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!

MRF & This Love! (Exclusive Interview)


         MRF – the Boston based musician has been hailed as one of the premier jazz artists of his generation. What is unique and makes MRF shine is not fitting the typical mold rather he attacks it with attracting a new class of listeners. I stumbled upon MRF’s (Mike Flanagan) music recently and found that it spoke to me especially a track entitled; “Trying.” The accompanied music video is heartfelt and the words inspiring and it is a beautifully written and recorded song that speaks to all people/couple’s no matter who they are. It is no surprise that he has garnered several OUTmusic Awards along with having chart topping hits on both Billboard’s Heat Seekers & iTunes Jazz Chart US.

           MRF’s previously released two albums; Elevator Music (2010) & Mob Music (2013) with both getting critical acclaim and assuring his name as a mainstay as a quintessential artist. The 3rd album which available now is entitled; Yasko Sensei which is another home run and is reaffirmation that MRF is here to stay and opposed to others releases material to be proud of rather than churning it out as a factory with many fillers. A Performing/Recording Artist, Saxophonist, Pianist, Songwriter/Producer, Composer/Arranger, Music Director and Educator is one person to listen to and know!

Official MRF Sites:
iTunes/Spotify: MRF
Twitter.com/MRFtheartist
Instagram.com/MRFtheartist
Facebook.com/MRFMikeFlanaganMusic







           MRF, let me first start this interview off by saying how much of an incredible   musician you are and an inspiration for many. You release music that I can tell speaks from your heart and is very topical which is conveyed to the listener. Thanks, once again for joining “The Beat!” to become one of our “Artists In Residence” and taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me for this interview.


·         All three albums you have released being; E levator Music, Mob Music, and your brand new; Yasko Sensei are all well received from both the fans and within the industry, what is your thoughts as to the success of each?

I have to say, I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere without my ‘village’. I am fortunate to have really incredible and loving people in my life and they have rallied hard for my music. Elevator Music was very much a first album but I learned a lot. Mob Music, to this day, is my pride and joy. Yasko Sensei was the only way to truly attempsht to show gratitude to the woman who showed me everything about music and artistry. Throughout all three albums, I have  shown a lot of vulnerability, maybe even too much sometimes ;)

·       Speaking of your albums let’s talk about your brand new album; Yasko Sensei, tell us about the story behind the name and why the choice of material on it?

Yasko changed my life with her artistry. She is the reason I became an artist/musician from the time I was 15 and first heard her, I have aimed to connect with music as well as the listener, at the level she always did. She passed away in September 2015 after a long fight with cancer. This album had to happen and we needed to make music together one last time before she could no longer play. We recorded 3 tracks, and fortunately she is on all 3 of my albums.  

·         You place a lot of effort when it comes to a release of an album such as the material, the message being delivered, recording sessions and more, in this day and age that artists have the need for exposure 24/7 such as releasing a single a day all year, what drives you to beat that mindset?

I have never been able to mass-produce. It’s never felt right for me. Music is my outlet, so I’m very cautious when I go to create. I try to keep audiences engaged with live performances and keeping a presence on social media, but I make sure when I am putting out a project I convey how important it is to me.

·         MRF you inspire and are a role model for many, personally why do you think this happens and do you agree or disagree with our culture placing “role model” status to all people such as singers, actors, athletes?

     I absolutely have artists that I consider my heroes, so as long as the person wants to  use their voice to inspire and spread awareness, I am all for it. When I have received messages from people expressing that my work spoke to them, it makes every challenge and struggle along the way to get that art made and released, that much more worth-it. 


·         You have released such powerful and moving singles such as; “Trying” “This Love” “Tender” “I Just Wanted” along with covers such as; “What If God Was One Of Us” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” why do you think these songs seem to hit listeners so much? You seem to release singles that are exactly what the listener’s need at the time (such as what is going on socially in the world etc), is this something that you look at or is by pure coincidence?  

