Ryan Tedder Q&A: On 'Counting Stars,' New Beyonce

"I'd rather have a song that peaks at No. 15 that's meaningful and embedded in the cultural framework we live in than a No. 1 song that explodes for five seconds," says the OneRepublic frontman.

Slow and steady has been the approach for all of OneRepublic's singles, ever since Timbaland's remix of "Apologize" catapulted the band to instant fame in 2007. Ryan Tedder's long-running group has now sent its single "Counting Stars" to a new Hot 100 peak (No. 6 on last week's chart), a whopping 22 weeks after it debuted on the tally in July. OneRepublic's latest hit has come at a time in which Tedder is busier than ever with other songwriting projects, which will likely keep him on the charts well into 2014.

Check out Tedder's Q&A with Billboard about the slow-rising success of "Counting Stars," making music with a message, and what we can expect from him in the next 12 months:

Billboard: "Counting Stars" will likely be the biggest global hit in the seven-year history of OneRepublic. How does that make you feel?
Tedder: It's insane. I just hung up with the head of international at our label today -- it's on pace to be bigger than "Apologize" was for us… It's uncanny because you never know which is gonna be "the one." I think as a band we've put out stuff people have connected, but it's still a bit like lightning in a bottle. You don't really know when the world decides, "I have to have this as my theme song," unless you're Max Martin or Dr. Luke.

Given "Counting Stars"' uplifting, faith-based message, it must be gratifying to be connecting with such a meaningful song.
I think it's our responsibility as a band, and what separates us from everyone else. I took that from being a fan of U2 for two decades now, since "Achtung Baby." To this day, they might be the only band on that level who sings about things other than just boy-girl troubles or the kind of selfish, "I'm a badass" stuff. I've spoken with Bono about this when we toured with him, and he said the same thing. I felt a responsibility to actually write and sing about things that have a level of human gravity to them. If everybody else sings about sex and love and lust and money, then somebody's gotta be singing about life and faith and hope and things of that nature. And in the pantheon of their esteemed career, they've had two No. 1 hits, and I think both were 25 years ago. It's not about that -- it's about what songs feel real. I'd rather have a song that peaks at No. 15 that's meaningful and embedded in the cultural framework we live in than a No. 1 song that explodes for five seconds, becomes the dance hit of the summer, then goes away.

You remain active as a songwriter for other artists, too. Who's keeping you busy right now?
I co-produced the new Fray single with Stuart Price, which has just come out, and it looks like I might have another UK No. 1 with James Blunt and his single "Bonfire Heart" soon… I've got something on the next Beyonce that could be the biggest song I've been a part of in recent memory. I can't talk about it, but I can say I did it with The-Dream. And then I've got Birdy, who I think is the artist to watch for the next three to four years. She's un-freaking-believable. And when I'm home I've been focused on Adele big time. She's just chilling for the moment, as she deserves to chill, but I'd love to do a song with [Paul] Epworth and Adele.

With so much blowing up around OneRepublic right now, how are you making time for your other projects?
I've just had a philosophical conversation with my manager because, starting in 2014, we want to cut it down and do a lot less and really only focus on the things that I really think challenge me. I've been motivated by taking on projects outside of my wheelhouse that I don't really do, like really pop or really indie like Churchill. I'll intentionally take projects where there's a snowball's chance in hell I'll have the big hit, but it's gratifying to do something that's really hard for me to do. I wanna focus on things I think I can really excel at moving forward, not wasting anybody's time. So I'm obviously focused with Adele. I also want to go in with Florence [Welch] — she and I have been talking for three years about getting together. I want to go back in with Ellie [Goulding], we just did "Burn," and I'm also talking to Ed Sheeran, talking to the Script.. And then hopefully at some point, another guy we've talked about for years and timing is Timberlake. I'm going to attempt to catch him on tour before he goes in to do another album. I think he and I could do something really, really cool. We've been friends about 10 or 11 years.

