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TAYLOR SWIFT 

taylorswift

June 9th, 2015

Raleigh, NC at PNC Arena 

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We were at Taylor Swift’s 1989 World Tour last night in Raleigh, NC at PNC Arena covering her set. 

Click above to check out the photos and review!

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INTERVIEW: Hannah Gill

17 year old, Hannah Gill, sets to release her I Feel Awake EP on January 20th. We caught up with her to get the inside scoop on the record, along with her future plans in the music industry. 

How would you describe your sound?

I like to describe my sound as indie jazz. I love artists like Dr. John and The Meters. The way that these artists have such a distinctive sound but at the same time have a common jazz undertone is really fascinating to me. I think that my music tries to incorporate both classic jazz vibes and the feel of modern music.

Your EP, I Feel Awake is set to release on January 20th of next year. Can you tell us a little more about it?

It’s catchy. Most people who listen to the EP will have it stuck in their heads for the rest of the day. The new EP puts a pop spin on some old and new songs.

What would you say your favorite song off of the EP is?

I think my favorite song on the EP is Love and Glory. It is just a fun song that you want to listen to over and over again. It is a nice contrast to some of the more dramatic songs on the EP.

What made you chose to pick “Love and Glory” as the first single?

As I said above, I just think it is such a fun song that will get stuck in everyone’s head. And really what couldn’t be better than a catchy song? I hope that Love and Glory really pulls in listeners to hear the full EP.

You can gotten so much attention for your cover of “Take Me To Church” by Hozier (which by the way is amazing!) Why do you think this is the cover you did that took off?

I have no clue! We are so lucky that it has gotten so many views. I would like to think it is doing so well because we really embraced the song. When most girls on YouTube cover Take Me To Church, they just sing it to sing it. They don’t feel the music. But we felt every note, and I think that is what is so enticing about it.  

Being 17, do you think this has helped or hindered your music? 

It has its ups and downs. There have been times when I would have to cancel shows because of school, or location. But at the same time, it seems extremely impressive to people to hear that I am accomplishing all that I am and I am only 17. Although it does present some challenges, I feel like I am really getting to learn from the best at the best age possible. I wouldn’t change a thing.

Do you plan to do any touring in 2015? If so, where would you love to play a show?

I am focusing on graduating high school right now, so we probably wont be touring any time soon, but who knows what might happen it the summer/winter months! I would love to perform at Fire Fly Music Festival; it has always been a dream of mine to play at a festival with so many talented musicians.

Anything else you would like to add? Thanks!

I think you covered it all! Thank you for this amazing opportunity!

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INTERVIEW: Jocelyn Arndt

We got the opportunity to talk with the lovely Jocelyn Arndt. Read our interview to find out about her most recent EP, Strangers In Fairyland.  We also have exclusive news about a single to possibly release on Valentines day! Find out more below:

For anyone who hasn’t listened to you before, how would you describe your sound?

 I’d have to say indie blues-rock with a pretty heavy lean on vocals.  We’re not too into sticking with rules though, so sometimes anything goes!  We always try to create music that feels right to us and while sometimes that’s just guitar, bass, piano, voice and drums… other times we’ve worked with entire horn sections, vibraphone, violin, synth, you name it.  It’s a blast!

What makes your sound unique and stand out from the rest in your genre?

I can tell you that standing out and being unusual is not a plan or strategy.  As a matter of fact it’s a little scary. The underlying feel in our music comes from growing up listening to all sorts of tunes from our parents CD collection. The artists on those CD’s are really what inspired us to do what we do now.  Lucky for us, our parents have good taste! If we tried to be anything besides ourselves, it wouldn’t be honest and the music would never feel right.   I guess we’re just indie artists with a little bit of an old-school tint.   

Your EP Strangers In Fairyland released in October. How has the reaction been so far?

OK, number one and most important:  Our parents LOVED it!  That might sound kind of goofy, but that was a big deal to Chris and I because they’ve always supported our decision to do music. Beyond that it has been great!  So many wonderful comments from both friends and people all over who we’ve never met.  It’s also really interesting that so many people have different favorites!  We’ve even had radio programmers argue over it.  Of course there’s also the fact that Chris and I love it.  It truly makes us both so proud and happy.  We’re stoked!  

What would you say is your favorite song off of the EP and why?

There are seven songs on the EP.  Coincidentally, there are seven days in a week.   I can have a different favorite every day of the week! But, since you are interviewing me on a Thursday, and it’s the 4th day of the week…  I have to go with track 4 “Lullaby”.  Super cool track where Chris created a dreamy guitar texture and I tried a different vocal approach.  We also have a video for the song coming out in a couple weeks… stay tuned!  

What is your writing and recording process like being a sister and brother duo?

Try, try some more, eat, disagree, try, take a break, eat, repeat!  More specifically and maybe more seriously, Chris will come up with a guitar progression, or I’ll get a melody line stuck in my head, and then we’ll build the song from there. We’ll fiddle around with things until we’re proud of what we’ve written.   

