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.
It’s Prime Day, which means you can score some of the biggest tech deals and snag new gadgets for a fraction of the price. When we think of Alexa services, your first thought probably goes to the classic Echo Dot — but now, smart home devices don’t have to be confined to your home. Amazon’s Echo Auto brings Alexa on the road, giving you all the benefits of the AI from your car. Now, the device is on sale for just $25.
Whether you’re looking for directions or want to stream your latest car ride playlist, the second-generation Echo Auto has got you covered. It brings all the capabilities of the Alexa you know and love in your home and makes them mobile. Now you won’t have to be at home to indulge in her vast knowledge — especially when it comes to giving you directions to a concert venue.
Keep reading to shop the Prime Day deal below.
Amazon Echo Auto (2nd Gen, 2022 release) | Add Alexa to your car
This time around, Amazon has made the second generation Echo Auto a slimmer design for an easier mounting process to your dashboard. There’s also a five-mic built in that’ll allow Alexa to pick up your voice over the sound of the AC, radio and other road noises. And, for the days you forget to pack your portable charger, the Echo Auto comes with a fast car charger to juice up your phone on the go.
You’ll still be able to enjoy the classic capabilities, too, such as streaming your favorite playlists whether it’s through Apple Music, Amazon Music or Spotify. You can also use it to call for roadside assistance: Just say “Alexa, call roadside assistance” and you’ll be connected to an Amazon agent who can request help on your behalf. You can also control your other compatible smart home devices and call and message — all while you’re driving.
More than 2,000 Echo Autos have been purchased in the past month with shoppers praising its ability to work in “older cars” as well as newer models.
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.pngYveto2024-07-16 17:14:112024-07-16 17:14:11This Amazon Device Lets You Take Alexa on the Road: Get It On Sale for Prime Day
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes probably aren’t the first couple to make a double date out of one of Taylor Swift‘s Eras Tour concerts — but they might be one of the rare few whose counterparts included the show’s star.
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Earlier this month, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and former soccer player attended the “Anti-Hero” singer’s performance in Amsterdam alongside Patrick’s teammate — and Swift’s beau — Travis Kelce. And in newly shared Instagram photos from Brittany, it looks like they all got together for a glamorous evening after the show, with the foursome posing for a fun group shot together.
The snap finds the Sports Illustrated model hugging the 14-time Grammy winner tightly around the waist, her black outfit and sparkly Prada handbag contrasting Swift’s heart-shaped red purse and blue sundress. Behind them stand Kelce and Patrick beaming at the camera, both of them wearing baseball hats.
Brittany also included a photo of just her and Swift, who wraps her friend in her arms and kisses her head. “London & Amsterdam, a time was had” she wrote in her caption.
The post comes about four days after the Mahomes couple announced that they’re expecting their third baby with an adorable video on Instagram, which Swift and Kelce both liked. The parents already share daughter Sterling Skye and son Patrick “Bronze” Lavon Mahomes III.
Swift has grown close with the Mahomes family since beginning her romance with the tight end last summer. She and Brittany often hang out inside and out of Chiefs games at Arrowhead Stadium, and the two couples enjoyed a few outings together during the 2023-24 NFL season (including a raucous Super Bowl afterparty in Las Vegas).
Since hanging out with Patrick and Brittany amid her three back-to-back shows in Amsterdam July 4-6, the “Fortnight” artist has taken her Eras trek to Zürich and, most recently, Milan. She’ll next set up shop in Gelsenkirchen, Germany, for three concerts at Veltins-Arena July 17-19.
“WOW. MILAN,” Swift wrote on Instagram following her tenure in Italy. “Those were truly 2 of my favorite crowds ever. The passion and generosity you showed us… it was a dream come true to perform for you … We’ll be back!! 🇮🇹 🫶”
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.pngYveto2024-07-16 17:14:112024-07-16 17:14:11Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce Double Date With Patrick & Brittany Mahomes in New Photos
Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” momentum cannot be stopped. The Drake-dissing anthem has officially received the video game treatment and is now available for those looking to smack around some owls.
