Author: Annie Reuter

Categories
Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Think of You”

 Carney

(credit: Lauren Dukoff)

I’ve had this song on repeat all last week after I learned that Reeve Carney of the band Carney would be starring as the love interest in Taylor Swift’s new music video “I New You Were Trouble.”

Last winter while getting food with friends in town Reeve joined us for dinner. All I knew about him was that he was an actor and just came from rehearsal but as the night went on my friends and I learned that he was the lead role in Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark. We were eating dinner with Spider-Man!

He told us that the music producer of the play happened to catch a show his band, Carney, was playing and wanted to cast him as the lead. He was incredibly humble considering he was also tapped to open for U2 and was working directly with Bono and The Edge.

Days after that dinner I saw his name everywhere — a feature in Rolling Stone, billboards, etc. I must admit I’m pretty thankful I didn’t know who he was during most of dinner because I might have interrogated him and turned dinner into an interview segment. Anyway, once learning he would be in Taylor Swift’s new video I decided to listen to his music and was reminded how much I love “Think of You.” A simple sentiment, Reeve’s raspy vocals and delicate yet powerful strums of the guitar showcase the song’s beauty.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opna9LTGjd8

Categories
Q&A

Tony Lucca On Blake Shelton: “He’s The Most Hands On”

(credit: Mike Mojica‎)

Two years ago I went to City Winery to see one of my favorite singer-songwriters Tyrone Wells. A soulful and comical artist named Tony Lucca opened the show and a year later I learned he was competing on The Voice. That experience just goes to show that you never know who you’ll see at a live show or where their career will take them. And if you’re anything like me, that’s the best part. To catch an artist in the early stages and a few years later be able to say, “I saw them when…”

Just last month I interviewed Tony for CBS Local and he filled me in on what happened behind-the-scenes on The Voice and what we can expect from his upcoming album due out next year. He also revealed that he sometimes wonders what it would have been like if Blake Shelton was his coach instead of Adam Levine.

“If Adam hadn’t turned around I was hoping that maybe Blake would have,” Tony confessed. “Certainly in hindsight, knowing how he is with his team, not to blow anyone’s cover but he’s the most hands on with his team. He’s very giving. He’s into the camaraderie. He loves the gig. He loves being a coach and being involved in these young artists’ lives.”

Video –

For my complete article, visit CBS Local.

Categories
Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Kiernan McMullan

Writing about Top 40 on a daily basis for CBS Local sometimes makes me forget why I started this blog in the first place. When I witnessed Kiernan McMullan last Sunday I instantly remembered.

What I love most about live music is the unexpected. Going to shows of artists I’m not too familiar with and being blown away by their talent is something I haven’t done in a while. It also makes me wonder about the state of the music industry and what it is that allows certain artists to make it and others to continue struggling. The moment Kiernan took the stage I had a feeling I’d be witnessing something special.

He kicked off his set at Brooklyn’s The Rock Shop looping drum rhythms on his guitar. Soon after, his soulful vocals entered with emotional lyrics like, “What is your problem? Why won’t you speak to me?” His self-deprecating onstage banter in between songs made its way into his songs which were full of brutally honest lines that hit you in the gut. One track in particular, “Company” was a new song that Kiernan prefaced as a track that dealt with love.

“People seem incredibly enamored with love and it’s kind of an issue,” he told the crowd. “This song speaks for itself.”

With lyrics like “Never loved you, I just needed the company,” he got his point across as his voice reverberated throughout the room.

“If it’s cool with you, I’m going to do a subdued set tonight because I’m feeling subdued. No metal. There will be no Pantera songs tonight,” he joked after performing a cover of Ryan Adams’ “Oh My Sweet Caroline.” “I feel like I’m work shopping songs for you tonight. I’m going into the studio soon.”

Debuting a few new tracks the honesty continued. “We both know that I’m not gonna love you forever but I like the idea all the same,” he sang with finger picked guitar parts. “We both know we could do much better so let’s cut our losses and call it a day,” he continued.

Alternating between spoken word and a raspier singing style his performance hushed the crowd. Songs like set closer “Sick of You” continued to showcase his talent and left a mark. Having opened for acts including Sheryl Crow, Colbie Callait, Ed Sheeran and Mat Kearney, Kiernan is well on his way. Here’s to hoping he’ll make it onto our airwaves soon.

Categories
Q&A

Hunter Hayes Celebrates GRAMMY Noms & Releases Video

(courtesy HunterHayes.com)

Hunter Hayes has a lot to be thankful for this year. With the chart-topping success of his single “Wanted,” and now having just received three GRAMMY nominations, he shows no sign of slowing down.

In fact, just last week Hunter released the music video for his new single “Somebody’s Heartbreak.”

I chatted with Hunter about the story behind his new single. A song he calls the follow up to “Wanted,” learn the inspiration behind the song.

Video –

For my complete article visit CBS Local.

