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Artist of the Week

Meet Danny Gokey

Some of you may recognize Danny Gokey as third-place finalist from season 8 of American Idol. Since Idol, Gokey has gone on to sign a record deal with Sony Music Nashville and released his debut album, My Best Days earlier this month. With current single, “My Best Days Are Ahead of Me” climbing the country charts and a summer tour with Sugarland and Jake Owen in the works, he is well on his way.

Gokey recently sat down with Walmart Soundcheck and filled them in on his first single, dealing with his wife’s death and his love of music.

“I think music, whether I write it or not, always makes a connection. Music is a universal language that everyone speaks. Music has formed humanity. In every culture there is music. Music can make you feel different emotions at different times and I think that’s the power and connection of music. Whether I write it or not, I connect with the music and I try to make people feel what I feel when I’m singing,” he said.

Learn about Gokey’s debut album below and for the complete interview where he talks of stage fright, American Idol and why he sees his music as a movement click here.

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

Currently one of my favorite country music videos, watch “My Best Days Are Ahead Of Me” below. Pay close attention the quotes.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqus079lUz8]

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Band of the Week

Band to Watch: Avi Buffalo

Photo Credit: Jon Klemm courtesy of Bumpershine.com

Whether it was their heart-thumping experimental bass and drum beats or shared vocals between frontman Avigdor Zahner-Isenberg and keyboardist Rebecca Coleman, Avi Buffalo impressed concertgoers. While many of their songs can be easily pictured being heard in indie films, it was their stage presence and interaction with the audience left the greatest impact.

For my complete live review and photos, visit Bumpershine.com.

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Band of the Week

Band of the Week: The Young Things

Those that think rock & roll is dead obviously haven’t heard of The Young Things. With music that transports the listener back to the 1960s, it’s easy to envision the Brooklyn-based band opening for the likes of The Beatles and The Beach Boys.

Having just released EP, …is the Killer, the 15 minute, six track album is not nearly enough to satisfy. After just one listen, The Young Things leave music lovers wanting more.

“Uptown” starts off the EP with gritty guitar and percussion instrumentals before the vocals enter. “Callin’ my girl/We’re gonna meet uptown/I gotta hurry/She doesn’t wait around,” The Young Things sing with spot-on precision. A solid and energetic start to …is the Killer, “Uptown” and second track, the tongue in cheek “Case of the Mundanes,” bear familiarity to that of The Beatles’ and their 1965 hit single, “Ticket To Ride.”

Guitar heavy “6 1/2 Stone” portrays a darker sound for the band with fitting percussion. The track slows down midway to the fadeout and is fueled by plenty of guitar fuzz and seductive singing. The EP is rounded out by quirky “All My Friends Are Junkies,” fast paced “The Well” and “Boy You’re Lookin’ Pale.” Complete with slapstick lyrics, “All My Friends Are Junkies,” offers humor to the listener while “Boy You’re Lookin’ Pale” provides seemingly important life lessons (to some, perhaps): “The world may not look half as bad/Through an empty whiskey glass.”

A glimpse of what is to come from the band, …is the Killer takes it back to the 60s where The Beatles and The Beach Boys ruled the music scene. While The Beatles influence can be easily heard throughout much of the rhythm and musical accompaniment within the six-tracks, the vocal harmonies of The Beach Boys are also ever present. All in all, The Young Things satisfy those pining for classic rock & roll. While no group can ever replace The Beatles’ influence, it is refreshing to hear a band that embraces such classics and bring their own flavor to the table.

Having just played the famed Viper Room in California, The Young Things will perform at New York’s Rockwood next month. For more information, visit them on MySpace.

Recommended: For fans of The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Gaslight Anthem.

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Griffin Anthony

If Griffin Anthony‘s debut full-length, Crazy Ways, is any indication of his staying power, there is no doubt we’ll be hearing more from this singer-songwriter in the upcoming months. While he refers to his music as “Acoustic SouP,” or an intriguing blend of soul and pop, traces of jazz and blues influence can also be heard.

