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  • Sol Centric Debuts With “Remember Me” Single and Official Music Video

    Sol Centric Debuts With “Remember Me” Single and Official Music Video

    Produced by Grammy-winning Drew Correa (Lil Wayne, Jay-Z); out now on major streaming platforms.

    Sol Centric, "Remember Me" single cover art

    BOCA RATON, FL / MusicWire / Feb. 12, 2026 — Sol Centric, an 18-year-old singer, rapper, and songwriter based in Boca Raton, Florida, debuts with his first single and official music video, “Remember Me.” Released Jan. 23, the 3:15 track (Explicit) was produced by Grammy-winning producer Drew Correa (Lil Wayne, Jay-Z).

    A song about love and breaking up, “Remember Me” pairs a catchy, string-led chorus with melancholy lyrics, crisp beats, and a melodic guitar riff that drives the mid-tempo track.

    “I wanted to express the heartbreak and pain many of us experience during and after a breakup,” said Sol Centric. “It’s really about reaching out and connecting with others so they know they’re not alone.”

    “I started dating at a young age—as many do today—and ‘Remember Me’ was inspired by a breakup I went through that hit me hard,” Sol Centric added. “The good news is we learn to move on and things do get better. It’s been meaningful to see people already connecting with the song. This track marks the beginning of what I hope will be a long, successful career, and I’m excited to release a lot of music this year—and for many years to come.”

    “Remember Me” is available now on all major streaming platforms: Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and more.

    Stream/Download

    __wf_reserved_inheritSol Centric

    The official music video—Sol Centric’s first—was filmed in Miami, Florida, and directed by Grey Smoley. “This music video was the first one I’ve ever done, and I’m grateful for the team that helped bring it to life,” said Sol Centric. “We wanted to create a sad but optimistic vibe in and around Miami. As I continue making videos, I’m excited to grow visually and conceptually.”

    The music video has also been added to Vevo’s “Incoming Pop” playlist on YouTube, a curated playlist featuring new and trending official pop music videos from emerging and established artists. An accompanying behind-the-scenes video is available now as well.

    Sol Centric, Remember Me (Official Music Video):

    (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uY3HLNVKS3U)

    Connect with Sol Centric:

    Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | Website

    About

    Sol Centric, born Luke Ryan Solomon, is an 18-year-old singer, rapper, and songwriter based in Boca Raton, Florida by way of New York City. The self-described Gringo-Latino was exposed to a wide range of musical influences from an early age, including hip-hop, heavy metal, classic rock, R&B, pop, and Latin music.

    From an early age, Sol Centric gravitated toward drama, music, and performance discovering an early passion for creative expression. During high school, he performed in drama classes, spent endless hours discovering music, gaming and streaming, all while training for semi-professional tennis, though a tennis injury and other factors ultimately ended his athletic pursuit.

    During a challenging period with mental health, he began journaling and writing lyrics, which became a turning point in his artistic development. As his confidence and vision matured, so did his sound. In the post-COVID years, he attended hundreds of live performances and festivals, further shaping his artistic vision.

    In early 2025, he began producing music from his bedroom. Later, while recording vocals in a professional studio, he met Grammy-winning producer Drew Correa, who also served as a resident engineer at Cash Money Records. The two connected instantly and began collaborating. From this partnership, Sol Centric was officially born.

    Media Contact

    Raviga Records
    pr@ravigarecords.com

    View source version on MusicWire: press release

    SOURCE: MusicWire

  • EV Policy Changes Disrupting the Auto Industry

    EV policy changes are reshaping the auto industry, impacting production, pricing, and supply chains while accelerating the shift to cleaner mobility.

    GRAND RAPIDS, MI, UNITED STATES, February 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Ongoing EV Policy Changes in the US are reshaping the automotive landscape, influencing manufacturing strategies, consumer purchasing behavior, and long-term service requirements across the nation. As Government EV Policy Updates continue to evolve, the effects are being felt well beyond vehicle production lines, extending into dealerships, supply chains, and professional vehicle maintenance networks. These developments are contributing to a broader Auto Industry Disruption 2025, marked by regulatory recalibration, moderated electric vehicle adoption rates, and increased emphasis on adaptable service infrastructure.

    Over the past several years, US Electric Vehicle Mandates have aimed to accelerate the transition toward electrified transportation by establishing emissions targets, incentivizing EV purchases, and encouraging infrastructure expansion. However, recent policy adjustments indicate a more measured approach, acknowledging economic, logistical, and consumer readiness challenges. These changes reflect an effort to balance environmental objectives with market stability and affordability.

    Industry data and policy commentary suggest that revised compliance timelines and softened enforcement mechanisms are influencing manufacturer output and consumer demand. In several regions, these shifts have coincided with an EV Sales Slowdown, particularly among first-time buyers who remain sensitive to vehicle cost, charging access, and long-term ownership considerations. As a result, automakers are diversifying their product strategies, maintaining a mix of electrified, hybrid, and internal combustion engine vehicles to meet varied consumer needs.

    These Automotive Industry Policy Changes are not occurring in isolation. They intersect with broader economic factors, including supply chain recalibration, labor force transitions, and evolving investment priorities. Manufacturers and suppliers are reassessing capital allocation strategies, often prioritizing flexibility over aggressive single-technology commitments. This environment has reinforced the importance of the aftermarket and maintenance sectors that can support a diverse and aging vehicle fleet during a period of technological transition.

