Archive for June, 2010

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I drank when I was younger, but then I had that 10 Things I Hate About You moment when I realized I was doing this for other people and not for myself. It made me mad, and I haven’t really drank since.”

-Hayley Williams / Spin

Paramore’s the cover story for the July 2010 issue of Spin (on newsstands now).

Writer Josh Eells, who followed Paramore for the feature, wrote that Hayley and her bandmates are not living the typical rock star lifestyle. Instead of partying, he states that the group spent their time to “watch Spaceballs and play Yahtzee.”

“They sing Hanson songs, and not even ‘MMMBop’ — we’re talking deep cuts,” Eells continued to say in the piece. “Their bus smells like popcorn and Twizzlers, and their chief entertainment is a book of hypothetical questions they take turns shouting out answers to.”

And after reading the article, Hayley responded, not very pleased with the overall vibe of the feature:

“It seems that in most cases writers simply enjoy looking at us and exclaiming – like they’ve discovered something huge – ‘THEY’RE YOUNG!’ or of course there’s always, ‘THEY’RE CHRISTIANS,’ or ‘THEY DON’T SHOOT UP IN THE BACK OF THE BUS!’ What is this, the ’80s? Is it really that sensational that we aren’t the second coming of Motley Crue?”

Hayley later wrote: “It’s my opinion that anyone who is coming onto our band looking for controversy is completely missing the point. The point isn’t in the intent of controversy, the point is that there is no way around it. As people, aren’t we all bursting at the seams with conflict and controversy? The point of our music is that there are human hearts in it.”

You can check out a behind-the-scenes look at the shoot in the clip below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Way to set the bar. Damn!

Being from the South, there’s no denying the place in my heart reserved for Southern girls, specifically those that are blonde, sweet tea sweet with a sense of humor, and pack a punch on the guitar. Needless to say, I effing love Taylor Swift! But then again, who doesn’t?

America’s sweetheart recently decided to go above and beyond for her fans, promising to hold a 13-hour meet and greet for everyone who would show up (via the CMA Music Festival). Instead, Swift spent close to 15 hours hugging and signing autographs for over 2,000 of the 10,000 fans who showed up! She also performed a mini-concert for all fans. Both the concert and meet and greet were free and open to the public! How awesome is that? I mean, can you imagine any other stars willing to put in that sort of time and commitment to fans? Highly doubt it! It’d be nice to see other acts pay tribute to fans in this manner, considering the fact that it IS the sole reason for their success. What a way to make those selfish turds look like lazy asses!

Said Swift: “My favorite thing about CMA Music Fest has always been getting to spend time with the fans, so this year I wanted to figure out a way to meet as many of them as possible. Thirteen is my lucky number, and the 13th is during Music Fest, so I think spending 13 hours that day with my fans is going to be amazing!”

Besides making us exhausted with her ever-giving heart and crazy schedule, Swift has been renovating a condo in Tennessee and apparently one of her biggest obsessions (besides her fans, of course) is stingrays (and giant-sized birdcages)?

Check out a clip of Taylor discussing her affection for stingrays below, followed by footage from her 15-hour free meet & greet in Nashville.

MTV Shows

Hello guy at the 1:23 mark! His hand’s a little low on her hip, no? Copping a feel are we?!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

According to Rolling Stone, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals is one of the best bands of 2010. This past weekend I had the pleasure of rocking out with the act (live in concert via Webster Hall), to put that statement to the test. And the outcome was incredible. Meshed with a stage backdrop that oozed of metallic crinkled plates, flashing lights, and red roses, Grace Potter’s signature pipes still somehow managed to overpower all of it, soul thirsty and soul-full, worn and rugged like a good pair of cowboy boots.

