Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles This Century, a pop rock band from Phoenix, Arizona.
There are three main reasons why you should give a listen to This Century: 1. They make immensely catchy music and they seem to like love. 2. They hail from Phoenix, which is also where excellent band The Maine is from, so they are bound to have some of that good music mojo. 3. They’ve just dropped a new album titled Biography of Heartbreak and are spending the summer touring North America on the 8123 Tour.
Origins: Phoenix, Arizona
Band members: Joel Kanitz (Vocals), Sean Silverman (Guitar), Alex Silverman (Bass), Ryan Gose (Drums)
Known for: Creating catchy, dance-y party-starting anthems
Used in a sentence: Despite their depressing new album title, this quartet makes the kind of happy, upbeat, easy music that summer is all about.
File next to: The Maine, The Ready Set, Marianas Trench
Download now: “Slow Dance Night”
Five fun facts:
1. These guys formed the band when most of them were still in high school
2. Before deciding on This Century they were named Modern Poets and Evident Earth
3. They are extremely popular in the Philippines
After weeks of back and forth emails trying to schedule an interview, I finally caught up with the jet setting DJ Antoine on Skype right after he arrived from Italy and before he set off that same evening for Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Such a hectic schedule is nothing new for the Swiss house and electro DJ and producer who is a mega star in Europe. When he is not performing in front of gyrating neon-clothed crowds in exotic locations such as Moscow, Bangkok, Cairo and Dubai, he is working with everyone from Cyndi Lauper, to Snoop Dogg to Pitbull to produce veritable dance anthems.
In fact his album output is positively prolific. To date, DJ Antoine has released 51 albums with his newest album Sky is the Limit scheduled for its North American release on May 14.
“I worked on this album 15 months in my studio with Mad Mark. For me it was important to work with different writers and different singers. Every day some new ideas were born,” he says.
While his personal favourite song off the album is “Crazy World,” because “when I play it in the club you get goose bumps, it goes really under your skin,” other tracks such as Bella Vita and Sky is the Limit deliver the kind of catchy, clean, pump up house that differentiates DJ Antoine from the dirty dubstep sound that’s been popularized by scores of Dutch DJs in North America.
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Iggy Azalea, an Australian rapper.
Iggy Azalea from Sydney, Australia (see what I did there) is the first female and non-American rapper to be featured on XXL’s annual Top 10 Freshman cover issue, and for good reason. She is not afraid to rap dirty while still looking pretty, and there is always something refreshing about a girl who bravely takes on a male dominated genre, and isn’t afraid to look like a girl while doing it. Stay tuned for her debut studio album The New Classic which is set to drop in 2013.
Origins: Sydney, Australia
Full name: Amethyst Amelia Kelly
Known for: Iggy Azalea is known for her no nonsense raps, her platinum blonde hair and tough girl attitude
Used in a sentence: From her first mixtape to her debut album, Iggy’s dedicated to bringing something new to hip hop
File next to: Azealia Banks, Missy Eliott, Angel Haze,
Download now: “Work”
Five fun facts:
1. She came to America by herself when she was 16 after telling her parents she was going on holiday with a friend. Later on she told them she wasn’t coming home
2. She was announced as the new face of Levi Jeans in late 2012. She is also signed with Wilhelmina Models
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Austin Mahonie, a teen pop sensation from Texas.
Austin’s story is one we’ve all heard a 100 times by now. He started out making videos on YouTube, they went viral with more than 90 million views (which is amazing!), a record company noticed, (in this case Chase/Universal Republic), and now the 17 year old aspiring pop superstar is working on his debut album. It’s easy to file Austin away with the other Bieber wannabes crooning about love with dance moves to spare. But unlike the others, Austin’s voice has a husky, mature smoothness which means it doesn’t feel like you’re listening to a child. To hear the magic for yourself, watch for his upcoming debut album drop.
Origins: San Antonio, Texas
Full name: Austin Mahone
Known for: Mr. Mahone is known for his velvety smooth voice
Used in a sentence: It doesn’t take long to see why Austin was signed out of the many YouTube hopefuls
File next to: Justin Bieber, Ryan Beatty, Connor Maynard
Download now: “Say You’re Just a Friend”
Five fun facts:
1. Austin is one of the opening acts on Taylor Swift’s “Red” tour. Yup that’s right, he is touring with the endlessly heartbroken Taylor Swift.
