Pretty Little Liars: An Interview with guest musician Anthony Starble

As I was watching "Under the Gun" on Pretty Little Liars a few weeks ago, casually dismissing the insane mistakes Hanna always seems to make, I heard Anthony's voice and was instantly left wanting more. I took to Google to find out who this mystery man was, and was pleased to find that the catchy tune on PLL is called "We Need To Be Loved", by Anthony Starble.

On set of Pretty Little Liars

How did you wind up on PLL?
I'm actually good friends with one of the writers on the show, Lijah Barasz,
and when a part came up for a piano playing singer in The Brew, she submitted my info to the producers.
  
Did you have this song in mind to perform? Or was it chosen beforehand?
I was booked on the show before we decided on the song. The producers wanted something uplifting that was just piano and voice, and I thought of this song because th
e hook can be internalized as both a positive or negative reaction to the idea of needing to be loved, and I think that makes it very relatable. I sent the producers a demo, since the song hadn't been released yet, and they loved it.

What was that day like on set? Did you get to meet any of the PLL cast?
Well I certainly felt like I was living life like a glamorous actor!  They really spoiled me by giving me my own trailer and escorting me to and from set. Filming the scene made me a little nervous, since everyone in the room was watching me sing my song over and over and over again. We had to do a lot of takes for the different camera angles. All in all we probably did somewhere between 15- 20 takes. I got such positive feedback from the actors and the camera crew that my nerves quickly settled. I did get to meet some of the cast and chat with them a little bit between takes.

That's awesome! Who'd you meet?

Anthony and writer of the ep. Lijah Barasz

I got to meet Troian who plays Spencer,  Lucy (Aria), and Shay (Emily). They were all very nice considering they had probably been on set since 5AM. I definitely hit it off with Lucy, since she also has a music career. We chatted a little about the music business. The highlight was probably talking with Shay, who couldn't stop gushing over my song.

Was this your first television appearance?
This was my first big television appearance on a series. Getting the opportunity to sing an original song on a major network show was a dream come true. 

I read you've done some theater in the past, what was your favorite play that you've been in, and who did you play?
I grew up doing musical theater in school and was always involved in regional productions as well. I'd say my favorite show was Spring Awakening. I played the part of Ernst. I love the musical sensibility and raw emotion of that show!

About your music...the piano completely struck me along with the jazzy tones in your voice. It's difficult for me to describe. How would you describe your music?
 I definitely write pretty melodies and catchy hooks, so at its core my music is pop, but I take a lot of influence from neo-soul vocalists and folk songwriters, so I usually describe my music as a hybrid of pop, folk, and soul.

Your lyrics for "We Need To Be Loved" are equally as stunning. What kind of place emotionally do you have to be in when you write, and what is your process like?
 My process usually begins with a musical idea on the piano, which then sparks a lyric idea. Once I have the initial lyric idea, I come up with possible themes that relate to the lyric and base the rest of the song around which theme  I decide to go with. I definitely indulge in a sense of heightened emotionality when I write, letting the feeling of the song kind of take control. It feels like I'm in a another world sometimes.

I can tell, that song has been added to my Summer playlist for sure. The lyrics just ring so true.
So glad you liked the song Lindsay!
 
Are you getting ready to release any new music?
I am. "We Need To Be Loved" will be on an EP set to release this fall.


Top 3 songs on your  personal playlist?
"Elusive" by Lianne LaHavas, stunning singer/songwriter from the UK. "Breathe Me" by Sia, super emotional power ballad, and lastly "Mirrors" by Justin Timberlake, I haven't been able to get that song out of my head for months.


 I could so see you doing a cover of JT- just a suggestion! So if you could collab with any musician, who would it be?
Elton John. He's had an amazing career and I'd love the possibility of collaborating with an iconic piano playing songwriter.

So what's next for you? Where do you  see yourself going?
After the new release of my EP this fall, I'll put a package together and submit to labels. I see myself not only as an artist, but as a heavy-hitting songwriter as well.

I'd say you're well on your way, already having been able to grab massive amounts of attention in under 30 seconds on PLL. I'm looking forward to your EP this fall! 
Thank you so much Lindsay! It's been a pleasure!

Get ready for the release of his EP by following him on Twitter
Follow @AnthonyStarble


By keeping up with Lijah, you just might find out who A is...
Follow @PLLijah
Like Anthony on Facebook! 

