will.i.am Brings First-Ever AI-Themed Series to SiriusXM Platform with Launch of Exclusive New SiriusXM Show

NEW YORK, NY (12.08.23) – SiriusXM has announced that will.i.am, global music artist, producer, TV star/host, Futurist, future-caster, creative innovator, popthropologist, philanthropist and STEAM education activist, will launch an exclusive SiriusXM show, will.i.am Presents the FYI Show. The show is set to launch in January 2024 on SiriusXM’s The 10s Spot (channel 11), available to listeners in their cars and on the SiriusXM app.

will.i.am Presents the FYI Show will be hosted by will.i.am, showcasing the latest in AI innovation and AI-powered interactive projects. Each week the show will take listeners on a deep dive into the intersection of pop culture, music, entertainment, world news, and technology, featuring thought-provoking conversations, hilarious games, the hottest new music, and interviews with the brightest stars making culture happen today.

The interactive show will be driven through will.i.am’s FYI app – an AI-powered communication and creative collaboration tool designed to help Focus Your Ideas.

Listeners can keep the movement going by joining the Show Project on FYI, giving the audience access to episode content, bonus materials, discussions with other listeners and engagement with AI.

A special preview of the new show was recorded with will.i.am in front of a live audience this week at the SiriusXM Miami studios. Subscribers will be able to tune into this content in car and on the app upon show launch in January. Photos from the event can be found HERE.

“The FYI Show is a celebration of creators, innovators, and their dreams,” said will.i.am. “Episodes delve into AI-powered projects, exploring the What and the How, while also understanding the passion behind them. At FYI, we provide the right tools, infusing AI to help materialize dreams. An amazing journey awaits us!”

“will.i.am is an extraordinary talent who has been at the nexus of entertainment and technology for some time,” said Scott Greenstein, SiriusXM’s President and Chief Content Officer. “SiriusXM offers an ideal platform for him to combine these passions and create a cutting-edge show that can showcase his renowned creativity, his insights into trends and much more.”   

Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See Offer Details.

The Holiday Season 2023 Is Here

SHREVEPORT, LA (12.07.23) – The 2023 Holiday Season is here and Christmas lights, along with with Toys For Tots events, in-store decorations and company parties, are in full swing. The 12volt Central Studios works to showcase positives across the 12volt industry. Santa has taken a seat in the 12volt Chevy Studios Chevy and is on the road to highlight Holiday activities.

Santa has taken a seat in the 12volt Chevy Studio again and is ready for 2023.
Ricky Smith’s Audio in Lafayette LA is Toys For Tots collection location.
Kenwood Christmas wrapping paper gifts were added to the showroom decorations at Ricky Smith’s Audio. Staff members Ben Litwin-Installer, Ethan Laborde-Sales and Alan Benit-Lafayette Store Manager (L to R) are pictured with one of the wrapped gifts.

Toys For Tots events show support for, and contribute to, local communities. The 2023 Holiday Season marks the 76th Anniversary of the US Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program.

Look for Santa’s 12volt Sleigh, Buddies Woofer/Amp/Receiver and Christmas tree in posts leading up to Christmas.
Jack Bogard let social media followers and friends know Sanford Sound has extended Holiday hours.
The 12voltSTP Tool makes it easy to highlight Holiday events and activities.
The Team Nutz 2-Story HQ shines brightly in Pittsburgh to welcome all to the Holiday Season.

The Holiday Season is an ideal opportunity for members across the 12volt industry to showcase positives by utilizing the 12voltSTP Tool. Just Snap and Txt an image to 318-465-0844.

We look forward to seeing your activities in the 12volt Central Studios.

Race Sport Lighting Is Shipping LED Scanning Hood Brow DRL Flex Kit for Cars and Jeeps

RINGWOOD, IL (12.07.23) – Race Sport Lighting, a leading innovator in automotive lighting solutions, proudly announces the release of their latest product, the HOODKIT2 (PN# 1007752) LED Knight Rider Scanning Hood Brow DRL Flex Cool White Kit. This revolutionary lighting kit is designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal and visibility of cars and jeeps, providing a modern and stylish touch on any vehicle. The highly flexible light contours along the bottom of the hood lid and is very similar to some modern cars on the road. This comes months after the successful launch of their nationwide popular HOODKIT1 which is longer, in length, for Trucks and larger SUV’s.

