#left his country to start a new chapter of his career across the pond

[el-cheung]

🏆 Emmy and Golden Globes Winner 🏆

[trh-thesussexes]

Inside Duchess Meghan’s Emotional Farewell to Royal Life at a Private Engagement

It was supposed to be a quiet day off in the countryside until my phone went berserk—the staccato buzz I set for palace correspondence almost sending it off the table. “His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is delighted to announce the engagement of Prince Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle,” the November 27, 2017, email read, followed by a note inviting royal correspondents to join the couple for a special photo call to mark the occasion. A few road rules may have been bent to make the 80-ish mile drive from Oxfordshire to Kensington Palace—in traffic—but it was worth it. Standing by the lily-covered Sunken Pond as Harry shared his joy at finally finding his teammate, it was the perfect start to a chapter that would finally bring the royal family into the 21st century. Over the months and years that followed, I closely shadowed the work of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, getting to know the couple better through their humanitarian endeavors, engagements, and overseas visits. Their high-energy work ethic and passion for social justice attracted a new, more diverse demographic of royal watcher to the scene. As a young(ish), biracial royal correspondent, the change was exciting. And as their popularity grew around the world, so did a new golden era for the House of Windsor. Never did I expect that less than two and half years later I would be standing in one of the State Rooms at Buckingham Palace as the Duchess of Sussex emotionally bids much-loved aides farewell, with her flight “home” to Canada leaving in a matter of hours. But then, neither did the couple. After starting the year with a formal proposal to move into part-time working royal roles, and bring some much-needed privacy and safety to their family life, Harry and Meghan’s hopes were quickly dashed by an institution seemingly unable to accept change as a viable option (even though some royals across Europe—and even other members of the British royal family—have succeeded in balancing duties to the crown and individual careers). To say they were crushed is an understatement. It’s a decision that the couple still feel wasn’t necessary, but also wasn’t a surprise, given the lack of support they received as they were relentlessly attacked by sections of the British press with almost daily mistruths and hateful commentary. While recent tabloid coverage has made it seem like the Sussexes’ half-in-half-out bid was about wanting it all, the reality was a couple who were left with no other choice but to create their own change after being left to fend for themselves against impossible circumstances—even during her pregnancy. They knew something had to change, but they also didn’t want to stop supporting the queen. One can’t help but wonder if things might have been different if a family member or two had stood up for them during the darkest times. Despite the pain and difficulties behind the scenes, work has continued to be a priority for the duchess, who is excited to be carrying over her four royal patronages into the Sussexes’ new chapter. It’s also the reason why I was at Buckingham Palace's 1844 Room on Monday, having been invited alongside two other journalists to cover Meghan’s final engagement as a senior working royal: meeting 22 students who have received scholarships from the Association of Commonwealth Universities (ACU). As their royal patron—a role she took over from the queen in 2019—Meghan will continue to prioritize the organization even after officially stepping back on March 31, especially given her position as the vice president of the Queen’s Commonwealth Trust and a former scholarship student herself. In fact, Meghan’s time at Illinois’s prestigious Northwestern University, where she majored in international relations and theater, is what drew her to the ACU in the first place. “The value and importance of higher education is why it should be accessible to everyone, no matter your background,” she says. For Commonwealth Day, March 9, the ACU brought together some of their brightest minds for a private meeting with the duchess, ahead of their attendance at Westminster Abbey’s Commonwealth Service, where some would bear the flags of their countries. The students are all studying masters or PhDs in the U.K. after receiving scholarships from the ACU’s three programs—Commonwealth Scholars, Chevening Scholars, and the ACU Blue Charter Fellow. “That’s what so powerful,” says Meghan, a long-time champion of the importance of universal access to higher education. “This incredible union and the ability to gain so much knowledge and to be able to take that back home.” Chatting with the scholars, the duchess is eager to hear more about how their studies will contribute to tackling the many challenges our world faces today. As she talks with the students, it becomes clear that she’s already done her research on why each guest was invited. It’s inspiring to seeing someone so prepared for these types of engagements, as opposed to just showing up for the photographs. But Meghan doesn’t know any other way of doing it. “I think it’s so important to actually engage with people,”she explains.“I care about these things!” The ACU has seen over 90,000 scholars come through their administered programs, and those invited to Monday’s meeting represent 11 Commonwealth countries in total. Halima Ali, a lawyer from Kenya who is currently studying for her masters in energy and natural resources law at London’s Queen Mary University, says Meghan’s role as patron is hugely important. “For Commonwealth and also Africa countries,” she says,“to see her, her interest, her participation, means a lot to us.” Meghan seems particularly impressed as she chats with Archana Kaliyaraj Selva Kumar, a chemistry student at Oxford University, who has devoted much of her time to using her research to create a new sustainable energy-storing battery that can help communities back in India without wired power. She is also an advocate for helping more women get into science. “What an incredible role model you are,” Meghan tells her. “And seeing is believing. Others see you and ... seeing someone in that space is so inspiring.” During a conversation with a female PhD student from Kenya, Meghan’s eyes light up when the subject of sustainable travel comes up. “That’s something my husband is incredibly