Posts Tagged ‘Live Performance’

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

Miley Cyrus recently released her new disc Can’t Be Tamed, and if there’s two words to describe the album it’s auto and tune. I kid, I kid — sorta. I’ve never held back in being honest and I’ve written several entries admitting that I’m a fan of the Disney pop tart, but certain tracks on this CD go a little too far with the Auto-Tune when it wasn’t really needed, because Miley actually has a good studio voice (yeah yeah hate all you want but you’ve heard The Climb and you know you loved it). Sure, she’s no Aguilera, but the girl can hold a note. I get it, I mean, it’s obvious that the cd is going for a dancefloor club sound but I think the voice of Cyrus is tweaked out and lost along the way on a few tracks.

Although it’s lost on this track, it’s still my favorite on the album. I flippin’ love the song Robot, even in all of its Auto-Tune glory. Honestly, the album is a good effort and there’s several tunes that have really rubbed off on me including Liberty Walk, Robot, and Permanent December. Miley’s even completely believable when she sings on the slow vulnerable numbers like Every Rose Has Its Thorn (yes, a cover of the classic) and Stay.

Instead of posting the album version of Robot, I thought I’d post a live performance instead, since it strips away the Auto-Tune bliss (again, I like both versions).

Check it!

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Gaga is a topic of conversation on BTB all too frequently. Do we like her videos? Has the girl gone crazy? Is she original? Let’s put all this aside, and focus on something everyone enjoys — new music. Miz Gaga debuted a new track recently for the first time ever, that has a special twang, entitled You and I. In her own words, and I’m sure the same from her label: “It’s too rock and roll to ever be one of my singles, but it means so much to me.” As much as I hate to admit it, she’s most likely right, for what I’ve noticed on her recent Fame Monster is that my favorite tracks never get airplay (and I like it like that). Her signature foot-on-piano move is still prevalent in this video, but all in all, it’s very dissimilar for Gaga; and I absolutely love it.

Rock-tinged piano ballads get me weak in the knees every time. This particular one is for all the dreamers out there! She performed the song at Elton John’s AIDS White Tie and Tiara Ball fundraiser in the UK recently. Now tell me, would you be disappointed if you heard this on the radio? Cuz I sure as hell wouldn’t. As fun as the crazy lipstick, exposed ass, product endorsed videos, and antique tea cups can be, it sometimes gets in the way of how talented she really is. I respect Gaga and her opposition to norm, but this just strips her down, literally, to her piano and her most fierce accessory of all, her voice. She hits these notes flawlessly, and this song could definitely become an anthem for millions of love hopefuls out there.

Check out the debut, for watching it live before hearing it recorded will make one appreciate it even more. Even if it never makes radio, You and I is more for, well, you and I. I’d describe it as certified sensation. A first taste of new material leaves me yearning for more. What do you think? Are you goo goo for Gaga’s new material?

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The anticipation is over, and the verdict is in. I was blessed enough to get a sneak peek of The Stone Foxes’ new album (before it’s official release date of July 06), and a blessing it is, indeed. Bravo boys, bravo. Bears and Bulls is spreading like a plague of love; no one can ignore the encompassing sound.

This record is a standing ovation to creation, strangeness, and an altitude of nearly incoherent borderline antics. Some of the songs are lacking their upstanding, toe tapping energy, and mask themselves with a more mellowed tint, but it’s dandy none the less.

My love affair with The Stone Foxes has officially gotten serious. What can I say, I’m a sucker for gentlemen with a charming dream and a deadly chord progression. It hardly takes effort to enjoy their breezy melodies, exemplary guitar solos, and natural ability to either pump it up or tone it down. This is something I could listen to all night long and longer, and that’s no lie.

It’s like the album walks you through the very best stages of a celestial summer: from the cold drinks in the sunny afternoons to the smoked up party in some old friend’s basement. The sips of a slushie, vintage aviators on your eyes, while The Stone Foxes melt around your ears like ice cream…now that’s perfection. They have you set for snapping, crackling, and popping all over the place, but they’ve also got you covered for laying back and laying low.

The Stone Foxes aren’t going to wait for you to come to them, they’re going all out, and will hunt you down and force feed you their unsheathed musical prowess. Trust me, you’re going to enjoy it.

Top tracks off the record for sending me into glee mode: Stomp, Mr. Hangman, as well as the fired up track Hyde and Pine.

Top tracks for a snoozing afternoon: Passenger Train, Through the Fire, and the decidedly chill Easy.

I’m not usually one to vouch for commercialism but: be sure to put it on your ‘to buy’ list! These guys have a spirit and talent that absolutely needs to be supported. We’ve gotta keep their engine running!

