Does this fool think he is Jesus or something? Is he the hip-hop martyr? Is he the #1 target of the media and the music industry? Well...that's the way he sees it. Watch this youtube clip below about a recent show in NY that he did and his eyebrow raising rant...
Is he on that Hennessy again like he was when he jumped on stage with Taylor Swift? Or does he just need his fair share of brown nosing from his loyal fanbase. I honestly don't get it. If he was just so much about his music and not caring about what the media has to say about him, then what's the point of these crazy rants he goes on with in his live shows. He's still a douchebag...plain and simple. His personality overshadows his talent which is a shame. I'd probably appreciate his music more if I didn't know he was a full on tool. Still no toast for the douchebag for you Kanye.
~Mark
Showing posts with label Artist Spotlight. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Artist Spotlight. Show all posts
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Deadmau5; MTV VMA House Artist; Who for next year?
Hey what's going on everyone? Sure has been a while since my last post. Either way, I'm back and will try and post more often. There's been a lot of events I've been to lately and haven't really had a chance to catch up on all of the amazing energy that's been happening around the bay area and San Francisco. But let's get down to the gritty...
Now I know I'm REALLY late on this one...but the VMA's...oh what to say about the VMA's. Really there isn't a whole lot to say about them except they were boring, superficial, and slightly awkward as usual. No surprise in the random pairing of award presenters, underwhelming pop acts performing songs we've had millions of times on the radio, and of course Lady Gaga trying to out-do herself in the "I dress worse than anyone else but I'm a visionary for it" department. And Jesus, how awfully boring was Chelsea Handler? I swear, the VMA's did better the year that they actually had no host. To me, Chris Rock in 1999 and Russel Brand the previous years were teh ones that stood ut. HOWEVER...there was one big element that changed in this particular year. That big element was the house DJ actually being an electro house artist: DEADMAU5!
Now before I continue, it should be known that I have mixed feelings about Deadmau5, as I'm sure many in the EDM community do as well. He's arrogant, considers himself above his class, rude to fans (in some occasions), rude to interviewers, and overall doesn't seem like a nice guy sometimes. Despite all this, the fact remains that the man is a visionary and his talent for music and stage production cannot be denied. He has created a sound, an image, and a brand that has blossomed out of the dance music scene and into the mainstream. While he has garnered a few haters, his fanbase is nothing less than overwhelming. Good for him. Overall I think he is a positive thing for electronic music because of what he represents: not going with the flow. He hasn't really "sold out" in terms of making radio friendly songs or collaborating with big pop acts like David Guetta has. He's a computer nerd who doesn't really like fame or traveling, and just happen to get famous making the music he believed in. This interview might shed some light into the type of person that he is. Keep in mind its part 1 of 2:
So now I get to thinking why did MTV choose him as the house artist for the VMA awards show? I think it's pretty simple:
1) His popularity is blossoming at a huge rate. Since he's started he reached the upper echelons of the EDM scene within the matter of a couple years. To the point where his popular tracks can actually be heard on the radio!
2) The popularity of dance music as a whole is blossoming; especially house & electro house. Listen to the radio. It's EVERYWHERE! Even Usher using electro pop beats? you kidding me?
3) "Ghosts N Stuff" was a huge hit. It's been played on MTV before.
4) His stage act is reminiscent of Daft Punk-esque visual stimulation. Probably enjoyable for all in attendance and those watching at home. Actually looked really cool in HD.
4) He's cheap. While he is in the big leagues of electronic music, he is still a small fish in the bigger pond that is the global pop music world. At this point, he isn't in the position to demand a lot of money for this opportunity. I'm willing to bet MTV didn't shell out too much for his fees.