Game designer Richie Branson unveiled Not Like Us: The Gameon Monday (July 15), which appears to find users playing as Kendrick Lamar wielding a wooden baseball bat, tasked with hitting owls in various directions (with the word “wop” appearing each time you do), while an 8-bit version of the smash-hit song plays in the background.
Each level gets progressively harder as there’s less time to locate the owl. “I intentionally made the game spike in difficulty above 17, so any score 18 and above should be celebrated,” Branson wrote on X.
In the game’s credits, Branson describes himself as “just a random brotha who designed games for Bleacher Report and worked for Epic Games as a game designer on a little game called Fortnite. This game is a free love letter to video games and hip-hop.”
Fans seemed to be enjoying the game. “This is so cool! reminds of those early flash game’s I grew up playing as a kid. Great work man you really are a jack of all trades,” one person replied on X.
Another gamer chimed in: “Now make one where drakes running away from the cops like temple run or subway surfers lol (Love the game tho this is dope so simple AND ADDICTIVE WOP WOP WOP WOP)”
The game’s mission is seemingly inspired by the “Not Like Us” visual, which features Kendrick gearing up to take a swing at an owl piñata. Although, Bransons said he came up with the idea while recovering from a case of food poisoning.
With a boost thanks to the Dave Free-directed music video, “Not Like Us” returned to the top of this week’s Billboard Hot 100. It’s now Lamar’s first multi-week No. 1 hit. The Mustard-produced banger also vaulted back to the apex of the Global 200 from No. 6.
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.pngYveto2024-07-16 17:14:102024-07-16 17:14:10Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ Gets Turned Into a Video Game
The atmosphere at Brooklyn’s Mercury Store was electrifying on Saturday (July) thanks to a fierce rap competition. At Red Bull Batalla‘s regional qualifier, New York’s AdonYS emerged as the victor, spitting punchline after punchline alongside other MCs with an eye on the Red Bull Batalla USA National Final, to be held in Miami in October. For the first time, fans will be able to watch the New York regional battle tonight (July 16) at 7 p.m. ET.
The event highlighted the exceptional talent gathered from across the country, with 16 aspiring Latin MCs — including 4ases, Eckonn, El Dømi, La Eminencia, Zkart, Kingkique and others — battling through incendiary rounds. Their exuberance and linguistic prowess confirmed the deep-rooted connection and evolving style of the Spanish freestyle community.
“Every time I rap, I take you in waves/ You’re spoiled, you don’t know how to even rub a gun/ This is rap, tomorrow vacilón, this is hip-hop and also a sensation,” AdonYS spat in Spanish against Freites, a Venezuelan lyricist from Orlando, Florida, who the Dominican New Yorker eventually defeated. Both advanced to the national finals, along with Raiiden and Metricoh Flowster.
The battles were adjudicated by a panel of three judges: rappers El Dilema, Snow Qlq and Latin Grammy nominee J Noa, the latter of whom the audience got to see in action on the mic at the close of the Batalla night.
J Noa
Red Bull Batalla, now entering its sixth year in the United States, has grown throughout the Spanish-speaking world. The first Batalla (initially known as “Batalla de los Gallos”) was held in Puerto Rico in 2005, following the success of the Eminem-starring blockbuster 8 Mile. The event has established itself as one of the largest Spanish-speaking freestyle competitions in the world, resonating with the battle-rap community and receiving more than 8,000 applications annually from hopefuls around the world.
The 2023 World Final in Bogota captivated more than 12,000 attendees, underscoring the broad appeal of the event. Looking ahead, the excitement builds toward the 2024 World Final set for Madrid’s Wizink Center on November 30, which sold out within a week of ticket release.
With each passing year, Red Bull Batalla continues to establish itself as a cultural phenomenon, pushing the boundaries of freestyle rap and showcasing the talent that Spanish-speaking communities harbor.
