Today's Pick

The Brit Award winner Jessie J has taken the UK by storm in the last few months and has teamed up with rapper B.O.B, and officially unveiled the brand new video for brand new single "Price Tag," her second UK single and first US single from her upcoming debut album "Who You Are," due out on March 28 in UK and April 12 in US. The 22-year-old recent pop sensation first saw fame when she began writing tracks for Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, Alicia Keys and Christina Aguilera, has widely been billed as the next big thing, and is armed with the chops to blow people away, and the song-writing skills to pen a worldwide hit.
"Price Tag," an upbeat, energetic dance number that highlights Jessie's booming voice and can still stand out amidst glossy production. Jessie preceded the album by winning Critics' Choice at BRIT Awards. And B.O.B said that he was beyond impressed and is adamant her star will continue to shine, "I see Jessie becoming a powerhouse, definitely, because it's impossible to have that much creativity in one person and for them not to do amazing thing. It wasn't just the fact that she could sing. Good singers, it's not just hitting the note. It's something deeper than that, and you could just feel it in her voice. I feel like she really had a true passion."
Jessie walks back into childhood and shows how to have fun without worrying about the "Price Tag." and the video is a pastel-shaded vision into childhood, featuring the British newcomer dressed up in a variety of fantasy styles and shows the singer in a 'bigger than life' world complete with a giant teddy bear, ballerina music boxes, puppets, dollhouse and a money tree. The clip has her featured guest B.O.B making a cameo. Speaking on the concept of the video, director Emil Nava said: "Just basically sort of came up with the idea thinking about showing things that are larger than life, but don't really matter. It's sort of like this hyper-real, sort of toy world with Jessie bringing a fashion edge to it."
Though her video was made on a very limited budget, but it's simple and colorful. I just love it, the lyrics and the feel-good vibe. The British star was able to get her point across all while wearing some pretty interesting ensembles. She rallying against the consumerist ways of the 21st century, urges people to relax, love one another and stop worrying about money in a newly-debuted music video for her single "Price Tag". The U.K. artist sings in between the feel-good vibes, "Why is everybody so obsessed? Money can't buy us happiness." Jessie is a rising star and there seems to be nothing that can stop her on her ascent to the top.

UK soul Songstress Marsha Ambrosius devotes newly-premiered music video for her new single "Far Away" as a catalyst for her to be able to speak out and to raise awareness about losing a lost one, so it makes sense that for the video Ambrosius chose to focus on an issue that has been in the news a lot lately—gay bullying and suicide. "As an artist I have an opportunity to make music that affects people, and if my music can evoke the emotion that stirs up social awareness and save lives, then why wouldn't I?" The video is getting a lot of buzz because it is the first video from a major-label R&B/Soul artist to really portray black gay men in a sympathetic light.
The Just Blaze-produced ballad "Far Away," is the second single from the formerly of the neo-soul duo Floetry singer's upcoming solo album "Late Nights, Early Mornings," due in stores February 22. The new track makes a bold social commentary by tackling issues surrounding homosexuality and suicide. Near the close of the piece, Ambrosius discloses that she recently lost a friend to suicide, personalizing the emotion in the song. Messages aside, the track features the strong, soulful vocals fans grew to love on songs like "Getting Late" and "Say Yes." Riding a beautiful melody, Ambrosius delivers a solid follow-up single.
The singer said that she was inspired by her own experiences with bullying, and recently released a statement discussing the video and its message. "Dear friends, every year over 1 million people commit SUICIDE. Some were BULLIED because of their SEXUALITY. I lost a friend to SUICIDE, and I'm asking all of you to support alternative lifestyles," Ambrosius states. "Don't put up with or join in with BULLYING. It's time we become more aware in this WORLD. Take a responsibility to make a difference. So if my MUSIC can save one life, I've done my job." Vocally and lyrically the track is quite effective but the visual took it to another level.
Inspired by her real-life experience, the clip revolves around a gay who is shoved aside by people in his neighborhood due to his sexual orientation. It exemplifies the power of music to tackle social issues. Rather than putting on a leotard or a colorful wig and dancing in circles to a catchy beat, Ambrosius addressed the problems facing the gay community through song and hopes her fans follow her footsteps. I did listen to the song before watch the video. I really love her voice and feel like I might have missed out on her talent during her Floetry days. The extraordinary English recording artist sings it beautifully and with great emotion, plus the lyrics are brilliant. Touching and sad stuff. All in all, Ambrosius has crafted an R&B gem.

Nicki Minaj's "Moment 4 Life" is an inspirational joint in which the Queens MC speaks with naked emotion about living out her dreams. The accompanying fantasy video shares a couple of romantic moments with fellow Young Money rapper Drake in their brand new "Moment 4 Life" Music video, which debuted on MTV Thursday night. Fans will finally get a glimpse of Young Money's First Lady cozying up to her labelmate as they walk down the aisle and play up their "are they or aren't they?" status with a kiss in video. Of course, it wouldn't be a Minaj production without a semi-solid theme of complete wackiness: "Moment 4 Life" depicts a Cinderella-esque Minaj enjoying the best night of her life because she's found love in the form of Drake.
"Moment 4 Life" serves as the third single from Minaj's platinum-selling debut album "Pink Friday." The song was produced by T-Minus and written by both performing artists, struggles to make it in the music industry and shows what they have already accomplished. The song is inspired by a story Minaj created, "is about 2 kids that grew up on the same block. They shared their dreams of making it as rappers," the lyricist writes. "They laughed together, they cried together. One day they realize that their dreams have come to fruition. Though they know all things come to an end, they celebrate. They wish that they could have this moment 4 LIFE."
I would be crazy not to describe this video as a fairytale and quite possibly Minaj's actual dream wedding. The music promo was shot back in December 2010 and the setting created by director Chris Robinson has a sort of Shakespearean feel to it, creating a more magical and romantic setting for Minaj and Drake. The comedy definitely came in the very beginning as Minaj had a conversation with herself as a fairy, discussing the big night and her alter ego, "Roman," getting wild with Slim Shady. The clip is also show putting on her makeup, when a pair of shoes magically appear on the table next to her. She is seen mouthing a thank-you to a fairy alter-ego that is carrying a wand and has wings attached to her back. There were lots of fireworks going off!
The favorite hip hop Barbie was heard bragging in an interview about how she can get Drake to do what she tells him to do. Some might say Minaj's "Moment 4 Life" is a glimpse at the real personality of Minaj. It's not too over the top, yet still incorporates her quirks. The 26-year-old Trinidadian raptress, a self-described schizophrenic, is ready for her big moment and continues to build the brand of a real life Disney character princess, and everyone loves it. The "Moment 4 Life" video is sure to be one of the hottest on the charts soon. Meanwhile, the new queen of Hip-hop will appear on tonight' Saturday Night Live show, hosted by 'Social Network' star Jesse Eisenberg.