Categories
Q&A

Kimbra On GRAMMY Nomination: “It Still Baffles Me”

Kimbra

 (Photo credit: courtesy Kimbramusic.com/ Dana Pleasant Photography)

Long before Kimbra met Gotye she was a huge fan of his work. The self-proclaimed “fan girl” covered his songs at bars in Australia. After meeting him through her producer, Gotye called her up to see if she’d be interested in singing on his song, “Somebody That I Used To Know.”

“And the rest as they say is history,” she told me earlier this year.

Last night that very track was recognized at the GRAMMY nominations concert for Record of the Year and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance. When asked if she thought the song had a chance to be nominated Kimbra revealed her shock at the question.

“I haven’t really thought about it actually,” she confessed. “It’s crazy to think that it could be a possibility to even be up for a GRAMMY. I have no idea. We’ll see.”

Video –

For my complete interview visit CBS Local.

Categories
Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “A Holly Jolly Christmas”

lady antebellum

It’s officially December and with that a little bit closer to Christmas. Out of all the holiday music videos I’ve seen over the years this one just might be my favorite. Listen to Lady Antebellum put their own spin on the classic and see how one boy’s mistletoe scheme pans out below.

A Holly Jolly Christmas – Lady Antebellum – Lady Antebellum Videos
Categories
Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “National Anthem”

 gaslight_anthem

The first time I heard “National Anthem” I loved it. In fact, it’s become one of my favorite tracks by Gaslight Anthem. The last song on their latest album Handwritten, it was the perfect close to the LP. The stripped down track is made up of delicate strums of the acoustic guitar alongside Brian Fallon’s raspy vocals which initially struck a chord.

Earlier this week the band released a music video to the song which included haunting images of the destruction Hurricane Sandy made to New Jersey, specifically those living by the Jersey Shore. Their home state, the band has been doing what they can to raise money for those who have lost everything including creating posters and T-shirts where all the proceeds will be donated to those in need.

Gaslight Anthem will play three sold-out concerts next week at Terminal 5 in New York. You’ll be able to watch their show live Thursday, November 15 at 9:15 p.m. EST on AXS TV.

Categories
Features Q&A

Hunter Hayes’ Love Letter Turns Into A Radio Single

Hunter Hayes

(credit: HunterHayes.com)

When Hunter Hayes sat down to write “Wanted” he only had one person in mind.

“‘Wanted’ is very much a love letter. It was written basically to tell a girl how I felt about her,” Hunter said. “It didn’t actually work but I’m okay with that. I got my single, I got my song and I’m okay with that.”

What he didn’t know was the song would become his first No. 1 hit as well be covered by a contestant on The Voice. On it’s way to becoming a crossover hit, not unlike Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift, Hunter is being embraced beyond country music.

“I went on to write this song and I was definitely just desperately trying to get the point across to this girl,” he said. “Those are the songs that really write themselves very quickly. I didn’t spend a whole lot of time over-thinking this one.”

Video –

For my complete article visit CBS.

Categories
Concert Reviews

Zac Brown Band Chips Away At Bucket List At Madison Square Garden

“It’s a big night for us. Playing Madison Square Garden has definitely been on our list of things to do,” Zac Brown said during the band’s Eat & Greet Saturday night in New York.

Before Zac Brown Band took the stage for their sold-out concert they served food and mingled with 150 fans. A testament to their growing success, the band continuously thanked everyone for their support.

The Eat & Greet was just one way to show their gratitude Saturday night. The other was a commanding two-hour set that spanned their catalog of hits and jaw-dropping covers from Nirvana, Aerosmith, Metallica, Van Morrison, the Marshall Tucker Band and the Charlie Daniels Band. Whether it was cover songs or their original music, Zac Brown Band showcased their signature sound and standout musicianship with minute long instrumental features and unyielding energy.

For my complete review, visit Billboard.

Categories
Benefit Features

Tinderbox Music Festival Celebrates Female Musicians Today In NYC

Today marks the third annual Tinderbox Music Festival at Webster Hall. Over 35 established and emerging female acts will descend upon New York from France, London, Japan and the U.S. to perform throughout the day. Doors open at 12:30 p.m. and acts will play for 12 hours.

The line-up includes CocoRosie, Jean Grae, Selebrities, Lili Hydyn, Computer Magic and many more. Founded by singer-songwriter Alyson Greenfield in September 2010, 100% of the proceeds will be donated to non-profit organizations that empower female artists including Girls Write Now, Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls and the Tinderbox Songwriting Workshop as well as to the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy.

“The goal has been to create a sustainable platform for emerging artists which also benefits local nonprofits empowering young women,” Alyson Greenfield, Tinderbox Music Festival’s Founder and Director said. “I really wanted this to be a full-circle event encompassing and affecting multiple communities.”

“Tinderbox’s mission has always included giving back to the community,” she added. “This year we feel it is important to help with the immediate local need in the wake of Hurricane Sandy.”

The day’s performance will be an eclectic blend of all genres including Americana, post-punk, hip-hop, indie folk, experimental, electro-pop, and soul. For more, visit Tinderbox Music Festival’s website.