Posts Tagged ‘BTB Exclusive’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Photo Cred: Marina Nikitina]

This summer, on my daily commute around the city that never sleeps, I stumbled upon a diamond in the rough. Turns out, the diamond was/still is the best artist I’ve seen perform acoustically in the underground world of New York City. To read more on this day of discovery click the related post link below, which features the awesomeness of Freddy Marx Street.

Now, the Ukrainian-born singer/songwriter has independently released his debut music video and, as expected, it’s breathtaking.

When I asked Max (a name he prefers to be called) to give his perspective on the clip, this is how he responded:

“Well, the song is about life. And how it always changes after everything… It’s good because that means you are on the way. Some words in the song are dedicated to my sister’s little daughter. I was writing that song when she was borning (but I knew nothing about that). By the way, in the video, that baby is not my sister’s. So the video shows that you can choose to live in your own little cold world with its thick walls or to leave it for real life with more “air” and colors. But you need to let someone help you. And sometimes THAT is one of the greatest challenges of your life. You think that you know everything, you are so aware…”

The stunning video was filmed at Grebnevs’ estate in Russia and by the walls of the Penal Colony-43 in the Ukraine. The clip was directed by Marina Nikitina, who also took the artist photo above.

I cannot wait to see what blossoms from this talented soul in the future.

Please watch + pass along! Support quality indie artists like Max!

[Related Post: Exclusive Interview: Freddy Marx Street]

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

MARIA CIEZAK: Thanks for taking the time to chat with BiggerThanBeyonce. I recently was given your music and became an instant fan. You’re a very talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. At what age did you start making music?

LEONARD FRIEND: I started playing drums when I was 12. I first picked up the guitar a year later and taught myself enough basics to write my first song (for my girlfriend at the time). I had this little 4 track in high school that I used to record songs that I wrote. My senior project in high school was my first EP, I think it was 6 songs or so. That EP actually became the early foundations for my old band, The XYZ Affair.

MC: I know you were previously the front man, Alex Feder, for Brooklyn indie rockers The XYZ Affair. How did this alter ego come about?

LF: I had the idea in the shower about a week after XYZ broke up. I knew I was going to record a solo record, and the idea that I had for it was just BIGGER than “Alex Feder,” I knew the project needed a different name. So I decided to adopt my grandfather’s name, Leonard Friend. He had recently passed away, and he had wanted to be a musician his whole life but couldn’t, for a variety of reasons. Now, in a way, he can be.

MC: Did you always aspire to be a solo artist down the line, or did life take you that way?

LF: I never aspired to be a solo artist, really. I had always been in bands, and The XYZ Affair was my heart and soul. But at a certain point the idea of doing things on my own just made sense. And I felt ready for it. So here we are.

MC: I am totally digging ‘Serious Music’ and cannot wait to hear the rest of the ‘Lynyrd Frynd’ EP. Did you have a tough time deciding what the lead single would be?

LF:It was tough only because I view the EP as a unified whole as opposed to a bunch of single songs. But in my mind, ‘Serious Music’ makes a good Musical Mission Statement for Leonard Friend. And I really can’t wait for people to see the video, I’m super proud of it.

MC: Would you say you are a bigger fan of the music scene in LA rather than NY?

LF: I haven’t gotten much of a feel for the LA scene yet! We’ll see.

MC: You have been called the “Indie Justin Timberlake”. How do you feel about that comparison?

LF: I think JT’s killer, one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. So it’s an honor to be compared to him! I wish that dude was still making music, I loved his last record. But yeah, it’s very flattering.

MC: Who are your musical influences?

LF: This is always a tough question because I listen to a TON of stuff, so I’ll just tell you what I’ve been listening to lately. My favorite artist of all time is Michael Jackson, he’s always in regular rotation. Beyond that, lately I’ve been listening to James Blake’s new self titled record, Kendrick Lamar’s new record, ‘Here, My Dear’ by Marvin Gaye, ‘Let It Be’ by the Replacements, ‘Watch The Throne’ by Kanye and Jay-Z, and ‘Lodger’ by David Bowie.

MC: Can we find you touring in the near future?

LF: Right now I’m focused on recording more music. I love making videos, so I’d like to make another one after the ‘Serious Music’ video comes out. I’d definitely love to play sometime soon, but I don’t have anything planned in the immediate future.

MC: For BiggerThanBeyonce readers who are just getting to know you, what would you like them to know?

LF: I wore braces for 13 years. So when I do take Leonard Friend out on tour and you see me smiling huge on stage, that’s why.

Thanks for your time!

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

ROB BRAYL: ‘True Colors’ is certainly one of the biggest anthems of the gay community. Are there any songs from your own collection or other artists that you consider to be your personal anthem?

CYNDI LAUPER: I have quite a few with my own catalog. To choose one is going to be tough. Changes from time to time. Anything from Joni Mitchell.

RB: It’s wonderful to see any artist, but specifically artists of your level really reaching out to their gay fan base and working on strengthening the community. How has working on projects like the Give A Damn Campaign, and opening the True Colors homeless shelter for LGBT youth affected you personally?

