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Whether you’re hosting a virtual party, teaching a dance class, running a webinar, or just want to vibe with friends, learning how to play music for everyone on Zoom  is a game-changer. Thankfully, Zoom makes it easy to share high-quality audio with all participants, as long as you know which settings to use. Let’s break it down step by step. Use Zoom’s Share Screen Audio Feature The easiest and most reliable method to play music for everyone on Zoom is by using the Share Screen option with audio enabled. Here’s how: Open Zoom and start or join a meeting. Click the Share Screen button (usually at the bottom of the window). In the pop-up window, click the Advanced tab at the top. Select Computer Audio (or "Music or Computer Sound Only"). Hit Share. Now, any music you play on your computer, whether through Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or any other app, will be broadcast to everyone in the meeting. Pro Tip: Adjust your computer’s volume before sharing audio. Whatever volume you set will be what your Zoom attendees hear. 2. Share a Music Video or Streaming Tab If you want to share both video and audio (for example, a music video or a DJ set): Click Share Screen again. Select the browser tab or app window where the video is playing. Make sure to check the box for Share sound before confirming. This method is great for virtual events, watch parties, or online classes where visual content matters. 3. Optimize Audio for Best Quality To improve how music sounds to your participants: In Zoom’s main settings, go to Audio. Check Show in-meeting option to enable Original Sound. During your meeting, click Turn On Original Sound (usually in the top-left corner of the Zoom window). This bypasses Zoom’s default voice optimization, which can muffle music, and streams the raw audio directly to your audience. 4. Use a Virtual Audio Cable or Audio Mixer (Advanced) For DJs, podcasters, or those wanting pro-level sound: Use software like VB-Audio’s Virtual Audio Cable or Loopback Audio (Mac). Route your music app’s audio directly into Zoom as a microphone input. This setup delivers studio-quality sound but requires a bit more technical know-how. 5. Mute Your Mic While Playing Music Remember to mute your physical mic while streaming music to avoid background noise or feedback disrupting the sound. Whether you stick to the simple Share Audio method or set up a pro-level virtual mixer, sharing music on Zoom is easy and effective.

If you’ve ever tried to listen to YouTube music with the screen off on your Android or iPhone, you already know the frustration; close the app or lock your screen, and the music stops. But in 2025, there are several easy (and legal) ways to keep your favorite YouTube tracks playing even when your screen is off or your phone is locked. Whether you want to save battery life or simply keep your phone in your pocket, here’s how to do it. 1. Subscribe to YouTube Premium  (Best Option) The simplest and most reliable way to play YouTube music with the screen off is by subscribing to YouTube Premium. This service allows background play, ad-free videos, and even offline downloads. Once you’re subscribed: Open the YouTube app Start playing a music video or playlist Lock your phone or switch to another app, the audio will keep playing seamlessly. YouTube Premium also comes with YouTube Music Premium, giving you an even better experience for audio streaming. 2. Use the YouTube Music App If you’re primarily looking for music, downloading the YouTube Music app is a smart move. YouTube Music Premium allows background playback and offline listening—perfect for screen-off use. Open YouTube Music Start your playlist or song Lock your screen and enjoy uninterrupted music. 3. Browser Workaround (For Free Users) If you don’t have YouTube Premium, there’s a workaround: Open Chrome or Firefox on your Android or iPhone. Go to youtube.com  and search for your song or playlist. Tap the browser menu (three dots) and select Desktop Site. Start the video, then lock your screen. Swipe down the notification shade and press play on the media controls. This method can be a bit inconsistent depending on your phone model and browser updates. 4. Third-Party Apps & Extensions Some third-party apps and browser extensions allow background playback. Apps like Brave Browser offer built-in background audio support for YouTube videos without requiring Premium. However, always ensure any app you use complies with YouTube’s terms of service to avoid security or account issues. 5. Picture-in-Picture (PiP) Mode If your main goal is to watch YouTube videos while using other apps, PiP mode is an option. But remember, PiP usually requires YouTube Premium for mobile users: Go to Settings > Apps > YouTube > Picture-in-Picture and enable it. Start a video, then press Home or swipe up. The video will shrink into a small window. This isn’t quite screen-off playback, but it’s great for multitasking. So, how can you play YouTube music with the screen off? The easiest, most user-friendly answer in 2025 is still YouTube Premium. But if you’re looking for free alternatives, the browser workaround and certain third-party apps can help in a pinch.

