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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. Move over ’90s and Y2K fashion, musicians have been flocking to a new style trend that’ll turn your outfits into an […]

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.
Recording songs is just one step in the music-making process. Next, emerging artists need to distribute their album, EP or singles on music streaming platforms in order to reach listeners.

Sources like YouTube and TikTok have become a popular method for exposure, but if you’re looking to reach a wider audience, DistroKid can instantly get your music on Spotify — and for as little as $2 a month.

What differentiates the platform from the rest isn’t just its simplicity, but its artist-first mind-set and ability to eliminate having to count tracks and pay royalty fees. In three easy steps, you can get your music quickly released on Spotify in addition to a slew of other benefits. You’ll need to sign up for DistroKid in order to take advantage of everything the service has to offer, but the platform offers a variety of affordable plans to choose from, starting at $1.92 a month (billed annually at $22.99).

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Make the most of your DistroKid access when you pick from the Musician, Musician Plus or Ultimate plan. The Musician plan is the base package for one artist that’s $22.99 a year and includes unlimited song uploads, your lyrics in Google, a Spotify verified checkmark, the ability to create royalty splits and access to the mobile app.

For more creative freedom, you can get Musician Plus for $39.99 a year ($3.33 a month) and utilize it for up to two artists while receiving everything in the Musician plan in addition to synced lyrics in Apple Music and daily streaming stats. You can flex your creativity further when you take advantage of the customizable features for a label name, release date, preorder date and iTunes pricing.

To save up to 40% off, you can go for the Ultimate subscription that’s $89.99 a year and includes everything in the Musician Plus plan in addition to 1 TB of storage, contact info for thousands of playlists and free iPhone app access.

Beyond receiving verification on Spotify, a DistroKid subscription gives you control over your artist profile, allowing you to update your photo, bio and links. You can help your music reach more listeners by pitching songs directly to Spotify playlist curators and even track streaming statistics, including number of streams, saves and engagements. The deep insight into your audience can assist in developing marketing plans — especially since DistroKid lets you view Spotify’s streaming charts.

In terms of getting paid, the platform handles all of that for you with payments distributed twice a week — and you get to keep 100% of the royalties.

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. Megan Thee Stallion has become an honorary member of a major girl group — but it’s not within the music industry. […]

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.
With the start of the World Series just around the corner on Friday, Oct. 25, you might want to start showing your love and pride in your favorite baseball team: Either New York Yankees or Los Angeles Dodgers (or both). Who knows? It might actually get them over the hump to win the Commissioner’s Trophy this season.

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From jerseys to ball caps, we rounded up the best merchandise and apparel from online retailers, including Nike, HOMAGE and Fanatics. We even found locker room tees that celebrate your team of choice making it to the World Series.

And if you want domestic free shipping for your items, all of the retailers mentioned offer the service. However, your checkout basket as to hit a certain amount of money before the perk kicks in.

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For Nike, you have to sign up for their free membership and your order value has to be more than $50, while HOMAGE offers free shipping with orders over $99. In addition, Fanatics has free shipping on orders exceeding $99 and up with promo code “99SHIP” at checkout.

Ahead, you’ll find our product recommendations for the best World Series merch and apparel.

Nike

Aaron Judge NY Yankees ’24 World Series Jersey

Nike

NY Yankees ’24 World Series Authentic Collection Tee

Nike

Shohei Ohtani LA Dodgers ’24 World Series Jersey

Nike

LA Dodgers ’24 World Series Authentic Collection Tee

Homage

MLB Jam Yankees Judge And Soto

Homage

MLB Jam Dodgers Betts and Ohtani

New Era

NY Yankees New Era ’24 World Series Side Patch 9FIFTY Snapback Hat

New Era

LA Dodgers New Era ’24 World Series Side Patch 9FIFTY Snapback Hat

Meanwhile, if you’re really looking to get ready for the World Series, MLB posted the walkup songs for each player on the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, so you can follow along when they walkup to the plate during each game.

There are a lot of fun choices too, including Aaron Judge’s pick of “Swag Surfin’” by Fast Life Yungstaz, Juan Soto’s “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z, Shohei Ohtani’s pick of “The Show Goes On” by Lupe Fiasco, Mookie Betts’ “Soul Survivor” by Jeezy and much more.

Shop the best World Series 2024 merch and apparel from Fanatics, below:

Want more? For more product recommendations, check out our roundups of the best Xbox deals, studio headphones and Nintendo Switch accessories.

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.
BTS fans can travel through Jung Kook’s Golden moments in a pop-up exhibition opening in Los Angeles next month. Jung Kook Exhibition ‘Golden: The Moments’ offers an immersive, deep dive into Golden, the K-Pop star’s debut solo album.

