Cloud House Takes the Industry by Storm With Its Scottish Roots

Over the years, the music landscape has evolved into one of the most lucrative industries brimming with highly talented individuals and extremely creative souls. With the growing number of artists and musicians on the scene, it has become apparent that skills alone are no longer sufficient to establish a solid reputation and long-lasting legacy. As a matter of fact, only those who are passionate enough to create a meaningful impact with their songs and music can truly stand out. Such is the case with Cloud House, an emerging force that has been gaining traction because of its incredible artistry. 

Heavily determined to share its music with the world, Cloud House believes in going the extra mile to create something that would resonate with listeners on a whole other level. As one of the foremost advocates of originality and authenticity, the band always makes it a point to incorporate its distinctive flair into its songs. In this way, it can distinguish itself from the rest of the players in the industry, proving that it has what it takes to land among the musical greats. 

Hailing from Glasgow, Cloud House is recognized as one of the alternative pop/indie rock bands that have been making significant waves in the industry as of late. Taking pride in its Scottish roots, the band makes it a point to create music that is reflective of Scotland’s rich culture and practices. The group draws inspiration from artists like Biffy Clyro, Snow Patrol, Green Day, Inhaler, and Sam Fender. This is actually demonstrated through its distinctive, signature sound of catchy guitar riffs and raw, heartfelt lyrics. 

Last 2021, Cloud House was able to reach many milestones in its journey. That year, the band released its debut EP, Days Changed, alongside a vinyl release for the same. Recently, it performed in front of a sold-out headline show at the King Tut’s Summer Nights Festival, which became a pivotal point for the emerging band. They also played with a fellow rising band called Cassia at St. Luke’s. 

With its stellar performances and impressive flair, Cloud House has garnered loyal fans who cannot seem to get enough of the band’s releases. Even esteemed musical critics have sung nothing but praises for these talented musicians, with Clash magazine citing the band for a “genuinely impressive live set.” Furthermore, The Weekender named Cloud House “one to watch in 2022.” 

Aside from Cloud House’s live performances, it has also captured the attention of the online community with its music videos and single releases on mainstream music streaming platforms. Currently, Cloud House is preparing for a number of higher-profile gigs and festival slots that is sure to leave a positive impact on the music industry. 

Much can be expected from Cloud House as it continues to elevate the Scottish music scene. The band is now booked on multiple sold-out shows and festivals across the United Kingdom with high-profile events such as supporting The Luka State on their EU tour and preparations for their biggest headline show to date at Stereo, Glasgow, which will be held on the 30th of July.

Indie Band Letting Up Despite Great Faults Shares the Profound Messages behind Their Dreamy Music

Whenever people talk about their frustrations with dating and the uncertainty of dating apps, in particular, there’s a lot of chorus on how toxic things can get when relationships go unchecked. Unrequited love, assumptions gone wrong, and a slew of other relationship problems can cause more harm than good. 

“And I can’t disagree. Month-long flings and one-night stands are fun for a while but eventually, you just want to be madly and hopelessly in love,” says the founder of the band Letting Up Despite Great Faults. 

According to Lee, he said that the idea of “forever” is one he still has trouble embracing his head around. Just recently, he watched as his cousin vowed eternity and forever to a very sweet, charming, and beautiful girl and asked himself: “How can someone be that blindingly optimistic? Because, the truth is, when it comes down to it, ‘for better or worst’ is not something that we should sign up for or a promise that I think the majority of those who pledge ‘I do’ really means. Nevertheless, it’s a beautiful thing to be in the midst of—the kind of resplendent love that overtakes practicality and makes you do crazy things, like a vow to be with one person forever,” shared the soulful artist.

In their latest single from the shoegaze project, Letting Up Despite Great Faults captures this all-consuming, all-encompassing feeling and the complicated dance of finding someone who—in a hopefully slightly less toxic than Jerry Maguire way—would “complete us.” Letting Up Despite Great Faults is a band based in Austin, Texas, and has long been creating blissful fuzzed-out indie and dream pop music that gives rise to a unique feeling of longing. 

Gemini,” the lead single from their first full-length in seven years, preserves that one-of-a-kind tradition beautifully. Their songs, available on Spotify, are characterized by a backdrop of dreamy synths that perfectly encapsulates the moody haze of being in close devotion to another human being.

