The Black Crowes deliver a potent blend of rock and seasoned songwriting on their brand-new album, Happiness Bastards. From the opening distorted tones of “Bedside Manners” to the rollicking energy of “Rats and Clowns,” the album wastes no time reminding listeners of the Crowes’ A-list rock prowess.

As expected, the dynamics between guitarist-songwriter Rich Robinson and his flamboyant brother, lead singer-songwriter Chris Robinson, takes center stage. Rich's guitar work shines throughout, intertwining seamlessly with Chris's soulful vocals to create the signature Crowes sound.

"Happiness Bastards" not only recalls their past but also showcases a sense of evolution. The familiar riffing on "Wanting and Waiting" would segue well in a jam situation with old songs such as "Jealous Again" or “Kickin’ My Heart Around.”  However, The Black Crowes inject a freshness that keeps the new music from feeling like a rehash. New flavors are sprinkled throughout like on "Cross Your Fingers" which stands out with its rock-solid groove. The all-out positivity of rousing “Flesh Wound” (a personal favorite that reminds of Iggy Pop) seems to draw from different music styles at the same time. On the acoustic front, "Wilted Rose," featuring country singer Lainey Wilson, offers a soulful departure from the electric energy of the album to prove the Crowes' versatility and depth. Produced by Jay Joyce (The Wallflowers, Emmylou Harris), the album builds steadily as "Dirty Cold Sun" with Chris's infectious vocals driving the track forward, can't help but feel swept up in the Crowes' infectious energy. On a personal note, the return of The Black Crowes has given this longtime fan an excuse to rock again on their music, and not just dusting old records mind you, but listening to a brand-new record from an all-time favorite rock and roll band.

The Young Creatives Challenge winners are revealed.

The Young Creatives Challenge program, known as YC2 Challenge, has emerged as a platform for discovering aspiring talents in the creative fields. The Grand Finals and Awarding Ceremony held last March 21, 2024, in BGC, Taguig City, marked the culmination of a weeks-long search for the best new talents in time honored fields as well as exciting modern disciplines.

Aligned with Republic Act 11904, or the Philippine Creatives Industries Development Act (PCIDA), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) introduced the Malikhaing Pinoy Program, aimed to fortify the sustainability and expansion of creative industries. Within this, YC2 was created as a platform empowering exceptional talents with avenues to excel and be recognized.

With the DTI spearheading and supported by long-time patron of the arts Senator Imee Marcos, the Young Creatives Challenge search has been instrumental in discovering exceptional talents in the fields of screenwriting for short film (“Fishing the Moon Out of Water” by John Peter Chua); long feature film (“Bugkos: End of Childhood” by Breech Asher Harani); playwriting (“Ang Pagbuo Ng Baliana” by Esmeralda Albis); graphic novel creation (“The Girl and the Tamaraw” by AJRAVII); animation (“Ang Kampanilya” by MEEPRODUCTION); game development (“High Times” by YYM Danni); and online content creation (Rose Ann Factolerin Espina).

Of particular interest was the songwriting and music category, where several songwriters such as Burn Piamonte (2nd place) with “Dalawang Guhit,” music act Likha with “Bagasbas” (3rd place), and “Filipina” by Cody Lalo emerged into the spotlight in the search. Ultimately, music artist Rocky came out as the grand winner with the song “Lambing.”

Rocky and his song “Lambing” emerged as the grand winner, earning a cool million, along with the other grand prize winners in the aforementioned categories. This recognition and reward for their exceptional talents in the Young Creatives Challenge should inspire and motivate other aspiring creatives.