Beyonce Video

I shared this link on Facebook already yesterday but I love it so much and think it demonstrates just how incredibly talented Beyonce is so I'm going to go ahead and share it on here as well. Enjoy and respect the greatness that she is!! Her voice is amazing!

http://lifeandtimes.com/pregame

New Music Monday

Here are some of the latest and greatest tunes that I've recently downloaded:

1. Brett Dennen - "Sydney (I'll Come Running)

2. Ellie Goulding - "Lights"

3. Jill Scott & Anthony Hamilton - "So in Love"

4. The entire Nicki Minaj album, "Pink Friday"

5. The entire Lady Gaga album "Born This Way"

6. Maroon 5 & Christina Aguilera - Moves Like Jagger

Updates on Me

If you've been following my blog for awhile then I'm sure you've been noticing that my blogging lately has become random and also kind of rare. Honestly, it's definitely not because my life has become boring and I simply don't have anything to post about. Just the opposite in fact. It's because I've been very busy and blogging has become one of the things that gets dropped.

So to fill you in on what's been going on in my life, here is a brief list with the highlights in no particular order:

1. We shot half of the 2012 Pin-Ups for Vets Calendar earlier this week. Like last year, it was exhausting but so much fun and rewarding. I think I really may have found my calling-production and artistic design work really is my forte. Right Gina? : ) More on this soon. Well, that is, if I have time to blog about it..haha

2. My Invisalign treatment ended this past Monday! Woo! After over a year, I'm happy to report that I like my teeth and look forward to getting them whitened soon too. Unfortunately, I'll always have to wear a retainer at night to bed but I can definitely handle that.

3. I've been dating someone seriously for a few months. I'm really happy and honestly haven't felt this comfortable with a guy in maybe forever. We feel like we've known each other for much longer and time always passes by too quickly when we are together. I haven't been able to stop smiling since we met. It's true what they say, everything around me does seem a little sweeter, a a little better somehow since he came into my life. Ok, I'm totally blushing now so I'll stop. : )

4. For about a month, I've been doing some online marketing for an up-and-coming pop singer, Marie Parie. However, this recently stopped has her finances were decided to be put elsewhere. Guess that's the music business for ya....

5. Along with getting an amazing iPhone a few weeks ago, I also finally caved and joined Twitter. Not sure if it's been that good for me personally but it's certainly a whole new world that I've now been to. Follow me: @LAnLA3

6. Last but certainly not least, I'm having some serious neighbor problems! And no, they don't know about my blog so I'm free to say anything I want about them on here! To make a really long story short, the woman who has the bedroom below mine has the most sensitive ears in the world and probably needs to seek treatment for it! Most nights that I'm home, I get an annoying text message from her telling me to walk softer and be quieter. Ok, first of all, I'm usually not talking or even playing my music loudly or even doing much of anything when I get these messages. I'm simply putting away laundry, blogging on my computer at my desk, walking into my adjoining bathroom and other random everyday things people do in their bedroom.

I've even made several changes because I feel bad for Ms. Sensitive Ears Downstairs. I don't wear shoes in my room, I try not doing much in there after 10pm and I even usually spend 1-2 nights not sleeping at my home. So, really, what is there to complain about? It's ridiculous and I'm so frustrated with her. I just don't know what to do anymore. I've apologized and apologized. Now, I'm just ignoring the texts but I certainly can't do that forever. I also can't walk on egg shells in my room forever either.... What would you do?

40 Songs that Changed the World

So I was digging through some old music papers that I've been saving for awhile and came across this article from an old Rolling Stone magazine from May 2007! Whoa! Tell me if you agree with this list of 4o songs that changed the world. There's certainly a few that I'm surprised about! What songs do you think should be added to this list? What songs have changed the world since 2007? This year?

