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My Next Read: “Paul Robeson’s Voices” by Grant Olwage

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Paul Robeson’s Voices is a meditation on Robeson’s singing, a study of the artist’s life in song. Music historian Grant Olwage examines Robeson’s voice as it exists in two broad and intersecting domains: as sound object and sounding gesture, specifically how it was fashioned in the contexts of singing practices, in recital, concert, and recorded performance, and as subject of identification. Olwage asks: how does the voice encapsulate modes of subjectivity, of being?

Combining deep archival research with musicological theory, this book is a study of voice as central to Robeson’s sense of self and his politics. Paul Robeson’s Voices charts the dialectal process of Robeson’s vocal and self-discovery, documenting some of the ways Robeson’s practice revised the traditions of concert singing in the first half of the twentieth century and how his voice manifested as resistance.

5 Surprising Facts About Carole King’s ‘Tapestry’

Carole King’s Tapestry, her second studio album, has left a massive mark on music history and still regarded as such an influential album to this day. Released on February 10, 1971, the album’s introspective lyrics and soulful melodies, backed by King’s warm voice and piano, resonated deeply with listeners worldwide. With hits like “It’s Too Late” and “I Feel the Earth Move,” Tapestry not only topped the charts but also earned King four Grammy Awards.

1. Tapestry Was a Creative Collaborative Effort

While Carole King wrote or co-wrote all the songs on Tapestry, she wasn’t alone in the process. Collaborators like Toni Stern, who co-wrote the lyrics for “It’s Too Late” and “Where You Lead,” and her ex-husband Gerry Goffin, who penned the lyrics for “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman,” added diverse voices to the album. James Taylor also played a pivotal role by encouraging King to sing her own songs, and he contributed his guitar skills to the project.

2. The Album Cover Features a Handmade Tapestry

The iconic album cover, showing King with her cat in a cozy home setting, is memorable. But what many may not realize is that King is holding an actual tapestry she hand-stitched herself! Captured by A&M staff photographer Jim McCrary in the living room of her Laurel Canyon home, the image was more than just an aesthetic choice—it reflected King’s authentic, personal connection to the music within – including having with her cat, named Telemachus by her feet.

3. “You’ve Got a Friend” Was a Spontaneous Creation

“You’ve Got a Friend” is one of Tapestry‘s standout tracks, and it came about almost by accident. King described writing the song as an experience of “pure inspiration,” noting that the song seemed to flow through her, almost as if it “wrote itself.” The song became even more iconic when James Taylor recorded his own version, making it his only Billboard Hot 100 number-one hit. Remarkably, both versions were recorded at the same time using shared musicians.

4. “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” Takes on New Meaning

Carole King recorded her own version of “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” for Tapestry, infusing it with a deeper, more contemplative feel. Unlike The Shirelles’ 1960 hit, which captured the innocence of youth, King’s slower, introspective version reveals the perspective of a mature woman seeking a true partnership. With James Taylor and Joni Mitchell adding background vocals on separate audio channels, King’s rendition gained considerable album-oriented rock airplay, benefiting from Tapestry‘s massive commercial success.

5. Session Musicians Worked Across Multiple Albums Simultaneously

During the recording of Tapestry at A&M Studios, several session musicians were also working on James Taylor’s album Mud Slide Slim and the Blue Horizon. This cross-pollination of talent created a unique sound that contributed to both albums’ success. Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Danny Kortchmar were among the artists lending their talents, creating a dynamic environment that infused Tapestry with a blend of voices and styles.

Carole King’s Tapestry is far more than an album—it’s a piece of history that captures the spirit of the early ’70s while remaining timeless – from James Taylor to Barbra Streisand to Glee to Amy Winehouse and Taylor Swift all loving the record. Its songs of friendship, love, and resilience are as relatable today as they were over fifty years ago.

Thirty Years Ago, The Cranberries Brought “Dreams” to Life on Live TV

In 1993, Dolores O’Riordan and The Cranberries delivered a powerful performance of “Dreams” on Kenny Live, setting the stage for their debut single, soon after reaching the top 50 of the US Hot 100 and the top 30 of the UK Singles Chart in early 1994.

