Around The World with WEISS: Los Angeles, Ibiza, and Barbados

After emerging onto the scene in 2013, WEISS has ascended through the dance music ranks at an impressive rate, receiving support from a host of legends ranging from Armand van Helden, Eats Everything and Carl Cox to Elton John along the way. His 2018 hit single ‘Feel My Needs’ took the world by storm, reaching #1 in both the BBC Radio 1 Dance Chart and ARIA Club Chart (also being voted the #1 track for the year), and winning ‘Best Track’ at the DJ Mag ‘Best of British’ awards.

WEISS has circled the globe countless times to complete tours worldwide, in the latter part of 2019 he embarked on his biggest ever tours of North America and Oceania covering 30 dates across 7 weeks. It is this connection that brings WEISS and his experiences to CULTR. We present, WEISS’ Around The World.

Los Angeles

California

The mad thing is I wasn’t originally the biggest fan of LA but I’ve fallen in love with it more and more over the years. The restaurants are incredible and if you’re lucky & get an offer to party at someone’s house in the hills, then take it!! 

Ibiza

Spain

It’s always a No.1 go to place for me to party with my friends during the summer. Not only is the nightlife amazing but Old Town is a real mix of old & new with a chilled atmosphere and beautiful restaurants. 

Barbados

Carribbean

Barbados has a special place in my heart: I went there as a kid and love the beaches & crystal clear water. Waking up in the morning and finding yourself surrounded by red crabs and swiminning with the turtles is a memory I’ll never forget.

Exclusive: OTR Breaks Down Debut Album “Lost At Midnight” Track by Track

OTR has just embarked on his most fulfilling venture in his young career thus far. With the release of his debut album “Lost At Midnight” via Astralwerks, it is exciting to see the artist’s vision finally coming to fruition. Featuring artists like Panama, Shallou, Vancouver Sleep Clinic, Au/Ra, and more, the 12-track LP serves as a digital embodiment of the talent rooted in the 26-year old aerospace engineer-turned-producer.

The captivating project will throw you into a whirlwind of emotions as you are captured by the records alluring atmosphere. Offering enchanting soundscapes, melancholic chord progressions, and catchy toplines along the way, “Lost At Midnight” evidently reaches the peak of electro-pop. Pulling you by the heartstrings, OTR effortlessly transports the listener into a pit of vulnerability which is the very essence as to why the album is incredibly addictive to listen to in the first place. Finally showcasing his genius to the world, we can safely declare that this is OTR’s moment.

“Writing the album over the last two years was an incredible experience. Now that it’s out, I’m happy to see people empathize with the raw emotion I put into each track, signifying different points in my life.” – OTR

With all that being said, what better way to pinpoint the significance of this album than to hear it from the artist himself. Hear the story of how he put this all together in the track-by-track breakdown below.

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Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s “Senorita” Breaks Record On Spotify

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Shawn Mendes and Cuban born Camila Cabello released their joint single, “Señorita,” last week via Island Records. The song achieved instantaneous success worldwide rocketing to #1 on Spotify’s Global chart as the biggest single-day debut of a male/female duet ever. The video garnered 50 million YouTube streams in the first 48 hours of release while trending #1 around the globe. Other notable chart #1s include Spotify US Chart, iTunes, Apple Music Pop and Apple Music’s Top Videos.

GRAMMY nominated Toronto born multi-platinum singer/songwriter Shawn Mendes released his highly anticipated self-titled third album in May 2018. The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 album chart as well as multiple additional worldwide markets, including Australia, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Holland & more and shot to #1 on iTunes in more than 80 countries immediately upon release. The album became one of the top best-selling album debuts of 2018 and made Shawn the third youngest solo artist to ever have three consecutive #1 albums.

