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YouTube Wednesday: Kurt Hugo Schneider…the producer/director behind all your favorite YouTube musicians
Hello people of the Internet!!! On today’s ‘YouTube Wednesday’, we are going to talk about director/music producer Kurt Hugo Schneider! Kurt is one of the AMAZING YouTube producers that has worked with so many of our fav musicians (both YouTubers and mainstream musicians). I guarantee that you’re VERY familiar with Kurt already, but just in case you’re new to his awesomeness, Ready? Ok let’s go!
Kurt began his online career in 2008, when he and his friend Sam Tsui released a cover of ‘Can I Have This Dance’ from the movie ‘High School Musical 3’ (this is the first video that is on their YouTube channel as of 3/31/2015). In this video, Kurt accompanies Sam on the piano, and also added cool effects on the video that make it look like multiple copies of Sam are singing at the same time. Kurt continued to post videos with Sam, with other people, and also solo, before he posted a cover that would begin to change his channel. On July 24th, 2009 Kurt uploaded a new cover with Sam Tsui, which was an a cappella Michael Jackson Medley, which features Kurt beatboxing (I included the video below so y’all can check it out). This video got a lot of media attention for Kurt & Sam, and is still one of their most popular videos with over 33 million total views. In 2009 & 2010, Kurt’s channel started growing so much that he & Sam were featured on: The Bonnie Hunt Show, Oprah, and The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Since then Kurt’s channel has definitely not slowed down, & he has worked with INCREDIBLE artists such as: Jason Derulo, Victoria Justice, Max Schneider (who we have already talked about, click here to read about him: ‘YouTube Wednesday’: Max Schneider, Hollywood’s longest kept secret | celindareyesblog), Alyson Stoner, Keke Palmer, Hunter Hayes, Jason Mraz, and so many more. Now that we know how Kurt built such an awesome channel, let’s move on to some of the bigger projects he has released.
Now let’s talk about some of the other amazing projects Kurt has been a part of (and remember guys that I’m just giving you a quick little highlight reel because honestly we could be here for days talking about why Kurt is so awesome). Kurt (along with Max Schneider) co-wrote the song ‘Standing In China’, which is on pop singer Cody Simpson’s album ‘Paradise’ (which was released in 2012). Another really awesome collaboration that Kurt did was a ‘Holiday Medley’ with Victoria Justice & Max Schneider which was uploaded on December 14th, 2012. This cool mash-up of popular Christmas songs features multiple videos that were played on multiple Sprint phones, that give the illusion that the vocalists in the videos are jumping from one phone to another phone (sorta hard to explain, but check out the video below to check out the greatness! In 2013, Kurt teamed up with Coca-Cola to create music videos (along with some really talented vocalists) where Kurt covered ‘Feel So Close’ by Calvin Harris & ‘Little Talks’ by Of Monsters and Men (this is the only cover that feature an instrument because the other artist in the video is a cellist) for their ‘The Sounds of AHH’ campaign. In the covers, Kurt is shown making the track playing only Coca-Cola bottles, glasses and cans. Like I said, this is only a small sample of the cool videos you’ll find on Kurt’s channel, so definitely add him to your “must watch” list!
YouTube: KurtHugoSchneider
2nd YouTube Channel: Kurt
Twitter: kurthschneider
Instagram: KurtSchneider
Website: Kurt Hugo Schneider
Facebook: Kurt Schneider | Facebook
- All credit goes to Kurt HugoSchneider, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, kurthugoschneider.com, Facebook, High School Musical 3, Sam Tsui, Michael Jackson, The Bonnie Hunt Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Ellen Degeneres Show, Oprah Winfrey, Ellen Degeneres, Bonnie Hunt, all of the writers/producers/and other businesses, companies, mangers, and record labels who were involved with the production of Can I Have this Dance from High School Musical 3, Cody Simpson, Jason Derulo, Victoria Justice, Max Schneider, Alyson Stoner, Keke Palmer, Hunter Hayes, Jason Mraz, Sprint, Coca-Cola, Calvin Harris, Of Monsters and Men, Atlantic Records, DJ Frank E, Adam Messinger, Nasri, Shawn Campbell, Dr. Luke, Supa Dups Alex Dezen, Chris Morris, Drew Pearson, and all companies, individuals, corporations, managers, record labels, writers, producers, and/or businesses that should receive credit for anything mentioned in this blog post and/or are mentioned in any of the videos mentioned in this blog post, and all original owners. I do not own anything in this blog. If any people, corporations, businesses, companies, etc, were not previously given credit for their work, they are given credit now and their previous absence was unintentional. All opinions expressed in this blog are my own. I wrote this blog for entertainment purposes and no copyright infringement is intended.
