Last summer music lovers in the U.S. were excited by the release of Swedish based online music player, Spotify, to American users. Memberships were highly sought after because you couldn’t just sign up, you had to have an invitation extended to you. Klout offered users some of the first available accounts through their Perks program and then little by little, people were able to score memberships off of invitations from others. Spotify came with a strong social component, the ability to share what you are listening to with your Facebook friends.

Spotify users were given free accounts with very little restrictions, you just had to tolerate their ads that ran after every 3-4 songs. But the free status wasn’t meant to last. After six months, according to the Spotify terms, a free account would have severe limitations. Only 10 hours of streaming a month broken into 2.5 hours a week plus limitations how many times you could listen to a song.  It looks like all those perks that everyone are used to may no longer be available unless you upgrade to a paid subscription. However, so far, those free subscriptions are still running they way always have. Case in point, my six months should have been up on January 14, but here we are a month a bit later and Spotify has yet to restrict my access.

At some point though, Spotify will reign in it’s content and when that happens, you can either upgrade to a $5 or $10 a month subscription or you can take your ears elsewhere. Here are a few suggestions for other services that are still free…sort of.

Rdio

Rdio is a free music player with no ads. The catch? They don’t tell you how long you can listen before you’re cut off! From the people behind Skype, Rdio is very similar to Spotify. A large track library (12 million), desktop app, on-demand music, playlists that can be made and then shared on social networks. So what happens when your time runs out? Upgrade, baby! $5 for unlimited streaming, $10 for unlimited plus mobile access, and for $18 you can get two unlimited accounts, one for you and one for a family member. Or you can wait and use something else until the next month rolls around and your free time resets.

(Another ad free but limited play option is MOGFreePlay. It is similar to Rdio and Spotify BUT, it’s not yet available in the U.S.!)

Grooveshark

Grooveshark has many of the same features as Spotify such as social sharing (you actually have more sharing options on Grooveshark than on Spotify) and the ability to create, share and subscribe to playlists. It’s actually the best alternative to Spotify because of the similarity of it’s features. The drawbacks though are a track library that is only half of what Spotify has (7 million tracks verses the 15 million on Spotify), user uploaded content which means inconsistent playback quality, and their desktop application is only available with premium accounts. Yes, they have premium accounts, too. Grooveshark Plus for $6/months means no ads, Grooveshark Anywhere for $9/month means no ads, access to the desktop app, and the ability to use Grooveshark on your smartphone.

Pandora

Many people swear by Pandora as their online music player of choice. It’s the “Music Genome Project” that can intuitively figure out what kind of music you like based on the music you’re already listening to and an algorithm of thumbs up/down ratios. Simply pick an artist that you like and then let Pandora work its magic. It’s free, with ads and certain limitations or, of course, you can pay $36/year for no ads and a few more perks including access to their desktop app. Pandora is not terribly social (you can share on Facebook and Twitter but it’s not an automatic update) and has less than 1 million songs in it’s library. You can’t choose want you want to listen to, it chooses for you but you can follow the stations of others or pre-defined stations. One particularly unique perk is the inclusion of lyrics, when available, on the playback page.

YouTube

Yes, it’s kind of clunky. You have to search through a lot user uploaded content to find what you want. But, it’s always free, there are no listening limitations (expect maybe your own bandwidth), you can create playlists, you can share socially, and you can even watch the video if you want!

So, with this information in hand, if/when your Spotify account is restricted, what will you do? Will you upgrade or will you find another way to listen to your favorites for free?

For the past several weeks, O2O members have been attending and reviewing Mat Kearney’s concerts as he travels around the U.S. on his Young Love Tour. And last Thursday, I had the pleasure of attending his concert in Nashville*. The member reviews absolutely raved about Mat, proclaiming him to be a fantastic live performer who interacted well with the crowd and sang his heart out. Their reviews had me quite excited about what to expect.

Mat played to a sold out crowd in the Cannery Ballroom in downtown Nashville. Mad props to the tour manager for giving me a photo pass because I was able to squeeze my way up through the crowd (flashing my badge all the way) and hang out right next to stage for the entire concert! I was only supposed to take photos during the first three songs but I got so caught up in the music that I lost track of how many songs had been played and the security guard had to give me the “cut it out” signal. I was thoroughly embarrassed. Fortunately, I had befriended said security guard before the music began and since I immediately put my camera way at his signal, our relationship was still on solid ground.

Mat lead right in with songs from Young Love and then mixed it up with selections from previous albums. Being so close to the stage was exhilarating and well, loud! My poor ears. The music was wonderful but there were a few times when I had to cover my right ear with my hand (side closest to the bass and the drum set) to preserve my hearing!

