build that come entirely from performance rather than studio trickery. In a landscape where love songs routinely hide behind detachment, “The Way You Do” stays fully exposed, melodic and sincere from start to finish.

Viale described the track simply: “It’s a slow dance in a fast world.” That line does the work. The song pushes back against the pace of contemporary music without making a point of it, landing somewhere tender and unhurried that feels increasingly rare.

Marvellous Radio London are carving out a distinct space with this release. The craft here is deliberate and considered, the kind that rewards repeated listening. “The Way You Do” is not a moment. It is a reminder that this kind of songwriting still carries real weight.

Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Arrives April 24 With a 13-Track Companion Soundtrack

Eric Alper
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Michael Jackson Biopic ‘Michael’ Arrives April 24 With a 13-Track Companion Soundtrack

Sony Music today announced the upcoming release of Michael: Songs from the Motion Picture, the official companion album to the highly anticipated Michael Jackson biopic Michael. The album is available for pre-order beginning today and will be released on April 24, the same day the film arrives in theaters from Lionsgate and Universal Pictures.

Michael: Songs From the Motion Picture highlights 13 songs showcased in the film, spanning from The Jackson 5 to The Jacksons to Michael’s chart-topping solo success with “Off The Wall” and “Thriller.” The collection includes smash hits like “Billie Jean,” “Don’t Stop ’Til You Get Enough,” “Human Nature” and more.

The soundtrack will be released on all formats on April 24th. The 2-LP will include an exclusive colour variant. Click here for more details.

In theaters April 24, Michael is the cinematic portrayal of the life and legacy one of the most influential artists the world has ever known. The film tells the story of Michael Jackson’s life beyond the music, tracing his journey from the discovery of his extraordinary talent as the lead of The Jackson 5, to the visionary artist whose creative ambition fueled a relentless pursuit to become the biggest entertainer in the world. Highlighting both his life off-stage and some of the most iconic performances from his early solo career, the film gives audiences a front-row seat to Michael Jackson as never before. This is where his story begins.

Michael stars Jaafar Jackson in his feature film debut as his uncle, Michael Jackson. The film also stars Nia Long, Juliano Valdi, KeiLyn Durrel Jones, Laura Harrier, with Miles Teller, and Colman Domingo. Directed by Antoine Fuqua and written by three-time Oscar® nominee John Logan, the film is produced by Graham King, p.g.a., John Branca, and John McClain.

Michael will be distributed domestically by Lionsgate, and by Universal in international markets outside of Japan, where it will be distributed by Kino Films in association with Lionsgate. 

Album Track List:

  1. I’ll Be There – Jackson 5
  2. Never Can Say Goodbye – Jackson 5
  3. Who’s Lovin’ You – Jackson 5 
  4. Medley: I Want You Back/ABC/The Love You Save (Live) – The Jacksons
  5. Ben (Live) – The Jacksons
  6. Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough – Michael Jackson
  7. Beat It – Michael Jackson
  8. Thriller – Michael Jackson
  9. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
  10. Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’ – Michael Jackson
  11. Human Nature – Michael Jackson
  12. Workin’ Day and Night – Michael Jackson
  13. Bad – Michael Jackson

5 Musicians Who Made History With Their Debuts

Eric Alper
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5 Musicians Who Made History With Their Debuts

Everyone talks about the long game. The slow build. The years of grinding before anything clicks.

And then there are the artists who kick the door down on day one.

No warm-up. No quiet introduction. Just impact.

Here are five artists whose debut releases didn’t just arrive, they changed the conversation.

The Beatles
When ‘Please Please Me’ dropped in 1963, it didn’t just introduce a band, it launched Beatlemania. Recorded in a single day, the album hit #1 in the U.K. and stayed there for 30 weeks. That kind of dominance doesn’t happen by accident. It set the tone for what pop stardom could become.

Bob Dylan
His 1962 self-titled debut didn’t explode commercially, but its influence is undeniable. It introduced a voice and perspective that would redefine songwriting. Within a year, Dylan was already reshaping folk and laying the groundwork for modern lyrical storytelling.

The Notorious B.I.G.
‘Ready to Die’ in 1994 wasn’t just a debut, it was a statement. Certified multi-platinum and widely regarded as one of the greatest hip-hop albums ever, it shifted the center of gravity back to the East Coast and redefined what mainstream rap could sound like.

Lauryn Hill
‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ arrived in 1998 and immediately made history. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and won five Grammys, the most ever for a female artist at the time. It blended hip-hop, soul, and R&B into something deeply personal and culturally seismic.

