Famous Singers of 2011

Rihanna

Music conglomerates, agents, judge panels and TV networks – use to devise lists of famous singers and decide amongst themselves who would take home the top honors year after year. With the digital age, twitter, face book, American Idol and more – it now lies in the hands of the consumers themselves.

According to TipTopTen.com, Rihanna ranks as the #1 female singer of 2011 so far for her performances Love the way you lie, Rude Boy, and what‘s my name. Runners up on their presumptive 2011 list also contain Taylor Swift, Kesha, Katy Perry, and who could forget the odd and unforgettable Lady Gaga coming in at fifth place.

American Idol creates new teeny bopper singers ever year based on the vote of millions of American viewers. This year’s final two are Scotty McCreery and Lauren Alaina who are now well on their way to making a successful career in singing all because of popular demand, voters like you and I. However, whether they can successfully launch a super star career is far from certain.

As history shows us, many of the contestants and winners of American Idol go on to make mediocre careers and stay in the lime light. It just goes to prove that 30 million people may watch the final episode of American Idol, but those 30 million consumers don’t immediately go to iTunes and download the winners’ album or songs. It seems that American Idol was able to create a wildly successfully television show but they were unable to convert those viewers in additional sales for their winners.

American Idol does have one bright spot, however it resides within their judges panel. Jennifer Lopez, voted sexiest woman of the year. She also happens to be a super star singer and movie star grossing millions of dollars in profit, year after year.

Social Media is far becoming the number one way to solidify your position as a famous singer, whether you are good or not. One very famous example is a song called “Friday” that amassed millions of viewers in a very short amount of time (sung by Jessica Black). But there is one catch, it isn’t very good, in fact, it is more of a joke than it is a well made music video. Conan O’Brien even created a spoof of her music video, he called in “Thursday.” It goes to show you that a perfect pitch voice isn’t always required to become a famous social media icon.

To become immortalized in music history, you need more than just the fleeting fame from social media. You need a unique voice, character and the love of the American People (or the Japanese if you’re Michael Jackson or Baseball). Many chart toppers sell themselves using sex, Hollywood, or the lime light which is temporary and eventually leaves a bitter taste in the back of your throat. Taylor Swift has a reputation, great music, and is very young in her career – all of which point her in the direction of the greats like J-Lo and Michael Jackson that will last for a century.

In conclusion, this year’s list of famous singers will be determined by you, the consumer, the people based on your votes, your “likes,” tweets, and most importantly, your iTunes purchases. Whether Rihanna takes home the coveted top spot as 2011 #1 female singer or whether it falls on the new comer Scotty McCreey will ultimately be your decision so make your vote count.

Interview with Top NYC Vocal Coach Lisa Damiani

When Muse Dog isn’t scratching fleas or chasing tail (his own) he actually gets out and communicates with those in the industry. This is what happened recently when I decided to interview Lisa Damiani, one of NYC’s leading vocal coaches, CEO of the recently launched Star Rock for Kids!, and Star Search winner of 1989 for Best Teen Vocalist.

Here’s the Interview:

Muse Dog (MD): On the American Idol Season 10 Finale, what do you think pushed winner Scotty McCreery over the top?

Lisa Damiani (LD): I think Scotty McCreery melted the hearts of many by his all-American boyish looks while at the same time capturing the audience’s attention by delivering soulful vocals. Scotty was the “boy next door” and America responded to his humble charm.

MD: What can other prospective contestants learn from this year’s American Idol?

LD: This year we witnessed a wide variety of contestants with musical roots in several genres including hard rock, country, gospel and pop; the Idol opportunity can be anyone’s game, regardless of style. The surprising twist of events that unfolded this year when Pia Toscano was eliminated proved to be an enormous shock which solidifies that there’s no such thing as being “safe” from elimination. Future contestants never know what America may be looking for when choosing the winner and everyone has an equal shot at the “Idol” title.

MD: How are vocal coaches a necessity for those who are “in it to win it” on American Idol?

LD: Vocal coaches guide the singer in choosing a song that best fits their voice and ensure that they care of their vocal needs while on a rigorous schedule. In competition, bringing your best performance to the stage, with the right song will prove how serious you are about winning. Vocal coaches aren’t a necessity to win, but it certainly can help better prepare in being in tip-top shape for the competition.

So, there you have it, an industry insider telling you how to win at American Idol. Stay tuned for Season 11.

Like My Mother Does Lyrics Sung by Lauren Alaina

Tonight American Idol ramps up for the finale. And who will win? Could it be Lauren Alaina? Should it be Lauren Alaina?

If the song she sang “Like My Mother Does” has any impact on the judges and fans at all, it looks like a shoe in.

