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sxsw

Comet Madmen releases epic “SXSW Mixtape”

by Ryan Shea

Credit to: http://www.madmenlongislandinkent.com/
Credit to: http://www.madmenlongislandinkent.com/

Something that seems to be missing from the hip-hop industry nowadays is the raw, gritty aspect of what hip-hop was in a way designed for.  This attributes back in the day in the early 90’s when acts like NWA came out with “Straight Outta Compton” and made people think that hip-hop was more than just a chilled, pop-esque sort of type music that anyone can listen to.  When that music came out, things changed.  Comet Madmen repping Long Island to the fullest is set out to the do the same thing and take the music world by storm.

Already a big success here in the tri-state area, I interviewed Comet a couple of months back about his meteoric rise in the hip-hop industry and what it was like to work with legends in the game like Party Arty and his hopeful dreams of working with legends in the game like Nas.  Well, Comet has done something pretty extraordinary for someone around these areas- he got the chance to perform at the world famous “SXSW (South By Southwest)” festival held every year in Austin, Texas.  The event this year was more epic than ever, and Comet helped bring the hip-hop edge to that festival in more than anything.

Not only did he perform, but him and Mad Men Entertainment, which he runs, have released a 28 song mixtape simply titled “SXSW Mixtape” which features the best of the best from SXSW.  He brings it in the introduction and outroduction, as well as other amazing songs such as “Skit” and “Ambitions of a Rider”.  On top of Comet’s fantastic appearance on the record, it also features the likes of hip-hop megastar Kendrick Lamar as well as Action Bronson, Spit Gemz and Sean Price.  All something that you can jam to while cruising in your car for the holiday weekend to summer to beyond.

Want to know more about Comet, his background and the mixtape? Check out his networking sites like Facebook, Twitter and the official link for his mixtape. Also be on the lookout for his Mad Men Entertainment page right here.

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC Tagged With: comet, comet madmen, kendrick lamar, nwa, straight outta compton, sxsw

Andy Grammer on his past, present and hopeful future

by Ryan Shea

Credit to: Michael Charlson
Credit to: Michael Charlson

 

In a world of John Mayer’s and Jason Mraz’s, one might find someone who is a singer-songwriter like that very hard to not only stand out but shine at the same time.  Andy Grammer has been able to do both in a really unique way. It’s hard to believe the song that really started it all for him, “Keep Your Head Up” is three years old now.  He has done a lot of exciting things since then such as open up for Colbie Cailat, Plain White T’s and even secured a coveted spot at SXSW back in 2011.  He currently is in the midst of his first headlining tour which hits UNC Charlotte next on April 28th.  The Platinum Records recording artist recently sat down with me to discuss his history of where he came from, thoughts on his new album and how it felt to have one of his songs be an international hit.  Check it out-

How old were you when you decided you wanted to get into music?

I have always been fascinated with what entertains people. So whether it was magic trick, a backflip on a trampoline, a last minute basketball shot, I loved entertaining. In high school I found songwriting and that became my favorite. You can entertain but do so much more as well.

Who are some of your inspirations?

My musical inspirations come from genres. I love piano rock, hip hop and acoustic guitar. I try to blend all three in my music. Lauryn Hill, Coldplay, and John Mayer are a few I love.

How would you describe your sound?

Piano rock, hip hop and acoustic guitar had a musical child.

Your song “Keep Your Head Up” blew up on charts all over the world and hit number one on VH1’s Top 20 Video Countdown.  How did that feel?

Pretty incredible, especially having come from street performing. I had friends in Italy, China, Australia, hitting me up saying they were hearing it in the grocery store and stuff. Crazy.

What do you think separates yourself from all the singer-songwriters out there now?

I think the main thing that separates any artist from each other is point of view. My point of view is a bit a different. The better you get at being specific the more you stand out.

You’ve opened for some pretty big acts over the years like Plain White T’s and Colbie Caillat.  What was your favorite tour and which city did you have the most fun in?

Opening wise they were all so different. Opening for Train this summer was a blast shear numbers wise. Performing in front of such big crowds every night was a rush. Colbie has become a really good friend and brought me out on tour a bunch of times now. She might be my favorite to hang with.

Tell me about the new album you have coming out.  What can your fans expect from it?

I’m still working on it. Hopefully they can expect great songs. I put a lot of time and effort into creating songs that I can stand by. Hopefully I get them.

What is your favorite song off the album and why?

That’s like asking a parent who their favorite child is 🙂 They are all my little babies.

Plans for 2013 and beyond?

New album and take over the world?

What is the one thing you want your fans to know more than anything about who you are as an artist, ultimately the thing that defines you.

I’m just a normal guy chasing dreams. If you listen to my album I hope that it inspires you to chase yours.

Want to know more about Andy’s tour, new album and everything else Mr. Grammer? Check out the sites below for more information on this talented dude!

Main Site

Facebook

Twitter

 

Filed Under: BREAKING NEWS, ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC Tagged With: andy grammer, colbie cailat, keep your head up, plain white t's, sxsw, VH1, vh1 top 20 countdown

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