Chris Brown Dances His Heart Out On "Yeah 3X"

Riding with the success of his radio hit "Deuces," Chris Brown just unleashed a music video for the high-energy lead single "Yeah 3X," from his upcoming fourth studio "F.A.M.E." (Forgiving All My Enemies) album out early 2011. "Yeah 3X" is a speaker-rattling, synth-laden, electro-house banger, so it's only fitting that the accompanying visual would be all about powerhouse footwork. In video, the R&B star shows off his signature dance moves along with his usual catchy beats and charming smile with a group of people from a random neighborhood breaking down into a very sophisticated dance routine in the middle of the streets.
The clip which was directed by Colin Tilley featured cameos by Teyana Taylor and Kevin McCall. The visual melds together a plethora of dance styles against a turn-of-the-century backdrop of old-timey storefronts and brownstones, kicking off with Brown's acrobatic entrance. Donning a black vest, trousers and a tie pinned in place, Brown's boyish energy belies his grown-man chic as he flips onto the top of a truck. Bored kids lining the neighborhood's stoops run into the street cheering as Brown is clearly here to save the day and eradicate the youth's ennui.
With a DJ spinning the sunny track, Brown then leads the mob of brightly dressed kids, teens and older residents down the street. Enthusiastic fist-pumping breaks out as the chorus nears and Brown flies through his first dance sequence. Flanked by two dancers, the trio pull off insanely high midair twirls, each seemingly jumping several feet above the ground. Then, following a foxy extra to another part of the lot, Brown runs into a four ladies rocking tank tops and suspenders — his next crew of dancers. They whip out sharp-yet-fluid arm movements as Brown takes the time to belt out the chorus and work in a few hip thrusts.
For the final dance sequence, The 21-year-old loses the white shirt and bares his chest through his peach jacket as he commands a chorus of blazer-rocking guys and midriff-baring ladies ripping through the last bit of choreography. Scenes of people going wild at an epic block party and drenched dancers executing graceful limber moves are spliced into the video-ending dance. But instead of Brown wrapping up the video with some eye-popping choreo, Brown simply spins, stops and looks off into the distance as the party ends. It's a dance party video!

Ingrid Michaelson Debuts Her "Parachute" Video

The indie-pop artist Ingrid Michaelson just premiered her new less thigh-centric video for "Parachute," exclusively on Entertainment Weekly. The song she co-penned and former Girls Aloud member Cheryl Cole, who had a huge hit with in the U.K. Now she's recorded her own version as a stand-alone track. "The song is about love. It's about true love. It's about having somebody who won't let you hit the ground basically, so no matter how sad you get or how hard things are in your life, you have this person in your life that will always float you to the ground safely," the New York City native explained.
With her piano-fueled songwriting, witty wordplay, and slight vocal vibrato, Michaelson carries the tradition of the female singer/songwriter into the 21st century. Befitting a musician of the digital age, Michaelson first gained wide exposure through spots on TV soundtracks, including "Grey's Anatomy" and "One Tree Hill." She released her most recent album, "Everybody," last August. But one standalone track she co-penned, "Parachute," took an unusual detour, becoming a European pop hit for Cole earlier this year. "It didn't feel like something I could put out because it was so poppy, [so] we shipped it off for people to take a gander and see who would pick it up," Michaelson says of the song, which eventually made its way to Cole's camp.
Michaelson glams it up in a way we haven't seen before, complete with Princess Leia braids and fake eyelashes out to there. The video, directed by Adria Petty, follows Michaelson, who rockets into space, and somehow she ends up in the belly of the planet, wrapped up in the deep roots of the one plant growing on a planet. The plant thrives, as we hope the relationship does. It's one of those videos that has nothing to do with the song, but it's fun to try to decipher what the heck is going on. Kind of like Goldfrapp's "Rocket" except, oh yeah, Allison Goldfrapp is on a rocket on that one. But as Michaelson sings here, she doesn't need a parachute.
"I'm very happy with where I am, but I'm really getting bored to tears with the whole singer-songwriter thing," Michaelson tells Spinner. "I've done everything I can in that realm. That's why 'Parachute' is really good for me," she says of her newly-released digital single. "It's really poppy and I don't want to say balls in an interview, but it's got more balls. It has more power. It feels good. It feels strong." As far as inspiration, Michaelson is looking to iconoclasts such as Imogen Heap and St. Vincent. "They fuse pop with singer-songwriting, something that's got meat on its bones," she says. "Not to dis my previous work, I love what I've done; I'm just itching to do something out of my comfort zone. If people don't like it and it's a big failure, well, then I failed and I'll try something else."

