Jenna, Author at TicketNetwork Blog

Drop the Mic: Austin City Limits Music Festival Begins This Weekend

October 6, 2017 by Jenna

Top 5 Concerts

Bruno Mars: Wells Fargo Center – PA│Philadelphia, PA│October 10th

Bruno Mars continues his “24K Magic Tour” at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia after two nights at the TD Garden. He then makes his way down south to North Carolina and Florida.

Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood: Mercedes-Benz Stadium│Atlanta, GA│October 12th

Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood have one stop in Atlanta, GA, which is rare for the duo. Most often, they plan tour segments in cities, having somewhere between two to twelve shows in one place. Atlanta only has one Garth Brooks show, which makes it special for the crowd.

Coldplay: SDCCU Stadium│San Diego, CA│October 8th

Coldplay only have a few dates left of the 2017 leg of the “A Head Full of Dreams Tour.” Their last U.S. stop is in San Diego at SCDDU Stadium. From there, the band will head to Brazil for a short leg in November.

Austin City Limits Music Festival Weekend 1: Zilker Park│Austin, TX│October 6th

Austin, TX is a city known for its music scene. The Austin City Limits Music Festival encapsulates this feeling of music and tradition in Austin. Two weeks in October, the Austin City Limits Music Festival takes over. Weekend 1 includes huge names such as Jay-Z, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Killers, Chance The Rapper, and more. Therefore, Austin City Limits Music Festival incorporates a multitude of different genres into the weekends.

The Austin City Limits Music Festival takes place at Zilker Park. The festival includes art instillations, dozens of activities, a beer hall, a kid area, and more. A Silent Disco is another fun perk of this year’s Austin City Limits Music Festival.

Ed Sheeran: Bridgestone Arena Nashville, TN October 6th

Ed Sheeran is touring in 2017 in smaller indoor arenas before touring in 2018 at stadiums in support of his album ÷. His stop at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena is the first of two back-to-back shows at the venue.

What’s In Tune: New Music

Liam Gallagher│As You Were

This is the debut solo album for Liam Gallagher, the former lead singer of the band Oasis with his brother Noel and other bandmates. The tension and arguments between Liam and Noel caused lots of conflict throughout the years. Arguably, the conflicts and drama distracted and even outweighed the music that the band was making. Troubling to say the least. Now, Liam steps out with his first solo album after attempting to find success with his post-Oasis band Beady Eye. As You Were is a mix of rock legends: influences from the Beatles and more British pop rock royalty, but not much new for the artist who is more interesting when he’s arguing than when he’s singing.

Gallagher’s songwriting isn’t on his side either, as he was never a primary support in songwriting while in the bands. Therefore, he needs substantial support on every song, and some songs he’s not even listed as a co-writer. This shows one of his weaknesses in addition to his aging voice.

As You Were Tracklist:

1. “Wall Of Glass”
2. “Bold”
3. “Greedy Soul”
4. “Paper Crown”
5. “For What It’s Worth”
6. “When I’m In Need”
7. “You Better Run”
8. “I Get By”
9. “Chinatown”
10. “Come Back To Me”
11. “Universal Gleam”
12. “I’ve All I Need”

What’s In Tune: Television Appearances

Sam Smith│Saturday Night Live│October 7th

Sam Smith announced his 2018 tour and new album title The Thrill Of It All yesterday. His second single “Pray” dropped, as well. Expect to hear “Too Good At Goodbyes” and “Pray” during SNL. The album is set to drop November 3rd.

Miley Cyrus│The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon│October 6th

Miley Cyrus finishes off her week-long residency on The Tonight Show today. Her new album Younger Now dropped last Friday.

Jhene Aiko and Big Sean│The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon│October 9th

Jhene Aiko and Big Sean are dating, but they also are frequent collaborators on each other’s music, as well. Aiko just released her new album Trip, and Big Sean featured on songs such as “Moments.”

Noah Cyrus│The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon│October 10th

Noah Cyrus, Miley Cyrus’s younger sister, is starting to begin her music career with hits such as “Make Me Cry” and her recent collaboration with XXXTENTACION. She will perform on The Tonight Show and potentially is looking to drop an album in the coming year.

Liam Gallagher│The Late Late Show with James Corden│October 9th

Liam Gallagher’s new album As You Were was released today. He stops by The Late Late Show with James Corden in support of his new music.

Charlie Puth│The Late Late Show with James Corden│October 11th

Charlie Puth is also on The Late Late Show this week in support of his new album Voice Notes set to drop this fall.

Usher and Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie│The Late Late Show with James Corden│October 12th

Usher dropped an album last hear titled Hard II Love. He might be gearing up to go on tour in the new year in support of his album. This would be his first tour since 2014-2015’s “The UR Experience Tour.”

Lindsey Buckingham and Christine McVie are touring together into mid-November. The two are from the famous band Fleetwood Mac and released a collaborative album together earlier this year.

