It’s Been A While, Hasn’t It?

Hey everyone… As you can tell by the date on my last post as compared to this one, I was away for a LONG time. The truth is there is no excuse. I was on vacation and feeling just as lazy as Bruno Mars laying on his bed. I can assure you that I will more than make up for this, as I have a few surprises in store for all my regular readers and plenty of new music to discuss!

Let’s get right down to business with the much focused on topic of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way.

This is her second studio album and was met with many different reactions both good and bad. The album, as far as I can tell, is about sexuality, individuality, freedom and choice; all of which Lady Gaga is already a symbol of. The album’s strength lies in its variation of songs. From the raunchy ‘Judas’ to the heart-lifting ‘Edge of Glory’ and the gloriously dark ‘Heavy Metal Lover’ [which happens to be my favorite track on the album], Born This Way manages to appeal to a lot of different types of people. Gaga seems to be using the album as a megaphone to shout out to all her fans that its okay to have your own opinion and personality and to be afraid.

Lady Gaga tells her fans “there is nothing trendy about Born This Way. This connection that we all share is something so much deeper than a wig or lipstick or an outfit, or a fucking meat dress. [...] Born This Way is about what keeps us up at night and what makes us afraid.”

Admitting you’re afraid takes a lot of guts and that is what Gaga is going for. Being unique is about meeting your worst fears head-on and finding ways to destroy them. Knowing you’re not alone is a big bonus, like arming yourself with a light-saber and stabbing your inner demons in the head.

However Gaga’s problems include protests from religious groups, largely Catholic, for the usage of the word ‘Jesus’ repeatedly in the album and the song ‘Judas’. Born This Way was in fact banned in Lebanon due to these very reasons. Lady Gaga has also been accused of copying Madonna’s style and Born This Way  has said to have been ‘heavily influenced’ by Madonna’s music. In my book, that depends on personal opinions and individual reactions and comparisons of the album.

However there can be no denying the impact this album has made on the planet. Topping the charts in 23 countries, Gaga yet again proves that she is able to let her voice be heard. She is an icon of the 21st century who has revolutionalized the way we express ourselves.

This is the music video for Born This Way. Fair warning: Lady Gaga’s videos are usually eccentric, artistic and explicit and this is no exception.

Okay, so second thing, I am TOTALLY digging Jason Derulo’s new single ‘Don’t Wanna Go Home’. I think all you guys should check it out. It’s typical Jason Derulo, so you can expect plenty of auto-tune and rolling sound effects as heard on every other song he’s done. It makes you want to move, so I recommend it on your playlist if you’re on your way to the gym. The video is utter Derulo sexiness, and he gets really down ‘n’ dirty with it, grinding in leather and black vest gloriousness through water in an abandoned warehouse full of his sexy ‘friends’.

I think a song that has really impressed me recently is Joshua Radin’s ‘Sundrenched World’. Absolutely stunning, this song is Altern at its best. Is delicate yet powerful; like a scent of vanilla… You can’t forget it. It lingers in your body. Joshua Radin’s voice reminds me of everything summer should be: heat, brightness, love and escape. However listening to it on a rainy day as I am now, has an appeal all on its own. The perfect background music to painting or driving or reading: It doesn’t interfere or distract, just hovers pleasantly in the room.

There is no music video for the song, but I do have audio for you:

So until next time, when hopefully I will have some news for you, au revoir!

Ridz <3

10,000 LIKES CAMPAIGN.

Okay everyone, this post is going to be slightly different from the usual posts I do, and it’s a topic very close to my heart. I’m sure that if you are a regular reader of my blog you know all about my love and obsession for the German rock sensation Tokio Hotel.

The thing is even after being a fan almost 5 and a half years I still haven’t gotten the chance of seeing them, performing or at a meet and greet or anything. This is largely due to the fact that I live in India, combined by a little pinch of bad luck that seems to follow me everywhere. Besides me, however, there are thousands of fans here who haven’t got the chance to see Tokio Hotel. Some of us have been fans since 2005-2006 but just don’t have the privilege to go see the band in Europe or America. I don’t know why but most artists seem to want to avoid India for as long as possible. Some artists say ‘World Tour’ but India [the world's largest democracy for Godssakes] misses out on these tours. So us Indian fans have decided to take matters into our own hands. We have started what I’m calling ‘The 10,000 Likes Campaign’ to bring TH to India.

We contacted Universal Music and they informed us we need a total of 10,000 INDIAN fans to get the band to India, and this would be accounted for by the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/TokioHotelIndia. So Aliens, let’s do this! Let’s get the number to 10,000 likes!

