Cinco de Mayo will be here before we know it. It's one of our favorite holidays and we used to throw killer Cinco de Mayo parties. Not only because there's a birthday in the house so it's double the reason to celebrate, but also because it's such a colorful holiday. It's one of the easiest parties to throw together because the theme is built-in for you, the decorations are plentiful and the color scheme is as wild as you want to make it. Piñatas, margaritas, crazy hats… you name it, everything is full of color! It's the perfect party for the whole family.
Whether you are having a fiesta, celebrating spring, a birthday, or just looking for an excuse to party… we have a Cinco de Mayo playlist for you.
Trick or treat, it's Halloween season which means it's time for some ear candy. Or is it eery candy? Either way, we way want the best Halloween songs for getting dressed up and heading to a frightful party, background music to baking a pumpkin recipe, or just getting us in the fall mood. And these tunes are tops for us, no matter how old, how recent, how rock 'n roll or how pop. So here's a whole cauldron of Halloween tunes that mixed together make a spooky & fun background to whatever treats you have in mind for Halloween fun!
Thriller - Michael Jackson.
Rocky Horror Show - Time Warp
Jump in the Line - Harry Belafonte
Werewolves of London - Warren Zevon
Talking Heads - Psycho Killer
A Beautiful Monster - NeYo
Men in Black - Will Smith
A Nightmare on My Street - DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince
Disturbia - Rihanna
This is Halloween - Marilyn Manson
Ghostbusters - Ray Parker, Jr.
Rock Lobster - B 52's
Monster Mash - Bobby Pickett
Stevie Wonder - Superstition
I want Candy - Bow Wow Wow
And there you have it... all set for a night for ghouls, goblins and treats for your ears. Enjoy and let us know what songs we might include next year on our annual Halloween song list!
It's finally summer. Full of road trips, beach trips, & pool days. And don't each of these moments need a soundtrack to remember them? Our summer songs got a good workout as we started our road trip and the song that make us dance the most is Robin Thicke's Blurred Lines. I hope the radio doesn't overplay it this summer since it's definitely shaping up to be the "Call Me Maybe" of 2013 but with an effortlessly cool dance video. *love it* Icona Pop's "I Don't Care" has been getting so much airplay that we introduce you to another hit by the Swedish duo. So put on your sunnies, grab a tall glass of something cool and sit back and enjoy the summer songs!!
image via Pinterest (let me know if you know original source!)
Here are our new faves, classics, and some songs on our summer playlist we are taking out for spin to see what we think. Oh, and these are just Part 1. Summer Songs, Part 2 will be coming soon!
The Summer Songs of 2013:
Anything by Icona Pop, but this one hasn't been overplayed (yet):
Robin Thicke - Blurred Lines: hey, hey, hey....
And our Spotify playlist. Feel free to follow us and catch when we add a new playlist even when we don't post it!
Happy listening and enjoy your summer songs and summertime!
We've noticed that more and more of you are reading and listening to the Graduation Songs on our Graduation Playlist (<--click). We've gathered up a few more of the best graduation songs (<--click) just for you and put them in a Spotify list so you can just sit back and dream of caps and gowns. These graduation songs are all about reminiscing, moving on, moving out and making your mark. Whether they are for you, for a friend, for a family member, or just to listen to because all 16 happen to be fantastic songs, we hope you enjoy!
(If you don't see a playlist above, then reload this page! We promise, it's there!)
Did we miss one your favorite Graduation Songs or songs for a rite of passage? If so, let us know in the comments below!
Abigail Rose is a teen country music singer, songwriter, and musician who lives in Nashville and travels around the USA performing. We love chatting with teen musicians, both guy and gal singers, pop, R&B stars, or country. Chloe and I are so blown away with Abigail Rose's talent that we had to introduce her to you. She's playing some big arenas in Nasvhille and some cool spaces around the country, so if you're lucky enough to have her in your town, don't miss the chance to see her!
Age: 16
Always has: a song stuck in my head.
Proudest of: opening for Sara Evans
Is thankful for: supportive family
Wants to: inspire people with my music
Is afraid of: sharks
Believes everyone should: visit as many new places as you can
Is embarrassed by: her messy closet
My style is: hobo chic but I love anything vintage!
Pet peeve: lemon seeds in a drink
http://youtu.be/i70Y5zoZaRU
Tour schedule and more videos in the links below.
How did you get started in music? I just had an interest in it and started having all these ideas that I wanted to tell people so when I got my first guitar, I started putting my ideas with music and songwriting just came really naturally to me. There was no stopping me after that.
At what point did singing become more than a hobby? I think when I started home schooling, I knew there was no turning back. I knew before then that I wanted to do this for the rest of my life, but when I made the decision to leave regular school and dedicate my time to music, I think that is when it really sunk in.
Is the Nashville music scene anything like the show “Nashville”?! Yes! Callie Khouri, the writer of the show, has done a great job showing different aspects of the industry, not just the country side. I really love how Nashville is becoming well-known and respected. It’s fun to see local places on the show.
Your career is skyrocketing… do you have time for school and activities besides singing and songwriting? I do. I’m very much a kid at heart. I hang out with my friends, go shopping, watch my favorite shows like Suits, The Carrie Diaries and Pretty Little Liars. Living in Nashville gives me so many opportunities to be around music, which is what I love, so when I have free time I still choose to be around music and go hear other people play.
When did you realize you had a true gift for music? How about your parents? I always knew I wanted to perform but when I got my first guitar when I turned 11 I realized that I wanted to be a songwriter and performing artist. I started writing songs and playing out a little bit and fell in love! My parents supported me from the beginning and were behind me for whatever I wanted to try. I am eternally grateful for that. I think they knew I was committed when I decided to be homeschooled so I could really focus on music.
What would you recommend for other singers / songwriters (ie, how do you know if singing is a hobby or a career)? When you can’t go a day without writing and you need to be around music to feel complete. Another way I knew is because I am never happier or more myself than when I am on stage performing!
