Music Mania

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In The Spotlight: Sister Hazel (Music Mania)

Mrs. Block, 19 from Oregon writes...

Why don't you do an article on Sister Hazel? I know they aren't that big of a name, but they were a big hit in the 90's with their song "All For You"... I think it would be amazing!

Cathy says...

Combining elements of acoustic rock, folk, and jangle pop, Sister Hazel formed in 1993 in Gainesville, FL. The band's five members all boasted ties to the city's local scene; vocalist/guitarist Ken Block and guitarist/vocalist Andrew Copeland canvassed the coffeeshop circuit as a duo, lead guitarist Ryan Newell honed his chops with the local band Waterdog, bassist Jett Beres studied his instrument while pursuing a degree in architecture, and drummer Mark Trojanowski played with several Florida-based jazz ensembles before pursuing a career in pop music. Forging an earthy, melodic sound that highlighted the band's vocal harmonies, Sister Hazel released an eponymous debut in 1994 before moving to a major label for their second album, 1997's Somewhere More Familiar.
"All for You" topped the adult alternative charts during the summer of 1997, nearly reaching the national Top Ten in the process, and the success propelled the album to platinum status. After touring heavily and taking another turn in the recording studio, Sister Hazel returned in the summer of 2000 with a follow-up album, Fortress. Released by Universal Records, the album was cut from the same pop/rock cloth as its predecessor, and "Change Your Mind" enjoyed modest popularity as a single. Fortress still failed to match the band's early success, however, and Sister Hazel were no longer part of Universal's roster by the time their next album, Chasing Daylight, appeared in 2003. They returned a year later with Lift, and despite Sister Hazel's relative absence from the airwaves, the group continued to cultivate a respectable grassroots following, using the internet to their advantage and touring relentlessly.

Sister Hazel continued releasing albums to a small yet loyal audience, including 2006's Absolutely and a live studio performance album entitled Before the Amplifiers: Live Acoustic. As the decade drew to a close, the band released its seventh studio album, 2009's Release.
-Stephen Thomas Erlewine, All Music Guide

Tags: music mania, bands, sister hazel

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Music and Lyrics (Music Mania)

Lyrics are more important to me than music. I've watched the movie "Music and Lyrics" and I can't agree more when Drew Barrymore said that Music is the first thing that attracts us to a song but then, the lyrics are like the soul of the song. The music may be so beautiful and attractive but if the lyrics don't make sense..then its worthless. It's like meeting someone for the first time. The music is like the physical attraction but knowing the person deeply is like the lyrics. -ElaineM, 20 from Philippines

I think the music is the most important part. It's like with that band you featured a while ago- Funeral for a Friend. Half the time you can't even understand what they're saying, but the songs are amazing, because of the music. -Ashton, 15 from Virginia

Lyrics are important, but they're not everything. There are a lot of songs I like that have really awful lyrics, but the music is so catchy I can't stop listening to them. I think the music is what pulls a person into the song and brings out your emotions. -Sa5m, 17 from United States

Cathy says...

Ashton, good point! It is extremely difficult to understand what is being said in a lot of really great songs.

Tags: music mania, music, lyrics, drew barrymore

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More on Miley (Music Mania)

Sarah, 23 from United States writes...

I honestly don't think Miley's performance was that big of a deal.
Firstly, even though she is a Disney star, that performance wasn't sponsered by Disney. It was a TEEN choice award, no 7 year old will be watching that. Also, since she is a Disney star, their records will have a notification about what performances she does. If that performanced was deemed inappropriate by them, then it wouldn't have happened.
Also, her mom and dad according to the tabloids know what she is doing and are at every performance. Obviously they understand that she is a teen and this is her career. To entertain people.
Secondly. What was wrong with her outfit? Her shorts were short yes, but so is every other teenage girl in America and Canada. As a star you have to be up to date with the styles. She was just putting her taste and the trend together. How can someone critize her on that?

Cathy says...

Everyone is entitled to an opinion and I gave mine last week, so I won't say much more. I will just point out that a lot of 7 year olds probably did watch the award show. Just because it's called the Teen Choice Awards doesn't mean that the audience is limited to teenagers. If Miley/Hannah Montana fans know she's going to perform and it's going to be on TV do you really think they're not going to watch it?

Tags: music mania, music, miley cyrus, disney

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Management Help! (Music Mania)

Kayla, 18 from Ohio writes...

Hi there!
I'm sort of temporarily managing my friend, who is looking for a band. Are there any websites you can think of that could assist us with this?
Thanks!

Cathy says...

