StyleWhipped

Jennifer Corcione: A Little Bit of February...

February is always one of my favorite months, because it has my favorite form of GTL… Grammys, Tunes, and Love! On February 10^th, like millions of others, I curled up on my cozy couch and prepared for a night of epic live performances, tear-jerking moments, and some of the best acceptance speeches I have ever heard. For those who know my Twitter handle (@jennyrockstar), I managed to ‘live-tweet’ during the entire show. Of course I couldn’t help adding massive amounts of exclamation points at my favorite wins (Mumford and Sons!!!!!), coupled with witty tweets about the celeb reactions in the audience and various wardrobe “no-nos”. (On a related note, Editor-in-Chief Alison and I were SO close to creating a Taylor Swift drinking game based on how many times the camera panned to her. Sheer hilarity.)

But most importantly, the music! The performances and nominated artists were as diverse as they are talented. From artists just emerging on the scene (how amazing was “Carry On” by Fun…seriously?!?)  to returning artists (:::cough, cough::: Justin Timberlake), my boyfriend Matt and I relished in every little part of the show. (And even though it wasn’t shown on the main event, I do know Matt was happy to know even Brian Wilson, one of his all-time faves, won a Grammy too.)

If The Grammys weren’t enough, Valentine’s Day shortly followed, coupled with every attempt made to squeeze love into anything and everything possible. Even greeting cards have now become a means to propose to your significant other. Don’t get me wrong, I love the idea of sharing love with those who mean the most to you, but aren’t there 364 other days to also worry about? (However, it didn’t stop me from being a cheesy romantic, even on the actual holiday.)

Yes, February was full of momentous moments, from Grammys to Valentine’s (and everything in between), there were several opportunities to find and appreciate music in all its forms. And as a special treat, to bring together all the wonderful parts of February for each and every one of you, here’s a special Jenn’s “Little Bit of February” playlist:

1)      Phil Collins – Groovy Kind of Love: What would romance be without a little throwback to this great cover? (It was originally performed by The Mindbenders.) Also, it has partially solidified my love for the show New Girl, especially since this song was used in one of the early episodes of the first season.

2)      Alabama Shakes – Hold On: There’s nothing sexier than a band that can give me the gritty rock sound with a female lead! Cue lead singer Brittany Howard on Saturday Night Live singing in a Brian Wilson-esque style, making her Gibson howl in sync with the rest of her bandmates. And for anyone that missed Howard’s performance at the Grammys for the Levon Helm tribute, it was magical!

3)      The Lumineers – Ho Hey: This may be my favorite song of 2013 (so far!) It’s perfect in every way that one can imagine. It’s got the best rhythm, the words are endearingly romantic, and by the end of the night, it’s a great drunk song. And if you want to go one better, be sure to listen to their self-titled album! (Each song on there is enchanting and comforting – be prepared with to chill at home with some lit candles and a glass of wine.)

4)      fun. – All Alright: The band fun. is everywhere right now…and it’s amazing! And while I do love all their hits at the moment, this particular track off the album Some Nights resonates stronger with me than ever. As lead singer Nate Ruess laments about loss and coping, there’s still that hope that everything will be just that…alright.

5)      Alicia Keys – Girl On Fire: I am in love with this song…and even Alicia Keys just a little. (As a fellow pianist, she amazes me with what she brings to music – it’s refreshing!) Also, her Grammys performance with Adam Levine? That was pretty hot.

6)      Rihanna – Stay: While I may not agree with her life choices, there’s no doubt that this heart-wrenching track about loving someone against the odds is one that I just can’t stop listening to. The Grammy performance was wonderful, but the music video drives the emotions home even more…check it out here.

7)      Miniature Tigers – Easy As All That: Best known for their indie pop sound, Miniature Tigers have become my favorite go-to for car music. And once you hear this catchy little tune, they might become your favorite too! (Trust me, you’ll find yourself singing along after hearing this track at least 2-3 times.)