Below, watch AdonYS win the regional title in New York, and more than a dozen rappers compete for the crown. The video will begin streaming at 7 p.m. ET.
The date for the Red Bull Batalla USA National Final in Miami in October to be announced soon.
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It can feel as though there aren’t enough hours in the day to get all your work done, go to the gym, make dinner and still have time to relax. Using an under-desk treadmill, though, can upgrade your work from home setup by allowing you to incorporate some movement into your workday as you check off your to-do list — especially if you’re normally tied to a desk for long hours.
The best under-desk treadmills offer a compact design that can easily slide under your workspace, allowing you to work out while you write up a report or prepare for a meeting. Rather than spend hundreds of dollars to upgrade your WFH space, Prime Day 2024 has a limited-time deal that gets you the popular Redliro under desk treadmill for a steal at 40% off.
For less than $200 you can score Redliro’s under desk treadmill, which comes with customizable speeds and the ability to pause and go as you please. It weighs a little over 50 pounds and was built with a five-layer running belt and shock absorption to help provide comfort and support as you walk.
This under desk treadmill goes a maximum of 4 miles per hour and has attached wheels, so you can move it from place-to-place easier. The model is rated 4.4 stars with more than 100 of the exercise equipment purchased in the past month. Verified shoppers have described it as “perfectly compact” and “lightweight,” making it apartment- and small-space friendly.
Remote workers can take advantage of its versatility as it allows you to wear your go-to running shorts or leggings to walk and work simultaneously in comfort. Plus, during the cold months, you can skip having to go for a run in the cold and incorporate your workout into your workday.
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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.
Amazon’s popular Fire TVs is on sale for $99 during Prime Day 2024 — that’s 50% off the list price.
Amazon introduced a series of new Fire TVs last year, including the retail giant’s most affordable model yet, plus three other sizes of the Fire TV Omni QLED series and they’re all currently on sale for Prime Day, plus you’ll get a six-month free subscription to MGM+ with the purchase of any Fire TV.
Amazon Fire TV 32″ 2-Series HD smart TV with Fire TV Alexa Voice Remote, stream live TV without cable
The 32-inch Fire TV 2-Series is equipped with 720p resolution while the 40-inch features 1080p resolution (on sale for $169.99). Both TVs include support for HDR 10, HLG, Dolby Digital Audio and an Alexa Voice Remote. If you’re looking a higher resolution, Amazon’s Fire TV Omni QLED Series TVs are now available in 43-inch, 50-inch and 55-inch screens and usually range in price from $449 to $599 — but they’re on sale right now for $360 and up.
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“We knew we could build a better experience for the living room,” Daniel Rausch, vice president of Amazon Entertainment Devices and Services said in a news release announcing the lineup last year. “Televisions are the fastest growing segment in the Fire TV business. When customers love something, we double down.”
Last fall, Amazon announced upgrades to its Fire TVs including enhanced searching capabilities with the help of AI. Per Amazon, “the new Fire TV search experience enhances search, browse, and recommendations by combining generative AI with Fire TV’s extensive entertainment content and app library—enabling customers to find and discover content in a natural, contextual, and conversational way. Customers will be able to ask Alexa nuanced or open-ended questions about TV shows and movies, helping them find what they’re looking for using natural and conversational language.”
See below for more deals to shop.
Amazon Fire TV Deals: Up to 30% Off
Amazon’s Omni QLED TVs feature Fire TV Ambient Experience and 4K Quantum Dot Technology to deliver an immersive cinematic experience with built-in, far-field microphones, so that you can easily access Alexa from anywhere in the room.
Amazon Fire TV 43″ Omni QLED Series 4K UHD smart TV, Dolby Vision IQ, Fire TV Ambient Experience, hands-free with Alexa
Use voice control to open and operate apps hands free, discover new shows, manage playback and control the Ambient Experience to display calendars, reminders, Sticky Notes and more.
