Tomorrow Never Knows...

"Pressure" Nadia Ali, Starkillers & Alex Kenji

2011-11-01T15:58:00.002Z

‘Pressure’ by Nadia Ali, Starkillers & Alex Kenji is a former beatport number 1 and spent most of the summer bubbling in the beatport Top 10 as it became one of the year's undisputed biggest club and festival tracks of 2011, played by Swedish House Mafia, Dirty South, Tiesto, Thomas Gold, Avicii, Armin Van Buuren, Kaskade, Calvin Harris and well, you get the picture. In the US it's gathering pace on dance radio, hitting the dance airplay top ten and climbing the iTunes dance chart.

Pressure is the result of a multi-national dance supergroup comprising New York singer Nadia Ali, who rose to prominence in the early naughties with Iio's worldwide hit ‘Rapture’, Las Vegas native Starkillers and Italy's Alex Kenji - the final piece of the jigsaw is provided by Sweden's Alesso, who contributes the essential roof-raising remix.

Now shaping up for a Europe-wide surge (so far it's been available only at specialist DJ stores), Pressure is scheduled for UK release on November 21st with fresh mixes coming from Tim Mason and new dubstep talent Zomboy. Pre-order it from iTunes here

Follow Nadia Ali on Twitter @NadiaAli here, follow the Starkillers @StarKillers77 here, follow Alex Kenji @AlexKenji here, follow Alesso @ALESSOofficial here and finally, why not follow Delicious @SimplyDe1licious here. You can also become a fan on Delicious on Facebook here

A-Trak & Armand Van Helden present Duck Sauce "Big Bad Wolf"

2011-10-26T15:42:00.000+01:00

Here we give you the latest release from Duck Sauce “Big Bad Wolf”, out now on iTunes. The follow up to the UK number 3 “Barbra Streisand” which has sold close to 400,000 copies.

Armand Van Helden & A-trak could of easily taken Duck Sauce down the commercial disco route but they have done what they do best and given us a follow up single completely out of the ordinary and set to encapsulate the nation again.

A-trak started out as a hip-hop DJ winning the DMC World DJ Championship an incredible 5 times (the first aged 15). Since then he has managed to merge rap and electronic music via his label Fool’s Gold and has worked closely with Kanye West, Kid Cudi, DJ AM & Boys Noize.

Armand Van Helden is a household name and deservedly so. AVH has had countless number 1’s and created some of the biggest dance records and remixes EVER – You Don’t Know Me, Bonkers, My My My, Professional Widow etc.

Together they form a deadly duo and call themselves Duck Sauce.

“Big Bad Wolf” is already gaining a momentous amount of support with Zane Lowe declaring it the ‘Hottest Record In The World’ and heavyweight support from Annie Mac, Pete Tong, Fatboy Slim, Basement Jaxx, Steve Angello, Chris Lake, Calvin Harris, Cassius and many more.

You couldn’t escape their first single aNYway, it was an anthem in 2009 with DJ’s from across every genre smashing it out. In 2010 they returned with Barbra Streisand. Which as we know went onto worldwide success and who could forget the remarkable video that featured cameo’s from Pharrell Williams, Kanye West, Diplo, QuestLove, Todd Terry and many more!

Big Bad Wolf is one of those records that instantly captures you like ‘Barbra Streisand’ did, expect to see the Wolf Dance on the dancefloor!

Become a fan of Duck Sauce on Facebook here, or follow them on Twitter @DuckSauceNYC here

Lovelle Featured On Yahoo's OMG

2011-10-05T15:27:00.000+01:00

Ray Foxx featuring Lovelle "La Musica (The Trumpeter)" is OUT NOW on iTunes

If you've not yet heard of Lovelle you will have done soon. The London-born singing sensation has featured on Ray Foxx's single, appeared in glossy magazines, performed at Glastonbury...and yet still works part-time in New Look.

Here's the heads up on everything you need to know about this new star, from the girl herself.

Lovelle loves...

FashionI love furs. I also like jumpers - sometimes people say they can't wear certain things because they're curvy or skinny, but I think jumpers hanging off your shoulders always looks good. Leggings will always be in and you can accessorise them with pumps of brogues.

ShoesI always wear flats, although wedges are God's gift right now. They're the best thing in the world because they don't burn your feet. I love trainers. I can't count how many I have. I had to chuck the boxes out the other day because they were taking up so much room. I have a shoe rack with 40 pairs on and another cupboard full as well.

PerformingI like to talk to people. I like chatting with the crowd. My home space is when I'm with my guitarist, chilling, doing my versions of things and the fact people are coming to watch. I love doing things live with instruments. It's just a nice feeling, that's where my comfort zone is.

Amy WinehouseShe was 100% real. She never faked being anyone else. She got so far being herself and doing the msic that she wanted. I'd like to be like her in her honest presence and the fact she did the music she wanted. I never got to see her perform, but I saw her once in Oxford Circus. I was on the bus going to school and I couldn't get off. I was so upset.

Read the full interview - this is just an extract - on Yahoo's OMG here and the second part here

To find out more about Lovelle, visit her website here, follow her on Twitter here or become a fan on Facebook here.

The Chakras Announce New Autumn UK Dates

2011-10-04T16:43:00.000+01:00

Dublin quintet The Charkas are pleased to announce details of a string of UK shows later this month.

October21st – London, Barfly22nd – Manchester, Alter Ego23rd – Glasgow, Captains Rest30th – Southampton, Joiners

1st November – London, The Bowery

Tickets are on sale now through Seetickets.com and Ticketweb.co.uk and direct through the venues.

Find out more about The Chakras on their website www.thechakras.co.uk, follow them on twitter @TheChakras here or become a fan on Facebook here

The Chakras 5 Out Of 5 Album Review On Music News

2011-09-26T15:32:00.000+01:00

The Chakras debut album "Build Me A Swan" is out now, download it from iTunes here

"After releasing a promising single earlier in the year (acclaimed by myself), The Chakras finally release their long awaiting debut album Build Me a Swan. Delivering honest, heartfelt indie, The Chakras have lived up to their promising billing with their LP.

Starting off with the soft-toned Movement the band immediately grab your attention with a well crafted keyboard based number, combining elements of Keane & Snow Patrol on the way but managing to steer clear of letting their influences define the group. The bands ability to create different songs throughout the album as the next track Build Me a Swan is guitar based, sounding similar to so many great contemporaries but delivered in such a way The Chakras truly stand out on their own.

The whole album is a great body of work, offering constant subtle variations that make the album flow perfectly. The slow tempo’d Nothing is Forgotten is the standout from the LP, although to be frank anything from Build Me a Swan could claim this title."

This is just an extract, read the full review on Music News here

Find out more about The Chakras on their website www.thechakras.co.uk, follow them on twitter @TheChakras here or become a fan on Facebook here

The Chakras

2011-09-13T11:45:00.002+01:00

Beverley Knight Performing In A Hot Air Ballon for Virgin's Red Room!

2011-09-06T15:14:00.000+01:00

Watch Beverley Knight performing "Cuddly Toy" in an airbourne hot air balloon for Virgin's Red Rooms below, which also featured on Virgin Music's homepage. Below that you'll also find an interview also filmed up up in the air, in that beautiful balloon.

Queen of British Soul Beverley Knight has been one of the UK's most consistent artists over the past 15 years, scoring several top 10 albums, including the platinum selling Voice: The Best Of Beverley Knight. She has been awarded an MBE for her services to British Music and Charity, three MOBOs and her staggering live performances have gained her a legion of fans including Prince, Stevie Wonder, Take That and Jamiroquai. Her latest album 'Soul UK' sees her paying tribute to the British soul artists who inspired her, including Soul II Soul, Omar and Roachford.

To find out more, visit Beverley Knight's website here, follow her on Twitter here, and become a fan on Facebook here

Beverley Knight Featured On YouTube Homepage

2011-08-30T15:07:00.000+01:00

Beverley Knight's video playlist exploring UK Soul past, present and future is on the YouTube Music homepage

Watch the playlist, featuring Jamiroquai, Dionne Bromfield, Soul II Soul and others click below

To find out more, visit Beverley Knight's website here, follow her on Twitter here, and become a fan on Facebook here

Edei "Forget You Too" (reply to Cee Lo's "Forget You")

2011-07-20T22:22:00.003+01:00

From Edei: "Forget You Too (FU2) - how did it come about? Well, a few months ago I did a You Tube cover of Cee Lo Green's 'FU' which I was also performing in the live set with the band, and it occurred to me that I was always singing the story from a male point of view, so I thought it would be cool to write the female side of the story... cos we all know there's ALWAYS 2 sides to every story!! So I made this which I thought might make you smile! So, this is my answer back - 'FU2'. Edei x"

Visit Edei's website here www.edei.co.uk, become a fan of Edei on Facebook here, and follow her on Twitter @EdeiMusic here. Check out the lyrics to Edei's "Forget You Too" here.

Watch Edei's cover of Cee Lo Green's "Forget You" below;

The Chakras "Drifting"

2011-07-12T21:35:00.001+01:00

“Epic, swirling psychedelia that recalls Richard Ashcroft’s gang at their peak.” – Q

“Doves-esque soaring melodies” – The Times

The Chakras release their new single, ‘Drifting’ through Planet Function Records on the 1st August 2011.

This young Dublin born, London based five piece commenced their journey almost two years ago, with an early show supporting Ian Brown in Dublin. Brown immediately gave the wide-eyed but confident Irish chaps two enthusiastic thumbs up, and thus begins their story.

Led by brothers Rocky and Gordo Whittaker, but soul mates since their days at school, The Chakras were hell bent on writing music that evoked some sort of reaction. Raised on a diet of Soul In Heaven era Verve self-belief, and Jesus and Mary Chain’s wanton fuzz, the band took an early hazy blueprint of how they wanted to sound and immediately removed anything that might interfere with their creating of it. They killed off long-standing relationships, resigned from the day-jobs and cut local ties, moved to London and have here made a record that took those noisy, hissing 8-track bedroom demos and transformed the very same songs into swirling, guitar-heavy anthems.

‘Drifting’ is the sound of The Chakras experimenting with their most potent weapons, the voice of Rocky Whittaker and the groove-laden, propulsive rhythms of his band. It’s a huge sounding track and one that could propel The Chakras into the public’s consciousness with a impulsive swagger. It’s as infectious as anything, and a big klaxon call to this exciting new Irish act.

Tracklisting: Movement/Build Me A Swan/Beautiful Sorrow/Slowdive/ Drifting (Take A Walk Inside)/We The People/Blinded/ Make It Tonight/Dark Horizon/Nothing Is Forgotten/End: Beginnings

The Chakras are: Rocky Whittaker (vocals), Gordo Whittaker (guitars/vocals), Richie McArdle (guitars), Bryan Pepper (keys, harmonium), Ian Kane (bass/vocals)

Become a fan of The Chakras on Facebook here, and follow them on Twitter @TheChakras here - visit the bands website www.TheChakras.co.uk here

Sugarscape "Remember The Reason 4 From Last Year's X Factor?"

2011-07-03T21:55:00.000+01:00

WELL THEY’RE BACK AND THEY AINT HALF BAD!!

Last year on X Factor a group of tattooed builder types called The Reason 4 sailed through the auditions and off to Simon Cowell’s swanky house. Then One Direction came along and became the boy band equivalent of an atomic bomb.

The Reason 4 however have managed to brush off the X Factor and One D debris and come back in fighting pop form. Probably because they’re a man band.

They’re single is called Take It All and is proper anthemic and manly. A similar vibe to when Take That decided to be taken seriously as fully grown adult men.

The video is pretty cool too, in fact take out the cringe slow-motion turns……and they’re on to a winner.

Click here to see the piece in all its glory (and added photos) on Sugarscape

Become a fan of The Reason 4 on Facebook here, follow them on Twitter @TheReason4 here and visit their website here

BBC Review Beverley Knight's Soul UK

2011-06-30T21:47:00.000+01:00

"The covers album is a noble tradition: a chance for an artist to pay tribute to their roots, to avoid writing any new material, and to present their listeners with songs that everyone knows they like already, because they’ve heard them. From Bowie to George Michael, John Legend to Paul Weller, a covers set is a chance to tell people where you’re coming from and, often, to pause for breath while you work out where you’re going to next.

Beverly Knight is a brilliant soul singer, who grew up at a time when black British music wasn’t as united as it is in these days of grime riding high in the pop charts. High quality dance and soulful pop acts struggled to have more than one hit single, and very few – Rod Temperton’s Heatwave and Jazzie B’s Soul II Soul are notable exceptions – were able to maintain albums success and international fame.

Both those acts are referred to here on Soul UK. ‘Soul’ in this insistence is a fairly broad church, referring to the (generally brilliant) soul pop made in Britain over the last 30 years. As a testament to the often-overlooked music made in the days when RnB still meant Big Joe Turner, not Beyoncé, Soul UK is remarkably effective. The songs covered here are wide-ranging, from the Prince-like rock pop of Roachford’s Cuddly Toy to Heatwave’s gorgeous ballad Always and Forever. Knight’s memory and taste are impeccable – it’s nothing but a joy to hear Junior Giscombe’s Mama Used to Say or Princess’ Say I’m Your Number One again.

If there is a criticism of this album – which is certainly a record you’d be enormously hard-pressed to dislike – it’s that Knight doesn’t always find it easy to impose her personality on these well-known tracks. On the great Apparently Nothin’ – and despite an excellent rap break – she doesn’t add anything particular to the Young Disciples original. But when the arrangements and the vocals are given a touch of freshness, as in the Motown’ed-up cover of Cuddly Toy, Knight’s version breathes and her versatility is given room to roam. More of that (and a cover of Linx’s awesome Intuition) would have been nice here, but this is a good record"

Click here to see the review on the BBC website reviewed by David Quantick.

Visit Beverley's website here, become a fan on Facebook here, and follow her on Twitter here.

