Melissa Etheridge is documenting her special concert to uplift the incarcerated women at Topeka Correctional Facility in a new two-part series, Melissa Etheridge: I’m Not Broken.
In a preview clip shared exclusively with Billboard, the country superstar recalls performing at prisons as a child. “When I was 12 years old, I had just played the guitar and I had been writing folk songs. It’s 1973, and we played the VA Center, which was interesting,” she revealed. “Then, we had been asked to do the show at the federal penitentiary. When I sang, that audience made me feel like a female Johnny Cash. It was electric. Then, I played the state penitentiary, then I played the women’s penitentiary. It’s so funny to come here to prison and say, ‘This is my favorite prison and I had such a great experience here.’ But it really was.”
She continued, “Going inside those walls as a 12 year old was informative to me as a child.”
Premiering July 9 on Paramount+, the docuseries will follow Etheridge as she plans to bring happiness to the Topeka Correctional Facility after receiving letters from some of its residents. Eventually, Etheridge writes an original song in their honor and performs it for them at the facility, which is located in her hometown in Kansas. The show will also touch on how many of the residents struggle with substance abuse issues, something Etheridge has a personal connection to. The “I’m the Only One” singer lost her son Beckett to an opioid addiction in 2020, when he was just 21 years old.
Watch the clip from I’m Not Broken exclusively via Billboard below.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-07-08 19:05:042024-07-08 19:05:04Melissa Etheridge Recalls Performing at Prisons as a 12-Year-Old in ‘I’m Not Broken’ Clip
While K-pop artists tend to utilize a range of teaser photos and video clips to hype fans up for new music, the members of Stray Kids are heading to Apple Music’s radio waves to share more about the group’s upcoming ATE album.
In the kickoff episode of All About Stray Kids Radio (which premieres today, July 8, on Apple Music 1), members Bang Chan and Felix share new details about the group’s forthcoming mini-album ATE (dropping July 19), reflect on their latest single, and discuss their latest playlist additions, favorite games of the moments and other insights about SKZ’s music.
Felix says ATE’s overall concept is “something we haven’t done.” Bang Chan agrees, adding that not only is the title track single fresh but “a lot of the other songs [are] as well, it’s all very different… what we recorded, it’s just showing a different side of Stray Kids.”
In their charming Australian accents, the musical mates also discussed why the “Stray Kids Version” of their latest Billboard Hot 100 hit, the Charlie Puth–featuring “Lose My Breath,” was “a bit more special.” Plus, the duo shares the other songs on their current playlist, including Avril Lavigne’s “Complicated,” Linkin Park’s “New Divide,” King Gnu’s “Ichizu” and Avicii’s “Wake Me Up!”
STAYs can listen to the first episode of All About Stray Kids Radio coming July 8 at 10:00p.m. ET on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_StrayKidsRadio. Subsequent episodes will be released every Tuesday, with All About Stray Kids Radio also available on-demand for Apple Music subscribers after airing on Apple Music 1. Each episode will also be available on Apple Podcasts one hour after broadcast. The show’s podcast trailer is here.
Ahead of the full episode tonight — sure to include even more reveals — check out these exclusive moments and show artwork Billboard can share ahead of the broadcast.
On What Fans Can Expect From ATE:
Felix: It’s been like nine months since we’ve done our comeback.
Bang Chan: Yeah, it’s been, like, what? Uh, eight months?
Felix: We did [“Lose My Breath”] so, like, you know, definitely fans can be like, “Oh, bro, like, what concept or what color are they going for this comeback album?” But definitely I reckon this is something we haven’t done in, like… this is our first time doing this kind of concept. And the music style is also very different. But then you can say, “Oh, wow, so this kinda song … it’s definitely Stray Kids’ style.” You know what I mean?
Bang Chan: It’s something that we haven’t done before — but, you know, not only with the title track… a lot of the other songs as well, it’s all very different. But, you know, in the end, it’s what we made. What we recorded. It’s just showing a different side of Stray Kids.
Felix: I think we fit it in the song pretty well.
Bang Chan: Yeah, yeah, yeah. Everyone did a really good job.
Felix: It matches so well with our color.
On “Lose My Breath (Stray Kids Version)”:
Bang Chan: With all eight of our voices coming out on the song, it’s, I feel like it’s a bit more special. You know what I mean? Also it’s a very different Stray Kids song.
