Finally our long nightmare is over—after freaking out an entire nation by lip-synching the National Anthem at President Obama’s inaugural ceremony, Beyonce hit the stage at Sunday night’s Super Bowl halftime show with a live performance of her biggest hits. We can now rest easy, America. We can now rest easy.
Sad news to report this Valentine’s Day weekend—singer, actress and model Whitney Houston has died at the age of 48. Details at this time are sketchy, but Houston’s publicist Kristen Foster has confirmed that Houston has passed. Read more after the jump. UPDATES BELOW.
Well, BeatCrave readers, the votes have been cast, the count is in, and the BeatCrave Fav Artist of January is The Kickback! Congrats! And thanks to all of those who participated and voted for your fav band!
Los Angeles-based band Monroe, formerly known as Wreckonomics, have been carving a name for themselves in music scenes across the nation. The four-man band first got together in the summer of 2009 after studying music at Boston’s Berklee College of Music. Now, they spend their days playing live shows in Los Angeles and are currently working on their debut album. Their first EP Outer Space featured seven songs with strong vocals by lead vocalist and guitarist Lawrence IV. He’s got a soft-toned voice that resembles that one of Brandon Boyd and Sting.
Their song “Body Snatchers” is nothing like Radiohead‘s own, but you’ve got to commend Monroe for generating a melting pot of different sounds. They’re not entirely rock, but also not entirely funk or hip hop. Overall, Monroe has a relaxing sound that will even remind you of the king of reggae Bob Marley. Since their inception, Monroe has kept busy playing shows in Los Angeles at notable venues like The House of Blues, The Roxy, and The Whiskey. We support their efforts and are glad to make them our BeatCrave Fav. Check them out.
Like most any band worthy of a spin, Castle Lights evolved plenty before becoming what it is today. It initially started as a solo project for Jeremiah Woods back in 2007, then it underwent a name change – from LightParade to its current moniker. Now, the Houston, Texas-based rock trio is a solid entity that seems to know its abilities and strengths. We say this because of the tracks heard on their 2010 EP release, Paint the Stars, their sound hits heavily on the nerves. On the whole, theirs is a swirling, complex, multi-layered endeavor with respect to music as a living, breathing entity – so much so that they’ve the knack to let their instruments do the singing for them, so to speak. Thankfully, their talent is not confined to studio walls; their acoustic version of the lead track from their EP, which can be found on video below, is a testament to versatility and involved live exploration on the part of the audience – something we’d love to dive into ourselves. Check them out in our BeatCrave Fav series below, and be sure to vote for them in this month’s poll!
The Kickback joins the ranks of Great Bands We Admire (as well as today’s BeatCrave Fav) mainly for their live quality. We’re sure you’ve experienced the band that sounds great in studio, but not so much on stage – well, rest assured that that’s something not to be concerned with when it comes to the Chicago-based band. Originally from Vermillion, South Dakota, this five-piece indie rock group consists of brothers Billy and Danny Yost (on guitars and keyboards, etc., respectfully), whose move from South Dakota to the windy city in 2009 planted the roots of what we assume will continue to be a brilliant display of talent with their fleshed-out band.
Not only will they be kicking off the new year locally at the famed Lincoln Hall in Chicago, but following their most recent EP, Mea Culpa Mea Culpa, they’ll soon be releasing a full-length, hopefully coming much sooner than we expect. Until then, check them out in our BeatCrave Fav series below, and be sure to vote for them in our poll at the end of the month.
Marquee partners Jason Strauss, Louis Abin, and Noah Tepperberg celebrate the club's one year anniversary.
Marquee Nightclub in the Cosmopolitan Hotel of Las Vegas celebrated its one year anniversary this past Tuesday with cake, snow, and AVICII.
Marquee’s official mascot, Mr. Q, donned white headphones, sunglasses, and a white tie and threw glow sticks, wristbands, and T-shirts into the crowd. AVICII himself was warmly welcomed with confetti, dollar bills, and napkins that flew from all corners of the club. He played to a sold out crowd and a dance floor that was closed an hour after it opened.
If The Good Rebels seem at all familiar to you, it’s probably because you know them under the name Pan Am. The eclectic Los Angeles-based band credits their sound and inspiration from many a reputable source. With self-proclaimed melodic beacons include The Beatles, Oasis and The Kinks – as well as varied sixties themes and rifts – theirs is a sound that most anyone can appreciate in the name of nostalgia.
New Year’s Eve is always a great opportunity for a fresh start. It’s a chance to get get rid of negative vibes and tell yourself that this year will be your year. Or if you’ve had an awesome year, it’s a time to celebrate and party like it’s 1999. Whatever you’re mood may be, we want you to welcome 2012 with open arms. So we’ve compiled a list of songs that will set the mood just right this New Year’s Eve. Below are 10 songs for your New Year’s Eve Playlist – the list runs the gamut from 60s pop to Indian (yes, Indian) rock n’ roll. Check it out!
