Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Nick Cannon's 'Me Sexy'


With the summer coming to a close, it comes as no surprise that there has been an upsurge in the number of summer anthems that are being released on a weekly basis. Pop stars and rockers alike are all striving to ensure that their latest single is the one that will be played throughout the start of the upcoming school year. With the recent global foray into pop-rock dance music, artists across the globe are hoping that their song will be played during all the frat parties, road trips, and festivals. While most artists have done a decent job at invading the radio waves, seemingly having their song played every ten minutes, on particular artist has chosen to take a different approach.

Nick Cannon, who all but disappeared from the music industry in the past few years, is back again with a whole new marketing strategy. It is likely that his latest single, “Me Sexy,” has not been heard by many people on the radio or similar music outlets. Elvis Duran hasn’t played it in the morning and Seacrest hasn’t played it in the afternoon. One would think that, in actuality, no one has heard the song at all. This assumption couldn’t be more wrong.

Me Sexy Lyric Video 

Long ago the Buggles realized that video killed the radio star. Even more recently however, the Limousines highlighted the fact that internet killed the video star. You may not have heard Nick Cannon on the radio, but that’s because he’s focused his attention on using the world wide web as the promotional tool it is meant to be. What’s better than hearing your song on the radio? Seeing your song become an internet sensation through viral video.

Before delving into the hilarity that has ensued since the release of Cannon’s latest single, the song itself should be discussed. Simply put: it’s catchy as hell. Even for people who may not be partial to the EDM style dance music, there’s no denying that ‘Me Sexy’ is a song that will undoubtedly get stuck in your head.

While no official music video has been released for ‘Me Sexy,’ the song has become an internet hit through an outpouring of hilarious fan videos. It seems that the original video, created by the UCLA Theater Majors, has caused an onslaught of ridiculously entertaining videos, all of which interpret ‘Me Sexy’ in varying manors.

 Dancing Vader- "Me Sexy"

Whether intentional or not, the marketing of the new single has effectively brought the song to a slew of different people. Flash mobs of students, dancing Darth Vaders, and video tutorials have sprung up in recent weeks all with one thing in common: Me Sexy. The song has served as inspiration for dozens of ridiculous, and frankly awesome, videos in which the current generation proves once again that there is no shame in having fun.

In a world where people are in constant fear of being judged, ‘Me Sexy’ has started a semi-revolution in which people show that laughing at oneself is one of the greatest attributes an individual can have. Whether you’re doing it alone, or joining in with others, sometimes the most enjoyable experiences are those in which you can let go and make a fool out of yourself solely because it’s genuinely fun.

Whether you like the song or not, there’s no denying that anything that can inspire such an abundance of videos has something going for it.

Be sure to buy Nick Cannon’s ‘Me Sexy’ on iTunes today (and if you’re brave, make a video of your own!)


Check out some more hilarious videos!



Sunday, June 16, 2013

High off of Tommy and the High Pilots


The summer months bring with them a desperate need for new music to replace that which has been playing on repeat since the start of the new year. No longer are people wishing to listen to the slow and melancholy tunes played throughout winter. Instead, the world spends June-August seeking music that can blast through convertible speakers as the annual road-trips begin. Luckily, the emergence of Tommy and the High Pilots has provided a new single that can only be associated with the summer sun, beach days, and general giddiness.

“Outta My Head” is a song that perfectly encapsulates the feelings of warmth and excitement that the summer brings. There is a lightness to the song which makes it that much more fun and enjoyable to listen to. Rather than focusing on tweaking past hits, Tommy and the High Pilots use the song as a means of connecting directly to listeners. There is an undeniable catchiness to the latest single, which is ideal for anyone who has ever turned on the radio. There is a frivolity to the song that makes it genuinely addictive.

