EXCLUSIVE: Secondhand Serenade's John Vasely on New LP; Chance GaGa Encounter

The entertainment business is small. Just ask Secondhand Serenade’s John Vasely, who only a year and a half ago, shared a dressing room with a then up-and-coming Lady GaGa.

“It’s so important that you enjoy what you do and how you do it,” Vasely said while in-studio to promote his new album on “The Ralphie Radio Show.” Secondhand Serenade’s third LP, Hear Me Now, drops August 3. “(You should be) good to the people you tour with. There’s no point in being a jerk.”
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Vasely noted that he and GaGa shared a few words but didn’t exchange digits. At the show, the songstress performed before Secondhand, as “Fall for You” was a massively-popular hit.

The aforementioned song put Vasely on a list of artists that will no longer grow: those who can say they premiered their music video on MTV’s “TRL.” With the void left from the cancellation of the daily countdown show, Vasely doesn’t know how he’ll reveal the video for his latest single, “Something More.”

“We filmed the video and it’s getting edited and everything right now,” he said. “I’m sure the label has some plans.”

EXCLUSIVE: Tino Coury Prepares Fall LP Release With Label To Be Named

All in all, singer Tino Coury really can’t complain. After relocating from Pittsburgh, PA to Los Angeles to pursue a music career, he finds himself climbing the charts with his catchy power-ballad, “Diary”. Now, Coury is preparing to sign a record deal while finishing up his debut LP, which he hopes to release this fall.

“There’s some things going on with that,” Coury said in response to a comment I made about a rumored record deal. “The Ralphie Radio Show” learned from a source close to Universal Motown Records that the label was actively pursuing the crooner. “Now we’re kind of working out some things and moving so, you’ll be hearing some word about that soon.”

The former high school football standout isn’t allowing a deal or lack thereof to hold up his progress in not only promoting “Diary” but recording an album.
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“I have a lot of songs done, yunno like, 15 to 20 songs actually recorded,” Coury revealed. “I’m gonna keep on going until I have a deadline, and then once that deadline comes the A&R will pick the best ones and the right ones that fit, and kind of narrow it down.”

Coury, calling in from Los Angeles to “The RRS”, spoke about his upbringing in the Steel City, where he aspired to play college football before shattering his wrist, and subsequently his pigskin aspirations.

“That injury was the turning point for me. Once that happened, I really kind of made music my career and took it to the next level,” said Coury. “(Before the injury) I was being recruited by like, D-1 AA schools like Villanova, New Hampshire. Some D-1 A (schools) like Eastern Michigan and Buffalo.”

If nothing else, the wrist injury ensured that he would be living in warmer climates for the rest of his life. But there are some lingering effects from the accident.

“I have three huge scars on it,” Coury noted. “But I’m like in full movement basically and I was told in like another 40 years, that’s when it’s really going to hurt.”

RRS AUDIO: Lady GaGa In The Wrong For Wandering In To Yanks Clubhouse

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IMHO, it wasn't a good look on Lady GaGa's part to enter the clubhouse at Yankee Stadium last Friday, after the Yankees lost the opening game of the Subway Series to the cross-rival Mets. The three main reasons:

- GaGa wouldn't approve if someone simply talked their way in to the backstage area of her concert.
- Media access is much more broad and not as controlled at a sporting event as opposed to most concerts.
- The players aren't singers or musicians with seperate, closed off dressing rooms. Everyone is in the same room - you also have family and children there.

I love the Yankees, I love GaGa, but the simply put, the singer is in the wrong on this one. For my full opinion, download the segment at the top of the thread.

EXCLUSIVE: Fefe Dobson Reveals Acting Role With Ne-Yo, Pushes Back LP Release

While in-studio Thursday on “The Ralphie Radio Show”, singer Fefe Dobson revealed that she is working with an acting coach to prepare for an on-camera role with label mate/singer Ne-Yo.

“I can’t give too much information!” Dobson teased after dropping the R&B crooner’s name. “We get to work together and it’s gonna be awesome and you’ll see it soon.”

You could speculate that perhaps Dobson will appear in Ne-Yo’s music video for his new single, “Beautiful Monster.” The only scenario that Fefe ruled out was a possible cameo in her music video for “Ghost” as she says the final product is finished and will be shown to the masses next week.
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American Idol judge Kara Dioguardi and singer/songwriter/guitarist Kevin Rudolf collaborated to write the track with Dobson, who is pushing it to radio as her next single from Joy. Dobson also noted that her sophomore album, which initially had a June release set, is now postponed until August 17.

