Tag: Music

Music, TV

Meet Your Newest Boy Band!! @InRealLife | #boybandabc #music #InRealLife

by KristinLeave a Comment on Meet Your Newest Boy Band!! @InRealLife | #boybandabc #music #InRealLife

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You guys!!! For the past 10 weeks, we’ve had the chance to watch a group of young boys work their butts off as they competed for a spot in the newest boy band, which has now been revealed as IN REAL LIFE.

I started watching the show because I’m fascinated by the inner workings of these types of shows, and also because I grew up in the boy band era and simply can’t forget my roots! There was really no intention to continue watching past the first episode, but I got reeled in alongside my thirteen-year-old niece, Briana. I never would’ve imagined that I would become so invested in another boy band experiment, but this one was different to me.

All of the boys on the show ranged in age from 14-19 (after some 20-somethings had been eliminated) and had such a positivity about them that was infectious. These boys showed love to their families, they showed love and affection towards each other and aside from the MILD drama here and there behind the scenes, it was so refreshing to get caught up in something with some positivity. I can say that, personally, it’s brought a bonding between my niece, my mom & I that I appreciate so much. My niece was able to witness a group of people around her age that were working hard for something they really wanted to accomplish and never faltered in their love and respect for themselves or for others. A message I hope she retains for her own future.

IMG_9910I can’t say that the final band was my top 5 throughout the season though. Initially, our top 5 was JHype, Michael Conor, Chance, Drew and Mikey. When JHype (wrongfully) got eliminated, his spot on our list went to Marcus. However, that’s not to say that I’m upset about the final band either. I think any of the final 8 would have been a great addition. Jaden Gray has one of THE best voices I’ve ever heard and I truly hope he continues pursuing a career in music because it would be tragic if he didn’t. Marcus also has that star quality that I’m sure will drive his already budding solo career forward. We’re mostly sad for Mikey because I really think he fought for his spot in the band. After being in the bottom two (WRONGFULLY) twice, he still managed to win America over in the voting process and made it to the final 8. I was really hoping that they would add a 6th member to the band, but I’m just hoping he doesn’t give up on music because he’s such a personable and lovable kid with talent and the motivation to succeed. He definitely won us over, and we’ll continue to support anything he does after this.

With that being said…the final band is:

Chance Perez, Michael Conor, Drew Ramos, Brady Tutton and Sergio Calderon!!

You can watch their first performance of ‘Eyes Closed’ below. Keep in mind that they didn’t know who was in the band until right before this performance, so as each person was announced throughout the hour episode, they were given specific parts of the song that belonged to them on the final recording. Each person had to learn every part of the song in preparation for the final decision. I give them A TON of credit for knocking out this performance with so little mistakes! I can’t wait to see where this takes them, and here’s to hoping for a tour that reunites the boys with past contestants (:::cough cough::: JHype, Jaden, Mikey and Marcus)!! Here’s to also hoping that Timbaland and Justin Timberlake reach out to JHype too! lol.

Make sure to download the actual recording on whichever platform you use for downloading or streaming music too! Let’s get these boys some exposure!

 

 

Books, Music

@NikkiSixx Announces 10th Anniversary Release of The Heroin Diaries w/New Merch! | #music

by KristinLeave a Comment on @NikkiSixx Announces 10th Anniversary Release of The Heroin Diaries w/New Merch! | #music

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Hello, everyone!

Here’s a bit of backstory . . . my oldest brother has always been a fan of Motley Crue, and that was passed down to me at an early age. I’d gotten laid off in 2008 and he offered me his ticket to FanFest even though it would’ve been his first time seeing them live. To repay him, I took him to see Motley Crue twice in the past four years before they put an end to touring. There’s a bond that music can form between two completely different people and that has always been appreciated.

DH0NJHUVYAE9t2-[1]When The Heroin Diaries was released in 2007, it quickly became one of my favorites. I even shared the book with some of my friends who wouldn’t have necessarily thought to pick it up at the bookstore. After reading my copy, they actually did go out and buy it for themselves. Personally, I’ve never done any sort of drug, but reading about his struggle with addiction and the struggle to regain control of his life was heart wrenching and I couldn’t put the book down. To know that someone struggled that bad and has now been sober for so many years is incredible. You will definitely find yourself wondering how he survived this time in his life, but that’s what makes his whole life story so interesting. I also think of this book as a sort of cautionary tale to anyone considering taking any drugs.

If you haven’t read this biography, here is the unofficial synopsis:

The book is a 413-page collection of diary entries written between Christmas of 1986 and Christmas of 1987. In considerable detail, the diaries chronicle the recording of Mötley Crüe’s Girls, Girls, Girls album and the subsequent Girls Girls Girls tour, ending with Sixx’s near-death from a heroin overdose in late 1987, which inspires the band to quit heroin altogether.

With the 10th Anniversary of the release approaching, Sixx is partnering with PledgeMusic to release special editions of the book, which include 2 brand new chapters, as well as deluxe editions, a graphic novel, signed copies of certain items, CD and Vinyl versions of the soundtrack by Sixx: A.M. (which is also FANTASTIC) and more. You can check out the link below to pre-order your merch:

pledgemusic.com/projects/sixxammusic/pledgers

If you’ve read The Heroin Diaries already, let me know what you thought! If not, what are you waiting for?? Grab yourself a copy and you can thank me later!

