Los Angeles Miami New York Pittsburgh

MUSIC: The 54th Annual Grammy Awards – Performances to Remember

02/16/2012

On Sunday February 12, 2012, “Music’s Biggest Night” was back with the 54th Annual Grammy Awards . For the music industry, this night is comparable to the Super Bowl, and needless to say, music lovers all across the globe tuned in to see all their favorites perform and take home the coveted little gold gramophone statues that have made an iconic impact on recording history.

Artists like Adele, The Civil Wars, Bon Iver, Foo Fighters, Skrillex, Tony Bennett, and Taylor Swift all took home the beloved statues – aka the highest honor one can receive in music – some even sweeping every category they were nominated in. Adele won six Grammys, proving beyond a doubt, that she is here to make her presence and talent known in music. Full list of winners here: http://www.grammy.com/nominees

While The Grammys are always fun to watch to see who takes home the most awards, people also watch for the performances, to see just who takes the stage. Below, you will find links to all my favorite performances, including a beautiful tribute to the late Grammy winner, Whitney Houston, by Jennifer Hudson. Thanks to Daily Motion, The Hollywood Gossip, and Grammy.com for the footage! There are also pictures from the show and the pre-show. Enjoy!

Bruno Mars

Jason Aldean and Kelly Clarkson

The Foo Fighters

Adele

Jennifer Hudson

The Civil Wars (not aired on television)

~ By Dominic Janidas

Filed Under: Blog, CELEBRITY / Entertainment, Music

MUSIC – An Empire Is Born – Of An Empire’s CD Release Party

02/02/2012

By now, it should come as no surprise that I am a huge advocate of the Pittsburgh music scene; everything from hip hop and pop, to straight up rock. The music and talent this city has is not only dynamic, but is also progressive and truly something the rest of the world is starting to notice. Surely, Pittsburgh has produced greats like killer vocalist Christina Aguilera and hip hop icon Wiz Khalifa, but now, it’s time for rock bands to take the reigns. Bands in Pittsburgh are really starting to show the world just what they can do.

Of An Empire (www.ofanempire.com) is one of those Pittsburgh bands that give people a reason to recognize our city as a music town.

Last weekend, Of An Empire had their CD release party for their album, OAE, at Club Café. Though the record itself – available on their site and on iTunes – had a soft launch in 2011, the band’s official release was certainly something to talk about. Ever since I have heard of the band, they have had a buzz surrounding them; it was hard for me to not hear a conversation that didn’t include lead vocalist and guitarist Camden Leeds’ and drummer Matt Gray’s names. They have been huge staples in the business.

Entering Club Café was a bit tricky. The venue was absolutely packed, and naturally, I needed to make my way to the bar for a beverage. That was not an easy task, since the bodies seemed to be sandwiched together. This was a great sign for the band, in that you could tell right off the bat that they had an amazing amount of support. The opening band, Round Black Ghost, had a ton of people present for their performance as well. The energy level the audience was giving the performers was another great sign for what the night would entail.

Of An Empire’s CD is right up my alley in terms of listening, and is quickly becoming a Maniac favorite. It is a rock album that you can listen all the way through, with powerful vocals, great guitar runs, and driving drumbeats that really hook the listener. The CD opens with a more mellow rock edge on “Days In Between” that is reminiscent of cruising down the highway with the windows down on a summer night. Perfect. Their music makes you feel, and at the end of the day, that’s all anyone wants; to feel something that moves them. They certainly have accomplished that with this record.

OAE opened the show with the above song, which happens to be my personal favorite. When watching the crowd’s reaction, I knew it was the perfect way to suck everyone into their world. The set included emotional highs and lows, as they took the audience on a rollercoaster of anticipation and passion. They succeed on all accounts. Bravo, gentlemen.

The band is made of up Camden Leeds (lead vocals and guitar), Clark Johnson (lead guitar and vocals), Matt Gray (drums and vocals), and Sam Grumet (bass guitar), and they are some of the most down to earth guys you will meet. It certainly makes wanting to support them and their music all the more enjoyable. The CD is great and the show was amazing. With high energy both on stage and in the studio, Of An Empire is a band that is certainly taking Pittsburgh by storm, and here at Maniac, we can’t wait to see what they do next!