Sign this petition to support this movement! —> http://www.petitiononline.com/IA10000/petition.html

The campaign will be constantly updated on Midnight HeartBEAT. Each band member will appear on a banner like the one above. All you have to do is click on it and go to the Tokio Hotel India fanpage for more information.

If you have any questions, contact me at billismyphantomrider@gmail.com

Let’s go, Aliens!

Girls Run The World

Women are the strongest pillars of anybody’s life. When I look at all the women in my life, my heart swells with pride, because I know how wonderful each and every one of them are. My mother, my aunts, my grandmothers [all three], my teachers, my girlfriends… They all give me courage, strength, encouragement and inspiration. Women have boundless patience and the very fact that they can stand in one place to tolerate constant flows of energy, positive and negative, is proof of that. There is not even one thing that men can do that women can’t, but there are endless things men cannot do but women CAN. I would like to think there is no superior sex, but being a woman myself, I do tend to have a biased viewpoint.

The multitude of emotions a woman can hold is astounding. We run on a frequency a whole lot different from men, and therefore can rarely be understood by them. There are countless times when a woman can be there for another. Break-up: she’s there with a tub of ice-cream, a box of tissues and a soul full of empathy. When you have the perfect dress but not the perfect accessories, you know she’ll let you borrow. When you see a cute guy at the mall and burst into giggles, and she starts giggling too, because she knows EXACTLY what you’re looking at. When you need understanding and encouragement, knowledge and faith, she’s there, her hand in yours.

When it comes to the music industry, women have definitely established themselves. whether its Tina Turner or Bette Middler, Adele or Lily Allen, women have become a strong focal point and an inspiration for women and girls around the world to be bold and step out, conquer new boundaries.

Tina Turner

Beyonce is a woman who has achieved the impossible. She is one of the most powerful female icons in the world today and has proved to be a woman worthy of the role. I have written a piece on her before and I will be putting up a link to it of you would like to have a look.

Her latest music video for the single ‘Run the World (Girls)’ from her upcoming studio album ’4′, was released two days ago, May 18th 2011, and let me tell you, if there is a testament to the power of women this is it!

The video is extremely powerful: Women dancing furiously in the middle of the desert while men cower from them does impose a rather impressive image. The song is about the strength and independence of women and rather than women ruling the world, it’s about women running the world, the difference being in the fact that men would be unable to cope if women shut them out. It’s about the fact that women through the generations have EARNED respect and have had enough of being oppressed and being made targets. Women are ‘strong enough to bear your children then get back to business’, is a line from this song that sticks to my mind and refuses to leave.

The video portrays a change in time, women gaining power over men as the world evolves… Women shift from becoming rebels to the actual governing body of the planet.

Beyonce looks incredible and the dancing in this video is absolutely sick and out of this world. The way bodies move in perfect unison leave a viewers mouth open in awe; I was certainly blown away by the sheer energy in the entire video. There is drive, determination, discipline, sexiness, and plenty of sex-appeal to go around. With lions and horses and blown-up cars, there is an edge of masculinity that is immediately balanced out by the fact that Beyonce is on the horse, Beyonce stands next to the lion and Beyonce blows up the car with a thrust of her fist in the air.

The video has received negative views from men claiming all kinds of funny things like women ‘taking away their masculinity’ and such. Personally I think its ridiculous to think that. Women pride ourselves with the strength we were born with, the FEMALE strength within. We aren’t looking to take anything from men; in all honesty we need them in our lives to love, to hold, as partners, as fathers, as friends and brothers… We need them as equals to be a stronger and smarter race. Personally as a woman I do need and love the men in my life very much. I have 3 brothers, who are an incredible source of strength and support [not to mention fist-fights], my dad is my hero, and my best friend Jason is a guy, too.

Jason and I.

There needs to be balance and equality and I think what Beyonce is getting at is the fact that women should rise up and meet the challenge of ensuring they are not underestimated. I don’t think she deserves to get slandered for standing up and saying women should take control of their own lives. After all, everybody’s life is their own.

My post on ‘Halo’ and Beyonce—> http://midnightheartbeat.wordpress.com/2009/12/30/heartsong-halo-by-beyonce/

WE, THE FANS. Don’t Make the Mistake of Underestimating Us.

