Sunday, July 31, 2011

Hot Video Alert: Vanessa Carlton - The Cave (Mumford & Sons Cover)





    Singer/songwriter Vanessa Carlton has been busy this past week promoting her new album, the Razor & Tie released Rabbits On The Run. Released July 26th, Rabbits On The Run is Carlton's fourth album and her first on Razor & Tie. Recorded in the UK at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios, the album features production by the legendary Steve Osborne (A-ha, Starsailor, The Twang, KT Tunstall) and

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Amy Winehouse (1983 – 2011)






    Photo Credit: Mishca Richter

    Ever since I learned about this past weekend's tragic passing of one of my favorite artists, Amy Winehouse, I've been wracking my brain trying to remember the first time I ever heard her music. It must have been towards the end of my college experience, as I distinctly remember lending her first album, Frank, to one of my co-workers at my first out of college

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Hot Video Alert: Eric Saade feat. J-Son - Hearts In The Air




    Swedish singing sensation Eric Saade is BACK with yet another hot, fresh electropop single. "Hearts In The Air" is the third single from Saade's sophomore album, Saade Vol. 1 and features Brazilian-born rapper J-Son. The single was released in Sweden on June 7th via Roxy Recordings (Agnes, Erik Hassle), entering the Swedish Singles Chart in the #2 spot, while the album came out June 29th,

UK Rapper Example Set To Release New Single & Album This Summer




    English rapper Example recently unveiled the album artwork for his upcoming third studio album, entitled Playing In The Shadows.  The artwork features a VERY SERIOUS looking Elliot Gleave with half of his face covered by a...you guessed it! A shadow. The artwork is simple, but sleek, with black lowercase letters inset in a bright yellow box, which provides the only splash of color on the album

Friday, July 15, 2011

Hot Video Alert: Countess Luann - Chic C'Est La Vie




    Well, it looks like Real Housewife of New York's Countess Luann de Lesseps has released a second single, "Chic C'Est La Vie."  She certainly took her sweet time, didn't she? Previous single, the super catchy "Money Can't Buy You Class" was released all the way back in May of last year!  I mean I know The Countess is busy writing books, being philanthropic and canoodling with her French

Leona Lewis To Debut New Single Later Today



    Photo Credit: Courtesy of J Records/Syco Entertainment  




    I nearly jumped out of my bed when I read about Leona Lewis' forthcoming new single. AHHHHHH! In a series of Tweets, Popjustice unveiled some details about the new single. Here's how it all went down:








     

      


    So, to summarize...Leona Lewis' new single is called "Collide" and it was written by singer/songwriter Autumn Rowe (

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Hot Video Alert: Coldplay - Every Teardrop Is a Waterfall




    English alt rock band Coldplay is BACK with their first new music in nearly 2 years (not counting their 2010 Christmas single, "Christmas Lights,")! How exciting is this?! "Every Tear Drop Is A Waterfall" is the band's first single off their forthcoming fifth studio album. The song was produced by Markus Dravs, Dan Green and Rik Simpson and written by the boys of Coldplay (Guy Berryman,

Electropop Duo Van Go Lion Release First Ever Cover Song




    Guys! If you have yet to be smitten by Portland-based electropop duo Van Go Lion (AKA Amy Paige & Josh Loerzel)...go kick yourself in the head and THEN go check out my previous posts (#1, #2, #3).  Once you've recovered from that swift kick in the head, the next thing on your agenda should be to listen to the duo's first ever cover song! I almost hate to say that I love when an artist does a

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

French Electropop Singer Jérémy Amelin Wrangles In '90210' Actress For New Single






    While 25-year old Jérémy Amelin is a complete unknown here in the States right now, he's hoping that will all change with the release of his new single, "Undone." The electro-ballad was originally released May 16th on X-Cite Records, however a new version surfaced a few days later on May 23rd, featuring guest vocals by Canadian actress Jessica Lowndes (90210). Lowndes made her singing

Hot Video Alert: Gavin DeGraw - Not Over You





    Gavin DeGraw - how could I ever have doubted you? Back on June 27th, DeGraw premiered the video for new single, "Not Over You" on VH1’s live morning show “Big Morning Buzz Live.” Featuring ?? English actress Emilia Clarke (from HBO's Game of Thrones) as the love interest, DeGraw looks great in his trademark hat in this Diane Martel (Mariah Carey, Pixie Lott, Jennifer Hudson) directed video

