Categories
News

You Sing, I Write Invades the Blogosphere

I’m psyched to report that Paste Magazine‘s new Local:NYC blog has You Sing, I Write featured as a local blog they trust! You can check it out here. Filter will be featuring my blog soon too, I’ll let you know about that as soon as it’s up! In the meantime, I’ve added my own Blogroll of different blogs I read, mostly music related but there are some other interesting non-music blogs in there as well. You can check that out on the right side of the page, under the archives section.

In addition to the new band of the week feature each week, I’m trying to work out a schedule to stick to so you know what’s coming each day. Here’s my tentative schedule, let me know what you think or if you have any suggestions of topics to cover.

Monday: Band of the Week/Artist of the Week
Tuesday: Q&A; Tuesday (I like the rhyme to it . . . lame, I know). Interviews from me or random, intriguing interviews I find.
Wednesday/Thursday: Concert reviews/album reviews/other music news
Friday: Song of the Week
Saturday: Blast from the Past — reviews/interviews/articles I’ve previously written. I’ve gotten a lot of good feedback from featuring some of my earlier writing samples so I think I want to keep this going. However, if you get bored of this let me know!
Sunday: Whatever else I find blog worthy.

I also wanted to congratulate Caitlin from Vernon, New Jersey, for winning the All-American Rejects contest! You have an autographed mug from AAR headed your way, so be sure to check the mail! Below are her answers to my questions.

1.) If you could ask the All-American Rejects one question, what would it be?
I would ask them, “You’ve made 2 albums and are in the process of releasing a third. In the editing process, which song did you hate taking off any of those records and why?

2.) What’s your favorite AAR song and why?
My favorite song by them is “Dance Inside.” This is because it is different from any of their songs on Move Along or their self-titled album. It can be interpreted as sexual or passionate, and the lyrics paint a really good picture of a couple in love. It’s a beautiful song.

3.) If you could spend the day with AAR, what would you do?
I would make sure they relaxed somewhere . . . my house, their tour bus . . . wherever. I feel like they never really get much of a break. I would love to treat them, like give them ice cream and lots of junk food. (And in Mike’s case, Dr. Pepper.) We could watch movies, hang out, goof off . . . I would love to get to know them on a personal level.

I’m hoping to have more contests in the future, so be sure to check back!

Categories
Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “Semi-Charmed Life”

I am so excited to report that I’ll be interviewing lead singer Stephan Jenkins from Third Eye Blind next week! In early 2009 they’ll be releasing their first album in over five years, so I’ll be sure to find out all the details for you. While refreshing myself with their music, I’m amazed that “Semi-Charmed Life” was released over 11 years ago. It seems like just yesterday I was listening to it on the radio! Feel free to E-mail me questions you may have for him or leave comments of things you want to know.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=087pjPX3z_8]

Be sure to check back within the next week because I have some more pretty awesome interviews to post. I chatted with lead singer of piano pop/rock band Strive as well as singer-songwriter Matthew Perryman Jones so those transcriptions and audio will be posted soon.

Categories
CD Reviews

Album Review From the Archives: Justin Timberlake’s “FutureSex/LoveSounds”

I remember getting a lot of criticism for this review, specifically for giving Justin Timberlake a B+ when everyone else thought it deserved better. In actuality, B+ is a pretty decent rating for any album review. I really did like the album at the time, just didn’t find it A worthy. Let me know what you think! Feel free to read below for yet another blast from my writing past.

No More Bubblegum
With high expectations, Justin almost fully delivers

‘N Sync who? Justin Timberlake, formerly known for being a member of boy band ‘N Sync, has finally established himself as a talented solo artist with his sophomore solo album, FutureSex/LoveSounds. Timberlake’s album has had high expectations from everywhere — comparisons have been made to both Michael Jackson and Prince.

Although he hasn’t reached that level just yet, the new album is still impressive. While each song is completely different from the next, they flow into each other smoothly. His current hit single, “Sexy Back,” is the second song on the album, segueing nicely from the first track, “FutureSex/LoveSound.”

Many of the tracks have interludes after each song. “What Goes Around” is comparable to his previous single, “Cry Me a River,” while this interlude and many of the others portray Timberlake’s slower rap style. “Chop Me Up” has a slow, rap feel and features Timbaland and Three 6 Mafia. “Losing My Way” sounds similar to a gospel song. Many of his tracks feature Timberlake’s high falsetto singing range, such as “Damn Girl” and “My Love.” Admist all the club anthems are mellow soul ballads, such as “Until the End of Time.”

