Rita Ora, the latest female addition to Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, is preparing for a wild ride as she gears up for a highly anticipated US debut. Her rasp, sex appeal and dance moves have already made her a star in the U.K.. But many are wondering, “Is she the next Rihanna?”

In her first US commercial release, “How We Do,” Ora proves she is her own kind of artist. The bouncy, catchy, hip-hop beat and original vocal sound puts her on a completely different level…away from any Rihanna, Beyonce (or Jessie J for that matter).

Having signed to the label nearly three years ago, Ora tells MTV she’s happy to be compared to Rihanna.

“Jay-Z is a great boss,” she said. “He knows his stuff and what it takes to be successful.”

The London-based songstress has spent the last year posting viral videos of herself in the studio as she prepares for the launch of her new album (title TBA).

Most recently, she was featured in the music videos, “Young Forever” by Jay-Z and “Over” by Drake.

Jay-Z is also famous for managing the careers of Shakira, The Ting Tings, Willow Smith, Santigold, Wale, J. Cole and of course, Rihanna.

We’ll have to stay tuned in for what Rita Ora will do next. I think she will come with high sales, high airplay and chart domination.

Hear: “R.I.P.” featuring Tinie Tempah

Watch: “How We Do”

(Sources: Billboard.com, MTV.com, iheartradio and DigitalSpy)

Dead Parrots Society, Western’s Improv Champions, is headlining the latest musical theater showcase, “Hits You Haven’t Heard Before!” on May 25 in PAC 16.

Brought to you by the creators of Voices of New Music and Fresh Hot Songs,”Hits You Haven’t Heard Before!” features Bellingham’s up-and-coming music and theater vocalists singing “New Music” in a 2-hour concert.

Dead Parrots Society will add to the fun with two improv performaces and Dr. Deb Currier will make a vocal appearance along side Artistic Director, Michael Nutting.

Produced by Alex Rumbolz
Prod. Asst.: Hannah Reclam

Music by Carner & Gregor, Kooman & Dimond, Drew Gasparini and MORE!

Come see performances by:

Hannah Reclam
Colton Myers
Alex Rumbolz
Shelby Easley
Ashley Van Curler
Kayla Williams
Andy Reinhardt
Jessica Lewis
Reuben Walker
Elian Carbone
Brendan Littlefield
Soonja Doyle
Dr. Deb Currier
…and DEAD PARROTS SOCIETY!

Get your tickets for $3 at the PAC Box Office. ALL PROCEEDS GO TOWARD THE DEAD PARROTS SOCIETY TRAVEL FUND.

Hits You Haven’t Heard Before!
Friday May 25, 2012
8 to 10 p.m. - PAC 16

Facebook event: http://www.facebook.com/events/435411596487481/

Invite others!

If Florence Welch had brother… I image he would closely resemble Gotye’s Wally De Backer.  

Gotye, the latest Australian Indie-Rock chart topper has risen to international recognition over his third album (second LP), Making Mirrors. The album’s second single, “Somebody That I Used To Know,” featuring Kimbra, delves into the post break-up drama between two lovers.

Since it’s release in July 2011, it’s lyrics and creativity has been praised by listeners and the song managed to brake chart records in Australia last year for the most weeks at No. 1 since 1996.

But you didn’t have to cut me off / make it like it never happened and that we were nothing / I don’t even need your love / but you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough.

The new alternative sound transformed into a well-directed music video with both Gotye and Kimbra in the nude against a painted wall. The video was well-received on YouTube within the first two weeks and since October, has garnered more than 144 million views.

In the US, it appears at No. 2 on iTunes’ most download songs and No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, just behind Fun.’s “We Are Young” and Justin Bieber’s new single, “Boyfriend.”

The featured star, Kimbra, makes her first successful debut on the charts this week as well. The 21-year-old, New Zealand songstress has been in international promotion for “Somebody That I Used To Know,” all the while, continuing her solo career in Australia. Her  2011 album, Vows, has recently been certified Platinum in Australia.

Does Gotye have a shot at the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100? The momentum behind the single may have potential to dethrone Fun., however other current artists may challenge it; Katy Perry, Nicki Minaj, Justin Bieber, One Direction and Madonna have all released new music this month. We shall see.

Hear & Watch: “Somebody That I Used To Know” featuring Kimbra