The universal truth is that an artist is only as famous as their fans. Fame is achieved only through having a dedicated fan base, a screaming mass of hysterical human beings who will go to the ends of the earth to see you, even for just one second.  Fans are people who come together for one single purpose, one mission and one interest. Some artists have enough fans to form whole armies, and sometimes, those armies won’t hesitate to battle it out to protect the honour and name of their artist. So if you get that breathless tightness in your chest, those sleepless nights/continuing dreams, gasps that tear through your chest, tears that stream down in heavy torrents and those sudden bursts of energy that zip through you like lightning when you see a picture/video/live concert or hear that special song, get prepared; Tissue paper in hand, and mp3 players fully charged, tattoo machines buzzing, cameras fully loaded and ready to shoot, we’re ready for some action.

Here are some of the more powerful fan-armies in the world today…

The first band on my list is 30 Seconds To Mars and their incredible support system, The Echelon

What I love about this band is the way they involve their fans in their albums and music videos, most recently in their album ‘This Is War’… Some of the tracks feature the Echelon themselves, for example ‘Kings and Queens’. The music video features the Echelon as well.

Next is My Chemical Romance and the MCRmy: MCR has been a constant in my life since 2006 and the release of ‘The Black Parade’. They are a band who inspire many to start a journey towards a better life and conquer fears. The powers of the lyrics of their songs is so great, it embeds the lyrics into one’s soul. The MCRmy consists of hardcore loyalists to the ‘governing’ body that is MCR. There is no pissing off a soldier from this army, as they will literally destroy you with laser guns. Am I right, fellow Killjoys? There are many examples of MCR tattoos that most of the MCRmy sport, consisting mainly of song lyrics and MCR’s logo.

Next is the gorgeous Lady Gaga or Mother Monster to all her Little Monsters:

Lady Gaga’s fan base are known for their craze for the gorgeous Lady and her absolutely gaga outfits. Many costume stores around the planet have an imitation of at least ONE famous Gaga outfit, and her fans are not afraid to blow all their money on those fab get-ups. The Little Monsters are a bunch of wild party-animals, and in my experience, great unique people to know.

Next we take on true ‘Beliebers‘ of Justin Bieber:

Okay, now this has to be one of the craziest fandoms I have ever come across, second to only ONE other that I know [which I will be mentioning later on]. Screaming, hysterical crying, fainting and injuries are most common occurrences at any JB concert, so I warn you, get prepared as you would for a stampede. I have to say the Beliebers seem to mostly consist of an average of 9-16 year olds, predominantly female, with a few exceptions. I have a huge respect for Justin Bieber as he actually possesses a hell of a lot of talent and charisma. While I am not part of the Beliebers, I can fully understand why he is popular; talented, young, good-looking, wealthy and with a pleasing personality… What’s not to like?

I know many people hate Justin and many people love him, but then again its a personal choice. After all, fans are fans because of their personal taste in music.

Let’s take a more ‘glamorous’ turn with the fan army of Adam Lambert known as, obviously, Glamberts:

What is beautiful about the Glamberts, is the range of ages they consist of. No fan is too young or too old to be a part of this army. It’s safe to say women of all generations have gone bonkers about this incredibly talented and sweet-natured singer; Every woman wants him in their lives as a son, brother, husband, boyfriend, or best friend. However unattainable he may be, it does not stop any woman lusting after him and that gorgeous voice. I don’t know the name of this lady with this amazing tattoo, but I would like to thank her if she comes across this article. If anyone reading this knows her, please do let me know so I can credit her properly. :)

And finally, the final force of fandom that has beaten all others and has been given the official title of ‘Best Fan Army’ by the MTV Online Music Awards, are the Aliens the ‘rabid fanbase’ of Tokio Hotel:

It cannot be denied that this fandom is EPIC. Whether it is fighting tooth and nail to support a band-member or waiting for hours on end at a venue to catch a single glimpse of their idols, no one has it down better than the Aliens. Tokio Hotel as a band have charisma, sex-appeal and talent, qualities that have catapulted them not only to fame, but to super-stardom. Being an Alien myself, I must warn you that I am completely biased here. :P And….

The Aliens largely consists of girls, age 14 upwards, but there are MANY exceptions to this stereotype. What is special about this band is the fact they grow everyday. Being an Alien for 5 years, I see them growing with me, reaching adulthood with me and am glad to have that sort of ‘company’, a reminder that while they are rockstars, they are close in age to a lot of their fans and can therefore relate to problems their fans might be facing. They have music that is real, music that defines teenage angst and the turmoil that rumbles through our heads. This band is an escape, a sanctuary for us Aliens to flee to, and there is nothing better that takes away the pain.

I myself have a tattoo of the band’s insignia, and am proud to be a part of the Aliens who have established themselves as Aliens for life and have tattoos related to the band.

