BREAKING! Taylor Swift became the first artist to claim all 10 top spots on the Billboard Hot 100 in the chart’s 64-year history.

The Loss of a Legend

The world lost a legend early this morning.  The Vocal Powerhouse that was Aretha Franklin lost her battle to illness.  She was surrounded by friends and family in her home.  She was 76.  One thing is for sure, her music will live on forever!

New Single Released

One Direction surprised fans this morning with the impromptu release of their brand new single “Drag Me Down.”
 
The band dropped the song on iTunes and Spotify worldwide today with no fanfare, and before premiering it on radio or online. “Drag Me Down” is available now HERE.
 
Featuring crashing guitars and soaring harmonies, “Drag Me Down” showcases a more mature One Direction sound.
 
With sales of over 65 million worldwide and performances to over 7.5 million fans, One Direction truly are a pop phenomenon. In May this year the band won two Billboard Awards for Top Group and Top Touring Artist. 
 
The band are currently on the American leg of their massive On The Road Again stadium tour, before returning to the UK this September for another sold out arena tour.  Their fifth album is due for release this November.

Rising Star!..... An Interview with Sam Wearing

I am excited to bring to my readers an interview of a rising star who is working his way up online and gaining exposure on YouTube with his videos, Sam Wearing.  I actually found him by doing a YouTube search on 'Into the Woods'.   I then discovered his One-Man 'Into the Woods' Medley video and knew I wanted to interview him for our blog.  Sam was obliged to answer my silly questions. 

 

Give us a quick bio.... Mom and dad, siblings, hometown,

 

Hello! My name is Sam Wearing, I have recently turned 21 years old and I live in a small town in the UK called Swindon with my Dad Mike and my Brother Joe. 

 
 

Tell us about some of the jobs you've done in the past that aren't music related that got you to where you are now.

 

I  have actually only had one job in my entire life to date. It was my first ever job interview too and I was absolutely terrified! Luckily it went very well, and I was given a job at River Island, which is a fashion store based in the UK (RiverIsland.com). I started working there on a 4 hour contract, which meant I only worked 4 hours a week every Saturday morning. At the time I was living in London too, studying Musical Theatre at the BRIT school Monday – Friday, so I was travelling a very large amount back and forth between Swindon and London on a weekly basis.

 

In 2012  I graduated from the BRIT school. I was then given the opportunity to progress at River Island and work full time, so I moved back home to Swindon and worked, which I did until September 2014. I then moved back to London to study a degree in Musical Theatre at the London College Of Music, but I sustained a serious knee injury and had to leave the course in November 2014. Before you ask, I was asleep in bed, and injured my knee rolling over. (No word of a lie). So I then found myself needing surgery to repair a torn and displaced Meniscus in my knee. After about 10 weeks recovery and not being able to walk, I am finally up and around again, and it feels amazing! I do plan on studying a Musical Theatre degree again in the future at some point, but I need to focus on my recovery, and getting back to doing physical activity again very soon.

 
 

Funniest story?

 

I love questions like these! I think one of the funniest (yet embarrassing) stories is when I was performing in a professional pantomime in Swindon. The show was Aladdin, and of course there is a scene in the 'cave of wonder' which involved a lot of dry ice (Dry ice is the low lying smoke/fog effect that is used in many film/TV/stage productions). The machine that was creating this effect started to leak water all over the stage, obviously we were in the middle of a performance,and also the actual dry ice itself was covering the huge pool of water in the middle of the stage. So unaware of the swimming pool created in front of us dancers, we carried on as normal. Now you can imagine, dancing + pool of water on stage = Not the best situation to be in. By the end of the song, all 12 or so dancers had fallen over at some point and were trying so hard not to laugh on stage! Fun memories. 

 
 

Biggest celebrity encounter?

 

A few quite well known people I have been fortunate to work with are: Shaun Williamson (Barry in the UK soap EastEnders), JLS (Former UK boy-band) and Britt Ekland (Former Bond Girl). These  were all in professional working environments, and I was also quite young so I didn't fully understand or appreciate who I was working with, but they were all lovely and I have fond memories of working with all of them.

 

 

Other than Youtube, where have you performed?

