
Classical music at Coachella? LA Philharmonic makes desert debut
INDIO, California (Reuters) -The Los Angeles Philharmonic led the charge into their first Coachella performance on Saturday with the "Ride of the Valkyries," helmed by Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, in his latest move to reach out to new audiences.
The first major orchestra to grace the annual music and arts festival in the Southern California desert was joined by several vocalists, including jazz pop singer Laufey, who debuted her new song "Silver Lining", and Becky G with her pop song "Shower."
Country singer Maren Morris arrived on the stage in a shimmering gold dress, delivering her gospel number "My Church" alongside a majority Black choir.
Perhaps the most anticipated guest, German record producer and DJ Zedd, hopped on the piano and the choir, in yellow gowns, joined him for his popular 2012 song "Clarity."
LL Cool J arrived in a yellow hoodie and took audiences far from the classical ambiance into his popular rap song "Mama Said Knock You Out."
In a special moment on stage, LL Cool J presented Dudamel with a yellow hat that matched both the rapper and the choir.
The musical set included a host of classical pieces, including Johann Sebastian Bach's "Toccata and Fugue in D Minor".
The LA Philharmonic, considered one of the world's top orchestras, has been long admired for snaring Venezuelan sensation Dudamel more than 15 years ago.
The maestro, 44, is set to take over as music and artistic director of the New York Philharmonic in 2026.
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Business Wire
8 hours ago
- Business Wire
Weapons (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Available Now Digitally
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--WaterTower Music proudly announces the release of the Weapons (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack), featuring an original score by Ryan Holladay, Hays Holladay, & filmmaker Zach Cregger. The highly anticipated horror/thriller from New Line Cinema, Weapons will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and hits theaters and IMAX nationwide on August 8, 2025, with international release beginning August 6. The soundtrack is available digitally now. Vinyl & CD will be available for Pre-Order starting 8/8 through Waxwork Records. The LP features deluxe packaging that includes colored vinyl, heavyweight gatefold jackets, custom artwork, and a premium 3D lenticular cover. Unusually for a modern production, composing for Weapons began as soon as editing commenced. The Holladay brothers relocated to New York and set up their scoring suite just steps away from the editorial and VFX teams—allowing for a uniquely fluid, collaborative process. Music was integrated directly into the evolving picture, resulting in a score that was organically built alongside the film itself, with minimal reliance on temp tracks. ' Having known Zach since childhood and played together in a band (Sirhan Sirhan), we had a musical shorthand that helped us to work quickly,' explains Hays Holladay. 'Zach really wanted us to be there throughout the post-production process, so we flew to New York soon after filming wrapped and were part of the edit for the next five months. And because we started so early, the three of us were constructing the score as the edit was still coming together. So, Zach would jump between our room, the VFX room and the edit. As a result, there was hardly any temp score throughout the process, so even in the very first test screenings, it was all original music we were making." "We went to New York with three suitcases full of synths, sound sculptures and samplers and built everything just a few steps down the hall from where they were creating the visual effects and editing the picture. The process felt like the opposite of working remotely - we were having lunch with the whole post-production crew every day." When it came to crafting the score and building the tension, mystery and musical disorientation, Ryan Holladay had this to say: "We wanted to create a score that felt intense and energetic when it needed to be, but also captured the mystery and the longing for answers that runs throughout the story without overstaying its welcome. In some cases, it took a few tries to get the tone right. One instance that comes to mind is 'The Flight,' which happens in the big running scene where you finally see where all the kids are headed. We tried a few attempts, going dramatic and sweeping at first. But in the end, what connected was something that feels, to me, like 'Ride of the Valkyries' meets Basinski's 'Disintegration Loops.' It's very unsettling." Weapons (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) Tracklisting: 1. Maddie 2. Main Theme (from Weapons) 3. Who's There? 