And the Grammy goes to…

The 2009 GRAMMY Award nominations that were recently announced is definitely  a list full of surprises, showing that they are clearly keeping up with times. For starters, “Just Dance” by Lady GaGa -which really is just a club song about getting drunk and losing things, such as your shirt-is in the running for Best Dance Song alongside other singers such as, Sam Sparro. For someone who just recently reached stardom, this will undeniably is a breakthrough into more promising achievements.

When Lady Gaga first erupted onto the pop music scene with her platinum blonde hair, bawdy cat suits and huge sunglasses, the public welcomed her with open arms. Lady GaGa, whose real name is Joanne Stefani Germanotta originally got into the music business by performing in nightclubs on the pavilions of New York City and was discovered when she was nineteen years old. And now Lady GaGa’s music is taking over the world by storm!

Many musical acts in these modern times find it hard to ‘crack’ the US charts, but Lady GaGa proves even home-grown musicians take a while to break.  For an Italian-American, electro-pop sensation she is doing quite well herself; her single that is being nominated for the Grammy finally reached the Billboard Top 10, peaking this week at a 7.

In the bigger picture, “Just Dance” has a good beat, addicting hook and support vocals from Akon , the successful singer/producer. Internationally, it’s a hit, so nobody can really argue with that. Lady GaGa is also notable for her singles “Poker Face” and “Beautiful Dirty Rich.” One thing that is undeniable about Lady GaGa’s music is she totally gets it. She is the whole deal. She completely understands what she has to do and she’s willing to invest her time and her energy into doing it. “Poker Face” for an example is a clever deference to putting up a mask while in love. Knowing what she wants and how to perform surely pays off now as she anxious sits in her 51st Grammy Nomination chamber.

Still the competition seems to be very steep this time around. Long-serving French electro robots Daft Punk have been given a run in the best dance recording as well. Ironically for them, it’s a mere 7 years after the song was initially released. Then we have the reigning Queen of Pop, Madonna as well in the nomination poll with her song “Give it to me”. Lady Gaga is definitely facing some tough competition.

Also a well-known songwriter, Lady GaGa has written for Britney Spears’ latest album and Interscope label-mates, Pussycat Dolls. With a Grammy nomination under her belt, there is seemingly a dazzling future ahead of her. We just have to wait and see.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

“Today” dances with Lady GaGa

It’s 8 in the morning and the Today’s show is about to roll. As usual, Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford lounge comfortably, prepared for their daily talk show.  Only this time, things get heated up as they are seen strutting some fancy dance moves to Lady GaGa’s hit single –alongside the singer herself! Lady GaGa made her appearance on Monday (December 15) at the Today’s show demonstrating some of her dance moves. The platinum-blond singer also talked about the story behind her stage name, her inspiration David Bowie and ’70s glamour era –where she had to make sacrifices growing up while showing off her Christina Siriano outfit.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Lady GaGa has been dubbed the future of Pop music and all around the world her music has ignited, capturing the hearts and changing the attitudes of fans. These days most of the artist seems to be associating with her sound –just have a go at Britney’s “Womanizer” and Christina’s “Keeps Getting Better” and you will know what I mean.

Clearly, she is big influence in this new age. In response to the similarities to Christina Aguilera, she responded “Just being as young as I am, being compared to a superstar like Christina so early in my career is just so flattering. I’m just really flattered by it.” That’s not shocking since most artists when cornered with questions such as these would reply almost the exact same thing –that they are honoured to be compared to the likes of music legends. Humble or merely a suck-up, she’s still a raging pop star and definitely a name to watch out for.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

The Lady GaGa and Christina Aguilera Meltdown

And the Oscar goes to –Lady GaGa and X-Tina, for their ensued catfight that rocked the music industry. Let’s not forget also the bloodthirsty paparazzi and bickering fans whom without their constant critics and wailing, this would not have been possible. Shivers of familiarity trailing down your mind? This is how it is in the entertainment world –a fairyland of daily celebrity meltdowns, exposed secrets and lawsuits.  Lady GaGa and Christina Aguilera (X-Tina) aren’t spared either. During the recent MTV Video Music Awards, many people attacked Christina Aguilera's new, futuristic image with critics because they allege that she’s unashamedly biting off of Lady Gaga's spacey demeanor.

She appeared on stage looking like a clone of Lady GaGa. Christina definitely wasn’t pleased and claimed to reporters that she barely even heard of critic-sworn nemesis…ouch! Aguilera was even clueless if GaGa she was a guy or a girl. Then her latest single “Keeps getting better” came out sounding like an exact replica to Lady GaGa’s music and critics swarmed around her again. It’s undeniable though that both singers possess platinum blond hair and racy outfits.

What is wrong with the world today?  This is POP music so there definitely will be a lot of similarities. Lady GaGa is the latest, hottest musical sensation to hit the industry and hands-down the pop album of the year. Lady GaGa’s unique cat woman-undercover special agent look that she rocks has made her very popular both in the music and fashion world. Her single and huge hit, “Just Dance” is a smash and should be every party girl’s theme song. Now, Christina Aguilera has been in the business for 10 years and was doing really well for awhile with her come-back image inspired by the whole 40s glamour look and sound. She has had many looks ranging from blonde to dreads to black hair. Not to mention those outfits. The former Mousekeeter's influences for her new sound and image -as she stated in a recent interview- are Velvet Underground & Nico, Blondie and Jane Birkin. Nowhere did it state Lady GaGa.

