Dan Black Announces 5 City North American Tour, Releases ((un)) Stateside

I've been music crushing on Dan Black since this summer when I first heard a snippet of his Notorious B.I.G./Rihanna-sampling smash "HYPNTZ." Turns out that posting that track on MySpace was quite the smooth move for Black, who prior to this album was an unsigned talent banking on his Internet following. Since then of course his major label debut album ((un)) was released in Europe and I subsequently snatched it right up and me and Dan Black have been living in sonic bliss ever since...at least through my iPod headphones.

A labor of love, Black wrote and wrote some more. The stand outs in the batch would ultimately make it onto the album, including "Life Slash Dreams," "Wonder," and "U + Me =." "HYPNTZ," was replaced by "Symphonies" at the last minute, as Notorious B.I.G.'s camp wouldn't allow Black to sample the lyrics from "Hypnotize." Finishing the album off in Paris, after being signed, Black worked it out, making sure that every track was to his liking. As far as the title goes, Black describes the album as "an album of opposites." "I like the idea of the u and the n being the same as each other, only upside down," he says. "It's also the perfect prefix; I wanted this album to be un-rock, un-hip hop, un-everything."

As if things could get any better, I received word a couple of weeks ago that Dan's debut album would be released stateside. Of course, I had lost all hope when I saw ((un)) appear on iTunes as a digital download. I got a little more hopeful when I saw "Symphonies" featured as the iTunes free Single of the Week in the U.S. I decided to inquire through Twitter about a physical release and learned that it was due for release February 23rd! SQUEEEEE!! While, yes, it's true that more and more European artists are gaining notoriety here in the States, what's more exciting to me is the shifting of the music climate here in the states. While Urban/Hip Hop and country do still dominate the U.S. charts, more and more pop/electro/dance artists are creeping in, more so from across the pond.


To help promote ((un))'s February 23rd release here in North America, Dan Black will be going on a short 5 city North American Tour, hitting New York City, Montreal, Toronto, Los Angeles and San Francisco. How exciting is this! Too bad he's skipping Boston this time around, but perhaps I can get in to see him in either New York or Montreal? I have connections in both cities. Even if I miss out seeing him live, I'm elated that other music-fans will get the chance to hear this guy. He's super talented...and super cute (an added benefit).

((un)) is a brilliant album (even sans "HYPNTZ") "inspired as much by Black's love for the 'transcendent, emotional wonder' of acts like Nick Drake and Sigur Ros as it is fueled by his passion for the hip hop production of J Dilla, Flying Lotus and Timbaland.'" Strings + hip hop beats + electro rhythms = Dan Black's brilliant debut album. Go out and get it February 23rd! Watch this space for a proper album review as well as some new and exciting Dan Black news.

Here are the tour dates and venues for Dan Black's Spring Tour:

February 18 - New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
February 19 - Montreal, QC @ Belmont
February 20 - Toronto, ON @ WrongBar
February 23 - Los Angeles, CA @ Cinespace
February 25 - San Francisco, CA @ Popscene / 330 Ritch

Check out Dan Black on the web:
Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube//Twitter

New Obsession: HYPER CRUSH

Until now, I had never heard of "Doo-Hop." Now I can't get enough of the genre! Who knows if it existed before or not but the LA-based trio known as HYPER CRUSH certainly are running with it. HYPER CRUSH is a "Doo-Hop, Electro, Death-Core super group" consisting of James Dean look-a-like Donny Fontaine on vocals, the beautiful tattooed electro-diva Holly Valentine (also on vocals) and geek-chic DJ/Keytar superstar Preston Moronie. Together these guys bring the party wherever they go.

The group released their debut Mixtape Volume 1 back in 2007, consisting of 31 original tracks. Inspired by everything from the 50s/60s music revolution to video games, HYPER CRUSH released their debut album, The Arcade in 2008 with the title track serving as lead single. The Arcade featured 13 songs, only two of which appeared on the original mix tape. After releasing "Robo Tech" as the second single, the band was signed with Universal Motown. The band is now hard at work on their major-label debut (tentatively titled Bella Vista Rocks The Arcade), due for release sometime in 2010 and expected to feature 7 tracks from The Arcade as well as additional new material.