For more information about Of An Empire and their album OAE, but sure to check out www.ofanempire.com or visit them on Facebook. Don’t forget to get your copy of OAE today!

By: Dominic Janidas
Photography: Jamie Farris

Filed Under: Blog, CELEBRITY / Entertainment, Music

MUSIC: Nashville’s Breakout Star – Canaan Smith

01/26/2012
Canaan Smith

Photography by Dana Tynan

All eyes are on Nashville’s hottest new star, Canaan Smith, as he dominates not only the airwaves – both television and radio – but also the hearts of everyone…everywhere.

You might recognize him from the CBS’ hit TV show The Amazing Race, but, trust me, this is not just some TV-star-turned-singer. Canaan has chops where it counts the most…on stage with a mic and in front of thousands.

I was able to score an interview with Canaan Smith to discuss the whirlwind of success he has seen thus far, in addition to his incredible single, “We Got Us,” which is available on iTunes now.

For those of you who aren’t familiar with Canaan: 1) I forgive you, 2) he will soon be a household name, and 3) he is probably one of the most charming people you will ever meet. In fact, he is so down-to-Earth and friendly that I forgot I was even interviewing him.

In the past, Canaan has described his sound and style saying, “My music makes you feel like you want to drive along the coast with your windows down on a sunny day and smile and groove. It makes you want to move and dance. It just feels good. I like to think of my music as being an escape for people to go where they want to go. If it’s a cloudy day and they want to be somewhere else, they can put my music on.”

Canaan Smith

Photography by Dana Tynan

While I wholeheartedly agree with the country singer, I like to describe it a bit more simply: vocal butter melting over the listener.

Canaan’s take on his career is a humble and interesting one, “It’s been a great journey. I started playing music when I was a kid. I was lucky enough to have parents who provided that outlet for me. They bought us a room full of instruments when we were kids. I was one of six kids, so it was a lot of instruments. I just fell in love with the art of creating music, and putting words to it.”

About seven years ago, Smith moved to Nashville – aka The Music City – to, “learn from the best,” in order to progress his music career. “These songs that come from this city are, in my opinion, the greatest songs and I wanted to be where that was happening…I tried to figure out who I was as an artist, amidst all these amazing people.”

His debut single, “We Got Us,” dropped earlier this month to great success. Canaan lit up even more when talking about it, “I’m stoked about it, man! Radio has been very receptive so far; we already have commitments to add the record. We even got to hear it spun in Pittsburgh at Froggy [FM Radio 94.9], which was great!”

Clearly, after the ride he’s been on with his own music career and also having written an amazing debut, top 10 hit single for Love and Theft – “Runaway” – and even opening for Sugarland, Canaan is now one of the amazing people he spoke about.

Here at Maniac, we can’t wait to see what’s next for the star. We are already hooked on Canaan, and are highly anticipating his album, which should be out later this year. For all things Canaan, be sure to check out his site – www.canaansmith.com – which includes all the latest news and tour info. Don’t forget to get your copy of “We Got Us” on iTunes now!

~~By Dominic Janidas

Filed Under: Blog, CELEBRITY / Entertainment, Music

MUSIC: Spin Cycle – Vinyl Records Make a Big Comeback

01/19/2012

About four years ago when I was working in New York City, I started to notice more and more music shops carrying vinyl records; not just oldies-but-goodies like Frank Sinatra and Billy Joel, but current titles and releases. The Village’s Bleecker Street Records  became my home away from home. It was surprising to me to see that records like Madonna’s “Hard Candy,” Nelly Furtado’s “Loose,” and The Killers’ “Hot Fuss,” were available on vinyl. My curiosity was sparked, and an obsession ensued.

I don’t know many people who haven’t gone into their parents’ or grandparents’ basement and come across musty smelling 33’s or 45’s and a non-functioning alien-looking record player. We have all been there. But it’s the newer releases that have found their way onto the nostalgic format that are truly starting to resonate with people of my generation.

At first, I began to think that vinyl was a record label’s desperate attempt at a fun marketing strategy. While that was probably true at the time (and still is the case in some instances), I started to see more modern record players in stores. A marketer’s dream, I naturally started scouting Manhattan for all of my favorite CD’s on vinyl. It became a game to me, and a fun way to decorate my apartment, since I had no means to play them.

