Archive for the ‘Music’ Category

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[photo by: matt vardy]
Totally diggin’ this video/song at the moment!

There For Tomorrow is out with the music video for the single Deathbed, from their album A Little Faster, and the outcome is pretty radstical (it’s a making up words kind of day).

The energetic heartbreak jam features the band playing in a dark warehouse, with duct-taped microphones smashing the hell outta some TV (and other various objects). Which basically sets perfect against the message of the song (ya know, with deathbeds and all). In all honesty, I think the track meshes perfectly with the video.

Hey, dudes of TFT: I’m really feeling this one!

Check out the Jonathan Bregel-directed video below.

There For Tomorrow – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

There’s many things that are fun to YouTube: puppies, Jake Gyllenhaal, Wanda Sykes turd (no, really, do it!), etc. But one of my favorite YouTube subjects is covers. Yep, sometimes it’s annoying because a good majority of YouTubers doing covers have what I like to call AIAS (American Idol Audition Syndrom) — ya know, where one thinks they are the best singer in the world when in reality their vocal chords make you want to jump out a window. But sometimes you will land on something that blows your mind…and this is where Nikki Flores comes in.

Nikki Flores isn’t some chick in Wisconsin with a webcam though (not that there’s anything wrong with that!); she’s already a signed, established artist in many ways. She hasn’t really broke ground much in America but I believe she has a ton of potential to do so. I wrote about her last year as I discovered one of her songs and absolutely fell in love with it, the song Let It Slide, with its Ryan Tedder-like feel and drippy sweet lyrics.

The video you’re about to see is new and judging by the way it ends, apparently Flores will have a single out soon. Something I will definitely be looking out for (and so should you). Her voice was made for mainstream pop music as it fits nicely over the song she covers with piano in tow.

Check out Nikki Flores covering Alicia Keys’ Unthinkable, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Starsmith = DJ, producer and remixer to the stars. And soon, he shall be a star in his own right.

He collaborated with Ellie Goulding on her Number 1 album, Lights, co-writing five of the tracks and producing most of them, and he has remixed several high-profile releases, for mainstream to more indie sounds, including: Lady Gaga, N.E.R.D, Katy Perry, Bombay Bicycle Club, Little Boots, Marina & The Diamonds, Paloma Faith, Penguin Prison, Frankmusik and Timbaland. Yep, most likely if you’ve heard a killer remix from one of these names, it could be an original Starsmith.

Although his remixes are the shit, Starsmith is about to step out from behind the scenes to create his own record, proving he is as much a star as a star-marker.

His debut single will be released in August, and will be a double A-side vinyl release featuring a pair of dance instrumentals: Give Me A Break and Knuckle Duster. He is saving his first forays as a singer for the next release, due out in October.

Check out Starsmith’s remix to Ellie Goulding’s Starry Eyed, below.

You can also check out more music from Starsmith here.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The Killers are a rock band that have been tearing up the charts for quite some time now. Like most bands, they have gone in different directions, and although I may not always understand their content or videos, I respect that as fresh, entertaining artists. Hot Fuss and Sam’s Town grabbed me by the shoulders and slammed me to the ground, and left me laying there with headphones on. All I kept thinking to myself upon first listen was, damn, it’s about time the punk/new wave movement from the early 80’s got recycled. On the other hand, as time evolved, projects such as Day & Age made me stand up, and move on. I was expecting an album with added synth-pop pressure and maybe even an electronic vibe, and at times it felt too much like a collage of influences as an alternative of a finished album (than again, it still sold a shit load, so my opinion is not the only one). Not that I don’t respect their more current work, just that in my opinion, some things age better than others.

So what now, Killers fans? Front man, Brandon Flowers, has decided to take on a solo-project, as many decide to do at this point in their career. The Vegas native exposed this information on The Killers website, with his name lit up like a neon casino sign on the Las Vegas strip along with an announcement. I don’t know much about this album yet, accept that it is happening. Are they breaking up? No. He’s simply taking a break to pursue other options (it’s not you, it’s him). Flower’s isn’t the only affiliate to embark on additional activity during the Killers’ vacation: Drummer Ronnie Vannucci has been recruited by the new group Mt. Desolation, featuring members of Keane, Noah and the Whale, and Mumford and Sons.

