‘Megalopolis’ Q&A captivates New Jersey audience as Kelly Clarkson launches her record label and Vegas residency
Two titans of their fields—film legend Francis Ford Coppola and pop icon Kelly Clarkson—made major public waves on July 20, each representing a different dimension of artistic independence.
Francis Ford Coppola Hosts Rare Screening
At the historic Count Basie Center in Red Bank, NJ, Coppola personally presented his ambitious 2024 film Megalopolis, a sci-fi epic that’s bypassed streaming in favor of a national tour. Following the screening, the Oscar-winning director hosted a live Q&A, discussing artistic risks, self-financing, and his desire to bring storytelling directly to viewers.
“This is not about numbers. It’s about vision,” Coppola told the audience.
The tour continues through summer, visiting other intimate venues and art theaters across the U.S.
Kelly Clarkson Steps into Music Ownership
Meanwhile, in Las Vegas, Kelly Clarkson announced her newly founded record label and an 18-date Caesars Palace residency titled Studio Sessions. The launch follows her success on The Kelly Clarkson Show and her ongoing musical reinvention. The residency promises stripped-back performances and previews of unreleased tracks from her upcoming album.
Broader Industry Impact
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Coppola’s tour reflects a growing appetite for immersive, director-led film experiences.
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Clarkson joins a list of artists, including Taylor Swift and Billie Eilish, embracing independent music production.
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