Entertainment

Pandemic Thriller “Songbird” Imagines A Dystopian Future Devastated By COVID-23

STX films releases the trailer for Michael Bay-produced pandemic thriller “Songbird” …

COVID-23???????

Source: STX Films

Imagine living through 8 months of quarantine during a never-ending pandemic then watching a movie about a never-ending pandemic where we’re STILL locked down in 2024.

Why anyone would want us to imagine this NOW, mid-pandemic, we don’t know, but that’s exactly what happens in upcoming pandemic thriller “Songbird” that follows residents in dystopian Los Angeles where COVID-19 has mutated into the deadlier COVID-23–no, seriously.

Eight million people have reportedly died in the United States in that year alone and there’s a 110 million death toll worldwide.

America is moving its citizens to quarantine camps known as Q-Zones with a select “immune” few like central character “Nico” (KJ Apa) scattered around the city. His girlfriend “Sara” (Sofia Carson) is dealing with her own mother contracting the virus as officials get ready to take her away.

If that sounds somewhat intriguing, it actually kinda is based on the thrilling (and triggering) trailer below:

It also sounds like something we might not be ready to watch until our current real-life pandemic is over.

The first feature film to be made during COVID-19 in Los Angeles, and about the
pandemic itself, “Songbird” also stars Bradley Whitford and Demi Moore as a
wealthy couple who may hold the key to Nico’s mission; Alexandra Daddario as a
singer enmeshed in a messy and forbidden affair; Paul Walter Hauser as a disabled
veteran whose best friend – a drone named Max – is his eyes and ears to a world
that has left him behind; Craig Robinson as Nico’s boss; and Peter Stormare as the
corrupt head of the city’s “sanitation” department, which seizes those infected and
transports them to the Q-Zone.

“Songbird” hits theatres (if they even still exist) January 29, 2021.

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Artist Spotlight

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 makes a stand for afrobeat against corruption on latest release Na Dem feat. Tom Morello.

Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 deliver a powerful afrobeat statement with “Na Dem,” Featuring Tom Morello and produced by Femi Koleoso. The track has been a fan favourite even before its official release, and comes with the unmistakable spirit of protest, truth-telling, and social accountability that have long characterized Afrobeat’s most impactful moments.

The song’s heart is a direct challenge to corruption and the abuse of power. Instead of singling out one profession or institution for its critique, “Na Dem” identifies a larger culture of dishonesty, targeting bad lawyers, bad doctors, bad politicians, and anyone who would sell their integrity for personal gain. The message is sharp and uncompromising and delivered with the urgency that has become a hallmark of Seun Kuti’s artistry.

The inclusion of Tom Morello adds another level of intensity to the record. His presence adds to the song’s rebellious energy, creating a powerful intersection between the rhythmic activism of Afrobeat and the confrontational edge of rock. The result of the collaboration is a track that is both timeless and of the moment.

The song’s dedication to principle is what rings true. The moral center of the record is Seun’s statement that he would never prostitute his conscience for money. It turns “Na Dem” from a critique into a declaration of personal values, responsibility, and resistance.

Connect with Seun Kuti & Egypt 80 on Spotify || Instagram || Facebook || Youtube

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Artist Spotlight

Marsha Bartenetti reinvents in her own style “New York Minute”

Marsha Bartenetti’s latest release, “New York Minute,” written by Don Henley, Danny Kortchmar, and Jai Winding, offers emotional depth, turning a timeless look at life’s fragility into a reflective, cinematic journey. Stephan Oberhoff’s arrangement perfectly frames Bartenetti’s voice, and Kevin Bate’s expressive cello adds a warm resonance that makes the track feel like a movie.

The way each instrument sounds makes it feel planned, which lets the listener stay in the fleeting moments the song so beautifully describes. Bartenetti’s singing is the best part of the song. She shows an openness that feels real, as if she has lost something and still fully embraces love and presence with complete honesty. Her choice of words and small changes in tone make the lyrics feel even closer.

“New York Minute,” is a new version that pays tribute to the original while showcasing Bartenetti’s own style. The movie-like instruments and heartfelt vocals make the song feel both personal and universal. It makes us think about how hard it is to let go and hold on.

Connect with Marsha Bartenetti on Spotify || Facebook