Performance

New Music Friday – Debi Nova

December 11, 2009 By Holly Stafford Leave a Comment

With six Grammy Award nominations and a number one dance single under her belt, singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Debi Nova is ready to make her mark on the rest of the world. In March 2010, Decca Records will release Nova’s genre-defying, debut album “Luna Nueva.” The album is an electrifying combination of irresistible Latin rhythms and potent pop smarts that showcase this vivacious artist’s considerable musical gifts (she plays piano, guitar, bass and more) as well as her rich Latina heritage.

Per MySpace:

“I started taking piano lessons at four and by the time I was twelve I knew I wanted to pursue a career in music” stated Debi.

Produced by multi-Grammy nominated Marius de Vries (Madonna, Josh Groban) and Gustavo Santaolalla (“Brokeback Mountain,” “Babel“), Luna Nueva is a labor of love, long in the making, which not only showcases Nova’s electrifying vocals and musicianship, but her songwriting talents as well. The first single is the playful soca/hip-hop inspired “Drummer Boy.”

Already a massive star in her native Costa Rica, Debi has toured with both Ricky Martin and Sergio Mendes as a featured vocalist and has performed for more than 8 million people globally. As a songwriter, the Costa Rican beauty has written hit songs for Belinda and RBD, two of Latin Americas biggest artists. Since the beginning of the year Debi’s been in the studio aiming to create a sound that blends all the influences and musical experiences she’s had. Combining her passion for Bossa Nova, Hip Hop and lots in between, a sound that Debi affectionately terms “Tropical Soul.” You can learn more about Debi’s process of recording an album in both English and Spanish in her new EPK above, and click here to check out her first single “Drummer Boy.”

Filed Under: Awards, Celebrity Gossip, Madonna, Music, Myspace, Videos Tagged With: Babel, Belinda, Bossa Nova, Brokeback Mountain, Costa Rica, Debi Nova, Decca Records, Grammy Award, Gustavo Santaolaalla, Hip Hop, Josh Groban, Latin, Latina, Luna Neuva, Madonna, Marius de Vries, nomination, Performance, Performed, RBD, Ricky Martin, Sergio mendes, Singer, Songwriter, Vocalist

THE #1 MOST PLAYED SONG OF 2009 ON THE TOP 40 CHARTS

December 10, 2009 By Holly Stafford Leave a Comment

Congratulations are in order to the band “The All American Rejects” who close out 2009 with the most played song of they year on the Billboard’s Top 40 Chart for their song “Gives You Hell,” edging out their fierce competition that includes Lady Gaga, The Black Eyed Peas, and even Taylor Swift!

The Los Angeles Times proclaims, “Kick-start rockers like the gleeful kiss-off ‘Gives You Hell’” is “Relentlessly hooky” and “Time immortal.”

“’Gives You Hell’ is the first single off When the World Comes Down, the band’s third full-length, and it’s just as snotty as pop-punk needs to be with anthemic major-key riffs, angst-laden lyrics and a driving 4/4 beat.” –Artist Direct

“’Gives You Hell’ is filled with a cleverly snarky attitude. The attitude of “Dirty Little Secret” is here in full force, and you will likely find yourself singing along. If the chorus wasn’t catchy enough, the band accents the point with a crowd singalong to close out the track.” –Absolute Punk.net

“Gives You Hell” spent four weeks at #1 on the Top 40 charts making it the group’s first #1 song on Mainstream Top 40 and Adult Top 40 Tracks charts. The song was also their first to break into the top five on Billboard’s Hot 100 and stayed in the Billboard Top 10 for over 13 weeks. “Gives You Hell” the band’s most successful single to date with over 3.3 million copies in digital sales alone. “The All American Rejects” first scored commercial success with the single, “Swing Swing” from their self-titled debut album. The album went on to sell over one million records and was certified platinum. The second album produced the smash hits, “Dirty Little Secret,” “It Ends Tonight,” and the LP’s inspiring anthemic title track “Move Along.” All three songs reached top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 and went double platinum as did the overall album.

“We are thrilled that we have been played relentlessly over the past year, hopefully people aren’t too sick of us by now,” said Rejects front man Tyson Ritter. “But truly, we have the best fans in the world. It’s because of them that this band is where we are. They are the ones who kept our song on the charts and on the radio for so long and we thank them.”

