As the summer and Shop Til You Rock winds down, I hope you took the time to look back and reflect.  Reflect some rays off those shades of yours while lounging in the sun!  Did you guys have a fun Labor Day?  Thanks to the awesome artist at Shop Til You Rock I had a killer mix to listen to while I laid out by the pool. I had some friends over for a BBQ and of course, hit up the mall for those awesome Labor Day sales!  I want to hear all about what you guys did with your holiday weekend.  Did you hamburger or hot dog it?  New jeans or new tops (or did you splurge on both)??  Did you check out all the pictures from Shop Til You Rock on Facebook?  They remind me of what a blast this summer has been and help me reflect on the good times we had.  And, while this may be the unofficial end to summer, we still have one more weekend of Shop Til You Rock left.  So let the good times rock!   Here’s just a few of the awesome fashions and accessories I saw floating around the mall looking for those Labor Day sales.  I always like to play “which is my favorite”?  Which jeans from JCPenney’s?  Shirt from Aeropostale?  Accessory from Claire’s?  I hope your Labor Day was filled with just as many awesome choices for shopping steals and fun-filled activities!

Hey guys!  Just wrapped up another amazing weekend - this time in Tallahassee, Florida!

This was my last weekend on the tour, but I was pumped to be able to bring my music to the sunshine state and to get to rock the Shop Til You Rock stage one last time this summer!

This summer has flown by but I want to say thank you to each and every one of you who came out to the shows.  On behalf of myself and the other artists on the tour, we can’t say thank you enough.  I know for me personally, this has been a summer I’ll remember for the rest of my life.  It has been such an honor to be able to perform for you guys and I hope you’ve had as much fun as I’ve had!

My song “Electric” is about feeling that certain electricity when you’re with someone, and you guys kept me feeling that way all summer long!  It’s also about holding on to that feeling even when you’re apart from that person – or group of people - and still feeling amazing about who you are.  If there’s anything I hope you all take away from this summer, it’s holding on to that feeling and knowing that YOU GUYS are the true rockstars!

There have been countless memories made this summer, and for those who were wondering…yes, I did get to airbrush a t-shirt…haha.

Next up for me is heading back into the studio to start working on my new album!  By this time next year, I’ll have new music out and who knows – maybe I’ll see you guys again sooner than you know?!

Thanks for making this the best summer ever!  Till next time…keep it Electric!

Chris

What’s up, what’s up!! Just checkin’ in after an awesome weekend in Bossier City, Louisiana. I feel like I’m almost an honorary Louisianite…or is it Louisianian or…ummm…(I just Googled this…it’s Louisianian, for the record…haha.) Needless to say, I was pumped to be back in Louisiana a few weekends ago for another set of shows! I got to kick off my time on the Shop Til You Rock tour in Baton Rouge (earlier this summer) and it was definitely cool to get to come back – this time to Bossier City! Not only did you guys make the shows this weekend totally sweet, but this week I got an added bonus, which was getting to hang out with a really cool girl named Joleen, who was the winner of the OceanUp/Shop Til You Rock Blogger contest! Joleen scored VIP and got to hang with me backstage – and she blogged all about it, so look for that! I also got in on a little Just Dance 2 action this week! Started off a little rocky, but ended up gaining steam and actually won my challenge! Might have to get a copy for my house so my family can have a little dance battle in our living room…haha.  Thanks for making this summer amazing!

My name is Alisha Sadorra and I won the Shop til you rock blog contest for the show in Bakersfield,ca at the Valley Plaza Mall. I met the amazing upcoming band On Being Human. This group includes 5 awesome guys named Travis , Brandon, Gregg, Jonny and Bo. Spending a whole hour with these guys was a great experience!  They are so career driven, laid back, down to earth guys with a great sense of humor, talent and wardrobe.

Getting to know their story was so interesting. They started forming (their band) in 2004 and made it official in 2009. They got to record in Germany for 7 months and the recording studio happened to be the same studio Mariah Carey recorded in! Then they re-recorded some tracks in San Diego and NYC. Their first music video, “Addicted,” was filmed by the talented director of the movie Insidious.

