(Image © DJW / Pop Music Scene)

I have been so disengaged from MTV for a couple of years now. I seriously can not remember the last time I was able to watch a full-length music video of a song. A few years back, even though MTV has Real World and Road Rules, you’d still be able to sit down and watch new and old videos. Not anymore. Try tuning to it one day and you’ll find one reality show after another.

While perusing the MTV.com website a couple of weeks ago, my eye made contact to it’s roster of shows. I saw a lineup of reality shows with no mention of any music video related programming.

• America’s Best Dance Crew
• Busted
• My Super Sweet 16
• Made
• Cribs
• Engaged and Underage
• Exiled
• From G’s To Gents
• The Hills
• Man and Wife

• Making The Band 4
• Next
• Parental Control
• Paris Hilton My New BFF
• Pimp My ride
• Real World XX : Hollywood
• RW/RR : The Island
• Run’s House
• Sex.. with Mom and Dad
• True Life
• The X Effect

That’s the lineup of shows MTV has lately. At least before they had Total Request Live, but that’s canceled now. Last Summer there was F’N MTV, that was a Friday night version of TRL, hosted by Pete Wentz.

People could argue that you could watch a music video online through MTV.com or oh I don’t know, YouTube maybe? But what if I don’t want to watch it online? What if I want to watch it in my living room like I used to. I’m sure some of us could do without “Next“, “The X Effect“, “Parental Control“, “Exhiled“, “Engaged and Underaged” (seriously?) oh and God forbid, not another season of the vapid cast from “The Hills“. Don’t get me started with Paris looking for a new bestfriend. Like we need more affectation coming from her and her stupid minions.

If MTV wants to stick to this kind of programming then I suggest they change the name “MTV” to something else. RTV perhaps for Reality TV, since that’s pretty much what they’re offering these days. Well except for “The Hills“. Everyone knows that it’s scripted as all hell, heh!

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While Miley Cyrus was in Germany to promote her “Breakout” album, she was asked how she feels about the comparison of her between Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan. Here’s what she had to say :

“Um, I think they are both really talented and, I don’t know about around here, but at the Video Music Awards and everything, Britney Spears has been taking all the awards home and has really had quite a comeback. So, I just think that they are super successful and hopefully when I am compared to them, it’s them [...] career-wise because they have all been super successful and had amazing careers and they are both really talented.” (SOURCE)

The intro for Miley’s comment intimated that Miley practiced those lines wishing for something “better”.

First of all, I consider that question a bait question. For a 15 yr old, I think that’s as candid and articulate she could get. Seriously, what did you expect her to say? Unless of course you want her to say something crappy and then get her back in the media which was the intention all along.

Then you scroll down to read the comments from that article and you’ll get immature people getting mad at Miley for being compared to Britney and Lindsay. Apparently, it’s Miley’s fault that she was asked the question in the first place. What in the world are we coming to?

You can’t compare Miley to either Britney or Lindsay. You just can’t. There’s a generation gap in between all of them. The time Britney started is so much different compare to now.

If you’re going to do it at least have the decency to admit that you’re expecting Miley to trip. For her to say something catty and mean so you could throw a stone at her. That’s what this interview was all about. Give me a break.

(Images : Newscom)

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Actress and RnB and Rap Artist Eve is going to be mentoring the MTV’s Top Pop Group contestants for tonight’s premiere round. The Pop Groups will have to tackle the first challenge which is to show their unique sound and style. While they all go to this process, Eve will be around to advice and give them tips. Let’s hope they listen to all of it.

After the show, which is at 10pmET/PT, viewers can vote right away for their favorites at http://toppop.mtv.com.

I can’t wait. Seriously. Let’s hope the group doesn’t disappoint all of us.

(Image : Chris Polk/MTV)

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Concrete Rose (Tatiana “Tati,” Maressa “MJ” and Keiatta “Raine”)

Having grown up on the streets of Atlanta, these very independent women give new meaning to the phrase “girl power” – and they are determined to prove that the street can certainly be sweet.  Their name comes from the metaphor “a rose grew from the concrete” and they consider their union a phenomenon that occurs once in a lifetime.  Raine and MJ bonded during a short stint in a another group, but after the group split up, the duo teamed up with Tati to become Concrete Rose.  The girls describe their sound as “bridging Hip-Hop, Rock, Garage, Funk, R&B and Alternative music” to create an “eccentric style, rambunctious sound and a yin-and-yang chemistry.” 

MJ attributes her love of singing to her earlier years spent at karaoke.

Tati is a receptionist at a talent agency who has always wanted to be one taking a meeting. 

Raine is determined to become a successful artist.  After watching her mom deal drugs and struggle with addition, she hopes that Concrete Rose can become positive role models for young women everywhere.