Bleach blonde hair and bangs and Christina is all of a sudden in the business of copying looks? The comparisons exist because of the hair and one single track. People should remember that Lady GaGa did not invent blonde hair and bangs. It’s a hairstyle that has been around for decades. In terms of sound, Lady GaGa’ music is fresh and hyped and is definitely the music of the future. Perhaps that is why X-tina and even Hilary Duff’s latest singles illustrates that sound. That not necessarily mean they are copying Lady GaGa’s music style. Yet paparazzi and fans love to linger on these senseless facts–forgetting completely that both equally contribute to the music world in their own ways. Christina is gorgeous and talented and so is Lady GaGa. Why do we have to put these ladies up against each other instead of respecting both of them? They're both great talents! Besides, blonds are surely entertaining, right?

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Lady Gaga & David Archuleta The Famous Duo?

If there’s one thing that David Archuleta and Lady Gaga have in common, its fame. Both experienced a landslide of fame and glamor and they own it massively, not to mention, recently as well –GaGa even named her explosive new album title as "Fame".  And it is not ending anytime soon. On the contrary, it is just the beginning for these two pop artists. Archuleta and GaGa are both fresh faces in the music industry and have only very recently hit the charts. But don’t let that fool you, for their music and style are invading and influencing the world at fast speed.

Recently the two most favorite new artists snuggled up at the New York’s 2008 Z100 jingle Ball’s backstage artist lounge at Madison Square Garden. Z100’s Jingle Ball is probably the king of all holiday shows.  Its line-up always features the hottest acts of the year and 2008’s show is no exception. Lady Gaga showed up with an outfit that closely resembles a snowflake while Archuleta sang comfortably in jeans and a brown shirt. When you are performing at one of the holiday season’s hottest concert, you know you’ve struck gold. This was definitely a big deal for the duo as they are on their way in reaching stardom.

David Archuleta became one of the most recognizable figures on television in 2008, when his strong silky tenor vocals and boyish charm helped earn him a second-place finish in American Idol's seventh season. Since then he has been making it big in the music industry, following in the footsteps with of his fellow competitor and winner of American Idol season 7, Jordin Sparks. It seems interesting a musical talent such as his would have duet with the sexy, mind-blowing, electro-pop Lady GaGa. Lady GaGa’s music is worlds apart from David Archuleta’s sound though both sink their teeth deeply in the Pop genre of music. Still both manage to pull of her Christmas hit single “Christmas Tree” -which will definitely be a popular modern-classic holiday song- with ease.  Perhaps that is what it takes to gather more fame. Collaborations and mixed duets with different musical style has always been a success in these present times. Just listen to Kevin Rudolph and Lil Wayne’s “Let it Rock” and you will know what I mean. Or have a go at Kanye West’s “Homecoming” featuring Chris Martin of Coldplay who comes from a whole different music genre than West.

One thing’s for sure is that these two are not going to back down in terms of reaching their goals in conquering the music world. Archuleta is young and so is GaGa and both will be in for much more achievements. Both have worked their way up the ladder of success the tradional way,  that is through hard work and determination and both contribute grandly to the music business. GaGa has already bagged a Grammy nomination, and Archuleta…what can I say, he is a winner already. That’s another thing they have in common. And the list goes on…

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Lady Gaga-Fame or Lame?

If you are already a Diva at working the clubs hard with brilliant music vibes and a maestro in theatrical performances, what more could you possibly crave for? For Joanne Stefani Germanotta a.k.a Lady GaGa, it seems obvious that it is fame. Lady GaGa obviously possesses innate musical talent –having written up a storm of potential fiery hits for her debut album, which includes her hit single “Just Dance”. Perhaps the Italian-American artist had enough of living in the shadows of big artistes such as New Kids on The Block and Pussycat Dolls, penning down tunes for these bright stars and was realize its about time for something bigger.

Yet the young woman who titled her self album “The Fame” is not in the business for art’s sake. She wants to be fabulous and famous no doubt and is well on her way to achieving that goal. “That is the Fame” she says to a paparazzi pack that trailed her during one of her tours. “It is about art and fashion and the rumors about who I am and who Lady GaGa is”. And she makes no apologies for playing the fame game (connected to Jimmy Lovine from Interscope and the multi-talented Akon) which will certainly give her a stairway to fame haven. “I know when I signed the label my job is to write a pop song and play the game” she says. Hmm…sounds familiar doesn’t it? Brings back memories of Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears in waist-bearing but innocent t-shirts singing innocent pop songs demanded by their record labels. And what happened when they hit the fame-pot? Gone was the sweet innocence of pop teen princesses and in their places, Goth-like, black hair with ‘Dirty’ attitudes.