These guys are one the coolest bands I’ve ever met. Even gave me great advice about staying determined on your dreams , stay focused and if your truly love
it.. Keep going. I was amazed to have things in common with them, such as being a fan of Britney Spears and Lady Gaga. I see the talent in their band and the passion for the love of music, I believe they are going to go far one day. It just takes one step at a time and they’ve got what it takes! If you enjoy Skillet, Trace Cyrus, Radio Head then you’ll definitely enjoy On Being Human. Their music is dark rock but not in any kind of negative way, they enjoy making music that is mystical , relatable and that takes you to a fantasy. If you love original Rock n roll, metal , synthesizing music.. On Being Human is the band for you!

When I arrived at the Natick Mall I followed the sounds of excitement to find myself in the center of a music paradise. I had entered Shop Til You Rock! There were so many fun things to do! You could head over to the Just Dance Wii Station to show off your best moves or even airbrush your own T-Shirt. There was also trivia where if you answered correctly, you could spin a wheel to get a free prize. Kids sported cool colored hair streaks that they had gotten done at the hair dye station. The best part was that no one went home empty handed; everyone had the opportunity to win something.

Before I knew it Jackson Harris had arrived. He sat in the center of the stage, his band mates surrounding him. He started out with his song “Go Crazy” which can now be purchased on iTunes. Girls looked up at the stage dreamy eyed as Harris sang, anticipating the moment when they’d get to take a picture with their idol. He sang a few more songs, ending with his single “Long Story Short”, and announced that he would be signing autographs later.

When it was my turn to meet him, I was star-struck. I have been watching him on YouTube for so long that to now see him in person was so surreal. I told him I’d be interviewing him later and he seemed excited. While Jackson finished signing autographs I played a few more games, winning a gift certificate in trivia. Finally my highly anticipated interview had arrived (See below for interview). I was a little nervous at first, but I immediately calmed down when I realized how down to earth he was. I honestly felt as if I were talking with my best friend. When the interview was finished he gave me a big hug and we took a picture together. He was so appreciative to his fans and Shop Til You Rock (STYR) for allowing him to have this opportunity.

To anyone attending other Shop Til You Rock events or planning to join the fun next year, I guarantee you”ll have a great time. The people running the event were so accommodating and energetic, making for an unforgettable day! As Jackson Harris would say ROCK ON!

Interview:

Q: What made you want to get started in the music business?

A: I am inspired by a lot of different artists, especially John Mayer. I play both the guitar and piano so music is very important to me. I saw other artists doing it and I knew that was what I wanted for a career.

Q: Where did you grow up? Was your family very musical?

A: I grew up in New York City. I love it there! My grandmother sang a lot and my mother danced, but otherwise my family wasn’t too musical. It took a little convincing for my family to accept music as my career choice but they eventually grew to support it and it has snowballed into this.

Q: Who are you most inspired by when it comes to music?

A: It varies. I”m really into the whole Hip Hop scene right now. I really like John Mayer, Drake, Lil Wayne, One Republic, and Maroon Five.

Q: Do you write all your own music?

A: Yes, I do write all my own music. I try to write music that is real whether it be about a breakup or something else that happened in my life. I feel that I just wouldn’t be honest otherwise.

Q: What was your inspiration for “Long Story Short”?

A: It came out of everybody asking what I wanted to do. People would always ask about what my plans were for the future and I would just answer with “long story short,“ music.

Q: In  (the video for) “Long Story Short”, red flashes over the people’s eyes. What does that signify?

A: Well, first of all, red is my favorite color. Also I wanted a visual to signify that they have changed in some way. They almost have a sort of revelation when they see the red car pass by.

Q: Where do you see your career taking you in the future?

A: To a lot more malls and arenas. I want to perform more and create more albums. I want to just tour the world and share my music.

Q: What was it like working with the Shaytards for the “Go Crazy” music video? What made you choose them?

