Another week, another Global Weekly to catch up on latest happenings in music & culture. Today we introduce you to fresh sounds from Lana Del Rey, Hozier, Róisín Murphy, Lewis Capaldi, Blur and Alison Goldfrapp, interesting exhibitions to see while you travel and film and music recommendations.
Celebration of cinema…
The Cannes Film Festival 2023 is in full swing, captivating cinephiles worldwide until May 27th. The festival's 76th edition opened with a dazzling red carpet and an honorary Palme d’Or award presented to the iconic Michael Douglas. The enchanting Catherine Deneuve graced the opening ceremony, reciting Lesya Ukrainka's poem "Hope" in French while showing support for Ukraine.
Over 2,000 glamorous attendees, including Johnny Depp and Harrison Ford, walked the red carpet, receiving thunderous applause from adoring fans. Harrison Ford, a living legend in the industry, also received the honorary Palme d'Or, solidifying his status as one of cinema's finest talents. Meanwhile, Johnny Depp was moved to tears by seven minutes of standing ovations during the screening of "Jeanne du Barry".
While Hollywood blockbusters like "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" and Wes Anderson's "Asteroid City" take center stage, the festival's schedule includes the eclectic and auteur-driven films for which Cannes is renowned. With 21 directors competing for the prestigious Palme d'Or, it is heartening to witness the inclusion of seven talented women, exemplifying the growing presence and influence of female filmmakers within the industry.
Spotlight on latest releases from Lana Del Rey, Hozier, Róisín Murphy, Lewis Capaldi, Blur and Alison Goldfrapp.
Lana Del Rey has finally released the much-anticipated track "Say Yes to Heaven," a song that has been circulating for quite some time. Co-written with Rick Nowels back in 2012, the song gained attention after a leaked version surfaced online. This marks Del Rey's first official single since her March release, "Did You Know That There's a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd."
Hozier has released "Francesca," the latest single from his upcoming album, "Unreal Unearth." The album, set to be released on August 18 through Island Records, draws inspiration from Dante's Inferno, with "Francesca" specifically delving into the theme of lust in the second circle of hell. Hozier is currently performing intimate pop-up shows in the US and will be returning to the UK for a series of sold-out dates this summer, culminating in a show at London's Alexandra Palace Park on July 21st.
Róisín Murphy returns with her latest single, "The Universe," a playful and unconventional track from her upcoming album, "Hit Parade," produced by DJ Koze. Embracing the absurdity of life, Murphy takes listeners on a whimsical journey as she paints a vivid picture of a perfect day, sailing on calm waters while luxuriating in the beauty of nature. With her distinct vocal style and clever storytelling, Murphy injects elements of humor and surprise, seamlessly blending surreal moments with catchy melodies. "The Universe" showcases Murphy's ability to captivate and entertain, inviting listeners to join her in embracing the joy and wonder of the unconventional.
"Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent" is the highly anticipated second studio album by Lewis Capaldi. The album showcases Capaldi's emotional songwriting style, exploring themes of love and loss. With powerful vocals and introspective lyrics, Capaldi delivers an authentic and intimate listening experience. The album has garnered both praise and criticism from critics, with some highlighting Capaldi's vocal prowess and emotional delivery, while others find it lacking in innovation. Overall, "Broken by Desire to Be Heavenly Sent" solidifies Capaldi's position as a talented singer-songwriter.
Iconic Britpop band Blur has surprised fans with the announcement of their upcoming album “The Ballad Of Darren” along with the release of its first single, “The Narcissist”. This bittersweet yet moderately-paced track perfectly captures the essence of Blur's revered alt-rock sound. The highly anticipated album, set to be released on July 21, marks their first full-length record in eight years since 'The Magic Whip' in 2015 and promises to be a masterful reflection of Blur's current state, filled with emotional depth and intention.
"The Love Invention" marks Alison Goldfrapp's debut solo album, venturing away from her successful synth music duo, Goldfrapp. The album showcases Alison's creative independence and musical prowess. The album's promotional efforts include collaborative tracks such as "Digging Deeper" with Claptone and "Fever" with Paul Woolford, along with Alison's first solo single, "So Hard So Hot". The album comes after a period of relative quiet from Goldfrapp, with Alison using the time during the COVID-19 pandemic to explore her individual artistry. Produced by Richard X and James Greenwood, "The Love Invention" promises to be a significant milestone for Alison Goldfrapp's solo career.
Exhibition to see on your holiday trip…
If you’re in Berlin, don’t miss the chance to enter the “Black Hole - Unseen Worlds” exhibit at P61 Gallery until July 16, 2023. This captivating audio-visual adventure takes visitors on a journey through 8 different worlds created by 30 different artists. The exhibit takes place in the catacombs of a historic Schöneberg building and combines 3D animations, sounds, and the building's unique atmosphere to create a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
Are you a nature lover? Then the Daikin Centre in Earl's Court, London is the place to be until 31st July 2023. There you can step into the BBC Earth Experience, London's newest and most epic attraction, narrated by the legendary David Attenborough himself. Featuring footage from the breathtaking Seven Worlds, One Planet series, visitors can embark on a 360-degree audio-visual journey across seven continents, from the mesmerising fireflies in North America to the huddling snub-nosed monkeys in Asia. With no passport required, this transformative experience will transport you to far-flung places, immersing you in the natural world and leaving you in boundless wonder.
bobe.me recommends…
Listen: “Walking Backwards” by Ben Howard. “‘Walking Backwards’ is a song to remind ourselves you are doing just fine. A small, personal resistance to the growing pressure to conform,” describes Ben.
Watch: “Blackberry” by Matt Johnson. Film about BlackBerry, an addictive mobile phone that changed the way the world worked, played and communicated.
Rewind time: Måneskin show in Riga was a grand celebration of freedom, music, bravery and open-mindedness.
