It's the month of March in the year 2015 and pop icon Madonna has a released a new album titled "Rebel Heart". Let's talk about this album as well as the legacy Madonna will leave.
The first track on the album titled "Living For Love" is the first single off of the album as seen by performances on this year's Grammy's and BRIT Awards. If you have been paying attention to Madonna in recent years, or perhaps her entire career, you will notice that Madonna marvels in telling stories and addressing issues lyrically that may be avoided by others. The beauty of a song by her are the melodies that will in turn make the song appealing to the masses. Madonna's adaptation to the EDM (Electronic Dance Music) scene has been a good move. Some EDM purists may not like the inclusion, but Madonna's vocals and lyrics add grace to a track meant to bring people to a dance floor.
The second and third tracks on the album "Devil Pray" and "Ghosttown" share emotions that all of us can relate to in life. These tracks are more tied to the Pop genre rather than an upbeat dance track, but should not receive any lack of recognition. As Madonna has called herself an "Unapologetic Bitch" many a time, the fourth tract with a Reggae vibe with the familiar vocals by Madonna will probably turn into an anthem for feminism. Upon first listen of this song, you may find yourself dancing along.
"Illumanati" the fifth track begins with a list of other popular artists laced with electronic beats that vary in tempo keeping you listening. This applies for the next track "Bitch-I'm Madonna (feat. Nicki Minaj)". It's clear the choice to collaborate with famed DJ and Producer Diplo was the best thing for this album. However, it's not the first time these two have joined forces, with appearances at music festivals and the like.
Your challenge is to listen to the album in entirety, (try Spotify for Free). Each track belongs on the album, and remember Madonna is not known for her voice, but her message that addresses what others miss. Forget her age, and marvel in her ability to evolve right along with music. Perhaps in years to come we will see Madonna not only as an Pop Icon, but also a Evolutionary Artist. Remember Madonna is the most successful female artist of all time!
Monday, March 16, 2015
Tuesday, March 3, 2015
Artist Review: Straight No Chaser
If you are a music enthusiast, you may have heard of this 10 part A Capella group from Indiana. If you the music novice you probably have not considering the genre of music is not as popular as it once was, and well as it should be now.
This upload went VIRAL, and the president of Atlantic Records sent a message to get the gang back together as they would be needed to sign a record deal. Speaking as a Chaser (fan of SNC), their appeal isn't just limited to their RAW TALENT, it's also attributed to their sense of humor.
This brings me to the records, albums, lists of songs, or whatever the kids use these days. They began as a group that does holiday songs, but is also known for their covers of pop songs that you know and love. Their "Straight No Chaser Twist" is just what is needed to a group that not only loves music, but loves to have fun as well. It's translated in their performances throughout their many tours that they have had up until now. This is where you are highly urged to check out "Christmas Cheers", "With A Twist", "Six Pack", "Six Pack Vol. 2", "Holiday Spirits", "Under The Influence", & "Under The Influence: Holiday Edition".
This group is BRILLIANT, been suggested on the Podcast Trending Topics with BB, and deserves even more praise for their talent.
I will leave you with a few more videos for your auditory, and visionary pleasure.
Straight No Chaser began at Indian University in 1996 breaking off from a bigger choir to 10 guys to basically sing for girls and food as they tell their story. Just like any group formed in college, they all graduated, went on to do other things, keep the legacy group at the IU, and well lived life. When the 10 year reunion rolled around, one of their founding members Randy Stine uploaded a video to YouTube for them to reminisce.
This upload went VIRAL, and the president of Atlantic Records sent a message to get the gang back together as they would be needed to sign a record deal. Speaking as a Chaser (fan of SNC), their appeal isn't just limited to their RAW TALENT, it's also attributed to their sense of humor.
This brings me to the records, albums, lists of songs, or whatever the kids use these days. They began as a group that does holiday songs, but is also known for their covers of pop songs that you know and love. Their "Straight No Chaser Twist" is just what is needed to a group that not only loves music, but loves to have fun as well. It's translated in their performances throughout their many tours that they have had up until now. This is where you are highly urged to check out "Christmas Cheers", "With A Twist", "Six Pack", "Six Pack Vol. 2", "Holiday Spirits", "Under The Influence", & "Under The Influence: Holiday Edition".
This group is BRILLIANT, been suggested on the Podcast Trending Topics with BB, and deserves even more praise for their talent.
I will leave you with a few more videos for your auditory, and visionary pleasure.
Monday, February 23, 2015
The Sound & Connection of Black Stax
Our sound is one where we take all forms of 'Black music' and do our best to 'stack (stax)' them together to create the most Quality material. While paying homage and acknowledging those who have laid the path for us to build on.
Our connection to music is Genuine. We come from the admiration of the artists we have listened to growing up and those that inspire us as our peers. And, see the Future in our youth. Our connection is to the Community we come from, the Struggles that have been fought, the experiences we've had , the responsibility to continue the Culture and the Humbleness to be able to create. We believe we have to be Purposeful in our messages in our music, while having the ability to capture the audience (newborn-80) with the Soul and Spirit that resonates inside our US.
