Instrumental tracks don’t always make the collective radar of the Internet unless they’re under the guise of a pop song. It’s unfortunate, but at least these instrumental covers are introducing a new generation to talented musicians like Lindsey Sterling, Bryson Andres, CDZA and now this dude, Seth Gilliard.
In this Tony Morgan-directed clip, Gilliard performs Ellie Goulding’s “Lights” on the violin at South Carolina’s O-Ku Restarant and Bar. Gilliard performs his covers by ear but is thinking about writing out the sheet music. His performance is powerful and the violin really makes the track’s instrumentals stand out.
Name: Noah
Song: David Guetta’s “Titanium”
Why we’re obsessed: We first saw Noah when he performed a bluesey version of LMFAO’s “Sexy and I Know It” — proving that the song can actually sound classy. His new acoustic cover for “Titanium” is even more electrifying than the storm literally happening right outside my window right now. According to his YouTube channel, he likes to make music with minimal effects and tricks, yet his simple covers capture a spark of something incredible.
Since Noah’s cover really only consists of him strumming the guitar, he can showcase his intriguing chops and visible passion as an artist. More than 106,000 views in six days is well earned.
Background: At just 18, this South Carolina native has been wowing us all by uploading various top 40 covers since 2010. Strumming the guitar or playing the piano, Noah notes he loves all kinds of music, but what he writes is pretty “organic” and includes some good melodies, lyrics and a message.
Watch it here:
It’s no joke. Stephen Colbert is running for President of the United States.
Colbert made the big announcement on Tuesday. First, he appeared as a guest on The Daily Show, where he announced he would be making a decision about whether or not to make an announcement. Taking a stab at BFF Jon Stewart, he said the official announcement would take place on a more prestigious show.
15 minutes later, that more prestigious show turned to be his own. With a shout of “I’m doing it!” Colbert released balloons that cascaded over him, as is his customary self-celebrating gag.
Colbert will be running solely in his hometown of South Carolina, as a “favourite son” of the state. And the surprises kept coming: Colbert will run with both the Democrat and Republican Parties.
According to CNN, Colbert could actually succeed in doing both (though, inevitably he’ll lose, even if it’s just to himself). There is no rule against him running in both primaries, but it will have a hefty price. It costs just $2,500 to be put on the Democrat ballot but $35,000 to run as a Republican. He must also actively campaign for the Democrats if he is to be allowed to run.
The primaries will be held in mid-January. Colbert’s worshiping fans have previously won him numerous honours (like having a Canadian minor league hockey mascot named after him) with their bombardment of voting. So it’s safe to say that the race for President just got a lot more interesting.
