Category: Music

Entertainment News, Music

K. Flay Releases ‘Run For Your Life’ From ‘Tomb Raider’ Soundtrack

by KristinLeave a Comment on K. Flay Releases ‘Run For Your Life’ From ‘Tomb Raider’ Soundtrack

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RELEASES ‘RUN FOR YOUR LIFE’
FROM THE ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE TOMB RAIDER

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EUROPEAN TOUR WITH IMAGINE DRAGONS
INCLUDING TWO DATES AT LONDON’S O2 ARENA FEB 28TH & MARCH 1ST
PLUS UK HEADLINE SHOW IN BRISTOL ON MARCH 2ND

SOLD OUT NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE TOUR RESUMES ON MARCH 12TH

  CONFIRMED TO TOUR WITH THIRTY SECONDS TO MARS
 IN NORTH AMERICA THIS SUMMER

Two-time GRAMMY-nominated artist K.Flay has just released a brand new song titled ‘Run For Your Life’, from the Original Motion Picture Tomb Raider, starring Academy Award-winner Alicia Vikander. ‘Run For Your Life’ was co-written by K.Flay, produced by Ricky Luna, and can be heard in the film when it hits theatres nationwide on March 16th.

LISTEN TO ‘RUN FOR YOUR LIFE’ HERE

Fresh off the first leg of her sold out Every Where Is Some Where Tour, K.Flay is currently supporting Imagine Dragons across Europe and will be playing two nights at London’s O2 arena on February 28th and March 1st. She will also play a number of headlining shows in Bristol, Berlin, Copenhagen, St. Petersburg, Moscow and more.

The second leg of her North American tour kicks off March 12th in Washington D.C. with YUNGBLUD providing support and K.Flay has also confirmed she will be supporting Thirty Seconds To Mars for select dates on their Monolith Tour this Summer. For a complete list of tour dates, ticket information and more, please visit: www.kflay.com

Last year K.Flay released her GRAMMY nominated, #1 Billboard Heatseekers charting debut album Every Where Is Some Where, which spawned the breakthrough hit single ‘Blood In The Cut’. The track was nominated for Best Rock Song at the Grammy Awards which hit the Top 5 at Alternative Radio and spent more than 6 months on the U.S. Billboard Alternative Songs chart, peaking at #4. The song was certified GOLD in Canada and reached #1 in the Canadian Alternative charts.

Following ‘Blood In The Cut’ is the current single ‘Giver’, which was released with an inventive new lyric video and continues to climb at radio. Watch the lyric video HERE.

Earlier this year, K.Flay revealed the special Deluxe Version of the album, including the ‘Seattle Sessions’ which sees five brand new orchestral versions of album tracks, ‘Blood In The Cut’, ‘Giver’, ‘Black Wave’, ‘High Enough’ and ‘Mean It’.

According to K.Flay, “The ‘Seattle Sessions’ are a reimagining of some of my favorite songs from the record, using live string, horn & choir sections. I worked with Budo, an old friend and an incredible producer, to bring the vision to life & I’m really excited for you guys to hear it.”

K.Flay is rapidly growing as a global star and following her relentless touring schedule, she will set to work on her highly anticipated brand new album.

K.Flay’s Every Where Is Some Where is available everywhere now.

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Music

CATHERINE MCGRATH Releases Acoustic Version of ‘Thought It Was Gonna Be Me’

by KristinLeave a Comment on CATHERINE MCGRATH Releases Acoustic Version of ‘Thought It Was Gonna Be Me’

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SHARES NEW ACOUSTIC VERSION OF
 ‘THOUGHT IT WAS GONNA BE ME’
YOUTUBE / SPOTIFY

UK HEADLINE SHOW
LONDON CAMDEN ASSEMBLY – MARCH 5TH
**SOLD OUT**

NEW HEADLINE SHOWS ADDED IN MANCHESTER, LONDON & GLASGOW

JUST ANNOUNCED C2C FESTIVAL & LIVE AT LEEDS

Catherine McGrath has shared a new acoustic version of ‘Thought It Was Gonna Be Me’, the latest track to be taken from her upcoming debut album, to be released in spring this year.

An intimate take on the original track, stripped back guitars and gentle harmonies accentuate Catherine’s haunting vocals and emotional lyrics. On release, ‘Thought It Was Gonna Be Me’ became her ninth consecutive New Music Friday UK playlisted track on Spotify and she is currently the face of Spotify’s ‘Very Nearly Nashville’ playlist.

Her previous single ‘Talk Of This Town’ garnered airplay on BBC Radio 1 and last month she appeared on BBC Radio 2 with Michael Ball where she performed the track live in session along with a cover of Taylor Swift’s ‘Blank Space’, which you can listen back to HERE.

Having spent the last year touring relentlessly across the UK and Ireland with the likes of Canaan Smith, Una Healy, Kelsea Ballerini, The Shires and Picture This as well as countless festivals from British Summer Time to Latitude, Catherine will be playing seven dates in March and May this year, including her first headline show at Camden Assembly, which sold out in less than 24 hours and slots at C2C Festival and Live At Leeds.

 

Full dates are listed below:

5/3 – Camden Assembly, London – SOLD OUT
7/3 – Oh Yeah Music Centre, Belfast
8/3 – Green Room, The Academy, Dublin
10/3 – C2C Festival, London
1/5 – The Deaf Institute, Manchester
2/5 – Bush Hall, London
4/5 – King Tuts, Glasgow
5/5 – Live At Leeds 2018

 

Music

THE KING’S PARADE Release Brand New Single ‘Woman’

by KristinLeave a Comment on THE KING’S PARADE Release Brand New Single ‘Woman’

THE KING’S PARADE

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‘WOMAN’
NEW SINGLE OUT NOW
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY / SOUNDCLOUD

 

The King’s Parade have today released their brand new single ‘Woman’. The song sees the highly acclaimed London quartet addressing the issues of gender imbalance which are witnessed on a daily basis in society.

