Hot Video Alert: Kat DeLuna feat. Akon - Push Push

Loving the new Kat DeLuna video! Just over 2 months after the release of her single, the video for "Push Push" featuring Akon finally sees the light of day. DeLuna looks gorgeous, donning a series of sexy costumes (including one jewel-laden bathing suit that recalls Britney Spears' naked body in the "Toxic" video) and Akon wearing a simple light gray suit with a white T-shirt. The video doesn't tell a story or anything but it showcases DeLuna's sex appeal PERFECTLY.  The single is the first OFFICIAL single off of DeLuna's second album, Inside Out and was produced by RADIO and David Guetta. The album is expected later this year.

KT Tunstall to Release New 'Nature Techno' Album this September

Upon hearing that multi-platinum selling singer/songwriter KT Tunstall is getting ready to release her third studio album, Tiger Suit this Fall via Virgin Records, I was inspired to go and re-discover her first two albums, which I have enjoyed on and off over the years but never given a thorough listen to.  As a matter of fact, I just went onto Amazon and purchased both albums...impulsive? Maybe just a little.

Tiger Suit is due out on September 28th and features a seemingly different sound than Tunstall's fans might be used to.  The music is described as "Nature Techno," according to Tunstall.  The musical style gets it's name because of "it's blend of organic instrumentation and electronic, dance-friendly textures." SOLD. Tunstall began demoing songs for the new album in 2009 from the comfort of her own solar-powered recording studio at her home in rural England.  Flying to Berlin this past January, Tunstall recorded the album in the very same studio where David Bowie, U2 and Iggy Pop had previously recorded some of their most well known work.  Under the watchful eye (and ear) of producer Jim Abbiss (Artic Monkeys, Adele, Kasabian, Editors) KT completed the album in London earlier this year.  While Tunstall did write a majority of the album, she did receive a little assistance from Linda Perry, Greg Kurstin, Martin Terefe and Jimmy Hogarth, the latter two, with whom she worked with on both Drastic Fantastic and Eye To The Telescope.

More successful overseas, Tunstall has had some chart success here in America.  2007's Drastic Fantastic debuted at an impressive #9 on the Billboard Top 200, producing the successful single "Hold On."  Her U.S. debut, Eye To The Telescope peaked on the Billboard charts at #47 but went produced three popular singles including the Grammy-nominated "Black Horse and the Cherry Tree."  While Tunstall's singles off of 'Telescope' were radio friendly, 'Drastic Fantastic' just didn't feature as many radio friendly tracks.  Here's hoping that Linda Perry, Greg Kurstin and this so-called "Nature Techno" create some radio-friendly hits that American Radio will actually play.  Regardless of whether or not U.S. radio embraces Tunstall's next effort, it's sure to be solid in my book.

Next month we see Tunstall perform during the WNBA vs. USA Basketball halftime presentation.  This nationally televised event (catch it July 10th on ESPN at 3:30 PM ET) showcases the world's best female basketball players all under one roof.  In addition to this high profile appearance, Tunstall will be doing promo in America July 10th through July 18th, performing two solo shows in New York (July 13th at the Hiro Ballroom) and Los Angeles (July 15th at Hotel Café).  No word yet on the final album tracklisting or what the first single will be but we can surely expect more information soon.

Check out KT Tunstall on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter

American Idol's Fantasia to Release Third Album this Summer

American Idol Season 3 winner Fantasia is back with a brand new album on July 27th.  Released via J Records, Back To Me saw the talented R&B singer collaborate with writers/producers Ne-Yo, Jim Jonsin, Claude Kelly, Rico Love and more...not to mention a special guest vocal by Cee-Lo Green.  Available for digital pre-order on June 22nd, Back To Me is Fantastia's third album and is lead by the single "Bittersweet," which is currently climbing various Billboard R&B charts (sitting pretty at #9 on the Hot Adult R&B Airplay Chart) (listen to the single below).  Unlike a lot of R&B albums out there today, Fantasia's isn't filled with guest appearances from every R&B artist and rapper under the sun, relying mostly on her own vocals and strong songwriting and production.  The sole guest vocalist is the very talented Cee-Lo Green (Gnarls Barkley) which I can only imagine is going to be amazing.  Also appearing on the album is "I'm Here," which Fantasia sang on Broadway in The Color Purple.



