Cherri Bomb

http://www.facebook.com/cherribombband


I don't know what it is this week, but I'm feeling particularly girl power-y. Maybe it's because of the Fab Five-- I mean, I'm STILL reeling from McKayla Maroney's vault. Dear lord girl, could you be more badass?-- or maybe it's because I just watched Kayla Harrison kick some serious butt in Judo this morning. (USA! USA! USA!) Whatever it is, I'm feeling the badass awesome girl groups. 


So today, we're gonna be talking about all girl rock band Cherri Bomb, who has not only performed at festivals like Reading, Sonisphere and now Warped, but they've performed alongside the Foo Fighters and the Smashing Pumpkins. As if I wasn't already feeling a little bad about my life with all these 15 year olds winning gold medals in the Olympics, this band is compromised of teenagers ranging from 14-16. That's right, you read that correct. Lemme just type it up again in case you need it. FOURTEEN TO SIXTEEN. What were YOU doing when you were 14? 


I can tell you what I was doing. I was a sophomore in high school with absolutely no idea at what I wanted to do with my life. Hell, I'm a month and a half away from 21 and I still am a lost cause. (In case you're masochistic and want to feel a little worse about yourself, when lead vocalist/guitarist Julia Pierce founded the band, she was 11. ELEVEN. At 11, I was mourning the end of *N'SYNC.)


That being said, I had already decided that these girls must be freaking badass, so I told my editor we should interview at Warped Tour (which we did, the video just hasn't been edited yet) and let me tell you something, they were just as awesome as I had decided they had to be. 


My first experience with their music was actually at their set that day as I shot their performance and to say I was a little shocked at the voice that came out of Pierce, because it's the sort of voice we haven't gotten from a rock female vocalist is a LONG time. Their music is quite reminiscent of the 90s female grunge that was so empowering because, hey, even girls can be rockstars, okay. 


When they performed, they performed hard, no holds barred and it just made me wanna move, alright?


So I came home and I decided to look into their album.


Now, it isn't without its faults. But look at how young they are. They have SO much more room to grown, AND, on top of that, it isn't even a bad first effort. In fact, I've heard much, MUCH worse. It's crashing guitars, angry vocals and in your face drums, which is exactly what you look for in a release like this. 


I'm glad I got to talk to these girls, because like I said, they're a bunch of badasses with rockin' music and livin' the dream that I always wanted. Keep an eye out for these ones. Before ya know it, they'll be giving some of the big rock names a run for their money. 


Go Download: You can pick up their album 'This Is the End of Control' on iTunes for just $7.99! That's like, nothing! (But if you just want one song, check out "Better This Way" because it makes me wanna throw my middle finger up in the air. Yeah.)

(These picture are just a few of the ones I got)

Little Mix

http://www.facebook.com/LittleMixOfficial

I have quite honestly been the worst about blogging. It isn't my fault, I swear. I haven't lost my love for discovering bands, nor have I lost my love for writing. I've just been so busy that my head has been reeling from all the things that I've been trying to keep up with. (And by that, I mean I've been having one HELL of a time trying to stay on top of Spanish.) However, you will all be happy to hear that not only am I on my second to last chapter of this god forsaken book, I have also found some time to introduce you to another group :)

You see, a couple weeks ago I picked my next band to promo, but now that I listen to them a little more, I come to find I've changed my mind, which left me in distress and in dire need of a band. Who should I tell you lot to listen to if I can't decide?! Then, as I was listening to The Hits Radio-- my current radio obsession, honestly if there is anything you get from this post, it's a new radio station-- and it played Little Mix's single that I've been desperately trying to decide if I like or not, it hit me. (Along with the realization that yes, yes I DO quite like that song.) Why don't I introduce you guys to this group?

Now, I know, I KNOW. You're probably tired of my weird British artist obsession. At this point I might as well change the requirements for this blog to be from England. I swear I don't do it on purpose, it's just that A LOT of really good stuff is coming out of there right now. Cool, glad we got that out of the way. Now on to the important stuff, shall we?

