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Meet Agnes and Prepare to Be Blown Away

by Joi on February 5, 2010

Internationally rising star Agnes was the youngest winner of Sweden’s American Idol at 17 years old, and now only four years later her eyes on are on the USA. The rising star is currently featured on Access Hollywood’s “On The Download” where she is called an artist to watch in 2010. Agnes has made a huge splash in the dance/club scene with her single “Release Me” and is ready for the mainstream as the song crosses over to pop radio.

“My music is pop, dance and a little bit disco,” says Agnes. “The songs on this album – it’s a lot of up-tempo songs – but the most important thing is just having good songs and good melodies. I like to debut my songs just singing to guitar accompaniment, so that people can hear the melodies.”

Read the rest of the interview here to find out about Agnes’ love for music, role models and forthcoming album release.

When I first saw pictures, I couldn’t help thinking how much Agnes reminds me somehow of a beautiful mixture of a couple of my favorite artists, Leona Lewis and Shakira. Then, I heard her amazing voice, and she kind of reminds me of them vocally as well. Given the fact that I am completely obsessed with Shakira and Leona Lewis, it’s high praise from me indeed.

I can’t even tell you how much faith I have in this impending girl’s rise to the top. To give you somewhat of an idea, I’ve already given her her own Category heading. – - – - — – - – - ->

Watch for future Agnes pictures, updates, videos, and audio. It’ll be fun watching her star shoot through the air.

Release Me by Agnes Video:

Release Me by Agnes Audio:

Agnes Bio:

Growing up in the small town of V’nersborg, Sweden, music was always an integral part of Agnes Carlsson’s life. Her career took off at the tender age of 17 as the youngest-ever Pop Idol winner (Sweden’s American Idol counterpart), triggering a string of chart successes in Sweden. As she grew up, her style evolved. She was introduced to songwriter and producer Anders Hansson in 2008 and the creative sparks began to fly as Hansson’s dance-flavored production allowed Agnes to express her drive, energy and attitude, and of course, let loose with her incredible vocals. Release Me is the result of this studio alchemy and announces the arrival of a major new talent.

Release Me was released earlier this summer, and became a pan-European smash before spreading to airwaves around the world, from South Africa to Israel to Australia. The video for Release Me has already hit well over 5 million views on YouTube.

The album Dance Love Pop is soon to be released internationally and contains smashes like On And On and Love Love Love, both already proven hits in Sweden. Through beats and ballads, the album showcases Agnes at her best.

With her infectious enthusiasm, sparkling energy and stunning vocal ability, Agnes is on the way to becoming one of music’s biggest new names.

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In Defense of Taylor Swift

by Joi on February 4, 2010

There’s a little controversy surrounding Taylor Swift’s wins at that Grammy’s. There’s a little controversy surrounding Taylor Swift’s performance at the Grammy’s. There’s a little controversy surrounding the fact that there’s a little controversy.

Are there better, pure, natural singers out there? Sure. Taylor doesn’t quite own the range or perfection that the vocal gods saved for…. say, Martina McBride, Beyonce, Jennifer Hudson, Faith Hill or Carrie Underwood. However, lets give the young lady her dues: She writes just about all of her own material (and is a wonderful songwriter, especially considering the fact that she has only 19 years of experience to draw upon), she sings from the heart, there is nothing at all fake about her, and she has a wonderful girl-next-door quality that I hope and pray she never loses.

If you’re one of the ones who questions her dues, look at record sales. The girl is outselling everyone – how are you going to question that? Maybe, just maybe, what most of us want isn’t necessarily a perfect voice (whatever that is) or a perfect pitch (oooh, exciting). Maybe we want someone who sings the song like the song means something to them. Maybe we’re all tired of the overly-pampered, ridiculous holier-than-thou divas with their lists of demands and notebooks filled with what the world owes them. Maybe we’re totally over the trashy, good for absolutely nothing trouble makers who only amuse themselves.

