"Begging Me" - Florrie

"Begging Me" is the first single from UK-based pop artist Florrie's second EP due for release in May. This song is not a hit by any means but has a pretty catchy chorus and brings back a 60s pop sound with modern electro beats.

"Words I Never Said" - Lupe Fiasco feat. Skylar Grey

Lupe Fiasco's polictically-charged music video for his second single "Words I Never Said", featuring up-and-coming artist Skylar Grey, was just released. The outspoken MC unleashes a provocative sociopolitical rhyme and it's clear he is not happy with the current state of the world.

Lupe Fiasco takes shots at President Obama, predatory lending practices, 9/11 controversies, the decline in American educational institutions, and laments the unhealthy nature of manufactured foods. He urges listeners to be proactive in search of solution. Listen to his latest song that's sure to stir up some controversy!

"Satellite" - Leila Broussard

Love this soulful pop ditty!

Who: Singer-songwriter who's only 21 but has a lifetime of experience – from growing up with a single mom in Louisiana to hitting New York's folk-club circuit at 15.

Sound: Sweet-voiced pop, jacked with rock riffs and moody keyboard textures. "I'm a singer-songwriter with an indie-rock background," she says. "I don't want to just be a pretty girl with a guitar." 

Cover Girl: Broussard's stripped-to-the-melody covers of "Dancing in the Dark" and "Single Ladies" have been viral hits. Of the Springsteen classic, she says, "I wanted to break it down and do it in a different way. It's such a gorgeous song."


Info taken from Rolling Stone Magazine

"Who Says" Live - Selena Gomez & The Scene

I liked Selena Gomez & The Scene before but now I think I may be an actual fan with her latest release. "Who Says" is a perfect top-notch pop single and Selena Gomez is lucky she was able to get a hold of it; this track could have easily been given to a much bigger star.

Her talent is undeniable in this video of her performing on Radio Disney and it's clear she has grown as an artist! I'm impressed.

"OK, It's Alright With Me" - Eric Hutchinson

Eric Hutchinson is one of my favorite soft pop artists because his songs are just so catchy! There is so much wit and sarcasm in his lyrics that as a lover of sarcasm I can greatly appreciate. He was first signed to Madonna's Maverick Records before it shutdown and ultimately decided to release his debut record, Sounds Like This, on his own.

With the help of Perez Hilton's praise, Sounds Like This went to the top of the iTunes charts and debuted at #1 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart! Eventually the album was picked up by Warner Bros. Records which lead to touring with Kelly Clarkson, Jason Mraz, OneRepublic and many more.

Eric Hutchinson is currently working on his sophomore album and if his track record is any indication, it's sure to be filled with a lot of playfulness, soul, and crazy hooks!

OK, It's Alright With Me by EricHutchinson

"I'll Stand By You" Cover - Pia Toscano

I don't watch American Idol but I have no clue how Pia Toscano was voted off so early in the competition. This girl has humongous and powerful pipes! While she did go sharp for a few seconds, her tone and breath were amazing on this cover of The Pretenders's "I'll Stand By You" she did on Dancing With The Stars. 

No one her age is singing the kind of music she is passionate about and she has the national platform right now to take off! All she has to do is release an album of power ballads asap before people forget about her!

"Still Here" - Brother

This rowdy quartet is hoping to get "guitar bands" back on the radio with what they call their Britpop sound. Brother was recently signed to Geffen Records in the UK with a reported big bucks deal. Their debut album Famous First Words is set for release on July 4, 2011! Their music is reminiscent of 90s bands but with their own modern twist. Definitely feeling their sound!

"Club Banger Nation" - Nicole Scherzinger

This ex-Pussycat Doll already has a #1 single in the UK but has yet to make an impact in the US. Nicole Scherzinger will be releasing her formal debut single "Right There" in the states on May 24, 2011 and is rumored to feature rapper 50 Cent. The track is more urban than I expected but is very similar to Rihanna and Drake's "What's My Name?".