CL: I feel very fortunate to have the opportunity to raise awareness about equality and issues impacting the community that do not get enough attention, especially homeless gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender youth. To be able to do that through the Give a Damn Campaign and the True Colors Residence, which is actually permanent housing, not a shelter, means a great deal to me.

RB: Your video on YouTube speaking on bullying and on the flood of suicides with regards to gay teens was really touching. How have you handled those in the past who may have been punks in the way that they treated you?

CL: I think it is important to say that while the media has been focusing on the recent suicides of these young men as a result of anti-gay bullying, this has been an epidemic that has been growing and in dire need of attention for far too long. I do know what it is like to be viewed as ‘different’ and I have owned that about myself and have been unapologetic about it. We all have to be who we are. It can be hard to do that though as life has ways of knockin’ ya down time and time again. I would urge all the young people reading this to contact the Trevor Project at 1-866-4-U-TREVOR or the National Runaway Switchboard at 1-800-RUNAWAY if you are having a hard time and need someone to talk to.

RB: Your most recent record, ‘Memphis Blues’, is a beautiful piece of work and showcases a different side of yourself. What can we expect from your next album? Working on any new material?

CL: I don’t have a “next” CD planned — I’m living and enjoying this one! I am filming a live DVD in Memphis. Basically it’s the show we’ve been doing on the road since ‘Memphis Blues’ came out. It will include songs from ‘Memphis Blues’, my hits and a few new songs.

RB: Crazy but I’ve got to ask, do you listen to any rap music?

CL: I have a 13 year old son, what do you think? I listen to A LOT of rap!

TONY CORTOPASSI: Having many acting roles in: Vibes, Off & Running, Life with Mikey, Here & There, Section B, as well as an Emmy award winning role in Mad About You as “Marianne Lugasso” — Is there a type of role you’d love to do next?

CL: Love to revamp my style and genre with everything I do. Of course I‘d love to try something different, new and challenging.

TC: Since you’ve already done Threepenny Opera…any role you’d like to do on Broadway?

CL: My next Broadway project is as composer. I am writing songs for the Broadway adaptation of the film Kinky Boots. Harvey Fierstein is writing the book and Jerry Mitchell is the director. It’s very exciting.

TC: We are all excited to read your autobiography. When is that slated to be released? Can you give us a teaser from the book?

Cyndi: I am writing an autobiography that will be released via Simon & Schuster. I am in the middle of writing right now so ask me this question again next time we chat.

TC: Can you elaborate a little on your new reality show and what we can expect?

CL: Yes. I did a deal with Mark Burnett Productions before I signed on to Celebrity Apprentice. Mark Burnett Productions is probably the most successful producers of reality tv so I am really happy to be in partnership with them. The folks there are smart and creative and I think it’s going to be a lot of fun to do. I love the medium, so I’m excited about it. It is going to be mostly about me and my day to day, focusing on my career.

TC: If you could travel to any time in history, who would you love to meet?

CL: John Lennon.

Watch the incredible Cyndi in action, during a recent performance, below.

[Via One Way Mag]

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Getting to know a fresh, ferocious artist; Alessi’s Ark.

MARIA CIEZAK: Thank you for taking the time to chat with me! You have been singing for quite some time. How has life changed for you since the release of ‘Time Travel’?

ALESSI’S ARK: It has been really nice to play a mixture of these newer songs from the album at the shows and to share the music in new areas. I was on tour with John Grant in Europe when the album was released over here in the UK and it was my very first time visiting a lot of the cities we travelled through. It was a double treat, being able to visit at all and to be able to share the new songs. I also really, really recommend having a listen to John Grant if you haven’t already.

MC: Do you write your music yourself? And where do you get your song inspiration from?

AA: Yes, I do write my own music. Sometimes I go through spells of not feeling very inspired when the feeling is there, inspiration can flow and be found just about anywhere; in overheard conversations, through the movements of leaves, conversations and stories shared with family and friends, dreams, past experiences and the imagination itself.

MC: What do you enjoy more, recording in the studio or taking your music live on the road?

AA: Both are special experiences in their own way. While recording you can be more in control of the environment and can really make a studio feel like a handmade den, which makes playing very comfortable. It is equally lovely to see other places and be able to meet others through playing the songs in their neck of the woods.

MC: ‘Kind of Man’ and ‘The Fever’ are two of my favorite tracks. Are there any songs you enjoy performing the most?

AA: On this upcoming tour I’ll be playing solo but when playing with the Ark we have fun playing ‘Must have grown’ as it has bloomed a new ending that ebbs and flows nightly.

MC: We are so excited to see you tour here in America. A high profile support slot with Laura Marling. What kind of trouble do two talented young ladies get up to out on the road?

AA: Nothing too disgraceful!

MC: Who would you perform your dream duet with?

AA: I think Jim James’ voice is beautiful.

MC: For those people just getting to know you, what are some words of inspiration you can leave behind?

AA: Trust your stomach and follow your heart.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

ROB BRAYL: Let’s start off this interview randomly, shall we? What are you doing this exact moment?

CAROLINA LIAR FRONTMAN CHAD WOLF: I’m in my kitchen packing for a move, combined with some extra lunges so I can get an extra work out, while eating what shouldn’t be packed up… It’s a good day!

ROB: The new record, ‘Wild Blessed Freedom’ — in three words is about?

CHAD: A new approach.

