Successes received by tracks produced by real-life couples

It has been a usual occurrence when music artists form real-life connections to be couples. No matter how seemingly busy their schedules can be some just fell onto the magic of love and managed to sustain a relationship outside their careers.

Who would ever disagree when two musical prodigies decided to collaborate for a track that’s definitely going to be a smash? Music, and the lovebirds enclosed therewith, has ventured into crafting entertainment by infusing their talents every now and then.

One would be the singer or the other would create the lyrics, it’s surely going to be patronized by the general music populace. Below are some of the most memorable amalgamation of voices and brains into releasing well-favored tracks that we get to love these past few years.

Former husband and wife Marc Anthony and Jennifer Lopez can easily be remembered by their song No Mes Ames released in 1999. Despite the fact that they are now divorced, we can all nod in agreement that the aforementioned song is one of the most memorable Latin tracks of modern music which peaked for a whopping 7-week stay on the US Billboard Hot 100 and generally received fair to excellent reviews.

With their controversies, on and off relationship, R&B superstars Rihanna and Chris Brown are a power couple that cannot be easily forgotten. Given the fact that both have established bountiful solo careers, their song Birthday Cake has stormed through the radar in 2012 and is still a track everyone dances to.

Country music’s most famous real-life couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill never left their fans without a mighty collaboration as they released It’s Your Love in 1997. The McGraw’s have a string of duets, but this song is something that cemented their love story as it shoot up the ranks of famous chart listing bodies.

The said ballad is their own cover and given the soul that both singers can channel, they have created a worthwhile version of It’s Your Love. John Mayer’s association with Katy Perry is a hot topic in 2013 and so is the song that has been the result of their dating phase, Who You Love. 

Though not favored as their past singles as soloists, this song never failed to disappoint as it zoomed to US Billboard’s 48th spot a few weeks after its initial release.

The 1990s can be tagged with former couple Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson and so is their collaborative song Where You Are. This track is part of Jessica Simpson’s debut album Sweet Kisses and ultimately has been received well by listeners as the song peaked at the 22nd spot on the Pop Songs chart.

Sadly, the real-life husband and wife divorced last 2005 despite their life being watched at their reality show The Newlyweds shown on music outfit MTV. American Idol winner Jordin Sparks and singer Jason Derulo had been known dating and so the song Vertigo has been released.

The song has been on the radio, radar since 2013 and is still being listened to by their infused fandom to date.

The music industry’s most powerful couple Jay-Z and Beyonce might have had the most exposure on their crafts and the release of duets such as Crazy in Love and Bonnie and Clyde paved way for them to become even more famous. The perfect voice of Beyonce as a songbird and Jay-Z’s iconic rap styles and stints had been a perfect equation into releasing soulful and relevant tracks such as the one’s stated.

Both tracks have smoothly placed on huge charts and have been the reasons for Beyonce’s continuous streak as a soloist and Jay-Z’s venture in producing.

http://laurenceourac.com/successes-received-by-tracks-produced-by-real-life-couples/

Truth or hoax: Is Katy Perry up for a Christmas album?

Are we just expecting a Christmas album from enormous pop star Katy Perry? Rumors spreading and fans have come anticipating all because of a photo posted on the singer’s Instagram account recently.

Why, this must’ve been a pleasant surprise if true. It’s been a while since the world heard an album tailored for the holiday season and hearing it straight from the ‘Fireworks’ songstress is definitely a thrilling idea we all hope that would come fold to reality.

Yet again, social media has shown its wide reach and influence as the buzz about Perry’s alleged new venture has resurfaced. With a photo caption saying ‘ When your derp squad writes a Christmas song in August, ‘ netizens were left wondering and the curious came whispering as to what the post really implies.

No words about this plan have come out even before the said picture was posted. First, read and the line conveys a straight and immediate message. As to whether this post communicates direct note or not, the expecting crowd has to wait.

Anyway, “-ber” months are just around the corner and before we know it, December was already at the footstep of the doorway. With several months before the 12th month of the year, the wait may seem long, but knowing that a preparation for a Christmas album is on the ropes, then definitely this year’s celebration has an added taste of the excitement of it.

We’ve heard her sing pieces of holiday songs before and hearing it again is undeniably a charm. Her take on Have a Merry Little Christmas is one for the books while her version of White Christmas during her Hotel Café performance was nonetheless outstanding.

As to whether the songs from the rumored album be all original is something we have to wait and see. After all, the world has been confided with hearing same old classic Yuletide songs. Having an addition is definitely a welcomed change.

http://laurenceourac.com/truth-or-hoax-is-katy-perry-up-for-a-christmas-album/

No one comes close to the icon – Who is Aaliyah?

Aaliyah could’ve been standing still as one of the most known pillars of R&B if she’s alive today. The untimely demise of this very talented artist has been so infected it brought the rise of women dominating a man-saturated genre. Truthfully, the thick voice, the always-on-beat dance moves and the sheer passion in singing made Aaliyah a superstar of her generation.

Despite the fact that she’s been missing since 2001, the presence and musical mark that Aaliyah has left to serve as inspiration to a various lot of rising stars and her tracks are far well-remembered as sound tracks of modern relationships, young love and heart-wrenching separations.

There are no words to explain how badly the current music industry needs an Aaliyah right now and all we can do is to succumb to the truth that she’s never coming back and her legacy is all that we can hold on to.

Born Aaliyah Dana Haughton in the concrete jungle that is New York City in January 1979, Aaliyah have received the dubbing of being the Princess of R&B. While she also submerged herself into being into pop and hip hop, it is in R&B that she managed to keep the luster of her music career shining through.

