OBK CHANNEL

Category: Features

  • Neon Trees’ Tyler Glenn talks group’s musical range, coming out to his mother, self-centered exes, more (interview)

    After decades of hiding his true sexuality, Tyler Glenn ー lead singer of pop-rock band Neon Trees ー decided to come out as gay in March. A month later, the group would release their third album, “Pop Psychology,” and earn their highest-charting debut at No. 6 on the Billboard 200.

    Glenn, 30, announcement to come out shocked many since it went against his church’s traditional religion beliefs. Like Glenn, the other three members of Provo, Utah-based band Neon Trees were raised Mormon.

    Only Black Kid Channel editor got in contact with Glenn to talk about his mother’s reaction to him coming out as gay, sharing singing duties with Elaine Bradley, the guy who thinks all of Tyler’s lyrics on “Pop Psychology” are about him, and more.

    OBK: Talk about a big year. On top of releasing an album, you make a big announcement. How has everything been since coming out?

    Tyler Glenn: Quite seamless actually. I didn’t miss a beat, and was very appreciative of how many people cared. But the music is the center of everything for me, and It’s remained so.

    OBK: You stated in previous interviews that you are a big momma’s boy (me too, I understand). She was really excited for you just to hear your song on the radio, what was her reaction when you decided to share the news with her about coming out, and how supportive has she been?

    Glenn: She didn’t really know if I was joking or not, which I actually found endearing because she never gave my sex life too much thought. I respect that. She’s been very very supportive. No difference, if anything a wall has been taken down that perhaps she didn’t even know existed.

    OBK: Almost all of America’s bans on same-sex marriage are being contested in court. Coming from a Mormon background, what has been the reaction from the community?

    Glenn: It’s quite a dynamic. But I think something that gets confused is that all Mormons feel hate or contempt towards homesexuals, and that just simply isn’t the case and something I have experienced first hand now as I’ve come out. I feel it’s definitely unfortunate the way a lot of faith based organizations have made it so homosexuals have to choose between faith and sexuality. I am here to say both are doable. Sadly though we have a long way to go with equality. I don’t have those answers.

    OBK: I hear you are big fan of the Michael Sam story; did you happen to catch his NFL Draft selection?

    Glenn: Yes, very cool. I just like that he’s breaking another stereotype. Besides the fact that he’s a happy person doing what he feels is right, I like that he’s doing it in a very graceful way and I look up to that.

    OBK: Let’s talk new album: Is their a specific friend that you were sleeping with? And if so, why do you love them, but hate their friends?

    Glenn: Yes there is a guy, and yes I sing about him on a couple of the songs. I thought they were fascinating topics and applicable because I’d experienced them. He’s not in my life really anymore, but I did hear back through the grapevine that he thinks all of the songs are about him. Which is just self centered if you ask me.

    OBK: “Unavoidable,” is that the next single? Please say yes.

    Glenn: Thank you. I don’t think it’s planned to be the next, but we love the flavor of it. It’s also a cool moment in the show.

    OBK: Could you possibly see the group focusing on more tracks with you and Elaine Bradley sharing the spotlight?

    Glenn: I like that this band has range, and her and I also had a song called “Mad Love,” that we dueted on on our second record “Picture Show.” She sings backups on the the songs too.

    OBK: Celebrities like Katy Perry have already admitted to using dating apps like Tinder, can someone expect to possibly get you to swipe right on their photo in the 21st century?

    Glenn: I don’t use Tinder, but there’s gay app for “bearish guys and the guys that love them” called Growlr that I occasionally go on.

    OBK: With all the recent changes to your personal life, how do you make it so that news doesn’t overpower the bands success and album spotlight?

    Glenn: Like I said, the music is at the center of all I do.

    Neon Trees play the Hard Rock Live on Tuesday, May 27. Tickets range from $20 to $38. (Prices may not reflect ticketing service charges.) They will be joined by indie pop rock band Smallpools, and five-piece Los Angeles rock band Nightmare and the Cat.

    By OBK STAFF

  • Tamar Braxton brings TV to reality with ‘Love and War Tour’ (review)

    LAKE BUENA VISTA ー What better way to end the week then with a packed grown and sexy party.

    “We are at the BBQ right?” asked DJ Slym, host of the event, as he warmed up the House of Blues crowd Sunday night for the “Love and War Tour.”