YouTube Wednesday: Mackenzie Johnson, the new artist that is taking over the internet
Hey people of the internet!!! On today’s ‘YouTube Wednesday’ blog post, we are going to talk about rising YouTube music superstar Mackenzie Johnson. Mackenzie is a 21 year old singer/songwriter from Philadelphia, PA that you will become OBSESSED with. She is not only a talented vocalist and guitarist, but also has the unique ability to make you fall in love with her music instantly. I have honestly spent the last few days listening to all of her covers and original music on repeat, and am so excited to share her channel with y’all. So please read on to discover your new favorite artist!
The first cover that we’re going to talk about is Mackenzie’s rendition of Skyscraper by Demi Lovato, which was uploaded on August 14th, 2011 (here’s the link Skyscraper – Demi Lovato Cover). I really love that this was one of Mackenzie’s first covers, because it really showed off her talent, showmanship, and level of artistry. Through this cover we got to learn that Mackenzie has an INCREDIBLE voice and can sing live while accompanying herself on the guitar. It’s hard enough to sing as well as Mackenzie does, and then when you add in the fact that she has to divide her mind between her voice and the guitar, it’s just becomes crazy that one person can be so talented. Another thing that I find important for musicians, who post covers on YouTube, is that they need to be able to find the right balance between not copying the original artist 100%, and maintaining what fans love about the original version of the song. Mackenzie is able to make her covers unique, and her natural ability to keep your attention throughout the song, proves that she has the ability to be a competitive artist in the music industry. The next cover that we’re going to talk about is Mackenzie’s cover of TLC’s hit song No Scrubs (here’s the link: No Scrubs – TLC Cover), which was uploaded on November 22nd, 2013. I really loved that she did a cover of this song, because it was a fun change from some of the other covers that she had uploaded at that point. I think that this cover really shows another layer of Mackenzie’s artistry, and proves that she can sing just about anything. I also loved that we got to really see her skills as a rapper in a song that is not easy for one person to cover. If you think about it, TLC was made up of 3 incredibly talented women who each used their individual skills to make magic, so it’s really awesome to see 1 person take on all 3 parts and do really well. I just fell completely in love with this cover. The final cover that we’re going to discuss is Mackenzie’s rendition of Fallin’ by Alicia Keys (here’s the link: Fallin’ – Alicia Keys Cover), which was uploaded on January 12th, 2015. This has to be one of my favorite covers that Mackenzie has done (which is saying a lot because I am ADDICTED to her channel). I really love that we’re able to truly see the just how well Mackenzie is able to control her pitch and still slay those big notes that have made this song a fan favorite. This is a very unforgiving song that not everyone can cover, so I was seriously impressed when I heard this cover. This was the first video that I saw on Mackenzie’s channel, and it instantly drew me in and made me want to hear more from her. I promise that once you heard this cover, you will not be able to turn away.
The first original song that Mackenzie uploaded on YouTube was entitled The Way We Love, and was uploaded on October 24th, 2011. Mackenzie says in the beginning of the video that this song is about a cute relationship that her friend was in. I love this song because it’s so sweet and has a very classic Taylor Swift vibe to it. This song honestly makes you feel like you’re in a Nicholas Sparks movie, and is just so amazing you will find yourself listening to it every day. I thought that this was a very good choice as Mackenzie’s debut original song in YouTube. It is also the perfect song for right now since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. The other Mackenzie original that we’re going to talk about is her song What I Want, which was uploaded on December 1st, 2014. This song has a really cool Jason Mraz meets Ed Sheeran feel to it that would definitely be a radio favorite. I also love that this song tells a really awesome story about a person who has been torn down by others so much that the person has always felt like they shouldn’t follow their dreams, but is now realizing that life is too short for fear. This is definitely a song that I think we can all relate to.
Keep up with everything Mackenzie is doing:
YouTube: Mackenzie Johnson
Twitter: Mackenzie Johnson (@KenzieMusic26) | Twitter
Instagram: Mackenzie Johnson (@mackenziemusic)
- All photos and information used in this blog belong to Mackenzie Johnson, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Demi Lovato, TLC, Alicia Keys, Nicholas Sparks, Jason Mraz, Ed Sheeran, Hollywood Records, Toby Gad, Kerli Koiv, Lindy Robbins, LaFace Records, Arista Records, Kevin “She’spere’ Briggs, Kandi Burruss, Tameka ‘Tiny’ Cottle, Lisa ‘Left Eye’ Lopes, J records, and all other original owners. I do not own anything in this blog. If any people, corporations, businesses, companies, etc, were not previously given credit for their work, they are given credit now and their previous absence was unintentional. All opinions expressed in this blog are my own. I wrote this blog for entertainment purposes and no copyright infringement is intended.