I was staying true to me throughout all of that music. The songs from Mob Music were very much where I was at the time and I wanted to be honest about that. I think maybe that authenticity is what allows people to relate to it.
 Though, in the case of “What If God Was One Of Us” and “I Can’t Make You Love Me”, those came about because we had spontaneously performed those live and after experiencing those songs through our filter, I knew we had to get them recorded.

·         Being an openly gay artist, do you find that has been a more difficult journey for your career and with how the industry dealt with you?

Having to even consider how pronouns will be received when writing about the person you love, is troubling. That was something that always struck me. Back when I was writing Elevator Music, it was very difficult not knowing how writing about love found/lost with another man would even be received in the studio.
After that, from Mob Music on, I worked with incredible people that were in the art with me 100%, no matter what decisions I made. But things are very different now in many ways, and that’s a beautiful thing 
·         What would you say to artists that are either out or on the verge to about being within the music industry?

Now, I think anyone can find a fan-base no matter what, you just have to put the work in. I think the music industry is tough to break into and turn out a sustainable career, no matter what. It’s a constant grind and often times you don’t know if and when your milestones are going to happen.

 

·       Do you find there are many stereotypes that executives and labels try to still give to artists like yourself? How have you rallied against it if it were not being true to yourself?

The minute you start to gain some traction, people start knocking on your door, but often times with the intention of putting their hand in the pot (which, if you’ve just put out an album, isn’t filled with anything anyway. Haha) So, that gets interesting.
      It is so essential to keep both your vocals in the best condition along with yourself mentally/physically, how do you address all of these areas?

I love meal plans and geeking out on nutrition, especially to co-inside with training etc. For me, omitting alcohol was a huge key to feeling at my best physically and energy wise.

·         Speaking of keeping yourself in the best condition, what is a must when touring to have before hitting the stage?

I just need to eat, especially if traveling/touring.

·         What is one thing that you must have in your house? You must have one item perhaps in the kitchen that you cannot do without.

Clorox wipes. I want to be the Clorox version of Mr. Clean when I grow up. I use them to clean everything.

·         Do you have any projects in the making that we can look forward to in the music album arena?

My ace Rallye and I are in the works of putting a new project out. Outside of that I have been playing on other artists’ projects for now. 


·         I am getting tired just thinking of the whirlwind of a year you are having! What are some other projects on your horizon?

I am taking a little break. I just got engaged and am moving to NY in June, so there’s a lot happening, but there are still lots of upcoming performances and sideman projects.

·         Is there something that you have as of yet conquered in your career that you still have as a “must?”

 I am looking forward to touring with more artists. 


·         Walk us through a typical day in the life of MRF, what are some things you do to stay tip top shape both physically and mentally for your work?

I cook breakfast every morning (same thing every day, for the most part).

·         I am sure you have people you admire, whom are a couple and why?
Dixie Chicks, Kendrick Lamar, Beyonce, artists that all showed America itself when it was necessary to do so, despite whatever backlash.

·         Is there anyone you would love to collaborate with musically? I can think of some great singers that would be vocally perfection with you and I am sure you do.

D’Angelo would be a dream collaboration 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                       
                      

Prince 4Ever



Prince - it is exciting to announce that this amazing performer will have a new album being released next month (November). Record label, Warner Bros. is releasing the album entitled; Prince 4Ever. This album will chronicle Prince's work with the label until 1996. Hits such as "Little Red Corvette" "Let's Go Crazy" "Purple Rain" "Kiss" "Raspberry Beret" "When Doves Cry" among many others will be featured in this 40-song album.

It is exciting that this album will also feature material from Prince's legendary vault, such as "Batdance" which was previously never released on one of his best-of albums and others. Expect to see this true gift on shelves on November 22nd. An added bonus will be a booklet featuring never before seen pictures taken of Prince.

To top this all off, Warner Bros. will then be tapping into the vaults again for an early next year album; Purple Rain soundtrack (which will be celebrating it's 30th anniversary).










