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Artist Interview – Matt Dragstrem

November 30, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Chicago Tour from Matt Dragstrem on Vimeo.

A little while ago we featured an article on Matt Dragstrem, an up-and-coming songwriter, who is rapidly gaining recognition with his melodic songs paired with simplistic, yet compelling lyrics. Having just released a behind the scenes video from his most recent tour throughout the Chicago and Nashville areas, Dragstrem is being deemed as an audience favorite and hailed as the new talent in town to write with by respected Nashville songwriters. He is currently in the process of recording for his upcoming full-length album, after receiving great reviews on the release of his EP “Heritage.” Recently, we’ve had the chance to throw out a couple of questions for Matt about things such as his influences and what he hopes are for the upcoming year. Our mini-interview is below. Enjoy!

What are some of your favorite places to have played?

Rockwood Music Hall in New York City has always been one of my favorite places to play. There’s such a great energy in that little hall. Everyone is straight up crazy and I love it. The audience at Rockwood typically sing and often scream my songs much louder than me. Another favorite of mine is the Elbo Room in Chicago. It’s my home town hang out. I love seeing the familiar faces.

What is one of your most bizarre fan encounters?

Well I have a lot of fans from Ireland and England who email telling me all the time how much they love my record. Not really a bizarre encounter but a cool thought that people from overseas are jamming my record. Id love to play over there soon.

Who are some of your inspirations?

I would say my current inspirations: (sifting through iPod) I have Jay-Z’s new record, One Republic’s, John Mayer’s, and the new Norah Jones. But my biggest influence stylistically are Frank Sinatra or Ella Fitzgerald primarily for there approach on singing. These two sing behind the beat and add a little improve to every performance without being forced.

Where do you get your song inspirations from, lyrically speaking?

I am a very in the moment kind of writer. I don’t plan on writing about someone or something specifically that day. I think if you’re honest with yourself in the moment and how you are really feeling about a situation the words (and melody) flow easily. So to answer your question the inspiration in my writing comes from a real place. A side note, when I write don’t know if it’ll be a pop, ballad, or country song. You can’t plan songs out like that but you can focus on creating something great.

What are some of your passions outside of music?

Lately I’ve been obsessing over vintage Ford and Chevrolet trucks. I might cave-in and buy one soon here. Im a fan of road trips and redvines (hopefully at the same time). I’m also crazy about Great Danes though I’m not sure how that beast will fit in the truck.

How has your music evolved since you first began playing?

Well in the beginning Genesis 1 (bad joke) but really in fall 2007 when i started writing songs i didn’t have a focus on my sound. I really played and wrote songs for fun because some of my friends liked what i did. But now after touring, writing, and recording my music has naturally developed into a organic pop sound. And while my voice is more ‘organic’ I’ve always desired to write big songs. Songs that could reach people everywhere.

What are your hopes for the upcoming year?

Well ill share a few things that are going down this year. I’m working on a new EP as we speak. Ive actually got a friend coming over to overdub vocals in a few moments. The EP is going to be sick and have been youtubing my progress on my page (youtube.com/mattofthedrag). I have hopes to write for other people’s records as well, to be touring, and just to be mad busy with what i love to do. Writing, playing, and eating redvines.

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New Music Friday – Dead By Sunrise

October 9, 2009 By Leave a Comment

“Out Of Ashes,” the debut from the side project of Linkin Park’s frontman Chester Bennington’s new band, is here. Dead by Sunrise started to form in 2005 while Bennington was writing songs for Linkin Park’s “Minutes to Midnight” Album. The band also features Ryan Shuck and Amir Derakh (from Orgy/Julien-K), bassist Brandon Belsky, drummer Elias Anda (also from Julien-K), and keyboardist Anthony Valcic.

Per Dead By Sunrise:

“I came up with a few songs that felt and sounded really good, but I knew they weren’t right stylistically for Linkin Park. They were darker and moodier than anything I’d come up with for the band. So I decided to work on them on my own rather than turn them over and have them transformed into Linkin Park tracks,” says Bennington.

The band’s name, which was previously “Snow White Tan,” reflects the time during the album’s recording in which the band was living a ‘really self destructive lifestyle’ and weren’t sure they were going to make it to the next day. Bennington says the albums’ name is from ‘coming out of that self-destructive path and rising from the ashes.’ Back on May 10, 2008, the band performed three songs, including the song “Morning After,” at the 13th anniversary party for Club Tattoo in Arizona. The song was written by Bennington and originally performed on December 9, 2001 at the Live in Berlin concert. This was the first time that he had officially performed the song under a new name.