Numark

It wasn’t until Christmas of 2009 when I received a vinyl record player that blew my mind, The Numark. It contained everything a modern music enthusiast/pseudo-hipster could dream of. Not only did it give you the ability to spin your favorite vinyl, but also it had an built in iPod dock and PC/Mac connector, allowing you to play your digital music and rip your older vinyl gems onto your computer. Amazing.

Cut to 2011, and I’m still collecting. Old vinyl. New vinyl. Whatever I can get my hands on. My apartment is still decked out in vinyl covers (which, for the inner hipster in all of us, make great conversation pieces). My roommate and I don’t actually have a TV, just the record player. It’s actually made for some really fun parties (don’t tell our landlord).

The sound quality varies obviously from the quality of the recording, the quality of the vinyl, and of course the type of player you have. Many people say that vinyl has a “warmer” and “more bodied” sound, making a comparison of a nice glass or merlot to wine in a box. Honestly, there is a difference in sound, with charming “pops” and “crackles” on vinyl which enhance the nostalgic feel, but it’s something that I tell people to listen for themselves and make a decision on their own. I can certainly say that you won’t be disappointed.

Finally, one of the most impressive details about buying records on vinyl is what is offered in the packaging. Not only do you get some pretty cool covers in a much larger format, but also, depending on promotions and such, you could get a poster inside, some extra pictures that weren’t included in the CD, and even a free digital version of the record. For all of this it could be anywhere between $18 and $30. To me, not too shabby.

It’s really infectious; once you start collecting and listening, you really can’t stop. It takes your music experience to a whole other level. There are some nights when I put on Adele’s “21,” pour myself some Engine House merlot, and just lay on the couch and listen. Nothing else matters.


So don’t be afraid to venture out of the iTunes store and visit local music shops like Dave’s Music Mine (http://davesmusicmine.com/) in the South Side or any of The Exchanges. They carry all the same favorite music titles and offer a really nice selection of vinyl as well.

And don’t be shy! Tell us some of your favorite records! Some of mine include to following:

  • Band of Horses – Infinite Arms
  • Adele – 21
  • Mumford & Sons – Sigh No More
  • Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
  • The Killers – Hot Fuss

Oh, and if anyone knows where I can find Nelly Furtado’s “Folklore” on vinyl, please let me know. I’ve been looking for years and can’t find it anywhere! I will buy you a year’s subscription to Maniac Magazine for your efforts!

~~ By Dominic Janidas

Filed Under: Articles, Blog, Music

MUSIC: Q&A with Music’s Rock Vixen, Danielle Barbe

01/12/2012

I had the extreme pleasure of working with Danielle Barbe almost three years ago when I booked her for a charity event I was helping to put together for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Glitzburgh (www.glitzburgh.com). She played an unbelievable set, like the professional she is, and her band was out of this world.

Admittedly, when I first heard about her, I only really knew that she was a Pittsburgh musician who had broken out of the Steel City, and begun to make waves throughout the country. Boy, was that an understatement. Danielle Barbe has not only slaughtered the charts, but has also had major national recognition for some of her songs. Her song “Ghost Town” was featured on CBS’s The Ghost Whisperer, and “Wango Tango” made it to the silver screen in the movie Vampires Suck.

A sweetheart to the max, Danielle was kind enough to chat with me about her career, and how she has progressed over the past three years. I honestly have not stopped hearing her name. She’s always getting into something fascinating, or winning Battle of the Bands like the Ernie Ball or playing major gigs like SXSW, Sundance, and even Warped Tour!

What I also love about Danielle is her style. A chic rocker vixen, with smoldering eyes, a killer style, and an overall sweet but I’ll-kick-your-ass attitude, it makes it hard to take your eyes off of her. She commands a crowd and owns the stage (or runway for that matter). If you haven’t heard of Danielle Barbe, get ready. You’re in for a wild ride.

