Best Of 2012

It's been quite a monumental year for the music industry.

We lost one of the greatest voices of all time, while ridiculing a new one when Lana Del Rey emerged nervously on SNL. Adele proved that quality music still sells and Christina Aguilera illustrated that same theory later in the year when her album flopped. We became obsessed with learning to dance Gangam Style, while trying to get "Call Me Maybe" out of our heads. Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj fought for cameras promoting the new season of American Idol, while Britney Spears unenthusiastically coached her "teens" on The X Factor. Bubblegum pop returned with acts like Justin Bieber, Demi Lovato and new boyband One Direction topping the charts, while radio over played indie-pop tunes "We Are Young" and "Somebody That You Used To Know." And Carrie Underwood 'blew us away' with her stunning vocals, while Taylor Swift turned the charts 'Red'.

Yes, it was a year to remember and as it comes to a close it's time to countdown the best of what 2012 had to offer.

Artists of the Year

1. Maroon 5 - It may have been 2002 when these pop rockers first impacted the charts, but the tenth anniversary of their first record was their biggest year yet. The band, along with Adam's The Voice coach Christina Aguilera, had the world learning how to "move like Jagger" with over 8.5 million copies of the single sold, naming "Moves Like Jagger" one of the best selling singles of all time. Their fourth album Overexposed also delivered hits "Payphone" and the band's longest running #1 single "One More Night."
2. Mumford & Sons - The indie folk band released their sophomore record Babel, which debuted at #1 and was the second biggest-selling debut of the year. 
3. Lana Del Rey - Despite her over-discussed nervous performance on SNL, Del Rey was the one of the most talked about new artists in history and her debut album Born To Die debuted at #1 in eleven countries and her face was plastered all over ads for H&M and Jaguar.

Reader's Choice: Mumford & Sons

Best Songs of the Year

1. Fun. "We Are Young" - Fun. was easily one of the best breakout bands of the year and their debut single had all the makings of a pop classic. Assisting in their Grammy nominations, the single's anthemic hook had me from the very first listen. Even after its over-play on radio, the song remains the best of the year. 
2. Lana Del Rey "Video Games" - One of the most gorgeous melodies on radio, this track went from indie sensation to mainstream gold making Lana one of the most promising new talents in music. 
3. Kelly Clarkson "Stronger" - It's no surprise to my readers that Clarkson makes my list. Not only was "Stronger" one of the most massive songs of the year, it was Kelly's biggest to date (yep, not even "Since U Been Gone" beat it). The song topped twenty-nine international charts. 

Reader's Choice: "Somebody That I Used to Know" - Gotye 

Most Promising Artist to Watch 

1. Five Knives - Recently signed to Red Bull Records, these electronic punk rockers are my pick for most promising act of 2013. If my prediction is correct, next year people will learn to "strike like a cobra, move like Geisha," along with frontwoman Anna Worstell, to their anthemic "Take My Picture." 
2. Mikky Ekko - Featured on Rihanna's new single "Stay", this Nashville indie rocker will be making waves in the new year. 
3. Ed Sheeran - Already a phenomenon, 2013 will be even bigger for him as he hits the road opening for Taylor Swift on her world wide tour. 

Reader's Choice: Josiah Leming - find out more about Leming here. 
**Honorable mentions: The CO, Marié Digby & Tyler Bryant and the Shakedowns all had a nice showing in the polls and have big plans for the new year. 

Google Plus: +Lana Del Rey +Fun. +Maroon 5 +Five Knives +Josiah Leming +Mikky Ekko +Ed Sheeran +Gotye 

Read More

First Listen: The CO's 'Keep It Together'

It's been almost two years since pop trio The CO dropped their self-titled debut album and first appeared on Tragic Kingdom. Since then, the band - made up of Colin Brace, Troy Akers and Nate Fleming - have created a huge internet following with their variety of YouTube videos and social interaction with their fans, lovingly named their "COhorts."

On January 8th, the boys release their long-awaited sophomore record Keep It Together. Eleven polished tracks including the uptempo standout "Frequency", the longtime crowd favorite "Ok Ok" and the updated title track, which first appeared on their debut and was later recorded with YouTube's Tyler Ward. The second effort delivers a more mature sound while maintaining their ability to craft an infectious pop-rock melody that has all the makings of a satisfying hit record. I said it before, I will say it again: keep an eye on The CO, 2013 could very well be their year.