How much do you attribute OneRepublic's success to the team around you?
I can't say enough great things about Interscope and Universal Music and Laffitte Management. We share our manager with Pharrell, and as big as Pharrell has been in the last year, you would never know Ron manages anybody but us. He's the guy up at 3 in the morning stressing out, like, "Why hasn't 'Counting Stars' broken in Holland yet? Why are we only in the 40s?" I'm never confused that it's not about numbers. But I've learned with our band that if you have the song that becomes the theme song to somebody's senior year in college, or their best friend passed away and you got them through it, you've created a connection with that person for the rest of their life. And very few people get to do that. For me, that's the coolest gig in the world.

Gaga talks AMA Performance, Katy Controversy, Tour

Interview
http://soundcloud.com/gagadailyofficial/lady-gaga-on-carson-daly#t=0:02

Quote:

Lady Gaga called into AMP Radio for a quick interview with Carson Daly before jumping on a plane to Japan. Gaga spoke about her Presidential scandal-themed performance with R. Kelly at this year’s American Music Awards, insisting that she hadn’t intended it to be a commentary on the recent 50th anniversary of JFK’s assassination. “We were trying, actually, to steer the performance away from Marilyn, that was my attempt,” she said. “It’s really more just about any kind of scandal. I mean, there’s been lots of scandals in the White House, but you know, there’s scandals everywhere else, you know, in pop culture and celebrity life and so I was doing sort of a comment about this.” Mother Monster has also spoken out to defend fellow pop star Katy Perry, who is being accused of being culturally inappropriate by some viewers who watched her geisha-inspired performance at the American Music Awards. Gaga was in the audience, but didn’t see things that way at all. “Maybe it’s because unconditionally means you’re supposed to love no matter what and geishas are paid?” she pondered. “I think people are generally too sensitive and they should just leave her be, but you know, I’m not really the person to ask.” Towards the end of the interview, Gaga hinted at a tour announcement next month. “I can’t wait to bring my tour back to America. We’re going to be announcing it very soon! I’ll make sure to call you, Carson,” she said. “I’m going on tour next year and we’re announcing something in December.”

Ciara Talks To GQ About New Single & More

GQ: This year's been great for you. Your new album, Ciara, was a hit and "Body Party" went Gold—it's one of my favorite tracks this year. Ciara: It's one of those songs that happened fast, because it has such a sweet vibe. I can't even lie, when we were mixing it, I was listening to it over and over like a fan. I don't like using obvious samples, but it felt right—I couldn't ignore the track the way [producer] Mike Will flipped the sample of "My boo." It's one of those songs a girl can sing to her man and where guys don't have to feel too cool to slow dance with your girl. GQ: And you've just released your new single, "Overdose." Ciara: The song's got a throwback '80s vibe with a modern twist; I think that's unexpected. It's more a product of my experimentation—it has a vintage-y feel, but I feel like everyone can love it. And what's better than to dance to the feeling of love? The song's about embodying that energy. GQ: Speaking of dancing, you're one of the best. How would you advise the GQ guy? Ciara: Go with the flow; don't overthink it. If you're a head-nod kind of guy, nod your head. If you're a guy who likes to coast out and rock or sway, just do that. Whatever you do, don't get out there and try do something you haven't practiced. Do what shows your style and vibe—let me catch that without you trying to show me anything. I'm kind of okay to just chill. Keep it simple and let the girl guide you a little bit. If you can do that, I think you'll be all right. GQ: One more GQ-centric question: What are your style dos and don'ts for guys? Ciara: I love when people have their own creative vision, when a person stands out and tries different things. I also think less is more. A T-shirt and some Balmain jeans or even just simple jeans can still look nice—it can be powerful, too. There's nothing better than when a man is in tune with who he is. I believe a person's style is an expression of who you are—way more than dancing. And confidence is everything. Confidence is what makes that simple white tee and jeans look good.

