The Studio Rats

New Music 2012

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:16:06 +0000

I always get really excited to see which artists will be releasing new music. Obviously I am a bit of a music nerd, but do not sit there and act like you are not just a little pumped up about seeing for yourself what will be going on in the music world this year. This year is a big year all around. I mean, it is 2012. This is the year where the Mayans ending the calendar in May and it might mean the end of the world–I think they just got tired and probably figured that humans would have destroyed the earth by this time, but who knows. It is also a presidential election year. Oh and it is an Olympic year too, hooray London Olympics. Yes, there are a lot of things going on in 2012 outside of music, but there is a lot of awesome music coming out this year too. That just makes it all more fun! Check out the diversity of the new music releases set for 2012!

In March 2012 Madonna will be releasing an album to add even more numbers to her already huge successes from the past. Madonna fans are sure to be highly anticipating this release just so they can see if Madonna will once again recreate her image and style like always before. She could come out as a California girl or who knows what, but it is sure to entertain.
Yesterday was the release of Tim McGraw’s long awaited “Emotional Traffic” album. It was ready for release over a year ago, but thanks to some label issues it never made it out until now. The original material is typical of McGraw and country-pop lovers will surely love it.
In April Nicki Minaj fans will be excited to know “Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded” will be available. The collaborations along with her matchless style is sure to make this a promising album.
There is a scheduled album to be released by Taylor Swift this year. After her huge success with the 2010 release of “Speak Now,” Swift is definitely set up for success on this one too.
The month of February is not just to celebrate Groundhog’s Day and Valentine’s Day, Dierks Bentley will also be releasing his album titled “Home” on February 7th. From what it sounds like on his first single, he is going back to his original roots in country music.
At some point in 2012 you can expect to see a new album release from Ms. Carrie Underwood. She has been an artist that has worked nonstop since winning the reality singing show, American Idol in 2005.

Gotta Love Music

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:21:45 +0000

Do you remember the first song that you ever heard? It is likely that you probably do not. I suppose that is not really the most important thing to remember in life though. If you are a music lover you do not have to know what the first song your little ears ever heard. All you know is that you grew up in a house filled with music and that is part of the reason that you are the music junkie that you are today.

Now your days are probably still filled with music. The fact is that music brings you great joy. Hey, me too. So if you love music, you are probably always looking for more music to listen to. There are a ton of ways to find new music. Some of those ways include social media and festivals.

The infographic below shows different ways for you to find and enjoy new music.

Big Year for Country

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 15:26:00 +0000

Some musical genres have a difficult time crossing over into new territories and merging with other genres. Then there are those genres that are hard to place due tot the fact that they could be anything. Pop music is one category that has no problem merging and redefining musical lines. Hip hop, country, and other styles of music have been known to make their way into pop songs and music over the years. One genre that really has not been huge at breaking through some musical barriers would have to be country music, but in 2011 country proved us wrong when there were more collaborations and hits than ever in the past. Last year really was a big year for country and it looks like it will only get bigger throughout 2012.

America goes country on “American Idol.” For the first time ever on the reality music show country music was the dominate force. Both of the singers in the number one and two spot were dedicated to singing country music. Not only were they both country crooners, but they were both teenagers too. And unlike in the past when the top contestants faded out quickly, the winner Scotty McCreery and runner-up Lauren Alaina have already created some top-ranked country music.
Taylor Swift manages to cross all sorts of boundaries on her “Speak Now” tour. This girl can seemingly do it all, and at such a young age. More than just a country music show, Taylor Swift traveled the world with acrobats and incredible performers to provide an impressive show no matter what genre of music it represents.
Most of the world was focused on the marriage of the royal couple, Will and Kate, but two country stars had their own wedding that was a little more realistic for us normal people. Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert tied the knot in May of 2011 in Texas. They kept the event unique and made sure that their styles and lives were reflected throughout the time.
Country and hip hop merged as Jason Aldean had some help from rapper Ludacris on his “Dirt Road Anthem” single. This is not the first time the two genres have collided, but I think it means more to come.

Nicole Scherzinger Freaks Out

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 15:02:52 +0000

Pussycat Dolls lead singer Nicole Scherzinger has faced a tremendous backlash for her inability to make a final call on The X Factor last week, resulting in season favorite Rachel Crow losing to Marcus Canty based on votes called in from the previous week. She insists that she did not intend to have such a meltdown in public, and has reacted to a flood of angry messages from the show’s fans after she fumbled the critical call, unable to make the decisive vote between Canty and Crow.

A judge for a major music performance competition like The X Factor should be able to make a decision, right? She is being paid big bucks to do just that, so it only stands to reason that by forcing the decision into “deadlock” and letting previous votes decide the outcome was a very bad move. ADT home security can make you feel a lot of ways, but “better after a major mess-up in public” isn’t one of them. You’d think a Pussycat Doll would have more backbone than that, but apparently this is a case of ”dontcha wish your judge was decisive like me?” And it’s not Nicole singing lead. Check out the video below to see it all unravel.

Run To This Music

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:52:01 +0000

Every day I lace up the old running shoes and hit the trails. When I first decided that I needed to get into better physical health I will admit that it was a serious struggle. On top of being a klutz and unable to run a mile, I had a hard time finding the best songs to listen to while I was running. Even some of the most popularly recommended songs out there for runners just were not working for me. So I have a new list of songs that are running approved for me, and if you have had some trouble finding good music to run or exercise to, maybe you should check them out as well.

