Holiday Music: "Come On December" by Patty Smyth

If you love the 80s and you love Christmas music, then Come on December is for you. Okay, it's not very 80s but its artist, Patty Smyth is and this album is terrific. I put my Christmas tree up and decorated my home with Come on December in replay!

After helping define the 1980s new wave aesthetic with her band Scandal, singer-songwriter and performer, Patty Smyth, continued her triumphant run throughout the 1990s, writing and performing chart-topping and award-winning singles. But since 1999's greatest hits package, Patty hasn't issued any albums. Just in time for the holiday season, Patty is gifting her fans with her first release in 16 years.  

The album puts Patty's signature pristine and emotive vocals front and center within this cozy, elegant, acoustic pop-rock collection of cherished standards and spirited originals. Patty's eloquent, signature sense of phrasing and melody make this album both a holiday classic and unmistakably a Patty Smyth record. On Come On December, she sings defining modern versions of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "The Christmas Song," "Do You Hear What I Hear," and "Auld Lang Syne." Her newly minted originals, "Come On December," "Walk With Me" and "Broken" exquisitely conjure up feelings of instant nostalgia and heartwarming emotionality brought on by the cherished canon of holiday music. In conjunction with the album, Patty launched a PledgeMusic campaign that ran from Friday, Oct. 23rd thru Thursday, November 19th.  One hundred percent of the money from the campaign benefitted Headstrong Project, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide cost-free, stigma-free, and bureaucracy-free mental healthcare to post-911, and Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans. Come On December is available on Patty's online store and digital stores (via Tunecore).

You can also get your copy on Amazon. Just click the link below. (Buy 2, one to keep, one to give!)

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New World Punx unveil “Bang” + official music video...

New World Punx, the two-headed monster comprised of Markus Schulz and Ferry Corsten, unveils their latest percussion-heavy record “Bang.” 

Following New World Punx’ previous slammers “Romper” and “Torque,” the duo’s third original release kicks off with distorted vocal sample chops encouraging listeners to “bang to the beat of the drum” before pounding kicks ricochet into an electro synth breakdown. 

The percussion-riddled release is paired with a black-and-white official music video in which the main character runs amuck akin to a 2015 version of “Run Lola Run.”

Both legends in their own rights, Schulz and Corsten’s electrifying chemistry in the studio and behind the decks has seen them effortlessly form of the most exciting and dynamic partnerships in the electronic music scene today. Having already performed at some of the world’s most sought-after festivals including Tomorrowland, Coachella, EDC, Ultra and Stereosonic, New World Punx’ refreshing and fun-loving ethos has stepped up to fill a gaping void in the market that has caught the attention of talent and tastemakers alike.

Support: “Bang” on iTunes

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Out Now: John Dahlbäck Featuring Alexx Mack "Count To Ten" (Armada Music)

Swedish DJ and electronic dance music producer John Dahlbäck’s latest single, “Count To Ten” featuring Alexx Mack, is out now. The single is the third from Dahlbäck’s forthcoming full-length studio album, Saga (Armada Music).

There’s something about Swedish electronic dance music producers and their seemingly innate ability to write the catchiest of leads. Upon a single spin of “Count To Ten,” it is guaranteed that the song will ring in one’s ears for hours or days to come. Uncompromising in its production, “Count To Ten” has perhaps more in common with radio-friendly synth-pop than it does with house music. While the boundaries of progressive-house music have widened to encompass a field where outright pop songs are as much at home on the dancefloor as their grittier, more “underground” cousins, Dahlbäck sees no reason to limit himself to just one style. The first single from Saga, “Raven,” had more of a dark, clubby vibe and that track got dance music fans ready for a long night of celebration. The second single from Saga, “Atlantis,” held a deep allure colored by the song’s warm, creamy vocals. “Count To Ten” is unabashedly buoyant and upbeat, positive to the core. It is this versatility Dahlbäck possesses as a producer that suits him so well as a performing DJ. There is literally nowhere he is afraid to take his audience, and he’s loved for it.

The Radio Edit of “Count To Ten” pops the champagne cork right from the outset as the high-pitched female vocal comes in. Instantly, this edit has all the workings of an effervescent pop tune, not only of a great progressive-house track. This edit is pure in its crystalline directness and at no point in the song does Dahlbäck’s hand waiver. This song shows that Dahlbäck is unafraid to go this pop music route because he knows his clubbing bona fides remain intact. The Extended Mix has a longer, syncopated intro with a beat that sets the stage for a spell before the main vocal even enters the picture. The vocal is more treated and stuttered on this version and the infectious, high-energy refrain makes even this mix easily grasped. The sunny energy is addictive and irresistible. Popstar-in-the-making Alexx Mack has a bold, come-hither voice full of self-affirmed female swagger and it is absolutely of-the-moment. Music lovers can also catch a glimpse of Mack in the official music video for “Count To Ten” to be released in late-December.