Check out the first look at the band's new album cover and listen to Keep It Together exclusively below until the record's release on iTunes and everywhere digital music is sold on January 8th.

Click to enlarge. Photos by Sean Hagwell

 The CO - Keep It Together 

1. Frequency

2. I Will Be Strong

3. Keep It Together

4. How To Say Goodbye

5. Ok Ok

6. Interlude

7. Two Against One

8. Walls

9. Heartbeat

10. Soldier Up Kid

11. Crazy

On the go? Don't forget that you can stream the player above from your smart device, so you can listen to the record anywhere you are. You're welcome.

Read More

Merry Christmas from Tragic Kingdom with Andy Davis

Over the past couple of months, I've hinted at some big things coming to Tragic Kingdom in 2013. One new improvement is the addition of the live acoustic series from my favorite new artists. But, in the spirit of the holiday season, you don't have to wait until you ring in the New Year to see the first of the series. Consider this my way of saying Merry Christmas to all my readers - You guys have made 2012 my biggest year yet!

I'll have more from Nashville based crooner Andy Davis in January, but here's what you need to know right now: he's super talented, he's cool (and wears equally as cool hats), and he does a killer version of Mariah Carey's "All I Want for Christmas."

So, from me to you and your family this holiday season enjoy Andy Davis' rendition of "All I Want for Christmas" below and get Carey's version on iTunes now.  Merry Christmas!



Google Plus: +Mariah Carey

Read More

The X Factor: Season 2 Finale

The final three remaining teams took The X Factor stage last night to compete for America's vote and become the second winner of the series. While America's first winner, Melanie Amaro, has failed to impact with her first single, the UK version has delivered international success with acts including Leona Lewis, Cher Lloyd and One Direction.

Tate Stevens, the country crooner from Team L.A. Reid, has consistently topped the leaderboard this season. No surprise considering the devotion of a country audience and Stevens' loyal family-man quality. His performances last night were mediocre at best and his pairing with Little Big Town on "Pontoon" was awkward, but I won't be surprised if it still won him the votes.

Carly Rose Sonenclar, mentored by Britney Spears, has been a lead contender throughout the entire series with her unbelievable vocal ability and young innocence. The 13-year old's version of "Feelin' Good" was one of the best I've ever heard and her final performance of "Hallelujah" was stunning. Unfortunately her paring with controversial country singer LeAnn Rimes was tragic. Rimes seemed disoriented and her vocal acrobatics were poorly timed and unfortunate. And even though the performance was tough to watch, the 13-year old handled it like a true professional. Watch the train wreck below.

Fifth Harmony, the last of the groups, started as the underdog to Simon Cowell's favorites Emblem 3, but I saw the potential from their first performance of "Impossible" as a group. Their performances last night were all on point, including "Give Your Heart a Break" with judge Demi Lovato and a fun, well produced version of Ellie Goulding's "Anything Could Happen." And just like that, the underdogs proved that anything could in fact happen when they pulled ahead as the frontrunner.

Tonight, the three finalists take the stage in the 2-hour live finale awaiting their fate. Will Britney's huge social influence be enough to Carly Rose the votes? Will country fans pull it out for Tate Stevens? Or will Fifth Harmony be the Cinderella story of the season? Tune in tonight for the results, where One Direction and Pitbull will also take the stage, on FOX.



Google Plus: +Britney Spears, +The X Factor USA, +Ellie Goulding, +Fifth Harmony, +Carly Rose Sonenclar, +Simon Cowell, +Emblem 3, +Demi Lovato, +One Direction     

Read More

Cassadee Pope is 'The Voice'

As I predicted yesterday, Team Blake [Shelton]'s pop-rock diva Cassadee Pope was named the winner of NBC's 'The Voice' during last night's finale. Pope was a frontrunner throughout the course of the series' third season with smooth vocal delivery and mainstream beauty. As promised, the finale was a star-studded spectacle with performances by Bruno Mars, Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson, The Killers, Avril Lavigne and more. Each of the final three contestants took the stage with the stars in the 2-hour episode, as well as some of their fellow cast mates.

