Category: Music

NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, January 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — In an industry often defined by gatekeepers, Dante Hillmedo is building his own door guided by the influence of Black diaspora storytelling and the cultural legacy of his Jamaican roots. A Bronx-born filmmaker and creative entrepreneur raised by Jamaican parents, Hillmedo has quietly become a sought-after visual director for some of the most recognizable names in entertainment, including Jay-Z, Michael Rubin, and Essence Magazine. Now, with an award-winning feature film and a newly launched luxury business venture, Hillmedo is stepping into the spotlight, defining a legacy rooted in Black identity, cultural authenticity, and cinematic luxury.

Born and raised in the Bronx, Hillmedo’s creative perspective was shaped by the rhythm, resilience, and lived experiences of Caribbean immigrant communities in New York City. Though he initially aspired to become an animator, financial challenges forced him to leave the School of Visual Arts after his first year. Undeterred, he pivoted to videography, landing his first paid opportunity through Craigslist with renowned Caribbean DJ Mad Out. That early break introduced him to the Caribbean music ecosystem, where he filmed artists such as Shaggy, Ding Dong, and Kranium, work that sharpened his ability to visually translate diaspora culture with honesty and respect.

Today, Hillmedo runs Team Elite Productions, a company whose name reflects his commitment to excellence, discretion, and cultural integrity. His ability to capture authentic moments in high-visibility environments has led to recurring work documenting both private and public events for Michael Rubin, including Fanatics Fest and the White Party, as well as Jay-Z’s Shawn Carter Foundation Gala spaces, where trust, access, and nuance are essential.

Hillmedo’s debut feature film, Butterfly, recently won Best Feature Film at the Spring 2025 Big Apple Film Festival, marking a major milestone for the independently produced debut. The narrative drama follows a teenage girl growing up in a single-parent immigrant household in New York City who uses dance to navigate social pressure, identity, and instability. The film draws directly from Hillmedo’s upbringing by a single immigrant mother, centering a coming-of-age story familiar to many children of the Black diaspora told without spectacle, but with emotional truth.

Beyond filmmaking, Hillmedo continues to expand as a creative entrepreneur. He recently launched Lunessence, a luxury fragrance brand inspired by mood, memory, and cultural expression, featuring high-concentration extrait de parfum scents. He also remains deeply committed to mentorship, having spent six years teaching film and music production at a Riverdale high school, introducing students from underrepresented communities to creative careers often absent from traditional pipelines.

As he prepares for wider distribution of Butterfly and the expansion of his lifestyle ventures, Dante Hillmedo stands as part of a new generation of Black Caribbean creatives reshaping the industry on their own terms through discipline, intention, and storytelling rooted in heritage.

About Dante Hillmedo
Dante Hillmedo is a New York–based filmmaker, visual director, and entrepreneur known for blending cinematic luxury with gritty urban realism. His work centers Black and Caribbean narratives across feature films, celebrity-driven visual storytelling, and high-end branded content.

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Marie Driven Theodore
Playbook MG
marie@playbookmg.com

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GRAMMY-nominated producer, industry leader, and artist Mali Wilson announces her upcoming album Retro in Real Time, set for release on Friday, March 20, 2026.

CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, January 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — A timeless, vocal-forward soul statement rooted in presence, commitment, and emotional sanctuary.

Industry leader, GRAMMY-nominated producer, and artist Mali Wilson announces her upcoming album Retro in Real Time, set for release on Friday, March 20, 2026. Crafted with emotional clarity and sonic sophistication, the album inhabits a space of arrival, commitment, and emotional sanctuary—an ode to love, spiritual alignment, and self-actualization captured through elegant arrangements and Mali’s commanding vocal presence.

Retro in Real Time blends blues and gospel roots, soul vocals, jazz sensibility, and contemporary production, creating a sound that transcends eras and resists simple categorization. The 10-track collection balances emotional openness with strength, featuring songs such as “At the Altar,” “Sidelines,” and “Finally Safe”—each offering cinematic depth, restraint, and lyrical intention.

