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The 10 Best Films of 2021
Features, Film, Reviews

The 10 Best Films of 2021

For as long as I have been breathing, there have been people complaining that it was not a good year for film. In the wake of a global pandemic and with the methods that most people use to consume movies changing all the time, there feels like there has been more of that than usual. There is an awful lot of Chicken-littleing across the internet, especially on 'Film Twitter.' One thing is certain: COVID accelerated the ever-shortening theatrical window. Not only do we see a lot more 'day and date' releases available to rent on video on demand or streaming providers, but even moderately successful titles have foregone a staggered theatrical release in favor of premium VOD rental access after 17 days of release. It will be hard to put that genie back in the bottle and, one might argue,...
Tarah Who? Drop Buzzworthy New Single “Push Me”
Features, Music, Reviews

Tarah Who? Drop Buzzworthy New Single “Push Me”

Tarah Who? has teamed up with the talented London-based Brazilian group YUR MUM and the new single is available everywhere now. "Push Me" is the latest effort from Tarah Who? who are known for their unorthodox and non-conformist tone. The track is a direct response to the 2020 Grammy Awards. Tarah couldn't help but notice that the entire Rock category wasn't even aired on the broadcast. The winners' names just scrolled along the bottom of the screen with little fanfare. The moment inspired Tarah to compose a song that sheds a light on the lack of representation of rock bands in the music industry at the moment. Especially female-fronted groups. Using the power of sound and raw lyrics, Tarah Who? aims to shine a light on the situation and be a force for change. Follow the ba...
Academy’s Documentary Branch Whittling Down Shortlist for 2022
Features, Film

Academy’s Documentary Branch Whittling Down Shortlist for 2022

Earlier this week, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Scientists (AMPAS) announced the full list of feature films eligible for consideration as Best Documentary at the upcoming 94th Academy Awards. There are a total of 138 titles eligible for the category this year and members of the Documentary Branch begin voting today to whittle that list down to a shortlist of 15 films that will advance into the new year. The shortlist should be announced on Tuesday, December 21 and those 15 films will screen on their way towards a second round of balloting which will reveal the final 5 nominees in the category. One of the films you can likely expect to get nominated this year is "Flee" - the Danish film about a queer refugee from Afghanistan is the first to ever qualify in the Document...
How To Stream 2021’s Best Movies
Features, Film

How To Stream 2021’s Best Movies

December is here which means that we're rapidly approaching my favorite time of the year: awards season! This week alone has already seen the Gotham Awards, the National Board of Review, and the New York Film Critics Circle give away their top honors. There are plenty more kudos to follow, heading towards the 94th Academy Awards in March 2022. While there are buzzed-about titles that will be getting theatrical-only releases over the next month or two, many of the year's best films are already streaming or available to rent on VOD. This post will help point you in the right direction so you can get caught up over the holidays and be ready for your office or friend Oscar pools! The list below includes titles available now and some that will be dropping in the weeks ahead. Whene...
Stubhub Agrees To Millions In Refunds For Canceled Concerts But Here’s Why Not Everyone Is Getting Their Money Back
Features, Music

Stubhub Agrees To Millions In Refunds For Canceled Concerts But Here’s Why Not Everyone Is Getting Their Money Back

The popular ticket reselling site Stubhub was in a little bit of a pickle when the pandemic sent in. Thousands of fans were all asking for refunds at the same time due to all of the canceled concerts and events. Pre-pandemic, StubHub had a blanket policy to refund people's money if their events were canceled as part of their "FanProtect Guarantee". However, as things started shutting down and getting canceled they changed their policy to eliminate refunds to instead offer credits equal to 120% of their initial purchase without informing customers. A number of frustrated music and sports fans ended up complaining to their respective State Attorney General's Office. The expected refunds weren't showing up back up in the respective bank accounts. Slap on the wrist? Instead of a ...
Jane N’ The Jungle Set Release Date of October 1st For New Single “Ain’t No Other Way”
Features, Music

Jane N’ The Jungle Set Release Date of October 1st For New Single “Ain’t No Other Way”