Watch the Season 3 winner take on Imagine Dragons' "It's Time" with Liz Davis, De'borah and Melanie Martinez below and then head over to iTunes to download Cassadee's Complete Collection of performances from this season.

Read More

First Listen: OneRepublic "If I Lose Myself"

Following the lead single "Feel Again" from their third album Native, OneRepublic are back with the mid-tempo pop tune "If I Lose Myself". The track impacted radio this morning and will be available for purchase in January on iTunes. A release date for Native has not yet been announced, however it is expected to drop in early Spring of 2013 followed by the band's summer tour.

Listen to Ryan Tedder & Co. on their new single "If I Lose Myself" below. Like what you hear? Let us know in the comments below.

Read More

The Voice: Season 3 Finale

Last night the final 3 contestants on NBC's hit reality competition 'The Voice' had one last chance to win over America's vote. Ultimately it was a one-horse race as season frontrunner Cassadee Pope separated herself from the other two with her epic performances of Faith Hill's "Cry" and a rerun of her season breakout "Over You" - a track that coach Blake Shelton penned with his wife Miranda Lambert. Shortly after the former Hey Monday frontlady performed the Lambert hit on the show, radio stations across the nation picked up her version as a single. The first time a contestant from the series has had this kind of mass appeal before -or after for that matter- the show's end.

Pope's tracks topped the iTunes charts today, which gains her an enormous amount extra votes based on this year's new vote-tabulating rules. And with that, it can only be assumed that tonight's star-studded finale will be anti-climactic as host Carson Daly vamps to fill time before the fresh-faced Avril Lavigne replacement (who will join her for a performance tonight) is announced the winner. Luckily the show has booked Kelly Clarkson, Bruno Mars and Rihanna to take the stage and Cassadee will resurrect her fellow cast mates Liz Davis, De'borah and Melanie Martinez for what is sure to be a stunner. If you remember from my interview with country-cutie Liz Davis, she and Pope became besties when they both joined Team Blake earlier this year.

My Prediction: Not only will Cassadee Pope win the NBC series, she will go onto be the most successful artist to come from a reality competition since Carrie Underwood's win on 'American Idol'. Mark my words, this girl's got -dare I say- the "X Factor."

Tune into the season finale of 'The Voice' tonight on NBC, which will also mark Cee Lo and Christina Aguilera's final episode of the series.

Read More

Interview with YouTube Sensation Tyler Ward

Last week, I "introduced" YouTube sensation turned mainstream pop-rocker Tyler Ward to my Tragic Kingdom readers. Ward, who released his latest video over the weekend (watch Tyler's version of Hunter Hayes' "Wanted" here), is finishing up the national leg of his world tour. The tour is his first in promotion of his first original-tuned EP Hello. Love. Heartbreak.  

Tyler took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to chat with me about his new original music, what he's got planned for the holidays and what it was like when he first realized he was becoming a star.

Interview with Tyler Ward 
Chris Vetrano: You just released a new EP of original music [Hello. Love. Heartbreak.] that shot up the charts. Can you explain to my readers how the process of recording the EP was different from your YouTube cover tracks.

Tyler Ward: I’ve never sat down and actually recorded an entire project at once. This was incredibly personal, and something I’ve dreamt about for years! I truly made this album for my fans - and for myself. I had to challenge myself to do this, and I wanted to produce, engineer and write as much of it as I could. I actually took about 3 months to write the album across the country. After the release and the response the only thing to say is I’m so thankful to the fans for really supporting my original music along with the covers on Youtube :)

Chris: You’ve covered almost some of the biggest songs from the biggest artists in the world. What has been your favorite track to redo? And why? 

Tyler: Every cover I do really does impact me in different ways, but I would probably say I really feel there was something special about [Kenny Chesney's] “Somewhere With You” and most recently “Red" [by Taylor Swift]. Almost all my covers are chosen because of my emotion to the song... both those songs really pulled something out of me that was unexpected!

Chris: You're now a well-known artist with a huge following, so I imagine you often get recognized on the street. Do you remember the first time you realized your success had reached that level? Tell me about the first time you felt like a “star”. 