Maybe we’re looking for someone who we actually like and we want to listen to.

The next time someone gets bent out of shape over Taylor Swift, I challenge them to swing around their radio dial and listen to some of the other popular artists (male and female from every genre). The bottom line is, Taylor sounds as good as any of them and better than a lot. She’s as apt to suffer jitters in live performances as anyone…. she’s 19!

Personally, I think she’s experiencing something that the Yankees, Microsoft, UK Basketball, the Lakers, and McDonald’s experience. When you’re on top, people come after you with magnifying glasses and criticism. Why not just realize that if someone’s on top, they didn’t get there by making a wish. They worked for it, they paid their dues, they have fan bases in the millions, and they earned it. Enjoy them!

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Colbie Caillat Pictures From the Grammy Awards 2010

by Joi on February 4, 2010

A lot is being written about who wore what at the Grammys and who looked the best… the worst… the most ridiculous, and so on. I’m gabberflasted (sorry, I thought it was high time this word was pulled out of retirement – Colbie’s worth it) that beautiful Colbie Caillat isn’t getting more attention. Personally, I think the lady put on a clinic: This is how you look gorgeous and sexy while standing out without looking like a danged fool. She didn’t play it too safe but treated the evening with the respect and class it deserved. A few female artists looked like they were going to the prom (way, way too safe) – while a few looked like absolute jokes.

Colbie showed how it should be done. Gorgeous. Click each thumbnail for a larger view – you’ll want to do that, you’ll very much want to do that.

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Randy Jackson: How Paper Tongues Got Their Break

by Joi on February 3, 2010

Our music blog LOVES to hear exciting, fresh new musical artists and Paper Tongues is about as fresh as it gets. These guys have a huge shot at making it to the big time and I guarantee you that, a year from now, everyone will know who they are. Go ahead, write it down. I’ll wait.

In a recent interview with MTV, music industry icon Randy Jackson reveals how the eclectic North Carolina-based group Paper Tongues got their big break. According to Jackson, Paper Tongues singer Aswan North approached the American Idol judge while he was eating lunch at an LA restaurant, knowing he was also a musician and would appreciate the band’s unique sound. You can learn more about Paper Tongues by visiting their official website.

Paper Tongues’ blend of rock, rap, funk and soul is quickly making its mark on the music scene. The music video for their single “Ride to California” has just been added into rotation on MTV2’s Rock the Deuce and MTVU, with their debut album scheduled to hit stores on March 30th. The band is currently part of the Hello Hurricane tour with Switchfoot. For more information on the band and on upcoming tour dates, visit Paper Tongues’ official MySpace page.

Tour Dates w/ Crash Kings
Feb 11 Cain’s Ballroom 2nd Stage Tulsa, Oklahoma
Feb 13 Midland Theatre – KRBZ’s Afentra’s Valentines Party Kansas City, Missouri
Feb 14 The Rave – FM 102.1 Kramp & Adler Missed Connections Mixer Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Feb 17 The Waiting Room – KIWR 89.7 The River Presents Paper Tongues Omaha, Nebraska
Feb 19 McGuffy’s House of Rock – WXEG Presents Paper Tongues Dayton, Ohio

Hello Hurricane Tour w/Switchfoot
Feb 22 Cains Ballroom – Hello Hurricane Tour with Switchfoot Tulsa, Oklahoma
Feb 25 The Black Sheep – Hello Hurricane Tour with Switchfoot Colorado Springs, Colorado
Feb 26 Ogden Theater – Hello Hurricane Tour with Switchfoot Denver, Colorado

May 1 The Bamboozle- Meadowlands Sports Complex East Rutherford, New Jersey

Click each of the Paper Tongue pictures below for a larger version – just perfect for setting as the wallpaper on your computer.