"I'm a good girl - but I've been bad before." Rose to fame as a contestant on the first season of America's Got Talent in 2006, Alexis Jordan returns with the official video to accompany her second upbeat single "Good Girl," which is off of her self-titled forthcoming debut album, which is set hit shelves in the UK on February 28 and in the US at some point in March. Jordan breaks it down with "Good Girl", a tale of how preconceptions can mask the truth of someone.
After the success of her chart-topping debut single "Happiness," it seems that Jordan is sticking with a similar formula for her sophomore offering. Boppy and upbeat, "Good Girl" is a seriously catchy number. Talking about self-joy, empowerment and preying on an innocent fella who's been taken in by her "lean body" and eye-catching beauty, "Good Girl' showcases Jordan's sassy side as she sings, "I can be a good girl, but I've been bad before," in between the bouncing tune. It is meant to show off Jordan's female independence, as well as a bit of the sassiness that the singer carries. This catchy dance/pop song produced by Stargate looks set to launch her into the dizzy heights of the charts once again. It was intelligent by Jordan's management team to continue her 'light' dance/house sound.
"I want to be really positive, no cussing, none of that," she said. "I'm a young artist and I want to be a role model. A lot of songs are upbeat, and some are ballads. There's a little bit of that country vibe in it, and a little bit of that reggae vibe. My album really has everything." "I'm bringing something fresh, something new and something positive to the world," the 18-year-old singer continued. "Something that is going to leave a mark on history and music. We are going to make this international. That's my goal, it's going to spread all around the world."
The artist, who sits at the cusp of adulthood, brimming with potential and has already signed to Jay-Z's record label Star Roc/Roc Nation. With all of the stars that fill our sky, there are very few that shine as bright as Jordan. With flowing red hair, just as vibrant as her personality, 18 year-old possesses an emotive, awe-inspiring voice that is packed with a power strong enough to brighten our entire world. She is seen dancing around with a bunch of female friends and simply spreading joy in this newly-debuted music video, and makes everyone want to be a good girl. "I want to be really positive, no cussing, none of that. I'm a young artist and I want to be a role model," Jordan said about how she felt about being in the spotlight.

The problem with pop music in 2010 is that there are just too few male electronic pop duos. Diagram of the Heart is a euphoric electronic-pop duo from London, England. They has just unveiled a music video to their first single "If I Were You," which is set to release on March 13. The yet to be released is definitely one to keep your eye on in the future. And understanding the new Diagram Of The Heart video for the new track probably does actually require some sort of diagram.
Having spent the summer defining and refining their epic indie pop sound on the UK's festival circuit, Diagram Of The Heart are set to take 2011 by storm. Masters of the live performance, the London pairing of frontman Kye Sone and producer maestro Anthony Gorry, are destined for bigger and better over the next twelve months. The meaning behind band's name is their music is very beat driven, like a heart beat and the heartfelt upbeat lyrics are all personal and emotive. The best way to describe band's sound is "One foot in the club, One foot in the charts." It wasn't contrived, that's just how it's ended up, and that's where we're headed.
With a fresh dynamic sound that mixes elements of classic pop with an uncanny sense of euphoric dance, Diagram Of The Heart are a unique new British band that cross different genres with effortless ease, and the London electro duo who became the first signings to the legendary and recently resurrected Deconstruction label. It's a huge slice of modern pop music that sees a gentle piano and string drenched opening before a wall of electronic synths crash against an irresistible, beat driven hook that looks set to cement Diagram Of The Heart as the band that will making big splashes in the "ones to watch" lists for 2011.
Dance-pop masterpiece "If I Were You," will be the first major commercial release which is just a way to get things out there without stamping out, and is about building a fan base and letting people feel like they found the music, which I think is important, rather than having it rammed down their throats. The track follows the limited edition singles "Dead Famous" and "Did I?" which set dancefloors on fire earlier this year. Masters of epic sounding glorious pop music, these songs, taken from their forthcoming debut album "Vital Signs," are anthemic and their live set is addictive. Self produced and written by the band it pushes the boundaries of pop, delves headfirst into the world of dance.

If you live in the UK or Ireland you probably already know who Wonderland are, but I only just discovered them and followed on their twitter today. At first glance, Wonderland's arrival on the pop scene seems almost rocket-fuelled. It's another sub-par manufactured girl group set to rival The Saturdays, the part-Irish, part-English quintet managed by X Factor judge Louis Walsh and Westlife's Kian Egan. Wonderland are out with the first music video to their debut single "Not A Love Song," off the five-piece girlband's upcoming debut album on Mercury Records. The single will be released on March 7.
The all warbling, all smouldery looking girl band Wonderland was put together after auditions were held for five females in July 2008, and they spent the past two years making their hotly anticipated debut album. The new girlband will release their debut single "Not A Love Song" in March 7, which was written by Shep Solomon, Adam Argyle and all five girls and was produced by Eliot James. I've spent all of about 10 minutes analyzing the lyrics of the new song and learned they aren't in the mood for love songs, don't want their name to be repeated over and over again, but they do want a big juicy snog.
The group member and Egan's wife, Jodi Albert described the song: "It's a fun and cheeky song about girls having fun. It's got a rocky edge and I'd say there's a bit of country in it too! People have said it sounds a bit like Fleetwood Mac, The Corrs, The Bangles and Taylor Swift, all of which is completely overwhelming and incredible!" The girls filmed video in Los Angeles, and have been talking about it for weeks but now you can watch the girls first music video for their debut single "Not A Love Song" after the Jump.
Honestly, "Not a Love Song" isn't a bad little ditty. It's an acoustic bubblegum-pop record with a slight AC slant, and would make for the perfect background noise when the radio is on and you're driving in your car. But seriously, this is 2011 - Who is checking for acoustic-pop sung by a bunch of clearly-manufactured, completely regular mid-to-late twenty-somethings? You'd think Egan, a member of one of the best selling British bands of all time, and Walsh, one of the UK's most successful music managers ever, would have a better grasp on the marketplace for Wonderland.