Lead Single Crossfire , off of the album Flamingo (it’s out in September, fyi), did not initially grab my attention, but in the myst of things, I found myself starting to like it more and more. He is very creative and entertaining. It’s wholly developed contemporary pop rock, that is suggestive of some of the tracks from The Killers Day & Age album, which is why I was uncertain if I’d dig it. But this is different; there is more emphasis on Flowers’ vocals and lyrics than on instrumentation. Let’s just say, to quote one of his own lyrics, “It’s a bit older, a little bit colder”. Now that the world has their first petal off Flowers’ solo plant, all can rest secure that the dude isn’t going off track.

At the end of the day, Flowers has deep and meaningful lyrics, and wants a new audience to appreciate his work. Have you heard any of the new material? Listen below; is flying solo always the safe route to travel?

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Welcome to the underbelly of the musical sea, tuned to the key of awesome. Way, deep down here, you’ll find one of the most elusive, breathtaking creatures: My Sister Ocean.

I’m not just sending love to this tripwire twosome ‘cause they’re Canadian (I don’t play nationalistic favourites like that). Their velvety, grinding method of sonic experimentation is leaking with genius akin to morning dew or drips of sweat. Holden’s bass and gravelly singing will spoil your silence to perfection, and the smackdown of Eugenio’s drumming takes you right out of your comfort zone and into somewhere beautiful. Who would think such an earful of bliss could arrive from a band that doesn’t even depend on a guitar?

My Sister Ocean spat out an album earlier this year; let’s just hope they keep it going. For two dashing boys with great hair, they’ve got a lot more power than you’d expect, and a little more darkness than you may be used to rubbing shoulders with. But they’re a torpedo right through your brain, leaving a five inch hole in diameter on your occipital lobe. Don’t ever expect to listen to the duo without having every crack of your soul examined, and every last rusted edge of your brain scrutinized. My Sister Ocean is the shrink without the couch, the morphine without the needle — a devastating bodily experience that doesn’t even leave a scratch. What more can you ask for?

Of course, they’re not all about the mood and gloom. One hit from their slamming songs and you’ll be riding on the high wave of rock past midnight. Whether you’re looking to philosophize or turn it up a notch, they’re an endearing choice. These men are proof that living with a dream is the best way to flare up your talent; they’re always straddling the fence between reality and success.

This very August, they’ll be touring in their maple leaf homeland, and, if I’m lucky, maybe stopping by my city. If you can handle it, then get ready to be sucked into the vacuum of their demanding, surrealist world. Take a listen to Please Don’t Say It’s So, a track that’s got a firm grip on what they’re all about.
　

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Unsolved Mysteries: JoJo Edition!

If you’re a follower of BTB then you should know that I’ve been campaigning for a new JoJo record for months now. And by campaigning, I basically mean acting a fool, trying to figure out the insanely ridiculous puzzle that is the reasoning behind taking so damn long for a record to be released in the first place.

Recently JoJo sat down with Rap-Up TV to discuss her upcoming project and the result just seems even more of an unsolved mystery. She basically talks about the record and how she’s worked with all these amazing producers (huge names in the pop world) and how she’s been cutting to make the record just right. Seriously, JoJo?! If you cut any more the record will be nothing but a tiny slice of what could have been.

Is it just me or does anyone else smell something fishy going on? Here’s to hoping that JoJo will drop an album by the end of this year or who knows, the end of 2035 (at this rate it could be any random calendar year)!

As a big JoJo supporter, I say this because as fans, we are dying to support the talent the girl brings.