The Nashville-based singer/songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist delivers a sharp, twangy, and hilariously honest track with her latest release, “ The Men I Knew .” Equal parts classic country and modern-day heartbreak humor, the song offers a refreshing look at the chaos of dating in today’s world, complete with fiddle, steel guitar, and a whole lot of truth. From being ghosted to watching someone become the man you always knew they could be, just not for you, Frances Praet takes the most ridiculous moments from her love life and spins them into a song that feels tragic, funny, and way too relatable. “I took the most ridiculous tales from my experiences the past few years, and spun them into a synopsis of why we should always take the high road and wish our past lovers well.” Produced with a polished yet rustic feel, the track features country legends Joe Spivey on fiddle and Scotty Sanders on steel guitar, adding a rich, traditional tone to Frances’ modern lyrical edge. The result is a song that feels timeless but completely current, like a Loretta Lynn track filtered through a 2024 dating app. But “The Men I Knew” isn’t just about dragging exes. It’s about compassion. Growth. Believe it or not, hope. Frances delivers the ultimate country power move: sending love to the women who come next, and wishing those exes well on their new journey. “Hopefully, once you're done with them, they'll become the men you always knew they could be—for the next girl to enjoy!” With her distinct blend of Americana, rock, and country storytelling, Frances Praet is building a sound that feels nostalgic and brand-new all at once. If you’ve ever laughed through tears over a failed fling, or found yourself rooting for someone after they broke your heart, this one’s for you.  “The Men I Knew” perfectly blends humor and heartbreak. Was there one particular story that inspired the song, or is it a collection of wild tales? Thank you! There’s always a fear when you’re making fun of yourself, you’ll cross a line into just being depressing, so I appreciate you saying that.  A couple of years ago, I decided to put myself out there and date a lot to figure out what I wanted in a relationship. I am generally a very resilient person, but I’d had a few too many bad situationships (hence the song). I ran into one guy in particular (who was exceptionally mean) a few months after things ended. He told me I was the reason he decided to better himself because he “realized he was hurting good people.” That one inspired the chorus, and I realized I could fill in the blanks for the rest with all the crazy stories I had! Joe Spivey and Scotty Sanders are legends in the country world. What was it like having them play on this track, and how did they help shape the sound? Oh my gosh, I still pinch myself knowing such amazing musicians are willing to play on my songs! The song in itself is pretty simple; there are not a ton of instruments on it, and when we sent it to them, we didn’t have any sort of hook to draw you in. The fiddle and steel guitar made the entire thing come to life! I vividly remember getting these tracks back and tearing up listening to them both together on the song. Sometimes, you get a feeling when you hear new parts in a song that feel right - it's truly magical! You mentioned wanting to show love to the women who come after you. That’s such a powerful message. Has that always been your mindset, or did it develop over time with experience? Just from my own experience, the world seems intent on pitting women against each other. A lot of times, we’re made to feel like we weren’t enough for a guy we dated, and then the next girl is villainized. In reality, the guy who did something awful, like cheating or lying, should be the one we direct our anger towards! I sincerely hope no one else has to experience the version of some of these guys I dated. That is an ideal. I’ve grown with experience! Your music seamlessly blends classic rock and country. Who were the artists that shaped your sound growing up, and who’s inspiring you right now? Thank you! Growing up, I was a huge Shania Twain fan; I think I bring a lot of that energy into my music lately (and I still blast her music all the time!). I was also exposed to a lot of classic rock growing up, so that comes inherently. I’ve been listening to a lot of new women in the country recently, like Laci Kaye Booth and Carter Faith. It’s inspiring to see the fresh, innovative take on country music they’re doing. I love to listen to all kinds of music, so you never know what hints of different genres will make their way into the next song!  What advice would you give to someone currently navigating the same kinds of dating disasters you sing about in this track? Never lose sight of who you are and what you want. Seek fulfillment in other areas of your life. When the time is right, the right person will naturally come along and build upon the foundation you have established. If you put all of your faith in another human being, you will be disappointed 100% of the time. Also, you are not crazy for having needs! If it’s not working with someone, it’s not necessarily because you’re broken or wrong; it’s simply because it wasn’t the right person for you. Stay strong out there, and listen to The Men I Knew when you feel hopeless. You are not alone!