Recording of the band’s debut album began in July 2008 after touring for Linkin Park had finished. “Crawl Back In” is the first official single off the album, followed by “Let Down.” Dead by Sunrise’s MySpace page is featuring the video for the band’s first single, and will hold an exclusive listening party for its debut album on their page this week. Fans will be able to stream the album, which will be released by on October 13th, in its entirety on Myspace from October 8th through the 10th. MySpace will direct users to the listening party via links on both the site’s homepage and its music page. They are scheduled to perform at The Gramercy Theatre in New York City on October 14th, and at the Roxy in Los Angeles on October 19th. You can watch the video for the song “Crawl Back In” above. HWDamers – Let us know what you think!

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Justin Timberlake & Rihanna Secretly Dating – UPDATE

September 23, 2009 By 43 Comments

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The rumor mill is churning hard again, this time with a doozy about Justin Timberlake and Rihanna. Rumor has it Timberlake and Rihanna are secretly dating, and have been for months, being spotted together quite a few times out in New York. Talk has been buzzing that Justin is getting ready to dump longtime sourpuss girlfriend Jessica Biel anytime now… and quite possibly not a moment too soon!

Per Showbiz Spy:

“Justin and Rihanna have been seeing each other for the past few weeks,” a source close to Rihanna told Showbiz Spy exclusively. “He is really into her and it’s only a matter of time before he dumps Jessica.” The source added, “It was at 10ak in NYC and they left together. They are seeing each other on the low!”

Biel and Timberlake have seemed to have quite the rocky relationship as of late, so this really shouldn’t come as any surprise. But this situation does sound an awful lot like a certain blind item that was posted a few weeks back.

Per NY Daily News:

“With their partners away, celebs have been using Fashion Week as an opportunity to play! Which two pop stars made sweet music on Sunday night after the gal gave the guy a private lap dance? Hope his longtime girlfriend doesn’t find out …”

Could it possibly be true? One could only hope! Timbelake and Rihanna’s chemistry between eachother is undeniable. If you have any doubts about it, just check out their video for Rihanna’s song “Rehab,” in which Timberlake wrote for the singer.

UPDATE: It appears we weren’t far off. CLICK HERE to go the updated story!

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Images Via: wenn.com

Filed Under: Celebrity Couples, Celebrity Gossip, Jessica Biel, Justin Timberlake, Music, Rihanna Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Celebrity Reactions to the Death of DJ AM, Adam Goldstein

August 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment

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Its with heavy hearts that we must announce the passing of another musical artist. Adam Goldstein, more famously known as DJ AM, was found dead in his New York City apartment on Friday afternoon. The cause of death is still unknown at this time but a source claims drug paraphernalia, such as a pipe commonly used to smoke drugs, and prescription drug bottles were found in the apartment next to his body.

Celebrities are taking to their personal Twitter pages to send out their condolences and thoughts about Goldstein.

Per TMZ:

John Mayer: In complete shock.

Lindsay Lohan: i can’t believe this.. i’m in shock. why? why? r.i.p. adam.

Alyssa Milano: May you rest in peace, Adam. You touched many with your light and will be missed like crazy.

Ryan Seacrest: So sad the hear about adam. a very kind and generous guy.

Dr. Drew: I lack the words to describe my feelings.

Ashton Kutcher: much love to my boy AM.

Soliel Moon Frye: Thank you for bringing so much music and inspiration to peoples lives. Rip Dj Am.

Heidi Montag: my thoughts and prayers are with DJ AM’s family and friends.

Shanna Moakler: My deepest condolences for DJ AM, you were a great artist and will be severely missed. My thoughts and Prayers to his family and friends.

A friend reportedly arrived at Adam’s apartment to check on him after not hearing from him for a few days, but got no response after knocking on his door. The friend then called the police, who entered and found his body. He was only 36 years old. His last public appearance was this past Sunday at Citi Field in NYC where he threw out the first pitch at a Mets game. He last updated his personal Twitter on Tuesday with a chilling lyric from the opening line to the famous Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five song “New York, New York.”

