Twenty One Pilots Headlining to Success

Twenty One Pilots – ring a bell? The answer’s most probably positive ever since you’ve heard of their most famous track, “Tear in My Heart.” While some will have the bragging rights in knowing Twenty One Pilots since the beginning of their musical career, most of us will likely won’t.

Twenty One Pilots was originally a three-man team composed of Tyler Joseph, Nick Thomas, and Chris Salih. It was formed six years ago when the trio is still in college. Not along after since their formation in 2009, the group embarked on a tour in Ohio, their place of origin, at the end of the same year after releasing their self-titled album. Though it was already a big step in span of a small amount of time, the group did not hold though. Nick Thomas and Chris Salih left the band and was later on replaced by Josh Dun giving way to the Twenty One Pilots today we have come to adore.

The electropop, alternative and a mix of hip hop duo then produced music after the other that has different labels picking up signals of a talented group. Their first full-length album Vessel further garnered attention from the musical crowd. While Vessel is a big factor on their names frequently typed in the search bar, numerous tours with already established names in the industry and TV appearance added another kind of leverage in their way to spotlight. And it was at the start of 2014, that they flew into the radar of the most common folks. Twenty Pilots became in demand to music festivals and celebrations.

To this date, Twenty One Pilots released their widely acclaimed fourth album Blurryface last May 2015. The album alone has sold 146,000 copies only a week later, after its release and landed the band the top spot on Billboard 200.

Twenty One Pilots revealed the album to be a shot in the dark only written at the back of the bus, hotel rooms and other areas where the impulse of making music will suddenly just jump on them. Yet the duo’s uncertainties and doubts proved to be useless, as we can all see that it is a well-aimed shot in the dark.

http://laurenceourac.com/twenty-one-pilots-headlining-to-success/

The Easy Fusion of Genres in Upcoming V Festival

Music festivals are always a sure hit. With the artists being able to perform at one stage, the spectacular crowds and the genius behind putting up such an event to promote the love of music and fun surely had cemented music fests as one of the avenues to bring out the prolific music fan in you. Bordering hysteria and endless eargasmic sessions, people, in particular those who are on their teenage years, frequent these annual events.

We all have seen bagshot music festivals such as Coachella and Glastonbury to bring about pandemonium and harmony at the same time. It is through these events that everyone can be an instant fan, and music saturated the air without anyone complaining. The United Kingdom is known to have been huge lovers of fests and one of the most noted and most awaited is the V Festival happening every year.

V Festival is predominantly a rock music festival, which happens annually on two different venues, which are the Hylands Park in Chelmsford, Essex and Weston Park, Staffordshire. This fest had started in 1996 and is a continuing ritual for music lovers in England and all around the world. The letter V in V Festival stands for the event’s sole sponsor, Virgin Media. V Festival happens every penultimate weekend in August and slowly hugging other types of music genre ranging from pop to R&B.

What makes V Festival a cut above the rest is the fact that its being held at two different locations simultaneously, with the same set of artists to perform and the quirky rule of swapping the acts on two consecutive days which are Saturday and Sunday. Technically speaking, Artist A would be playing in Hylands Park on a Saturday only to repeat it in Weston Park the day after.

For 2015 installment, the whole of V Festival grounds are subdivided into three areas, namely the Main Stage, The Dance Tent and The Glee Club Comedy Tent. This music fest is said to be one of the best in the entire world as Virgin Media put in a lot of budget to make this annual event one heck of a success. Some of the few artists who have graced the V Festival stages are Justin Timberlake, Ed Sheeran, Alesso, The Killers, Adam Hills, Rita Ora, Ceelo Green, Eminem, Kings of Leon, David Guetta, Oasis, Keane, Foo Fighters, Snow Patrol, Corinne Bailey Rae, Lily Allen, Mika, Radiohead, The Charlatans and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

The line-up set to put the Main Stage on fire would be Sam Smith, Calvin Harris, Ellie Goulding, The Script, Chvrches, Paloma Faith, Tom Jones, Hozier, Lawson, Nick Jonas, Kasabian, Kodaline, Duke Dumont, Clean Bandit, Stereophonics, Oily Murs, Nero and Labrinth. The Dance Tent would be entertained by Alex Adair, Hannah Wants, Goldie, Moxie, Philip George, Toddia T, MistaJam, Monki, Marvin Humes, DJ EZ, Sam Feldt and LuvBug. Selected artists would be filling up The Glee Club Comedy Tent which includes Frankie Boyle, Russell Kane, Nick Helm, Seann Walsh, Shappi Khorsandi and Gary Delaney.

http://laurenceourac.com/the-easy-fusion-of-genres-in-upcoming-v-festival/

John Newman “Lights Down” and New Album

John William Peter Newman or better known to the world as simply John Newman has gone from a simple, sensitive lad hailing from the small town in the Northern part of Yorkshire to a big time artist with the swagger dance moves.

John Newman first broke through the surface of the chart when he released his very first single, “Love Me Again” around the middle of 2013. It turned out to be a massive hit gaining him popularity across different countries.

His debut album entitled, Tribute, did not disappoint. It became Newman’s platinum album, which dug the foundation of his singing career.

Following his breakthrough are streams of success from receiving awards to releasing music. 

Rudimental’s “Feel The Love” and Calvin Harris’s “Blame” in which he both collaborated with adds to his music listings of number ones. “Come and Get It,” the lead single from his sophomore album, added another plus one on the list and fans are waiting for the next piece of what he will offer. It seems the wait is over.

John Newman already revealed the title of his second album. He called it Revolve, and together with this revelation is another single from the album. The English singer unveiled the second track from the album entitled “Lights Down,” which is the fourth single in the track listing of Revolve. The tracks do not fall far from his previous single. It has the same retro and timeless feel coupled with John Newman’s deep and slightly rough vocals. It has mostly an upbeat tempo, which will have your fingers snapping – consciously or unconsciously.