Several images stick out when I recall the concert, the first being Grace’s long legs, bronzed and towering. Wearing a thigh-high slinky dress, Potter boogied with as much sex appeal as there was sheer talent. Among the image of legs and vintage clothing, came the next photographic moment when the band was performing Big White Gate and I looked around the room to see one of the most diverse crowds I had seen since seeing Madonna live in concert at Madison Square Garden. Middle-aged men mixed with twenty-somethings stood mesmerized, sipping on liquid in plastic cups, singing, knowing, every single word as it burst from Potter’s lips. And it hit me then that the retro influence of the band is so utterly authentic that even men and women (who were my age during the height of those days) were clearly just as infatuated with Grace Potter & The Nocturnals’ music as they were with legendary classic rock bands from the 60s and early 70s, the same bands that inspire the howl of the Nocturnals.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals are indeed one of the best acts I’ve seen live. The vocals are incredible, the lyrics saturated in a depth of love and heartbreak, the styling coated in a bygone era of rock ‘n roll.

Get ready to take a roadtrip through your headphones.

Click to listen to the band cover Blondie (live during the show).Grace Potter & The Nocturnals – Heart of Glass (Live from Webster Hall)

Check out an additional live performance (Tiny Light via TES), below.

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Here’s a lady who needs no introduction.

She’s beaten cancer, found the love of her life, and shelled out a slough of platinum selling records. And all the while, she has remained an unfaltering rock icon, a jewel amidst the swill. She’s Bif Naked, and her awesomeness is limitless. By far, she ranks in my list of female (and vegan) rolemodels, and will always hold the title of Most Kickass. All of her bases are covered, from her raw talent to her visceral energy when performing, to her innovative musical technique.

Her look and lyrical style are all about uniqueness, driving in the exact opposite direction from the rest of the crowd. That’s the way she’s always been, and that’s the way she’ll remain. Bif has been one to experiment with different musical styles (who can forget the ultra-techno track Spaceman), and is never afraid to give it her all and pick herself up.

Her vocals are backed by a styling crew of mash-it-up maniacs, and although the band members have changed over the years, they always seem to have perfect chemistry. This sizzling beauty is not even close to shutting down; her most recent album was just out last year, and she’s keeping herself busy with touring and sponsoring an exorbitance of charities. Whether it’s The Breast Cancer Foundation or Habitat for Humanity, Bif Naked is all over it. For a lady who’s had to bash her own personal demons, she sure has got a full agenda. Guess she’s a good inspiration to get out there and lend a helping hand, even if we’re not in the best place in our lives.

So many of her songs have become my go-to sound for unleashing the attitude gene. It’s clear where that drive in her music comes from! Her latest album gets back to basics, ripping into the core of struggle, pain, and perseverance (no doubt a lot of which was inspired by her battle with cancer). Her pieces can set you into such a melodious mood, that you’ll be screaming from the rooftops in no time.

With enough steam in her voice to cloud up windows, Bif Naked has become a lady of all trades, and has always come out a conqueror.

Rocking pipes? Check. Unbelievable motivation? Check. Rocker chic? Check. Love for life, for peace, for smooth tunes? Check, check, and check. One song from her 2009 album Promise called Sick really hit hard on me. It came out almost a year ago exactly, but the power hasn’t dwindled. You can check out the video below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I was recently given some good advice from a friend that music views should be balanced, and expressed equally. Although I try to keep a positive vibe, let’s be real, there’s tons of shit I’m disappointed with, as I am sure others out in BTB land are too! So I’m taking his advice, and keepin’ it fresh. I’m not here to bash the group, because Minus The Bear are one of my favorite acts, but the new album, Omni, left me minus the liking. The boys from Seattle are not known as mainstream, and I dig the whole starting anew thing, but not when you have so much natural, raw talent. A wise man once said, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

I would love if any of the BTB readers were fans of the group, to please leave this album up for discussion, for maybe I am missing something here. I love all of their work so something just doesn’t seem right. This hurts; I am not your usual “pop is shit” shouter, because I respect musicians in different ways, and what they do. But Omni just feels so insincere, leaving out gritty drama, almost seeming as if they have lost something. The music is less stimulating than normal and generally boring (maybe that’s because I mastered the air drum to their prior release, Acoustics). I’m not saying we should be provided with a carbon copy for all of their work, and I’m sure plenty of forgettable indie bands are going to continue churning out the same music year after year, it’s just sometimes hard for fans who are well established into a group to jump on board so quickly. On the other hand, the band clearly put a lot of thought into the album trying to make something fresh and new for their fans, so I can’t hate on that. I suppose it’s bitter sweet; maybe losing some loyals to gain some newbies.