    DJ Slym, the official Dj for Orlando rapper Caskey, entertained the crowd for nearly 45-minutes before Tamar Braxton hit the stage. With an extensive Dj mix, that blended an array of old school jams with new class ratchet club bangers, he kept the mainly “25 and older” crowd dancing ー whether it be shuffling, the electric slide and of course twerking.

    Mrs. Braxton would carry that energy right over into the first song of her performance. Following the curtain opening, the audience was welcomed by a choreographed dance session by the singers animated backing staff, to go along with a rotating video reel displaying highlights from the singer’s reality TV shows. The woman of the hour would be revealed as uptempo track “She Did That” would come to an end, and the screen would reach its back with her waiting patiently on it.

    Tamar Braxton performs at the "Love and War Tour" at the House of Blues, in Orlando, Florida, on May 18 2014. (Ty Wright / Valencia Voice)

    “What’s up Tamartian fans?” Braxton shouted during uptempo banger “The One,” of her Grammy Nominated album “Love and War,” before breaking into a “Single Ladies” like dance with female dancers to “Tip Toe.”

    The youngest of the Braxton sisters told us earlier in the week that she only has one project in which she would perform songs off, so how would the flamboyant artist keep the crowd engaged and remain original was a big question for me going into the night.

    Not three-songs into the set, Mrs. Braxton would answer that question. Her being herself was the best source of entertainment you could from the artist.

    “You’re not going to like me for me, so I’m just going to be fabulous and you are just going to have to eat it,” stated the artist in one of her neck-rolling, wig-flinging, lip-smacking, in your face, over-the-top, keeping it “100” commentary sessions. Everything one would expect from a diva.

    While the 37-year-old artist did not disappoint on the vocal side of the performance — and songs like “White Candle,” “Pieces” and “Stay and Fight” helped showed her range and draw great amount of applause from the audience — it was her presentation leading up to each song which really seem to connect with her Tamartian fans.

    For a good session of the show, Mrs. Braxton sat on a bar stool and walked everyone through the story of how her and her husband,”Teddy Ruxpin,” got to where they are now, bringing WE tv’s “Tamar and Vince” to front stage. From teaching women how to get, keep and please a man; to encouraging everyone to follow their dreams; as well as a quick twerk lesson during “Hot Sugar,” Mrs. Braxton provided not only an entertaining musical experience but also life-changing advice.

    Prior to getting into the Tamartian national anthem “Love and War,” Mrs Braxton would channel her inner “Yeezus,” in a long-winded speech where she would go on to thank thank acts John Legend and R. Kelly (who she has toured with in the past) for giving her the opportunity to shine. “They helped make my dreams come true! So tonight, on this stage, I’m going to make your dreams come true,” said the singer before she hand picked four Tamartians to help her close out the night.

    From multiple outfit changes, “Chippendales”-esque strip tease during intermission, and outrageously witty commentary, Tamar Braxton’s first national headlining tour solidifies that the she is truly entertaining and what we see from her on TV is truly who she is. However, it does leave speculation on whether this tour is to promote Tamar’s other business endeavors or give “Love and War,” the album, one last push. Incorporating no live band, DJ, or backing singers to give the songs a new feel, the diva is relying solely on the things that got her to this point to succeed. And that’s her sass, amazing voice and willingness to say say what ever comes to her mind without holding back.

  • Big Guava Day 2 Review: Haim, Vampire Weekend, Kitten, more

    Alana Haim, of Haim, performs on the second night of the Big Guava Festival at the MidFlorida Amphitheater at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (OBK STAFF)

    Alana Haim, of Haim, performs on the second night of the Big Guava Festival at the MidFlorida Amphitheater at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa, Florida, on Saturday, May 3, 2014. (OBK STAFF)

    By OBK

    It felt as if no song Vampire Weekend played to close out Day 2 of the Big Guava Festival could do any harm.

    The four-piece band, out of New York City, was playing the MidFlorida Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds for the first time in their career, on Saturday. They did admit to playing in St. Petersburg years back, however noted it did not compare to actually getting the chance to play in Tampa.

    Vampire Weekend hit the stage full of preppy boy swag, with rapper’s Drake “Trophies” playing in the background. The group performed for 80 minutes, to what appeared to be a slightly larger crowd than what Outkast pulled in on Friday. Their set managed to combine what was almost a perfect balance of all their material. Ezra Koenig and his former Columbia University classmates started the show with “Diana Young,” an upbeat dance track of their latest album, which got the crowd going right away and set the tone for the night. They would even go on to play material off their first two projects: “Oxford Comma,” “Cousins,” and “Giving up the Gun.”