All the member reviews indicated that at some point during the performance, Mat makes his way into the audience while singing and interacts with the crowd. I looked around at the packed room and seriously doubted that would happen but he proved me wrong! There was at least a three foot gap between the stage and the crowd control barrier but Mat leaned forward, reached out his hand to the people in the very front, grabbed a hand, put a foot on the barrier rail and disappeared into the crowd! He made his way through the fans and back to the stage which he hopped onto (it’s four feet high!) with the greatest of ease.

I think the only way I can accurately describe Mat and his band would be “energetic”! Even the slower songs held an unmistakable energy. Mat and company where completely focused and absorbed in the music the entire night.

Mat finished out the evening with a 3-song encore of Foster The People’s “Pumped Up Kicks” (performed with Leagues, the show’s opening act), “Ships In The Night” and “Hey Mama”.  As the opening bars of “Hey Mama” began, Mat turned and started singing the song directly to his wife, interjecting at one point, “She’s here tonight!” (and she was, standing backstage, about six feet away from me). It was a very fun moment.

The Fall 2011 portion of the Young Love tour ends next month in Minneapolis. According to his website, Mat will be touring throughout 2012 as well, so be on the look out for new 2012 dates and locations to be announced!

Here’s a little round-up of quotes from some of our members who reviewed attended concerts in their neck of woods:

• Tracy (Jacksonville, FL) of Cotton Pickin’ Cute – “During the concert Mat had conversations with the audience and livened up the crowd quickly. This was a small venue for them to play and he really made it feel personal. Walking out into the crowd he was all over the floor greeting the fans while singing. As he headed our way I threw my hand up in a high five way when his eye caught mine. You can imagine my shock when he high five’d me back and threw his arm around me while singing.”
• Bianca (Athens, GA) of Slick Housewives – “Mat Kearney took the stage and from the first song, I was blown away! Mat has an amazing talent not only vocally but switched between an acoustic guitar to electric guitar, and piano. Many of the songs were upbeat and hip and the audience was dancing and singing along. … He surprised everyone when he jumped off stage and made his way around the room. I have a short video where he sat right beside me. Throughout the night, Mat was friendly and engaged the audience with jokes, conversation and heartfelt stories!”
• Fadra (Carrboro, NC) of All Things Fadra – “I am thrilled to report that Mat sounds better in person, has an amazing voice, switches octaves with the greatest of ease, needs no backup on vocals, has great onstage presence, and TOTALLY played to the audience. That was my favorite part. He actually walked out into the crowd and played. He did a little freestyle rap mentioning both Tarheels and Carolina on My Mind. The crowd of proud North Carolinians went wild. He has an amazing energy and the whole show felt, well, happy. Everyone was smiling and having fun.”
• Brandy (Charlottsville, VA) of Newly Crunchy Mama of 3 – “From the first song, I was blown away by just how much raw talent Mat possesses. His voice is smooth and mellow, and he has an astounding vocal range. He also puts a lot of emotion into his singing, which was evident by his soulful performance. Mat also switched seamlessly between an acoustic guitar, an electric guitar, and piano. (Like I said, he’s one talented individual!) Many of the songs were upbeat and fun, and the audience was dancing, singing along, and really feeling the music. I was impressed how Mat Kearney could go from a fun, upbeat song to a mellower, slower ballad type song without missing a beat. … Mat and his band had a wonderful, almost effortless energy about them, and it was clear that they truly enjoyed what they were doing. He was friendly, and engaged the audience in a lot of conversation. It was almost as if he were talking with friends, which gave the concert a more personal feel than a lot of shows I have attended in the past. Mat even jumped into the crowd and made his was all the way to the upstairs balcony, greeting the fans who were seated at the bar tables, all while singing.”
• Melissa (Milwaukee, WI) of A Broken Compass – “The concert was simple but intense — in a classy and engaging way. Mat (as if I’m on a first-name basis – HAH!) even ventured way out into the crowd at one point, interacting with the audience in a way that was endearing and not “showy.” And while many concerts I’ve attended include the artist having something of a monologue going during a live performance, Kearney didn’t go that route at all. Frankly? He didn’t need to. His music was it. Sincere.”
• Cherie (Bloomington, IN) of Queen of Free – “Kearney is just so darn likeable in concert.  It seriously feels like you’re sitting in his living room having a little chat.  And whether you’ve listened to his music over and over again or are experiencing it for the first time, a live experience like that will certainly make you a fan for life {and you’ll find yourself singing along in both instances, too}. … The evening was filled with so many fun memories . . . like the fact that Mat Kearney came into the audience and stood next to me while singing for a bit.”
• Ann (Pine Mountain, GA) of Mundane Magic – “As soon as Mat started his set people rose up out of their chairs and headed toward the stage area on the sand. Boyfriends took their girlfriends by the hand and kids were dancing along in the sand. it was clear that some in the crowd had come to see him specifically, but I am sure he won some new fans that day. Callaway’s beach was the perfect setting for Kearney’s well-written words and heartfelt singing. As the set transitioned through both familiar and new pieces, Mat Kearney delivered a crowd-pleasing performance at the Harvest Moon Festival.”

