Artist Interview – Matt Dragstrem

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.

‘The Vampire Diaries’ Wants Taylor Swift

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Taylor Swift may already have some ties with another vampire franchise – the “Twilight Saga” through current hush-hush boyfriend Taylor Lautner – But the seasons new hit TV show “The Vampire Diaries” has their eyes set on the country startlet. Rumor has it that writer Kevin Williamson approached Swift about making an appearance, as a vampire nonetheless, on his CW series.

Per Reel Empire:

“I tried to get her on the show once, but she was touring. I’m desperate to have [Swift] come play a vampire,” Williamson says. “Wouldn’t she make an amazing Kirsten Dunst circa Interview With the Vampire type? Oh my god, I cannot tell you how hard I’m trying to get her—I would kill to have her on the show!”

Williamson confessed he is worried the star may be “too big for Vampire Diaries now” but is still hoping to work something out so she can cameo on the show. Taylor has been in the spotlight a lot recently between her run-in with Kanye West, triumphing at this weeks CMA awards, and has recently been the guest host on “Saturday Night Live”. Maybe Williamson will be surprised and get Taylor Swift to do a guest appearance on “The Vampire Diaries”. I guess we’ll soon find out how persuasive he can be. I for one think she’d be an awesome addition to the cast, even though Mr. Jacob Black would not be amused!

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Images Via: WENN.com

Beyonce Teams Up With Lady GaGa

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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