‘Woman’ premiered with Mahogany who said, “The sentiment is worthy of praise. So too is the track. With a belting chorus and intelligent lyrics, Woman is a rich slice of alt-soul .”

Frontman Olly Corpe explains, “I see it every day and it never changes. It seems that it’s ingrained and that there’s just this biological barrier that we men can’t or won’t break down. The idea behind the chorus was to try and make the phrase “Like a Woman” celebratory and empowering, rather than derogatory or belittling. It conveys the strength and determination/force of a woman breaking through.

The opening verse depicts a magazine showing a model portraying how she is ‘meant to look’, something we’re all familiar with. The second verse focuses on the biological inequality, which all women have to face; time seems to be against them on almost every level. All of us in the band thought that it was important to voice how we feel and express our respect and admiration for women everywhere. Hopefully it will ring true for everybody who hears it.”

‘Woman’ follows the release of the Haze EP last year which saw the band receive high profile support from BBC 6Music, BBC Introducing, The Independent, Wonderland, Alternative Press, EARMILK and many more.

Its release saw them appear at summer festivals including Secret Garden Party and Cornbury Festival while they played sold out headline shows across the UK and Europe. Most recently The King’s Parade have been nominated for three awards at the Unsigned Music Awards 2018 including Best Record, Best Produced Record and Best Jazz / Blues Act.

The King’s Parade breathe fresh life into UK guitar bands. They have developed an exciting new blueprint, which is seeing a loyal and expectant fanbase grow by the day. They continue to cement their status as one of the most naturally talented and hardworking acts coming from the UK today.

“It’s alt-soul melding classic blues influences with more of a modern pop vibe”
The Independent

“Elegant guitar riffs and heart melting vocals”
Wonderland

“The King’s Parade intertwine alternative and soul on this new single”
Alternative Press

“The group are a sought after creative force”
Clash

“The four-man band is one of the most naturally talented groups out there”
EARMILK

 

Music

X AMBASSADORS Release Brand New Track ‘Don’t Stay’

by KristinLeave a Comment on X AMBASSADORS Release Brand New Track ‘Don’t Stay’

X AMBASSADORS

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Photo Credit: Luis Gispert

RELEASE NEW SONG
 ‘DON’T STAY’
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY / YOUTUBE

NEW ALBUM OUT SPRING 2018
VIA KIDINAKORNER/INTERSCOPE RECORDS
PLAYING LONDON’S BRIXTON ELECTRIC
MARCH 19TH

Multi-platinum selling rock band X Ambassadors have released ‘Don’t Stay’, the second of two new songs following the powerful ‘Joyful’ which they launched last week. Both tracks will be featured on X Ambassadors’ new album, JOYFUL, which is set for release this spring on KIDinaKORNER / Interscope Records.

The band have also announced details of their JOYFUL spring headline tour, which finds the band joined by a number of different and exciting artists along the way including Jacob Banks, Misterwives, Mondo Cozmo, Now Now, Son Little and The Aces among others during dates in the US and Europe.

The massive three-month trek will see the band come to the UK on March the 19th for a show at London’s Brixton Electric, forming part of the European leg of the tour.

X Ambassadors will be showcasing new material from JOYFUL along with fan favourites such as their double-platinum single ‘Unsteady’ and platinum hit ‘Renegades’ – which spent 12 consecutive weeks at No. 1 at Alternative Radio in the US.

Tickets for the tour are on sale – www.xambassadors.com/tour

JOYFUL EUROPEAN TOUR 2018
Mar. 19 | Electric Brixton | London, UK
Mar. 20 | Alhambra | Paris, FR
Mar. 22 | Melkweg | Amsterdam, NL
Mar. 23 | Kantine | Cologne, GER
Mar. 24 | Grunspan | Hamburg, GER
Mar. 26 | Columbia Theater | Berlin, GER
Mar. 27 | Klub Stodola | Warsaw, POL

X Ambassadors “Don’t Stay” Single
Retail: http://smarturl.it/DontStay
Amazon: http://smarturl.it/DontStay/amazonmusicbuy
Apple Music: http://smarturl.it/DontStay/applemusic Google: http://smarturl.it/DontStay/googleplay
iTunes: http://smarturl.it/DontStay/itunes
Spotify: http://smarturl.it/DontStay/spotify

 

Stay Connected with X Ambassadors: www.xambassadors.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

 

Blog, Music, TV

Justin Timberlake Performs Super Bowl LII Halftime Show in Minneapolis

by KristinLeave a Comment on Justin Timberlake Performs Super Bowl LII Halftime Show in Minneapolis

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I’ve actually struggled with how to start this review of Justin Timberlake’s Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show and the week leading up to the performance. I typed out a few paragraphs and then deleted them because I want to focus on the performance itself as opposed to the horrible publicity. I’ll be doing a podcast on that later on, so check back in to hear what I thought.

The halftime performance was great. It was energetic, entertaining and it was just a really good show overall. There wasn’t anything really over-the-top, and I enjoyed the simplicity in that respect. Justin danced his way to several stages around the stadium, which added some flair of the performance. People seemed to be focused on the way Justin and his dancers were dressed for some reason, but what they fail to release is that he’s also promoting the new album and the outfits fit the theme really well. And, really, who the F*** cares about what they were wearing??? We were there to watch a performance, not a fashion show. I find it funny how people will nitpick about the silliest of things these days. (Not gonna lie, I did laugh at someone on Twitter saying that he looked like a clearance table at Bass Pro Shops though lmao. The only difference is that I don’t care what the heck they were wearing)

In any case, here are the songs/snippets/hooks that Justin performed during the 13 1/2 minute performance:

Filthy
Rock Your Body
Senorita
Sexy Back
My Love
Cry Me a River

***Dance Breakdown***

Suit & Tie (w/Marching Band)
Until the End of Time

***Prince Tribute – I Would Die 4 U***

Mirrors
Can’t Stop the Feeling

 

There was a lot of backlash surrounding the rumored Prince tribute and, while I think simply playing the actual video on the screens rather than projecting it onto a large piece of fabric would’ve been better, I think it was done tastefully. I really loved when the camera showed the city of Minneapolis light up with purple lights and then Prince’s symbol appeared in the lights. I know that the guys had some beef back in the day, but I’m a firm believer that you can like someone’s music without necessarily liking the person. If Justin hadn’t paid tribute to Prince in his home state, he would’ve gotten shit for it. Knowing that he was going to do it in the first place had the internet trolls rolling too. He was damned if he did and damned if he didn’t.

