Arts and Entertainment Archives

WMG is Moving Beyond Superstars – and That is A Good Thing

9Jun By ibonNo Comments

Music Industry

WMG is Moving Beyond Superstars – and That is A Good Thing

In the ever-evolving music industry, Warner Music Group (WMG) is embracing a new approach by moving beyond the conventional focus on superstars. This shift marks a significant change in the company's strategy, as they recognize the value of nurturing emerging talent and diversifying their roster. By expanding their reach and supporting a wider range of artists, WMG is not only promoting musical diversity but also contributing to a healthier and more vibrant music industry. In this article, we will explore how WMG's move beyond superstars is a positive development for the industry as a whole. Fostering Musical Diversity and Innovation WMG's decision to move beyond superstars allows them to foster musical diversity and encourage innovation within the industry. By signing and supporting a b...

Lady Gaga Chromatica Ball in Miami Cut Short Due to Weather Concerns

19Sep By ibonNo Comments

Music

Lady Gaga Chromatica Ball in Miami Cut Short Due to Weather Concerns

Lady Gaga's Chromatica Ball tour, a celebration of her 2020 album "Chromatica," came to an unexpected halt during its final show in Miami on Saturday night. The concert, which had been progressing smoothly through most of the setlist, was interrupted by inclement weather, forcing Gaga to make a tough decision for the safety of her audience and crew. As storm clouds gathered over the Miami venue, Gaga temporarily paused the show and urged the audience to seek shelter indoors due to the impending storm. In an unexpected turn, as fans anxiously awaited updates on whether the concert would resume, they united in a heartwarming gesture – singing Gaga's hit single "Rain On Me" amidst the backdrop of thunderous applause and thunder. Returning to the stage, Gaga regrettably announced the officia...

Chaotic Facial Markings Express the Wildly Varied Emotions

18Sep By ibonNo Comments

Arts and Entertainment

Chaotic Facial Markings Express the Wildly Varied Emotions

Reen Barrera's artistic journey, deeply rooted in his childhood experiences in the Philippines, unveils a poignant exploration of emotion and societal dynamics in his ongoing series of Ohala characters. Reminiscent of the imaginative figures he crafted from repurposed fabric and wood during his "toy-deprived" youth, Barrera's creations now embody a complex narrative, resonating with a blend of personal sentiment and broader reflections on class and social identity. Adorned in an intricate collage of symbols and patterns, the Ohala figures serve as silent communicators, reflecting the artist's belief in the expressive power of nonverbal cues. With a profound attention to detail and a striking mix of mixed media techniques, Barrera's work not only conveys a tale of individual resilience but ...

Torche Bittersweet Farewell: The End of an Era for the Stalwarts of Sludge Metal

18Sep By ibonNo Comments

Music

Torche Bittersweet Farewell: The End of an Era for the Stalwarts of Sludge Metal

In a surprising turn of events, Torche, the acclaimed sludge metal band, is set to bid farewell to their fans after a last hurrah on the upcoming fall tour opening for Meshuggah. The departure of Torche's singer-guitarist, Steve Brooks, marks the end of an era for a band that has left an indelible mark on the heavy music scene. The announcement, made through Brooks' personal Instagram comments, has sparked a mix of emotions among the band's dedicated followers. Steve Brooks, who has been an integral part of Torche since its inception, revealed the band's decision to disband after the fall tour. Responding to a fan's query about the possibility of Torche continuing without him, Brooks succinctly stated, "We're done. Only plan on reissuing out-of-print records someday. Moving on." The annou...

18Sep By ibonNo Comments

General News

Facing Global Waves of Change: Challenges and Impacts on the Entertainment and Technology Industry

When change happens, it often requires a perspective from the past, even years or even decades later, to truly appreciate how meaningful that change was. Sometimes, change happens so fast that it is difficult to appreciate its magnitude because people become immune to the continuous flood of bad news. Currently, we are in a situation where what appears to be a series of unrelated events (war, political crises, climate change, inflation, and so on) are actually indicators of a broader and interconnected wave of change that will reshape the world. And not just for a few months, but perhaps for a generation or even more. It is tempting to think that the entertainment and consumer technology industries are at least resilient. But the reality is different. First, let's look at all the main c...

17Sep By ibonNo Comments

Painting

Interview with Bill White – Painting Perceptions

I am grateful to this fabulous Virginia-based painter, Bill White for agreeing to participate in this email interview with me where he talks about his background and painting process as well as sharing some details from his long, dedicated engagement in painting from life and career in teaching painting at Hollins University. Divided Light, 1999, 32×36 inches, oil on linen Larry Groff (LG): What led you to become a painter, and what were your early years like as a student and young artist? Bill White (BW): Growing up in West Philadelphia, just after WWII and I was fortunate to have parents who were supportive of my interest in drawing and painting. My father was a house painter, and he would take me to the paint store with its cabinet of art materials and he would allow me t...

A Rare Glimpse of Comet Leonard’s Last Moments Wins the

17Sep By ibonNo Comments

Arts and Entertainment

A Rare Glimpse of Comet Leonard’s Last Moments Wins the

Gerald Rhemann's breathtaking capture of Comet Leonard's stunning "Disconnection Event" not only mesmerized audiences worldwide but also secured him the prestigious top prize in the esteemed Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The event, featuring over 3,000 entries from 67 countries, showcased a diverse array of celestial wonders, including Alexander Stepanenko's ethereal "Winged Aurora" and Mihail Minkov's striking "Back to the Spaceship," among other awe-inspiring images. Andrew McCarthy's spellbinding photograph of the International Space Station transiting the historic Apollo 11 moon-landing site further contributed to the enchanting visual narrative. As these extraordinary snapshots continue to grace the National Maritime Museum ...

A New Book Explores the Practices of 38 Black Ceramicists

16Sep By ibonNo Comments

Arts and Entertainment

A New Book Explores the Practices of 38 Black Ceramicists

The rich and multifaceted history of ceramics takes center stage in the compelling compilation, Contemporary Black American Ceramic Artists, a comprehensive book published by Schiffer Craft. Delving into the practices of 38 Black American artists, the publication illuminates the diverse and profound contributions of these individuals to the realms of history, politics, and culture. From the pioneering efforts of earlier generations such as Augusta Savage, who skillfully translated the human experience into figurative clay forms, to the contemporary works of Morel Doucet, Chotsani Elaine Dean, and Danielle Carelock, the book pays homage to the enduring legacy of Black ceramicists throughout history. Additionally, the recognition of the nearly 200 enslaved ceramicists, including the prolific...