We Are The In Crowd: "Both Sides Of The Story"

Hopeless Records act We Are The In Crowd post their Twitter-inspired new video for "Both Sides Of The Story" exclusively on Altpress. The song comes from the pop-rock band's forthcoming debut EP, "Guaranteed to Disagree," in stores now. "Both Sides Of The Story" is a synth heavy track that is the first downfall of the EP. Nothing about it stands out, and it is pretty much a throw away track. The track gives you exactly what you expect. It also includes the classic breakup line, "You're not quite Satan, but I really think I hate you."
Welcome to your new summer band. We Are The In Crowd is the epitome of fun pop-rock. The combination of the Paramore-like vocals of Taylor Jardine and the supporting vocals of Jordan Eckes blends perfectly to create poppy magic. The band didn't require much time to live up to their name. Formed in 2009 and signed by Hopeless Records shortly after, this is a band that had all their dominoes poised and ready to fall in their favor in quick succession. The Poughkeepsie, NY, natives found their niche in the sort of straightforward, brutally honest pop songs that only those in the throes of young adulthood could convey. Whether it's a feeling of being tongue-tied, or heartbroken, or betrayed, each emotion earns a new life through the words and music of this quintet.
The concept for new video is mainly We Are The In Crowd performing "Both Sides of the Story" on a roof top, but it also incorperates Twitter. At the beginning Jardine types "I found out" into the Twitter search bar, and throughout the video different people's tweets that use "I found out" are shown with a a video of them 'finding it out.' One example includes a girl finding out drinking 6 cans of energy drink makes her hyper, and a video of a girl chugging an energy drink is shown along with it. The video is nicely shot, and has a clean and sometimes funny concept. You can watch the video via Alternative Press for "Both Sides of the Story" by clicking the video to the left.
We Are The In Crowd are refreshingly honest about their speedy formation and rise, and know that there is still much to absorb in their new world. "As cliché as it sounds, our goal is to continue to learn about the industry we're in and become the best we can be," Jardine said. Their debut EP, "Guaranteed to Disagree" contains seven tracks recorded with producers Zack Odom and Kenneth Mount. Expect more up-tempo pop-rock, with alternating bittersweet/biting lyrics and unflappable, summery melodies that will leave you with a bit of nostalgia. Jardine says the connection they felt in the studio translated to the record. "We want everyone to be blasting it in their cars with the windows down this summer! I'm really proud of the way it came out." The pop-rockers are on the road now with Hey Monday, Cartel, The Ready Set and This Century.

Jewel Chooses To Stop And Count To "Ten"

