Emerging hip hop/indie artist ZEALE teamed up with Blastro, both Austin-based, to release the video premiere of "Hope Dies" today. Featuring The Soldier Thread's Patricia Lynn, the video was directed by Jeff Ray of Papertank Productions and produced by Lee Ann McAdoo.
Compelling lyrics, coupled with footage showing the remnants of the disastrous 2011 Bastrop, TX wildfires, send a real message about the state of our world today. As ZEALE raps in the video, "Even if you're happy in this place, tomorrow can wipe the smile from your face." The lyrics go far beyond the fire-ravaged area just outside of Austin, telling of catastrophic incidents worldwide, experienced day in and day out, "while we surf on our phones." Stay tuned to see what happens during the surprise ending for those living in a wold where hope has died.
Often playing chemistry with the genres of hip hop, indie rock and EDM, ZEALE seeks to create a hybrid of music with depth. The artist is currently working on his debut EP featuring the sounds of AWOLNATION, Dwight Baker, CJ Eiriksson and more. "Hope Dies" was produced by Dwight Baker of Matchbox Studios with introduction music produced by CJ Eiriksson.
Watch the video exclusively on Blastro!
Global superstar Justin Bieber officially took the wraps off his eagerly anticipated new studio album, Believe, yesterday, which is scheduled for June 19th release by the Island Def Jam Music Group.
Believe takes flight on the wings of "Boyfriend," its first worldwide smash single, which hits No. 1 at iTunes the second it was released, and set a world-record for debuting No. 1 on iTunes in 32 countries. The "Boyfriend" video has shattered all YouTube records since its MTV premiere (on May 3rd). The clip generated 8 million views in its first 24 hours, and has garnered over 44 million views to date.
The album is Executive Produced by Scott "Scooter" Braun and Usher Raymond IV, and track producers include Mac Martin, Mike Posner, Mdl, Diplo, Hit-Boy, The Messengers, Zedd, Rodney Jerkins, and Justin's vocal producer, Kuk Harrell. The album features guest appearances by Ludacris, Nicki Minaj, Drake and Big Sean.
With worldwide album sales in excess of 15 million units, Justin has dominated pop culture and social media for more than 2 years. He has over 43 million Facebook fans. more than 22 million Twitter followers, and over 2.7 billion YouTube views. He is far and away the most popular YouTube artist of all time, and received the 2012 Billboard Music Award for Social Artist of the Year.
Believe follows Justin's No. 1 Christmas album, Under The Mistletoe, which was his third No. 1 Soundscan debut in just 18 months, making him the first solo artist in Billboard history to chart three No. 1 albums before his 18th birthday (on March 1st). Prior to Under The Mistletoe, My World 2.0 entered a Soundscan at No. 1 in 2010 (containing "Baby," ranked the #1 most viewed YouTube video, currently over 738 views); and "Never Say Never: The Remixes" entered at No. 1 in 2011, the soundtrack to the highest domestic-grossing concert film in US history.
For more info, check out Justin Bieber's official website.
In its standard physical configuration, Believe will contain 13 tracks as follows:
1. "All Around The World" feat. Ludacris 2. "Boyfriend" 3. "As Long As You Love Me" feat. Big Sean 4. "Catching Feelings" 5. "Take You" 6. "Right Here" feat. Drake 7. "Fall" 8. "Die In Your Arms" 9. "Thought Of You" 10. "Beauty And A Beat" feat. Nicki Minaj 11. "One Love" 12. "Be Alright" 13. "Believe"
The deluxe physical package will contain an additional three tracks: "Out Of Town Girl," "She Don't Like The Lights," and "Maria."
In the midst of destruction, natural disasters, corruption and a collapsing economy, Aziatix reminds us that there is always hope and light even in the darkest of days.
Their album, Awakening, is comprised of songs that help us to be motivated and encouraged always. As the group grows, with over 50,000 Facebook followers from all over the world, Aziatix wants to deliver a message of optimism and love in a way that is honest and genuine as a way to relate not only to their fans but to everyone else as well.
In a time when music lacks deep substance, Aziatix provides us with relevant sounds in music whose message is real and whose sound is relevant. While much of Aziatix's style and sound has been light-hearted and romantic, this EP brings light to more social issues. "While we were touring to promote our Nocturnal album, we met people affected by this struggle and hardships," the group explains. "From natural disasters to the global economic crisis, we were moved to go back into the studio and reflect and convey what we witnessed and experience. Ultimately, the album ended up being an album about hope."