Tyler: [Laughs] I think when two fans somehow found my house back in Denver and showed up the morning after a show with Oreo cookies for me... I remember thinking they must really like me and my music to do this! [Laughs]

Chris: You tour all over the globe. Where is your favorite place to play and why? 

Tyler: I definitely have some favorite shows from the past year and half of touring, but walking on stage the first time in Germany last year, seeing thousands of people screaming for you, and singing the whole time was something I will never forget.

Chris: What can fans expect from Tyler Ward in 2013?

Tyler: I’m really excited to finish Part 2 of Hello.Love.Heartbreak. and tour more in Canada, Europe and get to Australia and SE Asia as well. I’m really close to announcing a big deal in Europe too!

Chris: You are clearly one of the busiest guys on the planet. If/when you get some free time, how do you spend it? 

Tyler:  [Laughs] I’m not really sure - movies and working out I guess. I try to see friends as much as possible, and to be honest I still love to sit in my studio and try to be a better producer.

Chris: Your initial success has come from covering other people’s songs. Have you ever been approached by one or more of the artists you covered? What was their reaction to your version? 

Tyler: I’ve heard from a few artists that they like what I do, and they thought my interpretation of their song was cool - definitely a huge compliment for them to say that!

Chris: You were nominated as one of RyanSeacrest.com's Featured Artist of the Year. That's a huge accomplishment - congrats! When you get news like that, how does it impact you / what you do? 

Tyler: My manager forwarded over the email and stuff like that usually takes some time to sink in. Everyone at RS.com has been amazing this year, and to know he's aware of what I'm doing with my originals and covers is a big honor!

Chris: Well, we will be sure to keep voting! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us, I know you're busy on the road. Are you getting time off for the holiday?

Tyler: [Laughs] I'm gonna make it home [to Denver] with one day to spare! Gonna relax with family and friends back in Colorado and maybe going to Vegas for New Years!

---
Look out Vegas! Vote for Tyler in Ryan Seacrest's Featured Artist of the Year poll here, and don't forget to download Hello. Love. Heartbreak. on iTunes now.

Read More

Tragic Kingdom's Year-End Poll

We're nearing the end of another great year in music and I'm busy putting together my year-end 'Best Of' lists, but before I announce my picks I want to hear from YOU! Who was your number one go-to artist in 2012? What song's wouldn't leave your head? What concerts made you a diehard fan? Vote for your favorite artists and songs in Tragic Kingdom's Best of 2012 poll now! So take a 15-second pause and let me know who had you rocking out all year long below.

Be on the look out for Tragic Kingdom's 'Best Of 2012' lists coming soon where I'll announce the Reader's Picks as well.

Read More

Video Premiere: The Killers "Here With Me"

The Killers, who seem to leaving their not-as-epic Battle Born record in 2012, released two new videos this week. "Miss Atomic Bomb" was the first track to make it's way to the small screen and left little to talk about. The next single to get an accompanying clip is "Here With Me," a big budget project  that stars Winona Ryder and is directed by the legendary Tim Burton. The video reunites the Hollywood pair, who worked together on the iconic film 'Edward Scissorhands'. Old-school Burton fans, who may not have taken a liking to his latest mainstream pictures, will likely be pleased with the eerie video he delivers for the rock band.

Watch The Killers' new video "Here With Me" below and download Battle Born on iTunes now. 

Read More

Interview with Marié Digby

Last week, I delivered the premiere of Marié Digby's powerful new video "First Picture of Earth." If you missed it, watch it now here. Before the video's premiere, I hit the singer with a little Q&A to find out more about the inspiration for the video, what's next and where her clear love of music came from. Read the interview below and check back soon for more from Marié. 

Interview with Marié Digby

Chris Vetrano: It was in 2007 that your cover of Rihanna's "Umbrella" made an impact online and contributed to the success you've seen over the past few years, but where did you first discover that music was what you wanted to do?

Marié Digby: When I was about 3 or 4 years old, my mom took me to see the Broadway musical Cats. When she brought me to the entrance, the guards said that they couldn't allow a child under the age of 7 to go in. She begged them to let me in and convinced them that I loved music so much that I'd stay put and quiet. She was right. I sat, mesmerized, for the entire few hours. That night, I went home and tried learning how to play the songs on our piano. I believe my true love affair with music started around then.