Super-adorable indie pop duo She & Him jump back to the past, with ample hints at the future with a super-adorable visual for "Don't Look Back," the third single from their precious 2010 sophomore release, "Volume Two." She & Him's M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel are no strangers to cuteness, but their new video somehow manages to raise the bar. In the span of five minutes, this Jeremy Konner-directed clip packs in sci-fi kitsch, retro typography, synchronized dancing, Deschanel look-alike back-up singers and vintage '60s choreography and everything. Oh, and holograms!
The great thing about music videos is that, no matter the relative merits of the tune, you can still look at attractive people. Take, for example, the new She & Him video, "Don't Look Back." It's catchy, cutesy, and fairly similar to other She & Him songs, while all of the songs are expertly crafted by Deschanel and effortlessly captured by Ward. But the real prize is, of course the always-adorable Deschanel looking irresistible as she lies on a rug amidst a retro-futuristic Scandinavian living room set, salaciously toeing the butt-cushion of a lazy chair with blue-stockinged feet.
"Don't Look Back" is a lovely piece of neo-retro gal-group pop, with some ace vintage instrumentation and gorgeous backing vocals. "Don't look back all you'll ever get is the dust from the steps before," Deschanel, who is the "She" in She & Him, told about this song: "I kept thinking about the Orpheus myth and how I could use it as a parallel for the story in this song. I was playing around with the chord progression and the first line popped in my head. I had just bought an old baby grand piano at a thrift store for my living room and I recorded the demo for this song on that piano. It was a nice way to christen the instrument."
One area of my life that I don't often get to discuss here is my love of music. I wind the week down with a delightful new video from the Deschanel-fronted indie rock darlings She & Him, and spotted this video. "Don't Look Back" is not only a wonderful song, but also a visual trip down mid-century memory lane with furniture, decor and references that I think so many of you will love and appreciate. Whether you're in it for the classic furniture designs, the sounds or both, I hope you'll enjoy this colorful and charming video debut. It's so fantastic to get to celebrate the worlds of design and music colliding. It's a video as sugary-sweet as the song itself. Check it out.

CMT has the exclusive online premiere of Emerson Drive's latest video "When I See You Again." The inspirational turn is the first single off of Canadian country band's sixth studio, "Believe." The single is a touching ballad that reflects the band's emotions in the aftermath of losing their friend and bassist Patrick Bourque, who committed suicide. Emerson Drive wanted to write a song in his memory and this is what the boys came up with! "When I See You Again" has a very simple concept and focuses mainly on the lyrics and the hard times that the band had to go through.
According to band's Lead vocalist, Brad Mates wrote "When I See You Again" to help ease the pain brought on by his passing. "This song has a lot of meaning for everyone in the band. After losing our bass player to suicide three years ago, we tried writing a song that expressed some the emotions that we were going through, and lyrics that other people could relate to who have gone through similar situations. We as a band understand how music can help someone through difficult times in life, and we feel this is one of those songs that hits a chord, from the first time you hear it."
"'When I See You Again' represents the words and feelings of losing someone close," Mates says. "It's the type of song that makes you reflect on that person's character, remembering everything that they stood for. We have been lucky enough in our career to have released 'Moments,' [which was] a song that touched people's hearts and helped them through rough times. 'Moments' was a great example of the healing power a song has. We believe that anyone who listens to 'When I See You Again' will be able to relate the words to their own situation and make things a little easier knowing that someone else out there understands what they are going through."
The video for song was filmed at a Nashville rehearsal studio where the band have frequently practiced over the past seven years. Emerson Drive's fiddle player David Pichette directed the clip, which showcases the raw feelings and emotions that were in the room that day. Watch as the boys of Emerson Drive take you on an emotional journey and shows how music can help those in need. Emerson Drive was the first Canadian country band to reach No.1 on the U.S. Billboard country singles chart with "Moments." Their new album, "Believe,"is literally a celebration of the band's triumph over tragedy, and showcases all of the attributes that have fueled the group's long, steady rise through the Country ranks that personifies the Emerson Drive journey from small-town Canada to the upper reaches of the Country music world.

Avril Lavigne is finally back and ready to release her new fourth studio album, "Goodbye Lullaby," or at least her record label is. The video for the lead single, "What the Hell" debuts on ABC Family today. According to the star, she's been sitting on the album for a year and her label is finally letting it off the shelf. The upcoming album is her first since 2007, and "What the Hell," is the first new material from Lavigne since she contributed the song "Alice" to the soundtrack for Tim Burton's Disney blockbuster "Alice in Wonderland" last year. For me, Lavigne was always the first snotty teenaged popstar with real attitude, and the one of my top five favorite singers of all time!
The 26-year-old pop princess updated her official blog "I have been dying to get back out on the road and do what I love the most... PLAY MUSIC. I know you guys have been waiting for a long time.....and so have I, but not by choice. I have been sitting with this record for a year now. It's really special to me. I have produced a couple tracks alone for the first time, written solo, with friends, I have pushed myself and I feel proud." The long-awaited comeback, "What The Hell?," is a brash, lary wall of pop/rock married with a synthier sound than what we're used to hearing from dear Lavigne, but it's still willing to slap you in the face in with it's whimsical approach to responsibility none-the-less.
Lavigne is as bratty as ever on her new single, the catchy, almost bubbly "What the Hell." The punk-pop starlet described the songs on the album as different from her earlier material: "I'm older now, so I think that comes across in my music, it's not as pop-rock, but more reminiscent of some of my old pop rock stuff. This song is the least personal song to me off this album. It's a fun and funny anthem. It has a broad message about personal freedom. It is the most pop track on the record." The critics also suggest that the song is a "declaration of independence from a former teen star who is storming back onto the scene."
The video was shot last December and directed by Marcus Raboy. With an anthem about a good girl who goes on a crazy-bender, staying out late, swapping boys and exacting psychological revenge, Lavigne showcases an upbeat side, the fun melody may seem innocent, but guys might want to step out of her way. "The music video for 'What the Hell': It's kind of a guy chasing me around, and I hop into a random cab, and he's chasing me," Lavigne explained. "And I go through a clothing store and he chases me, but at the end of the video, it's really just me having a bunch of fun with him, and he's my boyfriend, so I like him in the end." The Canadian singer is out to break some hearts and have some fun in the process.

