Tag Archives: MKTO

Friday Five, Music

The Friday Five: Songs Of The Week

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We’ve spent most of the last 2 weeks at the US Open, our favorite time of the year.  Here’s what we’ve been listening to this week!  We’ll be back to regular blogging next week after the finals.

1. Demi Lovato – “Really Don’t Care”
We think this is the US Open DJ’s favorite song, because we heard it at least five times a day.  Or maybe he’s just really excited about the Demi World Tour, which kicks off tomorrow?

2. MKTO – “Classic”
MKTO performed at Arthur Ashe Kids Day this year, getting the US Open off to a fun start with this classy jam.

3. Hunter Hayes – “Wildcard”
This should be the theme song for every player that gets a wild card into a tournament.   Would have been a perfect song for Hunter to perform at Arthur Ashe Kids Day!  But we were totally okay with hearing “Tattoo” twice.  Tickets are on sale now for the “Tattoo (Your Name) Tour!”

4. Nick & Knight – “Switch”
We got a little break from the tennis action on Wednesday when we headed to Nick & Knight’s album release show at the Highline.  The show was a preview of what to expect on their tour this fall, and trust us, you don’t want to miss it.  Their harmonies, choreography, and bromance are amazing.

5. NKOTB – “Single” & Backstreet Boys “The One”
Another US Open DJ favorite is “Viva La Vida” by Coldplay.  Which just brings back memories of the NKOTBSB tour opener mashup of NKOTB’s “Single” and Backstreet Boys’ “The One.”  So naturally we just start singing NKOTBSB anytime we hear it.

Friday Five, Music, On Tour

The Friday Five: Summer Tour Jams

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We’ve been to a lot of shows in the past week, and after a good concert a song will stick with you for days.  Here are the songs we can’t get out of our heads after seeing them live.  All of these artists are on tour now, so be sure to check out when they’re coming to your town!

1. Rixton – “Wait On Me“
We love the Ace of Base vibes of this track. (did we just age ourselves?)   Rixton put on a very solid show at Irving Plaza, impressing us with their musicianship, stage presence, and fan boys.  You can catch them on the Broken Heart Tour across the US this summer.

2. Jesse McCartney – “Punch Drunk Recreation“
If you saw JMAC in the Lifetime movie “Escaping Amish,” then you’ll recognize this track as the song his DJ character is playing the moment A.J. Michalka falls in love with him.  And who wouldn’t with this beat?   Check out the dates for the In Technicolor Tour here.

3. THE HEYDAZE – “Adderall“
There’s nothing we love more than a bad (good) pun.  Especially in this cleverly crafted pop song by NYC’s THE HEYDAZE.  See them on The In Technicolor Tour with JMAC through August 23rd!

4. Patent Pending – “Hey Mario”
Patent Pending’s American Meltdown Tour just wrapped up, & they’ll be hitting the UK & Germany later this Fall.  The band are unleashing the Mario & The Brick Breakers documentary soon which we’re sure will have us in stitches like their “Twilight” remake did in 2010 (and still does today).  Make sure you have your copy of the Mario & The Brick Breakers “Greatest Hits EP” on iTunes US and iTunes UK now!

5. MKTO – “Forever Until Tomorrow“
We still can’t get over how great Tony Oller sounded, even when battling laryngitis.  Surely it helped that MKTO has songs that are fun to sing along to, like this one.  The American Dream Tour wraps up this weekend and they’ll be joining Demi Lovato on tour this Fall!

Bonus:  Tiffany Houghton – “Band Boy”
Because this is our theme song, and she totally rocked on the American Dream Tour.

Music, On Tour, Show Review

MKTO’s American Dream Tour Hits NYC

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We caught the American Dream Tour last week when it hit Irving Plaza in NYC.  It was an awesome lineup already, with Tiffany Houghton and Action Item opening for MKTO.  But we were even more excited when an old favorite, Patent Pending, was added to the New York show!

We unfortunately only got to see the tail end of Patent Pending’s set, but their energetic live show and infectious energy had the entire crowd pumped up.  Check out their latest project, Mario & The Brick Breakers.

Tiffany Houghton was up next!  We discovered Tiffany when she followed us on Twitter one day, and we’re so glad she did!  We instantly fell in love with her pop country sound and fun style.  Her live performance did not disappoint.  Tiffany is a perfect blend of sweet and sassy, just like her new single “The Best.”  Of course our favorite moment of her set came when she sang “Band Boy,” complete with a cover of 5SOS’ “She Looks So Perfect.”  She certainly won over all of the fan girls in the audience (she’s one of us!)  Watch her performance below.

We were majorly impressed with MKTO, especially as Tony Oller has been dealing with laryngitis. (They had to reschedule their Philly stop!)  He still sounded great – if he hadn’t tweeted about it, we would have had no idea!  What a trooper.  Tony and Malcolm did an outstanding cover of Nico & Vinz’s “Am I Wrong.”

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They played most of their debut album, including tracks like “Heartbreak Holiday,” “Forever Until Tomorrow,” “Thank You,” and of course their summer hit “Classic.”

