Artists In Residency

2017's artists are; Chris Burke, Darren Cinque, Matthew Huff, Antonio Rullez, Max Merseny, Steven Feifke, and Yeho!

Exclusive Interviews!

"The Beat!" has the very best artists speaking to us exclusively like; Eric Alán, Cristobal, Ryan Adames, Deirdre, Guy Scheiman, Richie Arci, Eddy Barrena, Darren Cinque, Jesse Johnson, Max Merseny, Breaux Gargano, Sean O’Reilly, Luca Savazzi, Alex Serra, and MORE!

Rick Astley is on fire with "50!"

"Rick Astley is selling out tour dates globally with his timeless classics and new hits!

The Song: "Don't Cry For Me Argentina!"

"The Beat!" has a brand new series entitled; "The Song." This series features the best of songs/the singers/stories and how they became to be.

Barry Conrad is "Dancing On My Own!"

"The Beat! is featuring the hot Aussie dancer, actor and dancer in an exclusive interview!

Hunter Hayes and his "Storyline!"




Hunter Hayes - the country singer whom has sold over 8 million albums is releasing a brand new album entitled; Storyline on May 6th. Hayes is an extremely talented artist and co-wrote all of the tracks on the new album. "Invisible" which is Hayes's first single from this album has already received great response on the air waves and by fans. For any country music fan you will enjoy Hunter Hayes's new album which he will be supporting via a new tour!





Hunter Hayes’ Storyline Track Listing
1. Wild Card (Hayes/Laird/Dean)
2. Storyline (Hayes/Verges/Paslay)
3. Still Fallin (Hayes/Pierce)
4. Tattoo (Hayes/Verges/Dean)
5. Invisible (Hayes/Baker/Elam)
6. …interlude (Hayes/Baker/Elam/Dean/Buckmaster)
7. You Think You Know Somebody (Hayes/Ellis)
8. Flashlight (Hayes/Verges/Dean)
9. When Did You Stop Loving Me (Hayes/Ellis)
10. …like I was saying (jam) (Hayes/Ellis)
11. Secret Love (Hayes/Ellis)
12. Nothing Like Starting Over (Hayes/Verges/Sampson)
13. If It’s Just Me (Hayes/Baker/Elam)
14. Love Too Much (Hayes/Ellis)











Breaux Gargano is "Just Your Way" (exclusive interview)




Breaux Gargano - is an independent rock artist based out of Nashville, Tennessee. Breaux leaves a lasting impression on anyone that sees him live and/or listens to his material. Having a social conscience and always thinking of empowering others through song and being able to tell stories that one can relate to. A big move for his music career, Breaux relocated from up-state New York to get to the pulse of his music being for him Nashville.  Breaux never looks back and always looks to find himself a better writer. From Breaux’s freshman album entitled; “One Way” in 2011 to his brand new single; “Just Your Way” one as a fan can hear his growth in terms of writing and expanding his musical roots.

I had the pleasure to speak with Breaux in an exclusive interview which was thoroughly enjoyable. I was already a fan prior and from the conversation I left even a bigger one. Breaux leaves an impact with his music whether that is through the online StageIt performances, Visiting Artist Series, performing at venues such as Cyber Café West, and his online blog; “Live From The Couch Series.” Breaux continues to be a popular and very active artist whom you will be seeing a lot more of.
Official Website: http://www.breauxgargano.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzKsA6yaXkff7HABaYCrXNg
StageIt: https://www.stageit.com/breauxgargano
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BreauxGargano
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BreauxGargano

Interview Conducted By: Mason Williams 

 

1)      One of the first things that got my attention aside from your music is a quote you have on your website: “We are all the same people, with the same feelings, desires, heartaches, and pains.” This is a very moving statement; please tell me how this reflects you.

 
This is a personal statement, a biography I wrote. As a person there are two things that are most important: 1) taking care of our environment/world and 2) equality. No matter what your believes, race, you have the same emotions as everyone else. It is important to remind people we are all one. My songs are written vaguely to allow others to have their feelings placed into the song as well – a song that that one can feel they wrote personally and can connect with.


2)      What attracted you to relocate to Nashville, Tennessee and leave your home state of NY?