"Club Banger Nation" is one of the strongest tracks on Killer Love and is produced by RedOne. I love the 90s Europop synths and Nicole's belting vocals!

On a side note, I hope they overhaul the Killer Love album cover because right now it is bland and boring; it does a horrible job of portraying the sound and feel of the album.

"Embers" - Jared Evan

"Embers" is the latest single off pop rocker Jared Evan's newest mixtape Back and Fourth. His mix of genres topped with his versatile voice creates a sound that needs to be heard! All Jared needs is a pop hit and he's set!

"Promises, Promises" - Lisa Lois

Lisa Lois is a Dutch singer who became famous in her native country after winning The X Factor. "Promises, Promises" is the third single from her debut record Smoke and is co-written by one of my favorites, Pixie Lott. That explains why I love the soulful pop vibe on this track.

"Darkness" Preview - Mansions On The Moon

"Darkness", the newest track from Mansions on the Moon, is so euphoric and different. I cannot wait to hear their full-length debut album!

"Fly Solo" - Wiz Khalifa

"Fly Solo", from Pittsburgh-based rapper Wiz Khalifa, has been out for a while but I'm just getting around to hearing it. I love when rappers spit over a pop-leaning track!

 

"In The Dark" - Dev

 

Dev is an up-and-coming pop artist who's famous for being featured on the #1 hit "Like A G6" by The Cataracs and for her debut single "Bass Down Low". "In The Dark" is the newest single off her debut record The Night the Sun Came Up, due for release on September 20, 2011. Dev will also be featured on the first single off Timbaland's Shock Value III.

"Silly Girl" - Neon Hitch

"Silly Girl" is the latest track from UK pop singer Neon Hitch. It's a different side of Neon Hitch -- "Silly Girl" finds her with some rap-style vocals mixed with funky audio effects. The song is departure from some of her more deep club tracks such as “Get Over U” but different can be a very good thing!

Neon Hitch - Silly Girl by NeonHitch

"Techno Fan" - The Wombats

Normally I don't like indie punk pop bands, but The Wombats have always been the exception to that rule for me. Ever since their debut album A Guide To Love, Loss, and Desperation in 2007, I've been a fan of their unique Liverpool sound. "Techno Fan" is the fourth single from their sophomore effort This Modern Glitch, which was just released three days ago.

"Push It" - Jessie and The Toy Boys feat. Yelawolf

Jessie and The Toy Boys is actually a one-girl pop group. The Toy Boys are four mannequins that serve as her band members.

Jessie Malakouti was signed to Epic Records as a part of girl group Shut Up Stella in 2006. They disbanded when Jessie decided to go solo and ever since then Jessie has been working on honing her sound for her debut record.

"Push It" is her debut single and currently sits at #14 on the Billboard Dance Chart. Jessie and The Toy Boys are going out on the Femme Fatale tour with Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj, and Nervo this summer!

Paula Abdul + Cheryl Cole join The X Factor?

According to Deadline, Paula Abdul and Cheryl Cole will be joining Simon Cowell and LA Reid on The X Factor judging panel.

Simon, who worked with Paula on American Idol for eight seasons, said “I’ve always wanted Paula… I missed her the second she left the show… I’ve never found anyone better than her. I think there’s a good chance it will be her. We’ve agreed that we would meet as many people as possible, and now we’re reaching the deadline we’ve got to make the decision soon. But I think she’s got a really good shot.”

Cheryl worked with Simon on the UK version of The X Factor. “Shes a great judge. She’s smart. It’s just a hunch. If people take to her like the British public did, I think she’s going to do really well in America. And Fox was desperate to hire her,” Simon said. I hope there's truth to this as it will open the door for Cheryl to become a pop superstar here in the states!

No deals for Paula or Cheryl have yet been finalized.