About the Album

With warm analog textures, intentional pacing, and vocals boldly at the center, Retro in Real Time documents personal transformation as lived experience—arrival, clarity, and love. Mali shares, “This record was born out of love—after falling in love with my husband, I found my voice again, not for fame, but because that spark returned. There’s been a divine connection in this process—writing the gist of these songs with my husband felt guided and truly special. He’s been my greatest support.”

With renowned talents such as Kenneth Whalum, Craig J. Snider, Willy Rodriguez, and mixed and mastered by Grammy-winning Miguel Scott, this album is shaped by some of the industry’s most respected creatives.

Availability

Retro in Real Time will be available on all major streaming platforms, as well as vinyl and limited collector editions, beginning March 20, 2026. Pre-save and exclusive offerings will be announced soon.

Press & Media Contact:
Anne Beatrix Rothschild
a.rothschild@theretnuhagency.com
maliwilson.com
Press kit and assets available upon request.
(Media outlets: please contact for private listening links and interview opportunities.)

Eric Wilson
Stonewood Music Studios
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The Oyster Bar was written as a father speaking to his daughter as if she were still here, still willing to begin again. The book does not instruct.

LAS VEGAS, NV, UNITED STATES, January 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Oyster Bar is not about food. It is not a guide to fine dining or seafood restaurants. It is something far more personal—and far more necessary.

Written by Eric Valdespino, The Oyster Bar was born from an unimaginable loss: the death of his daughter after years of hidden alcohol dependency. She began drinking in her early twenties. She died at forty-seven. Like many families affected by alcoholism, Valdespino did not know the full extent of her struggle until it was too late.

What followed was not blame, anger, or lectures—but reflection.
A longtime speculative fiction writer, Valdespino stepped away from imagination to confront reality. In the wake of his daughter’s death, he came to understand what so many families eventually do: alcoholism is not a moral failure—it is a disease. And judgment, even when well-intended, often deepens the wounds.

The Oyster Bar was written as a quiet conversation—a father speaking to his daughter as if she were still here, still willing to begin again. The book does not instruct. It does not scold. It does not tell readers who they should be. Instead, it meets them exactly where they are.
One reviewer captured its impact perfectly:

“In the author’s notes at the end of this book, Eric Valdespino says he hopes this book reaches people right where they are. The thing is, that is exactly how he wrote the book. It is a masterclass in helping people start from where they are, instead of telling them how they should change.”

The loss of a child to alcohol is devastating—and tragically common. The statistics surrounding alcoholism are overwhelming, but behind every number is a family, a parent, and a life cut short. Valdespino acknowledges that he is not alone in this grief—and that understanding the strength it takes to stop drinking begins with compassion, not condemnation.

As his personal contribution to this painful and often misunderstood issue, Valdespino is offering The Oyster Bar free of charge to those who need it. The book is intended for people who are struggling, questioning, or quietly searching for balance—without judgment from others, and without judgment of themselves.

This is not a book about “fixing” yourself. It is about seeing yourself clearly, gently, and honestly—and discovering that forward movement is possible without shame.

If you know someone who needs understanding rather than advice, balance rather than blame, or a reminder that they are not alone, The Oyster Bar was written for them. Sometimes healing begins not with answers—but with being heard.
—Arthur Thares

Call to Action
If you—or someone you love—is struggling in silence and searching for understanding rather than judgment, The Oyster Bar is being offered as a free gift to those who feel it may help. This book was written for individuals who are ready to pause, reflect, and gently examine where they are in life—without blame, labels, or pressure to change overnight. It does not tell readers what to do; instead, it offers perspective, clarity, and space for honest self-reflection, allowing the possibility of self-correction to emerge naturally and on one’s own terms.

