Ryan Cabrera

You have seen him on "The Ashlee Simpson" show as Ashlee's boyfriend, but there is much more to Ryan than you see on the show. Ryan is riding at the top of a massive tidal wave that is going to be hitting the music industry this Fall.

I had the opportunity to interview Ryan in mid-June about the release of his debut album titled "Take It All Away" hitting stores in early August. John Rzeznik of the Goo Goo Dolls co-produced the album and is among the many Ryan says influenced him throughout the recording process. "He was a hero of mine growing up," says Ryan. Other influences include the Beatles, Sting, and John Mayer. Today Ryan is on a nationwide tour with Jessica Simpson. Cabrera is dating fellow upcoming artist and Jessica's sister, Ashlee Simpson, and says they talk everyday. Yes, it is a small world afterall. In fact, he actually lived with the Simpson family when he moved to L.A. originally. He has since gotten his own apartment which you may have seen on "The Ashlee Simpson" show. He says that he still lives in that apartment although he hasn't been there in quite some time because of his constant touring.

Ryan Cabrera is one of the best upcoming artists of the year. He is one of the few music artists who has exceptional talent and is still grounded in every way. If you pick up one CD this entire year I assure you "Take It All Away" should be that one. Click here to check out a review of the "Reality Tour" with Jessica Simpson and opening act Ryan Cabrera.

Cherie

I had heard the name Cherie around the office for many months, but didn't realize just how talented she was until I finally took a listen to her CD. At just 19, she has a voice that is mature beyond her years. Her self-titled debut album features a song you most likely are quite familiar with. The single titled, "I'm Ready" was featured in the movie "Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen" and was also on the WB's hit "Charmed."

"I'm Ready" is an upbeat, feel good track that will have you wanting more. Other notable songs on this terrific debut is "I Believe in You" another uplifting song and "Fool" a calm track that put me in the mindset of Celion Dion.

If you are looking for a female rap artist or rock-n-roll then look elsewhere. If you enjoy Shania Twain or Celion Dion then definitely check out this CD. At the very least be sure to pick up the single "I'm Ready" ... you won't be sorry!

Tyler Hilton

His name is Tyler Hilton, he is 20 years old, from Palm Springs, California and no he is not related to Paris and Nikky. But, that doesn't mean he can't be just as popular as those Hilton sisters, right? He will soon appear in a major motion picture as a young Elvis Presley, but before that he'll be releasing his debut CD titled "The Tracks Of..."

"The Tracks Of..." is similar to what you may expect to hear from John Mayer. Tyler Hilton has great songs and an incredible voice to back those up. The album features his debut single "When It Comes" as well as other amazing tracks such as "Rollin' Home" and "Glad."

I personally am a fan of John Mayer and Jason Mraz, but if you aren't into this genre of music then Tyler Hilton probably isn't for you. In the case that you are into this genre then I definitely suggest picking up this album.

Maria Mena

She was featured on MTV's "You Hear It First" segments and has caused somewhat of an uproar over some lyrics in her debut single. The lyrics which read: "I hope you can forgive me for that time, When I put my hand between your legs, And said it was small, Cuz its really not at all." Although the lyrics are pretty tame, those at the over-censored MTV thought it was something to talk about. Maria says that the incident really did happen, so she finds it funny how it would stir controversy.

Maria says that she isn't cookie cutter and doesn't try to be which shows on her debut album, "White Turns Blue." The album isn't at all what you would find by turning on any mainstream radio stations. Nonetheless, this is a remarkable album filled with twelve great, really diverse songs that you can relate to.

At just eighteen, Maria says that she has learned a lot about the music industry. "Sometimes it isn't about the music at all," explains Maria. She went onto say that it is much different in other countries. On another note, when I asked Maria our typical "If you were a fly whose wall would you land on?" she gave an unusual answer. "Adolf Hitler's wall because I would just like to know what the hell made him do what he did," laughs Maria.