Carousel Live Presents Sammy Wilk and the Solutions at the Troubadour

Sammy Wilk at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA

Sammy Wilk at the Troubadour in West Hollywood, CA

Social media star and pop/reggae singer, Sammy Wilk, kicked of the Halloween weekend Friday night at the Troubadour in West Hollywood as part of the Carousel Live series which also included South Korean indie-pop band the Solutions, Sophia Kameron and Found Vegas. The Solutions have been playing clubs around southern California during October promoting their latest release, “Ticket to the Moon”, including gigs at the Wayfarer in Costa Mesa and Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles to the delight of area K-POP fans. The Solutions will wrap up the Carousel Live series later this week on November 3rd at the Roxy opening the show for EDM phenomenon, PROXIMITY. Grab your tickets while you can by visiting ticketfly

Wilk performed songs from his debut album, Ready For War, to an enthusiastic crowd of mostly female teenage fans. The audience also included Wilk’s family, friends like fellow social media stars Nash Grier, Mahogany Lox, DJ Rupp and Jake Miller. Wilk also brought special guests on stage including Mac Marley to perform their song “That’s Wild” along with high school friends and fellow social media sensations, best friends Jack Johnson and Jack Gilinsky who perform as Jack & Jack to tear it up on their hit, “Throw Signs”. Jack & Jack are currently putting the finishing touches on their own album which is expected to be released in the new year.

Carousel Live is a new live music event brand bringing up & coming Asian and Asian American musical artists to the global stage by pairing them up with more established US-based artists creating a unique entertainment atmosphere that exposes each artists fans to a variety of incredible new music. Keep your finger on the refresh button and watch the social media spaces for Carousel Live to see what’s next on their music discovery platform.

If you attended the show, we’d love to hear your thoughts, see photos or videos from the night in the comments below!

To purchase music from these artists, please visit:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/sammy-wilk/id900129226

http://happyrobot.co.kr/release/ticket-to-the-moon/

https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/jack-jack/id944171951

https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/connected-single/id1115233688

#SammyWilk #JackandJack #CarouselLive #theSolutions

Jack & Jack and Melanie Martinez Pump Up the Wango Tango Village

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by Cindy Robinson along with Contributor Sydney Robinson

102.7 KIIS FM in Los Angeles held their annual Wango Tango concert last weekend at the Stubhub Center in Carson, CA. So let’s do a little wrap up from the weekend! Life On The Scene attended the Wango Tango Village, the FREE daytime festival and concert featuring up & coming artists such as Jack & Jack, Melanie Martinez (from season 3 of The Voice), Daya, Laura Marano and more. There was a ferris wheel, food & beverage tents from Coca-Cola, Sprite, Guerrero Tacos, Magnolia ice cream and a fabulous pink primping tent from Soap & Glory.

Did I mention ice cream? Magnolia had amazing flavors like avocado, purple yam, lychee, guava, coconut and mango. Super delicious and well worth the wait in line for a free ice cream cone of your choice. Right now it looks like their ice cream is only available at Ralph’s locations across Southern California (as far as the West Coast is concerned anyway) so make sure you stop by and pick some up this summer.

 

Soap & Glory’s Body Butter and Pillow Plump Lip Gloss

Then there was the Soap & Glory pink primping tent. They provided a great little break from the hot sun where you could sit & relax for a few minutes while primping ladies touched up your make up, applied fake tattoos and gave out some great cosmetic samples like The Righteous Butter Body Butter and their Pillow Plump Lip Gloss. The body butter leaves my skin soft and I’ve received compliments on the nice fresh scent. The Pillow Plump lip gloss leaves your lips tingling as it gently plumps them up while providing a super shine with a hint of color. Recommended for those age 15+! Soap & Glory is availble at a variety of your favorite retailers like Walgreens, Target and Ulta. This hot UK brand is set to take over the USA this summer so go grab some of their fun products to try on your next shopping trip.

