Check out the brand new video from superstar singer/songwriter Sean Garrett aka “The Pen”
About Sean Garrett
Sean Garrett wants more! Your favorite artist’s favorite songwriter-producer–behind #1 hits such as Beyoncé’s “Check On It,” Fergie’s “London Bridge,” Nelly’s “Grillz,” Chris Brown’s “Run It!,” Ciara’s “Goodies,” and Usher’s “Yeah!”–takes center stage with his debut album, Turbo 919 (Bet I Penned It/Interscope Records).
“I love when people hear a hit and know I wrote and produced it but I love being on stage too,” says Garrett. “Performing my songs, what’s in my heart, that’s been my dream since I was a kid. Creating that excitement in people with music is a remarkable high, and nothing replaces it, not drugs or sex. I’ve been planning for this my entire life.”
Led by the first single, the sexy, hook-filled “Grippin’” featuring Ludacris, the electrifying and groundbreaking Turbo 919 also boasts contributions from Pharrell, Akon, Lil Wayne, Stargate, Rodney Jerkins, Bloodshy, and others. But it is the four-time Grammy Award nominated Garrett, nicknamed “The Pen” by Jay-Z, who is the star.
From the ‘laid-back-summer-vibe of “Girlfriend Ringtone,” to the romantically-inspired “Lay Up Under Me,” Garrett manages to capture a wide range of emotions and eclectic pop and R&B sounds from track to track. Whether it’s the electronic fuzz of “What You Doin’” or the dance-driven “Pretty Girls,” Garrett’s Turbo 919 is a fast and smooth, old school, yet cool ride that crosses musical genres that many artists dare to intertwine.
The can’t-get-the-chorus-out-of-my-head “Why Am I In Love With You,” and the techno-influenced title track, “Turbo 919” are both supercharged with heart-thumping baselines and synthesized harmonies that listeners across the globe can jam to. Turbo 919 is definitely an album for the world; with songs like the heart-felt ballad “People,” a modern-day “We Are The World,” the message captured is one that the all walks of life can relate to. Throughout Turbo 919, Garrett consistently delivers music that resonates the soul while shaking up the dance floor.
“I don’t sound like anyone else,” says the soulful, velvet-voiced artist. “These songs feel and sound like me. I don’t hold onto the past; keeping songs meant for other artists. I don’t fit their molds, and I don’t want to redo what’s already been done. I love what’s new and fresh and exciting. I’m a trendsetter, not a follower. I want people to say, ‘That shit is crazy!’ I like to lead and I lead by being me.”
Who Garrett is explains why he has become that rare songwriter who has changed the music scene, garnered both commercial and critical acclaim, and earned the respect of a Who’s Who list of music artists. He epitomizes bringing together the urban and pop worlds, the edgy and the smooth.
Born in Atlanta, South Side, Garrett moved with his family to Europe when he was four years old. His father was in the U.S. military and they never stayed long in one place, transferring between Army bases across Germany and England. “American urban life flows in my veins,” he says, “but living in Europe gave me an opportunity to see things from a different point of view, including when it comes to pop and dance music.”
Performing in talent shows (“I thought I was Michael Jackson,” he says with a smile) led to a recording contract with Ariola/BMG at age 17. A few years later, having returned to the States, he was about to sign with Warner Bros. but its black music department was axed, killing the deal. Frustrated, Garrett stepped off the roller coaster, graduated from college (an A.A. degree in business from the University of Maryland’s program in Germany), and took a lucrative job as a mortgage broker in South Carolina.
He soon realized, however, that the uncreative environment wasn’t for him. He began writing songs again, recorded a few, and friendly radio program directors played them. Impressed, music industry folks said he should write for other performers. But Garrett insisted he was an artist, not a songwriter.
After moving back to Atlanta, his mother Rita, who had encouraged his music career, passed away. “Deep inside, I found the strength that I always knew I had but never used. I had a choice: I could give up, or keep moving and make something of myself.” He started shopping for a publishing deal.
In 2003, L.A. Reid signed him as a songwriter and Garrett’s ballad “I Don’t Want To Hurt You” was placed with Motown crooner Latif. Then came “Yeah!” from Usher featuring Lil Jon and Ludacris. “Yeah!” hit #1 R&B/Hip-Hop, remained at the top spot on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 consecutive weeks, and was named BMI’s 2005 Urban Song Of The Year.
An avalanche of other #1s has followed, among them “Goodies” from Ciara featuring Petey Pablo (#1 Pop and R&B/Hip-Hop), “Ring The Alarm” from Beyoncé (#1 Dance), “Like This” from Kelly Rowland featuring Eve (#1 Dance), “Buttons” from The Pussycat Dolls featuring Snoop Dogg (#1 Dance), “Dimelo” from Enrique Iglesias (#1 Latin), “London Bridge” from Fergie (#1 Pop), and the Dance #1s “Lose My Breath” and “Soldier” from Destiny’s Child.
