Today's Pep Talk Comes Courtesy of Kelly Rowland And "The Game"

Though Kelly Rowland is serving-up generic inspirational fare with new song The Game, she's doing it pretty convincingly with a percussive backing and a solid vocal.

[New Music] Amerie Samples "Apache (Jump On It)" For New Single "What I Want"

Amerie has returned and is still rocking that percussive-heavy sound like it's 2005!

But whatever, I don't have a problem with that. I'll always appreciate the power it has to get me off of my seat. The issue I do have is with the Sugar Hill Gang sample new song What I Want is built upon. That classic will always and forever be associated with the Carlton dance [here] in my mind, and thus I'll have a tough time taking anything using it seriously- as is the case here.

I'll sit this particular song out, but it's great to have Amerie back on the scene.

Gabourey Sidibe Knows We Exist!

Cats and @GabbySidibe , 2 of my favourite things outside of singers. http://t.co/pBLtAYuUDS #dnthavetosingtobeaDiva pic.twitter.com/CiV7Zdawuq
— diva devotee (@Divadevotee) June 2, 2014

[Vocal Profile] Janelle Monae

Vocal Type: Light-lyric soprano
Vocal Range: 3 Octaves, 7 Notes And 1 Semitone C#3-C7
Whistle Register: Yes
Vocal Pluses: Elastic, bright and feminine voice that is full of frenetic energy- particularly when the Diva belts [Tightrope]. Her anounication is clear and distinct throughout the range and this, in combination with not being one for floral or lengthy melisma, mean her lyrics remain consistently discernible. Having a background in theater also bolsters the Divas ability to effectively emote.

Midrange is of mid-weight, darkish and carries the character of the rest of her range. It connects to the lower-range, which is supported and without the huskiness/fogginess that some have when pushing their voices to their lower extremes [ Mr President]. The upper part of the mid-range is warm and rounded with an undeniable sweetness to it [Locked Inside].

Excellent understanding of her voice means she can manipulate her belting range exceptionally. For the most part her belt is head-voice dominant, thus it is smooth and without texture. She can however alter the balance of her mix, giving her a palette of varied tones to play with. An extreme example of this control is showcased in Come Alive (The War of the Roses) where she imitates an electric guitar.

The Diva moves effortlessly into her head-voice, where she shows great control. She is capable of singing with an operatic tone, which is full and measured [ Cybertronic Purgatory ] but can make her upper-range more contemporary, being light and agile [ Harmonies in Many Moons].


Vocal Negatives: Her vocal styling can be quite wild and eccentric, and not to the taste of everyone

[Song Spotlight] Sharon Van Etten- "Afraid Of Nothing"

Have any of you motley crew had the pleasure of listening to Sharon Van Etten, yet? Her newest album Are We There has seriously hit me right in the feels today.

I'm not going to go into detail about the album, instead I'll post one of my favorite tracks from the stunning LP. Take a listen to Afraid of Nothing below, and if you enjoy, I definitely recommend picking up the album. You won't be disappointed.

[Free For All Friday]

Almost forgot about Free For All Friday today! Naughty, DD! Well here it is! ENJOY! :D

If you don't know the score, here be the rules:

• Try not to get too perverted- this site needs to basically be "safe for work".
• If somebody starts a controversial subject, try keeping it civil when dealing with it. If things get out of hand please flag the conversation.
• It would be nice if it stuck to music, but it's not a requirement! So talk about news, current events, how you're getting your hair done next time you hit the hairdresser! Whateves, really!
• No nasty comments aimed at other users.

Inappropriate hugs to all of y'all (hi-fives to the underagers), and wishing you an awesome weekend!

Ten Reasons To Pick Up "Me. I Am Mariah... The Elusive Chanteuse"

Mariah Carey is predicted to enter the Billboard album chart with her lowest opening figures, ever! We all know music doesn't shift like it used to, but a prediction of 55-60K is shocking for a musical A-lister like Mazza.