From jaw-dropping goth rock to over-synthed pop beats and honky tonk country crooning to piano-driven rock hooks, it’s no secret that my musical influences have ranged all over the map this year. But when I introduced The Pretty Reckless last month, it was clear that I had inducted a new staple into the Tragic Kingdom family. Much like the inspiration for this blog, Light Me Up is an inspirational album from front to back. With Taylor Momsen leading the charge, the band delivers one of the most relevant albums of the year. But the question remains, why hasn’t America – the place where Momsen holds a lead spot on one of…

Since I discovered that Taylor Momsen was more than just the latest tabloid-fodder wannabe from the CW’s hit show Gossip Girl, I’ve spent a lot of time digging into some of her finest musical moments with her band The Pretty Reckless. When I featured the band earlier this month, I noted the comparisons of Momsen’s voice to the smooth rasp and deep tone that Fiona Apple delivered on some of finest and biggest commercial hits. Imagine my excitement when I stumbled across this gem — Momsen doing a live cover of Apple’s biggest hit, “Criminal” … and might I say, doing it flawlessly.  

The boys of The CO are at it again – using their gift of music to help heal the world one song at a time. Last week, the world was shocked with the news of the tornado that plowed through Joplin, MO, the lives it claimed and the devastation it left behind. In a joint effort with United Way, The CO is releasing a new single – a never before heard version of “Be OK” – through United for Joplin and donating 100% of the proceeds to the relief efforts.  Troy Akers, from the band, said “we are so honored to give this song to Joplin in support … hoping it goes…

It’s late in the day, Sunday afternoon, and I realize I’m severely behind in introducing you to the latest featured artist in the Tragic Kingdom family.  And it’s not that I want to keep you in the dark any longer, but every time I sit down to start typing away, I end up getting lost in awe-inspiring, jaw-dropping video clips and interviews from the latest addition to our growing community. If you had told me I’d be introducing Taylor Momsen to the site a few years ago, when she was just known for her role as the innocent-turned bad girl Jenny Humphrey on The CW’s Gossip Girl, I would have…

As April kicked off, Tragic Kingdom introduced you to the latest crop of talent added to our growing list of featured artists.  The CO is one of the most promising new talents featured since Neon Trees appeared on the site around this time last year. And if following in the same footsteps, it could be an exciting year for these pop-rockers.  In the coming weeks, the band will be releasing a special packaged version of their new single “Camo”, which will include the original track, an acoustic version, a remixed take, and a brand new video to accompany the song. To close out the month, the band is giving Tragic…

Tragic Kingdom’s featured artist this month, The CO, stopped by 12th & Porter in Nashville for a charity event, raising awareness for the DALIT Freedom Network – click here for more information – and the boys rocked.  Despite the sound guy’s unfortunate performance, we captured the newest members of the Tragic Kingdom family performing their latest single “Camo” for your enjoyment. The single will be released digitally later this month, along with a whole slew of goodies from the band.  And Tragic Kingdom is gearing up to bring you a little something special from Collin, Troy and Nate, as well.  So, don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and/or Facebook for updates, exclusive…

It looks like Neon Trees, who Tragic Kingdom named the Best of 2010, is going to have another big year. Their newest single, “Your Surrender”, is burning up radio stations all across the country including Radio Disney thanks in large part to the song’s partnership with Disney’s Prom movie which hits theaters at the end of the month. Don’t get me wrong, Neon Trees and Disney doesn’t quite scream “match made in heaven”, but I am far from calling Tyler Glenn & Co. sellouts. Think about the promotion that the folks at Disney put into anything attached to their name.  No doubt this video will play in between a number…

Now that jokes and pranks have subsided, it’s time to introduce you to Tragic Kingdom’s featured artist for April.  It’s not often that you stumble upon music that is so compelling and rich in content it moves you to action.  However, when I first heard The CO, made up of Collin Brace, Troy Akers, and Nate Fleming, I was reminded of why I love this industry.  The trio, who are joined by Will Harrison and Phil Snowden when they hit the stage, are a Nashville based band setting out to break the mold of the city’s stereotypical sound. In January of last year, the band released their debut self-titled album…