Do get ready to run with the Bears and Bulls, ‘cause the stampede of an album is getting here soon.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Update: The choir seen in the video below is the Voice of Praise First Baptist Church High School Choir from Lewisville, TX, performing in New Orleans.]

We all know Lenny Kravitz, infamous for amazing guitar skills, comforting voice, and retro style. We all respect his intrepid rock and alternative sound as it’s poured into our ears. We also know how much the future of music relies on our youth. Right? Now, what happens when the two blend? Great times. Let’s explore in the interior of this rock powerhouse.

I stumbled upon this video, where Lenny was sipping a drink on a terrace in New Orleans, he literally overheard the Voice Praise Choir singing his hit Fly Away. So naturally, like any celebrity would NOT do, he ran over and joined them! He lays down the beat while the choir rocks out, and even sings at the end, while the youngster rips the guitar.

Just a day, an ordinary day in New Orleans turned into the best day of some people’s lives. Witness how much the crowd grows. This just brings a smile to my face. This is what true rock stars should do, spread some love to the ones who have made them who they are — the fans.

A little video to make your glass half full.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[photograph by: matt sayles, associated press]
It’s been an entire year since we’ve lost the King of Pop, Sir Michael Jackson, and The BET Awards recently decided to pay tribute. Who measured up to par, you ask? Ironically, the former Prince of Pop, Chris Brown. I’ve decided to write about this video because it truly moved me.

The moving tribute contained songs such as Smooth Criminal, Billie Jean, and more. Granted, I was impressed with Brown’s moves and renditions of Jackson’s hits, but it wasn’t until the end when Man In The Mirror was unleashed that I felt fully convinced. Brown became overtaken by emotion, laying his whole being out on the stage. You can’t run from your demons forever, and this was his time to face the music. People make mistakes, and it seems to me, as is if he’s finally come to terms with it. For 6 minutes and 11 seconds, the crowd, and millions of viewers, pushed the negative vibes aside, and focused on the music.

Man in the Mirror is such a powerful song that Brown could barely sing the words. Sometimes when we do wrong in life, we need to be faced with our demons before we can actually conquer them. This tribute may be emotional, for we lost one of the greatest talents to ever walk this planet, but in a strange mixed-up way, it was almost like the rebirth of a talent still present here on earth.

True performers move you; granted, I do not agree with what Chris Brown has done, and do not feel the need to even touch on that topic. I strongly suggest watching the entire performance, whether of fan of Chris Brown, Michael Jackson, or just a fan of music in general. If you have ever connected a song to your life, and felt it fit entirely, you will get what I mean. “I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I’m asking him to change his ways, and no message could have been any clearer,” — it’s amazing how much songs can actually relate to people’s lives, and this was a perfect example.

We can’t deny the talent of either one of these performers, dead or alive, even if we don’t agree with some of the things they may or may not have done. At the end of the day, BET and Chris Brown created a wonderfully moving tribute to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

Watch and comment. Is this a comeback for Chris Brown?

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

According to Rolling Stone, Grace Potter & The Nocturnals is one of the best bands of 2010. This past weekend I had the pleasure of rocking out with the act (live in concert via Webster Hall), to put that statement to the test. And the outcome was incredible. Meshed with a stage backdrop that oozed of metallic crinkled plates, flashing lights, and red roses, Grace Potter’s signature pipes still somehow managed to overpower all of it, soul thirsty and soul-full, worn and rugged like a good pair of cowboy boots.

Several images stick out when I recall the concert, the first being Grace’s long legs, bronzed and towering. Wearing a thigh-high slinky dress, Potter boogied with as much sex appeal as there was sheer talent. Among the image of legs and vintage clothing, came the next photographic moment when the band was performing Big White Gate and I looked around the room to see one of the most diverse crowds I had seen since seeing Madonna live in concert at Madison Square Garden. Middle-aged men mixed with twenty-somethings stood mesmerized, sipping on liquid in plastic cups, singing, knowing, every single word as it burst from Potter’s lips. And it hit me then that the retro influence of the band is so utterly authentic that even men and women (who were my age during the height of those days) were clearly just as infatuated with Grace Potter & The Nocturnals’ music as they were with legendary classic rock bands from the 60s and early 70s, the same bands that inspire the howl of the Nocturnals.

Grace Potter & The Nocturnals are indeed one of the best acts I’ve seen live. The vocals are incredible, the lyrics saturated in a depth of love and heartbreak, the styling coated in a bygone era of rock ‘n roll.

Get ready to take a roadtrip through your headphones.

