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Adrianna Velazquez

Adrianna is a 20-year-old college student attending Wayne State University majoring in Public Relations and minoring in Journalism. With a passion for music and photography she spends most of her time at concerts photographing and interviewing musicians. She also enjoys baseball and coffee, lots of it!

Hunter Hayes Involves Fans in Live Shows Using Technology

Hunter Hayes is no stranger to the road. In fact, the 28-year-old country heartthrob has been touring since his 2011 debut and he’s still keeping things moving.

Having embarked on his Invisible Tour earlier this year, the singer-songwriter is keeping the momentum going as he gears up for his fall tour, the cross-country Tattoo (Your Name) Tour which is set to kick off on Oct. 30.

For Hayes, touring and music has always been about the fans and this time he’s taking things to a whole new level.

Hayes has planned an innovative show that is sure to involve every fan in attendance. Those who attend his show will receive a custom LED bracelet that is sure to make them part of the show though he has not said exactly how the LED bracelets will get fans involved.

“You can rehearse the show as many times as you want. You can sound check, you can get in the same room, same lighting system, same stage, same arrangement, all that stuff, you can do that as many times as you want, and it means nothing,” Hayes told ETonline. “When one person walks in the room, it’s a show. They are the show. They bring the spirit that you want in the show. That’s why on this tour we’re giving everybody that buys a ticket, everybody that walks in the door gets a wristband. They are the show from the moment they walk in, and even after the show, it is all about them,” explained Hayes.

Though we aren’t exactly sure how the LED wristbands will work and incorporate fans into his live shows, it’s sure to be spectacular, and unlike anything anyone has ever done before.

Dan + Shay and the Railers will be supporting acts for the duration of the Tattoo (Your Name) Tour which kicks off in University Park, Pennsylvania on Oct. 30.

For more information regarding tickets click here.

Recipe: Mini Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls

Try this tasty treat in 30 minutes or less!

From pumpkin spiced lattes to pumpkin pie and beyond, fall is the perfect time to break out your inner-baker and try some new recipes. Starting early can help you perfect the perfect dessert to bring to the next bonfire, Halloween party or Thanksgiving dinner.

Now you may be thinking “I don’t have time for this,” but have no fear. You can bake a variety of tasty treats in 30 minutes or less and here’s one: mini pumpkin cinnamon rolls.

What you need
For the pumpkin cinnamon rolls:
1 can Pillsbury Crescent Recipe Creations refrigerated seamless dough sheet
1/4 cup pumpkin butter
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the cream cheese frosting:
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioner’s sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon milk (more if you like a thin frosting)

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. Unroll sheet dough into one large rectangle. Spread pumpkin butter evenly over the dough and evenly sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon over the pumpkin butter.
3. Starting with short side of the rectangle, roll up into a log. Using string, plain dental floss, or a knife, cut the roll into 10 slices. Place slices, cut side down, in a greased 8 x 8 baking dish.
4. Bake rolls for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 5 minutes.
5.  In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Whisk in the confectioner’s sugar, vanilla, and milk. If the frosting is too thick, you may add a little more milk and whisk until you’ve reached a desired smooth texture.
6. Spread frosting over cinnamon rolls and serve!

Kenny Chesney and The Big Revival

Twenty years later, country superstar Kenny Chesney release his fifteenth studio album.

Kenny Chesney may have released his first studio album twenty years ago but that doesn’t mean he’s lost any momentum since. In fact, the country superstar who’s beachy vibe keeps fans wanting more recently released his fifteenth studio album, The Big Revival.

That same beachy vibe isn’t just a theme in his music, but a motto for Chesney who insists that we should celebrate every moment, even the little ones.

While songs like “Drink It Up” may sound like a beer-chugging anthem, Chesney is actually referring to life, not liquor in this feel-good track that reminds us to enjoy every moment as it is given to us.

Other tracks on the album reflect on life, from heartaches to hopes and dreams and even disappointments, but are tribute to a life lived well by embracing the good and the bad.

“American Kids,” the debut single off the album captures American youth in a way that we all imagine. The track is Chesney’s first No. 1 single to capture the top spot on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart since his 2012 hit, “Come Over.”

The album features eleven timeless tracks that take us on a journey through life with a song to cater to all of our experiences.

