This Close.

This post is long overdue. Mike asked me to write about him back in May, and here we are, in September, and I'm just now doing it. Shoot me ha. Sorry bro.

Name: This Close
Genres: Pop/Rock
Where to find them:

• Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/thiscloseband
• Twitter -  https://twitter.com/thisclosemike

(There are probably more places to find This Close. I just don't know them. Sorry guys!)

This Close isn't on PureVolume, which is part of the reason this has taken me so long. I absolutely hate using YouTube to listen to music because it's slow, and you can never find the official video or original. It's always people doing covers. Very aggravating. Anyway, I bought the single Runaway, and I must say... love it. It's quite the jam ha.

There's a sense of professionality in it that makes it seem as if This Close has been recording and selling hits for years now. It's a nice sound that comes out, well produced and well sang (Well sang? That doesn't sound like a real thing.). The guitar in that song really gets me. I always hear it and it feels like the first time every time. I get so excited.

How lame am I? Ha.

Anyways, you can find this single on iTunes, just type in Runaway by This Close. You'll see it. It's only 99 cents, so no excuses to not buy it.

Picture from: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.335708973130872.70016.299276933440743&type=3

Cher Lloyd.

Alright, for my Twitter followers, they'll know where this one is coming from. For the rest of you, y'all are probably wondering why the heck I'm doing a post over such a bubble gum, cookie cutter, pop artist. Will all be explained momentarily, I promise!

Name: Cher Lloyd
Genre: Pop
Where to find her:

• Official Site -  http://www.cherlloyd.com/us/home/
• YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/user/Cherlloydvevo *
• Vevo - http://www.vevo.com/artist/cher-lloyd *
• Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/cherlloydmusic
• Twitter -  https://twitter.com/CherLloyd

I'm sure most of you (well, maybe...) have heard this girl's new single, "Want U Back." If you have, you will be able to know that Cher Lloyd is a typical, teenaged, pop singer. The lyrics of this song - while they ring extremely true in more than one case - are not deep. There's no extra, deeper meaning or some lesson learned. You may relate, but there's not much feeling. The song could have been sung by any other pop star, like Selena Gomez. The song is not one of it's own. And that's not to say that Cher Lloyd didn't write it herself. I have no clue. She could have. Let's just get that straight.

But the other day, I tweeted about how this beautiful young lady interested me, and I had no idea why. Well ladies and gents, the truth has arrived. I am interested in Cher Lloyd, buy Cher Lloyd's music, all because Cher Lloyd herself is extremely talented. She belts out the lyrics as if she feels them. She puts life into a lifeless song. Which is absolutely amazing in case you didn't recognize. And that is the sole reason why I like her, and why I keep jamming out loud at the top of  my lungs. 

So if you haven't checked this lovely lady out quite yet, go for it. You may surprise yourself. Her album Sticks & Stones comes out in the U.S. on October 2nd, so very exciting!

*You'll have to copy and paste these links into your address bar. It didn't copy the link to the place for some reason. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Information from: http://www.cherlloyd.com/us/home/

Picture from: http://www.cherlloyd.com/us/home/

The Mid-Summer Classic.

The motivation behind this one was that homeboy Cory texted me asking about who these guys were... Since I didn't know, me and him sat down and did a little listening on iTunes and YouTube to come up with the following opinion

Name: The Mid-Summer Classic
Genre: Unlisted. I would put them under alternative/pop
Where to find them:

• Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/themidsummerclassic
• YouTube -  http://www.youtube.com/user/themidsummerclassic
• Official Site -  http://themid-summerclassic.com/
• Search "The Mid-Summer Classic" and you'll find them on iTunes. 

You can find their singer, Robert Dobbs, on Instagram and Twitter as well. His Instagram name is robertdobbs, and the Twitter link is:

• https://twitter.com/itsrobertdobbs

It would also appear that I have just stumbled upon the band's Twitter as well... their "at" name is: @TMSCband. 