                I grew-up in a small town called Binghamton, NY which is a lovely area though for someone whom wants to expand themselves musically it was very limited. At the end of the day my passion of music won where I knew relocating was essential due to not having the expansive opportunities such as access to producers, recording studios, whereas Nashville, TN being called Music City, USA for a reason.  Nashville is a city where it allows one to meet other musicians as yourself and grow and of course always being competitive and bringing your level best.

3)      In 2013, you were nominated for “Best Live Rock Performer” in the Nashville Independent Music Awards which must have been exciting and bringing to a new terrain in your musical career.
                The nomination is a huge compliment as a testament of my work and how it is being received which feels great. The founder of the awards themselves being Cormat noticed me and invited me to perform.  After that chance meeting Cormat really liked my music and what I had to say in my own original material where it landed me on the award nomination radar. I kept very busy with live gigs from doing shows with others in the round. This is an awesome way to blend one’s work with others and really meet other equally talented artists that together can start collaborating. I am excited that this year I will be part of the Rock Council in the Nashville music scene.

4)      I am very excited to hear your new single entitled; “Just Your Way” which is out now, talk about this song and why you chose this one to release as you’re highly anticipated new single? 

In the past few years I have refocused myself to understand what I truly want to do which is writing rock songs and staying true to those roots. “Just Your Way” is much more of a rock sound than a lot of my previous material and is a lot more symbiotic. It shows the state that I have grown and where I want to be musically which is discovering in-depth my rock musical roots. I wrote a handful of songs and decided how to choose the next single to my follow-up freshman album; “One Way” (2011). I took all potential songs including what ended up being the current single and performed them live at gigs and also presented them to industry producers to gain feedback from a diverse spectrum. At the end of the day both the industry producers along with fans/family all came to the same consensus that “Just Your Way” was a great re-introduction to my fans and also to go down the more of a rock sound which I was deeply seeking for.




5)      What are often your inspirations?

                I need and always had to find creativity which I do through where I live, experiences, and major milestones that have me view things differently such as getting married recently and now introducing our first baby to the family. These all inspire me to want to do great for my family and make them proud of me as a rock artist and my material. Nashville provides a lot of inspiration where many think of this city as a pure country music scene and nothing more. Unfortunately, they are missing out on a lot more of a wide eclectic array of music and history such as Jimmie Hendrex first professional gig was in this great city. I knew prior to relocating from my hometown in NY State that Nashville had a lot more musically to offer than many think.  One would be amazed such as I was even more so upon arriving of the exact music scene which includes heavy metal, indie rock, pop, and much more. A city that originally started with it’s very lengthy and legendary country roots now offers such a diverse music scene which is very inspiring.

6)      Talk to us about how you choose material and when we will see your sophomore album out for all of our listening pleasure.

                As of this moment I do not have the exact set of songs I want to record. I truly want to do a great follow-up album that I will be proud of and not simply release something for the sake of it. I want a theme for this album where in itself tells a story rather than a collection of songs packaged together. I guess I am very old fashioned with the conception of an album to listen to one with that story. Many will tell me to simply release new material rather than a gap of time between singles being released. What I am looking to do is a labor of love from myself as an artist along with my fans where we all have our hands in the particular material I release. Since I know my fans overall want the quality and concept I do the idea I have is great. I will release a new single such as my current and from there set a goal such as selling 500 copies where there is no timeframe of this. I feel this will give loyalty from both myself and the fans where if they love my music they can support me by purchasing the single online where after reaching a goal in return release another single and continue to do this method for roughly 5 to 6 singles. From there taking those singles and creating an EP and then later an album with those singles and brand new tracks. This will have everyone’s involvement with the passion of my sound, material, and career.

7)      Alright, first before we do anything else you’re above response on the process of creating an EP and album is terrific. Everyone as you mentioned will have a hand in a grass roots project that by one person’s support will help fund the next single and in turn allow you to know what people are waiting to hear from you. The give and take from both sides is very essential and I am very happy to see that you are very in-tuned with this. Now, talk about your freshman album; “One Way” released in 2011.