    Koenig was in static by the reception that the group was receiving from the crowd, and had to make a statement to let the festival know how great they were.

    “People crowd surfing during ‘Horchata?’ We don’t always get that. Only in Tampa,” he said.

    Day 2 of the festival, which saw rain early on during the day but let up as the night went on, welcomed 16 performing acts in total. There were multiple sightings of bands not scheduled to perform until Day 3 at the festival, checking out other acts, riding the free rides and enjoying the food trucks.

    Sister trio Haim was the first must-see group to take the mainstage. Whoever said music is all about an image and not about talent must have never heard the Haim sisters, because these girls can rock.

    No, I am not saying these girls are unattractive, I’m just saying these girls can really rock. The group’s performance is full of charisma and spunk. The sisters have much more of a grunge persona than their album recordings would lead people to believe — loose-fitting tie-dyed band shirts, wild hair, ripped shorts — it was evident that the preternaturally talented group is looking to make their own lane in the rock world and not be the next big pop group.

    Their set ended at 4:30 with a profound drum collaboration, just in time for viewers to head over to the Orchard stage and catch always entertaining band Kitten.

    While the group has gone through a member facelift since the last time I seen them, in Orlando with Charli XCX, they still rock just as hard. Not much has changed with their lead singer Chloe Chaidez: she is still whipping his hair extremly hard, performing and walking around with no shoes, and climbing atop of speakers to rock out every chance she get. (With the wind blowing strong, many of the security guards were nervous for the singer because the speakers were not bolted down, however everything turned out okay.)

    Ms. Chaidez and Kitten performed revamped songs of their last EP, as well as songs scheduled to appear on their self-titled debut album. The group even included a cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain” into their set, a perfect song to describe the climate.

    Rapper Hoodie Allen’s set started midway in between the groups performance over at the Nectar stage — the one inside stage of the entire festival, located inside the Expo Hall. Despite battling a terrible chest infection, Hoodie Allen did not let up on the energy. The artist even channeled his inner Taylor Swift, and covering her “I Knew You Were Trouble.” Sounds strange, but I guess you just had to be there to enjoy it.

    Terraplane Sun, five-piece band out of Venice, California was the final performance before the headlining act Vampire Weekend, on a smaller stage. The group host possibly one of the coolest people ever, in their keyboardist Gabe Feenberg. In addition to switching between instruments during the set — from keys to trombone to steel guitar — he also managed to smoke and keep a cigarette lit. The neo-Southern-rock group is something to look out for. On top of an awesome live set, the guys are very cool and interacting. Instead of sitting in their trailers before and after their set, the group was amongst the crowd enjoying different sets. With their new LP “Generation Blues” scheduled to be released anytime, the Central Florida area would be in for a treat if the group was to make their way back to the area for a full-set.

  • Outkast headlines Day 1 of Big Guava, for their only Florida show (review)

    Outkast headlines Day 1 of Big Guava, for their only Florida show (review)

    By OBK

    It’s nothing to forget an artist horrendous performance that you witnessed from a live stream of another show three-weeks ago, when that artist comes to your backyard and kicks off the inaugural night of a new music festival the way they did.

    Outkast took the main stage of the Big Guava Festival on Friday at the MidFlorida Amphitheater at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa and wasted no time getting into popular jams, helping lighten up the soaked crowd who had been out in the rain all day.

    The Atlanta duo’s 90 minute set list has been tweaked since it’s Coachella performance. On top of playing their mainstream pop-oriented dance tracks like “Roses” and “So Fresh, So Clean,” Outkast took the time to reward their hip-hop heads fan base.

    “Y’all probably didn’t even know we rapped,” said quirky Andre 3000, before the group got into older material and gave the audience a brief Outkast history level. Mr. 3000 was dressed in a white wig and all black body suit, which read “F#CK 3000,” and had an oversized price tag dangling from the side of it that read “for sale” on one side, and “sold out” on the other.

    Many people have been stating that the “Hey Ya!” singer does not have his heart in the right place for this tour and have been lacking effort, however by the way he attacked the stage during the groups opening songs ー “BOB,” “Gasoline Dreams,” “ATLiens” and “Skew it on the Bar-B,” which immediately got the crowd into a frenzy ー it was hard to even fathom that thought.