Revolve is set to roll on the 16th of October, but can be ordered ahead of its release as an instant great track.

http://laurenceourac.com/john-newman-lights-down-and-new-album/

A Look Through Melanie Martinez Budding Career

Armed with her haunting vocals and her unique style of two-toned hair and front teeth gap, the Puerto Rican and Dominican descent singer perched herself up on the chair to test where the fate would take her. Singing her own rendition of “Toxic” while playing the guitar and tapping the tambourine with her foot, she placed a spot on team Adam; and while ascending through the stages, the top spot isn’t what she won.

Instead, she left a mark in the hearts of listeners. The gothic girl with a haunting vocals and an obsession of dolls – that has Melanie Martinez has written on it.

After The Voice Season 3, Martinez forged a path of her own as an independent artist; and it isn’t easy is what she reveals. The highs last for minutes while feeling low stays, which is the kind of vulnerability artists felt making it hard to bring one up for the show.

“You’ve got to be able to work hard after,” Martinez advices for anyone who wants to pursue singing. And even if it is a different career, we know hard work always lays the foundation for success.
As you would see now, not winning The Voice Season 3 did not act as a hindrance for Martinez to be successful in her chosen path; it’s quite the contrary. It propels Martinez into growing as an artist together with her music.

She released her EP, “Dollhouse,” May of 2014, which garnered her millions of listeners and still counting. Follow-up from the successful single are stream of hits, too. “Carousel” was featured in American Horror Story “Freak Show,” which is a dream come true for her since she adores the show. “Pity Party” was released last June 2015 and is currently aired in different countries across the globe. “Soap” follows not long after with a promise of the next single, which was released July 31, with the title, “Sippy Cup.”

Apart from Martinez’ unique look, what sets her above the rest is her exploration of the ideals in life only a child not unjaded could be seen and then she sets it up in comparison to the brutal truth concealed in thin veils of pinks and bubblegum-colored setting, which is a staple of her music videos. 

Her artistry in writing is also being showcased in her songs. It has the certain kind of lightness even when dwelling to heavy issues setting the tone of her music to borderline insanity.

With her debut album entitled “Cry Baby” set to be released this August and with her currently touring, we’re waiting for Martinez to be a massive name in the industry. ‘Till then, we will be waiting and offer support.

http://laurenceourac.com/a-look-through-melanie-martinez-budding-career/

Kelly Clarkson singing other artists’ track on her Piece by Piece tour

There’s no question about Kelly Clarkson’s singing prowess. Without a doubt, this first American Idol winner proved herself again and again that she certainly deserves not only the title, but the spot the music industry has handed her.

We have seen this diva grow from wide range belting ballads to upbeat singles. As if we do not know how brilliant she is as an artist, Clarkson gave her fans another flavor by singing other musicians’ hit singles.

What made her Piece by Piece tour unique is the portion where fans can get to request a song from other singers. Aside from Clarkson’s impressive performance singing her songs, fans can get a chance to hear other tracks that are outside the nooks of her released albums.

“It’s a lot of fun for me and the band because the shows can become monotonous, and this keeps us on our toes” said Clarkson during one of her interviews. The songstress jumpstarted her tour last July 11 at Hershey, Pennsylvania and covered Tori Kelly’s song Nobody Love.

She even managed to add a distinct flavor that made the cover to sound her own. The said the track was transformed into another beautiful rendition when Kelly had her take on the song.

The tradition was then followed when this certified American Idol sang Nick Jonas’s Jealous. The singer made herself extra adorable as she even wore her heels off before singing the said hit track. 

“I’m so excited to sing this song because I love this guy,” Clarkson even said before giving justice to her cover of the said song. Jonas expressed his positive insight with Clarkson’s rendition. The 22-year old charmer even tweeted her uttering how impressed he was.

Her latest stint included Rihanna’s hit ‘Stay.’ Justice served as Kelly sang another hit at Pittsburgh’s First Niagra Pavilion. 

The singer without a doubt nailed it as she swayed the listening audience with the song’s deep seated emotional melody accompanied by straight to the heart lyrics centering confusion about one’s love.

The tour started July and will have its last leg in September. With a scheduled long going tour, do we expect her to have another album comprised of covers she did and while doing this current tour? That seems like a sound idea.

http://laurenceourac.com/kelly-clarkson-singing-other-artists-track-on-her-piece-by-piece-tour/

See the sultry Ciara in Dance Like We’re Making Love

Alluring R&B diva Ciara comes back with another music video that showcases not only her talent but also her overall appeal as well that’s truly captivating and stare-worthy.

Get another peek of that million dollar legs and to die for body in her new video entitled ‘Dance Like We’re Making Love.’ We know she can sing and dance – and be extremely good at these all at the same time.

The video is a story itself. First few cuts are teasing, showing Ciara’s to die for figure while doing water aerobics. It was then followed by a seemingly Victoria’s Secret fashion shoot as she showed in a gorgeous onesies. Just when we thought the scene gets even heated, a scene where Ciara exhibits her ballroom dancing abilities came to show. The union of salsa and modern groove came to fold.

This is the part that reminds us we are looking at Ciara, the total performer and not to any other model we usually see in advertisements. The song ended without her stripping off even a single clothing – though her wardrobes already spell skimpy in every seductive sense. We’ve known her for being good at teasing.

Showing a piece of skin accompanied by her sensual voice is all the expecting audience had all throughout her career run. While others go the extra mile by taking it off and showing naked, this R&B royal knows the art of enticing that keeps the fans to want more and wait in full anticipation of knowing what her next move is going to be.

The said track is part of her sixth studio album Jackie – name derived after her mother. The said album was released last May and had the song ‘I Bet ‘as its carrier single. Overall, this newest album release of Ciara is nothing but in line with her original flavor.