Donny Fontaine

Holly Valentine

Preston Moronie

After a busy Spring/summer, touring with the likes of Kevin Rudolf and Lady Gaga, HYPER CRUSH released their first official single on November 17th called "Keep Up." Labeled as a "hip-hop, synth-rave anthem," "Keep Up" has been mixed by the incomparable Tommie Sunshine as well as the uber-talented Tony Arzadon, who adds an electro house feel to the track. Can't wait to hear more from these guys!

Download "Keep Up" on iTunes - HERE
Download The Arcade on iTunes - HERE
Download "Sex and Drugs" (Benny Benassi Remix) - HERE

For a bit more insight on the dynamics within the group, check out this "Behind The Scenes" video of the band and be sure to check out their blog for more behind the scenes footage.

Check out HYPER CRUSH on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube//Twitter

Hot Electro Pop: Parralox

Where has Parralox been all of my life? I hate being behind the times when it comes to new music but there's just so much out there right now that this Aussie-gem slipped right past me. Parralox is a snippet of electro-pop perfection that was created by John Von Ahlen back in 2008. According to their MySpace page, the group was created "from the love of all things synthetic, science-fiction and surreal." The influences are are immediately noticeable in both the music, lyrics and stunning artwork campaign.

The group is made up of Von Ahlen (Tenth Stage) and singer Amii, who's only major credit prior was a featured vocal on the 2007 Australian club track "Star Rider." 2008 saw the release of Parralox's debut album, Electricity (get it on U.S. iTunes HERE) which featured the song "Sharper Than A Knife", which has been re-released off of the duo's new album, State of Decay, which came out on November 13th. Two digital singles were released from State of Play back in October - "Hotter" (buy it on iTunes HERE) and "I Am Human," (buy it on iTunes HERE) both of which are NOW being released physically. The catch is that only 250 copies of each were pressed so stock is extremely limited.

Check out the tracklisting for each EP below:

Hotter:

01. Hotter (Radio Mix)

02. Hotter (Extended Mix)

03. Hotter (Carl Phaser (Radio Mix)

04. Hotter (Carl Phaser Extended Mix)

05. Hotter (Hey! In The Limo! Remix)

06. Hotter (Soft Analog Mix)

07. Don't Talk About Love (Nicolas Reeves Remix)

Bonus Tracks (exclusive to this edition!):

08. Don't Talk About Love (Extended)

09. Hotter (Nathan Kuzack Remix)

10. Beautiful World (Talion Law Remix)

11. Two Hearts (Jon Mono Remix)

12. How Do You Break A Robot's Heart? (Corrupted)

I Am Human:

01. I Am Human

02. I Am Human (Extended)

03. I Am Human (Obscenity Trial Remix)

04. I Am Human (Manendra Remix)

05. I Am Human (Benja Remix)

06. I Am Human (Presso Remix)

07. I Am Human (Talion Law Remix)

Bonus Tracks (exclusive to this edition!):

08. Beautiful World (Benja Remix Edit)

09. Time (Bren-F Remix)

10. Time (Manendra Remix)

11. I Am Human (Giant Shadow Remix)

12. Footsteps (Version)

Buy them now while stock is still available (if stock is still available at all).

www.conzoomrecords.de/index.php?lang=en

www.adifferentdrum.com - (U.S.)

www.musicnonstop.co.uk - (UK)

If it's too late, you can always purchase Parralox's music on iTunes.