Recorded in Miami, Nashville and New York alongside Grammy-winning engineer, Charles Dye (Ricky Martin, J-Lo), Crazy Ways has been garnering attention by music fans, critics and label executives. It can’t hurt that he has shared the stage with notable musicians including James Taylor, David Cook, Gin Blossoms, Citizen Cope, Matt Nathanson, The Steve Miller Band, Erin McCarley and more.

The New York-based singer-songwriter brings to mind early Gavin DeGraw and Jack Johnson with his soft vocals and light guitar strumming. Anthony’s blues inspired melodies and captivating voice intrigue the listener. Whether he’s telling a girl to move on throughout “Let Go” (“Let go/Get up and go and snip the chord to the anchor that binds you”) or confirming “It’s not me it’s you” on “Be Honest,” he gets his point across.

Tracks like “Hurry Up” are sultry and seductive with slow percussion giving the song a jazzy feel while “Be Honest” has an instrumental interlude bringing to mind a jam band. The title track switches gears with a slow rap feature that is reminiscent to that of Jason Mraz. Always offering listeners something new, Anthony impresses on his full-length release.

Crazy Ways has much versatility throughout. Whether he’s singing of new love or questioning life, Griffin Anthony provides much light. Watch his performance of “Sleepy Sunday” below and for more, be sure to visit him on MySpace.

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

Recommended: For fans of Jack Johnson, Gavin DeGraw, Jason Mraz.

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Band of the Week

Band of the Week: Nikki & Rich

Yesterday, a friend invited me to see Nikki & Rich‘s set at Highline Ballroom. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make the trek to NYC, but I gave the band a listen on MySpace and was impressed with what I heard. While they’ve been dubbed retro pop, the band describes their sound as “Lauryn Hill meets The Supremes while hanging out with Alicia Keys listening to Outkast ‘Hey Yah.'” Clever, and pretty accurate. What do you think?

With a soulful 1960s vibe, the duo blends American Bandstand-era pop music with addictive vocals and catchy percussion beats. “Cat and Mouse” is just a glimpse into what is sure to be a successful future for Nikki & Rich. Beginning with music and lyrics from the Shangri-Las’ 1965 hit, “Give Him A Great Big Kiss,” Nikki Leonti’s powerful voice brings to mind Diana Ross’ classic singing-style as well as that of contemporary singer-songwriter Duffy.

Singing of her “man-eating game” on “Next Best Thing,” Leonti seduces the listener with her deep vocals. “Do you know the reason why I left/I was bored/I’m sorry but it just takes a little more to hold my attention,” she sings introducing the song. A tale of not settling and breaking hearts, the story involves a girl who has been scorned. “Nice girls always finish last/A guy wants a bitch so they feel like the man.”

The band’s music has been featured on Entourage and have critics and fans alike raving. I think we’ll be hearing a lot more from this duo in the near future. Take a listen to them on MySpace and watch the videos below to learn more on Nikki & Rich. Keep your ears pealed for an album release later this year.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZeZ_7fwZxc]

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

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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Justin James

Not everyone has a near death experience and is given a second chance. However, this is the case for California-based singer-songwriter Justin James. After an encounter with a tiger shark left him bleeding to death on a South American beach, multiple blood transfusions and hundreds of stitches later, James found himself bedridden for a long year of recovery. Lucky to be alive, but understandably frustrated, an acoustic guitar gifted to him by his grandmother helped revive James’ longing for life, surf and music.

Definitely a life changing event, the encounter refocused his outlook on life. “It’s crazy to digest,” he writes on his Web site. “That’s why I spend my life now chasing what I love the most: traveling, surfing and playing music.”

Listeners can hear this passion on his latest release, Perfect Sometimes. Produced by Andrew Williams (Five for Fighting) and Mikal Blue (Colbie Callait, One Republic), Perfect Sometimes is a stand out release that one can find himself listening to for hours on repeat. While his easy-going and effortless singing style begs comparisons to that of Jack Johnson, Jason Mraz and fellow California songstress Colbie Caillat, his music has been making a distinct impact on its own. Hit single, “California” earned James a “Best Male Vocalist” nod at the 2007 Los Angeles Music Awards which eventually brought him to Japan, where it peaked at number 5 on the Top 40 chart.