Timberlake has moved on from the teeny-bopper icon that he used to be and this album portrays how much of an all-around artist he is.

Album: FutureSex/LoveSounds
Label: Def Jam
Sounds Like: mix of urban, rap, club, R&B;, pop and gospel
Best Songs: “SexyBack,” “My Love,” “Losing My Way”

Categories
Features

Blast From the Past: Gavin DeGraw Plays Rutgers University – circa 2004

Though the concert was nearly four years ago, it’s one of those nights that I remember like it was yesterday. I anxiously anticipated this concert for weeks, telling my editor at the time, Monica Rozenfeld (you can check out her blog here), that I wanted to cover the show for our college paper, The Daily Targum. True to her word, Monica hooked me up with a press pass for Gavin DeGraw’s show that semester.

I had gone to plenty of concerts before, being the concert junkie that I am — always the first to find out about an artist coming to town and constantly informing and recruiting friends to attend shows with me. But, I had never “covered” a concert. Sure, I had attended various college events and meetings and wrote about them, but it never occurred to me to catch a show and write about it — until now.

The perfect explanation of this epiphany is similar to that of the movie Almost Famous and it’s main character, student journalist Will. He just knew music reporting was what he wanted to do for a living, despite his mother’s wishes for him to become a lawyer. Well, I didn’t go on tour with Gavin, but that experience — standing front row of the concert, notepad and pen in one hand, camera in the other capturing the show — made me realize that this is what I wanted to do the rest of my life.

Below you can read my first-ever concert review. I know the first few “newsy” paragraphs are a bit boring, but I was writing a news story for the paper. I’d like to think my writing has gotten better and more intriguing over the years, though. I hope you think that as well! And, as you can tell from my very brief quote from Gavin, my interviews have gotten much better also.

Singer, heartthrob DeGraw croons into college girls’ hearts

Hundreds of students anxiously waited outside the Busch Campus Center’s Multipurpose Room Friday night for the long-awaited Gavin DeGraw concert sponsored by the Rutgers College Program Council. With a crowd of more than 400 students, excitement was in the air, and students patiently waited for the concert to begin.

Lori Smith, assistant director of Rutgers College Student Leadership, Involvement and Programs and advisor for RCPC music committee, said the concert was a part of a variety of music they try to sponsor all year long. Previously this year, RCPC sponsored many different acts including folk, jazz, hip-hop and punk. Next semester, RCPC plans to feature gospel and retro music and will also find three acts for RutgersFest.

Smith said many people expressed interest in having DeGraw come to the University, and they did what they could to get him here. “I hope students have a good time tonight and enjoy the concert and feel excited that Rutgers is bringing cutting-edge stuff here,” Smith said.

Rutgers College senior Michael Worthington, vice president of RCPC music, explained the group decided to bring DeGraw here because, “People definitely knew his music through his theme song on “One Tree Hill,” his music video and being at the Thanksgiving Day parade. We saw him as a rising star.” Worthington said tickets sold out in a day-and-a-half.

University College junior Rone Alonzo, RCPC music chair committee member, said that the group started planning the event two to three months ago. Alonzo said he was impressed with students’ reaction to the concert and that RCPC received a lot of e-mails asking about the concert. He said that he was looking forward to “a very relaxed concert with good music” and said there was a great turnout with DeGraw being the last concert of the semester.

Christina Krupinski, a Rutgers College sophomore and staff member for the event, said this was one of the better concerts this semester. “The buzz is pretty big tonight,” Krupinski said.

Worthington said that due to some late arrivals, the show started 40 minutes late. But fortunately, all groups involved – security, facilities, parking and transportation, and the student center operations – were understanding and worked with RCPC throughout the night, he said.

Opening Act from New Jersey Chris Batten and the Woods took the stage around 10 p.m. to an excited crowd, playing a 40-minute set including some songs from their albums, the 1960 song “Shake” and a Christmas song. The crowd showed much enthusiasm toward the rock ‘n’ roll band, singing along, dancing and clapping to various songs while Chris Batten, singer of the four-member band told the crowd, “Please do not be afraid to dance tonight.”

Many students were impressed with the opening act. “I really enjoyed the opening artist. They had a really original sound. Out of all the concerts I’ve seen, they were the best opening act,” said Jess Frey, a Douglass College sophomore.

