Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Can You Say "Diva"?


Fighter, this one word sums up this vocalist. She has become faster, smarter and stronger with every music range she has accomplished. Since the age of eight, Christina Aguilera has been dazzling her vocals to energizing music. Vocal individuality and character defines a “diva” vocalist. Naturally extensive vocal ranges, defined dynamic usage, controlling techniques, personal music styles and her emotional connections to her music, all defines this adventurous music artist.

Strong, powerful and piercing vocal pipes are presented every time Christina Aguilera shows off her gifted instrument. This mezzo-soprano singer has a vocal range of four octaves from C3 to C7. Jumping notes between vocal octaves is not an easy task! Christina makes this tricky task seem like nothing, as she owns this difficult task with her incredible talent. “Tough Lover,” written by Etta James and Joe Josea, from the movie production, “Burlesque,” shows off Christina’s vocal control and diverse vocal ranges. In the first 0:25 seconds, powerful pitches are performed while later in the song (1:46-1:51), supreme held out notes are performed.




Supporting Christina’s diverse vocal ranges, the challenge of dynamic usage arises. Developing control of sustained dynamics with high note ranges is tough. Yet again, Christina uses her amazing ability to create a range of dynamics within her songs. In the song “You Lost Me,” written by Christina Aguilera, Sam Dixon and Sia Furler, there is no doubt that dynamic levels are used to this tune’s advantage. This a-minor pop ballad begins with soft melodramatic vocals by using piano dynamics. The orchestra, piano, percussion, bass and vocals bring a rich texture to life with crescendos to lead up to an intense use of high vocal dynamics. Christina takes dynamics to a higher level to create music supremacy.




Combining a four octave vocal range and an exquisite use of dynamics, Christina Aguilera cultivates her vocalized techniques. Not only can Miss Aguilera leap around with her vocals, she has the vocal technique to sustain notes for long periods of time with or without vibrato. The strength to belt out incredible powerful notes has become one of Christina’s signature singing styles. Throwing back to jazz, blues and soul music, “Candyman,” features Christina belting out hard-hitting notes. Towards the coda, from 2:32-2:40, she holds out a long belt of a controlled high-registered note.


One of the most prestige songs that Christina has recorded was “Beautiful,” written by Linda Perry. These strong written lyrics have been created to an emotional expressed piece through the vocal ranges, dynamic usage and controlled singing techniques. Each element combined with the lyrics allows Christina to have that emotional connection through the music. Not only does “Beautiful” have a strong sentimental connection, other songs such as “Hurt,” “Bound to You,” and “Slow Down Baby” are a few songs that Christina has personally written or co-written. The capability of writing personal lyrics depicts the artist’s raw truth.



Pop, jazz, soul, and blues are rooted in Christina Aguilera’s music. These themes and music style contrasts to an amplitude of music creativity. Emotion and attitude rushes through out each song creating to a mere perfection. Without a doubt, Christina Aguilera   has major vocal talent and she is bound to be the greatest diva of all time.  

Monday, April 8, 2013

Stars In Stereo



Straight out of Los Angeles, California, Bec Hollcraft (Vocals), Jordan McGraw (Guitar), Ryan “Frog” McCormack (Guitar), Justin Siegel (Bass) and Drew Langan (Drums) make up the alternative rock band Stars In Stereo! This upcoming stunning rock group has been touring with major bands such as The Used, Flyleaf and Drowning Pool. I personally witness Stars In Stereo’s theatrical live performance for the first time when they opened up for The Used during their 2012 tour.



When I took a visit to Stars In Stereo’s merchandise table at The Used concert, I purchased their tour package which included their EP, a shirt and a signed poster. Not only did I get to get all these goodies, I got to say "Hi" the band! Let me say that each member is wonderful! After the concert, I took their CD and played it in my car. Their self-titled EP consists of four songs, “The Broken,” “Violence,” “Red Eye Romance” and “Every Last Thing.” Each song has an edgy alternative rock feeling! WARNING: Crunchy electric guitars, poppy to blasting rhythms and a sweet but punching set of vocals are going to enter your ears! Each one of those elements combined, defines Stars In Stereo.


Group Shot!


On March 24, 2012, I was surprised to see the band walking onto the stage, when I was attending the Flyleaf and Drowning Pool Tour (I had no idea they were the opening act). They rocked the stage even though the crowd was observing the talent of this new band. After their performance, Stars In Stereo was hanging out and meeting their new potential fans, like myself! Now what I enjoyed was the fact that the band was selling their first full-length album, Stars In Stereo (Self-titled) before the albums release date. I felt special purchasing an album that still had a few weeks before the release date (April 9th, 2013) but it did not end there! I was invited, along with other fans, to join the band in their tour bus for a private acoustic session!


Hanging out with the band shows their dedication to their rising music career and the appreciation for their fans. After a wonderful and unforgettable moment, I was ecstatic to listen to their new full-length album! “The Broken,” “Red Eye Romance,” “Open Your Eyes” and “Queen of Catastrophe” are some of the songs that caught my attention! So I suggest you take a listen! Below I provided the official music video of “The Broken.” If you like the art Stars In Stereo has created, take the time to help support them! 

The Official Music Video- The Broken

Website to pre-order your personal copy of 
Stars In Stereo!