Per DJ AM’s Twitter:

“New york, new york. Big city of dreams, but everything in new york aint always what it seems.”

Goldstein had previously been battling drug addiction and even had a show on the MTV network to help out those who were struggling with drugs. He was very popular on the celebrity circuit as he was frequently booked for high profile parties and celebrations. Goldstein was once engaged to Nicole Richie and also dated Mandy Moore on and off for several years. A year ago, he suffered severe burns when the Learjet carrying him and Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker crashed near a runway in South Carolina, killing 4 people, heading to California.

Tonight Goldstein was supposed to be deejaying at Rain in Las Vegas, Nevada. No additional details regarding Adam Goldstein’s death have been revealed, as the story is still developing. Our deepest sympathies and condolences go out to his family and friends during this tragic time.

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Images Via: wenn.com

Filed Under: Celebrity Gossip, Celebrity Health, Drugs and Alcohol, John Mayer, Lindsay Lohan, Music, Nicole Richie, Real News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mike Tysons’ Daughter, Exodus, on Life Support

May 26, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Former Heavyweight Champion Mike Tyson’s four year old daughter Exodus is on life support after she was found hanging from a treadmill cord yesterday morning. She was reportedly playing alone in the family’s Phoenix home when her older brother found her with the cord wrapped around her neck. The boy alerted the their mother in another room and she called 911 while trying to revive her.

Per People Via Fox News:

“Somehow she was playing on this treadmill, and there’s a cord that hangs under the console – it’s kind of a loop. Either she slipped or put her head in the loop, but it acted like a noose, and she was obviously unable to get herself off of it,” Phoenix police Sgt. Andy Hill told FOX News.

Responding officers and firefighters performed CPR on the girl while rushing her to nearby St. Joe’s Hospital. She was listed in “extremely critical condition” and on life support. The Phoenix Police Department are investigating but are certain the incident was an accident, calling it “tragic.” They believe Exodus’ 7-year-old brother was watching television and her mother was busy cleaning in another room when the incident happened. Tyson had been in Las Vegas but flew to Phoenix immediately after learning of the accident. Tyson could not immediately be reached for comment but 42West, a New York City public relations firm representing him, released a statement on the family’s behalf.

Per ESPN:

“The Tyson family would like to extend our deepest and most heartfelt thanks for all your prayers and support, and we ask that we be allowed our privacy at this difficult time,” the statement said.

This is sad and tragic in every way. Our thoughts and prayers go out to little Exodus and the entire Tyson family, and hope for Exodus’ full recovery.

Image Via: Getty

Filed Under: Celebrity Babies, Celebrity Gossip, Celebrity Health, Celebrity Loss, Real News Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ellen Pompeo Pregnant Plus Baby Bump Photos

April 20, 2009 By Leave a Comment

The babyboom in Hollywood just added another contestant! Ellen Pompeo and husband Chris Ivery are expecting their first baby together, her rep Jennifer Allen confirms to “People” Magazine.

Per People:

“It’s great news,” says Allen. “They’re ecstatic.”

The “Grey’s Anatomy” star and her husband, who is a music producer, met at a grocery store back in 2003. The couple were married by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg in a low-key ceremony in November 2007. Pompeo has spoken many times in the last year about her desire to have children with Avery. In an October 2008 interview, the 39 year old actress admitted she needed to ‘get on it’ because the ‘clock was ticking.’ No word yet on the babys due date.

Congratulations to the happy couple. Now the big question is, will the pregnancy be written into the show, or will they hide it like co-star Chyler Leigh’s pregnancy?

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Images Via: AP

Filed Under: Celebrity Babies, Celebrity Couples, Celebrity Gossip, Grey's Anatomy, Magazines Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Brad Pitt’s Angelina Jolie Marriage Ultimatum

April 1, 2009 By 1 Comment

The worlds most glamorous couple has everything going for them – except for one thing…. Marriage! A friend of the couples has revealed that Brad Pitt has issued Angelina Jolie an ultimatum – “Marry me, or its over!” Another source reveals that although Brad hopes to have more children with Angelina, he definitely wants to be married beforehand.

Per OK! Magazine:

“Their relationship is so out of kilter, he believes marriage is the only thing that will bring it back around, He needs to know Angie is really committed to him,” the friend says. “Becoming Mrs. Pitt would give him that answer.”

