Posts Tagged ‘Pop’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

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

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

This is my jam!

Listen to the pretty Pretty Tragedy below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

ROB BRAYL: First things first, you’ve really surprised me with the direction of your new single Love War. I’m hooked! I love that you’ve broken the mold of American Idol. Was it always your intention to steer towards electronic music?

ANOOP DESAI: Not consciously, no. It was really a process of musical evolution for me. Going to shows, being around music as a professional, advancing as a writer, etc. It was an organic process for me, just trying to find my voice within the genre for the past three years. People may have a memory of me from “Idol” that seems different from the new sound, but it’s really just filling a niche in EDM that I felt was there for the taking. My rule when making this latest record was that I could only make music that I personally liked. It was a decision that seems to have led to a wider appreciation of my music, which I’m thrilled about.

RB: The video treatment for the song is incredible. I’m really impressed with everything your doing at the moment. Can you tell us a little about the visuals in the clip? (I’ve noticed some horses and country scenes which I think are cool, meshing with your North Carolina upbringing.)

AD: We filmed parts of the video in the North Georgia mountains, parts of it on a white backdrop with cool lighting, and of course there’s the military footage in there. It’s meant to be jarring but also visually clear. And you sort of hinted at it, the idea is that the song is referencing a past gone by while really trying to express the reality that struggle still plays in everyday life. Essentially, no one comes out unscathed from a Love War.

RB: What artists have you been inspired by with regards to this new sound/style?

AD: This answer really changes weekly for me, but I think at the time I was writing Love War I was listening to a lot of Bassnectar, The Weeknd, the first Ellie Goulding record, and because I was a recent Atlanta immigrant, LOTS of hip hop. I’m in a space right now where I’m really into James Blake, Kishi Bashi, Purity Ring, Active Child, M83, etc. (and still a lot of hip hop), so we’ll see how that affects the next batch of stuff I’m working on.

RB: You must be stoked about your debut album? Any idea/timeframe as to when it might drop?

AD: So stoked. I think I owe it to myself and my fans to make sure that it has everything behind it that it deserves, so there’s of course a financial and promotional element there that we need to set up when it’s done. We’re already done with half of it, and I’m personally aiming for late this year or early next year. In the meantime, I’m releasing a new remix package of Love War in June.

RB: Like most girls and soccer moms, I loved you on American Idol! [Laughs] What I don’t love is hearing that you experienced some racism after the show. That sh*t really bothers me. But major kudos to you for being able to be vulnerable and real and open about it. I think that type of honesty encourages change.

AD: Thanks. It’s nothing new, although it was new to me at the time. I don’t think it’s headline news that there are dumb people in the world, but it’s always weird when that kind of stuff is directed at you. I’m fully aware that I don’t get as much of that stuff as a lot of other people. As messed up as it is, sometimes people have to be peer pressured into acceptance. (I hate the word “tolerance”.) Hopefully, the kind of mainstream success I am working towards can be part of that pressure.

RB: Do you feel like your experience on the show pushed you in a way to break away from the more safer styles/genres the show seems to embrace/push winners towards? Meaning, there’s not many artists from the show who are doing what you’re doing right now, which is making really rad electro music!

AD: In a way… I tried to do the “safe” thing at first and it just didn’t really work for me. On a critical and personal level. Like I said earlier, my rule for the new sound was that I had to like everything that I was putting out there. I didn’t have that rule before, and I think it showed. At first, I pushed myself towards that bubblegum ideal because I felt like that was what my audience wanted. Whether that was smart or just pandering, I don’t know, but it definitely didn’t get me where I wanted to go. As I’ve begun to write more and really focus on the craft above anything else, I’ve evolved as a musician and as a fan of music. And, of course, that will never stop.

RB: This is a staple in questions I ask artists: What’s a few of your current guilty pleasures? Music or non?

AD: The new will.i.am album, bourbon barrel-aged imperial stouts, and peanut butter and banana sandwiches.

RB: Last album you purchased.

AD: James Blake – Overgrown. It’s just complete mastery. I went to his show at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, NC the other night and it was literally awesome. Although I’m also a fan of the new Charli XCX, Django Django, and Major Lazer records.

RB: Are you planning on touring with the upcoming album release?

AD: This fall, but no dates are set in stone yet.

RB: Finally, I wanted to say that BiggerThanBeyonce focuses a lot of energy spotlighting incredible indie artists like yourself. Although difficult at times, do you feel a sense of personal triumph and victory being free to make the music you love?

AD: Of course! It is difficult at times, but that’s going to make what’s ahead even sweeter.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I’m loving singer/songwriter Ginny Blackmore!

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

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

Watch the tender treatment for Bones below.

Pretty!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

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

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

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

MARIA CIEZAK: For those who may not be familiar with The Neighbourhood, can you provide us with a brief backstory?

THE NEIGHBOURHOOD: Growing up in Thousand Oaks (ish), it was easy for kids who played music/in bands to meet. We all met a couple years ago & decided to try & make music with our best friends. Luckily, we all trust each other as musicians & everyone is bringing something unique to the table. It’s a good feeling. We made some songs, put them out, made some videos, put them out, toured around a bunch & here we are.