The songs in this album definitely deliver the blueprint of the singer’s signature style. It’s also a risk per se because in a current fad where upbeat and roaring sound dominates the majority of the airwaves and sales record, sticking to the style she’d been known for is nothing but an absolute venture especially in penetrating the modern taste of contemporary listeners.

http://laurenceourac.com/see-the-sultry-ciara-in-dance-like-were-making-love/

Little Mix Reveals New Album Get Weird

It’s been four years since we first saw them as aspiring artists dreaming to be big in X Factor, and now our favorite girl band can finally say they are living the dream. British four-piece group Little Mix is composed of Perrie Edwards, Jade Thirwall, Leigh-Anne Pinnock and Jesy Nelson.

From their instantly successful record-breaking debut album DNA to their sophomore, Salute, Little Mix is in a steady rise to success. A well-admired and extremely popular girl band in the United Kingdom, the girls are in their next step in their up-and-coming career – putting their names in worldwide recognition.

“We’ve done so well so far and we are successful, but we just want that big song that explodes everywhere. It’s about time that happened – especially in America and all over the world really. The UK have seen us be successful now, and it’s just about taking that everywhere else. Representing Britain!” Little Mix revealed in Capital FM during the time when they are revealing details about their third studio album Get Weird (in which we only recently learned).

Get Weird is where they hope to achieve their dream. To get everyone excited, attach to the album are some of the new stars and veterans in the industry, namely, Jess Glynne and Jessie J. respectively. Some sessions also transpired between the group and Marina and The Diamonds during the recording of the album, yet the material made is not included. They also revealed that they wish to have collaborated with Nicki Minaj – a dream yet to be fulfilled, as they are waiting for the perfect song.

Apart from the notable featured artists, Little Mix also revealed that the album will be a surprise to people. It will be different from their last two albums. The sound will veer more heavily towards pop, heavy doses of fun, and will pack deeper character.

“It’s very real to what we would say and the little things we do. I feel like it’s our strongest album yet,” Jade Thirwall said via Capital FM.

Get Weird artwork was also unveiled together with the release date, which will be on November 6 this year, but is already available as pre-order since July 16th.

http://laurenceourac.com/little-mix-reveals-new-album-get-weird/

Icona Pop, “First Time”

Known to produce insanely catchy tracks, Icona Pop drops another earworm with the title “First Time” while on tour with One Direction.

Icona Pop was formed in the year of 2009, but most of the population got to know them when their track “I Love It” was released three years after the formation. Icona Pop was composed of Swedish duo Caroline Hjelt and Aino Jawo with their tracks heavily influenced with electro house and touches of indie pop music and punk.

They have been at the peak of their career during the course of 2012 to 2013 with their tracks and album an instant hit to the listeners around the globe.

It was short-lived with their career declining and their tracks receiving less attention relegating them to opening acts of the massive names in the industry during that time; however, its peak up recently last May when they released the single “Emergency.” Further riding the tide of good reception, they followed the track with another catchy song “First Time.”

Icona Pop is currently on tour with One Direction on the boy band’s North American leg On The Road Again Tour 2015. While they are busy getting the fans hyped up for the main act, sometimes in between they were able to release their new song “First Time.” Yet you could say the track is already packing a bit of history. It was the duo’s first song they wrote together, meaning it has been present on the notes since their formation. Only recently they have the time to record it, though.

“First Time” reminds us of the time when the duo was still starting, which you can easily note from the lyrics of the song: “The first time we got high / The first time we got drunk / The first time we fell in love / And things will never be the same / And that’s okay.” Not only is the message present in the lyrics. The sound of “First Time” is reminiscent of their earlier works where their energy is easily remarked with their style of belting each lyric out.

http://laurenceourac.com/icona-pop-first-time/

Klove Radio “The Positive Alternative!”

This young generation has been influenced by many things, it could be a science project that they got an Ace from, which made them chose a degree related to science when they jumped into college, or maybe their friends who dropped out of school and succeeded for some career they pursued, or the drive to live a better life because of the experiences their family had when they were little.

Yet one Itsy- Bitsy detail that parents fail to check on their kids- are their playlists on their iPods, iPads, or whatever mobile phone they have, this tiny spec of detail has a massive impact on the ears and minds and decision makings of their children as much of the generation today are fond of wearing headsets on a regular walk, or on a stroll, inside the class, while doing their home works and many more stuffs and for that reason the Klove radio station was born.

Klove was formed from a deep desire to give positive alternatives for children down to the oldest listeners, as their tag line goes “Encouraging Words, Positive Music, K-Love Radio”. It all started from ash, literally, as the first radio station was burned to the ground due to some 9,000 acre brush fire that happened on September 12, 1988, on Geyser Peak, later on they built another transmitter building and relocated to Mount Saint Helena this new spot gave them better signals which gave them more positive feedback from their listeners.

Klove’s first launching name was KCLB, anchored by radio personality Bob Anthony, after the drastic move to change their location, this non-profit organization decided to do takeoff expansions, and on that same year ‘1990’ they also decided to change their name into a shorter and more heart striking name “Klove.” Klove’s change and expansions enabled them to reach their goal and that is to promote music and musicians with the same motivation as them to give listeners tunes with encouraging words, and positive tones, in 2010 K-Love radio system grew to be the largest broadcaster of contemporary Christian music in the world.

To further prove the efficiency of this radio station all over the globe, it processes 100 phone calls a day of different young people among different nationalities, they also had daily interventions on suicidal cases. Klove’s unique ability is that they present Music like many other radio stations across the US, but they had this deeper concern and ability to touch the hearts of the listeners on a more personal level.

