Latest news with #TheFactory

Hypebeast
6 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Hellblade x Passarella Death Squad 暗黑聯名膠囊 8 月率先降臨
重點摘要: Hellblade 與 Passarella Death Squad 均被形容為「痛楚而美麗」。前者《Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice》由 Ninja Theory 操刀,以凱爾特與北歐神話為骨幹,講述戰士 Senua 橫渡冥界的心靈之旅;後者 Passarella Death Squad 則是英國跨領域創意工作室,涉獵服裝、音樂、書籍與藝術,並以 Andy Warhol 曼哈頓工作室 The Factory 為靈感,貫穿當代黑色美學。 為慶祝Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced Edition登陸 PlayStation 5,雙方再度以「Hellblade x Passarella」精選服飾膠囊展示默契。 有趣的是,Passarella Death Squad 的音樂早已收錄於遊戲之中 —— 其單曲〈Just Like Sleep〉的混音版本在最終決戰奏起,淒美幽魅的合成器循環與飄忽回聲,在美與絕望之間流轉。 官方造型照盡顯雙方幽暗而迷人的氣場;系列涵蓋短袖及長袖 T-shirt,圖像細節充分體現兩大品牌對視覺敘事的執念,其中一款背後更印上「I see through your darkness」。另外還有四款街頭感外套、四款衛衣及一件短袖襯衫。 所有單品皆於英國精製,採用日英混織布料,並以「讓 Hellblade 的淒麗鬼魅,經由 Passarella Death Squad 暗黑而電影感的視角折射」為設計核心。 Hellblade x Passarella Death Squad 膠囊系列現已上架,為 8 月 12 日首次登陸 PlayStation 5 的《Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced Edition》暖身。

Hypebeast
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hypebeast
Hellblade and London's Passarella Death Squad Unite for a Shadow-Soaked Capsule
Summary: Both Hellblade and Passarella Death Squad have been described as 'harrowingly beautiful.' One,Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice, is an action-adventure video game by Ninja Theory rooted in Celtic and Norse mythology that follows the journey of a warrior named Senua as she navigates a hellish underworld. The other,Passarella Death Squad, is a British multidisciplinary studio producing clothing, music, books and art, all united by a contemporary noir aesthetic inspired by The Factory, Andy Warhol's famous Manhattan studio. To mark the release ofSenua's Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced EditiononPlayStation 5, the two are celebrating their harmonies once again through a curated capsule clothing collection titled 'Hellblade x Passarella'. Fittingly, the London-based studio's music has featured in the beloved game. Specifically, a remixed version of their track 'Just Like Sleep' that plays during the final battle in the game, – marked by haunting synth loops, drifting echoes, and a deep sense of both beauty and despair. Showcased through campaign imagery that captures their shared dusky allure, the exclusive release includes short and long sleeve T-shirts featuring graphics that reflect both brands' commitment to rich visual storytelling, with one tee reading 'I see through your darkness' across the back. The capsule also features four jackets with a streetwear edge, four sweats, and a short-sleeved shirt. Each piece is carefully crafted in England using a mix of Japanese and English fabrics, with designs intended to 'channel the haunting beauty of Hellblade, filtered through Passarella Death Squad's darkly romantic and cinematic lens.' The Hellblade x Passarella Death Squad capsule is out now, ahead of the August 12 release of Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Enhanced Edition on PlayStation 5 for the first time.


