Tuesday Tunes | Lennon & Maisy Stella

.This week's Tuesday Tunes feature is on two superstars on ABC's new hit show Nashville, Lennon and Maisy Stella. They play the daughters of Corinne Britton's character, Rayna James. How stinkin' cute are they. And let me tell you, they're even greater singers!

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Lennon and Maisy started off as two gals posting videos of themselves singing onto Youtube. When I first heard them singing on Nashville I was floored. These girls are amazing! The timbre of their voices are mesmerizing!

After a rough week last week, I snuggled up Thursday night after class and vegged out watching the latest episode of the show. I was beyond ecstatic to see that Lennon and Maisy got the opportunity to sing. They covered the The Lumineers' song Ho Hey. I cried like a baby hearing it. Maybe it was the pent up emotions from the week or the plot line or when Deacon and Rayna had their "Ho, Hey" moment. ...maybe it was ALL OF IT.

Give it a listen. I promise you, you will be hooked. I have been since Thursday and it has been on loop all week.

PS: How dreamy is Charles Esten??

Happy Listening!



Tuesday Tunes | Tyrone Wells

You here with me tonight | Kicking it on top of the world

And I think that we should stay here | I could pretend that I don't care if you say goodbye

Tyrone Wells' album, This Love, was released at the end of last year and yet I love it more and more with each listen. The day the album was released, John even texted me asking if I got the album because it was AMAZING. First off, duh John. Do you even know me? Secondly, if John says it's amazing, that says a lot. Glad I was able to help him appreciate good music.

It's an incredibly beautifully written and produced album. It's a happy CD that walks you through the stages of a relationship. There isn't a breakup involved but there are still sad lyrics at times. Love and relationships are not always perfect. Even in strong relationships, there are ups and downs and Tyrone Wells captures that with this album. The last song is so sweet. It's a song dedicated to his newborn daughter at the time, Aria. When I first heard it, I felt awkward. It was as if I was intruding on a private moment. But, I think he just wanted to profess his love to his first child and to give listeners a peek into the love he has for her. 

A few of my favorite tracks: A Beautiful Place to Be; This Love; Make it Through; Already Falling; You and Me on Top of the World; God Would you Help Us

Here's a little sample of the album with "A Beautiful Place to Be." 

He's coming to NoVa this spring for the Spring Tour for This Love and I can only hope that I'll be able to go! Darn you classes! 

Tuesday Tunes | Rihanna & Mikky Ekko

This post is coming ridiculously late tonight. But, I figured that since I'm sitting in class insanely bored, I might as well catch up on blogging.

Anyone watch the Grammy's the other night? There were SO many highlights from this year's awards show. Did y'all feel a different vibe this year? It wasn't some trashy or cheesy show. There was class, great music, and a true celebration of the music industry.

My top rated moment of the night is HANDS DOWN Justin Timberlake's performance but I will save that fan-girl reaction for tomorrow. My second favorite performance of the night was from Rihanna and Mikky Ekko. I've been HOOKED to their collaboration, "Stay" for awhile now and that has been amplified 100 times since Sunday's performance.

First off, can we just pause and give a shout out to Nashville? HUGE successes coming out of that great city. How awesome was it seeing Mikky Ekko on national TV? I was beyond ecstatic for this guy. He deserves it! Such a great talent.

I typically associate Rihanna with catchy Top 40 radio pop songs. But "Stay" is different. It's probably my favorite song of hers. It's slower, great lyrics, and in my mind this song highlights her talent.

Give it a listen! What are your thoughts?



Tuesday Tunes: A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

Funny story. I actually had a Tuesday Tunes post all written up and ready to go live but I guess my mind had a different plan. I try and steer away from Youtube because once I get on there, I can't stop! It's a bit of a problem at times (aka when I should be studying). But, last night I decided to go on Youtube and surf around. Like I said, once I start, I can't stop. Not only did I stay up late last night on Youtube, but I woke up extremely early this morning and  continued to watch videos.

Have y'all seen that new show Opening Act on E!? That is legitimately something I want to do in the future: talent searching! I channeled my inner Nigel Lythgoe last night and searched for some talent. In reality though, I watched videos of my favorite artists. Down below are just a few favorite videos/artists of mine. Definitely check them out!

