The year 2011 is undoubtedly the year of the female pop “vocalist,” and I use that term very lightly. See, these days it seems the constant competition of who can turn more heads is, unfortunately, more important than the music itself. Whether Britney’s album boasts infectious club hits or is a total disaster, one thing is for sure: she’ll definitely hold a place in the iTunes top 10 for the majority of 2011, even if it’s just due to sheer curiosity.

But, the thing is, you don’t need me to tell you that GaGa will have a great year. In fact, I think Forbes blew that one by estimating the reigning princess of pop will bring in a cool $100 million before the year’s end. You do, however, need the facts and stats on current YouTube phenomenons, trending topics, rising stars on the club circuit and the ought-to-knows for 2011. Because, let’s be real, with a million videos going viral daily, who has the time to figure out what’s hot and what’s not this year?

So kick back, relax, and read one to find out which artists (in no particular order) should be featured on your 2011 playlist.

Oh Land

The Copenhagen native, born Nanna Øland Fabricius, is a one-woman electro-pop show whose big break came when a remarkable 2009 South by Southwest (SXSW) earned her a record deal with Epic. The singer was interested in ballet before an accident stunted her dancing career. But it seems her parents’ musical backgrounds –– her mother is an opera singer and her father is a composer –– may have inspired her to pursue a different form of art and entertainment. Her angelic and soothing voice has been compared to the likes of Fiest and 2010’s breakout band Florence and the Machine, but her tracks are much more upbeat and energetic (think Robyn). But, if that isn’t enough to intrigue you, she’s written two songs with Pharrell. Check out Oh Land’s “Son of a Gun” and “White Nights,” and make sure to catch her on tour this winter. (3/7 @ The Paradise)

Theophilus London

When you’ve impressed British hit-maker Mark Ronson, you know you’ve done something right. When you’ve teamed up to work with Ronson on a side project, well, you’re basically shot gunning your way to the top. Theophilus London put out a mix tape in 2009 mashing up The Smiths and Elvis Costello, impressing the music world beyond Ronson, but most impressively, sold out shows all over the world before ever releasing an album. The Trinidad-born, Brooklyn-raised artist will release this album “Lovers Holiday” this week on iTunes. But with a big portfolio, much of his work can be found online already. Inspired by and even sampling some Marvin Gaye on tracks, his smooth style and hip hop vibe is reminiscent of Kanye pre Twitter, Taylor and talking trash.

Neon Hitch

The ex-trapeeze artist and former member of a clan of Euro-traveling gypsies, Neon Hitch was born, well, Neon Hitch. Yes, her hippie parents actually named the south English countryside-born artist something that sounds more like a techno-band than a name. Lucky for Hitch, the name fits her music flawlessly. The dance, electro-pop sweetheart has been on British radar for a few years now, but her stateside debut will undoubtedly be this year once people realize she’s not just a brunette-Ke$ha lookalike, but a talented little thing who has helped to sing and write back up vocals for songs you already know and love. (Yes, even some Ke$ha tracks, too.) In 2010 ex-Idol judge and talent discoverer extraordinaire, Kara Dioguardi, signed Hitch following an impressive studio session. Soon after, Hitch landed a spot on the famed Lollapalooza that has launched the careers of recent pop great Lady Gaga. Now on tour with 3OH!3, Hitch is making waves  with her infectious stage presence and soon-to-be hit “Get Over U.” Her debut album “Beg, Borrow, and Steal” is expected to drop late 2011.

James Blake

This 22-year-old has been around, albeit across the pond, for quite some time, but it took a trio of EP’s for this singer-songwriter and producer to get noticed in a neighborhood other thank his own. His music is R&B, reminiscent of Marvin Gaye, but with more futuristic piano and electronics. His voice is soothing and deep with emotion, a very mature sound with inspiration taken from Feist, an artist whose music has been mentioned more than once on this list. Check out Blake’s cover of his favorite Feist song, “Limit To Your Love,” and his self-titled debut album next week.

