All of our budgets are tight this year, but thanks to Live Nation and Citi you can catch some great summer shows for just $5 (plus shipping and handling). The $5 lawn seats include acts like Blink 182, Nickelback, Crue Fest 2, The Fray and Depeche Mode just to name a few.
Visit the site here and use the code CITI54 to see what shows are available. The sale started yesterday and ends August 31. Let me know what show you go to!
It has been confirmed that Thursday, June 25, Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, passed away at the age of 50. Conflicting reports mentioned a coma, but it has been confirmed that Jackson died of cardiac arrest at 2:26 p.m. PST at the UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles.
Photo Credit: Wendy Hu
Over the past 18 months or so, I’ve had the pleasure of covering and interviewing some extremely talented musicians. Many, of which I’ve seen live multiple times and keep in touch with, whether it be on Twitter, MySpace, etc. And, it’s always a thrill to see a band that I’ve featured take off, get a record deal, or be featured in a prominent music magazine.
There are a few bands previously featured on You Sing, I Write who have some exciting news as well as free downloads (legally of course) that I wanted to share with you. Whether it be catching a show, buying an album, or listening on MySpace every little bit helps and I think you’ll enjoy at least one (if not all) of the bands featured below. I’d love to hear what you think!
A Moment’s Worth
I featured AMW a few weeks back as an Artist of the Week and was psyched to learn that they have recently been signed to In-n-Out records in Japan (home to bands like New Found Glory, Finch, Allister, Home Grown, etc). Check out all the info on their blog.
The Jim Ivins Band
The Virgina-based band just released their brand new EP for free to anyone who signs up for their mailing list. Sign up and get your free download at the band’s MySpace.
Lights Resolve and Ace Merrill
I’ve featured both bands on the blog in the past and was impressed to see them featured on Alternative Press’ Battle of the Band contest to play Warped Tour along with a third band, Van Atta High. Listen to a song from each band and read their bios on Alternative Press and vote for your favorite here.
Luke Brindley
A fellow Jersey native, Brindley has a lot of exciting things going on and is in the process of recording his new album. He’s decided to go the self-released route and is enlisting the help of his fans through donations, providing them with some cool perks. For more information and to help him out, click here.
So glad to see these bands taking off! It’s been an exciting journey following them and I hope to only continue to learn of each artist’s increasing success. Any bands you think I should give a listen? I’m all ears.
I’ll be covering radio station Z100’s infamous Zootopia concert tomorrow night at the IZOD Center. For those of you that don’t know the line-up, Kelly Clarkson, Jesse McCartney, All-American Rejects, Ciara, Soulja Boy, Flo Rida and Black Eyed Peas will be performing along with some unannounced special guests.
I’ll have access to the press room where I can ask each artist questions as well as tickets to cover the show. My question for you is, what do you want to know? What are you dying to ask one of the artists?
I’m going to have to juggle the press room and the performances from the looks of it, so what would you rather read about — an exclusive interview or concert review? Let me know! Question submissions always welcome. For more information on the show and for last minute tickets, click here. I’ll be reporting live via Twitter so if you don’t yet, make sure you follow me for up-to-the-minute coverage!
Photo Credit: Wendy Hu
The rain didn’t stop concertgoers from attending Parachute‘s standing room only performance last Monday night at Mercury Lounge. In fact, if anything, last week was just a preview of what’s to come in the upcoming weeks for the Virginia-based band.
This week, their single “Under Control” is featured as the iTunes single of the week and their debut album (due in stores Tuesday, May 19) is already No. 1 on the iTunes chart! Not to mention, my exclusive interview with frontman Will Anderson was just posted on Marie Claire today. You can read it on the blog as well as MarieClaire.com.
I first came across the band last year while they were known as Sparky’s Flaw. Catching their performance at The Knitting Factory, I loved what I saw and reviewed it for MTV’s concert blog as well as interviewed Will. It’s truly amazing to see their progress over the past year — from touring Thursday – Sundays so it wouldn’t conflict with college classes to a record deal, national ad campaign and now the top of the charts. I have a feeling this is only the beginning for Parachute.
Playing songs off their debut full-length, Losing Sleep, Parachute gave all in attendance a glimpse into the future last Monday. Having been on tour with Switchfoot, Matt Nathanson and O.A.R. the band proved they’re equipped for a headlining show. From the arena friendly pop rock sound of “Back Again” and “Under Control” to the solid saxophone feature in their cover of Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out,” Parachute truly left an impression.
Their eight song set was diverse, showcasing their ability to switch up the faster tempo tracks with the slower ballads. Introducing “She Is Love” Will Anderson said, “I just wanted to write a simple love song and this is what came out.” A beautiful acoustic ballad, the track showcased his soulful, yet angelic vocals.
Quite surprised at the turnout for a 7 p.m. show on a Monday night, Anderson expressed the band’s appreciation to the crowd. “Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. We couldn’t thank you enough for coming out tonight,” he said before ending the night with high energy song “Out of Control.” I have a feeling they’ll be back to New York in no time.
