ARTIST ON THE RISE: SHELBY MARIE

Ever had a dream?  Shelby Marie did, and it is coming true!  The up-and-coming solo artist has performed and opened for artists such as American Idol’s Blake Lewis and Disney’s Savannah Outen. The 20-year-old Oregon native will be opening for Blake Lewis again at this year’s CureJM concert and playing a show sponsored by Radio Disney in the coming months.  Often compared to artists like Hilary Duff, the singer answered a few questions for The Decibel.  Enjoy! 

For people who haven't heard of you yet, tell us about yourself.
My name is Shelby, and I'm a 20-year-old singer/songwriter from Portland, OR. When I was 17, my grandfather passed away, and I got to keep his old guitar. As a way of coping, I taught myself how to play guitar and I've been hooked since.

What inspires you?
My family, my grandfather, and music in general. I get inspired by lyrics. I love that 3 minutes can tell a story in a beautiful way. I am obsessed with creative lyrics and songwriting; it always inspires me to work harder and get better at the craft of songwriting.

What is your favorite song that you have recorded so far?

They all have a special place in my heart, because each one tells a different story from a different time in my life. However, as far as recording, I would say I had the most fun recording my single "House Of Cards".

If your self-titled EP was a person, what would they look like?
A 20-year-old girl who, in the last few years, got her heart broken, made an amazing friend that understands her, had a rough time where it felt like everything was falling apart, and fell in love for the first time... oh and she's got an acoustic guitar and a dream with her, too. =]

What do you want people to take from your music?
Any and everything. Sometimes songs hit people in different ways, and I love that people can relate to a song I wrote differently than what I experienced to write it.

Where do you see yourself this time next year?

Hopefully, still writing and recording music, and playing more shows! I'm slowly doing more and more things I never thought possible, and I am so excited to see where this journey takes me!

Want to listen to her music and find out more about Shelby Marie?
Check her out on her:

Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

NEW VERSA VIDEO

Florida band VersaEmerge has released their video for their new song "Figure It Out" off of their new record Fixed at Zero.  They are currently on this year's AP Tour.  Catch them in your city!

4/8 Grand Rapids, MI – The Intersection
4/9 Detroit, MI – St. Andrews Hall
4/10 Toronto, ON – Phoenix Theater
4/12 Montreal, QC – Club Soda
4/13 Boston, MA – Paradise
4/14 New Haven, CT – Toad’s Place
4/15 New York, NY – Gramercy Theater
4/16 Philadelphia, PA – Theatre Of Living Arts
4/17 Washington, D.C. – 9:30 Club
4/19 Norfolk, VA – The Norva
4/20 Charlotte, NC – Amos’ Southend
4/21 Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
4/22 Tampa, FL – State Theater
4/23 Ft. Lauderdale, FL – Culture Room
4/25 Orlando, FL – Beacham Theater
4/27 Nashville, TN – Rocketown
4/28 Louisville, KY – Expo Five
4/29 Pittsburgh, PA – Altar Bar
4/30 Buffalo, NY – Club Infinity
5/3 Albany, NY – Northern Lights
5/4 Poughkeepsie, NY – The Chance
5/5 Allentown, PA – Crocodile Rock
5/6 Cleveland, OH – House Of Blues

HOT NEW MUSIC: ALL TIME LOW FEELS LIKE DANCIN'

Check out this 30-second clip of "I Feel Like Dancing" from their new album Dirty Work.  Starting today, you can purchase some sweet pre-order bundles from Glamour Kills!

HOT NEW MUSIC: STREAM 2 NEW SONGS FROM CHASE COY'S NEW ALBUM!

Photo Credit: facebook.com/chasecoy

You can now stream "Seasons" and "I Fell In Love Once" off of Chase's new album Indiana Sun.  The album drops on April 12th!  Listen HERE!

ALL TIME LOW ANNOUNCES RELEASE DATE FOR DIRTY WORK

Photo Credit: fanpop

All Time Low's new album will be released June 7th! You can pre-order Dirty Work through Glamour Kills starting this Monday!

HOT NEW MUSIC: STREAM SIMPLE PLAN'S NEW SONG

Photo Credit:  Pupfresh

You can stream Simple Plan's new song 'Can't Keep My Hands Off You" HERE!

HELP OUT THE MORNING OF!

Photo Credit: MTV Buzzworthy

The Morning Of has a kickstarter to help fund their tour trip to Europe this June!  This is a big deal for them, and they could really use your help!  By making a donation, you can get your hands on unreleased songs, signed merch, letters from the band, dinner with them, and more! Check out the cause HERE!

HEY MONDAY RELEASES 'CANDLES' VIDEO

Hey Monday's brand new video for 'Candles' came out yesterday!