The Naked and Famous

This New Zealand five-piece band has a sound unlike anything you’ve ever heard, but somehow manages to make you feel like you know their songs. But unless you’re going to admit to watching “Vampire Diaries” or “Covert Affair,” or compulsively shopping at Urban Outfitters, keep racking your brain. The good news?  Their breakout single “Young Blood” has been blowing up YouTube since the song debuted at #1 on New Zealand music charts last year and the new-wave, electric feel they bring to alternative rock is addicting. Basically, they aren’t going anywhere, so I’d advise buying a copy of their album now.

Pomplamoose

No, that’s not a typo. This indie jazz-folk band didn’t misspell the scent of your favorite body wash. In fact it is derived from French word pamplemousse, meaning grapefruit, and it was intentional. The duo, Jack Conte and Nataly Dawn Knutsen, are yet another band who used YouTube to their advantage. (They had over 240,000 subscribers as of last month.) But it’s their stripped down, mutli-instrumental, no “smoke and mirrors” sound that has listeners opening first their ears then their browsers. Maybe you know them from the Toyota and Hyundai commercials that feature their covers of classics or Christmas carols, or maybe it’s their strange, but noteworthy rendition of “Single Ladies” that takes the song from repetitive and silly to new heights. Whatever it is: You know them. If not together maybe separately (they both maintain solo careers). And if you don’t, well, you should.

Wiz Khalifa

So, the Steelers didn’t win the super bowl, but Wiz Khalifa’s Pittsburg-inspired track, “Black and Yellow,” did win national airplay in the early weeks of 2011 as the team’s anthem. But aside from the song’s catchy chorus and good timing, it features Khalifa’s talent, which, rest assured, will surely take over the charts in 2011. Khalifa has been on the radar for quite some time now. In fact, Rolling Stone named the rapper an “artist to watch” back in 2006. But 2011 is proving to be his year. Not convinced? Well, maybe a list of hip hop vets who Wiz Khalifa (“wiz,” due to an uncanny ability to be good at a little bit of everything and the Arabic word “khalifa,” meaning successor) has either collaborated or performed with will: Wu-Tang Clan, Snoop Dogg, Lauryn Hill, A Tribe Called Quest and Lil Wayne, just to name a few. Still not convinced? In 2010, Khalifa nabbed numerous magazine covers and a number-one spot on Twitter’s worldwide trending topics. The icing on the cake? Khalifa beat out female rap sensation Nicki Minaj and Rev Run’s son Diggy Simmons in MTV’s Hottest Breakthrough MC of 2010 competition. So, maybe now is a good time to tell you his third album “Rolling Papers” is out this March

Sarah Jaffe

This southern belle’s vocal performance once earned her a spot on tour with Norah Jones, but it was her 2010 release “Suburban Nature” and its hit single “Clementine,” that has won her critical acclaim from under-the-radar music mags and created buzz in the blogosphere. Beyond the love affair her home state of Texas has with its sweet-voiced songstress (she’s been playing local gigs, fairs and music fests since 2007), is the outside world that would undoubtedly fall victim to her witty lyrics, raw songs and smoky sound if only she would leave the lone-star state. Jaffe could reignite the nation’s love affair with that bluesy-country-folksy southern sound and all that is not country, if only she would tour outside of Texas. With any luck her upcoming SXSW gig will change that.

Warpaint

The experimental, psychadelic art rock group from Los Angeles currently boasts four females (Emily Kokal, Theresa Wayman, Jenny Lee Lindberg, Stella Mozgawa) but has been home to four other members in the past (including three males, one being current Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist Josh Klinghoffer). The group has had some lineup changes since its 2004 initiation, but has only recently seen success beyond the L.A. music scene with its single “Undertow.” The group’s infamous Bowie covers and contributions to a Bowie tribute album, “Ashes to Ashes” gained them enough attention to earn a spot at last summer’s Lollapalooza and comparisons to Siouxsie and the Banshees, Cocteau Twins and the great Joni Mitchell. Their latest single, “Shadows” is making quite the splash, and just last week they were named “Buzzworthy” by MTV.com.

