Almost A-List

Spotlight On: Parachute

April — Sat, 30 May 2009 18:01:15 +0000

Spotlight On: Parachute!

It’s definitely been a while since we’ve heard a band that was simple. Now, don’t get me wrong–simple isn’t a bad thing. With all the random technology floating around out there, it seems as if many bands are forgetting how to play their instruments and have decided to “enhance” their songs with whatever beat they can make off their Macbook Pro. But thankfully there are still diamonds amidst all that coal, and we consider one of those diamonds to be Parachute.

Parachute is probably one of the best acoustic bands out there right now. In fact, I’m willing to place a bet that they could easily be the next Augustana, Dashboard Confessional, or The Fray–if not even better. They have the most soothing yet uplifting beat that you’ll instantly fall in love with. It is truly refreshing to listen to a band that will allow their talent to speak for itself, rather than have it overshadowed with annoying electric rhythms and power-chords in an effort to sound like a “hit single”.

Earlier this month (May 12, 2009 to be exact), Parachute released their debut album, Losing Sleep, which is one of the most quality albums of 2009. Each song is well crafted, beautiful, and undeniably catchy. They have also released a music video for their song “She Is Love” (featured below). This band is truly talented and we’re sure that they’ll shine in 2009!

She Is Love

Kristinia DeBarge New Music Video for “Goodbye”

April — Sat, 30 May 2009 04:18:01 +0000

Kristinia DeBarge, your new favorite singer.

What better way to start off the summer than with a new music video from Kristinia DeBarge! The 19-year-old singer has been making a name for herself with her new single, “Goodbye”, which I’m are sure will become one of the big hits of the summer. The song samples one of the catchiest songs in music history, Steam’s “Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye”. Now typically, I’m always hesitant when modern day artists decide that it’s a good idea to sample classic songs that were a hit on their own. Thankfully Kristinia did not disappoint–”Goodbye” is catchy, upbeat, and shows off her amazing vocal power. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if this young lady becomes your new favorite singer of the summer, even if you claim you aren’t a fan right now. Just wait…

Goodbye

One Year Anniversary!

April — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 03:24:49 +0000

Oh how we've grown...

About a year ago, we launched Almost A-List on a bit of a whim. It all started during a weekly Thursday lunch…

I can’t really remember the conversation but I assume (and this is a big assumption) that it went something like this:
April: “I really want to promote bands on the internet…but not through MySpace…more like a blog or something.”
Jenn: “I’ve been thinking of doing something like that! Well, the blog aspect…we should start something!”

And the rest, of course, is history…

We entered this “project” with a few goals in mind, aside from simply “spreading the word” about all the artists and bands that have yet to make it to the mainstream. Through the changes in layout and content, to the random and unannounced hiatuses, to the more successful posts and memorable interviews, the past year has been one of growth. I personally can’t say that we met our original goal of taking over the “interwebs” and overthrowing Perez Hilton as the blogging king, but I can say that we’ve learned a lot and we’re definitely happy for the bands we have been in communication with and have promoted on the site. Essentially, we’ve been having a ton of fun maintaining this site, and as 2009 continues to unfold, we’re definitely prepared to keep things crankin’!

So thank you, thank you, thank you! To all the bands, managers, and publicists we have reached out to and that have kept us updated, we definitely appreciate it and we’re more than excited to continue working with you all over the next year. And to all our daily visitors (and even one time visitors), we’re definitely thankful for you guys as well.

Much love,
April and Jenn

“Somebody’s Watching Me” Download!

April — Sat, 24 Jan 2009 05:29:16 +0000

Mysto & Pizzi, soon to be your favorite producers.

So I’m pretty sure you have seen the Geico commercial and have heard the song, “Somebody’s Watching Me”. If you’re like me, you eagerly await for this commercial to come on the television, not because you actually need car insurance but because you want to rock out to that jam and dance along. Well, you can finally stop being anxious! “Somebody’s Watching Me” is now available for free download courtesy of the Geico website!