Knock yourself out. I must give tonight's post a warning label however... I have taken a sufficient amount of NyQuil to like, drug myself ha. It's bad. I'm really trying here thouhg, so hopefully it won't be too bad!

Let's begin, shall we?

I will begin this post with the best. The Mid-Summer Classic has a clean, crisp sound that is beautifully mastered and most likely technically perfect. Everything about their music is tailored and just perfect. The vocals have no mess ups; the instruments hit every note...

I will have to say though, perfection is overrated and originality is somethign that can be used and utilized. 

As much as I would love to say that I love TMSC, Cory and I both agreed that while they were good, very good, they were not their own band. They were a cookie cutter version of other bands.

And while beginning bands can pull that off, the fact that I will be seeing you at Warped Tour on the first upsets that balance.

All in all though I think that the public will accept them, and they'll probably shoot to the top soon.

That's all folks!

Information from: 

• Robert's Instagram
• Facebook

Picture from:

• Facebook cover photo

Cassidee.

After starting this blog, I have found a new found love for music overseas.

Name: Cassidee
Genre: Pop
Where to find them:

• PureVolume -  http://www.purevolume.com/CassideeMusic
• SoundCloud -   http://soundcloud.com/CassideeMusic
• Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/CassideeMusic
• Twitter -  https://twitter.com/#!/CassideeMusic
• YouTube -  http://www.youtube.com/CassideeMusic

Fun band up right here. Only one track out right now, but it's an amazing one. They really take on the pop challenge well. My beef with pop music is that it sounds fake and over-produced with no real meaning. Examples: Selena Gomez, Justin Bieber, etc. But Cassidee - awesome name by the way. Love it. - doesn't have that problem. The electronic noise is kept at a beautiful level and the voice isn't covered by the music.

I was excited to hear this band, mainly because they were French. I've never heard French people sing. Ha. I would like to know why accents don't come through in music... but that's not really a point. Cassidee's lead singer has an amazing voice. 

Check them out, and download their song! Seriously guys, appreciate what free music they can give. Labels are a pain to deal with.

Sidenote: French guys... where have you been all my life?!

Information from: http://www.purevolume.com/CassideeMusic

Picture from: http://www.purevolume.com/CassideeMusic/photos/3471481

Final Round.

Creativity isn't here for an intro for these guys... I'm not really sure why. I suppose it's because there is no comparison. Final Round is Final Round and no one else. They make a category of their own.

Besides, since when is flash actual talent?

Name: Final Round

Genres: Rock/Pop Punk/Pop

Where to find them: 

• PureVolume -  http://www.purevolume.com/finalround
• MySpace -  http://www.myspace.com/finalround
• Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/FInalRoundMusic
• Twitter -  https://twitter.com/#!/FinalRoundMusic
• YouTube -  http://www.youtube.com/user/finalroundmusic
• Stickam -  http://www.stickam.com/finalround

Isn't that a beautiful site when bands have lots of places to find them?

I think so.

Okay, so these guys just really have a style that is eclectic to their own. As I listen more and more, each song is more distinct and individual from the one before. We all know of those bands that just kind of blend together, and none of their songs sound different from the one before. Final Round doesn't fall under this category.

I'm not saying that they may not blend into another band. So far I have not found anything super "distinct" to who they are. In fact that sound like a typical band that you would find on Warped Tour. (I'm so smart, because they did play on Warped Tour in '06 in Detroit. Big shock.) I will say that the guitarist deserves extra kudos + specific calling out. As we all know, I'm not super musically inclined, just super in love with music. So I'm not going to be able to give you the right terms for this. But this guys playing is amazing. My ears are impressed. They apparently don't want me to know his name, but great job man. Impressive stuff.

So yes, they have a new full length album out - now available on iTunes - and a free download available on PureVolume. Take advantage!

Information from: http://www.purevolume.com/finalround

Picture from: http://www.purevolume.com/finalround/photos/2793861

Holiday Away.

