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Song of the Week: "Enchanted"
I haven’t been able to stop playing this song since I bought Taylor Swift’s album back in November. The light acoustic guitar, her soft vocals, the lyrics. Everything comes together to paint a beautiful picture of the moment you meet that special someone for the first time and the rest of the night you’re up late wondering if they’re dating anyone or if they will even remember you in the morning. I think everyone has felt this at some point in their lives and Taylor once again expresses this universal feeling in her music.
Watch Taylor perform “Enchanted” live below and listen as her fans react to her lyrics.
Related Links
• Song of the Week: “Mrs. Mistletoe”
• Song of the Week: “Christmas All Over Again”
• Song of the Week: “Until You”
• Song of the Week: “Hello World”
Steel Magnolia’s chemistry was undeniable as they shared the stage at New York’s Bowery Ballroom Monday night. On the eve of their record release, the duo — Meghan Linsey and Joshua Scott Jones — gave New Yorkers a preview of their debut album, released today, 1/11/11.
Meghan, clad in a short black and white striped dress and Joshua in blue jeans and black button down shirt, walked out to screams before they began first song of the night — fittingly, the first track on their album, ‘Ooh La La.’
Throughout their set, the couple of more than five years continually interacted with each other, showcasing just how much fun they had onstage. At times, Joshua would walk, guitar in hand, from his mic stand to Meghan’s, so they could sing with their faces pressed tight against each other. Their harmonies were spot on as demonstrated on every song performed during their 90-minute set.
Whether it was an original or cover song, Steel Magnolia’s energy never wavered. Instead of performing the album from start to finish, the duo threw back to an old favorite for the second song on their set list, the Eagles’ ‘One of These Nights,’ on which they showcased impressive vocal prowess, accompanied by an equally impressive five-piece band.
To read more of my review of last night’s show and find out why Steel Magnolia is You Sing I Write’s band of the week, visit The Boot.
Editor’s Note: I originally wrote this article last year for another publication after reading about John Mayer’s One Week Digital Cleanse challenge. When going through past clips recently, I realized I never posted it on You Sing I Write and thought you might be curious as to whether I survived a week without digital and social media. You can read all about it below. Enjoy! Love to know your thoughts.
The New Year is time to make a fresh start and create resolutions that will hopefully last longer than the first week of the year. So, when I heard of John Mayer’s one week digital cleanse, I thought why not? A full week without tweeting, facebook stalking, entertainment and gossip sites, texting, checking email from your phone – no problem! Think again.
Being engulfed in the social media world for what seems like an eternity, I quickly realized how much my day to day activities completely rely around this seemingly digital universe. But, I also learned how productive my life can be without it. Maybe John Mayer is on to something after all.
Day 1:
1: 50 pm FAIL: Texted Dad Happy New Year.
4:34 pm: I start receiving texts from the girls on plans for the evening. In total, I accumulate 12 text messages from six different people. Since Mayer’s rules include no texting I pick up the phone and call them. Most of my friends already know of my digital cleanse, but keep forgetting and continue to text me to which I pick up the phone and call them back once again. Who knew making plans for the night is so much easier via text? I can’t remember the last time I actually talked on the phone this much.
6:20 pm: I call three friends to wish each a happy New Year which results in two voicemail messages. The two respond back by text. Really, people?
11:45 pm: We’re all at the bar and its karaoke night. Two guys sing a God-awful rendition of Taylor Swift’s “Our Song.” I try to control myself and don’t update my Twitter. A few songs later and a guy is singing a metal version of Backstreet Boys’ “Everybody.” My friends find it ridiculous. I know my Twitter followers would be amused, but I resist.
Day 2:
1:05 pm: I wake to a text from a friend that reads, “Sorry I texted u last night and when u called I remembered ur digital cleanse. I will call u if I need u for the rest of the week.”
I don’t receive any texts the rest of the day and (gasp!) don’t even turn on the computer. Although, I can’t deny periodically checking my phone for messages.
Day 3:
I think I’m finally starting to embrace the digital cleanse. I check my mail from my laptop and delete all the Twitter and Facebook updates without reading. I must admit I want to see all the tagged New Year’s Eve photos posted, but I successfully resist the temptation.
3:28 pm: I receive a text from a friend asking about my weekend and I call her back and chat for an hour or so. Normally we’d talk via text for the next 20 minutes, but instead talk on the phone about our New Year’s Eve, latest boy crushes and concert plans for the week. I have to admit, I feel refreshed. It’s almost like I’m back in high school. I don’t think I’ve talked this much on the phone in years.
