I know this Pick of the Week is a day late and I really have no excuse except for pure laziness. Eh, what are you gonna do? I thought a lot about who was going to be this week's Pick of the Week and it came to me during a time of immense physical pain. I'm talking about the gym. What did you think…? Basically I have a Youtube playlist literally titled "Don't Listen to the Pain." It has a bunch of my favorite music videos and acoustic vids that help me get through that whole ugly, sweaty mess. Long story short, I've been obsessing over a cover this past week and I figured the only people who make sense to be the Pick of the Week are the guys of The Big Time! Check them out…
The Big Time: (from left) Derek Mrdjenovich,
Brandon Porta, Dylan Auerbeck, Aaron Porta
If you happened to read my Freaks & Geeks Tour review, you'll remember that I mentioned a couple guys involved in 7 Minutes in Heaven's set. Derek Mrdjenovich and Aaron Porta are only 2/4 of The Big Time. Along with Dylan Auerbeck and Brandon Porta, The Big Time is a pop rock/alternative band from Altoona, Pennsylvania. These guys are crazy talented and strangely addicting might I add. A couple weeks ago, MKTO was my Pick of the Week and since I already can't get enough of "Classic," I was ecstatic when The Big Time covered the song….and they did a hell of a job. Derek's pop/rock voice was perfect for their version of the song and literally brought it back to life.
One thing I absolutely love about these guys is how real they are. They aren't trying to fool anyone into thinking they're above all of the other homegrown bands trying to make it big. They've even just recently started an Indiegogo campaign to fund the making of their new album. Their current goal is $5,000 *which is only about half of the cost it will take to actually make this album* but it's already clear to see that The Big Time without a doubt has a big time fanbase. They're already over halfway to reaching their goal. If you do decide to listen to anything I'm saying and check out this band, I highly encourage you to contribute to their campaign because the new album is bound to be amazing.
Speaking of albums, The Big Time has already released three albums since 2009 including their latest, Dreamers and Believers, released spring of last year. The band has been featured on The Gunz Show and the Pup Fresh Tour. They've also rocked the stage with artists like Breathe Carolina, Mayday Parade, and We Are The In Crowd *just to name a few*. Even as I'm typing this they are playing a show with none other than All Time Low! These guys have a big future ahead of them and I can't wait to see them in full hopefully later in the year promoting their new album. If you have the chance, check out The Big Time and head out to see them if there's a show near you. They are the greatest group of guys and I promise it will be a great time.
The Big Time's amazing cover of "Classic" feat. Timmy
Rasmussen of 7MIH:
Check out the band talking about their Indiegogo
campaign and how you can help out!
*Click here to check out The Big Time's campaign and contribute to the new album! You may get an awesome perk…just saying*
Arena tours…arena tours…arena tours! I forgot how much I've missed going to an arena tour. It's insane! I've gotten so used to the hectic and crowded vibe of general admission that I've rediscovered my love for arena tours. Having a seat, no pressure, no stress. Fantastic. If you want to hear about an absolutely incredible show that is probably the girliest concert I've been to in my life then keep on reading…
FIFTH HARMONY:
Fifth Harmony on the Neon Lights Tour: (from left) Lauren
Jauregui, Ally Brooke, Camila Cabello, Normani
Hamilton, and Dinah Jane Hansen
Alright so I'm going to be COMPLETELY honest when I say I've never been a big fan of Fifth Harmony. It's not that I had anything against them it's mainly just the fact that I wasn't sure initially how a new girl group was going to go over in the US. I assumed that they would be fine considering they had enough of a fanbase to exit in third place on the X Factor US back in 2012. Although, over the past couple years I've gotten to see their insanely dedicated fanbase grow every single day. I guess I hadn't ever really given them much of a chance after X Factor *I'd only ever heard about 90 seconds of "Miss Movin' On"* and I was quite skeptical of some competition for my girls Little Mix. Fifth Harmony was the first act to perform on the Neon Lights Tour and I was……pleasantly surprised. I mean, they've got it going on. They are very different from what I had seen on X Factor and I was really pleased by their stage presence and natural talent. It was great to see a group of gorgeous ladies sing Destiny's Child and preach about hanging out with the girls. What a breath of fresh air! Got to admit, I'm a 5H believer now. Well done, Cowell.
