Although Beyonce, Jay Z and Justin Timberlake may run the pop world, it’s the youth that are shaping tomorrow’s musical landscape. With this in mind, Spotify announced its inaugural list of the top 25 artists under 25. The music streaming service pored over number-one hits, volume and growth of streams and shares, as well as viral chart success from the past year to determine who made the cut. See which young artists are dominating this year’s charts, ranked in order by streams below. Spotify has also made a playlist embedded below for your listening pleasure. Spotify’s Top 25 Under 25 1. Avicii The 24-year-old DJ is Spotify’s first artist under 25 to cross the one billion streams threshold. His song “Wake Me Up” is the streaming service’s most-played tack, with more than 240 million streams globally. Video: YouTube, AviciiOfficialVEVO 2. Lorde Though Spotify listeners were streaming the 17-yea-old pop star’s single “Royals” long before it hit mainstream charts, her follow-up single “Team” is on a hot streak with more than 80 million streams and counting. Video: YouTube, LordeVEVO 3. Miley Cyrus Spotify listeners stream Miley’s music more than 1.5 million times a day. The service has seen a near 50/50 split between genders for the pop star’s top hit singles, “We Can’t Stop” and “Wrecking Ball.” Video: YouTube, MileyCyrusVEVO 4. One Direction These U.K. heartthrobs get more than one million streams globally each day. And if you incorrectly assumed that Harry, Liam, Louis, Niall and Zayne are only hits with the ladies, consider than nearly half the listeners of their single “Story of My Life” are men. Video: YouTube, OneDirectionVEVO 5. Taylor Swift Though the queen of country-pop crossovers is 24, her lyrics read like a post from your teenage LiveJournal blog. Though Swift’s last album “Red” was released in late 2012, her music still enjoys about 400,000 streams per day in the U.S., and twice that globally. Video: YouTube, TaylorSwiftVEVO 6. Jason Derulo If you’ve listened to top 40 radio in the last few months, then you’ve likely fallen under the spell of Derulo’s top charting single “Talk Dirty.” The horn-heavy track has been one of Spotify’s top performing tracks this year, coming in at more than 120 million streams. His latest single “Wiggle” featuring Snoop Dogg is gaining traction in the U.S. Video: YouTube, Jason Derulo 7. Ariana Grande The 20-year-old pop diva is well on her way to becoming the next Mariah Carey, with her high-reaching notes and dazzling live performances. Her latest single “Problem” featuring Iggy Azealia is a hit on Spotify. Video: YouTube, ArianaGrandeVevo 8. Hunter Hayes The 22 year-old country singer recently broke the Guinness World Record for the most concerts played in the most cities in 24 hours. His latest single “Invisible” reaches listeners with its anti-bullying stance and heartening delivery. Video: YouTube, hunterhayes 9. Rita Ora This British powerhouse’s latest single “I Will Never Let You Down” is produced by boyfriend Calvin Harris, and is steadily gaining traction with Spotify users. Video: […]
Never afraid to explore the power of web technologies, Grammy-winning rock band Arcade Fire unleashed an interactive music video for “Reflektor.” The video is an open-source Google Chrome experiment that lets viewers use a computer mouse, phone or tablet to toy with the video’s graphics or incorporate their faces into it. People can play with the flashy video effects in the Chrome experiment or on this explanatory website. Director Vincent Morisset filmed the footage in Haiti. The video follows “a young woman who travels between her world and our own.” Two of Arcade Fire’s previous videos used code, as well: 2010’s “We Used to Wait” took your childhood home address, and personalized the experience with Google Maps, while 2011’s “Sprawl II” again tasked viewers to direct by using a webcam or mouse. Here are some details about the web tech used for “Reflektor”: Arcade Fire also released this entirely different, non-interactive version of “Reflektor”: Image: JustaReflektor Read more: http://mashable.com/2013/09/09/arcade-fire-reflektor-video/
Music legend Dolly Parton is going to contribute four original songs to the independent film, Olive, the first feature film shot entirely on a cell phone. Olive is the story of a little girl who changes the lives of three people, all without speaking a word. It also stars two-time Academy Award nominee Gena Rowlands Although Olive was shot entirely on a Nokia N8 camera (which at the time was the only full 1080p cell phone camera on the market), the film doesn’t have a “cell phone video” look. Co-directors Hooman Khalili and Pat Gilles retrofitted 35mm lens from a film camera from the 1940s and placed it atop the sensor on the N8. This allowed the directors to have full control over depth-of-field and other focal controls essential to creating a great looking motion picture. You can watch the first five minutes of the film below, to see just how good the video is. Dolly Signs On I had the opportunity to see the film two weeks ago, at a private screening in New York City, and walked away from the film truly impressed. I wasn’t the only one. Khalili spoke at METal International earlier this year in an effort to promote the film. That led to a chance encounter with Dolly Parton. After watching Olive, Parton was so impressed, she committed to writing four original songs for the film. The songs were recorded at Kent Wells Studios just outside Nashville earlier