Posts Tagged ‘Beautiful’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The Maine have released their brand new music video for These Four Words on VEVO. The track, taken from the Arizona pop/rocker’s long-awaited new album Forever Halloween, is nakedly heartfelt.

The bare-bones/black and white clip features Margeaux Brooke from The Face. On her personal blog, Margeaux wrote of the experience: “This beautifully done, single-shot video was directed by my good friend Daniel James Gomes. I just want to thank him for giving me the opportunity to push myself and my acting ability for this very sad, raw and relatable scene.”

Forever Halloween is available on iTunes now.

The Maine is currently headlining the “8123″ Tour along with A Rocket To The Moon, This Century and Brighten.

Watch the emotional These Four Words clip below.

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: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Beyoncé is ruling soundtracks lately. First came the smooth cover of Amy Winehouse’s Back To Black for the Great Gatsby soundtrack, and now Queen B has contributed the inspirational track Rise Up for the animated film Epic! Not only is she providing material for the soundtrack, she also voices the role of Queen Tara in the film.

(I’ve seen the film and it’s awesome. Aziz Ansari made the movie for me.)

Written by Sia and featuring production from Hit-Boy and Chase N. Cashe, the beautiful song features blissful harmonies backed with touching lyrics: “Some people try to drag you down/ Take it from me, stand and be proud/ You’re a warrior/ You’re my warrior/ Be who you are.”

Listen to Bey’s Rise Up below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I’ve always thought the best artists are the most hurt. And if that’s the case, Eve remains Queen. Eve bares her battle scars like a heavyweight champion. The new album isn’t about taking back any title, because she’s never truly been dethroned. Her lyrics are undeniable, high class, honest, raw, potent, deep. There’s not a single female rapper in the game that keeps it as genuine and piercing as E.V.E.

This track is an instant classic.

Listen to the incredible Never Gone (feat. Chrisette Michele) below.

Repeat. Repeat. Repeat.

Complete and total inspiration!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Nikki Flores is a pop bombshell. She possesses all the elements of her radio-slut counterparts: addictive hooks, pretty-girl looks, and the vibe of a star. Yet unlike the overexposed pop stars of the world, she still somehow remains under the radar. Perhaps this is why I like her even more… The fact that she’s a hidden gem. Because something about not being force-fed makes her music feel more personal, more special — as if stumbling upon her new track Pretty Tragedy was meant to be.

With one spin, it’s undeniable that Flores knows how to craft the perfect pop song.

This is my jam!

Listen to the pretty Pretty Tragedy below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I’m loving singer/songwriter Ginny Blackmore!

Her video for Bones recently premiered on VEVO and is creating quite the viral buzz online. Not only is the song incredibly honest and heartfelt, it also makes the track more lovable knowing that Ginny wrote the song one night after having a “girly, emotional moment”, pouring her feelings out with a bottle of wine.

Before releasing her own music, she sculpted a killer resume by scoring serious songwriting credits for Adam Lambert and Christina Aguilera.

Watch the tender treatment for Bones below.

Pretty!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Myself w/ the one and only EVE, last night at her album release party!
Hosted by Simyone Lounge

[Related Post: Autographed Eve/Lip Lock Giveaway!]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Throwback Thursday!

This is one of my favorite songs. And here’s why: Jewel wrote this song when she was 18 and homeless. She was in dire need of medical treatment (due to a kidney condition) and was turned down by the hospital because she had no money or health insurance. A doctor overheard her plea at reception and saw her waiting in the parking lot of the hospital crying. He treated her for free. She wrote this song shortly after in part to thank the doctor for his kindness.

I find so much beauty and hope in that story. Especially when I’m going through something dark in my own life.

“We are God’s eyes. God’s hands. God’s heart.”

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

Her best work is the darker stuff that never gets attention.

This song is everything.

Truth be told, it should’ve been placed at the center of the promotional efforts for her album. But of course, it’s too “edgy” for mainstream listeners and was never released as a single or given the proper credit it deserves. Which is not surprising, since corporate record labels are stupid and are only driven by the concept of making money.

Regardless, this track is undeniable, and puts every Kelly song you’ve ever heard on the radio to shame.

Bask in the glory of Honestly below.

Gorgeous!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Adam Lambert has joined forces with AT&T + the Trevor Project for Live Proud, a campaign created to empower the LGBTQ community.

Glambert is currently offering a small group of contest winners the chance to enjoy a killer VIP experience, seeing him perform in an intimate setting in Los Angeles. To enter, fans must submit an image or story that represents an AT&T Live Proud moment.

In addition, AT&T will contribute $25,000 to $50,000 to the Trevor Project, an organization that focuses on both crisis intervention and suicide prevention for LGBTQ youth.

The contest runs through June 30th.

Participants are encouraged to like the AT&T Live Proud Facebook, which will lead to AT&T donating a dollar to the Project. They can also RT @ATT, @TrevorProject or @adamlambert in tweet that mentions #attliveproud and AT&T will donate 50 cents to The Trevor Project.

Have at it, folks! And may the fierce be with you!

+ Enjoy Adam’s recent, gorgeous cover of Rihanna’s Stay below.

Incredible.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Creating a jam that’s soothing and unfiltered comes Austin-based Alpha Rev. These Texas alt-rockers are creating ripples with their new video Sing Loud, which is not only beautiful, but a memorable imprint for those who have yet to experience their music.

The track is the first single off their new album, Bloom, available now.

This Spring, you can catch the band hitting the road with Nashville singer/songwriter Ben Rector.

Check out the video for Sing Loud below.

Totally infatuated with this song!

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: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Artist to watch!

Meet Anna Nelson AKA Moxi, a Los Angeles-based singer and performer whose floating soundscape of vintage keyboards, big backbeats, and signature Omnichord strums are quickly brewing a buzz. With dreamy lyrics and hypnotic melodies, Moxi’s distinct soprano voice (backed by producer/writer/multi-instrumentalist Andy Toy) takes the listener to a wistfully introspective space.

Her EP In My Dreams was released last month via CatBeach Music.

Watch the video for Terrible Disguise below.

Totally diggin’ this girl!