This week has been bright & shiny, and we are not talking only about the sunshine and spring feel in the air, but also music & culture world. In this week's Global Weekly find new music releases, latest AI features on Spotify, upcoming events and some music, film recommendations from us.
Add something to your Spring playlist...
Musically diverse releases this week - M83, Fever Ray, Miley Cyrus and U2. Two of those artists are coming to the Baltics this year, so it's worth to hear the latest albums.
French electronic music group M83 invites to experience "Fantasy", their ninth studio album.
Featuring 13 songs, it has a more dreamy and ambient tone than band's previous works. The man behind M83, Anthony Gonzalez, has said that he wanted a "band feel" for the record and was eager to experiment with music in a room with musicians. This strategy produced enough content to make the jams into a whole album.
If seeing M83 was your fantasy and long-waited dream, then don't miss out on seeing the band live: 07.06. Latvia, Sigulda castle & 08.06. Lithuania, Vilnius, Lukiškės Prison 2.0.
Another quite magical and interesting artist - Fever Ray, is about to surprise listeners with experimental electronic music.
Swedish artist Karin Dreijer is bringing the latest album "Radical Romantics" to Latvia, Hanzas Perons on 27.03. & Estonia, Noblessneri Valukoda on 28.03..
"Radical Romantics" provides a distinct listening experience that is both dark and lovely with its mesmerizing beats and haunting voices. It's a reflection of Dreijer's eagerness to explore and push limits, resulting in songs that are both engrossing and thought-provoking.
Summer vibes are brought by Miley Cyrus in her eighth studio album “Endless Summer Vacation".
The concept album is as "a love letter" to Los Angeles, where the album was produced. The 12-track album is thematically split in two parts - AM and PM. AM part represents "a new day, full of possibilities" and the PM part denotes "a perfect time for relaxation," "to recoup," or "to go out and enjoy the wild side".
The lead song, "Flowers" became Miley's second single to reach number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, broke several streaming records, and stayed six weeks at the top of the chart. Besides pop, the album also features rock, country, and experimental music.
A trip down the memory lane results in a new album from U2 - “Songs of Surrender”.
In order to accompany Bono's most recent memoir, “Surrender, 40 Songs, One Story”, U2 reimagined 40 songs from across their discography in minimalistic and acoustic settings. “Songs of Surrender” was recorded over the course of two years during the COVID-19 epidemic. In addition to recording studios in London and Los Angeles, the Edge and Bono worked on the album in the Edge's residence and in France.
Are you ready to jam with AI-Powered DJ?
For users who want to transform their listening experience, Spotify has launched an AI-powered DJ feature that creates personalised music streams. The feature, which is currently in beta, scans users' preferences and curates a selection of tracks with commentary about the artists and music. The AI is constantly updating its recommendations based on user feedback, and it can switch genres or moods if the user is not enjoying the current selection. To bring the commentary to life, the DJ feature makes use of Spotify's personalization technology, generative AI, and a dynamic AI voice platform.
Before you rush to try it out, note that the new feature is currently available only to Spotify Premium users in the US and Canada.
Film industry shining stars at Oscars 2023...
The 95th Academy Awards were hosted by Jimmy KimmelI, who landed on the Oscars stage by parachute. Most of the buzz revolved around the metaphysical multiverse comedy "Everything Everywhere All at Once", which won seven awards including 'Best Picture'. One of the awards were presented to the film's actress Michelle Yeoh, who became the first Asian woman to win 'Best Actress' Oscar.
"Ladies, don’t let anyone ever tell you you’re past your prime," said the 60-year-old actress.
'Best Supporting Actor' winner Ke Huy Quan made us shed a tear by his humble and emotional acceptance speech - "Mom....I just won an oscar!".
Another honorable and so much deserved award went to Brendan Fraser for his role in Darren Aronofsky's film “The Whale". See all winners, nominee reactions and memorable moments on Oscars.
Here is something to enjoy during your Spring holidays...
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure as Tomorrowland Winter returns to Alpe d’Huez from March 18-25!
Don’t worry if you can't make it there in person - One World TV and One World Radio will have you covered. Experience the magic of the festival from the comfort of your own home through the Tomorrowland website and the Tomorrowland App. Tune in for 5 days of live broadcasts and be part of this one-of-a-kind winter festival experience.
After Tomorrowland, there’s another high-altitude party going on - Shapes festival, which brings together the best electronic artists for incredible underground parties.
The winter adventure of Shapes takes place in the magnificent Swiss Alps at Leysin ski resort from March 27 to April 2, with spectacular views of Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva, as well as nearby thermal baths and glacier. The festival is the perfect setting for fun in the sun, skiing and great music. View the line-up, get your ticket and join the party!
If you’re into art, go to the Art Paris art fair, which will bring together more than 130 art galleries under one roof at the stunning Grand Palais Éphémère in Paris from March 30 to April 2.
Prepare to be blown away by the latest in contemporary art and don’t forget to check out the "Promises" - a sector supporting young galleries and emerging artists. And that's not all! In addition, two exhibitions will be led by guest curators Marc Donnadieu and Amanda Abi Khalil, which will explore themes of commitment and exile. Tickets here!
Shining hidden gems for you to discover...
Listen: Dreams and desires in "All We Ever Wanted" by Palace.
“It’s about wondering if things ever can come to pass exactly as we’ve pictured them in our mind’s eye, and confronting the reality that things often don’t move in a predictable straight line. In the end, new growth seems to occur from the soil of the unexpected," shares London based band's singer Leo Wyndham.
Watch: Aftersun by Charlotte Wells. Honest and moving portrayal of father-daughter relationship, mental health and coming of age.
Rewind time: Interview with Musiqq. Do you know, how they met? Personal and funny stories, gratefulness for many years together and drive to keep going.
