andPOP » Rock

Interview: New Cities Kill the Lights But Not the Nightlife

Natalia Buia — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:10:40 +0000

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The day after their second album, Kill the Lights, was released, New Cities stopped to chat with andPOP about the one thing people struggle with the most: balancing business with pleasure. Lead singer David Brown and synth player Nicolas Denis said they were well-behaved on the eve of their big release. They just had a nice dinner with close friends. Somehow we’re not buying it.

“We went to bed early. We’re hardcore like that,” Nicolas says, adding that, for the band, early means 3 a.m.

There’s no denying these six Montreal pop-rockers can morph into quite the party animals when on tour. To keep themselves from burning out, they try to squeeze in as much snooze time as possible.

“I’m sleeping a lot in the van, but I’m not the one that drives the most!” David reveals.

“People think it’s non-stop partying, but when you have to drive six or seven hours a day and have to do a show… for a singer, it gets to be a lot.” Nicolas says.

The band admits they get their admirable tech guy, Jeff, to do most of the driving. Jeff seems to be quite the MacGuyver. It was once reported he saved two of the band members from being attacked by wasps on stage.

“It sounds way more epic online!” Nicolas jokes.

When the band isn’t fighting off winged insects or screaming girls on stage, they’re surprisingly tame. Prior to recording their sophomore effort, which is out now, the band took eight months off to write songs. Talk about dedication. But the band shortly fell into a routine and what better way to break a routine than a spontaneous trip to the island.

“We started writing stuff at our apartment and at some point we went to Barbados,” David says. “We wrote the saddest track ever in Bardados. But we didn’t use it!”

The front man explains they planned on writing more on the Caribbean Island than expected, but as soon as the sun started setting by 6 p.m. the band felt a little less motivated.

Luckily for them, with the help of L.A. production group The Matrix, the band penned 12 catchy, danceable songs now playing at a bar near you.

Now, the band must focus their energy onto something more fun: playing shows. The guys never fail to charm a crowd with their insane stage presence.

“We move around a lot on stage. When you’re lining a tour, you’re definitely playing for more than an hour,” David says, alluding to the fact that he may have moves like Jagger. Alas, he tells andPOP it’s too early in the morning to show off his best moves – the interview was conducted at 9 a.m.

In the meantime, their music videos are enough proof of how lively they can bex. Just wait until their newest video, The Hype, starts playing everywhere. David says they shot the video a month ago and we can expect it to be in high rotation come October 10.

Film Exposes Kings of Leon

andPOP Staff — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 16:58:43 +0000

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After cancelling the remainder of their tour, Kings of Leon have a new film which shines new light into the band.

“They are just tired from touring, they just don’t stop. Everyone needs a break from each other once in a while, and they just need a little time off,” Stephen C. Mitchell, who signed the then-unknown musicians several years ago, told FOX411. “They’re just having a little rest now and they’ll be fine. I’m looking forward to seeing them play again soon. They are still young; they have a whole other chapter ahead of them.”

Mitchell created a film called Talihina Sky: The Story of the Kings of Leon. The film exposes life behind the scenes, and the interesting dynamic of the group.

And in regards to their turbulent relationship?

“They are brothers too so they’re relationship is a little different to other bands, brothers can pretty much say whatever they want to each other,” Mitchell explained.

Interview: Manchester Orchestra Makes Music For Themselves – Is That Selfish?

andPOP Staff — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 14:19:21 +0000

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A lot of bands are into the music business for the money (well, what’s left of it anyways). Manchester Orchestra is into making music for themselves – music that they like. Is that selfish? Anyways we had a chat about what’s new in the world of Manchester Orchestra.

Countdown To The MMVAs: Fefe Dobson

Christian Allaire — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 17:09:10 +0000

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With the MMVAs just five days away, Toronto is preparing for one of Canada’s biggest music block parties. As fans eagerly anticipate their favourite performers, today we’re going to take a look at Fefe Dobson.

Nominated four times for the 2011 MMVAs, 26-year-old Fefe Dobson is no stranger to the music industry. She began her career in 2003 with the pop-rock smash ‘Bye Bye Boyfriend,’ then following up with hits such as ‘Take Me Away,’ ‘Everything’ and ‘Don’t Go (Girls and Boys).’

