Get yourself some peanuts and Cracker Jacks because it’s that time of year again: the MLB All-Star game! Tonight at 8 PM Eastern, the American League and the National League of baseball go head-to-head to determine who will have the home field advantage during the 2009 World Series. Maybe a few of you readers are lucky enough to have tickets to the game, but my bet is on most of you sitting close to the television.
If you’ve ever been to a major league game before then you’ve probably heard an array of theme music accompanying each player as they go up to bat. Their choices make for an interesting mix of all different music. That’s why we’ve put together this All-Star playlist of diverse, hand-picked songs by OurStage artists. These songs will get you ready for a good game or whatever curve ball comes your way this evening. Batter up!
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OurStage Radio is broadcast to over 72 MILLION WORLDWIDE WinAmp users, so this means huge, global exposure for OurStage artists! The channel is currently featuring the best music from OurStage artists in Country, Rap, Rock, Pop, Hip-Hop and many other music genres and will be updated regularly with the chart toppers from the OurStage competitions!
If you want to listen to OurStage music through your WinAmp player, check out the new OurStage Radio channel and find great new playlists featuring our top artists! OurStage is supporting emerging artists with even more great career-boosting opportunities. If you are an artist and want to make big waves in your music career, make sure you upload your music to OurStage.com and check the prize calendar for more information about WinAmp and many other OurStage prize partners.
Artist Successes, free music and online connections… we’re not doing too bad for our 2nd week of the year! The OurStage team is always on the go and we didn’t waste any time getting 2009 into full speed. Check out what we’ve been up to:
FREE MP3 from NeverShoutNever!
Available for a limited time only, OurStage is giving you exclusive access to download a preview MP3 from NeverShoutNever’s upcoming EP. This EP features Ukelele versions of both new and fan favorite songs and will be available on iTunes and all major digital retail outlets on January 27, 2009. Visit the special NSN page on OurStage before January 18, 2009 to get the free download!
Twank Star shines on iTunes
After winning the “Step in the Ring” challenge hosted by T-Pain and Nappy Boy Records on OurStage last December, Twank Star’s winning track “Everybody Else featuring T-Pain” was released on the iTunes digital music store. In only three weeks, the song has earned over 20,000 downloads! Congratulations to Twank Star on his amazing success. Stream the complete song on OurStage or buy it on iTunes today.
Do You Twitter?
We do! This week, OurStage has joined the ever-growing Twitter network where we plan to share with all of you “what we’re doing right now.” Mostly, we plan to share what we’re listening to, but don’t be surprised if we throw in some interesting news, games and prizes, too! Join our network; we love making new friends!
Mackintosh Braun to perform at Slamdance
Slamdance is a unique independent film festival that features first time writers and directors and supports all forms of independent art. This week, at the opening party for the 15th annual festival, Slamdance will welcome the popular OurStage band, Mackintosh Braun, to the stage. Give them a pat on the back for getting such an awesome gig and check out their music on OurStage!
To ring in the new year, we here at OurStage thought it would be a good idea to step back and reflect on some great new artists that emerged on the scene in 2008 and are likely to be the ones to watch in 2009. This is our list of top hip-hop and R&B artists:
The Press Project
This 7 piece group blends the styles of hip hop, soul, funk, and jazz into a sound that is completely their own. Though best compared to acts like The Roots, Soulive, and Jurassic 5 they are more different than they are the same. In 2008 they watched their debut album climb the CMJ music charts eventually breaking into the top 40 and reaching number 12. Along with their album climbing the college radio charts the band had marquee performances playing Bonnaroo and opening for Soulive making 2008 a great year for these guys from Boston.
Twank Star
This Houston rapper kicked off 2008 by releasing his single, Free, in January. He got a distribution deal through Universal in November and was also chosen as the winner of the Step in the Ring with T-Pain contest on OurStage.com. His album “First Impressions” is out now on Wide Boy Music as well as the single “Everybody Else” with T-Pain out on Nappy Boy Digital.
Tori Alamaze
With a sound similar to the soul of the 1960’s Tori Alamaze has added a modern twist to those like Diana Ross and Tina Turner. After having her song “Don’t Cha” swiped and made famous by the Pussy Cat Dolls it has been a long road back to the top for this Atlanta native. Spending most of 2008 working on a new album with Gnarls Barkley’s Cee-lo it’s only a matter of time until Tori Alamaze is as recognized as The Pussy Cat Dolls.
LockBoyz
These five Arkansas natives have a sound similar to Mike Jones. All five members of Lockboyz are pursuing a college degree as well as their musical careers and are having success juggling the two. Their biggest feat in 2008 at was a spot on Little Rock Arkansas’ Juneteenth Festival along side Mike Jones and Lil Mama.
DK aka Wayne Watts
This Baltimore native channels the flow and passion of Lupe Fiasco and Kanye West in his songs. After showcasing at the NACA music conference in March DK released his “About A Girl” mixtape in July. Since the release of his mixtape he has toured the country playing clubs, colleges, festivals and anywhere people will listen.
Last month over 1000 artists chose Step In The Ring with T-Pain. 700,000 head-to-head battles later, our congratulations go to Twank Star whose track stood out amongst all others to T-Pain. Twank hails from Houston and proves, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.” Standing 6′ 5”, 350 pounds this up-and-comer, backs it up with a big sound. In addition to receiving promotional support for the winning song, Twank Star will also receive a one-track recording contract with Nappy Boy Digital, with the option to extend. The winning track is also available for download on iTunes and streaming on OurStage.com.
