Friday Five, Music

The Friday Five: SXSW Edition

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South By South West (SXSW) is about to descend upon Austin, TX next weekend bringing musicians and industry tech heavy hitters to the city.  Every year, SXSW is known to feature the best artists on the edge of breaking it big and also getting smaller artists some BIG exposure.   SXSW Music runs from March 17th – March 22nd.  Check out our Friday Five acts to check out at SXSW 2015!  Visit SXSW.com for schedule info.

1. Born Cages
Indie rock outfit, Born Cages are currently playing their way to SXSW but once they get to Austin, Born Cages are set to play a showcase or two.   Pre-order the debut album “I’m Glad I’m Not Me” on iTunes or BornCages.com for exclusive pre-order bundles!  You can also get “Rolling Down The Hill” for free on iTunes until March 17th.

2. North Of Nine
We’ve loved Jackson Guthy ever since we jammed to “Pretty Lady” on several stops of the Big Time Rush Tour.  We love his new band, North of Nine, just as much.  If you’re into fun pop-rock, this is the band to check out.  They just released their debut EP, “Alive,” earlier this week!  Watch the video for “Can It Be You?” below.

3.Sam Hunt
Pretty sure we don’t need to explain why you need to see Sam Hunt. Just throw on a clean t-shirt and a shot of cologne, and go.

4. Catfish and the Bottlemen
The British indie rockers just wrapped up a sold out tour across the US, and are about to embark on another sold out tour across the UK.  We’re betting their SXSW showcase will be a hot ticket, too!

5. Wild Party
We’re suckers for clever pop songs, and Wild Party craft some seriously catchy tunes.  They just wrapped a tour with band of the moment Catfish and the Bottlemen, and are about to join Meg Myers on a Spring tour.  Pickup a copy of their debut album “Phantom Pop” on iTunes now!

Country Music, Music, Sam Hunt

Watch Sam Hunt’s “Take Your Time” Video

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Sam Hunt is certainly not one to follow the beaten path when it comes to his music, and his new video for “Take Your Time” is no exception.   While we were expecting a video that mirrored the songs’ lyrics (i.e. Sam goes into a bar, meets a girl, sings to her, every girls’ dream, etc), Sam took an unexpected route with a video that takes on domestic violence.  Watch the video, directed by Tim Mattia, below.

“Take Your Time” is Sam’s 2nd single off his debut album, “Montevallo,” and his 2nd straight go to to #1.  Pickup a copy ofthe album  on iTunes now!  Sam will be joining Hunter Hayes and Lady Antebellum on the Wheels Up Tour all Summer long, after wrapping up his first headlining tour in April.  Check out all of his upcoming tour dates here!

Be sure to follow Sam Hunt & Secret Fangirls for more updates!

Artist to Watch, Boys We Like, Music

The Ugly Club Release New Single “The Lonely”

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NYC indie band The Ugly Club are ones to watch!  They just released a brand new single called “The Lonely” and we can’t wait to add it to our summer playlist.

The Ugly Club write groovy pop music that’s sure to stick in your head for days.  One listen of “The Lonely” and you’ll remember the catchy melody with a light tone on the synths and bass that feels just right.  Smooth vocals float in and out of falsetto throughout the chorus of the track while the drum hits are defined but not overbearing on the song as a whole.

“The Lonely” will be available iTunes and Amazon as well as streaming on Spotify next Tuesday, March 24th.  For now, listen to the single below!

Pick up a copy of The Ugly Club’s single “Passengers” on iTunes now!

Be sure to follow The Ugly Club & Secret Fangirls on Twitter.

Album Release, Artist to Watch, Boys We Like, Music

The Weekend Riot’s “Remember This Night” EP Is Out Now!

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The Weekend Riot have discovered the perfect recipe for catchy songs.  Follow carefully to ensure the best results:  one part Hot Chelle Rae, one part MKTO, a dash of pop punk lyrics, stir in a ukulele, and finish with a hint of whistles.  Mix well, serve chilled with harmonies to garnish.

Each track on the Weekend Riot’s debut EP is different, showing a different side of the band.  You can hear Bruce Wiegner and Johnny Costa’s range of influences in the writing and melodies – these two work together to create some memorable songs.  Their debut EP, produced by Ace Enders (of The Early November), is solid from start to finish, and one of our favorite debuts.  We can’t wait to hear more from this talented duo!

Pick up a copy of The Weekend Riot’s “Remember This Night” EP on iTunes or Amazon now!

The Weekend Riot “Remember This Night” EP Tracklisting
1. 25 Minutes
2. Remember This Night
3. Dedicate To You
4. Hands In The Air
5. Pieces

The Weekend Riot are going on tour across the US this Spring with IM5.  Check out the dates below!

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Get to know Bruce and Johnny better by watching our interview!

Follow The Weekend Riot & Secret Fangirls on Twitter.

Music

Watch Carly Rae Jepsen’s “I Really Like You” Video Ft. Tom Hanks & Justin Bieber

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Carly Rae Jepsen’s first hit single “Call Me Maybe” was known just as much for it’s ubiquitous lip sync cover videos as it was for it’s catchy melody. (Although, we don’t think the hilarious an oh-so-accurate original video got enough credit).  For her new single, “I Really Like You,” Carly made her own version of viral lip synching video – featuring none other than Mr. Tom Hanks.  We’re not sure how anyone will top it, but we’d like to see them try!  Watch the video below, and look for the Biebs to make a cameo, too.

We really really really really like this song.  Pickup a copy on iTunes now!

Be sure to follow Carly Rae Jepsen & Secret Fangirls for more updates!

AJR, Album Release, Music

AJR Celebrate “Living Room” Release at Webster Hall

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Indie pop band AJR released their debut album, Living Room, earlier this week, and celebrated with a concert at NYC’s Webster Hall last night.  The album has been a long time coming for brothers Adam, Jack and Ryan, who got their start by busking around New York.  Those experiences certainly influence their performing style – they’ve mastered the ability to win over a crowd with their energetic playing style.

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AJR promised this wouldn’t be a typical show, and they had quite a few surprises in store last night.  Using a GoPro camera and a selfie stick, they filmed a music video for the fan favorite, “Woody Allen” during their set.  We can’t wait to see how it turned out!   They also took crowd interaction to a whole new level when they played their new single “Infinity.”  Drums were placed just in front of the stage, and Jack passed out drum sticks to the lucky fans in the front row so they could drum along with him.  He later jumped into the crowd after a serious drum-off between the three brothers during “Pitchfork Kids.”  They also invited surprise guest  Alex Wolff on stage to play guitar for “Big White Bed.”

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They played every track off of “Living Room,” and the packed crowd was singing along to every word, even the Overture.  It was fun to see the album come to life on stage, and celebrate how far AJR has come.  “Living Room” showcases AJR’s wide range and unique sound – from the mellow “Growing Old On Bleecker Street” to “Big Idea,” with it’s layered loops and lightening fast verses.  We’re glad that “The Green And The Town” made the album, thanks to the support of their fans, as it’s one of our favorite tracks!

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AJR is proof that if you have a Big Idea (pro tools and a mic), you can do anything you like.

Pickup a copy of “Living Room” on iTunes or Amazon now!

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Setlist:
Overture
Thirsty
The World Is A Marble Heart
Infinity
Growing Old on Bleecker Street
Living on Love
The Green and The Town
Woody Allen
My Calling
Big Idea
Big White Bed
Pitchfork Kids
I’m Ready

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

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Music

Nathan Sykes Debuts “More Than You’ll Ever Know”

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Nathan Sykes from The Wanted (RIP) surprised us all by dropping a new single today!  This is Nathan’s first single since The Wanted announced they were taking an extended break to work on separate projects, and also a nice preview of Nathan’s solo album.

We’re excited for new music from Nathan because he has such an incredible voice.  The track has a retro sound complete with horns and finger snaps in the chorus.  It’s definitely the right musical direction for Nathan’s vocal abilities.  Have you heard him live?  Chills!  Listen to “More Than You’ll Ever Know” below!

Download your own copy of “More Than You’ll Ever Know” for free HERE!

Be sure to follow Nathan Sykes & Secret Fangirls on Twitter for the latest on your favorite artists.

90s, Country Music, Music, On Tour

Shania Twain Going on Final “Rock This Country” Tour

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It’s real, y’all!  Rumors had been going around that Shania Twain would be heading out on tour, and she confirmed the news this morning with a huge announcement on GMA.  The Rock This Country  Tour kicks off in Seattle on June 5th, with dates across the US and Canada throughout the Summer, including a stop at Madison Square Garden!  It’s been 12 years since Shania’s last headlining tour, but after all these years, she’s still the one.  She also announced that this would be her LAST tour ever!

Her two year residency in Las Vegas ended last year, and if that show is any indicator of what to expect on tour, we are in for an AMAZING show.  Her Vegas show had everything: flying motorcycles, live horses, moving sets, leopard jumpsuits, backup dancers, and more.  If you missed it, you can pickup a copy of Shania Twain: Still The One on DVD and get ready to rock this country with Shania all summer.

Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, March 13th, with pre-sales happening a few days before.  Come on over to ShaniaTwain.com for all the details and check out the dates below!

Shania Twain Rock This Country Tour Dates
June 5 — Key Arena – Seattle, WA
June 7 — Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC
June 9 — Rogers Arena – Vancouver, BC
June 11 — Rexall Place – Edmonton, AB
June 12 — Rexall Place – Edmonton, AB
June 14 — SaskTel Centre – Saskatoon, SK
June 15 — MTS Centre – Winnipeg, MB
June 19 — Budweiser Gardens – London, ON
June 20 — Budweiser Gardens – London, ON
June 22 — FirstOntario Centre – Hamilton, ON
June 24 — Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON
June 25 — Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON
June 27 — Wesley Clover Parks – Ottawa, ON
June 28 — Bell Centre – Montreal, QC
June 30 — Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
July 1 — Nassau Coliseum – Uniondale, NY
July 3 — Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
July 7 — Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
July 8 — TD Garden – Boston, MA
July 10 — CONSOL Energy Center – Pittsburgh, PA
July 11 — Van Andel Arena – Grand Rapids, MI
July 13 — Bankers Life Fieldhouse – Indianapolis, IN
July 15 — Veterans Memorial Arena – Jacksonville, FL
July 16 — American Airlines Arena – Miami, FL
July 18 — Bon Secours Wellness Arena – Greenville, SC
July 19 — Time Warner Cable Arena – Charlotte, NC
July 21 — Verizon Center – Washington, D.C.
July 22 — Wells Fargo Center – Philadelphia, PA
July 25 — Palace of Auburn Hills – Detroit, MI
July 26 — iWireless Center – Moline, IL
July 28 — Target Center – Minneapolis, MN
July 29 — AllState Arena – Rosemont, IL
July 31 — Bridgestone Arena – Nashville, TN
August 1 — Philips Arena – Atlanta, GA
August 3 — KFC Yum! Center – Louisville, KY
August 4 — Scottrade Center – St. Louis, MN
August 6 — Wells Fargo Arena – Des Moines, IA
August 7 — Sprint Center – Kansas City, MO
August 9 — Frank Erwin Center – Austin, TX
August 10 — American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
August 12 — Chesapeake Energy Center – Oklahoma City, OK
August 14 — Pepsi Center – Denver, CO
August 15 — EnergySolutions Arena – Salt Lake City, UT
August 17 — SAP Center – San Jose, CA
August 19 — Honda Center – Anaheim, CA
August 20 — Staples Center – Los Angeles, CA
August 22 — Valley View Casino Center – San Diego, CA
August 24 — Save Mart Center – Fresno, CA

Be sure to follow Shania Twain & Secret Fangirls for more updates!

Cody Simpson, Music, On Tour

Cody Simpson Announces Spring Tour in The US & Europe!

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Aussie pop star Cody Simpson just announced the dates for his Spring tour, hitting cities across the US and Europe!  It’s been a minute since he’s toured the US, so we are so excited to see him again this Spring.   It will be his first tour with his new sound, and we can’t wait to see what he has in store.   Tickets go on sale this week – visit CodySimpson.com for more details.  Check all of the dates below and watch his video for “New Problems” now!

Cody Simpson Spring 2015 Tour Dates
April 1st – The Roxy – West Hollywood, CA – Buy Tickets
April 2nd – American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA – Buy Tickets
April 4th – U Street Music Hall – Washington, DC – Buy Tickets
April 5th – World Cafe Live – Philadelphia, PA – Buy Tickets
April 6th – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY – Buy Tickets
April 7th – Opera House – Toronto, ON – Buy Tickets
April 22nd – The Circus – Helsinki, Finland – Buy Tickets
April 24th – Trädgårn – Göteborg, Sweden – Buy Tickets
April 26th – USF Verflet – Berge, Norway – Buy Tickets
April 27th – Folken – Stavanger, Norway – Buy Tickets
April 28th – Train – Arhus, Denmark – Buy Tickets
April 29th – Postbahnhof – Berlin, Germany – Buy Tickets – Soon!
May 1st – Palladium – Warsaw, Poland – Buy Tickets
May 3rd – Gruenspan – Hamburg, Germany – Buy Tickets – Soon!
May 4th – Kantine – Cologne, Germany – Buy Tickets – Soon!
May 6th – Shepherd’s Bush Empire – London, UK – Buy Tickets
May 7th – The Institute – Digbeth, UK – Buy Tickets
May 8th – The Ritz – Manchester, UK – Buy Tickets
May 10th – TivoliVredenburg – Utrecht, Netherlands – Buy Tickets
May 12th – Alhambra – Paris, France – Buy Tickets
May 14th – DYNAMO – Zurich, Switzerland – Buy Tickets
May 15th – Tunnel – Milan, Italy – Buy Tickets
May 17th – Sala Razzmatazz – Barcelona, Spain – Buy Tickets
May 18th – San Miguel – Madrid, Spain – Buy Tickets

Be sure to follow Cody Simpson & Secret Fangirls for more updates!

We are all fangirls at heart.