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.
Artist Spotlight
Justin Ruff breathes new life into a soulful classic with “Cross My Mind (Jill Scott)”
Justin Ruff’s new single, “Cross My Mind (Jill Scott),” confidently steps into the world of respected music. ” It’s a very personal and respectful look back that adds new emotional depth. Ruff makes it clear from the start that this is not a remake just for the sake of memories, it is a real tribute in his own style.
He keeps the original’s warmth and spirit, as well as the smooth, inviting rhythm that made it so popular. Ruff doesn’t just go back to what he knows; he adds to the story. His extra verses add to the emotional arc and make it feel like a real continuation instead of something that doesn’t need to be there.
The music’s foundation is soulful R&B, deep, steady, and full of meaning. The way it’s put together shows a quiet confidence that lets the melody and the message come through. Ruff’s subtle changes to the melody in the hook shift how people feel about it, offering a new perspective while still keeping the classic hook.
This release is special because it is well-balanced. Ruff does a great job of honoring the past while also coming up with new ideas in a stylish way. He respects the track’s popularity and adds his own perspective and exposure. The final product is a picture that looks planned and personal, with less emphasis on capturing a moment and more on making it last. Justin Ruff’s “Cross My Mind (Jill Scott)” shows that a new version can be just as good as the original, if it’s thoughtful and passionate. This track isn’t just a trip down memory lane, it’s a soulful conversation between people of different ages set to a beat that never stops.
Connect with Justin Ruff on Spotify || Instagram || Twitter || Soundcloud
Artist Spotlight
Eric St. Godard swings Into tomorrow with jazz energy on “Changing Winds”
Eric St. Godard’s latest single, “Changing Winds,” marks the start of a new phase for him. This track is a brave step forward and a heartfelt tribute. It’s clear from the first notes that this isn’t just another jazz track. It’s a statement about who you are, what you do, and how you want to grow.
“Changing Winds” expertly blends swing, bebop, fusion, and modern sounds to create a cohesive, dynamic sound space. The arrangement changes all the time, and it does so with purpose and confidence. Every change is planned, as chapters in a story told through rhythm and tone instead of words. The track pays a lot of respect to jazz history, but it doesn’t get stuck in the past. Instead, it builds on that base and conveys a sense of modern life.
The saxophone parts are the most important part of the track. They are very brave, emotional, and bold. They don’t just make the composition look better, they also move it along. This shows that the musician doesn’t follow the rules. Each phrase is full of life, pushing the limits and staying on beat. The track will never go out of style because it strikes a balance between technical correctness and emotional spontaneity.
“Changing Winds” is interesting because of the story it tells. The groove changes the mood and texture of the music, which takes listeners on a journey that is both broad and personal. Jazz is a style that looks back on its history while also looking forward.
Connect with Eric St. Godard on Spotify || Instagram|| Youtube
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