ROB: As any other CL fan, I was moved by your breakout single ‘Show Me What I’m Looking For’ — do you feel the new album is full of similar emotionally charged content?

CHAD: Thank you! I don’t think it would be honest if it didn’t have that emotion. One thing I’m so grateful for is that ‘Show Me’ is and was as honest as it could be. When we play it live it comes from something deep inside.

ROB: I know that you’ve worked with Max Martin and other pop industry giants for your new and previous albums, and I wanted to get an opinion on something I recently read, an article in which Linda Perry called Katy Perry’s music “popcorn”, basically insinuating it wasn’t as authentic as say the new Adele. Any thoughts on this?

CHAD: Personally, I love popcorn. Some of the greatest moments of my life were shared with a big fat greasy box of popcorn. Those kind of comments seem silly to me. There are people who experience Katy Perry on the same emotional level that someone will experience Adele and both are great and very real. It all comes from where you are in your life — being “cool” can really skew perspective.

ROB: Is it true that you grew up in a Pentecostal household? (I have a similar background, also growing up Pentecostal in the South. Southern pride, what what!)

CHAD: Oh yes, I did! At one point I was looking into becoming a preacher but my mom told me I needed to work in music, that was my first love and always will be. But I’ve seen the Holy Ghost in action twice in my life and whatever that was, once you feel something like that you will always be Pentecostal no matter how far you get away from the church… right?

ROB: Which track do you feel is the standout on the new record? Care to provide the backstory to said track?

CHAD: ‘Beautiful People’ has got some special mojo. There is something so real in that song that I can’t quite put it into words. It was an idea that my friend Alex Kronlund had, and it got its start when me, my girlfriend at the time and Tobias Karlsson moved out of his house, and we all stopped talking to each other because of some drama that has long since been worked out. But he focused all of that energy into that song when we started working on this record. He played me what he started and I really came out of my skin. That song is a real gift.

ROB: I always ask this and it never gets old: What’s your current guilty pleasure? (Music and non-related musical items welcome.)

CHAD: Cooking and eating. I honestly cannot get enough of all this amazing food that is available right now. I mean we got some Sprinkles Cupcakes the other day, thinking that all the hype was just BS, but no no no. That is not the case. Those things are crazy.

ROB: Most played song on your iPod at the moment?

CHAD: Kvelertak ‘Utrydd dei Svake’ — it’s a great black metal band.

ROB: Do you guys plan to tour the US with this album? Specifically NYC? Pretty please.

CHAD: We are planning everything right now. We hope we will have the details on where and what we are up to before weeks end! We will come to NYC, there’s no way we couldn’t.

ROB: And finally, can you get me an job/internship with Max Martin or Diane Warren. I have no shame! Also, can you explain what it was/has been like working with these pop powerhouses.

CHAD: I’ll see what I can do — I’ll put in a five star reference at the least. Those guys have taught me that no matter how big and great you are, you are only as good as the moment that you are in and you have got to work every time you get a chance and have complete reckless abandon when it comes to your art! Let me get back to you on the jobs! Thanks for reaching out to us.

Carolina Liar’s new album, Wild Blessed Freedom drops September 27th.

Watch the video for Drown, the first single off the new record below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

***Please note: These are all pics that I personally took from the show. Feel free to steal away, but credit me, cumquats! Or does the “biggerthanbeyonce.com” stamps on the pics already do that? Hmmm. Ok, disregard!***

The Beyonce Pose! Know it, love it, do it at dinner…

Does anyone gotz a quarter? *Bounce*

LOVE this shot!

This shot is purely for shits & gigs. Totally cracks me up! Get it, gurl!

Sir Paul McCartney in da house! He was so normal, it was weird. Yup! He applauded, squealed, and videotaped with his iPhone like every other person. King giving Queen a standing O.

The definition of BEYAUTIFUL.

The lasers were freakin’ awesome!

Totally teared up when she performed ‘I Was Here’! Breathtaking.

Cool Bey portrait! Kinda creepy?

‘4′ speaker from the stage!

[Check out videos I took from the show HERE.]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Photo cred: Me bitches.]

Some people’s lives are changed in normal ways — ya know, graduating college, buying a home, plopping out a baby. But me? My life was changed this weekend at a Beyonce concert.

Not just any Beyonce concert, mind you. This concert was the real deal — Beyonce, like she’s never been seen before, in an intimate setting, a small venue to truly capture the bootylicious essence we all know and love. But beyond the dance numbers, Beyonce’s heart and soul came bursting through and by the end of the show — when she sang my personal favorite ‘I Was Here’ — I found myself moved to tears.

I feel so blessed to have a part of such an intimate rare Beyonce experience.

The night was taped and will be released on an upcoming DVD/TV special I do believe.

And as expected, the show was absolutely incredible.

Watch some videos I shot from the show below.

I hope each of you get a chance to see this woman perform live once in your lifetime.

And oh! I guess I should also point out that Sir Paul McCartney was in attendance and even gave Bey a standing ovation. Get it, gurl! Even royalty is taking notice of your brilliance.

[To see photos I took from the show + captions, click HERE.]