*Get "Count To Ten," here: https://ArmadaMusic.lnk.to/JDAMCountToTenPR

As a producer and DJ, John Dahlbäck has an inherent sense of what works on a dancefloor. His music consistently earns support from the top names in the industry, including from Avicii, Pete Tong, Tiësto and Swedish House Mafia, among others. Over the years, Dahlbäck has had his music released on top record labels, including Ultra, Toolroom, Defected, Spinnin’, Subliminal, Big Beat/Atlantic, Ministry of Sound, Kompakt, Dessous and others. Additionally, Dahlbäck has lent his sought-after production skills to remixes for the likes of Lady Gaga, 50 Cent, David Morales and others. Having grown up in a family reverberating with music, one of Dahlbäck’s earliest forays into electronic music was while tinkering with his father’s Atari computer as a youth. It was perhaps unsurprising that Dahlbäck would sign his first record deal at age 17, a time when most of his peers were just discovering the club scene. Today, Dahlbäck DJs at leading nightclubs and festivals around the world including at Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel on the Balearic island of Ibiza.

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New Music: Patty Smyth "Come On December"

Grammy and Academy award nominated singer-songwriter, and era-defining performer, Patty Smyth gifts her fans with first release since 1999 with the Christmas record, Come On December

After helping define the 1980s new wave aesthetic with her band Scandal, singer-songwriter and performer, Patty Smyth, continued her triumphant run throughout the 1990s, writing and performing chart-topping and award-winning singles. But since 1999's greatest hits package, Patty hasn't issued any albums. Now, just in time for the holiday season, Patty is gifting her fans with her first release in 16 years with the Christmas album, Come On December.

The eight-track album puts Patty's signature pristine and emotive vocals front and center within this cozy, elegant, acoustic pop-rock collection of cherished standards and spirited originals. Patty's eloquent, signature sense of phrasing and melody make this album both a holiday classic and unmistakably a Patty Smyth record. On Come On December, she sings defining modern versions of "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas," "The Christmas Song," "Do You Hear What I Hear," and "Auld Lang Syne." Her newly minted originals, "Come On December," "Walk With Me" and "Broken" exquisitely conjure up feelings of instant nostalgia and heartwarming emotionality brought on by the cherished canon of holiday music. In conjunction with the album, Patty has launched a PledgeMusic campaign that runs from Friday, Oct. 23rd thru Thursday, November 19th.  One hundred percent of the money from the campaign will benefit Headstrong, a non-profit organization whose mission is to provide cost-free, stigma-free, and bureaucracy-free mental healthcare to post-911, and Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans. Come On December will be available on Patty's online store and digital stores (via Tunecore) Friday, November 20th. In December, Patty and band will be performing in both New York and Los Angeles. Currently, Patty is in the studio working on her 2016 release. 

Patty Smyth first captivated popular consciousness with the smoldering emotionality of the mainstream rock charting, number one hit "The Warrior," with her band, Scandal. For many, Patty's expressive gifts as a vocalist and iconic performance style epitomized the new romanticism of the 1980s, and helped define the zeitgeist of the era. It has been said she was once asked to front Van Halen upon David Lee Roth's exit. Despite being a 1980s icon, Patty would go into to be relevant in the 1990s and achieve her biggest success with her solo work. "Sometimes Love Just Ain't Enough" off her 1992 solo album--a song written by Patty, featuring a performance by Don Henley--turned out to be a career-defining moment, topping many charts and earning BMI's song of the year. The album earned platinum status, and also produced the hits "No Mistakes," "I Should be Laughing," and "Shine." Two years later, Patty was brought in to sing and co-write "Look What Love Has Done," the Oscar, Golden Globe and Grammy-nominated theme from the hit Arnold Schwarzenegger/Danny DeVito comedy, Junior. In 1999, Patty issued her greatest hits album with two new tracks, one of which was on the Armageddon soundtrack and sold over 8 million copies. In 2004, she reunited successfully with her old Scandal mates at the urging of VH1's Bands Reunited. Currently, Patty resides in New York City with her husband, former tennis star John McEnroe, and their children. 

