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Singer-Songwriter Sheena Legrand Releases Anthemic New Single “Heroes in the Making”

After devoting her musical journey to process and express her own personal life and revelations, Canadian contemporary songstress Sheena Legrand proves on her newest release that she can flawlessly push the boundaries of her own artistry. Her latest single, “Heroes in the Making,” is an inspiring pop anthem that explores the innocence and resilience of becoming the hero in your own story.

Along with producer Bryan Livaudais, Legrand wanted to write a hero-themed song. After overcoming her own initial hesitation, the singer-songwriter decided she wanted to write a song about a hero inspired by classic contemporary artists like Mariah Carey and Enrique Iglesias – despite how cheesy she thought they could often be.

“I hear these songs differently now since my dad passed away last year,” she says of the single. “‘Heroes in the Making’ is dedicated to him and all the souls out there who leave big shoes for their children to fill. Not because they were perfect or invincible, but because they set an example worth striving for.”

Serving as a heartfelt soundtrack to the relationship with her late father, Legrand says “Hero in the Making” is ultimately inspired by her father rising up to the role of being a great dad and supporting both his wife and children over the years.

She adds, “And just as children play and use their imaginations, I think of a world where everyone seeking to grow into their highest calling can see themselves as the hero in their own story. That this wild possibility brings out the best in each of us no matter the hardships we’ve lived through, and maybe even because of those hardships. That we somehow see the best in others, even when we’re lost or hurting. The more I live to hear the stories of others around me, the more my belief is strengthened. That’s what ‘Heroes in the Making’ is all about.”

The track initially began to come to life after Legrand enrolled herself in a songwriting course with Catch the Moon Music. As songwriters received monthly assignments and were instructed to collaborate with as many artists as possible, Legrand soon became curious of what might come out of her artistry if she collaborated with many different people. Soon, her collaboration with Livaudais was born, and the songwriting that followed was nearly effortless.

“It’s interesting that Bryan and I were never in the same room!” Legrand says. “We just emailed ideas and tracks back and forth and met over Zoom a couple times. I found it was a really easy co-write because he just seemed to get the concept right from the beginning. It was like he could read my mind, and everything just flowed. I think you can hear that in this track.”

Within the track, listeners will find a deeply emotional message supported by a reassuring contemporary pop musicality. As she balances delicacy and playfulness, strength and vulnerability, excitement and peace, Legrand’s musicality will undoubtedly move both the body and the mind.

Formerly known as Sheena Grobb until the release of her previous single “Green Light,” Sheena Legrand is a Winnipeg-based, Manitoba-born multi-instrumentalist, indie-folk/pop songwriter, and West Canadian Music Awards nominee. As she tackles her music career head on, Legrand also balances this with her side work as a public speaker who uses music, storytelling, and mindfulness to help schoolchildren who deal with mental health struggles, bullying, or low self-esteem. Additionally, she is also a part-time health coach who specializes in helping patients to survive autoimmune disease – something she has struggled with herself.

With the release of her two recent singles, Legrand is returning from a 10-year recording hiatus to serve as an empowering feminist icon within the Canadian music world. Within this new era of her artistry, Legrand is setting out to release Back To Life, her first full-length studio album since her three albums under the moniker Sheena Grobb. As she looks within and takes on an advocating role within her work, Legrand says this will be reflected on the upcoming album.

“I’m excited to share the full concept of Back To Life, and how it relates to the classic hero’s journey. More to come!”

Roots Musician John Dawson Speaks To Life’s Big Picture With “Things That I Meant To Say” From ‘Outlier’ Album

One of life’s bigger events is the birth of a child and the dichotomy that comes for parents. On one hand there’s the joy of seeing a little bundle of joy while on the other there is the fear and stress of how to look after and care for that same little bundle of joy. For John Dawson, his latest single “Things That I Meant To Say” serves as a credo to tell his child of the wholehearted love and support they’ll have regardless of what unexpected twists, turns or hurdles life has in store.

“The song essentially serves as a list of things I wanted to make sure my child knew no matter what challenges life presented to our relationship,” Dawson says. “It is also the picture of the ideal parent I hope to be as I moved into this new adventure: an example of unconditional and unwavering love ‘until my days are done.’ Above all, I believe it’s a song that serves as a reminder to me during those inevitably challenging times of that one thing which truly matters above all else: love.”