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Lil Wayne, Celine Dion, Miley Cyrus, Kanye West and Others Record We Are the World

by Joi on February 3, 2010

Lil Wayne, Brian Wilson, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg and Celine Dion are among a group of artists who have recorded a new version of the wonderful 1985 song ‘We Are The World’ to aid victims of the recent Haiti earthquake.

Barbra Streisand, Carlos Santana, Usher, Miley Cyrus, Tony Bennett and Enrique Iglesias are also among the 75 singers who contributed, reports BBC News.

The song was written by Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie and produced by Quincy Jones – who returned to the role for the new version. The new recording took place at Henson Recording Studios in Hollywood, where the original was also put on tape.

The much-anticipated song is set to debut on NBC, February 12. The video is to be put together by director Paul Haggis, who filmed the recording session.

Lil Wayne said, after the recording, “I don’t know how to sing.” He went on to hail the new song but criticized the response to the 2005 disaster in New Orleans, when Hurricane Katrina caused havoc.

“I think it’s amazing what’s been done for Haiti, but I think it’s amazing what hasn’t been done for New Orleans,” he said.

Lil Wayne makes a good point. I think you could add the victims and families post-September 11. A production like this to raise money and show support would have been outstanding for American families after Sept. 11 AND Hurricane Katrina. But if someone doesn’t stand up and make it happen, it won’t happen. Fortunately for Haiti, someone did stand up, and I guess that’s what we should focus on, right?

The Original We Are the World:

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OneRepublic Acoustic Performance Of All The Right Moves

by Joi on February 2, 2010

OneRepublic have been gaining momentum quickly in 2010 with the recent release of their sophomore album Waking Up and current single “All The Right Moves.” The track is making its way up the Top 40 chart and continues to increase digital downloads each week. Next month, the Denver quintet is slated to perform the song at the NBA All Star Game and at the Winter Olympics.

Check out a brand new acoustic performance of “All The Right Moves” that the band recorded for MySpace’s Down The Front sessions. The intimate performance features Ryan Tedder’s stripped down vocals accompanied by a beautiful cello and xylophone.

Visit OneRepublic.net for more information and be sure to grab “All The Right Moves” on iTunes.

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Jason Castro Opens Tour to Great Reviews

by Joi on February 1, 2010

This week, Jason Castro hit the road with Caitlin Crosby and label-mate Matt Hires on a cross-country tour. The American Idol alum is only a few shows in, and his set is already receiving great reviews. The New York Times checked out Wednesday night’s show and reflected on the journey that Castro has made from his American Idol audition to his “magnetic set” at Joe’s Pub.

“Earlier this month he released “The Love Uncompromised EP” (Atlantic), a prelude to a full album this spring, and it’s among the most sure-footed records, debut or otherwise, by an “Idol” contestant from any season. Partly that’s because Mr. Castro has had time to marinate, and to woodshed. His season’s winner, David Cook, and runner-up, David Archuleta, both released debut albums about six months after the season finale. But no one rushed Mr. Castro to pin down his style, and he certainly didn’t rush himself. He’s got it down cold now, though: 1960s pop with bright guitars, slashed through with a contrarian streak. It’s as if he were still stuck in one of the genre-themed weeks on “Idol,” but the most apt one. Jack Johnson and Jason Mraz should be nervous.”

Read the rest of the review here and be sure to keep up with Jason Castro on tour at Twitter.com/JasonCastro and JasonCastroMusic.com.

Much success to Jason Castro – he deserves nothing but the best.

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Jason Castro and His Much Anticipated EP, The Love Uncompromised

by Joi on January 30, 2010

Atlantic recording artist Jason Castro has unveiled details of his much-anticipated new EP. “THE LOVE UNCOMPROMISED EP” immediately shot to the Top 5 on the iTunes album chart upon release and is available at all DSPs now.