Go HERE to check it out!



HOT NEW MUSIC: GO RADIO'S 'LUCKY STREET' RELEASED TODAY!

I've been looking forward to this release for a long time now.  Such an great group of guys with amazing music.  After listening to this album, I fell in love with them all over again.  If you're not a fan already, do yourself a favor and check them out!

Link to Music

ARTIST ON THE RISE: BACKSEAT GOODBYE

Photo Credit:  www.backseatgoodbye.com

Are you into artists like The Rocket Summer and Eric Hutchinson?  Need some catchy new music to get stuck in your music-obsessed head?  Look no further!  Backseat Goodbye is giving away his newest album, The Good Years, for free this week!  You don't even have to sign up for anything or make an account!

In the words of Sugg, Backseat Goodbye is “music for the hopeful, music for the kids with their heads in the clouds, and music by a kid that’s just as lost in life as everyone else.”

Head over to Backseat Goodbye's Official Website & click on the picture above the text to download! I promise you won't regret it! Comment and let me know what ya think!

Twitter

HOT NEW MUSIC: ALL TIME BOMB

Photo Credit: Adam Elmakias

All Time Low's new song, Time Bomb, has leaked on Twitter & Tumblr. 

Download the song Here!

FAMILY FORCE FIVE ANNOUNCES TOURANTULA TOUR

Photo Credit: http://www.facebook.com/tourantula

NEW:  TOURANTULA TOUR DATES

Featuring:  Family Force Five, Stereo Skyline, Swimming With Dolphins, & Since Forever

04.15 - Atlanta, GA - Center Stage
04.16 - Tallahassee, FL - The Moon
04.17 - Jacksonville, FL - Murray Hill Theatre
04.19 - Birmingham, AL - Workplay
04.20 - New Orleans, LA - HOB Parish
04.22 - Houston, TX - Warehouse
04.25 - Austin, TX - Parish
04.26 - Tulsa, OK - Cain’s
04.28 - Memphis, TN - Minglewood Hall
04.29 - Nashville, TN - Rocketown
04.30 - Knoxville, TN - Bijou Theatre
05.01 - Raleigh, NC - Lincoln Theatre
05.03 - Baltimore, MD - Ram’s Head
05.04 - New York, NY - Highline
05.05 - Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero
05.06 - Boston, MA - Paradise
05.07 - Lancaster, PA - Chameleon Club
05.09 - Pittsburgh, PA - Rex Theatre
05.11 - Detroit, MI - Eagle Ballroom
05.12 - Chicago, IL - HOB
05.13 - Milwaukee, WI - The Rave
05.14 - Minneapolis, MN - First Ave
05.15 - Kansas City, MO - Beaumont Club

RSVP to these shows on Facebook! Click here!

HOT NEW MUSIC: STREAM MAYDAY PARADE'S "TERRIBLE THINGS"

Photo Credit: http://facebook.com/maydayparade

You can now stream "Terrible Things" from Mayday Parade's new EP, Valdosta, which drops March 8th on Atlantic/Fearless.  Finally some new music from these guys! 
Click Here to Listen!

HOT NEW FASHION: DESIGNER TALKS ABOUT NEW BEYLA LINE

You're up-and-coming and under the radar, so tell us about yourself! What do you want the world to know about you?

Well, my name is Benton!  Like Cher or Madonna, I don't want to use my middle or last name. I am a designer, artist, comedian (actually working on doing a stand-up show), and some say an outspoken jerk.  However, in a more formal sense, I am currently a student studying for a degree in Fashion Design and Fashion Merchandising. My minors are in Photography and Costume Design. I basically spend most of my days doing something fashion-related.  I work in the retail industry, and I am also a M.A.C. Cosmetics freelancer.  It's safe to say most of my time goes into this industry. Basically, I just want the world to know I am here!

For those that aren't familiar with your design line Beyla, how would you describe it?

Beyla is a line that I work and co-design with my wonderful friend Kayla Henderson.  She is the very hands-on tactile one, with wonderfully planned out ideas for the line.  She is sadly not available for this interview because she is working on her art show at a university.  Where as I am the more verbal, business-oriented one, we make the perfect balance. The line itself is very us--it's not really one thing because in essence, we are not really one-thing people.  I myself have many interests, and they don't always go together.  I want the line to be a reflection of that.  I want it to change.  Change is good.  At this particular moment, I am focusing on a very chic, dark, and edgy look to the line, but with a certain sophistication. 

Who/what inspires you while designing?

I am very inspired by things like mythology, movies, books, and music, of course.  I can hear a line from a song that really sticks out to me, and it can influence my entire design process. 

In the future, which celebrities do you want to wear your clothing and accessories? 

