Jack White - Love Interruption (Amex UNSTAGED)
Jack White performing "Love Interruption" from the album Blunderbuss during his American Express UNSTAGED show on April 27, 2012 at New York City's Webster Hall.
Directed by Gary Oldman.
Rival Sons - Face of Light (Official Video)
California rockers Rival Sons have released their latest video for "Face of Light"
This gorgeous ballad shows off the wide-ranging vocals of frontman Jay Buchanan.
As many of you know, this is one of my favorite new rock n roll bands.
Long live Rival Sons... and dirty, sexy rock music.
Brian Mcknight - How Your Pussy Works (If You're Ready To Learn)
Grammy-nominated R&B crooner and producer Brian McKnight just dropped this gem.
"How Your Pussy Works (If You're Ready To Learn)" is pretty damn hilarious.
Hat tip to my main man Cobra Kahn for the link. Sssssssssss.
The Black Keys & John Fogerty - The Weight, Live at Coachella
John Fogerty of Creedence Clearwater Revival joins The Black Keys at Coachella.
Together performing "The Weight" in honor of the late Levon Helm.
Chills.
Interview: Tru Fam
I'm stoked to share this week's interview with pop hip-hop duo, Tru Fam. These two have perfected the Top 40 game and are on the verge of ubiquity, in my humble opinion. All of my pop promos and programmers, take note. You should be pushing and spinning their singles already. Enjoy the read, crank the tunes. x
Thanks so much for sitting down for the interview,
guys. It’s a pleasure to converse with such a talented duo for a bit. I don't do enough pop pieces on here, so this is refreshing.
Sha - No problem thanks
for having us!!!
I see New Jersey and New
York represented on your sites, but which came first?
Where were you two born, raised, and where are you living now?
Sha - We were born and
raised in a city called Paterson which is in New Jersey. We still
actually live there but we spend so much of our time in NYC, we had to claim
it. That’s where all of the opportunities are and it’s the city that Never
sleeps... I LOVE IT!!
When did you start performing? What was your first
performance like?
Just I - We went to a performing arts High School for acting so we got use to
being on stage. Our first performance was at Bloomfield College. We did really good might I add lol. It was a tough crowd though.
I understand you guys are twins. You guys have incredible chemistry on this record.
Was it always an easy and comfortable collaboration, or was there some early
competition in the household?
Sha - Hahaha were twins so
it’s always competition for like anything and everything... No matter what
though we always come to an agreement to make it work... So that’s the chemistry
part. We both know hard work pays off so ,that’s something we definitely live
by.
Where did the names Sha and Just I come from?
Sha - Sha & Just I are
actually just parts of our names. Pretty much kept it like that... Plain and
simple!!
Do you come from a musical family? How were your
musical aspirations embraced growing up? Did you have a lot of support from
family and friends?
Justi - Nobody in our
family pursued music professionally but
they would play different types of music . We liked different type of music we were big fans of Bad Boy
music!! YES our family gave us their full support. Our mother taught us the
business so we studied this music game...
Let’s talk about the record. It sounds fantastic. I
mean, really top notch mixing quality on each song. Who produced it and where
was it recorded?
Sha - Thanks a lot w e
worked really hard on Bowties & Applause. We were with many producers. We
reached out to Teddy Roxpin who works
with Mac Miller - also Kacey Khaliel and
other independent producers who have that pop sound. We record at a studio
near us in Jersey and make adjustments to the
records, then send it out to our engineer in NYC who did a wonderful job, seeing our vision.
Living Things - Fake it Baby, Fake it (La Dame Nature)
Living Things released this artistic masterpiece for "Fake It Baby, Fake It (La Dame Nature)"
The song is a thrashing combination of garage rock, punk, surf pop, and awesomeness.
Crank your speakers and lose yourself in some really fine music.
Kendra Morris - If You Didn't Go (Official Video)
Here's the latest single from New York City soulstress, Kendra Morris.
"If You Didn't Go" has that vintage motown vibe that we have come to expect from her.
I love this girl's voice and can't get enough of her songs, but her videos sure bring the heat.
We last featured Kendra back in December, check it out HERE.
The Zax - Nothing To Celebrate (Champagne)
My buddy Rion of The Zax has released this amazingly, outrageously hilarious video.
"Nothing To Celebrate (Champagne)" has gathered over 50,000 views in a week.
Directed by Ben & Julia for your viewing pleasure.
The Rapture - How Deep Is Your Love (Official Video)
Super fun new video from The Rapture for last year's single, "How Deep Is Your Love"
Killer dance beat on this disco-gospel track from my favorite Brooklyn party band.
From 2011's DFA Records release, In The Grace Of Your Love.
Wyclef Jean- Justice (If You're 17) For Trayvon Martin
Respect to Wyclef Jean for releasing this fitting tribute to slain young man, Trayvon Martin.
This is going to be the trial of the decade and deservedly so.
Erase Racism. Now.
Electric Guest - This Head I Hold (Official Video)
Electric Guest was featured here back in February, but today is a big day for these guys.