Another incredible video from the untouchable Fenech-Soler for their latest sultry single, "Demons," the second single to be released from the British electro-pop quartet's self-titled debut album. The newcomer of the year is one of Tracasseur's faves of 2010. They are known to many dancefloor lovers for their punchy synthpop tunes, and is now gear up for 2011 ubiquity. This upbeat, catchy electro-pop jam is a ball of energy, packed with killer melodies and hooks, massive synths and an irresistibly dancey beat.
In the same vein as their previous singles, "Demons" is another fine example of the Fenech-Soler blend; infectious synth-ridden dance-pop following swiftly in the footsteps of the likes of Friendly Fires, Calvin Harris, Frankmusik and so on. "Demons" is a great, energetic song that puts me in a great mood, and literally encourages me to fight my demons off. With a pounding dance beat, and synth piano and effects over front man Ben Duffy's melodic voice and lyrics, the song is as addicting as crack, and a typically immediate tale of late night confusion and self doubt, propelled with urgent dance floor beats.
Fenech-Soler are proving their continued worth with the latest single "Demons." Again they dazzle us with some great indie electro popin' off and go further to widen the band wagon. The Casper Balslev-directed new video, shot in Copenhagen is a performance video made epic by the use of lighting, colors, smoke, wind, slow-motion and all-round tremendous photography. It's a gorgeous-looking video that hotbed of great image-making. The video is also an excellent pop video triumvirate if there was one, though perhaps not quite on par with Bright Light Bright Light's use of wind machines, triangle heads and big spotlights. Still, there's always the next single of which there will be many because Fenech-Soler are jolly listenable.
Borne of a true faith in pop and fermented in the spirit of self-determination, Fenech-Soler's radio-friendly nous and festival verve has delivered an explosive debut. I can't encourage other means of getting the music, but if you are a pirate, I would definitely recommend the entire album. They know how to intertwine lush synth melodies and explosions of rhythms to create glistening pop songs. Their house-infused, synth-fueled electro pop with a lots of blue. green and purple filters, a smoke and wind machines and some fab tune-age of course. Though most of them only vary slightly from the others, the nine remixes circulated alongside the original mix of "Demons" make the four-piece's track suitable for many club DJ's alongside their radio-friendly, synth-pop original.

Treating her fans to a brand new offering, Pink has created a harrowing video for her hit single "F**kin' Perfect" (clean version is called "Perfect"). Directed by David Meyers, the lensman behind Katy Perry's "Firework" video, chronicles the painful struggle and abusive life of a young girl (played by "Napleon Dynamite" alum Tina Majorino), who is battling personal demons throughout the duration of her life. The intense, disturbing, and hopeful video also comes with a very heartfelt and passionate personal note from Pink. The track is the second single from her first compilation album, "Greatest Hits... So Far!!!."
Pink isn't afraid to get gritty or graphic, and therein lies its power. The expecting 31-year-old singer's new video wades into some pretty dark waters: attempted suicide, gruesome self-mutilation, an implied eating disorder, and an overarching theme of soul-crushing social alienation. However, despite the disturbing content, rest assured, this story has a happy ending. Pink sings her heart out in her mega powerful new video for her latest song. "I'm sure my newest video for "F**kin' Perfect" will be much like some of my other videos, which basically means I expect it will ruffle some feathers," she wrote in her personal note on her official site.
The songstress also made it clear that she doesn't endorse self-destructive behavior, but instead wants to create open dialogue about the issue. "It's a problem, and it's something we should talk about. We can choose to ignore the problem, and therefore ignore this video, but that won't make it go away," she wrote. "Making this video was a very emotional experience for me, as was writing this song... I don't support or encourage suicide or cutting. I support the kids out there that feel so desperate/numb/powerless, that feel unseen and unheard, and can't see another way... I want them to know I'm aware. I have been there. I see them. Sometimes that's all it takes."
When Pink released her career retrospective, "Greatest Hits...So Far!!!" last November, she was nice enough to include two new singles on the collection: "Raise Your Glass" and "F**kin' Perfect." And, in many ways, these tracks are two sides of the same coin. Both songs deal with overcoming obstacles, believing in yourself and persevering in the face of great odds. But while "Raise Your Glass" was a storming rah-rah anthem about "little freaks," "F**kin' Perfect" is a more somber, dire affair, although ultimately a triumphant one, and its' new video is an outreach to the outcasts, an extended hand to those on the fringes of society, one that comes with an empowering and all-too-often unheard message of hope. If Pink's new video doesn't make you cry or cringe at some point, you've got thicker skin than we do.

Minneapolis pop-punkers Sick Of Sarah are streaming their music video on mtvU for their new song "Overexposure." The video was directed by Shane Nelson, and The song is the lead track from the group's new album, "2205," kicking off the record with energy not seen in female-fronted-rock since Joan Jett. The all-female five-piece's strong-voiced punky girl-rock has drawn comparisons to bands such as The Breeders and Sleater-Kinney, and the band's sound also draws upon the Minneapolis punk tradition left behind by Husker Du and The Replacements.
When the girls of Sick of Sarah jumped on the stage of Minneapolis' prestigious 7th Street Entry on April 7, the room was shaking with excitement. The sold-out crowd pushed to get closer, waiting for a glimpse of the ladies that had only months earlier departed for a tour across country. After touring behind their self-titled debut LP for most of 2008/2009, Sick of Sarah had built some anticipation for their homecoming, "This was our final Minneapolis show before making the new record, we felt this was the end of the first chapter, and we couldn't wait to show everyone what was coming next," says Lead Singer, Abisha Uhl.
That new chapter is "2205," which will include ten brand new songs, all of them alternating between wild punk rave-ups and super-catchy pop songs, but never sacrificing any of the band's signature energy and enthusiasm. It does hold some filler, notable "Overexposure" and "Kick Back." Although the lyrics are as strong as ever, the songs lack depth and quickly become repetitive pop songs without anything original. "Overexposure" in particular leaves Uhl's vocals flat and experimenting with and expanding on them could add much more to the composition. Spin magazine says, "The women who make up this Minnesota quartet bow at the altar of riot girls' days gone by while simultaneously thumbing their noses at scowling chick-rock cliches." The songs are as bracing as they are familiar.
The all-girl quintet's house and rehearsal space, 2205 Grand Ave has served both as a rotating home for each member of the band over the last few years and as a central creative hub. This location has become such an important symbol to the band's identity that every member has a tattoo "2205" on their inner wrist. The address now lends its name to the new LP, "2205." With this simple gesture, the band has taken an important part of their own lives in order to present it to old and new fans alike in the form of a wild, raucous, catchy new album. The excited Minneapolis fans at the 7th Street Entry may have given Sick of Sarah a welcome homecoming, but with "2205" the band are welcoming fans into their own home.

