Tag: pop music

Posted on

Jeremy Jordan’s Terrific New Take On “Oh What A Beautiful Mornin'”

Jeremy Jordan “O What a Beautiful Mornin'”

After spending some years working on television series like The CW’s Supergirl and NBC’s SMASH, oh-so-talented Jeremy Jordan returned to Broadway last fall in the new play, American Son.

If you haven’t seen the play at the Booth Theatre, hurry up as it’s set to close at the end of the month.

That said, American Son isn’t Jordan’s only ‘return’ to Broadway material.

Having starred in musicals on the Great White Way like West Side Story, Newsies, and Bonnie and Clyde, folks might have forgotten what an gifted singer Jordan is.

Until now.

The Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization shares a new music video, the first in a series titled, “R&H Goes Pop!,” of contemporary twists on timeless classics from the R&H catalog.

Jordan gets the honor of debuting this new take on the Oklahoma opener, “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’.”

I’ve been a fan of Jordan’s for years now. A terrific actor and vocalist, he’s the real deal who can deliver.

The arrangement and orchestration here is killer: bright, fresh and current.

I love reinvention, and I love this.

Jordan took to Twitter to announce the news, writing, “A while back, the fine folks at @RnH_Org asked me to reimagine a classic. Naturally, I enlisted the help of @brauhala & we came up with this take on “O What a Beautiful Mornin.” Then @nathanjohnsonny shot this video in the summer HEAT. Enjoy!”

Watch the new music video below and feel good.

Posted on

New Music From Janet Jackson, Cher & Madonna

As we lost our indisputable “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, the two “Queens of Pop” – Janet Jackson and Madonna – dropped new music videos that are singularly unique to the two artists visual and musical style.
New music from Janet Jackson, Cher and Madonna

It was quite the week for music royalty.

As we lost our indisputable “Queen of Soul,” Aretha Franklin, the two “Queens of Pop” – Janet Jackson and Madonna – dropped new music videos that are singularly unique to the two artists visual and musical style.

Jackson teamed with oh-so-sexy Daddy Yankee for her latest music video, “Made For Now.”

Visually reminiscent of “When I Think of You” and “Escapade,” the video (directed by Dave Meyers) is classic Janet as she celebrates among the folks of Brooklyn appearing all over the NYC borough in bold, high-style fashion.

Featured throughout are a mélange of international dancers that hail from Nigeria, Ghana, Grenada, Trinidad and the U.S.

In an interview with iHeartRadio, Jackson shared she’s “always loved Latin music, and obviously, the African music is there and always been an influence.”

“Coming from what Daddy Yankee does in reggaeton, it’s inspiration,” she added. “It’s reggae music, which brings you back to the African vibe, the whole bit. It was really nice working with him,” Jackson said.

Jackson and Yankee also performed the song live on The Tonight Show marking her first late-night appearance in 14 years.

Watch below.

Madonna released a stunning, long-form music video from her performance at the MET Gala earlier this year.

The video begins with bold, dynamic visions of religious imagery and Gregorian chanting leading into, of course, “Like a Virgin.”

After making her way down a huge stairway, Madge and company do a quick costume change at the 6:05 mark as she launches into “Beautiful Game.”

After a choreographed assault by her dancers that leaves her prone of the steps of the MET, the Queen of Pop performs Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” while slowly making her exit.

The dramatic final frames of the video (would we expect anything less?) focus on a concrete angel with the rumbling of thunder in the distance.

Quite the message.

Watch Madonna and company below.

In related Madonna news, can we say god bless the gay DJs?

The new Cher cover of ABBA’s “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!” dropped last week and within 24 hours DJ Alex Simpson, based in Toronto, shared his fierce remix of Cher’s new track and Madonna’s 2005 hit “Hung Up,” which samples the ABBA classic.

I believe this is, technically, the first time the two divas have sung together before…?

Listen below.

Posted on

Podcast: Interview With Pop Music Superstar & LGBT Ally Richard Marx

In this episode of The Randy Report podcast, I chat with Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer – and LGBT ally – Richard Marx, who has made a gorgeous debut as a headliner on the Las Vegas Strip with his limited engagement residency, “Satisfied: Only The Hits,” at Flamingo Las Vegas now through Sept. 2, 2017.

Among his many achievements, Marx is distinguished for having written a #1 song in four different decades across various charts.

Having sold more than 30 million albums worldwide and notching an amazing 14 #1 singles (his latest – Keith Urban’s #1 smash “Long Hot Summer”) both as a performer and songwriter/producer including “Hold on to the Nights,” “Satisfied” and “Now and Forever,” fans get to experience the pop/rock artist up close in an intimate Las Vegas showroom as Marx performs acoustic versions of his greatest hits backed by a gorgeous string quartet. The evening also includes the true, personal stories behind his hits.

We chat about one of his favorite music collaborations, his Las Vegas gig at the Flamingo, his terrific podcast “Song Talks with Richard Marx,” plus as a staunch LGBT ally, he shares how and why he speaks out for LGBTs.

