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
Monday, 24 January 2011
ElectroQueer Interview MartinSolveig
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!
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"
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
Thursday, 20 January 2011
The Little Prince : Gordon / Lloyd Webber / Reid collaboration at Lyric Belfast Christmas 2011
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
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
Wednesday, 19 January 2011
Edei Interview Featured On Entertainment Focus Homepage
"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
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!)
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
“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
Thursday, 13 January 2011
James Blunt Confirmed For GuilFest Sunday 17th July 2011
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
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
Monday, 10 January 2011
Edei Featured On Hello Magazine's Homepage
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
Wednesday, 22 December 2010
Martin Solveig Popjustice Song Of The Day!
"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
Click here to see the feature on Popjustice
Monday, 13 December 2010
EQ : "Edei Dazzles On JLS Tour"
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.
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.
Friday, 10 December 2010
The Dirty Disco "Storyteller" According To The Boy With The Thorn In His Side
"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
Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Edei Featured On I Like Music
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
Monday, 6 December 2010
Edei's acoustic cover of Bruno Mars's Grenade
Find out more about Edei, visit her website here, become a fan on facebook here, and follow her on Twitter here
Friday, 3 December 2010
Thursday, 2 December 2010
Drake "Thank Me Later" Named BBC.co.uk's Best Album of 2010
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
Monday, 29 November 2010
War Child Exclusive Richard Ashcroft Gig Tickets!
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/
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 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
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 "Loved" Sun Online Video Exclusive
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
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
Thursday, 25 November 2010
The Dirty Disco "Storyteller"
"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
Wednesday, 24 November 2010
Yahoo's 8 Out Of 10 For Roll Deep's Winner Stays On
"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
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
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!
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!
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
Monday, 22 November 2010
Raghu Dixit Talks About His Appearance On Later … With Jools Holland!
"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!
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
The Dirty Disco "Storyteller" Robots With Rayguns Remix
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
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
Martin Solveig & Dragonette "Hello"
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.
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"
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.
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.
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
The Sun : Roll Deep And Ex-Top Gear Driver Ben Collins
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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