I recorded my first album being “One Way” right after arriving to Nashville. Many songs were inspired from my new lease of life being in a motivated area and allowing me to grow/thrive as a rock artist. I actually found my voice in writing when in Nashville I learned a lot more about myself. This album represents me as a songwriter. I wrote about situations that fit me well and started to perform live to see the response. The impact of the material written and style I often get from audience feedback. I fleshed songs out. “One Way” came from the artwork. Over the years I tried to fit into boxes and at the end of the day be true to myself hence the title; “One Way.” A very happy album, experiences were at a place that was fantastic such as getting married.  

As a writer I draw from inspiration which allows me to write the very best.

8)      I am excited about the current projects you are working on, would you elaborate on up-coming projects?

Currently, the plan is that I have my current new single out which will lend itself to a brand new sophomore album. Every month to two months I have a video blog that will be updated. I am also expanding my global fan base by doing more gigs via StageIt. I love this venue where I can stay in touch with everyone no matter the location. This is also a great forum to solicit feedback on new tracks whether they work or not prior to any release. The fans will get the first opportunity to hear most of my brand new material.

 

 
 
 

Elaine Paige and her treasure of an "Ultimate Collection!"




Elaine Paige - the legendary leading lady of theater is releasing via Rhino/Warner Music UK a highly anticipated album entitled; "The Ultimate Collection." This year Elaine celebrates 50 years in the music business. In her impressive career and having one of the loveliest voices of theatrical actresses alive this is a "must have" for any fan (the album goes from 1978 - 2011).

To celebrate properly Elaine's lovely career this album chronicles her great roles in theater such as in "Sunset Boulevard" "Cats" "Evita" "Follies" "Jesus Christ Superstar" and many more. What I truly love about this release there is an expanded version with even more treasures of Elaine's. There are gems that were recorded years ago though never were released and finally are on this album for our listening pleasure. Along with this milestone of a career and album Elaine Paige is going on tour especially later this fall in Europe. I am hoping that we will see a few United States dates such as Boston specifically.

Elaine Paige Official Website: http://www.elainepaige.com/
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/elaine-paige/id13656268
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Elaine-Paige/e/B000APZROE




The track list for the standard CD and digital download version of the recording follows:
DON’T CRY FOR ME ARGENTINA [1978 Version] (From “Evita”)
MEMORY [1981 UK Single] (From “Cats”)
AVE MARIA
I DON’T KNOW HOW TO LOVE HIM (From “Jesus Christ Superstar”)
WHAT I DID FOR LOVE (From “A Chorus Line”)
ONE NIGHT ONLY (From “Dreamgirls”)
SOMETIMES (The main theme from “Champions”)
UNCHAINED MELODY (From “Unchained”)
I KNOW HIM SO WELL [1984 UK Single] Duet with Barbara Dickson (From “Chess”)
SORRY SEEMS TO BE THE HARDEST WORD
FOR YOU
LA VIE EN ROSE (From “Piaf”)
I DREAMED A DREAM [Live] (From “Les Miserables”)
AS IF WE NEVER SAID GOODBYE (From “Sunset Boulevard”)
WITH ONE LOOK (From “Sunset Boulevard”)
THE PRAYER Duet with Barry Manilow
I’M STILL HERE (From “Follies”)

IT’S RAINING ON PROM NIGHT [Outtake from multi-platinum album "Stages"] (From “Grease”)
WHAT A FEELING [Ted Carfrae Mix] [Outtake from platinum album "Cinema"] (From “Flashdance”)
BE ON YOUR OWN [Almighty Remix - Radio Edit] (From “Nine”)





 

Andy Grammer is "Back Home!"




Andy Grammer - is releasing his 2nd album this fall which as of this moment is yet to be titled. Andy's very first single for the album is now released and is titled; "Back Home." The new single is very catchy to the ear when hearing it. People will remember that Andy got fame from his 2011 debut album (self titled) with the Top 5 chart topping hit; "Keep Your Head Up" along with the Top 10 hit; "Fine By Me" along with the Top 15 hit; "Miss Me."

Andy is currently underway with headlining a tour this year with many dates already made. I think the song "Back Home" will get people to think fondly of times past and love the catchy song. Cheers to another hit song for Andy Grammer!




