When we think of legendary musicians, we often celebrate their albums, sold-out tours, or genre-defining sounds. But what’s often overlooked is the fight behind the curtain, battles waged against an industry built to control, exploit, and silence creatives. From unfair contracts to corporate censorship, from stolen master recordings to the commodification of identity, many of the world’s biggest music stars have stood up and spoken out. This article highlights ten famous musicians who criticized the music industry, sometimes subtly, sometimes publicly, and sometimes with full-blown warfare. These artists challenged major labels, fought for artistic freedom, and risked their careers to call out the systems that profit off creativity without respecting the creators behind it. Whether you're an aspiring artist or just a music fan curious about the industry's darker truths, here are 10 musicians who refused to stay quiet. Bob Marley: Music As Resistance Bob Marley wasn’t just a reggae pioneer; he was a revolutionary voice who used his platform to expose the political and economic structures behind the music business. While major labels wanted to market Marley as a feel-good island icon, he refused to separate his art from his activism. His lyrics regularly criticized colonialism, capitalism, and the systems that oppressed not only Jamaica but all Black and Indigenous people globally. Marley was deeply critical of how the music industry commercialized cultural struggle, packaging it for white audiences while silencing its roots. He remained fiercely independent, aligning with labels only when they allowed him full creative control. Marley believed music could be a weapon, and he made sure it was pointed in the right direction. Bob Dylan: Anti-Commercial by Nature (YouTube/IBM) Bob Dylan has never cared about what the industry thinks. A poetic rebel from the start, Dylan gained fame in the early 1960s but quickly grew disillusioned with the music machine’s need to package, brand, and sell every aspect of an artist’s persona. In a time when protest music was becoming marketable, Dylan resisted becoming a mouthpiece. Perhaps his most famous act of rebellion was when he “went electric” at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, shocking fans and critics alike. The move symbolized his refusal to be boxed in. Dylan has often spoken about the emptiness of fame and the music industry's obsession with trends over substance. His entire career has been a middle finger to corporate predictability. Prince: The King of Ownership Battles If there’s one artist who went to war with the music industry and won, it’s Prince. In the 1990s, he famously wrote the word “SLAVE” across his face during public appearances to protest his contract with Warner Bros. The label owned the masters to his recordings and restricted the pace at which he could release new music. To reclaim his freedom, Prince changed his name to an unpronounceable symbol and began releasing music independently. His bold moves forced the industry to confront uncomfortable truths about artist ownership, royalties, and exploitation. Prince became a blueprint for every artist seeking to own their masters and control their artistic legacy. He didn’t just criticize the music industry; he made history doing it. Billie Eilish: A New Generation Speaks Out (Kevin Winter / WireImage / Getty Images) Billie Eilish might be a Gen Z pop icon, but she’s not playing by the industry's traditional rules. From the start of her career, Billie has been open about the toxic pressures artists, especially young women, face in the music world. Whether it’s unrealistic beauty standards, the hyper-sexualization of teenage performers, or the constant demand to produce “content,” she’s spoken out against it all. Beyond body politics, Billie has also taken jabs at the industry's obsession with chart performance and social media optics. She’s challenged fans and executives to think differently about what success looks like and has built a brand around authenticity instead of conformity. In many ways, Billie represents a changing tide in the industry, where artists speak up instead of falling in line. David Bowie: The Visionary Who Saw Through It All Terry ONeill/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Long before streaming and TikTok, David Bowie foresaw how the music industry would change, and how it would exploit artists in the process. In a 2002 interview, Bowie boldly predicted the rise of the internet and how it would “crush” the traditional music business. He wasn’t wrong. Bowie often criticized labels for suffocating creative experimentation. He reinvented himself constantly, knowing that the industry preferred artists to pick a lane and stay in it. From glam rock to Berlin-era minimalism, Bowie refused to be reduced to a brand. He also supported up-and-coming artists in escaping predatory contracts and urged them to protect their intellectual property at all costs. Lauryn Hill: Walking Away on Her Own Terms Mathew Tsang / Getty Images After the phenomenal success of The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill , Hill made a move that shocked the world: she walked away. Not because she couldn't keep up, but because she didn’t want to play the game anymore . Lauryn has spoken candidly about the spiritual and emotional toll the music industry took on her. She felt exploited, misunderstood, and boxed in. Her refusal to play along cost her mainstream visibility, but she’s remained a powerful voice for artistic and personal freedom. Lauryn Hill is a cautionary tale and an icon, proof that stepping back can be more powerful than staying in. Bruce Springsteen: Fighting for the Working-Class Artist Bruce Springsteen didn’t just sing about the working class: he fought for them. As an artist who came from humble beginnings, he’s always been wary of how the music industry treats both its artists and its audiences. Springsteen has criticized corporate radio, streaming payouts, and the way profit often overshadows artistry. He’s also stood in solidarity with musicians trying to unionize, and he’s been a vocal advocate for fair royalties in the digital age. Bruce’s career has been marked by loyalty to the people, not the system. While he’s reached legendary status, he’s never lost sight of the everyday artist getting squeezed by the machine. Thom Yorke: Taking on Big Tech and Big Labels Photo by Kelsey McKinney As the lead singer of Radiohead, Thom Yorke has never been afraid to rattle the cages of the industry. He’s taken direct aim at streaming services like Spotify, calling them “the last desperate fart of a dying corpse.” His main gripe? The way tech companies profit off music without paying creators fairly. In 2007, Radiohead famously released In Rainbows  as a pay-what-you-want download, cutting out the middleman entirely. The move wasn’t just experimental—it was revolutionary. Yorke has continued to criticize the cozy relationship between major labels and tech platforms, and he’s encouraged artists to find new ways to distribute and profit from their music. Madonna: Destroying Double Standards Since Day One Photo by Famoseo Madonna has never been silent about how the industry treats women, especially women who dare to age, speak out, or take control. From the beginning of her career, she’s pushed back against the roles the music industry expects women to play: sexy, submissive, and silent after 40. She’s called out ageism, sexism, and the media's obsession with policing women’s bodies. Madonna has long been critical of how labels market female artists based on trends rather than talent, and she’s used her massive platform to amplify those critiques unapologetically. Her legacy isn't just about music, it's about blowing up every rule the industry made for women. Speaking Truth to Power in a Rigged Industry The music industry has never been a level playing field, and these artists knew it. Whether they exposed corrupt label practices, demanded ownership of their masters, or simply walked away from toxic systems, each one took a stand that reverberated far beyond the charts. Their criticisms weren’t just complaints; they were calls to action that helped spark real conversations about equity, transparency, and creative freedom. As streaming continues to dominate and corporate interests tighten their grip, the voices of these artists remain more relevant than ever. They didn’t just make music, they made noise where it mattered most. And for every artist coming up today, their legacy is a reminder: the system only changes when you have the guts to challenge it.

