SEOUL, South Korea, April 23, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — PSY, one of the most iconic singers of all times who took the world by the storm with his famous ‘Gangnam Style’, reappears to the public as the ambassador for Gravity’s hit mobile game Ragnarok Origin.
PSY has starred in several commercials and interviews for Ragnarok Origin. In the commercial, PSY is seen alone and tired in his studio.
The silence is broken when he receives a text message and gets sucked into the world of Ragnarok to enjoy many of the fun experiences present in Ragnarok Origin.
In the short FaceTime Video, PSY has revealed that he will be releasing a new song this year. This will be the first in 5 years that PSY will be releasing since his last album [4X2=8] in 2017.
In addition to PSY’s interview, there will be community events featuring lots of prizes and rewards to celebrate PSY’s onboarding as the second ambassador for Ragnarok Origin. Gravity has claimed that they are preparing many more different collaboration events and activities with PSY to deliver a fun and exciting experience for the players.
Apart from PSY and Ragnarok Origin’s collaboration, Ragnarok Origin has recently released a massive update featuring a new class, increased level cap to lvl90, new stories, dungeons, and various events.
Here’s a quick summary of the update.
New Job: Crusader
New Lvl 90 storyline
New Map: Ancient City
Sky Set system
New Dungeon: Attacking Prontera at Night
War of Emperium Siege Fight
Sky Set: Wings of the Valkyries
For details on the major update, check out the update notice here.
Users can play Ragnarok Origin now by downloading the game on iOS or Android in the USA and Canada. To learn more about Ragnarok Origin visit the official site or follow the game on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About Gravity co., Ltd.:
Founded in April 2000, Gravity is a global game company and the only Korean game company listed on NASDAQ directly. As of June 30, 2021, Gravity’s signature IP, Ragnarok IP, has exceeded 120 million in global cumulative accounts. In addition, it was selected as the 2nd most loved Korean game overseas for 3 consecutive years (Global Hallyu Trend 2021).
Currently, Gravity has subsidiaries consisting of Gravity NEO CYON (Korea), Gravity Communications (Taiwan Region), Gravity Game Link (Indonesia), Gravity Interactive (USA), Gravity Game Arise (Japan), Gravity Game Tech (Thailand), Gravity Game Hub(Singapore), leading to a strong global network. Together with its branches, Gravity is expanding its recognition and influence worldwide by expanding its service with Ragnarok Online IP-related games as well as other games of various genres and platforms. In addition to various Ragnarok goods, it is accelerating Ragnarok content businesses, such as advancing into animation, IPTV, and webtoon fields, as well as conducting various brand collaborations.
SHENZHEN, China, Jan. 30, 2022 — Tencent Music Entertainment Group ("TME," or the "Company") (NYSE: TME), the leading online music and audio entertainment platform in China, unveiled recent domestic and international accolades for supporting the development of the music industry, innovation and for building a stage for global cultural exchange.
Tencent Music Entertainment Group has recently received multiple authoritative domestic and international awards that recognize its profound execution of development strategies and comprehensive service ecosystem. In November 2021, TME ranked top 15 in the Comprehensive Strength Index of Chinese Internet enterprises (2021) released by the Internet Society of China; in December, TME won over a dozen employer branding awards in brand communication, employee experience, employee perception, and corporate social responsibility from organizers including the Employer Branding Creative Festival, Laguo, Liepin, Maimai and Moka; TME received six awards in brand communication for the first time, in visual, video, digital and intelligent communication, ranking the top in the Greater China region; on December 28, TME ranked top 10 in the 2021 Top 30 Employers in the China Digital Copyright Industry Followed by Undergraduates list published by the National Copyright Trade Center of Renmin University of China.
The contribution to China and global music industrial development by Tencent Music Entertainment Group and its management was also recognized by top-tier media. In January 2022, TME’s Executive Chairman Cussion Pang was selected as one of the "Faces of 2021" by People, a domestic authoritative magazine, and appeared on the new year cover of the magazine in 2022 together with nine other outstanding representatives from different fields. On January 26, CEO Ross Liang was named to Billboard’s 2022 Power List with other notable core industry figures who have made significant achievements in 2021 in terms of revenues, music asset investments, and artist support, recognizing TME’s steady growth and development, and strong industrial impact.
Institutions and media have expressed optimism about TME and the development prospects of China’s music industry in recent years. According to MIDiA’s Music subscriber market shares Q2 2021 research report released in January 2022, China has witnessed the largest user growth globally as an emerging market, while TME ranked third in global music streaming with a 13% market share of music subscriptions. The growth of service ecosystem is expected to continue the empowerment of China music in the global digital music market.
By executing on its "dual engine content-and-platform" strategy, TME has been devoting to the construction of all-around services and a multi-value co-creation system with industry partners through advanced technology and rich industry resources. Meanwhile, it provides services for hundreds of thousands of Chinese musicians through the Tencent Musician Platform, promoting and building a diversified stage for their music dreams. TME will continue to cooperate with more global industry partners to further promote high-quality Chinese music content overseas and realize the global value of music works, as part of its continuous contribution to the long-term healthy development of the digital music industry.
