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The Milk Carton Kids @ The Ryman

By on February 3, 2024 in Music, Special Events, The Latest
The Milk Carton Kids hit the Ryman Auditorium stage Thursday night in support of their new record I Only See The Moon, out now on Far Cry Records in partnership with Thirty Tigers.   They are celebrating their 4th Grammy nomination this year for Best Folk Album.
Having a sound that has withstood time since their first public recordings in 2011, The Milk Carton Kids have developed and grown an impressive following.  The Ryman audience was fully attentive to the simple production, reminiscent of the classic icons from the past (Simon & Garfunkel, The Everly Brothers), one microphone being shared by the duo was all that was needed for their magical chemistry on stage.
Singer/songwriter Alix Page opened the show with her beautifully rich and breathy vocal style,  followed by renowned guitarist Julian Lage.
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The 2023 London Fashion Week Opening Debuts Country Artist Michael Rix For Jeff Garners Prophetik Clothing Show At Burlington Arcade

By on September 20, 2023 in Artists to Watch, In The Press, Music, Special Events, The Latest, Uncategorized
Nashville made a profound presence this year at London Fashion Week by honoring local designer Jeff Garner as the opening runway show at the iconic Burlington Arcade.  Garner has made a name for himself and his Prophetik Clothing brand by dressing many musicians, from Taylor Swift to the Kings Of Leon. His designs have been seen on The Acadamy Awards, The Grammys and in various top publications.  Garner is an eco-fashion pioneer.
Country artist Michael Rix has been differentiating himself as a performer by adding the banjo as an integral element to his soulful sound. Michael is endorsed by Recording King Banjos. At the helm of his latest release “Take A Drink,” Rix has definitely been paying his dues within the Nashville music community, not only sharing the stage and writing with some of the industries top songwriters, he is also an author, penning the book “From Cult To Country,” sharing his story as a cult survivor from his early childhood.  Michael has a story that is unmatched, yet you can hear the triumph and hope within the music he shares.
Rix was approached by Garner in the spring of 2023 at the Davy Crockett “Savage Lands” movie premiere, presenting the idea for him to play and sing during Garners “Let Them Be Naked” runway show at London Fashion Week. The show was sponsored by The Redford Center (Robert Redfords foundation) and included a special appearance from Gerard Butler. Not only was this the 1st runway show ever to be held at Burlington Arcade, Rix was the 1st country banjo artist to perform within the historic property.

Michael Rix will be performing at the Pilgrimage Music Festival this Saturday at noon, kicking things off on the Americana Triangle Stage, with Mike Farris closing the show.  Other headlining performers included at  the Pilgrimage Festival are The Lumineers, The Black Crowes, Zack Bryan, Better Than Ezra and James Bay.  To check out the full line up, visit www.pilgrimagefestival.com.

For more information about Michael Rix, Jeff Garner, Prophetik Clothing and London Fashion Week, please visit:

www.michaelrix.com

www.prophetik.com

www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

United Kingdom press links:

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/london-fashion-week-september-2023-b2410628.html

https://www.etonline.com/gallery/must-see-celeb-sightings-september-2023-210709

https://nextjs-dot-london-fashion-week.appspot.com/designers/prophetik

https://www.gonesunwhere.com/2023/09/london-fashion-week-opens-with-ethical.html?m=1

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Multi-platinum Artist Bishop Briggs Fall Tour Kicks Off In Nashville

By on September 14, 2023 in Music, Special Events, The Latest, Uncategorized

Bishop Briggs chose Nashville as the 1st city to kick off her “Don’t Look Down” Fall tour on Friday Oct. 8th at the Brooklyn Bowl.  The show was well attended with a supportive crowd singing along and giving her reciprocated Nashville love.   She made mention about possibly making Nashville her new home.

With a full band and elaborate stage production appropriate for the midsized venue, Bishops rebellious schoolgirl persona and soulful, lush vocals were on point, not being hindered by her energetic, rock fueled presence.