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Multi Grammy nominated Cuban born singer/songwriter Camila Cabello (Epic Records / SYCO) released her debut solo album, CAMILA in January 2018 to rave reviews. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart at the same time as her single “Havana” Reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making Camila the first solo artist in nearly 15 years to reach the #1 spot on the Hot 100, Billboard 200 and Artist 100 charts in the same week. The RIAA platinum-certified album, CAMILA, launched its debut at #1 on 110 iTunes charts around the world, breaking the record for most #1 positions for a debut album in iTunes history. Camila also became the #1 artist on global Spotify.

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Ferry Corsten Releases The Latest UNITY Collaboration with BT on ‘1997’

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Ferry Corsten is back with his latest ‘Unity’ collaboration, after releasing the last one with Ilan Bluestone back in December – Ferry has teamed up with BT for a special collaboration in ‘1997‘.

Ferry Corsten has been busy with solo music in the first half of 2019, releasing ‘Freefall‘ – which feels like a more commercially viable release. He also returned to his Gouryella alias with ‘Surga‘.

Ferry Corsten has brought in another big name into the Unity project, with the legend that is BT. After remixing BT’s track ‘Suddenly’ in 2010, the pair are familiar with each other’s prowess in the studio, and that united vision is showcased in abundance. The team-up sees both artists strengths utilised to their best potential to create a track that is greater than the sum of its parts. As it should, the production leans heavily on the killer uplifting melody – which is a prominent throughout the entire track. The mix of each artist’s styles is present and concludes in an epic collaboration.

Ferry launched the UNITY project in 2018 with his collaboration alongside Paul Oakenfold titled ‘A Slice Of Heaven’, and continued working with artists within the Trance community throughout the year, such as DIM3NSION, Jordan Suckley, Saad Ayub and Ilan Bluestone, and after the success of 2018 has more releases in store after making his first donation to project partner, VH1’s Save The Music Foundation, an organisation launched to reinstate music programs in public schools, which to date has raised over $53 million and helped over 2,100 public schools.

You can learn more about the Unity project with our Ferry Corsten Interview.

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Marco Carola B2B PAWSA Arrive In Dubai This December

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Pacha Icons celebrates the legacy of music’s most legendary artists, inspired by Pacha Ibiza’s iconic 50-year history. With Grammy-nominated DJs and an electrifying soundtrack, it’s the ultimate fusion of champagne-fueled revelry and a passionate music-loving crowd. Already a sensation in Dubai, Pacha Icons is transforming the city’s event scene this season.

After a spectacular debut in April 2024 featuring Keinemusik’s Adam Port and Rampa, Italian techno titan Joseph Capriati took the reins for the second edition on November 23, 2024. Supported by dynamic sets from East End Dubs and Frank Storm, the night was a nonstop celebration of cutting-edge sound.

Next up on December 13, 2024, is Marco Carola, the master behind ‘Play It Loud!’ Known for his high-energy three-deck mixing style, the Neapolitan icon has shaped the underground music scene with his signature stripped-back, hypnotic sound that spans house and techno.

Carola will light up Playa Pacha at FIVE LUXE (Dubai) in an exclusive back-to-back set with PAWSA, the globally renowned DJ and producer behind the viral hit Dirty Cash (Money Talks) and co-founder of Solid Grooves Records. Joining them are Ale De Tuglie and FABRICE, completing a lineup guaranteed to deliver a night of pure, irresistible beats.

Pacha Icons is really living up to it’s name with the acts so far. People of Dubai are being treated very well thanks to their recent introduciton to the market.

Tickets are available now.

BLOND:ISH Enters The Sandbox Metaverse with ‘Never Walk Alone’ Experience

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Electronic music producer and DJ BLOND:ISH has taken her artistry to the metaverse, debuting in The Sandbox as part of Alpha Season 4. Known for its blockchain-based virtual world, The Sandbox enables users to build, own, and monetize gaming experiences, and its latest season has set the stage for BLOND:ISH’s creative leap into the digital realm.

