Latest news with #Awal
Irish Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Times
Ethel Cain: Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You review
Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You Artist : Ethel Cain Label : Awal The history of pop is one of artists playing make-believe, of hiding their authentic selves beneath glitter and fake nails and tall hair (and that's just Bono). From David Bowie dressing up as a glam-pop alien to Charli XCX pretending to be a personification of messy womanhood, trying new facades on for size and then chucking them aside is a core part of the megastar toolkit. That compulsion to slip beneath the skin of a fantasy caricature of yourself is likewise on display across the career of 27-year-old Hayden Anhedönia. As Ethel Cain, the Florida-born, Southern Baptist-raised record producer and model has taken on the persona of an All American small-town ingenue as a means of exploring and celebrating her love of Southern Gothic stereotypes. Cain is an elusive creation, a heightened version of Anhedönia but also a songwriter with an assured pop touch. Her landmark achievement to date was the single American Teenager. Here is perhaps the best early Taylor Swift song that Taylor Swift had no hand in creating, and a tune that won Cain a huge fan base. (Her Dublin shows have always been straight sell-outs.) Channelling your hopes, fears, angst and joy into an alter ego can take a lot of pressure off you as an artist. As soon as the make-up comes off and the roar of the crowd fades, you get to shut the door and go back to being yourself. But it can also lead to a blurring of identity. That is something with which Anhedönia has wrestled as her star has ascended. Where does Hayden end and Ethel begin? And what if there is no end or beginning? Where does that leave them? READ MORE It 'creates problems that you don't realise. I thought it was going to protect me, and it was going to be Ethel Cain's problem, but then you get into this kind of interesting thing where you start to get eclipsed by your own character,' she told the New York Times recently. 'So I keep jumping across this line and doing this funny dance where I'm figuring out, 'Where is she? Where am I? Who is she about me?' As that dilemma has weighed ever more heavily on her, it has pushed her music in surprising directions. There has even at times been a sense of a musician at war with their own popularity. Not hostile towards her fans, exactly, but ill-inclined to pander or to churn out facsimiles of American Teenager. Such was the message of her second album, Perverts, a weird, muted piece of left-field electronica released in the grey gloom of January this year. American Teenager and the accompanying LP, Preacher's Daughter, were suffused in the haze of a hot summer. But Perverts was the opposite: a plunge into Aphex Twin-style ambient music that fazed those fans who would have been perfectly happy for Cain to continue as William Faulkner's idea of Taylor Swift. But you can only really get away with one such curveball in your career. After burning down the house, what do you with the ashes? That's the question Cain grapples with on her excellent third album, Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You. It's a gorgeously vulnerable record about a fictional teenage romance between Cain and a mysterious Nebraskan named Willoughby Tucker. It is also, at moments, baffling and mysterious. Cain can crank out a Lana Del Rey-style woozy banger in her sleep, and she does so several times here, most notably on Fuck Me Eyes, which sounds like The Cure soundtracking the Louisiana-set first season of the supernatural crime show True Detective. Yet these flashes of pop transcendence are tucked away in deep folds of ambient pop. The opening track, Janie, for instance, sounds like a late-1990s 'post-rock' instrumental group that wished it were Mogwai or Godspeed You! Black Emperor. Fittingly given her obsession with Americana cliches, there are also deviations into David Lynch-style small-town eeriness, such as Willoughby's Theme, audibly inspired by Laura's Theme from the Twin Peaks soundtrack. A feverish, dreamlike project finishes beautifully with the 10-minute ballad Tempest, followed by the 15-minute Waco, Texas, a swirling chunk of disembodied rock that somehow carries in its DNA the pop spirit of major-label stars such as Del Rey while also feeling inspired by the late-1990s drone artists such as Flying Saucer Attack. It's thrillingly eerie and a stunning conclusion to a remarkable record.