Shortly after 11 p.m., Gavin DeGraw arrived on stage to a crowd chanting, “Gavin, Gavin,” and some screaming, “I love you Gavin!” DeGraw and his band performed many songs for the next hour from his album “Chariot.” Playing for an hour, some of his songs included “Just Friends,” “Crush,” “Follow Through,” “Chemical Party,” “Belief,” “Nice to Meet You Anyway” and the obvious crowd favorite “I Don’t Wanna Be,” theme song from WB show “One Tree Hill.”

DeGraw was quite the crowd pleaser, with audience members singing aloud to all of his songs and going crazy when he entered the crowd to shake hands, thanking students for attending the concert. His performance concluded with his song, “Chariot,” and he informed all who attended he would sign autographs right outside the room after the show.

Douglass College sophomore Celine Tardy, who attended the concert, said of DeGraw, “He’s a really good performer live and has an amazing voice. He really gets in touch with the audience when he sings.” She said she went to the concert because she really enjoys his music.

Tina Madan, a Rutgers College first-year student, attended the concert with some friends and said DeGraw is “an artist that has a lot of soul.”

“The concert really united many different kinds of people that were there to enjoy his music,” said Ally Tseng, a Douglass College sophomore.

Batten, the lead singer of the opening act said he really enjoyed playing Friday night. “It was great, a really amazing crowd. We really appreciated [the audience]. They were one of the best audience’s we’ve played for. It was nice to open up for a band that’s actually good.” This is the second time Chris Batten and the Woods played at the University, the only college they have played at. Batten said the group previously performed at the University last year for Livingston College’s Springfest.

And after spending the evening performing at Jingle Ball, Gavin DeGraw came to the University and stayed until 1 a.m. signing autographs, where he said he enjoyed playing at the University. “I had a great time. It’s as good as the people think it is,” Degraw said.

Categories
Features

Artist Profile: Kanye West

It seems only fitting to post my profile on Kanye West this week, with all the press he’s been getting from his most recent escapade — assaulting paparazzi at a Los Angeles airport. Despite the increasingly egotistical persona West has developed over the years, his hits keep getting bigger, his records continue to surpass opponents speculations and no one can deny that his hooks are mind-boggling catchy. Whether he’s rapping about Jesus, throwing tantrums at awards shows or tossing insults at his fellow musicians, there is no doubt about it — West is and stays the headline.

As promised earlier this week, below is my first artist profile written in college. While the text seems a bit outdated, talking about previous albums, I think Kanye’s true character comes out in the quotes. I combined some of the one-sentence paragraphs because on Blogger it just doesn’t read well broken up so short. For my first artist profile it’s not too bad, is it? Be honest, I can take criticism! Thanks for reading.

Hip-hop Star Rises to the Top

Considered one of the hottest newcomers in hip-hop, Kanye West has been around longer than he has let on. As far back as 1997 West began co-producing tracks for artists when he was just 20. He received his big break when working in the background with some of hip-hops most famous names, ranging from Jay-Z to Ludacris and Alicia Keys as a lyricist and songwriter.

Inspired by the Jackson 5, the Temptations, and even the Doors on many of his works, West created the, “soulful yet gritty sound behind Jay’s best tracks that his imitators are still trying to copy today,” according to www.rocafella.com, his record company’s Web site. After his success in helping other artists, West decided it was time to make his own record. However, those West worked with were skeptical about letting him rap on his own album. In fact, many thought the idea was absurd.

“Kanye wore a pink shirt with the collar sticking up and Gucci loafers,” said Damon Dash, a Roc-A-Fella CEO, in an August 25, 2005, Time article. “It was obvious we were not from the same place or cut from the same cloth.”

West was not the typical rapper. He grew up in suburban Chicago. Since he did not go along with the typical “rap” image, his label did not know how to market him. “It was a strike against me that I didn’t wear baggy jeans and jerseys and that I never hustled, never sold drugs,” West said.

Regardless, West persevered and soon signed his first record deal.

West released his debut album “The College Dropout” in early 2004. His album debuted at the top of the charts, selling 440,000 copies in its first week. His first three singles, “Through the Wire,” “All Falls Down,” and “Jesus Walks,” earned heavy airplay and critical recognition. “The College Dropout” was awarded a Grammy for Rap Album of the Year and his single, “Jesus Walks,” won a Grammy also for Best Rap Song. The New York Times, Time Magazine, Blender, Rolling Stone, GQ, Spin, The Source, and XXL also named “Dropout” Album of the Year.

