Tag Archives: Hunter Hayes

Friday Five, Music

The Friday Five: July 4th Playlist

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It’s a holiday weekend and no matter what your plans are, let’s celebrate #Murica with these five songs that should definitely be on your 4th of July playlist.

1. “Young in America” – Danielle Bradbery
There is nothing more American than country music, and we love the new single from country’s sweetheart Danielle Bradbery.  The video features the common #Merica theme of a road trip, with lots of American flags waving.

2.  “Light Me Up” – Hunter Hayes
“Baby you light me up like the fireworks flying on the 4th of July!”  Hunter will be performing on the Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular on NBC this year, and we hope he’ll be bringing back this track from his  “Encore” album, and playing his new single “Tattoo!”  Since most of the East Coast will be dealing with Hurricane Arthur tomorrow, at least now you won’t have to feel bad if your July 4th plans revolve around staying in to watch Hunter perform!   Other performers include Miranda Lambert, Ariana Grande & Lionel Richie.

3. “American Dream” – MKTO
MKTO’s American Dream Tour got its name from their new single, which the guys just performed on Good Morning America.  But this isn’t the same summer song you used to know.  MKTO question what ever happened to the American Dream, and why Jack left Diane.  They were Born to Run Cali here we come.  (The song is also extremely catchy and quotable…sounds like the perfect summer song to us!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGXB9iz0KqU

4. “Made in The USA” – Demi Lovato
As far as “songs about America” go, this one was made to be on your 4th of July playlist.  Name dropping Chevy?  Check. Because aren’t all good things “Made in the USA?” Demi’s video for this song is also very American:  girl meets boy at a carnival and they fall in love. What’s more American than meeting the love of your life at a carnival!?  Nothing. That’s what.

5.  “Make It In America” – Victoria Justice
This is the ultimate summer road trip song and video, featuring the entire cast of Victorious!  Another requisite for making a #Merica song is apparantly referencing “Born to Run.”  Which should already be on your playlist.  “I wanna taste the sun case baby I’m Born to Run!” 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k7xNqF_YU4

BONUS: “Party In The USA” – Miley Cyrus
No matter how hard she tries….Miley will never be able to erase this song from the internet or her discography.  It reaches the Top 10 on iTunes every 4th of July so she can’t complain too much.  This song had a bunch of parodies and spoofs but our favorite is “Party In The F.I.P.”  Watch it below in case you’ve been under a rock for the past 5 years.

Boys We Like, Hunter Hayes, Music

Hunter Hayes’ Next Single: Tattoo!

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It’s official!  The second single off of Hunter Hayes’ new album “Storyline” is “Tattoo!”   Hunter performed the song on the CMT Awards this week. This is one of our favorite tracks off the album, and is sure to be one of the biggest songs of the summer!

As if we weren’t excited enough about one Hunter performance at the CMT Awards, he also teamed up with John Legend and Jennifer Nettles for a special arrangement of “All of Me,” done by the man himself.   We’d be totally okay if Hunter arranged more songs on the radio. And we love how into the performance he is, as always!   Watch Hunter’s rehearsal session for the performance below.

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

AJR, Austin Mahone, Dan+Shay, Friday Five, Hunter Hayes, The Vamps

The Friday Five: Memorial Day Playlist

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Happy Memorial Day Weekend!  We’re sure many of you (including us) are traveling for the long weekend, so here is our playlist of the songs we plan to drive around blasting to celebrate the official start of summer.

1.  Austin Mahone – “Next To You”
Austin just released this track from his debut album “The Secret,” out next week!  And we’ve been listening to it nonstop. (Literally like 10 times in a row).   He’s said that his album was influenced by the boy bands of the 90s, and it’s evident in this track.  We can’t wait to see what moves Austin the one-man boy band has planned for this one!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNHds5irF0k

2. Dan + Shay – “Sway”
We heard this unreleased track at the Dan + Shay + You acoustic session, and found ourselves instantly swaying and singing along.   Dan and Shay said this song, which they played here for the first time ever, would likely be on their next album.  Lucky for you (and us) we caught it on video!