“Yunno, we just got the single going and you need a certain amount of time to have a lead up,” explained Dobson as to the project’s delay.

The Canadian-born singer currently finds herself back on a radio promo tour to stir up interest for the record – similar to 2003, when she played radio shows, made TV cameos, and opened for the likes of Justin Timberlake. But despite the time passed, Dobson finds that radio disc jockeys and program directors still remember her from the days of “Take Me Away” and “Everything.”

“I’m going in and people are like, ‘I was at this station, now I’m here and it’s good to see you again,” said Dobson. “But I also want to reintroduce myself… because I’m a different person, I’m grown up and (my) music’s changed, and you have to reintroduce that and yourself as an artist.”
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BTW, this is the photo that Ralphie showed Dobson from when he first met her in the spring of 2004.

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In addition to traveling across the nation to different radio stations within the past couple of months, Dobson has also performed at events for the 2010 Winter Olympic Games, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, and toured with Hedley and Boys Like Girls. Mix in the radio promo, acting classes, and personal time – and it’s a little easier to understand why Dobson didn’t want to drink any alcohol last Wednesday at Kevin Rudolf’s CD release party in New York.

“I ordered myself a Diet Coke,” proclaimed Dobson. “And the woman gave it to me for free, because it was a Diet Coke, and she probably thought I was lame.”

TMZ'S NICKI FERTILE: Joe Jackson Now Pointing Finger At AEG

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Joe Jackson continues to point the finger at others regarding the death of his son, Michael. TMZ's Nicki Fertile says the latest victim is concert promoter AEG, the company behind the ill-fated "This Is It" tour.

Catch Nicki on TMZ TV, local listings here.

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Advising An Online Creeper

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The Wingman aids a Facebook writer who has apparently creeped out a girl he was interested in...

Visit The Wingman on MySpace, Facebook, & Twitter.

The Average Video Gamer Is 34 Years Old!

I'm nine years under the average... not that I ever felt guilty about owning a Playstation 3 anyways, but if I did, I certainly don't now!

Variety has the full story here.

RRS AUDIO: Drake's 'Thank Me Later': First Album I've Bootlegged and Bought

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When an album as anticipated as Drake's Thank Me Later leaks on to the Internet, I feel an obligation to download it, so I can share my thoughts and any other relevant info on my show. Being a radio DJ, I usually don't feel obligated to eventually purchase a legal copy (most of the time, one is provided to me via the radio station/record label).

All of that changed on Tuesday. Find out why, plus hear exclusive audio from Drizzy from our chat last May in the podcast.

Cool New Music Videos

Katy Perry f. Snoop Dogg - California Gurls (Candy Land meets Girls Gone Wild?)

3OH!3 f. Ke$ha - My First Kiss (Really with the gold lips Ke$ha?)

Mike Posner - Cooler Than Me (Based on a true story of some of those ladies at Duke University

EXCLUSIVE: Fatman Scoop On New Felli Fel Record, Drake LP

It could end up being one of the bigger club records of summer ’10: “I Wanna Get Drunk” by DJ Felli Fel featuring Lil Jon, Three 6 Mafia, and Fatman Scoop. The song basically takes Van Halen’s “Jump” and replaces the title with the word “drunk.” But there’s just one hurdle before party-goers begin drinking to it nationwide.

“Right now they’re in a little kind of ‘dust-em-up’ (with Van Halen’s people) about clearing the record but I think everything’s going to be alright at the end of the day,” revealed Fatman Scoop, who called in to “The Ralphie Radio Show” to promote a party he was hosting Saturday night at the Scranton Hardware Bar. “Hopefully this record is going to be what we think it is, which is like a summer anthem, a get drunk anthem.”
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Scoop called in to "The Ralphie Radio Show" to chat about the party he is hosting Saturday night (6/12) at the Scranton Hardware Bar, Drake, his new record "I Wanna Get Drunk", and his reality show, "Man and Wife."
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Scoop knows a thing or two about club anthems. But his work has transcended turntables to radio, television, and even a couple Grammy awards. I was interested to know of his thoughts on Drake’s new album, Thank Me Later, which will be officially released on Tuesday. His answer surprised me.