Tommy and the High Pilots- 'Outta My Head'

The versatility of the band is astounding, which is highlighted as one track ends and another begins. There is a distinct emotional depth within each passing song that creates a tangible connection between artist and listener. The combination of slow, heartfelt, tunes with irresistible pop songs further emphasizes the fact that the group is comfortable enough with itself to take their music to both extremes of the spectrum. The ability to effortlessly switch from slow to fast-paced music suggests that Tommy and the High Pilots is a group that will undoubtedly hit it big. Rather than focusing on targeting any specific demographic, Tommy and the High Pilots instead produce music that can easily be enjoyed by people of every age. The band is consistent throughout their latest album, however, they meander enough to ensure that they are not locked into any specific genre. This is yet another thing that allows the group’s music to be enjoyed by a wide array of individuals.



Tommy and the High Pilots is a band that will undoubtedly explode onto the music scene within the next few months because they offer something that many artists currently do not: music that can be enjoyed by more than one demographic. The group is sure to come into staggering success because the music is as entertaining and infectious as the band itself.

You should purchase the new album 'Only Human' pronto if you want to be able to say that you were listening to them before anyone else...

Be sure to check out the band’s website for the latest updates and tour information!

Check out the band on social media!

Monday, April 15, 2013

Hunter Hunted: Everyone's Future Addiction


Finding new music to listen to is one of the most enjoyable hobbies an individual can have. An hour a day on Bandcamp, SoundCloud, iTunes, and Noise Trade has the potential to unearth a slew of new bends and artists that were previously unknown. While most music that is stumbled upon in set timeframes isn’t always great, or is yet isn’t something you’d wish to listen to, the rare diamonds in the rough make the tireless searching worth it. Subjecting oneself to bad music makes the discovery of good music that much greater. This week, Hunter Hunted was the combined diamond/platinum/emerald in the metaphorical rough of the music industry.

The purchasing of music on iTunes can be oddly nerve-wracking. Songs and albums are often previewed for days before people have the courage to spend the last cents of their iTunes gift card. Adding to the stress is the debate on whether or not one album should be purchased over another. More often than not there is heavy comparison between two songs or albums that creates more anxiety than tax day. The first indicator that Hunter Hunter is a band unlike any other is the fact that it only took one listen, of one song, for me to click the usually intimidating purchase button. There was no confliction, no regret, and no worry about whether or not a different EP should have been bought instead.

Hunter Hunted
Hunter Hunted is, in one word, phenomenal. The music is catchy, upbeat, and constantly enjoyable. There is a genuine passion within the music that, in addition to being blatantly obvious, infects listeners with a sense of enthusiasm and fervency. Much of today’s music revolves around perfecting a façade that skews listeners into believing a message or idea that does not pertain to the music itself. Oftentimes catchy beats are used as a distraction to prevent audiences from realizing that auto-tuned voices and sub-par lyrics do not qualify as good music. Luckily for the world, Hunter Hunted has been introduced at the perfect time.

The band is a true threat to the music industry because they offer everything that much of Billboard’s Hot 100 is lacking: raw talent. The group thrives on a deadly combination of extraordinary lyrics and fiercely zealous music. The self-titled debut EP is compiled of 5 tracks whose cohesiveness and consistency pique the interest of anyone who listens to it. Rather than focusing on emphasizing lyrics over music, or vice versa, Hunter Hunted creates synergetic songs that ebb and flow appropriately. Each serves as a means of accentuating the other in a manner that allows both to be equally appreciated.

Hunter Hunted
It is a rare gift to be able to combine melancholy ideas with an upbeat and infectious tune. This is something that Hunter Hunted manages to do with an incredibly admirable ease. There is an almost effortlessness to the music which further aids in highlighting the dexterity of the band. Songs such as, ‘Operating,’ have lyrics that one would expect to be accompanied with the slow and steady vocals of the likes of Josh Groban or Adele. Hunter Hunted takes a drastically different approach, which is equally refreshing and unique.


