MUSIC SHOWCASE: AN-YA...

Forget Jessica Simpson, Joe Simpson (her dad) just signed Russian pop star An-ya and she's been blowin' up the charts all over the world!!

CLICK HERE to check out my exclusive interview with the young singer!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: DUNCAN DAVIES...

I recently sat down with Duncan Davies (you may remember him from The City on MTV).

He is currently touring around Canada with his band and filled me in on some details about his ex-girlfriend, Whitney Port's bestfriend, Erin Lucas; The two don't really talk anymore, but he says that Erin is secretly a singer and he wouldn't be shocked if she released an album in the future - And he would 100% collaborate with her if the timing was right.

Anyways, if you haven't heard Duncan's AMAZING music check it out below...

You can hear more @ http://www.myspace.com/duncandavies

MUSIC SHOWCASE: MOTHER MOTHER...

Fresh off their kick ass performance at Bonaroo, this Vancouver based Indie group is set to take North America by storm!!

Their new album, O My Heart, was put out in September of 2008. With annoyingly catchy tunes like this, expect to hear a lot more ‘mother’ in the future.

For more info, check 'em out @ http://mothermothersite.com/

MUSIC SHOWCASE: ANNA CYZON...

Check out my girl, Anna Cyzon's first music video for her single, Young Boy!!

You can hear more tracks by Anna at her MySpace by clicking here!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: MICHELLE CITRIN...

While I was in Israel, I attended the Birthright Israel Mega-Event in celebration of Tel Aviv's 100th birthday!!

During the party, American singer, Michelle Citrin got on stage and sang her new song, Someday - I couldn't help but fall in love with the track, and the whole crowd of thousands went wild. Check out the video above below see for yourself...

You can check out more tracks from Michelle by visiting her MySpace here!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: MUTE MATH...

This is best live show I have ever seen for $15.00!!

The concert opened with drummer Darren King standing up and taping his headphones to his head (a notorious opening ritual). Throughout the show instruments were tossed into the crowd, drums were kicked over, and lead singer Paul Meany did a headstand over his keyboard… It was simply amazing!!

These guys have already started to make some noise with a feature track in major motion pictures such as: Twilight and Transformers. Moreover, they were recently nominated for a Grammy. If you like the Coldplay sound, but can’t stand the ‘lovey dovey’ lyrics, listen to Mute Math.

MUSIC SHOWCASE: DOG DAY...

‘BSS’ meets ‘Sonic Youth’, I mean just listen to bass guitarist Nancy Urich provide wickedly awesome back vocals that are reminiscent of vintage Emily Haynes. Moreover, she looks a lot like Juno (from the movie). Lead vocalist Seth Smith isn’t too shabby either. 

The east coasters performed last Thursday @ Lee’s Palace in Toronto and they tore the roof off the MOFO. The sound is very fresh. I highly recommend you listen.

It's nice to hear some indie music that doesn’t sound like it was made in a computer again.

P.S. They put up a 3-D music video on their MySpace... If you can find an old pair of those red/blue glasses, you know what you have to do!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: THAO NGUYEN & THE GET DOWN STAY DOWN...

This San Francisco based, alternative folk band provides us with an innocent ballad about an emotional relationship in which all that remains is a bag of hammers. Whether the hammers will be used to patch up or destroy the relationship is left to the imagination of the listener.

Thao Nguyen reminds me of Leslie Feist with wicked, crazy guitar skill... Anyone whose down with Feist should give this a fair listen.

For more information, check them out @ http://www.thaomusic.com/

MUSIC SHOWCASE: EZRA & THE HARPOONS...

This band is James Dean.

Back in the day, a very close friend once told me that she didn’t believe in ‘cool’. She argued that since everybody kept their own style and their own opinions that there could never be a true definition of the word. I bought the idea for a while, but then came to the conclusion that she was wrong... James Dean is the definition of cool, and nobody can deny it!!

I guess all I am trying to say is that these guys have swagger, they aren’t embarrassed to display it, and Ezra looks like Bob Dylan in his prime (notice the harmonica as well). If that doesn’t mean ‘cool’ to you, go lick a dog’s bone!!

For more information, check out Ezra & The Harpoons @ http://www.ezrafurman.com/

MUSIC SHOWCASE: PLANTS & ANIMALS...

This Montreal-based trio initially formed in the halls of Concordia University. To their credit, they’ve created a very original progressive sound. As they say themselves, "Some call it post-classic-rock. Some call it folk-prog. Those who know better don’t say anything at all."