[See more videos from the show via my YouTube page.]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

When I first met Max AKA Freddy Marx Street, I was running late & pissed by the fact that I was waiting on the train. Then, I looked across the platform and suddenly felt the need to remove my headphones. There against the tile wall underneath one of the busiest cities in the world was a scruffy boy in his 20s, stroking his guitar with a voice and emotion so honest it cut like glass.

I struggled for change to put in his guitar case but only found a piece of Orbit Maui Melon Mint gum. As I placed the gum in his case I asked for his info, and the rest is history. For the record, Max is a musician from the Ukraine who came to NYC to pursue his dreams, living off the money earned while playing the streets of New York City.

He is amazing and needs to be signed ASAP!

He is currently back in the Ukraine (damn you, rules of America), but should be back for his second round of NYC domination in June.

This is a look at his story.

[Sidenote: Please keep in mind that English is not his first language.]

//

ROB BRAYL: I have to say that out of the three years I’ve lived in New York, you’re probably the best subway artist I’ve heard. No joke. Immediately, when I heard your music, I felt a strong connection to it. Would you agree that your music often carries an emotional weight?

FREDDY MARX STREET: Well, emotions and feelings are the power that makes me turn to music. Even more, music talks to me with the help of those emotions. For me, if there are no emotions then it’s not music. Yeah, music exists to show the depth of feelings. Can’t imagine anything else.

RB: You’re from the Ukraine. You dropped everything that you’ve always known to move to New York to perform on the streets for a living. Can you tell us a little about what was going through your brain the day you left your country behind?

FMS: Tons of lie, there was just the lie in my head. I didn’t and I do not want my mother and sister to know the entire truth about my trip to the US. So I needed to lie. They still think that I am an art-manager in one of the Ukrainian galleries as I was before. And we have some international projects in NYC. So my family has no worries about my living here. I hope so. Barely a couple of people in Ukraine are aware about my real trip.

And sure, at the same time with that lie I felt the truth: Ok, man! You have no shelter, no friends in NYC. Nothing! Just your dreams. And definitely it’s not gonna be a movie. So I was a bit scared. But that was my choice. My decision. I was given some skills in writing and singing and not for wasting them. Feel that I need to prove that was a mistake. This thought is always with me, especially when I have hard times.

RB: I know we’ve talked about the struggles you’ve faced along the way, one of them being the times you’ve crashed in Penn Station, but besides the financial aspect, have there been any other struggles you’ve faced while being in New York?

FMS: Our Ukrainian terminals are not as safe and peaceful as yours. Oh, I have not been to Port Authority for a whole month already. Are they doing well? Must go and check. They are like my family.

And about struggles… Every day is the struggle. Even in my country, all the time I had to fight. I don’t mean financial things, but music and dreams and the real purpose of my life. Why am I here? Why do I face all these problems? And it doesn’t depend on what you are – musician, physician, or politician, there’s some truth everyone must find in his life. You can easily find this theme in my music.

RB: The fact that you moved here with raw talent and a guitar and just went for your dream, refusing to give up, shows incredible passion. Where do you think this passion comes from?

FMS: First of all I must believe, believe in my lyrics and music. If you don’t this music will fail. And if you believe then it’s true. And you are ready to fight for it for its truth. I guess the passion we are talking about comes from right here, from this truth.

RB: It’s apparent when you listen to your music that you pour out every ounce of your heart into it. What’s the ultimate goal?

FMS: Sharing… I don’t feel that all this music is mine. Sometimes I use other people’s stories, experiences… Let’s call them co-creators. I mean, yeah, that’s my luck, that my skill is in music. But it doesn’t make me better for you or for anyone else. We all are sisters and brothers. My music is my happiness and it’s wonderful that I’m able to share it with people.

RB: So, you’re leaving for the Ukraine soon to update your visa. You’re definitely coming back to perform in New York though, right?

FMS: I am. There’s no way back. I must fight till the end. Hope to meet NYC in June again.

RB: I almost forgot, can you give us the scoop on the origin of the name?

FMS: Long time ago one guy in Ukraine found on my face some familiar features with Freddie Mercury. One letter was changed. That’s how Freddy appeared. Marx… My name is Max. We added one more letter to this word to make it, to make it not so obvious. During some years only FREDDY MARX was used as the band name. But I felt that there was a great lack of something. I was walking down the street one late night thinking about a new song. Got back to that street the next day to finish the lyrics. Suddenly all my songs’ characters rushed to that street. And they still live there. The name of this place is FREDDY MARX STREET.

RB: My friend recently joked, saying that we should all hope that Adele gets her heart broken again because her latest CD is a masterpiece because of it. How do you feel about pain and how it can create beautiful music?

FMS: Pain can easily get your heart, your real heart where you don’t pretend and play no fake role. So pain gets your truth. And if you don’t miss this moment, this truth will be in your music for sure. I feel music just wins from this.

RB: If I were to steal your iPod right now, what’s on your current playlist? Can you give us a few artists, songs, or albums? Any guilty pleasures?

FMS: Sigur Ros, Beyonce, Tori Amos, Peter Gabriel, Atmasfera (a cool Ukrainian world music band) and of course some mantras.

RB: And to wrap this up where can readers find out more/stay connected with Freddy Marx?

FMS: Email: freddymarxstreet@gmail.com, Reverb Nation: www.reverbnation.com/freddymarxstreet, or on the FMS website: www.freddymarx.com.