I have definitely become more productive without the distraction of Twitter and Facebook while writing articles and reviews. Where some days it would take me a day to complete an album review, today it takes me three hours since I have nothing to sidetrack me.
Day 4
Not having g-chat has proved to be difficult as Monday begins, but I have no excuses today to get my writing done. In my spare time, (because let’s face it, there is a lot of it now!) I finally pick up a book I’ve been meaning to read for years – Rob Sheffield’s “Love Is a Mix Tape.” One of my favorite Rolling Stone writers, I lose myself for hours reading about his life and music.
FAIL: While looking for articles to pitch it’s nearly impossible to not wind up on a gossip or entertainment site. I finish reading an article about Leighton Meester getting advice from Cyndi Lauper before I realize I’m on a gossip site. This digital cleanse is proving more difficult when working in the media and publishing industry, but I fight on.
8pm: This is the first concert I attend in months where I am not live Twitter reporting. I can’t help but notice during every set the performer adds, “Follow me on Twitter.” I meet Ryan Cabrera (remember his infamous hit “On the Way Down?”) and defy the urge to update Twitter. During his set he takes a Twitter request. I can’t resist the thought that the entire universe keeps revealing Twitter to me. I think its official: I’m a Twitter addict.
Day 5
I’m starting to feel cut off from the world. Two more days! I can do this! My friends all took the hint and stopped texting me completely. Two have kept calling me to keep in touch so I don’t feel completely out of the loop.
I interviewed an up-and-coming New York-based musician today and we had a full conversation about my Twitter detox. He said he will leave me @ replies for when I come back to the 21st century Friday. Today I am convinced that Twitter has to be the most used word. When emailing to find information on a new media workshop I’m interested in taking I am advised to “Check our Web site and follow us on Twitter” for the latest updates.
My production is off the charts today. I transcribed two interviews, had a phone interview and wrote a few articles. A friend just tagged me in 15 photos on Facebook… I resist.
Day 6
Today was a good day. I chatted with a friend for an hour on the phone and caught up with her creative endeavors where I would usually just find out through 140-character updates on Twitter. I have actually stuck to my New Year’s resolution of learning guitar. I played for 30 minutes today. Maybe if I succeed in this digital cleanse John Mayer will give me a free lesson. Just throwing it out there…
I met up with some music industry friends tonight for pizza where I realize I must be the only person without Internet on my phone. Earlier last week I was considering an upgrade, but after this week I think I can survive without.
Day 7
Today is my last day of the John Mayer-inspired one-week digital cleanse. I’ve had a few missteps, but all in all, I have surprised myself and friends with my relentless dedication. While it is the 21st century and many of these forms of social media are considered necessary to some, I’ve found that (big shocker!) it IS possible to exist without them.
You really don’t need to respond to every text message or Twitter update. Life will go on without checking your email 24/7 or looking at every tagged Facebook photo. Hey, who knows, if I continue this cleanse for the entire year maybe I’ll become good enough at guitar to join John Mayer’s band. Probably not, but it’s worth a shot.
What do you think? Are you addicted to social media? Could you pull off a digital cleanse?
Photo/Video Credit: Wendy Hu
I’ve been incredibly lucky to have interviewed some of my all-time favorite bands this year. As 2010 comes to a close, I can only imagine what 2011 will bring… (perhaps an interview with John Mayer?!). Instead of compiling my top 10 albums, songs, etc. of the year I decided to break up my Top 10 list with my five most memorable interviews and concerts of 2010. Be sure to let me know some of your favorites in the comments!
You Sing I Write’s Top 5 Interviews of 2010
5. Hanson
My younger self is still in disbelief. HANSON. I remember the years my best friend in middle school was CONVINCED she would marry Taylor Hanson. Little did I know I’d interview him a decade later. Extremely detailed, Taylor Hanson went on to thoroughly and thoughtfully answer every question I asked. Sorry Jacqueline, he’s married. Read my complete interview on Lemondrop here.
4. Colbie Caillat
Though I interviewed Colbie Caillat back in 2008 for my blog, I had yet to meet her in person and was thrilled to catch her in Hoboken and film my interview with her for VH1 Save the Music. You can read the complete interview on Hoboken Patch and watch a video excerpt below.