I don't know how legit either of these sites are, but they're worth checking out.
MusoList
Band Me Up
You could also try Craigslist. Be careful and good luck!

Tags: music mania, music, bands, management

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Music In The News (Music Mania)

Chris Brown was sentenced to 5 years probation, 180 days of community labor work, a year of domestic-abuse counseling and he must stay away from Rhianna for the 5 years as well.

Juelz Santana was arrested after arguing with the police on Tuesday, August 25. His rep refuted rumors that Sanatana was fighting with his wife in front of their child saying Santana is not married and that there were no children present.

Carly Patterson's album Back to the Beginning is out on iTunes! Go buy your copy!

TLC will reunite for Justin Timberlake's benefit concert on October 17!

August 25th, 2009 marked the 8th anniversary of Aaliyah's tragic death. RIP Aaliyah.

Check out a clip of Tokio Hotel's new single here.

Tags: music mania, music, news, tlc, carly patterson, chris brown, rhianna, jt

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The New Music Mania (Music Mania)

Ivette, 19 from Lubbock, Texas writes...

Hello everyone! I am Ivette and I will be the new columnist for Music Mania. I am planning to do feature artists and posting videos, lyrics, and songs from them. Also, you will hear the latest new artist, CD releases of the month, and all about tours and music festivals. So don't hesitate and feel free to send your favorite artist so it can be featured in Music Mania!

Tags: music mania, music, new, artist

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Lykke Li (Music Mania)

Lykke Li

Recently, I've been listening to Lykke Li over the past few days. Her indie pop songs, unique voice and eccentric music tones will make you want to dance to every beat of her songs!

Lykke Li is a Swedish Indie singer that has worked with Kanye West, Kings of Leon and other big artists around the globe. She also preformed in Coachelle, the biggest California music festival, in April 2009. One of her singles, "I'm Good, I'm Gone" is one of my favorite songs, you can hear two of the versions here and here. Also there has been many good remixes of it from Black Kid's remix, which was used in the movie Sorority Row, to Fred Flake's remix which became an instant dance hit.

This is another of her hit singles, "Little Bit". You can watch the official music video below!

If you want to listen more of Lykke Li you can go to her myspace page here or her website! Send in your favorite artist so it can be featured in the next Music Mania!

Tags: music mania, music, indie, swedish, lykke li, dance, electronic, independent

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Girl in a Coma (Music Mania)

Girl in a Coma

Jenn, Nina and Phanie

If you like The Smiths, Morrissey and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs you might want to check out Girl in a Coma! They're an all girl band from San Antonio, Texas who are signed under Joan Jett's label, Blackheart Records. The band consists of two sisters, Phanie (drums) and Nina (vocals/guitar), and a childhood friend, Jenn (bass). Phanie and Nina met during art class in high school when they decided to make a band. When both girls started to look for a vocalist to try out, Nina offered to sing a song she wrote and got into the band when she was barely 12 years old!

Now the girls are touring from coast to coast playing in rock venues and music festivals. They have toured with people like Cyndi Lauper, Joan Jett and Morrissey himself (the band's idol). I got the chance to see them live and I believe they have been the best live preformance I have ever seen. There music is a combination of punk rock with a bit of melodic pop.

This is their video, El Monte, which is a modern love song Nina wrote.

GIAC's song, "Their Cell" has even been featured in Nylons TV starring Mary Kate Olsen!

If you want to hear more of Girl in a Coma you can visit their website and myspace.

If you want to see your favorite artist featured in Music Mania, don't hesitate and submit it so it can be featured in the next update!

Tags: music mania, rock, punk, girl in a coma, girl band, texas, giac

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Video of the Week (Music Mania)

Video of the Week

Mika - We Are Golden (Calvin Harris Remix)

If you want to learn more about Mika or Calvin Harris request them to be the next featured artist in Music Mania!

Tags: music mania, video of the week, we are golden, mika, calvin harris

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The Hood Internet (Music Mania)

The Hood Internet

Are you a fan of Rap, Hip Hop and mix tapes? Then you must listen to The Hood Internet and thier creative upbeat mash-ups! I recenlty discovered The Hood Internet while shopping and I have to say they're one of the best mash-up artists I've ever heard. They're from the Chicago area and they specialize in doing remixes by merging Rap, Hip Hop, Rock and Indie.They've mixed over 100 songs and also run a blog where they launch their new singles. They were also part of the Lollapalooza 2009 line up. The Hood Internet currently is on tour in the North Eastern part of the United States. You can check their myspace for more information on their tour dates.