Who are your biggest musical influences? Well I get a lot of my inspiration from tons of different artists, not all in country music. Someone I look up to and hope people compare me to one day would be Sheryl Crow.
How do you write songs and from where do you draw your inspiration? Usually I get ideas from everyday life. I write down lines or ideas all the time and I never know when something will hit me. I pull a lot of my song ideas from my experiences, but I also get ideas from my friends and family…or a tv show or movie.
When will you say “Wow, I’ve made it!” That is such a hard question! I mean, playing at the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville are two places that you dream of playing at when you are a country music singer. That will be a defining point for my career. But when I say, “wow I’ve made it,” I think that will be later in life….
What’s up in immediate future and where can we see you perform? I am focusing on writing right now. A lot. I try and write every day. I am also in the recording studio a lot now…working on defining my sound and getting comfortable with the sound I want to produce as an artist. You can always find out where my next show is on my website at AbigailRoseMusic.com and my videos are on YouTube. I'm also on Twitter and Facebook!
We're kicking back and getting ready for the a long holiday weekend with our happy songs - whether it's dancing or just hanging around catching up on missed TV series. What would the soundtrack for our weekend be... we put together a playlist and these are the songs that make us smile. Our playlist is perfect to get you going or wind down since it starts out with some pumped up jams and tapers off for a long night of hanging out and kicking back with friends.
Which are your favorite happy songs? We kind of like the one - don't worry, you'll find it (let us know in the comments below when you do) - with the lyrics "you are my tuxedo, and I'm your bow tie." BFFs! But we have a thing for bow ties. {We've got a cool DIY for bow ties, that aren't really bow ties, coming up soon, but that's a whole 'nother story.} For now, revel in the free time of a holiday weekend with a happy songs soundtrack in the background.
Imagine knowing what you want to do at age 10 and totally going for it. That’s exactly what singer/songwriter Morgan Bernard did. After getting a taste for piano in first grade, then moving on to guitar a little while later, she decided to begin a serious singing career. And she has taken off! Morgan has already released 2 title CD’s and a 6-title EP (Give it All)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIXf7Md709g
Being that I’m a 30-something year old who still dreams about what she wants to be when she grows up, I had to find out what makes this 14 year old prodigy tick. So maybe, you know, she could give me some “how to be a grown-up and know what you want” advice…
Age: 14
Always has: Loved music
Proudest of: Own 12 track full CD
Is thankful for: My supportive parents
Wants to: Become a internationally famous rock star
Is afraid of: Bugs... any kind of bugs
Believes everyone should: Be themselves.
Is embarrassed by: My best friends :)
My style is: Rock'n'roll
Pet peeve: When people hum on songs
So you were VERY motivated at a very young age. Are you just that passionate about music or does it carry over into other aspects of your life? My parents, especially my dad always loved music and it was their life and I was kind of raised on it. I think that music is the best way to communicate a message.
Your life seems so crazy-busy. How do you, Morgan Bernard, teen phenom, so easily manage your career, school, social life? It gets a bit out of hand sometimes but I always do my best work under pressure so I guess it wouldn't be normal if I didn't have so much to do. I like to do a lot of things at once, but my music has never affected my school life and I've always been a straight "A" student and still have time to hang out with my friends.
What is your favorite venue to play? I love Skippers because its just a really old wooden place and has famous to local artist playing there and I enjoy there Rockabilly Ruckus event they have every year that I was actually a part of last year. I also like the Orpheum in Ybor City which is where I'm having my CD release event on December 7th.
Who is your favorite musician? How do they inspire you? My favorite musician is definitely Lady Gaga. Her messages in her music and how she's original and no one is like her is really inspiring.
If I raided your closet, what would I find the most of? EVERYTHING! Shoes, jeans, dresses,etc. I classify myself as a clothes hoarder. I own more than 30 pair of jeans.
Do you have any siblings? If so, what is your relationship with them? I actually have 4 siblings (2 brothers and 2 sisters) that are all older than 25 they live in France. I love my siblings so much and they're kind of like best friends to me but I don't get to see them that often.
You're currently working on your first full-length album. When can we expect the release? You can buy it now but the official release of "Give it All" is on December 7 at the Orpheum. There's a little bit of everything so everyone will find a song they like, it goes anywhere from rockabilly to Lady Gaga style pop.
Be sure to check out our other music interviews with Jacob Latimore (who has put out another song with Diggy), Camryn (on tour with One Direction - AGAIN!), Justine Dorsey, Miriam Bryant and more! Let us know who you think Morgan sounds like... or if she has a sound all her own!
Halloween is sneaking deviously around the corner and we have been making Halloween candy, and have our costumes ready. It's the time of bubble, toil, trouble, vampires, werewolves and other tragically hip characters. And most importantly, it's the time for dressing up and procuring free candy. So, yeah. Maybe you're too old to pull off the whole "trick or treat" thing. But you're never too old to dress up and enjoy a good party with Halloween songs playing in the background. We've put together a quirky witches brew of tunes that even the most maudlin monster would enjoy!Yes. We started with the obvious. But c'mon! It's the quintessential Halloween tune!
"Is there a ghost in my house?"
An awesomely spooky song AND the video just adds to the creep factor. Unless skateboarding nuns and clowns of questionable character seem normal to you...
How did they make their faces do that??? *shudder*
The Ramones were an unearthly looking bunch, even when they WEREN'T singing about cemetaries. If you're really feeling brave, rent the movie based on the Stephen King novel. You'll never look at your darling pets the same.
More Halloween songs to finish off your playlist of horror...Sonic Youth- HalloweenZombina and the Skeletones- Horror High SchoolPanic! At the Disco or Marilyn Manson- This is Halloween (cover)Blue Oyster Cult- Don't Fear the Reaper (or you can opt for the haunting cover by Gus)Pink Floyd- Dark Side of the MoonRadiohead- Wolf at the Door (this one drops the f bomb so you can take out if you want)The Black Keys- Howlin' for YouStars- I Died So I Could Haunt YouBeck- ScarecrowAnnie Lennox- Love Song for a Vampire
Taylor Swift had a busy Monday morning in New York City doing television interviews to promote her new album RED. She was seen leaving ABC studios wearing a red dress and then a yellow one after doing Katie Couric’s show.