And because of this drive and passion many organizations acknowledged their endeavors such as in 2013 when they won the Billy Graham Award for Excellence in Christian Communications of the year award. And now, their ultimate ability is to guest renowned gospel tract singers such as Colton Dixon, Switchfoot, and the rising artist of Hillsong United Taya Smith, Recently they had this “Anthem Lights” Music awards night last May, engaging these young artist to promote their Music and giving them also challenges to mashup songs to, which Klove is known for their power to mash-up and collaborate artists all together and to give fans the ultimate experience of their life.

http://laurenceourac.com/klove-radio-the-positive-alternative/

Meghan Trainor ft. John Legend “Like I’m Gonna Lose You”

The single “Like I’m Gonna Lose You” featuring John Legend is the fourth track on Meghan Trainor’s debut album Title. Released earlier this year, it has a pessimistic take on life. “We’re not promise tomorrow,” the English diva sings in melancholy. Yet it fittingly welcomes the year, as sometimes we need to get slapped by some brutal truth. The track is not all rainclouds, though. First listen, you know it is a sad song, yet it was washed away by an uplifting realization. “So, I’m gonna love you, like I’m gonna lose you/ I’m gonna hold you, like I’m saying goodbye.” Aww.

With Meghan’s debut album receiving mix responses, many did agree to the track being a refresher from her “All That Bass” tune (a tune similar to her other tracks in the album, which lead to the conclusion of the album being an “All That Bass” rehash). Meghan’s vocals rang loud and clear in this track. The sincerity is tangible with each delivery of notes. It is another side of Meghan hiding behind the quirky productions and her jibes, which she always delivers in silent winks.

It is already established that the track is brimming with feels – John Legend’s silky voice blending in depth with Meghan’s Trainor sweet soprano in a down-tempo ballad will have your heart warming – yet it was further emphasized in the music video released by the English singer slash songwriter recently last early July.

The music video started with Meghan in a room dimly illuminated by candles. It was raining and Meghan was singing about a bad dream, “I woke up in tears with you by my side/ Breath of relief and I realized/ No, we’re not promised tomorrow.” Then showing different kinds of love, it helped build the character of the track in less than 4-minute video.

Refreshing, inspiring, and heartfelt – we’re waiting for another one of these from Meghan.

http://laurenceourac.com/meghan-trainor-ft-john-legend-like-im-gonna-lose-you/

LISTEN: Flying Saucer Attack, Instrumentals 2015

It has been more than a decade since we officially heard from the Bristol pop duo. A few sightings of them keep popping up in music once in a while, yet it is not the same during their active years. Each passing of years without them has their name buried down in the recesses of musical history and rings only with a faint echo of those who happen to know them. And as the new era of music surfaced from the rise of boy bands in the middle of the 1990s to the present alterations of what we considered mainstream music, all has almost forgotten the Flying Saucer Attack. Who are they again?

FSA emerged in 1992 composed of David Pearce and his then girlfriend Rachel Brook. The musical community was quite unsure what to call them. Post-rock? Avant-rock? Shoegazers? What marked the band is their way of recording. Vinyls are their first material with most of their songs recorded outside the studio and in the confines of their homes instead. With hushed vocals and strums of guitar, driving the music forward, their outputs skipped out the conventional creating mystique around their music and persona. And the air of mystery has not left FSA, which you can hear in Instrumental 2015.

By 1996, Rachel Brook left the band to concentrate on her other project. The two-man team whittles down to David Pearce alone. But the FSA is still FSA despite being alone. After a 15-year hiatus, David Pearce released FSA’s comeback album entitled Instrumentals 2015. It also marked the second phase of FSA after the first ended the same year of Rachel Brook’s departure.

Instrumentals 2015 lasts less than an hour with the 15 tracks called only “Instrumental 1,” Instrumental 2,” and so on. The track ranges from seconds (Instrumental 6) to nearly 10 minutes (Instrumental 15). Despite the shift in music, FSA still retained their signature sound yet baring it down even more. The guitar plays the major role in the album with the vocals almost nonexistent.

The album paints a somber mood from the beginning to end with a few tracks breaking the flow of austere pieces.

Instrumentals 2015 is a cohesive album, understated, yet refreshing in this era where the trend is “the more, the better.”

LISTEN:

Flying Saucer Attack – Instrumental 4 (Official Audio)

Flying Saucer Attack – Instrumental 7

http://laurenceourac.com/listen-flying-saucer-attack-instrumentals-2015/

Evanescence to Jolt Back from Three-Year Dearth

We all have called their names not to save us from the dark, but because their absence had never been this frustrating. The Grammy-award winning quintet of Amy Lee, Terry Balsamo, Tim McCord, Will Hunt and Troy McLawhorn, or collectively known as Evanescence have been missing for the last couple of years and left the music industry and its ever-resilient minions a gaping and painful hole.

The American group’s take on songs like Bring Me to Life and My Immortal had been indelible songs on our rock-pegged memories and their influence in changing the game of the should-be-all-guys notion for rock bands is so refreshing, this made it easy for us to succumb to their musical genius.

With three successful albums on their belts including Fallen, Anywhere but Home and The Open Door, fans from all over the planet is on contained frenetic mode as we await on as to when Evanescence be on the music radar again to give us songs that we’ll sing continuously in our heads for the next couple of years.

It will be such a pleasure to the ears to have heard that Evanescence is on tight bounds in ending their three-year hiatus by scheduling small shows in the United States. Much as they wanted to make it big time as how they’ve been known before, the band’s current handler and music label have deviated from doing such on the premise that they want to test if the music audience that they’ve had once before would be scrambling back to patronize the group again.

It will be in November that Evanescence is said to set foot on stage again which includes intimate gigs at Nashville’s Marathon Music Works in November 13, followed by a November 15 session at Dallas’ South Side Ballroom and capping it off with a show in Los Angeles’ Wiltern in November 17th. As of this writing, there are no plans of extending the mini-tour and will keep the plans glued until further notice.

It can be remembered that Evanescence faced a block on their musical career upon transfer from Wind-up Records to Concorde Bicycle Music in retrospect to unfinished contractual commitments and unpaid ‘royalties’. Lead vocalist Amy Lee have been quoted that this issue is putting the band’s career in compromise, hence, the stoppage of further production from the group.