The Star
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Star
Are Malaysian men stylish? They're catching on, with growing fashion confidence
Walk through any mall in Malaysia and you will see it all: men in pressed slacks and polished loafers, others in oversized tees and sandals – and everything in between. The fashion scene here is undeniably diverse. But what does it say about Malaysian guys today? Are they truly stylish? That, of course, depends on who you ask. Speak to personalities in the public eye, and many will argue that local men could step up their style game. Actor and television host Awal Ashaari believes the country's hot and humid climate limits outfit choices. He thinks it is just difficult to be creative when one has to dress for practical reasons. 'Men's fashion can be so much more exciting when you introduce good layering or less lightweight fabrics,' he explains. 'If we had a cooler climate, I genuinely believe Malaysia could have some of the best-dressed men in South-East Asia.' Awal himself is known for his polished presence at red carpet events and fashion weeks around the world. Just last month, he attended a Bulgari party in Singapore. Awal thinks there is still room for growth when it comes to the men's fashion scene here in Malaysia. Photo: Bulgari 'For that, I chose to not overdress. The spotlight should be on the watches and jewellery. We were all there to celebrate the collections, not ourselves,' he shares, showing a sense of restraint. 'That's usually my approach for clients' events. I dress thoughtfully, but never in a way that competes with what's being showcased.' Awal does not hold back when it comes to common style missteps though. He believes some of the popular choices Malaysian men make could use a rethink – and that the heat cannot be used as an excuse all the time. 'Keep your football jerseys on the pitch or when you're watching the game,' he says. 'We get it, you love your team and want to show support, but jerseys aren't the best choice for outings, and definitely not for weddings.' According to him, footwear is another frequent offender. 'Flip-flops are great... on the beach or when you're washing the car,' he says with a laugh. 'Just put on a decent pair of shoes with socks, you'll see how quickly your whole look improves.' Still, Awal believes it does not take much to look put-together. 'Malaysian men could definitely wear more linen shirts and tapered khaki pants,' he suggests. 'They're stylish, breathable, and elevate your appearance without sacrificing comfort. Simple changes like that can really go a long way.' Read more: These brothers are Malaysian fashion's next act – guess who their father is Growing interest, but still cautious Men who are not constantly in front of the camera are generally less willing to talk about fashion. Perhaps it is a confidence thing, or maybe they are just hesitant to be seen showing too much interest. 'I like being different and standing out, so yes, it's game on for me to dress up better,' says one Malaysian, who prefers to be known only as Adam. Yet the fact that he wants to remain anonymous speaks volumes about how comfortable men here truly are when it comes to engaging in conversations about fashion. He does feel judged, especially when being a little more bold by wearing something out of the ordinary – like a bright printed shirt or tailored pants in a pastel shade. Adam, in his 30s, also often worries about his style choices, particularly whether what he wears will please everyone. Despite those hesitations, he maintains that there has been a shift. 'Malaysian men are more daring nowadays, but it really depends on the occasion,' he says. Fashion designer Akmal Hakim agrees. While many men still gravitate towards classic streetwear, minimalist tailoring or neutral palettes, he sees a growing appreciation for intentional styling. He notes that more are beginning to experiment with proportions, layering, and softer yet more expressive looks – something that felt rare just a decade ago. Although Akmal does not design menswear, he says that if he did, it would centre on 'elevated basics'. Basics like denim are popular choices. Photo: Asal 'I'd keep it grounded in functionality and ease, using breathable fabrics that make sense for a tropical country,' he explains. 'I'd play with smart details, cooling materials, adjustable cuts, and pieces that can transition from day to night. The silhouettes would be relaxed but polished, with that clean, elevated feel I naturally lean towards in my womenswear.' He also runs a men's grooming and styling business, specialising in weddings. To him, the male market often overlooks the middle ground. He says it needs clothing that is not too street and not overly corporate either. 'I think Malaysian men are ready for clothes that are both wearable and expressive, or pieces that feel current, comfortable and confident. But of course, the designs simply can't look like they're trying too hard,' Akmal says. Read more: This menswear savant gets paid to travel the world and buy cool vintage pieces Life imitates runway? The crowds at fashion weeks may not be the best representation of how perceptions have evolved. Yet they do hint at a shift – one where men are becoming more comfortable with expressing themselves through style, even if only in certain spaces or circles. 'They are becoming more open to experimenting, not just on the runway, but in real life too,' claims the organiser of Kuala Lumpur Fashion Week, Andrew Tan. 'There's less fear now in showing style personality.' Tan notes that the rise of unisex designs and relaxed silhouettes has opened up room for men to explore fashion more freely. In his view, traditional norms still govern the corporate wardrobe, but off-duty looks tend to follow current trends more closely. 'While we're not in Paris or Seoul's levels of expression yet, we're definitely out of the rigid box and in fact coming into a fun new space, where we're also blending a lot of heritage favourites like batik prints and traditional wear styles,' Tan elaborates. He adds that even designers who previously focused solely on womenswear are now incorporating menswear elements into their collections. 'It's subtle but significant, a quiet shift that's giving menswear a stronger presence without forcing the issue. It feels organic, like the scene is naturally evolving.' he says. While there are still fewer designers dedicated solely to menswear, the signs are clear: male fashion is no longer an afterthought. In Malaysia, names like Fairuz Ramdan (designs pictured on the cover), Joe Chia, Kit Woo, Bon Zainal, Asal and Double U continue to hold ground for the local men's fashion scene – each offering distinct takes that range from modern tailoring to avant-garde streetwear.
