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Music Nation and SoundExchange Partner to Power Neighboring Rights Collection in the UAE

Eric Alper
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Music Nation and SoundExchange Partner to Power Neighboring Rights Collection in the UAE

Music Nation Copyrights Management (Music Nation), a pioneer in music rights management in the United Arab Emirates, announces a ground-breaking partnership with SoundExchange, the recording industry’s top digital global collective management organization, to enable the collection and distribution of neighboring rights in the UAE.

Under the agreement, Music Nation will leverage SoundExchange’s technology, data and extensive industry experience to collect neighboring rights, the royalties paid to sound recording owners, producers and recording artists for the public performance of their music.

With best-in-class tools, technology and industry partnerships, Music Nation will provide music rightsholders with the industry’s first rights management organization capable of offering a single solution for collecting performance, mechanical and neighboring rights.

Rasha Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairwoman of Music Nation, said, “We are thrilled to partner with SoundExchange to begin collecting neighboring rights on behalf of our affiliates. This partnership marks a significant milestone for recording artists and sound recording rights holders in the UAE and globally. By comprehensively and accurately collecting and distributing neighboring rights royalties, Music Nation will help ensure the continued growth of the region’s vibrant music ecosystem.”

Michael Huppe, President and CEO of SoundExchange, said, “We are honored to put our extensive neighboring rights management experience and state of the art systems to work in the UAE. Our in-depth administration expertise, proven record on rate settings, and premiere distribution processes for international creators will provide capabilities to propel the emerging UAE market. SoundExchange is proud to partner with Music Nation on this exciting project, and to help the Emirati creator community realize the true power and value of their music.”

Combined with Music Nation’s previously announced partnership with BMI, the largest performing rights organization in the world, Music Nation will ensure local and international songwriters, composers, publishers, record labels, performing artists, producers and other rightsholders are fully compensated for the use of their work in the UAE. The scale of that opportunity only continues to expand, with the IFPI reporting that global recorded music revenue in 2024 experienced a remarkable growth for a tenth consecutive year, including a 22.8% increase in MENA, the fastest growing region in the world.

Music Nation, a pioneer in music rights management in the UAE, licenses the rights of authors, publishers, sound recording owners and performers throughout the United Arab Emirates (UAE). These rights are referred to as neighboring rights (for sound recordings), public performance rights (for musical compositions) and mechanical reproduction rights (also for musical compositions). With world-class partnerships and technology, Music Nation is helping implement the UAE’s vision for the protection and enforcement of musical copyrights by developing a world-class music licensing and royalty distribution infrastructure. Music Nation, with its partners BMI and SoundExchange, will help ensure that music creators and rights holders are fully and fairly compensated for the use of their work. For more information, visit https://www.wearemusicnation.ae.

SoundExchange is the recording industry’s top digital global collective management organization, bringing exceptional sound recording administration and neighboring rights administration experience. SoundExchange collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of over 700,000 music creators, managing over 140 million sound recordings. SoundExchange has distributed more than $12 billion to creators and rights holders since its inception in 2003 and will provide the UAE with technology-forward, ruthlessly efficient and secure operations uniquely suited to navigating the complex royalties landscape.

JxJ Unveils Full Lineup for 2025 Jewish Film & Music Festival Featuring Global Premieres and Acclaimed Artists

Eric Alper
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JxJ Unveils Full Lineup for 2025 Jewish Film & Music Festival Featuring Global Premieres and Acclaimed Artists

JxJ: DC Jewish Film & Music (JxJ), a leader of Jewish cultural arts in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, unveiled its full line up for the 2025 JxJ Festival. Presented by the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center (EDCJCC), the JxJ Festival is the capstone on a full year of film and music programs.

Running from May 8-18, 2025, the festival will feature 25+ international screenings and concerts. Screenings will take place at the EDCJCC’s two state-of-the-art theaters, Landmark’s Bethesda Row Cinema in Maryland, and Cinema Arts Theatre in Fairfax, Virginia. The full Festival program and online ticket purchases are available now at www.jxjdc.org.

“Film and music have the power to nourish the soul and lift the spirit,” says Edlavitch DCJCC CEO Jen Zwilling. “This year’s festival, which celebrates Jewish joy and resilience within our community, feels more vital than ever and is core to the mission and values of the EDCJCC.”

