Posts Tagged ‘Pop Rock’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

A lil’ bit depressing yet full of hope…

Secondhand Serenade’s Something More, the first single from the upcoming third album, Hear Me Now, is one beautifully broken track. The song, which dives into the realm of torn meandering lives delivers a message of hope even when heartbroken and hopeless.

Secondhand Serenade is the product of singer/songwriter John Vesely, who worked with producer Aaaron Johnson (from The Fray), to create intimate, pensive, somber pop rock full of meaning.

The music video, directed by Declan Whitebloom, fits the track’s somber sound.

Billboard’s review of the track said it best: “As Vesely sings of the internal strife that a breakup can cause, he powerfully conveys the very human message that everyone makes mistakes. A no-brainer for top 40 and hot AC radio formats, “Something More” is sure to saturate the summer airwaves.” –Alex Vitoulis

Check out the music video below. Hear Me Now is due out in August.

Secondhand Serenade – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The first time I heard Matt Morris, I was moved. Sitting alongside Justin Timberlake performing live (a cover of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah) for the Hope for Haiti telethon, the performance was as smooth as butter; tear-worthy.

A lil’ background: Morris was a part of The Mickey Mouse Club, seasons 4-7. Before releasing his debut album, he wrote several songs recorded by: Justin Timberlake, Kelly Clarkson, and Christina Aguilera. Morris teamed up with Aguilera to pen five songs on her Stripped album, including the hit Can’t Hold Us Down. Morris and Aguilera also wrote Miss Independent which later became a huge hit for Kelly Clarkson.

On a more personal level: Morris is openly gay and married. [Not that it should matter, but I mention this because I always think it's refreshing to see an artist, specifically those catapulted to a mainstream stage, being true to themselves.]

Morris is currently signed as a recording artist to Timberlake’s Tennman Records. His debut album, When Everything Breaks Open, was released on January 12, 2010.

Now, Morris is out with a music video that truly showcases his style as a singer/songwriter. The song is a bit melodramatic in the most mellow way possible and is backed with a sharply directed video to capture the mood of the track. Check out the visual feast for Live Forever, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The Killers are a rock band that have been tearing up the charts for quite some time now. Like most bands, they have gone in different directions, and although I may not always understand their content or videos, I respect that as fresh, entertaining artists. Hot Fuss and Sam’s Town grabbed me by the shoulders and slammed me to the ground, and left me laying there with headphones on. All I kept thinking to myself upon first listen was, damn, it’s about time the punk/new wave movement from the early 80’s got recycled. On the other hand, as time evolved, projects such as Day & Age made me stand up, and move on. I was expecting an album with added synth-pop pressure and maybe even an electronic vibe, and at times it felt too much like a collage of influences as an alternative of a finished album (than again, it still sold a shit load, so my opinion is not the only one). Not that I don’t respect their more current work, just that in my opinion, some things age better than others.

So what now, Killers fans? Front man, Brandon Flowers, has decided to take on a solo-project, as many decide to do at this point in their career. The Vegas native exposed this information on The Killers website, with his name lit up like a neon casino sign on the Las Vegas strip along with an announcement. I don’t know much about this album yet, accept that it is happening. Are they breaking up? No. He’s simply taking a break to pursue other options (it’s not you, it’s him). Flower’s isn’t the only affiliate to embark on additional activity during the Killers’ vacation: Drummer Ronnie Vannucci has been recruited by the new group Mt. Desolation, featuring members of Keane, Noah and the Whale, and Mumford and Sons.

Lead Single Crossfire , off of the album Flamingo (it’s out in September, fyi), did not initially grab my attention, but in the myst of things, I found myself starting to like it more and more. He is very creative and entertaining. It’s wholly developed contemporary pop rock, that is suggestive of some of the tracks from The Killers Day & Age album, which is why I was uncertain if I’d dig it. But this is different; there is more emphasis on Flowers’ vocals and lyrics than on instrumentation. Let’s just say, to quote one of his own lyrics, “It’s a bit older, a little bit colder”. Now that the world has their first petal off Flowers’ solo plant, all can rest secure that the dude isn’t going off track.

At the end of the day, Flowers has deep and meaningful lyrics, and wants a new audience to appreciate his work. Have you heard any of the new material? Listen below; is flying solo always the safe route to travel?

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

With smashes like Name, Iris, and Slide, the Goo Goo Dolls took over the airwaves in the late nineties and has charted with every album created since. The ninth studio album, Something For The Rest Of Us, isn’t due until August, but the always fan-loyal band has released a new single (Home, available now via iTunes) and video to hold fans over until the release.