The power of fans is an astounding energy, a force of nature to be reckoned with. If you try to change a fan’s mind about the artist they like or go for an all out attack on their fandom, you risk losing their trust, friendship, and also receiving a slap or a zap from concealed laser weapons… Of course beware of Little Monster claws, and sharp Alien tongues.

Music lives in us and its artists very well change our lives… And I’d like to think it’s for the better. They give us something to believe in and courage to pursue our goals and fulfill our dreams. So don’t be afraid to get inspired and join an ‘army’. After all, this rollercoaster called ‘Life’ runs best when we’re all screaming hysterically.

If you want me to add any other armies that YOU support, leave a comment and I’ll edit the article… I’m open to suggestions, always! If you have any tattoos/stories you want to share about YOUR favorite artist, comment, and I’ll post it onto the article… :D

Why ‘Friday’ Isn’t ‘fun fun fun’ -.-

Is THIS girl familiar?

This has to be one of the most epic internet phenomenons that has occurred in my lifetime, raking up OVER 88,000,000 views on YouTube in 1 month! Before you continue reading this post my dear readers, my advice is that you mustn’t cloud your judgment with my words and take the time to actually watch the video for ‘Friday’ the debut of Rebecca Black. Honestly, form your own opinion and then come back and read the rest of my review.

The video—> 

The release of Rebecca Black’s single ‘Friday’ not only managed to piss off YouTubers around the world, it made Miley Cyrus sound like a half-way decent singer. Now before you rip out my throat, let me tell you I don’t mean to criticize her as a person, but I must agree with the internet on this one; When I actually burst out laughing or go into complete silence after listening to a song, you KNOW it doesn’t bode well.

I can’t imagine what the producers were thinking. First of all Black sounds like she has an eternal cold. I mean can you GET anymore nasal? It leads to the point were the song actually starts poke into the back of your brain while gaining entry through your ears. While listening to it, I was told my face looked like I had eaten a lemon. My mom echoed this look, so I’m guessing it was a pretty common reaction. The lyrics are shallow and have nothing educational to offer UNLESS you want to teach your toddlers the days of the week. [Avoid this if you don't want them traumatized] I can’t believe how bad this song is. The lyrics at one point go ‘Yesterday was Thursday, Thursday Today i-is Friday, Friday…Tomorrow is Saturday And Sunday comes afterwards…’ I switched off the video at this point, appalled.

Alright, so I find this song and its video completely pointless. I feel Ke$ha did a better job of the ‘waking up in the morning’ routine, and it wasn’t like ‘Tik ToK’ was the most inspiring song on the planet, either. Technical kinks in the video included 13-year-old drivers and an unsupervised party. I don’t even want to comment on the rapper ‘Pato’ Patrice Wilson in the video. A complete disaster that will continue to give me nightmares, ‘Friday’ is the worst song I’ve heard so far, and continues to top everyone’s list of ‘Worst Song Ever’. While we all pity Black for her being 13-years old and having to suffer these not-so-rave reviews [very much similar to mine] as a critic I cannot let this song slide.

An epic alright, but and epic FAIL, ‘Friday’ has ensure our weekends will never be the same again….

TGIF! >.<

The Times Of My Life, Squared.

I am sorry for the mammoth of a break I took this past month… I was actually preoccupied with my first ever trip to the US and completely freaked out in New York City. Times Square is truly one of the most fantastical sites on the planet and I couldn’t help but gasp at its epic, dramatic and sharp beauty. It is also by the way the site Alicia Keys shot her scenes in Jay-Z’s ‘Empire State of Mind’. I was actually listening to the song while landing in NYC and it created excitement, fear and enthrallment in me, all at the same time.



So much has happened since I last wrote and article and let me give you a gist of some of the things that have occurred:

First of all I got back to the dreary life of school and never-ending revision and tests because, hooray, my exams start tomorrow. As a student doing her very first exam in a new school I must prepare to impress or get grounded. So with the fear of not seeing my boyfriend again for a month driving me on, I am definitely on the ‘impress’ road.

The second interesting thing was that I turned eighteen on the 15th of November [just this last Monday]. Everyone has the idea that because its you 18th birthday, you should have a really rocking time and lots fun, party with your friends and freak out, cos yay you can finally drive, vote, and get married. I haven’t done ANY of the above because not only did I wake up in the morning with the feeling that my birthday was going to suck… it actually DID! After having the worst birthday ever and that too my 18th turning out so lousy and not the way I planned, I decided to just go home and have a good cry cos hey, no one had the time to spend with me on my birthday, right? If it’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can’t rely on anybody else to have a good time. I can’t put my trust in people because they end up smashing it into smithereens just for the sake of selfishness, and I’m not just saying it because I had a lousy birthday. I’m saying it because in this life there is no one you can trust unconditionally except family. Because my family were the ones who had an Italian dinner, an ice-cream cake and African red wine waiting for me at home. It was my family who wouldn’t let me shed a tear. And it was also all my friends who called, texted and gave me the hugs and support and the little outing to McDonald’s and Birdy’s that made it hurt less.