Irish Examiner
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
If we want to stop crime, we have to talk to those committing it
The latest figures on severe overcrowding in Irish prisons have prompted renewed calls for creative thinking, but here's an idea that rarely gets traction: we need to include prisoners in the discussion. How can we tackle crime if we don't listen to the people who commit it? Thousands of books — and myriad articles — have been written about men in prison, but so very few are written by the men themselves. That is why What We're Made Of, a new book written by men in Mountjoy Prison, should make us sit up and take notice. Written by a section of society that gets little support — and less empathy — it challenges, inspires and chips away at the kind of prejudice that leads many inmates to say they feel they have been sentenced twice; once by the judges and, on release, by the indelible stigma that locks them out of so much. But this is not, in any way, a sentimental call to go soft on crime. Instead, it is a clear-eyed look at its root causes and an impassioned call to society to help break the cycle of poverty and violence that traps so many people within it. 'What We're Made Of' brings together an exceptional body of work created by men in Mountjoy as part of The Factory on the Royal Canal project, a year-long programme facilitated by Senator Lynn Ruane, pictures' and artist Grace Dyas. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins As one prisoner writes: 'I am sorry to every person I have ever harmed. I wish I could take it back, I genuinely do. But I can't. I have to live with that shame for the rest of my life. My goal now is to stop the cycle. I want to share my experiences so that the next generation doesn't have to make the same mistakes.' What We're Made Of, however, does more than simply share those experiences. It brings together an exceptional body of work created by men in Mountjoy as part of The Factory on the Royal Canal project, a year-long programme facilitated by Senator Lynn Ruane and artist Grace Dyas. In that time, prisoners were encouraged to become writers, actors, set designers and directors. They wrote two original plays, Prison Rules and Pedro's Dream, which were staged in the prison for an invited audience of 150 decision-makers, politicians and advocates. Taking inspiration from Augusto Boal, the Brazilian creator of Theatre of the Oppressed, the audience was invited to become 'spect-actors', that is, spectators who watch, listen and then take action. This is theatre as an agent of social change. The audience was also asked a question which permeates What We're Made Of: What have you done to tackle the embedded structural inequalities that mean most, if not all, of the people in prison come from working-class backgrounds? If that all sounds a little theoretical, it roars into vivid life when Pedro — the pen name chosen by all the contributors — takes the stage at the book's launch (by Ray D'Arcy) in the Museum of Literature Ireland (Moli). Here's a sample of his powerful performance, which comes from the prologue to Prison Rules: 'Ask any 10-year-old child sitting in a so-called 'Deis' classroom what they would like to be when they are older. I am certain they won't say: homeless, drug-addicted, drug-dealer, alcoholic, prisoner, or dead before their time after falling through the cracks in our broken society. But too often this is the case… I believe there is a subtle oppression at play here, the soft bigotry of low expectations.' Here's another thought-provoking snippet: 'As [actor and playwright] Emmet Kirwan so eloquently put it on the Late Late Show, it wasn't the people in tracksuits who bankrupted the country and caused untold misery, it was the people in business suits. White-collar crime and cronyism cost the exchequer millions a year but there are no white-collar criminals or politicians on my landing.' A cell in Mountjoy Prison: Prisons condemn thousands of people to spend 'demoralising groundhog days' on the inside before being released with a stigma that can't be expunged. And, finally, a thought experiment from the play's epilogue: Before returning to his 12x6 cell, Pedro asks us to imagine a hospital, a clean, state-of-the-art, publicly funded hospital that costs tens of millions of euro a year. There is, however, one big problem. For every 10 people it treats, seven come back with the same issue within a year. It wouldn't be long before such an ineffective money-pit was closed down, but prisons — with those very same statistics — condemn thousands of people to spend 'demoralising groundhog days', to use another Pedro's evocative term, on the inside before being released with a stigma that can't be expunged. Actor Neilí Conroy, playing the part of Ireland, gives a jolting performance that lays bare a truth that we don't want to face. It is so much easier to paint all prisoners as rule-breaking, drug-taking 'scum' and lock them up. "Go into that cell now,' she says, 'I don't wanna look at you. I'm getting your father to build a high wall all around you.' Then, from the back of the room — just behind me — a man stands up to challenge her. For one toe-curling moment, the assembled invitees think there is going to an awkward scene. And indeed there was a scene, a deeply moving one that was all part of the launch performance. Except it