Tinie Tempah

This Nigerian-born British MC is destined to bring the latest overseas electronic craze, Dubstep, stateside. Dubstep, a dance genre notorious for its overwhelming bass lines and specific drum patterns also features clipped samples and occasionally some vocals. Tempah embraces the more traditionally American style of hip-hop and R&B but places his rhymes over Dubstep rhythms. His 2006 breakout hit “Wifey” put him on the map, but it’s his latest song “Pass Out” that should be on your iPod.

Jessie J

You might have heard of this British singer/songwriter with her explicit “Do It Like a Dude,” or maybe her latest collaboration with B.o.B., “Price Tag” is what turned your head. Whatever it was, don’t let her whiny, poppy performance in “Do It Like a Dude” (which she originally wrote for Rihanna) turn you off from following her future career. Acoustic performances continually pop up on YouTube, showcasing the 22-year-old’s talent. With reggae influences and a catty attitude, she’s a bit reminiscent of a young Lily Allen, before the crazy. Keep this cat on your radar in 2011.

With the success of interactive video games such as Rock Band and Guitar Hero, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that kids around the country and coming together to play, compete, improve their skills and even form whole bands.

But an entire camp session devoted to teaching kids how to form digital bands and use their interactive games and teaching them skills for their video-game experience? Crazy. Well, maybe not so much.

Power Chord Academy is a young musician’s camp based out of Los Angeles that specializes in teaching teens the keys to a successful band, performance, music video, and more. Programs range from about $300 to over $1000, and last anywhere from one to seven days.

Power Chord Academy admissions director Dave Wood said the camp gets all sorts of teen musicians coming from all different musical backgrounds, each with different levels of experience. “The one common thread is that they’re all committed to learning, and to collaborating with other musicians.”

While the program is based in Los Angeles, there are programs all over the country, including one just outside of Boston at Stonehill College, said Wood. With the popularity of young musician bands, like the Jonas Brothers in Camp Rock, the interest in attending rock camps has grown.

“[It] is an excellent spot.‚  The facilities there are perfect for us, and it is a beautiful, peaceful environment – extremely conducive to inspiring great music!”

The program started about 10 years ago, Wood said, out of “the product of the need for solid modern music instruction for teens.”

However, this year the camp has added four new programs in addition to the original seven-day program. Each of the programs minus the one-day program includes play in a band, play concerts, and a mystery performance from a signed touring band/artist. Past mystery guests have included Rise Against, Yellowcard, Andrew W.K., Devo, All-American Rejects and more.

The one and three-day programs influenced by music-gaming programs have students playing songs on either Guitar Hero or Rock Band, recording sessions and Battle of the Bands.

But in seeing that the economic climate has affected application rates, Wood explained the camp’s introducti of ‚ one-day and three-day programs, “to make the programs accessible for many more musicians,” he said.

“Never before has a program been offered so critically vital to the inherent success of developing musicians,” said Woods.

So if you’re looking for a cool new place to send your sibling, cousin or child this summer, start cheking Power Chord Academy.

British songstress, multi-instrumentalist and songwriter Olivia Broadfield, whose hit “Indescribable” was featured in last week’s telecast of The Grammy Awards, has been signed by Vagrant Records.

Vagrant, home to rock, indie, emo and even post-punk bands like The Get Up Kids, Alkaline Trio, Saves the Day and Dashboard Confessional, is a Santa Monica-based record company founded by Rich Egan and Jon Cohen in 1996. Besides a five year stint with Interscope that ended in 2006, Vagrant is a fully independent record label with distribution through Fontana Distribution.