Stonefield Featured On Sourmash

2011-06-20T22:05:00.002+01:00

"Have you ever wondered what classic Rock ‘n’ Roll would sound like performed by four young sisters from Australia? Just me then! Well Stonefield are exactly that and a powerhouse of a band they are too. This is their debut EP entitled ‘Through The Clover’ and it has to be one of the more fascinating releases I have encountered this year.

Stonefield are Amy Findlay (Lead Vocals and Drums), Hannah Findlay (Guitar), Sarah Findlay (Keys) and Holly Findlay (Bass).
In 2010 they won triple j’s Unearthed High competition, which led to two songs ‘Through The Clover’ and ‘Foreign Lover’ being played on high rotation on the J’s. An invitation to play at One Movement in Perth saw the band play in front of thousands of industry folk and fans and has led to a spot on the 2011 Glastonbury and The Great Escape line ups. For the last year they have gained critical acclaim in their native Oz, but are making their way around the globe one small step at time.

So what of their debut release, well ‘Through The Clover’, their title track, was the first thing I heard and a big part of why I am writing about them today. Considering their age they seem to encapsulate that true 70s Soulful Rock n Roll spirit to a staggering degree, its mind-blowing! ‘Through The Clover’ is a colossal homage to the old school greats. Powerful shredding guitar solo’s, simple but engulfing beats and mesmerising sultry vocals from the eldest Findlay sister, Amy. Put it this way, I could listen to it non-stop, for days on end, it’s that damn good. It leads on to the smooth sounds of ‘Foreign Lover’, which is what I imagine a magic carpet ride would sound like. Wrapped up in these wonderful ‘Doors’ inspired organ sections and scaling captivating vocals, that weave in and out through a sublime wall of sound..."

Continue reading this feature on Sourmash by clicking here, this is just an extract

To become a fan of Stonefield on Facebook click here, to follow them on Twitter, click here

The Chakras Live Review On Entertainment Focus

2011-06-08T21:44:00.003+01:00

"Irish band The Chakras came down to Hoxton Square supporting Royal Bangs tonight and managed to garner a decent crowd for their set. We'd noticed that lead singer Rocky was sporting a striped sailor style shirt which the lead singer of Sydney band The Holidays was also sporting. We're not sure if that fashion faux pas was planned but that was the only hiccup of the night as the band delivered a really rousing set of anthemic rock music.

The five piece barely had room to move around on the tiny Hoxton Square stage but lead singer Rocky was on fire. The band played a great set of anthems that included Beautiful Sorrow and current single We The People. We particularly likedBeautiful Sorrow which had a huge rocky sound and a great driving drumbeat and spacey keyboards whilst We The People was a dramatic piece with a big chorus.

Lead singer Rocky has a real charismatic presence onstage as he belts out each song, engrossed in his performance. His voice has a real strained edginess that reminds us of fellow (now defunct) Irishman JJ72.

The band played a few more songs to end their set and again provided some great rock material and we have to heap praise on their keyboardist also for providing some of the lush keyboard layerings on their songs. Their sound certainly filled the tiny Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen with ease and we feel they're destined for much bigger venues than this.

This band might not be all that big yet but we think they have a sound that will catapault them into the limelight very soon"

See this excellent live review in all its glory on Entertainment Focus right here. To find out more about The Chakras visit their website www.thechakras.co.uk like them on Facebook here and follow them on Twitter here @TheChakras

Lovelle Featured On New Look Daily

2011-06-08T21:34:00.004+01:00

"20-year-old Londoner and New Look employee Lovelle, is set to become one of the hottest new names in British music this summer with the release of her debut single ‘Uh-Oh’. Lovelle is already building a huge buzz within the music industry with supporters including the likes of Trevor Nelson on 1Xtra. She also happens to look super cool too! We caught up with Lovelle to find out more about her personal style..."

Click here to see Lovelle featured on New Look Daily plus an interview

Find out more about Lovelle on her website www.LovelleOfficial.com and follow her on Twitter @LovelleOfficial just back there.

Digital Spy Exclusive : Beverley Knight Unveils 'Mama Used To Say' video

2011-06-01T22:43:00.002+01:00

"Beverley Knight has unveiled her new music video for 'Mama Used To Say' online. The 38-year-old singer released the clip for her new single - a cover of the 1982 hit by Junior - which appears on her upcoming album Soul UK.

'Mama Used To Say's video was shot at the Porchester Hall in London back in April and features footage of the one-off intimate concert Knight played. Knight recently announced that she will embark on an 11-date UK tour later this year.

Beverley Knight's 'Soul UK' tour dates are as follows:

November 14 - Liverpool, Philharmonic
November 15 - Leamington Spa, Assembly
November 16 - London, Royal Albert Hall
November 18 - York, Barbican
November 19 - Preston, Guildhall
November 20 - Manchester, Bridgewater
November 22 - Wolverhampton, Civic
November 23 - Nottingham, Royal Centre
November 24 - Salisbury, City Hall
November 26 - Gateshead, Sage
November 27 - Bristol, Colston Hall

Soul UK is due to be released on July 4. Watch the video for Beverley Knight's new single 'Mama Used To Say', which is out on June 20, below"

Click here to see the feature Digital Spy

Sugarscape "Stonefield. They're Here To Change Your Life"

2011-05-23T21:05:00.007+01:00

Suddenly hanging around in the shed seems cool not weird.

Nothing emphasises our misspent youths more than the frickin’ awesome Australian rock band, Stonefield.

Made up of the four Findlay sisters, Amy (21), Hannah (18), Sarah (15) and Holly who is only 13, the girls discovered they could rock our socks off when they started bashing a drum kit in their shed. Bashings soon turned into super sweet sounds influenced by Led Zeppelin, Frank Zappa and Jimi Hendrix.

Jesus, we spent time chopping our sisters’ hair off and pushing them off bikes.

After playing gigs and festivals throughout Australia, the UK has finally caught on to their brilliance and the girls have been asked to play Glastonbury, which might just be the coolest thing for any band to do EVER.

Er hello coolness, where have you been all our lives?

If you have functioning ears and therefore think Stonefield rock, then you can get Through The Clover on a five-track EP of the same title, out June 20th.

For more info on the band, check out http://www.myspace.com/stonefieldtheband

Love these girls? Then tell us about it here why don’t you.

Click here to see the feature on Sugarscape

NME "10 Tracks You Have To Hear This Week" Ft Lovelle

2011-05-23T20:52:00.002+01:00

"The debut single from 20-year-old Londoner Lovelle launches itself at you, all gut-pummelling bass dollops and clattering beats. Anchoring the whole thing is Lovelle’s versatile voice – one minute cooing softly, the next reading the riot act. Unbelievably, she’s currently unsigned"

Click here to see the feature on NME.com

RWD Feature Lovelle's "Uh Oh"

2011-05-20T21:13:00.000+01:00

"Lovelle’s got A&Rs in a spin with her debut single Uh Oh which is featured in a global Max Factor ad. We can see why"

Click here to see the feature on RWD

Lovelle's A64 for SBTV

2011-05-18T21:16:00.000+01:00

"Newcomer Lovelle brings some nice summer vibes to this acoustic session.."

Click here to read Lovelle's blog and click here to visit the excellent SBTV

Beverley Knight's A64 for SBTV

2011-05-16T21:20:00.002+01:00

Beverley Knight is back with a brand new single 'Mama Used To Say' out on June 27th 2011. Taken from her brand new album 'Soul UK' out on July 4th 2011.

Click here to visit SBTV, click here to become a fan of Beverley Knight on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter here

Stonefield "Through The Clover"

2011-05-10T22:21:00.004+01:00

The four Findlay sisters have stepped out of their rehearsal shed in the Victorian hills with a sound that quite simply rocks! Zappa and Zeppelin inspired, 70s soulful rock ‘n roll and stellar song writing are the reasons these four very talented girls have everyone sitting up and taking notice. Amy, the eldest is on drums and lead vocals. Hannah’s on guitar, Sarah plays keys and backing vocals and Holly is the killer bass player/screamer. Stonefield may be a young band but these girls can play and their live show is blowing crowds away.

They’ve supported the likes of NERD, the Temper Trap. Cat Empire, Children Collide, and British India since forming the band in 2006, but 2010 has been their biggest year yet.

In 2010 they won triple j’s Unearthed High competition, which led to two songs ‘Through The Clover’ and ‘Foreign Lover’ being played on high rotation on the j’s. An invitation to play at One Movement in Perth saw the band play in front of thousands of industry folk and fans and has led to a spot on the 2011 Glastonbury and The Great Escape line ups.

Stonefield’s debut release ‘Through The Clover’ is a five track EP on Flock/PIAS on June 13th.

The band is now doing a select run of shows around Australia including the St Kilda and Pushover Festivals, Adelaide Fringe in the Spiegeltent, a residency at the Tote with Dandy Warhols drummer Brent DeBoers, Immigrant Union, Apollo Bay and Cherry Rock Festivals, before they headline the Northcote Social Club on April 1.

2010 was a breakthrough year for Stonefield with a nomination for a J Award. However with recent airplay in the UK and US beginning and preparations for Glastonbury, John Peel Stage, 2011 looks even bigger.

XFM have booked the girls in for a XFM Rock session and they will be playing a gig in London at The Enterprise on the 29th June.

Become a fan of Stonefield on Facebook here, and follow them on Twitter here.

The Plea "a band that is set to ignite the world" Entertainment Focus

2011-04-19T15:45:00.002+01:00

"I Am The Miracle is the brand new, stomping single from County Donegal indie brothers Denny and Dermot Doherty, drummer Gerry Strawbridge and bassist Paul Toland or otherwise known as The Plea.

The track, which comes back to back with the b-side Praise Be, is a welcoming introduction to a band that is set to ignite the world of indie with the acts debut record which sees its release later in the year and promises to be every bit the storming package as its first single proves to be.

I Am A Miracle is a fresh and brash indie number with swirling guitars and echoeing vocals that are reminescient of The Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft and comes fully equipt with a memorable and anthemic melody as catchy as indie records come. Vocalist Denny has an incredible voice on him as he sways from cool indie rocker on the lead single to wailing rock hero who shares unique vocal similarities with U2's Bono as he unleashes his angst out on Praise Be.

A fine start to a band who are quickly cementing themselves on the commercial radar."

Click here to see the feature on Entertainment Focus!

Become a fan on Facebook here, follow The Plea on Twitter here @thepleaofficial, check out The Plea on MySpace here.

Beverly Knight New Album "Soul UK"

2011-04-12T10:19:00.004+01:00

Beverley Knight will be releasing her highly anticipated 7th studio album on July 4th 2011. Entitled ‘Soul UK,’ the album is a celebration of UK soul music - the British songs and artists that inspired Beverley leading up to her own arrival on the UK scene in the mid 90's. It is a personal journey, curated by Beverley and delivered with her own unique soul/gospel style, through some of her all time favorite soulful tracks by British artists. As with her previous album, 2009’s acclaimed Top 20 scoring ‘100%’, ‘Soul UK’ will be released through Beverley’s own label Hurricane Records.

Produced by Grammy winning Martin Terefe (James Morrison, Jason Mraz) and hot London production duo Future Cut (Lilly Allen, Beyonce), ‘Soul UK’ sees Beverley paying respect back to her forebears - and reminding the new generation up and coming just who paved their way. Taking in songs from a range of iconic artists - from Soul II Soul and Loose Ends to Jamiroquai and George Michael, it also includes some of the more 'hidden' gems that make up British soul's highlights of the 80's and 90's, including Princess’s “Say I’m Your Number One” and Lewis Taylor’s “Damn”.

Knight says of the project: “I gave a lot of thought to choosing the songs I wanted to interpret for this album and it was great fun putting my own flavour and twist on tracks by some of the fantastic UK artists who preceded me and inspired me. A lot these artists opened doors for both myself and many others, and many of them are still going strong - so the album is, in part, a thank you to them. The UK is a world-beating producer of musical talent and this genre can sometimes feel overlooked and underplayed. I hope with this album that people can enjoy these songs all over again and in some cases discover them for the first time.”

The first taster from ‘Soul UK’ is a promo-only version of Soul II Soul’s club classic ‘Fairplay’, featuring an intro from Jazzie B himself, which will be serviced to clubs and specialist radio in April. Beverley’s version adds a fierce horn section and she owns it with some awesome one-take vocals. The first commercially available single is a storming take on Junior’s classic, ‘Mama Used To Say’, out June 20th.

Become a fan of Beverly Knight on Facebook here, follow her on Twitter here (@BeverlyKnight), watch videos and subscribe to Beverly's YouTube channel here!

Guilfest 2011 Announce N-Dubz & Ziggy Marley

2011-04-06T10:49:00.001+01:00

Award winning family festival GuilFest, now in its 20th year, features a line up more vibrant and eclectic than ever before! Established legends are joined by rising stars as more names are added to the 3 day festival with camping, set in the idyllic grounds of Stoke Park, Guildford. Organisers are delighted to announce the latest additions to this year's line up are N-Dubz and Ziggy Marley, joining already announced legends Razorlight, James Blunt, Erasure, Peter Andre and Public Image Limited.

Returning by popular demand, after providing what without a doubt was one of the highlights of last year’s festival are N-Dubz. Scheduled to play on the main stage on Saturday evening, the trio are sure to provide visitors to this year’s GuilFest with a fantastic show. With over 1.2 milllion albums sold, 100 million views on YouTube, 3 MOBO Awards, two sold out tours, 9 hit singles and even their own major TV series, N – Dubz can quite rightly lay claim to being one of the most successful urban acts ever to emerge from the UK - and collaborations with the likes of Tynchy Stryder, Mr Hudson, Chipmunk, Wiley and Gary Barlow have only helped N-Dubz with their prolific rise to superstardom. GuilFest organisers are delighted to welcome the band back to the Main Stage at GuilFest this July.