The successes of 2009 have paved the way for an exciting 2010 for The All-American Rejects. The band has scored major appearances such as performing at this year’s Winter Olympics at the Whistler Medals Plaza, a high profile performance for Direct TV at Super Bowl XLIV, and a Direct TV special set to air in February with more exciting news and details to be announced later. The band is currently on a whirlwind tour promoting their third studio album “When The World Comes Down.” For more information and current tour dates please visit their website.

Filed Under: Celebrity Gossip, Lady Gaga, Music, Taylor Swift, Television, Videos Tagged With: Absolute Punk, Adult Top 40, Album, Appearances, Artist Direct, Billboard Top 10, Billboard Top 40 Chart, Billboards Hot 100, CD, Digital Sales, Direct TV, Dirty Little Secret, Double Platinum, Gives you Hell, It Ends Tonight, Lady Gaga, Mainstream Top 40, Most Played Song Of 2009, Perform, Performance, Performing, Platinum, record, Self Titled Debut Album, Super Bowl XLIV, Swing Swing, Taylor Swift, The All American Rejects, The Black Eyed Peas, The Los Angeles Times, Tour, When The World Comes Down, Whistler Medals Plaza, Winter Olympics

Adam Lambert Says He Meant No Disprespect

December 1, 2009 By Holly Stafford 3 Comments

Adam Lambert has had to answer a lot of questions about his provocative American Music Awards performance over the last week or so, and the questions don’t seem to be stopping anytime soon. He’ll once again open up about the performance that shocked some people when he appears on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show.” He admitted that he may have crossed a line or two during the performance, but says that he’s still learning. Lambert also said he didn’t “intend to disrespect anyone” with the performance and that he has no hard feelings toward ABC, which canceled his “Good Morning America” appearance after his risky performance. Following the performance, Lamberts mom supported him on “The Early Show,” but Lambert his dad thought he should have apologized.

Per Celebitchy:

“My dad was like, ‘Maybe you should apologize, Adam,’” he says on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Tuesday. “I was like, “You know, dad, I don’t feel like I did anything wrong. It just wasn’t maybe the right judgment call. It’s a taste thing more than an obscenity thing. I think it’s just a taste level.’”

As for ABC and Good Morning America, he claims they were ‘a little mad’ at him and that he doesn’t blame them, saying they gave him a ‘great opportunity’ and that he would ‘never want to smack that gift horse in the mouth.’ Well I’m glad that he is finally admitting that his actions were a bit inappropriate for network tv. Adam is very talented and should be known for his vocals, not his antics. What Lambert really needs is someone besides himself to make PR and creative decisions. I still cannot believe he didn’t know that the family viewers who supported him on “American Idol” wouldn’t be offended by his AMA shenanigans.

Filed Under: Awards, Celebrity Gossip, Ellen DeGeneres, Music, Television Tagged With: ABC, Adam Lambert, American Idol, american music awards, apologize, Apologized, Cancel, cancelled, dad, Disrespect, father, Good Morning America, Interview, mom, mother, Performance, Provocative, Risky, The Early Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Artist Interview – Matt Dragstrem

November 30, 2009 By Holly Stafford 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.

Filed Under: Celebrity Gossip, Celebrity Quotes, John Mayer, Music Tagged With: Album, Audience, Ballad, Bizzare, Chevrolet, Chevy, Chicago, country, Elbo Room, Ella Fitzgerald, Email, England, EP, Favorite, Ford, Frank Sinatra, Great Danes, Heritage, inspiration, Interview, Ireland, Jay-Z, John Mayer, Matt Dragstrem, Melody, Nashville, new york city, Norah Jones, NYC, One Republic, Organic, Passion, Performance, Pop, recording, Redvines, Roadtrips, Rockwood Music Hall, Singer, Songwriter, talent, Touring, Write, Youtube

Adam Lambert Defends His Over-The-Top Performance

November 23, 2009 By Holly Stafford 1 Comment

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, or you’re just now waking up from your vodka & cranberry induced hangover, then you’ve heard about Adam Lamberts‘ way over the top lol-tastic AMA closing performance last night singing his new single “For Your Entertainment.” (Check it out here.) Now Lambert is speaking out, giving no apologies for his sexually-charged performance which angered parents who quickly began posting messages of disgust online.