Starting out on the early age of 12, the singer has been exposed to the bloodbath of the music arena through her uncle Barry Hankerson via Jive Records. Destiny has moved mysteriously and have allowed Aaliyah to bump with R. Kelly, which served as her mentor slash producer to ignite her music venture at the age of 14 via highest-selling album Age am not Nothing But a Number.

Easily, Aaliyah’s debut album careened to the lists of US and UK Billboard Charts with over four million copies sold in just a span of weeks. Redefining the path that the R&B had taken during the 1990s, Aaliyah’s first album had been a breath of fresh air with the tracks I’m so into You and At Your Best carrying the Aaliyah’s name to fame effortlessly.

Aaliyah’s smart and strong connections have truly helped her in cementing her name in the industry as she collaborated with an equally famous music conglomerate Atlantic Records with Missy Elliott and Timbaland is supporting her career.

Her second album, One In A Million, is such an effective follow-up as it’s been patronized well and great by the general music audience amounting to eight million copies purchased worldwide.

This is the time of Aaliyah’s career that her name is a staple to every music fast and list and this very album yielded famous songs such as Hot Like Fire, 4 Page Letter and If Your Girl Only Knew, all of which placing a respectable rank on US Billboard Hot 100.

Aaliyah also managed to penetrate the Hollywood scene with the movie Romeo Must Die alongside the action superstar Jet Li and this is where Try Again was born and released. The last known album that Aaliyah has released is her self-titled compilation in July 2001.

The heat’s on singing have been much needed as Aaliyah somewhat focused on being onscreen via couple of movie stunts and leads such as that on Queen of the Damned.

The Princess of R&B have been praised and recognized by numerous award-giving bodies such as Billboard Music Awards (Top R&B Single of the Year, Top Hip Hop/R&B Singer of the Year, Top Hip-Hop/R&B Single Airplay Single of the Year), several nominations from Grammy Awards, wins from the MTV Video Music Awards (Best Female Video, Best Video From Film, Best R&B Video), Rolling Stone’s Best R&B Album in 2001 and 2002 World’s Best Selling Female R&B Artist Of The Year for World Music Awards.

http://laurenceourac.com/no-one-comes-close-to-the-icon-who-is-aaliyah/

Janet Jackson 2015 album could possibly be worth the wait

Janet Jackson, more than a great performer in the studio or on stage, has influenced the shaping of pop music for already three decades since the 80s overcoming the shadow that can’t be helped but be imposed by the massive success of her brother’s career, Michael Jackson. Of course, her iconic figure would not come to be without her albums and singles that are adored by fans and highly acclaimed by music critics churning her awards after awards. Yet, is being an icon in music enough to bring back the craze today of her then glory days?

It was seven years ago that the diva lost her shine and left the industry with no trace of her name the following years to come prior her comeback except for a few mentions of the Jackson Family. There is also a minimal to none exposure of her songs on radio airplays particularly of the US when her name was blighted with an unsuccessful attempt to keep her career from flat lining after the sparkless Discipline in 2008 and the then controversial wardrobe malfunction. So for the music community, how can Janet Jackson make her name shine again?

Perhaps the fall of her golden era will forever remain and be attached to her name and to make up for the scrape on an otherwise flawless surface is to prove and make the listeners of today remember what we have come to love about Janet Jackson on an even better version. And for the effort, we can see the diva is making up for the lost time. On a tour with a new album, Janet Jackson, for those who are still critical of her comeback should be given the chance.

While being an icon is already a given bonus to entice us to listen to her music, another factor is the curiosity of what she has in store for us. It is 2015 and in where does her album place? While she has sold record-breaking albums in the past, today’s era is different where there might be a different need you have to cater compared to the past.

A more concrete factor on why her 2015 album should be worth the wait is her team up with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis. On Discipline, we notice the absence of those two producers who has helped Janet Jackson in creating her signature sound that her longtime fans love. Now that those two are at it again, the possibility of a worthwhile album to contest her previous ones are high. And to raise that possibility, even higher and establish the fact that, indeed, “The Janet Jackson” is back is the release of her latest single, “No Sleeep” – a slow and sexy jam dedicated to her lover that seems to slink its way through our hearts.

http://laurenceourac.com/janet-jackson-2015-album-could-possibly-be-worth-the-wait/

Deeply in love with Wilson Phillips

Even before the iconic TLC and Destiny’s Child have made us love girl trios like madmen, there is one group that’s undeniably one of the most memorable acts of all time.

Besting songs that are played during your lazy Sunday mornings, the general music populace has been magnetized into loving their soulful and heartfelt ballads.

You might have overlooked at giving praise to this girl trio due to the hastened changes in taste within the music industry, but it will never be too late to adore them as their smash tracks are still being played onto the radio almost every day.

They have been frequent names on huge chart-topping lists, their albums sold worldwide with unfathomable sales and the respect that has been established under their wing is more than just for what they have contributed. Wilson Phillips actually isn’t a solo act, thus, this mighty girl group is really something that’s worth your attention.

Spawned from The Beach Boys’ Brian Wilson, John and Michelle Phillips of The Mamas and The Papas, Wilson Phillips is actually their last names combined and have worked wondrously into the girl group’s branding.

Formed during the last years of 1980s, Wilson Phillips is comprised of Wendy Wilson, Chynna Phillips and Carnie Wilson and have been a famous household name until the 90s music era.

The group has been known to make the pop rock genre afloat and the smart way of creating songs that focused on mature heartbreak and feelings have been an innate gift.

