Posts Tagged ‘Visual’

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

“The people you’re after are the people you depend on. We cook your food, we haul your trash, we connect your calls, we drive your ambulances. We guard you while you sleep. Do not fuck with us.”

-Tyler Durden, Fight Club

If you look at it logically, we have the power. We’ve got the majority of the vote, the more manpower, and the most potential. The working class, the bourgeois, even the proletarians have been cited again and again as the untapped resource of the world, the key to social revolution. So how come every cubicle boy with his briefcase and every cleaning lady with her hairnet feel nothing but demoralized and degraded?

Where did the power go?

When I was growing up, everyone wanted to be doctors, teachers, firefighters, charity workers. As children, we had our priorities figured out! We wanted to embrace careers that helped people, careers that involved exploration and creativity.

So how come we grew up, got saddled with a shit-storm of a desk job and forgot about those ideals we used to so proudly hold? How did we go from idolizing teachers and nurses to coveting the lives of businessmen and billionaires?

It’s the formula, kids. The formula that keeps us working class ‘where we belong’.

Oh, you don’t know the formula? The formula is a time-honoured concoction pushed forth by the top one percentile to ensure that the majority will never revolt and make society their own.

It is applied as follows:

Step One. Go to school. Distract yourself with games and gossip, socialization and alienation.

Step Two. Graduate. Distract yourself with career goals, getting an apartment, going to parties, getting a girlfriend, having a good time.

Step Three. Get a job/go to college. Distract yourself with debt, menial labour, sex, and your choice of socially acceptable self-medication.

Step Four. Get married. Distract yourself with meagre relational squabbles, pumping out kids, balancing the budget, and continuing to abuse your choice of socially accepted drugs.

Step Five. Die before you have a chance to make a change.

This is the Game of Life for the working class, and the Top Five are intent on us keeping our pieces on the board. If we stray away, they freak. When we explore art, protests, activism, charity work or fighting against the status quo, it upsets the balance of our carefully crafted depression. But not to worry: that’s what prisons are for.

So, why does the formula work? That’s easy. It’s a potent combination of sedatives, diversions, and dwindling dreams. The number one percentile erases our socially-oriented goals and replaces them with less positive, more selfishly driven ideals. (Thank the profit motive for that, I guess.)

We replace the weekends at a dog shelter or soup kitchen with playing video games or going to the bar. We give up on being a playwright and get a job writing for a fashion magazine instead. The Top Five knows it’s exhausting to fight against their current of commercialism, and they know that we’re going to give up.

They know we’re going to shuffle through our mediocre lives, content with being discontented. They know we’ll keep pushing, secretly hoping that all those dreams they’re selling us are going to come true.

Humans used to depend on the struggle to survive. We had to be constantly out-thinking predators and outsmarting competition in order to thrive. Now, there is no need for such struggle. The only toil we have is found in maintaining our pay-cheques and keeping our taxes in tow. Everything else is automatic, instant, delivered. We have fast food and ‘for a limited time only’ sales promotions. We don’t know how to wait, and we don’t know how to work towards something better.

If someone’s handing me a greasy slab of dead cow for only a dollar, why should I waste time growing veggies in my backyard? If the company that tests on animals gets me the shine I like on my lips for less money, why waste time finding an organic, cruelty-free company?

I get it. We’re tired. They’ve swamped us with unattainable desires. We see nothing but cars we can’t afford, bodies we’ll never have, and holidays we don’t have time to take. They’ve got us chasing our shadow, and worst of all, they’ve got us liking it.

But we can’t stay stuck in the formula. We have to take the power back.

The best way to rip yourself from the status quo? Get thinking. Get talking. Look up articles, immerse yourself in politics, buy from thrift stores, learn to bake, learn a different language, seek out an alternate opinion. Start running. Walk dogs. Read labels. Bring up controversial issues. Look over the leaflet before you throw it away. Stare at the stars. Stay up late. Get up early. Find a job you actually enjoy.

We need to learn to embrace our fear. Maybe it’s easy living inside the formula, but life gets a whole lot better if you try stepping out of it.

Maybe if we harnessed our power, someone would fucking listen.