"Chains" - Kenna feat. Shimmy Hoffa

 

Kenna is a Grammy-nominated experimental pop artist. He plans to release three EPs with three songs each, titled the Land 2 Air Chronicles. The series will be followed by his third studio album Songs for Flight. 

"Chains" is the first single off the first EP; it features Shimmy Hoffa, a rogue character that comes from the recluse mastermind of Chad Hugo a.k.a Charles Hugo, one half of the Neptunes and member of N.E.R.D. The song is co-written by Paul Banks of Interpol.

"Chains' is a very different kind of pop and it took me a while to get into it.

"Strings" Live - Young The Giant

Shout out to my friend Kevin for letting me know about Young The Giant! Up until yesterday I had not heard the unique sound of this Alternative Pop band and now I can't believe what I was missing.

I already downloaded this SoCal-based quintet's eponymous debut record and am absolutely loving it so far! The album is one of the most solid I've heard since Adele's 21. Check out a live performance of their track "Strings" below!

"Dead Flowers" (Cover) - Ke$ha

If only she usually sang like this...

"Colgando En Tus Manos" - Carlos Baute feat. Márta Sanchez

"Colgando En Tus Manos" is one of my favorite Latin pop songs! It was the breakthrough song for Carlos Baute after six previous albums quickly became his most successful song. In 2009, the song reached #1 in Spain and stayed at the top for a total 29 weeks! It also reached #1 on the Billboard Latin Pop Songs.

"Nothing Ever Hurt Like You" - James Morrison

James Morrison is hands down one of my all-time favorite artists! His soultry and distinct voice mixed with his modern, yet vintage, vibe is what I love about him. "Nothing Ever Hurt Like You" can be found on this UK crooner's sophomore effort Songs For You, Truths For Me.

His most famous song to-date "Broken Strings" features Nelly Furtado:

"Till The World Ends (Remix)" - Britney Spears feat. Nicki Minaj & Ke$ha

Ke$ha, who wrote the song for the pop princess, and Nicki Minaj have joined forces to add a new spin on an all-female remix of Britney Spears's second single, "Till the World Ends"! After Nicki Minaj spits a few introductory bars, Britney delivers the song's first verse before an introduction for the all-star trio... "It's Britney, bitch. I'm Nicki Minaj and that's Ke$ha!"

A killer remix!

 

Message To My Readers!

Yesterday I passed 10,000 views! My blog has reached countries like Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, and even Qatar. I even have a big following in Hungary! It means so much to me to know that people are enjoying the music I post. It takes a lot of work to run this blog but I love it, especially when you guys genuinely like it.

I just wanted to say thank you so much!

And don't forget to follow me on Twitter and 'Like' my page on Facebook!

If you have any comments, questions, opinions, or suggestions please do not hesitate to email me here!

G.O. Tirado

"Wonderland" - Natalia Kills

Natalia Kills is slated to become one of the biggest breakthrough acts of 2011! For years, Natalia has been gaining a fanbase with the help of bloggers and avid music listeners. Discovered by will.i.am and signed in a joint venture with will.i.am Music Group and Interscope Records, Natalia Kills's debut album Perfectionist is due for release in the US and UK by the end of the year.

I was able to listen to Perfectionist in it's entirety and I can say that Natalia Kills truly brings something different with what she calls "pop with an opinion". The dark pop showcases Natalia's extraordinary songwriting ability as she touches on subjects like revenge, power, suicide, regret and self adoration.



Perfectionist album preview:


"Free" is my favorite track from Perfectionist. Though I'm not too fond of the materialistic subject, the vibe and sound of the song are irresistable! The most radio-friendly of all her songs!

"Broken Down" - Kevin Hammond

"Broken Down" marks the official first single from pop singer/songwriter Kevin Hammond's debut record due for release this fall. This versatile artist is based in LA and is signed to A&M/Octone Records, which happens to be the home of Maroon 5. Kevin has such a distinct sound as he jumps from falsetto to full voice and I'm excited to see if his career is able to take off in 2011!

