Rocco's Pop Revolution: Seen through the eyes of someone living it

Some New (-ish) Music For The Class…

This is the part where I lay out some new music for you… and I hope that it isn’t so new because that means 1) you need to put a little more legwork into your search for music and 2) I feel there may be a buzz around some of these peeps already!

The Ready Set

Not a band—just one young man. How clever! Use an alias that sounds like you are the newest thing in the pop/punk scene, but really you are just one boy who loves pop music! I like your marketing strategy mother-label Warner Bros. Records.

The Ready Set is made up of one dude, Jordan Witzigreuter, (his last name is difficult so I guess the alias The Ready Set was simple enough) who is signed to Decaydance Records and Sire Records. This 20 year old recorded most of his songs in a very do-it-yourself fashion and cut most of the tracks in his parent’s basement. But Warner Bros. stepped in and made sure some legit producers like Kenneth Mount and Matt Squire (Taking Back Sunday and those funny boys from 3OH!3) worked with Jordan Witzkhjdgjdhjhd (again the last name to difficult) Apparently, a lot of things were thrown against the wall and the only thing that is sticking for me is “Love Like Woe”. Funny enough it is produced by recent powerhouse hit maker J- J -J –J- J R Rotem.  Rotem took time out of his busy schedule with Jason Derulo and Iyaz to cut a track with The Ready Set, and thank you! The heavy synth drum kit is present and makes the song fun and the type of song you wanna drive to the beach listening to. So J-J-J-J-J R Rotem is the one we should be thanking I guess? I like the song very much… it is def a radio friendly, pop tune, but I’m just not sure the whole package is going to make much of an impact.

Anyway, check it out below. I don’t really understand the whole creepy, night vision “I’m a Russian spy” thing but The Ready Set is a hipster loving girls dream: Swoop Bang? CHECK! Skinny Jeans? Check! Plaid? CHECK!

(Side note: The Ready Set’s debut album, I’m Alive, I’m Dreaming, was released back in June)

Josiah Leming

OH MAN! I thought this kid was done, done and DONE! He was on season 7 of American Idol (listen, I can’t help if Idol people keep coming out of the woodwork) and was a hooooooot mess, and in dire need of a haircut! Sang his own original song (a big no no at these idol auditions) in a weird British accent, but this dude wiggled his way in to Hollywood week and performed “Grace Kelly” by Mika. Niiiiiice Leming… nice shout out to Mika, but you took out all the fun and quirkiness of that song, but nevertheless the judges loved him! (even my beloved Simon—hey even the best of friends disagree)

(check out the tears about 1 minute in)

I shouldn’t judge and mock him actually, the kid has had it rough. He has been playing music since he was 8, and he left home at 17 to pursue music and try to make money for his struggling family. He even was homeless and sleeping in his car when he auditioned for idol in Hot-lanta (Atlanta for all of you out of the loop). Producers loved this story, and America ate it up! But, it didn’t help any because after many tearful (and I mean Mr. water works was on the screen every time the camera flashed his way) and drama filled moments, Mr. Leming got the boot! He went away for a while and then out of the blue I hear this song– and thus my ears deceive me— it’s Josiah Leming! WTF?!?!? I was not expecting this at all. Leming got signed to a recording and publishing deal with Warner Bros. Records (Geez these guys love the young hipsters!) His album is in the works currently, but one of the demos leaked and “Come On Kid” is awesome. Reminds me of something Hanson (circa now) could perform. I didn’t notice, or he didn’t perform this way on idol. The song is good. The piano melody is simple, yet very driven, but it works. And his voice, literally and figuratively, has definitely improved. Check out “Come On Kid” below.

He is still in the process of recording his album, so all I have heard are demos, but hopefully we will hear some final cuts soon. Leming has left his drama filled days on Idol behind, and he may be someone having a say in the pop world in a bit.

Pixie Lott

Now if you reside in London (lucky you!) then you probably know all about Pixie Lott. But us state side residents have only been hearing mumbles about this feisty Brit.  She has had number one singles in the UK and has had a top 10 album on the UK Albums Chart. She is signed to Mercury Records in the UK and Interscope Records in the US.  Her first single “Mama Do (Uh Oh Uh Oh)” (I know, stupid name but its about what her mama and papadukes would say about all the shenanigans she gets into) has had huge success worldwide. It reached the top 40 in 11 other countries and has been certified silver. It has a heavy and danceable beat. Unfortunately, the US was not one of those 11 countries and the song has gotten zero airplay in the states.

The second release was “Gravity”, a more urban/ R&B feel with showcases Lott’s vocals very nicely.

Lott’s third single, “Cry Me Out”, is what grabbed my attention. I was introduced to it by a friend saying, “wanna hear a good pop song?? Listen to this chick”. And I am so glad I did. She has a Duffy-like tone to her voice is this track and an Amy Winehouse (pre “im on drugs and drunk all the time”) feel. The melody is catchy and with a very likeable beat pulsating underneath the track.

Not only is she talented, this girl is absolutely adorable! I am shocked she hasn’t broken stateside yet, even on the pure (and extremely shallow) fact that she is beautiful. We will have to see what happens!

Hope you check out these artists and do a little more research of your own… they might be worth keeping your eyes and ears on!

-Rocco