As someone who listens to music and reviews various acts throughout the year, you can imagine trying to narrow the list down to just five songs was a bit of a task. I basically went with the songs that immediately came to mind. All five tracks are songs that I still listen to on a regular basis and that’s what truly makes them a favorite. Throughout this past year, these are songs that have been there for me, allowed me to let go of stress, or just simply put a smile on my face. Or in one particular case, got me up and movin’ like Jagger. So without further ado, allow me to present to you my Five Favorite Songs of 2011!
Happy Birthday, Wait…WHAT?!
Granted I am super late with this, but I wanted to write something to kind of commemorate the day.
I started this blog six years ago today, because I knew I needed some kind of outlet for my thoughts, which apparently ranged from guyliner to random celebrity news. I took a look back at some of the archives last week, and man, my thoughts were definitely all over the map, which was more than likely due to getting ready to graduate college.
I look at my blog now and I can’t believe the change. I feel like you definitely get my two cents on various topics, but with the reviews and interviews, I feel like you all get to see my love of music & pop culture and how it’s been a positive influence on my life. At certain points this year, I truly felt like I was living my dream.
With that said, to my family, friends, and supporters – thank you so much. You all drive me to pursue what I love to do, and I appreciate your encouragement more than you know. Six years of independently blogging about the things I love and appreciate about in our culture has gone from what I thought would be a hobby to something I hope to do for a long time to come. I’m pretty psyched to see what 2012 brings to the table!
Peace out!
Kirs :)
“Shine on – you were meant to.”
Lil’ Bro Recommends: Lianne La Havas
Last night I received a text from my lil’ bro about an up and coming singer, Lianne La Havas. She’s been touring with Bon Iver and has also been named as a BBC Sound of 2012 Artist.
She has an EP available on iTunes called Lost & Found, which features the track “No Room For Doubt” with Willy Mason. Check out the music video for the song below.
Amazing voice, right? I think her sound is just stellar.
Make sure to check Lianne out on her official sites:
Music Review >> Glee Cast – “Hold On To Sixteen”
Last week’s episode of Glee, “Hold On To Sixteen,” featured seven tracks, which included the return of both Chord Overstreet (Sam) and The Glee Project’s Lindsay Pearce (Harmony).
Let’s be real. Overstreet’s returning song on Glee should have been Justin Timberlake’s “SexyBack.” Am I right? I’m kidding … kind of. Of all the songs for Overstreet to sing upon his return to the show, Toby Keith’s “Red Solo Cup” was not an option that I was anticipating. But with Glee, as always, expect the unexpected. Unfortunately, this track really felt out of place amongst the rest of the episode’s songs.
I thought that Pearce did an amazing job on “Buenos Aires” from Evita. Man, this girl can sing. She exudes so much energy and personality when she sings, you can’t help to be drawn in. I know she was originally only allotted two episodes per The Glee Project, but from what we’ve gotten to hear from her this season, it would behoove them to figure out how to keep her character relevant. I can’t possibly be the only person that wants to hear Pearce on more than the two fantastic tracks she’s contributed to this season.
Continue reading Music Review >> Glee Cast – “Hold On To Sixteen”
Wait…WHAT? is turning six on December 18!
Definitely anticipate a handful of Favorite of 2011 posts, as well as a post dedicated to celebrating Wait…WHAT? on December 18! I am hoping to be able to do something special, so please check out my latest post on Tumblr: CLICK ME! I’M A TUMBLR POST!
Kirs :)
MUSIC VIDEO: Kelly Clarkson – “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)”
Kelly Clarkson released the music video for her latest single, “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You)” and it seriously just kind of makes me want to get up and get my dancin’ on!
Check out Queen Kelly’s new music video below!
Get it, gurl! The song rocks, Kelly looks amazing, and her dancing at the end is kick awesome!
What do y’all think of Queen Kelly’s new music video?
Graham Colton Goes Green on His Latest Tour
Singer-songwriter and Oklahoma City native Graham Colton released his latest record, Pacific Coast Eyes Vol. 2, this past October. This new volume of Pacific Coast Eyes includes three new tracks, “Hold Onto My Heart,” “My Resignation,” and “Wide Open Inside,” as well as alternate versions of three previously released tracks.