is not a performance at all. As Pedro (a now-former prisoner) starts talking, it is crystal clear that we are, if not guilty, then responsible for perpetuating stereotypes and failing to look at the reasons people end up in jail. The solution?: 'If I had help when I was a child… maybe I would not be here today… I ask you [Ireland] to let me help you help those who were in my position… so the next generation of broken children don't cause the pain that I have caused. "Please don't wait till they are in prison to fix them. Let's work together to teach these young people about themselves.' What We're Made Of provides a manual, one that is urgent now as Irish prisons, creaking at the seams, are forced to pack three or four people into cells designed for two. As Pedro says: 'I am here as punishment, not for punishment.' It might not be a popular message but, as Pedro points out, the cycle of violence can end only if everyone is included: 'It takes many parts of society — the gardaí, the teachers and the State bodies — to perpetuate the cycle. It will take all of us to end it.' Speaking of ends, there are no plans to rerun a project that prisoners and their families said gave them a kind of hope they had never felt before. The draft budget for a new 19-24 month programme for 40 men is €110,000, says Senator Ruane. To put that in context, it costs almost €100,000 to keep one prisoner in jail for a year. 'The men are putting every penny from the book sales into a prospective new project with younger men. Their ambition is to create a meaningful legacy and give the younger men opportunities they didn't have,' she says. Ask artist Grace Dyas what she hopes to do next and she'll tell you she wants to be sent back to prison. We might do all we can to help her get there. What We're Made Of costs €20 and is available from Books Upstairs:


Scoop
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Kora Releases Sun Soaked New Single ‘Easy Now (Final Season)'
Kora are back-and sound bigger, deeper and more electrifying than ever. With a long-awaited new album Fifth Season set for release August 22nd digitally and on vinyl and a national tour to match, the iconic Aotearoa band is set to reawaken the hearts of fans both old and new. With new album single, 'Easy Now (Final Season)', Kora delivers a sun-soaked dub reggae tune that feels like a deep exhale. Built on warm basslines, lush guitar layers, and blissed-out grooves, it's a timely reminder to lean into life's natural pace, and embrace change as journey towards our final season Listen 'Easy Now (Final Season)' thanks to the the support of NZ On Air. Fifth Season showcases the dynamic range of Kora from the funky, upbeat rhythms of ' Dancing in the Rain ', to the broken-hearted power ballad ' Gone'. ' Falling For You ' taps into the unmistakable Minneapolis sound, and Revolution ' (featuring brother Laughton Kora) is a compelling reggae anthem for 2025 that cuts right to the heart of political accountability. 'Revolution' rides on a buoyant groove, driven by punchy guitar skanks, a bass-heavy groove and soulful vocals, making it as danceable as it is politically charged. Pre-save / Pre-order Fifth Season D igitally and on Vinyl. The Fifth Season Album Release Tour sees the band hitting the road for a run of unmissable headline shows across the country. Kicking off in Hamilton at The Factory on Friday 20 September, followed by a night at Auckland's iconic Powerstation on Friday 3 October, before wrapping up in the capital at Wellington's newest venue, Meow Nui, on Saturday 11 October. Tickets for all dates on sale now from Known as one of Aotearoa's most powerful and dynamic acts fusing elements of roots, reggae, funk, rock, dub, and electronic music into a sonic identity that is entirely their own. Kora's music is heavy and melodic and grounded in kaupapa Māori, driven by innovation, storytelling, and groove. Their breakout hits ' Politician ', 'Burning', and ' On My Mind ' propelled Kora to the top of the charts, with their debut album going double Platinum and Light Years cementing their status as innovators. Recent singles like ' Secret Lover ', ' Weekend ', ' Dancing In The Rain', and ' Gone ' have kept Kora's sound fresh and their fanbase growing, blending bass-heavy grooves with soulful hooks and sharp production. The current live ensemble, consists of core members Fran and Stu Kora, Dan McGruer and Richie Allan, along with new additions Darren Mathiassen (Trinity Roots, Shapeshifter) on drums, Marika Hodgson (Hollie Smith, Troy Kingi, Alae) on bass, and Karlos Tunks (Troy Kingi, MMQ) on rhythm guitar and BVs. Long renowned for their explosive live shows, Kora remain one of Aotearoa's most formidable headline acts on stage, wowing crowds at the likes of The Big Day Out, Rhythm & Vines, Rhythm & Alps, One Love, Synthony In The Domain, Electric Avenue, Homegrown, and Splore. Their performances bring together heavy bass, soaring vocals, and raw energy, blending musical mastery with raw power to create an immersive experience. Whether headlining major festivals or packing out venues around Aotearoa, Kora's ability to move a crowd is unmatched. 01 – Revolution 02 – Dancing In The Rain 03 – U Wanna Give This Up 04 – Gone 05 – Wrong 06 – Sandbox 07 – Falling For You 08 – Bull Rush 09 – Easy Now (Final Season) 10 – Azza Pre-save / Pre-order Fifth Season D igitally and on Vinyl.


