Archive for the ‘Music’ Category
CRAIG DAVID = A GOOD MAN
By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
English R&B singer Craig David is back on the music scene with a fresh new single and an upcoming album entitled Signed Sealed Delivered. The project will feature David covering hits from the Motown era and giving them a modern twist. The whole idea of an entire album of Motown covers just seems off to me, but knowing David’s talent, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt. Plus, I’m a sucker for an accent and nice lips when it’s on someone whose heart seems to be in the right place. David, when answering a fan’s question, proved this point when he said that above all, he just wants to be known as a good person. And that my friend, is way better than any amount of records he may or may not sell.
Check the clip, below.
Craig also appears on the cover of the new Big Issue (which for seventeen years since its inception, continues to offer homeless and vulnerably housed people the opportunity to earn an income).
GRANNY SPINS INTO NEON LIMELIGHT
By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
Move over Pauly D, there’s a new DJ in town!
Meet 69-year-old Ruth Flowers. The proud granny is becoming one of England’s most sough after DJ’s and is currently working on her first single. The remarkable lady explains that she first gained interest once she entered a club for a grandson’s birthday and realized that she loved to see the kids have a good time on the dancefloor. It’s clear that she’s just trying to live life to the fullest and who can hate on that?
This banner appears at the bottom of DJ Ruth Flowers’ website:
“I’d rather sign a contract with a record company than to sign up for the nursing home!”
You must see the intro/trailer on Flowers’ website–it’s AWESOME.
To learn a little about Ruth, watch the video below.
TAYLOR SWIFT’S VIEW OF HEARTBREAK
By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
-t. swift, in the upcoming issue of elle
TRAIN; ON THE RIGHT TRACK
By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
Train was inescapable during the turn of the 21st century, when songs like “Calling All Angels” and “Drops of Jupiter” were topping the charts. Although formed during the glory days of post-grunge, they found more success in the pop/rock cluster, and continue to do so today. Hey Soul Sister, the band’s first single since 2001, is riding the track to success. Combine that unique feel with a catchy chorus, and you’ll remember why you loved Train so much.
Save Me San Francisco is an autobiographical statement of Train’s initial stages, and embodies not only the spirit of the album, but also the soul of Train for who they are. Be ready for a pleasant sonic experience which will show you these boys aren’t anywhere near the last stop. They’ve managed to stick to their sound, but also left room to expand their fanbase in the USA and the world.
“I’m so glad you have a one-track mind, like me…” — we’re glad too, Train; all aboard!
JOE JONAS IS AXING THE “R” WORD
By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
Nick: Bro, that headband looks um…
Joe: My headband looks what? Gay?! Well your face looks like a re–a, um, rrrhinoceros! A-ha! Take that suckaaa!
On a serious note…
Certain words can sometimes speak louder than actions. There are numerous words that come to mind when I think of the pain and hurt that can be brought to others when we choose to be blinded by our speech. I think of times when I’ve spilled word vomit without thinking and how I felt when my words hurt those near and dear to my heart. And that’s why I love this project (and it’s just one word)!
I can think of several other words that need a pledge project like this one.
I just made a pledge, will you? Click here to make your pledge today, and be sure to spread the word.
Check out Joe Jonas promoting the cause, below. And if I were a tween (which I’m totally not!) I’d say: Joe is looking totes cutefest, but I’m not so we’re gonna forget that I ever mentioned it. K?! K. Good.
JUST ANOTHER MANIC MACGOWAN MONDAY
By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
I really want to hold onto to my Old Spice “I’m On A Horse” masculinity this morning but as you know, I’m not one to ever lie–when I googled “Shane MacGowan’s teeth”, I totally gasped like Bree Van de Kamp from Wisteria Lane. The rocker, who is known for his massive drinking binges, underwent expensive denture work last year after his bad habits led to his teeth rotting (and yes, I know it’s Monday and the last thing you wanted to read this morning is teeth rotting).
The good news though, is that MacGowan, 52, recently pulled together some of his closest friends (and some of the biggest names in the music/film industry) to create a single with proceeds going towards something besides his dental work.
Shane MacGowan & Friends present I PUT A SPELL ON YOU
A single in aid of Concern Worldwide’s work in Haiti
Featuring: NICK CAVE, BOBBY GILLESPIE, JOHNNY DEPP, CHRISSIE HYNDE, MICK JONES, CAIT O’RIORDON, GLEN MATLOCK, PALOMA FAITH & ELIZA DOOLITTLE
The single is released today, March 8th 2010, via download only. Or text SPELL (all in capitals) to 78789 (the text cost £1.50).
All proceeds go to Concern, a charity who have provided assistance to some of the poorest countries in the world including Haiti, even before the earthquake struck.