If you can make it to the American Dream Tour, go!!!  There are a few shows left before the tour wraps up in Chicago next week.    MKTO will also be back in NYC for the US Open Arthur Ashe Kids Day on August 23rd with Hunter Hayes & The Vamps!  Get more info HERE!

Be sure to follow MKTO, Tiffany Houghton, Action Item, Patent Pending & Secret Fangirls on Twitter for more updates!

Artist to Watch, Music, On Tour

Tiffany Houghton Releases “The Best” Single

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One of our favorite artists to watch, Tiffany Houghton, is currently on the American Dream Tour with MKTO and Action Item.  She just released her latest single, “The Best.”   And it’s one of the best breakup songs we’ve heard in a while.  We love the play between the upbeat song and the lyrics.  Listen to the track below!

If you’re headed to the American Dream Tour (check out the dates here) make sure you pickup a copy of the single on iTunes so you can sing along!

Be sure to follow Tiffany Houghton & Secret Fangirls on Twitter for more updates!

Music, On Tour

Patent Pending Release “Mario & The Brick Breakers”

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When it came time for Long Island pop punk band Patent Pending to make a video for their hit single “Hey Mario” they decided to take the Rainbow Road less traveled.  The band figured – why not form a fake band and make a documentary showcasing the rise and fall of said fake band, Spinal Tap style.  Thus “Mario & The Brick Breakers” came to be.  Not being a band to do anything half way, they even created a “Mario & The Brick Breakers: Greatest Hits EP” to go along with the 30 minute documentary that will be broken up into 5 separate videos.    Watch the “Mario & The Brick Breakers” documentary trailer below!

One reason we love Patent Pending is how into everything they get.  Each band member showed some serious commitment in really becoming their Smash Bros. character!

You can get a copy of Mario & The Brick Breakers Greatest Hits EP using the links below.  Help get the album to the top of the charts!

If you live in the USA – Click HERE.  If you live in the UK – Click HERE

They have a few more dates on the “American Meltdown Tour”  before they open for MKTO at Irving Plaza in August.  The band are also heading over to the UK for their special “Brighter UK” Tour this October. Grab your tickets HERE before they completely sell out!

Be sure to follow Patent Pending & Secret Fangirls on Twitter and “Like” Patent Pending on Facebook for the latest updates and special bonus clips from the band!

Music, Tennis

Hunter Hayes, The Vamps & MKTO To Perform at US Open Arthur Ashe Kids Day!

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The only we thing we love more than music is tennis.  Our favorite summer tradition is the US Open, which takes place in NYC for a glorious 2 weeks at the end of August.  After spending months cheering for our favorite players on TV, we can’t wait to finally get up close to the action.  

Lucky for us, the US Open kicks off with an amazing event that combines both tennis and music:  Arthur Ashe Kids Day!  It’s one of our favorite events of the year, as they always do an outstanding job booking exciting young artists.  The event also raises money for charity, in the spirit of event namesake Arthur Ashe, as professional players and amateur youngsters from around the country compete in fun challenges to benefit various foundations. There are 2 stages at the event:  The main show in Arthur Ashe Stadium, which requires a ticket, and the Hess Express Stage on the grounds of the USTA, which is free and open to the public.

Musicians (Arthur Ashe Stadium): Ticket Required
Hunter Hayes
The Vamps
MKTO
Madison Beer
McClain
Shawn Mendes ***

Players (Arthur Ashe Stadium Stadium): Ticket Required
Novak Djokovic
Rafael Nadal

Musicians (Hess Express Stage): Free Entry!
Kalin & Myles
The Bomb Digz

***Shawn Mendes was moved from the Hess Express Stage to the Main Stadium — you’ll need a ticket to see him perform, tickets start at $10.

Arthur Ashe Kids Day 2014
Saturday, August 23rd
USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing, NY
Gates at 9:30am; stadium show begins at 1:00pm
Buy Tickets
Info on Grounds Admission

The grounds at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center are free and open to the public!  Activities around the grounds include exhibition matches, beat the pro challenges, face painting, tennis lessons and more!  If you’re lucky you just might catch your favorite player hitting the practice courts!  Rising artists are also featured on the Hess Express Stage.  Gates open at 9:30am.  Visit AAKD.com for more info!

Not in NYC?  You can watch AAKD on CBS Sunday, August 24th!

You never know what can happen at Arthur Ashe Kids Day .. check out Carly Rae Jepsen’s performance of “Call Me Maybe” from 2012, featuring Novak Djokovic!

Be sure to follow Arthur Ashe Kids Day & Secret Fangirls on Twitter for more updates!

Music, On Tour

Action Item Release “Great Mission: Life” EP!

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New Jersey power pop band Action Item released their much anticipated EP titled “Great Mission: Life” on Tuesday and it’s a good one! While it only has four songs, the EP is the culmination of a whole lot of hard work, a lot of love, and of course determination.

The lead single from the EP, “We’ll Be Fine”, has received positive reviews and we can only imagine that their opening slot on The American Dream Tour with MKTO and Tiffany Houghton will only bring more fans to the Action Item family.

Check out the track listing for “Great Mission: Life” below.

