BRIDGIT MENDLER IN TORONTO FOR "FAMILY CHANNEL BIG TICKET"

Bridgit Mendler in Toronto - August 2012

Definitely one to look-out for! 19-year-old Bridgit Mendler is the latest in a long line of Disney Stars to make the transition to the world of Pop Music. Her first Single, Ready or Not, is undeniably catchy, sampling The Delfonics' 1968 Hit of the same name, although a little more like The Fugees' 1996 take on it.

Mendler is a bona fide Superstar-in-the-making, having appeared in high-profile Films like Alvin and the Chimpunks: The Squeakuel and providing the voice of the Lead Character in Disney's The Secret World of Arrietty.  Currently, she stars in Good Luck Charlie as Teddy Duncan. Make no mistake though, Music is her real calling - she has a real natural Presence about her and those Vocals are polished and stylized.  A "now" Miley who actually is proud of being "Pop", with some Rihanna and Natasha Bedingfield-like leanings, if you will.

The beautiful Entertainer appeared last night as the Headliner at Molson Amphitheatre alongside the likes of Tyler Medeiros, Allstar Weekend, VERONICA, Ross Lynch and Mimoza Duot for the Family Channel Big Ticket.  Mendler made a v. special appearance this morning at Global Television's The Morning Show, performing her debut Single, drawing a large crowd outside their Bloor Street Studio.  Arriving with a large Entourage, she was even awesome enough to make time afterwards for Fans - big and small.

You can catch her Interview and Performance out here.

Mendler's debut Album My Name Is.. is due out October 22, 2012 (my Birthday!) via Universal Music Canada.

Check-out Ready or Not in full below. You will adore...

ENTER TO WIN A SIGNED COPY OF VICTORIA DUFFIELD'S "SHUT UP AND DANCE" - IN STORES NOW!

Official Artwork for Shut Up and Dance

Great news, Victoria Duffield Fans! Courtesy of Warner Music Canada, I am giving away two signed copies of her debut CD, Shut Up and Dance here only.

Many of you I'm sure are familiar with Duffield's first three Singles, the Disc's Title Track, Feel and also Break My Heart. The Abbotsford-born Singer/Songwriter is set to be the next Canadian Pop Princess to dominate the World of Pop and just released her fourth Single, They Don't Know About Us (ft. Cody Simpson).

I've previewed the Disc and absolutely loved it.  Read my Review here.

If you'd like to win a copy of Shut Up and Dance, all you have to do is click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook. Double you chances by Tweeting the following:

@mrwillw wants me to win a signed copy of @VDuffield's new CD, "Shut Up and Dance". In-stores NOW! 

Good luck.

Check-out the Video for Break My Heart and witness her amazing moves below:

VIDEO PREMIERE: BRANDY FT. CHRIS BROWN - "PUT IT DOWN"

New Promo Photo for Brandy

Brandy’s back and October 16, 2012 has been confirmed as the release date of her upcoming Disc, TWO ELEVEN. Although a Collaboration with Monica a few months proved not to be anywhere near as epic as it appeared on paper, the Singer/Actress just premiered the Video for her new Single, Put it Down (ft. Chris Brown). The Track was co-written by Brown, Bangladesh and Sean Garrett.

Regardless of my personal opinions about Chris Brown, the Track is by all means solid and I’m more than happy to see one of my fave ‘90s R&B Stars back in the game.

Check-out Put it Down below:

DANIEL POWTER IN TORONTO FOR "TURN ON THE LIGHTS"

Daniel Powter in Toronto - August 2012

Although he's had a tough run, Vernon, British Columbia-born Singer-Songwriter Daniel Powter is back and ready for the spotlight again with his latest Single, Cupid. Powter's rise to the top of the World of Pop in 2006 happened at a rocket speed.  His international Hit Bad Day reached the summit of the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart, making him the first Canadian Male Artist to accomplish that feat since Bryan Adams in 1995, with Have You Ever Loved a Woman?  Despite the Track being named Billboard Magazine's Song of the Year in 2006 with JUNO, GRAMMY and BRIT Award nominations galore to follow, many of us have wondered since, "What happened to Daniel Powter?".

The Singer/Songwriter has been v. honest in the Media about his five-year-long battle with Cocaine and Alcohol Addiction which began at the pinnacle of his success. Now sober, Powter recently got engaged to the Mother of their six-month-old Daughter (he also has a ten-year-old Daughter from a previous relationship).  He is ready to release his third major label Album, Turn on the Lights.