Dobson has also dabbled in acting and modelling, appearing as Tina Turner in the NBC series ‘American Dreams’ and modelling for a Tommy Hilfiger commercial. She also opened for Justin Timberlake on his European tour.

Now, her current single ‘Can’t Breathe,’ from her latest release ‘Joy,’ is currently in the top 10 on MuchMusic’s ‘Countdown.’

Enter our contest for a chance to win a wristband to the 2011 Muchmusic Video Awards.

Countdown To The MMVAs: Down With Webster

Christian Allaire — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 21:25:38 +0000

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As the MuchMusic Video Awards are quickly approaching (six days!), plenty of fans are eagerly awaiting their favourite artists to rock downtown Toronto in one of Canada’s biggest block parties of the year.

From Simple Plan to Fefe Dobson and Avril Lavigne, plenty of Canadian artists will be on scene to deliver some serious music. And we’re here to explore some of this year’s top artists and performers.

Let’s start with Down With Webster. One of the most anticipated bands of the night, the group is nominated four times for the 2011 MMVAS. The band formed in 1998 at their junior high in Toronto’s Beach community, and after more than a decade of writing, producing, playing shows and perfecting their craft, the band is now set as one of the hottest Hip-Hop Rock groups in Canada.

When the band released their first Gold record ‘Time To Win, vol. 1,’ they spawned three platinum singles, including the ever-so-catchy ‘Rich Girl$,’ three number one videos, and millions of hits on YouTube. Timbaland has even called them “the illest group I’ve ever seen live.” How’s that for success?

The band has since toured across North America, going on to share the stage with some serious heavy hitters like 3Oh!3 and the Black Eyed Peas. They even hosted MuchMusic’s ‘Spring Break 2010′ episode in Cancun, Mexico, and delivered an exciting performance last year at the 2010 MMVAs with a live marching band.

This year, Down With Webster returns to sweep some awards again, this time with their full length debut ‘Time To Win, vol. II’ scheduled to arrive this fall. The first single, ‘She’s Dope,’ is already a hit. You’ll have to wait to see what the band delivers on MMVA night.

Check out an interview we did with the group below, where we ask them what makes good pop music!

Enter our contest for a chance to win a wristband to the 2011 Muchmusic Video Awards.

Jack White And Karen Elson Divorce On Anniversary, Throw Party

Christian Allaire — Fri, 10 Jun 2011 17:04:34 +0000

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‘The White Stripes’ frontman Jack White and his wife, Karen Elson, have divorced on their anniversary and are throwing a divorce party, reports E Online.

The divorce comes after six years of marriage and two kids. But instead of a nasty court battle, the couple is sending invitations to close family and friends for a divorce party, to be thrown tonight.

“We remain dear and trusted friends and coparents to our wonderful children Scarlett and Henry Lee,” the couple says in a joint statement. “We feel so fortunate for the time we have shared and the time we will continue to spend both separately and together watching our children grow.”

“In honor of that time shared, we are throwing a divorce party, an evening together in Nashville to reaffirm our friendship and celebrate the past and future with close friends and family.”

The couple, who got married on June 1, 2005, will celebrate tonight in Music City.

“Karen Elson and Jack White kindly request the presence…at a party to celebrate their 6th anniversary, and their upcoming divorce with a positive swing bang hum dinger,” the invite reads. “The party will include dancing, photos, memories and drinks with alcohol in them. This is only for close personal friends and family so please no plus ones or dead beats.”

Well, this is an odd twist. I like that the two can still be amicable, though, it’s how it should be. White seems like an interesting character so it somewhat doesn’t surprise me that he is throwing a “divorce party.”

Gwen Stefani Says Solo Career Is Over, Focuses On ‘No Doubt’ Album

Christian Allaire — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 16:26:24 +0000

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Gwen Stefani says her solo career is over, reports Entertainment Weekly.

After two successful solo albums, 2004′s ‘L.A.M.B’ and 2006′s ‘The Sweet Escape,’ Stefani says she is done being a solo singer.