Dustin Lynch│The Talk│October 6th

Dustin Lynch released his third studio album in September 2017 titled Current Mood. His time on The Talk will be in support of Current Mood, and his touring throughout the remainder of the year.

Neon Trees│Live with Ryan and Kelly│October 9th

Neon Trees, known for hits such as “Everybody Talks,” haven’t released an album since 2014. However, they dropped their first single “Feel Good” in August 2017 and have a handful of shows in October. Expect album news and a potential 2018 tour announced soon.

Charlie Puth│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│October 10th

Charlie Puth will perform music off of his upcoming album Voice Notes on Ellen.

French Montana│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│October 11th

French Montana released his album Jungle Rules earlier this year. He does not have many tour dates on the calendar, but he will most likely perform from the array of hits off of his album.

Drop the Mic: The Classic Northwest & Miley Cyrus Revamps Her Music

September 29, 2017 by Jenna

Top 5 Concerts

Paul McCartney: Little Caesars Arena│Detroit, MI│October 1st

Paul McCartney is performing in Detroit for two nights in early October. These shows are important because these will be the last of his U.S. dates. Afterwards, McCartney embarks on a brief leg in Brazil before going to Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand for scattered dates in October and December.

Bruno Mars: Capitol One Arena│Washington D.C.│September 30th

Bruno Mars continue to light up the Top 5 Concerts list every week with his highly-anticipated performances on his “24K Magic Tour.” Mars dropped his album 24K Magic late last year. Fun hits such as the title track, “That’s What I Like,” and more present an upbeat atmosphere that perfectly compliments Mars’ elaborate choreography and entertainer style.

The Classic Northwest: Safeco Field│Seattle, WA│September 30th

The Classic Northwest comes after the success of The Classic East and The Classic West. In a small lineup, The Classic Northwest includes the Eagles and the Doobie Brothers. It takes place in Seattle during one of the season’s last baseball park concerts. Though The Classic Northwest lineup is less full, the fans of the oldies icons will be out in massive numbers to support their bands.

Both the Eagles and the Doobie Brothers are nearing the end of their careers, so this is a unique opportunity to see them live at The Classic Northwest before retirement. The Eagles’ future in particular is unknown due to the recent passing of Glenn Frey. For The Classic East and West, the Eagles subbed in Frey’s son Deacon Frey to play with the band in a “Circle of Life” performance that made the lineup extra special.

The Classic Northwest is one example of the trend of oldies bands to still bring out large crowds to hear their epic talents from over the year. The Classic Northwest could be just the start of more Classics throughout the country.

Ed Sheeran: Barclays Center│Brooklyn, NY│September 30th

Ed Sheeran is one of, if not the, biggest male popstar. He has a whopping three nights at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center. The Saturday show is in the middle of the three nights. Sheeran is known for his loop pedal skills, and he will most likely play the majority of ÷ in addition to hits from his other two albums and covers. Sheeran’s covers of famous songs are part of the reason he is so famous. His ability to make them his own is impeccable and demonstrates an on-the-fly talent.

Billy Joel: Madison Square Garden│New York, NY│September 30th

Billy Joel continues to perform at Madison Square Garden for his residency at The World’s Most Famous Arena. He is the first artist to gain residency, and it shows no signs of letting up as the years move forward with a high interest in tickets to the shows. Joel performs his hits such as “Piano Man” and “Only the Good Die Young” in addition to a myriad of other music from his catalog.

What’s In Tune: New Music

Miley Cyrus│Younger Now

Miley Cyrus is back with Younger Now. It is a turn towards the country style of her early days, born from her birth roots as the daughter of famous country star Billy Ray Cyrus. However, Younger Now is not completely country. It’s indie-pop, mild style reflects that of mainstream pop radio. There is a straddling between worlds that she grew up in, literally and artistically. Younger Now feels more Cyrus that ever before. This might be because the recent Cyrus grew past the rebel period of her past few albums, exploding out of Disney Channel with a fire to make something bigger of herself. Younger Now feels settled into the true Cyrus. Though that doesn’t discount her other selves, as she’s made it clear that each stage of her life, she was true to who she was at the time.

Younger Now

“Inspired,” a single off of the album, was written for Hillary Clinton. Cyrus campaigned for her, and the song is about Cyrus’s love of nature and the threat of its extinction due to environmental pollution. Her album is not outwardly political, but the liberal flavors are there to garner a good understanding of her place on the spectrum.

“Miss You So Much” is a track that leans more towards the emotional end of the album’s message. It was written about one of Cyrus’s close friend’s boyfriends who OD’ed. On a broader scale, the song is about holding someone who’s passed in your heart, so that they’re never truly gone. In addition, it’s about missing people even before they pass away and thinking about the inevitable.