New video for "This Head I Hold" dropped today, as did their new record, "Mondo"
I love this band and can't get enough of their funk-infused rock n roll.
Crank those speakers and take a mid-day break from the grind. x
Interview: Deadbeat Darling
I am so excited to share this week's PUMP Sessions interview with Brooklyn rockers, Deadbeat Darling. I've seen these boys melt faces for years and they have absolutely exploded both stateside and across the pond. If you haven't caught a gig yet, you are most certainly missing out. I mean, come on, just take a look at that press photo above, by Deneka Peniston. Straight up Rock n Roll. Big thanks to front man, Joe King for taking time out from their buys album release schedule to share his story with us. Enjoy. x
I love the name Deadbeat Darling. From what I
understand, it stems from a lyric that you [Joe] wrote during his early days in
New York.
What was the meaning behind the lyric and how did you come up with the term?
The name is a lyric from a song "Lover Says It's Late", which I wrote during my first winter in NYC. I guess it was originally a self-moniker - in context of the song, it's what my lover calls me when she was trying to reason with me.
I read that you moved from Austin to New York back in 2005. Is that where you grew up? And what brought you to Brooklyn?
I grew up in San Antonio, about an hour South of Austin, but in a way would claim Austin as my hometown because that's where my musical roots are. I had a band for 6 years there that had a pretty successful run, and when I decided to bring it to an end, I wanted a fresh start. So my ex-girl and I packed our shit up in a U-haul in October 2005 and made our way to New York. I had lots of friends here and was ready for the challenge of re-inventing myself in the big city.
Very few Brooklyn-based rock bands hail from New York City. Where is everyone else from originally?
The only member of the band that is originally from Brooklyn is Mo. Evan was born in St. Louis and made his way to Brooklyn via New Orleans. Ian is Western Canadian, hailing from Alberta.
You’re in the trendy neighborhood of Williamsburg, which seems to be the Mecca of Rock n Roll for the better part of the last decade. I moved there in 2004 and except for a stint in LA, it’s been home ever since. What drew you there in the first place and what do you enjoy most about the area?
I enjoy being in walking distance from the guys in my band as well as a slew of our artist friends. It makes hanging at local dives or backyards painless and frequent, at least when we're in town. We live on the outskirts of Williamsburg, so it's a tad less trendy than say the Bedford stop and a bit more of a neighborhood, but still occupied by many a fresh tattoo of course.
Macklemore & Ryan Lewis - Otherside
Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are absolutely incredible.
This song almost moved me to tears. Twice. It's that powerful.
Turn up your speakers for "Otherside" remix, featuring Fences.
Surfrider / Blackbells - Deep Blue
Blackbells have released a charity single for the Surfrider Foundation.
Head over to iTunes to purchase "Deep Blue" and help out a noble cause.
Interview: F. Stokes
I’d like to welcome up-and-coming sophisticated
MC, F. Stokes, to our PUMP Sessions Interview Series. This gentleman is making
waves with his smokin hot EP, Love,
Always, which features the smash hit single, “My Simple”. Big things are
happening, so don’t sleep on this talented cat.
PS: Let’s kick this off with the question on everyone’s
mind: Where did the name F. Stokes come from?
F.S: It derived from a guy named Flukey Stokes who
was notorious in my old neighborhood on the South side of Chicago.
You’re now based in New York
City, but I hear a lot of Midwest
love in your music. Clearly that stems from your hometown of Chicago and spending your adolescent years in
Madison, Wisconson. How did you go from the south side of Chi-Town to Madison?
My mother moved us when I was 13 yrs old. She was
essentially escaping the ghetto, and stumble upon this charismatic town in
Southern Wisconsin. It was a life changing
move.
After growing up in Madison, where did you go?
Back to Chicago
initially, then to New York.
My entire extended family is from the north side of
Chicago and I’ve been through Madison a couple of times, so I know the pros
and cons of both. Those two towns are definitely cultural Meccas of the Midwest. What pushed you to move east to the greatest
city in the world? Or did I just answer my own question?
I think you did lol. New York allowed me the platform to
completely stretch my creative wings. It's one of the few town in the world
where artists of all walks are typically embraced. It provided solace, and comfort.
When did you finally move to New York and what neighborhood have you
settled into? Did you know anyone here when you made the move? And what
neighborhoods do you tend to hang out in?
I moved directly to Brooklyn,
and I knew a few people, yes. One guy went to my high-school and graduated
years before. His father was actually a friend of mine, and connected us.
Depp Joins Manson at Revolver Awards
I am experiencing absolute sensory overload right now...
Two of my favorite motherfuckers on the planet performing together.
Johnny Depp joined Marilyn Manson onstage in LA for the Revolver Golden Gods Awards.
He played guitar during Manson hits "Sweet Dreams" and "Beautiful People"
The Click Clack Boom - Elle Deadsex
The Click Clack Boom fucking rock and that's all you really need to know.
"Elle Deadsex" is an all-systems-GO song that James Murphy wishes he had written.
These boys are gathering steam in the New York City scene, so pay attention.