The alternative pop/rock approach to the lyrics makes the music as a whole that much more enjoyable. Rather addressing music in an almost cliché manner, Hunter Hunted aims to bring people on their feet in a swarm of fervor and contagious energy. The catchiness of the music is almost overwhelming, ensuring that even one listen to a song will result in the tune being stuck in your head for the remainder of the day. ‘End of the World,’ is a song that creates an indescribable feeling of giddiness and invincibility. There is a unique air to the song that infuses confidence and energy into anyone who is fortunate enough to listen to it.

Hunter Hunted- 'End of the World'

Hunter Hunted is the type of group whose music can easily be played on repeat for hours without boring listeners. The old saying, “time flies when you’re having fun,” can easily be changed to, “Time flies when listening to Hunter Hunted.” The 5-song EP spans over approximately 20 minutes. After completing an essay, I realized that three hours had gone by with Hunter Hunted playing the entire time. The EP was listened to 9 times through and not once did I feel inclined to change it.

Hunter Hunted- 'Keep Together' 

Hunter Hunted is a band that has recently been compared to the likes of Youngblood Hawke and the Mowgli’s. Hopefully this means that the recent success of the latter groups will allow Hunter Hunted to get its much-deserved time in the sun. The music is versatile and passionate, two qualities which would be ideal for any decent radio station. The success of Hunter Hunted is inevitable, it’s merely a matter of when people will wake up and realize that the best music tends to not be played by Ryan Seacrest (or it is played once people catch on… two years after its original release). Hunter Hunted is a group that should be watched closely because in the blink of an eye they will be headlining every major concert venue across the states.

Band Members:
     Dan Chang
     Michael Garner

Be sure to check out the Hunter Hunted website for all of the band's latest information (and to get a free download of one of the band's songs!): http://hunterhuntedmusic.com/

Go buy the Hunter Hunted EP on iTunes pronto! 

Hunter Hunted on Social Media:


     

Sunday, March 31, 2013

Best of the Week 2


Another week, another group of musical addictions that have been playing on repeat for the past 7 days. A hodge-podge of fast-paced rock and slow indie music, this week’s picks will undoubtedly become your new favorites.

The Best Songs of the Week

1.    ‘The Wolf’- Miniature Tigers
The Wolf is a song that is very much reflective of the catchy rock genre that has become popular with the new generation of music lovers. The song is quick to get stuck in the heads of those who listen to it. It is quick, steady, and easy to sing (more accurately, melodically speak) to. Miniature Tigers is a group that would do well on networks like MTV because they blend genuine music with upbeat hooks that highlight American youth.


2.    ‘Love is a Fire- Courrier
The song is as perfect and ideal as they come. There is a symbiosis between the instruments that perfectly aids in accentuating the vocals. There is an inspirational tone to the song and listener’s can’t help but feel uplifted as the final notes play out. The song is buoyant, passionate, and truly enjoyable to listen to. The juxtaposition between fast and slow paces is done in a manner that is similar to the telling of a story. Listeners can enjoy every aspect of the song without growing bored.


3.    ‘Venice’- The Lighthouse and The Whaler
Catchy. Upbeat. Fun. This song is one step away from, ‘dance around like a maniac,’ territory. The music, though somewhat slow, has a build that allows listeners to maintain some level of decorum. There is an almost antsy quality about the song. You want to dance, come incredibly close to dancing, but step back at the last second. Instead you opt for the steady head shake/body sway combo that conveys your interest in the music.


4.     American Daydream- Electric Guest
Call me crazy but all I see when I hear this song is an awesome title sequence for a television show. There is a sultry seductiveness to the song, which makes it incredibly addictive. The simplicity is equally beneficial because it allows the music to focus solely on the melodies and beats of the song.


5.    ‘Le Billet Doux’- City Tribe
There is a very Fleet Foxes/GIVERS vibe that is created by City Tribe. Le Billet Doux is a harmonious and melodic song that gives people the urge to hop into a convertible and drive through a vineyard. There is a languid quality to the song creating an incredible relaxing and peaceful atmosphere. Perfect blend of instrumentals and vocals. All around great piece of music. (*Note, come back soon for a full feature of the band. Hint…they may or may not be our Artist of the Week…*)