American Idol album Kimberly Caldwell has released a new video for her latest single, "Desperate Girls & Stupid Boys," which is the lead single taken from her forthcoming debut studio album, "Without Regret," which has continues to be pushed back until April 19, but the release of this single should indicate that her label is ready to push Caldwell's new set of tunes. The 2nd season of American Idol contestant struck a chord with millions of the show's viewers thanks to her gutsy vocals, passionate performances, and earthy charisma.
"Misery loves company, so let's dance until we die," rasps out Caldwell on her new party jam, the catchy song is an empowerment anthem for people everywhere. Penned by Tommy Henriksen, BC Jean (Beyonce's "If I Were a Boy") and Zac Maloy, the song struck a chord with Caldwell immediately after she heard it. She explained, "I automatically connected with this song because life is so much brighter and easier when you stop trying so hard to fit in. It's important to surround yourself with the special people in your life who appreciate you for who you really are and always have your back."
With lyrics like, "Drive, meet me at the corner of hope and hopeless, try to follow me I know a way out," this up tempo song could truly be inspirational to many who feel as though they don't fit in. With the recent rash of reported bullying across America, "Desperate Girls & Stupid Boys" is sure to give hope to people who may feel like outsiders. This Pink-ish bit of pop candy is a dangerous cocktail as a concept, but as a song, it's a really good fit for Caldwell and will hopefully get some radio play. The 28-year-old's confectionary vocal style is summery and airy-light! The redemptive power of music.
"Putting out my debut album is the ultimate dream come true," says Texas native about her upcoming debut CD. "I've been a performer my entire life and everything I've done has led up to this moment. I'm looking forward to people finally getting to know the real me, because I'm laying it all out there for them on this album." On "Without Regret," she wields her full-throttle belt to maximum effect on a series of emotionally resonant, pop-inflected rock songs. The most important thing, Caldwell says, "is that I jumped over to the fearless side. This album is my first step in allowing people to know 'I've been where you are, I hurt like you do, but I've turned it around and made something positive moving forward and so can you.'" Check out the Lex Halaby directed music video for the single below.

Fresh off his chart-topping hit, "Starry Night," Contemporary Christian music artist Chris August has premiered a new video on Christian video-sharing site Godtube.com for his follow-up single, "7x70," taken from the Texas native's stellar debut CD, "Not Far Away," an emotionally resonant collection of soulful pop-rock sing-alongs, touching balladry, and heart-on-sleeve lyricism that is proving to be one of the best-selling New Artist releases in the Christian genre.
August has been through his share of pain and disappointment in this life. "7x70," is one song in particular on his album, was written on the basis of August's heart of forgiveness. "After I had written all the songs and was getting ready to record the album, my producer, Ed Cash said, 'I still feel like you need a personal song, something that really tells your story. Go home tonight and write about what hurt you when you were a kid,'" August says. "He had no idea about my family history. So I went home and wrote the first verse of '7x70' and played it for him the next day. He looked over at me and had tears in his eyes. He said, 'This song has to be on your record.' I thought he was crazy, but I'm so glad it is because writing it has helped me realize that only forgiveness could heal those relationships."
The vulnerable ballad is a deeply personal recounting of the family dynamic under which the latter grew up. Being the product of a broken home, August prayed deeply for "7x70," asking the Holy Spirit to be with him as he worked on what he admits is the most personal song he ever wrote. He says working on "7x70", which grew to become a powerful moving song about forgiveness, brought up many memories with which he had to deal. In the end, "7x70" is a song that will undoubtedly help many, many people across the world come to terms with the bitterness in their hearts, and help them on the road to forgiveness. August writes, "My story is not unique. Everywhere I have been I run into people with similar heartache, struggle, and a deep need for forgiveness in their life. As I am still learning, forgiveness is not a one and done type of mindset, but rather a daily, sometimes hourly effort not up to seven times, but seventy times seven."
The strong message of forgiveness and healing is what makes it truly encouraging for everyone. In this inspiring Evan Kaufmann-Directed video, August attempts to heal his wounds of sin and also gain forgiveness from those in his life who he has sinned against. The chorus is very beautiful and encouraging and it describes how August will do whatever it takes to forgive and forget. He has once again crafted a masterful piece of Christian songwriting. "7x70" deserves to reach a wide audience; its message of redemption, forgiveness, and healing, stands to bless and benefit countless people who are growing up or have grown up in a similar environment. A well-versed, self-taught pianist, guitarist and producer, August sets powerful lyrics about faith, relationships, and heartache to melodies that will get stuck in your head!