3 Daze (Corina “Corina Noelle,” Chelsea and Ingrid “Amaris Dupree”)

To make music history, these three young ladies connected on MySpace three days prior to their audition.  Corina sent out dozens of emails to singers on the social networking site and interviewed dozens more on the phone.  After hitting it off on the phone with Chelsea and Amaris, the connection the three felt was even stronger when they met in person.  They spent the next two days in rigorous dance and vocal rehearsals, fine-tuning their moves and sound – and their natural ease with one another gives them the appearance of being a group for years versus days.  

Corina (”The girl next door”) grew up on a farm in Connecticut.  When she wasn’t tending to the chickens, Corina was dreaming of a life in the spotlight.

 
Chelsea, (”The sultry Filipino”), moved from the Philippines to the United States at age 10.  After attending a performing arts high school, Chelsea chose to pursue a singing and acting career in Los Angeles.

Amaris, (”The sassy Puerto Rican”), inherited her sexy moves from her mom, a former professional ballet dancer.  She still wishes her dad, who died when she was 13, could have seen her dance on stage.

The rest of the contestants after the fold….

Jazmin (Nadia, Felicia, Celia and Daria)

Daughters of a Christian-Protestant preacher and a piano teacher, the sisters grew up in an Asian-American household where TV was banned.  When they didn’t have their noses glued to their school books, Jazmin would unleash their energy through music, singing, dancing and art.  Their parents were huge supporters of their talents and even encouraged the girls to draw all over the walls of their home.  Their group name, Jazmin, comes from a popular Asian flower – and describes their jazz-like sound. 

Nadia, the eldest, majored in Studio Art because she loves fashion and serves as the group’s stylist.

Felicia, the bossy one, studied Art History and designs everything from their album covers to website.

 

Celia, the goofball who’s always on the lookout for fun and games.

Daria, the baby ine the family has a huge voice and is the lead singer.

Ju-Taun (Jamie, Jake, Pete and Samoeun)

Hailing from New Jersey, this inseparable group has been singing together for more than ten years.  Brothers Jamie and Jake formed Ju-Taun with their best friends Pete and Samoeun in high school.  One of their favorite things to do together as a group is cooking – and they are known for their mean mac & cheese.  The hardships they have endured throughout their lives have given them an insatiable hunger for success.  They hope to bring their unique fusion of vintage soul and contemporary harmonies to the very top.  

Jamie and Jake’s parents divorced when the boys were young, causing both financial and emotional difficulties for the family. However, their dad’s colorful career as a club musician was a major influence and inspired them to follow a career in music.

Battling his own demons, Pete is determined to never wallow in the past and stop him from attaining his dream of being a successful musician. 

Born in a refugee camp in Thailand, Samoeun had to endure unspeakable poverty at a very young age before his family escaped to the U.S.  Samoeun found a love of music in Camden – and his three best friends.

LAS CAPRICE (Zulema “Zuley,” Daniela, Talita and Kimary)

After an intense international search, Las Caprice was assembled in 2007 and immediately became a sensation on the Miami music scene, recording and performing at countless venues.  This vibrant quartet of Latin flavor is a mix of influences that combine Zuley’s Cuban and Peruvian essences, Daniela’s Italian and Argentinean roots, Talita’s Brazilian groove and Kimary’s Puerto Rican spice.  What makes Las Caprice stand out is their cutting-edge bilingual composition and sexy cultural dance.  

Zuley is best known for her rapping and professional dance experience.  With an urban edge, she also has a calming presence that comes from meditating in her free time.

 
The studious and most trained in the group, Kimary moved from Puerto Rico to Miami to attend college and study music business. 

Daniela may be the baby of the group, but this native Floridian has amazing dancing and singing chops.

Talita, the stylish blonde bombshell, is the wild child of the group.  After singing backup for famous Latin artists around the world, she is ready for her moment in the spotlight.

LS3 (Brian, Bjorn and Gabriel)

This smooth-sounding trio from Minneapolis blends soulful vocals with fluid piano keys.  These guys are all heart as they strive to make it big but also to inspire the underprivileged kids who they teach.  Brian and Bjorn work for the music program Studio 4 which is dedicated to improving the lives of inner-city kids through music production. 

 
Brian is the director of music for Studio 4.

 
Bjorn helps teach the Studio 4 enrollees all aspects of music production from playing instruments and singing to songwriting and engineering.

Gabriel is from a military family and spent his childhood always moving but found a constant in singing. 

MOSAIC (Josh, Sean, Corwyn, Troy, Heath and John)

An acappella sensation, Mosaic promises to take music to a whole new level as they create the sound of a full band with only their bare voices.  Formed three years ago in Orlando, they moved to Las Vegas in 2006.  Since then, they have caught the attention of numerous artists, including Prince for whom they opened.  