“Things That I Meant To Say” is lyrically economical as Dawson says so much in so few words, getting to the heart of the matter with an approach that recalls the late JJ Cale, Mark Knopfler or the underappreciated singer-songwriter Tim Easton. Dawson’s guitar work is accompanied by Anthony D’Angela on drums and percussion while bassist Manny DeGrandis rounds out the pristine piece of words melded with music. And the thoughtful middle instrumental section is just the icing on this enjoyable sonic cake.

Rest assured, for all it gives you,
The world can take as much.
But rest assured that it can’t take from you
What’s given you in love.

Though my love for you is yours, and yours alone
Remember: love freely shown is freely grown.

The single easily falls alongside such parent-child narratives such as Harry Chapin’s “Cat’s In The Cradle” and John Lennon’s “Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy),” intent on making each moment count, not waiting for the right or perfect time for a parent to express their love to their child.

“Things That I Meant To Say” is the latest single from Dawson’s new studio album Outlier. The nine-track effort, produced by Adam Brunner, features Dawson with D’Angela and DeGrandis on songs including the reflective, folksy “Life Just Came To Me” that brings to mind Ron Sexsmith at his finest. Meanwhile “Mend In My Ways” shows a simplicity few singer-songwriters can lay claim while the jazzy, roots instrumental “Merry and Pippin” shows another side of Dawson’s musical depth.

Dawson, who besides his music also co-hosts a weekly professional wrestling radio program called Ringside Heat, cites inspirations such as Eric Clapton, the late George Harrison, Paul Simon and Knopfler for crafting and shaping his musical career. He’s also a graduate of the Humber College Music program and graduated from York University with degrees in both Education and Music.

Now with his tender, straightforward new single “Things That I Meant To Say” and a studio album it’s clear John Dawson’s music is an outlier in the best way possible.

Folk Singer-Songwriter Erika Kulnys Courageously Speaks Out Against Domestic Violence On “Black Swan”

Singer-songwriter Erika Kulnys’ new single “Black Swan” is aching and melancholy, with introspective guitar and deeply heartfelt vocals that go beyond typical grief or sadness.

The song was written after an abusive relationship, one in which Kulnys suffered physical and emotional abuse. “It’s about reckoning with despair and finding the dawn after the long night,” she says.

The song was written and recorded over the course of not only a metaphorical journey, but an actual one. Kulnys began writing “Black Swan” at the Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival, and then finished it after finally leaving the relationship while traveling in the north of Ireland. She then recorded it in Habana Cuba at EGREM studios and Silvio Rodriguez’s Ojalá studio. The second guitar part is by Manuel Alejandro Vaillant, who she met while living in Cuba.

The song touches on the larger theme of her album Stand Together. Stand Together is about empowerment and solidarity, and Erika hopes this song raises awareness about same sex abuse, a subject that’s still taboo and remains largely untouched by the media. There are still significant barriers to lesbians seeking help. Lesbians often do not report abuse to police for fear of prejudice, and in many places, the law fails to protect same sex partners. Police often assume the abuse is mutual and are more likely to arrest both members of the couple. Women’s shelters and organisations may not be open to serving lesbians.

“Black Swan” captures a very harrowing point in Erika’s life, and the healing continues. “The abuse, and leaving, was incredibly hard,” she says. “I haven’t been the same since, but I have learned a lot about discernment, boundaries, and I am more prudent in giving my trust and my heart.” She adds, “May all people be respected and may women and trans people find the strength to leave abusive situations and develop good self-esteem and self-respect.”

How To Turn Spotify Streams Into Followers

Turning Spotify streams into followers requires a strategic approach to engage listeners and encourage them to become part of your growing fanbase. Here are some effective strategies to help you achieve this:

1. Optimize Your Spotify Profile

  • Profile Picture & Bio: Ensure that your Spotify profile picture is professional and eye-catching. Write a compelling bio that tells your story and includes a call-to-action encouraging people to follow you.
  • Social Media Links: Include links to your social media profiles and website in your Spotify profile so that listeners can connect with you elsewhere.

2. Use Spotify for Artists

  • Artist Pick: Use the Artist Pick feature to highlight a specific song, album, or playlist. This can direct listeners’ attention to your latest release or a song you want to promote.
  • Custom Canvas Videos: Add engaging Canvas videos to your tracks. These 8-second looping visuals can make your music more memorable and shareable.

