Posts Tagged ‘Beautiful’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

A lil’ bit depressing yet full of hope…

Secondhand Serenade’s Something More, the first single from the upcoming third album, Hear Me Now, is one beautifully broken track. The song, which dives into the realm of torn meandering lives delivers a message of hope even when heartbroken and hopeless.

Secondhand Serenade is the product of singer/songwriter John Vesely, who worked with producer Aaaron Johnson (from The Fray), to create intimate, pensive, somber pop rock full of meaning.

The music video, directed by Declan Whitebloom, fits the track’s somber sound.

Billboard’s review of the track said it best: “As Vesely sings of the internal strife that a breakup can cause, he powerfully conveys the very human message that everyone makes mistakes. A no-brainer for top 40 and hot AC radio formats, “Something More” is sure to saturate the summer airwaves.” –Alex Vitoulis

Check out the music video below. Hear Me Now is due out in August.

Secondhand Serenade – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Get ready to be moved (in more ways than one)!

Robyn has just released the music video for her brand new single Hang with Me. The video takes fans behind the scenes of Robyn’s touring life. But don’t worry, it’s not the typical video we’ve all seen before, this behind-the-scenes vid was directed by Max Vitali and is shot in an original manner that holds your attention, each shot a photograph all its own. There’s also live performance footage, studio time shots, and other promotional specks, like a fan signing and radio interview. If you look close enough you will also see BTB fave I Blame Coco.

Hang with Me is the lead single from Robyn’s second album (Body Talk Pt. 2) of a three part trilogy.

Robyn described the song as: “Pop should be seductive and sweet when it can. And I felt like I could be on Hang with Me, in a uncompromising way. It’s like a sweet and sour bon-bon wrapped in melancholy.”

The new album will be released September 6th.

Watch the music video followed by a beautiful live acoustic performance, below.

Robyn – Hang With Me official video from Robyn on Vimeo.

Robyn recently performed at London’s Rimmel Room and as usual, her acoustic renditions overflowed with emotion, sure to melt hearts. Watch my favorite number (Dancing On My Own) from Body Talk Pt. 1, below.

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

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: 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

Dude, what’s up with the White House? Concerts galore in that place!

No matter what your political affiliation, no one can deny the fact that the White House has become an interesting stage for music lately. Seriously, it’s like TRL up in there these days!

Esperanza Spalding, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, and the cast of Glee have all been on hand at the White House for a performance or two, and recently the Obamas requested Regina Spektor to perform at the first ever White House reception in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month.

In the first ever reception honoring Jewish American Heritage Month at the White House, Spektor performed a solo piano set for President Obama and First Lady Michelle, Vice President Biden, and others in DC. Luckily for those of us who didn’t make the VIP guest list, Spektor’s performance was captured on video to give us regular folks a glimpse into the event.

Spektor, who is currently on an international tour promoting her latest album expressed her gratitude by saying: “Having lived here for over twenty years, it is an unimaginable honor to be invited to the White House by President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, to an event celebrating Jewish Americans, and to be counted among them. Nothing in the world could make us feel more accepted and at home!”

Watch a super cute animation set to Regina’s beautiful Laughing With, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

So let me just first say that I think this season of American Idol has been pretty boring. Yes, I ended up really liking both Lee and Crystal but overall, the contestants this year just seemed lackluster. No, I am not trying to hate, I clearly think that all participants are talented but it was the whole package, the wow factor, that was missing.

Basically, if you missed the show last night, all you missed was what you’re about to see below, which is Christina Aguilera’s surprise performance. Singing of smoking guns, lost magic, and the tragedy of a relationship falling apart due to someone cheating, Aguilera poured her heart and soul out, singing her song You Lost Me, from her upcoming Bionic disc. Aguilera may have entered the stage in an over-the-top pop star kind of way, but when the lights dimmed and she stood in the center of the stage for a solo, in nothing but simple black attire, hair pulled back, Aguilera proved that she doesn’t need smoke and mirrors, outrageous effects or costumes to prove that she is truly one of a kind.

Honestly, I was about to fall asleep until Aguilera showed up. The show seemed to be very outdated to me, so it was good to see someone who is current take the stage. All respect to any artist who has paved the way in shaping music, but seriously, I started to feel like I was watching American Idol: The Old Folks Home Edition. I get that it’s interesting to see entertainers who have been out of the spotlight for decades swoosh back onto the stage all of a sudden, but at the same time, it just felt like a bit too much. Or hey, maybe it was just me? Kudos to all the performers though, in the end.

