Category: Articles

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Festivals

Poll of the Week: What CMA Coverage Do You Want To Read?

CMAfest.com – CMA Music Fest June 11-14, 2009 in Nashville, TN

I’ve been listening to country music all day in preparation for the CMA Music Festival next week in Nashville! It’s always been a dream of mine to visit Nashville and I’ve already gotten a list of places to visit from some musicians who live there. So psyched!

Currently, I’m in the process of setting up interviews with country artists at the festival as well as some Nashville-based musicians, but I wanted to know what you’re most interested in reading throughout the week. I’m sure it will be similar to SXSW, but I want to make sure I write about what’s most intriguing to you!

Interviews
Concert Reviews
Daily Updates
Flip Cam Footage
Other

Which artists are you most excited to read about? And, if you could ask them one question, what would it be? Check out the full lineup here and let me know!
Categories
Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Tiny Dancer”

The past three weeks literally have been a whirlwind. From starting a new job in NYC to catching at least two shows a week, it’s been insane, but at the same time one of my most inspiring months yet. Not only did I get to cover the legendary Zootopia concert and interview some amazing bands (see me interviewing Fergie above!!!), but I have become even more convinced that this whole music thing is what I absolutely have to continue and pursue to no end.

Whether it was interviewing Mat Kearney on his tour bus this past Tuesday and getting a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road, or seeing a band perform live as they convert every person in the room as fans, it’s just been one of those light bulb moments.

What better song then, to feature than Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer?” Every time I hear it I think of my all-time favorite film “Almost Famous.” And, amazingly enough, the past few weeks I have been living out the movie myself.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qn3tel9FWU]

Categories
Concert Reviews

White Rabbits Impress At Sold-Out New York Show

The approaching holiday weekend didn’t deter concertgoers from attending White Rabbits’ sold-out concert at Bowery Ballroom last Thursday night. As they performed an hour-long set of older fan favorites as well as tracks off their most recent release, It’s Frightening, White Rabbits had all in attendance captivated by their live show.

The band’s energy was undeniable from the moment they took the stage for first track, “Rudie Fails.” Whether it was Steve Patterson’s vigor while playing piano or guitarists Alex Even and Greg Roberts jumping around onstage, White Rabbits kept the crowd engaged. Their constant interaction was impressive and permeated throughout the venue.

The lack of between-song banter didn’t matter. Concertgoers were there to see a powerhouse set from the Brooklyn-based band and that’s what they got. Led by dual vocalists Patterson and Roberts, each voice matched the energy of the songs showcased and, at times darker musical accompaniment provided. One highlight was seeing the array of instruments played by the six-piece. Throughout the performance, most band members rotated between helping out on percussion, tambourine as well as keyboards, and always managed to keep things fresh.

The band’s set moved quickly and with great diversity. Alternating from more upbeat track “The Lady Vanishes” to slower ballad, “Company I Keep,” Patterson left the piano for the first time of the night and proved he has just as much energy manning the mic alone as he does on the keys. Older tracks like “The Plot” and “While We Go Dancing” seemed to draw the most excitement while the crowd favorite of the night was vigorous “Percussion Gun.” With half the band playing the drums and the audience dancing and singing along word for word throughout the track, White Rabbits had the audience begging for more and they didn’t disappoint. As they took the stage for an encore, the show ended shortly after midnight to a satisfied audience. And, from the looks of it, the band had a blast as well.

It’s evident from Thursday’s show that White Rabbits is one band to be on the lookout for. With a slot at this year’s All Points West festival, there’s a good chance we’ll be hearing a lot more from them soon.

The Antlers opened up the night and played a 40-minute, six-song set. While the three-piece band has more of an ambient, atmospheric vibe, they had trouble winning over the audience. More onstage interaction between the band members could have resulted in a different outcome. While tracks like “Two” have much potential, less musical accompaniment and more vocals would have made for a much different concert experience.

Cymbals Eat Guitars brought along much-needed energy as the venue began to fill up shortly after 10 p.m. Their mix of indie, alternative rock, and, at times screamo, left the audience questioning what would come next. But, isn’t that what live shows are all about? The band interacted well onstage, which only kept the crowd more fascinated.

