- Miguel, Sure Thing –
Lyrically a brilliant song performed by a serious (modern) crooner. This song makes you wanna have someone to feel this way about. I love songs that hit raw emotion on the head

- Alanis Morisette, You Oughta Know –
Fully had ‘Jagged Little Thrill’ on a clear cassette tape. Alanis was synonymous with Destiny Child as a teen (and actually pre-dates them to be honest) in terms of music I couldn’t live without. And I find it quite hilarious that Bey covered this very song on her last tour. Classic line ‘Does she know how you told me you hold me until you die… But you’re still alive’ That’s true life right there. This song still gives me chills.

- Brandy, Angel In Disguise –
I shouldn’t have to write a word about this song… The ‘Never Say Never’ album was another album that I played out until it was too scratched to play in the boombox. I remember creating my own choreography to this song in high school. And Rodney Jerkins was the genius behind this album. Some of the best production and vocal performances come from these two – TOGETHER!

- Radiohead, Paranod Android –
How can you NOT love Thom Yorke’s voice… not to mention the haunting melody of this song… “What’s there?” Brilliant. And of course the rock break down. This song gets me going in the middle of my workout when I need to zone out. Actually, I can listen to the entire OK Computer album working out. It just takes my mind to whole other place

- Stevie Ray Vaughan, Little Wing -
I always loved John Mayer but I didn’t full understand his brilliance until I heard Stevie Ray Vaughan. I recently downloaded a ‘greatest’ compilation album, put it on during one of my long international flights and actually woke up when ‘Little Wing’ was playing. While Stevie Ray Vaughan’s voice is part of what makes him legendary, of course, his guitar playing makes him an icon. This video features two Hendrix covers and Little Wing. Even if you’re not into rock or guitar, you’ll absolutely love this.

- Florence + The Machine, The Drumming Song –
Florence is just a beast and this song just feels sooo good. I love percussion, so I love putting this on loud in my headphones. Also, Flo is hot in this video! Working it out in her ‘Single Ladies’ onesie.

- Corneille, Seul Au Monde -
I love good R&B in any language and Corneille is my French fix. A refugeed orphan from Rwanda, his voice has that bluesy tenor while still bouncing through melodies to make even the saddest lyrics seem lighter. Translated this song is, Alone in the World. Doesn’t sound like it, right?

- OneRepublic, Everybody Loves Me –
One of my favorite bands and one of my favorite songwriters (Ryan Tedder) brings this anthemic-sounding uplifting groove. My favorite part is the descending guitar line at the end of the choruses. Talk about a head bob. I think this album was heavily slept. What I love the most is I can here Caleb of Kings of Leon singing the hell out of this song… Anyone smell a remake?

- Erykah Badu, Out of My Mind, Just in Time –
classic lyrics ‘I’m a recovering undercover overlover… I’d pop for you, lock for you, break for you…’ with her effortless almost drunken delivery, just perfect.’

- J. Cole, Blow Up-
when i need an anthem to get my ass moving on the treadmill or just a pick me up in the middle of the day, i play this song… this song cuts thru any bullshit – inside and outside.

- James Blake, Limit To Your Love -
blue eyed d’angelo. throw eggs if you want, but this dude knows how to live in space in between beats and uses ill electronic voicing to add to his already soulful croon. I could listen to this song on repeat. i have actually.

- Jessie J, Abracadabra –
Such a feel good song from such a refreshing singer. Reminds me of Mary J Blige, something that coulda been on the breakthrough. Just makes me dance and smile

- The XX, Hot Like Fire -
the most unexpected remake of aaliyah’s ‘hot like fire’ but i’m into that ambient minimalist shit, perfect for wearing headphones on a drive to/from venues/airports/hotel… the moving landscape and the pulsing guitar is perfect

-Teedra Moses, Complex Simplicity –
I’ll never get tired of Teedra’s voice. I just love her pocket in the first verse and then the chorus… another feel good joint. Always reminds to be present and just enjoy my life

- Brandy, 1st & Love –
I love everything about this song from the beat to the harmonies… and of course, B-Rocka.

- francis and the lights, it’ll be better –
I love the production, folky and percussive, live and lighthearted to underscore Francis’ voice. Kind of a young paul newman/phil collins.

-Joni Mitchell, River –
this week i was really needing some Joni Mitchell. this song is always so weird cus it starts out like a christmas carol… the thing about joni is how pedestrian her lyrics seem until you really pick up on the imagery. I just love ‘I wish I had a river I could skate away on…’ amazing

- J*Davey, Raincheck -
classic J*davey… vibey and sultry with dope electronic soul production. just makes me bob my head so hard.

photoshoots.
live performance.

but mostly bad make-up on television.

last summer/fall I did a lot of television. With the exception of a few outstanding make-up artists, I had a lot of foundation what was too light and eye shadows with no pigment applied to my skin which resulted in me looking like casper under the lights of television studios. can you imagine me *point to self* a casper?!? exactly.

then, knowing we’d be doing our own make-up on tour, I dove in to learning how to do it for myself. a painstaking process which has now become an obsession.