For more information about this hot little Maniac, be sure to check her out at any of the below links. Danielle also gave us a link to a free download of “Wango Tango” !!!

http://www.daniellebarbe.com

http://www.itunes.com/daniellebarbe

http://www.facebook.com/danibarbe

http://soundcloud.com/daniellebarbe/05-wango-tango-1

Maniac Magazine: Ever since I first heard of you when you played a charity event I helped put together, Glitzburgh, I have never stopped hearing your name. You are certainly a staple in Pittsburgh’s music industry and are obviously making a name for yourself nationally. What is that like? How does the success make you feel?

Danielle Barbe: I love that my music is reaching new ears everyday, and I love to become close with the new fans. I’m such a dreamer, though! I’m constantly aiming to do more and always ready to work harder. I’m always working on that next step.

MM:  Tell me about the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands and Warped Tour. Those are huge deals! What was it like to play them?

DB: I got to play Warped Tour in Pittsburgh this past summer. I had always admired that tour and a lot of the artists on it, so it was incredible to be a part of it for a day. I wanted to sneak onto someone’s tour bus and stay on for a few more shows! After that show in Pittsburgh, I somewhat forgot about the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands, until I received a phone call several months later. I had no clue who it was at first… I thought I won a Carnival Cruise. I felt lucky to be a finalist, and the other bands were so talented and kind. I was in good company on that stage at The Key Club in LA for the finals, and it’s still very surreal and exciting to me that I won! I can’t wait to be on the Warped Tour this summer. Bring on the bad sunburn!

MM: A new EP? Talk to me about that? Who are you working with? When can we expect some new jams? Since I won the Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands, I’ll be making an EP with producer Matt Squire (Panic at the Disco/Taking Back Sunday/The Used). It’s going to be interesting to see what direction my music ends up heading in next. There will definitely be some new tunes released in 2012! It’s gonna feel great to get back in the studio soon.

MM: You had mentioned the Buzz Poets (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Buzz-Poets/155802717483) as past Ernie Ball winners, are there any Pittsburgh-based bands you would love to collabo with?

DB: I’m into a lot of Pittsburgh bands, including These Lions (http://www.facebook.com/TheseLions) (it’s true!), Caleb Lovely (http://www.facebook.com/CalebLovelyMusic), and my friends The Delaneys (http://www.facebook.com/thedelaneys), to just name a few. I really admire everyone’s songs and their hard work. They make me proud to be a Pittsburgh artist too.

**Side note: I did not make her say These Lions haha**

MM: Talk to me about the success of your single, “Ghost Town.” I legitimately had that on repeat for what seemed like months. Love that song.

DB: Well, I had moved out to LA indefinitely to write and record my solo album. During a writing session, I really wanted a Primanti’s of all things! I found myself reminiscing a lot about my hometown, Pittsburgh. “Ghost Town”, a song about the ‘Burgh, was what came about.  I never would have guessed it would end up being the first single off my album, and be featured on a hit CBS TV show (“The Ghost Whisperer”) and on MTV!

MM: It seems that anything you put out gets some major attention. Discuss “Wango Tango” and its success with the silver screen….how exciting??

DB: Growing up, I loved “Scary Movie” and was thrilled when I was contacted about using “Wango Tango” for the film “Vampires Suck” (which was written and directed by the creator of Scary Movie). It was really wild to go to the movies with my family and friends, and to hear “Wango Tango” in the film after a Marilyn Manson song. The movie ended up being #2 at the box office, so to be on the soundtrack of a hit movie was a huge career move for me.

MM: Loving that you played SXSW and Sundance. What was that experience like?

DB: They were both incredibly different festivals, at very different stages of my career, and each experience was so unique. For my first experience with touring, we played Sundance, so that trip was very dear to me. I knew after those days long days on the road, with a bunch of smelly guys and bad roadside food, that I was definitely cut out for this. I played at SXSW after the release of my solo album and I loved the atmosphere. At every single bar or venue, there was great music. I felt so creative and inspired by the energy of the artists during that trip. I really felt like a part of the community. I hope to play these festivals again in the future!

MM: You are a rocker chick through and through and your style reflects that. You also have a sweeter/softer side too. How does that translate into your style, not only with fashion, but in your songs.

DB: I think, ultimately, it stops people from boxing me into one style musically and fashion-wise. It’s fun to surprise people. I played Warped Tour in a long white dress, and then played my next show in leather pants and a ripped up t-shirt. My music is very much the same way, it can be sweet or tough, or both. I think there’s a little something on my album for everyone.

MM: You’re a talented songwriter as well. What is your process for writing such powerful songs?

DB: I’ve been lucky enough to work with some impressive songwriters throughout the past few years. They’ve constantly pushed me creatively and forced me to open up lyrically. Normally I’ll have a melody or lyric that sticks out to me, or sometimes a song title, and things just build from there.

MM: Advice for up and coming bands looking to follow in your footsteps?

DB: Utilize everything the internet has to offer for indie bands right now. Use social media to your advantage, talk to your fans, whether you have 2 of them or 20,000 of them, and take chances. Enter contests you think you don’t have a shot at winning! Ya never know. See how other bands are marketing themselves and give it your own spin. Most importantly, always BE KIND and always be humble. We all have to help each other out!

MM: What’s your most Maniac moment? Meaning- what’s the craziest thing that has happened to you? (Example: craziest tour experience, crazy stalker fans?

DB: Oh man… I’ve had a lot of crazy experiences on the road. Someone got my face tattooed on their back. That felt a little weird for me. I must say that I was very honored though. Also, I had a fan who feared for my safety constantly. I would get Myspace messages daily, asking if I made it to the venue or if I got my grocery shopping done without being attacked. Thanks to them, I became very aware of my surroundings at all times. Also, people selling my personal items and candid photos of me on eBay! I wonder if anyone actually bids on those… I embrace the weirdness. We’re all Maniacs here.

MM: What’s next for Danielle Barbe?

DB: I’ll be recording and releasing some new music, touring this spring, and playing Warped Tour this summer!

Thanks for a great interview, Danielle! From all of us here at Maniac, best of luck and we wish you all the success in the world. You’re making Pittsburgh proud!

By: Dominic Janidas
Photos by: Gabrielle Revere

Filed Under: Articles, Blog, Feature, Music

MUSIC: Hot Concerts That Heat Up The ‘Burgh This December

12/16/2011

As the days get colder and colder, and that jerk Jack Frost begins to nip at your nose, people aren’t always thrilled to venture outside. Normally, I would say it is totally fine that you are nestled into your couch with a cocktail and a Maniac Magazine for the winter nights, but this December the city is about to heat up.

There are some pretty hot shows for you to take friends and loved ones to in the upcoming weeks. Now, it comes as no surprise that most venues are looking for some killer acts to roll through, especially during the holidays. Most people are traveling, and concert-going picks up again in the new year. But, venues like Stage AE and Altar Bar keep things fresh and entertaining even through the holiday season/chaos.

If you have been following some of my music features either within the pages of Maniac or here on the blog, you have noticed that I am a big fan of Stage AE. Not only do they have some of the most amazing shows, but the venue itself is a work of art and just a lot of fun to visit (and drink at). That being said, Lord knows I praise Altar Bar’s shows as well (the last one I attended was Manchester Orchestra). Both of these venues are always very popular and certainly don’t disappoint this December. Hope to see yinz out and about at these shows! Don’t forget to post some comments if you make your way to any of these concerts, and let us know what you thought!

The following are some cool shows to check out, without breaking the bank.

Stage AE:

  • December 15: Holiday Q Call featuring Sara Bareillers, Parachute, The Cab, and Mat Kearney
  • December 16: Bret Michaels – WDVE First Annual Food Drive Holiday Super Party Extravaganza

 Altar Bar:

  •  December 10 and 11: Beirut
  • December 16: The Composure, Christmas Show
  • December 17: Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers, Christmas Show
  • December 30: Good Old War, Levi Lowrey, and Gypsy and His Band of Ghosts
  • December 29: Punchline, “The. Greatest. Party. Ever.” Annual Holiday Show

~~ By Dominic Janidas

Filed Under: Blog, CELEBRITY / Entertainment, Music

MUSIC: HOT! NEW! Maniac Must-Haves

12/08/2011

Our readers are always at the forefront of all of the latest and greatest that life has to offer. From fashion, trends, and technology to food, drinks, and music, our little Maniacs know what’s hot and what’s not. So, in the spirit of keeping everyone bumpin’ and grindin’ in their day-to-day adventures, I felt it was only fair to post some links to some of the hottest new music that has been released recently. Enjoy!

As you can see, we have a little bit of everything for all tastes in music. Some of my favorites from the list are The Killers, Bon Iver, and Michael Jackson. I mean come on, who doesn’t love the King of Pop?

 

Let us know what you think! Don’t be afraid to email me – dominic@maniacmagazine.com – to let me know what your favorites are, or if we should be on the lookout for a new breakout musician or band. Here at Maniac, we always want to hear from you!

~~ By Dominic Janidas

Filed Under: Articles, Blog, Feature, Music Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,

MUSIC: Drinkify – Music’s Best Friend (in AA)

11/29/2011

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about Spotify (www.spotify.com), which is an insanely amazing music companion that lets you play limitless amounts of music, all FOR FREE! Well, now it’s time for another fun music companion with “ify” added to the end of its name. Enter, Drinkify.

Drinkify (www.drinkify.org) is pretty amazing in and of itself. It is a music companion that allows you to type in the artist or band you’re listening to, and the site will give you the best alcoholic beverage to pair your music with. For example, I’m unhealthily obsessed with Nelly Furtado. I think she is outstanding, and has had a really eclectic career. So, when wanting to get my drink on while enjoying Nelly Furtado’s music, I simply go to drinkify.org, type in her name, and her alcoholic beverage recipe pops up with pictures and samples of her music. It’s pretty awesome. Disclaimer: Nelly’s recipe might knock you on your butt if you’re not careful.

The Nelly Furtado (direct from Drinkify):

10 oz. Vodka.
Serve on rocks.
Stir vigorously.
Garnish with fire.

If you know anything about Nelly Furtado, you know she is about as hot as they come, so this beverage is PERFECT for listening to her catalogue (just don’t burn your house down please).

Of course, that one was more of an amusing example. Drinkify has funny pairings that I wouldn’t suggest drinking, but also there are some really great recipes that you can find on this site. Have fun with it. It’s great for setting up dinner parties and cocktail hours, or just having some fun. A friend of mine is a culinary consultant/chef, and when I told Renee about it, she was pretty excited. She is always throwing amazing dinner parties, and what better way to enhance the experience of great friends, great food, and great music, with some great drinks that compliment everything so nicely!

Drinkify is able to pull from sites like The Echo Nest and Last.fm  to bring genres, pictures, and music samples to you instantly, while giving you ideas for great drinks. This better allows you to find the right recipe for the right mood. It’s amazing just what you will find on Drinkify. Rachel, a friend of mine and fellow writer and PR enthusiast/extraordinaire, actually turned me on to this site when she showed me that the band I manage, These Lions, was actually listed on Drinkify. So cool!

Definitely make a point to check this site out, especially when planning your next party, or just looking to have a good laugh. You just might be surprised at what Drinkify comes up with for you and your guests!

Please drink responsibly.

~~ By Dominic Janidas

Filed Under: Blog, Music

FASHION: Gwen Stefani Launches Harajuku Mini at Target

11/22/2011

Last week, style icon Gwen Stefani launched a limited-run collection for Target. Called Harajuku Mini, it is inspired by Stefani’s other clothing lines and by her own personal sense of style.

Many fashionistas were disappointed to learn that the collection is only for kids – but, the children that get to don these duds are truly lucky!

The stylish Harajuku Mini collection is an offshoot of the line she did with Target last year called Harajuku Lovers. All of Ms. Stefani’s Harajuku work is inspired by the bold prints and patterns of the Harajuku District of Japan, which is one of the most revered and avant garde fashion capitals of the world. It boasts an electic mix of fashion-forward styles ranging from gothic to Lolita, visual kei, decora, Asian and tribal influences, and more.

The Harajuku Mini collection for Target features clothing for boys and girls, and includes animal-inspired hoodies, tutus, and plaid pants,  plus prints and graphics galore.

There is clothing for little kids up to the “tween” age. Gwen Stefani was quoted as saying, “Ultimately, with the tween line, I wanted them to feel cool and that they’re expressing themselves through their clothes — that’s what I always did. It’s a sensitive age. I was still really into Hello Kitty, but in a different way. I wanted to wear it with like, zippered skirts, but your parents still want you to be a little girl.”

About the collection as a whole, she also went on to say,  “When I get dressed in the morning, it’s a reflection of how I’m feeling that day, so when I first went to Japan and saw the Harajuku, I felt like, ‘How perfect — a catwalk for kids to go, ‘I want to be real and unique and express myself.’’ That’s the DNA of the line. It’s my style mixed with the way the Japanese dress their kids — a lot of clashing and mixing and things that you wouldn’t think go together. I wanted the Harajuku Mini collection to reflect that kookiness. I also got to put some of my signature styles through the years in: punker pants, plaid skirts, zippers. Target wanted all of it. This is really cute and really wearable. It’s so fun. I wanted it to look like all of my signature looks that I’ve done through the years, kind of for children. I wanted to bring fashion to kids.”

Stefani says that own two quite stylish boys helped her design the collection. “My kids have a big opinion about it,” she said.

Check out some of the best looks from the Harajuku Mini line as well as of Gwen at the launch for Target.

~~ By: Ashley Boynes-Shuck

Filed Under: Blog, CELEBRITY / Entertainment, Fashion, Los Angeles, Miami, Music, New York, Pittsburgh Tagged With: ,

MUSIC – Concert Review: Manchester Orchestra

11/18/2011

I’ve been to a lot of concerts in my day. I’ve even been to the Grammys in 2005 and have seen an eclectic mix of bands and solo acts hit the stage. I’ve seen people pass out on stage, and I’ve seen bands literally bleed for the fans while they play the sets of their lifetime. After last Wednesday, November 9th, I can add Manchester Orchestra to the list of disgustingly passionate performances I’ve witnessed in my 24 years. The sold out show, presented by PacSun for the PacTour 2011, was completely impressive, to say the least. Everything from the opening acts White Denim and The Deer Hunter to Manchester Orchestra as the main event blew me, and the rest of the audience, away.

First and foremost, I’ve never seen Altar Bar as crowded and jam-packed as it was that night. It took my friend Dave and I about 20 minutes to trudge our way through the crowd just to get a drink and get situated. Even then, the mass of people blocked the stage, making it difficult to see. If you know Dave, you know he is as spirited as they come. It didn’t take long for him to lose interest in not being front row. That, coupled with press credentials, made for an amazing concert experience, right in the mix of it all.

Manchester Orchestra hit the road this year to promote their latest release, Simple Math, which dropped in May. Playing songs from each of their records since 2006, the Atlanta-based rock band blew the roof off of Altar. At one point, lead singer Andy Hull stopped to continuously thanks everyone and make mention of how kick ass it was that they were playing a sold out show for fans who were singing the lyrics to every single song. When the crowd of die-hard fans starting chanting his name, Andy made a point to talk about how it’s not just him up on stage; it’s a band…a family.

Manchester played all of my favorites, including “April Fool,” “Pride,” “I’ve Got Friends,” “Shake It Out,” “Virgin,” and “Everything To Nothing.” The set itself was non-stop, full on rockin’ out at light speed. The crowd moved as one, as the beat of each song drove onward toward an encore that figuratively kicked everyone in the chest (the sign of a sick rock concert). Below is the setlist from the show. If you have the opportunity to see these guys live, do it. DO IT!

SETLIST:

  1. April Fool
  2. Pride
  3. 100 Dollars
  4. My Friend Marcus
  5. Pale Black Eye
  6. Pensacola
  7. I’ve Got Friends
  8. Shake It Out
  9. Deer
  10. Please Move (Bad Books cover)
  11. I Can Barely Breathe
  12. Simple Math
  13. Virgin

ENCORE:

  1. The Only One
  2. Everything To Nothing
  3. The River

Overall, not only was the show a huge success and a lot of fun, but also, it was an experience. PacSun and the PacTour 2011 have been nailing it and will continue to do so on the remaining dates. They have made that evident. As for Altar Bar and Manchester Orchestra…unbelievable and impressive show. The band will continue to see massive success for some time to come, that’s for damn sure.

~By Dominic Janidas
~Photography By Matthew Shuck

Filed Under: Blog, Music, Pittsburgh
« Older Posts