While Cymbals Eat Guitars have been compared to Built to Spill and early Modest Mouse, regardless of the comparison they definitely put their own spin on their material as could be witnessed throughout the entirety of their set. Songs like “Cold Spring” had solid electric guitar features while frontman Joseph Ferocious was a fun sight to see while jumping around onstage. Having received rave reviews by music publications and blogs alike, the band is on the cusp of indie greatness.

You can read this review, originally posted on Venus Zine here.

Categories
Artist of the Week

April Smith and the Great Picture Show Bring Surprises to Mercury Lounge

With frontwoman April Smith‘s soulful vocals and quirky banter with the audience, April Smith and the Great Picture Show entertained all at Mercury Lounge for an early show last Wednesday. Playing songs off their most recent EP, Live From the Penthouse, the band’s versatility is spell bounding.

Whether Smith is singing jazzier track “Terrible Things,” a song she dedicated to hit television show, “Dexter,” or having a guest band member play the suitcase onstage as if it was a drum (no joke), April Smith and the Great Picture Show kept the audience enthralled for the entirety of their set.

The cabaret inspired show brought to mind many genres; rock, pop, jazz and even classic tunes from the late 50s and 60s. Infused with guitar, bass, keyboards, percussion and melodica, among other surprise instruments, the band kept a lively and easygoing vibe throughout the night.

The energy was fierce during tracks like “Colors” with fun melodica features (think kazoo with a keyboard attached) and tambourine accompaniment, not to mention that suitcase I mentioned earlier. Who knew a band could have the percussion section consist of a suitcase? Definitely a first seeing a suitcase being played onstage.

Stand out track was emotional ballad, “Beloved.” Before beginning, Smith told the crowd she wrote “Beloved” about her grandparents. “I hope one day two people in the movie Twilight will be kissing to it,” she joked. “Maybe Bella or Edward will make out to this song.” With lyrics like “You are the thrill that stilled my beating heart, baby/You are the one I dream the most/But if I cannot have the real thing/I’ll gladly settle for your ghost,” it’s hard not to picture hearing it on the big screen.

Ending their set with fun track “Wow and Flutter,” Wednesday night was only a glimpse into the bright future for April Smith and the Great Picture Show. Garnering a slot opening for for The Bangles as well as this year’s Lollapalooza is well deserved and I won’t be surprised if you’ll be hearing April Smith and the Great Picture Show everywhere soon.

For more on April Smith and the Great Picture Show, be sure to visit them on MySpace.

Recommended: For fans of Duffy and Tom Waits with the energy and emotion of PJ Harvey and Etta James.

Categories
Interviews

Sean Paul

Releasing his first album in over three years, Sean Paul is back on the road and as busy as ever. Having produced hit singles for Beyoncé and Rihanna in the past, Sean Paul has made a name for himself not only as a hit producer, but also as a solo reggae artist. While singles “Gimme the Light” and Billboard Hot 100 hit “Get Busy” accelerated his solo career, being heard on Beyoncé’s No. 1 single “Baby Boy” helped to elevate his staying power.

Last week Sean Paul filled us in on his newest single, “So Fine” as well as life dealing with the constant camera attention. Read below for more on his upcoming album and passion for music.

Tell us about your new single.
New single is called “So Fine.” I think it’s a perfect summer giant. It’s very bouncy. I usually cover stuff that you can hear in the clubs, in the cars. It’s raunchy but also sounds smooth. It has a cool attitude.

Other than that, the record I’ve been working on for three long years. I’m glad to be back on the road. The road is hectic right now. It’s called Imperial Blaze suggesting the king’s fire. I feel like I am a king of certain types of music right now. I’m doing it as hot as ever. Imperial Blaze comes out August 18th. I’m shooting a video for the first single next week.

You’ve collaborated with so many artists over the years. Is there one specific artist or song that stands out as a favorite or most memorable?
All of my work, to me, is just something I’ve put so much thought into. I want people to feel a good feeling off of it. I remember when I heard songs that I like, I try to put that feeling, whatever it is. It might be a madness that nobody else is understanding what I’m talking about. But, that’s what I try to do. All of them have been special to me. I can’t. Every experience; working with a different producer or a different artist is something that you learn from.

