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Grammy Artist To Watch Kashus Culpepper Delivers Sweeping Piano Ballad “Cherry Rose”

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Grammy Artist to Watch Kashus Culpepper releases “Cherry Rose,” his most tender statement to date as an artist whose substantial early acclaim continues to build and prove he can deftly mix Americana twang, intimate soul, and searing Southern rock. The sweeping piano ballad appears on his forthcoming debut album ‘Act I,’ arriving January 23. Its respective official music video, Act I, Scene 3, directed by Lewis Cater, known for his work on Kacey Musgraves’ “The Architect,” premieres today. The Alabama native chose to record ‘Act I’ in Muscle Shoals, a decision rooted in both state pride and musical history. Culpepper notes, “So much history between the soul giants of the world, like Aretha and Wilson Pickett, and then some of my favorite bands, like the Allman Brothers.” “Cherry Rose” emerges as a song about people “doing work, just to get by, because they have to,” cowritten alongside singer-songwriter Mikky Ekko, known for work with Rihanna on “Stay,” Teddy Swims on “Lose Control,” and 21 Savage on “red sky,” along with producer Brian Elmquist.

Ahead of his debut, Culpepper has earned co-signs from icons and musical heroes like Elton John, who claimed Kashus is “if Bill Withers made country music,” and John Mayer, who shared he’s “as good as it gets.” Praise continues rolling in for the album ahead of its release, with Rolling Stone noting, “If what we’ve heard so far is any indication, expect 2026 to be a breakthrough year for this Alabama singer,” while Paste concludes that “the idea that Act I is Culpepper’s debut album is challenging… since he seems like one of those inevitable artists who has always been.” Nashville Lifestyles calls the debut “a blockbuster… the scene-stealing talent is just getting started,” and Parade logs the album as one of the five most highly anticipated country albums of the year. Prior to “Cherry Rose,” Culpepper released a string of album singles that have caught the ears of listeners and critics alike, most recent “In Her Eyes” named a Song You Need To Know according to Rolling Stone and one of Billboard’s Must-Hear New Country Songs, along with “tightly crafted” “Mean To Me” per Country Central and Americana radio number one “Believe.” On the album, Culpepper is joined by Grammy recognized collaborators Sierra Ferrell on “Broken Wing Bird” and Marcus King on “Southern Man.”

This year Culpepper hits the road for headliners in New York, Boston, Nashville, and more amidst dates in Australia with Wyatt Flores and an opening slot supporting Eric Church. With a busy year ahead in 2026, Culpepper’s 2025 gained him recognition as one of GRAMMY.com’s 25 Artists to Watch in 2025, Apple Music Zane Lowe’s 25 Artists for ’25, 2025 Variety Power of Young Hollywood Impact Report, Opry NextStage Class of 2025, Billboard’s February 2025 Country Rookie of the Month, 2025 Amazon Music Bonfire Artist to Watch, Apple Music’s February 2025 Country Riser of the Month, 2025 Pandora Country Artist to Watch, and Martin Artist Showcase Class of 2025. Finding his voice in church as young as five years old, it wasn’t until 2020’s global pandemic that Culpepper went from listener to performer, picking up a guitar and learning cover songs to play at barrack bonfires in Rota, Spain during his deployment with the Navy.

Act I Tracklist
Intro (Kashus Culpepper, Jordan Dozzi, Jacob Durrett)
Southern Man (feat. Marcus King) (Kashus Culpepper, Bear Rinehart)
Alabama Beauty Queen (Kashus Culpepper, Luke Preston, Diego Urias)
Woman (Kashus Culpepper, Anderson East)
Break Me Like (Kashus Culpepper, Grady Block, Hank Compton)
Believe (Kashus Culpepper, Foy Vance)
Stay (Kashus Culpepper, Jordan Dozzi, Jacob Durrett)
Mean To Me (Kashus Culpepper, Oscar Charles, Diego Urias, Matt Warren)
Broken Wing Bird (feat. Sierra Ferrell) (Kashus Culpepper, Brian Elmquist)
Better Weather (Kashus Culpepper, Luke Preston)
That’s The Feeling (Kashus Culpepper, Brian Elmquist)
Man Of His Word (Kashus Culpepper, Natalie Hemby)
In Her Eyes (Kashus Culpepper, Brent Cobb, Oscar Charles)
Is It True (Kashus Culpepper, Rhett Akins, Rocky Block)
After Me? (Kashus Culpepper, Mark Addison Chandler)
Out Of My Mind (Kashus Culpepper, Brian Elmquist)
House On A Hill (Kashus Culpepper, Rhett Akins, Jimi Bell)
Cherry Rose (Kashus Culpepper, Mikky Ekko, Brian Elmquist)