What do you think? Is my only disappointment coming from my gut knowing how much better the band can be? Not as much guitar, but more electronic and poppy? I feel like I am being introduced to a new group; taking out the musicianship and adding a bunch of mainstream twang.

For the record, I’m still a huge fan. Maybe some of you don’t even know who Minus The Bear is, but I strongly suggest checking out their musical library, and express your opinion. Let’s have a discussion, minus the claws.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

WHOA!

Seriously, someone must’ve told Celine Dion that she could turn her backyard into a Titanic-sized theme park because the Canadian songstress has got-r-done!

The new addition requires 500,000 gallons of water and costs $20 million to install into the singer’s Jupiter Island, Florida, estate. The waterpark includes two gigantic pools, water slides, and a “lazy river” that propels swimmers around the aquatic Arcadia.

Apparently the shenanigans caused a minor drought and neighbors are not too thrilled. Shocker!

Here at BTB, we never spill (get it?) gossip because we think it’s lame–the only reason I bring this up, is from an environmentally eco standpoint, this shiz has got to go! Seriously.

Celine was fined for the massive use of water and had to construct six wells on the property to store enough water to keep the pipes pumping for the 6.5 million gallons needed to run the water park each year.

Ehh, maybe I’m just a bit jealous? But for real for real, what was she thinking?

Allow me to be a Debbie Downer for a hot minute because I think it’s worth sharing, as many are not aware of the tragic facts surrounding water, a luxury that we often take for granted.

Water problems affect half of humanity:

// Some 1.1 billion people in developing countries have inadequate access to water.

// Almost two in three people lacking access to clean water survive on less than $2 a day.

// Access to piped water into the household averages about 85% for the wealthiest 20% of the population, compared with 25% for the poorest 20%.

// 1.8 billion people who have access to a water source within 1 kilometre, but not in their house or yard, consume around 20 litres per day. In the United Kingdom the average person uses more than 50 litres of water a day flushing toilets (where average daily water usage is about 150 liters a day. The highest average water use in the world is in the US, at 600 liters day.)

To find out more, click the banner below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

With smashes like Name, Iris, and Slide, the Goo Goo Dolls took over the airwaves in the late nineties and has charted with every album created since. The ninth studio album, Something For The Rest Of Us, isn’t due until August, but the always fan-loyal band has released a new single (Home, available now via iTunes) and video to hold fans over until the release.

John Rzeznik spoke to Billboard on the new record stating: “So many people are struggling to keep it together through tough economic conditions and two wars that seem to have no end in sight, the ones who bear the brunt of these burdens are everyday people. That’s who I want to speak to.”

The album was produced by Tim Palmer (U2, Pearl Jam and David Bowie), Butch Vig (Green Day, Nirvana, Foo Fighters), and John Fields (Paul Westerberg, Jimmy Eat World).

The Goo Goo Dolls took to the road recently for a 37-date US tour in anticipation of the record.

Watch the video for Home, below.

Goo Goo Dolls “Home” from Devin Sarno on Vimeo.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Let me provide you with a band that needs to be reintroduced: Hot Hot Heat. New album, Future Breeds, proves the band is back with a vengeance. Be forewarned, however; these guys are not for everyone. But if you do like to give different genres a chance, then I’m pretty sure that you’ll sweat from the heat.

It’s been awhile since the boys have released some jams, but the wait was well worth it. This record has strayed form conventional pop, and made a trip back to the roots of what made the group great; volatile music. One of Canada’s leading alternative rock bands have yet to achieve much in the way of chart success, but most good music does not. They make wild sounds, labeling their songs with extreme names, and their music is new wave dance-punk indie rock post-punk revival.