“We are thrilled to introduce the HOODKIT2 LED Knight Rider Scanning Hood Brow DRL Flex Cool White Kit to the market to fit on cars, Jeeps, and smaller SUVs. The HOODKIT1 for trucks and larger SUVs launched over the summer has quickly grown in popularity and risen on our top-ranking product list nationwide. It was logical that we would launch a smaller version that fits up on smaller-width vehicles. We have already moved much of our opening production, as dealers had this product on pre-order for a few months now.” said Steve Jergensen, President at Race Sport Lighting.

3 Key Features of the HOODKIT2:

1.       Knight Rider Scanning Effect: The HOODKIT2 features a distinctive Knight Rider scanning effect upon ignition before the final transition into a solid daytime running light while running. This attention-grabbing feature adds a touch of sophistication and modernity to the vehicle’s appearance.

2.       DRL Flex Cool White Technology: Equipped with cutting-edge Daytime Running Light (DRL) Flex Cool White technology, the HOODKIT2 ensures optimal visibility and safety on the road. The cool white illumination not only enhances the vehicle’s presence and safety during the day but also contributes to a sleek and contemporary look.

3.       Weather-Resistant Construction: Built to withstand various weather conditions, the HOODKIT2 is constructed with durable silicone materials that ensure long-lasting performance. Whether driving through rain, snow, article sub-temps in the northern hemisphere, or intense heat in the southern hemisphere, users can count on durability.

The HOODKIT2 LED Knight Rider Scanning Hood Brow DRL Flex Kit is now in stock and shipping from their Ringwood, IL warehouse to distributors and dealers near you. Resellers are encouraged to stock the HOODKIT1 and HOODKIT2 to universally service all small to larger body-width vehicles seeking to add safety and modern light effects.

Visit www.racesportinc.com for more.

ZZ-2 Add On Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto Fully Integrated to the Factory Controls

BOCA RATON, FL (12.07.23) – In most AUDI vehicles from 2009-2019, ZZ2 integrates wireless CarPlay & Android Auto, front and rear cameras and more. Additionally, we offer a factory handle camera which retains the factory trunk appearance.

With our AUDI ZZPLAY line we offer wireless CarPlay and Android Auto solutions, bringing your vehicle up to date with one of the most desirable features in the market.

You can access the most relevant apps from your phone like iMessage, Spotify, Waze, WhatsApp, Google Maps and more, directly from factory controls. In addition to mirroring your smartphone, the ZZPLAY lineup includes USB audio and video playback, as well as a YouTube app.

Features:
Wireless CarPlay
Wireless Android Auto
SmartPhone Mirroring
USB A/V Playback
Front View Camera input
Rear View Camera input (w/ Dynamic Parking Lines)
Plug and Play

Please CLICK HERE to access the Audi section on the ZZ-2 website and get a full compatibility list.

The 2024 KICKER AMA ArenaCross Kicked Off In Boise, ID

NAMPA, ID (12.06.23) – The Idaho Center, in the Boise suburb of Nampa, was Livin’Loud for Rounds 1 and 2 of the 2024 KICKER AMA ArenaCross season Friday and Saturday nights December 1st and 2nd. Area retailer Sound Hound was in the KICKER booth with MADDOG Lorin Morrell.

Morrell, who orchestrates the AMA ArenaCross events, related “It was a great way to kick off the 2024 season. Friday night’s attendance was very good and Saturday night was even better. The Pit Party drew enthusiasts to the track to get the evening started both nights. Meeting riders and checking out their bikes is enjoyable for all. The KICKER booth in the lobby area had tables with products displayed for car, truck, marine and motorsports. Having Byll Thies and Zach Thies in the house with local dealer Sound Hound was terrific. Their store in Caldwell is only 8 miles from the Idaho Center in Nampa. They certainly did connect with a lot of people and enthusiasts from the area.”