I would love for the line to be seen on celebrities like Victoria Beckham, The Kardashians, Taylor Momsen, Jessica Simpson, The Olsen twins, Eva Longoria, Britney Spears, Nicki Minaj.. I mean this list could go on forever!  Celebrities fascinate me, and anyone that knows me would tell you that I'm obsessed with that scene!

Do you plan to overlap your line into any other industries? 

I would love to be able to do everything from home furnishings, to skin care/make-up, and really any aspect of beauty or everyday living. We are hoping our next introduction to the line will be a fragrance that we have had in the works for some time now. As for everything else I believe a good brand can fit into any aspect of a person's life, and if the product is good then there should be a demand for it to be available in more aspects than just clothing.

Being from Nashville, does the music scene influence you?

Nashville's music scene does play a role in how I look at the designs for Beyla.  I want it to reflect Nashville in a way that a lot of people don't see Nashville.  I mean, it really is an amazing city with much to offer.  Nashville gives a good vibe to this line because, like the line, Nashville has variety.  There are so many different types of music and people in this city, and it all seems to go together very well.  I would love for that aspect of Nashville to mesh with the line. 

Rumor has it that Beyla is going to be releasing a jewelry line called Elixir soon. What made you guys want to start a new jewelry line?

Rumor confirmed!  Elixir will be our first installment of the Beyla line.  We are very excited to get into the production of our fall line.  I picked it because I feel like jewelry is the best way to make a outfit your own.  Jewelry can turn a pair of jeans and a white shirt into an entire look that really reflects the wearer's personal style.  So, I wanted to start the line with jewelry so that people could get a good sense of what this line stands for.  To be honest, when I style people, I find that most people shy away from jewelry.  They always seem somewhat scared of it.  So, I wanted to try and use our designs to inspire people to warm up to it.  It's definitely one of my favorite parts of fashion.

How important do you think it is to make a name for yourself in the world?

To me, it is very important.  I truly believe that I was born to be something bigger than who I am now.  I believe that, with hard work, the line will do great.  Kayla is amazingly creative, and I have a take-no-prisoners policy, so I feel like we will do great.  Aside from this line, I hope to be seen on the red carpet as a host and a guest.  I hope to someday host a show like Fashion Police; I would love to host E! News someday, maybe even have a reality show.  Haha, I have big dreams.  I am not looking for anyone to approve of them, because if I don't believe in myself, then who will?  If you would like to support the efforts, please follow me on Twitter, @hellobenton.  Be sure to keep a look out for the Beyla Facebook page and, of course, more information of my upcoming comedy act.  Also, look for the first announcement and preview of the Elixir logo and some previews of the line toward the end of February!

Follow Benton on Twitter!

ARTIST ON THE RISE: MARK McQUEEN

Hey guys! Check out this interview I did with my good friend Mark McQueen, an up-and-coming singer/songwriter.  A nice blend of pop and electronica, his music is catchy and provides a breath of fresh air to the music scene.

For people who may not know about you, tell us about yourself.

My name is Mark McQueen. I'm 18 and from Knoxville, TN. I make pop/electronic music. I started designing fashion when I was four, started theater when I was five, and started playing piano at six. Since then, all those elements have come together and I'm this machine of fashion, theatrics, and music. I started writing my own music in late 2008 and really haven't stopped since. I write music every day, and I'm determined to perform every chance I can get. It brings me to life.

What bands have influenced your music?

David Bowie and Cyndi Lauper have influenced me so immensely, both sonically and visually. But also you gotta throw in some Madonna and Springsteen. But really, I'm mostly inspired by the music and theatrics of musicals.

What do you want people to take from your music?I want people to hear my music and realize how cool it is to be strong and independent. Not just realizing that it's okay to be single, but realizing how to be an independent thinker. My music is full of rebellion from all the social normalities in culture. I want to teach people how to have a brain, and a heart, and how to be free.

What is your favorite part of the recording process?

My favorite part of the recording process is arranging. I love laying down the beat and later doing the vocals, but the process of instrumentation between is most satisfying to me. The beat is the foundation, the vocals are the roof, and the rest is the living, breathing souls of the house.

What artist would you like to do a collaboration with?

Quite selfishly, my dream is to write and record a duet with Cyndi Lauper. In the pop spectrum, however, I would love to do an epic song with Justin Bieber.

How important do you think things such as responding to fans, having are to a musician’s success?

I -know- that a good relationship with your fans is something essential to a long-term success. With me, though, I don't want a relationship with my fans to just solidify my success. In all honesty, I often feel quite lonely and rejected, so I cherish the relationship I have with my fans. They're the only people in the world who understand me. They hear my music, they see my visuals, and they relate. They're the rejects of society. The weirdos, the kids that get made fun of. I want to come up to arms and defend them at all costs. I would love to revolutionize the artist/fan relationship by personally staying in touch with them somehow. I love them all so much.

