Interview with General Hospital's Port Chuck

Steve Burton, Bradford Anderson, Brandon Barash and Scott Reeves star as rivals in General Hospital during the day, and become the band Port Chuck at night. The name Port Chuck stems from the fictional city of Port Charles, where the four reside on the soap. Since the band's creation in late 2009, the guys have traveled the country performing shows for their loyal soap opera fans, released a self-titled cover album and performed on last year's MDA telethon.

As lucky as I am to see the guys every day on my television in General Hospital, I also had the chance to see the guys perform live last August on their End of Summer tour. Now I've had the opportunity to interview Steve, Bradford, Brandon and Scott about the band, their new, original music and the chances of Port Chuck ever performing on GH. 

Steve, how did the four of you all come together as Port Chuck?
I had a dream and made it a reality… These guys are so talented.

Bradford, what was it like getting to release the Port Chuck CD?
Amazing to have a physical representation of all our hard work to share.

Brandon, which do you think is more work, touring or working on GH?
Both… In their own way…

Port Chuck performing in
Boston last summer

Steve, you guys are already planning your next tour, any ideas yet on what the fans can expect?
Yes, all new songs and some original stuff…

Scott, what was your favorite song to perform on the last tour?
"Born to Run."

Brandon, this is the question I’ve always wanted to ask you guys. Considering the contrasting characters you each play, is there any chance of Port Chuck ever performing on GH?
The only plausible possibility would be in Spinelli’s head.

Scott, you guys mainly perform covers, do you think there’s any chance of you guys writing a song of your own?
Absolutely!!!! Gonna be on the next record.

Bradford, if you could pick two more GH cast members to add to Port Chuck, who would they be and why?
Tony Geary for cool and class – John Ingle for Banjo.

Do you guys have a message to all your diehard fans?
Thank you for all you do!!! We Appreciate it!!!!

Big thanks to Port Chuck for taking the time to do a great interview! You can see the guys on tour this spring, as well as weekdays on General Hospital!

The end of Mindful Of Music

After 10 months of posting music news, reviews and interviews, I am announcing that Mindful Of Music will be closing next week.

Besides posting music and concert reviews about some of my favorite musicians, having the opportunity to interview people like David Archuleta, Enation, Jack And White, James Durbin and so many others has been incredible. It pleases me to see that a simple post about Big Time Rush has gotten over 3,000 views, my phone interview with Dave Filice with almost 1,000 views and my review of Port Chuck's summer concert last year with the most views of any review I posted.

I have one more special interview that will be posted on Monday and announcing soon on twitter. 

It's been an amazing ride and I will always remember Mindful of Music. I hope this music blog has been able to help musicians and readers gain an appreciation for music, and as biased as I may have been at times, I hope I've been able to help people become more mindful of music. Thank you so much to everyone I interviewed, as well as everyone person who made it possible and every single person who read and enjoyed each interview and every review and post on here.

Album Review: David Archuleta - Forevermore

Just days before leaving on his LDS mission, David Archuleta has released his new OPM album in the Philippines titled Forevermore. This love ballad cover album is something David Archuleta fans have been waiting for since the second he stepped off the Idol stage, and finally it's here.

The album includes David's latest single "Forevermore," as well as the songs "Nandito Ako" and "Wherever You Are" from David's Filipino mini series Nandito Ako.

David also lends his silky-smooth voice to love ballads like "I'll Never Go" and "Maybe," while other songs are more upbeat, but still just as lovey dovey, such as "Reaching Out" and "You Are My Song."

Other songs on the album relate more to his mission, in a way. In "Hold On," David sings about having a reason to hold on to a love, even while that person is gone. Perfect, huh? But the most optimistic song on the OPM would have to be "Rainbow." David literally sings about rainbows and butterflies in this cute, upbeat song. You might think it'd be a cheesy song, but I assure you, the way David sings the lyrics, Life's full of challenges, Not all the time we get what we want, But don't despair my dear, You'll take each trial and you'll make it through the storm cause you're strong, My faith in you is clear... he'll have you believing it.

This new album is everything we love about David Archuleta, and more. So while he's gone on his 2-year mission, remember to hold on, because there's a rainbow always after the rain. 

David Archuleta fans let him know they'll be here after his mission with touching tribute

As David Archuleta prepares to leave on his LDS mission next week, his fans came together to show him support and let him know that they will be here when he comes back in two years. Over 600 of his fans submitted messages to David, as well as American Idol's Matt Giraud, Jim Cantiello from MTV and the writer of David's Filipino mini series Nandito Ako!

It's 22 minutes long, but definitely worth the watch! (Warning: get the tissues ready.)


Credit to StarryNites01

Teaser of Demi Lovato's "Give Your Heart A Break" music video

Demi Lovato teases fans with a snippet of her new music video for her single "Give Your heart A Break." Check it out below!

One Direction announce North American tour dates!