Ziggy Marley is confirmed for the Main Stage at GuilFest on Sunday 17th July. The eldest son of reggae legend Bob Marley, Ziggy began his musical career in 1979 as the frontman of Ziggy Marley and The Melody Makers, releasing eleven incredibly popular albums and earning three Grammy awards. Beginning his solo career in 2003 with ‘Dragonfly’, Ziggy continued his fantastic success and in 2006 won his fourth Grammy for Best Reggae Album, after releasing the critically acclaimed ‘Love is My Religion’. His 2009 album ‘Family Time’ saw Ziggy notch up his fifth Grammy for Best Musical Album for Children and featured collaborative work with Rita Marley, Paul Simon, Willie Nelson and Jack Johnson amongst many others. It’s great to have this true reggae icon at GuilFest for the first time this summer, for what is sure to be an amazing show!

The already incredibly eclectic GuilFest line up will continue to grow over the coming months to a massive 200 bands performing across 7 music stages over the 3 days of the festival. As regular visitors will know however, GuilFest is not just about the music and throughout the site there is a plethora of activities and shows to keep you entertained all weekend. Also on the site you will find the eFestivals' Cosmic Comedy Tent, returning with a fantastic line up of side splitting comics, The Man In The Moon Theatre Tent, featuring performances of everything from Burlesque Cabaret to Shakespeare, Ceroc Dance Tent, The 70s Disco, Farmer Giles Barn Dance, Massive 150ft Beer Tent, Art & Craft Village, The Eden People’s GuilFest Gallery, Calypso Cocktail Bar, Street Performers, Food Stalls from around the world, Our amazing Kidzone and brand new for this year, The Vintage Experience!! – All will be revealed very soon!

Remember that the Guildford Spectrum Leisure Centre and Lido are right next door – Bring your swimming togs and cool off by the pool between bands, or simply go for a refreshing shower!

GuilFest – the award winning, quintessential English Family Festival. The perfect place to enjoy 3 sunny days of music, fun and laughter.

The Chakras Featured On Hot Press

2011-04-04T16:48:00.003+01:00

Home support for The Chakras on Hot Press - click here to see the feature, and watch the well timed fan made video viral below.

"Dublin spiritually-attuned rockers The Chakras have re-swizzled their track 'We The People' for their upcoming debut album and the results are pretty epic! The track, which originally circulated in 2008 has been given a slightly more widescreen sheen, possibly the result of a recent mixing session with renowed producer Chris Potter which recalls not only 'Love is Noise'-era The Verve but other British heavyweights Kasabian and Muse with it's prominent breakbeat and stadium-ready chorus. It's all very exciting and with single and album details coming soon as well as information on summer live dates, expect to hear quite a deal more about this young band here! Until the single release date on May 2, enjoy this viral video of the track."

Pop Fodder ‎"The beginning of ‘I Am The Miracle’ is just… wow"

2011-03-28T16:54:00.002+01:00

"The Plea started off as the two Doherty brothers, Denny and Dermot (no relation to Pete) were working building sites as day jobs then touring the Irish pub circuit by night. After an American label signed them they created an album that sadly never got the recognition it perhaps deserved.

However, after grabbing the talents of drummer Gerry Strawbridge and bassist Paul Toland they got to work on more songs and whacked them on their myspace page, this caught the attention of Legendary Belgian Dance Label R&S Records and after long talks on Skype, the band were signed.

The beginning of ‘I am the Miracle’ is just… wow. The guitar into is fantastic, supported by well played drums. The vocals and lyrics are very catchy which is far from a bad thing as you are singing along after only 30 seconds of the track, and the singer can put those vocals to a variety of ranges it seems, which is rare these days in the music scene with most acts whole back catalogues sounding remarkably similar (talking to you Scouting For Girls). The lyrics go together well with the chords and the band as a whole just fit together effortlessly"

Click here to read the FULL review on Pop Fodder!

Become a fan on Facebook here, follow The Plea on Twitter here @thepleaofficial, check out The Plea on MySpace here.

Music News : The Plea "Destined for big things"

2011-03-28T16:49:00.003+01:00

"My first impression when listening to The Plea is that the band is destined for big things. Their debut single of I Am The Miracle might not offer anything fresh to the indie genre, but it contains all the catchy hooks you would normally associate with the likes of Oasis. The end result is more infectious than the T Virus.

Once thing you instantly notice from The Plea is how well produced their first release is, which is down to experienced producer Chris Potter to is renowned for working with Indie’s best, including U2, Blur and The Verve. Perhaps The Plea will eventually follow in their footsteps, and I Am The Miracle is certainly a strong start"

Click here to read the full review on Music News - this is just an extract

Become a fan on Facebook here, follow The Plea on Twitter here @thepleaofficial, check out The Plea on MySpace here.

The Plea's "I Am The Miracle" Looks STUNNING in HD

2011-03-24T11:40:00.002Z

The Plea "I Am The Miracle" HD from Planet Function on Vimeo.

Become a fan on Facebook here, follow The Plea on Twitter here @thepleaofficial, check out The Plea on MySpace here.

Tatiana "Spider Web" Featured On Pop Fodder

2011-03-24T11:34:00.005Z

‘Spider Web’ is one of those infectious pop songs you like straight from the word go, if the brilliant 7th Heaven Remix was played in any dance club across the UK it would have people jumping up and down singing the words even having never heard it before.

Sung by Tatiana Okupnik a solo artist from Poland and produced by Denis Ingoldsby and Andy Murray (both well respected producers who have worked with the likes of N-Dubz and Sugababes) it was clear this would be a radio friendly single aimed to appeal to the masses of casual clubbers out there.

She was in a band called Blue Café and toured throughout Europe until she went solo in 2006. Now five years later she’s got an album being released in May and has this single, as one of the stand out tracks from it.

Continue reading this feature on PopFodder.com right here

BBC News "Unsigned acts to get support during Surrey's Guilfest"

2011-03-24T11:19:00.002Z

BBC News feature on GuilFest including an interview with organiser Tony Scott;

The nights are getting longer, the sun is trying to shine and so we look forward to a long, hot summer of music and the festival season that comes with it.

While we are doing our bit on the radio to bring the freshest new talent from the South direct to your ears, one of the events which is working hard to champion the plethora of amazing unsigned acts in the area is Guilfest.

Taking place this year from 15 to 17 July, Guilfest 2011 looks to be the biggest one yet.

It will have over two hundred live acts and DJs performing on seven stages across the festival site in Guildford, including the Acoustic Lounge and the two unsigned LiveClub stages.

Organiser Tony Scott was involved in staging the very first Guilfest in 1992. He said: "We did the first one on a Bank Holiday Monday in August, as we weren't allowed to do the Saturday because it was a big shopping day in Guildford, and Sunday was a day of rest, so that was the only day we could do.

"The time was mid-day to 7 o'clock in the evening, with Peter Sarstedt as a headline act, and a fiver to get in."

While the 2011 headline acts include Public Image Ltd, Erasure and Razorlight, it is those smaller stages where you will find the best up and coming acts from the South - and you can say where you saw them first.

Previous festival-goers may have witnessed fledgling performances from The Darkness, Newton Faulkner, and even James Blunt's first gig, while popular local acts The Toniks, The Dirty Disco and Subsource have all graced Guilfest's stages"

To read the full feature on the BBC News website, click here.

Tickets are on sale now and are available online from www.GuilFest.co.uk, or by calling Seetickets on 0871 2301106

The Plea's Playlist Featured On MySpace Homepage

2011-03-23T13:08:00.002Z

The Plea's Playlist is currently featured on the MySpace Homepage - the compilation of 15 tracks includes The Rolling Stones "Gimme Shelter", The Verve's "Love Is Noise", David Bowie's "Heroes", Neil Young's "Like A Hurricane", Elvis's "Way Down" and "Crystal Ship" from The Doors, click here to listen to all 15 tracks on a MySpace pop out window.

The Plea "Praise Be" - download the full track for FREE here:
The Plea "Praise Be" by Planet Function

Become a fan on Facebook here, follow The Plea on Twitter here @thepleaofficial, check out The Plea on MySpace here.

Watch the official video for "Praise Be" here;

Tatiana Featured On Female First

2011-03-23T13:06:00.003Z

"‘Spider Web’ is the debut UK single by Polish superstar Tatiana Okupnik and is a perfect introduction to her individual style of power-pop and strong signature vocals.

Produced by Denis Ingoldsby (N Dubz, Girls Aloud, Sugababes, Eternal) and Andy Murray (Gary Barlow, Craig David, Alicia Keys) at Granary Studio in Kent, the single has been remixed by Jeremy Wheatley (Leona Lewis, Skunk Anansie, Duffy, Corinne Bailey Rae, Pixie Lott).

Born in Lodz in Poland, Tatiana grew up listening to Led Zeppelin and the best of western rock and pop on cassettes recorded from Radio Luxembourg and the BBC and was inspired by great vocalists such as Chaka Khan, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner and Robert Plant "The thing that unites the artists I love is that they understand big, emotional musical vocals. I would like to think that the emotional impact of my voice is big like some of my idols".

A former ballerina (Tatiana studied ballet at the National School of Ballet), when painful bones ended those dreams she focused her attention on her music.

As the lead singer of the Polish band Blue Café she enjoyed platinum records and became a massive star in her homeland and toured throughout central Europe."

There's more - this is just an extract - click here to continue reading this feature on Female First

Tatiana "Spider Web" Popjustice Song Of The Day "Once Again It Appears To Be Poppers O'Clock"

2011-03-22T10:15:00.004Z

From Popjustice;

"We don't know a great deal about Tatiana but if you were to force us to come up with some info off the top of our heads we'd say that ‘Spider Web’ is the debut UK single by Polish superstar Tatiana Okupnik and is a perfect introduction to her individual style of power-pop and strong signature vocals. Produced by Denis Ingoldsby (N Dubz, Girls Aloud, Sugababes, Eternal) and Andy Murray (Gary Barlow, Craig David, Alicia Keys) at Granary Studio in Kent, the single has been remixed by Jeremy Wheatley (Leona Lewis, Skunk Anansie, Duffy, Corinne Bailey Rae, Pixie Lott).

Born in Lodz in Poland, Tatiana grew up listening to Led Zeppelin and the best of western rock and pop on cassettes recorded from Radio Luxembourg and the BBC and was inspired by great vocalists such as Chaka Khan, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner and Robert Plant “The thing that unites the artists I love is that they understand big, emotional musical vocals. I would like to think that the emotional impact of my voice is big like some of my idols”.

Read the full feature on Popjustice here

The Plea "I Am The Miracle" Video

2011-03-17T21:05:00.002Z

The Plea's infectious sound is steeped in a rich musical texture of swirling guitars and lavish drum beats and with the release of their first single, the inspirational 'I Am The Miracle,' b/w 'Praise Be' are about to take the band on an amazing voyage of discovery, as they head into the dark, murky uncharted waters of rock 'n' roll, but not after earning their spurs the hard way.

The Plea are the brothers Doherty; Denny and Dermot from the small town of Ballyliffen, County Donegal who plied their trade busking on the streets of London, before moving to Boston, where by day they worked on building sites and by night our dynamic duo played the city’s bustling, Irish pub circuit. They spent a year in Minnesota after an American major label funded an album recorded in a big budget studio, but it never saw the light of day.

So in 2009, back in Ballyliffen, the brothers brought in drummer Gerry Strawbridge and bassist Paul Toland, wrote a batch of new songs and posted them on their MySpace page. Interest from labels was immediate, but one offer in particular intrigued them. The founders of legendary, Belgian, dance label R&S Records were so impressed by the songs and after lengthy discussions on Skype they signed the band and became their first ever rock signing.

The band have just finished recording their debut album with Chris Potter (The Verve, The Rolling Stones, U2) which will be released later this year, but in the meantime open your heart up to The Plea.

The Plea "Praise Be" - download the full track for FREE here:
The Plea "Praise Be" by Planet Function

Become a fan on Facebook here, follow The Plea on Twitter here @thepleaofficial, check out The Plea on MySpace here.

Watch the official video for "Praise Be" here;

GuilFest 2011 - Erasure, PIL, Peter Andre!

2011-03-16T09:39:00.004Z

Erasure, PIL and Peter Andre have all added to the GuilFest 2011 lineup 15, 16, & 17 July

Joining previously announced headliners:
James Blunt & Razorlight

Singer/songwriter Peter Andre is confirmed to headline the Good Time Guide Stage on Saturday 16th July. With numerous No.1 hit singles, a multitude of national and international awards, as well as sell-out tours throughout the UK, Europe, Asia and Australia and a plethora of television appearances, Peter Andre can genuinely be described as a household name. Soaring to fame in the nineties with his No.1 debut album ‘Natural’ and two No.1 singles “Mysterious Girl” and “I Feel You”, the singer has enjoyed a long and incredibly successful career, featuring many great achievements - including having the highest selling record of the nineties in his native Australia. Last year saw Peter releasing his seventh studio album, “Accelerate”, which debuted in the UK top ten, and led to a hugely successful arena tour. Organisers are delighted to welcome him to GuilFest for the first time this July for what promises to be a truly fantastic showcase of new and old material.

Public Image Ltd, the English post-punk outfit fronted by John Lydon, AKA Johnny Rotten, are confirmed to headline the Good Time Guide Stage on Sunday 17th July. Formed following the break up of the Sex Pistols in 1978, PiL are regarded as producing some of the most diverse music of the post-punk era, and are cited as one of the most innovative and influential bands in music history with their 1979 album ‘Metal Box’ being ranked in Rolling Stone Magazines’ greatest albums of all time. Their experimental sound fuses Rock, Dance, Folk, Ballet, Pop and Dub, and recent concerts have earned the band great critical and public acclaim. PiL are certain to provide a rocking end to the Good Time Guide Stage at GuilFest this year.

