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For the past few days I have been listening to a copy of Justin Hopkins album Here Goes Nothing. It just so happens he also sent a copy for a giveaway. Yes, that's right and hopefully you know the drill. Leave a comment on this post with your e-mail address (only to be used for this purpose) and a winner will be chosen by 12 p.m. on Friday, June 27, 2008.

Justin Hopkins has great potential and there are two tracks in particular which make the album worth it to me. The opening track and reason for the title is "Here Goes Nothing" and then the closing track "It Ends Tonight" are my personal favorites. You'll have to let me know which ones you enjoy. There isn't one song I would say I dislike, though I have heard some of his music NOT on this album which I absolutely love and hope to hear on albums to come.

Hopkins does for piano what Colbie Caillat does for the acoustic guitar. I use her as an example because I think she is an aspiring artist and I really enjoy the fact that her music isn't "run of the mill". I feel the same about Justin Hopkins.

So be sure to leave a comment (and a way for me to contact you if you are the winner.)

Listen:
Justin Hopkins - "It Ends Tonight" (mp3)

Labels: contest, Justin Hopkins

A Swedish electro-pop group who appears imminent to expand their fan base is Pacific!, a duo comprised of Danny and Bjorn, two 35-year-olds from Gothenburg. They take their influences from both their Swedish and international counterparts, incorporating an infectious display of nostalgically romantic synth-pop with contemporary interpretations of funk and disco.

In other words the music of Pacific! is multi-dimensional, well textured and super groovy. Not to me listened to if you don't have an open mind. A lot of people end up listening to the same genre of music over and over without ever appreciating other talented people. Step outside of the box for this one because if you give it a chance you'll probably like it. It took me awhile, but it did grow on me. It's good, fun music if not a bit mindless at times it's definitely upbeat and interesting.

Plus, they have a really cool website.

Listen:
pacific! - "Sunrise" (mp3)
pacific! - "Sunset Blvd" (mp3)

BUY THEIR MUSIC!

*****

In other news, I would like everyone to congratulate Elaine Rosser. She is the lucky winner of the new Panic at the Disco album AND a $25 iTunes Gift Card!!! Congrats and thanks for entering!!!

Labels: contest, Pacific

Soundcheck spent an entire day with Panic at the Disco. They scooped a fantastic interview, went to a New York City show and got the low down on Pete Wentz from Fall Out Boys.

(Soundcheck is an original performance series where you get up close and personal with your favorite artists. Check out live performances and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from original in-studio sets - all filmed exclusively in HD.)

Checking out the Soundcheck is pretty awesome, with the crowd screaming and live recording of the NYC show you feel like you were there. I mean they show you the full performance (with songs they haven't performed live before) and then end the video with an interview. So not only are you watching a live concert but it's also like you get to go backstage and talk with the guys one-on-one. It gets a little crazy, lol.

Fans asking questions right from the floor. Talk about improv man. All I have to say is next time you see Panic At The Disco be sure to bring chocolate chip cookies. =o) Oh and if you're interested in scooping an exclusive Panic at the Disco giveaway which includes an iTunes gift card AND a copy of their last album Pretty.Odd. than leave a comment my friends. =o)

Here's a link to the track I posted in February.

And here's another track to listen to:
PATD - "The Only Difference Between Martyrdom And Suicide Is Press Coverage" (mp3)

BUY PANIC AT THE DISCO MUSIC!

Labels: contest, Panic At The Disco, soundcheck

The winner of the Randy Jackson album contest is babyboo77. The winner was chosen using random.org. Congratulations to babyboo77!!!

The prize is a copy of Jackson's mix Volume: One which includes a stellar ensemble of artists and features the return of fellow Idol judge Paula Abdul who's track "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" is her first release of new music in over a decade.

Stay tuned for the next Bring Me Up contest!

Labels: contest

Alright guys it's time for our April album giveaway. And this time I have Randy Jackson's mix Volume: One to give to a lucky winner courtesy of Randy's crew. Pretty awesome, indeed.

If you remember, I posted about this album when Paula Abdul's new single released. Well, afterwards I heard from Randy Jackson's PR and they asked if I would like to participate in a giveaway! Well, yeah! Of course I'm going to want my readers to be able to get the album free from Bring Me Up.

The album includes a stellar ensemble of artists and features the return of fellow Idol judge Paula Abdul who's track "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" is her first release of new music in over a decade. Other guests on the album include Idol standouts Katherine McPhee and Elliott Yamin, U.K. phenom Joss Stone, country trailblazer Travis Tritt, pop-rock hitmaker Jason Mraz, ace country songwriter-producer John Rich (of Big & Rich), R&B luminary Sam Moore...and more!

And so all you have to do is comment on this post, be sure to leave me a way to contact you. At 12 p.m. EST on April 18, 2008 I will randomly pick a winner using random.org.

Good luck!

ContestHound.com Contest Directory

Labels: contest, Randy Jackson

Cindi won the Dreaming Isabelle Giveaway! Congrats to her and thank you for everyone who entered. Don't worry if you didn't win there are many awesome giveaways coming up on Bring Me Up!

Labels: contest

This is the last week to enter the "Dreaming Isabelle" giveaway promotion. I need all interested people to comment on this contest post before noon on Friday, March 14th.

Do not comment on this one to win the giveaway. You need to comment on the original one which I linked to above.

And be excited because I have super fun promotions coming up after this one is complete. Weehoo!

Labels: contest

From the Angie Stone Giveaway contest I was able to choose TWO winners because Angie so kindly sent me TWO discs for the contest!

Commentors Daisy and Kari were chosen using random.org.