A: (Smiles) I’ve been watching the Shaytards for around 3 years now. When I think of the Shaytards, I automatically associate them with being so fun and so genuine. They were perfect for Go Crazy! The kids were so well behaved and I honestly owe a lot of credit to Shay for his support. There was a comment that I saw on YouTube where they said something like “Who needs Justin Bieber and Usher when you can have Shay and Jackson Harris”. (Laughs) Shay has been one of my biggest supporters and I am very grateful. I give a lot of credit to Shay. I’ve been able to meet different celebrities, but Shay was the highlight. When I met him, I was star-struck.

Q: What would you tell teenagers who are trying to get into the music business? What do you think led to your success?

A: I would tell them to not let people tell you no. Be smart about what you want to do. I made the choice to take lessons outside of school. My school did offer things like acapella club, but I needed a little extra for me to improve.

Q: Are you excited to be performing at STYR?

A: Yes, very excited! There aren’t any really big malls where I live. It is as much fun for me to perform as it is for everyone else here.

Q: What is the best part about performing for you?

A: I love to have the opportunity to share new songs. I appreciate hearing back from fans. It is great to hear feedback on how I did. Probably the best part though is meeting new people.

Q: Are you still surprised when people come up to you and ask for your autograph?

A: It’s been a while since I got started and I am still surprised. I mean my sister will be standing with me and she doesn’t want a picture! Even my friends are often confused why people are stopping for autographs. It’s a lot of fun though.

Q: Where are you off to next?

A: I’m heading out to L.A. to release the “Go Crazy” music video which comes out on August 22^nd. Then I’m doing a little more with Shop Til You Rock before heading to New York Fashion Week!

Q: Is there anything you would like to say to your fans?

A: Thank you to anyone who takes the time to read this blog. Thanks especially to the Shaytards. Thank you for accepting me and giving me a chance to do what I love. It’s been a great experience. Stay tuned…there’s more to come!

Well Rockstars, you know what they say, time flies when you’re having fun!  The summer is speeding by and we are halfway through the Shop Til You Rock tour!  Luckily, I’m an optimist, glass half empty type of girl.   We still have another three weeks of music, shopping, dancing, deals, free giveaways…. I just love Shop Til You Rock, don’t you?  And I have to admit, the “Freeze Modeling” is getting me pretty excited to debut my new back to school wardrobe.   There are so many different stores showcasing their clothing that there is something for the diva, the punk, the preppy and everyone in between!   I mean listen to this weekend’s list of retailers for the Perimeter Mall in Atlanta: Aeropostale, Bakers, Cache, Claire’s and K-la Boutique….oh, my!  So much to chose from, what’s a girl to do!  Of course at the moment, I’m way too hot to dress for school, so I’m staying cool by hanging in my air-conditioned room with some boys.  Shh, don’t tell my mom!  Here, want to see?  Check out this Thomas Fiss (click me) video to see why!

And, Jackson Harris (click me) isn’t too bad either

A girl can dream, can’t she?  And for some lucky ladies, they’ll see Jackson in person this weekend at Natick Mall in Mass.  No matter who is performing at your mall, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.   The first half of the tour has definitely proved that A FACT!  So if you’re smart, grab your camera and capture those good times.  I know my pics will be all over my school locker this year!  Have you seen all the pictures on the Shop Til You Rock facebook page?  Check em’ out here!!

Saturday August 13 was beyond amazing. I attended the Shop Til You Rock event at the Pierre Bossier mall in Bossier City, LA.

I went to Rockstar HQ and picked up my special VIP wristband which has amazing perks, like skipping all of the lines. I spun the Shop Til You Rock prize wheel and got a free t-shirt and had free Chic-Fil-A samples which are amazing. At 1:30 Chris Koon took the stage and rocked it. I’ve been a fan of his for a few years now and to finally see him live was amazing. He sang the songs from his Electric EP and even a cover of “In My Head” by Jason Derulo. The crowd was really into his performance.

Afterwards he had a small meet and greet where I told him I would be interviewing him soon and he recognized me from Twitter. Chris is one of the sweetest people I’ve ever met. He kept stressing how grateful he was to be a part of the Shop Til You Rock tour and how excited he was to meet fans he never knew he had.  After the “interview” we found my mom and we all had lunch together. We said our goodbyes so I could do a little shopping.

