Hedley Gets Set to Take On the U.S.

O Canada, the country that gave us hockey, Trivial Pursuit, and the zipper can also be credited to giving the world good music. Besides Justin Bieber, FeFe Dobson, and Drake, I've become really psyched about another great musical act from our northern neighbors, the amazingly talented rock-pop-punk band Hedley.

Lead singer Jacob Hoggard, bassit Tom McDonald, guitarist Dave Rosin, and drummer Chris Crippin have such a great unique sound that allows them to stand out from the rest. These guys have done a lot of growing from the days when Hoggard made it to the top three on "Canadian Idol" in 2004. Sure, they still like to let loose and fun, but at the end of the day, these guys are having the most fun doing what they do best -- playing good music. And we're having a damn good time listening to it too!

Their singles “Cha-Ching” and “Perfect”, from their most recent album Go With The Show, are incredible in their own right but just a taste of what these guys are capable of.  With the US version of their album being newly released and their tour winding down for the holidays, I can see 2011 being a very successful year for the band, and I hope they soon find their way into the Studio!

Check out our interview with them below:

Nicki Minaj is a Debut Delight

Nicki Minaj's solo album, Pink Friday, peaked at #2 on the charts and has sold more than 375,000 copies, making her the highest-selling female hip-hop artist since Lauryn Hill (when she “miseducated” us way back in the ‘90s). Now, Nicki (who turned 26 yesterday) has got Young Money in her corner and a lyrical flow that's just as flashy as her "Harajuku" style, which she models off of Tokyo’s punk fantasy subculture. She’s even got her own “Nictionary” which helps define words she makes up on the subway for fun. Who would have guessed this young Trinidadian girl from Queens would have risen from a troubled childhood and grown up to take the stage and rap with the likes of Lil Wayne, Kanye West, and Drake? 

Nicki grew up wanting to be an actress and graduated from a performing arts high school. Her theatrical roots could possibly explain her fiery alter ego she calls "Roman Zolanski", who, she says, is a boy that lives inside of her, comes out behind the microphone, and lets her get out all the fight that's so tightly wrapped up in that feisty little 5’4” frame. 

Whether it is acting, singing, or rapping, we are all entranced by Nicki Minaj. I'm definitely hooked. So what’s in store next for Nicki? Her first goal is to become the first major female rap mogul. I don't doubt she'll achieve it -- she's got the drive and the talent, so there's no limit to the great heights at which she will reach.

Check out her MTV doc, "My Time Now", to hear more about her ambitions and her awesome New Yawk accent.

Pink Friday is now available.