1. Footprints
2. We’ll Be Fine
3. The Start Of Something
4. Outsiders

Listen to Action Item’s new single “We’ll Be Fine” below!

Be sure to pick up a copy of the EP on iTunes now!
Follow Action Item and Secret Fangirls on Twitter for the latest updates.

Music, On Tour

Patent Pending Announce US & UK Tour Dates!

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Long Island pop punk band Patent Pending announced “The American Meltdown Tour” this July and the “Brighter UK Tour” in October.

The guys released their brand new album, “Brighter”, last October and it’s full of unbridled energy, tongue in cheek songs about hipsters, and heartfelt serenades that will bring you through the darkest of days.  Patent Pending have been together since 2001 and they’re still going strong!  Patent Pending are taking their high energy show on the road around the US before hitting the UK in October.  What better way to end the US run than opening for MKTO on the NYC stop of The American Dream Tour!

Get your tickets to “The American Meltdown Tour” now!!

Patent Pending American Meltdown Summer 2014 Tour Dates
July 10th – Frankie’s Inner City – Toledo, OH – Buy Tickets
July 11th – Penny Road Pub – Barrington, IL – Buy Tickets
July 12th – The Firebird – St. Louis, MO – Buy Tickets
July 13th – Agora Ballroom – Cleveland, OH – Buy Tickets
July 18th – Radiant – Nutley, NJ – Buy Tickets
July 19th – The Middle East Upstairs – Cambridge, MA – Buy Tickets
Aug 1st – Planet Trog Entertainment Complex – Whitehall, PA – Buy Tickets
Aug 2nd – The Space – Hamden, CT – Buy Tickets
Aug 3rd – Revolution – Amityville, NY – Buy Tickets
Aug 7th – Irving Plaza – New York, NY – Buy Tickets   *w/MKTO

Check out the “Brighter UK Tour” dates below! VIP tickets have already sold out but there are a few more tickets left – get yours before it sells out completely!!

Patent Pending Brighter UK Fall 2014 Tour Dates
Oct 8th – Oxford Academy 2 – Oxford, GB – Buy Tickets
Oct 9th – Southampton Joiners – Southampton, GB – Buy Tickets
Oct 10th – Brighton Audio – Brighton, GB – Buy Tickets
Oct 11th – Norwich Waterfront Studio – Norwich, GB – Buy Tickets
Oct 13th – Sheffield O2 Academy 2 – Sheffield, GB – Buy Tickets
Oct 14th – Glasgow King Tuts – Glasgow, UK – Buy Tickets
Oct 15th – Newcastle O2 Academy 2 – Newcastle, GB – Buy Tickets
Oct 16th – Manchester Club Academy – Manchester, GB – Buy Tickets
Oct 17th – Birmingham Library – Birmingham, GB – Buy Tickets
Oct 18th – Nottingham Rock City Basement – Nottingham, GB – Buy Tickets
Oct 19th – Bristol Thekla – Bristol, GB – Buy Tickets
Oct 20th – Exeter Cavern – Exeter, GB – Buy Tickets
Oct 21st – London O2 Academy Islington – Islington, GB – Buy Tickets
Oct 22nd – Leeds Cockpit 2 – Leeds, GB – Buy Tickets

Watch Patent Pending’s lyric video for the new single “The Whiskey, The Liar, The Thief” now!

Pick up a copy of Patent Pending’s new album “Brighter” on iTunes or Amazon now so you can sing along!

Don’t forget to follow Patent Pending and Secret Fangirls on Twitter for the latest updates.

Artist to Watch, Music, Secret Fangirls

Artist to Watch: Tiffany Houghton

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We love the pop-country sound of rising singer-songwriter Tiffany Houghton, who was just added to MKTO’s American Dream Tour lineup!  Tiffany has that fresh “early Taylor Swift” sound that we’ve been searching for.  Armed with an acoustic guitar and girl-next-door charm, Tiffany’s catchy, well-crafted songs will have you singing along before the first chorus.  Tiffany moved to Nashville at the age of 17, and has spent time songwriting and honing her craft.  We’re sure you’ll be hearing a lot more from this girl in the future!

Watch the video for her new single, “17 Again,” below, which was inspired by one of our favorite movies,”Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

Tiffany teamed up with ConcertBlogger.com for a performance of “Band Boy,” which she wrote about her weakness for boys in bands after getting home from a concert one night.  This song is pretty much every fangirl’s anthem.  We especially love the line “fangirls love band boys and band boys love fan girls!”

Be sure to follow Tiffany Houghton & Secret Fangirls on Twitter for more updates!

Boys We Like, Music

Action Item Release “We’ll Be Fine”

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New Jersey pop rock band Action Item released a brand new single today and yes, we are hooked on it already!  The upbeat track has an American Authors/Imagine Dragons feel to it.  We will definitely be adding “We’ll Be Fine” to our summer playlist and blasting it poolside this summer!

Listen to “We’ll Be Fine” on Soundcloud now and pickup a copy on iTunes!

You can catch Action Item on tour with MKTO and Tiffany Houghton on the American Dream Tour which kicks off on Friday!

Follow Action Item & Secret Fangirls on Twitter for the latest on your favorite artists.