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The four-time Grammy winner was subjected to online ridicule well before she stepped away from the microphone at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, with critics pointing to the “More Hearts Than Mine” singer’s pitchy performance immediately. Separate camera angles captured fireworks exploding over the arena as she sang, while others showed a few of the MLB pros gathered on site appearing to stifle laughter as she sang.
In short, it wasn’t exactly a home run. And when it came to criticizing Andress online, it didn’t take long for fans on social media to step up to the plate. “My ears are bleeding,” one viewer tweeted. “One of the worst national anthem renditions ever.”
“It is impressive that this Ingrid Andress has missed every single note,” another person wrote. “That was painful.”
Billboard has reached out to Andress’ reps for comment.
The “Star-Spangled Banner” is a famously difficult tune to sing. She’s also far from the first star to face criticism for her attempt at conquering the patriotic anthem, with Andress now joining the company of Christina Aguilera, Kat DeLuna, Steven Tyler and, perhaps most notably in recent history, Fergie. (Although, some people are saying that Andress has actually dethroned the Black Eyed Peas frontwoman for “worst national anthem of all time,” as one user put it on X.)
In any case, one commented said it best: “I hope Ingrid Andress stays off of social media for a minute,” they wrote. Keep reading to see more reactions to Andress’ performance of the National Anthem below.
Not here to knock Ingrid Andress at #HRDerby (she was probably nervous as hell), but we should just play this anthem at every sporting event going forward.
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.pngYveto2024-07-16 15:53:402024-07-16 15:53:40Ingrid Andress’ Home Run Derby Performance Has Fans Calling It the ‘Worst National Anthem of All Time’
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.
Prime Day is finally here and Amazon has promised major tech deals on hot-ticketed items including laptops and Prime Video channels. Among some of the best Prime Day discounts, Billboard has spotted though is an Amazon Echo Show 8 bundle, which gets you the smart device in addition to a Blink Video Doorbell for just $95 (reg. $210).
Whether you know what you want or you’re still building your Prime Day wish list, this tech item is an absolute essential with more than 10,000 shoppers having already purchased the tablet this month. It’s easy to see why, too: not only does it act as a source for checking the time, day and weather, but you can also stream music, TV shows and movies just by asking Alexa. Plus, with this bundle, you’ll be able to add extra security to your home through the Blink doorbell, which comes with two-way audio and 1080p HD clarity for day and night view.
Echo Show 8 (3rd Gen, 2023 Release) Bundle with Blink Video Doorbell
This Prime Day bundle is being dropped 55% off as well as can help improve your home security. The smart home hub can connect to the Blink doorbell, allowing you to easily see who is at the door without even having to get up. You can also set it up to get alerts when motion is detected and someone presses the button on the doorbell.
In addition, the Echo Show 8 presents a minimalist design that’s sleek and compact enough to fit on a nightstand or countertop without leaving it looking cluttered.
That’s not the only Echo Show sale going on, either — you can learn more below.
What Are the Best Prime Day Echo Show Deals?
To help you stock up on the best Prime Day deals going on, Billboard rounded up the biggest Echo Show sales below for you to shop now.
Get all the features and benefits of the Echo Show 8 with a customizable smart lightbulb that’ll help create any desired ambiance — and for less than $100. The Sengled Smart Color Bulb can be connected to Alexa for hands-free personalization whether you want to change the hue or just turn your lights on and off.
Prefer just the Echo Show? Keep reading to score up to 44% off the popular device.
The Echo Show 8 currently has a rating of 4.6 stars with reviewers praising its “hands-free” capabilities . You can choose between two shades: charcoal gray or glacier white, which will give it a framed style. Shoppers can’t stop praising the sound quality, user-friendly setup and its ability to monitor your home when you’re out. One reviewer loves it so much they wrote, “We have one in just about every room of the house.”
You can also sleep soundly with its security features, including its ability to connect to Ring Doorbells (which also have slashed Prime Big Deal Days prices) and the option to look through its camera to see live activity in your home.