You can find Nikki Sixx on the following social media platforms:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

You can also find his band, Sixx A.M. (Nikki Sixx, James Michael & DJ Ashba) here:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Music

THE STRUTS upgrade London show due to overwhelming demand | #thestruts #music

by KristinLeave a Comment on THE STRUTS upgrade London show due to overwhelming demand | #thestruts #music

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LIVE IN LONDON ‘FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY’

**VENUE UPGRADE** DUE TO OVERWHELMING DEMAND ELECTRIC BALLROOM

Monday 18th September **Tickets on sale NOW** https://www.livenation.co.uk/artist/the-struts-tickets?omq=the%20struts

BRAND NEW LYRIC VIDEO ‘ONE NIGHT ONLY’ WATCH HERE

ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE
“OUR FAVOURITE SONGS RIGHT NOW!”
“Like the Strokes reborn as Queen super-fans – right down to singer Luke Spiller’s amazingly spot-on Freddie Mercury impression.”

Due to overwhelming demand, The Struts’ exclusive UK headline show on Monday 18th September – announced last week for The Garage, Islington – will now be at Camden’s Electric Ballroom.

Already proving to be the hottest ticket in town, the flamboyant four-piece stride back across the Atlantic to play in London in celebration of their brand new single ‘One Night Only’, ahead of their massive US tour with Foo Fighters in October.

The recently-released lyric video captures the band in true rock’n’roll style, and is the perfect taster for their hugely anticipated second album, due next year. It’s the follow up to their critically acclaimed 2016 debut Everybody Wants.

WATCH ‘ONE NIGHT ONLY’ HERE

Having recently played to over 60,000 fans supporting The Who in Quebec to a rapturous reception, and being included in Rolling Stone Magazine’s Playlist alongside the likes of NIN, Chance The Rapper and St Vincent, The Struts’ meteoric rise continues a-pace. ‘One Night Only’ has set fire to American radio and looks set to be the breakout hit of the summer.

The single has been greeted with rave reviews in the UK with Kerrang magazine devoting two pages to the band’s magnificent return and The Sun declaring, “’One Night Only’ is an anthemic and bombastic tune inspired by the glory days of British glam rock.”

Classic Rock claim, “The Struts continue their inexorable march to world domination with [their] effervescent new song… a typically huge chorus and bits that sound like Queen and little bits that sound a bit like Coldplay, machined-tooled for swaying audiences and drunken, communal singalongs”, whilst music blogs across the spectrum have been hailing the genius of the new single.

The Struts are Luke Spiller, Adam Slack (guitar), Jed Elliott (bass) and Gethin Davies (drums).

‘ONE NIGHT ONLY’ SPOTIFY / GOOGLE PLAY / APPLE / AMAZON LINK HERE

 

Official Site | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Snapchat: TheStrutsSnap

 

Music

ARTIST TO WATCH: WENS | “Bones” @wensmusic #music

by KristinLeave a Comment on ARTIST TO WATCH: WENS | “Bones” @wensmusic #music

FullSizeRenderWhat’s up, music lovers?!

If you know me at all, you know how much I LOVE finding new artists to listen to. Thankfully, I also have great taste in TV shows that introduce me to a plethora of amazing new music every week!

Last week was no exception, as I learned about a new artist, WENS. Her track, “Bones,” was featured on an episode of Teen Wolf and it’s been stuck in my head ever since!

To the left is the track artwork featured on Apple Music and below is the audio for the song on YouTube. This song has a blend of R&B and almost alternative vocals on top of a hip-hop influenced track. It’s a creative fusion of incredible sounds and I can’t wait to hear more from this Los Angeles native.

You can find WENS on Twitter HERE and you can check out the song below:

Blog, TV

Why JHype Should Still Be On ABC’s ‘Boy Band’ | #jhype #boyband @JHypeOfficial

by KristinLeave a Comment on Why JHype Should Still Be On ABC’s ‘Boy Band’ | #jhype #boyband @JHypeOfficial

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I grew up during the peak of the boy band era. You know the one I’m talking about . . . the one where it was either *Nsync OR Backstreet Boys. The one where we had posters plastered to our walls like wallpaper and attempted dance moves in our living rooms. The one where we watched ‘Making the Band’ when O-Town was put together.

You know what New Kids On the Block, *Nsync, Backstreet Boys, O-Town, New Edition, 98 Degrees, etc. didn’t have?? A 14-year-old beatboxer who SLAYS.

Personally, I was an *Nsync girl because . . . Justin Timberlake, but I decided to check out an episode of ABC’s Boy Band just to see how the judging was handled even though Nick Carter was one of the architects (you can take the girl out of the boy band era, but you can’t take the boy band era out of the girl). My niece, who is 13 decided to watch it with me and that was a wrap. We both got sucked back into boy band land. Let me also state, for the record, that even the One Direction boys didn’t have the greatest auditions on X-Factor (at all), but Simon Cowell saw something in them that he thought would work as a boy band. Clearly, he was onto something because they grew into their voices and have all managed to put out great solo singles and records.

I want to start out by saying that I’ve always been a fan of hearing people beatbox because it’s just not something that everyone can do. We saw JHype’s audition for Boy Band, where Timbaland even went up on stage to join him and it was incredible. I’m not just saying that because he’s my niece’s favorite either. Here’s the audition:

Now, I can’t sit here and say that JHype ever had the best vocals on the show, but he had something that no one else had (aside from Michael Conor)–originality. My issue is that he knew he didn’t come into the competition as a singer and worked extra hard to improve, but even through all of his hard work and growth, Nick still knocked him down each week. No constructive criticism that he could take in and try to perfect, no recognition for the hard work he was putting in, nothing. The only person who gave him credit was Timbaland.