3. Pat Benatar
I still can’t believe I chatted with Pat Benatar on the phone this year! We bonded over living in Brooklyn and she gave me so much great advice that I shared with Lemondrop readers. And, your No. 1 question was answered. Yes, Pat Benatar still believes love is a battlefield. Read my complete Q&A on Lemondrop here.
2. Lady Antebellum
I still remember the first time I saw Lady Antebellum perform on an awards show and thought to myself, “I REALLY want to interview this band!” I had a hunch they’d explode and in 2010 they sure did. Out of all my interviews this year, I was most nervous for my in-person with them as I listened to Need You Now continuously, it easily being my most played album of the year. Nerves aside, the interview went well and I even stumped Lady A on a few questions. Read my interview with Lady Antebellum on The Boot.
1. Keith Urban
Never in a million years would I have dreamed I’d spend the day with Keith Urban! I remember the first time I heard a Keith Urban song. It was “Somebody Like You” back in high school in the movie, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” and I downloaded it and played it obsessively for months. He was the first country artist I really listened to and I was happy to discover my college roommate Celine liked him as well. We’d play his album on repeat and admire his gorgeous locks, often wondering how they’re kept so perfect. I came to learn it’s thanks to his personal hair stylist as she was fixing his hair before my chat with him.
Happy to report my interview went swimmingly (see the video below) and Keith was one of the nicest artists I’ve ever met. For the complete writeup, visit The Boot.
You Sing I Write’s Top 5 Concerts of 2010
5. Pat Benatar, Nokia Theater
I was more than excited to get a pair of tickets to Pat Benatar’s show a week after my phoner with her. Many life realizations came to mind while I was standing near the stage during the entirety of her set. As Benatar’s husband Neil Geraldo provided climatic guitar riffs to accompany her soaring vocals, I couldn’t help but smile at the chorus of “Shadows of the Night.”
We’re running with the Shadows of the Night
So baby take my hand, you’ll be all right
Surrender all you dreams to me tonight
They’ll come true in the end
In 2010, so many of my dreams have come true. Some that I never even realized were possible a few years ago. Read more on Busted Halo.
4. CMT on Tour with Miranda Lambert and Eric Church, Terminal 5
For those who doubt country fans exist in New York, you obviously weren’t at Terminal 5 for the CMT on Tour kickoff. I have never witnessed a crowd so energized. Raising their beer cups and cowboy hats high in the air throughout Eric and Miranda’s sets, watching the crowd was just as captivating as the artists onstage. Read my review on The Boot.
3. The Gaslight Anthem, The Stone Pony
Seeing my favorite Jersey boys on their home turf was a concert experience like none other. My friends and I scrambled to find tickets to their sold-out show at the last minute. And, boy we’re glad we did! The outside stage setup within walking distance of the Jersey Shore and all their friends, family and Gaslight Anthem diehards in the crowd made for a unique evening. I had so much fun, a friend and I even crowd surfed up to the stage where we enjoyed most of the show from the front row.
2. Taylor Swift, Prudential Center
For being 21 and on her first headlining tour, Taylor Swift’s live show is impressive. Every moment of her set is thought out with precise detail and perfected on a nightly basis. Whether she was walking through the first level at the Prudential Center giving hugs to everyone who stopped her, or the arena erupting in heart shaped confetti at the show’s end, Taylor Swift is living proof that fairy tales do come true. Witnessing her live just proved this point even more.
1. NEEDTOBREATHE, Irving Plaza
I heard their show was good, but I never expected to be blown away the way I was. There is definitely a reason Taylor Swift tapped the band as her tour opener next year. From the moment NEEDTOBREATHE took the stage at Irving Plaza it was evident that this wasn’t just any concert. The South Carolina natives have been honing their live show for the past 10 years and the audience could tell. Their impressive instrumental interludes combined with frontman Bear Rinehart’s energy captivated. One can only imagine what 2011 will bring for NEEDTOBREATHE. Read my complete show review here and watch the band perform “Valley of Tomorrow” acoustic below.
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Discovering Jewish Music
Since August, my roommates and I have been blogging about our interfaith apartment situation for Busted Halo. As with this blog, most of my posts have been dedicated to music. Having recently attended a few nights of the Sephardic Music Festival, I discovered some talented acts.
One of the bands I was introduced to during the Sephardic Music Festival was Soulfarm. Described by one friend as a “Jewish jam band,” though I didn’t understand some of the songs as they were sung in Hebrew, talent translates. Captivating the audience with their energy and “soul,” the band encouraged all to dance and sing along throughout their set and many did.