Tracklist
1. The Big Revival
2. Drink It Up
3. Til It’s Gone
4. American Kids
5. Wild Child (with Grace Potter)
6. Beer Can Chicken
7. Rock Bottom
8. Don’t It
9. Save It for a Rainy Day
10. Flora-Bama
11. If This Bus Could Talk

The Big Revival is now available on iTunes, order it here.

Album Review: “Sundown Heaven Town” by Tim McGraw

Sundown Heaven Town is a musical risk taking success.

Raised by a mother who insisted that Tim McGraw was my dad growing up, I could go on and on about why I think he’s one of the greatest artists to ever exist in country music and why his latest album, Sundown Heaven Town is a refining tracklist that proves—despite his age— modern country is still country.

Sundown Heaven Town features 13 tracks (18 on the deluxe version) which signify the turning of a page for McGraw who shows to be a little more adventurous in the musical risks he takes on his 13th studio album.

The album kicks off with “Overrated,” an organic track that opens with a little bit of banjo before picking up the pace with lyrics that insist love is all you need. The song is followed by “City Lights” which show us a little more of McGraw’s Louisiana twang that wasn’t as apparent before in his past records. He pulls it off well to say the least, making this one of the best cuts on the record and undoubtedly a future single release.

“Shotgun Rider,” the second single released from the album follows and features a sweet combination of organic guitar strumming with guitar riffs as the lyrics are a tribute to finding that special someone.

“Dust” is perhaps one of the most adventurous, risk-taking tracks on the album. With a Jason Aldean and Florida Georgia Line, bro-country, rock influence the song is undoubtedly like nothing McGraw has ever produced before but something that certainly serves him well. This track showcases his versatility, something other artists his age refuse to accept and adapt to, making McGraw’s more modern work relevant in the current status of country radio.

“Diamond Rings and Old Barstools” is one of the more emotional tracks on the album and this one happens to feature McGraw’s cousin, Catherine Dunn who contributes a stand-out harmony. “Words Are Medicine” is one of best cuts on the album and perhaps one of McGraw’s more contemporary songs.

“Sick Of Me” is a song that all of us can relate to at one point or another and perhaps showcase some of McGraw’s most introspective lyrics of his career as he sings about reflecting on life and noticing a lot of things you don’t like but realizing that in order to move forward and recover the change starts with yourself.

“Meanwhile Back At Mama’s” features wife Faith Hill and is the first track from the album that made its way to high standing in the charts. A radio hit, the song goes back to McGraw’s roots and is an emotional ode to a simpler life. The duo’s performance at the ACM Awards was the most talked about and has since earned them CMA nominations.

“Keep On Truckin” is a windows down, cruising down the highway jam with a funky groove, far different from anything McGraw has produced before and despite it’s unique groove, it’s hard to ignore this carefree song that serves as a reminder to well…keep on truckin’ on because we’re all going through something.

“Last Turn Home” is another love story of a man who returns home to the open, loving arms of a wife whose love is a crazy adventure of its own, a sweet ballad nonetheless.

“Portland Maine” brings us to crossroads of not knowing what path to follow. The lyrics tell the story of a man who is caught between choosing what is easier and what he knows is the right thing to do, an all too familiar feeling many of us can relate too.

The first single from the album, “Lookin’ For That Girl” initially caused a lot of outcry from fans for the noticeable auto-tune and swagger like groove. However, we now know that much like the rest of the album, “Lookin’ For That Girl” is one of McGraw’s more risky and adventurous tunes on the album.

“Still On The Line” closes the album and contains heavy pop-infused arrangements that really bring the overall theme of the album together. A powerful ballad about that person who still has a hold on you, “Still On The Line” is sure to be a hit among fans.

Overall, Sundown Heaven Town is the beginning of a new era for McGraw who has seen much success over the course of his career to date. The album is adventurous, daring and takes a lot of musical risks which seem to have worked well. All-in-all, McGraw’s courage to take so many musical risk on one album signifies his versatility and adaptability as an artist, qualities that have and continue to make him one of country music’s most influential artists.

Wiz Khalifa and Amber Rose Split After One Year

According to reports from TMZ on Tuesday, rapper Wiz Khalifa and wife Amber Rose are divorcing only one year after marrying in July 2013.

TMZ obtained divorce documents and indicated that the documents site no report of infidelity despite rumors that Rose and Nick Canon were allegedly having an affair after she was signed as a model to NCredible Entertainment, Canon’s management company.

