Daddy (James Franco and Tim O’Keefe) to Release Debut Album, Let Me Get What I Want, on March 18, 2016

James Franco and and his former classmate from Rhode Island School of Design, Tim O’Keefe formed the duo Daddy back in 2011. Their project puts together music, film and installation art into a multimedia experience. Their latest release will be a full-length album and film entitled Let Me Get What I Want. It arrives March 18, 2016 via We Are Daddy/Kobalt. The songs are based off of Franco’s book, Directing Herbert White: Poems, which contains poems inspired by songs by The Smiths. Below is the track listing for the album.

We loved the sound of the English New Wave, especially the Smiths. The album was meant to reflect that, but with our own twists . The experiences of youth play so well into this sound. “Lime Green Dress” is about the terror and frisson of losing one’s innocence to the bad boy. –James Franco on the track “Lime Green Dress”

Daddy – Let Me Get What I Want album + film
01. I’m A Sword Swallower
02. Lime Green Dress
03. Gentle But You Weren’t
04. Car Ride Home
05. I Think That I Loved Him
06. On The Sideline
07. I Am All These Things
08. Graduation Day
09. You Are Mine
10. Now I Stand Alone

MUSIC REVIEW: Rixton – Let the Road

Rixton
Let the Road
Interscope Records

By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating:

[The Breakdown]

Rixton, the four-piece band from the UK, released their debut album Let the Road via Interscope Records. Of course I had already heard “Me and My Broken Heart” and “Wait On Me”, both vibrant and infectious hit songs. After listening to the 10-track album, the one thing I got is that they REALLY like girls and they want people to know that. Cool, noted.

While the first song, “Let the Road,” may not be everyone’s cup of tea, I really enjoyed the title track. Not just because I have a soft spot for a capella, but they just did it so well. I was getting flashbacks to NSYNC’s Christmas album and I love that album. Plus, what is a better way to showcase true talent than in this raw form? They killed it.

They have a couple songs written by big names including “Hotel Ceiling”, written by Ed Sheeran and “I like Girls,” co-written by Mike Posner. Both of which definitely have the signature of its writers. Although, I am a Mike Posner fan, I felt like the lyrics were a bit juvenile even for a young band such as Rixton.

“We All Want The Same Thing” is a great dance track and goes in the same direction as “Wait On Me” and that song is awesome. But “We All Want The Same Thing” seems like the band is trying too hard to be a mini Maroon 5. Even so, this would probably make a great single.

Overall, the band shows amazing potential in their debut album. Rixton are all very talented, there is no doubt about that. Let the Road goes in a few different directions, but doesn’t really have a balance. This could also be because the band used songs that they had written six years ago, when they were teenagers. Still, I think once they have grown more lyrically they could have true staying power.

Dylan Gardner Debut Album Out Now + North American Tour Dates

Singer-songwriter, Dylan Gardner released his debut album, Adventures in Real Time, via Warner Bros Records last month. You might remember him with his contagious single, “Let’s Get Started“ (above). Gardner is clearly influenced by legendary artists as well as current indie artists. He has been playing some shows this month and will continue to play in March. Check out the dates below.

TOUR DATES:
02/08  Phoenix, AZ            Crescent Ballroom
03/10  New York, NY         Rockwood Music Hall – Stage 2
03/11  Boston, MA             Café 939 at Berklee
03/12  Philadelphia, PA      World Café Live
03/13  Vienna, VA               Jammin’ Java
03/15  Uncasville, CT         Wolf Den at Mohegan Sun Resort
03/25  Indianapolis, IN        Grove Haus
03/26  Chicago, IL               Beat Kitchen
03/28  Minneapolis, MN      7^th Street Entry

 

Leighton Meester Announces US Headlining Tour

Leighton Meester fans!!! Leighton has announced her first US headlining tour. This will be in support of her debut album, Heartstrings, which she wrote and produced with Jeff Trott. Tour dates are below. Grab your tickets now!

