Fraser T Smith produced pop number from the soul star...
Friday, 29 January 2010
Bertie Blackman Featured On Female First "Ones To Watch"
Welcome to the world of Bertie Blackman: A 25 year old rising star born to royalty of the art world.
Described as ‘The Australian Florence’ (Timeout) and ‘Breathtaking’ (The Fly) Bertie Blackman is set to take the UK under her wing with the release of new single ‘Black Cats’. Having already picked up a series of prestigious accolades across Australia from an ARIA for best independent album release to Triple J awards, Bertie is set for similar success internationally.
A multi-instrumentalist singer songwriter, Bertie’s emergence on the music scene has been anything but ordinary. The daughter of iconic artist Charles Blackman, her first encounter with artistry came as a child on the floor of her mother and father’s paint strewn studio. She fell in love with music at 6, self-taught on guitar and keys by 14; discovered her gift for song-writing by 15, and rapidly emerged into the exquisite talent she is today.
Bertie Blackman’s unconventional initial steps in music are mirrored by her diverse musical style. Whilst obvious comparisons are drawn between contemporary artists such as Karen O and Bat For Lashes, her distinct style also draws on classic artists of the past (PJ Harvey, Annie Lennox, Kate Bush). Her bitter-sweet musings and haunting vocals are allied with a love of musical innovators such as Bjork.
Album ‘Secrets and Lies’ is a collection of beautifully crafted, eclectic songs. From the sexually charged ‘Thump’ to the deceptively dark ‘Shout Out’ it’s an album of many moods that at turns charms and intrigues. The album was produced and mixed by Lee Groves (Goldfrapp, Gwen Stefani) and Francois Tetaz (Architecture In Helsinki). Mixing on ‘Thump’ comes courtesy of Dave Bascombe (Tears for Fears/Royksopp).
Black Cats is a sexy summer dance-floor filler fuelled by grinding electronic synths and thunderous claps mixed by rising stars UK production duo The Slips of Phoenix, CSS and La Roux remix acclaim. Alt versions from Bang Gang 12” prodigy Shazam (Empire of The Sun, Sneaky Sound System) and Calling in Sick, complete the package in fine style.
From supporting Goldfrapp and La Roux to selling out her own tours and covering the major festival circuit, her live show has garnered critical acclaim and cemented her reputation as one of most exciting and relevant ‘must-see’ live acts. With all the makings of a female icon Bertie brings her compelling vocal and distinct style to the UK and is sure to carve herself a unique spot in contemporary pop.
Click here to see the feature on Female First
February 2010 – Black Cats Tour Dates (more dates tbc)
Tuesday 16th - The Water Rats, Kings Cross, London
Wednesday 17th - The Flowerpot, Kentish Town, London
Thursday 18th - Go West at Madame Jo Jo's, Soho, London
Friday 19th - Club NME at Koko, Camden, London
Monday 22nd - Curious Generation, Hoxton Bar & Grill, London
Saturday 27th - The Barfly, Camden, London
www.BertieBlackman.com
Black Cats LIVE - fan filmed video;
Described as ‘The Australian Florence’ (Timeout) and ‘Breathtaking’ (The Fly) Bertie Blackman is set to take the UK under her wing with the release of new single ‘Black Cats’. Having already picked up a series of prestigious accolades across Australia from an ARIA for best independent album release to Triple J awards, Bertie is set for similar success internationally.
A multi-instrumentalist singer songwriter, Bertie’s emergence on the music scene has been anything but ordinary. The daughter of iconic artist Charles Blackman, her first encounter with artistry came as a child on the floor of her mother and father’s paint strewn studio. She fell in love with music at 6, self-taught on guitar and keys by 14; discovered her gift for song-writing by 15, and rapidly emerged into the exquisite talent she is today.
Bertie Blackman’s unconventional initial steps in music are mirrored by her diverse musical style. Whilst obvious comparisons are drawn between contemporary artists such as Karen O and Bat For Lashes, her distinct style also draws on classic artists of the past (PJ Harvey, Annie Lennox, Kate Bush). Her bitter-sweet musings and haunting vocals are allied with a love of musical innovators such as Bjork.
Album ‘Secrets and Lies’ is a collection of beautifully crafted, eclectic songs. From the sexually charged ‘Thump’ to the deceptively dark ‘Shout Out’ it’s an album of many moods that at turns charms and intrigues. The album was produced and mixed by Lee Groves (Goldfrapp, Gwen Stefani) and Francois Tetaz (Architecture In Helsinki). Mixing on ‘Thump’ comes courtesy of Dave Bascombe (Tears for Fears/Royksopp).
Black Cats is a sexy summer dance-floor filler fuelled by grinding electronic synths and thunderous claps mixed by rising stars UK production duo The Slips of Phoenix, CSS and La Roux remix acclaim. Alt versions from Bang Gang 12” prodigy Shazam (Empire of The Sun, Sneaky Sound System) and Calling in Sick, complete the package in fine style.
