Today's Pick

R&B stud Trey Songz is back with a new video for his emotionally driven new single "Can't Be Friends," the second release lifted from his eagerly-awaited upcoming fourth alliterative project "Passion, Pain & Pleasure," following up from his "Bottoms Up" single featuring the temptress Nicki Minaj. R&B singer makes it clear that he and his former lover "Can't Be Friends" on his new song of that very same name.
"Can't Be Friends" is a borderline ballad that finds the singer delivering one of his best vocal performances since his debut album. The soothing ballad samples Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto's "Bibo no Aozora" from the 2006 film Babel. The track is a departure from his usual 'sex and alcohol' gimmick and actually has substance. This is the direction Songz needs to be going; he's proved, for better or worse that he can deliver radio hits but he's still not taken seriously as viable artist. Understated, low-register piano chords combine with a thudding, tension-building drum beat as Songz expresses regret and sets his boundaries. It's the classic love jam expressing how you wish you never screwed your homegirl, and now there is no way you can be friends.
In the video, madly in love with a woman he can't be with, the heartbroken Songz is frustrated and angry with himself and is seen sitting anxiously in an empty room all alone going through the painful emotions of dealing with a breakup and he's hurting because of it on his latest "Can't Be Friends" video. This a rather simplistic but powerful new video at the same time, is very different from his past clips because of the addition of Anthony Mandler, who is also known as Drake's favorite director. Songz gives the already somber record even more emotion for his fans. The lyrics and motion of the video are in perfect sync with Songz's movements, whether it's just Songz alone or him with his woman. It's dramatic and draws you in. The video does a good job of showing the thoughts running through Songz's mind as we listen to the story and feel his pain. Songz goes crazy while thinking about a lost love.
"Passion, Pain & Pleasure," a piano-laced and finger-snaps-embraced beat that serves as a foundation, which the R&B performer has reportedly described as his most personal album yet, is expected in stores on September 14 via Atlantic Records. He has already started his first-ever headlining tour to promote the new record. You can decide for yourself if you agree with his post-breakup strategies by checking out "Can't Be Friends" over on AOL Radio's New R&B First station.

There's no Rock 'n' Roll, but Schlager in Germany, Helene Fischer, the Queen of "Schlager," has premiered the official music video for her single "Sweet Surrender," off her just released English debut album. The new voice from Germany with Schlager and Euro-Pop genres. "Sweet surrender, now it's all that I can I feel; Sweet surrender, this time I know it's real; And like in a wonder my heart was born again; I'm not afraid to give you everything; Cause that's what sweet surrender means."
Hailing from the most unlikely of places for a pop star to be from, Fischer was born in Krasnoyarsk in Russian Siberia in August 1984, and spent her early childhood in the Siberian town of Krasnojarsk, before her ethnic German family immigrated to Germany. Fischer went on to study music and theater in Frankfurt Stage & Musical School, where she studied singing and acting, and her star qualities were "discovered" in 2005, not only her golden crystal-clear voice, but also her charismatic personality. Airs and graces are not for her, and she has never been one for advancing her own interests at the expense of others.
Fischer eventually landing a record contract and releasing her first album, Von Hier bis Unendlich (From Here to Infinity), in February 2006. Her second album, "So Nah Wie Du (As Close as You)," was released September 2007. Both albums were released on Electrola. She is the brightest star in the firmament of German song, the Queen of "Schlager" and, quite simply, Germany's most popular female entertainer. Her popularity has been crowned with success; she has won three prestigious "Echo" (German Grammy) awards, the coveted "Goldene Henne" twice, and the "Krone der Volksmusik" prize three times. All her albums and DVDs have achieved multiple gold and double platinum status. Her songs, with their stories of the everyday worries and woes of home-loving folks, are close to what the English speaking world calls "Country."
Her circle of fans extends beyond Germany to Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, the Netherlands and Scandinavia. She has just released her first English album, produced by Jean Frankfurter, one of the most renowned German producers, composers and arrangers of the past 40 years. The album opens new horizons for Fischer: "I have always dreamed of singing my songs in another language. English is the language of Country, the music that we call 'Schlager.' Language is a tool, but it is important that what you sing comes from the heart and that is what this album is about."

Australian band St Leonards have joined up with LP33.tv for a the video exclusive of new single "Opened Up My Eyes." It's been a meteoric rise for Australian act St Leonards since front man and songwriter Shane Fritsch decided to form a band around his solo project early in 2009. Arrived in Los Angeles in May 2009 to record and produce music for their forthcoming debut album. With the direction of Grammy-winning producer John Wooler and legendary manager Ted Gardner they have compiled a collection of songs ideal for placement in film, and television, and other audiovisual media. Their song "Now That We've Grown" featured on smash USA TV show "The Vampire Diaries."
Talking about the ideas behind the video, Fritsch says: "When we started thinking about filming a music video for 'Opened Up My Eyes' we started asking around for possible directors and venues. We wanted to capture the true emotion and meaning of the song, being that things are not always as they seem. Through recommendation we contacted Directors David Roberts and Liam Donaghy who were in Sydney, Australia. I remember meeting them at a small bar where we started talking about the treatment for the video. We talked about the meaning of the song and what was the best way to capture that. I had an idea of the band playing in a 1930's after hours casino/bar, being in a fish out of water situation, like we were super imposed over the scene and the characters had no idea we were there, as they were to be so consumed with themselves and their external image that we were not noticed. David and Liam come up with the idea that as the song starts to build towards the end the lights get brighter and exposes the true nature of the characters, which turned out to be a great idea and really locked off the treatment of the video. The video was shot in one day at a cool little music venue in Sydney called Raval. The venue was exactly what we had been visualizing in our meetings with the Directors as well, actually it was better."
St Leonards's music marries the intensely personal with the epic – song inspiration comes from Fritsch's family, the struggle to accept his path as an artist, the challenges of balancing a music career with a stable home life - all lifted to a level of grandeur through glorious keys riffs, intense drumming, and rich guitar; overlaid with Fritsch's heartfelt and resonant vocals. Their sonic palette spans eras contemporary to classic; reflecting artists from Coldplay and The Blue Nile to David Gray, and has an intensity and feel that wouldn't sound out of place in a stadium, even with the band less than a year old.