The track, a cover of Screamin’ Jay Hawkins 1956 hit I PUT A SPELL ON YOU, meshes Shane’s life long admiration for an artist who died ten years ago to the day that the earthquake hit Haiti and a fascination with a country, its people and in particular attracted by the nations “deep spirituality”.
Check out the video, below.
IAN AXEL: THE INTERVIEW
By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
When I first heard Ian Axel I immediately felt moved. I was new to this giant spiderweb of a city, new to the chaos of New York that can sometimes swallow you whole. I can assure you that I felt like I was falling apart at the time–I had no job, not many friends, and my first love had just crushed my heart. But when I heard his song HOME via MTV’s Real World, even though I felt completely alone at the time, I felt connected again. To me, that’s music–the ability to give light and electricity to those who have burned out. I had no clue, that a little over a year later that I would have the chance to interview the same artist who truly affected my life.
In a humble and honest interview with BTB, I spoke with Ian on his new album, his life, and his ability to express the words he sometimes has trouble speaking, through the keys of the piano.
Ian, who says he is learning to love himself through this entire experience, spoke in a way that felt completely genuine. We talked about all things music, including my plea for him to spill some of his guilty pleasures. To see if I succeed, listen to the interview below. And please be aware that it’s a little lengthy! We got carried away.
Please be sure to pick up Ian’s album(s) on iTunes/Amazon and check out the video for THIS IS THE NEW YEAR (featuring Chad Vaccarino), below.
Posted in Music | 
Tags: Beautiful, BTB Exclusive, Meaningful, Pop Rock, Up and Coming | 
8 Comments »
OK GO TAKES THE CAKE, EATS IT TOO
By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
Ok-Go is one of those uproarious bands who are always coming out with something sparkling and unique. No matter what, we can always count on the band to bring something innovative to the music scene.
I don’t know about you, but Ok-Go is the band that really gave me my first hankering for some straight-cut, dazzling, power pop indie rock. You can’t snap a guitar string in the music world without bumping into ten generic indie bands, but Ok-Go is one of those that somehow manages to stand out against the crowd, bringing a jumpy, charismatic mood that cannot be beat.
The song ‘This Too Shall Pass’ has a slightly uneven but greatly appealing vibe, and gives one the urge to dance out of time just for kicks. Here I thought we’d only be lucky enough to get one music video for the song, but Ok-Go (as usual) is going above and beyond, created a second version to accompany the first.
Their music videos are never short of psychidelic (nor are their songs, actually). The video for their song ‘WTF?’ definitely earned its name in my book, with its constant delayed motion painting over the entire screen. But there was a time these guys didn’t have access to trippy or impressive effects for their videos, yet they succeeded in bashing everyone’s brains in none the less. I mean, this was the indie band that inspired a revolution of music videos. Their first single, ‘Here it Goes Again’, whose video featured unique choreography of the boys all jumping from treadmill to treadmill, was no more than a wicked home-made video posted on Youtube, yet it gained the group a wild amount of coverage and publicity. Before they (or anyone else) knew it, they were at the forefront of indie culture, sparking up the ideals and musical appeal therein.
It seems the first music video for ‘This Too Shall Pass’ readily lived up to the standards of its predecessors. The trumpet-playing sacks of grass, Sergeant Pepper-style band uniforms, and the fact that it was all shot live and in one cut, all certainly carries the mark of inherent strangeness. Yet the second version definitely takes the cake (and eats it too).
Check out the RGM version of ‘This Too Shall Pass’ below.
CHEERS TO CAVO
By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
Alternative rock is in, and chart success is following. St. Louis’ own Cavo has arrived; let the Champagne be poured. Their album entitled Bright Nights, Dark Days has a melody-driven rock sound, with big hooks and vivid choruses; a culmination of the long musical journey this band has been on. When listening to the album through, you will find it’s chaptered with emotion and passion, holding a story in each track. As belted out in Crash–“Every mile gets you further away from the past,” and that is just the direction they will continue to head; forward.
The boys will be on the road with Daughtry this spring, making a high energy show for all to enjoy. Cavo holds an epic combination; passionately played hard-hitting rock-and-roll with keenly felt lyrics about life, love, and experiences. These boys show that talent and a strong perseverance to make it, can do just that. Get yourself a fix full of alt-rock, and sip it in.
ON THE VERGE: COLDWATER JANE
By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
Totally diggin’ the positive vibes in this song!
Meet Coldwater Jane–two sisters (Brandon Jane & Leah Crutchfield) who grew up on 70s rock, and gospel music in their small hometown of Lucedale, Mississippi. As teenagers, the girls toured with their parents as a family gospel band. Their mother booked the band while their father played bass and their brother served as the drummer. The sisters handled lead/harmony vocals, and alternated between guitar and keyboard.
The duo’s name comes from Jane being a common name running in their family and Coldwater being inspired by Coldwater Canyan in Los Angeles. After recording for six months, the duo gained the attention of Mercury Nashville and the rest, as they say, is history.