In support of his latest album, Colton partnered up with CNGnow as a way to advocate for the use of compressed natural gas versus diesel fuel. In addition to driving a CNG-fueled vehicle throughout the tour, the singer-songwriter has been documenting his experience on CNGnow.com.
I recently had the opportunity to speak with Colton, who shared with me his decision to embark on a green tour, what keeps him motivated while writing new material, and the benefits of being an independent artist.
What was the inspiration behind doing this green “Go Natural” tour?
Well, I think it started with just the ever-changing landscape of not only the music business, but the touring business, which is how I made my living and connected with my fans for the last almost-eight years now. It’s really hard to not only tour the country by myself, let alone with a band: to pack everyone in the van, trailer, bus, train, plane, whatever you want to call it.
It really started with me trying to investigate ways that I can not only tour the country, but [do so] cost-effectively. And once I started researching, I started thinking about the environmental aspect, and I came across the CNGnow.com website and what natural gas can do for not only our environment and our alliance with foreign oil, and, really, my pocketbook. It’s been kind of a perfect marriage of the two things.
Continue reading Graham Colton Goes Green on His Latest Tour
Carolina Liar’s Chad Wolf Talks Touring and “Going For Broke” on ‘Wild Blessed Freedom’
Chad Wolf, lead singer of Carolina Liar, discusses touring with David Cook and Gavin DeGraw and the band’s latest album, Wild Blessed Freedom.
Continue reading Carolina Liar’s Chad Wolf Talks Touring and “Going For Broke” on ‘Wild Blessed Freedom’
James Durbin Discusses His Debut Record, ‘Memories of a Beautiful Disaster’
On November 21, American Idol season 10 favorite James Durbin released his debut record, Memories of a Beautiful Disaster, on Wind-Up Records.
The 11-track album, produced by the highly acclaimed Howard Benson, is a well-crafted mix of rock music. From the roaring “Higher Than Heaven” to the nod to Aerosmith on “Love in Ruins,” to the power anthem “Stand Up,” 22-year-old Durbin proves to be a real contender in the world of rock.
Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with Durbin, where we discussed his debut record, which collaborator he’s learned the most from, and what’s coming up next for him.
How does it feel to have all your hard work out there for people to hear?
It feels great. That’s exactly what it was; it was a lot of hard work. I actually finished the vocals on the record in two and half weeks. It was basically singing three songs a day and getting them finished, having to sing each song 15 times or so to really get the right one. That was a lot of wear and tear on my voice, but it was well worth it.
On the release date, were you more anxious or more excited about your record coming out?
Definitely more excited. Before the release, all my fans were counting down the days, and I was counting along with them. It was very, very exciting. I think it’s more exciting to have it out there. I found out today that I sold 28,000 copies my first week. It’s like, wow, you know? This is like the moment of truth. This is what all the hard work paid off for. It wasn’t just having a record out there, it was really seeing the extent of my fan following. It’s so great to know that I sold that many. It’s unbelievable.
So you had a signing in your hometown of Santa Cruz the day your album was released; what was it like being home on your big day?
It was great. Not only that, but one of my favorite things to do is to see all my fans; just to see all my fans face to face, see who’s buying this record, getting to thank them and shake their hand. And be like, “You know what, thank you so much for your love and support. It means so much to me, it means so much to my family.” This has been my dream. And now my dream’s come true. I get to work in music and support myself and support my family in the process. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.
Continue reading James Durbin Discusses His Debut Record, ‘Memories of a Beautiful Disaster’
Happy Birthday, Britney Spears!
When I was in high school, I was a big fan of Britney Spears. I loved her music, her dance moves, and her cute boyfriend! Today the pop princess turns 30 and to celebrate Britney, I thought I would share my favorite Britney videos with y’all! Happy Birthday, Britney!
To kick things off, this is my very favorite Britney video, “Boys”!
Wait...WHAT? 