BLOND:ISH introduced ‘Never Walk Alone,’ an immersive, spiritual experience inspired by the debut single from her upcoming album. Designed to harmonize music, creativity, and inner peace, players can engage in six core quests that encourage collaboration to unlock chakras. Activities include dancing to heal lonely souls, carrying protective chakra banners, and advancing through challenges with like-minded individuals. Each level celebrates positivity, cooperation, and the power of music to connect.

This journey into the metaverse also includes a custom line of 1,469 avatars called The Magic Minions. These avatars are designed to unlock chakra powers, offering exclusive perks such as free Alpha Passes, 150 EP bonuses, and access to a 65,000 SAND prize pool as part of BLOND:ISH’s experience in the season.

BLOND:ISH’s debut comes during The Sandbox’s Alpha Season 4, a massive 10-week intergalactic-themed event featuring over 100 unique experiences, 50 hours of gameplay, and collaborations with more than 40 major brand partners. The event has already surpassed player engagement records set by previous seasons and boasts a $2.5 million USD reward pool.

This is not The Sandbox’s first foray into music collaborations. Past partnerships have included renowned artists such as Snoop Dogg, Steve Aoki, and Deadmau5. Alpha Season 4 continues this tradition with contributions from The Voice, Warner Music Group, Notorious B.I.G., Jamiroquai, and more.

Enter The Sandbox and BLOND:ISH’s Never Walk Alone experience here.

Spotify & Google Partner To Deliver Wrapped Via Custom AI Podcast

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Spotify has elevated its iconic Wrapped experience this year by integrating Google’s NotebookLM AI technology, bringing a new dimension to how users relive their music journeys. NotebookLM, known for its ability to transform written content into engaging, conversational-style audio, powers dynamic podcasts that turn your music stats into an entertaining listening experience.

With this integration, Spotify Wrapped now goes beyond static visual recaps, offering users in English-speaking countries like the U.S., U.K., Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Ireland, and Sweden a personalized podcast. These AI-driven episodes feature virtual hosts who discuss your top songs, genres, and listening habits in a lively, conversational format, adding personality and flair to the annual music summary.

Using the same AI technology as Google’s Audio Overviews, NotebookLM ensures the podcast experience feels immersive and interactive, as the hosts banter and analyze your music preferences. However, even with the advanced AI capabilities, users may encounter occasional mispronunciations or incomplete overviews—an expected quirk of the technology. You would think Spotify and or Google would ensure certain genes (something that will be said considerably) would be pronounced correctly.

At Spotify, of course, we love audio, we love podcasts, and we’re always looking to be where our users are listening,” Molly Holder, Spotify’s senior director of personalization, “This partnership with Google seemed like a very exciting integration and a way for us to do just that.”

This collaboration between Spotify and Google demonstrates how AI is reshaping the way we consume personalized content, turning what was once a simple recap into a storytelling experience. With this evolution, Spotify Wrapped continues to innovate, offering listeners a fresh way to revisit the soundtrack of their year.

You can see your Wrapped and Wrapped AI podcast here.

Spotify Wrapped 2024: Global Top Songs, Podcasts and Audiobooks

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Spotify Wrapped 2024 showcased the year’s top trends and fan-fueled moments across music, podcasts, and audiobooks, revealing how listeners shaped the global entertainment landscape.

In no surprise, Taylor Swift emerged as Spotify’s most-streamed artist for the second year running, with over 26.6 billion streams, accompanied by special features like profile badges, Spotify easter eggs, and AR friendship bracelets celebrating her dominance. Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso claimed the title of most-streamed song with 1.6 billion plays, while Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department: The Anthology topped the album charts.

On the podcast front, The Joe Rogan Experience remained Spotify’s most popular show globally for the fifth consecutive year, while audiobooks saw Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses lead the charts, highlighting the continued rise of book-to-screen adaptations. Spotify Wrapped not only celebrated these milestones but offered fans a personalized way to reflect on their own listening habits.

