There’s still no telling when M.I.A. will release her latest music video “XXXO” but there have been reports on her taking some footage for the video on her personal Flip camera. I think she looks bad ass in this picture, and I’m loving the gold skeleton body armor.
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I’m really feelin’ this song! I think I officially like Cudi’s singing voice better than his rapping voice. Nice! Enjoy
Download: Kid Cudi – Erase Me (feat. Kanye West)
TLD got up close and personal with the talented songwriter Rochelle Jordan, who was born in England, but moved to Canada at the young age of 4. Addicted to TV talent shows such as Star Search and video tapes of Micheal Jackson, she was already plotting out her career in music at age 13. To Rochelle, the 1990’s was real Music and she really wanted to be apart of this movement. When she turned 16, She Formed a group with her cousin for about a year called “2nd level.” Due to unorganized management and false promises, the group fell apart and Rochelle stopped singing for a couple years, but continued to write. Being at the right place at the right time at the age of 19, Rochelle found herself conversing with a producer who got her a gig singing back up for Canada’s pop R&B artist “Keisha Chante.” Thats when everything for RoJo started taking fold. She was taken more seriously and she was getting calls for more background singing. She Shortly after Put a band together “Intheroy” and Started doing small shows around Toronto. After a while Things became slow again so She decided to through some video’s up on youtube. That is when she had gotten an email from a production company in the states called “Protostar ent” which was headed by a music producer named “klash” who was interning with Chad hugo of the Neptunes at the time. They shortly sent for her to work in LA weeks at a time to record. Since working with Klash, Rochelle has written numerous songs one which is being looked at for a Tyra Banks reality TV show. With that said, they are currently working on Rochelle’s First EP “Alien Phase” Which releases end of July, 2010.
Enjoy the interview! 
TLD: When did you first started singing? Any stories/ experiences you would like to share?
Rojo: I would sing at Church in the choir and my teachers would always have me perform at school assemblies. I sang ‘Miracles’ - Mariah Carey/Whitney Houston for the ‘terry fox run’ assembly and made my teachers cry back then.. I guess after that experience i actually somewhat started to take music seriously in the back of my young mind.
TLD: When did you first start making music (songs, etc)?
Rojo: I started Writing when i was about 15, Just fooling around with the pen and pad. When i turned 16 My parents started seeing a dramatic improvement in my Phrasing and Concepts, so i kept going…and ive grown ever since Writing wise.
TLD: What genre of music do you consider your work to be?
Rojo: If i had to Categorize my music.. i would have to say its Pop Rnb. I like to call it Eclectic Rnb. Its A different sound, its everything thats Not on the Radio, Its Alien.
TLD: Any major influences?
Rojo: So many! 4hero, Samantha James because of her writing style and how Soft her voice is, i find myself reflecting her vocal style. Amerie Because her vocals are different and She has a certain kind of control with her vocals that is very uncommon..hard to explain! lol. Kelis, She isnt afraid to be wild and Crazy and Her music OMG, talk about originality. Faith evans is a singer that i can relate to, she never pushes her vocals, they are smooth and sensual, and her music was amazing back in the day. INOJ, everyone knows her amazing music even if they dont know her name, Inspires my sound. Drake and lupe for Their Swag and Ability to talk about real life. Im not the kind of Artist that just follows the now when it comes to artists i like… I like what i hear and the art behind it. I wont be inspired by any ol’ artist just because they are on the radio.
TLD: Is there any particular way you prepare yourself before singing?
Rojo: To be Honest… No. Im not very discipline when it comes to my vocals yet. Im raw. ive never had training. never been to school for singing.. its all a gift. With that said, ive just become so used to NOT warming up or doing breathing warm ups…i just get up, and start Singing. its not good for me.. but hey, thats how i do. Lol
TLD: Does the music talent run in your family? If so, who do you think you got it from?
Rojo: Music Runs in my family on Both sides. most of my family members on my mothers side Sings. My dads side all play instruments. My Father was a Drummer and a Bass player. My Mother was a singer in her day, so i got it from my momma and pappa!
TLD: If you can share the stage with someone, who would you pick and why?
Rojo: Man, I would love to share the stage Lady gaga, Kanye, Drake, Jill Scott, Beyonce i could go on for hours and list more. These artists are really talented and they know how to VIBE on stage. id love to be apart of that!
TLD: Do you have any upcoming shows?
Rojo: At the moment i do not, Though i do have my hearing party Friday July 9th, I might do something for that. Once my Ep Drops then people will have a chance to hear me then I can get going with performing live.
TLD: Favorite song you’ve composed?
Rojo: Man, Klash (Producer) and i have created so many great songs. Everytime we make a new one we say ” This is My FAVRIOTE ONE!” its hard to choose, but as of right now, i Think my Jam is ” End to Start” I was really passionate about that song.
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The lipstick diaries wasn’t lying when we said snippets are pretty much a tease, but to have an entire album in bits?? That’s like a cheese square on a toothpick when you have an empty stomach waiting on the full course meal. M.I.A. just drop /\/\/\Y/\ (MAYA, out July 13) already so my nerves can be at peace. My ears are itching to hear about revolution, it’s a message I can dance to.
Any thoughts on what’s available from the album? Good, bad? Too many references to technology and government, not enough references to technology and government? So far my favorites are “Lovalot” and “XXXO”. Lemme know what you think!
New artist alert! And you don’t want to sleep on this one..LA artist Avriel is out with a new song for download, and it’s the perfect song for the Summer. Avriel’s music is a kinetic mix of pop, R&B, soul, rock and electronica, delivered with a sexy, original style all her own. Here’s “Bouncer,” a record from Cook’s new album. Download, and enjoy! Expect to see more from this girl. Oh, and how can I forget to credit the man behind the music, Cook of course!
Download: Cook Classics feat. Avriel Epps - “Bouncer”
PS Don’t forget to purchase Cook Classics “Recharged” on iTunes
Artists who put out “snippets” of songs, really need to NOT. I mean, it’s the worst tease! Especially when it’s actually a good song, and you search and search for a full version. But nope. Here is a one minute snippet of Shakira’s cover to The XX’s “Islands”
Lady Gaga’s newest music video is out. Thoughts? Best yet?
Gaga describes the video as “a celebration of my love and appreciation for the gay community, my admiration of their bravery, their love for one another and their courage in their relationships. In the video I’m pining for the love of my gay friends–but they just don’t want me to be with them.”
The video is directed by Steven Klein.
This past Saturday, I attended The XX show at the Music Box in Hollywood, and had an amazing time! I’m a HUGE fan of The XX ( I listen to the album daily). Show was sold out, so buying my tickets 3 months in advance was a must! Their opening band “Phantogram” was the perfect opener, and I had to right away do some research and do some downloading when I got home. The electronic band consists of two members, guitarist Josh Carter and keyboardist Sarah Barthel- who by the way is the cutest little thing! Download, and enjoy!
Download: Phantogram- “Pocket full of diamonds”
Download: Phantogram - Mouthful of Diamonds (Alan Wilkis Remix)
Today is a busy day in the music world! Here is another one we thought we’d share with our readers. And who doesn’t like free music? Here is a mixtape from one of our favorite, super talented (and may I add cute) producer. He isn’t strictly a hip-hopper, but also has the skills in pop, and everything else amazing in between. Here is a collection of over 15 instrumentals you can jam to by the pool. So download, and enjoy!
DOWNLOAD: Cook Classics – (Pre)Charged (zip)