From supporting Goldfrapp and La Roux to selling out her own tours and covering the major festival circuit, her live show has garnered critical acclaim and cemented her reputation as one of most exciting and relevant ‘must-see’ live acts. With all the makings of a female icon Bertie brings her compelling vocal and distinct style to the UK and is sure to carve herself a unique spot in contemporary pop.
Click here to see the feature on Female First
February 2010 – Black Cats Tour Dates (more dates tbc)
Tuesday 16th - The Water Rats, Kings Cross, London
Wednesday 17th - The Flowerpot, Kentish Town, London
Thursday 18th - Go West at Madame Jo Jo's, Soho, London
Friday 19th - Club NME at Koko, Camden, London
Monday 22nd - Curious Generation, Hoxton Bar & Grill, London
Saturday 27th - The Barfly, Camden, London
www.BertieBlackman.com
Black Cats LIVE - fan filmed video;
The Dirty Disco "Rabbit Heart"
"Pairing their signature glampop vocals with an enthusiastically dark arrangement, the band covers the song in dirt and disco, and the result is definitely Beaston approved!" Sheena Beaston.
"An unhealthy dose of glam! Sleazy and above all irresistibly catchy pop!"
Tom Robinson, BBC Introducing.
"A hyperactive Lady Gaga, but with no ambiguity about his loin-bulge...part 1950s space adventure, part Soho sex rave...wonderfully crafted...out of the ordinary!" The Stag
"A potent package of both style and substance" Arjan Writes
When asked to describe the pulsating electro theatrics of The Dirty Disco, one crackpot follower had this advice: Imagine the lust child of Ziggy Stardust and Britney Spears. And they werent far from the mark. What they neglected to mention was this Britney Spears would also have to have a penchant for bad acid, more than a passing interest in the happenings of back-street Soho and a unique way of fusing gyrating electronica with infectious pop hooks.
The Dirty Discos theatrical and more-than-slightly subversive live shows have earned them a die-hard following in what seems like the blink of a mascara smeared eye; testament to their ability to write the kind of songs that suck the listener in after a single play, only to linger with a more intoxicating intent than a fistful of methamphetamine.
The Official Music video for the Debut Single Sista! can be seen below - mixed by current Grammy Nominee Dylan "3D" Dresdow (known for his work with The Black Eyed Peas). The track is released on the 22/02/10.
http://www.facebook.com/thedirtydiscomusic
http://www.myspace.com/thedirtydiscomusic
http://www.twitter.com/dirtydiscomusic
http://thedirtydisco.blogspot.com
War Child Presents : Kasabian, La Roux, Calvin Harris + VERY SPECIAL GUESTS
War Child presents:
KASABIAN
LA ROUX
CALVIN HARRIS (DJ set)
PLUS VERY SPECIAL GUESTS STILL TBA
Tuesday 16th February 2010
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
War Child and O2 are proud to announce an exclusive concert boasting the biggest and best British artists in one of London's most intimate legendary venues.
Kasabian, La Roux, Calvin Harris (performing a DJ set) and some very special guests will be coming together in aid of War Child for one very special evening at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London. Following that evening’s Brit Awards, just 2,000 fans will bear witness to this amazing line up of Brits nominated artists, celebrating the very best in British music and music's power to change people's lives.
War Child's annual post-Brits party follows in the footsteps of last years concert at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, which featured performances from The Killers and Coldplay with special guest appearances from Gary Barlow and Bono, expect some surprises this year too!
War Child is supported for the evening by O2 to celebrate the successful first year of the O2 Academy venues.
All profits will go to aid War Child's work with children in war zones across the world.
Quote from Kasabian: “War Child’s work is absolutely vital. Simple! They have done so many beautiful things and to help raise money for them to extend the reach of their amazing work is a huge honour. It will be an inspirational night all round!”
Quote from Mark Waddington, CEO, War Child: “The effects of war on children are not going away. Children are still recruited into armed forces, bombed and shot. And they are denied their right to health services and school because of war. This event will continue to remind people about the innocent victims of war and their plight, and it will raise much needed money to help War Child to continue extending our reach to benefit ever more children. The British music industry has, again, shown that it wants this injustice to be addressed and is doing something about it, all tribute to them.”
Sally Cowdry, Marketing Director at O2 said: “We’ve had a hugely successful first year providing great customer experiences through the O2 Academy venues. What better way to celebrate than to once again support this unique event and special cause?”
For more information on War Child go to http://www.warchild.org.uk
Ticket prices are £50 and O2 customers can get Priority Tickets* from 9am Monday 1st Feb, for further information visit http://www.O2Priority.co.uk. Tickets go onsale to the general public at 9am Wednesday 3rd Feb and can be booked through http://www.livenation.co.uk (all tickets subject to a booking fee)
*Priority Tickets are subject to availability, terms apply.
A Live Nation presentation
Absolute Radio and Evening Standard are the official media partners of the event.