The hiatus, however, didn’t hinder Amy Lee to still practice her singing job by releasing a solo album entitled Aftermath, which received mixed reviews from critics and listeners alike. The break on their three-year absence is one of the most awaited comebacks that everyone has been talking about with social media.

News has it that the group would also be joining Japan’s Ozzfest to be witnessed in November 21 this year. No validations have been released by Evanescence’s current music label; however, music addicts have been positive that this specific gig in Ozzfest will surely bring the band on the rock pedestal again.

http://laurenceourac.com/evanescence-to-jolt-back-from-three-year-dearth/

Miley to host 2015 MTV Awards

Expect an outrageous edition of 2015 MTV Music Awards as this year’s host, the none other than Miley Cyrus took the honor of announcing the news herself through her social media account. The green suited Cyrus took a picture of herself with two huge boards worn on a separate photos placed side by side telling ‘MTV won’t let me perform. So I’m hosting this year’s VMAs.’ The message was loud and clear and was instantly picked up by the netizens.

We know how Miley made the history of VMAs more controversial after she set foot on one of music’s most anticipated awards night. Who can ever forget the chaos and noise her twerking performance made alongside Robin Thicke? The track Blurred Lines has never been the same after the said duet. Audiences were left open mouthed as the said performance was never expected.

Well, we know Miley. It may be unexpected, but it won’t be as surprising as the viewing public already knows the rebel kid residing inside this former child star. Talk about her equally controversial music video ‘Wrecking Ball’ and crazy, the line crossing fashion statements from red carpets to everyday wear and eyebrow raising media posts.

People may be divided into half on deciding whether they like Miley or not. But this controversial ‘Hannah Montana is definitely a unique talent, agree or deny. Many would believe that she’s a lost soul, but her antiques definitely get the attention of the crowd that made her one of the most talked about personalities in the current music scene.

MTV seems to understand this that’s why getting Miley at this year’s awards night didn’t even required second thought. Miley also did great at introducing Madonna during Grammy’s. Is this the reason why she was able to secure a spot on hosting this year’s AMTV Awards?

This year’s MTV Music Awards is set to transpire on August 30th. Nominations are ongoing and performance line-up is still in the works. Do we expect another hit from this year’s edition? Wait and see.

http://laurenceourac.com/miley-to-host-2015-mtv-awards/

Clean Sweep for Swift for MTV VMA’s Nominees 2015

Avid music lovers would definitely have an easy time identifying the difference between the Gramophone and the Moonman. With all due respect to Grammy’s Gramophone trophy, artists and music celebrities also vie into getting the celebrated Moonman, which is that of MTV’s Video Music Awards.

Dubbed to be Grammy’s reciprocal award-giving body specifically for videos and direction, the VMAs is an annual event worth the attention from the general music scene from all around the globe.

The glorious year of 1984 is when it all started. Madonna and Cyndi Lauper have dominated the first-ever VMAs with the latter winning the Best Female Video. After three decades, the 32nd installment of this well-respected award-giving body is set to take off in August, with high hopes of recognizing the best and most interesting videos of the past year.

It will be in August 30th that music and video production would again collaborate and be rewarded for all the genius and hard work they’ve put in together to come-up with products that either make or break a specific song. The MTV Video Music Awards will be held at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California to be hosted by pop superstar slash social media mogul Miley Cyrus. For this year, there will be a total of 15 sets of Moonmen to be given away.

The categories expected to be snatched again by one lucky artist or group includes Best Video in Social Message, Best Editing, Video of the Year, Artist to Watch, Best Pop and Rock Video, Best Male and Female Video of the Year, Best Hip Hop Video, Best Direction, Best Choreography, Best Collaboration, Best Art Direction, Best Visual Effects and Best Cinematography.

The nominees for this year’s VMAs have been announced just this 21st of July via Apple Music’s Beats 1. Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Beyonce are the artists who have received the most nominations. Taylor Swift’s Bad Blood and Blank Space, both reached an astronomical fame, grabbed a total of nine accolades that includes Video of the Year. Sheeran and Knowles have six and five nominations respectively.

For this year’s Video of the Year, Sheeran, Swift and Knowles would compete against Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk and Kendrick Lamar’s Alright. Creating tension for the Best Male Video involved Sheeran, Lamar and Mars again with The Weeknd and Nick Jonas for Earned It and Chains. Equally, female artists all have the same urgency in getting the title of Best Female Video with Swift and Knowles leading the pack and Nicki Minaj’s Anaconda, Sia’s Elastic Heart and Ellie Goulding’s Love Me Like You Do are trailing closely behind.

Other artists who have made it to the shortlist of nominees include Hozier for Take Me To Church, Maroon 5’s Sugar, Florence + The Machine for Ship to Wreck, rising artists like Fetty Wap and Vance Joy for Trap Queen and Riptide, Rihanna’s under the radar American Oxygen and the trio for the song Bang Bang, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande and Jessie J.

http://laurenceourac.com/clean-sweep-for-swift-for-mtv-vmas-nominees-2015/

Toni Braxton and her ageless lovesick ballads

The glorious year of 1990s had been the time when we all have come to adore and become addicted to Toni Braxton. Dubbed as the Queen of R&B, Toni Michele Braxton had been indelibly in the public’s mind because of her impressive contribution to her chosen genre. With eight studio albums released from her debut in 1993 until the recent Love, Marriage and Divorce with infamous artist Babyface in 2014, Braxton had established herself as one of the pillars of R&B.

Working not just as a versatile singer, she also had committed into being swamped in songwriting, record producing, acting and as a household name in the show business. Toni Braxton had successfully cemented her name into the hall of fame bragging three wins in Grammy’s including Best New Artist and a whopping 15-million mark on sales throughout her entire career. Truthfully, Braxton had taken her craft seriously and her songs are still the timeless versions that they are bound to be since its release.

Toni Braxton can be deeply remembered through her attacks in doing ballads and yet keeping her R&B vibe whenever she needs it. Whenever that mellow music station catalogued their playlists for a single day, it will be no surprise that some of Toni Braxton’s singles are included on the list. With her thick vocal chords and soothing take on slow songs, Toni Braxton had ensured that she would be indebted by millions of love struck and heartbroken listeners until the end of time.