“I don’t mind if I bruise my knees to ask your hand / But you always lift me so I can see every part of me / Will you be my Gemini with me all the time?” says the lead singer Mike Lee in a whispered voice. “We are in constant movement, forever trying to find pieces that fit us. Ursula, one of our favorite directors here in Austin, tells that story through dancers Aiden Rogers and Charlie Blaine,” shares Lee about the music video.

“Gemini” comes from the band’s record titled IV. This self-produced album was mastered by Slowdive’s Simon Scott, an English musician and a renowned drummer who knows a thing or two about fuzzed-out shimmery music.In the video for the track, two people figure out their interlaced relationship by doing a gorgeously choreographed and intimate dance. Using a rope twisted around the bodies of the two lovers that symbolize their connection and a pair of earrings, one on each person’s ear, as a metaphor for completeness, the video depicts the song’s theme in a perhaps not-so-subtle but dazzling way. The album follows 2017’s Alexander Devotion EP and their most recent full-length, 2014’s Neon. Letting Up Despite Great Faults also posts updates on Instagram.

Bruno Mars Leaves the Door Open for His Eighth No. 1 Hit On Billboard Hot 100

Bruno Mars is at the top of his game. Consistently elevating the industry’s standards with each track and album release, the music artist has once again secured number one—this time as one-half of the critically-acclaimed team “Silk Sonic” with Anderson .Paak.

Since its release last March 5, 2021, the R&B super duo’s track “Leave the Door Open” has crooned its way into radios worldwide and, recently, into the No. 1 spot of Billboard’s Hot 100—marking Bruno’s eighth time on the list. 

A well-loved and celebrated creative, Bruno Mars is a multi-talented American singer, songwriter, and performer. He first developed his craft at a young age as an Elvis Presley impersonator before putting pen to paper and moving to Los Angeles in 2003 to pursue music. Although he often wrote songs for the industry’s biggest names, it wasn’t until 2010 that Bruno would rise to stardom.

The year was defined by his soulful vocals’ success on “Nothin’ on You” by B.o.B., Bruno’s first Billboard Hot 100 No.1, and Travis McCoy’s “Billionaire.” Fresh from the attention of his collaborative work, Bruno Mars launched his debut album Doo-Wops & Hooligans in the same year. To say it succeeded would be an understatement.

With chart-topping hits such as “The Lazy Song” and Billboard Hot 100 No.1 Tracks “Grenade” and “Just The Way You Are,” Bruno’s debut album cemented his reputation as a multi-talented artist. His masterful blend of pop, reggae, funk, R&B, hip-hop, soul, and rock attracted a loyal, international following that continues to grow with each released track.

The versatile music artist’s subsequent two visits to the coveted list occurred under promotions of his second album, Unorthodox Jukebox, in 2012. Containing undeniably groovy tracks, it came as no surprise when Bruno’s “Locked Out of Heaven” and, later, “When I Was Your Man” found spots on the Billboard. 

Two years later, he was back. In 2014, Bruno Mars was featured on Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk!” The single swept worldwide charts and reigned king at Billboard’s Hot 100 for an awe-inducing fourteen weeks. Bruno’s third studio album, the fan-favorite “24K Magic,” soon followed with iconic hits, generating another No.1 spot with “That’s What I Like” on the charts and multiple well-deserved Grammy awards for the artist and his talented team. 

This year, Bruno makes history with his eighth stay on the sought-after seat. Debuting as “Silk Sonic” with fellow industry game-changer Anderson .Paak, Bruno Mars has snagged another Billboard Hot 100 No.1 spot with “Leave the Door Open.”

Released only this year, the single has left the door open for multiple chart recognitions and unending praise for the crowned super duo’s creativity and performance. Featuring a unique and sexy tune, “Leave The Door Open” has serenaded fans worldwide, attracting a growing and diverse fanbase and redefining R&B.