These massive stats are hard to fathom and further showcase Spotify’s dominance over audio.

Dive in below to see the global top 10 across multiple facets:

2024 SPOTIFY WRAPPED GLOBAL TOP LISTS

Most-Streamed Artists Globally:

  1. Taylor Swift
  2. The Weeknd
  3. Bad Bunny
  4. Drake
  5. Billie Eilish
  6. Travis Scott
  7. Peso Pluma
  8. Kanye West
  9. Ariana Grande 
  10. Feid 

Most-Streamed Songs Globally:

  1. Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
  2. Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone
  3. BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
  4. Gata Only” by FloyyMenor, Cris Mj 
  5. Lose Control” by Teddy Swims 
  6. End of Beginning” by Djo
  7. Too Sweet” by Hozier
  8. One Of The Girls (with JENNIE, Lily Rose Depp)” by The Weeknd 
  9. Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift
  10. Die With A Smile” by Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga

Most-Streamed Albums Globally:

  1. THE TORTURED POETS DEPARTMENT: THE ANTHOLOGY by Taylor Swift 
  2. HIT ME HARD AND SOFT by Billie Eilish 
  3. Short n’ Sweet by Sabrina Carpenter 
  4. MAÑANA SERÁ BONITO by KAROL G
  5. eternal sunshine by Ariana Grande 
  6. 1989 (Taylor’s Version)by Taylor Swift
  7. SOS by SZA
  8. Lover by Taylor Swift 
  9. Fireworks & Rollerblades by Benson Boone
  10. Starboy by The Weeknd 

Most Viral Songs Globally:

  1. Die With A Smile” by Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga
  2. BIRDS OF A FEATHER” by Billie Eilish
  3. Beautiful Things” by Benson Boone
  4. Lose Control” by Teddy Swims 
  5. Good Luck, Babe!” by Chappell Roan
  6. Too Sweet” by Hozier
  7. we can’t be friends (wait for your love)” by Ariana Grande
  8. End of Beginning” by Djo
  9. Espresso” by Sabrina Carpenter
  10. Not Like Us” by Kendrick Lamar

Top Podcasts Globally:

  1. The Joe Rogan Experience
  2. Call Her Daddy
  3. Huberman Lab
  4. This Past Weekend w/ Theo Von
  5. The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett
  6. Serial Killers
  7. Relatos de la Noche
  8. Crime Junkie
  9. Café Com Deus Pai | Podcast oficial
  10. El Podcast de Marian Rojas Estapé

Top Audiobooks in Premium Globally:

  1. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas 
  2. The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien
  3. I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
  4. A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas 
  5. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover 
  6. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene 
  7. A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas 
  8. A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One by George R. R. Martin
  9. Icebreaker: A Novel by Hannah Grace 
  10. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

Your Year in Music: Spotify Wrapped 2024 Has Arrived

Spotify Wrapped 2024 has finally arrived, lighting up timelines and group chats with its bold graphics and personalized stats. Dropping slightly later than usual, the delay didn’t dampen the enthusiasm—if anything, it heightened the anticipation as fans speculated over their most-played songs, favorite artists, and surprising discoveries.

What started as a quirky year-in-review has grown into a pop-culture staple. Wrapped isn’t just about your personal listening habits; it’s a badge of identity, a conversation starter, and a celebration of the music that shapes our lives. The mix of nostalgia, self-expression, and sheer fun makes it one of the most eagerly awaited digital experiences of the year.

Spotify Wrapped 2024 once again underscores the joy of music’s ability to connect us. Whether you’re flexing your top artist streak, laughing at your guilty pleasure plays, or diving into the new playlists it creates, Wrapped is more than just a feature—it’s a cultural moment that reminds us why music matters.

Find out your Spotify wrapped here.