A song about living in the moment, “All We Got” struck a chord as frontman Noah Solomon Chase told concertgoers, “It’s all about singing to the heavens above. Please join us.” Pounding on the drum as he interacted with the crowd, Chase impressed as the band displayed a solid mix of Mediterranean flavor and impressive musical interludes.
For my complete writeup, click here. Be sure to watch Soulfarm perform “Take Your Shoes Off” live below.
Being that many of us have been hit hard recently with nearly a foot of snow, I found it fitting to make this week’s song “Winter Wonderland.” Watch Jason Mraz put his own spin on the classic tune below.
Virginia-based trio Deep River booked their CD release show before they wrote their first song together. Though they formed just six months ago, you’d never be able to tell as all three members have performed in various solo and full band projects over the years. The band consists of Rachel Beauregard’s angelic vocals combined with Luke Brindley’s impressive guitar and songwriting skills and Bryan Dawley’s perfected harmonies and multi-instrumentalist virtuosity.
Their 11-track debut release, Ten Mornings, is an adequate introduction to their talent. A solid mix of blues, Americana and country the LP demonstrates Deep River’s soul and passion for music. Southern flavored tracks like “See You Shine” and “New Set of Wings” impress with powerful vocals and a foot stomp that begs listeners to join in. With alternating vocals and spot on harmonies between Beauregard and Dawley, the band brings to mind popular country trio Lady Antebellum.
“Feel like a poor man in a rich man’s town/Not a dime to my name, it won’t get me down/We dream about tomorrow/Today suits us just fine/Got all we need right here/And it’s all mine,” Deep River sing on “See You Shine.”
The band’s November release show at Virginia’s famed Jammin’ Java saw over 500 people in attendance and their first New York showcase earlier this month at The Living Room greeted the band to another packed room. Throughout their nearly hour set, Beauregard commanded the stage and held the audience in the palm of her hand, frequently having them stomp and clap along during Deep River’s performance.
“We’re really big into doing house concerts,” Beauregard told the standing room only crowd. “The good thing is I can see all of you and call you out if you’re not doing it,” she joked.
Having seen Luke Brindley in concert before, many tracks sounded familiar as his solo work was performed by Deep River. Songs like “Hold On To the Mystery” impressed with Beauregard’s soaring vocals and light guitar and percussion accompaniment. Additionally, Brindley’s ballad “On Your Side” struck a chord with light keyboard features and soft finger-picked guitar.
Deep River left their mark on “Virginia,” the band’s tribute to their state as well as “Let Me Down Easy,” a song about the end of a relationship with emotion filled vocals from Beuregard and fitting harmonies by Dawley.
For more on Deep River, visit their Website and be sure to watch footage of them performing “New Set of Wings” at their CD release show below.
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Happy Holidays! Free MP3's for you!
Who doesn’t like free music?
The holidays are in full swing and whether you celebrated Hanukkah earlier this month, or Christmas this Saturday I’m sure your budget is at it’s max. This post has a ton of free music for you and if that’s not enough, be sure to check the sidebar for my weekly freebies. This week you can receive a download of The Canon Logic’s “Kiss Me On Christmas” after you upload your own holiday kiss, as well as a cover of “Christmas All Over Again” and Whale Belly’s latest album.
Before you go on download overload, watch Dawn Landes and the Hounds’ entertaining performance of “Sleigh Ride” with special guests The Bandana Splits, performed backstage at Joe’s Pub for ASCAP’s Top Holiday Songs list.
Below, enter your email address to receive a MP3 of Roy Orbison’s holiday classic, “Pretty Paper.”
To download The Plain White T’s “Christmas Won’t Be the Same Without You” on a five track sampler which includes songs from HelloGoodbye, Nelly, Jesse McCartney, and Avant click here. Enjoy!
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Photo of the Week: Mat Kearney
Photo Credit: Wendy Hu
I’ve been listening to Mat Kearney all week, which made me revisit past articles I’ve written on him. One of my top 5 concerts of last year, here’s one of my favorite photos from his show by Wendy Hu. Mat’s in the studio working on his next album, but you can download a free track of “Virginia is for Lovers” here.
Watch the video for “Undeniable” below.
Related Links:
• Q&A with Mat Kearney
• Album Review: Mat Kearney’s “City of Black & White”
• So Long, 2009. Bring on 2010!
• Mat Kearney at Irving Plaza