Felix: Yeah, it’s not like a song we would always do. But, then again, because it’s us doing it, I feel like we did a good job recording and preparing for this song so.
Bang Chan: Most of the time, I’d be, you know, 3RACHA would be directing this song. But everyone did such a great job, so, um, big shout to all the members. And, um, also, you know, I feel like, ’cause, you know, the weather’s getting so hot these days…“Lose My Breath,” it kinda cools you down when you listen to the song in this hot weather.
Felix: Yeah. No matter how hot it is, like 35 degrees [Celsius], it’s still good to listen to, you know?
Bang Chan and Felix’s Favorite Stray Kids Songs:
Felix: What’s your favorite Stray Kids song?
Bang Chan: Bro, that’s so hard! I can’t choose![Laughs.]Do you have one?
Felix: I have … actually, [my favorite was] “DOMINO.”
Bang Chan: “DOMINO”? “DOMINO” is pretty good. “DOMINO” is my wake-up alarm.
Felix: Oh, really?!
Bang Chan: ‘Cause it’s so loud from the start. [Singing.]And it just wakes me up straight away. I’m like, “Ah!”
Bang Chan and Felix Talk Hobbies:
Felix: Is there anything you’re interested in these days?
Bang Chan: Ooh, interests … I don’t know … you know, I’ve been playing Genshin a lot these days.
Felix: Genshin a lot, yeah. Same here.
Bang Chan: Sometimes, when you bring your console out into schedule[s], we play Tekken together. Um, what else? I’ve been interested in soccer.
Felix: You’ve been playing soccer?
Bang Chan: Mm-hmm.
Felix: Oh yeah, you have.
Bang Chan: Yeah. Futsal with the members, some other mates.
Felix: Oh yeah.
Bang Chan: Um, what else am I doing? I’ve been trying to work out a bit more frequently these days.
Felix: Oh. Ah, you have more hobbies then … You have, like, three hobbies then.
Bang Chan: I guess so.
Felix: Like, working out, soccer, and then Genshin.
Bang Chan: To be honest, yeah. That does make sense. ‘Cause, I mean, you know me. I think a lot. And then I try to get out of mind — I try to, you know, find all these hobbies [Laughs.]
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-07-08 19:00:332024-07-08 19:00:33Bang Chan & Felix Chat ‘ATE’ Album, Song Picks & More on Apple Music ‘All About Stray Kids Radio’ Premiere: First Look
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
The holidays come and go, but sales and deals are a year-round treat — and that includes tech deals on some hot-ticketed items. Among the discounts you can enjoy? Laptops for less. That means you can finally wave goodbye to your out-of-date laptop and hello to a fresh, updated version — minus the hefty price tag.
Apple MacBooks have become one of the most coveted laptops to own, and while usually priced at $1,000+, you can now score a MacBook Air with the top-rated M1 chip for just $649 — its lowest price to date. Walmart+ members are eligible to get early access to the deal until 8 p.m. ET/5:30 p.m. PT on Monday (July 8), when the steal is offered.
Don’t have a Walmart+ membership? The online retailer is offering a limited-time half-off deal that gets you a full year of Walmart+ for just $49. If you’d prefer to test the service out before committing, you can skip the deal and get a 30-day free trial. Once the free trial is over, you’ll be charged the regular, full-price fee of $98 a year.
And that’s not the only savings happening right now. Prices for laptops from ASUS, Lenovo to even Chromebooks are being slashed, allowing you to upgrade your tech and complete your work-from-home or gaming setup.
What Are the Best Apple MacBook Deals?
Instead of hunting these savings down yourself, we did the digging to round up some of the best laptop deals available. Keep reading to shop the latest laptop deals happening now.
Apple’s highly coveted MacBook Air has been slashed to its lowest price, so far. For only $649, you can reap all the benefits of a MacBook, including its slim yet lightweight design for easy portability. The built-in M1 chip comes with a Retina display and helps deliver fast speeds without using too much battery power. And speaking of battery life, the laptop can be used up to 18 hours on a full charge.
Enjoy the power of the M3 chip with the latest MacBook Air, but for less than $1,000. Along with faster speeds, you’ll also be able to enjoy touch ID security, crisp liquid retina display and up to 18 hours of battery life on a full charge.