Clearly on the top of the league would be Un-Break My Heart not because this is the slowest song of all but due to the fact that this single screams of pain, anguish and drama connected to being in love and unloved. Toni Braxton had received the attention that she deserved through this track as she belted out the notes on the slow tempo and roared like a true blue diva on the song’s bridge and refrain. The exactness of the song’s message to a real-life struggle had not been possible without Diane Warren’s prowess in crafting such heartfelt strings of lyrics.

The track Breathe Again is surely the song for the clingy ones. Toni Braxton showed her vocal flexibility through single and so the music industry had returned the artist accolades and praise. Truly a song that concerns romantic relationships and the complexities of security, Breathe Again channeled the deep-seated jitters of being left behind by the one you love, the repercussions of being heartbroken and the importance of a person’s presence in one’s life in general.

Contrary to the first two tracks, You Mean The World To Me shows the beautiful face of love. Using her usual strong-sounding vocal calisthenics, this single had been top choices for marriages and engagements. The tempo is of the right sing-song beat and this would definitely consume you when it’s playing inside your head round and round. The prose and poetry exuded by the lyrics push human love to its sweetest limit and there’s just no way that this song be aged even after hundreds of years.

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Pusha T to release New Music

On a Pusha T’s recent interview with Revolt TV he drops off a hint about his new music, and that he is planning to release the new music by the end of the summer. All Pusha T’s fans have been holding their breaths in anticipation of his new project.

Pusha T is an American Hip Hop recording artist that consists of one studio album, one (EP) extended play, two Mixtapes, 29 singles, including the 18 as a feature artist, and 33 music videos.

Pusha T began his music career with his brother No Malice, forming the duo called Clise and got their start with the help of Pharrell Williams. Their duo released their first ever album in 1997, though Pusha T was featured in more singles as time went on.

The 38 year old is also the co-founder of the Re-Up Records with his brother in 2004. They also formed the hip hop group called “Re-Up Gang,” with Ab-Liva and Sandman. After one more album as the duo Clipse, Pusha T and No Malice announced they were taking a break from the duet life, and would be pursuing their solo careers.

In 2010 Pusha T was signed with Kanye West’s “GOOD Music” and they launched “Fear of God II: 

Let Us Pray” in 2011. He was also included in the work on projects such as “Mercy” which also featured Kanye, Big Sean, and 2 Chainz. And his debut album, “My Name Is My Name” dropped in the year 2013 and featured production from Kanye, The Neptunes, The Dream, Just Blaze, and Swizz Beatz and collaborations with Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar, and others famous hip hop artist.

And also on his recent interview the Virginia Beach rapper also spoke on his recent EDM collaborations: “I travel all over the world and see the influence of the music… Once I get inside of the place and I see it, I’m easily persuaded. So I’m sort of on my techno/EDM swag at times.”

http://laurenceourac.com/pusha-t-to-release-new-music/

OK Go and their Jaw-Dropping Music Videos

Fanatics worldwide through its accompanying music videos had all the more worshiped music. A singer or a band would always have the chance to perform their latest track and be filmed and then be seen by the plethora of viewers in just a matter of minutes. Weirdly enough, some listeners even decide whether the song is worthy of their attention depending on the effect shown in the released music video. Music and being visually pleased is now a bundled deal to keep the general listening public well entertained.

While some songs have aired and became successful without having to spend sums of money for music video production, it had been proven effective that those who have video accompaniments shoots high when it comes to sales and patronage. Below is one of the most memorable music videos to have been released and left a deep mark on our consciousness over the years — OK Go’s Here It Goes Again.

With the simple production set and low-tech tools to complete the whole music video, Here It Goes Again captured the interest of many despite the prevalence of digitalized and technology cured clips from different artist/s of the same era. The totality of the song is three minutes and the brainchild of songwriter Damian Kulash Jr. Here It Goes Again is classified under the moderately fast rock tempo so everyone is flabbergasted on as to how OK Go managed to pull-off a music video so highly conceptualized in breaking barriers in music video production. The said song is the third cut from the band’s wittingly titled album, Oh No.

OK Go’s members Damian Kulash, Tim Norwind, Dan Konopka and Andy Ross is set to perform an intrinsic performance while dancing on treadmills set in a tight shot which leaves little room for mistakes. The said music video had been shot in a single continuous take giving the band a difficult time of doing the choreograph fluidly refraining from sheer mistakes. Trish Sie choreographs the dance ensemble. Here It Goes Again survived and took seventeen attempts to get the flawless masterpiece. The music video had been released in July of 2006 and easily harnessed 50 million views on YouTube.

The genius behind this music video feat had never put anything to waste as they have been praised well by a lot of music, moguls and award-giving bodies. The quirkiness and simplistic approach to entertain have bagged the group and the people behind the video several accolades, including the 2007 Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video. YouTube Awards also imparted their share of awe by giving the band a Most Creative Video Award. Other recognitions include a spot on Entertainment Weekly’s The Must List in August of 2008 and Time Magazine included Here It Goes Again to the coveted 30 All-Time Best Music Videos.

OK Go continued their streak in releasing interest-packed music videos such as I Won’t Let You Down, The Writings on the Wall and Needing/Getting.

Here It Goes Again

http://laurenceourac.com/ok-go-and-their-jaw-dropping-music-videos/

Music slash rock legends and their unplugged stints

Since its debut in late 1989, MTV’s ‘Unplugged’ has gotten artists of all genres to trade in their electric instruments for acoustics. Within a few years, it proved to be an artist and commercially viable way for acts to recast their best-known songs in a new light, break out some obscurities (and/or covers) and promote their newest work.