8)      Imagine Dragons – It’s Time: One of my fave finds thanks to Glee (and Darren Criss killed it!) That signature mandolin lick, the rhythmic clapping you find yourself trying to perfect, and a chorus so hauntingly familiar for every 20-something attempting to figure out their life after college…it’s all there.

*********************************

February brought musical opportunity unlike any other! I hope that all of you take time to embark on your own music journeys and discover your own playlist.

- Jenn

Jennifer Corcione: America has voted...for music!

As most of you know (or have read), I’m a sucker for music awards shows. When the Grammys came up in February, I was ready and raring to go, studying the nominees like sports fans study the stats on their favorite athletes. And for the most part, I was spot on about my picks winning the coveted gramophone. But, that was chosen by a committee of professionals in the music industry, while the American Music Awards, which aired this past Sunday, was chosen by the fans.

The American Music Awards this year were…to say the least, underwhelming. Well, at least a few of the auto-tuned performances (aka, everyone EXCEPT P!nk, who always rocks any televised performance she has ever done) and fashion statements (Nicki Minaj needed to up her extreme fashion and NOT copy an already-worn style). But when it came to the nominations, I was on pins and needles – hoping for an outcome that screamed more head-bopping and less teeny-bopper. (Even though Beiber seemed to score the most awards – I am still confused as to how.)

I managed to call every winner (even though I may not have agreed with the fans for their choice in music – such is the life of a music critic!) And even though I was (slightly) sad to see my favorites not make the cut with the voters, I decided to share with you my picks for some of the top categories on the AMAs.

1)      Artist of the Year:  True, Beiber snagged this category and did possibly the cutest thing by dragging his mother up for his acceptance speech, yet I would not have minded seeing Maroon 5 snag this award. It’s been a banner year for Adam Levine and Co., especially with such hits as “One More Night”, “Stereo Hearts”, and “Payphone”.  (All of which are in current rotation in my iTunes collection!) And sorry Beibs, but Levine is just better eye candy!

2)      New Artist of the Year: Without hesitation my boyfriend, Matt, and I called Carly Rae Jepsen as the winner, clearly based on principle that “Call Me Maybe” was parodied more than “Somebody That I Used To Know” by roller derby girls, the Harvard Men’s Baseball team, and one of the most famous of all – the 2012 Summer Olympics. All of that aside, it would have really been wonderful to see Fun. win this award instead. “Call Me Maybe” had catchiness, but  “We Are Young”, coupled with “Some Nights”? Fun. (and their music) have anthem quality!

3)      Favorite Album Pop/Rock: Ahhhhh, another Beiber win…but I was (secretly) rooting for One Direction! Yes, they’re a little boy-bandish for my taste – although my high school self would have gone absolutely NUTS for their perfectly coifed look and even more cheesy harmonies! (Yes, I was in LOVE with boy bands for many years…I hang my head in a bit of guilty shame for this one.) Yet 1D had all the components to clearly win this category with the fans. Maybe next year?

4)      Favorite Band, Duo, or Group – Country: Oh, Lady Antebellum clearly had this one in the bag. “Need You Now” catapulted their country stardom into the mainstream and they never looked back. But while country is a genre I clearly know very, very little about, Zac Brown Band has all the makings (in my mind) for a powerhouse! (Well, that and Matt played “Chicken Fried” and “Toes” so many times during the summer that I could sing those songs in my sleep.)

5)      Favorite Artist – Electronic Dance Music (EDM): It was announced on the AMAs that this is the first year Electronic Dance Music has been acknowledged as a growing trend…hence this new category! David Guetta obviously had this one all wrapped up, especially with some of the artists he has had the chance to work with recently (Usher, Black Eyed Peas, LMFAO…to name a few!) Calvin Harris also has great musical charisma, but my pick? Have to go with Skrillex. He has an original sound in the industry and normally, while I am dead against the idea of electronic music having any bearing on the music industry…its growing popularity has caused me to adapt to respecting the trend.

************************************************

Whatever your preference, be sure to check out the full list of nominees and winners from the 2012 American Music Awards by clicking here. And for next year’s show – remember, like the election season, your vote counts!