As far as Lee Dewyze winning Idol, I called that a long time ago. Why? Because America always goes for the safe guy. Always. This never fails. Last season, Kris Allen (whose performance last night was on point, btw) took the title from not-so-safe Adam Lambert. Before Kris, we had David Cook (safe), Taylor Hicks (safe), Ruben Studdard (safer than safe), and now Lee Dewyze (safe). You get my drift. Unfortunately the show really does end up being a big popularity contest over voting for actual talent, because as much as I like Lee (who is a very talented dude), Crystal deserved that title IMHO, and that’s all I’m gonna say about that.

Oh! And goodbye Simon, the show will probably suck without you. Paula was her usual self last night, and I have to say, I was actually very touched by what Simon said to the crowd. The man clearly has a heart of gold and will truly be missed. I personally cannot believe it’s been ten years. Boy, does time fly. Someone pass the Ovaltine.

In closing, if you missed the finale, all you truly missed (in my opinion) that’s worth watching is Aguilera’s number, which you can watch below.

Question: Who do you think deserved to win American Idol?

Sound off in the comments.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Back in July of last year, one of my entries was dedicated to singer/songwriter Tamar Kaprelian, after discovering her music and falling in love.

Now, almost a year later, Tamar has dropped the official music video for her single New Day. And like the majority of her music, it’s beautiful.

On the positive message behind the song Tamar says: “It’s about struggling, persevering, and being in a situation where you don’t know how you’re gonna dig yourself out of it. And at the end of it, life is like a road—you don’t stop in the middle of it. I really want people to listen to this record and get a sense of hope from it.”

The song is taken from Tamar’s debut album, Sinner Or A Saint, due out later this summer on Interscope Records. Check it!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Meshing the funk of blues, soul and old school rock from the sixties and early seventies, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals stick out like a sore thumb. I recently stumbled upon this music video for Tiny Light and instantly fell in love. The video is beautifully shot, gorgeous in a raw epic setting with a vintage feel to the lens.

And man! Just wait until you reach the 2:48 mark, the note Grace hits is OOC (out of control)! Girl’s got made pipes, I’m talking Aguilera level. And what a surprise that was–the video at first, same as the song, takes on a more mellow soulful vibe but the last two minutes are nothing but chaotic rock n’ roll, Janis Joplin reincarnated with a flare all their own.

The art direction, the song, the cinematography, it’s all on point and it’s all working pure magic for this band, which you must check out!

Check out the beautifully shot video for Tiny Light, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Band you should know!

Southern (Ft. Worth, Texas) and full of soul, comes Green River Ordinance, a 5-piece pop/rock band that displays heartfelt chemistry through the lungs of sound. The Texan boys refer to Third Eye Blind, Coldplay, Switchfoot, Radiohead, Lifehouse, Tonic, Goo Goo Dolls, & Flickerstick as their musical influences.

The band took their name from a street sign found in a back yard. The Green River Ordinance outlawed door-to-door salesmen from visiting homes without an approval from the house owner. This appealed to the band as their fan base was growing in a door-to-door direction it seemed by word of mouth.

Check out the music video to the beautiful On Your Own, below.

And for a free mp3 download from Green River Ordinance, click here.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

This made me cry like a baby!

Yes, cry. I said it! I think anyone who has ever been criticized/bullied for being different can relate to this young man’s story of triumph. In many ways, the kid’s a hero.

Lin Yu Chun is a name you may not recognize, but his chubby body meshed with his pudding-bowl haircut and his one of a kind voice has become instantly recognizable. After his performance of I Will Always Love You on the Taiwanese version of American Idol, he has shot to fame, gaining the (much deserved) attention of the world.

Since his rise, the 24-year-old has been compared to Susan Boyle, who was also judged critically by her age and appearence when she stepped into the spotlight on Britain’s Got Talent last year. Now, despite not winning the show, the singer who confessed that she had never been kissed released a record-breaking album and has made well over $2 million dollars.

I think the same could be in store for Chun. He deserves it! It’s about time people start seeing beyond the shallow lens of judgement and instead take a look at what lies behind the curtains.