“Somebody’s Watching Me” was originally released way back in 1984 by Rockwell, and featured guest vocals from Michael and Jermaine Jackson. The new remixed version, which is played in the Geico commercial, was remade by Mysto and Pizzi, two up and coming producers which you definitely need to get familiar with. The vocals were done by Renald Francoeur, a hip hop and r&b singer. Mysto and Pizzi do an incredible job of remixing songs and we know 2009 is going to be a big year for them. We’re sure they’ll soon be added to our “AA-L Featured Alumni” list, considering how hot these guys’ songs are. Even their remix of Britney Spears’ “Circus” is on fire (in fact, I personally like it better than the original)!

At any rate, you can go to the Mysto and Pizzi official website to check out the making of the “Somebody’s Watching Me” track, and you can go to the Geico official website in order to download the track for free! And in case any of you want to kick it old school, here is the music video for the original “Somebody’s Watching Me” song, done by Rockwell (definitely kind of an awkward video).

Alright, so who isn’t feeling the remix?

Take Action Compilation Volume 8

April — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 05:01:44 +0000

Take Action Compilation Volume 8 out Feb. 17th

As we mentioned earlier this month, this year is going to be crazy-filled with concerts and live shows! We’re definitely looking forward to the Take Action Tour, which includes Cute Is What We Aim For, Breathe Carolina, Meg & Dia, Every Avenue, and Anarbor. We’ve seen these bands perform in concert before, so we know that if you do plan to get out to a show, you’re going to have one heck of a time! For tour dates, go to the Take Action Tour website.

For those of you who can’t make it out, don’t fret because there’s still hope! Hopeless Records (no pun intended with the last sentence), in coordination with Sub City, has announced a CD/DVD benefit compilation that is set to release on February 17th. The compilation will include unreleased tracks from Meg & Dia, The Spill Canvas, and Four Year Strong, and unreleased videos from Rise Against and All Time Low. What’s even more awesome about this compilation is that 5% of the suggested retail price for each CD/DVD unit sold will be donated to DoSomething.org. This coincides with the proceeds from the 2009 Sub City Take Action Tour, Presented by F.Y.E., where 10% of the ticket sale proceeds will be donated to the DoSomething.org charity.

The track-listing is as follows:

CD
1. Cute Is What We Aim For - PSA
2. Cute Is What We Aim For - Doctor
3. Motion City Soundtrack - Fell In Love Without You
4. Emery - The Smile, The Face
5. There For Tomorrow - Remember When (Used To Be Used To It)
6. The Spill Canvas - All Over You (Live In Sioux Falls) *Unreleased
7. Breathe Carolina - Diamonds
8. Forever The Sickest Kids - The Party Song
9. Versa Emerge - In Pursuing Design
10. Meg & Dia - Halloween (Unreleased) *Unreleased
11. Ace Enders - Reaction
12. Anarbor - The Brightest Green
13. Every Avenue - Think Of You Later (Empty Room)
14. You Me At Six - Jealous Minds Think Alike
15. Bayside - You’ve Already Been
16. Red Car Wire - Timing Just Isn’t Your Thing
17. Sing It Loud - Come Around
18. Cinematic Sunrise - Umbrellas and Elephants
19. Four Year Strong - So Hot, And You Sweat On It *Unreleased
20. All Time Low - Remembering Sunday

DVD
1. Motion City Soundtrack - Fell In Love Without You
2. Hit The Lights - Stay Out
3. All Time Low - Poppin’ Champagne (Remix Video) *Unreleased
4. There For Tomorrow - No More Room To Breathe
5. Plain White T’s - Natural Disaster
6. Hawthorne Heights - Somewhere In Between
7. Portugal, The Man - Lay Me Back Down
8. Rise Against - The Good Left Undone (Live at Hurricane Festival) *Unreleased
9. Underoath - Desperate Times, Desperate Measures
10. Maylene and the Sons of Disaster - The Day Hell Broke Loose At Sicard Hollow
11. Foxy Shazam - A Dangerous Man
12. Before Their Eyes - Life Was All A Dream
13. Do Something - Overview Video

So we don’t know about you, but we’re definitely excited about the tour and this compilation. If you are planning on heading out to a show on this tour or buying the CD/DVD, let us know!

