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Artist Spotlight

Austin Markham Teases Debut EP With Captivating New Single “Look At Me Now”

Independent pop/R&B artist Austin Markham is releasing his latest single “Look At Me Now” to tease his debut EP Me. on July 2. Emotionally raw lyrics paired with crisp, catchy production create a world within the song – a world in which Austin guides listeners through a serious message with a deeply hopeful feeling throughout. Even Austin himself was surprised by the lasting impact when writing this single – “It’s given me so much confidence…confidence I didn’t know I needed,” he says.

Austin pushes himself to show true vulnerability in his music; every song is a “celebration of authenticity” in which listeners learn more about who he is to his core. Sultry production layered beneath a self-actualized vocal creates a current and emotional record reminiscent of hardships, perseverance, and growth. Although commonly nestled under the label of pop/R&B, Austin finds his music influenced by a blur between the genres’ lines.

“My hope is that everyone who hears this song will reflect on the struggles they’ve preserved through and realize that those struggles grew them into the people they are today.” -Austin Markham

Austin is passionate and unapologetically himself; he crafts his music with the intention of empowering listeners to embrace their own identities and find peace after hardship. This intention translates into anthemic records that make you want to sing, dance and cry all at once. His music is a beacon of hope for anyone going through a hard time and serves as a reminder that better times are ahead. Austin knows better than anyone how tough life can be, and he wants to help his listeners heal from their pain.

As the opening track to his upcoming EP, “Look At Me Now” expresses the dissonance between people’s expectations of us versus who we really are; this song embodies the triumph of self-confidence over self-doubt. Similarly, the anthemic “Changed”, will not only be stuck in your head but calls upon listeners to “walk with their head high” in spite of toxic environments we often find ourselves in. Austin illustrates the importance of faith, intuition, and determination by translating his personal experiences into a bold and authentic project.

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Austin based the foundation of this single and the entire EP off of his personal relationships. He engaged in intentional conversations with peers across all aspects of his life — his mom, therapist, friends, and collaborators — to isolate the experiences and emotions at the core of Me. Themes like pain, doubt, and loss permeate the project, adding a forward layer of melancholy throughout the arc of the EP.

Austin Markham is a Nashville-based 21-year-old pop/R&B singer-songwriter set to catch your attention with vulnerable lyricism accompanied by buttery vocals. He works endlessly to perfect the music he puts out and pushes himself to be a role model of confidence, self-love, and perseverance to listeners of all backgrounds. Although his music falls under the pop/R&B umbrella, Markham effortlessly blurs the lines between genres, creating an environment for various discussions and feelings. Fans should look forward to Markham’s debut EP Me., releasing late summer 2021.

Connect with Austin Markham: Website | Instagram | TikTok (@donebyaustin)

Natalie is a journalism major with a focus on Entertainment and Music who aspires to become a Content Creator For Honk Magazine. Eventually, she wants to be the Publisher or Editor-in-Chief of a major Publishing House. She loves helping people find their voice and passion for writing and journalism, and she can always be found with coffee in hand, editing another article.

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Artist Spotlight

How Rare Beauty Propelled Selena Gomez to Billionaire Status

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Selena Gomez is a talented entertainer known for her work as a singer, actress, and producer, and she has recently reached an impressive milestone by becoming a billionaire. Much of her financial success comes from her cosmetics brand, Rare Beauty, which has quickly become popular since it launched in September 2020. The brand stands out for its dedication to inclusivity, mental health support, and clever marketing strategies.

1. The Idea Behind Rare Beauty

Rare Beauty was created to challenge traditional beauty standards and celebrate individuality. Selena wanted to build a brand that offered quality makeup while encouraging self-love and acceptance. The name “Rare” is inspired by her third studio album.

A key part of Rare Beauty’s mission is to be inclusive. When it launched, the brand offered an impressive variety of 48 shades of foundation and concealer, catering to many skin tones. The packaging also considers accessibility, making it easier for people with disabilities to use the products.

Check out this article: How Rich Is Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in 2025?

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2. Smart Marketing and Social Media Success

Selena took full advantage of her large social media presence to promote Rare Beauty. With over 400 million followers on Instagram, she shares her personal stories and shows how to use the products, which helps build a strong connection with her fans. This engagement has created a loyal customer base.

Rare Beauty also effectively utilizes social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, gaining significant attention and making it a popular choice among beauty lovers. One of their hit products, a liquid blush, sold over 3.1 million units in just a year, highlighting the success of their online marketing.

