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Unhurd Acquires IndieKnow: A Music Education App for Releases

2024-12-06

AI-powered music promotion has been making significant waves in the industry, and Unhurd is at the forefront. The acquisition of IndieKnow by Unhurd marks a significant milestone in the world of music promotion.

Unhurd's Strategic Move to Empower Artists

Introduction to Unhurd

Unhurd, led by founder and CEO Alex Brees, is an AI-powered music promotion platform that has been making waves in the industry. With its innovative approach and cutting-edge technology, Unhurd has been helping artists cut through the noise and reach a wider audience.The company's latest expansion initiative follows a successful seven-figure seed round in Q1 2023 and multimillion-dollar raises for several music promotion startups. This past February, SongTools scored $3 million in funding before rolling out its SongFly "one-click advertising tool" in April. Also in February, Groover finalized an $8 million Series A and eyed a global expansion as well as the launch of fresh features.

About IndieKnow

IndieKnow, founded in 2021 by Music Concierge higher-up Andy Haggerstone, is a release-focused education and marketing app. It is specifically designed to help musicians get from zero to one when releasing music. The app features a checklist-equipped "release planner" that helps artists cover all promotional bases before their works debut. It also includes access to "a press release writing wizard," "a database of over 1,000 PR & radio contacts," and other tools. IndieKnow costs £7 monthly and £60 annually.

The Acquisition and Its Benefits

Unhurd has officially acquired IndieKnow, taking another step towards bridging "the all-important knowledge gap for artists in getting release ready." The company intends to integrate the newly acquired company's "educational resources and step-by-step learning guides" into its platform. This will enhance the value for Unhurd's own subscribers and provide artists with even more tools and resources to succeed.According to Unhurd founder and CEO Alex Brees, the acquisition is a "natural alignment" and a means of enhancing value for his business. "IndieKnow is a cornerstone of knowledge and empowerment for artists," he said. "And un:hurd has always been about helping artists cut through the noise more effectively. When I saw what IndieKnow had built, I knew this solution would not only solve this specific challenge for artists, but also saw how beautifully the solution would fit into our new workflows which are launching early 2025. This is very exciting for artists on the un:hurd platform!"

Future Plans

Existing subscribers of IndieKnow will be onboarded to Willard Ahdritz-backed Unhurd, and the company expects to complete the addition of IndieKnow's assets early next year. This integration will allow Unhurd to offer a more comprehensive suite of services to its artists and help them achieve greater success in the highly competitive music industry.In conclusion, the acquisition of IndieKnow by Unhurd is a significant development that will have a positive impact on the music promotion landscape. With its combined resources and expertise, Unhurd is well-positioned to help more artists reach their full potential and make their mark in the industry.

Rosé's highly anticipated first studio album, Rosie, has finally hit the music scene. This solo project by the Blackpink member holds a treasure trove of emotions and experiences. The album dropped alongside a captivating music video that vividly portrays the complex relationships within the songs.

Unveiling Rosé's Emotional Journey Through Rosie

Heartbreak and Reflection in "too bad for us"

On the track "too bad for us", Rosé pours out her heart as she sings, "In the desert of us, all our tears turned to dust / Now the roses don’t grow here." These lyrics vividly depict the pain and desolation she felt during a difficult time. It's clear that she has endured a significant amount of heartbreak, and this song serves as a cathartic release. She takes us on a journey through her emotions, allowing us to connect with her on a deep level.Another aspect to note is the use of imagery in these lyrics. The desert metaphor adds a layer of desolation and isolation, emphasizing the severity of the situation. It shows that the relationship was not just a minor setback but a profound experience that has left its mark on her.

Dealing with a Long-Gone Ex in "two years"

In "two years", Rosé laments, "Two years since you’ve been in my bed / Even had a funeral for you in my head / Yeah, I try, I try, I try, I try / But this love never dies." These lyrics reveal the lingering effects of a past relationship. It's evident that she has spent a long time trying to move on, but the love she had for this ex still persists.The mention of having a "funeral for you in my head" is a powerful image that shows just how deeply this relationship has affected her. It suggests that she has gone through a process of mourning and coming to terms with the end of the relationship. Despite her efforts to let go, the love remains, highlighting the complexity of human emotions.