The country pop star Taylor Swift has just premiered highly-anticipated music video "Mine" on Friday in Kennebunkport, Maine where the video was shot last month and offer a look at the quaint towns in addition to offering her personal insight on how her latest music video comes to life. Swift left a message on her Facebook and Twitter pages Friday afternoon saying she played Frisbee on a Maine beach Friday morning and that she would be at St. Ann's church by 6 p.m. The church is attended by former President George H.W. Bush's family. Watch Swift spin through the forest of memories of her latest relationship after the jump.
"Mine" is the lead single from the Grammy winner's upcoming third album "Speak Now" which is slated for October 25 release. Unlike with her past two albums, Swift wrote all of its material by herself. The self-penned song is all about the wonders of being in a happy relationship after surviving a rocky past. It talks about one of Swift's old crushes. "It's a song that is about ... my tendency to run from love." She added that every relationship she has been in "has ended in goodbye, has ended in breakups," and that "Mine" is "sort of about finding the exception to that." She told MTV, "The song is about what it would be like if I actually let my guard down." The uptempo song that's unmistakably Swift, showed growth, maturity and has a big chorus that will stick in your brain. Without straying too far from typical Swift subject matter, the song features an uplifting country/pop melody and a big chorus. It fit well into her own musical niche.
The 20-year-old country cutie teamed up with director Roman White for the third time, to tell the story of a couple moving through life together. "The video was completed and insanely great," White said that "you never really know what a piece is going to look like in the end, but when we were shooting this video everything was just perfect and you just had a feeling that it was all going to fall in to place perfectly...as it did." The video shows Swift being deeply troubled by the relationship of her parents. She meets a guy, played by British actor Toby Hemingway and falls in love with him, and ends with them eventually marrying, having children, and wind up happily ever after. Just like a "fairy tale." Swift also chose her longtime friend and look-alike Jaqueline to play the younger version of herself in the video.
Swift became one of country's brightest and youngest faces in 2006, when the 16-year-old released her first album. Stepping off Music Row and into the small but stylish lobby of Big Machine Records, a visitor quickly realizes it's not just the walls that reveal the story of 'Swift's meteoric rise to stardom. Even the floors have a tale to tell. Of course, that one-word title is a part of pop-and-country culture now. It's been spotted at the top spot of charts around the world, entered into record books, and engraved on dozens of plaques and awards. But at one point this extraordinary collection of songs had a name. And the artist who put her heart, soul and talent into that music knew it needed to be something special. In the end, Swift decided on the single word that captures perfectly her journey to this moment. FEARLESS!

Linkin Park has made its fans happy with another hotly-anticipated music video "The Catalyst," the first single off their fourth studio album, "A Thousand Suns," will hit stores on September 14. Linkin Park go into a slow-motion performance in a music video, which is filled with smoke, water and dust but still offers high-energy performance which is somehow captured in the slow-motion scenes. New video sees Linkin Park pushing the envelope even further. Throughout the entire song, you'll wait for the thin, tinny-sounding synthesizer to fade out and the song to emerge as more than just repetitive lyrics.
"The Catalyst," remix the stems and/or write their own part for the song on any instrument and has good lyrics and is catchy. It emphasizing on the transition from electronica to a slow dirge midway through the track. The single debuted at No.1 on both Billboard's Rock & Alternative Songs charts, with 12.2 million audience impressions. The video was directed by the band's turntablist Joe Hahn. The video starts with bandmate Mike Shinoda sitting inside a car singing the first verses with his face covered by a hood. Then, the shot opens to a foggy environment, showing dozens of people simply wandering, then being attacked by strangers, then we know it's a whole city getting destroyed.
The music video for the song is artistic and has so far impressed the fans. According to bassist Phoenix, the video contains references to the Bhagavad Gita and J. Robert Oppenheimer, which are two themes that are also used in the album. As Producer Mike Shinoda describes it, "The concept...kind of comes from the idea of, like, if you could imagine when nuclear fission was invented, or a moment in time when something can be used for positive or negative." The video itself is filled with smoke, water, gas masks, and chaos throughout. Its neutral colors reflect that until the end when the colors red and blue are added to the mix. As the video switches between images, it is all woven together in a way. All in all, it's exactly what fans would expect from Linkin Park, a good song and a creative video which leave you wanting more from the band.
Linkin Park are probably one of the 10 biggest rock acts on the planet. They have never been afraid to push the envelope and try new things. This is easy to do if you are a band that has nothing to lose, but in LP's case, it borders on insanity. Their albums are the kinds of things labels schedule their financial quarters around. They're tent poles (or life preservers) meant to keep things from sagging too low or sinking too deep. The danger of alienating their fanbase is very real, and the results could be catastrophic.

R&B heavyweight Usher is back on the dance floor in just-released video for his current single "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love," the official first single from his debut extended play album, "Versus," is in stores on Tuesday. The new album, he says, "[is] an extension of Raymond Versus Raymond." The eight new tracks give his fans an "extended experience" of his previous hit record. The clip was filmed by Japanese director Hiro Murai, and has a party vibe with Usher moving through the party as the DJ speeds it up and slows it down.
Alongside rapper Pitbull, the "OMG" singer tries to put his best foot forward to show the world that, even at 31, he's got what it takes to takeover the dance floor. He has got fans falling in love with his dance moves again. There is no better way to celebrate a dance record other than hitting the club and getting that bodies rockin' from side to side. "I feel like I'm back for the first time," he says. The five-time Grammy winner can't stop with his signature moves, on and off camera. "This video isn't primarily about dance," he says, "although I will be dancing." And he makes it count, sweating on the dance floor like it's the last day of his life. To his credit, there is no scene of him actually falling in love so we avoid that cliche. To his discredit, he only teases us with some slight dance moves. We would have loved to have seen him do a full-out dance video.
Reviews from critics were very positive complementing the club vibe and the songs chorus. Bill Lamb from About.com thought that the song have "memorable chorus", is smooth and "gliding club groove". He also say that "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" is a smooth, easy club tune that could take Usher clear back to the top of the pop charts. He finished the review saying that "The song has a big big chorus and Usher sings it with appropriate passion." Matthew Wilkening from AOL Music also praised the song, saying that "Usher aims to continue his recent string of chart success, with this all-new, club-ready dance song, which seems likely to start a lot of new relationships out on dance floors this summer.
When people experience life-altering events, they either thrive or crumble under the pressure. Global entertainment icon Usher certainly belongs in the former category. His life as a newly single man has resulted in tremendous creative output and some of the best music of his remarkable career. Only a few months removed from the release of "Raymond V. Raymond," Usher returns with "Versus," a masterful conceptual sequel to its predecessor. But "Verses" is about more than sensuality. "DJ Got Us Fallin' In Love" celebrates the joy of hitting a nightclub after a long workweek, bumping into a familiar face and using the opportunity to dance like it's the last night of your life. And with "Versus," Usher adds another rock-solid entry to a musical catalog that grows more impressive with each release.