The Oyster Bar is meant to be a quiet companion—one that listens more than it speaks, and encourages forward movement without shame. Whether you are seeking balance, understanding, or simply a moment of calm insight, this book is available at no cost to those who wish to receive it or share it with someone in need of support. To request a copy, learn more, or pass it along as a gesture of compassion, please visit the author’s website or reach out directly. Sometimes the first step toward healing begins not with advice—but with a single, compassionate voice.

Eric Valdespino
Self Publisher
+1 702-485-2311
ericvldspn@gmail.com
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WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, January 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Allan Palacios Chan is a Philippine-born American symphonic pop artist whose work bridges opera, concert music, and crossover repertoire through large-scale orchestral storytelling. Praised by Opera News as a “clarion high tenor,” described by Seen and Heard International as a “standout performer…bringing musicality plus an attractive and flexible leggiero sound,” and recognized by Arts Knoxville as “a marvelous storyteller and portrayer of emotion,” Chan has emerged as a distinctive voice shaping contemporary crossover music through orchestral scale and emotional clarity.

Trained as a classical tenor but driven by narrative immediacy, Chan’s work reframes familiar repertoire through orchestral color and symphonic pacing. His approach places him at the forefront of a growing movement of symphonic pop artists who apply classical technique not as tradition-bound display, but as a vehicle for modern storytelling.

Chan received his formal training at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, where he earned a Master of Music in Vocal Performance, and at George Mason University, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Music. He was a Corbett Foundation Young Artist with Cincinnati Opera and a two-time Voice Fellow at the Music Academy of the West, where he studied with Marilyn Horne and appeared in the West Coast premiere of Matthew Aucoin’s Second Nature.

His operatic and theatrical credits include leading roles in contemporary and classical works with companies such as Tacoma Opera, Knoxville Opera, and the New York Opera Society, including appearances in multiple world premieres. In concert, he has appeared at Carnegie Hall and the Kennedy Center, performing sacred, symphonic, and contemporary repertoire with ensembles across the United States.

Alongside his classical career, Chan has become a visible presence in culturally significant performances. He has appeared as a guest artist with the award-winning Philippine Madrigal Singers on their first U.S. tour since the pandemic and most recently shared the stage in New York City with Sofronio Vasquez, reigning champion of The Voice USA 2025, for YAMANnyc. He regularly performs for the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C., including events at the U.S. State Department and the Ronald Reagan Building, and is a leading advocate for Kundiman, the Filipino art song tradition.

Chan has sung the Philippine National Anthem at major national and international events, including Manny Pacquiao’s Las Vegas bout against Timothy Bradley Jr., and has appeared at the APAICS Gala in Washington, D.C., the AREEA National Convention in Las Vegas, and made his Hawaii concert debut in Honolulu.

A pivotal expansion of Chan’s artistic direction began during his 2022 philanthropic tour of the Philippines, where he performed to raise funds for Indigenous students attending a Notre Dame school in Mindanao. During the tour, his work was recognized by Renen de Guia of Ovation Productions, leading to introductions within an international creative network that included Los Angeles–based agent Gina Orr and acclaimed arranger, pianist, and crossover specialist Leonardo de Bernardini, known professionally as Leo Z.

That encounter initiated an ongoing creative partnership centered on orchestral storytelling and symphonic reinterpretation. Chan is currently releasing a crossover album with Leo Z titled Songs from the Attic, a curated series of orchestral and symphonic pop interpretations of contemporary and classic repertoire. Recent singles include And So It Goes, Orinoco Flow, and May It Be (featuring the Philippine Madrigal Singers), all available on major streaming platforms.

His recent release Frozen, a symphonic cover of Madonna’s iconic song, features Grammy-nominated cellist Tina Guo and reimagines the track through expansive string writing, operatic vocal lines, and cinematic pacing. The release exemplifies Chan’s work as a symphonic pop artist, applying classical technique and orchestral depth to crossover music. Frozen was featured on a Times Square billboard and has become a cornerstone of his growing symphonic crossover catalog.