I also saw people claiming that JT was lip syncing, but that wasn’t true either. There were some sound issues in the beginning, but if you’re a fan of his music, you would be able to spot the differences. He wasn’t lip syncing.

Everyone seems to be a critic these days. I even saw someone call P!nk out on her rendition of Star Spangled Banner because she spit something out of her mouth beforehand. It was a throat lozenge because she was performing with the flu. That doesn’t get taken into consideration though. It just HAS to be something negative.

I enjoyed the show though. I liked the medley of songs he chose to perform, but I wish he had included “Supplies” or “Say Something” off his new album, Man of the Woods. If you stayed up late, you would’ve been able to catch those being performed on Jimmy Fallon’s The Tonight Show.

Here’s the video of the halftime performance. Check it out and let me know what you thought!

Music

Y.O.U.N.G Kick Back in New Single ‘Lazy’ Out Now

by KristinLeave a Comment on Y.O.U.N.G Kick Back in New Single ‘Lazy’ Out Now

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RELEASE NEW SINGLE
‘LAZY’
LISTEN ON SPOTIFY / SOUNDCLOUD

Y.O.U.N.G PERFORM ‘LAZY’ LIVE
WATCH ACOUSTIC SESSION HERE

UK HEADLINE TOUR
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018

Genre-blending Manchester collective Y.O.U.N.G have today released their new single ‘Lazy’. The youthful five-piece kick back in the new single with chilled hip-hop beats and mellow reggae guitars alongside a bleary-eyed flow, rising into an infectious chorus – all combining to create an anthem for lazy people across the world.

‘Lazy’ follows the release of ‘Exposure’ in late 2017, which has had over 200,000 combined views on YouTube whilst its remixes entered the Music Week Club Chart Top 10.

Rapper Ben James said of the track, “Our whole lives people have been calling us lazy. The track plays on the idea of what we would do every day if we were as lazy as people said. It’s true everybody has lazy days, we are no exception, but overall the aim of ‘Lazy’ is to mock the idea that all we do is nothing.

“The chorus is written from the point of view of the patronising adult, whilst the rap verse gives a first hand view of what a lazy day would consist of. Even though the song is a mockery, we can’t deny that brews, candles and chilling are genuine passions of ours! Dressing gowns make an appearance in the live show, bringing the laid back bedroom vibes to the stage and adding to the tongue in cheek nature of the tune.”

The five-piece (Chez Davis – vocals/guitar, Ben James – rap, James Skehan – guitar/production, Tom Whitehead – bass and Graeme Smith – drums) have built a fervent fanbase across Europe with their cheeky genre mash-ups and extensive touring.

Y.O.U.N.G will be playing their first ever UK headline tour in association with Live Nation through February and March. The band will play five-dates calling at Glasgow, Birmingham, Newcastle, London and Manchester. Tickets are on sale now via TicketWeb.

Y.O.U.N.G UK HEADLINE TOUR DATES
28/02 – Glasgow, The Attic
01/03 – Birmingham, Institute 3
02/03 – Newcastle, Cluny 2
04/03 – London, Camden Assembly
05/03 – Manchester, Deaf Institute

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FIND Y.O.U.N.G ON
FACEBOOK / TWITTER / WEBSITE

Music

X AMBASSADORS Release New Single ‘JOYFUL’

by KristinLeave a Comment on X AMBASSADORS Release New Single ‘JOYFUL’

X AMBASSADORS

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RELEASE POWERFUL AND REDEMPTIVE NEW SINGLE
‘JOYFUL’ 
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE

ADDED TO SPOTIFY NEW MUSIC FRIDAY UK

NEW ALBUM COMING SPRING 2018
ON KIDINAKORNER/INTERSCOPE RECORDS

MARCH EUROPEAN TOUR DATES
Including Brixton Electric, London on the 19th

 

Multi-platinum selling rock band X Ambassadors release their powerful and redemptive new single ‘Joyful’ today via all digital retailers. The song is an emotionally raw and impassioned reminder to take a deep breath when the world is crashing down and do the hardest thing – simply appreciate being alive. ‘Joyful’ will appear on the band’s new album by the same name which is set for release this spring on KIDinaKORNER / Interscope Records.

‘Joyful’ is accompanied by a moving music video that was directed by award winning filmmaker and actress Tess Harrison and visually picks up where the video for the last single ‘Ahead of Myself’ left off.  The video was shot at the historic Los Angeles Theater in downtown LA and once again X Ambassadors’ Sam Harris has opted to sing live for the filming and ‘Joyful’ finds him joined by the band – his brother Casey Harris and Adam Levin – and a gospel choir, all of whom were all captured live as well.

The new single continues a narrative for X Ambassadors, who endeavor to find their voice in these chaotic and uncertain times.  Last March they released the inspirational song ‘Hoping’ and donated the proceeds to the American Civil Liberties Union. ‘Joyful’ is more personal than ‘Hoping’, however the message is as universal.

About the song, Sam Harris explains, “I wrote this song as a reminder to myself and to try and learn how to forgive someone. Heartbreak never fails to pull the rug out from under your feet. The pain is always unrecognisable, no matter what shape or form it takes. But heartbreak can be strangely comforting, and can bring a certain clarity to things. You start to recognise what you can and can’t control – to forgive yourself a little, and to take in the beauty of the world around you.

’Joyful’ was one of the first songs we wrote for the new album. We’d just gotten off 2 years of touring – my body was fragile, my mind was a mess, and my heart had just been broken by someone I cared about very much. So I got lost in my work, looking for something to help ground me.”