Olivia Rodrigo
In 2021, ‘SOUR’ turned a breakout single into a full-scale phenomenon. It debuted at #1, broke streaming records, and produced multiple global hits. Rodrigo didn’t just arrive, she defined the sound of a generation almost instantly.

The takeaway is simple.

Debuts matter. They set expectations, establish identity, and, in rare cases, reshape entire genres.

Most careers take time.

But sometimes, the very first chapter is the one that changes everything.

Why Consistency Builds More Press Than One Big Moment

Eric Alper
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Why Consistency Builds More Press Than One Big Moment

Everyone wants the moment. The viral hit. The big splash. The headline that changes everything overnight.

But here’s the truth no one wants to hear: most of those moments don’t last. And even when they do, they’re almost always built on something much quieter, much less glamorous, and much more powerful.

Consistency.

Not sexy. Not flashy. Not something you can screenshot and post. But it’s the thing that actually builds careers, and more importantly, builds press that sticks.

Here’s why.

  1. Journalists don’t write about what they don’t recognize
    Writers aren’t just chasing “new.” They’re chasing familiarity with context. When your name shows up again and again, in inboxes, on playlists, in conversations, it builds trust. You’re no longer a cold pitch. You’re part of the landscape. And once that happens, coverage gets easier.
  2. One moment creates noise. Consistency creates a narrative
    A single release is a blip. A steady stream of releases, updates, and activity tells a story. Press doesn’t just want a song. They want a reason to write about you. Consistency gives them chapters, not just headlines.
  3. Algorithms reward repetition, not randomness
    Streaming platforms, social media, and even search engines are built to reward ongoing activity. You don’t game the system with one spike. You stay visible by showing up again and again. Press follows attention, and attention follows consistency.
  4. Relationships are built between releases, not during them
    If the only time you reach out is when you need coverage, you’re already behind. Consistent activity gives you more opportunities to connect with writers, editors, and producers without asking for something every time. That’s how real relationships form.
  5. Momentum compounds quietly, then all at once
    The artists who seem to “break overnight” have usually been building for years. Every release, every mention, every small win stacks. And one day, it looks like a big moment. But it wasn’t one thing. It was everything.

So yes, chase the moment. We all want it.

But build the habit.

Because the artists who show up consistently are the ones who still have press, fans, and careers long after the big moment fades.

Why Do Stylists Add a Waist Cincher Under Dresses?

Eric Alper
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By Mitch Rice

When we see celebrities and models on the red carpet, at fashion galas, or at wedding events, we often admire their almost perfect body proportions. However, what many people don’t realize is that beneath those glamorous gowns, a waist trainer is often hidden.

In professional styling, a well-chosen waist trainer is often discreetly worn under the dress to enhance body proportions and improve the overall visual effect.

It’s important to note that waist trainers are not meant to hide body flaws, but rather to reshape and refine body proportions. By providing structure and support, they help gowns better showcase their design while highlighting the natural elegance of a woman’s curves.

Four Core Functions of Waist Shapewear

1. Shape the Body

The most direct function of a waist cincher is to tighten the waistline. By gently compressing the belly and side fat, it makes the waist look slimmer. In many cases, a well-fitted waist cincher can visually reduce the waist by about 3–5 cm, helping create the classic hourglass shape.

Nebility shapewear focuses on both shaping and comfort. It uses smart compression zones so the curves look natural, not overly tight.

  1. Smooth the Body Line

Many formal dresses are made of silk, satin, or stretchy fabrics. These materials look elegant, but they can easily show small bumps on the body, such as underwear lines or slight belly curves.

A seamless shapewear piece works like a second skin. It smooths the waist, stomach, and hips so the dress fits better and looks cleaner.

  1. Lift and Support

Many dresses do not have enough internal support, such as strapless dresses, backless dresses, or deep V-neck gowns. In these cases, a waist corset works like an inner frame. It can:

  • Lift the bust
  • Support the core
  • Help carry the weight of the dress

This support helps prevent the dress from slipping or losing shape during events. Many stylists prefer stable shapewear, such as Nebility high-waist shapewear, because it provides support while still staying comfortable.

  1. Improve Posture

Besides shaping the body, waist shapewear can also help improve posture. The structure gently limits bending and reminds the wearer to stand straight, keep the chest up, and hold the stomach in.

During long events like dinners, weddings, or red carpet appearances, this posture support is very helpful and keeps the overall look elegant for hours.

