Music Spotlight: Jessie J

What's going on Live.Laugh.Love readers?! 


As you know, Jackie and I are always on the hunt for new music, and today we shine the spotlight on Jessie J. Some of you may already know about this insanely-talented, UK songstress! Well, if you don't - Jessie J, is definitely a British export you should get to know!


Real name, Jessica Cornish, this 22-year old from Essex, England, is all about empowerment and positivity - which, I must say is a breath of fresh air. Her first single, "Do It Like A Dude" may not have you initially convinced, but after surfing her YouTube channel, this girl can definitely sing! Not only are her vocals other-worldly, but she is also an incredible songwriter! At just 17, she wrote the emotional, vulnerable, and utterly beautiful song 'Big White Room'. What makes 'Big White Room' so moving, is that Jessie J wrote this song based on her experience of being hospitalized at 11-years old.  While in hospital, she shared a room with a young boy - who unfortunately passed away. Ultimately, Jessie states that "'Big White Room' is my comfort blanket, and I'm so happy that people can personalize the meaning of the song..." Have a listen, and let us know what you think: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FKfzXq1gcG4&feature=relmfu


Before making it big, Jessie J spent the past few years songwriting for some heavy-hitters in the industry, like Chris Brown. However, her most notable songwriting mention, was contributing her own experiences to the hit song , "Party in the USA" performed by Miley Cyrus. In fact, Jessie J stated that she thought it was a joke, when she found out that the song reached number 1 on iTunes!


Lucky for us, Jessie J is no longer just a songwriter and YouTube sensation. She has scored a deal with Universal Music Group, and recently announced that her debut album, Who You Are, is to be released February 28 - a whole month early! 


Check out Jessie J's official website http://www.jessiejofficial.com/ 
Jessie J's YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/user/JessieJVEVO


Do you agree?! Any artists you would like to be featured on the blog? Leave a comment, or hit us up on twitter @jackieopoku and @sinemtekin

-Sinem Tekin

Adele: Music Spotlight

First off, big hello to all old and new live.laugh.love readers! Want to thank all of you for checking out our music spotlight on Down With Webster! Jackie and I really appreciate you taking the time to check the article out - hopefully you all enjoyed it! We have tweeted the band and posted the article on the boys' Facebook fan page, hoping they have read it as well... Hey, a girl can dream, no?? Anyways, leave your comments/ suggestions on any of our articles; we would love to hear from you! You can also follow Jackie and I on twitter @jackieopoku and @sinemtekin

Earlier this week I discovered that one of my favourite artists, Adele, has released some new material from her upcoming album '21'! Unfortunately, the album won't be out until February 22nd, 2011. Luckily for me and other Adele fans, she released two new songs! Sadly, they won't be available to download until January 24th, 2011, but you can play the songs over and over to your heart's desire on YouTube. The first song titled 'Rolling in the Deep' has a total folk, Florence and the Machine-esque feel to it with the drums; but still Adele's beautiful soulful voice makes it original! Check it out for yourself, and let us know what you think:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lazyDlfaptM

I have already lost count to the number of times I have listened to this song! An added bonus of the link, is that we are provided with studio footage of Adele recording the song and album! I read that the album was recorded in Santa Barbara, CA so it should be interesting to see how recording in Santa Barabara has influenced her sound, as opposed to her debut album '19' which was recorded across the pond in London, England...

The second song 'Someone Like You' has a hauntingly beautiful piano melody - a perfect compliment to Adele's voice.. Honestly, this girl doesn't need much to sound amazing - part of what makes her so refreshing, especially considering the heavy use of autotune most 'singers' rely on... The first ten seconds of this song have a bit of a Moonlight Sonata sample to it, in my opinion.. Nevertheless, the moment the song starts, you find yourself immediately drawn in to its beauty and complexity... Check her out performing the song live on 'Later... With Jools Holland' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OHciwrfQQpU&feature=related

For more information on Adele, check out her official website http://www.adele.tv/ 

Also, be sure to check out her debut album '19' - I guarantee, you will not be dissapointed!! Here's one of my favourites off the album 'First Love' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8hWNyb0bNM

Any artists you would like featured?? Hit us up on twitter or leave a comment... Whichever you choose, never forget to live.laugh.love

- Sinem Tekin

 

Down With Webster: Music Spotlight

Here at Live.Laugh.Love we are constantly on the lookout
for hot, fresh, innovative talent - especially right here
in Toronto. The following group meets - and in my opinion,
exceeds - all of the criteria above.

Down With Webster is a seven piece group from Toronto. The group is made up of Tyler - bass and keyboards, Pat - vocals and guitar, Marty - drums, Bucky - vocals, Cam - vocals, Kap - hypeman, and Diggy - DJ. The group started out way back when members Tyler, Pat, and Marty were in the same music class in junior high. The boys initially set out to play a talent show at school - which they won. Soon after the group evolved to the seven piece genre defying group we know and love.

The guys grew up in the Beaches, a neighborhood right here in Toronto. Reading up on their bio and watching interviews, this is one band that is no overnight success - they have been together for over a decade. In fact, their rigourous work ethic led them to sell out shows in their hometown - before they even relased a single, music video or were signed to a major label. Along the way, they also caught the eye of industry heavy hitters Timbaland and Gene Simmons of KISS. Both who were in a bidding war to sign the group to their respective labels. Instead, they opted to go with Motown/ Universal Records.

In 2008, the group won the Rogers Mobile/ Universal Music best unsigned artists in Canada award. However, it seems that 2009 was their breakout year. In 2009, they made a month-long appeareance on Warped Tour and Virgin Festival; and their debut album, Time to Win Vol.1 was released. Their success has continued to grow in 2010. They became Juno nominated artists. Hosted MuchMusic's Spring Break special - where they also got to open for Lil' John. Were nominees and performers at the 2010 MuchMusic Video Awards. Performed to a crowd of at least 10 000 in their hometown this past summer at the CNE. The CNE Bandshell was my first Down With Webster concert. I remember Cam mentionning to the crowd that evening, hoping that one day the band will get to play and sell out the Air Canada Centre.

Cut to a month later, and the start of that dream became a reality. Down With Webster were listed as one of the performers - openers actually - at WEDay in Toronto; a rock concert for social change. Twenty thousand youth gathered into the ACC on September 30th; while not a Down With Webster show, they showed how hard work and dedication pays off.

Down With Webster is most definitely one of the most dedicated bands out there. These guys are always on the road. They are currently touring with 3OH3! and Hellogoodbye across the U.S. (with four
Canadian dates - unfortunately, none in Toronto). I can honestly say it's one thing to enjoy their music and videos, but seeing them live is essential. Unlike a lot of bands, they are all about the power of the live show. These guys have definitely set the bar high for any future shows I'll attend. They have incredible energy, as they interact and challenge their crowd to have as much fun as them. Their concert at the CNE Bandshell this past summer was hands down, the best concert I have ever been to!

Fans who were unable to catch them on The Streets of Gold Tour, can rejoice! The boys will be headlining their own tour, WINtour, across Canada in the new year. In addition, their much-anticipated sophmore release - Time to Win: Volume 2 is set to hit stores early 2011!!! Still not convinced??? Check out some footage I captured of their show at the CNE http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDFWeZRoPig. Visit their official site www.downwithwebster.com where you can become a fan on Facebook (they are one of the few bands who actually replies to their fans!), and follow them on Twitter. Request their latest single 'Whoa Is Me' at your local radio station! Spread the word, and while doing so never forget to live.laugh.love

- Sinem Tekin