The highlight of the day was for sure the music! The day kicked off with internet superstars Jack & Jack and judging by the screams and mayhem their adoring fans loved hearing fan favorites like How We Livin’, Like That, Wrong One, Shallow Love and California. These guys put on a fun concert and it’s great to see how their stage show is growing and evolving. Their 2nd album is expected to be ready for a fall release so check back for more information on that. They also have some additional shows coming up this summer including Milwaukee’s Summerfest on June 30th, a special performance at BeautyCon LA on July 9th, the Show of the Summer in Hershey, PA on August 20th with Shawn Mendes and tons more to come from these adorable guys!

Melanie Martinez sent her legions of fans into a frenzy performing hits like Crybaby, PityParty, Dollhouse, and Carousel with lots of look-a-likes dressed like her in the crowd. Melanie will be on tour for all of June & July across the United States so the Wango Tango Village was just a warm up for her. Check out all of her dates on her website.

It was great to see the power of Jonas is still strong as Joe Jonas stopped by the Wango Tango Village with his new band DNCE to host a quick meet & greet with a lucky handful of fans and took to the stage to pump up the crowd. Sadly, they didn’t treat us to their massive hit Cake By The Ocean but judging the by the throng of girls following Joe’s every move during the brief appearance DNCE is headed destined to become a smashing success.

There were also fun performances from Laura Marano, Shawn Hook and Daya. Friends of ours who attended the evening Wango Tango concert with artists like Zayn, Ariana Grande, DNCE, Demi Lovato and Gwen Stefani said it was an amazing concert and Gwen rocked the house.

If you’ve never attended a big iHeart Radio event like Wango Tango, the iHeart Radio Festival or a Jingle Ball concert – do yourself a favor and go to one of these fun events! It’s a long, long, day (or weekend depending which one you go to) but it’s such a great opportunity to see your favorite artists in a festival setting and check out some new emerging artists. All in one day you get to see more than a dozen acts and it’s just an incredible experience.

 

Troye Sivan Taking Over The World

Blue Neighbourhood is the debut full-length album from international chart-topping Australian artist Troye Sivan. “It’s all autobiographical,” says Sivan. “It takes place in both the suburbs of Perth where I’ve grown up, which I consider to be my blue neighbourhood, but then also in this fast-paced, crazy, whirlwind life that I’m now living in hotel rooms and planes.”

For fans of the South African-born Troye Sivan it’s just the next amazing step in all the success he’s had to date. With more than 4 million fans on his YouTube channel and another 4 million on Twitter he’s set to explode worldwide in 2016 as his fan base just keeps growing at a phenomenal pace.

Troye has a packed schedule ahead of him as he has a performance at the 2016 Billboard Music Awards in Las Vegas this Sunday, May 22. Last week the young artist was announced as the recipient of “Kia’s One to Watch,” an honor established last year to support and highlight emerging artists. You can visit the Billboard site daily to see new clips of Troye preparing for the performance and talking about what it means to have this opportunity.

Troye will also be stopping by The GRAMMY Museum’s Clive Davis Theater in Los Angeles on May 24th for an intimate conversation surrounding his debut album, and rising career, moderated by Scott Goldman, Vice President of the GRAMMY Foundation and MusiCares. The conversation will be followed by a special performance.

On top of that, he also announced plans The Suburbia Tour of the United States with dates running through October and November. Go visit Troye’s site for a full list of concert dates and links to buy tickets. Grab them quickly, they will be gone in a flash! Life On The Scene looks forward to covering Troye’s events and watching his star explode globally! #TroyeSivan #BlueNeighbourhood #GrammyMuseum #BillboardMusicAwards

H.I.M. Release Tears On Tape

Finnish rockers H.I.M. are back after a long time off with their 8th album Tears on Tape via Razor & Tie in the U.S. & Canada.

Tears On Tape was recorded in their home country with long-time producer Hiili Hiilesmaa and mixed by long time-band associate, Tim Palmer (U2, Ozzy Osbourne, Pearl Jam, Robert Plant).