ABOUT WAR CHILD:
War Child is an international charity, founded in 1993 in response to the conflict in the former Yugoslavia. A UN award winning charity, War Child works in the world’s most dangerous war zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. War Child aims to protect children who are hit hardest by war and its consequences including street children, child soldiers and children in prison. War Child is a UK registered charity number 1071659
To get this sort of information FIRST, become a fan on Facebook here - http://www.facebook.com/warchilduk
Follow War Child on Twitter here - http://twitter.com/warchildUK
Watch War Child Videos on YouTube here - http://www.youtube.com/warchilduk
What happened last year - fan footage;
KASABIAN
LA ROUX
CALVIN HARRIS (DJ set)
PLUS VERY SPECIAL GUESTS STILL TBA
Tuesday 16th February 2010
O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire
War Child and O2 are proud to announce an exclusive concert boasting the biggest and best British artists in one of London's most intimate legendary venues.
Kasabian, La Roux, Calvin Harris (performing a DJ set) and some very special guests will be coming together in aid of War Child for one very special evening at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London. Following that evening’s Brit Awards, just 2,000 fans will bear witness to this amazing line up of Brits nominated artists, celebrating the very best in British music and music's power to change people's lives.
War Child's annual post-Brits party follows in the footsteps of last years concert at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, which featured performances from The Killers and Coldplay with special guest appearances from Gary Barlow and Bono, expect some surprises this year too!
War Child is supported for the evening by O2 to celebrate the successful first year of the O2 Academy venues.
All profits will go to aid War Child's work with children in war zones across the world.
Quote from Kasabian: “War Child’s work is absolutely vital. Simple! They have done so many beautiful things and to help raise money for them to extend the reach of their amazing work is a huge honour. It will be an inspirational night all round!”
Quote from Mark Waddington, CEO, War Child: “The effects of war on children are not going away. Children are still recruited into armed forces, bombed and shot. And they are denied their right to health services and school because of war. This event will continue to remind people about the innocent victims of war and their plight, and it will raise much needed money to help War Child to continue extending our reach to benefit ever more children. The British music industry has, again, shown that it wants this injustice to be addressed and is doing something about it, all tribute to them.”
Sally Cowdry, Marketing Director at O2 said: “We’ve had a hugely successful first year providing great customer experiences through the O2 Academy venues. What better way to celebrate than to once again support this unique event and special cause?”
For more information on War Child go to http://www.warchild.org.uk
Ticket prices are £50 and O2 customers can get Priority Tickets* from 9am Monday 1st Feb, for further information visit http://www.O2Priority.co.uk. Tickets go onsale to the general public at 9am Wednesday 3rd Feb and can be booked through http://www.livenation.co.uk (all tickets subject to a booking fee)
*Priority Tickets are subject to availability, terms apply.
A Live Nation presentation
Absolute Radio and Evening Standard are the official media partners of the event.
ABOUT WAR CHILD:
War Child is an international charity, founded in 1993 in response to the conflict in the former Yugoslavia. A UN award winning charity, War Child works in the world’s most dangerous war zones including Iraq, Afghanistan, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. War Child aims to protect children who are hit hardest by war and its consequences including street children, child soldiers and children in prison. War Child is a UK registered charity number 1071659
To get this sort of information FIRST, become a fan on Facebook here - http://www.facebook.com/warchilduk
Follow War Child on Twitter here - http://twitter.com/warchildUK
Watch War Child Videos on YouTube here - http://www.youtube.com/warchilduk
What happened last year - fan footage;
Thursday, 28 January 2010
KCAT featured on The Beat Review
"If I am only allowed to describe the track in one word, I would say 'infectious' immediately. The track immediately caught my senses and got me hooked.
Boys Don't Cry is pretty upbeat and does sound as a very fun record. The repetition of the line 'Boys, boys don't cry' is sheer genius on her part. It does show that KCAT's songwriting is truly great.
The track can be used as a good measuring gauge to determine whether KCAT is someone who can be considered as a one-hit wonder or as someone who simply has what it takes to continuously make creative music that can surely please the audience.
And creating great music is something in which KCAT excels. Boys Don't Cry is a good testament to this. The catchy beats, alongside the refined lyrics, is a huge asset in the track. Without such, I don't think the track is actually enjoyable in the first place.
In conclusion, Boys Don't Cry is truly a dance gem. It's a great fun record that will surely get people dancing non-stop. KCAT will surely flourish as an artist if her future records continue to sound brilliant just like Boys Don't Cry. The track is simply brilliant. End of story.
RATING: A-"
Read the full feature on The Beat Review by clicking here
Boys Don't Cry is pretty upbeat and does sound as a very fun record. The repetition of the line 'Boys, boys don't cry' is sheer genius on her part. It does show that KCAT's songwriting is truly great.
The track can be used as a good measuring gauge to determine whether KCAT is someone who can be considered as a one-hit wonder or as someone who simply has what it takes to continuously make creative music that can surely please the audience.
And creating great music is something in which KCAT excels. Boys Don't Cry is a good testament to this. The catchy beats, alongside the refined lyrics, is a huge asset in the track. Without such, I don't think the track is actually enjoyable in the first place.