My Next Read: “The Subject of Revolution Between Political and Popular Culture in Cuba” By Jennifer L. Lambe

From television to travel bans, geopolitics to popular dance, Jennifer L. Lambe’s The Subject of Revolution explores how knowledge about the 1959 Cuban Revolution was produced and how the Revolution in turn shaped new worldviews. Drawing on sources from over twenty archives as well as film, music, theater, and material culture, this book traces the consolidation of the Revolution over two decades in the interface between political and popular culture. The “subject of Revolution,” it proposes, should be understood as the evolving synthesis of the imaginaries constructed by its many “subjects,” including revolutionary leaders, activists, academics, and ordinary people within and beyond the island’s borders.

The book reopens some of the questions that have long animated debates about Cuba, from the relationship between populace and leadership to the archive and its limits, while foregrounding the construction of popular understandings. It argues that the politicization of everyday life was an inescapable effect of the revolutionary process as well as the catalyst for new ways of knowing and being.

Watch Robin Williams Hilariously Improvise His Way Around a Simple Line for an ’80s Commercial

Howard Storm, a veteran television director, has helmed a variety of shows, including Laverne & Shirley, Full House, Everybody Loves Raymond, and Keenan and Kel, and even directed Jim Carrey’s first major film, Once Bitten (1985), predating In Living Color. Storm is perhaps best known for his extensive work on Mork & Mindy, directing 59 episodes and working closely with Robin Williams, whom he described as a “genius.” In an interview with the Archive of American Television, Storm shared his unique approach to directing Williams: he allowed him to improvise freely in rehearsals, gradually narrowing the performance until it was camera-ready. This method is perfectly captured in a rare video where Williams, promoting Storm’s directing skills, delivers a short message—after 13 minutes of hilarious impressions and riffing, highlighting his comedic brilliance. It’s a remarkable glimpse into Williams’ comedic genius, made bittersweet by his absence today.

For All the Nasty Girls: Tinashe x Urban Outfitters Tease Exclusive Collaboration

Tinashe x Urban Outfitters

Urban Outfitters is excited to announce an exclusive partnership with multi-platinum-certified singer, songwriter, and dancer, Tinashe. Following a long standing relationship with Urban Outfitters, this partnership merges Tinashe’s passion for high and innovative fashion with the vibrant energy of dance and street-style culture, through a collection of lifestyle designs. Designed and curated by Tinashe in partnership with Urban Outfitter’s in-house design team, the collection is set to launch in 2025.

The collection will celebrate dance and will encapsulate the immense fashion and style within the culture and how it translates beyond studio walls and into everyday life. It stands to represent fashion within the dance community and the freedom of self-expression for everyone.

“Growing up in a dance studio teaches you a lot about the intersection between exercise and fashion. I was always inspired by the way dancers would create their outfits, whether it was in ballet class pairing shorts and leg warmers or hip hop class where personal style is paramount. Dancers have always had the best personal style in my opinion, deconstructing elements that accentuate their movement, is comfortable and durable, but most importantly showcases their individuality and swag,” said Tinashe.

“I’ve always wanted to bring that creative and free dancer energy to apparel. I’m excited to finally bring this idea to life by designing specific items that you can move in and feel more creative than sports bras and leggings,” she adds.

This partnership brings Urban Outfitters’ in-house designs with Tinashe’s dynamic vision to push the creative boundaries of the collection. Together the collection prioritizes Gen Z’s desire for individuality and self expression through movement.

“Tinashe brings an unmatched energy and perspective that perfectly aligns with Urban Outfitters,” said Shea Jensen, President at Urban Outfitters. “Our mission at Urban Outfitters is to fuel the next generation of individuality and this partnership with Tinashe will continue to build that momentum.”

“Our brand is a platform for artists like Tinashe to extend their creative vision into new areas and connect with their fans in new ways,” said Dmitri Siegel, Chief Brand, Creative, and Digital Officer at Urban Outfitters. “We’re so excited to be working with Tinashe to create products and experiences that capture her unique blend of music, dance, TikTok culture, fashion, and self-expression.”

