Kati Rose - Constantly Seeking Wonder

February 9, 2016

Seeing the Pain, Seeing the Pleasure

February 9, 2016

I will admit, there was a very small part of me that wanted to be salty and dislike Zayn‘s first post One Direction single. However, I knew that was most likely not going to be the case unless the song turned into an unmitigated disaster. The side of me that loves Zayn and wants nothing but success for him as an artist would win out. When I heard “Pillowtalk” for the first time I instantly knew I would be a fan of his solo work. You all know I couldn’t resist my chance to share my thoughts.

Pillowtalk by Zayn - Is the first post One Direction single love or hate?

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“Pillowtalk” is described by Zayn himself as raw and dirty. Take one listen and those adjectives are embedded in every aspect of the song from overall sound to the lyrics. I have a pretty big feeling “Pillowtalk” will be heavily in rotation on bedroom playlists across the globe. Trojan should just start writing their thank you card to Mr. Malik right about now for their massive spike in sales.

There is the right amount of distance in “Pillowtalk” from Zayn’s boyband pop roots, but it is still in the realm of Top 40 tunes. It blends the pop and r & b production values that are at the height of the charts currently. This straddling of worlds is key for fans new and old to enjoy Zayn’s r & b venture. The dropping of his last name helps add to the broody vibes as well, even if I may have laughed when I first noticed. Madonna. Cher. Usher. Zayn. Somehow, it works.

Is it love or is it hate for Zayn’s first post One Direction song?

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I was more than happy to hear the signature Zayn high note from the days of One Direction remains a steady fixture in his music. Zayn has one of the highest and smoothest vocal registers amongst male singers that can wow even the harshest critics.

My biggest complaint still stands however. (No matter how many times I listen to “Pillowtalk” and enjoy it.) Zayn stated The Weeknd is an influence and that’s VERY obvious. Both the song and the video have strong vibes of his r & b counterpart. If Zayn’s voice didn’t shine so well in this genre of music, it would almost seem like a cheap copy.

While “Pillowtalk” isn’t anything groundbreaking, it’s catchy and a damn good start for Zayn’s solo career future. The last ten months have paid off for Zayn as “Pillowtalk” is not only the fastest selling single in 2016, but it also hit the no. 1 spot on the Billboard charts. Something not even One Direction managed to do. I am curious to see what else Zayn can throw at us when his debut solo album Mind of Mine drops in March. (Just don’t let it be March 25th, that one may sting too much still.)

Do you see a future for solo Zayn?

P.S. - For another name to watch in r & b in 2016, look no further than Alessia Cara. The young songstress brings a unique quality to the genre.

Until next time,

January 21, 2016

2016 Artists to Watch

January 21, 2016

A new year has rolled around and it’s time for me to write one of my favorite posts of the year, placing bets on who will be the 2016 Artists to Watch. As a music nerd, I love to look at who is making waves in the industry and getting people talking. By using the ability to trend forecast I have discovered many artists ahead of their big jump to fame. Which is a neat occurrence for multiple reasons. The biggest being I’ve been lucky enough to see many artists when they were unknowns in small, intimate venues before they were selling out stadiums. That fact alone is reason I continue to take the time each January to sift through the noise and bring you the best of the best.

One of the most interesting things for me when I am compiling this list is seeing the overall genre trends that emerge. Last year, EDM influences reigned. While there are still glimmers of that in 2016’s breakout artist batch, this seems to be the year of the singer songwriter. Thanks to powerhouses like Adele, there has been a swift switch to vocal focused performances and an air of simplicity in music again.

Enough with the small talk, may I present my selections for the 2016 artists to watch.

Check out which artists will be big in music in 2016 now for bragging rights all year long.

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Conrad Sewell

Conrad Sewell is an Australian singer who is very multi-faceted with his talent. On the surface he seems like your typical crooner in soulful pop, but it’s obvious with his killer melodies he can take on practically any genre. Sewell began to get noticed after lending his vocals to Kygo’s “Firestone” last year. Even Jay-Z’s business partner tried to buy his song “Start Again” for Kylie Minogue to sing.

Hippo Campus

I’ve got to rep some love for the Minnesota boys Hippo Campus. Selling out venues across the state every time they perform, I knew it was only a matter of time before they went even further than local buzz. A young four-piece, Hippo Campus is full of energy. They spent the last year on the festival circuit making a name for themselves amongst indie rock fans.

Frances

If you’re a fan of Adele, Frances is your gal. While watching her perform back in November, I was amazed at how she could command attention with just her voice behind a piano and her wit during the breaks. A big lunged Brit, you’ll be impressed with her purity of voice that delivers everything from ballads to upbeat jams.