 

I have actually been VERY lucky with opportunities of live performances in the past. In early 2011 I performed various solos at the 02 Arena in London as part of the “Voice In A Million” concerts, which was a very overwhelming, but so rewarding experience. Also in 2012 I was selected by the BRIT school to perform solo at the Royal Festival Hall in London with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and this has to be my favourite live performance experience to date. Performing with a live orchestra in a concert hall was incredible. 

 
 

What one artist do you look up to the most and why?

 

John Barrowman. He is one person I have always admired and been inspired by. He is loved by so many people, and has had a very successful career. He started in Musical Theatre, which is what I really want to do. He then went on to do to a lot of TV appearances, and also his solo albums & concerts, which are also some of my aspirations in life. If I could be any bit as successful as him, I will be one happy guy! 

 
 

Biggest hurdle of being a musician?

 

I would have to say a hurdle I have discovered through my personal journey on YouTube so far is being different. You need to have something people will remember, and want to watch again & again. When I started my YouTube channel back in 2011, I started by posting generic pop covers. This was my way of trying to please a wide audience, with as many people as possible. I then started recording acoustic versions of pop songs, versions not many people have heard, and this then started to gain a little reaction from people. For some reason, I was quite hesitant to post musical theatre covers, but when I finally branched out and started posting them I suddenly found myself with a target audience of Musical Theatre fans to focus on making videos for. Since then I have not written off covering pop songs, but I will cover the songs I feel suit me, and that people will enjoy watching. So yeah, make yourself a bit different, and know who you want to reach out to. 

 
 

Where are you playing next?

 

I do not have any current plans for live performances at the moment, but it is something I want to do more of in the future. My ultimate goal in life is to have my own live concert, singing songs I love, to an audience that have chosen to come and watch me perform. It WILL happen one day!

 

 

Biggest inspiration?

 

I am going to have to say my Mum. Unfortunately she passed away in 2011 from Cancer. When you loose someone so close to you, such as an immediate family member, it just throws everything up in the air. This was the reason I started making my YouTube videos, to give myself something to keep me busy, to monitor my own progress, and also for my own enjoyment. She was the only person who would never tell me to stop singing around the house! She was always encouraging me to take part in performances and really gave me so much belief in myself. Luckily the last time she saw me perform was at the 02 Arena in London, so it's nice to know she has seen me at a highlight in my life, and hopefully there will be many more highlights to come, so that I can continue to make her proud and do what I love. 

 

What can your fans learn from you, or what have you learned from them? 

 

One of the things I have learnt in life, that I would love to pass on to others, is that life is NEVER straight forward. One of my favourite quotes is : “Everything happens for a reason, even if it takes time to understand why”. It sounds cliché but is so true. Everyone goes through struggles and has difficult times, its just what happens in life. The most difficult times are those that give us the opportunity to thrive and come out a better person. I myself, have had set backs, but I can now look at all of these experiences, and know that these have helped me become who I am today. I am very lucky to be in a position where something positive has started to grow from a difficult time in my life. I have even received messages from people who say that I have had an impact on how they deal with difficult situations, which is an incredibly humbling feeling, and one I will probably never get used to. To be doing something I love, and being able to help others too is an awesome feeling.

 

 
 

Rapid Fire: Favourite: (one word answers)

 

Animal

Unicorn (Does that count!?)

 

Color

Blue

 

Food

Chicken Nuggets

 

Sports team

My dad supports Everton F.C,  so I have to say that!

 

Song

“Pretty Funny” from Dogfight.

 

Sport

Ice Skating

 

Artist

Sam Smith

 

Actor/Actress

Eddie Redmayne 

 

Number

16

 

Astrological sign

Capricorn

 

Movie

The original Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory

 

Book

“Is It Just Me?” By Miranda Hart

 

Drink

Fresh Orange Juice

 

 

Favourite music collab you've done? (Or want to do)

 

I have not done a collaboration to date, but I would love to do a live acoustic cover with someone who can play  guitar or Piano. I am working on learning to play the piano at the moment, and I envy those who can play, it takes so much practice. 

 
 

What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

 

Do what YOU love. There will be others out there who love it too, whatever it is. Gaining exposure online and also in person is VERY difficult so do not be afraid to reach out to people who may enjoy your material. If you know your target audience, use social media to invite them to watch. 