YouTube Wednesday: Corey Gray…the singer/songwriter whose music is the best Christmas present you’ll get this year
Hello people of the internet!!! On today’s ‘YouTube Wednesday’ we are going to discuss Corey Gray, an awesome singer/songwriter 
whose soulful voice and natural on-camera charisma will instantly make you fall in love. Corey Gray is a 24 year old Los Angeles based artist who moved from Dallas, Texas to California at the age of 19 to pursue fulfill his musical ambitions. According to an interview Corey did with newmediarockstars.com, he moved to California after 3 semesters at a community college in Dallas. On June 27th, 2011, Corey uploaded his first YouTube video, and officially began his YouTube journey. Corey stated in that same interview that he first discovered his love of music while participating in his elementary school’s orchestra. He then learned to play drums a few years later and began to play with local bands. He later received a guitar as a Christmas present, but admits that he too shy to sing in front of anyone until his mom forced him to sing in front of her (after hearing him singing around the house). Corey eventually booked a gig for himself at a local venue he worked at in North Dallas, and the rest as they say is history. He is now signed with independent label ‘Keep Your Soul Records’, and in the process of continuously releasing AWESOME music. So please read on and begin your obsession with Corey Gray, an artist that is on the path to a long and successful career (Merry Christmas!!!).
The first video that we’re going to discuss is Corey’s cover of ‘I’m Yours’ by Jason Mraz, which was uploaded on June 27th, 2011. I really love this video because it shows off Corey’s talents as not only a vocalist, but also an entertainer. My favorite thing about this cover is that Corey seemed to really connect to his performance, which made it more enjoyable to watch. I definitely think that this video served its’ purpose because it gave a strong introduction, and left you wanting to hear more. The next video we are going to discuss is Corey’s rendition of ‘Here Without You’ by 3 Doors Down, which was uploaded on February 10th, 2012 (you can check out the video below). My favorite thing about this particular cover is that you can really see the growth that Corey went through as an artist in such a short time. This cover really shows Corey’s level of artistry, and quickly makes you forget that this is a cover and not an original song. I also really love that Corey is able to connect to the emotion within the song’s lyrics, which makes draws in the viewer even more. The last video that we’re going to discuss is Corey’s cover of ‘Replay’ by Zendaya, which was uploaded on November 4th, 2013. This is probably one of my personal favorites, because Corey was able to alter the song in a way that better fit his style, but still kept the original vibe of the song that fans initially feel in love with. You really see the continue evolution of Corey’s artistry in this video, and his confidence as a performance leaps off the screen and leaves you unable to click away. Next up, we’re going to talk about Corey’s original music!
The first song that we’re going to talk about is entitled ‘Let Loose’, and is off of Corey’s ‘Let Loose’ EP, which was released on April 21st, 2012 (the official music video for the song was uploaded on YouTube on April 10th, 2012, you can check it out below). I thought that this would be a cool song to discuss because it’s a really fun, upbeat song that is the perfect song to turn up during a road trip. This is definitely a song that you will quickly become obsessed with, and will be replaying over and over. The last song that we’re going to discuss is called ‘Step Away’, and is off of Corey’s ‘Y.O.U.’ EP which was released on January 17th, 2014 (the official music video for this song was released to YouTube on the same day that the EP dropped ). ‘Step Away’ is an AMAZING song that has really cool, meaningful lyrics, and a great story that very relatable. This is definitely my favorite original song that Corey has released (and I think y’all will agree once you hear it)! I love that the song really shows just how much Corey has as an artist in the past 3 years. It definitely makes you excited to see what’s ahead for him, and just how much more amazing his music will become in the next few years.
Keep up to date with everything Corey is doing:
YouTube: officialcoreygray
Twitter: Corey Gray (@coreygray1) | Twitter
Facebook: Corey Gray | Facebook
Instagram: coreyg1 on Instagram
- All photos and information used in this blog belong to YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Corey Gray, newmediarockstars.com, Keep Your Soul Records, Jason Mraz, 3 Doors Down, Zendaya, Jake Coco, W.G. Snuffy Walden, Julien Garros, Taylor Made Studios, and all other original owners. I do not own anything in this blog. If any people, corporations, businesses, companies, etc, were not previously given credit for their work, they are given credit now and their previous absence was unintentional. All opinions expressed in this blog are my own. I wrote this blog for entertainment purposes and no copyright infringement is intended.