In conclusion, Boys Don't Cry is truly a dance gem. It's a great fun record that will surely get people dancing non-stop. KCAT will surely flourish as an artist if her future records continue to sound brilliant just like Boys Don't Cry. The track is simply brilliant. End of story.
RATING: A-"
Read the full feature on The Beat Review by clicking here
KCAT Interviewed by Female First
Unique, stylish, fashionable, feisty and edgy – KCAT demands attention in everything she does and as her debut single, ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ prepares to drop, she is sure to capture the attention of the music industry and music fans alike. Find out what happened when I caught up with her for a little chat.
Hello there, what are you up to?
Busy planning world domination !
So, you’re getting ready to release your new single ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ can you tell us a bit about it?
It’s a self-penned track written and inspired to distinguish the difference between boys and men. It’s very hard these days to spot a boy from a man because boys grow so quickly they look older than their years but you can always separate a boy from a man in their behaviour and maturity.
The new single from that, comes out on 7th February why are you releasing that track now?
I think it’s a great time, there’s no time like the present. I am launching a few singles to let the whole world know about me so expect a lot this year !
There is a lot of competition in the business today, do you think you have what it takes to give the big names a run for their money?
I believe in myself and wake up every morning thinking of nothing but to sing. There is a lot of competition within every Industry. That’s life. If I stay optimistic, determined, focused and always deliver great music, I think I could be a big name one day!
Continue reading the KCAT interview on Female First here
Hello there, what are you up to?
Busy planning world domination !
So, you’re getting ready to release your new single ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ can you tell us a bit about it?
It’s a self-penned track written and inspired to distinguish the difference between boys and men. It’s very hard these days to spot a boy from a man because boys grow so quickly they look older than their years but you can always separate a boy from a man in their behaviour and maturity.
The new single from that, comes out on 7th February why are you releasing that track now?
I think it’s a great time, there’s no time like the present. I am launching a few singles to let the whole world know about me so expect a lot this year !
There is a lot of competition in the business today, do you think you have what it takes to give the big names a run for their money?
I believe in myself and wake up every morning thinking of nothing but to sing. There is a lot of competition within every Industry. That’s life. If I stay optimistic, determined, focused and always deliver great music, I think I could be a big name one day!
Continue reading the KCAT interview on Female First here
The Dirty Disco : Come Inside This World : Part Two
'Come inside this World' will give you a behind the scenes glimpse inside the world of eccentric Electro Pop band 'The Dirty Disco'.
Part Two follows the band as they prepare for their first gig of 2010, with support from "I Blame Coco" on the 23.01.10. From Rehearsals, to hypnosis to gig footage, this episode is not to be missed!
Part Two follows the band as they prepare for their first gig of 2010, with support from "I Blame Coco" on the 23.01.10. From Rehearsals, to hypnosis to gig footage, this episode is not to be missed!
Dandy Andy Today's Record Of The Day!
"Dandy Andy, a collective of musicians, DJs and producers based in Paris, release My Lonely Valentine on the recently launched Poplife label. One of the producers behind the track, Kasper Winding, was also behind UK Top 5 hit Speechless by Mish Mash. It's a brilliantly big electro pop track which morphs into what Popjustice rightly calls 'elegant contemporary disco splendidness'. Radio plays so far have come in the shape of Steve Smart's Weekend Floorfiller on Kiss, support on Galaxy and a place on the A-List at Gaydar Radio. Mixes come from Sunfreakz, Ace of Clubz, Twin Maniacs and Beardy Kids"
Record of the Day is the music industry's favourite daily digest providing a raft of original and aggregated news from all UK and international media outlets, encompassing press and online. Each daily mailout also contains a soundclip of the best in new music chosen by the RotD team. The company also produces a weekly music industry magazine containing comment, news, data, listings, interviews and of course, clips to the best new music out there. Click here to find out more.
Record of the Day is the music industry's favourite daily digest providing a raft of original and aggregated news from all UK and international media outlets, encompassing press and online. Each daily mailout also contains a soundclip of the best in new music chosen by the RotD team. The company also produces a weekly music industry magazine containing comment, news, data, listings, interviews and of course, clips to the best new music out there. Click here to find out more.
Wednesday, 27 January 2010
KCAT featured on Nuts!
"KCAT's debut single 'Boys Don't Cry' is infectious pop. Kinda like Lady GaGa, but less annoying! If you likes yer pop, this is for you. See a sneak peek below. 7/10"
Click here to see the Ten Second Review on Nuts
Click here to see the Ten Second Review on Nuts
Monday, 25 January 2010
McLean "My Name"
Modern soul has a new name… Widely tipped as one to watch in 2010, McLean releases his first single ‘My Name’ via Asylum Records on March 8.
Hailing from Dagenham, McLean has fought his way up through the UK urban scene working with Chase & Status, Tinie Tempah, Ironik, Tinchy Stryder and N-Dubz along the way.