When writing ‘Joyful’, Sam, drew inspiration from his brother Casey, who is legally blind and manages to find the light and joy in everyday life, as well as his personal experiences such as writing a song with Yemen artist Methal for Spotify’s ‘I’m with the banned’. For Sam, the realisation that we live in a country where we are free to express our ideas in and of itself is something to be grateful for.

‘Joyful’ was written and produced by X Ambassadors, mixed by Manny Marroquin (Rihanna, Sia, Bastille) and mastered by Joe LaPorta (David Bowie, Calle 13).

X Ambassadors are excited to share ‘Joyful’ live on their upcoming March European tour, with the LA based band playing Brixton Electric in London on 19th March. The band will also be playing songs from their gold certified debut album VHS which was released June 30th 2016, debuting at #7 on Billboard’s 200 chart and spawning multi-platinum singles ‘Renegades’ and ‘Unsteady’ as well as platinum single ‘Jungle’.

EUROPEAN TOUR DATES
MARCH
19th – London, Brixton Electric
20th – Paris, Alhambra
22nd – Amsterdam, Melkweg Max
23rd – Cologne, Luxor
24th – Hamburg, Gruenspan
26th – Berlin, Columbia Theater
27th – Warsaw, Stodola
29th – Moscow, Glav Club
31st – Kiev, Carribbean Club

X Ambassadors ‘Joyful’ single available here:
http://smarturl.it/Joyful

Stay Connected with X Ambassadors:
www.xambassadors.com | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Entertainment News, Music

Soul II Soul Announce 30th Anniversary Tour

by KristinLeave a Comment on Soul II Soul Announce 30th Anniversary Tour

SOUL II SOUL

ANNOUNCE 30TH ANNIVERSARY UK TOUR

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Iconic British band Soul II Soul will embark on a landmark tour of the UK in 2018 marking 30 years of hugely influential success, paying tribute to their legendary debut album, ‘Club Classics Vol 1’.

The double Grammy Award winning and five-time Brit Award nominated band will play 12 dates in the UK in October and November 2018, including a date at London’s Palladium, featuring a stunning production.

With huge hits including ‘Keep On Movin’ (which sold over a million copies in the US alone) and the UK number one single ‘Back To Life (However Do You Want Me)’, Soul II Soul progressed from being one of the leaders of the 1980’s warehouse scene to pioneering British black music around the world, and securing commercial success for themselves and the huge amount of artists they have influenced.

During the course of their stellar career the band have sold over 10 million albums worldwide and main man Jazzie B was awarded an OBE for services to music in 2008, as well as winning an Ivor Novello Award for Inspiration, as “the man who gave British black music a soul of its own”.

Soul II Soul 2018
30th Anniversary Tour  Dates

Friday 19th October: Town Hall / Birmingham
Saturday 20th October: Royal Philharmonic / Liverpool
Sunday 21st October: Brighton Dome / Brighton
Tuesday 23rd October: Guildford G Live
Wednesday 24th October: City Hall / Hull
Thursday 25th October: De Montford Hall / Leicester
Friday 26th October: Town Hall / Leeds
Saturday 27th October: Albert Hall / Manchester
Sunday 28th October: London Palladium / London
Thursday 1st November: St David’s Hall / Cardiff
Friday 2nd November: Corn Exchange / Cambridge
Saturday 3rd November: SEC Armadillo / Glasgow
Sunday 4th November: Sage / Gateshead

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Tickets are available
On pre-sale 9am Friday 26th January:
souliisoul.seetickets.com/tour/soul-ii-soul/?pre=presoul
General sale from 9am Monday 29th January:
souliisoul.seetickets.com/tour/soul-ii-soul/

Music

BAD WOLVES Release Cover of ‘Zombie’ In Memory of Dolores O’Riordan | @badwolves_band #zombie #music

by KristinLeave a Comment on BAD WOLVES Release Cover of ‘Zombie’ In Memory of Dolores O’Riordan | @badwolves_band #zombie #music

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Bad Wolves Release Their Version Of ‘Zombie‘ In Dolores O’Riordan’s Memory

The Cranberries Singer Was Set To Re-Record ‘Zombie’ With Bad Wolves On The Day She Passed

Proceeds Will Go To O’Riordan’s Three Children

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Bad Wolves’ Tommy Vext Discusses Decision To Release The Track With Rolling Stone Magazine

Listen to the track on Spotify / YouTube

 

Cranberries singer Dolores O’Riordan was set to record vocals for hard rock band Bad Wolves’ cover of ‘Zombie’ this past Monday, January 15th, the day of her tragic passing. Today the band release their version of ‘Zombie‘ in her memory, with proceeds going to O’Riordan’s three children.

“It was the greatest honour to know she liked our version and wanted to sing on it,” says Bad Wolves singer Tommy Vext. “We’re deeply saddened by the sudden loss of Dolores and by the fact that she’s leaving behind three children so we are donating the proceeds from the song to her kids.”

“It’s such a powerful song and the themes are still so relevant, we wanted to release it in her memory,” he continues. “The original lyrics include the line ‘It’s the same old theme Since nineteen-sixteen. In your head, in your head, they’re still fighting’. It’s a reference to the IRA bombings during the Irish Rebellion. We changed that lyric to say ‘2018’ and she was really excited about that because the nations may have changed but we’re still fighting the same battles today. Humanity is still fighting to assert itself despite all the conflicts.”

Vext further discusses the decision to release The Cranberries’ genre-defining in an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone.

Listen to Bad Wolves cover of ‘Zombie’ HERE.

Read the band’s original statement on Facebook and Twitter.

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BAD WOLVES ON  FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | YOUTUBE | TWITTER

 

 

Entertainment News, Music

WATCH: Justin Timberlake’s New “Supplies” Video | @jtimberlake #SUPPLIES #newmusic

by KristinLeave a Comment on WATCH: Justin Timberlake’s New “Supplies” Video | @jtimberlake #SUPPLIES #newmusic

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Good morning, everyone!!