3. Engage with Playlists

  • Submit to Playlists: Submit your songs to Spotify playlists that align with your genre. Focus on both official Spotify playlists and independent ones.
  • Create Your Own Playlists: Curate playlists featuring your music alongside other artists you admire. Promote these playlists on your social media to increase your reach.

4. Leverage Social Media and Content

  • Cross-Promotion: Use platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok to promote your Spotify tracks. Encourage your followers on these platforms to follow you on Spotify as well.
  • Share Behind-the-Scenes Content: Post videos, stories, and photos that give fans a behind-the-scenes look at your music-making process. Personal connections often lead to more followers.
  • Host Contests and Giveaways: Run contests where the entry requirement is to follow you on Spotify. This can incentivize streams and increase follower count.

5. Collaborate with Other Artists

  • Features and Collaborations: Work with other artists in your genre. When you collaborate, you expose each other’s audiences to your music.
  • Remix Projects: Create remixes of popular songs or collaborate with remix artists to tap into different audiences.

6. Encourage Playlist Followers

  • Highlight Playlists: Share playlists that feature your music and encourage listeners to follow those playlists.
  • Engage with Playlist Curators: Reach out and build relationships with playlist curators to feature your music regularly.

7. Utilize Spotify’s Marketing Tools

  • Spotify Ad Studio: Use Spotify’s Ad Studio to create audio ads promoting your music and encouraging listeners to follow you.
  • Spotify Codes: Create and share Spotify Codes that direct people to your music or profile. They can be scanned directly in the Spotify app.

8. Perform Live and Host Events

  • Virtual Concerts: Perform live sessions on social media platforms and encourage viewers to follow you on Spotify for exclusive content and updates.
  • In-Person Events: Host events or concerts and promote your Spotify account during these performances.

9. Engage Your Current Followers

  • Release Regular Content: Consistently release new music to keep your audience engaged and coming back for more.
  • Interact with Fans: Respond to comments and messages, and engage with fans who share your music.

10. Monitor Analytics and Adapt

  • Use Spotify Analytics: Keep an eye on your Spotify for Artists dashboard to understand listener trends and adapt your strategies accordingly.
  • Track Conversion Rates: Monitor how many streams convert into followers, and tweak your approach to improve these rates.

11. Offer Exclusive Content

  • Exclusive Releases: Offer exclusive tracks or early releases to your followers on Spotify.
  • Fan Clubs: Consider creating a fan club with perks that include special access to music and content for Spotify followers.

12. Collaborate with Influencers

  • Influencer Marketing: Partner with influencers who can help promote your music to their audiences, leading to potential new followers on Spotify.

By consistently applying these strategies and building authentic connections with your audience, you can effectively turn Spotify streams into followers, ultimately growing your fanbase and enhancing your music career.

Music in Video Gaming: An Outlook to 2024

By Mitch Rice

The Changing Landscape of Video Game Music

It is 2024, and the game has changed from its conventions! Video games are morphing fast from just cool graphics and captivating storylines. They will be the new-age concert halls that bring in a new way music will be felt right at the core. We are not talking about background scores here; interactive concerts and exclusive song releases throb your gaming headset with energy! Music always has an emotional power, which has to be influential through video games. It makes gameplay more exciting and enables players to experience the game more deeply.

 In 2024, music takes a leading role in helping with the narrative depth of games. Game developers are strategically embedding soundtracks into their storylines for maximum effect. This evolution mirrors the broader changes in music culture, including the rise of electronic dance music from subculture to mainstream, influencing various entertainment forms, including gaming.

For example, an epic orchestral score may surround the revelation of a major twist or be the backdrop to some frantic action. In contrast, a sad piano piece would be much more suited to moments of loss or reflection.

Adaptive Music in Certain Titles

These dynamic audio technologies, including adaptive music, have taken great strides. Adaptive music changes on the fly as one takes some action or decides to respond to the environment being presented. Examples of Adaptive Music Implementation:

The Last of Us Part II: This game title uses adaptive music for emotional moments; the score changes depending on the player’s interactions, thus providing an enhanced narrative experience.

Red Dead Redemption 2: Dynamic music changes with the player’s actions, whether combat or exploration of the large open world.

Ghost of Tsushima has an adaptive score. It modulates the player’s journey and changes intensity based on the action and emotional stakes.

Financial Aspects of Music Gaming

Participation in the music gaming world both raises financial barriers and creates opportunities. The high costs of development, licensing popular tracks, and distribution can form significant obstacles for developers.