I’ve had a few great lessons from two amazing MUAs (and friends) from the UK when I was snowed in, in London last December. Since then, I can’t pass a Sephora or make-up counter without stopping. Hell, I even peruse the make-up aisle in the grocery store for new finds and must-haves. it’s that deep.

and we can’t forget youtube and the brilliance of learning from strangers. there are some really really talented folks out there. not to mention the hilarity of people’s kids making bunny ears in the background as they are recording. but that’s life. you still have to beat that face, even if the kids are running around crazy. thanks for sharing FIERCE moms of america.

nonetheless, I’ve found quite a few products that have become staples in my daily life. Don’t even think about asking me to go without. It ain’t happ’nin!

sorta shot this photo magazine style – i love those pages that feature of a mish-mash of new skin care products. unfortunately, i took this last night with BeBe (my BB) while I was organizing myself to start packing. Melbourne or bust!

let’s get into it, shall we?!?

1. Make-Up Forever HD Foundation – looks like you’ve been airbrushed in real life and has the smoothest application too

2. Burt’s Bees Lip Balm – Soothing peppermint finish and lasts for hours, keeping my lips hydrated.

3. Malin + Goetz Peppermint Soap – Got turned out to this product after staying in the Standard NYC a few times. I noticed how smooth my skin was after showers, leaving no residue. Love clean soap.

4.Dermalogica Multi-Active toner – First started using a sample given to me in a goodie bag along with Dermalogica’s Daily Microfoliant. I used this more because it rehydrates my skin immediately after make-up removal. A really great buy during winter months when there’s no sun – it keeps me glowing.

5. Bobbi Brown Cream Concealer – Warms up to my complexion and doesn’t just sit on top of my skin while brightening under my eyes to make me look more youthful. Application is fun because of the creamy texture and it comes with a loose translucent powder to set it.

6. Nail Lacquer – Rimmel London Black Opal is featured here, but basically, any color to add excitement to life. Changing colors twice a weeks keeps my creativity up. My favorite line of colors is, Essie.

7. Orly Top 2 Bottom – Orly has a great line of nail care products, period. But I can’t carry all of that in my suitcase. Top 2 Bottom is a must-have because it is quick drying, multi-purpose and isn’t messy.

8. Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base – I’m convinced Bobbi Brown spends as much time on the texture of their products as their effectivenes because this face base is like laying on a pillow. So rich and creamy and packed with essential vitamins for the skin, I use it as my daily moisturizer and never a face base. Always used with my Dermalogica Toner.

9. Comondynes Make-Up Remove Wipes for Sensitive Skin – Inexpensive and mild make-up removers. I love that they are not overly wet or have a strong smell. Innocuous but effective. I alternate with the ‘Yes to Cucumber’ make-up remover wipes which are great to reduce puffiness too. A snatched face, okay?!?

10. Versace Lights All Over Compact Powder – Perfect reinforcing highlighter after you’ve set your face with powder. It’s brilliance? Creates a nice glow when you perspire.

Other items not shown but I cannot live without:
- Bobbi Brown Bronzing Powder – For no coverage days, evens out my complexion and adds a warm glow
- L’Oreal Voluminous Carbon Black Mascara – For a drug store brand it rivals DiorShow Blackout. Best buy ever!

So it’s no surprise, I get a little defensive when people say the problem with Los Angeles are the people. Clearly, they haven’t met real Los Angelelinos… (and I’m gonna go ahead and throw Pasadena, Gardena and the cities in between in that mix.)

Outside of hip-hop/rap music, LA doesn’t get a lot credit for being soulful or birthing “real” music.

Without being long-winded or anything, I just wanted to shout out a few artists, indy and established that can boast that authentic Los Angeles toe-tag.

JIMETTA ROSE: One of the baddest vocalist and songwriters of our day. Such an inspiration and a force on stage. The first time I’d ever seen her perform was at her album release for ‘The Barbers’ Daughter’ – me and my friends were mesmerized cus there’s not really anyone like her doing it like she does. We performed together at a random Sa-Ra show at The Roxy… She did most of the singing tho. Long story. Anyway, Jimetta is cool people too. Peep, this joint ‘Life Unfolds’ from her debut album.

BREEZY LOVEJOY: Drummer, vocalist and songwriter… the man is brilliant. We’ve played a few gigs together. I remember we both were playing different venues in Ventura around the corner from each other. On my break, I ran over to his gig and we jammed Monica’s ‘So Gone’ – priceless. Here’s his version of Coldplay’s ‘Sparks’ from the Coldtapes..

PAC DIV: I don’t know them or anything, but I love this song… and the video is a glorious homage to my city. They are thoroughly repping for the West Coast. Trust me!

LEGS: Dope emcee and guitarist. He performed a few times at a showcase I hosted called ‘Soul Loft’ a humble and organic dude with a brilliant message. Hoping we’ll collaborate one day soon.

MIGUEL: Last but not least is LA-native (actually, I think he’s from San Pedro… but I’ll give him a pass), Jive Recording artist, Miguel. He’s been signed and on the scene for a while now. I actually opened for Miguel back in 2009 (I think it was)… His voice just has some magic in it and I love his lyrics. Check out ‘Sure Thing’ below:

So that’s my quick shout out to hot LA artists. Stay tuned for more of my favorites!

ciao for now.