Concerts used to be about collective energy, catharsis, and chaos. A place where the line between fan and performer blurred, where sweat, screams, and sound waves collided into a singular memory you couldn’t quite capture, only feel. But now? Scroll through your Instagram stories after any major tour, and you’ll see the same thing: the same 30-second chorus filmed in vertical, the glittery stage backdrop, the fireworks at the encore. It’s not just concert footage. It’s content. Curated, cropped, filtered content. And here’s the kicker: the industry wants it that way. The Monetization of “Moments” Concerts today are engineered for virality. Whether it’s Taylor Swift’s friendship bracelets, Beyoncé’s mute challenge, or a surprise guest appearance, every arena tour has “content moments” baked into the experience. It’s no coincidence that those clips dominate TikTok and boost mid-tour ticket sales. Promoters, marketers, and even set designers are aware that if your show doesn’t trend, it doesn’t sell. So they design for the camera, not the crowd. It’s not just about sound and lighting anymore. It’s about angles, hashtags, and cinematic LED panels that look good through a 0.5x lens. We’ve moved from live music to live branding. Fans or Cinematographers? Let’s be honest: many of us don’t go to shows to lose ourselves anymore; we go to document the fact that we were there. To film our favorite hook, tag the location, and prove we got the outfit and angle just right. And can we really blame ourselves? In a culture where everything is content, your presence only seems to matter if it’s posted. Concerts have become extensions of the personal brand. The song is secondary. The post is the prize. Some fans even plan out what clips they’ll film beforehand. What’s the opening number? What’s the viral TikTok transition? What’s the moment they can scream “I was there!” before it inevitably floods Reels? The Emotional Disconnect Here’s where it gets complicated: this constant documenting is making us feel less.Studies in psychology have shown that people remember less of an event when they’re busy recording it. And anyone who’s stood in a sea of glowing phones instead of swaying bodies can tell you, it’s harder to feel connected when everyone’s playing cameraman. We don’t clap as much. We don’t move as much. We don’t scream for the encore because we’re already editing clips during the last song. Live music is about immersion. But the more we filter our experiences through our devices, the less present we actually are. Artists Are Feeling It Too Some performers are starting to push back. Mitski, Jack White, and Bob Dylan have all discouraged filming at their shows. Others, like Garth Brooks and Alicia Keys, use phone pouches to lock devices during performances. Their message is clear: you can’t connect with a crowd that’s looking at you through glass. Yet most artists, especially pop stars, are trapped in a loop, they need the viral content to stay relevant, but they also crave real connection. It’s a paradox no tour manager has fully solved. So, What Now? This isn’t a rally cry to ban phones. But it is a challenge to recalibrate. What if we recorded one song instead of the whole set?What if we danced more than we posted?What if we let ourselves feel the music in our bones, not just in our captions? Because if every show becomes a highlight reel for the algorithm, we risk forgetting what it’s like to be in the moment. Not documenting it. Not monetizing it. Not aestheticizing it. Just living it. Loud, raw, imperfect, and fully present. You can’t upload that feeling. You can only experience it.