This morning has been FANTABULOUS so far because my number one, Justin Timberlake, dropped a new track – “SUPPLIES” –  from the upcoming Man of the Woods album! It is SOOOOOOO good!

DT01KlJXkAAe8f6[1]“Supplies” is the second track that has been released so far and the sound deviates entirely from the previously released track, “Filthy.” This one takes on a more hip hop vibe as opposed to that dance/EDM-type sound found in “Filthy,” and it only proves that Justin really got creative on this album.

The video (see below) has a post-apocalyptic theme featuring Eiza González and some odd special effects, but it actually works with the song.

Now, I’m low-key salty that there was a private listening party in New York this past Tuesday that I wasn’t at, but I’m just excited for the promotional content JT is providing leading up to his Super Bowl halftime performance and the new album. I’ll take what I can get! Now excuse me while I put “SUPPLIES” on repeat for the rest of the day.

Movies, Music

LOVE, SIMON | Official Trailer, Soundtrack & First Single Released | #LOVESIMON @lovesimonmovie

by KristinLeave a Comment on LOVE, SIMON | Official Trailer, Soundtrack & First Single Released | #LOVESIMON @lovesimonmovie

IMG_2208Disclaimer: This is about to get romantic af.

20th Century Fox has released the official trailer, soundtrack and first single for their one-of-a-kind teenage drama LOVE, SIMON starring Nick Robinson, Katherine Langford, Alexandra Shipp, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., Miles Heizer, Keiynan Lonsdale, Logan Miller, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel and Tony Hale!

SYNOPSIS: Everyone deserves a great love story. But for seventeen-year old Simon Spier it’s a little more complicated: he’s yet to tell his family or friends he’s gay and he doesn’t actually know the identity of the anonymous classmate he’s fallen for online. Resolving both issues proves hilarious, terrifying and life-changing.

Directed by Greg Berlanti (Dawson’s Creek, Brothers & Sisters), written by Isaac Aptaker & Elizabeth Berger (This is Us), and based on Becky Albertalli’s acclaimed novel, LOVE, SIMON is a funny and heartfelt coming-of-age story about the thrilling ride of finding yourself and falling in love.

Executive produced by Bleachers’ Jack Antonoff, the LOVE, SIMON soundtrack’s first single “Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song),” via RCA Records is now available for pre-order at all digital retail providers. The official soundtrack is available on all platforms on Friday, March 16, 2018! Check out the full track listing and link to the first single below.

Alfie’s Song (Not A Typical Love Song) – Single
Multi-retailer: http://smarturl.it/AlfiesSongLS


LOVE, SIMON (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) – Album Pre-order
Multi-retailer: http://smarturl.it/LoveSimonOST


LOVE, SIMON Soundtrack Track Listing:

  1. Alfie’s Song (Not So Typical Love Song) Bleachers
  2. Rollercoaster Bleachers
  3. Never Fall In Love Jack Antonoff & MØ
  4. Strawberries & Cigarettes Troye Sivan
  5. Sink In Amy Shark**       
  6. Love Lies Khalid & Normani
  7. The Oogum Boogum Song Brenton Wood
  8. Love Me The 1975
  9. I Wanna Dance With Somebody Whitney Houston
  10. Someday At Christmas Jackson 5
  11. Wings Haerts
  12. Keeping A Secret Bleachers*
  13. Wild Heart Bleachers

*Does not appear in film
**Version does not appear in film

LOVE, SIMON will hit theaters everywhere on March 16, 2018!

 

Official Channels:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | #LOVESIMON

Music

Artist to Watch: 4TH AVE | #4thAve @4th_Ave_Music

by Kristin1 Comment on Artist to Watch: 4TH AVE | #4thAve @4th_Ave_Music

IMG_2169Ladies and gentlemen, we have another band on our hands!

After an incredible run on ABC’s Boy Band, Jaden Gray, Mikey Jimenez and Marcus Pendleton made it to the top 8, where they fell short of the final band. BUT, never fear, we all knew their talent was far too great to have it end there. With the help of another strong voice from the show, Camry Jackson, the guys formed a new band and announced their name today via newsletter–4th Ave!

After weeks and weeks of speculation, the guys had announced that they would be providing back up vocals for Charlie Puth on an episode of NBC’s The Voice this past season. It was their first TV spot since Boy Band ended and, to be honest, they felt like a band. For them to be back up for an established artist and still have a strong stage presence says so much about these guys. It speaks volumes for what’s sure to come.

In the newsletter, the guys revealed the band name and a first run for merch. They’re releasing it in limited quantities each time a run is out. So, for RUN 1, they’ll have limited quantities and then that design will be thrown out and replaced with a new design for RUN 2. They’re also including a free download of their first single (which I believe will be released on February 9, 2018) with each purchase from RUN 1.

I may be in my thirties, but I’m really excited about this band. Their voices are absolutely incredible on their own, but together they’re about to blow minds. Not to mention the fact that they’re working with some incredible people: Tim Davis and Adam Blackstone.

Head over to 4thavemusic.com to shop the merch in RUN 1. You can also find them at the following links:

4th Ave – Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | SnapChat:  fourthavemusic
Cam       – Instagram | Twitter
Jaden     – Instagram | Twitter
Marcus  – Instagram | Twitter
Mikey    – Instagram | Twitter

 

 

Entertainment News, Movies, Music

Review | DEMI LOVATO: SIMPLY COMPLICATED | @ddlovato #SimplyComplicated

by KristinLeave a Comment on Review | DEMI LOVATO: SIMPLY COMPLICATED | @ddlovato #SimplyComplicated

IMG_2130I was finally able to sit down and watch Demi Lovato’s documentary Simply Complicated today and it was so good!

The documentary is a YouTube Original that aired in October 2017. It currently has over 13 million views and with good reason.

It showcases Demi’s life–both the good and the bad. Through family issues, addiction, breakups and the pressure to be perfect, Demi has fought her way to almost 5 1/2 years of sobriety and is still working on finding herself in the process.