Head over to ABC Family to get all the PLL details!

Dig out your Gameboy and N64: An Interview With Shirobon

With his new EP "Back Tracking", Shirobon returns to his Chiptune roots. He's about to drop his new song "Trouble" feat. Brandon Marx which I was lucky enough to get a first listen to. The song is the perfect pump up track and i've had it on repeat. 

Read on for the interview, and official artwork for the new EP.

LT:  So I’m just going to come out and ask... since you’re making Chiptune, what’s your favorite Game Boy/ Nintendo 64 game?

S: Gotta be Zelda: Ocarina of Time! I have lost count on how many times I have played that game! 

LT: Is there a theme for this next EP?

S: Somewhat… the EP is called 'Back Tracking'. I started out making Chiptune using a type of music sequencer called a 'tracker'. Since then I have explored some new sounds and used more common audio sequencers for a few years. In this EP I am going back to using the sounds of vintage game consoles and the use of trackers… hence the name 'Back Tracking'.

LT: Who inspires you?

S: There are so many people who inspire me, but to name a few.. She, Daft Punk, Amon Tobin, Boys Noize, Sabrepulse and Henry Homesweet

LT: Tell me about your creative process

S: I don't have any set rules. Most times I start with either drums or a melody and then put in whatever idea's hit me. Every song is different 

LT: I know you’re returning to your roots with this one, but how do you think your style has changed and progressed?

S: Well seeming as I was 17 when my previous chip releases came out and I'm 22 now.. my sound has matured quite a bit. I've learnt a lot more about production and audio tricks on the way too! So it's the same Chiptune style but with a more advanced approach on the production process! 

LT: So you’re bringing Brandon on to be featured, how’d you guys meet?

S: He actually dropped me a message a while ago saying the he loved my stuff.. after taking a listen to his music and liking what I heard we decided it would be a great idea to work on a track together! He's a fantastic singer :)

LT: What kind of feel does he bring to the song?

S: The song I wanted him on needed a bit of commercial touch but with more attitude rather then cheese.. he was the perfect person for it!

LT: What challenges have there been, if any, working collaboratively? 

S: Only challenge is the fact that it's done over seas. I wasn't able to actually be in the studio with him to express my ideas so it took a bit of time sending ideas back and forth and getting it right!

LT: What are your Summer plans, what have you been doing thus far?

S: Release my EP and see more parts of the world! I'm currently polishing of the release and finalizing plans. 

Official EP Artwork

LT: I’ve checked out your sound cloud and I’m super excited for what you have coming out in August, thanks so much for your time!

S: No worries! :-)

I highly recommend checking out his Soundcloud to get a taste of what you're in for.

Get ready for the release of "Trouble" by liking his Facebook Page and following him on Twitter

Follow @shirobon

Brandon Marx who will be featured is also about to put music out, so check out his Facebook by clicking Here and follow him on Twitter

Follow @brandoncmarx

Johnny Mac

I have to say that Johnny Mac brings the 90's funky fresh summer beat back hard. I feel like Will Smith on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air would be jammin' to this up in West Philadelphia. It just has that classic feel to it that brings on this overwhelming sense of nostalgia and carefree days.
Check out the interview to hear about his inspiration, future plans and what songs he kicks it to in his free time, as well as a few exclusive behind the scenes pics.

LT: How would you describe your sound?

JM:  My sound varies, I mean, the song I just released was a fun sound to get everybody to know my personality and all but my sound varies a lot.  Big into the summer scene and feeling good, but I also make songs addressing hardships and other feelings.

LT:Tell me about your personal style...

JM:  Well I'm kind of a goofball, love to enjoy myself really.  I just do what I want.  If I feel somethin’ I do it.  I love music and I’m a fan of sports as well, just love to have fun really.  

LT: What got you into rapping?

JM:  Well ever since I was like 12 I've always written raps in my free time ‘cuz it always puts me in another place.  Just me and the beat- nothing feels better, I love music.  Some events happened in my life that have inspired me to live a life I wanna live, so I just took it into my own hands.  

LT:  What was the inspiration for the music video/who else was in it with you?/Can you dance? It seemed like some people could....

JM:  Yeah I have a buddy named Lorenzo who can really move. Those people in the shoot were some of my close friends, really good guys, and  I've been known to dance when the mood is right… haha.

LT:  Guilty Pleasures?

JM:  Just when nobody is home, crank some Usher and embarrass myself.

LT:  If you could record with somebody else who would it be?

JM:  Thats a good question.... I think Mike Stud  is a cool dude definitely but he doesn't even know who I am.

LT: So you've graduated, what are you going to school for?

JM:  My mind is set on broadcasting, but music is now really interesting me.  If anybody going to Arizona State knows how to record music wel,l hit me up haha.  But yeah I'm just going in college with my chin up seeing what the experience is like, hopefully surrounded by people helping me to create more tracks while out west.

LT:  Top 3 tracks on your playlist now? 

JM:  Mary - 2am club, LA story - Sammy Adams ft Mike Posner, Sammy's Shadow - Mike Stud

LT:  Are you working on an EP right now? What is your next big project?

JM:  Just pumping out as many songs as I can before I go to school, videos, interviews, all that fun stuff.

LT:  Alright so between school and recording what are you doing in your free time?

JM:  Just writing, and trying to enjoy myself with my best friends before I head to school..

LT: Hey well thanks for this, it was fun talking to you. You have a seriously cool sound. Like, straight up fresh is the only way I can describe it…I love it.

JM: Haha yea thanks, no problem, it was great talking with you.

He's about to blow up, so like his Facebook page, and follow him on Twitter to stay up to date.
Follow @JohnnyMacBoogie

Miles- Freshview Films

Special thanks to Miles at Freshview Films for supplying me with the behind the scenes pics. So talented, makes amazing videos check out his site for more, and his Facebook page.

Last but definitely not least, I have to give a HUGE shout out  to Lorenzo Manalo for being able to break it down like none other, simply put.
Follow @lorenzomanalo

I'm so excited for the next song to come out. I'll be looking out for it.

Just Try And Describe It

Determined not to succumb to  the phrases,"I really like this song" or "I love this album", I've been struggling for three days trying to accurately describe the implications the No World album has had in my life.

 I want to get the answers right, becasuse what could be better than having Andrew and Daniel say to me, "Lindsay, you've got it. You understand what we're saying".

But the honest to God truth is, No World is doing things to me, and for me, that maybe Andrew and Daniel didn't' intend for it to do. Whether they knew it or not, this album is incredibly sexy. Not one night stand sexy, not hit it and quit it sexy- past all that. It mirrors the kind of sexy that stems from eager selflessness and vulnerability.

Just, do me a favor, imagine this. I promise it will be over in a second but try:
You lay there with your partner in an attempt to get them to realize your love past the point of sheer exhaustion. You tried, and it's not that you came up short, it's just that exhaustion will take you. And it will take you every time. You come to the conclusion that "love" will always be bound by the limits of emotional and physical exhaustion, and there's no getting past that. The song Lifetime comes on your playlist with its intricate and simply constructed lyrics, Too much to leave alone
Too much to be unsaid
 All of the words are gone
All of the time is spent

And it gives you a glimpse of what that would actually be like, giving someone more than the essence of yourself. The guitar and deep bass fill you and make you think it's almost possible again.

Alright so that break from reality lasted a minute-
If in fact you have no idea what I'm talking about, haven't experienced this in your life, and can't even begin to imagine it- this album makes you want to. Forget lyrics like "I will always love you" or "You broke my heart". That might be the end result of your situation but No World absolutely encompasses everything in between.

Follow @inc_no_world

This kid.

There’s no need to compare him to The Biebz. But it’s just so tempting, the comparison practically begs to be made. So we’re going to do it.

Meet Austin Mahone. 

I was at the gym, in the zone, breaking a sweat on the treadmill listening to my own music when I happened to glance at the flat screen overhead. That’s when I saw him. This kid was performing some really intense choreography that requires more than hitting the moves, it requires a certain style and confidence. When you watch him dance, you don’t get the feeling he’s counting “One… and two… and three… and four” under his breath. Austin Mahone is mastering moves with style, poise and grace and most importantly, innate rythm, all before Bieber ever even got a pair of high top Nike’s. (Swoosh)

Mahone has a pretty sick style that’s a little more urban than the Biebz and really gives him a run for his money. I mean, this kid I’d certainly say, has more swag. That’s exactly what got me to switch over from my music, to listening to the music video on the treadmill. It's his performance factor.  Big pretty eyes, nice hair, huge million dollar smile is all part of Austin’s package deal, but that’s about where it stops. 

His sound…needs to be worked on. It lacks direction. He has a great voice but the over produced quality of his songs sound like a Kidz Bop record. That’s where I shook my head, and everything fell apart. It left me kind of heart broken because I see so much potential in him!
If you pick apart pieces of Bieber and Mahone, carefully structure them back together and you’d have someone with 3X the popularity of J-Biebz alone. Take Justin's sexy lyrical style similar to Chris Brown, and give Mahone Justin’s producer, give Justin Mahone's dance execution and I see great, great things. But you can't just do that to people.

Check out Autsin’s newest music video.

Oh yeah.

Flo Rida is in there, too.

Sweet Nothing: A great title

When I first heard “Sweet Nothing” with Calvin Harris ft. Florence Welch I was mad. I was really, really mad.

Where had my sweet ethereal goddess gone? Where were her echoing trance inducing vocals?

To me this sounded like a sellout. And it was a shame.

“She’s branching out” they say.

“She’s trying new things” they say.

Both of which, are fine and well.

Compare “Sweet Nothing” to “Only For A Night” or “Remain Nameless” and you’ll see how there’s a lot lost in translation between the genre switch and it’s not an easy one, nor was it flawless, and it didn’t bring anything to the table.

Is the song good? Yeah, if you take it for face value. Maybe if the Flo-Queen came up with an alter ego Sasha Fierce that sang over dubstep tracks I could stomach this tune a little better.

But this powerhouse singer with the voice of an angel, well…the collab just doesn’t do anything for her.
But, more you listen to it, the more it grows on you.

It’s good, just…good. A word I’d never normally associate with Florence Welch, it’s a step down from her normal mark of extraordinary.

Unoriginal, but new

Seriously though, is anything really original anymore?

I'd have to say no. But that doesn't stop this platinum blond mohawk from looking fabulous on both Pink and Miley Cyrus in light of her new style evolution.

So was I at all surprised when they showed up to the VMA's with similar hairstyles? 

Again, i'd have to say not at all.

They both "werk" it in completely different ways. Miley in her dark dress with a plunging neck line, and Pink in her olive gown.

I do expect to see Miley on the Nasty Gal website sometime soon, though.

This is not like, Taylor Swift's best song...like, ever.

Taylor Swift.

She's been through so much in the public eye but has always managed to show the public just what she's made of and how she feels. That's why we love her. I can say that personally, her album Speak Now has cradled me to sleep during many a restless night as I myself was getting over this heart ache here, and that heart ache there. We can all agree that singing songs of revenge and gut wrenching pain had never felt so good than when you're singing to a Taylor Swift song.

Then what is it about her new single, "We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together" that just seems so...childish?

My favorite Celebrity Blogger Perez Hilton said otherwise, saying "It's one of her best to date!".
I on the other hand, do not see at all how it could even make her top 12 best songs. Perhaps it's the lyrical inferiority as compared with songs like "Back To December", "Dear John" from her previous album Speak Now and "Innocent"referring to the Kanye West incident (You remember that....right?) No need to go into any detail with that one. I had expected more from her brilliant mind, and you can say that I was a little let down, when I was met with "We are never ever, ever, getting back together".

When all is said and done, I'm still a ride or die T-Swizzle fan (how can you not be?) and this momentary lapse in tune and song which distressed me so, will be indefinitely overlooked when her new album RED makes its debut on October 22nd. I'll be one of the first to buy it, the first to sing it, and cry with it.

Follow Miss Taylor Swift on Twitter

If you don't know about Ed Sheeran, you really should.

And here's why. If you are amazed that a performer sounds the same on record as they do live, you haven't heard enough good artists. There is music out there that you can relate to lyrically, and it won't be found on the radio.

There is more than :
Girl look at that body
Girl look at that body
Girl look at that body
I work out

Which actually surprised me.

Ed Sheeran is a gem that you will want to keep all to yourself.
Sadly, he already has over 2K followers on Twitter

His lyrics touch anyone who has ever been in love, and lost love. They recreate the joy and sorrow that you've felt personally. He lets you into his life in such a personal way, his lyrics will stun your heart into silence.
And what's even better is that it's just him and his guitar, that create flawless performances every time.

Watch him do it all himself, here.

His album "+" is in stores now.