Little Mix is an all girl group who won The X Factor UK (ugh don't you give me those judging eyes) and if I'm being totally, 1,000% honest, I wasn't exactly a fan of their live performances. I mean, I thought they were good, but they weren't for me, ya know? I haven't liked a girl group since The Spice Girls, and even then I think I may have only liked them because I was young and all about girl power.

But I, for the life of me, could not escape these girls. Tumblr talks about them. Sugarscape talks about them. The Hits Radio talks about them. So finally, FINALLY, I gave in (Are you happy internet?) and I gave their single "Wings" a listen. And I still wasn't sold, but I can admit that it makes me break out my inner diva. I mean, you don't have to necessarily like a song to wanna dance to it do ya? (Ex- Anything from Katy Perry) Dear lord, it's quite embarrassing how bad it makes me wanna whip my hair back and forth actually, but I still wasn't sold. In fact, as I started this post, I still wasn't exactly sure how I felt, because like I said, none of their live performances I had seen from the show had made me think, hm, those girls are fucking boss.

Then, I came across their a capella versions of "Cry Me A River" and "Survivor." (Found HERE) and though they clock in at about 25 seconds a piece, I started to get it. They weren't hiding behind any of the extras that come with The X Factor-- you know, fancy lights, dancing, etc-- they were sitting on a couch, singing and beat boxing. (That's right. BEAT BOXING. Fierce.)

But, then I saw the link that would change everything. You see, dearest readers, sitting in the "Suggested Videos" sidebar was their live performance of Damien Rice's "Cannonball." It is honestly one of the most beautiful songs, and woah, who'd think these diva-licious singers would cover that song, right? So curiosity got the better of me and I clicked it.

And then it was like the stars aligned and wow. I GET it. Alright, England, you dragged me kicking and screaming on this one but I see why they won. I understand. The song showcased each and every one of them and my breath was taken away by how spectacular they are. They aren't just some pop girl group, but four soulful singers that are SO much more.

"Wings" may be the fun track that is gonna get them on radios everywhere, but "Cannonball" is, well, it's the song that's gonna get them fans. GOD I hope they have more like it on their album, because you best believe that I'll be getting it, as I hope many other people will, because I'd actually quite enjoy seeing these girls make it. With voices like that, they deserve to make it.

That, and let's be real, I kinda wish I could be them. Have you seen how gorgeous they are? And do NOT even get me started on their wardrobes. Hey Little Mix, let's go shoppin' together, yeah?

Go Download: WELL, unfortunately you can't download anything yet :/ If you live in the UK though, you can pre-order "Wings." We Americans, however, have to wait. They're worth the wait though!

And of course, the single, which is full of color and fun and yeah. I'm still whippin' my hair.

I am not ignoring my blog, I swear.

It's been a really interesting past week or so.

I had a lot of preparations to make for Warped Tour and I've had even more Spanish homework than usual on top of a couple of reviews to do here and there.

So I swear I'm not ignoring you, or losing track of things, it's just in the grand scheme of things something had to give, and this blog was what lost out.

However, I'm on my 10 out of 12 chapters of Spanish, I only have one more review to knock out and Warped Tour is over, so I should be able to force new music upon you soon.

xoxo

I Need to Update My Interviews tab

Keep your eyes peeled for my latest ones that I've failed to post.

Moonlight Social Revisited

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moonlight-Social/179450492094951


So, my most ardent and loyal readers, the name Moonlight Social isn't new to you. If it is, you obviously have missed out on their original post, my feature on them and the fact that they made my Top 10 List of Discoveries for this past year. And if you're new, well, you should probably familiarize yourself with them now while you have that opportunity so readily available to you.