A barely recognizable Powter with long hair was out and about earlier today promoting his new Disc on Global Television's Morning Show and also CHFI with a live performance with his Bandmates.  While waiting for his Van, he was super-friendly taking time to chat with Photographers, also signing Autographs. He tells one Fan jokingly, "You should get about $10 for that".  Whether or not he duplicates the success of Bad Day really doesn't matter at this point. He's here and he's survived the dark.

Check-out Cupid in full below:

MARK RONSON FT. KATY B - "ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD" (COCA-COLA LONDON 2012 OLYMPICS SONG)

Still from Anywhere in the World

In the event you've been remotely close to a Television during the Olympics, you likely have heard this Song being played every commercial break. Coca-Cola has chosen hot British Talents Mark Ronson (Adele, Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse) and Internet Sensation/Student of Popular Music Katy B for Anywhere in the World, the official Track of their London 2010 Olympics Campaign.

Ronson's super-interesting Journey to creating the Track is documented on-Video and shows him visiting Olympic Athletes in-training, capturing and listening to the sounds of them practicing, incorporating it all into one multi-dimensional listening experience. 

After listening to a quick Snippet of the Track on TV, you can enjoy the Track in-full below:

ALANIS MORISSETTE IN TORONTO FOR "HAVOC AND BRIGHT LIGHTS"

Alanis Morissette in Toronto - August 2012

THIS. An hour and a half after meeting her, I'm still shaking on the inside! Ottawa-born Icon Alanis Morissette is an Inspiration to anyone who grew-up in the '90s. Just ask Katy, Kelly or Avril. Although she's gone through several evolutions in her Career as an Entertainer, my respect and admiration for her always has remained the same.  Yes, I remember eagerly waiting with my VCR Remote Control in-hand for her Too Hot Video to appear on the MuchMusic Countdown as a Kid, waiting to record it so I could watch it over and over.  Pre-MP3s, I also remember waiting by the Radio for Ironic to play on the Radio to record on Cassette, to be enjoyed immensely over and over on my Walkman for hours on-end.  I swear I still have her record-breaking, 33-million-selling Jagged Little Pill Cassette packed-away somewhere!

Looking more happy and at peace with herself than ever (evidence above), Morissette has been in Toronto for the past couple days doing Press for her forthcoming eighth studio Disc Havoc and Bright Lights, to be distributed by Universal Music in Canada.  A personal Dream of mine came true when I finally got to meet one of the World's Sexiest Vegetarians coming out of a Starbucks run earlier before heading into an Interview on The Erin & Mike Morning Show on CHFI.  One Photographer spotted Morissette enjoying her Coffee on that Bloor Street Patio before realizing she was being snapped, then heading back inside where I'm sure several Coffee Lovers were in for the surprise of their lives.

Despite hearing several stories from Fans who have tried meeting Morissette on previous visits that she is a bit tricky on the Autographs and Photos, I witnessed none of that from her.  Looking gorgeous, the Mother of one-year-old Imre donned her signature parted-Locks, a colour-blocked Jersey, slim-fit Pants and some awesome fishnet Pumps.

NEW MUSIC: MARIAH CAREY - "TRIUMPHANT (GET 'EM) FT. RICK ROSS & MEEK MILL"

Official Artwork for Triumphant (Get 'Em)

Never judge a Track by its Title. I must admit when I first glanced at the Title for Mariah Carey's new Single Triumphant (Get 'Em) ft. Rick Ross & Meek Mill, I felt an unspoken sense for disappointment. Believe me, I'm her biggest Fan and have been to all her Concerts, own all her CDs and DVDs and even was a Preferred Member of her Honey B. Fly Fan Club for years. I however, haven't been a huge Fan of her last sub-par Discs (I tried hard to love them!) as I feel they've veered a little too far off her Standard.

Triumphant (Get 'Em) gets a timely release today during the London 2012 Olympics and after hearing the Bryan-Michael Cox-produced Track, I am relieved. Yes, Mariah still is staying current with the Urban Sounds of Now, but this feels and sounds familiar, which is all a Lamb could want. Never abandon a successful Brand, especially when it's had 18 #1 Singles.

Will Triumphant (Get 'Em) be Mariah's 19th #1 Single? All she needs is one more to surpass The Beatles' tally of 20. We'll soon see.