Thanks to all the members who have gone out to the shows! If you’ve attended one of Mat’s Young Love concerts, what was your experience?

If you’d like to see more photos from that night, I have more on my Flickr page.
*All the tickets given to O2O members were provided courtesy of Warner Records. My tickets to the Nashville show were purchased by One2One Network.

Mat @ Blissdom

I first heard about Mat Kearney from my friend Sarah. She takes guitar lessons and often learns his songs. Then Barbara and Alli announced that he would be performing at Blissdom. When he started singing at Blissdom, I was an immediate fan! And I was super excited when I learned that we would have his new album project for our members. I knew it would be an instant hit. Sure enough, the albums had barely reached CD players and iPods before we started getting excited tweets about how much they liked loved the album!

And then the reviews started coming in:

“I would highly recommend this album for some new tunes in your ear. Mat’s unique voice will remind you of the joy of young love that should continue on as young love matures.” Jen @ I Believe In Love

“When I popped the CD into the car player the other day the whole family was riding together and it didn’t take long before the kids were jamming out to “Hey Mama” in the back seat.

Kids car-dancing is like one of the cutest things ever, right?!?

And then I was singing the catchy chorus before the first play of the song was over. (we may have played it just a FEW more times since then…)” Elaine @ The Miss Elaine-ous Life

“If you haven’t heard the new song ‘Hey Mama‘ (and easily the best song, beat and lyrics on the album), then maybe you should check and see if your house has turned into a rock that is not letting any sunlight into your world. Because YOU NEED THIS SONG in your world! I first heard it on Pandora, and it literally made my day better and I could smell lilacs.” Carissa @ Good N Crazy

“I had never heard of Mat Kearney before and I asked my sister (total music-oholic) and of course, she had heard of him and liked his stuff. So, I gave it a listen…

…and another listen…

…and now it’s what I listen to (on repeat) while I bake. Love it!

It’s got an interesting blend of hip-hop/rap and melodic alternative. So it’s fun and pop-y and then calm and relaxing. Perfection in baking music.” Caroline @ Chocolate & Carrots

“We have had this music on non-stop since I got it in the mail last week. The music is fun and catchy and they lyrics aren’t just fluff. ‘Count On Me’ is full of brilliant play on words and it took listening to it several times and reading the lyrics before I finally caught it all.

It is not often that I can say this: I like every single song on this album.” Bridget @ The Ivey League

And then there was this:

I have to say, I completely agree with Bridget, I like every single song on this album. I asked on Twitter and Facebook a few days ago which song was everyone’s favorite and stated that if I had to choose, I’d say, “Ships In The Night“. But you know what, I think it really depends on what day you ask, even what time of day you ask. It changes all the time; they’re all my favorite.

This graphic to the left is a widget that will take you to all things Mat Kearney: his website, Twitter, Facebook, iTunes (to buy the album) and more!

Mat will also start touring next month! Check out his schedule and see if he’ll be near you!

Mat @ Blissdom photos by me.

Many of our members are very familiar Yanni’s music. We had a project two years ago that covered his ‘Voices’ album and concert tour. This time, it’s a brand new album of original music. Truth of Touch is his first release of original songs in over eight years. Members who signed-up to review this album included many who had participated in the last project and some who were completely new to Yanni’s music. We have been very pleased with the response from everyone about this album! One2One Network members really love them some Yanni!

Here’s a sample of the high praise that this album is receiving:

Truth Of Touch is a gorgeous collection of original pieces. – Amy of Coffee With The Mrs.

I love listening to instrumental music and Yanni does it best! – Kristi of Books & Needlepoint

As I listened to Yanni’s instrumentals, I was soothed, totally different than the songs that we hear on the radio these days! – Barb of FL Mom’s Blog

It is a beautiful album from first to last composition. – Rita of One 2 Try

I felt the stresses of my day melting away and I became energized at the same time. – Andrea of Adventures in All Things Food

The instrumental background is so soothing, yet so invigorating I am amazed at what it does for my soul and my spirit. – Joelyn of the days go on…

I was pleasantly surprised and found it was interesting that  almost every song gave me a visual as I listened. – Tina of My Highest Self

The music never fails to lighten my mood and make me feel relaxed and at peace with the world. – Dina of Just Another New Blog

Many thanks to all the members who have reviewed Truth of Touch and helped us spread the word about this amazing new album from Yanni! Several of our members will also be attending concerts and we are really looking forward to hearing about their experiences seeing Yanni live!