The singer told Good Morning America. “I’m writing all the time. I wrote a new [song] two days ago. … I just grab a guitar and make stuff up. When I started writing songs when I was 12, I would run to my room and write songs about a difficult day at school or something like that. It’s kind of carried me my whole life and allowed me to filter through really complicated emotions and make them simple.”
Check out more from Taylor Swift on making "Red" and see more photos atCelebrity Teen Scoop
Popcosmo loves discovering music! We stumbled upon our latest band crush on the lineup for the upcoming Deluna Fest Music Festival in Pensacola, Florida. The minute we heard Lights Resolve, we KNEW we had to find out what these guys are all about. And not because they are totally cute. Or that they’ve (reportedly) wrestled a bear once. Their music ROCKS! But being totally cute and (reportedly) wrestling a bear once are added bonuses.
Lights Resolve formed in Long Island, NY in 2006. They have since been named one of 2009’s “Breakout Bands” by Rolling Stone, played with the likes of Panic! At the Disco and Dashboard Confessional, had a song featured on Season 1 of The Jersey Shore AND logged some major downloads for their song “Dreaming of Love,” from the Rock Band video game. Representing Lights Resolve are:
Matthew Reich – Vocals, Guitar; Neal Saini – Drums; Luke Daniels – Bass
We caught up with Matthew who was awesome enough to answer a few random questions for us.
Age: 29
Always has: Drive
Proudest of: Music we've created and shows we've played.
Is thankful for: Music we've created and shows we've played.
Wants to: Write more music
Is afraid of: Not being able to write music and also snakes.
Believes everyone should: Hydrate properly.
Is embarrassed by: Voice cracks on stage...make sure you warm up properly all of you vocalists!
My style is: Better than yours...actually, probably not.
Pet peeve: Smoking and BO.
What are 3 things people probably don't know about the band?
We are one of the most diverse bands in terms of race and religion, we like the movie Twins (featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito) and we wrestled a bear once.
Were any of you in band or Glee Club in high school? Was it considered geeky or cool? I was a leader in my marching band. I taught the marching band how to play hip hop songs at the football games. I was cool as shit!
Do you guys get along all the time? Anyone have annoying habits? As with brothers, we are constantly bickering and making fun of each other...but all in good taste. Annoying habits? Where do I begin...I possess a bunch as well.
What book is on your nightstand? Reading for Dummies
If you could only take 3 things on tour with you (besides absolute essentials) what would you bring? An avocado, a snorkel and an ice pick.
Do you hang out aside from the band? If the weather's good.
Coffee, Red Bull, Soda or Water? Red Bull because they are fantastic and ship us cases to keep us energized.
If you were a girl, which of the others would you date and why? Neal seems to be the sweetest guy in the band, plus he's got those long locks of love!
What musician/band from the past would you want to work with? The Partridge Family Band would be pretty wild.
Do you follow back on Instagram or Twitter? Absolutely! Follow us now: @lightsresolve
You can catch Lights Resolve at Gramercy Theater in New York, NY on 09/29/12
Check their website for upcoming events, album downloads and other fun stuff here
It's all too easy to compare any up-and-coming female artist with a strong voice to Adele. And although she finds it flattering, comparing Swedish singer/songwriter Miriam Bryant would just be a cop out. Sure... she possesses a powerful voice but her single "Finders Keepers" has that "something." In fact, since our interview, she's been named an MTV "Artist of the Week," which is an enormous deal for any artist, but especially when you only have one single out. And what a single.
It starts with a soulful, gut wrenching melody and builds up to an intense ending with electrical overtones that hint at dubstep. The combo works in a powerful way. We think Miss Bryant is going to have to soon face her fear of flying because this chick is about to take off in a major way. Popcosmo rapped with Miriam recently to find out more about her singing/songwriting with her childhood friend Victor Rådström and what inspires her.
Age: 21
Always has: a lot of things going on
Proudest of: little brother
Is thankful for: life in general
Wants to: be cool and noisy
Is afraid of: planes
Believes everyone should: be cool and noisy
Is embarrassed by: nothing at all
My style is: my own
When did you first start singing and writing songs? Singing has always been a big part of my personality and it´s my way of expressing myself. I first started writing my own songs in November 2011. It´s something that´s still very new to me and it makes me happy and I love it.
How has your life affected your music? In every way possible.
Who inspires you musically? Nobody in particular, inspiration is so random. Friends, family, situations in life, everything around me inspires me... When I grew up I listened to The Backstreet boys and I pretended that they were all in love with me. I had posters of them all over my walls!
You've been compared vocally to Adele. Do comparisons bother you or do you take it as a compliment? Adele has a stunning voice and I take it as a compliment to be compared to someone so talented.
What's it like working with Victor? What sort of dynamic do you have? We always have a great time, we're close friends. He is extremely talented and we never set any rules at all. Usually I write all the lyrics, he writes all the music, and we do the melodies together, but as I said, we don't like to set any rules!
I read that you are fearful of flying. With your career taking off (no pun intended!) how do you plan to conquer your fear? I guess I'll just have to get over it. Life is short, I could get hit by a bus tomorrow, and I don't wanna have any regrets in life. Think I will be flying to Germany next month!
What is your favorite thing about performing? Everything about it is awesome... When you’re sort of in it and you forget where you are and you just mean every word.
Do you prefer the performing aspect or the creative process of writing music? Both, in different ways! Performing is giving and writing is taking. When I perform I give bits and pieces of myself to the audience, and when I write I take bits and pieces of myself and my surroundings and try and make a song/lyrics about what I feel, or see. Writing is therapy, and at the same time it's a puzzle.
What advice would you give young women today? Follow your impulses. Be your amazing self. Never let anyone tell you how you should live your life.
