Our Favorite Concerts of 2015

At the beginning of 2015, we decided to keep an official tally of all the shows we went to this year.  That lasted until about February, when we totally lost count.  Here are some of our favorite shows from this past year!

Thomas Rhett – The Paramount – Huntington, NY – February 2015
Thomas knows how to put on a show and gets the audience dancing to every song.  This was one of those shows where everyone knew something special was happening – TR had just had his fourth #1 single from his debut with “Makes Me Wanna,”  setting the tone for the “Tangled Up” era.  We’re glad he found his way into music because we can’t imagine him NOT shaking his south side on stage!

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Hunter Hayes – Ike Hall – West Point, NY – October 2015
We will travel almost anywhere for Hunter Hayes and he ALWAYS makes it worth it.  This was probably one of the craziest shows we went to in 2015 – the cadets were crowd surfing!  Something we never thought we’d see at a Hunter Hayes show.

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Sam Hunt – Irving Plaza – New York, NY – February 2015
They say you never forget your first headlining tour and Sam Hunt’s sold out in a flash but for those lucky enough to score tickets to the “Lipstick Graffiti Tour,” you know that this tour was a non-stop singalong from start to finish.

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The Main Event Tour (NKOTB, TLC, Nelly) – Various Venues – June 2015
How can you go to a NKOTB show just once?  We have no idea because we went to this tour three nights in a row and we still wanted more!  This photo is everything you need to know about this tour.

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Shania Twain – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY – June 2015
Shania doesn’t tour often and she announced in advance that this would be her last ever tour (we hope she changes her mind!)  At least Shania went out with a bang!  The “Rock This Country Tour” was full of Shania’s hits and cool sets that brought her closer to all of her fans.

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Wheels Up Tour (Sam Hunt, Hunter Hayes, Lady Antebellum) – Various Venues – Summer 2015
A lineup so good we had to go not once, not twice, but four times, in three states.  It was totally worth it every single time!

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Dan + Shay – Emporium – Patchogue, NY – October 2015
We can’t say enough good things about Dan+Shay.   They are incredible live – they bring so much energy to the show, night after night.  Their set mixes their album with classic rock, pop, and even a rendition of Boyz II Men’s “I’ll Make Love To You.”  And Shay’s voice + Dan’s harmonies = CHILLS.

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Nathan Sykes – Gramercy Theatre – New York, NY – July 2015
Nathan is extremely talented – he mentioned he was feeling under the weather at this show, but we never would have known because his voice is INSANE!

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DNCE – Knitting Factory – Brooklyn, NY – October 2015
If you’ve heard DNCE’s explosive debut EP, “SWAAY”, then you can imagine how much fun Joe, JinJoo, Cole, and Jack have every night on stage.  Their intimate album release show was a great intro to their new music.

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5SOS – Nikon Jones Beach Theatre – Wantagh, NY – September 2015
Calum, Ashton, Mikey, and Luke have translated their pop punk show to the big stage and this was easily one of our favorite shows this year, and it was at our favorite summer venue! They had cool graphics, a moving stage, and the catchiest riffs that got the ENTIRE crowd singing along.  10/10 – we would totally would have gone every night if we could have!!

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Old Dominion – Bowery Electric – New York, NY – October 2015
After a summer of stadium shows, Old Dominion played an intimate pop up show at one of the smallest venues in NYC for their biggest fans. These guys released one of our favorite albums of 2015 and their show, stadium or tiny club, is insanely fun!  Every song is a JAM!!

Rooney Gives The Gift of New Music

OMG Rooney just dropped the best surprise Christmas gift of them all!  They are releasing new music!  And you can get a free track from them, right now!   And there’s more to come in 2016!!   Head over to Rooney’s Facebook to watch the announcement from Robert Schwartzman and get a link to download “Come on Baby.”

Be sure to follow Rooney & Secret Fangirls for more updates!

 

SecretFangirls.com Interview The Vamps

We sat down with UK pop band The Vamps before their album release show at Webster Hall in New York City and talked pre-concert rituals, their new album “Wake Up”, and what fans can look forward to in 2016!  Watch our interview with Connor, James, Brad, and Tristan below.

Pick up a copy of “Wake Up” on iTunes or Amazon now.  Read our recap of the album release show here!

Be sure to follow The Vamps & Secret Fangirls on Twitter for more updates!