Stephen Sanchez Unveils New Single And Video “Sweet Love” Starring His Grandparents

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Multi-platinum singer-songwriter Stephen Sanchez kicks off 2026 with new single “Sweet Love,” accompanied by a heartfelt video directed by Jason Lester, known for his work with Hozier, Laufey, and Conan Gray, co-starring his grandparents. The video was shot at his grandparents’ home, paying tribute to the place where Sanchez first discovered his love for music through his grandfather’s record collection. With upbeat production and Sanchez’s captivating vocals, “Sweet Love” ushers in a new chapter all about love, the good, the bad, the ugly, and everything in between. Sanchez shares, “‘Sweet Love’ really encapsulates the beautiful parts of love, and the active choice we have to make, to love one another every day. I was inspired by my grandparents’ relationship while writing the song and it was so special to have them star in the video.”

Sanchez gave fans an early preview of the song last night at an exclusive pop-up at Nashville’s The Basement East, performing a mix of fan favorites along with some additional unreleased tracks for the sold-out crowd. “Sweet Love” marks Sanchez’s first solo offering since 2023’s ‘Angel Face,’ which earned critical praise from NPR, SPIN, V Magazine, FLOOD, American Songwriter, and more. The release signals the beginning of a massive 2026 for the singer-songwriter.

Olivia Rodrigo Celebrates Fifth Anniversary Of “Drivers License” With David Byrne Cover Version

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Released five years ago today, Olivia Rodrigo’s “drivers license” debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making the then 17-year-old the youngest artist in history to debut in the top spot, a record she holds to this day. To celebrate the fifth anniversary of this career milestone, the multi-Platinum, three-time Grammy Award-winning artist is releasing several special versions of “drivers license” via Geffen Records. David Byrne, the iconic musician, performer, writer and multidisciplinary artist whose creative ventures have captivated audiences since 1975 when he co-founded the renowned group Talking Heads, offers his interpretation of “drivers license” on a new version available at all DSPs beginning today alongside Rodrigo’s original version of the song. This marks the first in a series of covers tied to the fifth anniversary of ‘SOUR,’ Rodrigo’s debut album, which was released on May 21, 2021.

Pressed on translucent ruby vinyl, the seven-inch vinyl features Byrne’s version of “drivers license” on Side A while Side B captures one of the highlights from Rodrigo’s Governors Ball 2025 set, the moment Byrne joined her onstage for a performance of Talking Heads’ classic “burning down the house.” Since its release on January 8, 2021, “drivers license” has amassed over 4.7 billion combined global streams and has been certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA. The track spent its first eight weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, the longest running number one song by a solo artist at the time. Praised by The New York Times for the way it “successfully balances dark yet crisp melodrama with bold tunefulness,” “drivers license” ranks among the top 100 most-streamed songs of all time on Apple Music, among the top 10 most-streamed solo female songs in Spotify history and in the top 20 of Rolling Stone’s Best Female Songs of the Century. “drivers license” was the lead single from ‘SOUR,’ which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 and was named the number one Album of 2021 by Rolling Stone. In 2022, Rodrigo took home Grammy awards in three of the seven categories she was nominated in: Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album for ‘SOUR’ and Best Pop Solo Performance for “drivers license.” ‘SOUR’ remains the first and only album in Spotify history to have four songs each surpass two billion streams. Her 2023 follow-up album ‘GUTS’ debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, with the GUTS World Tour finding Rodrigo playing 100 sold-out headline shows in 64 cities across more than 21 countries.

