Admit It, You Still Have Bieber Fever!

If you are anything like me, you still listen to Justin Bieber and secretly (or maybe not so secretly), you were ecstatic when his latest album Believe came out. I was personally looking forward to the album, especially considering the artists featured on the album – Ludacris, Drake, Big Sean amongst others. The album also includes producers and song writers like Diplo, Mike Posner and Max Martin.
 
I did not care much for the first single "Boyfriend", oh but, I was seriously into the rest of the album– particularly the song "As Long As You Love Me." I liked the song not only because it featured Big Sean, but because (yes, I am not ashamed to admit it), the chessy, yet catchy lyrics. Let’s face it, it does not matter how old you are, cheesy love songs will always get to you (am I right girls?) I don’t know about you, but if a guy (not necessarily Justin Bieber) sings to me phrases like: “as long as you love me, I'll be your platinum, I'll be your silver, I'll be your gold..” or "ask me what's my best side, I stand back and point at you..."well, I am sold! 
 
The video for the song premiered today, and it is just as enjoyable as the song – yes, it is true I very much enjoy pop/hip-hop collaborations. Bieber’s post puberty vocals with Big Sean’s sexy sound are a good mix (by the time you get to read this, the video will most likely have double the views, currently at over 2 million views.)
 
And without further ado, here's Bieber and sexy Big Sean; I know you will enjoy the video quite possibly as much as I did.




Video Credit: JustinBieberVEVO

Watch Out US! Cher Lloyd Is Coming!

While everybody has been on the One Direction train, I have been paying close attention to rising UK star Cher Lloyd. Thanks to the wonders of "youtube", my little sister, introduced me to the music of Cher Lloyd. One listen to "Want You Back" and "With Your Love" and I was hooked! I wanted to know more about Ms. Lloyd. After her stint in 2010’s UK’s X-Factor (where One Direction was also formed), she was signed by Simon Cowell to Syco Records, fairly recently she was also signed by L.A Reid to Epic Records.

Back in May, I was able to get my hands on her debut album titled Sticks + Stones – the album is only available on the UK, but you can buy it online via amazon (like I did.) Let me just say that I have been listening to the CD non-stop, it has been playing in my car every day since I bought it (the album has relieved the stress of my very long commute.)

Cher Lloyd was able to gather some impressive collaborations with artists such as; Busta Rhymes, Carolina Liar and the hugely talented Mike Posner. She has quite an infectious sound, it is different from what is out right now, and it is certainly not your typical “pop” record. She was able to blend pop, hip-hop, dubstep, some ballads and the combination of all those sounds resulted in Stick + Stones. She takes no BS from anyone, even those who might not believe that she is talented. Cher Lloyd is sassy, quite edgy, and her sound and lyrics are refreshing to listen to.

She is currently doing promotion in the United States in support of the release of her single "Want You Back." Her promo in the East Coast ended, and she will be embarking on a promotional tour in the West Coast. She is scheduled to attend a radio event in San Jose California on August 9th. The tour will also take her to San Diego, Seattle Washington, Phoenix Arizona amongst other cities.

What is known so far is that "Want You Back" is officially the first single for her US debut, it has not been confirmed if Stick + Stones will also be released here in the US or if it will be a different version with other tracks.

Keep an eye on Cher Lloyd, she is ought to take the US by storm! Check out the videos for the songs "Want You Back" & "With Your Love" –enjoy!

Abs & Brains – That Is Mike Posner For You

This past weekend, Mike Posner performed at USF for a fall concert alongside Iyaz & Cali Swag District. Mike Posner is a singer, songwriter & producer from Michigan who is also a graduate from Duke University.

I was unable to arrange an interview with him, but I knew I wanted to see his performance and report about what the show was about. I did some investigative research, and found out that he was going to have a second show at a smaller venue in Redwood City (about 30 minutes away from San Francisco.) I showed up to the location early, and waited for Mike Posner to show up to stun the crowd (it was quite a young crowd.) A relatively new company called KNOXX Events organized the show, so it was truly humble of Mike Posner to agree to do this small show.

 
 
There were DJs playing throughout the night and an opening act, a young rapper from South San Francisco called Pmac. His performance surprised me quite a bit, despite being so young; he was confident on stage and pumped up the crowd with his set.

Mike Posner's performance moved from 11PM to 12:40AM, due to unforeseen circumstances. The real Mike Posner fans stuck around till the very end, and the long wait was worth it! He took center stage and started singing his lungs out. He apologized for being late and his performance ended up being longer than anticipated. At one point during the performance, the sound guy did not have one of the songs, fortunately a young lady in the audience happened to have Mike’s CD in her purse and handed it to him. In Mike Posner’s words, “Dalia saved the show.” He went on to play songs such as Drug Dealer Girl, Cheated, Cooler Than Me, Please Don’t Go, Bow Chicka Wow Wow and more. He took off his shirt to reveal an extraordinarily defined set of abs, and the girls in the audience went INSANE! 

Despite the fact that he had no rest prior to the show, Mike Posner performed his heart out and pleased his fans throughout the entire show. He showed what a true artist is all about; humble, caring and exceptionally professional.

Mike Posner will release a new mix tape titled The Layover, as well as his sophomore album Sky High, set to be released sometime in 2012.