Twist the knob and listen to “Leave The Door Open.” Learn more about the leading hitmaker Bruno Mars on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, Spotify, or his official website

References:

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9555081/silk-sonic-leave-the-door-open-number-one-hot-100

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9555322/bruno-mars-anderson-paak-celebrate-leave-the-door-open-hitting-no-1-billboard-hot-100

Leave The Door Open: Bruno Mars’ and Anderson .Paak’s Recent Lovechild

Image source: Billboard

There is no artist anyone can count on but the incredibly talented Bruno Mars when it comes to feel-good sound. With his hottest hits, such as Uptown Funk and Versace on the Floor, Bruno Mars has proven his versatility again as an artist. This time he did it again. Recently, he came out with a new song titled “Leave The Door Open” along with co-artist Anderson .Paak. At a time of the pandemic, his latest track momentarily dispels the gloomy state everyone’s experiencing right now. The song leaves a funky, sexy, and fun feel to the listeners. Even his honeyed vocals highly complement the lyrics of the song. In the music video, he sings about his high hopes of his lover showing up. Though quite unsure, he imagines giving cuddles and kisses to his lover and even preparing a bathtub full of rose petals. It signifies his optimism that his lover will turn up one day, so the best he can do is leave the door open for her.

On the other hand, it has been quite some time since the multi-Grammy-winning singer released a solo album. In fact, his last solo was four years ago, titled 24K Magic, which won the Album of the Year. Despite the lack of solo albums, Bruno Mars has focused his attention on collaborating with other artists. His past collaborations turned out great. Prime examples are Wake Up in the Sky with Gucci Mane & Kodak Black, Blow with Ed Sheeran and Chris Stapleton, and Finesse and Please Me with Cardi B. The most recent one is the new R&B Duo, Silk Sonic, composed of him and Grammy-winning Brandon Paak Anderson, also known as Anderson .Paak. The duo’s first single is “Leave The Door Open,” which currently takes the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. 

Like Bruno Mars, Anderson .Paak is also god-tier in R&B music. He is best known for his incredibly unique rap tunes. He writes his songs and plays several musical instruments. His talent even made it to the Grammys when he bagged the award for Best Rap Performance with Bubblin’, Best R&B Album with Ventura, and Best R&B Performance for Come Home featuring Andre 3000. 

Mars and .Paak music collaboration has taken the R&B world by storm. Silk Sonic’s latest single showcases the breathtaking performance of the duo. From their voices to their dance moves, they complement each other well. Anderson .Paak’s gritty vocals blend evenly with Mars’ sultry and smooth voice. There is no argument that Silk Sonic is one of the best R&B iconic duos out there. The band highlights both of the artists’ abilities. The comedic sides to their performance and choice of aesthetics solidified the duo’s road to success. 

Even their music video is brilliant! The ‘70s touches on the tone and aesthetics of the video are superb. In the said video, .Paak works on the drums while Mars sings and plays the keyboard with girls dancing in the background.  

Just a few weeks ago, the duo performed live at the 63rd Grammy Awards, which likely tells everyone who will be taking home the gramophones next year.

Check out Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak’s new single on Spotify.

Sources:

https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2021/04/10/2090006/bruno-mars-has-hot-new-collab

Chloé Zhao Makes History With Oscar Wins For “Nomadland”

Image source: USA Today

It’s a historic win for Director Chloé Zhao. After months of shaping, filming, and editing her award-winning film “Nomadland,” the powerhouse artist takes home two Oscars and the distinction of being the second woman to bag the title for “Best Director” and the first of color to do so.

Chloé Zhao is a renowned and highly-respected director, screenwriter, and producer. Before officially launching a career in cinema, Chloé was already recognized for her filmmaking prowess and eye for detail with her 2010 short film “Daughters.” The movie premiered at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival and snagged awards as the “Best Student Live Action Short” of the year.

In 2015, the director turned heads with her debut film “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” at the Sundance Film Festival and, later, at the Cannes Film Festival. Due to its authenticity and Chloé’s unique, compelling signature, “Songs My Brothers Taught Me” earned a Best First Feature nomination at the Independent Spirit Awards.

Although the trophy sat next to someone else on the trip home, the nomination was enough to lay the groundwork for the critically-acclaimed success of Chloe’s subsequent work “The Rider.” Released in 2017, “The Rider” follows the self-discovery tale of a young cowboy who struggled to get back up the horse after suffering a severe injury. Poignant and inspiring, the movie won the “Art Cinema Award” at the Cannes Film Festival and the “Bonnie Award.”

As “The Rider” scored multiple nominations, industry giants began to notice Chloé Zhao and her exceptional vision. On April 13, 2018, Sony Pictures Classics set “The Rider” loose and rounded a crowd of awed viewers and critics towards the talented director.