passionate about,” she tells the Sheffield Hallam University student. “During our travels to Botswana and different parts of Africa, we’ve seen the link between tourism and how much money is going outside of the country instead of back to communities. There has to be a symbiotic relationship.” For her own travels with Harry, Meghan prefers to move around in a way that allows them to integrate with the locals. “When we go to Botswana, we grab a backpack and pitch a tent!” Meghan laughs. “It’s not much, but that’s how we like it!” Standing at the side of the room, I spot Secretary General of the ACU Joanna Newman looking on proudly. She came to know the duchess well from their numerous ACU engagements and meetings together, and is excited about their relationship continuing long into the future. “She has been a fantastic amplifier of ACU messages to much broader audiences for us,” she tells me, adding that her patronage has given the ACU coverage in places they could have never reached before, including Harper's BAZAAR. She calls Meghan a powerful spokesperson, recalling how she started public conversations about the lack of Black professors and even period poverty.>“The headlines haven’t been about what our patron is wearing or the official engagement started at this time and ended at that time and there was a cup of tea in the middle, it’s about why we are doing what we do and why ACU exists. She’s been a real champion of the work that universities do.” The ACU meeting came at the end of what Sussex aides have nicknamed a “farewell tour” for Harry and Meghan—a chance to tie up loose ends at the palace while taking on a slew of final royal engagements. The itinerary has been packed, starting when I joined the Duke of Sussex in Edinburgh, Scotland, on February 26 as his sustainable travel initiative, Travalyst, entered its next development phase. The ambitious project will be a key component of the Sussexes’ philanthropic portfolio, and it’s become extremely clear just how important the cause is to Harry, who regularly takes part in meetings behind the scenes. Chatting with him one-on-one recently, I was struck by how knowledgeable he has become in this field; his many trips to Botswana inspired the beginnings of the initiative more than a year ago. As one of the attendees at the Edinburgh work summit whispered to me after his speech, “He’s about to change the game for good.” Reuniting after five days apart, Harry and Meghan’s showstopping arrival at the Endeavour Fund Awards served as a reminder of their ability to command the world’s attention. “Nothing to see here, just Meghan Markle showing the fuck out during her final round of royal duties,” wrote a Twitter user, as the pictures of the couple beaming under their umbrella went viral around the world. Inside the ceremony, the focus was firmly on the veterans being honored, all speaking highly of the duke, or Captain Wales, as he’s better known in the veteran community. It’s that mission to support servicemen and servicewomen that has seen Harry pledge to continue to support the community in his new non-working royal life, not just in the United Kingdom but also in North America too. The first task? Bringing the work of the Endeavour Fund and Invictus Games, both of which he helped establish, closer together. Harry’s lifelong commitment is why Saturday’s Mountbatten Festival of Music was a particularly difficult moment, wearing his Captain General of the Royal Marines uniform for the last time. Giving up his royal duties has resulted in his military honors coming to an end—a particularly tough pill to swallow and something that has been just as difficult for his wife to witness. It is, a source close to the couple tells me, a wound that will take time to heal for Harry. Meghan’s surprise appearance at an East London school for International Women’s Day and more traditional royal engagements such as Harry opening an immersive British motorsport museum alongside Lewis Hamilton (“There's nothing better than officially opening a building that is very much open,” the duke joked about the Silverstone Experience, which first opened its doors in October 2019) that rounded out what has been a roller coaster of a farewell visit for the Sussexes. Getting on with the work has always been what it’s been about for Harry and Meghan, but behind the smiles of the photos has been a vulnerable couple who are still very much hurting. Back at Buckingham Palace, the ACU students now en route to Westminster Abbey and Harry quietly slipping through the door to say hello, the reality—and the emotions—finally set in as I give Meghan a goodbye hug. She’s flying back to Canada on the last commercial flight of the day, eager to be back in Vancouver Island to be there when Archie wakes up. For a couple who only ever wanted to focus on their work and bring good to the world, it seems like an unnecessarily cruel ending to their royal lives. Forced to give up roles they’re incredibly proud of after sacrificing so much to get there. At this point, the grand Drawing Room is almost empty and tears that the duchess had been bravely holding back are free to flow among familiar faces. As she embraces some of the loyal staff she will most likely not see again, I can’t help but feel sad for the dedicated team members whose tireless efforts—to promote the couple’s work, launch landmark projects, and deal with the near-daily crises brought on by tabloid lies—have come to an abrupt end. Compared to other royal households, it was a smaller operation, with less resources than the more sophisticated offices at Clarence House and Kensington Palace, but in the short space of a year since setting up, Team Sussex had become like a family, looking out for the couple as much as they could. While the weeks and months ahead will no doubt present new challenges for the Sussexes, the couple genuinely feel a sense of excitement about what’s to come, which includes the freedom to work at a pace that suits them, no longer weighed down by protocol or threatened by toxic agendas. And while much has been (incorrectly) speculated about specific commercial endeavors they might be taking on, both Harry and Meghan are eager to get stuck into their work, which will still revolve around their humanitarian efforts and helping amplify the voices of young people around the world on a wide gamut of issues. “The terrain may be a little different but their priorities are exactly the same as before,” a well-placed source tells me. “Keeping the family, most importantly Archie, safe is what will make all of this worth it.” (x)