3.  The Vamps – “Somebody To You”
As soon as we heard this song, we had a feeling it would be The Vamps’ next single.  And we were right!  What we weren’t expecting is for Demi Lovato to be featured on the track.  They’ve teamed up for what’s sure to be a mega-hit for the British band.  Hopefully all the radio play this song is getting will lead to the long awaited US release date for The Vamps album!

4. Hunter Hayes – “Tattoo”
We cannot say enough good things about Hunter Hayes.  Not only is he extremely talented (he can play over 30 instruments) he’s also kind and humble.  We love this track off of his new album, “Storyline,” which is likely to be the second single off the album.  This song will stick with you,  even the first time you hear it…just like a tattoo!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ak-T-JS05xE

5. AJR – “After Hours”
Their first single “I’m Ready,” is on track to be a big hit this summer, but we love all of AJR’s songs, especially this track off of their “I’m Ready EP.”  It’s fun, catchy, and has a horn section.  We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: AJR’s unique sound just makes us excited about music.  We can’t wait for their debut album due out later this summer!

 

Boys We Like, Dan+Shay, Music, On Tour

Dan + Shay Announce “Where It All Began” Headlining Tour Dates!

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Country duo Dan + Shay just announced dates for their first headlining tour to support their debut album, “Where It All Began!”  The tour kicks off in October in Minneapolis, and they’ll be making stops across the country including New York City!  We get extremely excited when country artists have smaller scale shows in NYC, as it’s unfortunately a rare occurrence!  And we might have asked Dan + Shay (and Hunter Hayes) to make sure they included a stop in NY on their next tour (thanks for listening! ;).)  We cannot WAIT for this!   
 
We just caught Dan + Shay opening for Hunter Hayes on the We’re Not Invisible Tour, with a short acoustic set pre-show.  They were amazing live, and our only complaint was that we didn’t get to hear enough of our favorite songs!  Which would be every track on the album.  So we’re thrilled that we’ll be seeing them again soon, playing a full set! 
 
Watch the tour announcement below & stay tuned to DanAndShay.com for ticketing and meet & greet info!  Tickets go on sale next week.
 
 Dan + Shay Where It All Began Tour Fall 2014 
October 2nd – El Rey Theatre – Los Angeles, CA – Buy Tickets
October 9th – Mill City Nights – Minneapolis, MN – Buy Tickets
October 10th – Majestic Theater -Madison, WI – Buy Tickets
October 11th – The Bluebird – Bloomington, IN – Buy Tickets
October 12th – The Intersection – Grand Rapids, MI – Buy Tickets
October 15th – Cannery Ballroom – Nashville, TN – Buy Tickets
October 16th – Workplay Soundstage – Birmingham, AL – Buy Tickets
October 17th – Horseshoe Tunica – Robinsonville, MS – Buy Tickets
October 19th – Cain’s Ballroom – Tulsa, OK – Buy Tickets
October 23rd – Highline Ballroom – New York, NY – Buy Tickets
October 24th – The Trocadero Theatre – Philadelphia, PA – Buy Tickets
October 25th – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC – Buy Tickets

October 26th – Newport Music Hall – Columbus, OH – Buy Tickets

Make sure you get a copy of “Where It All Began” as the perfect soundtrack to your Memorial Day Weekend & so you can sing along on tour!

Be sure to follow Dan + Shay & Secret Fangirls on Twitter for more updates!
Music, On Tour

Danielle Bradbery Premieres “Young in America” Video!

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Danielle Bradbery just released the video for her new single, “Young in America.”   Check it out below!

She’s currently on the We’re Not Invisible Tour with Hunter Hayes and Dan + Shay.   One of the highlights of the show is her acoustic duet with Hunter to her song “Endless Summer.”

After wrapping the tour at the end of the month, Danielle has lots of upcoming shows this summer.  Check out the dates below!