Combine style and smart home tech with the Echo Show 5. Right now, you can score it for 44% off, which drops it down to a wallet-friendly $50 price. The device is available in three shades: charcoal, glacier white and cloud blue that you can customize to your home decor. It’s also compact enough to sit on your counter or desk without making things look cluttered. One reviewer even described it as a “big upgrade” for their home as it brings entertainment, music and more in one compact device.
The screen comes with an HD display and stereo for watching and listening to music. It’s also compatible with Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu and more — just download your desired apps in the app store (or ask Alexa). Music streamers including Amazon Music, Spotify and Apple Music are also available.
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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.
Prime Day is back! Amazon’s annual two-day shopping bonanza starts on Tuesday (July 16), giving you just 48 hours to score huge savings on millions of items, and an opportunity to get a head-start on back-to-school shopping.
With so many deals to shop, it’s never too early to start drafting a list of must-haves. Consider this your sign to stock up on everything from premium beauty to home basics and more.
The sale launched Tuesdat at 12:01 a.m. PT/3:01 a.m. ET — and it’s for Prime members only. Not subscribed? Click below to launch your free 30-day trial. Prime memberships costs $14.99/month but there are student discounts and other deals that will save you 50% off the membership fee.
Prime Day sales are happening now, but before you begin shopping, there are a few things to know to help you get prepared and make your experience a lot easier.
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Amazon is making it easy for members to shop the Prime Day with personalized recommendations based on your shopping history, saved items and previous purchases, deal alerts and one-click shopping.
You can also use Alexa to help track and save Prime Day sales. Save up to 68% off bundles such as the Ring Spotlight Cam Plus, eero Pro 6E mesh Wi-Fi systems, Blink Outdoor 4 + Echo Show 5 bundles, Fire TV Stick with an Xbox Wireless Controller bundle, Fire TV 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV, Fire 10 Kids tablet, and Ring Pet bundles. Save up to 50% home appliances from brands like Dyson, Shark and Bissell, up to 50% off Keurig coffee, up to 45% off iRobot Roomba vacuums, mops, and combos and up to 50% on Keurig coffee brewers, Crest Whitestrips and Oral-B toothbrushes.
Prime Day offers up to 40% off Sony headphones, up to 40% off campus essentials from Amazon Basics and Amazon Essentials, up to 30% on Urban Decay cosmetics and on Lancôme cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances, and up to 31% off select Kindle e-reader bundles.
Get notifications up to 24 hours before they’re announced with Alexa and save eligible items to your Wish List or cart, or save them for later. You can also add deals to your calendar and if you want to make a purchase once the deals is available, simply say “Alexa buy it for me.”
We’ve spotted some of the lowest prices of the year on top-rated music and entertainment deals, available exclusively for Amazon Prime members (get a 30-day free trial here and a free subscription to Grubhub+.)
Below, shop some of the best tech deals we’ve found and more — including a mix of household, fashion beauty items and portable electronics. Most of the deals listed below will save you around 50% off, but there are some deeper discounts of up to 82% off select items.
Prime Day: Best Deals to Shop
NO. 1 BESTSELLER
Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillows Standard / Queen Size Set of 2 – Down Alternative Bedding Gel Cooling Pillow for Back, Stomach or Side Sleepers
LifePro Far Infrared Sauna Blanket – Portable Infrared Sauna for Home Relaxation – Sauna Blanket – Infrared Blanket Sauna with 77–176 °F Temp Range (Rejuvawrap)
Beard King Beard Bib Apron – Shaving Set for Dad – As Seen on Shark Tank – Men’s Hair Catcher for Shaving – Grooming Accessories – Packing Pouch, White
Jabra Elite 7 Active True Wireless — Bluetooth Sports Earbuds Shake Grip for Secure in-Ear Fit — Ultimate Workout Earbuds, Adjustable Active Noise Cancellation, Fast Charging — Navy
Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover and Reusable Lint Roller – ChomChom Cat and Dog Hair Remover for Furniture, Couch, Carpet, Clothing and Bedding – Portable, Multi-Surface Fur Removal Tool
RIWUCT Foldable Laptop Stand, Height Adjustable Ergonomic Computer Stand for Desk, Aluminum Portable Laptop Riser Holder Mount Compatible with MacBook Pro Air, All Notebooks 10-16″
DOWILLDO Camping Fan with LED Lantern, 10400mah Portable Battery Operated Outdoor Fan, Personal Rechargeable Fan for Travel, Hiking, Fishing, Picnic (Pink)
Caraway Nonstick Ceramic Sauté Pan with Lid (4.5 qt, 11.8″) – Non Toxic, PTFE & PFOA Free – Oven Safe & Compatible with All Stovetops (Gas, Electric & Induction) – Cream
During Prime Day, shoppers can save up to 20% on select luxury fashion and beauty from brands such as AREA, Giuseppe Zanotti, Altuzarra, Dr. Barbara Sturm, and Cle de Peau and on select pre-loved designer handbags and accessories from What Goes Around Comes Around.