2. He has more than 2.5 million followers on Twitter. That’s more followers than Ryan Gosling.
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Capital Cities, an electro pop band from Los Angeles, California.
Capital Cities is the awesome result of two talented singers and multi-instrumentalists finding each other through Craigslist and realizing that they can make something great. Fortunately for all of us, their realization was an accurate one, which means more fun to dance to songs in our futures, and countless opportunities to marvel at Sebu’s ferociously badasss beard. Their debut album, In a Tidal Wave of Mystery is due to be released on June 11, 2013.
Origins: Los Angeles, California
Band members: Ryan Merchant (frontman), Sebu Simonian (frontman), Nick Merwin (guitarist), Manny Quintero (bassist), Spencer Ludwig (trumpeter), Channing Holmes (drummer)
Known for: Capital Cities is known for expertly crafted melodies and Ryan and Sebu’s voices singing in unison
Used in a sentence: Capital Cities make the perfect music to dance to, whether you’re at the beach, at a bar, or whipping up dinner in your kitchen
File next to: The Mirrors, Goldfrapp
Download now: “Safe and Sound”
Five fun facts:
1. Ryan and Sebu met on Craigslist
2. They have performed with Chromeo, LP, Asher Roth, Jane’s Addiction and Theophilus London
3. Ryan is originally from San Francisco and Sebu was born in Syria
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles NERVO, an Australian electronic duo.
What’s better than a set of identical bombshell twins from Australia? A set of identical bombshell twins from Australia who are talented songwriters and general EDM superstars that’s what. Say hello to NERVO, the powerhouse duo who are coming off a busy weekend of making people sweat at Coachella and prepping to release their debut album.
Origins: Melbourne, Australia
Band members: Miriam Nervo, Olivia Nervo
Known for: This delicious duo is known for their hit-writing abilities
Used in a sentence: Mim and Liv know how to make you dance all night long
File next to: Robyn, Afrojack, Avicii
Download now: “Hold On”
Five fun facts:
1. NERVO have written songs for Ke$ha, The Pussycat Dolls and Ashley Tisdale
2. They did some modeling when they were 16.
3. They have a monthly show called NERVO Nation on SiriusXM’s BPM channel Read more…
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Kilo Kish, a rapper who doesn’t like to be called that, from Florida.
Even though Kilo Kish’s music career kind of started out as something to do with friends, nowadays it’s anything but. Her soft poetic vocals, mixed with her galactic beats are making waves, and so are her other art and fashion ventures. Suddenly everyone from Vogue to Complex is paying attention, with Vogue going so far as to name her an “It Girl.” Take a listen to her single “Navy” and you’ll soon understand what all the buzz is about.
Origins: Orlando, Florida but currently resides in Brooklyn, New York
Full name: Lakisha Kimberly Robinson
Known for: She is known for her kick-ass fashion sense, curly hair and overall artistry
Used in a sentence: Kilo Kish is a visual artist, a painter, a vocalist, a songwriter, a model and an actress; talk about multi-tasking
File next to: Kitty Pryde, KoolKatsKlub
Download now: “Navy”
Five fun facts:
1. She graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a degree in textile design in 2012
2. Lena Dunham is a fan
3. Kilo has dabbled in modeling for Levi’s, Vice, and A.D.I.D.A.S.
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Mia Martina, a pop princess from New Brunswick, Canada.
Don’t let Mia Martina’s glam girl appearance and catchy dance pop sound fool you. She is a devoted musician who has worked her way up from delivering CDs to radio stations as an intern for CP Records, to being one of their main artists. Oh and she gets bonus points for being Canadian.
Origins: Saint-Ignace, New Brunswick
Full name: Martine Johnson
Known for: She is known for her infectious sound
Used in a sentence: Even if you’re a dedicated metal fan, you can’t help but tap your foot and hum along to a Mia Martina track
File next to: Inna
Download now: “Heartbreaker”
Five fun facts:
1. Mia went to Carleton University, which just so happens to be the university I attended
2. The video for her song “Heartbreaker” was shot in Toronto
3. She speaks French, English and Spanish
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Fiona Apple, a lovely singer from New York.
Okay, so technically Fiona Apple isn’t a new artist. She is an artist who blew up on the scene in the mid 90s and early 2000s and then disappeared. But her comeback has been so memorable and massive that I must feature her in this week’s column. Plus her new album has the best title ever: The Idler Wheel is Wiser Than the Driver of the Screw and Whipping Cords will Serve You More Than Ropes Will Ever Do.