About Tencent Music Entertainment
Tencent Music Entertainment Group (NYSE: TME) is the leading online music and audio entertainment platform in China, operating the country’s highly popular and innovative music apps: QQ Music, Kugou Music, Kuwo Music and WeSing. TME’s mission is to use technology to elevate the role of music in people’s lives by enabling them to create, enjoy, share and interact with music. TME’s platform comprises online music, online audio, online karaoke, music-centric live streaming and online concert services, enabling music fans to discover, listen, sing, watch, perform and socialize around music. For more information, please visit ir.tencentmusic.com.
LOS ANGELES, Jan. 26, 2022 — Donner, the pioneer of innovative instruments and electronics, made its US debut at NAMM Believe in Music 2022. To honor this achievement, Donner has partnered with electric guitarist Kfir Ochaion to represent the brand and showcase their award-winning Seeker SeriesDST-400electric guitar on the official NAMM web stream hosted on BelieveinMusic.tv on January 20-21.
Kfir Ochaion is showcasing his latest original single “Ride the Dragon” with Donner DST-400 electric guitar at NAMM Believe in Music Week.
NAMM Believe in Music Week is a global gathering to unify and support the people who bring music to the world. The event, which is taking place virtually on attend.believeinmusic.tv, presented to millions of music fans from all over the world. Every year NAMM brings together instrument makers with the world’s top musicians. The two-day event has featured inspiring interviews, live performances, and tutorials.
Donner is dedicated to supporting rising musical talents worldwide. At this years’ NAMM Believe in Music, Donner has teamed up with Kfir Ochaion, an Israeli electric guitar virtuoso who has captivated the world with his lyrical melodic style. A self-taught artist, he started his Youtube channel in 2006 and has since grown his following to 1.67M subscribers with 300M views. Kfir plays a mixture of cover music and original music on his social media channels. He maintains a strong connection with his fans by sharing his performance experiences, personal transition to producing music, and showcasing his unique guitar collection.
"I am honored to partner with Donner and to represent them at NAMM Believe In Music.The Donner DST-400is the perfect guitar for beginner to intermediate players looking to jumpstart their musical careers", says Kfir Ochaion. "The tones of the DST-400are comparable to many of the professional guitar models I own. The guitar base and structure will last many plays and will be a solid companion throughout a musicians’ journey. I wish I had Donner around when I was first learning how to play."
With the classic three-pickup, 22-fret configuration, and surf rock styling that has become an industry standard, the DST-400stands out among similar brands in the price range. The DST-400features a coil-split push/pull switch under the bridge tone knob that gives players a choice between the thicker, punchier sound of the bridge humbucker or the brighter, clearer sound of a single-coil pickup in the bridge position. These pickup options are not usually found on guitars in this price range or even guitars that cost far more. The DST-400is the ideal instrument for anyone wanting to learn guitar.
The Donner DST-400 is an ideal guitar for beginners, featuring a coil-split push/pull switch under the bridge tone knob that gives players a choice between the thicker, punchier sound of the bridge humbucker or the brighter, clearer sound of a single-coil pickup in the bridge position.
Donner aims to inspire and equip musical enthusiasts with excellent instruments and online learning resources. While Covid has brought a lot of education online, Donner is developing a global music education community with the recent launch of the Donner Music app, which gives artists from all over the world a platform to learn and share music. Donner has teamed up with professors from Berklee College of Music to offer unique courses to the public for free, making music education accessible to everyone with the Donner Berklee Tutor Course Series.
Kfir Ochaion – Ride the Dragon (Original) with Donner DST-400electric guitar video
About Donner Since 2012, Donner has been committed to creating new experiences in music and performance. As a pioneer of innovative instruments and electronics, we have brought the joy of musical performance to people worldwide. In the past ten years, Donner has rapidly grown as an international brand selling to Asia (China, Japan, Korea, etc.) Australia, Europe (UK, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Russia, and North America (the United States and Canada). For more information, go to https://www.donnerdeal.com/
Riding on this huge success, more performers from around the world expected to join the campaign, encouraging youngsters to pursue their dreams
HONG KONG, Jan. 16, 2022 — HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC), a leading fixed-line operator and information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider, announced the HGC "Go Ahead, Performers!" Music Live was successfully held virtually on 14 January. Various talented musicians and bands took part and delivered stellar performances, demonstrating an extraordinary start for the 2022 campaign.
Local singer Endy Chow
In line with HGC’s belief in embracing a new era of diversity for Hong Kong through technology, the event confirmed the value of the branding campaign’s direction to inspire young people to be bold, pursue their dreams and let their uniqueness shine.
To cope with the latest anti-epidemic measures and ensure the safety of the audience and staff, HGC "Go Ahead, Performers!" Music Live was an all virtual concert, however the performances were all highly enjoyable and just as memorable.
Local singer Endy Chow and the band ToNick were among the evening’s highlights, delighting fans with some of their most popular songs. Joining them for the virtual gig were The Black Sheepee,Wondergarl and Chonotenki who also delivered exciting performances and a vibrant positive energy.
Besides local performers and bands, HGC "Go Ahead, Performers!" Music Live also invited two street performers – Xiaohainan who always perform at Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Tyler Tseng from Tamsui, to perform virtually, sharing their unique music styles and initiating interaction opportunities with the online audience in Hong Kong.
Having set the scene for its upcoming campaign with the online concert, HGC is now even more dedicated to inspiring local youngsters to pursue their dreams, embrace new challenges, and strive for innovation. Support for young people and musicians is more important than ever and in the future, HGC will continue to organize thought-provoking events, inviting performers from around the world, such as London, Manila, Singapore and Bangkok, to cheer up young people and enable them to shine bright on stage.