Delivering Lyrical Lashings in "toxic till the end"

The title track, "toxic till the end", further showcases Rosé's ability to express her emotions through powerful lyrics. The video, which sees Rosé kiss but also shove a lover, only further hammers home the toxic nature of the relationship.Rosé doesn't hold back as she sings about the lies and manipulation she faced. She addresses a liar who "fucked up" and reveals that a "jealous," "possessive," and "manipulating" ex never returned her Tiffany rings. This song is a testament to her strength and resilience in the face of adversity.It's clear that Rosé drew from personal experience when writing these lyrics. As she told the New York Times, "All the stories in there are stories that anyone around me has heard more than 20 times. It was about time I wrote it in a song." This authenticity adds an extra layer of depth to the album, making it a must-listen for fans and music lovers alike.

Emilia Pérez, a film that has sparked much debate and discussion, presents a unique cinematic experience. Directed by Jacques Audiard, this musical drama takes viewers on a rollercoaster ride through various emotions and plotlines.

A Musical Journey with Unexpected Turns and Consequences

Introduction to the Film's Complexity

In Jacques Audiard's latest creation, we are introduced to a world filled with mystery and intrigue. The story follows Rita (Zoe Saldana), a civil defense attorney, who finds herself entangled in a web of events that will change her life forever. Two silly musical numbers set the stage for a series of unexpected events that unfold with a force that is both captivating and disorienting.

As Rita is kidnapped by the powerful drug lord Manitas del Monte (Karla Sofia Gascón), the plot takes a wild turn. Manitas' desire to undergo gender-affirming surgery and send her family to Switzerland leads to a series of events that are both absurd and heart-wrenching. The incredulous plot continues to take shape as patients break into a song about the amount of surgeries needed, adding an element of surrealism to the story.

Manitas transforms into Emilia Pérez, and Gascon's performance brings a new dimension to the film. Her arc catches hold of the film's restless beats, and we are left wondering where the story will go next. Years pass, and Emilia reunites with Rita, leading to even more unexpected plot twists that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Exploring the Film's Tone and Direction

Tonally, Emilia Pérez is a film that is a mess. The screenplay is stretched and contrived, and Audiard's direction feels heavy-handed in the outsized song and dance numbers. This creates a sense of dissonance that is both frustrating and captivating.

The film seems to lack a clear sense of purpose, as it jumps from one plot point to another without allowing the audience to fully connect with the characters. Selena Gomez's character, Jessi, gets a wafer-thin role, with a ridiculous subplot involving a new lover (played by Edgar Ramírez in a thankless role). This adds to the overall sense of chaos and confusion.

However, there are moments of brilliance in the film. The late revelation involving Adriana Paz (a woman who finds a new lease of life in contact with Emilia) provides some much-needed relief from the mercilessly overstuffed debacle. Their scenes are the best bits in the film, adding a touch of humanity to the otherwise chaotic story.

Examining the Film's Treatment of Trans Issues

One of the most frustrating aspects of Emilia Pérez is its treatment of transness and trans identity. The film misgenders the trans character at several moments, showing a lack of understanding and respect for the experiences of the transgender community.

This lack of cohesiveness to the chaos is evident throughout the film, where the memo seems to be to break the rules of tone and action. While the film may be original in its approach, it lacks any sort of heart or authenticity. It is a mess that fails to deliver on its potential.

In conclusion, Emilia Pérez is a film that is both a disappointment and a curiosity. It offers a unique cinematic experience that is sure to leave viewers with mixed emotions. Whether you love it or hate it, there is no denying that this film is unlike anything else out there.

Emilia Perez is available to watch on Mubi.Stay connected with all the glitz and glam from the world of entertainment, right from Hollywood gossip to Bollywood chit chat. Also don't miss out on music buzz, anime scoops and OTT action.