Why the sudden foot-down from Brad? Essentially its because he’s stressed out, pretty much acting like a single father while his Oscar winning flame is frantically pursuing film and humanitarian work. Brad is said to be feeling increasingly frustrated with the lack of time he is spending with Angelina. He is currently staying in New York’s Waldorf Astoria hotel with the children to be closer to Angelina, who is filming new spy movie “Salt” in the city. It was recently reported Brad had pleaded with Angelina to attend couples’ counseling in a desperate bid to save their relationship. Angelina is said to have agreed, but only after seeking the advice of her ex-husband Billy Bob Thornton.

If you believe the source claiming these statements, then expect a Brangelina wedding sometime soon in the future, with the couple having an intimate family wedding in New Orleans. In homage to her late mom, Marcheline Bertrand, Angelina will wear a romantic simple dress modeled after the one her mother wore when she married her father, John Voight.

Image Via: Ok Mag

Filed Under: "Brangelina", Brad Pitt, Celebrity Babies, Celebrity Couples, Celebrity Feuds, Celebrity Gossip Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Natasha Richardson Still Fighting for Her Life – UPDATED

March 17, 2009 By 2 Comments

Actress Natasha Richardson was hospitalized on Monday afternoon in Montreal following a skiing accident. Sources say that the star, 45, suffered a “traumatic head injury” that was not at first apparent. Earlier, a report surfaced that Richardson was brain dead and had passed away. “Time Out New York” posted the story online with a “RIP” headline claiming so. Although public reports had not confirmed it, sources close to Richardson’s family and friends said they have already been told that she did not survive the accident, according to the post.

Per Lindsay Kaplan via Time Out New York:

“EXCLUSIVE: Time Out New York learns of actress’s untimely death. She will be greatly missed. Last night it was reported that the actor Natasha Richardson had critically injured her head in a skiing accident at the Mont Tremblant resort outside of Montreal, Canada. Although public reports have not yet confirmed it, sources close to Richardson’s family and friends say they have already been told the awful news: She did not survived the accident.”

Since then, the post has been taken down but as of yet no retraction has been printed. Lindsay Kaplan has emailed fellow gossiper Perez Hilton about this matter after the original post was deleted, although it seems as if she is still sticking by her original story.

Per Perez Hilton:

“Okay — Sorry about the confusion. We spoke to source, who confirms “brain dead and will not survive”, and therefore, her friends and family are mourning her unofficial death. My apologies with the semantics issue. Please let me know if you have more questions — I have copied Michael Freidson, TONY’s editor in chief.”

Just what does she mean by “Semantic Issue?” Posted moments ago also on Perez Hiltons website is a from the magazine, standing by their earlier statement.

“Time Out New York sincerely apologizes for the confusion. We stand by our sources, and our friend of the family first confirmed “dead” and then called back to say “brain dead.” We find the situation incredibly tragic and obviously wish to only report the facts.

We stand by our new statement that she is brain dead and not expected to survive. Unfortunately, the article was not taken down — our website crashed from traffic. Time Out New York regrets the error.”

Updated at 1:37pm, long after “Time Out New York” reported Richardsons’ death, TMZ reported that she is being transported by ambulance from her hospital in Canada to Montreal-Trudeau Airport where she is expected to be flown to New York City by private jet. Reports are that she is accompanied by a medic team for the flight. Its common knowledge that if you were considered to be brain dead, you would not be flown to another hospital for treatment.

Updated moments ago at 2:00pm, the hospital tells TMZ that Richardson is sedated and suffering from brain swelling, but is not brain dead.

Richardson is the wife of Irish actor Liam Neeson. They have been married since 1994 and have two sons together , Micheal Richard Antonio age 13, and Daniel Jack age 12.

This to me seems like irresponsible journalism at its best. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Richardson/Neeson family.

UPDATE (From The Dame) – A rep for the family will be giving a statement tomorrow. This leads us to believe her condition is still up in the air. No matter what I wish and hope for the best for the friends and family of Natasha.

Via CBC News:

“A spokeswoman for Montreal’s Sacré-Coeur hospital said the actress was “no longer in the country,” but did not comment on where Richardson was transferred to, nor on the extent of her injuries. The spokeswoman did say, however, that a family representative will release a statement Wednesday.”

Image Via: Getty

Filed Under: Celebrity Health, Uncategorized Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,