Always being Thankful for our God given Talents! And, speaking for those that are not always listened to or Represented.
@blackstax (on twitter)
black_stax (on instagram)
'Black Stax at Madaraka Festival'- http://youtu.be/
'Black Stax VOL 2:Staxin Continues' (promo video)- http://youtu.be/
'I Love my Life'- http://youtu.be/
'STAR' Black Stax ft Naomi WamBoe (Kenyan vocalist)- https://soundcloud.com/
Thank You!
Black Stax
Monday, February 16, 2015
Antonio Fresco's Love for DJing & EDM....
As person who has always been involved with music since a young age, and coming from a family who is ingrained in music in some sort of facet, it was only inevitable that, I would take my place in the family legacy and continue the tradition. From playing the Alto Saxophone at the age of six, then switching to drums during my middle school years, and then finally picking up the turntables in my late teenage years, my love for music was quite evident.
Growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, during a time when the "Baltimore Club Music" sound was so prevalent and dominated the club scene, dance music was a very popular thing. This sound, was my first real taste of dance music, which caused me to dig further deeper into uptempo music. Along side my love for DJing, and music as a whole, my love for music expanded even further as I got into the radio industry as a DJ.
Working for a college radio station, I got to experience a lot of music that was underground and not as popular as the mainstream sound. This sowed early seeds for me to later become a music producer, as my radio career led me to Dallas, Texas to become a dj on one of the biggest radio stations in all of Texas. Today, producing and DJing is not only my passion, but my career as well.
Focusing on dance music as my main inspiration for creating, I also try to make sure I consume as much music from other genre's as well to help keep my thinking/creativity "Outside The Box", and keeps my perspective fresh.
So for me, a love for all music drives me as a DJ, and my love for creating music drives me to become the best EDM Producer and Artist that I can be.
Until we meet again, continue to Love each other...
-Antonio Fresco
//CONTACT ANTONIO FRESCO
Twitter: twitter.com/djantoniofresco
SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/AntonioFresco
Facebook: facebook.com/djantoniofresco
Monday, February 9, 2015
Show Days by Andrea Godin
Show days are my favorite part of being an artist. There is so much preparation and behind the scenes work that goes into each show, and it all pays off when you get to perform and show the audience what you’ve been working on.
The day of a show, myself and my team usually have a very busy day ahead of us, so of course stocking up on coffee is a must before hitting the road! After days and hours of long rehearsals to get my show just right, this is when I really start to get excited and thankful for another opportunity to get on stage. The road trip to the show is always fun because our team is like a 2nd family and I have so many fun and happy memories with them throughout the past 2 years.
Once we arrive, it’s time for hair and makeup! This is when I relax, go through the show in my head, and have tea & honey for my voice. Once the dancers and I are glammed up, I start my warm ups and we begin going through the show together, even if it means rehearsing in our hotel room. I like to be very prepared because giving the audience a memorable show is so important to me.
Sometime in the midst of all this I get to do my sound check. The sound is different in every venue so a sound check makes me a lot more comfortable with the stage and vibe of the venue.
I still get pretty nervous before I go on stage. I always have and I think I always will because, like I said, every show is important to me. But the excitement always outweighs the nervousness. Right before it’s time to go on stage is when I’m the most nervous, but as soon as I start performing the nerves usually disappear. Being on stage is what I work so hard for and to see an audience get so into my show makes me want to work even harder so that I can continue to travel and go on hundreds of more stages in my life.
After I get off stage, I love meeting and getting pictures with everyone. Nothing makes me happier than someone saying how much they loved the performance or a certain song that I performed. To me, that’s the whole point of making music!
This year I know there is going to be so many more amazing memories and I cannot wait to see what they may be! To anyone reading this who I have met at a show and has shown your support ever since (you know who you are!) thank you so much. Some of the goals I’ve had and will have haven’t been easy, but it makes it that much better knowing you guys are there showing your huge amount of support. Looking forward to more shows, meeting more amazing people, and making more memories with the awesome people that I’ve met.Andrea Godin is no stranger when it comes to the music industry. Born and raised in St. George, Ontario, this beautiful Pop/Dance/R&B recording artist knew at a young age she wanted to be a singer. After her first performance at 11 years old, Andrea was ready to get her career started. More information available on her website!
Follow her on Twitter
Monday, February 2, 2015
Album Review: "We Are All We Need" by Above & Beyond
Yes, there might be a trend of album reviews of DJ/Artists in the Electronic Dance Music (EDM) scene these days. You must remember that the purpose is to highlight music & musicians for the talent they possess. That being said, upon finding out that a member of the A Capella group Straight No Chaser is also an EDM junkie, he suggested to check out Above & Beyond's new album "We Are All We Need".
Instead of worrying if there is enough money in the budget for albums, there is the wonderful invention called streaming. Thus, it was easy to get right on this task. As explained in previous posts of EDM album reviews, the vibe to enjoy yourself and the music continues. The concept of this album is explained by it's title.