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

90s Dance Queen Gina G Returns with a Hot New Single






    Gina G is back ya'll!  I have to say...after listening to her new single, "Next 2 U," it's almost like she never left...ALMOST.  "Next 2 U" is a fun and infectious dance pop jam with a nice little 80s/90s vibe to it. First released in Gina's native Australia on May 27th, the single has since been made available worldwide. "Next 2 U" was written by Gina, Billy Pace (Celine Dion), Duane

'Platinum Hit' Spotlights The Art of Songwriting in a Fresh New Reality Music Competition





    Courtesy: Bravo Media

    With so many music reality TV series out there right now, it's hard to pick a favorite. Between old favorites like FOX's American Idol and NBC's runaway hit, The Voice, there are seemingly hundreds of opportunities out there for talented young artists just waiting to be discovered.  The latest music reality TV competition to hook me in happens to live on Bravo TV, my

Monday, July 11, 2011

Up & Coming Club Princess, Eva Releases Second Single





    Back in May, up & coming popstar Eva exploded onto the dance music scene with her scandalous debut single "Not My Daddy." Entering the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart at #46, the single quickly climbed the chart, becoming Eva's first top ten dance hit thanks in part to fierce club remixes from Laze & Royal, DJ Skeet, Static Revenger and Pagano. Make sure you check out my 'Hot Video

Hot Video Alert: Jennifer Hudson - No One Gonna Love You





    Don't get me wrong, I love me some Jennifer Hudson but MAN does she over-do it in the acting department in her new video. "No One Gonna Love You" serves as the second U.S. (and UK) single off of JHud's sophomore album, I Remember Me (Arista). "Where You At," was released as Hudson's first single in the States while the album's title track, "I Remember Me," served as the album's first UK

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Canadian 'Clip-Hop' Duo KIDCITY Release Single #2




    Photo by David Pike

    Back in April I did a post about Canadian "clip-hop" duo KIDCITY, who at the time were preparing to to release their debut EP. Well, that EP has been out now since May and Kelly Ann and Caleb are now ready to release their new single, "Blackened." Their sound falls somewhere between Enya and Dr. Dre, coining it "clip-hop," drawing on "hip-hop and electronic heaviness."

Hot Video Alert: Belle Amie - Girls Up






    Those of you who happened to catch last season of Britains The X-Factor will surely recognize girl group Belle Amie. Originally a four member group (Rebecca Creighton, Esther Campbell, Geneva Lane, Sophia Wardman), Belle Amie was created after the girls failed to make it through as solo performers. As a newly put together group, Belle Amie did alright, lasting until the third week when

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Ones to Watch in 2011: Blush


    BLUSH is the latest pop quintet to emerge onto the scene with their debut single, "Undivided," featuring mega rapper Snoop Dogg. BLUSH is Victoria (Hong Kong), Natsuko (Japan), Angeli (The Philippines), Ji Ha (Korea) and Alisha (India), five talented and beautiful girls trying to carve out their own niche in an already crowded pop market. Their debut single, "Undivided" was produced by Darrell

Hot Video Alert: Dessie - Whatcha Got






    Yikes. Take a look at this tragedy. I should have known things were going south after Dessie was pitched to me as "the Rebecca Black of Sweden." Since when is Rebecca Black a name that other artists want to be associated with? I mean sure, her debut single "Friday" was an Internet sensation, grabbing Katy Perry's attention enough to have her included in her latest video...but what ever

Friday, July 8, 2011

Hot Video Alert: Selena Gomez & The Scene - Love You Like A Love Song






    Disney girl Selena Gomez seems to be doing quite well for herself post Wizards of Waverly Place (she has one season left to go), both as an actress AND as a singer. Gomez made her theatrical debut in Ramona & Beezus and currently stars in the teen girl romp Monte Carlo, alongside Leighton Meester and Katie Cassidy. In the music department, Gomez just released a new album with her band, '

Diamond Rings Announces North American Tour Supporting Twin Shadow


    Canadian electropop artist Diamond Rings (AKA John O) is readying a new North American tour this upcoming September in support of his album, Special Affections, which was just re-released June 21st via Astralwerks Records. Diamond Rings has the incredible honor of opening for "electronically endearing" Twin Shadow as part of his "Clean Cuts" North American Tour, which kicks off September 4th