1. Pentatonix

Y'all remember my love for the acapella quintet Pentatonix? Check out their rendition/mashup of Bieber's As Long As You Love Me and Perry's Wide Awake. Prepare to have your mind blown.

2. Dave Barnes + Steve Moakler + Ben Rector + Andrew Ripp

I've written about Dave Barnes and Ben Rector before for Tuesday Tunes! Steve Moakler was actually lined up for today and Andrew Ripp in a few weeks. Coincidence, I think not? This video is actually perfect and I wish I could have been at this show. 4 of my favorite artists ever? The only person missing? ...Matt Wertz.

3. Chelsea Lee and Jason Reeves

Another two amazing artists! Remember my feature on Jason a couple of weeks ago? Well, here he is with Chelsea Lee, whom I also love! I actually heard this song live a couple of years ago when a couple of friends and I went to their show at Jammin' Java. Simply incredible voices!

4. Scott Hoying and Luke Edgemon

Y'all, I may be in love with Scott Hoying's voice. How can you not be mesmerized? This cover of Call me Maybe is actually hilarious and pretty much is a diva/sing-off. And yet...it's still better than the original.

Happy Listening!



Tuesday Tunes: Pentatonix

Please tell me that y'all know Pentatonix! No? Well, good thing that we have Tuesday Tunes! This acapella quintet made its way into the spotlight through the NBC show The Sing Off. I have never heard more intricate, genius, amazing arrangements than the ones these guys somehow magically create. It honestly is...music to my ears!

Last week, they released their EP, PTX, Vol. 1, and I was immediately floored by the tracks. Lead singer, Scott Hoying has the most incredible voice and he's only 19 or 20 years-old?? Ridiculous! But each member plays such an imperative role in this quintet. If one member were missing, that's a huge piece. I mean, give it up for the percussion duo! Avi on bass and Kevin beat boxing! Magicians, I tell you!

My favorite tracks on the EP: "Somebody that I Used to Know" cover (hands down my favorite) and "Love You Long Time."

Pentatonix's cover of "Dog Days Are Over" was simply mindblowing!

Support Pentatonix and check out their newest EP!

Happy Listening!

Tuesday Tunes: Jason Reeves

Words won't say what you are so I won't even try

Suddenly I know I love you till the day I die



One artist that I haven't shared with the rest of the world (because I'm selfish!) is Jason Reeves. Y'all may have heard of this talented guy from Colbie Caillat. He co-writes with her quite often and is frequently featured on her albums! Way back when, when Colbie Caillat was first breaking it out into the scene, my dad took me to a small local venue to see Colbie Caillat. Her opener that night was Jason Reeves and I instantly fell in love with this guy. His music and lyrics are simple. No frills, just raw words. It was so refreshing to hear him and since then, I've been hooked. He's been my little secret for the past 5-6 years.

A couple of weeks ago Jason released a new album titled: Songs are Silent Films. He has such a distinct sound and I love it. This album has been on replay for the past few weeks. The songs are so...real and relatable. Who can't relate to love? There were times where I found myself tearing up at the lyrics and memories from the past popped up and attached themselves to certain lyrics. It's just THAT good!

My favorite track on the album is definitely "You're My Best Friend." Some runner-ups include: "Back With Me," "I'll Never Leave You Again," and "Nobody Else Could Be You."

Happy Listening!

Tuesday Tunes: John Mayer

If I ever get around to living | It's gonna be just like I dreamed
I'm gonna take the love I'm given | And set it free

It's been quite awhile since the last installment of Tuesday Tunes. My apologies! But, we are back on track. To kick off this homecoming, this week will feature John Mayer's Born and Raised. Please tell me that y'all have picked up this album. For the past month this has been a regular on my iPhone and it is a well deserved honor.

I am beyond elated of John Mayer's comeback. I hope that his medical concerns are laid to bed soon because I would love nothing more than to see him live again. After waiting so long for a new John Mayer album, I was so excited for Born and Raised to hit the market. The album is a little different than his previous work, but you know John Mayer, he's a musical genius. Born and Raised is the perfect summer roadtrip soundtrack. It truly takes you to that sunny day, driving down the road, passing the mountains. John Mayer creates this laid back feeling with the acoustic guitar and blue-grass feel.

My favorites on the album include: Queen of California, Shadow Days, If I Ever Get Around to Living, and Love is a Verb.

Hey John Mayer, thanks for this summer gift. Get better soon so I can see you live and swoon.