John Rzeznik spoke to Billboard on the new record stating: “So many people are struggling to keep it together through tough economic conditions and two wars that seem to have no end in sight, the ones who bear the brunt of these burdens are everyday people. That’s who I want to speak to.”

The album was produced by Tim Palmer (U2, Pearl Jam and David Bowie), Butch Vig (Green Day, Nirvana, Foo Fighters), and John Fields (Paul Westerberg, Jimmy Eat World).

The Goo Goo Dolls took to the road recently for a 37-date US tour in anticipation of the record.

Watch the video for Home, below.

Goo Goo Dolls “Home” from Devin Sarno on Vimeo.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Band you should know!

Southern (Ft. Worth, Texas) and full of soul, comes Green River Ordinance, a 5-piece pop/rock band that displays heartfelt chemistry through the lungs of sound. The Texan boys refer to Third Eye Blind, Coldplay, Switchfoot, Radiohead, Lifehouse, Tonic, Goo Goo Dolls, & Flickerstick as their musical influences.

The band took their name from a street sign found in a back yard. The Green River Ordinance outlawed door-to-door salesmen from visiting homes without an approval from the house owner. This appealed to the band as their fan base was growing in a door-to-door direction it seemed by word of mouth.

Check out the music video to the beautiful On Your Own, below.

And for a free mp3 download from Green River Ordinance, click here.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Upon writing, I try to focus my energy on artists and their originality, but every once in a while copy-cat syndrome can be a juicy thing. This is the “go-green” age, so why not recycle a song by spinning it in a way that’s modern?

Big ups to Florence + The Machine for this charming rendition of the Robert Palmer classic Addicted to Love. Although a fan of Florence and her posse’s personal work, I can’t get this off of repeat. Normally if I heard this song on the radio, I’d most likely turn the dial; in this case, only thing to turn is the volume, higher.

Her voice is a machine, and although some may find the original hit a bit trite, this new rendition is epic, and improved drastically. Sometimes cover songs tend to catch a bad rap; even when our beloved artists record one, we usually last about two or three listens before ready to discover something original.

Florence + The Machine will definitely benefit from borrowing this material, for it showcases a completely new range and style. Hell, might as well face it: I’m addicted to it.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

North Carolina’s own Paper Tongues provide a little flavor in your ears. A seven page masterpiece of musicians with eclectic backgrounds: Aswan North, Devin Forbes, Cody Blackler, Joey Signa, Clayton Simon, Jordan Hardee and Danny Santell. Managed by American Idol’s Randy Jackson (don’t worry, they don’t suck), they merely gave him their Myspace link and mobile digits, with no expectations or hope of becoming the next “idols”, per say. As stated in Trinity, “Don’t ask me where I’m going, cause I could never prove that…But I do have something to say”. They said it, Randy heard it, and the rest is history.

Their self-titled debut album has hit the shelves hard. Ten doses of delicious rap, shake, funk, and character are ready to smack you in the face; but trust me, it won’t hurt. Each track is incredibly boombastic, romantic fantastic.

These guys have experimented with all different genres, but as stated in Ride to California, they realized all is better than one; “I’ve been up but I ain’t down, I’ve been lost but now I’m found”. This is a song that will make you shake and shimmy, but will also make you think; stimulating and appealing.

Catch Paper Tongues on tour this spring/summer. Hear live music that will make you proud to cry, dance, love, and live, for they are a movement. These boys will dominate, for their tongues deliver the message of their hearts. After all, in the words of Buddha, “The tongue’s like a sharp knife…it kills without drawing blood.”

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

//And I never wanted anything from you
Except everything you had
And what was left after that too//

If you do not know Florence + The Machine, you really should. The critically acclaimed band, led by frontwoman Florence Welch has made one killer cannonball splash in the music industry.

The new music video for DOG DAYS ARE OVER (watch in full, above) is vibrant, edgy, and brimming with ecstatic energy. The energy of the music is backed with incredible lyrics, filled with substance, echoing a message of hope and love. Although this track already had a video, which was released in 2008, Florence Welch classified it as “cheap,” and so she made another. And I must say, I agree with her–the first video did nothing for the song in my opinion. Although this video is definitely eccentric, it’s also undoubtedly fascinating, fitting the elements of the song more precisely IMHO.

