#stunning american singer/songwriter

[clarabowlover]

(No.127-130)

Taylor Swift attends the 65th GRAMMY Awards on February 05, 2023 in Los Angeles, California.

[ac3may]

" the wag diaries "

How You Met

~ Georgia Stanway ~

~~~~~~~~~~

it was evident to everyone who knows you that you and Georgia were meant for each other

it all began on a rainy autumn day in Germany

as an up-and-coming American singer-songwriter, it was your first time in the country

with your latest single blowing up on TikTok you had somehow managed to wrangle yourself a European tour

having come from a close but not wealthy family unit back in Colorado travelling at all was new to you

but especially travelling SO far around the globe

that's the reason you made it a mission to get out and explore every place you go

even when the weather is miserable!

which brought you to the hole-in-the-wall café you’d found yourself in

bundled in several sweatshirts and a rain jacket on top

rushing out of the cold and wet into the first local-looking business you saw

you had underestimated quite how busy the small business would be

so in your stumbling, feeling like a wet cat dragged backwards through a hedge, you ended up tumbling into someone

and it wasn’t just any someone

after recovering from the hot coffee you had spilt on yourself in the fall

and the feeling of the stranger's hands electrifying you through your many layers as she steadied you

you finally took in the full glory of the women in front of you

cheeks rosy from the cold, an amused smirk resting on her face 

Georgia was just as stunned to see you 

despite the wind-whipped hair stuck to your forehead and the bewildered animal look you had going on

you were obviously not from here 

sucking a deep breath she managed a cheeky smile

flustered and embarrassed you began stuttering out badly strung-together phrases of German in hopes of not being shamed out of the shop entirely

Georgia’s grin only widened as she realised that you had  mistaken her for a native

finally putting you out of your misery she, in her very English accent, boldly stated her most commonly used German phrase 

“entschuldigung, ich spreche kein Deutsch”

the confused look that crossed your face only reminded Georgia more of a puppy than you had originally 

so with a chuckle she held out her hand and introduces herself

only laughing harder at the embarrassed but relieved expression that crossed your face as she did so

after much debate over who owed who coffee the two of you found yourselves settled snugly together in the corner of the shop, drinks steaming in front of you

with conversation flowing but mugs long since emptied the pair of you are only broken from the bubble you created when your phone begins buzzing incessantly 

ignoring it once you’d sent an apologetic smile to Georgia as it rang again

after encouragement to answer you are immediately met with the worried voice of your manager (and older brother) 

after confirming where you were, and that you were safe he was quick to remind you of how close you were cutting it to sound check for your show that night

eyes widened at how long you had spent talking with the English women you’re quick to exchange numbers and a ticket to your show

it’s months until you see each other again though

and even longer before you became official

but Georgia had never been more thankful for the awful weather than she was that day

~~~~~~~~~~

Idk if what I’ve written is great but G is one of my favourite concepts so far! Let me know what you guys think.

We're moving through the WAG diaries nicely!! Reader Origin's and dating blurbs coming next unless I get some requests so feel free to make suggestions ◡̈

[sageofbloom]

𓈒 ՙ ✿ . THE EIGHTH FEMALE ADDITION ᵎᵎ

TAAVIA ─── born octavia bonnie sage﹐1998 ❛ is an american singer─songwriter, dancer, rapper, composer, actress and brand ambassador under HYBE CORPORATION ( + HYBE LABELS: BIG HIT MUSIC ) &&. various other subsidiaries. she is the eighth &&. only female member of a predominantly male boy band, known as BTS ( korean: 방탄소년단 / rr: bangtan sonyeondan / lit: bulletproof boy scouts ) that formed in 2010. despite the group debuting in 2013, TAAVIA was first introduced in 2014 as one of the leading actresses &&. a suprise feature in the music video &&. song, BOY IN LUV ── beautifully singing the pre chorus that stunned viewers &&. listeners alike.

the media speculated about her identity, creating buzz around BTS’ unconventional lineup. shortly after the music video release, the company held a special showcase to formally introduce her as the official &&. final member. the move was polarizing ── some were intrigued, while others harshly criticized &&. questioned the decision. still, her charisma &&. talent slowly but surely began to win over skeptics. TAAVIA debuted as a soloist in 2019 with the korean language single, FOOLS. ❜

˒ ⓘ 𓈒 001 ꜛ ──── ACT ONE ʾ ๋ .ᐟ ❛ profile &&. wikipedia &&. trivial information &&. storyline \ character development ❜

˒ ⓘ 𓈒 002 ꜛ ──── ACT TWO ʾ ๋ .ᐟ ❛ familial relations &&. group relations &&. label relations &&. individual team relations &&. romantic relations &&. friendships &&. group fanbase &&. individual fanbase ❜

˒ ⓘ 𓈒 003 ꜛ ──── ACT THREE ʾ ๋ .ᐟ ❛ writings \ scenarios &&. interviews &&. variety shows &&. documentaries &&. behind the scenes &&. interactions &&. reactions &&. award shows &&. articles ( announcements \ scandals \ rumors \ etc ) ❜

˒ ⓘ 𓈒 004 ꜛ ──── ACT FOUR ʾ ๋ .ᐟ ❛ group discography &&. individual discography &&. collaborations &&. music videos &&. filmography &&. endorsements &&. brand deals &&. commercials ❜

˒ ⓘ 𓈒 005 ꜛ ──── ACT FIVE ʾ ๋ .ᐟ ❛ group tours \ stages &&. individual tours \ stages &&. group achievements \ awards &&. individual achievements \ awards ❜

˒ ⓘ 𓈒 006 ꜛ ──── ACT SIX ʾ ๋ .ᐟ ❛ instagram &&. youtube &&. twitter &&. tik tok &&. messages \ phone calls \ facetime &&. kakaotalk &&. vlives ❜

ⓘ ꕀ 痴 ILONA’s DIARY 𓈒 ✶  ─── small reminder that this blog belongs to @annolii. read at your own risk, there will be heavy themes present. warnings are given prior to the aforementioned post. and lastly, do not interact if you roleplay, steal, use minors for any reason and bend\change ethnicities!

