As the 44th Annual Country Music Awards approach this fall, the nation is searching for the shining star of the upcoming Nashville award show. Last year, Taylor Swift swept the competition, a young talent with heart who likes to hug. Yet, there’s another teen on the country music scene whose dreams are as high as this megastar.
Chatting with Christine Marie was like catching up with a friend. Her kindness and modesty were like a breath of fresh air as she gushed about her music inspirations from the Little Mermaid, to Taylor Swift and Keith Urban. Who knows maybe Christine Marie will someday take the CMAs by storm…discover more about 17-year-old going from “California to Country.”
If you’ve ever dreamed of singing like the Little Mermaid, 17-year-old country singer Christine Marie can totally relate. We caught up with the San Diego native after a 28-day school trip to Europe. Marie chatted with us about her fun trip abroad, passion for singing, recording in Nashville and starting her senior year of high school. And really, who doesn’t want to know more about a girl who wants to belt it out like Ariel?
Image By ChannelOne.com
Inspired by the “Under the Sea” Disney princess, Marie’s music career began at six, when she joined a local musical-theater company. By the time she was 10, she’d found a new inspiration on land. “I wanted to be Kelly Clarkson,” Marie said in a phone interview. She enjoyed singing pop for a few years, but she didn’t tap into her own creativity until she began playing guitar and turned to country music.
“I felt when I was doing pop, I was trying to be Kelly Clarkson,” she said, “but when I switched to country, I felt like I could be my own person.” Since then Marie has been writing songs and recording music. Her parents have helped every step of the way, especially her mother, who is also her manager. “They are my support,” she said. “It’s a crazy dream to have and their support is really great. I couldn’t do it without them.”
Marie has won several singing competitions, including Hollywood’s Best New Talent competition in 2008. She counts LeAnn Rimes and Carrie Underwood as influences, but she adores the classics. “I was raised on George Strait, Garth Brooks and Keith Urban,” she said. “Keith Urban has been my biggest inspiration.”
Marie is not only on her way to becoming a country star, she’s also a good student. She serves in her school’s student government and is getting ready to apply to colleges. She hopes to attend Belmont University or Vanderbilt University, both in Nashville, so she can pursue music along with her studies.
With brains, talent and a voice that will surely rock the radio, don’t miss this 17-year-old’s video blogs, concert dates and more on her website ChristineMarieSings.com. In fact, the first 25 people to sign up for Marie’s email list will get an autographed copy of her CD! Visit her site today to get the details and see what else Christine Marie is up to this fall.
Few can say they launched their music career after a week on MySpace. Few are Vita Chambers. After interviewing the teen pop singer in between recording sessions and before her tour began with Justin Bieber this summer, I couldn’t help but be excited for this rising star in the music scene.
It was also great to meet (albeit by phone) such a genuine person who truly loves music and empowering young people. She’s a real teenager who’s getting to live her dream, even if it means that she had to see Eclipse with her dad because her friends live in Barbados. (And, for the record, she refuses to choose Team Edward or Team Jacob, because she likes them both so much. Too cute!)
Even pop stars are clumsy, just ask Vita Chambers, the Barbados singer about to tour for Lillith Fair this summer. “If you come to one of my shows you will see me trip, unplug a microphone or something funny like that,” Chambers said with a laugh in a phone interview. Despite her onstage mishaps, we’re sure she’s being modest about her shows — especially since she’s also touring with Justin Bieber this fall. “I opened for him at Pop-Con and I felt like I lost my hearing when he came on stage,” she revealed, “I can’t even begin to describe it. It was crazy!”
Vita Chambers’ Bieber fever experiences will increase to new heights on July 28, 2010 in Kansas City, MO, where the tour begins. “I’m so excited and I feel so blessed,” Chambers gushed. “My band and I are counting down the days. It’s been bliss since the day we found out.” To the public, Chambers’ career has been filled with fun, “bliss” and pink ballons like the ones from her “Like Boom” music video, however, the teen star’s rising success comes with a lot of hard work and some sacrifices.
After moving to the U.S. with her parents from Barbados last summer, she said it felt like vacation at first, to be living in White Plains, New York after signing with Universal Motown Records, but in the fall, her new life became real. Vita Chambers had been singing for years, but says she failed every music class she’s taken. Despite this, she’s always loved singing and decided to pursue formal training as a teen. Chambers spent eight months writing four songs and then created a MySpace page last February. A week later, the record company flew down to meet her in person. Since then she’s toured with her band and parents, making music videos and studying with her private tutor. “I get to go to school in my PJ’s,” she said giggling, “but I miss being in a big class and being with my friends.”
