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EarFun Unveils Three New Wireless Audio Products for 2024: UBOOM X Speaker, OpenJump Earbuds, and Tune Pro ANC Headphones

EarFun is introducing three new exciting wireless audio products for the remainder of 2024. Including a powerful portable Bluetooth speaker with JumboBass sound, an innovative take on open-ear wireless earbuds, and a high performing hi-res noise canceling headphone. EarFun has pulled out all the stops to deliver incredible values and stellar wireless audio options for the last half of the year.

EarFun UBOOM X Portable Speaker:

The UBOOM X is EarFun’s latest powerful and highly portable wireless speaker. Sporting a rugged design, the Bluetooth speaker has two 20mm tweeter drivers and a pair of 4-inch mid-woofers, pushing 80W of power – it’s most powerful yet. Using the featured proprietary JumboBass technology, you can enjoy maximum bass that doesn’t drown out the crisp treble signature and clear mids. You can use a single speaker or add additional UBOOM X wireless speakers and broadcast using the Party Connect mode for up to 50 total speakers. Further customize the sound using EarFaun’s Audio App.

The rugged portable speaker is protected from  the  elements  by  IP67  Waterproof & Dustproof certification and EarFun’s Sweatshield technology, and easily brought along with its handy carrying strap and lightweight profile. Turn on the UBOOM X and you’ll notice a dynamic multi-color LED that you can toggle to your liking. Not only does the speaker play up to 30 hours on a full charge via the USB-C port, the UBOOM X can charge external devices. While connected, your smartphone can answer with the speaker’s built-in microphone for a hands-free call.

EarFun OpenJump Open-Ear Wireless Earbuds

An ultra-lightweight, open-ear wireless earbuds aptly called the OpenJump is EarFun’s sporty addition to its award-winning selection of true wireless earbuds. The EarFun OpenJump dons a secure, flexible hook design that is both comfortable to wear and holds reassuringly during physical activity. Audio performance starts with the brand new 14.2mm Wool Composite drivers that deliver a rich, natural sound that immerses you across a wide spectrum of genres. With Hi-Res Audio and 3D Surround Sound, you can enjoy the highest levels of music fidelity and engrossing cinematic and gaming experiences. When connected to gaming consoles, the EarFun keeps latency ultra-low at less than 50ms.

The OpenJump wireless earbuds also bring battery-efficient Google Fast Pair tech for seemingly instantaneous connection times with compatible Bluetooth devices with minimal user effort. With the EarFun Audio App the OpenJump can seamlessly connect and maintain simultaneous connection with two Bluetooth compatible devices. If you’re connected to a speaker or laptop, you can still take calls and benefit from the sophisticated AI algorithm and 4 microphones to enjoy conversations without strain or excessive environmental noise.

EarFun Tune Pro Over-Ear ANC Hi-Res Wireless Headphones

For its final magic trick, EarFun is releasing an active noise canceling (ANC) over-ear wireless headphones with Hi-Res Audio titled the Tune Pro. Bringing the latest is wireless audio tech, EarFun includes Bluetooth 5.4, the fastest, most secure version yet. And with a total playback time of 120 hours, the Pro is a fitting name for EarFun’s most advanced wireless headphones. Experience outstanding hybrid ANC performance up to a robust 40dB. The hybrid active noise canceling also benefits from the Hi-Res Audio certification. This wide frequency range is brought to life with the premium 40mm diaphragms plus a pair of 10mm drivers. And whether listening to hi-res music or streaming media, the Tune Pro has a Theater Mode that creates spatial audio to enhance the experience.

The new wireless ANC headphones provide excellent ergonomics, with its fresh, sleek design. Staying secure and comfortable for hours. Using the Multipoint Connection there is no need to remove your headphones as you can toggle between connected sources. The Tune Pro benefits from EarFun’s Audio App to give you further control and customization over audio, features, and device management. Through the audio app, you can access the Game Mode to enable low latency to keep visuals and audio in sync. The Tune Pro also gives you the option to use the embedded wired AUX port for a direct connection.