'Latter Day Debbie Harry,' Sky Ferreira Is a StyleCaster Cover Girl


    While electropop (soon-to-be) teen sensation Sky Ferreira isn't working on her forthcoming debut album, she's keeping busy as a super model. Love it! Model by day, singer at night. It sounds like a new fangled sort of super hero or something. Sky was recently featured as the StyleCaster cover story, which included a lavish photo spread shot by Hugh Lippe. The photos (two of which can be seen

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Balancing University and Music Career, Luigi Masi Ready For Pop Comeback


    Anyone here remember an English pop singer named Luigi Masi? He had a few UK club hits back in 2008, 2009? Well, it looks like after some time out of the spotlight, he's back and ready for a comeback. On June 16th, 21-year old Masi released his new single, "Pick Up Line" on iTunes worldwide.  A total guilty pleasure, "Pick Up Line" is heavily auto-tuned, synthy, sleazy electropop at it's best

Hot Remix Alert: Black Porcelain - Butterflies (DJ Zinhle Remix


    Back in April I named South African singer/songwriter Black Porcelain to your attention, calling her one of my 'Ones To Watch in 2011.' There was just something about her that I inspired me to post. I don't know if it was her soulful vocals or her deep and meaningful lyrics, or perhaps it was her story of wrongful termination from her job as a radio presenter. No matter, her music is what

Malaysian Singer/Songwriter Zee Avi Announces Sophomore Album


    Zee Avi, 25, is a talented singer/songwriter from Malaysia. Her second album, Ghostbird (the literal translation for owl in Avi’s native language), is due out August 23rd on Jack Johnson's Brushfire Records and Monotone Records. Working with producer Mario Caldato Jr. (Beastie Boys, Bebel Gilberto), Ghostbird is the follow up to Avi's critically acclaimed 2009 self-titled debut. Since the

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera Join Forces on New Single










    Capitalizing on the popularity of The Voice, the latest in music reality TV, Adam Levine and his Maroon 5 cohorts released a new single, "Moves Like Jagger" on June 21st (A&M/Octone Records). The single features Levine's fellow judge and superstar, Christina Aguilera in what I think is rip-roaring, up-tempo dance/pop/rock SMASH worthy of Maroon 5's extensive back catalog of hits and

Hot Video Alert: Meital Dohan - Yummy Boyz


    If Meital Dohan looks familiar to you guys, there's good reason. Meital starred on the hit Showtime series Weeds during season 2, playing 'Yael Hoffman,' as well as in the critically acclaimed indie picture Monogamy, co-starring alongside Rashida Jones and Chris Messina. In addition to her television, film and stage roles, Dohan is an accomplished playwright and author, writing the book Love

Ones to Watch in 2011: Brittany McDonald


    Orange County, California native Brittany McDonald is a fresh new pop talent worth a listen. Her new summer single, "Boy Basher" seems almost primed for teen summer movie soundtrack success. The song really does has POP HIT written all over it, from it's infectious chorus to McDonald's matter-of-fact lyrics and phrasing to her overall sassy yet classy tone.  In 2009, McDonald became a finalist

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

'American Idol' Finalist Pia Toscano Lands Interscope Record Deal


    Well this isn't a shock. American Idol season 10 finalist, Pia Toscano seemingly has a record deal. Toscano's ninth place elimination left the live audience as well as the judges in complete shock, but I wasn't really surprised. Week after week Toscano came to the stage with, essentially, the same song - a boring, schmaltzy, over-the-top, nicely sung ballad. While there was no question that

Vanessa Carlton Premieres New Song, Sets New Album Release Date


    So...yeah. Vanessa Carlton had a gig here in Boston and I missed it. So bummed! I've seen Vanessa live two or three times now, so missing out on a live gig makes me super super sad. Oh well. I'll get over it and she'll undoubtedly be back. Carlton is currently wrapping up a small club tour, promoting her forthcoming new album, Rabbits On The Run, due out July 26th (originally due a month

Darren Hayes Is Back: New Single, New Video, New Album In The Fall


    No question about it. Darren Hayes is one of my favorite male vocalists of all time. Ever since I first heard him on the radio, singing as 1/2 of pop duo Savage Garden, I've been mesmerized by his flawless tenor, unique sound and flawless falsetto.  My adoration continued with the release of his sophomore solo album, The Tension and The Spark and subsequent singles "Pop!ular," and "Darkness."  