It’s been three years since the band – Ville Valo on vocals, Linde Lindström on guitar, Burton Puurtinen on keyboards, Migé Paananen on bass and Gas Karppinen on drums have toured the USA. Drummer Gas Karppinen suffered from carpel tunnel syndrome which forced the band to take a long break while his health and ability to continue drumming were evaluated. It also gave the band time to pause and reflect if H.I.M. would carry on. Luckily for fans of the love metal band, Gas is back in fine drumming form and the band are on the road! After a handful of European record release dates, the band are due to hit the USA for a quick run of shows before they return to Europe for the summer concert festival circuit. The band have hinted at an autumn return to cover the USA more extensively, but nothing has been confirmed at press time. Most of the USA shows are SOLD OUT but check Ticketmaster for any last-minute ticket releases.

HIM Tour Dates
May 3 – Los Angeles, CA- House Of Blues (SOLD OUT)
May 4 – Los Angeles, CA- House Of Blues (SOLD OUT)
May 5 – San Francisco, CA- The Fillmore
May 8- Chicago, IL – House Of Blues (SOLD OUT)
May 9 – Toronto Canada -Danforth Music Hall
May 10 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza (SOLD OUT)
May 11 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza (SOLD OUT)
May 12 – Philadelphia, PA – Theatre Of Living Arts (SOLD OUT)

At first listen, Tears On Tape seems to be a lighter offering than H.I.M. fans are used to but after a few spins it reveals the bands signature heavier sounds in the carefully mixed layers of each song. Ville’s vocal range and Linde’s shredding, dark guitar chords lead you through an album of haunting lyrics. This album follows in the path of their last effort, Screamworks: Love & Theory in Practice. My favorite is the heavy, hard-hitting tracks on Venus Doom. I can’t wait to see some live shows with the new music because that’s when the bands heavy hitting sounds really emerge! Don’t miss your chance to see this band live.

Check out the video for the first single in the USA, title track Tears On Tape. You can grab your copy of the album on iTunes

 

For a look back at H.I.M.’s last visit to Los Angeles, please check out my photos here. I covered the event for CFM Music Scene which sadly lost their archives a while back so the full article is no longer available.

Bruno Mars Releases “When I Was Your Man”

Crooner Bruno Mars has released the second single and video from his sophomore effort, Unorthodox Jukebox, available now on iTunes, a ballad entitled “When I Was Your Man”. The video is a back to basics, simplistic style featuring the singer performing the song at a piano.

The first song from the album, “Locked Out of Heaven” has ruled the charts for the past several weeks. Will the 2nd single follow suit?

The Hawaiian born singer has been globetrotting making promotional appearances for the Unorthodox Jukebox but the singer has yet to announce a full-scale world tour in support of his latest offering.

He is currently scheduled to perform at Reliant Arena as part of the Houston Rodeo in March, rumored to also be performing at South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, TX and has an April date scheduled in Dubai (marking the singers first trip to perform in the middle east).

When is he going to release those tour dates? It’s sure to be one of the hottest summer tickets around so let’s get this show on the road Bruno!

Mars will join iconic Police singer Sting and Rihanna at the Grammy Awards this Sunday night for a live performance during the show.

The Grammy Awards will be broadcast on CBS, beginning at 8PM ET on Sunday (Feb. 10).

 

Where Are We Now? David Bowie Surprises Fans With New Music!

David Bowie. Two words that haven’t been uttered on a new music Tuesday in a long time. A decade in fact. David Bowie. Yes ladies and gentlemen it is January 8th. Honestly, it isn’t April Fool’s Day. It’s true! For his 66th Birthday, David Bowie has surprised his fans with a gift, a new single, “Where Are We Now?” out now on iTunes.

In a press release posted on the singer’s newly revamped website, Iso/Columbia Records announced the new single, “Where  Are We Now?” and an album THE NEXT DAY to follow. This is David Bowie’s first new album in ten years and his 30th studio recording, THE NEXT DAY is also available as a pre-order on iTunes with a wide release scheduled for March.