The Pit Party got Friday and Saturday nights events off to fast starts.
The stands filled quickly with enthusiasts.
Lorin Morrell, Zach Thies and Byll Thies (L to R) with Sound Hound pictured in the booth as Friday night got underway.

“It was a fantastic two nights,” Byll related. “We connected with so many people and handed out over 200 cards in addition to giving away many of our company’s lanyards. Quoted several jobs too. Sound Hounds is celebrating our 28th Anniversary this year and several people we saw at the booth were friends and happy customers. KICKER is a go to brand in our store. In fact we have one wall in the showroom which is decorated for the Holidays that highlights many KICKER products and a marine display. Auto, truck, marine and motorsports products are all hot categories in Idaho and KICKER has products in all those categories… Bullfrog portables too. We thank KICKER for inviting us participate in this AMA ArenaCross and look forward to the next opportunity.”

Lorin Morrell presents a KICKER Bullfrog to the T-shirt toss winner.
Early on Friday evening, crowd members began to enter the Idaho Center and passed by the KICKER booth.
Sound Hound decorated a wall in the showroom to feature KICKER products for the Holiday season.

Morrell added, “No doubt all that came to the event had a great time and certainly connected with the KICKER brand. On Friday and Saturday nights there were T-shirt tosses and lucky winners came to the booth with their Bullfrog certificate to pickup their Bullfrog prize. Wes, who is on the PA at the AMA ArenaCross events, once again did a great job adding excitement for the KICKER brand.”

The next stop for the 2024 KICKER AMA ArenaCross series is Madison WI the weekend of December 8th.

Visit kicker.com for more.

Christmas Day 2023 Is Just 19 In-Store Experience Days Away

12VOLT NEWS (12.06.23) – The Holiday Season is an opportunity for 12volt retailers to create a unique in-store experience for members of their local communities. Holiday themed exterior store front lighting and in showroom displays can bring smiles to customers faces. Making social media posts of Holidays themed images can draw store traffic. Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales activity in 2023 set online sales records. Proactive 12volt retailers can spotlight the advantages of shopping and making Christmas gift purchases locally.

Custom Audio’s Holiday window decorations draw attention from the busy street in front of the Erie PA strip center.

Custom Audio in Erie PA is located in a strip center along a busy local street. Window graphics, signage and lighting grabs eyeballs from the street. With daylight savings time it is dark during evening drive time and into the night.

The Team Nutz location draws eyes from the very busy street.
Krista is the member of the Team Nutz staff and pictured with a Ed Nuttall‘s niece and nephew Mia and Cole at the Sunday night event at local retailers annual gathering. Over 300 of the custom lighted lanyards were given out.

Team Nutz in Pittsburgh is located on a very busy local main street. The 2-story building with lighting plus the area in front of store spotlighting the Holiday season with Santa and more adds to visibility. This past Sunday Ed Nuttall and wife Nina attended 2 Holiday themed events in the Team Nutz Excursion. The first event was a Tow Truck Parade with over 50 area Tow Trucks picking up and delivering Toys For Tots gifts. The evening event concentrated on close local businesses presenting a Holiday event that drew hundreds to the area. At both events the loaded Team Nutz Excursion was blasting Christmas music from speakers mounted on top of the vehicle. That evening the Team Nutz crew handed out over 300 customized lighted Team Nutz lanyards.

The 12volt Central Studios is on the road to Showcase 2023 in-store experiences….with the 12voltSTP Tool.

The Ricky Smith’s Audio showroom in Lafayette LA is gift wrapped for the Holiday in-store experience.

The entire showroom at Ricky Smith’s Audio in Lafayette LA has a Holiday theme and is a Toys For Tots drop of center. See the feature article as the Monday December 4th feature @12voltnews.com.

The expansive Abt Electronics lobby and halls in Glenview IL is filled with Holiday decorations.

