Posts Tagged ‘Breakup’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Opening her debut performance at Radio City with Dark Side, Kelly Clarkson stood behind a sheer curtain that flashed a negative light of images and words — all tabloid fodder surrounding her professional career and personal life. The one word in particular that stood out the most, in bold red letters, was the word FAT. It was a touching moment to open the show in such a vulnerable way, in a way that most certainly fits the theme of Dark Side – a way that has lead everyone in the audience to feel connected to her, to cheer her on with a force to be reckoned with. Kelly Clarkson not only represents the girl next door who can rip a song a new one, she also represents a piece of all of us — that part of us that’s human and f*cking normal and real. This is why we, as fans, and as people, love and cling to Kelly Clarkson.

To keep it brief, after the show I updated my personal Facebook with this:

“On a high from Kelly Clarkson’s show. She was bloody amazing! I especially loved her cover of Florence + The Machine’s ‘Heavy In Your Arms’ — goosebumps! Vocally the best show I’ve seen in quite some time. Oh yeah, and Fancy herself (Reba McEntire) was in the audience. I will definitely be seeing her again. Unf*ckingbelievable!”

That pretty much sums up the show, except I did leave out the fact that besides her huge pop records, she also performed a cover of Etta James’ hit I’d Rather Go Blind (as a tribute to the iconic singer’s recent passing), and a wonderful rendition of My Man, taken from the huge Broadway favorite Funny Girl.

But since Kelly’s ballads have always hit home runs in my eyes, those particular numbers stole the show in my opinion. Below you will find an acoustic, stripped-down version of the angst-ridden Never Again, the beautiful rendition of Florence + The Machine’s Heavy In Your Arms, and a lovely ballad that Kelly wrote to help the children of Africa entitled You Still Won’t Know What It’s Like.

Get ready to feel your heart skip a beat.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

It’s been almost a year since I last talked Tim McGraw. And although BTB doesn’t spit out country-related material on the daily, when I heard this song I instantly knew I wanted to write about it.

The fifth song from Tim McGraw‘s upcoming Emotional Traffic album (due out January 24th) is pure poetry. Written by Jedd Hughes and Luke Laird, the modern country track is rough around the edges yet full of smooth-skin soul.

The darker ballad revolves around a man who’s tired of fighting with his lover.

“Let’s just cut it down the middle / Let it bleed and bleed out / I’ll clean up the mess / Baby you stand there and shout / Cry, cry, baby I can’t hold us together,” McGraw pours out the words with a bittersweet center.

“Baby I’ll let you go when you say so / Try to let your heart fly free / I’ll crawl outta my cradle, down into my black hole / You just lay low / Under your halo,” he continues to sing, during the chorus.

If this song is any indication to how the rest of the Emotional Traffic album will sound, I’d say we’re in for a beautifully wild ride.

[Related Post: Tim McGraw Joins The Sober Club]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Today marks BTB’s thousandth (yes, thousandth!) post! So to celebrate, I thought it felt necessary to post something that would mesh with what inspired the site’s creation to begin with, and that is shining the spotlight on quality independent artists.

Also, since it’s a mini celebration, it kinda helps when there’s free music involved…

Sexy Jersey pop prodigy, KDrew, has dropped his Free Volume 2 EP for FREE mp3 download. The second of seven consecutive self-produced EP’s, Free Volumes 1-7 presents KDrew’s swagger as singer/songwriter, producer, and performer.

He will be releasing five more EP’s on the first of each month through May 1st of 2012.

His music is like Pringles… once you pop! Lame description but whatevs.

Freakin’ love some KDrew!

Oh yeah, check out my exclusive interview with the dude himself, HERE.

KDrew Free EP Vol. 1&2 by KDrewMusic

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Get ready for chills down the spine.

Can’t wait to see Kelly kick it live in January, here in the Big Apple!

In the meantime…

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Paramore’s new single In the Mourning is definitely picking up right where the band left off. They really know how to make hits and gets one’s energy flowing. I found this stripped down, acoustic version of the tune done by Miss Hayley Williams, and had to share it.

Feel free to eat this up!

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

If you follow this blog, you will see Florence + the Machine (and Drake) on a consistent basis. They’re just that damn good. Once again, they’ve gone and outdone themselves. At BBC Radio One’s Live Lounge, the band broke out with a cover of Take Care by Drake featuring Rihanna. I was a fan of this track before, but now, it’s an absolute love affair.

Check it out for yourself.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

ROB BRAYL: Ok, first things first. That shirtless pic of you in the Yankee’s hat has an old skool Marky Mark Calvin Klein vibe going on. How would you describe yourself, sound and image for those unaware?

