Cover Mania: Here's my top 10 favorite covers of "Let Her Go" by Passenger. Be sure to check out these amazing artists and subscribe to your favorites. Don't forget to VOTE for your favorite cover!
ORIGINAL MUSIC VIDEO: "Let Her Go" - Passenger
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Saturday, March 29, 2014
Friday, March 28, 2014
iTunes Top 10 Playlist
Here is a chart-topping playlist straight off of iTunes to kick off your weekend! Enjoy!
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Thursday, March 27, 2014
Throwback Thursday - Avril Lavigne
"Inspiration for my music just comes from, you know, my life experiences."
- Avril Lavigne
Here is a look at where she started from and where she is today:
September 27, 1984 - Born in Belleville, Ontario, Canada
2000 - Moved to LA (age 16)
2000 - Signed a record deal with Arista Records
June 4, 2002 - Debuted her first album: Let It Go, which was certified 4x platinum, and became the best selling debut album of the year.
2002 - Named Best New Artist of the Year at the MTV awards
2004 - Released her second album: Under My Skin which sold over 10 million copies
2007 - Released her first #1 single: "Girlfriend"
March 2008: Starting her first world tour: The Best Damn Tour
February 28, 2010 - Performed at the Vancouver Olympics
2010 - Created the Avril Lavigne Foundation dedicated to helping young people with disabilities and serious illnesses
Jan 11, 2011 - Single "What the Hell" is released
March 11, 2011 - Music Video of "Black Star" debuted
April 11, 2011 - Began the Black Star Tour
April 9, 2013 - Debuted new single "Here's to Never Growing Up"
November 2013 - Released her fifth album: Avril Lavigne
April 2014 - Start of The Avril Lavigne Tour
Buy your tickets for #TheAvrilLavigneTour today
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
YouTube Artist of the Week - Lindsey Stirling
"The only reason I'm successful is because I have stayed true to myself."- Lindsey Stirling
Have you ever seen anyone dance hip-hop/dubstep while rocking out on the violin? If not, then you haven't met the insanely talented Lindsey Stirling. Lindsey Stirling has become a YouTube sensation over the past three years. She began playing violin at the age of five. In high school, she joined a rock band called "Stomp on Melvin." She started herb YouTube channel, LindseyStomp in 2007. In 2010, she was a contestant on America's Got Talent and made it to the quarter finals as the hip-hop violinist. Lindsey's song "Crystallize" on Youtube was ranked #8 as the most viewed video in 2012.
Lindsey released her debut album Lindsey Stirling on September 18, 2012.
Her upcoming album Shatter Me will be available on April 29, 2014. You can support Lindsey by pre-ordering her album on Pledge Me. Through pledge, you can also order an exclusive signed copy of her CD.
Subscribe to Lindsey on YouTube
Find out how she started: Lindsey Beginnings
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
'Frozen' At #1 on the Billboard 200
"Let It Go" performed by Idina Menzel
"Let It Go" performed by Demi Lovato
"For the First Time in Forever" performed by Kristin Bell and Idina Menzel
Be sure to comment and let me know what your favorite song off the soundtrack is.
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Check out this funny video of two parents perfectly lip-syncing to "Love Is an Open Door."
Monday, March 24, 2014
Inspirational Playlist
"Music is the medicine of the Mind."
- John Logan
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Happy Monday! Here's a playlist to get you through the week. Enjoy! Comment below on your favorite song!
Happy Monday! Here's a playlist to get you through the week. Enjoy! Comment below on your favorite song!
Sunday, March 23, 2014
Cover Mania - "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic
Cover Mania: Here's my top 10 favorite YouTube covers of "Counting Stars" by OneRepublic. Be sure to check out these amazing artists and subscribe to your favorites. Don't forget to VOTE on your favorite cover!
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Friday, March 21, 2014
Spring Break Playlist
Spring is finally here! Here's a playlist to kickoff your Spring Break. Hopefully you're headed somewhere hot and sunny! Comment below and let me know you're Spring Break destination.
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Thursday, March 20, 2014
Throwback Thursday - Christina Perri
"Music has been my everything since day one. It's been my shoulder to cry on, my rock and my best friend." - CP
Believe it or not, just five years ago, no one had heard of the chart topping song "Jar of Hearts" or the incredible artist who sang it. Christina Perri has become one of the greatest pop singers of all time with her single "A Thousand Years" being platinum certified four times. Christina Perri is preparing to release her second album: Head or Heart on April 1st. The album is current available for pre-order on iTunes. Also in April, Christina Perri will begin her headlining Head or Heart tour with special guest Birdy. I am super excited to see Christina Perri at the Boston House of Blues on April 20th. This will be my first time seeing her perform live, and I have no doubt that she will be amazing.