Origins: Manhattan, New York
Full name: Fiona Apple McAfee Maggart
Known for: Fiona is known for her trademark piano sound and unique contralto voice.
Used in a sentence: Fiona’s lyrics express raw emotion so deeply, they can make even a rock feel something.
File next to: Florence and the Machine, Billie Holiday
Download now: “Every Single Night”
Five fun facts:
1. Fiona got her start in music when she gave her demo tape to a friend who babysat for music publicist Kathryn Schenker, who then passed it on to Sony Music.
2. Her debut album was certified three times platinum.
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Emeli Sandé soulful songstress from Scotland.
Emeli Sandé is a brilliant songwriter with a beautiful voice who writes the kind of soulful pop ballads that make you feel better on your worst days and provides excellent mood music. Although she is another in a long line-up of UK songstresses to take over North American airwaves, Emeli has carved out a space all her own.
Origins: Alford, Scotland
Full name: Adele Emeli Sandé
Known for: She is known for her phenomenal songwriting abilities.
Used in a sentence: Soulful and beautiful, Emeli Sandé makes the kind of music that goes best with lit candles and a bubble bath.
File next to: Leona Lewis
Download now: “Clown”
Five fun facts:
1.She studied medicine at the University of Glasgow, but dropped out in her fourth year.
2.She has a tattoo of artist Frida Kahlo
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Kitty Pryde, a female rapper from Florida.
Any female rapper named after a badass comic book character who manages to look like a real person as opposed to a caricature (ahem Nicki Minaj) deserves to be heard. Luckily, Kitty Pryde’s lyrics and appearance bring a realness that makes you want to listen. Her “I don’t really care, this is a funny joke” attitude and apparent lack of desire to “make it,” somehow add to her appeal, making more of a statement about the power of the Internet and fame, rather than any definitive statement about white girl rappers.
Origins: Daytona Beach, Florida
Full name: Kathryn Beckwith
Known for: Kitty is known for rapping as if she is talking in a hypnotic baby voice.
Used in a sentence: Whether it’s her Pippi Longstocking appearance, or her frankness in interviews, there is something endearing about Kitty Pryde.
File next to: Jokers in Trousers, Hot Sugar, Kreayshawn
Download now: “Okay Cupid”
Five fun facts:
1. Kitty was part of the comedy hip hop group Jokers in Trousers when she caught the eye of rapper Riff Raff, which lead to the single “Orion’s Belt.”
2. Her stage name is a direct reference to the X-Men superhero.
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Casey Veggies, a hip-hop artist from Inglewood, California.
This 19-year-old from Inglewood, California who once described Toronto as wavy, and who sites Kanye West and Nas as inspirations, has said he wants to show that young artists can rap about more than just dancing and partying, while still remaining cool. So far, it seems like he’s on the right track, with a new album on the way.
Origins: Inglewood, California
Full name: Casey Jones
Known for: Casey is known for his lyrics and trend-setting ways.
Used in a sentence: His name was partially inspired by the fact that vegetables are good for you, and Casey is definitely good listening.
File next to: Kendrick Lamar, Dom Kennedy
Download now: “Smart Water”
Five fun facts:
1. Before he committed to pursuing a rap career, Casey wanted to be a pro basketball player
2. Casey was one of the original, founding members of OFWGKTA, but left to do his own thing
Well it’s that time of year again. Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte has been replaced by the Caramel Brûlée Latte, Christmas music is blaring out of store speakers, and oh yeah it’s cold. So take a time out from dropping subtle hints to your mom, and check out this holiday gift guide for the music lover on your Christmas shopping list. From the new iPod nano, and Beats headphones to concert tickets, you’re sure to find something for whomever, whether they are 10 years old or 55.
1. O.N.I.F.C. Wiz Khalifa, Amazon, $15
Wiz Khalifa’s much delayed and much anticipated sophomore album dropped on Dec. 4. This is the perfect gift for that friend who still sings “Black & Yellow” all the time. You can pre-order it on iTunes and Amazon.
2. iPod Touch Vintage Moustache case, Etsy, $15
So maybe you don’t know what kind of music this person is into, but you know they like moustaches and have an iPod Touch. Behold, the perfect gift.