1. "That's All Right" - Elvis Presley (1954)
2. "I Got a Woman" - Ray Charles (1955)
3. "Maybellene" - Chuck Berry (1955)
4. "A Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" - Bob Dylan (1963)
5. "Louie Louie" - The Kingsmen (1963)
6. "Be My Baby" - The Ronettes (1963)
7. "I Want to Hold Your Hand" - The Beatles (1963)
8. "Dancing in the Street" - Martha and the Vandellas (1964)
9. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" - The Rolling Stones (1965)
10. "Like a Rolling Stone" - Bob Dylan (1965)
11. "Strawberry Fields Forever" - The Beatles (1967)
12. "Heroin" - The Velvet Underground (1967)
13. "Respect" - Aretha Franklin (1967)
14. "Purple Haze" - Jimi Hendrix (1967)
15. "Whole Lotta Love" - Led Zeppelin (1969)
16. "Get Up (I Feel like Being a) Sex Machine" - James Brown (1970)
17. "What's Going On" - Marvin Gaye (1971)
18. "Imagine" - John Lennon (1971)
19. "Ziggy Stardust" - David Bowie (1972)
20. "I Shot the Sheriff" - Bob Marley (1973)
21. "Help Me" - Joni Mitchell (1974)
22. "Born to Run" - Bruce Springsteen (1975)
23. "Bohemian Rhapsody" - Queen (1975)
24. "Blitzkrieg Bop" - The Ramones (1976)
25. "Anarchy in the U.K." - The Sex Pistols (1976)
26. "I Feel Love" - Donna Summer (1977)
27. "Rapper's Delight" - The Sugarhill Gang (1979)
28. "TV Party" - Black Flag (1981)
29. "Billie Jean" - Michael Jackson (1982)
30. "When Doves Cry" - Prince (1984)
31. "Pride (In the Name of Love)" - U2 (1984)
32. "Like a Virgin" - Madonna (1984)
33. "Walk this Way" - Run-DMC Featuring Aerosmith (1986)
34. "Just Like Heaven" - The Cure (1987)
35. "Sweet Child O' Mine" - Guns N' Roses (1987)
36. "Bring the Noise" - Public Enemy (1987)
37. "Nuthin' But a "G" Thang" - Dr. Dre (1992)
38. "Smells Like Teen Spirit" - Nirvana (1991)
39 ". . .Baby One More Time" - Britney Spears (1998)
40. "Fell in Love with a Girl" - The White Stripes (2001)

New Music Monday/Marie Parie!

"Marie Parie lives the very definition of "alien". As a Parisian pop artist who has called the United States her home since 2005, she witnesses American society from a unique point of view. Bewildered by the process of dating and motivated by the power of futuristic music, Marie shares these observations through her art." So a couple weeks ago, I've started doing some online marketing for an up-and-coming pop singer here in LA. Here name is Marie Parie and her story is even more interesting then her very eccentric music.

"The story of Marie Parie was not always so glamorous. Abandoned by her parents at birth, Marie spent her earliest years in an abusive foster home. As a creative individual exposed to harsh living environments, she expressed herself through a love of music and dance. An affinity for singing and songwriting at an early age helped Marie develop a natural talent that was soon to become her life's aspiration. In her teen years, Marie was rescued from creative inhibitions by a Catholic priest. Under the artistic guidance of this priest, Marie continued to grow as a performer, singing regularly in the choir of "La Basilique de Saint Denis", "Notre Dame de Paris", and in other various school performances. Once she decided to pursue her passion further and move to America, Marie arrived with nothing and nobody, once again solidifying her alien identity.

"With her debut full-length album, "Alien Victory", slated for an late Summer 2011 release, Marie anticipates us strange creatures being drawn to her playful and sexy vibe. Despite the immersion into a new culture, Marie Parie was driven to succeed in her musical aspirations, and has performed in cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Santa Barbara. Her dedication to art and charismatic nature quickly gained the attention of entertainment professionals who were eager to help the cause."

A lot of exciting things have started happening for Marie and her music and I'm happy to be apart of it all now.... Several Clear Channel Radio stations have started playing her song, “Dating” on the radio. A few large department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom have also begun playing this song in their stores. I'm hoping that very shortly, “Dating” will be available for purchase on phones and of course iTunes and other online music stores will surely follow.