The song was also chosen to be featured in the trailer for EAT PRAY LOVE, starring Julia Roberts. The movie will hit theatres on August 13th. The anticipated flick also stars James Franco and Javier Bardem. Check out the theatrical trailer for the film, based on the inspiring true story, below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

A musical montage that has been written sometime ago is finally being read; The Script. Their self-titled album blends characteristic song construction with grainy contemporary narratives. The Ireland natives have an alt-rock sound, soft interior, and a hint of r&b on the side, as in their heartbreak smash Breakeven, “What am I supposed to do, when the best part of me was always you.” Rock influenced by Missy Elliot and TLC? Um, yes please.

If you aren’t into today’s pop-rock music, try reading from a different script. These melodies are instantaneously memorable, and the bright lyrics will grab your emotions as they unfold. Stand-out tracks such as We Cry and The Man Who Can’t Be Moved solidify that this is a band you need to know. Give your ears a treat to something intelligent, beautifully crafted and compelling. The heart of this band may not be breaking even, but it’s definitely breaking out.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Train was inescapable during the turn of the 21st century, when songs like “Calling All Angels” and “Drops of Jupiter” were topping the charts. Although formed during the glory days of post-grunge, they found more success in the pop/rock cluster, and continue to do so today. Hey Soul Sister, the band’s first single since 2001, is riding the track to success. Combine that unique feel with a catchy chorus, and you’ll remember why you loved Train so much.

Save Me San Francisco is an autobiographical statement of Train’s initial stages, and embodies not only the spirit of the album, but also the soul of Train for who they are. Be ready for a pleasant sonic experience which will show you these boys aren’t anywhere near the last stop. They’ve managed to stick to their sound, but also left room to expand their fanbase in the USA and the world.

“I’m so glad you have a one-track mind, like me…” — we’re glad too, Train; all aboard!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

When I first heard Ian Axel I immediately felt moved. I was new to this giant spiderweb of a city, new to the chaos of New York that can sometimes swallow you whole. I can assure you that I felt like I was falling apart at the time–I had no job, not many friends, and my first love had just crushed my heart. But when I heard his song HOME via MTV’s Real World, even though I felt completely alone at the time, I felt connected again. To me, that’s music–the ability to give light and electricity to those who have burned out. I had no clue, that a little over a year later that I would have the chance to interview the same artist who truly affected my life.

In a humble and honest interview with BTB, I spoke with Ian on his new album, his life, and his ability to express the words he sometimes has trouble speaking, through the keys of the piano.

Ian, who says he is learning to love himself through this entire experience, spoke in a way that felt completely genuine. We talked about all things music, including my plea for him to spill some of his guilty pleasures. To see if I succeed, listen to the interview below. And please be aware that it’s a little lengthy! We got carried away.

Ian Axel Interview by Rob Brayl (Audio)

Please be sure to pick up Ian’s album(s) on iTunes/Amazon and check out the video for THIS IS THE NEW YEAR (featuring Chad Vaccarino), below.

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Parachute is rising. A dynamic of five best friends proves to be the perfect recipe for the new group that’s quickly gaining momentum. Hitting the road with our lady Kelly Clarkson this spring is a huge milestone for the fellas. These rockers have an edge and a softer side, proving so in She Is Love, “And I lost my faith, in my darkest days, but she makes me want to believe”. How dreamy, romantic guitar riffs for timeless tunes; after all, love is a subject everyone understands.

The boys from Virginia have a polished sound and look that is worth checking out. With a wide repertoire, they can do upbeat, downbeat, and maybe even invent a new beat, something for every listener. “Oh it takes no time to make things clear, I might be blind but I can hear”.

We hear you Parachute, and we’re definitely listening.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Maybe she’s born with it, maybe it’s Maybelline.

Adam Lambert has released his new music video and to my surprise he isn’t drowning in makeup. Don’t get me wrong, there’s still makeup, but it’s not overdone. This is the side of Adam’s sound (and image) that I like the best. The song was originally written for P!nk’s Funhouse album and is one of the best songs on his record in my opinion. Besides the fact that I didn’t like the direction of the album cover, I still gave the album a chance. It’s a good album but I was expecting more rock and less disco. I am not a fan of the “campy” throwback feel on some of the more upbeat songs. I think Lambert shines best on rock n’ roll (the track SLEEPWALKER co-written by Ryan Tedder is my absolute favorite on the album), and he’s definitely shining here, in the just-released music video for Whataya Want For Me.

Check it out!

Adam Lambert – New Music – More Music Videos

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

On heavy rotation: Kris Allen / I Need To Know

The song is obviously stained by The Fray’s touch and I can’t help but to find God scorched in the message of the song. Check out the melodramatic piano-driven rock track co-written by Joe King of The Fray, below.

