In 2019, hit HBO show Euphoria took the world by storm.
The newest Holiday EP from internationally acclaimed jazz artist Spiros Exaras is here, and The Knockturnal got the inside scoop. Exaras’s first ever original holiday single “The Magic of Christmas”, released on December 1st, brings joy to the world. Exaras is known for his impressive fusion of different musical elements, notably in his Greek- Cuban collaboration with Elio Villafranca, “Old Waters, New River” as well as in his signature Blue Note album “Phrygianics”. Along with title “The Magic of Christmas”, Spiros Exaras also released a second Christmas track titled “Christmas Wish”. In the title track, “The Magic of Christmas”, Spiros’ resonant guitar sound meets with Don Braden’s distinctive sax, and Eugene Ruffolo’s smooth vocals to create what is sure to be a future Christmas classic.
Inspiration for “The Magic of Christmas” struck when Spiros’ daughter was studying abroad and was unable to join the family in decorating the Christmas tree. With love and imagination, Spiros and Ileana decided to co-write a song expressing the holiday cheer that magically unites people, no matter the distance. A jolly journey of two solos is followed by a line in Spiros Exaras’ native language, Greek. “Ding, dong! Christou’genna pantou,’” (Christmas is everywhere), wishing happy holidays from his home to the world. Indeed, The Magic of Christmas knows no borders. The second track, Christmas Wish, is a heartfelt song about lending a hand to those less fortunate. It is a wish for a world where holiday joy is not a privilege for the few, but can spread to all people. Amanda Homi’s soulful voice along with Caryl Paisner’s stunning cello interpretation blend with Spiros’ dynamic arrangement to create a song that is both touching and hopeful. The Magic of Christmas EP is a joyful sleigh ride, a cheerful stroll through a sparkling city, and gift of heartwarming melodies that once opened, will bring smiles to all its listeners.
Check out our interview with guitarist, composer, producer Spiros Exaras below and don’t forget to check out the music video for “The Magic of Christmas” along with “Christmas Wish” now on YouTube and Spotify.
Tell us about your new song
In my family, we have a tradition of decorating the Christmas tree together while listening to Christmas songs- jazzy Christmas songs. One year my daughter, Ileana, was studying abroad and couldn’t join us for this annual tradition, so we decided to unite in a different way: by writing a song that we could look forward to listening the next holiday season we’d get to spend together as a family.
It had to be Christmas song- a jazzy Christmas song. If you listen to the lyrics, you’ll get to hear holiday spirit from four cities, all of which Ileana and myself have travelled to: Paris, London, Moscow, and of course, New York. “The Magic of Christmas” is about the joy- bearing holiday energy that knows no borders, and that brings us together no matter the distance.
It’s available on all streaming services, but Apple subscribers exclusively can also listen to the Atmos mix for a more cinematic and immersive experience.
What was the creative process behind it?
You would think that after being exposed to so many holiday songs in one’s life, writing them would be second nature, but its not so! If it’s a Christmas song, you want it to “sound” like Christmas. The challenge then, is trying to think about the song rationally- as in trying to come up with festive harmonies and thinking about traditional instruments like bells, while also trying to make it come from the heart- and that’s when all the thinking you’ve put in finally translates into emotion. After weeks of thinking and writing nothing, my daughter, Ileana, sent me a picture of herself in front of Saint Basil’s Church in Moscow, a historic landmark. As if by magic, memories came back to mind and the first lyrics landed: “Christmas in Moscow’s Saint Basil, Ding Dong, Saint Patrick’s in New York”. I sent the draft to the ‘master’ to finish it brilliantly. This is the first time Ileana and I wrote lyrics together.
What are some of your favorite holiday songs?
Holiday songs are more than just melody: they are memory, they are hope, and they can inspire comfort even in not so comforting times. Some songs that are timeless for me are “I’ll be Home for Christmas” “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”, and “Carol of the Bells”. I believe these songs have the power to bring moments of heartwarming unity. Joni Mitchell’s “River” is also an important and beautiful song, showing the angst that can be hidden behind the lights and ornaments of the season.
How was collaborating with your daughter?
Being able to work with Ileana is a blessing. I trust her and take her opinion very seriously. She is in touch with her generation, and her academic and experiential knowledge from living in different countries ensures that I stay up-to-date with the times, and reconsider any ideas that may be old fashioned, both in the music industry and in life. It is important to build a relationship of honest communication and respect with your children. You grow together, and most importantly, these are values that your children will export to society. It all starts in the family. Of course, at times we are both “stubborn Greeks” but that’s because we set the bar high. She has a great gift for translating the emotion I want to communicate into lyrics.