“As one of the last remaining independent movie theaters in DC, we are thrilled to present our 35th edition of the JxJ: DC Jewish Film & Music Festival,” says Artistic Director Yael Luttwak. “The films and shorts we’ll screen this year, along with our incredible lineup of dynamic concerts, celebrate the universal themes of love and joy; the forces that bind us as humans and transcend all boundaries.”

A new addition to the festival for 2025 is the premiere of two short films made possible by the Matthew Harris Ornstein JxJ Short Film Fund. The first of its kind in North America, this fund creates new opportunities for filmmakers to tell stories that provide unique angles into Jewish life, history, and culture.

The Festival’s Opening Night on Thursday, May 8 at the EDCJCC’s Goldman Theater will feature BAD SHABBOS, winner of the 2024 Audience Award for Narrative at the Tribeca Film Festival, by director Daniel Robbins. Hailed by Variety as a film with “a strong ensemble cast [that] nails the tasty dialogue and increasingly frantic action without falling into shtick,” Bad Shabbos is a wild ride.

MATCHMAKING 2, a romantic comedy from Israeli director Erez Tadmor, will close the festival on Sunday, May 18 in the Goldman Theater. This emotional roller coaster of a film is “endlessly witty, visually rapturous, and sweetly romantic,” – The Miami Jewish Film Festival.

The closing weekend will also highlight an exciting lineup of concerts, including Gili Yalo, one of the most captivating artists on the Israeli music scene, whose concert on Saturday, May 17 will celebrate 2025 World Pride. Additional artists include Grammy Award-nominated clarinetist and saxophonist Anat Cohen; swing, jazz, and klezmer king Seth Kibel performing Gershwin; and multi-talented a cappella group The Maccabeats. Rounding out the closing festivities will be screenings from the third annual Richard Solloway JxJ Teen Film Contest winners – short films submitted by high-school aged students from all areas of the DMV, answering the question, “What does identity mean to me?”

OPENING NIGHT

BAD SHABBOS, Dir. Daniel Robbins
Thursday, May 8, 7:30 PM | EDCJCC | Goldman Theater
David and his fiancée Meg expect a quiet Shabbat dinner with his family on New York’s Upper West Side—but when an accidental death (or murder?) derails the evening, chaos ensues. With Meg’s Catholic parents about to meet David’s Jewish family, the night quickly spirals into a comedy of biblical proportions.

The Opening Night reception will immediately follow the screening at 9 PM on May 8th.

CLOSING NIGHT

THE MACCABEATS
Sunday, May 18, 1:30 PM | EDCJCC | Goldman Theater
Often traveling with little more than shirts on their backs and the ties around their necks, the Maccabeats have wowed audiences across the globe from Alabama to New Zealand and everywhere in between. Blending sharp harmonies, a polished style, and a dose of Jewish humor, this dynamic a cappella group creates an unforgettable experience that resonates with fans of all ages and backgrounds.

ANAT COHEN JAZZ DUET
Sunday, May 18, 4:00 PM | EDCJCC | Goldman Theater
Charismatic, prolific, and endlessly inspired, Grammy Award-nominated clarinetist and saxophonist Anat Cohen has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide with her expressive virtuosity and captivating stage presence. The New York Times raves, “Ms. Cohen on the clarinet was a revelation. In her upper register, she evoked pure joy; in the lower, a soulful melancholy.”

MATCHMAKING 2, Dir. Erez Tadmor
Sunday, May 18, 7:30 PM | EDCJCC | Goldman Theater
Saturday, May 17, 7:30 PM | Cinema Arts Theatre
Baruch, a Yeshiva man past his prime for marriage, is tasked with picking up Shira from the airport. When a flight delay traps them in the airport over Shabbat, Baruch falls for her despite knowing he has no chance. An emotional rollercoaster forces him to confront his past and open his heart to the love he never expected.

The festival’s Closing Reception will precede the screening at 6:30 PM.

ADDITIONAL SELECTED PROGRAMMING AND EMBASSY PARTNERSHIPS

In the emotional drama COME CLOSER, directed by Tom Nesher and winner of the Tribeca Film Festival’s 2024 Viewpoint Award, Eden’s world is turned upside down after the tragic death of her beloved younger brother. Devastated by grief, she spirals into increasingly desperate actions to cope with her loss. A conversation with Tom Nesher – one of Variety’s ’10 directors to watch in 2025′ – will follow all three screenings.