Check out his performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGRxpu4Pv9g
How well do you think he did? In my opinion, I think he did rather well. Many criticized him for not really doing much at all...which is exactly what he was supposed to do. The house artist has always been meant to provide as background noise. The few couple of times he got to shine, he kept it lowkey to his hits. Why play anything else? I'm sure all the famous people in the audience don't care about his newest track or what direction he's going in musically. They want to hear fun and upbeat popular tracks. He didn't over do it, and that was a BIG key to have the famous audience grooving along to his jams without really feeling like "what is this techno music crap"? I also think the work he had to do was underrated. For the show he had to create a whole slew of remixes and put together the performances that he got with some guest spots. I think it was horrible who he was paired up with to be honest. Travie McCoy? Jason DeRulo? Robyn?? Wow...what a melting pot of pure fail, musically. None of those artists, except for Robyn, had any chemistry with Deadmau5. Just didn't seem to work well at all. He did what he could though, and managed to walk away with himself intact. MTV should have known better. Overall, I give his performance a 4 out of 5 stars. Nothing extravagant, which is what was necessary, while at the same time not failing completely at being molded by MTV. He showed what he was about. Kudos.
WHO FOR NEXT YEAR???
Now all this begs the question as to who should be the house artist next year? Should MTV continue in an electronic music direction? Will electronic music still be as relevant in the pop world at this time next year? Or will music be in a completely different direction? For all intents and purposes, let's assume that electronic and dance music continues in its sky-rocketing boom. Who do YOU think that opportunity/burden should fall upon? Who would be well suited to take on the pop masses? I happen to have a suggestion...
I think the house artist for next year's MTV VMA, assuming music will continue its trend, should be none other than the dance music legend: TIESTO. Now I may have my personal bias in this as I am a very big Tiesto fan, but consider the facts:
1) Tiesto is already in the ears of the pop masses, whether they knew it or not.
2) He already has established working relationships with many popular artists including Tegan & Sara, Nelly Furtado, Three 6 Mafia, Bloc Party, and others with collaborations.
3) His musical direction as of late has taken a drastic shift from full blown trance to a more "radio friendly" sound that incorporates progressive house, electro house, and electro pop. He has become a jack of all trades; able to please whatever crowd he steps in front of.
4) He understands and loves all forms of music, not just the trance heavy sound he creates. He could spin anything at the award show and make it blend perfect.
5) He understands the US crowd and knows not to overdo it.
6) He is already a household name to much of the rest of the world outside of the US.
7) My own personal bias again, but Tiesto has earned his legend status through his years of endless hard work. He deserves it.
So there you have it...my wrap up on a lot of opinion on MTV, the Video Music Awards, and just the nature of EDM in the popular music scene. I'm sure the same case I made for Tiesto could be made for David Guetta...but let's be honest, David Guetta just recently boomed. I'm still yet to be convinced he's the real deal. He isn't as prolific of a producer as Tiesto and his popularity push came at expense of his house roots. What do you think? Any opinions?? Who do you think should be the one to spin at the next MTV VMA's?? Leave a comment!!
~Mark
Now I know I'm REALLY late on this one...but the VMA's...oh what to say about the VMA's. Really there isn't a whole lot to say about them except they were boring, superficial, and slightly awkward as usual. No surprise in the random pairing of award presenters, underwhelming pop acts performing songs we've had millions of times on the radio, and of course Lady Gaga trying to out-do herself in the "I dress worse than anyone else but I'm a visionary for it" department. And Jesus, how awfully boring was Chelsea Handler? I swear, the VMA's did better the year that they actually had no host. To me, Chris Rock in 1999 and Russel Brand the previous years were teh ones that stood ut. HOWEVER...there was one big element that changed in this particular year. That big element was the house DJ actually being an electro house artist: DEADMAU5!
Now before I continue, it should be known that I have mixed feelings about Deadmau5, as I'm sure many in the EDM community do as well. He's arrogant, considers himself above his class, rude to fans (in some occasions), rude to interviewers, and overall doesn't seem like a nice guy sometimes. Despite all this, the fact remains that the man is a visionary and his talent for music and stage production cannot be denied. He has created a sound, an image, and a brand that has blossomed out of the dance music scene and into the mainstream. While he has garnered a few haters, his fanbase is nothing less than overwhelming. Good for him. Overall I think he is a positive thing for electronic music because of what he represents: not going with the flow. He hasn't really "sold out" in terms of making radio friendly songs or collaborating with big pop acts like David Guetta has. He's a computer nerd who doesn't really like fame or traveling, and just happen to get famous making the music he believed in. This interview might shed some light into the type of person that he is. Keep in mind its part 1 of 2:
So now I get to thinking why did MTV choose him as the house artist for the VMA awards show? I think it's pretty simple:
1) His popularity is blossoming at a huge rate. Since he's started he reached the upper echelons of the EDM scene within the matter of a couple years. To the point where his popular tracks can actually be heard on the radio!
