The Ting Tings exploded onto the music scene with catchy dance track, “That’s Not My Name” two years ago. Their songs have become staples at clubs and bars ever since.
I sat down with Katie White and Jules De Martino last summer when they were in town for All Points West. Watch below as the UK sensation discuss the success of their album, hit single and being fashion icons. For more, be sure to visit their Web site.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6zv02x2ocY]
Video credit: Wendy Hu
A few months ago, I caught Brandi Carlile’s phenomenal live show and interviewed her for Venus Zine. I’ve been anxiously awaiting to share my post with you because the interview was so honest and incredibly insightful!
Watch Brandi discuss how Lilith Fair shaped her life musically and socially, her songwriting process and advice on achieving success below. For my complete writeup, where she filled me in about working with Elton John and the stories behind some of her songs, visit Venus Zine.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvruSEhu-lk]
Video credit: Wendy Hu
One of the most comical musicians I’ve interviewed, Jake Owen sure knows how to make those around him laugh. When asked about his dog touring with him, he informed the CMA press room that his dog was just neutered, adding, “I realize I need to get neutered. I would probably chill out a lot if that happened.” The room erupted in laughter.
Whether it’s his heartwarming ballads or edgier tracks, Owen brings his diversity to the table. After he hurt his shoulder wakeboarding, he picked up guitar during rehabilitation and the rest, as they say, is history. I chatted with Jake last summer about his writing process, the stories behind his songs and what he thinks about while onstage performing. Some of his answers may surprise you.
Watch the video below and read the complete transcription here.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFj73zbeYIk]
Video credit: Wendy Hu
Music is in Holly Williams’ blood. Writing her first song at the age of eight is just one indication. Being the granddaughter of the legendary Hank Williams Sr. and daughter of Hank Williams Jr. doesn’t hurt either.
I chatted with Holly in Nashville last year right before her album, Here With Me, was released. Watch below as Holly discusses her music, what she thinks about while performing and her stylish boutique in Nashville. For more on Holly Williams, visit MySpace.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UW3TDCVLK8g]
Video credit: Wendy Hu
I’m officially making the move to Brooklyn this week (yay!). With freelance work and packing keeping me super busy, I thought I’d make it Video Week on the blog and showcase all the video interviews I’ve worked on.
Just over a year ago I began filming interviews thanks to my friend and talented photographer/videographer Wendy Hu. David Nail was the first video interview we conducted last summer at the CMA Music Festival in Nashville. It’s crazy to think some of our Q&A;’s have received over 6,000 views! We have a few more to edit and post later this summer, so stay tuned!
A self-proclaimed mama’s boy, Nail filled me in on his transition into the country music scene, the inspiration behind some of his songs and his favorite part of performing in the video below. Be sure to visit him on MySpace.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5vehYBcaPM4]
Video credit: Wendy Hu
Summer is in full swing and there are a few token songs I’ve heard at every BBQ, party and wedding. My question for you this week is, what’s your favorite summer song? Is it Katy Perry’s catchy “California Gurls,” Travie McCoy’s wishful “Billionaire” or Usher’s danceable “OMG”?
Watch the videos below and let me know in this week’s poll! Be sure to add additional songs in the comments if I left your favorite out.
Katy Perry: “California Gurls”
http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9/62744237001?isVid=1
Travie McCoy: “Billionaire”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aRor905cCw]
Usher: “OMG”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RnPB76mjxI]
Remember that catchy chorus and those impeccable dance moves? Who doesn’t? This week’s song of the week, *NSync’s “Bye Bye Bye” is dedicated to my best friend since 6th grade, Ansela. She’ll be getting married this weekend and then moving to Texas, so it’s a bit bittersweet for everyone.
We grew up knowing each and every lyric to *NSync and Backstreet Boys tunes and forever debated who was the better boy band. We went to our first concert together, (BSB – I was the hugest BSB fan) and second concert (*NSync – Ansela LOVED them). We even used to fantasize about which member we would marry, she loved Lance of *NSync and my favorite was Brian of BSB. I’ve already said more than enough to embarrass us both, so go ahead and watch the video below. Enjoy!
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eo-KmOd3i7s]
Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers took the stage shortly after 9:30 Tuesday night while Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believing” blasted from the speakers.
“Welcome to Bulletproof Heart night everybody,” frontman Stephen Kellogg told the crowd to screams after the band performed first track, “Scorpio,” off their debut album, Bulletproof Heart.
Their 90-minute set included every song off the album played in order as well as newer material during their encore. Many of the tracks were performed live for the first time and at times the band stopped to regroup.
“This is why we’re doing this at Maxwell’s and not at Madison Square Garden,” Kellogg joked midway through “You’ve Changed” after forgetting the lyrics. The second song of the night, the audience didn’t seem to mind.
For my complete review visit Hoboken Patch.
For more on Matt Hires, read my interview with him here.
This week I’m showcasing three very different videos from three artists in completely varied genres. Whether it’s Band of Skulls rocking West Hollywood’s Troubador, Crash Test Dummies’ take on what’s beautiful or Christina Aguilera showcasing a soulful side to her pristine vocals, each video has something unique. Watch them below and let me know what new videos you’re watching this week.
Band of Skulls: “Light of the Morning”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjR2v9elw3k]
Crash Test Dummies: “And It’s Beautiful”
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-SHDZzAi2i4]
Christina Aguilera: “You Lost Me”
http://www.vevo.com/VideoPlayer/Embedded?videoId=USRV81000040&playlist=false&autoplay=0&playerId=62FF0A5C-0D9E-4AC1-AF04-1D9E97EE3961&playerType=embedded
Performing Italian classics, Sinatra hits and Andrew Lloyd Webber favorites to an enthusiastic crowd, award-winning international recording artist Cristina Fontanelli closed the 100th anniversary of St. Ann’s Feast Monday night. The classically trained opera singer and former Hobokenite explained just how much the city means to her.
“I’ve been to some of the most exotic places on the planet,” said Fontanelli, who was the first classically trained female singer to sing in Uganda and Kenya. “But,” she added, “here I am at St. Ann’s 100th festival. I’ve been to so many places, but let me tell you something: There’s no place like home.”
For my complete review and interview with Cristina, visit Hoboken Patch.