What should’ve been taken into consideration is that he was SO good at beatboxing and improving with vocals. Some of the guys only had vocals and even those weren’t consistently good over the past few weeks.

One comment that stands out in particular was when Nick said he was concerned that JHype didn’t have the tools they need to go deep into the competition. Are you kidding me?? Take a poll, sir! I don’t want another cookie-cutter boy band like all the ones we’ve had in the past. I think adding a rapper (Michael Conor) and JHype would be so interesting and different! I just didn’t appreciate that it sounded like Nick had it out for Jay from the very beginning. Stop telling him he has room for growth because they all do! I still do and I’m 33! Plus, let’s be real . . . Nick isn’t the best singer in BSB either, but they’re still relevant as a band! Now we can also add a lack of vision to that list.

With that being said, here is my ideal Top Five:

Chance, Drew, Marcus, Michael Conor and JHype

With JHype being gone now, here is my current Top Five:

Chance, Drew, Marcus, Michael Conor and Mikey

I know what you’re thinking . . . where’s Jaden?? I think Jaden is more of a soloist (and a bad-ass one at that), so I’d like to see him do his own thing. Hey, maybe he could collab with JHype & Miles!

It’s no secret that Jay will do big things now that his name is on the map and he has a strong fan base to keep that going. He would’ve been a GREAT addition, but I’m excited to see where he goes from here. Here’s to hoping that Timbaland and Justin Timberlake reach out and mentor him even further! The future is bright for him without a doubt. I can’t wait to see him prove Nick wrong!

On that note, here’s my favorite JHype performance on the show:

 

You can find JHype on social media here:

Instagram | Twitter

And while you’re at it, you can follow my niece on social media here:

Instagram | Twitter

 

 

Music, Podcast

@Thisfunktional #Podcast – MUSIC – Dario Castro VERDE70

by thisfunktionalartfreakLeave a Comment on @Thisfunktional #Podcast – MUSIC – Dario Castro VERDE70

Written by Jesus Figueroa (@Thisfunktional)

El vocalista de Verde70 Dario Castro habla con Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional de Thisfunktional.com, de el ultimo sencillo “Ultimamente” de el album “Verde70.”

Castro hablo de traer el grupo a los Estados Unidos, la inspiración del videoclip de “Ultimamente” y lo que sigue para Verde70.

Follow and interact with Jesus:

Twitter – @Thisfunktional

Instagram – @Thisfunktional

Facebook – ThisfunktionalLA

Tumblr – Thisfunktional

AudioBoom – Thisfunktional

YouTube – Thisfunktional
El grupo de rock de Ecuador VERDE70 
lanza su nuevo sencillo “ÚLTIMAMENTE” 
La banda ecuatoriana se presentaron en Los Angeles 
el 18 de julio en el Hotel Cafe 

El grupo de rock Ecuatoriano presento su nuevo sencillo “Últimamente” en Estados Unidos en un concierto intimo en Los Angeles, California el 18 de julio en el Hotel Cafe.

VERDE70 recién lanzo el videoclip del sencillo “ÚLTIMAMENTE,” tema con el cual cierran la etapa de su cuarto álbum (homónimo VERDE70), el mismo que protagonizó su extensa gira de conciertos por Ecuador y Estados Unidos con el#TourLaEdadDeLaZebra y el #Tour15Años.

Por esta razón, la banda ecuatoriana junto a TFM CINE, LA PRODUCTORA y RADAR MUSIC apostaron por un material audiovisual de alta calidad para ÚLTIMAMENTE que resultó mezclado en 5.1 y formato DCP exclusivamente para el cine, el día del estreno, donde más de 200 invitados de prensa, fans y artistas disfrutaron de la proyección del video que ya está disponible en el canal VEVO de VERDE70.

La presentación del nuevo video en la gira “Últimamente” se llevó a cabo en Quito en dos fechas: 20 de junio en Cinemark y el 23 de junio en Gastrópolis; Guayaquil, Los Angeles, New York, New Jersey, entre otras son las plazas que la banda visitará entre julio y agosto, para luego extender esta gira de conciertos hasta diciembre del presente año.

Music

The Struts announce special one-off London show – Sept 18th | #thestruts #music

by KristinLeave a Comment on The Struts announce special one-off London show – Sept 18th | #thestruts #music

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LIVE IN LONDON
‘FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY’
START YOUR WEEK WITH A BANG!

Monday 18th September – The Garage, London
Exclusive Ticketweb Pre-Sale: www.ticketweb.co.uk/event/aji1809p
**Tickets on general sale Fri July 28th at 10am**

BRAND NEW LYRIC VIDEO
‘ONE NIGHT ONLY’

ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE 
“OUR FAVOURITE SONGS RIGHT NOW!”
“Like the Strokes reborn as Queen super-fans – right down to singer Luke Spiller’s amazingly spot-on Freddie Mercury impression.”

THE STRUTS JOIN CHANCE THE RAPPER, ST VINCENT, NINE INCH NAILS, & SELENA GOMEZ IN TODAY’S ROLLING STONE PLAYLIST

Acclaimed UK rock band The Struts today announce a very exclusive headline show at The Garage in London, in celebration of their brand new single ‘One Night Only’. Taking place on Monday 18th September it’s going to be the hottest ticket in town as the flamboyant four-piece stride back across the Atlantic to play an intimate venue, ahead of their massive US tour with Foo Fighters in October.