Check out the music video debut for BRING ON THE LOVE, below.
JESUS LUZ SCORES RECORD DEAL
By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
Thanks to Madonna, Jesus now has a record deal.
The 51-year-old pop superstar–who has been dating 23-year-old Jesus Luz (a club DJ) on and off for over a year, has drafted in the expertise of the legendary house music producer Victor Calderone.
Jesus’ first single, entitled WE CAME FROM LIGHT, will be released in the summer–the same time a handful of Madonna’s classic songs, including Vogue and Like A Prayer will be licensed for a major advertising campaign in the US.
A source said: “She’s worked with Victor for a very long time and he understands just what she likes. Having him work on Jesus’ tracks will give them a cool cachet which is essential to building a clubland buzz.”
I’m not a big fan of clubby clubster music but I must admit that his first single has definite beatin’ to the beat kind of power. It’s also a sound that seems to blend well with Jesus’ modeling/runway roots.
Time for a strut-off!
Listen to the single, below.
MY TEEF / THE LIL WAYNE REMIX
By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
MY TEEF BE GOLD
MY TEEF COST A MILLI
MY TEEF CHOMP BULLETS
MY TEEF AIN’T SILLY
Just a little tune I’m working on…
So I have to go to the dentist tomorrow and I’m nervous because, well, I hate going to the dentist! Just the thought of someone putting a foreign object into my mouth and scraping my teeth with it makes me want to hurl (do people still say hurl?). But, as Gloria Gaynor once eloquently said: I WILL SURVIVE!
And with teeth and survival, I now turn to Lil’ Wayne.
A fire broke out around 10:30am yesterday at Manhattan’s Criminal Court where Lil Wayne was set to be sentenced. Now, the rapper’s court case for attempted criminal possession of a weapon has been postponed. There was a “little fire, but no Lil Wayne,” David Bookstaver, a spokesman for the Office of Court Administration, told Billboard.com. Bookstaver also added that the hearing has been re-scheduled for today. Great news for the rapper I suppose, who recently underwent hours of dental procedures to get his diamond encrusted teeth ready for prison. Can you believe someone would pay $150,000 to screw up their teeth with diamonds? Nuts.
Lil Wayne released a statement to his fans via twitter: “ They kant lok up my heart bekuz y’all already have it on lok. ……thank u.”
I’m going to hope that his poor spelling and grammar are due to Twitter’s space limits.
Here’s to wishing my teef & Lil’ Wayne the best of luck.
And now, for your viewing pleasure, I’ve added the clip below. Please excuse his language! I just found the video to be very entertaining. LOL-away folks. Peace!
VIDEO DEBUT: KIMBERLY CALDWELL
By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
Not long ago I mentioned Caldwell’s return to the microphone. Now the singer/songwriter is out with the premiere of her debut music video and it’s blooming with attitude. Judging from the gorgeous photo above, I would’ve loved to have seen a bit more of a darker vibe with the video, perhaps shot in black and white. But I do understand and realize that this approach would be more of a risk for a commercial artist who has a goal of getting played. Either way, Caldwell’s blonde mop with her husky voice provides for a pop ride worth taking.
Caldwell’s debut album Without Regret, comes out on Vanguard/Capitol Records on April 6th, 2010.
Check out the video for MESS OF YOU, below.
PARACHUTE BEGINS TO RISE
By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
Parachute is rising. A dynamic of five best friends proves to be the perfect recipe for the new group that’s quickly gaining momentum. Hitting the road with our lady Kelly Clarkson this spring is a huge milestone for the fellas. These rockers have an edge and a softer side, proving so in She Is Love, “And I lost my faith, in my darkest days, but she makes me want to believe”. How dreamy, romantic guitar riffs for timeless tunes; after all, love is a subject everyone understands.
The boys from Virginia have a polished sound and look that is worth checking out. With a wide repertoire, they can do upbeat, downbeat, and maybe even invent a new beat, something for every listener. “Oh it takes no time to make things clear, I might be blind but I can hear”.
We hear you Parachute, and we’re definitely listening.
IN PIECES: SANCTUS REAL’S FORGIVEN
By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com
Faith is not a four letter word.
Forgiveness is something that we hold onto thinking that it will somehow safeguard us from pain. But the truth is, the more we hold onto forgiving those who have hurt us, the more the pain sinks its teeth into our skin. Yet the forgiveness that truly matters comes from a space of love bigger than we could ever imagine and for that, I am truly grateful.
I wanted to share a song with you that has really touched my life. If you don’t already, you really should know SANCTUS REAL. I discovered their music when I was going through a very emotional time in my life and it really lifted me to a place where I could feel hope again. The vocals spill with a purity that cannot be mimicked easily because it’s clear that it’s coming from a genuine space wiped clean of the clutter of typical rock star antics.
-Sanctus Real