Latest news with #Searching
New Indian Express
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Srinidhi Bengaluru Interview: Video isn't the traditional found-footage experience
But Video isn't a traditional found-footage experience. 'We've used the 'screenlife' format—think C U Soon, Searching, or Control,' Srinidhi reveals. 'Then the narrative evolves—it shifts into docu-drama, includes dramatised segments, and later, actual retrieved footage becomes central to the story. It's a hybrid structure that helps us explore fear from different angles.' A major coup for the film is roping in Sameer MD, the popular YouTuber known for his spine-chilling horror narrations. 'We shot Sameer's portions before his video on the Sowjanya case went viral,' says Srinidhi. 'His credibility was already strong, and we knew he could anchor the film's tone perfectly. Our target is college-goers and social media audiences—this hybrid structure and his presence bridge that gap.' The teaser, which has garnered an overwhelming response, introduces five more characters, all of whom play content creators. 'This digital-native tone defines both the aesthetic and the texture of Video,' Srinidhi notes. With a heavy emphasis on sound, the film focuses as much on what's heard as what's seen. 'This genre doesn't support traditional screenplay structures,' he says. 'Events have to carry the story. I studied what worked—and more importantly, what didn't—in other found-footage films. Our editing and narrative rhythm are unique.'
The Irish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Alt music star OX7GEN launches his own imprint as he releases new EP
EMERGING from the alternative music scene of early 2010s Mumbai, Aditya Ashok, better known as OX7GEN, has spent over a decade refining and pushing his unique take on electronic music. His music has landed on respected imprints such as the award winning and leading drum and bass labels, RAM and Hospital Records and he's even produced an official remix for U2. Advertisement 2 His music has landed on respected imprints Credit: Supplied 2 His catalogue showcases a rare versatility that cuts across genres and moods. A seasoned performer on India's club and festival circuit, OX7GEN is known for crafting DJ sets full of emotional depth with dance floor power. Now, with the launch of his forward thinking imprint Fresh Air Records, he's built a home for his own projects and collaborations and his latest EP, Stomp Nouveau is out now on the imprint. OX7GEN is in the UK this week and you can catch him live at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on Sunday 25 May as part of the Brighton Festival Closing Party Advertisement We caught up with him and he has put together a feel good playlist for time spent in the sunshine on the UK coast this weekend. He told us: 'Since I'm making my way to sunny beachy Brighton this weekend, I thought it would be perfect to share some of my favourite feel-good summer jams.' Feel It – Floorplan I've been in love with this tune ever since I heard Floating Points drop it at the NTS Square Party in Dalston last year. It's got those perfect feel good saw stabs, a euphoric accompanying piano layer and the heaviest kick drum I've heard since Jon Bonham. Perfect summer vibes on this one. - Advertisement Most read in Music CAPP STREET TECH - @@ My favourite from a stunning release by San Francisco based Capp Street Project. Delicate delayed electric piano stabs form the anchor of the tune, with a heavily swung tight groove, making this one the most energetic of the bunch. OX7GEN, Schlick – Searching This one's from myself and a long-time collaborator Schlick. Released in 2022, I wrote the initial sketch for Searching back in 2016. My first few experiments writing house music and I think I managed to impress myself at the time. Advertisement Quintessential uplifting leads and string sections carrying the mood through till a long extended emotive bridge section with a decent payoff on the second drop. Baff - Tommy 2000 Baff has managed to stay in my sets since 2022 when I first came across the young and immensely talented Manchester producer/DJ Tommy 2000. Staying true to the vibe of this playlist, the feel good cascading synth stabs along with the unpredictable drum work, gives this tune a rare classic meets experimental sound. Advertisement Because of Art, Antony Szmierek - Circle of Light Circle of Light played at the right time with the right crowd can create a moment of pure magic. With or without the vocal, this song is something I've played rarely, but the payoff has always been exceptional. DOS - What You Want Advertisement Another classic euphoric-house-anthem tag worthy tune with all the right elements. Throw this one on and I promise you there will be little you can do to stop yourself from moving. Elderbrook & Tourist – Howl (Logic1000 remix) Logic1000 has been one of my favourite producers from the last few years and her remix of Elderbrooks & Tourist's 'Howl' is a delicate & moody tune with simple and effective instrumentation & a strong vocal to boot. E.T.H., Palmiz – Interstellar Advertisement A classic from Italy based E.T.H. & Palmiz, it's a perfect pick-me-up tune anytime you need. Kassian – All I Know One of UK based Kassian's earlier releases. Although their current sound is quite different, I'm glad they gave us this little gem before turning towards a more darker psychedelic palette. - Jamie XX, DJ Koze – Come We Go Advertisement Read more on the Irish Sun Come We Go is as summer festival soundtrack-y as it's gonna get. This classic by Jame XX & DJ Koze on the latters, Pampa Records, is a playful fresh dance floor banger that sounds like it's being played by a live band. Plush spacey bells & driving guitars give this tune a flavour of its own.