Common Scenarios for Dresses and Waist Cinchers

The role and pairing of a waist shapewear vary depending on the style of the dress. A well-chosen waist shapewear not only helps the dress fit the body better but also makes the overall silhouette look smoother and more elegant.

Mermaid Dress

Mermaid dresses emphasize the waist-to-hip ratio, with a skirt that gradually flares out at the bottom. Without a tightened waist and flat lower belly, it’s difficult to achieve this classic curve. Stylists often use a waist trainer to compress the abdomen and make the mermaid silhouette more defined.

Strapless Gowns

Strapless dresses lack shoulder support, with most of the weight resting on the bust and waist. In this case, a waist corset can help distribute the weight, stabilize the dress, and prevent it from slipping.

Bodycon / Silk Slip Dresses

These dresses are usually very tight-fitting, making every small line on the body visible. Seamless shapewear smooths the waist and hips, giving the dress a flawless, custom-tailored appearance.

How Do Stylists Choose a Waist Cincher?

In a top stylist’s toolkit, a premium waist shapewear is just as essential as a high-end gown. Here are the four core tips they follow when choosing innerwear:

  1. Color Selection

Skin-tone shades are the go-to choice for every stylist. Picking a color close to the model’s skin ensures the shapewear remains completely invisible under lightweight silk or satin dresses. Black is generally reserved for dark or heavy fabrics.

  1. Material Requirements

High-tech latex provides even, sustained compression to reshape curves. High-support cotton blends can also work, but they must be breathable and moisture-wicking to ensure the wearer stays comfortable and confident.

  1. Boning Placement

The boning should avoid bony protrusions, providing strong tummy control while allowing the wearer to sit or move naturally in social settings.

  1. Brand Recommendation

Stylists favor Nebility, as their waist cincher concentrates pressure on the abdominal core while leaving a small space around the stomach for breathing. This allows the wearer to maintain a perfect S-curve silhouette while comfortably talking and breathing.

From the red carpet to weddings, a waist shapewear is no longer just a shaping tool, it has become an essential part of a dress’s overall loo k. If you want to showcase a more confident curve at your next party, wedding, or special event, start by choosing the right best shapewear.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Nashville Husband-and-Wife Duo GoldCoast Drop Infectious New Single “Hi-Fi Receiver”

Eric Alper
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Nashville Husband-and-Wife Duo GoldCoast Drop Infectious New Single “Hi-Fi Receiver”

GoldCoast, the Nashville-based husband-and-wife duo of Rich and Jen Mahan, have released “Hi-Fi Receiver,” their second single. Drawing inspiration from early Cars and The Small Faces, the track is a tempo-driven, sing-along earworm celebrating the electric feeling of two people finding each other. It is exactly the kind of song that lodges itself in your head and stays there.

GoldCoast blend 70s blues-rock, analog soul, and FM radio nostalgia into a sound shaped equally by California sun and Nashville nights. Jen’s voice moves between growl and soar with magnetic stage presence, while Rich brings decades of West Coast gigging and cross-country touring to his guitar work. Together they do not just play music. They summon it.

Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Dirty Heads and The Disco Biscuits Headline Northlands Festival 2026

Eric Alper
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Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Dirty Heads and The Disco Biscuits Headline Northlands Festival 2026

Northlands Music and Arts Festival has revealed its full 2026 lineup for the fifth annual gathering at Cheshire Fairgrounds in Swanzey, New Hampshire, running June 18 through 21. Headliners Joe Russo’s Almost Dead, Dirty Heads, and The Disco Biscuits lead a genre-spanning bill that also includes Lotus, The Slip, Yonder Mountain String Band, Circles Around The Sun, Ghost-Note, Dogs In A Pile, Jennifer Hartswick Band, Andy Frasco and The U.N., and many more. Kanika Moore returns as Artist-at-Large throughout the weekend. Tickets, including weekend passes, camping, VIP, and limited single-day options, are available now.

The newly completed Campground Stage lineup adds Consider the Source, Space Bacon, Leon Trout, The Rollin’ Rust, Natalie Brooke, Johnny Mullenax, and more to a late-night hub that has become one of the festival’s most beloved elements. Co-Founder Seth McNally called it one of his favorite parts of the weekend: “Stoked to see the energetic vibe at this stage that reflects the energy of young artists.” Festival producer Jen Meyerhardt put it plainly: “The Campground Stage is where so many unforgettable moments happen and where much of the festival’s folklore begins.”