I had never heard of Randy Montana until I saw this music video which premiered a few days ago. This country/rock singer has a smooth vocal that makes this song a great listen. This talented young country newcomer who broke through the Top 40 last fall with his debut earworm single "Ain't Much Left of Lovin' You" and he has now returned with his sweetly crafted sophomore effort "1,000 Faces," which we think will be a huge breakthrough for him. Last month, Mercury Nashville artist was in downtown Nashville to shoot the video for his new single. The video, directed by Robert Deaton and George Flanigen, utilized over 60 extras to convert the closed city streets into just another busy day in downtown Music City with the exception of Montana and his band playing in the street.
Produced by Jay Joyce, "1,000 Faces" is the title and second single from his new 3-song EP. Unlike the modern heartbreak of his previous single, "1,000 Faces" is more in the vein of love songs, albeit not the stereotypical lovey-dovey type, and it showcase a powerhouse of an artist in the making. Featuring a lyric that seemingly strings together descriptions of girls in list song fashion but upon further listening, "1,000 Faces" is an ethereal experience of epic proportions. It also feels like a big ole smash hit. The song is a soft love ballad, spouting off listed couplets in easy rhythms. The lists comprise the thousand faces of love, and Montana discards them all, proclaiming: "I dreamed of you, before I ever knew you." The infectious verses seem effortless, and Montana's soft-spoken vocals remind of the uncrafted skill of a Jonathan Singleton.
Montana melts the heart of his dream girl with his new video for the song "1,000 Faces." The video features Montana at an intersection playing with his band while many people and "faces" pass by. "I can't wait for everyone to see this video," says Montana. "Working with Robert and George was awesome. I had a great time talking with the extras and all the people that just walked up to see what all the noise was and why the street was blocked off. There was also a hammered drunk homeless man named Memphis that walked up in the middle of the shoot. He looked at me and said, 'If y'all let me dance, I'll make you more money.' I think he thought we were playing for tips."
Montana got a front row seat to the challenges of the business growing up, since his dad had an artist deal himself back in the late '80s. He comes from country music stock, and well accomplished country stock at that. his boundary-free music captures the yearning of restless young men who are in a hurry to take life as far as they can, men who are sometimes too caught up in the moments of passion to have thoughts of regret. His raspy voice, which sounds older than his years, tells of temptation and consequences while painting musical portraits of wheels turning, fires burning and women scribbling phone numbers on matchbooks. The raspy-voiced Montana, a standout among his 'I'm more country than you' peers, breaks the genre's mold but respects its heritage.

There are so many female singer-songwriters around at the moment that it's difficult to pick the best ones. Following the success of artists like Laura Marling and Florence Welch, a whole stream of female folk singers have emerged from the underground hoping to fill the shoes of their mainstream predecessors. Lana Mir is one to watch. She released her intimate 60's inspired video for her latest single "These Days" off of her self-titled debut album, which is a collection of songs that wholly reflects Mir's unconventional journey both worldly and timeless. The video, shot in the streets of New York City, captures Mir in the studio and New York's meatpacking district.
The Ukrainian born singer-songwriter found that her creative options were limited and albeit her love of music was insatiable in her own country and moved to New York City to boost her music career. After meeting producer Andy Chase, the debut LP was created – a sweet, soothing collection of beautifully innovative and multi-influenced songs sure to make her stand out from the crowd of females in her genre. It's easy to fall for Mir, who finds herself a New Yorker and she's a strong writer with an assertive sense of grace with a voice that sounds incapable of sounding anything but angelic.
Like fine wine or film noir, Ukranian born singer's eponymous debut takes a bit of getting used to. It is a promising beginning for the enchanting chanteuse. The album's 11 airy pop songs are bouncy, warm and flow with unassuming emotion, but they're also uncomfortably straightforward in their intentions. Mir's plaintive vocals are smartly countered by lush production. Her sultry voice and subdued sensuality combined with Chase's warm, gauzy production creates a fitting home for Mir's organic blend of contemporary and vintage 60s-style pop. Mir pours herself into the hushed minimalism of "These Days."
"These Days" is melancholic and a little sad. The acoustic lilt of "These Days," employs spartan instrumentation which posits Mir's voice as the center point and the Ukrainian never disappoints. Artists that embrace minimalism and use it to their advantage will never meet a disgruntled critic and "These Days," proves exactly that. When you see the track "These Days" on her CD, you might get excited to hear her take on Jackson Browne's great track, which was famously covered by Nico. In truth, this "These Days" is her own composition, and "These Days" is a lovely meditation along the same lines of Browne's version: "These days, I know, they weren't meant to last forever." I love it. There's an incredible influx of female folk singers coming into the industry at the moment but there is no doubt that Mir's incredible talent and singing voice will set her apart from the imitators and allow her to create a name for herself as one of the best female singer-songwriters of the moment.

Following a short snippet earlier this week, UK pop singer Alesha Dixon has unveiled the music video for her brand new single "Every Little Part Of Me" in full. The Strictly judge has roped in fellow UK urban R&B star Jay Sean as guest vocals in her corner. The video did keep us watching, wondering what would happen next as they are about to run away and live happily ever after.
Follows up her last effort "Radio," the catchy track, "Every Little Part of Me," marks the third official cut from her latest third studio album "The Entertainer." "Every Little Part Of Me" has hit potential for the Strictly come Dancing judge. It's clearly the most radio-friendly song on the CD, but the official release date for the track has yet to be announced.
I liked the "partners in crime" concept, the clip, which was shot in Miami last month, during which Alesha spared time between her tight working schedule by enjoying winter sun on the beach. The video is stylistically shot with a shaky lens that makes it a bit less relaxing. The duo play a couple who are seemingly on the wrong side of the law, and get busted in a parking lot before being caught by the police. The promo ends on a rather optimistic note with cliffhanger suggesting there will be continuation to this sad-ending story.
It's been a difficult few months for Pop trier Alesha. In spite of a huge budget for her "The Entertainer" LP, the album could only manage a #84 debut on the Official UK Albums Chart, with its preceding and proceeding singles faring only mildly better. Talking about the overall feel of the album, the 32-year-old once said, "This record is more uptempo than the last. It's definitely a club record, a dancefloor album. I like to inject energy onto the audience when I perform and this album allows me to do that." The sexy video is a good one and it's definitely worth watching. However, it does not match the great quality of the track, but it's still a good look for the singers!