“I am so excited to be working with Vagrant, they have shown such faith and belief in me as an artist and I know that my album will be in good hands. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get this far and I can’t wait to take things to the next level with Vagrant by my side,” Broadfield said of signing with Vagrant.

Broadfield’s electro-indie-pop songs have exploded on the scene since being featured in top-rated MTV shows like “The Hills” and “The Real World,” while she was still unsigned. You may also recognize her tunes from the major motion picture “The Eye.”

“I have been blown away by how well things have been going for me over the past year and signing with Vagrant is quite simply the cherry on top,” she said.

Broadfield’s debut album, “Eyes Wide Open” will be released this summer through Vagrant and a partnership with the artist’s own label Cherry Bang.

The two-hour and ten-minute flick, directed by Ken Kwapis, seemed to be a safe bet, as far as romantic comedies go, boasting an all-star cast including Jennifer Anniston, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Connelly, Drew Barrymore, and Justin Long — to name a few.

Sure, you’ll expect to share a few good laughs and maybe even shed a tear (if you’re into that sort of thing) but surprisingly enough, the film has enough charm to win over all audience members, including guys who were dragged by their girlfriends, or those who decided to sit through it for a chance to see Scarlett Johansson dazzle the screen.

“He’s Just Not That Into You” is definitely a chick flick, but it’s one the guys might even enjoy. And don’t be intimidated by it’s long running time, it actually goes by fairly quickly.

The movie, screen play by Abby Kohn and Marc Silverstein, is based on the best-selling book by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo, both of whom worked on HBO’s “Sex and the City,” who tell the interwoven stories of a group late-twenty and early thirty-somethings in Baltimore struggling to figure out if they are the exception to the “no exceptions” rule in love.

Gigi (Ginnefer Goodwin) is a naƒ¯ve women who believes every line guys feed her, and just wishes he would call her back. Alex (Justin Long) befriends Gigi in an attempt to clue her into the inner workings of a guy’s brain and give her a does of reality. His conversations with Gigi often narrate the relationship problems each of the other characters are experiencing, providing thought-provoking commentary on the dating scene and how real life is today.

The stories, often presented by “real” people, introduced a believable aspect to the stories, which were not crazy or outlandish, making the movie more relatable and entertaining. Comparable to “Love Actually,” “He’s Just Not That Into You” is more entertaining and less contrived.

For anyone who has ever questioned their relationship, sat by the phone, wondered where it went wrong, or just can’t figure out why he’s just not that into you, you’ll definitely find it enjoyable. Guys, don’t be afraid to bring your girlfriend this Valentine’s Day, it isn’t your stereotypical chick flick ridden with girl-talk, make over montages, and feel-good sing-a-longs, though be warned, you might actually just find yourself way more into it than you’d think.

Some may think that Valentine’s day is commercialized and cliche, while others pretend that it doesn’t even exist, but this doesn’t make it any easier on those of us looking to find the perfect gift for that special someone.

Below, you’ll find some of this season’s hottest picks, for you girlfriend, boyfriend, mom, kids or whomever you may like. These are original ideas, that won’t hurt your bank account.

Her.

Looking to buy some intimate apparel that you and your girl can appreciate together, but not into Victoria’s Secret and high prices? Affinitas Intimates could be the solution for you. Sweet or sexy, Affinitas sells lingerie from 16 different collections from $8-45 . Headquartered in Los Angeles, the company’s French-design team creates all the pieces that are sold at select on-line stores nationwide.

Belli Skincare, specifically designed for pregnant women, new moms and babies, is the only skin care product in the world that is teratology screened, making it one of the safest products for prenatal care. The skin care line has products to treat stretchmarks, diaper rash, and dark under-eye circles from all of those sleepless nights rocking the baby to sleep. Visit the line’s website for more info, product listings, and to shop their different lines; belli pregnancy, belli baby and belli motherhood.