McLean's voice is uniquely soulful – producer Fraser T Smith describes him as “The modern day Marvin Gaye”
‘My Name’ showcases this voice, prompting a host of media to predict that McLean will be a major breakthrough act this year (including Radio 1Xtra, RWD, Metro and The Daily Star).
Originally produced by Slick and Magic in London, ‘My Name’ was perfected in LA by Dylan ‘3D’ Dresdow. Dylan is Will.I.Am's long-term studio accomplice having recorded and mixed every Will.I.Am or Black Eyed Peas' record since Elephunk, including the recent global hits Boom Boom Pow, I Got A Feeling and Meet You Halfway. Remixes come courtesy of arch-grimesters Scorcher and Boy Better Know (featuring Skepta, JME, and Shorty) with Ian Carey delivering house mixes.
‘My Name’ follows last years magical trailer record ‘Broken’. Leaked to media in September, ‘Broken’ has amassed: 5 Million YouTube views; 20 Million views across Myspace, Bebo, Habbo, Last FM; a plethora of copy-cat cover versions from fans; whilst residing for 16 weeks in the Shazam Tag and TV Airplay charts. It also enjoyed incredible support from key urban stations including Choice, Kiss, Radio 1Xtra, AKA, Kiss TV, Flava and MTV Base.
After writing and appearing with Chase & Status on their More Than A Lot album, McLean teams up with an A-list team of collaborators for his own debut album – due summer 2010 – including producers: Fraser T Smith (the UKs most successful producer of 2009, with 3 Number 1s and Top 10 smashes for Tinchy Stryder, Taio Cruz and James Morrison), Naughty Boy (Chipmunk, Wiley), Simon Franglen (Leona Lewis, Michael Jackson, Avatar), Nate ‘Danja’ Hills (Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Timbaland, Britney, Pink, Nelly Furtado), Manny Marroquin (Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Rihanna), Dylan ‘3D’ Dresdow (Black Eyed Peas, Missy Elliot, Alicia Keys), and Phil Tan (Leona, Usher, Rihanna, One Republic, Snoop, Jay-Z).
Become a fan on Facebook here
Watch the new video below;
Hailing from Dagenham, McLean has fought his way up through the UK urban scene working with Chase & Status, Tinie Tempah, Ironik, Tinchy Stryder and N-Dubz along the way.
McLean's voice is uniquely soulful – producer Fraser T Smith describes him as “The modern day Marvin Gaye”
‘My Name’ showcases this voice, prompting a host of media to predict that McLean will be a major breakthrough act this year (including Radio 1Xtra, RWD, Metro and The Daily Star).
Originally produced by Slick and Magic in London, ‘My Name’ was perfected in LA by Dylan ‘3D’ Dresdow. Dylan is Will.I.Am's long-term studio accomplice having recorded and mixed every Will.I.Am or Black Eyed Peas' record since Elephunk, including the recent global hits Boom Boom Pow, I Got A Feeling and Meet You Halfway. Remixes come courtesy of arch-grimesters Scorcher and Boy Better Know (featuring Skepta, JME, and Shorty) with Ian Carey delivering house mixes.
‘My Name’ follows last years magical trailer record ‘Broken’. Leaked to media in September, ‘Broken’ has amassed: 5 Million YouTube views; 20 Million views across Myspace, Bebo, Habbo, Last FM; a plethora of copy-cat cover versions from fans; whilst residing for 16 weeks in the Shazam Tag and TV Airplay charts. It also enjoyed incredible support from key urban stations including Choice, Kiss, Radio 1Xtra, AKA, Kiss TV, Flava and MTV Base.
After writing and appearing with Chase & Status on their More Than A Lot album, McLean teams up with an A-list team of collaborators for his own debut album – due summer 2010 – including producers: Fraser T Smith (the UKs most successful producer of 2009, with 3 Number 1s and Top 10 smashes for Tinchy Stryder, Taio Cruz and James Morrison), Naughty Boy (Chipmunk, Wiley), Simon Franglen (Leona Lewis, Michael Jackson, Avatar), Nate ‘Danja’ Hills (Justin Timberlake, Madonna, Timbaland, Britney, Pink, Nelly Furtado), Manny Marroquin (Alicia Keys, Kanye West, Rihanna), Dylan ‘3D’ Dresdow (Black Eyed Peas, Missy Elliot, Alicia Keys), and Phil Tan (Leona, Usher, Rihanna, One Republic, Snoop, Jay-Z).
Become a fan on Facebook here
Watch the new video below;
Friday, 22 January 2010
Example interviewed by Digital Spy
"London rapper Elliot Gleave - the stage name's based on his initials, geddit? - has packed a fair bit into his 27 years. He's tried his hand at everything from scaffolding to stand-up, landscape gardening to garage MCing, but he looks to have found his true calling making catchy club bangers. As he tears up the charts with latest single 'Won't Go Quietly', we took the opportunity to get to know him a little better.
What's 'Won't Go Quietly' about?