Having just played to over 60,000 fans supporting The Who in Quebec to a rapturous reception, and today been included in Rolling Stone Magazine’s Playlist alongside some of the biggest names in music, The Struts meteoric rise continues a-pace. ‘One Night Only’ has set fire to American radio and looks set to be the breakout hit of the summer.

The newly-released lyric video captures the band in true rock’n’roll style, and is the perfect taster for their hugely anticipated second album, due next year. It’s the follow up to their critically acclaimed 2016 debut Everybody Wants.

The single has been greeted with rave reviews in the UK with Kerrang magazine devoting two pages to the band’s magnificent return and The Sun declaring, “’One Night Only’ is an anthemic and bombastic tune inspired by the glory days of British glam rock”.

Classic Rock claim, “The Struts continue their inexorable march to world domination with [their] effervescent new song… a typically huge chorus and bits that sound like Queen and little bits that sound a bit like Coldplay, machined-tooled for swaying audiences and drunken, communal singalongs”, whilst music blogs across the spectrum have been hailing the genius of the new single.

The Struts are
Luke Spiller, Adam Slack (guitar), Jed Elliott (bass) and Gethin Davies (drums).

‘ONE NIGHT ONLY’

SPOTIFY / GOOGLE PLAY / APPLE / AMAZON LINK HERE

“Reviving the glam rock lifestyle but also imbuing it with some downright mature 21st century sensibilities.”       -GQ

 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube | Snapchat: TheStrutsSnap

TV

Nicky Jam Joins Lineup of Superstar Musicians on ‘Best. Cover. Ever.’

by KristinLeave a Comment on Nicky Jam Joins Lineup of Superstar Musicians on ‘Best. Cover. Ever.’

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LATIN MUSIC SENSATION NICKY JAM
JOINS LINEUP OF SUPERSTAR MUSICIANS ON ‘BEST.COVER.EVER.’
LAUNCHING EXCLUSIVELY ON YOUTUBE

Competition Series Hosted by Ludacris from
Ryan Seacrest Productions & Endemol Shine North America
Launches This Fall

Nick Jam High ResInternational Latin music superstar Nicky Jam will join the superstar guest lineup on Best.Cover.Ever., a cutting-edge talent competition series hosted by Grammy Award-winning artist Ludacris that will premiere exclusively on YouTube this fall. The series is produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions and Endemol Shine North America.

Nicky — who has over 7 billion views and 9.5 million subscribers on YouTube — will join previously announced superstar artists Keith Urban, Katy Perry, Demi Lovato, Backstreet Boys, Jason Derulo, Flo Rida and Charlie Puth.

Best.Cover.Ever. gives emerging musicians from around the world a chance for international fame. Throughout the series, a new superstar artist will challenge competing musicians to perform a cover of one of their original songs. The musicians can perform the song in their own unique style as they battle for the ultimate prize: the opportunity to perform a duet with the superstar artist that will premiere on YouTube!

With the submission phase currently open, fans are encouraged to upload a video to YouTube performing their creative cover of Nicky’s biggest hits: El Amante (video in Spanish here, video in English here). Fans can upload their video, follow submissions, and watch the series by subscribing to the Best.Cover.Ever. channelon YouTube, and can learn more by going to TheBestCoverEver.com.

The superstar artist will then pick the one lucky cover artist for a chance to perform a whole new song together. Viewers will witness every part of the planning, behind-the-scenes process as they mount this uniquely special music performance.

Visit thebestcoverever.com to learn how to submit.

Follow and subscribe to Best.Cover.Ever. on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all future updates.

The series is executive produced by Ryan Seacrest and hosted by GRAMMY Award-winner Ludacris, who will also serve as an executive producer. Best.Cover.Ever. is produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions and Endemol Shine North America. In addition to Seacrest and Ludacris, Rob Smith (ESNA), Georgie Hurford-Jones (ESNA), Marilyn Wilson and Teri Kennedy (RSP), will also serve as executive producers.

Music

Multi-platinum selling X Ambassadors return w/new single ‘Ahead Of Myself’ | @xambassadors

by KristinLeave a Comment on Multi-platinum selling X Ambassadors return w/new single ‘Ahead Of Myself’ | @xambassadors

X AMBASSADORS

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RELEASE BRAND NEW SINGLE ‘AHEAD OF MYSELF’ OUT NOW – LISTEN HERE

NEW ALBUM COMING

PLAYING READING & LEEDS FESTIVAL
PLUS HEADLINING LONDON’S ULU AUGUST 29TH

US trio X Ambassadors return with a brand new single ‘Ahead Of Myself’, which is the lead track from their upcoming second album.

Released today, ‘Ahead Of Myself’ was co-written with American multi-platinum selling songwriter, producer, and musician Scott Harris (Shawn Mendes, Chainsmokers) and was added straight onto Spotify’s UK and Global New Music Playlists as well as Deezer and Amazon’s Brand New Music UK playlists.

‘Ahead Of Myself’ is the first taste of their new album, the follow up to the critically acclaimed, gold-certified debut album VHS, which featured the two multi-platinum hits ‘Renegades’ and ‘Unsteady’.

The success of VHS saw X Ambassadors venture out on a near two-year touring odyssey, winning over fans around the world and performing at the likes of Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo, Life is Beautiful, Shaky Knees festivals and many more.

The three-piece, formed of brothers Sam and Casey Harris and college friend Adam Levin, have collaborated with a number of top names such as Tom Morello, Elle King, A$AP Ferg, Wiz Khalifa, Eminem and label mates Imagine Dragons.