Check out this Snippet in the meantime:

TEDDY GEIGER IN TORONTO FOR "THE LAST FEARS"

Teddy Geiger in Toronto - July 2012

Teddy Geiger, great Guy. The 23-year-old Actor/Singer/Songwriter first burst onto the scene with bang back in 2006 debuting in the Top Ten of the U.S. Billboard Hot 200 Album Chart, Underage Thinking. Currently in Toronto with a Show at The Mod Club tonight in support of his latest Disc The Last Fears, Geiger made a surprise visit to Global Television's The Morning Show bright and early, performing acoustically two Tracks, including the delightful Shake it Off and his biggest Hit, For You I Will.  See his Performance here.

Although formerly signed to Columbia Records, Geiger is finding success on his own terms releasing Music independently via Pledge Music.  In fact, Digital Sales of his CDs, Meet & Greets and Merchandise already are doing exceedingly well, meeting 111% of its Target as of today. Above this, the New York Native will be donating proceeds to Save the Elephants.

Geiger actually knows Toronto quite well actually having filmed 2008 Comedy The Rocker here alongside Rainn Wilson, Emma Stone, Bradley Cooper, Christina Applegate and Jason Sudeikis in the City, telling me he knows the area of the City he stayed then quite well.  He was amazingly nice to chat with some Fans post-performance and was rather smitten with Billy, who got a full-on massage from Geiger, not wanting it to end!

Click here to order Geiger's latest Album, The Last Fears.

(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)

NEW MUSIC: NO DOUBT - "SETTLE DOWN"

Official Artwork for Settle Down

No Doubt at long last have released their new Single, Settle Down, a perfect-for-Summer Jam consistent with their brand of Ska-Pop-Rock.  The Track is their first original material to surface in over a decade and can be found on their upcoming September 25, 2012 Release, Push and Shove.

Although the Verses will take a few listens to acquire a taste for, I appreciate the rhythmic complexities of the Track and that Chorus in the end is what will make this a Winner.  The Breakdown isn't like anything I've ever heard, so Bonus Points for Originality. I already hear a more confident- sounding Stefani (at least more than she sounded on her last Solo Disc, The Sweet Escape).  Excited for what's next and you should be too!

The Sophia Muller-directed Video has just surfaced also, capturing the fun essence and colour of the Track perfectly and what No Doubt exactly are all about.  A cute little on-screen Reunion moment thrown-in also for us Fans!


Check-out the Video for Settle Down in full below:

VIDEO PREMIERE: MADONNA - "TURN UP THE RADIO"

Still from Turn Up the Radio

Madonna goes back to her roots in her latest Video, directed by Tom Munro, where we see her driven through her Motherland of Italia in the backseat of a Convertible and causing quite a commotion on the streets. This all looks great and I admit, I love the Martin Solveig-produced Track, but is this too little too late for the MDNA Movement?

One other thing - is Madonna averse to being surrounding by people her own age in her Videos?  It would be nice to see The Queen of Pop embracing the same Philosophy she has always promoted by Expressing Yourself with an Entourage not comprised only of just younger Models or ripped Dancers.

Watch this just-released Video for Turn Up the Radio:

NEW MUSIC: ROCK MAFIA FT. MILEY CYRUS - "MORNING SUN"

Official Artwork for Rock Mafia - Mixtape Vol. 1

Channeling some serious Aqua, we finally get some new Material from Miley Cyrus! This Track Morning Sun leaked quite some time ago as a Demo, but this is a polished Version of it heard on California-based Producers Rock Mafia's latest EP: Mix Tape, Vol. 1. You can download the Mixtape free here.

Also known as Pimps & Hoes, the Track has Cyrus wanting to party all night with the Boys and Girls from the Sands of California to the Jersey Shore.

This will have to do for now, I suppose. Eagerly awaiting a proper Album from Cyrus.

 Check out Morning Sun below:

NEW MUSIC: P!NK - "BLOW ME (ONE LAST KISS)"

Official Artwork for Blow Me (One Last Kiss)

At long last P!nk is gearing-up for the release of her first Single since her Baby Willow Sage was born last June. Produced by Greg Kurstin (Lily Allen, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson), the Track borrows a Concept from Modest Mouse's Float On and everything about it feels 1983-ish. 