Wet

Wet has released three albums already and amassed a legion of fans, but recently they signed a record deal with Columbia. That’s a game changer for the Brooklyn trio. Very reminiscent of CHVRCHES with the band’s airy, dreamscape tones there’s another layer of added crystalline pop that makes their music oh-so pleasurable to the ear.

Andra Day

If there’s one thing to be certain with Andra Day, the brassy voiced singer is also full of soul. Her songs have lots of throwback sounds and old-school r & b influences. However, her voice doesn’t get muddled. Ever. Instead, Day has a clarity to her tone that is rarely heard.

Aurora

Here’s another instance where the EDM influences of 2015 are still heard, but in a very unique way. Aurora is what I’ve seen classified as “icy synth” - slow, EDM backing tracks to compliment a raw emotive voice. Which is exactly what Aurora does. She earned a gold-star approval this last holiday season when the UK’s famed John Lewis Christmas Advert chose her song “Half the World Away” to be featured.

Jack Garratt

One of the best tell-tale signs of an artist’s likelihood for success is the BBC Sound List, which is great news for Jack Garratt as he scored the coveted top spot in 2016. A husky voice, Garratt is one of those performers you wish it was possible to wrap yourself up in their music if you could. It just feels cozy. A unique blend of pop, r & b, and electronica - he’s not likely to be confused with any other artist out there.

I’ve got a few honorable mentions this year too. While I feel like these artists have already made it big, I realize my music mind sees things skewed compared to the general public. The acts listed below may already be somewhat familiar figures, but do not have wide stream visibility other than a hit single or a vigorous fanbase. I’m talking the bands and singers that will be all over the airwaves and pop culture next year. Click on the name to be brought to a music video for each artist.

Who are your 2016 artists to watch that you believe will make it big in the coming year?

P.S. - Check back on my 2015 breakout artist predictions to see what I got right and maybe pick up a few artists you may have missed along the way.

Until next time,

January 19, 2016

I’ve Been Keeping Your Head Up, Darling

January 19, 2016

Birdy has been a long time favorite artist of mine. She exploded onto the YouTube scene with her haunting cover of “Skinny Love” by Bon Iver four years ago. (Seriously, watch the cover as I can never seem to get enough of it.) On top of that success she’s already written and recorded two albums, with a third soon to be released. All by the age of nineteen. That’s pretty impressive. However, even with Birdy’s notoriety in most music circles, she’s still quite the underrated performer.

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Her latest song “Keeping Your Head Up” may be a game changer for the young Brit songstress. In the past Birdy’s songs have centered around gloomy and brooding. Even when she was featured on soundtracks it’s been for movies such as The Hunger Games or The Fault in Our Stars. When “Keeping Your Head Up” begins it feels like familiar territory. There’s an eerie incessant piano and Birdy’s pure voice is slow and crescendoing. That all changes when the chorus hits. Suddenly the piano notes are switched out for a layered upbeat electronic element. It is very apparent that Birdy refined her talents in a more pop-spun direction.

With her latest single, @officialbirdy may cross into the mainstream realm.

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However, the song’s lyrics still have a tinge of melancholy. Written about overcoming obstacles and finding hope, it’s still Birdy at her finest. It’s not necessarily different material, “Keeping Your Head Up” is just packaged slightly different. Even with a new sound, Birdy’s delicate vocals take the foreground that keep the listener’s attention and praise.

“Keeping Your Head Up” may finally be the song of Birdy’s that collects more wide mainstream airplay. It’s definitely something I could picture myself and others listening to on the radio and bopping along.

What song are you loving currently?

P.S. - Looking for other female vocalists with airy tones that have found their place in haunting and melancholic songwriting? Might I suggest Meg Myers for all your angst-filled needs.

Until next time,

January 13, 2016

Kati Rose Confessions

January 13, 2016

I’ve always spent Wednesdays reading everyone else’s hashtags and confession posts for about the last year, but I’ve never actually joined in. Today, I thought I’d throw my hat in at an attempt. I still don’t know how to talk about myself and feel like my routine is boring. Work, workout, blog, bed, the end. Yet, people seem to love these types of posts from me. #Snoozefest #FirstTimerHere

I haven’t seen the new Star Wars movie, nor do I know if I ever really want to. What I do know is that I have read Every. Single.Theory. I AM OBSESSED. I have also blogged an unhealthy number of posts about the subject matter on Tumblr. The whole emo Kylo Ren memes crack me up and are too funny to resist. #WhoAmI

http://katirose.tumblr.com/post/136477836864/teamrocketing-kylo-ren-tries-to-enter-reys

The celebrity world is a tough subject for me. It’s something I’ve always enjoyed, but due to my course work at university I also see through most publicity stunts. As I’ve gotten older I have realized 90% of Hollywood is nothing but smoke and mirrors. That makes it hard to mindlessly enjoy as much as I used to, especially in normal every day conversations. Most people don’t see the set-ups and will gush about things that want me to explain the inner workings. Recently after telling a friend her new favorite OTP was actually a fairly obvious PR relationship, they told me I read too much into things and Hollywood is exactly what we see. #NotAllRainbowsandUnicorns #BitingMyTongue #SlammingHeadAgainstWall

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I have never understood people’s frustration at the gym each new year until now. I JUST WANT MY MACHINES. It was literally a forty-five minute wait for a dang bike. Did I mention I already go at 9 o’clock at night? It should be dead at that time. #EverybodyGoHome #BreakYourResolutionsAlready

From emo Kylo Ren to your new favorite fake OTP, I’ve got an opinion on everything.

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Over the holidays I found out another friend is pregnant and another got engaged. I’m over here pretending to care about floral patterns and the cloth vs throwaway diaper debate. I must’ve taken a very wrong turn somewhere, because I have literally zero interest in marriage or children for the foreseeable future. It’s okay, I’ll stay over here blogging about boy bands and drink recipes cause that’s all that really matters right? #AdultingFail #SingleForever #WheresTheWine

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I have no idea if I did any of these hashtagging confessions right, but hopefully you at least enjoyed my witty and delightful commentary. #Shrugs

Remember to check out all the lovelies leading these fun hashtags and confessions based posts Laura & Lauren, Alanna & Sarah, and Nadine & Kathy!

What are your fun Wednesday stories or confessions for me?

P.S. - I’m full of personal posts lately, did you catch my recap of all the best things I stumbled upon in December?

Until next time,

January 12, 2016

Making A Murderer In A Song

January 12, 2016

Have you heard of this little show called Making A Murderer? It’s basically an unheard of indie docu-series. Who am I kidding? Everybody is obsessed with this Netflix series, even my 86-year-old grandpa.

Lake Superior - The Arcs (Making A Murderer in a Song)

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I bet you’re thinking, okay I love that show too, but how does that have to do with the Tuesday Tune Up? Making a Murderer has now reached peak pop culture obsession, resulting in a collision with the music world in a fantastic fashion.

Murders, especially highly contested ones, have always been fodder for songwriting material. An example is the controversial and well loved song “Hurricane” by Mr. Bob Dylan.

Making a Murder has reached peak obsession.

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After a binge session of Making A Murderer, The Arcs were compelled by the story of Steven Avery to the point they penned a song about the man at the center of the series. “Lake Superior” uses literary and historical references intertwined with Avery’s own story to deliver a compelling song. The entire process from start to finish took The Arcs two days to write, mix, record, and master “Lake Superior.” Full of eerie synthesizers and a disembodied Dan Auerbach on vocals, “Lake Superior” is a perfect compliment to Making A Murderer.

All sales of “Lake Superior” will benefit the Innocence Project. They are a nonprofit organization that works to exonerate folks who were wrongfully convicted using new and improved DNA testing.

Whether at the end of the day you find Avery guilty or not, it’s still fascinating to see the reach this series has had on our everyday discussions and culture.

Are you on the Making A Murderer bandwagon?

P.S. - References to pop culture, literature, and more always make the best songs.

Until next time,

January 11, 2016

New Year, New You: Workout Playlist

January 11, 2016

I know when the calendars flip to January 1st, for many people their new year’s resolutions are some variation of get in better shape, get fit, lose weight…yadda yadda yadda. I’ve been there. For me, it never lasted long. Instead I’ve realized I’ve slowly had to prioritize my health instead of a quick momentary goal because it was a new year. However, there is never a time like now to start planning for these goals, when everywhere you look there’s tips, deals, and support on an individual’s fitness.

Part of that journey has been learning to truly enjoy doing things that impact me positively. I now look forward to my trips to the gym and it is all about figuring out what works best for me. How did I do it? The answer may come as a surprise to all of you. One of my favorite ways to get excited for those scheduled workout times is to always have a fresh and lively playlist.

May I present the New Year, New You: Workout Playlist. There’s no genre or theme here. Just twenty-five top notch songs to kick your butt into gear. These are all new additions to my workout playlists that have inspired me and I hope they’ll do the same for you.

Make sure to save the playlist to your Spotify account for you to easily listen next time you head to the gym.

What’s your favorite recent song to get into the zone while working out?

P.S. - If you’re real into workout playlists that are themed, I have your back with my indie-filled pump up jams.

Until next time,

January 5, 2016

Saint Cecilia, Carry Me Home to your House of Broken Bones

January 5, 2016

Near the end of 2015, Foo Fighters mysteriously posted a countdown on their website. What were we awaiting? Fans eagerly started to pay attention and speculate. I know it captured my curiosity. When the countdown finally reached zero, the band dropped a surprise EP and a heartfelt letter from Dave Grohl. Better yet, the EP was free for everyone to download. What a way to end the year!

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The EP was recorded in Austin, Texas at the Saint Cecilia Hotel while the band performed during Austin City Limits festival weekends this past summer. (You can now bet I will be booking at least one night at this specific hotel the next time I make it down to Austin. Plus, it just looks like an incredibly unique and cool hotel!) Hence why the EP has the name Saint Cecilia EP. It is doubly fitting as Saint Cecilia was the Patron Saint of musicians.

The title track “Saint Cecilia” has been released as a single recently. It regresses to the punchier sound of Foo Fighter’s early albums, while pushing forward sonically as they continue with their career.

In terms of cool stuff artists do for fans, @foofighters always rank amongst the top.

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“Saint Cecilia” is simple but catchy - which is Foo Fighters gold. The song begins with Grohl’s vocals and a quiet guitar luring listeners in, until it all amps up in the chorus. It is there that the song doubles down with hooks and bouncy melodies for a robust tune.

For those that are new around here you should know that Dave Grohl is one of my favorite human beings. (I’d probably even place him in the top two.) Basically, I’ve loved him since I was a kid. The older I get the more I appreciate him. Personally, I think it was incredibly neat of the Foo Fighters to offer this five track EP up in gratitude of fans supporting the band during their latest tour and album. So often an artist will gain a huge following, only to forget to appreciate their fans. Foo Fighters never have.

The downfall of the Saint Cecilia EP is that it may be the last new music from the guys for a while. Why must all my favorites being going on hiatus all at once?

What are the coolest things you’ve seen artists do for their fans?

P.S. - Words of advice from Dave Grohl are a cornerstone of my belief that guilty pleasures are nonsense.

Until next time,

January 4, 2016

December 2015 Favorites

January 4, 2016

Your Support - I honestly can’t say this enough, I was so humbled and blown away by the positive reaction to #JAMpackedholiday. To say I was hesitant to launch that project beforehand was an understatement. Seeing how excited people got each day had me wowed at the community around Constantly Seeking Wonder. I wanted to take another moment and just properly say thank you all once more.

Carpool Karaoke with One Direction - Look, even my friend who despises One Direction texted me after watching this video and asked “Why are they so endearing?” It’s a quick look into why I love these guys so much. James Corden is basically the embodiment of me when I’m in my car and 1D comes on the speakers. Make sure to do yourself a favor and at least watch until they coordinate outfits and make a dance routine for “Not Control” to finally embrace their boyband roots.

Rimmel London Scandal Eyes - I am not a makeup expert or a beauty blogger. I couldn’t tell you the difference between one thing and another most of the time. However I find a product occasionally that I absolutely love. Which is exactly the case with this eyeshadow. It packaged in a smooth pencil format so it’s easy to apply, as I don’t have any fancy tools or brushes. The colors come in a variety of shades for an instant smoky eye look - my current favorite is Bad Girl Bronze. Best part? It goes on smooth and LASTS ALL DAY. That factor right there is a godsend. My only downfall with this product is there is no way to sharpen/scroll the tube up so they go fairly quick.

Eugène Delacroix - I had an extra day off over the holiday weekend and spent it on various solo adventures. One of my stops was the Minneapolis Institute of Arts to see the Delacroix Influence show. He was a French Romantic painter and his style impacted everyone from Renoir to Van Gogh. Seeing all the art was beautiful, but the thing that really astonished me was Delacroix’s massive murals in France. I spent an entire afternoon after the show researching his work in The Louvre, The Salon du Roi, and Church of St. Sulpice. Breathtaking even in pictures and you bet it’s now on my bucket list to see it all in person.

Galerie d’Apollon of the Louvre by Delacroix (x)

Cycling Class - I recently bought my first gym membership as an adult and thought I’d try my luck with a cycling class. I fell in love instantly. It is now something I look forward to each week. Can a SoulCycle open in Minneapolis yet? It’s basically the reason I even tried a cycling class in the first place. (What can I say? I’m a sucker for celebrity trends.)

NCIS - Somehow I had never watched this series before in the twelve plus years it has been on the air. In December I stumbled upon a marathon and got sucked in. I have a strong appeal towards murder mysteries and crime shows, so it’s surprising NCIS wasn’t on my radar before. The main cast members of Gibbs, DiNozzo, McGee, and Abby are delightful. It has quickly become my favorite thing to watch when I’m at the gym too. Which works well until there is an episode where Ducky is searching for his long lost brother and I was basically telling myself not to tear up while on the elliptical machine.

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Adele Tickets - Hello, it’s me. I was wondering how the hell I managed to score Adele tickets this summer? Okay so maybe I’m not quite a pro lyricist but the sentiment still stands. I’ve been lucky to see her perform live before (the last being in 2011) but I figured with her skyrocketing popularity there’d be no way I’d snag tickets this time around. Yet I did and I’m pretty amped about that fact.

Tattoo Roulette with One Direction - I’m sorry but One Direction were extra cute during December so you get the double dose this month. The real winner during Tattoo Roulette is Niall as he was truly freaking out. His pure reactions during the game are gold. I never felt so bad for giggling hysterically over someone else’s misery. Does he have the misfortune of choosing the tattoo box? You’ll just have to watch and find out. Fun fact: The tattoo artist is from Shamrock Social Club and has tattooed countless of celebrities (including One Direction before this game) and even yours truly when I was in Los Angeles.

December rounded out 2015 with plenty of gems to be found.

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My Favorite Posts of the Month:

#JAMpackedholiday

What were your favorite finds of December?

P.S. - Want to continue the One Direction binge? I’ve got you with the perfect playlist. Or maybe you’d rather find out why their new album Made in the A.M. is worth a listen for even non-fans.

Until next time,

December 31, 2015

#JAMpackedholiday Day Thirty One 2015

December 31, 2015

Friends we have made it! #JAMpackedholiday Day Thirty One wraps up this whole passion project of mine and I want to say thank you to each and every one of you! It was so rewarding seeing people join in on the excitement. Massive props to Kate on participating every day. She kept me on top of things and I look forward to collaborating with her in the future.

Can you believe today marks the end of 2015? When I was thinking about songs for today I wanted to ring the new year in right. For 2016 I want variety, adventure, and memories. What better song than “Wonder” by Emeli Sandé. (Technically it’s probably a Naughty Boy song, but for as good of a producer as he can be I really really REALLY dislike Naughty Boy - that’s putting it nicely. Plus, it’s Sandé’s vocals featured and on her album, so I’m just going to ignore that it’s not completely her song.)

A song for 2016 to start the year off right. #JAMpackedholiday

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One of Sandé’s most upbeat songs on her debut album was “Wonder.” It follows the formula of a rich melodic song that is both packed with a touch of retro soul and today’s best pop beats. “Wonder” has a baseline in hymnal composition from the piano that roots it.

A song that reminds us that although we often get down in our lives, “Wonder” reminds us we have this whole world of amazing things around us to witness. It focuses on the message that although we get down in our lives, we have this whole world of amazing things around us to witness. Each day every one of us must continue to wonder and find the joys in everything.

Here’s to 2016 being a hopefully great year! May we each follow our own version of wonder.

What are your hopes for 2016?

P.S. - Just because #JAMpackedholiday is all wrapped up, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the tunes all the time.

Until next time,

December 30, 2015

#JAMpackedholiday Day Thirty 2015

December 30, 2015

We’re in the final days with #JAMpackedholiday Day Thirty rolling right along!

If you ever want a good sob, listen to Butch Walker‘s album Afraid of Ghosts. Walker is known as a skilled singer songwriter, but he really gets to the core of that talent with this release. Written and recorded while he was dealing with the grief of his father’s death, it is an album that is poignant and deeply personal. Pay close attention to the lyrics and you’ll be able to practically feel the cathartic process Walker experienced. It’s a stripped down album that doesn’t need any of the flashy elements to resonate to your core.

Butch Walker is an under appreciated gem in the music industry.

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“Autumn Leaves” is one of my favorite tracks on the album, but I have learned to love it for even more than the musical reasons. Walker created The Autumn Leaves Project in honor of his father to help individuals and families dealing with pancreatic cancer and to increase prescreening ability.

Walker is one of those artist who has left his touch on plenty of masterpieces in the music industry without many people realizing. Still to this day, I am learning plenty of albums he has written for and produced thanks to the ever knowledgeable Erin.

Does Butch Walker sound a bit like Ryan Adams? It would make sense cause they’re close pals. Funny enough, Afraid of Ghosts is the first of Walker’s seven albums he didn’t produce. Instead, he handed the reigns over to Adams.

What has been your favorite discover from #JAMpackedholiday?

P.S. - Still can’t decide on a #JAMpackedholiday favorite? I think listening through a second or third time is completely acceptable!

Until next time,