2) The popularity of dance music as a whole is blossoming; especially house & electro house. Listen to the radio. It's EVERYWHERE! Even Usher using electro pop beats? you kidding me?
3) "Ghosts N Stuff" was a huge hit. It's been played on MTV before.
4) His stage act is reminiscent of Daft Punk-esque visual stimulation. Probably enjoyable for all in attendance and those watching at home. Actually looked really cool in HD.
4) He's cheap. While he is in the big leagues of electronic music, he is still a small fish in the bigger pond that is the global pop music world. At this point, he isn't in the position to demand a lot of money for this opportunity. I'm willing to bet MTV didn't shell out too much for his fees.
Check out his performance: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YGRxpu4Pv9g
How well do you think he did? In my opinion, I think he did rather well. Many criticized him for not really doing much at all...which is exactly what he was supposed to do. The house artist has always been meant to provide as background noise. The few couple of times he got to shine, he kept it lowkey to his hits. Why play anything else? I'm sure all the famous people in the audience don't care about his newest track or what direction he's going in musically. They want to hear fun and upbeat popular tracks. He didn't over do it, and that was a BIG key to have the famous audience grooving along to his jams without really feeling like "what is this techno music crap"? I also think the work he had to do was underrated. For the show he had to create a whole slew of remixes and put together the performances that he got with some guest spots. I think it was horrible who he was paired up with to be honest. Travie McCoy? Jason DeRulo? Robyn?? Wow...what a melting pot of pure fail, musically. None of those artists, except for Robyn, had any chemistry with Deadmau5. Just didn't seem to work well at all. He did what he could though, and managed to walk away with himself intact. MTV should have known better. Overall, I give his performance a 4 out of 5 stars. Nothing extravagant, which is what was necessary, while at the same time not failing completely at being molded by MTV. He showed what he was about. Kudos.
WHO FOR NEXT YEAR???
Now all this begs the question as to who should be the house artist next year? Should MTV continue in an electronic music direction? Will electronic music still be as relevant in the pop world at this time next year? Or will music be in a completely different direction? For all intents and purposes, let's assume that electronic and dance music continues in its sky-rocketing boom. Who do YOU think that opportunity/burden should fall upon? Who would be well suited to take on the pop masses? I happen to have a suggestion...
I think the house artist for next year's MTV VMA, assuming music will continue its trend, should be none other than the dance music legend: TIESTO. Now I may have my personal bias in this as I am a very big Tiesto fan, but consider the facts:
1) Tiesto is already in the ears of the pop masses, whether they knew it or not.
2) He already has established working relationships with many popular artists including Tegan & Sara, Nelly Furtado, Three 6 Mafia, Bloc Party, and others with collaborations.
3) His musical direction as of late has taken a drastic shift from full blown trance to a more "radio friendly" sound that incorporates progressive house, electro house, and electro pop. He has become a jack of all trades; able to please whatever crowd he steps in front of.
4) He understands and loves all forms of music, not just the trance heavy sound he creates. He could spin anything at the award show and make it blend perfect.
5) He understands the US crowd and knows not to overdo it.
6) He is already a household name to much of the rest of the world outside of the US.
7) My own personal bias again, but Tiesto has earned his legend status through his years of endless hard work. He deserves it.
So there you have it...my wrap up on a lot of opinion on MTV, the Video Music Awards, and just the nature of EDM in the popular music scene. I'm sure the same case I made for Tiesto could be made for David Guetta...but let's be honest, David Guetta just recently boomed. I'm still yet to be convinced he's the real deal. He isn't as prolific of a producer as Tiesto and his popularity push came at expense of his house roots. What do you think? Any opinions?? Who do you think should be the one to spin at the next MTV VMA's?? Leave a comment!!
~Mark
Friday, May 21, 2010
Dr. M's Diagnosis On: Sean "Puffy/P. Diddy/Diddy/Dirty Money/I'm Rich Bitch" Combs
Hey what up world. Dr. M back at it again on this Friday night. I figured my last post would be the last one of the night and maybe weekend but I decided to say forget it because something came up. And that something was reading this very interesting article on mtvnews.com about Sean "P. Diddy" Combs (or whatever the hell his name is these days). Actually the article was neither interesting or entertaining, but it share a noteworthy tidbit of information: Sean Combs has YET ANOTHER business venture. For those too lazy to read it, he's talking about opening up a management firm so he can ruin more careers without actually signing artists to his label (if its even his label anymore...he keeps selling more ownership as it makes less and less money).
Sean Combs...what a name. Internationally renowned, but then again, for what? The man is a jack of all trades, and at the same token, a jack of no trades. Let's put this into perspective. He is classified on wikipedia as a record producer, rapper, actor, and fashion designer. Now add talent manager to that list as well. Is he really good at any of those? Let's investigate....
1. Record Producer
He definitely deserves his props for lifting Bad Boy Records from the ground up and starting that movement in the 90's. In the mid to late 90's you always heard songs from Biggie, Ma$e, or the man Puffy himself all over the radio and mtv. However, he is NO RECORD PRODUCER. He's an executive producer, entrepreneur, and businessman yes; he has the money and he can make the moves, but him trying to hop in and take producing credit? That's just downright dirty. I'm not talking about how he's always on every song saying his trademark "yea, badboy, can't stop won't stop!" and in every video, I'm talking about actual production credits under "Diddy & The Hitmen". Puffy has never been known for actual studio production, aside from shouting orders at the producers he has in the studio at the time. The Hitmen are the ones that do the actual production work. And funny enough, The Hitmen has a lineup that constantly changes. Is this just Puffy's way to squeeze more money out of all the songs released on Bad Boy Records? It just may be.
2. Rapper
Rapper? Does he even write his own rhymes? His albums have progressively sold less and have been more critically panned with each release and in recent years he's struggling to find his own genre...let's just skip this one...
3. Actor
He's been in a few movies like the sequel to Carlito's Way and he's done a few Broadway shows, but he's far from being recognized in the film industry as an "actor". Good for him for branching out though. Seems fun.
4. Fashion Designer
His clothing line Sean John is pretty popular. I don't wear any Sean John but from what I've read its a pretty lucrative business venture and people seem to like it. Does Puffy actually design the stuff? I'm not sure. He might take credit for designing the Sean John styles just like he "produces" records.
5. Talent Manager
Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj are in for some TROUBLE! They are the first two to sign to his new management firm. Both trust Puffy as a very knowledgeable man and the one to take them to music success. However, should they trust their career to Puffy and put it in the hands of someone who doesn't have any successful artists on his record label? This is the one that gets me. The whole management firm thing is new, but Puffy has always revered himself as a good talent scout and manager. Is he really? I don't know....do the names Danity Kane, Dream, Day26, Donnie Klang, Kain, Black Rob, Mark Curry, G.Dep, Craig Mack, Carl Thomas, and 112 mean anything to anybody? Ya...didn't think so. They have all gone by the wayside after initially having the hype of being on Bad Boy Records and the seal of approval from the man himself. Did I miss any? Bottom line: Every artist Puffy has "discovered" and signed has failed (or died). Ma$e didn't necessarily fail but he quit to become a pastor. Soon as he decided to come out of retirement, Puffy put the final nail in the coffin of his career.
Oh and I almost forgot. He's the spokesman for Ciroc vodka. I'm sure he can put that on his everlasting resume. But let's wrap this thing up....
**DIAGNOSIS: The man is out of touch with the music industry and scrambles for ways to stay relevant. He's good at nothing but average at everything. However, it works. He's a good businessman. That's what he does. People need to stop giving him credit as a "musician" though.