In 2022, Bishop captivated the world with fan favorite “superhuman.” Inspiring critical applause, Forbes lauded it as “brilliant” and proclaimed, “Like all great songs though, Briggs makes the tale universal.” Prior, she dropped the emotionally charged one-two punch of “High Water” and “Art of Survival.” She enraptured viewers with a stirring rendition of “High Water” on CBS’ The Late Late Show with James Corden. Simultaneously, “Revolution” graced the tracklisting of the EA Games NHL 23 Soundtrack and video game, while the MLB chose to use “Revolution” prominently during the playoffs.

She also contributed “Lessons of the Fire” to the NETFLIX original series Devil In Ohio, which dominated the platform at #1 in the US and cracked the Global Top 10 for two weeks at #2.

In 2023, Bishop Briggs now shines brighter than ever on When Everything Went Dark, which has earned widespread acclaim. Atwood Magazine hailed “Baggage” as “an impassioned anthem of empowerment, emotional reckoning, and self-acceptance.” V Magazine touted it on V’s New Music Roundup and proclaimed, “Briggs’s shockingly powerful voice booms atop of a production that blends alternative and techno influences, reflective of the conflict inside of her own inner turmoil.“ 

Making headlines, Bishop also just emerged as the winner of the latest season of The Masked Singer. She left crowds in awe worldwide with one show stopping performance after another. 

Don’t Look Down Tour Dates w/ MisterWives:

  • 9/8/23 – Nashville, TN – Brooklyn Bowl
  • 9/9/23 – Atlanta, GA – Tabernacle
  • 9/10/23 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore Charlotte
  • 9/12/23 – Washington, DC – The Anthem
  • 9/15/23 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
  • 9/16/23 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
  • 9/17/23 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner
  • 9/19/23 – Toronto, ON – History
  • 9/20/23 – Detroit, MI – Majestic Theatre
  • 9/22/23 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
  • 9/23/23 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
  • 9/24/23 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue
  • 9/26/23 – Indianapolis, IN – Egyptian Room at Old National Center
  • 9/27/23 – Columbus, OH – Kemba Live!
  • 9/29/23 – St. Louis, MO – The Pageant
  • 9/30/23 – Kansas City, MO – Grinders KC
  • 10/1/23 – Denver, CO – The Mission Ballroom
  • 10/4/23 – Houston, TX – House of Blues – Houston
  • 10/6/23 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues – Dallas
  • 10/9/23 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
  • 10/10/23 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
  • 10/11/23 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
  • 10/13/23 – Portland, OR – Roseland Theater
  • 10/15/23 – Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo
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The Music City Grand Prix: A Nashville Takeover

By on August 7, 2023 in Special Events, The Latest

2023 marks the 3rd year for the Music City Grand Prix to make its presence known in the streets of downtown Nashville.  The roar of INDYCAR racers, combined with live music and fans from all over the globe make this sensory overloaded 3 day festival one of the biggest yearly undertakings in downtown Nashville.

Nissan Stadium stood as the mother ship of this spectacular event, with hundreds of vendors and thousands of racing fans congregating to celebrate  the NTT INDYCAR SERIES.  The schedule features races at a combination of super-speedways, short ovals, road courses, and temporary street circuits held across the U.S. and Canada. While INDYCAR is the governing body for the sport, each individual race is operated by its own ownership group.

INDYCAR’S are single-seat cars that feature the new Aero-screen and a 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged, direct-injected V-6 engine. These engines are optimized to run 12,000 RPM with an estimated 500-700 horsepower depending on the turbocharger boost setting.

Nashvilles course is the first of its kind to cross a major body of water, the Cumberland River.  For all of the awards and results, you can go to  www.musiccitygp.com

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Ty Herndon’s Concert For Love & Acceptance

By on June 8, 2023 in Music, Special Events, The Latest, Uncategorized
The Concert for Love & Acceptance, in partnership with GLAAD, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ media advocacy organization, and groundbreaking country artist Ty Herndon, returned to the Wildhorse Saloon stage last night for its 8th year.  Performing for a tremendously enthusiastic crowd, Herndon and Terri Clark kicked off the show, followed by the legendary Pam Tillis.
Other performances included:

Chrissy Metz, Maddie & Tae, Sam Williams, Brooke Eden, Chapel Hart, Desmond Child, Billy Gilman, Jamie Floyd, Brandon Stansell, Bryan Ruby, Wendy Moten, Shelly Fairchild, Justin Fabus, Auti, Autumn Nicholas, Jada Cato, Jason Catron, and Matt Bloyd.