[grapenehifics]

Not to tell you about *every* time I hear Solsbury Hill on the radio but…

Can you tell us why you picked it as the title for your fic? I feel there’s more to your reasoning than “grab your things I’ve come to take you home” and I’d love to hear your thoughts [it’s also maybe pretty obvious(?) but I’m really, really shit at 1) song lyrics 2) song meanings and 3) applying them to other contexts 🙈]

My friend, there is almost nothing I would rather talk about than the intersection between Peter Gabriel*, Genesis, Solsbury Hill the place, Solsbury Hill the song, and Solsbury Hill the fic.

(*Peter Gabriel, and all the members of Genesis, are real people, and would probably tell this story very differently. But they're not here to correct me [oh god, at least, I hope not], and this is how I heard the story, and I am going to tell it the way I know it. Apologies to all those living or dead.)

Sometime in the late 1960s a group of British schoolboys formed the prog rock band Genesis, and by the early 1970s they were...maybe not world-famous, but huge by prog rock standards, anyway, with a couple of albums and a tour. The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway came out and it was a big enough deal that they got offered an American tour, too.

They were all still pretty young (they'd started basically in high school) and Peter Gabriel, their lead singer and main songwriter, had recently got married and he and his wife had a baby (this will become relevant in a second). So they go on the American tour and maybe about halfway through Peter turns to his bandmates and is like, "so...I'll finish the tour with you, because I promised I would, but when we get back home I'm quitting the band."

The other guys were stunned, obviously, because this was the moment they'd worked for. They'd already gotten through all the shitty garage band years, which is where most people give up, and now they were at the good part! They were on an international tour! The money was good! Their albums were selling! They had more fans than they'd ever thought they'd have! What on earth would possess someone to want to give all that up?

(The part of this story that is less-charitable to Peter Gabriel is that one of the answers he gave was 'more creative freedom' and his band was like...but you already write all our songs? What possible *more* creative freedom do you think you need?)

It wasn't just the band, though. His managers and the record company and everyone all told him that was a terrible, terrible idea, and there were a sizable contingent of Genesis fans who just refused to follow him to his solo career because they were mad at him for walking out on Genesis, wrecking the band, how dare he be so ungrateful...

(Genesis did fine without him, actually. Phil Collins took over on vocals and they had another couple of albums and some hit songs before going kind of weirdly soft-rock in the 80s.)

Also - and this is an important detail - when he left the band, there was no solo career. He didn't have any songs. I don't think he even had an agent. He was kind of on the outs with the industry for pulling that stunt. He spent the first year after he quit - while Genesis was recording a new album without him - just hanging out at home with his wife and baby daughter.

Eventually he did get back in the studio, and one of the songs on his first solo album was Solsbury Hill, largely regarded to be the most autobiographical of his songs (Solsbury Hill is an actual, physical hill in Somerset, near where he grew up). It's pretty blatantly about quitting Genesis, including being unhappy in the band:

So I went from day to day Though my life was in a rut

I was feeling part of the scenery

And liberty, she pirouette When I think that I am free

and trying to get up the courage to leave even knowing it would almost universally be regarded as a really dumb move and would very possibly end his entire music career even though he was still in his twenties:

My friends would think I was a nut Open doors would soon be shut

But eventually doing it anyway:

To keep in silence I resigned

I walked right out of the machinery

I will show another me

Then he writes about how, even though it was scary and he didn't know what the consequences were going to be, he was glad he did it:

Though my life was in a rut 'Til I thought of what I'd say Which connection I should cut

Today I don't need a replacement I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant

And he personifies all this as a person, or more accurately hearing a voice (while climbing Solsbury Hill, hence the title), and the progression of what the voice tells him mirrors the rest of the lyrics. First it's:

"Son, " he said "Grab your things, I've come to take you home."

and

"Hey, " he said "Grab your things, I've come to take you home."

But the final lines are the singer answering back:

"Hey, " I said "You can keep my things, they've come to take me home."

And not to belabor the metaphor, but that's what I see as the equivalent of the first quarter or so of Solsbury Hill the fic, at least the beginning to the Bakersfield hospital chapters. Peter Gabriel and Anakin both got the exact thing they thought they wanted - a record deal, a tour, money, fame, wealth - and then turned out once they had it, they actually didn't really want it all that much anymore, and the reality of it wasn't worth keeping it.

But also mixed in there is some shame, right, because to everyone else it looks like you have it all. Every kid around the world with a guitar and a garage bands wants what you have. Every kid on their school swim team watching the Olympics on TV wants that. And now you've got it, and you're just...going to hand it back? Say it's not good enough? This thing that feeds your family and lets you see the world? How dare you spit on that!

But all they really want - in both stories - is more time with the people they love. And yes, in both cases, there are ways to fix that - Peter Gabriel could have taken his wife and baby with him on tour, Anakin could have not fired Obi-Wan and taken up with Palpatine - but in the middle of that situation and looking down the barrel of year after year of touring and competition and the toll it takes on your body and your mental health - suddenly the smart play starts looking like turning you back on it, tearing the whole thing down, and starting over. Even if it means living without the money and the fame and the recognition and universal goodwill. Who cares. Keep it all. Keep my things; I don't need them; I just need you.

I'm going home.

[miashyperfixations]

JOSHUA BASSETT: THE GOLDEN YEARS TOUR

18.01.2025 @ O2 Institute, Birmingham (1,500 Capacity)

Written Jan 2025

Joshua Bassett is an artist I’ve been a fan of for a long time now. He’s one of the few artists these days that I didn’t find through social media. I first became a fan after seeing him as ‘Ricky Bowen’ in Disney Plus’ show ‘High School Musical: The Musical: The Series’, and since then it’s been a hell of a ride hearing all of the songs he’s released since. He’s an insanely talented songwriter too, with writing credits on all of his songs, (which includes  a debut album, ‘The Golden Years’, 4 EPs, and 5 other singles since 2020), as well as some of his character’s songs on HSMTMTS.