Erasure, the definitive synth-pop superstars, will be supporting James Blunt on the Main Stage at GuilFest on Sunday 17th July. Having sold a total of over 25 million albums worldwide, achieving twenty-four consecutive UK top 20 hits including seventeen UK top tens such as “Sometimes”, “Blue Savannah”, and “A Little Respect”, Erasure have established themselves as one of the most successful bands of their genre. With a brand new album planned for release this summer, Erasures’ debut performance at Stoke Park will definitely not be one to miss!
In the coming months, the already wonderful GuilFest line up will continue to grow with over 200 live acts and DJs performing on 7 stages across the festival site,including the now legendary Rock Cave, the Funky End Dance Tent, Acoustic Lounge and our two unsigned LiveClub stages.

Regular patrons will be well aware that it is not just about the music at GuilFest! All over the site you can find excellent entertainment such as the brilliant Man In The Moon Theatre Tent, featuring a wealth of diverse theatrical productions all weekend long. The eFestivals Cosmic Comedy Tent also returns this year with a fabulous yet to be announced line up of some of the best comedians in the business.

For the night owls amongst you, Farmer Giles' Barn Dance, the 70s disco, and The Ceroc Dance tent will keep you revelling ‘til the early hours. All this, as well as our massive 150ft beer tent, cocktail bars, food and drink from around the world, craft and clothes stalls, impromptu street theatre performances and much more besides!

Consistently nominated as the UK's Best Family Festival, GuilFest has, as you would expect, a fabulous Kidzone for your young ones to enjoy - featuring a brilliant children's theatre, face painting, fun rides, games, and costume making, culminating in a wonderful procession across the festival site on Sunday. Last year, there was even a special guest appearance by Peppa Pig and Barney the dinosaur!

Don't forget, the festival even has Guildford Lido right next door for anyone wishing to shower or cool off in the Olympic sized swimming pool

GuilFest 2011 really does looks set to be the biggest and best festival yet and tickets are selling very fast – So get your tickets quickly – you don't want to miss out!

Tickets are on sale now and are available online from www.GuilFest.co.uk, or by calling Seetickets on 0871 2301106

ElectroQueer : Exclusive Free Download: Tatiana "Spider Web”

2011-03-15T18:46:00.003Z

"There’s no stopping these Russians, I think they are determined to take over the world with their catchy pop and altogether excellent electro prowess. Do we stop them?…… no we don’t, we say bring it on!

Stepping up to her first touch at the UK market is already crowned Polish superstar Tatiana Okupnik spinning us a mega dance tune in the making “Spiderweb” with the help of polished remix house 7th Heaven productions.

Bouncy, tight, it’s more than alright, let’s say it’s immense and plenty to stomp your hoofs too!"

Click here to see the feature on ElectroQueer, and download the track!

Tatiana "Spider Web" Featured On Gaydar Nation & Entertainment Focus

2011-03-11T12:05:00.004Z

Click here to see the video on Gaydar Nation and here on Entertainment Focus

Introducing The Chakras "We The People"

2011-03-04T13:15:00.003Z

The Chakras "We The People" by Planet Function

First track from the new album "Build Me A Swan", to be released on Planet Function, a Rock / Indie subdivision of R&S Records, Belgium

Find out more about The Chakras, from their website www.thechakras.co.uk, become a fan on Facebook here and follow them on twitter here. They are also on YouTube here and MySpace here

The Plea "Praise Be" Video

2011-02-19T20:43:00.002Z

Tatiana "Spider Web"

2011-02-17T13:45:00.006Z

Tatiana's debut UK Single "Spider Web" released April 11th 2011, from the debut UK album "Spider Web" available from May 2nd 2011

"Spider Web" is the debut UK single by Polish superstar Tatiana Okupnik and is a perfect introduction to her individual style of power-pop and strong signature vocals. Produced by Denis Ingoldsby (N Dubz, Girls Aloud, Sugababes, Eternal) and Andy Murray (Gary Barlow, Craig David, Alicia Keys) at Granary Studio in Kent, the single has been remixed by Jeremy Wheatley (Leona Lewis, Skunk Anansie, Duffy, Corinne Bailey Rae, Pixie Lott).

Born in Lodz in Poland, Tatiana grew up listening to Led Zeppelin and the best of western rock and pop on cassettes recorded from Radio Luxembourg and the BBC and was inspired by great vocalists such as Chaka Khan, Janis Joplin, Tina Turner and Robert Plant “The thing that unites the artists I love is that they understand big, emotional musical vocals. I would like to think that the emotional impact of my voice is big like some of my idols”.

A former ballerina (Tatiana studied ballet at the National School of Ballet), when painful bones ended those dreams she focused her attention on her music. As the lead singer of the Polish band Blue Café she enjoyed platinum records and became a massive star in her homeland and toured throughout central Europe.

In 2006 Tatiana went solo and, in addition to graduating from university with fluent English, French and Spanish, she recorded an album in New York with jazz-funk legend Lenny White - ‘On My Own’ went gold on its 2007 release in Poland. Tatiana has also hosted two series of the Polish Dancing On Ice TV show and recorded a CD with Wyclef Jean.

The little girl who recalls having no shoes as a child and queuing each month for a ration of toilet paper (“we would have the paper on a chain around our necks; we called it the Polish Louis Vuitton bag”) has now cast her gaze to Britain. “Britain is the centre of European music. I love my Polish fans and, of course, I hope they love the new music, but I also hope I can reach out to a whole new audience here in the UK.” ‘Spider Web’ is the title track of Tatiana’s debut UK album; with the exception of the first single, the album was written and produced at Sarm West studios in London with Tim Hutton (Amy Winehouse, Bat For Lashes, Ian Brown and the man who, according to Andy Cato, “put the groove into Groove Armada”).

With nods to funk, jazz, soul and rock Tatiana has recorded “a classic pop album with great songwriting and a cool twist. I’ve put my heart and soul into it”. Her powerful voice is the common thread through a filmic record that houses the Latino and Eastern European influenced ‘World Of My Design’, singalong stadium pop (‘Supersize Love’ and ‘Poor Love’), smooth and summery jazz pop (‘Tranquility’ and ‘If I Was To Tell You’), funk (‘Bottom Line’), a Bassey-esque showstopper (‘Coming My Way’) and the laidback soul of (Been A Fool’).

Tatiana’s first UK performance will be at the Wardrobe Club in Leeds on March 3rd when she will premiere tracks from the album. Her powerful vocals and impressive range coupled with her massive stage presence make Tatiana and natural and passionate performer. "Performing live is what I love more than anything, and a big part of writing these tracks was imagining their live impact. These songs will really come alive in Leeds, and I can't wait.”

For more information about Tatiana, visit her website www.tatianaofficial.com

War Child Post Brits After Show Party!

2011-02-17T10:54:00.003Z

Highlights from the 2011 War Child Brits after party at Indigo2 in London. Featuring interviews and music from Mark Ronson, Boy George, Katy B, Ms Dynamite, Temper Trap, The Bees and plenty more.

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

For further information on War Child please visit the website www.warchild.org.uk, follow them on Twitter @WarChildUK or become a fan on Facebook here

The Plea "Praise Be" Featured in NME's Best Downloads This Week!!

2011-02-15T14:54:00.002Z

The Plea feature alongside The White Stripes, The Strokes, Pendulum, James Blake and Noah And The Whale in NME's Daily Download;

"This Irish rock band have drawn comparisons to U2, with frontman Denny's vocals sounding an awful lot like Bono's. You can download 'Praise Be' (the band's "warm up" track to their first proper single due out this March) below. The song was recorded during sessions the band recorded with Chris Potter (who's previously worked with Blur, The Verve, and U2 themselves). "

Click here to see the feature on NME.com

Temper Trap & The Bees join Mark Ronson to host post Brits Party in aid of War Child

2011-02-11T14:35:00.002Z

Mark Ronson hosts the post BRITs Party – in aid of War Child

**NEW NAMES ANNOUNCED**

The Temper Trap & The Bees

JOINING Mark Ronson & The Business Intl

February 15th at Indigo2. Tickets from £15.

War Child and O2 are proud to announce more names to the line-up for this year’s biggest and best post BRITs event, the War Child post BRITs party at Indigo2.

Brit Award nominees The Temper Trap will perform live. The act, up for International Breakthrough Act at the BRITs, are to perform a one-off UK date to support War Child. Their “Sweet Disposition” track is one of the anthems of the last few years and they are rightly regarded as one of the world’s hottest live bands.

Festival favourites The Bees will be the first act to perform, the perfect band to start the party with hits including ‘A Minha Menina’ and ‘Chicken Playback’.

As previously announced BRIT Award Best Male nominee Mark Ronson and his band the Business Intl will deliver an all-star set of hits from his ‘Version’ and ‘Record Collection’ albums. Inviting some very special guests along for the ride.

Mark Ronson says: "Being asked to play the War Child post-Brits show is such a giant honour. And since I'm guilty of YouTubing the 2009 clip of Coldplay and Gary Barlow doing "Back For Good" for War Child at least 180 times, I know we better pull off some magical moments".

This intimate event is at the Indigo2 and will start at 10pm immediately following the BRIT Awards. War Child is supported for the evening by O2.

This party also celebrates the fifteenth anniversary of War Child’s 1996 BRIT Award for its first album 'Help' and 15 years of their unique work with music. To mark these 15 years, tickets to the event are priced from just £15.

War Child thanks O2 for making this possible.

In the last two years alone War Child has held events which have raised over £500,000 for their vital work with children suffering the most brutal effects of war. These events have featured The Killers, Coldplay, La Roux, Plan B, Madness and Kasabian, with special guest appearances from the likes of Bono, Gary Barlow, Al Murray and Noel Fielding.

For more information on War Child go to www.warchild.org.uk
Tickets cost £15 standing, and £30 reserved seating. O2 customers can get Priority Tickets* from 11am Monday 7th Feb, for further information visit www.O2Priority.co.uk.
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 9am Tuesday 8th Feb and can be booked through www.ticketmaster.co.uk

The Plea "Praise Be"

2011-02-10T21:09:00.000Z

Mark Ronson & The Business Intl host post BRITs Party in aid of War Child

2011-02-07T11:43:00.004Z

Mark Ronson & The Business Intl
Ronson host the post BRITs Party – in aid of War Child
February 15th at Indigo2

War Child and O2 are proud to announce BRIT Award winner Mark Ronson is to host this year’s biggest and best post BRITs event, the War Child post BRITs party at Indigo2. Inviting some very special guests along for the ride.

This intimate event is at the Indigo2 and will start at 10pm immediately following the BRIT Awards. War Child is supported for the evening by O2.

BRIT Award Best Male nominee Mark Ronson headlines with his band the Business Intl to deliver an all-star set of hits from his ‘Version’ and ‘Record Collection’ albums.

Mark Ronson says: "Being asked to play the War Child post-Brits show is such a giant honour. And since I'm guilty of YouTubing the 2009 clip of Coldplay and Gary Barlow doing "Back For Good" for War Child at least 180 times, I know we better pull off some magical moments".

This party also celebrates the fifteenth anniversary of War Child’s 1996 BRIT Award for its first album 'Help' and 15 years of their unique work with music. To mark these 15 years, tickets to the event are priced at just £15. War Child thanks O2 for making this possible.

In the last two years alone War Child has held events which have raised over £500,000 for their vital work with children suffering the most brutal effects of war. These events have featured The Killers, Coldplay, La Roux, Plan B, Madness and Kasabian, with special guest appearances from the likes of Bono, Gary Barlow, Al Murray and Noel Fielding.

The post-BRITs party is a celebration of great live music and the power of music to change people’s lives. All ticket proceeds will go to aid War Child's work with children in war zones across the world. War Child is an official charity partner of the BRIT Awards.
For more information on War Child go to www.warchild.org.uk
Tickets cost £15 standing, and £30 reserved seating. O2 customers can get Priority Tickets* from 11am Monday 7th Feb, for further information visit www.O2Priority.co.uk.
Tickets go on sale to the general public at 9am Tuesday 8th Feb and can be booked through www.ticketmaster.co.uk

*Priority Tickets are subject to availability, terms apply.

Mark Waddington, CEO, War Child, says:
“This event is another sign of the amazing commitment from British music to support the vital work War Child does. We won a BRIT Award fifteen years ago for the ‘Help’ album, and since then artists have been standing up to say that children should not be the victims of war. It’s great to be a partner of the BRITs and we’re really delighted that Mark Ronson is hosting this special night. Music can really make a difference.”

Sally Cowdry, Marketing Director at O2 said: "
'We're really proud to be working with War Child for the third year. Two hugely successful years at O2 Shepherds Bush Empire is a tough act to follow, but we’re really excited to be bringing the experience to The O2 for the first time and are confident this will be our best year yet. It's always fantastic to be able to offer our customers Priority Tickets to the best gigs in the country but when it's for such a good cause it makes it that little bit extra special."

A Live Nation presentation
For accreditation please visit the Live Nation Press website http://press.livenation.co.uk/ and apply on line, please note tickets for this event are very limited

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

For further information on War Child please contact: 0207 916 9276, press@warchild.org.uk

ABOUT O2
• Telefónica O2 UK Limited is a leading communications company for consumers and businesses in the UK, with 22 million mobile customers and over 700,000 fixed broadband customers as at 30 September 2010.
• Telefónica O2 UK Limited is part of Telefónica Europe plc, a business division of Telefónica S.A. which uses O2 as its commercial brand in the UK, Ireland, Slovakia, Germany and the Czech Republic, and has 55.3 million customers across these markets.
• In 2006 Telefónica Europe acquired Be, the UK fixed broadband provider, and in October 2007 O2 launched its broadband service using the Be network.
• O2 is the naming rights partner of The O2, the world-class entertainment venue.
• O2 employs around 11,000 people in the UK and has 490 retail stores.
• In October 2010 O2 was voted the UK’s best mobile network by the readers of both What Mobile and Mobile Choice magazine.
• O2 was ranked highest in customer satisfaction for both UK mobile and fixed broadband customers according to the J.D. Power and Associates UK Mobile and Fixed Broadband Studies 2010.
• O2’s UK mobile network covers 99% of the UK’s population. O2’s 3G network covers over 84% of the UK population and is fully HSDPA-enabled, providing speeds of up to 7.2 Mbps for customers with an HSDPA-enabled device.
• Telefónica Europe also owns 50% of Tesco Mobile, which operates in the UK and Ireland, and 50% of Tchibo Mobilfunk in Germany.
• For further press information about O2 go to www.o2.co.uk/news

For all O2 enquires contact; Sally Beamand, Tel: 07734 096 300 Sally.beamand@O2.com

ABOUT LIVE NATION:
Live Nation’s mission is to maximize the live concert experience. Our core business is producing, marketing and selling live concerts for artists via our global concert pipe. Live Nation is the largest producer of live concerts in the world, annually producing over 22,000 concerts for 1,600 artists in 33 countries. During 2008, the company sold over 50 million concert tickets and drove over 70 million unique visitors to LiveNation.com. Live Nation is transforming the concert business by expanding its concert platform into ticketing and building the industry’s first artist-to-fan vertically integrated concert platform. The company is headquartered in Los Angeles, California and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange, trading under the symbol LYV. For additional information about the company, please visit www.livenation.com/investors.