Grammy-nominated pop rock band Plain White T's are chilling in the beach with some pals in a newly-debuted music video supporting their new single "Rhythm of Love," is the first single from Plain WhiteT's' upcoming full length studio album "The Wonders of the Younger" which will be released later this year. Penned by guitarist Tim Lopez, it is a "brightly melodic tune inspired by a bittersweet romance."
The record sees the band leaving their previous sound behind and adopting a live-in-the room acoustic California-pop feel, and is the first to feature songs with lead singer Tom Higgenson on harmony vocals only, with Lopez taking the lead vocal duties on several tracks, including the first single. Gently lilting acoustic guitars and a light, but upbeat rhythm section set the mood for Higgenson's simple and direct romantic plea. Higgenson and his bandmates spread "Rhythm of Love" to the beach revelers in this 'feel good time' music video.
According to an interview with the Chicago Tribune, Higgenson got the idea for the album's title and overall concept after witnessing a Cirque De Soleil show in Las Vegas: "The show had clowns, pirates and a bunch of crazy stuff and I walked out thinking 'I've got a great idea for our next album.' From that point on, my mind went wild."
Hailing from the suburbs of Chicago, the punk-pop outfit Plain White T's began taking shape in 1997, a full ten years before the acoustic ballad "Hey There Delilah" made them Grammy-nominated stars, and the band returned in 2008 with "Big Bad World," a return-to-form effort featuring the band's usual mix of spunky energy and pop/rock craft. The band's work ethic and promising songcraft earned Plain WhiteT's a contract with Hollywood Records.
"Wonders of the Younger" is a collection of songs designed to evoke the feeling of awe and the yearning for adventure remembered from youth. "It's all about pushing the boundaries of our creativity and musical imagination combined with a dose of nostalgia," Higgenson said. "It's still very much a Plain WhiteT's album. The songs are sincere and melodic, no matter what the subject matter. We want to create an experience that takes our fans to an unexpected place while still giving them songs to sing along to."

Following the release of her critically acclaimed debut album "Catching A Tiger" last week, the everyone's new-favourite-lady-folkster Lissie Maurus, known by her stage name 'Lissie,' has unveiled the heartfelt new video for her forthcoming second single "Cuckoo," which will be released on August 30 through Columbia Records. The video focuses on a young version of Lissie, we follow her as she first falls in love and becomes a musician.
Lissie is growing on us like a fungus to a toe. The angelic-looking, cigarette-smoking American is extremely talented. Lissie was born in Rock Island, Illinois, one of the Quad Cities on the banks of the Mississippi River. She's a straight-talking Midwestern girl, all flaxen hair and big blue eyes, and this girl is smart and gutsy and tough, with a big old voice to match it. Lissie, like Ellie Goulding, is one of those people who has shown up on indie radars everywhere despite not doing a huge amount to warrant it. Unlike, say, Florence & The Machine, there's no revivalist feel, and little that makes it hers. Perfect for cafes in New York perhaps, but it doesn't really translate to something you can be inspired by.
Not to be mistaken for Lissy Trullie, another highly regarded American singer-songwriter, Lissie deals in sun-kissed pop-blues straight from Laurel Canyon. Her 12-track debut conjures images of highways and horses, with Lissie's smoky tones echoing Stevie Nicks. The flaxen-haired singer has a voice that crackles with the influence of blues as much as it does with folk and a range and delivery that puts most rock singers to shame. "Catching A Tiger" is the perfect record for sunny days and driving with the wind in your hair, and "Cuckoo" is its latest single. There are many things from her life & history that make these songs and her spirit possible, some of it in deference to that spirit.
"Cuckoo" is the perfect embodiment of Lissie's potential to fulfill a large gap within the current musical market. Rather than be bogged down by the all too easily exploited morbid and unhappy memories that plague every creative genius, this song celebrates the defiance of youth and its petulance, delivering this message in an upbeat, subtly produced number that could very well and perhaps should be the independent, folk anthem of this summer. "Cuckoo" isn't as immediate as Lissie's amazing first single "When I'm Alone," but it's got a gorgeous feel-good vibe that should work well on radio. It's a well made song, just a country/folk pop tune done by
numbers. There is nothing original about this, and we get a song that could soundtrack a Hollywood movie, but not a real life.

Reba McEntire has returned to the music industry with her video for her newest single, "Turn on the Radio," the lead single from McEntire's upcoming 26th studio album, "All The Women I Am," to be released on November 9. The crowded arrangement on "Turn On The Radio" strips her of all her winning personality. With her newest offering "Turn On the Radio," McEntire proves that she is still the queen of country music videos! Multimedia superstar surpassed the one million fan mark on Facebook this week, propelling her into an elite group of only 10 Country artists to achieve the popularity milestone.
"Turn On The Radio" is a clumsy grasp at mainstream popularity from one of country music's grand dames. From the first notes of track, the superstar's sass and trademark sound is intact. The first verse, with its mentions of a cheating cad, rely on little more than played-out cliches. The second verse, with its mentions of Twitter and texting, are an awkward fit for the multimedia icon. The verses may feel like a modern Underwood-like tune but the chorus of the song is vintage McEntire. The harmony singers singing in the background help the song rather than distracting from it and despite featuring some countrified crunchy lead guitars the steel guitar and fiddles are still audible in the mix behind McEntire's fresh, front and center vocal. "Turn On The Radio" is an earworm from the minute go and while the powerful drums may rub some people or longtime McEntire fans the wrong way, they only serve to give the lyric the attitude that they deserve.
The video for song was directed by Randee St. Nicholas and was filmed in late July at a warehouse in Nashville. In the video, the 55-year-old country music singer gets a revenge, and ties up a man who has done her wrong to a chair and proceeds to show him who the real boss is. McEntire says of her new single: "I fell for the song immediately. I love that it's an up-tempo, strong woman song about a woman who has been done wrong by her lover and is telling him to turn on the radio if he wants to hear from her through their favorite song."
Grammy Award-winning singer and one of the best-selling country music performers of all time, known for her pop-tinged ballads that include 24 #1 hits. She is one of only five solo women (others include Shania Twain, Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton, and Loretta Lynn), to win the Country Music Association's highest honor, 'Entertainer Of The Year.' In her thirty-year career, McEntire has excelled at making conflict sound so compelling. While she often avoids the vocal theatrics that plague other singers, she's never able to impose her will on a song that's beneath her gifts. She says. "I'm excited about this new album. I'm excited where I am in my life, my age, that radio is still playing my music and that fans still want to hear my music and see me perform. I'm very grateful, appreciative and blessed."

