Latest Stories from Charlie
UMG and Spotify announce ‘next era of streaming’ with new deal
The two companies are renewing their contract together, having first signed up for a partnership in 2015. In a press release they said the new deal would focus on ‘growth, innovation and the advancement of artists’ and songwriters’ success.’ Universal Music Group (UMG) and Spotify have renewed their partnership, having announced a new multi-year deal that is set to bring in ‘the next era of streaming innovation.’ Neither company have...
Why are Gen Z favouring dictatorships?
Welcome to the latest edition of The Gen Zer. This week, we look at the concerning approval of authoritarianism amongst young people and what it might mean for our future political spectrum. Plus, we dive into ‘micro-retirement,’ the power of language, and why Gen Z are all about spirituality. A new study by polling company Craft has recently found that half of all Gen Zers want Britain to be ruled...
US court rules that elephants are not people
A court has ruled that five elephants from Colorado zoo are not people after an animal rights group argued that they were effectively imprisoned. A court has ruled that elephants are not legally regarded as people. This bizarre judgement is the result of an ongoing bid to free five elephants from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado. Named Missy, Kimba, Lucky, LouLou and Jambo, an animal rights group called The Nonhuman...
Green Day swap ‘American Idiot’ lyric for Elon Musk’s name
While performing in Elon Musk’s home country of South Africa, punk band Green Day replaced a lyric from ‘American Idiot’ with his name. Elon Musk has been causing controversy this week as he steps into his new role as Administrator of the Department of Government Efficiency. During his speech at the second inauguration of Donald Trump, Musk appeared to perform a Nazi or Roman salute several times. He declared that...
Gen Z and the age of experiential marketing
Welcome to the latest edition of The Gen Zer. This week, we take a look at how brands are creating unique experiences to appeal to younger demographics. Plus, TikTok hosts a Trump inauguration party for influencers and new studies suggest Gen Z are burnt out at work. As any digital content manager is likely to tell you, successfully marketing your products to Gen Z can be an uphill battle. Thanks to the rise...
Snoop Dogg hit with backlash for Trump pre-inauguration ball
Rapper and entertainer Snoop Dogg was hit with criticism for performing alongside Nelly, Soulja Boy and others at the first ever ‘Crypto Ball’ in Washington, D.C. Snoop Dogg has been hit with a wave of criticism after appearing at the first ever ‘Crypto Ball’ in Washington D.C last week. The event was a celebration of Trump’s inauguration. The rapper was filmed performing his 1990s hit ‘Nuthin’ but a G Thang’...
Diddy faces new sexual assault allegation by sixth accuser
Music mogul and personality Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has faced continual accusations of sexual assault over the last six months, including a recent leaked CCTV video. Now, a sixth accuser has come forward. TW: This article includes references and descriptions of sexual violence and assault. Reader discretion is advised. Rapper and record producer Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs has been hit with a wave of sexual assault accusations over the past six...
Indie act ‘Washed Out’ releases first OpenAI Sora music video
A new song called ‘The Hardest Part’ by the artist Washed Out was created entirely using OpenAI’s Sora, which converts text prompts to realistic video. The first of its kind, it is both impressive and terrifying, depending on where you stand. It seems like every week we’re writing about AI. Using text prompts to create auto-generated content has exploded in popularity in the past two years. Where once it seemed like...
Why did Earth Day choose to prioritise plastics this year?
Every year, Earth Day picks a specific environmental theme to focus on. Why did it select plastics for 2024? Did you take part in Earth Day this year? As part of its annual events and activism, this environmental movement places emphasis on a specific theme. In 2024, plastic was the central focus, with Earth Day’s website providing plenty of statistics on the damage and dangers of disposing of our rubbish...
What is Earth Day and why do we mark it every year?
Earth Day takes place on the 22nd April every year, with more than 190 countries participating around the world. What is Earth Day, and why is it a big deal? This week, the world is celebrating and participating in Earth Day, a moment taken each year to consider our environmental impact and highlight the importance of sustainable living. Created in 1970 in the US, the movement was originally intended to...