The Friday Five: 2015 Albums of the Year (Country)

It was way too hard to narrow down all of our favorite albums this year to just 5, so we split between pop and country.  Here are our favorite country albums that were released in 2016!  (Okay so we picked 6, deal)

1.Thomas Rhett – “Tangled Up”
Thomas rode the momentum of his hit single “Makes Me Wanna” and the funky vibes of “Crash And Burn” into an an album full of soulful, R&B tinged jams, all country at heart.  “Die A Happy Man,” which Thomas wrote for his wife Lauren, will make you cry; “Vacation” will make you dance, and “I Feel Good” will turn any day around.

2. Hunter Hayes – “The 21 Project”
2015 was the year of trying new things for Hunter Hayes, including how he released music.  After dropping digital singles throughout the Summer, Hunter released a 3-disc set featuring 7 songs as acoustic, studio and live versions.   “Saint Or A Sinner” is one of our favorite songs of the year, no matter how we listen to it. 

3. Kacey Musgraves – “Pageant Material”
Kacey’s latest album sparkles just as much as she does on stage.  She might not be “Pageant Material,” but she sure is great at crafting clever lyrics that anyone can relate to.  Each track has a story of it’s own and they all come together to create one of our favorite country albums of 2015.

4. A Thousand Horses – “Southernality”
What do you get when you mix Lynyrd Skynyrd, Allman Brothers Band, and a whole lot of Southern moonshine? A Thousand Horses released the best “throwback” country rock album this year that we’ll be spinning for years to come.  Standout songs are the title track, “Trailer Trashed,” and “Travelin’ Man.”

5. Old Dominion – “Meat and Candy”
Even the band has commented on the strange name of their debut album but “Meat and Candy” is actually a fitting title for an album that has lots of sweet jams along with some more substantial tracks.  Their live show is not to be missed.

BONUS: Cam – “Untamed”
Released last week, Cam’s album barely made the cut but it’s one of the strongest debut albums we’ve heard in a long time!  We’re still kicking ourselves for not picking up one of those cute yellow flash drive bracelets when we saw Cam open for Dan+Shay!

Listen to AJR’s “Call My Dad”

AJR just dropped a new song today, “Call My Dad,” which is streaming on Spotify now.  Adam, Jack and Ryan announced the track along with a note to their fans.  We’re thrilled to hear they are working on new music, and love their latest single “Let The Games Begin.”  One of AJR’s biggest influences is The Beach Boys and you’ll definitely hear a nod to “Sloop John B” in the new song.  Listen to “Call My Dad” on Spotify now.

Be sure to follow AJR & Secret Fangirls for more updates!

5SOS Release “Jet Black Heart” Music Video

5SOS just dropped the music video for their new single, “Jet Black Heart,” from their sophomore album “Sounds Good, Feels Good.” The band reached out to their fans to hear their stories and included some of them in their music video.  Ashton, Calum, Michael, and Luke wanted to show off their fans and the many different walks of life that 5SOS fans come from.  Watch the video below!

Pickup a copy of “Sounds Good, Feels Good” on iTunes now!

Be sure to follow 5SOS & Secret Fangirls for more updates!

The Vamps Throw “Wake Up” Release Party In NYC

The Vamps played one final show for the year at Webster Hall in NYC, in celebration of the release of their sophomore album, “Wake Up.”   The show was one big party from start to finish, as Brad, James, Connor and Tristan played tracks from the new album along with their hit singles.  The energetic crowd knew every word and shouted and danced along with the band all night.

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Near the middle of the set, the band announced they were going to do something “they’d never done before” as Brad moved from the stage to a box in the middle of the crowd.  He then played a solo, acoustic, unplugged rendition of “Shout It Out.”   It turned into a nice, intimate singalong for everyone.

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It’s hard to believe The Vamps first headlining show (ever!) was in NYC nearly 2 years ago.  They’ve come a long way since then as a band – they’ve sold out the O2 Arena in London, gone on full arena tours around the world all while still remaining their silly selves and good friends.

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The Vamps are fun to watch live because of the incredible energy they bring to every show.  They added in new instrumental parts to songs that displayed their musicianship and ability to keep their show fresh every night.  The guys even rearranged their hit song “Last Night” into a rousing and fun filled ska song that had the entire audience on their feet.

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Near the end of their set, the band took time to do a Q&A with the audience answering all their fans’ burning questions from what’s their favorite pizza topping (Con likes chicken) to what song means the most to them (Brad said “Coming Home”).

Setlist
Rest Your Love
Somebody To You
Cheater
Last Night
Shout About It
Be With You
Sorry (Justin Bieber cover)
I Found A Girl
Wild Heart
Can We Dance
Wake Up

Pickup a copy of “Wake Up” on iTunes or Amazon now!  Also, might we suggest a “Merry Trismas” sweatshirt for the fangirl in your life?

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Be sure to follow The Vamps & Secret Fangirls for more updates!

Austin Mahone Drops “This Is Not The Album” Mixtape

We’ve been (im)patiently waiting for Austin Mahone’s debut album to drop, and he knows it!  So as a special gift to his fans, Austin dropped a free download of his “This Is Not The Album” mixtape.  The project has 19 tracks, featuring artists like Becky G, Kalin and Myles, and Super Duper Kyle.  You can stream “This Is Not The Album” now on SoundCloud, or download your own copy from We Transfer.

We have to give props to Austin for thinking outside of the box, as this is the first time we’ve seen an artist use the file transfer site for a mass (non)album release!   While we still have to wait a little bit longer for Austin’s official debut album, we’re just excited to have some new jams from the one man boyband!  Check out the tracklisting below.

Austin Mahone “This Is Not The Album” Tracklisting
1. “Put It On Me” ft. Sage the Gemini
2. “Same Girl” ft. Kalin and Myles
3. “Brand New”
4. “Do It Right” ft. Rob Villa
5. “Rollin'” ft. Becky G
6. “On Your Way” ft. Kyle
7. “Caught Up”
8. “Something So Real”
9. “Love You Anyways” ft. Rob Villa
10. “Red Lights Remix” ft. Chris Brown
11. “What It Do”
12. “Deep End”
13. “Hate To Let You Go”
14. “Apology”
15. “Who’s Gonna Love You Now”
16. “Hold It Against Me”
17. “If I Ain’t Got You” ft. Kyle Dion
18. “Not Far”
19. “Dirty Work” Remix ft. T-Pain

Listen to “This Is Not The Album” below and make sure you download your (free!) copy now!  Have yourself a Mahomie Little Christmas.

 

Be sure to follow Austin Mahone & Secret Fangirls for more updates!

MAX To Release “Wrong” EP 12/18; Announces 2016 Tour Dates

MAX announced today he is joining R5 on the “Sometime Last Night” Tour, kicking off in February!  Tickets for the shows are on sale now.  MAX will also be offering special VIP packages for the tour, and meeting fans post-show so he can say hey to as many people as possible!  (he gets it).  Stay tuned to Max’s website and make sure you’re signed up to the mailing list for more info when the time comes.  Check out the tour dates below!
“Sometime Last Night” Tour With R5 & MAX Winter 2016

Feb 24th – Count Basie Theatre – Red Bank, NJ – Buy Tickets
Feb 26th – State Theatre – Portland, ME – Buy Tickets
Feb 27th – Beacon Theatre – New York, NY – Buy Tickets
March 1st – Veterans Memorial Auditorium – Providence, RI – Buy Tickets
March 2nd – Flynn Center – Burlington, VT – Buy Tickets
March 4th – Palace Theatre – Albany, NY – Buy Tickets
March 5th – Auditorium Theatre – Rochester, NY – Buy Tickets
March 7th – Santander Performing Arts Center – Reading, PA – Buy Tickets
March 8th – State Theater – Cleveland, OH – Buy Tickets
March 10th – Chicago Theatre – Chicago, IL – Buy Tickets
March 11th – State Theater – Minneapolis, MN – Buy Tickets
March 12th -Des Moines Performing Arts Center – Des Moines, IA – Buy Tickets
March 14th – Holland Performing Arts Center – Omaha, NE – Buy Tickets
March 15th – Brady Theatre – Tulsa, OK – Buy Tickets
March 17th – Orpheum Theatre – Sioux City, IA – Buy Tickets

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MAX is releasing a new EP, “Wrong,” on December 18th.  The EP will feature 3 new songs and a remix of his hit “Gibberish” by Patrick Stump (of Fall Out Boy) and featuring Travie McCoy.   Pre-order a copy of the EP on iTunes now!

Be sure to follow MAX & Secret Fangirls for more updates!

SecretFangirls.com Interview Hunter Hayes

We chatted with the incredible Hunter Hayes at the T.J. Martell Foundation Family Day at Brooklyn Bowl in NYC, where Hunter was performing later in the day.   Learn what Hunter’s favorite part of making “The 21 Project” was, and what fans can look forward to in 2016.  (Hint: more tour dates!)  Watch our interview below!

Pickup a copy of “The 21 Project” on iTunes now!

Be sure to follow Hunter Hayes & Secret Fangirls for more updates!