3. Strong Financial Growth

The brand’s financial success has been impressive, generating about $350 million in revenue in 2023, a 50% increase compared to the previous year. By May 2024, Rare Beauty’s value had grown to over $2 billion, showing its strong place in the market.

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This financial success has also boosted Selena’s personal wealth. In September 2024, she became a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, primarily thanks to her ownership of Rare Beauty. At 32 years old, she is one of the youngest self-made female billionaires in the U.S.

Check out this article: Diddy Salutes Kanye West for Unwavering Support in Emotional Phone Call

4. Media Attention and Public Interest

The rise of Rare Beauty and Selena’s billionaire status has been widely reported in the media. A notable article from Bloomberg discussed the brand’s strategies and how they’ve resonated with consumers. The piece received extensive coverage, reaching over 250 media outlets and generating more than 1.8 billion impressions, highlighting the significant impact of her success.

5. A Commitment to Mental Health

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In addition to its commercial achievements, Rare Beauty focuses on mental health. The brand has created the Rare Impact Fund, promising to donate 1% of sales to mental health initiatives, aiming to raise $100 million over the next ten years. This effort aligns with Selena’s commitment to mental health awareness, which many consumers appreciate in a brand.

Selena Gomez’s journey from entertainer to entrepreneur illustrates how she combines her values and understanding of the market with a genuine connection to her audience. Rare Beauty’s rapid growth shows a strong demand for inclusive and socially responsible beauty products. Selena’s story highlights the new wave of celebrity entrepreneurs, where authenticity and advocacy are just as important as the products they sell.

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Artist Spotlight

The Ventures That Contribute to Lady Gaga’s $300 Million Fortune​

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Lady Gaga, whose real name is Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, has accumulated an impressive fortune of around $300 million as of 2025. Her wealth comes from her diverse career as a singer, songwriter, actress, and businesswoman. In addition to her popular music and award-winning acting roles, Gaga has also made money through smart business choices and partnerships. Let’s take a look at some of the key areas that have helped boost her earnings.

Music Career and Concert Tours

A large part of Lady Gaga’s wealth comes from her music. With her creative albums and energetic performances, she has gained a huge fanbase worldwide. For instance, her 2022 Chromatica Ball Stadium Tour was incredibly successful, earning about $112 million. In 2025, she announced another tour called the Mayhem Ball, which will feature multiple shows across the UK and Europe, reinforcing her reputation as a top live performer.

Las Vegas Shows

Gaga’s shows in Las Vegas have also been very profitable for her. Her first show, “Enigma,” ran from December 2018 to November 2019 and showcased her amazing talent. She was reported to earn at least $1 million per night during these shows. In 2024, she returned to Las Vegas for another set of performances, continuing to attract large crowds and earn substantial income.

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Check out this article: Shawn Mendes Gets Real About Mental Health in Eye Opening New Documentary

Acting Career

Gaga has also made a name for herself in the acting world. Her role in the 2018 movie “A Star Is Born” earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She has taken on several important roles since then, including in “House of Gucci.” In a notable deal, she secured $12 million for her part in “Joker 2,” proving her value in the film industry.

Haus Labs by Lady Gaga

In 2019, Gaga entered the beauty industry by launching her own makeup brand called Haus Laboratories. This brand focuses on vegan and cruelty-free products and was the first to launch exclusively on Amazon. In 2022, she rebranded Haus Labs and partnered with Sephora, expanding her reach and continuing to offer innovative makeup products. This business venture has played a significant role in her financial success.

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Endorsements and Brand Collaborations

Gaga has successfully used her fame for various endorsements and brand collaborations. Early in her career, she partnered with Monster Cable Products to create fancy in-ear headphones called Heartbeats by Lady Gaga. She also worked with Polaroid as a creative director, promoting a line of photo products. These partnerships have helped her increase her income and overall wealth.

Check out this article: Rihanna Melts Hearts with Precious Delivery Room Photos of Her Sons

Real Estate Investments

In addition to her work in entertainment and business, Gaga has also invested in real estate. She owns several properties, including a stunning mansion in Malibu worth $22.5 million, showing her smart investment choices.

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Lady Gaga’s $300 million fortune highlights her talent and business skills. Her success spans multiple fields, including music, film, beauty, and tech. Through clever ventures and a skill for recognizing opportunities, she has become a cultural icon and an influential business figure. Her ability to innovate and adapt makes it likely that her influence and financial success will continue to grow in the future.

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