Scottish Sun
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Alt music star OX7GEN launches his own imprint as he releases new EP
BREATH OF FRESH AIR Alt music star OX7GEN launches his own imprint as he releases new EP Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EMERGING from the alternative music scene of early 2010s Mumbai, Aditya Ashok, better known as OX7GEN, has spent over a decade refining and pushing his unique take on electronic music. His music has landed on respected imprints such as the award winning and leading drum and bass labels, RAM and Hospital Records and he's even produced an official remix for U2. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 His music has landed on respected imprints Credit: Supplied 2 His catalogue showcases a rare versatility that cuts across genres and moods. A seasoned performer on India's club and festival circuit, OX7GEN is known for crafting DJ sets full of emotional depth with dance floor power. Now, with the launch of his forward thinking imprint Fresh Air Records, he's built a home for his own projects and collaborations and his latest EP, Stomp Nouveau is out now on the imprint. OX7GEN is in the UK this week and you can catch him live at the Brighton Dome Corn Exchange on Sunday 25 May as part of the Brighton Festival Closing Party Event info. We caught up with him and he has put together a feel good playlist for time spent in the sunshine on the UK coast this weekend. He told us: 'Since I'm making my way to sunny beachy Brighton this weekend, I thought it would be perfect to share some of my favourite feel-good summer jams.' Feel It – Floorplan I've been in love with this tune ever since I heard Floating Points drop it at the NTS Square Party in Dalston last year. It's got those perfect feel good saw stabs, a euphoric accompanying piano layer and the heaviest kick drum I've heard since Jon Bonham. Perfect summer vibes on this one. - CAPP STREET TECH - @@ My favourite from a stunning release by San Francisco based Capp Street Project. Delicate delayed electric piano stabs form the anchor of the tune, with a heavily swung tight groove, making this one the most energetic of the bunch. OX7GEN, Schlick – Searching This one's from myself and a long-time collaborator Schlick. Released in 2022, I wrote the initial sketch for Searching back in 2016. My first few experiments writing house music and I think I managed to impress myself at the time. Quintessential uplifting leads and string sections carrying the mood through till a long extended emotive bridge section with a decent payoff on the second drop. Baff - Tommy 2000 Baff has managed to stay in my sets since 2022 when I first came across the young and immensely talented Manchester producer/DJ Tommy 2000. Staying true to the vibe of this playlist, the feel good cascading synth stabs along with the unpredictable drum work, gives this tune a rare classic meets experimental sound. Because of Art, Antony Szmierek - Circle of Light Circle of Light played at the right time with the right crowd can create a moment of pure magic. With or without the vocal, this song is something I've played rarely, but the payoff has always been exceptional. DOS - What You Want Another classic euphoric-house-anthem tag worthy tune with all the right elements. Throw this one on and I promise you there will be little you can do to stop yourself from moving. Elderbrook & Tourist – Howl (Logic1000 remix) Logic1000 has been one of my favourite producers from the last few years and her remix of Elderbrooks & Tourist's 'Howl' is a delicate & moody tune with simple and effective instrumentation & a strong vocal to boot. E.T.H., Palmiz – Interstellar A classic from Italy based E.T.H. & Palmiz, it's a perfect pick-me-up tune anytime you need. Kassian – All I Know One of UK based Kassian's earlier releases. Although their current sound is quite different, I'm glad they gave us this little gem before turning towards a more darker psychedelic palette. - Jamie XX, DJ Koze – Come We Go Come We Go is as summer festival soundtrack-y as it's gonna get. This classic by Jame XX & DJ Koze on the latters, Pampa Records, is a playful fresh dance floor banger that sounds like it's being played by a live band. Plush spacey bells & driving guitars give this tune a flavour of its own.