During the entire span of the group’s career, Wilson Phillips have released five studio albums— Wilson Phillips (1990), Shadows and Light (1992), California (2004), Christmas in Harmony (2012) and Dedicated (April 2012). All of the aforementioned albums have easily careened to worldwide success and even reached quintuple platinum status in the United States and Canada.

Some of the songs that have reached palpable success on the charts are the songs Hold On, Impulsive, Release Me, You Won’t See Me Cry (all peaked at Number 1 on various country charts) while The Dream Is Still Alive, Daniel, Give It Up, Flesh and Blood, Go Your Own Way, Already Gone, Get Together and Good Vibrations have reached respective slots of their own.

It can be said that the girl group have been best remembered via their bittersweet track entitled You’re In Love which is an exposition of a love that cannot be continued due to the other party being happy with another person already. The rawness of the lyrics and the emotions that have been put into making this track the soundtrack of so many forlorn and broken souls.

Wilson Phillips might not be heard right now releasing new tracks, but the legacy they have left is indelible to everyone’s hearts. The trio has been nominated by humongous award giving bodies such as the Grammy Awards (Song of the Year for Hold On, Album of the Year, Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group), American Music Awards (Favorite Single – Pop / Rock, Favorite New Artist) and Billboard Music Awards by where the group won the Hot 100 Single of the Year for their carrier song Hold On. As of the current count, Wilson Phillips’ albums have a net worth of 10 million copies sold worldwide, making them one of the best-selling girl groups of their generation.

http://laurenceourac.com/deeply-in-love-with-wilson-phillips/

A meager start and a bright future for 5SOS

The social media have been one of the most effective ways of expressing one’s thoughts via posts. It can be proven that almost everyone existing, at one point; has harnessed a trinket of information, which will then be cascaded via word of mouth.

Truthfully, being involved in this modern complex of thoughts and exposure has been deemed amazing in retrospect to influencing and being influenced. In lieu with the music industry, we all have been witness to some acts and artists who have started their careers via gaining a following through being active in social media.

Millions of covers are uploaded, watched and shared everyday so it’s really no surprise that a singer, if enjoyed by the majority, would soon rise to fame and given proper recognition by music outfits.

People are always on the search of something or someone different, and this is where the group 5 Seconds of Summer found it’s tuning and later on penetrated the seemingly impenetrable canopy of mainstream music.

5 Seconds of Summer is a music quartet composed of Michael Clifford, Luke Hemmings, Calum Hood and Ashton Irwin. Normally being compared to One Direction, the band changed the game to fame by being known first through by being prolific in uploading their covers via YouTube.

Their humble beginning has paid off well as they managed to magnetize a huge following comprised of youngsters and teenagers. It was in the glorious year of 2012 when they posted a series of songs that was generally acclaimed by crazed music addicts and the moment that they have toured with One Direction on its Take Me Home Tour that 5 Seconds of Summer becomes an internationally-acclaimed pop group on the rise.

The quartet focused on genres such as pop punk, pop rock and power pop and is currently being handled by music brand Capitol.

Currently, 5 Seconds of Summer have an established fan base in Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, United States and United Kingdom and have released their debut self-titled album in 2014.

They are also being associated as front acts to singers such as Hot Chelle Rae and Hey Violet.

Their first album contained much-loved tracks such as She Looks So Perfect, Don’t Stop, Good Girls, Kiss Me, Kiss Me, 18, Beside You and End Up Here.

This first venture in making everything legit has been quite a success as it careened into being a chart lister with 140,000 copies purchased in Australia alone.

Last July, the band has released the track She’s Kinda Hot which is a prelude to their upcoming second studio album, which is in the works of being finished at the last quarter of 2015.

The singing quartet has pegged onto artists like Mayday Parade, Boys Like Girls, Greenday, All Time Low, Blink 182, Busted and McFly as their music influences.

The group also have managed to have some accolades and awards on their belts which include Alternative Press Music Awards’ Best Fandom in 2015, American Music Awards’ New Artist of the Year last 2014, nominations for Top New Artist and Top Duo/Group by the Billboard Music Awards for this year, iHeartRadio Music Awards’ Best Fan Army, MTV Video Music Awards’ Best Lyric Video for their track Don’t Stop, Nickelodeon Kids Australian Choice Awards’ Aussies’ Fave Hot New Talent in 2014 and some well-praised nominations on award-giving outfits such as World Music Awards, Teen Choice Awards and wins from Channel V.

http://laurenceourac.com/a-meager-start-and-a-bright-future-for-5sos/

Weekly jukebox Kamasi Washington – The Epic

The way in which Washington breaks the pattern of gender is impressive, and so the “spiritual” names or “fusion” are just the least unjust that it sounds when one gives play to The Epic.

Spiritual Jazz. Most of the time, we have not come across this name very often. But the work of Kamasi Washington, the name fits him perfectly. Who knows, it might even be one of the major figures of this genre of Jazz, apparently young (or small).

Just like the legend of John Coltrane (and his wife Alice) or perhaps Pharoah Sanders; pure heavyweight saxophone. This phenomenal debut Kamasi is not too far from those feats.

Of course, The Epic lasts three hours, so who ventures into this magnificent introspective journey will separate a good evening. And, of course, it will pay off.

The start of the first third of the album is exultant. The main melody of “Change of Guard” step is done in the second ten with a majesty that recalls the progressive jazz to Frank Zappa Hot Rats.

It is a ride cymbal dance guided and led by the sax of Washington. Like many cuts on the disc, the piece takes time to prove every point and say all there is to say; this, of course, through music, as most tracks are instrumental.

“The Rhythm Changes” is the first exception and its entry could not be more accurate. It comes as a relief after the overwhelming “The Next Step”, one of the most spiritual album.

