The 2023 Independent Spirit Awards was held, just inches from the sand in Santa Monica, CA and it was absolutely Everything…Everywhere All At Once.
Read the intimate interview and learn more about the multi-hyphenate creative who has been collaborating with beverage brand DIAGEO and celebrating creativity.
THE EVOLUTION OF QUEEN OF VIBES
Just with one look and you know that dress is QUEEN OF VIBES! The upcoming and iconic Label stays true to its vision:
There’s an all-new boy band on the scene, and you’ll want to learn their names right now. Based out of Orlando, home of iconic boy bands like Backstreet Boys, N’Sync and O-Town, the boys of No Lonely Hearts were brought together through an extensive nationwide audition process. The band is made up of Alex Valentino, from New Jersey, Brian Inerfeld and Oliver Fox, both from Florida, Aidan Pregan, from Pennsylvania, and Dylan Williams, from Texas. The boys have formed a brotherhood between living together and creating their music, and in turn, their styles flow together beautifully in their work. Read our exclusive interview with the NLH boys below!
The accolades continue. Last week de Armas was nominated for an Oscar for Best Actress. Although there’s already been controversy over the nominees in that category, none of that has revolved around de Armas, whose nomination was expected and well deserved
Starz’s BMF returned for its second season earlier this month and a few days after it premiered, news broke that the successful series is being renewed for its third season.
Meg Baird referred to her new album as consolable. In ‘Furling’ (2023), she explored various memories, daydreams, and conversations. With a misty sound, Baird moved the reader through loose threads. Her beautiful voice remained unmistakable. Dubby Bristol ambiences and 1960s English folk music became clear album influences. ‘Furling’ (2023) became Baird’s fourth solo album.
The Knockturnal: We ask, why a tequila company?
Kristopher DeSoto: Having been raised in Texas, I was introduced to tequila early on and since then, I’ve traveled throughout Mexico extensively and spent nearly 8 years living there. In that time, I noticed that tequilas south of the border were often different from those found on US shelves, the flavors and aromas more robust and expressive. When I moved back to the US after a decade abroad, I was surprised to find that many of the new tequila brands that had become popular were nearly unrecognizable within their flavor to what I knew tequila to be. So, I decided that a traditional, honest tequila crafted from the finest ingredients should be available in the US.
I have not had a linear career path and for the majority of it I worked in helicopter sales and marketing for some of the largest manufacturers. That experience, along with my deep-rooted passion for travel, led me to explore over 50 countries and live on multiple continents by my mid-30’s. That cultural exposure is the best education I could have imagined and influenced what I’m doing today.
Speaking on our brand, a hiatus is a break, pause, or interruption in continuity. In other words, taking time away from the daily routine. Ultimately this is what every culture I’ve encountered aspires to when they are enjoying their adult beverages. We are all trying to have that little escape when we take a break to enjoy our favorite libation. The brand name is literal in that way.
Hiatus Tequila speaks for itself. We put all our focus on what’s inside the bottle, not how fancy the packaging is or what celebrity is pushing it. Respecting traditional processes and the integrity of the farmers and producers involved are key to a product that we can be extremely proud of. Real is good and tastes great!
The Knockturnal: What inspired you to start Hiatus Tequila?
Kristopher DeSoto: I’ve always loved agave spirits, especially tequila, but so much of what we find available on the US side of the border is mass-produced and “watered down” with artificial flavors and especially sweeteners. Long story short, I wanted to make real tequila as I knew it from living in Mexico. My goal was to introduce American consumers to what high quality, authentic tequila can and should taste like. It is vital for me to highlight the true celebrities of the tequila world, who are the hard-working farmers and amazing people that create this complex spirit that is deeply engraved in their culture.
The Knockturnal: What is your favorite tequila cocktail?