Listen to my favorite Freddy Marx Street song, the hauntingly beautiful Sorry, below.

‘Sorry’ by Freddy Marx Street (Audio)

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Photo courtesy of my mobile phone! How 21st century.

So tonight, I saw JJ in concert and as expected, was completely blown away dot com! Socks knocked off dot org! Yup, and I even met her after the show and she signed my cell phone. Holla! That was pretty cool. Such a genuine, down to earth performer who deserves every bit of praise that’s been coming her way.

Check out three videos from the show last night as recorded from my iPhone 4. And I can’t believe I’m saying this but screw it! If you’re on YouTube subscribe to my channel, por favor.

Sorry for not hyping this post up with grandeur and detail but to be honest, it’s currently 12:41AM and I’m exhausted dot net! (LOL, sorry, last domain reference I promise. It’s just something that’s attached itself to my vocab lately.)

[Note: I tagged this post under 'Covers' (among other tags) but wanted you to know (if you didn't already) that JJ wrote Party In The U.S.A. so technically it's not a cover. Ok, I'm tired and rambling but felt the need to clarify because I have issues!]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

ROB BRAYL: So, tell us about Brian.

BRIAN MACKEY: I defy main-stream. I’m the kind of guy that shows up to a gig without a guitar case, and just a guitar strapped around my back, I jump on stage and do my thing. I’m not really into being hip or what’s cool at the moment, I kind of just do what I feel, and if it makes other people feel in the process, then that’s a good thing, good or bad, happy or sad, doesn’t matter. (But I would like to make them feel good.)

RB: Your video for ‘Honest Love’ was just released and it carries a pretty heartfelt message. Can you take us back to the moment you started writing this song, what was the driving force behind this record?

BM: The song, ‘Honest Love’ came out of a conversation with myself, to try to make sense of what Love really means. The waiting, the wanting, the abandonment, the moving on, the changing of the heart, the mind, and still being able to sum it all up in one word, and putting Honest in front of it, which seems like a contradiction, but a beautiful one at that. The record was supposed to be a full-length album, but I didn’t really have the money to do it. So I made it an EP, and put together the songs that I truly wanted to get out there with the limited resources I had at the time. I just needed to get the song ‘Florida’ on there, because a lot of people came up to me at shows and said they could really relate to that song. So I figured if enough people told me they could relate, I felt it was a good fit for the album.

RB: Your song, ‘Sunshower’ (off the ‘Honest Love’ EP), was chosen to be on the official ‘Songs of Love for Japan’ compilation (among great artists like Sara Bareilles and others). Can you tell us a little more about this project?

BM: Yes, this one came to me last minute, and it’s really just a super great cause for the ravaged country of Japan, which is just going through so much turmoil. It was strange because I was saying to myself, what could I do to help, I’m only one person. And then there was this opportunity to help, so I took it. It’s a 100 song compilation of not so well-known songs, but by really great artists. 100% of the proceeds go to Shelterbox, the charity committed to helping the victims and their families in Japan. Also, Ani DiFranco will be on there too, and many more.

[To learn more click here.]

RB: Any current pop culture addictions? Ones that may have influenced your music in any way?

BM: Pop-culture addictions… there are some, mostly in the film world. I love certain TV shows like ‘True Blood’, or anything where someone is ripping their neck off, all done in the name of love. I love this great UK show called ‘Doc Martin’, I discovered it on Netflix. So what I do is go to the British TV section on Netflix, dim the lights, get out my chutney and talk like Sherlock Holmes the whole night. I’m not sure how any of this influences my music, but I love all kinds of music, for example, I love piano, and classical music like Beethoven privately, but never play it on stage.

RB: Finally, where can new listeners keep up with your work? What new tricks do you have up your sleeve? Oh, and thank you for chatting with us.

BM: They can find me in all the usual places, like Facebook, Myspace (when it was popular), Reverbnation, iTunes – oh and by the way I have a Brian Mackey App releasing this week, so for all of you who have iPhones and iPads, so if you are somewhere lost and the GPS drops out, the only thing that comes in will be Brian Mackey, you’ll surely be pissed off, and want to break your phone. Also, I will be the featured artist in the launch issue of Rising Magazine, they will be featuring new photos taken by their photographer on location “behind-the-scenes”-like candid stuff, so keep a lookout for that. In May I’m shooting my next video, ‘Sunshower’, with the brilliant director Nick Cavalier, to be released in the summer, and have some new tour dates coming out for the summer/fall.

Thank you so much for the time, and letting me ramble on about stuff!

Watch the just-released video for ‘Honest Love’ below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

ROB BRAYL: So tell us, how did Bodega Girls begin the shimmy and shake? (Random, but when I first heard the name, the image of Rihanna from her “What’s My Name” video came to mind, the part where she’s grabbing milk in a Brooklyn bodega and giving Drake the eye.)

EVAN KENNEY of BODEGA GIRLS: Jacob Otis and I met some Puerto-Rican girls in a Bodega in Queens and they took us out to all these banger hip-hop clubs, and we partied ’til the breaka dawn with them. We decided to start making songs about those ladies, two years later…here we are.

