Tag Archive for Berklee College of Music

As a proud Bostonian myself, it is with great pleasure that I present a “Country Catch” who finessed his chops in the greatest city in, well, Massachusetts. Connecticut’s Jesse Terry is a Berklee College of Music alum who made himself a staple on the Boston music scene before heading south to try his luck in Nashville. Singing with a genuinely talented voice and playing with a passion only true musicians understand, Jesse has all the makings of a star, and is putting in the time to make his dream a reality.

Terry’s song-writing is both refreshing and experienced, so it’s no wonder he’s experienced success on a number of OurStage channels including folk, singer-songwriter and country. One of his more recent Top 10’s, “Edges,” is a mellow song about feeling like your living right on the edge of something, on the brink of something better. Jesse’s voice is soothing and genuine, and the simple instrumentation make this song perfect for cooling down, chilling out and enjoying a little time for yourself. Check out more of Jesse Terry in his fanclub!

“Who is Adrian Longoria?”

He isn’t the head of some hugely successful record company, or the recipient of a prestigious industry award. And he’s not famous, yet. What Adrian Longoria is, is a small part of the changing face of Latin music. For Berklee College of Music, he represents exactly the type of student they want knocking at their door.

Click here to read our Q & A with Adrian

With a name like Chase, he better run fast because soon enough everyone will be on the tail of this talented singer-songwriter. Boston’s Sam Chase is a crooner, writer, producer and guitarist whose originality is garnering huge success on OurStage. His melodic voice and introspective lyrics are perking up the ears of all those who hear this talent. Having earned invaluable knowledge and a knack for producing at Berklee College of Music, Sam independently recorded and produced his debut album Songs for Someone which showcases his refined his song-writing skills.

One particular song that seems to be catching people’s attention is Chase’s OurStage hit “Nebraska.” In it, his undeniable guitar talent shines through as his fingers effortlessly fly over the strings. His voice and lyrics are the perfect accompaniment to make this tribute to that special someone mentioned in his album title truly genuine. Fire up your engines and get ready for a hot pursuit because this is one fast-rising star! Catch him while you can by checking out his fanclub!

Mateus Starling

Bem-vindos to this week’s Brazilian edition of OurStage Model U.N.! The music of Brazil is known to be representative of its people, a diverse range of influences from all over the world. For the country that gave us such great gifts like Carmen Miranda, the Samba and the Bossa Nova, it’s a bit of a downer that more recent developments in Brazilian music aren’t well known in the states. Fortunately, American music bloggers gushing over 60’s psychedelic garage rockers Os Mutantes and new ravers CSS, have helped spark an interest in Brazilian music of old and new. To quench your curiosity,  take a break from making your Carnival costume and give these Brazilian artists on OurStage a shot:

HITCHCOCKS are a psychobilly/surf band from São Paulo. Known for making edgy surf instrumentals, their music would feel right at home in the soundtrack of a 60’s science fiction B-movie.

Autoramas are quite popular in Brazil’s alternative rock scene. After all— not just any band gets to open for the likes of Mudhoney, the Pixies and Guitar Wolf. With new wave influences such as Devo and The B-52’s, the band has the potential to win over many new fans in the states.

Brazilian born guitarist Mateus Starling is bursting at the seams with talent. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Mateus paid the bills by writing TV jingles and working as a session musician. Earlier this year, Starling released Kairos, his debut solo album with a live jazz instrumental focus. Listen to the track “Guerreiro” and you’ll understand why critics in Brazil are calling him the “future of the Brazilian guitar.”

Database

Database is one of the biggest names in Brazilian electronic music. The two Producer/DJs that form Database, Lucio Morais and Yuri Chix, were childhood friends that went to film school together and gained popularity throwing down dance parties for their fellow classmates. After releasing two successful compilation CDs, contributing a remix to Fat Boy Slim’s Southern Fried Records, and playing numerous festivals in Brazil, Database is ready for a full forced breakthrough in the US. Most recently the duo worked with Brooklyn electro-pop outfit French Horn Rebellion, co-writing a single for the group’s Friends and Beaches EP. You can catch Database live as they open for French Horn Rebellion’s current US tour.

Another big buzz act from Brazil is the alternative rock group The River Raid. These moody rockers cite their biggest influences as The Stooges, Violent Femmes, Radiohead and Sonic Youth. Check out the sweet Moog sounds on their track “Electric Cool”.

Rio guitarist Alisson Souza’s “Esses Dias,” is an instrumental track blending blues and Latin jazz. Souza has a unique approach to combining several layers of break beats, flamenco-styled guitar solos and heavy blues guitar breakdowns over a somber organ. It’s definitely one of those great recordings you hear something new on with each repeated listen.