Kristopher DeSoto: Honestly, I like to taste the tequila, so less is more. A Hiatus Tequila soda with a twist of lime is full of the natural flavors and aromas that I love, and the fewer ingredients involved also means less calories! But I typically will drink any of our tequila expressions neat at room temperature or possibly with a few rocks if I’m feeling fancy. Tequila can be used in any classic cocktail; with both clear and aged expressions you can basically substitute tequila in nearly any cocktail. Añejo “Old Fashion”, Blanco “Dirty Martini”, Reposado “Mule”….to name a few.
The Knockturnal: What makes your tequila different from other brands?
Kristopher DeSoto: We believe less is more. Our tequilas are all natural, no added artificial flavors, colors, or sweeteners. We age our reposado and añejo long enough to add unique characteristics but not so long that we lose the complexity of the agave, which is what tequila is all about. We know what we are and don’t try to be something we are not. We make tequila for tequila people, the old-fashioned way. The vast majority of tequila sold in the US is mass produced in very industrialized ways, that while can technically be called tequila, is far from the aromas and flavors that good tequila is meant to express.
The Knockturnal: Any advice that you would give to someone starting their own alcohol brand?
Kristopher DeSoto: Be patient. Everything will take much longer than you can imagine. When you think it is time to expand, wait another 6 months. Going too far too fast is not the path to success. And finally, this industry never sleeps, so be ready to work around the clock and particularly on holidays when everyone else is enjoying what your created!
The Knockturnal: Are there any new exciting projects/news you can tell us about?
Kristopher DeSoto: We can’t give away our secrets, so stay tuned! But we can say that we have a small production run concept in the works for the near term, and of course some big ambition for the longer term.
The Knockturnal: What are you and your team most looking forward to in the new year?
Kristopher DeSoto: We look forward to educating even more consumers and industry professionals about our favorite spirit! Knowledge is power they say. The more we know, the better decisions we make which ultimately helps keep our industry healthy. Millions of new consumers have started exploring the tequila category for the first time in the last few years. The market has seen a flood of new brands and there is generally very little information available where consumers drink or buy their tequila. Hospitality and alcohol retail professionals are the gatekeepers and the main source of information for their consumers. We, at Hiatus Tequila focus on education to all of these audiences, which is one of the most rewarding parts of our job!
To keep up with Hiatus Tequila check out the links below!
Website: https://hiatustequila.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hiatustequila/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HiatusTequila/
Amazon Studios presents Sleazyworld Go, the event gave fans a chance to get a first look at the Kansas City native presenting his music and story in his own words. After a brief interview breaking down his upbringing, Sleazyworld made it clear that those same circumstances were instrumental in the way that he developed his own sound and was able to handle all that has come with his current fame.
The intimate setting complimented Sleazyworld Go’s quiet confidence as he took his time and carefully and clearly answered each question- it was clear that he understood how big of an opportunity he was receiving as he sheaded a light on the fact that there are but a few rappers coming out of his city.
“I think what I am doing now is big- but I want to make a way for the artist’s down the line. Like, in ten years I want my city to look like Atlanta, Memphis- you know what I mean.”
Going into deep dive, Sleazyworld discussed some of the main influences that made his project “Where The Shooters At” exactly what it is.
While he is known for the hard hitting anthems, he mentioned showcasing his ability to make slower love songs- such as his single that was released in August of this year “India Me”. In the song Sleazyworld Go elaborates on his fantasy of finding a female that will stick by his side through thick and thin. A rare sight to see an artist this early into his development willing to experiment with his sound, especially when he has already developed a formula that has been successful thus far.
Shortly after the interview wrapped, Sleazyworld Go proceeded to show those in attendance as well as those live streaming exactly what they came for. His soft spoken energy disappeared almost immediately as he showcased his high energy that worked almost hand in hand with his music.
From his smash hit single-”Sleazy Flow” to the single he elaborated on “India Me” he did not hold back anything. It felt like he had an endless supply of energy once he began performing, each song carrying the energy that the previous song had held. Throughout the entirety of the performance- one thing was evident, the sky’s the limit in terms of potential.
Make some room on your fall playlist for acclaimed 19-year-old singer-songwriter Brynn Cartelli’s new song “Convertible in the Rain”