    Following their performance of “Ms. Jackson,” each member got a brief time to display their solo career and stronger side: Big Boi, an in your face southern rapper who is not afraid to represent where he is from, and Mr. 3000, an unforgotten lyricist who loves to make the ladies happy.

    Outkast would then dig into their crates following their solo sets, performing a good run of songs from their 1994 debut album “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik.”

    They would go on to end their first Florida show in over a decade with “The Whole World,” a good description of the wide cultural, ethnic and age variety of fans the group appeals to.

    Highlight of the night came when Outkast paid homage to the hip-hop artist of the 90’s including the late Pimp C, of collective UGK who the group states were one of the first people to give them a chance and take them under their wing; before their performance of “International Players Anthem (I Choose You).”

    Chicago rapper Vic Mensa had the lucky task of opening for Outkast ー sorta. While he was on a totally different stage, he was the only other true hip-hop act of the night; plus he was the last artist to perform before they went on.

    The audience, composed of hip-hop heads and ravers, immediately vibed along with the Savemoney artist’s incredible energy. Mensa began to gain national attention following his appearance on Chance the Rapper’s (who will be performing on Sunday) “Cooca Butter Kisses.”

    Mr. Mensa has an array of styles, however he is at his peak during songs like “Hollywood Los Angeles,” where he mixes soul and dares to be different.

    One of Mensa finish songs was his new single “Down On My Luck.” While the song is a little different from what Mr. Mensa excels at, it is not a bad track for music. For an artist who has served time in a rock band and as a solo rap artist, it’s uncertain what route the artist will trying to lay a foundation with in the future.

  • Kendrick Lamar performs at UCF’s annual “420 Concert Series”

    Kendrick Lamar stated to CFE Arena that he would be back, when he performed at the venue last year, and Sunday night he lived up to his promise. After taking a break in 2013, UCF brought back their annual “420 Concert Series,” with Mr. Lamar. He was supported by a vast of supporting acts, with the most recognizable act being his Top Dawg Entertainment label mate Jay Rock.

    Mr. Lamar stayed true to his “Control” verse — where he stated that “I ain’t rockin’ no more designer sh*t” —  as he hit the stage sporting a white tee, blue jeans, Detroit Tigers fitted, and a pair of white, blue and gold Nikes (possibly Lebron 9’s). He does not have many show dates on his schedule, so it’s uncertain what Mr. Lamar has been up. Based off of his scruffy look, possibly (hopefully) working on a new album. The Compton, Calif. rapper performed songs dating back to his first project “O.verly D.edicated,” up to singles past his “good kid, m.A.A.d city.”

    Aside from his short set, Mr. Jay Rock would join Mr. Lamar on stage during his performance to play their song “Money Trees” together. During his solo set, he performed his 2011 hit “Hood Gone Love It,’ as well as his verse from Ab-Soul’s “Black Lil Bastard.”

    Orlando-based rapper Caskey also made a brief visit to the stage. While he did not perform, he and his DJ Slim did manage to take over the microphone and hype up the crowd prior to TDE taking the stage.

  • Can Outkast get past first reunion show, or should we expect the same effort at Big Guava? (editorial)

    Andre 3000 and Big Boi spent a decade apart from performing together on stage, until this past weekend when the duo reunited to headline the first night of Coachella 2014 (April 11). Whether or not they liked the performance, the audience members at Coachella got to be a part of history, being among the first group of people to watch Atlanta duo Outkast reunite on stage together live, as the rest of us watched the Youtube feed through our computer screen.

    Outkast has built their fanbase through big-hit catchy top 40 tunes like “Hey Ya!” and “Ms. Jackson,” but has also garnered fans due to their knack to be unique, creating a transcending sound that Southern hip hop was not accustom to; and during their summer run of shows, they are going to have to find a way to please both crowds in the same set.

    After their first attempt, I have mixed feeling on whether or not they will be able to do.

    While Mr. 3000 and Mr. Big Boi has given us great verses during their solo careers, no one cares about those group of songs during this tour run. For all 90 minutes, or how ever long their respected sets will be at each show, we would like to see the both of you onstage together for the entire duration. Most importantly, not behind that giant screen for a good portion of the show.