The massive Abt Electronics store in Glenview IL offers appliances, electronics, mobiles electronics and so much more. The huge lobby area and hallways are filled with Christmas decorations and lights. A Tesla vehicle is spotlighted at the entrance to let customers know Abt can add aftermarket products to EVs.

This wall in the Sound Hound store in Caldwell ID highlights KICKER products for Holiday cheer.

Sound Hounds in Caldwell ID has one wall of of the company’s showroom decked with a Holiday theme and spotlighting KICKER products.

Customers at Intense Kustom Audio are greeted with the Happy Holidays feel from JC and the crew when they enter the showroom in Brentwood IL.

Intense Kustom Audio in Brentwood NY has spotlighted products in several areas of the showroom with a Holiday theme.

The 12volt Central Studios staff will continue to spotlight proactive 12volt retailers working to create the Holiday in-store experience for members of their respective communities.

Visit instagram.com/12voltnews for more.

Pandora Reveals Artists to Watch 2024: The Pandora Ten

NEW YORK, NY (12.06.23) – Pandora revealed its highly anticipated annual list of Artists To Watch, The Pandora Ten. For almost a decade, the streaming platform has forecasted the next crop of artists set to make the biggest waves in the coming year, and Pandora’s genre-spanning predictions showcase the diversity of emerging talent on deck to make an impact across the globe in 2024.

Through an advanced analysis of listener data and programmers’ insights, past artists whose future stardom Pandora has anticipated include Post Malone and Alessia Cara in 2016; Lizzo and Dua Lipa in 2017; H.E.R. and Ashley McBryde in 2018; Summer Walker and Rauw Alejandro in 2019; Doja Cat, Roddy Ricch and Tones & I in 2020; The Kid LAROI and Tate McRae in 2021; PinkPantheress in 2022; and Kim Petras and Coco Jones in 2023. Now, Pandora turns its focus to the promising talents who are poised to leave an indelible mark on the music landscape next year.

“As fans continue to explore a wide array of new artists from a diversity of genres, the prediction process has grown to be more and more exciting for us,” said Steve Blatter, Senior Vice President/General Manager, Music Programming, SiriusXM Pandora. “We’re able to narrow down the list of talent that’s up next by carefully looking at our listeners’ preferences coupled with insights from our expert curation team and artist relations team. We can’t wait to see where the careers of these 10 artists will go in the upcoming year!”

Here is the next Pandora Ten, the artists to watch in 2024 and beyond. Listen to all of them HERE.

charlieonnafriday (Pop)

Cooper Alan (Country)

Electric Callboy (Metal)

GONZY (Latin)

Kenya Grace (Dance)

Natalie Layne (Christian)

Reneé Rapp (Pop)

Scar Lip (Hip-Hop)

Tyla (Afropop)

Vacations (Rock)

Along with The Pandora Ten, Pandora highlights emerging artists across various genres such as CountryLatin and R&B.

MSC Moves to New Arizona Facility

MESA, AZ (12.05.23) – MSC, North American Distribution Partner for Audiotec Fischer (Brax, Helix, Match), BLAM Audio, Escort Radar, Mobridge Integration, and Stinger Radar, is proud to announce that it has moved into a new facility in Mesa, Arizona, effective Dec. 1.

“Located in the technology center of Mesa, the high-tech look, design, and feel of this newly constructed complex is in alignment with our products, R&D, and training programs,” explained Larry Penn, MSC President. “The front of the complex will be designed as a proof-of-concept showroom where partners will be able to see our merchandising support as well as experience our products. This will be mated to a best-in-class hands-on training facility, allowing us to better serve not just our brands, but our partners as well. We look forward to hosting everyone soon!”

The new address is 8029 E. Pecos Road, Suite 106, Mesa, AZ 85212. Phone/fax, email, and other contact info remains the same.

For more information, please visit www.msc-america.com, call 480-372-2929 (USA) or 403-698-3695 (Canada), or email sales@msc-america.com.