Make sure you also purchase State Of Decay. "Isn't It Strange" will serve as the third single, due for digital release on March 19th. A limited edition CD EP will also be available featuring exclusive tracks and remixes. Pre-orders start February 1st and all who pre-order through February 19th receive a special mention in the single's sleeve insert. As for the album itself, a special limited edition is available with 4 bonus tracks, not available on the standard edition. Only 1,000 were pressed so you better hurry. Check out the tracklisting below:

Beautiful Decay:

01. Beautiful World

02. Universe, I Love You

03. Isn't It Strange

04. When The Walls Came Tumbling Down

05. Hotter

06. Be Careful What You Wish For

07. Moonwalking

08. I Am Human

09. Peter

10. Two Hearts

11. How Do You Break A Robot's Heart?

12. Time

Bonus Tracks (exclusive to this edition!):

13. In The Night

14. Footsteps (Edit)

15. When The Walls Came Tumbling Down (Arachnophobias Remix)

16. Hold Me Now

Buy the album at any of these retailers:

www.conzoomrecords.de/index.php?lang=en

www.adifferentdrum.com - (U.S.)

www.musicnonstop.co.uk - (UK)

Check out Parralox on the web:
Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter

Hot Compilation Alert: Doctor Rosen Brings Us His Best of 2009

"Remixer extraordinaire" Doctor Rosen is back with a 2009 Remix Compilation that contains his take on tracks by Eminem, Phoenix, Weezer, Lily Allen, Britney Spears and more! I first heard the Doctor when he released his track-by-track re-interpretation of Lily Allen's last album, It's Not Me, It's You, (appropriately titled It's Not Me, It's Doctor Rosen). That remix album left me yearning for more from the Idaho-bread, LA-based producer/remixer.

While Rosen is known for his bootleg remixes, he's now making a name for himself in official circles as well. After being hired to do a remix for Interscope Records (Chris Cornell's "Scream," produced by Timbaland) it's been non stop mixing action for Dr. Rosen. In the near future we can expect official remixes of Lady Gaga/Beyonce, Tegan & Sara, Blue Roses, Vistosso Bosses and more.

In the meantime, check out this remix compilation. For me, this is PERFECT. Tackling everything from Britney's "Womanizer," to tracks by Drake and Weezer - this remix compilation sums up 2009 quite nicely. Well done Dr. Rosen. Keep churning out the hits!


Tracklisting:

1. Drake - FOREVER (Doctor Rosen Rosen Rx)
2. Weezer - I Want You To (Doctor Rosen Rosen Rx)
3. Lily Allen - Never Gonna Happen (Doctor Rosen Rosen Rx)
4. Phoenix - LISZTOMANIA (Doctor Rosen Rosen Rx)
5. Eminem - WE MADE YOU (Doctor Rosen Rosen Rx)
6. Alaska In Winter - BERLIN (Doctor Rosen Rosen Rx)
7. Lilly Allen - FUCK YOU (Doctor Rosen Rosen Rx)
8. Mission District - HEARTBREAKER (Doctor Rosen Rosen Rx)* previously unreleased
9. Britney Spears - WOMANIZER (Doctor Rosen Rosen Rx)
10. Sliimy - WOMANIZER (Doctor Rosen Rosen Rx)* previously unreleased

Check out Dr. Rosen on the web:
Official Site//MySpace//Flickr//YouTube//Twitter

MIKA to Release "Blame It On The Girls" in February

MIKA's next single in the UK is the incredibly catchy "Blame It On The Girls," a song that has already gone #1 in Japan. The single didn't do any damage on the charts here in the States (pity), where it was released as a follow up to "We Are Golden." Given it's successful run in Japan, it makes sense that it's being released as the third single in the UK (following "Rain"). Due out on February 15th, the song was produced by Greg Wells and is about "a wealthy, handsome boy who has everything yet pretends to be miserable." How deep of you MIKA.

The single's video was directed by Nez Khammal (check it out HERE). UK audiences can tune on Saturday, the 30th of January to watch MIKA perform live on the UK debut of "So You Think You Can Dance," on BBC 1. Remixes and b-sides are sure to follow shortly. Watch this space for more details on the single.