Here is a look at where she started from and where she is today:
August 19, 1986 - Born in Bensalem, PA
2001 - Began songwriting (age 15)
2002 - Taught herself how to play the guitar (age 16)
2007 - Moved to LA (age 21)
2008 - Posted her first video on YouTube
July 21, 2010 - Signed a record deal with Atlantic Records
September 13, 2010 - Released her first music video: "Jar of Hearts"
November 9, 2010 - Released her first EP: The Ocean Way Sessions
March 15, 2011 - Released her second single "Arms"
July 2011 - Began her first world tour: The Lovestrong Tour.
October 18, 2011 - Released her single "A Thousand Years" which was featured on the soundtrack of The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1. "A Thousand Years" has been certified platinum 4 times.
March 20, 2012 - Released the single "Distance."
August - October 2012 - Toured with Jason Mraz as an opener on his "Love Is a Four Letter Word Tour"
October 16, 2012 - Released a holiday EP: Very Merry Perri Christmas
November 18, 2013 - Released the single "Human" from her upcoming album: Head or Heart
April 1, 2014 - Expected release date for her second album: Head or Heart
April 2014 - Begins her Head or Heart Tour with Birdy
For a full list of tour dates: Click here!
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
YouTube Artist of the Week - Haley Klinkhammer
"Don’t forget your past doesn’t make up who you are, and you were meant for more"
- Haley Klinkhammer
So many inspiring artists these days look to YouTube to broadcast themselves in hopes of becoming the next viral superstar. Famous YouTube musicians such as Tyler Ward, Megan and Liz, Tiffany Alvord, Alex G, and Megan Nicole have become YouTube sensations gaining over one million subscribers. However, not all YouTube musicians start out with goal of becoming famous. YouTube Musician Haley Klinkhammer began posting videos of herself singing and playing guitar in her room nine years ago. I discovered Klinkhammer's cover of Taylor Swift song, Fearless when I was teaching myself guitar in middle school.
Ever since then, I was fascinated by her effortless voice and inspired by her amazing guitar playing skills. I subscribed to Haley Klinkhammer 6 years ago, and was one of her one hundred subscribers. Today, Klinkhammer has over 77 thousand subscribers. Over the years, she has grown so much as an artist. She was part of the We Are More Movement in 2012, which was a movement started by Rachel Taylor of He Is We. We Are More was an empowering movement that encourages people to move beyond their past and come together to make a better tomorrow.
Haley's original music is now available to purchase on iTunes and through BandCamp. Haley released her first EP, Freedom in 2011, which featured four original songs. She launched a kickstarted project in 2012 to fund her next album, Finding Myself, which was released the following year. Her goal was to raise $3,600. However 72 backers pledged a total of $4,965. This allowed her to record seven original tracks. Since then she has started posting weekly cover videos professionally filmed and edited by Nathan Lewis. Her latest video is a cover of The Best Day of My Life by American Authors.
Haley Klinkhammer's YouTube Page
Follow Haley Klinkhammer through social media:
Buy Her Albums
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Tuesday, March 18, 2014
iTunes Music Festival at SXSW
Ever wish you could experience a live music concert in your living room? Well, now you can thanks to iTunes who teamed up with popular bands in the music industry such as Coldplay, Imagine Dragons, Kendrick Lamar, Capital Cities, Pitbull, ZEDD, Keith Urban, and many more artists to bring to you a live concert. And the best part, it's 100% free. Now for a limited time, you can watch these full length performances online, on your Apple TV, iPod, or phone. You can also listen to the music from the festival on iTunes radio.
iTunes Festival at SXSW was a five day concert series which took place last week (March 11 - March 16). The festival was held in Austin, Texas at the ACL Live at the Moody Theater, which serves as a venue for over 100 concerts a year. iTunes Festival began in 2007. It has featured live performances of a variety of artists, from new and upcoming to music superstars. Concerts in the past have been filmed in London. Past performers include Ellie Golding, One Direction, Ed Sheeran, P!nk, Adele, Snow Patrol, The Script, Florence + The Machine, and many more. All of the performances have been compiled into EP's and are available to buy on iTunes.
iTunes Festival at SXSW Featured artists:
Coldplay: Tempering euphoric guitar anthems with bittersweet melancholy, Coldplay has become the arena rock outfit of the millennia. The band's shows are an immersive spectacle of color, sounds, and emotion. Coldplay is about to debut it's sixth album, Ghost Stories, which is available for pre-order on iTunes now. In the past, I have always been a huge fan of "Viva la Vida" and "Paradise," however after watching their performance, I am in love with two new songs from their new album, "Magic" and "Midnight." I will be counting down the day until May 19, the set release date for Ghost Stories.
Imagine Dragons: In this past year, this explosive Las Vegas collective have been unstoppable: they sent a spectacular rush of beat-heavy, synth-driven rock singles to the top of singles charts, won a GRAMMY, and toured the world. Their hit-filled debut is Night Visions. Ever since I heard Imagine Dragon's song "It's Time," their music has only grown on me. My all time favorite song of theirs is "Demons." I had never heard their song "Hear Me" until now and absolutely love it.