Chris: Playing piano at 3 years old? Wow! You were clearly a talented lady from the very start. All these years later, what all can you play? What instrument is your favorite to play?

Marié: Actually, all I can play is guitar and piano. I'm pretty average at both! I think I'd like to learn how to play the harp. It's such a massive instrument and yet it makes the sweetest, purest, most soul easing sounds.

Chris: That would be killer! How do you classify your own sound?

Marié: Right now? I'd describe it as magic in the forest.

Chris: [Laughs] You've experienced most of your success in Asia. What do you think draws that audience most to your sound?

Marié: I've never quite figured that one out. In some ways, I don't even know if it's all about the music. I think many fans in Asia gravitated toward my YouTube videos because they found me relatable. Because I am half Asian and half [caucasian], I kind of look like I can be from anywhere. But on a musical level, perhaps it's because they enjoy sweet acoustic music and I've done lots of that.

Chris: The video for "First Picture Of Earth" is gorgeous. Where was is shot, what was the inspiration for it? Tell me the story behind the song/video.

Marié: My sisters and I decided to shoot a video in one of our all time favorite places, Yosemite National Park. I've always wanted to do a video there and this song was all about how stunningly beautiful our world can be so it was a perfect fit.

It was a total DIY effort so we did everything. I made my costume, sewed on my elf-like hair pieces, scoured vintage stores for the perfect lantern and visited taxidermy places for my lovely animal co-stars. My sisters film student friends helped us with the cinematography, editing, and VFX. My fans also helped in producing the video. But the hardest part by far was the long trek up to the top of the mountain for the closing shot. We hiked 2 hours with all of our equipment to catch the sunset just in time.

Chris: A worthwhile hike, I'd say. So, what's next for Marie Digby? What does 2013 have in store for you?

Marié: 2013 is going to be an amazing year for me. If all goes according to plan, I will release more music in 1 year than I ever have. 2012 was about preparing and 2013 will be all about sharing that new music with everyone. I can't wait!

Watch "First Picture of Earth" here and download music from Marié Digby on iTunes now. 

Read More

Video Premiere: Taylor Swift "I Knew You Were Trouble."

Country phenomenon Taylor Swift released her 23rd music video for the single "I Knew You Were Trouble." today, which conveniently happens to be her 23rd birthday. The video portrays a grittier, rougher version of the Taylor that Swift fans have come to expect from her, documenting a turbulent relationship over the dubstep track.

As an obvious fan of indie-darling Lana Del Rey, it's clear to me that Swift's latest desert-themed video draws heavy comparisons to Del Rey's "Ride," which I drooled heavily over this summer. Despite the comparisons, and without picking one over the other, the darker Taylor is a welcomed change.

Watch Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble." below and download the single on iTunes now.

Read More

Artist To Watch: Tyler Ward

It would be silly for me to try to introduce you to Tyler Ward because, with over 1 million subscribers and almost 315 million views, you're more than likely familiar with at least one of the many covers he's featured on his popular YouTube channel.

If you're a regular reader of Tragic Kingdom, you know that I grew up in a small suburban town outside of Denver, only recently transplanting myself to Nashville. If you're one of the millions of Tyler Ward fans, you know he too hails from Denver; a fact that brought us together in the halls of our Highlands Ranch school long before his first video hit the internet. In those days, Ward was known as a charismatic star. An athletic star, that is. But about 6 years ago Ward picked up his guitar and pushed record, first sharing his musical gift with the world.

Nearing 200 videos later, a successful EP of his own material and sold out tour dates all over the world, Tyler is a star of another kind: a pop star. Over the last couple of years I've had the pleasure of following Ward's rise to fame. A fame that breaks the confines of the YouTube channel from which he first delivered his smooth vocal, raw talent and undeniable personality. Producing a number of other rising stars, many of whom he features on his channel and tours, Ward seems to be making a play as the Ryan Tedder for the YouTube generation.