Luckily, with Facebook, Skype, texting and summer break in full swing — Chambers manages to keep in touch with friends just like a normal teenager. And she maintains that status pretty well, despite being so far from home and spending 10 hours a day in the recording studio. “I want my songs to have a message of empowerment — that was my main goal,” she said of her songwriting. To connect with Vita Chambers yourself, and to find out what it’s like on her tours she’ll be tweeting from the road @vitachambers. Don’t worry, she assured us: “It’s really me!”
Meeting lead singer Paul O’Keeffe from Intervurt is like getting a breath of fresh air from across the Atlantic. And the same goes for the band’s music.
Originally from Southeast London, band members Paul O’Keeffe (Vocals), Mark Alberici (Guitars), Oliver Alberici (Keyboards), Lee Wilton (Bass) and Scott Richman (Drums) form laid-back and closeknit alternative band, Intervurt.
“We’ve all known each other on and off for the last 10 years. We’ve done various things together in different combinations,” explained O’Keeffe, “and about six years ago we sort of cemented the lineup we have now. We started out as a dance oriented thing and it developed to rock and later, alternative.”
This very natural progression of the band’s genre stems from their many inspirations, creativity and the music they enjoy. “I’m a big fan of Radiohead,” said O’Keeffe. “I think Interpol are really, really good. And, I’m a massive Bowie fan, too,” said O’Keeffe, who’s been singing since he was two-years-old. The band also counts acts like U2, Massive Attack, Queens of the Stoneage and Muse, as music influences.
“We were lucky enough to play on the same bill as Depeche Mode, and they were really fun.” Yet, the band’s love for music and performing is unlike many of the latest indie acts you find on MySpace and Twitter. There’s something refreshingly old school about the band’s passion for touring and listening to other music.
For O’Keeffe, it’s about discovering music by word of mouth and embracing his nostalia for records. In fact, he began writing songs when he was 13-years-old, motivated by the lyrics on the pages of album sleeves. Now, he seeks unique ways of writing, while also embracing “molding” songs with each band member. Intervurt’s creative process is very collaborative, O’Keeffe writes the majority of the lyrics and melodies, Mark Alberici works out the chords and more new ideas with the help of his brother Oliver and bass player Lee Wilton. And, Scott Richman will add beats he likes.
“It’s like a bit of clay that we all poke and prod until it becomes ‘Intervurt.’ It needs everyone’s touch to sound like us, I think.”
When it comes to being onstage, this lead singer said, “We love playing live. It’s one of the things that comes most naturally to us. I think we’re much better live, than on record, but none of us are ever nervous and we just hang out and then it’s time to jump on. It’s cool.”
The band’s seemingly effortless performances and rehearsals, speak to their chemistry and passion for their music. To get swept away with the new band from across the pond, check out songs like “Union Square” and its music video below.
To find out more about this band, check out photos and songs at:
After spending three days at the sold out Coachella Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California with 80,000 people last weekend, I can honestly say there were some amazing bands, inventive art installations and memorable moments.
Below are some of my favorite acts each day of the festival. Video clips I recorded from the shows are included.
My Rating System
* Boring Performance
* * OK, But Lackluster
* * * Excellent Performance
* * * * Super Star-Worthy
Day One: Friday had the most bands I wanted to see. And, thankfully, most of them exceeded my expectations for an all-around great first day.
One of the first bands we saw over the weekend, Hockey, came ready to rock and was a solid score to start the day. You never know what you’re going to get when you see a band for the first time and they were terrific. Hockey was filled with energy and a fresh sound that brought thousands to the Gobi tent early in the afternoon on Friday.
I had read about this band in the Alternative Press and thought they’d be a good act to check out, but unfortunately, their performance was boring. They could play their instruments well, but the crowd was mellow and people stayed for a few songs, then left. I’d like to see this band again in a smaller venue, the Mojave tent may have been a bit too much for them.
This folksy act seemed perfect for an Anthropologie advertisement or something. They were fun, indie and earthy. I’ll admit, the main appeal was Zoe Deschanel, who has a ridiculously amazing voice, but their music wasn’t really Coachella caliber. Would I see them again? Maybe if Anthro hosts them at a live show/store wide sale, otherwise, probably not.
Masters of electro-pop-rock, Passion Pit was by far one of the top performances at Coachella this year. They had a solid sound and lights set up, and they knew how to connect with their audience without being too talkative or gimmicky. They attracted tens of thousands of people — and not just by making them want to dance, it was an entertaining live show.
Unfortunately, one of my favorite pop singers did not have a good concert at Coachella compared to her recent show at Webster Hall in NYC. As much as it saddens me to say it, La Roux’s talent was marred by the horrific sound system in the Gobi tent. The bass was too loud, the vocals were too low — and she seemed nervous. They also should have put her in a larger tent because everyone wanted to see her and was clawing their way to the front.
There’s a reason why Vampire Weekend is a mainstay on the Billboard charts. Not that I put too much emphasis on that, but they were simply pleasant. People danced, sang and enjoyed their performance on the Outdoor Theater stage. It was also interesting that they sounded exactly the same live as on their album.