This highly anticipated event has now became a tradition to welcome the Pride month of June in Nashville, equally becoming a premier show during CMA Fest.
For more information you can go to https://www.f4la.org/
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Betty Who Live @ The Brooklyn Bowl Nashville

By on March 7, 2023 in Artists to Watch, Music, Special Events, The Latest

The spirit of love was guided, fed and led by the one and only Betty Who at Nashvilles Brooklyn Bowl to an energetic and well attended audience Monday, March 6th.In support of the Nashville show,  drag performer Shea Couleé opened the night with a dynamic set of original dance music, adding not only a bit of controversy to the show in the midst of Tennessees current anti-drag bill that was passed last week, but proved the art of drag is inclusive with live music.

Couleé achieved international fame after competing on season nine of RuPaul’s Drag Race, placing in the top four. In 2020, Couleé won the fifth season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars. Couleé later returned to compete on the all-winners seventh season of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars in 2022, once again placing in the top four.
Betty Who previously performed at the 2014 Nashville Pride Festival in support of her debut studio album, Take Me When You Go. The Australian singer-songwriters second studio album, The Valley (2017), saw the commercial success of her cover of “I Love You Always Forever“, which peaked to the top ten in Australia and reached the top of the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart in the United States.
Her 2022 project simply entitled “BIG!” has received critical acclaim, weaving together a body of well crafted pop songs with relatable depth and purity.  The combination of breathy, melodic hooks and solid vocal tone showcases that she is an artist with global and cultural appeal.  In true Who style, her beautifully, unique version of Kate Bush’s iconic hit song “Running Up That Hill” was released last month.
Whos live show definitely exhibits her love to perform and her connection with the listener is something she does not take for granted.  There is a reason why Betty Who has maintained relevance and grown a substantial fanbase for over a decade.  Her growth as a songwriter and recording artist shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. In fact, it seems she’s just begun a new chapter.
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Kelsea Ballerini Shows A Rawness, Vulnerability, And Growth In Short Film

By on February 28, 2023 in artist spotlight, Music, The Latest

This short film from Kelsea Ballerini is next level for her all around. I’ve always enjoyed her music, but this shows a growth, rawness, and vulnerability that will resonate with a lot of people.

We’ve seen the playful and fun side of Kelsea in her early twenties that garnered so much praise.  Now, we have a glimpse at the woman she is becoming as she leaves her twenties behind along with the end of her marriage as she carves herself a new path bravely forward.

Can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented artist!

 

 

 

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BUSH @ The Ryman

By on February 27, 2023 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

BUSH performing at the Ryman. Photo credit: Shawn Carnes

The 90’s music revolution could not be documented without mentioning the massive success of the UK band Bush. Formed in1994, Bush found immediate success outside the UK with the release of their debut album, Sixteen Stone, which is certified six times multi-platinum by the RIAA.[3] They went on to become one of the most commercially successful rock bands of the 1990s, selling over ten million records in the United States and 20 million records worldwide, with numerous top ten singles on the Billboard rock charts[5] and one No. 1 album with Razorblade Suitcase in 1996.[6] The band broke up in 2002 but reformed in 2010, and have released five albums since then: The Sea of Memories (2011), Man on the Run (2014), Black and White Rainbows (2017), The Kingdom (2020), and The Art of Survival (2022)

The release of “The Art of Survival” was celebrated in Nashville at The Ryman Auditorium on Monday Feb. 20th with a rock show beyond expectations, playing for an energetically packed iconic venue.

We have not seen the last of Bush, recognizing their skillful musicianship, well crafted songwriting and an unmatched live performance, this band proves longevity and and the influence of the 90’s music movement carries over into today’s modern pop rock creative pool. The Ryman continues to diversify the live music culture in Nashville, showing there is a demand and supportive fanbase that encompasses all generations. The Bush performance proved that, giving hope to future artists and lovers of music, in a city that has made its mark for all genres. Rock and Roll is indeed alive and well in Music City!

