Posts Tagged ‘Visual’

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Swedish singer/songwriter and Eurovision 2012 winner, Loreen, has really caught my attention with the new video for We Got The Power. Written by Ester Dean and produced by Patrik Berger and Easter Berger (Icona Pop/Rihanna/Robyn), the video (directed by Loreen herself) is captivating and striking.

Says Loreen, when speaking on her direction: “I always have a clear picture of what I want to convey in my artistry and feel a great responsibility for the things I release. Moving images, for me, creates an extra dimension to the music. In addition, we need more female directors in the industry. More women who dare to take place, just like the video for ‘We Got The Power’ is doing.”

Girl power!

Watch the visual feast unfold 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: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Haven’t heard of Frank Turner? You need to. The English singer/songwriter has been melting hearts in the industry for a few years now, while making the deep conversion from punk rocker to acoustic solo-throb. His new single, Recovery, can be found on his latest record, and fifth solo release, Tape Deck Heart. He spoke of this release in recent interviews saying that (without going into lengthy details) it instantly became a “breakup” record.

This single is the perfect opener, with a radio-friendly sound and a lustrous production that has certainly evolved from his past releases. It’s backed by a triumphant piano, almost throwing a bright coat of paint on a fresh breakup. Meaning it’s unexpectedly uplifting despite its gut-wrenching topic. If you’re hesitant about indulging head-first into the whole record, this track will guide you on the right path.

Having only listened to a few tracks, I can tell this is an insanely personal record, almost opening the lock to his diary (if diaries still exist nowadays) and giving fans a taste of what really happens in the mind of Frank Turner.

Check out Recovery and then move on to the rest of Tape Deck Heart.

Whether you are going through a time of sorrow or not, this record will move you, in one way or another.

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

Creating a jam that’s soothing and unfiltered comes Austin-based Alpha Rev. These Texas alt-rockers are creating ripples with their new video Sing Loud, which is not only beautiful, but a memorable imprint for those who have yet to experience their music.

The track is the first single off their new album, Bloom, available now.

This Spring, you can catch the band hitting the road with Nashville singer/songwriter Ben Rector.

Check out the video for Sing Loud below.

Totally infatuated with this song!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Obsessed! Obsessed! Obsessed!

Saturday, Monday’s video for The Ocean (featuring Julia Spada) is absolutely amazing. It’s a hidden gem that defies gravity, space and time. Its beauty is electric and cool. Undoubtedly, it won’t be long until this Swedish band is on everyone’s radar.

Directed by Maceo Frost and Robin Günther, the video was shot at -10C by the shore of the island Öland in the middle of the Baltic Sea. If that’s not gorgeous enough, the video captures Saturday, Monday’s dramatic strings over minimal techno, paired with Spada’s poetry and haunting vocals, spinning a dark, sublime tale of lost love.

The Ocean is the title track of Saturday, Monday’s new four track EP that was released worldwide on February 27.

Stunning!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

With a sound as fresh and easy breezy as their name, Pacific Air is certainly on course to becoming the next big buzz band. Why? They’re cool. So much so, that their music could easily find its way on the soundtrack to a Bret Easton Ellis flick. (Although admittedly, their music may be little too uplifting for that.)

California brothers Ryan and Taylor make up the act, and the pair have created a new music video for their infectious song Float. The track is the first single off their newest release, Long Live Koko EP, which is available for purchase on iTunes now. The music video for the ditty was heavily influenced by a 60′s Vogue cover shoot, with classic Beverly Hills inspiration seen throughout.

It’s straight-up chic, y’all.

The duo is currently touring with Walk the Moon and RA RA RIOT, and recently finished a stint with my boys, Passion Pit.

Their debut album is due out this spring.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

ROB BRAYL: Ok, Mr. Daniel, first things first… You’re back, completely independent, and NAKED. I feel like I need a cigarette (and I don’t smoke) after watching your most recent videos (‘Rocks Off’ & ‘Secret Fear’) from your latest ‘Secret Fear’ EP. Do you mind if I call you sexy?

DANIEL BEDINGFIELD: I have been known to accept compliments of that nature before. Nice to have someone focusing on something other than the girls in my video for once.

RB: In all seriousness, the visuals are stunning. Can you give us a little insight regarding their inspiration?