    For vehicle owners, these developments underscore the ongoing need for dependable and knowledgeable service providers. Regardless of propulsion type, vehicles require consistent inspection, diagnostics, and preventive care to ensure safety and reliability. As technology grows more complex, the role of trained technicians and well-equipped service centers becomes increasingly critical.

    Across the region, Midwest Auto Service Providers are responding by enhancing technical training programs and upgrading diagnostic capabilities. The Auto Repair Industry Adapting to EVs is now a defining characteristic of the broader service sector, as facilities prepare to support high-voltage electrical systems, advanced driver assistance technologies, and evolving electronic architectures, while continuing to service conventional vehicle platforms.
    616 Auto Repair, based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, reflects this industry-wide adaptation.

    Operating within a region where vehicle ownership remains essential for daily mobility, the company supports a broad customer base that includes owners of gasoline-powered vehicles, hybrids, and newer electrified models. Its service approach aligns with the practical realities created by shifting policy frameworks and mixed-market adoption rates.

    As Government EV Policy Updates influence vehicle availability and ownership patterns, maintenance providers play a stabilizing role in the automotive ecosystem. By ensuring vehicles remain roadworthy and efficient throughout their lifecycle, professional service centers contribute to sustainability goals through longevity and responsible upkeep, complementing broader environmental initiatives.

    Professional vehicle maintenance continues to encompass a wide range of essential services, including electrical system evaluations, brake inspections, suspension and alignment adjustments, tire services, engine diagnostics, and fluid system maintenance. These offerings remain foundational to safe transportation, particularly as vehicles integrate more electronic and software-driven components.

    The ongoing EV Sales Slowdown in certain segments has also reinforced the importance of maintaining existing vehicles for longer periods. In this environment, service providers like 616 Auto Repair support consumers by delivering accurate assessments and timely maintenance that help extend vehicle lifespan and performance. This approach aligns with the evolving needs of drivers navigating uncertainty in vehicle purchasing decisions.

    Looking ahead to Auto Industry Disruption 2025, continued policy refinement is expected as regulators, manufacturers, and service providers respond to market feedback and infrastructure development. The transition toward electrification remains a long-term objective, but its pace and implementation are increasingly shaped by practical considerations, including affordability, workforce readiness, and regional variation in consumer demand.

    Within this evolving framework, the automotive service sector remains an essential partner in ensuring continuity and reliability for drivers. By investing in training, equipment, and process improvement, Midwest-based providers are positioning themselves to meet the demands of a diversified vehicle population. Their role underscores the interconnected nature of policy, industry strategy, and day-to-day vehicle operation.

    616 Auto Repair’s service model demonstrates how localized expertise and professional standards can support motorists during periods of regulatory and technological change. As the industry continues to adapt, the importance of accessible, well-informed maintenance services remains central to the broader transportation ecosystem.

    About 616 Auto Repair

    616 Auto Repair is a full-service automotive maintenance provider located in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Serving surrounding communities, including Rockford and Ada, the company offers a comprehensive range of professional vehicle maintenance services designed to support reliability, safety, and performance. Staffed by ASE-certified technicians, 616 Auto Repair provides services such as engine diagnostics, electrical system evaluation, brake maintenance, suspension and alignment services, tire installation, and preventive maintenance. Established in 2019, the company focuses on accuracy, transparency, and ongoing technical training to meet the needs of drivers across a changing automotive landscape.

    Ricardo Navarrete-Mendez
    616 Auto Repair
    +1 616-888-8222
    rtrautocare@gmail.com
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  • Industry Analyst Jeff Kagan comments on AI Security Platform DeepKeep

    Industry Analyst Jeff Kagan comments on AI Security Platform DeepKeep

    AI Security Platforms help companies identify, manage, and prevent emerging AI-related security risks

    AI security platforms like DeepKeep work with and help companies prevent AI problems”

    — Jeff KAGAN Industry Analyst

    ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, February 6, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The following commentary is from Jeff Kagan, Industry Analyst and Columnist who covers wireless, 5G, AI, telecom, and emerging technology trends. Kagan has followed these industries for several decades, offering analysis on companies, technologies, regulations, and market shifts. This commentary may be used by the media in coverage of this story.

    Artificial intelligence is driving one of the fastest technological transformations in history. Much of the current attention, however, remains focused on which AI models or platforms will grow the fastest. Far less attention is being paid to an equally critical issue: AI security.

    Today, the AI security market consists largely of dozens of smaller companies, only some of which directly compete with one another.

    One of these companies is DeepKeep, an AI security platform focused on protecting modern AI systems.

    DeepKeep is designed to secure generative AI, large language models, computer vision systems, and other AI technologies. The platform addresses continuously evolving risks, including data leakage, hallucinations, and other AI-related security vulnerabilities.

    Founded in 2021, DeepKeep offers a multi-layer security platform that supports both on-premises and cloud-based AI deployments. The solution is currently available on major cloud platforms including Google Cloud and AWS.

    DeepKeep is used by enterprise security teams to help ensure AI systems operate as intended while minimizing security risks.