AP Dhillon Goes Rock With New Single “Raatan Lambiyaan” Featuring Shinda Kahlon

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Global hitmaker AP Dhillon surprises audiences worldwide at the very beginning of the year with his electrifying new single “Raatan Lambiyaan,” featuring long-time collaborator Shinda Kahlon. This guitar-laden rock track marks a bold new sonic direction for the Punjabi trendsetter, fresh off the heels of his entirely sold-out One of One Tour, which saw him perform to massive crowds including 20,000 fans in Delhi alone. With over seven billion streams worldwide, Dhillon continues to cement his position as one of the leading Desi artists globally. “Raatan Lambiyaan” showcases Dhillon’s unparalleled versatility and his continuous exploration of new genres, with early reactions hailing the track as a powerful demonstration of his artistic evolution following his seamless blending of hip-hop and pop in previous chart-toppers. Reflecting on the release, Dhillon stated, “‘Raatan Lambiyaan’ was my chance to tap into the raw energy of rock. I teased it during an Instagram Live a few months ago and have been getting messages from fans to release it ever since. We just wanted to create something powerful and a bit different from what I’ve done before, and I’m really excited it’s finally out there.”

Dhillon stands as one of the most influential singer-rappers and producers of his generation, known for effortlessly blending multiple genres including hip-hop, pop, and now rock. His cultural impact and growing international footprint were highlighted when he became the first Punjabi language artist to perform at the 2023 Juno Awards in Edmonton, Canada. With over nineteen million monthly listeners globally on Spotify, his music has transcended borders, charting in multiple countries like New Zealand and earning a top 5 EP on the Punjabi Music Chart in the United Kingdom. His groundbreaking work has been spotlighted by leading global publications such as Billboard, GQ, Rolling Stone, Forbes, and Vogue India. “Raatan Lambiyaan” builds on this incredible momentum, solidifying Dhillon’s reputation as an artist who consistently pushes boundaries and redefines global expectations for Punjabi music, setting the stage for an exciting new chapter and a landmark year of music from the global icon.

How to Experience More Without Spending More

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By Mitch Rice

Travel has a way of expanding our horizons — it helps us see the world differently, step outside our routines, and create lasting memories. But for many people, the idea of traveling more often feels out of reach, especially when budgets are tight. Flights, hotels, meals, and activities can add up quickly, making adventures seem like a luxury reserved for special occasions.

The good news is that meaningful travel doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag. With the right strategies, you can enjoy more experiences, explore more places, and create richer memories — all without overspending. The key lies in planning smarter, being flexible, and knowing where to find value.

Rethink What “Luxury” Really Means

One of the most powerful mindset shifts for affordable travel is redefining what “luxury” means to you. For some, it’s staying in five-star resorts; for others, it’s simply having the time and space to relax, explore, and enjoy the moment. Luxury doesn’t always have to come with a high price — sometimes, it’s found in small upgrades, unique experiences, or thoughtful planning that makes the journey feel special.

For example, choosing a charming boutique hotel over a large chain can give you a more personalized experience at a fraction of the cost. Opting for shoulder season travel can unlock quieter destinations, better weather, and lower prices. By focusing on what makes an experience meaningful to you, rather than what looks luxurious from the outside, you open up countless opportunities to travel well without spending more.

Use Deals and Discounts Strategically

One of the most effective ways to stretch your budget is to take advantage of deals, discounts, and special offers that are often hiding in plain sight. Many travelers overlook these opportunities, assuming that luxury automatically means expensive. But smart use of promotions can give you access to experiences that might otherwise feel out of reach.

A great example of this is using hotel discount codes to unlock elevated stays for less. You can go to Travel Tweaks to see how a few simple promo codes can transform a standard trip into something memorable — without breaking the bank. Whether it’s a reduced rate at a boutique property or a special offer that includes extras like breakfast or spa credits, these savings can free up funds for other parts of your trip.