Three-time GRAMMY-winning singer Jewel performing in her music video for "Ten," is today's addition at Top Country Music Videos. The single, a fan favorite, is the 3rd single off Jewel's ninth studio album, "Sweet and Wild," a country-leaning album she released this past June. The music video premiered on CMT a few days ago. With a twangy, guitar-plucking melody, Jewel admits love's journey is no easy task despite occasional conflicts, she says sometimes the best resolution is to step back and reflect, her new single "Ten" inspires hope that she may find that voice once again.
The 36-year-old country crossover singer bounced between pop, light rock and even dance—the genre where she has found her most chart success. And then there was country. Yet, she's never really tapped in to the same well of insight that she drew from when she was younger. Not until now, not until this one track from this otherwise unremarkable collection. "Ten," co-written with Dave Berg, is glossy and fully aligned with country music's mainstream. But it's also one of the best songs she's ever written—certainly the best song she's written in a decade. "Ten" is not just a tight song, it's a perfect song. The track boasts a plucky banjo and the faint wail of a steel guitar, but album producer Nathan Chapman smartly keeps most of the musical augmentation in a supporting role to Jewel's incredible voice.
The real story here, however, is just how essential these lyrics are. "Ten" tells the story of a woman who, in the midst of fights with her lover, stops and counts to ten. As she counts through the chorus, we get to hear what goes on in her mind. "One, I still wanna hate you/Two, three I still wanna leave," she sings. This isn't your cookie-cutter "we've all got problems" bickering, as typically portrayed on country radio. This is real. This is a drag it out, scream and shout kind of fight. This is the kind of fight that's so frustrating, so infuriating, so demoralizing, that it just seems like the best thing you can do is pack up your bag and go.
Because anything has to be better than this. A fight like that spirals out of control, and like a snowball rolling down a mountain, it builds upon itself. The words get meaner and the pain grows deeper. Although Jewel isn't pulling any punches when she puts on the boxing gloves in her new video for "Ten." Jewel reminds us that, in that moment, we have to hold on. And, that if we can just get to ten we might not even remember what we were fighting about in the first place. "Ten" is smart, sensitive and powerful. Here's hoping that Jewel, after all of these years has finally voice that voice she's been searching for.

Hurts's "Stay" Video Is Full Of Beauty And Gloom

Already having proved that they belong to one of the most sought-after bands in the 2010, British synth-pop outfit HURTS unveil an artistic video for the upcoming third single "Stay" taken from their recently released début album "Happiness." The single, which has been remixed by Full Intention (Michael Gray and Jon Pearn) and electronic music duo Groove Armada (Andy Cato and Tom Findlay), is a perfectly crafted pop song. And as usual and staying true to their nature, the visual counterpart of the song is just breathtaking. Not slowing down at all, the duo offers lasting impressions of Iceland's beautiful landscape.
Formed in 2009, elegant and enigmatic HURTS have their sharp suits, slick hair and stark visuals. The duo, consisting of 23-year-old Mancunians Theo Hutchcraft and synth player Adam Anderson, met outside a Mancunian nightclub just before Christmas 2005, present a striking contrast to the glow-in-the-dark pop stars, have seen enormous popularity despite only recently signing a record deal last year, and they have been on a roll ever since the BBC labeled the duo one of its Sounds Of 2010. Musically, they construct melancholic 1980s-inspired electro-pop with songs that they say are inspired by the British mentality of being "not too bad."
Their new single "Stay" is perfect for the season and comes along with an impeccably styled video. Once again they've released another visually beautiful and moving video to accompany another one of their great tracks. The beautifully shot Bergman-esq video from those melodramatic marys HURTS, is powerfully artistic and shows off the some stunning landscapes of Iceland, where the video was shot. HURTS are following up their UK hit "Wonderful Life" with a great mid-tempo pop ballad "Stay," the video for which finds the duo brooding on a gray beach while beautiful blonde barefooted dancers in green flowing dresses twirl around them. It's a very "on a budget" affair, but a scenic one that somehow manages to appear both pleasant and dreary at the same time.
HURTS have made it, really. Critics are taking note, fans are raving and Italian fashion designers are eager to work with them. Their music make the tears well up—which has a lot to do with their new romantic sensibilities, it's respected by the critics and many are sure their début album will be among the best ones this year. HURTSS has a really distinct and unusual/unique sound. It's very contemporary, yet sounds timeless. They have a pop sound, but with some synth and new-age vibes. Their songs are very melodic and emotionally charged, and sung with great power and authority.