    Although AI has existed for decades, the most recent surge in adoption and innovation is only a few years old. As a result, the industry faces a wide range of new opportunities and challenges, particularly around AI security.

    “AI security today reminds me of Internet security in the early 1990s,” said Jeff Kagan. “Back then, very little attention was paid to antivirus software or digital protection.”

    “Today, Internet security is a mature, essential market with well-known brands such as Norton, McAfee, ESET, and NordVPN,” Kagan said. “I see the AI security sector evolving in a similar way.”

    “At this stage, there is still limited awareness of AI security threats, but I believe this sector will grow rapidly over the next several years,” Kagan added. “The big question is which companies will emerge as the leading brands.”

    “Another likely scenario is that larger cybersecurity companies will acquire smaller firms that specialize in AI security technologies,” Kagan said.

    “We are still early in the AI revolution, and it’s impossible to predict which companies will be acquired and which will continue to grow independently,” he said. “That said, I firmly believe AI security solutions will play an increasingly important role going forward.”

    “DeepKeep is one of the companies bringing strong ideas to this emerging AI security space,” Kagan said. “I like what they are doing today. This is a company and a technology that will need to continue evolving as AI itself evolves.”

    “I encourage organizations and industry watchers to keep an eye on the AI security platform sector as it grows in importance and recognition,” Kagan added. “I’ll continue watching and writing about which players may rise to leadership positions and which may become acquisition targets.”

    About Jeff Kagan

    For additional coverage, search “Jeff Kagan” on Google News.

    Jeff Kagan is an Atlanta-based Industry Analyst, Columnist, Consultant, Influencer, and Keynote Speaker. For more than 40 years, he has provided analysis and commentary on innovation, market trends, and company performance across wireless, telecom, 5G, 6G, AI, and other high-growth sectors, serving both B2B and B2C markets.

    Former AT&T Executive Vice President of Public Relations Dick Martin highlighted Kagan’s influence in his book Tough Calls: AT&T and the Hard Lessons Learned from the Telecom Wars, writing:
    “Jeff Kagan has been described as the most widely quoted analyst in the telecommunications industry.”

    Kagan has written thousands of columns and articles translating complex technology trends into clear, practical insights for executives, investors, customers, and employees.

    Media Contact

    Jeff Kagan

    Email: jeff@jeffkagan.com
    Website: www.jeffkagan.com
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-kagan/
    X (Twitter): https://x.com/jeffkagan

    ###

    Jeff Kagan
    Jeff Kagan
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    email us here
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  • El Mehdi Premieres “EL FILM,” a Self-Directed Musical Short Film, in Support of Debut EP “SALAM”

    El Mehdi Premieres “EL FILM,” a Self-Directed Musical Short Film, in Support of Debut EP “SALAM”

    Pop as a sanctuary. Identity without compromise.

    Listen to “SALAM” | Watch “EL FILM

    El Mehdi, "Salam" EP cover art

    MusicWire / Feb. 11, 2026 — Moroccan-born, Canadian-raised cultural disruptor El Mehdi makes a bold entrance into the global pop conversation with “SALAM,” his landmark debut EP released January 30 via RENAISSANCE/AWAL, accompanied by “EL FILM,” a self-directed musical short film premiering today. The genre-defying project marks a historic debut for an openly queer Arab artist, expanding music into a cultural statement.

    They say no one is a prophet in their own land. With “SALAM,” El Mehdi breaks the adage — and with it, silence, shame, and the glass ceiling.

    The project unfolds with art-pop precision, bridging regional identity with global pop resonance. A leap of faith in a landscape that still polices who gets to exist freely, “SALAM” asserts presence without compromise. Ceremonial and defiant, El Mehdi’s sound fuses modern pop with North African and Middle Eastern influences, pairing rich vocals and cinematic strings with dance-driven energy, sensual urgency, and multilingual song writing in English, French, and Arabic. The result is an incandescent world that feels ancestral yet radically future-facing. El Mehdi doesn’t dilute identity to reach wider audiences — he expands pop itself to hold it.

    This is pop that remembers where it comes from — but refuses to apologize for where it’s going.

    Across five tracks, including the manifesto-like title track “SALAM” (meaning both “hello” and “peace” in Arabic) — El Mehdi transforms vulnerability into power. Written and creative directed by El Mehdi, and produced by El Mehdi and Sūn Jùn (LayLow, AntsLive, Dior), with mixing by Grammy-winner Wez Clarke (Zara Larsson, MARINA, Sam Smith) and string performances by Grammy-nominated Drew Jurecka (Dua Lipa), “SALAM” was created across continents — a global pop record born from emancipation, vision, and reclamation.

    “I needed to create a space where we can exist without hiding. And beyond that, a place where we can celebrate ourselves” El Mehdi says. “SALAM is that place.”

    Premiering today, “EL FILM” extends this declaration into cinema. Directed, choreographed, edited, and costumed by El Mehdi, the musical short film reflects his multidisciplinary approach, weaving music with dance, fashion, image, and storytelling. Set inside a Moroccan riad, the film unfolds as a passage from darkness into light, centered around a traditional mint tea ceremony. Beneath the anonymous male gaze, ritual chants and El Mehdi — an iconoclastic figure with an androgynous presence — fracture normative masculinity, allowing a fluid, liberated force to emerge. Traditionally associated with the sacred, these elements are reimagined — not as provocation, but as transformation.