Josh wanted to change people’s perception of acappella groups and set out to find five other guys who shared the same passion.  He brings concepts and arrangements to the group.

Sean was born in New York City but grew up in Florida where his education came from the school of hard knocks.  Brutally honest, Sean is a third tenor and vocal percussionist who bring emotion to the group.

One of their most trained musicians, Corwyn’s tenor voice delivers a smooth sound and velvet riffs to Mosaic’s perfectly-blended sound.  When not singing, he loves to bowl and play basketball.

Originally from Laguna, CA, Troy sings bottom half and percussion.  Despite his love of science and math trivia, he most definitely can throw down some mean b-boy beat. 

Hailing from Nashville, TN, Heath is the comedian of the group and calls his vocal style “the kamikaze.” 

John describes his style as “switch-footed bari-floaty-tenor with bass extentions.  Inspired by Prince, Madonna and Stevie Wonder, he injects all sorts of funk into the group’s sound.

NJ5IVE (Gerald “G,” Quashawn “Qua,” Shamir “Sha,” Bernard “Destyn” and Marquise “Kyree”)

For these best friends born and raised in Patterson, music is more than a gift or hobby, it is a release from all of life’s hardships and a way to secure a successful future.  NJFIVE describes writing and performing music as a form of therapy.  They believe the combination of their five distinct talents and personalities make them pop.  

Before each performance, the guys take a moment to pray in memory of loved ones lost and in thanks for what they’ve overcome. After years of trying to make it in the music biz, NJFIVE is ready to show America that they have the smooth moves, tight harmonies, and magnetism it takes to be voted MTV’s Top Pop Group. 

Family is very important to G who sends the money he earns singing back to relatives in Haiti. 

Sha doesn’t want his talent to sing to go to waste and sings in memory of his mother, who died of a heart attack.

A born musician, Destyn began singing opera and playing the piano at an early age. 

“The rock” of the group, Qua found solace in music and writing lyrics growing up while his father drifted in and out prison.

Kyree attributes his success to his biggest influence, his father, a talented musician.

S1 (Keith “Kjae,” Christian “Traxx” and Shaphan “Shay Dot”)

The dynamic trio formed their group five years in their hometown.  To stand out in a crowd, they created a signature style – collared shirts, ties and sweaters.  With their smooth swagger and preppy style, the guys believe their threads compliment their edgy sound, which is a unique blend of R&B, Hip-Hop and Rap.  The path to success for S1 has been long and hard – and this is their last chance to make it big on the music scene. 

From an early age, Traxx had big dreams of superstardom and recorded his first demo with a karaoke machine.

Kjae, a natural athlete, used music as a way to overcome his shyness.

Shay Dot, who discovered his talent for songwriting after writing poetry, considers himself a “rolling stone” since he never stays anywhere more than a few nights. 

Don’t forget, tonight at 10PM ET/PT on MTV, of course. You never know, you could be watching the next N’Sync, Backstreet Boys, Pussycat Dolls, Danity Kane, or NKOTB .

(Sources/Credits : Chris Polk/MTV)

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Lisa and Jess aka The Veronicas are preparing for their tour with the Hanson and here are those dates starting from September 21st in Dallas all the way through October 7th in Alabama :

• 21 Sep 2008   7:00 P     House of Blues            Dallas, TX
• 23 Sep 2008   8:00 P     The Pageant               St Louis, MO
• 24 Sep 2008   8:00 P     Uptown Theater          Kansas City, MO
• 26 Sep 2008   8:00 P     First Avenue               Minneapolis, MN
• 27 Sept 2008  8:00 P     The Rave                   Milwaukee, WI
• 29 Sept 2008  8:00 P     House of Blues           Cleveland, OH
• 30 Sept 2008  8:00 P     Newport Music Hall     Columbus, OH
• 1   Oct  2008  8:00 P     Bijou Theater              Knoxville, TN
• 3   Oct  2008  8:00 P     Wildhorse Saloon         Nashville, TN
• 4   Oct  2008  8:00 P     Coyotes @ City Block   Louisville, KY
• 6   Oct  2008  8:00 P     Variety Playhouse        Atlanta, GA
• 7   Oct  2008  8:00 P     Workplay Theater        Birmingham, AL

Check out their official website – TheVeronicas.com – for more info about the tour.

(Image : Total Assault)

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So please don’t think the blog has disappeared. Pop Music Scene will be back. I hope you all have a great weekend.

See ya’ll next week .

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Thanks everyone for participating. Next album I’ll be giving away is Panic At The Disco who just snagged a Best Pop Video nomination for 2008 VMA. Sso keep an eye out on the announcement.

Again, thanks for participating.