[listenherereviews]

Favorite Albums, Songs, And Musical Moments Of 2018

2018 was a great year with plenty of new albums, songs, and other musical things that truly make music an amazing art form. As always, this list is in no particular order and it covers music for the entire year. Happy New Year!

 Favorite Albums

Shawn Mendes, self-titled: Releasing his debut album Handwritten in 2015, then 16-year-old Shawn Mendes finally struck it big after finding success on the video platform Vine. Releasing six second videos often from his bedroom in Pickering, Ontario, the teenager struck a chord with young girls and eventually crossed into the adult market with his second album Illuminate (2017.). With his self-titled album being released in May, we finally see Mendes coming into his own as an adult artist. With John Mayer and Justin Timberlake inspired jams, Shawn Mendes is truly a piece of art. And while some of the tracks certainly show Mendes’ age, it is an album that challenges Mendes to be the artist that can successfully break out of the teen mold and the box that critics placed him in with the release of Handwritten.

The Moffatts, Chapter: II: Fresh from a hiatus of 18 years, Canadian sibling band The Moffatts quietly announced their return last year. Performing a few concerts in The Philippines, where the brothers found success in the early days of their mainstream career, the brothers ended up releasing their new EP Chapter: II in November. Comprised of six tracks that not only show how far they’ve come, Chapter: II demonstrates just how good they still are, remaining fresh after so much time away. With rock tracks such as “Secrets,” that play off the sound they left fans with on their 2000 album Submodalities, and a new take on their old country influenced tune, “Love,” The Moffatts haven’t expressed exactly where they will go from here, but Chapter: II better not be the only release from the band, as releasing nothing else would be a missed opportunity.

  

Divided Minds, Mood Swings: While pop punk has struggled to make a comeback after fading from popularity in the mid 2000’s, its bands such as Divided Minds that remind music fans that the genre hasn’t completely faded away. With songs such as “Norterra Parkway,” and “Take My Hand,”from the band’s latest EP Mood Swings, the group knows how to absolutely nail the biting sounds of punk while throwing in the melodic sounds of pop. With a strong EP like Mood Swings, 2019 is bound to the year for Divided Minds.

  5 Seconds of Summer, Meet You There Tour Live: While the Australian four piece has only been around since 2011, it would be unfair to write off the ambitious nature of 5 Seconds of Summer, who just released their second live album Meet You There Tour Live. Releasing their first live album LIVESOS in 2015, the bands magnetic force came through the speakers immediately, making you feel as if you were the room as the band performed. While this album leaves out songs from past albums except for the big hits, there are some real gems on this LP. With an entirely acoustic version of their 2014 hit “Amnesia” and the haunting “Ghost of You,” 5 Seconds of Summer may be young, but you end the record feeling like you need to put the band’s show on your bucket list.

    Coldplay, Live in Buenos Aires: Anyone familiar with Coldplay’s music knows that their live shows are expansive with a sound big enough to comfortably fill an arena. On Live in Buenos Aires, the England based band performs for over an hour, treating fans to their beautiful catalogue with front man Chris Martin taking the title as one of music’s best front men and songwriters. With an enthusiastic crowd to accompany the recording, nothing is left out here, leaving die hard fans deeply satisfied and newcomers wanting to dive deeper into the group’s extensive discography.