- Jenn

Letter From the Editor: Patron of the Arts (at least for one weekend...)

I have always been, and will always be, a huge supporter of the arts. As a former ballet dancer, I think everyone should occassionally go to the ballet, the theater, a museum, a film they wouldn't normally see. However (and perhaps the reason I never would have really "made it" in the dance world), while I need my every-once-in-awhile arts fix, it's not something I need to do or experience every day. And I think that's what trips people up...they think that in order to appreciate the arts, they need to submerge themselves. And that couldn't be farther from the truth. But every so often, you do need a little culture, no matter where you live and no matter what your other interests are. Big sports fan? Go see the new Larry Bird/Magic Johnson show on Broadway. Fashion lover? Go check out the new Prada/Schiaparelli exhibit at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Don't want to commit to an entire afternoon of looking at "important" paintings? Find a small gallery that has pieces that somehow appeal to you. 

This past weekend, Stylewhipped got on the arts bandwagon in a big way. On Friday evening, Men's Director Joseph Ungoco and I were so excited to attend the NYC premiere of the multiple-award-winning movie "Going Down in La-La Land," starring our lovely and talented friend Matthew Ludwinsky. We had our picture taken, watched the (really good!) film, listened to the Q & A with the actors...and also went to the super fabulous after-party (see, arts and a vodka sponsor at a nightclub...who said culture isn't fun?!). Following that, Stylewhipped's Sherin Botros invited me to see "The City Club" on Saturday night, an off-Broadway musical at the famed Minetta Lane Theater in NYC's West Village. While it was pretty
clear why the production was off-Broadway, it was still enjoyable to see some very good performances and feel like we supported up-and-coming musical theater talent...and not feel like we just went out to eat and for cocktails (our typical Saturday night in Manhattan...).

It is so important to be what I consider a well-rounded personality...you could drop me in any social setting and I can talk about fashion or have an opinion on art, but also know that both the NY Rangers and the NJ Devils hockey teams both lost important play-off games this weekend. I recently went to see (and LOVED) "Memphis: The Musical" on Broadway...but I also couldn't wait to watch the most recent episode of "The Ultimate Fighter" on TV. Don't pigeon-hole yourself by limiting your exposure to different experiences (and don't use living outside of NYC as an excuse...see a traveling production of a Broadway show, go to a local musuem, see an independent film at any movie theater, etc). Starting that exposure with some form of the arts is easy, surprisingly interesting and so important in a time when funding is being cut and our educational system often doesn't have the money to expose our children to anything besides getting through math class... 

So go get a little culture. I promise it won't hurt. 

~ Alison.

Jennifer Corcione: It All Comes Down To An Album

When I think of Album of the Year, I picture it being the biggest honor any musician can have bestowed upon them. (I mean, besides the Lifetime Achievement Award…which I will get into with my regular column later this month!) It means that everything about the artist and their musical masterpiece was perfect. From the songs, to the production team, even down to the delivery of the album to the public. It’s probably one of my all-time favorite categories to watch, especially since I really love a strong album over a hit single any day; and the nominees are certainly winners!

Foo Fighters brought rock back into the forefront with Wasting Light; their first single “Walk” makes me reminisce about how I felt when the band first emerged on the scene. They have come so far in their career and still manage to keep making rock a staple in our music collections.

Rihanna surprisingly has come into her own this year with Loud. Before her separation from Chris Brown, I had no interest in her music or who she was. But after growing and evolving from her relationship through her songs, particularly with Loud, I can’t help but want to want to hug her in ”Love the Way You Lie” or assert a darker, more decadent side with her in “S&M.”

Lady Gaga is always in a category of her own, especially with Born This Way. Gaga’s music always pushes the envelope and encourages us to be who we are and accept it. Granted, I can’t always get into her music the way many others have, but the message from her title track makes for a great campaign to stop the bullying and have some self-acceptance.