Danielle Bradbery Summer 2014 Tour Dates
May 25th – Capitol Lawn – Washington, DC
May 29th – James Brown Arena – Augusta, GA
May 30th – Pensacola Civic Center – Pensacola, FL
May 31st – Germain Arena – Estero, FL
June 6th – CMA Fest – Nashville, TN
June 8th – US 131 Motosports Park – Martin, MI
June 13th – Winstock Country Music Festival – Winsted, MN
June 14th – Hard Rock Hotel – Puerto Aventuras, Mexico
June 15th – Hard Rock Hotel – Puerto Aventuras, Mexico
June 16th – Hard Rock Hotel – Puerto Aventuras, Mexico
June 17th – Hard Rock Hotel – Puerto Aventuras, Mexico
June 18th – Hard Rock Hotel – Puerto Aventuras, Mexico
June 19th – Hard Rock Hotel – Puerto Aventuras, Mexico
June 28th – Summerfest – Milwaukee, WI
July 6th – Mohegan Sun Arena – Uncasville, CT
July 12th – Lincoln County Fair – Troy, MO
July 16th – Clinton County Fair – Plattsburgh, NY
July 18th – Warnlock Lake Park – Atchison, KS
July 22nd – Elkhart County Fair – Goshen, IN
July 23rd – Rock County 4H Fair – Janesville, WI
July 26th – Guthrie’s River Ruckus – Guthrie Center, IA
August 1st – Resorts Casino – Atlantic City, NJ
August 3rd – Boots & Hearts Festival – Bowmanville, Canada
August 7th – Kenley Centennial Ampitheatre – Layton, UT
August 8th – Montanafair – Billings, MT
August 9th – Logan County Fair – Sterling, CO
August 23rd – Great Frederick Fair – Frederick, MD
August 29th – Carrington Pavilion – Danville, VA
August 31st – Daniel Boone Pioneer Festival – Winchester, KY
September 10th – Washington County Fair – Abingdon, WA
September 27th – Hillsdale County Fair – Hillsdale, MI

Follow Danielle Bradbery & Secret Fangirls on Twitter for more updates!

Boys We Like, Hunter Hayes, Music

Hunter Hayes’ “Storyline” Is Out Now!

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Hunter Hayes’ sophomore album, “Storyline,” just debuted at #1 on the Country Charts & #3 overall!  It’s his highest charting album to date, and his second #1 on the country charts.   It’s also one of our favorite albums of the year this far.   On his self-titled debut, Hunter recorded every instrument and vocal himself.  (He plays over 30 instruments).   For “Storyline,” it was a more collaborative process, as Hunter recorded with his touring band:  Sam Ellis, Devin Malone, Matt Utterback, and Steve Sinatra.   Check out our track-by-track review!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OOL02udbPeI

“Wild Card”
What a fun way to open a record!  This uptempo song is definitely one of our favorites on this album.  It’s the perfect opening number too, as we saw during our Storyline release week shows!  The song is a nice reminder to always be yourself – you never know who loves your little quirks!

“Storyline”
The title track for Hunter’s sophomore effort was actually written pretty late in the writing process but it’s a great concept of living one’s life – like it’s a story that’s still being written!

“Tattoo”
Likely the second single off the album, Hunter plays this as part of the encore on the “We’re Not Invisible Tour.” Even the first time hearing it, you find yourself singing along. And we basically haven’t stopped singing or listening to it since our first Storyline release week show!   This should be a big summer hit for Hunter!  If it does well, he said at his iHeartRadio show that he’ll get a tattoo of “your name.”

“Still Fallin”
Every album needs a love song! Hunter’s songwriting is definitely showcased in this song. Everyone who has ever been in love can totally relate to what he’s singing about – being with someone for so long and still falling in love with them every minute of every day.

“Invisible”
The first single released from the album is an anthem for anyone who has ever felt powerless and invisible.  The song is especially powerful and moving when the whole arena is singing along.

“You Think You Know Somebody”
If you ever had any doubts as to Hunter’s talent just watch his guitar solos in this song. This is definitely “as angry as it gets” on this album, as Hunter likes to say.  (Hunter’s angriest song would actually be “More Than I Should” – you can literally feel it from the first note he plays)

“Flashlight “
Hunter said this song was written as a follow up to “Faith to Fall Back On.” It’s definitely one to remind you there’s a light at the end of every tunnel and that no matter how dark it gets, there are people right next to you ready to help you find your way.