Although she might have appeared on the music radar of the world from Gothenburg Sweden after coming out-of-nowhere, we expect to see and hear a lot more from Miriam Bryant... hopefully very soon! Follow here to stay up to date: http://www.facebook.com/miriambryantmusic
A back-to-school playlist with songs about high school helps with the big questions, like what outfit should I wear on the first day? Earphones or headphones, curl my hair or wear it straight? Backpack on both shoulders or hanging loose on one, is it shameless or savvy to loudly call dibs on the new hot guy? Like it or not, it's the time of year that those questions are starting to push past the nothingness in your summertime mind and take over your entire being. While you're busy with your plan of attack, put on these songs about high school playlist for inspiration....
Simple. One guitar, one voice, one hot guy singing about school. If that doesn't make you want to throw on your backpack and wait for the bus, I don't know what will.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKfD8d3XJok
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgjkth6BRRY
Yep...celebrity gossip is kinda like high school...and Reese Witherspoon does look like a Homecoming Queen. Definitely in our "songs about high school ultimate playlist" list!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrxI_euTX4A
Can I go to this high school? Please? I'll borrow my mom's 80's clothes. I'll fit right in. (Bonus...Rent the movie by the same name for your back-to-school party. Wonderful 80's cheesiness!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5vh0QHUA1w
For those of you headed off to college. Or those of you when that day can't get here fast enough...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmAi_qJoPbU
Here's the one that started it all...RIP MCA!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBShN8qT4lk
With lyrics taken from the 1964 teen advice book Penny's Guide to Teen-Age Charm and Popularity and sung in a deadpan voice with a sprinkle of bitterness, this song is hilarious. Remember ladies...wash your hair at least once every 2 weeks and tell Johnny Football Hero that he had a great game!
Nada Surf- Popular
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNc45FTenhg
Great pump-up song from the girl who taught us all how to spell bananas!
Gwen Stefani- Hollaback Girl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgjkth6BRRY
But wait! There's more for your songs about high school ultimate playlist...
Popcosmo loves discovering up-and-coming new artists and teen singer/songwriter Justine Dorsey recently made her way onto our radar in a big way! "Mature" is not a word generally used to describe songs sung by teens about teen "stuff" but that is exactly what she manages to do. Justine's songs connect to the very soul of teen girls and even made this 30-something "teen" nostalgic with her folksy ballad about things left "Unsaid."
In her short 16 years she has already guest-starred on a T.V. show (Brothers and Sisters) and is a second time nominee for LA Music Awards Best Female Singer/Songwriter and Hot Adult Contemporary Single. Her first song, "English Rose" even earned her a nomination for the Los Angeles Music Awards Singer/Songwriter of the year at the tender age of 13, making her the youngest nominee ever for that award. We recently had the opportunity to girl-talk with singer/songwriter Justine Dorsey and hear her dish about her life in the ever-growing spotlight.
Age: 16- nearly 17!
Always has: Loved books.
Proudest of: The songs I’ve written.
Is thankful for: My lovely, supportive family.
Wants to: Live in a cottage by the English seaside.
Is afraid of: Um… pretty much everything that can be labeled as “frightening”. I’m a big scaredy-cat.
Believes everyone should: Travel.
Is embarrassed by: Myself. I can be very awkward sometimes.
My style is: Eclectic. Sometimes I feel J Crew-preppy, other times I feel Free People-bohemian. I love experimenting and becoming different characters through my clothes.
Pet peeve: Bad grammar! It drives me nuts. Especially when people confuse your and you’re, or there, their, and they’re. It’s really not that hard, people!
1. When did you realize you liked singing? Around seven, I think. I knew I wanted to be a songwriter when I was thirteen, and since then, that need and that love for doing it as a career has only become stronger.
2. What inspires you as a songwriter? Anything and everything inspires me. A memory, a person, a tree, a book, a quote, a painting, a doorknob… It’s exciting, because I never know when the inspiration will hit, or where it’ll come from! (No really, I get inspired by weird things like doorknobs.)
3. Who are your influences? What artists/bands do you look up to? I’m inspired/influenced by/in awe of Ingrid Michaelson, KT Tunstall, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, the Beatles, Damien Rice, Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova, Adele, Mumford & Sons, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran… The list goes on. It’s always growing and changing!
4. I’m sure the comparisons are there between you, Taylor Swift, Miley Cyrus or any other young female artist. What sets you apart? Ah, I’m not terribly good at saying “what sets me apart” because I think on some level that involves insulting the other artists’ work… I’m just writing what I honestly feel and what I connect to, and hopefully that comes across.
5. Do you prefer acting or singing? I love both. I am focusing on my music more, though. My sister is an actor and sings too, but acting is more of her focus. So we both have our own thing going on, which I think is nice.
6. I read that you have a crush on the Holden Caulfield character from Catcher in the Rye. One of my favorite characters as well! Any other books that you're crazy about or reading right now? I’m so happy you asked this question! If you love The Catcher in the Rye, just please read The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky. It’s so stunning. (And the movie looks like it’s going to live up to the book, which I’m so happy about!! Fingers crossed, right?) I also loved How I Live Now by Meg Rosoff and Just Kids by Patti Smith. These are the types of books that shape the person you are, I think. Oh! I just finished Girls Like Us by Sheila Weller- it’s the biographies of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon, and the effect they had on the women of the 60s and 70s. It’s perfect and I was dreading the end. I’m a huge Potterhead too. I have a couple books lined up to read next, so I’m trying to decide!
7. What do you like to do when you're not acting or singing? Well, I read a lot, obviously. I love going to the beach and watching movies with my sister, and being a goofball with my best friends. And I love cooking and baking.
8. You tested out of high school and are already in college. That is amazing! Any regrets?Do you feel like you missed out on anything? Thank you! I don’t really have any regrets, or feel like I missed out. Every once in awhile, I’ll watch a high school movie, and feel a little wistful, and then I remember how much movies glorify the high school years. In real life, it’s a lot of stress and test-taking. There are good parts, but I feel like I still get to experience those moments with my friends outside of the school environment. So yeah- no regrets!