For a more updated version, the 2022 MacBook Air features a similar slim design as its predecessor as well as a 13.6 inch screen for a wider view. More than 1,000 models have been purchased on Amazon, according to the retailer and its also been labeled a No. 1 bestseller in traditional laptop computers. It’s most likely thanks to 24GB of unified memory and M2 chip that aims to deliver even faster speeds.
What Are the Best Laptop Deals?
Apple MacBooks aren’t the only models that are being discounted, you can also buy gaming laptops online for less, as well as simpler models for working.
Score more than half off Lenovo’s IdeaPad 1 and enjoy up to 10 hours of battery on a full charge in addition to eight gigabytes of RAM for storing photos, videos and files. The 15.6 inch screen will allow you multi-task with various windows open at once while the 720P camera is perfect for videos calls and remote meetings.
HP’s laptop includes a 14-inch screen with HD resolution for crystal clear viewing. In addition to being able to surf the web on a compact device, the laptop comes preinstalled with Windows 11 and is Bluetooth compatible to connect your wireless devices to.
For less than $500 you can pick up an Asus Vivobook and enjoy 512 GB of storage whether you’re photo editing or working on your latest work presentation. The full HD resolution provides a sharp and crystal clear display for streaming TV shows and movies while the LED backlight ensures you get a quality display that won’t drain your battery fast.
The Acer Aspire 3 has dropped down to less than $400 making it a total steal. The device comes with up to 6.5 hours of battery life on a full charge as well as Acer BluelightShield, which will lower the levels of bluelight to help protect your eyes. It also weighs less than four pounds for easy portability.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-07-08 19:00:322024-07-08 19:00:32Apple’s MacBook Air Just Dropped to $649 — Its Lowest Price Yet (Plus, More Laptop Deals Up to 54% Off)
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Walmart is rolling back prices on thousands of must-haves, including tech, apparel, home items and much more. The online-only sale starts at 5 p.m. ET, but Walmart+ members gained access to the sale a day before everybody else.
The sale offers up to 65% off select items, up to 30% off select shoes and apparel, up to 40% off scents, 50% off vacuums and 50% off Walmart+.
Walmart also offers a variety of ways to get your purchases — birthday gifts, wedding gifts, graduation and back-to-school supplies and daily essentials — even faster. From in-store pickup to express delivery, and expanded time slots the retailer wants to ensure that purchase arrives as soon as possible. Shoppers can choose Express Delivery, curbside pickup, or same-day delivery and track orders on the Walmart app.
If you’re shopping for a gamer, now’s your chance to get a Switch Bundle for less than $175 at Walmart and savings on Sony PlayStation.
Walmart+ subscribers get free shipping (Express Delivery not included) and other exclusive benefits such as savings on fuel, free grocery delivery from your local store, free Paramount+ and free Apple Music for three months.
Related
You Can Subscribe to Walmart+ for 50% Off — Pay Just $49 for the Year
In the toy department, you’ll find deals on Lego, Barbie, Uno, Leap Frog, Power Wheels, and other kids’ toys on sale at Walmart.
Don’t waste time! Items tend to sell out at Walmart.com, so it’s best to start your bargain shopping as early as possible. Walmart’s July Deals event are available to all customers, no membership required, but Walmart+ members can shop the sale hours ahead of everybody else. Shop summer savings at Walmart.com.
UPDATE (July 8): Cedella Marley, the daughter of reggae singers Bob Marley and Rita Marley and the mother of Skip Marley, will receive the Legacy Award at the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards on Thursday, Aug. 29, at King Theatre in Brooklyn, N.Y. Cedella Marley won three Grammy Awards as a member of Ziggy Marley and the Melody Makers.
Marcia Griffiths, a former member of the I-Threes, which supported Bob Marley with backing vocals, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award. Griffiths was a Grammy nominee three years ago for best reggae album for One World. Alison Hinds, known as the “Queen of Soca,” will be honored with the Elite Icon Award.
“The recognition of women in this year’s awards underscores the importance of their contributions to our culture and heritage. Their voices are vital to the vibrancy of Caribbean music,” the event organizers, the Caribbean Elite Group, said in a statement.
PREVIOUSLY (May 28):Dexta Daps leads the nominations for the 2024 Caribbean Music Awards. The Jamaican dancehall and reggae performer received eight nods, including performer of the year (dancehall) and the People’s Choice Award.
Related
One Love: Cedella Marley & Fossil Team Up for International Women’s Day Collection
Skinny Fabulous follows with six nominations. Masicka, Yung Bredda, Bounty Killer, and Machel Montano each have five nods. Asa Bantan, Tee Jay, Cham, Byron Messia, Patrice Roberts, Rajah Wild, Nailah Blackman, and Problem Child are next in line with four nods each.
The Caribbean Music Awards recognizes artists, producers, and industry professionals who have significantly contributed to the Caribbean music landscape. This year’s nominations list includes more than 40 categories spanning a diverse range of genres, including reggae, Soca and dancehall.
This year, the awards introduce new categories such as International DJ, French Caribbean Artist, Latin Caribbean Artist, and Bouyon Artist of the Year, alongside Chutney, Calypso, and Konpa Honors.
The awards are presented by the Caribbean Elite Group, which also produces Caribbean EliteMagazine – a print and digital publication which highlights Caribbean entertainers, artists, producers, promoters, cuisine, travel, fashion and entrepreneurs.
Voting is underway at the official Caribbean Music Awards website at CaribMusicAwards.com and will conclude on Thursday, June 30. Winners will be celebrated on Thursday, August 29 at King Theatre in Brooklyn.
For the complete list of nominations, visit CaribMusicAwards.com. Here are the nominees in selected categories:
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-07-08 18:55:132024-07-08 18:55:13Cedella Marley to Be Honored at 2024 Caribbean Music Awards
Speaking at ESSENCE Festival in New Orleans over the weekend, the tennis legend called “Not Like Us” a “jam” and crowned the Drake diss track as the “hit of the summer.”
“I love that song. It’s like the hit of the summer,” she said. “When they play that jam, I’m jamming. That jam is jamming.”
Per Complex, Serena added that she’s getting her “Crip walk” on to the Mustard-produced Hot 100-topping banger. “You definitely Crip walking in that song. It’s so cool what he did though. Bringing everyone to the stage? That was incredible. I couldn’t believe it,” she continued.
K. Dot actually name-drops his fellow Compton icon on the track. “From Alondra down to Central, n—a better not speak on Serena,” he raps about Williams while seemingly daring Drake to keep her name in his mouth.
Drake was rumored to be dating Serena Williams throughout the first half of the 2010s. However, in June, Common insinuated that “wars happen over women” after N.O.R.E. brought up how the two were linked to dating Serena at different times. (Common dated Serena from about 2007 to 2010).
“You know, wars happen over women,” Common admitted of his feud with Drake on Drink Champs. “That’s just what it is. But I ain’t going to get at you if you with somebody I was with. But if you start throwing me a couple little, you know, you trying to throw some jabs, you know, and I’m like, ‘Come on man, OK.’”
Williams and Drake were spotted locking lips in 2015 and he pulled up to her U.S. Open tennis match in the same year, which had many thinking the couple was taking their relationship to the next level. However, her rep denied to People in October that year that the two were dating, instead noting that they were merely longtime friends.
Serena tied the knot with Alexis Ohanian in 2017. The tennis icon and entrepreneur share two daughters.
Drake dissed the Reddit co-founder on 2022 Her Loss cut “Middle of the Ocean.” “Sidebar, Serena, your husband a groupie/ He claim we don’t got a problem but/ No, boo, it is like you coming for sushi,” he raps.
Ohanianappeared to reply to Drake via X at the time, writing: “The reason I stay winning is because I’m relentless about being the absolute best at whatever I do—including being the best groupie for my wife & daughter.”
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-07-08 18:55:122024-07-08 18:55:12Serena Williams Crowns Kendrick Lamar’s Drake Diss Track ‘Not Like Us’ the ‘Hit of the Summer’
Will Shaboozey finally get his first Billboard Hot 100 No. 1?
Tetris Kelly: There’s a new top 10 and No. 1 in this week’s Billboard Hot 100 top 10 for the week dated July 13. Chappell Roan blasts into the top 10 at No. 10. Teddy Swims is still at last week’s No. 9. As is Benson Boone at No. 8 and “Too Sweet” at No. 7.