A few years later, “awed” would be inadequate. In 2020, Chloé Zhao returned with “Nomadland” and took the international film scene by storm. Within a year, “Nomadland” had captivated the global audience and drawn countless awards and accolades. Among its shelf of trophies lie a Golden Globe, Directors Guild of America Award, BAFTA, and last April 25, two Oscars.

“I have always found goodness in the people I’ve met, everywhere I went in the world,” Chloé shared in her acceptance speech during the 93rd Academy Awards. “This is for anyone who has the faith and the courage to hold on to the goodness in themselves and to hold on to the goodness in each other, no matter how difficult it is to do that.”

Making Oscar history, Chloé Zhao is recognized as the second woman to have won “Best Director” following Kathryn Bigelow for “The Hurt Locker” in 2010, and is the first of color to bring home the prize, along with the award for “Best Picture.”

Before winning the trophies, Chloé was up for nominations in four categories: directing, screenplay, editing, and producing. Having done all thoroughly and flawlessly – birthing the compelling “Nomadland,” nothing greeted the multi-faceted artist’s wins but warm applause.

So, what’s next for the celebrated director? After stacking trophies and raking in nominations, Chloé Zhao is warming up for a clean dive into the Marvel cinematic universe. This November 5, 2021, Chloé will be leading the star-studded cast of “Eternals,” featuring Gemma Chan, Angelina Jolie, Kit Harington, Salma Hayek, Richard Madden, and Kumail Nanjiani, among others, to theaters nationwide.

Learn more about Chloé Zhao and her classic telling of a traveler’s tale, “Nomadland,” on Instagram and Twitter.

References:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2125482/

https://variety.com/2021/film/directors/chloe-zhao-oscars-nomadland-marvel-eternals-dracula-1234961719/

https://www.forbes.com/sites/maddieberg/2021/04/25/chlo-zhao-becomes-first-woman-of-color-to-win-best-director-oscar/?sh=50a3ce865a40

Lana Del Rey Teases Upcoming Album “Blue Banisters”

Image source: Billboard

2021 looks to be a good year for music enthusiasts worldwide. Fans of music icon Lana Del Rey, especially, have a lot to celebrate and look forward to as the artist embarks on a fulfilling, creative process – launched with the chart-topping album “Chemtrails Over The Country Club” dropped last March 19.

The album follows Lana’s sixth studio album released in 2019 and, according to the artist’s exciting social media posts on April 28, 2021, will be joined by an upcoming piece, “Blue Banisters,” on July 4. 

With this announcement, it seems that avid listeners, still reeling and immersed in the unique sounds of “Chemtrails over the Country Club,” won’t be able to catch a break. Not that they expected anything less from the powerhouse singer-songwriter.

Since the 2010 launch of her self-titled debut studio album, Lana Del Rey has been recognized as a veritable force in the music industry. With 13 different tracks exploring interesting themes reminiscent of classic pop culture, “Lana Del Rey” was the artist’s official dive into show business as a writer and a vocalist.

In 2011, she upped her game and captivated the world with her hit single “Video Games.” The song gathered a loyal following for Lana and helped her release her subsequent albums to a ready crowd. Lana Del Rey has since dropped the albums “Born to Die,” “Ultraviolence,” “Honeymoon,” and “Lust for Life,” among others.

The well-received albums have birthed countless chart-topping tracks and exposed the singer’s range of musical influences. From pop, jazz, rock, folk, and blues to contemporary music, Lana draws a rich sound from icons of her generation and beyond – effectively wowing the millions of monthly listeners who seek her voice on music streaming platforms.

On Spotify alone, the artist records a whopping 20 million listeners each month with her latest album, “Chemtrails Over The Country Club,” responsible for the number’s unstoppable rise. Featuring eleven tracks and collaborations with Nikki Lane, and Zella Day, and Weyes Blood, “Chemtrails Over The Country Club” has held Lana’s fans entranced and moved.

Due to its popularity, the album peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200 chart. Following the clamor and excitement of her following, Lana Del Rey teased the release of “Rock Candy Sweet” the day after she dropped “Chemtrails Over The Country Club.” The record is slated for release on June 1 and will open for the subsequent July 4 album “Blue Banisters.”