Rakyat Post
29-07-2025
- Automotive
- Rakyat Post
BJAK 8.8 Giveaway Offers Over RM500,000 Prizes For Insurance Renewal
PUBLISHED FOR BJAK Subscribe to our FREE OK, tell us if this sounds familiar… You're sitting at a traffic light, minding your own business, when your eyes wander up to that little square sticker on your windshield. 'Hmm… expires… AUGUST? Wait. AUGUST?! THIS AUGUST?!' Alamak! Cue internal screaming and frantic Googling for insurance quotes and JPJ office hours. 😰 But hey, calm down! Before you rush off to sort it out, here's some good news! This year, signing up for a free car insurance quote could actually win you a brand-new BYD Seal (yes, that sleek electric car everyone's been eyeing), all thanks to No Pantun, No Postings, No Problem! There's no contest drama here. No complicated steps. No uploading selfies or crafting slogans. Just sign up for a car insurance quote at Over RM500,000 in Prizes Up for Grabs! Grand Prize: A brand-new BYD Seal EV Premium home appliances & tech gadgets Tickets to movie screening, theme park & K-pop concert But Wait, 8.8 Gets Even Better! Guess what? For one day only (that's 8 August, obviously), Free Road Tax Delivery Free VIP Rescue Plan (included Unlimited Towing & Extended Warranty worth RM300++) How to Join (It's Literally Super Easy) Head to BJAK 's Sign up for a car insurance quote Pick your prize of choice You're in! No further steps, no drama. Pro Tip: The more sign-ups, the higher your chances of winning. So go ahead and cover your partners', parents', siblings', scandals' 😏… Everyone's car can count! Grand Prize Reveal Goes LIVE with Scha & Awal Of course, lah . They're bringing in celeb couple Scha Alyahya and Awal Ashaari to turn up the hype with a LIVE grand prize reveal: Date: 8 August 2025 Time: 9 pm Where: BJAK's Don't miss it! Your name might just pop up as the lucky new BYD Seal owner! So, what are you waiting for? Your car insurance needs renewing anyway, so might as well sign up for an insurance quote and win a car while you're at it! Join the BJAK 8.8 Mega Giveaway now at Campaign ends: 8 August 2025, 8 pm. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
Sinar Daily
23-07-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Awal Ashaari appeals for feline blood donor to save family cat Luna
'Her bleeding has stopped but she is looking very weak, body temperature is getting lower." Luna. Photo: Instagram/Awal Ashaari SHAH ALAM - Malaysian actor and TV host Awal Ashaari has taken to social media with a heartfelt plea for help, calling on fellow cat owners to urgently step forward as potential blood donors to save his family's beloved cat Luna. In a series of emotional Instagram stories posted early Wednesday morning, Awal shared updates from their veterinarian, known as Dr Wong, revealing that Luna's condition has turned critical after experiencing severe blood loss. 'Her bleeding has stopped but she is looking very weak, body temperature is getting lower. 'She is now severely anaemic, and her red blood cell count dropped drastically compared to the blood test done yesterday," he shared a screenshot of a WhatsApp message from Dr Wong. The vet stated Luna's blood count has plummeted from 25 per cent to just 9.1 per cent, and she now requires a blood transfusion as soon as possible. However, there were currently no feline blood donors available. 'We do not have any blood donor, so you may need to bring in your own cats, for us to do a cross-matching to see which cat is suitable,' added Dr Wong. Ideal donor cats must be between one to six years old, fully vaccinated, and in good health. Awal and his wife, actress and entrepreneur Scha Alyahya, were now appealing to the public, especially pet owners near Sunway and Puchong, to bring their cats for potential donation. The couple brought their other cat, Tigo, but he was not a match. Now, the search continues with urgency, as Luna's life hangs in the balance. Awal said anyone who owns a suitable cat and wishes to help can head to the designated veterinary clinic and mention Luna's name upon arrival. He added that all medical expenses will be taken care of by the family. He expressed his gratitude to those willing to help: 'Please help spread this message. May Allah reward your kindness,' the post concluded, signed off by 'Awal, Scha, Lara & Lila.'
