The Buzz Cut

From the tiny town of Burleson, Texas to the stages of the world, Kelly Clarkson’s rise from American Idol to world music idol has been meteoric. Her first two full-length releases, Thankful and Breakaway have sold over 10 million copies in the US. Kelly’s new release, My December is due sometime this summer. Check out Kelly’s new tune, Never Again on the Buzz Cut.

Nelly Furtado’s third release, “Loose” is full of slam-dunk hits, including former Buzz Cuts, “Promiscuous” and “Say It Right,” and has sold over 6 million copies worldwide. Nelly Furtado is currently working on new music for her next release that should be coming out this year. Let’s dig a little deeper into “Loose” for another new song, “All Good Things (Come To And End)” on the Buzz Cut.

Justin Timberlake was just named by Victoria Secret as the sexiest male musician and it’s not hard to understand why. JT’s got the moves, the grooves and the sex appeal that has landed him in some Hollywood films like “Alpha Dog” and “Black Snake Moan.” Justin’s latest ground-breaking release, “FutureSex/LoveSounds” is loaded with hits like “Sexy Back” and “What Goes Around Comes Around” and you can just add this new song, “Summer Love” to the list.

Named by Rolling Stone magazine as one of the top 10 artists to watch in 2005, Brandi Carlile had been recording her songs at her home in Seattle before being signed by Columbia Records. By the end of last year, Brandi had released her self-titled debut and was touring with The Fray, Shawn Colvin and Tori Amos. Her latest release, “The Story,” was produced by famed music producer T-Bone Burnett and was recorded almost entirely live. Three of Brandi’s songs have been featured on episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy” and the video for tonight’s Buzz Cut premiered at the end of a recent episode. This is Brandi Carlile and “The Story” on the Buzz Cut.

Stacy Ann Ferguson, otherwise know as Fergie, was singing and dancing early in her career as a former member of the kids TV show, “Kids Incorporated” and in the ‘90s girl group, Wild Orchid. After the demise of Wild Orchid, Fergie battled a drug addiction that almost consumed her. In 2000, she cleaned herself up and replaced Kim Hill as the female vocalist for the Black Eyed Peas. She now straddles the fence as solo artist and member of the Black Eyed Peas with her solo debut, “The Dutchess,” released last year. Here’s the latest track from Fergie, “Glamorous,” on the Buzz Cut.

Jon Bon Jovi and his band are absolute musical superstars, selling over 120 million copies of their music worldwide and have amassed hits in three decades and counting. Recently, Bon Jovi became the first rock and roll band in history to score a number one hit on the Country music Billboard chart with the song, “Who Says You Can’t Go Home.” Bon Jovi’s new release, “Lost Highway” is due out in June, but here’s a sample of music to come called “(You Want To) Make A Memory” on the Buzz Cut.

AKON (real name, Aliaune Thiam – pronounced “chahm”)was born in St. Louis but lived in Senegal until the age of 7. His father is the famed Senegalese jazz percussionist and historian, Mor Thiam, so AKON has a rich musical lineage in his family. Unfortunately, AKON was arrested in his teens for armed robbery and drug distribution charges and served time. During his prison term, he worked on his music and when he was released, he began creating music in his home studio. That was when he got his record contract and released his debut, “Trouble” in 2004. AKON latest release, “Konvicted,” received a Grammy nomination for his hit “Smack That,” and he’s featured on the Gwen Stefani Buzz Cut “The Sweet Escape.” Here’s AKON’s latest offering, the reggae-influenced tune called “Don’t Matter” on the Buzz Cut.

Born in Beirut in the mid-80s, Mika had a rough childhood that most of us couldn’t imagine. His father was taken hostage in the American Embassy in Kuwait while Mika was a small boy and the experience forced his family to move to Paris. A young Mika taught himself piano while singing in everything from operas to a chewing gum commercial. Mika immersed himself in music and you can hear it in on his new song, “Grace Kelly,” from his debut release, “Life In Cartoon Motion.”

VEGA4 is a band formed in London, England featuring four members from 3 different countries, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand. Vega4’s latest release, “You And Others” was released to critical acclaim in the UK and it features the new tune, “Life Is Beautiful” which was featured in an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Check out Vega4 and “Life Is Beautiful” on the Buzz Cut!

