Exclusive: Vita Chambers Year End Interview

Vita Chambers sits down with me to answer some interview questions to celebrate the end of my second year!

Vita Chambers. Where can I begin? I first heard about her from another music blogger and he raved about her impressive vocals and great new sound. It was almost exactly 1 year ago that her return single "Fix You" was launched to the world (December 18th, 2012). I loved her sound and her music made me so happy and grateful. "Fix You" ended up topping the chart for a full month and spent over 1 complete year on the chart. Her follow up promotional release was titled "Masquerade" and opened in August of 2013 on the chart at a career high #9. It went on to peak at #2. Her 2nd official single "What If?" was released on October 15th, 2013 and reached #3 and still remains within the chart's top 10. Her work landed her a Juno Nomination and two CDS Music Chart Award wins (once in 2012 and once in 2013). I was completely honored when she accepted my interview request for a year end chart special. I felt it was right to pick her because she was one of my favorite artists of the year and one of the best new artists. Without further a due, here is the first ever CDS Music exclusive interview... with Vita Chambers! Enjoy :)

Q: When did you begin work on "What If?" and what were the main inspirations or thoughts you had while writing/recording it?

A: I worked on "What If?" 2 months before we released it. I worked with a very good friend on it, Mark Pellizzer. He is an incredible producer and when we started working together we decided t make music we loved and wanted to hear.

Q: How have the last 12 months made you feel emotionally?

A: 12 months older lol. Its a dream come true and I'm even more motivated to work that much harder.

Q: If you had to pick a single person as your inspiration, who would it be and why?

A: Madonna! She is incredible. She's constantly reinventing herself and her live shows are an experience.

Q: You have been nominated multiple times at multiple award shows and charted on various personal music charts and nationwide charts. How does it feel to have come so far?

A: AMAZING! But i have learnt that the journey is much more important than the destination, and I am savoring every moment of it. Can't wait for whats next.

Q: What are your plans for future recordings, tours or collaborations?

A: I will be releasing more singles soon and my "What If?" tour will be launching in mid-February 2014.

Q: Are there any recording artists you dream of working with?

A: Michael Jackson but that would be a little difficult.

Q: Do you think that fans understand the struggles of becoming a popular artist?

A: Many people think that you just release a song and then things happen but thats not the case. There is a lot of hard work and dedication involved both from you and your team. 

Q: What helps you write music or come up with musical themes?

A: Personal things that i go through and also the people around me.

Q: Where do you hope to see yourself in another year?

A: Hopefully still doing music and touring in other countries around the world.

Thank you so much for your love and support. It means the world to me :)

So there you have it! Hopefully you learned a little something! I will try to arrange more special interviews if you guys enjoyed this one. Don't forget to watch out for the 2013 Year End Top 100 and the 2012-2013 Top 100 coming very soon to CDS Music!

Album Review: "Britney Jean" by Britney Spears

Welcome to a new CDS Music Chart review! Today I am reviewing "Britney Jean" by Britney Spears. The album was released on December 3rd, 2013 in the United States. It is set to open with about 150,000 copies, down over 100,000 from the opening of her 7th studio album. The album was preceded by the promotional buzz single "Ooh La La" which failed to chart on CDS Music Chart and peaked at #56 on Billboard's Hot 100. It is not included on the album but serves as the main theme for the animated movie The Smurfs 2. The lead single "Work B**ch" peaked at #6 on CDS Music Chart and #12 on Billboard's Hot 100. The official second single, "Perfume" reached #45 on CDS Music Chart and #76 on Billboard's Hot 100. The deluxe album includes 14 tracks.

Is it really Britney's most personal to date?

1. "Ailen" Britney Spears, William Orbit, Dan Traynor, Ana Diaz, Anthony Preston
One of the best tracks included on the album. Saying that, it Britney repeats the phrase "not alone" too many times and it becomes slightly unbearable. It is not a bad album opener and could possibly be a potential single in the future. When compared to the opening track on Britney's previous album ("Till The World Ends") it falls completely flat, and is a big step downward for her.