4. Following 5. Newspaper 6. Don't You Find It Odd? 7. What Could've Happened 8. Nightmares 9. Snip 10. Daybreak 11. Troubled Person 12. Where Are You? 13. Map 14. Waiting Game 15. Gasoline 16. Stop Right There 17. Serious Hot Water 18. Donna 19. James 20. Room to Room 21. What Did I Tell You? 22. On a Mission 23. Drag 24. I Think She Cut My Hair 25. Gasoline II 26. Homesickness 27. Are You Watching? 28. Campbell's 29. If I Got Better 30. Nametag 31. The Flight 32. Into the Lair 33. One Shot 34. Locked 35. Swarm (feat. Mary Lattimore) 36. I Found You ABOUT WEAPONS From New Line Cinema and Zach Cregger, the wholly original mind behind Barbarian, comes a new horror/thriller: Weapons. When all but one child from the same class mysteriously vanish on the same night at 2:17 a.m., a community is left questioning who or what is behind their disappearance. The film stars Josh Brolin, Julia Garner, Alden Ehrenreich, Austin Abrams, Cary Christopher, with Benedict Wong, and Amy Madigan. Cregger directs from his own screenplay, and also produces alongside Roy Lee, Miri Yoon, J.D. Lifshitz and Raphael Margules, with Michelle Morrissey and Josh Brolin executive producing. The filmmaker's creative team behind the camera includes director of photography Larkin Seiple, production designer Tom Hammock, editor Joe Murphy and costume designer Trish Summerville. The music is by Ryan Holladay, Hays Holladay and Zach Cregger. New Line Cinema Presents A Subconscious/Vertigo Entertainment/BoulderLight Pictures Production, A Zach Cregger Film, Weapons. It will be distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures and released in theaters and IMAX nationwide on August 8, 2025, and internationally beginning August 6, 2025. ABOUT RYAN & HAYS HOLLADAY RYAN and HAYS HOLLADAY (Music by) are composers, sound artists, and producers known for their work at the intersection of music, technology, and storytelling. Based in Los Angeles, the brothers have collaborated on film scores, interactive installations, and experimental projects for over a decade. Their most recent work includes the score for Weapons, written and directed by longtime friend and musical collaborator Zach Cregger. The three grew up together in the suburbs of Washington, DC, and moved to New York around the same time, where they founded the band Sirhan Sirhan. Early demos were circulated on CD-Rs sold at shows at venues like Pianos, and after relocating to Los Angeles, the band—also featuring Malachi DeLorenzo—recorded and released its only official release, the EP Reptile Milk Flower, in 2016. The Holladay brothers have created sound installations and immersive audio experiences for companies like Dolby and Bose, as well as for the U.S. Embassy in London, where their work is part of the permanent collection. In 2010, they pioneered one of the world's first 'location-aware albums'—music composed as a mobile app and mapped to spaces like Central Park and the National Mall. The Washington Post described it as 'magical—like using GPS to navigate a dream.' Outside of their collaborative work, Hays leads Kalide, a company he founded to design and build custom audio effects plugins and creative tools for sound artists. He studied at Columbia University. Ryan, a graduate of NYU and a Senior TED Fellow, is currently composing the score for the forthcoming video game Abelina, in collaboration with visual artist Gabe Askew. ABOUT ZACH CREGGER ZACH CREGGER's (Writer / Director / Producer / Music by) feature writing and directorial debut, BARBARIAN, premiered in theaters in 2022 and stars Bill Skarsgård, Georgina Campbell and Justin Long. He just wrapped on his highly anticipated follow-up film, Weapons (also written and directed by Cregger), which is set to release in 2025. Zach was a founding member and writer for the New York comedy troupe, THE WHITEST KIDS U'KNOW, which he started while attending The School of Visual Arts. The group's reputation for unpolished hit-or-miss hilarity precedes them around the New York comedy circuit, and they won the award for Best Sketch Group at Aspen's U.S. Comedy Arts Festival 2006. The group's self-titled sketch comedy show ran for five seasons on IFC TV and Fuse. As an actor, he has appeared alongside Anthony Anderson, Jesse Bradford, Gary Cole, Megan Mullally and Krysten Ritter, and starred in TBS's hit series WRECKED. WaterTower Music, the in-house label for the Warner Bros Discovery companies, releases recorded music as rich and diverse as the companies themselves. It has been the soundtrack home to many of the world's most iconic films, television shows and games since 2001.


