Silence, Brand! 06.20.24
🦀 Napoleon Dynamite x Ore-Ida, Sex & The City & Baseball, and Portland Pickles are getting high?
Happy Summer Solstice!
Don't get caught looking out of place. Here's everything you need to know about what’s happening on the internet to sound smart in front of your boss, compiled by unhinged marketing professionals:
What the internet is talking about right now:
Justin Timberlake Tells Police 'Just One Martini' Before Arrest
Justin Timberlake was arrested for driving while intoxicated in the Hamptons, claiming he only had one martini. The moment has sparked multiple memes, including his viral mugshot, his perp walk, the fact that the arresting officer was too young to recognize the pop star, and the phrase, "This is going to ruin the tour."
Rihanna Named Face of Dior J'adore Fragrance
Rihanna has been named the new face of Dior's J'adore fragrance, adding another high-profile endorsement to her impressive resume. The announcement is expected to boost the brand's visibility and appeal, leveraging Rihanna's global influence.
Ten Commandments in Schools
Louisiana has passed a law requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms, stirring national debate. This controversial decision is set to face legal challenges and public scrutiny, and the ACLU has vowed to sue.
Just Stop Oil
Climate activists targeted both Stonehenge and Taylor Swift's private jet with orange paint to draw attention to urgent environmental issues. The act, which was part of the 'Just Stop Oil' campaign, aimed to highlight the high carbon footprint of the entertainment industry. While the campaign has sparked a debate about the effectiveness of such actions, it has undeniably added to the ongoing climate change discourse.
Howie the Crab Molts
TikTok sensation Howie the Crab has molted, with his owner capturing the moment on TikTok live.
Formats
"The songs on the radio are okay"
TikTokkers are creating summery visual collages of stills and videos set to "Tear in My Heart" by Twenty One Pilots.
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Kevin with picture
This CapCut template from Kai Cenats legendary Twitch stream features Kevin Hart walking in with an oversized picture saying, "Look at this right here."
Updating your 2014 self
In this TikTok format, users are visiting their past selves to give an important life update or something cool they're doing in the present. The past self only wants to know about a former niche or cringe-interest.
Friendship Island
TikTokkers are using this CapCut template paired with a sound byte from Pixar's Inside Out 2 to make video collages of their friends on Friendship Island.
Sounds
Understaffed
TikTokkers are lip-syncing to this audio trend to express feeling overwhelmed and understaffed in their personal lives.
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"Barbie’s changed"
TikTokkers are creatively repurposing this audio from a vintage Barbie commercial to showcase their 'new and different' looks, including fit checks and makeup transitions.
"My Fiancé"
This trending #FianceAnthem TikTok audio featuring the song "Fiance Anthem" by Alton King is being used by brides to show off behind-the-scenes action from their wedding day or by newly engaged women to show off their rings and fiancés.
SATC Baseball
TikTokkers are using this sound byte from Sex and The City to show their love of going to baseball games, even if they aren't particularly sporty.
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Now for a more granular look at moments across the web:
Napoleon Dynamite x Ore-Ida
Napoleon Dynamite teams up with Ore-Ida to introduce 'tot-protecting' pants. This quirky collaboration has already delighted fans of the cult classic film in support of the film's 20th anniversary.
MoneyGram x Rashid Khan
MoneyGram, a leading global money transfer company, has partnered with cricket star Rashid Khan. This strategic alliance aims to enhance MoneyGram's global marketing efforts, particularly in Afghanistan and other cricket-loving nations. The partnership will leverage Rashid Khan's popularity and influence to promote MoneyGram's services, marking a significant step in the company's international expansion.
Pleasing in Wicker Park
Harry Styles' Pleasing brand has opened a pop-up shop in Wicker Park, Chicago, called the Pleasing AstroMilk Bar. The pop-up features a vintage diner and space-themed aesthetic, offering nail polishes, clothing, and themed ice cream.
Netflix x Walmart
Netflix is teaming up with Walmart to launch a new line of branded popcorn, adding a tasty twist to your binge-watching sessions. This partnership brings the streaming giant into snack aisles, aiming to enhance the home-viewing experience with popcorn flavors inspired by popular shows.