Carrie Underwood airs her "Dirty Laundry"

Carrie Underwood - is out with her brand new single; Dirty Laundry.

The music video is shot entirely in black and white. A much more simplistic video shoot with a very powerful message that the song states a person should no longer look beyond things but pay attention and not be victim. Other men and women join Carrie in the video where they simply are shot with them showing raw emotions into the camera. Yet, another hit single and video for Carrie Underwood!































Liam Payne goes solo!



Liam Payne - for fans of the former One Direction member; Liam Payne you will be pleased to hear of the star's future. Liam has announced that he signed with Republic Records in North America for his own solo work. There are no dates to a release of any projects since the Liam just signed onto the record label. Surely, there will be singles and either an EP or full length album release very soon.

Here at "The Beat!" we will provide more news on Liam and his solo work, so stay tuned!









Tim McGraw & Faith Hill: Soul2Soul 2017 Tour!



Tim McGraw & Faith Hill - have announced that they will be joint headlining the; Soul2Soul World Tour 2017. This is after a decade has passed since the couple toured together in the last successful Soul2Soul tour. This tour will be hitting 65 cities in 2017 with it's kick-off in New Orleans on April 7th.  

Milestones for this couple is their 20th Anniversary along with the same for their first tour together.

Soul2Soul World Tour 2017 Dates:

April 7th - New Orleans, LA @ Smoothie King Center

April 9th - Tupelo, MS @ BancorpSouth Arena

April 20th - North Charleston, SC @ North Charleston Coliseum

April 21st - Birmingham, AL @ Legacy Arena at the BJCC

April 22nd - Atlanta, GA @ Philips Arena

April 27th - St. Louis, MO @ Scottrade Center

April 28th - Louisville, KY @ KFC Yum! Center

April 29th - Indianapolis, IN* @ Bankers Life Fieldhouse

May 4th - Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center

May 5th and 6th - Uncasville, CT @ Mohegan Sun

May 11th - Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center

May 12th - Lincoln, NE @ Pinnacle Bank Arena

May 13th - Oklahoma City, OK @ Chesapeake Energy Arena

May 18th - Spokane, WA @ Spokane Arena

May 19th - Bozeman, MT @ Brick Breeden Fieldhouse

May 25th - Boise, ID @ Taco Bell Arena

May 26th - Portland, OR @ Moda Center

May 27th - Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome

May 30th - Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena

June 2nd - Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome

June 3rd - Edmonton, AB @ Rogers Place

June 4th - Saskatoon, SK @ SaskTel Centre

June 7th - Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre

June 9th - Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford Premier Center