2. "Work B**ch" Britney Spears William Adams, Otto Jettman, Sebastian Ingrosso, Anthony Preston, Ruth-Anne Cunningham
I'm not going to lie. Initially I heavily disliked this song. It eventually grew on me and the hook is amazingly addictive but the lyrical content is overly explicit. The bad language isn't needed on this track and makes it feel worse than it needs to be. Overall it was very risky of Britney to release this track but I do firmly believe it is a moderate hit.

3. "Perfume" Sia Furler, William Adams, Chris Braide, Keith Harris
I get a weird mix of emotions while listening to this track. It's a quick departure from the bold sounds included on "Work B**ch" but it is still a good song. The lyrical content doesn't really flow correctly but that is not the real problem. During the post-chorus there is a beep sound that sounds like a smoke alarm. It is extremely annoying and actually bothers me a lot.

4. "It Should Be Easy (feat. will.i.am)" Britney Spears, William Adams, David Guetta, Giorgio Tuinfort, Nick Rotteveel, Marcus van Wattum
Wow. This song is essentially "Big Fat Bass Part 2". will.i.am shouldn't be allowed to be a 'singer'. He really is an auto-tuned mess. I actually like this more than "Scream & Shout" but it has way more 'corn syrup' as I put it. By that I mean it is oozing with auto-tune and fake, robotic vocals. The instrumental by David Guetta is pretty solid. It seems like will.i.am is dragging Britney into the land of plastic, previously rejected, over-worked, waste. "I don't know who else to say it".

5. "Tik Tik Boom (feat. T.I.)" Britney Spears, Anthony Preston, Onique “Sparrow” Williams, Clifford Joseph Harris Jr., Andre Lindal, Damien LeRoy, Joakim Haukass
Another EDM attempt. Better than the previous attempt but still off. Less auto-tune than "It Should Be Easy (feat. will.i.am)" but it also has problems. It was also a previous reject (Fifth Harmony) and several of the main lines sound extremely inappropriate, especially the line "Tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, tick, boom!". It features an unnecessary verse from another rapper, in a similar style to experimental tracks by Katy Perry and Lady Gaga that were released earlier this year ("Dark Horse" and "Jewels and Drugs" respectively).

6. "Body Ache" Britney Spears, David Guetta, Giorgio Tuinfort, Luciana Caporaso, Nick Clow, Myah Marie Langston, Anthony Preston, Richard Gonzalez, Jose Luna
A good song but it is compiled of too many elements. The instrumental is essentially a copy of the one included on "Scream & Shout", it includes lyrics similar to some songs included on her 7th studio album (mainly "Trip to Your Heart") and has some other thoughts from many other eras. Kind of a mixed bag. Over produced.

7. "Til It's Gone"  Britney Spears, Jenson Vaughan, Rosette Sharma, Anthony Preston, Giorgio Tuinfort, David Guetta, William Adams
Perhaps the best song on the album and the best EDM song on the album. Overproduced but seems like a great track. It fits way better on "Femme Fatale" but may have been included on "Britney Jean" to breathe life into what is a very sad and disaster of an album. A stab at her previous husband and likely the most personal song on the album.

8. "Passanger" Britney Spears, Thomas Pentz, Sia Furler, Andrew Swanson, Katy Perry
Britney tries to deliver strong vocals, but it doesn't really work. She holds several notes that drown into the instrumental implying that she can't actually hold them. It is not as noisy as the past several tracks on the album and is kind of like the dying down of the party seen in the middle of the album. She tried.

9. "Chillin' With You (feat. Jamie Lynn)" Britney Spears, William Adams, Anthony Preston, Joshua Lopez
I was most looking forward to this song when the official track list came out. Unfortunately it is the biggest mess on the album and is completely pointless, dull and just plain terrible. I am completely shocked that this even made the album. Britney is trying WAY TOO HARD. The Jamie Lynn part is bad too (but better than the Britney part) and is just stupid in my opinion. The worst song included on the entire album.

10. "Don't Cry" Britney Spears, William Adams, Joshua Lopez, Richard Gonzalez
Simple and sweet. A good final song (for the regular edition). Not overproduced like most songs on the album and the addition of the whistle is an interesting touch that is nice and personal. Her vocals also sound raw and natural.