Karen's New Picks of the Week: Jason Reeves' Songs are Silent Films and Jesse Ruben's Thoughts I've Never Had Before, Part 1.

Happy Listening!



Tuesday Tunes

One of my most favorite artists is Ben Rector. Behind Dave Barnes, he is the most played artist on the iTunes library. I am the proud owner of each of his albums and I gotta admit, each one is a piece of true art. So well written and produced. Listening to them, I feel like I'm walking through a story. His voice is insanely mesmerizing and soothing all at the same time. Now, that's a very good sign that he is just simply THAT good.

Ben Rector is one amazing live performer. What I love most though are his Youtube videos. I could watch the same video over and over and over again and never feel bored. Hello, he plays close to a million (clearly an exaggeration) instruments in these videos! How would I describe Ben Rector? One amazingly talented, incredibly gifted genius/artist.

Whenever someone asks me for a new recommendation I always say Ben Rector. Not one person has ever said anything negative about my recommendation. They're simply hooked! So, do yourself a favor and give Ben Rector a listen. You honestly will not regret it.

Ben Rector covering Whitney Houston's "I Wanna Dance With Somebody"

Happy Listening!

Tuesday Tunes

It's a national holiday here in Beijing today so that means I have a day off from work. I'm beyond excited about a free day as this allows me to have time to breathe and catch up on some school work. I will totally be taking advantage of this day to finish at least one of my five papers that need to be completed. Setting up shop in a Starbucks, working, and listening to some great tunes. Sounds marvelous.

One of the artists I will definitely be working to is: Cary Brothers. These guys are great and I have been a fan of theirs for quite some time now. They released a new single back in November that I'm in love with, "Free Like You Make Me." It was featured on last week's One Tree Hill episode and it was so well placed in the episode that I started to tear up. Don't laugh. The lyrics are so sad, yet so great. These guys are superb and talented songwriters and performers. Give it a listen!

I'll take your place when the world ends
And you take mine
I'll break us out of this
Jail and get you high
'Cause when it all ends,
I want you to be free
Free like you make me


Happy Listening!

Tuesday Tunes

I am absolutely in love with John Mayer. He is and has been one of my favorite musicians throughout my life. His last album, Battle Studies, was a bit disappointing in my opinion. I think my dissatisfaction towards the album had a lot to do with his Rolling Stones interview that was released around the same time. It was just a very big turn off altogether. On top of that, the sound just wasn't the same "John Mayer." What happened to the classic John Mayer? I missed the old him.

A few weeks ago it was announced that John Mayer was going to release a new album on May 22nd. Excitement began to brew and then the new single was released. I was a bit hesitant at first but after a few seconds into Shadow Days I was in love. The old John Mayer is back! ...at least in this single. Give it a listen. It's FANTASTIC.

I'm a good man, with a good heart
Had a tough time, got a rough start
But I finally learned to let it go
Now I'm right here, and I'm right now
And I'm open, knowing somehow
That my shadow days are over
My shadow days are over now

John Mayer, my friend, and I on my 16th birthday at his Continuum tour. It was a beautiful night!!

Counting down the days until the release of Born and Raised on May 22nd. Can't wait! In the meantime, give Shadow Days a listen.

Happy Listening!

Tuesday Tunes

Happy First Day of Spring!

...or at least that's what my planner tells me. It surely doesn't feel like it in Beijing. There never seems to be a light at the end of the tunnel with this weather. Beijing likes to be cold...cold...and even colder. All I'm asking is for some sunshine, clear blue skies, and a little bit of warmth. Is that asking for too much?

I'm a huge fan of Spotify for checking out new music. You all should definitely give it a go! Whenever a new album comes out, Spotify is my go-to place to click through the tracks and see if the album is worth buying on iTunes. It has definitely been a money saver and as a college student, every little penny counts! In order to celebrate Spring, I created a "Spring Playlist." These aren't necessarily the ONLY songs I'll be listening to for the next couple of months, but they are some new, catchy tunes recently released!

Hope you enjoy these tunes as much as I do! If there are any tunes you think I need to check out, for sure leave me a note!

Happy Listening!

Tuesday Tunes

DAVE BARNES NEW ALBUM!