Run, Travis, Run
Travis Barker is set to host wellness events in Los Angeles and New York, timed around Blink 182's touring schedule. According to LA Mag, the events will include a timed morning run, fitness classes, wellness workshops, and a day-in-the-life walkthrough of Barker's pre-concert health routine.
Tyler, The Creator Cancels Lollapalooza and Outside Lands
Tyler, The Creator has canceled his performances at Lollapalooza and Outside Lands due to unforeseen circumstances. Megan Thee Stallion at Lollapalooza and Sabrina Carpenter at Outside Lands are replacing his headlining duties.
The Pop Out
Kendrick Lamar's Juneteenth concert at the Kia Forum, dubbed 'The Pop Out,' made hip-hop history. This was his first time performing his pointed Drake diss tracks live, ending his concert by playing "Not Like Us" five times in a row. He also brought out Dr. Dre for performances of "Still D.R.E." and "California Love." Fans could stream the concert online thanks to Amazon Prime Video and Amazon Music on Twitch, with East Coast fans appreciating the timing of the performance.
Charli XCX Announces 'Girl So Confusing' Remix with Lorde
Charli XCX has announced a remix of her song "Girl So Confusing" featuring Lorde. Announced through a strategic repainting of her "brat wall," this collaboration combines the distinctive styles of both artists, promising an exciting new take on the track for fans.
"Short n' Sweet"
Following her recent successes, including performances at Coachella and "Saturday Night Live," the tour will visit major cities across the U.S. and Canada beginning September 23.
BTS' Jimin Reveals Tracklist for Solo Album
Jimin of BTS has unveiled the tracklist for his upcoming solo album "Muse." According to Billboard, Jimin helped write six of the songs, and the announcement featured a vintage feel via images of old-school cassette tapes representing each song, with an overarching theme of "love" connecting all the tracks.
Rapper Travis Scott Arrested in Miami
Travis Scott was arrested in Miami on suspicion of disorderly intoxication and trespassing. The rapper's detainment has sparked significant media attention and fan reactions.
Portland Pickles say, “High”
The Portland Pickles will become the first sports team to legally sell THC products at their games. This move marks a historic intersection of sports and cannabis culture.
RIP, Willie Mays
Baseball legend Willie Mays has passed away at the age of 93. The iconic center fielder's legacy continues to inspire fans and players alike.
Adidas Football’s ‘Hey Jude’ Video Celebrates Soccer Culture
Adidas Football has released a heartwarming 'Hey Jude' video, showing their support of Jude Bellingham.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure Coming to Switch
Hello Kitty Island Adventure, popularized by a South Park shoutout, is coming to Nintendo Switch. Users compare the cozy gaming experience to a cross between Animal Crossing and Sanrio.
Nintendo Direct June 2024: Everything Announced
The June 2024 Nintendo Direct presentation was a treasure trove of exclusive announcements. As reported by IGN, the lineup included The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom, a game that allows players to step into the shoes of Princess Zelda; a first glimpse of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond; Mario & Luigi: Brotherhood; Super Mario Party Jamboree; and the highly anticipated HD-2D remakes of the first three Dragon Quest games.
Banana-Clicking Game is Top Banana on Steam
The banana-clicking game "Banana" has become the most played game by current Steam players. Players can't get enough of this simple yet addictive fruit-themed frenzy.
Fisker Faces Bankruptcy Amid EV Market Challenges
The potential bankruptcy of electric vehicle manufacturer Fisker not only signals the company's financial struggles but also casts a shadow on the competitive EV market. This development underscores the uphill battle for sustainable innovation in the industry.
Amazon to Replace Plastic Air Pillows with Paper Filler in North America
Amazon plans to replace plastic air pillows with paper fillers in its North American packaging. This eco-friendly move aims to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability.
Snap Settles Gender Discrimination Lawsuit in California
Snap Inc. has settled a gender discrimination lawsuit in California after Snap allegedly failed to “ensure that women were paid or promoted equally.”