If you think they will enjoy it, ask them, you never know you may get yourself a new supporter.  Be proud of what you create, just be very careful how it comes across online, as sometimes it can come across as very arrogant or brash. In my experience, social media (Especially Twitter & Facebook) have been brilliant platforms for me to reach my audience, and gain support. Also try and do current things, these are what get more views as people are searching for material at that specific time. One last VERY important thing to mention.. NEVER give up! And always strive for what you want to do in life, it will be worth it in the end.

 
 

What is one fact about you that no one else knows, not even your close friends and family?

 

I get VERY excited about food. I try to hide it (and I think I do quite well) but especially when I am super hungry, I just get so excited when I am about to eat. Weird? Okay I didn't just say that... 
 

 

Where can we find you ? What is your twitter handle, Facebook, youtube, etc.....

 

YouTube.com/MrSPW2011

 

Twitter.com/SamWearing or @SamWearing

 

Facebook.com/SamWearingOnline

 

Instagram - @SamWearing

 

Soundcloud -  soundcloud.com/SamWearing2

 

 

Sam's latest video is his One-Man "Into the Woods" Medley and you can watch it below!

 

 

 

Billy Dawson & Vince Lombardi

Nashville, TN (December 10, 2013) - Rising country music star Billy Dawson and legendary NFL football coach Vince Lombardi never met but they both acknowledge the power of leadership in success and recognize the importance of “leading the pack.” With Lombardi’s legacy as their inspiration, songwriters Dawson, Amy Jack and Gannon Adams, penned “Born To Lead,” as an inspirational anthem that motivates followers to become leaders. The songwriters echo Lombardi’s sentiments with the line “it’s not the size of the dog it’s the size of his fight”. The song and accompanying music video will hit airwaves for millions of viewers during the Rotary Lombardi Award Ceremony live on CBS Sports Network December 11 at 7:30 pm central. “Born To Lead” will be available for download on iTunes immediately following the broadcast. An encore presentation will air on December 12 at 3:00 pm central on CBS Sports Network.

“It’s such an honor to co-write and record ‘Born To Lead’ for the iconic Lombardi awards,” says Dawson. “We were all born to lead but only some step into that position and become a positive influence to everyone around them.”

 

The video, filmed in Nashville at LP Field, features a performance by Dawson and profiles each of the Lombardi Award finalists. This year’s finalists include Anthony Barr (UCLA), Aaron Donald (Pittsburgh), CJ Mosley (Alabama) and Michael Sam (Missouri).

 

Dawson adds, “I am honored to be involved with such a great organization and excited to work with Mr. Spencer Tillman, a man of great integrity that is the true definition of being a born leader.”

 

About Billy Dawson

Rising country star Billy Dawson is a multi-talented singer, entertainer, author and writer. He is currently in the studio working with Grammy award winning writer and producer Skidd Mills on a new album to be released in 2014. Songwriting heavyweight Rivers Rutherford, who penned hits such as When I Get Where I'm Going (Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton), Real Good Man (Tim McGraw), These Are My People (Rodney Atkins) and Stealing Cinderella (Chuck Wicks), is a longtime supporter and mentor for Dawson.

Earlier this year, Dawson was invited to be part of the Pat and Emmitt Smith Celebrity golf tournament as the celebrity country artist along with celebrities Marcus Allen, Eric Dickerson, Alfonso Ribiero, Anthony Anderson, Michael Irvin, Jay Novacek, David Justice, Coach Nick Saban and Trent Richardson. He is slated to participate again in 2014.

Dawson has shared the stage with artists including Lady Antebellum, One Republic, John Hiatt, Loretta Lynn, Merle Haggard, Skillet, Five For Fighting, Colt Ford, Charlie Louvin and Cross Canadian Ragweed. He was the winner of the 2010 "Get Discovered" (iHeart Radio/Clear Channel) National Competition and was featured live on the iconic Jerry Lewis MDA telethon in Las Vegas and on the airwaves for over four million viewers. He was included in iTunes/Tunecore Country 2010 album featuring Brantley Gilbert and Colt Ford.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Dawson is the author of You Never Know, the first book in a series of children's books focusing bullying, racism and other societal issues involving children. He brings his book to life when he speaks at schools about the importance of respect and love in everyday life.