Rob Cowen And The Dissidents Q's Track Of The Day!

2011-02-04T11:47:00.002Z

"Thankfully avoiding the worst clichés of modern folk, The Heartlands' title track is a fairly simple, but irrevocably effective, example of more being more. Centred around a three-chord verse, it kicks off with a vengeance, with Cowen's fleeting lyrics offering a rather unfavourable view of urban life. Pounding drums and none-more-folky harmonies are omnipresent, while a subtle army of instruments are incorporated one by one during quiet bits/loud bits before it all escalates into a pummelling coda of 'we all need somebody to believe in/down in the heartlands'. Epic folk? Wave folk? Or just folk rock? You decide.

Where they previously were hovering close to New Jersey and stadium rock, it seems RC&TD have now taken a step towards the heart of new American folk, edging closer to the likes of Band Of Horses and Ryan Adams. They might have to endure a few comparisons to Scotland's Kassidy - although without the requisite Fleetwood Mac tag - but The Heartlands is the sound of an emerging talent combining the best of two worlds."

Click here to see the full feature on Q and click here to be a fan of Rob Cowen & The Dissidents on Facebook

Introducing The Plea "Miracle"

2011-02-02T13:24:00.001Z

The Plea "Miracle" by Planet Function

Find out more about The Plea from their Wiki page here

Archangel "Hero's Welcome"

2011-01-28T12:56:00.006Z

Archangel "Hero's Welcome" by Tomorrow Never Knows

First new Archangel since the fantastic debut album "How To Lose Your Best Friend" - this is "Hero's Welcome" and it'll be featuring in Grey's Anatomy, in the episode "Don't Deceive Me (Please Don't Go)" transmitting in the US on Thursday 3rd February, and available on iTunes here. A newly repackaged album "How To Lose Your Best Friend" also featuring "Hero's Welcome" is available on iTunes here.

Archangel is the brainchild of Nick Webber, a young man from Oxford with a strong will and a warped imagination who spent a year and a half going quietly mad in the wilds of Wiltshire as he recorded his masterpiece aka the soundtrack of his life. The collection of tracks in question are magnificently overwrought and dramatically fashioned songs that explore the lexicon of love with an epic sweep and neon glow that will remind you of all your favourite 70s and 80s groups while sounding utterly contemporary. Archangel are where ABC meet Arcade Fire.

Nick’s obsessive determination to handle the production as well as vocal, guitar, piano, electronic keyboard, synth-bass and percussion duties, which meant he’d have to literally press “record” and run to the drum kit or the guitar and start playing.

Debut album “How To Lose Your Best Friend” originally released in early 2010, now features a brand new track “Hero’s Welcome” as heard in the TV Show Grey’s Anatomy.

“Inventive heartfelt electro pop” The Guardian, critics gig of the day

“brooding, tetchy art-rock – it’s warm and infectious” NME’s “10 Tracks You Must Hear This Week”

“If he can stick to this formula, a winning one, and add the more complex twists that distinguish the good artists from the great, he’s a big future on the horizon. 4or The Record

“A twisted little genius of a band that are well worth looking out for” The Beat Surrender

“If you're ever feeling a bit apathetic and a bit down because you're lacking creativity, then you'd be best advised not to listen to this record because it would probably only make it worse. Archangel is the offspring of Nick Webber, who devised and performed this entire debut album, and consuming this beast will probably make the best of us feel slightly useless and insignificant. Saying that, the ingenuity of this possible magnum opus-to-be deserves to be celebrated” Click Music

Nick Lloyd Webber, the eldest son of Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber, is currently developing a new English-language stage musical based on the French literary classic The Little Prince, due to open in 2011.

GuilFest 2011 - Razorlight

2011-01-26T08:13:00.008Z

GuilFest organisers are delighted with their latest ‘Golden Touch’: confirmation that this year’s Saturday night headliners will be maverick indie rock outfit RAZORLIGHT!

Fronted by outspoken lead singer Johnny Borell, Razorlight are one of the key guitar bands of the last decade, having sold over 4 million albums, performed to sell-out crowds on arena tours and festivals, and featured on the front cover of magazines from NME to Vogue. Formed in London in the summer of 2002, the band shot to fame with their critically acclaimed 2004 debut album, ‘Up All Night’, reaching number 3 in the UK charts, and spawning no less than 5 UK top 40 singles including seminal classics “Somewhere Else” and “Golden Touch”.

Continuing their incredible success story, the bands’ self-titled second album debuted at number 1 in the UK, and featured the number 1 single “America”, leading to NME award nominations for ‘Best Band’ and ‘Best Album’, as well as BRIT Award nominations for ‘Best Song’ and ‘Best British Band’. ‘Slipway Fires’, Razorlight’s third album, got to number 4 in the UK album charts, featured the hit single “Wire to Wire”, and was awarded album of the month by Q magazine.

2011 sees Razorlight releasing their fourth studio album, a few weeks before their sure-to-be spectacular performance on GuilFest’s Main Stage on Saturday night this July.

Razorlight join already announced superstar James Blunt, who will be headlining the Main Stage on Sunday 17th July. Over the coming weeks, many more announcements will be made about who you can see on all the stages at GuilFest 2011, including the Rock Cave and Dance Tent, as well as the top performers you can see in the Comedy and Theatre Tents and everywhere else at the festival this year.

As regular GuilFest visitors will know, you can expect a massively eclectic variety of music and entertainment across the many different stages at the festival, as well as great facilities such as the Kidzone - easily one of the best festival children’s areas in the whole country!

GuilFest is an award winning, family-friendly festival with a wonderful atmosphere by which other festivals have come to be judged. 2011 is sure to be the biggest and best year yet – don’t miss out. Tickets are now on sale and are available on-line at www.guilfest.co.uk or by calling See Tickets on 0871 230 1106

For up to date news and information as it happensfollow GuilFest on Twitter here, or become a fan on Facebook here

UPDATE:
Fantastic coverage for the festival and the band, as this photo was the first to show the new line up - the reaction on Twitter was enough to make it a trending topic on 26th Jan, and make them one of the most talked about Festival headliners of 2011 so far!! The coverage included NME.com, The Guardian, BBC Radio One's Newsbeat, Gigwise, The Fly, Subba Cultcha, I Like Music, The Quietus, XFM, CMU Daily, Metro, Clash Music and The Sun

#GuilFest2011

Edei Interviewed By Thunderbolt Kid Music

2011-01-24T11:38:00.003Z

Fresh from touring with JLS, Edei was nice enough to answer a few questions that some of you guys had sent to me via Twitter. Her single, Loved, has just been released so pop onto iTunes and get it. Be sure to check out some of her acoustic covers on Youtube, especially the cover of Forget You by Cee-Lo Green. Good stuff. (Also, she went to the same school as me, sooo yeah.)

How did you find touring and spending time with JLS? Any highlights? It was so much fun… the boys are awesome and they made everything so easy and fun! We also got on with the other support acts so well, so it was just an amazing vibe every day! My highlight was definitely playing Wembley!

When’s your album being released? The single “Loved” is out now and the album will be out soon… that’s all I can say as we don’t have a date yet!

Will you be touring soon? I hope so! That’s all I ever want to do… I love being on the road and performing every night, it’s such an adrenaline rush! So yeah, I hope I will be… I’m just waiting to hear on another support acts and we’re also trying to put together a university tour which would be really fun.

Read the full interview (this is just an extract) on Thunderbolt Kid Music here

Edei's new single 'Loved' is out RIGHT NOW, get it from iTunes here!!

Visit Edei's Website here www.edei.co.uk/, become an Edei fan on facebook here and follow Edei on Twitter here

ElectroQueer Interview MartinSolveig

2011-01-24T10:57:00.002Z

Martin Solveig is one cool cat. His latest track "Hello" sees the famous French DJ team up with Dragonette on one of the catchiest dance jams of the year - seriously it get's the crowds moving. EQ caught up with Martin to talk about how he ended up collaborating with Dragonette, how he manages to maintain life as an international DJ, getting his grandmother to do promo for him and why the UK has always been a tricky area for him.

EQ: Hi Martin - how are you today?
Martin Solveig: Good, thanks, it’s a pleasure to be here with you. I’m in Italy, just performed “Hello” yesterday with Martina from Dragonette for a huge TV show here! And I’m also in Milano to play for the Fashion week.

So I love the whole idea of the tongue-in-cheek tennis story around your new releases like "Smash" and "Hello". Why did you decide to do webisodes for your new music videos?
Thanks! I’ve always been very interested by cinema and that’s how I decided to direct most of my music videos. But with the new SMASH project I wanted to take it to the next level as my ‘manageur’ Lafaille would say – it’s a very different approach from my previous albums, combining music and video at the same time, as I feel nowadays that you really have to give people more than just records. With SMASH I’m telling a whole story that would be a distortion of my reality with a mix of real characters, situations and absurd elements and figures. The episodes and the records all work together, the videos bringing people into my universe with at the end the release of the SMASH album.

As someone who is immersed and originates from the French music scene - how is it different than the UK music scene?
The UK has always been a tricky territory for me. I believe it works around the music you produce and some years ago I did experience a burst of interest when "Rocking Music" and "Everybody" did well. We’ll see what happens with "Hello", it’s doing well and it seems the UK is ready to welcome me back. Obviously I am excited to be doing things there again.

Read the full interview (this is a mere extract) on the fantastic EQ here!

Rob Cowen And The Dissidents "Joyriders"

2011-01-24T10:45:00.003Z

After enjoying air time on BBC6 Music, the band have added a stripped down rendition of the track 'Joyriders'.

Catch the band live at the following dates;

17th February 2011 CARGO, Shoreditch, London
10th March 2011, Water Rats, King's Cross, London

Find out more about them on their blog here, follow them on Twitter here, and become a fan on Facebook here

The Little Prince : Gordon / Lloyd Webber / Reid collaboration at Lyric Belfast Christmas 2011

2011-01-20T12:07:00.007Z

THE LITTLE PRINCE joins opening season at the Lyric Belfast
Gordon / Lloyd Webber / Reid collaboration to be staged for Christmas 2011

The world premiere of a new musical adaptation of Saint-Exupéry’s THE LITTLE PRINCE by director Mick Gordon and composers Nicholas Lloyd Webber and James D. Reid will be the Christmas production in the opening season of The Lyric, Belfast’s new flagship theatre, announced at a press launch at Belfast City Hall today. THE LITTLE PRINCE is scheduled to preview from 1st December and run until 15th January 2012 at the new venue, which opens to the public on May 1st after a two year, £18.1 million rebuild, and will be presented by The Lyric Belfast and new production company Lamplighter Drama.

After receiving the approval of the Saint-Exupéry estate and the French publishers Editions Gallimard for the project, the creative team, including Belfast native Gordon, have been working on the book and score since last summer while they were collaborating on THE TEMPEST for Oxford Shakespeare Company. Casting details for THE LITTLE PRINCE have yet to be announced.

THE LITTLE PRINCE was published in 1943, a year before the aviator author died in the Second World War, and became an instant classic that appeals to adults and children alike and has been translated into 180 languages. It tells the story of a pilot crash landing in the desert who encounters a boy from an asteroid who tells him his adventures through the solar system and the characters he has met on the way.

LAMPLIGHTER DRAMA has been founded by Emma Randle (Executive Producer) and Charlotte Lloyd Webber (Executive Director) and is dedicated to the creation and production of new and imaginative theatre of many genres. Their name is inspired by their first production:

“Perhaps, the lamplighter is absurd. However… at least his work has some meaning. When he lights his streetlamp, it is as if he brought one more star to life, or one more flower. It is a beautiful occupation. And since it is beautiful, it is truly useful” (from The Little Prince, translated by Irene Testot-Ferry).

More info:
Lamplighter Drama and the Lyric Theatre Belfast present the World Premiere of
THE LITTLE PRINCE by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Music & Lyrics by Nicholas Lloyd Webber and James D. Reid
Book by Mick Gordon
Directed by Mick Gordon
Stage Design by Igor Vasiljev
Costume Design by Maja Mirkovic
Sound Design by Linus Fellbom
At the Lyric Theatre, 55 Ridgeway Street, Belfast, BT9 5FB
Run: 1st December 2011 – 15th January 2012.
Box Office (tickets on sale from Monday 24th January, 10am): (028) 9038 1081

Find out more about The Little Prince from Wikipedia here

Introducing The Plea "Praise Be"

2011-01-19T18:35:00.001Z

The Plea - Praise Be by Planet Function

Edei Interview Featured On Entertainment Focus Homepage

2011-01-19T13:22:00.002Z

"First catching our attention with the monster pop ditty, In My Bed, rising pop sensation Edei is back with her latest Motown infused single, simply titled, Loved.

Discovered by the team who developed fellow Brit superstar Joss Stone into a globally recognised artist, 22 year old Londoner Edei is a force of talent to rival the best on the British scene at the moment and the singers latest release is a testiment to that.

