First Listen: Lana Del Rey 'Off To the Races'

It's clear that 2012 is going to be the year of Lana Del Rey.

She's already caught the attention of most major music outlets, premiered a much hyped and talked about video for her single "Born To Die", and landed a spot performing on SNL ... all before her debut album even sees the light of day. And on the newly leaked track, "Off To the Races", it's easy to see why she's causing so much buzz.

Listen to the track below and check back for more from Lana Del Rey.

Read More

New Releases: Dec. 20th, 2011

It's the Tuesday before Christmas and there's a new crop music hoping to end up in your stocking on Sunday morning. Today brings new records from American DJ KASKADE and hip-hop's Common as well as the Top 10 compilation from country-crooner Travis Tritt.

And reminding us of their 2012 album releases Neon Trees, Adam Lambert, Leona Lewis, Snow Patrol, Lana Del Rey and Clay Aiken are releasing new singles digitally today.

You can check out all of today's new releases here.

But that's not all, you can visit Brite Revolution to get all their new releases for free, including new music from the enchanting Sugar & the Hi-Lows, FOR King & Country, Robert Kelly and much more!

Read More

First Listen: Madonna

With the announcement of a new album and tapped as this year's Halftime Show entertainer at the Super Bowl, Madonna is preparing to kick off 2012 with a bang.

Though not as heavily placed in the public eye this last year, the Queen of Pop has kept herself busy: launching a new clothing line (her second), planning a series of 'Hard Candy' branded fitness centers, directing her second film, W.E., which debuted at the Venice Film Festival, and recording a new record, which is slated to drop in March. The album's first single is expected to hit sometime in late January, just in the time for the Feb. 5th performance at the Super Bowl no doubt.  

With her latest projects receiving mixed reviews and the competition for the dance-pop diva genre more fierce than ever, music lovers all over the world await what's next from the original material-girl. Madonna recorded a single to accompany her film's ending credits. "Masterpiece" has yet to be publicly released, but you can hear it here now. 

If the album sounds anything like this, even the truest Madge fans may be praying for the light... the Ray of Light. 

Read More

Wednesday Wrap-Up: Stronger Edition

As the music industry begins to slow down for the holiday, news is trickling out about what's to come in 2012. Already the year seems to be buzzing with new talent arriving, like Lana Del Rey, Youth Lagoon and more. As well as a slew of new releases from some of music's biggest names. A new record from the Queen of Pop, Madonna, is on the way, plus the new one from country's Prom Queen, Carrie Underwood, a follow up to Adam Lambert's controversial debut, the long awaited new record from No Doubt, and rumors of a Watch The Throne part deux. 

And popping up today, is the new video from Kelly Clarkson highlighting the title track and second single from her fifth studio album Stronger. The clip features the truest Clarkson fans from around the globe flash mobbing to the single in a montage, of which Kelly joins in at the end. You can watch the video for "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" here. 

And in other news you need to know on this Wednesday: 

- Nashville's Amy Stroup and Trent Dabbs debut their enchanting new project, Sugar & the Hi-Lows. Get the scoop from Brite Revolution. 

- Is an Amy Winehouse biopic in the works? Her family says they're not opposed to the idea, but will Lady Gaga be claiming the role of the late singer? Find out now. 

- YouTube's biggest star, Tyler Ward, announces a European tour. See a full list of the dates here. 

- The Black Keys have said no, no, no to streaming services. The band will not release their new record El Camino on Spotify, Rhapsody or any similar platforms. Find out why here. 

-More music video premieres to check out this week from Shinobi Ninja (here) & Humming House (here).  

- Looking for the perfect holiday gift? SPIN has the best gift ideas for any rock 'n' roll lover, check 'em out. 

- And lastly, let it be known that Skrillex is NOT dead. The artist took to his Twitter to fight off the third death threat of the year, more on that here. 