In partnership with the Embassy of Germany, THE ZWEIFLERS, a fantastic dramatic comedy set in a Jewish deli in Frankfurt Germany, will be shown in two parts. Directed by David Hadda, and Winner of Best Series and Best Music at the prestigious Canneseries festival, The Zweiflers follows family patriarch Symcha Zweifler (Mike Burstyn) who wants to sell his delicatessen empire when he is suddenly confronted with his past in Frankfurt’s red-light district.

THE TRUE STORY OF TAMARA DE LEMPICKA & THE ART OF SURVIVAL by director Julie Rubio will screen at the festival in partnership with the Embassy of Poland. A visually stunning and sweeping feature documentary, the film traces the life and survival of the renowned painter through her powerful paintings. A conversation with Rubio will follow the screening on May 11th at the EDCJCC.

MAZEL TOV, a drama from acclaimed Argentinian actor and director Adrián Suar, showcases the heartfelt hand humorously touching tale of family, forgiveness, and the ties that bring us back home. Screened in partnership with the Embassy of Argentina, Mazel Tov captures the strength it takes to forgive, let go, and find joy amid the tears.

For the full 2025 JxJ: DC Jewish Film & Music Festival, please visit www.jxjdc.org

To view the 2025 JxJ festival trailer, please visit JxJDC Youtube

Presented by the Edlavitch DCJCC, JxJ: DC Jewish Film and Music is the leader of Jewish film and music cultural arts in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia region, with a state-of-the-art venue at the Edlavitch DCJCC. Between the Festival and year-round programming, JxJ gives exposure to independent filmmakers and musical artists working in the Jewish and/or Israeli space. It annually attracts 30,000 patrons across 180+ events and has been an arts hub in the DC area for over 30 years.

JxJ encompasses the Washington Jewish Film Festival (WJFF) and the Washington Jewish Music Festival (WJMF). The lead sponsor of the WJMF is the Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation.

Guided by Jewish values and heritage, the Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center engages individuals and families through its cultural, recreational, educational, and social justice programs by welcoming people of all backgrounds to connect, learn, serve, and be entertained together in ways that reflect the unique role of the Center in the nation’s capital.

The Edlavitch DCJCC is located at 1529 Sixteenth Street, NW in Washington, DC, 4 blocks east of Dupont Circle.

Casio Launches Women in Music Spotlight Series to Celebrate and Empower Rising Female Artists

Eric Alper
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Casio Launches Women in Music Spotlight Series to Celebrate and Empower Rising Female Artists

In celebration of National Women’s Month, Casio America, Inc., a pioneer in electronic musical instruments, is proud to announce the launch of its Women in Music Spotlight Series. The series kicks off this month and will showcase a new artist each month, celebrating rising female musicians who are using Casio digital pianos and keyboards to shape their sound and share their stories.

“We are thrilled to spotlight such an inspiring group of female musicians who embody what it means to be bold, creative and authentic,” said Stephen Schmidt, Vice President of Casio’s Electronic Musical Instrument Division. “By supporting women in music and telling their stories where they matter most—at home—we hope to inspire the next generation of artists.”

The Women in Music Spotlight Series offers a deeper look into each artist’s story celebrating their musical milestones and honoring the communities that have supported their dreams. The first wave of featured artists brings that mission to life—each with a unique voice, a powerful story, and a deep connection to their Casio instrument. From classical to indie pop, these women are using music to make an impact in their communities and beyond.

Based in Miami, FL, Melissa Sanchez is a classical pianist and music educator known for her powerful performances and passion for making music accessible. She brings classical pieces to life on her Casio Privia digital piano, sharing them through concerts, workshops, and social media.

“Being a wedding pianist has allowed me to create unforgettable moments through music,” said Sanchez. “The [Casio] piano has been at the heart of my journey, shaping my career and allowing me to bring emotion and elegance to every celebration. Hopefully, my work encourages more women to pursue their passion for music.”

Liz Rose Sings (Liz Leiber) is a New York City-based singer-songwriter known for her velvet alto vocals, lush harmonies, and signature mix of soul and sass. Influenced by greats like Carole King and Amy Winehouse, she uses her Casio Privia piano to reimagine classics and craft original music, performing weekly live sessions for her audience on social media.