I have been awaiting this day for months now. It is finally here and this album is BLOWING MY MIND. It's been on replay for the past 54 minutes (the download started promptly at midnight) and I absolutely can't get enough of it. The entire album is phenomenal and there are no filler tracks whatsoever. Dave Barnes, you never fail me. It's his sixth album and he still finds a way to amaze me time and time again. Do you think my grandparents will be humming Dave Barnes by the end of the week? Most likely!

I love the title of the album Stories to Tell. The album is just that, Dave Barnes singing stories to us. It's beautiful and quite intimate. We're getting a little glimpse into his life and what he has experienced. They may be his stories but it's so relatable to any person. You've loved someone before right? You've missed someone before yeah? You're growing up aren't you? You've left home before? See, it's such a relatable album!

Picking a favorite will be tough. Each song is its own story and is so well written, recorded, and produced. I honestly can't pick. I've been sitting here thinking and debating and I CAN'T! Maybe in a few weeks a favorite will emerge. You all, seriously go and check it out. When have I ever failed you all when it comes to music?

Don't you all love the album cover? It's simple yet totally approriate!

Happy Listening!

PS I'm also loving the release of Passion 2012 album, White Flag. The song "White Flag" is just amazing!!

PPS Spring Break Day 1 and 2 update tomorrow!

Tuesday Tunes

I have been in Beijing exactly one month now. I honestly can't even wrap my brain around this because it doesn't feel like it! In a way it feels like time has flown by but there are times where I feel as though I've been here forever. Only two more months of classes and three more months until I am on a plane headed home! Don't get me wrong, I really am enjoying my time here in Beijing. I wouldn't trade this experience for anything else. Life in Beijing is just different and there are aspects of the US that I miss. But, there are some things that I love in Beijing. So, happy one month anniversary Beijing!

This week's Tuesday Tunes feature: Jessie J.

Jessie J is one talented girl. I will admit though, I wasn't a huge fan of "Price Tag" but once "Domino" hit the radio I instantly became a fan. She has one incredible voice and her songs are always so catchy! Off her album Who You Are I'm loving the following songs in no particular order: Domino, Who You Are, Nobody's Perfect, Casualty of Love, and Abracadabra. Such a catchy album.

I came across her cover of Rihanna's "We Found Love" on Youtube the other day and that is ALL I've been listening to. Is it awful that I kind of prefer it over Rihanna's? The cover showcases Jessie J's vocal ability and the control that she has. She put her own touch into the song and that's what makes it so awesome! Also, she did it live. Mad impressive. That is a clear indication of talent right there.

What have you all been listening to lately? Anything that I must check out?

Tuesday Tunes & Press Conference

I am dedicating this Tuesday Tunes spotlight to Westlife, an Irish boy band that has been together for 14 years. Yup, you read that correctly. FOURTEEN years.

This afternoon, I got to meet these guys through my internship. Arrived at the office bright and early, got some work done, and by 10:30am Jenny (my co-worker) and I were out the door headed to MasterCard Center (previously known as Wukesong) to set up for Westlife's press conference. The band will be performing tomorrow night at the MasterCard Center as one of their stops on their Farewell Tour. I had no idea that an Irish boy band was so popular in China! The last time they were here in September, the show completely sold out. Seriously??

Jenny and I spent an entire day running around prepping for the press conference. Such a great learning experience! After the press conference we filmed a few ID's for tomorrow night. Those guys are absolutely hilarious and their accents? AWESOME. Throughout the presser, they kept saying "lads." LOVE IT. One of the things I wasn't use to today was speaking music industry/production jargon in Chinese. I struggled through it but I made it through the day! It never hurts to try and as I spoke more and more in Chinese, the easier it got.

Here's one of Westlife's most popular song in China. "My Love" is currently plastered everywhere in Beijing. MasterCard has some great branding! (hehe) The guys sure don't look like this anymore...

Staff Badge

This backdrop in the green room only took Jenny and I about an hour and a half to put together. Major struggle bus there. Who thought it was a good idea to let two girls under the height of 5'4 to put this contraption together? Thank goodness someone finally stepped in and helped us!

All set and ready for the press conference to start

Priceless Beijing

Seats are filling up! Presser about to start

Back in the green room filming ID's for MasterCard!

Alright, time to get studying on Chinese and attempt to get some rest for tomorrow. It's going to be an even longer day but always exciting. 



Tuesday Tunes & Pinterest Wednesday

Did I really just eat dinner out of a plastic bag? Yeah, I did. Thanks Beijing! It may have been in a plastic bag but my bao zi (pork buns) and jiao zi (dumplings) were absolutely delish. Didn't have time to take a picture because I was starving. I'm a workaholic and haven't eaten all day so FORGIVE ME. Wednesdays are going to be insane for me. I have class at 9am for three and a half hours then I immediately head to my internship (an hour and 15 minute commute) until 6:30pm and finally commute another hour and 15 minutes back home. Worth it though! I had another wonderful day at work. Seriously, I can listen to my boss talk all day. His British accent is just incredible. He's also absolutely hilarious and everyday I thank him for believing in me and giving me this opportunity. He simply laughs and says I'm being ridiculous. I honestly hope I don't let anyone down in the office!!

As promised, I owe you all a Tuesday Tunes! Well, this week's Tuesday Tunes feature is my absolute favorite artist: Dave Barnes. You all know I'm totally obsessed with him. Yeah, yeah, yeah. This past Tuesday he just released another single from his upcoming album. It's called "White Flag." As always, Dave Barnes does not disappoint and I am hooked! Give it a listen! You won't regret it!

How handsome is he!?

Woo! Pinterest Wednesday. I feel as though my addiction to Pinterest has gotten worse since I've gotten to Beijing. I wake up pinning on my phone and go to bed pinning on my phone. Yup, addict right here! My "Wishlist" board on Pinterest is growing bigger and bigger everyday. Hey y'all, my birthday is in July...just sayin'.

My three favorite things: Chevron, Monogram, and iPhone

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Crushin' hardcore over this fabulous Kate Spade cross body. It's the perfect size and look at that color! It's screaming spring and summer.

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I've been itching to buy a pair (or 3) of Tori Burch Reva Flats. They actually have knock-off ones in Beijing but I will definitely be going back State side and investing in a real pair.

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How beautiful is this Lilly dress? The Navy one is my absolute fave. Can't wait to hit up my Lilly spot in Bethesda when I get back!

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My niece in AKPsi has this wristlet and when I saw it, I instantly fell in love. This Michael Kors wristlet is absolutely perfect and such a genius idea. It's practical and super chic. WANT.

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The list can go on and on but I'll stop right here and spare you all. I would just like to add right now how I love the fact that my grandfather is currently texting me. No problem at all. In fact, he's even texting in Mandarin Chinese. Mad impressive.

Tuesday Tunes

autumn never seemed this cold before
here I am sleeping on the floor
we changed just like the leaves
outside my house 

I would just like to start off by saying: Happy First Day of Classes to my AU friends! Wish I were with you guys today.

While my friends are toting around their backpacks, going to new classes, reading through syallbi, I am once again hitting the road. The past few days have been very relaxing at home but my bags are repacked and I am about to head out to Richmond for a couple of days. No worries though, I have not forgotten Tuesday Tunes! I leave you with Jon McLaughlin and Sara Bareilles' "Summer is Over."

What a PERFECT collaboration. These two are a couple of my most favorite artists (did you notice both of their names are missing the conventional "h"? CLEVER.) and this song is absolutely perfect. Their voices are simply...soothing. Amazing lyrics, amazing harmonies, amazing song. "Summer is Over" pretty much puts words to that feeling I get when summer comes to an end. You hit that point where you know that you have to let go of everything that has happened over the summer and what you've felt because it's time to return to reality. Oh summer, you're such a tease.

So, I'm off to Richmond and I hope that you all will fall just as much in love with Jon McLaughlin and Sara Bareilles' "Summer is Over" as I am. 

Tuesday Tunes

If you know me, you know that I am a huge music fanatic. The long term life plan is that someday, I will be working in the music industry. One of my favorite things is to find new artists/bands all the time.

sooooooooo....
Today, I am introducing one of Walk in Love's daily themes: Tuesday Tunes. The first Tuesday Tunes will be Michael Stagliano. When I initially listened to his music, I thought he was great! As I started to learn more about him I found out that he was on The Bachelorette. Weird?? Never watched the show but hey, good for him! Go Google him; he is quite a cutie-patootie.

I am definitely digging his song "Find You" at this moment. It's kind of sad but it is GREAT. Love the whole "guitar+man+love song" thing he's got going on. Just sayin'!

Check it out! If you have any music recommendations that you think are must listens, let me know!