Ellie Goulding Received The Perfect World Foundation’s Honorary Conservation Award

Photographer: Petra Björstad

Ellie Goulding was announced as this year’s recipient of The Perfect World Foundation Award, following in the footsteps of previous recipients such as Sir David Attenborough, Dr. Jane Goodall, and HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. This prestigious conservation award, presented annually by the wildlife and nature organization The Perfect World Foundation, honors individuals who have significantly contributed to the preservation of the planet’s wildlife and nature. The award ceremony took place on September 5 in Gothenburg, graced by the presence of Sarah, Duchess of York, who presented the award to Ellie Goulding.

With over 18 million albums and 140 million singles sold globally, resulting in 23 billion streams, Ellie Goulding has leveraged her significant social media presence of over 50 million followers combined to champion environmental causes. Her role as a Global Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and her active participation in major environmental summits, including three COPs, underscore her commitment to these issues.

Ellie Goulding’s passionate environmental activism was formally acknowledged by The Perfect World Foundation with the announcement as the recipient of one of the world’s most prestigious conservation awards, The Perfect World Foundation Award. The award is given annually to recognize a prominent individual for their significant contributions to conservation efforts and raising global awareness about the critical need to protect our planet’s wildlife, environment, and biodiversity. Ellie Goulding, the 11th recipient of this award, joined an esteemed group of past recipients including Sir David Attenborough, Dr. Jane Goodall, and HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco.

Upon being honored as this year’s recipient of the award, Ellie Goulding was also named as The Conservationist of the Year 2024. In a video accepting the award, Goulding expressed her humility, saying, “I don’t feel like I deserve it, but I will continue to do everything I can. The wildlife and biodiversity of this planet are under threat, with over 1 million species at the brink of extinction.”

Ragnhild Jacobsson, CEO and co-founder of The Perfect World Foundation, praised Goulding’s efforts: “Ellie Goulding is a respected force as a climate and nature champion. Her inspirational efforts to mobilize the youth in saving our planet’s biological diversity are admirable. We are proud to honor her as this year’s recipient.”

The award ceremony, which took place on September 5 in Gothenburg, was an event featuring celebrities, philanthropists, and conservationists gathering to celebrate Goulding’s philanthropy and raise awareness for global conservation efforts. Sarah, Duchess of York and global ambassador for The Perfect World Foundation, presented the award.

Ellie Goulding is passionate about reducing her own industry’s carbon and resource footprint and has worked hard to remove single-use plastic from physical album releases and merchandise. Her last UK tour was carbon neutral and she continues to set standards for decarbonisation and eco messaging in the music industry. She frequently incentivises eco action for her fans and believes strongly that everyone should be invited to choose a future on a healthy planet. `The climate and nature crisis is very serious,’ says Ellie, `but doom and gloom doesn’t work. We have solutions, ingenuity, community, and enthusiasm. I believe in positive action and in doing what you can right now.’

Established in Sweden in the early 2000s, The Perfect World Foundation focuses on supporting wildlife and nature in crisis and preserving local and global biodiversity. The organization actively spreads knowledge through various events and creates conditions for driving its own initiatives, as well as supporting a number of independent grassroots projects around the world.

The Perfect World Foundation Award has an impressive list of recipients: Ms. Kristin Davis (2023), HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco (2022), Dr. Dian Fossey (2021), Prof. Wangari Maathai (2020), Miss Greta Thunberg (2019), Sir David Attenborough (2018), Dr. Sylvia Earle (2017), Dr. Richard Leakey (2016), Dr. Jane Goodall (2015), and Mr. Mark Shand (2014).

Farm Aid 2024 to Be Broadcast Live on SiriusXM

Farm Aid announced today that its music, food and farm festival will be broadcast live on SiriusXM and streamed on FarmAid.org.

