Whether you are planning a weekend night out or you're working a babysitting gig, there's enough to choose from at the box office.

In Popdust's column, Box Office Breakdown, we aim to inform you of the top flicks to check out every weekend depending on what you're in the mood to enjoy. Looking to laugh? What about having your pants scared off? Maybe you just need a little love? Whatever the case may be, we have you covered. Take a peek at our top picks for this week…

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MUSIC

INTERVIEW | Houssein talks "Tokyo" and more

The singer shares insights on his emotional new song

"'Tokyo' is a placeholder for this feeling or memory, and can be replaced with any place, or any time."

Having started his career at only nine years old with a role in the U.K. tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Houssein is now a full-fledged musician. He garnered more than 250 million views on Vine followed by 100 million interactions on Music.ly, and gained a huge online following thanks to both. Now, as the U.K. No. 1 solo male artist, he is preparing to perform at Slimefest and release more music in the near future. We dig his electro-pop sound and asked him all about it and more.

Read the complete interview below.

How did you become interested in music?

I initially sang in my school choir from the age of 6, and took part in all of my school shows - and around the same time, my parents bought me a drum kit that developed my love for playing instruments. I then went on to be in some West End Musical Theatre Tours which solidified the idea of me wanting to do music.

You are originally from the U.K. How did the music scene there inspire you?

Growing up, I was mostly exposed to the Pop charts or whatever old CDs we had. So I always heard like Mr Brightside and Year 3000 on the radio, and then Queen, Elvis or David Bowie on old CDs from my mum. I think that this gave me my initial interest in Pop music, as I spent every car journey listening to Capital FM and Radio 1.

Much of your success started with the app Vine. What are your feeling toward social media in the music industry today?

Social Media and music go hand in hand, and it means that the artistry doesn't have to end at the end of an album or song. Artists can continue to express themselves, or promote themselves through various social media platforms - and there is no limit to what they can do creatively. It also gives new artists an opportunity to get their music heard.

Tell us a little bit about your latest music video, "Tokyo". What do you love about the video?

I love the VHS aspects of the video and the bad green screen vibes that remind me of old school MTV, and music videos from the 80s - and I like the petals that fall towards the end of the video as they are ascetically pleasing, but also throws in a bit of Tokyo, which is famous for the cherry blossom petals.

I read that the song was difficult and emotional for you to write, and that the title is not really a reference to the city itself. Can you talk about this?

The song is about looking back on a moment in time that was perfect, a truly euphoric moment. 'Tokyo' is a placeholder for this feeling or memory, and can be replaced with any place, or any time - but it's not really important. What's important is the relatable feeling, that a lot of people experience, of wanting to go back and re-live a great memory, but knowing that it will never happen.

You will soon be performing at Nickelodeon's Slimefest. What are you looking forward to with this event?

I am excited to perform at Slimefest, as I'll be performing a new song that I have not yet released - and the event is being held in an arena, which provides a great opportunity for me to reach more people with my music.

What is coming up next for you?

A lot more music, more live shows, some more television appearances and more online content - such as music videos, behind the scenes, travel diaries etc…

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MUSIC

PREMIERE | Ryan Hamilton and the Harlequin Ghosts with "Bottom's Up"

The group gives a new vibe to an old hit and follows it up with an original

"There's something special about this song that gets me extra excited."

Although the name of Ryan Hamilton's band has changed over the years, their ability to know what makes a good song has not. An American among Brits in his band, Hamilton has not been afraid to shy away from the U.S. past when seeking out inspiration for their music, especially with their new material. He has also spent years bouncing around the music scene in bands such as People On Vacation and Smile Smile, giving him a resume worthy of producing a hit (or at least re-working one).

We have the exclusive premiere of the video for their latest single, "Bottom's Up" followed by an interview with Ryan Hamilton about everything that went into the recording plus what is coming up for them next.

Hear the new single "Bottom's Up" below!

How did you become interested in music and start recording together as a group?