Jay-Z is a megastar and married to Beyonce. He is the epitome of cool. From the LCD stage set up and music video-style camera work on the jumbo screens, to his duet with his uber-talented wife — his show was hard to top at Coachella 2010. Need I say more?
Day Two: Though Saturday had less acts I’d planned on seeing, the second day brought a different type of excitement, the discovery of new performers I will be adding to my music collection.
I’d never heard this band before I saw them on the main stage last Saturday. They’re a Brooklyn band that could hold their own against any of the other more well-known acts we saw like Vampire Weekend or Phoenix. They will be added to my indie play list for sure.
I first heard Band of Skulls on the New Moon Soundtrack and was even more into them after hearing their hard edge sound, tempered by their catchy lyrics during their Coachella concert. They walk the tightrope between real nineties alternative and pop rock in a dynamic way that’s surprising.
This band interested me because they seemed like one of those funky bands you just have to see live. Unfortunately, their band was stuck in Europe due to the volcano eruption in Iceland. I’d have to see them again, only having two band members and the bad sound of the Gobi stage, made for a rough show.
For some reason I was the last person at Coachella to hear of Gossip — since everyone else was already there once I arrived at Mojave stage. Mixing soul and punk (yes, really) to create one of the best performances of the weekend, Gossip, was incredible. They were better live, than their recordings. Must. See. Again.
This was my second time seeing Coheed at Coachella and this time they were on the main stage. Still not a fan. It was clever of them to bring up the USC Marching Band though. They are good performers, but not for me.
Mid-show, sometime after Danny DeVito ran across stage with his shirt open, I realized I’d heard many songs by Faith No More, but while they were on stage I felt confused. They are hard rock, but the lead singer was wearing a red suit that looked like it was borrowed from the Golden Girls and he carried a cane briefly. However, in the words of the great Wayne Campell, Mike Patton can “wail.” Really.
Best. Show. Ever. I saw Muse in San Diego at Soma and in New York at Madison Square Garden, their performance at Coachella topped both previous concerts. They are an exquisite band with talent that will go down in rock history. Plus, they have so many amazing songs and in this concert, Muse really stepped up their LCD display, lights, lasers, fireworks and guitar solos. Enough said.
Day Three: The final day of Coachella is a challenge for the bands and concertgoers alike. After long days in the sun and nights partying in the campground, people are sleepy and have shorter attention spans. Yet, there were a few acts that persevered and put on exciting shows for fans despite dehydration and ringing ears had by all.
This nineties act landed the main stage in early afternoon on Sunday. They would have been better suited on a smaller stage later at night. They had high energy, enthusiasm and were obviously seasoned performers, but the audience was too spread out and tired as they sat on the grass for the concert.
Despite sluggish concertgoers, Matt & Kim woke people up with hilarious commentary in between songs and upbeat tunes that embody the Brooklyn music scene. The duo knew how to get laughs and cheers, even more so when a streaker hit the stage. Plus, they were the type of people you hoped to meet later in line for water or while waiting to get a falafel.
The only way I’d listen to Club 75 again, is if I have ear plugs and get to stand 100 feet away. The sound was really messed up on the Sahara stage. I thought my ears were going to start bleeding. What a disappointment.
I had no expectations for this show because I wasn’t sure what kind of music Julian Casablancas would play solo. I adore the Strokes, but knew nothing about their lead singer. I’ll admit my favorite song he played was by the Strokes, but his other stuff was good too. My interest was peaked, I’ll be checking out more of his solo stuff.
These guys put on a solid, fun concert. They drew tens of thousands even though they weren’t on the main stage. They were an impressive act to see live because people could dance, sing along and hang out.
This electronica dance diva was near the top of my list to see on Sunday. However, the curse of the Gobi stage got her and the sound was terrible. Little Boots had a psychedelic laser show, but the poor sound quality was distracting and made for low energy among the crowd.
Maybe I was just tired at this point, but Thom Yorke would have been better suited for earlier in the day. He has a voice that drips with sincerity and moving lyrics, but at the end of a three day festival, I needed something more upbeat by this point. Although, watching Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers play bass was entertaining. All in all, he was amazing, but I’d rather watch his band Radiohead in a three day festival scenario.
This band was supposed to end the weekend on a high note, but Gorillaz totally fell flat. I would NOT have paid money to see this show, the only good part about it were the animations. None of the rappers like Mos Def and Snoop were present and they ended on a slow, depressing song. Gorillaz should not headline and end a festival. Ever.
To recap, some of the most awesome acts were a mix of super star musicians like Muse and Jay-Z, but there was also a strong showing by smaller acts like Gossip and Passion Pit. I cannot wait until next year’s event.
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