Tag: "avril lavigne"

If you’re currently rubbing your eyes in disbelief, stop. It’s not April Fools and that headline is not a joke. Two of music’s most niche chart-topping artists are working together, and we can only begin to imagine the song that will result from their pairing.

In a new interview with Billboard, Avril Lavigne revealed she worked with shock rock legend Marilyn Manson on a song for her forthcoming album. The track, entitled “Bad Girl,” is described by Lavigne as being on of the heavier tracks on her still unannounced album. You can read an excerpt from the interview below:

“The record’s really diverse. We’ve got these pop-rock tunes, and then these piano ballads with orchestras. I have a heavier song that Marilyn Manson’s on called ‘Bad Girl,’ and then I’ve got a song called ‘Hello Kitty’ that sounds like nothing I’ve done before. ‘Here’s To Never Growing Up’ is one of the rock tunes on it, but it’s all over the place.”

Avril released her latest single, “Here’s To Never Growing Up,” on Monday. You can stream the song below, or click here to read our review. Continue reading ‘Avril Lavigne Collaborates With Marilyn Manson’

Eleven years ago, a sassy Canadian teen girl took over radio and MTV with her unique brand of alt-pop rock. Her style was straight out of your local mall, which coincidentally seemed to be where she and her skater friends loved to spend their days. She arrived at a time when there was virtually no direct competition for her style of pop, and in the year that followed her debut (Let Go) went on to sell more than eight million copies. Her name is Avril Lavigne, and earlier this week she attempted to turn back time once more with her new single, “Here’s To Never Growing Up.”

If you haven’t been paying close attention, Avril never really went anywhere. She has consistently released a new album ever two-three years since her debut, and though her personal life has often outshines those musical efforts, there have been a slew of notable singles along the way. That said, the hard truth is that her music simply isn’t selling like it used to, and when that starts to happen the first reason most turn to is because they (the artist) has moved away from the sound that made them famous in the first. It’s not that the song they write now are any less personal or well penned, it’s just impossible to conceive of anyone being able to evolve musically and maintain a constant connection with fans of any one subgenera. Some will grow alongside your musical interests, sure, but more people are fickle than most would like to believe. So before we even get to the song itself, let me just say that I understand why her music is once again veering toward the somewhat edgy alt-pop rock side, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that I think it’s a good idea. Continue reading ‘Avril Lavigne Returns With “Here’s To Never Growing Up”’

Just as The X Factor’s second season is coming to a close, Chairman and CEO of Epic Records, L.A. Reid has chosen to step down from his spot in the judge’s chair.

Although his presence resulted in multiple contestant signings to Epic Records, Reid says of his departure, ”I have a company to run that I’ve kind of neglected.” Reid continued, “I have a huge responsibility to a roster of artists, and it’s kind of time for me to stop doing ‘the me’ show and get back to doing ‘the them’ show.”

Among Reid’s upcoming Epic Records projects will be Ciara’s next album and Avril Lavigne’s latest album.

If you like Ciara, check out OurStage artist Jasmyn Howard.

More like this:

• X Factor Confirms Khloé Kardashian Odom, Mario Lopez As Co-Hosts
• Simon Cowell And Sony Release Custom X Headphones

• Avril + Nickelback + Anime.
• This is everything that Kurt Cobain would have hated.
• A remarkable similarity between Lady Gaga and a new genus of ferns.
• This guitar probably smells great.
• Kathleen Edwards lands on a winning band name.
• Cee–Lo’s most high–profile feature yet.

• Canadians stick together. Genetically.
• The baddest men alive.
• I am not a thief.
• That footage is going to be online so fast.
• A PSA from Sean Penn and…Kid Rock?
• The Beatles like you’ve never seen them before.

• Maybe it was Roman voting for Mitt Romney.
• John Madoff?
• Shield your ears!
• Mexico & Sons.
• Chris Brown’s new tattoo looks like Rihanna…
• …but Rihanna’s new tattoo doesn’t look like him.

“John Mayer Gets a Haircut After Katy Perry Split!”

As breaking news of the day goes, it’s not exactly groundbreaking. Still, there it was, in multiple variations, splattered across the online pages of E!, Us Weekly, Entertainment Weekly (which called it a “hair break-over”), People magazine and so many other websites devoted, in large and small part, to such trivialities. You’d think Samson had risen from the dead and taken up guitar.

But wait! Shouldn’t Delilah — I mean, Katy Perry — have been the star of this life (and a new ‘do)-after-love story? Traditionally, the celebrity tabloids and gossip websites pursue female celebrities about whom they date, whom they marry, whom they divorce, to search for baby bumps, and fashion dos and don’ts. Guys generally get in only when they’re dating one of them. (Why do you think Nickelback singer Chad Kroeger, who once went from long to short without causing so much as a media ripple and is now engaged to Avril Lavigne, is suddenly “newsworthy”?)

By those standards, John Mayer must be some kind of publicity-baiting genius. In the last several years, he’s made himself as much of a tabloid fixture as an A-list starlet by dating a succession of them: Jessica Simpson, Jennifer Aniston, Taylor Swift, and most recently, Katy Perry, his pop-star paramour of a few months. Continue reading ‘Sound And Vision: Why Hasn’t Tabloid Notoriety Turned John Mayer into a Total Joke?’