For example, licensing a hit song can vary from $10,000 to over $100,000 for an artist, depending on usage rights. Yet the potential payoff comes from various fronts: actual sales or downloads of games and revenue through subscription models such as “Guitar Hero Live” or even advertising revenues generated through free-to-play versions supported by microtransactions. Games like “Just Dance 2024” benefit from the freemium model, whereby the core game is free, but features are charged for. An emerging monetization opportunity is the eSports industry, which attracts large online viewers even at amateur levels and can be converted into advertising revenues. This trend of diversified revenue streams is also seen in online gaming platforms like platincasino.es, which offers a range of casino games and betting options, catering to a growing market of online entertainment seekers.

Emerging Trends: Blockchain and NFTs

Blockchain Technology: This will revolutionize all copyright-related issues in the music industry. Smart contracts over a blockchain system such as Ethereum would mean that the distribution of royalties for all creators would be open, and everybody could equally distribute them.

NFTs: The trend is that some of these limited-edition game soundtracks are being tokenized as non-fungible tokens, opening up new revenue streams for composers and giving fans ownership of these digital assets. Take “Axie Infinity,” which experimented with NFTs that let players own unique assets within the game, such as music tracks.

In general, what remains genre-fluid for video game soundtracks will be the most reoccurring trend for 2024. Entire scores are new sub-genres exclusive to the video game industry, fusing multiple styles into one to create something never done before that would fit with the gameplay.

Well then, in the dark of the interstellar space of games and music, we arrive with an ever bigger role these days for artificial intelligence (AI). Advances in AI have also opened up new routes for musical expression in video game environments, where soundtracks can now react according to the player’s behaviors. All these live-performance technologies are breathing new life into game soundtracks, with virtual concerts gaining momentum. A good example is what Fortnite did by hosting a concert with Travis Scott that 27 million unique players joined; it showed how games can up the gameplay level but also provide artists with some of the most untraditional stages in making accessible a global audience.

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

New Study Finds Pet Acoustics Music Reduces Canine Stress in Kennels Better Than Classical Music or Silence

 Pet Acoustics, the pioneering force in animal-specific auditory products, proudly announces a proven discovery in the realm of pet care. A comprehensive biometric study has unequivocally shown that Pet Acoustics music reduces stress levels in dogs more effectively than classical music and no music, revolutionizing how we care for our canine companions in kennels and beyond.

UNPRECEDENTED FINDINGS:

  1. STRESS REDUCTION: Dogs exposed to Pet Acoustics music had less stress behaviors measured by the PetPace™ Smart Collar. The PetPace biometric collar worn by 12 dogs showed a higher heart rate variability (HRV), lowered pulse rates and calmer activity levels showcasing the profound impact of the Pet Acoustics tailored auditory experience. The study was collaborated with the Co-Founder of PetPace, Dr. Asaf Dagan.
  2. OUTPERFORMS CLASSICAL MUSIC: While classical music has been praised for its soothing effects, Pet Acoustics music, meticulously crafted for canine ears, outperformed classical compositions in reducing stress indicators, setting a new standard in pet care.
  3. IMPACT OF NO MUSIC: Dogs in the no-music group exhibited heightened anxiety and stress, with higher pulse rates, and more frequent stress-related behaviors, highlighting the necessity of auditory intervention for canine well-being.

COMPREHENSIVE STUDY METHODOLOGY:

This six-week groundbreaking study canines were recruited from Educated Canines Assisting with Disabilities (ECAD, Torrington, CT, US), an Assistance Dog International (ADI) accredited service dog organization. Lu and Dale Picard, Founders of ECAD, reviewed the study for animal welfare and safety considerations and based on the non-invasive biometric monitoring parameters and non-invasive music/ sound interventions agreed to have 12 service dogs in training participate in the study.

Janet Marlow, CEO and Founder of Pet Acoustics, states, “This is a monumental validation of our mission to enhance animal lives through scientifically-backed music. These findings, published and peer reviewed in the International Animal Health Journal highlight the critical importance of tailored auditory solutions for pets, and we are thrilled to lead this transformative movement.”  Watch our ten-minute study documentary on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3lRE0ZeBf8

IMPACTFUL IMPLICATIONS FOR KENNEL AND HOME MANAGEMENT:

The study’s results suggest that incorporating Pet Acoustics music into kennel environments can revolutionize stress management, creating a more serene atmosphere for animals and staff alike. This breakthrough offers an invaluable tool for kennel operators, veterinary clinics, and pet parents dedicated to optimizing the welfare of dogs under their care.

