Archive for July, 2012

Wynter Gordon Covers Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” for Billboard Live Session

Wynter Gordon is the latest artist to visit Billboard for their ‘Candid Covers’ live performance series. The NY bred singer-songwriter chose to cover Natalie Imbruglia’s famous song “Torn.”

“I chose to cover Natalie Imbruglia’s “Torn” because it came out in ’97, and I had to be in the 6th grade, and it was time for graduation onto junior high. That was just one of the big songs of the moment between me and my friends, it was between Alanis, Fiona and Natalie Imbruglia,” said Wynter. “It was one of those songs that defined my youth. Just feeling really anxty and teenagey, and just coming into our own. I can not think back, and think about going to camp on the bus, or just hanging out with friends, and not think of “Torn.”

After the jump watch Wynter perform her heartfelt song “Kids,” and her interview Q&A where she talks about her transition from dance music to her new project “The Human Condition.” She admits that she felt like she has more to give and can not do that with just dance music. Wynter also discussed her directorial debut with the “Stimela” music video.

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Brandy Says She Instantly Knew “Put It Down” Was The Single, Because It Would Shock People

Since the release of her 2008 album Human, Brandy fans have been patiently waiting for their beloved singer to return, and hopefully return with a renewed sound and moving songs. When the 33-year old star released her comeback single “Put It Down” this past May, it was certainly a shock to many, and received either harsh words or strong praise from fans, not many seemed to be on the fence about it.

In a recent interview with our friends at YouKnowIGotSoul, Brandy opened up about the song, specifically how, when and why she choose it as the first single.

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Elle Varner Presents: “Elle In The City” (Episode 1)

In episode one of “Elle in the City,” Elle Varner takes a trip back to NYU, the college she attended before the world was introduced to her. Now that Elle’s dreams are coming true, she reflects on life then vs. now, and gives a performance of her debut single, “Only Wanna Give it to You.”

Elle’s debut album Perfectly Imperfect is in stores August 7. Pre-Order now.

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R. Kelly Still Listens to Trey Songz, Jay-Z, Down to Collaborate If It’s ‘Positive’

In a sit-down with MTV News early last week, R. Kelly spoke about collaborations. Specifically his work with Jay-Z on “Best of Both Worlds,” a groundbreaking project, which unfortunately ended due to troubles on the road between the two artists, but in the clip Kellz says he is not opposed to working with anyone, as long as it is positive for both parties.

“I love a good marriage, I love love. Anything that works for me, anything that feels good to my soul, that feels like this is what I should do, I’m gonna do it,” Kelly told MTV. “I don’t care what it is, who it’s with. As long as it’s positive and it works for both parties, I’m with it.”

One unexpected artist that the R&B King could one day collaborate with is Trey Songz, the two had a quick online back and forth in the past, but when asked who he is listening to at the moment Kellz mentioned Trey, along with Drake, Lil Wayne, Rihanna and Beyoncé.

It does only seem right, Trey has always been a self-proclaimed avid R. Kelly fan, even with the past comments. The two both recently performed at Jamaica’s “Reggae Sumfest.” What do you think??


Melanie Amaro Announces New Single – “Don’t Fail Me Now”

The X Factor USA’s first winner Melanie Amaro is finally ready to make her official debut. It has been seven months since the singer, who was almost eliminated in the early stages of the show, won the title. With a multi-million dollar deal through Epic Records with X Factor judge LA Reid, the stakes are high for Melanie to deliver.

So, the title of her single is fitting, “Don’t Fail Me Now.” It is expected to be released tomorrow, but an obvious lack of promotion could lead to a dismal debut. Hopefully not, as Amaro has the vocal chops, but can she follow in the success of previous UK X Factor winners?


Video: Miguel – Adorn

To coincide with the release of his new EP “Kaleidoscope Dream: Water Preview,” on iTunes now, Miguel premieres the official music video for the lead single “Adorn.” The eclectic R&B singer-songwriter gets intimate in the mysterious clip … Very ‘art dealer chic,’ great coloring. He originally premiered the song back in February with another visual, which was highly praised.

Miguel will release one more preview of the album with the “Kaleidoscope Dream: Fire Preview EP” on September 11, which is expected to feature 3 new songs, followed by his full-length, anticipated sophomore album Kaleidoscope Dream, hitting stores October 2.

Speaking about the album title and his inspiration he stated, “I believe dreams represent the purest form of fantasy we unleash through our subconscious. They represent the truest freedom we can experience. Totally unrepressed and totally creative.”

Watch the video below…

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Video: Vaughn Anthony – Life of A Player

Vaughn Anthony brings you into his world with the music video for the title track off his mixtape & EP “Life of A Player.” The younger brother of John Legend steps out from behind the scenes with the debut project.

“R&B is music that resonates in the soul and I believe helps to teach us about life,” says Anthony. “It instructs us about heartbreak, relationships, and helps to define what it means to be not only a player, but also a conscious man, a working man, and a family man.”

Legend, who collaborated with his brother on the track “Hold Me Down” shared, “When it comes to my younger brother, he’s got to prove that he can stand on his own. I want him to be out there flourishing as soon as possible. Musically I feel like he’s ready to do it.”

Buy the EP

Download the Mixtape


India.Arie Tweets of A Spirtual Transformation With “Open Door”

Few spiritual inhibitions consume India.Arie or the music we love from her. And while her fans have waited patiently for the songtress’ return, Arie assures everyone via Twitter that their wait is certainly not in vain, tweeting: “The recording steps are: writing, arranging, recording, mixing and master .. we are NOW MIXING! at this cool place.”

Follow the jump for more on India.Arie’s new album.

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