  Needtobreathe, Acoustic Live Vol 1: Known for their Southern rock sound and Christian undertones, Needtobreathe is perhaps one of the best rock bands playing in music today. Recorded during the All the Feels Tour at different venues last year, on Acoustic Live Vol 1, Needtobreathe get up close and personal with their fans, stripping things back so that everything feels raw and immediate. While every track is a standout one, it is the performance of “Brother” that wraps up the LP, as one that is addicting and illustrates the band’s talent. Giving the band much authenticity as the group performs the song entirely without mics, it’s as if they are performing at a party or intimate gathering.

Favorite Songs:

We Three, Heaven’s Not Too Far: Making their debut on America’s Got Talent earlier this year, We Three made an emotional debut singing an original tune called “Heaven’s Not Too Far” about their late mother who died from cancer. In addition to the single release, We Three has dropped their self-titled debut album with a music video for “Heaven” that provides stunning visuals of singing in warehouses and a room with a floral pattern. Visually striking, the path looks steady for one of Oregon’s most promising acts, soon to put their hometown of McMinnville on the map.

Endless Summer, Your Own Kinda Beautiful: Making their debut in Nashville several years back, Endless Summer is comprised of Clint and Bob Moffatt, who first made their musical debut in the 1980’s with the Canadian band The Moffatts (who are featured in our best of albums section with Chapter: II.) Always one to strike out on their own, the twin brothers have gone through a slew of projects together before deciding on Endless Summer as their latest venture. While the brothers have released a few singles this year, “Your Own Kinda Beautiful” is one that sticks with you. Beginning with soft acoustic guitars and the brother’s impeccable vocals, it’s a song to easily get lost in as the brothers sing about being grateful for their significant other. Performing authentic country songs is something that the twins seem to be after and songs that tell a good story is also something that the brothers do incredibly well together, gaining fans with each new release.

  Sean And Conor Price, Quit: Appearing on the 2017 UK X Factor, Irish brothers Sean and Conor Price released their mini album Dreamer earlier this year, featuring the hypnotic track “Quit.” Featuring Conor’s gorgeous vocals and brother Sean’s rapping skills, for a band so young (Conor is 16 and Sean is 18,) they’ve got a positive road ahead of them. While they haven’t toured outside of the UK and Ireland yet, we will be patiently waiting for when they come across the pond.

Niall Horan, Finally Free: Ever since his band One Direction went on a hiatus in 2015, it is member Niall Horan who has perhaps made the most impact alongside his band mate Harry Styles. The first member to appear on a soundtrack, Horan lent his chops to the animated film Small Foot, performing his folk stomping tune “Finally Free,” in the end credits of the film. While it was rumored that the producers of the film wanted Horan to write the entire soundtrack for Small Foot, “Finally Free” has a chorus and guitar line big enough to satisfy fans and moviegoers until Horan releases something new.

Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance the Rapper, DJ Khalid, No Brainer: Dropping his album Purpose in 2015, Justin Bieber has come a long way from the train wreck he was becoming in the first half of his career. After gaining what looks to be some much-needed clarity and level headedness, Bieber has released a string of collaborations, all of them total bangers. “No Brainer,” featuring Bieber almost exclusively on vocals alongside Quavo, Chance The Rapper, and DJ Khaled, and quickly becomes one of those tracks that you’ll find yourself nodding your head to, as the chorus becomes ingrained in your memory. The production is top notch too, as the entire team knows what will get their fans ticking, and while it might not be the most artistically minded track of the year, its undeniable bounce only makes up for what it lacks in any historical relevance.

    Other performances:

Photo by: Xadacka Photography

  Brendan Murray, X Factor UK audition, Woman’s Work by Kate Bush:

Getting his start as a 16 year in the boy band Hometown, Galway, Ireland based vocalist Brendan Murray auditioned for the UK X Factor in 2018 singing “We Don’t Have to Take Our Clothes Off,” by Ella Eyre. After being told by judge Simon Cowell that the song didn’t fit his voice, Murray spent the next several hours, learning “Woman’s Work” by Kate Bush. What resulted was an epic audition that was one for the books, compete with comments from judge Robbie Williams and a paper drop of the lyric sheet from Murray that displayed his never give up spirit. While Murray didn’t end up winning the show, his appearance on the X Factor gave his undeniable talent a platform that did not exist before.