Both Daisy and Kari need to give me their mailing address within seven days so I am able to send out their prize. I was able to send an e-mail notifying Kari, but I do not have a way to contact Daisy, so I hope she is reading.

Thank you to lose who entered and congratulations to the winners!!!

Those reading today, don't forget to enter the Dreaming Isabelle contest which ends March 14th at noon (EST).

Labels: contest

We're nearing the end of February and I'm in the mood for another contest so what do you say, let's give it a go.

First please note the Angie Stone CD giveaway ends tomorrow, Friday the 22nd. Leave a comment on that post before 12 p.m. tomorrow and you'll still have a chance to win her album.

This new contest will be for a "Dreaming Isabelle" EP, sticker and magnet. Weehoo! I wrote about Dreaming Isabelle on Posh Mama. Every Thursday on Posh Mama one of my reviews is featured on the front page.

Here is an excerpt of that review about Dreaming Isabelle's music, "It's gritty and yet melodic, most definitely music I would describe as posh. =o) Even though this is modern day music there are hints of influence from classics like The Beatles, it's just a bit updated. The music isn't over produced and the emphasis is not on showing multi-instrumentalism like many new indie artists. This band focuses on creating well written songs, their craft is definitely in their lyrics and blends."

Leave a comment and you'll automatically be entered into a giveaway for their latest EP and you'll get a Dreaming Isabelle sticker AND a magnet! This contest will end on March 14, 2008 at 12 p.m. EST. A winner will be chosen at random using a Random.org.

Good luck!

Listen:
Dreaming Isabelle - "Not Missing You" (mp3)

Labels: contest, Dreaming Isabelle

Let's celebrate Black History Month with another contest! Angie Stone released her new album on October 16, 2007 and there's no better giveaway to honor Black History Month with then this record. The Art of Love and War was released on the label Stax which you may recognize as being the label for Otis Redding, The Emotions and Luther Ingram (just to name a few). Of course, Concord Records, owns them now, but they have carried on the same great music.

Angie Stone feels this is her best album yet. Stone exclaims, "This is a reflection of where I am both mentally and spiritually and what I feel I've attained at this point in my life." Wiht that kind of intensity and passion put into music you just know it has to be good. Stone's previous work earned her the reputation of a modern-day Aretha; talk about getting a little R-E-S-P-E-C-T, to be compared to someone so great!

Her music is sweet and, for me, quite inspirational. The lyrics give a fresh perspective of how we should look out our lives and feel good about it. This is the type of music which could be classified as timeless and listened to for years to come. This seems to be what Stone was going for, "I think my personal favorite is 'Happy Being Me,' Stone points out. "I guess that title gives you a clue about how I'm feeling right now."

Make sure to leave a comment on this post and in a couple weeks I will pick a winner (randomly) and let y'all know who the lucky person is who will get this CD, wrapped and sealed to listen to vocal prowess Angie Stone whenever the moment suits them.

This contest ends at 12 p.m. on Friday, February 22, 2008. A winner will be chosen at random from the comments below using random.org.

Listen:
Angie Stone - "My People" (mp3)

Labels: Angie Stone, contest

It turns out Melissa will not be able to make it up here for the show.
She lives in Texas and her Cat Power concert mate isn't available to join her.

Random Generator Number picker now chooses #1.

This means Furiousball is the new winner!

If something should happen and he is unable to go I will pick from the remaining two contestants.

Cheers!

Labels: cat power, contest

I have a Cat Power winner! Only four people entered to win two tickets to Cat Power's upcoming concert in Philly. I used a Random Number Generator to pick the winner. Four people, numbers one through four and the random number generator picked number three!

Commentor number 3 on the post was Melissa. I'm going to get in touch with her to make sure she still wants the tickets. If something should happen and she no longer wants the tickets I will quickly run a new random pick and let you know who the new winner is for the tickets.

Fear not my power hungry feline lovers, I will get the tickets to you in time if you are the winner.

Congrats!

Stop by Bring Me Up often to see if new contest opportunities are available. We have two waiting in the wings, you don't want to miss. ;o)

Labels: contest

Let's start 2008 off right, shall we? I vote yes and for our first contest of the new year Bring Me Up is giving away two concert tickets to see Cat Power!!!

One of the posters up in my office is a Cat Power poster print from a show they did in February of 2006. So you know I'm a fan, plus I have posted their songs numerous times on this blog already.

Chan Marshal is the "rawr" behind Cat Power and she has recently been travelling around in India with a charity group. She is writing and filming the experience. She'll be back in London by the end of the month right around the time her latest album releases on January 21st in Europe (also her birthday) and on the 22nd in the states.

Jukebox, is a different album type than Cat Power normally puts out and I'm actually not sure how I feel about it. The entire album is cover songs, but with Cat Power's minimalistic approach and feel. She has done covers before, so we know she'll veer off the lyrical path from time to time and throw in her own words, but the focus of course will be on the original. (Her first cover album released back in 2000).

Either way, no matter how you look at it, Chan Marshal has an amazing voice and given her current state of mind (cheating boyfriends and slum trips through India) I have a feeling the show is going to be intense.

Cat Power will be at the Starlight Ballroom in Philly on Friday, February 8th, doors open at 7:30. You need to comment by January 25th to be entered into the contest. (Please only enter once, the winner will be chosen at random).

Leave a comment on this post if you are interested in going to the show. The tickets are general admission and the value of this prize is $50.

The tuneage:
Cat Power - "Sea of Love" (mp3)
Cat Power - "Living Proof" (mp3)

Labels: cat power, contest