Latest news with #SonicID
CBC
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBC
Hill Kourkoutis on creating Toronto's Sonic ID for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
It might seem like a long way away, but celebrations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have already begun. This month, FIFA released a Sonic ID (or a city anthem) for each of its 16 host cities. For Toronto, the Juno-winning songwriter and producer Hill Kourkoutis was selected to create the track The Sound of Toronto. She drops by the Q studio to talk to Tom Power about being chosen, what it means to make an anthem for a city, and how she went about creating a distinctly Toronto sound.
CBS News
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
DJ Jazzy Jeff produced Philadelphia's "Sonic ID" for 2026 FIFA World Cup
As anticipation builds for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Philadelphia is gearing up to take center stage as one of the tournament's 16 host cities. The city is ready to embrace the global spotlight, and on Thursday, Philadelphia Soccer 2026 dropped its official "FIFA World Cup 26 Host City Sonic ID" — an audio brand capturing the very essence of the City of Brotherly Love. Produced by none other than DJ Jazzy Jeff, a two-time Grammy-winning producer from West Philadelphia, the "Sonic ID" is more than just music; it's a reflection of the rhythm, culture and passion that define Philadelphia. "I cut my teeth in a place that expects excellence. They want you to give your heart," DJ Jazzy Jeff said. DJ Jazzy Jeff has been a driving force in shaping the sound of Philadelphia for over four decades. From his early days in West Philly to becoming a global music icon, his unique blend of beats and rhythms has captured the spirit of the city. Now, he's taking that sound to a worldwide audience, representing Philadelphia in one of the biggest sporting events on Earth. "I've done a lot of international traveling, and it wasn't until I left the United States to understand that the world game is soccer," DJ Jazzy Jeff said. The "Sonic ID" was created to give a musical preview of the "sounds of the city" that visitors and fans can expect during the tournament. As part of the World Cup festivities, the audio branding will be featured in stadiums, during broadcasts, at FIFA Fan Festivals and across digital platforms to create a deep connection between the game and the unique culture of Philadelphia. "I knew I had to incorporate pretty much some history," DJ Jazzy Jeff said. "Some of the Gamble and Huff and the Philly International Sound. Some of the sound of the Neo Soul Movement from the late 90s, and not only did I want it to sound good, I want it to feel good." As the world prepares for this historic event, Meg Cain, host city executive for Philadelphia, highlighted the role of music in uniting people across cultures. The "Sonic ID" is one of 16 distinct sounds representing the host cities, each crafted to showcase the unique cultural identity of its location. "He's a legendary DJ, he's a two-time Grammy winner. He's from West Philadelphia. He's one of us," Cain said. The power of music to bring people together is at the heart of this World Cup experience, Cain said. The "Sonic IDs" will play a crucial role in amplifying the excitement, creating an unforgettable soundtrack for fans in the stadiums, watching at home or celebrating at the FIFA Fan Festivals. "This time, with all of the different host cities across three countries, 16 different host cities, we wanted each city to have its own special sound," Cain said. Philadelphia will host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including a knockout Round of 16 match on July 4, which coincides with the United States' 250th birthday celebration. The tournament promises to bring a wave of excitement, and Philadelphia will play a central role in this historic moment. In addition to the matches, the city will also host the FIFA Fan Festival, a vibrant celebration of soccer culture at Lemon Hill in East Fairmount Park. This festival will be a hub of activity, offering soccer fans of all ages a chance to immerse themselves in the excitement of the World Cup.
Axios
06-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Atlanta releases Sonic ID for 2026 FIFA World Cup
The sound of Atlanta hip-hop will be heard by soccer fans around the world leading up to and during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Why it matters: It's been 30 years since Outkast's André 3000 told the music industry the South "got something to say," and the tune crafted by Grammy-winning songwriter and producer Dallas Austin proves the Atlanta sound still influences everything. Driving the news: Atlanta released a nearly two-minute hype song — dubbed by FIFA as a Sonic ID — on Thursday that's available to stream on several platforms. Each of the host cities was tasked with remixing FIFA's official theme for the 2026 World Cup to create its own unique sound. How it sounds: FIFA's original song is heavy on European house and electronic dance rhythms, but Austin's remix overlays that with Atlanta's signature drum line and hip-hop sound. It will be shared by the city on social media, by the Host Committee, during "key moments" leading up to next year's final match and on occasion by Atlanta United, said Emilie Leveille, senior communications and media relations specialist for AMB Sports and Entertainment. What they're saying: Austin said he wanted the track to feature a drum line, elements of hip-hop and pop music and "that spirit and the culture of Atlanta." He said it took months for him to find the perfect beat and sound that represents Atlanta. "I just wanted to make it something that was incredible and felt like us," he said during Thursday's press conference unveiling the track. Mayor Andre Dickens said he loved the song "right off the bat." "I heard all the elements the first time, and I was ... sold the minute I heard it," he said. "It was really something that celebrated Atlanta culture." What's next: Atlanta will host eight matches, including group matches on June 15, 18, 21, 24 and 27, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The city will also host a knockout round on July 1, a Round of 16 match on July 7 and a July 15 semifinal. The 2026 World Cup marks the first time in more than 20 years that the tournament will be played in more than one country.