Thomas Azier - Red Eyes
Netherlands-raised, Berlin-based Thomas Azier caught me completely by surprise.
"Red Eyes" has so much going on that it should be an absolute mess, but it is anything but.
80s synths and modern electro pop beats with soaring vocals and dark undertones.
This track has been on repeat and I don't see myself stopping any time soon.
Fast Years - Young Heart
Love the new video for "Young Heart" from Brooklyn-based vintage rockers, Fast Years.
60s surf pop vocals combined with a modern rock riff create a catchy sing-a-long for the ages.
These guys should have been playing at the Enchantment Under The Sea dance.
But they fit in just fine at any grungy rock club that New York has to offer.
Gringo Star - Transmissions
Looks like I am way late to this party, but just stumbled on to Gringo Star.
Sadly, I have seen their name a dozen or more times, but thought it too silly to listen.
My mistake, because these Atlanta, Georgia boys are immensely talented.
"Transmission" is as good as any recent Springsteen or Neil Young sons.
The Lumineers - Ho Hey
The Lumineers are making quite the name for themselves in the folk rock world.
My buddy Sean turned me onto these guys a few years back, in a previous band formation.
They left New York for Denver, Colorado and the rest, as they say, is history.
"Ho Hey" is an adorable love song with gorgeous harmonies and a catchy chorus.
130k + views on YouTube is definitely what I consider success.
RIP Kurt Cobain - Smells Like Teen Spirit
This song changed my life forever.
RIP Kurt Cobain and Nirvana, the greatest band of my generation.
February 20, 1967 – April 5, 1994
Gossip - Perfect World
At long last, here is the video for Gossip's ridiculously incredible new single, "Perfect World"
Can we all bow down at the alter of Beth Ditto now and forever?
This band rocks so hard I can't even stand it.
Wait, yes I can. MORE MORE MORE.
Motive - What's So Bad
Motive is quickly becoming a new favorite Brooklyn indie rock bands.
"What's So Bad" has a killer riff, garage-y vocals, fuzzy feedback, and hooky chorus.
I see big things on the horizon from these guys so stay tuned...
Marilyn Manson - No Reflection
Marilyn Manson is one of the last great, unapologetic rockstars to reach the masses.
I would give anything to have a drink with him and hear his thoughts on today's artists.
The public fears what it does not understand, and no one but he gets the persona.
And that's exactly why it's so fucking badass.
"No Reflections" isn't top shelf, but it rocks.
Joseph Arthur - Travel As Equals
This kid Joseph Arthur is a breath of fresh air in a smothering fog of mediocrity.
Brooklyn-based Arthur has a classic Tom Petty thing going vocally, but that's where it ends.
"Travel As Equals" is a jambalaya of spoken word, chugging riffs, and cosmic waves of sound.
I haven't heard a male singer/songwriter this good in quite some time, so turn em up.
Hat tip to Lefsetz, who every once in a blue moon discovers a gem.
Paul van Dyk - ETERNITY featuring Adam Young
DJ Paul Van Dyk joined forces with Adam Young (aka Owl City) for "ETERNITY"
Unless I'm not tuning in enough, why has this song not crossed over to Top 40 pop stations?
This song is a perfect blend of dance and pop that will be ubiquitous in the clubs this year.
White Rabbits - Temporary
Simple, inexpensive, but smokin hot new video from Brooklyn rockers, White Rabbits.
This band just keeps getting better and better with each release.
"Temporary" is a dark dance-rock tune with pop crossover potential.
If only this country had a solid modern rock radio platform...
Regina Spektor - Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)
The brilliantly talented Regina Spektor re-recorded this '02 gem of hers for the new record.
"Don't Leave Me (Ne Me Quitte Pas)" is brand new to me, so I'll enjoy it as such.
This song is the usual bubbly funness from Miss Spektor, but with a sexy French twist.
What an incredible pop song.
Glee - Somebody That I Used To Know
Say what you want about Glee, but this performance is spectacular.
I may have to start watching again after seeing that clip (twice in a row, I might add).
Darren Criss and Matt Bomer sing Gotye's "Somebody That I Used To Know"
I'm not ashamed to admit that I loved the first season, but my interest waned after that.
Every once in a while their performances are truly great, and this was one of them.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - We Almost Lost Detroit
The latest from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. is an absolute stunner.
"We Almost Lost Detroit" is the song Eminem wished he wrote about his home city.
You need to stop working now, turn up your speakers, and sit back in awe of its awesomeness.
I've caught a few of their NYC gigs and always had fun, but this is next-level shit.
Now I'm a FAN.
David Lynch - Crazy Clown Time
At long last, the new single and video from legendary filmmaker, David Lynch.
"Crazy Clown Time" is just as insane as I could have ever hoped for.
My head hurts after watching this, but I loved every second. x
Of Monsters and Men - Little Talks
I am head over heels for this Icelandic band, Of Monsters and Men.
"Little Talks" is an explosion of joy, with horns, shouts, hooks, and incredible harmonies.
Clearly at 2 million views, I'm a bit late to the party.
But as they say, better late than never.
Try not to smile. I dare you... x
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