Cher! She's talented. She's BEAUTIFUL. She's basically everything you could ever want and if you can't be her then you want to be her best friend. I saw Cher last summer so I knew she would be able to give a flawless and fun performance. She is the sweetest person I think I have ever seen in my life. You basically can't look at her without wanting to hug her. She performed her latest single, "Sirens," as well as some of her previous hits, "I Wish," "Oath," and of course, "Want U Back." She delivered a fantastic set as to be expected with the usual Cher sass and spark. She is the kind of artist that seems to go through phases. She was sort of an edgy/hip style singer back on X Factor. Then she went through the whole rocker/shave half your head stage. And basically through a bunch of different phases she's landed on quite a nice, reflective sort of heartfelt stage. Her newest single, "Sirens," is a bit slower than her other singles but really gives fans a chance to see what this girl is all about: unique and flawless vocals.
The woman of the hour. Little Miss Demi Lovato is…INCREDIBLE. Let me say that again…IN-CRE-DI-BLE. The thing with me is that I really have to get to know an artist before I become a fan of them. One of my biggest pet peeves is someone who is fake or puts on a mask when interacting with fans that doesn't really reflect who they really are. I personally need to know that this person is 100% real and doesn't need all the fancy stage production and autotune that lots of singers use today. This is one of the reasons why I am absolutely in love with Demi. She gets on stage and is nothing but real. She wears her heart on her sleeve when performing and, I'm not gonna lie, I almost teared up a bit listening to her talk about her past and how she overcame so many obstacles.
Demi got a lot of flack from the public and the media when she went into rehab and when all of the stories were released talking about her mental and health disorders. It is absolutely true that it's not about how far you fall but how you are able to pick yourself back up again. And Demi did that and more. She has focused lots of her attention on helping and inspiring people who struggle with any sort of self-esteem issues, substance abuse, mental illnesses, etc, etc, the list goes on. The lyrics she writes not only reflect how she feels inside but they are extremely relatable for all of the young people struggling with different issues. I not only respect her as a singer *because she is absolutely amazing* but also as a person. I can't believe everything she has done for other people and how she has pulled herself out of an almost hellish situation and come back stronger than ever. Each performance she gives has so much visible emotion behind it that it makes you feel as though you can achieve something in this hum drum world and not worry about the little things and belt those songs out at the top of your lungs. If you ever have the chance to see Demi live I encourage you to not miss out on it. She is one of my all-time favorite vocalists and I can't wait to see her again hopefully some time in the future.
*Also, if you find yourself struggling with any of the issues I have mentioned or you're just looking for a bit of inspiration here and there, I HIGHLY urge you to check out her bestselling book: Staying Strong: 365 Days A Year. I love this book so much. There are quotes and stories for each day of the year to inspire you and maybe give you that little pick-me-up you've been needing. Get it on Amazon here.*
This was an incredible show and definitely one I won't forget. The Neon Lights Tour is hitting Columbus, Grand Rapids, Toronto, Cleveland, and Nashville before wrapping up on March 30th in Indianapolis. Make sure you go check out the show because I can promise you it will be an amazing time. Did I mention that cute little 17 year-old magician, Collins Key, does a bit of magic before each act? Amazing! Follow him on Twitter and check out this video of him performing for Demi!
NEON LIGHTS TOUR~AS TOLD BY MADS
Thanks for reading!
So spring break is over and now it's back to the usual grind. *sigh* But the thing that has helped me get through this first week back is an AMAZING album I got recently. It's been on repeat since it came in the mail from that magical land across the pond and I thought it would only be right to feature it in this week's Pick of the Week! Check out Room 94…
Room 94 is a pop rock band made up of rockstar brothers Kieran, Sean, and Dean Lemon and their equally as amazing rockstar buddy Kit Tanton. They've been making music for a LONG time and have been on tour with the likes of Lawson and Union J. They are no stranger to crazy fans with their loyal following turning up to all of their shows and buying their debut album which was just released last week!