Now 28 years old, West has taken a giant leap into the forefront of the music industry. His new album, “Late Registration,” has been ranked the No. 1 album in the country and is getting continuous raves.

What makes West different from other rap artists is the distinction of his music. “‘Late Registration’ addresses a litany of topics that range from the personal to the political and all that falls in between,” said www.rocafella.com. His current hit single, “Gold Digger,” is a playful song in which West talks of girls who just want a man’s money and, instead they should stand by working class men. This hit is accentuated by Ray Charles-inspired vocals from Jamie Foxx.

West’s activist side is also portrayed on his album, “Late Registration.” One track in specific, entitled “Crack Music” talks of the downfall of poor African-Americans from crack use. “Jesus Walks,” his third single released on his debut album, is one example of the immense diversity of West’s music and what differentiates him from other rappers. Such lyrics include, “To the hustlers, killers, murderers, drug dealers/Even the strippers/Jesus walks for them.” Later in the song, West raps, “But if I talk about God, my records won’t get played, Huh?”

West has brought a new type of hip-hop to the table for listeners to hear and appreciate everywhere.

“I’m trying to break radio, not make radio,” West said. With any success, comes questionable actions as well. Perhaps one move that West was questioned on was hiring composer and producer, Jon Brion.

Brion is best known for his lush, quirky orchestral arrangements for Fiona Apple, Aimee Mann and P.T. Anderson movies, Brian Hiatt wrote in his Rolling Stone article, “Kanye Evolves on ‘Late.'” “The most obvious sign of West’s quest for universal appeal was his genre-defying decision to hire Brion,” Hiatt wrote.

Before West asked for his assistance, Brion had never worked on a hip-hop track. “Some people who hear about this assume it’s just total madness,” Brion said in Hiatt’s article. “But why not make the attempt to bridge as many gaps as possible?”

And bridging gaps is what West has done. His new album is an example of his versatility. Working with such artists as vocalists Cam’ron, Brandy, the Game, Jamie Foxx, Jay-Z and Maroon 5’s Adam Levine, show that West is no typical hip-hop artist. With each new album release, West continues to grow as does his influence in the world of music.

During a talk one night with Brion, after spending hours in the studio polishing up his new album, West offers his hope for the music industry. “You know that saying, ‘You can’t be all things to all people?’ Well, seriously, why not? I want to be all things to all people,” West said.

Categories
Band of the Week

Band of the Week: Southside Serenade

Since creating a MySpace for my blog (you can add me here if you haven’t yet!) I’ve been getting tons of band requests. While not every band I accept catches my ear, quite often I am pleasantly surprised at some of the bands I do listen to. Similar to my “Song of the Week” post at the end of each week, I’ve decided to start a “Band of the Week” or “Artist of the Week” post in the beginning of each week. Whether it be a band I stumble across on MySpace or hear in a commercial, I’ll feature a new band each week that I think deserves a listen.

This week’s first “Band of the Week” is Florida-based band Southside Serenade. With vocals reminiscent to Dave Matthews and catchy, upbeat guitar playing recalling that of John Mayer, their music is sure to get stuck in your head after the first listen. “Ms Pristine,” featured on their MySpace, is an example of one of these tracks. While the track is comparable to Dave Matthews, the faster musical accompaniment has the listener coming back for more.

“Troubled Premonition” is another strong song, featuring a solid drum and guitar interlude. Slower ballad “Birthday at the Beach,” is a nice transition from some of the band’s faster material, having that huddled around the campfire feel while playing acoustic guitar, or perhaps in Florida natives’ Southside Serenade’s case, more appropriately situated around a bonfire on the beach.

It seems that Southside Serenade plays gigs mostly in Florida for now, but after giving their MySpace a listen, I’m pretty sure the rest of the country won’t be out of reach for too much longer. Take a listen and let me know what you think!

Categories
First Person

College Reminiscing

This past week has continually reminded me of why I first decided to become a music writer. While preparing for an edit test, I began paging through various notes from journalism classes I had taken at Rutgers (still in disbelief that it’s been over a year since I graduated). I came across one of the first music-related assignments I wrote in my junior year. I still remember the class, it was Professor Fitzpatrick’s News Reporting and Writing and while my news writing wasn’t the strongest, I took full advantage of writing feature and entertainment-related articles in his class, this specific assignment being no different. We were assigned to write a profile on whomever we wished — politician, entertainer, etc. — and I decided on my favorite artist at the time, Kanye West. When reading through my profile assignment I was thoroughly impressed by my research and could clearly see that even back then, well over two years ago, it was evident that becoming a music journalist was in my future.

