DeShonna Johnson

Charli XCX performed ‘Fancy’ last night and KILLED IT

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

British songstress Charli XCX launched her tour with a great start last night at the Webster Hall in New York.

And when I say great start, I mean she slayed it.

During the encore of the artist’s show, she performed the Iggy Azalea hit “Fancy” on which she was featured and received writing credit. Except this time, she decided to take over and do the whole thing solo.

Caught on tape (thanks, Random Fan), XCX sang her usual verses and did some of Iggy’s raps as well. Over a techno beat and packed with confetti, the rendition was a set favorite.

Earlier in the show, she also played Icona Pop’s “I Love It” (on which she is also featured) and multiple songs from her new album, Sucker, which drops Dec. 16.

 

Childish Gambino is baaaack

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

Earlier this week, our favorite actor/comedian/rapper/singer Childish Gambino (Donald Glover) dropped a dual mixtape and EP called STN MTN/KAUAI, proving that time and time again we never know what to expect from Donald. Following him during his dream, STN MTN gives fans a taste of Childish Gambino’s Atlanta blood, while KAUAI represents Gambino’s calmer side once he wakes up from his dreams.

The mixtape, STN MTN, is a Gangsta Grillz project. For those that don’t know, Gangsta Grillz is a series of mixtapes produced by Atlanta’s DJ Drama, where artists rap their own verses over other popular songs beats/mixes for promotional reasons.  The tape is Gambino’s homage to his hometown of Stone Mountain, Georgia and presents Gambino in a new light outside of the typical “white rapper” image that most attribute to him. The music on STN MTN is hype, bumping, and meant for a car with a system. As Gambino channels his “dirty South” Atlanta side on this tape, we will have to see what fans think. I, for one, feel that true fans of Gambino will be in love with STN MTN and play it non-stop.

But, of course, Donald wasn’t going to forget his fans who have fallen in love with his pop influences since “Heartbeat.” After jamming out to the beats of STN MTN, the calm and peaceful EP, KAUAI, rears its beautiful head. The EP is named after the Hawaiian island and features laid back beats and easy lyrics. Putting you in the mind of laying on the beach, KAUAI features “3005 (Beach Picnic Version)” – a revamp of the because the internet hit. Not just a new EP for Childish Gambino, the project also introduces Jaden Smith as The Boy.

STN MTN the mixtape is available for download here! The EP is available for streaming on Spotify and on iTunes for $6.99!

 

BBC release All-Star cover of The Beach Boys “God Only Knows”

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

This is something you don’t want to miss!

In honor of the launch of BBC Music , 27 artists have come together to create the next greatest collaboration cover since ‘We Are The World.’

The artists – from Lorde, Pharrell, Sam Smith, Stevie Wonder, and more – came together to reincarnate the Beach Boys’ hit “God Only Knows” along with the BBC Concert Orchestra.  The cover of the song will be released for purchase to benefit the BBC’s Children in Need charity.

This event comes 17 years after the BBC gathered all-stars for the cover of Lou Reed’s “Perfect Day.”

Watch the video below to see the star-studded video and the heavenly graphics that go along with it!

 

of Montreal is FINALLY Making a Live Album – Vote Now for Your Favorite Songs

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

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So…HUGE news, guys!

Tuesday evening, of Montreal shared on their Facebook page the exciting news that they will finally be making a live album!

Throughout the fall, the “thin/primitive” band – as they like to call themselves – will be recording their upcoming shows. Each night, they will playing a different set, so there will be no redundancy whatsoever. Being loyal to their fans, though, the group created a poll to let the public decide which song they play the most.

Post by of Montreal.

Fans have until 11:59 p.m. ET on Friday, October 3 to cast their vote, and it will be no easy choice. The songs on the poll range from”Colossus” to “Cato as a Pun”- and those are two among the many great songs by of Montreal up for grabs. Despite what happens though, I’m positive the live album will be a hit.

So, stop what you’re doing now and go vote (…for “Suffer for Fashion” *wink wink*)!

 

#RockRollRide: Let Stuart Weitzman’s New Short Be the Standard for All Fashion Ads

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

Shoe designer Stuart Weitzman has partnered up with Julia Restoin Roitfeld to produce what I believe is a perfect model for all fashion advertisements.

The short film premiered today during Paris Fashion Week and has a lot of buzz going around for its series of firsts. For one, this is the first shortie from the shoe designer to be shot by a female director. Julia Restoin Roitfeld, daughter of former editor-in-chief of Vogue Paris, Carine Roitfeld, directed the film for her directorial debut.

Of course, what would a high fashion short film be without high fashion models? The flick stars Poppy Delevingne and fresh face Dylan Penn, daughter of Sean Penn and Robin Wright. To top it off, the short film was set to the sounds of dream pop princess Lana Del Rey.

The music, the lighting, and the graphics are phenomenally matched together, and I wouldn’t be surprised if I found a commercial that mimicked the style soon- oh, look – it took me three seconds.

Sultry music, cute boots, gorgeous models, and simplicity. Perfectly breaking the mold for the typical high fashion ad.  I approve, Stuart and Julia. I approve.

#RockRollRide

 

Watch: The History of Apple Pie: “Jamais Vu”

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

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Indie group The History of Apple Pie makes its way to your ear drums with the release of the new music video “Jamais Vu.”