The music video for her song "Dating" can now be seen on her website. We are also very active on her Facebook Page and Twitter Account- @Msmarieparie so check out those for more information.

Any and all advice regarding online marketing would be greatly useful.

New Music Monday

New Music Monday is back kids! Check out my latest musical gems below:

1. Poker Face - Glee Cast I know the episode with this song aired a long time ago but I just finally watched it last week and I have to say that I'm in love with this version of Lady Gaga's infamous dance tune. It seriously rocks and I'm proud to say that I totally enjoy singing along to it at the top of my lungs.

2. Blind Faith - Chase & Status "A heavyhearted, soul-baring rave-revival plea that take U.K. warehouse-party nostalgia to vertiginous heights". (Thanks SPIN magazine for this perfection song explanation!

3. Nat Geo - G-Slide & Chris Lee Despite containing several incredibly dark and sad lines, the accompanying soft choir create quite the pretty combination. I never would have discovered this song if it hadn't been for my music magazine subscriptions.

4. Fake Empire - The National Yes, this is an older song by this indie rock band but I'm just now getting into them and I love this one! If you are a fan, what are some other songs by them that I should have? They are going to be here in LA soon so I might have to check them out.

5. Cardiac Arrest - Teddybears & Robyn You gotta love the Swedes! On this track, singer Robyn joins fellow Swedes, Teddybears on this frothy disco rock tune. Rolling Stone magazine calls it "a pinch of arsenic in a tequila shot". What a description! : )

6. You Are a Tourist - Death Cab for Cutie If you haven't heard of Death Cab for Cutie, then you've been living under a rock! This group's sound is amazing and their songs are both beautiful and thoughtful. This is their newest song and feels more inspirational and sweet then most of their other melancholy ones.

7. Surrender Album - The Chemical Brothers My roommate Swati let me burn this entire album of hers and I can honestly say that my life will never be the same. I'm not really sure how I've been doing all this running without The Chemical Brothers?! The music is pure adrenaline and keep you moving to the very end of the album. What other album or songs should I own, Chemical Brothers fans?

8. Till the World Ends - Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj & Ke$ha I can't help it but this is a great song to dance or work out to. I'm not Britney's biggest fan so I was excited to see that Nicki Minaj was on the remix, whom I love. I usually don't even like remixes but this one is fun.

9. Run the World - Beyonce / Judas - Lady Gaga I feel the same way about both of these songs... I really really want to love them but for the time being, I'm struggling. I can't get into them but perhaps I just haven't listened to them enough. I love these ladies so here's hoping that I'll come around to them soon. Are you a fan of them yet?

Got any songs that you are loving these days? I always love music suggestions!

Prince!

P-Powerful R- Riveting I- Interesting N- New Wave C- Creative E- Electrifying

Prince has produced 10 platinum albums and thirty top 40 singles! He has won 7 Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe and an Academy Award. Whoa!

On Friday night I had the immense pleasure of seeing the legendary artist, PRINCE in concert. Yes, be jealous, be very jealous! : ) In a word, the whole show was electrifying! (Thanks SP!)

I will admit that honestly I've never been his biggest fan and have many friends that have wanted to kill me for saying that. But I just never really understood him or most of his music. While I still think he is incredibly eccentric and even odd at times, he puts on quite a show and his songs are timeless. I am so grateful that I got the chance to see him perform live. I believe that you learn sooo much from that opportunity. Plus it was fun to transport back to the 80's for the night! : )


First off, he sounds exactly like he did back at the height of his career. Some of my friends would say that he will always be at the height of his career but you get what I mean... I can say for sure that this 52 year old still has all the musical talent, the confidence, the moves and more. He is in LA doing a 21 Show 'Residency' Concert Series. The concert I went to was at The Forum in Inglewood but apparently he'll be performing in a few other spots as well. If you haven't seen him yet and you are in LA, I highly urge you to go. It feels almost ridiculous to pay only $25 to see such a musical icon at work.
One of the first songs he performed is my personal favorite, "Raspberry Beret" so I was absolutely thrilled from the beginning to end.