Per StarPulse:

“I’m hoping people were entertained. For those who weren’t, maybe I’m not their cup of tea. I’m just trying to have a good time onstage. It’s a sexy song. It’s 2009; it’s time to take more risks. It’s about entertainment. People want to be surprised. It’s too bad that people are so scared.”

In addition to starting the performance out by dragging a female dancer around by her ankles, pushing a male dancer’s head into his gyrating crotch, snapping the bikini area of another female’s costume, flipping off the crowd, walking a pair of male dancers around on a leash, and taking every opportunity to thrust his hips and remind us all that he’s a very limber guy, Lambert took a moment mid-song to play tonsil hockey with his straight keyboard player on the spur of the moment. When asked how he would feel if the performance was edited for West Coast viewers, Lambert said he would not be happy.

“If it’s gonna be edited, then in a way that’s discrimination. I don’t mean to get political, but Madonna, Britney and Christina (kissing at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards) weren’t edited. It’s a shame. Female entertainers have been risqué for years. Honestly, there’s a huge double standard.”

ABC had to quickly cut to an audience shot during the performance when Lambert had a male dancer simulate oral sex on him, and at least some portion of that performance (presumably the latter) did not get approved beforehand, and was cited as being too racy to repeat on the west coast airing. Critical reaction to Lambert’s performance mixed, with some applauding his boldness but more questioning the over-the-top nature of what can only be described as him trying too hard to be noticed and taken seriously. Luckily, he gets a semi do-over tonight on Letterman where he will hopefully tone down the antics and concentrate more on what he should be known for – the singing. Adam sounded like a lounge act in Reno last night. This kid is trying too hard to be “edgy” and “controversial”. Not of fan of his cheap tricks to get fame. It was all “For HIS Entertainment.”

Filed Under: "Britney Spears", Awards, Celebrity Gossip, Christina Aguilera, Madonna Tagged With: ABC, Adam Lambert, ama, approved, Bikini Area, Britney, Christina, Crotch, Edited, For Your Entertainment, Kiss, Kissing, letterman, Madonna, Male, MTV Video Music Awards, Oral Sex, Performance, Racy, Risque, Sex, Sexual, Sexually, Thrust, VMAs

Whitney Houston ‘The X-Factor’ Wardrobe Malfunction – Video

October 19, 2009 By Holly Stafford Leave a Comment

It happens to everyone one time or another! Whitney Houston suffered a minor wardrobe malfunction that could have turned out disastrous on the British show “The X Factor” when a bra-like band on the back of her dress burst open during her performance. Clearly annoyed as she struggled with a loose strap on the long silvery dress she wore during the live performance of her new single “Million Dollar Bill,” she continued on like a pro and later joked about the incident.

Per PopEater:

“I sang myself out of my clothes,” she said after her performance.

*Cue your ‘Houston, we have a problem’ jokes here.* Thankfully for all involved, the incident didn’t turn out to be X-rated, but it was another snag, even though minor, in Houston’s long-awaited comeback. Maybe next time she’ll wear something a little less snug up top!

Filed Under: Celebrity Fashion, Celebrity Gossip, Television, Uncategorized Tagged With: Bra, British, clothes, comeback, Dress, Interview, million dollar bill, Performance, problem, strap, the x-factor, wardrobe malfuntion, whitney houston

Beyonce Teams Up With Lady GaGa

October 15, 2009 By Holly Stafford 1 Comment

Since Lady Gaga won’t be touring with egomaniac Kanye West this year, the girl needs to find something to keep her busy. That something is appearance in Beyonce’s video for her new single “Video Phone.” Although the exact details of the video are being kept top secret, an insider on the set did warn fans to expect something “wild” from the pair, and even let it slip what the two stars wore for their performances.

Per Screen:

“Everything on the set was being kept very hush-hush, and security was extremely tight,” a source said.”In the video, Beyonce wears a feathered dress. And of course Lady Gaga wears something wild. The fashion is sick and insane,” the source added.