At 5 Chris took the stage for his second performance where, once again, he rocked it. At his meet and greet afterwards I got a picture with him, realizing I had forgotten to get one earlier.

The whole day was so much fun and I would do it all over again.

I’m sitting at my hotel after an awesome time in Texas perfoming at First Colony Mall and I figured I’d sit down and fill you guys in!

This week I was a little under the weather, but as they say…the show must go on – and there’s no stopping Shop Til You Rock!  This show was especially cool for me because my family from Texas came to the show and got to hear my music for the first time live.  Not only that, but nothing made me feel better than getting to rock out on stage for all of you!

They say Texas does it bigger and I have to say – Sugar Land was definitely the loudest crowd I’ve seen so far (AND the best dancers so far!) so they definitely brought the heat this week!

I also got to do a little Q&A with the audience and give away some awesome prizes to the best dancer!  The live freeze models were awesome too – so cool getting to see them do their thing!  Texas was seriously a blast- so good to be back!

Next up, we’re rockin’ Bossier City!  Louisiana…you guys ready?! 

OR what?  Shop Til You Rock is fully underway, and it’s been a blast so far.  I’ve loved the great music, the awesome dance moves and all the activities are so cool!  My airbrushed designs are all over the walls in my room as well as some of the signed swag I got!  And there are not 1, not 2, but 7 more malls coming up this weekend.   Are you ready mall-goers of: Coronado Center (Albuquerque, NM), Jordan Creek Town Center (West Des Moines, IA), Lakeland Square (Lakeland, FL), Newpark Mall (Newark, CA),  Northtown Mall (Spokane WA), Southlake Mall (Morrow, GA) and Pierre Bossier Mall (Bossier City, LA)?  As per use, the performances will be off the hook.  Chris Koon, Thomas Fiss, Starrset, Manika…visit http://www.shoptilyourock.com/find-your-mall to see who will be playing at your mall!  And for some extra fun, I plan to go from a big fan to a super-fan!  How?  I’m going to learn the lyrics to all my favorite songs from STYR artists so I can be prepared, just in case the mic comes my way while I’m at the front of the audience!  I’m starting off with the lyrics for “Find Your Way” but Love Via Dance Machine.  Get your karaoke on here:

http://youtu.be/DvTrgV44FaI

And when you think you’ve got your tunes together, see if you can fill in the blanks to the first part of the lyrics below!

I’ve been _______________   you for days and days
And I’ve been thinking bout the _________  you said
I’ve been running around
You’ve got me __________ down

I was thinking everything was fine
Til I heard that you were _________ in time
We got carried away
Now there’s _____________ left to say

Made a ____________ that I’d never let you go
You know I never want to see you on your own

But if we try maybe we make it out alive
And if we try maybe the ___________ would survive
You call me , but that’s ok
Love’s not easy
I hope you _________  _________  way

For some hints, here are the missing words, out of order – don’t wanna make it too easy!

(nothing, words, calling, feeling, crazy, lost, find your, future, promise)

Baton Rouge was amazing!  This was my first show on the Shop Til You Rock tour and I got to play at the Mall of Louisiana, which was this huge two-story mall in Baton Rouge.  I got there early for soundcheck and got to check out all the awesome stations they have set up…there’s seriously so much going on.  For the record, I’m definitely hitting up the airbrush station before this is all over!  I’m ready to make a masterpiece…haha! 

I grew up going to mall shows, so nothing was cooler for me than being able to take the stage for my own show and perform songs from “Electric”.  We had a dance party going on in center court and it was so awesome to look up on the balcony and see people rocking out to my music!  There was definitely some crazy energy goin on in there!  I hope everybody had an awesome time!

While I was in Baton Rouge, I also got to try some cajun food – gumbo, dirty rice, catfish, and even alligator!  It was the craziest thing but it was so cool getting to try new foods and learning about the culture.

Thanks to everybody for makin’ my first day on the tour an unforgettable one - so great meeting all of you guys!  Thanks for rockin out with me!  Next up is Sugar Land, Texas…y’all better get ready!!!  Bring your cowboy boots, ‘cuz we’re fixin’ to dance!  See you Saturday!