Earlier this year they gave fans a taste of their current sonic direction with the release of ‘The Devil You Know’, which featured in a trailer for the upcoming Tom Cruise film American Made, ‘Torches’ which was heard in Transformers: The Last Knight, and the inspirational ‘Hoping’, which came about following the US presidential election.

X Ambassadors will be playing the Radio 1/NME stage at this year’s Reading and Leeds Festival before headlining a show at London’s ULU on August 29th.

“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

Retail | iTunes | Apple | Amazon | Google | Spotify | Soundcloud | YouTube

 

Music, Podcast

@Thisfunktional Podcast – MUSIC – Dakota Gartner NAKED WALRUS

by thisfunktionalartfreakLeave a Comment on @Thisfunktional Podcast – MUSIC – Dakota Gartner NAKED WALRUS

Written by Jesus Figueroa (@Thisfunktional)

Musician Dakota Gartner talks with Jesus Figueroa, @Thisfunktional of Thisfunktional.com, about his band Naked Walrus and being part of Vans’ Warped Tour.

Gartner talks about the inspiration behind the bands alternative rock sound, being part of the incredible line-up at Vans’ Warped Tour and other tour stops Naked Walrus will be a part of.

Follow and interact with Jesus:

Twitter – @Thisfunktional

Instagram – @Thisfunktional

Facebook – ThisfunktionalLA

Tumblr – Thisfunktional

AudioBoom – Thisfunktional

YouTube – Thisfunktional
Music

NEW MUSIC: THE SCRIPT | “Rain” Music Video | #music #thescript

by KristinLeave a Comment on NEW MUSIC: THE SCRIPT | “Rain” Music Video | #music #thescript

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For those of you who don’t know me personally, I’m a HUGE fan of The Script. I met them at a show here in Miami a few years ago with my friend (Thanks, Keisha!) and they were absolutely incredible. I had already been a fan of their music, but the way they were with their fans made me love them even more . . . not to mention that they’re Irish, which automatically makes them awesome! lol.

I’ve seen them live 3 times now and I’m hoping they make a stop in South Florida again for their next tour. Believe me, seeing them live is so worth it!

Here is the new music video for “Rain” that was released this weekend! I’m kinda digging the dance vibe they have going on here. Lyrically, The Script is always on point, so I don’t mind them experimenting with new sounds like I do with some others haha.

Check it out and let me know what you think!

Music

@Thisfunktional Podcast – MUSIC – Jose Pepe Martinez Jr. MARIACHI VARGAS DE TECALITLAN

by thisfunktionalartfreakLeave a Comment on @Thisfunktional Podcast – MUSIC – Jose Pepe Martinez Jr. MARIACHI VARGAS DE TECALITLAN

Written by Jesus Figueroa (@Thisfunktional)

Jose “Pepe” Martinez Jr., miembro de el Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan, habla con Jesus Figueroa, @thisfunktional de Thisfunktional.com, de “El Gran Concierto De Gala del Mariachi.”

Martinez habla de la historia de el Mariachi Vargas, de querer ser nominado por un Latin Grammy y de traer la musica de mariachi a una nueva generación.

Follow and interact with Jesus:

Twitter – @Thisfunktional

Instagram – @Thisfunktional

Facebook – ThisfunktionalLA

Tumblr – Thisfunktional

AudioBoom – Thisfunktional

YouTube – Thisfunktional
Music

#SUP3RFRUIT Releases ‘Future Friends – Part One’ EP on June 30th! | #futurefriends #imaginaryparties @sup3rfruit

by KristinLeave a Comment on #SUP3RFRUIT Releases ‘Future Friends – Part One’ EP on June 30th! | #futurefriends #imaginaryparties @sup3rfruit

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Where are all my music lovers??

Our favorite duo has released their first joint EP today and it’s amazing!

Scott Hoying and Mitch Grassi are known for being 2/5 of the award-winning a cappella group, Pentatonix. They also have their own YouTube channel, which you can find HERE.

The talent between these two is beyond believable and it’s nice to see them expanding their reach to wider audiences. Their voices together is absolute perfection and I already can’t wait to hear Part Two!

This is a fun, up-beat collection of songs with phenomenal harmonies, as usual. One of my favorites so far (and it’s hard to choose one) is ‘Worth It (Perfect).’

You can find the first video (‘Imaginary Parties’) from Future Friends – Part One below:

 

You can follow Scott and Mitch on Twitter, and you can also follow the Sup3rfruit page!

Part Two will be released September 15th, but make sure to download Part One on whichever platform you use to stream/download music!

Music

Leyo, The Ford Motor Company Partner in New Musical Project

by thisfunktionalartfreakLeave a Comment on Leyo, The Ford Motor Company Partner in New Musical Project
FORD MOTOR COMPANY PARTNERS WITH LEYO FOR NEW MUSICAL PROJECT AND GIVE FANS A CHANCE TO WIN $30K TOWARDS A NEW VEHICLE

 

The Ford Motor Company and singer/songwriter Leyo have joined forces to help fund his new musical project via a BYGMusic social media effort and give fans a chance to win $30,000 towards a new Ford vehicle.

Beginning the week of June 19 until the week of Sept. 12, fans will have to respond to a series of call-to-action posts on Leyo’s official Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages (@OfficialLeyo on all platforms) in order to enter the contest. Official Link: bygford.com/leyo

Current Single “ENAMORADO”:
soundcloud.com/officialleyo/leyo-enamorado/s-hYRRd

Entering is easy.