The heartstrings are pulled on songs such as “Week Without You” and “Malibu,” both potentially about Liam Hemsworth at different points in their relationship. “Week Without You” is emotional yet is about breaking up and the bitterness. “Malibu,” however, is about her recent sense of contentment now that they’re back together and living peacefully in Malibu.

The title track includes the phrase “Change is a thing you can count on.” For the statement’s irony, it’s completely true. With Cyrus, with people, with the world. Cyrus feels Younger Now, and we can’t be any more happy for her.

Younger Now Tracklist:

1. “Younger Now”
2. “Malibu”
3. “Rainbowland” featuring Dolly Parton
4. “Week Without You”
5. ‘Miss You So Much”
6. “I Would Die For You”
7. “Thinkin'”
8. “Bad Mood”
9. “Love Someone”
10. “She’s Not Him”
11. “Inspired”

Demi Lovato│Tell Me You Love Me

Demi Lovato brings her best self in Tell Me You Love Me. Her Disney star to pop firecracker transition has been rough. From drug and alcohol addictions to self-harm, Lovato is a spokesperson for mental health issues as well as a celebrity example of stumbling one’s way through the charts. As much as that seems like a negative or a critique, frankly, it’s meant to be quite the opposite. Lovato is one of the harshest, realest people for her celebrity persona. She gives off the impression that you can’t fuck with her. No really, don’t try, to the point where her fiery personality has created spontaneous Twitter decisions that might not have been the best in retrospect.

This doesn’t mean Lovato has anything other than good intentions. In fact, her spirit and phenomenal voice are exactly why fans love her. After ending a long relationship and struggling through her addictions and eating disorder, Lovato demonstrates to her fans what it means to be strong. “You Don’t Do It For Me Anymore” is not about getting over an ex, but rather getting over her drug and alcohol addictions. The soulful, slightly-R&B sound on this album reflects a newer, stripped-back version of Lovato. It was be less sleek and shiny and more raw on Tell Me You Love Me.

“Daddy Issues” regards her father and their complicated, unhealthy relationship through the years. The remainder of the tracks will surely look into her fluid sexuality as well as her major breakup and progress moving forward in life.

In addition, she will drop the documentary Simply Complicated on YouTube after the album. It will look into the recording process and her single life as a mid-twenties popstar.

Tell Me You Love Me Tracklist:

1. “Sorry Not Sorry”
2. “Tell Me You Love Me”
3. “Sexy Dirty Love”
4. “You Don’t Do It For Me Anymore”
5. “Daddy Issues”
6. “Ruin The Friendship”
7. “Only Forever”
8. “Lonely”
9. “Cry Baby”
10. “Games”
11. “Concentrate”
12. “Hitchhiker”

Shania Twain│Now

Shania Twain, one of country pop’s biggest icons, released her first album since her divorce with producer Robert John “Mutt” Lange. In “Poor Me,” she reflects on the time she discovered that her husband was having an affair with her best friend. However, Twain confirms, this is not a divorce album. The album is surprising, difficult, and complex. Its message delves into the introspection one goes through when they went through a major life change. Lange didn’t leave Twain empty, that is made very clear.

In addition, the loss of her voice related to Lyme disease certainly has an impact on this album. Though the slower, darker notes are fufilled, the upbeat material lacks life. One can see the difference between early Twain throughout these songs; something an earlier version of herself would’ve knocked out of the park. Fans of her true country grit sound, swimming amongst her gleaming country pop tracks, will be happy will “Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed.” It’s a boot-stomping number that turns into a tropical pop feeling, mixing both realms of her two major genre crossovers. “Home Now” is even more blatantly country with a banjo to match.

For a piano ballad, “Where Do You Think You’re Going” nails her new vocal abilities and her emotional range. It builds into a orchestra from her very raw introduction, and this in itself demonstrates her ability to mold from backwoods to pop glam to vulnerable.

Twain’s return is triumphant. Though her vocal abilities might never bounce back to their original glory, her artistic spectrum on this album identifies why exactly she grew into a cross-genre superstar.

Now Tracklist:

1. “Swingin’ With My Eyes Closed”
2. “Home Now”
3. “Light of My Life”
4. “Poor Me”
5. “Who’s Gonna Be Your Girl”
6. “More Fun”
7. “I’m Alright”
8. “Let’s Kiss and Make Up”
9. “Where Do You Think You’re Going”
10. “Roll Me on the River”
11. “We Got Something They Don’t”
12. “Because of You”
13. “You Can’t Buy Love”
14. “Life’s About to Get Good”
15. “Soldier”
16. “All in All”

What’s In Tune: Television Appearances

Jay-Z│Saturday Night Live│September 29th

Jay-Z dropped his album 4:44 earlier this year, and he is touring this fall from late October to late December. He will be the first musical guest on this season of Saturday Night Live for the season premiere episode.

Miley Cyrus│The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon│October 2nd-6th

Miley Cyrus drops her new album Younger Now today. She will have a week-long residency on Jimmy Fallon that will include an array of live performances.