Future Breeds is the sound of a band that is completely free of restraint, as Hot Hot Heat offers fresh track after fresh track and never lets a square song structure get in their way. Each song is so damn catchy, especially Implosionatic and Times A Thousand. The record offers an audacious and refreshing collection of tracks that spotlight the band’s unique sound and particular talent of creating radiantly blemished music.

If you’re in a blah mood, their music will change all that. If you’re standing still, this will force you to move. If you’re not used to stepping out of the box on your playlist, this will certainly mix that up. Opt for a change! After all, it’s summertime and we all are bound to get burned from the Hot Hot Heat.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Summer! Pool! Party!

Take the Jonas Brothers and add a little pinch of Blink-182 and you have yourself Allstar Weekend.

Usually when Disney discovers an act I run in the opposite direction. Ok, that’s not entirely true but you probably know where I’m going with this. Admittedly, I love some good pop music (at times, even the overly commercial), but often, clever and smart pop music gets lost behind the corporate cookie-cutter machine of companies as large and clean cut as Disney.

However, every now and then an act will come through the process that may have gotten their start as a part of that machine but you can’t help but to enjoy anyways, seeing the talent and potential behind the packaging. This is where Allstar Wekeend comes in.

The dudes write great feel-good pop songs. Poppy punk with infectious hooks, Allstar Weekend is perfect for a summer roadtrip. In concert, Allstar Weekend has shared the stage with some huge names including: Justin Bieber, The Maine, and Forever The Sickest Kids.

Suddenly, the debut album from Allstar Weekend, hits stores June 22nd via Hollywood Records. The boys recently debuted the music video for the new single Dance Forever.

Watch the video via YouTube below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I love the energy coming out indie rock right now. It has this rebellion thing that hip-hop is missing now, the thing that made hip-hop hip-hop.”

-Jay-Z / Rolling Stone [June 2010]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Kudos Kanye, kudos.

After taking a break from the limelight the past eight months, Kanye West returned to the stage on his 33rd birthday (06/08) to reward three Chicago Public Schools for an improvement in behavior, academic grades, and overall attendance.

The Kanye West Foundation’s third annual Stay In School event brought West to Farragut Career Academy, John Marshall Metropolitan, and Percy L. Julian high schools, where the students were delighted to witness a mini-concert from the controversial rapper.

West was joined on stage by fellow Chicago rappers Lupe Fiasco and Common.

Said Common: “We want to congratulate you on the incredible job you’ve done in school. Whatever you do, be the best at it.”

Not long after Common left the stage, Kanye performed Run This Town , Good Life, and two brand new tracks: Power and Touch the Sky (from his upcoming album Good Ass Job).

Check out footage of the event, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

When Christina released her oversexed video for Not Myself Tonight, I was not sure what to feel. Although I’m a huge Aguilera supporter, there’s often been times in her career when she comes off a bit too much for me. But honestly, I’ve come to think that’s a part of her charm, that a huge exclamation point she is creating with her music is that a woman can be both sexual and a lady all rolled into one.

When seeing a video as provocative as Not Myself Tonight, it’s easy to label Christina with the tramp stamp. But then the curtain closes to the dirrty Aguilera and exposes the beautiful one, letting down the walls with a raw, stripped down performance and I once again become instantly fascinated with what could be in store, as I seriously love Aguilera’s incredible one-of-a-kind voice on a pain-driven ballad.

As an artist, Christina has every right to experiment with any and all sounds she has the desire to explore. I respect the fact that she is, once again, taking risks–something no one can deny her of, from her style choices to her collaborations and production choices, Aguilera will always be a risk taker.

Bionic’s attitude hits your face like a punch. As a whole, it does remind me a lot of the Stripped album due to the fact that it’s loud and proud but also incredibly vulnerable in parts. I have said it before and I will repeat it now: I wish Christina didn’t feel the need to be overly sexy throughout the landscape of her music because she doesn’t need to be. It’s that simple. Certain tracks on the record (most of the provocative ones), come off a bit stale for me (for ex: Sex For Breakfast), a taste I’ve come to find a bit tired.