Outspoken Phoenix, Arizona rockers Jane N' The Jungle have announced the release date of their new single and music video. "Ain't No Other Way" will hit streaming platforms and YouTube on October 1st. Frontwoman Jordan White had this to say about the song, "It’s sadly about me wavering on my artistic journey. I’ve had so many ups and downs and I finally hit that breaking point of fight or flight. We’re all going through something! In the song, I'm trying to convince myself that I’m worthy, despite the eminence front." "Ain't No Other Way" was produced by Chuck Alkazian at Pearl Sound Studios. The music video was produced by Jim Louvau and Tony Aguilera. While we have to wait a little while for the new track, Jane N' The Jungle's "Trouble" is out now. Having been viewed more than...
Bonnaroo 2021 Cancelled
Features, Music

Bonnaroo 2021 Cancelled

Thanks to the remnants of Hurricane Ida, the Bonnaroo 2021 Music & Arts Festival has been canceled. While it doesn't make the news any easier process now, promoters have announced the show is on for June of 2022. Initially, organizers had announced the intention to scale back camping, but the property is too under water to move forward. According to an email sent to prospective concertgoers, Centeroo is waterlogged while the ground is saturated on their tollbooth paths to the point it's unsafe to drive or park vehicles. https://twitter.com/Bonnaroo/status/1432805468272005130 A lot of work goes into throwing an event of this magnitude. Those on the ground have done everything in their power to move the show forward but they've run out of options and time. It sounds like the...
Interview: Dakota Jones Drops Funky & Soulful Debut Album
Features, Interviews, Music

Interview: Dakota Jones Drops Funky & Soulful Debut Album

New York City funk/soul/blues outfit Dakota Jones has come out of the gate strong with their debut album Black Light. According to lead singer Tristan Carter-Jones, the funky and soulful album touches on a wide range of emotions. 'There's joy and dancing...there's pain and longing, and there's the feeling of joy when you come out of that place.' Dakota Jones is based out of Brooklyn, New York, and features Carter-Jones on vocals, Scott Kramp on bass, Steve Ross on drums, and Randy Jacobs on guitar. Jacobs is also known for his time with the group Was(Not Was) and has recorded with Seal, Bonnie Raitt, Elton John, and others. Black Light was produced by Grammy-winner John Wooler who is known for his work with everyone from John Lee Hooker and John Hammond to Issac Hayes and Van Mo...
Your Guide to the Virtual 2021 Tribeca Film Festival
Events, Features, Film, Reviews

Your Guide to the Virtual 2021 Tribeca Film Festival

It's the 20th Anniversary of the Tribeca Film Festival and, in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, this year anybody in the United States can still sign up and enjoy streaming movies from the comfort of home. For New Yorkers, there are plenty of in-person screenings this year, but I am going to focus on recommending how can you attend virtually. There are four ways to buy passes for online screenings. Tribeca At Home Shorts Pass: watch all of the festival's short films for $25. Tribeca At Home Awards Pass: watch any of the films that win awards at the end of the festival for $50 on Saturday, June 19 and Sunday, June 20.Tribeca At Home Festival Pass: watch any of the films in the virtual program (features and shorts) from June 9 - June 23 for $150. Individual Tickets are avail...
Seven Bad Ass Music Festivals Taking Place In 2021
Events, Features

Seven Bad Ass Music Festivals Taking Place In 2021

With the situation improving in the U.S., and plenty of pent-up demand, there is no shortage of music festivals to choose from this year. While Coachella and Burning Man have decided to punt until 2022, here's a look at seven big shows that are moving forward. 7. LOCKN Festival organizers have gotten creative with the Virginia held LOCKN Music Festival. While some fans will undoubtedly miss the old format, much respect for trying something new. Instead of one large scale event this fall, they're having three weekend shows in August with headliners JRAD, Goose & Tedeschi Trucks. https://twitter.com/locknfestival/status/1400229165056593922 6. The Peach Music Festival Taking place annually in Scranton, PA this jam band-themed festival has a stacked lineup from top to bo...