British pop singer Sophie Ellis-Bextor's solo career isn't as hot as it once was, but the sound of her sophisticated, posh warbling is still in super high demand in nightclubs across Europe, so she's teamed up with Dutch trance producer and DJ Armin van Buuren to release a music video on local Dutch television this week for their joint trance track "Not Giving Up on Love," the second single taken from Ellis-Bextor's fourth solo studio album, "Straight to the Heart," and the second from Buuren's new album "Mirage," which will see the light of day on September, 10. The new track just released digitally worldwide on Friday.
According to Buuren, "Not Giving Up On Love" is a melodic, electro-sounding vocal beauty with real drums, a piano line and an absolute feel-good sound to it. "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." Born in Leiden, Holland to a musical family, Buuren indulged his passion for music from a young age. Being the official World's Most Popular DJ is just one of his many achievements, but the driving force behind his success is an overriding passion for dance music. "This is just what I really want," says Buuren. "It's not just love for music, it's my passion. It goes beyond liking, and beyond a hobby, it's about a way of living. Music is essential to my life."
The video was shot on party-island Ibiza, Spain and features shots in club-mayhem Amnesia by British director Sophie Muller, just seems to be her constantly lolling about on a boat. Ellis-Bextor's timeless elegance is really on full display in the video. As stated by Ellis-Bextor on an interview, "We've got a really beautiful location. And we'll be on a boat. It's going to be directed by Sophie Muller. And then I'm going to perform with Armin at the Amnesia club, where he has a residency," Ellis-Bextor shared to us. "It's going to be so much fun. I like Ibiza, it's really beautiful. San Antonio is not really my cup of tea but the rest of the island is gorgeous."
The 31-year-old Ellis-Bextor's music is a mixture of mainstream Pop, indie and disco with 1980s electronic influences. She is noted for a strong English accent even while singing. We're never quite sure whether Ellis-Bextor has gone away or not. Every single seems to be a sort of come back song, and "Not Giving Up On Love" isn't any different. As per usual with collaborations between DJs and disco divas, the producer just had to go and inject himself obnoxiously dancing about at his turntable. Those dancehall moments ruin the magic a bit, though not entirely: This is still Ellis-Bextor's game, and she looks nothing less than her usual, statuesque self, standing and posing effortlessly in front of various summery locales. Her voice, which has spent the good part of the last decade wistfully sweeping across dance floors everywhere.

British pop sensation and the alum of The X Factor Alexandra Burke has finally unveiled a music video for her fifth single "Start Without You" through VEVO and later on The BOX and it's not quite what you would expect. The X Factor winner, who celebrates her 22nd birthday next week, teamed up with Jamaican rapper Laza Morgan and mega-producer RedOne for her very 80's-esque song, which will be available on September 5, and reportedly serves as the lead single from the re-release of her upcoming debut LP "Overcome," that will hit stores this fall in the UK.
"Start Without You" is a catchy tune and strong beat with an eclectic mix of Hip-hop, reggae and dance hall sounds. The feisty singer wanted to make a track she could enjoy in her open-top car and tapped into her Jamaican roots for the summery "Start Without You." Burke says: "It's kind of reggae meets pop. It was inspired by my Jamaican background and my new convertible. I really wanted to have a tune I could take down my roof to, drive along and be proud of. I didn't really want to do a ballad. I love the summer and this is the perfect track to dance to." The video was filmed in Los Angeles back in June, and accompanied by a number of chiseled guys, Burke takes over the gym, turning it into a dance floor for the music video. "I hope you guys like it," Burke tweeted after seeing an edit of her video late last week. "I am in love with it. x"
The girl who never gives up and who lives for her dream to sing. The girl who was turned away from X Factor in 2005 and came back fighting in 2008 – to win in an undisputed blaze of glory. Burke captivated the hearts of the British public with her hauntingly beautiful voice, smashed sales records within 24 hours of releasing her debut single "Hallelujah." Her awe inspiring talent and all encompassing passion for music and the creative process is what sets Burke apart from her peers. Her enthusiasm and genuine love for music coupled with a young fresh approach continues to wow her fans. She has come a long way in a very short period of time. No one could have ever predicted the scale of her success. She is set to firmly establish herself as a modern international pop icon.
Burke is going to do with the release of her first album this fall. There is one hurdle to "Overcome" yet, though. And if you want any evidence of Burke's commitment to her platinum pop product, it couldn't come more boldly spelt out than by the girl herself. "Going back to perform on The X Factor will be surreal. I want to own that stage. I want to do stupid hours of ridiculous practice. My nerves will be there. That I understand. But I want to bottle those nerves like I did for the final last year and own it. I have learned so much over the past year and every bit of that knowledge needs to go into my performances now. This is just the beginning." Meanwhile, the X Factor returns today on ITV1 at 7.30pm!