Babyface And SZA to Receive BMI Awards at the 2024 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards

BMI announced today that GRAMMY Award-winning singer, songwriter and producer Babyface will receive the BMI Icon Award at the 2024 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, on Thursday, September 5th. This honor recognizes his impressive career, marked by a formidable catalog of hit songs that have transcended generations and connected with audiences around the globe. In addition, GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter SZA will be presented with the BMI Champion Award in honor of her dedication and efforts in fostering the next generation of music creators. Hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O‘Neill and Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton, the private event will return to Los Angeles, CA for the first time in nearly ten years to be held at Fairmont Century Plaza.

“We’re excited to honor the legendary Babyface with the BMI Icon Award in celebration of his incredible talent and gift of prolific songwriting which has influenced decades of hits amongst all genres,” said Brewton. “We’ll also recognize the exceptional industry-shifting career of SZA, who challenges conventions and has a unique vibe that continues to transform and inspire a new feel of R&B that we have grown to love. It will be a phenomenal night of music celebrating BMI’s award-winning songwriters, producers, and music publishers that we’re so fortunate to represent.”

Throughout the evening, BMI will also salute the songwriters, producers and music publishers of the past year’s 35 most-performed R&B/Hip-Hop songs from BMI’s repertoire of more than 22.4 million musical works. The BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter, Top Producers, Producer and Publisher of the Year will also be named during the ceremony.

As one of the most sought-after songwriters and producers of our time, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds has contributed to over 800 million records sold and over 800 billion streams and has worked with the biggest names in music like Aretha Franklin, Janet Jackson, Kenny G, Lil Wayne, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, and Barbra Streisand to name a few. As the co-founder of the legendary LaFace Records, he’s helped launch the careers of Toni Braxton, P!nk, TLC, Outkast, Usher and more. He has also released three consecutive multi-platinum albums as a solo artist, including Tender Lover, For the Cool in You, and The Day, and in 2023, his most recent single, “As a matter of fact” reached #1 on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart, marking his first chart-topping single in 26 years.

Throughout his illustrious career spanning nearly five decades, Babyface has received many accolades including multiple American Music, Soul Train, and NAACP Image awards, and secured his 13th GRAMMY win in 2024 for Best R&B Song for “Snooze” by SZA. He received 63 BMI Awards and Song of the Year three times, BMI Pop Songwriter of the Year seven times and, together with his LaFace Records co-founder L.A. Reid, was named a BMI Icon in 2006. In addition, Babyface has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and The Apollo Walk of Fame, where he received the inaugural Legacy Award.

As the 2024 BMI Icon honoree, Babyface joins an elite group of music creators who have received BMI’s highest honor including James Brown, Al Green, Isaac Hayes, Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, LA Reid, Nile Rodgers, Snoop Dogg, The Jacksons, Busta Rhymes, Lil Wayne and more.

SZA is a GRAMMY Award-winning singer/songwriter who continues to set a new standard on creativity and songwriting by defying genres and shattering records with over 10 billion streams worldwide. In 2017, she released her major label debut album, Ctrl, to critical acclaim, launching SZA into stardom by landing at No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart, No. 2 on the R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart, and No. 3 on the Billboard 200 chart, where it remained for 371 weeks, the longest run for any Black female artist’s debut album. The RIAA-certified 3x Platinum album received five GRAMMY nominations, including Best New Artist. In 2022, she released her long-awaited sophomore effort SOS, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart and spent ten non-consecutive weeks on top. With the release of SOS, SZA peaked at No. 1 on the Billboard Artist 100 chart as the most popular artist across all musical genres, and No. 1 on the Hot 100 Songwriters chart. She also secured the most RIAA certifications of 2023 with 15 titles, including Top Album with 3x Platinum going to SOS and Top Single with 5x Platinum “Kill Bill.” SZA closed out 2023 as the most GRAMMY nominated artist of the year, subsequently winning Best Progressive R&B Album, Best Pop/Duo/Group Performance for “Ghost in the Machine,” and Best R&B Song for “Snooze.”