SiriusXM and FarmAid.org will feature music from the festival, as well as stories of New York farmers. Farm Aid 2024 is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 21, at Broadview Stage at Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs, New York.

“Farm Aid welcomes the passionate and generous audience that joins us from home each year,” said Carolyn Mugar, executive director of Farm Aid. “We’re grateful for the continued support of SiriusXM and for the ability to share the music from the Farm Aid stage and farmer stories with family farm supporters and music lovers everywhere.”

Farm Aid board member Margo Price also announced that she will join the stellar Farm Aid 2024 line-up, which includes fellow board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, and Dave Matthews (with Tim Reynolds), as well as Mavis Staples, Lukas Nelson with The Travelin’ McCourys, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, Charley Crockett, Joy Oladokun, Southern Avenue, Cassandra Lewis, Jesse Welles, Kontiwennenha:Wi and the Wisdom Indian Dancers.

Beginning at 12 p.m. ET, SiriusXM subscribers will be able to listen to the full Farm Aid 2024 festival on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse (channel 61) and Dave Matthews Band Radio (channel 30) via SiriusXM radio and on the SXM app. The live coverage also will include backstage interviews with artists and family farmers, hosted by SiriusXM’s Dallas Wayne and Ari Fink. All coverage will feature a behind-the-scenes look at Farm Aid 2024 and the organization’s year-round work to strengthen family farm agriculture. This marks the 15th year that SiriusXM has carried the show on satellite radio.

Farm Aid will livestream the full festival from the stage beginning at 11:30 a.m. ET with the Farm Aid press event at FarmAid.org and on Farm Aid’s YouTube channel. The press event, featuring Farm Aid artists and farmers from across New York, offers fans at home a special opportunity to experience a dynamic conversation between farmers and artists.

Farm Aid is partnering with digital fundraising platform Fandiem to inspire fans to give back for a chance to win the “Ultimate VIP Experience Trip.” Fans can donate to win online at Fandiem.com/farmaid for a chance at an all-expenses-paid trip to Farm Aid 2024, including two VIP Experience tickets with access to the VIP Experience club and more.

A very limited number of VIP Experience seats remain available and may be purchased online at farmaid.org/vip.

For event updates, follow Farm Aid on X (@FarmAid), Facebook (facebook.com/farmaid) and Instagram (instagram.com/farmaid), and visit farmaid.org/festival. Festivalgoers are encouraged to use the hashtags #FarmAid2024 and #Road2FarmAid to join the conversation on social media around this year’s festival.

Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp, Dave Matthews and Margo Price host an annual festival to raise funds to support Farm Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. For more than 35 years, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised nearly $80 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

Fender Introduces the Mustang Micro Plus, Expanding Innovative Pocket-Sized Amp Range

Today, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) launches the latest addition to its widely-acclaimed Mustang amplifier series, with the release of the Mustang Micro Plus. Building on the success of the The Mustang Micro, this latest iteration takes affordable personal guitar amplification to the next level, right in your pocket, with a wide selection of innovative tones, amp models and effects from the acclaimed Mustang Series amps.

Forming that latest part of the acclaimed Mustang amp series, the Mustang Micro Plus is Fender’s most versatile on-the-go amplifier. With over four hours of continuous play time, it can be plugged directly into your favorite Fender guitar while connected to wired headphones, allowing you to play anywhere without disturbing others.

The Mustang Micro Plus takes everything players love about the Mustang Micro, to the next level. With 25 amp and 25 effects models straight from the Mustang Series of amps, it makes it quick and easy to get iconic Fender tones anywhere; players can effortlessly select from a variety of presets tailored to their musical style.

Boasting 100 fully editable preset slots with Fender Tone App support, the Mustang Micro Plus offers unparalleled customization. Featuring an integrated tuner and a clear display, this amp ensures everything a player needs to jam is right at their fingertips. The built-in Bluetooth audio streaming lets you play along with your favorite songs or videos in real-time. As the ultimate personal guitar amplifier, the Mustang Micro Plus delivers high-quality sound anywhere, anytime, without compromise.