You can take the boy out of the small town, but you can't take the small town out of the boy! That's the message in the poignant new video for "You Take Yourself With You," the new single from country-rocker Bo Bice, who tries to always keep his own small town values in check. The country-gospel closer song is off his upcoming third album "3," and the new video, directed by Marcel Chagnon, was filmed in a rural area of Nashville, captures poignant imagery of a younger Bice with his family.
The mid-tempo ballad "Take Yourself with You" is a song Bice holds close to his heart, as it reminds the singer of his teenage years when he first left home. "The chorus of the song is loosely based around something my Dad told me," Bice said. "I hate this town," a son tells his parents, and he can't wait to hit the dusty road and head out. His father just shakes his head, hoping it's actually the town he wants to leave and not himself. "Son," he says, "you take yourself with you wherever you go." The son takes a while to fully understand what his dad's telling him, as sons often do, but eventually he comes around. "My Dad would say, 'Bo, in life, always treat people like you want to be treated, but don't ever expect it back. Work hard every day and know that you have got to look yourself in the mirror. It doesn't matter how far you go or how high you fly, you take yourself with you every day, and you've got to live with yourself.'"
Husky-voiced Bice was raised in the south by his song-singing, instrument-playing, music-worshiping parents, so he has music in his blood. The 34-year-old musician who was the runner-up to Carrie Underwood in the fourth season of American Idol. Bice's now coming back and takes one last look around an old broken-down house as he prepares to leave for good, with full of past memories. It brings the whole song alive.
Bice's American Idol journey is already five years in the past, but Bice himself is only looking forward and thinking in threes. He and his wife just had their third boy. He is also releasing his third album "3," a record filled with soulful, gospel-tinged country rock that represents the maturation of a songwriter and performer. "I feel like '3' is my strongest record to date," Bice said recently. "It's a plethora of sounds that show who I really am. There's something for everyone; country, soul, rock'n' roll...it's like your favorite pair of jeans, it just feels right."

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Trey Songz has premiered the music video, featuring female rapper Nicki Minaj for their rollicking, bass-heavy collaboration "Bottoms Up" on BET's 106 & Park while he hosts the show with Rocsi. The song is the club-ready lead single from his upcoming fourth studio album, "Passion, Pain & Pleasure," set to hit stores on September 14. Two of the hottest things in the industry have teamed up for what might be a contender for the hottest joint of the 2010 Summer.
"Bottoms Up" features a bass-thumping beat, with Minaj's much-needed liveliness and creativity in cartoonish voices and imitable baby-talk, as her voice is distorted in parts to sound slightly tipsy. The track is about the joys of enjoying a frosty beverage at the nightclub of your choosing. It's the perfect anthem for happy hour, the end of a hard day at work or even a stressful situation. Maybe it's the pounding kicks that keep my head nodding. Or, maybe its the infectious hook 'Bottoms Up, Bottoms Up.'
The video, was directed by Anthony Mandler, provides the dark, carnival-esque visuals to the club record, and shows the singer in a funhouse type of environment, trying to wade his way through all of the temptations of fame, while Minaj raps like Anna Nicole Smith. Themes of bondage and voyeurism are teased throughout the video, while quick edits and lighting changes create a frenetic vibe. Songz commented on the video in an interview with MTV stating, "'Bottoms up,' would not follow a traditional 'party song' formula and that he was looking to inject some deeper meaning into his video. I feel, is a very creative video. I think it heightens whatever it is that the song has already — the drive, the vigor, the club anthem, the energy in the record is definitely heightened in the video."
"While the words 'Passion, Pain and Pleasure' immediately invoke sexual thoughts, for me they have become somewhat of a personal mantra because they so accurately describe this time in my life," says Songz. "The passion I have for my art fuels my drive and work ethic, while the sacrifice of my personal life to benefit my career will always be a source of pain. The pleasure that I derive from my work and my accomplishments make everything worth it. When I began conceptualizing the new album, these three words stuck in my head. They completely infiltrated my creative process, so it was inevitable that they became the album title."

At long last, all of Kris Allen's hard work in the desert is revealed. The former American Idol star has finally premiered the long-awaited video Tuesday on VH1 for his latest single, "The Truth," the second single from his self-titled debut album, has him getting a bit dusty as he wakes up and performs in the desert for the accompanying video. The 25-year-old Arkansas native is known for his laid-back and unassuming personality, yet his music is full of depth, energy and soul.
The video is directed by cinematographer, Aaron Platt, and was shot in the desert in 110 degree heat and rained out the first day! 'American Idol' season eight winner traveled out to the middle of nowhere with nothing but a guitar, a piano, a bed and Patrick Monahan, the lead singer of the Grammy award-winning rock band Train, on vocals to find "The Truth." Two music stars on a dreamy desert video shoot surrounded by beautiful imagery. The gorgeous sunsets, mountains and sand should act as the perfect backdrop for a ballad "The Truth." Spontaneously, Allen's guitar lights on fire, a scenic transition to the closing night scene where the 'Idol' winner sings the final chorus among hundreds of deteriorating chandeliers hanging in the sky.
The album version features Allen singing by himself while the single version features Allen singing with Monahan. According to Allen, it was his label's idea to switch the song up, stating, "Their idea was that Pat wrote the song, so why not get him involved in it in some way. And obviously Train is doing really well right now, and I don't think that can be ignored. Everyone thought it was a good idea." Allen also stated it never crossed his mind to feature Monahan, commenting, "It wasn't that type of song where you say, 'We need someone else on this.' Now that it's done, I hope it does really well, man. I really do." He also said the song was not written as a typical duet, so the feature was not meant to come off as a duet, as listeners may think of the song as a breakup ballad between two men, therefore Monahan was added on the bridge.
When asked about the controversy over his fans feeling that he was victimized in the released of the single, he responded, "The people at 19 and the people at Jive have been great. I'm not gonna say there haven't been things that have happened, some conflicts. Not bad stuff — I think it's just general stuff that goes on between artists and labels or whatever. Questions that come up. I'm very new to this. But it's really nice to have fans who care about you, who want you to be done right, and for the label and management to treat you right. I think they felt like I wasn't being cared for and being respected. And I appreciate them worrying about that. But I feel like I am. I really do." Allen unleash his vocal power shown in the mainstream pop song on something more unique to him as an artist.

