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On each episode of Inside Track, the world’s biggest recording artists reveal how they’re using the latest, innovative technologies to create their music and connect with fans. And they give their take on how this tech enhances your life. Check back every other week for a new episode. (http://www.facebook.com/nokiainsidetrack)

As a follow-up to 2008's critically acclaimed debut The Day is Brave, singer-songwriter Brendan James has released his self-titled second album today.  Recorded in James’ new hometown of Los Angeles (where he relocated permanently after seven years in New York City), the album is as layered in personality as the artist who made it.  Brendan and producer Warren Huart (The Fray) added a number of musical textures to the album, but kept the focus on his expressive piano-playing and emotive lyrics.  “My lyrical style is unmovable I’ve found,” he says. “I have tried to write a little more abstractly, but I just can’t. You are what you are and my heart is on my sleeve. I am a romantic as well as an optimist...I think my songs have this heaviness meets romance meets positivity.”

To experience Brendan for yourself, watch his music video for first single "The Fall" and a live performance of the track "The Lucky Ones," which is featured in the trailer for the upcoming film How Do You Know.  He is on tour now in support of the record - find tour dates and ticket information, as well as Brendan's latest blog posts, at BrendanJames.com.  The album is available now, in stores and on iTunes.

"Check It Out", which samples The Buggles' 1980's hit "Video Killed The Radio Star", will also appear on Nicki Minaj's debut album Pink Friday.

Download on iTunes now: http://bit.ly/9aPYz1

Avenged Sevenfold has cemented their status as one of the country's favorite rock bands with their highly personal fifth studio album Nightmare, which bowed at No. 1 on Billboard's album chart and also No.1 on Billboard's Hard Music, Digital, Internet and Alternative Album Charts. Its No. 1 debut is the band's highest first-week chart position ever, selling over 162,500 units in its first week thanks to the band's devoted and rabid fanbase, who consider themselves part of a worldwide A7X family. The fans came out in droves to buy the album and spent the past week exhorting one another to make the band's record No. 1 through Twitter, Facebook, Myspace and fansites. The band's previous album, 2007's Avenged Sevenfold, moved 94,000 in its first week of release.

Serj Tankian has just unveiled a video for the song "Left Of Center", which is the lead single off of his upcoming album Imperfect Harmonies (in-stores 9/21). The video was directed by Tawd Dorenfeld and features amazing clay animation and performance footage of Serj.

A new widget featuring audio streams for album tracks "Left of Center", "Borders Are", "Disowned Inc", music videos, and contest notification is now available. The widget also has updated photos, tour dates, and a link to the official Serj Tankian store.

Imperfect Harmonies Limited Edition features a 2 CD set, limited canvas print, and 2 custom paint brushes. You can pre-order the Limited Edition set here. Serj also invites you to paint your own Imperfect Harmony to win prizes.

www.serjtankian.com

The Green Children have teamed up with Amazon to offer their brand new single, "Dragons," as a free download. The European duo, known for their blend of ethereal pop with post-modern dance beats, is featured in the Emerging Artist Playlist for the month of September, where fans can download the track free of charge.

Runner Runner is on the run this fall with a packed schedule of star-studded events. Hoping to share in some of the fun, the band has decided to give one lucky fan the chance to “Run Away” for a day to New York City to watch the band perform their single "So Obvious" live on The Late Show with David Letterman on September 29th. The winning fan will also be treated to an intimate dinner with the band! Enter now for a chance to win!

Black Tide are currently in the studio with renowned producer GGGarth (Atreyu, Chevelle, Mudvayne) recording the follow up to their 2008 critically acclaimed debut, Light From Above. The band has just released two studio updates from the recording sessions that can be seen on their Vevo Channel.

10 Years continues to give fans a behind the scenes look from their recent Carnival of Madness Tour. Tag along with guitarist Brian Vodinh as he shows you the groups pre-show routine and gives you an exclusive look at what goes on backstage. Check out the video on YouTube!

Hey Heart Throbs!

Our site will be undergoing some maintenance....we'll be back to business, with all of your news and gossip on Friday!

Keytar-wielding synth-pop sensation LIGHTS will hit the road this fall on a nationwide headlining tour. The dates, which come on the heels of her successful international run with Owl City, kick off October 13^th in Thunder Bay, ONT and run through November 13th in Buffalo, NY.  LIGHTS’ debut full-length album The Listening is out now on Sire Records.

Spacehog, the English rock band comprised of brothers Royston Langdon (Vocals and Bass Guitar) and Anthony Langdon (Guitar and Vocals), Jonny Cragg, (Drums) and Richard Steel (Lead Guitar) will be reuniting to play a select number of tour dates which can be seen below. The band, heavily influenced by David Bowie, Queen, and T.Rex, is known for their legendary concerts in the East Village and creating their own genre of sound by colliding their influences with a wall of distorted guitars daring vocals.

Go behind the scenes with Katy Perry and Will Cotton at the shoot for her album artwork.  Fans can also find out exactly how the cotton candy scented packaging was produced from start to finish.

Katy rocked TODAY's Toyota Concert Series this morning where she also discussed how she came up with the cotton candy idea.  

Teenage Dream is available on iTunes now.

Singer Songwriter Brendan James is no stranger to the road. After the release of his debut album The Day Is Brave, he hit the ground running to support it from coast to coast.  "I went to 40 states, ate at 330 restaurants, stayed in 210 hotels, and slept on one boat... I know because I wrote it all down," he says with a laugh.