The Title, Blow Me (One Last Kiss), gets a bit of a playful boost with its v. suggestive '70s Porn-esque Cover Art.  The expletive-filled Song really though is about her being ready to let-go finally of an ailing relationship and although it isn't quite as catchy as some of her earlier work, there is every indication that we'll all be humming its Chorus by Summer's end.  "I've had a sh*t day/You had a sh*t day/We've had a sh*t day/I think that life's too short for this/Won't back my ignorance with bliss/I think I've had enough of this/Blow me one last kiss", she sings.

The Track will appear on P!nk's upcoming sixth Studio Disc, which tentatively is due September 2012.

Check out Blow Me (One Last Kiss) below:

MARIAH CAREY ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM SUMMER 2012

Mariah Carey's New Official Logo

It's official! Mariah Carey will be releasing her 14th Studio Album this Summer. The 200-million-Album-selling Diva took to Twitter yesterday to announce the great news, Tweeting: "So.. Summer 2012.. Been in the lab, mixing up some concoctions for you, hope you like it!! #MCSummer2012". There are several signs pointing to Mariah going back to doing what she does best, belting-out those soulful Numbers, versus some of her more recent material which perhaps had her veering a bit too close to Trends in Urban Music.

Long-time Collaborator Walter Afanassief helped put Mariah on-the-map in the early '90s with a string a Classics including Vision of Love, Hero, Dreamlover, My All and several more. His Daughter Isabella dropped a clue also via Twitter that her Father will be collaborating with Mariah after a long absence, Tweeting: "@jacobmemoirs I think you can spill the news ;) I'm too excited my father is finally going to be working with her again after 16 years!".  Of course, no confirmation yet but this is a great sign.

Mariah also performed last week at a Plaza Hotel Fundraiser for President Obama in New York City, premiering a new Track called Bring it on Home, which drew a Standing Ovation.

Although the quality isn't amazing, check this Clip out below of the Gospel-inspired Tune:

NEW MUSIC: OWL CITY FT. CARLY RAE JEPSEN - "GOOD TIME"

Official Artwork for Good Time

Things couldn't be going any better for Carly Rae Jepsen and although she's onto her second Single Curiosity right now, she managed to find time to collaborate with Owl City on this fun Summer Ditty, Good Time. The Track is a perfect follow-up to her international Smash Call Me Maybe... maybe even more than Curiosity itself?

The Canadian Collaboration isn't the first for the Minnesota-formed Owl City, whom have toured with our v. own Lights recently.

Good Time will be released Tuesday, June 26, 2012 on iTunes.

Check out Good Time in full below:

FREE DOWNLOAD: GAVIN BRADLEY - "DAYLIGHT FADING OUT"

Official Artwork for Daylight Fading Out

Often we have the assumption that Free Music is Bad Music, but this absolutely isn't the case with my dear Friend, Gavin Bradley. Gavin has established himself as one of Toronto's most talented Singer/Songwriters and he has just released digitally his new Album Daylight Fading Out and he's letting you all have it for free. Download it right off his Official Website here.

Fans of Spandau Ballet and The Style Council will love the sound of his new Disc and he tells me he's thrilled about the response he's getting, "I can see from the downloads that more people have it already than ever got copies of my first album in 2 years of promoting...so I'm stoked!".

If you love it, support it by downloading it on iTunes here.  Enjoy!

(Photo credit: Gavin Bradley)

PREVIEW THE "ROCK OF AGES" ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK

Official Artwork for Rock of Ages OST

Finally Previews of the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack for Rock of Ages have surfaced! Let's admit it - we're all most curious to hear what Tom Cruise sounds like singing. The results are actually surprisingly good... from the Snippets I can hear at least. He is channeling some serious Jon Bon Jovi here with that Tenor of his.

Newcomer Diego Boneta is stellar here and who could deny being excited to hear Mary J. Blige have some fun belting-out Soft Rock?  You will die hearing Catherine Zeta-Jones doing Pat Benatar. Hit Me With Your Best Shot!  Hot!

Listen to Previews of the Soundtrack in full here:

Rock of Ages - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is now in stores via Universal Music Canada. Download it here. Rock of Ages hits theatres Friday, June 15, 2012 via Warner Bros.