Multi-platinum rock band Thirty Seconds to Mars (30STM), who were just nominated for four 2010 MTV Video Music Awards, has released its concert-centric music video for their new single "Closer to the Edge," the seventh track and the third single from their third studio album "This Is War." The epic video was directed by Bartholomew Cubbins and contains concert footage and fan commentary from about 30 performances on the road to 89 cities throughout 27 countries during the first leg of the band's "Into the Wild" world tour, where they played in front of over 1.3 million fans.
"Closer to the Edge," has topped UK Rock Singles and climbing the airplay charts across Europe. It emphasize atmospheric flourishes over melodic assurance. Tomo Milicevic, the lead guitarist of 30STM, said about the song: "A really interesting track. We call it our 'pop' song, but when you really listen to it, you realize that it has a lot of rock glory in it. It's a song that fools you, and I like that. Jared really pushed himself as a songwriter here in that he was trying to reach for a new way of presenting music that was very accessible but not spoon-feed it to the audience. He has a lot of respect for the fans in that way. The guy's a trip - very inspiring to be around and work with."
The video opens with testimonials from sad-eyed 30STM fans, espousing their views on life. Each of them is alone in their own particular way, it would seem, though, through the music of 30STM, they find a space in which they can coexist with others just like them. They may be outcasts in their high schools or towns, but at a 30STM show, they are anything but. They are, as a title card in the video puts it, part of "The Family." Documenting your life on the bus is as much a rite of passage as getting your first platinum plaque, and in keeping with pretty much everything they do, 30STM have taken the concept to dizzying, unabashedly all-encompassing heights. They aim to uplift, to inspire, to save, and "Closer to the Edge" is their document of that mission.
Created in 1998 in Los Angeles, by actor Jared Leto and his Older brother, Shannon, 30STM found success with a mix of post-grunge, screamo, and hard rock. With their brand-new "Closer to the Edge" video, 30STM have joined a special fraternity. "Closer to the Edge" is different because it is darn-near 100% about the fans themselves: their lives and loves and fears, and how all of those things motivated them to attend a 30STM show in the first place. They are the stars, they are the main attraction. The members of the band are basically secondary characters in the thing.

The breakout star of the wildly-popular TV show, 'iCarly,' Jennette McCurdy has gone country, and premiered music video for her debut single "Not That Far Away" on Nickelodeon and CMT Saturday. The track is also serves as McCurdy's lead-off single to her upcoming debut album, "The Story of My Life" with Capitol Nashville. The 18-year-old does her best Carrie Underwood impression on "Not That Far Away," and proves herself a generally capable vocalist.
The song chronicles McCurdy's life over the past year in Nashville as she's been pursuing her dreams while missing her family back in California. "Not That Far Away" is an up-tempo song featuring prominent banjo and electric guitar with steel guitar fills. The song's female narrator describes the scenario of a young girl, who dreams of becoming a country artist, heading out of town to Nashville, Tennessee in pursuit of her dream. In leaving, she finds herself assuring her mother that she's "not that far away" from her hometown in California. McCurdy said that "this song really captures the last year of my life. I've been in Nashville writing for and recording my record and following my dream while really missing my family and friends back in Garden Grove, California."
McCurdy, is best known as Sam Puckett in the Nickelodeon show 'iCarly,' shows off new hidden talents in this amazing music video, was shot in Watertown, Tennessee. In Roman White-directed video, the 18-year-old actress/singer has moved from California to Nashville to pursue a singing career. McCurdy is shown moving into a new home, arranging furniture and putting up pictures of her alongside her mother. She then takes her guitar and walks through town, eventually making her way to a coffee shop, where she performs the song during open mic night. Throughout the video, McCurdy is also shown talking on the phone and writing in a journal, as well as singing the song from various locations.
Unlike like most teen stars in television and movies today, McCurdy has chosen to go down the country music route opposed to the pop route. Her voice is strong and pure. I see a bright future for her in the world of country music. She tweeted on Sunday, "So grateful for all the positive feedback on my music video, guys. Thank you all. Also, big thanks to Nickelodeon and CMT." McCurdy has returned to California during this summer to film a new season of the popular show, 'iCarly,' and her album, produced by Paul Worley, is set for release this fall.

British Pop/R&B singer Jay Sean is back with another global smash and teams up with his Cash Money label-mate, hip-hop icon Nicki Minaj with his brand new video for "2012 (It Ain't The End)" to party like it's the end of the world. The clip was directed by Erik White and the new track rallies listeners with its peppy party vibe and stands as the lead single from Sean's upcoming fourth studio album, "Freeze Time," which is tentatively slated for a November 2 release date.
For 29-year-old singer, his new party-oriented track, "2012" is not about enjoying life two years from now but rather living it up in 2010 after checking out the sci-fi flick "2012." It's an energetic R&B, dance-pop track that re-imagines the apocalypse into a celebration of life and love. The pop crooner said he wanted the track takes fans inside what would undoubtedly be the world's greatest party... its last.
Sean explained why it's called "2012 (It Ain't the End)" that "It ain't the end of your day, it ain't the end of the world. It ain't the end of anything. It ain't the end of your relationship. If things are going bad, you can always fix it. That's what the whole point of this song [is], to just enjoy the moments." Sean made sure the upbeat message of the song is clearly reflected in the accompanying video, which is basically all about throwing the biggest party, celebrating life, and going around the world, from London to Tokyo to New York, seeing people celebrating good times."
Sean is notable for being one of the first British-Asian crossover stars and also for his international popularity. Born and raised in London, England and of Indian/Punjabi heritage, Sean started rapping at 11 and credits rap with helping him structure, produce and write songs. Amazingly, at the same time he was exploring his artistic side, Sean was at med school; surely a steadier profession than 'pop-star.' Luckily Sean's parents had his back. He eventually switched to R&B music, in part because of his Indian heritage, which made it difficult for him to break into the British rap scene. When it comes to the business of being a singer there are artists, there are stars and there are phenomenons. Sean is all of the above. The proof is in the press, the sales, the fans and above all, the music.