About HGC Global Communications Limited
HGC Global Communications Limited (HGC) is a leading Hong Kong and international telecom operator and ICT solution provider. The company owns an extensive network and infrastructure in Hong Kong and overseas and provides various kinds of services. HGC has 23 overseas offices, with business over 5 continents. It provides telecom infrastructure service to other operators and serves as a service provider to corporate and households. The company provides full-fledged telecom, data centre services, ICT solutions and broadband services for local, overseas, corporate and mass markets. HGC owns and operates an extensive fibre-optic network, five cross-border telecom routes integrated into tier-one telecom operators in mainland China and connects with hundreds of world-class international telecom operators. HGC is one of Hong Kong’s largest Wi-Fi service providers, running over 29,000 Wi-Fi hotspots in Hong Kong. The company is committed to further investing and enriching its current infrastructure and, in parallel, adding on top the latest technologies and developing its infrastructure services and solutions. HGC is a portfolio company of I Squared Capital, an independent global infrastructure investment manager focusing on energy, utilities and transport in North America, Europe and selected fast-growing economies.
To learn more, please visit HGC’s website at: www.hgc.com.hk
SINGAPORE, Jan. 11, 2022 — BIGO Technology, one of the world’s fastest-growing technology companies will host its third annual BIGO Awards Gala to celebrate its most exceptional broadcasters from around the world. The gala is set to take place at 8:00 pm (GMT+8) on Friday – 14th January 2022 on Bigo Live’s Music Livehouse Channel (Bigo ID: music).
In the lead-up to the 2022 BIGO Awards Gala, musical icons from across the world hosted their own livestreams to support BIGO’s rising stars. French Popstar Kendji Girac and Dutch DJ Quintino hosted pre-event Gala celebrations in Europe for European users. In addition to the stellar lineup, Lebanese singer Yara wowed her audiences with an incredible performance during the MENA Gala on Jan 9. Singer-Songwriter Jessie J will also co-host an epic livestream with top U.S. Bigo Live broadcaster "Palestine" on Jan 11.
 
The theme for the 2022 edition of the BIGO Awards Gala is "Better Live, Better Future", which embodies the company’s commitment to empower millions of people to explore an infinite number of possibilities on its livestreaming platform. Every year, BIGO updates its hall-of-fame at their annual gala. They honour broadcasters who have captivated their livestreaming audience with creativity as well as those who have transformed the community by making the best use of livestreaming in the past year.
As a leader in the industry, BIGO continuously invests in future-facing technologies such as computer vision, VR, AR and more. The event will also feature DINO – Bigo Live’s mascot – who will make a virtual appearance in 3D to host this exclusive one-night extravaganza whilst giving audiences a rare glimpse into the Metaverse.
"We constantly improve our streaming technology to empower users and foster creative environments where individuals can fully showcase their talent, creativity and potential," said Mike Ong, Vice President of BIGO Technology. "Thanks to technological innovation, our livestreaming platform, Bigo Live, enables broadcasters to create both content-of-value and content-of-meaning for their viewers. It’s these individuals who have had a positive impact in their respective communities that we would like to celebrate."
During the Awards Gala ceremony, BIGO will honour the top broadcasters and families of 2021 by popularity both in each region and across the world. This year Aley Nguyen, BIGO ID: Aley1609 and KAKA Family from Australia, Filipino winners, Jean Drilon, BIGO ID: JD.09.2016 and BDO Family, will be awarded the "Top Regional Broadcaster" and "Top Regional Family" prizes respectively. Amy and Iwapoyo from Japan and Vanruby from Vietnam held the top spots in the 2021 ranking of Top Global Broadcasters. Furthermore, Japanese family BigWin will be honoured as the Top Global Family on Bigo Live.
Each winner will receive a trophy for his or her achievement, as well as in-app rewards. They will also be featured in prominent places all over the world – such as the coveted billboards at Times Square in New York, USA and the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, UAE.
Approximately 100 broadcasters from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds will participate in the Gala through online performances that include aerial yoga, ethnic music, opera, Tron dance, k-pop dance, cosplay show, and many more. In addition, the Virtual Live 3D avatar that was recently introduced by Bigo Live will also make its stage debut performing a virtual concert with "The Toys"- a highly talented and renowned singer-songwriter from Thailand, offering the audience a fully immersive experience.
During the highly engaging virtual ceremony, audience members that vote for their favourite broadcasters, families and Glory Region will be presented with tickets to participate in a lucky draw. Winners will have the opportunity to win an Apple iPhone 13, supersize Dino pillows and a variety of virtual gifts that are specially designed for the Gala.
BEIJING, Oct. 8, 2021 — Kuke Music Holding Limited ("Kuke" or the "Company") (NYSE: KUKE), a leading provider of classical music content, licensing, subscription, and smart music learning solutions in China, today announced that the 24th Beijing Music Festival ("BMF," or the "Festival") will commence on October 9th and run until October 24th, celebrating this year’s theme of "Masters and Celebrations." Spanning across 16 days, the Festival will host audiences featuring 18 sets in 20 main concerts, encompassing genres including symphonic music, opera, vocal music, chamber music, percussion music, and orchestral film music.