Listen to the interview in full, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Although I write about buckets of talent on BTB, no band compares to Incubus on my radar. I’ve longed for the day when I could write a review about my favorite artist that would be read by others, and the day has arrived. Not unworthy of review, it’s just that Incubus has been on a slight hiatus, and we try to keep things fresh for all you fine folks. A little birdie told me a few months back that lead singer Brandon Boyd was releasing a solo release; I was uncertain what to think. Was the band breaking up? Is Brandon exploring new options? Either way, I was intrigued. Brandon can brag of a music career that has lasted nearly twenty years, and it didn’t happen overnight, for even diamonds start as coal. Years translating into six albums, breathtaking art work, album covers, EP’s and DVDs. Can the man do wrong? I had the pleasure of receiving the album before it hits the shelves, and I have not turned it off all day. Work, car, and home, I am analyzing it, cover to cover, trying to find a word to describe how satisfied I am. He is what I call an artist in the truest sense of the word.

The album is entitled The Wild Trapeze. It’s hard for me to pick the perfect words to describe this album, for his work means so much to me, I don’t want it to be anything but perfect. So in this case, I’ll use his words to grab you. Brandon Boyd describes the origins of the album saying, “This group of songs was born of a very different process than the many my band and I have been employing for our almost two decades at work now. The Wild Trapeze began as pot induced meanderings on my dusty acoustic guitar while Incubus was off of the road, and has slowly been morphing into things that I originally could never have imagined.” An old soul, oozing pure musical bliss.

This album is personal. When I first gave it a spin I almost felt as if I was reading his diary. He wrote every word to every track and performed practically every instrument you hear. Although he could blow most solo artists out the water, don’t fret my pets, Incubus will be recording soon. However, this sounds nothing like the work of the group. Incubus has changed their style throughout the years and Brandon displays a noteworthy development in his guitar playing, as well as picking up essentially every other instrument. Brandon’s many whirlwinds of creativity in art and music takes the listener to places that you haven’t quite visited yet. As far as genre goes, the album is all over the place. It’s like looking at a puzzle; you know it will eventually become a whole, but each separate piece holds a strong significant meaning.

I tend to dream that Brandon is only singing his lyrics to me (hey, just because it’s not Team Edward or Jacob doesn’t mean it’s not allowed), but this record truly feels that way. Each song puts you face-to-face with your emotions in a mirror-like effect. Check out Runaway Train and A Night Without Cars, for these two will push you to jump onboard. A Los Angeles native, a Vegan sympathizer, an artist by day and come nightfall, my favorite singer in the world. Now, back to listening…

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I can’t live without it. As kids we were so on fire for God. And then you grow up, travel and experience things and stop reading the Bible every day. You don’t realize that you’re taking important things away from yourself. If all this were taken away from me right now I would still have my faith. If you don’t have faith the world will eat you alive.”

–Kelly Rowland / The Scotsman

I’ve always been rooting for Kelly Rowland. The girl seems like a total sweetheart if ya ask me. The former Destiny’s Child starlet recently revealed her new single from her forthcoming third studio album (which is currently untitled), and I’m really diggin’ it (which I’m excited about because I wasn’t too crazy about Commander)!

Rose Colored Glasses was produced by Dr. Luke and written by Ester Dean. Rowland spews love torn lyrics on the track, laced over an infectious beat.

Rowland has yet to set a release date for the new project, but is expecting a September release.

Listen to Rose Colored Glasses below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

For more than a decade Papa Roach has been one of rock and roll’s powerhouses, and from personal experience, one of the best damn live bands I’ve ever seen (do yourself a favor and get to the mosh-pit sooner than later). Their feet have been tightly planted in over 10 years of multi-format triumph, so what’s the next step? Please continue.

The boys are set to release their first live album later in the summer, and have laid five new tracks on Time For Annihilation…On the Road and On the Record. Lead single Kick in the Teeth was first exposed to me by a rock-star that I work with at the radio station (yes, that’s my job), and I immediately asked her for the title. It’s so full of energy and momentum it makes me want to get up and scream. This track is sure to ignite rockers globally. I had the pleasure of hanging with a the boys a few months back, and they expressed how they’re ecstatic for the release of the record (that’s me above, the chick).

They’ve recently parted ways with Universal, and are releasing it via Eleven Seven Music. Jacobie Shaddix’s commanding vocals demand what would be damaging aggression — “‘Cuz when it feels like a kick in the teeth, I can take it”. Bad-ass, huh? Another buzz-worthy track is called Burn, which I heard the band debut live, and let’s just say, it does just that. From the dabs that I have heard, the band has matched the strength of their live show releasing a record that annihilates the listener. It hits shelved August 21st, and hopefully they won’t collapse.

