Latest news with #musicculture
CBS News
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
LL COOL J explores hip-hop's roots in new docuseries, "Hip Hop Was Born Here"
Fifty years after critics dismissed hip-hop as a passing fad, Grammy winner LL COOL J is taking viewers back to the genre's authentic New York roots with his new docuseries "Hip Hop Was Born Here," featuring intimate conversations with the culture's founding pioneers. The Queens-raised rapper, who released his first single "I Need a Beat" at age 16, serves as host, co-creator and executive producer of the series that features conversations with hip-hop legends including Big Daddy Kane, Rev Run and Roxanne Shanté. "It's about hip-hop being born here. Not just its roots and origins in New York, but where it came from from an artistic sense," said LL COOL J about New York's role in hip-hop's creation. The docuseries also aims to counter shallow perceptions of the genre. "Nowadays when most people think of hip-hop they think of guys with a bunch of diamonds and showing off money, and it's become, you know, pretty shallow," he said. "What this does is gives people an understanding of where hip-hop really comes from, the spirit behind it, the messages of empowerment that are there." LL COOL J described learning new details about the genre despite his extensive knowledge, saying the series focuses on personal stories from artists that include "the inspiration behind the art." When asked about legacy, the multi-talented performer reflected on the unpredictable nature of how one is remembered. "I think ultimately no one really gets to decide what their legacy is going to be," he said. "That's actually decided by the people that you leave behind and the world that you leave behind." The docuseries emphasizes hip-hop's core message of authenticity and self-expression, according to LL COOL J. "Hip-hop culture has always been about going inside and tapping into that true you," he said.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Local live music scene desperately needs our help, says Inverclyde councillor
As Oasis mania sweeps across the country this summer, the nostalgia of the music scene of my youth has left me saddened at the decline of such an important part of our culture. Inverclyde was a hive of musical activity then and there were a range of venues all offering acts a chance to perform to packed out audiences every weekend. We even attracted renowned British artists, like Ian Brown, which made our town feel like it was on the map and created an exciting atmosphere about the place. There were also lots of local bands that garnered a loyal following wherever they played. It was a great time to be young and the music brought us together. Oasis fever has gripped Britain once again as the band's reunion tour gathers pace - but with live music venues closing at an alarming rate, where will the next Oasis come from? (Image: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire) The scenes from the Oasis tour were reminiscent of those days, as you can feel the connection their music creates for those attending, with or without tickets. It's been something joyful to witness in amongst what appears to be a never-ending, doom-scrolling cycle of societal division and bad news. Sadly, the local live music scene today is barely existent. The weekends seem eerily quiet and, with a few honourable exceptions, barely any live music is on offer. Of course, this problem is not solely one Inverclyde is grappling with. The threat to the UK's music scene is well documented, as venues continue to close at an alarming rate. Last year, almost 44 per cent of grassroots venues reported a loss, with the average profit margin being only 0.48 per cent for live events. Since 2005, 70 per cent of Britain's late-night venues have permanently closed, and at the current rate there will be no clubs left by 2039. Since 2005, 70 per cent of Britain's late night venues have permanently closed. (Image: The UK is renowned worldwide for our music scene and we have produced some of the best bands to ever walk the earth. The threat to these venues means that the Oasises of the future may not even get a start. I have spoken with promoters, band managers and artists themselves about this issue and they have all reported these concerns. Coupled with the issues Brexit has caused for artists touring in Europe, we have created a perfect storm for our emerging talent. We still have world-class acts: we need to ensure we have places they can perform, or we risk losing them too. Beyond the threat of cultural decline caused by the closure of live music venues, losing these places where people gather to enjoy a shared interest could also exacerbate the rising mental health issues we are facing. Inverclyde councillor Kirsty Law says live music venues have a huge role to play - not just in promoting new music, but in helping people socialise. (Image: George Munro) I know personally that live music has helped me through times of poor mental health; it allows me to immerse myself in the music and to escape any worldly woes for a while as I dance my cares away. These venues have been places where I have formed life-long friendships, and they are vital for providing spaces for people to socialise. If we don't use them, we'll lose them - and once they're gone, we'll all be worse off as a result. Let's support our venues and help us find the next Oasis!
