Upcoming Artist Matt Dragstrem

Chicago Tour from Matt Dragstrem on Vimeo.

Matt Dragstrem, an up-and-coming songwriter, is rapidly gaining recognition with his melodic songs paired with simplistic, yet compelling lyrics. He has just released a behind the scenes video from his most recent tour throughout the Chicago and Nashville areas, showcasing his love of music. When asked to describe how he feels his music sounds, Matt thinks its if Tom Petty and Rod Stewart had a child and Frank Sinatra was the Godfather.’ Being deemed as an audience favorite and hailed as the new talent in town to write with by respected Nashville songwriters, Matt currently is in the process of recording for his upcoming full-length album, after receiving great reviews on the release of his EP “Heritage.”

Per Myspace:

“With an impending debut EP set for release in the coming weeks, Matt Dragstrem stands at the forefront of something potentially very special. Inspired by folk-rock greats of the past, Dragstrem seems to have inherited the best elements of his heroes work before moulding them into a sound of purity and innocence all his own. Born in Chicago, Dragstrem underwent a musical education whilst developing his talent in Nashville some years later. His subtle, dulcet vocal style favours the playful, finger-picking way he approaches his guitar work – similarities with a young, raw Rod Stewart aren’t too far wide of the mark. At only twenty-one years of age, Matt Dragstrem possesses a future of immeasurable promise.” -JOEL CRANE (NME, Q, Mojo)

The video above proves that Matt is so much more than a pretty face and an unstoppable personality, but a genre-defying voice whose unique quality finds a comfortable spot in any style of music. Keep an eye on this one, kiddos. He’s sure to become a household name in no time.

Beyonce and Lady Gaga’s Video Phone – VIDEO

[Beyonce and Lady Gaga’s Vide Phone – VIDEO]

Egads. Above is the video result of Beyonce and Lady Gaga’s collaboration. It reminds me of Austin Powers for some reason. The theme must have been Nerf Guns and swim suits.

Thoughts?

New Music Friday – This Providence

Get ready HWDamers — You are now being thrusted into a new weekly feature called “New Music Friday” where we here at HWD bring you kittens some new music by your favorite artists and hopefully broaden your horizon on some musicians you may not have had the pleasure of being introduced to yet. The first weeks edition focuses on a band called “This Providence.” This Seattle rock band has proved how versatile they’ve become from spending the past two years on the road and refining their craft – their band’s inventive brand of indie rock – by following up their 2006 self-titled “Fueled By Ramen” with their new album “Who Are You Now?” released in March. Originally formed in Seattle back in 2003 by Australian-born vocalist Daniel Young and guitarist Gavin Phillips, the band’s current lineup also features bassist David Blaise and drummer Andy Horst. Their new album is a collection of extremely varied rock songs with influence from bands such as The Cure and The Beatles. It showcases This Providence’s rock edge as much as it does their stripped-down sensibilities.

Per This Providence:

“We took a long time off the road before going into the studio because we wanted to write songs that were dripping with creativity and you can’t rush that,” Young explains, “I think the end result is much stronger because of that… I’m really proud of the way my lyrics turned out this time around. It’s definitely the best work I’ve ever done.”

Formerly known as “Sunday Best,” the have toured with other bands such as Cute Is What We Aim For, Paramore, All Time Low, The Hush Sound, Daphne Loves Derby, Relient K, House of Heroes, Ludo and Brighten. They have just finished The Warped Tour 2009, and are now currently on tour with headliner Cartel, alongside The Summer Set, The Dares and Runner Runner. They have spent most of 2009 on the road making sure they’re heard by as many people as possible. While the album seems to take on an intensely personal vibe, it’s very apparent that anyone who’s ever experienced love or loss can relate to songs like “Selfish” or “Somebody To Talk To” on an emotional level. The first single “Letdown” off their new ablum is in stores and online now! You can watch the video for the song above. HWDamers – don’t be shy! Let us know what you think!

Billy Bob Thornton is Trying to Tell Us about Angelina Jolie and Venereal Disease

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I think. What else would you take from an interview in which the now ham sandwich crazy Billy Bob Thornton talks about VD.

Thornton has turned band front man for The Boxmasters. He did an interview with a radio station and offended half of the concert goers with an odd interview in which he threw a fit after the DJ mentioned he was an actor. (Click Here for the Video of That) To further his odd factor, he is attempting to spread awareness of STD’s by singing a tune about venereal disease.

“On the next record… we actually have a song coming out about venereal disease, which I think needs to be talked about. “And it’s a song called It Only Hurts When I Pee.”

I am hoping that they really do have a song about VD and dedicate it to the limo humping he and Angelina Jolie bragged about.

Britney Spears London Performances Remixed – Photos and Videos

Britney Spears

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.

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

Britney Spears’ Boys Dancing to Toxic – Video

Awww… How cute! No matter what craziness is in store next for Britney Spears, at least she’ll always have two fans! Sons Sean Preston and Jayden James had a good ole’ time dancing to their mothers songs “Toxic” and “Baby One More Time.” And Mama Spears couldn’t be more proud!

Via ONTD:

“Check out the newest addition to my show on http://www.BritneySpears.Com. Hope you love em as much as I do! -Britney (via twitter)”

How adorable are they! Lets hope with influence of Grandpa Jamie Spears that these two kiddos might have the chance to grow up with some sense of normalcy…