Chris Koehn  doesn’t run from sorrow; he makes it sound cinematic. On his latest single “ I’m a Little Broken , ” the Mexican post-punk and shoegaze artist teams up with Joseph Arthur for a moody, magnetic track that pulls listeners into a foggy dreamscape of vulnerability and self-acceptance. Anchored in melancholic guitar textures, harmonic echoes, and a heartbeat-like rhythm, “I’m a Little Broken” is more than just a sonic experience; it’s a lesson in letting go. The track rejects toxic positivity and instead welcomes the truth that it’s okay not to be okay. For Koehn, embracing the broken parts of yourself is where true healing begins. “This song is a reminder not to let other people’s opinions shape how we see ourselves. It’s okay to feel bad, to be sad, to not be liked by everyone. What matters is staying true to what we love.” This release marks the first single from Koehn’s upcoming album, continuing the deeply personal journey he began after the tragic loss of his brother, a loss that still echoes through every note of his work. His music, shaped by grief, stillness, and spiritual curiosity, leans into themes of impermanence and emotional honesty. Produced by Jeronimo Quintana and featuring drums by Roderic Pichard, the track was recorded between K Studio, Chapel Studio, and Joseph Arthur’s Arizona space. It was mastered by Harris Newman in Toronto, bringing an international polish to its ethereal core. As always, Koehn’s work isn’t just for listening, it’s for feeling. His layered approach to sound, lyrics, and message invites you to dance through your sadness, and in doing so, come out a little lighter. How did your collaboration with Joseph Arthur come about, and what did he bring to the emotional tone of the track? Joe is one of my favorite artists. I danced to his song “In The Sun” at my wedding.  On my first EP, Songs for Yoshimi ( 2012 ), I wrote a song inspired by it and sent it to him via Twitter. “Sounds beautiful “ he wrote. It was really nice of him, since I didn’t know him at the time. Years passed, and during the pandemic, we crossed a couple of messages, then in 2023, he invited me to his TNT Radio show, where we talked about the creative process, music, painting, philosophy, architecture, and running.  We had a really nice, deep conversation.  Then last year, I mentioned to him I was working on my first full album and working on a song which would be an honor to have him collaborate on vocals.  So a couple of months went by cause he was on tour, and then this April, he sent me his vocals, which were really amazing and gave the song a perfect vibe. They gave the track an emotional, melancholic tone, on falsetto vocals which I never heard him sing. He mentioned to me approaching these vocals with Brian Eno´s Play method, which I believe worked great. I´m deeply grateful for that.  Much of your work is rooted in grief and healing. How do you protect your own energy while creating from such a vulnerable place? I believe the more we open ourselves to vulnerability, the more we can heal ourselves and each other. So by creating from this vulnerable place, I believe there’s no need to protect since it’s wide open.  Still to connect with this vulnerability, I do lots of quantum meditation, yoga, running in nature, gratitude journaling, plant medicine ceremonies, painting, plant-based diet, breath work, and journaling. All these rituals help to elevate my frequency.  This track feels like a release, both musically and emotionally. Was it cathartic to create? It was cathartic indeed. I believe this is the first track I open myself to explore being okay not being okay. We live in this constant where we are supposed to be ok all the time, and it’s also relieving to accept not being ok sometimes, to feel all emotions fully and let them pass by.  Musically, it was also a very interesting approach, the juxtaposition of the uptempo rhythm & melody on one hand, and on the other, these lyrics of being broken. A reflection on our life´s duality, our light and shadows.   What do you want listeners to feel when they hit play on “I’m a Little Broken”? To feel uplifted and at peace. A reminder not to let others' opinions about us influence the way in which we see ourselves. That it’s ok to be broken, and also it’s ok not to be liked by everyone. To learn to feel and let go, enjoying the now always in gratitude.  Can you share any themes or sounds we can expect on the full upcoming album? Yes. The main themes revolve around going inward, a healing journey that involves connecting with the cosmos, appreciating nature and its gifts, such as the Moon, healing our traumas, letting go, and taking care of our Planet.

In today's fast-paced world, getting a good night's sleep can sometimes feel like a luxury. The hustle and bustle of daily life, combined with the constant demands of work, family, and technology, often leave little room for relaxation. The overstimulation from screens and the stress of daily responsibilities can make winding down at the end of the day a challenge. That's where calming sleep music comes into play. This article explores the many benefits of using relaxing music to enhance your sleep quality and improve your overall well-being, helping you reclaim the restful nights you deserve. Calming sleep music typically consists of soothing sounds that help you relax and prepare for sleep. It often includes gentle melodies, nature sounds, and ambient tones that create a peaceful environment. This type of music is specifically designed to help you unwind and drift off to sleep more easily. Providing a tranquil auditory backdrop helps to mask disruptive noises and quiet the mind, encouraging a state of relaxation that is conducive to sleep. This genre of music is crafted with the intent to gently guide you from the stress of the day into a restful slumber. Different Types of Soothing Music There are various types of soothing music that you can use to help you fall asleep. Some popular options include: Classical Music : Known for its calming effects, classical music can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Composers like Mozart and Beethoven have created pieces that are often used in sleep playlists for their gentle and smooth compositions. Nature Sounds : The gentle sound of rain, ocean waves, or birds singing can create a serene atmosphere that encourages sleep. These sounds can transport you to a natural setting, providing a mental escape from urban noise and creating a sense of calm. Ambient Music : This genre often features slow, soft tones that can help calm your mind and body. Artists in this genre, like Brian Eno, craft soundscapes that are non-intrusive yet deeply soothing, often using synthesizers and subtle rhythms. White Noise : This consistent sound can drown out background noise and help you focus on relaxation. It provides a steady auditory stimulus that can help mask other sounds, making it easier to concentrate on falling asleep. How Does Calming Sleep Music Work? Calming sleep music works by influencing