The show opened with fellow American singer-songwriter, Thomas Day. I had never listened to his music before and I was pleasantly surprised. His newest release ‘underwear’ came out the day before the show, and he also played an unreleased song called ‘sleep when we’re dead’ , which the crowd seemed to love. His high energy and constant moving around the stage built up anticipation and energy beautifully. He was the perfect opener for Joshua.

Joshua himself is an incredible musician with even more stunning vocals. The California native started acting from a young age, and this is heavily reflected in his performance, with unrivaled energy bouncing around the stage like the true theatre kid he is, especially in ‘Would ya tell me’.

As with any other concert there were a few songs with dedicated elements. Before the third song of his set, Joshua invited two fans onstage to teach him a line dance that the three of them then performed during the song (‘Circles’), and During ‘different’ Basset walked around the edge of the room’s floor standing area shaking hands and interacting with members of the crowd who wouldn’t usually get that experience.  Many artists, as they grow, lose touch with their fans and only focus on releasing music, but Joshua shows just how much he cares about his fans and wants to keep interaction with them alive - its known that he voluntarily stays behind in between the venue and his tour bus to meet the crowd of fans that gathers after almost every show instead of just walking straight past them with a wave.

Of course, I can’t not mention the drama and speculation surrounding Bassett's career, but at the end of the day, he’s doing what he loves to an audience who loves him for it. He’s very open about the struggles he’s been through, to the point at which certain songs and speeches during the concert almost felt like a group therapy session. His song ‘Lifeline’ centers around making amends with the people you care about, even if you don’t want to  in a beautiful way, because you never really know how much time you or your loved ones have left. Similarly, songs like ‘All in due time’ & ‘Look how far you’ve come’ discuss personal growth and being proud of yourself, no matter the obstacles that may still be in your way.

Having been a fan of Joshua for so many years now, finally seeing him live was everything I dreamed it’d be. I played his ‘Sad Songs In A Hotel Room’ EP quite a lot during a particularly hard time in my life so hearing both ‘Lifeline’ and ‘All in due time’ live was something I’d wanted to experience for a while now, and it didn’t disappoint. The entire tour gives off good vibes & a sense of togetherness I haven’t seen in many crowds before, and seeing how much his songs mean to so many people was an incredible experience.

[aurevoirmonty]

JUDAS PRIEST – Sad Wings Of Destiny (2025 remaster) 

The same record label that recently released a great remaster / remix of JUDAS PRIEST first album, now is making available the legends’ sophomore work ”Sad Wings Of Destiny (2025 remaster)”. American based Exciter Records (after a deal made with Gull Records), presents this fresh remastering, obtaining a stunning sound quality. With this second album released in 1976, Priest began to create the heavier rhythms and strong twin melodies which helped to pave the way for the still malleable metal genre. Independent label Gull Records provided a mere £2,000 for Judas Priest to lay down what would become one of metal’s most revered and influential albums and, arguably, the first true bona fide traditional heavy metal work. Musically, “Sad Wings Of Destiny” is the album on which Judas Priest consolidated their sound and image, and not only one of their best, but also one of the most influential metal albums of all time. Much has been said about the amazing vocals of Rob Halford and the killer guitar work of K.K. Downing and Glen Tipton. And while they absolutely deserve the praise, not as much credit has been given to the rhythm section of drummer Alan Moore (only album with the band) and bassist Ian Hill. They lock in together and form the pounding, driving rhythms that went on to help define heavy metal.

The songwriting on this album is incredible, ahead for its era, and the diversity, awesome. In my humble opinion is the most creative album from Judas Priest before becoming a killer rocking machine (which I also like as well). Pulling together two old songs from 1973, Priest’s “Whiskey Woman” (written with original singer Al Atkins) and “Red Light Lady” from singer Rob Halford’s previous band Hiroshima, the group molded the indomitable “Victim of Changes.” The nearly eight-minute opener displays a wide dynamic range in rhythm, texture, and mood with heavy riffing, a melodic ballad section, and extended guitar leads. The heavy riff alternates with a cappella passages, Halford breaking into screaming falsettos during the slow break and dramatic conclusion of the song.

Following the now Priest classic that has stood tall for more than four decades came “The Ripper.” A concise, yet devastatingly effective track that further played with clever arrangements and sudden and arresting tempo changes. A busy, chugging, riff-heavy rocker with arrangements inspired by Queen – particularly in the high-pitched layered opening vocals and classical-tinged twin guitars. “Dreamer Deceiver” is a classic metal ballad with terrific atmospheres complete with some of Halford’s most ear-piercing falsettos, serving as introduction to the heavy “Deceiver” which follows it, a rhythm-heavy, Sabbathian track.

“Prelude” features some mood changing awesome keyboards, then “Genocide” is a forward-looking, riff-heavy rocker, bearing the influence of heavy rockers such as Deep Purple’s Woman From Tokyo. “Tyrant”, with its driving guitar riffs and concise construction, is part of the first seeds of what would flower into the New Wave of British Heavy Metal movement. Then closer “Island of Domination” is a heavy rocker with a complex riff in a style reminiscent of their contemporaries Black Sabbath.

”Sad Wings of Destiny” boasts one of the most recognizable album covers in Patrick Woodroffe’s Fallen Angels. Depicting an outstretched angel surrounded by flames on the ground, the band’s trident emblem made its first appearance hanging from the angel’s neck.