“We’re incredibly excited to unveil the latest evolution of our widely-acclaimed Mustang amplifier series with the introduction of the Mustang Micro Plus”, said Justin Norvell, EVP Product at FMIC. “This new addition represents a significant leap forward in both technology and user experience, offering unparalleled versatility and tone in an incredibly portable package. The Mustang Micro Plus is designed to inspire musicians at every level, providing a powerful, intuitive, and accessible way to create and explore new sounds. We can’t wait to see how this innovative amp will ignite creativity and elevate performances around the world.”

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

  • 25 amp models and 25 effect models: Extensive combinations allow players to experiment with versatility to tailor their sound for any genre or style, from smooth jazz cleans to aggressive metal distortion, enhancing creativity and expression.
  • 100 editable presets: Musicians can save time and instantly recall their favorite amp and effect settings. This feature is particularly valuable for performers who need quick access to different sounds during a set, as well as for those who want to experiment and perfect their tones.
  • Integrated display with onboard tuner: The display makes it easy to navigate settings and presets, while the onboard tuner ensures that the guitar is always in tune, which is crucial for sound quality and note accuracy.
  • Compatible with Fender Tone: iOS and Android app as well as Bluetooth audio streaming with audio/ video sync for playing along in real time, enhancing practice sessions.

MUSTANG MICRO PLUS ($149.99 USD, £149, €169, $289 AUD, ¥23,100 JPY) Mustang Micro Plus takes everything players love about Mustang Micro to the next level. With 25 amps and 25 effects onboard, Mustang Micro Plus is the ultimate personal guitar amplifier. Micro Plus features 100 editable preset slots with Fender ToneApp support, an integrated tuner, and display. Everything you need to jam is built right in. Just plug Micro Plus directly into your guitar jack, connect a pair of ear buds or headphones, choose from a selection of amazing factory presets. And with built-in Bluetooth audio streaming, you can jam along to your favorite songs or guitar videos in real time.

Dierks Bentley To Introduce ROW 94 Whiskey

Country music superstar Dierks Bentley is proud to introduce his first whiskey, ROW 94, made at the historic Green River Distilling Co. in Owensboro, KY. Using only Three Ingredients and The Truth, ROW 94 reflects Bentley’s dream to create a bourbon that he and his fans can enjoy on the big nights and everyday gatherings, amplifying the country in us all. ROW 94 ($39.99/750ml) launches this September across select states, including Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida, Colorado, and Arizona, with additional states slated for 2025. It is also available nationwide for purchase at ROW94whiskey.com.

“A lot of years of thinking, researching and trying different whiskeys went into creating ROW 94,” says Bentley. “It’s been an evolution – from drinking basically any whiskey handed to me back in college, to it becoming something I enjoy tasting and sharing with friends. I knew I wanted 94 proof because I like some bite, and that I wanted it aged for at least four years since that’s when it starts to taste best to me. ROW 94 is a serious whiskey that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I’m glad we finally get to share it.”

Distilled at Green River Distilling Co., founded in 1885 and renowned as the 10th oldest licensed distillery in Kentucky, ROW 94 is crafted with Three Ingredients and The Truth – premium grain, purified Kentucky limestone water, and cultivated yeast. “Through the process, I visited a lot of distilleries and we ended up partnering with one of the greatest in Kentucky,” says Bentley. “It’s been so much fun to be part of the ‘backstage crew’ and learn what it takes from start to finish and get to know the people who work there – it’s a uniquely American process in a lot of ways.”

Made with 70% Kentucky-grown corn, 21% rye, and 9% malted and row barley, ROW 94 is a 94-proof whiskey aged for 4 years in new White Oak barrels with a level 4 char that penetrates deep into the staves for greater complexity and character. It boasts heavy notes of vanilla and toffee to start with a subtle green apple flavor underneath. The whiskey finishes with hints of honey and tobacco.