your brain's activity and helping to reduce stress and anxiety. When you listen to soothing music, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter that promotes feelings of pleasure and relaxation. This helps to create a sense of calm and makes it easier for you to fall asleep. Additionally, the rhythmic and melodic elements of the music can help regulate your breathing and heart rate, further promoting relaxation and the onset of sleep. The Science Behind Relaxing Music Research has shown that relaxing music can have a significant impact on your sleep quality. Studies have found that listening to calming music before bed can: Lower heart rate and blood pressure, which are often elevated due to stress and anxiety. This physiological change supports the body's transition into the sleep state. Reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, which can interfere with sleep by keeping the body in a heightened state of alertness. By lowering cortisol levels, music helps create a conducive environment for sleep. Increase levels of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep. Music's calming effects can signal the body that it is time to wind down and prepare for rest, enhancing melatonin production. By incorporating calming sleep music into your nightly routine, you can improve your sleep quality and enjoy a more restful night. This approach not only assists in falling asleep but also supports a deeper, more restorative sleep phase. The Benefits of Using Soothing Music to Fall Asleep There are numerous benefits to using soothing music to help you fall asleep. Some of the most notable advantages include: Improved Sleep Quality One of the most significant benefits of calming sleep music is its ability to improve your overall sleep quality. By reducing stress and anxiety levels, soothing music can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This can lead to a more restorative sleep experience and leave you feeling refreshed and energized in the morning. Better sleep quality also supports immune function, cognitive performance, and emotional health, making it a cornerstone of overall well-being. Reduced Stress and Anxiety Listening to relaxing music can help lower stress and anxiety levels, making it easier for you to unwind and relax before bed. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle with racing thoughts or worry at night. By calming your mind and body, soothing music can help you achieve a sense of tranquility and peace. This reduction in stress and anxiety can have long-term benefits, such as improved mood and decreased risk of stress-related health issues. Enhanced Relaxation Calming sleep music can also enhance your relaxation experience by creating a peaceful environment that encourages rest. The gentle melodies and ambient sounds can transport you to a serene mental space, allowing you to let go of the day's worries and focus on relaxation. This mental escape is crucial for transitioning from the demands of the day to the calm of the night, facilitating a smoother entry into sleep. Better Mental Health In addition to improving sleep quality, calming sleep music can also have a positive impact on your mental health. By reducing stress and promoting relaxation, soothing music can help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. This can lead to improved mood, increased focus, and overall better mental well-being. Over time, the consistent use of calming music can contribute to a healthier outlook on life and better emotional regulation. Tips for Incorporating Soft Music for Sleeping into Your Routine If you're interested in incorporating soft music for sleeping into your nightly routine, here are some tips to help you get started: Create a Sleep Playlist Start by creating a playlist of your favorite calming sleep music. Include a mix of different genres, such as classical, nature sounds, and ambient music, to keep your playlist varied and interesting. You can find many pre-made playlists on streaming services like Spotify or Apple Music, or create your own tailored to your preferences. Experiment with different sounds to find what works best for you, and adjust your playlist as needed to keep it fresh and effective. Set the Right Environment To get the most out of your calming sleep music, create a relaxing sleep environment. Dim the lights, adjust the room temperature, and eliminate any distractions that might interfere with your sleep. Consider using a white noise machine or a fan to drown out background noise and enhance your listening experience. Creating a designated sleep space signals to your brain that it's time to relax, reinforcing the effects of the music. Use Headphones or a Speaker To fully immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of your sleep music, consider using headphones or a speaker. This will help you focus on the music and block out any external noises that might disturb your sleep. If you choose headphones, opt for comfortable, sleep-friendly options that won't disrupt your rest. Alternatively, a high-quality speaker can fill the room with calming sounds, allowing for a more enveloping auditory experience. Establish a Consistent Routine To experience the full benefits of calming sleep music, make it a part of your nightly routine. Listen to your sleep playlist for at least 30 minutes before bed to help your body and mind relax and prepare for sleep. Consistency is key, so try to make this a regular habit. Over time, your body will begin to associate the music with relaxation and sleep, making it an integral part of your sleep hygiene routine. Conclusion Incorporating calming sleep music into your nightly routine can have a profound impact on your sleep quality and overall well-being. By reducing stress, promoting relaxation, and enhancing your sleep experience, soothing music can help you achieve a more restful and rejuvenating night's sleep. Give it a try and discover the benefits for yourself. Your body and mind will thank you for it. As you embrace this practice, you'll find not only improved sleep but also enhanced mental and emotional health, contributing to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Corry Michaels is no stranger to vulnerability, but with " Be My Baby (Tonight) ," he swaps heartache for heat, offering a sweat-soaked, pulse-quickening tribute to queer desire and raw, unapologetic lust. The third installment in his Hopeless Romantic Saga, this track finds Michaels diving headfirst into fantasy, and bringing us along for the ride. Built on a sultry electro-pop groove and wrapped in dreamy, atmospheric production, "Be My Baby (Tonight)" is seductive from the jump. His vocals slide effortlessly between breathy intimacy and full-bodied confession, creating a hypnotic pull that mirrors the emotional push-pull of craving someone you probably shouldn't call... but do anyway. Lyrically, the song is a tug-of-war between longing and control: it's not just about wanting someone, it's about reclaiming the narrative of who gets