Be Flexible With Timing and Destinations

Flexibility is one of the biggest superpowers when it comes to affordable travel. If you’re willing to travel during off-peak times or explore less touristy destinations, you can experience the same level of enjoyment at a fraction of the cost.

For example, flying midweek often means lower airfare, while visiting popular destinations just before or after peak season lets you enjoy good weather and smaller crowds — without paying premium prices. Similarly, considering secondary cities or lesser-known regions can reveal hidden gems that are both more affordable and less crowded than major tourist hubs.

Plan Experiences Over Things

When trying to save money, it’s easy to focus purely on cutting costs — but the real magic lies in prioritizing experiences that matter most. Instead of spending on expensive souvenirs or unnecessary upgrades, focus on activities that align with your interests. A guided walking tour, a cooking class with locals, or a scenic hike can provide a richer connection to a destination than costly attractions ever could.

Travel memories come from the moments you live, not the things you buy. By being intentional with where you allocate your budget, you can do more of what truly matters to you.

Mix and Match Travel Styles

Another way to experience more without overspending is to blend different travel styles. Maybe you splurge on a unique accommodation for one night, then balance it with budget-friendly stays the rest of the trip. Or perhaps you enjoy a few fine dining experiences while also exploring local street food, which often offers some of the most authentic flavors at a fraction of the cost.

This mix-and-match approach keeps travel exciting without draining your wallet. It’s about creating balance rather than following a single rigid budget strategy.

Take Advantage of Free and Low-Cost Activities

Some of the best travel experiences cost little to nothing. Exploring local parks, wandering through markets, attending cultural festivals, or visiting free museums can offer insight into a place’s personality without straining your budget. Many cities also offer walking tours, public performances, or community events that give you a more authentic connection than big-ticket attractions.

Plan Ahead, But Leave Room for Serendipity

Smart planning goes a long way in saving money — booking flights and accommodations early often locks in lower prices. But leaving room in your itinerary for spontaneous discoveries can make your travels feel richer and more personal. Sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you didn’t plan for at all: a hidden café down a side street, a conversation with a local, or a scenic detour you stumble upon by accident.

The Best Adventures Don’t Have to Be Expensive

Traveling more doesn’t mean spending more — it means traveling smarter. By rethinking what luxury means, strategically using deals and discounts, staying flexible, and focusing on meaningful experiences, you can craft journeys that feel both enriching and affordable.

A well-planned trip doesn’t just stretch your budget; it expands your possibilities. With a little creativity and resourcefulness, you can see more of the world, collect more stories, and create memories that last a lifetime — all without overspending.Whether planning a trip or upgrading a workspace with office furniture for sale miami, thoughtful decisions can deliver quality experiences without unnecessary costs.

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

Carrie Ryan Kicks Off 2026 With Emotionally Charged New Single “Can’t Fight It”

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Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, indie alt-pop artist Carrie Ryan has dropped her new song “Can’t Fight It,” an emotionally charged track where her voice takes center stage. The song moves over an easy vibe that transports the listener to a world of Ryan’s creation, warm and reflective like flipping through old photos late at night and reminiscing on the past. Known for her knack for blending moody melodies with real life themes delivered in cinematic fashion and influenced by artists like Halsey and Florence + The Machine, Ryan writes songs that feel personal while sounding big. She’s had music featured on Lifetime’s Little Women: LA and CBS’s The Young and the Restless. Lyrically, the song addresses being in love with the same person for ten years and choosing to accept time passing instead of fighting it. Ryan wrote it after realizing many of her past love songs focused on the rush of new relationships, approaching love from a different perspective about growing up together, sharing memories, and finding comfort in a life built side by side. Ryan comments, “I wanted to write a song about how lucky it is to grow up with and deeply know another person.” “Can’t Fight It” isn’t about chasing youth but appreciating what lasts, carrying a heartfelt and relatable message.