Now in its fifth year, Northlands has built a national reputation as a boutique alternative to the corporate festival model, earning praise from Rolling Stone, Relix, JamBase, and Live For Live Music for its community-first energy and genuinely curated programming. The rolling hills of New Hampshire, intimate stage layouts, art installations, local vendors, and daytime wellness programming complete a festival experience that keeps getting stronger.

June 18 through 21 at Cheshire Fairgrounds. This one is worth the trip.

Disney Greenlights ZOMBIES 5 With Mermaids, New Cast and the Full Creative Team Returning

Eric Alper
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Disney Greenlights ZOMBIES 5 With Mermaids, New Cast and the Full Creative Team Returning

A fifth installment of the hit Disney Channel Original Movie “ZOMBIES”franchisehas been greenlit for Disney+ and Disney Channel, with Malachi Barton and Freya Skye set to return to their breakout roles as Victor and Nova. Franchise stars Milo Manheim and Meg Donnelly return to executive produce, while Trevor Tordjman returns as Bucky, the beloved cheer captain and cousin of Addison from the original trilogy. The film begins production this spring in New Zealand. An official title will be announced at a later date.

Following the events of “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires,” the newfound peace between the Daywalkers and Vampires is put to the test when a band of fierce mermaids arrives in Rayburn, making waves and casting a persuasive siren song to lure in new allies. Nova and Victor must unite their groups once more to discover what the mermaids are really after in order to protect the fragile harmony they worked so hard to build.

The returning cast includes Malachi Barton as Victor, Freya Skye as Nova, Swayam Bhatia as Vera, Julian Lerner as Ray, and Mekonnen Knife as Vargas from “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires.”  New to the franchise are a trio of mysterious mermaids: Diaana Babnicova as cool-girl Pearl, Taylor Oliver as bad-boy Fin, and Olive Mortimer as tech-wiz Sandy. Emily Costtrici joins the cast as zombie Izzy, Zed’s zombie cousin and new transfer student.  

DGA Award-winner Paul Hoen, director and executive producer of the entire“ZOMBIES” franchise, will return for this latest installment. Also returning are executive producers Jane Fleming, Mark Ordesky, Joseph Raso and David Light and producer Skot Bright, alongside Manheim and Donnelly. The movie features next-level dance sequences, choreographed by Dondraico Johnson, and an original score composed by Tom Howe. Joining the creative team are writers Chris Hazzard, Michael Fontana and Eydie Faye. 

“‘ZOMBIES’ has become a defining franchise for the current generation,” said Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television. “With each movie, we intentionally push the story somewhere new. Introducing mermaids in ‘ZOMBIES 5’ opens up a completely different dynamic, while staying true to the music, characters and themes of unity and acceptance that are at the heart of these films.”

The “ZOMBIES” franchise has become one of the most popular Disney Channel Original Movie franchises, with cable telecasts for the first three films ranking No. 1 among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14 in their premiere years, and garnering 385 million-hours watched across linear and streaming in the U.S. (including series and shorts). The summer 2024 premiere of “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires” garnered 9.3 million views globally in its first nine days streaming, amassing 43 million views in less than 6 months. 

The “ZOMBIES 5” greenlight news comes during a landmark year for Disney Channel fans, as 2026 celebrates the milestone anniversaries of “High School Musical” and “Hannah Montana,” leading into the premieres of new franchise installments “Descendants: Wicked Wonderland” and “Camp Rock 3” this summer. Last summer’s smash hit “Descendants/ZOMBIES Worlds Collide Tour” now includes a concert special streaming on Disney+, and it was just announced that the “Worlds Collide Tour” will return this year with talent from “Descendants,” “ZOMBIES” and “Camp Rock” franchises. 

“ZOMBIES,” ZOMBIES 2,” “ZOMBIES 3,” “ZOMBIES 4: Dawn of the Vampires,” and “ZOMBIES: The Re-Animated Series” are now streaming on Disney+ and can be found in the “ZOMBIES” Collection on the service. The all-new short-form series “Locker Diaries: ZOMBIES” is now available on Disney+, YouTube, Instagram and TikTok with additional episodes rolling out every Saturday until mid-April. 

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That Eric Alper

Eric Alper is a 6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week and has overseen the publicity campaigns for over 183 JUNO Award-nominated albums (and 16 in 2025), 45 Grammy-nominated albums, including 47 JUNO Award, 58 Canadian Folk Music Award, 126 Maple Blues Award-winning albums and is also truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

Contact me: eric@thatericalper.com

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