A unique, very David Bowie video accompanies the haunting track which takes you on a journey revisiting the past while asking where are we now with the tender melodic you know you know you know. The video is available for your viewing pleasure now on the “Vision” section of his website, hosted by Vimeo.

 

The Next Day tracklisting

Standard Version:

01. The Next Day 3:51
02. Dirty Boys 2:58
03. The Stars (Are Out Tonight) 3:56
04. Love Is Lost 3:57
05. Where Are We Now? 4:08
06. Valentine’s Day 3:01
07. If You Can See Me 3:16
08. I’d Rather Be High 3:53
09. Boss Of Me 4:09
10. Dancing Out In Space 3:24
11. How Does The Grass Grow 4:33
12. (You Will) Set The World On Fire 3:30
13. You Feel So Lonely You Could Die 4:41
14. Heat 4:25

Total (Approximately) 53:14

Deluxe Version

01. The Next Day 3:51
02. Dirty Boys 2:58
03. The Stars (Are Out Tonight) 3:56
04. Love Is Lost 3:57
05. Where Are We Now? 4:08
06. Valentine’s Day 3:01
07. If You Can See Me 3:16
08. I’d Rather Be High 3:53
09. Boss Of Me 4:09
10. Dancing Out In Space 3:24
11. How Does The Grass Grow 4:33
12. (You Will) Set The World On Fire 3:30
13. You Feel So Lonely You Could Die 4:41
14. Heat 4:25

Bonus tracks:
15. So She 2:31
16. I’ll Take You There 2:44
17. Plan 2:34

Total (Approximately): 61: 03

His website speaks of much more to come in the near future. Do we dare dream the impossible? Will David Bowie emerge to support this album? Could this be the year Coachella gets one of its dream headlining acts? OK, so hell could freeze over and I would voluntarily attend a hot, sweaty music festival in the middle of the California desert that I’ve avoided like the plague for all of its entirety.

A few scattered tour dates perhaps in major cities around the globe? Outdoor summer concert series in the warmer climates? My bag is packed, I’m ready, let’s dance!

We all know that Bowie only comes out to play when he’s got something to say. I’m always ready to listen and look forward to exploring the rest of the tracks on this most unexpected and extremely welcome belated Christmas present.

Wishing you all a Bowie filled 2013!

 

Robert Downey Jr., Gene Simmons, Sean Penn and Jodie Foster Join Forces for Charity

The spirit of holiday giving is going full swing in Hollywood. Golden Globe winner & Academy Award nominee Robert Downey Jr., GRAMMY winner Gene Simmons of KISS,  along with Academy Award winners Sean Penn, Mel Gibson, and Jodie Foster join forces to support Mending Kids International next Saturday, December 1st as they take part in the Four Kings & An Ace poker tournament at the London Hotel in West Hollywood, CA.

A limited number of tickets to play poker with the celebrity guests as well as spectator tickets are still available. Event tickets can be purchased here. The tournament will take place inside the Gordon Ramsay restaurant at the London West Hollywood.

The evening proceeds benefit children worldwide who are in need of life-changing surgical care. Over the years, thousands of children have received corrective, transformational surgeries that have given them a chance at longer, healthier and happier lives. Most of the surgeries performed are to correct congenital heart defects, orthopedic abnormalities, severe scoliosis, and significant cranial facial deformities.

Robert Downey Jr has just wrapped filming on MARVEL’s Iron Man 3, due in theaters May 2013 while Sean Penn stars in the upcoming Gangster Squad, due in theaters January 11, 2013.

Sponsors of the evening include Variety, the London West Hollywood, Morgan’s Jeweler’s, Gibson’s ICON films and more.

Duran Duran Launch World Tour at SXSW Festival

John Taylor

by Cindy Robinson

When Duran Duran gets it right, they really get it right. The band kicked off their world tour at Stubb’s BBQ in Austin, TX last night to a crowd that left singing the band’s praises as part of the SXSW Music Festival.