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Golden: The Moments launches at Ace Mission Studios in Los Angeles on Nov. 1. According to the description, the exhibition takes fans on a visual and audible journey sharing the story behind Jung Kook’s solo debut and “capturing key moments that shaped his musical world.”  

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Tickets for Golden: The Moments are priced at $26.86 for general admission, plus an additional $2 for parking and another $2.58 in fees. Tickets are selling fast, but a select number of passes are available for opening weekend, in addition to Nov. 6-10 and Nov. 13-17. The exhibit lasts for 60-90 minutes and opens from 11:40 a.m. until 6:40 p.m.

Jung Kook Exhibition ‘Golden: The Moments’

Golden: The Moments opened in Seoul, South Korea in late August. The traveling exhibit, which features Samsung Frame speakers with photos of Jung Kook, lands in Los Angeles ahead of the first anniversary of Golden, released on Nov. 3, 2023.  

The BTS Army can learn more about Golden in Jung Kook: I Am Still – Party Edition, an updated edition of his documentary releasing in select theaters on Oct. 11.

Jung Kook’s solo effort, featuring the Latto-assisted, hit single “Seven,” debuted at No. 1 on Billboard’s Top Album Charts and peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.

Although Jung Kook, Jin, Jimin, V, Suga, RM and J-Hope, have been focused on their respective solo projects and completing mandatory military service, the Bangtan Boys will be back together soon. BTS is scheduled to reunite in 2025.

 

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. Calling all BLACKPINK fans! Celebrate the iconic girl group’s eighth anniversary of their debut along with their music documentary, BLACKPINK World […]

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A Washington D.C.-based pizzeria is facing backlash for their newest offering. Their “Marion Berry” dessert features various disappointing drug references to the city’s former mayor, Marion Barry.

As spotted on TMZ, a restaurant is clout chasing at the expense of the late politician’s name. Last week, an establishment called &pizza launched a new item with called the “Marion Berry Knots,” a serving of doughy balls filled with fruit and topped with vanilla icing. Drizzled on top is powdered sugar, and this is where the disrespect comes in. Their advertising collateral says, “THESE KNOTS WILL BLOW YOU AWAY!” A caption of “Bump up the party with our all-new Marion Berry Knots! It’s criminal how good these are,” can be found another piece. Additionally, the pizzeria uses a photo of the sugar piled up next to a tray resembling a cocaine serving.

Naturally, the item soon went viral sparking outrage within the community. On Wednesday (Oct. 16), locals showed up at the restaurant to protest the location. The local NAACP chapter president Akosua Ali expressed her disappointment as well. “The life, legacy, lineage and name of Marion Barry deserves to be remembered as a pioneer for economic development, real-estate development, black business empowerment, youth employment and as the Mayor of the people. Mayor Barry taught us the power of economics and today, we call on the community to demand &pizza right this egregious wrong.”

Marion Barry’s wife has confirmed with NBC Washington that the family has “requested that the attorneys for the Estate of Marion Barry Jr. look into the matter and act accordingly.” The former politician served as the mayor of the District of Columbia from 1979 to 1991 and served another term from 1995 to 1999. In 1990, he was infamously caught on video smoking crack and propositioning a prostitute as part of a sting operation.

SZA is super stressed out in the first trailer for her upcoming film debut in the buddy comedy One of Them Days. The R-rated movie co-starring Keke Palmer focuses on a super relatable problem: paying the rent. Explore See latest videos, charts and news See latest videos, charts and news According to a description of […]

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.
Seeing your favorite artist live can be a euphoric experience, but it also comes with high noise levels that are damaging to your ears. Exposure to loud environments can cause temporary to permanent ear damage, like tinnitus — even if it’s just a one time occurrence. Rather than succumb to prolonged ringing in your ears, concert earplugs brand Loop has released a sleek and luxurious pair of adjustable earplugs that let you control exactly how much noise reduction you want.

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Hearing is measured in decibels (dB) with anything above 85dB being the point of ear damage range, according to Chicago Hearing Services. Most concerts tend to range from 90dB to more than 120 dB the site reports, which means whether or not you regularly attend festivals and tours, your ears (if unprotected) can become overwhelmed and suffer some major damage.

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Loop’s Switch 2 lets you adjust the volume level between three settings depending on your desired noise level or type of environment you’re in. There are four metallic shades to choose from — black, green, gold or silver — offering an elevated take on the classic foam earplugs you have to twist and finagle into your ears. Plus, they’re reusable, meaning you don’t have to constantly invest in a new pack of concert earplugs, which will save you money over time.