Check out MIKA on the web:
Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter

Hot Remix Alert: Steamweaver Takes On Ricki-Lee

My man Steamweaver is back with some new remixes. This time Steamweaver has gone and done a "big room" remix for Aussie pop star Ricki-Lee's new single, "Hear No, See No, Speak No." I've been loving Ricki-Lee's material for a while - especially "Can't Touch It/U Wanna Little Of This." What a hot song! Well...the former Australian Idol contestant is back in 2010 with a new album (her third). She released the album's first single, "Don't Miss You" back in July 2009 where it went on to peak at #4 on the Australian charts. Statistically speaking, "Don't Miss You" was Ricki-Lee's lowest charting single, which explains the major lapse between singles. "Hear No, See No, Speak No," the as yet unreleased album's second single was released down under November 20th.

Download Steamweaver's take on the track both in a 320Kbps MP3 version as well as in WAV format. Next up for Steamweaver? Mixes of Shakira's new single "Did It Again." Can't wait for those! Here's the tracklisting for "Hear No, See No, Speak No" :

Hear No, See No, Speak No (Steamweaver Club Anthem) - 10:15
Hear No, See No, Speak No (Steamweaver Club Mix Edit) - 8:17
Hear No, See No, Speak No (Steamweaver Radio Anthem) - 4:36
Hear No, See No, Speak No (Steamweaver Evil Dub) - 8:51

Check out Steamweaver on the web:
MySpace//Twitter

Check out Ricki-Lee on the web:
Official Site//MySpace//Twitter

Hot Deal: Limited Time Only, Snag Morgan Page's "Elevation" for Cheap

Check out this HOT DEAL. Morgan Page is selling the physical version of his album Elevate on Amazon for only $8.97! That's quite the steal if you ask me. For those of you who are like me and MUST have the album in a physical format, you better snatch this up before the end of the month, cause that's how long this sweet deal is going to last.

As a little refresher, Elevate was originally released back in 2008 and features the Grammy-nominated jam "The Longest Road" featuring Lissie. His new album titled Believe is due out February 23rd. First single "Fight For You" is out now and heating up the dance charts.


Here's the tracklisting for Elevate:

1. The Longest Road (Ft. Lissie)
2. Call My Name (Ft. Tyler James)
3. Peace And Hate
4. Fade Away
5. F**k Was I
6. Nervous In The Light Of Dawn
7. Dirty Laundry
8. Maneater
9. Angelicus
10. One Day
11. Sleep Walking Through The Mekong
12. Under
13. The Longest Road (Deadmau5 Remix)
14. The Longest Road (Downtempo Mix)

Check out Morgan Page on the web:
Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter

Sophie Ellis-Bextor Re-Teams with Freemasons for New Single

I fully realize that this is old news by now (although in my defense, I did Tweet about it back when I first heard) but one of my favorite UK popstars, Sophie Ellis-Bextor is gearing up to release a brand new single this Spring. HALLELUJAH!

Confirmed by Sophie herself on Twitter (@SophieEB), the new single is called "Bittersweet" and it was produced by the ever-brilliant Freemasons (same hitmakers that produced "Heartbreak (Make Me a Dancer)"). The track was written by the Freemasons as well as Biff and Hannah Robinson.

According to Sophie herself, "the new single's about when you can't resist something that you know is bad for you. A guilty pleasure." The single is due to be released in April but will hit UK radio stations in February. The album also seems to be coming along nicely, per a Tweet on January 6th: "Done last bit of singing for album 4 today. Now i just need to get a great album title... Ideas?"
I for one loved Trip The Light Fantastic as an album title (and album) so I'm sure that the new material will be FANTASTIC as well. 2010 is going to mark the return of Ms. EB. Bloody brilliant! Check out Sophie's brand new website and forum revamp.

Check out Sophie Ellis-Bextor on the web:
Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Youtube//Twitter

Hot Video Alert: Gabriella Cilmi - On A Mission

Check out the brand new video for Aussie pop star Gabriella Cilmi's new single "On A Mission." The single, due out March 8th, takes the Cilmi in a decidedly different direction musically with the singer siting disco influences on her next record, Ten, due out March 22nd. Also check out these pictures of Gabriella from a recent Rolling Stone interview, out this month. (anyone have any idea which Rolling Stone she's in? Doesn't appear to be the U.S. magazine - at least not the January 21st issue). Also, check out her interview with Digital Spy. Good stuff! Via The Sun