Jordin Sparks Remakes "Beauty And The Beast"

Jordin Sparks is teaming with Walt Disney Studios and recorded her cover version of the theme song "Beauty and the Beast" and filmed an accompanying princess-themed music video with director Philip Andelman, to support the 2010 DVD/Blu-Ray re-release diamond edition of the No.1 most requested Disney animated favorite classic movie. Sparks submerges herself in a fairytale in her brand-new video and her beautiful velvet voice for new version give this classic record a resfreshingly new cheesy pop feel.
The Academy Award winner song is a ballad about the love developing between Belle and the Beast. It was written by composer Alan Menken and late lyricist Howard Ashman. It was very successful on the charts around the world, becoming Céline Dion's first international hit. Both Angela Lansbury and Céline Dion belted out the title song in Disney's 1991 hit "Beauty and the Beast." Now, American Idol champ is taking a crack at the classic. "'We didn't change the song too much, but it is poppier," Sparks says. "I wanted it to be different, so people aren't like, 'Oh, she's trying to be Céline.'" Sparks is a great fit for Disney as the edgiest attempt from the young beauty was performing a duet with Chris Brown. The gorgeous, voluptuous singer/songwriter has made it her purpose to shy away from any attribute that would tarnish her sweet, bubbly persona.
It has been nothing short of a whirlwind: The youngest contestant to ever win 'American Idol,' Sparks was just 17 years old when she won the coveted title. In reflection, it was the best training ground she could have ever had. In the three years that have followed, Sparks has released two albums on 19 Recordings/Jive Records. Her self-titled debut went platinum, selling over 2 million copies worldwide. So with domination of popular music checked off her bucket list, what was Sparks going to do next? The Glendale-based 'American Idol' winner is currently making her Broadway debut in "In the Heights." Sparks has indeed made a difference in people's lives.
With her headlining tour, upcoming Broadway debut, big city living, charity work and more, it's hard to believe she hasn't even turned 21, something that's coming up on her agenda at the end of this year (December 22nd). With everything she has achieved, what does Sparks think about turning twenty-one? She laughs, "It's weird for me to even think about! Time is going by so fast. I could go to a club if I wanted to, but I still can't rent a car! I take things day by day. I just want to keep learning and growing and trying new things. Right now, I am good right where I am."

Sick Puppies Premiered New Video For "Maybe"

Australia alternative rock band Sick Puppies have just premiered the video for their newest single "Maybe" on Yahoo! Music. The video is centered around two people who are unhappy with their lives and decide to look for a better life somewhere else. "Maybe" is the third single from group's third full-length studio album "Tri-Polar," which was released last year, and impacted rock radio on June 22. The song features a bright yet heavy sound characteristic of alternative rock/post-grunge.
The video was directed by Travis Kopach, who has helmed videos for 3OH!3 and AFI. It tells the tale of a guy and a girl who simultaneously leave their small town lives behind to head to Los Angeles. Sick Puppies play at the Hard Rock Café in Houston on October 22. The video features the band rocking out in the middle of an isolated intersection, and playing the track amidst scenes of various characters leaving home to seek a better life. In the video, the band talks about the meaning behind their latest single: "To me it was about the band moving over to the States," says vocalist Shimon Moore. He also recalls the bands struggle moving to the US: "We moved over here with nothing. With a couple of guitars and the money we spent two years saving up. The decision actually followed our dream of playing music everyday."
With a name like Sick Puppies, you wouldn't think hugs would play a major role in the gutsy indie crew's rise to fame, but they do, along with malls and the video-sharing. Sick Puppies have more than survived since their arrival in the U.S. by dedicating themselves to getting their music heard on a variety of different media—including TV commercials, theme songs, "Free Hugs" videos, documentary films and, of course, the Internet. "There are just so many options out there," acknowledges Moore. "Every band needs a kind of hook, and we’ve been lucky because we’ve had more opportunities than a lot of others get."
Sick Puppies don't do things halfway, not when they're playing live in front of their rabid fans, nor when they tackled "Tri-Polar," their second major label album for RMR/Virgin/EMI and follow-up to the Aussie rockers' 2007 release "Dressed Up As Life." On "Tri-Polar," Sick Puppies see the glass as not just half-full, but brimming over with the kind of solid-rock anthems that'll remind even the most cynical that absolutely anything is possible.