Truth of Touch is available for purchase online and in stores. Yanni is also currently touring the U.S., entertaining audiences with music from his new album. Check the site to see if he will be near you!

Have you heard the new Norah Jones CD …Featuring Norah Jones? We have been listening to it in our house…it’s playing in the kitchen as I type. Norah, a multi Grammy Award winner, has a smooth, jazzy style that wow’s audiences in all age ranges.

Listen to a little, see how you like it, and share the music below with friends.

As most of you know, we’ve been proudly involved with the KT Tunstall “Tiger Suit” album. This amazingly talented singer/songwriter has come up 4th smash record. Not sure who she is? Here are some tidbits on Ms. Tunstall:

“Kate Victoria Tunstall (born 23 June 1975), better known as KT Tunstall, is a Scottish singer-songwriter and guitarist. She broke into the public eye with a live solo performance of her song “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” on Later… with Jools Holland, a UK variety show. She has enjoyed commercial and critical success since, picking up three nominations before winning a BRIT Award, and a Grammy Award nomination. So – it’s no surprise that she’s released yet another album of awesome tunes.”

Bloggers have been giving the album and listen and writing their opinions of it on their blog. The reviews have come pouring in, and they all seem to be in the same vein – this record is a hit!

Reviews From The Nuthouse:

“Tiger Suit has a bit more bounce and beat to it than her previous albums, but there’s still that folksy-rock styling KT is known for.”Lost”, “Uummannaq Song”, and “The Entertainer” are my favorite tracks on this new album… but all are great!”

Mommy’s Free Time:

“I’m already starting to learn the songs and singing along! I think my favorite is “Fade Like a Shadow”. It’s just so raw and deep.”

A Shopper’s Request

“What a beautiful, yet unique voice KT has. She has a way of pulling you into her songs and you can easily get caught up in the lyrics as well as the music…most of which you will easily find your toes tapping.”

We’re also sending some lucky bloggers to attend her show and watch KT in action. Here’s some bites and photos from the shows a few attended.

Bonggamom Finds – Attended show in San Francisco, CA

“KT was amazing — she really knows how to work the crowd! Before almost every song, she had a story to tell about what inspired her to write it, or who she was dedicating it to; I learned that Uummannaq Song was written after she saw the Northern Lights for the first time..And being from the UK (she’s Scottish), she doesn’t mince words. Of course, even if KT Tunstall didn’t joke around or tell stories, I’d still have a great time at her concert because I love her music so much. She sang all of my favorites, including the first track from “Tiger Suit”, “Uummannaq Song”.

Lilac City Momma – Attended in Spokane, WA

“So last week, I told you I got to go to the KT Tunstall show ! Well, I just wanted to share some pictures with you =) We had so much fun! The opening band Hurricane Bells was great, and KT is an awesome performer! Seriously, she rocked out the show with songs off her new album and some popular ones off her older ones. She is also freakin hilarious!”

Here are some photos taken from Lilac City Momma night out!…

Still plenty of dates coming up – try to catch her show if you can!

Nov 16th @ Ogden Theatre, Denver CO

Nov 18th @EPIC, Minneapolis, MN

Nov 19th @The Vogue, Indianapolis IN

Nov 21st @Park West, Chicago IL

Nov 22nd@House Of Blues, San Diego CA

Nov 23rd @Phoenix Concert Theatre, Toronto Canada

Nov 25th @Club Soda, Montreal Canada

Nov 26th @Trocadero, Philadelphia PA

Nov 27th @9:30 Club, Washington DC

Nov 29th @House Of Blues, Boston MA

Dec 1st @ Terminal 5, New York NY

To learn more about KT and what’s going on in her world, check out her website:

http://www.kttunstall.com

Hi ladies! I’m Maryellen, intern extraordinaire at One2One Network and aficionado of all things music. There’s nothing I love more than stumbling upon a new act, whether it’s a much-hyped band straight out of a garage in Portland or a Portuguese bossa nova nightclub singer from the 1960′s.

Some people have a soundtrack to their life…I have curated playlists. It’s all about setting the perfect mood. People-watching in Manhattan? I’m pounding the pavement to Local Natives and Phoenix. Reading blogs while enjoying a cup of tea? It’s gotta be She & Him and The National. Meandering solo around a museum? Take it down a notch with Oscar Peterson and Norah Jones.