For more information about Dawson, visit www.billydawsonmusic.com, www.facebook.com/born2leadbillydawson or @billydawson1 on Twitter

Sam from Amsterdam Interview

Sam from Amsterdam Interview

 

A Little about Sam from her website 

"I’m Sam from Amsterdam, But really my name is Samantha Stomphorst… I changed it because no one could pronounce it. When I lived in Snyder TX, I played at my FAVORITE venue, the Belle Opry House, every weekend. The owners, Robert and Suzi Q would introduce me on stage as Sam from Amsterdam. So since then, that’s my new name

I grew up in the Netherlands, lived there until I was 17. I moved to Texas by myself, and my family still lives in Holland.
I go around Texas and play music, that’s my favorite thing to do. I’m just an overall music fan. I listen to every style of music, and know lyrics to so many songs its ridiculous!"

 

 

TeeJay Today: Sam, you are from Holland, but relocated to West Texas. What was the biggest culture shock you had to get used to in Texas?

Sam from Amsterdam: To this day, I learn new things about this country every day. New expressions, new words.. Plus each state sort of has a different culture to it, so it never gets old. One of the biggest culture shocks though, was the portions of food. My mom has always taught me to finish whatever is on my plate, so I did.. Here that caused me to gain quite a few pounds haha! Also what surprised me is that y'all have a drive through for everything! I used to think it was so cool to go to the bank so I could send one of those bottles up the pipe. I still think that's pretty dang cool. Just little things like that are still awesome to me.

TJ: You said that you worked 3 jobs for about 80 hours per week to save up enoughmoney to get back to Texas, What where those jobs and do you have any stories you would like to share that happened while working on those jobs?

Sam: I did, it was tough to get myself back to this country. It’s pretty hard to get into this country if your home country doesn’t share a border. I've been trying hard to do this the legal way. The government has so much paperwork to go through it's ridiculous! I can't afford a lawyer, so I read and do all the paperwork myself. The easiest visa to get was a student visa, so that's the first one I got. On there it wants you to have a certain amount of money available in the bank.. This is why I had to save all that money. My parents made me a deal.. They said if I'd stay with them in Holland, they'd pay for my school, board, food, everything! But.. If I'd move away to the USA like I wanted to, I would have to do everything myself. They didn't think I'd be able to save up all this money by myself¦ it was pretty tough, being so young and never doing anything but work.. Literally! I would get up at 4:30 do my paper route, then run to get my scholarship, then go work at the restaurant all day.. And from Monday through Wednesday the restaurant was closed at nights, so I worked at McDonalds for a while and as a telemarketer. I never went out, or did anything that cost me money. On my only afternoon off on Sunday, I would watch tv all day, lay in bed and eat. I looooved my job working as a waitress.. That helped a lot, doing something I loved. I had the best co workers that even put out a jar with "Sam's USA Money" on it so our regulars could help me out.

TJ: Tell me everything about your first big band show that you recently played.

Sam: The first full band show I played was at Rockin' Rodeo in Midland, TX. Brian Milson lent me his band to open his show. It was so awesome! Best feeling ever! A bunch of people came out to watch, which meant a lot to me. It was to my surprise easier than playing acoustic, It wasn't all up to me. Me and the band got to share, and I loved that.

TJ: What one artist do you look up to the most and why?

Sam: I look up to Gretchen Wilson.. I read her book and she reminds me of me.. Just strong willed and do whatever she feels like kinda person. She chased her dreams and would not stop, and that's what I'm doing right now. I don't have a rich daddy filling my pockets with money either.. Like Gretchen I'll have to fight for what I want and pay my dues, and that's fine with me.

TJ: If you had to choose one song that summed up your life and challenges, what would it be?

Sam: Probably "Born to Fly" by Sarah Evans.. I had always known I was going to leave Holland, move to the USA and do something big with my life. I'm just not a person that would ever be happy working a 9-5 job the rest of my life and come home to a bunch of kids. I feel like I was born to fly. I've never really felt like I fit in anywhere.. But that has helped me a lot, because I don't ever get comfortable in situations.. Because I just don't fit in.. I keep moving forward.