    “They wanted me in Hell. Baby, I went there. I came back. I only warmed up my tea.”

     El Mehdi, “El Film” (Official Video):

    https://ffm.link/elfilm.OPR

    Disruptive to some and inspiring to others, “SALAM” opens a dialogue many were waiting for and others feared. More than a debut, “SALAM” is a cultural statement.

    A new voice has arrived — and it’s coming in peace.

    El Mehdi, "EL FILM" stillEl Mehdi, ” EL FILM ” still

    Download Links: 

    Press Shots + Stills

    Connect with El Mehdi:

    Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

    About

    Moroccan-Canadian artist El Mehdi first emerged with his debut single “ELKASS HLOU,” which sparked rapid traction across platforms, amassing hundreds of thousands of streams and views and breaking into Anghami’s Top 50 across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) — the leading streaming platform of the Arab world.

    He crafts a magnetic, genre-defying pop sound shaped by his North African heritage, shimmering across English, French, and Arabic. A former spokesperson for Amnesty International Canada, El Mehdi has established himself as a distinctive voice within the global MENA diaspora.

    With his follow-up “ENCORE” and its self-directed music video created in partnership with the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Marrakech, El Mehdi affirmed a crystalline and uncompromising vision. He has been hailed as “a rising young phenomenon” (CBC) and “emblematic of a generation” (L’Orient Today), while ICON MENA described his work as “a quiet revolution, far from clichés.” Flaunt praised El Mehdi for challenging social and cultural expectations, The New Arab highlighted a stage presence that is both “elegant and subversive,” and Vogue Arabia noted his ability to move “with grace and intention.”

    Previously artist-in-residence at the Cité internationale des arts in Paris, El Mehdi has presented his work at TIFF, the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica ShortFilm Festival, and Amsterdam Dance Event, and has performed to capacity crowds across Canada (Nuit Blanche, Canadian Music Week, Montreal Pride).

    In 2025, he made his big-screen debut as a leading actor in “L’Héritier des secrets” (dir. Mohamed Nadif), which premiered at theMontreal Museum of Fine Arts as part of Cinémania. Set for theatrical release in 2026, the film is the first Moroccan feature to address trans identity and co-stars Nisrin Erradi, who also appears in “Everybody Loves Touda” (dir. Nabil Ayouch), Morocco’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.

    On stage and in the studio, El Mehdi challenges what it means to be an Arab man in the modern world, transforming pop into ritual. With his debut EP “SALAM, he ushers in a new era — free, luminous, and indelible.

    Media Contact

    François Olivier-Gouriou, RENAISSANCE
    f@nowisrenaissance.com

    View source version on MusicWire: press release

    SOURCE: MusicWire

  • Grip Launches Impact Awards Program for High-Growth DTC Brands

    Grip Launches Impact Awards Program for High-Growth DTC Brands

    Building and scaling an e-commerce brand takes an extraordinary amount of grit and execution.”

    — Juan C. Meisel, CEO & Founder of Grip

    MIAMI, FL, UNITED STATES, February 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Grip, a fulfillment, logistics, and technology company focused on direct-to-consumer shipping for food and beverage brands, today announced the launch of the Grip Impact Awards, a recognition program honoring partners that reach major order-volume milestones as their brands scale.

    Built specifically for frozen and refrigerated e-commerce, Grip combines nationwide fulfillment with an AI-powered order management system that optimizes shipments in real time. The Grip Impact Awards recognize brands that have achieved measurable scale through sustained customer demand and long-term growth.

    The program includes three award tiers based on cumulative order volume processed through Grip:

    • Bronze Award — 100,000 orders: Recognizing brands that have progressed beyond early traction and established sustained demand.

    • Silver Award — 500,000 orders: Reflecting continued expansion and growing market presence at scale.

    • Gold Award — 1,000,000 orders: Highlighting long-term, high-volume scale with significant category reach.

    “Building and scaling an e-commerce brand takes an extraordinary amount of grit and execution,” said Juan Camilo Meisel, Founder and CEO of Grip. “Behind every award there are teams who have pushed through the ups and downs of growth to reach customers across the country. These are the builders shaping the future of e-commerce, and the Grip Impact Awards exist to recognize that work at every stage of their journey.”

    The awards are presented as physical trophies designed to serve as lasting markers of achievement. Order volume is used as a benchmark to reflect sustained growth and long-term brand durability.

    With the launch of the Grip Impact Awards, Grip reinforces its commitment to supporting high-growth DTC brands, not only through fulfillment, logistics, and technology, but by recognizing the work it takes to reach meaningful scale.

    About Grip

    Grip is a fulfillment, logistics, and technology company purpose-built for frozen and refrigerated direct-to-consumer brands. Through six nationwide fulfillment facilities and a proprietary AI-powered order management system, Grip optimizes every shipment based on real-time data to deliver faster, more reliable, and more cost-efficient deliveries at scale. Learn more at www.gripshipping.com.

    Sofia Varela
    Grip
    sofia.v@gripshipping.com

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  • Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys Announce Expansion into Florida with Miami and Orlando Locations

    Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys Announce Expansion into Florida with Miami and Orlando Locations

    Award-winning family-owned law firm brings specialized legal advocacy for survivors of sexual abuse and foster care negligence to South and Central Florida.