Leighton Meester On Tour
1/27 Los Angeles CA @ Hotel Cafe
1/28 Los Angeles CA @ Hotel Cafe
2/18 Alexandria VA @ The Birchmere Music Hall
2/19 Philadelphia PA @ The Trocadero Theatre
2/20 Allston MA @ Brighton Music Hall
2/21 New York NY @ Irving Plaza
2/23 Detroit MI @ Magic Bag
2/24 Chicago IL @ Park West
2/27 Seattle WA @ El Corazon
3/01 Vancouver BC @ Rio Theatre
3/02 San Francisco CA @ Great American Music Hall

MUSIC VIDEO: AJR – “Infinity”

Indie pop trio, AJR will be releasing their debut album, Living Room, on March 3 via AJR Productions/Warner Bros. Records. The 13-track album, which was entirely done by the band in the living room of their New York City apartment, features their hit “I’m Ready,” as well as their new single “Infinity.” They recently released the music video for “Infinity” and the track and video are both awesome. Check it out above!

 

FEATURED TALENT: Taylor Berrett

Singer-songwriter Taylor Berrett is new to the scene, but he’s been keeping busy. Last year, Berrett toured with Alex Care and now he will be releasing his debut album, Great Falls, on March 10, 2015, via Warner Bros. Records. This is a debut album I can’t wait to hear. He may get compared to Jason Mraz, but Berrett has a more nostalgic, feel-good vibe to him that makes him different. Have a listen to his track “Those Days“ above and you will see what I mean.

MUSIC VIDEO: Leighton Meester – “Heartstrings”

Leighton Meester released her nine-track debut album this past Tuesday called Heartstrings. The title track and first single is one that she wrote about heartache. This song is completely different from what we have seen from her before and it’s refreshing. Have a look at her music video above and check out her album, which is available now on iTunes.

Nico & Vinz Release First U.S. Album, Black Star Elephant, on October 14th

Nico & Vinz, who made waves with their track “Am I Wrong“, will release their first U.S. album Black Star Elephant on October 14^th via Warner Bros. Records. Their debut album features 13 tracks and 7 interludes (listed below). Black Star Elephant is currently available for pre-order here and remember the first 100 orders will include a signed poster.

St. Lucia To Tour With Foster The People This Spring

There has been major hype surrounding the Brooklyn-based, St. Lucia as of late. For one,  St. Lucia aka Jean-Philip Grobler and his live band will be supporting Foster the People on their upcoming spring tour—with many of the dates already sold out. This is coming off the release of his debut album, When The Night. Check out their current tour dates below.

North American Tour Dates:
2/11 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre (SOLD OUT) ^
2/12 – Los Angeles, CA – El Rey Theatre (SOLD OUT) #
2/14 – Santa Ana, CA – Constellation Room #
3/5 – Syracuse, NY – Syracuse University
4/11 – Las Vegas, NV – The Cosmopolitan %
4/25 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium (SOLD OUT) *
4/28 – Tulsa, OK – Cain’s Ballroom *
4/29 – Dallas, TX – South Side Ballroom *
4/30 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center *
5/2 – Tampa, FL – Big Guava Music Fest
5/5 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore *
5/9 – Boston, MA – House of Blues (SOLD OUT) *
5/13 – Toronto, ON – Massey Hall *
5/15 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore *
5/16 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre (SOLD OUT) *
7/6 – Quincy, WA – Sasquatch Music Festival

 ^ w/ Sir Sly
# w/ Conway
% w/ Young The Giant
* w/ Foster The People

Lea Michele Releases Debut Single, “Cannonball”

Glee star, Lea Michele has released her solo debut single, “Cannonball“. The single is off of her forthcoming album, Louder which will be released on March 4, 2014. This will definitely please all the gleeks out there. You can download the single now on iTunes and pre-order the album. Have a listen above and see what you think.