“Dierks’ passion for whiskey and doing things the right way was evident from the first time we met him,” says Mark Erwin, CEO Bardstown Bourbon Company and Green River. “He loves the Green River Distillery and wanted it to be the home for ROW 94.  We are excited to be partnering with him and his team on this great brand and look forward to seeing what they can do with this great liquid.”

ROW 94 is named in part for the year Bentley moved to Nashville and began his journey into storytelling and entertaining, as well as Nashville’s Music Row. It is where he still resides with his family. The brand logo is the thunderbird, a symbol near and dear to Bentley’s heart, which fans may still remember gracing his landmark album, Riser. The thunderbird is an emblem of strength and an ode to everyday people that believe in hard work, truth, pride, freedom, optimism, fun, and making the most of every day.

Personalize Your Sound and Your Style: Technics Award-Winning EAH-AZ80 True Wireless Earbuds Launch in Midnight Blue

Technics, a renowned name in audio technology, is today expanding the color variations of its award-winning EAH-AZ80 TWS earbuds, giving consumers even more opportunity to personalize their sound and their style.

With numerous awards and impressive star ratings across many prestigious publications, the EAH-AZ80 is a top choice for audiophiles and music enthusiasts alike. The addition of the new Midnight Blue serves to further its appeal.

High-quality audio to match your style
Already available in Silver and Black, the EAH-AZ80 is highly rated not only thanks to the stylish ergonomic design — including a high-quality aluminium case which will now come in Midnight Blue— but because its cutting-edge features and unparalleled sound quality have set a new standard for true wireless earbuds.

From natural sounding vocals for acoustic music fans to powerful bass for rock and dance music fans and everyone in-between, the EAH-AZ80 earbuds give users a rich, immersive, and expansive sound with smooth and detailed highlights, perfect for music lovers.

To help you lose yourself in the music even further —or zone into a meeting— the EAH-AZ80 features Technics’ proprietary Dual Hybrid Noise Cancelling Technology. The result is high-quality noise cancelling that can be adjusted in line with the surrounding environment — whether at home or on the move, Technics’ no-latency processing means you will never miss a beat.

Other stand-out features include Multipoint Connection to up to three Bluetooth devices simultaneously; JustMyVoice technology to suppress surrounding noise so that your voice is captured clearly; and single bud operation.

Your earbuds, your rules
Whether you choose the Black color way to match your sleek outfits, the Silver to standout against your hair, or the new Midnight Blue for a touch of sophistication, the EAH-AZ80 allows you to take personalization beyond just looks.

The Technics Audio Connect app for smartphones makes it easy to configure and control EAH-AZ80 wireless earbuds, offering voice assistant compatibility and customization of noise cancellation and sound mode settings.

“Natural Ambient” mode captures all surrounding noise, allowing you to listen to music or talk on the telephone while paying attention to your surroundings. “Attention” mode captures sounds in the human voice frequency range, ensuring you can hear human voices nearby, such as announcements at the airport or a family member’s voice at home, while reducing other, unwanted external noises.

Also, equipped with a wear sensor that pauses playback when the earbuds are removed from the ear and automatically resumes when they are put back in, users can truly take control of their sound with the EAH-AZ80 earbuds without losing their premium audio experience.

All-day comfort, all-day power
The EAH-AZ80 earbuds are designed for life. And the new Midnight Blue color way allows you to match your sound to your style with all the comfort technology, long battery life, easy charging and water resistance the EAH-AZ80 earbuds have become known for.

For a premium wearing experience, the EAH-AZ80 earbuds feature a specially shaped housing that aligns with your ear’s concha, improving stability without adding pressure to your ears. With up to 25 hours of music playback with the cradle you can enjoy music, take calls, or join meetings all day in comfort.

And for when you do eventually run out of power, Qi Wireless Charge support makes it easier than ever to get back to the music.

