Warming Up to the Mama Monster?

I have been notoriously crititical of Lady Gaga's image.  She has a fabulous voice and I have never questioned her talent, but I have often taken issue with her lack of "genuine-ness."  If she is always wearing a mask, the audience never really gets to know her as a human being.  Why does she make the art she does?  Why does she feel the way she does about certain issues?  While her costumes and other oddities certainly do a lot to push back at social norms and raise awareness for certain issues, I feel that a lot is lost when no one really knows who YOU are.

Because of this, I decided to go back and do a little research on Stefanie Germanotta, before the Gaga was born.  I found this video from her days at NYU and, while you can definitely see the early makings of Mama Monster, the performances are so stripped down.  It's just her, the piano, and her amazing set of pipes. 

Since I first saw that video, I've been lamenting the creation of Lady Gaga and what appeared to be the loss of Stefanie Germanotta...that is until this week!  I heard her song "You and I" and saw the accompanying video this week and immediately saw something I liked.  It's a much different sound for her, a little more rock 'n roll, and the song really showcases her voice.  I have to say, for the first time, I can actually figure out what the song is about, unlike many of her songs where no one can seem to make sense of the lyrics.  The song is a powerful love ballad rumored to be about her former boyfriend/lover from Nebraska.  The video was shot in Nebraska, the home state of the object of her affection both in the song and in her life.  Finally, I feel like Lady Gaga is one of us!  I think this new sound and visual combination is wonderful!  In her video, Lady Gaga gets to still be Lady Gaga, but it's not so out there that I get completely lost.  To me, the art is much more powerful, because I have something to hold on to and relate to as a listener.  Check out the video below!

 

I'm doing my best to fight it, but if she keeps this up, I may have to join her army of Little Monsters after all. ;)

XOXO,

Kristin

Free To Be Francesca!

It doesn't take much to explain why Fracesca Battistelli gets a blogpost.  Francesca is a successful Christian artist, who has released two albums, "My Paper Heart" and "Hundred More Years."  Her songs are uplifting and spiritual as well as beautifully sung.  Check her out!

                                                                                    

      

XOXO,

Kristin

Sara B, There Is Just NO Way I'm Gonna Get Over You!

For those who know me, it's no secret that Sara Bareilles is one of my favorite female artists.  I was smitten when I heard her "Little Voice," fell in love with her "Kaleidoscope Heart," and knew there was going back with the release of her newest video for her hit single, "Gonna Get Over You."

One of Sara Bareilles' most charming qualities is her quirky personality.  She doesn't take herself too seriously, as is obvious in this video, and makes no attempts to be someone she is not.  With the release of this video, Sara joked that Beyonce better not steal her moves.  She always shows respect for what other artists can do, but clearly knows what she does best.  To me, this video completely speaks for itself!  She could've hired a fancy hip hop choreographer, put on a sexy dress, and danced around suggestively, but rather decided to be herself and dance around using her own silly moves.  I have to say, her happiness is infectious.  I have found myself struggling to keep from dancing through the streets on campus when this song comes into my headphones even knowing full well that if I push someone down, they will likely not jump up and begin dancing with me (video reference). But wouldn't that be grand? How wonderful to have a piece of art that brings so much pure joy into our lives!  

Check out the video below!  I am willing to bet you won't be able to contain your own dance moves when you see this! :)

P.S.  Be sure to watch until the end...it's definitely worth the wait for a good laugh.

XOXO, 

Kristin

Xtina Power

So I simply could NOT do a blog dedicated to badass women in music and not do a post on one of my idols, Christina Aguilera.  From her "Genie in a Bottle" days to her newest album "Bionic," clearly Christina has gone through quite the image makeover...over...and over again.  We have seen many sides to Christina.  She has been controversial, sexual, evocative, powerful, vulnerable, naked, terrifying, and sweet (just to name a few).  Fortunately, one of the things about Christina that has never changed is her incredible vocal ability and her dedication to sing and perform music that showcases it.  My personal favorite of Christina's entire body of work thus far is definitely her "Back to Basics" album released in 2006.  This album called upon some of the greatest jazz musicians and singers of all time for inspiration, such as Etta James.  The album has a 1920s/1930s feel about it that, coupled with Christina's voice, really takes you back in time.  When Christina's latest album, "Bionic,"was released, and the album contained techno-heavy singles, I was worried.  While have not yet had the chance to make it through the whole album yet, I am pleased to say that I appreciate Christina's exploration.  It is nice to hear her try some different styles, but I have to say, my favorites are still her vocally-stunning ballads.  My favorite is "You Lost Me" and I have included the video below for your listening and viewing pleasure!