MTV Unplugged had been one of the very few MTV shows that had been indelibly to human memory, and it is with this segment that we get to witness musicians and artists belt or rock their way out to become stars of their own generations. Listed below are some of the most memorable MTV Unplugged episodes that either you, or someone older than you, or someone from Generation X and Y would pretty much remember.

It was in 1992 when the not-so-much-on-the-display singer Bruce Springsteen set foot in giving his very own MTV Unplugged session together with his band. Much to the viewer’s surprise, Springsteen performed his first solo song, the unplugged way, Redheaded Woman. This is one of the most memorable Springsteen moments in music history.

Aerosmith loved being different and when they do channel their uniqueness; they do it the most shocking way possible. Unlike most artists who have released recorded songs on their respective Unplugged moments, Aerosmith strayed away from the usual. It was in 1990 when they have been invited to belt their talents out and the band chose not to sing songs that are circulating the music scene of that era, hence, the performance of new singles. This had brought the whole music fandom into euphoria as they have been tuned into an Aerosmith show like they’ve never seen them before. And this is easily Steven Tyler’s longest moment of not jumping all over the stage as he and the rest of the gang remained seated the whole time.

After years of being on hiatus, KISS original members Ace Frehley and Peter Criss took center stage with Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons for an unexpected reunion show for MTV Unplugged in 1995.

The band’s dozing followers had been jolted back to life as they have seen the legendary quartet perform songs that they have truly missed. Dubbed as one of the most electrifying episodes and highest ranking at that, KISS’ appearance had truly made an impressive impact on the music scene.

Never have we missed a Nirvana moment when there’s the chance and the band’s show-up at MTV Unplugged in 1993 had sure stirred the general music industry as they performed hits like Come As You Are and Where Did You Sleep Last Night?. Nirvana had given one of their best performances on this specific moment and certified the band’s name into being one of the best rock legends to have walked this Earth. Shortly after, lead vocals, Kurt Cobain committed a very painful decision to end his life. The specific MTV Unplugged episode had harnessed more attention as this is one of the few shows that the band had been whole.

http://laurenceourac.com/music-slash-rock-legends-and-their-unplugged-stints/

The artist behind Bon Iver

His penetrating voice brings the feel of brittles and outcry that goes directly to the hearts of those who listens to him. It will be hard not to stop and pay attention whenever his voice surrounds the airwaves. His voice alone tells a story. A compassion and an understanding of something in a much deeper dimension.

This singer comprehends the art of music in a different angle that manages to appeal to the senses of anyone who would hear his melody. Maybe we could point a finger to that instance when he decided to leave his band and retreat in the vastness of the woods and pine trees. The silence and the chance to reflect must’ve been responsible for him to reach a certain Eureka moment that allowed him to become a deeper artist that he is today.

Originally born as Justin Vernon, Bon Iver was first part of an indie folk band named DeYarmond Edison. The group started during his high school years, but eventually decided to fall apart after moving to North Carolina in 2005 to venture and give the career a little bit of a push.

Things seemed to continue crashing down as the disbandment was followed by his breakup with his then girlfriend. Feeling lost, Iver decided to go back home and settled in a snowy cabin for three months. Being alone paved the way on the materialization of an album with nine songs. “I was running away. Things were unravelling there. I was working a job I hated, and a band that I’d been with for ten years had just broken up. I needed to get out.” Iver admitted.

His stay gave birth to an album named ‘For Emma, Forever Ago.” Emma happens to be his ex’s middle name. The singer argued, though that the album is not about break up at all. He claimed that the album is the expression of the things he had encountered in the past from the having his music rejected down to losing a certain kind of love that’s being given by years of coming together and formed relationships.

Years later, Bon Iver continued by releasing another album and collaborating with other artists like Sean Carey, Kanye West and Elvis Perkins. He even bagged two Grammys; Best Alternative Album and Best New Artist.

http://laurenceourac.com/the-artist-behind-bon-iver/

A “One Direction” member is going to be a Daddy!

Sad news to all Directioners, one of the members of the famous British Boy Band One Direction is having a baby and it is none other than, the oldest 23 year old member, Louis Tomlinson.

The famous People magazine reported the shocking news to the fans and the public that Louis Tomlinson is expecting a baby by next year with Louis’ close friend he just met through some mutual friend this year. The lucky baby mommy is Briana Jungwirth, a the Los Angeles based stylist.

According to the source very close to the two, Louis and Briana shared that “Louis is happy and very excited about becoming a dad and he thinks Briana will be an amazing mother. It was a surprise at first, but he and Briana are very, very close friends and this has brought them even closer.” 

Tomlinson and Jungwirth are not in a relationship, but are really good friends.

The 1D singer, Louis Tomlinson has split from his longtime girlfriend, Eleanor Calder earlier this year in March. Despite of all the negative issues against their break up Louis and Eleanor are still friends and following each other on their social media site like, Instagram and Twitter.

The unexpected announcement comes during a stormy time for One Direction’s career because early this year in March, the one of the main vocals of the band, Zayn Malik parted ways and left the group for his solo career.

It was said that the former One Direction Member Zayn Malik, is now starting and producing his own music with the collaborations with big artists’ names including Chris Brown, Pharrell Williams, Grimes, Rae Scremmurd, Tove Lo, and many more.

While Today, the remaining One Direction members, Niall Horan, Liam Payne, Harry Style and Louis is still on their “On the Road Again Tour” they are promoting the band’s fourth studio album called “Four” along with their previous hit and successful albums all over the world “Midnight Memories”, “Take me Home”, and “Up All Night.” The tour began on the 7th of February 2015 in Sydney, Australia and will finish on 31st of October 2015 in Sheffield, England.

Here’s the full list of 1D’s On the Road Again Tour:

http://www.onedirectionmusic.com/gb/tour
http://www.onedirection.com/

http://laurenceourac.com/a-one-direction-member-is-going-to-be-a-daddy/

Getting to know Del Ray and her whimsical music

Packed with a goddess-like face, the out-of-this-world-in-a-good-kind-of-way vocal calisthenics and higher prevalence in changing how the worldviews pop music, Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, or more popularly known as Lana Del Ray is slowly harnessing attention in the music radar since her start in 2007.

