On Demand Weekly

Every Monday, On Demand Weekly presents SoundWatch, a new weekly column on the latest in music entertainment available on demand, one of the most popular VOD categories. New contributor, Sky McCarthy, will give readers an inside look at what's happening in music on demand.
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This Week: From Fearless Females to Smooth Crooners, Pop Music Makes a Splash

What's Hot Now On Music Choice On Demand - Top 10 Music Videos (week ending 11/07/10)

SOURCE: Rentrak On Demand Essentials, Music Choice Custom Site

Fresh Picks: New and Noteworthy Starting 11.22.10

• Katy Perry “Firework” (Capitol)
• Waka Flocka Flame “Snake In The Grass” (Warner Bros.)
• Will.i.am “Check It Out” (Interscope)
• Bow Wow “Ain’t Thinking Bout You” (Cash Money
• Miley Cyrus “Who Owns My Heart” (Hollywood)
• Travie McCoy “Need You” (Fueled By Ramen)
• Far East Movement “Rocketeer” (Cherrytree/Interscope)
• Santana “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” (Arista)
• Josh Kelley “Georgia Clay” (MCA Nashville)

From Fearless Females to Smooth Crooners, Pop Music Makes a Splash

After the late 90’s/early noughties pop bubble burst, bands like the Backstreet Boys and *NSync were replaced by artists offering an edgier sound. The backlash against cookie cutter boy bands resulted in a boom of independent groups gaining increasing notoriety.

Of course with the help of the internet, it has became even easier for any type of artist to grow a viral fanbase with a YouTube or MySpace page. And while hip hop has been dominating the air waves and charts, pop music has faced a very unique resurgence in artists like Rihanna, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and others who try to defy any bubblegum stereotypes.

Rihanna (Def Jam)

In early November, Rihanna’s video for “Only Girl (In the World)” hit the number one spot on Music Choice On Demand’s Top 10 most demanded videos. The song is obviously a pop fan favorite, but few ladies ever appear in the Top 10, much less at the number one spot! Rihanna always keeps it fresh and fun and is constantly trying to outdo her previous singles. “Only Girl” is definitely catchy and has become a recent party favorite that is on everyone’s playlist!

For more female fun, check out Rihanna’s dear friend Katy Perry. Her new video for “Firework,” debuts this week on Music Choice On Demand presents Perry in a deeper light. Perry obviously loves playing up her pop persona with gimmicky, candy colored costumes both on stage and off but she has definitely proven that she’s more than just a one hit wonder. Despite the cutesy songs of her past, “Firework” showcases a more serious side of Perry as she explores issues of domestic abuse. Her vocal chops are exercised as well. Let’s see if “Firework” will help keep the teenage dreamer in the spotlight.

Katy Perry “Firework” (Capitol)

Far East Movement is not usually associated with the pop genre but their latest video for “Rocketeer” features OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder. Tedder’s smooth vocals combined with FEM’s funky electronic beats result in a sound reminiscent of an LFO song – major 90’s throwback! “Rocketeer” is an unexpected move from a group whose current dance track “Like a G6” is anything but tame. “Rocketeer” is available this week on Music Choice on Demand. For more Far East Movement action, check out MC On Demand’s original program New Rookie Smell for an up close and personal look at one of today’s hottest groups.

If “Rocketeer” has you in the mood for more smooth sounds, check out the latest from Josh Kelley. “Georgia Clay,” new this week on Music Choice On Demand, is actually Kelley’s first foray into country since signing with MCA Nashville. Despite the label change, Kelley has not lost his poetic lyrical touch and fans of “Amazing” and other soft pop hits will enjoy “Georgia Clay” as well.

The definition of pop music has shifted over the years and today artists frequently sample different many different types of music to come up with a sound that is uniquely theirs. Do you have any favorite genre mashups that work well together? What artists do you think are truly original right now? Tweet us at On Demand Weekly or let your favorites artists know what you think!

Check SoundWatch every week for the latest in Music On Demand and scintillating pop culture discussion!

- Sky McCarthy

Sky McCarthy is a new contributing writer to On Demand Weekly and a television enthusiast (ask me about anything!) currently working in entertainment in New York City.

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*SoundWatch lists the most watched music videos on demand as well as the week's new music videos from category leader, Music Choice On Demand (Music Choice, the multi-platform video and music network, delivers its music programming to millions of consumers nationwide through their televisions, online and mobile devices).