Cristina Branco Returns To Stage With “Fado Em Movimento” And “Mãe” Tour Across Europe

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Cristina Branco, guitarist Bernardo Couto, and the French Ensemble Des Équilibres, a string quartet led by violinist Agnès Pyka, have joined forces in the project “Fado em Movimento.” The premise explores the universe of fado in dialogue with other musical genres, based on original compositions by Florentine Mulsant, Anne Victorino d’Almeida, and Fátima Fonte, with texts by Gonçalo M. Tavares. The project, resulting from artistic residencies at Casa da Música, ESMAE in Porto, and La Ferme du Buisson Cultural Centre in France, returns to the stage today for the first of five dates in France. After Bourges on January 6, it continues to Metz on January 10, Pontault-Combault on January 13, Sault on January 15, and Avignon on January 16.

With an unparalleled passion for traditional fado, Branco pays a heartfelt tribute to the musical genre in “Mãe,” her 18th album of original songs, in which she lends her singular and expressive voice to a variety of composers. Since 2023, both on record and live, “Mãe” has offered national and international audiences an original repertoire that takes listeners on an immersive journey of rediscovering fado, exploring its emotional depths and subtle nuances. From January 24 to 31, accompanied on stage by Bernardo Couto on Portuguese guitar, Bernardo Moreira on double bass, and Luís Figueiredo on piano, Branco returns to Germany with these songs, following warmly received performances in previous years, performing in Dreieich on January 24, Karlsruhe on January 25, Freiburg on January 27, Bremen on January 28, Wilhelmshaven on January 29, and Potsdam on January 31. On February 6, Brussels, Belgium, will host this show. On March 25, Branco begins an eight-concert tour in the Netherlands, starting in IJmuiden, returning to the country where her nearly 30-year career began, also performing in Tilburg on March 26, Middelburg on March 28, and Den Haag on March 31. In April, Breda on April 2, Eindhoven on April 3, Groningen on April 4, and Utrecht on April 5 will have the opportunity to experience the essence of “Mãe.”

On March 19, fado meets jazz in Horsens for the first of two concerts in Denmark. Branco takes the stage at Horsens Ny Teater, accompanied by the vibrant DR Big Band and pianist-composer Mário Laginha. The intense emotions of fado and the lively energy of jazz merge into a concert experience full of passion, intimacy, and high artistic quality. The evening’s musical program was conceived by Laginha, blending the melancholy and depth of fado with the dynamic sound of a big band. The musician himself will be at the piano, leading the orchestra through a unique and moving repertoire. On March 22, the DR Koncerthuset in Copenhagen will host this performance.

Tour Dates:

“Fado em Movimento”:

January 6 – Bourges, France

January 10 – Metz, France

January 13 – Pontault-Combault, France

January 15 – Sault, France

January 16 – Avignon, France

“Mãe”:

January 24 – Dreieich, Germany

January 25 – Karlsruhe, Germany

January 27 – Freiburg, Germany

January 28 – Bremen, Germany

January 29 – Wilhelmshaven, Germany

January 31 – Potsdam, Germany

February 6 – Brussels, Belgium

March 25 – IJmuiden, Netherlands

March 26 – Tilburg, Netherlands

March 28 – Middelburg, Netherlands

March 31 – Den Haag, Netherlands

April 2 – Breda, Netherlands

April 3 – Eindhoven, Netherlands

April 4 – Groningen, Netherlands

April 5 – Utrecht, Netherlands

Fado Meets Jazz:

March 19 – Horsens Ny Teater, Horsens, Denmark

March 22 – DR Koncerthuset, Copenhagen, Denmark

Steve Aoki Supercharges 2ŁØT And Aloe Blacc Anthem “Immortal” With Festival-Ready Remix

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2ŁØT and Aloe Blacc have ushered in the new year with a pulse-pounding remix of their inspirational anthem “Immortal,” reimagined by global dance music icon Steve Aoki and released via Dim Mak. The track transforms the original’s message of fearless living into a full-blown festival banger, merging soaring vocals with electrifying drops and big-room energy. Rooted in the ancient philosophy of memento mori, a reminder of life’s impermanence, “Immortal” challenges listeners to step into their intentions and let go of fear. 2ŁØT frontman Rudy Love Jr. comments, “This remix brings the urgency of the message to a whole new level. It’s about seizing every moment. And when Steve flipped the track, he gave it this unstoppable momentum that really drives that message home.”