Even before interning at MTV News or Rolling Stone, you can see in my earlier articles that this is what I excelled at and had passion for, despite not realizing it for myself at the time. I had always wanted to write thought-provoking, moving pieces as well and partly, I think this is why I love discovering and featuring new bands on my blog. In a way, by me writing about lesser known bands and getting readers interested in listening to a song or checking out their MySpace, I’m making a difference, even if it is in a very small way.

This week I’ve decided to roll back the clock and post some of my very first music-related articles. Whether it be my first artist profile on Kanye, first concert review or in-depth magazine writing assignment, I hope it gives you a little taste of how it all began and motivates me to keep pursing music writing when the career path isn’t always clearly laid out for me.

Categories
Song of the Week

Song of the Week: “L’amoureuse”

The job description of a first lady typically does not include accomplished singer-songwriter or former model, however Carla Bruni has continued to make a name for herself in France and abroad as a musician. Her third release, after her last album anthology of poems composed into music, has received much positive press as of late. While my knowledge of the French language is close to nothing, you can’t deny the beauty of “L’amoureuse” — her voice, the light guitar playing and string accompaniment throughout. Watch the video below and let me know what you think!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uga61fOXEf0]

For more on Bruni, check out the video of her below explaining her interpretation and thoughts on certain poems chosen on her last album as well as the process of putting poetry to music (in English). If you like what you hear, be sure to pick up her latest release, Comme Si De Rien N’était (As if Nothing had Happened), a mix of French pop and folk.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUx8hVdDaPg]

For more on Carla Bruni, check her out on MySpace.

Categories
Concert Reviews

Gavin DeGraw Serenades Fans Over the Makeup Counter of Macy’s

The makeup section of Macy’s department store is definitely not your typical concert venue. However, for 35-minutes Tuesday night it was for lucky New York Gavin DeGraw fans. Following a signing with DeGraw and Tommy Hilfiger on the second floor of Macy’s Herald Square, fans were ushered outdoors to 34th Street to await entrance into DeGraw’s 10 p.m. show.

Though it was a short set of seven songs, DeGraw’s ongoing jokes and explanations of each song had the audience in constant laughter from the moment he walked onstage. DeGraw started off the night on piano with “Follow Through” from his debut album, Chariot. A strong, soulful song, his voice reverberated throughout the first floor of Macy’s. Fans in the crowd enjoyed the intimate performance, one screaming, “I love you, Gavin!” to which he quickly responded, “I love you back. I don’t know you, but I think it’s gonna work.”

The night featured a mix of DeGraw’s older songs, such as breakout hit “I Don’t Want To Be,” as well as some newer material from his latest, self-titled album. Before introducing “Cheated On Me,” he slyly asked the crowd, “Has anybody in the room falsely accused someone for cheating on you?” to which a few hands raised. He quickly retracted himself and sarcastically commented, “Then you’re alone. Because that hasn’t EVER happened to me.” With lyrics “I’m a jealous guy/I hear people talk/And it isn’t hard to believe/I think you cheated on me” for DeGraw, the song is pretty explicit. Who knew rock stars had insecurities?

Fans enjoyed requesting songs throughout DeGraw’s set, one of which he sat down at the piano for a few minutes and admitted, “This is a great song, but I can’t remember the opening line.” Crowd favorite of the night seemed to be current guitar-driven radio hit, “In Love With a Girl.” DeGraw ended the intimate set with the title track off his debut album, “Chariot.” A slower jam, the song displayed his strong vocals. Complete with fitting piano accompaniment, the soulful and jazzy number had fans humming the tune as they exited the store.

Categories
Contest

Last Call For the All-American Rejects Contest

Two weeks ago I presented you with a pretty cool contest, a chance to win an autographed mug from rockers the All-American Rejects. All you need to do is answer the questions below and the most creative submission wins! Hurry up because you only have until the end of the day Wednesday before I pick a winner and send the contestant’s information to their publicist. The questions are below. Good luck!

What I need is for you to E-mail me or leave a comment on my blog with your name, the best way to contact you if you win (by email or phone) and an answer to ONE of the following three questions, your pick:

1.) If you could ask the All-American Rejects one question, what would it be?
2.) What’s your favorite AAR song and why?
3.) If you could spend the day with AAR, what would you do?