And I wouldn’t just be some irate little girl ranting to the computer at two o’clock in the morning. Maybe I’d actually be a part of something.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Ok, guys, I need your help.

After tons of research (5 minutes on Google — sorry, my attention span is shot today!), stalking on Faceplace and other social media contrapulations (I think I just made up a word, woo hoo), I can’t seem to figure out where Stacie Orrico has been hiding these past few years. Where is this beautiful, incredibly talented girl tucked away?

She has always been one of my favorite singers and I’ve been in a little frenzy lately, reminiscing. Her vocals are always on point, but more importantly, her songs are fringed with substance and soul.

Maybe the only answer is to hire a private investigator? Really get to the heart of the issue! Cuz I need new music from Stacie pronto, por favor!

[Please note that sarcasm was used in the making of this post. No stalking or private investigator was or will be hired. I'm not that crazy, people!]

Stacie Orrico – (There's Gotta Be) More To Life by EMI_Music

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Spinning a tale of abuse, drugs, and self harm, Rihanna has released the music video for her new dancefloor smash We Found Love. The undoubtedly visual feast has caused quite a stir among the internet with regards to the clip’s darker content. Directed by Melina Matsoukas (Hard, S&M, Rude Boy), the explosive video shows the story of two young people fueled by their toxic passion for drugs and for each other. British model/boxer Dudley O’Shaughnessy (who, let’s face it, looks obviously similar to Chris Brown) plays Rihanna’s lover in the clip.

This video is incredible on the artistic front, and perhaps her best work yet, but I find myself thinking that the latest additions to Rihanna’s music catalogue seem to spit out a message that’s a bit lost when it comes to genuine HEALTHY relationships.

I can’t be the only one? It’s a bit depressing…

Regardless, the song is pop gold and the video equates to one fierce vomiting streamers experience.

Watch the just-released clip below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Sunday Girl (AKA Jade Williams) has written for a whole host of impressive collaborators with tracks on albums by Martin Solveig, Rusko and Booka Shade. Her skills in the pop-writing department are currently in demand from the likes of Deadmau5 and none other than the very Princess of Pop, Kylie Minogue. So needless to say, the material she creates for herself is just as stellar.

The new single, Love U More, takes Sunday Girl’s music into a more commercial arena, meshing heart with dance pop, creating an undeniable appeal. The track was recorded in Club Ralph in London with producer Mark Ralph (Ana Calvi, Hot Chip, The Two Bears).

Now signed with Polydor, Love U More marks a fresh start in the run up to Jade’s debut album, which is set to drop early in 2012.

Sunday Girl has also made a solid name for herself in the fashion world over the past year, which has invited the interest of Firetrap who approached her to design her own AW11 collection for the label. This exclusive range will be available from early October and is already being worn by a host of celebs including: Fearne Cotton and Rihanna.

Watch the super sweet and super chic video for Love U More below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

The More You Know!

Girls, listen up. You can’t always add “sexy” to every Halloween costume and make it work. Example: What are you? Oh, I’m an aborted fetus. A SEXY aborted fetus! See. It ain’t always cute. Please take note and save yourself the embarrassment of looking unsexy.

Hope no one thinks my sense of humor is insensitive. Just trying to be a good samaritan and help a few ho-bags out! Please don’t bitchslap me. Thanks.

Speaking of ho-bags…

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Meet Lana Del Rey (Lizzy Grant); a rare gem in a musical world filled with artificial jewels. EP Video Games has finally dropped, and the world can now be at peace. The 24-year-old Brooklyn-based Hollywood pop/sad core goddess is just what I have been looking for. Track Blue Jeans is soaked in the same pained wistfulness as the gloomy Video Games (so simplistically beautiful), but with a much firmer edge than its popping counterpart. The obstinate rock ballad transports a serious punch of urban flare, with a resolute hip-hop sound that feels like you’re listening to a sixties boogie that got lost in the streets of the hood, and decided, shit, I’ll stay. It’s amazing how two tracks can be strong enough to simply define such a talent.

Upon researching and seeking further explanation of this musical mystery woman, I discovered some blogster hating on Miss Lana. Yes, she may be a sex symbol — a glorified one — but her sound is equal to her striking exterior. Quite simply, the music itself can shut the haters up. She has it right; the imagery, the instrumentation to the songs, the calming lyrical content, and then of course that smoky, charcoaled voice. She brings that old era to a modern world.