(Photo credit: Universal Music)

NELLY FURTADO IN TORONTO FOR "BIG HOOPS" | AUTOGRAPH GIVEAWAY

Nelly Furtado in Toronto - June 2012

Although her fourth English Language Album The Spirit Indestructible isn't out till September, our v. own Nelly Furtado is kicking-off promotion for the Disc's Lead Single Big Hoops (Bigger the Better).  Her   Stop-offs this morning for the multi-GRAMMY Award Winner included visits to KISS 92.5 and CHUM 104.5 which saw her perform an Acoustic Version of the Track at both Stations.

Fittingly sporting a pair of gold-coloured Big Hoops herself with her hair in a Braid, Furtado looked chic this morning stepping out of KISS 92.5, stopping to take Photos and sign some Autographs for Fans. Despite her Handler urging "One per person only, please", Furtado was generous with her time and I even had a chance to tell her how stunning she looked in her earrings, which she appreciated.

Furtado is scheduled to perform at the 2012 MuchMusic Video Awards on Sunday, June 17, 2012. 

Enter to win a Signed Photo from Furtado by clicking "like" on Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and also this corresponding Post before July 1, 2012.  You should also be following on Twitter here.  Good luck!

Watch the Video for Big Hoops below:

MR. WILL-W.'S SONGS OF SUMMER 2012

Karmin

Summers for me always have been defined by Songs. The trigger of hearing a Track instantaneously can prompt a chain reaction of memories and place me in a mood, even if momentarily. Although we’re only into late May, our iPods and Airwaves already have been infiltrated by a bevy a solid Summer Tunes and here are my Top Five!

1. Karmin – Brokenhearted

Although it took me several listens to enjoy, this Los Angeles-based Real Life Couple have me clicking repeat with this infectious number which received a major profile boost with their appearance on Saturday Night Live earlier this year. Their signature rap-singing, Electropop takes an edgy concept and spreads it to a mass audience.

2. Nicki Minaj – Starships

Thanks to Lady Gaga, RedOne has been placed internationally on-the-map as a Game Changer in Pop Music and to this day he remains a force to be dealt with as the Pop Elite clamour to collaborate with him. Anyone who listens to Starships needs little explanation why this rightfully is "The Song of Summer 2012". It has a widely international sound and Minaj is improving leaps and bounds as a Vocalist - at least on-recording. A starship quite literally has risen.

CONOR MAYNARD IN TORONTO | SIGNED PHOTO GIVEAWAY

Conor Maynard in Toronto - May 2012

Hailing from Brighton, England, 19-year-old Singer/Songwriter Conor Maynard's star is rising quickly as the latest hotly-tipped U.K.-import to make waves in North America. Maynard gained popularity after uploading a Series of Covers to YouTube late 2008, including a Version of Beautiful Monster by Ne-Yo which even caught that Singer's attention. Soon after, he was signed to Parlophone Records (EMI Music), a Label which knows well how to make a Superstar with the likes of Kylie Minogue, Coldplay, Lily Allen and more achieving success in North America in recent years.

Maynard's Toronto visit yesterday included a stop-off at MuchMusic's New.Music.Live, which saw Girls lined around-the-block in anticipation of catching a glimpse of the soulful Teen Idol and his brand of Electro-R&B-Pop. 

Earlier this rainy morning, he visited KISS 92.5 Studios with his Suburban stuffed with luggage, ready to continue on the next leg of his Promo Tour. Donning one of his signature Baseball Caps, Maynard was up and ready to go, stopping to pose for a quick Photo and spreading a bit of that infectious British charm over this way. He even signed an Autograph for my Readers!  To enter, click "like" on this Post at Mr. Will-W.:Pop Maven on Facebook and also remember to follow on Twitter also here.  Winner will be selected July 30, 2012.  Good luck!

Maynard's debut Disc Contrast will see a July 30, 2012 release.

Check out his v. solid debut Single Can't Say No below:

VIDEO PREMIERE: NICKI MINAJ - "STARSHIPS"

Still from Starships

I don't love everything she does but, when I do love her, it's an immense love. The Anthony Mandler-directed Video for Nicki Minaj's massive 2012 Summer Jam Starships, finally has surfaced. The RedOne-produced Track already has peaked at number five on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 Chart and even better up north at number four on the Canadian Hot 100, but it is poised for the top with that unbelievably-catchy Hook.

This neon-coloured explosion of Fun surely will do nothing but propel its success and perhaps the Track is just what Minaj needs to help with her agenda to fully crossover into the Mainstream. Love it.

Watch the Video below: