REVIEW: Kelly Clarkson "Mr. Know it All"

With all the different sounds the multitude of recent Kelly Clarkson leaks have entailed, you'd be forgiven for being a bit confused as to what genre the first American Idol winner has decided to explore with her upcoming fifth studio album, Stronger, due in stores this October. There was the unrelenting alt-rock beat of "Let Me Down", the bubblegum pop/rock of "I Forgive You", and the soulful indie-pop of "Dark Side". But, at least for the first single off the set "Mr. Know it All", Clarkson has ditched the angst-y pop/rock of her previous three albums for a more mature, soulful approach. At least musically speaking. Lyrically, "Mr. Know it All" has Clarkson doing what she does best; not-so-subtly calling an ex-lover out for doing her wrong. This time, however, the bitter lyrics ("I'm livin' my truth withour your lies/Let's be clear, this is goodbye") contrast nicely with the lush, piano-laden beat, making for an interesting (to say the least) composition: on the surface, it might seem like another saccharine-sweet love song, but dig deeper, and you'll find a brash kiss-off that's as full of attitude as it is soulful, melodic chords. In the vocals department, I think it goes without saying that Kelly is truly one of, if not the best vocalist on mainstream radio at the moment. Although she's known for belting quite the high notes, here, she shows restraint that's somehow full of raw emotion. Kelly Clarkson is a true American Idol. All in all, a true return to form for the "Since U Been Gone" singer.

Introducing: A.M.E

You'd be hard pressed to find someone who'd create as much buzz as A.M.E before even getting signed to a record label. Or even releasing any music whatsoever. That's right, I haven't heard any of this 16 year old songstress' music. Despite that, er, slight setback, I have decided to feature her on Free-Wired for 2 specific reasons.

a) A.M.E, who's real name is Amy Kabba, has just been signed to Future Records, Gary Barlow's imprint under Universal Music. If she's got enough talent and charisma to impress Gary, she's obviously got what it takes to make it in the industry.

b) The ridiculous producer line-up for her debut album. Naughty Boy (Professor Green, Leona Lewis), Metrophonic (Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias), AND uber-talented MNEK (Diana Vickers, The Saturdays)?!? All before getting signed?!? She must be good!

Taking the above into consideration, A.M.E is definitely one to watch. When she reaches her goal of becoming "one of the UK's biggest pop stars", and there's no doubt in my mind that she will, just remember where you read about her first!

Introducing: NERVO

Surely, blonde, ridiculously gorgeous twin sisters from Australia wouldn't have much of a hard time making it in the music industry, right? All they had to do was moan all over a slinky electro-pop production, all while gyrating their way through a music video. That would've guaranteed major exposure, if not instant success. Which makes it all the more appealing that Mim and Liv Nervo did the exact opposite, preferring the cozy, profitable shade of writing and production duties over the harsh, demanding glare of the spotlight.

INTERVIEW: The Pierces

The Pierces, made up of sisters Catherine and Allison Pierce, almost broke up. Or at least that’s how the story goes. After releasing three studio albums, of which only one was moderately successful, their patience was wearing thin, to say the least. They’ve been at it for nearly 10 years, and, despite their single “Secret” making quite an impact, having appeared on TV shows such as Gossip Girl and Pretty Little Liars, they didn’t see it going anywhere. As an alternative, they each decided to pursue solo careers. But then, they got the call that arguably put their names on the map. It was Guy Berryman, the bassist from Coldplay, who gave them the chance of a lifetime. Fast-forward a couple of months, The Pierces have just released You and I, their most successful album, which debuted at #4 in the UK Albums Chart. They’ve just released the third single off the record, the melancholic “It Will Not Be Forgotten,” and are gearing up for a US release of the album. I had the pleasure to interview the girls on everything from their time in the UK to what You and I means to them as a record. Check it out!

REVIEW: Demi Lovato "Skyscraper"

2010 has been a tough year for Demi Lovato. On the surface, it might've seemed like she had it all; her own TV show, a hugely successful music career, a Jonas Brother boyfriend. Her image certainly conveyed the happy, wholesome teenager everyone thought she was. You'd be forgiven, then, for thinking there was no more than what meets the eye in Demi Lovato. She was a "Disney teen queen," after all, and they were little more than programmed products to fit the ideals of parent-approved role models, right? Well, no.

INTERVIEW: Nerina Pallot

It's arguably much easier to become an artist of choice these days, thanks to the power of the internet. Sadly, though, before the invention of YouTube and Twitter, record labels dictated the careers of their artists, picking out not only a specific genre of music for them to explore, but also a manufactured sense of style and personality. One artist who hasn't conferred to what her record label thought she should be is Nerina Pallot. With record label mishaps clouding most of her early career, Nerina managed to make a name for herself when she held her own, by releasing the music she wanted to release, one of many signs that labels don't always know best. Nerina is gearing up for the June 13 release of her fourth studio album, Year of the Wolf, a cohesive mix of sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes pleasent, yet always soulful tunes, and is gearing up for the release of the latest single off the album, the sultry "Turn Me On Again." Check out my interview with Nerina in which we discuss the inspiration behind Year of the Wolf, as well as her current relationship with her record label.

INTERVIEW: Porcelain Black

Imagine Britney Spears and Marilyn Manson having a baby. Imagine that kid making an album. That’s how up-and-coming pop/rocker, Porcelain Black, describes her sound. Listening to her debut single, the electrifying “This is What Rock ‘n’ Roll Looks Like,” you’ll realize this description couldn’t be more apt in capturing the essence of who Porcelain, born Alaina Beaton, is as an artist. After releasing a couple of songs online, Porcelain, who was then known as Porcelain and the Tramps, caught the attention of mega producer, RedOne (Lady Gaga, Nicole Scherzinger,) who then signed her to his new record label, 2101 Records. Hard at work on her still untitled debut album, due out this Summer, Porcelain Black has already been on tour with Lil’ Wayne, has collaborated with Rick Ross, and has written songs for Ashley Tisdale, among others. Check out my interview with Porcelain, in which she talks about the inspiration behind her upcoming album, as well as going on tour with Lil’ Wayne and Nicki Minaj, and the story behind her stage name.