Room 94: (from left) Sean Lemon, Kieran Lemon,
Dean Lemon, Kit Tanton
The album, No Strings Attached, is #28 in the UK charts and my current #1 favorite. I can't wait to blast these songs when summer finally comes. The album features some of their previous hits like "Chasing The Summer," "The Morning After," and "Superstar." The band's latest single, "When I Was A Teenager," was the perfect precursor to the album. It perfectly reflects the crazy, party vibe these guys seem to have going on 24/7. The video for the single features them basically blowing their video budget on a giant house party which could not have been pulled off nearly as well without that classic Room 94 style.
The band is currently on their headlining No Strings Attached Tour across the UK and Poland *did I mention they are CRAZY popular in Poland? Random, but true*. They also held CD signings on select dates during the tour. If you weren't able to make it out to the tour or are helplessly separated by a massive body of water called the Atlantic Ocean *hmm*, the guys always keep their Youtube channel updated with tour footage, acoustics, and just random videos of Room 94 being, well, Room 94. They'll be wrapping up their tour on the second of April in Olsztyn so if you haven't gotten a chance to see them, there's still time!
There's not much I can't see these guys accomplishing. They are constantly moving up in the music world and I am so excited to see what's in store for them in the next year. Personally I'm hoping for a bit of a US break with maybe a tour…maybe? Maybe. We can all hope. No Strings Attached is available on iTunes worldwide and it is a definite must-have going into the summer months. The Room 94 guys have a unique style that ranges from pop and dance music to old school rock. There's really something for everyone on this album. Make sure to pick it up and keep these guys on your radar because I can guarantee that you will be seeing much more of them very soon.
Also make sure you check out Kieran and Dean's clothing line, Lemon Clothing! Shipping is worldwide!
Spring Break is coming to a close which means, along with all of the other broke, tired college students, I'm about to enter into the last leg of the school year. There's a lot to look forward to in the lieu of music and entertainment as lots of artists have set summer tour dates and releases and it's finally warm enough for all of those sweaty festivals. If you're looking for a new artist to check out before break is over then you might want to take a look at MKTO…
MKTO is a pop/rap duo made up of Tony Oller and Malcolm D. Kelley. A little background information on these guys--both Tony and Malcolm began their careers as actors acting in various types of film and television. Malcolm is well-known for playing Walt Lloyd on Lost and Finn Katins on Gigantic. He has also appeared alongside big-name actors in shows like Law & Order: SVU and My Name Is Earl.
MKTO: Malcolm D. Kelley (left) &
Tony Oller (right)
Tony also starred in Gigantic as Walt Moore alongside Malcolm. He is remembered also for playing Danny on the Disney Channel short show, As the Bell Rings, where he sang a number of original songs with "old school Demi Lovato." Oller has most recently acted in Beneath the Darkness with Dennis Quaid as well as in the 2013 thriller The Purge.
MKTO was formed back in 2012 when Tony and Malcolm decided to become a pop duo after Gigantic aired its final episode in April of 2011. MKTO signed with Columbia Records and their first single, "Thank You," was released in January of 2013. The MKTO fanbase has quickly grown worldwide since the release of their first single with "Thank You" landing at #2 on the Australian charts and #7 in New Zealand. Their debut self-titled album was released in both countries in January of 2014 and was a hit among fans reaching #1 in Australia. The album is set to release in the US and Canada on the first of April.
The album features the duo's hit singles "Thank You," "Classic," and "God Only Knows" as well as 8 other tracks including duets with Ne-Yo and Jessica Ashley. This album is highly anticipated among the North American MKTO fans so you will not want to miss out when the album drops in April.
And if you can't get enough of MKTO, Malcolm and Tony keep their Vevo channel updated with interviews, music videos, and acoustic videos. These incredibly talented guys never fail to showcase their unique style and insane vocals. I saw them last summer at the WZPL Birthday Bash and I was amazed at how naturally talented they were. They keep the crowd on their feet and are great at maintaining an insane hype throughout their entire set. Their stage presence alone is enough to keep the crowd entertained but they are genuinely hilarious guys and it's easy to tell they have just as much fun performing as their fans do listening to them.