DB: Everything was designed to portray contrast. Relationships are very complex. And the relationships I’ve experienced in the past have been innately complex. The video seems to successively provoke opposing feelings of entrapment and obsession in the viewing audience, the eternal spin-cycle of revolving binary emotions and triggers. The nudity invokes the traditional desire of artists throughout the centuries portraying humans without their trappings of culture or status enabling the viewer to see the work as a human experience.

RB: When listening to the new material and watching the videos, knowing you are an independent artist now, it all makes sense… There’s an incredible sense of liberation present. Do you feel less chains and more freedom now to create the music you want to create now that you’re indie?

DB: I paid with years of my life to procure this freedom, it’s everything to me. No fat-cats sitting over my shoulder, trying to mould my art as I make it. I AM very limited without the financial backing of large corporations, but I find the limitations serve my purposes, rather than curtailing my activities.

RB: Back to being naked (laughs)… The part of your music that I cling to the most is the emotionally naked pieces. My favorite track on the EP is ‘Don’t Write Me Off’. It’s breathtaking. I love it so much! I just wanted to speak as a fan for a moment and say thank you for bringing such beautiful songs to life.

DB: You’re a sweetheart and I greatly appreciate your support.

RB: Are you touring with the new stuff?

DB: Of course! But without record company backing it’s a lot more difficult. If you’d like to organize a large enough audience for me, I’ll come and play in your town.

RB: What’s next on this fresh new journey for you? (Please come to Brooklyn!)

DB: A ha! Brooklyn! This I can do. How’s Williamsburg? New E.P out shortly, and I suspect you may enjoy this new video too.

RB: Current guilty pleasures. Give us something juicy!

DB: Telling little kids how to sing better as if I know what I’m talking about. Judging talent competitions and mentoring, voice coaching and shaping young talent.

RB: If I were to look at your laptop or iPod, what kind of music filth would I find?

DB: Marilyn Manson, Rowdy Superstar, Azealia Banks, Mykki Blanco… And that’s just half of the filthy stuff.

RB: Are there any charities you’re currently working with?

DB: I’m working to free the 26 million slaves on the planet with Stop The Traffik. I’m particularly focussed on ending sex trafficking of women and children.

RB: And finally, this blog, much like yourself and your incredible new material, is completely independent. So thank you for taking the time to speak with us. To end this interview, give us something random to close out with? Make it count!

DB: Thank you for all your love and support, I’m coming back – watch out, biatch. Tweet me, Facebook me, and I will reply to you if you say something that fascinates me.

Love him!

View the new & improved indie/sexy/stunning Daniel Bedingfield below.

[Related Post: Daniel Bedingfield's Back & Showing Butt]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Not every artist or band has the ability to hold your attention hostage quite like Awolnation. Honestly, watching these dudes in action is like staring at your opponent during an intense game of poker via partycasino.com. This band delivers and captivates in a way all their own. And with much success (two million sales of their breakthrough single Sail in the US) under their belt, the band have released a new deluxe edition of their debut album Megalithic Symphony on iTunes, with six bonus live tracks.

Recorded at the Summit Music Hall in Denver last September as part of the band’s massive US tour, the deluxe release includes a new live version of the next UK single Kill Your Heroes (which came out earlier this week), as well as live versions of Guilty Filthy Soul, Sail, Soul Wars, All I Need and Burn It Down.

On top of the re-release comes some UK tour dates, where the band will be supported by Itch, the ex-frontman of The King Blues.

Upcoming Tour Dates:

13 February BIRMINGHAM, Institute
15 February LONDON, Heaven
16 February MANCHESTER, Academy 3
17 February GLASGOW, Garage

Woot!

BTW, I’m pretty much obsessed with this video at the moment!

[Related Post: Awolnation]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Meet Norwegian singer Monica Birkeness, also known as Mr. Little Jeans. According to Guardian writer Paul Lester, Monica got the name of her musical alias from a character in Wes Anderson’s film Rushmore. But really, that’s besides the point.

The point is that her music is the sh*t. No backstory needed really.

With one listen of the lush electro-pop tune Runaway, it’s apparent that Mr. Little Jeans is a noodle that sticks. Bad analogy? Yes. But whatever, I’m feelin’ its weirdness.

The sick single also comes backed with a cool yet borderline creepy video.

Check it!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Meet Nikki Williams: A fresh 22-year-old South African talent who’s making a splash with her debut single Kill, F*ck, Marry.

According to the interwebs, at age 16, Nikki moved to the States and was discovered while singing to herself at the Roosevelt Hotel in L.A. Like REALLY? What are the effin’ chances, right?!