9. How is your music changing as you get older? I’ve noticed that I’m exploring new worlds musically, challenging myself on the guitar, and my songs are getting a little more complex. It’s very exciting! And of course, my lyrics are maturing as I’m getting older, because I’m having new experiences and moments! I think it’ll be really cool to look back on my musical journey when I’m older, and see how it’s changed and evolved.
10. What’s the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you at a show? I haven’t had too many weird moments yet, luckily- but once I was playing a show and I was wearing a dress made out of a slippery material, and my guitar strap slid off. I’m sure a brief spasm of terror flitted across my face because I was so scared my guitar was going to fall and break!!
11. What are your plans for the future? I’m working with a few licensing companies right now, so hopefully one of my songs will get placed on a TV show or a commercial! I just finished a song in the studio that I’m planning to release sometime soon. I have a couple projects in the works that are under wraps for now, but I’m very excited about them!
12. What advice would you give teen girls wanting to break into singing/acting? You’ve got to really want it. I know that seems obvious, but you really have to, because it’s not all fun and games- it’s meetings and rejection and lots of hard work. And you have to keep working and growing, even when the going gets tough. I read this Katherine Hepburn biography and in it she says something along the lines of, “I never gave up because there was always the question of, what if I stopped one day, and the very next day a part came along that I was meant to get?” I always keep that in mind.
It's that time of the week... our favorite videos! And this week has some fun ones - One Direction like you've never heard them played before. Promise. And some ridiculousness and more. Have fun and enjoy!
How many guys does it take to play a piano?
LOL!
I can think of a few people who this would be perfect for... you know, who always have to push buttons.
To answer the question that comes to mind... "well, why not!"
Jacob Latimore may have first come to your attention on Radio Disney, or you may have heard his single with Diggy Simmons "Like 'Em All" or you could have seen Jacob Latimore in the movie Vanishing on 7th Street. Perhaps you saw Jacob Latimore on Tyler Perry's House of Payne, or One Tree Hill, Reed Between the Lines,So Random, or... well, whew!!
If you have somehow missed out on this amazing talent, then Popcosmo would like to officially introduce you to Jacob Latimore. This BET YoungStars nominated hottie is blowing up in a major way. Actor...singer...dancer. Is there anything he CAN'T do? We sat down with Jacob while he is on the Mindless Behavior "#1 Girl Tour" to find out.
Thanks for meeting with us! After flying in from NYC yesterday for the release of your video to the HOT new single that's climbing the charts,"You Come First," available for download on iTunes, we should start off with our quick questions:
Age: 15
Always has: My laptop
Proudest of: Being on my 3rd tour (Scream Tour, Diggy Simmons Tour, #1 Girl Tour)
Thankful for: A good team
Wants to: Skydive
Afraid of: Might sound weird, but I don't like squirrels
Believes everyone should: Be positive and follow their dreams
My style is: A variety, because I mean, I don't really have one style. I try things on and if I like it.... I'm more of a winter and fall dresser. I love boots, scarves, skullcaps, trench coats.
Pet peeve: I hate when people come in my room and don't clean up after themselves.
"You Come First"
Tell us some of your favorites: Favorite color - red, favorite movie - Home Alone 3, favorite food - Grandma's soul food, like macaroni & cheese, yams, meatloaf. She makes it for me when I go visit her.
What's the hardest part about being so famous? When I'm tired! But the best part is seeing the fans and being on tour. I love doing this... being on the road and seeing the fans. It runs in the family. My Dad and my Uncle sing, it goes back to my Grandfather and great-Grandfather. It was meant to be.
Have you ever been starstruck? I was starstruck by Eddie Murphy -- he had a vibe, star power. I saw him at BET pre-show party. He was there and swagged out. And if I ran into Justin Timberlake he would make me starstruck.
Are you going to be doing any more movies? Yes, I'm doing a few auditions and can't say too much more. Acting is something I want to balance out with my singing career.
How do you get ready to go out and perform? I sit down and meditate and I'm like a zombie. People talk to me and I don't hear them. I think about the show and get in the zone and pray and stretch.
Worst onstage experience? A long time ago, before I was signed to a record label, I sang the wrong words, so I just started dancing and nobody even noticed!
Best experience onstage? Every show!
Your "OMG I've made it" moment? Yesterday [at the You Come First video premier in New York City]. I feel like You Come First is like "wow,this is really happening." I love my fans, and I think this song can reach so many more people beyond my fanbase.
What do you see in the future for your career? I see being one of the best entertainers because performing is something that I want to perfect and make sure it's right. People buy tickets to see you, so you want to give it your all. I want to get into writing songs, and producing, and playing all kinds of instruments and doing things on the acting side also.
Do you have a signature dance move? I just dance how I feel....
Are you into sports? I love sports. I love football and the Bears are my team.
We enjoyed chatting with Jacob, and were awed by the concert with dancing reminiscent of Michael Jackson, on-stage charisma that gave us goose-bumps, and devoted fans that could rival Justin Bieber's. While Jacob Latimore has been called a triple threat for his exceptional acting, singing and dancing ability, we disagree. He's all that and more. He's got stage presence that oozes star power. That "it" that takes your breath away. The ear-piercing screams from the fans at "#1 Girl Tour" would prove our point, but one look at him on stage and it's obvious that entertaining is in his blood. We are not sure if it's genetic, or if it's his grandmother's good soul-food that's got some magic entertaining sparkle in it; but whatever it is, we recommend that you do not miss an opportunity to see Jacob perform live! He'll leave you starstruck.
"Nothing on Me": The dance video everyone still talks about!
#1 Girl Tour Schedule Starring Mindless Behavior with Special Guests Jacob Latimore and Lil' Twist, with Kayla Brianna on select dates.