The 80’s megastars have just begun to saturate the music market with their 13th album, All You Need Is Now, which is available now as a 9 track EP via iTunes with the deluxe CD package coming to a store near you on March 22nd. You can also pre-order the deluxe version from Amazon now, with delivery expected the day of release. 

Produced by Mark Ronson, their latest album takes the listener on a synthesizer infused journey down memory lane with Nick Rhodes to the height of 80’s pop music while the grooves of drummer Roger Taylor and bassist John Taylor keep us dancing in modern times. Singer Simon Le Bon, who has often been criticized in the media for his quirky voice, sounds smooth &  melodic, demonstrating his vocal skills and a voice that has stood the test of time.

As a producer Ronson carefully guarded the bands existing, unique sound while moving them forward into new territory at the same time. He doesn’t try to make a band sound like his own records.

Duran Duran will hit Los Angeles next week for a round of appearances on American TV shows the Ellen DeGeneres Show, Late Night with Jay Leno and Jimmy Kimmel Live!

The band will also play a one-off concert in Los Angeles to kick off the 2nd season of the American Express Unstaged Concert Series which will be directed by critically acclaimed director David Lynch and broadcast live online courtesy of YouTube and Vevo.

All You Need Is Now

Duran Duran have proved their staying power with tickets to a handful of North American warm-up concerts selling out in mere minutes as the band criss-crosses the USA in preparation for their slot at the upcoming always sold out Coachella Music & Arts Festival in Indio, CA April 15-17, 2011. The massive music festival which annually draws approximately 90, 000 visitors to the California desert will also offer a live webcast of music acts throughout the weekend.

They will then head home to the UK & Europe for concerts in May and June, and a tour of Australia in December with more worldwide dates to be announced as they become available via Duran Duran’s website. You can also check in with Duran Duran’s Roger Taylor, John Taylor and Simon Le Bon on Facebook and Twitter as they check in from their daily lives, from rehearsals and on the road.

Duran Duran Shares New Single FREE on iTunes!

image courtesy of iTunes and Duran Duran

British band Duran Duran is offering up there latest single, All You Need Is Now for FREE via iTunes today! Hurry and download your copy now because it may be a limited time offer. The band will release their 13th studio album, All You Need Is Now via iTunes on December 21st, with a longer CD version available to fans early next year.

The Mark Ronson produced album has been generating a lot of buzz with talk that the super producer has taken the band back to the sounds of their Rio album.

Their last release, Red Carpet Massacre, seemed to be just that, a Timbaland massacre as he turned it into something he would put out rather than enhancing the sound of Duran Duran. To be fair though, the album did translate better as a live show.

Duran Duran has already begun some European promotion of the album with American promo slated to begin this week. They will be launching a full scale tour in 2011 to support All You Need Is Now. The 1st single has a catchy chorus and early previews of the album indicate it will be a strong album for Duran Duran definitely taking us back to the days of Rio and My Own Way.

The band is also running a contest via their Twitter. They recently tweeted these instructions “Tweet what you love about All You Need Is Now using #aynin. 5 tweeters will win the album FREE on Dec 21. Must follow this account to win.”  

 

 

Simon le Bon

 

Linkin Park Premieres New Video Waiting For The End on MTV

by Cindy Robinson (@Cindy7609)

Chester Bennington of Linkin Park

The second single from Linkin Park‘s new album, A Thousand Suns is Waiting for the End. The video is out today on MTV.com.

A Thousand Suns evokes the feel of an apocalyptic world, full of dark emotion and melancholy. As a long time fan of Linkin Park, this one has been a challenge for me. The vocals by Chester Bennington and Mike Shinoda are strong, the musicianship excellent on an album with an overall feeling of despair. Reviews across the board have been mixed, some calling it their best work yet while others are left wondering what the band has actually been working on for the last two years.

For this reviewer, I will classify this one as a grower – a new piece of music I add into the mix, encouraging myself to give it a few listens and let it grow on me. I’m curious to see how this album translates into a live show. The new songs are blending well into rock radio though, and generating a lot of talk.

A Thousand Suns is out now on iTunes. Watch Link Park’s site for news on tour information.