New on Netflix in April

New on Netflix in April

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A new month brings a slew of new shows to Netflix. From stand-up comedy, to science, and a revival of a cult classic, April is shaping up to be a disastrous month for productivity. Here’s what the Blackfire Research Team is excited to binge-watch in April.

The sharp wit, self-deprecating, morality skewering comedian, Louis CK, is back on Netflix for a new Stand Up Comedy Special. “Louis CK: 2017,” which begins streaming today (April 4), is on track to be just as clever and entertaining as his earlier work. The “Louie” star has also signed on for a second Stand Up Special to be released sometime later this year.

Robot Roll Call! April 14 marks the triumphant return of cult classic TV show, “Mystery Science Theater 3000.” The relaunch marks the show’s eleventh season, which creator Joel Hodgson funded through a Kickstarter campaign, raising roughly $6 Million to produce 14 new episodes. New host Jonah – who’s been abducted by mad scientists (played by Patton Oswalt and Felicia Day) – joins robots Crow and Tom Servo as they watch and riff on B-list films as their only source of entertainment in Outer Space.

Bill! Bill! Bill! Every 90’s kid’s favorite scientist, Bill Nye, returns to television with an all new Netflix Original Series. “Bill Nye Saves The World,” which premieres on April 21, tackles a different scientific topic in each episode, ranging from Global Warming to GMOs. Accompanying Bill is a pack of celebrity scientists and science lovers, like supermodel Karlie Kloss and Food Network personality, Alton Brown. “Bill Nye Saves The World” looks equally entertaining and educational.
 

These are just some of the shows debuting on Netflix in April.

For a complete list of upcoming Netflix content for 2017, click here.

 

Let’s Go Crazy – Prince is now on Spotify

Let’s Go Crazy – Prince is now on Spotify

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In the wake of the sudden passing of Prince last year, there has been an overwhelming demand for the legendary music icon’s body of work to be made available on music streaming services. As of February 12, many fans got their wish. Warner Bros, who owns the rights to much of the late musician’s work, including renowned albums 1999, Purple Rain, and Dirty Mind, has reached an agreement with Prince’s estate to allow all his music (released prior to his 1996 split with Warner Bros) to be made available on music streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, iHeartRadio, and Pandora. The February 12 release date coincided with the Grammy Awards, which honored Prince with a tribute performance by The Time and Bruno Mars.

Warner Bros has also announced that, on June 9th, they will release a remastered version of Purple Rain, as well as two previously unreleased Prince albums and two concert films from Prince’s personal vault at his Paisley Park recording complex.

Prince did once have his music available for streaming on some digital platforms, but, with the exception of Jay Z’s Tidal (which gives artists a larger share of profits) took his music down in 2015. An advocate for artist rights, Prince split with his long-time record label, Warner Bros, in 1996 because, as a prolific songwriter, Prince wanted to release new music as soon as it was ready, but Warner Bros refused his request. This dispute and eventual split was what prompted the singer’s infamous name change to the un-pronounceable emblem combining the astrologically inspired Mars-male and Venus-female symbols. In a press release at that time, Prince wrote: “Warner Bros took the name, trademarked it, and used it as the main marketing tool to promote all of the music I wrote…The company owns the name Prince and all related music marketed under Prince. I became merely a pawn used to produce more money for Warner Bros.”

Once the Warner Bros contract expired in the year 2000, Prince went back to using his name, creating his own record label and innovating new ways for fans to access his work, becoming one of the first artists to sell their albums online.

Listen to Prince on Spotify here.

Bay Area Concert Buzz

Bay Area Concert Buzz

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Loving music is a requirement for working at Blackfire Research. As a wireless entertainment technology company, we’re listening to music all day while testing wireless speakers, surround sound systems, music streaming applications, and more. Although we specialize in perfecting wireless home entertainment, there’s plenty of excitement to experience outside the home. One of the best aspects about being located in San Francisco is the immense access to all the live concerts, shows, music festivals, and events that the Bay Area has to offer. And, believe me, there’s a lot. Here’s a list of some upcoming concerts near the City by the Bay we’re excited for this month.

On Friday, February 24, indie rock band and Oakland natives, Rogue Wave, best known for their 2007 song “Lake Michigan,” returns to the Bay Area to host a night full of ‘80’s jams for “Rogue Wave presents Cover Me: A Night of ’80s Classics.” They’ll be teaming with up-and-coming Australian indie band, MIDDLE KIDS, who will be making their San Francisco debut. The event is presented by Bay Area favorites Popscene and Noise Pop at Rickshaw Stop in San Francisco. Click here for ticket information.

 

 

Also on February 24, Grammy-winning R&B singer and all around Diva, Chrisette Michele, will grace The Warfield stage in San Francisco as part of The Milestone Tour, in celebration of her fifth studio album, Milestone. For more information, click here.

February 25th marks the Bay Area return of legendary pop rock icon, Bonnie Raitt, whose career spans over four decades, and is most famous for her 1991 hit “Something to Talk About.” Not only is Raitt a nine time Grammy Award winner, she is also an outspoken political activist. She’ll be playing for one night only at the Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium. Tickets are on sale now for what is sure to be an explosive performance.

 

Heading into March, San Jose welcomes Rock and Roll icon, Bon Jovi, to the SAP Center as part of his “This House Is Not For Sale” U.S. tour. On March 1st, Bon Jovi fans will be treated to the band’s classic rock anthems, as well as new hits off their latest album. This will be the band’s first tour since 2013.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers take on The Oracle Arena in Oakland on March 12 as part of their World Tour in support of their latest album, “The Getaway.” With a thirty year career under their belt, the band has experienced an epic, Rock and Roll story filled with major musical successes, drug abuse, and fame. In 2012, the band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

California native and Kanye West protege, Big Sean hits the stage at The Nob Hill Masonic Center on March 23. Big Sean (Sean Anderson) was raised in Detroit and discovered by West on the radio, signing him to his label, GOOD MUSIC, in 2007. Big Sean is touring the U.S. as part of the release of his fourth studio album, “I Decided,” which features verses by big name artists like DJ Khaled, Drake, and Chris Brown. Get in on all the action here.

What concerts or events are you most excited for this month? Let us know in the comments below!

Happy Valentine’s Day from Blackfire Research

Happy Valentine’s Day from Blackfire Research

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Blackfire Research wishes you a very happy Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re in love with your wireless home theater, surround sound system, or the ease of streaming music wirelessly from your smartphone to portable speakers, celebrate today by snuggling up on the couch and enjoying unrivaled audio enabled by Blackfire’s patented technology. (Because flowers and chocolates are so overrated.)

What to Watch on Netflix in February

What to Watch on Netflix in February

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Once again, Netflix is rolling out fresh, original content for the new month. And once again, we at Blackfire Research are excited. Is this list of new shows and movies worthy of your surround sound system? There’s only one way to find out.

Coming up for full streaming on February 3 is the debut season of the Netflix Original Series “Santa Clarita Diet.” Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant star as Sheila and Joel in this dark, offbeat comedy about a pair of LA realtors whose lives take a sudden, unusual turn after their daughter makes a huge life decision.

Watch the Trailer here:

 

On February 10, “Abstract: The Art of Design,” a Netflix Original Documentary Series, premieres. This series will explore modern art and will give viewers an in-depth look into how artists render computer design, as well as contemporary art inspired by the computer age. Special guests will include some of the world’s most prolific designers and artists. Also on February 10, British actor and comedian, Ricky Gervais, reprises his role as hopelessly awkward David Brent, former branch manager of a midsized paper supplier company, Wernam Hogg. Now, years later, Brent is back in “David Brent: Life on the Road.” This “mockumentary” film follows Brent on tour with his new band, exclusively on Netflix.

Watch the Trailer here:

 

Another film is premiering this month on Netflix beginning February 24. “I Don’t Feel At Home In This World Anymore” was picked up by the streaming giant from The Sundance Film Festival. Melanie Lynskey and Elijah Wood play Ruth and Tony, neighbors who decide to track down local thieves after Ruth is burglarized. However they soon find out they are dangerously in over their heads against a gang of criminals.

These are some of the Netflix shows and movies debuting in Feburary. For a complete list of upcoming Netflix content for 2017, click here.