Monday Memos: 2014 CMA Recap
Hello people of the internet!!! Ok, last Wednesday (November 6th) was the 47th annual CMA awards and A LOT of stuff happened. Ready? Ok, let’s get started!
Hosts:
Once again the talented and hilarious duo of Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley hosted the CMAs. The duo’s monologue included many funny moments including a rendition of ‘Why can’t we be friends’ which discussed celebrity feuds. The actual feud between Zac Brown of The Zac Brown Band and Luke Bryan was finally settled when the two singers hugged (awww!). As well as the feud among the Jonas Brothers, the feud between Sinead O’Connor and Miley Cyrus, as well as the feud between Jimmy Kimmel and Kanye West. The opening scene of the show also included a parody of ‘Blurred Lines’, where Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley, and the cast of ‘Duck Dynasty’ imitated Miley Cyrus and Robin Thicke’s performance at the 2013 VMAs. The final laugh of the night for the duo was a joke about the frustration that the American public has had with the Obamacare Health Plan, which was set to the tune of ‘Amarillo by Morning’ by George Strait. All in all the banter between Carrie and Brad was really great, and once again showed what a great and hilarious team they make.
Winners:
- Single of the Year: ‘Cruise’ by Florida Georgia Line
This infectious song was all over country and mainstream radio this summer and was even remixed with the help of Hip Hop recording artist Nelly. Cross-over radio popularity and a killer remix on the first single of a new album?!…I can definitely see more success in this duo’s future.
- Song of the Year: ‘I drive your truck’ by Lee Brice
This heartwarming song about a fallen Afghanistan solider and the father who mourns him is performed with such powerful emotion by Lee Brice that I can see why this song deserved the title of ‘song of the year’.
- Vocal Duo of the Year: Florida Georgia Line
I think the success of cruise explains why this duo deserves the award.
- New Artist of the Year: Kacey Musgrave
Although Kacey experienced previous success with her single ‘Merry Go Round’, her career was never the same when ITunes featured ‘Blowin Smoke’ as the ‘free single of the week’. With her new single ‘Follow your Arrow’ blowing up the charts, and her work on Miranda Lambert’s song ‘Mama’s Broken Heart’, Kacey is definitely an artist to watch.
- Music Video of the Year: ‘Highway Don’t Care’ by Tim McGraw feat. Taylor Swift and Keith Urban
In my opinion this music video is not only a great PSA about the dangers of texting and driving, but a piece of art. When I first saw this video, I was captivated from beginning to end. I definitely believe that this was the music video of the year.
- Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award: Kenny Rogers
Really what can be said about the legendary Kenny Rogers?! With more than 120 hit singles, 130 million records sold worldwide, numerous Grammys/AMAs/ACMs/CMAs, and a career that began in 1958 and is still going strong, I think that his credentials speak for themselves.
- Album of the Year: ‘Based on a True Story’ by Blake Shelton
From the party anthem ‘Boys Round Here’, to the emotional ballad ‘Mine Would be You’, Blake’s latest album has so much versatility and honesty that it is easy to see why this album was a favorite this year
- Pinnacle Award: Taylor Swift
Now I know that we all know who this artist is, I mean she somehow knows every detail of our lives and writes songs about it, so she’s everyone’s BFF right? Well her beautiful voice and incredible songwriting ability has helped her receive this prestigious award at the tender age of 23. Not bad Taylor!
- Vocal Group of the Year: Little Big Town
With previous hits ‘Pontoon’ and ‘Tornado’, this is a group that couldn’t miss. Also, their harmonies, and pure vocal chops are always on point, which was evident by their performance of their new single ‘Sober’ on the very night they won this award.
- Female Vocalist of the Year: Miranda Lambert
With a long career of hits (most recently ‘Mama’s Broken Heart’, ‘We were Us’, and ‘All Kinds of Kinds’, Miranda is definitely the woman to beat, and she once again let all know on one of country music’s biggest nights.
- Male Vocalist of the Year: Blake Shelton
Blake once again proves why he has had such great success finding incredible talent on the ‘Voice’; on Wednesday he showed that he is the man to beat by becoming the male “voice” of country music for this year.
- Entertainer of the Year: George Strait
Although many amazing artists were nominated for this award, “King” George proves that he still has it after all these years by topping country music with this coveted award.
Performances:
There were so many amazing performances this year so let’s get started!
