Welcome to Top Ten With…, a fun Q&A session where you’ll get to learn all about the music scene’s hottest artists! Today’s featured musician is Jake Miller, a 19-year-old rapper, singer, and songwriter. This young MC is generating some serious attention, opening for acts like Snoop Dogg and Cee-Lo Green and causing MTV Buzzworthy to deem him “About to blow up!”. Miller’s first single, “What I Wouldn’t Give”, is an upbeat rap song that will be enjoyed not only for its catchiness, but also for its positive message. Get to know more about this rising hip-hop star in our exclusive interview!
Top Ten With Jake Miller
I’m inspired by: Every song is inspired by something different, whether its friends, relationships, or the desire to succeed.
I realized I wanted to play music when: I have always had a passion for music. I taught myself how to play the guitar and drums at an early age. When I was in 10th grade, I used Garage Band on my Mac to turn poems that I wrote for English class into songs. I produced a quick beat and rapped the words of my poems over the instrumental. At the time, I was just doing it as a hobby. As I put more and more songs on YouTube, I started to get more and more of a positive reaction. And that’s when I knew I wanted to take my music to a more serious level.
Four songs you might find on my iPod: Take Care by Drake, The Lounge by Asher Roth, Bigger Than My Body by John Mayer, Celebrity by Big Sean
One word I would use to describe myself: Creative
The best part of being a musician is: Performing on stage and meeting my fans.
Right now, I’m most excited about: I have a new song on the radio called “What I Wouldn’t Give.” I am really excited to see how far that song will go.
Something most people don’t know about me is: I have always been a great artist. It’s my second favorite way to express myself, behind music, of course.
One of my happiest moments was: When I went back to my High School in my hometown and performed. It was really cool seeing so many people come out to support me.
My music is: Positive Hip-Pop. More than anything, I want my music to convey a positive message. I try to inspire kids to live their dreams. With my upbeat lyrics and instrumentals, the positive and happy vibe is the most important thing.
In ten years, I see myself: Definitely making music and trying to make a difference in peoples lives through my music.
“What I Wouldn’t Give” Video
“What I Wouldn’t Give” is available now on iTunes. Keep up with the latest news by following Jake Miller on Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to check out his official website at JakeMillerMusic.com.
Welcome to Top Ten With…, a fun Q&A session where you’ll get to learn all about the music scene’s hottest artists! Today’s featured musician is Kip Moore, an up-and-coming singer/songwriter from Nashville that some have dubbed “The south’s answer to Springsteen”. His single, “Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck”, is currently in the top 25 country singles chart, and his debut album is slated for release this spring. Learn “Moore” about Kip through our exclusive interview!
Top Ten With Kip Moore
I’m inspired by: Good people
I realized I wanted to play music when: I realized I didn’t wanna do anything else!
Four songs you might find on my iPod: Bob Dylan “Shelter From the Storm,” Willie Nelson “Help Me Make it Through the Night,” Mumford and Sons “The Cave,” and Bruce Springsteen “One Step Up”
One word I would use to describe myself: Driven
The best part of being a musician is: Potentially making someone feel better, if only for a moment
Right now I’m most excited about: My first real tour. I’m going out with Billy Currington and David Nail starting March 23rd.
Something most people don’t know about me is: I go to movies alone a lot.
One of my happiest moments was: My last fishing trip with my pops. I knew it was the last and we had a blast, and caught more fish than ever.
My music is: Anxious
In ten years, I see myself: In millions of iPods!
“Somethin’ ‘Bout a Truck” is available on iTunes now; watch for the release of his debut album in the coming months. For more information on Kip’s tour dates and CD release, be sure to visit KipMoore.net and follow him on Twitter and Facebook.
Welcome to Top Ten With…, a fun Q&A session where you’ll get to learn all about the music scene’s hottest artists! In a Top Ten first, today’s interview is with not one, but two musicians, dynamic duo Brandon & Leah. Friends since childhood, the pair are now set to release their debut acoustic pop album later in the year. Get to know Brandon & Leah through our exclusive interview!
Top Ten With Brandon & Leah
I’m inspired by:
LEAH: People. I really love people. I am moved and motivated by the challenges and triumphs each of us experience individually and collectively as a whole.
BRANDON: My dog, Gus. He doesn’t need a computer, TV, or a phone to be content. He just needs a friend to hang out with.
I realized I wanted to play music when:
LEAH: I bought my first Beatles record.
BRANDON: I was very young. I have been singing my whole life but it wasn’t until college that I started playing guitar and became obsessed with writing songs. I fell in love with the beauty of the craft and never looked back.