The 24th BMF will not only host exciting professional performances, but will also feature children’s concerts, "Music at Noon" concerts, master classes, lectures, and other public events for various audiences. These programs will serve to facilitate multi-dimensional dialogue between Chinese and foreign composers. It will also feature performances of masterpieces including some of China’s premier compositions of various genres, paying tribute to the pathfinders and innovators in the long history of classical music while presenting a magnificent, panoramic view of classical music culture.
Mr. Long Yu, Director of Kuke and founder of the Beijing Music Festival, commented, "Building a platform for young musicians to showcase their talents and letting the world hear the voices of young Chinese musicians are the most dedicated missions of the Beijing Music Festival. We have been ceaselessly exploring new changes and innovations in our performances over the years. Hosting performances such as our ‘Urban Series,’ ‘Immersive Opera,’ and our ‘Music Carnival’ at key commercial landmarks in Beijing, reflects our endeavors to showcase the cutting edge of music culture to audiences through the lens of an international and innovative perspective, as we continue our persistence in promoting the festival and expanding its cultural influence."
Mr. He Yu, Chief Executive Officer of Kuke, commented, "We are very excited to celebrate another year of the Beijing Music Festival. The festival not only entertains and delights classical music fans, but also serves as a platform to showcase the musical talents of young Chinese musicians and plant the seeds of appreciation for classical music in the next generation of musical talent. This serves as an important part of our classical music learning ecosystem, which we have established to serve the entire career development cycle of music students from inception to album publishing. We have spared no effort in organizing our 24th Beijing Music Festival and look forward to entertaining music fans, showcasing the amazing musical talent in our programs, and enhancing appreciation of classical music to amplify the impact of elegant music worldwide."
About Kuke Music Holding Limited
Kuke is China’s leading comprehensive music group encompassing the entire value chain from content provision to education services. By collaborating with its sister company Naxos, the world’s largest independent classical music content provider in the world, the foundation of Kuke’s extensive classical music content library is its unparalleled access to more than 900 top-tier record companies. Leveraging its market leadership in copyrighted classical music content in China, Kuke provides highly scalable classical music licensing and subscription services to over 700 universities, libraries and online music platforms. In addition, it has hosted Beijing Music Festival ("BMF"), the most renowned music festival in China, for 23 consecutive years. At the same time, Kuke provides consumers with premium music content, music literacy education, talent competitions, and public performances through its apps, Kuke Music and BMF Club. Through KUKEY, the Company’s proprietary AI music education system, Kuke aims to democratize music education via technological innovation, bring fascinating music content and professional music techniques to more students, and continuously improve the efficiency and penetration of music learning. By integrating music content and education, Kuke is constructing a unique AI-driven music education ecosystem and providing students with full life-cycle music programs.
Investor Relations Contact:
Kuke Music Holding Limited Email: IR@kuke.com Phone: +1 (212) 321-0602
Music fans can interact with each other and their favourite idols in individual JOOX Artist Rooms for top 200 artists
With the introduction of the Superstar Fans Pick feature, fans can also support and vote for their beloved idols by joining their respective Artist Rooms, winning a chance to promote their favorite artists on the platform
HONG KONG, Sept. 30, 2021 — Turn the volume up and make the party louder! JOOX, Asia’s most dedicated music and entertainment platform, just made virtual hang-outs with fellow music lovers more exciting and fun-filled than ever! Following up on the increasingly popular socially interactive ROOMS feature, JOOX now brings music fans all over Asia closer to their most beloved and favourite idols through the brand-new Artist Room, while opening up more doors for fans to support and cheer for their idols by rolling out the Superstar Fans Pick feature!
Following up on the increasingly popular socially interactive ROOMS feature, JOOX now brings music fans all over Asia closer to their most beloved and favourite idols through the brand-new Artist Room, while opening up more doors for fans to support and cheer for their idols by rolling out the Superstar Fans Pick feature.
Ready for some awesome pieces of JOOX trivia? More than 6,000 fans in Hong Kong entered ROOMS at the same time to show their love and support for two members of MIRROR – one of the hottest local musical acts today! Things also got hotter in other parts of Asia, as JOOX’s Influencer Talk 101 in Indonesia garnered more than 20,000 users in an hour, Yin War Rooms in Thailand reached almost 10,000 peak concurrent users, and a fan-initiated JOOX ROOMS session gathered more than 2,000 participants and made Malaysian superstar Dato Sri Siti Nurhaliza join in!
Given the overwhelming success of ROOMS, JOOX is giving music fans more of what they value the most. The new Artist Room features individual rooms for the top 200 artists in the region, where their fans can interact with their fellow music lovers while listening to each artist’s top 50 hits on loop! What’s even more exciting is that their favourite idols may drop by the room and host a special party with their fans!
What’s more, JOOX is also rolling out the Superstar Fans Pick feature for enthusiastic fans to cheer for their idols with ROOMs – fans can vote for their favourite artists not only by listening to their songs, sending gifts, or casting a simple vote, but also by joining their Artist Rooms. Daily and weekly top artists will be given a prominent splash ad display on JOOX, while top fans will be rewarded with honor badges and vice-captain badges so they can show off their loyalty to their idols too!
As if that’s not enough to make JOOX ROOMS the ultimate virtual party for music fans, management functions for hosts are now amped up, with hosts now being able to invite other users to co-host and speak to the entire room while fans are now given the power to request for their favorite songs! More optimization features as well as private chat and quick chat functions are also now available, truly setting the stage for fans to share their love for music with each other!