Scoop
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
KORA Return Bigger, Bolder, And More Electrifying Than Ever With New Album Fifth Season And Nationwide Tour
Kora are back-and sound bigger, deeper and more electrifying than ever. With a long-awaited new album Fifth Season set for release August 22nd digitally and on vinyl and a national tour to match, the iconic Aotearoa band is set to reawaken the hearts of fans both old and new Fifth Season showcases the dynamic range of Kora from the funky, upbeat rhythms of ' Dancing in the Rain ', to the broken-hearted power ballad ' Gone'. ' Falling For You ' taps into the unmistakable Minneapolis sound, while the latest single, ' Revolution ' (featuring brother Laughton Kora) is a compelling reggae anthem for 2025 that cuts right to the heart of political accountability. 'Revolution' rides on a buoyant groove, driven by punchy guitar skanks, a bass-heavy groove and soulful vocals, making it as danceable as it is politically charged. Pre-save / Pre-order Fifth Season D igitally and on Vinyl. Listen/Purchase ' Revolution ' – thanks to the the support of NZ On Air. The Fifth Season Album Release Tour sees the band hitting the road for a run of unmissable headline shows across the country. Kicking off in Hamilton at The Factory on Friday 20 September, followed by a night at Auckland's iconic Powerstation on Friday 3 October, before wrapping up in the capital at Wellington's newest venue, Meow Nui, on Saturday 11 October. Tickets for all dates go on sale Monday 21 July at midday. Known as one of Aotearoa's most powerful and dynamic acts fusing elements of roots, reggae, funk, rock, dub, and electronic music into a sonic identity that is entirely their own. Kora's music is heavy and melodic and grounded in kaupapa Māori, driven by innovation, storytelling, and groove. Their breakout hits ' Politician ', 'Burning', and ' On My Mind ' propelled Kora to the top of the charts, with their debut album going double Platinum and Light Years cementing their status as innovators. Recent singles like ' Secret Lover ', ' Weekend ', ' Dancing In The Rain', and ' Gone ' have kept Kora's sound fresh and their fanbase growing, blending bass-heavy grooves with soulful hooks and sharp production. The current live ensemble, consists of core members Fran and Stu Kora, Dan McGruer and Richie Allan, along with new additions Darren Mathiassen (Trinity Roots, Shapeshifter) on drums, Marika Hodgson (Hollie Smith, Troy Kingi, Alae) on bass, and Karlos Tunks (Troy Kingi, MMQ) on rhythm guitar and BVs. Long renowned for their explosive live shows, Kora remain one of Aotearoa's most formidable headline acts on stage, wowing crowds at the likes of The Big Day Out, Rhythm & Vines, Rhythm & Alps, One Love, Synthony In The Domain, Electric Avenue, Homegrown, and Splore. Their performances bring together heavy bass, soaring vocals, and raw energy, blending musical mastery with raw power to create an immersive experience. Whether headlining major festivals or packing out venues around Aotearoa, Kora's ability to move a crowd is unmatched. 01 – Revolution 02 – Dancing In The Rain 03 – U Wanna Give This Up 04 – Gone 05 – Wrong 06 – Sandbox 07 – Falling For You 08 – Bull Rush 09 – Easy Now (Final Season) 10 – Azza Content Sourced from Original url