Shania Twain│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│September 29th

Shania Twain released her album Now. She will be making the talk show rounds including The Ellen Show. The pop country icon is going on tour in 2018.

Rita Ora│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│October 3rd

Rita Ora is on Ellen, though she hasn’t released an album for years. She is set to be in Fifty Shades Freed out in 2018.

Demi Lovato│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│October 4th

Demi Lovato dropped her new album Tell Me You Love Me today. She will most likely perform new music as well as possibly announce a tour.

Thirty Seconds to Mars│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│October 5th

Thirty Seconds to Mars dropped their first single in years titled “Walk On Water” that they performed at the VMAs.

Shania Twain│The Late Late Show with James Corden│October 3rd

Twain continues her talk show route with a stop at The Late Late Show. Her beauty and talent encapsulates her rise to the top of the country pop game.

Drop the Mic: The Killers Release ‘Wonderful Wonderful’

September 22, 2017 by Jenna

Top 5 Concerts

Paul McCartney: Carrier Dome│Syracuse, NY│September 23rd

Paul McCartney continues to take over the state of New York with a show in Syracuse, western New York. He finishes his New York run with two shows in Uniondale early next week. McCartney’s talents are still strong even at the age of 75. His voice to his entertainment skills make him a legendary concert that’s worth seeing. McCartney covers everything from the beginning of his career to the Beatles to his recent solo career music.

Bruno Mars: Madison Square Garden│New York, NY│September 23rd

Bruno Mars is performing two nights at Madison Square Garden. September 23rd is the second of the two shows. His choreography and showmanship qualities are what makes Mars one of the best live performers in the industry. His band the Hooligans compliment each performance. They play instruments and boogie with Mars in a revival of funk music.

Mars is all about the enjoyment and entertainment of his fans from opinions on his album to encouragement to put down your phone at his concerts. Expect a “live in the moment” vibe from any stop on his tour. Mars’ Madison Square Garden stops are some of the biggest events at The Garden all year long.

U2 & Beck: Qualcomm Stadium│San Diego, CA│September 22nd

U2 is continuing their summer tour with a fall leg, and Beck is opening for them. Beck is set to release his new album Colors this fall. U2 is still one of the biggest bands still together. Their epic ’80s fame made their songs timeless. From “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” to “With or Without You,” The Joshua Tree alone has enough hits to last for decades of touring.

U2 toured this summer as anniversary tour of The Joshua Tree. Their tour carried into the fall with an added leg. The summer’s openers included The Lumineers, OneRepublic, and Noel Gallagher’s High-Flying Birds. September 22nd is U2’s last U.S. tour date with Beck. They then tour solo in South America in October, the last scheduled dates of 2017.

Ed Sheeran: TD Garden│Boston, MA│September 22nd

Ed Sheeran continues with his 2017 indoor tour leg at Boston’s biggest indoor venue: TD Garden. He is performing two nights, and September 22nd is his Friday show, the first of second. Sheeran’s tour will potentially include a 2018 leg next year, but specifics of this are unknown.

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band: Palace of Auburn Hills│Auburn Hills, MI│September 23rd

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band are on tour until November, and Auburn Hills’ show brings Nancy Wilson as their opener. This is their last Michigan show for the entire tour.

What’s In Tune: New Music

Jhene Aiko│Trip

Jhene Aiko surprised fans with a new album after releasing the short film Trip. It is the first solo project since 2014’s Souled Out. It has a whopping 22 tracks and includes features from boyfriend Big Sean in addition to Swae Lee and more. Her autobiographical short film Trip is an ode to her late brother Miyagi and her late grandfather Teddy. It follows Penny, a poet, who ditches her plans to follow a stranger in search of spontaneous fun. However, the scenes to come delve into searching for one’s true self and mourning the loss of loved ones. In the process, Penny (played by Aiko) challenges her true emotions and faces her demons.

On her interview with The Breakfast Club earlier this year, she explained, “[The album is] inspired by every type of trip you could imagine: mental, physical, even psychedelic. I’m at a point where I put it all in the music. It’s a puzzle I want people to put together.” The journey follows her divorce and then new relationship with current boyfriend Big Sean in addition to the losses, such as her brother, she’s had to cope with and grow from in her past.

In her mission statement released Thursday, Aiko opened up, “My brother and I were very close. We were only two years apart. I never thought of him as a separate person, but an extension of myself. He was my reflection. In his presence, I was confident and always so sure.” In addition, she revealed her “MAP” mission yesterday (Movie, Album, Poetry book) for 2017. Her poetry book 2Fish is coming out soon.