“Please Please Please” falls a spot to six. “Million Dollar Baby” is up to five. “Espresso” is still at four, as Kendrick’s “Not Like Us” holds at three. Post and Morgan fall from last week’s No. 1 spot.
And grabbing his first ever Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 is Shaboozey with “A Bar Song (Tipsy).”
If you want more Billboard, make sure you hit the subscribe button and ring the bell to be notified on all our latest videos.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-07-08 18:55:112024-07-08 18:55:11Billboard Hot 100 Top 10 Countdown for July 13, 2024 | Billboard News
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Get ready for Walmart‘s biggest savings event yet: Walmart Deals. Starting Monday, July 8, through Thursday, July 11, shoppers can enjoy discounts on thousands of items, including electronics, home goods, toys, travel necessities and back-to-school supplies.
And that’s not all: At 5 p.m. ET, exclusive online-only deals with discounts of up to 50% off will go live. All customers also have access to Walmart Deals on both Walmart.com and the Walmart app, simplifying the process of saving money and exploring new items.
From outdoor games, comfortable and stylish chairs, coolers, air purifiers, family-friendly games and more, Walmart is a go-to destination to help you enjoy a fun-filled summer season. With the retailer’s unbeatable deals, families can also seamlessly transition from enjoying an active summer to back-to-school shopping.
Scroll down and find all your essentials at steal prices today!
Don’t miss out! Walmart+ typically costs $98 for the annual membership, and $12.95 for the monthly membership after a 30-day free trial. Walmart offers different plans that will save you up to half off the membership plan.
You can subscribe to the Walmart+ annual plan to save you around $5/month and over $100 per year on your Walmart+ subscription.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-07-08 18:36:162024-07-08 18:36:16Walmart Deals Has Started: Save on Summer Items, Home Essentials & More at ‘Largest’ Sale Event Yet
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Back by popular demand! Stevie Nicks’ Barbie Music Collector doll is being restocked, Mattel announced on Monday (July 8).
“The encore you’ve been waiting for 🤘🎸🖤 The legendary @StevieNicks Barbie doll is back by popular demand with a limited re-release! Don’t miss your chance to join in on the music,“ the company revealed on Instagram, which Nicks reposted to her account.
Nicks announced the initial Barbie release last year during her concert at New York’s Madison Square Garden. The doll was first released in November 2023.
“My Stevie @Barbie has been with me now for several months. When Mattel came to me asking if I would like to have a Barbie made in the Rumours cover style I was very overwhelmed,” Nicks posted on X in October. “Of course I questioned ‘would she look like me? Would she have my spirit? Would she have my heart…’ When I look at her, I see my 27 year old self~ All the memories of walking out on a big stage in that black outfit and those gorgeous boots come rushing back~ and then I see myself now in her face. What we have been through since 1975~ the battles we have fought, the lessons we have learned~ together. I am her and she is me. She absolutely has my heart.”
“Thank you Mattel, for working with me to make Stevie Barbie so pretty and so soulful and so real; she means the world to me!”
My Stevie @Barbie has been with me now for several months. When Mattel came to me asking if I would like to have a Barbie made in the “Rumours” cover style I was very overwhelmed. Of course I questioned “would she look like me? Would she have my spirit? Would she have my heart…”… pic.twitter.com/JQXjF7XSMK
Channeling the heyday of Fleetwood Mac, the Stevie Nicks Barbie is outfitted in a flowing black dress inspired by her outfit on the album cover for the band’s 1977 LP Rumours. The doll also wears a replica of Nicks’ signature golden moon necklace along with black knee-high boots and carries a tambourine with red and black ribbons.
The Stevie Nicks Barbie doll retails for $55 and is currently sold out at Mattel and Target. The doll is available for resale on sites such as Amazon and Walmart. (It’s also popping up on StockX and eBay.)
Nicks, who’s currently on tour in the U.K., was forced to postpone shows slated for July 6 and July 9 due to a leg injury.
https://i0.wp.com/neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/station.nez_png.png?fit=943%2C511&ssl=1511943Yvetohttps://neztelinc.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/nez_png.pngYveto2024-07-08 18:28:432024-07-08 18:28:43Mattel Restocks Stevie Nicks’ Barbie: Where to Buy the Doll Online
You can now hear and see Sphere Las Vegas in person or at home.