Melody Thornton Goes From Singing Riffs, To Singing Songs


    Melody Thornton is arguably the second most talented SINGING-member of Robin Antin's Pussycat Dolls pop group (although Kimberly Wyatt has certainly proved herself with new band Her Majesty and The Wolves) and after many past rumblings about a solo career, the time has finally come for Thornton to shine. Released independently on June 16th, Thornton's first single, "Sweet Vendetta" is a lovely

Hot Video Alert: Ulrik Munther - Moments Ago


    17-year Ulrik Munther has been called Sweden's answer to Justin Bieber, due mainly to his immense talent and young age. While I definitely see the similarities, Munther appears to posses a certain innocence that Justin Bieber lacks. In addition to being a gifted singer/songwriter, this multi-talented musician plays both the guitar and the harp.  While I think that the Bieber comparisons are

Monday, July 4, 2011

Ones to Watch in 2011: Wolfette




    There's something mesmerizing about English electropop/rock singer Wolfette. I can't quite put my finger on what it is that mesmerizes me, all I know is I like her and I think you will as well. On August 1st, Wolfette releases her new single, "Different Story," in the UK and it's a hard-hitting, 90s retro pop jam filled with punch and attitude, as one would expect from an artist with a

French Singer/Songwriter Zaz Looks To Introduce 'Gypsy Jazz' Stateside


    Ever since my first (and only) trip to Paris, I've always been attracted to French pop music.  There's just something about how the French lyrics come together with the melody and the instrumentation that just sucks me in, despite my not being able to understand a lick of French.  Speaking of French music, allow me to introduce you to chart topping, diamond and platinum selling French pop/gypsy/

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Singer/Songwriter Van Hunt Announces New Single and Album for 2011


    I was introduced to the soulful vocals of, then R&B newcomer, Van Hunt the Winter after my college graduation. Working at a clothing retailer, I was constantly subjected to the same music day after day, thanks to MUZAK so I often found myself talking about music that wasn't playing over the speakers with my co-workers and managers. My manager at the time was obsessed with Van Hunt, so I had to

Ones to Watch in 2011: Graffiti6


    Why I've been sitting on this one for as long as I have, might very well be the question of the century. Formed in 2009, Graffiti6 is an English pop/rock duo, consisting of singer/songwriter Jamie Scott (D-Side, JLS, Enrique Iglesias) & songwriter/producer TommyD (Jay-Z, Kylie Minogue, KT Tunstall). The duo just recently signed a U.S. record deal with Capitol Records and will be touring this

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Kimberley Locke Lets Fans Pick New Dance Single


    On May 24th, American Idol season 2 alum Kimberley Locke launched a Facebook campaign which allowed fans to vote on the next single. After two weeks the votes were counted and Locke announced the new single on June 14th. The single, "Finally Free," is an up-tempo club track along the same lines of Locke's last single, 2010's "Strobelight," which was a top 5 hit on the Billboard Hot Dance Club

Hot Video Alert: Alex Gaudino feat. Kelly Rowland - What A Feeling






    Kelly Rowland could very well be my favorite Destiny's Child solo star. Sure, Beyonce's great and all but Kelly Rowland is the one that I can't keep my eyes off whenever she releases a new song. While, by and large, I steer clear from her more R&B-leaning material, when she comes out with a dance hit it instantly jives with me. Her latest dance collaboration, "What A Feeling," with

Friday, July 1, 2011

Ones to Watch in 2011: Laura Warshauer


    Laura Warshauer is a singer/songwriter that you all need to know about. The New Jersey native released her LP, The Pink Chariot Mixtape June 14th, featuring production by Thom Panunzio (Bruce Springsteen, Nelly Furtado) and newcomers Ned Cameron, Andy Baldwin, Peter Hong, Jason Miller, Rob Whited, Robert Lee Parker and Matt Breunig. The nine track album showcases Warshauer's versatility as a "

Hot Video Alert: LMFAO feat. Natalia Kills - Champagne Showers


    I feel like I haven't really given LMFAO a proper chance and I don't have an answer as to why. Redfoo and SkyBlu (AKA Stefan Kendal Gordy and Skyler Husten Gordy) first appeared on the charts with their debut single "I'm In Miami Bitch" was a top ten hit over in the UK but here in America it peaked just outside of the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100. The band really didn't have a proper "