Today's Spotlight of the Day features a former American Idol runner-up of the third installment of the reality TV show, American Idol. Of course, everyone is aware of the American Idol veteran and Queen herself, Kelly Clarkson, first winner of the American Idol series (USA edition). A year later, Ruben Studdard beat out talented Clay Aiken in the ever popular talent show (but really, who did well in the end??). By the third year, Fantasia Barrino beat all odds, mentally and physically, to win the coveted title, leaving 16-year-old Diana DeGarmo in a trial of her dust.
But don't think DeGarmo hasn't made something of herself! She was widely known to her avid fans as a young girl with a power-house voice and impeccable stage precense. In the weeks that followed on the show, DeGarmo sang hits such as "I Got the Music In Me," "Think," "I'm Still Standin'," "My Heart Will Go On," "Turn the Beat Around" and more! DeGarmo received exceptional praise for her beautiful rendition of "Don't Cry Out Loud," which is also featured on her first album.
After American Idol, DeGarmo, now 20, went on to record her debut album, Blue Skies, with semi-likable hits such as "Dreams," "Emotions" and "Don't Cry Out Loud." One of my favorite songs by her is "I Believe," which some people think only Fantasia can pull off. I happen to strongly disagree. This song is without a doubt, one of, if not THE hardest finale song to sing, but DeGarmo performs it in a such a dramatic, yet brilliant way that hardly compares to Fantasia's "yea, yea yea" squabbling. If you ask me, Diana has the better voice. Of course, that's just my opinion. When it comes down to it, both got a record label. After her December 7, 2004 release, the record came in at #52 on the Billboard Chart. As of July 2007, the album sold an additional 35,000 copies coming out to an estimated total of 200,000 copies sold. Not bad for a first timer in this difficult industry! DeGarmo even received the Horizon Award at the Georgia Music Hall of Fame Awards ceremony in 2005.
Right after Idol, DeGarmo was dealt an issue nobody wishes to endure. A young woman in Australia stole her credit card number by installing programs on to DeGarmo's computer and tracking her personal emails to and from DeGarmo's mother to Diana. She furthermore went on to purchase thousands of dollars worth of computer supplies. The perpetrator was finally caught and sentenced to community service in May (year unknown). DeGarmo has discussed this incident on several occasions while on talk shows.
Currently, DeGarmo is in the works on her second album, due out sometime this year (2007). The upcoming album is speculated to be along the lines of R&B/Pop with DeGarmo cowriting many of the songs herself. In 2006 and early 2007, DeGarmo stared on Broadway as Penny Pingleton in the musical Hairspray. Among other public appearances and performances, she nabbed a role in the national tour of BKLYN: THE MUSICAL in the summer of 2006 and performed a musical concert called "In Your Dreams" in early October that same year.
Here's my favorite video of Diana DeGarmo while on American Idol! She's singing "Think."
Where she is at now! Check out this video!
Album: Blue Skies
Recommended Songs
"Don't Cry Out Loud"
"Emotions"
"I Believe" (good uplifting song!)
*Stay tuned for next time's Spotlight of the Day: Lifehouse!
Monday, July 9, 2007
Spotlight of the Day: Diana DeGarmo
Friday, July 6, 2007
Spotlight of the Day: Colbie Caillat
Twenty-two year old Colbie Caillat has struck it big in the musical arena. With a passion for music, this young woman's instrumental career has sky rocketed thanks to her pre-fame days on Myspace. As an 11-year-old girl, Caillat knew she wanted to spend her life singing after hearing Lauryn Hill's version of "Killing Me Softly." Caillat entered herself in several talent shows and sang many Lauryn Hill songs. As her talent and musical interest grew, Caillat's father, owner of a record producing company, offered her one piece of helpful advice: those who play their own instruments and write their own songs command respect in the music industry.