What’s next for you?
Next up, I’m working on a concept album with 11 songs inspired by ancient Greek mythology. You’ll be able to hear exotic rhythms, ethnic instruments, and progressive harmonies mixed with cool electronic sounds. It’ll be performed with my band, World-Jazz Ensemble. If you’re into myths, heroes, gods, and goddesses, stay tuned for a “mythical” jazz twist!
In the meantime, you can get an acoustic glimpse of a Greek-folklore fusion, featuring santurist Loukia Valasi (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vz63BOf0frk). Finally you can check out another very important project from this past year: a video for “La Ruta”, a song co-written with Jeremy Ryan dedicated to refugees who risk their lives for a better future, with original images from the Syria- Turkey Border, Greece, Serbia, and the United States, by acclaimed photographer Craig Ruttle and original text from NYU psychoanalyst Dr. Spyros Orfanos. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3-68KxF-bY)
What about “Christmas Wish”, the second holiday song you released this season?
The holiday season in New York City is a gift in itself, bringing in a rush of love, compassion, and gratitude. Not everybody, however, receives this love and compassion. “Christmas Wish” is a reminder not to lose sight of our consideration for others amidst the shopping and the sparkling spectacles. It’s a song that I hope will inspire those with a big enough hand, to lend it to those who do not have their basic needs met, physical and emotional. I hope that everyone will have something to feel grateful for this season. That is my wish.
Cover art by Pau Yaniz Gonzalez
The Witcher has returned with the long-awaited season two.
Holiday spirit still lingers on top of Hollywood after Katie Welch and Jordan Kuker’s 8th annual Toys for Tots spectacular. With special appearances by youtube sensation Gigi Gorgeous along with Adam Lambert wrapping up some amazing holiday singing performances, the party was a show-stopping event.
We arrived to the beautiful Yamashiro Hollywood restaurant and were immediately floored by how beautiful the venue was. The restaurant sits above all of Hollywood with spectacular view that wraps around the whole exterior. We were escorted by staff to a seperate room on the side of the restaurant with a red carpet outside. On the carpet we watched as many celebrities dropped off their toys in the Toys for Tots bins before having a few photos snapped. Toys for Tots is a program run by the United States Marine Corps Reserve which distributes toys to children who don’t receive gifts for Christmas. Once we entered inside the venue we were met with an amazing sushi buffet, hot chocolate bar, and photo booth amongst other fun things. Guests enjoyed SNAX-Sational Brands’ Candy Pop and Cookie Pop’s two new original holiday flavors Cookie Pop Popcorn Iced Gingerbread and Candy Pop Popcorn Peppermint Hot Chocolate. We also had the opportunity to join in on some auction items like paintings and weekend getaways which all also benefited the Toys for Tots event. After grabbing a bite to eat we walked out into the courtyard area.
The Yamashiro Hollywood courtyard was absolutely stunning complete with koi ponds and bonsai trees in a traditional Japanese style. While we enjoyed the delicious snacks and beverages, there was a DJ was setting the mood for the rest of the party with a delightful holiday set list. After more guests had arrived the holiday performances began. The event opened with a dance performance inspired by 2004 cult classic Mean Girls complete with santa dresses and hats. After that hosts Katie Welch and Johnny Wujek introduced tons of amazing singing acts after performing a couple numbers themselves. The singing performances wrapped up with Grammy award nominee and singing legend Adam Lambert. The charity event spread tons of holiday cheer and brought Christmas spirit to town while doing tons of good for children in need.
The iconic Matrix franchise is back and ready to offer fans an inside look into the new universe. The Matrix Resurrections, releasing in theaters December 22, 2021 and streaming on HBO Max, is the fourth installment in The Matrix film series. The new film follows the third installment almost 18 years later and it did not disappoint. The Matrix Resurrections brings back the iconic cast from previous Matrix movies like Keanu Reeves, Carrie-Anne Moss, Lambert Wilson, and Jada Pinkett Smith who are also now being joined by Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jessica Henwick, Jonathan Groff, Neil Patrick Harris, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, and Christina Ricci. Producer, director, and writer Lana Wachowski recreates the Matrix universe in a way that appeals to previous fans of the Matrix universe as well as those who have never seen them before. Little has been teased about The Matrix Resurrections, but Lana Wachowski hopes to invite fans to return to a world of two realities. The two realities test the limits of everyday life and what lies behind it. The film follows Mr. Anderson who attempts to find out if his reality is a construct going on a self-discovery journey attempting to truly know himself.