In early 2006, Garrett notched a phenomenal feat when for two straight weeks his name was on each of the top three songs on the Billboard Hot 100: “Grillz” by Nelly featuring Paul Wall, Ali and Gipp (also #1 Rap); “Check On It” by Beyoncé featuring Slim Thug (also #1 Dance), and “Run It!” by Chris Brown featuring Juelz Santana (also #1 R&B/Hip-Hop), respectively. Not surprisingly, Garrett was ranked the #1 Pop and #2 R&B Songwriter Of The Year by Billboard, and honored as co-Songwriter Of The Year by BMI.
“I’m so fortunate and blessed, and I appreciate my success,” he says. “I had to earn my stripes. If you’re not legit, you don’t stay around for long. I still learn from people who were in this business before me, people like Lionel Richie. I don’t negate them because they’re Old School. I take notes, put them in my back pocket, and use them to understand what’s going on. The bottom line is that you can have the finest chicks and a billion dollars but what matters most is what’s in your heart.”
Garrett has had tracks recorded by artists as varied as Richie and Gwen Stefani, Janet Jackson and Santana, DMX and Jennifer Holliday, Britney Spears and Jay–Z, Puffy and The Pussycat Dolls’ Nicole Scherzinger, plus LL Cool J, Keyshia Cole, Joe, Monica, Fantasia, and many others. He has also collaborated on Top 10s for Mary J. Blige, Ricky Martin, Jamie Foxx, and 112. In 2008 alone, he has been linked to current or forthcoming projects from Whitney Houston, Raven-Symoné, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Ashlee Simpson, Michelle Williams, and Vanessa Hudgens.
Musically innovative and unpredictable, Garrett often is asked about any new record that hits, “Did you do that?” “That’s great even if I didn’t,” he says. “It means they know I’m liable to do anything. ‘Yeah!’ was out of the box for Usher, ‘Ring The Alarm’ was very risky for Beyoncé, and at the same time I did Nelly’s ‘Grillz.’ Now I’m doing for myself what I do for other artists. Turbo 919 is just as diverse: ‘Grippin’’ is street Atlanta but the title track is mainstream American pop. I want people to say, ‘I don’t know where he’s taking me but I want to get in that car.’”
Garrett is firmly at the wheel. Like any artist worth listening to, he has a definite point of view. “I love life and I love people; I don’t like dark spirits or negative vibes. I’m all positive, all love, all happiness, because that’s what is in my heart. When someone hears my songs, whether they’re in a club or getting up in the morning to go to work, I want them to feel good about life. To me, songs are messages; they are energy, feelings, and emotions.”
Unafraid of stretching the musical boundaries of pop and urban, Garrett is equally fearless of lyrical limits, as he proves on the album’s “Come On In.” “I can get away with saying almost anything because with my voice it still comes off sweet. The point is that you can be a real man and still be passionate and sensitive. You may look like an action figure but sometimes you should talk to a woman like she wants. My point is that a man can be romantic and emotional and still be tough as nails.”
With Turbo 919 as his vehicle, the famously prolific and hard-working Garrett is a man on the go.
“I have this saying: ‘While your guns are raising, my guns are blazing.’ Some people think I’m too focused, too serious. But I know that in the blink of an eye it can all be taken away. I don’t want to be 10 years down the road saying, ‘Damn, I should have done an album.’ You only go through life once; you might as well do it the best you can.”
For Sean Garrett, the song is everything–and life is about finally having an album to call.
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Anberlin have a new album availble now, check out a couple of song streams from the album “New Surrender” and their tour dates!
“DISAPPEAR” from Anberlin’s album New Surrender
“FEEL GOOD DRAG” from Anberlin’s album New Surrender
Tour Dates:
10/2/2008
7:00 PM
Warehouse Live
Houston, TX
10/3/2008
7:00 PM
White Rabbit
San Antonio, TX
10/4/2008
6:00 PM
The Door
Dallas, TX
10/5/2008
6:00 PM
Diamond Ballroom
Oklahoma City, OK
10/7/2008
7:00 PM
Ogden Theatre
Denver, CO
10/8/2008
7:00 PM
The Great Salt Air
Magna, UT
10/9/2008
7:00 PM
Knitting Factory
Boise, ID
10/10/2008
7:00 PM
Knitting Factory
Spokane, WA
10/11/2008
7:00 PM
El Corazon
Seattle, WA
10/12/2008
7:00 PM
Wonder Ballroom
Portland, OR
10/14/2008
7:00 PM
Regency Center @ The Grand
San Francisco, CA
10/15/2008
7:00 PM
The Avalon
Los Angeles, CA
10/16/2008
7:00 PM
Soma
San Diego, CA
10/17/2008
7:00 PM
The Glass House
Pomona, CA
10/18/2008
7:00 PM
Marquee Theatre
Tempe, AZ
10/20/2008
7:00 PM
The Beaumont Club
Kansas City, MO
10/21/2008
7:00 PM
House of Blues
Chicago, IL
10/22/2008
7:00 PM
Bogarts
Cincinnati, OH
10/23/2008
7:00 PM
House of Blues
Cleveland, OH
10/24/2008
7:00 PM
Clutch Cargos
Pontiac, MI
10/25/2008
7:00 PM
Club Infinity
Williamsville, NY
10/27/2008
7:00 PM
Phoenix Concert Theatre
Toronto, ONT
10/28/2008
7:00 PM
Mr Smalls
Millvale, PA
10/29/2008
7:00 PM
Webster Hall
New York, NY
10/31/2008
7:00 PM
The Palladium
Worcester, MA
11/1/2008
7:00 PM
The Trocadero
Philadelphia, PA
11/2/2008
7:00 PM
9:30 Club
Washington, DC
11/3/2008
7:00 PM
The Norva
Norfolk, VA
11/5/2008
7:00 PM
Amos’ Southend
Charlotte, NC
11/6/2008
7:00 PM
The Masquerade
Atlanta, GA
11/7/2008
7:00 PM
House of Blues
Lake Buena Vista, FL
Here’s a cool look at the lads from Oasis at Abbey Road studios in London while they recorded their newest album, “Dig Out Your Soul” :
Throughout his storied career, Chris Cornell has clearly never been an artist that is content sitting in one creative comfort spot for too long. The versatile rocker who became a household name from his success in Soundgarden and Audioslave has teamed up with perhaps the most celebrated producer of this era: Timbaland. Scream is the result of their genre-defying sessions.