I remember sitting down and watching Sonny With a Chance, and Camp Rock with my niece when she was younger. Neither of us knew who Demi Lovato was at first, but I remember thinking that her voice was absolutely incredible. To look back on it now and to know that she hadn’t even tapped into a fraction of her full potential at that time is amazing. Looking at her on-screen, you had no idea that the person behind these characters was struggling with depression, an eating disorder and so many other underlying issues that had barely scratched the surface.

To be honest, I had no idea that things had gotten that bad for her. I knew that there were substance abuse issues, but I wasn’t really aware of the actual timeline of when everything hit rock bottom. I didn’t know the extent of the damage either. So, watching this documentary really shed light on her struggle and the struggle of those around her.

I would strongly suggest preventing your child from watching it if they’re under the age of 13 because it does touch heavily on drug use and alcohol abuse. However, I’m a firm believer in being honest with younger generations and showing them the uglier side of things so that they know what to avoid. This documentary takes an honest look at her struggles, the root of those struggles and the people who helped her through them.

One of the most touching moments for me, personally, was when she spoke about her relationship with Wilmer Valderrama. It’s clear that she still has so much love for him, and it’s nice to see them post-breakup still getting along and not having anything bad to say about one another. I can agree with her reason for needing to be alone and to learn how to depend on herself rather than someone else, but I’m secretly hoping for them to reconnect romantically. What can I say? I’m a hopeless romantic lol.

While watching Simply Complicated, I found myself teary-eyed more often than I’d like to admit. Viewers also get a bit of insight to the recording process for her working alongside her producers and manager. If you don’t walk away from this in pure awe of her vocals, you should probably check your hearing. The girl has got some VO-CALS!!

I definitely recommend watching the documentary, especially since it looks like Part Two might be happening in the near future. It’s a fantastic look at a talented young woman’s road to self-discovery, sobriety and overcoming struggles that so many of us deal with.

Check it out and, as always, let me know what you thought!

Entertainment News, Music

WATCH: Justin Timberlake’s New “Filthy” Video | @jtimberlake #filthy #newmusic

by KristinLeave a Comment on WATCH: Justin Timberlake’s New “Filthy” Video | @jtimberlake #filthy #newmusic

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It’s here, ladies and gentleman!!

The first single & futuristic video from Man of the Woods has dropped and it certainly has people talking. There was a lot of speculation this week surrounding the announcement of the forthcoming album, but I don’t think anyone was expecting the vibe from “Filthy.”

The song was co-written with Timbaland, Danja, James Fauntleroy and Lawrence Dopson, with Timbaland and Danja co-producing the track.

“Haters gon’ say it’s fake. So real.”

“I guess I got my swagger back/I said, ‘Put your filthy hands all over me/And no, this ain’t the clean version.”

“Your friends, my friends/And they ain’t leavin’ till six in the morning.”

People assumed that the new album would have a country sound, considering the title of the album, but “Filthy” has more of an electronic vibe that might even transport you back to his FutureSex/LoveSounds album. To be honest, I’m feeling this one more than I was feeling “Suit and Tie” when it first came out, but that one grew on me big time. Artists evolve, people. Let it happen.

According to Rolling Stone’s website, “Timberlake plans to release three other videos in the weeks preceding the album release. Three different directors helmed the other clips, which will be out weekly starting January 18th.”

Man of the Woods has a February 2nd release date and, with any luck, we’ll see him performing some new music when he headlines the Pepsi Super Bowl LII Halftime Show on February 4.

Have you heard it yet? Let me know your thoughts. Also, check out the video for “Filthy” below! Not sure about you, but this song will be stuck in my head all day now. Not that you went anywhere, but welcome back JT! It’s been way too long!

Entertainment News, Music

Justin Timberlake Announces New Album ‘Man of the Woods’ | @jtimberlake #manofthewoods

by KristinLeave a Comment on Justin Timberlake Announces New Album ‘Man of the Woods’ | @jtimberlake #manofthewoods

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Ladies and gentlemen, the start to 2018 just got even better! Justin Timberlake has announced his next studio album, titled Man of the Woods!

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The follow-up to The 20/20 Experience will arrive on February 2nd with a new song set for release on Friday, January 5th. Yes, you heard correctly . . . that’s in THREE DAYS!! I don’t know about anyone else, but I’m stoked! The 20/20 Experience 1 and 2 came out in 2013, so it’s been way too long.

“This album is really inspired by my son, my wife, my family, but more so than any album I’ve ever written, where I’m from,” Timberlake says. “And it’s personal.”

You can catch JT performing at the 2018 Super Bowl halftime show, and what I’m hoping will be an endless string of promotional appearances (ok, I’m pushing it, but a girl can dream).

Fans can also sign up for the Tennessee Kids fan club on justintimberlake.com for access to pre-sale tickets, new music (as it becomes available), contests, a newsletter and more for only $24.99 annually. There is also a free version of the fan club that includes the newsletter and access to the site.

Here’s to a great start to the new year! I hope you all have a FANTASTIC one!

Music

X AMBASSADORS Announce UK and European Headline Tour | @xambassadors #music

by KristinLeave a Comment on X AMBASSADORS Announce UK and European Headline Tour | @xambassadors #music

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ANNOUNCE UK AND EUROPEAN HEADLINE TOUR

BRAND NEW ALBUM DUE SPRING 2018   ‘AHEAD OF MYSELF’ THE SINGLE – WATCH VIDEO HERE

FEATURING ON THE SMASH HIT SINGLE ‘HOME’ WITH MACHINE GUN KELLY & BEBE REXHA    

FEATURING ON EMINEM’S NEW ALBUM ‘REVIVAL’

Multi-platinum selling three-piece X Ambassadors have announced their UK and European headline tour in March 2018. The nine-date run will be kicking off at London’s Electric Brixton on March 19th.

The tour comes ahead of their eagerly anticipated new album, co-written with American multi-platinum selling songwriter, producer and musician Scott Harris (Shawn Mendes, Chainsmokers) and due for release in Spring 2018.