to want and how they do so. The accompanying video amplifies that message tenfold. Set in a shadowy dreamscape of sensuality and suspended tension, the visual zeroes in on Michael's perspective, making it clear: this is his fantasy, his body, his story. The inclusion of ONE Condoms is more than a casual product moment; it's a brilliant, sex-positive power move. It proves that safety and sensuality aren't mutually exclusive. By embedding protection into the fantasy without disrupting it, Michaels reshapes the portrayal of intimacy in pop culture. Releasing this during Pride Month isn't just timely, it's necessary. "Be My Baby (Tonight)" asserts queer desire not as spectacle but as truth. It's spicy, sweaty, and steeped in power, just like the best kind of pop should be. "Be My Baby (Tonight)" radiates confidence and control. What was the spark that inspired this track and visual concept? I love sex. I think most people like sex. That is the origin of both the song and its visuals. Having a song that exudes that energy is something that I never really thought I'd have.  When I sat down to write this song, I knew I wanted to write something sexy. I knew I wanted that energy in my catalog and in my show! RYGL has the energy of coyness, and HR has this innocence to it; BMB is the first time in the plot you feel tension and grit.  You've been open about the rocky road to completing the video. What pushed you to release the first draft despite the behind-the-scenes conflict? The thought of "if "has been on my mind recently in regard to so many different situations in my life. Suppose I would have communicated better If I had taken charge If I had stayed out of it If I had never met this person or that person. If I did things differently. The idea of if vs inevitable. But, no matter what happens, the plan must be completed. I showed the video to some close friends, and they liked it. I played it in sequence with the other videos, which was crucial for the story to see how it felt in the beginning. I could not get over the idea that so many things didn't pan out the way I had hoped. I had so many feelings that clouded what was able to be accomplished. I wasn't focused on the thankfulness/gratitude for the project and each and every person who helped make it possible. Cast, Crew, venues, the team of people who helped with the song, my dance coach, and MYSELF. So many people worked very hard on a vision that I thought of, and when I showed it to "the test group," they liked it. I got out of my way and put together a rollout for the spiciest song I have.  This song feels like a turning point in the Hopeless Romantic Saga. Where does it sit emotionally in the larger story? I would consider this entry a part of the rising action of the story. RYGL set the stage and began the character development. The interesting thing is initially, I wanted PEP TALK to be the third visual, but I felt that the visual I had in mind, although very powerful, didn't line up with the story I wanted to tell. In December, I played a show in my hometown (Cleveland), and I closed the show with a new song: BE MY BABY, and the crowd really liked it. So, I started to rework the plot, and I like it more now than before.  Exposition: (RED YELLOW) GREEN LIGHT Rising Action: HOPELESS ROMANTIC Rising Action / Climax: BE MY BABY (TONIGHT) How intentional was the inclusion of ONE CONDOMS, and why was it important for you to show safe sex as part of the fantasy? It was VERY intentional! It was always a part of the plan. I think the scarier part of it was getting all the pieces together to make sure this was really a "thing."  I am a ONE Condon College ambassador and a new ONE on STAGE Artist. But I had a vision of product placement, as you would see in the "major label/high budget" music videos. This was a case where both of our core values and brands actually happened to align to make something work. Where the plot is concerned, I knew I had a resource, and I knew I wanted to do a racy video; I thought it would only make sense to add a "parental advisory" of my own. All I will say is being gay can be a crazy thing, and protecting yourself is important. And in regards to the collaboration with ONE, the process was truly a reminder to continue to dream as big as you can because on the other side of that thought is a reality if you can continue to fathom it.  You've released both a high-concept video and a stripped acoustic version of this track. What do you hope fans take away from seeing both sides of the same song? I like releasing acoustic versions of the song alongside other pieces of content. I did it for both RYGL and HR, and there is one for Pep Talk as well. It will be released later this summer as a part of a short concert film, which stemmed from two school projects that needed to be completed by the end of the semester (stereo and multitrack recordings). So, in CM fashion, I booked myself, and I brought the lights, the camera, and the action.

In a world where “I love you” is tossed around in late-night texts and Instagram captions, there’s something quietly revolutionary about passing someone the aux. It sounds simple, harmless, even. A gesture as old as the aux cord itself. But let’s not downplay the weight of that wire. Because in that moment, you’re not just handing over a playlist. You’re handing over a piece of your soul. When you say “I love you,” it’s powerful, yes, but rehearsed. We’ve all seen it in movies, read it in novels, and practiced it in our heads. But when you give someone the aux? You’re saying, this is how I feel, even when I don’t have the words for it. You're offering access to the soundtrack of your inner world. The quiet parts. The messy parts. The parts you don’t post on your story. Music exposes us. It reveals what we’ve been through, what we’re yearning for, who we miss, and what we secretly hope for. That throwback track? It's not random, it’s tied to a summer you never got over. That sad indie song in the middle of an upbeat playlist? That’s where your heart still lives. Every skipped track, every replayed chorus, it’s all data. And someone paying attention will know exactly how to read it. Let’s be real: anyone can say “I love you” and not mean it. But if someone passes you the aux and waits to see how you react to their favorite song? That’s intimacy. That’s trust. That’s someone saying, “Here’s a piece of me. Please don’t fast forward.” Passing the aux is the love language of people who grew up building their personalities off LimeWire downloads, mixtapes, burned CDs, and 8-hour playlists titled “for when I can’t sleep.” It's for those of us who felt seen by lyrics long before we ever felt seen by people. So next time someone hands you the aux, take it seriously. Don’t treat it like background noise. Listen. Feel. Because they’re not just trying to play you a song, they’re trying to tell you something they haven’t figured out how to say. And maybe, just maybe, they’ve already said “I love you” a hundred times over; you just had to listen to hear it.