The live cover of Sugarland singing the Kings of Leon song “Sex is on Fire” is intense. It pumps me up and keeps me running. Plus when Jennifer Nettles belts out the chorus I get a second wind and push through harder or run faster.

The Neon Trees have some great songs to sweat to. I am a fan of “1983″ and “Animal” most of all. I feel like I am dancing around to them when I am really taking on a huge hill to climb.

Okay, this next song is weird, but I love it. It’s called “Numb” and it’s by Family Force 5. I call it the cardboard song because it is about break dancing on cardboard. The beat is sweet and it keeps me in the zone.

Anything by Britney Spears will also help me keep up my pace and run like the wind.

Don’t go by what other people have said to choose what you workout or run to. Only you can decide what works for you, but I’m think that you might find my picks are great ones. You can even add them into your current mix for a nice change if you feel like you need one.

100 Greatest Songs of 00s

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:10:49 +0000

41 – 60

Last night I tuned in to check out VH1′s 100 Greatest Songs of the 2000s. If you are not familiar with this, it is a five part special running this week, and the episode from last night revealed the songs for spots 41 through 60. For the most part I can agree with all of the choices that were made to fill these spots, I cannot agree with the fact that VH1 chose Pete Wentz to host the show as he was very awkward and dull. Luckily, Wentz did not have a huge role to play. Comedians and other pop culture icons gave the commentary throughout each video. Here are the 41 -60 Greatest Songs of the 2000s according to VH1:

41. “Trapped in the Closet” R. Kelly
42. “Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)” Train
43. “I Kissed A Girl” Katy Perry
44. “Californication” Red Hot Chili Peppers
45. “Let Me Blow Ya Mind” Eve feat. Gwen Stefani
46. “Picture” Kid Rock and Sheryl Crow
47. “Lady Marmalade” Christina, Lil Kim, Mya, and Pink
48. “Sex on Fire” Kings of Leon
49. “Bad Romance” Lady Gaga
50. “You Belong With Me” Taylor Swift
51. “Pocket Full of Sunshine” Natasha Beddingfield
52. “Hips Don’t Lie” Shakira feat. Wyclef
53. “All the Small Things” Blink 182
54. “Don’t Know Why” Norah Jones
55. “Mr. Brightside” The Killers
56. “Party Up (Up In Here)” DMX
57. “Family Affair” Mary J. Blige
58. “I’m Yours” Jason Mraz
59. “Cry Me a River” Justin Timberlake
60. “Tik Tok” Ke$ha

What do you think of that list? I can’t say that I have any issues with these songs on the chart. From looking at the list that has already been released though I just might have some issues as we get closer to the top songs, but I don’t want to create a serious spoiler for you if you are holding out on seeing the shows. One thing I will say and it is a bit of a spoiler is that I can’t believe the song “Over and Over Again” by Nelly feat. Tim McGraw didn’t make the list. I feel like it should have fallen right in this range.

Inspirational Cover Songs

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:33:20 +0000

Music is a beautiful thing. Not that you weren’t already aware of that, but I just thought I would say it. Music can be loved and shared by many. I think it is so great when an artist takes a work by another artist and makes it something of their own. Something that sounds like its from another hot sauce planet. I’m talking about covers here. Many artists and bands actaully make it off of doing covers of others, which can be harder than it sounds. Not only are you following someone who already did the song, but you have to make it just different enough for people to still love it but want to hear it done your way. Not easy, right? Sometimes the right cover song comes along and it gives me hope and inspiration. I want to share a couple of those inspirational cover songs with you right now.

In this video artists Emily Luther and Charley Puth take on Adele’s powerful song “Someone Like You.” I am not a big fan of Adele covers so I went to watch this with some hesitance. I loved it! It is beautiful, strong, and still incredibly well done. They kept it close enough to the original but still had their own twist.

I’m not crazy about rap, and Nicki Minaj gives me the creeps. With that said, let me give you a cover of a Nicki Minaj rap song that I just love. It’s by Karmin Music. This girl is pretty, funny, and she is just talented. I’m loving the two additional guys with her too. Good stuff!

What’s In A Name?

Wed, 05 Oct 2011 16:06:09 +0000

Well, that depends on who you ask, of course. Band names and music artist names are tricky things if you think about it. Some people might spend months and months working on what would be the perfect name that would portray the artist in the best manner. Others might stumble across an idea for a name that is all too perfect without having to spend numerous hours thinking and pondering over potential choices. No matter how the name gets chosen, music artists and bands need to have something that not only sets them apart, but also represents them and who they are.

Some band names seem generic in nature like The Smiths and The Who. Other bands have names that conjure up some impressive imagery like Meat Puppets and The Flaming Lips. Then there are those bands with names that if you wanted to Google them, you would end up with way too many choices like Train, Queen, or Yes.

We might sit and listen to an artist’s or band’s album for hours, but how often to we sit and think about the name? One particular music genre with interesting names is rap. Sometimes I wonder how and why these artist would ever come up with some of the stuff that they do and other artists really got creative and interesting with it. Let’s take some time to look at rap names and break it down, shall we?

The image below is the Taxonomy of Rap Names. I must say it is one of the most intricate and detailed rap name taxonomies that I have ever seen, as it is the only one I have seen. Take a look.