(Image : Amazon.com)

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British producer and song write, Taio Cruz is producing Britney Spears’ upcoming album and he’s promising a really good one. Actually, he said, Britney will be the “biggest star in the world next year“. He believes ‘Blackout” was released too early. Britney wasn’t ready for it. Maybe she wasn’t ready to promote it but it certainly is her best album yet in my opinion.

Furthermore, the confident producer promises good songs from Britney Spears. She has Kanye, Pharrell, Timbaland and him doing tracks for the Pop Star. Wow, talk about a who’s who in the music business. Now let’s hope Britney is ready coz Taio thinks she will indeed conquer the world again with this new record as long as she is ready.

Read the whole interview at SundayMail.

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Do you like Miley Cyrus? Does your daughter like Miley? A niece, a granddaughter? Or a son, nephew or a grandson . You want her debut album Breakout? Here’s your chance. Leave your name, a comment on this post. Any comment. How you like Miley or whatever. It ends on  July 31. I will randomly pick a winner to get a copy of Breakout on August 1st.  

Contest open to US/Canada residents only. After  you enter this contest, why not read my review of Breakout in the meantime.

Alrighty, good luck. BTW, I also have another contest going on here at Pop Music Scene. 3 winners will get each a ringo program for their smartphones. Join that too if you want .

(Image : Amazon.com)

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Britney Spears had to lie about staying a virgin until she gets married because her record company pretty much forced her to tell every member of the Press to say so. Even though she’s posing clandestinely in the cover of a Rolling Stone magazine and in her first video she was wearing a hot and sexy catholic school girl uniform. Do I have to point out what has happened in Britney’s life in the past 3 years? But kudos to her for looking like she’s trying to pull everything together now. Losing her children and a trip to a psyche ward might have done it. Oh and having to pay family members for being her conservators.

Image details: Britney Spears leaves hair salon looking more blonde served by picapp.com

Now let me tackle the Parents’ responsibility on picking who their children’s role models should be. It’s my strong belief that celebrities shouldn’t be role models at all. Why? Coz they’re just human beings just like the rest of us. With our Pop Stars situations, everything is handed to them. Because they create the money. People around them are just as responsible in their “temporary” downfall. Pop Stars have special ID’s to get into clubs. They have money up the ying yang to buy everything they want and probably don’t need. Their job is to make music, entertain us through songs, movies, concerts, TV Shows/appearances and to BE SEEN. It’s not their responsibility to parent our children. Pop Stars didn’t a pull a gun to your head and forced you to buy a shirt that shows your daughter’s midriff. It’s also not their responsibility to educate our children about SEX. Oh and by the way, teenagers way way way waaaaaaay back have been having sex in the backseat of the car before Britney Spears was even born. Oh yeah, people were having sex before Britney became famous. People were doing drugs before any of the Pop Stars became famous. Does it make it right? No. Should the Pop Stars get away with it, Of course not. The fact that their actions are on TMZ or Perez Hilton 24/7 for all of us to criticize is an obvious proof that their punishment is about to start. With all of us watching them to keep falling and falling. It makes us feel better knowing they’re just as screwed up as the rest of us. The difference is, our mistakes are not shown for the rest of the world to pick apart. Yet we can’t find it in our hearts to give them the same fair treatment and second chance we ask people we love when we’re the one mocking our own lives. That’s because they’re supposed to be “role models” to young kids? My behind. Were you a role model to young kids when you were Britney, Miley, or other Pop Star’s age? Yeah, I thought so.

Image details: Day 3 for Miley Cyrus filming Hannah Montana in Malibu, where she was joined by her dad, Billy Ray Cyrus on set and after filming, Miley had some fun in the ocean served by picapp.com

Let’s jump to the future. And that’s Miley Cyrus. The Vanity Fair pictures that made everyone’s head turn 360. Have you seen the picture kids on Myspace have been posting? You’re going to tell me it’s Miley Cyrus fault? There’s a Mayor from Oregon who got fired because she posted pictures of her in a bikini on her Myspace. She’s a grown up for chrissakes. Miley Cyrus is a kid. She and any other Pop Stars before her, and the ones that would follow will experience life. They will make mistakes. The difference is that it’s shown, critiqued and judged, daily by celebrity obsessed people like us. As sick as it is, we have this fascination to think these Pop Stars are not allowed to commit anything egregious in their lives. If something happens to our kids, it’s their faults. Because they’re not doing their jobs as “role models“. Besides not making millions when you were these Pop Star’s age, what were you doing back then? What were you doing during 3rd period? What were you doing during Spring Break? Have you ever made a mistake in your life that if you look back on, yes you regret it but it has taught you something? Don’t you think these Pop Stars deserves to live life as well. Don’t you think they deserve a second chance when they do something stupid?

Have you looked in the mirror lately? What are you doing to be the best role model for your own children?

Now that you’ve read all of that, and I thank and commend you for doing so, should Pop Stars take the responsibility of being “role models”?

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