Linda Washington: A Beacon of Hope and Strength for Cancer Survivors

Battling cancer is undoubtedly one of the most grueling and draining experiences anyone can go through. And while surviving the disease is a momentous achievement, it does not signal the end of a patient’s struggles. Unknown to others, survivors often face a plethora of challenges, especially trying to find some semblance of a normal life after her battle with cancer. Cognizant of this, Linda Washington dedicated her life to motivating others to keep going despite all the hardships. 

A lot of people look at cancer survivors as lesser individuals who deserve to be pitied; this is a common yet often undiscussed occurrence. Unfortunately, the inspiring woman has also encountered discrimination and prejudice like so many others.

Courageously sharing her story, Linda Washington said, “I lived through hell when I wanted to date again after breast cancer. I was belittled and talked down to and even told I needed to get used to being treated like this because I wasn’t a real woman anymore. It is a nightmare trying to date after breast cancer.”

These harsh words have brought intense pain and hurt to the breast cancer survivor. Yet, despite that, she did not let the negative memory define her. Instead, she decided to channel her creativity and turn her pain into art. Not only does this allow her to heal from her past trauma, but it also allows her to connect with others who may be going through similar experiences.

The impressive individual utilizes her incredible gift for storytelling to talk about her journey and spread awareness about cancer patients and survivors. As a singer-songwriter, she composes and performs captivating songs like “Missing You.” The multifaceted track highlights sadness and joy with its lyrics which talk about the loss of oneself and about finding love again. 

On top of its heartfelt message, the single has a smooth rhythm and melody that fills the hearts of listeners with hope and shows them they can still find love. It features Linda’s exquisite voice alongside the powerful vocals of the talented artist Superstar Lamar.

Aside from creating exceptional music, the proud mother of four has also written Forbidden And Broken Finding Love Behind The Scars. The book chronicles her battle with breast cancer. It details the emotional journey through her fight and her years as a survivor. But most importantly, the author generously shared her story to influence others to think of themselves as a person, not just a disease. 

To continue promoting her advocacies, the visionary has founded Strength of a Survivor, a platform where she can interact with her audience. One way that Linda Washington engages the community is through her weekly live streams. In addition, she does various events where she performs her music, such as Open Mics and Music Festivals. 

In all of her projects and ventures, the author and musical artist ensures to serve as a beacon of hope to all cancer survivors. As such, the extraordinary visionary remains committed to creating inspiring content as she champions her advocacies and widens her reach. 

Linda Washington will also release a new single called “Forever” that fans should look out for. This track is another collaboration featuring Superstar Lamar.

Simpatico: The Talented Artist Who Will Make You Fall in Love with Lo-Fi and R&b Music

Simpatico (real name Ruben Urena) is a South Los Angeles Musical artist and producer. Describing his style as ‘Lo-fi Electro-Chill R&B,’ the golden hour music, the young artist creates a dream world of sounds. It is a type of music that takes the listener to another level where he does not forget his problems one song at a time. Inspiring in his hometown, Simpatico’s music is beautiful and expressive. After a few years as a hobbyist, he decided to do his job for it in 2018. His first official single “Moonrise,” (2019) is a cool instrument with mindless vibrations in the atmosphere that are most appropriate at night in candlelight.

Ruben was introduced to the world of music at a young age, and his journey began. Like any other music lover, Urena’s journey began as a hobby. He often played while enjoying sunsets and cool nights. Music became his escape, and he did not know that he would become an Electronic producer and music artist in the future. His career began after finding a lo-fi or r&b and a house during his 20s. The spark led to a focus and dedication to something he loved so much.

His music often takes people away from their troubled heads and takes them to a world of luxury and music. Ruben has made a name for himself from thinking of music as a hobby to releasing songs that sing a few popular songs. The depth separates his music from all the hustle and bustle of the industry. For the past two years, Ruben has worked with some of the most popular names in the industry, including French producer LeDrips, a LA singer named Malsi, and others. In times of turmoil, the artist comes up with an excellent speech and an ear symphony.

In July 2019, the rising star came up with his first song called Moonrise which gave the audience nostalgic spacey vibes. It has been a favorite song of over 40K + listeners at one time or another. This encouraged him to spend more time in the area and the results came out in 2020. The years 2020 and 2021 were busy with effort, dedication, and some of the most remarkable achievements. He has released some great singles like, “I’m Tired of Playing”, “Jawline”, and “Tonight”. Of all the single songs he has released, “Tonight” is the most popular and hits the right songs of the authors. Ruben’s success was recognized and he had the opportunity to collaborate with developing French house producer LeDrips on “Miles Away” in 2020. His collaboration with LA singer Malsi on the song “Jawline” in 2020 was highly praised. In 2021, he also collaborated with the Honey + M. artist. In addition, he also collaborated with Duets’ (American television) singer Jason Farol on the song “Somewhere” released in January 2021.