The album’s lead single ‘Ahead Of Myself’ was released this summer to great acclaim, and the official video has clocked up over 3 million views on YouTube. The band also sold out their headline show at London’s ULU, and pulled in one of the biggest crowds on the Radio 1 stage at Reading and Leeds Festival.

2015 saw the launch of the US trio onto the music scene across the globe. Their debut album VHS spawned the breakthrough platinum selling #1 Alternative radio track ‘Renegades’ and hits ‘Unsteady’ and ‘Jungle’ and debuted at #7 on the Billboard Top 200 chart. VHS has since been gold certified and saw the band embark on a nearly two-year touring odyssey, winning over fans around the world.

X Ambassadors are currently tearing up the US charts with ‘Home’ a collaboration with Machine Gun Kelly and Bebe Rexha, which features on the soundtrack to the new Will Smith Netflix movie ‘Bright’. The track currently holds the #3 spot on Spotify’s Today’s Top Hits – with over 18 million streams – and is at #10 on US iTunes.

The band also feature on the track ‘Bad Husband’ on Eminem’s brand-new album Revival which will be released this Friday (Dec 15th).

They have collaborated with a number of prolific artists such as Tom Morello on the track ‘Collider’, Elle King, A$AP Ferg, Wiz Khalifa, Eminem and labelmates Imagine Dragons and have earlier this year released music for the trailer for the upcoming Tom Cruise film American Made, Transformers: The Last Knight, and the inspirational track ‘Hoping’, which came about following the US presidential election and saw proceeds got to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which is fighting Donald Trump’s immigration ban.

X AMBASSADORS MARCH TOUR DATES

Mon 19th – London, Brixton Electric UK
Tue 20th – Paris, Alhambra FR
Thu 22nd – Amsterdam, Melkweg Max NL
Fri 23rd – Cologne, Luxor GER
Sat 24th – Hamburg, Gruenspan GER
Mon 26th – Berlin, Columbia Theater GER
Tue 27th – Warsaw, Stodola POL
Thu 29th – Moscow, Glav Club RUS
Sat 31st – Kiev, Atlas UKR

 

“One of rock’s hottest new bands” – The Independent

“Triumphant, euphoric, immensely uplifting” – Clash Magazine

“Bombastic rock that’s as stomping as it is diaristic, leavened by big-tent pop hooks and a hint of hip-hop swagger” – Rolling Stone

 

FIND X AMBASSADORS ON; WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / YOUTUBE

Concert Reviews, Music

Review: @RadioDisney Concert with @InRealLife & @SkylarStecker – Celebration, FL | #review #lifelines #irl

by KristinLeave a Comment on Review: @RadioDisney Concert with @InRealLife & @SkylarStecker – Celebration, FL | #review #lifelines #irl

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Good morning, music lovers!

This past weekend (December 9-10), my niece & I headed up to Orlando from Miami, Florida to see In Real Life perform for Radio Disney at Celebration Town Center. Before I get to the review, let me give a bit of back story . . .

Over the summer, my niece became invested in a group of guys competing for a spot in the newest boy band. Every week, my mom & I sat with her and watched the performances and their Instagram lives, and became invested ourselves. As a lover of music, I enjoyed seeing this young group of guys with the drive and determination that most adults don’t possess. There was never drama between any of the boys, no petty controversies or bickering. Their families all got along and it just seemed like one big family. The final five ended up being Michael Conor, Sergio Calderon, Jr., Chance Perez, Drew Ramos and Brady Tutton.

The boys were swept into a mini promo tour as soon as the show wrapped and it was announced that they would be managed by Johnny Wright, who also manages Justin Timberlake and Alicia Keys. Knowing this, we knew it was a matter of time before the boys would be making a trip to Wright’s compound in Orlando, Florida. Sadly, they made that trip in October, just ONE DAY after my niece and I left Orlando to return to Miami. She literally missed them by one day. (You can read more about our misadventures that weekend by clicking HERE). So, needless to say, I had to take another trip up to Orlando with her when it was announced that they would be performing for Radio Disney on December 9th.

Florida doesn’t get “winter weather” too often, especially not in Miami, so we were excited to hear that we’d be getting a cold front for the weekend! We drove up to Orlando Saturday morning, checked into our hotel and headed over to Celebration Town Center early so that my niece, Briana, would have a good shot at meeting the guys. She was also meeting up with another fan around her age, Cristina (aka tattoo girl lol). As soon as we met up with Cristina and her mom, Paige, we found out that she’d met the guys in Starbucks right next to where Briana and I had been sitting. She was so close yet again! (Side note: I tried to get in touch with someone about scheduling an interview with the guys for my blog, but it was such short notice and pretty much impossible to get in touch with someone from their team.)

Now let’s get to the review:

IMG_1510As we were sitting by the empty stage about four hours before the show, we heard a loud crash. The roof of the stage collapsed and missed the workers by inches. This made it impossible for the guys to come out for a proper sound check. Instead, they came out and did a mini sound check behind the stage with an audience of possibly 12 girls and their moms (& aunts). I felt like they probably could’ve come over to meet the few girls that were there in the cold so early, but they were rushed into a nearby hotel for a warmer rehearsal. They were able to give quick little hugs to a few of them before they left though. The rest of us stayed out in the cold while another stage was brought in. The girls all went over to get black wristbands that gave access to the meet and greet that would take place after the show.

After what seemed like forever, the show finally started with 15-year-old Skylar Stecker. I’d never heard of her before, but she actually has a great voice. I felt for her dancers because they looked like they were freezing the whole time. Her set was about 3-4 songs and then they took another break for what seemed like forever before In Real Life came back out to perform.

Their set was actually impressive considering they’ve only been together for a few months and only have three official songs released for download and streaming. This was their set list for the night:

That’s What I Like (Bruno Mars cover)
Tattoo
Feel This Christmas
I’ll Be Home This Christmas
Eyes Closed

The show sounded fantastic, the guys looked comfortable (despite the cold) and they seemed extra happy when they were able to point the mic out to the crowd and hear the fans singing the words back to them. That has to be one of the most rewarding parts of the music business. There is so much talent in this band, but there has even been a huge improvement with their vocals collectively since they were formed. Props to the guys for improving on choreo also! I give major credit to the people setting up the stage(s) who managed to reposition the sound equipment with no time setbacks or mishaps. It really was a great show and I’m glad I got to experience that with my niece.