The FINAL thing that happened since I last wrote here is big. No, its positively massive! Its HUMONGOUS! Its going to shock, stupefy, stun, numb, excite, delight, maybe irritate or slightly anger you. You know its so huge and life-changing, that I might as well just say it because I have no more words to hold you in suspense…

I GOT A FREAKKIN TATTOO!

And not just any old pattern from a musty old book with photographs/stencils of lame old butterflies, skulls, snakes and hearts. No, I got myself something that has been important to me for the past five years. I got Tokio Hotel’s insignia, the ‘TH’ in a circle, tattooed onto the back of my neck, just like lead singer and idol, BILL KAULITZ. :) Since everyone asks me ‘Why?’ let me tell you with the words written down, without you arguing your ass of and trying to make me see ‘reason’. Let me tell you the story of ‘Why’.



My Tattoo

My words get caught while coming out of my mouth and turn upside down and round and round so that I can’t convey to you exactly what I feel. So I’m writing it to you because I know my power as a writer is great and no matter how hard you try you cannot escape the grip of my words. You see this is where the hunter becomes the hunted.

There is nothing more suitable to be my first tattoo than the TH symbol, because it represents my love for Tokio Hotel and their music, my love for my idol and inspiration Bill Kaulitz and his life-saver of a smile, my intense relationship with music and its artists and my love for art itself as the symbol combines music art and inspiration all together. Not to mention the fact that I’m insane. :)

People have asked my ‘Why Tokio Hotel? There are better bands around.’ and I feel like saying ‘Why did God make you who you are and not somebody else?’ Because in the end its the same thing, isn’t it? You are asking me to identify myself to you and to justify my identification, which is unethical and not your place. If you don’t already know why, it’s because you don’t know me, so don’t go on asking for justification and the endless seas of ‘Why?’. For my friends who have known me for years or even for a little while, the reason should be clear and most of you know exactly why I got it. If it’s a question of liking the tattoo 20 years from today and not regretting it, don’t worry because it’s not on your body, is it? I chose this tattoo because it will forever represent on my body what Tokio Hotel were, who they are now, what they will become, and their metamorphic journey through music. I have grown up with them, shared my love, my hatred, cried my sorrows and screamed my frustrations all the while their music channeled energy into me. It represents the fact that I am who I am partly because of them and partly because of the people who are in my life. It is a symbol of my individuality and uniformity with other fans who also have this tattoo. We are a global team, I think, and understand what this band means to us.

So there you have it folks, the big things that happened since I last wrote on MHB. I know I’m a psycho, so you needn’t point out the obvious!

Now on to business:

My latest obsession in with My Chemical Romance’s single ‘SING’. It awakens an animal part of me. Not an animal who wants to attack and kill but rather an animal who stalks through the night, howling to the full moon and just reveling the feeling of being free. Yes I must admit it, it is slightly more mainstream than what MCR have come up with previously, but it doesn’t stop the track from being beautiful. Quite the contrary. You really feel like you want to ‘sing it from the heart’, where ‘it’ is your freedom, your expression, your identity and your place on this earth. The techno vibes coupled with the short, brisk piano strokes simply bring the harsh realties and dangers of life into perspective. The video isn’t quite what I expected with the band going all out in a laser-gun duel with guys in masks all to save a little kid… Err… I actually craved more drama in the video, because the only part that hit me hard was the part where Gerard Way is grabbed, pushed up against a wall, and shot. Being a huge Way fan, I freaked out. In a bad way. :S

Another big hit with me is a single Linkin Park have come up with ‘Waiting For the End’. It’s very dream-like and similar to ‘Leave Out All the Rest’ from their previous studio album,  ’Minutes To Midnight’. I loved the intensity of the lyrics ‘This is not the end, this not the beginning’ and ‘so many things were left unsaid, its hard to let you go.’ Very emotional and in pain. I almost imagine a very painful dance between two lovers taking place… Or rather a very intense story unfolding from within the petals of the flower of hope. Something is SO haunting about this song that it makes you think about the mistakes you have made and what you would do to reverse them, at the same time it reminds you not to lose yourself in them. Simply beautiful, the video is striking and very in-sync with the dreamy-ness of the song. My favourite part about the song is the guitar solo from 3:06-3:14. Soul-stirring indeed. A definite tune for any playlist, its heartbreakingly beautiful. :’)