You can also take the Technics true wireless earbuds virtually anywhere. The EAH-AZ80 earbuds boast water resistant performance in line with the IPX4 standard and are unharmed when splashed with water from any direction. So, whether you’re working up a sweat on a run or caught in the rain, your new Midnight Blue EAH-AZ80 earbuds will never miss a beat.

The EAH-AZ80 in midnight blue will be available at the end of September at Amazon, Crutchfield, Best Buy and Technics.com for $299.99.

Technics Launches Its First-Ever Wireless Speaker System, the SC-CX700, for the Style-Conscious Music Lover

Renowned Hi-Fi brand Technics debuts the SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System at IFA 2024. Combining Technics’ legendary audio expertise with elegance and style, the SC-CX700 redefines the concept of a modern entertainment system — letting users experience music like never before.

Available in three colors (Charcoal Black, Silky Gray and Terracotta Brown), the wireless speaker system is crafted from a stylish suede material that’s easy to integrate into any home aesthetic. This not only looks good, but it also serves to dampen any unwanted sound reflections for the ultimate acoustic performance.

Never one for style over substance, Technics’ first compact active wireless speaker system is also jampacked with its highly acclaimed audio technology and engineering, offering superb sound clarity as well as state-of-the-art connectivity.

Offering richer sounds and clearer melodies, the SC-CX700 is a lifestyle focussed product that aims to elevate the universal emotional journey people go on when they listen to music. Whether that’s feeling inspired when hearing the clear intricacies of a well-composed classical piece, or feeling energized by thumping bass, the SC-CX700 delivers an unparalleled musical experience that is more immersive and impactful than ever before.

“An ideal choice for premium audiophile performance while keeping lifestyle elegance and ease of accessibility at the forefront, the SC-CX700 brings together Technics highest advancements in sound quality to a variety of entertainment and media sources.”

“To sum up, the SC-CX700 is a top performer that may set a benchmark for others to follow in the active speaker system category.” comments Bill Voss, Technics Business Development Manager, US

Instant setup, immediate enjoyment

A truly flexible ‘plug and play’ system, the SC-CX700 can be used as a standalone Wi-Fi streaming speaker, as a compact, yet grown-up Hi-Fi system —thanks to the integration of an amplifier and speaker in one box, known as an ‘active’ speaker— or it can be used in place of a soundbar on your TV with seamless integration to TVs with HDMI ARC input.

This active wireless speaker system can also be placed anywhere in a room and still achieve incredible sound quality.

Gone are the days of needed to re-arrange your space to get the best from your audio system. Thanks to Space TuneTM, which optimizes audio performance and spatial acoustics no matter where the speakers are placed in the home, users can have the best of both worlds — keeping their homes’ aesthetics without sacrificing audio quality.

So, whether you are in a smaller apartment with lots of soft furnishings or a large echoing space, the SC-CX700 adjusts to suit you not the other way around, making it the perfect choice for music enthusiasts who want unparalleled audio quality, without the usual fuss.

The SC-CX700 is also as simple to use as it is to set up thanks to the newly designed, hand-held Infrared remote control and the new Technics Audio Center app (TAC). Available on both Android and iOS devices, TAC gives access to the full variety of system settings for personalized sound and comes with a new, simplified setup configuration.

And with built-in integration with the Google Chromecast platform, users can get access to a wide range of streaming services including Spotify, Tidal, Qobuz, Deezer, Amazon Music HD, as well as internet radio with ease.

Sleek design, superior sound

The perfect combination of style and function, the SC-CX700 was designed without compromise. It houses all of Technics’ legendary engineering and audio technology while maintaining a sleek design, making it the ultimate purchase for any style conscious music enthusiast.

Technics’ proprietary, full-digital JENO amplifier technology with the coaxial driver, including a Smooth Flow Diaphragm, delivers stunning, dynamic sound to fill any room.