Simpatico’s latest single, “Time ft. Sfundo,” is a lo-fi, sentimental track. Sfundo is a South African musician signed to UMG. “Time” is a track about reconnecting with a loved one after a long separation. The track’s components keep the listener interested in both the lyrics and the musical experience. It is a quiet, laid-back tempo with soothing vocals that recalls listeners relaxing in bed with their sweetheart. Simpatico does a fantastic job at establishing a friendly environment.

Keep up with Simpatico on Instagram and Facebook, and you can find his music on Spotify, SoundCloud, Apple Music and Google Play. And be sure to check him out on Instagram and send him some love for his tracks by visiting his website, or follow him on Instagram and Facebook.

Must-Watch Duo Dina and Artem on Dominating the Music Scene with Their Soulful Flair and Beautiful Melodies

Over the years, the music scene has witnessed numerous individuals establish themselves through their remarkable skills, outstanding stage performances, and incredible vocals. With thousands of household names in the industry, it can be difficult for aspiring musicians to stand out and build their reputations. Indeed, it would take something more than talent to succeed in the said field. In the case of up-and-coming artists Dina and Artem, it was through their burning passion for their craft that they were able to translate their visions into reality. 

Today, Dina and Artem stand side by side as they dominate the music realm with their powerful storytelling abilities through songs and melodies. The duo has captured the attention of listeners worldwide by tugging at their heartstrings and showcasing their soulful flair. With their amazing talent, beautiful voices, and unwavering commitment toward their craft, the two emerging artists prove what music is truly about. 

Dina has worked, written, and recorded with Oscar, Grammy, and Golden Globe-nominated songwriters and producers, such as Jud Friedman, Marco Marinengeli, Rick Allison, and Jeff Franzel. She is now working with talented pianist Artem Tenkeli, creating music she feels is 100% true to her artistic vision.

Meanwhile, Artem, who has been into music since he was only eleven, is widely acknowledged for his talent in composing. He is acclaimed for writing for movies and performances. The singer-songwriter is currently working on a joint project with Dina.

Dina and Artem’s journey kicked off when the two stumbled upon each other through an Instagram ad that the former had launched. A casual writing session over WhatsApp transformed into an unexpected songwriting partnership that crosses continents and all odds. Since that fateful day, the duo has been unstoppable at taking their music career to greater heights. However, their path to success was not immune to any obstacles and challenges. 

During the early part of 2021, Dina and Artem witnessed their lives turn upside down because of the pandemic. While this caused them some difficulties along the way, the duo never gave up. Instead, they treated their setbacks as formative experiences that strengthened their characters and fueled their love for their craft. 

When asked about what it is like to work with each other, Dina and Artem revealed that their individual goals and dreams have all come together like pieces of one puzzle. According to the power duo, they share an innate musical understanding that lays a strong foundation for the creation of something beautiful. 

In their music, Dina and Artem bring melodies to life and create tunes that push boundaries and break the mold. With their distinctive artistry, they are able to tap into the emotions of their listeners and touch their souls. Armed with the ability to resonate with their audience, they show what it means to be great artists. 

One of the duo’s first creations is “Call It Love,” a lyrical masterpiece flowing with vocal melodies that transport listeners across the musical spectrum. Currently, the release is taking over the national radio in the United States and is sitting at #43 on the Media Base Top 100. As a matter of fact, remixes by Stonebridge, The FifthGuys, and Klubjumpers are getting much support at Dance radio globally. 

With no plans of slowing down anytime soon, Dina and Artem intend to create more music that would create a meaningful impact on listeners from across the globe. Much can be expected from them as they continue to take significant strides toward the forefront of the industry. 

Artist and Songwriter Christine Sako Reveals Her Journey Into the Music Industry and Sheds Light on Her Latest Track

There is no greater sense of joy for an artist than having their craftsmanship and skills recognized by their peers. But the fear of judgment and harsh criticisms can often present an obstacle that holds them back from sharing their talents. Christine Sako, one of the emerging musical artists of this generation, went through a similar dilemma. But her wit allowed her to navigate around her fears, giving her the confidence needed to pursue a career in the music industry.

Christine Sako was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and she fell in love with music in 2002 when Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated” played on the radio. The infectious pop-rock track instantly projected an image in the would-be singer’s head of taking to the stage as a badass, guitar-wielding songwriter—an image that she would uphold in her career. Christine wasted no time trying to turn that image into a reality.