Before he took the stage:


He lit up the stage literally and figuratively! : )


Here is my roommate Swati and our good friend Amina half-way thru the concert.


Alicia Keys was his special surprise guest performer! I was freaking out when I saw her appear from the hole in the stage floor! I love her and never expected to see her there. They sang an awesome duet of her song "How Come You Don't Call Me?"


Have you seen Prince in concert? What musical legends are you dieing to see? I would LOVE to see Madonna, Janet Jackson, Christina Aguilera and so many more! : )

New Music Monday

Yay, it's new music Monday again and I'm so thankful that for my birthday a few weeks ago, my roommate, Gina got me an iTunes giftcard so I could go ahead and buy more songs recently than usual.

It was perfect timing since I had the Full Marathon and desperately needed new running tunes. Sadly, it was pouring rain the entire time and my precious iPod died halfway through the Marathon. Not to worry though, I went to the Apple store last week and was able to get a brand spankin' new $200 worth iPod for only $60 so it's all good and I'm already back in business! : )Here are a few new songs that I've added to my music library:

1. Ke$ha - Blow
Sure, this is a slightly ridiculous song but it's a great workout/running one and it's super catchy. I honestly can't help but find her songs enjoyable and entertaining. The chorus of this song is especially fun to sing along to.

2. Mumford & Sons - Little Lion Man
I've had them on my New Music Monday before but I found another song on this album that I think I like even more. This song rocks. For some reason, there's something I like about a song making no apologies about swearing in a song. I respect that. In "Little Lion Man", the words are "But it was not your fault but mine. And it was your heart on the line. I really fucked it up this time. Didn't I, my dear? Didn't I, my..." There's just no replacing that word, it's so powerful.

3. Bruno Mars - Marry You
This is just a sweet song with a lovely melody that I can't seem to get out of my head. Mr. Bruno Mars knows exactly what the ingredients are to make a winning radio tune. I am sure that this song will be on the radio soon.

4. Katie Costello - Dig a Hole
This number lightly calls out springtime to me and I think that's why I like it so much. I'm definitely going to check out more of her music now after having listened to this one.

5. Lykke Li - I Follow Rivers
This singer's voice never fails to hypnotize me throughout every song of her's that I hear. Like one music critic has said of her, "[this Swedish pop singer] captivates like a voodoo spell to get you in the mood".

6. Tune-Yards - Bizness
African rhythms and hip-shaking horns fill this song. This certainly gives it that unique sound not commonly heard very much in today's mainstream music.

New Music Monday

I can always and forever count on music to be my Valentine. So I thought it would be appropriate to resurrect New Music Monday today. Happy Valentines Day blogging friends!

Here is a short list of a few songs that I've recently downloaded and loved!

1. Mumford and Sons - The Cave Apparently I am late to their party but whatever, I am here now. These guys have a great sound and all play their own instruments so I am definitely a fan. If you've never heard of this group, check out this song asap!
2. Duck Sauce - Barbara Streisand It's a hilarious song title but honestly, a great tune and will totally be on my next running playlist.
3. Claire Maguire - Ain't Nobody She has been called "UK's next big femme" and with her chilling voice, there's no question why.
   
4. Rihanna - S&M I really wish that I wasn't a fan of this new song just released on the radio from Rihanna's newest album, LOUD. I just can't help myself, it's such high energy.
   
5. Escort - Cocaine Blues This is another rockin' song that will surely make my running playlist cut. Don't scared of the song title, this tune has nothing to do with drugs!
6. Corinne Bailey Rae - Is this Love She suffered a tragic loss when her husband died back in 2008 so it's nice to see her making sweet music like this again.
   
7. Lykke Li - Get Some I love this singer and will always support her albums. This song does it again and talk about some intense lyrics- "I'm your prostitute, you gon' get some."
   