Cornell and Timbaland are set to kick off a string of eight live shows on October 17th to support the project. Scream will be performed in its entirety to mimic the experience of listening to the LP from start to finish.
The new album features infectious tracks like “Ground Zero,” “Part of Me,” and the exhilarating title track and lead single, “Scream.” Fans can expect a unique blend of hip-hop and rock from this release that will no doubt venture into new territory for both Cornell and Timbaland.
Tour Dates:
10/17 Denver, CO - Ogden Theater
10/18 Salt Lake City, UT - The Avalon Theater
10/19 Tempe, AZ - Marquee
10/24 Las Vegas, NV - The Joint
10/25 Los Angeles, CA - House of Blues
10/26 San Diego, CA - House of Blues
10/31 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
11/02 Seattle, WA - Showbox
Bio:
Chris Cornell is a rock icon who thrives on contradictions. An innovator who resists genre labels, he was nonetheless the chief architect of the 90s grunge movement. Frequently ranked as one of the best voices in music history, he has successfully maintained his own unique identity over more than two decades as a multi-Grammy award winning musician and universally acclaimed singer, songwriter and lyricist.
Seattle trailblazers Soundgarden were a law to themselves, edgy, dark and deeply individual. Their savage soundscapes, coupled with Cornell’s incisive lyrics and predatory roar, seduced audiences hungry for musical depth and complexity while leading trends in street fashion and iconic design. In 1989, they became the first Seattle band to sign to a major label. Their sound continued to change and evolve over the course of five pioneering albums.
Celebrated side project Temple of the Dog had already shown Cornell’s more soulful side and introduced future Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder to the world. Later, Cornell shocked the business once again with richly melodic, critically acclaimed solo album “Euphoria Morning”, swiftly recognized for its alienation and despair. And as the millennium turned, he joined with three other musical pioneers from rap-rock’s Rage Against The Machine to create Audioslave - a multi-platinum supergroup which lived to deny its detractors, producing three top-selling albums, touring the world and becoming the first American band to bring rock to Castro’s Cuba.
Since then, Cornell has redefined his sound and vision to encompass new music, new collaborations and new activities. Having contributed solo songs to movie soundtracks from “Great Expectations” to “Mission Impossible II”, he became the first American male singer to write the theme song for the James Bond franchise in its most successful film to date, “Casino Royale.” His bold and bluesy reinvention of Michael Jackson dance classic “Billie Jean” courted controversy and attracted imitators. And his triumphant 2007 world tour brought together songs from every stage of his career, reinterpreting them for new audiences and blending their original fire with the shock of the new.
Outside music, Cornell fronted fashion designer John Varvatos’s Spring 2006 collection and settled in Paris with his family, where he has helped revive a historic restaurant, the stylish Black Calavados.
Only the most confident would claim to predict exactly what comes next for Chris Cornell. Always eclectic, always experimental, his new collaboration with super-producer Timbaland – who calls their album “the best work I’ve done in my career” – will take him into fresh territory, establishing a new sound and marking the creation of a masterpiece that breaks all musical boundaries. Only one thing’s for sure – Chris Cornell will continue to break rules, make history and challenge everyone’s expectations.
“Make you Crazy” is the single from the upcoming Brett Dennen release Hope for the Hopeless out October 21 on Downtown Records. The song features the legendary Femi Kuti.
A very appropriate song for what’s going on all around us. Check it out:
Brett Dennen - “Make You Crazy”
www.brettdennen.net
Www.myspace.com/brettdennen
Check out a live performance of the song:
PLAY
