Posts Tagged ‘Acoustic’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“Someone said to me yesterday that this album is like taking a knife and stabbing myself in public. And it’s true — I’m letting everyone watch while I rip my guts out. There was not an ounce of me left to put on this record. It was the most fearless I’ve ever been, in anything that I’ve ever done.

“After people have written my life for me for the last four and a half years — and it doesn’t matter whether it’s true or not, it’s what sells the most magazines that week — this was the first time I could dig into my emotions and write from this perspective, and not have to apologize for being human. A lot of people don’t see me as that, and haven’t for a long time.”

-LeAnn Rimes
On new album Spitfire

This is the most honest record I’ve heard in years. LeAnn Rimes has taken the pain of tabloid fodder and created an album that solidifies her place as one of the greatest female performers in country music. Her voice is crystal clear and her nails are sharp. Not many women could have handled the sexist double standard in this situation the way that she has. She is no longer a child prodigy but a female pioneer, tearing down the celebrity walls and revealing a vulnerable human being underneath.

Two of my favorite tracks from Spitfire below: Who We Are (tear-felt live performance) + the incredible Where I Stood following.

Painfully gorgeous!

[Related Post: Rimes Releases Stunning Ballad To Ex-Husband]

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Haven’t heard of Frank Turner? You need to. The English singer/songwriter has been melting hearts in the industry for a few years now, while making the deep conversion from punk rocker to acoustic solo-throb. His new single, Recovery, can be found on his latest record, and fifth solo release, Tape Deck Heart. He spoke of this release in recent interviews saying that (without going into lengthy details) it instantly became a “breakup” record.

This single is the perfect opener, with a radio-friendly sound and a lustrous production that has certainly evolved from his past releases. It’s backed by a triumphant piano, almost throwing a bright coat of paint on a fresh breakup. Meaning it’s unexpectedly uplifting despite its gut-wrenching topic. If you’re hesitant about indulging head-first into the whole record, this track will guide you on the right path.

Having only listened to a few tracks, I can tell this is an insanely personal record, almost opening the lock to his diary (if diaries still exist nowadays) and giving fans a taste of what really happens in the mind of Frank Turner.

Check out Recovery and then move on to the rest of Tape Deck Heart.

Whether you are going through a time of sorrow or not, this record will move you, in one way or another.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

It’s not a coincidence when a song finds you at the exact moment it’s needed. That’s precisely what happened to me with this stunning gem. Emeli Sande’s stripped-down/piano-drenched Read All About It Pt. III.

This track is gorgeous and its words bleed a vulnerability that’s nothing short of naked. Painfully honest. Sincere.

Watch + listen to a live version of the track below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Cutie alert!

Craving a slice of bubblegum pop? Budding artist Alex Aiono will satisfy your fix. His new video for Doesn’t Get Better is high in sugar content. And although it’s apparent that he’s trying to reach a certain niche (*cough* teen girls *cough*), don’t let his infectious sound fool ya. He’s spent time writing songs with Grammy writers/producers like John Legend, Billy Mann and Babyface.

Check out Doesn’t Get Better + the hilarious Horny Unicorns following.

I’m likin’ this guy!

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

It’s a wonderful thing when people use music not only to express, but to connect.

Let me shoot you a hypothetical. Say you and your bestest buddy get arrested with charges of marijuana trafficking conspiracy, and you are both required by law not to contact each other. (I know it’s specific- bear with me!)

Your buddy’s in NY; you’re in UT. When you hear the news of his sentencing (30 months in prison), what do you do? Mope, moan, bitch to no one? Or do you find a way to support him without breaking the rules?

Rob Reinfurt of The Weekenders did just that. Rather than fighting against the system and getting himself in more trouble, he channelled all his feelings into the song Chin Up, hoping the heartfelt message would reach his friend Eric through the grapevine.

It did. And it caught my attention too.

The tone of the song isn’t typical for the band in question. The Weekenders merit a smoky-eyed blues rock thrum, reminding one of The Black Keys or a stoned Led Zeppelin set. Chin Up is even more low-tempo than their usual repertoire, but it still shoots ripples on my brain-lake. You can feel the pain of separation in the lyrics and rusty twang of the guitar, and that makes it legitimate.

Rob express his motivation for writing the song: “I wanted him to know we’re all thinking of him and shining light his way.”

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I’m hoarse tonight, so I’m gonna need a lot of love to get through, but I don’t cancel shows and I don’t lip-sync because that’s bullshit.”

-Pink, Live from the Izod Center
#TruthAboutLoveTour

Seeing Pink over the weekend changed my life. While her acrobatic skills were out of this world, and yes, it was mind-blowing to see her fly around a stadium packed with 20,000 people, it was her vulnerably naked songs that sent me over the edge. Songs like Who Knew and Perfect, emotionally belted through a microphone, wearing a simple white gown while sitting next to an acoustic guitar. Because the truth is, Pink doesn’t need the sing upside down to prove that she has talent. That’s just the icing on the cake.