Preview of NBC's The Voice!

I loved this preview of The Voice! Christina Aguilera, Blake Shelton, Cee Lo Green, and Adam Levine gave a killer performance of "Crazy" by Gnarls Barkley (which Cee Lo is one half of)! It premieres this coming Tuesday and I will definitely be watching!

"Heart Skips A Beat" - Lenka

So...I am really late on the Lenka bandwagon but it is only this week that I am hearing of this Australian pop artist. I vaguely remember seeing her debut album cover a few years ago but I had never heard her music. Based on "Heart Skips A Beat", her first single from her sophomore album Two, I need to hear more! I love her 60s retro vibe!

"Run The World (Girls)" - Beyoncé

Beyoncé's first single from her forthcoming album has leaked in its entirety! It samples Major Lazer's 2009 hit "Pon De Floor" and is all about female empowerment. This track absolutely sucks! Seeing as she's considered pop royalty, she definitely had writers from all over the world clamoring to work with her. This is the best they could come up with? Could this be B's first major flop?

Run The World (Girls) by Beyoncé

"Unorthodox" - Wretch 32 feat. Example

"Unorthodox" is the second single from British MC and rapper Jermaine Scott, who is better known by his stage name Wretch 32. His debut single "Traktor" was was released on January 16, 2011 and debuted at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart. This upbeat artist's debut album Black and White is set for release in August 2011.

"Friday" Parody

This has made my day!

"Believe In Me Now" - Taio Cruz

A yet-to-be released track from current pop prince Taio Cruz was just leaked. "Believe In Me Now" finds Taio Cruz teaming up with the three-man producing team Swedish House Mafia. This song is a huge worldwide hit!

"The Shield and The Sword" - Clare Maguire

UK songstress Clare Maguire is back with her third single "The Shield and The Sword" off her debut record Light After Dark. She gives off a mix of Stevie Nicks and Cher on this track!

"Blow Ur House Down" - Neon Hitch

Neon Hitch is a pop up-and-comer who's been turning heads with her unique style and ethereal voice! She released her debut single "Get Over U" a few months back on Warner Bros. Records. With a co-writing credit for Mike Posner and hitmaker producer Benny Blanco helming production, "Blow Ur House Down" is another stellar track from Neon Hitch. Her yet-to-be released debut album Beg, Borrow, and Steal will be out this year!

 

"Ready 2 Go" - Martin Solveig feat. Kele

Following up to the success of his 2010 track "Hello" featuring Dragonette, Martin Solveig teams up with Bloc Party's frontman Kele for "Ready 2 Go." This genre-blending track offers electropop elements with '80s grooves, synth lines and a short dubstep break. "Ready 2 Go" could become the next smash hit for the French DJ!

 

Interview with Zander Bleck

Zander Bleck is one of the most exciting, promising, and charismatic talents to hit the scene in a while! With Interscope Records fully behind him and RedOne producing unabashed pop hits for him, Zander Bleck is ready to make his impact on the music world! 

This New York pop rocker has one of the most powerful and controlled voices I have heard! He uses that voice and creates a unique sound that cannot be heard anywhere right now! As if talent weren't enough, he's got the looks to kill and the swagger of a rock star! A true breath of fresh air to the female dominated pop music scene!

I got to chat with Zander Bleck about his beginnings in the industry, working with hitmaker RedOne, being on tour with Lady Gaga, and his upcoming debut album! This is only the beginning for Zander Bleck in what promises to be a hugely successful career!



Here is Zander Bleck's impromptu cover of Queen's classic "Bohemian Rhapsody":



Watch the international journey of the making of Zander Bleck's debut album:

"Waiting For The End" - Linkin Park

I will admit that I am not a Linkin Park fan not because I do not like them, but simply because I have not listened to their music. I could not tell you the title of one of their songs besides this one. And based on this one, I need to listen to their work ASAP!