Trip Tracklist:

1. “LSD”
2. “Jukai”
3. “While We’re Young”
4. “Moments” feat. Big Sean
5. “OLLA (Only Lovers Left Alive)” feat. TWENTY88
6. “When We Love”
7. “Sativa” feat. Swae Lee
8.”New Balance”
9. “Newer Balance – Freestyle”
10. “You Are Here”
11. “Never Call Me” feat Kurupt
12. “Nobody”
13. “Overstimualted”
14. “Bad Trip – Interlude”
15. “Oblivion (Creation)” feat. Dr. Chill
16. “Psilcybin (Love In Full Effect)” feat. Dr. Chill
17. “Mystic Journey – Freestyle”
18. “Picture Perfect – Freestyle”
19. “Sing To Me” feat. Namiko Love
20. “Frequency”
21. “Ascension”
22. “Trip” feat. Mali Music

Macklemore│GEMINI

With Ryan Lewis

Macklemore returns to music without his faithful producer Ryan Lewis. It is a new front for Macklemore, always the frontman for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis, to leave his counterpart to experience what else his music can do. Macklemore is known for his social-issues heavy raps that focus on presenting a viewpoint or promoting inclusitivity. His other artistic side is goofy, full of quirky rhymes and even odder beats. These two flowed well together for The Heist.

However, This Unruly Mess I’ve Made wasn’t as much of a success. “Downtown” was a huge lead single off of the album that hit radiowaves with impact. Yet the critics ripped at his attempt to tackle white privilege in “White Privilege II,” and listeners also were puzzled as just how funny-guy he was trying to go with songs like “Brad Pitt’s Cousin.” It wasn’t the follow-up to The Heist that Lewis and Macklemore aimed for.

GEMINI

After a few years and having a child, Macklemore is back with GEMINI. The singles flirt with the line between pop and hip-hop, making them socially-relevant while also upbeat. “Glorious” featuring Skylar Grey was the first single fans could hear off of the album. It dropped in June and is about overcoming obstacles to embrace the best version of oneself. The second single “Marmalade” featuring Lil Yachty followed near the end of the summer. It is a fresh, fun, windows-rolled-down tune that is simply about enjoying a drive in a nice car. The positivity continues to flow through his second single.

Fans got the note that Macklemore seems to be aiming for a more subtle socially-critical on GEMINI. While the intention is certainly still upbeat and inclusive, the fun aspect of “Thrift Shop” resonates in the singles moreso than in recent years. Macklemore’s third single is “Good Old Days” featuring Kesha. The collaboration is powerful. “Good Old Days” is about reflection and nostalgia for younger days. It is also Macklemore candidly speaking about his alcoholism that stemmed from decisions he made when he was younger. A classic “youth is wasted on the young” spin, but instead of being bitter, Macklemore and Kesha’s song is more content. Looking back brings back memories, good and bad. It is more about reflecting on the then and now than hating the now altogether.

GEMINI Tracklist:

1. “Ain’t Gonna Die Tonight” feat. Eric Nally
2. “Glorious” feat. Skylar Grey
3. “Marmalade” feat. Lil Yachty
4. “Willy Wonka” feat. Offset
5. “Intentions” feat. Dan Caplen
6. “Good Old Days” feat. Kesha
7. “Levitate” feat. Otieno Terry
8. “Firebreather” feat. Reignwolf
9. “How to Play the Flute” feat. King Draino
10. “Ten Million”
11. “Over It” feat. Donna Missal
12. “Zara” feat. Abir
13. “Corner Store” feat. Dave B & Travis Thompson
14. “Miracle” feat. Dan Caplen
15. “Church” feat. Xperience
16. “Excavate” feat. Saint Claire

The Killers│Wonderful Wonderful

The Killers return with their first album in five years. Wonderful Wonderful is released today. Three singles preceded The Killers’ album. “The Man” began the album promo with a message critiquing stereotypical masculinity. A hot topic in a feminist era, The Killers made an interesting start to the Wonderful Wonderful rollout with “The Man.” The second single to follow was “Run For Cover.” “Run For Cover” is more pop than previous hits by The Killers. It makes a more radio-friendly single from The Killers’ album and is an easy listen. The third single “Some Kind of Love” dropped a week before the album release. It is inspired by lead singer Brandon Flowers’ wife’s PTSD, and the song was created to lift her mood.

Wonderful Wonderful is pegged as The Killers’ most introspective album. As The Killers get older, the music begins to lean towards messages for the longer term. This is not a step before retirement but rather a progression of aging as a band. Some of The Killers members announced that they will not be touring in support of the album. It all accumulates to aging and the dynamics as The Killers grow.

Wonderful Wonderful Tracklist:

1. “Wonderful Wonderful”
2. “The Man”
3. “Rut”
4. “Life to Come”
5. “Run For Cover”
6. “Tyson vs. Douglas”
7. “Some Kind of Love”
8. “Out Of My Mind”
9. “The Calling”
10. “Have All the Songs Been Written?”

What’s In Tune: Television Appearances

Camila Cabello│The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon│September 25th

Camila Cabello is dropping her debut solo album The Hurting. The Healing. The Loving. Cabello preceded the album with singles “Havana,” “OMG,” “Crying in the Club,” and “I Have Questions.” This will be an important solo performance for the rising star.