Whether you’re trying to swaddle a finicky baby and prevent it from crying or you’re hoping to keep your baby comfortable and warm for naptime, SwaddleDesigns has created special Valentine’s day-inspired blankets. SwaddleDesigns are stylish baby blankets, putting a fashionable spin on baby essentials, which make a perfect gift for new parents. Loved by celebrities, like Tori Spelling and the Jolie-Pitts, they also have everything from zzZip Me Sacks, stroller blankets, and bibs to organic cotton or cashmere blankets and gift sets.

If you’re looking to buy something outside of the realm of the bedroom for your lady, Yahoo has compiled a list of wallet-friendly traditional gifts too. Everything from earrings to perfume and flowers (even suggested bouquets) are listed.

Him.

For the special man in your life cologne and watches are always a nice gift, but trying something new is always more exciting. If your guy is a sports fan but tickets are expensive and hard to come by, try some television packages. Comcast offers an NFL Network, college sports packages, and just about every other sport you can think of -so your better half will never miss a game and be able to watch from the comfort of his own couch. Check your local listings for prices online, (packages cost about $100).

If your guy isn’t into sports, electronics have been on sale since the economy took a turn for the worst. Online and branch stores are offering great deals on DVDs, blu-ray disk players, digital cameras and more. If he is somewhat of a male fashionista, Karmaloop, the trendy clothing, sneaker and accessory line, is also having a 30 percent off sale. Their items are good enough for Kanye West so they will be good for your man too.

Looking for a couples gift or want to share something together? Call up your local hotel and ask about overnight or weekend couples packages. It’s the off-season for hotels, and with the economy still at a low-point, hotels are doing everything they can to attract business. Couples packages often include couples massages, restaurant deals and of course, champagne.

Finally, for the couple who might not want to work things out, a new voicemail service, slydial, will be ideal. Slydial allows you to connect directly to someone’s voicemail, skipping the waiting, the ringing and the risk of your ex answering. The creator of the product, MobileSphere, has applications for iPhones, Blackberrys, and Windows Mobile. Since it’s launch just 3 months ago, slydial has had more than one million calls placed through the service. Just dial 267-SLYDIAL and follow the prompts.

Blockbuster and Sonic Solutions have joined forces to make a convenient, digital movie service for consumers to use at home and on the go.

The companies’ alliance would offer subscribers to access Blockbuster’s digital library through their electronic and mobile devices from the comfort of their own home or mobile phone.

So now, when you want to rent a movie, game, or anything from Blockbuster, you can access their database of entertainment through your computer, cell phone, Blu-ray disk players and web-connected televisions, among other things.

The partnership marks one of the most expansive video on demand and electronic sell-through choices in the market because of the library provided by the Blockbuster brand. Basically, the world of entertainment will soon be at your fingertips. No more waiting for On Demand to change this month’s movie listings, or going to the video store. Virtually anything and everything will be available for you anytime, anywhere.

For a reality-dating show that has a spin-off and is now in its 13^th season, you’d expect that it has been wildly successful, right? Wrong.

In the past 12 seasons, ABC’s “The Bachelor” has ended each of its seasons with a finale ceremony where the bachelor is expected to propose to the “winner.” Of the 12 seasons only five have resulted in a proposal; none have resulted in marriage.

However, there is still hope: season six couple Byron Velvick and Mary Delgado were rumored to be planning a 2008 wedding, despite Delgado’s November 2007 arrest where she was charged with assaulting Velvick, the charges were later dropped. No wedding has happened yet, but the couple is still together.

And, if that doesn’t convince you enough, maybe ABC’s new spin on the 13^th season will.

This season, bachelor Jason Mesnick, an account executive from Washington and runner-up on the latest season of spin-off show, “The Bachelorette,” brings a new twist to the show: his three-year-old son, Ty.

Mesnick was a fan-favorite on last season’s “The Bachelorette.” Female fans reached out with sympathy and support for the single-father when he lost to Jesse Csincsak in the fight for DeAnna Pappas’ heart on the fourth season of the show. ABC decided to have the hunky 32-year-old bachelor return for his own quest to find love with his own show in the 13^th season of “The Bachelor”.