KDREW: That picture shows more of the fitness side of me which played a huge role in my life. But on the other hand I guess my image is a little more rock when I’m fully clothed. [Laughs] I have a ton of sides to me, which definitely translates to my music.

RB: I understand that, like Lil Wayne, you tend to swing it in the studio? Do you always go in to record without lyrics in mind?

KD: Pretty much. I like to get caught up in the moment whenever I’m making a track. I never say, “Hey, you have to go into the studio at 1:15 and write a ballad about unicorns and fairy dust.” [Laughs] Sometimes it will be 4 in the morning and I’ll feel like making a dubstep record. So I just break out my laptop and start working. I guess I just go with the flow.

RB: I’ve gotta say that I love your music — it’s got a very commercial appeal that I think will go far. Has radio been supportive? I know radio can be a bitch to break.

KD: Thank you very much. Some stations have definitely been supportive and to this day still are. The other ones that haven’t jumped on my music yet hopefully will in the near future. But as hard as radio is, it’s just one piece to the puzzle. Sometimes people make it their number one priority to get on it. You gotta just make music for yourself and fans, everything else will come after that.

RB: Last album you purchased.

KD: ‘Mylo Xyloto’ by Coldplay.

RB: I see that you’re a huge Michael Jackson fan (join the club!). Was he your first inspiration for starting music? Also, can you moonwalk? Just curious!

KD: Michael was definitely one of the many influences I had growing up. I was raised around all different types and styles so I hope people can really hear that in my music. Every once in a while when I go to the store I’ll moonwalk there. Great cardio.

RB: How sad are you that Justin Timberlake hasn’t recorded a new album in 5 years? Your stuff is right up his alley BTW.

KD: I wouldn’t say sad. I would say more eager to hear what he’s been conjuring up in the studio. Whenever he comes out, his music becomes a style. So I understand as an artist why he hasn’t put anything out. He’s smart though for waiting.

RB: Any new projects you’re currently working on? Upcoming shows?

KD: I’m always working on new projects so you never know when you might be hearing a record I wrote or produced. Currently I’m working with a hip hop artist who’s really dope. Also I’m trying to get a bunch of my dubstep and house records finished so I can put them out. Show-wise I’m sporadically doing them all over the country. But soon I really wanna sit down and plan a tour or even hop on someone else’s.

RB: This might be a tough one, but what’s your favorite track you’ve ever recorded?

KD: Truthfully, every song I do is probably my favorite. I put so much time and energy into each one that to say I have a favorite would be unfair to the rest of my songs!

RB: Finally, thanks for talking to me, yo! Give us something random to end this interview on.

KD: Thank you for having me and I like turtles. Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups are great and I want to go skydiving.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

That’s right, elves. HOX3 = ho x 3 = ho ho ho. Complicated, I know! Not everyone is as gifted at math, so I thought I should break it down! Anywho, this is NOT a Christmas tune. So there.

But hey, that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate, right? Especially since it’s been a good minute since we’ve heard a new track from Brandy, who pours her heart and soul out on the just-leaked edgy ballad about a lost love. The emotional track was produced by Kadis & Sean.

Apparently Brandy is pretty darn happy with the track tweeting: “Now y’all know I don’t toot my own horn, but a b*tch SLAYED ‘silent night’ #cockymoment !! Lol”.

Judge for yourself.

For the record, I’m lovin’ this song!

[Brandy's new album is due out next year on RCA/Chameleon Records.]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Then listen up!

Last summer I interviewed Marga Lane for BTB’s From Scratch section, spotlighting unsigned independent artists. And now,the singer/songwriter/New York native is back with a striking music video for her pop/soul-infused single, Rebound.

If you’ve ever been screwed over by a guy who likes to plays with balls — you know, basketball, football, that sort of thing — then this song is for you. Or pretty much anyone who’s been screwed over. That works, too. Yeah.

For the interview with Marga click HERE.

Check out the music video for Rebound below.

And spread the word! Support independent artists, you turds.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The day has arrived, peoples of the interwebs. Today, your eyes will witness something monumental — the new music video for Disaster by mah homegirl JoJo! Disaster is the lead single off the highly anticipated forthcoming album, Jumping Trains, due out in early 2012.

Y’all know how much I love JoJo! So please, if you have an extra buck, go buy this track and support her. The pop world deserves more of, oh, you know, singers who can actually saaang!

Behind-the-scenes interview + the official video for Disaster following.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The Horrors recently hit up BBC Radio 1, covering Beyonce’s Best Thing I Never Had. The arrangement mixed with frontman Faris Badwan’s vocals sends the breakup anthem into a disheveled indie rock state of mind.