Chan’s holiday EP Christmas Is Here, produced by Leo Z and featuring Cassy London, Davide Friello, and Grammy Award–winning vocalist Helena Buscema, was also showcased on a Times Square billboard and reflects his continued interest in orchestral color and large-scale vocal writing.

In addition to his recording work, Chan remains active as a concert soloist. Recent and upcoming engagements include a benefit jazz concert for the Filipino American National Historical Society, a jazz collaboration with Grammy-nominated artist Madz Johnson, his solo debut with The Choral Arts Society of Washington, and a performance as tenor soloist in Carmina Burana with the New Dominion Chorale.

Across opera, concert, and crossover music, Allan Palacios Chan continues to expand the expressive possibilities of the tenor voice. As a symphonic pop artist, his work honors classical tradition while speaking directly to contemporary audiences through orchestral storytelling and emotional honesty.

Follow Allan:
Website: www.AllanPalaciosChan.com | YouTube: @AllanPalaciosChan | IG: @allanPCtenor | FB: Allan Palacios Chan / The Allan Palacios Chan Fan Club (group) | TikTok: @allan.palacios.ch | Spotify/YouTube/Apple Music: Allan Palacios Chan

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Frozen (Symphonic Cover) – Allan Palacios Chan feat. Tina Guo

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A breakup record shaped by loss, computer crashes, and lo-fi intimacy from Toronto artist James Wyatt Crosby on Canadian dream pop label Wavy Sun

TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA, January 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Toronto-based recording artist James Wyatt Crosby will release his fourth full-length album, Goner, on May 15, 2026, via the Canadian dream pop label Wavy Sun.

Written during the collapse and aftermath of a long-term relationship, Goner is a deliberately unravelling breakup album—one that becomes increasingly fragile, exposed, and unresolved as it progresses. What begins as carefully constructed songs gives way to lo-fi sketches, unfinished textures, and recordings originally never intended for release.

Crosby describes the album as a document of emotional survival rather than a polished statement. Early tracks were written while the relationship was still intact; later recordings emerged after it ended, often functioning more as private journal entries set to music than traditional songs. During this period, repeated technical failures and lost multitrack sessions forced Crosby to either abandon material entirely or release it as it existed—raw, incomplete, and emotionally charged.

Rather than rebuilding or recreating those recordings, Crosby chose to preserve their original state. The resulting album reflects that decision: production degrades intentionally over time, vocals grow more exposed, and structure gives way to immediacy. The final tracks feel closer to captured moments than finished compositions.

Musically, Goner sits between indie dream pop, lo-fi art pop, and experimental pop. Distorted guitars, fractured arrangements, and hazy vocal hooks are paired with abrupt transitions and brief instrumental fragments. The album’s focus track, “Lighthouse,” anchors the record’s emotional centre, while earlier singles “And the Sky” and “A.O.T.T.” introduce its shifting tone and unstable emotional terrain.

Goner follows Crosby’s earlier work, including his 2017 debut album Twins, which featured the sleeper hit “Deep In Yr Mind” and earned a place on Nerdist’s “25 Best Underground Albums of 2017.” Subsequent releases found an audience through Canadian college radio, television placements, and a steady rediscovery of his catalog over the following years. With Goner, Crosby turns inward, prioritizing honesty over cohesion and process over resolution.

The album will be released on May 15, 2026. Singles “And the Sky” (February 27, 2026) and “A.O.T.T.” (April 3, 2026) precede the album release.

Kathleen Farley
Wavy Sun
hello@wavysun.ca
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LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, January 27, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Acclaimed choreographer and creative director Brian Friedman recently appeared on the Race Of Your Own podcast with host Vergi Rodriguez, offering an in-depth look at his legendary career, including iconic collaborations with Britney Spears and Janet Jackson.