Read More

New Releases: Dec. 12th, 2011

It's Tuesday, which means another batch of new tunes are coming your way. The album selection is a bit scarce, but of the ones dropping today check out Slow Moving Millie's cover album Renditions and the new one from Lemonheads, Laughing All The Way To The Cleaners. You may find a track or two to keep you warm on this wintery day.

And from the singles category comes the third from Coldplay's Mylo Xyloto, "Charlie Brown", as well as new tracks from Cee Lo Green and Foo Fighters.

Check out all of today's new releases here.

Read More

Artist To Watch: Katherine Mez

When I first heard Katherine Mez's angelic voice on the demo for her track "Just Me", a sad but beautiful ballad, I was immediately drawn to the rich depth of her tone and control. Few have been lucky enough to hear some of the rough versions of her ideas in song, but those that have know the gift that is her voice.  A voice that, if given the chance, could change the world. A Nashville-based singer who was once in L.A. working on an album that never panned out, has spent the last few years perfecting her craft - leading worship at her church, backing her friend, and another Tragic Kingdom fave, SPELLS on stage, and spending time inspiring those around her with her subtle, but strong faith.

Now, Mez is working hard raising the funds for her new project - her first worship record - on Kickstarter. And with just a few days left to give, I urge you to get behind this upcoming talent. The singer is so close to her goal, but knowing that the need is much greater than what she set out to raise, please continue to give.

No one can tell you her story or more about the project better than K. Mez herself, so watch the video below and then please give to her campaign. More on Katherine to come.

Read More

Review: The Black Keys "El Camino"

Rock music has found a new poster child.

The Black Keys, who released their seventh studio album El Camino last week, have been rocking their consistent bluesy garage rock for the last decade and rarely strayed from their rock-at-the-core sound. That remains true on El Camino. A mild-moderate fan of their previous efforts, the Keys have reached beyond their core audience, delivering a sound that appeals across genre lines. Maybe it's the pivotal bridge in the lead-track "Lonely Boy", that seems to connect their consistent sound to an insatiably infectious hook, allowing credibility on the pop charts. And it's that track that have music enthusiasts (and music supervisors) salivating. "Gold On The Ceiling" is another - and for good reason - instant classic, sounding like it should have existed long before now.

The album in general, though, is just plain great (their best in my opinion). Effortlessly taking you from track one to the last of the eleven-tracks, it feels like the duo have played on the album's kitschy title, taking the listener from point A to B like the old-school Chevrolet. And while the record is shorter than their previous efforts, it makes it that much more appealing ... and perhaps craving another. But don't expect to check it out on Spotify or other streaming services, the band has said they will not include their music on those platforms, which is either unimportant or brilliantly raises their street-cred. Seeing that Coldplay and Mac Miller made similar choices earlier this year, it's clear there's no negative impact.

You can get El Camino on iTunes and in stores now. And you should.

Read More

First Listen: Lana Del Rey

If I had to make an early prediction of who'd be the biggest new star in 2012, it would be Lana Del Rey. Del Rey jumped up on my radar a few weeks ago, but it wasn't until this week that I fell in love with her music and just can't seem to get enough of the self-proclaimed "gangsta Nancy Sinatra".

Lizzy Grant - Lana Del Rey is her stage name comprised of her idols Lana Turner and Ford Del Rey - has been buzzing since her EP for first singles "Video Games" and "Blue Jeans" reached the top five on the US iTunes Albums Chart hours after its release. Her album is set for release on January 30th, but you can listen to the title track "Born To Die" now.

Read More

Wednesday Wrap-Up: Everybody Talks Edition

The music world is buzzing this evening with the announcement of The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's latest inductees, Amy Winehouse's latest (and last) release, and the passing of Barbara Orbison, on the 23rd anniversary of her husband's passing.

And today, Neon Trees - Tragic Kingdom's pick for best act of 2010 - released a stream of their new single, "Everybody Talks". The Sixties-inspired track, from their upcoming album Picture Show, is not much of a departure from the band's successful smash singles, but frontman Tyler Glenn promises Rolling Stone that the new album will be. With a catchy pop hook, it's clear the band that earned them one of the biggest hits of the year with their single "Animal"has mastered their craft.

