Trees and flowers start to bloom, birds sing you good morning songs and the energy levels rises as the sun welcomes us more often. Music world is not sleeping either and in this week's Global Weekly we introduce you to new releases from Depeche Mode, Hozier, Lana Del Rey and Elton John, upcoming events - Sofar, Ment Festival, The Holy Art Fair 2023, and some film and music recommendations.
Taylor Swift kicks-off the Eras Tour
Swifties have been waiting for this moment for more than 4 years. The U.S. leg of the singer-songwriter's Taylor Swift tour has begun with a more than 3 hour long show at the State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. The show was built as a journey through different eras of Taylor's musical career.
Setlist consisted of 44 songs, including acousting versions of ‘Mirrorball’ and ‘Tim McGraw’. Swift has promised to make every show special by performing "surprise songs" that doesn't repeat throughout the tour. With more minimal approach to stage decorations, the singer still managed to leave audience impressed by visuals on screens and details in outfits.
New releases - Depeche Mode, Lana Del Rey, Hozier and Elton John
Depeche Mode's 15th studio album, “Memento Mori”, is the group's first release as a duo made up of Gahan and Gore, following the sad loss of bandmate Andrew Fletcher in 2022.
Translating from Latin, "Memento Mori" means "remember you must die". From its foreboding introduction to its uplifting conclusion, the album explores a wide variety of moods and sounds throughout the course of its 12 tracks, which takes the listener on a journey through obsession, paranoia, catharsis and joy.
The upcoming shows are going to be special and certainly different. The only concert in the Baltics will take place in Tallinn, August 6, at the Tallinn Song Festival Ground.
Lana Del Rey's ninth album “Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd" stands out as her most quiet and carefully mysterious album in a while.
If Lana Del Rey's career path were to be compared to Benjamin Button's, it would be to how her fame seems to increase as her music becomes more hushed, introspective, and formally experimental with themes of self-reference. The majority of the songs on this album don't have choruses or hooks as they usually do, giving the impression that Del Rey simply improvised while standing in front of the microphone.
Award-winning multi-platinum singer/songwriter Hozier has released his new EP “Eat Your Young”.
The EP, which includes songs from his next full-length album, explores two of the nine circles of hell—gorgeousness and heresy—and reveals Hozier's interest with Dante's Inferno. Listeners are given a powerful and thought-provoking experience by Hozier's deep, soulful vocals and eerily lovely tunes.
Elton John releases a 50th Anniversary edition of Honky Château
Released in May 1972, Honky Château is the fifth studio album by Elton John, including singles ‘Rocket Man’ and ‘Honky Cat’. This special reissue contains the original album, a newly created selection of outtakes from the original session tapes and a 40-page booklet containing rare photos, memorabilia and interviews. The 2CD format additionally contains eight live recordings from the Royal Festival Hall show in 1972, where the tracks receive their live debut.
Explore upcoming events in the music & culture scene...
If you're a music lover who craves an unforgettable live experience, then attending a Sofar Sounds gig is a must.
Sofar (Songs From A Room) gigs are intimate live music performances held in non-traditional venues such as living rooms, rooftops, and warehouses. The concept was born in London in 2009, and since then, it has expanded to more than 400 cities around the world. What makes those gigs unique is the emphasis on creating a comfortable and intimate atmosphere for both the audience and the performers. Each show features three to four handpicked artists who are kept secret until the day of the event.
The unique format of the shows also allows for a more personal connection between the artists and their fans, often leading to new collaborations and opportunities. To find out if there's a Sofar gig happening near you, visit the Sofar Sounds website and enter your location.
Exciting news for those in Riga, Latvia. Sofar Sounds are back with a show on April 15. Tickets were sold in just a few days after the announcement, so stay tuned and look forward to the next gigs.
The MENT festival, which takes place annually in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and this year runs from March 29 to 31, brings together some of the best new and emerging artists from across the continent, showcasing a diverse range of musical styles and genres.
One of the things that set MENT festival apart from other music events is its commitment to providing a platform for underrepresented artists. This includes performers from marginalized communities, as well as those who are pushing boundaries and challenging conventional ideas about what music should be. For the first time ever, this year's festival will also feature "The Baltic Focus", highlighting the vibrant music scenes of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
The festival also includes a range of talks, workshops, and other events designed to help musicians and industry professionals connect and learn from each other. Find out more on MENT.
If you're looking for an artsy weekend, head to London, where The Holy Art Fair 2023 will take place at the OXO Tower/Bargehouse from March 30 to April 2.
The fair will feature a diverse presentation of modern and contemporary art from around the world, including traditional, NFT, and digital art. In addition to the exceptional collection of art on display, guests can expect a curated experience, inspiring workshops, and artists' insights. Tickets here!
bobe.me recommends...
Listen: "error" by LIE NING.
LIE NING is many things: musician, model, dancer, art director and spokesperson for the LGTBQ & POC communities. In music, balancing in between indie, soul and r'n'b, he creates intense pop-moments and emotional pictures in dreamy landscapes. His upcoming album "utopia" will be released on April 14.
Watch: The Whale by Darren Aronofsky. Overwhelming and heartbreaking story about a struggle with depression, loss and obesity, told through complicated father-daughter relationship story.
Rewind time: Latvian photographer's Uldis Siliņš story about his year in music through photos - from Glastonbury to Laba Daba. Read & see photo galleries here.