this month. It’s looking like the songs might be released alongside Parton’s upcoming memoir which is set for release later this year. From Democratized Filmmaking to Democratized Distribution For the team behind Olive, Parton’s support is an affirmation of the idea that filmmaking and film distribution can be democratized. Khalili told me that part of the impetus in deciding to use a cell phone, rather than a traditional digital video camera, for the project was to save cost. For an aerial shot, the small size of the phone’s camera allowed the shot to be done atop a remote controlled helicopter, rather than from a real helicopter which could cost thousands of dollars. The next step is distribution. The Olive producers — which include former-Facebook executive Chris Kelly — are actively speaking with a number of studios and distribution shops to get the film out to viewers. After seeing the film, I think it’s target audience is likely women and families. I see it playing very well in middle America and on the Hallmark Channel or other family outlets. The Olive team wants to make the film available in a video-on-demand basis, ideally partnering with Vudu and Walmart for distribution. We think this approach would make sense both in terms of the audience and as a way to showcase the power of digital distribution. The Modern Independent Film In the age of Kickstarter, digital distribution and low-cost/high-quality video sensors, the world of independent filmmaking has drastically changed. Back in December, Ed Burns told me that Twitter has fundamentally […]
Wootfatigue earns a living working on antique cars and shooting odd photography jobs. When he’s not at work he scours the internet to find the answers to some of life’s toughest questions, such as “will pee damage tires?” Now, while that might seem like an outright stupid question, when a gaze of raccoons takes up residence in your garage, anything is possible. googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘VN_PG_DCBP_ATF’); }); That’s right folks, this is what happens when you give a raccoon a cookie. If you give a raccoon a cookie, he’ll ask you for one more… Reddit / wootfatigue googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘VN_PG_DCBM_BTF’); }); And before long, there’s two more standing at your door. Reddit / wootfatigue If you give a raccoon a cookie, even just a bite… Reddit / wootfatigue These tiny, furry critters, will never leave your sight. Reddit / wootfatigue googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘VN_PG_DCI1_BTF’); }); If you give a raccoon a cookie, he’ll ask you for a drink. Reddit / wootfatigue And before long he’ll start doing some pretty questionable things. Reddit / wootfatigue If you give a raccoon a cookie, he’ll think he’s human too. Reddit / wootfatigue And he’ll eat up all your scrumptious human food. Reddit / wootfatigue googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘VN_PG_DCI2_BTF’); }); When a man runs out of cookies, he’ll settle for some nuts. Reddit / wootfatigue “It’s shopping time. More cookies please! No ifs, ands, or buts.” Reddit / wootfatigue All kidding aside, Wootfatigue has grown to love these raccoons as though they were his own children. Let’s just say his cookies bring all the raccoons to the yard. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/raccoon-takeover/
“Hotel California” is one of the most iconic rock songs of the 1970s. The Eagles released this masterpiece in 1977, and you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone today who hasn’t heard it at least once. From the dark meaning behind the lyrics to the instantly recognizable riffs, this jam has it all. But you’ve never heard it like this. These six men formed an a cappella group and decided not only to do a cover of the song, but to knock it way out of the park. If the thought of missing out on that famous guitar solo bums you out, have no fear. Just keep watching. (via Shareably) That guy can seriously shred, and he doesn’t even need a guitar to do it! It takes so much work to reinvent a beloved song like this, and these guys pulled it off beautifully. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/hotel-california/
This incredibly serene video features the most chill cat imaginable, Shiro, and his son Kuro. The two are enjoying a relaxing day outside on the roof of a car. But they’re not alone… A tiny frog appears to have found the perfect sunbathing spot — on Shiro’s paw. The three friends seem like they’re feeling oneness with the universe, and so will you after watching this. If that wasn’t Zen enough for you, then how about a video of Shiro chillaxing with the same frog on his head? The next time you’re at a yoga class and the instructor asks you to take a moment to clear your mind for some peaceful meditation, instead of focusing on that cheap tabletop water fountain from Target, I want you to think about Shiro. You’ll instantly become one with the universe around you. Namaste, Zen Master Shiro. Thank you for all you have shown us. YouTube Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/cats-and-frog/