On his first EP, which shot straight to the top of the charts upon it's release, Ward showcased his hand at writing his own pop hits and shared writing credits with some of the industry's top talents, including Andy Davis, who co-wrote the breakout track "Dashes." With his world tour continuing into the new year and finishing up work on his second EP of original tunes, it looks like this is only the beginning for Tyler Ward.

Listen to "Dashes" from Hello. Love. Heartbreak. below, download the EP on iTunes now and check back this weekend for my one-on-one interview with Tyler Ward.

Read More

Avril Lavigne 'Reminds Me' of Nickelback

Nickelback may not be the object of many true music fans affection, but for Avril Lavigne the band's frontman Chad Kroeger can do no wrong. The pair announced their engagement in August and have been working together on Lavigne's new record, which is expected to drop in 2013.

In a tribute to her soon-to-be hubby, Lavigne covered the band's biggest hit "How You Remind Me" for a Japanese animé film, which turns the rock anthem, from the band's 2001 Silver Side Up, into a sugary piano ballad. Listen to the cover below and download music from Avril Lavigne now on iTunes.

Read More

Bruno Mars is the Unorthodox Jukebox

Bruno Mars, the R&B crooner that brought us the massive smash singles "Grenade", "Just the Way You Are", "Marry You" and from the Twilight soundtrack "It Will Rain", drops his sophomore album Unorthodox Jukebox today. Judging by the album's successful lead single "Locked Out of Heaven" it seems Mars isn't facing the dreaded sophomore slump with his new release. The album -a riskier, grittier take on his signature sound- offers 10 sexually charged and perfectly selected tracks.

Since his debut Doo-Wops & Hooligans, Mars has impressed critics and a growing loyal audience with his genius blend of vintage and modern. Delivering his tracks with throwback choreography and production, then mixing it with modern sex appeal and style, the singer fills a large gap in the music scene that is refreshingly welcomed.  Jukebox is no exception, although it oozes sex a bit more than his previous effort, specifically on the standout track "Gorilla" with lyrics like "You're bangin' on my chest/ Bang, bang/ Gorilla . . . you and me baby, we be fucking like gorillas."

Most impressive, in my opinion, is that Jukebox seems to draw many comparisons to the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson. "Moonshine" sounds like it could have been a lead single from Jackson's Off the Wall record and "Natalie" could be the couterpart to the King of Pop's "Billie Jean". So it begs the question, is Mars a legend in the making? I suppose time will tell, but you know the saying, "if the glitter glove fits..."

Listen to "Gorilla" and "Natalie" - two of the standout tracks from Unorthodox Jukebox - below and buy the record on iTunes now.

Read More

Interview with The Voice's Liz Davis, Part II

On Thursday, I posted the first part of my Nashville interview with The Voice's Liz Davis. If you missed it catch up here and then enjoy the conclusion below.

Interview with Liz Davis (continued)
Chris: The show is shot in Los Angeles and you spent a significant amount of time there this year. Which do you prefer: LA or Nashville? Why?

Liz: I love L.A., but I’ve got to say Nashville. Nashville is my home, I’ve been here for seven years. I actually see some parts of L.A. in Nashville, but overall I prefer a small town. I’m a country singer and this feels more me. I love the beach and weather in L.A., but I was ready to come home and get to work.

Chris: Speaking of Nashville, I assume -like most of Music City- you’ve been watching the ABC series that highlights the city’s country music scene. Would you say the show accurately portrays the industry? If yes, how does it compare to your story? If no, what misconceptions does the show portray?

Liz: I think the show showcases one side of Music City. It showcases some of the bad things that happen, but it also showcases some truths. For example, when it shows the two characters (played by Sam Palladio and Clare Bowen) performing at The Bluebird [Café] as songwriters and then someone comes in and wants to sign them - that happens. A great song can get you far in this world.

As far as Hayden Panettiere’s character…umm… I don’t know. It’s keeping me watching it every single week. But as far as her character, I wouldn’t necessarily compare myself to her. Who knows though, there might be some [girls] out there that are like that, but that’s not me.

So, I would say yes. The show only portrays ONE side of this city’s industry, but they accurately portray that side.

Chris: Females have really been taking over the country genre in the past few years (Carrie, Taylor, Miranda, etc.). Who are some of your female inspirations from any era or time period and who are some of the current artists you draw inspiration from?