Bring on the snow machine and the forlorn looks sent out of frosty windows. Taylor Swift is quietly rolling out her pensive "Back to December" new video Thursday morning for her heartbreaking apology song "Back to December," which tells the story of two lovelorn teens on a wintry day and has graced us with its presence. She takes the "December" mention seriously, as snowflakes fall from inside her home. Though she hasn't said who the song is about, but it certainly sheds light on the level of regret she has for pushing him away, and did admit to being careless in the relationship. The promo projects a mood of darkness, regret and melancholy.
The track, is considered an orchestral country pop ballad and its expressive lyrics are a remorseful plea for forgiveness for breaking up with a former lover, was written solely by Swift as the second single off her latest chart-topping third album, "Speak Now." Swift has elaborated on the painful feelings that went into her new song, "Back to December" is the first time she ever apologizes to someone in a song, something that she never did before. She admitted the song is dedicated to an actual person to whom she had done wrong: "It addresses a first for me in that I've never apologized in song. The person I wrote this song about deserves this. This is about a person who was incredible to me, just perfect to me in a relationship, and I was really careless with him."
In this dreamy and emotional video, the 21-year-old country princess trades glamor for a seemingly makeup-free, casual look that enhances the sheer honesty of the tune. The video shows the pop star singing about her lost love with a mood of melancholy and regret: Swift in tank top and a ribbed cardigan made of sad, wandering the rooms of a sparely furnished house and mourning the love she let go, her misery manifesting as indoor snowflakes of the mind. The singer belts out the lyrics as her lost love walks a wintry landscape. "This is me swallowing my pride, standing in front of you, saying I'm sorry for that night. I go back to December all the time," she sings.
The beautifully wintry and romantic video was directed by Yoann Lemoine, who did Katy Perry's equally dreamy, equally girly clip for "Teenage Dream." The new clip joins her pantheon of modern classics, as while it skimps a bit on narrative, it makes up for it with an almost haunting visual sense. MTV described the video as a bummer, writing it "isn't just about a girl with her calendar permanently stuck on the twelfth month of the year. It's not just about feeling like a Lady Antebellum song. It's about getting stuck in a place of romantic regret." Meanwhile, the video ends with Swift in her snowy home while the ex-boyfriend finds her breakup letter in his coat pocket as he sits alone in the bleachers. Watch it below!

Another girl group tries their luck in the music scene, and are now ready to be unleashed. The five sun-kissed girls from Los Angeles, BG5 (formerly known as 'The Beach Girl5') have released an official video for their debut, the future anthem "Scratch," off the girl group's upcoming debut album. Perez Hilton's raved about them, Popjustice made them their 'Song Of The Day' and they've already appeared on E!'s hit reality show, "Keeping Up With The Kardashians," so our expectations for these girls are very high indeed. From the initial assessment of BG5, it seems that this is going to be a very upbeat and vibrant group which will offer much more than just music.
The five ladies of BG5 have been making waves on their home turf of L.A. and might be the ones to relieve that 'scratch,' literally. Texas born Brooke, Arizona born Mandy, California born Dominique and Noreen, and Australian Laura, ooze confidence, personality, sex appeal and are here to spread their infectious pop tunes. Put them in front of cameras or on stage them a stage and the five transform into BG5, with their killer beats, hooks and jaw dropping dance moves. They believe in loving life, having fun, supporting one another, and being yourself. With original songs and high energy dance performances, BG5 are set to take the world by storm: "Our music combines independence, sexiness and positive energy all at the same time."
The singing, dancing, high-energy crew have come together from various entertainment backgrounds. The quintet met during a gig for the Professional Volleyball AVP tour. Even though they were hired individually for the event, they decided to stay together and continue as a group after their booking was over. From dancing backup for Eminem and Missy Elliot to touring and vlogging with Miley Cyrus to appearing in movie "Bring It On" to having a solo record deal as a teenager, these Girls know the game. Well, it seems that all of their hard work has paid off. Produced by Rock Mafia, the catchy dance track and club single "Scratch," is pop frivolity at its best, and this phenomenon on dance floors has been racing up club charts and bringing back some real unadulterated fun back to circuit.
"'Scratch' is about letting go with the Music," Noreen explained, "I love the play on words connecting the 't-t for tat,' you-better-have-my-back attitude with a DJ scratching... Clever, eh? At the end of the day, Music will always be there for you," Brooke added: "The best part while making the Video for 'Scratch' for me was having the opportunity to see everything for which I've worked so hard take shape. The Music Video shooting process is hard work, but it is definitely one of the pay-offs in an artist's career." These California Girls have the beach on their minds and sunshine in their future.

Broadway bound Ricky Martin is definitely mellowing out in his old age. The Latin heartthrob continued his comeback and just dropped his first video in several years, for "The Best Thing About Me Is You," the lead cut from Puerto-Rican pop crossover's upcoming ninth studio and first bilingual album, "Music+Soul+Sex" which is set for release on February 1. The feel-good vibed song features British soul powerhouse Joss Stone, and in the video, Martin sports an equality symbol on his chest and the video shows loving couples from all walks of life celebrating their differences. A Spanish version of the tune featuring Natalia Jiminez is also being offered.
"The Best Thing About Me Is You," is an upbeat tropical bluesy happy-go-lucky track in the vein of Jason Mraz with so full of positive energy. The words and tempo are upbeat and Martin/Stone voices are great together. It's a lighthearted tune where his "allergy to tragedy" is accompanied by a smiling rainbow of faces. It's clear that the new single and video from Martin is a deeply personal statement for him since coming out about his homosexuality by telling Oprah last November. It offers a clear, heartwarming message about inclusion that, quite frankly, in these divisive times, can never be stressed enough. Martin is very entitled to make a statement, and this one comes with an easy to swallow, lilting melody.
Recently filmed in Miami by Carlos Perez, the video portrays positivity and freedom from beginning to end. It's a relentlessly earnest and upbeat song and clip. The simple video, shot primarily against a white or black background often with equality scribblings in a black marker, features people of all different races, religions and sexual orientation. Of course, the unifying feature is that they're all stunningly gorgeous and straight from a modeling agency. If there was ever a well-intentioned clip, this is it. By the end, the multitudes are all together, gently swaying back and forth with Martin. And Stone does not appear in the video.
Martin was one of the biggest teen idols in Latin America during the '90s and a major figure in American pop music by the end of the decade, but struggled to maintain an international chart presence. Now the unlikely couple have joined forces on "The Best Thing About Me Is You." This isn't anything groundbreaking from the Latin heartthrob. More like nice dinner party music. Still, the addition of Stones warm vocals here gives the song a nice touch. Desmond Child, who is producing Martin's new album, tells that "I'm really excited about the music, the content, because since he's come out it's unleashed his creativity and the scope of what he can sing about and say and do. Once he opened that door, a floodgate of energy and creativity just really exploded."