It’s random, bizarre and unexpected, and that’s what makes it so cool.

I dig.

The Horrors – Best Thing I Never Had (Beyonce cover) by the3penguins

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

It’s a new track from Kelly, y’all!

I know I just wrote about the girl and I’ve been pushing her album down your throat, but whatevs.

Kelly recently took to her WhoSay page to explain her decision to unleash an unheard track from her new album, stating: “Hey y’all — I heard that some versions of ‘What Doesn’t Kill You (Stronger)’ started showing up online. My new album ‘Stronger’ is out in 3 weeks (Oct 24), and I want you to hear the real thing! Check it out!”

Kelly’s new album Stronger is set to drop October 24th.

Tasty fun commercial pop!

Listen below + check out a brand spankin’ new interview following. Kelly dishes on a bunch of random crap, including insecurities, boob jobs, Adele and real music, tattoos and her big booty!

I love how real and normal this girl is.

[Related Post: Kelly Clarkson Is Not A Toothpick]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Ya know how the pasty chick in Mean Girls talks about having ESPN? Well, I have this when it comes to recording artists and the release of new records. Seriously. It’s a gift, what can I say.

For instance, lately I rediscovered my all time favorite Faith Hill track, the haunting You’re Still Here , and I’ve been playing it on repeat in the subway on my way round the NYC.

This is one of those incredible songs that always makes me tear up. I know, I know, you’re probably wondering why I want to listen to songs that make me cry. To be honest, it’s because I think depressing music is the best and certainly the most beautiful. Plus, I’m a Cancer. We’re feely people! And of course, I could go into personal territory with relation to this song but I don’t think I should broadcast that shiz across the www.

Anyways, back to the ESPN bit…

Yeah, so I’ve been playing this song over and over and being all feely and hoping for a new Faith Hill album and sure enough, here it is!

According to CMT:

“Faith Hill hasn’t officially released a new single since 2007′s “Red Umbrella,” which went to No. 28 on Billboard’s Country Songs chart. But EW has learned exclusively that the country superstar is planning to make her long-awaited comeback by performing a new single, “Come Home,” at this year’s 45th Annual CMA Awards, which will air Nov. 9 on ABC at 8 p.m.”

Cannot wait!

Watch the stunning video for my favorite Faith track below.

Faith Hill – You're Still Here by Warner-Music

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of trucking my ass to Queens. Wait. It gets better. Way better. I made my way to the Secret Theatre, off the 7 train, to see the fabulous In-Sight Dance Company perform an original ballet set to the music of Ian Axel.

When I first received the invitation I was ecstatic, not only because I love supporting local artists, but also because I’ve loved Ian Axel’s music for quite some time now. (For my interview with Ian see link below.)

To say this show was beautiful would be an understatement. There’s something so moving, genuine, and honest about a performance as intimate as this one. Sitting in low lights, in a space that felt like a mix between a garage and a dive bar, I sat front and center captivated the entire time, as these fierce dancers spun a story of love, heartbreak, and rebirth.

There were times when I found tears bubbling in my eyes. Several of Ian’s songs have touched my life in very personal ways, so to see these magnificent songs set to a story of dance, it was, well, beyond pretty. My favorite number of the night was the piece set to Gone. Home, Cannonball, Say Something, and This Is The New Year all were stellar numbers. Actually, I take it back — I’m not sure which was my favorite number, all were moving in their own right.

Please do yourself a favor and support this amazing organization.

An introduction clip + Ian’s gorgeous Gone following.

[Related Post: Exclusive Interview w/ Ian Axel]

In-Sight Dance Company is a Queens-based non-profit contemporary dance organization dedicated to creating original work that inspires critical thought and reasoned discussion. Founded in 2008, In-Sight Dance integrates community service and performance to bring dance to those that do not normally experience the arts and to raise the profile of dance in Queens. To learn more visit: www.insightdance.org

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Ira Perez is one heck of a one woman show. Her voice is jazz, candlelight dinners, quiet secrets, smoky nightclubs. Another element of YouTube that makes me stop scorning the internet for a millisecond. She’s real talent, and I bless cyberspace for making her known to me.

Glad to say her talent has not gone unnoticed. She’s been picked up by a legit indie label and won the Houston Press award for Best Female Vocals in 2010. Her album is on the way, and for now she’s honouring our ears with original pieces and sundering covers.

One such cover is her rendition of Bruno Mars’ Grenade. Her low-key crooning makes the concoction all the more pensive, sensitive.

She’d catch a grenade for ya. Would you do the same?