Adele has been on fire with several Grammy nominations (as you have read in previous columns!) Her sophomore album 21 really embodies the spirit of a woman who struggles and pushes through her life with dignity and just a little humility. Instead of making love all about flowers and rainbows, her broken heart bleeds into her lyrics.

Finally, we have Bruno Mars, who shines through with Doo-Wops & Hooligans. Just about every single that has been released from this album has been magical. Mars knows how to keep the balance between the smooth R&B, yet reinvent the modern-day crooner. 

So who wins? Who takes home the coveted award? While Arcade Fire may have secured that win last year, I don’t think it will go in the same direction this year.

Jenn’s Pick: Adele. This has really been her year. She’s been through so much with her music and her health that she has earned it all. 

Who will most likely win: Lady Gaga. She’s been pushing the envelope with her music, I wouldn’t be surprised in the least to see her win this for her avant-garde style.

The Wild-card: Foo Fighters. While they’re not my favorite rock band (or one I’d go to as a staple in my collection), their 2011 release deserves recognition. They have had a previous Grammy nod with their 2007 album Echoes, Silence Patience & Grace; but this year it’s their time to shine and bring rock back into the fold.

***Tune into CBS on Sunday, February 12th night at 8/7c for the 54^th Annual Grammy Awards!*** 

~Jenn

 

Jennifer Corcione: All About A Song...

Song of the Year and Record of the Year appear to look like the same category, yet they’re not. While the “Song” award is given to those who wrote the single that catapulted the artist into the spotlight, the “Record” is given to those who produced the song (i.e., the producer & sound engineers). But since both focus on the singles, I thought it would be fun to talk about them together!

Song of the Year is always a tough choice for me…well, tougher this year for sure. I normally can locate my favorite by the number of times that particular track has played on my iTunes. But this year, it’s difficult to pick a clear winner; each and every artist nominated has brought their A-game to the table in 2011. Choosing a winner almost feels like which of your children do you love the most.

For Adele, her big hit “Rolling in the Deep” has topped just about every chart and played every time I turned on the radio. She’s broken all stereotypes with her style, attitude, and image; the role of strong female performer became her theme in 2011.

Then again, you also have Mumford & Sons competing against her with their biggest hit, “The Cave.” Coming from across the pond, these boys are bringing back a folk/bluegrass-style of music to the mix; something we haven’t heard in a long time amidst the haze of hip-hop & club music anthems. Bon Iver adds his indie vibe to the fold with a haunting melody about redemption, “Holocene.”

On the other side of the music spectrum, you have Bruno Mars with “Grenade” & Kanye (& Co.) with “All of the Lights.” Mars has brought the soulful male singer-songwriter more into the spotlight, while Kanye has kept up with just doing his thing and raising the bar in the hip-hop industry.

Song of the Year is more of a popularity contest than anything. If you’ve heard the song enough times to need a hiatus from their music altogether, it’s almost a guarantee that they’re taking home that coveted gramophone.

Jenn’s Pick: Adele’s “Rollin’ In the Deep.” That song has made 2011 in more ways that we can even understand; she's earned it!

Who will most likely win: Bruno Mars “Grenade.” Everyone loves a cutie that can pen an angsty love song and sing it almost effortlessly.

The Wild-card: Mumford & Sons “The Cave.” The music scene has been making some huge changes within the past year and I wouldn’t be surprised to see these boys take home the Grammy Gold.

***************

Record of the Year, while featuring the singles nominated, really focus on the quality of the recording and those who help make the song sound pleasing to our ears. And this particular culmination of artists will certainly make my selection process a little difficult!

Just a disclaimer to this category, when it comes to the production/engineering end of music…it’s more like unchartered territory! I probably wouldn’t know who The Smeezingtons (minus Bruno Mars) or Marcus Dravs (Mumford & Sons) was if they passed me on the street. I’m a writer, not a sound engineer or a music producer. Fortunately, I do know (and love) music and the quality of what I listen to are important to me, especially when I suggest music to all of you. (I’m also quick on learning about the competitors’ strengths & weaknesses in their industry, even if I am not as learned on the subject.)

Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep” has such a distinguishable sound, one that can be attributed to Paul Epworth, who has earned his credits working with U.K. acts. (Think Florence + the Machine and Kate Nash.)  Then again, Bon Iver’s “Holocene” also brings a different sound to the table, especially with lead singer Justin Vernon being responsible for the producing & engineering on the album.

Bruno Mars went with his production team that he runs with Philip Lawrence & Ari Levine, The Smeezingtons; Mumford & Sons had their folk/bluegrass sound ‘rocked’ out a little by Marcus Dravs, also known for his work with Coldplay on their most recent album, Mylo Xyloto. And last but not least, we have Katy Perry for her work with Swedish production team Stargate (Mikkel S. Eriksen and Tor Erik Hermansen), who earned a 2008 Grammy nomination for Beyoncé's "Irreplaceable."

So who has the best production team? Is it based on experience or how the industry feels about the music itself? Or maybe it's more about the quality...we'll see.  

Jenn’s Pick: Mumford & Sons “The Cave.” Markus Dravs (the producer) worked with last year’s Album of the Year winner, Arcade Fire. He’s proven that when it comes down to the wire, he knows how to make a band sound Grammy-worthy.

Who will most likely win: Bruno Mars “Grenade.” The Smeezingtons are known for their work with Cee Lo Green on “F**k You” and B.o.B’s “Nothin’ on You”; this production team has been a strong one, as their work has now earned them a third Record of the Year nomination.

The Wild-card: Adele “Rolling in the Deep.” Paul Epworth has worked with a lot of talented artists (in and out of the mainstream) and is also just as deserving to be recognized for this work. (Not only has Epworth worked with Adele and the above mentioned artists; Cee Lo Green, Bloc Party, & Foster The People are just a few on his list of clients.)

***We still have one more category to go! (The big one: Album of the Year.) Stay tuned!***

~Jenn

Jennifer Corcione: A Grammys Draft Pick Worth Sharing!

Although I have never really shared this with anyone, I think you, my trusty reader, should be in on my little secret: I prep for the Grammys the way a football fan preps for the Super Bowl. While I haven’t always watched it every single year (trust me, I try), mainly due to other pressing engagements, when it comes to the season for music awards, I am ready. I read every category over, familiarizing myself with the artists that the industry deems worthy of recognition. I know their strengths, weaknesses, best singles, worst moments, and everything in between!

I always calculate that the Best New Artist is more than likely going to be the one nominee that I’m not familiar with, while the Album of the Year is one that I haven’t bought yet, but would pick immediately. (And I normally hit the mute button on the Country category, sorry. Just not really my type of music; I am getting better though!) But that doesn’t deter me, because I still have my thoughts and opinions as to who should win….and who will win. Therefore, as a special treat this week, I will present to you a little mini-series of my picks for the top four (since weighing in on every one will take a whole year) categories! (I promise, you’ll love it.)

First and foremost, let’s start with Best New Artist. (I’m saving the big one, Album of the Year, for later.) While hip-hop and rap have not made it onto my radar in years, I can’t discount its ever-present influence in the category with two phenomenal nominees (that I have never really listened to—well, ever.) I mean, they have to be great if they’ve made it here, right? But then aside from Nicki Minaj & J. Cole, there are three completely different genres to choose from. You have The Band Perry (country), Skrillex (Electronic Dance), and my personal favorite Bon Iver (indie folk).

So who has a chance? Well, if we were going purely on name, Nicki Minaj could clearly take it. I’ve heard snippets of her hit songs and while I’m sure to her fans she is a genius, (even though her music just doesn’t appeal to me.) J. Cole embodies the rap/hip-hop scene that currently influences most of the music we hear on the radio today. But then there’s also something to be said for The Band Perry, since country always carry the allure of great story-telling…and they’ve been on fire this year with their big hit, “If I Die Young”. The music is actually quite good, something I would not normally place on my iPod, but still good. DJ Skrillex has quite the following as part of the club scene. Strangely enough, his avant-garde metal approach to the electronic sound really draws me in. He takes the role of a DJ and creates rhythms and beats unlike those I have ever heard. And of course, Bon Iver has really come around with their 2011 self-titled release; the genre of folk finally having more of a voice in the Grammy scene pleases me greatly.   