London Grammar: Channeling influence of ambient dub step and '90s trip-hop, London Grammar creates spectral late-night pop. The band's full-length album debut, If You Wait, is a triumph of mood and nuance, anchored by Hannah Reid's spine-tingling voice. This was my first time hearing of this band. I have to say I did not find their performance very riveting. Vocals are average, nothing too special. I'll let you be the judge though.
Kendrick Lamar: With quick-witted, empathetic rhymes about navigating the chaotic streets of Compton, Calif., this brazenly talented emcee brings new life into West Coast hip-hop with one of the more critically celebrated hip-hop albums of recent memory, good kid, m.A.A.d city. Not being a huge hip-hop fan myself, I was actually intrigued by Kendrick Lamar's performances and his engagement with the audience.
ScHoolboy Q: Mixing hazy party anthems and socially conscious lyricism, this Southern California rapper's major label debut, Oxymoron, is filled with high-watage club bangers, bracing rhymes, and list of cameos that include Kendrick Lamar, Raekwon, and 2 Chainz. I had never heard of ScHoolboy Q's music before, nor do I want to ever again. Sounds like a bunch of meaningless lyrics to me...but again, I'll leave you to be the judge.
Isaiah Rashad: Rising Chattanooga-based emcee Isiah Rashad is one of the most promising new talents to join Top Dawg Entertainment. Crewmates Jay Rock and ScHoolboy Q appear on his debut, Cilia Demo, which is anchored by Rashad's conversational flow and bass heavy Southern bounce. Very similar to ScHoolboy Q. Again, not exactly my cup of tea.
Soundgarden: One of the most influential bands to emerge from '90s Seattle, Soundgarden introduced incendiary currents of heavy metal, punk, and blues-rock muscle to the grunge revolution. The band celebrates the 20th university of the watershed album Superuknown by performing it live, in its entirety, for the first time ever. Another band I never heard of until now. I don't love them, but I don't hate them either. It's definitely worth a listen.
Band of Skulls: With an assault of Sabbath-esque guitar riffs, '70s rock muscle, and alluring harmonies, it's little wonder that this British rock trio is heralded as rock 'n' roll saviors. Bluesy, bold, and best with the volume cranked, Bank of Skulls' third album is Himalayan. Band of Skulls have a really interesting sound and I am a fan of the instrumentals and sick guitar riffs.
Capital Cities: The creative alchemy of two former jingle writers-Ryan Merchant and Sebu Simonian-is at the core of Capital Cities, an L.A. outfit that offers captivating, synth infused indie pop. The group's debut, In a Tidal Wave of Mystery, fuses shimmering keyboards, percolating '80s synth bass and brisk beats. I had only heard their single "Safe and Sound" before at work, which I quickly became sick of with repeating lyrics throughout. However, "One More Minute" is not half bad.
Pitbull: An unstoppable Miami emcee, Pitbull's swaggering fusion of bass music, crunk, and hip-hop has made him one of the most powerful forces on the pop charts. His club-ready hits-pulsing with dizzying hooks and speaker-shaking beats - have reached No. 1 in more than 20 countries. In the past, I've mainly only listened to Pitbul's collaborations. I thought his performance of "Timber" without Ke$ha performing beside was a little disappointing.
ZEDD: The prodigiously talented electro-house producer/DJ is known for glitchy, hard-hitting beats and dance floor-filling remixes for the likes of Lady Gage, The Black Eyed Peas, and Skrillex. "Clarity," the track from his debut album was an international smash. I too am a fan of ZEDD, however, I had no idea that ZEDD was a producer/DJ rather than an actual artist. The performance was interesting, as it was more of a light show that went along to the beat.
G.R.L.: The multitalented crew in this new girl group includes an X Factor contestant, a former Lady Gaga dancer, and a former Pussycat Doll. "Vacation," the group's debut single, is a R&B-inflected pop confection created in collaboration with hit-making producer Dr. Luke. This performance was a flashback to songs from High School Musical with bad choreography and weak vocals.
Keith Urban: International superstar Keith Urban may have grown up half a world away form Music Row, but his chart-dominatin g anthems define contemporary Nashville. Urban's most recent studio album, Fuse, is filled with rousing songs like "Little Bit of Everything" and "Cop Car." As a big fan of country music, Keith Urban's new album does not disappoint. Fuse features fresh new tracks that are catchy and chart-worthy.
Willie Nelson: He's a matchless songwriter, a charismatic showman, and a living legend. Willie Nelson's authors some of country music's most beloved standards- like "Crazy," "Yesterday's Wine," and "One the Road Again"-and remains an influential icon of outlaw country. This is my first time hearing Willie Nelson. Although, I'm not a huge fan of his vocals, I did enjoy listening to the acoustic style performances.
Mickey Guyton: A brightly talented singer/songwriter from Arlington, Texas, Mickey Guyton has a riveting voice and passion for country classics. She's performed at the White House and Ryman Auditorium, and is currently working on her debut album. Even though today was my first time hearing of Mickey Guyton, I'm sure it won't be the last. With powerful vocals and an incredible stage presence, it will only be a matter of time before her music hits the top of the country charts.
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