Levi’s Women’s 501 Original Shorts, Ojai Top-Light Indigo, 27
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The planet gets hotter by the month, the technology that was supposed to improve lives stalls or breaks down, artificial intelligence poses a threat to future employment and there’s a chance democracy could crumble before the United States turns 250. It’s no wonder that one in six American adults are currently battling depression, according to a 2023 Gallup poll. That figure is even higher among women, minorities and people younger than 45.
It’s almost as if the marketplace had been primed for Jelly Roll. His country singles thus far – “Son of a Sinner,” “Need a Favor,” “Halfway to Hell” and the Lainey Wilson collaboration “Save Me” – have captured souls in battles with darkness. He extends that string with “I Am Not Okay,” released by Stoney Creek to country radio via PlayMPE on June 11.
It’s “real music for real people with real problems,” Jelly Roll says. “That struggle is something that a lot of my music touches on. It’s something I am honest about with my own life and something that’s for anyone who is going through that.”
“I Am Not Okay” reflects both real-life anxieties and the audacity of optimism. Songwriters Ashley Gorley (“Bulletproof,” “I Had Some Help”) and Casey Brown (“Blue Tacoma,” “Girl In Mine”) booked flights to meet Jelly Roll and fellow writer Taylor Phillips (“Hurricane,” “World On Fire”) on tour in North Carolina last fall, but a series of airline issues delayed their commute by eight hours and took them to a different airport. They rented a car in Charlotte and drove four more hours.
Despite their frustrations, the group composed two or three songs prior to the Oct. 5 show in Wilmington, a concert that proved particularly inspirational.
“I found myself multiple times during the show kind of looking at the crowd to see the reaction of these people that were soaking in this music,” Phillips remembers. “And as you look amongst this crowd, you see people crying, you see people rejoicing, and you see people putting their hands in the air.”
Later, as the bus rolled out for Greensboro, Phillips told Jelly Roll the concert was like going to church. The singer noted that he was essentially making it “okay for people to not be okay.” That corresponded with a title Gorley had logged in his phone, “I Am Not Okay,” and he sat down at a piano, singing the title as a melody and progression began to unfold. He created a cautiously ascendant bassline, with the piece moving instinctively from darker chords into brighter triads.
“I started all the phrases with the six-minor chord, but then I always ended up on a major chord,” Gorley says. “Not that I was thinking about that. If I was smart, I’d be like, ‘Oh, I did it on purpose.’ But it just sounded like that.”
Gorley was psyched to explore the topic – he’d gone on the trip hoping they could write something that would bring attention to depression, a topic that’s important to him and to Phillips, who lost a friend, Brian Kindle, to suicide on Christmas Eve in 2020. (Phillips now does an annual benefit in Kindle’s honor). The issue resonates with people in every walk of life.
“Everybody has to go through something,” Phillips says, “whether you have a billion dollars in your bank account, or if you got zero dollars in your bank account.”