The release follows Aoki’s New Year’s Eve drop of ‘HiROQUEST 3: Paragon Remixed,’ which includes a special remix of “Paragon” by 2ŁØT, offering fans a double dose of the emerging band’s signature mix of emotional resonance and genre-defying sound. Both collaborations build on the creative synergy that began during Aoki’s Hiroquest 3: Paragon era and now carries into 2026 with renewed intensity. The “Immortal” remix caps off a breakout year for 2ŁØT, marked by collaborations with Aloe Blacc, Paul Oakenfold, Albert Harvey, and now Steve Aoki, as well as the release of their debut album ‘Entropy,’ the ‘Albert Harvey Mix’ EP, and a string of performances at events like KTLA and Somewhere Festival. The five-piece band comprised of Rudy Love Jr., Chase Koch, Omar Jawar II, Sage Judd, and Robert Trusko blends hip hop, funk, soul, jazz, rock, and electronic music into a sound they call Electronic Jam Music, using music as a tool for social change with themes spanning addiction recovery, youth empowerment, and criminal justice reform. With new original material on the way and select tour dates to be announced soon, 2ŁØT enters 2026 poised for another landmark year fueled by collaboration, connection, and an unwavering belief in music as a force for transformation.

Punk Band Steelboy Releases Coming Of Age Anthem “Now or Never”

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Hailing from Richmond Virginia, punk band steelboy starts the year off strong with their new single “Now or Never.” The track perfectly captures the moment when most of us thought we were indestructible and lived our lives with reckless abandon, highlighting and reminiscing about what it was like to live so freely. Accompanying the nostalgic theme is music that’s equal parts high energy, anthemic, and extremely catchy, the kind of song that needs to be played at full volume with all the windows down or seen performed live by the band. Bassist and vocalist Ryan Smith comments, “‘Now or Never’ is a coming of age song, all about being fearless and reckless and young and alive. It’s a flashback to a time when we weren’t afraid of living or dying.”

Formed in late 2022 through early 2023, steelboy comprises four frenemies who play punk rock to stay sane. The new single arrives via Punkerton Records and showcases the Richmond quartet’s ability to blend youthful intensity with infectious melodies that demand repeat listens.

Johnny Orlando Shares New Single And Video “Emilia” Starring Xochitl Gomez

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Toronto-born singer-songwriter Johnny Orlando has returned with “Emilia,” a dreamy indie-pop track exploring the linear relationship between love and fear. Released via Position Music with an accompanying video starring Xochitl Gomez, the new single captures a singular, inward-looking headspace written in the heat of the moment. Driven by shimmering guitars, tape-worn textures, and layered vocals, “Emilia” lives somewhere between nostalgia and now as an instinctive, late-night kind of song that’s hazy around the edges but emotionally precise. Orlando comments, “Emilia is about self-sabotage — finding someone by accident who completes you, and not trusting yourself enough to let a good thing happen.” The track doesn’t rush to resolve itself, instead sitting with the tension between vulnerability and restraint while letting the feeling linger, marking a clear step forward in Orlando’s evolution as both a musician and songwriter.

The video leans into an understated, indie-film aesthetic that mirrors the song’s emotional tension and restraint, with Gomez delivering a quietly cinematic turn. Sonically, the track pulls from the emotional world of Dominic Fike, The 1975, and Harry Styles while nodding to the timeless ease of Fleetwood Mac and The Strokes. Following headline tours across North America, Europe, and Asia, “Emilia” signals the next chapter of a broader body of work on the horizon, positioning the 22-year-old at the forefront of a new wave of alt-pop artists redefining what mainstream can look and feel like. Orlando has accumulated nearly 1 billion global streams and an online following of over 26 million engaged fans worldwide, garnering nominations for Breakthrough Artist of the Year and Pop Album of the Year at the JUNO Awards, as well as four consecutive wins for Best Canadian Act at the MTV European Music Awards. His August 2022 debut album ‘all the things that could go wrong’ has amassed over 250 million streams globally.