And if that isn’t enough, the icing on top of the already-scrumptious cake, is that homegirl’s debut single was written by the incredible Sia and mega-producer Stargate.

Talk about a musical fairytale!

Watch Nikki Williams’ stunning music video for Kill, F*ck, Marry below.

Lovin’ this chick!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

I love Passion Pit with a passion, so needless to say, whenever I found out that Youngblood Hawke would be opening for band, I had to do a little investigatin’. Turns out, these guys are the sh*t.

Recently signed to Universal Republic Records, their debut single, We Come Running, is one undeniable gem. It’s anthemic, hook-heavy, and hypnotizing.

Speaking on the track, the band told Rolling Stone: “We wrote the song ‘We Come Running’ to lift us up. It was a personal anthem for the band. It was written during the early stages, when we were all working terrible jobs that left us drained and uninspired. All we wanted to do was create music and, at that time, that dream felt galaxies away. The song served as a reminder to always follow your passion. Do what makes you happy and keeps you fulfilled, no matter what.”

Such a relatable message! Cubicles suck!

For the video treatment of the song, the band headed to the coast of the Bahamas to swim with live tiger and lemon sharks, enlisting award-winning director Marc Klasfeld (Jay-Z, Foo Fighters, fun., Red Hot Chili Peppers) to create a video that’s both original and visually captivating.

I f*cking love it!

Upcoming Youngblood Hawke Tour Dates:
# – w/ Passion Pit

10/16 – Washington, DC – 930 Club #
10/18 – Raleigh, NC – Disco Rodeo #
10/19 – Charleston, SC – Music Farm #
10/20 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade #
10/22 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues #
10/23 – Hollywood, FL – Arts Park Amphitheatre #
10/24 – Gainesville, FL – Stephen O’Connell Center #
10/26 – Oxford, MS – Lyric Oxford #
10/27 – Memphis, TN – Minglewood #
10/29 – Minneapolis, MN – First Ave #
10/30 – Minneapolis, MN – First Ave #
11/01 – Milwaukee, WI – Riverside #
11/02 – Detroit, MI – Royal Oak Music Theater #
11/03 – Columbus, OH – LC Pavilion #
11/04 – Covington, KY – The Madison House #
11/06 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE #
11/28 – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy (KROQ show)

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

A flawless piece of art. Quite possibly the best video I’ve seen all damn year…

Directed by Floria Sigismondi and choreographed by the Golden Boyz, Pink’s just-released video for Try is a visual feast, spilling over the brim with passion, paint, and vicious acrobatics. Dancer Colt Prattes (Ummm, what a f*cking hottie! Sorry, had a moment!) takes on the leading male role in the video, creating a physically emotional and relatable presence with Pink in a series of modern dance scenes.

Try is the second single released from her latest album, The Truth About Love, and on a personal level, one of my favorites from the album. No joke, I’ve played this damn song probably 500x since the disc was released.

This may be a bold statement, but I think this is Pink’s greatest piece of work, from a visual slash music video perspective.

Pink agrees: “Making this video was the most fun I’ve ever had in my entire career. I never wanted it to end. It’s my favorite video ever.”

Stunning music video + recent live performance following.

[Related Post: New P!nk Cuts Like A Razorblade]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Bathroom stalls, pink pickup trucks, weaves and confetti… In the new music video for Your Body, Christina is one stop from Trannytown, and I love it! I also happen to love the fact that she’s embracing her curves and giving everyone a big FU! Good for her!

Watch the brand spankin’ new clip (directed by Melina Matsoukas) below + for shits & giggles, a blooper reel of Xtina from The Voice following.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The Rocket Summer has just released the music video for new single 200,000 and it’s pretty rad. The clip, directed by Marshall Burnette, features Bryce Avary trekking through some sticky situations: smoking cars, desolate woods, and gangsta kiddies! All for the sake of delivering a song to his soulmate (played by his real-life wife, Tara Avary). Too sweet!

[Sidenote: Loving the subtle explosion at the end of the vid. Nice touch!]

The song is taken from TRS’ latest effort, Life Will Write The Words, which dropped earlier this year via Bryce’s label, Aviate Records.

This album, like all of Bryce’s previous work, is heartfelt and piercing.

The new clip + watch former So You Think You Can Dance winner Benji Schwimmer move to one of my favorite tracks from the album, the goosebump-worthy Scrapbook below.