The Shaggy Club – Texas Monthly

BTS' Jung Kook Breaks Massive Streaming Record, Making Spotify History

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 23: Jungkook performs onstage during Global Citizen Festival 2023 at ... [+] Central Park on September 23, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for Global Citizen)

Getty Images for Global Citizen

Since launching his solo career, BTS' Jung Kook has been unstoppable. His hit "Seven" feat. Latto is now the fastest song to reach one billion streams on Spotify, breaking the record in just 108 days.

Jung Kook surpasses the 112-day record set by Miley Cyrus' single Flowers in August. "Seven" has been officially added to Spotify's Billions Club, the official playlist of tracks that have more than 1 billion streams on Spotify. The collaboration joins Beyoncé's "Crazy In Love" feat. Jay-Z, Taylor Swift's "Style," Harry Styles' "Falling," and more.

Spotify announced the news on its social media channels on Oct. 30. "On October 30, Jung Kook's "Seven (feat. Latto)" became the fastest song to reach 1 Billion streams in Spotify history," the music streaming giant penned on X (formerly Twitter).

The achievement comes after "Seven" feat. Latto debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and No. 3 on the Official U.K. Singles Chart in July 2023, the latter marking "the highest-charting debut by a solo Korean act," according to Billboard.

The track also landed No. 1 on both the Billboard Global 200 and Billboard Global Excl. U.S. Charts. Jung Kook was the first BTS soloist to top both lists in the summer.

AL KHOR, QATAR - NOVEMBER 20: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally retouched and converted to ... [+] black & white) Jung Kook of BTS performs during the opening ceremony prior to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group A match between Qatar and Ecuador at Al Bayt Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Al Khor, Qatar. (Photo by Michael Regan - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

FIFA via Getty Images

In 2022, BTS's label announced that the band would be taking a hiatus so that its members could complete their mandatory service in the South Korean army. Since then, HYBE has been focused on launching the solo careers of Jimin, Jin, Suga, and Jungkook. (However, the K-Pop group has continued to release post-hiatus singles, like "Take Two.")

This week, the 26-year-old artist surprised fans by dropping two remixes: "Seven" feat. Latto mastered by David Guetta and "3D" feat. Jack Harlow, remixed by MK.

Jung Kook is gearing up to release his debut solo album, Golden, on Friday, Nov. 3. "Known as the 'Golden Maknae' ('golden youngest' in Korean) of BTS, Jung Kook is set to unveil a new release with his unique timbre that will captivate listeners worldwide," according to a release announcing the project, obtained by Billboard.

2022 Borderland Music + Arts Festival

One of the most anticipated festivals in the region is just around the corner. Borderland Music + Arts Festival has become an annual pilgrimage for music fans, who not only dig the bands, they also love the idyllic setting of Knox Farm State Park.

The two-day music and cultural festival is considered a hot ticket these days, thanks to the impressive talent line-ups. In 2022, headliners are The Flaming Lips, Portugal. The Man, and Michael Franti + Spearhead. That alone is the perfect reason to snag a ticket. But if that's not enough, the rest of the line-up includes Keller WIlliams' Grateful Gospel, The Infamous Stringdusters, Dumpstaphunk, Spafford, Donna, The Buffalo, Dogs In A Pile, Driftwood, Dustbowl Revival, Miller and the Other Sinners, Farrow, and Grub.

That's an incredible showing of internationally recognized music acts, and celebrated local bands.

The 2022 Borderland Festival also features a Fisher-Price Playland, an Artisan Alley with artisan demos, multiple stages, an Art Garage with live art, craft beer and cocktails, farm-to-table food, installations, and a bike paddock for people who want to fully embrace the eco aspects of the two-day event.

Speaking of "eco-mindfulness," Borderland has teamed up with Waste Free Earth to create a ​Zero Waste music festival! That means that the festival is "plastic free," by embracing 100% compostable products. There are plenty of events around WNY that could take a page out of that program.

The Borderland Music + Arts Festival celebrates the rich history and renaissance of the region with a two-day music and cultural festival set in one of the most scenic and storied grounds in all of New York State, Knox Farm State Park. Join us September 17th-18th, 2022 for this years annual celebration of music and the arts!

Tickets are on sale at borderlandfestival.Com

Info on the Shuttle Bus that leaves from Buffalo Distilling Co.

FAQS and more info about the festival here

Spencer Shewen Named Artistic Director At Mariposa Folk Festival

ORILLA, Ontario (CelebrityAccess) — The Mariposa Folk Foundation announced the appointment of Spencer Shewen as Artistic Director.

Shewen, who was selected after a thorough recruitment and interview process, will step into the role vacated by Liz Scott, who recently announced plans to step down after a successful seven-year run.

A veteran of Canada's live music scene, Shewen brings substantial experience to his new role. He most recently spent seven years as Artistic Director at Riverfront Elora and will continue in that role in addition to his new duties at Mariposa.

He also holds current Board seats on the River and Sky Festival in Sudbury and the Elora Centre for the Arts.

His past experience includes roles on the Board Of Directors for the Halifax Pop Explosion, and the Hillside Festival, and he also worked as Artistic Director for Waterstock, curated the Fortnight Music series and acted as Label Manager for SunnyLane Records.

"I'm extremely excited for the opportunity and I am aware of the weight that this role represents and the importance of this festival to so many people," said Spencer. "Mariposa holds a unique place in the Canadian live music landscape." What can Mariposa patrons expect from their new Artistic Director? "Not only will we see many well-known Mariposa favorites but our patrons will also have the opportunity to discover their new favorite performers."

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