Four songs you might find on my iPod:
LEAH: The Beatles “Across the Universe,” Bill Withers “Grandma’s Hands,” Etta James “Trust in Me,” and Ray LaMontagne “Empty”
BRANDON: Jack Johnson “Traffic in The Sky,” K’naan “Strugglin,” Miike Snow “Animal – Mark Ronson Remix,” Jesca Hoop “Dreams in The Hollow”
One word I would use to describe myself:
LEAH: Appreciative.
BRANDON: Steady
The best part of being a musician is:
LEAH: Without a doubt, the best part of being a musician is when a fan expresses to us that our music helped them through a difficult period in their life.
BRANDON: Jamming on the couch with friends.
Right now, I’m most excited about:
LEAH: The veggie lasagna in the oven! It’s almost ready.
BRANDON: Playing our next show.
Something most people don’t know about me is:
LEAH: I really enjoy going to the movies solo. That, and I’m a teribol speler.
BRANDON: I am very picky about my socks. Nothing beats a great pair of socks.
One of my happiest moments was:
LEAH: Just now, hearing the timer go off and taking the veggie lasagna out of the oven!
BRANDON: Surviving a clean-up set (a huge set of waves that broke sooner than normal) while surfing. Being scared for my life really makes me appreciate being alive.
My music is:
LEAH: Ever-evolving and ever-changing, along with my own personal growth.
BRANDON: Simple, easy to understand, and impactful.
In ten years, I see myself:
LEAH: 10 years older?
BRANDON: Traveling, surfing, and playing music.
Welcome to Top Ten With…, a fun Q&A session where you’ll get to learn all about the music scene’s hottest artists! Today we’ll be speaking with Kayla Brianna, a young R&B artist who is quickly making a name for herself. Kayla is the daughter of a sports legend, former basketball player and current NBA commentator Kenny Smith; and she carried on the family’s love of the game when she premiered the video for her song “If You Love Me” at halftime during the Lakers vs. Heat game in January. The ambitious starlet is currently recording her debut album while simultaneously studying at UCLA – Kayla took some time out of her busy schedule to talk with Contest Corner about her goals, inspirations, and what to expect from her forthcoming album!
Top Ten With Kayla Brianna
I’m inspired by:
I’m inspired by music, fashion, art, and beautiful scenery.
I realized I wanted to play music when:
I realized I wanted to become a musician when I would see artists such as: Destiny’s Child and Aaliyah performing. I was instantly inspired.
Four songs you might find on my iPod:
Four songs you might find on my iPod are: Turn Up The Music by Chris Brown, Born to Die by Lana Del Rey, It All Belongs To Me by Brandy & Monica and Watch n Learn by Rihanna.
One word I would use to describe myself:
One word I would use to describe myself is vibrant.
The best part of being a musician is:
The best part about being a musician is the opportunities it gives you to inspire people by doing what you love. The fact that I can change someone’s mood just by singing or performing is indescribable.
Right now, I’m most excited about:
Performing for NBA All Star events and completing my debut album.
Something most people don’t know about me is:
Something most people don’t know about me is that I never sang for both my parents til I was about 12 or 13.
One of my happiest moments was:
One of my happiest moments so far was seeing my music video for “If You Love Me” premiere on TNT!
My music is:
My music is personable and relatable. There’s definitely a song for every occasion the album. Whether your going out partying, in love, going through heartbreak…or all three!
In ten years, I see myself:
In ten years I see myself with a successful fashion line, directing or producing a feature film, owning my own record label as well as owning a few Grammys
Be sure to bookmark KaylaBrianna.com to keep up with the latest news on Kayla Brianna’s debut album. You can also stay up-to-date by becoming a fan on Facebook and following her on Twitter.
Welcome to Top Ten With…, a fun Q&A session where you’ll get to learn all about the music scene’s hottest artists! Today we’ll be speaking with Richard Marx, the renowned singer/songwriter who has penned 13 #1 songs, including hits like “Right Here Waiting”, “Satisfied”, and “Hold On To The Nights”. Just in time for the holidays, Richard is getting into the Christmas spirit with The Christmas EP, a collection of five festive songs. So grab a mug of wassail, pull up a chair, and enjoy our exclusive interview!
Top Ten With Richard Marx
I’m inspired by: Courageousness of any kind.
I realized I wanted to play music when: I could first make a sound at all….
Four songs you might find on my iPod: “Red Rain” by Peter Gabriel; “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire; “To Whom It May Concern” by The Civil Wars; “The Pretender” by Foo Fighters
One word I would use to describe myself: Tweaky
The best part of being a musician is: All the “music” part of it and none of the “business” part.