- The show kicked off with Luke Bryan performing a shortened version of his hit ‘My Kinda Night’, which also included a snippet of ‘Cruise’ with Florida Georgia Line, and then the artists all finished ‘My Kinda Night’. The performance of these two songs was entertaining, from the amazing vocals, to the staging and lighting, it was such a great way to open the show.
- Jason Aldean sang his song ‘Night Train’ later in the show, and the staging was incredible. Jason performed in a manufactured train box car with a background screen which displayed trees, and dark lights shadowed the stage.
- New Artist of the Year Kacey Musgrave performed her new hit ‘Follow Your Arrow’, which displayed her ability to captivate a crowd without theatrics.
- Power trio Lady Antebellum performed their newest single ‘Compass’, which was made complete by the trio’s stunning vocals, as well as the background screen which had revolving pictures of compasses, roads, and people on horses.
- Group Little Big Town played their hit ‘Sober’, which placed their outstanding vocals front and center. The presence of candles in a circle around the stage further added to the ballad.
- Keith Urban and Miranda Lambert displayed why their new single ‘We were Us’ has been burning up the charts, by giving an electrifying performance of the song.
- Next up was country superstar Taylor Swift’s epic performance of her song ‘Red’, with country legends Alison Krauss and Vince Gill, as well as Sam Bush, Edgar Meyer, and Eric Darken. The softer take of the track definitely added a new dimension to it, which made an amazing song even better.
- Florida Georgia Line appeared once again, and this time performed their hit ‘Round Here’, which once again showed how amazing the duo is.
- The next performance was by Hunter Hayes and Jason Mraz, who performed their duet version of Hunter’s hit song ‘Everybody’s Got Somebody But Me’. The performance showcased both artists’ vocal talent, as well as Hunter’s amazing guitar skills. Which ended with Hunter presenting the New Artist of the Year Award to Kacey Musgrave.
- Eric Church performed his new song ‘The Outsiders’ next, which was spectacularly performed with the assistance of smoke, lights, fire, and a cool guitar solo.
- The Band Perry was up next with their new song ‘Don’t Let me be Lonely’, which was spectacular due to the band’s stellar vocals and amazing special effects.
- Next up, Tim McGraw performed his newest hit ‘Southern Girl’, which showed that like a wine, country superstars only get better with time (sorry for the unintentional rhyming).
- Blake Shelton was next with his emotional ballad ‘Mine Would be You’, which showed off the Male Vocalist of the Year’s “voice”.
- Internet sensations Lennon and Maisy performed a unique cover of ‘You Belong with Me’ to Taylor Swift right before she was presented with the Pinnacle Award, which resulted in a sweet moment among the three vocalist, in which Taylor hugged Maisy, which was immediately followed by video testimonies by numerous artists that Taylor opened up for when she was a new artist.
- Carrie Underwood performed amazingly as usual, her performance included renditions of her hit songs ‘Good Girl’, ‘Blown Away’, ‘Two Black Cadillacs’, and ‘See You Again’. While she performed, clips of all of Carrie’s music videos appeared on the screen behind her.
- Country legends Alan Jackson and George Strait paid tribute to the iconic George Jones by with their breathtaking performance of George Jones’s hit song ‘He Stopped Loving her today’. As they performed the song, images of George Jones and his wife appeared on the screen behind Alan Jackson and George Strait.
- The Zac Brown Band, with the assistance of Dave Grohl( of the the band ‘The Foo Fighters’), gave their new song ‘Day for the Dead’ a great debut due to their energetic performance.
- Next up was Brad Paisley who performed his new single ‘Mona Lisa’, which was given extra character due to Brad’s shirt, which had an image of the Mona Lisa on it. Paisley not only showed off his amazing talent as a vocalist, but also did a breathtaking guitar solo that left the crowd in awe.
- Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Kenny Rogers was honored next, with a medley of some of his hit songs performed by Jennifer Nettles(of country duo Sugarland), Darius Rucker, and Rascal Flatts. The number was made extra special when Kenny Rogers sang his classic hit ‘Islands in the Stream’ with Jennifer Nettles.
- Darius Rucker closed the show with his performance of the song ‘Wagon Wheel’, which was unfortunately cut off mid performance, but was still wonderfully done.
So all in all, the 47th annual CMA awards were full of hilarious moments and amazing musical numbers. The show definitely did not disappoint, and made me excited for next year.
- All photos and information used in this blog belong to childstarlets,com, ABC, the CMAs, all associated labels and cooperations/businesses,, and any and all other original owners. I do not own anything in this blog. All opinions expressed in this blog are my own. I wrote this blog for entertainment purposes and no copyright infringement is intended.