On the rugged coastline of central California, a sublime collision of talent and life experiences is giving birth to a poignant narrative that navigates the gritty reality of homelessness and the indomitable spirit of survival. Armand Ruby, the part-time musician and environmental scientist, and Julian Colbeck, a London-bred rock star and music industry veteran, have embarked on a journey to push boundaries in music and filmmaking with their collaborative brainchild, Equinox the Musical. Karmic Neighborhood, with their melodic partnership, serves as the creative engine behind the venture.

Imagine standing at the precipice of desperation, where life has dealt you a rough hand: kicked out of your home, jobless and adrift, this describes the plight of protagonist, Jason. His siren song is one of love and survival, haunting notes that alight a tumultuous day, led by the single, “Where Do I Go Now?” This alt-pop ballad, brought to life by the soaring vocals of rocker James Durbin, manifests the profound anguish and despair coursing through Jason’s veins as he confronts his sudden plunge into homelessness.

The creators behind this musical journey, Ruby and Colbeck, found each other by a twist of fate. Strangers morphed into neighbors and then into partners in rhythm, their bond deepened by their shared battle against cancer and a lifelong passion for music. Ruby, once an environmental scientist, moonlighted as a musician and songwriter. Colbeck, on the other hand, had rock and roll coursing through his veins, a career that originated on the vibrant streets of London.

United in their musical aspirations and propelled by their individual life journeys, the duo have ventured into uncharted territories of the music industry. Their audacious pursuit is reflected in the development of their feature film and its accompanying soundtrack, with “Where Do I Go Now?” as the second in a series of singles.

As Jason, the central lead, roams aimlessly with his backpack, guitar, and an old suitcase, his plight resonates with the realities of countless individuals. Equinox the Musical strives to underscore this often overlooked narrative, shedding light on social issues like homelessness, through its compelling soundtrack and gripping storyline. The raw emotions and experiences encapsulated in this single evoke empathy, urging the audience to understand the struggle for survival amidst chaos and uncertainty.

The film’s preview soundtrack album is slated for release on September 22, 2023, symbolically coinciding with the fall equinox. As the project moves forward, Ruby and Colbeck are motivated to delve deeper into the creative process, their artistry fueling the compelling message behind the music and film.

Equinox the Musical embodies Karmic Neighborhood’s creative vision, a testament to their shared resilience and an exploration of the power of forgiveness, gratitude, and love even in the bleakest circumstances. Their upcoming alt-pop single, “Where Do I Go Now?” shows their dedication to pushing boundaries through music and film, and offers a fresh perspective on life’s trials and triumphs. As the countdown to the soundtrack’s release begins, Ruby and Colbeck’s melodious narrative on homelessness promises to inspire and challenge listeners around the world.

By Roxy De Guzman 

The cast of Charlie Day’s satirical comedy Fool’s Paradise celebrated the film’s premiere on Tuesday, May 10, 2023 at the legendary TCL Chinese Theater, followed by a reception at the iconic Yamashiro Hollywood. The star-studded film will be in theaters on Friday, May 12, 2023. 

Charlie Day, Kate Beckinsale and Ken Jeong

After making a name for himself as an actor in the Horrible Bosses (2011) movies, The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023), and the hit television series It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (2005–), Charlie Day is making his directorial debut with Fool’s Paradise. This Lionsgate film tells the tale of a man who is released from a mental health facility and accidentally ends up becoming a famous actor.

Kate Beckinsale

The star-studded cast includes Kate Beckingsale of the Underworld (2003) films, Ken Jeong from TV series Community (2009-2015) and The Hangover (2009) trilogy, John Malkovich from Red (2010) and Con Air (1997), Ted Lasso (2020-2023) star Jason Sudeikis, The Grand Budapest Hotel’s (2014) Adrien Brody, Arrested Development (2003-2019) star Jason Bateman, Katherine McNamara of the Shadowhunters (2016-2019) TV series, Day’s It’s Always Sunny co-star Mary Elizabeth Ellis, and rapper Common, among many other famous faces. 

Ken Jeong and Charlie Day

In true Los Angeles fashion, members of the all-star cast, including Charlie Day, Kate Beckinsale, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Katherine McNamara, and Ken Jeong, celebrated the release at the world famous Yamashiro Hollywood. Day’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia co-stars Rob McElhenney and Kaitlin Olson also attended the festivities. 

Charlie Day and Mary Elizabeth Ellis Day

Known for its huge sushi platters, Japanese-inspired architecture, and spanning views of the city, Yamashiro is the quintessential celebrity hotspot for celebrations. The restaurant is known for providing a filming location to represent Japan in many films, television series, and music videos, including Kill Bill (2003), Memoirs of a Geisha (2005), Gone in 60 Seconds (2000), True Detective Season 2 (2015), The Hills Season 5 (2006), Pitbull and Fifth Harmony’s Por Favor (2018), and David Guetta’s Flames (2018). Proudly continuing its tradition of hosting Hollywood’s elite, Yamashiro was the perfect place to celebrate the premiere of Fool’s Paradise.

Charlie Day

Diego Valdez, the talented artist known for his captivating artwork, has garnered a massive following and become one of the most influential Latino artists in the world. With over 8+ million followers on Instagram and a strong presence on Twitter, Valdez has captured the hearts and minds of people around the globe with his unique artistic style and positive impact on social media.

Originally from Colombia Diego Valdez’s artistic journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Prior to his rise as an artist, he made a name for himself in the fashion industry, having worked as a fashion model and actor in Latin America. This early experience exposed him to the world of creativity and helped shape his artistic sensibilities, allowing him to bring a unique perspective to his work.

Valdez’s artwork is a vibrant blend of surrealism and psychedelia, featuring intricate details and vivid colors that transport viewers into mesmerizing realms. His distinctive style has earned him accolades and a dedicated fan-base, including renowned figures from the entertainment industry. Esteemed individuals have expressed their admiration for Valdez’s talent by following him on social media, solidifying his status as a respected artist.

Through his social media platforms, Valdez has not only showcased his exceptional art but also touched the lives of his followers. His positive energy, charm, and authenticity have created a strong connection with his audience, inspiring and uplifting them. Valdez’s artwork serves as a source of inspiration and escapism, providing a welcome respite from the challenges of everyday life.

Notably, Valdez has become one of the most followed Latino artists in the world, making a significant impact on the art community and beyond. He has successfully transcended borders and connected with diverse audiences, capturing the hearts of fans from all walks of life. His popularity in Brazil, where he is counted among the top 40 most popular fashion influencers, speaks to his broad appeal and influence.

Diego Valdez’s journey from a fashion model and actor to a celebrated artist is a testament to his unwavering dedication, artistic prowess, and ability to captivate audiences. With his incredible popularity on social media, Valdez continues to create art that resonates deeply with people, enriching their lives and reminding them of the power of creativity. 

Diego’’s natural good looks and stunning physique caught the attention of iconic fashion brands such as Diesel, Calvin Klein, and Girbaud France. 

His art has been showcased on Times Square billboards in Manhattan New York, and other major cities including Chicago, Miami and San Francisco.

Currently Diego Valdez finds himself lost in a new world of creativity. The crypto and the NFT space. 

For more information about Diego Valdez and to explore his extraordinary artwork, please visit his official Instagram page @realdiegovaldez