11. "Brightest Morning Star" Britney Spears, Lukasz Gottwald, Sia Furler, Henry Walter
A good bonus track. Like the "Diamonds" of the album. Soft and very personal. One of the few tracks that really matches the theme of the album that Britney described. Unfortunately it is only a bonus track. It would have served better as a regular edition track.

12. "Hold On Tight" Britney Spears, Allan P. Grigg
Another soft track that is pure and has an older Britney singing style. A great effort that seems to yet again match the theme of the album. It really helps fill the large whole left in the listener after the regular edition of the album.

13. "Now That I Found You" Britney Spears, Danny O’Donoghue, Giorgio Tuinfort, David Guetta, Frederic Riesterer
Probably the 4th or 5th best song included on the album. The instrumental sounds exactly like "Wake Me Up" by Swedish producer Avicii, which is the biggest downside of the track. Another pop gem that really deserves to be on the regular edition of the album.

14. "Perfume (Dreaming Mix)" Sia Furler, William Adams, Chris Braide, Keith Harris
The 'Dreaming Mix' is not a remix despite the title (typical). It is essentially an even more stripped version of the initial single. It actually is an improvement over the original. It eliminates the awful beep sound and brings in a more interesting instrumental under a slightly more raw vocal. Should replace the original.

Overall Stats and Thoughts
Best Songs: "Perfume (Dreaming Mix)", "Til It's Gone", "Now That I Found You",  and "Work B**ch"
Worst Songs: "Chillin' With You (feat. Jamie Lynn)", "It Should Be Easy (feat. will.i.am)", "Tik Tik Boom (feat. T.I.)", and "Perfume"
Thoughts: Scratch will.i.am's phone number from your contacts list. Let listeners listen to your actual voice, not a 'corn syrup' mess. Don't pretend you released a personal album, call it what it actually is: one of your worst to date. Don't copy instrumentals and hope nobody notices! Tell Sia Furler to stop writing about stars! Continue experimental work. Continue with your older styles; its what you are good at and what sells. Don't put your sister on a song and call it 'personal'.

Rating: 5.5/10 (F)

The Problem With Billboard

In my opinion the music industry is full of fresh talent from all sorts of artists. Sadly it is also filled with corrupt people that get what they want because they have power and possibly money. I have neither. Billboard has power (and it's likely they have money; what company doesn't these days?). Right around 1 week to a week and 1/2 ago, Billboard promoted a parody of "Wrecking Ball" by Miley Cyrus. They deemed it "hilarious" and devoted a small post to it. While that seemed harmless at the time, "Wrecking Ball" 'swung' back to #1 the following week. I don't personally have anything against Miley or her songs but it doesn't seem fair. If Billboard is supposed to present us with the "Best Selling Songs in America", then how come they are allowed to skew things the way they want? That seems like a violation.

I also have major problems with the way Radio works but I will have to save that for a later time. What are your thoughts, comments, concerns or questions relating to Billboard? Tweet me, or leave a comment below.

Forecast: "Timber" Headed For Top Spot

It has only been 4 days since the 7 day tracking period began, but things are already getting heated. After a 4 week run across the top slot, "Do What U Want (feat. R. Kelly)" by Lady Gaga could already be slipping from the peak. "Timber (feat. Ke$ha)" by Pitbull ranked #4 last week but could end up scooping #1 this week. Ke$ha and Pitbull lead Gaga and R. Kelly is a very tight airplay spin race by a 11% margin. If the song reaches #1, it would be both Ke$ha's and Pitbull's first #1. You can vote for your favorite (they will have a better chance at #1) by tweeting to me @cdschart!

I guess you could call this the battle of the butts! No just kidding!

CDS Picks: New Artists + Bubbling Under

Here is the second installment of CDS Picks. Bringing you artists, albums and songs that U Oughta Know About. You can also check out the "Bubbling Under Chart" at the bottom of the page. The "Bubbling Under Chart" does not count as points but signifies the best non-charting songs of the week. Only songs that have not previously entered the CDS Music Chart Top 50 can enter the list. You can vote for one of these songs to possibly chart on the CDS Music Chart Top 50 by contacting me on twitter with your vote. Thanks! Also enjoy!

Jake Miller - "Collide"
It is hard to really know what Jake Miller is. He is a rapper, a singer and a new artist all together. "Collide" is an interesting mix of electronic, rap and pop influences. Though that combo would normally seem very strange together, it works well in this noteworthy debut. Listen to "Collide" below.

Lily Allen - "Hard Out Here"
This comeback is hilarious, catchy, racy and just plain great. The lyrics will have you laughing out loud every time you listen to the song. Not the best choice for youngsters, but still a really straight foreword comeback that will have you singing and dancing along. Listen to "Hard Out Here" below!

Pia Mia - "Red Love"

I saw this song featured in the iTunes store this week and it got my attention. I gave it a listen and was pleasantly surprised by Pia Mia's strong and deep vocals. It is an interesting, stripped and personal pop ballad that is calm and soothing. A great track that will hopefully be picked up by Sirius XM 20 on 20 radio. Check out "Red Love" below.

Christina Perri - "Human"

Christina Perri is back! Her new track "Human" is recorded in a similar way to her previous tracks but seems more powerful and meaningful. Honestly parts of the song are reminiscent of "Swine" by Lady Gaga. It is a comeback that sounds better than most of her other previous material. It deserves a listen but unfortunately I can't provide a soundcloud link. Sorry about that.

Naomi Pilgrim - "No Gun"

This song pleasantly surprised me. "No Gun" is a world music style masterpiece! Her voice is dark and the whole song is gleefully creepy yet beautiful at the same time. Her vocal style is indescribably spot on and this thumping track is a very intense debut that most artists wouldn't have the guts to release. Naomi has tons of future potential and her raw voice will keep you hooked. You will definitely listen to this track over and over again! 

The "Bubbling Under Chart" displays songs 51-65 on the chart and serves as an extender to the CDS Music Chart Top 50. Songs listed will not receive points unless they crack the top 50 in weeks that follow. * next to a previous #1 identifies that it reached the top 50. Current #1 is in bold font.

Previous #1's
October 3rd, 2013 - Everything (feat. Karin Park) by Maya Jane Coles (first chart)
October 10th, 2013 - Heart Attack by Enrique Iglesias
October 17th, 2013 - Heart Attack by Enrique Iglesias
October 24th, 2013 - I Wish (feat. T.I.) by Cher Lloyd
October 31st, 2013 - Legendary Lovers by Katy Perry
November 7th, 2013 - Legendary Lovers by Katy Perry
November 14th, 2013 -  I Wish (feat. T.I.) by Cher Lloyd
November 21st, 2013 - Parachute by Caroline Brooks
November 28th, 2013 - Parachute by Caroline Brooks
December 5th, 2013 - No Gun by Naomi Pilgrim

#	LW	2W	WKs	PK	Name	Artist
1	NEW	-	1	1	***NUMBER 1*** ***HOT SHOT DEBUT*** No Gun (1 week @ #1)	Naomi Pilgrim
2	1	1	1	4	Parachute (2 weeks @ #1)	Caroline Brooks
3	NEW	-	3	1	Hard Out Here	Lily Allen
4	2	5	2	3	Say Something (feat Christina Aguilera)	A Great Big World
5	4	2	2	4	Swine	Lady Gaga
6	3	3	3	3	How Could I Want More	Jamie Lynn Spears
7	NEW	-	7	1	Red Love	Pia Mia
8	7	4	1	7	I Wish (feat. T.I.) (2 weeks @ #1)	Cher Lloyd
9	11	13	9	3	Sweater Weather	The Neighborhood
10	5	6	5	6	Hey Brother	Avicii
11	NEW	-	11	1	Collide	Jake Miller
12	6	7	4	5	Marry Me	Jason Derülo
13	NEW	-	13	1	Human	Christina Perri
14	8	8	1	9	Heart Attack (2 weeks @ #1)	Enrique Iglesias
15	12	9	1	6	Legendary Lovers (2 weeks @ #1)	Katy Perry