Following the release of ”Sad Wings of Destiny”, the band consciously decided to break their contract with Gull to sign with CBS. Knowing this meant forsaking their rights to the songs as well as revenues, (they would later reclaim copyright ownership of these songs) it was a move made out of necessity. Little did Judas Priest know that they had just created a heavy metal masterpiece. Every single song on this album is amazing, ever changing. It’s not perfect due to money / production limitations, but this very good remaster solves many things.

01 – Victim of Changes 02 – The Ripper 03 – Dreamer Deceiver 04 – Deceiver 05 – Prelude 06 – Tyrant 07 – Genocide 08 – Epitaph 09 – Island of Domination

Rob Halford – vocals Glenn Tipton – guitars, piano, organ K. K. Downing – guitars Ian Hill – bass Alan Moore – drums

[bellairdine]

The Met Gala 2024

The Met - An Introduction

2024's Met Gala! To celebrate the Costume Institute’s new exhibition: “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion", the Met Gala was sure to showcase a select array of items and pieces (250 in fact - all from Costume Institute’s permanent collection) from the last 400 years of fashion history. This year's Met Gala was taken over by Zendaya, Bad Bunny, Jennifer Lopez and Chris Hemsworth, all very notable and famous celebrities.

The Met's dress code was The Garden of Time. Although interpreted in a number of ways, what was clearly the more popular interpretation leant more towards a floral or nature idea. Floral-like outfits weren't just the ones to find it's way onto the red carpet.

Outfits

Let's take a look at some of the outfits showed off on the red carpet. Starting off we have Lana Del Rey, and American singer-songwriter, in Alexander McQueen.

Next we have Anok Yai, a south Sudanese-American model, who donned a two piece suit studded with 98,000 Swarovski crystals.

Next we have Nicki Minaj — Trinidadian-born rapper, singer, and songwriter — in Marni. A colourful ensemble, no doubt.

Moving on we have Lil Nas X — an American rapper, singer, and songwriter — in Luar. Quite a nice piece, don't you agree?

Next up, Karlie Kloss, an American fashion model, in Swarovski. It's in a beautiful shade of pink paired with the crystals, and the flowers and petals were a nice touch.

Next on our list is Zendaya, American actress and singer, in Maison Margiela. A look completed by the makeup, Zendaya showed off her stunning blue and green gown and hat.

Sixth on our list: Tyla, South African and American, in Balmain. Her dress is made of sand and her bag is an hourglass to represent time.

Last on our list is Mona Patel, entrepreneur and philanthropist, in an Iris van Herpen gown. The butterflies on her sleeves actually move!

There are many, many more stunning outfits, so do look them up if you can!

My Thought

I am a simple person - I have my opinions and I wish to speak of them. So who'll stop me from sharing my opinions on this year's Met? My opinions are as simple as I: I think that whilst there were lacklustre outfits, there were also show-stopping ones that caught people's attention in a positive way. I do find it quite nice to have this year's theme to be quite broad and vague, as it brought us a nice array of outfits.

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Thanks to Vogue, I am able to write my mini-article/review.

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But here's the important part!

The Palestinian protest!

I'm sure all of us are aware of the genocide. Israel has been carrying out genocide or Palestine, causing the death and injuries of Palestinians. There are many videos and images and articles on this genocide, and I'm sure by now all of you have seen them.

There were protests against Israel's wrongdoings outside the Met Gala this year, causing many of the protestors to be arrested.

In Central Park,  a group held cardboard signs bearing messages such as "No Met Gala While Bombs Drop in Gaza" and "No Celebration Without Liberation." Along Fifth Avenue, a larger contingent raised Palestinian flags, their chants of "Gaza! Gaza!" reverberating through the evening air. - NDTV WORLD

Don't forget to support Palestine in any way you can — whether spreading information and news about the genocide, boycotting brands, or donating money or food.

Don't forget your daily click: https://arab.org/click-to-help/palestine/

[louisupdates]

JULY 8, 2023 | JULIA KOVALEVA

A solo career after being in a popular band has never been easy, especially when you’re only 18 years old and have been part of the world-famous boy band One Direction. Yet, even as the band comes to an end, you still find joy in being part of it.

Louis Tomlinson was the one who never sought a solo career. However, when you’re a true artist, being on stage is the only way to go. So, you have to venture out alone and create your own show. For Louis, it was a long journey filled with personal drama and the postponement of his first solo tour in 2020, as he reveals in his recently released documentary “All of Those Voices.” And now, here we are at his world tour, “Faith in the Future 2023,” listening to his second album, “Faith in the Future,” which was released in November 2022.

As we reach the halfway point of the North American leg, we find ourselves in Phoenix, AZ, at the Arizona Financial Theatre.

The venue is nearly full by the time the first opening act takes the stage. People already know that this show is a must-see.

Making his U.S. debut, Andrew Cushin, an insanely talented 23-year-old singer-songwriter, delivers a touching and extremely inspiring performance. With his stunning baritone voice and lyrics that belie his age, Andrew sings about his own struggles, hopes, and dreams. He is about to release his debut album, “Waiting For The Rain,” in the fall, which includes all the singles he performs, including the new one, “It’s Coming Round Again.”

The second opening act is The Snuts. Despite their van breaking down on their way from Las Vegas, they managed to make it to Phoenix. They are another phenomenal discovery for the audience. Hailing from Scotland, this band is also highly supported by their fans. They open their set with their recently released single, “Gloria.” The Snuts have the vibe of a band playing in a small bar, and each member is a talented musician who clearly enjoys their time on stage, just as the audience enjoys their electrifying music.

Even those who are hearing them for the first time find themselves dancing and singing along, fueled by the band’s positive energy.

With both these engaging openers, time flies by, and finally, Louis Tomlinson takes the stage. The crowd erupts into cheers and excitement as he begins his first song, “The Greatest.” For those who are familiar with One Direction, his show is a total surprise. His solo music leans towards the edgy side, but it’s also incredibly catchy and powerful. Louis has an amazing band accompanying him on stage, and the entire set is perfectly suited for performing in huge venues. Touring and interacting with the audience is his favorite part of the job, as can be seen in his latest album, “Faith in the Future.”

Of course, he performs a couple of songs from his former band as a tribute to that chapter of his life. One of the highlights of the night is his breathtaking cover of the Arctic Monkeys‘ song, “505.” With his unique interpretation and personal touch, he breathes new life into the track. Beyond his own performance, Louis’ concert is also a visual spectacle. The stage setup, lighting, and production elements create a mesmerizing atmosphere that perfectly complements the setlist. The show, overall, is a testament to Louis’ growth as a solo artist. Every night, he proves his ability to connect with the audience and shines on stage as the one and only member and artist, Louis Tomlinson.

[sweetdreamsjeff]

An introduction to Jeff Buckley: "I would listen to anything: The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Judy Garland, Robert Johnson, Thelonious Monk, Bartk, Mahler. And I asked a lot of questions".

By Neil Crossley published October 17, 2023

From his soaring, unbridled falsetto to his sonic artistry, Jeff Buckley defied conventions and left a catalogue of songs that is timeless and unique

On the night of 29 May, 1997, six weeks shy of his 31st birthday, Jeff Buckley waded fully clothed into a channel of the Mississippi River in Memphis. He was carefully watched from the bank by his roadie, who had warned him repeatedly about the perilous currents. The roadie looked away momentarily to remove a boombox from the water's edge and when he looked back, Buckley had disappeared. Six days later, on 4 June, Buckley's body was discovered floating near the city's famed Beale Street area, by a passenger on a riverboat called the American Queen.

In the days and weeks that followed, all manner of theories were put forward. Had Buckley ignored his roadie's warnings and been drunk or stoned when he went into the water? Had the intense pressure of producing a second album as sublime as his first simply been too much? The coroner concluded it was accidental drowning but the theories continued. Whatever the truth, it was a tragic end for an artist who clearly had a great deal left to give.

Jeffrey Scott Buckley was born in Orange County, California in 1966 and was the result of a short-lived relationship between cult folk singer-songwriter Tim Buckley and Mary Gulbert. From the age of four, Jeff was raised by Gulbert and his stepfather, Ron Moorhead.

"My mum would play piano and cello all the time and my stepdad had great musical taste," recalled Buckley. "I would listen to anything: The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Judy Garland, Robert Johnson, Thelonious Monk, Bartk, Mahler. And I asked a lot of questions. Learning about music seemed effortless. I guess I must have had natural abilities. Looking back, it felt like instinct."

At five he picked up his grandmother's guitar and learnt to play it. By 13, he wrote his first song about a break-up with a girl. After graduating from high school, he studied at the Los Angeles Musicians' Institute and played in various rock and reggae bands, including a stint with dancehall reggae artist Shinehead. In 1990, he moved to New York and formed the band Gods And Monsters, a hip yet short-lived outfit.

Buckley began a solo career as a singer-songwriter, playing a borrowed Telecaster, in clubs and coffee houses in New York's East Village and building up a considerable following among audiences, critics and fellow musicians.

He was snapped up by Columbia Records and released the Live At Sin-é EP in November 1993. The EP was well received but the response was nothing compared to the rave reviews bestowed on his full-length debut album Grace, released in 1994. Unlike the EP, Buckley recorded the album with a full band, and collaborated on writing with guitarists Gary Lucas and Michael Tighe, which gave his sound fresh dynamics and textures.

It was a bold and stunning record, full of sweeping choruses and powerful arrangements. Buckley's brand of eclectic folk was distinctive and unique. As Stephen Thomas Erlewine wrote in a review for AllMusic, "Grace sounds like a Led Zeppelin album written by an ambitious folkie with a fondness for lounge jazz".

In 1998, a collection of unreleased recordings called Sketches for My Sweetheart the Drunk, was released posthumously. Two live albums appeared in 2000 and 2001, and other compilations and live albums were released.

As always when artists die young, speculation is rife about what might have been - the stellar works they may well have gone on to create. But in his short life, Jeff Buckley forged a collection of songs that enshrined him as an astonishingly innovative and unique talent.

1. Grace - Grace (1994)

There's an unbridled feel to this title track, which sets the tone for the album with its soaring vocals, intricate guitar patterns and strident, cathartic feel. At its heart, the song is a celebration of life and Buckley's vocals are emotive and intense as he conveys a sense of wonder for the beauty of the natural world. "There's the moon asking to stay / Long enough for the clouds to fly me away / Oh, it's my time coming / I'm not afraid / Afraid to die".

Vocally and instrumentally, it's reminiscent of Radiohead, which is no great surprise as Buckley was an inspiration for Thom Yorke. As Yorke's friend Dougie Payne of Travis told Far Out magazine: "When [Radiohead] were recording Fake Plastic Trees, they were having trouble with it, and they couldn't get it to work. So, they went out to see Jeff Buckley play on the tour when it was just him and his electric guitar."

The band were bowled over by Buckley's performance. "Radiohead went back to the studio and Thom completely changed the way that he was singing and used that falsetto. You can kind of see the comparisons now. And that says a lot for how inspiring the show was."

Much of the track's strength comes from the live performance in the studio. This is a band at the top of its game, honed by relentless touring and capable of taking the music to real heights. This tight unit includes the formidable talents of co-writer Gary Lucas [a guitarist from Captain Beefheart's band whose instrumental Rise Up To Be formed the basis for Grace], Danish-American bassist Mick Grondahl and drummer Matt Johnson. By the end of the track, Buckley is screaming out the high notes as the whole sonic bombast builds towards a resolution.

2. Lover You Should've Come Over - Grace (1994)

The pain and longing of unrequited love is the focus of this hauntingly beautiful ballad written with Gary Lucas, which is built around Buckley's intricate fingerpicking. There's a dreamy, melancholic feel to the track, which features a sublime string arrangement from Karl Hans Berger.