Although there is a little confusion about whether “Rock Candy Sweet” is a single, a new album, or the original working title for “Blue Banisters,” the enthusiasm is no less dimmed, and earphones remain close by for the artist’s upcoming album release.

As Lana prepares for “Blue Banisters” and the months before July creep past, fans continue to stream “Chemtrails Over The Country Club” and Lana Del Rey’s 2020 spoken word album “Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass.”

Learn more about the versatile artist Lana Del Rey. Listen to her music albums and spoken poetry pieces on Spotify. To stay updated on the release of “Blue Banisters,” follow Lana on Twitter, Instagram, or her official website

References:

https://pitchfork.com/news/lana-del-rey-announces-new-album-blue-banisters/

https://variety.com/2021/music/news/lana-del-rey-new-album-blue-banisters-1234962009/

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9564193/lana-del-rey-new-album-blue-banisters/

“Disenchanted”: Amy Adams Steps Into Life Beyond Happy Ever After

Image source: IMDB

It has been over a decade since the world fell in love with the endearing Princess Giselle, played by Amy Adams, in the musical fantasy film “Enchanted.” Following a series of exciting news on the long-awaited sequel, headed by Amy’s reprisal of her character, it’s safe to say that “Disenchanted” is well worth the wait.

Released in 2007, “Enchanted” is a classic Walt Disney Pictures’ romantic comedy that follows the story of a princess from an animated kingdom searching for her prince in the busy streets of New York City. 

Starring Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, James Marsden, Idina Menzel, Timothy Spall, and Susan Sarandon, the film is a veritable hit. Its comical portrayal of Disney’s adorably naive princesses, dashing princes, and evil queens quickly captivated its audience. 

Through brilliant writing and the musical prowess of Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz, “Enchanted” established itself as an indelible crowd-favorite. Amy Adams, likewise, became the apple of the public eye. For her seamless and heart-tugging performance, Amy gained recognition – raking in nominations for her role as Princess Giselle of Andalasia and bagging the Saturn Award for “Best Actress.”

Following the success of the Disney film, the award-winning actress kicked off her glass slippers and slipped on numerous lauded roles. Among the pieces that grace her portfolio are “Sunshine Cleaning,” “Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian,” “Julie & Julia,” “The Fighter,” “Leap Year,” “On the Road,” “American Hustle,” “Her,” “Big Eyes,” and “Arrival.”

Amy Adams has also gained recognition for her role as Lois Lane in the Justice League cinematic franchise. Her upcoming work includes “Dear Evan Hansen,” the TV mini-series “Kings of America,” and the highly-anticipated “Disenchanted.”

Announced last December 2020 by Walt Disney Pictures, “Disenchanted” will be directed by Adam Shankman and produced by Amy Adams, Barry Josephson, and Barry Sonnenfeld. Under their direction, the sequel is set to pick up the story a decade from the final frame of the first movie.

Its logline provides, “ten years after her Happily Ever, Giselle questions her happiness, inadvertently turning the lives of those in the real world and Andalasia upside down in the process.”

Since it was first revealed, fans had already been at the edge of their seats. With recent developments, they’re now in danger of falling off.

Apart from Amy Adams’ role reprisal, the production team has also revealed the return of Patrick Dempsey as Giselle’s true love Robert, James Marsden as the charming Prince Edward, and Idina Menzel as Robert’s former girlfriend and Prince Edward’s partner Nancy Tremaine.

Alongside this star-studded cast, Maya Rudolph, Jayma Mays, and Yvette Nicole Brown are also hinted to have joined the production. They allegedly will be reigniting the evil trails of the “Enchanted” villain played by Susan Sarandon and wreak havoc on an otherwise dreamy plot.

With all these names, it is understandable to be giddy with excitement. However, as the pandemic persists, the release date is yet to be announced, and further details of the filming process are kept under wraps. At present, the only thing confirmed is the movie’s premiere on Disney+.

Learn more about Amy Adams’ return as the beloved Princess Giselle. Be captivated by her upcoming magical performance in Disenchanted on Instagram and Disney+’s official website

References:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0010736/

https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/amy_adams

https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a34943968/amy-adams-enchanted-sequel/

YG Entertainment Launches Search for Next K-Pop Boy Band

A recognized forerunner of the “Hallyu Wave” or the global Korean phenomenon, YG Entertainment is an undeniable force in shaping international sound. This year, the music giant is opening its doors for future representatives of world-class music with “2021 YG New Boy Group Audition at Home.”