Elle
9 hours ago
- Elle
ELLE Editors Swear By These Designer Shoulder Bags for Your Next Investment
There's a reason the shoulder bag endures: it's a wardrobe staple that manages to feel both timeless and of-the-moment (I mean, just look at the staying power of the Fendi Baguette). Worn with nonchalance or intentional polish, it lends any look a certain ease. And this season, it's less about logos and more about silhouettes: crescent curves, boxy minis, slouchy leathers—all with quiet, confident details that speak volumes without trying too hard. Whether it's paired with a dress for brunch, peeking out from beneath a trench, or tucked under the arm with off-duty denim, the right shoulder bag doesn't follow trends—it defines them. It's not just an accessory; it's a statement. And if you're going to invest in one bag this season, this is it. I genuinely consider this bag a classic go-to—the kind you'll carry through every chapter of your life. It's the piece I instinctively reach for to add a touch of polish and ease to any outfit, making it well worth the splurge. Dimensions: Height: 5.9 inches; width: 10.2 inches; depth: 2.8 inches Colors: 9 options Material: Suede leather If the Birkin had a downtown sister with a softer edge, this would be it. 'I hate how much I love this bag. It's the perfectly slouched version of the Birkin, and it's much cooler because of it. Gone are the days of teeny tiny purses that you carried in one hand with your iPhone clutched in the other. I want everything in my purse—a book, a spare book, a planner, a lip combo, 37 loose hair ties, and the kitchen sink,' says Alexandra Hildreth, fashion news editor. Dimensions: Height: 9.5 inches; width: 13.6 inches; depth: 4.5 inches Colors: Black Material: 100% calfskin leather Some bags are conversation starters—others become part of your personality. For Madison Rexroat, assistant accessories editor, this one does both. 'Anyone who's gone for a night out with me or seen my Instagram the past few months has seen this Roberto Cavalli x LeSportSac bag. 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It feels very on-trend with some of the more minimal styles that have been on the market, but the slight dip in the middle gives it a bit of an unexpected touch,' says Dale Arden Chong, senior fashion commerce Height: 7.6 inches; width: 14 inches; depth: 6.8 inches Colors: Black, Bordeaux, Brandy Material: 100% polyamide Structured, but never stiff, the Le Teckel is something you'll spot on all of the fashion girls in Paris, given its striking shape and elongated straps. 'I've been hypnotized by the Le Teckel family ever since it debuted during the spring/summer 2024 season. I'm especially in love with this upgraded version because it can hold all the necessities and fit comfortably on my shoulder, thanks to its elongated straps,' Alexis Bennett Parker, ELLE's commerce content lead, says. 'Plus, it's an architectural work of art that's crafted with sharp lines. This is the type of bag that makes a pair of jeans and a T-shirt look instantly chic and will never go out of style.' Dimensions: Height: 4.3 inches; width: 13 inches; depth: 3.9 inches Colors: Noir, Dark Green, Ivory, Grey Material: 100% leather Some bags are instantly iconic—others only deepen their appeal with time. Bennett Parker still can't get over the craftsmanship of one particular standout. 'Speaking of work of art, there aren't many bags as beautifully crafted as Bottega Veneta's Kalimero. It's the first bag Matthieu Blazy created for the Milanese fashion house, and to this day, I'm still smitten by its intricate beauty,' she says. Dimensions: Height: 6.3 inches; width: 9.8 inches; depth: 2 inches Colors: Barolo, Fondant, Black, Bone Once reserved for fall and winter, brown suede has officially broken season boundaries. 'Brown suede bags are all over the place this summer—much to my surprise and delight. This Khaite style is my favorite that I've seen, and I think it will be perfect for many seasons to come, especially this fall,' says Meg Donohue, associate fashion commerce editor. Dimensions: Height: 8 inches; width: 13 inches; depth: 6.5 inches Colors: Mud Small in size but big on impact, the Le Bisou Perle Leather Shoulder Bag blends sculptural elegance with a minimalist finish. The curved silhouette and resin details give it that effortless French-girl appeal, making it the kind of piece that elevates even the simplest tank and jeans outfit combo. Dimensions: Height: 3.5 inches; width: 9.5 inches; depth: 1 inch Colors: Black, Brown Some bags just have that It girl energy—and for Laura Tarafa, ELLE's commerce writer, this Prada style was love at first sight. 