Following the announcement of her Match My Freak World Tour, which will kick off on October 14, the partnership incorporates unique opportunities to engage with Tinashe this fall, including surprise UO store stops, curated looks for tour attendees to truly match her freak, and ongoing Match My Freak Tour ticket giveaways through UO Rewards—Urban Outfitters’ free customer loyalty program.

Podcast Market to Grow by USD 2.21 Billion Driven by Smartphone Penetration and Easy Internet Access

Report on how AI is driving market transformation- The global podcast market size is estimated to grow by USD 2.21 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of over 36.5% during the forecast period. Rising penetration of smartphones and easy access to internet is driving market growth, with a trend towards advent of smart speakers. However, intense competition among podcast service providers and inconsistent user preferences poses a challenge. Key market players include Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Apple Inc., Audioboom Group plc, Block Inc., British Broadcasting Corp., CBS Interactive Inc., Deezer SA, Funkwhale, Guardian Media Group plc, hearthis.at, iHeartMedia Inc., Jamendo SA, Jango, Maple Media LLC, Mixcloud Ltd., Sirius XM Holdings Inc., Sorted Ventures Ltd., SoundCloud Global Ltd. And Co. KG, and Spotify Technology SA.

Smart speakers from Samsung and SONOS provide advanced streaming capabilities, enabling users to access and play podcasts throughout their homes via multi-room listening. Controlled via iOS and Android apps, these devices offer voice access for effortless content selection. Apple’s HomePod focuses on music subscriptions but also supports podcast playback through Siri. Sony’s new premium smart speaker, SRS-RA3000, expands the market in Europe. These innovations enhance user experience and convenience, contributing to the growth of the podcast market.

The European podcast market is characterized by intense competition among service providers. This market is highly fragmented, with numerous global and local players. As a result, there are frequent price wars among mobile podcast app vendors, which negatively impacts market growth. Consumer preferences for new and entertaining content are continually evolving, necessitating continuous updates to podcast collections. To provide updated content, vendors must invest in innovative content strategies, design, and technology. Failure to keep up with changing user preferences may lead to lost time, money, and market value for vendors, potentially hindering the growth of the European podcast market.

The podcast market is a rapidly growing digital business landscape, valued at over USD1 billion in 2020. With original content as the backbone, diversity and inclusion are key elements driving its success. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a significant role in content production and delivery through automatic editing, transcription, and content recommendation services. Music streaming and internet streaming services are popular platforms, while content-based technologies like ASMR, blogs, and social networks expand reach. Interactive content, website traffic, and search engine optimization boost engagement. Windows and Mac users access podcasts via on-premises and cloud-based digital tools. Subscription models, file downloads, and video/audio files cater to various learning styles. Podcasting offers teaching, educational learning, news, storytelling tools, and entertainment channels, making it a global market worth exploring. Radio on demand, a digital innovation, continues to disrupt traditional broadcasting.The podcast market is a growing business sector with numerous opportunities for content creators and advertisers. Podcasts offer a unique way to engage audiences through spoken word and storytelling. Brands can reach their target demographics through sponsorships and targeted advertising. Podcasts provide a personal connection with listeners, leading to increased brand loyalty. With affordable production costs and a global audience, the podcast market is an attractive investment for businesses looking to expand their reach.

Podcasting, also known as radio on demand, is a digital tool that allows users to download and playback audio files or video files at their convenience. This subscription-based model has revolutionized the way we consume content, from news and education to teaching and entertainment. With the rise of the internet, podcasting has become accessible to anyone with a computer, iPod, or mobile phone. Advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and video publishing have expanded the podcasting market, offering subscribed users a more personalized and interactive experience. The podcasting market share continues to grow, with online audio becoming an essential part of marketing strategies and audio-learning resources increasingly popular for educational learning.