    Our entry into Florida is driven by a profound commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community”

    — Bill Karns

    MIAMI, FL, UNITED STATES, February 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, a premier legal practice dedicated to holding negligent entities accountable, has officially announced its expansion into the Florida market with the opening of two strategic locations in Miami and Orlando. This expansion marks a significant milestone in the firm’s mission to provide specialized legal recourse for survivors of abuse across the United States.

    Unlike its multi-service locations in other states, the Florida offices will focus exclusively on providing high-level advocacy for individuals impacted by specialized abuse. The firm’s Florida practice areas include:

    Rideshare Safety Advocacy: Representing survivors of sexual abuse occurring during rideshare trips.

    General and Employer-Related Abuse: Litigation involving sexual harassment and abuse in professional and private settings.

    Foster Care Negligence: Pursuing justice for those harmed by abuse and neglect within the foster care system.

    “Our entry into Florida is driven by a profound commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our community,” said Bill Karns, founding partner of Karns & Karns. “By establishing permanent locations in Miami’s Brickell district and downtown Orlando, we are ensuring that survivors of abuse and foster care negligence have local access to the specialized legal resources and personal advocacy required to navigate these complex cases.”

    Karns & Karns is now accepting inquiries at both new Florida locations:

    Miami Office 810 Brickell Avenue, 8th Floor Miami, FL 33131

    Orlando Office 122 W Pine St, Suite 300 Orlando, FL 32801 (Exchange Building)

    About Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys: Karns & Karns is a family-owned law firm built on a foundation of integrity and deep-rooted commitment to the community. Led by brothers passionate about justice, the firm has spent years as a fierce advocate for individuals whose lives have been affected by negligence and corporate overreach. With offices across California, Nevada, Texas, Arizona, and now Florida, Karns & Karns provides personalized legal support with a tireless focus on victim rights and accountability.

    Contact: Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys
    (1-800-4THEWIN) 1-800-484-3946
    www.karnsandkarns.com
    www.karnsandkarns.com/locations/miami-florida-personal-injury-lawyers/
    www.karnsandkarns.com/locations/orlando-florida-personal-injury-lawyers/

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  • Neon Music Profiles Kenneth W. Welch Jr. and Jolene Burns on Independent Artist Revolution

    UK Music Publication Examines How Belfast Singer and Moxie Media CEO Are Empowering Independent Artists to Build Careers Outside Traditional Label Systems

    I want artists to bet on themselves. Show up when no one’s watching. Keep writing even when the last song didn’t hit. That’s what builds fans – the journey.”

    — Jolene Allison-Burns

    LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, February 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Neon Music, a global voice in music and culture based out of the UK, has published an in-depth feature profiling Belfast singer-songwriter Jolene Allison-Burns and entrepreneur Kenneth W. Welch Jr. of Moxie Media Marketing. The piece examines how independent artists are building sustainable careers outside traditional label systems, with Allison-Burns’ recent trajectory serving as a case study for broader industry power shifts.

    The publication opens with Allison-Burns reflecting on her career momentum coming out of TikTok LIVE Fest season. “It’s weird, because you work your whole life for momentum, right? And then momentum finally shows up, and it doesn’t knock politely. It just kicks the door in,” she states in the feature.
    Neon Music describes Allison-Burns’ journey from performing in Belfast venues night after night to establishing herself in “a new kind of music economy where ‘going live’ can function like touring, radio, and fan club all at once.” The article notes her work is rooted in Belfast community experiences, with songs connected to documentary projects and lived experiences around her.

    The profile details her partnership with Moxie Media Marketing and its CEO Kenneth W. Welch Jr., who Neon Music describes as positioning himself differently than traditional music executives. “That’s the part people don’t really talk about,” Welch states in the piece. “We love to romanticize ‘the grind.’ The hustle. But we don’t always admit that the game is uneven from the start. There are artists who show up to these competitions, these platforms, with full teams behind them—managers taking percentages, budgets, infrastructure. Most independent talent just doesn’t have that. They’re showing up alone.”

    Allison-Burns confirms this assessment in the feature. “And that’s not shade. That’s just reality. It’s not a level playing field. Never has been,” she states. “But what I’m proud of is—I didn’t need to become someone else to compete. I didn’t need to fake a persona or wait for a label’s permission. I needed a plan. Consistency. And the right people around me.”

    When Neon Music asks what support actually looks like in practice, Allison-Burns describes the behind-the-scenes realities. “Moxie showed up in the unglamorous parts,” she explains. “The strategy calls. The scheduling. Figuring out how you pace a week so you don’t burn out by Thursday. How you build a show, not just a stream. They treated me like an artist with a future—not like a moment they were trying to capitalize on.”

    The publication emphasizes this distinction throughout the feature: the difference between building sustainable artist development versus capturing temporary viral spikes. Neon Music highlights Allison-Burns’ newest release “Can’t Control Me” as embodying this intentional approach, dropped through her official channels as part of the Moxie Media ecosystem rollout.

    “I wrote that song from a place of finally claiming my own voice,” she tells the publication. “And then it became bigger than just me. Because I think every independent artist has had that moment—where someone, an industry person, a gatekeeper, sometimes even a well-meaning friend—tries to tell you what you are. What you should sound like. What you should do to be ‘marketable.’” Making air quotes around the word, she continues: “And I just thought… no. You can’t control me. That’s it. That’s the song.”