Do you think this track has chart-topping potential? Even if it doesn’t reach previous success levels, Papa Roach never seems to disappoint, changing up their style upon each release. Bands evolve, sometimes not for the better, but these guys have a solid decade of hits under their belts, and have aged like a fine wine.

Check out the performance below, and get your mouthguards ready kids, for it’s a Kick in the Teeth.

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

FROM SCRATCH is a new section on BTB where unsigned artists sound off!

Looking to rid yourself of destructive vices? Don’t worry; Anti-Venom has the cure.

These unsigned, independent New Zealand locals have the properties of pure addiction. When I came across their Myspace page, I repeated four of their songs again and again, and every time I listened to each one, the song grew sweeter, the fire grew stronger. When you find a band whose lists of musical inspiration ranges from Liz Phair to Bullet For My Valentine, you know you’ve got a newly discovered breed on your hands.

What they play is whatever they want, created from the ashes of past struggles and made into something gorgeous. Is there some anger behind their songs? Sure. But it’s elegantly placed, and does nothing but encourage you to break out the bitch pills and let it all out.

They’re bursting into your closest and pulling all the old skeletons out, letting you purge out all your darkness, and having a good time doing it.

They say it best themselves: “We’re singing our hearts out and injecting every drop of venom we have into our music. Whatever it takes to get the poison out of our system.”

Forget therapy, Anti-Venom can cure all those infectious neuroses.For once I’m going to keep it short, and let the music speak for itself. Take a listen, and consider yourself educated.
　

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Miley Cyrus recently released her new disc Can’t Be Tamed, and if there’s two words to describe the album it’s auto and tune. I kid, I kid — sorta. I’ve never held back in being honest and I’ve written several entries admitting that I’m a fan of the Disney pop tart, but certain tracks on this CD go a little too far with the Auto-Tune when it wasn’t really needed, because Miley actually has a good studio voice (yeah yeah hate all you want but you’ve heard The Climb and you know you loved it). Sure, she’s no Aguilera, but the girl can hold a note. I get it, I mean, it’s obvious that the cd is going for a dancefloor club sound but I think the voice of Cyrus is tweaked out and lost along the way on a few tracks.

Although it’s lost on this track, it’s still my favorite on the album. I flippin’ love the song Robot, even in all of its Auto-Tune glory. Honestly, the album is a good effort and there’s several tunes that have really rubbed off on me including Liberty Walk, Robot, and Permanent December. Miley’s even completely believable when she sings on the slow vulnerable numbers like Every Rose Has Its Thorn (yes, a cover of the classic) and Stay.

Instead of posting the album version of Robot, I thought I’d post a live performance instead, since it strips away the Auto-Tune bliss (again, I like both versions).

Check it!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Happy 4th!

Currently in DC melting my face off, I felt inspired to write a post with some kick-ass 4th of July songs for your viewing/listening pleasure.

001/ Martina McBride, Independence Day

Still my favorite 4th of July song ever. Saturated in a deep blue coat of meaning revolving around domestic abuse, Martina pours her heart out on this classic track. Check out the video below.

002/ George Michael, Freedom

A throwback to his golden days, Michael’s Freedom is iconic in the way it speaks of breaking free of the chains that hold us down. Perhaps a big lesson in independence is accepting that sometimes the clothes don’t make the man.

003/ Kelis, 4th of July

A new music video for Kelis debuted recently featuring the singer wearing a Native American headdress and singing about Independence Day. It’s a disco electronic love feast that satisfies. Check it!

004/ Drake ft. Alicia Keys, Fireworks

I’ve written about this track and have supported rapper Drake in several articles over the past few months. Take a listen to the sizzling number below featuring the always elegant Alicia Keys.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Gaga is a topic of conversation on BTB all too frequently. Do we like her videos? Has the girl gone crazy? Is she original? Let’s put all this aside, and focus on something everyone enjoys — new music. Miz Gaga debuted a new track recently for the first time ever, that has a special twang, entitled You and I. In her own words, and I’m sure the same from her label: “It’s too rock and roll to ever be one of my singles, but it means so much to me.” As much as I hate to admit it, she’s most likely right, for what I’ve noticed on her recent Fame Monster is that my favorite tracks never get airplay (and I like it like that). Her signature foot-on-piano move is still prevalent in this video, but all in all, it’s very dissimilar for Gaga; and I absolutely love it.

Rock-tinged piano ballads get me weak in the knees every time. This particular one is for all the dreamers out there! She performed the song at Elton John’s AIDS White Tie and Tiara Ball fundraiser in the UK recently. Now tell me, would you be disappointed if you heard this on the radio? Cuz I sure as hell wouldn’t. As fun as the crazy lipstick, exposed ass, product endorsed videos, and antique tea cups can be, it sometimes gets in the way of how talented she really is. I respect Gaga and her opposition to norm, but this just strips her down, literally, to her piano and her most fierce accessory of all, her voice. She hits these notes flawlessly, and this song could definitely become an anthem for millions of love hopefuls out there.

Check out the debut, for watching it live before hearing it recorded will make one appreciate it even more. Even if it never makes radio, You and I is more for, well, you and I. I’d describe it as certified sensation. A first taste of new material leaves me yearning for more. What do you think? Are you goo goo for Gaga’s new material?

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Congrats, Em!

Besides being sober, there’s another accomplishment under Eminem’s belt that’s worthy of praise. Eminem’s new album, Recovery, marks the rapper’s sixth straight No. 1 Billboard chart debut. The disc destroyed records for 2010’s first-week sales, moving 741,000 copies after the album’s release. Although the album didn’t reach 1 million copies in its first week (a feat Eminem achieved twice before before people stole shit on the internet), the sales are unheard of in today’s music scene, where sales aren’t as escalated as before due to the digital age and illegal downloading (among other factors).

According to Billboard, Recovery delivered the biggest sales for an album since AC/DC’s 2008 offering, Black Ice. Eminem’s new album features guests spots from Rihanna, Pink, and Lil Wayne.

Listen to two of the collaborations (NSFW) below.

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The anticipation is over, and the verdict is in. I was blessed enough to get a sneak peek of The Stone Foxes’ new album (before it’s official release date of July 06), and a blessing it is, indeed. Bravo boys, bravo. Bears and Bulls is spreading like a plague of love; no one can ignore the encompassing sound.

This record is a standing ovation to creation, strangeness, and an altitude of nearly incoherent borderline antics. Some of the songs are lacking their upstanding, toe tapping energy, and mask themselves with a more mellowed tint, but it’s dandy none the less.

My love affair with The Stone Foxes has officially gotten serious. What can I say, I’m a sucker for gentlemen with a charming dream and a deadly chord progression. It hardly takes effort to enjoy their breezy melodies, exemplary guitar solos, and natural ability to either pump it up or tone it down. This is something I could listen to all night long and longer, and that’s no lie.

It’s like the album walks you through the very best stages of a celestial summer: from the cold drinks in the sunny afternoons to the smoked up party in some old friend’s basement. The sips of a slushie, vintage aviators on your eyes, while The Stone Foxes melt around your ears like ice cream…now that’s perfection. They have you set for snapping, crackling, and popping all over the place, but they’ve also got you covered for laying back and laying low.

The Stone Foxes aren’t going to wait for you to come to them, they’re going all out, and will hunt you down and force feed you their unsheathed musical prowess. Trust me, you’re going to enjoy it.

Top tracks off the record for sending me into glee mode: Stomp, Mr. Hangman, as well as the fired up track Hyde and Pine.

Top tracks for a snoozing afternoon: Passenger Train, Through the Fire, and the decidedly chill Easy.

I’m not usually one to vouch for commercialism but: be sure to put it on your ‘to buy’ list! These guys have a spirit and talent that absolutely needs to be supported. We’ve gotta keep their engine running!

Do get ready to run with the Bears and Bulls, ‘cause the stampede of an album is getting here soon.