Check out our interviews with Carrie-Anne Moss, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jessica Henwick, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas and don’t forget to watch The Matrix Resurrections in theaters and on streaming platform HBO Max starting December 22, 2021 and let us know what you think!
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♬ Hall of Fame (feat. will.i.am) - The Script
The Kurt Warner story is not one many would say they are too familiar with, but after watching The American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story no one will be able to stop raving about how inspirational and moving it truly is. American Underdog is an uplifting true story that demonstrates that anything is possible when you have faith, family and determination. American Underdog, directed by the Erwin Brothers, stars Zachary Levi who plays Kurt Warner and Anna Paquin who plays Brenda Warner. The inspirational true story follows the journey of Kurt Warner who goes from being a stock boy at a grocery store to a two-time NFL MVP, Super Bowl champion, and Hall of Fame quarterback. While following the journey of Kurt, the audience is also able to learn more about his wife Brenda who also deals with many of her own struggles and challenges that she is able to persevere through with the motivation and help of her faith. As Kurt Warner begins to fall in love with Brenda, his plans and aspirations to become an NFL player slowly become derailed. Through thick and thin Brenda remains by his side and with the help of his coaches, teammates, family, and friends Warner is able to overcome his challenges and find the strength to finally prove to the world the champion that he already is.
Once we arrived at the red carpet of the beautiful and historic TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood we were greeted by a team of cheerleaders performing and welcoming all the guests. We got the opportunity to speak to the cast and crew of The American Underdog: The Kurt Warner Story. Along with cast and crew, we also had the chance to speak to executive producers and inspiration behind the movie, Kurt and Brenda Warner. Incredibly gracious and kind, Kurt and Brenda talked about what having a movie about them means, and what they hope audiences will take away after watching it. Kurt said, “The exciting part is to know that people thought that our story was good enough that it could impact people.” After being able to watch the premiere as well, The Knockturnal can surely say this movie definitely did what it had set out to do. Not an eye was left dry after watching the moving film about the humble and hardworking story of Kurt and Brenda Warner.
After the movie premiere Los Angeles Rams fans amongst those in the audience began to cheer and scream in joy, transporting the whole audience to the stadium of a football game. This energy carried on to the after party as well. When we arrived at the beautiful Sunset Room in Hollywood we were greeted with the amazing site of Kurt Warner’s actual football jerseys. Inside the venue projectors played footage from the movie as well as family photos of the Warner family. With tons of great music, food, and drinks the night ended out on a very uplifting and festive note.
Check out our interviews with actors Zachary Levi, Anna Paquin, Brett Varvel, directors Andrew and Jon Erwin, executive producers and inspiration behind the film Kurt and Brenda Warner on the red carpet and don’t forget to check out our official TikTok @theknockturnal.com for more behind the scenes content!
(Photos credit: EPK American Underdog Los Angeles Premiere)
After five long years, Sing 2 is finally here. Fans of the first Sing movie have been anticipating what was next for the franchise and Sing 2 did not disappoint. Opening to the public on December 22, 2021 Sing 2, written and directed by acclaimed returning filmmaker Garth Jennings, follows the story of Buster Moon and all of his animal performers while they get ready to take on the stage again.
Buster Moon is tasked with trying to find and persuade the world’s most reclusive rock star to join them in their performance. As Buster attempts to make this dream into a reality the audience goes through an emotional rollercoaster learning how healing the power of music can really be and how music can heal even the most broken heart. Sing 2 is sure to be a box office hit with returning all-star cast such as Matthew McConaughey, Reese Witherspoon, Scarlett Johansson, Taron Egerton, Tori Kelly, and Nick Kroll along with additional new characters played by Pharrell Williams, Halsey, Letitia Wright, Bobby Cannavale, Nick Offerman, Eric Andre and Chelsea Peretti, and rock legend Bono. The movie also features the original song “Your Song Saved My Life” by Bono and The Edge from legendary Irish rock band U2. The song “Your Song Saved my Life” being their first project in three years. Bono making his animated film debut playing reclusive former rockstar Clay Colloway told us, “It took this movie to get me to write this song to write it out, and I’m really grateful to this film and it was fun getting in touch with my inner big cat.”
Sing 2 also features an array of new songs that combine dozens of classic rock and pop hit songs that the audience is sure to enjoy. With the all-star casts electrifying performances and Illumination’s signature humor and heart, Sing 2 is on track to be the feel-good movie of the year that the whole family can enjoy.