RB: And speaking of black… Your song “She’s Into Black Guys” is a fun record. From my research (Google 101), I discovered the song was featured in Entourage? How did that come about?

EK:“She’s Into Black Guys” was on RCRDLBL and apparently, the dudes from HBO hit them up asking if they had any songs that sounded like Prince, RCRDLBL gave them “She’s Into Black Guys”. It was the best 7 seconds on television.

RB: If you had to describe your sound using the first letter of each band member what would it be. (Yeah, don’t ask where these questions are coming from today, I have no clue, either.)

EK: Mierda. Does that work?

RB: I see the term hedonistic a lot when referring to the band. Care to elaborate? This word also reminds me of Jerry Springer. He used to have some hedonistic episodes. Not that I watched or anything.

EK: We believe in hedonism and all of its beauty. Life was meant to be awesome (ARE Weapons) and we practice hedonism. We try and live every day like it was it one, big, epic party.

RB: When do you expect your album to drop? And where can we pick up a copy?

EK: Our vinyl 10″ entitled “Et Tu Bootay?” is out on the Ides of March (March 15th for ya’ll dummies) on Burning Mill Records (also home of DOM.)

RB: I must say, there’s something refreshing about the fact that you guys don’t take yourself too seriously. There’s too many music snobs in Brooklyn, wouldn’t you agree?

EK: Nah, Brooklyn is cool, we always have a blast there. We suck, so the people who come to party with us can’t be snobby. We are music snobs though. We pretty much hate everything except for Black Sabbath and the Sonics.

RB: What’s your current guilty pleasure (musical or non)?

EK: Weed and iced coffee for breakfast…although we really never really rock “guilt.”

RB: And finally, what’s the ultimate goal with the music you create?

EK: Big fat royalty checks and Rick Ross as our bodyguard.

She’s Into Black Guys by Bodega Girls (Audio)

[To learn more visit: www.ilovebodegagirls.com]

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

MARIA CIEZAK: Thank you guys for taking the time to interview for BiggerThanBeyonce.Com. Let’s start off by introducing yourselves, ready set go!

FUTURE PEOPLE: What up what up! Internet!

We’re Future People! I’m Christopher & I’m on this super tite pizza kick right now!

MC: How did the name Future People come about? I read that Chris and Dan were the original two, and Larry you joined later on. 

FP: A friend from my hometown uses the term “future people” as a method of procrastination. Like for instance:

Me: “Hey Scott, we just got a parking ticket. Shouldn’t we pay it?”
Scott: “Nah man, let the future people worry about that shit.”

So that’s pretty much it, future people handle the biz you dont necessarily want to deal with. I found myself using the term often, it naturally just became the name for this project. I think we were calling it BANX for a while. Which I also dig. We should name our record “Hilary Banx”… Amazing.

MC: How did you all collide?

FP: So I started writing a few years back when I was living in San Francisco, recorded a record in my bedroom (which I never released), came home for Christmas or thanksgiving, asked Dan (whom I’ve known since high school) and a few other awesome dudes to play these songs with me. D and I decided we wanted to make some more music together…

I had been working on music with my friend Naeem (spankrock) in Philly a bunch, spending a lot of time in Philly… So D and I rented a giant house in West Philly to live and write in. Spent 8 months working on this project in that house.

From Philly we moved back to Maryland to work more for a few months. Larry just started showing up at our practice space. One day I walked in and was like, where did this bass amp come from? D was like, it’s Larry’s, I think he’s in our band now. I was like, word. I can’t get enough of that little genius. He’s the funniest person on earth to me.

MC: What is the music scene like growing up in Annapolis? 

FP: Annapolis is fucking great! Almost unbelieva-real, if you will. Small town with tons of cute babes & sailboats! I just spent three months there hanging out with my friends and family before moving back to the west coast to work & finish this FP record. I was staying downtown in an awesome old house and could walk to my friend’s bar two blocks away and DJ whenever I wanted, I miss it already.

MC: Anyone who is a fan of music can see that it is really changing. What acts influence Future People’s style?

FP: The Batman Forever soundtrack, all fucking day long!

As I’m writing this I’m in the sand in Malibu. My car got towed, so I’ve been sleeping on the beach. I just saw the craziest thing. Batman is out practicing for the big surf competition coming up this weekend…he’s working on this new trick where he jumps off the board and swims underwater, pretty deep down. The board goes straight up in air, it’s pretty sick. Batman comes back up with a dolphin and they both land on the board. Yo, batman jumps off the board and the dolphin surfs back to shore. Batman’s new Bat wet suit is made by Vuarnet, Body Glove, and Under Armour. They all got together to work on it. (My roommate Jordan wrote this, I think it’s awesome.)

We both really love the last Bath’s record. We did a show with Das Racist in Baltimore a few weeks ago, they are super awesome. I’ve been listening to a track called “A Brush Through The Dust” by Silk Flowers a ton lately, love that song. Epic Ruins are the shit, they’re an awesome super group from Ft Worth, TX & LA. My Friend D.A.V.O has put together a new project in San Francisco called “Double Duchess” and I’m going to be mixing a few tracks off DD’s upcoming release. There are a ton of awesome bands that I’ve been listening to. I should make you a mix.