However, as she polished her craft, Christine found herself in a place that most songwriters face early in their endeavors: she was afraid that her peers would not appreciate her craft. Wary of judgment, the songwriter devised a plan.

Rather than ask what her friends thought of her original works, Christine would record her tracks and send them to friends on AIM under the guise of finding the songs online. She had been hoping to get objective feedback, and her wish was granted when their reviews came back with positive works. It was then that Christine knew she had to pursue her goals professionally.

In 2009, Christine Sako finally had the opportunity to take her platform to the next level when she toured with the indie-pop band Now, Now. From there, she would spend two years opening for bands like Paramore and Paper Route until she eventually decided to go back into solo ventures.

In 2012, the songwriter drove solo cross-country to San Diego, California, with her guitar and a 25 key MIDI controller. After settling into her new surroundings, Christine set off to work, writing and recording her first full-length album. She later released The Math Project in 2014, a hybrid of acoustic and synth-based pop inspired by the Cali vibe.

Christine made her comeback with new music nine years later, releasing a guitar-driven pop ballad “Sediments” and the upbeat indie-pop single “Seasoned.” The tracks showed listeners the evolution of her style. Christine aims to take her listeners on a journey through all the emotions with distinct vocals and beat-driven melodies. From catchy to melancholic, each song peels back layers in everyone, creating a relatable, easy-listening experience.

Christine Sako’s latest track, “Coda,” is about having a person return to your life, reopening a chapter that was once well-read and closed. With the doors reopened, the narrative is rewritten with previous topics and emotions revisited and transformed as new information is revealed and evocated. Yet despite the changes, the story’s outcome remains the same. 

The song’s crux is about being tired and wanting to move on. Yet despite the desire to let go, there is still underlying friction and a tugging in the direction of what we know will never end well. 

“Coda was written in the summer of 2021,” said Christine. “It was tracked and recorded in my home studio in San Diego, California. Synth bass tracks, vocals, drums, then more synths were added to create the entirety of the song.”

Motown Records and Google’s New Collaborative Venture Dedicated to Women of Color and Talent

Photo: AfroTech

On Friday, February 11, Motown Records revealed a collaborative venture with Google embodying its Black History Month tradition.

The Motown Records Creator Program Supported by Google (the name of the collaboration) seeks to inspire women of color employed within the dynamic music industry.

Motown and Google will team up to recognize and financially support “the next outstanding woman content creator, videographer, or creative producer/director.” The selected lady will be given a chance to team up with Motown executives and the label’s long list of clients.

In a statement, Motown R&B artist Tiana Major9 said, “As an artist, it is always a goal of mine to work with incredible women creatives and I believe that talent can truly come from anywhere.”

“I am so excited to work closely with Motown Records and Google on this Creator Program to help uplift emerging creators,” she added.

Participants must be women, 18 years and older, US-based and seeking to work for Motown Records as a Creative Collaborator from March to July. The application deadline is on March 8, 11:59 p.m. PT; it must be submitted online through the Changemakers program website.

The lucky person will be allowed to make content that narrates the tales of Motown Records’ women; Tiana Major9 included.

“Motown has always been a destination where creators come to bring dreams to life. In partnership with Google, this creative program will provide opportunities for women creatives to elevate and even further develop their craft. I’m looking forward to all of the diverse content from the selectees and partnering with a dynamic woman to create culturally driven innovations that connect globally,” said Ethiopia Habtemariam, chairwoman and CEO at Motown Records, in a statement.

“Google firmly believes that everyone deserves to see themselves equally in every room and throughout the media we consume. Through this partnership with Motown Records, we’re excited to help provide well-deserved resources to an aspiring woman music industry innovator to work alongside Motown’s vibrant roster of artists and influential label leaders, bringing their creative visions to life,” said Google entertainment partnerships lead Elle Roth Brunet.

Bad Bunny’s Catalog Songs Launches on Billboard’s Global Charts

Photo: Billboard

Bad Bunny has reached the global stage, dominating Billboard’s year-end chart for Top Latin Artists for three consecutive years and ruling sold-out stadiums and streaming platforms alike. Consequently, two of his unpromoted catalog songs that date 2019 to 2020 climbed up the global charts this week.

He launched one song on two different Billboard sectors: Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. US, at No. 163 on each roster on the February 12 listing. On the Billboard Global 200, he hits with “La Cancion” from his 2019 album in collaboration with J Balvin, “Oasis.” While “A Tu Merced” from “YHLQMDLG” in 2020 arrives in Billboard Global Excl. US charts.

“Cancion” beats “Merced” in global sales and streams, 11.9 million and 10 million, respectively, in this week, concluding on February 3. It is logical since “Cancion” launches on the Global 200 while “Merced” does not.

