Close-Up Culture

Independent journalism on the things we love

Haley Bundy: On “End to Begin,” Her Appalachian Roots, and Evolving as an Artist

Haley Bundy sits down with Close-Up Culture to share the stories behind her new single, her Appalachian roots, and her creative process since moving to Nashville. Q: Your new single, “End to Begin,” comes out January 30. What does that title mean to you, and what kind of emotional space does the song live in?…
Inside the Heart of Labyrinthine Rose: Marina V on Loss, Resilience, and Rebirth

By Laura Wilhelm, LauraWil InterCultural & Nicole Muj Award-winning singer, songwriter, and pianist Marina V released her deeply personal new album, Labyrinthine Rose, on October 24, 2025, on all major streaming platforms and on her official website Marina V – LR Produced by acclaimed composer Steve Horner (Bridgerton, Rachel Platten) and featuring legendary musicians Bruce Kulick (KISS) and David Ellefson (Megadeth), the album is Marina’s most raw and intimate project to…
From Desert to Dancefloor: The Creative Universe of Starry Venus

By Dr. Laura Wilhelm, LauraWil Intercultural Starry Venus is a multidisciplinary creator—musician, filmmaker, and visual artist—who blends organic sounds like handpans, piano, and strings with digital layers and ethereal vocals to create immersive, spiritual soundscapes. Her debut EP SOUL, released earlier this year, explores themes of empowerment, balance, and transformation through a unique fusion of New…
Film Review: Déjà Vu: The Peril of Pauline

Mystery and Reincarnation Unfold in Cybela Clare’s “Déjà Vu: The Peril of Pauline” Premiering on October 17th Prism Pictures is pleased to announce the World Premiere of Déjà Vu: The Peril of Pauline, a mystery caper by award-winning filmmaker and actress Cybela Clare, set to premiere on October 17th at NY’s legendary Cinema Village (22 East…
From Carnegie Hall to Beer-Sheva: The Worldwide Stage of Maestro Constantine Orbelian

By Dr. Laura Wilhelm, LauraWil Intercultural Born in San Francisco to Russian and Armenian emigré parents, Constantine Orbelian made his debut as a piano prodigy with the San Francisco Symphony at the age of 11. After graduating from The Juilliard School, he embarked on a career as a piano virtuoso that included appearances with major symphony orchestras…
Review: Something Divine

by Dr. Laura Wilhelm, LauraWil Intercultural Thomas Essig recently held a special Los Angelese screening of his Telly Award-winning documentary Something Divine. The film features Ray Cappo (Monk Raghunath), the lead singer of the straight edge hardcore band Youth of Today, Moby, and Cappo’s bandmates John “Porcell” Porcelly and Sammy Siegler, Kirtan singer Madhava Naidoo, and Kumi Yogini,…
ZupaNova Unveils New Single “Holiday”

ZupaNova Unveils New Single “Holiday” Featuring Young Retro, Set for Global Release in July via Tazmania Records “Holiday” by ZupaNova featuring Young Retro is the theme song for the upcoming film A Heart Full of Hope, scheduled for release in November 2025. The track was produced by Davy Brown and written collaboratively by Roycel Cooks, Davy Brown, Young Retro, and Iakopo. Heart Full of…
Top 7 Biopics About Legendary Racers

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of racing, whether you’re watching cars streak across the track or diving into the high-speed drama on the big screen. This excitement translates beautifully into biopics that bring the stories of legendary racers to life. Let’s explore some of the best films in this genre and look deeply into…
The Beauty Problem – Film Review

In Zara Woolf’s latest production, she tackles something fictional characters have faced through her short films, and that’s how women are often only looked at through their beauty or society’s opinion on their lack of. The Beauty Problem is a short documentary that combines the personal stories of a group of women working in the creative industries…
Close-Up: An Interview With Netflix TV Personality Xanthi Perdikomatis

Netflix TV personality Xanthi Perdikomatis has starred on hugely popular shows such as The Circle and Perfect Match. Xanthi joins us on Close-Up Culture to talk about her reality TV experiences, her favourite memories from The Circle and Perfect Match, her exciting plans for the future, and much more. IG: @xanthijoanna Hi Xanthi, welcome to Close-Up Culture. What was…