“Secret Love”
The anthem for every band member that’s ever been told to lie about having a girlfriend (fyi we all know the truth anyway so might as well just be honest). Hunter sings about a secret relationship which just makes us wonder who it could have been (we’re a gossip free zone so we’ll leave the guesses to you!)

“Nothing Like Starting Over”
This track is kind of the anthem for everyone who has ever let out a huge sigh of relief for starting over. Hunter really nailed it with this song, too.

“If It’s Just Me”
We always think this is Dan+Shay when the song starts, but once we realize it’s Hunter, we understand why they’re touring together.

“Love Too Much”
In a world where showing love is a delicate balance, Hunter croons “You can never say love too much”. Hunter is definitely a “lover not a fighter” and that is displayed in his ballads. Who doesn’t love a guy that’s not afraid to show his sensitive side!

Get your copy of Storyline on iTunes now & visit HunterHayes.com for any of Hunter’s upcoming tour dates!

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

Music, On Tour

Artist to Watch: The Railers

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 As part of our whirlwind Hunter Hayes album release week, we had the chance to see The Railers open for him in Stamford as part of the 24 Hour Road Race.  Based in Nashville, TN, the country group is comprised of brothers Jordan and Jonathan Lawson, Cassandra Lawson and Tyler Oban.

Their set included a few of their original songs, a country-fied cover of It’s Time, and a jam they simply called “The Irish Song.”  We were majorly impressed by their musicianship, as they rocked out on the fiddle, concertina, violin and mandolin, among other instruments.  The Railers have been working on their debut album, and their first single is expected to hit country radio later this summer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP7BHyxJesU

We loved the group’s energy on stage, as well as their interaction with the crowd.  They completely won over the energetic audience.  We’re sure we will be hearing lots more from them in the future!

After our show, The Railers headed to Asbury Park, New Jersey where they opened for Hunter’s record breaking 9th show in 24 hours. They ended their night (or should we say the next morning) and the 10th show of the 24 Hour Road Race in Philadelphia, where they joined Hunter and Charlie Worsham on stage for a special version of “I Want Crazy.”

The Railers have a few upcoming shows this summer, check out the dates below!

The Railers Summer 2014 Tour Dates
May 22nd – The Roundup – Davie, FL
May 24th – Iron Horse Grill – Jackson, MS
June 4th – Rathskeller – Indianapolis, IN
June 27th – Country Stampede – Manhattan, KS
June 28th – Nebraskaland Days – Northe Platte, NE
July 18th – Buckle Up Music Festival – Cincinatti, OH
July 19th – Rathskeller – Indianapolis, IN
July 31st – Brooklyn Bowl – Las Vegas, NV
August 1st – Denim & Diamonds – Mesa, AZ
August 3rd – Oregon Jamboree Music Festival – Sweet Home, OR
August 6th – Pepsi Ampitheater – Flagstaff, AZ
August 7th – The Rialto Theater – Tucson, AZ
August 21st – Minnesota State Fair – St Paul, MN
August 22nd – Minnesota State Fair – St Paul, MN
August 23rd – Palatine Street Festival – Palatine, IL
September 23rd – Riverside Ampitheater – Rushville, IN

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

Boys We Like, Hunter Hayes, Music

Hunter Hayes’ Record Breaking “Storyline” Album Release Week!

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Hunter Hayes’ sophomore album, “Storyline,” was released last week, and we spent the whole week celebrating with him.  From his headlining show on the We’re Not Invisible Tour, to a private iHeartRadio show for 150 lucky guests, to his record-breaking 24 Hour Road Race , we’re so glad to have been a part of Hunter’s “Storyline!”

IMG_2150
Hunter is one of those rare musicians who bring so much extra attention to their live performance.  You never feel like you’re simply listening to the album – he and his band love to jam, mix things up vocally, and add something unique to each and every song.  His musicianship (he plays over 30 instruments) and passion for music are remarkable, as is the energy he brings to each performance.