New Hit the Lights Music Video….yeah….

April — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 04:48:07 +0000

Hit the Lights release a new music video.

In case you didn’t know, we’re quite fond of Hit the Lights. While we were sad to see Colin Ross leave back in “oh seven”, we have to admit that we’re happy that Nick Thompson has taken Hit the Lights to a whole new level. Skip School, Start Fights is a quality pop punk CD that is very reminiscent of New Found Glory and Good Charlotte circa 2003. One of our favorite songs off the album is “Drop the Girl”, which features Valencia frontman Shane Henderson. With that being said, we’re kind of disappointed with the music video. We aren’t really sure why these guys would want to pretend to be in high school. I know I personally didn’t look back twice when I graduated, so I’m not sure why they would want to…We’re all for the catchy, angsty songs that take us back to that unnecessary drama-filled time of our life, but for serious, guys? Not to mention, the editing isn’t as tight as it should be and the story-line is reminiscent of another episode of Degrassi. Hit the Lights is one of the best pop punk bands on the scene and “Drop the Girl” is a contagious song, but this video isn’t doing them any favors. You can judge for yourself though. Don’t say we didn’t warn you…

Hit the Lights - New Music - More Music Videos

Your Friday Mix (on a Thursday night)!

April — Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:01:22 +0000

Mickey Factz, one of the artists featured on this week's playlist.

Well, it’s almost the weekend (thankfully, right?). Since we all need a bit of encouragement to get through the last day of the week, we’ve come up with a mix of songs to help you do just that. What’s great about this list is that we’ve hunt high and low for songs that you can download for free. Some of them you do have to purchase, but hey, a 0.99 cent song is a small price to pay…and if you’re still adamant about purchasing a song, you can always YouTube or MySpace it (don’t act like I’m the only one that has done that before).

Mickey Factz: Live From the Black Apple [Listen/Download at FlyStyleLife]
We had to start the playlist off with this track for two reasons–Mickey Factz’s rhymes are always smooth and poetic, and he’s one of our favorite “hipster hop” artists on the scene. The track doesn’t really have that characteristic Mickey Factz beat. In fact, it kind of sounds like a beat that some electropop DJ mixed together–not that there is anything wrong with that, considering we love electropop…

Chromeo: Momma’s Boy [Get it (free) at Amazon.com]
No playlist would be complete without Chromeo. You know you enjoy the catchy, happy beats. If you’re having a rough day, throw this track on your iTunes. We guarantee you’ll crack a smile within 30 seconds of listening.

Uh Huh Her: Not a Love Song [Listen on their MySpace]
Uh Huh Her is an awesome indie/pop band that needs more exposure. Case closed.

Kenna feat. The Cool Kids: Loose Wires (RMX) [Listen/Download on KanyeUniverseCity.com]
This song surfaced the music blogs back in December. It got a ton of support by being featured on Kanye West’s blog. It’s hot, and I really wouldn’t be surprised if this song was one of the hottest songs of 2009…

Stone Walters: Trouble [Listen/Download at Stonewalters.com]
Yet another artist that should be receiving a ton more recognition than is being given. Stone Walters has a very soulful voice and is just all around talented. We’re pretty shocked we haven’t seen this guy on VH1’s “Artists on the Rise” (he seems like he would be on there). If you’re looking for a song that is a tiny bit rock and roll with a 1970s r&b/pop flare, definitely check out this track.

A Living Things Post!

April — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 18:40:31 +0000

Living Things are off to a good start in 2009 with a new music video and upcoming tour!

Living Things are definitely starting 2009 off right (other bands, take note)!

These Missouri rockers just released a new video for their single, “Let It Rain”. The video was directed by Floria Sigismondi (White Stripes, Marilyn Manson, Interpol), who did a tremendous job. The single is catchy, the video is hot, and just to add a bit more flare to this band, they’ll be going on tour next month with Eagles of Death Metal. So basically, Living Things are off to a good start this year!