'Lately, I've been obsessed with effortlessly chic, It girl styles. This Prada bag was an instant fixation. Every time I saw it on someone, I couldn't take my eyes off it! When I finally caved and treated myself to one, I fell in love with it even more. My favorite details include the wrap-around belt, the charming drawstring ties, and the soft, glossy leather. It's unstructured in that laidback way, but the polished touches make it feel elevated enough to dress up,' says Tarafa. Dimensions: Height: 6.1 inches; width: 12.6 inches; depth: 4.7 inches Colors: 6 options Crafted from rich suede with subtle leather trim, this suede moment channels vintage Americana with a modern edge. The gold-tone ID tag adds a signature touch, while the slouchy shape and adjustable strap make it endlessly wearable, from city errands to weekend escapes. Dimensions: Height: 16.8 inches; width: 15.8 inches; depth: 1.8 inches Colors: Cashew Tan Material: 100% calf suede with leather trim Timeless with just the right amount of edge, the Prada Cleo has quietly become a staple among those who know. ELLE's digital director, Claire Stern Milch, makes a strong case for why it belongs in your forever wardrobe. 'There are It bags—and then there are forever bags. With its '90s aesthetic, hobo-style shape, and sleek brushed leather finish, the Prada Cleo is an instant classic for good reason,' says Stern Milch. Dimensions: Height: 8.6 inches; height: 10.6 inches; depth: 2 inches Colors: Black, White Every product featured on is independently researched, tested, or editor-approved. We only recommend products that we stand behind, and the merchandise featured on our site is always driven by editorial and product testing standards, not by affiliate deals or advertising relationships. Any content created in partnership with advertisers is marked as such.


New York Post
a day ago
- New York Post
Sean ‘Diddy' Combs had First Amendment right to film twisted ‘freak-offs,' lawyers say
Sean 'Diddy' Combs is an amateur porn director with a First Amendment right to film his lovers in degrading sex sessions with male escorts, his lawyers say. The jailed rap tycoon made the head-scratching claim as part of his bid to toss his July prostitution conviction for setting up baby-oil-fueled 'freak-offs' with gigalos who traveled across state lines. 'Mr. Combs's amateur porn, like many other adult films, was creative, intricate, and highly choreographed,' Combs' lawyer, Alexandra Shapiro, wrote in a court filing late Wednesday night. 3 Sean Combs says he has a First Amendment right to film his 'freak-off' sessions with male escorts. / MEGA Upholding Combs' conviction would thus breach his freedom of speech rights because the sex tapes have 'expressive content and are protected by the First Amendment,' the attorney added. Jurors at Combs' salacious two-month-long trial heard evidence that the admitted woman beater used the threat of releasing ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura's sex tapes to keep Ventura under his thumb. 'I feared for my career. I feared for my family. It's just embarrassing. It's horrible and disgusting. No one should do that to anyone,' Ventura testified. The court also heard accounts of Combs repeatedly beating Ventura, and forcing another lover, 'Jane,' to have sex with an escort hours after kicking, choking and punching her in a brutal assault. 3 Combs faces up to 10 years in prison on two prostitution counts at his October sentencing. Marlon Reid / MEGA 'Is this coercion?' Combs chillingly asked 'Jane' — who testified using an alias — before ordering her to perform oral sex on the male sex worker, the woman told jurors. But the jury nonetheless acquitted Combs of charges of coercing Ventura and 'Jane' into the sex acts after his lawyers cited explicit texts the women sent him before and after the sexual encounters. Combs, 55, now faces up to 10 years in prison on two counts of breaking the Mann Act, a federal law making it a crime to transport someone across state lines for prostitution. Judge Arun Subramanian has cited the 'I'll Be Missing U' rapper's admitted violence toward his exes in ordering Combs to stay at a hellish Brooklyn lockup until his Oct. 3 sentencing date. 3 Combs' lawyers claimed at his Manhattan trial that he was guilty of domestic violence, but not sex trafficking. REUTERS Combs' lawyers successfully claimed at trial that he was guilty of domestic violence, but not the sex trafficking and racketeering raps that the feds had charged him with. 'Domestic violence is the issue. 'We own it,' defense attorney Marc Agnifilo told jurors. Wednesday's filing is Combs' lawyers' bid to get Subramanian to toss the jury verdict himself. Trial judges rarely take such a drastic step. But the rapper will likely revisit the argument after his sentencing, when he's set to lobby the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn his conviction.