The Hindu
09-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Hindu
Meet Awal Sir, India's Favourite Online ‘English Guru', Who Has Impacted the Lives of 15+ Million English Students
If you are someone who wishes to speak fluent English one day, you would have surely heard of Awal Sir. Awal Madaan, popularly known as Awal Sir, is the founder of . He is loved by students from all across the globe because of his different style of teaching English. He focuses on practical learning through daily life scenarios instead of focusing on predefined English grammar rules and concepts. That's one of the major reasons why he has a mammoth fan following of 15 million followers across social media platforms. About Awal Sir: Awal Madaan was born into a middle-class family in Amritsar, Punjab, in the year 1982. His father, Mr. Tarvinder Singh Madaan, worked with Life Insurance Corporation of India, who then later went on to become one of India's most loved motivational speakers because of his excellent communication and rapport-building skills. Awal sir's father, TS Madaan sir, has numerous national records to his name, especially the one for selling Life Insurance to the highest number of police officers in a day, for which the count was approximately 900. This is huge! Awal Madaan completed his schooling from Sri Guru Harkrishan Public School in Amritsar. After completing his schooling, he then went on to pursue graduation from DAV College, Amritsar, and later on completed MA in Mass Communication and Journalism. His mother, Mrs. Satinder Kaur, also started making home remedy, styling, and cooking videos that garnered millions of views and made her popular. Awal Madaan is married to Sakshi Khattar Madaan, who is a popular fitness influencer focusing primarily on improving women's health by offering them customized dieting plans that have changed the lives of thousands of housewives and working females. Awal Sir has one younger brother as well, who is also known for motivating people and changing their lives. His name is Himeesh Madaan, and he has more than 10 million followers across social media. Awal Sir's Career: Awal sir started his English teaching journey in the year 2016, prior to which he worked in several multinational companies for nearly 16 years. His dedication and expertise helped him climb up the corporate ladder and even visit and work with Americans in the United States of America. When Awal sir decided to leave his high paying job with all the benefits that a common individual craves for, life was not easy. It took him a lot of time and effort to create English lessons interactively because he wanted to teach English in a way that appealed to masses and helped them speak English even if they were not that educated. This was possible only if the content was interesting and relatable. Social Media Fame & Career Awal sir's videos on popular English topics like could, would, should, has, have, had gained popularity after a year of him starting to create such interesting English video lessons. Before the pandemic hit India, Awal sir had garnered more than 9 million subscribers on TikTok, making him one of the most followed influencers in India on the platform. Awal sir launched a dedicated Spoken English course in the year 2020 on Entri App for just Rs. 999 in the same year after the lockdown, which gave him immense popularity, and currently, more than 2.5 lac students have completed the course and improved their English through Awal sir's English course. Awal sir's English course is accredited by the National Skill Development Corporation of India. Recently, Awal sir's personal coaching classes also got recognition from Cambridge University, and now the students who have completed this course can get a Cambridge certification as well. Both these certificates authorize that the student is well-versed in the English language. As a result, students can get an upper edge over other candidates when applying for a job or university nationally as well as internationally. Awards and Recognitions The various accomplishments attributed to Awal Madaan reflect his dedication towards the field of English education, having won notable awards through the years. Amongst some of the English education awards he has received include the Most Trusted Online English Coach Award by Mr. Nitin Gadkari (Government of India), the Online English Speaking Course of the Year Award by Sunil Gavaskar (Indian Cricketer) and Best Education Channel Award at the social media Summit by Government of Andhra Pradesh. Most recently he received an award for Power Educator of the Year 2025 at the Power Creator Awards 2025. 'This is a company press release that is not part of editorial content. No journalist of The Hindu was involved in the publication of this release.'