One Direction goes Pop Punk. And more attractive (YES. I said it. More attractive.). And well, more talented.

Name: Holiday Away
Genre: Pop Punk
Where to find them:

• PureVolume -  http://www.purevolume.com/HolidayAway
• Twitter -  https://twitter.com/#!/@holidayawayband
• Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/holidayawayband
• MySpace -  http://www.myspace.com/holidayaway
• YouTube -  http://www.youtube.com/holidayawayvids

Alrighty, so all original this time ha. No covers. And I must say, the lyrics are great. I love the songs. I love what the music has to say. It's all something that can be taken in by everyone. Now as for the singing.. Eh. But as I said before, sometimes imperfect singing adds to it. You feel like they are real. Not saying Holiday Away shouldn't try to approve, but you catch my drift.

As for their instrumental, much better. Love the guitar. Love the drums. Love it all. It's all very balanced. Well played, and not to mention something to rock to. My head is literally bobbing right now. I don't head-bob. Just fyi.

Go listen. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised. 3 free downloads on PureVolume. Who can complain about free music?

Information from: http://www.purevolume.com/HolidayAway

Picture from: http://www.purevolume.com/HolidayAway/photos/3425499

Angelic Attraction.

[Insert witty intro here]

Just kidding. Think originality, contradiction, and complete brilliance. Although, isn't that how it is? Brilliance comes from originality and contradiction.

Name: Angelic Attraction

Genres: Pop Punk/Rock

Where to find them: 

• PureVolume -  http://www.purevolume.com/AngelicAttraction
• YouTube -  http://www.youtube.com/user/angelicnightmare512
• Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/MosiTriplett
• Twitter -  https://twitter.com/#!/MosiTriplett

Well... I think I would have to start with the fact that this band has covers. First band I've come across with them, and to be honest, I really like covers. Even though it's not the band's original music, you can really see the character, personality, and substance of the band.

And that's what you can really grasp about Angelic Attraction. They have everything covered from Owl City to Vanessa Carlton. (Yea, Vanessa Carlton... 1000 Miles. Ha) So you see the variety of genres to begin with right there. But Angelic Attraction's versions do not sound similar in any shape, form or fashion. They have total punk flare with fresh vocals. From the screaming to the singing, you would think that the songs were written by Angelic Attraction themselves. 

It will definitely be interesting to hear their own music when it comes out. (The tracks available on PureVolume are apart of the EP called Before the EP ha. Love it.) So I'll be sure to keep you guys posted! In the mean time, enjoy the 5 free downloads on their PureVolume profile now.

Information from: http://www.purevolume.com/AngelicAttraction

Picture from: http://www.purevolume.com/AngelicAttraction/photos/3471213

AshelyNotDeadYet.

Mmm, mmm, mmm, good thing Ashley isn't dead yet... because I'm digging this awkward combination.

Name: AshleyNotDeadYet
Genres: Screamo/Pop (ScreamPop)
Where to find him:

• PureVolume -  http://www.purevolume.com/AshleyNotDeadYet
• Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashley-Not-Dead-Yet/167222519979045
• YouTube -  http://www.youtube.com/user/AshleyNotDeadYet
• Twitter -  https://twitter.com/#!/andy_official
• MySpace -  http://www.myspace.com/ashleynotdeadyet

Alright, so I was going through, checking out ANDY's (ha, get it? AshleyNotDeadYet... I didn't see it at first.) PureVolume profile like a good little blogger, and the first thing I noticed is that their genres were screamo and pop. My first thought was, "What the hell?" but then my mind decided that would be an awesome combination. I must be a musical genius (to some extent... Since I suck at actually creating music ha.) because I was right. AshleyNotDeadYet has a killer sound that is unique to their own self.

Now, I know that screamo isn't the most popular musical genre out there, but pop is... you know, since it is POPular. So even if you don't like screamo per-say, you should still check ANDY out, just for the sake of being open minded and adventurous. 