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A Special Night At The Judds Farewell Concert Taping

By on November 9, 2022 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

CMT and Sandbox Productions in conjunction with country music legend Wynonna Judd will headline a history-making concert event with “The Judds: Love Is Alive – The Final Concert” on Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Murphy Center at Middle Tennessee State University.
The event recreates “The Judds 1991 Farewell Tour” for a special televised event airing in March 2023 on CMT.
Wynonna’s current tourmates Ashley McBryde, Brandi Carlile, Kelsea Ballerini, Little Big Town and Martina McBride are also slated to perform.
Photo credit: MTSU

I was one of the fortunate ones to be invited to attend The Judds Farewell Concert taping produced by CMT and Sandbox Entertainment.  The concert took place Thursday, November 3rd in Murphy Center at MTSU in Murfreesboro, located just 45 minutes outside of Nashville.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkiZr7TOL4Z/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

This was the original location of the farewell concert back in 1991, so it was a re-creation of that night made for CMT.  For me, it was extra special since I was a student at MTSU back then.  It was a night filled with nostalgia.

Wynonna Judd was joined by several special guests throughout the two hour concert on this beautiful fall night, including: Little Big Town, Ashley McBryde, Kelsea Ballerini,  Martina McBride, and Brandi Carlile. 

Understandably, this was an emotional night for Wynonna after the tragic loss of her mother, Naomi Judd, only a few months ago before they were to set out on the final tour together.  Thankfully, she has all these incredibly-talented friends in the industry to help her sing the iconic duos’ many well-known hit songs.

The audience held up lit up phones, sang along, danced, and many tears were shed throughout the evening without any prompting like you normally get at tv tapings.  You could feel such incredible, uplifting energy throughout the building from the moment Wynonna and her band stepped on stage through to the very end.  It was truly a magical night.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkmXn9bs_js/?igshid=MDJmNzVkMjY=

My very favorite part of the concert took place at the very end when Wynonna was joined on stage by all her special guests and a choir joined into the audience to sing, “Love Can Build A Bridge”.  It gave me chillbumps as I fought back tears.  It was a very moving and powerful moment in a night full of special moments .

https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkpDRl3sDN-/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

This special will be airing exclusively on CMT very soon.  I will be sure to spread the word when the special is to air.  You don’t want to miss it!

 

 

 

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“Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn” Was A Beautiful Tribute

By on October 31, 2022 in Music, Special Events, The Latest

Photo Credit: Russ Harrington

Last night, CMT and Sandbox Productions, in partnership with Loretta Lynn’s family presented “Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration Of The Life & Music Of Loretta Lynn”.  It aired live on CMT to 2000 friends and family who gathered to celebrate her life at the Grand Ole Opry, while also allowing 500 people from the general public to attend in-person.  It was simulcast on SiriusXM’s Willie’s Roadhouse: Willie Nelson’s Classic Country (Channel 59). 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: A memorial for Loretta Lynn is seen during the CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

Two additional CMT commercial-free encore airings on Wed, Nov 2nd at 8p/7c & Sun, Nov 6th at 11a/10c.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: (L-R) Margaret Comeaux, Patrizia DiMaria, Jason Owen, Ebie McFarland and SVP of music strategy for CMT’s Leslie Fram attend CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)

Fans started lining up outside at 3am, hoping to get a seat to see some of the country music industry’s biggest names pay tribute through song and telling their personal stories about the iconic Queen of Country Music.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Margo Price performs onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

 

NBC’s “Today Show” co-host and close family friend Jenna Bush Hager hosted the star-studded event, which included emotional messages and moving performances from Alan Jackson, Barbara Mandrell, Brandi Carlile, Darius Rucker, Dolly Parton, Faith Hill, George Strait, The Highwomen’s Carlile, Amanda Shires + Natalie Hemby with Brittany Spencer, Hoda Kotb, Jack White, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Sheryl Crow, Sissy Spacek, Tanya Tucker, Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw and Wynonna feat. Gaither Vocal Band +

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Darius Rucker speaks onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

Larry Strickland.