      Favorite Albums, Songs, And Musical Moments Of 2018 was originally published on Listen Here Reviews

[mayramoss-blog1]

How David Beckham’s Legacy Continues to Transform Major League Soccer

​As the bronze statue was unveiled outside LA Galaxy‘s stadium, it served as a permanent reminder, a symbol of not just David Beckham’s contribution to the football club, but how he almost single-handedly took a fledgling league and pastime, and promoted it into America’s popular culture and consciousness.

Beckham arrived at the MLS and LA Galaxy in 2007, and over the next six seasons made 98 appearances and scored 18 goals, helping to deliver back-to-back MLS titles in 2011 and 2012 respectively. 

The former ​Manchester United and ​Real Madrid star’s arrival immediately brought a certain level of credibility to the league’s profile, which had been in the doldrums for many years.

Football (or soccer as its known across the pond) in the United States had enjoyed a brief spell of exposure with global mega stars such as Pelé, George Best and Bobby Moore plying their trade with the likes of the New York Cosmos, LA Aztecs and San Antonio Thunder during the 70s and 80s, but the appeal had waned considerably. 

Since 2006, MLS expanded from 12 teams to 20, with average attendance often exceeding that of NBA and NHL games. Clubs started investing in purpose-built soccer stadiums, rather than in the past where had to use the artificial turf in NFL grounds.

LA Galaxy and Beckham’s former coach, Bruce Arena, could see the effect the former United number seven was having on the league, telling ​Reuters in 2015: “The measurement is pretty clear, from 2007, on: how the league has grown with a number of franchises, how the attendance has grown, how the league has been recognised around the world.

“Locally the Galaxy have grown our brand. We have won championships, what more can you say?! Those are pretty impressive credentials for anyone.”

What the MLS got along with one of the best players in the world was the Beckham brand. He was a dream figurehead for anyone looking for promotion, as his brand is one few sports stars could rival or emulate. He became the star the MLS were looking for to take them to the next level. 

Former teammate Landon Donovan described what LA Galaxy became to the man on the street after Beckham arrived, saying: “Before David came and someone walked down the street and you said, ‘I play for LA Galaxy’ and they would say ‘who’s that?’ After David left, if you say you play for LA Galaxy, people reply ‘that’s amazing!'

“The level of awareness he has brought has been priceless for us."

MLS commissioner Don Garber, who has been in charge of the league since 1999, also acknowledged Beckham's contribution to American soccer, claiming (via ​The Guardian): “No doubt our league wouldn’t be in the position it is in today if David didn’t make that decision (to come to the MLS).

🇺🇸 Kobe Bryant on David Beckham:

"The impact that he's had on the sport here in America can't be overstated, the MLS wouldn't be where it's at today without David!"

David Beckham, legend 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 pic.twitter.com/xljD1oAupU

— FansBet (@FansBet) March 3, 2019

“At that time we were a fledgling business and trying to figure out if soccer would make it in America. His signing told the world that major league soccer could be the league of choice.”

The love affair with Beckham, LA Galaxy and MLS was not a constant, however. Beckham endured the wrath of his own fans during his tenure, with many displeased by his loan move to Serie A giants ​Milan being extended, causing him to miss the start of the 2009 MLS season.

The fans’ ire increased when he said he wanted to stay in Milan to extend his England international career. There was also a growing voice of cynicism for Beckham and his wife Victoria for using their LA residency to ingratiate themselves with the Hollywood elite. 

A number of stars including Tom Cruise, Katie Holmes and Arnold Schwarzenegger were in the stands to watch Beckham’s Galaxy debut, leading to criticism from teammates who questioned his commitment to the club.

Frustration also grew with Beckham’s catalogue of injuries which included an achilles tendon injury which left him sidelined for six months.  

Now there is a new chapter in Beckham’s MLS story - franchise owner.

Whether his contribution to football in America is enhanced or diminished by his new role as a franchise co-owner remains to be seen. Inter Miami, as they are now known, will compete in the MLS next year. 

What is clear, however, is that Beckham has always seen this as the next step, part of the plan to grow the game in the United States and promote their brand worldwide. 

“My commitment to this league and country was always a lot more than on the field,” said Beckham.

“I want to grow the game and play a small part in growing this league and making it bigger. I think we have been successful but there is still a long way to go, but I think we are very happy with the growth over the past ten years.”

When Beckham gave his speech at the unveiling of his statue he said, via ​Sky Sports: “It makes me proud that there’s a statue that my children and children’s children can visit one day, and say they’re proud to see their dad and granddad.”

No doubt future generations of football fans in the United States will feel the same way. 

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