After I quoted a few of his social media posts made in support of the LGBT community (“Anybody gay, bi or transgender out there I hope you have someone who loves you exactly as you are. Especially your parents. G’night.”), Marx had this to say:

I’m lucky in that I was born to two parents who when it came to gay rights, when it came to civil rights, when it came to race relations, from the time I was old enough to comprehend it, I had two parents that taught me what was right. And that any kind of judgment or prejudice or hatred or anybody who’s different than you is so fucked up.

And so I was raised in an atmosphere where the idea of that was just anathema. It moved me that you quoted that, because I’ve had friends, gay or bisexual friends, who I’ve witnessed them be hurt. Especially by their family. I’ve been friends with gay men whose fathers never talked to them again. And I’ve seen that pain. And it just kills me.

Along the way, I also share a couple of snippets of his live performance on stage at the Flamingo Las Vegas 🙂

Hit play and listen below.

Posted on

New Music: Pink “What About Us”

Pink announces she’s “insanely proud” of her upcoming album, Beautiful Trauma (release date October 13th), and shares the first single from the collection, pop anthem “What About Us.”

I could not be more excited right now. My single comes out today “What About Us” and my new album “Beautiful Trauma” comes out October 13th. I’m certifiably, insanely proud of this album. It’s been a while, and I’m grateful for all the years we’ve had. Looking forward to the next chapter with you.

This is the first new music from Pink in 5 years, and folks are ready. The new song is just what you want from Pink: mainstream power pop with empowering lyrics.

And there are some not-so-vague references to our new Cheeto In Chief. Check some of these lyrics:

And you sold us down the river too far

What about us – What about all the times you said you had the answers?

What about us – What about all the plans that ended in disaster?

What about love? / What about trust?

We were willing / We came when you called / But man, you fooled us / Enough is enough!

Check the lyric video of “What About Us” below:

Posted on

Out Music: Superfruit “Worth It (Perfect)”

Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying – Superfruit

More colorful, pop-y goodness from Superfruit, the side gig for out Pentatonix members, Mitch Grassi and Scott Hoying.

Following the release of “Imaginary Parties” and “Bad 4 Us,” the duo drops a third music video – “Worth It (Perfect)” – from their new EP, Future Friends (Part One).

The new single is a bright, synth-pop confection that matches the fun, feel-good video featuring teen dancers Kaycee Rice and Sage Rosen, who flip the switch on binary roles, dancing in gender-nonconforming costumes.

Grassi and Hoying, founding and current gay members of the 3-time Grammy Award-winning a cappella quintet Pentatonix, describe Superfruit’s musical approach as, “a little more gay-friendly and a lot more open, more sexual, more liberated.”

Watch the fun video below.

Sage Rosen and Kaycee Rice
Posted on

New Music: Steps “Neon Blue”

So, this is kind of a #ThrowBackThursday post if you happen to love 90s dance/pop music.

The UK music group Steps formed in 1997, and over 4 years had two #1 singles, two #1 albums and 14 consecutive top 5 singles in the UK and a string of hits throughout Europe. To date, the group has sold over 20 million records worldwide

The name of the group came from a marketing idea that each single would feature a choreographed music video with the steps printed inside the single.

Nostalgia seems to run in 20 year cycles, so it would seem like the right time for Steps to release a new album, Tears on the Dancefloor, and hit the road for a 22 city tour. And that’s exactly what they’ve done.

Check out the perfectly 90s pop tune, “Neon Blue,” below.

Posted on

Music Video: Urban Cone “Old School”

Happy Hump Day! Bounce to this beat:

Swedish electro-pop band Urban Cone drops the music video for their latest single, “Old School,” which shares a message of diversity and inclusion.

Via press release: With over 13.3M plays on Spotify, “Old School” is a youthful anthem that makes listeners nostalgic for the time when they were less connected technologically and more connected emotionally.

Posted on

Out Music: Matt Zarley Talks On His New Album, “The Estrogen Sessions”

Award-winning out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley talks about his new album, The Estrogen Sessions, featuring his covers of his favorite music divas.

A Broadway veteran (A Chorus Line, Tommy, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat), Billboard charting recording artist AND People Magazine‘s first out “Hottest Bachelor,” Zarley recorded this collection of songs as a tribute to the divas who have influenced his recording career.

The hunky singer was honored with “Best Album” and “Best Single” accolades for his album, Change Begins With Me, at the 2012 OutMusic Awards.

I often hear folks in the LGBT community say, “Why aren’t there more out pop music artists? More really good out pop music artists?”

Well, here he is. Terrific voice, great acoustic arrangements of songs you know and love. What’s not to like?

If you like pure, mainstream pop music, hit the play button below.

Listen in as Matt shares his covers of hits by Whitney Houston, Sara Bareilles, Celine Dion, Dolly Parton, Pink and more.

If you want to skip right to the music, the first song, “Gravity,” starts around the 12:30 mark.

For more info about Matt, check out his official website at mattzarley.com.

Posted on

Matt Zarley Honors Pop Divas With “The Estrogen Sessions”

Matt Zarley – The Estrogen Sessions

Just in time for International Women’s Day, award-winning out singer/songwriter Matt Zarley releases his latest album, The Estrogen Sessions, in honor of the female pop divas most influential in his career.