MC: If you had to classify yourselves into one genre, what would it be? I feel the presence of electronica, rock and roll, and even a little dance flare. Would you agree?

FP: I do agree! We listen to everything, I was in Brazil last week and I’ve been super interested in music from that region of the world lately. D is trained in jazz but he shreds on anything, he’s also really great at sleeping-in and Skype. I really have a hard time classifying our music, but if i had to I’d call it “WIZARDVIZION”.

MC: What are the long term goals of Future People?

FP: We hope to own Sunglasses Hut kiosks in both Encino and Reseda by 2012. But other than that we’re working with more and more peeps we respect in the studio. We also have film score work coming up etc. Just trying to stay as busy as possible in ‘11.

MC: Now boys, tell BiggerThanBeyonce readers where they can gain access to your music and catch one of your live shows!

FP: We just started a Facebook page. We have Tumblr and Soundcloud pages as well (see links below). We are going to be posting our demos and songs that won’t be on our record for download over the next few weeks while we finish our record. Can’t wait to get nice on the Internet, Internet!

MC: Thanks for doing this guys, I can’t wait to watch you blow up!

FP: Thank you so much. 

To learn more about Future People try any of the following links:

Facebook
Soundcloud

iTunes
Tumblr

Naturally by Future People

      

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“I’m not bigger than Beyonce. I love Beyonce!”
–Joshua Radin

*Backstage after last night’s concert, after I introduced myself & the site. He then laughed & did a little booty shake.

*FYI: We love Beyonce too. If you follow the site, then you already know this.

[Full review of the live show (which was held via the Best Buy Theater in Times Square), here!]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Recently, I chatted with Ashley Arrison. We dished on everything from working with Kelly Clarkson and Lindsay Lohan to hookers to TLC’s ‘My Strange Addiction’ — yes, I’m serious. But most importantly, we discussed the deeply rooted passion behind her heartfelt music.

ROB BRAYL: So I know that ‘Caged Bird’ is your genuinely personal song with regards to domestic violence. Has music always been a cathartic release for you, a safe space?

ASHLEY ARRISON: I wouldn’t necessarily call writing music my safe place, but rather my most vulnerable place. I am not super prolific, writing songs all of the time. I really envy people who can do that, but songwriting is too emotional of an act for me to be able to pull my innermost thoughts, like water from a well, out daily or weekly or on command. I have to be feeling extremely vulnerable to say what I need to say. And when that moment happens, my thoughts come out fairly clearly, and that is the most cathartic feeling in the world.

RB: You’ve worked with numerous artists but two that stuck out for me were Kelly Clarkson and Lindsay Lohan. There has to be something interesting to say here, no?

AA: Both are complete hookers. [Laughs] Just kidding. Okay, just Clarkson. Okay, not really. Something interesting? Well, Lindsay Lohan hates bananas but eats them for their “protein”, so she says. As for KC, all I can say is I have been privileged enough to have listened to her sing in hotel rooms and living rooms, as well as in the studio and on stage and never once have I not thought to myself, “Okay, there has to be a God.” Because her gift knows no limits and it just seems other-worldly. Having Kelly sing backgrounds vocals on your track is a humbling experience! I know people love her and think she is incredibly talented, but I don’t think the world knows just how far her vocal and writing talents stretch. If you haven’t seen her live, you are missing out on seeing a talent that no one else in the world can match. However, I have seen a homeless man reject her when she tried to give him a homemade Easter dinner.

RB: What I love about your music is its honesty – which is a shame it’s not seen as often these days, since most pop stars are viewed more like mechanical puppets/products. How has your music evolved? Was it always driven by depth?

AA: Man, I feel you. I’m not saying I won’t shake my booty to ‘Only Girl (In The World)’, but it’s such a shame that so many songs on pop radio are fluffy goo written by the same “team” of writers. When the same song could stylistically be sung by Rhianna, Britney, Katy, and now Pink, I think that sucks for many reasons, but mainly for the art of songwriting itself. In those artists defense, I know for a fact that labels will force them into doing songs written by certain people and force them to write with certain “teams” or they just won’t put your album out. I’m sure some artists are happy to play the game, but I know that some artists aren’t, but get their hands tied behind their back. It’s a scary time in the music world and major labels want to play it safe or their job is at stake. I like a catchy song as much as the next dude, but I still can’t help but feel sad the generation after me has pop stars that have to show their ta-ta’s and sing kitchy drunk hooker songs to be in the game. I have nothing against drunk hookers… but my coming-of-age artists were Sheryl Crow, Tori Amos, Alanis, Jewel; original writers who let us into their private worlds. You can’t tell me Sheryl Crow didn’t live ‘Strong Enough’, that Tori Amos didn’t live ‘Silent All These Years’, Jewel and ‘Foolish Games’, and obviously ‘Jagged Little Pill’ was as raw and real as they come. Feeling like I had a window into other people’s souls was so powerful and that was such a gift they gave me as a teenager. Those kinds of artists helped define me as a person and still do. Anyway, that’s the point of music for me and always has been: to speak honestly, even when that means showing the cracks and vulnerabilities — which are the things I find endearing in other artists.

RB: You may hate me for this but I’ve got to ask about the infamous performance clip with Justin Timberlake, where you two as lil’ tater tots performed ‘Opposites Attract’ by Paul Abdul. Whose idea was this? Do you still watch this and have a good laugh?