Poshu Yeung, Senior Vice President of JOOX, said, "JOOX remains true to its mission of being Asia’s most dedicated music and entertainment streaming platform, and that is why we always go the extra mile in bringing music fans more of what they truly love. With the new Artist Room and Superstar Fans Pick features, their social interaction and online hangout parties will be made even better by creating more memories with music from their idols, with a chance to spend some time with the artists themselves. And as if that’s not enough for them to maximize their enjoyment, JOOX ROOMS has also rolled out enhanced hosting and management functions for a boost in overall fan experience."
In the mood for more interesting tidbits about ROOMS? Indonesian fans are having a blast using the JOOX ROOMS feature by talking about ghost stories, while a group of monks in Thailand are gathering to share their life stories! Isn’t that awesome? Come and be a part of the whole experience now!
Interact and socialize with your friends while enjoying the music of your favourite artists anytime, anywhere, and access much more of JOOX’s unparalleled and unmatched features and offers! Download the JOOX mobile or desktop app on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, or access the JOOX website now.
Download now to start your premium music journey today!
About JOOX
JOOX is a music app made for music lovers. With more than 40 million songs in its music library from all over the world, JOOX connects you to your favourite artists, songs, albums and personalized playlists. Users can discover great new music with recommended songs and radio stations that fit your taste and mood. JOOX is now available on iOS, Android and Desktop (Windows/Mac), allowing users to enjoy a free high quality music experience anytime, anywhere.
With Special Performances by Saweetie, The Chainsmokers, Darren Criss, and More!
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 20, 2021 —
SHEIN
WHO: Global e-retailer SHEIN with Saweetie, The Chainsmokers, Darren Criss, Thuy, Willie Gomez, Riley Clemmons, Blu DeTiger, and more.
WHAT: International online shopping e-commerce brand SHEIN, presents SHEIN X ROCK THE RUNWAY 2021– an exciting hybrid-special event that is part music concert, mixed with innovative choreographed dances in a non-traditional fashion show. As a one-stop destination for fashionistas, SHEIN aims to create a one-stop destination for discovering indie music, global superstars, dance choreographers, and entertainment through this unforgettable fashion event. SHEIN’s ROCK THE RUNWAY will also help to support and raise awareness and donations to benefit National Action Network is one of the leading civil rights organizations in the Nation with chapters throughout the entire United States and Youth Emerging Stronger building bright futures for foster and homeless youth. SHEIN is donating $350,000 across both charities.
The virtual event will include 5 equally individual segments, uniquely showcasing stylish trends for the SHEIN Fall-Winter 2021 collections, while featuring dynamic performances by renowned musical guests. In celebration of the SHEIN X Challenge (which aired its finale on September 12, 2021 via YouTube), the show will also feature the top 5 finalists designs during the SHEIN X Segment.
Featured Musical Performances
Saweetie
The Chainsmokers
Darren Criss
Thuy
Willie Gomez
Riley Clemmons
Blu DeTiger
Featured Choreographers
RETRO REVIVAL: WILLIE GOMEZ
ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHERS:
CHOREOGRAPHER – CALVIT HODGE
ANTHONY KIN
ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER: SARA BIVENS
WHITNEY BEZZANT
EMERI KIN
EASY CHIC: RILEY CLEMMONS
JASON PETERS
CHOREOGRAPHER – ALEX CHUNG
JAMES HERRON
ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER: JASMINE MASON
SAM MCWILLIAMS
SKI PARTY: SAWEETIE
LA ROLLERS GIRLS
CHOREOGRAPHER: BRYA WOODS
CHOREOGRAPHER: CRYSTAL ALYSIA
ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHER:
CHAINSMOKERS
AAHKILAH CORNELIUS
CHOREOGRAPHER – TAYLOR THOMAS
SHEIN X: BLU DE TIGER
CITY SLEEK x 2: DARREN CRISS
CHOREOGRAPHERS – TABITHA AND
CHOREOGRAPHER – ALEX CHUNG
NAPOLEON DUMO "NAPPYTABS"
ASSISTANT CHOREOGRAPHERS:
JASMINE MASON, JOE TULIAO
WHEN: September 26, 2021 at 2:00PM PST
WHERE: SHEIN’s free app as well as SHEIN’s official YouTube, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook
About SHEIN: Founded in 2008, SHEIN is a fast-fashion e-retailer with a global network that spans 220 countries and regions. Here at SHEIN, we place a premium not on our apparel, but on choice. That’s why we drop 1000 new fashion items daily, spoiling our customers with a dizzying selection of on-trend womenswear that they can mix and match to their heart’s delight. We do this because we believe that the clothes we wear reflect our personalities and we want to empower today’s women to explore and express their individuality. With the abundance of choice we provide, our customers can intricately craft that perfect look which reflects their individuality. Simply put, we help you do you. To learn more about SHEIN, follow us at shein.com, instagram.com/sheinofficial and youtube.com/shein.
About Youth Emerging Stronger (YES): Since 1985, Youth Emerging Stronger (YES) has served unhoused youth, ages 12-24, ensuring that they have the skills and behavioral mindsets to realize their passions and dreams in the areas of education, employment, and safe, stable housing; all while providing ongoing mental health therapy. YES empowers them to fight against the systemic inequities that have imposed disproportionate challenges on their families and provides them the ability to grow and become self-sufficient community members. To learn more information about YES, visit www.YouthEmergingStronger.Org.