“That was a moment in time,” Stefani says. “It went on a little longer than we all thought it would, because it was inspired and you have to go with wherever you’re at in that time in your life … [But] everything works out how it should.”

Stefani now claims that she is focusing all her time on a new ‘No Doubt’ album, which fans are eagerly anticipating. It’s been nearly 10 years since the band released an album, and two years since they reunited for a summer tour.

The band is responsible for such hits as ‘It’s My Life,’ ‘Hella Good,’ and ‘Hey Baby.’

With nine kids onboard between the band and a totally changed music scene, I’m sure we can expect a totally different sound from the band. I’m very, very excited for this reunion, they’ve been a favourite of mine for as long as I can remember.

Aerosmith Heads Back To The Studio

Christian Allaire — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:30:00 +0000

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Aerosmith is heading back in the studio to begin working on their long-delayed new album, reports Billboard.

Not that frontman Steven Tyler is done with ‘American Idol’ for the season, he has plenty of time to work on his own stuff. The singer and his four bandmates plan to reunite next month with producer Jack Douglas, guitarist Joe Perry says.

“Whole band has plans to go into the studio with Jack Douglas second week of July to work on new Aero CD,” Perry tweeted.

The album will be recorded in a Massachusetts studio the band built six years ago. This will be the band’s newest materiel since 2001′s ‘Just Push Play.’

The band has delayed recording due to several reasons, like health problems rising among the members or Tyler’s pushing desire to go solo.

It’s about time – I doubt their new stuff will be as good as the classics, but I’m sure they’ll be back with some fresh stuff!

‘Red Hot Chili Peppers’ Reveal Details Of New Album

Christian Allaire — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 00:20:27 +0000

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The ‘Red Hot Chili Peppers’ have revealed some new details about their highly-anticipated album.

The rock band will be releasing their upcoming album, ‘I’m With You,’ on August 30, 2011 and will mark the tenth studio album for the band.

The album was recorded at East West In Los Angeles and Shangri-la in Malibu, CA and was produced by Rick Rubin, who produced the band’s previous five albums.

‘I’m With You’ will be the band’s newest materiel since 2006′s ’Stadium Arcadium,’ which debuted at No. 1 in 28 countries around the world and delivered such hits as ‘Dani California’ and ‘Snow (Hey Oh).’

The band is also expected to headline at Japan’s Summer Sonic Festival in Osaka beginning August 13^th and in Tokyo on August 14^th. They will also headline the Rock in Rio Festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on September 24^th.

Death Cab for Cutie Explains How They Helped Pioneer Indie Music

andPOP Staff — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:23:22 +0000

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High on life after the release of their newest album Codes and Keys, Chris and Jason from Death Cab For Cutie sat down with us to chat about “What’s Indy”, getting in bed with the Twilight franchise, and their personal experiences with the band. Ben Gibbard, presumably, was busy making out with Zooey Deschanel/riding unicorns through outer space, and was not able to make it to the interview.

Sam Roberts Debuts At Number 3 On Canadian Charts

Christian Allaire — Wed, 18 May 2011 19:15:43 +0000

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Canadian rocker Sam Roberts made healthy debut on the Canadian album charts this week. The montreal-born musician’s fourth full-length disc, titled ‘Collider,’ came in at No. 3 with sales of 7,000.

This album is his first new material since 2008′s ‘Love at the End of the World,’ which entered the charts at No. 1 in May of 2008 and sold 9,000 copies.

His other albums, 2006′s ‘Chemical City’ and 2003′s ‘We Were Born in a Flame,’ checked in at No. 3, and No. 2, respectively.

Closer to the top, Adele’s ’21′ sold 22,000 copies and took the No. 1 spot for a fourth straight week. Jennifer Lopez’s latest album ‘Love?’ sold 10,000 copies and remained at No. 2 in its second week of release. Adele is unsurprisingly still dominating the charts, and this take-over will continue thanks to her current sold out North American tour.

Comedy troupe the Lonely Island had their sophomore disc ‘Turtleneck & Chain’ premiere at No. 4, while Pascale Picard’s ‘Letter To No One’ came up one to No. 5.

