If you’re anything like us, we see an interesting headline during our daily scroll—pause to read it—but then keep scrolling without reading the actual story. So at the end of each week, we’re rounding up all the buzziest, news-worthy headlines you might have missed. Think of it like the “saved” feature on Instagram but for news instead of aesthetically pleasing photos. Kate Bush’s song is soaring in streams after being featured on Stranger Things, Frank Ocean is making his directorial debut in his own feature film, and Kesha is set to perform at Pride Live’s Stonewall Day 2022—this is what you missed this week.
#1
Frank Ocean Is In Talks to Make His Directorial Debut
The year is 2019. Frank Ocean arrives at the Met Gala with a film camera in his hand, photographing all of the familiar faces inside the highly exclusive event. This isn’t his first experience behind the camera, as he’d put on his director’s hat once before for the visuals accompanying his 2016 album, Endless. Lucky for us, and by us, I mean Frank Ocean fans, the 46-minute album performance was not enough to satisfy the multi-hyphenate creative as news started to circulate this week that he is now looking to write and direct his own full-length feature film. Frank has a long history working with studio A24, where he wrote the foreword for the screenplay book release of Barry Jenkins’ Moonlight and his music was featured in Trey Edward Shults’ Waves. Reportedly, he’s in negotiations with the esteemed indie studio and another production company, 2AM, to make his own feature film happen. If he keeps his schedule open, it’s said that they’ll begin filming sometime this Fall and have production wrapped before the New Year arrives. This is an early Christmas present I didn’t know I wanted, but I’m all here for it.
#2
Kesha Set to Headline Pride Live’s Stonewall Day 2022
Waking up in the morning feeling like celebrating Pride! Pride month is finally here, and what better way to celebrate than to dance with Kesha at Pride Live? It’s been a minute since Kesha has been in the spotlight, but the singer is set to perform outside of Stonewall Inn in New York City on Friday, May 24th. We are screaming, and no, we are not okay! As a forever advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Kesha will be joining fellow performers Shea Diamond, Mila Jam, and queer indie-pop band Betty. Speaking about the event, Kesha says, “Stonewall is a special place for the queer community, and I cannot wait to honor and celebrate how far we have come while standing in the conviction that the fight for equality in this country is ever upon us, and I will never back down.” Hold tight to your rainbow cowboy boots for those who don’t have the luxury to attend the event in person because the event will also be streamed live on Youtube. I can’t think of a better excuse to throw your own Pride party to the sounds of Kesha and all the other Stonewall performers.
#3
Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” Soars in Streams Thanks to ‘Stranger Things’
The powerful cultural influence of Netflix’s Stranger Things is proven once again when Kate Bush’s 1985 single “Running Up That Hill” skyrocketed to number one on iTunes charts this week, 37 years later. The disco-bop song was featured in the first episode of the series’ new season and continued to play an integral role in developing one of the show’s characters Max, played by actor Sadie Sink, throughout the season. According to data collected by Spotify on May 30, the song’s U.S. streams increased by 9,900% compared to last Thursday (May 27), the day before the Stranger Things season four premiere on Netflix. Kate has yet to comment on the sudden surge in popularity of her song. However, Alexandra Patsavas, Netflix’s director of music/creative production for the series, says in a statement that “Stranger Things is a cultural phenomenon that resonates with fans all over the world. It’s remarkable to see how the reaction to Kate’s song has engaged new and old fans alike and has also transcended generations.” Guess Euphoria’s not the only show whose soundtrack has a chokehold on fans.
#4
Pharrell Announces Tyler, the Creator, and 21 Savage Collaboration
Has anyone seen a resting Pharrell because the singer-turned-producer pumps out hit after hit like a well-oiled machine, but we’re not complaining just waiting for him to stop gatekeeping the fountain of youth. Pharrell recently announced his latest project collaborating with Tyler, the Creator, and 21 Savage on the song “CASH IN CASH OUT”. Set to release on June 10th, the song is not the only thing on Pharrell’s plate this year. He helped produce NIGO’s compilation album, Pusha T’s No. 1 album, It’s Almost Dry, and was featured in Jack Harlow’s “Movie Star” from his second studio album, Come Home The Kids Miss You. He will also be bringing back Something In the Water festival this summer, where Tyler, the Creator, and 21 Savage are both included in the line-up. We can likely expect a live performance of the new song from the trio and perhaps other unexpected mashups? All we know is that we’re packing our bags for Washington, DC.
#5
Justin Bieber Hypes “Biebs Brew” At Tim Hortons
No one saw the collaboration between Justin Bieber and Tim Hortons coming when “Timbiebs” first rolled out, but even so, the limited-edition Timbits took the internet by storm. Riding on that success, Justin Bieber is rolling out Biebs Brew—a French Vanilla-flavoured cold brew—along with the return of his infamous Timbiebs and Timbiebs merch. The non-food-related items will include a beanie, fannypack, tote bag, and stainless steel Biebs Brew tumbler with a reusable straw. In the Tim Hortons commercial that premiered on Wednesday, we see Bieber standing in a conference room waiting for his Biebs Brew to steep. When Tim Hortons’ staffer “Pam,” tells Justin to come back in the morning, he replies, “Yeah, not a chance I let someone put their lips on the Biebs Brew before this guy,” in his signature charming demeanor. Biebs Brew will be available on June 6th, a day before Justin’s return to Toronto for his Justice concert at the Scotiabank Arena on June 7th. We don’t expect anything less extraordinary from our beloved Canadian singer, so run, don’t walk to your nearest Tims, and enjoy your Justin-filled week ahead.