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/
“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/
Hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons stars in a new digital short for “Battle For Your Ballot,” a non-partisan grassroots movement raising awareness about voter suppression. The video is the first in a series of PSA-style YouTube clips from The BRPR Group. The movement’s website, BattleForYourBallot.com, will house the videos, inform viewers about their voting rights and let people report voter irregularities by submitting audio, videos or photos. “We want to utilize the followings of celebrities and high-profile individuals with fans who are most effected by voter suppression tactics — younger voters and minority voters,” BRPR Group’s agency director Christopher Renz tells Mashable. He says the next figures in the movement will be a politician and Hispanic celebrity. The website also details state-by-state information for voters, including rights as an employee on Election Day and a list of necessary documents to bring to the polls. “This is not about a red or a blue state, Republican or Democrat,” says Gerard Bush, co-founder and chief creative director of The BRPR Group, who also has a prominent role in the video. “It’s actually not partisan at all; it is about the most valued right of every American citizen to have our voices heard at the ballot box.” Read more: http://mashable.com/2012/10/01/battle-for-your-ballot/
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/
Going to the moon is a goal for almost every astronaut, and in the late 1960s, humans accomplished that goal for the first time. It was a monumental technological breakthrough. Many people thought that we would never do it, but in the heat of the Cold War, America made it to the moon. On our journeys since, some irregularities have occurred. Take these sounds, for example. Bizarre noises were heard on the dark side of the moon, and as you’ll hear in the video below, they were absolutely chilling. (via Unexplained Mysteries) If that doesn’t give you the willies, I don’t know what will. I have to hand it to those brave astronauts for going up there. Space travel is clearly creepy. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/astronauts/
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/
Coldplay‘s beautiful “A Sky Full of Stars” song just got the wacky music video treatment. Unlike the levitation-infused music video for Coldplay’s previous single, “Magic,” this one shows the band sporting weird musical contraptions while marching through the streets of Sydney, Australia. The instrument-laden outfits are an odd juxtaposition with the track’s romantic lyrics (“‘Cause in a sky full of stars I think I see you. You’re a sky full of stars, such a heavenly view”). Regardless of the garb, front man Chris Martin looks happy, a welcome demeanor for fans, considering he and Gwyneth Paltrow split up “‘with hearts full of sadness” in March after more than 10 years of marriage. Director Mat Whitecross filmed and released the video swiftly, recording the footage on Tuesday after the band asked fans on Twitter to show up for the taping. We’re shooting the video for A Sky Full Of Stars on the streets of Sydney tomorrow. Does anyone want to be in it!? PH — Coldplay (@coldplay) June 16, 2014 250 fans needed for #ASFOSvideo tomorrow (tues). Meet 11.30am at courthouse hotel, 202 Australia St, Newtown, Sydney. Bring a smile. PH — Coldplay (@coldplay) June 16, 2014 We’ve already got 250 fans at #ASFOSvideo shoot location so please DONT COME DOWN if you’re not here already. You won’t get it in. Sorry!PH — Coldplay (@coldplay) June 17, 2014 Thanks to everyone in Sydney who came out to the #ASFOSvideo shoot today. Happy times. PH pic.twitter.com/IL9HXz1PxY — Coldplay (@coldplay) June 17, 2014 Great video snippet from today’s #ASFOSvideo shoot in Sydney (thanks to @CarlaAslan for sending). Ahttps://t.co/gCpQmkdg2n — Coldplay (@coldplay) June 17, 2014 “A Sky Full of Stars” is the second single from Coldplay’s sixth studio album, Ghost Stories. BONUS: 20 Trippy Scenes From Nicki Minaj’s ‘Pills N Potions’ Music Video 20 Odd Scenes From Nicki Minaj’s ‘Pill N Potions’ Video 1. Pills flying out of a Pez dispenser 2. Dancing bunny 3. Metallic tears 4. Nicki really likes bunnies, apparently 5. Head holding 6. Stiletto stomping on Alex Mack? 7. Beats Pill with real pills 8. Pink smoke 9. Twisted airplane 10. Gooey car 11. Liquid smoke 12. Melting building 13: Flying pills 14. Smoking bunny named Lucy 15. Perfume bottle named Onika 16. The Game looks scared 17. Nicki, what is happening here? 18 Are those made out of white chocolate? 19. Blob city 20. Pills crying Read more: http://mashable.com/2014/06/19/coldplay-sky-full-of-stars-music-video/
By now we’re all familiar with the story: Nebbishy looking guy or gal doesn’t appear to have much going on, but then — boom — that voice slays the audience and the judges. This is what shows like The X Factor were created for and every once in a while, the scenario repeats itself. Such was the case with Curtis Golden, an 18-year-old self-styled “nerd” who worked his magic over the weekend. Will Golden be the next Susan Boyle? Too soon to tell but, like Boyle, you don’t expect that voice to come out of that body. What do you think? Were you as impressed by Golden’s performance as everyone else was? Let us know in the comments. Read more: http://mashable.com/2012/08/20/nerd-wows-x-factor-judges-video/
Just as we’d nearly recovered from Nicki Minaj’s buns-centric “Anaconda” video, Ellen Degeneres’ butt managed to reel us back in. Never one to shy away from dancing, the talk show host tested out some new moves in a Nicki-approved homage to the butt-popping video. And as a bonus gift to us all, she donned a pair of acid wash cutoff jorts. Because if you’re going to act the part, you’d better dress the part, too. Video: YouTube, TheEllenShow Here’s a TED Talk about sounding smart in a TED Talk Is Beyoncé actually an alien? ‘Jurassic Parks and Rec’ is the mashup Chris Pratt fans need This gas station bathroom is nicer than your first apartment Read more: http://mashable.com/2014/09/11/ellen-anaconda-video/