G-Eazy featuring Cardi B│The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon│September 26th

G-Eazy dropped his single “No Limit” with Cardi-B and A$AP Rocky. They will perform the single on The Tonight Show. G-Eazy’s album The Beautiful and Damned drops this year.

Chance The Rapper│The Late Show with Stephen Colbert│September 25th

Chance The Rapper is on The Late Show this coming week. Though it’s been awhile since he released an album, he’s featured on tracks and toured for a large chunk of 2017.

Steve Martin│The Late Show with Stephen Colbert│September 28th

Steve Martin is first known for his extensive comedian and acting career, but he is actually a talented musician, as well. Martin is performing with Martin Short throughout October after dropping The Long-Awaited Album in late September.

Macklemore│The Late Late Show with James Corden│September 27th

Macklemore drops his first major album without Ryan Lewis titled GEMINI today. He will be on The Late Late Show promoting his album.

Little Big Town│The View│September 22nd

Little Big Town dropped their 2017 album Breakers earlier this year and finished up touring in support the album.

Chris Janson│Live with Kelly and Ryan│September 26th

Chris Janson has spent 2017 opening for many country tours including Sam Hunt’s “15 in a 30 Tour.” Janson is known for his single “Buy Me A Boat,” and his country album Everybody will drop in late October.

Kesha│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│September 22nd

Kesha dropped her album Rainbow earlier this year. She will perform on The Ellen Show, and her “Rainbow Tour” begins this fall.

Macklemore and Kesha│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│September 25th

Macklemore and Kesha will perform together on The Ellen Show early next week. On Macklemore’s new album, Kesha features on the song “Good Old Days,” and the two will perform the track together.

Bleachers│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│September 26th

Bleachers, fronted by producer Jack Antonoff, will perform on The Ellen Show after dropping their new album Gone Now in June.

Kelsea Ballerini│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│September 27th

Kelsea Ballerini, one of country pop’s reigning princesses, will perform on The Ellen Show. Her sophomore album Unapologetically will drop in early November. She recently celebrated her bachelorette party, as she is marrying Australian country singer Morgan Evans.

Drop the Mic: Foo Fighters Release New Album ‘Concrete and Gold’

September 15, 2017 by Jenna

Top 5 Concerts

Paul McCartney: Madison Square Garden│New York, NY│September 15th

Paul McCartney is making his way through the Empire State this week. After performing two nights in New Jersey, McCartney will perform two shows at Madison Square Garden before heading to Brooklyn for two nights. He then finishes next week in Syracuse and Uniondale. It’s safe to say if you’re a McCartney fan, there are plenty of options for shows. McCartney is on his “One On One Tour” and remembered 9/11 during his recent show at Newark’s Prudential Center.

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band: Mohegan Sun Arena – CT│Uncasville, CT│September 16th

Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band continues their tour in Connecticut this weekend. The tour goes until late October. The unique aspect of the Silver Bullet Band is the sheer size: 14 pieces in total including backup singers. Seger is still as middle-age cool as ever, rocking his casual t-shirts and sneakers in a manner that says “I know, and I don’t really care what you think about it.”

Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood: Denny Sanford Premier Center│Sioux Falls, SD│September 16th

Garth Brooks is coming to South Dakota. The country singer and wife Trisha Yearwood is performing for a handful of dates in Sioux Falls. Saturday consists of an afternoon and night show, and he will pick his Sioux Falls run up again next weekend. Sioux Falls is so amped on Brooks, that articles are even stating the hope for a business boost when he comes into town due to concert travelers and big-event buzz.

Ed Sheeran: Allstate Arena│Rosemont, IL│September 16th

Ed Sheeran is performing two nights at the Allstate Arena in Illinois. Saturday’s show is his second of the two. Sheeran brings his loop pedal skills and boyish charm throughout the U.S. this year for his indoor arena tour segment. This follows the release of ÷ earlier this year. His loop pedal skills make for an entertaining show, as fans see him literally building up the beats and songs live as he performs. Sheeran still remains casual when he performs, donning t-shirts and jeans that show off his colorful tattoo sleeves.

Like past tours, Sheeran also has a tendency to come out in whatever sports gear is important to the city. NFL, NBA, it doesn’t matter. It shows the support for the city’s culture and pride, and Sheeran always draws a big reaction when he walks out in his jersey of the night.

Bruno Mars: KFC Yum! Center│Louisville, KY│September 19th

Bruno Mars is performing at indoor arenas throughout the country, as well. This is for his “24K Magic Tour” that his Louisville next Tuesday. He has been called the ultimate live performer of this generation with choreography, funk, and entertaining plot twists that put him at another level on the road. The high-energy spunk is what made Mars stick out in the industry. His band the Hooligans make for excellent musicians that continue to accompany Mars years into his career.