3. Layla Rose Gold Headphones, The Fancy, $201
If you’re itching to shell out a couple of hundred bucks, but the person on your list is a trend-setter rather than a follower, then consider these gorgeous headphones instead of the Beats. They also come in silver and black.
4. Carbon Audio Zooka Wireless Bluetooth Speaker, Best Buy, $100
Give the gift of better sound with this wireless and affordable speaker, compatible with select iOS, Android, webOS, Windows 7 and QNX devices.
5. Collegiate Turntable by Crosley, Urban Outfitters, $161
Your DJ friend will love this vintage, portable, easily store-able turntable. It comes in blue and pink.
6. Mumford & Sons Babel on Vinyl, Amazon, $15 Read more…
Victoria Abraham defines one up and coming artist each week so you can impress your friends with your musical brilliance. This week, she tackles Of Monsters and Men, an indie folk band from Iceland.
Six-piece band Of Monsters and Men have provided our ears with a seductive mix of slightly dark lyrics set to music that is fun to sing along to. Their songs remain fantastical, while drawing inspiration from random stories the band members have read. With shows all over the world from Brazil and Chile to Germany, Of Monsters and Men are definitely carving a niche for themselves. Now they just need to come out with a “how-to” guide for the pronunciation of their names.
Origins: Garour, Iceland
Band members: Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir (co-lead vocals, guitar), Ragnar Þórhallsson (co-lead vocals, guitar, melodica, glockenspiel), Brynjar Leifsson (guitar, melodica, backing vocals), Arnar Rósenkranz Hilmarsson (drums, percussion, melodica, glockenspiel, backing vocals), Kristján Páll Kristjánsson (bass, backing vocals), Árni Guðjónsson (accordion/keys, backing vocals)
Known for: They are known for their delicious folksy sound and Nanna’s unique voice.
Used in a sentence: Listening to Of Monsters and Men, it’s hard to know if you’re meant to be happy or sad, but the ambiguity is kind of nice.
File next to: Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
Download now: “Little Talks”
Five fun facts:
1. Before Of Monsters and Men, Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir had her own solo project called Songbird.
2. Their song “Six Weeks” is inspired by the true story of American frontiersman Hugh Glass who was thought dead after a bear attack
Today is the last day of Movember. YAY! As of tomorrow males will no longer look like pedophiles and 70s porn stars and females can rejoice.
But how exactly does one end a month-long relationship with the lip fur? Luckily, Rhett & Link from College Humor have provided an easy to follow guide.
Watch it here
Most of these people probably thought they were super badass and innovative right up until the moment they wiped the f*** out.
This compilation of the greatest treadmill fails proves that unless you’re the band Ok Go, you should probably stick to three distinct options when it comes to the treadmill: 1. walking, 2. running, 3. staying as far away as possible at all costs.
Watch it here
Okay. First, let me give the obligatory nod to all the girls out there who do cross-fit and serious weightlifting, and all the boys that do cardio and yoga who might be offended by the stereotypes in this video. Yes, we know you’re out there, and more power to you! But this video is hilarious, because let’s face it, generally there are more girls doing cardio at the gym than guys, and there are bros everywhere trying to look like The Hulk and hitting on girls that just want to work out.
Watch the role-switch here
Australian singer/songwriter Sia has become a familiar voice on the North American airwaves, with Flo Rida’s “Wild Ones” and David Guetta’s “Titanium.”
It’s no secret that she wrote Rihanna’s hit song “Diamonds.” And while Princess Riri definitely does the song justice with her distinctive voice, Sia’s rendition at the Norwegian-American Achievement Awards is pretty boss as well.
Watch Sia own it here
Huskies are pretty cute and so are babies, but together the combination is almost too much. In this video a husky imitates a baby and it’s possibly the best thing I’ve seen all day, and I am not even a dog person. I wonder what they are talking about.
Watch it here
Everyone knows that Teen Mom’s Jenelle Evans is the perfect embodiment of what it means to be a good mother, a good citizen, and an all-around intelligent and decent human being.
So it is only natural that when faced with an option between going to jail for two weeks, or being on probation for another year, Jenelle experienced a dilemma only enlightened human beings such as herself could experience: how can she go to jail at the appointed time when she has second row seats to a Ke$ha concert?? After all, Ke$ha is her idol and she even put feathers in her hair for the concert. FEATHERS!
Watch Jenelle’s brain struggle to let her mouth form coherent sentences here