JOE BONAMASSA’S GROUNDBREAKING UPCOMING NFT AUCTION OFFERS THE RARE OPPORTUNITY TO OWN THE MASTER AND PUBLISHING OF ONE OF HIS SONGS
GUITAR HERO WRITES NEW SONG "BROKEN RECORD" AS NFT TO ENCOURAGE GREATNESS FOR THOSE WHO CHALLENGE THEMSELVES TO BE BETTER
LOS ANGELES, July 23, 2021 — For over 30 years now, acclaimed guitar hero Joe Bonamassahas paved his own path in the music industry. Now Bonamassa is teaming up for his latest venture with Heritage Auctions, where he and longtime business partner Roy Weisman are changing the rules of the NFT game to offer one of the most intriguing, high value offers out there. The truly unprecedented lot sets Joe as the first musician to sell his music publishing in an NFT as part of this digital + physical collection, which also features his own "Holy Grail" 1959 Gibson Les Paul Sunburst guitar and 1963 Fender Vibroverb amp that were used to record the song. What truly raises the stakes in the world of art and music, is the value. Here the reserve bid is worth the gear alone, yet Bonamassa is giving a once in a lifetime opportunity to ALSO become the owner of the master and publishing for one of his songs, "Broken Record." It’s an innovative move that shows just how ahead of the game Joe’s team is. Always on the quest to evolve artistically while simultaneously challenging the infrastructure of the music industry, and a true musical pioneer, Joe has done it again.
Bonamassa went to Oceanway Studio in Nashville in May 2021 to record a special song that he wrote just to be used for this special NFT. The song "Broken Record" is an ode to taking control, just as Bonamassa is doing with his NFT concept. He shares of the song’s origins, "it’s the same complaints. I’m going to lose weight. I’m going to do something with my life. I’m going to make changes. And they never do… and they sound like a broken record. I do that too. I decided to write a song about it. I’ve wanted to do this for a while, and when the idea came up for this project with Heritage, I thought ‘I should write that broken record song,’ and I did."
"Broken Record," along with the NFT auction, is a movement that’s meant to inspire not only artists and creators, but the everyday person. It’s a reminder for people to hold themselves accountable, stand up against the status quo, and make strides to be the best that they can. With this NFT, Bonamassa and Weisman didn’t want to sound like a broken record doing the same thing as everyone else who had jumped on the bandwagon. Instead, they wanted to take hold of the reigns, make it their own, and make it the best offering out there.
Bonamassa calls this lot "the one-song record company" because it totally transforms the way musicians can make a business from their intellectual property. Weisman elaborates: "That is what this NFT concept gives artists — the opportunity to raise capital on an independent basis that will allow them to overstep the so-called gatekeepers of the music industry."
"One of the things that I like about being an independent artist is that Roy and I came up with this idea," Bonamassa says. "We didn’t have to run it up any sort of chain of command. It was like, let’s do this because it feels right. And it’s the next logical step in how independent artists are going to be on equal footing with major labels."
Weisman says "we’re now truly in a unique time in the music business where it is completely just supply and demand. People can find artists online anytime, people can buy their music, investors can invest in them without an artist having to go through a typical major label or even large independent label system that is heavily weighted against artists from the start."
This history-making auction from the music-business revolutionary is far from routine; then, nothing Bonamassa does is ever ordinary.
Joe’s auction lot is filled to the brim with highly collectible items, including not only some of the most prized musical instruments on the planet, but pairing them with a series of certificates of authenticity as cutting-edge non-fungible tokens (NFTs). The type of guitar has been used by rock royalty such as Keith Richards, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield. The instrument with the "unmatched deep, throaty sound," as David Schiller writes in his book Guitar, was the ax that built rock and roll.
Non-fungible tokens are changing the business world and Bonamassa’s clever use of the new technology is now allowing other artists to build what is their own business. Bonamassa’s auction is unique and stands to reshape how musicians make and sell their art. This incredible lot includes 13 items individually tokenized on the Ethereum blockchain. Each physical item will have a digital NFT component. This lot is a dream come true for any serious collector of vintage gear or NFT investor looking to diversify their portfolio.
It should surprise no one who follows Bonamassa’s career that he’s leading this revolution. No guitarist has ever received as much coverage in the music and business media as the two-time Grammy Award nominee who has topped Billboard’s Blues chart 24 times – at only the age of 44, no less. Only last year, in fact, Forbes heralding the guitarist for "Taking Control Of His Business, Building A Brand And Investing In Himself."
Bonamassa, a wunderkind who opened for B.B. King when he was just 12 years old, learned early on never to trust the industry: His 2000 debut A New Day Yesterday, released on a Sony subsidiary, was a critical smash, with Billboard hailing the comer as "a bold talent who rises above narrow radio formatics." Problem was that major labels have no time for bold talents who don’t get played on the radio. Bonamassa and Sony parted ways.
For many musicians, that would have been the end of the story. For Bonamassa, it was only the beginning of the beginning: In 2002 the guitarist and his longtime manager and business partner Roy Weisman created J&R Adventures – a self-contained label, management, marketing and concert promotion company. Which has meant that for the last 20 years, they haven’t had anyone looking over their shoulder, anyone telling them what to do or where to go, anyone telling them no.