RNZ News
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- RNZ News
Nyrene Crowley & dan dan
music culture 22 minutes ago The team catches up after Matariki Weekend, as well as recap the Pacific Music Award 2025 Finalists announcements from lastnight. In studio guest appearances from Pro MMA Fighter out of City Kickboxing Nyrene Crowley, and singer/songwriter dan dan. Tags: culture music Culture Music
Associated Press
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Vooglam Brings Immersive Eyewear Experience to Electric Forest with Cult Vision Collection
AUSTIN, Texas, June 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eyewear brand Vooglam will elevate festival style to new heights at Electric Forest, taking place from June 19 to 22, 2025 in Rothbury, Michigan, with the debut of an interactive booth experience that merges music culture with the brand's signature fashion-forward and subculturally inspired eyewear designs. The activation is a part of Vooglam's Cult Vision, a digital magazine dedicated to cultural explorations. The inaugural issue's theme is Music Festivals, connecting the brand's products to music genres and festival aesthetics. The center of Vooglam 's Electric Forest activation is a holistic and immersive user experience booth designed to allow users to enter Vooglam's worldbuilding and showcase how eyewear enhances festival culture. The installation features three distinctive activations: the 'Your Frame, Your Vision' infinity mirror selfie station, where festival-goers can capture their style moments in an endless reflection complete with supporting visuals and social media filters; a mini DJ booth bringing beats directly to the brand experience, and a comprehensive try-on area with point of sale, for festival goers to explore and purchase from the curated Cult Vision collection. The Cult Vision collection is a thoughtfully selected curation from four of Vooglam 's product collections. Rave Culture takes center stage here with styles for EDM enthusiasts and is supported by Retro Radio for Rock and Indieheads, Boho-Chic for country aficionados, and Pan Africa for hip-hop heritage. Every frame in the assortment serves both a functional purpose for attendees and an aesthetic example of festival identity that can be incorporated into their everyday style. Crucially for Vooglam this isn't just another festival booth or brand activation, it's an authentic cultural moment, underlining the brand's radical approach to offline events. By creating installations that invite participation and self-expression, Vooglam positions itself as more than an eyewear provider but as a cultural thought leader, understanding the intersection of music, fashion, and personal identity. Vooglam at Electric Forest showcases Vooglam's dedication to meeting music fans where they congregate, providing style solutions that resonate with specific subcultures while remaining accessible to casuals. The brand recognizes that festival culture extends beyond physical attendance, designing pieces that capture festival aesthetics for both fans and those celebrating from home. Festival-goers can explore all of Vooglam's event coverage and discover their festival style at About Vooglam Established in 2017, Vooglam creates high-quality designer eyewear inspired by today's style tribes, transforming the functional into tools for self-expression. With a catalog of almost 2,000 unique frame designs available in over 170 countries, serving more than one million customers, Vooglam delivers eyewear for every look and need. The brand combines functional vision solutions with meticulously researched and authentic subcultural design elements, offering fully customizable eyewear that includes prescription lenses and lens types. Organized into seven distinctive product lines, Vooglam's offerings range from the audacious to the subtly creative. Through cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, premium materials, and rigorous quality control, Vooglam continues to transform how consumers express themselves through eyewear. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Vooglam
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Vooglam Brings Immersive Eyewear Experience to Electric Forest with Cult Vision Collection
AUSTIN, Texas, June 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eyewear brand Vooglam will elevate festival style to new heights at Electric Forest, taking place from June 19 to 22, 2025 in Rothbury, Michigan, with the debut of an interactive booth experience that merges music culture with the brand's signature fashion-forward and subculturally inspired eyewear designs. The activation is a part of Vooglam's Cult Vision, a digital magazine dedicated to cultural explorations. The inaugural issue's theme is Music Festivals, connecting the brand's products to music genres and festival aesthetics. The center of Vooglam's Electric Forest activation is a holistic and immersive user experience booth designed to allow users to enter Vooglam's worldbuilding and showcase how eyewear enhances festival culture. The installation features three distinctive activations: the "Your Frame, Your Vision" infinity mirror selfie station, where festival-goers can capture their style moments in an endless reflection complete with supporting visuals and social media filters; a mini DJ booth bringing beats directly to the brand experience, and a comprehensive try-on area with point of sale, for festival goers to explore and purchase from the curated Cult Vision collection. The Cult Vision collection is a thoughtfully selected curation from four of Vooglam's product collections. Rave Culture takes center stage here with styles for EDM enthusiasts and is supported by Retro Radio for Rock and Indieheads, Boho-Chic for country aficionados, and Pan Africa for hip-hop heritage. Every frame in the assortment serves both a functional purpose for attendees and an aesthetic example of festival identity that can be incorporated into their everyday style. Crucially for Vooglam this isn't just another festival booth or brand activation, it's an authentic cultural moment, underlining the brand's radical approach to offline events. By creating installations that invite participation and self-expression, Vooglam positions itself as more than an eyewear provider but as a cultural thought leader, understanding the intersection of music, fashion, and personal identity. Vooglam at Electric Forest showcases Vooglam's dedication to meeting music fans where they congregate, providing style solutions that resonate with specific subcultures while remaining accessible to casuals. The brand recognizes that festival culture extends beyond physical attendance, designing pieces that capture festival aesthetics for both fans and those celebrating from home. Festival-goers can explore all of Vooglam's event coverage and discover their festival style at About Vooglam Established in 2017, Vooglam creates high-quality designer eyewear inspired by today's style tribes, transforming the functional into tools for self-expression. With a catalog of almost 2,000 unique frame designs available in over 170 countries, serving more than one million customers, Vooglam delivers eyewear for every look and need. The brand combines functional vision solutions with meticulously researched and authentic subcultural design elements, offering fully customizable eyewear that includes prescription lenses and lens types. Organized into seven distinctive product lines, Vooglam's offerings range from the audacious to the subtly creative. Through cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, premium materials, and rigorous quality control, Vooglam continues to transform how consumers express themselves through eyewear. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Vooglam Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