20 Best Songs of 2010

I know this is rather late but better late than never. Right? According to the January issue of the music magazine, SPIN, here's what they think the 20 best songs of 2010 were:

1. Cee-Lo Green - Fuck You
2. Arcade Fire - Ready to Start
3. Kanye West & Dwele - Power
4. LCD Soundsystem - All I Want
5. Neil Young - Hitchhiker
6. Deerhunter - Helicopter
7. Kanye West - Runaway
8. Robyn - Cry When You Get Older
9. Janelle Monae & Big Boi - Tightrope
10. Gucci Mane - Lemonade
11. Dom - Living in America
12. The Dream & T.I - Make Up Bag
13. Superchunk - Digging for Something
14. Chiddy Bang - Opposite of Adults
15. Tracey Thorn - Hormones
16. Das Racist - hahahaha jk?
17. The Black Keys - Tighten Up
18. Tame Impala - Solitude is Bliss
19. Yeasayer - Ambling Alp
20. Les Savy Fav - Let's Get Out of Here

Have you heard of all these? For a music fanatic, I'm embarrassed to say that there are couple songs on this list that I've never heard before. But I suppose it's impossible to know about every single song ever created.

31 Day Photo Challenge-Day 13

31 Day Photo Challenge: Day 13- Post a picture of your favorite band or artist.

This is really hard because I love music and have so many favorite musicians. Here are a few current faves right now:

New Music Monday

Yep, it's that time again, time to learn about a few new songs that I'm loving right now. If you ask nicely, perhaps, I'll even personally send you some. : )

Cee Lo Green- "Cry Baby"
I predict that this will be his next radio hit. It's much sweeter and softer than his other hit off this album, "F**k You".Yet this song also has that same fun bouncy feel to it. I can't help but dance to it every time I hear it.

Aloe Blacc- "I need a Dollar"
Blacc's got this gritty, funky soul thing going on that's incredibly addicting. Sure, this has a total 70's vibe to it but it's still perfect for today too. I am totally digging it!

Christina Aguilera- "Bound to You"
This is a song from her new film, "Burlesque" and I seriously cannot get enough of it. The lyrics are so powerful and cut so deep. I just love her voice. It's so passionate and emotional. I saw the movie over Thanksgiving weekend I enjoyed it but I'm a big of all things musical related.

Atlantic/Pacific- "Patterns"
What is there not to like about this tune? The mellow chimes, pitter-pat drums and breathy vocals flow into this love song. Doesn't it just ring with passion and hope?

Lauren Pritchard- "Painkillers"
This chick has a sexy and ragged voice that will fill your head long after the song finishes. This song slowly becomes a racy R&B number.

Adele- "Rolling in the Deep"
I'm so happy that Adele is back in action and has a new album coming out in February. I seriously was in love with her first album so I am sure that I'll adore her second one too. If you've never heard of her, then wake up and prepare yourself for greatness!

Love this Song!

"Dog Days Are Over" is the second single released by Florence and the Machine from their debut album Lungs. I'm not quite sure what it is exactly about this song but I absolutely love it.

It's one of those tunes that I could listen to over and over again and not get sick of. Check out the very cool video here on youtube. I hope you enjoy the song as much as I do. Oh, and I would like to say for the record that I've been loving this song LONG BEFORE Glee covered it recently! : )

The Times described the lead singer, Florence Welch as "the most peculiar and most highly acclaimed female singer of the moment" and "the latest in a line of great English pop eccentrics".

Here are the awesome lyrics to one of my favorite songs at the moment, "Dog Days Are Over":

Happiness hit her like a train on a track.
Coming towards her stuck still no turning back.
She hid around corners and she hid under beds.

She killed it with kisses and from it she fled.
With every bubble she sank with a drink.
And washed it away down the kitchen sink.

The dog days are over.
The dog days are done.
The horses are comin' so you better run!

Run fast for your mother; Run fast for your father.
Run for your children, all your sisters and brothers.
Leave all your love and your longing behind.
You can't carry it with you if you want to survive.