Loop

Switch 2

With a pair of Switch 2, all that you need to do is take each earplug out of the included compact carrying case, choose what size earbud you need and place them in your ears. There are three modes you can pick from, including Engage for chatting with friends while reducing background noise; Experience, which will protect ears during concerts and gigs without sacrificing sound quality; and Quiet mode, which offers the most noise reduction for a more calming environment whether you’re commuting or sleeping.

Even professional DJs have given Loop their stamp of approval, with DJs Nostalgix and Oguz having used the brand at Tomorrowland 2024. ShopBillboard had the opportunity to review Loop’s Experience earplugs for the brand’s Tomorrowland collaboration and can attest that they’re not only effective at blocking out noise while maintaining crisp sound quality, but are also comfy for long time wear.

Reviewers also can’t stop raving over the Switch 2 claiming they’re “the most comfortable earplugs I’ve worn.” Having the ability to switch volume levels have been a game changer for shoppers who say, “I love being able to adjust the sound quality and volume for different circumstances without having to keep taking out and putting in earplugs constantly.”

For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best venue-approved bags, travel necessities and commuter gadgets.

Megan Thee Stallion is still in shock that nobody told her how great Sex and the City is.
The rapper and singer shared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Wednesday (Oct. 23) that she just recently started watching the iconic series starring Sarah Jessica Parker, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon and Kim Cattral.

“Nobody told me Sex and the City was this good?” Stallion quipped. “I’m pissed. Nobody said, ‘Megan, you should be watching Sex and the City. Girl, this for the culture. Watch it! I don’t even know how I like stumbled upon it. I think I just kept seeing like pictures of Sarah Jessica looking pretty as f—.”

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She continued, “Her hair, her shoes, her outfits were always so beautiful. And I was like, what is this show? Let me just watch it, let me get into it because nobody put me on. So I started watching the show and I’m like, I cannot look away. This is the best thing! I’m watching it while I’m working out, I’m watching it while I’m in glam, I’m watching it when I don’t have nothing else to do, and I’m a busy girl. I’m like squeezing Sex and the City in there. And I’m like asking everybody, ‘Have you seen Sex and the City?”

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The “Body” artist later informed host Jimmy Fallon that she has yet to see the 2008 Sex and the City movie as well as its 2010 sequel.

“The way Sex and the City ended, you know, I was a little upset, and they said, ‘No, no, no, no, no, you have to watch the movie.’ And I say, ‘OK, take me there because I don’t understand what’s happening,’” she said.

Fallon also asked Meg if she would be open to sharing her reviews for each of the show’s characters, including Carrie [Parker], Samantha [Cattral], Charlotte [Davis] and Miranda [Nixon], and she didn’t hold back on her thoughts.

Up first was Samantha: “When Sex and the City first started for me, I said, ‘Oh, I hate this character.’ Like why are y’all making her like, oh my God, sex is like the ruler of my life. And it’s like, I’m just so desperate. I was like, this is horrible, this is a horrible character. But then as the show kept going, I was like, ‘OK, hold on. Wait a minute.’ I’m glad I hung in there, because she runs men. Like she does not let men run her and she keeps trying to tell the girls, like stop making the man the center of your life. Like go shopping, have a good time, make your money and then have fun with your little toys. And I’m like, yes, I did that.”

As for Charlotte, Stallion said, “She is a little delulu, but it’s cute. She would be my bestie because she’s so emotional and I feel like it’s OK to cry. It’s OK to be a little crazy. She might be a cancer in the show, her character has to be a cancer… I’m sorry, cancers, but y’all are very emotional and I feel like caners and Aquarius go together very well.”

Miranda was next on the list: “Miranda, this is the worst character on the show. I cannot stand Miranda. She never got nothing good to say. She’s so sad all the time … How could anybody even fix their lips to be mean to Steve [David Eigenberg] and Miranda figured out a way to be mean to Steve. The only thing Steve ever wanted to do was love this crazy lady.”

And for Carrie, Stallion added, “Her hair is good, her makeup is great. I’m pretty sure this dress is great paired with a pair of Manolos. Like she’s always attractive, doing these sick old things. She’s nuts. But you know what [Laughs]? I see a lot of myself in this character, like Carrie really loved drama. Like she would literally wake up and figure out how can I mess up everybody’s day? How can I be my cutest messing up everybody’s day? How can I make my life more complicated? Simply, she could have always made the right choice. She could have chosen sanity, but she always chose insanity. And then I had to wonder, is that me?”

Sex and the City, which ran from 1998 to 2004, follows the lives of four women living in New York City as they navigate love, friendship and sex in the big city, all while remaining inseparable and confiding in each other. A series spinoff, And Just Like That, which sees Parker, Davis and Nixon return, has also been renewed for a third season.

Via The Hollywood Reporter.