I went and recorded my first solo album (Hell of a Day) with studio/session guys. It turned out really great and got an incredible reception. I don't think I was quite prepared for how well that album was going to do. After the response, I decided to try and put together a tour, and take the show on the road. Mickey (drums) and Rob (bass) were in my previous band (People On Vacation) and the 3 of us developed a really great connection as bandmates and friends.

So, they were the first people I called. It's been non-stop since that first tour. Though I recorded that first album on my own, everything we've done since then has been together. I write the songs, then they come in and do their thing (they are an amazing rhythm section), and it just works. They're old-school UK rockers. So, on paper, it shouldn't work, considering I'm from Texas and grew up on The Beatles and Country Music... and they're obsessed with 80s Hair Metal.

How might you describe your sound? What artists have inspired your music the most?

I'm not sure how I would describe it. It's just rock n roll. With some Pop. I think it's silly when bands go out of their way to describe their music as something obscure. Seemingly trying to invent a genre. The artists that have inspired me the most are Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones... and I better throw John Mellencamp in there. His album Scarecrow feels like the soundtrack to my entire childhood.

The band has taken on different names and formations over the years before reaching your current state. What have you learned from this evolution?

I've learned that it's REALLY frustrating to find a name that 1) isn't taken ... and 2) everyone agrees on. But I love our new/current name. I hope it sticks. I hope we get to doing everything we're currently doing... just as we're doing it now.

Tell us a little bit about your new song, "Bottom's Up".

I'm super proud of this song. It's a fun rock n roll song, with a fun sound/vibe. But over the top of some pretty serious subject matter. Alcoholism... and how to escape a bad relationship. Something about this song. You always hope a song is going to be a "hit" ... and it rarely actually happens. But there's something special about this song that gets me extra excited. Fingers crossed.

This is an original track, whereas one of your most recent buzz-worthy songs was a cover. How does the recording process differ for both for the band?

Yeah, this Paula Abdul cover is going CRAZY in the UK! Who knew. The recording process is the same. I'm a big believer in, "If it ain't broke...". So we recorded both songs the same. With the same producer (Dave Draper. He's amazing) and the same guys/girl. Just as we've been doing for a couple of years now.

Now that you are signed to Wicked Cool Records, can we expect to hear a full-length release in the future?

Yeah you can! Just finishing it now. 12 songs. Hoping for a release early/middle of next year. I think they're the best songs, and this is the best album, I've ever written/recorded.

What is coming up next for you?

We are currently on the road in the UK. So, we'll do this tour and all the coinciding press etc... Bottoms Up will officially drop the last day of tour here. Then back home, where I will finish the new full-length album. Then back to the UK, to support The Alarm! Then a break for the Holidays. After that it's gonna be all about the new album, and touring in support of it. We've got some great opportunities to support bigger bands in the UK and the US. Couldn't be more excited about the future. The last few years seem to be happening in fast forward... and next year is shaping up to be our busiest, biggest year yet.

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FILM & TV

BOX OFFICE BREAKDOWN | NYFF Darling Shines Bright

OCTOBER 19TH-21ST | What's coming to theaters this weekend?

Jake Gyllenhaal

Photo by Reynaud Julien/APS-Medias/ABACA/Shutterstock

It's about that time of year when Academy Award-worthy films start to pop up in the cinema.

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COLUMNS

#WomanCrushWednesday | Loren Gray

Social Media Queen and Singing Sensation Dream

Press Photo

"I feel so lucky to be in the company of such strong female power!"


Loren Gray - My Story (Lyric Video)www.youtube.com

Women are killing the pop music game, and music lovers couldn't be happier! Each week in our column, #WomenCrushWednesday, we'll feature an interview with a kick ass lady whose tunes are blessing our playlists.

This week, we're turning our spotlight to Loren Gray, who has recently released some amazing new music. But maybe, if you're one of her 14.2 million Instagram followers, you already know what's new with the blonde bombshell. Loren spoke with Popdust about how Instagram has influenced her career, what she loves about getting to connect with her fans, and what she has in store for fans next.

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Observer

"Jazz is the only indigenous American art form and I am trying to advocate for more focus on an integral phase of it."

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