From reading this article you be the coolest person at Spring Concert. I promise!
In the wake of “What Happened Pete?” we found out the Spring concert was not cancelled because of Spring through a video message by President Biddy Martin. President Biddy also revealed the two performances that will entertain guests in LeFrak Gymnasium on April 25th. That’s right! The Chainsmokers and T-Pain are coming to Amherst. If you thought the Chain-who? T-what? Trust me, you are not alone. In this article, HC Amherst will introduce to these acts and a few of the most popular songs so you can sing along in the audience. You’re welcome.
Who are The Chainsmokers?
No, these are not people who refuse to buy a nicotine patch. It is actually two 80s born college graduate DJs who decided to live out their dream. The self-proclaimed “aggressively handsome overachievers” Andrew Taggart and Alex Pall became the EDM duo The Chainsmokers in 2012. The duo increased in popularity with their hit song “#SELFIE” in 2014. #SELFIE went platinum in Canada and, continues to blast on top pop 20 stations around the world. Prior to this hit, the group remixed many songs including: The Wanted’s “We Own The Night” and last year’s act Icona Pop’s “Girlfriend.”
What is their sound?
Here are a couple of their songs, besides #SELFIE that might give you an idea of what to expect at the concert.
This song “Kanye” is great song to jump and shake to whether in your room or at the gym. It also uses another phrase, like Selfie, popular in most conversations on campus: Kanye West. The video also cutely uses a scene from #SELFIE to connect the two songs.
This song has the more traditional EDM format with a steady reoccurring beat and light vocals. There is a build up before each chorus that allow you to recharge before showing off your best moves.
The last song I will include is one of their remixes: The Wanted “We Own the Night.” It shows a bit more of their EDM remixing side. It’s a great remix of the song that most will enjoy.
Who is T-Pain?
Perhaps, you just don’t remember him…but chances are you know his voice. When T-Pain came on the scene in 2005, he started strong with two top ten hits “I’m Sprung” and “I’m N Luv (With A Stripper).”
Still not ringing a bell? Most likely you have heard some of the songs he’s featured on like DJ Khalid’s “All I Do Is Win” and Chris Brown’s “Kiss Kiss”. Yup, T-Pain is the artist known for using autotune (a pitch enhancing audio processor) and has ironically become one of the most recognized voices through the process. In this interview below, you will get to hear T-Pain sing without autotune and he doesn’t have that bad of a voice.
What kind of music does he make?
Born Faheem Rashaad Najm, the singer-songwriter, producer, rapper and actor calls his music Hard R & B. He’s one two Grammy awards for “Blame it” with Jamie Fox in the R&B genre and “Good Life” with Kanye West in the Rap genre. Under the label of Akon (another popular artist in 2005 and beyond), he continues to explore his interests with Akon’s support and guidance. He also started his own company called “Nappy Boy Entertainment” so, he maybe on the look out for new talent. Show off your best dance moves and belt out the lyrics to his songs to catch his eye.
Here’s a few of his hits to get you started:
“The Good Life” by Kanye West is a song from Kanye’s Graduation Album that featured T-Pain. It talks about what the two consider the good life which is a mosh between the glory of being a star and the down-to-earth luxuries that most people experience at home.
“Blame It” is a song that you may want to rethink the lyrics as you sing along, especially with ConsentFest this past week. However, as one of his Grammy winning songs, it deserves to make it on our Cheat Sheet Playlist.
The last song is T-Pain’s first hit song, “I’m N Luv.” I recall first hearing it on a roadtrip from Virginia back to New York City with my parents. Tlak about awkward every time the song came on the stereo. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a music video for the original song, but here is “Tha Remix.”
Bonus: KYLE
Special guest KYLE has not been getting any press but he is definitely an interesting fusion between our two acts. His songs have a strong beat that makes you want to do that body roll move you reserve for the Powerhouse (you know what I’m talking about girl!). He both raps and sings over his tracks with very smooth rhymes and great storytelling. Here are three of his songs that you can also check out on his soundcloud that give a nice taste of his music.
“Wait On Me” is one of his newer song where his vocals sound close to the soft melody of Drake’s. The song is a bit of a tear jerker that in his rap that KYLE admits weighs on his heart in his rap.
“Just A Picture” is a cute song that talks about the struggles of having a relationship in our technological world. You will relate and with the warm weather, the summer feel of the video will make you want to go outside and dance to choreography with your best mates.
“View From Holllywood” is one of KYLE’s older songs that he posted a music video for on YouTube. There is some strong language in this song, however, it talks about his evolution as an artist and addressing his haters that hate him for his success.
Alright, now that you know all the acts at Spring Concert. Keep your tickets close so you can rock the night away.