July 20 - Nashville, TN
July 21 - Southaven, MS
July 22 - St. Louis, MO
July 26 - Detroit, MI
July 28 - Chicago, IL
August 1 - Birmingham, AL
August 2 - Augusta, GA
August 3 - Columbia, SC
August 4 - Atlanta, GA
August 9 - Baton Rouge, LA
August 10 - New Orleans, LA
August 11 - Houston, TX
August 12 - Dallas, TX
August 16 - Las Vegas, NV
August 17 - Los Angeles, CA
August 18 - Oakland, CA
Summer Music Festivals are going strong and we are lucky enough that Forecastle Festival is a summer music festival that's held in our own backyard. Our favorite part of summer music festivals is not only the music: the fashion show on the field is as much a feast for the eyes as the music is for the ears. The Forecastle Festival is billed as one of the "Top 15 Outdoor Festivals in the Country" and is attended by more than 30,000 people. The layout was perfect, and made it easy to music-hop among all the artists without ever feeling rushed or crowded. And speaking of the crowd... we reveled in the fab fashion and unique style. It was a non-stop show for the senses from the moment we arrived, and the playful attitude and fun-seeking attendees were entertaining and entertained. Everyone was at Forecastle just to have fun and everyone was in a great mood -- be sure to put it on your calendar for next year!
One fashion theme of the day was adorable dresses and wearable shoes, whether boots to avoid the mud or tenny shoes to be comfortable. Wearing a cute dress, vintage or new, neon or subdued, made each of these girls stand out in the crowd.
Anna Roeder, wearing a vintage floral dress and her artsy blog PrettyTheFool.blogspot.com is just as striking.
Kristen from New York City looking chic.
Another notable trend was flowers in your hair. Whether bringing out boho vibes or expressing a fun-loving music attitude, a crown of flowers was an accessory of choice to add color and and a smile.
Olivia and Saba visited Forecastle from New York City and Los Angeles - above and below.
Becca & Kiera keeping it bright and cheery.
These teens make fashion for summer music festivals look simple: casual and cute, comfy and chic!
Olivia, Tess, Megan, Cat are ready to rock out to Scarlet Smile, a rock band that captivated the crowd and got everyone in the mood for a day of non-stop music, food and fun!
Elizabeth & Lexie taking a break. Both are wearing the hottest trend of the day: boots to avoid the mud and high-waisted skirts or shorts.
Marnie, who was visiting from Free People in Nashville, perfectly matched her dip-dye hair to her barrette!
Michelle's wearing black & white maxi skirt by American Apparel. The crop top keeps it hip, and the maxi skirt means no worrying about holding down your skirt as your dance the night away!
So, as you see, there is no one summer music festival style. Whatever style you enjoy goes, just keep it comfortable and fun!
Our top videos of the week include Austin Mahone's "Say Something" ... we can't get enough of him. Although we <3 One Direction and Justin Bieber, we know the next big thing when we see him. And we're willing to bet Austin Mahone is gonna be big. Do you agree? "Say something" (haha) in the comments below!
Do you know the quote, "what would you do if you knew you would not fail?" Need some inspiration to do... well, just about anything? Watch this video. Seriously, it should get you moving towards whatever your goal may be. Go on, conquer those fears!
Wouldn't it be nice if all our teachers were this clever?!
GloZell always makes us laugh, even making fun of One Direction's "I Should've Kissed You"
And here's what One Direction "I Should've Kissed You" really sounds like before GloZell butchers discusses their song!
Hope you enjoyed our fave videos of the week! Have a wonderful weekend!
You know how a summer playlist can take you right back to a moment? A first kiss… goofy moments with friends… a fun trip or vacation… or even the most trivial moment can feel incredible when you’re taken back to it by a certain song. So here is the summer playlist for you to kick-start those moments. Now go get started on making memories!
Drums- Let's Go Surfing
Boys. Boys running. Boys running and playing instruments. Also,we think they're singing about surfing or something...
Boys Like Girls- Thunder
This song makes us want to cram 20 of our closest friends into a vintage convertible and go cruisin' to find a boy that is our thunder.
Kermit the Frog- Put the Lime in the Coconut
Ok...this song is officially sung by Harry Nilsson...but any song is better when covered by The Muppets.
The Wanted - Chasing the Sun
We want them, we want the sun; 1 out of 2 isn't bad.
Snow Patrol - Called out in the Dark
Because you need to cool off a little and "this is your life, this is your time." Enjoy summer!
Jason Aldean- Dirt Road Anthem
Hot Southern Summers are THE BEST...
Kory Burns- Let Me Count the Ways
Kory gets the award for Best Summer Boyfriend.
Here are some more...reggae, country, steel drums, pop, rap, alternative...yep. Looks like we've got you covered!
Fun. - Some Nights
Sleeping With Sirens- Postcards and Polaroids
Jane’s Addiction- Jane Says
Bob Marley- No Woman, No Cry
Bruno Mars- The Lazy Song
Modest Mouse- Float On/The Ocean Breathes Salty
Zac Brown Band- Knee Deep/Chicken Fried
Violent Femmes-Blister in the Sun
Kid Rock- All Summer Long
The Flaming Lips- Summertime
LFO-Summer Girls
Phantom Planet- California 2005
Lenka- The Show
The Decemberists- Sunshine
Beck- Magnolia
Milagres- Here to Stay
The Sundays- Summertime
Best Coast- Summer Mood
Simple Plan- Summer Paradise ft. Sean Paul
California Gurls- Katy Perry ft. Snoop Dogg
With Bonnaroo Music Festival and CMA in Tennessee this weekend, plus Pitchfork in Chicago next weekend and scores of other summer music festivals this summer here's our list of must-see bands. Summer music festivals are a great way for new bands to get exposure, but it’s also a great opportunity for you to discover cool new music. With the popularity of summer music festivals increasing, more are cropping up each year. This means that there is a great possibility that there is a venue that is close to YOU! We've already helped you pack your bag with musicfest essentials, now we've created a list of a few of our favorite artists that are currently on tour and playing summer music festivals across the United States.