Liz: I grew up listening to Reba as a child. I swear, I wanted to be Reba. [I remember] the moment that changed my life, I went to her concert when I was a little girl and she pulled up on stage in a limousine, got out and sang “Fancy”. It was the coolest thing I’d ever seen. I love Bonnie Raitt, Patty Griffin, Stevie Nicks – I could go on and on.

Current artists that I’m listening to now… I am a huge Miranda Lambert fan. Of course I love Carrie Underwood and Taylor Swift’s new record is awesome. That girl can write!

Outside of country music, I love Adele. Anybody that can sing the songs she sings with so much meaning… I mean, I can just listen to her in my car for hours, weeping and just come out fine. I just love that.

I also love pop music – I love Lady Gaga! And Broadway! That’s one of my dreams, as well – to be on Broadway. I’m glad I started in Nashville first before taking on the Big Apple because I think I’d be a little outta my league.

Chris: Well you certainly have the personality to carry you over into acting, so I look forward to seeing that come to be. Speaking of that, what is next for Liz Davis? What does 2013 have in store for you?

Liz: Well, I’m gonna use the momentum from the show and just go for it! I just want to keep people talking. I want my music out there as fast as possible for the fans, so I am going to do everything I can to get it out as quickly as I can. I want people to know who I am as an artist. I am excited to just get out there and see where it goes.

Chris: Well, you have a lot of new fans from the show that are going to be dying to hear that record when it drops.

Liz: See.. that’s what’s awesome, [she lights up] you gain a whole new fan base from doing a show like The Voice. And now I get to share my music with them!

Download Davis' performances from her time on NBC's The Voice on iTunes now and tune into the series this week to see Liz perform with Team Blake.

Read More

Video Premiere: Maroon 5 "Daylight"

Check out Maroon 5's  new video for the single "Daylight" from their smash hit album Overexposed. The band asked fans from all over the world to submit videos to take part in the clip for their third single from the record. Watch as fans reveal some personal messages during the 9:34 video below.

You can get Maroon 5's Overexposed on iTunes now and catch Adam Levine, James Valentine and the rest of the guys on tour in 2013 with Neon Trees.

Read More

Lady Antebellum's Lady Expecting First Child

Congratulations go out to Lady Antebellum's Hillary Scott and her husband, drummer Chris Tyrrell, who announced that they are expecting their first child later next year. The pair made the announcement exactly 11-months after their January 7th wedding in upstate New York. Hillary posted the new on the band's website, saying:

Chris & I are excited to announce that our Christmas gift has arrived a little early this year! We are having a BABY! We feel so blessed!!! - Hillary

I'm sure this will be an exciting new adventure for Hillary, her husband and her bandmates. Get Lady Antebellum's Christmas record On This Winter's Night now on iTunes.

Read More

Interview with The Voice's Liz Davis, Part I

Living in Nashville and working within the music industry, it's not uncommon that I meet, befriend or work with a lot of the artists who I end up featuring on this site. Over the next few months, I will be rolling out a ton of new content allowing you more personal introductions and access to the hottest emerging acts in music. This first artist is no exception. Earlier this week in a local Music City coffee shop, I got the chance to sit down with Liz Davis, the feisty country crooner who showcased her powerful pipes on this season's hit NBC series The Voice.  Read part one of my interview with the up-and-coming country starlet below and check back soon for part two.

Interview with Liz Davis
Chris Vetrano: You recently appeared as a contestant on Team Blake on NBC’s The Voice, but what most people may not remember is that you first appeared on – and won! – the MTV series P.Diddy’s Starmaker. Tell me a little about your experience between that series and this year’s appearance on The Voice.

Liz Davis: On Starmaker I had just turned 21 years old. The thing about that show was it was based on REAL reality television. I was living in a house with a whole bunch of different types of artists, which can create some drama... What I loved about The Voice is that it’s more about the artistry. It focused on me as an artist rather than the behind-the-scenes.

Things didn’t really work out with Starmaker, but some things just don’t work out. I have no regrets – it was an amazing experience and I learned a lot about myself and myself as an artist. It also gave me the experience I needed for [The Voice]. I’m 25 years old now and I knew that this time around I needed to prove myself as a great country artist. That’s why I did this show was to focus on me as an artist.