What triggers the passion inside of you?
There’s a lot of different things. My motivation towards music is always wanting to have my say out there. To be able to have my five minutes with all these press people and say, “Yo, what up?” And if there’s something really on my mind at the time, I can say it. That’s what motivates me. It’s good to be in the public eye and have my own opinions.

Do you ever get used to the camera flashes?
That’s crazy. It’s very blinding. They’re like, “Sean, here. Here.” I don’t know where I’m looking. I’m not used to it. When do I get used to it? I don’t know. Who is used to people screaming, “Hey! Hey!” in your face and taking pictures? I’m not used to it. It’s cool. I’m liking that they’re taking it, but I’m just not the type of person into that type of thing. I’m usually the person that likes to see everyone else before they see me. Sort of incognito.

Categories
Interviews

Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em (or Soulja Boy) took the charts by storm in the fall of 2007 with hit single, “Crank That (Soulja Boy).” Not only did he invent a new dance that was everywhere in the clubs, but the song reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. A pretty impressive feat for a kid just in high school.

His story is inspiring, having recorded and released his debut album independently, soon after his music taking off on the Internet and then signing a record deal a few months later. With current hits, “Kiss Me Thru the Phone” and “Turn My Swag On” heating up the charts, there’s nothing this 18-year-old can’t do. Read on for his advice to up-and-coming musicians and his definition of swag.

What to you is swag?
Swag is different for each person. For me, swag is the type of jewelry that I wear, the type of clothes I wear or how I have my hair shaped up in the morning. For another person, it’s your appearance. Your style is your swag.

I’ve heard about your notebook of goals. What’s your advice for other teens?
When I was in high school I had a composition notebook and I wrote my list of goals down that I wanted to accomplish in life. One of them was to have a platinum album, to be successful as a famous musician. My advice to anybody who wants to be successful, I just say; believe in hard work and determination because I am living proof that your dreams can come true.

What music beyond Hip-Hop are you listening to? Any rock artists?
I got Lady Gaga on the iPod right now. I’m got digging her latest album. If you want to count Lil Wayne as rock.

With all the money you spend on your bling, do you find it’s appropriate where there are people that can’t afford to eat every day?
I work hard for the money I got with all the hard work that I put in. Whatever I buy I feel as if I should be able to wear it. It’s like a trophy to me. I actually do an annual event every year in Mississippi to help raise money for the kids, but I had to miss that event to come here and perform.

You started as an independent artist and produced the album yourself. What’s your advice to upcoming artists?
I believe in hard work and determination. Any upcoming artist that wants to be successful at anything that they do, I would just say it is possible. Anything is possible. The sky is the limit.

Categories
Interviews

Flo Rida

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

He’s been tearing up the charts with current single “Right Round” and who can forget 2008 hit, “Low?” Flo Rida chatted last week in Zootopia’s press room about his recent single, “Sugar” as well as starting his career touring with 2 Live Crew. Read on for more.

You sample a lot of material on your tracks. How do you decide what to feature in your songs?
I’m always trying different things. I’m a big fan of OutKast. They always try to broaden the horizon every time they drop an album and that’s what I do. It could have been me sampling some blues music or anything. It’s all about the soul and if the record gives me goose bumps after complete.

What songs are you looking forward to this summer?
Definitely my song with Nelly Furtado [“Jump”]. It’s the lead single for a new movie called, G4. We’re actually going to shoot the video in a couple of weeks and it’s definitely going to be huge. “Available” is a new single I have dropping as well with Akon.

Tell me about your current single “Sugar.”
I feel like the ladies around the room like sugar to be sweet. Sampling this Eiffel 65 record was definitely something I loved and I enjoyed. I love doing it at shows because the crowd definitely gets hyped and it’s a great response record.

When was the moment you realized that music was what you wanted to do as a career?
I actually got a chance to open up for Scarface at a nightclub and some guys from 2 Live Crew were there and they asked me to go to Hawaii. Knowing there were things I could do like that definitely motivated me.

Your song “Right Round” broke records for digital downloads. What do you feel about digital downloads vs. going to the store and buying the full album?
Some people are not fortunate enough to go out. There’s a recession right now, so if they can go online and order records than I think it’s a great thing.