Do LaB’s Lightning In A Bottle Reveal 2025 Lineup

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Do LaB has unveiled the lineup for Lightning in a Bottle 2025, set to return to Buena Vista Lake, California, from May 21-25 over Memorial Day Weekend. Known as a hub for creativity and individuality, LIB offers an unforgettable blend of world-class music, immersive stages, and a vibrant sense of community.

The 2025 lineup features an eclectic mix of electronic and indie artists. Headliners include Jamie xx, John Summit, Four Tet, Khruangbin, and Channel Tres. Other standout acts include Shygirl presents Club Shy, Subtronics, Monolink, The Blessed Madonna, and Claude VonStroke. Indie enthusiasts can look forward to Magdalena Bay, Amaarae, Audrey Nuna, and Priya Ragu, while UKG stars salute and Interplanetary Criminal bring underground energy. Additional highlights include Tinlicker, TroyBoi, Joy Orbison, and Girl Math (VNSSA & Nala), ensuring a diverse musical experience.

LIB’s iconic stages—Lightning, Woogie, and Thunder—create immersive environments that amplify the music, while community-focused spaces like The Grand Artique and The Stacks encourage connection and discovery. Each stage offers a unique aesthetic, blending fan-favourite acts with surprise performances.

Beyond the music, the Compass area provides opportunities for personal growth and education, with workshops on climate change, indigenous wisdom, and more. It’s a space to connect, learn, and expand your perspective.

Lightning in a Bottle offers both three-day and five-day ticket options, along with hotel packages for a more curated experience. It’s a weekend where music, creativity, and community come together in unforgettable harmony.

Electric Forest Unveils 2025 Lineup, Taking Place in June

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Electric Forest has officially unveiled the first wave of its highly anticipated 2025 lineup, set to take place in the magical Sherwood Forest of Rothbury, Michigan, from June 19-22, 2025. Renowned as one of the most immersive festival experiences in the world, Electric Forest blends music, art, community, and adventure to create a singular journey for attendees. Known for pushing the boundaries of creativity and curation, the festival’s 2025 lineup reflects its mission to showcase both global superstars and emerging talent across electronic, jam, and world music genres.

Headlining this year’s edition are iconic French electro duo Justice, GRAMMY-nominated British hitmakers Disclosure (DJ Set), Australian party-starter FISHER, and the genre-defying Khruangbin, alongside Forest favorites Louis The Child. The eclectic lineup continues with sonic pioneers Liquid Stranger and Of The Trees, hard techno powerhouse Sara Landry, Scottish rising star Barry Can’t Swim, and Brazilian phenom Mochakk. Jam band legends The String Cheese Incident return for two sets, while the dance floor will ignite with performances from Tiësto and WORSHIP, the drum & bass supergroup featuring Sub Focus, Dimension, Culture Shock, and 1991.

Electric Forest 2025 also brings a wealth of international talent, featuring UK jungle trailblazer Nia Archives, Toronto’s genre-blurring DJ BAMBII, and Colombian psychedelic funk trio BALTHVS. Adding to the global flair are Swedish multi-instrumentalist Arc De Soleil and Brazilian house maestro Maz. The lineup also boasts genre-bending artists like bbno$, high-energy duo Joey Valence & Brae, and eclectic performers like Caribou, Confidence Man, The Free Label, and the uniquely enchanting Dixon’s Violin.

Fans of house and techno will revel in sets from Gordo, Blond:ish, Lilly Palmer, Loco Dice, Pretty Pink, and Cloonee, while bassheads can expect heavy-hitters like Mersiv, Crankdat, Hamdi, and Jade Cicada. Forest’s dedication to showcasing underground and experimental talent shines with performances from BIIANCO, Ahmed Spins, Interplanetary Criminal, Fcukers, and TAAHLIAH.

With more artists to be announced in the coming months, Electric Forest 2025 promises to once again deliver an unparalleled experience that transcends traditional festival boundaries, creating a haven for music lovers and adventurers alike.