Originally named Xero, then Hybrid Theory, the band Linkin Park named themselves in honor of their favorite park in Santa Monica, California and have rocketed to success. Their breakout year was 2000 when they sold more than 10 million copies of with their debut “Hybrid Theory.” In a recent interview on MTV, lead singer Chester Bennington stated their new release, “Minutes To Midnight,” due out May 14th, will incorporate punk, classic rock and hip-hop beats into the band’s style. Here’s a little taste of good things to come with Linkin Park’s new tune, “What I’ve Done” on the Buzz Cut.

According to Canadian Business Magazine, Avril Lavigne is ranked 7th on the list of most powerful Canadians in Hollywood. It’s no surprise that Avril has sold over 26 million copies of her music worldwide and she’s been working diligently on her acting career in-between music projects. Her newest release, “The Best Damn Thing” features the new song “Girlfriend,” of which Avril describes as “fun, fast, hard, cocky and playful.” Here’s new Avril and “Girlfriend,” on the Buzz Cut.

Joscelyn Eve Stoker, otherwise known as Joss Stone has a new release called “Introducing Joss Stone” featuring her powerful, soulful voice blending with pop, hip-hop, R&B and old school soul music. Check out “Tell Me ‘Bout It” from Joss Stone on the Buzz Cut.

KT Tunstall returns to the Buzz Cut with another great new tune from her debut release, “Eye To The Telescope.” Check out “Other Side Of The World” on the Buzz Cut!

The new song, “Anything,” from “17-year-old JoJo features a music sample from the 1980s hit, “Africa” from Toto. Jojo’s latest release is “The High Road” and it features the new tune “Anything,” on the Buzz Cut.

The British singer Amy Winehouse was listed by Rolling Stone online magazine as one of the top 10 artists to watch in 2007. Ms. Winehouse has scored a variety of music awards in her native England and is poised for worldwide fame with her unique mixture of jazz, pop, hip-hop and soul on her latest release, “Back To Black.” Check out the new tune, “You Know I’m No Good” on the Buzz Cut!

Snow Patrol has been a band for over 13 years and during the early years, they were named “Shrug” and “Polar Bear.” But in the mid-90s, they changed their name to Snow Patrol and made a name for themselves in the indie rock world. But it wasn’t until their song, “Chasing Cars” was featured on the hit TV show “Gray’s Anatomy” that most music lovers got tuned into this dynamic Scottish band. Their new song, “Signal Fire,” was written exclusively for the new “Superman 3” movie coming out in May of this year. Check out “Signal Fire” from Snow Patrol on the Buzz Cut!

Chris’ journey from a controversial fourth-place finisher on American Idol to a Platinum-selling rock star has been fast and furious. Chris’ band Daughtry sold over a million copies of their debut in just five weeks and has outsold releases from his American Idol buddies, Katharine McPhee, Taylor Hicks and Kellie Pickler. Here’s another great new tune from Chris and the band that’s used as a send-off song for Season 6 American Idol contestants. It’s “Home” on the Buzz Cut!

Coming from different parts of the US, the members of Augustana met at the tiny liberal arts college of Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois. But after a few years, the band decided to head out west for the bright lights of Hollywood and Los Angeles, leaving behind bassist Simeon Lorhmann who finished school and then joined the band Pennington. In 2004, Augustana released their debut, “All The Stars and Boulevards” which featured the former Buzz Cut and now hit song, “Boston.” The band has been currently touring with the Goo Goo Dolls and are planning to release a new CD in 2008 and have been sampling new songs during live shows. Here’s the new tune from Augustana called “The Stars And Boulevards” on the Buzz Cut.

According to lead singer Jon Foreman, Switchfoot got their name from the band’s love of surfing and the technique of switching your feet while taking a new stance facing the opposite direction on the surf board. And the San Diego band has taken that same philosophy into their music and life, trying different approaches and styles while still staying true to their core. The band scored two Top 20 hits with their songs “Meant To Live” and “Dare You To Move” from 2003’s multi-Platinum CD “Beautiful Letdown” and were nominated for several Grammys that year. And last year, the band released its fifth CD, “Oh! Gravity” which features the new tune, “Awakening,” on the Buzz Cut.

If you’re a fan of the Disney made-for-television musical, “High School Musical,” you’ve probably experienced the talent of Vanessa Hudgens. Vanessa co-starred with Zac Efron in the wildly popular “High School Musical” while also being featured in the big screen movies of “Thirteen” and “Thunderbirds.” Vanessa’s debut release called “V” (the “V” standing for Vanessa”), features a mix of pop, rock, dance, ballads and electronic songs. Here’s the new tune from Vanessa called “Say OK” on the Buzz Cut!

It’s been a bumpy ride to success for the Little Rock, Arkansas band Evanescence. After scoring over 14 million in sales with the debut smash release, “Fallen,” the band hit some road bumps on their road to musical stardom. During a crucial European tour, Ben Moody left the band and forced Amy Lee and the band to find a replacement. Then bassist Will Boyd left leaving the band another hole to fill. Then guitarist Terry Balsamo had a stroke that imoblilized him for several months. Thankfully, Balsamo recovered and Evanescence released their follow-up, “The Open Door” to critical acclaim last year. The band will be in Columbus on May 19th as part of the “Rock On The Range” concert at Crew Stadium. Here’s the new song called “Lithium,” on the Buzz Cut!

Born in the battlefield known as Beirut in the mid-80s, Mika had a rough childhood that most of us couldn’t imagine. His father was taken hostage in the American Embassy in Kuwait while Mika was a small boy and the experience forced his family to move to Paris. A young Mika taught himself piano while singing in everything from operas to a chewing gum commercial. Mika immersed himself in music and you can hear it in on his new song, “Grace Kelly,” from his debut release, “Life In Cartoon Motion.”

Blasting out of the suburbs of Chicago, Fall Out Boy became the IT band of 2005 with their infectious pop hit, “Sugar, We’re Going Down” from their release, “From Under The Cork Tree.” Now, the band’s new album,”Infinity On High” was just released to critical acclaim. Check out Fall Out Boy’s new track, “This Ain’t A Scene, It’s An Arms Race” on the Buzz Cut!

Not to be confused with the famed English Jazz guitarist John McLaughlin, this Jon is a Hoosier, hailing from Anderson, Indiana. Jon attend Anderson University where he studied music and released his debut “Up Until Now” independently in 2003. In 2004, Jon followed up with a self-titled release and in 2005, his 8-song EP, Songs I Wrote And Later Recorded” garned huge record company attention. On his major label debut, “Indiana” is set for release and features his new song, “Beautiful Disaster” on the Buzz Cut!

VEGA4 is a band formed in London, England featuring four members from 3 different countries, Ireland, Canada and New Zealand. Vega4’s latest release, “You And Others” was released to critical acclaim in the UK and it features the new tune, “Life Is Beautiful” which was featured in an episode of “Grey’s Anatomy.” Vega4 is currently on tour in the US with Augustana. Check out Vega4 and “Life Is Beautiful” on the Buzz Cut!

Tonic’s song, “If You Could Only See” was the most-played song on American radio in 1997 and the man who helped write that song, Emerson Hart, is now on his own with a new release, “Cigarettes And Gasoline.” Since Tonic’s early success, the band hit its peak in 2003 when the band was nominated for two Grammys for their release, “Head On Straight.” It was during this time that Hart co-wrote the theme-song for the NBC-TV hit, “American Dreams” called “Generation” with his actress wife Nicole Taylor-Hart and it was a signal of good things to come. Here’s the new song from Emerson Hart called “If You’re Gonna Leave,” on the Buzz Cut.

Melissa Etheridge has come a long since she was first discovered playing guitar at the Que Sera bar in Long Beach, California in the mid-1980s. Over the past 20 years, Melissa has sold over 27 million copies of her music worldwide, won two Grammy Awards, has come out publicly about her sexuality and has battled breast cancer (as of now, she’s cancer-free!). At this year’s Academy Awards, Melissa surprised even herself when she won the Oscar for Best Original Song for the tune, “I Need To Wake Up” from the documentary “An Inconvenient Truth.” Check out Melissa’s Oscar-winning song, “I Need To Wake Up” on the Buzz Cut!

Keith Lionel Urban was born in New Zealand and as early as 7 years old, he had dreams of living the nights in Nashville, Tennessee as a country music singer. At the age of 8 he had won various singing contests, by 12 he was booking his own band into local night clubs and by 15, he quit school and hit the road. In 2006, Urban’s personal life took a turn for the better and for the worse. He married actress Nicole Kidman but a few months later he checked himself into the Betty Ford Clinic in California for his alchohol problem. His latest Platinum-selling release, “Love, Pain & The Whole Crazy Thing” reflects the joy and the battles in his life and features the number one country hit, “Once In A Lifetime” on the Buzz Cut.