There was another long wait between the end of the show and the meet and greet, and at that point the cold was almost unbearable for those of us used to Miami “winters” lol. They probably should’ve moved the meet and greet inside somewhere, but it took place out in the cold. Not many of the fans knew who Skylar Stecker was and, absolutely no disrespect to her, but I felt like they should’ve had two separate meet and greets. Instead, they had a joint one that ended up being more of a take-your-picture-and-then-keep-moving, as opposed to actually having a minute to actually meet the guys. In any case, the girls were ecstatic and the guys made them feel as special as they could in such a short amount of time.

Here are our pics with the guys & Skylar Stecker (sorry for the blurriness):

Here are some more pics from the day:

A huge THANK YOU goes out to Radio Disney for putting on this show (even though I wish it was in Miami), to In Real Life for coming out and giving 100% to their fans in the cold weather, to John Clubb for being so sweet to my niece and for giving the gifts she brought to the guys. Another shout out to the girls who became friends with my niece at the show and to Paige for being such great company! You have to love when unexpected experiences bring people together. That’s MUSIC for you!

If you ever have a chance to check out In Real Life in person, do it! They’re still extremely new, but they have such a great stage presence and they really appreciate the fans so much. That in itself proves that these guys still have that drive to succeed.

Keep it up, guys . . . the hard work is paying off!

Music

Boy Band Friday! | New Music

by KristinLeave a Comment on Boy Band Friday! | New Music

Today unexpectedly became the day for boy bands to release new music! I’m not complaining either. Well, besides the fact that it’s not *NSYNC, but that’s besides the point.

In Real Life has been on a whirlwind since being crowned the winners on ABC’s Boy Band show this summer. They released their debut single “Eyes Closed” and a Christmas EP with an original song, “Feel This Christmas,” and a cover of the classic, “Home for Christmas.” Today they released an acoustic version of “Eyes Closed” and I think it’s really good! For being fresh on the scene, they’ve been really busy getting their name out there – which is no surprise considering they’re being managed by boy band genius Johnny Wright, who also currently manages my No. 1, Justin Timberlake. Check out both versions of the song and let me know which one you like better (if you can bear to choose between them).

PRETTYMUCH also released a new single today called “No More,” featuring French Montana. Ok, I have to admit that this one of my new favorite boy bands since *NSYNC. Their performance level is through the roof! These guys can dance! This is their fourth track release and every one of their songs so far have been bangers. Definitely check out “No More,” and you can also listen to “Would You Mind,” “Teacher” and “Open Arms.” PRETTYMUCH is managed by Simon Cowell, who put together one of the biggest boy bands, One Direction.

I’m happy to say that one of the old school boy bands of my day is still alive and thriving. New Kids On the Block released a new EP today titled “Thankful,” and it has a Christmas vibe to it. These guys aren’t going anywhere any time soon, so check out their old stuff and enjoy the new music as well!

Age knows no bounds when it comes to boy bands. At 33, I find myself enjoying some of the new bands (mentioned here), and my niece, who is 13, enjoys going with my to NKOTB shows. I know she’ll be right there with me if there is ever an *NSYNC reunion show also! So, if you’re a music lover and can appreciate harmonies, catchy beats and occasional pelvic thrusts, give these guys a listen and, as always, let me know what you think!

Music, TV

A VERY PENTATONIX CHRISTMAS | TV Review

by KristinLeave a Comment on A VERY PENTATONIX CHRISTMAS | TV Review

A Very Pentatonix Christmas - Season 1

Hey there!

If you know me at all, you know that I absolutely adore Pentatonix and everything they’re doing and have been doing for the past few years. I don’t remember why, but I missed their Christmas special last year and I refused to do it again this time around!

This year’s special aired Monday, November 27th on NBC at 10/9c, and it was adorable! If you missed it, don’t worry . . . the special will re-air on Wednesday, December 6th at 8pm. Do not be like me last year and miss both airings! You can also find a link to the special on their Twitter page @PTXofficial, so there are no excuses lol.

The one-hour special featured an amazing duet with Oscar, Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, BAFTA and Grammy Award winner Jennifer Hudson, an appearance by “America’s Got Talent” winner Darci Lynne Farmer and a duet (and hilarious sketch) with country music star Brett Eldredge.

As usual, the vocals were exceptional throughout the entire show.

The only part that threw me off a bit was Avi’s absence. If you were previously unaware, Avi Kaplan left the group earlier this year to pursue a solo career as Avriel & the Sequoias. Filling in on bass is Matt Sallee – who sounded incredible. While it was odd seeing Pentatonix perform without Avi, I thought Matt did a great job. He even got Avi’s stamp of approval on Twitter: “Beautiful! It is now officially Christmas. @mattsalleemusic you are killin on bass! Much love to you brother.” I’m not sure if he will be invited to permanently join the group, but it was a bit awkward at times when they would have him come out to sing bass with them and then he’d walk off stage while Kevin, Mitch, Kirstin and Scott entertained the audience. His name was also listed separately from the group during the credits. I say invite him to join! Avi approves and is doing his own thing, so why not?

Either way, I thought the show was a great little Christmas special. They didn’t sing my favorite, “That’s Christmas to Me,” or my mom’s favorite, “Hallelujah,” but I can forgive them for it because their vocals and the show’s stage design really put me in the Christmas spirit!

Here’s the video of their version of “Deck the Halls,” which was released ahead of the special:

If that didn’t satisfy your craving for great music, here’s a video of the duet with Jennifer Hudson from the special:

Be sure to check out the special, and watch for the closing of the show especially. The group sang their version of “Imagine” and it was absolutely beautiful. Let me know what you thought!

Happy Holidays, everyone!