To commemorate one year since the Sphere’s exterior “Exosphere” — the largest LED screen in the world at 580,000 square feet with 1.2 million LED pucks — switched on, the landmark entertainment venue revealed three new features on Thursday (July 4): audio, a 24-hour livestream and a fleet of 500 drones.
Related
Eagles Book 12 Fall Dates at Las Vegas Sphere
Sphere launched the technology with Verizon during its Fourth of July Celebration this past week. The 24-hour livestream, known as the XO Stream, can be viewed on both YouTube and Sphere’s website. (XO plays on the term Exosphere, as the Sphere’s exterior surface is known.)
Sphere guests, hundreds of onlookers and thousands more online gathered to see the customized Exosphere show, themed “America in six acts.” The presentation featured both Independence Day content and a retrospective of visuals from Sphere’s first year, including an animated emoji face and U2, Dead & Company, and Phish concert graphics. For the first time, the visuals were synched to music, with Odesza’s “A Moment Apart” serving as the debut track.
Sphere Studios, which produces multi-sensory live entertainment experiences for Sphere, created all of the content.
“People want to know what’s happening on Sphere,” says Jennifer Koester, president/COO of Sphere Las Vegas. “Inside the building, the multi-sensory experience blows people away. How do we bring that to the exterior? That’s why we are now introducing audio synched with the visuals.”
“The Sphere is a model of innovation and ingenuity,” adds Jim Dolan, executive chairman/CEO of Sphere Entertainment. “It was a year ago that we watched the Exosphere get turned on, and we didn’t know how the public would receive it. That night, all the traffic stopped, and we got the idea that the Exosphere would be important.”
Through the livestream, Sphere extends its canvas beyond Las Vegas, allowing people worldwide to experience its marvels. XO Audio features sound created by Sphere Studios or from outside artists, synched to the movement of the imagery on the Exosphere. Audio accompanies Exosphere visuals onsite and via the XO Stream.
Related
James Dolan Will Be Sphere Entertainment’s CEO for Three More Years
“There are speakers around the exterior designed to have the sound cover the campus,” says Koester, noting that they are not HOLOPLOT, which powers Sphere Immersive Sound inside the venue.
XO Audio is specific to the Exosphere and will be separate from what is happening inside. However, Koester doesn’t rule out future extensions as innovations are forever evolving.
“During the NHL Draft in June, we were able to show on the Exosphere what was happening in the interior for the first time,” she says. Also for the first time, Sphere Studios led the design and creation of content for the interior display plane and the Exosphere.
To further amplify the experience, a fleet of 500 drones is now available to synch to the Exosphere. During the launch, these drones took the shape of fireworks, stars and phrases like “Year of Sphere.”
“When an image appears [on the Exosphere], it will shoot right out of the Sphere in the form of drones,” Dolan says.
“Drones will be going into all of the toolkits that we bring to our artists and brands and will enhance that storytelling,” adds Koester.
The Exosphere is estimated to garner more than 300,000 in-person views per day and more than 4 million digital views thanks to XO Stream.
During the July 4 event, another XO show made its debut: the inaugural Sphere XO Student Design Challenge. Launched in March in partnership with Sphere, Clark County School District and the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, invited more than 100,000 students to enter a competition exploring the intersection between art and science.
Eight Clark County-based students from elementary to graduate school were ultimately chosen both by the general public (more than 75,000 votes were cast) and a panel of judges — including professional artists Refik Anadol and Michela Picchi, both of whom have previously designed for the Exosphere — to have their work appear on the Sphere on July 4. They were also awarded scholarships. This marked the first time members of the general public had their visual creations displayed on the venue’s exterior.
With a slew of year-one advancements now on view, what could be next? For one thing, Dolan hopes to turn the Sphere inside out. “One of the things that we’ve been working on which we haven’t been able to do yet is make the outside of Sphere disappear — make it transparent, so you can see into it [see what’s happening inside from the Exosphere],” he says.
He is also excited to see what the Eagles will bring to Sphere when they debut there in September.
“They’re building on each other,” Dolan says of the musical acts who have had residencies at the venue, including U2, Phish and Dead & Company. “Each one pushes the medium further and learns from the one before. We show them the canvas. We have brushes and paints. Our people say, ‘Here’s how you use these brushes,’ but we don’t tell them what to put on the canvas.”