Established in 1996 by former South Korean idol Yang Hyun-suk, YG Entertainment is a record label and talent management agency with operations concerning music production and publishing and event and concert management. 

As one of the big three entertainment agencies in South Korea, the company also carries influential subsidiaries in numerous fields. Some of the most prominent include record labels YGX and The Black Label and model management company YGKPlus.

Under this vast umbrella, YG Entertainment houses the global and first-rate talents of Big Bang, Dara, Sechs Kies, Akdong Musician (AKMU), Winner, iKON, BlackPink, Somi, Anda, and Treasure, along with numerous award-winning actors, actresses, and models. For decades, YG has been in the industry, offering its artists unique opportunities with a brilliant production team, network, and coveted brand sponsorships.

Last April 12, 2021, they offered the same to aspiring K-Pop stars. Much to its audience’s excitement, YG Entertainment recently announced the launch of the “2021 YG New Boy Group Audition at Home,” which is available for interested males born between 2002 and 2010 of any nationality presently unaffiliated with another entertainment company. 

Conscious of the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, the auditions will be held online. The application period runs from April 12 to May 23, 2021, and will flow into the video audition period through the video-chat site “Zoom” from April 19 to May 30, 2021. 

The process kicks off with a brief form concerning the applicant’s preferred audition date and language chosen between Korean, English, Japanese, and Chinese. Potential trainees are also asked to pick the category of their performance from vocal, rap, dance, and appearance or talents. After submission, they will receive a confirmation email from the company, including the video audition date and time. 

YG Entertainment is set to reveal the results on June 12, 2021, notifying only those admitted past the final round. These boys will be given the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to come under the company’s expert training program and join its roster of great talents later. 

Since their announcement, social media platforms have been abuzz with possible auditionees and what YG Entertainment has in store for its upcoming boy band. Apart from its signature swag and distinctive groove, a new look and sound are expected from the group, especially with YG’s recent restructuring.

As the entertainment company sources fresh talents worldwide and fans are left waiting for further updates, YG Entertainment’s current groups remain busy in local and international promotions, ranging from competitive productions, variety shows, performances, and brand endorsements.

Walk forward as the future of K-Pop. Take a chance and fill in the online form for the “2021 YG New Boy Group Audition at Home,” or learn more about YG Entertainment and its large, multitalented family on its official website

References:

https://www.ygfamily.com/artist/About.asp?LANGDIV=e&ATYPE=2&ARTIDX=5

https://www.soompi.com/article/1463778wpp/yg-entertainment-announces-global-auditions-for-new-boy-group

https://www.nylon.com/entertainment/yg-entertainment-k-pop-boy-band-auditions

Troye Sivan’s: A Queer Icon in The Music Industry

Image source: Rolling Stone

As the world becomes progressive by the minute, the LGBTQ community continues to seek proper representation in the media. Although there have been queer stories popping here and there, such as Call Me By Your Name and Love, Simon movies, there is still so much needed to be done. Australian singer-songwriter Troye Sivan shares the same sentiments. More than two years after the release of his album called Bloom, it remains the top-tier track that tackles queerness in pop songs. 

His songs are a breath of fresh air. For so long, queer stories have revolved around unrequited love and forbidden relationships. However, Sivan’s Bloom album shies away from the traditional queer narrative. Instead, his songs explicitly tell he’s out and proud, and his LGBTQ fans can do the same too, that is, to be themselves no matter what. 

Right at the beginning, the Bloom album directly caters the modern listeners. For example, the “Seventeen” song relishes Sivan’s first sexual experience with an older man from a dating app. Instead of portraying the music in a predatory narrative as most mainstream queer stories do, it shows Sivan’s perspective of how he naively believed everything to be true. For his queer fanbase, the song depicts a queer boy’s discovery of his sexuality and identity. 

“My My My!” comes next in the album, which illustrates the first electrifying stages of a relationship. This theme is present in all relationships, especially queer ones. In the music video, Sivan plainly shows lust over his new boyfriend as he pens, “an ode to the boy he loves.” Like the first stages of love, the ‘80s aesthetic and tune of the song are purely euphoric. There is no argument that the track resonates deeply with Sivan’s growing fanbase.