However, Rose diffused those allegations when she took to Twitter to confirm the divorce when she tweeted, “Please stop with the fake stories. I would never ever ever cheat on my husband in a million years I think u guys know this…” Which was quickly followed by, “Unfortunately my now ex husband can’t say the same…”

Despite the turmoil between the two, Rose notes that the ex-couple’s one-year-old son Sebastian is the main focus.

In which according to TMZ, Rose is asking for full legal and physical custody of Sebastian but is willing to give Wiz visitation.

Reps for Khalifa and Rose have been contacted but no one has commented on the reports.

RECAP: Chicago Fire Season 3 Premiere Breaks Hearts

Chicago Fire returned to NBC on Tuesday and Lady Gaga was cheering for boyfriend Taylor Kinney from the sidelines.

The very private couple first met in 2011 on the set of Gaga’s video for “Yoü and I,” and despite their hectic schedules and demanding careers have managed to keep going strong.

Gaga, 28, took to Twitter on Tuesday to show support for her handsome boyfriend who plays Kelly Severide, a lieutenant in the NBC drama.

“The Amazing Dick Wolf’s @NBCChicagoFire returns 2night! Catch my honeybunny @TaylorKinney111 in this chilling episode,” tweeted Gaga.

The series which returned for a third season Tuesday night follows the professional and personal lives of firefighters and paramedics working at the Chicago Fire Department at firehouse of Engine 51, Truck 81, Squad 3, Ambulance 61 and Battalion 25.

The season three premiere picks up in the middle of a call gone bad where we witness the aftermath of an explosion and watch with heavy hearts as firefights of Firehouse 51 make their safety known.

When Severide (Kinney) and Casey (Jesse Spencer) call out to Ambulance 61, the plot deepens as we wonder which member we will be forced to say goodbye to forever.

The beloved character who leaves us in the season premiere is none other than paramedic Leslie Shay (Lauren German) who suffered a fatal head wound and could not be revived no matter how hard Dawson (Monica Raymund) and Severide tried to bring her back.

The loss of their partner sends members of Firehouse 51 into isolation. Dawson blames herself for Shay’s death and begins attending therapy, a secret she keeps to herself while Severide leaves and isolates himself in the woods.

Casey soon finds Severide and reminds him that brothers and sisters like Shay didn’t die without a reason, but rather to save lives in which the night that Shay risked her life 10 other lives were saved and that alone is enough to bring Severide back to Firehouse 51.

Though the show will never be the same without Shay, it will undoubtedly be a season to remember. You can catch upcoming episodes of Season 3 of Chicago Fire on Tuesdays at 10/9C on NBC.

Album Review: "X" by Chris Brown

Originally slated to release in July 2013, Chris Brown’s sixth studio album, X, is finally out and it’s not impressive.

The troublesome singer who has been in the spotlight for his legal troubles ever since the assault incident with ex-girlfriend Rihanna, has released his long-awaited album which is dark, unimaginative and impersonal.

Perhaps the most noteworthy characteristic of the album is its lack of depth and personality. Though X sounds like a dark album, Brown fails to put a face to the voice on each track which makes listeners feel distant and unaware of who he is. Brown sheds from giving listeners a deeper look into his struggles while lamenting about screwing women who are screwing him over.

Though the album’s debut single, “Loyal,” featuring Lil Wayne and Tyga lingered in the top 10 on the pop and R&B charts, it’s evident that the tracks were produced by a variety of different producers, include overwhelming collaborations that stand out more than Brown himself and is rough mix of many genres. The album’s disorganized and uniform lacking production puts it all over the map with its nonexistent cohesive sound. 

Unfortunately for Brown, features like that of Usher, Trey Songz and R. Kelly followed on the first half. Kendrick Lamar goes hard on the track, “Autumn Leaves” and stands out more than Brown does on a record that isn’t even his. Brandy lends her vocals on “Do Better” while Lil Wayne and Tyga make themselves known on the only successful single to come from the album, “Loyal.”

However, Brown’s skill is proven by his impressive vocal range, though in a day and age where music fans take pride in personally connecting with their favorite artists, Brown’s failure to define his persona through his music by remaining distant, especially in X, makes it an easy-to-forget album, perhaps we will all soon forget even existed.

Eminem is a Rap God, Literally

Eminem breaks world record for rap song with the most words.

