Hello people of the internet!!! On today’s ‘Monday Memos’, I’m going to help put a little magic into your Monday. Now if for some crazy reason you haven’t heard of 17 year old magician Collins Key, you are definitely missing out. This superstar has taken the magic/illusion industry to a whole new level by finishing in 5th place season 8 of America’s Got Talent, presenting at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards, and opening for Demi Lovato on her 2014 ‘Neon Lights Tour’. So now let’s check out some videos that are guaranteed to leave you spellbound. Ready? Let’s go!!!
The first video that we’re going to talk about is Collins’ 2013 audition for the reality show ‘America’s Got Talent’. For his audition, Collins performed a trick that teleported a dollar bill into a sealed bag of chips. This is a really cool trick that will leave you wondering how he did it (you can check out the video below). Although the trick is awesome, one of the most impressive things about his audition, was how at just 16, Collins already proved that he could compete with the the most seasoned of showmen. The next trick that we’re going to check out is Collins’ performance for the ‘America’s Got Talent’ Vegas Week. This trick consisted of Collins mentally ripping a page out of a book, writing a word on the ripped page, and then teleporting that page into an envelope that a person is seated on. Again, this trick will leave you amazed, and will make you want to see more from Collins. Even though he didn’t win the competition, Collins definitely made his time on ‘America’s Got Talent’ count, and in doing so made us all fall under his spell.
Collins also has a very cool YouTube channel where he posts fun challenges, Q&A videos, and you guessed it, magic tricks. Let’s check out one of their videos right now! In this video, Collins does a trick in which he has a person pick a random card, and then sign the card. Then he does a lot of cool Harry Potter magic stuff, and another card takes a bite out of the random card, and then he finds that bite in the other card (yeah I know it’s a little confusing when I try to explain it, but check out the video below and you’ll see the awesomeness). Also, Collins gets bonus points for included One Direction’s drummer Josh Devine in this video because that’s just really cool! Ok the last video that we’re going to talk about isn’t actually a magic trick video, but is instead a magic trick revelation video. In this one, Collins explains how to do a trick with a scarf and an egg. Y’all should definitely check this one out, because it is guaranteed to freak out your family/friends, and will liven up any party.
Keep up with all the magic and fun by following Collins on these sites:
Website: collinskey.com
YouTube: CollinsKey
Twitter: CollinsKey
Instagram: collinskey
Tumblr:collinskey
Facebook: CollinsKey
Hello people of the internet!!! On today’s ‘YouTube Wednesday’ I am going to introduce you to an AMAZING singer/songwriter whose voice will blow you away. I was introduced to this vocalist when she followed me on Twitter (thank you Twitter for being the medium in which I have found so many amazing artists…and this is why Twitter is my bff…ok moving on). This phenomenal teen singer has perfected the formula of complementing fun pop style beats and infectious melodies, with jazz vocalist elements, and thus creating a completely unique sound that is unforgettable and impossible to ignore. This young vocalist has already made large strides in her career, and is also an accomplished actress and dancer. Honestly, in my opinion she has the talented and drive to accomplish whatever goal she sets for herself (and she’s from Texas!!! Sorry but I have to support my fellow Texans). So without further ado, please allow me to introduce you to the soon to be iconic Macy Medford!
Macy Medford is a 16 year old actress/singer/songwriter/dancer who was born and raised in Katy, TX. She began performing at the tender age of 3 in a recital. This performance would ultimately be the catalyst that would spark Macy’s love of performing. She is also a well seasoned actress, and has performed in numerous stage plays such as: Aladdin, Alice in Wonderland, Annie, and others. Macy has also had the opportunity to appear in a national Disney Channel commercial. In 2011 Macy was nominated for Pop Artist of the Year at the LA Music Awards. Macy’s music has also been featured on the Hulu teen drama ‘East Los High’ (a show about Hispanic teens growing up in East Los Angeles). Macy has continue to grow a loyal fan base over the past few years, and currently has over 50,000 twitter followers. In 2013, Macy won the International Songwriting Competition for her track ‘Just Me and You’. In the same year, she also became a finalist in the Unsigned Only Music Competition (a competition that gives unsigned artists and bands the opportunity to compete for cash prizes, exposure, and mentoring from industry professionals).