“Whether I was livestreaming to an audience online or writing alone in my apartment, my Casio has been there through it all,” said Lieber. “It’s the heartbeat behind so much of my music — and now, getting to share that sound with my local community means everything.”

Hailing from Seattle, WA and rooted in the city’s iconic music scene, Whitney Lyman is a singer-songwriter known for her powerful vocals and genre-blending style of indie rock and alternative pop. She’s performed with Grammy-nominated Odesza on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, toured internationally, and uses her Casio keyboard to craft emotionally rich music that connects with audiences worldwide.

“Once I moved to Southern California to expand my career, I leveled up my keyboard, making the Casio Privia PX-S6000 my primary performance instrument,” said Lyman. “I use it for all my gigs here in Palm Springs, LA, Orange County, and across Southern California, and I even opt to use it for my international tours including the “Becoming UK” tour I have coming up in May 2025.”

Capri Everitt is a Los Angeles-based singer, author, and philanthropist from Hawthorne, California, who gained global recognition—and a Guinness World Record—for singing national anthems in over 80 countries to raise awareness for orphaned children. With her Casio keyboard, she continues to write and perform music that inspires positivity and change.

From stages to studios, these women represent the next wave of musical innovation—and at the heart of their work is Casio’s technology. Whether composing from home or performing live, Casio’s digital keyboards and pianos empower artists with intuitive features, beautiful tones, and portability that fit their on-the-go lifestyles.

Skullcandy Welcomes Skate Icon Tony Hawk as New Brand Ambassador

Eric Alper
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Skullcandy Welcomes Skate Icon Tony Hawk as New Brand Ambassador

Lifestyle audio brand Skullcandy continues to expand its team of notables in the surf, snowboard, and skateboarding landscape with the addition of a new brand ambassador, the legendary skateboarder and cultural icon, Tony Hawk. Hawk joins a stacked team of skateboarders, including Andrew Reynolds, Nora Vasconcellos and Louie Lopez. His authentic connection to music, skate culture, and community makes him a perfect fit for Skullcandy’s fearless and forward-thinking brand ethos.

Tony Hawk’s accomplishments on and off his skateboard have helped to make him one of the most recognizable figures in skateboarding and pop culture. He has pioneered the creation of more than 80 tricks in vert skateboarding, including the legendary 900. His Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater video game series, first launched in 1999, has exposed countless people to skateboarding, creating a new path for fans to participate in Skate. His charitable foundation, The Skatepark Project (formerly the Tony Hawk Foundation), has awarded over $13 million in grants to over 660 skatepark projects throughout the United States. From revolutionizing vert skating to shaping generations through his video games, nonprofit work, and popular podcast “Hawk vs Wolf,” Tony continues to push boundaries and inspire progression on and off the board.

“Welcoming Tony to the Skullcandy family is the latest example of how we’re strengthening our authentic connection to skateboarding and adjacent cultures,” said Justin Regan, VP of Brand at Skullcandy. “Tony represents everything Skullcandy stands for—fearless expression, lasting impact, and love for the lifestyle. He’s not just a pro skater—he’s a movement. And that movement has always had a soundtrack.”

Hawk’s passion for music has been a lifelong thread in his story—whether it’s the punk tracks that fueled early contest runs or the playlists he curates today. A longtime fan and customer of Skullcandy, Tony has been purchasing headphones and earbuds for himself and his family for over two decades.

“I’ve always appreciated Skullcandy’s commitment to the skate community, music, and doing things their own way,” said Hawk. “I’ve used their products for years and am excited to officially partner with a brand that aligns with my culture and values.”

Stay tuned for exclusive content, product drops, and campaign collaborations with Tony Hawk as Skullcandy continues to redefine what it means to be a lifestyle audio brand rooted in board sports and creative self-expression. Among other activations, Hawk will be featured prominently in an upcoming campaign set to launch on April 15th, 2025.

Martin Guitar & Eric Clapton Celebrate 30 Years of Collaboration with New Limited-Edition Guitars

Eric Alper
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Martin Guitar & Eric Clapton Celebrate 30 Years of Collaboration with New Limited-Edition Guitars

Martin Guitar is celebrating 30 years of collaboration with Eric Clapton with the release of two special anniversary guitars—the 000-42EC 30th Anniversary and the 000-EC 30th Anniversary.