MC: Is there any specific meaning to the change in spelling of the band name?

NBHD: Initially it was only because the other spelling was taken. That being said, I think it is one of the best things to happen to our band, we feel it fits us so much better.

MC: Did you always know you wanted to make music?

NBHD: It’s always been undeniable. It was easy to get discouraged about it, though. It took meeting the guys in this band for me to not give up.

MC: Sweater Weather in my opinion is one of the best songs I have heard in quite some time. How does it feel to be riding the wave of such massive success on this track?

NBHD: We are very humbled by the love. It’s a great feeling when people like your songs. Hearing ourselves on the radio is pretty insane.

MC: So let’s talk about the album I Love You. For those who don’t have it yet, is there somewhat of a theme here?

NBHD: Definitely. I think a lot of the songs have to do with love, and not necessarily exclusively a person/person love, and not exclusively positive or negative.

MC: Some of my favorite tracks are Let It Go and Flawless. The whole album is extremely refreshing. Is there a specific track that the crowd reacts to most?

NBHD: People seemed to catch on to Afraid before the album was even out. I think that song definitely resonates with people.

MC: I see you guys are on the road through the end of July. What is your favorite part about being on tour? Any crazy stories?

NBHD: Playing shows (now exclusively headline shows) in places so far from home and selling them out is a great feeling. Um, crazy stories… I won’t get into too much detail, but we recently broke a window playing Frisbee. Accidentally. [Laughs]

MC: How about venues? Any cities you are most excited about?

NBHD: The coasts are always fun. California & New York are undeniable. I’m excited to go back to Canada as well.

MC: There are so many young bands out there trying to be a part of the movement. How do you separate yourselves and keep your sound and style original?

NBHD: We aren’t a band. We are a unit… a group. We have this plan for all of the content that we put out. We don’t just put out songs. We put out content (music, videos, artwork, etc.). Everything is thought out & everything is done in-house by our team.

MC: I wouldn’t really classify The Neighbourhood into a specific genre of music. Would you agree?

NBHD: It just feels so forced to try and put it into anything too specific.

MC: So what is next after the tour? Back to recording?

NBHD: We should have some new music out relatively soon, actually…

MC: I feel you guys are well on your way, and wish you the utmost success. Any advice for bands starting out and our readers at home?

NBHD: Give it 100%. If you have a backup plan, you aren’t giving it 100%.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Katy Tiz, the fresh-faced pop star that brought us the sugarcoated Heart, is now bringing the weekend party with her hot new single for Red Cup.

This is one of those summertime pop songs that makes you want to bob around like an idiot with drink in hand. It’ll make you dance… But of course, what else would one expect when the track comes backed by none other than iconic producer/mega hit-maker RedOne.

Turn on the strobe lights!

This has pool party written all over it.

Listen to the RedOne-produced Red Cup below.

[Related Post: Katy Tiz: Chick Pop At Its Finest]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Throwback Thursday!

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

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

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

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

This track is perfection!

[Intro:]
Hardly breathing, hardly breathing

[Verse 1:]
I really wanna take you back
It’s killing me watching you walk away, yeah
But my head ain’t okay with that
And lord knows how much I want you babe
It hurts me but you can’t stay

[Chorus:]
This old heart of mine won’t let you break it
Not again, not again
Been hurt too many times and I can’t take it, not again
Cause I’m hardly breathing
One more teary eye or sleepless night
Just might kill this heart of mine
Hardly breathing, hardly breathing

[Verse 1:]
Begging won’t do nothing
Forgave you many times along the way
Yeah, yeah, ah,
My mama said don’t trust him
But deep inside my soul I found a place
And now I want you out baby

[Chorus:]
This old heart of mine won’t let you break it
Not again, not again
Been hurt too many times and I can’t take it, not again
Cause I’m hardly breathing
One more teary eye or sleepless night
Just might kill this heart of mine
Hardly breathing, hardly breathing

[Bridge:]
Feels like I’m on my last life line,
And I can’t take a chance,
Of not being able to breathe again
Another heartbreak and I might die inside
So I learned from the last time,
That loving you ain’t worth losing my life

[Chorus:]
This old heart of mine won’t let you break it
Not again, not again
Been hurt too many times and I can’t take it, not again
Cause I’m hardly breathing
One more teary eye or sleepless night
Just might kill this heart of mine
Hardly breathing,
Hardly breathing

[Outro:]
Just might kill this heart of mine

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“… a hellacious new song … finds Eve hungrier than ever, unleashing a torrent of lyrical destruction over beat of guttural bass grooves and a twisted, eerie vocal sample.”
ROLLING STONE

“… hypnotizing … a completely different sound.”
COMPLEX

“ … no matter the vibe or subject matter, Eve doesn’t seem to let up on her flow … Lip Lock may shape up to be a smart, modern update to her already confident songs.”
IDOLATOR

“…fierce bars from Ruff Ryder’s former First Lady … Eve keeps the momentum strong leading into the release of her comeback album, Lip Lock.”
MISS INFO

“… bossy rhymes over a bouncy anthem … haunting hook … dancehall flavor.”
RAP-UP

Contest alert!