One Direction has announced their first headlining North American tour! You can see Harry, Zayn, Niall, Liam and Louis live as they tour across the US and Canada this coming May, June and July!

Check out the dates below and get ticket info HERE. You can read my review of their concert with Big Time Rush HERE.

MAY 2012
Thu  24  FAIRFAX, VA PATRIOT CENTER
Fri  25  EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ IZOD CENTER
Sat  26  NEW YORK, NY BEACON THEATRE
Mon  28  PHILADELPHIA, PA TOWER THEATRE
Tue  29  TORONTO, ONTARIO MOLSON AMPHITHEATRE

JUNE 2012
Fri  1  DETROIT, MI FOX THEATRE
Sat  2  CHICAGO, IL ALLSTATE ARENA
Fri  8  SAN DIEGO, CA VIEJAS ARENA
Sat  9  LAS VEGAS, NV PLANET HOLLYWOOD
Sun  10  PHOENIX, AZ COMERICA THEATRE
Wed  13  SAN JOSE, CA EVENTS CENTER
Thu  14  OAKLAND, CA PARAMOUNT THEATRE
Sat  16  LOS ANGELES, CA GIBSON AMPHITHEATRE
Sun  17  ANAHEIM, CA THE THEATRE AT HONDA CENTER
Sat  23  DALLAS, TX GEXA ENERGY PAVILION
Sun  24  HOUSTON, TX CYNTHIA WOODS MITCHELL PAVILION
Tue  26  ATLANTA, GA THE ARENA AT GWINETT CENTER
Wed  27  CHARLOTTE, NC TIME WARNER CABLE ARENA
Fri  29  TAMPA, FL 1-800-ASK-GARY AMPHITHEATRE
Sat  30  ORLANDO, FL AMWAY CENTER

JULY 2012
Sun  1  FT. LAUDERDALE, FL BANK ATLANTIC CENTER

Demi Lovato releases Unbroken Deluxe Edition, adds new songs

For the Japanese deluxe edition of her album Unbroken, Demi Lovato includes some new tunes on the CD.

"Aftershcok" and "Yes I Am" are two new tracks added onto the Unbroken Deluxe Edition, out this month, and you can get your first listen of "Yes I Am" below:

David Archuleta's new video blog

Yesterday afternoon, David Archuleta posted a new video blog for his fans talking about the things he's been working on lately, as well as introducing everyone to his little sisters! Jazzy and Amber play some piano for everyone and the siblings bond and laugh throughout the entire video. "You're just as weird as us." one sister says, while David replies to the camera, "Well I'll let them be the judges." Such cute sibling moments!

David also informed everyone that this next week will be hectic as it's the last week before he embarks on his 2-year mission, but David promises to leave his fans with his new OPM album Forevermore, as well as a cover album he's currently working on.

Check out the video blog below:

Diana DeGarmo to debut "Good Goodbye" on The Young and the Restless

Diana DeGarmo has been portraying the charcter of Angelina on The Young and the Restless for months, and this Friday she will be debuting her new song "Good Goodbye" on the soap. You can get your first listen of the country tune below:


Credit to soapfan91

One Direction to get their own tv show?

After making a guest appearance on iCarly a few months ago, it's now rumored that Nickelodeon wants One Direction under their wing for their own tv show.

"We'll be having meetings with One Direction when they come back from the Kids Choice Awards later this month. A series is definitely being talked about." a source at Nickelodeon told the Daily Star newspaper.

1D has already made it good with the channel, guest starring on iCarly, filming behind the scenes footage in between commercials during the premiere of Big Time Movie last week and now set to perform at Nickelodeon's Kids' Choice Awards this month.

The guys have also made friends with Nickelodeon stars Big Time Rush after touring the US for their first time on BTR's Better With U tour this past month.

With 1D's sudden shoot to fame in the US, would you watch the guys in their own tv show?

Album Review: One Direction - Up All Night

UK boy band One Direction has taken the world by storm over the last year after releasing their debut album Up All Night in the UK. Now the guys are releasing the album in North America and have already gained quite the following. After hundreds of Directioners came out to see the guys on their opening gig on Big Time Rush's Better With U tour and their first appearance on the Today Show yesterday, I think it's safe to say this album is going to be brilliantly this week.

Harry, Zayn, Niall, Louis and Liam perform catchy pop-rock songs that you will not be able to get out of your head (and in this case, that's a good thing!). Their singles "What Makes You Beautiful" and "One Thing" are some of their best and more popular songs, so let's get into the rest of the new album. "More Than This" is a sweet and longing love ballad that would without a doubt make a great third single, while "Save You Tonight" expresses their urge to save a girl from another guy. The title track "Up All Night" is a party-rock anthem that will get you dancing and ready to stay up all night and jump around! "I Want" starts off with a fun piano tune then turns into pop-rock toward the chorus, with lyrics explaining that they can't stand when girls say 'I want' and "Everything About You" is another extremely catchy song that will leave your head bopping and heart thumping as the guys sing about a dream girl.