Elettromedia Group Partners with William F. Miller & Associates for Enhanced U.S. Presence

NASHVILLE, TN (12.05.23) – November 28, 2023 –Today, Elettromedia Group, the Italian-based audio designer and manufacturer, announced their partnership with William F. Miller & Associates, the U.S,’s leading marine manufacturers’ representative agency. As a partner, William F. Miller is now responsible for representing marine audio products to customers in the greater South and Midwest U.S. territories for two of Elettromedia Group’s brands, Hertz Marine and Audison.

The partnership enhances Hertz Marine and Audison’s growing commitment to the U.S. boating industry. Both brands recently opened a U.S. distribution center in Nashville, Tenn. to service a growing demand from U.S. customers and manufacturers.

“Our agency is honored to be partnered with Elettromedia and their Hertz Marine and Audison brands. These brands have made a strong entrance into the US marine market, with Hertz being recognized at IBEX with a 2023 Innovation Award. We look forward to sharing their story throughout our territory and helping to grow their business by gaining market share.” said Hill Lenderman, Owner / President of William F. Miller & Associates.

“We are proud to continue our work in the United States, growing our marine industry brands and developing new and exciting partnerships,” says Pietro Pantaleone, President of Elettromedia Group. “Through Hertz Marine and Audison, we are bringing the best of audio performance, durability, and luxury to the boating industry. We look forward to continuing our work alongside key industry leaders like those at William F. Miller.”

Visit elettromedia.com and williamfmiller.com for more.

SiriusXM to Launch on Rivian R1T and R1S Vehicles

NEW YORK, NY (12.05.23) – SiriusXM has announced that electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian will bring SiriusXM’s audio entertainment experience to new and existing Rivian R1T and R1S models in the U.S. in 2024.

The collaboration, which directly integrates SiriusXM into Rivian’s in-vehicle software, will deliver owners intuitive, user-friendly control over the best 24/7 audio entertainment on the market. Upon launch next year, all new and existing Rivian owners will be able to opt in and activate a three-month SiriusXM trial subscription directly on their vehicle’s center display.

“Rivian is a disruptor in the automotive industry and has an exceptional lineup of software-forward electric vehicles that deliver to their owners a truly tailored experience in a variety of different ways,” said Joe Verbrugge, Chief Commercial Officer, SiriusXM. “We are excited to launch SiriusXM with Rivian and to meet listeners everywhere they are and everywhere they want to go.”

“At Rivian, we’re committed to enhancing the driving experience and evolving our vehicles over time through software updates,” said Wassym Bensaid, Sr. Vice President, Software Development at Rivian. “We collaborated with SiriusXM on a digital integration that provides a seamless user experience and will be available to owners with a simple over-the-air update.”

The trial subscription will include SiriusXM’s full lineup of varied content, plus access to SiriusXM outside the vehicle on the SiriusXM app and on connected devices and speakers in the home.

SiriusXM features hundreds of live channels plus thousands of hours of recorded on-demand content and podcasts. The platform offers personalized “For You” recommendations and the ability to access related content, allowing listeners to discover more of the programming they love.

SiriusXM’s music channels are expertly curated, ad-free, and deliver an exceptionally wide array of audio choices for listeners. Covering every genre across many decades, channels feature popular tracks and deep cuts from popular artists, as well as introduce listeners to new and emerging musicians and bands. Artist-branded channels from Hall of Fame and iconic talent feature original content that can’t be heard anywhere else. SiriusXM’s concept-based channels, such as Road Trip Radio and Yacht Rock Radio, or its many activity and mood-based channels, are designed to deliver a personalized music experience that fits the moment.

SiriusXM offers the most extensive lineup of professional and college sports in audio, news from around the country and the world from many sources and political perspectives, the scoop on the latest from the world of entertainment, hours of stand-up by the funniest comics and more.

For more information on all the programming that SiriusXM offers, and all the ways subscribers can listen, visit www.SiriusXM.com. For more information on Rivian, visit www.rivian.com.