Fans are to click on a link that will direct them to Leyo’s personal Ford landing page created by BYGMusic (available in both English and Spanish) and will then be asked to enter their information (name, e-mail and zip code) to become eligible to win the $30,000.

While submitting their information, fans will also be given the option to “Opt In,” agreeing to become a Ford Hand Raiser.

It is crucial for fans to “Opt In” in order for Leyo to receive the maximum amount per action.

Fans will also be asked to watch a short 30-second video for an additional five entries, for a total of 6 after submitting their information.

Fans must be 18 years old to enter the contest.

“It’s an artist’s dream to have a huge brand that you grew up admiring and still believe in, believe in you,” Leyo said. “Having Ford support my Latino culture and my artistry esta padridismo.”

Music

New Music Friday! | #music #newreleases #tour

by KristinLeave a Comment on New Music Friday! | #music #newreleases #tour

 

YoursTruly

Good morning, music lovers!!

Ok . . . so I had to take a minute to compose myself after the influx of music releases and announcements over the past two weeks! How did you all hold up? lol . . .

So let’s talk tours first! Fans received announcements from some of their favorite artists regarding upcoming tours and, personally, I couldn’t be more excited! I’m hoping to make some contacts so I can keep up with all of them and get some show reviews posted for you all! Fingers crossed on that. Some of the artists who posted tour announcements include Fall Out Boy (dates posted below), Halsey (dates posted below), Janet Jackson, Harry Styles (dates posted below), Linkin Park, Sabrina Carpenter, Kendrick Lamar, an extension of the current Kings of Leon tour, the list goes on and on! Not to mention the fact that some of our favorite artists are currently working on new music, which means (hopefully) even more announcements are sure to be on their way!

 

Also announced in the past two weeks are singles, singles, and more singles! Fall Out Boy released “Young and Menace,” Imagine Dragons released “Thunder,” OneRepublic released “No Vacancy,” Harry Styles released “Sweet Creature,” Halsey released “Eyes Closed,” Paramore released “Told You So,” Niall Horan released “Slow Hands,” X Ambassadors released “Torches,” etc., etc., etc.

In light of all of these announcements, we also got a few music videos to watch! Anyone else miss when MTV and VH1 used to play music videos? Do they even do it at all anymore? Let me know! Here are a few of the new ones:

 

 

 

Which artists are you more excited about? Are there any tours you’re planning on attending? Are there any new artists I should be listening to? Sound off in the comments or tweet me @thisiskristin_! I also would LOVE to know who’s planning on attending ‘Kinky Boots’ on Broadway this summer to see Brendon Urie from Panic! at the Disco playing Charlie? I know I am!  🙂

TV

BEST.COVER.EVER. | New Competition Show to Premiere Exclusively on YouTube

by KristinLeave a Comment on BEST.COVER.EVER. | New Competition Show to Premiere Exclusively on YouTube

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BEST.COVER.EVER.

FROM RYAN SEACREST PRODUCTIONS & ENDEMOL SHINE NORTH AMERICA TO PREMIERE EXCLUSIVELY ON YOUTUBE

Competition Series Hosted by GrammyⓇAward-Winner Ludacris Features
Demi Lovato, Backstreet Boys, Jason Derulo, Charlie Puth and Emerging Musicians Performing The Biggest Hits In Front of Superstar Artists

Winner to Get a Chance to Perform a Duet with Superstar Artist and Premiere it on YouTube

Ryan Seacrest Productions and Endemol Shine North America today announced Best.Cover.Ever., a cutting-edge talent competition series hosted by Grammy Award-winning artist Ludacris and featuring Demi Lovato, Backstreet Boys, Jason Derulo and Charlie Puth that will premiere exclusively on YouTube later this year.  Additional top artists to be announced in coming weeks.

Best.Cover.Ever. gives emerging musicians from around the world a chance for international fame. Throughout the series, a new superstar artist will challenge competing musicians to perform a cover of one of their favorite songs. The musicians can perform the song in their own unique style as they battle for the ultimate prize: the opportunity to perform a duet with the superstar artist that will premiere on YouTube!

Demi Lovato, The Backstreet Boys and Jason Derulo will kickoff the first submission phase, which begins today through May 19th, where fans are encouraged to upload a video to YouTube performing their creative cover of these superstar artists’ biggest hits: As Long As You Love Me (Backstreet Boys, video here), Confident (Demi Lovato, video here) and Trumpets (Jason Derulo, video here). Other superstar artists will encourage fans to record covers of their songs on future dates. Fans can upload their video, follow submissions, and watch the series by subscribing to the Best.Cover.Ever. channel on YouTube, and can learn more by going to TheBestCoverEver.com.

“YouTube is the best place for emerging musicians to be discovered, and Best.Cover.Ever. will encourage these artists to go for their dreams alongside the best in the business,” said Susanne Daniels, Global Head of Original Content, YouTube. “We’re thrilled that Ryan Seacrest will give new talent the opportunity to shine in front of over 1 billion fans around the world.” 

“We couldn’t be more excited to premiere this new talent music competition series exclusively on YouTube. Cover songs are a terrific vehicle to help discover fresh talent and YouTube is the perfect platform to do it,” said Ryan Seacrest, series Executive Producer and CEO of Ryan Seacrest Productions. “These new young artists will also have the chance to work alongside some of the most renowned musicians in the world, which we hope will generate some great experiences for the artists and contestants alike, and, in turn produce some memorable performances.”