    Outkast should’ve maybe snuck in some shows before their Coachella appearance; based off of their first set together, you would think the two were still living in the early 2000’s when it comes to touring. Festivals are made up of music lovers of multiple taste gathering to see an array of their favorite artist, unlike a solo concert where the audience is made up of one artist’s fans.

    Outkast needs to realize that majority of the people who are going to be checking out their show have never seen the two of them live as a set, so we are going to be expecting fireworks. A historic group need a historic comeback.

    We understand that the chemistry between the two is a tad bit off, they have not performed together in a good while, so that is not a problem. However, a lack of production is not acceptable. While Mr. Big Boi was able to explain the significance for most of the items — a kitchen table with two chairs, bicycle and polar bear does not just cut it.

    Kanye West is out here moving mountains, and Outkast are barely carrying stones.

    No shade to the group, they just need to dust off that first performance and regroup.

    When the group hits Tampa on Friday, May 2 for the Big Guava Fest, let’s hope they attack the stage with a different game plan, that does not involve as much attitude.

    By OBK

  • Junior Prom: A dance tale of two contrasting instrumentalists (interview)

    Who needs a full band when you can create just as big of a buzz with only two members.

    After already driving more than 6,000 miles cross country to support Panic! at the Disco’s “Too Weird To Live, Too Rare To Die! Tour,” Junior Prom is ready for anything that comes their way.

    Based out of Brooklyn, N.Y. — Erik Ratensperger and Mark Solomich met four years ago and clicked right away. After spending time together playing in another band, the two rascals decided to to part ways from the project and begin working on what would become Junior Prom.

    “If you’re going to spend that much time with someone: sleeping, eating and driving together, you become pretty close to someone. We’re like brothers,” said Ratensperger in a recent interview.

    Junior Prom has been together for about two years. Prior to putting out music for anyone else to hear — or playing live shows — the two spent a year writing and preparing so that they could create the sound listeners know them for today.

    With an EP already under their belt, the duo’s self-titled project takes indie-dance and flirts it with pop elements; original enough to create their own lane but catchy enough that it follows the format of a traditional pop song. “Everybody’s enjoying it. Their kind of getting what we want to do,” said Solomich.

    Junior Prom transcends their studio records into a stage show jam-packed with dancing, sweatiness, and letting loose. The duo’s live show bring back the memory of the high school junior prom neither of the two members attended.

    “At the end of the day, we just want people to have a good time and not really worry about how cool they look at the show. We just want people to come out, dance and have a good time,” said Ratensperger.

    Much like any dance party, one must always be prepared for the worst. During Junior Prom’s set in Orlando, the crowd got a to see a different side of the group’s single “Sheila Put the Knife Down.” Following a malfunction with Ratensperger’s foot pedal, Solomich acted quick on his feet and decided to perform an acoustic rendition of the track — which got the “best reaction of the night.”

    Cheaper travel expenses and more legroom inside the white Dodge Caravan are just a few of the things the duo are enjoying on their road trip to stardom. Thanks to Ratensperger’s guitar and Solomich’s drumset, the two garnered a deal with Elektra Records and are putting their vision to work. As they prepare to release their debut full-length album, the band stated: “we will be coming correct with the live tour more. We are trying to put on a party where everyone to enjoy themselves.”

    For those interested in everything new regarding Junior Prom, Solomich states that you should keep an eye for them online as they will be putting out stuff on there. “ I think social media is the key to keeping people intuned with what’s going on with you,” he added.

    By OBK

  • ZZ Ward exhibits range of genres at ‘Last Love Tour’ at The Social (review)

    ZZ Ward exhibits range of genres at ‘Last Love Tour’ at The Social (review)

    By OBK

    ZZ Ward refused to let the DJ from the Beacham over power her sold-out headlining show show at The Social.

    As one of her songs would come to an end, the crowd could faintly hear pop beats banging through the venue walls. “What is that music, is that a club going on next door?,” asked the 27-year old singer out of Roseburg, Ore., born Zsuzsanna Eva Ward, before adding “we can get louder than them, trust me, we are just getting started.”

    By the time the doors opened to The Social, Friday night for Ward’s “Last Love Tour,” there was already a line wrapped around the corner of West Washington Street and Orange Avenue. Just an hour before that, more than 40 fans had already entered for the meet-and-greet, so early on in the night, one could see the making of of a personal show at the intimate venue in progress.