Suddenly, The Epic seems to start again. After almost a minute of suspense, saxophone gets screwed, this time with much more speed in “Miss Understanding”.

For moments, because the playful melodies and their explorations, Kamasi Washington shows some Fela Kuti, the Afrobeat that monster whose relevance only put a name to their type of Jazz fusion.

After all, The Epic is a mixture of a lot, and “Re Run” helps illustrate this idea. The bass is another proof; by times mark the rhythm of the songs as expected from a more traditional jazz, but other exploits and eats the world.

The way in which Washington breaks the pattern of gender is impressive, and so the “spiritual” names or “fusion” are just less unjust than it sounds when one gives play to The Epic.

With three hours it seems easy to carry the listener on tour in history, but is also likely to fall into redundancy. Kamasi Washington, however, manages to sound relevantly during that long.

With his first film, the Californian just sealed the time- -such best jazz album of the millennium, gender returning to higher categories.

It seems incredible, but in only half a year, Kamasi is already responsible for two of the three best albums of this competitive 2015: the saxophonist and arranger jewel Kendrick Lamar, which sounds suspiciously as Jazz.

It will be reason to be aware of what you do next. At the moment, we must be attentive to their extensive world tour and fall in the closest point.

http://laurenceourac.com/weekly-jukebox-kamasi-washington-the-epic/

Watch out I love techno on December!

On December 19, 2015, Montpellier Agglomération, City Hall and Pérols Montpellier Events at the festival will host the exhibition center I love techno Europe, organized by Live Nation France Festivals.

Born from the merger of I love techno (Belgium) and I love techno France, this first European edition will take place in the heart of the metropolis of Montpellier. An entire night rhythm of electronic music where many renowned artists and several thousand festival goers are expected. Electronic music in their diversity is more than ever in the spotlight with this new European format.

Founded in 1995, become an institution over the editions, I Love Techno has always hosted the greatest DJs like Richie Hawtin, The Prodigy, Justice or Daft Punk. Developed in Belgium is at the Parc des Expositions de Montpellier in Perols than I Love Techno – which acquired a European dimension over the years – now poses its speakers.

If since 2011, I Love Techno France delights thousands of festival-goers, electronic music in their diversity are more than ever in the spotlight with this new European format. The festival promises the best of Techno, the House of Dance and Bass music from the European scene overnight.

In the program:

– RED ROOM: Paul Kalkbrenner (Germany), Tale of Us (Italy), Nina Kraviz (Russia), Len Faki (Germany), DJ Tennis (Italy) Efix (France)
– GREEN ROOM: Birdy Nam Nam (France), Vitalic Dj Set (France), N’To Live Perc (France) B2B Bambounou French Fries (France), Paranoid London (United Kingdom)
– BLUE ROOM: Borgore (Israel), Camo & Krooked feat Youthstar (Austria & UK), Wilkinson (United Kingdom), Scholar (Norway), Alesia Live (France), Tomsize (France), Lucid (France)

Furthermore, to spread the practice of electronic music, and enable the inhabitants of the metropolis to partner with this international event, Montpellier Agglomération, I love techno and Fun Radio have partnered since 2014 to create a platform “young talents “and discover the future artists of the territory. This year, amateur DJs are invited to send their mix to Fun Radio. The winner will play in the opening of the Green Room, 20:15 to 21:30. Finalists residing in the metropolis of Montpellier:

• will be invited to carry out the early parts of local concerts in 2016,
• Benefit from artistic and technical accompaniments provided by the Regional Conservatory of Montpellier Méditerranée Radiation Métropole in the current music scene (SMAC) “Victory 2”
• win a free course on Aided Music School Computer (MAO) “Fast lane” of Montpellier.
In 2014, two finalists residing in the metropolis had received individual support and gained access to scenes of local concerts.

Practical information:

– Montpellier Agglomération strengthen its transportation service. A kiosk “The Metropole takes you” will be installed at the heart of Hall 1 in space “Chill out” to educate festival goers precisely on schedules, the various lines of the transit network, and recommendations for routes. A support staff will also be available to them outside the site before the shuttles. An event title for € 2 will be available for automatic tram ticket machines at stations and in areas Mobility TaM. To get to the exhibition center, festival-goers can take the tram line 3, which will be strengthened. For the return, the shuttle service will be strengthened to end the night safely.

http://laurenceourac.com/watch-out-i-love-techno-on-december/

Kwabs, soul music on edge

Kwabs, the British soul music singer unveiled some songs from his new album “Love + War” at a concert in London.

The story of the young man of 24 years is very mixed. He was born in London, but needed to adolescence to explore his Ghanaian roots. It is a mixture of all that he wanted to tell his album.

“It’s a song about all the things I have in mind on how they affect me and how they affect the people around me, it makes me crazy but that’s how. It is an imposing song, just like most of the album. It is an explosion of emotions, “explains the singer.

His single “Walk”, released last year, was a great success in Europe. It even happened a bestseller in Germany, Hungary and Romania. Kwabs musical career began in 2011 in a show about young talents of music. Since then, he has become remarkable because of his soulful voice and how his songs affect his audience. He is indeed a talented singer with so much heart to put in his songs.

Kwabs was then selected to create music for a show at Buckingham Palace. He was even seen alongside Prince Harry.

“I lived many things that have colored my world. I found them really interesting, and others may also find interesting. I searched in the recesses of my soul, I tried to see what sense have these things then to express them, “says the singer.

In addition to its success in the UK, Kwabs is very popular in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. “Fight For Love” is the second title of his new album, which is already available in music outlets. Make sure to grab one!