Podcasting, also known as radio on demand, is a digital tool that allows listeners to download and stream audio files or watch video files at their convenience. The global podcasting market has seen significant growth, with formats ranging from teaching and educational learning to news and politics, comedy, sports, society and culture, and more. Podcasting offers personalized content, enabling subscribed users to access high-quality content on various devices, including computers, iPods, mobile phones, and smartphones. Advanced technologies like AI-connected things, blockchain, and high-speed web connectivity, including 5G networks and 5G smartphones, have revolutionized podcasting. OTT tools and podcast software facilitate content production, delivery, and recommendation services. AI technology offers automatic editing, transcription, and content recommendation. The podcasting market caters to various industries, including marketing, organizational culture, and internal communication. Skilled podcast developers create original content, ensuring diversity and inclusion. Personalized content and interactive features, such as ASMR, blogs, social networks, and website traffic, enhance the user experience. Search engine optimization and marketing strategies help increase podcast awareness, attracting a wider audience. Content-based technologies, music streaming, and internet streaming services continue to shape the future of podcasting.

L.L.Bean and Noah Kahan Pay Homage to New England Roots with “The Northern Attitude Collection”

Heritage outdoor retailer L.L.Bean announced today the launch of a limited-edition collection of footwear, apparel and accessories co-designed by GRAMMY-nominated singer-songwriter, Noah Kahan.

“The Northern Attitude Collection” is inspired by Kahan’s Vermont roots, paying homage to the rugged, natural beauty of the region and the fortitude that bonds New Englanders.

L.L.Bean and Noah Kahan Pay Homage to New England Roots with “The Northern Attitude Collection,” which spans footwear, apparel and accessories and is inspired by Kahan’s Vermont home.
The 8-piece collection reimagines L.L.Bean’s most iconic goods in a new, muted color palette, a reflection of the world Kahan created on his breakout album, Stick Season. Notably etched into the cool blue, green, grey and tan hues are illustrations of Penny, Kahan’s beloved German Shepherd.

The 8-piece collection reimagines L.L.Bean’s most iconic goods in a new, muted color palette, a reflection of the world Kahan created on his breakout album, Stick Season. Notably etched into the cool blue, green, grey and tan hues are illustrations of Penny, Kahan’s beloved German Shepherd who has been an ever-present companion on his journey from the Vermont woods to sold-out world tours.

“I grew up wearing my brother’s Bean Boots, so the brand has always been a part of my life,” said Kahan of the collection and partnership. “Wearing L.L.Bean makes me feel like I’m outside, even if I’m not, and this is important because going outside is self-care for me, especially when it comes to my mental health. Including Penny is also just so special as she’s been my closest confidant during the creation and launch of Stick Season, so this collection is really personal and nostalgic for me.”

In honor of the collaboration, L.L.Bean will donate $100,000 to Kahan’s The Busyhead Project, a mental health initiative aimed at providing resources and information designed to help end the stigma around mental health. In recent years, L.L.Bean has made significant investments in research and programming focused on the mental health benefits of time outside, including its annual “off the grid” campaign for Mental Health Awareness Month.

L.L.Bean Chief Marketing Officer Nick Wilkoff said of the partnership, “There is something unspoken that bonds New Englanders––a shared grit and resolve we all need to survive the long, cold winter months. Noah shares that with the world through his music, and we’re proud to share that with our customers and his fans through this collection, which includes some of our most iconic Made-in-Maine goods that we’ve been crafting for generations. We’re honored to partner with Noah to share a piece of New England with the world, while creating greater awareness around the mental health benefits of time outdoors.”

“The Northern Attitude Collection” ranges in price from $29.95 to $249 and will be available beginning Tuesday, Oct. 22 at llbean.com/northernattitude, comprised of:

  • Men’s Waxed Canvas Bean Boot – Made in Maine
  • Boat and Tote Zip Top in Natural, Dark Cinder and Faded Olive – Made in Maine
  • Boat and Tote Zip Pouch in Dark Cinder and Faded Olive – Made in Maine
  • Men’s Signature 1933 Chamois in Blue Heather
  • Men’s Mountain Classic Anorak in Natural, Dark Cinder and Feldspar
  • Men’s Classic 5 Panel Hat in Natural, Dark Cinder, Feldspar and Storm Teal
  • Adult’s Hoodie in Natural
  • L.L.Beanie in Black

The collection comes on the heels of a whirlwind three years for the musician since the release of his 2022 double platinum-certified album, Stick Season. The album brings to life Kahan’s upbringing in Vermont and New Hampshire in vivid imagery and moving lyrics. It launched Kahan further onto the musical scene and was met with critical acclaim, a global following, sold-out tours and musical collaborations with the industry’s biggest names. In 2023, L.L.Bean released “Stick Season Collection,” a curation of classic fall styles hand-selected by Kahan and inspired by his breakout album. This is the first collaboration of new products between the two.

