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Painted by Esther’s Journey From Art School to Hollywood
While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here. It’s after 9PM in London, and famed makeup artist Ngozi Esther Edeme is chatting with me on a video call about her journey in the industry. Currently on tour with Brandy & Monica, she’s speaking to the work ethic that has landed her in such major rooms. The 28-year-old, best known as Painted by Esther, has dominated the beauty scene recently thanks to her work with Olandria Carthen during her press run for the “Love Island…
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ASTRA Channels Old School Hip-Hop On ‘Pulp Fiction’ – Backseat Mafia
ASTRA’s new single Pulp Fiction is a high-octane homage to the iconic film, merging the artist’s love for classic American cinema with the grit and flair of ‘90s hip-hop. Known for his bold lyricism and cinematic style, ASTRA once again proves his knack for crafting immersive experiences. Produced by Michael Bradshaw, the track is a nostalgic yet fresh dive into an era of music known for its raw sound and unapologetic swagger. The beat is gritty and dynamic, embodying the intense energy of Pulp Fiction’s crime-fueled, ultra cool themes with a modern touch. Lyrically, ASTRA brings the same intensity as his muse, delivering lines packed with clever references and an almost theatrical edge.…
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Marika Hackman / Oyeme / Art School Girlfriend – Sleeping Village, Chicago 05.10.2024 – Backseat Mafia
Review and Photos by Victoria Wai 21 packed-out and sold-out venues for a North American tour celebrating the album Big Sigh were all wrapped up for Marika Hackman with a final sold-out date at Chicago’s Sleeping Village. This tour started with half of Marika’s band absent due to visa problems so those dates were stripped back and from social media footage they sure looked very special but the band were fully reunited to give us the tour that was intended and with added Art School Girlfriend on keys and percussion and also as main tour support, we were in for a treat. Most of the SOLD OUT crowd were in place when…
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Pale Waves / Swim School – The Foundry, Sheffield 10.10.2024 – Backseat Mafia
Pale Waves delivered a captivating performance at Sheffield’s Foundry on 10th October 2024, as part of their UK tour supporting their latest album Smitten. The venue was nearly sold out, with a packed audience giving the band a warm and enthusiastic reception. The setlist drew heavily from Smitten, with highlights including the lead single “Perfume,” the upbeat “Kiss Me Again,” and “Gravity.” The band also treated the crowd to older hits like “Television Romance” and “She’s My Religion,” balancing their new romantic, alt-pop sound with their earlier pop-punk influences. Singer/guitarist Heather Baron-Gracie offered the crowd a chance to vote between “Red” and “Unwanted” for a live play, with “Red” winning…
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French band SCHØØL return with another blast of fuzzy goodness in ‘The End’, with debut LP on the way. – Backseat Mafia
SCHØØL‘s debut single N.S.M.L.Y.D. (reviewed by me here) was a stunning introduction to the Paris-based band with members from as far afield as France, Australia and the US, and they are back with new single ‘The End’ which proves the debut was no fluke. I had written that the band adroitly channeled bands like Fontaines D.C. and Horsegirl – a genetic code taken directly from The Velvet Underground and distilled with a little My Bloody Valentine and The Jesus and Mary Chain, cloaked in a louche insouciance, a rough and tumble exterior and sweet melodies. ‘The End’ continues down this path with its raw visceral guitars and gentle pop melodies…
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A Makeup Artist’s Back-to-School Beauty Shopping List
While each product featured is independently selected by our editors, we may include paid promotion. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission. Read more about our Product Review Guidelines here. Summer is coming to a close and it’s time to head back to school. That means early rising, rushing out the door to get to class on time, and, of course, showing up to make a good impression on the first day. Most people think that back-to-school shopping just includes clothes or supplies like pencils and notebooks, but it’s likely time to stock up (or restock) on some beauty essentials, too. With the average school day…
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Franco/Australian/American band SCHØØL unveil stunning debut ‘N.S.M.L.Y.D’ ahead of their first gig. – Backseat Mafia
SCHØØL, with members from Rendez-Vous, Dog Park, Special Friend, Marble Arch and Liquid Face is a new signing on French label Géographie, and their debut single ‘N.S.M.LY.D.’ is an absolutely thrilling sign of things to come. Already one of the contenders for single of the year for me, the raw veracity and sheer swagger reminds me of previous debuts from bands like Fontaines D.C. and Horsegirl – a genetic code taken directly from The Velvet Underground and distilled with a little My Bloody Valentine and The Jesus and Mary Chain, cloaked in a louche insouciance, a rough and tumble exterior and sweet melodies. The track has a shoegaze majesty with…