    Welch responds to her creative independence in the feature with clear appreciation. “That’s exactly why people connect with her,” he states. “You can’t manufacture that. It’s a real artist with something real to say. Audiences know the difference.”

    Neon Music expands the conversation to examine Moxie Media’s broader thesis: that independent artists can build sustainable careers without waiting for traditional industry machinery to validate them. The article details Welch’s work developing the Global Talent Billboard Directory, which the publication describes as “an online visual platform designed to spotlight independent talent and connect artists into a wider discovery and promotion ecosystem.”

    Allison-Burns discusses the platform with the publication not as a corporate product but as infrastructure she wishes had existed earlier in her career. “People need places where independent talent isn’t treated like a hobby,” she states in the feature. “Where you’re not just another name in someone’s DM inbox, hoping they’ll respond. The Global Talent Billboard Directory is the kind of thing that says, ‘No—this is real. This is organized. This is professional.’ It gives you a place to actually be an artist, not just hope someone notices you are one.”

    The publication highlights what becomes the center of the entire conversation when Allison-Burns states: “I want artists to bet on themselves.”

    Neon Music reports that she doesn’t mean this in vague motivational terms but in practical ways, listing the unglamorous realities: show up when no one’s watching, keep writing even when songs don’t hit, keep performing, learn how audiences actually behave rather than how you wish they did, protect your energy, find a team that doesn’t treat you like a line item.

    “Trust is a skill,” she explains in the piece. “Trusting yourself when you’re not getting the outside validation yet—that’s a skill. And you don’t get it from affirmations. You build it by doing. By performing. By finishing songs even when you’re not sure about them. By putting the work somewhere people can actually find it.”

    When the publication asks what she would tell artists who feel they’ve already missed the wave—who think TikTok, livestreaming, and the creator economy have already peaked—Allison-Burns doesn’t hesitate in her response. “I’d tell them to stop asking if it’s too late and start asking if they’re ready,” she states. “Seriously. Because the world doesn’t reward perfect. It rewards the person who keeps showing up—who shows up consistently enough that people actually get to fall in love with the journey. That’s what builds fans. Not one viral moment. The journey.”

    Welch adds industry context in the feature. “And the industry sees that now. The platforms, the brands—even the old gatekeepers, the ones who used to decide who got a shot—they’re following the crowd now, not leading it. Artists who can build real community have actual power. That’s new. That wasn’t true ten years ago.”

    Neon Music positions this observation as representing a fundamental change in how music careers develop. Where traditional systems required artists to wait for industry permission—label deals, radio airplay, playlist placement controlled by gatekeepers—the article notes that independent artists with direct audience relationships now hold leverage that wasn’t available in previous decades.

    Allison-Burns reflects on her position with measured gratitude in the profile. “I’m grateful,” she states. “Not just for what happened this year, but for who showed up while it was happening. There’s so much incredible talent out there—some of them will never get the shot they deserve because the traditional system just can’t hold everyone. It’s not built for everyone. So if Moxie can open doors for real independent artists—people who aren’t waiting around for permission—then that’s something I want to be part of. That matters to me.”

    The publication concludes the feature with Allison-Burns offering direct, practical encouragement. “If you’re an artist and you’re tired of waiting for someone to pick you—go build your own stage,” she states. “Go perform. Go live. Write the song that scares you a little. Look at what’s happening with the Global Talent Billboard Directory, because the whole point is giving artists a way forward that doesn’t require begging for access.”

    She adds in the closing moments of the conversation: “And when you do it—don’t do it trying to be someone else. The only thing you can’t fake in this industry is heart. People feel it. They know. So give them something real.”

    Neon Music’s complete feature exploring the changing power dynamics in the music industry, Jolene Allison-Burns’ career development, and practical paths for independent artists is available on the publication’s website: https://neonmusic.co.uk/kenneth-w-welch-jr-jolene-burns-independent-artists-winning

    Jolene Allison-Burns’ music, including her latest release “Can’t Control Me,” is available on all major streaming platforms. More information about the Global Talent Billboard Directory and Moxie Media Marketing’s artist development programs can be found at www.moxiemediamarketing.inc.

    Broc Foerster
    Moxie Media Marketing
    +1 949-409-4700
    email us here

    “Can’t Control Me” Original Song by Jolene Allison Burns

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  • New Historical Novella Marks 100 Years of Black History Month by Showing Freedom as a Beginning, Not an End

    New Historical Novella Marks 100 Years of Black History Month by Showing Freedom as a Beginning, Not an End

    A true Civil War story of an enslaved teen who claimed freedom, served in the Union Army, and faced Reconstruction—released for Black History Month 2026.

    This is a great tale, and I recommend it to anyone interested in American history, especially the Civil War and Reconstruction periods, as well as stories of resilience and the struggle for freedom.”

    — Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers’ Favorite

    PRINCETON, NJ, UNITED STATES, February 1, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — In recognition of Black History Month 2026, marking A Century of Black History Commemorations, HMG ePublishing, LLC announces the release of The Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes Novella by award-winning author and historian David J. Mason. The book links the purpose of Black History Month to the real lives it honors.
    Set in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1864, the novella tells the true story of Parson Sykes, an enslaved seventeen-year-old who secretly taught himself to read. After a dangerous escape, Parson fled bondage with his brothers and crossed into Union-held territory. The men enlisted in the United States Colored Troops and served with the XXV Corps, joining thousands of Black soldiers whose service reshaped the Civil War and the nation.
    After the war, Parson returned home to face the harsh realities of Reconstruction. He worked with the Freedmen’s Bureau and resisted the limits imposed by Black Codes. Over time, he secured land, built a family, and became a leader in his community. His life reveals a central truth of Black American history: emancipation did not end the struggle for freedom—it changed it.
    In 1926, historian Carter G. Woodson created Black History Week to challenge the exclusion of Black people from American history. The observance later expanded into Black History Month. Released during Black History Month 2026, the novella honors this hundred-year legacy of remembrance, education, and reflection.
    “Black History Month exists to recognize lives like Parson Sykes’,” said Mason. “His story reminds us that freedom was not complete in 1865. It had to be claimed, defended, and built over time.”
    The Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes Novella also serves as an abridged version of Mason’s The Self-Liberation of Parson Sykes Trilogy, which expands the story across three volumes:
    • Enslavement in Southampton County, which examines family life, control, and resistance under slavery.
    • Enlistment in the Union Army, which follows Black soldiers fighting for a nation that both relied on and excluded them.
    • Return to Southampton County, which confronts Reconstruction, land ownership, and the backlash that followed emancipation.
    For a limited time, readers who purchase any title in the trilogy may receive the Kindle edition of the novella at no cost. The offer invites new readers to engage with a story that continues to shape national conversations about freedom, memory, and citizenship.
    About the Author
    David J. Mason is an award-winning author and historian. He was born and raised in Norfolk, Virginia. He holds a Master of Science degree from Hampton University and a Bachelor of Science degree from Norfolk State University. He is also a graduate of the United States Army War College.

    Paige Hinton-Mason
    HMG ePublishing, LLC
    +1 732-743-9137
    HMG ePublishing, LLC
    Visit us on social media:
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  • El Salvador and The Beef Initiative Launch Phase One of Historic Cattle Genetics Partnership

    Texas Slim Announces the Acquisition of Beef.com in a Dual Announcement Marking a Transformational Moment for Food Security and Global Beef Infrastructure

    What we’re building in El Salvador starts with cattle genetics and ends with global food sovereignty. Beef.com gives this mission a permanent digital backbone the world has never had.”

    — Texas Slim, Beef.com + Beef Initiative

    CANYON, TX, UNITED STATES, February 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — El Salvador has taken a significant step toward modernizing and strengthening its national cattle sector through the launch of Phase One of a new cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock (MAG) and The Beef Initiative, a U.S.-based organization focused on cattle genetics, rancher independence, and food sovereignty.

    The announcement coincides with a second major development: Texas Slim, founder of The Beef Initiative, has formally acquired Beef.com, one of the most powerful and category-defining digital assets in global food and agriculture—positioning El Salvador at the forefront of a new international framework for food stability, transparency, and sovereign agricultural infrastructure.

    Phase One: Establishing the Gold Standard of Cattle Genetics for El Salvador

    The cooperation agreement was signed during Bitcoin Histórico by Vice Minister Óscar Domínguez and Texas Slim, founder of The Beef Initiative, reflecting a shared vision to rebuild El Salvador’s beef industry from the ground up—beginning with genetics.

    Phase One of the initiative focuses on heritage cattle genetics transfer, the foundation of long-term food stability and agricultural resilience.

    Texas Slim formally notified the Ministry of Agriculture this week that his team is prepared to proceed immediately.

    “Following the meetings concluded this past week, my team has reported back that we are ready to proceed with Phase I of our cooperation agreement,” wrote Slim in a letter to the Minister of Agriculture. “We are in the final stages of selection and coordination, including transportation planning. Once authorization is provided, we can initiate transport within a 30-day window, targeting delivery early to mid-spring.”

    All transportation and movement will comply with USDA standards, Beef Initiative protocols, and all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

    “Our goal is simple but profound,” said Slim. “When you build food security based on cattle, you start with soil genetics and cow genetics. Today we are here to begin a heritage cattle program for El Salvador that starts small, scales responsibly, and delivers lasting benefits directly to Salvadoran families.”

    The Salvadoran government anticipates this program will:

    * Increase national beef productivity

    * Improve long-term land stewardship

    * Position El Salvador as a regional reference for high-quality cattle genetics

    * Strengthen long-term food self-sufficiency and sovereignty

    A Shared Vision Rooted in Decentralization and Food Sovereignty

    Texas Slim emphasized that decentralizing ranching operations is essential to restoring control over the food supply.

    “Decentralized ranching regenerates land, empowers families, and restores integrity to the food chain,” Slim said. “This is not about exporting control—it’s about rebuilding local capability with global best practices.”

    The program is designed as a long-term national initiative, with Phase One serving as the genetic and operational foundation for broader expansion across El Salvador.

    SECTION TWO: TEXAS SLIM ACQUIRES BEEF.COM – GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE MEETS LOCAL FOOD SECURITY

    In a separate but deeply connected announcement, Texas Slim confirmed that he and his affiliated organizations, including The Beef Initiative, have successfully acquired Beef.com, permanently transitioning it into long-term digital infrastructure for the global beef industry.