Though the two-hour premiere doesn’t air until tonight, Mesnick has reportedly found exactly what he was looking for, and is “completely in love.” Few details have been revealed, but Mesnick has said the reality dating series is the reason he is currently engaged.

Blast reporter‚ Christine Cassis gives her top 10 list of music that is going to hit it big in 2009.

1. Ida Maria

Ida Maria Borli Sivertsen is a Norwegian rocker whose smash hits “OhMyGod” and “Stella” have propelled her to sold out shows, a performance at the Glastonbury Festival, and a nomination for Best Rock/Indie Artists at the BT Digital Music Awards in 2008. Her catchy punk and alternative rock tunes will cross the pond with her January tour. Stops include U.S. appearances in L.A., Hollywood, and New York. The self-proclaimed Queen of the World’s latest single, “Better When You’re Naked” has nearly 730,000 plays on MySpace.

2. VV Brown

2009 just might be the year for foreign artists crossing over into the States’ music scene, which would explain the popularity London-based VV Brown has had with her hit single “Crying Blood.” The British artist, who was born to Caribbean parents, chose to follow her passion for music instead of attending top-notch universities such as Oxford, saying she refuses to be a “puppet of institutionalized intelligence.” The established song-writer had written top ten hits under the alias name Geeki for artists like The Pussy Cat Dolls and British pop sensation The Sugababes. VV Brown’s debut album “Traveling Like The Light” is scheduled for a May 2009 release after “Crying Blood” has left fans thirsting for more. VV Brown was nominated for the BBC’s Sound of 2009 award alongside acts like Lady Gaga and Kid Cudi. Adele was the recipient of the award in 2008.

3. Meiko

This Georgia-native singer/songwriter climbed her way to a number 35 spot on iTunes Top 100 Albums chart in 2007 without the help of a record label. In 2008, Meiko signed a deal with MySpace Records/DGC to release an album in partnership with her own indie label, Lucky Ear. She’s performed at Sundance Film Festival where Paste Magazine editor Josh Jackson declared her a “big success story” waiting to happen. Since then, her music has rocked L.A. radio stations’ playlists and the tunes have been a regular on primetime television hit series like “Grey’s Anatomy” and “One Tree Hill.” Meiko has toured with prominent female artists of her genre such as Ingrid Michaelson and Sara Bareilles, and her success has gained herself a spot at SXSW. In 2009 she will tour with Joshua Radin performing her number one iTunes folk song “Boys with Girlfriends.” Soon, you won’t be able to get her out of your head.

4. Britney Spears

As the reigning princess of pop celebrates her ten-year anniversary on the scene, it will be hard to escape her in 2009. With the highly anticipated “come back tour” and her newly released album, “The Circus Starring Britney Spears,” taking the country by storm this March, Spears’ is sure to be on the tip of everyone’s tongue. Whether she is successful or fails at her comeback world tour, this pop tart is sure to have you hooked with her always-catchy-choruses and feel-good dance beats.

5.‚  Kevin Rudolph

It seems anything Lil’ Wayne touches turns to gold, and Kevin Rudolf is no exception to that. The American singer/song-writer and record producer’s debut single “Let It Rock” reached the number five spot on the Billboard Hot 100 late in 2008 with the help of his rapper friend, Lil’ Wayne. Not much is known about Rudolf, other than a laundry list of artists he’s work with as either a producer, writer, or guitarist (Timbaland, Black Eyed Peas, Justin Timberlake, The Neptunes, to name a few), including what he looks like; he is barely visible in the music video for his first single and his MySpace hosts only photos of a Rudolf sporting oversized shades. But, the mystery seems to work in his favor; Rudolf is continuing to rock his way into 2009, and with the network of big-name hit makers this guy’s got up his sleeve, longevity should be a piece of cake.