Arab News
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Timur Bekmambetov pick eight UAE stories to lead screenlife rollout
ABU DHABI: Ben Ross, CEO of Image Nation Abu Dhabi, joined Kazakh-Russian film director and producer Timur Bekmambetov on Tuesday at the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi to discuss screenlife, a pioneering format developed by Bekmambetov that is coming to the region for the first time. Screenlife is a style of filmmaking where the entire story takes place on a digital screen — through text messages, video calls, social media and other everyday apps — reflecting how people communicate in today's tech-driven world. Notable examples include the horror film 'Unfriended' (2014) and the mystery thriller 'Searching' (2018). Ben Ross (L) and Timur Bekmambetov (R) at the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi. (AN Photo by Mohamed Fawzy) In the session, Ross and Bekmambetov announced that they have selected eight stories from UAE filmmakers to bring to life after the launch of the Screenlife Program in June 2024, which aims to help UAE citizens and residents master this new format and create authentic narratives with global resonance. 'We were drawn to it because it is so innovative and so forward-thinking,' Ross told Arab News. 'We enjoyed the screenlife movies, and it just felt like a natural step to evolve it into this region.' Bekmambetov emphasized the universality of digital communication. 'The digital world is the same universally. There is a different cultural element … but every family has a WhatsApp chat with hundreds of people on it. My family in Kazakhstan have one, and the internet in Abu Dhabi is the same,' he told Arab News. He said that the format is 'socially very impactful' and can give voice to those often left out of traditional cinema. 'Because it costs nothing, you can tell stories about your individual life with no money. It will help us to engage very different storytellers.' Ross noted that the selected projects reflect a wide range of stories. 'Every story that we have chosen ... stood out in its own way. There's a huge variety being told — it's not formulaic.' Bekmambetov also noted that Muslim women lead very different lifestyles, saying, 'maybe screenlife will bring their stories to life,' to which Ross added that some of the stories currently in development already do.
Washington Post
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Washington Post
Everybody vibed with Roy Ayers
There's a kind of hip, laid-back, feel-good mood that we call 'vibing.' The vibraphone isn't the source of that slang term, but the instrument has a strong claim on epitomizing it anyway. Its metallic, resonant sound is so inherently cool and mellow that even its lightning-fast virtuosos — mainly in jazz, where the vibes most often appear — sound more chilled-out than they really are. Roy Ayers, who died March 4 at 84, understood this perhaps better than any other vibraphonist. He had the chops to run rings around many of his peers, and he did just that as a sideman on some of the hardest-grooving soul jazz of the 1960s. But when he broke through in the '70s as a name artist and as a crossover jazz-funk hitmaker, it was as the metaphoric ice cube in a hot drink. In doing so, Ayers taught us all how to vibe. You can hear it in his breakthrough record, the soundtrack to the 1973 blaxploitation classic 'Coffy.' All the requirements for blazing-hot funk to break out are there in the movie's theme: energetic drums, slippery bass, percussive guitar and horns. Yet there sits Ayers, putting tranquil chords into the rhythmic accents, keeping the whole thing at a simmer rather than a boil. (Even his solo, which carries a lot of oomph, goes down with the cool sensation of a rainfall.) As Ayers's star rose, so did the cool in his music; the simmer went down. By the time of his signature hit, 1976's 'Everybody Loves the Sunshine,' he had mastered it so thoroughly that the song didn't need a vibraphone solo: Even the instrument's accents are barely noticeable, washed out in the mix by guitar and Fender Rhodes. Yet the mellowness they brought to Ayers's music is the whole ballgame. And look how Ayers described the atmosphere surrounding the tune's creation: 'The sun was down, but the vibe in the studio was really nice,' he told the Guardian in 2017. 'Pure vibes.' He knew what he and his instrument represented when they came together. It translated easily to Ayers's other landmark tunes, such as 1976's 'Searching' — which even restored the burning horns that 'Sunshine' stripped out but achieved a similarly chill result. The next year's 'Running Away' brought Ayers a genuine dance club hit, the kind that merited a longer version on a 12-inch record. Those are the versions where we really expect the song's kinetic energy to throttle up to 11. Instead, though, the big feature of 'Running Away's' extended mix is … a vibraphone solo. It plays right into the groove, offering a lyrical complement to the propulsive rhythm. But make no mistake: It's a coolant, and it feels like one. Ayers tapped into a tremendous power when he put the chill-out into funk and dance music. There's a reason that version of him became a musical and cultural force. His recordings are part of the foundation of contemporary R&B and hip-hop. The likes of Jay-Z, a Tribe Called Quest, Mary J. Blige and Jill Scott have all woven samples of Ayers's tracks into their own. 'Sunshine' alone is a cottage industry; 'Searching' isn't far behind. When the jazz-rap pioneer Guru wanted to create that vibe, he bypassed the samples and got the man himself. Ayers appeared on the seminal 1993 hip-hop album 'Jazzmatazz, Vol. 1' and subsequently toured with Guru. In all cases, Ayers's presence comes with a mission to turn the temperature of the music down — to create a vibe. Ayers's vibe was one that never ceased to be relevant. In 2018 he even landed the gig that's become the signifier of musical-cultural relevance in the United States: an NPR Tiny Desk concert. Then 77 years old, Ayers was flanked by a much younger trio of jazz-, funk- and hip-hop-schooled musicians. In his hands, though, they were slowed-down, relaxed, riding a gentle groove. They were vibing.