Zurich is such a charming city with great shopping. See for yourself!

“it’s never easy to be chosen/never easy to be called
standing on the front-line when the bombs start to fall
and I can see the heavens/but I still hear the flames
calling out my name”

gave me chills the first time I heard it. Like a page from my diary.

Others on that list of course are ‘Teenage Dream’ and ‘Hummingbird Heartbeat.’

But on the California Dreams Tour, there’s one song I love performing the most and that’s E.T. The bass just reverberates through my body, that sometimes, I have a hard time staying focused. *Boom*

Anyway, I was delighted when Katy announced it was going to be the fourth single from the, Teenage Dream album. I went ape-sh*t (inside) when I learned that Kanye signed on as the featured rapper.

He has some pretty clever lines on the record, as usual. I wonder where this dude comes up with lyrics like he does. To the untrained ear tho, you might miss some of the pizazz. Fortunately for you, the official lyrics video was posted today on Katy’s facebook page.

Peep here:

Well, Hamburg was supposed to be just that. Until she phones me this morning saying that she’s sick with something.

I offered to buy her a case of gingerale and a bowl of soup to coax her out of bed and spend the day with me, but alas, she thought it best to stay and rest. I get it. I did the same thing in Paris when I was feeling icky the day of our second show.

So, I venture out into Hamburg alone. A loner, I was. At one point, I was walking through the five story Europa Passage mall singing Adele’s “Dont You Remember Me?” out loud and on repeat.

Amidst thinking I could ACTUALLY move to Paris and be a street performer to make a living (until I secured a real job), I stumbled upon a children’s plush animal store.

Already feeling a bit aloof and extremely homesick, I decided it’d be nice to buy a stuffed lion for my niece, who I often think of when I miss home. Children have the purest of hearts and want nothing from you other than your time and attention – so I think about her wanting to play ‘Scooby Doo’ and hide from the ghosts under my parent’s dining room table this past Christmas.

I chose a lion because we’re both Leos. And I somehow think that all this love I concentrate in my thoughts of her, will somehow keep her safe back in California and cause her to grow healthy and strong – like a LION!

But instead of a large plush toy, I settle on a cute plush keychain, that coincidentally has a tag saying his name is ‘Lawrence.’ My younger brother’s name. The GODs are speaking, for sure now.

As I make my way of out the mall and still singing, I happen upon the “nice” stores. I walk past Gucci, Max Mara, and Massimo Dutti when I hit Louis Vuitton. I immediately turn in.

It’s been almost four years ago now since I worked in the Beverly Center at Planet Funk peddling expensive denim. And it’s been since then, that I’ve vied for one of two Louis Vuitton purses. The purple EPI leather Speedy 30 has been sold out for ages and discontinued but the White Damier is usually in stock and is where my fawning began.

Just my luck, she was in. She meaning, my new best friend (who at the present time is nameless), the LV Bag.

I’d decided some weeks ago I was going to make the plunge and buy a Louis. I had told myself it’d be in London at Harrod’s but today called for a special amount of self-soothing and Lawrence the Lion was only the tip of the iceberg.

Four years ago, I was on my feet, at least 8 hours a day. Working two jobs. Struggling to pull money together to pay a band to play shows.

Today, I’m in Hamburg living the dream.

And you know what? It’s cool that it’s taken this long to come around. I just have more hope for the dreams I’m dreaming today. Y’know?

And even better… Now, I’ve got Lawrence and my Louis – this girl’s two new best friends to remind me of my loved ones and the thing I love wherever I go, even if it’s alone.

A girl has gotta have friends...

This song has some mystical power in it that I can’t quite capture. All I know is it strikes a chord in me that makes me misty-eyed each time I hear it.

I find myself listening to ‘Adeles’ 21 at least twice a day. She makes me feel music the way I want people to feel when I sing.

Regardless of the genre or packaging, every artist has their place and many times they can inspire each other across radio channels.

Ironically, I listen to the saddest of the sad music before I get up to play a pop show. It draws from a different depth and also sets me free from anything I’ve been going through so I can bring my light to the stage.

Admittedly, I wasn’t into Adele’s 19 record when it first hit airwaves because I thought – “oh, another white british soul singer (read: Amy W., Lilly Allen, et al). Clearly, they are the only ones allowed to come out with REAL soul music anymore and have commercial success.”

But 21, and more specifically songs like, ‘Dont You Remember Me?’ & ‘Turning Tables” prove that good music is just that – good music. (…and no, I haven’t forgotten the genius that was ‘Chasing Pavements’ from 19)

That being said, I am a full Adele convert.

I just hope that she – as I did – can leave the skin-deep analyses to Billboard or Rolling Stone, for we artists (especially women) have to stick together.

Nonetheless…

The beat, the dress, the tits or the ass… don’t matter. It’s about whether or not the people feel you when you stand up there to sing. So Bring IT!

And thanks Adele for being one of many artists who inspires me to perform each night.