"We go against the grain by nature, and that’s how we’ve been successful," Weisman says. "I’m not really looking to get the input of the industry because quite frankly, I think the mainstream industry won’t like independence. And with this auction, we’re going to show the world how to merge their copyrights, their intellectual property and sell it directly to an investor without a middleman like a major record company taking a major piece of the money and leaving them without any core assets. Now with the NFT, artists have an opportunity to build capital for themselves to then build what is their own business. And that is a beautiful thing. It’s a game-changer."
The way both men tell it, the idea of selling the guitar and amp and the song in a single auction lot was an easy one, just another inevitable next step in the evolution of their revolution. It took Weisman and Bonamassa all of 20 minutes to settle on the concept and its eventual execution, which resulted in a full-blown studio session during which the guitarist recorded something of which he’s extraordinarily proud … which no one, outside of the winner, might ever hear.
Joe explains "if three people hear the song and that’s it, I’m still proud of the work. If it’s licensed for film or TV and everybody hears the song, even better. But the fact of the matter is, I’m proud of the song whether three people hear it or 30 million hear it. It doesn’t matter. My approach would not have changed."
"And in the end, we came to the conclusion that if we’re going to do this, let’s make a splash. This is going to be really cool."
To prospective auctioneers, Joe encourages people to get in on the action. "Enjoy your NFT and thank you very much for participating. And by the way, show this to all your friends. Hell, you own it!"
ITEMS IN THIS LOT:
1 Vintage Guitar from Joe’s Collection -1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, Serial # 9 0346
1 Vintage Amp From Joe’s Collection -1963 Fender Vibroverb, Serial # 00352
1 Original Song by Joe Bonamassa -Track name: "Broken Record" -Written and Produced by Joe Bonamassa -Mixed and mastered by Kevin Shirley -Executive Producer: Roy Weisman -(will include WAV file for digital playback and Master for Manufacturing) -Master Rights and Publishing included – Rules as stated on Agreement
4 Videos -1 Full Live Studio Performance Video -EPK Interview about Song -Guitar "Origin" Video -Amp "Origin" Video
Original handwritten Lyric Sheet – Signed by Joe
1 Original Cover Art design -1500×1500 digital JPEG image -J&R Retains Copyright of the design, NFT owner CANNOT use for Merch or Commercial use
1 Joe Bonamassa Hand-Signed Lithograph -Exclusive cover art printed and Hand Signed by Joe (1 of 1 original) -Framed, 21-inch X 21-inch
4 Concert Tickets & 4 Meet & Greet Passes to One Joe Bonamassa Show every calendar year. – Tickets and M&G passes must be used for the same show. – Where Joe Bonamassa is the sole headline artist (no festivals or special events). – Only if there is a scheduled Meet & Greet for the applicable show. – For as long as and until Joe continues to actively tour. – All costs to attend the show (travel, accommodations, etc.) other than the tickets and passes are the responsibility of the NFT owner.
1 Digital Photo Book – Includes 6 photos of Joe (in the studio and with the guitar & Amp) – These will be delivered digitally as JPEGs. – NFT owner will not own copyright of images
A Personal "Nerdville" Museum Tour and lunch with Joe Bonamassa – Choice of either Los Angeles or Nashville location – Date and Time Subject to Joe Bonamassa’s Schedule – Tour for Purchaser and 1 guest (2 people MAXIMUM) – Lunch will follow the tour at Joe’s residence – Subject to signature by Purchaser and guest of a confidentiality agreement – No filming or recording of any nature permitted – This is a ONE TIME ONLY event – All travel, accommodation and other expenses are the sole responsibility of the Purchaser
TOKENIZED ITEMS: (13 Different Minted items) -Song -Guitar -Amp -Tickets and Meet & Greet -Nerdville Museum Tour and Lunch with Joe -Full Music Video -EPK Video about Song -Guitar "Origin" Video -Amp "Origin" Video -Digital Cover artwork image -Litho Print -Hand-written Lyrics Page -Digital Photo Book
ABOUT JOE BONAMASSA: As a professional musician for over 30 years, Joe Bonamassa continues to blaze a remarkably versatile artistic trail, and amass an authentic, innovative, and soulful body of work. Bonamassa’s career began onstage opening for B.B. King in 1989 when he was only 12 years old. Today, he is hailed worldwide as one of the greatest guitar players of his generation and is an ever-evolving singer-songwriter with over 40 albums to date all under his own label, J&R Adventures.
Joe’s latest album, "Now Serving: Royal Tea Live From The Ryman" is available now for streaming, CD, DVD and Blu-Ray. It will also be released on Double LP July 9th. The DVD includes a film introduction narrated by actor Jeff Daniels. To order, visit shop.jbonamassa.com. The stellar performance from one of the world’s most legendary venues includes 12 incredible live tracks, featuring the best from his latest studio release Royal Tea, Joe’s 24th#1 record on the Billboard Blues chart, which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. It also includes 3 electrifying tracks from his 20th anniversary album A New Day Now.
Joe is also hitting the stage again, with a string of tour dates across the US for summer and fall, starting the end of this month in California, with two incredible nights set for the Red Rocks Amphitheatre in August before jumping back to the Ryman Auditorium to kick off the autumn dates in October. For tickets, visit https://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/.