"It's about an ex-girlfriend and how paranoid and delusional she was. That said, she had a femme fatale sort of thing about her which made me stay with her. She went in the end though, but she didn't go quietly and I've still got the scars to show for it."
Does she know that the song's about her?
"Probably not because I haven't spoken to her in over two years. But if she hears the 'less scratch marks on my back' line, she'll probably think, 'Yep, that was me!' I bet she still has bits of skin beneath her fingernails."
Are you expecting it to be your biggest hit to date?
"Well, the midweeks are looking nice so far, but anywhere in the top ten would be good because it's an improvement on the last one. I think it sounds like a top five, but I might not be well known enough yet."
How are you intending to celebrate?
"I'm not going to celebrate. I'm going to continue with the scrooge spirit instead! Even if I got a No.1 single, I'd probably just go to Pizza Express. There's no point celebrating until you've got a No.1 album."
Continue reading the interview on Digital Spy here
What's 'Won't Go Quietly' about?
"It's about an ex-girlfriend and how paranoid and delusional she was. That said, she had a femme fatale sort of thing about her which made me stay with her. She went in the end though, but she didn't go quietly and I've still got the scars to show for it."
Does she know that the song's about her?
"Probably not because I haven't spoken to her in over two years. But if she hears the 'less scratch marks on my back' line, she'll probably think, 'Yep, that was me!' I bet she still has bits of skin beneath her fingernails."
Are you expecting it to be your biggest hit to date?
"Well, the midweeks are looking nice so far, but anywhere in the top ten would be good because it's an improvement on the last one. I think it sounds like a top five, but I might not be well known enough yet."
How are you intending to celebrate?
"I'm not going to celebrate. I'm going to continue with the scrooge spirit instead! Even if I got a No.1 single, I'd probably just go to Pizza Express. There's no point celebrating until you've got a No.1 album."
Continue reading the interview on Digital Spy here
Dandy Andy Popjustice's Song Of The Day
"This pop song starts off as one thing then turns into another thing.
Both things are good but the second thing - when the song immerses itself in elegant contemporary disco splendidness - is what propels 'My Lonely Valentine' into the realms of greatness.
There are various mixes but if you stick with the radio edit you'll be fine."
See the feature on Popjustice here
Both things are good but the second thing - when the song immerses itself in elegant contemporary disco splendidness - is what propels 'My Lonely Valentine' into the realms of greatness.
There are various mixes but if you stick with the radio edit you'll be fine."
See the feature on Popjustice here
Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Example's Lily Allen Tour Video Diary featured on NME.com
"The rapper sent us this behind-the-scenes video diary from his support tour with Lily Allen, full of live tunes and backstage debauchery" Click here to see the feature on NME.com
Thursday, 14 January 2010
KCAT featured on Music-News
"Unique, stylish, fashionable, feisty and edgy – KCAT demands attention in everything she does and as her debut single, 'Boys Don’t Cry’ prepares to drop, she is sure to capture the attention of the music industry and music fans alike.
Born in North London, KCAT (pronounced as 'cat') has been performing from a young age and over the years has developed into an accomplished singer / song writer. Having proved her undeniable talent whilst featuring on Delinquent’s top twenty smash 'My Destiny' KCAT is now dazzling audiences up and down the country all on her own."
Click here to continue reading the full feature on Music-News
Example featured on The Chemistry Is Dead blog
"Won’t Go Quietly is about fancying a woman who is confident and strong but, at the end of the day, a bit mental and how Example can’t resist her despite the fact that he knows he should. He’s releasing some exceptional singles and you just get the impression that he completely gets what being amazing is all about. This is lyrically perfect, danceable and different from everyone else at the moment."
Click here to be whisked off to The Chemistry Is Dead, video for "Won't Go Quietly" below.
Click here to be whisked off to The Chemistry Is Dead, video for "Won't Go Quietly" below.
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
KCAT remixes featured on Arjan Writes
"KCAT's hyper infectious disco-pop ditty "Boys & Girls" gets a dance floor makeover from Christian Davies and Noizy Neighbor Pedro. Davies' revamp is a ferocious club stomper while Noizy Neighbor turns the sassy tune into a slow-churning dub step edit. The remixes help stir up momentum for the feisty London singer who will be releasing "Boys & Girls" as her debut single later this month. Have a listen and dance a little."
Click here to see the feature, downloads available below.
KCAT "Boys Don't Cry" (Christian Davies Remix) by Tomorrow Never Knows
Dandy Andy Ft. Carmen Castro "My Lonely Valentine" (Beardy Kids Remix) by Tomorrow Never Knows
Click here to see the feature, downloads available below.
KCAT "Boys Don't Cry" (Christian Davies Remix) by Tomorrow Never Knows
Dandy Andy Ft. Carmen Castro "My Lonely Valentine" (Beardy Kids Remix) by Tomorrow Never Knows
Tuesday, 5 January 2010
UK Critics Albums Of 2009 - Chart Of Charts Updated!!
