Music

The Weeknd Stirs Up Anticipation For His Super Bowl Halftime Show In A New Pepsi Commercial

Pepsi also revealed they won’t have any ads during the big game this year and will instead ‘double down’ on the halftime show. …

While The Weeknd was understandably peeved about not securing any Grammy nominations for this year, he’s getting ready to do something that no other Grammy nominee will do in 2021: headline the Super Bowl halftime show. The big game is set to go down on February 7, and ahead of then, The Weeknd has teamed with Pepsi (the sponsor of the halftime show) for a new ad to get fans hyped about the performance.

The 60-second spot shows people at home and in various other everyday environments singing along to “Blinding Lights.” It ends with The Weeknd himself pulling up to a toll gate, much to the surprise of the employee in the booth. Variety notes this is “the first time the musician at the center of the [halftime show] has taken part in a Pepsi ad campaign in advance of the effort.”

Meanwhile, Pepsi also revealed that they have decided to not air any ads for their flagship drink during the big game this year (that’s not to say that other PepsiCo brands like Gatorade and Doritos won’t have a commercial presence).

Todd Kaplan, Pepsi’s vice president of marketing, told Variety, “We are going to double down on our existing 12 minutes in the Pepsi Super Bowl Halftime Show in the middle of the Super Bowl, and we are going to build it out like we have never built it out before.” He said that while Super Bowl advertisers “are talking and fighting for 30 seconds” of attention, Pepsi wants “to focus our efforts on making [the halftime show] a critical moment for the brand.” Kaplan also said of the game and halftime show, “There is a desire for a bit of escapism and surface-level entertainment, not being constantly reminded [of the pandemic]. We think that’s the role that sports and music play for us, providing that sense of normalcy.”

Check out the new ad above.

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

TheOGeeZ dive deep into emotion with new single “Inside My Head”

TheOGeeZ delivers a striking new release, “Inside My Head,” a track that places emotion and storytelling at the forefront. Built around a vocal-driven approach, the song unfolds with a natural ease, allowing its message to resonate without distraction.

Blending elements of alternative R&B, funk, and jazz-inspired harmony, the track creates a genre-fluid sound that feels both modern and timeless. It doesn’t rush to define itself, instead, it moves freely, guided by mood and feeling rather than strict boundaries.

At the heart of “Inside My Head” is its vocal performance. The topline carries the emotional weight of the song, delivering each line with a sense of honesty that feels genuine and unfiltered.

The production plays a supporting role, adding texture and depth without overpowering the vocals. Subtle grooves and layered instrumentation create a smooth backdrop, enhancing the song’s atmosphere while keeping the focus exactly where it belongs, on the story being told.

Connect with TheOGeeZ on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube

Tweet LinkedIn PinShares0

Artist Spotlight

Linn Holmstedt roars fast, fierce, and full of fire on new release “Juliana”

“Juliana” is Linn Holmstedt going back to her roots with explosive confidence, a high-speed rock anthem mixing Motown soul with a gritty ’90s edge. Having worked with some of the most revered guitar voices, she comes out with something personal and undeniably powerful, a so-called “mom-rock” anthem that is anything but tame.

The single captures that feeling, driven by momentum and attitude, when you roll down the windows and sing until your voice gives up. It’s noisy, lively, and full of action. But beneath that rush is a strong musical character, a soulful pulse rooted in classic groove, matched with the raw punch and rebellious spark of 90s rock.

“Juliana” is Linn Holmstedt proving that going back to your roots isn’t about looking backward, it’s about hitting the gas and charging forward louder than ever. This is rock music with heart, horsepower, and a lot of fire. It’s bold, it’s soulful, and it’s full of life.

Connect with Linn Holmstedt on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube