Posts Tagged ‘Visual’

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?

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

[All photos via Getty Images]

Ok, Gaga makes one creepy old man! Adele’s WTF face in the audience was priceless and my thoughts exactly. But what else is new? Same ridiculous crap.

Nicki Minaj’s outfit is epic…epically HORRENDOUS. Gurl bye.

Pitbull… Get it, papi! Latinos always bring the heat!

Adele’s performance, with nothing but a microphone and a piano, has exposed the sham that is 90% of the other acts that have performed so far tonight. The woman knows real music, heartbreak, and what true beauty is all about. Gorgeous!

Get More: 2011 VMA, Music, Adele

Ok, not to sound mean but I definitely think Taylor Lautner has tasted the rainbow!

SOUTHERN PRIDE! GO BRITNEY & BEYONCE!

Amy Winehouse, RIP.

OMGOMGOMG DRAKE, my baby daddy!!!

Get More: Music News

Lil Wayne, for the love of God! Please pull your pants up!

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

ROB BRAYL: Let’s start off this interview randomly, shall we? What are you doing this exact moment?

CAROLINA LIAR FRONTMAN CHAD WOLF: I’m in my kitchen packing for a move, combined with some extra lunges so I can get an extra work out, while eating what shouldn’t be packed up… It’s a good day!

ROB: The new record, ‘Wild Blessed Freedom’ — in three words is about?

CHAD: A new approach.

ROB: As any other CL fan, I was moved by your breakout single ‘Show Me What I’m Looking For’ — do you feel the new album is full of similar emotionally charged content?

CHAD: Thank you! I don’t think it would be honest if it didn’t have that emotion. One thing I’m so grateful for is that ‘Show Me’ is and was as honest as it could be. When we play it live it comes from something deep inside.

ROB: I know that you’ve worked with Max Martin and other pop industry giants for your new and previous albums, and I wanted to get an opinion on something I recently read, an article in which Linda Perry called Katy Perry’s music “popcorn”, basically insinuating it wasn’t as authentic as say the new Adele. Any thoughts on this?

CHAD: Personally, I love popcorn. Some of the greatest moments of my life were shared with a big fat greasy box of popcorn. Those kind of comments seem silly to me. There are people who experience Katy Perry on the same emotional level that someone will experience Adele and both are great and very real. It all comes from where you are in your life — being “cool” can really skew perspective.

ROB: Is it true that you grew up in a Pentecostal household? (I have a similar background, also growing up Pentecostal in the South. Southern pride, what what!)

CHAD: Oh yes, I did! At one point I was looking into becoming a preacher but my mom told me I needed to work in music, that was my first love and always will be. But I’ve seen the Holy Ghost in action twice in my life and whatever that was, once you feel something like that you will always be Pentecostal no matter how far you get away from the church… right?

ROB: Which track do you feel is the standout on the new record? Care to provide the backstory to said track?

CHAD: ‘Beautiful People’ has got some special mojo. There is something so real in that song that I can’t quite put it into words. It was an idea that my friend Alex Kronlund had, and it got its start when me, my girlfriend at the time and Tobias Karlsson moved out of his house, and we all stopped talking to each other because of some drama that has long since been worked out. But he focused all of that energy into that song when we started working on this record. He played me what he started and I really came out of my skin. That song is a real gift.

ROB: I always ask this and it never gets old: What’s your current guilty pleasure? (Music and non-related musical items welcome.)

CHAD: Cooking and eating. I honestly cannot get enough of all this amazing food that is available right now. I mean we got some Sprinkles Cupcakes the other day, thinking that all the hype was just BS, but no no no. That is not the case. Those things are crazy.

ROB: Most played song on your iPod at the moment?

CHAD: Kvelertak ‘Utrydd dei Svake’ — it’s a great black metal band.

ROB: Do you guys plan to tour the US with this album? Specifically NYC? Pretty please.

CHAD: We are planning everything right now. We hope we will have the details on where and what we are up to before weeks end! We will come to NYC, there’s no way we couldn’t.

ROB: And finally, can you get me an job/internship with Max Martin or Diane Warren. I have no shame! Also, can you explain what it was/has been like working with these pop powerhouses.

CHAD: I’ll see what I can do — I’ll put in a five star reference at the least. Those guys have taught me that no matter how big and great you are, you are only as good as the moment that you are in and you have got to work every time you get a chance and have complete reckless abandon when it comes to your art! Let me get back to you on the jobs! Thanks for reaching out to us.

Carolina Liar’s new album, Wild Blessed Freedom drops September 27th.

Watch the video for Drown, the first single off the new record below.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

So yeah, there was an earthquake today in New York City…

Honestly, I thought these types of things only happened to those stupid enough to live in LA. Right? Earthquakes in New York, really? What’s next? Sunshine in Seattle?!

The only way I’d ever be ok with earthquakes is if Jake Gyllenhaal is by my side protecting me from the elements like in The Day After Tomorrow! If there’s any way to go, it would be helpful to have a real, genuine, loving, non-douchey ball of scruff by your side.

On a serious note, my company was located in the Twin Towers on 9/11 before moving to Brooklyn after the attack. So you can imagine how some of the people were feeling in the office when the ground started to shake. Hearing those people talk about that day on 9/11, how they managed to get out of the towers was terrifying but beautiful. Most spoke of how they thought it was an earthquake as well. It certainly left a yearning in the pit of my stomach and made me want to pick up the phone and spill my heart to a few people.

Read between the cracked earthquake lines with a little Pixie…

Heart first / dancefloor second.

By: Rob Brayl
For BiggerThanBeyonce.Com

BTB favorite Natalia Kills recently took over the roof of New York City’s Atlas Hotel, to celebrate the release of her debut album Perfectionist dropping earlier this week. Performing singles Wonderland and Free acoustically, the live set was part of the Hotel’s 4th Annual Open A.I.R: Artist In Residence Summer Concert Series, an event that benefits the National Breast Cancer Coalition.

Awesome music + NYC rooftop views + a wonderful cause = 2Grool4Skewl!

[Related Post: On Heavy Rotation: Natalia Kills]