The first track "Quieter is Louder" is brilliant, as it is what you might call a quiet ambient track, yet it speaks volumes as you listen. Well, that's the interpretation thus far, take a listen for yourself. The next track is the title track "We Are All We Need" featuring the vocals of Zoe Johnson, and it fully delivers on its promise to bring to life Above & Beyond's musical talent adapted to the electronic sound. "Blue Sky Action" featuring Alex Vargus continues the trend.
Let's just say, the break down of each track could continue. However, in this review, not only is the introduction to the album a goal, but deeper understanding of Above & Beyond is warranted. In fact, let this acoustic set the tone.
The adaptation of acoustic to electronic and back again needs to acknowledged. Have you added "We Are All We Need" to your collection yet?
Instead of worrying if there is enough money in the budget for albums, there is the wonderful invention called streaming. Thus, it was easy to get right on this task. As explained in previous posts of EDM album reviews, the vibe to enjoy yourself and the music continues. The concept of this album is explained by it's title.
The first track "Quieter is Louder" is brilliant, as it is what you might call a quiet ambient track, yet it speaks volumes as you listen. Well, that's the interpretation thus far, take a listen for yourself. The next track is the title track "We Are All We Need" featuring the vocals of Zoe Johnson, and it fully delivers on its promise to bring to life Above & Beyond's musical talent adapted to the electronic sound. "Blue Sky Action" featuring Alex Vargus continues the trend.
Let's just say, the break down of each track could continue. However, in this review, not only is the introduction to the album a goal, but deeper understanding of Above & Beyond is warranted. In fact, let this acoustic set the tone.
The adaptation of acoustic to electronic and back again needs to acknowledged. Have you added "We Are All We Need" to your collection yet?
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Album Review: "United We Are" by HARDWELL
For a genre that was once considered an Indie not set for mainstream, Electronic Dance Music (EDM) has made a name for itself as mentioned in previous posts on this blog. There have been many great EDM albums released in recent years, but today it's time to focus on DJ and Producer HARDWELL's debut feature album "United We Are".
The EDM Movement the we are seeing in popular culture these days stems from the unity both the artists and the fans carry from every event. Attendance records are constantly being broken, and as Las Vegas is seeing, the adoption of Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) has helped improve their economy tremendously. Another reason to believe this movement has caught on is the willingness of each DJ/Producer/Artist to collaborate and allow the masses to stream their music on services such as Spotify, Pandora, etc.
"United We Are" begins with the song "Eclipse", which has been an opening track HARDWELL has used to begin his live sets, some of which are posted on YouTube these days. The dramatic music lead in to a solid dance track is sure to pump up those ready to have a good time. In commentary about this release, HARDWELL has said his support and positive vibe from his fans lead to calling the album "United We Are". The second song "Follow Me" features Jason Derulo, which will get both sets of fans in on the fun. Collaborations among dance and popular artists tend to be the trend as of late. The next song "Sally" is just a club/dance jam.
"Let Me Be Your Home", "Colors" featuring Tiesto, & "Where is Here Now" continue to the great dance vibes that will be sure to get people singing along as well as dancing to the sick beats. The title track "United We Are" sets a tone for the entire album, especially when the vocals by Amba Shepard enter the song. The collaboration with Fatman Scoop & W&W on "Don't Stop the Madness" really gets the raging going, and is really brilliant on HARDWELL'S part. Then again in the commentary about this track, HARDWELL explains that using Fatman Scoop a lot in his live sets lead to his motivation and collaboration for this track.
The following tracks on the album do not disappoint as well. HARDWELL created a great album full of great collaborations, sick beats, and great dance vibes. It is really fitting that "United We Are" has the potential to unite all who love EDM, and this movement.
The EDM Movement the we are seeing in popular culture these days stems from the unity both the artists and the fans carry from every event. Attendance records are constantly being broken, and as Las Vegas is seeing, the adoption of Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) has helped improve their economy tremendously. Another reason to believe this movement has caught on is the willingness of each DJ/Producer/Artist to collaborate and allow the masses to stream their music on services such as Spotify, Pandora, etc.
"United We Are" begins with the song "Eclipse", which has been an opening track HARDWELL has used to begin his live sets, some of which are posted on YouTube these days. The dramatic music lead in to a solid dance track is sure to pump up those ready to have a good time. In commentary about this release, HARDWELL has said his support and positive vibe from his fans lead to calling the album "United We Are". The second song "Follow Me" features Jason Derulo, which will get both sets of fans in on the fun. Collaborations among dance and popular artists tend to be the trend as of late. The next song "Sally" is just a club/dance jam.
"Let Me Be Your Home", "Colors" featuring Tiesto, & "Where is Here Now" continue to the great dance vibes that will be sure to get people singing along as well as dancing to the sick beats. The title track "United We Are" sets a tone for the entire album, especially when the vocals by Amba Shepard enter the song. The collaboration with Fatman Scoop & W&W on "Don't Stop the Madness" really gets the raging going, and is really brilliant on HARDWELL'S part. Then again in the commentary about this track, HARDWELL explains that using Fatman Scoop a lot in his live sets lead to his motivation and collaboration for this track.
The following tracks on the album do not disappoint as well. HARDWELL created a great album full of great collaborations, sick beats, and great dance vibes. It is really fitting that "United We Are" has the potential to unite all who love EDM, and this movement.
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