Anthropic Launches Claude 3.5 AI Model
Anthropic has launched its new AI model, Claude 3.5, designed to advance machine learning capabilities.
Welcome Back Limited Too
The beloved tween brand Limited Too is making a comeback, delighting fans nostalgic for the mall fave of the early 2000s.
Eddie Redmayne v. #TheaterTok
#TheaterTok is in heavy discourse around Eddie Redmayne's performance of The Narrator in the musical "Cabaret" during last weekend's Tony Awards ceremony. Some criticize his performance for being unsettling, while others defend that they missed the point of the Nazi-era musical entirely.
New Jellicle Ball
A new revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Cats’ with a voguing, drag-inspired, ballroom-culture twist is being produced at Off-Broadway's Perelman Performing Arts Center.
Ian McKellen Hospitalized After Fall
Actor Ian McKellen has been hospitalized following a fall, concerning fans worldwide. The 84-year-old thespian is receiving treatment and well wishes for a speedy recovery.
‘Megalopolis’ Release Date Set by Francis Ford Coppola and Lionsgate
Francis Ford Coppola's highly anticipated film ‘Megalopolis’ has secured a release date with Lionsgate.
Netflix Plans ‘House of Retail’ Expansion
Netflix is expanding into retail with its 'House of Retail' stores set to open in Dallas and King of Prussia by 2025. This move aims to create immersive experiences for fans of Netflix's popular shows and movies in a 100,000 sqft space.
Smalls Arrested
Thomas Guiry, known as Smalls in ‘The Sandlot,’ was arrested after allegedly bashing the windshield of a Jeep with a 35-pound dumbbell and going to a man’s door with a knife, according to a police report.
RIP, Donald Sutherland
Renowned actor Donald Sutherland, known for “The Dirty Dozen," "M*A*S*H," "Animal House," and "Hunger Games," has passed away at the age of 89.
Elon Musk Seeks Advertiser Love at Cannes
Elon Musk is in Cannes, wooing advertisers for X (formerly Twitter) at the annual Lions International Festival of Creativity. Despite past controversies (like telling advertisers to “go fuck themselves”) Musk aims to rebuild relationships and boost confidence in the platform's advertising potential.
Taylor Swift x TikTok
Taylor Swift has launched an exclusive in-app experience on TikTok, giving fans unique content and interactions. This collaboration marks a significant engagement and collaboration strategy for both the artist and the platform.
Ogilvy PR and CeraVe Win Grand Prix at Cannes Lions
Ogilvy PR and CeraVe's campaign won the Social and Influencer Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions Festival. The award recognizes outstanding creativity and effectiveness in social media marketing.
Instagram Introduces Close Friends-Only Broadcasts
Instagram now allows users to broadcast live videos exclusively to their close friends. This feature aims to enhance privacy and foster more intimate connections on the platform.
U.S. Surgeon General Calls for Tobacco-Style Warning Labels for Social Media
The U.S. Surgeon General has proposed tobacco-style warning labels for social media, citing mental health concerns. This initiative seeks to inform users about the potential risks associated with excessive social media use.
Instagram Tests Trial Reels That Don’t Display to a Creator’s Followers
Instagram is experimenting with Trial Reels, which allow creators to test content without showing it to their followers. This new feature aims to help users fine-tune their videos before sharing them more widely.
TikTok's New 'Whee' App Mimics Instagram's Style
TikTok has launched 'Whee,' a new app that closely resembles Instagram in terms of layout and functionality. This move signals TikTok's effort to expand its social media dominance by offering features similar to those of its competitors.
Crabs can’t read … But you can!
Here are some good reads we picked from around the web:
ItsNiceThat: Can you ever really own an aesthetic? Creatives discuss what happens when your style becomes a trend
Reuters Institute: Digital News Report 2024
Aquient: 2024 Salary Guide
If we can give out Ws, we can hand out an L, too:
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Silence, Brand! is an internet culture and marketing newsletter compiled by unhinged brand marketing professionals.
Thank you to this installment’s contributors: Ryan Benson, Dayna Castillo, James Peterson, Lenny Leithauser