Hanging out with my awesome friends? Vampire Weekend and Jurassic 5 never cease to get toes tapping. An impromptu after-hours dance party? Spice Girls and Michael Jackson for the win, preferably at an ear-splitting decibel.

One assembled mix that’s consistently music to everyone’s ears is titled A Stewart Family Dinner.

A perennial work-in-progress, it’s a classy, easy-going accompaniment that flows from aperitivo to dessert and coffee. The selected tracks to follow generate a distinctly mellow vibe and won’t take over the room. So open a bottle of wine, turn the lights down low, give the risotto one last stir, and enjoy amidst a backdrop of endless laughter and witty repartee. Dig in!

• Mel Tormé – Comin’ Home Baby
• Mulatu Astatke – Tezeta
• Louis Armstrong – La Vie en Rose
• The Avett Brothers – I and Love and You
• Stevie Wonder – Superstition
• The Beatles – Eight Days a Week
• The Stephane Wrembel Trio – Big Brother
• Nina Simone – See Line Woman
• Coralie Clément – Samba de Mon Coeur Qui Bat
• Sam Cooke – That’s It, I Quit, I’m Movin’ On
• Etta James – A Sunday Kind of Love
• Dave Brubeck – Take Five
• Ray Charles – Hallelujah, I Love Her So
• Ray LaMontagne & The Pariah Dogs – Beg Steal or Borrow

When I was a little girl, I, like many other little girls, thought about what it would be like to be married and have kids.  I always pictured myself with a husband, kids.  Husband would go to work, I would too (wanted to be a teacher when I was little – that never happened…) and we all sit around at the dinner table at the end of every day talking about what we did.  Well, I did get married and have kids – but my family life didn’t exactly turn out that way.  Instead of gathering around at the end of the day to talk about our day, we usually have to pick up a phone and catch up that way.  My husband doesn’t have a “normal” 9-5 job, he’s an audio engineer who’s job entails lots of travel for him.  Yup – he’s a “roadie”.

Simon’s always been on the road, from when I first met him (he was working for one of the bands I was dealing with).  So – it wasn’t anything new to me.  When we decided to have a kid we agreed he’d ease up on the touring a bit, and I’d keep working.  So – we did a “Mr. Mom” arrangement for a bit.  Then, when I decided I wanted to spend more time with my little girl – he went back into the rat race of touring.  Wasn’t bad at first, couple of days here and there.  And then – High School Musical hit the road, taking him with it.  At first we thought it would only be for a few weeks, then it turned into several months.  And after that, came Hannah Montana, Cheetah Girls, and several other tours in between those.  He could have turned down the tours, but our daughter was so into all of it – how could he say no.  Mianna definitely got benefits from his touring.  There’s not many kids that can say Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers sang happy birthday to them on their birthday!  Me, I just got lots of exercise chasing our son around the show arenas.  2 year olds are really not at all interested in meeting celebrities.

So while all of this sounds like oh so much fun (which it is), it’s also tough when he’s on the road.  It’s hard on me, but it’s hardest on my kids, especially my daughter.  I have to say, she’s been handling this so well since he’s been doing it.  She has her meltdowns every now and then – but hey, she’s an 8 year old girl who loves her daddy more than anything.  The toughest thing for me when he’s away is keeping life as normal as possible for them, all the while constantly reminding them how much their dad loves them and misses them.  He and I make sure they talk to him several times a day – always in the morning and always at night, at the very least.  He’s mentioned constantly throughout the day, and I really believe that helps keep his presence in the home when he’s away.   I’m always nervous that when he comes home, or calls, they’ll turn away from him.  But – when he walks through the door it’s like Santa just came in with armloads of presents.  It’s a good 10 minutes before they let him go.  And, while it’s hard on us – it’s just as hard on him.  Every time he misses a milestone (first tooth falling out, learning how to ride a bike, first day of school), it breaks his heart.  When my son was 10 months old – he spent a whole day with him trying to make him walk so he would be there for his first steps. It worked, Jordan took his first few steps after several hours of this exercise.  Ironically, he didn’t do it again until a month later.  Think he may have realized how tiring this walking thing is. Point is – it’s hard on everyone!

Being married to a road crew member (they don’t particularly love the term “roadie” these days) has its ups and downs.  It’s sort of like being married to a rock star without all the fame and fortune and drama that comes along with it.  But – he’s an amazing man and an absolutely wonderful father to our kids.  I wouldn’t trade our life for the world!

Michelle is a Project Manager for One2One Network