The puckering sound that comes out of those huge lips is something all ears are yearning for. If there were ever any doubts about her before, then they’ve now been expunged. Feel free to indulge and not feel guilty whatsoever.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Ya know how the pasty chick in Mean Girls talks about having ESPN? Well, I have this when it comes to recording artists and the release of new records. Seriously. It’s a gift, what can I say.

For instance, lately I rediscovered my all time favorite Faith Hill track, the haunting You’re Still Here , and I’ve been playing it on repeat in the subway on my way round the NYC.

This is one of those incredible songs that always makes me tear up. I know, I know, you’re probably wondering why I want to listen to songs that make me cry. To be honest, it’s because I think depressing music is the best and certainly the most beautiful. Plus, I’m a Cancer. We’re feely people! And of course, I could go into personal territory with relation to this song but I don’t think I should broadcast that shiz across the www.

Anyways, back to the ESPN bit…

Yeah, so I’ve been playing this song over and over and being all feely and hoping for a new Faith Hill album and sure enough, here it is!

According to CMT:

“Faith Hill hasn’t officially released a new single since 2007′s “Red Umbrella,” which went to No. 28 on Billboard’s Country Songs chart. But EW has learned exclusively that the country superstar is planning to make her long-awaited comeback by performing a new single, “Come Home,” at this year’s 45th Annual CMA Awards, which will air Nov. 9 on ABC at 8 p.m.”

Cannot wait!

Watch the stunning video for my favorite Faith track below.

Faith Hill – You're Still Here by Warner-Music

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Smashing the repeat button with a bottle of lube!

Swedish pop tart Agnes Carlsson is out with the music video to her new single Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, the first release from her upcoming fourth studio album. Co-written by Agnes, the sound of the track follows the electronic dancefloor heels of her smash single Release Me.

Says Agnes: “I write a lot about love and relationships. For better or worse. I love powerful music, as the music approaches the great feelings, and nothing is bigger than love. It’s the greatest thing in the end.”

If the vibrant lube-y description above didn’t make it apparent, I LOVE this song. Bittersweet Europop goodness!

Watch the kaleidoscopic video (directed by Mikeadelica) below.

[Related Post: Agnes Breaks Up On The Dancefloor]

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Oreo cookies and cream!

Patrick Stump has released the music video for new single This City, featuring Lupe Fiasco. The track is taken from the former Fall Out Boy frontman’s debut solo album Soul Punk, which is set to drop on October 18th.

Says Patrick on the track/working with Fiasco: “Before ‘Food & Liquor’ came out he and I were talking about working on something together. I ended up producing the song ‘Little Weapon’ for his ‘The Cool’ record. I actually wrote the hook for ‘This City’ with him in mind before I decided to use it for ‘Soul Punk’, so when the label asked me if I’d be interested in doing a remix with an MC he was the only real way I’d say yes.”

Cool chic video, for sure. Even after several listens though, I still find an uneven balance with this pairing. Maybe it’s just this specific track but something seems off. Not off in a terrible way because I do enjoy this song, but anywhoosie…

Press play!

[Related Post: Patrick Stump Flys Solo, Releases 'Truant Wave' EP]

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Bruno Mars and Eminem have always been able to make me cry. Both have a way of opening up in their lyrics and spreading their guts out on the table. Bruno does it with painful eloquence, and Eminem covers all ranges of intensity. They’re both masters in their own right, yet I never expected them to join forces.

Lighters proved me wrong.

I’m thinking that if Eminem and Royce da 5′9″ did the track alone, it would have only come out as so-so. But with Bruno highlighting the chorus, everything worked out fine.

The only thing I don’t understand is why I haven’t heard it on the radio more. Am I listening to the wrong stations or what?

By: Maria Ciezak
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Los Angeles; where dreamers belong. Talent is produced like toys, including a new Californian quintet/indie powerhouse, Grouplove. Single Colours off of their just-released album, Never Trust a Happy Song, will get them on the musical map to somewhere. Full of giddiness and eagerness, it’s concurrently insubordinate, childish, and promptly appealing. Who doesn’t want to throw up that rebellious middle finger every once in a while?