At the age of 19, Caillat picked up the acoustic guitar and started penning her own music. According to her Myspace page, "I wrote my fist [sic] song after my very first guitar lesson and then it just flowed out. If something's biting me I hold it in because that's the kind of person I am. Then it comes out in songs. Things builds [sic] up inside of me and I'll write three songs in a weekend. It's a release. I don't choose what to write about. It's just there."
After many songs were finished, Caillat started to post them on Myspace, hoping to cause a chain reaction of admiration and enthusiasm for her music. It wasn't until Caillat posted the song "Bubbly" that started the aforementioned reaction. Because of the simplicity and melody of the song, millions of fans were drawn to her Myspace page to get a glimpse of this undiscovered talented artist. Four months later, Caillat became the number one unsigned artist on Myspace. Soon after, record deals flew her way and she eventually signed with Universal Republic who she says has "offered her total creative freedom."
Her debut album, Coco, representative of a past nickname that stuck, features similar acoustic style folk melodies with Caillat's passionate voice shining through. With a sweet folk sound coupled with a bit of old soul, Caillat successfully sets herself apart from the rest of the bubble-gum pop artists and one hit wonders. Her recreation of vintage soul and classical rock from influences such as Fleetwood Mac, Steve Miller Band, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder has spawned a new talent whois leaving her own footprints behind. Fans can see Caillat perform live as she tours with the Goo Goo Dolls! Get your concert tickets here! Check out more of Colbie Caillat at myspace.com/colbiecaillat! Her album, Coco, is out now so don't forget to pick it up!
Recommended Songs!
*Bubbly
*The Little Things
*Feelings Show
*Realize
Go here to see her video "Bubbly"! http://youtube.com/watch?v=2PWfB4lurT4
*Stay tuned for next time's Spotlight of the Day: Diana DeGarmo!
Check out these hot sites as well!
(Get your Justin Timberlake tickets here!)
http://abackstageproduction.blogspot.com
http://itonlytakesaspark.blogspot.com
http://muzicspotlight.blogspot.com
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Spotlight of the Day: Mike and Joe
This band is very simple, but totally now! Comprised of four members, Mike and Joe are the lead singers of the cover band. Their song repertoire covers mainly current modern rock/alternative hits, as well as several 80's and a few 70's selections. Mike and Joe began playing while attending Indiana University several years back. Soon they began to tour all around the Midwest playing at several college campuses and summertime festivals. According to their Myspace page, "We are a cover band but we are not a 'party' band. There is no schtick to our show. We are a straight up rock band that just kicks it!" Though they may be a cover band, this group of talented guys really show their musical passion by refusing to play to pre-recorded music. Instead, they reproduce the actual songs in their own style with instruments and vocal sounds. Not only do they tap into their musical talent, but they also know how to work a crowd! If you live in the Midwest area, such as Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin and sporadically, Ohio, you don't want to miss out on seeing this band in action! Visit their website at mikeandjoe.com or their Myspace page at http://mikeandjoe.com/myspace.html!
*Stay tuned for next time's Spotlight of the Day: Colbie Caillat!
Also make sure to check out these links too!
http://itonlytakesaspark.blogspot.com
http://abackstageproduction.blogspot.com
http://tuningin2music.blogspot.com
Kelly Clarkson Gone Country?
*Has Kelly Clarkson gone country?? This is a definite possibility! This past Monday, July 2, Clarkson signed up with Nashville-based Starstruck Entertainment and hired Reb McEntire's husband, CEO Narvel Blackstock, as her new personal manager. After a mini feud with former her record label RCA and Clive Davis over her new album, My December, Clarkson decided to venture onto a new route: country. According to sources, Clarkson will return to her southern roots and is currently working on her fourth album, which will have a bit of a country flair.
*In other news, singer and star of Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel, Miley Cyrus, has outsold Kelly Clarkson in terms of record sales. The 14-year-old daughter of achy-breaky-heart Billy Ray Cyrus, is the youngest artist to ever have two number one albums in less than a year, selling 326,000 copies of her Meet Miley soundtrack in the first week alone! Kelly Clarkson's My December came out with a bang, but only sold 291,000 in its first week, taking second place. Miley Cyrus plans on touring this summer/fall, so don't wait to get your tickets! Get these concert tickets today!