Edei's booming vocals resonate throughout Loved like a soul diva in the making with just the right touch of pop commercialism to get the songbird recognised on the mainstream chart scene. Enigmatic harmonies are delivered courtesy of Mary J Blige's Motown influenced backing singers bringing a funky, nostalgic vibe to the song which sets it apart from the singers pop counterparts.

Edei can definitely sing, there is no doubt about that. Loved provides the perfect arena for the songstress to give her talents a full workout trading belting vocals and whispery tones similar to that of Leona Lewis."

Click here to see the full feature and interview on Entertainment Focus

Edei's new single 'Loved' is out RIGHT NOW, get it from iTunes here!!

Visit Edei's Website here www.edei.co.uk/, become an Edei fan on facebook here and follow Edei on Twitter here

Rob Cowen And The Dissidents (1000th TNK Post!)

2011-01-19T13:14:00.003Z

This is our 1000th blog post - and a fitting band to write about - Rob Cowen And The Dissidents - this is Sleeping In The Woods, taken from the forthcoming 5-track 'The Heartlands EP', a free download of the track is available here

“Like The Boss circa Born To Run, pounding and big guitars layered underneath big choruses, bigger harmonies and a well-placed glockenspiel on this heartfelt track of stadium-sized, singalong-friendly and intoxicatingly engaging anthems" Q Magazine

Catch Rob Cowen And The Dissidents live at the following dates;
17th February 2011, CARGO, Shoreditch, London
10th March 2011 Water Rats, King's Cross, London
22nd March 2011 Cafe 1001, Brick Lane, London
2nd July 2011 Nibley Festival, Cotswolds

James Blunt Confirmed For GuilFest Sunday 17th July 2011

2011-01-13T19:03:00.003Z

Sensational singer/songwriter James Blunt is confirmed for a headline performance at GuilFest 2011 on Sunday July 17th. James last entertained Guildford crowds as a little known artist back in 2004, and now three huge albums, two world tours and a string of prestigious awards later, organisers are delighted to welcome him back to GuilFest, this time taking his rightful place as headliner and closing the festival on the Main Stage.

James was catapulted to international superstardom with his incredibly popular 2005 album ‘Back to Bedlam’. The biggest selling album of the noughties, the record was bursting with massive anthems such as “You’re Beautiful”, “High” and “Goodbye My Lover”. This early success was replicated with his follow up album, 2007’s ‘All the lost souls’; which sold nearly 5 million copies globally, and featured such seminal hits as “1973”, “Same Mistake” and “Carry You Home”. 2010’s ‘Some Kind of Trouble’ debuted at number 4 in the UK, selling over 100,000 copies in its first week and its first two singles “Stay The Night” and “So Far Gone” have both been featured on BBC Radio 2’s A list.

With a catalogue of awards under his belt, including two BRIT awards for best pop act and best male vocalist, a Q award for best new act, 3 MTV awards, 5 Grammy nomination and many, many others, Blunt looks set to continue his amazing success well into 2011 and beyond and his appearance at GuilFest 2011 will most definitely be a show to remember.

Taking place over three days on the weekend of July 15th, 16th and 17th, GuilFest 2011 will feature 7 stages of live music, hosting an incredible 200 acts. Consistently voted as one of the UK’s top family festivals, GuilFest is known for its fantastically eclectic line ups and wonderfully laid back atmosphere. Famous stages such as the Rock Cave, the Dance Tent and the Acoustic Lounge will all be returning for the 2011 festival, cementing the fact that at GuilFest , there really is something for everyone.

And it’s not just about the music; all around the site you can find great attractions such as the hilarious Cosmic Comedy Zone, Man in the Moon Theatre tent, Farmer Giles Barndance, street theatre, delicious food and drink from around the world, enormous 150ft bar, cocktail bars and much more besides. For the younger guests there is the Kidzone, which last year featured performances from the one and only Peppa Pig! If you fancy a dip or a shower, right next door is Guildford Lido – a 50m outdoor swimming pool set in beautiful park lands, and Guildford Spectrum, a fully featured leisure centre with indoor swimming pools, ice rink, bowling alleys and lots more.

GuilFest – the perfect way to enjoy 3 days of great entertainment, sunshine and laughter this July.

Tickets are available now from GuilFest.co.uk / seetickets.com or by calling the ticket hotline on 0871 230 1106.
www.Guilfest.co.uk

Edei Featured On Hello Magazine's Homepage

2011-01-10T14:56:00.002Z

Edei's new single "Loved" (out 16th Jan, pre-order here) and her Behind The Scenes video from her JLS Tour support currently featured on Hello! Magazine's Home and Celebrities pages

Martin Solveig Popjustice Song Of The Day!

2010-12-22T10:24:00.001Z

"We first featured this epic collaboration back in June, but a few million YouTube views later and with 2011 - and the track's proper UK release - on the horizon we thought the full-on Song Of The Day treatment was in order. Such a brilliant tune"

Click here to see the feature on Popjustice

EQ : "Edei Dazzles On JLS Tour"

2010-12-13T10:34:00.002Z

Thanks to Raj from EQ for this brilliant review - see this feature in all its glory on EQ here. To find out more about Edei, visit her website www.Edei.co.uk here, become a fan on Facebook here, or follow her on Twitter here.

On Friday night I was invited down to the O2 Arena to see hot new pop vocal talent Edei perform as a support artist for JLS and as someone who has really appreciated her first two music videos for "In My Bed" and new single "Loved", I was really curious to see how she would handle the massive sellout crowds. Having only been gigging in some of London's more inimate venues just mere months prior, all I can say about Edei is that she totally owned that stage on Friday night and delivered one hell of an impressive set. And let's be honest here, all the little horny tween girls weren't really there to see Edei perform now were they?

What I love about Edei is that she's a confident, poised and polished performer. Her ability to bring a crowd into her world of fun horns, doo-woopy 1960s overtones and musical shoulder bopping fun is quite impressive. I didn't really notice it until I saw her live, but Edei has a Joss Stone quality about the way she performs - she's upbeat, energetic and loves what she's doing. Perhaps the highlight for people experiencing Edei for the first time that night was her rendition of Cee-Lo Green's "Forget You" which always commands a reaction when new artists perform it these days - you could literally see all the mobiles coming out to catpure the moment for YouTube.

All in all - I was amazed at how Edei handled the masses at O2 arena - she most certainly delivered and I hope that everyone who enjoyed watching her like I did on Friday night, goes out and seeks her music out. If you're a fan of Eliza Doolittle, then I'll just say this - you'll be a MEGAFAN of Edei - guaranteed.

Let's watch "Loved" again shall we...Oh, and JLS were quite good too.

The Dirty Disco "Storyteller" According To The Boy With The Thorn In His Side

2010-12-10T11:33:00.003Z

"What do we have here? A simply wonderful sound coming out of London town once again. A truly colourful and resonant noise that blends the beauty of glam as perfected by the likes of Bowie and Bolan with the endorphin-throttling pulses of electronic pop bliss. No. I’m not talking about 80s band Dead Or Alive. I’m referring to The Dirty Disco! The name is quite an appropriate description of the band’s sound as they truly do have the knack for working the listener up into a terrible sweat. I implore you to give a long listen or four to the band’s new single Storyteller for it’s one that brought a wide smile to my face when I gave it a few listens. It’s intense. It’s daring. It is one of the best sounds I’ve heard as the year draws to a close. The accompanying promotional film is pretty jarring as well but very well done in its ability to capture the viewer’s attention. I was so hoping that the band wouldn’t do anything to harm the little old man but alas… Bad Dirty Disco!!!
Hear it. Learn it. Love it. The single is out on the 31st of January."

Click here to see the post on The Boy With The Thorn In His Side

Edei Featured On I Like Music

2010-12-07T12:27:00.003Z

22-year-old Londoner Edei is set to be one of the faces to watch in 2011 and releases her new single, Loved, through Alma Recordings on 16th January 2011. With her cool vocals, refreshingly independent spirit and style to match, Loved is a heartfelt slice of New York soul that mixes Motown influences with addictive melody and given a modern twist.

Edei has also been chosen to support JLS on the first half of their sprawling 30-date UK arena tour this winter, and her debut album Inside Information is due fo release in early 2011.

Live Arena Dates with JLS 2010
29 Nov - Aberdeen AECC
30 Nov - Glasgow Braehead
02 Dec - Liverpool Arena
03 Dec - Liverpool Arena
04 Dec - Cardiff Arena
06 Dec - Bournemouth BIC
07 Dec - Birmingham Arena
09 Dec - London O2 Arena
10 Dec - London O2 Arena
11 Dec - Nottingham Arena
13 Dec - Glasgow SECC
14 Dec - Aberdeen ECC
16 Dec - Manchester Arena
17 Dec - Sheffield Arena
18 Dec - Newcastle Arena
20 Dec - Manchester Arena
21 Dec - Birmingham Arena
22 Dec - London Wembley Arena
23 Dec - London Wembley Arena

Finally, Edei has also been added to the bill for the 3rd installment of the Music Week backed Breakout event at Camden's Proud Gallery on Weds 8th December. Tickets are free to Music Week subscribers and available to the general public for £5 (£3 presale / £4 w/flyer).

Click here to see the feature on I Like Music, visit Edei's website www.edeimusic.co.uk here, become a fan on facebook here, and follow her on twitter here

Edei's acoustic cover of Bruno Mars's Grenade

2010-12-06T08:58:00.001Z

Find out more about Edei, visit her website here, become a fan on facebook here, and follow her on Twitter here

Example Meets Dynamo

2010-12-03T10:33:00.001Z

Drake "Thank Me Later" Named BBC.co.uk's Best Album of 2010

2010-12-02T10:58:00.002Z

Welcome to the first part in a series of blog entries (running until Christmas Eve) presenting some of the best albums of 2010, from a host of writers and presenters involved with the BBC's Album Reviews service. In the coming days you'll find top fives from the likes of Gideon Coe, Bob Harris, Mike Harding and Steve Lamacq, as well as many from a selection of our great critics. But since it's muggins who commissions all of this coverage, I thought we'd kick off with my own top five. Anyone saying 2010 has been a bad year for music is clearly spouting pure poppycock, as cutting a list of 50-plus albums down to five was, to say the least, tough (but lots of fun). Enjoy...

1
Drake - Thank Me Later
Drake's debut is an album you either get to the extent where its content infects many a moment of your waking hours, or dismiss as a lightweight collection compared to his harder-hitting mixtapes. But to overlook this superbly articulate and brilliantly produced set is to pass on a record that takes male rapper braggadocio and pulps it, presenting instead a new talent with a wonderfully realised tender side. And he can actually sing, too.

Click here to see the feature, and to see the other albums in the list

War Child Exclusive Richard Ashcroft Gig Tickets!

2010-11-29T11:25:00.002Z

Richard Ashcroft has generously donated 50 tickets to both War Child and Oxfam for a one off intimate acoustic show at London’s Islington Union Chapel on 7th December 2010.

Playing solo, the set will incorporate a selection of old favourites and newer material in one of the capital’s most remarkable and atmospheric venues.

The 50 tickets are on sale for £55 each from http://tickets.over9stores.co.uk for more information about War Child visit their website www.warchild.org.uk/

Entertainment Focus's Roll Deep Album Review

2010-11-29T11:07:00.003Z

2010 hase been a prosperous year for 8 piece hip hop maestros Roll Deep and the success train doesn't seem to be running out of steam anytime soon as the flavoursome collective have this month released a definitive record of monster tracks in the form of their 4th studio album, The Winner Stays On.

Already having acheieved commercial and critical acclaim following the release of the outfits 2010 chart toppers, Green Light and Good Times, as well as latest single, Take Control, which enlists the smooth vocals of the nations RnB sweetheart, Alesha Dixon, Roll Deep are set to solidify their standing within the UK's hip hop scene as one of the years most celebrated breakthrough acts.

The Winner Stays On is the groups 4th record. With almost a decade of creating masterful pieces of commercial hungry hip hop releases including the bands debut record In At The Deep End, this year has seen Roll Deep climb to new heights with their latest offering and have also been joined by an impressive array of guest musicians in their ambitious mission to make their mark on on the UK charts.

The Winner Stays On isn't just another rap record. Together with the outfits combination of expressive lyrics and quick and precise vocal delivery, the record is a showcase of the outfits ability to merge a number of genres including electronica, rap, dance, pop and grime to create one of the highlight albums of 2010.

Click here to read the full review on Entertainment Focus

Roll Deep's new album featuring the smash hit singles "Take Control", "Green Light" and "Good Times" is OUT NOW! Click here to download yours from iTunes

Stay in touch with Roll Deep on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and via their website http://rolldeepofficial.com

Edei Performs "Loved" for Balcony TV

2010-11-29T11:04:00.002Z

Click here to visit the Balcony TV website, click here to find out more about Edei

Edei "Loved" Sun Online Video Exclusive

2010-11-29T10:47:00.003Z

Edei gets Royal seal of approval

EDEI's had a colourful musical career so far. Not only did she sing with JAY-Z when she was just 10 years old, but she counts PRINCESS BEATRICE as one of her growing fan club.

As a child performer she sang the chorus from Annie on the rap mogul's Hard Knock Life on Top Of The Pops. The singer, now 22, performed a showcase of her songs in London earlier this week and the young Royal was amongst audience members.
Though she avoided speaking about the Royal wedding, Beatrice made time to comment on Edei.

She told me: "I think Edei is an amazing artist and her music is great." Agreed.
Also at the Gibson Studio in London was SAM BRANSON, son of Virgin owner RICHARD.
Edei performed several of her songs including forthcoming single Loved. She also sang a cover of PLAN B's Prayin, PIMP, Inside Information, Got Me By The Heart and In My Bed.
The response was so good, audience members cheered for an encore and she delivered with a cover of CEE LO GREEN's Forget You. The singer will be supporting JLS on their forthcoming tour.