Where do you see yourself this time next year?

This time next year I'll be living in New York City. I'll be at school, and writing and performing at the same time. As for my career, who knows how far along I'll be. I'm a very hard worker, so hopefully this time next year I'll be making a strong name for myself in New York, and beyond.

Be sure to check out his music!
MySpace | Twitter | Purevolume

NEW INTERVIEW: CHASE COY TALKS ABOUT HIS NEW ALBUM

http://www.myspace.com/justinjaggedphotography

I recently had the opportunity to get the scoop on singer/songwriter Chase Coy's new album!  Here's the
interview.  Enjoy!

So, your new album drops on April 12th! What can we expect from your new album?
Well, for this album, I'm going back to recording the whole thing in my house. It will be some of the first stuff I've recorded at home since I went into the studio to record Picturesque last year, so expect it to be a lot better quality than my previous home releases. In the past year, I've learned a lot about recording and producing, and I plan to apply all of that new knowledge to this album.

How would you compare Indiana Sun to your previous releases?

I would say it's a bit more varied, and more upbeat in general. It's definitely still a very mellow record, but it's got a lot of percussion to help move things along and keep the vibe going.

Is there anything or anyone in particular that inspired Indiana Sun?

There's nothing really in particular that inspired it, but I think to me the songs are starting to come at subjects from a different angle as I get a little older and start to mature a bit.

Which song on the record are you most proud of? 

Right now, I'd have to say my favorite would be a song called "I Fell in Love Once." Without giving too much away, I just think it's a very emotional song and I feel like I managed to capture the raw intimacy I wanted, without making it feel bare or underproduced.

What is the overall theme of the new album? What do you want people to listen for & take from it?
There's no real overall theme, but as with all my records, I think that people should hear hope in all the music. Whether it's a sad song or a happy one, I think that all my songs have a sense of optimism about them, which is just part of my personality that comes through.

Can fans expect to hear some of your new songs at your upcoming shows? Are you planning on releasing any songs before the release date?
I will definitely be playing new songs out on tour, and in fact, I already have been for quite a while. As far as releasing new songs goes, there will be some up for streaming before the official release date.

Chase Coy's new album Indiana Sun drops April 12th!

Listen to his other music and check out his tour dates on his MySpace!

 

HELP GET WE ARE THE IN CROWD ON MTVU!

Photo Credit: http://back-pocketbelievers.net/

Hey everyone! Please help We Are The In Crowd's video into rotation on mtvU!  It's a simple, easy way to get this up and coming band onto the bigger music scene! Click HERE to vote!  There's only 2 days left, so don't waste any time!

FOREVER THE SICKEST KIDS ANNOUNCE SPRING TOUR

NEW:  THE SPRING BREAK YOUR HEART TOUR DATES

Featuring:  Forever The Sickest Kids, Breathe Carolina, This Century*, We Are The In Crowd*, & Before Their Eyes

* - Only on select dates.

Apr 12 - Culture Room - Fort Lauderdale, FL
Apr 13 - House of Blues - Orlando, FL
Apr 14 - Freebird Live - Jacksonville Beach, FL
Apr 15 - Rocketown - Nashville, TN
Apr 16 - Mad Hatter Club - Covington, KY
Apr 17 - Headliners - Toledo, OH
Apr 19 - Diesel - Pittsburgh, PA
Apr 20 - Xtreme Wheels - Buffalo, NY
Apr 21 - The Lost Horizon - Syracuse, NY
Apr 22 - The Met Cafe - Pawtucket, RI
Apr 23 - Toad’s Place - New Haven, CT
Apr 26 - Recher Theatre - Towson, MD
Apr 27 - The Canal Club - Richmond, VA
Apr 28 - Chameleon Club - Lancaster, PA

HOT NEW MUSIC: FAREWELL FIGHTER

Farewell Fighter is a Powerpop / Rock band from Nashville, TN with Pop / Punk attributes and a quirky Indie style. With a tendency toward literal lyrical statements and guitar riffs to back them up, this 4-piece breath of fresh air have become known for their manic live show and endlessly singable pop-rock songs. Along side solid harmonies, unforgettable melodies, and solid performances from every member every show, the band seems to be on a collision course with success.

AP Magazine named Farewell Fighter #1 Hometown Heroes in their February 2011 issue.  I've been a fan for a long time, and the guys are definitely worth checking out.  Having dropped their new The Way We Learn EP on January 18th, this is a rising band that you'll want to watch out for this year.  To stream the entire album and their other music, click HERE. Enjoy!

Photo Credits http://www.joshmilliken.com/