After a long career that spans nearly her entire lifetime, Xtina is proving that she has still got it!  With all of the lip synch-ers out there and artists using auto-tuning to improve their pitch control, it is so encouraging to see a woman as strong and powerful as Christina displaying true artistry and talent.  You go girl!


XOXO,
Kristin

She Makes Us Wanna Say "I Do"

When asked if we love Colbie, we can't help but say "I do!!"  On October 21, 2011, I attended Colbie Caillat's concert at Stubbs.  She played on the outdoor stage and performed for about an hour and half.  Needless to say, she was wonderful!  I have never been a huge Colbie fan in the sense that I don't listen to her all of the time, but I really respect her as a woman and an artist...and as a female artist.  

The road to stardom is tough, but most especially so for young women.  There is great pressure to be "sexy."  When you really stop and think about it, what on earth does being sexy have to do with making great music?  Well, nothing, but like it or not, an artist's appearance will continue to be a factor as long as we can see them. ..so basically forever.

This is not to say that there is anything wrong with being "sexy," but it is nice, at least every now and then, to see some beautiful women downplaying their booties and up-playing their melodies instead.  For this reason alone, I loved Colbie's outfit at the concert.  Pictured below, she wore a loose and flowy white tank top and an adorable beaded mini in what appeared to be pale pink.  She rocked a ponytail and danced around stage with ease.  

The nice thing about this outfit was not only that it fit her style, but also that it showed that there are other ways to be beautiful than by just wearing tight clothing.  To me, I think that is a huge message for young women to see.  Colbie was gorgeous, but in an understated way.  It was easier for the average audience member to see more of her whole package - her songs, he beauty, her laid back personality - when we weren't being distracted by racy clothing.

Just as another quick point, Colbie's songs are incredibly uplifting.  Thanks Colbie for brightening my day! Check out the video below if you want her to brighten yours! ;)

XOXO,

Kristin

Girl Has Got The Blues

Sept. 14, 2011---A Night with Ana Popovic

Meet the female Stevie Ray Vaughn of our generation, Ana Popovic.  Ana is a Serbian blues guitarist and singer with a band that hails from Amsterdam...so how on earth did we get lucky enough to hear this amazing lady?  No clue, but I am oh so glad!

Not really sure what to expect, I bought myself a ticket and headed over to Antone's on a school night to hear this blues guitar player wail and boy did she EVER! Today we are literally swimming in a sea of female pop artists and singer-songwriters, but where are the guitar players?  And I'm not just talking women who play guitar in the background, but rather women who are the main event.  A woman to rival the Jimi Hendrix-es and Stevie Ray Vaughn-s of the 70s.  Well, folks, I think I found her!

While Ana is not the strongest of female vocalists, she can play the guitar like I've never seen or heard a woman play one before!  Music aside, however, I think the thing I most enjoyed about her "package" overall was her outfit.  So often, women who play guitar seriously (too much like men) or who sing "rough" like men (Janis Joplin), are stereotyped and labeled. 

To survive in the "man's world" of the guitar, women usually attempt to appear "tough."  They want to hold their own with their male counterparts by blending in as much as possible.  What I loved so much about Ana Popovic is her complete refusal to blend in the slightest.  When she came strutting out to the stage in her stiletto heels and tight, sparkly mini-dress, she made no effort to hide her femininity...and I was in awe!  Her outfit alone screamed, "I'm a woman and I'm not afraid to show it.  I'm also incredible at the guitar...and I'm going to do it all in heels!" (She played for at least three hours standing the entire show.)

This chick is rockin' and rollin' all the way into my top favorite ladies in music right now!

  

XOXO,

Kristin