    “Beef.com is the foundation we never had — and now we do,” said Slim. “It’s the new cattle drive. The old trails were covered up, but the mission hasn’t changed: move clean, local beef from the producer to the people who need it most.”

    The acquisition represents far more than the transfer of a domain name. It establishes permanent, sovereign digital infrastructure designed to define how beef is trusted, sourced, distributed, and valued globally.

    Financial terms of the transaction remain confidential.

    What Beef.com Means for El Salvador

    With the integration of Beef.com into The Beef Initiative’s mission, El Salvador becomes an early participant in a global digital and agricultural framework focused on:

    * Food transparency and traceability

    * Rancher independence and fair economics

    * National and regional food security

    * Direct producer-to-consumer systems

    Beef.com will serve as a global reference point—connecting local producers to international standards, best practices, education, and market visibility while preserving sovereignty at the local level.

    A Long-Term Vision for Global Beef Infrastructure

    Internal valuation models conservatively estimate Beef.com’s current value at approximately $25 million, with leadership projecting it could evolve into a billion-dollar digital infrastructure asset within three years, driven by:

    * Network effects

    * Direct-to-consumer commerce

    * Institutional adoption

    * Trust-based food systems

    * Ownership of category-defining digital real estate

    This value creation is rooted not in speculation, but in foundational infrastructure ownership.

    Technology, Sovereign AI, and the Future of Ranching

    Beef.com will support sovereign, rancher-controlled technology, including localized AI tools designed to operate at the edge—on ranch-owned systems—ensuring producers retain ownership of their data and decisions.
    “The future of beef is not centralized technology imposed on producers,” Slim said. “It is rancher-controlled technology that reinforces independence, trust, and self-reliance.”

    Transaction Advisory

    The acquisition of Beef.com was brokered by Fred Mercaldo, Founder and CEO of OmniWorldMedia.com, following a 16-month global search involving stakeholders across the Americas, the Middle East, and emerging beef-producing nations.
    “Our conclusion was unanimous,” said Mercaldo. “Beef.com represents foundational infrastructure for the global beef industry. Texas Slim is the right steward for this moment.”

    Media & Partnership Inquiries
    📩 TexasSlim@Beef.com
    
📩 Ruffshot@Beef.com

    Fred Mercaldo
    Omni World Media
    +1 602-859-3786
    FM@OmniWorldMedia.com
    Visit us on social media:
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  • Huug Reaches U.S. Patent Milestone for EnMeshed Tech as Demand Grows for Washable, Dryer-Safe Bras

    Huug advances a U.S. patent milestone for EnMeshed Tech as demand grows for wire-free, foam-free bras that are fully machine washable and dryer safe.

    Women want bras that keep up with the way they actually live. They move between work, workouts, travel, and home. The product needs to support that reality without extra effort.”

    — Jennifer Doll, Cofounder and Designer

    NEW YORK, NY, UNITED STATES, February 9, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Huug, the washable and dryer-safe intimates brand, is scaling as demand grows for bras engineered to perform in everyday life.

    Established in 2023, Huug was built to bring innovation to one of the most worn garments in a woman’s wardrobe. While traditional bras still rely on foam, underwire, and delicate-care construction, Huug bras are designed with its proprietary technology, EnMeshed Tech, to help maintain shape through repeated wear and wash. All styles are wire-free, foam-free, fully machine washable, and dryer safe.

    “Women want bras that keep up with the way they actually live,” said Jennifer Doll, cofounder and designer of Huug, who brings more than 25 years of experience designing bras for major national brands. “They move between work, workouts, travel, and home. The product needs to support that reality without extra effort.”

    Huug’s technology-led approach has resonated with consumers seeking versatility, durability, and fewer compromises. Customers frequently purchase multiple bras at a time and return regularly, reflecting a shift away from occasional replacement toward building a dependable everyday wardrobe.

    Huug’s momentum is reinforced by strong commercial performance. Following a $6 million Series A led by Kaylim Capital, the company is on track to exceed $10 million in revenue in the coming year. Huug has sold over 100,000 bras in the past year, driven by high repeat purchasing and sustained demand.

    “Bras are worn every single day, yet the category has remained largely unchanged,” said Eli Blumstein, cofounder and chief executive officer. “We started Huug to bring innovation to an essential product. Our focus is to build fewer, better styles that can scale across silhouettes, sizes, and categories.”

    Huug’s current assortment includes core bra and underwear styles, with plans to expand silhouettes, sizing, and categories as the brand continues to grow. The company is also exploring broader retail distribution, building on early boutique partnerships and expanding access to its products through additional channels.

    About Huug
    Founded in 2023 by veteran bra designer Jennifer Doll and entrepreneur Eli Blumstein, Huug is a women-founded intimates brand focused on comfort, durability, and modern construction. Huug bras are wire-free, foam-free, and built with EnMeshed Tech. All styles are fully machine washable and dryer safe, designed to support real life wear. Huug products are OEKO-TEX® certified and third-party tested to meet strict safety standards.

    Media Contact:
    Michaela Mulhaney
    www.huug.com

    Michaela Mulhaney
    Huug
    email us here

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