Not For Sale Benefit Concert @ Avalon Hollywood

On March 21st, a few of our West coast based musicians will be performing together for a special cause. "Not for Sale" is a non-profit organization that aims to abolish human trafficking. It's shocking how lively human trafficking exists around the world and even in our own backyard.

The benefit concert will be at Avalon(Hollywood) and will also be hosted by the undeniably lovable and hysterical Youtube comedian, David So!

Performers for the event will include Joseph Vincent, Clara C, Jayesslee, Boyce Avenue, Satellite and Tournament of Hearts. If you happen to be in L.A. on March 21st, get your tickets here, and stop by for a night of inspiring music and a great cause. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds go towards anti-trafficking movements.

Aziatix @ Highline Ballroom Tonight!

Aziatix will be performing TONIGHT @ Highline Ballroom. Tickets are still available at the door. International awards have started to sweep in for Aziatix's 2011 album release, "Nocturnal." The group is currently on a U.S. tour and will be hitting up their own hometowns as well. Flowsik (Queens, NY), Eddie Shin (Boston) and Nicky Lee (Los Angeles) are returning to perform in New York for the second time in 2 years.

Ready to run with the Postelles?

I first saw The Postelles open for the Wombats a few months ago. After their performance, the Postelles made their way to the merchandise table. I didn't know who they were then, but walked up to them and said, "Yo, you're pretty good. So can I take this match book?"

The Postelles, who also grew up in NYC, sound like a garage band version of the Beach Boys from Grease (yes, the movie). Their songs bring up the spiffy nostalgic all-American feel good mood you have in you. The Postelles are Daniel Balk (Lead Vocals / Rhythm Guitar), David Dargahi (Vocals/ Lead Guitar), John Speyer (Bass) and Billy Cadden (Percussion).

After a few years of back and forth with the big wig music companies, the Postelles eventually chose to combine forces with +1 Music Group and their producer/mentor, Albert Hammond, Jr. from the Strokes. This also meant, finally, a release date for their self-titled debut album on June 7th, 2011.

They'll be back in NYC in October for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon! This marathon series has tour stops around the world and also supports a number of charities. So if you're feeling up for the challenge (specifically, a 10K challenge), then sign up! The Postelles will meet you at the finish line.

The post-race festival will begin at 9:30 AM @ Prospect Park. Whether it's on October 13th or the 22nd is still being disputed by the site. But we still have some time to figure that out. The Postelles will be headlining the festival and it will also be open to the public. Free!

You know what is also free? The songs for download from "Summer Undercovers" on their website.

New York, New York

I'm not going to deny that I've been slacking. I've been busy with another sort of love. I am a New York fan. I was born in New York, bred in New York and bleed New York. So, naturally, I've been very occupied as of late. This is due to the names, Manning, Lundqvist and LIN! Thank goodness one of them is done(on the top!) for the season. I need my sleep.



Still can't believe Jay-Z is a NETS fan...sigh.

PS 22 at it again! This time on a Target ad

I had tears waiting to bust out after I saw this Target ad. Those were tears of joy! This ad features our hometown girl Denise, from P.S. 22 in Staten Island, belting out Rolling in the Deep. Simply beautiful. I'm so proud!

Thanks, Mr. B. For being such an amazing inspiration to all your kids. Your picture should be right next to Webster's definition of "teacher." The difference that you have made in this world will never be forgotten.

Watch the ad below.



Here's the "original" rendition from the halls of P.S. 22!

Jackson Hunt @ The Other Door

If you so happen to be in Los Angeles (and I know some of you are!), make a visit to see our piano man, Jackson Hunt!

Jackson just spent last week in Miami gearing up for his performance at a jazzfest in Wellington, Florida. I'm sure his performance made some new fans before he even returned to his newly adopted home in the City of Angels. Fresh off of this trip, Jackson will be playing at the Open Door in NoHo (who knew there's one outside of NY) this coming Wendesday. It'll be a treat if you get to see him sing, "Dance Dance."

The Other Door @ 8pm on Wedenesday, 2/15
10437 Burbank Blvd
North Hollywood, CA

Hear an update from the man himself =)

Whitney Houston 1963 - 2012

Another one lost too young and too tragically to her own demons. Here's to one of the best and here's hoping that she is finally in a better place.

Celebrate! Superbowl XLVI

Where have I been the last 2 weeks? Just trotting around town with this on...

And singing this...



<3 NY Giants <3

Awesome game played by both teams!

Ellie Goulding on David Letterman Tonight!

Catch Ellie Goulding performing on David Letterman tonight (11:30PM EST on CBS)! Click here for my review of one of her amazing live performances from last year.

This will be Ellie's first performance of the new year. She will also be performing at Terminal 5 at JFK tomrrow night. Drop by if you're in the area. It'll be worth it.