Over her impressive career, SZA has received four GRAMMY Awards, a Golden Globe nomination, and an Academy Award nomination. She has earned 10 BMI Awards, one American Music Award, six Billboard Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, six BET Awards, including Best New Artist in 2018 and Album of the Year in 2023 and received Billboard’s Women in Music Rule Breaker Award in 2019. In 2023, SZA was crowned the Woman of the Year at the Billboard’s Women in Music Awards, named Variety’s Hitmaker of the Year, WSJ. Magazine’s Music Innovator of the Year and received R&B Artist of the Year and R&B Song of the Year for “I Hate U” at the iHeartRadio Music Awards. In 2024, she received the Hal David Starlight Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In receiving this honor, SZA joins previous BMI Champion Award recipients including Inflo, Khalid, Mark Ronson, Residente, Sebastian Krys, Keith Urban and Lee Thomas Miller, who were honored for their commitment and efforts supporting the next generation of songwriters and music makers.

J Balvin and Cheetos Team Up to Support Latino Community and Search for Next Deja tu Huella Ambassador

After teasing the involvement of a music icon earlier this summer, Cheetos is revealing its partnership with international superstar and entrepreneur J Balvin for this year’s Deja tu Huella campaign.

Deja tu Huella, which translates to “Leave your Mark” in English, is a phrase known in Latino culture to celebrate the inspiring work people are doing in their community to uplift generations to come. With this rally cry as inspiration, Cheetos created the Deja tu Huella campaign in 2020 to celebrate those across the country who are leaving a mark on their communities through art, education, music, technology, fashion and more. For years, the brand has supported these individuals with funding and resources to continue pursuing their passions. Now, J Balvin is joining Cheetos’ mission, and the brand is welcoming him into the Deja tu Huella family in a way only Cheetos can: by sponsoring his iconic, orange-dusted fingertips.

J Balvin has undoubtedly left a long-lasting impact on the Latino community by bringing Reggaeton to the global stage, uniting people across the world through his music and helping the community through his Vibra en Alta Foundation. By giving back and uplifting the community, he aims to support the next generation by creating opportunities, fostering growth and ensuring a brighter future. He is now joining the brand to lead this year’s effort to inspire others to leave their own mark and help the brand find the next person whose fingertips Cheetos will sponsor as the next Deja tu Huella Ambassador. The Deja tu Huella Ambassador network includes 20 inspiring individuals who have leveraged their talents to make a positive impact in the Latino community. To apply, fans can either scan the QR code found on bags of limited-edition Cheetos Salsa con Queso or head to Cheetos.com/dejatuhuella.

“As a longtime fan of the Deja tu Huella campaign, it means a lot to me to team up with Cheetos to give back to the community that has given me so much throughout my career,” said J Balvin. “There are so many incredible people out here inspiring change and showcasing the beauty of our Latino culture. It’s about breaking barriers and pushing boundaries for the next generation. I’m honored to join Cheetos in supporting their campaign and share with others who are destined to leave a mark in their own unique way.”

To help spread the news of the Deja tu Huella campaign, Cheetos is releasing new TV commercials that can be watched here and here to accompany the partnership announcement. In the commercials, J Balvin shows off his Cheetle-covered fingertips with pride everywhere he goes – whether on the red carpet or out to dinner – and those around him notice the mark he’s left, demonstrating how his fingertips can empower and inspire individuals to leave their own mark. Fans can also watch the impact he’s made on culture in a new digital video here.

“Cheetos is committed to uplifting the Latino community to provide them with the tangible support needed to unleash their full potential and continue impacting their communities in big ways,” said Tina Mahal, senior vice president of marketing at PepsiCo Foods North America. “The impact J Balvin’s made through his music and work with his Vibra en Alta foundation will help shine light on a community that truly embodies Deja tu Huella’s spirit.”

This fall, during a can’t-miss fan and music experience as part of Billboard Latin Music Week, J Balvin and Cheetos will head to Miami to introduce the newest Deja tu Huella Ambassador.

Once announced, the new ambassador will hit the road with Cheetos in October on a three-stop community college tour to bring more visibility to their platform and help provide valuable resources to support career growth. The Cheetos Community College Tour will feature events and opportunities including Culinary Creator competitions and workshops, along with networking and mentorship sessions, and the PepsiCo Foundation will award scholarships along the way. Throughout the tour, Cheetos will reach and support thousands of students at Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) in Miami, Dallas and Los Angeles.

Applications to become the next Deja tu Huella ambassador will remain open through August 26, 2024. To apply, fans can head to the website or scan the on-pack QR code found on limited-time Cheetos Salsa con Queso bags, now available nationwide, or scan the on-pack QR code found on limited-time Cheetos Salsa con Queso bags, now available nationwide.