According to a press release, comedian and actor Steve Harvey helped come up with the album title, Back To Me, after interviewing the singer on his radio show.

“I’ve willingly let the world into my life through my book, the Lifetime television movie and now the VH1 reality show. Now, it’s time to go back to how things used to be when America first laid their eyes on me on American Idol. I want to focus everyone’s attention back to me and back to music that everyone can relate to and enjoy.”

Fantasia's debut album Free Yourself went platinum and featured two chart-topping hit singles, "I Believe" and "Truth Is" (the latter of which spent 14 weeks at the top of the charts).  While her second album, the self-titled Fantasia was not as successful as her debut, it did produce one #1 R&B single, "When I See You" and eventually went gold.  While not everything she's put out is up my alley, I'm definitely looking forward to hearing a proper return to form for this talented artist.  Fantasia has no doubt done a lot of growing since she first emerged on to the scene as a mainstream artist and I honestly don't think she's reached her true hit potential.

Check out Fantasia on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//VEVO

Ray LaMontagne and the Pariah Dogs to Release 'Beg, Steal or Borrow' as First Single

Well this was good timing on my part. I had been sitting on an old press release about Ray LaMontagne's forthcoming new album and concert tour with David Gray until yesterday when I finally got to posting it. Today, I was surprised with ANOTHER release, this time about his new single! "Beg, Steal or Borrow" will serve as the official first single off of Ray LaMontagne's (and the Pariah Dogs) new album, God Willin' & The Creek Don't Rise. Check out the song below.



The song is THICK with LaMontagne's soulful vocals, backed by his talented band, the 'Pariah Dogs' (pictured above). I have to admit, when I heard that he was releasing a new record attaching the band's name next to his own, I was worried that his voice would get lost...but what was I thinking. You can't hide a powerful voice like that. The band, if anything, complements LaMontagne's vocals PERFECTLY. Ray really can really do no wrong if you ask me. Unlike some of his past releases, the song is upbeat, not melancholy but you can't help but feel a little bit sad every time you hear LaMontagne sing. There's just something about his voice that adds a hint of sadness to every song...and I don't think that's a bad thing. No word on when "Beg, Steal or Borrow" will be commercially available but the album comes out via RCA Records on August 17th and make sure to catch LaMontagne on tour with David Gray this summer.

Check out Ray LaMontagne on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//YouTube

Hot Video Update: Kelly Rowland - Commander (Live on The Graham Norton Show)

WOW, what a performance. Check out the lovely Ms. Kelly Rowland performing her new David Guetta-produced single "Commander" on the Graham Norton show yesterday. I was wondering for a hot minute of Rowland was in fact singing live, but I think she is. She's almost SPOT ON, vocally speaking and FILLED with energy. "Commander" is currently #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance/Club Play Charts but not really making waves on the mainstream charts here in the U.S. In the UK the single is currently #7 on the Dance Charts and at #52 on the singles chart (better than nothing). I really hope that the new remix featuring Nelly surfaces soon. I think Rowland has a better chance at impacting Urban radio here in the states than she does Top 40. This girl is talented!

Hot Video Alert: Katy Perry feat. Snoop Dogg - Califnornia Gurls

Katy Perry - New Music - More Music Videos

CANDYLAND! The new Katy Perry video for "California Gurls" leaked online today and it's...very...erm...SWEET. The video sees Katy Perry hobnobbing with the likes of Gummy Bears, Lolly Pops, and a myriad of other candy-coated characters (Real Housewife Kelly Killoren Bensimon would be in HEAVEN).  This video really takes this song home for me. It's taken a while to GRAB me but I can officially say that I'm smitten with Perry's new single. Currently sitting pretty in the #1 spot on Billboard's Hot 100, the Snoop Dogg-assisted single is the first off of Perry's second album, Teenage Dream, due out on August 24th.  If you've got a sweet tooth, you're gonna LOVE this video!