Between pop ballads like "I Wish" and dance-pop songs like "Stole My Heart" and "Tell Me A Lie," this album has the perfect combination of love, heartbreak and party - exactly what makes up a hit boy band album! Once you listen to these songs, you'll want to keep them on repeat and listen to those sweet notes from Liam, the awesome runs from Zayn and that charming voice of Harry's will definitely leave you wanting more.

One Direction performs on The Today Show

One Direction had a crowd of hundreds of screaming girls, some of which camped out at the Rockefeller Plaza for 3 days in hopes to see the guys perform. 1D performed their singles "What Makes You Beautiful" and "One Thing," as well as their song "More Than This" off of their debut album Up All Night, out tomorrow. Watch the performances below:


Credit to XFOneDirection


Credit to jjcheergirl


Credit to Bring1DToOtown

Kelly Clarkson covers Pink and Paramore

At her recent concert in Ontario during her Stronger Tour, Kelly Clarkson covered Pink's "Perfect" and Paramore's "Only Exception." Watch the performances below:


Credito legallyblonde52987


Credit to acceptmyheart

David Archuleta's Forevermore album cover + track list

Before leaving on his LDS mission at the end of the month, David Archuleta will be releasing his first OPM album in the Philippines.

Forevermore will be filled with love ballads, something the singer does best, including his latest single and title track, "Forevermore."

Check out the full album track list below:

1. Forevermore
2. Rainbow
3. I’ll Never Go
4. You Are My Song
5. Hold On
6. Wherever You Are
7. Maybe
8. Tell Me
9. Reaching Out
10. Nandito Ako
11. Forevermore (minus-one)
12. I’ll Never Go (minus-one)
13. Rainbow (minus-one)

Run On The Sun's new "My Name" music video

Run On The Sun has just premiered their new music video for their single "My Name" off of their enw EP New Empire.

Watch the video below:

Happy Birthday, Carrie Underwood!

Happy Birthday to the lovely Carrie Underwood!

Be sure to check out her new single "Good Girl"!

Big Time Rush perform on Live With Kelly

Big Time Rush performed their single "Music Sounds Better With U" this morning on Live With Kelly to promote their new Big Time Movie, airing tomorrow, as well as their Better With U tour and upcoming summer tour.

Watch the performance below:


Credit to Bigtimerushhx

Song Review: David Archuleta - Forevermore

Before taking his 2-year hiatus from music to embark on an LDS mission later this month, David Archuleta will be releasing a new OPM album in the Philippines.

"Forevermore" is the title track of the new album, and is also David's new single. This love ballad is a Side A cover which David performs beautifully, his soothing voice soaring throughout the beautiful melody. The song is slow and sad as David sings, longing for a love that will be 'forevermore'. Definitely a tearjerker, especially with LDS mission approaching as he sings, Time and again, There are these changes that we cannot end, As sure as time keeps going on and on, My love for you will be forevermore.

David has never gone wrong performing ballads, ever since his American Idol days, and "Forevermore" is sure to be another hit. Forevermore will be available this month.

Song Review: Kris Allen - The Vision of Love

"The Vision of Love" is the much anticipated new single from Kris Allen's sophomore album, due out later this year. Co-written by Kris himself, this funky pop song is full of inspiration. When a heart breaks, And the world shakes, Kris asks, Will we stand for the vision of love? Such a great concept for a song, almost coinciding with Kris' first single "Live Like We're Dying."

Not only does this song have a catchy beat, but the lyrics are definitely influential. The lyrics, Lonely needs a friend, Ask him where he's been, You could be the Light that comes and turns his world around, and, Make-up hides her face, Cause she feels out of place, She cries, Come on someone tell this girl she's beautiful, make up the two verses and are so simple, yet so powerful.



This song is just another example of the inspiration Kris Allen's music posses. Definitely the kind of music I'm into and what the world needs more of, and this song definitely has the makings of a great single.

Album Review: Big Time Rush - Big Time Movie soundtrack

With the premiere of Big Time Movie just 4 days away, Big Time Rush has released a new 6-song soundtrack! Nickelodeon's fab four takes on the original fab four as they cover classic Beatles hits on this new album.

Kendall, James, Carlos and Logan introduced their fans to the idea last summer when they performed a cover of "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" while on tour, which is one of the featured hits. The guys also perform the Beatles' classics "A Hard Days Night" and "We Can Work it Out," giving it their own BTR touch. They as well do justice to songs like "Can't Buy Me Love" and "Revolution." But the highlight of the album for me would have to be the guys' cover of the famous "Help!" They keep the song simple and close to the original, just like the song should be.



Really, who better to cover Beatles songs than Big Time Rush? A lot like The Beatles, they're four very talented and musical guys, who can definitely pull off these covers. You can catch these songs in their new Big Time Movie, premiering on Nickelodeon on March 10.