Their fan base spans the globe, and Aziatix have heard so many stories from their, where a sense of confidence and wellbeing is vital. The trio hopes their music will inspire fans and comfort them, knowing that things will get better. "Every record on the album is about the struggles and challenges we face in life and what we can do to overcome them. While some songs are still pop, it's not really about partying in the club, love or loss in a typical sense. It's much deeper," they explain. Sonically, the group is tinkering with faster bpms, challenging themselves with their sound and instrumentation, moving through multiple genres seamlessly.
This EP is above all, a call to action. "If Nocturnal was an album that captured the essence of the night - celebrating the moments, conveying carpe noctem - Awakening is the morning after," the supergroup states, "Where light shines in and they see the world and life as it is, but appreciating and ultimately celebrating life and the journey as a whole, encouraging carpe diem."
Their first single was originally titled "299.792.458," which is exactly what the single was eventually named - "Speed of Light." The song acknowledged hardships and how to move past them, bringing a message of hope to whoever puts their ears on it. Be sure to check out the music video.
Also, check out the teaser for their next single, "Alright."
Childish Gambino - aka Donald Glover's rappin' alter ego - sold out Stubb's on April 5, 2012. The actor/writer/comedian and now turned musician is a true performer, never losing the crowd's attention once. Honestly, I had never seen a more energetic audience at Stubb's and maybe in Austin ever. The kids were rapping along with the talented Glover...hands waving in the air, bouncing around, jumping up and down.
photos by @crunchyMunckin
Just this morning Tiësto announced via an exclusive article on Rolling Stone that his highly anticipated second installment in the Club Life mix compilation series titled 'Miami' will be released on his Musical Freedom label on April 24. To accompany this announcement pre-orders are available for the album and associated bundles here and each order comes with an instant free MP3 download of his brand new track "Chasing Summers". Always an innovator and lover of technology, Tiësto goes one step further and asks the fans to participate in revealing the artwork for the new mix comp. Fans are asked to include #TiestoClubLife2 in their tweets to reveal the artwork piece by piece on clublifemiami.com
Expect this remix on 'Club Life' Volume two Miami!
The toxicology report is in. The Los Angeles County coroner's office has determined that Whitney Houston's official cause of death is "drowning and effects of atherosclerotic heart disease and cocaine use."
The famous singer was found in the bathtub of her hotel room on February 11, just hours before a pre-Grammy party. She was 48 years old.
The coroner's office also reported that the manner of death was an "accident."
However, the toxicology report adds that "cocaine and metabolites were identified and were contributory to the death. Marijuana, Alprazolam (Xanax), Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) and Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) were identified but did not contribute to the death."
An autopsy was conducted the day after she died. Capt. John Kades of the Los Angeles County coroner's office said at the time there were no indications of foul play and no obvious signs of trauma on Houston's body. Prescription pill bottles were found in her room, but the number of pills were "not in alarming amounts," said officials.
As an of Austin TX native, I look forward to SXSW every year. I spend hours going through all the artist listings trying to make decisions about which new acts I should go and check out.
This year one act stuck out like a shining star - Aziatix. In little over one year, they’ve released eight music videos, toured around the world, and won Blastro’s Best New Artist Video award which was voted on by music industry professionals.
Their debut album, “Nocturnal”, made the iTunes top 10 charts, and it gets regular listens in my music player month after month.
Most artists performing at SXSW only get one official showcase slot. What’s unusual about Aziatix’s 2012 SXSW appearance is they were selected to perform two headlining showcases. Impressive, this does not happen very often.
SXSW is about discovering the next new music artists, but the festival is evolving into something grander. The night of the first Aziatix headliner showcase, Bruce Springsteen, Lil Wayne, T.I., B.o.B, and Wale, to name a few, were also performing at venues all within walking distance to each other.
Industry music festivals are a good way to separate the wannabes and pretenders from the new stars. Artists can sometimes face sparse crowds, audiences who are unfamiliar with your music, or uninterested music industry professionals at the showcase. The artists need to step up on the stage and give it all they’ve got. Despite an exhausting long flight in from Korea, Aziatix stepped up and gave an impressive SXSW debut performance.
Aziatix gave memorable performances at their SXSW debut on both nights.
Rob Campanell Director of Content Programming - Blastro
The hugely talented Russell W. Howard dropped his new mixtape yesterday, with features from Jon Connor, Nipsey Hussle, Freddie Gibbs and more!
Beautiful Distraction is available on HotNewHipHop and Datpiff FREE for download, and the instrumental tracks to his mixtape will also be released for download soon.
With production credits for Hip Hop titans like Jay-Z, DMX and Lupe Fiasco, Russell is a rare talent who bridges the gap between producer and rapper, spitting rhymes as deftly as he crafts his beats.
Currently, Russell is touring the U.S. with iTunes Top 10 artists (and a Blastro favorite) Aziatix.
For more information on Russell W. Howard and a list of tour dates, check out his official website.
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