Here’s a link to the video for ‘SING’ by MCR—> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTgnDLWeeaM

Here’s a link to Linkin Park’s ‘Waiting for the End’—> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5qF_qbaWt3Q

ART IS THE WEAPON and So Is Gerard Way’s New Hairdo…

OMG OMG OMG, take out your guitars and plug in your headphones, because My Chemical Romance are back with a brand new single and an album to boot! >.
4 years ago this band inspired my thirst for music with their phenomenal rock-opera album ‘The Black Parade’ and now they are back with an explosion of sexuality and colour. The band have returned with all colours in the rainbow and not a bit of black in sight, as frontman Gerard Way’s flaming new do is an example of.

I subscribed to My Chemical Romance’s newsletter a good 3 years ago and while it has been mostly dormant, it blasted my brains off when it came with the biggest announcement yet; You should have seen the look on my face when they sent the mail announcing their trailer for the new album ‘Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys’. A NEW ALBUM! Man, I was floating in the little space in my brain that I reserve purely for the moments of utter joy in my life, moments where I just need to let the news sink in and wallow around… I’m not a headcase, honest. :)

I do love the Way brothers’ new looks. Mikey looks all surfer-dude and Gerard is channeling a sort of  Rihanna meets Adam Lambert look.

Yikes. I think Gerard wears it better. Looks like someone threw tomato juice on her. :/

Jokes aside folks, lets talk about the first single from ‘Danger Days’, a happily psychotic song appropriately named ‘Na Na Na’. Well, hyper is not the word. Though the lyrics and the music are not as intricate and emotional as those in ‘The Black Parade’, there is a desire to get up and dance, and sing along, giving birth to a brand new anthem similar to ‘Teenagers’.The song is crazy and the trailer is crazier going perfectly well with the feel good, ‘let’s go kill everyone’ madness that MCR brings along with every song! [Hypothetically, of course!] Relax if you don’t get it from the first few watches… I didn’t either. We’ll have to wait for the rest!

Album art for ‘Na Na Na’.

Needless to say there is a huge buzz in the air following MCR’s return to the music scene and the MCRmy [MCR Army] are on the move again, recruiting new blood along the way and spreading the murder- I mean love! ;)

The album is set to release on the 22nd of November 2010, so start saving! YOU CANNOT MISS THIS!

Here is a link to the trailer of the album ‘Art Is The Weapon’–> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=63lyA42Y6ug

Here’s a link to the official Lyric version of the song ‘Na Na Na’–> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zm8xIo_2Aok&feature=related

Have a ‘bloody’ romance….. ;)

Psychotically signing off…. <3

Katy Perry: Always The Life Of The Party! :P

I apologise heavily for my long absence, but it couldn’t be helped. I just started my brand new life in Mumbai, the city of dreams, and made a brand new beginning in a new school. I’ve met some really rocking people so far and already have a best friend/gf, a.k.a, Karishma Mishra! It’s funny how we’re called the ‘lesbian couple’ of the school, though we’re both straight… Maybe its got something to do with the fact that we are practically joined at the hips these days! That and a truckload of assignments and duties, you have yourself a new school life. :] 

Karishma and I :)

Speaking of girl-on-girl flings, and kissing girls and liking it, if ever anyone should have a pop-icon as an idol, it should be Katy Perry. Crazy, fresh, gorgeous and glamorous, Katy never fails to deliver a show of technicolor that blows fans’ minds to smithereens and dazzles the eyes blind. Sitting pretty like a modern china-doll, Katy Perry is the ultimate ‘Teenage Dream’ of our generation!

Katy Perry is just as sweet and refreshing as an ice-candy in the ‘indian summer’. With grooves to get your blood pumping and your feet kicking, there’s no denying the global-turnover that has resulted from her entering the music industry and hitting it big. She made it big with songs like ‘I Kissed a Girl’ and ‘Hot N Cold’ but what really catapulted her to a new level was the release of her single ‘California Gurls’. What I’m here today to discuss however, is the ‘Teenage Dream’ in our hearts right now. :)

Now, known for being an artist who inputs emotion into every single bit of pop she writes, Perry doesn’t disappoint with her delivery of an interpretation of teenage love. There are a number of layers to the song that many can interpret in their own way…

The song is about having a special someone in your life who no matter how old you are, takes you back to your younger days and shows you how to be a teenager again. The song is about unconditional love; ‘You think I’m pretty without any make-up on’ sings Katy, something that all girls hope to say about their boyfriends. She talks about how her lover brings back a childish, fun element in her grown-up and serious life, making life exciting and worth living again. They go and fool around in a motel by ‘making a fort out of sheets’, and go partying on beaches, and want to take the risk of trusting each other completely and going ‘all the way’ with ‘no regrets, just love.’ The song begins with very soft vocals and then progresses to Katy increasing the power of her voice, which could signify the increasing intensity of a relationship. “We can dance/ until we die/ You and I/ We’ll be young forever” is the element of the song that brings in seriousness; after all the song is not about being a teenager but feeling like one, so this line brings in the desire for committment as one transitions into an adult.