The five track EP heralds the forthcoming release of Castro’s self-titled debut album. “THE LOVE UNCOMPROMISED EP” features an exclusive acoustic rendition of the album’s buoyant lead single, “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again,” as well as three of the album’s brightest moments. Among them is “You Can Always Come Home,” a tender duet featuring Castro’s acclaimed Atlantic labelmate Serena Ryder. As if all that weren’t enough, the EP includes a further bonus track, “Sweet Medicine,” exclusive to this release.

The Texas-based tunesmith – best known as the third runner-up on the 2008 season of Fox’s American Idol – is set to embark on a major US tour, his first full-fledged trek in support of his own music. Jason will accompany F-Stop Music/Atlantic recording artist Matt Hires on his upcoming “State Lines Tour 2010,” due to kick off on January 20th at Jacksonville, Florida’s Jack Rabbits, with dates then continuing through late February (see attached itinerary). To make the tour even more special, Castro plans to perform at local high schools in many of the markets along the way – for details, please visit www.jasoncastromusic.com.

Slated to arrive in Spring 2010, “JASON CASTRO” brims with toe-tapping pop, strummy folk, and electrifying rock (“Closer,” “Heart of Stone”) — all cleverly balanced, rooted in the classic, melody-minded singer-songwriter tradition, with heart-on-sleeve lyrics and acoustic guitar-driven arrangements. Featured alongside unabashedly emotional tunes like “Love Uncompromised” and the lilting “If I Were You” is a stunning version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” (which Castro performed on American Idol, citing Jeff Buckley’s version as a huge inspiration to him as an artist).

To fully capture the moods he wanted, Castro collaborated with producer Eric Rosse (Sara Bareilles, Tori Amos) and a host of top-notch songwriters — including Marc Roberge of O.A.R., Gregg Wattenberg (Five For Fighting), Zac Maloy (David Cook), and Espionage (Train) — all of whom helped make “JASON CASTRO” an ideal showcase for his considerable gifts as a vocalist, songwriter, and musician.

“I feel like the album really captures my personality,” Jason says. “People got to know me a bit on the show, so I wanted to build on that by including all these songs I’ve written about my life. I wanted to share with people the things that are meaningful to me.”

“Let’s Just Fall In Love Again” is already garnering tremendous feedback, having recently been included on Entertainment Weekly’s influential “Must List,” which praised Jason’s “signature warble, jaunty whistles and claps, and affectionate lyrics,” noting that the single “ makes falling in love with (Castro) again oh-so-easy.” “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again” is available now via iTunes, while its companion video clip – directed by Travis Kopach (Panic At The Disco, All Time Low) –can be viewed online here.

Pre-orders for “JASON CASTRO” are available now through Jason’s webstore. In addition to instantly receiving the “Let’s Just Fall In Love Again” digital single, fans can also choose from a variety of packages that include bonus content ranging from a special fan plaque or an autographed limited edition poster to the opportunity to personally connect with Jason at either a special “Meet N Greet” or on a one-of-a-kind five-minute phone call. For complete details, please visit www.jasoncastromusic.com/store.

A multi-talented singer and guitarist, Castro was among the most popular and talented artists in American Idol history, entering the record books as the first contestant ever to play an instrument on the show. His performance of the Leonard Cohen-penned classic “Hallelujah” proved such an audience favorite that cult hero Jeff Buckley’s rendition of the song hit #1 on the iTunes chart the following week, and sold an astonishing 178,000 digital singles. Jason scored a chart-topping single of his own a few weeks later, when his interpretation of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” also hit #1 on iTunes after a show-stopping performance of the song on American Idol. Upon the season’s conclusion, Castro was among the stars of the hugely successful “American Idols LIVE! Tour 2008.”

For up-to-the-minute news and information, please visit www.jasoncastromusic.com.