Click to listen to the band cover Blondie (live during the show).Grace Potter & The Nocturnals – Heart of Glass (Live from Webster Hall)

Check out an additional live performance (Tiny Light via TES), below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Check out the pleasant, fun, power punk-pop known as Free Energy. The quintet from Philly are on my bands to watch list, with similarities ranging from Thin Lizzy to Steely Dan. It’s almost as if 2010 met 1970, mated, and banged out a few good hits. Ok, so “glam-pop” patterns of any group nowadays aren’t precisely going to come off as pioneering or innovative, but their influences are not their only source of appeal. Songs like Bang Pop and Dream City ride you to a place with the top down, picking up a cheap keg for the backyard, in times when people drank cheap beer, just cuz it was, well, cheap. While other songs like Young Hearts and Wild Winds describe what they’re all about: good vibrations.

Front men Paul Sprangers and Scott Wells describe their music as “a physical dosage of happiness and good vibes.” Sometimes I am fearful of praise tarnishing the anticipation of a fresh group, but I can’t hold it in! I first heard about these guys in Spin Magazine, for I’m an artist to watch column kind of girl, and I never turned back. Debut album Stuck on Nothing has me stuck on something; a modern taste on classic rock. A pop-like frame of mind winning over the cock-rock aura doesn’t always fairly match, but the boys have a knowledge of real music well beyond their young years. It’s compacted with hand clapping, cowbells, and vocals, while concurrently wielding the modern garage-pop sensibility of bands like Jimmy Eat World and Sum 41. The boys played SXSW (South By South West) Musical Festival this year, which is a huge honor for upcoming artists.

Free Energy’s contagious passion and general intensity of talent has me yearning to see them on the road this summer, for I’ve heard nothing but rave. Check out this live performance, grab a beverage, pull up a stool, and enjoy some great music. Their energy is forceful exertion, and it goes to show that sometimes the best things in life are Free.

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: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Releasing art outside of your group doesn’t always mean there’s bad blood. Sometimes those Gym Class Heroes just need to graduate. Yes, I’m writing about Travie McCoy, and his first solo debut, The Lazarus Project. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Travie, experiencing his project on the road, and even providing promotional support through his label, and I can honestly say, his talent is raw. His performances are almost like watching poetry readings on 5 hour energy shots; confusing yet amazing. This New York pop-punk rapper is unique in everything from his style to his lyrics, for he is not afraid of the act of expressing himself. Although catchy, radio smash Billionaire may not be your forte, his art remains cool.

He’s playing melodies and heating up his singing voice with collaborations from Cee-Lo, personal favorites Chester French. The Lazarus Project will let all see another side of Travis, by proving himself to a community that may not always take him seriously. Don’t expect auto-tune, for this is the real deal.

Earlier this year he split with pop mega tart Katy Perry, and released his Forgetting Katy Perry mixtape. Normally you would never see me supporting celebrity gossip in my write-ups, but it’s necessary research for the core of the album. The healing process takes a turn on this project as his somber sad-sack tones finally see the light. Song Don’t Pretend is a hard-hitting healing process: “Open up my chest and you’ll see a cold cavity where my heart used to be”. Although it sounds dreary, this album is upbeat as all hell, turning bad to good.

This may be a different pick for your liking, but I have a feeling you are going to enjoy exploring this album. Travie recently stated in an interview, “If Lazarus were a movie, it’d be A Clockwork Orange”. Although it’s got a hip-hop vibe, rock n’ roll storms in during “Superbad”, a smash with another ravish talent, Limp Bizkit axeman Wes Borland.

A disc compacted with teaming up with a diverse array of studio superstars for a genre-busting, groundbreaking new collection. If you want to experience a great musical performance, catch him on the road this summer with 3OH!3 and Cobra Starship. Turning the scribbled lines between hip-hop and rock into a perfect picture, with no fillers or skippable tracks.

Although Travie may not be rollin in Gym Class, this album proves he’s still a hero.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Although the music is not normal on my rotation, this is yummy.

Daughtry and Miss Kelly Clarkson recently came together for a huge duet. When two mega talents collide, it broadens horizons for listeners, especially when it’s two items of the same kind; American Idols. Kelly joined Daughtry on stage this weekend in Nashville, where the two performed their own rendition of Tracy Chapman’s ruminative 1988 ballad Fast Car.

Other than their titles, something else makes these two idolistic these days; the concert raised money for Nashville flood relief. It was a complete surprise, and surely a treat for concert goers. Kelly and Daughtry are success stories from the competition, selling millions of albums worldwide.

On an ordinary day, I would not be expressing my opinion on American Idols, for there are too many to discuss. But these two propelled their careers much differently, languishing in the role of dippy ingénue or shunting their musical development by leaning too heavily on overnight stardom? Negative. Instead they dug their heels and allowed good sense (or a good manager) to steer them in the right direction.

An epic collaboration for a good cause? Bring it on.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Want an album with rock royalty and epic guest collabos? Allow me to reintroduce Slash, whose new self-titled album has something for all. Slash is a modern guitar god, and he’s back with a vengeance with his first solo project. As any music fans would know, guitar legends are not known for a singing voice. To solve this dilemma, Slash gets by with a little help from his friends: Kid Rock, Adam Levine, Iggy Pop, Fergie, and more. Album mission: to prove rock and roll is not dead.