He will tour in October and November in the United Kingdom, the pay-Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland and Germany.

http://laurenceourac.com/kwabs-soul-music-on-edge/

Rap moguls to be seen on ‘Finna Get Loose’ Video

With rumors of releasing another album this year entitled MMM, music and rap icon Puff Daddy have been on the radar again this past few months and establishing his staying power through track releases here and there.

Currently, the music mogul is up to make his fans bob their heads once more with his latest music video made public entitled ‘Finna Get Loose’. Puff Daddy never wanted his fans to be disappointed and so he gets an equally famous rap artist to join him in the latest video offering in the persona of Pharell Williams.

Both have been good friends since they started out in the music industry and getting the video crafted for the two music giants is actually a musical and visual treat to all of their followers.

‘Finna Get Loose’ gets inspiration at the ambiences normally witnessed in seedy, underground clubs and video director Hype Williams never wasted any microsecond in making the end result second to none.

Watch Puff Daddy and Pharell Williams into a monochromatic pegged music video with pumps of color and hue as the song progresses. Both singers were given enough exposure all throughout the track emanating a jumpy, catchy rap and tune to all those listening and watching.

The official music video shouts out the hip hop and R&B’s retro aura, with a hint of modern video making by setting out pops of colors over a black-and-white backdrop.

Puff Daddy succinctly said “My vision was to make people dance. A record that makes people feel good. It is truly a blessing. You make music to affect people in an emotional way, and it is really great when you affect them in a positive way.” when asked of how he had been feeling over the past years of being a relevant rap artist. ‘Finna Get Loose’ had first been heard at the recently concluded BET Awards as part of the Bad Boy Reunion. Currently, Finna Get Loose’s music video can be streamed via huge online sites such as YouTube and can be streamed via Spotify and Apple Music.

‘Money Making Mitch’ (MMM) had been premiered already by the song Big Homie together with Rick Ross and French Montana last October 2014 and yet Puff Daddy isn’t making any definite announcements on as to when the fifth studio album would be released. Pharell Williams, on the other hand, is enjoying the fruits of his labor as a musician and as a businessman via the luxurious mansion he just purchased in Laurel Canyon, Los Angeles worth $7.14 million.

http://laurenceourac.com/rap-moguls-to-be-seen-on-finna-get-loose-video/

The Red Bull Music Academy 2015 Paris unveils its program

The Red Bull Music festival celebrates creativity and innovation in music. It is a global institution that celebrates music, its culture, and the innovative minds behind it.

Since it was founded in 1998, it has taken the principles that underlie its annual workshop for selected participants. Truly, this music academy has built a reputation in the music industry. Indeed, a tradition. This event is much awaited.

The festival will be held in the capital from October 25 to November 27 and will bring together 61 participants from 37 countries.

This is a first, the Red Bull Music Academy will be held in France this year in Paris from October 25 to November 27. The festival created in 1998, which was held in Tokyo last year chose the Gaite Lyrique as headquarters. On the program: concerts, conferences, parties, exhibitions, workshops, and music events to celebrate the French and international scene.

Concerts and clubs evenings will be organized at the Gaite Lyrique, at the Rex Club, at Yoyo (Palais de Tokyo), the leather goods at Badaboum or under the Pitchfork Festival to be held in this period.

Among the scheduled shows include Nicolas Godin, Hudson Mohawke, Laurent Garnier, Mr. Oizo or Oxmo Puccino. Jean-Michel Jarre and Cerrone are in turn expected in the conferences. A total of 61 participants from 37 countries will meet during this month charged with intense events.

Line up: Laurent Garnier, Jean-Michel Jarre, Sunn O, Hudson Mohawke, Nicolas Godin (Air), Laetitia Sadier, Kamasi Washington, Mr. Oizo, Floating Points, Para One, Liturgy, Laurel Halo, John Talabot B2B Roman Flügel, Rustie, Modeselektor, Omar S, Galcher Lustwerk, Inga Copeland, Colin Stetson & Sarah Neufeld, Philippe Zdar, Low Jack.

All events are to be found on the Red Bull Music Academy website. Ticketing is already open.

http://laurenceourac.com/the-red-bull-music-academy-2015-paris-unveils-its-program/

Metric: Half of a double album

Metric released its sixth album, Pagans in Vegas, while another is ready to be launched. After Synthetica, Metric members took a break independently of each other and in their own way: in the winter Jimmy Shaw of Toronto and Emily Haines with her suitcase in the heat of Nicaragua and Spain.

“Jimmy and I wrote lots of music separately. Him in his studio and me around the world with my guitar. We came up with not one but two albums, “says Emily Haines.

Jimmy compositions are in the heart of Pagans in Vegas, released today, while those of Emily are the foundations of a second album to be released when the Metric decide, thanks to the new application that the group has launched, called “The Pagan Portal”.

Metric, the last three albums have originated in the studio Giant Jimmy Shaw (he shares with Sebastien Grainger of Death From Above 1979).

“We have the freedom and the time to explore. It is an environment where we can try everything, “says Emily Haines.

However Metric buckle his albums in New York, in company of the mixer John O’Mahony. For his previous album, Synthetica, it’s been at the legendary Electric Lady studio. For Pagans in Vegas, the final stage of production took place in the Oscilloscope Labs, the studio Beastie Boys. “It’s like going to the album X-rays to correct his past faults,” says Emily Haines.

Jimmy Shaw has abandoned his guitar to lay the musical foundation of Pagans in Vegas with a modular synthesizer CS80. “I looked nerds YouTube videos where musicians providing the bass line with their left hand and the melody with their right hand with the rhythm, he says. I thought it was a fascinating way to write songs. ”

Following Pagans in Vegas will be more intimate and acoustic. “A bit like my solo album, Knives Do not Have Your Back” illustrates Emily Haines.