New York-based Singer/  songwriter Brendan James is getting ready to release his sophomore self-titled album on September 7 via Decca Records, and just debuted the video for the album's Fray-ish lead single "The Fall," co-starring actress and model Melissa Ordway, and directed by her boyfriend Justin Baldoni. James' distinctly detached vocal delivery actually keeps the grander moments here in check, subtle cool shadings that keep the focus on the classic pop/rock melodies that burrow quickly into the subconscious.
Born and raised in New Hampshire, and began writing songs during his sophomore year at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. James's inspiration stems from the rich and time-honored singer/songwriter traditions of New England. However, unlike his predecessors, James who accompanies himself on piano, has fused these traditional sensibilities with the experiences of his own generation, resulting in a sound that is overwhelmingly unique and original, yet resonates with the soulful simplicity of the past.
"The Fall", which James wrote about having to let someone go with the knowledge that the freedom of letting them go is the most grounding feeling of all. "I have tried to write a little more abstractly, but I just can't. You are what you are and my heart is on my sleeve. I am a romantic as well as an optimist. I also go through my daily life thinking too hard about certain things. Stuff doesn't roll off of me that easily. So I think my songs have this heaviness meets romance meets positivity."
Despite the finely crafted, melodic piano pop from James on display with his 2008 debut, "As I've matured I've realized that though life is beautiful and enjoyable, it can be legitimately hard," James says. "I didn't know that until I had finished touring behind my first album and I was ready to write about it for this new album." Finding that special not-too-sweet spot that lingers somewhere between hook-heavy, radio-friendly pop anthems and the art of critically credible, personal songwriting, James exudes a gracefully assured ease. Some artists name an album after themselves because they're stumped for another title. James grins at this suggestion. He says, "The album is self-titled because I feel like it's my first recording that really showcases the different sides of me as a musician. It's got everything from the mellow to the upbeat, to the somber to the unashamedly positive."

Filmmaker Eugene Lee Yang was not hired by Marina and the Diamonds or her label to create this 10-minute video, using a medley of tracks from her debut full-length studio album "The Family Jewels." But after watching this enchanting mini-movie, I've been transported into a world of fairy tales and princesses and all things aesthetically stunning. Yang created the video entirely on spec, and according to his YouTube page, he felt truly inspired by Marina's album, and it's a journey of bright lights, beautiful colors, and the most beastly of all things beautiful and bewildering. "I Am Not A Princess" puts a modern, poptastic spin on several storybook tales, from The Little Mermaid to Cinderella to Alice in Wonderland, and uses Marina's songbook as the score.
The 24-year-old Marina Lambrini Diamandis, better known by her stage name, Marina and the Diamonds, is a Welsh singer of Greek descent. She rose to fame after reaching No.2 on the BBC Sound of 2010 poll list, coming 2nd to Ellie Goulding. Despite the name, Marina is a solo act, with the "Diamonds" being what she refers to as her fans. Her musical style ranges from keyboard-based ballads to more up-tempo new wave-style songs with full band backing. This new video is jaw-droppingly-amazing, and I get chills every time.
And here's full story about the video on Marina's YouTube page: "My original spec music video for the incredibly talented indie pop artist Marina and the Diamonds comprised of a supermix of tracks from her inspiring debut album, 'The Family Jewels.' The story reimagines a myriad of classic princess mythologies that every little boy and girl has grown up either adoring...resenting...fulfilling...(or a conflicted mixture of all those feelings), and writes each fairy tale its own unique, modern twist. This message: of carving your own path and ultimately following your heart, regardless of expectation or society, is very near and dear to me and hopefully reflected in the spirit of this film. Marina herself said it best when describing the origin of her musical identity: 'I saw a simple group made up of many people who had the same hearts. A space for people with similar ideals who could not fit in to life's pre-made mold. I was terribly awkward for a long time! I really craved to be part of one thing because I never felt too connected to anybody and now I feel I have that all around me.'"
"My fairy tale dream was this: to produce and direct my ideal music video with no limitations...to allow a spectacular young cast and crew to perform solely off their own creativity...to encourage and embrace diversity on film...to direct a project both my grandmother and little sister could love and understand...and, if anything, to promote a new artist who sincerely deserves more international attention. Artists like her, especially in pop music, are indeed as rare as diamonds, and upon your first listen you'll understand why I chose to feature her music in this passion project. 'I know exactly what I want and who I want to be...'"

Halestorm, American hard rock band from Pennsylvania has just debuted the new video on Noisecreep for group's latest moody "Familiar Taste of Poison," off group's self-titled debut album, which Halestorm unleashes a turbulent torrent of infectious hard rock with Grammy-nominated producer Howard Benson. The band churn out uncompromising rock n' roll anthems, and has been consistently active, writing and performing original music since 1998 and becoming increasingly successful.
"The track is an amazing journey for me," the frontlady Elizabeth 'Lizzy' Hale explained whole story about the track and it's video: "Hi guys, it's Lzzy. Im here to tell you a little bit about our new video for 'Familiar Taste of Poison.' First and foremost, this was the most intense, and enjoyable video Ive ever made! Directed by Mr. Jeremy Alter (director of music videos and films including 'The Perfect Sleep') and written by Anton Pardoe, this video is moving and full of depth, one that you'll watch over and over, just to relive all of the details. Jeremy and his team worked tirelessly on every inch of this video to make sure everything was right."
"A little about the video: This is a movie, set in 1940's Hollywood, shot in film noir style and grace. Myself, a young starlet, the center of a murder mystery. Joe cast as 'Hard boiled Joe,' the head detective in the case. Josh cast as 'Playboy Dr Smith' the suspiciously smarmy boyfriend, and Arejay as, 'the coroner, owner of 'Arejays Cadaver Palace,' and head of forensics, who is helping Joe with the case. This is a 'who done it and how.' You will see Halestorm as you've never seen us before. This is a film full of surprises ( and a special guest appearance if you can guess). Hope you enjoy!!"
"What FTOP means to me: This song to me has always been a realistic way of looking at love. The fantasies and happy endings are just that, fantasies. 'the roses were only to drain my inspiration, the promises were spoiled before they left your lips' There are no rules to live by or follow. Love is torture, a creeping, and slow takeover. Attacking your senses, and awareness. To love someone and take someone in for all they are, and equally (more importantly) for all they are Not, is the most beautiful and poisonous thing. You continue on, with only your flighty mind and slowed heart beat to follow. Battling the opinions of others, questioning yourself and all society says that you're 'supposed to do.' Nothing worth fighting for is ever easy. At this point of no return, you decide that this familiar taste of poison is the only thing that will guide you, the only thing that is in fact real. 'I could fight this til the end, but maybe I don't want to win'. I know that 'the sweet escape is always laced with a familiar taste of poison'. Love, Lzzy"