Buckley's performance here is raw and intimate and the song really showcases the emotive feel of his vocals. It has become one of his most enduring and beloved compositions.

"It's never over, my kingdom for a kiss upon her shoulder / It's never over, all my riches for her smiles when I slept so soft against her / It's never over, all my blood for the sweetness of her laughter / It's never over, she's the tear that hangs inside my soul forever."

The song runs to almost seven minutes, but it's so entrancing that you barely notice. Every syllable from Buckley sounds heartfelt and true. As ever, the chords and melodies veer to the unexpected. From the mournful organ in the intro through to the squalling jagged guitar and drum flams at the outro, this is perfection.

3. Last Goodbye - Grace (1994)

The second single from the album, after the title track, and a haunting ballad that became a belated hit in 1995. Here, Buckley mourns the death of a relationship and focuses on the pain of letting go. The chorus is soaring and anthemic, while tasteful piano and string parts add depth and texture to the song.

Even from his early solo coffee house gigs, Buckley chose to play an electric rather than an acoustic, a decision that added to his distinctively different style. Buckley mainly played a borrowed 1983 Fender Telecaster and a Rickenbacker 360/12, but also used several other guitars, including a black Gibson Les Paul Custom and a 1967 Guild F-50 acoustic. When on tour with his band, he used Fender amps for a clean sound and Mesa Boogie amps for overdriven tones.

4. Mojo Pin - Grace (1994)

Another song written with Gary Lucas (his instrumental is called And You Will) and dating back to the Live at Sin-é EP, the opening track from Grace and one that showcases his eclectic blend of folk, rock and soul.

High guitar note swells and harmonics enhance the beautifully haunting intro before Buckly's plaintive falsetto enters the mix. Sparse, fingerpicked guitar follows, forming a warm backdrop for the first few vocal lines: "I'm lying in my bed / The blanket is warm / This body will never be safe from harm / Still feel your hair, black ribbons of coal".

The lyrical premise of the song focuses on the 'mojo pin' in question being pulled from his heart, leaving him hurt and exposed. It's a restrained, tasteful arrangement, with smatterings of toms, bass and cyclical guitar picking. The whole ensemble continues to ebb and flow while Buckley's warm vocal falsetto glides and meanders across the whole.

5. Hallelujah - Grace (1994)

Written by Leonard Cohen and released on his 1984 album Various Positions, this track has been covered by artists such as John Cale, Rufus Wainwright, KD Laing, Myles Kennedy (with Jeff's Telecaster) and Regina Spektor. But it was Jeff Buckley's version that has really seared itself into the global consciousness.

It's a hauntingly beautiful cover, impeccably realised by Buckley. In his hands, the song attains a real fluidity, ebbing and flowing, quickening and slowing. Much of its power lies in its minimalism and sparsity. The only accompaniment is Buckley's guitar - his Telecaster - and this really enhances his breathtakingly emotive delivery.

His version has been perceived as sexual and Buckley once said it was "a hallelujah to the orgasm". But at its core the song is a soulful exploration of faith, love and what it means to be human. As April Johnson wrote in Singersroom.com in 2023, "Buckley's voice is both powerful and vulnerable, conveying a sense of longing and spiritual yearning that is both moving and inspirational."

Hallelujah is one of Buckley's most iconic and enduring tracks and has become a classic song in its own right. For many, it is the definitive version of Cohen's bitter lament about love and loss.

* "Chords are depictions of emotions" - 5 Joni Mitchell songs that showcase her guitar and songwriting genius

[michaeldavis3489]

The Most Iconic Hollywood Celebrity's Looks From The Red Carpet That Leave You Stunned

In red-carpet fashion, Hollywood stars are doing amazing with their stunning looks. However, the red carpet ceremony was filled with iconic outfits. There are so many looks that are unforgettable because of their elegance. 

Katy Perry is an American actress known for her extraordinary performances. She is an American singer as well as a songwriter. With her elegant personality and outstanding looks, she has won the hearts of people. 

Read Full Article

[cleoselene]

rambling about my wishes for features on vault songs of Taylor Swift TV has made me realize I hope we get another full on yeehaw album from Taylor again someday.  I love electropop Taylor (reputation is THE TS pop album for me).  I absolutely fucking worship folkmore indy pop girl Taylor.

But man I love country Taylor.  “I Bet You Think About Me” coming out with Red TV reminded me how much I do enjoy when talented musicians REALLY lean into the country style, in the phrasing, in the content.  It’s just great.  The fun songs are a black, the love songs make your chest ache, and then for good measure there’s what my roommate calls “wicked shit” (lol because he’s a Juggalo) and that’s your country songs about some well-deserved murder.  See: No Body No Crime, because country music just decided some people need a’killin’, lol.  

And I’m thrilled at the thought of what a fully new original hard country album would sound like from Taylor at this point in her evolution as a singer-songwriter.  She’s always been a gifted writer but age and practice has definitely elevated her, her folkmore lyrics were absolutely stunning.  So like, I am kind of dying for this?  Give us a whole album where you wear sparkly cowboy boots in every video!

after you give us that rock album everyone and their mother is clamoring for lol.  I want it too.  My roommate and I have discussed the mythical possible future Taylor rock album at length and we both agreed it would be INCREDIBLE if Taylor Swift worked with Dave Grohl on a rock album.  Dave and Taylor are friends!  It’s feasible!  But also I think they’d make magic together.  Dave’s rock-n-roll is pure Americana, classic American rock and roll (I actually prefer the Foo Fighters as a band to Nirvana.  By like.  A LOT), and that’s classic American rock I think would suit Taylor so well.  Plus, Taylor is such an excellent collaborator.  She is perfectly capable of writing music alone but she is someone who seems to see both the value and the absolute joy in being creative with another person.  So I also have a wish for more collabs from her in the future.  I think when she writes with other musicians, they tend to bring out the best in each other.  So I feel like Dave and Taylor could make a fucking iconic rock album.