AA: Aww, shoot. Well, first of all, my life’s goal at 10 was to be Paula Abdul. Justin and I were always looking for songs we could do together because we performed a “Justin and Ashley” show all over Memphis for years. Hospitals, malls, competitions — you know, we were big time -– but the idea to do that song came from the Mickey Mouse Club. I used to tape the show every day for us to watch on the weekends when we would hang out and practice. (He didn’t get the Disney Channel at his house.) We would emulate everything the show would do. So I have to credit the MMC for giving us the idea to change the lyric “I don’t like cigarettes, but I like to smoke” to “I don’t like comedy, and I like to joke.” Um, and yes, I have to laugh. And then I take a cold shower and cry “Whyyy?” all alone, as I consider the hammer pant/puffy painted suspender look that we so proudly sported.

RB: Your latest album ‘Hearts On Parade’ is completely solid. Is there a standout track for you, a personal favorite? (‘The Hard Way’ stand outs to me for some reason.)

AA: Thank you very much. I think my personal favorite is the track Hearts On Parade. It sings like I’m just speaking about one person, but each line is fairly specific to the few different relationships I’ve had and the ways I was trying to bend and conform to try and make someone happy. It’s liberating to be so literal.

RB: What’s your biggest influencer with regards to writing songs?

AA: My biggest and only influencer to date is love or the lack thereof. It’s usually the lack thereof.

RB: Any vices while dealing with life & the creation of music?

AA: I probably won’t turn down a Xanax if you offer me one, although I’ll only take half so I can make it last. See, that’s why I’m not an addict. [Laughs] I love reading blogs by people I don’t know for inspiration. I’m addicted to Words With Friends, NPR, and vanilla tea latte’s from The Coffee Bean.

RB: Random but I know we share the same fascination with bizarre shows like A&E’s ‘Hoarders’ – have you seen the new series ‘My Strange Addiciton’? It’s insane. Do you have any strange secret addictions you want to air to the entire internet world? [Laughs]

AA: Don’t even get me started on ‘Hoarders’. I recently caught the “Animal Hoarding” episode and I will never look at bunnies the same. Bunnies? Ruined. I haven’t seen ‘Strange Addictions’ yet, but I heard some girl eats Clorox or something. I’m going to love it!

I don’t have any super weird addictions. I do have this magnifying face mirror that makes your pores just look God awful that I really need to do away with though.

But what really comes to mind is something that happened recently and it involves LeAnn Rimes. Her twitters were eating me alive. Here’s the deal, I don’t give a rat’s if she cheated and broke up a marriage –- those things happen, sadly –- but it was/is fascinating to me the way she keeps talking about it! And she knows the ex-wife is literally losing her mind (because she’s in pain), but she keeps twittering about her time with the woman’s kids and fighting with her over twitter. She doesn’t even enjoy a vacation with the new guy cause she’s twittering so much about their love and the weather in Cabo, etc. It’s like she has something to prove and it’s like watching a train wreck! I just found it absolutely fascinating, baffling, and strange. And I kept looking. And I kept thinking as I was falling asleep at night about how LeAnn needed a twitter intervention. At that point, I realized I needed a LeAnn Rimes intervention. So, I did what I had to do. And it wasn’t easy. But I hit the “unfollow” button.

RB: What’s your favorite song right now on pop radio? Any other singles/albums you can’t get enough of?

AA: ‘Animal’ by Neon Trees is probably my favorite. I want to try that as a cover… ‘All The Right Moves’ by One Republic has such a good chorus that I can’t get enough of. ‘Back To December’ grew on me –- that verse melody is fantastic. “I haven’t seen you in a whi-iii-iii-llleee.” I love ‘Dear John’ on the new album, too. ‘Fearless’ is my favorite album of hers, though. I love her and I can’t fight it.

Beyonce’s ‘If I Was A Boy’ makes me hurt-so-good. She throws down. I love ‘Why Don’t You Love Me’, too. Side note: My man’s car is named Beyonce, mine is Leona.

And speaking of Leona Lewis, I can always hear ‘Better In Time’.

Of fairly recent albums, I can’t get enough of Matt Nathanson’s album, ‘Some Mad Hope’.

RB: Good talking to you! And finally, what would be your hook to get BTB’s readers to give your music a big fat spin?

AA: Your question just took me back to 5th grade when I was trying to get my class to vote me as their class representative for the school’s Student Council! Pretend I have a fancy poster board with pictures of myself with big bangs glued to it:

If you like lyric based, emotionally charged songs infused with pop elements and honest charm, my album ‘Hearts On Parade’ is waiting for you in iTunes.

Was that weird?

What I’m trying to say is this: If you like Japanese Death Metal, you are going to love me.

PS — I won the 5th grade election!

It was great talking with you! I’m honored to have been asked your great questions!

Ashley will be opening for Graham Colton at Lincoln Hall in Chicago on Feb. 11. Until then, you can get acquainted with her beautiful videos for ‘Trying To Help You Out’ & ‘Caged Bird’ below + for shits and giggles, take a time machine back to the hilarious ‘Opposites Attract’ performance clip mentioned above with Justin Timberlake.