How long until GaGa’s platinum blond look is taken over by a black wave? Hopefully she stays with her originality and her own unique sound. Today’s music world is no joke and definitely not a static one. It is forever changing and the face of music is also forever changing. One thing’s for sure that is, there are many marriages between music genres and Lady GaGa seems to sense this vibe as her music is rich which a variety of genre –electro-pop, rock to name some. On the effort of this album -which has been released in the U.S. since October 19, she embraced pop culture and invited her fans to an electro-techno rollercoaster ride of music.

“The Fame' is about how anyone can feel famous," GaGa spoke about her debut record. Pop culture is art and it doesn't make one cool to hate pop culture, so what she has done is actually embrace it and cross it with other sound styles. Fame or lame, this one is smart and definitely to stay.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Lady GaGa Here to Stay

      Behold Lady GaGa! Fresh out of the nightclubs at New York City, this do-it-yourself disco-erotica queen is about to change the world one sequin at a time. First “The Fame” and now a Christmas collection album about to blossom. It is Christmas time and Lady GaGa’s “Christmas Tree” does seem to have a fun wild spirit to it all though the song sounds like its all over the place.  Who would have thought that in these unpredictable times that a singer from the nightlife clubs could have become eminent? All the same, fans welcome this absurd, bizarre-sounding artist with diversity in music style.

      There is only one clear way to describe Lady GaGa and that is headstrong and different. It doubtless that her style is unique –her music is her own- Lady GaGa has released her first single "Just Dance" from her debut album entitled The Fame.  An exciting new artist taking clubs by storm all across the world, she makes her own clothes, pens her own tunes, and will soon enough shatter every disco ball all around the world so to speak. The single "Just Dance" featuring Colby O'Donis. Heating up dance floors across the nation, GaGa is already turning heads and smacking asses. Even before releasing music, Women's Wear Daily made her their cover girl and W Magazine called her "one of the hottest acts on New York's club scene" who "defies categorization."

      "Why can't we just have a good time like they did in the disco days?" This is Lady GaGa's lament. Her debut album The Fame does just that. Definitely she is Godsend to fit into this generation ideology of music. Blasting in like a shot from a neon-coloured sequin cannon, a living disco ball set against a dark sky, never descending, daring the sun to come up. It's a fete, a Mardi Gras, a party out of bounds coming at you like a crazy martini held high above a crowd dizzied by club life. Perfect…for this century as there isn’t a soul that shies away from the club scenes these days. It's all hosted by GaGa, a bigger than life presence that's all glamour and money and clouds of smoke and perfume.

      But it's not meant to exclude. One must not stray from the fact that she's singing about music that chases down a dance, pop, punk, burlesque hybrid and wrestles it to the floor. GaGa has the gift to grab you by the hand and pull you right into the spotlight along with her. It's a shareable fame. In a way Lady GaGa’s music represents the unity of everything that surrounds us. The exclusion is gone! And she’s here to stay. Now everyone can dance to their own beat. Isn't that why they built dance floors in the first place?

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

Lady Gaga-The Future of Disco?

Flashy sunglasses, neon colored tights and animal printed dresses. Hard-partying, heavy drinking and high pumping music vibes. Poker and unconditional body contact (a lot of body contact!). And let’s not forget the famous disco ball. Has the disco era been revived? It certainly seems so especially in Lady Gaga’s new video, “Just Dance”. Featuring Colby O’Donis and Akon, this hype new video has a combination of undying disco with a dash of modern pop culture. It is impossible to pull of something this big –the emergence of music genres- but not for the 22 year old crazy retro dance freak.

She has ears made of classic-rock, a voice of the 60s, and the moves of a Brit-Disco queen. If she had it her way, retro would be a noun, and pop just a cute name for soda--not a dirty word. She's a tiny person with a big voice and a lot of love to spread as she ushers in a whole new era of music coated old-day music.  Madonna would certainly be proud of her; Lady GaGa is provoking and daring in the way she appears in her videos and on stage. In terms of her style in fashion, she is definitely crossing borders between past and future. Almost all of her on-stage outfits are self-made. Clothing fashions both sprang from and had influence on the various youth culture groups of the time which diverged and evolved as the decade progressed.

“Just Dance” and “Poker Face” welcomes the society of people who live in this generation but are not living beneath toadstools. Meaning that they are open to possibilities. People are so hooked on the material world that many tend to drift away from their culture. In a way Lady GaGa provides listeners with a sense of closure to the era that they never would engage with. Disco as we see it gave birth to many other musical genres: soul /jazz rock/funk and even to heavy metal and punk rock. Disco transcended these other forms of music by turning into universal appeal. Disco arouses the public with its music. The public determines what is good for them, not the critics.

The public's complete acceptance of this style of music gives it the power to call itself art. Lady GaGa’s music seems to be flooding with this style and she is most definitely an icon of the precedent.  She represents the Godfathers –and Godmothers- of the Age of Disco. Disco has been felt by all walks of live and its longevity has made its mark on music as determined by the artists/producers and the industry itself who keep reinventing itself and satisfying the public and their thirst for such music. Today Disco is everywhere and as Lady GaGa puts it…”Just Dance!”

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!

« Previous Page