The “I Am Not Okay” text emerged in linear fashion, each line building on the previous one. Additionally, the song’s individual sections gave a big-picture view of the protagonist’s battle. He starts in verse one mired in total depression. The chorus acknowledges the issue’s prevalence – “I know I can’t be the only one” – and ultimately settles into a quiet confidence: “I’m not okay/ But it’s all gonna be alright.”
Verse two has the character vacillating between progress and backsliding, confessing that some days he can barely get out of bed.
“I’ve been blessed beyond belief,” Gorley says, relating the message to his own life, “But some days, I’m still like, ‘Oh, shoot, this is gonna be rough.’ You know, I lay there, and everybody in the room feels the same. Anybody around the world feels the same, if we’re honest about it.”
By the time “Not Okay” hits the bridge, the singer envisions an afterlife when the struggle is over. It gives some motivation to keep improving, though it’s unclear if the protagonist will ever crawl out of the emotional hole completely.
“If you put too much of a bow on it, it doesn’t feel like an authentic Jelly song,” Brown says. “There’s a really cool thing that all of his songs do, where it kind of meets you in the middle of hurting, and sits there with you and encourages you in a way that doesn’t feel forced. I think he’s a really unique voice that can kind of approach songs from that way.”
Gorley had to leave early the next morning for a family commitment, so he laid down a piano track and sang a rough vocal for the demo. Brown got Jelly Roll to redo the vocal the next day, but left it in that simple form for producer Zach Crowell (Sam Hunt, Dustin Lynch).
“I didn’t really want to do a ton to it,” Brown says. “It felt like a really special way to present the song and just kind of put it in his camp and let Zach kind of treat it however he wanted to.”
“I Am Not Okay” was the first song recorded for the next album at Saxman Studios, owned by session drummer Grady Saxman. Crowell’s primary goal was to inject more grit into the performance than he heard in the demo. “It had a happier feel, a softer feel,” Crowell says. “When we went to record it, we tried to find a different vibe, just to put it a little more in Jelly Roll land and have a little more of a motion to it.”
Session musician Nathan Keeterle translated the demo’s piano intro on a guitar with a rubber bridge – it sounds a tad like the resonator guitar in the intro of Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain.” Combined with scrape-y, ethereal electric guitar and pedal steel sounds, the track has a mysterious, ominous tone, eventually giving way to a subtle spiritual current created by a string section led by arranger David Davidson, who overdubbed a quartet multiple times.
“It’s probably 100 tracks of strings, just mixed real low,” Crowell says. “I wanted strings on it, just for the emotion of it. But I didn’t want it to get too triumphant and too dramatic.”
During the final vocal session, Jelly Roll tinkered with several small lyrics – “I’m,” “it’s,” “we’re” – at the end of the chorus. As a result, the song takes on a wider meaning as the personal “I’m not okay/But it’s all gonna be alright” becomes more cultural the second time around: “It’s not okay/But we’re all gonna be alright.”
“It felt like the message we wanted to leave people with,” Jelly Roll says.
His unconventional vocal style – frequently loud and a little raspy at the height of a phrase, trailing off at the end with little diaphragmatic support – was perfect for the song. “It’s not a secret that I am not a classically trained vocalist,” he says. “When I sing, I sing what I feel, what I felt, and I know what it feels like to be in that moment and know what it feels like to have fans tell you what they are going through. I pull from that, and that’s what you hear.”
Stoney Creek had several options for the first single from the next album, but settled on “I Am Not Okay” because of its emotional heft. It currently sits at No. 14 on the Hot Country Songs chart dated July 20, and rises to No. 19 on the corresponding Country Airplay list. Clearly, the world is responding to the much-too-familiar battle with depression that “Not Okay” depicts.
“It’s not a linear path or cure-all, and in the case of addiction, it’s an active choice each moment and still a back and forth,” Jelly Roll says. “In those moments where you’re saying or feeling ‘I am not okay,’ it’s that push and pull of that moment we wanted to capture.”
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.pngYveto2024-07-16 15:40:572024-07-16 15:40:57How Jelly Roll’s ‘I Am Not Okay’ Shines a Light on a Dark National Crisis