Macy has shown through her YouTube videos that she is capable of adapting songs from numerous genres into her own unique style. For example, in 2012 Macy performed her rendition of ‘ Trouble with Love Is’ by fellow Texan Kelly Clarkson Kelly Clarkson – Trouble With Love covered by Macy Medford – YouTube (yay Texas!!!) I truly enjoyed Macy’s rendition of the hit due to the fact that she stated true to the original version, but added a few “Macy Qualities” which gave the song new life. Through the track Macy was able to show off her enviable range, as well as her vocal’s jazzy undertones. Macy once again adds her own flair to a popular song, with her cover of ‘Lego House’, Lego House- Acoustic Cover by Macy Medford originally by Ed Sheeran. In ‘Lego House’, Macy is able to convey her ability to bit only sing beautifully, but also demonstrates her exceptional vocal control. Throughout the song, Macy performs the song in a manner that is similar to the original, but also adds her own twist to the song (even adding an exceptionally cool riff towards the end of the song). Another cover where Macy is able to showcase the various dimensions of her voice is in her rendition of Emeli Sande hit song ‘My Kind of Love’ My Kind of Love by Emeli Sande- Acoustic Cover by Macy Medford. When I heard this rendition, I was truly floored, due to the fact that this is an exceptionally difficult track to perform, and Macy was able to make her cover unique and amazing. Although this song is very vocally challenging, Macy was able to handle the notes phenomenally well, and as always she added her own personal touches, to make her version unique. Hearing Macy’s voice on the track is very refreshing, due to the distinct differences between her voice, and Emile Sande’s voice. Although Macy has performed several covers, she has been able to prove through these videos that she is not only an amazing vocalists, who is years ahead of her age vocally, but is also a true artist who is able to give any song new life.
On February 20th, 2012 Macy released her debut album entitled “Crazy ‘Bout You”. After I listened to this 8 track album, I quickly determined that it is a MUST BUY album for all music lovers. The album gives off a very positive vibe, and all 8 tracks are so infectious and relatable, that you will soon find yourself listening to the album non-stop from beginning to end. Through this album, Macy also showed off her impressive songwriting chops (she co-wrote all 8 tracks!…definitely very impressive!). With spring and summer rapidly approaching, this album should definitely be on your road trip playlist, with fun tracks about the beginning stages of young love (Crazy ‘Bout You, Just Me and You, Scream Out Loud, and Free Fallin’), and inspirational songs about following your dreams and not letting others bring you down (Sideline and Stronger), this album will be your perfect spring/summer soundtrack. However, if you are nursing a broken heart and are just sick of love, Macy has you covered! Her track ‘Bye Bye’ is a sassy, upbeat song about how a certain person may have treated you badly, but you’re MUCH better without them (alright girl power!…or guy, because we know y’all go through broken hearts too…don’t worry though, we’ll keep that between us). Along with very well-written, catchy songs, Macy also puts her impressive vocals on display in this album. With a fun Jason Mraz meets jazz diva sound, and impressive runs thrown in every once in a while, Macy truly shows that she is an artist that does not have any boundaries or limitations.
I certainly think that Macy is on the fast track to being a global superstar. With an amazing stage presence (DEFINETELY check out some of her live performances on YouTube), well-developed songwriting skills, and vocals skills years ahead of her time, Macy has the total package. As if this wasn’t enough, it seems that Macy has also discovered what type of artist she wants to be at the tender age of 16. Macy’s vocals contain such a unique twist of modern pop and old school jazz, that I can see her music finding a home in the rotations of various radio stations. Also, due to the jazz elements in her voice, I believe that Macy will certainly standout from the crowd, making her an undeniable force in the music industry. I would suggest that EVERYONE check out Macy’s videos, buy her music, and become very familiar with this emerging artist, because Macy Medford is a name that will become inescapable in a few years.
Stay Connected with Macy:
YouTube: Macy Medford YouTube
Twitter: Macy Medford (macymedford) on Twitter
Facebook: Macy Medford Facebook
Website: Macy Medford
‘Just Me and You’ Video: MACY MEDFORD – ‘JUST ME AND YOU’ – OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
IMDB: Macy Medford – IMDb
Hello people of the internet, please allow me for a moment to paint a picture for you. A 16 year old girl receives news one summer from her doctor that she has mono, so she must begin bed rest. Now usually teenagers spend the summer time hanging out with friends, going on trips, swimming, etc.. So what can a 16 year old do during the summer for fun if she’s stuck at home? Well if you ask the girl behind the extremely popular YouTube channel ‘meghanrosette’, you start a career launching YouTube channel.
Meghan Rienks, (whose last name isn’t actually Rosette, the name was created because Meghan’s middle name is Rose) was born on August 4th, 1993 in a city near San Francisco, CA. Meghan has said that she was a “dramatic” child, and officially caught the acting bug after a 3rd grade production of ‘The Wiz’ (where Meghan played a munchkin…o.k. everyone say it with me…awwwww…I’m mean seriously a 3rd grader playing a munchkin, that is just too cute!). Meghan then began taking acting, voice, and dance classes in order to further explore her love of performing. She began experimenting with makeup in the middle school, and continued acting.. Once Meghan entered High School, she soon began performing in numerous school plays. However, Meghan’s most important high school activity would occur the summer before her senior year, when Meghan contracted mono from sharing a soda can with her friend. Although most people would hide in their room and cry over this, Meghan took the advice of her mother, and began a YouTube channel. So, on June 16th, 2010 the channel ‘meghanrosette’ was born, and Meghan’s life was forever changed (Here’s Meghan’s 1st video where she does a fashion haul with one of her friends: Haul with dancer4life34! – YouTube).
On the surface, Meghan’s channel seems like that of any other young guru however, once you watch just a few minutes of any of her 412 videos, you can see that this girl is anything but ordinary. Meghan is not openly knowledgeable about fashion trends, beauty secrets, and everyday life issues, but she also has a charisma and ease on camera that instantly draws you in. She is also extremely witty and goofy, which makes her very relatable, and only adds to her overall charm. I first discovered Meghan a few months ago when I saw her on an episode of the hit show IMO (which stands for In My Opinion), on the super popular AwesomnessTV YouTube channel. On IMO, Meghan is on a rotating panel, where the panelists discuss a wide variety such as; fashion trends, celebrities, relationship/friendship issues, etc. (basically it’s a teen/young adult version of ‘The View’). When I first saw Meghan on IMO, I instantly found her very interesting and funny, and wanted to learn more about her.
After I watched a few of her videos, I could see why she (as of December 10th, 2013) has 535,602 subscribers on her channel. Meghan is not only adored by her large fan base, but has also grabbed the attention of many important fashion and beauty publications. She has been featured in magazines such as Teen Vogue and Seventeen. Meghan has also interviewed celebrities and has done red carpet coverage for Seventeen magazine (here’s a video of Meghan interviewing Ashley Rickards, the star of MTV’s popular show ‘Awkward’: My First Time Tag with Ashley Rickards – YouTube). Along with working on her growing YouTube career, Meghan has also continued acting, and was recently on the hit AwesomnessTV show. She also stars on the YouTube show ‘The Goreys’, as Abigail Gorey (here’s a link to the first episode: Hello Dr. Jacobs – Episode 1 – YouTube). Because of all of these amazing accomplishments that she’s had in such a short time span, I would definitely recommend that EVERYONE keep an eye on Meghan, she will definitely be a huge star soon.
Another reason why I highly recommend Meghan’s channel, is because she is very open and honest with her fans. In her ‘Draw My Life’ video (here’s the link to that video:Draw My Life | MeghanRosette – YouTube), Meghan admitted to having insecurity issues in middle school due to her appearance, and also stated that her elementary school friends shunned her because they were popular and she was not. Meghan has also spoken about the bullying she received from her two best friends in college. She admits that she became anxious, OCD, and suffered a great depression because of what occurred between her and these friends. Although Meghan says that she is in a better mental state now, I think that it was very brave that she decided to reveal some of the struggles she has faced. Her story is truly inspiring, and proves that you can do whatever you set your mind too as long as you follow your dreams and ignore any haters. I think Taylor Swift said it best in her song ‘Ours’, when she states, “People throw rocks at things that shine…”. Due to her bubbly personality, natural charisma, and wit, I certainly see a bright future ahead for Meghan in vlogging and acting. Keep on shinning girl!