Right now, I’m most excited about: The new season of “Justified” on FX.
Something most people don’t know about me is: I live to hear and tell REALLY dirty jokes.
One of my happiest moments was: Hearing the last REALLY good dirty joke someone told me.
My music is: Unfairly pigeonholed.
In ten years, I see myself: As… fifty-eight.
“Christmas Spirit” Lyric Video
The Christmas EP is available on iTunes now – click here to buy it just in time for this weekend’s Christmas celebrations! And Richard Marx wants to see your Christmas spirit in action: Record a video of your family rocking out to “Christmas Spirit” over the holidays, and you could win an exclusive iPad2 loaded with Richard’s music catalog and a congratulations video as well as some of his favorite apps and songs. You have until January 29th, 2012 to enter – click here to learn more and get your entry in!
Welcome to Top Ten With…, a fun Q&A session where you’ll get to learn all about the music scene’s hottest artists! Today’s featured musician is singer-songwriter Alyssa Bernal, who got her start back in 2006 by uploading cover songs to YouTube. Her channel is currently one of the top 30 most subscribed-to out of all musicians on YouTube, and now she’s preparing to release her debut album, Love Hangover, on November 15th. Get to know this YouTube star through our exclusive interview!
Top Ten With Alyssa Bernal
I’m inspired by: The other talented musicians I’ve met through YouTube.
I realized I wanted to play music when: I realized that I influence others.
Four songs you might find on my iPod: Anti Matter – N*E*R*D, Closer – Corinne Bailey Rae, Be Here Now – Ray LaMontagne, and Haunted – Taylor Swift.
One word I would use to describe myself: Humble
The best part of being a musician is: Performing and connecting with the audience.
Right now, I’m most excited about: This show I’m performing at tonight.
Something most people don’t know about me is: I was a competitive cheerleader for many years.
One of my happiest moments was: When Pharrell introduced me at his concert in Austin TX in front of thousands of people.
My music is: Groovy!
In ten years, I see myself: Settled in LA
Alyssa Bernal’s debut album, Love Hangover, will drop on November 15th and includes collaborations with KT Tunstall, Pharell, and Jason Wade of Lifehouse. Click here to visit AlyssaBernal.com to learn more and download a free MP3 of her song “Imagination”.
Welcome to Top Ten With…, a fun new Q&A session where you’ll get to learn all about the music scene’s hottest artists! Today’s featured musician is a busy man indeed. Backstreet Boys member Howie D just wrapped up a tour with NKOTBSB, and is preparing to release his solo album, Back to Me, on November 15th. The singer/songwriter will then join Britney Spears on her “Femme Fatale” tour for several dates starting November 20th, before heading out on the second annual Backstreet Boys Cruise this December. Howie will then hit the road with NKOTBSB once again for the European leg of their tour in spring 2012. Phew! Howie D recently took time out to chat with us about his projects, future plans, and what inspires him – get the scoop through our exclusive interview!
Top Ten With Howie D
I’m inspired by:
Creativity. I really enjoy working with people who try to push the envelope. As well, I love working with new artists and coming up with ideas that are outside of the box.
I realized I wanted to play music when:
At the age of 6, when I performed in my very first musical The Wizard of Oz. I loved singing in front of an audience and was bitten by the bug and wanted to make this my career.
Four songs you might find on my iPod:
By Your Side – Sade
Fix You – Coldplay
Let Me Love You – Mario
This Woman’s Work – Maxwell
One word I would use to describe myself:
Sincere
The best part of being a musician is:
Traveling all around the world and being able to perform in front of lots of people.
Right now, I’m most excited about:
My album coming out soon. I feel I have worked very hard at putting it together and so happy that it is finally ready for the world to hear.
Something most people don’t know about me is:
I am a perfectionist and because of that I really over think things sometimes and have a hard time making decisions.
One of my happiest moments was:
When my wife gave birth to my son James, as he has made me want to be the best person I can be.
My music is:
Everything to me. It’s what wakes me up in the morning with an idea for a song and what’s streaming through my head as I fall asleep at night.
In ten years, I see myself:
Continuing to grow and learn more as an artist and human being, striving to be the best that I can be.
Back to Me drops on November 15th – be sure to visit HowieD.com to pre-order the album now and access tour dates. You can also keep up with the latest news by following Howie D on Facebook and Twitter.
On Wednesday, I had the pleasure of interviewing actress/singer Ashley Tisdale. As the official spokesperson for this year’s LG U.S. National Texting Event, Ashley took time out from the competition to film this video and answer my questions about the event, as well as give a special shout-out to Contest Corner readers! Click the video above to watch this exclusive interview.