With minimalist electro vogue in recent years, many musicians have improvised keyboardists. However, there are kinds of “synth heroes” who master the instrument to perfection. Bands like Kraftwerk, Depeche Mode and New Order, for example, have revolutionized electronic music.

Metric wanted to honor them. “We have almost no use of MIDI language. We played live, “says Jimmy Shaw.

Endangering themselves

For Emily Haines and his accomplices, it is important to always be a step forward, or at least elsewhere, without too cling to the musical signature associated with Metric. “We cannot stand still looking at the past. Put yourself in danger. ”

Besides, Jimmy Shaw sings for the first time on a piece of Metric, Other Side. “I come out completely from my comfort zone, so that was the thing to do,” he says.

He also wrote the instrumental final piece The Face Part II, whose open end makes sense with the album’s coming. “We hear an answering machine,” says Emily Haines, who draws attention to the phone number, fans can call Metric and where awaits a kind of time travel.

Metric wants to weave the most direct link with his audience as possible, without commercial intermediaries. “Today, in the online world, music is for sale. This is a hook for advertising. There is a lot of noise on the web, “argues Emily Haines.

“We now have a tunnel between our fans and us. We can start new songs when we want, without waiting after anyone, “adds Jimmy Shaw.

“This will give us a lot of freedom for the release of the next album,” added Emily.

Authenticity and passing time are favorite themes for the songwriter. “Vegas is a metaphor for the world and the economy never stop. We are like Bigfoot front of a slot machine.”

Turn with Imagine Dragons

Metric Emily Haines recalls that constantly takes risks. She feels fortunate to have been part of the golden age of indie rock. Metric continues to lead an enviable career while remaining independent through his own record company in the Crystal Math Music Group.

This does not prevent the quartet, completed by bassist and the Joshua Winstead drummer Joules Scott-Key, want to join the many people as possible with his music. Hence the fact that the group recently decided to make the first part of the Imagine Dragons tour. “We played in front of half a million people who did not know us. We must put his ego aside. And if we were afraid of being too mainstream, we had the proof that we are far from it. ”

“Strangely, I felt very free in this tour, says Haines. I did not have the pressure of being a headliner. We were the cool group, such as when we started. We were David and not Goliath. ”

With Pagans in Vegas, Metric remains that draws more Goliath. The critics are harsh towards the album. But the public will decide and more acoustic and intimate result is coming.

http://laurenceourac.com/metric-half-of-a-double-album/

Sony picks up the distribution rights of Egrem

New York – (AFP) Sony Music said they have signed an exclusive distribution agreement outside Cuba of the Cuban song catalog Egrem public label, which brings together some of the biggest names in music of the island.

One of the three major global labels, Sony, said that they would exclusively license overseas recordings from Cuba’s Egrem dated as far back as 1960’s.

“This landmark agreement will expand the international reputation and taste for Cuban culture, the rich musical heritage of Cuba and its many wonderful artists,” said Doug Morris, CEO of Sony Music Entertainment, said in a statement.

Sony, one of the three major music labels in the world, will have the exclusive right to publish outside the island of Egrem catalog, dating back to the 1960s.

The legendary composer and pianist Bola de Nieve, the Afro-Cuban singer Ibrahim Ferrer or Celina Gonzalez, queen of the song “peasant” Cuban died this year, are among its major artists.

Rich heritage

Cuban music reflects the rich heritage of the island, influenced by African rhythms, the sounds of Spanish classical guitar and improvisation of American jazz. Appreciated in the world for over a century, it experienced renewed success with the film Buena Vista Social Club by Wim Wenders in 1999.

Egrem arose from the nationalization of several record in 1959, the takeover of Fidel Castro after the communist revolution in Cuba.

Remained the only label of the island until the late 1980s, Egrem is still by far the most important in Cuba despite the emergence of other publishers of music, occupying about 95% market share.

The agreement with Sony Music, a subsidiary of the Japanese electronics giant based in New York, comes just weeks after the resumption of diplomatic relations between Havana and Washington, suspended for 54 years.

http://laurenceourac.com/sony-picks-up-the-distribution-rights-of-egrem/

Is Carrie Underwood the most successful AI winner?

The talents of the United States-based singing competition American Idol had come a long way from being the nerve-wracked performers that they were to musical idols with triple platinum albums.

Because of the shows huge magnet of followers, almost all contestants have penetrated easily to the general music scene after they have eliminated, and better yet, have won.

Weekly exposure to the mass media, coaching sessions with other music legends, indelible attacks during performances and the drama that envelopes the show — these had been the few reasons why the then neophytes have been great at what they do and continue to excel in the field of singing.

We have heard of Kelly Clarkson, Daughtry, Kris Allen, Katharine McPhee, Fantasia and a whole lot more dominating the airwaves through their own takes on different genres.

One cut above the rest though is a girl who has taken the long and winding path of the country, the one who have not been sheltered by the impalpable success of pop music, the one we all have known to be Carrie Underwood.

After winning the fourth season of American Idol, Underwood’s rise to fame had been quite exceptional. Being one of might Simon Cowell’s favorites, Underwood had been a crowd favorite and it is no surprise that she was able to trump out Bo Bice with winning piece Inside Your Heaven on the show’s season finale.

Carrie Underwood is an artist who’s hard to miss since she had a lot of accolades and awards strewn on her fame belt.

Said to be one of the most successful Idols next or at par with Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood has seven Grammy awards under her name, seventeen recognitions at the Billboard Music Awards, eight American Music Awards wins and have strongly etched her name in country music history with quite an impressive number of country music hits and bagging eleven Academy of Country Music Awards trophies.