For more news and updates from L.L.Bean, visit Inside L.L.Bean. For the latest news from Noah Kahan, visit noahkahan.com.

L.L.Bean, Inc. is a leading multichannel merchant of quality outdoor gear and apparel. Founded in 1912 by Leon Leonwood Bean, the company began as a one-room operation selling a single product, the Maine Hunting Shoe. Still family owned, Shawn Gorman, great grandson of Leon Leonwood Bean, was named Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2013. While its business has grown over the years, L.L.Bean continues to uphold the values of its founder, including his dedication to quality, customer service and a love of the outdoors. In 2023, L.L.Bean donated over $6 million to outdoor and community-enriching organizations focused on increasing access to and inclusivity in the outdoors. L.L.Bean operates 58 stores in 19 states across the United States, along with 25 stores in Japan and 13 stores in Canada, in partnership with Jaytex Group. The 220,000-sq. ft. L.L.Bean retail store campus in Freeport, ME, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and welcomes more than 3 million visitors every year. L.L.Bean can be found worldwide at www.llbean.com, Facebook, YouTube, Pinterest, and Instagram.

GRAMMY nominated Vermont singer & songwriter Noah Kahan has exploded from his New England roots into the global mainstream. At the core of his music are vulnerable lyrics and an unfiltered yet relatable honesty, as the critically acclaimed artist pens songs straight from the heart and cracks jokes with his signature, self-deprecating sense of humor. Throughout his career, Kahan has become globally renowned for his singular mix of Folk, Americana, and Rock, landing more than seven billion streams and a 4x Platinum Certification for his hit single “Stick Season.” His widely adored Double Platinum-Certified album Stick Season and its breakthrough single are inspired by his hometown of Strafford, Vermont and earliest musical inspirations and songwriting heroes—from Paul Simon to Yusuf Islam (Cat Stevens)—conveying a vivid representation of what he loves, fears, and struggles with most passionately. He followed up the album’s massive global success with his sold-out “Stick Season Tour” and two extended versions of the record—Stick Season (We’ll All Be Here Forever) and Stick Season (Forever), which both surpassed sales of the original and featured new singles “Dial Drunk” and “Forever,” as well as collaborations with the likes of Post Malone, Kacey Musgraves, Brandi Carlile, Hozier, Gregory Alan Isakov, Gracie Abrams, Sam Fender, and Lizzy McAlpine. Kahan’s latest “We’ll All Be Here Forever World Tour” saw him performing in sold-out stadiums and arenas around the globe, including two sold-out nights at Boston’s iconic Fenway Park. The shows were livestreamed to benefit his mental health initiative The Busyhead Project, which has raised over $2.5 million dollars to date to expand access to mental healthcare and fight the stigma around mental health. His live album, Live From Fenway Park, was released following the career-defining shows as the final installment of the Stick Season chapter.

KFC and Hatch Invite You to Fall Asleep to the Sleep-Inducing Sound of Fried Chicken

Did you ever think you’d use the expression, “I could just cozy up to the sound of fried chicken?” Well, from ASMR social media channels to film and television production set rumors, the internet has recently unearthed the humorous phenomenon that the sound of cooking fried chicken sounds almost identical to the soothing, sleep-inducing sound of rain falling.

To further investigate, Hatch, a sleep wellness company that creates premium sleep audio content, and KFC, the “OG” of fried chicken, have come together to release a new “Kentucky Fried Chicken Rain” content channel that can help lull you to sleep. The custom sound is available on Restore 2 smart sleep devices with a Hatch+ premium content subscription beginning today. Fried chicken and ASMR lovers will also be able to access the new “Kentucky Fried Chicken Rain” sound on the Hatch for Sleep and KFC YouTube channels as well as the Hatch for Sleep Spotify page.