[webnewsify1]

Suga and Halsey Surprise Fans with Epic Collaboration at LA Concert

K-pop star Min 'Suga' Yoon-gi, a beloved member of BTS known for his rapping skills, thrilled his fans at the LA stop of his global 'Suga Agust D' tour by bringing out renowned American singer-songwriter Halsey as a special surprise during the event's concluding day on May 14, 2023. The memorable event denoted the initial instance that Suga and Halsey co-performed their song 'Suga's Interlude' from 2020, which can be found on Halsey's album 'Manic.' The Kia Forum shared a video that displayed the pair's performance on Twitter, highlighting their musical harmony and rapport. https://twitter.com/thekiaforum/status/1657956054691647493?ref_src=twsrctfwtwcamptweetembedtwterm1657956054691647493twgr10a35c9ec147c1076ed026a30768764bbaedd410twcons1_&ref_url=httpswww.hindustantimes.comentertainmentmusicsuga-surprises-fans-with-halsey-collaboration-during-suga-agust-d-world-tour-in-la-101684167171644.html During the event, as the melody of 'Suga's Interlude' echoed through the venue, the 'Without Me' vocalist's passionate words filled the air, "I've been trying all my life / To separate the time / In between the having it all and giving it up, yeah." The audience burst with enthusiasm. Later, at the conclusion of the tune, the BTS celebrity and the American heartthrob experienced a joyous moment, laughing and embracing each other before Halsey gracefully departed the stage. The 'Bad at Love' artist has now joined the list of guest performers on Suga's worldwide tour. MAX had previously graced the stage during the second night of Suga's Los Angeles shows. MAX had previously collaborated with the South Korean artist on 'Blueberry Eyes' and 'Burn It,' adding an additional layer of excitement and musical diversity to the live performances. The skilled Korean MC began his solo tour with a stunning inaugural show in New York, followed by triumphant gigs in New Jersey and Chicago. After a duo of upcoming performances in Oakland, the talented rapper will travel to Jakarta, Singapore, and other Asian metropolises for the tour's second phase later this month. Suga debuts his highly anticipated album, 'D-DAY,' which was officially released on April 21, with his worldwide 'Suga | Agust D' tour in full swing. The album also includes stunning collaborations with recognized artists including the South Korean singer-songwriter IU, the late Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, and The Rose singer Woosung. Additionally, the album features a stellar music video for the lead single 'Haegeum.' The sudden emergence of Halsey during Suga's global tour has undeniably left admirers amazed, applauding the fusion of their abilities and the dynamic environment formed by their collaboration. Read the full article

[mike-loftusmle]

Bruce Springsteen Set to Launch a New Album This Fall

In about 20 years, Mike Loftus, the founder of MLE Merchandising & Sign Solutions Inc. in Elmhurst, a Chicago Suburb in Illinois, has increased the company's revenue to more than $40 million from the $40,000 he initially invested. When not in charge of business operations at Elmurst, Mike Loftus enjoys listening to music from his favorite artists, Bob Seger and Bruce Springsteen.

Bruce Springsteen, a famous American songwriter, singer, and rock performer, has produced some top internationally recognized songs and albums for over four decades. Rolling Stone magazine founder Jann Wenner recently revealed that Bruce Springsteen would launch a new boss record album in the fall of 2022, according to Rolling Stone UK.

"There's a new Bruce [Springsteen] record coming out this fall, which is stunning. I'm listening to that," Wenner revealed in an interview discussing the disparities between modern pop and hip hop and rock 'n' roll, where he showed his love for the Rolling Stones. Wenner, who recently worked with Springsteen at a book launch in New York City, seemed confident about the launch but did not provide further details.

Springsteen revealed plans for a 2023 world tour with his E street band, increasing the anticipation of fresh materials from fans. This makes Wenner's confirmation of the new album something to go by.

[miashyperfixations]

FOUND HEAVEN - CONAN GRAY ALBUM REVIEW

05.04.2024 • Pop • 13 Songs • 36 Minutes • 2024 Republic Records

★★★★☆

FAV SINGLE: Alley Rose

TOP 3: Fainted Love, Alley Rose, Winner

Synth pop is back. Following his sophomore album ‘Superache’, Conan Gray released his highly anticipated 3rd album this April. The Japanese-American singer has shifted from his previous singer/songwriter aesthetic to that of a glam pop icon, although his exceptional songwriting and storytelling abilities still shine through, most notably on tracks like ‘Alley Rose’ and ‘Winner’.

Overall, this project is very reminiscent of Queen and ABBA, with clear Bowie & Elton John influence, especially on tracks like ‘Forever with Me’ and ‘Lonely Dancers’. It’s an album of love and heartbreak, taking the listener on a rollercoaster of emotions over half an hour. Unlike his previous two, this record was not produced by Dan Nigro (Olivia Rodrigo, Chappel Roan, Caroline Polachek), but instead primarily by Max Martin, who worked on, Taylor Swift’s original ‘1989’ album in 2014, The Weeknd’s ‘The Highlights’, and more recently, Ariana Grande’s new album ‘Eternal Sunshine’ - the man is a pop legend. He knows what he’s doing.

The first and lead single, Never Ending Song, set the tone for this album back in May. It’s a vibrant synthy sound, aided by energetic drums to fully showcase Conan’s lower register vocals. The record overall gives off an 80s new wave synth vibe but also sounds like it should be in a 2000s movie soundtrack. Especially with well-received tracks like ‘Bourgeoisieses’, a fun rage song with rhythmic drive, and a synth bassline underneath seamless chorus vocald for added effect. Multiple layers reflect the multiple layers of society the song acknowledges, with Conan sings about the different classes of people and how he wanted to belong in a higher class when he was younger.