Beautiful Dangerous featuring Fergie is an unexpected bad-ass turn of super-melodic rock with exceptional vocal work. Fergie hits the notes while Slash entirely fills this track with coating upon coating of balanced, incredible lead work. This is just one of the tracks that will make your heart jump. Also noteworthy is Watch This featuring Dave Grohl, and Crucify the Dead featuring Ozzy Osbourne.

Slash stays devoted to his hard rock roots on this album while experimenting with a variety of ingredients, ranging from hard rock songs, country riffs, slow acoustic, headbanging metal, and even hip hop–creating the perfect recipe. But the one that brings the album together is the glue of a powerful guitar. He has had a prevailing presence in music for more than twenty years. Referred to by many as one of the utmost and most influential guitar players of all time, Slash’s signature style and authoritative guitar mastery has impacted not only millions of fans around the world, but many of his fellow artists, which is reflected onto the album’s tracks.

Do yourself a favor and listen to this album, for you may be surprised how much you enjoy it. He makes the guitar sound sexy as hell. A black top hat, a bottle of Jack Daniels on hand, and a cigarette in his mouth, Slash will always be one of the most recognizable figures in rock, whether solo or backed by a posse.

Let your ears be cut.

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

This past Saturday, I woke up to an invitation to see the New York Yankees play. I said yes, even though I’ve never followed the sport a day in my life. Here’s what I learned about baseball (specifically the New York Yankees) as the day unfolded.

1. Yankee fans are obsessed crazies.

I wore a NY hat to show my support but most people were borderline nuts in their pride. It was awesome!

2. A-Rod has a nice ass BUTT…

I debated saying this because it’s um, you know, gay. But the more I thought about it, the more I wanted to say it because I think A-Rod is without a doubt a handsome guy, but Saturday, the player who I thought brought the sweet vibe swagger was Ramiro Pena. He just has the presence of someone who carries a big heart. I’m voting for him to be on the next cover of GQ. A-Rod & Derek Jeter have hogged the spotlight way too long.

3. Are you a pitcher or a catcher?

In the game of baseball no label’s less masculine than the other for these boys definitely gave it 110%, no matter the position. And no, that wasn’t meant to sound dirty. You guys are sick!

4. Birds shit on you at games.

Speaking of sick…true story, a pigeon literally decided to flush its toilet on an innocent stranger behind me. Gross but supposedly a sign of good luck and made for a good laugh, so thank you rat of the sky for that lovely gift.

5. Yankees are iconic.

Last but not least, I learned that the Yankees are an iconic team, not because they have broken numerous records but because the game they play helps to unite thousands and thousands of New Yorkers (even those like myself, who are in a separate league, if ya feel me) who might normally want to punch each other in the face. And anything that brings us together, in harmony, I’m all for.

Check out my top three songs (in no specific order) about New York City, below.

001. Jay-Z ft. Alicia Keys // Empire State of Mind
This particular performance felt appropriate since it occurred during the World Series.

002. Madonna / I Love New York
Madonna came to New York with nothing but a dream and $35 dollars. If anyone defines the spirit of New York it’s her.

003. Ian Axel / Home
In case you missed it, check out the interview I did with Ian here.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Ready for some good music? Good. Let’s begin.

When I read the release date, the only rational response was to become ecstatic over the next album from one of the best bands of the decade, The National. The Brookyln based indie-rock outfit are back with a new smash album, High Violet. It’s a demoralized, harmonious, volatile and beautiful set of songs that find the band at the peak of their collaborative powers. The music is widespread in its moods, full of drab angles and impression.

Opening is the furry folk of Terrible Love. This song hits me, the way a good song should (”It’s a terrible love and I’m walking with spiders. I was carried to Ohio in a swarm of bees,”). Life situations become the basis of lyrics, as here, where it seems personal demons have taken on literal forms. Like most of the songs on this album, the title illustrates this idea perfectly. One of the most influential parts of the band is Matt Beringer. In my opinion, he holds one of the utmost voices on the planet; raw talent that could belt out the dictionary or the cocktail menu at a piano bar, and it would still sell. Their influences range from Bruce Springsteen to Joy Division; this sentence alone should be enough to intrigue you.

The National definitely pulls the plug on any arena rock desire, and that’s why I find them so stimulating. They have the potential to sell out arenas, yet choose pack halls, wall to wall instead. Primitive glum never sounded this good. They will take you to the dark side of the High Violet. It’s hard finding fault with this album, and I’d like to test one to do so. Like the band that created it, it’s an album that’s built to last.