Pop music always makes us feel good so why not start out the new year with a playlist of music that will cheer you up, chill you out or get you through a tough time. There are many other genre influences throughout our list, including indie, country and R&B, so be sure to listen closely and see what you can hear. Keep an ear out for these acts: they’ll be hitting the charts hard in 2012!

“Keep Talking” – Hannah Rae Beale: This soothing pop ballad is tinged with country and very reminiscent of Colbie Caillat’s “Realize”. While the lyrics are somber, the overall vibe of the tune is relaxing. It’s perfect for a chilly evening indoors by the fire, snuggled up on a couch!

“Take Me Home” – Alexandria Maillot: This recent addition to her catalog is bound to grab some attention. It layers a cute, kitschy piano track with punchy, clear vocals and even some tambourine. Fans of Florence and the Machine and Lenka will appreciate this vibrant tune that’s perfect for walking to class or just lounging around.

Continue reading ‘Press Shuffle: Songs To Tell The Future To’

We all have that one band, singer or musician that we can’t get enough of. We can’t stop listening to their music, buying up all their merch and gushing about how cool they are. But how much artist love is too much? For some people, being a fan is akin to obsession. These crazed individuals take supporting their favorite acts to a new level, devoting all their time and energy to knowing every detail behind the band, and doing virtually ANYTHING to get themselves closer. Such fans can be incredibly scary, and can make a simple performance challenging, for even the most experienced pop star.

A little over a week ago at a concert in Brazil, Avril Lavigne was onstage, about to start a cover of Coldplay‘s “Fix You”, when a crazed fan ran at her. Avril, atop a piano at the time, let out a shriek as a fan approached her, but before anything could happen, the fan was picked up and taken offstage by security. Avril, a little taken aback, took a second to collect herself, but laughed it off, saying “Its all good”, and resumed the show.

Miley Cyrus had an equally close encounter at a concert over a month ago, but didn’t take it quite as lightly. She had just finished her last song of the night, “The Climb”, and was taking a bow, when a girl who looked to be in her early teens, ran up behind her and attempted to give the pop star a hug. Seconds later, security guards rushed after her, prying her off Miley, pinning her to the ground, and then shoving her off the stage. The only words Miley uttered before being ushered offstage in a panic, were “Oh My God”.

Are Miley and Avril’s security measures over-the-top, or are these fans actually serious threats to the stars? It becomes hard to distinguish between a harmless starstruck fan and a fan who is dangerous when you look back in history at some of the obsessed fans who turned deadly. John Lennon, for example, was shot dead by obsessed fan Mark Chapman. Many stars have had fans break into their homes and have therefore taken out restraining orders and even used weapons for self-defense. Madonna‘s bodyguard shot and wounded fan-turned-stalker Robert Hoskins after he threatened her life. All that said, we don’t blame Miley and Avril for their “better safe than sorry” perspective.

All aspiring musicians have covered songs at some point in their careers. Emulation and repetition are simple methods to improve your technique. But to adapt a famous song into your own style and succeed in creating a musically stimulating experience is a completely different game. With this in mind, we took a gander at the Covers Channel here at OurStage and hand picked the most original imitators for your listening pleasure. We hope you enjoy the fresh twists on these classic songs just as much as we did!

Bonerama

“When The Levee Breaks“ by Bonerama (original by Memphis Minnie and Joe McCoy and given international popularity by Led Zeppelin). This song was originally performed by a folk blues duo from the United States. So it’s only appropriate that this incarnation of the tune is centered around a New Orleans brass band.

“When The Saints Go Marching In” by Donna Lee Saxophone Quartet (originally recorded by Louis Armstrong). For this popular gospel hymn, in a style reminiscent to the golden Dixieland days, an all-saxophone arrangement fills all the traditional band’s roles. It even has a tasty sax solo to boot!

“Something“ by John McCracken (original by The Beatles). It’s amazing what a striking difference a small change can make. The addition of a slide guitar in this tune takes the song’s feel to a whole new place, and it’s a place we don’t mind being taken to.

“A-Punk“ by Rockapella (original by Vampire Weekend). As their name suggests, Rockapella have adapted the song for an all-vocal a capella performance. Keeping all the great hooks and slowing the tune down just enough to make you bounce, this unique cover will have you asking for more.

“Fight For Your Right (To Party) Blues“ by The Tangiers Blues Band (original by The Beastie Boys). Add grittiness of blues to this ironic party anthem? Yes please! Fuzzface, harmonica and shuffle fit perfectly with the devil-may-care attitude of the tune, and the performance is simply top notch.

“Complicated“ by Nikki Britt (original by Avril Lavigne). This high-school pop tune is surprisingly easy on the ears as a country song. Granted, the reach taken with this adaptation isn’t too far with the instrumentation, but the vocal delivery is not only good, but gives the lyrics a breath of credibility to that can only be attributed to the youthfulness of the voice.

“Tomorrow Never Knows“ by Tobias Gebb (original by The Beatles). “The Beatles, again?” you ask? Not only are they the most covered band on OurStage, there is also no such thing as “too much” Beatles. This already experimental tune retains its Indian qualities as the musicians explore the percussive side of the song in this jazz arrangement.

“Tears In Heaven” by Julius Francis (original by Eric Clapton). This modern take on Clapton’s classic definitely gives the song a new twist. Even though it lacks the rawness and emotion of the original, it gives it a new air with a poppier, technologically powered feel.

Have any tunes in particular that you care to share? Disagree with any of the picks? Want a particular theme to be Shuffled? Let us know by dropping a comment!