“Most of the time, I don’t listen to albums like that before everyone else,” he responded. “I wanna get it right when everyone else gets it... but what I’ve heard… I can tell you pretty much that he has a good, bright future ahead of him.”

The hip-hop star said he hasn’t crossed paths with Drizzy yet, but figures it’ll happen sooner than later.

TMZ'S NICKI FERTILE: LiLo Avoids Jail, For Now

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To SCRAM or not to SCRAM... TMZ's Nicki Fertile breaks down the latest drama in Lindsay Lohan's life.

Catch Nicki on TMZ TV, local listings here.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Carmen Reece - 'Raindrop'

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Carmen Reece checks back in to "The Ralphie Radio Show" to chat about what she's been up to since she joined "The RRS" in studio, as well as introduce her new single, "Raindrop."

Raindrop is available for purchase on iTunes.

EXCLUSIVE: Susan Finkelstein Speaks Before Sentancing On Craigslist/WS Tix Scandal

The evening before she was to appear in front of a judge for sentencing on the conviction of attempted prostitution, Craigslist user and diehard Philadelphia Phillies fan Susan Finkelstein said she had no regrets about the situation.

“I feel really comfortable with my body and with my sexuality,” Finkelstein said via telephone in an interview which aired Wednesday on “The Ralphie Radio Show.” She was referring specifically to the topless photos she sent to an undercover police officer who responded to her ad on Craigslist last fall.
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Susan's side of the story can be read here.
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The post read, “Diehard Phillies fan -- gorgeous tall buxom blonde -- in desperate need of two World Series tickets. Price negotiable -- I'm the creative type! Maybe we can help each other!” After sending the pictures and meeting at a bar with the officer – Finkelstein was arrested and charged with prostitution. The police department held a press conference on the matter – and sent the press in to a frenzy – with Finkelstein’s mug shot appearing across the globe. A jury found her not guilty on the charge but did pass an unprecedented guilty verdict on attempted prostitution.

“That’s actually the first time anyone in Pennsylvania has been charged with it, let alone convicted of it,” revealed Finkelstein. “It really makes no sense because attempted prostitution is prostitution.”

The conviction carries a maximum sentence of one-year in jail. With the way things have played out, Finkelstein is preparing for anything.

“My lawyer and some other legal advisors that we’ve talked to have basically said it’s probably going to be probation,” she said. “But given the craziness of this situation since last October, I’m not taking anything for granted.”

While some things in her life have changed drastically since the incident made international headlines, you might be surprised to hear that other aspects haven’t: yes she was fired from her full-time job, but she’s still happily married to a husband that she says has been “very supportive” through the entire process. Finkelstein has also attended a few Phillies games this year, at the urging of close friends.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: DJ Earworm - 'Like OMG, Baby'

The DJ that brought us "United State of Pop 2009" is at it again, this time mixing up some of the biggest tracks of 2010 in to one track.

Earworm is offering the mix for free here.

WINGMAN WEDNESDAY: Connecting Too Quickly

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The Wingman advises a listener from New Jersey to relax, everything's going to be fine.

Visit The Wingman on MySpace, Facebook, & Twitter.

DAILY DOWNLOAD: Lights - 'Saviour' (Adam Young Remix)

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Lights talked about how the collaboration with Owl City's Adam Young came about and yielded the remix to her single "Saviour" on "The Ralphie Radio Show"

The Listening is available now.

EXCLUSIVE: New Artist Lights on Touring With Owl City, Making It In The States

She’s already won Juno awards and climbed the charts in her home country of Canada. Now, 23 year-old Lights (yes, that’s her legal name) is invading the States with her infectious pop melodies… or at least attempting to. The Canadian explained on “The Ralphie Radio Show” that breaking through in the U.S. is easier said than done.

“It’s a lot of work, and a lot of musicians, especially from Canada, kinda get disheartened because it’s not the same,” explained Lights, who continued as to how one country’s music scene differs from the other. “Canada has Canadian Content Laws on all entertainment. At least 30 percent of the music that’s on the radio has to be Canadian.”

The country to our north has a committee similar to our version of the FCC that enforces the law – which benefits all Canadian artists, and especially those that have already made it big worldwide: Nickelback, Drake, Justin Bieber, and Theory of a Deadman just to name a few.
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Of course Lights received assistance from a well known, American talent in Owl City’s Adam Young, in breaking through to the lower 48. The singer recently wrapped up a tour with Owl City, and Young even remixed her single, “Saviour.”