Aguilera’s power IMHO, remains in her pain, when the attention-getting devices are removed and the only thing plugged in is her vocals, bleeding truth.

Much like the Sia produced Stronger Than Ever (my favorite track on the album, which unfortunately is only on the Deluxe Edition of the CD).

Listen to the song below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Check out the pleasant, fun, power punk-pop known as Free Energy. The quintet from Philly are on my bands to watch list, with similarities ranging from Thin Lizzy to Steely Dan. It’s almost as if 2010 met 1970, mated, and banged out a few good hits. Ok, so “glam-pop” patterns of any group nowadays aren’t precisely going to come off as pioneering or innovative, but their influences are not their only source of appeal. Songs like Bang Pop and Dream City ride you to a place with the top down, picking up a cheap keg for the backyard, in times when people drank cheap beer, just cuz it was, well, cheap. While other songs like Young Hearts and Wild Winds describe what they’re all about: good vibrations.

Front men Paul Sprangers and Scott Wells describe their music as “a physical dosage of happiness and good vibes.” Sometimes I am fearful of praise tarnishing the anticipation of a fresh group, but I can’t hold it in! I first heard about these guys in Spin Magazine, for I’m an artist to watch column kind of girl, and I never turned back. Debut album Stuck on Nothing has me stuck on something; a modern taste on classic rock. A pop-like frame of mind winning over the cock-rock aura doesn’t always fairly match, but the boys have a knowledge of real music well beyond their young years. It’s compacted with hand clapping, cowbells, and vocals, while concurrently wielding the modern garage-pop sensibility of bands like Jimmy Eat World and Sum 41. The boys played SXSW (South By South West) Musical Festival this year, which is a huge honor for upcoming artists.

Free Energy’s contagious passion and general intensity of talent has me yearning to see them on the road this summer, for I’ve heard nothing but rave. Check out this live performance, grab a beverage, pull up a stool, and enjoy some great music. Their energy is forceful exertion, and it goes to show that sometimes the best things in life are Free.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Cutie pie!

Miranda Lambert is, without a doubt, a spitfire. She’s proved this point on kick-ass diddys like Kerosene and Gunpowder and Lead. But don’t let her attitude-driven songs soak up all your attention, taking your ears away from the vulnerability throughout the rest of her music, for the girl’s got a heart the size of Reba McEntire’s hair via the 80s!

The country star recently held her third annual “Cause for Paws” concert and charity auction. The sold-out event raised $91,000 for animals affected by the recent floods in the Nashville, Tennessee area (as well as the East Texas Humane Society).

Besides Lambert, the event featured additional Whiskey Myers, Kacey Musgraves and Nightwork.

Said Lambert: “Since we started working with the Humane Society of East Texas over three years ago, we have donated over $325,000 and they have become a ‘no kill’ shelter. Every year it amazes me that people spend their hard-earned money to partner with us in this fight. I am very grateful!”

You can currently check out the ACM Female Vocalist of the Year at the CMA Music Fest, in Nashville, starting today until June 13th!

Check out Lambert pouring her heart out, performing The House That Built Me live, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I would not want to piss off Sting’s daughter. Girl’s got some serious steam in those eyes! I Blame Coco (AKA Sting’s amazingly talented offspring) is out with her new single Self Machine (available July 12th via Island Records). The single showcases a bit of the taste of her forthcoming debut album, The Constant.

Self Machine is dingy electro pop at its finest, backed with an incredible music video. The video is shot in a vacant swimming pool with a creepy chic vibe that’s all its own. The video was directed by Alex Smith via Warp Films, the man behind Coldplay’s Yellow and Manic Street Preacher’s Empty Souls. Although the aesthetic of the video is subdued, the song itself definitely has summertime color.

Says Coco: “This is our new video for Self Machine. We shot it in an abandoned college in Oxfordshire. It was a great day of filming. Enjoy.”

Check it out!