Katy sais the inspiration for ‘Teenage Dream’ [the song and the entire album] came from “kind of like feeling that way when you were a teenager: really emotional, really invested. … It’s intense being in love and being a teenager.” She said she was looking back to her youth and the care-free days of her life because she’s just so busy at this point of her life; releasing a new album, promoting and getting married to her fiance, funnyman Russel Brand, Katy really wanted to go back to relaxing and her ‘young dreams’.

To me, song defines what being in love and being truly, immaturely excited about it. It doesn’t matter who you are or how old you are… You just need to savour the moments when you’re in love because those are the days your heart truly gets to express itself.. I would know! :) Katy Perry explores teen love in this song and what I can say about teen love [being a teen myself] is that its all about taking risks. In most cases of teenage love, you don’t end up marrying the person you are in love with at that moment. Teen love is sudden, unpredictable, and very intense because you know your time is limited. You love your boy/girlfriend like crazy, with all the love you can gather in your heart and give them everything so that they remember you out of the many people they have and will go on to date.

You may not end up going ‘all the way’ with every person you date, but there comes along that one person who you end up giving yourself too because you are just so in love. You never forget the first person who you do it with and they remain locked in your heart forever.

The actual song’s melody is not as catchy as that of ‘California Gurls’ and ‘Hot N Cold’ but it went on to top the US and New Zealand charts…  It’s extremely feel-good and light, like comfort food. The song is more a ballad than anything else, but Amos Barshad of New York said ” the bluntly muscular chorus (‘You! … make! … me!’)” prevents the song from becoming a complete ballad and adds the typical Katy-Perry-Pop-Feel to it. The music video features Katy Perry and her love interest partying ans stripping at a beach with a bunch of Katy’s friends. Its fun and lively and goes very well with the song. Katy said the song and the video show a more ‘raw, almost vulnerable’ side to her, as she had toned down the make-up and the drama. 

Clip from the Video

The song has become a fast favourite with wall of my friends [mostly girls] and I can’t stop listening to it! I think Katy Perry has outdone herself with her new album and am very impressed with the way the songs just come out and grab you. After all, this is the crazy Katy Perry we’re talking about here…. ;)

Here’s a link to the video for ‘Teenage Dream’—> http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98WtmW-lfeE

So you want to impress your girlfriend? Just tell her she’s your ‘Teenage Dream’! ;)

Psychotically signing off! <3

A New Meaning to the Word ‘FABULOUS’: Jeffree Star

Many a time in life there comes a moment, place, object or person who grabs our attention and refuses to let go. This has happened to me only a few, rare times, but the one who really grabbed my reins and steered me towards themselves was Jeffree Star. Is there any doubt about how he did it? Maybe just looking the way he does, and walking the way he walks and gives me such a bitchy glare from his new music video, ‘Beauty Killer’ enraptured me. Who knows? All I know is that I can’t stop watching the dam vid!

Yes, before you ask, I know that he is man in woman’s clothing and make-up, but you know what? He’s got guts. I’m a girl and I couldn’t pull off his look. He does it with a certain grace and flamboyance I have never seen before, not even in Adam Lambert, and that’s saying something! I’ll admit he is a bit startling to look at and take in at first, but in while one learns to appreciate his crazy taste and dazzling contacts.

It’s true the look that Star has going on shocks most people and gives countless more heart attacks, but the point is that they can’t criticize him, because they wouldn’t have the daring to do it themselves.

I find myself utterly addicted to his video for ‘Beauty Killer’ from his first studio album ‘Beauty Killer’. The song has this eccentric feel to it which is perfectly complemented by Star dressed in different wigs and make-up, and also in a gorgeous, tight, minidress [not to mention high-heels to die for]. I love the contact lenses that give him a slightly ethereal look, and watch out for the pink wig which completely highlights his beauty. The video also has Star’s best friend Daniel Lucas in an extremely hot cameo… naked. Star is definitely a flavor to beware of, and spicy one at that. Mix in a huge dose of cotton candy, and you have yourself a rare and delectable treat!