Electric Forest’s Loyalty Program, designed to reward returning Forest Family, begins its On Sale with 10 in The Forest on Tuesday, December 3 at Noon ET with all subsequent Loyalty Tiers following until Thursday, December 5. The General Public On Sale for Electric Forest 2025 will begin at Noon ET on Friday, December 6. To register for access and more information about the EF Loyalty Program, available Passes and Packages – including the new Good Life Meadow, Hotel Packages, and more – visit the Festival’s official website.

Apple Music 2024 Replay Is Now Live

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Apple Music Replay 2024 is now live, providing a comprehensive overview of users’ listening habits throughout the year. Accessible via music.apple.com/replay, the feature offers detailed insights into top songs, artists, albums, and genres for 2024. Subscribers can explore a Highlight Reel featuring animated cards that showcase their stats, including rankings among an artist’s top fans globally through percentage-based “super-fan” metrics.

Replay also highlights when users hit specific listening milestones and allows year-over-year comparisons, illustrating how preferences have changed since 2023. Below the reel, users can dive deeper into stats like top playlists and stations. While the service remains web-based, users can add their curated Replay 2024 playlist to the Apple Music app for seamless playback.

To enjoy the personalized experience, visit music.apple.com/replay and sign in with your Apple ID. For optimal viewing, use a mobile device for the Highlight Reel.

Sherm, Smith & Sorren Soar High with ‘Jet Life’ Release, Injecting Fresh Vibes into House Music

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Sherm, along with the NYC duo Smith & Sorren, is bringing fresh energy to house music fans with their latest track “Jet Life.” Released under Low Ceiling, the track kicks off with a playful flight attendant voice sample, getting listeners ready for an exciting ride. With fluid basslines and raw sense of authenticity within the music, “Jet Life” has a mix of nostalgia and a modern twist that makes it a real highlight.

Sherm started his journey in Chicago, where his dedication to the local music scene has been nothing short of inspiring. Since his debut in 2014, he’s evolved into a DJ, producer, A&R, and podcast host with a global following. His versatility and on-stage energy have made him a key figure at events like North Coast Music Festival and Amsterdam Dance Event.

His podcast, Sherm In The Booth, has featured global acts and shows just how much he loves connecting with the music community.

Meanwhile, Smith & Sorren, long-time friends from NYC, have turned their friendship into musical magic. Their tracks have landed on Spotify editorial playlists and major radio shows, and they’re known for bringing infectious energy to everything they do.

With “Jet Life,” they celebrate what makes house music special, blending their styles into a track that feels both classic and fresh.

VEIL Presents an Auditory Voyage With Debut Album ‘HIGH VOLTAGE’

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The debut album ‘HIGH VOLTAGE’ emerges as a dynamic experiment that draws from the full spectrum of bass-heavy genres. From dubstep to drum & bass, and IDM to leftfield bass, VEIL navigates these influences, stitching them together into a textured and exploratory sonic journey. Released under her bass-focused imprint, Street Ritual, ‘HIGH VOLTAGE’ doesn’t shy away from bending sounds to craft a vivid and immersive world, aptly mirrored by the narrative of AZAL—a character wandering a universe known as THE HOLLOW, wielding the power to alter realities.

VEIL’s story is one shaped by her distinct choice to explore the unconventional. From her early days crafting the strange and heavy, she has set herself apart by embracing an unorthodox blend of sounds, assembling a sonic identity that feels both mysterious and forceful. She tells stories with her soundscapes, allowing experimental bass to take center stage, guided by a strong personal ethos for pushing boundaries and reshaping expectations within the underground scene. Her path hasn’t been one of following trends but creating her own.

Along the way, VEIL has marked her presence at some of the biggest stages, including Hulaween, Lost Lands, and the iconic Rezz Rocks, and shared her sound through collaborations with labels like Deadbeats, Cyclops Recordings, and MorFlo Records. These milestones reflect her ability to captivate audiences and stake a claim in the broader bass community, pushing boundaries and charting her distinct path.