Today, all eyes are on EVE. The multi-platinum selling artist and iconic hip-hop pioneer has unleashed the fierce video for her latest single, the self-titled EVE, TODAY via VEVO! “EVE is one of my fave songs on the album,” the rapper recently told Rolling Stone, who premiered an exclusive stream of the track online last week. “It’s in ya face, it’s all me.”

In celebration of the upcoming release of her long-awaited album, Lip Lock, out May 14, BiggerThanBeyonce.Com is doing an official giveaway!

For your chance to win a SIGNED COPY OF THE NEW ALBUM + LITHOGRAPH, please follow us on Twitter (@biggrthnbeyonce) and give us a shout-out with hashtag #EVE. Be creative and have fun with it!

The winner will be announced day of release!

Good luck!

Upcoming appearances:

Late Night with Jimmy Fallon (May 3rd)
Good Morning America (May 14th)
106 & Park (May 15) &
The Wendy Williams Show (May 16)

[Related Post: Eve Feat. Gabe Saporta - 'Make It Out This Town']

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

It’s not a coincidence when a song finds you at the exact moment it’s needed. That’s precisely what happened to me with this stunning gem. Emeli Sande’s stripped-down/piano-drenched Read All About It Pt. III.

This track is gorgeous and its words bleed a vulnerability that’s nothing short of naked. Painfully honest. Sincere.

Watch + listen to a live version of the track below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

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

This song is everything.

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

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

Bask in the glory of Honestly below.

Gorgeous!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

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

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

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

The contest runs through June 30th.

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

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

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

Incredible.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Cutie alert!

Craving a slice of bubblegum pop? Budding artist Alex Aiono will satisfy your fix. His new video for Doesn’t Get Better is high in sugar content. And although it’s apparent that he’s trying to reach a certain niche (*cough* teen girls *cough*), don’t let his infectious sound fool ya. He’s spent time writing songs with Grammy writers/producers like John Legend, Billy Mann and Babyface.

Check out Doesn’t Get Better + the hilarious Horny Unicorns following.

I’m likin’ this guy!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“Puttin’ my defenses up, ’cause I don’t wanna fall in love; If I ever did that, I think I’d have a heart attack,” the 20-year-old pop star sings on the first single taken from her forthcoming album, Demi. Adorning an edgy look for the Chris Applebaum-directed video, the track stylistically pours over cool visuals to further cement Lovato as an undeniable pop presence.

“I think for fans or friends or anybody who’s afraid to fall in love, I’d rather live my life with my arms open than closed off the entire time,” Lovato told E! News.

Check out the premiere of Lovato’s Heart Attack below.

I f*cking love!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

To anyone who’s ever felt trapped, this one’s for you.

[Intro hook: Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship]

When I close my eyes
I can see me fly in the hope
High above the clouds
Swear I won’t look back if I get chance
Oh – I won’t come back around

[Verse 1: Eve]

Yo, have you ever laid in bed and it’s late in the night
Staring at the ceiling talking to God about life?
Asking when it’s gonna happen, just maybe it might
Made a lot of life turns, some wrong and some right
Wanna know when it’s your second, your minute, your time
Sick of dreaming, wanna lay the pictures in your mind
Never been like all the others, you’re one of a kind
I know you’re feeling like you wanna break free, it’s a sign
Just wanna fly above it all, see where you can land
Know that you can do it on your own cause you can
Know that you can conquer all with a plan
Forget about the negatives buried in the sand
Yeah, never forget this is your life
Your path, your dream, this is your fight
Victory you’ll see, you’ll be alright
Get through the darkness, on the other end is pure light

[Hook]

When I close my eyes
I can see me fly in the hope
High above the clouds
Swear I won’t look back
If I get chance
I will come back around
If I make it out this time, yeah
I gotta make it out this time, yeah
I’m gonna make it out this time, yeah
I’m gonna roll the dice
And take a risk tonight
Gotta make it out this time

[Verse 2: Eve]

Have you ever felt alone like the whole world was missing?
And when you prayed it seemed like no one was listening
You try to keep the faith and keep on living
But when you struggling the future looks distant
All your hope seem to be just pipe dreams
And you really gotta wonder what your life means
That’s when you gotta pick yourself up out the dust
Make a change and find a place in your heart you trust
You ain’t always gotta take the first card your dealt
In this life only you can represent yourself
Never let your circumstances hold you back
You were born free, never gotta feel trapped
And on the pursuit to happiness you’re gonna feel pain
But the only way to win is to stay in the game
The naysayers they’re gonna try and embarrass ya
But I’ve learned that the struggle builds character

[Hook]

[Bridge: Eve]

Put your hands in the air now
If you feel it let me hear you loud
Put your hands in the air now
Yeah, ain’t nobody gonna hold you down
Yeah, come on, come on

[Hook]

Eve’s first studio album in ten years, Lip Lock, will drop on May 14th!

[Related Post: New Eve Featuring Gabe Saporta of Cobra Starship]