**PRESCRIPTION: Nothing at all. No matter what, he'll do just fine. Cheers Puffy
'Til next time world! Leave a comment!
~Dr. M
Sean Combs...what a name. Internationally renowned, but then again, for what? The man is a jack of all trades, and at the same token, a jack of no trades. Let's put this into perspective. He is classified on wikipedia as a record producer, rapper, actor, and fashion designer. Now add talent manager to that list as well. Is he really good at any of those? Let's investigate....
1. Record Producer
He definitely deserves his props for lifting Bad Boy Records from the ground up and starting that movement in the 90's. In the mid to late 90's you always heard songs from Biggie, Ma$e, or the man Puffy himself all over the radio and mtv. However, he is NO RECORD PRODUCER. He's an executive producer, entrepreneur, and businessman yes; he has the money and he can make the moves, but him trying to hop in and take producing credit? That's just downright dirty. I'm not talking about how he's always on every song saying his trademark "yea, badboy, can't stop won't stop!" and in every video, I'm talking about actual production credits under "Diddy & The Hitmen". Puffy has never been known for actual studio production, aside from shouting orders at the producers he has in the studio at the time. The Hitmen are the ones that do the actual production work. And funny enough, The Hitmen has a lineup that constantly changes. Is this just Puffy's way to squeeze more money out of all the songs released on Bad Boy Records? It just may be.
2. Rapper
Rapper? Does he even write his own rhymes? His albums have progressively sold less and have been more critically panned with each release and in recent years he's struggling to find his own genre...let's just skip this one...
3. Actor
He's been in a few movies like the sequel to Carlito's Way and he's done a few Broadway shows, but he's far from being recognized in the film industry as an "actor". Good for him for branching out though. Seems fun.
4. Fashion Designer
His clothing line Sean John is pretty popular. I don't wear any Sean John but from what I've read its a pretty lucrative business venture and people seem to like it. Does Puffy actually design the stuff? I'm not sure. He might take credit for designing the Sean John styles just like he "produces" records.
5. Talent Manager
Rick Ross and Nicki Minaj are in for some TROUBLE! They are the first two to sign to his new management firm. Both trust Puffy as a very knowledgeable man and the one to take them to music success. However, should they trust their career to Puffy and put it in the hands of someone who doesn't have any successful artists on his record label? This is the one that gets me. The whole management firm thing is new, but Puffy has always revered himself as a good talent scout and manager. Is he really? I don't know....do the names Danity Kane, Dream, Day26, Donnie Klang, Kain, Black Rob, Mark Curry, G.Dep, Craig Mack, Carl Thomas, and 112 mean anything to anybody? Ya...didn't think so. They have all gone by the wayside after initially having the hype of being on Bad Boy Records and the seal of approval from the man himself. Did I miss any? Bottom line: Every artist Puffy has "discovered" and signed has failed (or died). Ma$e didn't necessarily fail but he quit to become a pastor. Soon as he decided to come out of retirement, Puffy put the final nail in the coffin of his career.
Oh and I almost forgot. He's the spokesman for Ciroc vodka. I'm sure he can put that on his everlasting resume. But let's wrap this thing up....
**DIAGNOSIS: The man is out of touch with the music industry and scrambles for ways to stay relevant. He's good at nothing but average at everything. However, it works. He's a good businessman. That's what he does. People need to stop giving him credit as a "musician" though.
**PRESCRIPTION: Nothing at all. No matter what, he'll do just fine. Cheers Puffy
'Til next time world! Leave a comment!
~Dr. M
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Dr. M's Diagnosis On: Ke$ha
Now...I understand pop music. We all should. It should have good production, a catchy melody, inspiring or interesting vocals, and some sort of substance that really makes us feel into the song even though we know it could be about nothing. Pop music used to mean something. However, somewhere along the timeline, it got raped and now we get results like this:
Yeesh! I know we aren't to judge a book by its cover, but I think this picture pretty much sums it all about this particular artist I wanted to diagnose: Ke$ha. A San Fernando Valley native who had her dreams and sights set on music stardom; at ALL costs! Ever since we had the boy and girl band explosion of the 90's, it became pretty apparent you didn't need actual singing talent or skill of any sort to become a pop sensation. Britney Spears broke the mold and let everyone know that any pop sensation dream is possible as long as you have a connected family, good looks, money for a boob job, squeaky clean image, and record label backing. As much as I hate to do it, I have to give Ke$ha a lot of credit for her ability to break all the rules. If you've ever heard a Ke$ha song, seen a Ke$ha video, or witnessed a Ke$ha "performance", you would know that this chick falls into neither category. Except for one actually, and that would be record label backing. The musical bubblegum juggernaut producer Dr. Luke saw fit to give this Tennessee bumpkin (where she grew up) girl an opportunity to be what nobody else could. Simply put ladies and gentleman...Ke$ha: a "pop singer" who has no talented singing voice, no particular good looks, no dancing skills, no connected family, AND happens to present an image to kids of a constantly trashed party girl (which she actually seems to be) shot to #1 on the charts when her album Animal hit the shelves and became an overnight pop sensation. God Bless America. I can't really begin to wonder where to point fingers. Any help? Well my first finger will be pointed at Dr. Luke for giving this chick a record deal first of all. His next strike for me is the niche he found for her using electro-dance-pop beats; using the flawless theory that girls really don't care how bad the music is as long as they can dance to it. I want to say, yet another rape of the electronic music scene for the teeny boppers. Best part of this is Ke$ha's pretty obvious lack of a genre preference. No matter what she could do to make it, she would do it, regardless of substance or class. Let's all get drunk and dance y'all! In her own words "Don't be a little bitch with your chit chat just show me where your dick's at." We can all hope all girls at the club are so intelligent.
***Diagnosis: Delusional! Whack! Crap! Fail! Cancer to the music industry. I'm looking at you too Dr. Luke
***Prescription: Surgical removal. A smack to the face and plane ticket back to Nashville.
Yeesh! I know we aren't to judge a book by its cover, but I think this picture pretty much sums it all about this particular artist I wanted to diagnose: Ke$ha. A San Fernando Valley native who had her dreams and sights set on music stardom; at ALL costs! Ever since we had the boy and girl band explosion of the 90's, it became pretty apparent you didn't need actual singing talent or skill of any sort to become a pop sensation. Britney Spears broke the mold and let everyone know that any pop sensation dream is possible as long as you have a connected family, good looks, money for a boob job, squeaky clean image, and record label backing. As much as I hate to do it, I have to give Ke$ha a lot of credit for her ability to break all the rules. If you've ever heard a Ke$ha song, seen a Ke$ha video, or witnessed a Ke$ha "performance", you would know that this chick falls into neither category. Except for one actually, and that would be record label backing. The musical bubblegum juggernaut producer Dr. Luke saw fit to give this Tennessee bumpkin (where she grew up) girl an opportunity to be what nobody else could. Simply put ladies and gentleman...Ke$ha: a "pop singer" who has no talented singing voice, no particular good looks, no dancing skills, no connected family, AND happens to present an image to kids of a constantly trashed party girl (which she actually seems to be) shot to #1 on the charts when her album Animal hit the shelves and became an overnight pop sensation. God Bless America. I can't really begin to wonder where to point fingers. Any help? Well my first finger will be pointed at Dr. Luke for giving this chick a record deal first of all. His next strike for me is the niche he found for her using electro-dance-pop beats; using the flawless theory that girls really don't care how bad the music is as long as they can dance to it. I want to say, yet another rape of the electronic music scene for the teeny boppers. Best part of this is Ke$ha's pretty obvious lack of a genre preference. No matter what she could do to make it, she would do it, regardless of substance or class. Let's all get drunk and dance y'all! In her own words "Don't be a little bitch with your chit chat just show me where your dick's at." We can all hope all girls at the club are so intelligent.
***Diagnosis: Delusional! Whack! Crap! Fail! Cancer to the music industry. I'm looking at you too Dr. Luke
***Prescription: Surgical removal. A smack to the face and plane ticket back to Nashville.
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