Gym Class Heroes is a four-member band from Geneva, New York that blends hip-hop, rap, soul and rock together while playing live instruments instead of pre-recorded drum beats (kinda like the band’s major influences, The Roots and the Beastie Boys). Formed in 1997, the band has gone through different line-ups and members over it’s 10 year history and have evolved musically as their latest release, “As Cruel As School Children,” proves. The Buzz Cut, “Cupid’s Chokehold,” is a hilarious romp through an average guy’s fickle love life and features the melody and chorus from the classic rock tune from Supertramp, “Breakfast In America.” Check out lead singer Travis McCoy and his band the Gym Class Heroes with “Cupid’s Chokehold” on the Buzz Cut.

Last year was a good year for Alecia Beth Moore, otherwise known as Pink. She married tattooed motocross star,Carey Hart in Costa Rica in January and then released her fourth album, “I’m Not Dead” to stellar reviews in April. The song “Stupid Girls” shot up the charts and solidified her standing as one of the hottest performers in the music world. Pink’s everywhere. Check out her new tune called “U + UR Hand” on the Buzz Cut.

Born in the battlefield known as Beirut in the mid-80s, Mika had a rough childhood that most of us couldn’t imagine. His father was taken hostage in the American Embassy in Kuwait while Mika was a small boy and the experience forced his family to move to Paris. A young Mika taught himself piano while singing in everything from operas to a chewing gum commercial. Mika immersed himself in music and you can hear it in on his new song, “Grace Kelly,” from his forthcoming debut release, “Life In Cartoon Motion.”

Mix 97.1 played the new one from Norah Jones, “Thinking About You,” a few weeks ago on the Buzz Cut and you LOVED IT. Norah Jones has released her third studio album, “Not Too Late” in January and it features 13 new tracks. Her first two releases have sold over 30 million copies worldwide making her the most successful female artist of the 21st Century. Oh, and she also has won 8 Grammys and counting. And she’s done it all in just 4 short years! Also, be looking for Norah on the big screen when she stars in the forthcoming romantic comedy, “My Blueberry Nights” sometime this year. So, back by popular demand, the Buzz Cut from Norah Jones and “Thinking About You.”

From their humble origins in Addison, Texas in the late 80s to their controversy on a London, England stage in 2003, the Dixie Chicks have experienced all the red, white and blues of a music career. The fallout from Natalie Maines comments about President George W. Bush 10 days before the invasion of Iraq created a massive furor in the conservative country music world, virtually eliminating their songs on country music radio playlists nationwide. Maines and the Chicks apologized to their fans but the damage had been done. Yet, time (as well as a hit song) heals all wounds and at this year’s Grammy Awards, the Dixie Chicks were vindicated by winning five Grammys along with Song of the Year honors for the Buzz Cut, “Not Ready To Make Nice.”

Born in Southern California, Katherine McPhee was always surrounded by the allure of show business. Her father is a TV show producer and her mother is an accomplished vocal coach and cabaret singer. At the urging of a friend, McPhee auditioned for American Idol in San Francisco by wowing the judges with the Billie Holiday classic, “God Bless the Child.” From there it was all the way to the finals and to world fame. Her debut release, the self-titled “Katharine McPhee” features her new tune, “Over It.” Catch the “McPheever” and check out Katherine’s new song on the Buzz Cut!

Paolo Nutini sounds like a young musician from Italy, but actually, Paolo is from Scotland and he returns to the Buzz Cut. Paolo was poised to inherit his father’s fish-and-chips shop in his hometown of Paisley, Scotland but opted to live his dream as a musician. He became a roadie for the Scottish band Speedway and then spent three years on-the-road with his own band honing his performing and songwriting skills. His debut disc, “These Streets” was released last year and he’s scored chart success in the UK and Europe. Here’s Paolo’s latest song, “New Shoes” on the Buzz Cut.

At this year’s Grammy Awards, American Idol’s Ryan Seacrest asked John Mayer about his romance with singer/starlet Jessica Simpson and John answered in Japanese, totally confusing Ryan and the rest of the English-speaking nation. Well, the true answer came when Grammy guests saw John and Jess cuddle up for the after-awards parties. Not only did John nab the hottest girl in the room (next to Beyonce, of course!) but he also scored Grammys for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance and Best Pop Vocal Album for his third release, “Continuum.” In honor of John’s big night, here’s “Gravity” on the Buzz Cut

If you’re a regular to the Buzz Cut, you’ve already been introduced to Mat Kearney, the West coast singer songwriter who moved to the bright lights of Nashville. Mat’s “Nothing Left To Lose” release features the hit title track that we debuted here on the Buzz Cut. Let’s check out Mat’s newest tune, “Undeniable” on the Buzz Cut.