"Waiting For The End" was the band's second single from their fourth studio album, A Thousand Suns, which was released on September 8, 2010. It reached #42 on Billboard Hot 100, #2 on the Billboard Rock Chart, and #1 on the Billboard Alternative Chart.  

MTV's James Montgomery praised the song, describing it as "one part soaring, big-boned ballad, one part rattling, slightly Ragga dancehall toast, and zero parts anything Linkin Park have previously attempted."

"She Said" - Plan B

Plan B, not to be confused with the Latin singing group, was one of my favorites in 2010 and in just two days he will be releasing his sophomore album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks, in the states! When he released the concept album in the UK it went straight to #1 with the help of lead single and personal favorite "Stay Too Long".

This UK-based artist and BRIT Award Winner for 'Best Male Artist' will be doing a big promotion tour hoping to make a name for himself in the US market. He is going to have a really difficult time as his mix of soul and rap has not been heard on mainstream radio. Hopefully, he can get a big Hollywood movie to use his music in a trailer in order to get people talking (i.e. what Eat. Pray. Love. did for Florence + The Machine's "Dog Days Are Over" and I Am Number Four for Adele's "Rolling In The Deep").

Fact: Plan B will be the opening act for Adele's tour this spring!

"Papi" - Jennifer Lopez

2011 is shaping up to be Jennifer Lopez's year! "On The Floor" surpassed my expectations and has become a huge worldwide hit with the newly revived career J. Lo has had with American Idol. "I'm Into You" is being released as the second single off of LOVE? which I think is a huge mistake. "Papi" was produced by RedOne and was released yesterday on iTunes as a digital promo single. It is much better than "I'm Into You"!

Check out the new Facebook page!

http://www.facebook.com/thelistenerlabel

I also overhauled the look of my twitter - check it out @
www.twitter.com/listenerlabel

"I Want The World To Stop" - Belle and Sebastian

Indie pop outfit Belle and Sebastian released their latest record, Belle & Sebastian Write About Love, in September 2010.  Featured on the album are Norah Jones and Oscar-nominated Carey Mulligan.

"I Want The World To Stop" is the fourth track found on the album.

Born This Way Album Cover Revealed!

The biggest pop star in the world is releasing arguably the most anticipated album of 2011 and this is what we get? I personally think this is a horrible album cover. The font is tacky and it looks like the designers did this in Word as a joke. The album will be released on May 23, 2011

"Judas" - Lady Gaga

The newest single "Judas" from Lady Gaga's album Born This Way was just released! She's got another international hit on her hands and it is 100x better than "Born This Way"!

"Treasure These Moments" - Fictionist

I am loving this track from space-rock quintet Fictionist! They hail from Utah where they all met while studying jazz at Brigham Young University. 

A blend of psychedelia – heavy on the guitar effects – and peppy indie rock. "Pink Floyd is a big influence for us, that atmospheric rock," says singer-bassist Stuart Maxfield. "And Arcade Fire never cease to amaze me."

I do not like Arcade Fire nor have I listened to enough Pink Floyd to call myself a fan, but I can say that Fictionist have something special! Watch out for these five guys!

Treasure These Moments by fictionist

"Top Of The World" - Skyler Stonestreet

Skyler Stonestreet describes herself as a "traveling gypsy with a lot of sass and a peanut butter addiction." This quirky up-and-comer is getting a lot of attention for being in the running for a chance to be the cover of Rolling Stone.

The music magazine had this to say about her:

Who: Singer and pianist whose tunes have been featured on The Hills, One Tree Hill and Laguna Beach. The Las Vegas native comes off as sweetly sincere both off the mic and on – she even calls her cover of Cee Lo Green's "Fuck You" a "kinder, gentler version."

Sound: Flirty pop full of bells, finger snaps and breathy vocals.