Check out Chun on Ellen, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Now that you all know I put my life in the hands of rock n’ roll bands, I was recently thrown an unexpected curveball of melody this past week; folk. When not initially liking a genre of music, one should make a point of listening to it more closely. I have yearned for the day I would stumble upon a female talent who could transcend sounds of the past with the present, and she has arrived; Lissie (Maurus). A 27-year old country-folk rock singer/guitarist is the pink elephant in a room full of bears. A clear-as-glass singing voice, effortless melodies, and a Stevie Nicks like tone make her a direct line to your emotional core.

Everywhere I Go off of her debut EP Where You Runnin’, stopped me dead in my tracks at a local record store (yes, some still exist), showcasing her achingly raw and evocative voice. How often has this happened to you lately? Think about it; sound that hits you so hard you can feel it? Now that’s music, what feelings sound like.

The bright intensity of Lissie’s voice will cut through any disdain your jaded heart may have built up against present day “singers” and “songwriters”. In my opinion, she belongs in the 1970’s with the brilliance of female musicians whose material will be set in stone for countless generations. Her sound seems as if it should belong to someone twice her age, both coarse and beautiful; a combination which, when it works, is something to behold. Her pipes are her instrument, and she commands them. Upon downloading more of her tracks, I found the songs range from hand-clapping and foot-stomping, to breathtaking ballads that all make up her ingredient; a spine shivering, rustic soul.

Lissie is an artist to watch, listen, and embrace. So raise the volume; she’s about to mend all the broken hearts of boring, pointless music trends!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Cyndi Lauper, who has always been an activist for equality, recently launched the Give a Damn Campaign which encourages everyone (gay, straight, transgender, lesbian, bisexual) to get informed about issues within the LGBT community. Now, Lauper is taking her passion to the next level, by opening a shelter for homeless LGBT youth in New York City (Harlem) via her True Colors Fund.

The shelter will be the first permanent residence for LGBT youth in Manhattan.

Currently there are between 15,000 and 20,000 homeless youth in New York City, and, of that number, roughly 3,000 to 8,000 identify under the LGBT umbrella.

The True Colors Residence, which is slated to open in 2011, will offer a safe haven for LGBT individuals between the ages of 18 to 24 who need a place to stay while trying to get back on their feet.

In a statement, Lauper said: “Kids are coming out in greater numbers as they see themselves accepted and represented on TV and in movies, but they’re still being kicked out of their homes or running away and living on the streets. We need to make sure we’re taking care of them. This is the next generation of the LGBT community.”

Beautiful.

Check out Lauper performing the classic Time After Time (live on Australian Idol), below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

When Alicia Keys’ record dropped last year, I brought you the scoop on the record, but to keep it short and sweet–it’s the shiz. Combining r&b, soul, and hip hop pop, the album is more than The Element of Freedom, it’s the element of captivity, attention quickly clenched, held by Alicia’s heartbroken, heart-healed chops and her piano lickin’ fingers.

And her latest single from the album, is probably one of my favorites on the project.

Unthinkable (I’m Ready) pours and mourns nothing but sex appeal in it’s most innocent and beautiful form, vulnerable and unclothed to the ugliness of overproduction, which encompasses most mainstream records.

In other news, Alicia will be appearing on Idol Gives Back, which airs April 21. Carrie Underwood, The Black Eyed Peas and Annie Lennox are also slated to hit the stage.

The charity show has raised more than $140 million for humanitarian efforts.

Funds will go to Children’s Health Fund, Feeding America, Malaria No More, Save the Children’s U.S. Programs and the United Nations Foundation.

Until then, you can feel the Keys right now, below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I just discovered Laura Marling. This just-released video is poetic and thick with a depth of understanding beyond her years as Marling is only 20! That blows my mind! 20! Ok, I’m done.

Of course she’s from England. Of course it’s beautiful to the point of being a tad depressing. It’s a song with a stunning music video, called Rambling Man.

Marling was part of the original line-up of indie folk band Noah and the Whale and was featured as a background vocalist on their debut album, but left the group before the album’s 2008 release. Which is fine IMHO, because her music does not belong in the background of any act as it clearly holds all the ingredients to rise on its own.

Her sophomore album I Speak Because I Can is out now. Check out the video for Rambling Man, below.

20! 20! Can’t get over it!

Laura Marling – Rambling Man Official Video

Laura Marling | MySpace Music Videos