What’s In Tune: New Music

Foo Fighters│Concrete and Gold

Foo Fighters released their new album Concrete and Gold today. Dave Grohl, the drummer of Nirvana and the lead singer and guitarist of Foo Fighters, declared that this album would be much different. Greg Kurstin, known for his production work with icons Beyoncé, Adele, Sia, and more, produced Concrete and Gold. The pop direction made fans nervous leading up to the release, as musicians constantly try to find the balance between progression and remaining true to their artistic identity. This is the band’s newest album since 2014’s Sonic Highways.

Grohl is set to make a record that sounds different from any other Foo Fighters record to date. Early critics believe that this is a softer side of the band with a little pop influence from Kurstin that cannot be heard on previous records. However, that does not mean that it totally loses its rock touch. Paul McCartney plays drums on “Sunday Rain,” demonstrating an intersection of rock generations. Justin Timberlake contributed vocals after running into the band at the studio, and this in itself shows Foo Fighters’ openmindedness to the success of modern-day pop music in their new album. In addition, R&B star Shawn Stockman from Boyz II Men also contributes guest vocals.

Whether or not Concrete and Gold is as unique as Grohl markets it; that’s up for personal opinion. It certainly brings another iteration of Foo Fighters to 2017, an age where Grohl impends on 50 and still stands as a figurehead for rock music – rock music that grabs the pop mask in a clever disguise.

Concrete and Gold Tracklist:

1. “T-Shirt”
2. “Run”
3. “Make It Right”
4. “The Sky Is A Neighborhood”
5. “La Dee Da”
6. “Dirty Water”
7. “Arrows”
8. “Happy Ever After (Zero Hour)”
9. “Sunday Rain”
10. “The Line”
11. “Concrete and Gold”

What’s In Tune: Television Appearances

Andy Grammer featuring Lunchmoney Lewis│The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon│September 15th

Andy Grammer dropped a new single with Lunchmoney Lewis titled “Give Love,” and they will perform it on The Tonight Show.

Demi Lovato│The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon│September 18th

Demi Lovato will release her new album Tell Me You Love Me on September 29nd, and she just released the tracklist on Thursday.

Rudimental featuring James Arthur│The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon│September 19th

Rudimental is an English band, and they’re performing with James Arthur (“Say You Won’t Let Go”). They collaborated on the song “Sun Comes Up” that just dropped, and they will perform in on The Tonight Show.

Little Big Town and Kacey Musgraves│The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon│September 20th

Little Big Town is a country band, and Kacey Mugraves is a female country singer who both have carved their unique vocal niches out in the country music genre. They will perform on The Tonight Show

Blondie│Late Night with Seth Meyers│September 21st

Blondie is performing on Late Night with Seth Meyers; the band dropped their new album Pollinator earlier this year.

Gucci Mane│The Daily Show with Trevor Noah│September 18th

Gucci Mane has had a busy 2017, and he keeps rolling with his recent release of Mr. Davis.

The Killers│The Late Show with Stephen Colbert│September 21st

The Killers are dropping their new album Wonderful, Wonderful next Friday and will perform on The Late Show preceding its release. The Killers have dropped multiple singles leading up to the release.

Imagine Dragons│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│September 21st

Imagine Dragons dropped their new album EVOLVE in June 2017, and they’re set to begin touring in support of the album.

Drop the Mic: Jack Johnson Brings Back His Easy, Breezy Summer Vibes

September 8, 2017 by Jenna

Top 5 Concerts

Lady Gaga: Wells Fargo Center – PA│Philadelphia, PA│September 10th

Lady Gaga is finishing up her first of two U.S. legs for her “Joanne World Tour” this coming week in Philadelphia. The September 10th show is the first of two nights. Then, Gaga heads to Europe for September and October before returning to the U.S.

Billy Joel: Citizens Bank Park│Philadelphia, PA│September 9th

Billy Joel is also performing in Philadelphia this coming week for one show on Saturday. Joel then performs once in Missouri before returning to his Madison Square Garden residency for the end of the month.

Paul McCartney: Prudential Center│Newark, NJ│September 11th

Paul McCartney is touring until early October in the U.S. His September 11th show at the Prudential Center is one of two nights in Newark, NJ. McCartney then plays two shows at Madison Square Garden and two shows in Brooklyn. This shows the immense popularity of the Beatle to play six shows within the same area throughout next week.

U2 & Beck: US Bank Stadium│Minneapolis, MN│September 8th

U2 is touring with Beck as the opener heading into the fall season. This lineup goes throughout September before U2 begins a leg in South America. The band is known to bring along epic openers, such as OneRepublic and The Lumineers who both opened for them this past summer.

Guns N’ Roses & ZZ Top: Alamodome│San Antonio, TX│September 8th

Guns N’ Roses are finishing up their “…Not In This Lifetime Tour” dates with ZZ Top as the special guest in mid-September. September 8th is their last show with ZZ Top, and Alice Cooper will follow up as the opener in late September. Then, Guns N’ Roses continues to tour solo in October and November.