The piano ballad ‘Winner’ acts as a beautiful album closer, with even more stunning stacked vocals to really get the message across. Tissues are definitely needed for this one. He’s really started to return to his singer-songwriter roots whilst still managing to keep elements of this new sound such as electric guitar chords in time with the piano and dramatic drums to keep a rhythm and dramatise the song further on top of his hard-hitting, gut-wrenching lyrics.

I think overall I still prefer Superache, but this is an exceptionally well written & produced record. The experimentation has paid off greatly, and Conan suits this style very well. Many male artists these days stray towards performing with a band and stick to standing with a guitar so it’s refreshing to see a gen Z male artist that isn’t afraid to dance around a big stage and have fun with their fans. Conan also has plans to go on tour across Australia, Asia, North America & Europe later this year with support from British popstar, Maisie Peters & American alt pop duo, Between Friends. Having peaked at No. 4 on the UK album charts and No. 2 on the US Top Album sales chart, it’s obvious he’s going to be one of the next big names in pop.

[mariyamavliwala]

Blog Post #10- Modern Art in Music

In this blog post I will analyze the the stunning music video for Doja Cat’s single "Paint the Town Red” and how delve into how it represents modern art in music, merging visuals and sound to craft an immersive narrative. Additionally, I will reflect on its cultural contexts, the audience’s reactions, and what we can learn from it as media practitioners.

Let’s start by setting some context on who Doja Cat is. Amala Ratna Zandile Dlamini, professionally known as 'Doja Cat' is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer within the music industry. She is an innovative artist recognized for her talent in effortlessly bridging genres while expanding creative limits. Essentially, Doja Cat's videos are not meant for promotion, but rather express her identity as an artist; the most recent addition is her "Paint the Town Red."

Representation of Modern Art in Music

From a philosophical standpoint, it is indeed accurate that “Paint the Town Red” appears as a dynamic, vibrant piece of art. The video draws audiences into a dreamlike, fantastical universe. The images combine elements of Renaissance art with contemporary installations, showcasing boldness, provocation, and an undeniable presence. In the music video, Doja is depicted in multiple forms: as a devilish being with horns, within a majestic court encircled by unsettling figures, and in blood-red surreal landscapes. This is where we begin to observe intentional references to art history, ranging from surrealist inspiration to the striking lighting found in Baroque artwork. The depiction of the devil notably serves as a strong commentary on how society vilifies women who have the courage to express their opinions. A clear illustration of this is how the media frequently depicts outspoken women as contentious individuals. Still, this text could offer a daring and controversial challenge to social standards.

Modern examples of art often break norms and challenge perceptions, and Doja Cat channels that spirit beautifully in this video. The visuals in “Paint the Town Red” are more than just eye candy; they’re layered with meaning. In definition, semiotics is the study of signs and symbols—and this video is brimming with them. The hyper-saturated colors, exaggerated proportions, and surreal settings create a dreamlike atmosphere that feels deeply symbolic.

It is best summarized by the concept of the author Ayn Rand, in which art is described as the "selective re-creation of reality according to an artist's metaphysical value judgments." Doja redefines modern art by merging it with music into one full sensory experience. Each scene feels like a painting come to life.

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Merging Visual Arts and Music for an Immersive Narrative

My claim is best demonstrated by the concept proposed by transmedia storytelling, where interconnected layers of meaning emerge across different platforms. In this video, Doja is not just performing; she's embodying the themes of the song-empowerment, defiance, and individuality. It is no secret that the use of symbolism in this video bridges the gap between high art and pop culture. Numerous viewers, have shown a renewed admiration for contemporary and surrealist art due to Doja’s visuals. Therefore, it is reasonable to assert that this capacity to motivate and inform via art renders “Paint the Town Red” far beyond just a music video; it is a cultural landmark.

Having examined the subject thoroughly, I believe this was not only a brilliant concept for representing contemporary art, but it also showcases Doja’s talent for creating narratives that profoundly connect with audiences. We also discovered in the seminars that the combination of media types—such as music and visual arts—produces deeper, more engaging experiences. Although certain individuals may contend that her themes divide opinions, this very fact demonstrates the importance of her work. Primarily, art is intended to stir emotions, which it accomplishes effectively. It’s striking, it’s gorgeous, and it’s certainly a reflection of her creative perspective.

Sources:

Rolling Stone, 2023. Doja Cat Talks About Her Artistic Vision and Challenges in ‘Paint the Town Red’. [online] Available at: https://americansongwriter.com/the-meaning-behind-doja-cats-surging-hit-paint-the-town-red/ [Accessed 2 Jan. 2025].

YouTube, 2023. Doja Cat – Paint the Town Red (Official Video). [online] Available at: https://youtu.be/fjixfrP2VU8?si=P4MVUYL5ebQECWqH [Accessed 2 Jan. 2025].

The List, 2023. Real Meaning Behind Doja Cat’s “Paint the Town Red”. [online] Available at: https://www.thelist.com/1407812/real-meaning-doja-cat-paint-the-town-red/ [Accessed 2 Jan. 2025].

Intersect Magazine, 2023. Doja Cat: Paint the Town Red Review. [online] Available at: https://www.intersectmagazine.com/post/doja-cat-paint-the-town-red-review [Accessed 2 Jan. 2025].

In the Loop 929, 2023. Review: Paint the Town Red by Doja Cat. [online] Available at: https://intheloop929.wordpress.com/2023/10/21/review-paint-the-town-red-by-doja-cat/ [Accessed 2 Jan. 2025].

[musicftmisfits]

Amelie Lucille - Starts With Us

A deeply charming and soft alternative pop single was released by young singer songwriter and musician Amelia Lucille. 'Starts With Us' is an emotive piece of open-hearted storytelling.

A deeply charming and soft alternative pop single was released by young singer songwriter and musician Amelia Lucille. ‘Starts With Us’ is an emotive piece of open-hearted storytelling. A stunning and passionate vocals leads the story of ‘Starts With Us’ and elevates this thrilling new song. Her genre-bending dramatic new pop release doesn’t give anything away about the young American artist,…