She told me: "The showcase was such a fun night! We had a great turnout and the vibe was just perfect."
"I'm so excited to be hitting the road for the JLS tour. I actually ran into the boys last week- they seem like cool guys. I can't wait to be on stage performing- doing what I love best."
She's a right Royal knockout...

Click here to see the feature in all its glory on the Sun Online

The Dirty Disco "Storyteller"

2010-11-25T09:49:00.001Z

"The Dirty Disco is edgy, imaginative, smart, and so many other things a band needs to change the world, one song at a time. Drop your preconceived notions of what pop music is supposed to be and just surrender to their groove." Larry Flick, Sirius XM radio, Veteran Billboard Magazine Editor

Yahoo's 8 Out Of 10 For Roll Deep's Winner Stays On

2010-11-24T12:06:00.003Z

"It's safe to say that Wiley's reputation precedes that of his long-time crew Roll Deep's. Just count the reasons: those entertaining tantrums he throws, his retirements and eventual comebacks, his valid claim to the title of grime laureate and a breathless work rate that's nigh on impossible to keep tabs on. The short of it is, Wiley's a complex phenomenon who can broadcast his daily life in a live internet stream - doing little but eating pizza and chatting nonsense - and still keep us gripped.

He's incredibly loyal too. The Eski boy might be a fully-fledged pop star but he'll never, ever abandon his crew. "There's no I in team", rap Roll Deep here as Wiley leads them in a grime-pop masterclass. Crossover single ‘Avenue' showed they had it in them to hit radio A-lists, but recent number ones ‘Good Time' and ‘Green Light', both in attendance here, saw Wiley and Roll Deep serving notice to grime's most puritanical that they were ready to turn all their critical high regard into something that sells big.

‘Winner Stays On' will do just that. And yet it's blistering tuff-edged stuff that's no bloodless kow-tow to the chart. The popular ascent of Tinie Tempah and onetime Deep members Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Strydershows the public aren't afraid of black British youths rapping over grubby beats and bumping synths as they once seemed to be, so the compromises made here are far less than detractors might assume."

Read the full album review on Yahoo by clicking here.

Roll Deep's new album featuring the smash hit singles "Take Control", "Green Light" and "Good Times" is OUT NOW! Click here to download yours from iTunes

Stay in touch with Roll Deep on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and via their website http://rolldeepofficial.com

Raghu Dixit Post Later With Jools Appearance

2010-11-24T11:41:00.003Z

There has been a fantastic response following Raghu Dixit’s appearance on “Later... with Jools Holland” last week.

The performance was the very first Indian Indian (rather than British Indian) to have ever appeared on the program, and has resulted in Raghu's album going to the No.1 spot on the iTunes world music album chart, and the single “No Man Will Ever Love You, Like I Do” jumping to No. 2 on the iTunes World music downloads chart! He's also landed himself a slot at Glastonbury 2011 on the John Peel stage, and has been asked to score two new Bollywood movies!!

Watch "No Man Will Ever Love You, Like I Do" on Later below, visit Raghu's website to read all about his Later appearance here, and to buy your copy of the album from iTunes click here!

Edei's "Loved" Is Today's Record Of The Day!

2010-11-24T11:33:00.003Z

Following on from Monday's Music Week front cover, Edei is today's Record Of The Day!

"22-year-old Londoner Edei's sweet and soulful single Loved comes out Alma Recordings early next year. Chosen to support JLS on their pre-Christmas 19 date UK arena tour, Edei is managed by Brian Freshwater and Jackie Hughes, the team who discovered and developed Joss Stone. This single and her forthcoming album Inside Information (out April 2011) was co-written by Edei, her producer and co-collaborator Misreid and songwriter Conner Reeves. Loved was mixed by Tony Maserati (Beyonce, Black Eyed Peas). Edei's sound has recently been described as "heart-stopping, Big Apple-steeped soul" by Hattie Collins in RWD Magazine. A London showcase (tonight) precedes her tour with JLS. London gig: November 24, Gibson Studios W1 (19:00)"

Click here to find out more about Edei from her brand new website

Raghu Dixit Talks About His Appearance On Later … With Jools Holland!

2010-11-22T12:12:00.003Z

"The Background:

In any normal situation, I would have turned down the offer to travel half way around the world just to play a single song, a song that was not of my first choice, with a line up and sound that was not of my choice either!

But this was not any ordinary offer, it was an offer to perform that ‘one song of under 4 minutes’ on the biggest, massive TV show on BBC 2, ‘Later…with Jools Holland’. To add to that, I was to share TV time and the stage with legends like ‘Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin fame and his Band of Joy’, Mavis Staples and contemporary fire packed sensations like ‘Arcade Fire’, ‘Adele’ and ‘Mona’. Quick research showed that previous episodes of this show had legends like Eric Clapton, Paul McCartney and Kings of Leon, the show is watched by more than 3 million viewers over 100 countries on TV and online. The show is always packed with talents both legendary and the upcoming - the atmosphere electric, spiced with good old British humour by the host Jools Holland, who himself is an accomplished and revered musician.

There was no way to say no!"

Click here to read the full post on Raghu's blog and watch the fantastic performance on the iPlayer by clicking here or on an unofficial YouTube account below!

Edei's acoustic cover of Cee Lo Green's "Forget You"

2010-11-22T09:09:00.003Z

The Dirty Disco "Storyteller" Robots With Rayguns Remix

2010-11-17T22:30:00.002Z

Here's the new single from The Dirty Disco, the epic "Storyteller", remixed by Robots With Rayguns.

"it deals with my frustrations with the world and with myself" The Dirty Disco's Adam Boy explains; "among all the chaos in the world we are all also concerned with our own frustrations and our own desires".

"Storyteller" will be released on 31st January 2011, and with previous releases "Sista!" and "White Room" was mixed by Dylan '3D' Dresdow

The Dirty Disco "Storyteller" (Robots With Rayguns Mix) by Tomorrow Never Knows

Martin Solveig & Dragonette "Hello"

2010-11-16T18:47:00.002Z

Martin Solveig returns……….with a SMASH!

It’s the same man, the same producer, and he’s got the same quintessential attitude towards life and music as he ever had! We’re speaking about Martin Solveig of course, and he’s back with a brand new single, simply called ‘Hello’.

Of course, there is nothing ‘simple’ about this record, far from it; it’s brilliant, and as with everything the Frenchman does, comes with a jaw dropping video.

Let’s not forget Martin’s last release – the very lush and very pop ‘Boys & Girls’, a track that clocked up over 2 million hits on Youtube and brought to an end the ‘C’est La Vie’ chapter of his award winning career. It’s Martin’s affections for Dragonette that have led him to invite them back for this next record that once again feature Martina Sorbara’s untouchable vocals.

‘Hello’ is a funky, driving number, doused with chunky bass riffs, hypnotic grooving synths, skipping percussion and vocal hooks that will plant themselves in the mind of even the most cynical of critics all summer long.

The video is quite something else…

Set amongst the media furore of The Roland Garros French Tennis Open, ‘Hello’ follows the story of a DJ who is in training because it takes “a lot of skill and a lot of energy to become a DJ”. Spurred on by the off-the-wall plots of his manager, French DJ Gregory Darsa, Martin finds himself unwittingly staged on centre court for the match of his life against Bob Sinclar. Sinclar is a seasoned pro, and Martin’s inexperience on the court shows – that is, until the love of his life shows up. But things of course don’t always run so smoothly… all’s fair in love and war, right?

The new single, with its huge crossover appeal and popular structure, is firm evidence of Martin’s musical prowess, unstoppable energy and strong sense of humour as he delivers a shot of cynicism and good-hearted humour into the arm of pop music. This highly improbable match was shot on location in front of 12,000 spectators, the day before the beginning of the competition thanks to the exceptional kindness of the Roland Garros’ management. The extravagant duel was punctuated with unexpected but welcome interventions from real international tennis stars such as Novak Djokovic, Gaël Monfils, Olivia Sanchez, Mathilde Johansson and hosted by Nelson Montfort.

A breakthrough summertime smash, ‘Hello’ deserved a video with flair, passion and originality to rightfully catapult it forward. Welcome back Martin Solveig.

Martin Solveig & Dragonette "Hello"

2010-11-16T18:47:00.001Z

The Sun : Roll Deep And Ex-Top Gear Driver Ben Collins

2010-11-09T11:48:00.004Z

The full length video featuring Roll Deep and Ben Collins is now live and exclusive on The Sun Online website - to watch it and read the following article in full click here

COP a load of ex-Stig star Ben Collins - trying his hand at being a policeman in a pretty special type of squad car. The race ace was snapped jumping behind the wheel of a unique Lamborghini, complete with blues and twos. But don't worry, the former Top Gear star hasn't changed lanes and become a bobby on the beat. Driver Ben was throwing the swanky motor around a race track to mark the release of new computer game Need For Speed Hot Pursuit.

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit is out Nov 19th - get exclusive cars by pre-ordering the Limited Edition at GAME now http://www.ea.com/uk/hotpursuitgamele

Roll Deep's new album featuring the smash hit singles "Take Control", "Green Light" and "Good Times" is OUT NOW! Click here to download yours from iTunes

Stay in touch with Roll Deep on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and via their website http://rolldeepofficial.com

Example "Two Lives" Wez Clarke Remix Video

2010-11-09T11:05:00.004Z

'Two Lives' is yet another epic moment from the 'Won't Go Quietly' album, a heartfelt track that demonstrates Example's ability to write a love song with the best of them and deliver a signature killer chorus every time. The uplifting Wez Clarke remix leads the track firmly to the dancefloor and the video is directed by MJ Delaney, who found fame earlier this year as the director of one of the most talked-about virals of 2010, 'Newport State of Mind'. Telling the tale of a day in the two very different lives of the central character, it also depicts what might have been a very different life for Example - anyone recognise that busker?!

Example's new single 'Two Lives' is released on the 14th November, pre-order your copy from iTunes here, or why not buy the gold-selling album 'Won't Go Quietly' here

Catch Example supporting FAITHLESS on tour:
November 30: Bournemouth, BIC
December 1: Cardiff, CIA
December 3: Nottingham, Arena (National Ice Centre)
December 4: Manchester, MEN Arena
December 6: Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena
December 7: Glasgow, SECC
December 8: Sheffield, Motorpoint Arena
December 10: Birmingham, NIA
December 11: London, O2 Arena

Or on his UK headline tour in 2011;
February 22nd: Norwich UEA, Norfolk;
February 23rd: Preston 53 Degrees;
February 24th: Grimsby Auditorium;
February 26th: O2 Academy Newcastle;
February 27th: Barrowland Glasgow;
February 28th: Edinburgh HMV Picture House;
March 2nd: O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London;
March 6th: O2 Academy Birmingham;
March 8th: O2 Academy Leicester;
March 10th: Cardiff The Great Hall, Wales;
March 11th: Manchester Academy;
March 14th: Cambridge Corn Exchange;
March 15th: Yeovil Westlands Centre, Somerset;
March 16th: Southampton Guildhall;
March 17th: Brighton Dome

To find out more about Example and his fantastic live shows, go to www.trythisforexample.com and follow him on Twitter www.twitter.com/example

Roll Deep's Urban Takeover of I Like Music

2010-11-09T10:49:00.004Z

Roll Deep have been storming through the UK grime scene since their formation in 2002. Headed up by UK grime lord Wiley, the crew have a string of famous past members including chart toppers Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Stryder amd Skepta. Not that the crew need the efforts of past members to reach the top spot; 2010 has seen the crew burst from the underground and officially dominate the UK charts with their pop-led singles Good Times and Green Light.

I Like Music caught up with Manga, Scratchy and Breeze at Universal Records, their swish major label home. We chat about the grime scene, making tunes for a pop market, what we can expect from their fourth album Winner Stays On and why Roll Deep top trumps, hover boards and plastic chains are a very, very good idea.

"I Like Music because… the world would be very dead without it." BREEZE, ROLL DEEP

"I Like Music because… it's got me lots of free trainers." MANGA, ROLL DEEP

"I Like Music because… I get to express myself once and then hear it forever" SCRATCHY, ROLL DEEP

This is just an extract, to read the full feature on I Like Music click here!

Roll Deep's new album featuring the smash hit singles "Take Control", "Green Light" and "Good Times" is OUT NOW! Click here to download yours from iTunes

Stay in touch with Roll Deep on Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and via their website http://rolldeepofficial.com

Massive Attack release 'Atlas Air' EP in aid of War Child

2010-11-09T10:38:00.004Z

Massive Attack will release their ‘Atlas Air’ EP in aid of War Child, to mark the 15 year anniversary of our iconic ‘Help’ album, and to help celebrate 15 years of War Child and music working together to help change the lives of children living in war zones around the world.

This song was originally performed during Massive Attack’s 2008 live shows. The vinyl EP will be a limited edition 12” of 1,000 numbered copies with a painting by Robert Del Naja on the cover and crafted by The Vinyl Factory

The EP will feature:
A short film for ‘Atlas Air’, the final track on the ‘Heligoland’ album, by renowned filmmaker Edouard Salier. (Digital version only)
A Tim Goldsworthy (ex LCD Soundsystem/DFA) remix of ‘Atlas Air’
A new track entitled ‘Redlight’ remixed by Warp artist Clark
A remix of 'Atlas Air' by Jneiro Janel
All proceeds will go to War Child

To Pre-order the Atlas Air EP in aid of War Child from iTunes, click here or to get strictly limited edition vinyl copy, click here!

For more information about War Child and the work that it does, click here - follow War Child on Twitter here and become a fan on Facebook here. To donate to War Child right now click here

Roll Deep & Ben Collins In The Ultimate Hot Pursuit

2010-11-08T14:03:00.003Z

Need for Speed's Seacrest County Police Department have some new recruits (Roll Deep!!) but will they be able to shut down Ben Collins, pro racing driver, stunt driver and man formerly known as the Stig?

Watch from the behind the scenes as Urban Music Award winning and MOBO nominated Roll Deep burn rubber in their awesome Lamborghinis in a bid to keep the racer at bay. Will Seacrest County's finest shut him down or will their most wanted disappear in smoke?