June 10th - Des Moines, IA @ Wells Fargo Arena

June 15th - Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena

June 16th - Milwaukee, WI @ BMO Bradley Harris Arena

June 17th - Moline, IL @ iwireless Center

June 22nd - Ottawa, ON @ Canadian Tire Centre

June 23rd - Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre

July 7th - Boston, MA @ TD Garden

July 14th - Los Angeles, CA @ STAPLES Center

July 21st - Glendale, AZ @ Gila River Arena

July 23rd - San Diego, CA @ Valley View Casino Center

July 28th - Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center

July 29th - San Jose, CA @ SAP Center

August 1st - Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center

August 3rd - Little Rock, AR @ Verizon Arena

August 4th - Nashville, TN @ Bridgestone Arena

August 17th - Cleveland, OH @ Quicken Loans Arena

August 18th - Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center

August 24th - Fargo, ND @ Fargodome

August 25th - St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center

August 31st - Chicago, IL @ Allstate Arena

September 2nd - Cincinnati, OH @ US Bank Arena

September 7th - Columbus, OH @ Nationwide Arena

September 8th - Detroit, MI @ The Palace

September 14th - Knoxville, TN @ Thompson Boling Arena

September 16th - Jacksonville, FL @ Veterans Memorial Arena

September 21st - Wichita, KS @ INTRUST Bank Arena

September 22nd - Omaha, NE @ CenturyLink Center

September 23rd - Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center

September 27th - Salt Lake City, UT @ Vivint Smart Home Arena

September 29th - Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center

September 30th - Bakersfield, CA @ Rabobank Arena

October 5th - San Antonio, TX @AT & T Center

October 6th - Houston, TX @ Toyota Center

October 7th - Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center

October 12th - Pittsburgh, PA @ PPG Paints Arena

October 13th - Washington, DC @ Verizon Center

October 14th - Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum

October 19th - Sunrise, FL @ BB&T Center

October 20th - Tampa, FL @ Amalie Arena

October 26th - Buffalo, NY @ KeyBank Center

October 27th - Brooklyn, NY @ Barclays Center










Garth Brooks new single; Baby, Let's Lay Down and Dance!




Garth Brooks fans can now get their first taste of the country star’s upcoming 11th studio album. Brooks has dropped “Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance” as his new single, the first from the forthcoming project.
An upbeat guitar riff and splashes of organ highlight “Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance,” which was written by Brooks and Kent Blazy, Steve Dorff, Victoria Shaw and the late Kim Williams.


Read More: Garth Brooks Shares 'Baby, Let's Lay Down and Dance' [LISTEN] | http://theboot.com/garth-brooks-baby-lets-lay-down-and-dance/?trackback=tsmclip
Garth Brooks - says the upcoming album is "the most Garth thing" he has recorded since his album Sevens in 1997. He has incorporated his current touring into inspiration for his soon to be released album and now first single being; Baby, Let's Lay Down and Dance. For any Garth Brooks fans you will not be disappointed since he stays true to his sounds with this single being a rock-inspired song.

Enjoy  the brand new single below which I am sure you will LOVE!

Garth Brooks fans can now get their first taste of the country star’s upcoming 11th studio album. Brooks has dropped “Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance” as his new single, the first from the forthcoming project.
An upbeat guitar riff and splashes of organ highlight “Baby, Let’s Lay Down and Dance,” which was written by Brooks and Kent Blazy, Steve Dorff, Victoria Shaw and the late Kim Williams.


Read More: Garth Brooks Shares 'Baby, Let's Lay Down and Dance' [LISTEN] | http://theboot.com/garth-brooks-baby-lets-lay-down-and-dance/?trackback=tsmc

Dolly Parton is; "Pure & Simple!"





Dolly Parton - undoubtedly one of the original Queen's Of Country is out with a brand new album entitled; Pure & Simple. It is amazing that this diva is at 70 years young and is as busy as ever. One of the finest ladies out there is also doing an international tour in support of her new album with stops in the United States and all over the globe.  

Dolly has been a trail blazer in her long treasure trove of albums spanning from her single at a young age in the 1950's to the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s! With her down to earth personality it is easy for anyone to fall in love with this star that is shinning bright. It is truly a breath of fresh air that when one listen's to Dolly's new album that her vocals are intact with nothing slowing her and her tunes down!



The album; Pure & Simple takes us on a lovely journey that only Dolly can do. From "Say Forever You'll Be Mine" where she connects wonderfully with the listener and taking them on the exact journey of where the song is to take you. Instrumentation as always is wonderfully captured within this track along with another; "Pure and Simple." "Kiss It (And Make It All Better)" is a track that has a lot of emotion where it speaks to all and similar to another song on the album; "Never Not Love You" where it is a vow from one person to love someone else. These songs make the listener connect to Dolly and the pain and passion she exudes through her vocals which is simply perfection.

There are toe tapping tracks such as; "Can't Be That Wrong" which is a song of guilt and doubt over cheating on a partner. Another two lovely songs are; "Outside Your Door" and "I'm Sixteen" which are both going to leave you uplifted. It has to go without saying there are only a few real alive singers that are truly Country Legends such as Dolly along with Loretta Lynn. This album marks over 40 albums that Dolly has released and as we all can assuredly say with out a doubt we look forward to yet more albums and projects from this Queen of Country; Dolly Parton!