Like My Mother Does Lyrics

People always say
I have a laugh like my mother does
Guess that makes sense
She taught me how to smile when things get rough
I’ve got her spirit, she’s always got my back
When I look at her I think I want to be just like that

When I love I give it all I’ve got
Like my mother does
When I’m scared I bow my head and pray
Like my mother does

She’s a rock, she is grace
She’s an angel, she’s my heart and soul
She does it all

When I love, I give it all I’ve got
Like my mother does
When I’m scared I bow my head and pray
Like my mother does

When I’m weak and unpretty
I know I’m beautiful and strong
Because I see myself
Like my mother does

Then again nothing in life is a certainty. And the other country singer on Idol, Scotty McCreery is a formidable force as well. So, we’ll just have to wring our hands a few more hours and see mother says about the both of them.

Jam at the Grove Music Festival is Coming Back

The Jam at the Grove Music Festival is coming back for the fifth time and this is after taking six years off. The event will take place from August 12-14 2011 at Tower Farm in Bucks County Pennsylvania.

According to the producers of the festival, “Produced by Jason Flager and Marc Gallo of Tower Farm, the two hope to bring back an annual tradition for new audiences as well as steadfast fans. Jam at the Grove was created to introduce new bands to music fans,” said Flager, VP of Jam at the Grove. This is an opportunity for artists, local bands, and national acts to collaborate and celebrate exceptional music and art with awesome fans.

“For Tower Farm owner Marc Gallo, this festival strikes a sentimental chord. ‘It is an honor to organize and host a music and arts festival for my local community on the property I grew up on,’ said Gallo. ‘It’s a symbiotic relationship at it’s finest!’

“The lineup is filled with homecomings, reunions, and first-timers. Bands include: Conspirator, Psychedelphia, Sophistafunk, Roots of Creation, Papadosio, Wyllys, Kung Fu, The Indobox, Jimkata, Kuf Knotz, Jones Street Station, Sonic Spank, Grimace Federation, Somata, The Dirk Quinn Band, Xylos, Flux Capacitor, Pongo’s, Groove, FiKus, SpiTune, Wynrise, Trouble City All-Stars, Wineskin, MIXXTAPE.

“The Jam will also be Featuring DJ’s: ADUB, Honkeytron, and Speakerbot. Vendors so far include: Shady Grove Wraps, Harry’s Homeblown, DooDayDaze, Yellow Sky Crafts, Adam Rameseyer and Ramstar Jewerly and Wraps.”

So, if you’re in the area on the times and dates listed above why not get out there listen to the music, sway a little, dance a little and have an overall good time?

Don’t Cut the School Counselors Advocacy Song

Since Bob Dylan in the 1960’s protest songs have lost the passion that they have once had. The times, they were a changing back then and there was a lot to write and sing about.

Now, the times are changing again. With high unemployment, a bad economy, union busting in Wisconsin and high gas prices, there may not be another Vietnam on our hands but there is a distinct undercurrent of angst that everyday people are feeling.

One such scenario is that in one of the largest school districts in California (Fontana) all of the school counselors have now been handed their pink slips for the coming school year. This was a choice made by the district school board members and superintendent.

As a result, the school counselors and supporters are fighting back and one of the ways they are doing this is through the use of protest songs.

Here’s a link to the video and below are the lyrics to the “Don’t Cut the School Counselors” Advocacy Song:
Yeah… Stand Up… One Time… Come on.

Counselors in schools are truly vital,
They’re helpful to kids and their survival.
You go in to talk, (yeah), they see your potential, (yeah),
They’ve got a Master’s and a P.P.S credential.

Wake up California… Oh, Ooh-na-na-naaah!
Don’t cut the School Counselors,
No, don’t do it no more.

They talk about school and they talk about strife,
Academics, career, and personal life.
When you have a need or get in a fight,
Your school counselor will set things right.

Wake up California… Oh, Ooh-na-na-naaah!
Don’t cut the School Counselors,
No, don’t do it no more.

Mention A – G and their eyes open wide,
They’ll do what they can so your classes coincide.
If you laugh or cry, (yeah), or needin’ a snack, (yeah),
Don’t have no fear they’ve got your back.

Wake up California… Oh, Ooh-na-na-naaah!
Don’t cut the School Counselors,
No, don’t do it no more

Without counselors kids’ll be in a bubble,
With nowhere to go when they’re in trouble.
If you want the kids to graduate,
Better keep the ones who settin’ them straight.

Sayin’ wake up California… Oh, Ooh-na-na-naaah!
Don’t cut the School Counselors,
No, don’t do it no more
Sayin’ wake up California… Oh, Ooh-na-na-naaah!
Don’t cut the School Counselors,
No, don’t do it no mo’!

For those who would like to get involved or at least give the school counselors a thumbs up here’s the Facebook page.