Eric’s legendary 1992 MTV Unplugged performance sparked a resurgence in acoustic music and inspired the creation of Martin’s first Eric Clapton signature model, the 000-42EC, in 1995. Over the past three decades, his partnership with Martin has produced some of the most sought-after signature guitars in the company’s history.

000-42EC 30th Anniversary

Inspired by the 1939 000-42 he played during Unplugged, the 000-42EC 30th Anniversary is limited to just 300 instruments. It features a solid Adirondack spruce top with antique toner and solid Guatemalan rosewood back and sides for rich, vintage-inspired tone. Golden Era-inspired Adirondack spruce X-bracing enhances resonance and projection, while the Authentic 1939 neck shape with a 1 11/16″ nut width provides a comfortable, pre-war feel.

Details like Golden Era 42-style snowflake inlays, Waverly open-gear tuners, and a vintage gloss finish complete the look. Each guitar includes a paper label hand-signed by Eric, a printed certificate of authenticity, and a premium embroidered Harptone case with a matching shroud exclusive to this model.

000-EC 30th Anniversary

For players seeking a more understated nod to Eric’s sound, the 000-EC 30th Anniversary is available only through March 2026. It features a solid spruce top and solid East Indian rosewood back and sides for a balanced, resonant tone. The same Authentic 1939 neck shape and 1 11/16″ nut width provide a comfortable feel, while the herringbone-trimmed top, antique white binding, and Golden Era 42-style snowflake inlays deliver a refined look.

Each 000-EC 30th Anniversary guitar includes a paper label with Eric’s pre-printed signature and a certificate of authenticity. It also comes in a premium embroidered case.

A Legacy of Excellence

Eric’s relationship with Martin began in 1995 with the introduction of the original 000-42EC, which sold out almost immediately. The 000-28EC, introduced in 1996, remains one of Martin’s best-selling models. Over the years, he and Martin have collaborated on a range of limited editions, most recently a trio of Dreadnoughts released in 2023 to benefit the Crossroads Centre, the addiction recovery center he founded in 1998.

In addition to his signature guitars, Eric also personally endorses Clapton’s Choice Signature Strings—his go-to acoustic strings for both stage and studio. Designed to resist corrosion and deliver the legendary sound he demands, they’re available in light and medium gauges.

“If I could choose what to come back as, it would be a Martin OM-45,” Eric has said, underscoring his deep connection to Martin guitars and their enduring sound.

Learn more about these guitars and other new Martin guitars, strings, accessories, lifestyle products, and parts at martinguitar.com

Electrolit Brings Run Club Culture to Festivals with First-Ever Campground 5K at Coachella 2025

Eric Alper
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Electrolit Brings Run Club Culture to Festivals with First-Ever Campground 5K at Coachella 2025

Electrolit, the scientifically formulated hydration beverage trusted by athletes and wellness enthusiasts alike, is bringing run club culture to the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2025. Debuting the Electrolit Campground 5K, the fourth-ranked sports drink in the U.S. is now offering festival-goers a chance to keep active before the headliners take the stage.

Starting at 8:00 AM PST on both Saturdays of Coachella weekends, participants will join the founder of the Electrolit-backed Venice Run Club for a fun, community-driven 5K through the Coachella campgrounds. The event brings hydration and wellness to the festival circuit, celebrating the growing connection between run club culture and the festival lifestyle. It’s a 5K for everyone – no stress, no time clock – just a group of like-minded individuals coming together to get moving, stay hydrated, and set the tone for a weekend full of fun.

“The Coachella crowd is unlike any other,” said Justin Shields, Founder of Venice Run Club. “It’s a blend of people who are here for the music, the art, and the culture. And now, they’re embracing wellness in a big way. With the Electrolit Festival 5K, we’re adding an element that’s been missing – fitness and hydration, in a space that’s already about living in the moment. Venice Run Club is excited to work with Electrolit as they push the boundaries of wellness at festivals, and we’re glad to be part of that shift.”