Perhaps, one of the best songs on the album is “Bloom.” With its catchy tune, the song tells a story about losing one’s virginity and the beauty of gay intimacy. Troye Sivan openly admits in an interview, “You know, for me, this is really real life, being able to celebrate these things, being able to talk about these things, and just being as open and honest as you want, and I didn’t want to come to this album writing for anyone but me and my friends. I wanted to make an album that I was proud of, that felt exciting to me, and that felt honest to me, and felt like something that made sense of me. And a big part of that was exploring these themes the way I would amongst friends or whatever.”

On the other hand, there is the “Good Side,” a mature, slow ballad showing Sivan getting the best part out of a breakup. It juxtaposes the song “Bloom,” which is about lustful beginnings. “Good Side” is all about heartbreaking goodbyes. 

This whole album of Troye Sivan is one of his queer-positive projects. Over the years, he has earned loyalty from his LGBTQ audience because of his no-bullshit attitude. He does not try to preach his ways. He simply just lives. 

Follow Troye Sivan on Instagram and Spotify.

Sources:

https://www.them.us/story/troye-sivan-bloom-interview

Superstar Rapper Polo G’s Journey From Kid in the Hood to Billboard’s Chart-Topping Artist

Image source: Rolling Stone

Polo G’s song Rapstar skyrocketed to No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 songs chart only a week after it was released, and it is currently maintaining its momentum. Produced by Columbia Records, Rapstar gained 40.3 million streams in the United States alone and sold over 2,400 downloads by April 22. The song also attracted three million radio airplay. Rapstar’s current status places Polo G at a higher league, making the single one of his most notable phenomena to date.

Rapstar features Polo G’s story of becoming a superstar rapper. It features the exhausting process the artist went through to reach his goals and how he overcame insecurities along the way. In an interview with Complex, the rapper said, “It’s about the ups and downs of this lifestyle,” referring to the life of a celebrity. “You know you can be winning, and even though all of the good shit that’s happening, you can still have those emotional battles,” he added. Rapstar became a monumental success, trending No. 1 on YouTube within its first 24 hours of release. 

Polo G previously told the press that he wrote everything he wanted to accomplish on a vision board at the beginning of his career. One of his goals was to create a chart-topping hit on the Billboard Hot 100. Despite the massive success the superstar rapper is experiencing today, reaching his goals did not happen overnight.

Born Taurus Tremani Bartlett, Polo G’s career began in 2018 when he landed his first record deal after gaining attention from the millions of streams his track called Gang With Me obtained on SoundCloud. Polo G kept the momentum by releasing more greetings such as Welcome Back, Neva Cared, and Finer Things, which quickly gained millions of views in the latter half of 2018. But before he found his way to music, Polo G struggled to overcome the lifestyle he had in the hood.

In May of 2018, Polo G was facing multiple arrests for selling weed and selling cars. After seeing how his struggles reflected other kids from his hometown Chicago, the rapper wanted to amplify the emotions of his upbringing and shed light on the stories of Chicago kids like himself who have been exposed and wounded by their environment. 

Polo G was raised in a humble home in Marshall Field Garden Apartments, one of the most impoverished housing projects in Chicago. He described his upbringing as impoverished from all material things and that his parents, who married young, were learning things as they go. Despite their family’s lack of financial stability, his mother aspired to great things for him after realizing that he was articulate and well-spoken even at a young age. 

“It was a really humble beginning. It was a family sense. Although a lot of things go on, we’d still show love off the strength of our parents, etc. I was seeing the typical things every Chicago kid sees but more up close and personal. You see the average things: drug dealings, drama, violence, things of that sort. I was just maneuvering, trying to survive, becoming a product of my environment, but also being able to quickly pull myself away from that,” Polo G shared in an interview.

Today, after overcoming the hood, Polo G wants to set an example to other Chicago kids who have been exposed to violence, drugs, gangs, and other challenging circumstances through his vivid storytelling. Polo G currently lives with his son Tremani. 

Sources:

https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/9562990/polo-g-rapstar-number-one-hot-100-second-week

https://www.complex.com/music/polo-g-rapstar-making-of-interviews/part-4

https://pitchfork.com/features/rising/polo-g-interview/