It’s great to see Canadian musicians at the top of the charts. Roberts’ music represents everything and anything Canadian, so way to represent!

‘American Idol’ Judge Steven Tyler Releases Music Video

Christian Allaire — Wed, 18 May 2011 16:45:42 +0000

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‘American Idol’ judge and ‘Aerosmith’ frontman Steven Tyler has released a music video for his song ‘(It) Feels So Good.’

He is such a legend, it’s ridiculous. I can’t stress enough how much I envy him. He can wear a sequin jacket, a feather in his hair, and make it look so cool. Check out the video below to see him rock out, befriend an ape, and be all around cool. The man’s still got it.

Lady Gaga Track List Revealed

Christian Allaire — Tue, 03 May 2011 04:51:15 +0000

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The track list for Lady Gaga’s upcoming album ‘Born This Way’ has been revealed. Check it out below:

Born This Way (Original Album)

1. Marry The Night
2. Born This Way
3. Government Hooker
4. Judas
5. Americano
6. Hair
7. Scheiße
8. Bloody Mary
9. Bad Kids
10. Highway Unicorn (Road To Love)
11. Heavy Metal Lover
12. Electric Chapel
13. Yoü And I
14. The Edge Of Glory

Born This Way (Special Edition)

1. Marry The Night
2. Born This Way
3. Government Hooker
4. Judas
5. Americano
6. Hair
7. Scheiße
8. Bloody Mary
9. Black Jesus + Amen Fashion
10. Bad Kids
11. Fashion Of His Love
12. Highway Unicorn (Road To Love)
13. Heavy Metal Lover
14. Electric Chapel
15. The Queen
16. Yoü And I
17. The Edge Of Glory

Bonus Disc

1. Born This Way (Country Road Version)
2. Judas (DJ White Shadow Remix)
3. Marry the Night (Fernando Garibay Remix)
4. Sheiße (DJ White Shadow Mugler)
5. Fashion of His Love (Fernando Garibay Remix)

Lots of these song names sound very… unique. I think the album will be very dark, rock and roll, and heavy – a nice but expected change from Gaga. Her second single, ‘Judas,’ was a nice hint of this new image. The album drops on May 23, and the video for ‘Judas’ drops on the 5th. Can’t wait!

Kid Rock Accepts ‘Great Expectations Award’ – Controversy Ensues

Christian Allaire — Mon, 02 May 2011 18:12:03 +0000

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Kid Rock accepted the ‘Great Expectations Award’ yesterday, reports Billboard.

While accepting the award at the Detroit branch of the NAACP’s 56th annual Fight For Freedom Fund Dinner, Rock announced $100,000 in donations — five $10,000 grants to Motor City-based organizations and $50,000 to the American Red Cross for tornado victims in U.S. Southern states. But not everything was a celebration.

Critics felt it was inappropriate for the NAACP to honor Rock, since he uses a Confederate flag in his stage shows and videos. Outside of Cobo Hall, where the dinner was held, a couple of dozen protesters marched with Say No To Kid Rock signs and at one point burned a Confederate flag over a garbage can.

Adolph Mongo, a Detroit political consultant, said that the flag “stands for hatred, bigotry, racism, murder. Every bigot and racist in this country loves that flag.” He added that, “If Kid Rock was alive in the 50s in Selma (Ala.) he would have beaten up John Lewis and waving the Confederate flag.”

Rock, who attended the dinner with his son, Bob Ritchie, Jr., brother Billy Ritchie and production manager Eric “Shakes” Gryzbowski, told the crowed that “I’ve never flown that flag with hate in my heart, not one ounce.” He explained that his use of the image was an ‘homage’ to Southern rock band Lynyrd Skynyrd, whose “Sweet Home Alabama” was an inspiration for his 2008 hit “‘All Summer Long.’

Rock explained that he made the donations to “turn a negative into a positive,” and concluded his speech by saying that, “I love America, I love Detroit and I love black people!”

Rock returns to the road this week with a pair of casino shows in Thackerville, Okla., before playing the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival on Sunday. He begins a five-date Canadian tour on May 31, then starts a summer tour with Sheryl Crow on July 2 in Cincinnati.

I don’t think this is a big deal, just another case of extremist protestors ruining a night of celebration. Kid Rock is a legend in his own way, so the award was well deserved.

Lady Gaga Releases Second Single ‘Judas’ and Album Cover

Christian Allaire — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 15:39:58 +0000

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Lady Gaga has released her second single ‘Judas,’ which is available for listen at Perez Hilton. The song is also available for purchase on iTunes.

The song has the typical Gaga feel – rock, 80s beats, futuristic vibes – and of course, is sure to anger many Catholics around the world. “Jesus is my virtue, and Judas is the demon I cling to,” sings Gaga.

The song didn’t immediately appeal to me, I’m more of a Britney fan myself, but it’s slowly growing on me. Her songs have a way of creeping up to you. Her fans seem to like it though – it’s already gotten over 6,000 tweets and 5,000 Facebook shares. It’s the beginning of a Gaga revolution – the woman can do no wrong in the eyes of her fans!

Her full studio album ‘Born This Way’ will be released May 23, 2011. Gaga also unveiled her ‘Born This Way’ album cover last night, which can be viewed here.

No Doubt Album Expected To Be Released This Year

Christian Allaire — Sun, 10 Apr 2011 15:59:48 +0000

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Gwen Stefani, lead singer of No Doubt, revealed on ‘On Air with Ryan Seacrest’ Friday that a new No Doubt album is expected to be released sometime this year.

The singer phoned in on Friday to chat about styling the girls on ‘American Idol,’ which she did awesomely if I may say so myself, as well as revealed what’s in store with the upcoming No Doubt record. She revealed the album will be “definitely out this year.”

Although Stefani didn’t mention an exact date, the L.A.M.B. rocker revealed, “we’ve been going for awhile trying to make this record and it’s been super challenging but really fun, we’re trying to enjoy the moment of writing and…it’s just a really fun process and I think it’s going to be out this year,” adding, “it’s generally a really happy album…the main thing we were trying to do is write really catchy good songs.”

Gwen further revealed, “we got about 10 songs done and we want to do a few more just in case, but it’s a really good record, I really love this record.”

I’m so excited by this news! They have always been a favourite of mine. I was so sad when I missed their reunion tour a year ago or so, so this will be a good kickstart to their comeback. I’m glad their taking their time to write this album too, instead of rushing out a bunch of crap like many other bands do. Although I loved Stefani’s solo stuff and her different experimentation, there is nothing that can replace the No Doubt music – it’s just so unique and fresh. Can’t wait!

Finger Eleven – Making Cash in the United States and in Wrestling?

andPOP Staff — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 18:13:59 +0000

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There are a ton of amazing Canadian bands, however not many make a living creating music. So it’s pretty exciting when a band from Burlington, Ontario makes it big in Canada, and then explodes in the United States, and then starts making the big money. It’s even more amazing when they become the theme song for WWE. We spoke to the guys from Finger Eleven about their new release “Life Turns Electric” and their struggle to the top.

VersaEmerge Are Proving Girls Can Rock

andPOP Staff — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 18:31:06 +0000

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Rock music has a stereotype of traditionally being a guy thing. However today there are some awesome rock bands that are lead by female singers, Paramore is an example, and so is VersaEmerge. VersaEmerge is lead by Sierra Kusterbeck, and we spoke to her and band member Blake about having a female lead singer, and how they are taking over the rock world.

The Gaslight Anthem – Not Justin Bieber Fans

andPOP Staff — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 04:14:09 +0000

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Yet another example of something cool coming from New Jersey besides The Sopranos and Bruce Springsteen. The Gaslight Anthem has shaken up the punk rock community, so much that even Pitchfork likes them. We spoke with the band about their recent release American Slang, and also about Justin Bieber. Believe it or not, they are not Justin Bieber fans.

The Flaming Lips Interview – They Are Just So Cool!

andPOP Staff — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 20:07:36 +0000

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The Flaming Lips embody the true artistic experience of music. They have amazing live productions, out of this world videos, and just generally well made music. We had the chance to speak with Wayne from the band about that and of course illegal drugs. Man he is cool!