Who’s the World’s Next Big Diva?

Posted on by under Music Thoughts, New Music

In light of the upcoming Billboard awards, we as fans have the opportunity to vote for our favorite upcoming “diva”: Andy Allo, Jhené Aiko, or Gin Wigmore. Wait..maybe we should just scrap this whole “Next Big Diva” title. Saying the word diva puts them up to being the next Beyoncé, and that’s just weird. Second, let’s acknowledge now that our votes don’t really count. Andy Allo should win on the basis of most different sound/style and if it wasn’t for Gin Wigmore, Jhené Aiko would win because of her relatively large backing (although I think she sounds too much like Cassie).

But let’s just acknowledge the winner now… congratulations Gin Wigmore. She’s an artist from New Zealand looking to make her mark in the US music industry. With a raspy voice, heavy eyeliner, and an all-around look that is very unique, she’s got the look of a pop star. I’m telling you she’s going to win, but if you really feel the need to vote, do so by May 13th and prove me wrong!     http://www.billboard.com/nextbigdiva

By the way, doesn’t it sound like they all come from a different decade? Or is it just me…

 

Andy Allo

Gin Wigmore

Jhené Aiko

Great New Music: Janelle Monáe – Q.U.E.E.N. feat. Erykah Badu

Posted on by under Music Thoughts, New Music

Hey folks, it looks like women-empowering songs are the theme of the week. Janelle Monáe is obviously well-known for her sleek style–tailored suits with the bow tie, bold lipsticks, and poofy up-dos. But with the upcoming release of her sophomore album, her first new single “Q.U.E.E.N.” is giving us so much more.

Monáe is already well-established in the industry, and as a site featuring so many upcoming artists, we have to wonder how she’s garnered so much interest. Monáe was “discovered” by Bad Boy through MySpace back in 2006, and it seems like the label made a great call. When talking about the decision he made, Daniel Mitchell, A&R at Bad Boy stated, “Yeah. I think the thing with Janelle Monáe is that she’s an artist that’s capable of creating her own movement, and she has her own vibe. I love her music. I think it’s different. Some of it I don’t understand, to be honest with you, and I think that’s the great part of it – I don’t need to understand it.”

So short answer: she was already established. Monáe had an image, and presented something different. Now, she’s releasing this song, not only making us all want to dance and have fun, but also calling on the world to stand up. The end of the video is phenomenal, as she cuts into the smoothness of the song with hard, fast-moving rap lyrics… “March to the streets ‘cuz I’m willing and I’m able/ Categorize me, I defy every label/ And while you’re selling dope, we’re gonna keep selling hope/ We rising up now, you gotta deal you gotta cope.”

Stay on the lookout for Monáe and her new album. It’s probably going to bring a lot of hype.

“Q.U.E.E.N. was inspired by private discussions between Erykah and me. It is meant to make you JAM. DANCE. FUNK OUT. and dialogue later…” – Janelle Monáe

Taylor Simone Releases New Song, “Boys Love Shawn Carter”

Posted on by under New Music

“Oh there goes Drake speaking for women again…”

Taking her own spin on Drake’s song “Girls Love Beyoncé,” Taylor Simone released a new single earlier today titled “Boys Love Shawn Carter.” The song is catchy, seemingly giving a voice to the women out there, who don’t really want or need Drake to speak for them.

Her lyrics seem to target Drake directly with lines like, “Say my name say my name, cause you kinda outta Practice…yea this ain’t no time for rapping…”

Is it time to start the gender conversation – where men in hip-hop define women through their lyrics, and women accept it by doing nothing? Well…maybe not yet, but Taylor Simone is definitely bringing up the question.

Anyway she needs no real introduction. You just need to know that this song is real. But don’t take my word for it. Have a listen below and decide for yourself:

Ray J Releases “I Hit It First” Video

Posted on by under Music News, New Music

Earlier today, Ray J officially released his music video for his controversial single “I Hit It First.” After Ray J adamantly claimed that the song was not about Kim K (yea right), the video not only includes a Kim K look-alike but shows Ray J watching Kim K on E Television in the last scene. So either Ray J really wants his money or he’s a bit of a stalker. Either way, if there’s anything we can take away from this, it’s 2 words: stupidity sells.

HiFadility Drops New Album: The Gateway

Posted on by under Music News, New Music

It’s past midnight, kids. I don’t know about you but nothing gets me through late night studies, wandering thoughts, and aimless web browsing more than music. And on this wonderful night, the universe is blessing us with some great new tracks: the sounds of emerging DJ/Producer HiFadility, referred to by Maya Gaul, CC ’13. Inspired by the likes of Miles Davis, Theolonius Monk, and Duke Ellington, HiFadility’s music seems to interplay between jazz, soul, hip-hop, and really nothing that exists quite yet–hence the excitement surrounding his new album. Titled “The Gateway,” it represents the portal a traveler passes through before a journey — this project is an introduction to the laid-back vibe and direction of the The Traveler.