She is the the girl who toppled Radiohead off the U.K. Albums chart to take the crown at the highest place with her debut album "This Is the Life." She is the singer who shook the Scottish and the rest of European music scenes with her booming voice through singles like "Poison Prince" and "Mr. Rock and Roll." She is Amy Macdonald, a talented Scottish rock/folk musician in her early 20s who started it all with a copy of Travis' CD. Today's pick is her latest tune "Your Time Will Come," the fifth single from her sophomore effort "A Curious Thing." The single was released on December 17, 2010.
It's hard for MacDonald to remember the high point of the two-year period following the release of her 2007 debut "This Is The Life." Being the ever-restless songwriter she's been from her early teens, she's alchemised those experiences into the sound of her second album, "A Curious Thing." Big, bold and dramatic. Intimate, tender and touching. It's MacDonald, full-voiced and rebooted and reenergized. The album's title, she explains, is taken from new song "I Got No Roots," explains, "this life I lead, it's a curious thing but I can't deny the happiness it brings." It's a reflection on the strange turns her life has taken in the four years since she signed a record deal.
MacDonald penned this defiant, encouraging tune, "Your Time Will Come," already a live favorite, as both a big-up to her footballer boyfriend Steve Lovell and as a song that anyone can relate to. She said: "I think there comes a point in everyone's life when they don't know what to do next - they're scared about the future. 'Your Time Will Come' is a positive song that explains that everything will turn out well in the end."
The most wonderful things happen when you least expect it. This is the absolutely the most enjoyable rock or popular music I have experienced in a very long time. MacDonald has softly spoken but with a booming singing voice that snaps you to attention. Despite her Scottish origins, her singing voice is described as partly Irish. Her voice somehow sounds much older than a 23-year-old, that proverbial old head on young shoulders, who writes songs with the grace, wisdom, and proficiency of one with a score more on the clock, as her subject matter is very mature, and themes are universal, but her perspective is decidedly youthful.

I have always secretly loved soulful relaxing music, especially when you need to wind down after a hard and stressful day, so to come across Sarah Joyce, takes the stage name Rumer, was a real treat. Now honestly, I don't tend to follow this kind of music or keep up to date with the latest newcomers unless they're played constantly everywhere I go but this one got my attention. Going from undiscovered musician to one of the most critically acclaimed artists on the music scene 2010 is definitely Rumer's year and she is the one of the most lushious voice's to grace the charts of late has to be one of our one's to watch.
With the follow up the huge success of her debut single "Slow," British newcomer Rumer is causing quite a stir in the UK with a new video for her the bittersweet and deeply soulful follow up single "Aretha," the second single from jazz-pop singer-songwriter Rumer's debut album, "Seasons of My Soul." Behind Rumer's great voice is a significant amount of emotional depth. Lyrically, the album resonates with several key moments from her life: from her parents' painful separation to the time Rumer spent living in a caravan to be near her dying mother, via a decade spent slogging away on the acoustic scene, working as everything from a pot-washer to a popcorn-seller.
"Aretha" is very light and melodic and the lyrics are truly inspiring. It showcases Rumer's extraordinary vocal capabilities far better than the previous single, which is quite a feat. The classic, soulful pop tune is Rumer's cry for help from the one of her musical hero's Aretha Franklin, who she felt was the only person she could turn to when she wrote this song and her mother was going through her own hard times at home. It finds the singer interweaves her relationship with her mother into the tale of a girl seeking solace in Aretha Franklin. As chilled and mellow as "Slow" with a lighter more bouncy feel about it, we think that "Aretha" feels like the musical equivalent of a good old hug. Rumer's debut, then, is a sometimes dark but ultimately uplifting record, made around the time that her luck began to turn.
The Anglo-Pakistani singer was asked to what extent her songs are autobiographical. She replied: "Oh, I think they all are. Sometimes fiction tells a story better than the truth. So a lot of them are stories, but they're stories that are embedded in the truth. 'Aretha,' for example, is a story, but there are loads of true elements in it. And I think it tells a lot of people's stories." Rumer explained why she chose to sing about Aretha Franklin: "She's the Queen of Soul! If you're going to write about somebody who embodies the spirit of music itself you go to the top of the list - and there she is! Her voice is probably the closest you get to God. There's an incredible amount of passion and heartbreak in her voice as she's lost a lot of family members. She's just got something in her voice that puts her at the top of the tree and there's no negotiation."

You may remember that I posted you about Clare Maguire last Wednesday as one of the most exciting new acts to watch in 2011. After the stunning "Ain't Nobody," the Birmingham singer returns with a new video for her follow up single, "The Last Dance," that is the first proper single from Maguire who seems to suddenly be all over the place thanks to her inclusion on just about every 'big in 2011' list going. The bog standard '80s style synth build is nothing to write home about, but the focus of this song is understandably not the instrumentation or the gospel-y backing vocals that are probably unnecessary when all is said and done, but on the voice of Maguire herself.
Written the day after her childhood hero Michael Jackson passed away, "The Last Dance" is the second single and the one of the most personal tunes to be released off Maguire's upcoming debut album, "Light After Dark." The new single will be released on February 20 on Polydor, and her debut album, the heavy-sounding "Light After Dark" follows a week later. The 22-year-old singer describes the album as a big album with epic production. "There's a big, epic production sound to the album, and I'm worried about how I can get that across live. I'm worried and excited about bringing these songs to Ireland. I'm so passionate about this because when you've been waiting 22 years to do something, you really want to get it right."
Not only was writing "The Last Dance" a way for the singer to cope with the untimely death of her childhood hero, it was also a way to vent about the misplaced rumor and innuendo that immediately followed Jackson's passing. "The Last Dance" is probably the most mainstream sounding song we've heard from Maguire thus far, which is definitely a good thing since it should allow her to turn some of this critical buzz into commercial success. It's not a bad tune, and you'll find yourself nodding along wants the drums and bass really pick up towards the middle of the song. Listen to the stunning voice of Maguire as she belts out a self-written number for her long-time idol, Micheal Jackson.
I can't get over how wonderful Maguire's voice is. It evokes a lot of emotions for sure. Listening to this song evokes a very deep, slightly unbearable sense of nostalgia and sadness. Not to sound like some 40-year old going through a mid-life crisis, wanting to recapture my youth or anything. But I think some of you might get what I'm trying to say. It's a very beautiful song. Maguire may be barely in her 20s but she's already got received more accolades in her brief time in the public eye than most acts garner during full careers. The 23-year-old possesses a good ear for pop tunes and deep, throaty wail that landed her on BBC's The Sound of 2011 list. The brummie beauty looks mighty fine in the video to her epic new single, flashing her long legs in a variety of frocks and leotard. Enjoy the refreshing and breathtaking Alex & Liane-directed video below.