Albums after albums and endless tours all over the United States, Carrie Underwood have proven her worth to be an American Idol winner even beyond her expectations.

Netting at $110 million by Forbes, Carrie Underwood is able to release five albums of different genres and is one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People in the World for the 2000s decade.

She is said to be the biggest American Idol winner earner.

Underwood is responsible for country songs such as Jesus Take the Wheel, Before He Cheats, Cowboy Casanova, Last Name and All American Girl.

Currently, Underwood is married to Ottawa Senators hockey player Mike Fisher, continues to celebrate music with her son and is still the prominent country lass that everyone heard after her first American Idol audition.

http://laurenceourac.com/is-carrie-underwood-the-most-successful-ai-winner/

Sam Smith treated fans with his own flavor of Ain’t no Mountain High Enough

The British crooner made the crowd dance with him by singing renditions like Amy Winehouse’s Tears Dry On Their Own and Aín’t No Mountain High enough.

Once again, Sam Smith proved how talented he is as a performer after his appearance from Chicago Festival. His number became a mini concert that made the crowd dance and jump to their feet.

Greeting the crowd with the question ‘Is anybody in the groove tonight?’ paved way to the party mood that made the fans scream with excitement.

The song was Smith’s dedication to Amy Winehouse, who passed away due to alcohol poisoning. This must be Smith’s way of showing respect to an equally talented artist who is by the way of the same roots.

After all, Winehouse was also another British musician who managed to penetrate and capture the taste of the international audience through her distinct sound and style.

Who can ever forget the thick winged eye Winehouse brought back when she first appeared right our very eyes?

Smith gave justice on covering a Winehouse’s song and actually made it his own without removing her vibe on the performance. This must be refreshing since we are accustomed with Smith singing us heartbreak songs and giving smooth, slow ballads.

Tears Dry on Their Own was then followed by the ever classic Ain’t No Mountain High Enough which is no doubt another spectacular number.

There was a part where the two songs mashed up that even made the crowd even crazier. It was no doubt one of those performances that is truly one for the books.

A song ‘Le Freak’ was also injected on the said song number by three backup singers that made it even more perfect.

Now, this is Sam being seen in a different light with his swaying and showing his own groove. Sam is talent personified. And it won’t be bad if we see him humming songs from different genre isn’t it?

http://laurenceourac.com/sam-smith-treated-fans-with-his-own-flavor-of-aint-no-mountain-high-enough/

Macklemore, relevant music and latest track ‘Growing Up’

Known for chart-topping and megalomaniac hits Same Love and Can’t Hold Us, rap artist Macklemore and producer Ryan Lewis is set to keep the ball rolling again with a new song to be released entitled Growing Up.

After being low on the radar for the past two to three years, Macklemore and Lewis would be heard again via the said song which shouts of the former’s recent penetration to fatherhood.

Macklemore’s latest hit would definitely be a smash again as the usual personal touch attached to his songs is evident once more.

With back-up vocals from equally famous musician Ed Sheeran, Growing Up can be the best avenue to hear Macklemore and Lewis’ rap slash singsong take in singing.

Born as Ben Haggerty, now known as Professor Macklemore or just Macklemore, this American rapper slash singer has made a graceful entrance to the industry via his very first track entitled ‘Open Your Eyes’ in 2000.

With his smart climb to the top, Macklemore then released a full-length album five years later entitled ‘The Language of My World’ in January 2005.

Macklemore then bumped into producer Ryan Lewis, and since then, they have made hundreds of appearances as two individual artists who collaborated often than how a normal solo act would do.

Macklemore and Lewis then performed on numerous music fest stages including Sasquatch Music Festival, Outside Lands Music Festival, Bumbershoot, Lollapalooza, Rock The Bells, SoundSet and Bonnaroo.

Macklemore and Lewis then released two more tracks entitled ‘The VS. EP’ and ‘The Unplanned Mixtape’ which had later on being recognized by various chart-topping lists and have been patronized by rap’s huge fan base.

One of the main reasons why Macklemore was able to establish his name is via his second album, ‘The Heist’, which was made public in October 2012. Just a couple of days after its initial release, ‘The Heist’ jumped all the way to the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 in the second slot.

The song ‘The Thrift Shop’ has given Macklemore his very first Top 1 single as this song stayed on the zenith of the charts for six weeks. Songs such as ‘Same Love’ and ‘Can’t Hold Us’ is also included on this second studio album.

As of this writing, Macklemore isn’t definite still on the date of the release of his much-awaited third studio album (probably with producer Ryan Lewis again) but the song ‘Growing Up’ is said to be a fantastic snippet of what the album’s all about.

During an interview, Macklemore commented on how ‘Growing Up’ must be viewed as a relevant follow-up to his former smash hits and is quoted, “To look at who you are. This is why ‘Growing Up’ felt like the right song to re-emerge with. It’s where I’ve been the last year, through all the ups and downs. We didn’t want to do a big campaign or anything over the top with this. We just wanted to put out good music, directly to the people that have been here since the beginning. Thank you for your patience. Hope you enjoy.”

Macklemore, together with Lewis, have been recognized widely by different award-giving bodies and respected outfits in music which includes the following—American Music Awards’ Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist and Album for the album The Heist last 2013.

BET Awards also awarded Macklemore together with Ryan Lewis for Best Group at the same year. 

Billboard Music Awards awarded Can’t Hold Us as Top Rap Song for 2014, MTV Video Music Awards for Best Video with a Social Message for Same Love in 2013, People’s Choice Awards as Favorite Hip Hop Artist/s for 2014.