Jenn’s Pick: Bon Iver. Justin Vernon has put in his dues and I want to see them shine, enough said.

Who will most likely win: Nicki Minaj. Clearly, she’s popular and while it breaks my rule of not knowing the artist who wins, the trend of female artists might grant her a better chance to snag the coveted award.

The Wild-card: DJ Skrillex. With the way music has been moving, the lines between genres have been blurred. From people remixing his songs with artists such as Adele and Katy Perry, there seems to be no limits to his music. (As an added treat, to hear a killer mash-up of Adele’s “Someone Like You” and Skrillex's remix of “Cinema” by Benny Benassi, please go and check out this link: http://soundcloud.com/coinjar/someone-like-you-adele-vs.)

 

~Jenn

 

***Stay tuned as I share more picks with all of you throughout the week!***

 

A little acting, a little fashion, and a tiny Susan Lucci!

Last week, I was invited to a press junket at the ABC studios where the famed soap opera "All My Children" is filmed. This press event was happening because of a brilliant marketing move by the clothing retailer NY & Co. With hundreds of stores across the country, NY & Co. is known for their fashion-forward collections at wallet-friendly prices, and they partnered with "All My Children" by having the show's actresses wear NY & Co. clothes on the show for one month. Everyone who attended the event (RunningWithHeels.com editor-in-chief Morgan Williams came with me) got to watch the taping of two scenes and chat afterward with Susan Lucci (who has to be the most famous soap star on the planet...) as well as the lovely Alicia Minshew, Bobbie Eakes, and Brianne Moncrief. (and maybe more importantly...yes, there was a Cameron Mathison sighting...and yes, he was gorgeous and friendly in person!)

It was fun to see how small the stage sets are for soaps, and a blast to get to chat with Susan Lucci, who is really lovely and approachable. Some people fired questions at her about her own wardrobe, some asked about whether or not she would wear the NY & Co. clothes on her own. I talked with her about the joys of mixing high- & low-fashion together, because I immediately noticed how well her cute grey NY & Co. dress went with her silver python Jimmy Choo platforms! All of the actresses said how much they loved the clothes (and I just found out that they did in fact go shopping for themselves at NY & Co. this week!), mentioned how high the quality was for any price point, and relayed how comfortable they were in each piece (a testament to the excellent fit and fabrics). And I can't leave out how incredibly petite Susan Lucci is...I only weigh 95 pounds and felt enormous next to her! Teeeeny-tiny, that woman is...

I'm really glad I got to go to this very special event...and so glad that I get to share NY & Co.'s fabulous, affordable clothes and accessories with Stylewhipped's readers! The photos here are from that day - check out how great these women look!

~ Alison

   

Appearance Announcement: The Mentor Fund to Ring the NASDAQ Closing Bell!

Cindy and I (and my husband!) both sit on the Board of Directors of an amazing new non-profit organization called The Mentor Fund. Founded by my father, Richard Rodman, a financial expert and author, The Mentor Fund is going to provide loans and business mentors to entrepreneurs who otherwise wouldn't have access to financing...Veterans, the poor, the disabled and the unbanked. Besides the mentoring aspect, we stand to be a uniquely self-sustaining non-profit organization because all of the loans granted will be repaid to The Mentor Fund with interest.

Today at 4pm, The Mentor Fund has been invited to ring the closing bell of the NASDAQ.  You can watch the bell-ringing ceremony at 4pm sharp on CNBC or any channel broadcasting the close. My father will speak about the mission of the organization as well as about our need for an initial $1 million endowment to get started. His speech will be viewable on the NASDAQ website, and our own website, www.thementorfund.org will be up later today if you'd like more information!

~ Alison