What’s your guilty pleasure and why?
We’re gonna keep that on the [singing] low, low, low.

What’s it like performing in front of thousands of fans?
Wow. Just to feel the aura. I always think back to when I didn’t have a record deal. And now to put a smile on the world’s face, I can’t even explain it. It’s crazy.

Categories
Interviews

All-American Rejects

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

The All-American Rejects tour more than most bands I know. It seems as if every few months they’re back in New York and I always wind up seeing them because their live show is like none other. Whether it’s frontman Tyson Ritter’s quirky and unexpected banter with the audience or his incredulous stage antics, you can’t help but get in a good laugh.

In real life, AAR are quite amusing as well. Just read their responses from Zootopia’s press room below and you’ll see what I mean. Currently in Europe, the guys will be on tour with Blink 182 this summer so be sure to check out their MySpace for the dates.

You’re touring with Blink 182 this summer. How did that come about?
I actually saw Tom (DeLonge of Blink 182) last week at a show and I told him, “It’s crazy we’re playing with you because I was throwing CDs at your feet at the very first concert I went to.” It was Bad Religion and Blink 182 and I was darting CDs at them and they just kept kicking them off stage. It’s amazing. It’s literally full circle. Between opening up for Bon Jovi last year and now we’re opening up for Blink 182 — I don’t think there’s anything we can’t do.

Tell me about your new single, “The Wind Blows.”
“The Wind Blows” is a different step for us. We’re definitely not just a pop rock band. Like I said, there are no boundaries for us.

What songs are you looking forward to this summer?
Songs of summer. I don’t know. The songs that you play with your top down in your car and just close your eyes while driving. I know that doesn’t sound too safe. There are some great summer songs. Don Henley, “Boys of Summer.” That’s as good as it gets.

There are a lot of album releases coming up. Which albums are you most looking forward to?
I guess we should say Eminem because he’s on our label. But, I like people that play a lot of instruments. I like to see a lot of instruments onstage.

Do you have any hidden talents or quirks?
Chris is a falconer. He falcons. Like, baby bird, there you go, lets eat it together. Crazy shit. True story.

You guys have had so much success. Do you feel that it happened quicker than most bands?
We were in a van for about five years playing bars and birthday parties. Quicker than some, I imagine. But we definitely paid our dues. It feels good to be here now.

Why is “Gives You Hell” such a huge hit?
I think everybody got hell the first of this year if they were losing their job. It’s so funny, when we put out When the World Comes Down, which is the name of our record, it was right before Obama was elected and everyone was like, “What a terrible title for a record, everything is going to be fine now.” Then all of a sudden a month into it the big bomb of the economy dropped and now everyone is saying, “Wow, what foresight you had.” I’m just glad we’re putting out music in this world right now.

What gives you hell?
I think its your teacher, its your boss, its the policeman that gave you a parking ticket. Mainly it’s the opposite sex. We know how to sing about heartbreak.

You were on “House” recently. Do you plan on doing more acting?
You’re gonna see us all over the place. I’m gonna do movies. Nick’s gonna do I don’t know, shit, he’s gonna do porn. Chris will do falconry professionally so you’ll see him on ESPN doing classes. There’s nothing this band can’t do.

Do you have any advice for bands who want to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t rely just on MySpace or the Inner Web to get your music out there. You still have to do it the old fashioned way and learn how to play your instrument. Get out there and play shows.

Categories
Interviews

Ciara

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

With current single “Love Sex Magic” featuring Justin Timberlake climbing the charts and her recent appearance on “SNL,” Ciara is as popular as ever. It can’t hurt that tour dates have just been confirmed for summer shows with Jay-Z and Britney Spears. Read on for the details and Ciara’s secret to that fantastic body.

You have a pretty busy summer lined up.
I’ll be touring with Jay-Z a few dates in July; we’ll be doing five cities together. We’ll be doing two times at each city. I’m excited about it. I’ve always loved mixing the rap, R&B; and pop together. It’s always been a fun challenge for me but it’s also been very cool to be able to go on tour with a rapper like Jay-Z and then also be able to go on tour with Britney Spears which is what I’m doing in June. It’s fun to be able to do all those extremes.