It can be said that the best achievement that Macklemore and Lewis are able to receive is their frequent nominations at the coveted Grammy Awards last year and have vested other famous mainstream artists for four major awards—Best Rap Album (The Heist), Best New Artist, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song (Thrift Shop).

http://laurenceourac.com/macklemore-relevant-music-and-latest-track-growing-up/

Everything Everything’s new single can pass to be every season’s anthem

Behold, because you may find the title long. But give this song a try and find yourself being immersed in a relaxing but catchy vibe.

The title might be hard to remember, but the song itself is something that would stick to your senses and will deliver that last song syndrome that stays on your ears for a certain amount of time.

Title: Spring / Sun / Winter / Dread. Contrary to the conventional one liner titles we usually get from songs, the name of Everything Everything’s new single is weird in an interesting way. Watch the video itself and find out that the song was interpreted in an even weirder way. The electronic sound of the song matched well with the alienesque theme of their newest music. The video was set in the quarry with the quartet being dressed in metallic suits. The video gives a not so crisp finish of faded lighting. This atmosphere on purpose by using special kinds of cameras. “The song talks about seasons passing and getting older, so we wanted to concentrate on the sun and make it into a kind of oppressive force – positive and life-giving but also burning and destructive,” says the front man Higgs. “We used ultraviolet and infrared cameras to get a look at the sun damage on our skin, and give everything an alien look. We shot in a quarry so we could have a clear horizon and a dry, hot, desert scene.”

Meaning wise, hearing the words from the actual song can seem garbled upon hearing it the first time.

Knowing the lyrics tough, you might realize that the words that make up this song is a series of metaphors painted with fancy vibe and rhythm.

The most distinct line of the song would be the phrase ‘I don’t want to get old’ goes well with the song’s intended message of changing seasons and adding times.

http://laurenceourac.com/everything-everythings-new-single-can-pass-to-be-every-seasons-anthem/

Scorpions, fifty solid years and new expressive track

When we hear the band named the Scorpions, all the glorious feats of rock will be coming back to mind as the people comprised of this iconic group gave us everything that they could muster for the love of music.

Originally and still comprised of Rudolf Schenker, Klaus Mein, Matthias Jabs, James Kottak and Pawel Maciwoda, the German rock band Scorpions have been in the music industry since 1965.

We all have known them to be the pillars of hard rock and heavy metal and their songs have been inspirations to succeeding batches of artists and musicians of all genres.

With a couple of high-selling albums for the likes of Animal Magnetism, Love at First Sting, Worldwide Live and Savage Amusement, Scorpions still have the gall to release tracks after tracks which spelled how awesome of a band they truly are.

Just recently, the legendary quintet released their latest album Return to Forever which has received positive and glorious feedback from music outfits such as The Rolling Stones and US Billboard Hot 100.

The aforementioned studio album is their 18th release and it is just expected that they won’t cease to offer the public with strong hints of rock-pegged tracks and mature, indelible lyrics.

Return to Forever is also Scorpions timely release to the band’s 50th anniversary in the music industry. The carrier single entitled “We Built This House” is alliteration to how far the band had been and the unexplainable reason on as to why they are still being patronized.

Now 66-year old band guitar hero Rudolf Schenker even stressed that the lyrics pertains to how strong the Scorpions’ foundation have been which is the missing factor to rock band these days.

The totality of the album circles on songs that were revamped from the longish career that the Scorpions managed to keep. Fans are expected to hear clear inspirations for the band’s songs on the 80s, 90s and 2000s and some of the songs, even came from former albums like Blackout and Love at First Sting.

While there are songs in the album that are just remastered for a more pleasurable hearing experience, fans are also said to treat with newly-composed tracks such as the one mentioned above and will validate that the Scorpions’ music is transcendent through time.

Some of the included songs tackled on the band’s rise and fall, misfortunes, dilemmas and triumphs and the band as one of their soulful albums to date had bragged Return to Forever.

http://laurenceourac.com/scorpions-fifty-solid-years-and-new-expressive-track/

Hear a different Carly Rae Jepsen in ‘Making the Most of the Night’

Canadian singer Carly Rae Jepsen seems to show that her music has grown up from all the catchy, party sounding tune to a more soulful harmony. Very different from her earlier hits ‘Call Me Maybe’ and ‘I Really Like You’, the newest single from her sophomore album E-MO-TION named ‘Making the Most of the Night’ has visibly displayed this singer in a very different light.

Moving away from upbeat melodies and rhythm, the new single is still LSS worthy, but spiced in a slower pace. Blame Sia who penned this song, we have come to know a different facet from this rising star who has made the world sing in uniform with her first worldwide hit Call Me Maybe.

It may be too early for this songstress to shift from a sound that is distant from what she’s originally known for but we are surely in high hopes that this new release will too be received well by both fans and listening folks.

Known for her unique style, Sia wrote the words with a seemingly deeper meaning. Sure, the song might have repeated chorus, but this only adds emphasis on the meaning that the song intends to convey. Now this is not your ordinary kind of love song.

It’s not about being attracted to the opposite sex or being broken by an unresolved love like what’s on ‘Tonight I’m Getting Over You.’ Making The Most of the Night is something universal.

The kind of unconditional love that a person can dedicate to his friends, parents or siblings. It’s an assurance that after a long, tiring day, there is this place called home where someone can lay to rest and get the promise that everything is going to be alright. Hear it straight from lines ‘What I got you need it, and I’ll run to your side / When your heart is bleeding, I’m coming to get you.’

http://laurenceourac.com/hear-a-different-carly-rae-jepsen-in-making-the-most-of-the-night/