The laid-back title track, “Perfect Sometimes,” kicks off the 11-song release. Featuring ukulele legend Jake Shimabukuro, the listener is taken on a journey with James’ accompanying soothing vocals. While his delicate guitar picking is reminiscent to Jack Johnson, it is his vivid lyrical description that transforms the listener to a tropical island complete with an orange tree, sun and sand. Not always an easy feat for a singer, the listener can actually picture himself at the beach – feet in the sand and the ocean waves reverberating in his ears.

What is perhaps most striking of the album is that James’ voice is so relaxing and comforting, making it easy for one to get lost in the music. Singing of love, hope and heartache, his stories are moving and relatable while each track segues effortlessly into the next.

On “Deeper Waters” James sings of a former love and not wanting to see her “with another man.” Trying to find solace, James sings, “Just remember how our story starts/Even when the lights are dark/Even when we’re worlds apart/Even when you’re falling hard/ There’s deeper waters/Even when you’re feeling lost/And the rain is falling soft/Even when you’re hanging on/There’s deeper waters.” With light piano, percussion and James’ poignant vocals this is just one of the many stand out ballads featured on Perfect Sometimes.

“Missed Again” picks up speed after “Deeper Waters.” His lyrics are incredibly honest, the listener easily feeling the emotion throughout the track. With more upbeat guitar accompaniment and percussion, it’s easy to picture James in a concert setting.

Songs like “You Don’t Know Me” talk of long distance love, which tends to be a theme throughout Perfect Sometimes. “Know that I’ve been gone for so long/But you can never get left behind/Far from you but you’re in my heart/You will be through in time/Find some trust/Let’s hope that you believed in us/You think you know it all/I need you to believe in me,” he sings.

“Moonlight” switches gears and sounds like a classic song that could have been sung by the older greats like Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin. A more mature feel, James sings, “Surrender to moonlight tonight/Your eyes tempt me gently to your side.” With soaring string accompaniment, “Moonlight” is one of the album’s hidden gems.

One of the last tracks on Perfect Sometimes, James sings, “All I want to be is forever free/Running with the wind,” on “Running With the Wind.” Singing in a deeper voice than heard on previous tracks, the emotional ballad proves James’ staying power. Such a versatile release, Perfect Sometimes is sure to bring the California surfer plenty of years catching waves on the music scene.

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Artist of the Week

Artist to Watch: Laura Bell Bundy

She’s starred in numerous television series and movies as well as acted in on and off Broadway musicals including Legally Blonde, where she was nominated for a Tony Award for her role as Elle Woods. Going back to her love and passion for music, Laura Bell Bundy is releasing Achin’ and Shakin’ and has country fans and critics raving.

A concept album, Achin’ and Shakin’ is two separate albums within one project. Achin’ is a collection of slow and sultry country songs while Shakin’ is a group of sassy songs that are equal parts humor, confidence and attitude.

“I have two different sides of my personality,” she explains. “I have a crazy, wild, humorous, outspoken personality, and then I have a depth that only opens up when I am alone or with one other person, and that is captured with this album. I really couldn’t do one without the other.”

The first single off Achin’ and Shakin, “Giddy On Up” is just a taste of what’s to come for the singer-songwriter. Her first music video, “Giddy On Up” is an entertaining, choreographed tale about a cheating lover. Having already earned comparisons as the Katy Perry of country music, I’m interested to see what the future holds for this country songstress.

Watch the video for “Giddy On Up” below. For more on Laura Bell Bundy, visit her Web site.

Laura Bell Bundy
 
More CMT Music
 
More CMT Music Videos

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Band of the Week

Band of the Week: The N Result

The N Result blend rock and hip-hop for a truly unique musical experience. Bringing to mind the Black Eyed Peas with their alternating singing and rapping style and catchy hooks, the six-piece band crosses multiple genres. Having opened for Ryan Leslie, Motion City Soundtrack and Pharrell Williams of N.E.R.D. and currently receiving quite a buzz by music fans and record executives alike, The N Result are well on their way.

Their soulful, danceable tracks demonstrate their versatility and it’s hardly a surprise to learn that lead guitarist Dan Bascom studies jazz while drummer Nate Sankary is a prolific classical musician. Not to mention, MC Chase Innis’ catchy rhymes have led him to share the stage with Grammy Award-winning hip-hop artist Speech of Arrested Development. And that’s only half the band.

