FILED UNDER: HEARTSREVOLUTION

“Hello Baby!” is a timely reflection on the momentous events of the past year. Dynamic DJ duo HeartsRevolution’s video + song artfully combines footage from the Arab Spring and Occupy movements around the world with their new track. In typical Gen Y fashion, the ultimate message of the video is one of hope.

As headlines continue to declare unemployment, unstable currencies, and shrinking opportunities, Gen Y can’t help but remind, “it’s easy to forget it’s such a big beautiful world,” and “I promise it’ll be ok. We’re still on track.”

FILED UNDER: COACHELLA LINEUP

Have to say, not too impressed with the lineup, but what do you all think?

Blind Pilot’s music was discovered in my household for the first time this holiday, and their albums have been playing on a nonstop loop ever since. Yes, they have the same down-home hook as the Avett Brothers and Mumford and Sons, but the paired down sound still appeals and something in the harmonies are just captivating. Might be because- as one YouTube commenter put it:

His voice is the offspring of a three-way between melted butter, a mountain spring, and the down feathers of an angel. Overstating?

Filed Under: Reign Of Terror

We told you about the NYC duo Sleigh Bells back in 2010 as a band to keep an eye out for, and for all of us that felt the 11 tracks off “Treats”—which made you want to roll down all the windows and blow out your speakers—wasn’t enough, the wait for more is almost over. On February 14 Sleigh Bells is releasing their sophomore album, “Reign of Terror” (Mom +Pop) which looks to add more melody to the sample and noise heavy duo. The above video is a trailer for their new album, which we’re seeing a lot of bands put out lately to gain early buzz and expect to see that trend continue.  

A Trendera “One To Watch” music pick!

Filed Under: Well Branded

Scion Automotive has always done a great job of integrating themselves into the influencer scene in America by helping support (financially and creatively) the music scene. They recently created Scion AV where they host all the videos, music and magazines they produce and are even on their way to creating a music label. The support and relationships they have built with young influential consumers is not something they can quantify publicly but is felt strongly by young consumers in the music scene who count themselves Scion brand fans. 

Most recently they put out a video series following DJ/Producer Prince Paul across the country in a Scion car (duh) talking to different music scenes. In the above video they talk to LA local legends A Club Called Rhonda, which has arguably the best party in all of the entire country. Scion understands that in order to engage today’s young consumers you have to offer them something of a real value, and not something splattered with advertising. We tip our hats to Scion.

Filed Under: Holiday Dance Party

Yelle has been a Parisian pop star since her 2007 release of “Pop Up” and struck an international chord with the electro dance scene of the time. When looking back at her videos of the time the color palate and fashion could not be more hyper-current of 2007. Now with the release of the “Comme Un Efant” music video she has done it again. If you’re wondering what colors will define 2011 look no further, not to mention the playful cuteness of Yelle from the video will pull on your heart strings.  

Want rappers boiled down to one phrase, a laugh and yes a “Brrr”?  The Rap Board is a new one-off website that does just that. Click on your favorite rappers face to hear their catch-phrase. With the simple design, clean interface and with the app coming out soon, we could see this going viral faster than a Diddy giggle. 

Filed Under: Rep Your Set

Rap is coming back in a big way right now for Gen Y influencers, with some big changes in rap culture brewing with new up and comers like Tyler the Creator, A$AP Rocky and the Weirdo rap movement. One big step in a different direction for rap is what Fat Joe had to say in a recent interview, “It’s 2011 going on 2012. I think if you’re gay rep your set.” With this single interview, some are saying that it’s now safe to come out in the rap community- a huge movement forward and a perhaps a harbinger of the diversity that Gen Y rappers could be bringing to the table. 

Yes, annoyingly kitchsy re-creations of boombox graphics on tees, bags, and just about everything else have been popular over the last few years. But now, finally, form and function unite to give us the iHome iP4 Portable Stereo Boombox for iPhone/iPod. Fully worthy of being hoisted up on a shoulder, the iP4 delivers true hi-tech with a modern throwback look. Dear Santa… 

When most Boomers saw their kids or grandkids playing Guitar Hero and spending hours in front of the a TV trying to master a fake instrument, many came to the same conclusion: “Why don’t they spend that time learning how to really play a guitar?” Fretlight is looking to be the bridge between videogame guitars and the real thing. By putting lights in the frets and showing you where to put your fingers, they’ve displayed an understanding that Gen Ys are a visual generation that would rather be shown than told.

At Trendera we often talk about how Gen Ys want status reports to understand if they’re going in the right direction. With the use of the Fretlight software, which plugs your computer into the guitar, users get real time feedback on their progress. This is a great Gen Y product and we’ll be excited to see musicians inevitably hack the guitar and turn it into a performance piece.