For more information about the campaign and how to get involved, visit Cheetos.com/dejatuhuella.

My SiriusXM Show This Week…

My SiriusXM show: Interviews with singer-songwriter James Bay with special co-host Blair Rotstein; Tom Bailey of the Thompson Twins; Kim Wilson of The Fabulous Thunderbirds; Jazz/RnB singer Kellylee Evans! Sat 8am + 4pm, Sun 12pm, Mon 12pm + 5pm, Wed 7pm (all ET), Channel 167 + on the app anytime!

Maui Music & Food Experience Announces a Star-Studded Musical Lineup Featuring Special Guest Mick Fleetwood

Hua Momona Foundation is excited to reveal the musical lineup for its inaugural Maui Music & Food Experience, taking place from September 5-7, 2024. The event will feature a host of acclaimed musicians, including special guest Mick Fleetwood of Fleetwood Mac. This multi-night celebration of music and culinary arts will raise crucial funding for food, housing, and mental health support for survivors of the Lahaina fire of August 2023.

For the First Annual Maui Music & Food Experience, organizers have brought together an impressive array of musical talent, creating a quintessential series of unique concert events.

Led by legendary Chicago musician and Experience Music Director Nicholas Tremulis, the roster of performing artists includes:

  • Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac)
  • Billy Cox (Jimi Hendrix Experience and Band of Gypsys)
  • Ron Artis II (participating in a special Jimmy Hendrix set)
  • Ronnie Baker Brooks
  • Wayne Baker Brooks
  • Keni Blue (participating in the Hendrix set)
  • Bernard Fowler (Rolling Stones)
  • Ernie Isley (Isley Brothers)
  • Darryl Jones (Rolling Stones)
  • Ivan Julian
  • Howard Levy
  • Ivan Neville
  • The Nicholas Tremulis 4
  • Charlie Sexton
  • Isaiah Sharkey

The Experience is especially meaningful to Mick Fleetwood whose Maui restaurant, Fleetwood’s on Front Street, was among the many businesses and homes to suffer from the devastating wildfires. His participation highlights the deep personal connection and commitment to the recovery efforts for the Lahaina community.

Attendees will also be treated to bassist Billy Cox’s triumphant return to Maui to celebrate his bandmate, Jimi Hendrix.

Also appearing in support of the Lahaina community will be popular local Maui music artists including:

  • Jason Arcilla & The Mad Steppas
  • Ron Artis II
  • Keni Blue
  • Naiwi Teruya & Kealii Lum
  • Sheryl Renee
  • Gretchen Rhodes Band
  • Brian Santana Band
  • Gail Swanson
  • Marty Dread
  • Vene Chun
  • Roger McKinley
  • Paul West

“We are thrilled to bring together such a unique and eclectic set of artists for the Maui Music & Food Experience,” said Gary Grube, Founder of Hua Momona Foundation. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see many of these artists and we encourage music lovers not to miss out. For those who can’t make it to the event, you can still support our efforts by visiting the Maui Music & Food Experience website. Every contribution helps us continue our vital recovery work for the Lahaina community.”

Experience attendees will enjoy exclusive benefits over the three-day event, including:

  • Thursday, September 5: “Night at the Farm” – An intimate night at Hua Momona Farms where our top patrons will welcome the artists to Maui; featuring chef stations, world-class wines and solo music performances.
  • Friday, September 6: “Celebration at The Ritz-Carlton Maui” – A gala at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, Aloha Pavilion, showcasing celebrity chefs, a live auction, and historic music performances.
  • Saturday, September 7: “Music at the MACC” – A one-of-a-kind outdoor concert at the Maui Arts & Cultural Center, followed by a special indoor concert in the Castle Theatre, including a tribute to Jimi Hendrix and the 1970 concert film Rainbow Bridge, filmed on Maui.

Check out the Experience website for attendance options and special donation packages.

Guests traveling to Maui for this event are encouraged to stay at The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua, the host resort for the Experience. The resort is offering a 30% discount for attendees who reserve with the booking code: FVJ.

The best way to support Maui’s recovery is to donate and/or visit. Maui is a world-class travel destination with so much to offer, and the Maui Music & Food Experience is a unique opportunity to both experience the island and support the Lahaina recovery.

Learn more about this extraordinary event and Hua Momona Foundation’s ongoing efforts by visiting www.mauimusicandfoodexperience.org.

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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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