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Kendrick Lamar’s Microphone was Shut Down at Austin City Limits for Exceeding Time Limit

Recently, Kendrick Lamar discovered that even headline performers are not exempt from festival curfews. He was the last performer on a Friday night at Austin City Limits and was told about a curfew set for 10pm. A video shared by a fan at 10:02pm displayed Lamar continuing his performance, informing the audience, “They’re going to have to turn off my microphone because we’re not finished.” At 10:18pm, the festival officials did exactly that. Lamar responded with grace, bowing and sending the audience kisses before he left the stage a few minutes later.

Austin City Limits is one of Texas’s largest music festivals, featuring an impressive lineup of musical talent. The second day of the show includes performances from Rina Sawayama, Shania Twain, Alanis Morissette, and the Foo Fighters. Sunday’s lineup includes Hozier, GloRilla, and Mumford & Sons. Lamar is set to return for the second weekend of the festival. Other hip-hop artists performing at the festival include Lil (Friday) and Coi Leray (Saturday).

In other news, Lamar’s song “HUMBLE” received an unexpected cover by Italian rock band Måneskin, winners of Eurovision 2021. The band performed the cover during a show at Madison Square Garden in late September. Lead singer Damiano David told the crowd, “We cannot be the last rock band. But maybe we can be the first rap band,” before launching into their rendition of “HUMBLE”.

Nonetheless, not all accolades to Lamar have been met with approval. A televised karaoke contest in Poland stirred up controversy when a participant sang “HUMBLE” in blackface. The participant, Kuba Szmajkowski, was the winner of that episode of Your Face Sounds Familiar, which resulted in considerable online backlash.

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Artist Spotlight

Dick Cole builds mystery, mood tight on new release “Between the Sheets”

Dick Cole’s latest release, “Between the Sheets” literally invites listeners into the intimacy of a warm music space. The title suggests closeness, openness, and layered storytelling. The record is arresting for its sense of mystery.

With a title that suggests emotion, intimacy, and thought, Between the Sheets seems ready to connect with honesty and atmosphere. There’s no over-complication of the song’s identity by its presence, it starts with its title, which suggests private thoughts, quiet truths, and moments not meant for the public eye.

Dick Cole’s release is open to interpretation, allowing the listener to come to the music where they are emotionally. “Between the Sheets” is a title loaded with emotional possibility, whether heard as romance, confession, longing, or reflection.

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Artist Spotlight

Deena Maddox turns hesitation into heartbeat on new release “Darlin”

Deena Maddox’s latest release, “Darlin,” is a flirty, feel-good country single that captures the thrill of possibility. The song centers on one timeless moment, the spark between two strangers, and the courage it takes to make the first move.

This song is a tribute to the real-life moments that happen in dive bars and dance halls, where the electric tension of locked eyes and unspoken interest is driving. But Darlin’ doesn’t play the fence; he transmutes doubt into playful assurance.

That’s what makes the song feel so real, so relatable. It knows how fast moments fly and tells listeners to trust their gut, follow chemistry, and step into the now. That message sets you free. It is light, warm, and hopeful, but grounded in actual human experience. Love is not always a given, sometimes it starts with a simple ask to dance.

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