[Related Post: P!nk Creates Flawless Piece Of Art]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

ROB BRAYL: I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of the new album (‘Wax Wings’, due out May 7th), and it’s an exquisite record! You MUST be getting butterflies leading up to its release?

JOSHUA RADIN: I am but mainly because I’m self-releasing a record for the first time. It’s scary but fun.

RB: I’m literally sitting here with my headphones on, trying to pick a favorite track from the record. I’m having a hard time, but I’m leaning towards ‘Your Rainy Days’ and ‘Like They Used To’. May I ask your personal favorite?

JR: Thank you so much! Well, that’s nice to hear. I guess if I had to pick a favorite it would be ‘Back To Where I’m From’.

RB: Being that this site is known for spotlighting indie artists, I was particularly fixated on the fact that you chose to release your new album independently. What was your frame of mind regarding this move?

JR: I like releasing music more often than most labels will allow. So I’m going at it on my own in order to put more music out into the world.

RB: I understand the title comes from Greek mythology. Can you speak on this a little bit?

JR: In several past songs, I’ve referred to my love as the sun. The album title is a reference to the myth of Icarus, who flew too close to the sun on wings made of wax and feathers. The wings melted and he fell, just as I have, over and over again. Sometimes I think love is something I’ll never get too close to again, and other times I feel the confidence to fly too closely to it.

RB: Obviously rap will never be an influence in your work, but since you’re from Cleveland and all, I have to ask: What do you think of Cleveland rapper Machine Gun Kelly?

JR: To be honest, I don’t know who that is.

RB: Speaking of influences, what is your driving force when creating music?

JR: Love.

RB: I always ask this, because it’s fun… Current guilty pleasure(s)?

JR: Girls. (The TV show)

RB: If I were to steal your iPod, are there any artists I may be surprised to find?

JR: Probably not. But who knows? I like all kinds of music.

RB: I saw you perform last year here in the city and actually met you very briefly after the show. You seemed as genuine and real as your music and I think it shows in your performances. The connection you have with the audience is incredibly honest. Are you planning on touring with the new material?

JR: Thank you! I try really hard to connect with everyone during live performances. I am going to tour this record but in just a few intimate venues in just a few cities. I spent half of last year on the road and I’m a little burnt. I’m needing home right now.

RB: It’s a well-known fact that you performed at Ellen DeGeneres’ wedding. I just wanted to end this interview by saying thank you for supporting gay rights. We love you!

JR: [Laughs] Yes, I did, and I do. She is an amazing woman as is her wife.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

One of my most recent favorite indie finds, Atlas Genius, have finally released their full-length debut record, When It Was Now. The band wrote, recorded and produced the album independently at a studio they built in their hometown of Adelaide, Australia. It’s mixed by Michael Brauer of Electric Lady Studios in New York City. These guys are incredible. You may recognize them from their popular radio smash, Trojans, which picked up national attention last year.

Currently, the band’s on the road with another indie rock gem, Imagine Dragons, and will also be playing South By Southwest in March.

Their latest single, Symptoms, was released on iTunes for free this week. I personally downloaded the whole album, and love every last second of it.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Every now and again, an artist pops up from out of nowhere and creeps into your headphones. That’s exactly the case in my experience with Olivia Sebastianelli. An obvious talent upon first listen, the song and video you’re about to witness is alluring and comforting, yet haunting and unsettling all at the same time.

This isn’t music fluff. This is the makings of a true artist.

When asked to describe her sound, her reply was just as unconventional: “I keep describing it as a cross between Fleetwood Mac and Foo Fighters, which everybody gets really confused about. It’s the melodies of Fleetwood Mac, and the way they construct their harmonies — everything’s so tight — with the punk and anger of Foo Fighters. That kind of vibe.”

There ya go… Whatever it is, it’s working.

Olivia is certainly an artist to watch in 2013.

Video for Rose of Stone below.

Beautiful!

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Meet Matt Hires. He’s a master of the acoustic guitar, heart-thumping beats, and bombarding vocals. His single Restless Heart is a great preview of what a talented singer/songwriter he truly is. This Florida native is bound to be on your radar this year, for his insistent style and youthful energy is inescapable.

Regarding Restless Heart, I would be willing to bet that your reaction is going to be something along the lines of: “This song is amazing.”

‘Cause it is.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Sometimes, wasting our lives by watching reality TV can have its payoffs. Ya know, when you discover a fresh, new artist playing in the background as something dramatic happens on the screen. That’s exactly the story behind Midian’s Bitter, which had people buzzing after it was used on VH1′s Love & Hip Hop Atlanta.

Her massive and soulful voice may remind you of Etta James, Adele, or even Christina Aguilera. On first listen, I actually thought it was Adele singing, but then realized Midian’s voice paints a different shade as she pouts the lovesick blues.

Regardless, the sound stings and leaves a mark behind.

Bitter is one of five tracks on Midian’s debut, self-titled EP, which was released earlier this month.

Bask in the bittersweet glory of the live version of Bitter below.

Pretty!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

And I’m officially disturbed!

So I don’t keep up with all the stupid teeny-bopper nonsense in the world, so I’m a little late to this perhaps, but I just found out that Justin Bieber’s fans call his, um, wing wang, Jerry. Yup! As in your friend’s dad. Or the guy sitting next to you at Starbucks. Or that dude from Parks & Recreation.

Funny, because it’s absolutely ridiculous. Depressing, because I have no faith left in the human race. JK, you guys!

See Jerry in action below! The little fella’s got some moves, huh?

Wait a second. What the hell am I talking about?!

Is it Friday yet?

To redeem myself/make up for the stupidity of this post, check out the incredible Biebs cover by VanLadyLove below. Love!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Hear me out on this one:

I’m back in New York with this sitting on my mantle and I feel compelled to share the story behind it.

I bought this handmade piece yesterday at the Abingdon Flea Market in Abingdon, Virginia (near my hometown of Richlands, VA). The minute I saw it, I was drawn to it. It stirred something in me. As a writer, I found it poetic and layered. As a person, one who often goes against the grain of society, I related to it.

“I’m a piece of forbidden fruit,” I thought to myself and laughed. Rough around the edges, abnormal, wild and full of life. I may not fit in or ever feel like I truly belong back home, but in my forbiddenness and rebellion, I think I’ve allowed myself the freedom to create something sweet (jam!) out of my ever-so-imperfect life.

The first time I saw it, I passed it up. But I couldn’t stop thinking about it, so as we were heading for the car (after looking through the entire warehouse), I went back to grab it. And when I did, this lovely country woman (who made it; Anne Wampler of Fire Light Candles to be exact) strikes up a conversation: “I noticed you when you first walked in. How tall are you, sweetie?” I answered. She then asked where I’m from, and I replied: “I’m originally from these parts. I’m visiting family for the holidays, but I now live in New York. Believe it or not.”

She instantly lit up. She then opened up to me about her 13-year-old son, who just came out of the closet and how she worries about him constantly because he gets bullied quite a bit at school. She said he had dreams of visiting New York one day because he loves musical theatre.

I immediately knew that I was meant to meet this woman.

She asked if she could give him my info because she knew I had been in the same situation years ago. I obliged. I told her if he ever needs to talk to someone he can always reach out to me. She was thrilled.

Going back home may be like crawling into an old wound for me, but it’s a place that is forever a part of me. And I’m grateful for the people there who embrace me with open arms.

Whenever I look at this, I will think of this kid and pray that people are kind to him.

My mom always tells me: “Rob, you can’t save the world.” And man, have I learned how true that is. But if I can save just one person, if I can make their life have meaning and hope, I think that’s all that really matters.

So blessed for the people God has brought into my life over the past few months, and so excited for another year of unexpected encounters.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

It’s been a while
I’m not who I was before
You look surprised
Your words don’t burn me anymore
Been meanin’ to tell ya
But I guess it’s clear to see
Don’t be mad
It’s just a brand new kinda me
Can’t be bad
I found a brand new kinda free

Careful with your ego
He’s the one that we should blame
Had to grab my heart back
God knows something had to change
I thought that you’d be happy
I found the one thing I need
Why you mad?
It’s just a brand new kinda me

It took a long long time to get here
It took a brave, brave girl to try
It took one too many excuses
One too many lies
Don’t be surprised, don’t be surprised

If I talk a little louder
If I speak up when you’re wrong
If I walk a little taller
I’ve been under you too long
If you notice that I’m different
Don’t take it personally
Don’t be mad
It’s just a brand new kinda me
That ain’t bad
I found a brand new kinda free

It took a long, long road to get here
It took a brave, brave girl to try
I’ve taken one too many excuses
One to many lies
Don’t be surprised, oh, said, you look surprised

Hey, if you were a friend
You’d wanna get to know me again
If you were worth the while
You’d be happy to see me smile
I’m not expecting sorry
I’m too busy finding myself
I got this
I found me, I found me

I don’t need your opinion
I’m not waiting for your okay
I’ll never be perfect,
But at least now I’m brave
I know my heart is open
I can finally breathe
Don’t be mad
It’s just a brand new kinda free
That ain’t bad
I found a brand new kinda me
Don’t be mad
It’s just a brand new time for me

[Related Post: Alicia Keys Debuts 'Brand New Me']

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I must give props to Mike Posner, who has created a touching tribute in response to the 26 victims at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut. Entitled Heaven, the new acoustic track is simply Posner’s way of giving, trying to make sense of, and hoping to lift those affected by Friday’s tragedy.

In his dedication, the Detroit native wrote: “Hey guys… I wanted to do SOMETHING for the victims’ families and I didn’t really know what else to do. Writing songs is pretty much the only thing I’m any good at, so I hope you’ll share this as you see fit.”

What a sweet song and gesture! Kudos, Mike!

Listen to Heaven in full below.