Trust me, you do NOT want to miss out on what's next for MKTO. They're currently wrapping up touring on Emblem3's Band Life Tour. The tour ends on March 15th in LA but the MKTO guys will be heading out on their headlining Australian tour beginning April 23rd in Broadbeach. If you have a chance, head out and catch them on one of their tour dates because it is guaranteed to be a great time.
Tony and Malcolm are set to become the next big thing with their growing fanbase and fresh style. They've reached over 100K followers on Twitter and have been a hit, gaining new fans left and right as they tour the country. Keep MKTO on your radar for fresh, upcoming summer tunes. I promise you'll be hooked in no time. Be on the lookout for more MKTO this year because they are already making a huge impact on the 2014 music scene.
If you've read my most recent post about The Freaks & Geeks Tour *which you totally should be getting to because it's nearly over* I talked a bit about This Is All Now. They were one of the many bands that performed on the tour but I thought they really deserve a bit more recognition. Yes, they're that great. If you haven't paid attention to any of my past pick of the weeks then perk up and pay attention because you WON'T want to miss out on these guys…
This Is All Now is a pop/rock band from Long Island composed of Okan Kazdal, Thomas Angenbroich, Mike Pittelli, Jordan Caroleo, and Louie Malpeli. They've recently released their latest single "Rewind" which has been a hit with TIAN fans across the map. I can confidently say it's one of those leave it on repeat/forget all other music while you find yourself telling everyone "have you heard this," "you should really listen to this," "I don't know you but let me drop some music wisdom on you" tracks that you just can't stop playing. If you don't believe me then check it out for yourself here.
From left: Mike Pittelli, Jordan Caroleo, Okan Kazdal,
Louie Malpeli, Thomas Angenbroich
This Is All Now have toured with acts such as Honor Society, Allstar Weekend, and were even featured at Warped Tour 2012…*crosses fingers for Warped 2014*. After wrapping up the Freaks & Geeks Tour this week with Hollywood Ending, Late Nite Reading, etc, etc *there are literally bands popping up on this tour left and right*, TIAN will be playing three shows on Against The Current's Sink or Swim Tour starting on May 17th with King The Kid and Once Upon A Time. I can't imagine this tour being anything shy of incredible so if you want to check out This Is All Now make sure to head out to the Sink or Swim Tour on May 17th in Connecticut, Boston on the 18th, or NYC on the 30th.
I literally can't stop talking about these guys. Their pop/rock style is infectious and I can easily classify them as one of the best live acts I've seen. They know how to get a crowd going and it's great to see a group of naturally talented guys doing a really great job at what they love. It's easy to tell that they thoroughly enjoy every second of performing. TIAN is the type of band that would show the same energy and hype performing at a sold out arena as they would performing to a group of 20 or so people in someone's basement. If you happen to catch them on one of their upcoming shows feel free to have a chat with them. They're literally so approachable and the nicest group of guys ever. Also they might try to convince you to buy a CD which you definitely should because that is an investment to be proud of. ;)
All I can say is that once you've entered the sort of pop/rock bubble of This Is All Now, there is no getting out anytime soon. *Did I mention they wrote a song entirely about How I Met Your Mother?? Check it out here* I can only see this band going up from here and continuing to keep the TIAN party going with new music and shows in the next year. I'd also just like to go ahead and put myself out there as being available if they need extras in a music video. Those things look so.much.fun.
This past Friday I went to the Freaks & Geeks Tour at the Firebird in St. Louis. Now we all know that the Firebird is one of my absolute favorite venues! So take the intimacy and cool rock vibe from this venue and mix in 5 crazy talented pop punk/rock/pop bands with a dash of post hardcore jumping, head banging, and sweating and you've got The Freaks & Geeks Tour. Depending on the date, there were different bands performing but on Friday, The Strive, This Is All Now, 7 Minutes in Heaven, Late Nite Reading, and Hollywood Ending took the stage so sit back and try to convince yourself why missing out on one of these shows is a good idea. *Good luck with that*
THE STRIVE:
The Strive:from left--Greg Dowd, Nick Stacy,
Brendan Stevens, Luke Davis, Michael Zenk
I had never even heard of The Strive until frontman Brendan Stevens came up to me in line and was nothing but charismatic and enthusiastic about getting the band's name out there. I wasn't sure what to expect from this Kansas City group but let me say this…they.do.not.disappoint. The whole "ugh I don't know this opening act do they really have to perform right now" feeling is always something present at shows but it wasn't even a minute into their first song and this band had the crowd raving. It didn't really matter anymore if you didn't know the words because it was just that great. Definitely keep The Strive fresh in your mind as one to watch this year.
