Music News Roundup: Lea Michele, Outkast and Pitbull

It is Wednesday and already we have news stirring up the music world all courtesy of Glee’s Lea Michele, Outkast, Foo Fighter’s Dave Grohl and Pitbull.

LEA MICHELE’S LATEST TUNE
On Sunday Jan.12 Billboard exclusively premiered the audio for Lea Michele’s title track, “Louder.” So far the singer has released three preview songs for her upcoming debut album due out March 4.

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“Louder” has a a very upbeat tempo and according to Billboard, the singer recorded it towards the end after realizing that the album was very pop heavy.

“Cannonball” is the first single and was released on Dec. 10. It is a very soft pop tune that gives listeners an easy transition from knowing her as the actress to now as the singer.

“Battlefield” was then released on Dec. 27 the song is a heart wrenching ballad and my favorite of the three because it is the only one that truly showcases the Michele’s impressive Broadway-trained voice. The only thing that you hear in the track is a soft melody accompanied by a defined piano which allows the focus to be on the singer’s romantic and strong voice.

THE BIGGEST NEWS IN RAP RIGHT NOW
On Monday Jan. 13 André 3000 and Big Boi took to their Outkast Twitter to share with fans the exciting news that in celebration of their 20^th anniversary they will come back strong with a tour of 40 festival dates. The Grammy-Award winning duo released their debut album, “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik,” April 26, 1994.

Remember this one?

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“It’s truly an honor to celebrate 20 years and still be free to do music the way we choose,” Big Boi said in a press release. “I’m looking forward to rocking the stage with my Bro Ski and to all the fans, stank you smelly much. This is for y’all!”

André 3000 also had some words for their audience.

“And imagine, all we wanted to do was rap,” he said. “I am thankful to have been a part of a group that allowed me to explore anything that came to mind and have fun doing it. Returning to the stage together is the most exciting way for us to thank everyone for their 20 years of supporting Outkast.”

According to the release, the headlining festival tour will begin Friday, April 11 at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and continue with unannounced dates throughout the spring and summer.

THE CAPRICORNS
And finally, today is Dave Grohl’s birthday and tomorrow is Pitbull’s! Grohl is turning 45 years old and Pitbull is turning 33.

Today on the Foo Fighter’s Twitter page, Grohl uploaded a pic which shows fans just how hard-core he celebrates his b-day.

— Foo Fighters (@foofighters) January 14, 2014

I guess we’ll have to wait till tomorrow to see what the Cuban rapper has up his sleeve, but till then, happy birthday to them! #RockOn #Dale.