Any plans for a full length?

Well here’s something I don’t think we’ve shared.  We have a song just about wrapped up that features Danny Louis from Gov’t Mule on keys and legendary jazz vibraphone player Tony Miceli.  Those guys are unreal!  The song has a sort of updated swing feel with horns and Chris lending some great guitar.  I think we’re going to release that as a single on Valentine’s Day.  Other than that, we’ve got around 20 songs we are working on, including a new track written by Nolan Neal the frontman for Hinder.  It looks like August for a full length.  

Any tours in the future?

Yes! We’re in The Northeast through the Holiday, then we’re in NYC, Cleveland, Nashville, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Birmingham, and Memphis.  After that I think we’re planning dates in California.  We love to play and meet new people!  It’s going to be insanely awesome!  

Anything else you would like to add?

Yes!  Chris and I want to thank everyone for listening, coming to shows, and making us love what we do even more.  If you haven’t heard us please just give us a listen.  Our music is available from all the usual spots! If you’d like to keep tabs on our music, tour, or just our general silliness, check out the Facebook.com/jocelynarndt.  I post every day with the latest news, or whatever. Thank you so much for having me. (:

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CONCERT: New Politics

When I first saw New Politics live they were opening for Fall Out Boy in 2013 at The Fillmore in Charlotte, North Carolina. Flash forward a year later, and they are headlining The Fillmore themselves. New Politics setlist was one fans would be excited for. Opening with "Tonight You're Perfect" to closing with their radio hit "Harlem", their energy was consistent through-out. While I was standing in the crowd I began to look around and realize why I loved watching New Politics perform. It was because I discovered that New Politics were just as excited about performing, just as much as their fans were to see them (which if you don't know, what a lot). Lead singer, David, made sure to recognize the fans that new every single word. A few girls in front of me were dancing and singing their heart out, and David made sure to come over and sing straight to them multiple times, along with waving. Even at the end of the show New Politics recognized a fans birthday and brought her up on stage, sang happy birthday and gave her roses. New Politics set was full of lots of surprises (which I won't give all of them away). However, I will say that they perform a new song "Loyalties", and there are quite a few of break dancing performances involved. The Everywhere I Go Tour is a must see this fall. 

VIEW MORE PICTURES HERE!

*Stay tuned for an interview with the band*

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SONG: Karmin - "Sugar"

4/5 - "Sugar" by Karmin

I have always been a big fan of Karmin, so you might think this review is a little biased. However, to be completely honest, I was not a fan of "Sugar" when I first listened to it. In the past, Karmin's songs have had a more pop feel to it, like "Acapella" and "Broken Hearted", but "Sugar" has a much more soul feel. After a couple listens though, I couldn't help myself from clicking the repeat button. Karmin still sticks to their roots by having Amy rap towards the bridge.  I think why I didn't like their new single at first is because in my opinion it will be hard to top their past album, Pulses. I am curious to see where Karmin's future album will take them with their style. If "Sugar" is any indication of it, they could gain past haters along the ride.

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After being on a long music hiatus, pop sensation Hilary Duff is back and we couldn't be any happier about it! She currently just released a brand new music video to her single "All About You" which you can watch above. Although the music video might just be one giant add for Amazon Fire Phone, we still think it is an adorable video regardless. Hilary's highly anticipated album is currently scheduled for a fall release date. No official date has been announced yet.

You can pick up "All About You" here.

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MKTO September 12th, 2014 - Raleigh, NC PNC Arena

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Demi Lovato September 12th, 2014 - Raleigh, NC PNC Arena

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Panic! At The Disco August 13th 2014 - Charlotte, NC Uptown Amphitheatre

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Devil Wears Prada July 28th 2014 - Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion - Warped Tour

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Jesse McCartney July 25th 2014 - Charlotte, NC The Fillmore

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John O'Callaghan of The Maine

July 25th, 2014

Vans Warped Tour 

PNC Pavilion - Charlotte, NC

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We caught up with the lovely Pat Kirch of The Maine at Vans Warped Tour 2014. The Maine just released a deluxe edition to their album Forever Halloween. Watch the interview to learn more about the album, plus The Maine's future plans for after warped!

CLICK HERE TO VIEW PHOTOS OF THE MAINE'S SET.

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INTERVIEW: Allison Veltz

We got to chat with the lovely country singer Allison Veltz about her journey as an artist, and her new record Wonderland. Read our interview to find out more!

For anyone who hasn’t listened to you music, how would you describe it and what makes your sound unique?

I grew up with a drummer for a dad so there's a big emphasis on rhythm in my music. Also, I absolutely love bluegrass instrumentation. It's a vibrant record. I hope to make you smile, think and feel good. 

 After growing up in a musical family, and being in a band with your parents. What would you say your favorite thing about being a musician is?

Music is a powerful thing. It can change your mind, your heart, your day. It does that to me. My favorite thing about being a musician is the privilege of being a part of someone's mind, heart and day…even just for 3 minutes and 23 seconds. 