Meanwhile, the new Model-based Distortion Cancelling (MBDC) technology allows unparalleled motion control of the driver for ultimate sonic purity – even at very high sound pressure levels.

In fact, all moving parts of the SC-CX700 have been optimized to create the clearest, most realistic sound possible. The Balanced Driver Mounting Architecture (BDMA) and the sophisticated, separate enclosure structure for the driver chamber and the amplifier housing keeps the whole speaker enclosure silent and free of vibration for a purer sound.

A Smooth-Flow bass port also elegantly integrates with the overall design for tight, powerful bass that any dance music fans will love.

And for those who appreciate a more retro approach to their musical experience, a built-in Phono Equalizer allows for easy hook-up with a Technics turntable for low-noise, high-quality audiophile vinyl playback.

“The SC-CX700 is so thoughtfully designed, with app driven simplicity of operation at your fingertips, it might be the last Hi-Fi system one will ever need! It truly is a conquest of premium sound, stylish design and A/V connectivity” comments Bill Voss, Technics Business Development Manager, US

Sustainability in every box

To reduce environmental impact of our packaging while ensuring that Technics products are fully protected throughout their journey to consumers, the new packaging for the SC-CX700 Wireless Speaker System is free of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS).

The packaging is now made of smart shaped cardboard, maintaining safe protection of the product and accessories, while also allowing ease of removal and storage.

While the SC-CX700 expands the Technics Premium Class portfolio —joining high-performance compact audio systems, including all-in-one devices such as the SA-C600 and SC-C70MK2— Technics is also working to expand the use of eco-packaging to other line-ups.

The SC-CX700 Smart Active Speaker System will be available in December for $2999.99 at Technics Hi-Fi dealers.

Photo Gallery: Hootie and the Blowfish with Collective Soul and Edwin McCain at Toronto’s Budweiser Stage

Hootie and the Blowfish

All photos by Mini’s Memories. You can contact her through Instagram or X.

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There’s An Appian For That: To Cinzia And The Perfect Nines, All Roads Lead To “Rome”

Cinzia Moniaci didn’t need Judy Garland to teach her there’s no place like home. Check out “Rome”—the latest single from her band, Cinzia and the Perfect Nines—on which the Italian-born L.A. transplant imparts the thrill of waking up to find herself in “the city alive,” with the “beauty all around” signaling she has landed in Paradise itself. And when the irresistible chorus hits, her nativist joy explodes into the kind of full-on boosterism that could land her a job with the tourism board:

Rome
Opening my mind
Coloring my soul
With its beauty never-ending
Always trending
Wakes me up inside
Makes me feel alive
And I can’t believe I get to call her home

As if her stance needed reinforcing, Moniaci even slips in a few lines sung in her mother tongue during the song’s outro vamp. Meanwhile, there’s a separately recorded version of the song, “Roma,” that’s performed entirely in Italian. But since a picture is worth the proverbial thousand words, the Perfect Nines have also shot a companion music video that’s a mouth-watering travelogue of Roman sights and locations. One watch, and you’ll want to book your flight immediately … as soon as you’re done listening, that is.

The whole package is a transcontinental slam dunk for Moniaci, guitarist Rico Quevedo (with whom she partnered up in their previous band, Bionica) and guest lead guitarist Ermanno Fabbri. The vibe they’ve all captured on “Rome” is an infectious hybrid of radio-rock anthemry and hip-swaying Mediterranean flair—and in its way, that sound is the perfect encapsulation of the band’s own story. Moniaci relocated to Southern California from Italy in the late ‘90s, and in the ensuing years, she and Quevedo have maintained a strong live presence in both environments, with shows at Saint Rocke and Sangria in Hermosa Beach, the Hotel Café in Hollywood, Zelo’s World in Monaco and Kogin in Turino, Italy.