All Dates w/Matt Hires’ “State Lines Tour 2010”

JANUARY
20 Jacksonville, FL Jack Rabbits
21 Decatur, GA Eddie’s Attic
22 Charlotte, NC The Evening Muse
23 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506
25 Vienna, VA Jammin’ Java
26 Philadelphia, PA World Café Live
27 New York, NY Joe’s Pub
28 Boston, MA Café 939
29 Pittsburgh, PA Club Café
31 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom & Tavern

FEBRUARY
1 Columbus, OH The Basement
3 Ann Arbor, MI The Ark
4 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern
5 Madison, WI Der Rathskeller
6 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry
8 Lawrence, KS The Bottleneck
9 Denver, CO The Soiled Dove Underground
10 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court Gallery
11 Boise, ID Reef Boise
12 Seattle, WA The High Dive
13 Portland, OR Mississippi Studios
16 San Francisco, CA Bottom Of The Hill
17 Los Angeles, CA Hotel Café
19 San Diego, CA The Casbah
20 Tucson, AZ Solar Culture
21 Phoenix, AZ Rhythm Room
22 Santa Fe, NM Santa Fe Brewing Company
24 Dallas, TX The Loft
25 Austin, TX Stubb’s BBQ
26 Houston, TX House of Blues
28 Birmingham, AL WorkPlay Theater

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The All-American Rejects and Almost Alice

by Joi on January 17, 2010

After closing out 2009 with their hit single “Gives You Hell” as the #1 most played song of the year, The All-American Rejects kick off 2010 with a brand new song for “Almost Alice,” the soon to be released CD from Buena Vista Records is inspired by the upcoming Disney Digital 3D film, ALICE IN WONDERLAND.

ALMOST ALICE, a collection of original songs based on some of the most charismatic characters in literary history, acts as a companion piece to the film’s score composed by Danny Elfman for the original motion picture soundtrack and will hit shelves March 2, 2010.

The Rejects’ new song, “The Poison,” is a cheeky take on Alice and her Mad Hatter. “Being a self-proclaimed Mad Hatter, this is a song about how prissy little Alice can be poison for us all. It was best for us both that she fell down that hole,” joked The All-American Rejects front man Tyson Ritter.

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What’s Rihanna Up To? Only Everything

by Joi on January 11, 2010

Rihanna is set to perform at a pre-Super Bowl concert. According to Pepsi Super Bowl Fan Jam organizers, she will perform Thursday, February 4, on South Beach in Miami. Rihanna will join teen singer Justin Bieber for the concert.

The Thursday night concert will be televised on VH1.

Rihanna fourth album, Rated R (released in November) reached number four on the Billboard 200 chart and number one on Billboard’s R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

The gorgeous singer has also made headlines lately with her new and improved love life. Putting Chris Brown in her rear view mirror, Rihanna has moved on with Los Angeles Dodger Matt Kemp. The two were recently photographed on vacation together in Cabo San Lucas.

And my favorite Rihanna news: Rihanna was so moved by an emotional letter sent by an Olympic hopeful who is battling leukaemia that she is trying to help him find a donor.

Rihanna received a heart-wrenching letter from 26-year-old Seun Adebiyi, a Nigerian athlete who had hoped to compete in the 2014 Winter Games in skeleton sledding, but was diagnosed with Leukaemia during training. She has promised to do everything she can to raise awareness of his condition and find him a bone marrow donor.

Rihanna said: “Leukaemia interrupted Seun’s dream of being the first Nigerian in the Winter Olympics, but together we can help him make his dream come true. We need to find him a bone marrow donor! Please sign up with DKMS!”

The pop star is working alongside ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ actor Justin Chambers in asking potential bone marrow donors to come forward and help save the life of the Yale Law School graduate.

Seun’s response?: “I am deeply touched by their plea for donors, not just for me, but for others as well. Their voices are so powerful and it encourages me how they used their influence to raise awareness about this important issue. That was incredible.”

Rihanna previously made successful public pleas both last year and in 2008 to help six-year-old Jasmina Anema and 43-year-old Lisa Flynn find bone marrow transplants.

Beautiful, talented, stylish, and compassionate? Think Matt Kemp knows how lucky he is? Think Chris Brown knows what an idiot he was?