Electrolit will keep participants fueled with its electrolyte-packed beverages, ensuring festival-goers are ready to dive straight into the festival action—whether they’re dancing in the crowd, soaking in the sights, or enjoying Electrolit’s hydration at its art-forward installation on Coachella’s festival grounds.

For more details, visit: coachella.com/activities

HOT 97’s Summer Jam 2025 Returns with A Boogie, Gunna, GloRilla, and More for Hip Hop’s Biggest Night

Eric Alper
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HOT 97’s Summer Jam 2025 Returns with A Boogie, Gunna, GloRilla, and More for Hip Hop’s Biggest Night

HOT 97, New York’s #1 station for Hip Hop, is again turning up the heat with Summer Jam 2025, the ultimate one-night-only celebration of the culture. Produced by The Black Promoters Collective and part of the Prudential North to Shore Festival, the biggest names in Hip Hop will take the stage on Friday, June 20, 2025, live from Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

As the largest Hip Hop concert in the U.S., Summer Jam is more than just a show — it’s a movement. This year’s stacked lineup is led by chart-topping stars A Boogie, Gunna, GloRilla, Muni Long, Asake, Ayra Starr, Ja Rule and Friends A Tribute to Irv Gotti with must-see performances from Kash Doll, Bobby Konders & Jabba ft. Masicka, Jim Jones & Friends, Cash Cobain, 41 (Kyle Rich, Jenn Carter, Tata), and more.

Tickets on sale at Ticketmaster.com. The artist lineup is subject to change.

“Summer Jam is the pinnacle of Hip Hop culture, and we’re honored to bring this electrifying experience to fans once again. This year’s lineup is a testament to the genre’s evolution, featuring both chart-topping superstars and rising talent who are shaping the future of Hip Hop,” says Shelby Joyner, Founder of SJ Presents and President of The Black Promoters Collective.

As HOT 97 continues to shape the sound of Hip Hop, Summer Jam 2025 honors its roots while pushing the culture forward. Get ready for surprises, special guests, and unforgettable moments.

Dolby and AMC Supercharge Moviegoing Experience with 40 New Dolby Cinema Locations by 2027

Eric Alper
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Dolby and AMC Supercharge Moviegoing Experience with 40 New Dolby Cinema Locations by 2027

Dolby Laboratories, Inc., a leader in immersive entertainment experiences, and AMC Entertainment, the largest theatrical exhibitor in the United States and in the world, today announced a significant expansion of their partnership, following a decade of success and guest popularity of the Dolby Cinema at AMC experience. Beginning this year, AMC and Dolby will add an additional 40 Dolby Cinema at AMC locations in the United States through the end of 2027.

This represents a nearly 25% increase of Dolby Cinema at AMC auditoriums in the United States, bringing the total number to over 200.

Dolby Cinema is the flagship offering of Dolby’s theatrical solutions for exhibitors and moviegoers alike. It provides a fully Dolby-designed environment that gives audiences a captivating way to experience a film in Dolby Vision ultra-vivid picture quality combined with Dolby Atmos immersive sound. As part of the partnership, AMC and Dolby extend their commitment to the existing Dolby Cinema network.

For AMC, the expanded partnership marks another significant step in its ongoing commitment to invest in innovative technology and deliver the very best in premium experiences for its moviegoers. In addition to the new locations, AMC has also selected Dolby Vision as its HDR offering of choice, which combined with Dolby Atmos, makes Dolby Cinema an extraordinary and compelling premium theatrical experience.

“Premium moviegoing is defining the modern box office,” said Kevin Yeaman, President and CEO, Dolby Laboratories. “In expanding our longstanding partnership with AMC, we look forward to providing even more audiences with access to the most immersive film experiences that you can only get at Dolby Cinema.”

“For a decade, AMC and Dolby have provided moviegoers with incredible premium experiences – making the biggest blockbusters even bigger, brighter, louder, and more immersive,” said Adam Aron, Chairman and CEO of AMC Entertainment. “The expansion of this partnership is a powerful demonstration of AMC’s ongoing commitment to deliver this premium experience – sought out by filmmakers, studio partners, and our guests – to even more of our theaters and AMC moviegoers around the United States.”

The partnership comes at a time when premium moviegoing represents a significant and growing share of the total box office, with Dolby further cementing its position as a valued brand among moviegoers. 2024 marked Dolby Cinema’s strongest year in history at the box office, surpassing the company’s record-setting 2023 box office gross.