Now, you're probably wondering to yourself, why have they made yet another resurgence on your blog, Vicci? Well, dear reader, I'll tell you. You see, my buddies known as Moonlight Social have been mighty busy since I last wrote about them. They raised over $16,500 through their kickstarter (the original goal being set at $15,00) and they recorded their debut album--out July 21-- with Matt Noveskey of Blue October. They've been playing shows. They've been keeping fans in the loop with track-by-track videos. They just released a cover of Little Talks by Of Monsters and Men, AND, as of today, they've released their first music video. On top of all that awesome sauce (am I allowed to say awesome sauce, or does that deduct credibility points?) they've been receiving pretty good reviews from people who matter a helluva lot more than I do. You know, people like Gene Foley of Foley Entertainment who said, "Moonlight Social is the real deal. The writing, musicianship and vocals are all outstanding. These songs are as strong as anything on the radio. This is clearly an artist worth your time and attention," so now you guys can see that I'm not just saying they're great because I know them. 


It probably would have been easier to list the things they haven't been up to, but hey, the more you know.


Now, on to this music video, shall we?


The song is "Heading South," which, if you pledged $5 to them, you received for download. Honestly, it's a catchy song, and the musicality of it is superb. (It kind of makes my heart warm and fuzzy inside knowing that I know such talented people.) And what I love most about this video is that it is quite literally the video personification of what I believe embodies the band. Note, I could be way off on this one, but that's okay cuz it's my opinion. We get to see a bit of the writing process, we get to see them travel, and most importantly, you get the complete and utter sense of Texas. (There's also a pretty boss fire, but I may be a slight pyromaniac). Maybe I'm a little bit cheesy, but there is nothing I love more than the fact that when you listen this band's music, you can hear Texas. It places you in the middle of a warm day when the sun is shining as you lay in a field surrounded by bluebonnets. Sure, it's a romanticized picture of Texas, but it's Texas nonetheless, and they depict that marvelously in the video. It kind of makes me want to go outside and yell "Texas Forever!" (Friday Night Lights reference, anyone?)


Now, don't get me wrong, that in no way means they aren't accessible to everyone else. I mean, good music is for everybody really, it's just a matter of getting everybody to realize it's okay to find it good. I still stand by what I've said in the past. Moonlight Social is gonna go places. So if I were you, I'd start falling in love with them now so you can say you've been there since the first video, you know, cuz sometimes it's just cool to say you've been there from the beginning.


Go Download: PICK UP THEIR DEBUT ALBUM 'HEADING SOUTH' JULY 21!!!!


Also, after rambling for long enough, here's that video :)

Solo Artist of the Week: Iwan Rheon

http://www.facebook.com/iwanrheon

If you're like me, you know Iwan Rheon as Simon from the hit British show Misfits. (Haven't heard of it? You need to hop on over to Hulu right now and get filled in. Or, if you're opposed to watching shows online, Logo will start airing it July 19 at 10 PM ET. Nice little plug, eh?)

If we're being completely honest, if it hadn't been for the commercial for Misfits I saw on Logo this morning, I'd probably keep this boy all to myself. But that isn't fair to do, so I guess I'll share. (See, I can be nice.) Anyway, I've been turned on to Mr. Rheon's talents for some time now. You see, aside from being a part of such an awesome show, the Welsh actor has also been a part of the cast in the London cast of Spring Awakening (which for anyone wondering is one of my favorites) and-- obviously or I wouldn't be writing about him-- he has a musical career.

His first solo EP was recorded and released in 2010 with help from Kevin Bacon. Okay, not the Kevin Bacon you're thinking of, but it sure did grab your attention, didn't it? It's a four track slice of heaven that features him and an acoustic guitar. His second was recorded and released just last year, so as you can see, though he's been off acting, he's also kept up with this music business.

Now, I know what you're thinking. Vicci, you've told us about him, but what does he sound like?!

Well, my dear, dear readers, he sounds like a man with a wonderfully ear appeasing folk voice accompanied by acoustic guitar. He fits in nicely with the likes of the British Folk Movement that we've seen as of late. You know, that one that includes Mumford & Sons and Bobby Long. This is the type of music that you have playing on a lazy afternoon when you curl up on the couch with a good read and a nice warm cuppa. (cup·pa/ˈkəpə/: Noun: A cup of tea) 


Or on a rainy day.