Tour Dates:
Feb. 3 Belly Up Tavern - SOLANA BEACH, California
Feb. 4 Henry Fonda Theater - HOLLYWOOD, California
Feb. 5 The Fillmore - SAN FRANCISCO, California
Feb. 7 Wasted Space - LAS VEGAS, Nevada
Feb. 9 The Martini Ranch - SCOTTSDALE, Arizona
Feb. 10 The Rialto Theater- TUCSON, Arizona
Feb. 12 The Diamond Ballroom - OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma
Feb. 13 Radio Show – KANSAS CITY, Missouri
Feb. 14 The Blue Note - COLUMBIA, Missouri
Feb. 15 The Eagles Club - MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin
Feb. 16 Radio Sho – COLUMBUS, Ohio
Feb. 17 20th Century Theater - CINCINNATI, Ohio
Feb. 18 Agora Theater - CLEVELAND, Ohio
Feb. 19 Mr. Smalls Theater - PITTSBURGH, Pennsylvania
Feb. 20 Phoenix Concert Theater - TORONTO, Ontario

Yet Another “Punk Goes Pop” Album

April — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 19:51:32 +0000

Pop Goes Punk will be released on March 10th!

Once again, those clever minds that keep making punk “go” to other random genres, are making punk “go” pop for a second time. I’ll reserve any skeptical comments about this album until its release date on March 10th, but I’m hoping it won’t be as “FTL” as Punk Goes Crunk was…

The album includes some of the hottest, catchiest songs from over the past few years (with a few exceptions), covered by some of today’s biggest rockers (e.g. Silverstein, Chiodos, and Bayside). A complete list of the bands and the songs they’ll be covering can be found on the “Punk Goes Pop 2″ website.

On the website, you can hear an extremely awesome cover of One Republic’s “Apologize”, done by Silverstein. I definitely fell in love with this track as soon as I heard–it sounds close to the original, however, it’s very “Silverstein-esque”. I also managed to stumble upon Attack Attack!’s version of Katy Perry’s “I Kissed a Girl”, which you can check out.

I’m strangely excited for this album only because I’m in love with Rihanna’s “Disturbia” and The Pussycat Dolls’ “When I Grow Up” (I’ll regret admitting that…I really will). I’m hoping that when The Cab and Mayday Parade do covers of these songs (respectively, that is), they don’t let me down!

2009 Concert Extravaganza!

April — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 18:13:13 +0000

Forever the Sickest Kids will be performing at this year's Bamboozle.

While we’re only a few days in to the new year, we’re already anticipating some of this year’s hottest tours. So save up every dollar you can, because 2009 is going to be a pretty intense year of live shows!

Sub City Take Action! Tour Feb. 11-Apr. 1
Cute Is What We Aim For, Meg & Dia, Breathe Carolina, Every Avenue, Anarbor
For exact tour dates and more information, visit the Take Action! website.

AP Tour Mar. 20-May 9
3Oh!3, The Maine, Family Force 5, A Rocket to the Moon, and Hit The Lights
More info, tour dates, and pre-sale tickets: here!

The Bamboozle May 2- May 3
NO DOUBT!!!! Bayside, New Found Glory, Boys Like Girls, Fall Out Boy, Forever the Sickest Kids, Cobra Starship, Never Shout Never +more
Bamboozle is wild this year! Check the official site for the complete list!

Langerado Mar.6-Mar.8
Death Cab For Cutie, Snoop Dogg, Dashboard Confessional, Flogging Molly, Public Enemy, Gym Class Heroes, Ra Ra Riot, +more
Definitely an awesome concert if you’re from Miami. Click for more info!

Warped Tour (Dates pending)
Bad Religion, Anti-Flag, Big D and the Kids Table, The Ataris, Silverstein, Thrice +more
Stay up to date with what’s going on with Warped on their official website

It’s pretty evident by the excessive “!!!!” after No Doubt’s band name which show I’m going to try to make. Which one are you getting out to?