Stephie Coplan and the Pedestrians

Stephie Coplan and the Pedestrians is a fairly new indie ska pop band. Stephie's Pedestrians are bassist John F. Hebert and drummer Shane Considine. Their music is practically Lily Allen's roommate. Or as described in Stephie's bio, their music "creates characters ranging from hipster snobs to wild-child hippies to sadistic flight attendants." They have to be from NYC.

Fortunately, these "characters" got them placed in NY Deli Magazine as December's Artist of the Month. They also recieved the People's Choice Award at Hoboken Music Awards. Not bad for a band that haven't even released an album yet.

Drop by Rockwood Music Hall on Jan. 21st at 8 PM for their debut album release party!

Here's Stephie Coplan and the Pedestrians' latest video, Jerk.

New Heights

Why aren't these guys popular yet? I saw New Heights open for Clara C back in November and I'm just wondering why aren't they popular yet. The songs are catchy of the alternative pop/rock kind. The music and lyrics are like candy to your ears. Sensitive like Nickelback (yes, I think Nickelback is sensitive), but rock-y and distinct like 3 Doors Down. They're even ready for some prime-time TV!

This Washington state based band started 7 years ago. With a few changes along the way, they've steadied it to 4 members made up of lead singer Travis Graham, guitarist Chris Kwak, bassist Tyler Carroll, and drummer Bobby Walker. Their third album, Something to Believe In was released in September 2011. And it's pretty freaking good.

Their touring schedule ends at the end of the month in Seattle. Hopefully, they'll get to make plenty more stops soon.

Take Me On is the second song of the new album, which also features Clara C. As much as I love the fact that there's a music video for this, I gotta say, the taking down of the bad guys AK-47 style were a bit overdoing it. Especially with Clara C's hair staying PERFECT the whole time! I still replayed it a few times, though.



Here's one of my favorite songs, Love Found Me from their last album, Starting Again.

Anjulie - Love Songs vs. Stand Behind the Music

Whoa, Anjulie. Anjulie busted out from the suburbs of Toronto and pitched her self-titled debut album in Canada and the U.S. during the summer of 2009.

Her first album showcased her strong and beautiful voice with jazzy and soul steeped songs such as Boom, Crazy That Way and Rain. Talking about Rain, that song tears your heart out. Slowly.

After making an impressive momentum with her first album, Anjulie went back to the studio and drew up her next move in the music world.

2011 proved to be a very different move. Anjulie introduced her new single, Brand New Bitch, with a very different attitude. It quickly made it onto the pop/dance club scene. And I totally danced my heart out to it. It took a while, but her next single Stand Behind the Music finally debuted in December. This new direction caught a lot of her fans off guard and some were not too happy. But this "new move" is just another platform used to display her talent in that she can be any type of singer whenever she wants to be. Because she can do it, successfully. Like a chameleon. Madonna, anybody?

No you don't stand a chance/For a second in my world/The same old song/You won't last long/If you don't stand behind the music ~ Stand Behind the Music

Even though her style has changed (or is continuously changing), her hooks are always the same. In the sense that it will take you in and not let go. I do warn you that her beautiful voice paired with the arresting hooks that she writes will stay latched onto you for a while.

Love Songs from her debut album, Anjulie.



Anjulie's newest single, Stand Behind the Music (12/20/2011).

Ximena Sariñana @ Mercury Lounge on 1/25

Have you heard? Ximena Sariñana, the Latin Grammy nominated, MTV award winning, Mexican singer songwriter actress(that was a mouthful) will be performing at Mercury Lounge on January 25th. Ximena's 2008 debut album, Mediocre, quickly climbed up to the top of the charts with her jazz infused contemporary indie songs. The first and very succesful single off of the album was, "Vidas paralelas" ("Parallel Lives"). I could only feel what she's singing...because I haven't got a clue on how to speak Spanish. Except amigo, como esta, por que and el bano! Well, sometimes you don't even need words to understand.

The very first time I heard Ximena was on the Spanish version of Jason Mraz's song, Lucky. Then one song led to another and the rest was history.

Ximena released her second album, Ximena Sariñana, in August of 2011. The whole album is in English with the exception of "Tu Y Yo." This album walks a bit of a different line from her first album. It is more alternative and synthpop based. Talking about different, Different is the name of the first single from Ximena Sariñana. Looking forward to see her live performing new and old songs!



Wait, I lied. I also know serrano jamon, pulpo, chorizo, champiñones al ajillo, paella...and of that sort.

NLX - on a card

I love how I find some of our favorite artists popping up in random places. NLX, in this case. For you love birds who want to say something special in writing, check out www.soundsentiments.com for a card based on NLX's song, "Find Love." Hopefully, we'll get to catch her next performance soon!

Happy holidays!

Well, I hope everyone enjoyed their holidays filled with family, friends, laughter and great food! Cheers to a wonderful 2012 =)