2004 was the breakout year for My Chemical Romance, releasing “Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge” to rave critical and fan acclaim. Now, My Chemical Romance has released their ambitious offering, “The Black Parade,” and it brings their biggest musical influences like Queen, Smashing Pumpkins and Pink Floyd to the fold. Here’s the Buzz Cut from My Chemical Romance called “Welcome To The Black Parade,” sponsored by Time Warner Cable Roadrunner High Speed Online and the Power of You.

English singer/songwriter Corinne Bailey Rae was brought up on church music and Led Zeppelin in her early years. In her teens she formed an all-girl hard rock band called Helen that flirted with notoriety until one of the members became pregnant and broke up the band. Heartbroken and a bit confused, she went to University and began to hone her talents singing jazz and soul in a local club in Leeds, England. This year, she released her self-titled debut to critical praise and includes the former Buzz Cut, “Put Your Records On.” Hear the new tune from triple-Grammy nominee, Corinne Bailey Rae, called “Like A Star,” sponsored by Time Warner Cable Road Runner High Speed Online and the Power of You.

Born in the battlefield known as Beirut in the mid-80s, Mika had a rough childhood that most of us couldn’t imagine. His father was taken hostage in the American Embassy in Kuwait while Mika was a small boy and the experience forced his family to move to Paris. A young Mika taught himself piano while singing in everything from operas to a chewing gum commercial. Mika immersed himself in music and you can hear it in on his new song, “Grace Kelly,” from his forthcoming debut release, “Life In Cartoon Motion.”

In the late 1990s, John Mayer was performing for peanuts at local Atlanta music clubs like Eddie’s Attic and barely scraping by. But after the release of his debut, “Room For Squares,” his poster was on every bedroom wall of teenage girls everywhere, scoring Grammy success while selling millions of copies of music. His third release, “Continuum has already sold over a million copies and it features former Buzz Cut, “Waiting On The World To Change.” Make sure you see him live when he comes to Nationwide Arena, February 23rd. Here’s another tune from John’s latest CD, called “Gravity” on the Buzz Cut!

Christina Aguilera’s latest release, “Back To Basics” was described by Aguilera as a “throwback to the 20s, 30s and 40s-style jazz, blues and feel-good soul with a modern twist.” With searing torch songs like “Hurt” and the bouncy, big band thump of “Ain’t No Other Man,” it’s not hard to understand why “Back To Basics” is up for two Grammys at this year’s awards show. Check out the hand-clappin’ swing “Candyman” from Christina on the Buzz Cut, sponsored by Time Warner Cable Road Runner High Speed Online and the Power of You.

In 1998, four kids from Canton, Ohio formed the Christian band Reliant K, a band named after lead singer Matt Thiessen’s dependable Plymouth Reliant K car (which he still owns, by the way!). Reliant K is a true DIY (do it yourself) band, releasing three albums on thier own and getting a Grammy nomination for the 2003 release, “Two Lefts Don’t Make A Right, But Three Do.” In 2004, the band was picked up by major label Capitol Records and the band hasn’t looked back. Their new release, “Five Score And Seven Years Ago” is much-anticipated in both the Christian music and mainstream music world. Check out their new song, “Must Have Done Something Right” on the Buzz Cut, sponsored by Time Warner Cable Road Runner High Speed Online and the Power of You.

Paolo Nutini sounds like a young musician from Italy, but actually, Paolo is from Scotland. He was poised to inherit his father’s fish-and-chips shop in his hometown of Paisley, Scotland but opted to live his dream as a musician. He became a roadie for the Scottish band Speedway and then spent three years on-the-road with his own band honing his performing and songwriting skills. His debut disc, “These Streets” was released last year and he’s scored chart success in the UK and Europe. Here’s Paolo’s latest song, “New Shoes” on the Buzz Cut.

Unbelievable! You’ve emailed and called us telling you NEED to hear the Grammy-nominated OK GO song “Here It Goes Again” one more time on the Buzz Cut! Four guys, four treadmills, some funky choreography and a great pop tune. Combine it all together on YouTube and you got yourself over 10 million views and a bonafide hit song! It’s OK GO with “Here It Goes Again” on the Buzz Cut.