On-stage guests who appeared to share heartfelt messages included Barbara Mandrell, Darius Rucker, Faith Hill, Hoda Kotb, Martina McBride, Sheryl Crow and Tim McGraw, plus special messages from Lynn’s closest friends and fans: Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, Marty Stuart, Miranda Lambert, Reba, Sissy Spacek and Taylor Swift.

Opening the memorial, Wynonna feat. Gaither Vocal Band + Larry Strickland delivered a chills-inducing performance of the classic hymn, “How Great Thou Art” for the night’s first standing ovation. 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Tayla Lynn and Patsy Lynn Russell attend CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Catherine Powell/Getty Images for CMT)

Host Jenna Bush Hager recalled the controversy surrounding one of Lynn’s biggest hits – a song that country radio originally refused to play, “The Pill,” sung by a spirited Margo Price.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Lukas Nelson and Emmy Rose Russell perform onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

One of the highlighted performances was from Lukas Nelson, grandson of Willie Nelson, and Emmy Russell, Loretta’s granddaughter. They received a standing ovation for their rendition of “Lay Me Down”.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Karen Fairchild seen backstage during CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMT)

Jack White’s surprise appearance and powerful live performance of “Van Lear Rose,” the title track of his and Loretta’s Grammy-winning album, was a standout of the night.  Introduced by Margo Price, fans were also treated to a rarely seen performance from Third Man Records Vault Package #24 featuring White and Lynn performing “Whispering Sea,” a favorite of White’s and one of the first songs Loretta ever wrote. 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Jack White performs onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

The Highwomen’s Brandi Carlile, Amanda Shires + Natalie Hemby and Brittney Spencer performed a show-stopping finale of Lynn’s most recognizable hit, “Coal Miner’s Daughter.” Earlier in the night, Carlile also performed “She’s Got You” solo.

Lynn’s daughter Patsy Russell and granddaughter Tayla Lynn gave a moving final thank you to the attendees.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Crystal Gayle (L) seen during CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images for CMT)

Throughout the evening, more of Lynn’s closest friends and fans delivered heartfelt speeches and shared personal memories, including Sissy Spacek, who recalled being “thunderstruck” upon first meeting Loretta; Dolly Parton shared that “Loretta was the best friend anybody could ever have.” Taylor Swift praised Lynn for being an example for all songwriters, particularly females with her ‘truthful, fearless honesty’ in her writing. 

Loretta Lynn was a trailblazer for women in country music, conveying her unique honky tonk sound with clever songwriting.  Often quoted as being an artist ahead of her time, Loretta’s multi-award winning career has spanned over 7 decades, with more than 50 top 10 songs on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart — including 16 number ones.

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: Keith Urban performs onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

Loretta Lynn passed away in her sleep on Oct. 4th.  She was 90 years old.

# # # #

Full performance list below:

 

In loving memory of the life and legacy of Loretta Lynn, The Loretta Lynn Foundation exists to establish, preserve, and promote public awareness of the historical and cultural contributions of Loretta Lynn and the cultural contributions of country music as a genre and to establish, preserve, and maintain an educational and recreational facility for the general public through which to give to and serve others. For more information and to make a donation, visit foundation.lorettalynn.comor text LORETTA to 53-555. 

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – OCTOBER 30: (L-R) Amanda Shires, Brandi Carlile and Natalie Hemby of the Highwomen with Brittney Spencer (CL) perform onstage for CMT Coal Miner’s Daughter: A Celebration of the Life & Music of Loretta Lynn at Grand Ole Opry on October 30, 2022 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Terry Wyatt/Getty Images for CMT)

“COAL MINER’S DAUGHTER: A CELEBRATION OF THE LIFE & MUSIC OF LORETTA LYNN” is a co-production from CMT and Sandbox Productions; Margaret Comeaux (CMT), Jason Owen (Sandbox), Patrizia DiMaria (Ladypants Productions) and Ebie McFarland (Essential Broadcast Media) are Executive Producers.

For more information, visit CMT.com, follow @CMT on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube and TikTok.

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