Sweet Baby: Skyler Stonestreet was heavily influenced by the singer-songwriter records her mother used to play around the house. In 2008, she saw her idol, James Taylor, at L.A.'s Greek Theatre. "I was in the last row with the worst seats, but I was singing every song," says Stonestreet. "I even teared up."

I am really liking Skyler's unique and playful pop sound! Check out two of her latest tracks below!

Top Of The World by Skyler Stonestreet

Crazy by Skyler Stonestreet

"Girls (That Rule The World)" - Beyoncé

"Girls (That Rule The World)" is rumored to be Beyoncé's first single from her fourth solo album which is due for release in late June this year.

She unveiled six tracks from her latest studio album to label bosses in New York last week, and is believed to have received a rapturous response. "It was just amazing," Sony Music Australia boss Denis Handlin told The Daily Telegraph. "These songs, the best description I can give is groundbreaking. "She's gone to another level," Handlin added.

I'm not sure how groundbreaking the snippet sounds but I'll reserve judgment until I hear the entire song. It's Beyoncé so I'm positive it's going to be a huge worldwide hit!

"Rescue Me" - You Me At Six & Chiddy Bang

UK punk-pop outfit You Me At Six, who are pretty popular in the UK but haven’t really blown up here in the US, teamed up with Philly electro-rap duo Chiddy Bang for the single "Rescue Me". Loving the blatant clash of genres!

"Turn It Up!" - Taryn Manning

"Turn It Up!" is Taryn Manning's latest solo single. Known as one half of electronic duo Boomkat, she is also known for her acting in films 8 Mile and Hustle & Flow. "Turn It Up!" is very pop with some lo-fi influences. This track is slowly growing on me!

Download the single for FREE below!

Adele on the cover of Rolling Stone!

"I don't make music for eyes. I make music for ears."

Last week, the amazing Adele once again returned to the #1 spot on the HITS sales chart while her debut album, 19, passed platinum!

Then earlier this week, her album 21 began its 11th week of UK-chart-domination, achieving the "longest consecutive run at No. 1 for a studio album by a solo artist in British chart history."

Now, Adele has reclaimed the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 chart after selling another 88,000 CD's!

She's also become the first artist to sell more than a million copies of her album in the US this year!

My favorite female artist is unstoppable! No one could have foreseen the immensely positive reaction and critical acclaim 21 has received! This one is definitely racking up some Grammys in 2012!

Erika Fatale on iTunes!

Erika Fatale, who I recently had the pleasure of interviewing, has released two pop songs from her demo on iTunes! You can purchase the tracks from this amazingly talented up-and-coming pop artist here! "Whipped" will be featured on the upcoming season of the Showtime reality series The Real L Word.

Support Erika on Facebook!

"Only You (Take Me Away)" - Nina Sky feat. Kidz In The Hall

Nina Sky can be considered a one hit wonder for their track "Move Ya Body". The duo of sisters has yet to release another hit. I saw them open last summer for Bruno Mars at Bowery Ballroom in NYC and they were surprisingly a great opening act. They had tons charisma and energy! All these girls need is a full fledged pop smash and people will start talking again.

 

"Boomerang" - Plain White T's

From the band that brought the world "Hey There Delilah" comes their most recent and less catchy single "Boomerang" from their album Wonders Of The Younger. I do not think Plain White T's will ever be able to catch lightning in a bottle again!

"Satellite (MotM x Deadmau5)" - Mansions on the Moon

I featured Mansions on the Moon's "She Makes Me Feel" awhile ago and since then I've been able to really listen to their mixtape Paradise Falls. It is a really exciting debut that showcases all the different sounds Mansions on the Moon is experimenting with. Here is one of the stand-out tracks from the mixtape!

"Good Girls" - Cris Cab

Loving this track from Miami native Cris Cab! It brings an old school vibe

reminiscent of The Fugees. This kid needs to get signed asap!