“YouTube is the ideal home for ‘Best.Cover.Ever.,’ a ground-breaking competition format that will feature many of the top names in the music industry paired with emerging artists, all under the direction of Ryan Seacrest, Ludacris and our two experienced production teams,” says Eden Gaha, President, Unscripted Television, Endemol Shine North America.

In the upcoming weeks, each superstar artist will be sending out a call to action to the YouTube community, asking emerging musicians to record and upload a version of a specific hit song of theirs. Once he or she views the submissions, the list will be whittled down to a select few.  Of these few, two will be selected to appear in the series and put to the test by the superstar artist to see how they might be as a collaborator on another hit song.

The superstar artist will then pick the one lucky cover artist for a chance to perform a whole new song together. Viewers will witness every part of the planning, behind-the-scenes process as they mount this uniquely special music performance.

Visit thebestcoverever.com to learn how to submit. Follow and subscribe to Best.Cover.Ever. on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube for all future updates. 

The series is executive produced by Ryan Seacrest and hosted by Grammy Award-winner Ludacris, who will also serve as an executive producer.  Best.Cover.Ever. is produced by Ryan Seacrest Productions and Endemol Shine North America. In addition to Seacrest and Ludacris, Teri Kennedy (RSP), Rob Smith (ESNA), Georgie Hurford-Jones (ESNA) and Marilyn Wilson will also serve as executive producers.

Fun Facts:

Backstreet Boys Fun Fact:
YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki came across a video of two guys in China lipsynching to As Long As You Love Me by the Backstreet Boys in 2006. It was in that moment Wojcicki realized that through YouTube, “people all over the world can create content” and encouraged Google to acquire the video service. The world famous video with over 1M views can be watched here. Reference source.

Demi Lovato Fun Fact:
While known for her own hits, Demi Lovato tunes have been a boon for other artists as well – a popular cover of “Heart Attack” by Sam Tsui & Chrissy Costanza has earned an impressive 77 million views while Boyce Avenue and Megan Nicole’s rendition of “Skyscraper” has been watched over 18.4 million times.

Jason Derulo Fun Fact:
While best known for his own chart-toppers — his recent video “Swalla” has garnered 108+ million views since dropping last month, setting a new personal best for the crooner — Jason Derulo is hardly a stranger to the covers world, having notably teamed up with A capella heavyweight Pentatonix for an all-vocal rendition of Shai’s soulful 90s hit “If I Ever Fall in Love.” Pentatonix’s 2016 video for the cover has earned Derulo and the quintet over 15 million views.

To view this information in Spanish, please click below:

Continue reading “BEST.COVER.EVER. | New Competition Show to Premiere Exclusively on YouTube” →

Music

Sabrina Carpenter Announces The De-Tour

by thisfunktionalartfreakLeave a Comment on Sabrina Carpenter Announces The De-Tour
Live Nation - Sabrina Carpenter
30+ City Summer 2017 Tour Kicks Off July 6 In Vancouver 
Featuring Special Guests Alex Aiono and New Hope Club 
FAN CLUB PRESALES STARTS APRIL 28 AT 10 A.M. LOCAL TIME

TICKET PRESALES BEGINS APRIL 28 AT 3 P.M. LOCAL TIME

GENERAL PUBLIC ON-SALE STARTS APRIL 29 AT 10 A.M. LOCAL TIME

Following her sold out, first ever headline tour last fall, singer/songwriter and actress Sabrina Carpenter is set to bring a summer of fun and music across the continent with The De-Tour, a 30+ date summer headline tour.

The De-Tour will begin July 5 in Vancouver, BC and continue across major North American cities such as Seattle, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas, New Orleans, Orlando, Atlanta, Nashville and Boston before concluding on August 27 in Toronto, ON.

The De-Tour, presented by American Tourister, will feature special guests Alex Aiono and New Hope Club on all dates.

Fan club and ticket pre-sales begin April 28 at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. local time, respectively.

Tickets for The De-Tour will go on sale to the general public beginning April 29 at 10 a.m. local time.

For more information, please visit sabrinacarpenter.com.

“Ever since I got off the road from my first tour, all I can think about is going back out. Now this time, everything is gonna be bigger, better and very, very unexpected,” Carpenter said. “I can’t wait to show everyone what we’ve been working so hard on. I want the live experience to be indelible.”

This weekend, Sabrina will take to the 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards stage to perform her current, infectious single “Thumbs” off her sophomore album “EVOLution.”

The album’s first single, “On Purpose,” is nominated for XOXO – Best Crush Song.

The 2017 Radio Disney Music Awards air April 30 at 7 p.m. on the Disney Channel.

In May, Sabrina will embark as special guest on The Vamp’s UK and Ireland tour and in June, join Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman World Tour in Brazil as special guest.

Music

P!nk Announces Only East Coast Performance This Summer

by thisfunktionalartfreakLeave a Comment on P!nk Announces Only East Coast Performance This Summer

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KICKING OFF THE 2017 ATLANTIC CITY BEACHFEST CONCERT SERIES
JULY 12 – DOORS 5PM ATLANTIC CITY BEACH
Tickets Go Onsale to the General Public May 5 at 10 a.m.

P!nk announced she will be performing as part of the 2017 Atlantic City BeachFest Concert Series.

This event will take place on July 12 on the Atlantic City Beach.
This is just one of a handful of events where fans can see P!nk live in 2017 and her ONLY East Coast performance.

Fans can expect to see all the jaw-dropping theatrics and acrobatics that P!nk is known for.Tickets go on sale to the general public on May 5 at 10 a.m.