Check out more of today's top headlines and listen to the new track from Neon Trees below. 

- Guns N' Roses, Beastie Boys, Red Hot Chili Peppers Chosen for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, read more.

- M83 Announces North American Tour, read more. 

- The Black Keys on Colbert Report, watch now. 

- Sleigh Bells reveal Tracklisting for New Album 'Reign of Terror', read more. 

- Ryan Adams and Laura Marling Perform Duet for 'Live From Abbey Road', watch now.

- London's Olympics Will Sound Pretty English: Underworld, Elbow on Board, read more.

- Adele's '21' This Year’s Biggest-Selling Album In U.K., read more.

- Britney Spears Turns 30, countdown her 30 best tracks to celebrate. 

Read More

New Releases: Dec. 6th, 2011

The year may be quickly coming to a close, but there are still a few major releases coming your way ... just in time for the holidays. Amy Winehouse's Lioness: Hidden Treasures is out today reminding us of a talent and, now legendary, voice taken from us way too soon. The posthumous album, and follow up to her 2007 career-defining album Back to Black, includes 13-tracks from the late-singer, of which only four were recorded post-Black.

Also out today, The Black Keys new record El Camino, featuring the new hit single "Lonely Boy", a holiday classic by Kelly Clarkson and a slew of other singles and albums. Check out the full list of new releases out today right here.

And don't forget to support your favorite musicians and buy their music!

Read More

Artist To Watch: SPELLS

It's Fall, which means the trees are turning deep shades of reds and oranges and the air is crisp and cool. But Fall also means that new music is dropping just as quickly as the leaves. Some of the year's biggest and most anticipated releases of the year make their debut during the colder months, (see Coldplay, Ryan Adams, Kelly Clarkson, etc.) and in the midst of all that music, it's rare that an undiscovered emerging talent makes its way onto the Tragic Kingdom cover. But ever since I first heard SPELLS in the late summer, I haven't been able to stop listening to his captivating debut EP Escapist. A unique blend of some of the most relevant sounds in music at the moment and making bold stylistic choices with the likeness of Radiohead and St. Vincent, this indie-eloctro rocker is poised for greatness in the coming year.

Most of my readers will know that I started working with Trevor Tillery (SPELLS) shortly after hearing his  music, so I may be a little biased when it comes to this introduction. But nevertheless, his music is a must for my readers because, as you should be well aware, I would never put my stamp of approval on anything but great. And on the first effort from the former frontman of RAINING AND OK, Tillery nailed it. Right from the symphonic opening track "Arella," it's clear that Tillery is setting out to capture the attention of the listener on Escapist. And with his talented range - hitting a falsetto few could reach in his genre - and bold take on lyrical content, it's no wonder the singer has earned the attention of some of the biggest stages in Nashville, as well.

Tillery spent most of the late summer, after the EP's release, working the Nashville scene, performing on the main stage at Musicians Corner and kicking-off Foster The People's set at the SoundLand festival. Tillery was also named one the best new emerging acts by Brite Revolution and Brite magazine, where he was featured alongside Fitz & the Tantrums, Ellie Goulding, David Gray, The Avett Brothers and more.

And just when I thought it was time to hang up the singer's debut and give some of the new music releases a listen, SPELLS released his Christmas single "The Winter's Chill". When asked about the somber holiday tune, Trevor said:

"I wrote "The Winter's Chill" just before last Christmas of 2010. Thinking a lot about how the Christmas season often brings a lot of stress ... on top of getting swarmed by all of the Christmas marketing that can totally wreck what this time of year is all about. At the time I was really feeling all of that and I know there [are] people that feel the same, so I wanted to take a different approach. It also fits the whole Escapist theme - escapinf from the material world and finding a meaning to life."

Listen to the track below and get it, as well as his entire EP, on iTunes now.

For more on SPELLS, visit spellsofficial.com

Read More