In a battle scene who would win, Super C or Sasha Fierce?
You know what; I’m just going to say it would be a lot of fun. It would definitely be entertaining. I think Beyonce is really dope and talented. I definitely would get down and do my thing. I can’t really say but I would say it would be a lot of fun.

Sum up your song “Love Sex Magic.”
It’s all about having fun. Playing with the imagination a little bit and just kind of painting a picture for the mind of a guy in a show giving him a little fun, cool show: love, sex, magic.

Which songs are you most excited about this summer?
I’ll be honest, I can’t answer that question as good as I want to because I’m not really aware of every single song that’s out right now. I really am enjoying Lady Gaga and Flo Rida is doing pretty cool with some records. Also the Black Eyed Peas “Boom Boom Boom” is pretty fun. Those are a few things. Also, I have a record called “Work” with Missy Elliot which I’m excited about too and a song called “Like a Surgeon” so those will be a few of my songs as well.

What’s the one work out you can’t live without and why?
Honestly, I haven’t worked out in so long. But, I would say when I work out I love to do my squats and my lunges because it’s all about the toosh. I need to get that toosh sitting up pretty nicely. Lunges and squats are my favorite.

Categories
Interviews

Jesse McCartney

Photo Credit: Wendy Hu

With his current single, “How Do You Sleep?” climbing the charts and a tour with New Kids on the Block on the way, heartthrob Jesse McCartney’s life has been pretty busy as of late. It can’t hurt that the singer/actor/entertainer has been hailed “The Heir to Justin Timberlake’s Throne.”

McCartney, like Timberlake, first rose to fame as member of a boy band. Eventually branching out from Dream Street to a solo career, McCartney has proven his prowess as a songwriter. Remember hit Leona Lewis song “Bleeding Love?” Turns out McCartney along with frontman Ryan Tedder of OneRepublic co-wrote it. Are you convinced yet?

McCartney took some time out Saturday to chat about his growing popularity, new single and his idea of a romantic date. Let the swooning begin.

It’s been a year since you released Departure. What have you been up to?
I’ve been in the studio. I’ve been writing. I’ve been working with some other artists. I did a TV show on ABC called “Greek.” Other than that just cooking, hanging out at the house watching the Food Network.

Are you excited about touring with New Kids on the Block?
I’m looking forward to it. Natasha [Bedingfield] toured with them and she told me how great it was. It’s an opportunity for me to play my music for a little bit of an older crowd which will be nice.

What’s going to be your next single after “How Do You Sleep?”
It’s a new record I just finished. I’m very excited about it. It’s with T-Pain and is called “Body Language.” I did a re-release of the album about a month ago Departure: Recharged. It’s one of the records that I added onto the album. It’s like a “Leavin’ Part II” is how I sum it up and hopefully it’ll be another summer ’09 song.

The girls love you. How do you handle all the attention?
It’s interesting. It’s kind of overwhelming. You never get used to that I guess. The fans have been unbelievably supportive. It’s been an interesting ride, this whole music career. I started at kind of an awkward age and somehow made it out okay and I owe a lot to them [the fans]. They’re the heart of my career and the reason I can get up onstage every night.

Do you feel being in Dream Street has helped out with your solo career? What do you like better acting or singing?
Dream Street was definitely a big chapter in my book and I had certainly an unbelievable learning experience. I was very green to how it all worked and the whole recording process and touring process and it opened my eyes in a big way and it prepped me for what was to come. I don’t really have a preference. I like to consider myself an entertainer in whatever outlet it is, whether it is music or film or acting.

Where’s the most romantic spot for a date?
I have no idea. I think just good food. Maybe my house.

What was it like working with the cast of “Greek?”
It was great. I had a great time with all those guys. Scott Michael Foster became a really good friend of mine throughout the process of filming and even after. We shoot pool together now in Hollywood sometimes. That whole cast, the writers, they really do an amazing job and the actors know how to bring it off the paper to life.

What are your predictions of big songs for the summer?
I’m really excited for the Black Eyed Peas. I think that Will.i.am did it again and I’m very excited and anxious for the album. I heard the next single that they’re going to push and I think it’s going to be huge. I’m going to pat myself on the back a little bit. I’m hoping “Body Language” is going to be the next summer ’09 record. I’ve been working on making summer records and I really want to see it go.