Anyone who purchases a copy of Mario Kart 8 up to two months after its May 30 release will be able to download one of four Wii U games for free, Nintendo announced Wednesday. Players can choose from Pikmin 3, New Super Mario Bros. U, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker HD and Wii U Party, which are redeemed through Nintendo’s rewards program Club Nintendo. The announcement came during a 30-minute online Mario Kart 8 presentation that surprised fans Wednesday morning. Along with the game deals, Nintendo is also releasing a Mario Kart Wii U game bundle to entice gamers to pick up the console. It includes the game, the deluxe 32 GB Wii U, a Wii U steering wheel and a Mario-themed Wii Remote Plus for $329.99. Fans were also treated to a lot of new footage of the game, which is exclusive to the Wii U, including the new three-minute trailer embedded above. BONUS: ‘Mario Kart 8’ Hands On at E3 2013 Read more: http://mashable.com/2014/04/30/mario-kart-8-free-wii-u-game/
Ladies and gentlemen, if we could please have your attention, Cher has something important she’d like to share: She’s still got it. HMMMM…. Seems There’s MORE BUZZ,about the way I Looked,Than the way I Performed !!YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSIVE STILL GOT IT !!!!!! — Cher (@cher) June 19, 2013 The 67-year-old pop icon last night showed viewers and attendees of The Voice that age is but a number, flaunting her first appearance on the live stage in a decade. For the NBC show’s season four finale, Cher and an ensemble of back-up dancers performed “Woman’s World,” the first single from the star’s upcoming studio album, Closer to the Truth. In the clip (above), released Tuesday, Cher hits the stage with a faux-hawk and some badass punk garb, strutting and fist-pumping to the beat of the uplifting number, co-produced by DJ Paul Oakenfold and JD Walker. The performance was her first since NBC’s 2003 TV special, Cher: The Farewell Tour. The Voice finale also included performances from Christina Aguilera and Pitbull; Florida Georgia Line and Nelly (above); Bruno Mars; and past contestants to round out the evening. But the belle of the ball was Danielle Bradbery, who took the season four crown and closed the show with Sara Evans’ “Born to Fly” (finals rendition below). The 16-year-old went up against The Swon Brothers and Michelle Chamuel, who also vied for the title. Bradbery’s win notched a three-peat for her coach, Blake Shelton, who won in season two with Jermaine Paul and season three with Cassadee Pope. Did you catch last night’s show? Let us know what you thought about the season-ending extravaganza in the comments below. Image courtesy of YouTube, NBCTheVoice window._msla=window.loadScriptAsync||function(src,id){if(document.getElementById(id))return;var js=document.createElement(‘script’);js.id=id;js.src=src;document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0].parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}; _msla(“//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js”,”twitter_jssdk”); Read more: http://mashable.com/2013/06/19/cher-live-womans-world/
Most people know that the first few hours after surgery are usually a little…well…foggy. After all, waking up from anaesthesia and taking pain pills for a few days thereafter is enough to make anyone loopy. And that’s why these two brothers decided to play a prank on their sister who had just gotten her wisdom teeth removed. Listen to what they talked her into believing on the car ride home. Ah, siblings. They’re as evil as they are hilarious. As far as pranks go, this one is pretty impressive. They even talked Mom into playing along! Better luck next time, Millicent. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/zombie-prank/
Simon Cowell all choked up? Hard to believe, but the famously hard-hearted judge got misty-eyed after watching The X Factor contestant Jillian Jensen audition on the talent show. The 20-year-old Massachusetts native sang Jessie J’s “Who You Are” during a round of auditions, which aired during Wednesday night’s season premiere. “That was incredible,” Cowell says, while holding back tears. (Go to the 8:05 mark in the YouTube video above to see his reaction). Record executive L.A. Reid, pop star Britney Spears and singer Demi Lovato, who also sit on the judges’ panel, echoed his praise. Twitter users responded to Cowell’s uncharacteristic emotional display with disbelief. DID SIMON COWELL JUST SHED A TEAR OR AM I DREAMING IVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MY WHOLE ENTIRE LIFE — Brrrrrrendan ♔ (@Brendan_Ryan1D) September 13, 2012 Still in shock that Simon Cowell cried lol. #XFactor — Tom M ♫ (@GuitarGuy22) September 13, 2012 Even Lovato poked fun at her fellow judge: “Awwww, you have a heart!”- @ddlovato to @simoncowell. #TearFactor — THE X FACTOR (USA) (@TheXFactorUSA) September 13, 2012 Twitter also exploded with congratulations for contestant Jensen. IF SIMON COWELL IS CRYING YOU KNOW ITS SOMETHING BIG OK — logan ~ (@wutnarry) September 13, 2012 Jillian you made Simon Cowell cry. You’ve officially conquered the world. — Kayla(@Kay_Lahhh) September 13, 2012 In response, the singer tweeted her thanks. I cant even express how touched I am right now,seriously I love you all so much, thank u 4 supporting me. u can do ANYTHING u set ur mind 2! — Jillian Jensen (@ItsJillJensen) September 13, 2012 What do you think of Cowell’s reaction and Jensen’s audition? Tell us in the comments below. window._msla=window.loadScriptAsync||function(src,id){if(document.getElementById(id))return;var js=document.createElement(‘script’);js.id=id;js.src=src;document.getElementsByTagName(‘script’)[0].parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);}; _msla(“//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js”,”twitter_jssdk”); Read more: http://mashable.com/2012/09/13/simon-cowell-x-factor/