    Chicago-based The O’My’s opened the show with a 45-minute set. (OBK STAFF)
    (Photos from the night)

    Decked in a sheer black blouse with a black bra underneath (revealing enough to display sex appeal, but covered enough to show classiness), blue jeans, black boots and maroon fedora; Ward took the stage full of spunk and energy, backed by a bassist, guitarist, drummer, and black flag with her name on it.

    Ward’s “Last Love Tour” was kicked off with a mashup of Nina Simone’s “Be My Husband“ and original score “OVERdUe,” off of her earlier mixtape (Eleven Roses). Followed up by popular single “Put The Gun Down,” the hour-long set helped indicate that Ward was not an artist to be marginalized into a small box, exhibiting a vast of genres – rock, soul, blues, and hip-hop.

    The set also included a rendition of Drake’s “Hold On, We’re Going Home,” — which puzzled the elder members of the crowd, and excited those who knew of the origin of the record — accompanied by a harmonica performance.

    However, it was Ward’s original work which she encouraged to “snap ya fingers, and move your shoulders a little bit from the left-to-the-right. Before getting into “Charlie ain’t home,” Ward stated that “this one is for you folks who’s been wanting to move all night but couldn’t.”

    The 18-and-over show brought in a diverse crowd: woman of all ages empowered and dancing; older gentleman too sleepy (intoxicated?) to stand up on their own; and boyfriends who were “dragged out to the show” but ended up having a “better time than imagined.”

    Chicago-based band, The O’My’s, were the first supporting act of the night, and got everyone dancing early. The six-piece group blends rock with soul, creating a Big Band-Motown experience.

    The crowd moved with the band all night, as if they were a set they were very familiar; from their original works, to their final song — a tribute to Screamin Jay Hawkins “I Put a Spell on You.” The 45-minute set brought back a nostalgic feeling of watching my grandmother clean her house on Saturday morning, as me and my brother sat in front of the television watching cartoons and her vinyls played aloud throughout the rooms.

    Grizfolk took the stage after them, performing their last show in the states before heading overseas. The group promoted their latest project, “From the Spark,” which is out now. The band transitioned smoothly from song-to-song, with the most captivating changeover coming their cover of Kendrick Lamar’s “Money Trees.” With the lead singer hailing from Pensacola, the crowd had a little more familiarity to their set then the first opening act, as he stated a good part of the audience was made up of close friends and family

    Ward finished the night with a remix of “Blue Eyes Blind.” A song-set that can have you wanting to dance one minute, thanks to the backing band who provided multiple drum and guitar solos throughout the night; but also have you wanting to just sit back and count the stars due to her raw voice and passion. While I knew it would not happen, at times I was hoping two special guest would join Ward on stage for “Criminal” (Freddie Gibbs) and “Cryin’ Wolf” (Kendrick Lamar); and was shocked when The O’My’s didn’t join her for “Lil Darlin.”

    The singer has been to Orlando multiples times in the past year, and after Friday’s show it’s no doubt that Orlando residents can expect her to come back soon; “One, because you guys are awesome; and two, because it’s pretty warm here.”

    Random: Ward is very in tuned to the things happening both on and off the stage. Funny of the night came when Ward joked “it smells fantastic in here,” as the security guard was making his rounds around the venue to find the two kids in the corner smoking marijuana — which he never did.

    Setlist

    Intro / “Be My Husband” (Nina Simone)

    OVERdUe

    Put The Gun Down

    Til The Casket Drops

    Cinnamon Stix

    Got It Bad

    365 Days

    Charlie Ain’t Home

    Lil Darlin

    Hold On, We’re Going Home (Drake)

    Last Love Song

    Everybody Wants To Be Famous

    If I Could Be Her

    Cryin’ Wolf

    Criminal

    Move Like You Stole It

    — — —

    Blue Eyes Blind (remix)

  • Outkast en route to Tampa for inaugural Big Guava Music Festival

    In part of their much-anticipated reunion tour, Outkast — Big Boi and André 300 — are making their way to the inaugural Big Guava Festival in Tampa as part of their 40-tour stop tour schedule.

    The three-day festival — which will be held at the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre at the FL State Fairgrounds — will also feature rock bands Vampire Weekend and Foster the people as headliners, each on their own respective nights.