TJ: In 3 words, describe your freshman album?

Sam: I would say it's Soulful, Unique and Truthful.. I wrote 4 songs on there and they all mean a lot to me. They all have their own meaning. Like Only 21, I wrote that when I was in a really low place. And Mexico helped me out of that. I wrote Mexico when I met my parents over there a few years ago and kinda got to get away and relax for the first time in a long time. All these songs have a meaning to me, and I feel like a lot of people can relate to them. I might not be raised in the country, but I sure as hell know how to work hard.

TJ: I saw that Rich o'Toole purchased your album from iTunes, how did that make you feel when you found out? (If you watched my TV show, you saw me interview this Awesome TX Musician!)

Sam: This was the coolest thing ever! I've admired Rich's music for a long time. When I moved here he was one of the first Texas acts I saw. I could watch his show every day and not get tired of it. I think he's a true entertainer and love learning from him as an artist. He's always been very supportive and always has time to give advice. I tweeted him that my album was out and he bought it right away and then advertised it on twitter and instagram for me.

TJ: What is one thing that you want future fans to know about you?

Sam: To keep their eyes out for me, I'm gonna fight till I get to the top. What I would want my future fans to know is that I'm the real deal. I'm not just someone who sings other people's songs and is told exactly how to sing something. I'm not someone who gets everything handed to them and will only eat of gold plates haha. I play every gig I can get, I love every person I see smiling when I play a show. Whenever I moved here and was all by myself, it always made me feel like I wasn't alone when I would listen to music. I want to make people happy with my music and help them through tough times and stand by them through good times. I feel like I'm born to do this

Rapid Fire: Favorite: (one word answers)

TJ: Animal
Sam: dog

TJ: Color
Sam: Red

TJ: Food
Sam: Ribs

TJ: Sports Team
Sam: Crimson Tide

TJ: Song
Sam: Speechless

TJ: Sport
Sam: Running

TJ: Artist
Sam: Gretchen Wilson

TJ: Magazine
Sam: Runners

TJ: Actress
Sam: Jennifer Aniston

TJ: Number
Sam: 17

TJ: Astrological Sign
Sam: Aquarius

TJ: Movie
Sam: Overboard

TJ: Book
Sam: A lotus Growing in the Mud

TJ: Drink
Sam: Diet Coke

TJ: Single or Taken?

Sam: Taken!!

TJ: Describe your perfect date?

Sam: My perfect date would be going to see a band play, or going to see a movie and some dinner.. I'm a pretty simple person.. My favorite time of the day is just laying on the couch with my favorite person in the world and fall a sleep watching tv..

TJ: What is the last dream you remember?

Sam: Pff.. I have the weirdest dreams I swear! Last night I dreamed that I ran into Tom Hanks and that I got mad at him because we were on a plane together and he wouldn't shut up.. Who would get mad at Tom Hanks talking to them?? I don't know where this came from haha

TJ: Where can we find your Album? What is your twitter handle, Facebook, etc.....

Sam: You can find my album on iTunes and on my website www.samfromamsterdam.com my twitter is samfrmamsterdam and my face book is www.facebook.com/samfromamsterdam

 

Bruno Mars: Unorthodox Jukebox

I thought I had already wrote this but I guess I didn't do it.  I remember writing his publicist but I need to share my post with you (my readers and favorite people in the world!) 

When this album first came out I downloaded it immediately because Bruno Mars is one of my favorite artists!

"Unorthodox Jukebox" is completely different than anything we have heard from Bruno before, and I personally love it!  I listened to it on repeat for 6 straight hours on my last road trip and never got tired of it.  Every song was so different from the one before, one track would sound like a pop song, then r&b, then something from the 70's funk area! 

My favorite track is "Gorillas".  It hasn't received much radio air time yet, but once it does, it will blow UP!  It is catchy, fun to sing along with, etc.... 

Please let me know what you think of this album and what is your favorite track off of it!  Tweet me
your response!  @TeeJayToday

At the time of writing this "Unorthodox Jukebox" has spent 162 days in the top 100 charts on Amazon.  Congrats Man!