In the episode, Friedman dives into behind-the-scenes details from choreographing Britney Spears’ provocative and era-defining “I’m A Slave 4 U” music video. He shares insights into the creative atmosphere on set, the collaborative energy between artist and choreographer, and how the choreography helped redefine Spears’ image at a pivotal moment in her career. Rodriguez and Friedman reflect on what it was like to be on the set of such an iconic music video and on how the trust, experimentation, and intensity that shaped one of pop music’s most memorable visual moments. Rodriguez has previously worked with Brian Friedman with Britney Spears and Prince.

Friedman also discusses dancing for Janet Jackson on her “Rock Wit U” music video, highlighting Jackson’s precision, artistry, and hands-on involvement in the creative process. He speaks to the high standard of excellence Janet brought to every rehearsal and shoot, and how the experience further influenced his approach to storytelling through movement. He also reflects on his time working with Harry Styles at the beginning of his career when he competed on the X-Factor when One Direction was first formed. He also reflects on the passing of Styles’ band member Liam Payne.

Throughout the conversation, Friedman opens up about navigating high-profile collaborations, developing a signature style, and building longevity in a competitive industry. His appearance on Race Of Your Own underscores the podcast’s mission to spotlight individuals who forge their own paths and leave lasting cultural impact.

The episode provides rare insight into the creative processes behind some of pop culture’s most iconic visuals, making it a must-listen for fans of music, dance, and entertainment.

ABOUT BRIAN FRIEDMAN
Brian Friedman is an award-winning choreographer and creative director whose work spans music, film, television, and live performance. Known for his bold and expressive style, Friedman has collaborated with many of the world’s most influential artists and continues to shape the future of dance and pop performance.

Friedman has choreographed, directed, and performed many music videos and performances, such as Britney Spears “Toxic”, “Me Against the Music”, “Boys”, “I’m a Slave 4 U”, and her “The Dream Within a Dream Tour” and Onyx Hotel Tour Tours. His other work includes “My Love Is Like…Wo” by Mýa, “The One” by Prince, and *NSYNC’s “Pop”. Friedman has also choreographed for various television shows including Will & Grace, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Show with David Letterman, and the Billboard Music Awards.

In 2011, Friedman re-joined Britney Spears to choreograph the music videos, and performances for her #1 Singles “Hold It Against Me”and “Till the World Ends”. In 2019, Friedman worked with South Korean girl group Itzy for their song “Icy”.

In 2025, Friedman came out of his dancing retirement to appear in the video for Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra”.

ABOUT THE HOST
Vergi Rodriguez is an influential podcast host known for her thought-provoking interviews that explore cultural, social, and personal stories. She is an entertainment industry expert who has worked with a multitude of names in film and television like Prince and Britney Spears. With a focus on inspiring narratives and diverse perspectives, a “Race of Your Own” offers a space for listeners to engage with groundbreaking ideas and trailblazing individuals from a wide range of fields. With a Master’s in Psychology, an advocate for women and people of color she blends her storytelling roots with a mission to elevate underrepresented narratives through unfiltered conversations, personal reflection, and political commentary. Through her production company Planet V Productions, LLC, her first short film “Dreamer” was officially selected in a variety of film festivals worldwide, including Geena Davis’ Bentonville Film Festival & Diversity In Cannes during the Cannes Film Festival. It also has won a multitude of awards including Audience Award at the Boston Latino Film Festival.

ABOUT RACE OF YOUR OWN 

“Race of Your Own” is a thought-provoking podcast hosted by Vergi Rodriguez, exploring race, identity, leadership, and representation through candid conversations with changemakers from diverse fields. Each episode invites listeners to reflect on how culture and lived experience shape our collective future. With over 90,000 hours of watch time in just a few months, Race of Your Own has established itself as a rising force in the independent media landscape, redefining how stories are told and who gets to tell them.

Listen and watch the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Youtube.

Marvin A. Smith
Planet V Productions, LLC
+1 646-481-7373
email us here
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Brian Friedman : Building Your Own Lane & Redefining Success S2E10

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