Sorry for the past few posts being American Idol affiliated, but I’m tweeny-bopping out for the new season to start! The series premiere will air Tuesday, January 12th. The first three weeks of episodes will feature the always fun auditions along with guest judges including: Victoria Beckham (as seen below), Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Neil Patrick Harris, Joe Jonas, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry and Shania Twain.

Victoria Beckham greets fans in Denver, Colorado, for a guest judging appearance on a call back audition for the American Idol show.
(AP Photo/Charles Pulliam)

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

In a down-to-earth interview for BTB, Das Pop reveals a bit of the thread behind their sound’s charming seams. Check out my interview with the Belgium band, below.

ROB BRAYL: Without a doubt, I can hear Das Pop being played in all the dive bars in Brooklyn. Do you plan to tour in the US?

DAS POP: I (Bent Van Looy) have been in the bars you speak of, enjoying a wide variety of drinks (White Russian, Gin Tonic, Long Island Ice Tea or indeed a simple beer) and I, too, can hear our songs playing loudly in the background. It is the best thing in the world, having your songs become the soundtrack to someone else’s life, it is the highest honour. We’d love to play in the US but so far there are no concrete tour dates…

RB: Explain your latest record in three words.

DP: Nostalgia For The Unknown. (Well aware that there’s four words but I thought we could count “for” and “the” as one perhaps?)

RB: I’ve noticed the word “TV” (see next question) in several lyrics. Would you ever allow your music to be featured on, let’s say, the show Gossip Girl?

DP: I grew up without being allowed to listen to pop music, also there was no TV in our house, a forest cabin. A little further away, two boys our age who lived in the woods too, would sometimes let me watch their black and white television set. It was on here that I first came in contact with pop music. We were watching the top 40 and Michael Jackson came on, singing The Way you Make Me Feel and in the meantime changing my life forever. Maybe my obsession with pop and the frequent appearances of TV in lyrics are a result of them lacking in my childhood. About this Gossip Girl business, yes please. Since people have rather gone off buying records, appearing in ads, films or on TV, is one of the only ways a band can make a little money to survive.

RB: I love these lines from A Naked Girl (below). Can you let me in on some secret inspirations behind a few tracks?

See me in the early nineties
Sleeping in my underwear
This is where I turn the lights off
Take me there
Everybody’s dirty dancing
I alone can hear the sound
TV makes when it’s switched on
Burning out
A naked girl

DP: Thanks! You have tracked down an early period lyric. What I try to convey in lyrics is a vague but very strong yearning for an unknown past (or even future). It’d be amazing if a lyric could take the listener back with the same force a smell can transport one to a specific place or time. You’re just listening to this song and all of a sudden you’re on this moldy sofa, in your underwear, the TV flickering in the other room. That would be magical.

RB: I read something about Soulwax and roast beef dinners. Can you spill the beans on this?

DP: Mixing the album in Soulwax’s studio was one of the happiest times yet. Niek, our bass player, is an excellent chef and David and Stephen agreed to produce the album on the condition that they’d be well fed during the proceedings. We’d work like animals and when we all sat around the big table at night we’d talk about the music, friends, and wine.

RB: If I were to look through your record collection, any albums I’d be shocked to find?

DP: I own a disturbing amount of Alan Parsons Project albums and when I was last buying music online I was shocked the next morning to find I had bought quite a lot of Billy Joel records, and not of the “cool early period” either!

RB: What are your thoughts on the current state of pop music?

DP: I think a lot of good pop music is still being made but it doesn’t seem to matter as much as it used to, maybe. Also, with the CD on its last legs, I think there are some really interesting times ahead. We will no longer be tied to this “12 songs on a disc”-concept. I dream about a day when the moment you finish a song, you can release it immediately without waiting until you have enough killer and possibly filler to fill an “album”…

RB: Are there any specific organizations/charities you are passionate about as a group?

DP: Traveling around when on tour, we’ve noticed that we are not into this whole globalization thing at all. Also: save the animals and all organizations that take care of that!

RB: How is life at the moment? Happy with the direction your music is going?

DP: Very! We’re still having tremendous fun playing the songs all over the place and have just returned from Stockholm where we’ve started writing and recording new things for the next album. They sound great!

RB: To the kids who have never heard of you before this interview, what’s one thing they should know about Das Pop?

DP: They should come out and see us live! We try to make our shows so much more than just four guys playing the record on a stage. It should be a once-in-a-lifetime for everyone involved!