A genre-defying jam band with rock, reggae, and funk influences, Dispatch is back after an almost 10 year hiatus. The band is made up of just three members…Brad Corrigan, Pete Francis Heimbold, and Chad Urmston. They hit the road on tour in 2011 and released a new album in May. Check out “Valentine”
A folksy, neo-hippie group that consists of at least 10 members, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros put on an amazing live show. At any given time you might see a fiddle, ukulele, accordion, trumpet, keyboard or viola… along with the ordinary guitar and percussion. Alex, the idiosyncratic lead singer will likely be dressed in all white, seemingly pajama-like garb and may very well be barefoot. And you can feel their excitement while they are on stage. Listen to “Home.”
With their bluesy/country/rock feel, Heartless Bastards is a four-piece band with Ericka Wennerstrom on lead vocals. Her voice is throaty and perfect. They released their fourth album (Arrow) on Valentine’s Day. Could this be why we love them so much? Listen to “Mountain” and chill. Because it’s a chill song.
The Shins are described as a folk/surf rock band. We prefer to describe them as “jangly.” You may have heard their music on The OC, Gilmore Girls or even The Spongebob Squarepants Movie. Spongebob Squarepants. Do you really need any more reason to listen??? New Slang
Led by Sameer Gadhia , Young the Giant is a rock/pop band whose song “Cough Syrup” was recently featured on GLEE. People love to yell out, “Which one is Young” and “Which one is the Giant?” We don’t really care which is which. All we know is that Sameer has dreamy eyes. And dreamy lips. And dreamy hair. Watch the official “Cough Syrup” video so that you may take in all the dreamy.
Michael Wayne Atha, aka Yelawolf, is a rapper who proudly hails from Alabama…and you’ll often hear a “Roll Tide” and see him show off his Bama tats during his high-energy shows. Yela has appeared on The Road to Stardomwith Missy Elliot. He also has acting chops. He’s appeared on an episode of CSI: Crime Scence Investigation. With friends like Travis Barker and Wiz Khalifa, this guy is gonna go far. It doesn’t hurt to collaborate with Kid Rock either…
Mac Miller…hip hop artist…friend of Wiz Khalafia…has a remix of Justin Bieber’s “Boyfriend”… really, really cute. So here. Now you won’t have to frantically search for the remix…
You know how they say a relationship is better if you’re friends first? Well, the same can apply to bands. GROUPLOVE became fast friends but didn’t actually form a band until a year later. “Tongue Tied” is a great song…and semi-naked pale guys falling into kiddie pools are pretty funny. And it was also sung on GLEE.
Cage the Elephant hails from Kentucky. Because they are good friends with one of our all-time faves, Sleeper/Agent, you'll often find them touring together…which is double the awesome. Their song “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked” was played in the video game “Borderlands.” And Matthew Shultz walks kind of like a zombie in the video…
As we were listening to Alabama Shakes, a girl behind us said of Brittany Howard, the lead singer, “Her voice is amazing. She is like the Adele that no one knows about yet.” We can’t think of a better description. Plus, when we ran into her in the VIP artist area, she totally humored Lisa and posed for a picture after she turned all giggly fan girl on her. We dare you to listen to her sing live without her soulful, bluesy voice giving you chills. We dare you.
Lead singer crowd-surfing in a hamster ball? Copious amounts of confetti? Balloons and beach balls bopping through the crowd? Capes, oversized furry bear gloves and one-piece gold lame’ bodysuits? Yes. Flaming Lips has it all. This is the show not to be missed. Led by Wayne Coyne, the Flaming Lips have been around since 1983. They were named on Q Magazine’s list of 50 Bands to See Before You Die. We emphatically agree. In fact, we are already stalking tickets to catch the next show closest to us. For your enjoyment… a song about a girl defeating pink robots…
Imagine being just 16 years old, leaving school, and joining a band of 20-something year old guys to go on tour. That is exactly what Alex Kandel of Sleeper/Agent did. I couldn't wait to sit down with her and see what life is like on the road. I caught up with her (yep, that's me on the left in the cover photo with Alex Kandel in the shades) at Hangout Festival in Gulf Shores, AL. after Sleeper Agent played their set. She invited us into the band's trailer (which made me feel so super-cool) to talk about what it's like to be a girl in a rock band. She's the lead singer of Sleeper/Agent, which is THE alt-rock band you need to know. The band consists of Alex Kandel (vocals), Tony Smith (guitar/vocals), Lee Williams (bass), Josh Martin (guitar), Scott Martin (keyboard) and Justin Wilson (drummer). They are from Bowling Green Kentucky and will be playing at Forecastle Festival in Louisville July 13-15... and loads of places between now and then.Popcosmo: So you were 16 when you started with Sleeper Agent?
Alex: Yeah…when I started meeting with them, writing, playing I was around 16 and then 17 when we started really taking it seriously…and 18 when the record deal happened. I signed immediately after I turned 18.
Popcosmo: And I understand there was a little convincing that had to go on with you joining the band?
Alex: Yes…just because it meant that I would have to leave school early and finish on my own accord. My Mom was understandably against it…because I was a really good student...that’s what I was going to do…I wanted to go to, like, this awesome college, I had it all lined up, I had college credits…had done the AP test, ACT and all that. In my Mom’s eyes, she was like ‘you can do music anytime you want’ but to me it was like ‘but not this opportunity’ and I was passionate about this opportunity and I wanted to see it through. And so my Mom told me if I wanted to do this it would have to be without her support and that I needed to understand that she was not agreeing with me. So it was my first adult decision as far as “Wow…my Mom doesn’t want me to do this but I can do it anyway.” But my Mom is my best friend so even though I did it, we worked on our relationship after the fact. And she was really proud of me because I did it, and I saw it through.
At this point Tony Smith walks in and plops down on the floor, looking ever-so-cool in his sunglasses. Like Alex, he is even more adorable in person. I find myself wanting to pick them up like a Barbie and Ken doll, squash their faces together and make them kiss. But it’s not like that…
Popcosmo: Was it an issue touring with guys…much less older guys?
