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9/25/2023

Bruno Mars Talks JBL Authentics Speakers & His 5 Must-Haves for Touring

The Grammy-winning singer spoke to Billboard about JBL Authentics speakers and more.

By Latifah Muhammad

Latifah Muhammad

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Bruno Mars x JBL

Bruno Mars x JBL Atlantic Records

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Bruno Mars helped JBL celebrate the release of its Authentics speakers in Las Vegas last week. The “24K Magic” singer attended the JBL Authentics launch event with his longtime collaborator, producer D’Mile, who also performed a special set.

Mars is no stranger to JBL products, as he explained in an interview with Billboard.

“In the early days when I gigged in bars, we would play with two JBL’s on stands, and those were some of my most fun shows,” Mars said of what he likes about the brand. “That early gig money saved my life, and JBL is part of that story. So, when they hit me up about the Authentics launch, I said I’m game!”

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The Authentics Sound Lounge was held last Thursday, Sept. 21, as part of JBL Fest, a multi-day immersive event centered on JBL products and partnerships.

Bruno Mars x JBL

Bruno Mars x JBL Atlantic Records

The all-new Authentics line of premium, home WiFi speakers features a first-of-its kind, dual integration of Google and Amazon assistants. And with its retro, funky design, the Authentics speaker doubles as a cool décor piece that offers up to eight hours of playtime, Dolby Atmos, seamless pairing via Bluetooth and intuitive control options with the JBL app.

JBL’s Authentics speakers are available in 90-watt, 100-watt and 270-watt digital amplifiers. JBL Authentics 200, the smallest among the trio, retails for $350. The Authentics 300 is $449.99 and the Authentics 500 retails for $699.99.

JBL’s Authentics 200 and 300 feature dual, 1-inch silk dome tweeters and a 5-inch full-range mid-woofer. Meanwhile, the Authentics 300 packs a powerful punch with DSP triple horn-loaded 1-inch aluminum tweeters, a 6.5-inch subwoofer, triple 2.7-inch mid-woofers, a 6.5-inch down firing subwoofer and dual JBL slipstream ports.   

You can pair JBL Authentics with any compatible device via WiFi, and when streaming through AirPlay, Alexa Multi-Room Music, Spotify Connect or Chromecast, you can leave the room to take a call without interrupting the music.

Speaking of music, Mars is back in the States after taking the stage in Brazil earlier in the month (fans have been begging for him to preform in the country for “six long years,” according to his social media).

“It was amazing being in Brazil,” the Grammy-winning singer shared with Billboard. “It’s one of those countries that you love to sing and perform in. I can’t wait to go back.”

It’s not always easy being on the road, but Mars makes sure to have some of his favorite things on deck. What’s in his tour bag? His five tour essentials include coffee, “gym clothes to eat pizza in,” NBA Jam on PlayStation, rum from his Selvarey liquor brand and a “crossbow/harpoon.”

Next up, Mars will take the stage in Georgia and Israel on Oct. 1 and Oct. 4 (get tickets here) followed by several other overseas tour dates before making it back to Las Vegas for a handful of performances at Park MGM from Dec. 22-31.

Shop the JBL Authentics speaker below.

JBL Authentics 200

$349.99

Buy Now 1

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