Chris: When you started your blind audition, it appeared as though you were immediately gunning for Team Blake Shelton. You seemed to sing directly to his chair. And that was clear when you chose him over Christina Aguilera or Adam Levine, who also turned their chairs during your performance. Other than sharing a love for the genre, what was it about Shelton that drew you to his team?

Liz: I’ve watched the seasons prior to mine and I just love the way he relates to his team. He comes across as real, honest and down-to-earth. Some good advice I had gotten before the Blind Audition from the coach I was assigned to before the blind audition round said to me, “Liz, put all of your energy into the back of that chair. He will feel it and will have no other choice but to turn around.” And even though it was the last second, he did.  To this day [Blake] says, “I know you were burning a hole in the back of my chair. I felt it.”

I love Christina and Adam, but I have to say I picked the right choice.

Chris: Being on a show like The Voice there tends to be a kinship among the contestants and many of them become great friends. Was there a contestant that you were closest to and do you have a memorable moment in which you became friends?

Liz: Gracia Harrison – she’s 18 years old and a country artist as well– I feel like I took her under my wing like a little sister. And then when we were put up against each other [in the Battle Round], I was heartbroken. It was the one person I did not want to be up against, but she’s great.

When Gracia left, me and Cassadee [Pope] were attached at the hip. I remember when I was eliminated in the Top 20 Round she went backstage and was just crying. I was like, “Do not be upset for me, I am so happy for you”. We’re just really close. I still talk to her everyday. I think she’s gonna win the whole thing!

Chris: Your voice is very rich and soulful; your performance of Martina McBride’s “Independence Day” showcased it beautifully. You also sang with a lot of Miranda Lambert-type attitude on other songs. Which do you prefer and what can fans expect on the Liz Davis album?

Liz: It comes natural to me to bring the attitude, but no matter what type of music, one thing I can say is that it’s going to come from an honest place. I would never sing something I would never say.

And as far as Independence Day, the house still burns down. There’s still a fire in that song, so I have no problem singing it. [Laughs]

Chris: As of this week, there are only 4 contestants left on this season of The Voice. I think I know the answer to this next questions, but if you could sway America’s vote, who would/should win: Cassadee Pope, Terry McDermott, Nicholas David, or Trevin Hunte?

Liz: At this point, they’re all amazing. What it ultimately comes down to is who has the fans. Who is America gonna vote for? And as far as iTunes sales, Cassadee is right up there. She’s been number one for like a week straight. I really have no doubt – she’s definitely gonna win.

Chris: I think I saw you acting up on Twitter last night over Amanda Brown’s departure. Did you feel she should have gone all the way?

Liz: Absolutely. Amanda Brown is flawless. Not to mention she’s an amazing woman. She’s well rounded, sweet and when she gets on that stage, she lights it on fire. I was shocked. I did not see it coming. How could she see it coming? I mean, I was.. but I guess it comes down to the fans… I was just shocked and so I had to say something on Twitter.

Chris: Now it’s just CeeLo Green and Blake left in the competition. It should be interesting.

Liz: Oh my gosh, Adam’s gonna hate that! That’s so funny!

Check back on Monday for part two from my interview with Liz Davis. In the meantime, be sure to head over to iTunes to pick up Davis' performances from The Voice.

Read More

Artist To Watch: Marié Digby

You may remember the sweet-voiced songstress Marié Digby from the acoustic version of Rihanna's hit single "Umbrella" that was featured on MTV's The Hills or her sugary-sweet single "Say It Again" from the 2008 release Unfold. Since then, Digby has continued to fill the ears of her fans with her musical gift and has spent a significant amount of time touring in Asia.

Early this week, Digby delivered her new video for the single "First Picture of Earth", an emotional and spiritual clip that was shot in Yosemite National Park. The video beautifully illustrates the gorgeous track. Whether Marié is covering a massive R&B hit or delivering a soaring vocal on an indie ballad, this girl has a voice that makes you take notice. With even more new music on the way in 2013, she's one of my picks as an Artist to Watch.

Watch the official video for "First Picture of Earth" below and pick up some of Marié's music on iTunes now.

Read More