Christina Aguilera Pregnant!
Yes, rumors that the former Mouseketeer, hit pop-star Christina Aguilera is pregnant has been confirmed by E! News this past Tuesday. This will be the pop star's and hubby Jordan Bratman's (a music marketing exectuve) first child. Aguilera and Bratman married in November of 2005 after dating for three years. She expects to be on tour in New Zealand, Asia and Australia for the next few months before settling down to prepare for their new arrival.
*Get your Christina tickets now! Find other hot concert tickets here!
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
Spotlight of the Day: KT Tunstall
Kate Tunstall, aka "KT" (short for her first/last name), embarked on a musical journey several years ago and hasn't looked back since. Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Tunstall was adopted by her father, a physicist and mother, a school teacher and attended school in St. Andrews on the east side of Scotland. She has two brothers, Joe and Daniel, who is deaf. By the time she reached her twenties, Tunstall was curious about her birth mother and met her not too long after. Her birth mother is of Chinese decent and her birth father, whom she never met, is Irish. During their reunion, her mother told her that her biological father was a folk musician. Thus, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
Throughout her twenties, Tunstall participated in various independent bands such as Elia Drew Red Light Stylus and Tomoko. In 2004, after much focus on her songwriting, Tunstall released her debut solo album, Eye to the Telescope. Upon release, the album sky rocketed to the number three position on the UK charts and nominated in 2005 for a Mercury Music Prize.
On February 7, 2006, he hit album was released in the United States. The first time I heard one of Tunstall's songs was in the amazing movie "The Devil Wears Prada." The opening credits of the movie featured Anne Hathaway preparing for work with the song "Suddenly I See" in the background. I've included it below if you'd like to see it!
Other hit songs by Tunstall include "Black Horse and a Cherry Tree," Other Side of the World" and "Under the Weather." For anyone who is an avid fan of acoustic work, Tunstall released KT Tunstall's Acoustic Extravaganza album, which was recorded by Tunstall herself and features only her on her guitar. Her upcoming album Drastic Fantastic is due for release on September 18, 2007 with soon-to-be hits "Saving My Face," "Someday Soon," "Hold On," "Beauty of Uncertanity" and "I Don't Want You Now."
Tunstall brings a fresh, unique flavor to the music industry, with a combination of folk and pop beats in her music selections. My personal favorite is "Suddenly I See," which makes me feel energized and determined to get what I want every time I listen to it. This singer/songwriter brings talent, passion and unique styles to the table every time she performs.
Recommended Songs!
*"Other Side of the World"
*"Suddenly I See"
*"Black Horse and Cherry Tree"
*"I Want You Back" [Live] (Available on her myspace homepage!)
Albums
*Eye to the Telescope [2004)
*KT Tunstall's Acoustic Extravaganza [2006]
*Drastic Fantastic [2007]
*Stay tuned for next time's Spotlight of the Day: Mike & Joe!
Monday, July 2, 2007
Spotlight of the Day: Shevy Smith
Today's Spotlight of the Day features a young upcoming country singer just trying to make her dream come true. After her high school graduation, 23-year-old Shevy Smith took her music and her dog, Vivianne, on the road. She happened to perform twice at my college the past two years so I included the articles I wrote after interviewing her and watching the performances. The first article was in 2005 and the second was in 2006. Then check out her music at ShevySmith.com! Once there you can find special music selections, lyrics, updated information, and tour dates, as well as some of Shevy's own thoughts! You'll love her music, trust me!
2005 Article
Most songwriters never reach their lifelong dream, constantly being told they are pursuing a pipe dream. But 21-year-old songsmith Shevy Smith is living hers everyday.
"I've been singing my whole life," Smith said. "I started piano when I was four and learned to play it while I was reading."