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Get the LOOK: Miranda Lambert's Hot Pink Hair at the CMA's!

Wednesday night, CMA Award Winner Miranda Lambert rocked the red carpet in a gorgeous and sexy, black Versace dress with a funky pop of pink color in her traditionally blonde hair. For her performance, she donned rocker-chic waves. Here’s how to recreate Miranda’s CMA hairstyles, as told by her mane man, PRO Beauty Tools Celebrity Hairstylist Johnny Lavoy. 

Johnny Lavoy on Miranda’s red carpet look: “I wanted to go with something sleek and sexy, with a pop pink for a little excitement. To get Miranda's red carpet look, I first dipped the tips of her hair in pastel pink hair dye. Next, I applied a volumizer and blew out her hair with the PRO Beauty Tools Professional 1875 W IONIC AC Motor Dryer using a large round brush. To get a sleek polished look, I first created a strong side part. Then, I used the PRO Beauty Tools® 1” Professional Ceramic Shine Digital Straightener to really smooth out her hair. Lastly, I used hairspray to hold the style.”

Johnny Lavoy on Miranda’s performance look: “For Miranda's performance look, I wanted to give her hair a little more movement. I started by using a beach spray for a little texture, then, I scrunched her hair while drying it with the PRO Beauty Tools Professional 1875 W IONIC AC Motor.  I love this dryer because of its quick dryer power, especially backstage when I'm only given a minute for a quick hair change! Then, I used two different sized PRO Beauty Tools Professional Gold Curling Irons to add additional texture. I alternated using the 1” and the 1 ¼” irons, which helped me created the perfect rock and roll, rocker-chic waves. Finally, I used hairspray to hold the look.”

Alright ladies, now you know!

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Gucci and John Varvatos Will Be Sending Their Collections Off The Record Sunday, Nov. 1

On Sunday, Nov.1, Music City will go Off The Record for a night of high fashion and star-studded performances to benefit Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee. Gucci, provided by Nordstrom Green Hills, and John Varvatos are the latest designers to join the event, sending their Fall 2015 collections down the Off The Record runway.  

These world-renowned designers will join brands including Kaufman Franco and Tribe Kelley for the unique affair that combines fashion and music. Also appearing at the event courtesy of Jaime Inc. of Nashville are Graziela, S.Carter Designs and Spinelli Kilcollin. Pieces from Amanda Valentine, Ani&Ari, Cole Haan, Eric Adler, HatWRKS, Johnathan Kayne, MINXX by Margaret Roberts, Peter Nappi, Shelly Brown and The Giving Keys will round out the elegant evening. 

In addition to showcasing the internationally acclaimed designers, Off the Record will honor its Nashville roots with musical performances that span a variety of genres. Tommy Shaw of Styx and Phil Vassar will join forces for a performance many years in the making. Big Kenny, Chase Bryant, Kaleo, Old Dominion and The Cadillac Three are also set to perform, with more artists to be announced in the coming weeks. 

“Second Harvest Food Bank is an outstanding organization and I always enjoy doing events to support them,” Vassar expressed.  “It’s going to be a great evening and I am really looking forward to playing with Tommy.”

“This is going to be another one of those great nights in Nashville. Music City has become a town of some amazing fashion trendsetters,” Shaw noted. “And it's gonna be a night to show them off.” 

Off The Record will be held at philanthropist Sylvia Roberts' estate in Nashville, as seen on ABC’s hit show Nashville. The event is sponsored by Red Gold Tomatoes and Patron Tequila, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee.  

For more information on the event, produced by Neste Event Marketing and EntertainmentBuy, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.offtherecordnashville.com or https://vimeo.com/140493366. 

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Get gripped with Disco Killerz & Sarah Charness feat. Jem Cooke, “Grip”

The Disco Killerz are back with a sexy-cool track featuring the sultry vocals of Jem Cooke and electronic violinist Sarah Charness. GRIP will grip you with its mesmerizing and melodic beats. It features a sophisticated arrangement of layered sounds that make you hit replay over and over again. [I have!] The beat lures you in, Jem's vocals captivate and when Sarah comes in with that fierce violin, you're hooked. Electrified. Seduced.

Listen for yourself [above] and hey, it's a free download!!

Grip is the first in a series of collaborations between Disco Killerz and Sarah Charness with vocal features including Delaney Jane and Kat Nestel. Additional music will be released in late-2015.

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