Or on a nice, sunny Sunday drive.


Or while studying.


Packing for a trip.


Really, you could probably just listen to him whenever the hell you felt like it really. It's so calming and
I really can't imagine anyone being able to listen to his music without just getting lost in it.


Is it completely different from anything we've ever heard? No. It isn't. But there's always room on my 
iPod for a nice and good folk song that wants nothing from me except my undivided attention.


That being said, Iwan is currently working on a full length album to get on out there so we have more to
add to our "Just About Anything" playlist, and we'll be waiting ever so patiently because god dammit,
we love you Barry. Er, I mean Iwan.


(Don't get that reference? Well obviously you need to watch Misfits.)


Go Download: You can pick up both his 'Tongue Tied- EP' and 'Changing Times- EP' on iTunes. 
(Egad! I actually had download links for you guys!)

Solo Artist of the Week: Olly Murs

http://www.facebook.com/ollymurs

Welcome my dearest readers to the first official Solo Artist of the Week! And who better to kick off this new branch of promotions than the one and only Olly Murs.

You see, as many of you may know, I have One Direction Infection bad. Like... real bad. If I had it in me to feel ashamed, I probably would be. Luckily enough, I have no shame. But I digress. This confession is necessary because it's thanks to One Direction that I know Olly Murs. Sure, I'd heard the name before and I knew of him, I just hadn't listened to him. Not because I didn't want to, mind you, but because I just never got around to it. So when I finally got around to really listening to Mr. Murs, it was at 1D's Atlanta concert just a few nights ago.

You see, hearing people live is probably one of my favorite ways to discover artists, because really if they're great live then of course they're going to be good on album. It's like the true test. I can love an artist based on performance alone. So when Olly came out and lit that stage on fire, it was needless to say that I needed him on my iPod, and I needed him there ASAP.

For those of you who don't know, Olly was the runner up in the The X Factor UK in 2009. You know, that same X Factor that gave us our beloved British boy band. (I just love alliteration, don't you?) He was slated as the dark horse of the competition, though if I'm being honest, this Joe McElderry must be pretty damn phenomenal because I can't think of any other reason why Olly would have been beat if it weren't for that.

He's just a really funny guy, freaking adorable, and SUCH an entertainer. You know when you can just tell that someone was born to perform? Yeah. That's how I feel about him. AND on top of that, his music is quite literally the musical personification  of sunshine and happiness. Wikipedia likes to classify it as pop/reggae fusion/ska/dance/soul, which is kind of a lot of different things to roll into one, but honestly, it's probably how I'd classify it as well. I seriously can't NOT be happy when listening to his tunes. Even his slower stuff is amazing. I'm also quite certain that "I Need You Now" was written from my head, okay. If you can't relate to it, you're cold and heartless.

Of course, he also performed "Superstitious" and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" and you guys should probably know that I freaking love Stevie Wonder too, so I may be just a tad biased.

But that's why I'm here, to tell you to look people up and decide for yourself if you think they're amazing as well! (Which you should, because right now I'm listening to him sing "Isn't She Lovely" and I just can't even handle it.)

PLEASE America, I BEG OF YOU, love Olly Murs so he can headline in the US and we can all fangirl over him and bask in the sunshiney happiness that is his music. And I mean, did I mention he's like, the cutest thing ever?

Go Download: WELL, first off, you can pick up a free remix of his single "Heart Skips A Beat" if you sign up for his newsletter. You can also pick up the original version of the single over on iTunes. And LASTLY, you should definitely pre-order his album which is released in the US on September 25 for jus $7.99, also on iTunes. Take it from me, it is worth SO much more than $7.99. (But you should know my favorite, hands down, is "I Need You Now.")

And if you have 10 minutes to spare for some Stevie Wonder Medley Goodness, check this out. You won't regret it. I promise.