Need For Speed Hot Pursuit is out Nov 19th - get exclusive cars by pre-ordering the Limited Edition at GAME now http://www.ea.com/uk/hotpursuitgamele

Roll Deep's new album featuring the smash hit singles "Take Control", "Green Light" and "Good Times" is OUT NOW! Click here to download yours from iTunes

Roll Deep Documentary Featured Exclusively On MTV

2010-11-08T11:31:00.001Z

The second part of the Roll Deep Documentary features exclusively on the MTV website - click here to watch it!!

Roll Deep Album Minimix Featured On Click Music

2010-11-08T11:23:00.002Z

Roll Deep have created a minimix of their forthcoming album 'Winner Stays On', due out on 8th November - click here to see the feature on Click Music

Roll Deep Featured On MSN Homepage

2010-11-05T11:20:00.000Z

The Behind The Scenes of the Take Control video features on the MSN Homepage! Click here to watch it

BBC Review Roll Deep's "Winner Stays On" Album

2010-11-03T14:39:00.003Z

As an underground group with commercial ambitions, you face a difficult hurdle: how to take an original, boundary-shifting but sometimes unpalatable sound and break it into a mass audience without spoiling the integrity of what you do in the process? It’s a hurdle that Roll Deep faced back in 2005 with the release of their debut album, In at the Deep End. A grime crew forged in the east London neighbourhood of Bow, Roll Deep have seen now-popular names like Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, Tinchy Stryder and 1xtra DJ Target rise through its ranks. For …Deep End, though, it turned out that snappy grime numbers like When I’m ‘Ere lacked the commercial appeal of crossover tunes such as The Avenue and Shake a Leg.

Roll Deep, then, have evolved into a curious – albeit not terribly uncommon – thing: a grime crew that doesn’t play grime. Their fourth album, Winner Stays On, is, flagrantly, a pop album, and the good news is that they’re getting better at it. Good Times, which hit number one in the charts back in May, is excellent: a deliberately glitzy celebration of kicking up one’s heels, tales of high-street consumerism and clubbing propelled upwards on ecstatic synth bumps and a yearning chorus courtesy of Jodie Connor. Both Take Control (complete with a vocal from Alesha Dixon) and Green Light, a Calvin Harris-style pop bounce that wraps cheeky mating-game raps around a Green Cross Code-friendly metaphor, stick to a similar formula – and while this is obvious stuff, it’s certainly well-done.

Elsewhere, there are a couple of moments that hark back to Roll Deep’s grime genesis. Out the Blue finds Scratchy, Breeze, Brazen and Wiley dropping rhymes over booming sub-bass. And while Team is not exactly lyrically spectacular – it features Wiley’s habitual fall-back of ending every line with the same word – it smashes it through busy, zig-zagging synth and sheer force of numbers. More quality grime would be nice, but Winner Stays On proves Roll Deep are no longer an underground crew trying to make pop: the charts are there for the taking.

Click here to see the review in all its glory on the BBC website

First News Readers Ask "What Are Roll Deep Scared Of?"

2010-11-03T14:36:00.002Z

Web Editor Nic went to meet Roll Deep's Scratchy, Breeze and Manga to ask them YOUR interview questions, Manga couldn't resist flicking through the latest copy of First News.

However - he hadn't banked on there being a massive spider picture on Crazy But True!

Watch the video below, or click here to visit the fantastic First News website

Pop Dash Interview Roll Deep

2010-11-03T14:33:00.002Z

Roll Deep have had unrivalled success in 2010. Their two singles 'Good Times' and 'Green Light' have both gone to Number One and now they are hooking up with Strictly Come Dancing star Alesha Dixon to release their new single 'Take Control'. We rang up Manga from the band to chat to him about all things Roll Deep.
PopDash: Tell us all about your new single 'Take Control'...

It's the best single ever! No actually, it's called Take Control and it's the third part of the Roll Deep trilogy that started with 'Good Times' and 'Green Light'.

PopDash: How does this track fit into the trilogy?

Well 'Good Times' is all about the rave and going out, 'Green Light' is when you meet someone and the 'Take Control' is when you get home and party till the sun comes out.

PopDash: So it's a song about sex?

Yeah, basically.

PopDash: Alesha Dixon is the guest star on 'Take Control'. How did you manage to get her involved?

She just kept hassling us and ringing up all the time so eventually we just gave in and let her record the chorus. No, I'm just joking. We've known Alesha for ages and needed someone to come do this vocal and thought of her. Luckily for us it worked out very, very well.

Click here to read the full interview (this is just an extract) on Popdash here

Digital Spy's Roll Deep Ft Alesha "Take Control" Review

2010-11-03T14:28:00.002Z

"Here's my wallet / Hold down / Let's spend the night / Don't hold back," Roll Deep suggest on their new single. Thanks very much guys, don't mind mind if we do. Oh wait, that's what you mean? Erm... maybe not then. Anyway, with two number ones this year tucked under their diamante-encrusted belts, the London grime collective are back to tell us just how good life at the top really is. Question is, what's actually left when the dough's split between all eleven of them?

Over grinding bass and urban clubby beats, the boys take it in turns to boast about their tail-chasing antics. Thankfully, before things get really filthy, Alesha Dixon steps in to bring a bit of delicacy to proceedings - although asking them to close their eyes and "get ready to fly" is unlikely to land her the Feminist Of The Year title. This may stick to the template of their recent hits, but if they want to keep showing the laydeez the good stuff, they're probably best off sticking to what they know.

Click here to see the review in all its glory on Digital Spy here!

BBC Chart Blog Review Roll Deep's Take Control

2010-11-02T11:46:00.002Z

Look at this picture. eleven men, one Roll Deep. Do you know what that says to me? It says here are eleven fellas who probably spend quite a lot of time queuing in order to do their job, or waiting to have another go, once theirs has finished. They might cover it up with an arm in the air or two, a walk from one side of the stage to the other, a moody stare into the crowd, some bouncy high-fives, and a certain amount of joining in at the end of each line, but when you get right down to it, it's all just queueing.

And to make matters worse, sometimes the queue is barged by a singer. Someone who isn't actually even IN Roll Deep. They've be brought in on chorus duties, taking precious rhyme time away from people who've been in the queue for ages, actually. It's not fair, just because they can provide some melodic light relief from all of that truth-spitting, that they get to stroll right to the front. That's basically added an extra thirty seconds of arm waving and an agreeable "yeah yeah" or two, right there.

So don't be surprised if you notice that some of the more backgroundy Deepers are subtly shooting daggers at Alesha during her bits. They're only worried that they won't get a go on the mic.

(Here's the video. Woo! Party in a car park!)

And how do they decide what to make a song about? With that many people, all of whom bringing their own idea of what makes a great song to the mix, do you suppose Roll Deep have to agree to work to very broad subject headings. I'm picturing a meeting, a brainstorm, and a final list which reads:

"Things We Like: Parties, Girls, Clubs, Money.
Things We Do Not Like: No Parties, Being Knocked Back, Closing Time, No Money, Queuing."

And on a separate page, there's a signed agreement that every other topic is off limits, pending a formal agreement from everyone that they've got something new and worthwhile to bring to the table.

Then all they need is some enormous swooping bass squits together, a breakbeat here, a face-punch bass drum, a robotic breakdown, and boom! Another song done, providing it doesn't get TAKEN OVER by some pushy celebrity singing guest and their pretty voice, natch.

Click here to see this fantastic review in all its glory on the BBC Chart Blog here

Roll Deep featuring Alesha Dixon "Take Control" is OUT NOW- click here to download your copy from iTunes

Roll Deep Guest Tweets For The Sun's Bizarre App!

2010-11-01T15:54:00.001Z

Roll Deep are the special guest tweeters for The Sun Online's brand new Bizarre App - the band will be giving exclusive news, photos and thoughts via the app's Live Gossip section all week!

Get your app for free from The Sun Online here

Roll Deep Ft Alesha Dixon Take Control!

2010-10-19T13:24:00.002+01:00

Example Two Lives Video Featured On 4Music

2010-10-18T10:47:00.002+01:00

The hits just keep on coming from Example...

Two Lives is about the closest we'll probably ever get to an Example ballad and we think it's definitely one of the stand-out moments from his latest album Won't Go Quietly. But does it float your boat? Let us know by voting it a 'hit' or a 'miss' using the buttons below.

Click here to see the feature on 4Music

The Sun : Roll Deep Take Control With Alesha

2010-10-14T14:37:00.002+01:00

THEY'VE already hit the top of the charts twice this year. So ROLL DEEP will be hoping for a third No1 with their new single Take Control. And Bizarre has the brilliant video for the song exclusively.

The grime crew have teamed up with garage star-turned-pop singer ALESHA DIXON and it makes for a great match up.
News of the lads working with the former MIS-TEEQ star was announced via Twitter with the crew asking fans to guess who they would be teaming up with.

Roll Deep member TARGET told me: "Everyone was thinking we were gonna be working with THE SATURDAYS after The Sun's story about us hanging out with them in Chinawhite.

"We already had the song recorded, we just needed to find somebody to vocal it. We thought a lot about who we were going to approach and Alesha seemed like a really good idea. We've known her since her Mis-Teeq days, and she was great to work with"

The slick new video sees them hanging out in an underground car park, speeding around on quads. And, of course, getting up close and personal with some hot ladies. The lads popped in to Sun HQ last week to record an exclusive acoustic session for Bizarre. You can check it out very soon, so make sure you stay tuned to my website.
Take Control is released on October 31 and the album Winner Stays On is out on November 8.

Watch the Take Control video exclusively on The Sun Online by clicking here

Example's Two Lives Video - The Sun Exclusive

2010-10-14T10:48:00.003+01:00

"It's a hard life being a rapper. What with free booze, bras thrown onstage and groupies at the stage door.
But it all gets a little too much for EXAMPLE in new video Two Lives. Instead of getting a lift on the tour bus, the Kickstarts singer takes a time-out to walk home alone. The track, taken from album Won't Go Quietly, might be another infectious tune from the Brit rapper... but watch out for Elliot's "split personality". Two Lives is released November 14

To see the brand new video for Two Lives, exclusively on The Sun Online - click here now!

Catch Example supporting FAITHLESS on tour:
November 30: Bournemouth, BIC
December 1: Cardiff, CIA
December 3: Nottingham, Arena (National Ice Centre)
December 4: Manchester, MEN Arena
December 6: Newcastle, Metro Radio Arena
December 7: Glasgow, SECC
December 8: Sheffield, Motorpoint Arena
December 10: Birmingham, NIA
December 11, London, O2 Arena

To find out more about Example and his fantastic live shows, go to www.trythisforexample.com and follow him on Twitter www.twitter.com/example

Digital Spy : Duck Sauce is "deliriously catchy, endlessly danceable"

2010-10-14T10:44:00.001+01:00

If you've come up with a club cut with chart crossover potential, and you're only going to slap two actual words over the instrumental, you may as well make those words the name of a superstar, right? And so Duck Sauce - a.k.a DJ duo A-Trak and Armand Van Helden - have titled this Boney M-sampling monster after the Oscar-winning, Grammy-grabbing, Tony-nabbing... OK, enough ego massage for now.

What's more, 'Barbra Streisand' actually kinda suits the track, a sassy, no-messin' disco-house dazzler which tips its trilby in the direction of Studio 54 circa 1979 - happily enough, just when Babs was having her own dancefloor moment with 'The Main Event' / 'Fight' and 'No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)'. Lack of lyrics notwithstanding, it's deliriously catchy, endlessly danceable and ultimately so uplifting that it could even cheer you up after watching the denouement of The Way We Were. Well, almost.

Click here to see the review in all its glory on Digital Spy. Click here to get your copy of Duck Sauce "Barbra Streisand"

Talk To Angels "Enemies Closer"

2010-10-12T11:51:00.001+01:00

Bradford's Talk To Angels release their new single "Enemies Closer" on the 18th October - a track ready to explode into your senses with neon fuzzy, synth-laden epic alt-pop, bursting with hooks, harmonies and hyperactive guitars.

Talk To Angels unite the coolest of indie kids, the scruffiest of metal-heads and the sassiest of pop princesses as one, and were invited to perform at last year's South by Southwest festival and undertook a debut tour of the US straight afterwards. The jaunt resulted in a dramatic conclusion after their last gig when one of the band met with a car running a red light, leaving him with serious injuries and a band stranded far from home. But a crushing alloy bumper would never be enough to keep these young troopers down for long...

Three quarters of Talk to Angels were born in Bradford 21 years ago. Craig Kaye (vocals/guitar) Chris Robbins (bass) and Jamie Lofthouse (drums) have known each other pretty much all their lives, forming the band at the tender age of 15.

A couple of years ago, they cleverly negotiated some free studio time with Mickey Dale the keyboard player from Embrace in return for clearing out his basement (you know the usual - lawnmower, Christmas decorations, car parts) so he could physically get a studio in there.

Mickey agreed to engineer new tracks from the three noiseniks. Mickey turned on the mixing desk, sat back and was promptly blown away by the sheer quality and velocity exploding from the speakers and announced right there he was joining the band!

Talk To Angels write vivid songs about guilt, pleasure and pain. Bittersweet laments about life, lost love and murderous intentions driven by incendiary passion. The lads deliver a sound that makes boys dance and girls weak at the knees.

"Enemies Closer" will be available to buy from 18th October.

Catch Talk To Angels LIVE at the following;
14th October : London Hope And Anchor
15th October : Leeds Elbow Room
13th November : Bradford Playhouse

Find out more about Talk To Angels here - www.talktoangels.co.uk

Roll Deep Featured on BBC Switch

2010-10-12T11:09:00.002+01:00

Roll Deep popped into BBC Switch's 5:19 show again to play and review the brand new Def Jam Rapstar as part of the BBC Radio One / 1Xtra Gaming Week.

Click here and jump to 5:20 to see the band!