Sean O'Reilly says "Telll Me Tell Me!" (Exclusive Interview Part 2)



Sean O’Reilly who calls Connecticut home is a singer/songwriter that if you do not know him is one artist that you “need to know.” After listening to his music one will be taken back from the vocals that seem to have no restrictions and the music that comes alive. Every performance that even shows through his album exhibit how he pours his everything into that moment and is simply with you for the grand musical journey that will be felt from all. What a great experience Sean O’Reilly gives which here at “Let The Beat Hit You!” is pleased to announce has chosen as one of our select “Artist in Residence” for a reason.

This year has been a true momentous one for Sean where he released his new album entitled; “Volume 1” along with a terrific single accompanied with a music video; “Tell Me Tel Me” (which is a personal favorite).  Enjoy our second installment of this engaging interview with Sean O'Reilly.



Sean O'Reilly StageIt Page: http://www.stageit.com/seanoreilly    
(Sean performs every Monday night @ 9 PM (EST) via StageIt)

Sean O'Reilly Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/seanoreillyband

Sean O'Reilly ReverbNation: http://www.reverbnation.com/seanoreilly

Interview Conducted By: Mason Williams
                                                                                                                                              

1) As with anyone we all have people whom influenced us, whom are some musically?

When I was 5 years old my introduction into music was in the rock and alternative sounds of Guns & Roses, Radiohead and Pearl Jam.

As I grew-up the artists that had the most influence are singer/songwriters. I can identify with that area since the entire work one hears from a singer/songwriter is their entire body from start to finish. What musical journey they take you on from the lyrics, melody, the musicians, studio, and the entire sound is not tarnished from what other's have in mind. For that I admire and found myself identifying with this area the most.

I am a self-taught musician and as a teenager taught myself how to play the piano. The techniques that I have taught myself were a combination of inspiration from other artists such as Tori Amos and Elton John's album; "Madman Across The Water" in 1971. Kate Bush and Peter Gabriel are two other artists in which I love their self production which in turn allow them to keep their own image.

Charlotte Martin is another artist that had and still does have a large impact on me as a musician. I went to see her live as an opening act to someone else. Charlotte did a thirty minute set with a keyboard. I was enamored on how she won over the crowd and was truly the best set which inspired me on how it is to be done.

Joni Mitchell is another huge musical inspiration in which her 1971 album; "Blue" was a true monumental stage of my musical journey in terms of becoming a true singer/songwriter. Once finally hearing this life changing Joni Mitchell album I truly understood the writing process. Prior to this time I could not place words together to have a cohesive sound where it all truly belonged together. From Joni Mitchell I learned the importance of phrasing.

2) Give me one word that best describes what a listener would say about your music?

"Genuine" would be the word that I would hope that anyone who would take the musical journey with me would feel. I give them my true self all the time when writing and going into depths to really walk the same path as I am at the time of the song.



3)  What would you give for advice for any aspiring artists.

First thing is to make sure what music motivates you. Know that all artists go through a flood of rejection and it is to be expected. One may experience an opportunity but for that there could be a thousand "no's."

Important to respect a song's success even if not liking the artist nor the song. Be open to what you hear and learn from all types of songs/genres. One can never know where motivation can come from. Don't simply dismiss something try to understand all areas of music and it will in return make you a better singer and songwriter that can blend various genres into your music.

4) What would a person take away from seeing a Sean O'Reilly live performance?

I love interacting with all people that attend my live performances. It is truly where I get inspired to dive deeper into the songs themselves. I want the audience to understand and have the best introduction to my material.

I push myself mentally, physically, and emotionally.

It would be the best for one to feel that I killed myself for each and every performance. All of my focus is poured into that specific time/place and nowhere else. Truly being in the moment where the audience would see all of me.

5) What is your "Collaboration Dream List?"

The list is numerous but a few would be; Kate Bush, Annie Lenox, The Civil Wars. Hawksley Workman, and Matt Chamberlain.

6) What are some cover songs that you would love to do?

A good cover brings the passion for that particular song at the moment. Currently, I covered the fun pop song; "Your Love Is Like A Drug" and had a lot of fun doing it.

I have been working on a great version of the iconic Queen's "Bohemian Rhapsody." This I would love to share once the version is up to my high standard which will do the original and my own expectations justice.

I also would love to cover several of Charlotte Martin's original material that I think are great.

I truly see that the investment which comes from the passion of the material. Having a true connection to the song is a must.