And congratulations to Austin Wierschke, the winner of this year’s LG U.S. National Texting Championship! Be sure to check out LG Texter on Facebook for the lowdown on this year’s event, as well as a chance to win fun prizes. You can also check out a picture of Ashley presenting Austin with his trophy over at JustJaredJr.com.
Welcome to Top Ten With…, a fun new Q&A session where you’ll get to learn all about the music scene’s hottest artists! Today’s featured musician is Nashville singer-songwriter Cal Ecker. He’s set to release his debut EP, an eponymous collection of pop-rock, on September 20th. Get to know Cal Ecker through our exclusive interview!
Top Ten With Cal Ecker
I’m inspired by:
1. I am inspired by many things in life. From faith to people to music to sports. As a songwriter I tend to be inspired by personal life experiences and relationships first.
I realized I wanted to play music when:
2. I realized I wanted to play music when I actually performed and saw the reaction of people watching and enjoying what I had to offer in this world of music.
Four songs you might find on my iPod:
3. Four songs you might find on my iPod are: “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri, “Broken” by Lifehouse, “Surfer Girl” by the Beach Boys, and “Love of a Lifetime” by Firehouse.
One word I would use to describe myself:
4. One word I would use to describe myself is “believer.” Nothing is impossible.
The best part of being a musician is:
5. The best part of being a musician is being able to entertain people for a living. Watching people have fun knowing they are choosing to be there on their free time and you’re getting paid for it.
Right now, I’m most excited about:
6. Right now I am most excited about getting my career underway and getting my music that I’ve created heard and out to the masses of people in the world.
Something most people don’t know about me is:
7. Something most people don’t know about me is I played NCAA division 1, 2, and 3 college basketball. 3 different schools. Let me know if you’ve ever known someone who has done that.
One of my happiest moments was:
8. One of my happiest moments was when my high school basketball team won the big school state championship in Minnesota my senior year of high school. Glory days I know, but it’s so true.
My music is:
9. My music is simple and real. It is heartfelt and passionate. It stresses positivity and gives hope. It’s a good thing. No doubt.
In ten years, I see myself:
10. In ten years I see myself married with some children, living comfortably providing for my family, God willing. Touring a couple times a year, continuing to write and perform my music, my passion. And of course realizing even more how blessed and lucky I am to have been given this life.
Cal Ecker’s self-titled EP drops on September 20th, and his first single, “I Will Love You”, is available on iTunes now – click here to visit his official website for ordering information. You can also keep up with the latest news via his Facebook and Twitter pages.
Welcome to Top Ten With…, a fun new Q&A session where you’ll get to learn all about the music scene’s hottest artists! Today’s featured musician is Lily Halpern, an 18-year-old pop singer who recently released her debut EP, Not Gonna Cry, and is currently on tour with Big Time Rush and Hot Chelle Rae. Get to know Lily Halpern through our exclusive interview!
Top Ten With Lily Halpern
I’m inspired by: My fans, my friends and family, my manager and the other talented people I’m lucky enough to work with and have in my life.
I realized I wanted to play music when: I was five and I first had music class in school, immediately I was hooked.
Four songs you might find on my iPod: “Mean” by Taylor Swift, “Best Thing I Never Had” by Beyonce, “Tonight, Tonight” Hot Chelle Rae (after being on tour with them I can’t get it out of my head!), and “For Once In My Life” Stevie Wonder
One word I would use to describe myself: Goofy
The best part of being a musician is: Being able to connect with my fans through my music.
Right now, I’m most excited about: The fact that I’m on tour with Big Time Rush and Hot Chelle Rae and get to hang out with these amazing guys and play music with them every night.
Something most people don’t know about me is: I am a really really good and graceful water skier…. but I’m pretty clumsy and goofy in all other areas
One of my happiest moments was: Two nights ago at the Hampton Beach Casino concert with Hot Chelle Rae and Big Time Rush when I looked into the audience and saw 5 girls in the front row singing along every single word to my songs.
My music is: My diary.
In ten years, I see myself: Doing exactly what I’m doing now, my music, and being totally and completely happy that I’ve been doing what I love for a decade.
Contest Corner is your resource for the best giveaways on the net! Journalist Beeb Ashcroft gives you her upfront opinions on the newest & coolest products - along with a chance for you to win one for yourself!
Contest Corner is your resource for the best giveaways on the net! Journalist Beeb Ashcroft gives you her upfront opinions on the newest & coolest products - along with a chance for you to win one for yourself!