The average song on the global charts this week grossed 23% of its US Streams and 77% beyond. It’s a split of 27/73% for “Cancion,” while a 14/86% split for “Merced,” giving justice to the appearance of “Merced” on the Excl. US rankings.

In December, videos of Bad Bunny playing those songs in his native town Puerto Rico stadium concerts circulated on TikTok and gained millions of views for every footage. This helped skyrocket the consumption of these tracks.

Here is a list of songs by Bad Bunny that reached the latest global charts:

“Yonagui” – No. 40 Global 200; No. 30 Global Excl. US

“Lo Siento BB:/,” with Tainy & Julieta Venegas – No. 45; No. 38

“Dakiti” with Jhay Cortez – No. 63; No. 69

“Volvi,” with Aventura – No. 83; No. 73

“AM,” with Nio Garcia & J Balvin – No. 130; No. 115

“Volando,” with Mora & Sech – No. 150; No. 109

“La Cancion,” with J Balvin – No. 163 (Global 200 only)

“A Tu Merced” – No. 163 (Global Excl. US only)

Among the list of 8 songs, 6 ranks better on the Global Excl. US roster. This might be due to Bad Bunny’s Spanish-language discography and pan-Latin collaborations.

Only 2—“Dakiti” and “La Cancion”—are topping on the Global 200. “Dakiti” ranked high earlier on both charts, dominating Global Excl. US for five weeks and the Global 200 for three.

Charlie XCX Takes a Break from Twitter After “Angry” Criticism

Photo: Rolling Stone

On Thursday, English singer-songwriter Charli XCX revealed things about her current mental health issues, which she states have been heightened by unjust criticism for the release “Crash,” her latest album.

“I have been feeling like I can’t do anything right at the moment,” she wrote on Twitter, emphasizing that her supporters frequently make her feel “safe” even in the middle of the toxicity inside social media.

She added that she is specifically troubled by “angry” comments for the “Crash” campaign. “I’ve been grappling a lot with my mental health the past few months and obviously it makes negativity and criticism harder to handle when I come across it.”

She guaranteed that she’s working her “ass off” to offer listeners track she feel sure of, regardless of a few followers doubting the songs she’s issued from the album this far; singles “Good Ones,” “New Shapes,” which is in collaboration with Caroline Polachek and Christine and the Queens, and “Beg for You,” starring Rina Sawayama.

“In the meantime,” she concluded, “I’m thinking of just drafting tweets from a far [sic] when I feel like saying something and having someone else post them, just for a little while, because I can’t really handle it here right now.”

Despite the criticisms, Charli XCX, 29, mentioned that the “Crash” campaign has experienced a fair hit thus far, specifically in her native country.

“Good Ones,” her lead single, reached the highest-charting solo single in the UK after “Boys” in 2017, her collaboration with Joel Corry, Jax Jones, and Saweetie “Out Out,” on the other hand, marked her first-ever overall top 10 hit in England after “Doing It” in 2015.

Earlier this year, after its release, “Beg for You” ranked no. 29 in the UK, the highest rank Sawayama has reached on the British charts.

“It feels to me like one of those songs that comes on at the height of the party where you are a little bit f***ed up, you maybe want to cry, but you also want to dance,” said Charlie about “Beg for You” in an interview.

“When I was driving through LA listening to this beat for the first time, I felt a real sense of euphoria – but also this quite nostalgic thing. Because it’s a garage beat, it reminded me of being at home in the UK, at a house party with my friends who I’ve known since I was 12 years old.”

Taco Bell Super Bowl Commercial Includes Doja Cat’s Cover of Hole’s “Celebrity Skin”

Photo: Billboard

With the consent from Hole’s vocalist Courtney Love, Doja Cat has made her own rendition of the band’s hit “Celebrity Skin.”

Viewers spot the American rapper record her cover of the rock hit in 1998 in a behind the scenes clip for the forthcoming Taco Bell Super Bowl ad called “The Grande Escape.” It comes with a brief exposure of the revised lyrics that Doja worked on in collaboration with Love.

Us audiences also get snaps of the full production, where the pop singer is in full-face makeup together with the crew running away from clown college to go discover what “Live más,” the Taco Bell tagline, signifies to them.

“It’s no secret I’m a major Taco Bell fan which has made my role with this campaign all the more fun,” Doja Cat said in a statement on her Super Bowl commercial. “I’ve enjoyed every moment of this campaign, especially the ones where we get to break all the rules and look forward to continuing collaborating with the brand.”

“The Grande Escape” will be broadcasted on the fourth quarter of the NFL showdown between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, February 13. However, for those who want to listen to Doja Cat’s full version cover of “Celebrity Skin” by Hole, you can listen to the single on all the digital platforms beginning Friday.