This Is All Now:from left--Mike Pitelli, Louie Malpeli,
Okan Kazdal, Jordan Caroleo, Tom Angenbroich
This Is All Now! I was really looking forward to seeing these guys and, yes, it was fantastic! These New York natives were a long way from home but right in their element throughout the entire set. They performed their fan favorites like "Supernova" and "Another" and even threw in a little rock-esque One Direction cover that kept the crowd on their feet. Their onstage banter was matched well with their natural talent and insane hype. If you've missed out on the first leg of the Freaks & Geeks Tour, the This Is All Now guys will be playing a few dates of Against the Current's upcoming Sink or Swim Tour. It's guaranteed to be a great time.
Before Friday I had only ever heard of 7 Minutes in Heaven. I had never really gotten around to checking out any music and I'm really angry that I hadn't. Timmy Rasmussen is one talented kid. He also had Derek Mrdjenovich and Aaron Porta from The Big Time as well as Alex Rogers from She's Alive helping out. At one point they had the entire crowd running around in a giant circle just because. How can you not have a great time?? His alternative/rock style is a huge breath of fresh air right now. There are so many people trying to get in and have a go at the same edgy alt scene and flopping. Timmy's clearly got his mind made up about what 7 Minutes in Heaven is all about and he's good at showing fans that. I'm looking forward to seeing him sometime soon at his own headlining tour…*hopefully*
"Here's to Never Growing Up" cover by 7 Minutes in Heaven:
Late Nite Reading: from left--Clayton Collins, Brady
Szuhaj, Dalton Wixom, Drew Cottrell
All I can say is thank the lord these Indiana boys are doing what they're doing because WOW. I've been a fan of Late Nite Reading for awhile and this was my first time seeing them live. I couldn't believe how absolutely crazy it was! They've got the look, the talent, the style, and the ability to turn a venue upside down. Their pop-punk style did not disappoint in the slightest and once they finished their set all I wanted was for them to come back onstage and do it all over again. I highly suggest checking out this band and turning up to one of their future shows. They are one of the best live performers I have seen and I'm sure you'll agree.
Hollywood Ending: from left--Chris Bourne, Cameron Byrd,
Tyler Wilson, Dan Geraghty
The main event…and a good one at that. It's an understatement to say Hollywood Ending have come a long way from their start as a five-piece pop band which later became a four-piece and then a three-piece and then a four-piece again. Did you get all that? The Freaks & Geeks Tour is their first headlining tour and has so far been a huge success. They have been crossing the country, playing for fans who are nothing but ecstatic to see them on this new venture. They played songs from their first EP along with their newest release, "Freak Like Me," and a few new songs that are to be released *as Tyler said* "eventually." Well, they'll be out soon enough and are bound to cause a craze among Hollywood Ending fans everywhere. Their songs are catchy and insanely fun to jump and dance along to in a crowded general admission concert. What these guys do best is make every fan feel involved in the show. They aren't afraid to show how grateful they are that people made the effort to drive out just to see them perform. It's been a bit of a weird ride for Hollywood Ending over the years but I can see these four guys really going far in the next year. I'm personally looking forward to their new music and many more headlining tours to come. If you have the chance, head out and see them. You won't be disappointed.
Hollywood Ending's latest music video--"Freak Like Me":
The Freaks & Geeks Tour is hitting Chicago, Toronto, Montreal, NYC, and Boston before wrapping up in Allentown, PA on the ninth of March. All of these bands are insanely talented and some of the nicest people I've ever met. Tickets are still available so grab yourself a pair and head out to the tour because you don't want to miss this!
I'll be posting lots of pictures from the show over the next week so don't forget to follow me on Twitter!
I've also made a page with a handful of pictures from the show so click through and enjoy!
HOLLYWOOD ENDING--THE FREAKS & GEEKS TOUR~AS TOLD BY MADS