The two singers were spotted shooting the video in New York together last week. While there is no official premiere date for the video, the single has already been released to radio. Beyonce and Lady GaGa… I expect the video to be nothing short of fierce!

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Images Via: WENN

Filed Under: Beyonce, Celebrity Gossip, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Music Tagged With: Beyonce, Details, Fashion, Insider, Kanye West, Lady Gaga, Music, New York, Performance, Premiere, radio, security, single, Touring, Video, Video Phone

Blink 182 Performing on Jimmy Kimmel – Photos and Videos

June 10, 2009 By Cara 3 Comments

Last night Blink 182 resurrected themselves on Jimmy Kimmel. Travis Barker was shirtless behind the drums. They started with a classic song, “What’s My Age Again.”

They followed with 7 other songs doing a total of 9 if you are keeping up with the math. The band originally promised 5 and delivered a few more after enjoying themselves. Mark Twittered his glee after the set.

Closing with “Dammit,” they went out on a high note. As Jimmy mentioned several times, their summer tour starts July 24th.

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Images Via: ONTD, Mark’s Twitter

Filed Under: Music, Television, Videos Tagged With: blink 182, Blink 182 Performing on Jimmy Kimmel - Videos, Concert, Jimmy Kimmel Live, Live, Performance, Travis Barker

Britney Spears London Performances Remixed – Photos and Videos

June 4, 2009 By Cara 1 Comment

Britney Spears kicked off her European tour last night in London. Despite mixing things up, the singer is still facing tough criticism. Review from the UK are as mixed and either blast the “Womanizer” songstress or doll out heaps of praise.

MTV Shows

Spears changed up several songs including “Baby One More Time,” “Do Something,” “Piece of Me,” “I’m a Slave 4 U” and “Womanizer.” She also added a few new costumes and added some flair to her American costumes. Despite trying to kick her Circus tour fresh for the concert goers, some blasted her as “dull.”

“The choreography, dancers and set were top class but blonde Britters parading in her undercrackers was completely uninspiring. MADONNA is twice her age and does double the dancing.” – The Sun

However some are impressed with her work and rise back to stardom.

“It was relentlessly high octane and superbly choreographed. Only the foolhardy would predict that Spears’ offstage problems have all been consigned to history. But on the evidence of the spectacular witnessed in Docklands last night she is currently staging one of pop’s most remarkable comebacks.” – Daily Mail

While you can’t please everyone, I’d hope that those in the negative remember that we all dip into the Britney Spears well. Best not to bite the hand that feeds. Or in my case supplements my booze/grocery fund.

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Images Via: Wenn

Filed Under: "Britney Spears", Music, Videos Tagged With: "Britney Spears", changes, Concert, costumes, London, O2, Performance, Remix, songs

Kris Allen is Your New American Idol

May 21, 2009 By Holly Stafford Leave a Comment

Wow! What an upset! Adam Lambert may have surprised fans all season with his unique vocal capabilities and his dramatic flair but in the end it was the humble boy next door Kris Allen who came out on top! When the married college student from Conway, Arkansas first sang Leon Russell’s “A Song for You” in Louisville auditions, he seemed nothing more than another “Idol” hopeful. Now, he is your Season 8 American Idol!

Per OMG Yahoo:

“I’m sorry, I don’t even know what to feel right now. This is crazy,” said a stunned Allen. “I’m exhausted, and I’m shocked, I’m really shocked.”

Runner-up Adam Lambert had been considered the likely winner since almost the start of the season. His dramatic performances and huge vocal range consistently won the best critiques from the judges week after week while Kris lew under the radar for much of the season. After the results of the voting on Tuesday’s final performance episode were announced, with nearly 100 million votes being cast, Kris was left basically speechless. “Are you serious?” he asked host Ryan Seacrest. “Are you friggin’ serious?” Kris ended the night covered in confetti, singing what will be his first single called “No Boundaries” which was co-written by American Idol judge Kara DioGuardi. As Ryan Seacrest said in announcing the result: “The underdog, the dark horse, comes back and wins the nation over.” Ryan ended the show by reminding us that it’s less than eight months till next January, when this starts all over again.

Congratulations to Kris!!!

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