 Your record, Wonderland is a reflection of life growing up and you moving around constantly. Does any specific town have more of an effect on the inspiration of songs more than other places you’ve lived?

Actually, no. The through line of the album is more about the desire to take root somewhere.  It has a traveling feeling to it. It'd be a great road trip record :)  

 What is your favorite song off the record and why?

“Runaway.” It’s the first song I wrote for the album. It set the bar for how raw and honest the whole record needed to be. From then on I'd write songs and compare them to “Runaway." The whirlwind of all the moving in my life seemed to settle down after writing “Runaway." And the rest of the album followed.  

 You co-wrote all eleven songs off your record. What is your writing and recording process like?

I moved to Nashville in January 2011 and in my mind, I’d arrive in Music City and we’d go right into the studio, record and release, a record. I wanted instant gratification. Instead, I started writing. It took me awhile to find my voice and to let myself write my life story. But when it did, it started pouring out of me. The experience in the studio was much the same. My producers Mark Bright, Dan Muckala and I were very much in tune with how every song should be treated, how it should sound, and we all took the time we needed to let the music fully develop. I'm am SO lucky to have that kind of synergy with a production team. 

 I know you put a lot of heart and soul into this album. What do you want people to take from Wonderland when they hear it?

Wonderland is an album. It's a complete thought and not a collection of random songs. Overall it's an uplifting record. I'd love for people to see this album in their iTunes and see lightness. Not just as opposed to darkness but as opposed to heavyness as well. 

 You just released a lyric video to your single “Bright Side.” I love that you have a campaign that donates for every view watched. What gave you the idea to do that for the video?

I am hopelessly flawed. I fail at "the bright side" everyday. So I knew the video shouldn't concentrate on me :) A dog however lives in the moment. They seem to effortless wag no matter what. Even if they're lost. I wanted the "Bright Side" video's focus to genuinely reflect the bright side so a pooch was a natural choice. The campaign idea came after we realized that not only is Penny "wandering the streets of Nashville" in the video. She was found "wandering the streets of Nashville" when she was rescued. I'm lucky to have a generous team that shares my love for animals. Everyone hopped on board to donate and every view of the video donates more. I’m hoping to always help animals, in particular dogs. 

http://youtu.be/Atu4FQ4zGVM

 I know you have been doing a lot of radio tours and playing shows earlier this year  What would you say is your favorite part of performing live?

The people. It's what makes this WHOLE process make sense. When you're recording you sing to a microphone, when you're writing a song you sing to the air. When you perform to sing to people. It's the most important thing to me. 

 Anything else you would like to add? Thank you!!

Check out my vlogs on YouTube. Dog vlogs, musis vlogs, random vlogs. Also, follow me on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook for updates regarding shows and the release of Wonderland. 

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NEW INTERVIEW: Goo Goo Dolls

We chatted with bassist, Robby Takac of the Goo Goo Dolls. Read our interview to find out more about their tour with Daughtry, their record Magnetic, and more!

Click here to view interview.

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"Better Air [Deluxe Edition]" by Pilot For A Day

Click here to read our interview with Pilot For A Day about the record

4.5/5 - Better Air [Deluxe Edition]

Pop-rock, or dare I say "pop-punk" music always hold a soft spot in my heart. When I picked up Pilot For A Day's album, Better Air [Deluxe Edition], I instantly felt nostalgic to the music I used to listen to in 2007. I don't want to relate Pilot For A Day's sound to the old Myspace bands I used to find and listen to, because Myspace has become the social networking joke of the internet. However, I thank Myspace for helping me find bands like All Time Low, Cartel, and Mayday Parade, who Pilot For A Day reminds me of. "Midwest Kings" is a perfect song to start off the record, and describe the sound for the album. It's a slow introduction that begins to pick up and has you singing along to it in no time. "Ticket to Somewhere" is the perfect song that makes you just want to go on a drive and roll down your windows blaring this song for everyone to hear when you stop for a red light. "Alleys and Side Streets" and "A Little More" are a couple of the songs that brings me back to the good ole 'pop-punk' days due to the catchy chorus' and strong vocals. "Thanks to CL, My FMLY & All My Homies" has an upbeat vibe, with sentimental lyrics that will have you putting it as your next Instagram's caption. "Extraordinary Life" is not only a beautiful song, but it also has powerful guest vocals from Andrew Volpe. "Count to Ten" and "Take This Chance" are the perfect songs to end the record, leaving the songs stuck in your head for the rest of the day. But wait, there is more on the Deluxe Edition! "From Somewhere" is a beautifully done acoustic song, that helps take the fast pace of this record down. About every record has to have the perfect ballad, and "From Somewhere" nailed it right on the head! The last two songs on the record are acoustic versions of the songs "A Little More" and "Take This Chance". I think it was a great choice for them to choose these songs to slow down. The two original songs are actually my favorite off the record, but acoustic versions of songs always win my heart. Overall, I really enjoyed this record. It's a really strong solid pop rock album, that I think could be your anthem for the summer.