Despite the fact that almost every rapper in the world claims to be the best rapper to ever live, there’s no doubt that Eminem dominates the list of some of the best, if not the best rapper of all time and his record sales prove it.

Eminem is noted as the best rapper of the 2000’s having sold more than 115 million albums sold in the U.S. and more than 40 million worldwide.

While many may refute the claim that he’s the best rapper ever, one thing is certain: he’s set records that are hard to top and recently made it into the 60th edition of Guinness Book of World Records 2015.

Eminem who released his song, “Rap God”  in 2013 from his eighth studio album, The Marshall Mathers LP2 has broken the record for the rap song containing the most words. The six-minute-long track contains 1506 words and has one section that contains as many as 97 words over a 15-second time lapse.

Eminem isn’t alone in the new addition of the Guinness Book of World Records, he’s accompanied by Miley Cyrus who earned herself most searched popstar, Shakira is the most liked person on Facebook, while pop-queen Katy Perry has the most Twitter followers.

Check out the record-breaking track here.

Carrie Underwood's "Two Black Cadillacs" is Becoming a TV Series

Carrie Underwood’s hit single, “Two Black Cadillacs” from her fourth studio album, Blown Away, is making its way from radio to TV.

The song which tells the story of a love triangle rooted in the south that reveals a murder plot planned when a wife and mistress catch a cheating husband dragging them around is being turned into an event series by Warner Bros. Television. 

Underwood will executive produce the series alongside producer Jerry Buckheimer. 

The show will be a limited series that spans six hours and will only air for one season. 

It will be interesting to see if the TV series is as successful as the radio single which peaked at No. 2 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, No. 4 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA.

Check out the official music video for the song below. 

 

Cole Swindell Continues Momentum With First Headlining Tour

It doesn’t come with much surprise that country newcomer, Cole Swindell has announced his first headlining tour, the Down Home winter tour.

The Georgia native has been riding a wave of success ever since opening up for Luke Bryan’s 2013 Farm Tour.

The “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight” singer is surely making himself known in the country music industry with his infectious hits and captivating performances as seen by thousands on Luke Bryan’s 2014 That’s My Kind of Night Tour this past summer.

The momentum continues with the recent announcement of his first-ever headlining tour which kicks off on Nov. 17 in Florida and wrap up just before the holidays on Dec. 20 in Indiana. The tour will span over more than a dozen cities and Kelleigh Bannen will be supporting Swindell as the opening act.

Most known for his hit single, “Chillin’ It,” Swindell originally released the song back in March of 2013 before signing to Warner Bros. Records who officially released it to country radio that August. The single peaked at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and No. 2 on Billboard’s Country Airplay chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA.

This past February, Swindell released his self-titled debut album which debuted at No. 3 on Billboard 200 chart having sold 63,000 copies in the first week.

Aside from co-writing nearly every song on his debut album, Swindell also has cuts on Luke Bryan’s 2013 Crash My Party album which include songs like “Beer in the Headlights,” “Roller Coaster,” and “Out Like That.”

This only the beginning for Swindell whose relentless energy continues on when the Down Home tour kicks off in November.

2014 Down Home Tour Dates
11/13 – Davie, Fla. | The Roundup/Ft. Lauderdale
11/14 – Cape Coral, Fla. | Dixie Roadhouse
11/15 – Deland, Fla. | Volusia County Fair
11/20 – Tulsa, Okla. | Cain’s Ballroom
11/21 – Fort Worth, Texas | Billy Bob’s Texas
11/22 – San Antonio, Texas | Cowboys Dance Hall
11/28 – North Myrtle Beach, S.C. | House of Blues
11/29 – Charlotte, N.C. | Coyote Joe’s
12/3 – Oxford, Ohio | Brick Street Bar – Miami University
12/4 – Grand Rapids, Mich. | The Intersection
12/5 – South Bend, Ind. | Legends of Notre Dame
12/6 – Rootstown, Ohio | Dusty Armadillo
12/11 – Chicago, Ill. | Joe’s Sports Bar
12/13 – Milwaukee, Wis. | The Rave
12/18 – Springfield, Ill. | Boondocks
12/19 – Indianapolis, Ind. | 8 Seconds Saloon
12/20 – Fort Wayne, Ind. | Rusty Spur

For more information regarding tickets for the Down Home tour click here