What’s In Tune: New Music

Jack Johnson│All the Light Above It Too

Jack Johnson is finally releasing his new album All the Light Above It Too. Johnson has not released an album since 2013’s From Here to Now to You. His laidback, surfer lifestyle keeps him out of the spotlight when he’s not touring or promoting a new album. However, he’s finally recorded and released his new record, and that means more feel good guitar music for your playlist. Johnson’s lead single “My Mind Is For Sale” began to show listeners his political lean in the new album. Johnson is an eco-friendly advocate, and one of the album’s songs is from his documentary The Smog of the Sea. His love of surfing and the ocean supports his eco-conservation passions, and the hostile political climate in denial of global warming is the fuel for parts of All the Light Above It Too. This is his seventh studio album.

Johnson remarked that the album’s inspiration is from Donald Trump’s commentary, camping, and surfing. His second single “Sunsets For Somebody Else” dropped in early August, and the third single “You Can’t Control It” dropped in late August.

All the Light Above It Too Tracklist:

1. “Subplots”
2. “You Can’t Control It”
3. “Sunsets for Somebody Else”
4. “My Mind Is for Sale”
5. “Daybreaks”
6. “Big Sur”
7. “Love Song #16”
8. “Is One Moon Enough?”
9. “Gather”
10. “Fragments (From The Smog of the Sea)

Tori Amos│Native Invader

Tori Amos released her new album Native Invader. She is touring from the fall until early December. Amos is an excellent composer, pianist, and singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the ’80s and ’90s, and her songs are about deep social issues topics and struggles she’s gone through. She was raped when she was twenty-one years old, and this and many more life obstacles have been her musical fuel. Amos’s song “Flicker” is in the credits of the Netflix documentary Audrie & Daisy, a documentary about sexual assault cases and the aftermath in modern day society.

Native Invader is her fifteenth studio album. The lead single “Cloud Riders” dropped in late July. The album’s themes circulate around Amos-eccentric: nature, politics and folklore. Another unique feature about Amos is her inspiration derived from The Muses 9, nine muses from Greek mythology that were daughters of Zeus. Therefore, Amos’ musical inspiration is derived from specific and unique sources. Songs sometimes come other, and this mythical, oddball persona is what makes Amos so niche yet so influential.

Native Invader Tracklist:

1. “Reindeer King”
2. “Wings”
3. “Broken Arrow”
4. “Cloud Riders”
5. “Up The Creek”
6. “Breakaway”
7. “Wildwood”
8. “Chocolate Song”
9. “Bang”
10. “Climb”
11. “Bats”
12. “Benjamin”
13. “Mary’s Eyes”
14. “Upside Down 2”
15. “Russia”

What’s In Tune: Television Appearances

Jack Johnson│Jimmy Kimmel Live│September 8th

Jack Johnson is promoting his new album All the Light Above It Too that drops today. His performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live will be filled with new music.

Toby Keith│The View│September 8th

Toby Keith dropped his new album The Bus Songs today. The name stems from the recording sessions that Keith had on his tour bus, and the album is catered towards adults and not the mainstream, wider audience.

Pete Townshend│The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon│September 8th

Pete Townshend, The Who’s guitarist, is performing the Classic Quadrophenia in mid-September in New York, Illinois, and California. Townshend’s appearance on The Tonight Show will promote these upcoming tour dates.

Shawn Mendes and Maren Morris│The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon│September 13th

Shawn Mendes toured with Charlie Puth for his “Illuminate Tour” this summer. Maren Morris toured on several country tours including Sam Hunt’s “15 in a 30 Tour.” She is touring solo after Hunt’s tour in over throughout October. Both are rising stars who have charted this past year and continue to be artist to watch for.

Father John Misty│Late Night with Seth Meyers│September 12th

Father John Misty released his 2017 album Pure Comedy earlier this year. He is now touring in support of the album from September through October.

Fifth Harmony│Live with Kelly and Ryan│September 8th

Fifth Harmony dropped their first album with four members, the self-titled album, a few weeks ago. After their VMAs and GMA performances, Fifth Harmony demonstrated that they’re more than capable of putting on a great show.

Ryan Adams│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│September 8th

Ryan Adams dropped his album Prisoner earlier this year. He will tour for a few fall dates in support of the album, and his time on The Ellen Show will promote his upcoming tour.

Portugal. The Man│The Ellen DeGeneres Show│September 11th

Portugal. The Man is performing on The Ellen Show after dropping their new album Woodstock earlier this summer. Their tour kicks off in October and heads through the month.

Fifth Harmony│The Late Late Show with James Corden│September 12th

Fifth Harmony is making the talk show rounds after dropping their self-titled album a few weeks prior. Their appearance on James Corden should be very entertaining, as the group has consistently wowed during performances the past few weeks.