With an acoustic pop rock style and a hint of country flair, Smith continued her nationwide college tour Wednesday.
Originally from central
"I was about 15 when I started performing at places and really taking it seriously," Smith said.
Though music played an important role in her life, Smith said she was not raised as a child performer. "I thought I would be more of an athlete," she explained. "I wanted to be a professional water skier or play college basketball."
"A music teacher told me in fifth grade, you could do something with this if you would want to," Smith added. Smith said winning high school talent shows gave her the idea to test her guitar skills and create her own music. At the age of 16, Smith said a producer from
"I've been at that for about three and half years," she explained. "That was pretty much my dream job right out of the shoot."
"Last year, I was approached by some people who work with an independent label and wanted to make a record and I said yes," Smith explained.
Smith said she receives inspiration for writing songs such as "Blue print" and "
"I think that the more personal they are, the more universal they are as well. If it makes sense to me and it's something I think other people are feeling too, that's one of the greatest discoveries I've made in all of this," Smith explained.
While on stage Wednesday, Smith explained to her audience the emotions she felt of hearing about her parents' divorce. Through her frustration and disappointment, Smith became motivated to write a song called "Debris." Smith said the moment someone tells her that her songs reflect their feelings she feels the greatest sense of accomplishment.
"I have two Toms in my life. I really, really admire Tom Petty and I love Tom Brokaw," Smith said. "Somewhere in the middle is exactly where I'd like to be myself. They both are so respected in what they do and they have a class about them that I love," Smith continued.
Other idols include Emmylou Harris and Linda Ronstadt, who continue to be major influences in shaping Smith's musical career.
According to Smith, she is the "queen of listing goals." "I have daily goals, and I have lifetime goals. I want to do a major label record, I want to be on commercial radio and I would love to work with some of my heroes at some point," Smith explained. "I have other goals, too, like to surf and go sky-diving, things that are not musical at all," she added.
On the road for nearly 27 days each month, Smith said her yellow
'There's an underlying support there that's undeniable. They look at me and know that I'm doing exactly what I should be doing," Smith said.
One of the largest goals the young songwriter holds is to experience college.
"I definitely plan on doing college later on. I don't think it will probably be in the music side of things. I'm getting my education in that daily," Smith said. "I would love to study philosophy or political theory, something that broadens yourknowledge scope," Smith added.
Smith said her greatest fear in life, aside from snakes, is mediocrity.
"I definitely find that the most worthwhile things in the world, people either love them or hate them. There's usually not a lot of apathy involved in the truly greater things in life, Smith explained.
"So whether it's a song, whether it's a show or a piece of clothing, mediocrity is definitely my biggest fear," she continued.
Smith said a Bruce Springsteen quote holds a significant impact in her life because it encourages her to consistently see herself in her audience.
"But it's more important if you're audience can look at you and see themselves. I think there's so much truth to that. A lot of times when you see people become major stars and they sort of flop, it's because they've stopped seeing themselves in their fans, Smith explained.
"I think it's good advice for non-musicians, for humans and going through life," she continued. "If you can see that person behind the counter as yourself, you'll definitely act in a more appropriate way."
"As long as you can keep some sort of perspective and grounding through it all, I think that's probably a good piece of advice," Smith added.
After years of diligence and grinding agendas, Shevy Smith has finally reached a significant milestone in her musical career.
Gracing the stage with her undeniable calm presence, the singer/songwriter strummed the strings on her guitar, replaying songs from her earlier album, "Blueprint," as well as showcasing new songs from her upcoming album, "September Songs."
"I started playing piano at the age of four and guitar when I was 13. I've always been creative with writing and drawing so it was a natural progression into music. By the time I was 15, I was into performing pretty hard," Smith said.
During her previous performance on campus in 2005, Smith was 21 and focused on introducing her earlier songs to new audiences. Now, 23, Smith has stepped up both vocally and independently.
"I think with age comes wisdom and experience and hopefully I've gotten a lot better. Playing over 200 shows is similar to shooting free throws with your eyes closed. Eventually you are going to improve.
"At this point, I feel very comfortable wherever I play," she said. "I've also gotten a lot tougher and have learned what to let roll off my back," she continued.
"I think you just even out. We all get a little emotional, but hopefully just not too bent out of shape."
Originally from central
While on stage Wednesday, Smith enlightened the audience of her recent experience playing at Country Thunder, a summer music fest in
Students attending the performance enjoyed the show and were impressed with her musical experience.
"It was great that she got the opportunity to sing and work with a bigger name, such as Phil Vasser," Rachel, a sophomore elementary education major, said. "Hopefully, we'll be seeing her go big soon."
After touring for nearly two years and writing new material, Smith said she is ready to take the music world by storm.
"There's been a lot of changes in the past couple years. When you get to know what works for you, how your voice sounds and draw your influences in, somewhere along the way you fall into what you are," Smith said.
"I know my voice more than I ever have before. As far as musically, I'm talking to a lot of the bigger records. We're stepping up the game, getting a ton of work and playing a ton of gigs. That's a pretty singular goal for me, so everything in my life is geared to this one thing," she added.
Whether or not one witnessed Smith's performance yesterday, it is obvious there is a difference between her style and those on reality shows, such as American Idol.
"Reality shows get into a lot of competition and it starts to become all about winning a contest. You basically sing anything to help you win, instead of moving people with what you have to say," Smith said.
"Music competitions have different performers. It's very important for me to have control over what I am singing since I write my own music. I think performing is all about honesty and what you feel so that you can materialize it so others can relate to it as well," she continued.
Her new album, "September Songs," is due out Sept. 26 and is comprised of new flair inspired by all of the schools she has visited and the people she has met.
"I'm excited to share this new album with everyone. I hope they all notice that there is something real and different to it," Smith said.
New songs include a moving piece called "Angel With Shoes," "Heavy Rotation," "September Song" and "Homespun."
With strong guitar chords and a fast-paced beat, "Heavy Rotation" details the impact one may have on another.
During her performance Smith said she wrote "September Song" after experiencing many torrid relationships during the summer.
"It's all about the memories you have with these people and then you realize that once the summer is over, you have to go back to what you were doing before," Smith said.
Smith said she and a friend spent a day together pondering about how they felt about their Kansas roots and finally penned a song called "Homespun" that reflected the thought process and their inner emotions.
Those interested in learning more about Smith can visit her Web site at shevysmith.com and check out information on music tracks, lyrics, tour dates and diary entries.
Select songs can be downloaded at her main site as well as at her myspace account at myspace.com/shevysmith.
In the future, Smith said she would love to work with a bigger label, enter the radio scene and win a Grammy.
"Being on the road singing is the only life I know," she said. "In my opinion, you need to aim for greatness. Take your dream as far as you can."
Recommended Songs! (Again, they're all great!!)
Album: "Blueprint"
*Blueprint
*Kiss in a Stolen Truck
*Blow Me Away
*Red Rock Road (My Ultimate Fave of hers!)
*Linger Longer
*Motorbike
Album: "September Songs"
*Homespun
*Heavy Rotation
*September Song
*Born To Be
*Left Hand Lane
*Hummingbird
*Extras! Hard to Find Songs!
*Debris
*Hazelnut Coffee
*Stayed tuned for next time's Spotlight of the Day: KT Tunstall!
Other recommended sites to check out!
www.ticketsnow.com (Grab your concert tickets now!)
http://itonlytakesaspark.blogspot.com
http://abackstageproduction.blogspot.com
http://tuningin2music.blogspot.com
Digg/ksparks
YouTube/boyfriendtrainer
Del.icio.us/ksparksTN
Blogger/TuningIn2Music
Blogger/ABackStageProduction
Blogger/ItOnlyTakesASpark