Q Magazine and Alt Sounds have published their top 50 albums of 2009, so we've added them to the existing polls from the NME, MusicOMH, Drowned In Sound, Uncut, The Guardian, The Quietus, God Is In The TV and Gigwise. If we've missed any out please let us know - we wanted to do UK publications and websites only.
1st place on a poll gets 50 points, 2nd place 49 points, down to 50th place which receives 1 point.
There are 229 albums in the chart, here are the top 50 so far;
Position / Points / Artist / Album
01) 459 - Animal Collective "Merriweather Post Pavilion"
02) 384 - Wild Beasts "Two Dancers"
03) 366 - The XX "The XX"
04) 351 - The Horrors "Primary Colours"
05) 348 - Grizzly Bear "Veckatimest"
06) 342 - Manic Street Preachers "Journal For Plague Lovers"
07) 332 - Fever Ray "Fever Ray"
08) 331 - Yeah Yeah Yeahs "It's Blitz!"
09) 300 - Fuck Buttons "Tarot Sport"
10) 290 - Dirty Projectors "Bitte Orca"
11) 250 - Arctic Monkeys "Humbug"
12) 238 - Phoenix "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix"
13) 222 - Florence And The Machine "Lungs"
14) 201 - Bat For Lashes "Two Suns"
15) 183 - The Flaming Lips "Embryonic"
16) 159 - Noah And The Whale "The First Days Of Spring"
17) 148 - Mumford And Sons "Sign No More"
18) 143 - Jamie T "Kings & Queens"
19) 142 - Future Of The Left "Travels With Myself And Another"
20) 136 - Micachu & The Shapes "Jewellery"
21) 131 - Sunn 0))) "Monoliths & Dimensions"
22) 129 - The Prodigy "Invaders Must Die"
23) 126 - The Maccabees "Wall Of Arms"
24) 120 - Health "Get Color"
25) 119 - La Roux "La Roux"
26) 115 - Sonic Youth "The Enternal"
27) 115 - The Big Pink "A Brief History Of Love"
28) 115 - The Low Anthem "Oh My God, Charlie Darwin"
29) 114 - PJ Harvey And John Parish "A Woman A Man Walked By"
30) 114 - Muse "The Resistance"
31) 110 - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart "The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart"
32) 102 - Doves "Kingdom Of Rust"
33) 98 - Lady Gaga "The Fame Monster"
34) 97 - The Decemberists "The Hazards Of Love"
35) 96 - Wilco "Wilco"
36) 95 - Kasabian "West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum"
37) 92 - Girls "Album"
38) 89 - The Dead Weather "Horehound"
39) 80 - The Joy Formidable "A Ballon Called Moaning"
40) 79 - St Vincent "Actor"
41) 78 - Metric "Fantasies"
42) 74 - Biffy Clyro "Only Revolutions"
43) 74 - Memory Tapes "Seek Magic"
44) 72 - tUnE-yArDs "BiRd-BrAiNs"
45) 72 - The Hidden Cameras "Origin: Orphan"
46) 72 - Mos Def "The Ecstatic"
47) 69 - Lily Allen "It's Not Me, It's You"
48) 69 - Bill Callahan "Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle"
49) 68 - Cold Cave "Loves Comes Close"
50) 68 - The Temper Trap "Sweet Disposition"
1st place on a poll gets 50 points, 2nd place 49 points, down to 50th place which receives 1 point.
There are 229 albums in the chart, here are the top 50 so far;
Position / Points / Artist / Album
01) 459 - Animal Collective "Merriweather Post Pavilion"
02) 384 - Wild Beasts "Two Dancers"
03) 366 - The XX "The XX"
04) 351 - The Horrors "Primary Colours"
05) 348 - Grizzly Bear "Veckatimest"
06) 342 - Manic Street Preachers "Journal For Plague Lovers"
07) 332 - Fever Ray "Fever Ray"
08) 331 - Yeah Yeah Yeahs "It's Blitz!"