The project, his first as producer, was born out of his web series, UnCOVERED, which features Matt reimagining popular songs, as well as filming a music video of each tune. Like many, Matt noticed he was not only drawn to, but relished, singing the hits of our female musical royalty.

“When it came to selecting the songs, it wasn’t easy,” admits Zarley. “I began choosing songs that had an impact on my life at some point, and artists that have either influenced or inspired me over the years.”

Stripped down and primarily acoustic, Zarley’s production work showcases the strength of the songwriting and his own effortless vocals.  “As I began to arrange these tunes, I made a conscience decision to strip the songs down and reinterpret them with all live music, nothing programmed – real piano, organ, guitar, drums, bass and strings,” says Zarley.

The collection includes two duets: Tony Award winner Billy Porter (Kinky Boots) partners on the Des’ree hit,  “You Gotta Be;” and YouTube sensation Jeb Havens joins Zarley for Pink’s “F**kin’ Perfect.”

“Billy and I have wanted to record together for years and we wanted to do a song with a powerful message, a message that felt relevant, and we did not want to do a ballad,” explains Zarley. “This was the perfect fit and it’s definitely one of my favorite songs on the album because I feel the 28 years of friendship between Billy and me in this song. I’m so thrilled that we have this moment forever.”

The entire album is imminently listenable. The emotional landscape is soulful and wide, with each track showcasing Zarley’s rich, fluid voice. He shifts from plaintive, affecting intimacy to expansive vocal brawn with equal ease.

Highlights include the Porter partnership, “You Gotta Be,” wherein the duo hold court firmly at the intersection of sass and soul; “I Look To You,” originally the lead single from Whitney Houston’s final album, finds it’s destiny in Zarley’s powerfully inspiring rendition; and the spare but expressive “Gravity” is it’s own quiet force of nature.  Additionally, I love the harmonies throughout – check out “The Heart of the Matter” for an example of expert sonic backup.

Now, about that title. As offbeat as it may sound to some, according to Zarley, it just felt right. “At the very least, I think it will spark some curiosity and it’s 100% my sense of humor – as is the album’s cover art,” admits Matt. (Check the shadow behind Zarley in the cover photo.)

Track list for The Estrogen Sessions:

1. “I Will Always Love You” (Dolly Parton)
2. “That’s the Way It Is” (Celine Dion)
3. “Gravity” (Sara Bareilles)
4. “You Gotta Be” with Billy Porter (Des’Ree)
5. “He Used to Be Mine” (Sara Bareilles)
6. “Together Again” (Janet Jackson)
7. “Take A Bow” (Rihanna)
8. “Always On Your Side” (Sheryl Crow)
9. “F**kin’ Perfect” with Jeb Havens (Pink)
10. “I Just Had to Hear Your Voice” (Oleta Adams)
11. “Angel of Mine” (Monica)
12. “The Heart of the Matter” (India.Arie)
13. “I Look to You” (Whitney Houston)

Matt Zarley’s The Estrogen Sessions is available on iTunes and other digital outlets.

For more information, visit MattZarley.com.

Listen to Zarley’s take on “Gravity” and “You Gotta Be” below:

Posted on

New Music: Brooke Candy Feat. Sia “Living Out Loud”

Just in time for the weekend!

Rapper/singer Brooke Candy releases “Living Out Loud” ft. 8X Grammy nominee Sia today at all digital providers.

The track was produced by Jesse Shatkin (Sia’s “Chandelier,” Kelly Clarkson) and written by Geoffrey Early (Ziggy Marley, Beyoncé, David Guetta), Priscilla “Priscilla Renea” Hamilton (Rihanna, Fifth Harmony), Sia and Greg Kurstin (Adele, P!nk, Beck).

Speaking to Noisey last March, Candy shared, “The new record we’ve been working on together has a strong message, but the sound is more polished. I’ve been describing it as thoughtful pop, like Luscious Jackson meets Smashing Pumpkins meets Madonna. The melodies are clean and bubbly, but the message is real. I want to make music that makes people feel some sort of bliss. That makes people want to spread some sort of love and light onto this planet because I think we’re in a sort of dark age and the planet really needs it.”

Both artists have been open about their past troubles with substance abuse, and they put the issue front and center with “Living Out Loud:”

Twenty-four hours it’s a day at a time
Twenty-three lived a hell of a life
Twenty-two such a blur, it’s passing me by
Twenty-one I caught a glimpse of the light
Twenty drinks later in the back of a ride
Nineteen momma kicked me outta the house
Eighteen minutes ’till you bail me out
Seventeen magazine was telling the truth
When they said we all have issues

Just thinking out loud
Screaming so loud
Foolish and proud
Living out loud
Living out loud
Out loud

The track is imminently listenable: uber-melodic, strong hook, big house-pop beats and, of course, Sia’s iconic power vocals .

“Living Out Loud” is the first official single from Brooke’s upcoming debut album Daddy Issues which is set for release spring 2017.