    The four-stage festival presented by Live Nation Florida features more than 40 artist and runs Friday, May 2 through Sunday, May 4.

    Already scheduled to perform at Big Guava: Chance the Rapper,Sleigh Bells, Earl Sweatshirt, Twenty One Pilots, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience, Walk The Moon, Blue October, Band Of Skulls, ZZ Ward, MS MR, Timeflies, Hoodie Allen, American Authors, Deap Vally, St. Lucia, Smallpools, Bear Hands, Morning Parade, Kitten, Magic Man, Jacuzzi Boys, Gringo Star, Unlikely Candidates, Vic Mensa, Terraplane Sun, Jessica Hernandez And The Deltas, Fly Union, and more to be announced soon.

    Single-day admission tickets are $65 for general admission or $175 for Super Guava VIP passes. The three-day general admission ticket are on sale now for $165 and the Super Guava VIP three-day ticket is $499. All tickets include parking and unlimited rides, while the Super Guava VIP package also includes: premium reserved seat in Amphitheatre; preferred viewing areas for all other stages; access to two-Super Guava Lounges with specialty food and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and limited samplings of signature beer and wine; commemorative Super Guava laminate. General admission seats available on first come, first served basis —those who are seeking to be close to stage should most likely plan to arrive early.

    To purchase tickets you can visit LiveNation.com, all TicketMaster outlets or charge-by-phone at (800) 745-3000.

    Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band will host a special Big Guava Kick-off Concert on May, 1. Separate tickets are required for admission.

    Be sure to check back for updates, interviews with the performers, and what sets not to miss.

    BY OBK STAFF

  • Chris Young to carry ‘A.M.’ success into busy 2014 (interview)

    Chris Young is scheduled to have a busy year and it’s to no surprise since he finished 2013 off strong with the release of his fourth studio album “A.M.” which debuted at No. 3 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart, marking his highest charting album ever.

    Young spent much of 2013 out on the road redefining what it means to be a supporting act both on and off stage — being named one of the summer’s top tour openers by Entertainment Weekly. When he was not performing his set during the Brad Paisley’s “Beat this Summer Tour,” one could catch the 28-year-old country singer out of Murfreesboro, Tenn. signing autographs, taking pictures at his meet-and-greet or giving the tour support massages (which ultimately probably lead Paisley to keep Young on the tour for the for the final leg of the tour which was renamed the “Beat this Winter Tour”).

    “I thought it was pretty cool for Brad to let us stay out with them,” said Young “because sometimes when people extend the tour they don’t necessarily bring the same people out.”

    Booked through the first half of the year, Young will join George Strait’s “Cowboy Rides Away tour” for a weekend in April once he is done touring with Paisley in Europe. “As soon as we are done with that we have a few shows on our own before heading out with Dierks Bentley this summer,” he said.

    Extensive touring is no stranger for the 2006 winner of TV reality show “Nashville Star.” During Young’s time in college, he was “still playing 100-150 shows a year on his own,” he said, as he recalls falling a sleep in class due to the long nights of putting the band together and playing acoustic sets.

    “I remember being in a 12-passenger van and loading all our gear in the back, while we all took turns driving to gigs. The fact that I’m out here with multiple buses and a truck, and people are walking up taking photos in in front of our tractor trailer — that’s just pretty wild.”

    Dating back to the release of his self-titled debut album under RCA records, Young states that he learned early it was important to have the ability to write your own songs. “You never have to search for the song that does what you want it to say if you write it yourself,” he said.

    On “A.M.” Young co-wrote six of the album’s 11 songs, including the project’s lead single “Aw Naw,” which is certified gold. Under his belt he has a “CMA Triple Play Award” — an award that recognizes songwriters who have written three number-one songs within a 12-month period — for “Tomorrow,” “You” and “Voices.” Out of his past five top consecutive country radio records he has helping out with the writing on four of them.

    “When people put in the CD they want to listen to the whole thing. If they download it to their iPod I want them to have it on repeat for weeks,” said Young.

    As the country music brand continues become more diverse and grow overseas, one can expect one of the genre’s rising artist to help front-run the movement.

    Country music is just life and everyday stuff, says Young. “Yeah we have some sad songs in there and some songs talk about serious stuff, but beyond that, if you come out to a show you are going to hear big party songs, love songs and a whole variety of stuff.

    “I think that’s what makes country music great, it touches everything.”

    By OBK