Fueling this attendance is Dolby’s strong content pipeline, with over 725 theatrical features released or confirmed to be released in Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos to date. This includes new and upcoming releases at the box office like Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Karate Kid: Legends, F1, Jurassic World Rebirth, Avatar: Fire and Ash, and more. And of the top 50 titles of the past five years, 49 were shown in Dolby Cinema.

Peggy Gou and Tequila Don Julio Drop Global Bottle Collab That Redefines Luxury and Street Style

Eric Alper
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Peggy Gou and Tequila Don Julio Drop Global Bottle Collab That Redefines Luxury and Street Style

Tequila Don Julio, the world’s #1 tequila brand, today announced a new creative partnership with world-renowned DJ, producer and culture powerhouse Peggy Gou. As part of this global collaboration, the brand is launching Don Julio 194구, a limited-edition bottle available at select retailers worldwide while supplies last. Don Julio 194구 is the first-ever global collaboration from Tequila Don Julio 1942, celebrating and sharing the renowned Mexico product around the world. Designed in collaboration with Peggy, the bottle stands as the ultimate statement piece, perfectly embodying her signature aesthetic (a blend of high-end fashion and bleeding-edge street style) while pushing the boundaries of artistry and craftsmanship. It’s the perfect complement to the ultra-smooth, luxurious taste of Tequila Don Julio 1942, with its exquisite notes of caramel and oak and its lingering sweet warmth.

The epitome of a collector’s item and a celebration of luxury, Peggy’s striking take on the iconic Don Julio 1942 bottle masterfully fuses heritage with modern touches like its lush mint-green and deep purple colorways. The contrasting holographic “194구” label melds Peggy’s signature branding with Don Julio’s recognizable iconography. With its sleek reflective finish, the elevated chrome cap adds a refined touch that’s befitting of a creative partnership between two titanic tastemakers.

In a nod to Peggy’s eclectic sense of street style, there is a hand-drawn illustration  inset on the carton of each box, incorporating an alluring “shimmer” effect on her jewelry and nails to add a welcome touch of glamour and mystery. The inside of the box is emblazoned with a personal message from Peggy, sharing her passion for this one-of-a-kind collaboration.

“When it comes to design, balance is so important,” said Peggy Gou. “Sometimes less is more. Sometimes more is more. I wanted to create a bottle that stops you in your tracks the moment you see it. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Tequila Don Julio 1942, because this collaboration offers supporters a taste of a superior tequila and a taste of my own personal aesthetic, all in one stunning package that I was fortunate enough to design.”

“Peggy’s genuine love for Don Julio 1942 made this collaboration natural and organic,” says Jamie Hakim, Global Director of Culture for Tequila Don Julio. “Both Peggy and Don Julio 1942 are arbiters of celebration – from intimate nightclubs in Seoul to massive stages in Mexico City with a hundred thousand people, we both hold the distinct privilege of making those moments unforgettable for our fans. Peggy’s impeccable sense of style and design, paired with our timeless bottle and award-winning tequila, has resulted in a partnership that embodies refinement and cultural influence. We couldn’t be more thrilled to have collaborated with her on this iconic partnership, and we hope fans enjoy this exclusive bottle.”

This latest offering from Tequila Don Julio debuts with digital spots directed by acclaimed filmmaker Nabil Elderkin. Known for merging art, music and culture, Nabil brings a future-forward vision to life in a striking film that captures the essence of Don Julio 194구. Every frame reflects the sleek, modern aesthetic of the collaboration while honoring the brand’s legacy of luxury and craftsmanship. Filmed in high-contrast settings, the campaign blurs the line between reality and a dreamlike nightlife fantasy. Accompanying still imagery by renowned Korean photographer Hong Jang Hyun and longtime partner of Peggy Gou, further elevates the campaign’s refined visual identity. The campaign will be featured in digital, social and OOH globally – from New York to London to Seoul.

After weeks of teasing the campaign through cryptic clues, including sightings of the “194구” logo in several high-traffic areas around the world and Peggy conspicuously wearing the “194구” logo at recent shows, the official global launch activations will kick off in New York City on April 2nd – a deliberate nod to 19(4/2), the year Don Julio Gonzalez founded the brand. The event will feature a souvenir shop façade with “194구” merch, leading guests into a hidden space where a vibrant party will bring the collaboration to life, immersing attendees in the inspiration behind the bottle redesign. Following, Peggy and Don Julio will pop up in leading cities including London, Milan, Seoul and Hong Kong to keep the global celebration going.

The limited-edition Don Julio 194구 bottle designed in collaboration with Peggy Gou will be available globally in a standard 750ml or 700cl bottle dependent on market, at select retailers until supplies last – including the United States, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Dubai, Mexico and more.

ODESZA Announces ‘Music To Refine To Remix’ EP Inspired by Severance

Eric Alper
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ODESZA Announces ‘Music To Refine To Remix’ EP Inspired by Severance

ODESZA have today announced the release of ‘Music To Refine To: A Remix Companion to Severance’. The three-time Grammy-nominated duo have teamed up with the hit Apple TV+ show Severance across a new 7-track EP, adding their unique signature to the unmistakable sounds of Theodore Shapiro’s Emmy Award-winning compositions. The first track, “Entering Lumon”, is available for streaming now. Listen HERE.

‘Music To Refine To: A Remix Companion to Severance’ will be available digitally on April 4th via Foreign Family Collective, with a vinyl release set to follow on June 20th. You can now pre-save digitally and pre-order the vinyl HERE.

“When Apple reached out to us to remix the Severance score in January we were so ecstatic to play with the themes and atmosphere of the show,” expressed ODESZA. “We are huge fans of the series and it was an absolute honor working with the original score by Theodore Shapiro. We hope both you and your innie will enjoy the journey.”

The music was first introduced as an 8-hour visual/audio YouTube experience titled  “Music To Refine To” – serving as a playful nod to the idea of a soundtrack for your ‘innie’ at work. The seamless 23-minute mix loops continuously over the full duration, immersing listeners in the various motifs, tones, and atmospheres of the show. Since its launch two weeks ago, the video has been viewed more than 2 million times, while ODESZA’s social posts about the collaboration have reached more than 3.5 million views in the same period.

The multi-award-winning show, which concluded its second season last Friday, March 21 and has already been renewed for a third season, sees Mark Scout (Adam Scott) lead a team at Lumon Industries, whose employees have undergone a severance procedure that surgically divides their memories between their work and personal lives. With a prestigious cast that also includes Zach Cherry, Britt Lower, Christopher Walken, Patricia Arquette, Tramell Tillman, Michael Chernus and John Turturro, the show has been called “an engrossing thriller” by the New York Times and “an impressively idiosyncratic thing, wholly itself and confident in its mission to make your mind implode” by The Guardian.

ODESZA most recently concluded their record-breaking The Last Goodbye Finale tour with eleven sold-out dates, including three consecutive nights at Madison Square Garden, capping off a live-show run that saw the duo perform in front of over 1.5 million people in just 2 years. Their music has been streamed almost 6 billion times across streaming platforms to date, and over the past few years they also released a 10 year anniversary edition of their seminal 2014 album ‘In Return’, released their awe-inspiring immersive concert film “ODESZA: The Last Goodbye Cinematic Experience” in theaters around the country, captured the magic of their groundbreaking tour with ‘The Last Goodbye Tour Live’ album, and headlined a gamut of major festivals including Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Outside Lands, Austin City Limits, Electric Forest, Gov Ball, among others.

Tracklist:

1. Entering Lumon (ODESZA Severance Remix)

2. Mammalians Nurturable (ODESZA Severance Remix)

3. Music of Wellness (ODESZA Severance Remix)

4. Elevator Down (ODESZA Severance Remix)

5. Morning Routine (ODESZA Severance Remix)

6. Irving Watermelon (ODESZA Severance Remix)

7. Muzak Kier Hymn (ODESZA Severance Remix)

ODESZA Tour Dates

May 15 – XS Nightclub @ Wynn – Las Vegas, NV

May 24 – Encore Beach Club @ Wynn – Las Vegas, NV

Jul 04 – XS Nightclub @ Wynn – Las Vegas, NV

Aug 29 – XS Nightclub @ Wynn – Las Vegas, NV

Sep 13 – Encore Beach Club @ Wynn – Las Vegas, NV

Nov 22 – XS Nightclub @ Wynn – Las Vegas, NV

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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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