Tickets will be available at Ticketmaster.com or by-phone at 800-745-3000.
American Express Cardmembers will have early access to presale tickets beginning April 28 at 10 a.m. through May 4 at 10 p.m.
There will be General Admission (GA), Gold Circle GA and Silver Circle GA ticket options available for fans, as well as VIP ticket opportunities.

For additional information on the event or ticket options, please visit ACBeachConcerts.com.Previously, the Atlantic City Beach Series featured performances by Maroon 5, Zac Brown Band, Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band, Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum and more.

The 2017 Atlantic City BeachFest Concert Series is presented by Live Nation in partnership with the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA) and the City of Atlantic City.

“P!nk puts on one of the most exciting and powerful live shows in the industry,” Geoff Gordon, Live Nation Philadelphia Regional President, said. “We, along with our friends at CRDA, the Mayor’s office, and our municipal and casino partners, are honored to kick off the beach series with P!nk.”

“Efforts by the Christie Administration to reinvigorate Atlantic City’s economy are paying off by attracting top acts to the city, such as a superstar like P!nk,” CRDA Executive Director Christopher M. Howard said. “The State and CRDA continue to work to redefine Atlantic City from a gaming destination to an entertainment venue. Whether it’s for a day trip or a longer stay, there is something in Atlantic City for everyone, from major concert acts and dining to shopping and family fun.”

“Once again Atlantic City is the leading shore town bringing exciting concerts to the beach,” Atlantic City Mayor Don Guardian said. “We are very excited that Live Nation will be bringing P!nk to Atlantic City. Her performances are full of excitement and electricity, so there will be no doubt this will be a stellar show.”

Blog

April: Days Seven & Eight | Playlists & Plans

by KristinLeave a Comment on April: Days Seven & Eight | Playlists & Plans

YoursTruly

Hey everyone!

I’m sorry for falling behind a bit on these daily posts, but last weekend was my birthday! Never fear, I’m in catch-up mode and will try to combine some days so I don’t bombard you with my rambling lol.

For Day Seven, I wanted to talk about Playlists!

I’m a HUGE music lover and I absolutely love finding new artists. I get tired of hearing the same 5 songs in rotation on the radio, so any time I can Shazam a song from a TV show or movie I’m a happy camper! I’m always taking suggestions too, so if you know of anyone I should check out, comment on this post and let me know!

I have a few playlists going on Apple Music right now, but the one I use the most is eclectic to say the least! I have Hailee Steinfeld, ZAYN, Ed Sheeran, The 1975, Syml, Muse, Lady Gaga, The Chainsmokers, Ruelle and Amber Run. Ruelle is featured a lot on one of my favorite shows, The Originals, and they’re absolutely incredible! I usually add a lot of my Shazam tags to that playlist as well so it’s always growing.

I also have a Justin Timberlake playlist, OneRepublic, The Script and Imagine Dragons. Those four are probably my favorite artists/bands.

How about you? What are you listening to? Is there anyone I should check out?

 
Day Eight is about highlighting what Plans are on my to-do list . . . and there’s a lot! I won’t bore you with everything, but here are the essentials:

  1. Definitely need to hit the gym. In the past year I moved from my home of 29 years to a cute little apartment. For some reason during the chaos of moving and working full-time, I decided it would be a “good idea” to also take 5 online classes. I haven’t had much time within the past year, but now that school has slowed down and I’m almost done, I plan on being at the gym every day.
  2. This past week I started looking for apartments to rent in Georgia, New York and New Jersey. During my search, I stumbled upon a GORGEOUS new home for about half of what it would cost if it were here in Miami. This really made me smarten up about spending/saving money, so saving is definitely on my list of plans.
  3. I graduated high school in 2002 (yes, I’m old) and have been taking college courses here and there ever since. I’ve worked full-time since I was 18 so it wasn’t always easy to put time aside for school. Trying to find online classes or classes that coincide with your work schedule is a bitch! I’ve already received my Associates Degree and Liberal Arts and am about to finish my Bachelors Degree in English – Creative Writing, so now it’s time to think and plan for the possibility of grad school. Am I crazy for considering it? Probably!

 

That’s all I’ll bore you with for now, but let me know what plans you have for the rest of the year!

Music

NEW MUSIC: HARRY STYLES | ‘Sign of the Times’ Single

by Kristin1 Comment on NEW MUSIC: HARRY STYLES | ‘Sign of the Times’ Single

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Ladies and gents . . . the long-awaited first single from the One Direction heartthrob, Harry Styles, has been released today!

Following in the footsteps of his band mates (most of them, anyway), Harry has released ‘ Sign of the Times’ on April 7, 2017. Strange to know that there are thousands of young girls losing their minds today because of it – my niece included! It’s interesting how different their musical styles are, isn’t it? Harry Styles with this 80’s rock style single, Niall Horan released an acoustic style ‘This Town,’ Louis Tomlinson released an electronic/dance vibe single ‘Just Hold On’ with Steve Aoki and we’re still waiting on Liam Payne to release something! We also saw Zayn Malik branch out on his own with a different style as well.

I also find it interesting that this is the one boy band who has seen ALL members branch out to do their own thing. Not even my beloved *NSYNC did that!

Anyway, Harry will be performing ‘Sign of the Times’ on NBC’s Saturday Night Live this Saturday, April 15. You can also check out his upcoming movie, Dunkirk, which will be in theaters this SUMMER, July 21, 2017.

So here is the audio “video” released on Harry’s VEVO channel: