May
14
Music Feature: Eject
Filed Under Entertainment, Music, Videos | Leave a Comment
All week I’ve been listening to “Caring Again” by Eject, a Los Angeles California based indie rock band. To just say that Eject is another indie rock band would be pretty far from the truth. The band is led by Andy Blunda, a musician who has had quite of experience to help him create the solid sounds Eject has to offer. Blunda was a touring musician with the Texas band Fastball.
The sounds of Eject have been compared to bands such as the Cure, Pink Floyd, Ride, The Smiths, and even U2. Making the comparisons are one thing, but understand the uniqueness of the band as a whole is another. All of the band members collaborate with one another to produce some really good sounding and enjoyable rock songs.
Visit Eject at MySpace to learn more about the band and listen to a few tracks.
In the meantime, here’s the video for the Eject song “Caring Again”.
May
12
Showcase Your Talents, Claim Your Fame
Filed Under Culture, Entertainment, Internet, Music, Recreation, Reviews, Social Networking, Talent | Leave a Comment
I’m excited about a fairly new social networking site that instantly grabbed my attention when I first heard about it on CNN a little while back. Taltopia, a Los Angeles based media distribution and social networking company, launched back in March of 2007. The goal of Taltopia is to provide a platform for people to showcase their talent. Actors, singers, musicians, comedians, artists, models and more are all welcome to participate. If you have the talent, all you have to do is upload your media such as audio, video, or photos, and start being seen.
Not sure of your talents? No problem! You can join the Taltopia critic crowd and begin offering your opinions on those showcasing their stuff. Fans and critics vote for their favorites, giving them that extra edge they seek. Those with talents who get a higher amount of votes get featured on the front page of the website, offering even more exposure for those wanting to claim their fame.
I think sites like this are a fantastic opportunity to gain that extra bit of exposure one needs to get noticed. Those who wish to share their talent have plenty of avenues to explore, but there is always room for additional opportunities. Everyone knows there are talent agencies and talent agents all over the place, but it really comes down to networking and connecting with the right people at the right time. The coolest thing is that Taltopia is a FREE service for everyone. Visitors can register for free and simply create their own profile.
Let’s face it, it seems like everyone is trying to be some sort of celebrity these days. Everyday aspiring talent is searching for casting calls, looking for gigs, and trying to create additional self promotion. And even those who don’t seek celebrity status find alternative ways to participate, like voting for others. Look at the explosive amount of people who vote for their favorites on hit television shows like American Idol and Dancing With the Stars. And those are only just a couple popular shows where you viewers can vote. Growing communities of individuals who strive for fame, fortune, and participation have all come together, and I think a website like Taltopia makes it even more exciting for everyone.
May
5
Free Download of Nine Inch Nails Album The Slip
Filed Under Entertainment, Freebies, MP3, Music | Leave a Comment
Fans of Nine Inch Nails have the opportunity to download the new album The Slip, for free. The group has certainly gained a fair deal of publicity with their free album release. I’m quite sure this helps build massive hype for the tour that is to follow. After listening to the album for the first time, I must say it’s a solid piece of work. Long time fans will relate to extremely unique and creative sounds NIN has always put forth throughout their years creating music.
Trent Reznor has a way of bringing listeners into the music he creates, in a beautiful, yet creepy kind of way. I think that is what has always grabbed my attention every time I have listened to Nine Inch Nails songs. I won’t proclaim I’m their #1 fan, because to be honest there is a lot of NIN songs I take no interest in. But I will admit, the new album The Slip has satisfied me to say the least.
If I had to pick favorites from the album, I’d say “The Four of Us are Dying” and “Lights in the Sky” are the two tracks that really stand out to me. They both have an extreme sense of power and energy that I find amazing. I’m quite sure that I will find myself liking just about all the tracks after a few more listens. And with all that said, I must say thank you to Nine Inch Nails for giving such a treat to all their fans. Great job!
May
2
Music Feature: The Ingenious Musical Creations of Lunar
Filed Under Entertainment, MP3, Music | Leave a Comment
Listen up electronica music fans. If you haven’t heard of Lunar, you’re missing out. Lunar is actually the name that music composer Matt McKegg goes by. The musician from New Zealand has released a couple of fantastic albums that really have a unique way of standing out. His music is best described as a smooth blend of orchestration mixed with both classic and modern sounds. Elements of dance, ambient, and drum n bass are present throughout Lunar’s music.
Lunar’s first album Hybrid Awaken was released in 2006, and his second release Wall of Sound came in December of 2007. The music of both albums are powerful, meaningful, and full of emotion. I’ve listened to both albums quite a few times, and I am always able to pick up something new and original each time. For me, highlights of the album Wall of Sound are songs “Chaos Light” and “Stepping Stones”. Although Lunar’s Wall of Sound is available to purchase at Amazon, you can preview and download the album for free (for a limited time), which I think is amazing. If you like what you hear, you can even download the first album Hybrid Awaken for free as well. It’s awesome there are some fine electronica albums like this available for free.
Listen to “Chaos Light” by Lunar:
Visit the official website of Lunar to either purchase or download the albums for free (for a limited time).
Visit the official Lunar Blog
Visit Lunar at MySpace
Apr
19
If you want to be the vocalist of rock band Velvet Revolver, you just may have the chance. Billboard reported that the popular band Velvet Revolver needs to fill an opening since lead vocalist Scott Weiland left to rejoin and tour with the Stone Temple Pilots. The Grammy Award winning hard rock band formed in 2002 and now consists of former Guns N Roses members Slash, Duff McKagen, and Matt Sorum; as well as rhythm guitarist Dave Kushner of the band Wasted Youth.
Weiland joined Velvet Revolver in 2003, but left the band on April 1st of 2008 after some disagreements surfaced. The split wasn’t too pleasant, but as we all know breakups between band members hardly ever go smoothly. During an interview with Billboard, Slash mentioned that the band will most likely hold vocal auditions via a website. The band is open minded and is interested in hearing from a variety of vocalists.
If you think you got what it takes, here’s your chance to bypass the whole American Idol thing. American Idol is a fantastic opportunity, but not for everyone. And if you are a huge fan of Velvet Revolver, this could be your ultimate rock and roll opportunity. The band is expected to perform in Las Vegas without a new vocalist, each taking turns at the microphone, as well as with some surprise vocalists.