Music

Alex Aiono Shares his striking single “Played Out” ft. Jake Miller

Alex Aiono is ready to share his most honest project to date, starting with the release of his striking single “Played Out” ft. Jake Miller, due out June 25th. The fast-rising, multi-hyphenate is a force to be reckoned with. As a Pacific Islander (Maori Samoan,) music was an integral part of his upbringing and the singer-songwriter first got his start when he picked up the ukulele, drums, and piano when he was seven years old. Constantly striving to learn more, Alex started producing his own innovative covers of hit songs and what started as a fun hobby has since blossomed into nearly a Billion views on YouTube, 500 million streams, 6 Million followers across socials, Top 10 hits of his very own, sold-out tours around the world, and starring movie roles.

In this follow-up chapter, we see a side of Aiono that he has never shared before when it comes to his music. This new music is a full reflection of Alex here today; he is the record producer, writer, and performer. “This new era of music for me is special because I’m on an endeavor to continually reach deeper,” shares Alex. “With every release, I see more of me in my music. This next era truly will be the deepest I’ve gone yet, and as I live more life and dive further into who I am, I plan to share it with the world.”

In the intimate and intoxicating new single “Played Out,” glassy vocals packed with emotion usher in gorgeous, anthemic production as Alex muses on all the hardships he’s had to overcome in order to get to where he is now. He shares, “I think at our core as humans we consistently lose the forest for the trees when we are in the thicker situations of life. It’s not until you’re out of the woods or have overcome what it was you were going through that you get to see it all for what it truly is. Whether it’s love (as I refer to in the song), a career, a long term goal, or any budding and flourishing situation, sometimes you have to stop and appreciate how everything ‘played out.’”

“a truly defining moment for Aiono” – Variety

“precociously experienced performer” – LA Times

“a clear intentionality behind all of Aiono’s work” – Wonderland

“Alex Aiono’s ‘Her’ is for everyone” – PAPER

“Aiono’s Drake-like tone has us in love” – Billboard

Aiono has seen a whirlwind of successes over the last few years. He released the unpredictable hybrid album The Gospel at 23 in 2020, which saw him deep in the mix of gospel truth-telling, stark hip-hop swagger, alternative ambition, and pop bliss. The album garnered praise from the masses, from Variety and The LA Times to Wonderland to name a few, and has racked up millions of streams. Early 2021 also saw Alex star in the Ian Bryce produced and Jude Weng directed film Finding Ohana, which marked the start of another burgeoning venture for Alex.

The uniquely talented Aiono has proven himself as a jack of all trades. From writing and producing his own music to his collaborations with artists like John Legend to Jon Bellion, to securing starring roles on major networks, we see Alex continue a soaring career that’s bound to position the star as a household name for years to come.

Follow Alex Aiono

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Artist Spotlight

Sahara CyberStars evokes a soul-stirring sonic charm with its new release, “Winds of Time”

Occasionally, a musical composition emerges with the soaring intensity of an impending storm, captivating attention, and provoking thought. “Winds of Time,” the latest single by Sahara CyberStars, epitomizes this phenomenon. Rooted deeply in the heart of classic rock balladry, this track from the Irish-Australian duo Trish and Dave Long presents a reflective exploration through chaos, resilience, and the inexorable wheel of time.

Originally penned during calmer periods, which they refer to as “more normal times,” the song feels eerily prophetic today. Its lyrical foundation is substantial, notably illustrated in lines such as “the power of greed came to plunder, pull our world asunder.” There’s no cryptic poetry here; Sahara CyberStars speaks plainly and impactfully, whispering universal truth within a melodically sophisticated framework.

Trish’s hauntingly ethereal vocal delivery juxtaposes beautifully with Dave’s intricate instrumentation, imbuing the track with organic warmth. Their sound harkens back to their roots in Dublin’s music scene while incorporating expansive cinematic narrative styles in Aussie landscapes. The interplay between their voices and instruments conveys an authenticity that feels both lived-in and emotionally profound.

But its intrinsic sense of hope distinctly elevates “Winds of Time.” Yes, it reflects on a fractured societal narrative and simultaneously seeks to illuminate pathways toward recovery and renewal. The chorus crescendos with a subtle optimism, reminding listeners that, despite turbulent conditions, the resilience of the human spirit remains undiminished. It asserts that while times may change and bring something brighter, the healing potential is inevitable.

Sahara CyberStars has effectively distilled a timeless essence within “Winds of Time” that resonates with contemporary rock ballad audiences. Amidst the chaos, “Winds of Time” stands out as a profoundly earnest sonic testament to our identity, the history of where we’ve been, and the vital importance of perseverance through adversity. It’s a perfect anthem for visionaries and those navigating the impossible-to-ignore whirlwind of shared experiences, searching for meaning through sincere expression.

For more information about Sahara CyberStars, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Sahara CyberStars’s “Winds of Time“ on Spotify.
CONNECT WITH Sahara CyberStars | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook |

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Mainstage

Shannon Sharpe Steps Away From ESPN Amid Explosive Lawsuit

Pro Football Hall of Famer and a popular personality on ESPN, Shannon Sharpe, has decided to step away from his job at the network temporarily. This decision comes after a $50 million lawsuit was filed against him this week by an anonymous woman who accuses him of sexual assault. Sharpe strongly denies these claims. Sharpe addressed the situation directly in a message on social media, making it clear that he believes the relationship in question was completely consensual. He emphasized that while the accusations are serious, he is not trying to avoid them but rather to confront them head-on.

In his message, he announced, “At this juncture, I am electing to step aside temporarily from my ESPN duties. I will be taking this time to focus on my family and to respond to these false allegations against me.” He reassured fans and colleagues that he plans to return to ESPN by the start of the upcoming NFL season, expressing gratitude for the support he has received. ESPN has expressed agreement with Sharpe’s decision to take a break, acknowledging the seriousness of the situation in a brief statement.

Check out this article: Shannon Sharpe Claps Back with NSFW Ammo in $50M Lawsuit Drama

Sharpe is known for his strong opinions and charismatic presence on shows like First Take, and his absence is sure to be felt by fans. Despite the controversy, many feel that this is not a permanent farewell but rather a difficult pause in his career. While the allegations hang over him, Sharpe’s determination to address the situation could pave the way for a comeback in the media world. The public’s acceptance of his return will likely depend on both the legal proceedings and how they perceive the situation, as public opinion can shift dramatically, often before any final decisions are made in court.

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