“The tour was wonderful because of the music that he makes, like, it’s very similar to mine in a lot of respects,” she said. “Its electro pop, it’s real easy to sing along with so the crowd’s that came out… were really accepting of the music I had.”

As far as off stage – Lights noted she didn’t become “super tight” with Adam because he keeps to himself, which she wasn’t surprised with, considering Young’s pretty honest about his shyness in the music he makes.

Thank You For The Birthday Love

Had such a great birthday weekend... I officially turned the big 2-5 yesterday - and I spent the day with my girlfriend in New York City, taking in the Yankees game at the Hard Rock Cafe at the stadium (the team played in Toronto), then doing a little shopping and walking around - the weather was gorgeous.



The number of calls, texts, Facebook messages, and Twitter at replies were overwhelming. Thank you so much, means a lot.

Oh, and because I just received this from the label (thanks Bobbi!) here's a shot of me and Orianthi from last week:

97 BHT/"The RRS" In The Press Last Week

97 BHT and "The Ralphie Radio Show" received some solid media coverage last week surrounding our private events with both Orianthi and Adam Lambert.

WNEP did an excellent job with their report, and properly crediting/citing 97 BHT and "The RRS" in naming the event's host and my interview with Adam - even including a sound byte of me talking about the whole ordeal:

Other stories...

- WBRE
- Times Leader
- Electric City
Thanks to all the media outlets that covered the event!

EXCLUSIVE: Adam Lambert Previews Tour, Elaborates On Missing 'Idol' Finale

In an interview with “The Ralphie Radio Show”, Adam Lambert elaborated on his absence from the season finale of “American Idol”, shedding more light on why he didn’t appear or perform on the show with other “Idol” alums.

“I didn’t skip a rehearsal because I wasn’t invited to a rehearsal,” Lambert reiterated, posting a similar message on his Twitter account. The AOL blog Popeater claimed “Idol” producers scrapped Lambert at the last minute because of an alleged no show, which the singer is vehemently denying. “There was nothing to skip.”

While both Lambert and his camp have issued statements, “Idol” is silent, perhaps fueling any other speculation as to what happened. But the former runner-up believes there’s no need for the show to speak on the subject.

“It wasn’t a big deal, there was nothing to it,” Lambert dismissed. “They invited their winners to sing to Simon (Cowell) and then I think a last minute decision was made that the people that were in the audience, that were past contestants would join. So it was kind of like this last minute thing. That’s why I wasn’t there, because I didn’t know… it wasn’t a slight at all, it was a last minute decision and I was really busy rehearsing for my tour.”

Lambert confirmed that he was also sick; however it was tour preparation that kept him from the show.

The tour kicks off June 4 in Wilkes Barre, PA – and the singer says the start in Northeastern PA was semi-calculated.
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“It’s so green here, we love it!” he joked about the area. “We were here before, with the Idol’s tour, and the audience was great. We thought we could relax here for a couple days and put our finishing touches on the tour and get it ready.”

The high demand for tickets even surprised Lambert – Wilkes Barre’s show on Friday at the F.M. Kirby Center sold out in 10 minutes. More dates have been added – and the singer revealed that a third batch of dates will also be announced, extending the “Glam Nation” tour through September.

“It is very family friendly,” Lambert also clarified – as I’m sure he’ll be hampered by those questions for the immediate future after his controversial performance at last year’s American Music Awards. “It doesn’t go to the level that the AMA performance went to, if anyone’s worried about that… if you felt that that was un-tasteful (sic), this is tasteful.”

Lambert is still asked about the award show, and still stands by his performance, characterizing it as “pretty solid.” But even the pop star admits the experience turned in to a good lesson for him.

“I learned that people were like, ‘Okay, we’re not ready for that yet,’” he admitted. “But it was just me being sexy, doing what my favorite pop stars have done and then I got heat for it.”

The “Idol” star noted that people may have been taken aback as well because it was his first TV performance outside of the competition, where he never expressed himself as much. But regardless, Lambert put the performance, and its critics, behind him.

“That was almost a year ago. We’re moving forward. That was one performance, one song, and now we’re on to the next.”