Check out our interviews with actors Matthew McConaughey, Scarlett Johansson, Reese Witherspoon, Eric André, Tori Kelly, Executive Music Producer and CEO of The Recording Academy Harvey Mason Jr., and Bono and The Edge from U2 on the red carpet and don’t forget to check out our official TikTok for more behind the scenes content!
Yesterday The Knockturnal had the opportunity to check out the American Express x NBA 2K22 Experience kick-off event now open to the public December 11th from 11am to 8pm and December 12th from 1:30pm to 7:30pm. Located at 901 W. Olympic Boulevard, Los Angeles there’s tons of reasons to go check it out! While we were there we got to sit down with seven-time NBA All-Star Paul George from the Los Angeles Clippers and watch him go head to head with two-time WNBA champion Breanna Stewart from the Seattle Storms. While they played a couple of rounds of NBA 2K22 and WNBA 2K22 while answering some questions live on Twitch, we got to check out all the great perks the American Express x NBA 2K22 Experience had to offer.
The event features free NBA 2K digital merchandise, a face scan studio, immersive sights and sounds like the “Infinity Cube”, and access to exclusive physical merchandise and services.
To claim limited-time digital merchandise for their NBA 2K MyPLAYERs, Amex Card Members will be able to select their clothes and shoes and add them to their digital lockers. The Face Scan Studio allows 2K fans to take high quality face scans and upload them into the game to personalize their MyPLAYERs. After upgrading your MyPLAYERs you can head over to the “Infinity Cube” with its wall to wall mirrors to get the perfect social media post or you can head over to get your complimentary shoes cleaning. Before heading out you can check out all the amazing physical exclusive merchandise.
American Express partnered with 2K to give tons of benefits to their card members. Some perks for Card Members who purchase NBA 2K22 on the 2K Store with their Amex Card can receive 35,000 in virtual currency that can be spent on in-game purchases. Also if you purchase NBA 2K22 with your Amex Card you’ll receive Jersey Assurance for a full year for a free replacement jersey as well as unique team and venue perks in select markets amongst many other things. Go check it out and let us know what you think, and don’t forget to check out our official TikTok for more exclusive footage from the event @theknockturnal.com (https://www.tiktok.com/@theknockturnal.com? ).
NBA star Paul George and WNBA star Breanna Stewart face-off in a live NBA 2K22 game at the American Express x NBA 2K22 experience on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, in Los Angeles. (Kyusung Gong/American Express via AP Images)
American Express, NBA & NBA 2K celebrate partnership renewal with the launch of the American Express x NBA 2K22 experience on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, in Downtown Los Angeles. (Kyusung Gong/American Express via AP Images)
(Photo credit: Associated Press for American Express)
We were lucky enough to join in all the fun while team Wagmor Pets worked diligently to find all the puppies a forever home right before the holidays. When we arrived, we were escorted by The Peninsula staff to the Verandah Room Patio where we were greeted by the Wagmor Pets team and the familiar sound of puppies playing and barking inside their playpens. There was a total of 13 mixed breed puppies as well as a few adult dogs that we got to sit down and play with. While we sat with all the lovable dogs, we got to witness a myriad of people interested in bringing a furry friend home come in and sit with each dog to see which one might be the best fit. Throughout this the Wagmor Pets staff were very attentive, coming and checking in on everyone and their dog to answer questions or just to comment on how adorable all the puppies were. Along with checking in with everyone, Team Wagmor was also making sure the puppies had everything they needed, constantly cleaning the pens, and changing out their water. On site, the Wagmor staff had tablets to fill out applications as well as an adoption coordinator so those who found their best friend could take them home at the end of the event.
We got the chance to speak to founder Melissa Bacelar who was no doubt passionate about her cause. She spoke to us a bit on what Wagmor Pets goals were and some of their accomplishments from the past year saying, “We are an independent dog rescue. Our main facility is in Studio City, but we are also foster based. Today we brought in about 13 puppies that we rescued from the Bakersfield area as well as some of our adult dogs all coming from different situations. Our goal is to find the perfect fit for all these dogs and in the past year we have rescued over 5,000 dogs.” Her enthusiasm was contagious seeing how hard it was to walk away from the event without a puppy.
If you are interested in checking out any of the puppies and other dogs still up for adoption you can visit Wagmor Pets website (wagmorpets.org), fill out an application, wait for an adoption coordinator to contact you, and finally be matched with a beautiful dog.
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