Truly a refreshing artist to listen to, Lana Del Ray had been pooling millions of minions in a global scale as she dug deeper into the complexities of being famous with a purpose. The American singer slash songwriter slash model is sure to tickle thy eardrums with fanciful, throwback-ish kind of music and there’s so much on Del Ray’s plate that we would be seeing in the next couple of years.

Lana Del Ray started out her musical career after signing a contract with 5 Points Records in 2007. 

Three years after, she was able to release her first digital album, self-entitled Lana Del Ray that fared brilliantly across music charts and radio stations.

Due to the palpable success waiting in the wings, big music conglomerates have been captured by Lana Del Ray’s unique musical style, but Interscope, Polydor and Stranger Records had won the singer’s conviction through a joint contract in 2011. Her career zoomed swift and high afterwards.

Debuting at number two spot on the US Billboard 200, Del Ray’s follow-up album Born To Die has been on the stands in January 2012. The album had easily surfed the tides of tough competition during that moment and ended up as the fifth best-selling album of the year.

True enough, the track from this set entitled Summertime Sadness had placed Lana Del Ray’s name at the top of the music chain after peaking at number six slot in Billboard Hot 100.

Ultraviolence, released in June 2014 and the singer’s third studio album careened straight to the top on that quarter and received high regards by even the most picky music critics and chart-topping companies. Furthermore, Lana Del Ray had been dubbed as Spotify’s most streamed female artist as of last count.

The 30-year old American artist had been put under thematic genres like dream pop, psychedelic rock, indie pop, baroque and trip pop and sadcore. Plans of having a tour with yet another obscure artist Courtney Love are set to take off the last quarter of 2015.

Del Ray’s musical inspirations and style had come from the olden times’ musical genres with specific mention to the 1950s and 1960s Americana. Del Ray cited her liking and following two artists on the like of Elvis Presley, the late Amy Winehouse, Janis Joplin, Britney Spears, Nirvana and Eminem.

Currently, Lana Del Ray is being heard again after the release of her lyrical music video on YouTube for the song and an upcoming album of the same title, Honeymoon.

http://laurenceourac.com/getting-to-know-del-ray-and-her-whimsical-music/

Billboard Hot 100 Music Festival is coming your way!

The first-ever Billboard Hot 100 Music is happening this year and last week they just announced the most awaited line up for the inaugural music fest. The Weeknd, Skrillex, the beautiful Nicki Minaj, and Lil Wayne will be headlining the fest, which will also feature Justin Bieber with his very special performance. The said Music Festival will be in New York’s Nikon at Jones Beach Theater and including the surrounding beach area on 22nd and 23rd of August.

The Music Fest will boast three stages and Kygo, American Authors, Jason Derulo, Betty Who, The Chainsmokers, Fetty Wap, Halsey, Holy Ghost, Kiesza, the British girl band Little Mix, Santigold and ZZ Ward are just some of the 40 artists that will play and perform at the Hot 100 Music Fest. This music fest will showcase different artists with different genres from hip hop to pop.

The said music fest is produced by Billboard in partnership with Live Nation. “It’s an honor to be able to extend the Billboard brand into the festival space, and we feel that Jones Beach is the perfect location to create something truly unique and unforgettable,” said the Billboard co-president John Amato.

Live Nation President and CEO Michael Rapino also said “The Hot 100 Music Festival will be one of those truly memorable summer concert events. We are very excited to bring fans some of summer 2015’s chart toppers in a venue that will showcase the best these artists have to offer.”

And earlier this week they also announced that the dance megastars and Swedish musical duo Axwell and Ingrosso will be joined as one of the headliners in the Hot Music Festival. Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso were former Swedish House Mafia members, and they made their debut performance at the Governors Ball Music Festival also in New York City last June 2014.

http://laurenceourac.com/billboard-hot-100-music-festival-is-coming-your-way/

Recalling Dido

She had the crowd sing with her soulful and husky style of singing. The wider audience first known her as that croaky songstress side by side by Eminem on the hit single ‘Stan.’ It must be true that her appearance with Eminem allowed her to charm a wider scope of audience, however, unknown to majority of worldwide music patrons, she is already a big thing in the UK.

Even before she set foot in the US music arena, Dido has been a regular presence in the UK scene. She started in 1999 with the release of her debut album named ‘No Angel.’ Her song ‘Here with Me’ was a success that it even managed to climb top 4 on UK hit charts that time. This track’s favorable outcome glided and became a theme song for US Series ‘Roswell.’

This singer’s birth name is kind of mouthful – Dido Florian Cloud de Bounevialle O’Malley Armstrong. She was born December 1971 in Kensington London. She was raised by a poet mother named Clare and a publisher father named William O’Malley Armstrong. Dido was quite a musician even during her early age.

At the tender age of 10, Dido was able to play piano, violin and recorder (a flute-like instrument). Her early working years were rendered in a publishing house. But the calling of music was so strong that she ended up leaving her day job in pursuance of her passion for music.

She first started as backup singer and eventually signed for the Artista label in 1997. Greater mass attention came in 2000 after pairing with the ultimate ‘Slim Shady.’ Eminem helped Dido cover a bigger population of listeners in 2001.

Being included in the actual music video brought hesitation to Dido, but was eventually persuaded by Eminem himself. The international success was then followed by tracks ‘Thank You’ and ‘White Flag.’

Dido escaped the microscopic eyes of the viewing audience and took a rest in 2003. After a hiatus, she came back in the year 2008 with her third album ‘Safe Trip.’ It was then followed by her fourth album called ‘Girl Who Got Away.’

These might not be as successful as her earlier year but it was told that she’s currently in the works for her fifth album. As to when it will come to materialize, let’s wait and see.

http://laurenceourac.com/recalling-dido/