We’re Not Invisible Tour
We’ve been impatiently waiting to see Hunter again after his “Encore” album release concert last year at Webster Hall in NYC.  We finally had the chance to see him at Mohegan Sun in CT.   We’ve been to a lot of concerts over the years, but this was by far one of the best, ever.  Hunter played a nearly 2-hour set, with old and new favorites.   He even made his way through the crowd to sing a few songs, giving everyone a chance at a front row seat.  Check out our video of “Storm Warning” below, from the best seat in the house!

iHeart Radio Album Release Show
We went from a 10,000 seat arena to an intimate space in TriBeCa.  The show was broadcast on iHeartRadio stations and online.  While it was scheduled to go for half an hour, Hunter wanted to keep playing for the fans in attendance.  It was the official “Storyline” release day, so why not celebrate?   We had the chance to meet him after the show, and he is just as humble and sweet as you can imagine, and could not have been more gracious.  Thank YOU Hunter!

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24 Hour Road Race To End Child Hunger
It’s official:  Hunter Hayes now holds the Guinness World Record for the Most Concerts in 24 Hours:  10 shows!  The excitement in the air at this show was remarkable!    We met fans at the show who were going to all 10 concerts with him – just amazing!  Hunter’s energy level was off the charts, despite it being the 7th show he’d played that day.  It was just a short 20 minute set, but was still one of our favorite shows that we’ve been to.  In addition to breaking the World Record, Hunter also wanted to raise awareness for Child Hunger Ends Here.

IMG_2193
We hope Hunter will be back in NYC-area sooner rather than later!

Get a copy of “Storyline” on iTunes or Amazon today!  Visit our Tumblr for more photos from the shows!

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

 

Austin Mahone, Music

“Today” Show Summer 2014 Concert Series Lineup!

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The lineup for one of our favorite summer traditions, the “Today” Show Toyota Concert series was revealed today!   The schedule includes SecretFangirls.com favorites Austin Mahone, Ed Sheeran and Pharrell.

We’ve seen many great “Today” Show concerts over the years:  Big Time Rush, Hilary Duff, Hunter Hayes, Jonas Brothers, New Kids on the Block, Boyz II Men, 98 Degrees, and more.   It’s totally possible to squeeze in a quick concert before work/school/etc.  Our philosophy?  Are you going to look back and think “gee, I’m so glad I was well rested for work that random Summer Friday!”  Or “hey, remember that time James from BTR signed my coffee cup at 6am?”

Fangirl Tip!  Sign up for the Today Show Concert Series newsletter  – a few days before each concert, they will send out an email asking if you are interested in a Fan Pass.  The Fan Pass is awesome and allows you priority access and to be closest to the stage, without having to wait as long in line. (You’ll still need to be there before 6AM!)

Today Show Toyota Concert Series Summer 2014
May 16th – Mariah Carey
May 23rd – Tim McGraw
May 26th – Austin Mahone
May 30th – Rascal Flatts
June 5th – Pharrell
June 6th – Sara Bareilles
June 13th – Train
June 17th – Little Mix
June 20th – Fall Out Boy
June 27th – Phillip Phillips
July 4th – Ed Sheeran
July 11th – Fifth Harmony
July 18th – Jason Mraz
July 22nd – 5SOS
July 25th – OneRepublic
July 29th – Jennifer Hudson
August 1st – Aloe Blacc
August 8th – Iggy Azalea
August 15th – Neon Trees
August 22nd – Hunter Hayes
August 29th – Ariana Grande
September 1st – Maroon 5
September 5th – Usher

Follow the Today Show & Secret Fangirls on Twitter for more updates!

Boys We Like, Hunter Hayes, Music

Hunter Hayes Releases “You Think You Know Somebody”

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We’re just two weeks away from the release of Hunter Hayes’ new album, “Storyline!”  In anticipation of the release, Hunter released another track off the album, “You Think You Know Somebody,” along with a live performance video.

If you’ve already pre-ordered “Storyline,” you’ll get the track instantly!  You can also buy the track as a single, if you’d rather wait for the physical album.

We are finally catching the “We Are Not Invisible” Tour next weekend with Hunter and Dan + Shay, and cannot wait to hear this song live!  “Storyline” is one of our most anticipated albums of 2014, and we’ve been impatiently waiting to see Hunter again live after an outstanding show at Webster Hall last year for the release of “Encore.”

Follow Hunter Hayes & Secret Fangirls on Twitter for more updates!