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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