Alex: Not really. That was never really the problem because my mom really trusts me to make smart decisions and she knows all the guys…they’re really good guys. They’re older brothers. I think she would feel worse if they were my age. They watch over me like hawks. They’re my older brothers.
Popcosmo: And there was some persuading on your part to get into the band as well?
Alex: Oh yeah. I weaseled my way into this band! There were like “Nah” and I had to really want it and really pester them a lot until they were finally like, “fine” thinking that I would…
Tony: Chicken out.
Alex: Yeah. But then I learned 4 songs in 3 days and we did the show at Mercy Lounge in Nashville which is a place that we still play a lot on tours and stuff so it was really cool that was my first show.Popcosmo: And that was all it took?
Alex: Yeah after that show it was like “wow” and all our friends that were there were really excited about it. I think that was the first time we felt like a real band.
Popcosmo: And you skipped your senior year?
Alex: Well, half of it. I’m finishing up when we have time off…doing some work here and there. I only have 2 credits left. It sounds so bad (laughs)…but I’m in the real world now where I have this email to answer or these things to do and I’m doing this and writing an article for that and I have a job now and I’m going to do this but I have to crack the whip and do it myself now. There’s no one there waking me up and making me do it.
Popcosmo: What’s it like being on tour with all boys? Stinky?
Alex: If I could get rid of my nose, I would! Yeah…it doesn’t really smell pleasant ever. We all travel together in a van…we don’t have a big tour bus yet…so there’s a lot of sleeping in a van while someone else drives in shifts. But I’m very obsessed with my special expensive shower products that I keep with me at all times. And that’s, like, my one chance to be a girl when I’m in the shower…these fancy soaps and shampoos.
Popcosmo: Things are happening so fast…you’ve been Rolling Stone’s “Band to Watch” and you’re touring. When you go home to Kentucky do people treat you differently…especially boys?
Alex: Um…well, I would just say they’re a lot nicer. More friendly and more likely to approach me. There have been a few times when we are home when people have asked for pictures and that’s really weird.
Popcosmo: Most embarrassing moment onstage?
Alex: OK…I have a really …I wouldn’t say ‘weak’ stomach…but I get really weighted down by food easily. So I can’t really eat before we play because I move around a lot. And I will start to feel nauseous. So my most embarrassing moment is the time I ate way too much before we played one day and retched into the microphone. I didn’t throw up! But instead of singing…just, “BLEHHH”…that noise came out into the microphone. It was awful.
Tony: And there was that one show where you couldn’t move at all…you just swayed back and forth. What was that…Ichiban?
Alex: Ugh
Tony: And she was so sick…
Alex: It was food poisoning. So it wasn’t just that I ate too much! I was literally sick.
At this point, Alex said she wanted to share some advice for girls who may want to go into the business…
Alex: A lot of times when we play onstage and stuff… just because I’m a girl and in music… for some reason… since I’m in a rock band… that’s not OK for some reason. I mean, you’d think we would be beyond that at this point. I’ve never been like, “Oh…I’m a feminist” and I don’t like that word but I’ve learned a lot from doing this. I had never felt as strongly about it until now, but if I want to wear a t-shirt and jeans, I will. But a lot of people, even women, have made a big deal out of the fact that I’m not attractive or sexy because I don’t wear tight dresses. I mean, they will openly say that about me and say that’s why they don’t like the band. And that’s always something I like to be for younger girls. I remember when I was younger, the girl musicians I liked were the ones who were just really honest and not all dressed up. You know, I loved Gwen Stefani in the No Doubt days at the beginning when she would wear a sports bra.
Tony: I remember you talking about her doing push-ups on the stage.
Alex: I remember thinking it was the coolest stuff in the world. And I remember watching Janis Joplin on some thing on TV and my mom being like, “See…that’s why she’s great because you can tell she means it." So I think I’ve learned a lot. And when younger girls talk to me, that’s one thing I like to get across is that YOU define how you feel about your appearance. And if I want to dress up I do, when I feel like it. But I live in a van (laughs). So the way I act and the way I dress is going to affect that. But I still have the ability to feel pretty.
Tony: Are you talking about your Lush? That’s your escape…
Alex: Yeah. I told her about my expensive stuff.
Popcosmo: Lush? I LOVE Lush!
Tony: When Alex joined the band, we made sure to…we said, “Listen to The Breeders, listen to The Stellars…just like, front women who weren’t, like, front women. Women who were just part of the band and didn’t take sh*t from nobody. Alex is a sweet girl so she can’t be like that all the time. But she has her moments. Like in Seattle, you get the “show us your (boobs)” thing a lot as a girl in a band.
Alex: And that’s what I am saying. That there’s still this sexist thing…
Tony: We’ve even heard, “Show us your (lady parts).” And that’s not even, like… I mean…how would one present that.
Alex: And this was after we had been playing a while and you would think that it would… But I’m trying to turn it into a positive thing. I have a blog and I blog a lot about just being on the road and things that come up like that. And even some of our fans have been…well, they don’t know that I read everything and even though I know they love our music, sometimes they will be like, “I don’t like what Alex is wearing” and it’s so bizarre to be commented on like that. So the blog is my way to be like, “Hey…this is how I feel about that.”
As we are chatting, Alex starts rifling through her bag and pulls out her Lush Shampoo for me to smell…
Alex: This is my go-to shampoo. It’s all coconut and conditioning and so nice. These are my essentials. I have about 5 Lush things with me right now but I have a whole box that I take with me if we’re on tour for a long time.
There is much discussion about Lush bubble bars and using 3-4 at a time when she is home. Then there is more smelling of the products and gushing and discussing of the favorites. When it’s time to go, Alex throws on her sunglasses and poses for a picture. Then she offers some gum that they got as part of their tour swag. She digs through the big box gum and hands me one. I look down in my hand and the packet of gum that stares back at me reads, “I Love You.” We love you too, Alex Kandel and Sleeper/Agent!