To download Parachute’s song “Under Control” for free on iTunes click here. If you like it, you can purchase the full album for $6 here or buy it in stores May 19th. As if I haven’t promoted them enough, I just bought it myself and it’s definitely one of the best albums I’ve heard this year. Check them out on MySpace and catch a show when they’re in town!
Recommended: For fans of Maroon 5, The Fray, John Mayer, Matt Nathanson, Jason Reeves.
I caught two of Brent Shuttleworth‘s performances last year and raved about his live show in one of my reviews. Imagine then, my excitement to find out about his *Best Version of Yourself* House Concert Tour 2009. Where, at your request he will show up to your door and serenade you, your friends and family.
Shuttleworth’s Facebook page states: “For the next 30 days, in preparation for his national summer tour, he will be taking his vitamins, waking up early, reading, writing, painting, booking, recording, exercising and performing the better part of every single day. He will be respecting the overall health and well-being of himself and his music.”
Wait . . . it gets better.
“Let it be known that now, on 10 May 2009 the BEST VERSION of YOURSELF TOUR (BVYT) has officially begun and Brent Shuttleworth WANTS to recruit YOU. Have you ever caught yourself wondering what it would be like to have Brent Shuttleworth playing for you, your friends, family and everyone you have EVER known? WHEREVER you are and WHEREVER you may be, Brent wants to play for you!
If you are interested in organizing a show this summer for your:
A personal concert? I’m so in, what do you think? Give him a listen, and if you like what you hear be sure to contact booking@brentshuttleworthmusic.com for booking.
Watch Brent’s video for “When I Reach California” below.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FT-MlVxQcoc]
I just found out about MTV’s new show, “$5 Cover” and I have to say, it’s about time there’s a legit reality show about musicians. Premiering tomorrow, Friday, May 1 at midnight, the series, directed by “Hustle and Flow” writer-director Craig Brewer, captures the lives of Memphis musicians. Part reality show, part indie cinema, “$5 Cover” will be aired on MTV and on the Web site www.fivedollarcover.com.
The show follows five Memphis musicians and their respective bands including Craig Brewer, Al Kapone, Amy Lavere, Ben Nichols and Clare Grant. Watch as lives collide, drama ensues and the everyday struggle of a musician is brought to light.
You can watch an exclusive preview of “$5 Cover” below and head over to MTV.com for interviews with each artist. I don’t know about you, but I’m hoping this one sticks around for a while. You can read more on the show in a great LA Times piece here.
What do you think? Will you be watching? Follow along on the show’s blog here.
I’ve been receiving more responses from the poll questions lately, which I’m always excited about! It seems that while most who answered last week’s question, How Did You Stumble On You Sing, I Write? seem to be a friend or family member, I received many votes for “Other.”
From the comments I found out that some readers stumbled on the blog from popular music network MOG while others did by searching for artist interviews. Always good to know. Thanks to everyone who participated and left their response in the comments, as I’m constantly trying to serve you, the readers, better!
Now onto this week’s poll question: What Do You Enjoy Most on You Sing, I Write?
Concert Reviews
New Artist Features
Album Reviews
Other
I’m interested to read your votes, as this will help me get a better feel as to what I should feature more on the blog. If you love the artist interviews, I’ll make sure to have a new one up each week or if you like show reviews, I’ll be sure to catch as many as I can! Thanks again for participating, I look forward to reading the results! As always, if there is something you want me to post more of that’s not an option, feel free to mention it in the comments!
I was explaining to my sister the wonders of Twitter this past week and how I’ve noticed more traffic on my blog since joining. While I don’t think I was too convincing (she hasn’t joined yet), it got me curious as to how you first heard about You Sing, I Write and what keeps you coming back.
I’m sure there are more reasons than the five selections I’ll post in the poll this week, so feel free to leave anything I may have missed in the comments. I’m really curious to see how you found my blog and if there’s anything I should be doing to get it more notice.
This past week’s poll winner for question, What festival are you most looking forward to? was a tie between Lollapalooza and Warped Tour. I received a lot of great comments on Warped Tour which only convinces me to attend this year!
Now to this week’s poll: How Did You Stumble On You Sing, I Write?
MySpace
Word of Mouth
You’re a friend/family member badgered to read about my latest posts via Facebook messages, Gmail statuses or curiosity.
Other
You have until next Sunday to post your vote before the poll closes. If I left any options from the list, feel free to leave them in the comment section!
Founded in 2007 as as a day to celebrate independently owned record stores throughout the U.S. and internationally, many music lovers are participating in Record Store Day today. Highlights of the third-annual Record Store Day include live in-store performances, record reissues and free give-a-ways.
Both Pitchfork and Prefix-Mag have in depth write-ups of the many re-released albums expected for sale today so be sure to check out those articles as well as visit http://www.recordstoreday.com for a list of participating stores.
As someone who enjoys going to record stores to purchase a copy of an album instead of downloading it from iTunes, it’s good to know people still care about their local record shops. Are you planning on attending Record Store Day today? If so, which record(s) will you be buying?