So far, I like what I hear. Smooth jazz vibes, nice electric guitar solos (“L’Amore”), and some dope syncopated beats (“I am H.E.R.E.”). But don’t let me sway you too much just yet. Check out the link below and decide for yourself. HiFadility’s full project is slated to be released next month.

What do Jacob Snider and Lady Gaga Have in Common?

Posted on by under Music News, Upcoming Shows
“This is how it feels to be boarding a moving train
smoke from the sky
blinding your eyes
all of your dreams can be real life
all of your dreams can be real life…”
– Jacob Snider

Jacob Snider is probably one of the most talented lyricists on Columbia’s campus right now. His lyrics flow like poetry, and his voice seems to penetrate the hearts of his listeners. The lyrics above from his song, “Real Life” must seem ever so “real” to him right now, as he not only joins the ranks of Lady Gaga, but Macy Gray, Counting Crows and countless other artists in being chosen by Broadcast Music, Inc. for “Pick of the Month.”  The idea of this award is to give artists exposure to the music industry through access to a top-rated venue at a discounted price. In other words, it’s a sure way to advance one’s career and fan base outside of campus.

As I always say, it’s always a good idea to take advantage of these performances now — you know, before we wind up having to pay hundreds of dollars for Lady Gaga tickets. Jacob Snider is scheduled to perform at Rockwood Music Hall tomorrow, April 23rd, at 9 pm. It’s a free show, 21+. Unfamiliar with Jake’s music? I’ve got you covered. Check out his SoundCloud below, and if you’re short on time go ahead and skip to “Real Life.” More info can be found about him at jacobsnider.com.

Keep Calm, It’s Party Time

Posted on by under Upcoming Shows

MacklemoreYou know what they say, April showers bring Ma—cklemore and parties that start at 10 am. Bachannal weekend is all about the music, and the fun. But this year is a bit different. If you’re throwing a party tomorrow, you might be feeling a little stressed. An 11 am concert means you have to bear the rain today to buy groceries for tomorrow. And then there’s the music. Come on, you can’t throw a party without good music.

Whether you’re at Columbia for Bacchanal, at Penn for Spring Fling, or dipping out to some other spring concert over the next few weekends, I’ve got you covered. With the help of a few CU students, we’ve created the ultimate Spring playlist using Spotify/YouTube. 49 songs, 3 hours. From Calvin Harris to Beyonce, Avicii to 2Chainz, this playlist covers every hype genre. So check it out, shuffle it, or just let it play (it’s in a certain order).

Hope you enjoy! Oh, and you’re welcome.


For all you non-spotify users out there, here’s the same playlist on YouTube:

3 Reasons You MUST Vibe with Taylor Simone this Thursday

Posted on by under Music News, New Music, Upcoming Shows


Promo 2This Thursday, April 11th, Taylor Simone will grace the stage at the Bitter End in downtown New York for her last concert of the semester. Now I already know what you’re thinking…downtown?! As Columbia students, we tend to limit our adventures to the area that our President conveniently labels as “Morningside Heights” aka places between 96th street and 125th…and that’s a stretch. If we do somehow manage to venture downtown, we make sure that we change out of our sweatpants into something we’ve been waiting to wear but haven’t found a good excuse to, then Instagram the entire adventure — from the subway, to the dinner, to the expensive table that we hope the guy next to us is paying for, and finally we change our Facebook profile pictures to something that sums up the “epic” night we had.

Well friends, it’s about time to put away the sweatpants and start Bachannal weekend off right. The talented, smooth, and soulful Taylor Simone is promising to give a show that will be one of the highlights of her career. She’s bound to be famous soon, so wouldn’t it be nice to take advantage now and see her before the prices skyrocket? And just in case you’re still wondering if it will be worth your while, here are 3 key reasons you should go and support:

1. She opened for Snoop Dogg during Bacchanal 2 years ago and killed it. She was only a FRESHMAN, already making her claim to fame.

2. She’s performing some new songs, and covers. Remember my post on covers? Yea, here come the fans.

3. It’s a Thursday night, and there’s nothing better to do (trust me). The concert is called VIBE for a reason. Vibe with Taylor, Vibe with your friends, and immerse yourself in the amazing atmosphere.

Disclaimer: this is open to EVERYONE (you know, the entire world…not just CU students).

Get ready for a great time, check out her tumblr page, and listen to her cover below of Swimming Pools by Kendrick Lamar: