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Ritzy Bryan, vocalist and guitarist for Welsh alt-rock group The Joy Formidable, told us that she and her band-mates might fear one thing… That’s “the fear of things just being kind of bland…”

Well, Ritzy, fear not! The Joy Formidable are anything but bland. Look at the facts: Ritzy and bassist Rhydian started as school mates. From North Wales to London to Portland, Maine, JF keep all over the map. Their latest full-length, Wolf’s Law, is named for a scientific theory addressing the body’s adaptation to bone stress (brainy mouthful, indeed!). Despite the rock edge to their sound, Ritzy swears by “pumping” 80s dance music. And newest member (and Zappa enthusiast) Matthew James Thomas joined on drums by answering an ad that was not a call for a drummer.

And above all of it, their focus is “the merit, the soul and the songwriting.” Which is more than reason to catch them performing those songs they wrote “in a little cabin in the woods” as they embark on a major Summer Festival tour. (Hey, local readers… Catch them here in the states come September!)

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Scottish indie outfit Frightened Rabbit’s most recent studio album, Pedestrian Verse, sees lyricist-lead vocalist-rhythm guitarist Scott Hutchison hopping out of his comfort zone for a less “inward looking” record that “looks slightly more at a wider section of society.” And he does so with a newfound knack for storytelling in favor of relaying personal experience.Translation: “Something completely new is happening.” Several albums in, and it sounds like the rabbit isn’t as frightened as he used to be.

Scott Hutchison

Scott told us he makes no apologies for defying genre (“It’s just honest and I think we’re doing it for the right reasons.” YES!), and counts their folk-tinged edges as steeped in natural Scottish tradition. Something else he dropped without sorrys? What to expect on their “ongoing, neverending” tour. Like, a “half old, half new” setlist, and “tons of sweat…  can’t help that.” Oh, true!

Listen to Backyard Skulls if you haven’t — it’s phenom.

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We caught up with brother-sister duo Halestorm as they get set to embark on their biggest world tour yet, and this hard rock pair is going places (all 50 states and Europe, to be precise!) Lizzy and Arejay are about to hit the road on a bit of a perma-tour, so good thing they’re no strangers to a live show, having honed their chops at ages 10 and 13 when they “played their very first show, it was a talent show contest.” 

Since then, they’ve been on a steady gust, just barely hopping off the bus to record their second full length for Atlantic (The Strange Case Of…), noting “if we spent more time to overthink it, we would have beaten around the bush and not have gotten as much done as we did.” And how much DID they get done? “Love Bites (So Do I)” won them their first Grammy win (Best Hard Rock /  Metal Performance), that’s how much.   

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At laaast, the wait is over! CeeLo Green just dropped a new track off his upcoming full-length, and it’s a sweet one!

The stylin’ crooner debuted “Only You” on Rollingstone.com earlier this week, and for a little bonus vibe, it features Lauriana Mae’s lovely pipes in all their throwback glory.

We’re totally keeping this on our playlist while we wait for upcoming full-lengths from both of these swoony soul singers!

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John Varvatos launched his Spring 2013 campaign on Tuesday, and it’s another musician-meets-fashion mash-up to be reckoned with! Known for his collaborations with major music scenesters, this time rock’n’roll’s favorite designer paired Led Zeppelin legend Jimmy Page with next-generation axe-master Gary Clark Jr. in a series of stately black and white portraits dripping with serious cool and elegance.

Photographer Danny Clinch shot the decked-out duo at the historical 1950‘s art deco venue Rivoli Ballroom in South London. And from the looks of it, Varvatos continues to prove he’s the authority on How to Dress a Rock Icons:

Rock Royalty past and present

Behind the scenes

Rivoli Ballroom, South London made for a stunning backdrop

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Any regular gal would give their left leg (or right) to have the body of a Victoria’s Secret model. Well on Wednesday we were reminded again as each busting beauty made their way down the catwalk for this years fashion show. Rihanna, Justin Bieber and Bruno Mars performed during the show. Here are some of our faves of the night.

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Absolutely loved the BBMA’s this year…hosted by two of my favorites from ‘Modern Family’ – this year’s show was much more entertaining than in the past. All the hottest musicians were there at the MGM Grand, Adele was a no show… but of course, still swept the awards. The tribute to Whitney Houston was pretty unbelievable, I may have shed a tear or two, don’t judge :).

The “Biebs” snagged the “Top Social Artist” award and opted for a laid back look on the carpet…he brought one of his biggest fans as his date (not pictured)… thought that was pretty adorable.

Robin Thicke looked SERIOUSLY handsome on the carpet and inside he introduced Kelly Clarkson-who showed a darker side when she performed her new single on stage.

Now… Miss Cyrus, what can I say? There was a ton of buzz about Miley’s outfit…a neck plunging, white, Jean Paul Gaultier blazer, sans pants. I don’t HATE it but I think pants would have been a tad more appropriate.

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If you’re a rocker-fan like me then seeing KISS and Mötley Crüe together in the same sentence gets your blood pumping! Well what you’re seeing is true….the 2 iconic rock bands are uniting for a 40-date Summer 2012 tour.

The tour kicks off July 20th and runs through September 23rd.

Paul Stanley describes it best, “If you want to see more bombs and artillery, you’ll have to check out the military.”

“The Tour” will be 90 minutes from each band and every night KISS will close out the show.

“Expect the unexpected as usual,” says Tommy Lee.

What can be expected…face paint, outrageous costumes, ear shattering heavy metal, mind blowing pyrotechnics and a show not to miss.

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Came across Lissie’s videos a few weeks ago and wanted to share. Kind of obsessing over her at the moment… after hearing her cover of Kid Cudi’s “Pursuit of Happiness” then Lady Gaga’s “Bad Romance,”  and her original stuff is pretty awesome as well. This chick has something special, just saying… check her out

margin-left=”auto” margin-right=”auto” Photos Courtesy of Lissie Facebook Fan page

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Hip Hop Royalty

SURPRISE!  Beyonce & Jay Z confirm pregnancy in style. The Diva showcased her growing bump in a gorg Lanvin Caftan at last nights VMAs!