Lead singer/guitarist Ross Lippencott has released three independent solo albums and currently studies music at Rutgers University while keyboarist Eitan Levine combines jazz and funk for a truly fun experience and bassist Bobby Tarantino doubles on acoustic upright bass at venues like the New Jersey Performing Arts Center and WBGO 88.3 FM in Newark, N.J. A band of All Stars isn’t too far from the truth.

The band’s debut album, Lines is a solid release of 12 high-energy songs. Starting off with upbeat track “On My Shoulders,” the listener quickly realizes the depth to The N Result. Singer Lippencott and MC Innis trade lines back and forth throughout the album at an enjoyable pace while each song mixes catchy beats alongside their vocals. Slower tracks like “Complicated” showcase the band’s continuing versatility while “So Unsure” has seductive Latin roots accompanied by light percussion, guitars and keyboard. Title track, “Lines” is undeniably catchy and will no doubt have the listener tapping along.

The N Result recently won a Taylor Guitars and Elixir Strings contest where they were awarded recording time at a marquee studio. Watch their video submission below and for more on The N Result, check them out on MySpace and catch their show this Saturday at 10 p.m. at Crash Mansion in New York! (Flier below)

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

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Features

Artist to Watch: Angel Taylor

I watched Angel Taylor‘s video premiere for “Like You Do” the other day and quickly fell in love with her voice. With the airy vibe of Colbie Caillat and a distinct soulfulness that brings to mind Corinne Bailey Rae, Taylor is well on her way. Not to mention, her album, Love Travels has been hailed as one of the top debut albums of 2009 and she has toured with Adele.

Watch Angel’s video for “Like You Do” below.

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip

For more on Angel, watch her VH1 interview below as she gushes about John Mayer, the first album she ever bought and being discovered at 19.

VH1 TV Shows | Music Videos | Celebrity Photos | News & Gossip
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Artist of the Week

Artist of the Week: Michael Nappi

At first listen, it never would have occurred to me that Here We Go Again was Michael Nappi‘s debut album. Incredibly well produced, the album encompasses 13 versatile and radio friendly tracks. Recorded with producer/songwriter Steve Buonanotte and mixed by Grammy Award-winning mix engineer, Jeff Juliano (John Mayer, Jason Mraz, Dave Matthews Band), Here We Go Again is a solid debut release. One can only wonder when Nappi will rightfully explode on the music scene.

Nappi’s passion for music began at an early age with his introduction to his father’s vintage LPs that included The Beatles, Johnny Cash and Elvis. While in fourth-grade, he picked up trumpet and could frequently be found serenading his neighbors from his porch. As a teen, Nappi composed, recorded and performed his music locally.

Of performing, Nappi says, “Whether it’s been to five people slung over their bar stools or to sold out crowds in 5,000-seat theaters, I’ve always considered it a privilege to work as a musician.”

Whether he’s talking about broken promises and failed relationships in “7:26,” or infatuation on “Disturbed,” his singing intrigues the listener. A mix of acoustic ballads and more energetic rock numbers, one thing is certain: Nappi’s memorable melodies won’t leave your head.

While his singing style is reminiscent to that of Train’s Pat Monahan, it’s his versatility that impresses most. Here We Go Again was created from a collection of personal stories and, as a result, encompasses introspective and relatable lyrics. On first single, the catchy and haunting “7:26,” Nappi sings: “Every drop of rain/Has a story to be told/Before it hits the ground/Giving up and letting go.”

With more of an upbeat, electronic beat “Save the Night In a Bottle” hints at the grandeur ambiance of U2. Begging resemblance to U2’s “Magnificent,” the listener can practically envision Nappi sharing the stage with Bono.

The production quality on Here We Go Again is impressive and Nappi continues to surprise the listener on each track. “Perfectly Clear” features deeper vocals from Nappi with soaring guitar interludes and spot on percussion accompaniment while “Limousine” is a fun party number inviting a girl to “take a ride in my limousine.” With a debut release this good, Nappi’s “Limousine” dream may become reality.

For more on Michael Nappi, visit him on MySpace.

Recommended: For fans of Train, Better Than Ezra, U2.

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