MTV Hands Over Network to Miley for 8 Hours for her Birthday

via press release:

MTV TURNS NETWORK OVER TO MILEY CYRUS TO CELEBRATE HER 21ST BIRTHDAY WITH 8 HOURS OF MILEY-HOSTED PROGRAMMING

INCLUDING ORIGINAL SPECIAL “21 CANDLES: MILEY’S MTV MOMENTS”

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 BEGINNING AT 12:00 PM ET / PT

Miley’s Biggest Smilers Can Tweet #HappyBirthdayMiley and Post Instagram Birthday Wishes for the Star For the Chance to Make It Onto MTV

New York, NY (November 20, 2013) – MTV is handing the network over to world renowned entertainer and multiplatinum recording artist Miley Cyrus on Saturday, November 23 for an 8-hour celebration of the pop-culture queen’s 21st birthday, hosted by none other than Miley herself. The MTV / Miley collective has generated some of pop culture’s biggest moments of the year including two headline-grabbing performances at the “2013 MTV VMAs” in August and the “2013 MTV EMA” this month.

Beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET/PT, Miley will kick off the party with the debut of “21 Candles: Miley’s MTV Moments.” The all-new original special will celebrate the 21 reasons why fans loves the megastar, including Miley’s best MTV moments of all time, a look back at her milestone music videos and performances, as well as celebrities and fans giving birthday shout-outs and sharing their favorite Miley memories. Cyrus will appear throughout the special reflecting on her career and what’s to come in her 21st year.

Immediately following at 12:30 p.m. ET/PT will be a re-airing of the MTV docu-film “Miley: The Movement Deluxe Edition” featuring new commentary from the birthday girl before she introduces and hosts two of her favorite MTV shows, “Awkward” and “Snooki and JWOWW.” The “21 Candles” special will then repeat at 7:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Throughout the day, Smilers who tweet birthday wishes to #HappyBirthdayMiley or post Instagram video messages beginning today will have the chance to appear on the network throughout the 8-hour celebration.

From her artistic and controversial music videos to live performances, Miley Cyrus has dominated the music charts and set the pop culture conversation ablaze in 2013. Her new critically acclaimed new album Bangerz debuted at #1 on both the Billboard Top 200 Chart and the Digital Album Chart in the U.S., in addition to hitting #1 on iTunes in more than 70 countries. Bangerz also debuted at #1 in Canada, Australia, Ireland and the UK.

Next, Miley will embark on the highly anticipated Bangerz tour. The 38 city tour kicks off on Valentine’s Day February 14, 2014 in Vancouver, BC and visit cities throughout the United States and Canada. Tickets are on sale now.

“21 Candles: Miley’s MTV Moments” is a production of MTV.

"Britney Jean" Tracklist Now On iTunes

STANDARD VERSION

1. "Alien"
2. "Work Bitch"
3. "Perfume"
4. "It Should Be Easy (feat. will.i.am)"
5. "Tik Tik Boom (feat. T.I.)"
6. "Body Ache"
7. "Til It's Gone"
8. "Passenger"
9. "Chillin' With You (feat. Jamie Lynn)"
10. "Don't Cry"

DELUXE VERSION

11. "Brightest Morning Star"
12. "Hold On Tight"
13. "Now That I Found You"
14. "Perfume (The Dreaming Mix)"

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/britney-jean-deluxe-version/id736211014

I can't wait to listen to this.

Paris Hilton Lists Her Favorite Current Dance Hits

From Martin Garrix to Fatboy Slim, see who made the DJ's cut. When she's not releasing happy-go-lucky singles on her new label home, Cash Money Records, Paris Hilton is a jet-setting DJ, with a residency in Ibiza that she will repeat next year. Hilton has played shows on nearly every continent, and will likely be invading major dance festivals like Ultra in 2014. So which EDM cuts has Hilton been pumping recently? She gave Billboard's Andrew Hampp some insight into her recent set lists and discussed her favorite current dance songs in the latest edition of Pop Shop's "Gimme Five" series. For more with Hilton, check out our video interview about her Lil Wayne-assisted single "Good Time," as well as this 'Remember The Time' on her 2006 hit "Stars Are Blind."

Interview with her top 5 fav's here
http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop-shop/5785896/gimme-five-paris-hilton-lists-her-favorite-current-dance-hits