Treating her fans to a brand new creation, Katy Perry has premiered the official music video via MTV for her second and title track "Teenage Dream" off her forthcoming sophomore album, set to be released on August 24. The midtempo pop song is an upbeat tune about a woman who is falling madly in love and it makes her feel like a teenager again, because she wants him again. It's absolutely in tune with teenage girls' hearts and minds.
Cruising down the highway in a convertible with her welterweight hunk, the 'I Kissed a Girl' hitmaker is madly in love with model Josh Kloss, going through a series of makeout sessions with him in this Yoann Lemoine-directed romantic video, which kicks off in true California cool fashion. Visually, the clip was wonderfully shot with a graying effect that dulls down what otherwise would've been the cliche sunny day in her hometown of Santa Barbara. "It is gonna be completely different from 'California Gurls.' With 'Teenage Dream' you'll see a very raw, almost vulnerable [side]," Perry says about the video. "I had to wear so many less layers of makeup."
"I can't run from where I came from, nobody can," says Perry. When it came time to make her exhilarating second album "Teenage Dream," the 25-year-old singer found herself increasingly drawn back home to Santa Barbara. "I love the vibe that Santa Barbara gives off and I wanted to really tap into the purity of my childhood and that feeling," says the two-time Grammy nominated singer. "It was really fun to get away and walk into the studio with no make-up on." The new album will move you, both emotionally and physically. "I called the album 'Teenage Dream' because I feel like I will always want to be that pin-up poster," Perry says. "I definitely want to be in everybody's dreams at all times until I get to Liz Taylor's age when I'm not in your dreams anymore, and I'm just a diva!"
It's irreverent statements like this that have branded Perry a true American original. She's the extremely talented girl next door with slyly captivating charm. She erases any barrier between pop star and audience by writing all her own material. As much as her life seems to play itself out in the press, she reminds us the real Perry is in every note and every word of her music. Meanwhile, Perry is set to marry Russell Brand later this year and now that she has yet another successful album, it is certain that her personal life is mirroring the success she is seeing in her professional life.

Beluga Heights' island-pop sensation IYAZ is back with the video for his newest single, "So Big," the third single taken from his debut LP "Replay." The JR Rotem produced new catchy little tune has the British Virgin Islands artist declaring his love for his girl. Watch as the dude showers his lady as only a Top 40 recording artist knows how.
The Caribbean singer and rapper makes lilting reggae-infused R&B melodies inspired by island shorties, wireless romance, and the anguish of unrequited love. This wouldn't be the first time IYAZ has crooned about love: His previous hit, "Solo," shows him struggling to make it on his own, sans girlfriend, whereas his 2009 hit "Replay" has the R&B singer failing to get a girl off his mind. Despite two successful singles, Virgin Islands-bred pop star IYAZ' freshman set still has yet to arrive. At this point, of course, there's only one thing to do: drop another single, one "So Big" that the album will take on a life of its own. Over bass beats and a mild keyboard melody, the single "So Big" should be another hit off his dance-driven debut album, "Replay," expected to drop later this year, possibly as late as December.
IYAZ was born into a musical family and grew up in Tortola in the British Virgin Islands. IYAZ's rise to the top of the Billboard charts happened not to long after being discovered by reggae-fusion singer and rapper Sean Kingston on MySpace. With inventive re-imaginings of the reggae-splashed hook-heavy soul popularized by acts like Sean Paul and Sean Kingston in the early half of the 21st century's first decade, Virgin Island-born singer IYAZ swiftly built up a hearty cult following on MySpace. Kingston, in the process of forming his own Time Is Money label, stumbled upon IYAZ's site and snapped up the 23-year-old singer as the maiden signee of his new imprint. IYAZ's debut single, "Replay," which was co-written by Jason Derülo, an iPod name-checking musical stew adding splashes of classical and electronica to his usual island pop, soared on the charts and reached #1Top 40.
In an interview with HitQuarters, his producer J.R. Rotem described IYAZ's creative perfectionism: "Whereas others might work on several songs in one day, he might sit there and work on one song for days. The end result that he gets is usually an absolute gem, so heartfelt and genuine." IYAZ understands that struggle firsthand, because the music business has been challenging for his love life. Instead of cultivating a relationship, he's busy in the studio or touring. But when things get to be too much, IYAZ can always return to his other great love: motorcycles. He just hops on one of his dirt bikes and rides off into the Floridian sunset!

The Aussie-born, UK-based jazz and pop singer Gabriella Cilmi is out with the music video to her new ballad single "Defender," the third release from her second studio album "Ten," which has been in stores Down Under since March this year. The Invisible Men-produced track is a moving ballad which features a marching band drumline to emphasise its lyrical message.
Cilmi (pronounced 'chill me') was catapulted to global fame by her worldwide mega hit, "(There's Nothing) Sweet About Me," and her teen beauty and powerful voice may have quickly marked her out at the beginning of her career, but there was always a depth and variety about her that hinted at richer, wilder things. She has always taken luck into her own hands, and possesses a smoky, whiskey-soaked voice that belies her age and a feisty rock attitude that placed her on the inside fast track to pop stardom. The 19-year-old is set to surprise a lot of people with her bold, fresh musical direction and feisty attitude.
After 'Cilmi's foray into New Wave Disco flopped harder than Magikarp, the Aussie pop star has returned back to a more organic sound for her latest single "Defender." Her toned down the glitz & glamor for the song's music video, trading in her Barbarella space suit and 70's-era nightclubs for a dirty white tank top and the rape tunnel from "Irreversible." It's a touching and empowering ballad, and it fits Cilmi's unique vocal style a lot better than some of her underrated disco jams did.
From a feminine, the songstress transforms into a tomboy in this music video, which was filmed in Chelmsford's water factory. "There was lime scale falling from the walls and it was quite cold and lonely looking, but it had just the right character for the video," Cilmi explained about the filming location. The concept is to follow a girl leaving behind one world, stripping back everything that hides who she truly is and then going into battle to protect someone or something she believes in. In the video we see Gabi strip away from her popstar guise to prepare for combat mode. But who or what exactly is she defending in a wet tank top and baton, we'll never know.