I love the song’s electro beat, and especially the part where he goes ‘I may be easy/ Easy to hate/ But you’re so f***ing easy/ Easy to break.’ It’s got attitude, and team that with Star’s racy look, exquisite tattoos and addictive voice, you have yourself a true STAR.

Jeffree Star was born  Jeffrey Lynn Steininger and gained fame on Myspace by posting outrageous photos and comments and blogging about his life. He calls himself ‘the Queen of Myspace’ and was officially recognised as the most connected personality on Myspace in 2007. He knew from a very young age that he was gay, and started wearing make-up and women’s clothing in junior high. He would frequently go out and party during the weekends, wearing tight minidresses and ‘nine-inch heels’. This led to Star receiving a lot of attention and began getting hired as a celebrity make-up artist and model. Star’s debut ‘Plastic Surgery Slumber Party’ topped the iTunes’ dance and electronics charts, way above Justin Timberlake and Cascada. After that came ‘Cupcakes Taste Like Violence’ and then the outrageous and delicious ‘Beauty Killer’.

I definitely look up to Jeffree Star and admire the way he has built up his career to such heights at such a young age. He’s only 24. [It also helps that our birthdays are on the same day. Nov 15th. :) ] He inspires me to be strong and reminds me everyday that being different is BEAUTIFUL. Love you, Jeffree. <3

He has also been in many music videos, including Good Charlotte’s ‘The River’ and Metro Station’s ‘Shake it’. He has lots of tattoos adorning his lithe body, many of which have been done by the captivating Kat Von D of LA Ink. They are in fact fast friends.

He has also released a fragrance called ‘Fierce’ which I am DYING to buy and try!!Here’s to the ‘Queen Bitch’ who’s taking over young hearts and giving them a hell of a make-over. Jeffree Star doesn’t need to prove anything. He is music royalty without even trying. Sure gives Lady Gaga a run for her money, doesn’t he? With that eye-make-up I’m saying hell yeah, bitches! >.< 

 

This is the link to the music video for ‘Beauty Killer’, my favourite—->http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLBHooqolaw

Watch out for the Princess Diana tattoo! :D

You can link up with Jeffree on Myspace, Facebook, Twitter and Buzznet.

Cheers <3

Ridz Chakraborty

P.S- I would like to thank Jeffree Star directly for some of the photos from his Facebook profile. Love you, Jeffree. :)

Celebrating Michael Jackson: How The Legend Stole Our Hearts…

On this day, one year ago, I came home from school only to hear that the first person I had ever fallen in love with… was dead.

‘Ridz, Michael Jackson died.’ were the words my mother said to me that afternoon. Shocked, I had quickly switched on the TV and flipped from news channel to news channel, each of the flashing the words ‘King Of Pop Dead’. My mind went numb and my entire body froze. All I could think was, ‘This can’t be real! It’s a hoax!’ and I didn’t want to believe Michael Jackson, my first love and the very heart of the music world, had died.

Michael Jackson was an inspiration to humankind. He was one of the few individuals on the planet who was genuinely a good person. No matter how many legal problems he had faced, not to mention the effects of plastic surgery and the prescription drugs he was so heavily dependant on, MJ managed to steal our hearts with his thrilling dance moves, ingenious music, and mind-blowing concerts. He was also a gentle person by nature and everyone who has met him can guarantee this.

I remember when I was very small and the video of his song ‘They Don’t Care about Us’ had just been released, in 1996, and I was sitting on my father’s lap and gazing in wonderment at the man on the screen. I was four years old at the time, and nothing else was more fascinating than seeing this tall, pale, wonder dancing around madly with a huge crowd who also seemed entranced by him. Since then, I was in love! I wanted to do that too. I wanted to dance along with him and beat those huge drums and scream in the middle of the street! Now it hurts to think that I never will.

I think it was everybody’s dream to meet Michael Jackson. I have friends who can moonwalk and move almost as well as him, dedicated fans who would spend hours watching him, trying to master his magic. Michael Jackson taught me that its okay to be different. It’s okay to take a risk and expose your true self to the world. He took the risk. And now, he’s a hero to billions, and a beacon of equality and love. “I’m not a racist person … I could never be a racist. I love all races.”- Michael Jackson

Though the legend himself has left us, his spirit will always remain. I know I’ll be telling my kids about him someday… The story of how I fell in love with a superstar.

 

If you are in India, you can catch some tribute shows for Michael on these channels:

VH1- Moonwalk, at 8pm

Sony Pix- Michael Jackson’s ‘This Is It’ TV premier at 9pm. :)

We will always love you, Michael.

Peace out. <3