Feedback In the Field is just one high-end track on an album I would recommend to most - A very interesting video to say the least; keep an eye out for these guys to break big in ’09!!

For on Plants & Animals go to: http://www.plantsandanimals.ca

Stay tuned for another Music Showcase next Monday!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: MATT & KIM...

If you’re into that hipster sound (MGMT, The Virgins, etc.)…You will love Matt & Kim!!

They are renowned for high-energy shows that bring out the rapture in everyone. The Brooklyn-based duo just finished up their second LP and have been touring non-stop since.

I am showcasing this song in particular because of its meaning. To paraphrase, they’re just trying to tell us not to worry about the things we can’t change. So, the next time you make a stupid mistake, don’t dwell… Just scream, “Yeah”.

For more info on this group, check out: http://www.mattandkimmusic.com & http://www.myspace.com/mattandkim

Stay tuned for another Music Showcase next Monday!!

ZACK TAYLOR INTERVIEWS ANA CRISTINA!!

Earlier today I chatted with pop-singer, Ana Cristina.

She is famous in the Hispanic community and now she's releasing her first English crossover album after the successful launch of her first single, Deer in the Headlights.

From how it felt to perform for President George W. Bush, to her personal life - Nothing was left unsaid in this candid ZackTaylor.ca exclusive interview.

CLICK HERE to read all about it!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: MARY ROSE OBSESSION...

It's hard to find a GOOD Rock N' Roll band these days, but the boys of Mary Rose Obsession have finally brought old school rock back!! Their debut album, Chains to Nowhere, is filled with high energy tracks that will take you on an emotional roller-coaster... Yet another reason to check these Toronto-based guys out!!

Here's a clip of their first single, Rock N' Roll Queen...

Check out their MySpace for more great songs and info - I have no doubt these guys will be rippin' up the rock charts in no time!! 

DJ LOLI RELEASES HER DEBUT SINGLE!!

Our good friend, DJ Loli has finally released her debut single, and HON Gossip is giving you the chance to hear to it FIRST!! It's not your average type of song, it's a blend of Electro & Pop, but it will def. get you up and dancin' (after a few drinks!!)...

Click below to listen to her first single, Shuddup and Cry...

As well, CLICK HERE to watch my exclusive, in-person interview with DJ Loli from a few weeks back - It's HILARIOUS!! Here's a couple more pictures of her to "turn you on"...

If you think she's hot, add her to your Hot List on HotOrNot.com by going here!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: IF LOOKS COULD KILL...

Check out this new pop-rock band from Toronto, Ontario who are starting to make noise in the Canadian music scene... With their own spin on huge arena style drum beats, punk rock bass grooves, hair metal melodic guitar riffs and pop medley vocals, HotOrNotGossip.com presents, If Looks Could Kill...

Click below and listen to their first single, Dim The Lights...

These guys have a show at The Reverb in Toronto this Saturday!! To hear more, go to their MySpace here!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: QUI...

During the 2008 MTV VMA's I got to meet hot new R&B/Pop sensation, Qui... She is the daughter of NFL superstar, Jerry Rice... She was so much fun to hang with at the pre-parties and on the red carpet...

Her first single, Rev It Up, features famed rapper, David Banner... Check it out below...

For more information on Qui, click here to visit her MySpace!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: THE DOLLYROTS...

During the MTV VMA Gift Lounge I got to listen and meet an amazing upcoming group called, The Dollyrots... The band is made up of Kelly Ogden, Luis Cabezas, and Chris Black..

Their older songs have been featured on ABC's Ugly Betty and Greek... As well, their music is showcased in all the KOHLS commercials!! Take a look at their funny video for, Because I'm Awesome...

MUSIC SHOWCASE: BRET RYAN...

A good buddy of mine by the name of Bret Ryan (you may remember him from that 90's group, B2Krazy) has been tourin' around Canada all summer with The Family Channel's Summer Jams Tour... Today his debut CD is in stores everywhere (go buy a copy)!! Check out his first single, If It Feels Right below...

HONGossip.com is proud to showcase Bret - For more information & more songs by him go here!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: MADISON...

Her name is Madison and she just did this AMAZING cover of Lil' Wayne's song, Lollipop...

Not only is she HOT, she sounds so different from what the music industry is used to - Click here to check out her MySpace!!

WHEN ZACK TAYLOR MET DJ LOLI...