The group made the video available to the public this morning, and it’s full of guns, a lot of land, and a funky beat. If that’s not enough, it’s got some serious Wes Anderson influences going on.

The group consists of five members: Stephanie Min (vocalist), Jerome Watson and Aslam Ghauri (Guitar), James Thomas (drums), and even  new member, Joanna Curwood (bass).

Other than their video’s premiere, the band has more in store for its fans this week. Tuesday, September 30, the band will release their sophomore album, Feel Something, through Marshall Teller Records. The album will feature 10 new tracks from the group, all recorded at Sublime Studios in London. The album was produced and engineered by the guitarist Jerome Watson with outside help for additional projects.

Although the album won’t be available until tomorrow, you can pre-order it now on Amazon and iTunes.

 

Vine Sensation: Us the Duo

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

If you know anything about Vine, you know its many uses. Whether they are used for making a funny dance craze popular, showing short clips of the news, or just you and your friends saying hey to the world, those six seconds can end up being the beginning of something amazing.

This is nothing short of the truth for Vine couple, Us the Duo. This husband-and-wife duo, Michael and Carissa, are among the most popular Viners with 4 million followers for their six-second covers of popular songs, recently including Naughty Boy’s “La La La” ft. Sam Smith.

The couple call themselves “pop-folk songwriters,” and their music, vocals, and instrumentals live up to that. The couple has a sound that isn’t really familiar, but you love it either way.

Through Vine, the duo gained a wider audience and made fans out of people who may not have known them for their earlier videos on YouTube. Both are musicians (if you couldn’t tell) and married after releasing their first self-titled album in 2012.  Their second album, No Matter Where You Are, was re-released this past May and made it’s way to the top 10 on iTunes. The couple has continued making a name for itself since, performing at weddings, going on tours, and much more.

They even have a show tomorrow in Newark, New Jersey! Their set is a part of the Oprah’s The Life You Want Weekend and will be held at the Prudential Center. Tickets are available here.

To listen to more of Us the Duo, check out their Spotify.

Up and Coming: Jesse Gimbel

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

Jesse Gimbel is a indie rocker based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania where his studio “is the real deal” – his parent’s basement. He is a multi-talented, self-declared audio nerd and has worked with many musicians on projects of their own.

Recently, he released his single, “Don’t Get Comfortable.” The single comes off of Gimbel’s first solo album from Wissahickon Records and is definitely a must hear for any true music geek. The song has the soft and longing vocals of an indie but still embraces the instrumentals of rock. “Don’t Get Comfortable” follows the vulnerability one feels from the end of a relationship, and the video follows that same theme.

With the amazing cinematography, the video portrays the lingering thought of lost love through the symbol of a growing white dot throughout the video. Add the guitar solo to that, and you easily have yourselves a new favorite song.

Outside of his own music, Gimbel is a producer, graphic designer, and a photographer. He has been featured in other artists’ music prior to his venture into the solo world. His upcoming album, “Decathect”, is to be released sometime this fall.  You can download “Don’t Get Comfortable” here.

ADD THESE…To Your Fall Playlist

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

It’s Fall! The temperature has dropped, people are starting to wear layers, and everything the food industry can flavor with pumpkin is on its way. All the while, you are probably still jamming to music. Therefore, in light of the new season, here are three songs you should add to your new Fall playlist. Grab some tea and a book, and watch the leaves turn!

1. Sweater Weather by The Neighbourhood

Aside from the obvious reasons why this should be on your fall playlist, “Sweater Weather” is perfect for cruising with the windows down (slightly) and taking a stroll around the park. Or, as the name implies, you can cuddle up in your favorite sweater.

2. Silence (ft. Josh Barry) by SG Lewis

It seems that during Fall/Winter people either get in relationships, or they are wondering how in the hell they are still single. No matter which group you happen to fall into, though, “Silence” is a melodic song that is calming for windy and reflective nights. There isn’t much of a beat other than the soft piano playing and a light bass line, but still soothing.

3. Teen Spirit by SZA

There isn’t really a reason for how it fits the Fall theme, but the song is too great to not have on any playlist you own. It’s no Nirvana, but”Teen Spirit” is very much like hipster R&B with decent bass and the soft raspy voice of SZA.

ADD THESE…to Your Next Party Playlist

Posted on by DeShonna Johnson

Although it may not be tough to part ways with your typical party music, it’s always nice to add fresh music to a party playlist to keep the hype. Many listen to different genres of music, but it is safe to say — at least I hope it is — that no one is dancing on tables to slow jams.  If so, you may not be at a party but a middle school dance.

clipping.’s “Work Work” featuring Cocc Pistol Cree

A fairly new group, clipping. is a rap trio out of Los Angeles, California that formed in 2010. The song is off their label debut, CLPNNG, and is not the typical, mainstream rap/hip-hop single (hipsters, you’re welcome) but it does have a pretty infectious beat that will make the crowd dance. Whoop whoop.

Sophie’s “Lemonade”

Sophie is a music producer who no one really knows much about except his tour dates, email, and that he is “now in London working on [his] new dance music/remixes/film music,” according to his website.

Nevertheless, the producer’s latest single “Lemonade” is perfect for those that love electronic dance music and rave. The song is only 1:58 long but the bass, the bubbles, the sound effects, and the girl vocals are enough to start a frenzy of sloppy grinding that’ll make for some interesting snapchats.