I just picked up the full length so I could spin the lead single to death (although I don’t regret playing it out, for it molded a characterization of Grouplove for me, and how they have a real knack for animated pop jaunts). So far, so damn good. I taste songs with a zest for life, and despite the title of this record, it is hard not to trust the bright melodies of these happy songs.

Exploring new musical territory, bon voyage.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

First off, apologies to my baby daddy Drake for what I’m about to say. I think I may have a new crush! And he’s white! Guess the world is going to end in 2012 after all. I’m kidding. I love white dudes! As long as they are cool, personable, genuine, funny, and not into like Michelle Bachmann and stuff. Ya know, the usual ‘Is he worth it?’ routine.

His name is Jamie Scott and if you’re from London or a music trendsetter than you may have already called dibs, but I just stumbled across this video and instantly felt static cling. Beyond the surface remains a talent that stings just the same.

The style + art direction hits the bull’s eye.

Watch Jamie Scott in action below to see what I mean.

Graffiti6′s EP Free will drop on October 4th, so watch out!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

OBSESSED!

BTB favorite, Lights, has released the second single from her upcoming album, Siberia, due out October 4th. Toes is a magnetic track fueled with an electronic pulse.

The full track listing for Siberia:

1. Siberia
2. Where the Fence is Low
3. Toes
4. Banner
5. Everybody Breaks a Glass
6. Heavy Rope
7. Timing is Everything
8. Peace Sign
9. Cactus in the Valley
10. Suspension
11. Flux and Flow
12. Fourth Dimension
13. And Counting …
14. Day One

Cannot wait for October 4th to roll around!

Check out the official music video for new single Toes below.

[Related: Lights Trips Over Hip Hop, Drops 'Everybody Breaks A Glass']

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[Myself, Heidi Klum, & Jessica Brasfield of Le-Mos]

Fashion’s Night Out in NYC is no joke! At the beginning of the night, my mantra was simple: As long as no one gets stabbed in da eye with a high heel, all is well.

Highlights:

-L’Oréal Paris spraying so much hairspray I could’ve sworn that if a cig was turned in the wrong direction someone’s ass would’ve been tickled. And by tickled, I mean torched.
-Seeing DJ Pauly D in SoHo. For real, I think you could crack an egg on that hairdo of his. It’s harder than a 2×4. Wait, that didn’t sound right.
-Meeting Heidi Klum!!!
-The original ‘Back to the Future’ car on display at Nike. I mean, how awesome is that? Uber-awesome. Duh.

Ok, back to Heidi for a second…

Yeah, oddly enough we met Heidi at QVC’s party! Who knew QVC would have the coolest party tonight?! Who knew QVC even had parties? Not I! But for real, it was swanky, chic and hella fun. Kathy Griffin was there, too. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to meet Kathy as she was busy being a ham with the press (go fig).

My only beef is spotting Marina & the Diamonds and watching her disappear before I could say hello. She was in attendance at Beth Ditto’s set at MAC Cosmetics. I’ve been writing about her long before she developed a buzz for herself and her music and I just wanted to tell her that. I love her work. Oh well, next time!

All in all, a night of epic proportions (but mainly size zeros — next year, someone needs to hand out deep fried twinkies)!

By: Caitlin Hoffman
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

Back to the eighties! We’re talking big hair, leg warmers, and mega synthetic pop. No, I’m not suggesting a time machine. I’m talking about Junior Boys. They manage the time warp all on their own.

I’d rather a walk on the dark side of the moon than chew a stick of bubblegum, but these boys are good for when I’m taking a break from the gloom. And they’re not pure bubblegum, anyways. More like fresh peppermint under strobe lights.

The swoonable vocals make me think Justin Timberlake. The synth additions scream Culture Club. And the trancey underbeat sets me into a placid meditation, a state wherein I could dance and dance and never get tired.

They’re touring right now, and admittedly, I’m not sure they’re tasty enough to spend a ticket on. But when I go to a concert, I’m expecting headbanging, crowd surfing and nothing less. Something tells me that’s not the vibe going on at their shows.

They may not be number one in my heart, but they could make it to number one on the charts. Will they?