Happy Friday! Hannah is out celebrating her birthday (woo!), so you just get me today. I took a look at some musicians’ merch and am counting the days ‘til the Solar Power tour. Plus, the usual good reads as in Too Many Tabs.

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Daysia

This Week's Fixations

Daysia: As artists kick off their latest (and in some cases, long-delayed) tours this spring, I’ve been taking a gander at some merch. I am a sucker for merch, and when I’m at a concert, I’m inclined to get some whether it’s phenomenal or not (i.e.: I went to Harryween and got so much merch that was… basic. But it’s Harry Styles! Ya know?). It’s a souvenir from the experience! But so much tour merch is just a simple portrait of the artist with tour dates on the back, which is boring! 

I feel like good merch at least has an interesting graphic or is kitschy in some way. It should be more apparent that some creative effort was put in to make it an article of clothing or accessory that you actually want to wear out. I’ve been looking at some recent tour merchandise to see who’s got the goods. Let’s take a look!

Kacey Musgraves: I think her apparel is better online, but I still love Kacey’s merch stand. She always has some interesting novelty stuff (I, for one, have her “simple times” ring watch), even on tour. I love the “breadwinner” bag, the handkerchief, and the teardrop face rhinestones. Overpriced? Sure (like, all merch is?). But she’s leaning into the divorce album tour perfectly, and this is what you want from a tour like that!

Dua Lipa: In line with the Future Nostalgia theme, Dua Lipa has some sleek, technofutristic art on some nostalgic sportswear (this one reminds me of a Y2K sweat suit) for her tour merch. I think the vibe is perfect for her current era! It doesn’t just have dates to remind you of the Future Nostalgia tour, it has the branding to match. And it’s cute!

Tyler, the Creator: I mean obviously Tyler is going to have great merch. If you have your own fashion line with a cult-following, I’d expect nothing less. This work jacket is fabulous (albeit expensive).

Other merch I’m adding to my wishlist (new, old, touring, or not touring): Remi Wolf tee, Charli XCX half zip, and these Miley Cyrus shirts (J-14 style and boardwalk style).

Has Lorde Dropped a New Album?

Since we’re on the topic of concerts: T-minus 51 days until the Solar Power tour begins. Exciting stuff!

ICYMI: Mitski dropped Laurel Hell last week and Jazmine Sullivan released the extended edition of Heaux Tales (Mo’ Tales).

Too Many Tabs

The Times’ Laura Pullman spoke with Inventing Anna star Julia Garner about fame, getting pushed to the brink, and visiting con artist Anna Delvey herself.

Amid some… interesting Frito-Lay spon (lol), Elite Daily’s Brandy Robidoux spoke to Charlie Puth about making music on TikTok, his beef with Benny Blanco, and his interest in acting.

Writer Rachael Sigee profiled Tati Gabrielle for Glamour’s first gaming issue and spoke to her about her first feature film Uncharted, doing her own stunts, and sexism in video games.

Plus… 10 years since Whitney Houston’s passing 🕊, TikTok’s Black History Month event with Nicki Minaj boxed out Black creators, threatening energy from Camila Cabello, forgiven FROOT?, Ye is mad at Billie Eilish, for what?, Kylie and Travis welcome a Wolf, and Awkwafina’s non-apology and exit from Twitter.