09) 300 - Fuck Buttons "Tarot Sport"
10) 290 - Dirty Projectors "Bitte Orca"
11) 250 - Arctic Monkeys "Humbug"
12) 238 - Phoenix "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix"
13) 222 - Florence And The Machine "Lungs"
14) 201 - Bat For Lashes "Two Suns"
15) 183 - The Flaming Lips "Embryonic"
16) 159 - Noah And The Whale "The First Days Of Spring"
17) 148 - Mumford And Sons "Sign No More"
18) 143 - Jamie T "Kings & Queens"
19) 142 - Future Of The Left "Travels With Myself And Another"
20) 136 - Micachu & The Shapes "Jewellery"
21) 131 - Sunn 0))) "Monoliths & Dimensions"
22) 129 - The Prodigy "Invaders Must Die"
23) 126 - The Maccabees "Wall Of Arms"
24) 120 - Health "Get Color"
25) 119 - La Roux "La Roux"
26) 115 - Sonic Youth "The Enternal"
27) 115 - The Big Pink "A Brief History Of Love"
28) 115 - The Low Anthem "Oh My God, Charlie Darwin"
29) 114 - PJ Harvey And John Parish "A Woman A Man Walked By"
30) 114 - Muse "The Resistance"
31) 110 - The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart "The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart"
32) 102 - Doves "Kingdom Of Rust"
33) 98 - Lady Gaga "The Fame Monster"
34) 97 - The Decemberists "The Hazards Of Love"
35) 96 - Wilco "Wilco"
36) 95 - Kasabian "West Ryder Pauper Lunatic Asylum"
37) 92 - Girls "Album"
38) 89 - The Dead Weather "Horehound"
39) 80 - The Joy Formidable "A Ballon Called Moaning"
40) 79 - St Vincent "Actor"
41) 78 - Metric "Fantasies"
42) 74 - Biffy Clyro "Only Revolutions"
43) 74 - Memory Tapes "Seek Magic"
44) 72 - tUnE-yArDs "BiRd-BrAiNs"
45) 72 - The Hidden Cameras "Origin: Orphan"
46) 72 - Mos Def "The Ecstatic"
47) 69 - Lily Allen "It's Not Me, It's You"
48) 69 - Bill Callahan "Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle"
49) 68 - Cold Cave "Loves Comes Close"
50) 68 - The Temper Trap "Sweet Disposition"
Saturday, 2 January 2010
The Dirty Disco feature as guest bloggers on ElectroQueer!
The Dirty Disco share their favourite tracks of 2009 with ElectroQueer;
Kelis - "Acapella"
I am really into clean and minimal production at the moment. If you use the right sounds you don't need to ram the track. This David Guetta produced number places Kelis amid a mesmerizing techno landscape; a new terrain for Kelis, but one that she sounds extremely happy in. As much as I miss the "I hate you so much right now" Kelis of yesteryear that you wouldn't want to fuck with, this new direction is indeed a very pleasant surprise. This Kelis sounds like someone that I could enjoy a nice cup of tea with without fear of being smacked in the face. From the gargantuan tearing detuned synth to the silky vocals that hark back to Donna Summer this track is effortlessly the winter antidote for S.A.D. (Adam.K)
Florence and The Machine – "Rabbit Heart"
Now this is a TUUUUNE! I remember first hearing this and thinking this was the modern day Annie Lennox, as I think that is the only person you can compare Florence's voice to. It’s amazing, and in my opinion the biggest tune of 2009, it seems like everyone is into it, and her, and rightly so...Lungs, incredible album. I love how this is more of an organic sounding track, and I love that harp! The song is really well structured and composed, how it drops down from the verses before kicking back into the chorus, and that floaty, dream like middle 8...just beautiful. Adam and I were fortunate, and cheeky enough, to break into a secret show of hers and catch the whole set from the side stage, literally feet away from Florence It was epic! Incredible voice and wicked band. We love it so much we have even done our own little version of this track, which have just unleashed. Download the Mp3 for free NOW! (Olly Dexter)
Deadmau5 – "Strobe"
“So what is this?” I thought to myself upon initially hearing "Strobe". The track opens with a 3-minute dreamscape of the piano and bowed ensemble variety; so vulnerable and heartfelt that it would tug on the most stone-like of heartstrings. Granted, after the initial emotional offering comes the inevitable '4 on the floor' kick drum, snatching me from the brink of (metaphorically) floating away. But fear not! After a short build, I am revisited by the lush melody of the intro, only this time, rather than floating in on distant pianos, it tears through the speakers, riding on saw waves. Epic. My main love of this track (besides the great production, beautiful melody and twisting builds) is seeing; or rather hearing; a genuinely emotional and ego-stripped track being unleashed by one of the top producer/DJs in a genre normally stereotyped as being generic and soulless. I literally LOVE this track. (Kyle Mackenzie)
The Temper Trap - "Sweet Disposition"
One feels that this track is the best we are going to hear from The Temper Trap. I just get a vibe, probably an unjustified one. I’m not being rude; it’s just how I feel. Which is a shame because this track really does put me in a good place. It takes me to a place where I meet "the girl". We take a bunch of 'shrooms and dance around a field together happy as Larry, hand in hand. I really have found bliss. Then the song ends, and to my hearts discontent, it's just my cat Muffy that I am holding. She looks at me as if to say “Put me down you freak and give me some Whiskas. I’m sick of this Tesco crap you keep bringing home.” (Adam.K)
Ellie Goulding - "Under The Sheets"
The first time I heard this track I actually heard the subtly Dubby ‘She Is Danger’ remix, which I advise you listen to; those girls are also ones to watch for 2010! I'm still a big fan of the original. There is a nice balance of live instrumentation that fuses nicely with the synths and vocal effects. Ellie's vocals alone are unique, fluttery and almost vulnerable. I like the simplicity of this song and how it gently drives itself along but not at an unbearable speed. As for Ellie herself, you wouldn’t say no! I look forward to hearing more from her. (Olly Dexter)
Read the full feature on ElectroQueer here
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