On their PureVolume profile, you can download 3 of 4 songs - winning - and they will be coming out with their first CD soon. Very exciting too, because it's going to songs with English, Spanish, and Spanglish, which I think is pretty neat. 

So yea, go look and listen. I'm sure you'll be presently surprised.

Oh yea, and speaking of CD's, COCO has picked up their CD's! And if you're from NJ, and you went to their show tonight, please tell how it went! (: 

(NJ has all the cool music.. :( haha.)

Information from: http://www.purevolume.com/AshleyNotDeadYet and http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ashley-Not-Dead-Yet/167222519979045

Picture from:  http://www.purevolume.com/AshleyNotDeadYet/photos/3470219

Zac Koval.

Ha, finally. I've been waiting to post on this kid forever. He's a real gem, as well as a real cutie. (; (feelin' special Zac? You got my first text-smiley haha.)

Name: Zac Koval
Genres: Indie/Pop/Acoustic
Where to find him:

• PureVolume -  http://www.purevolume.com/ZacKoval
• Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/ZacKovalMusic
• Twitter -  https://twitter.com/#!/zackoval
• Reverb Nation -  http://www.reverbnation.com/zacharykoval
• MySpace -  http://www.myspace.com/zackoval

Okay, so this guy. Where to start? He's great. He's clean. He's simple. He's not flashy, yet he stays memorable. He sings from the heart. He reminded me first off of the acoustic NeverShoutNever, but on his Reverb Nation profile, under his "sounds like" tab, it says he sounds like Matt Nathanson, which I can totally see. 

This 17-year-old has such a mature sound, and he has the music that could melt your heart (or as a friend of mine said, your panties. Eep! Not my words, but probably very true. No comment.). I love how he doesn't overproduce or feel the need to add a bunch to his music. He keeps it clean with his guitar and his voice - the only two instruments that an artist should need. Personally my favorite type of music, because you know it's real. You know it's him, and you know he really and truly is that talented.

I wish I could say I know where some free downloads are at for this guy, but I can't. (I know, makes me sad too.) So save up some iTunes credits, and get your fill of Zac on there. 

Keep putting out the tunes lovely! You're doing great!

Picture from: http://www.purevolume.com/ZacKoval/photos/3301755

Information from: http://www.reverbnation.com/zacharykoval

MishaRecords.

First artist that I'm bringing to the world's attention: MishaRecords.

Name: MishaRecords.
Genres: Electronica/Rock/Pop
Where to find him:

• PureVolume - http://www.purevolume.com/MishaRecords
• Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/misharecords
• Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/MishaRecords

This guy is VERY talented. He messaged me on PureVolume, the day after I made one, and asked me to check out his music.
I agreed, obviously, and let me tell you, I am so happy I did.

I'm not a music professional. Just a teenage girl with hopes of making it big in the writing world, but I can tell you right now that this guy is going places, and you better jump onto this train right now!

My favorite song that I have by him right now is probably Never Look Back from his album Semi Bright Lights. His music is a delicate balance of meaning something, being relate-able, and being something that you can jam to (hard core.. in your room.. really embarrassingly [or out loud in public. Either way. His music is on fire.]). What he has accomplished is something of intricacy. On his PureVolume profile, there is a quote from the music critic, Jake Hougaboom, that I completely agree with.

"In a time where musicians forget, or just plain can't, make an interesting album without overproducing, MishaRecords walks this line perfectly."

His voice alone is a natural talent, but the producing and writing is completely ingenious as well. Electronica always makes me a little bit nervous, because there is definitely a thing as too much electronic-sound. Not with MishaRecords, no way. Like I said: intricate, delicate, balanced.

Not only is this guy an amazing musician, he's also a really nice, down-to-earth kind of fellow, and that in society today is something of uniqueness. I was very impressed by how personable he was, and how genuine he is.

Definitely an artist to check out.


Picture from: http://www.purevolume.com/MishaRecords/photos/3459271
Other info from: http://www.purevolume.com/MishaRecords