Yesterday I met up with DJ Loli... She has toured with Tommy Lee, as well as played some high-end celebrity parties - And like every girl, she wants to become a singer (her record comes out soon)!!

[Zack Taylor's HON Gossip T-Shirt design by Bobby Ras]

I got the scoop on her gigs as well as what is in store for the future...

On a side-note, doesn't she kinda remind you of actress, Geri Ryan??

Hear some of DJ Loli's songs by clicking here & visiting her MySpace!! Also, if you think she is HOT, add her to your Hot List by going here!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: RUNWAY MMC...

I met these girls yesterday at The 2008 Teen Choice Awards and totally loved their sound... Runway MMC have their own clothing line, which launches on my birthday, and their debut album is coming out soon as well...

Check out my interview / sing-a-long with them...

For more info on these chicks - click here!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: ROCKETFACE...

These Canadian boys know how to rock!! I met the guys of Rocketface back in 2005 when they first started touring, and since then, their music has taken off and has gotten even better than imagined...

What makes them even more unique is that their lead singer, Joseph Janisse is also the drum player!! Have a look at the video for, Dirty... 

MUSIC SHOWCASE: GABRIELLA CILMI...

Gabriella Cilmi is an Australian singer who is best known for her debut single, Sweet About Me, which was released earlier this year in the UK... But her new track, Save The Lies (Good To Me), is starting to make it's way to North America and you HAVE TO check out the video for it...

I feel like she's an upbeat version of Amy Winehouse mixed with some Macy Gray... What do you think?? Go check out her website here!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: JAYDEE BIXBY...

Last years runner-up on Canadian Idol is trying to make his mark in the country music scene... Jaydee Bixby from Drumheller, Alberta, has released his first country single entitled, Old Fashioned Girl and I don't know much about country music, but I kind of like it... I like Jessica Simpson's first country single better though!!

Jaydee was recently signed to Her Royal Majesty’s Records, and his debut album, Cowboys and Cadillacs hit stores yesterday!! What are your thoughts on his first single/video??

MUSIC SHOWCASE: MATCHSTIK...

Get ready everybody, there's a new rapper in L.A. who's givin' some big name producers & artists a run for their money!! Isthishappening.com is proud to showcase, Matchstik...

His new album, The Concept Album drops into stores soon and his first single, I'm So Fly featuring Jaz is burnin' up the airwaves!! Have a listen to exclusively below...

For more info and to hear more tracks go to his MySpace here!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: LIGHTS...

For those of you who need a change from Canadian artist, Feist (yeah I know, who's that?!)... I present to you the next biggest female Canadian star... 20 year-old Toronto singer, Lights... She was spotted yesterday inside the Artist Sanctuary at the Hotel Le Germain in Toronto... I think she forgot to wear a bra!!

She's cute, original and amazing - what's not to love?!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: FEFE DOBSON...

Canadian singer, Fefe Dobson is coming back with a brand new album and here's a clip of her first single, Watch Me Move...

This track is def. more edgy and much better than all her other songs!! Way to go for once Fefe!!

Read about my night with her from last week where we spoke about her music and her trying not to "suck" as much by clicking here!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: THE CLIQUE GIRLZ...

Meet The Clique Girlz - sisters Paris and Destinee Monroe along with best friend Ariel Moore... They're barely out of diapers and I just get that feelin' that they're going to be the next big girl group!! 3 little blonde's, with big voices, and a young crowd following them... Worked for Miley Cyrus!! Check out the video for their first single, Then I Woke Up, below...

Check out their official website here!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: MICHAEL MARTON...

Michael Marton is an independent Canadian musician who is doing it ON HIS OWN TERMS!! Most artists "sell out" for the sake of fame and fortune, but Michael has stuck by his roots and created/made his music video for his first single, Off To War, all by himself... That's true talent!!

He's def. got a solid career ahead of him (I love the sound of his first single), and a growing fan-base in North America, so keep your eyes & ears out for this guy!! Michael was at our Summer Moonlight Party last night in Toronto, and had plenty of fans showin' him their support...

CLICK HERE to check out his website for more great tracks and info!!

MUSIC SHOWCASE: KARDINAL OFFISHALL...

Scarborough, Ontario's Kardinal Offishall is heatin' up the North American charts with his new single Dangerous feat. Akon... It's the first single off his upcoming album, Not 4 Sale...

The song def. has a summer vibe to it, and his new album will be available in stores this summer!! Check out his MySpace here... I def. back this track!! You can also add Kardinall to your Hot List by going here!!