In addition to his music and shows, Joe continues to crank out weekly programming for his radio show "Different Shades Of Blue" for Sirius XM’s Bluesville channel. Last year, he kicked off a new at-home weekly video interview series "Live From Nerdville" which currently has over 50 episodes aired on his Facebook, YouTube, and podcast outlets. With a new episode each week, Joe has featured conversations with Neal Schon of Journey, John Oates of Hall & Oates, Glenn Hughes, Paul Stanley of Kiss, Warren Haynes, Keb’ Mo’, Walter Trout, Steve Lukather of Toto, Todd Rundgren, comedian Jeff Garlin, esteemed singer-songwriter Dion, Peter Frampton, and is currently booking new guests for his 3rd season. In June 2020, Bonamassa and his manager Roy Weisman debuted their new record label Keeping The Blues Alive Records by releasing music icon Dion’s critically acclaimed latest album Blues With Friends. In February 2021, KTBA Records released Chicago’s reigning Queen of Blues Guitar, Joanna Connor’s new album 4801 South Indiana Avenue, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Blues chart.
ABOUT HERITAGE AUCTIONS: Heritage Auctions is the largest fine art and collectibles auction house founded in the United States, and the world’s largest collectibles auctioneer. Heritage maintains offices in New York, Dallas, Beverly Hills, San Francisco, Chicago, Palm Beach, London, Paris, Geneva, Amsterdam and Hong Kong.
Heritage also enjoys the highest Online traffic and dollar volume of any auction house on earth (source: SimilarWeb and Hiscox Report). The Internet’s most popular auction-house website, HA.com, has more than 1,400,000 registered bidder-members and searchable free archives of five million past auction records with prices realized, descriptions and enlargeable photos. Reproduction rights routinely granted to media for photo credit.
LIZHI Podcast is the first Chinese language podcast app to be featured by Apple
GUANGZHOU, CHINA, May 28, 2021 — LIZHI INC. ("LIZHI" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: LIZI), a leading online UGC audio community and interactive audio entertainment platform in China, is excited to announce that its new LIZHI Podcast app (LIZHI BOKE in Chinese) has been recommended by Apple’s App Store as one of its featured apps. LIZHI Podcast is the first Chinese podcast app to be recommended by the App Store in the China market – a major milestone for the app since its launch in January this year. As a vertical podcast platform, LIZHI Podcast has been rated 5 stars by users after the launch.
LIZHI Podcast brings a diverse library of high-quality podcast content to its users. The app also offers immersive audio experiences with its Livestream Podcast feature, which enables real-time organic communication between podcast hosts and listeners on both mobile apps and LIZHI Podcast’s in-car audio product. Powered by LIZHI’s "DOREME" project – the Company’s in-house audio technology solution that combines real-time communication technology and audio data transmission with noise reduction, voice quality optimization, and 3D enhancements – LIZHI Podcast aims to provide users with a stable and smooth Livestream Podcast experience.
"We are pleased to bring our pioneering technology to Apple users. Our inclusion on Apple’s recommended list is another vote for the quality of our product and its trailblazing work in audio apps. We also anticipate the LIZHI Podcast app will continue to resonate with Chinese-speaking users around the world," said Mr. Jinnan (Marco) Lai, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of LIZHI.
The LIZHI Podcast app interface easily adapts to in-car use, providing drivers and passengers with more options for their in-car entertainment experience. The company has partnered with leading automotive and intelligent technology companies such as XPeng Motors, WM Motors, ENOVATE Motors, ECARX, and Horizon Robotics to integrate LIZHI Podcast into various intelligent systems and platforms.
Since its launch, LIZHI Podcast has already partnered with a range of content creators from different industries and areas of interest to participate in podcasting for the first time, with an aim to increase the quality and penetration of Chinese podcasts. The company has also signed on exclusive content creators and collaborated with brands and enterprises to create branded podcast content to further boost its content offerings. Popular podcast topics include aesthetics and art, technology, lifestyle, and entertainment. LIZHI’s livestream feature offers content creators a more effective way to reach audiences as compared to the traditional podcast format.
About LIZHI INC.
LIZHI INC. (the "Company" or "LIZHI") has built an audio ecosystem with a global presence consisting of audio-based social networks, podcast content portfolios and audio communities. The Company aims to bring people closer together through voices by its product portfolios. LIZHI’s audio-based social networking products offering, including TIYA App, caters to users’ evolving interest in social interactions in real time online and enables users to connect with friends having similar interests, entertain, chat online, and share their daily lives through voices. LIZHI also offers a vertical podcast platform, LIZHI Podcast, that provides users with curated content drawn from its extensive content library built over the years, as well as new podcasts provided by selected content creators. Since the launch of LIZHI App in 2013, the Company’s flagship platform, LIZHI has cultivated a vibrant and growing online UGC audio community and interactive audio entertainment platform where users are encouraged to create, share, discover and enjoy audio, and experience immersive and diversified entertainment features through audio. LIZHI envisions a global audio ecosystem – a place where everyone can be connected through voices and across cultures. LIZHI INC. has been listed on Nasdaq since January 2020.
This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about the Company’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, and a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. In some cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by words or phrases such as "may", "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" or other similar expressions. Further information regarding these and other risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.
For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
In China: LIZHI INC. IR Department Tel: +86 (20) 3866-4265 E-mail: ir@lizhi.fm
The Piacente Group, Inc. Jenny Cai Tel: +86 (10) 6508-0677 E-mail: Lizhi@tpg-ir.com
In the United States: The Piacente Group, Inc. Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 E-mail: Lizhi@tpg-ir.com
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