The group’s self-titled debut album dropped in 2009, yielding tracks like Don’t You Worry and Life Goes On, and they’re currently hard at work on their second. If that seems like a long wait, it’s honestly amazing they’ve been able to find the time at all. Moniaci has a thriving business as a fashion designer, having founded the company Moni Moni, which specializes in luxury handbags and accessories. She’s also worked as a fashion correspondent for top publications like GQ and InStyle. (Is it any wonder all three musicians look great in the “Rome” video?) And that’s not counting her stints providing music for TV shows from Dawson’s Creek to Charmed to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, or her parallel recording career as a solo artist: Her rendition of Jules Shear’s “If She Knew What She Wants,” made famous by The Bangles, was a hit in the U.K.

So no, it’s no big surprise that the country that gave us the Renaissance would produce a true Renaissance woman. Cinzia and the Perfect Nines are more than a mere vehicle for a restless fashion designer’s artistic curiosity; nor are they just a wryly named bunch of modern rockers with a personal yen for the Eternal City. They’re like Rome itself: timeless, zesty, and perpetually engaging in a way that’ll keep you coming back for more. Have your passport ready.

Toronto Artist Elisa Rose Highlights Autism with ‘You’re My Everything’ & Sept. 12 Benefit Concert

There have been great strides in autism awareness in recent years. But more still needs to be done to ensure there’s support for those on the spectrum as well as their family and friends. For Toronto classical crossover singer Elisa Rose, autism has impacted her family as her son has the condition. Now Rose has taken inspiration from her beloved child with her latest single “You’re My Everything,” a sweet, affecting track that could bring a smile and a tear to one’s eye simultaneously.

Soprano vocalist Rose will perform alongside Songsbury and Elvis tribute artist Bruno Nesci at a benefit concert for Surrey Place on Sept. 12 at The Venetian Banquet Hall in Concord, Ontario; Tickets are $85 and include an open bar and l’antipasto bar. Tickets available here.

The singer says the song’s seed was planted when she covered the song “I Won’t Let You Down” in 2019 for an American Autism organization. “I wanted to celebrate autism awareness here in Canada with a special song,” Rose says. “I composed ‘You’re My Everything’ with singer/songwriter Matt Zaddy dedicated to my son who is on the autism spectrum.”

“You’re My Everything” strikes a deep chord on each listen as Rose’s clear and almost ethereal delivery glides over the gentle, almost magical, cinematic arrangement. The song, produced by Charles Di Raimondo, addresses all the hopes and dreams Rose has for her son alongside the worries and challenges that could await him. In the end, Rose’s performance is spectacular and honest, recalling a singer like the angelic Sarah Brightman working with David Foster.

I love to hear you sing so strong you talk about the things you love
Making me so very proud you’re my everything
Through all the hardships we rose above with open arms and lots of love
Proud to be your mama you’re my everything

Rose says she had a tough time initially finding an appropriate title for the song but eventually it came to the surface. “I remember not having a title for the song, but as Matt and I were working on it, we kept stumbling on ‘you’re my everything’ that I had repeated,” she says. “So, we agreed that would be the title. When working on the song’s final mix before recording it in the studio, Matt and I were nearly in tears at how beautiful the lyrics were.”

Rose, a soprano vocalist who has released classical, pop and crossover music for two decades, will sing at a benefit concert Sept. 12 at The Venetian Banquet Hall in Concord, Ontario. Part of the ticket sale proceeds go to Surrey Place, a Toronto non-profit organization which helps people of all ages with developmental disabilities, special needs and autism. Rose will perform on a bill with Songsbury and Elvis tribute artist Bruno Nesci. Tickets, $85, include an open bar and l’antipasto bar. The concert, which begins at 7 p.m., will be hosted by Giuseppe the MC.

Rose says “You’re My Everything” deals with the roller coaster of emotions families coping with autism have. “Living with autism and being an autism parent is different and unique,” she says. “With a lot of support and love they can, to quote my song, ‘fly and spread their wings, conquer the world, and take in all the beautiful things.'” In short, Elisa Rose has put everything into this moving, honest and emotional single.

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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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