The dog days are over.
The dog days are done.
Can you hear the horses?
'Cos here they come!

And I never wanted anything from you.
Except everything you had.
And what was left after that too. Oh!

Happiness hit her like a bullet in the back.
Struck from a great height.
By someone who should have known better than that.

The dog days are over.
The dog days are done.
Can you hear the horses?
'Cos here they come.

Run fast for your mother, run fast for your father.
Run for your children, all your sisters and brothers.
Leave all your love and your longing behind.
You can't carry it with you if you want to survive.

The dog days are over.
The dog days are done.
Can you hear the horses?
'Cos here they come.

The dog days are over.
The dog days are done.
The horses are comin'.
So you'd better run!

Ok, now your turn, what are some new songs that you are loving right now?

Music Lesson

As this is part music blog and part my adventures here in LA blog, I think it's mandatory that from time to time, I discuss my latest music obsessions. I subscribe to a couple music magazines and today I had some time to finally go through the new music sections and check the songs out on itunes. I absolutely love doing this! : )

Here are a few new songs that I learned about:

• Whip my Hair- Willow I've known about this song for awhile but haven't ever really listened to it carefully until today. At first I wasn't a fan but it's definitely bitten me now and I am in love. Yes, this Will Smith's little 9 year old daughter. She got signed onto Jay-Z's label recently. I dare you to not think this is a catchy tune! ♫♪♪♫

• A Town Called Obsolete-Andreya Triana Spin magazine describes this singer's voice perfectly, "a voice like sugared smoke, signals a fiery lyric that nods to the jam's righteous urban indignation". That is lovely. ♫♪♪♫

• Wake Up Everybody-John Legend, The Roots, Common & Melanie Fiona I love pretty much anything and everything that John Legend is a part of so I knew that I would enjoy this even more with Common attached as well. It's a sweet song with a great message. We all know how much I like those kinds of songs. ♫♪♪♫

• How I Look for You-Juliette Commagere There are moments of sheer melodic poetry mixed in with catchy choruses. This is my kind of a song. It's got a little bit of everything for everyone. What's there not to love? ♫♪♪♫

• What's My Name-Rihanna & Drake Radio loves this song and by love I mean that it's on the radio all the f-ing time! Fortunately, I'm really diggin' it so I don't mind hearing it. My favorite line from the song is "Say my name, say my name, wear it out. ♫♪♪♫

• Don't Leave My Mind-Azure Ray The two singers that make up this group have incredible harmonies that literally waft together so effortlessly. The lyrics are sweet and so simple. ♫♪♪♫

• Matt & Kim- Block After Block Their new album just came out last week and I was really excited. I've always been a big fan of this group. They have a different sound and their videos are always super happy and endearing. ♫♪♪♫

Firework/Lyrics

This may be a totally mainstream and slightly cheesy song but I'm loving Katy Perry's, "Firework" song right now. It's message is so uplifting and happy. It also makes for an excellent running song. The video is a little disturbing with sparks/fireworks exploding out of people's chests but still a great concept with a sweet message.

Katy Perry certainly is topping the music charts and covering every magazine now. Just like this song says, she is going off like a firework in today's entertainment world. I wonder if we can expect some sort of collaboration between her and new hubbie Russell Brand?

Here are the incredible lyrics below:

Do you ever feel like a plastic bag
Drifting through the wind
Wanting to start again?

Do you ever feel, feel so paper thin
Like a house of cards
One blow from caving in?

Do you ever feel already buried deep
Six feet under scream
But no one seems to hear a thing?

Do you know that there's still a chance for you?
Cause there's a spark in you.

You just gotta ignite the light
And let it shine.
Just own the night
Like the Fourth of July.

Cause baby you're a firework.
Come on show 'em what your worth.
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y.

Baby you're a firework.
Come on let your colors burst.
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gonna leave 'em fallin' down-own-own.

You don't have to feel like a waste of space.
You're original, cannot be replaced.
If you only knew what the future holds.
After a hurricane comes a rainbow.