The inspiration for the content channel came straight from Louisville, KY, where Hatch visited KFC’s headquarters and test kitchen to learn more about and capture the real sound of fried chicken. Hatch employees worked alongside KFC’s food innovation team to record the soothing sounds of frying KFC’s new Original Recipe Tenders.

“At Hatch, we take pride in producing the most effective audio for sleep. When we kept seeing social media posts about the similarity between frying chicken and rain, we decided to make the absolute best version of that audio” said Eric Pallotta, CMO at Hatch. “And who better than the OG fried chicken experts themselves, KFC, to do it with! We’re so excited to see our customers’ reactions to this fun, quirky content and can help them fall asleep to fried chicken right before bed without ever taking a bite.”

“The taste and smell of our secret blend of 11 herbs and spices may be iconic, but who knew the sound of that delicious chicken frying could help you fall asleep?” said Catherine Tan-Gillespie, KFC’s U.S. Chief Marketing and Development Officer. “Now in addition to enjoying the taste of our new KFC Original Recipe Tenders, people can drift off to sleep thanks to the soothing sound of frying, with the ‘Kentucky Fried Chicken Rain’ content channel on Hatch+.”

This unique brand partnership includes the new content offering, humorous “BTS” brand and social content from Hatch’s visit and recording session at the KFC test kitchen, along with co-branded products, including a Hatch x KFC Sleep Shirt, available for purchase at KFCShop.com. KFC Rewards loyalty members will also be able to purchase a Hatch Restore 2 device at a special discount, so they can enjoy the content for themselves at home in bed (limit one per customer).

The Hatch x KFC partnership content is just one of the many offerings available in the Hatch+ premium audio library. From guided meditations to screen-free shows, to sleep stories and relaxing music, Hatch+ unlocks a world of sleep content options and offerings that can help the whole family get better rest.

Tronsmart Announces Mirtune S100 Speaker and Sounfii Q20S Hi-Res Headphones: High-Quality Sound to Go

Tronsmart, a global audio brand, today unveils the Mirune S100 portable Bluetooth speaker, and the Sounfii Q20 as well as Sounfii Q20S, two headphone models with active noise cancellation. The Mirtune S100 features a retractable handle, while the Sounfii Q20S impresses with Hi-Res audio.

The 2.1-channel audio features a 30W racetrack subwoofer for deep bass and dual 10W tweeters for crisp treble, powered by 50W for clear sound without distortion. Need more bass? Press the SoundPulse button for enhanced thunderous sound. Moreover, the rugged rubber retractable handle allows you to carry it anywhere or lay it flat to fit any room.

Listen longer with up to 20 hours of playtime, and charge devices through the speaker. With IPX7 waterproof, it is perfect for outdoor journeys. Bring tunes with it whether you are hiking in the forest or camping beside the river. Plus, pair two speakers to immerse yourself in true wireless stereo audio. And turn on the customizable light show to set a great ambiance.

The Sounfii Q20S features Hi-Res audio for excellent sound, and the hybrid active noise cancellation eliminates 90% of ambient noise, including baby cries and people’s talk on busy streets. While the Sounfii Q20 ANC headphones block out 85% of noise. With 60 hours of playtime, seal yourself in the music world with the comfortable design.

All three portable products support customizable EQ. Beyond 5 EQ presets, manually adjust the sound via Tronsmart APP to get the best music experience. And enjoy clear calls with friends via their built-in microphones for seamless conversations.

Tronsmart Mirtune S100 will be available in Black and Blue for $79.99/£79.99/€79.99. Sounfii Q20S will be available in November, 2024 for $49.99/£49.99/€49.99. And Sounfii Q20 is available now. Both headphone models are available in Black and White.

Get them at tronsmart.com, amazon.com, aliexpress.com, geekbuying.com and other Tronsmart authorized platforms.

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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