Coffee and spaghetti, anyone? "Life is like spaghetti, it's hard until you make it/ No stresso no stresso/ It's gonna be espresso!" This is the song of the controversial 69th Eurovision Song Contest 2025 participant, rapper and performance artist TOMM¥ €A$H . Born in 1991, this Estonian art-world trickster has always been setting off a media storm with his uncanny lyrics and scandalous fashion outfits. In 2024, he shocked his fans with a video for his "Untz Untz" song, parodying the Sex Olympics. His satirical and bold Eurovision entry made a stark contrast to other songs. Moreover, it was heavily criticized by Italians due to the way the song mocks certain Italian stereotypes. However, despite some concerns about "Espresso Macchiato", which was co-written with Finnish musician Johannes Naukkarinen, Tommy earned a third-place finish. This unconventional artist can make waves. A Post-Soviet Kanye East, A Poet From Estonian Slums Born Tomas Tammemets in 1991 in Tallinn, Tommy was raised in the Kopli subdistrict of Tallinn. He was born to post-Eastern Bloc residents, a Russian father and a Ukrainian mother. The “post-Soviet aesthetic” is something that clearly defines his music and artwork, as well as mixing together different memes and styles. Tommy also said that he grew up on American rap music. He even describes his alter ego as "Kanye East" of Estonia. In childhood, he had problems with the police and was later expelled from school.  However, he soon found his early fans and gained fame as an underground dancer and graffiti painter with a sense of humor and gaze. In the school, he started going to a hip hop class and was enamored by dancing. VICE once described him as a highly unique and multi-talented young Eastern European conceptual artist. He has never focused on either making music, painting, or dancing, but has made hybrid art projects and interpreted popular gags and memes through his unique surreal lens. A soft-spoken jester, an "adrenaline junkie", an absurdist, deconstructing social constructs and parodying them. Tommy Cash is a true embodiment of creativity. He doesn't care if the people are disturbed - he rather enjoys it.  Before his videos went viral in Europe and the US and he performed at Glastonbury and Eurovision, Tommy released many songs on his SoundCloud. His regional fan base started growing since the early 2010s, and his albums "Euroz Dollaz Yeniz" and "¥€$". For his second album, "¥€$," Tommy cooperated with Boys Noize, Danny L Harle, Rick Owens, and Charli XCX. He also released collaborations with IC3PEAK, Pimp Flaco, Little Big, Modeselektor, and Salvatore Ganacci. Tommy's video for the single "Surf" earned him the award for Music Video of the Year.  In February 2025, Tommy Cash won Estonia's Eurovision pre-selection contest Eesti Laul. His controversial Evrovision entry made him stand out in the first place one more time - there were even calls to disqualify Cash from the Eurovision. Italian politician Marco Centinaio even described the song as the insult. But the performance of Cash placed third and traced across Europe. The rapper himself said: "That’s when people talk about it, when art works". And it works! And, well, it is clearly not only about luck, as if the person wins at TonyBet Canada , but about passion and punk energy. Cash once said he never cared what anyone thought about him and simply used that vibe.  From Table To Bed: A Trap Artist & Eccentric Model Since his work is the fusion of many elements, it is hard to separate the songs of Cash from his overall artistry. His uncanny and bizarre appearances at couture shows have been revolutionizing a runway, and Cash sees it as a form of performance art. At the Paris Fashion Week in 2023, Cash made an appearance in a flesh-colored eccentric tuxedo. He also appeared at the fashion shows as a person sleeping in a bed (Y/Project runway show) and cleaning lady (Diesel show). Once he was dressed as a dining table (Doublet fashion show). His collaboration with the fashion designer Rick Owens has evolved in a fashion project, and what came up next?  In 2019, Tommy had his own exhibition at Kumu art museum. So, the ability of Cash to bring something original to the world of art and entertainment is fantastic. He is always remembered for his distinct style and love for performing. His visuals are disturbing yet gorgeous. And he uses his satirical entries and appearances to talk about sensitive topics like body positivity and inclusivity. You can't really say what you will encounter in his videos next, and that's why he fits perfectly in the modern art world and has already become hugely popular in and outside Europe.