Maybe you're reason why all the doors are closed.
So you can open one that leads you to the perfect road.

Like a lightning bolt, your heart will blow.
And when it's time, you'll know.

You just gotta ignite the light.
And let it shine.
Just own the night.
Like the Fourth of July.

Cause baby you're a firework.
Come on show 'em what your worth.
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y.

Baby you're a firework.
Come on let your colors burst.
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gonna leave 'em fallin' down-own-own.

Boom, boom, boom!
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon!
It's always been inside of you, you, you.
And now it's time to let it through.

Cause baby you're a firework.
Come on show 'em what your worth.
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
As you shoot across the sky-y-y.

Baby you're a firework.
Come on let your colors burst.
Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!"
You're gonna leave 'em goin "Oh, oh, oh!"

Boom, boom, boom!
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon!
Boom, boom, boom!
Even brighter than the moon, moon, moon!

The 'Concert High'

Before recorded music, concerts provided the only opportunity people would generally have to hear musicians play. I still LOVE going to concerts. Seriously, I LOVE them! I gladly would go to a concert once a week if I could.

Last night I saw the Australian band The Temper Trap, at one of LA's downtown hot venues, Club Nokia. This band is getting a lot of popularity due to the movie, "500 Days of Summer". Their song "Sweet Disposition" is in the film and it's fast becoming loved by all. I absolutely adore it! If you haven't listened to it before, I highly, highly recommend checking it out. Of course, by all means, listen to any of the band's songs. The lead singer, Dougy Mandagi, has a voice unlike any I've heard before. It's amazing.

So, like most people at concerts, at some point during the 2nd or 3rd song, I enter a state I like to call, the 'concert high'. The 'concert high' consists of a variety of things:

• Ringing/Buzzing in your ears. Gotta love live blaring music!
  
• A comfortable sway or dance move according to the music tempo.
  
• Maybe even numb or sore feet from all the standing and dancing. I have learned the hard way to always wear comfortable flat shoes to concerts.
  
• Glossy and somewhat dry eyes from all the smoke/fog machines up on stage.
• Feeling slightly hot and sweaty but not really caring because the music is just that good.
• A burning desire to rush home and write the next best song of the year for yourself.
  
• A new found love, respect, adoration, admiration, passion, envy and perhaps even lust for all musicians. : )
  
• Finally, a general awesome feeling that you and everyone else at that concert are enjoying amazing music altogether. It's a beautiful thing, right?
  

Anything that I missed? What do you love most about concerts? Do you get the 'concert high too'?

Lady Gaga is a Genius!

I'm getting ridiculously excited for the Lady Gaga concert I'm going to with my sister next Thursday. She is such an amazing entertainer and I really cannot get enough of her music. She seriously has it all going on! I mean, this girl can sing, dance, play the piano, write incredibly catchy and melodic music and entertain. There is nothing she can't do! My sister wrote a perfect post about her in her blog, Letters for Lucas. I completely agree with her, I believe Lady Gaga is a genius.

I really love the latest article about her in the July issue of Rolling Stone. "As she puts it over and over in the show, she is a 'free bitch,' and the audience should be too; free not just of society's pressures to conform but also of letting the men in their lives control or define them. She sees her audience as a collection of mini versions of her socially and romantically rejected self, telling them at one point, "Let's raise a glass to mend all the broken hearts of my fucked up friends." Her success is the ultimate misfit's revenge". I just love this. It's such a powerful and inspiring message.

Later on in the article, Lady Gaga says, "I guess what I'm trying to say is, this is show biz for me. It might not be show biz for the rest of you, but for me, this is show biz. If I were to ever, God forbid, get hurt onstage and my fans were screaming outside of the hospital, waiting for me to come out, I'd come out as Gaga. I wouldn't come out in sweatpants because I busted my leg or whatever." She also goes on to admit that she doesn't even drink water on stage because she doesn't want to appear 'human' to her audiences. Wow, she definitely takes performing to the next level. I am sure the concert is going to be so awesome. Stay tuned for all the details!

So, can I please get a job working for her?!

Damn, this is good"

"Damn, this is good." This is what I exclaimed after getting a whiff of the perfume to the right, it's called Nina by Nina Ricci and it's absolutely amazing! It's the perfect combination of fruits and flowers. The bottle is appropriately in the shape of a sweet red apple. Gina was wearing it the other day and I told her that I was in love with either her own scent or her perfume. She then told me about this wonderful perfume. So, thanks to Gina, I have a new scent! If you haven't already smelled Nina, I demand you go and do so now! I hope that you love it as much as I do. But not too much, I don't want us all going around smelling like this. I want to stand out a little.

Not only does Gina smell good and have great taste in perfumes, this girl can cook too! Tonight, she made yummy chicken enchiladas-her specialty! They were so good and were a great meal to end this very busy and active day. It was so sweet of her to make so many for us! Thanks Gina! Feel free to make these again whenever you feel like it.

Tonight I attended a book signing by Donald S. Passman at a small funky book store on Sunset Strip called Book Soup. Thanks to my roommate, Swati, for letting me know about it. I am familiar with Donald S. Passman because he wrote All You Need to Know About the Music Business. It's a great book full of tons of useful music business information. I've learned a lot of it in classes in college but some is new and great to learn coming from someone currently in the industry. He is one of America's top entertainment attorneys. He practices law with the Los Angeles-based firm of Gang, Tyre, Ramer, and Brown, Inc. Having specialized in the music business intensively for over thirty years, his clients include major entertainers, publishers, record companies, managers, producers, and others. He is even responsible for the record-breaking "mega" deals for both Janet Jackson and R.E.M. and he has also worked with a number of other major artists. Too bad none of them showed up to share some wisdom at the book signing.

I am glad that I went to hear him talk about his book and the music industry but sadly, I left feeling a little depressed about my job future in the music industry. I should get a job with itunes. They are the # 1 retailer right now, beating out even Walmart! He said that the music industry is in a very awkward stage right now and it will take a few years before things settle down. Everything is digital now and the need for large recording labels is getting smaller and smaller. Musicians can simply go online and put their music on sites like Myspace all by themselves. But on the bright side he did say that the music industry will never die out completely. People are always going to want their music and there will still need to be a way to get it to them. He is sure that in about five years, Cd's won't be made anymore and I totally agree with that. I cannot even remember the last physical CD I bought in a store.

I may be nervous about this business but I also know that I am a passionate person who just loves music and I am fascinated by the general music-making process that musicians go through so I know that I will be an asset in any record company. Hear that guys?! : )

The following are two questions from an interview that I found on his website:

What do you feel is the biggest issue currently facing the legal community in the music industry?

The biggest change in the music industry is going to be what's happening with the Internet and the potential for piracy. We're going to get it first, because audio products will be the first to be downloaded, as MP3 has already proven. It's a serious threat to the industry. Handled right, in the long-term, it becomes a plus, because it's a new way to distribute music. But in the short-term, we're going to have some serious security issues.

How are you advising your clients with regard to the Internet and online music distribution?

The way the world is set up, the record companies control the rights to the recordings, and therefore the only time it comes up is if you're renegotiating with a record company - none of which are willing to give up online rights - so the artists don't end up controlling them, unless they're smaller and are going to put the music out on their own label.

Most of the companies are paying 80-100% of the rate as if it were sold as a CD, and then there's a right to re-negotiate after a period of years or if it becomes a certain percentage of the marketplace, but they try to put a cap on it of 100% of the CD rate, which is probably not fair, because there's no manufacturing, no shipping and no inventory risk, etc.. But it takes time before these things sort themselves out. It's still in its earliest stages; nothing has taken form yet, where they could care less about copyright law. The answer's going to have to come technologically, because the law is going to work as a theoretical matter; but as a practical matter, it's very difficult. It has to be an encryption, where you can only read the music if you've got a key to it - There are some competing ways to do it, but nothing's taken a dominant position yet.