Hot Video Alert: Nicola Roberts - Beat Of My Drum

As previously reported, Girls Aloud member and solo pop up-and-comer, Nicola Roberts has a new single out in the UK. The song is called "Beat Of My Drum" and it was produced by Diplo (M.I.A., Robyn) and Dimitri Tikovoi (Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Placebo). The two producers also shared in the writing credits alongside Roberts herself, and Maya von Doll.  The light and hard hitting at the same time - a perfect mix of dubstep elements and pop sensibilities.

We've already established how hot I think the song is, but what about the song-downloading public? Released on June 5th in the UK, "Beat Of My Drum" peaked at #27 on the Official UK Singles chart, #26 in Scotland and #37 in Ireland. Not horrible, but not top ten either, which would have been amazing. I'm honestly not sure how much Roberts is being promoted over across the pond. I'd imagine that promotional efforts would ramp up closer to the October 3rd release of her debut album, Cinderella's Eyes, right? In any case, there's plenty of time to turn Nicola Roberts into the star that she deserves to be.

Directed by Wendy Morgan (Janelle Monae, Dragonette), the "Beat Of My Drum" video made it's television debut June 5th on T4 with mixed reviews from the peanut gallery {SOURCE}.  Some seem disappointed that she didn't take the concept farther.  To that end, I can sort of see where naysayers are coming from.  The video was seemingly filmed in one room, and aside from brightly colored costumes and talented backup dancers doing their thang, there's not much else going on.  That all being taken into account, overall I quite enjoyed the video.  Nicola looks amazing in her outfits, each one providing a pop of primary colors. I also quite enjoyed the choreography.  While not as advanced or as exciting as let's say, something the Pussycat Dolls might put out there, girl does her thing and does her thing well.  A lot of the choreography seems to feature Roberts shuffling around in place and/or swinging her head and arms round, which while not visually arresting, does prove that she has moves and has lots of room to grow.  Nicola Roberts does wind up stealing the spotlight in the end and all is right with the world.

"Beat Of My Drum" is available to download on UK iTunes HERE. Fans can also order the physical version of the single, due out July 18th.  Look out for hot remixes from Loverush UK! and KC Blitz as well as B-Sides including "Disco, Blisters and a Comedown" and "Porcelain Heart."  Check out the video below (U.S. fans click HERE).

[EDIT] This just in!  if you haven't seen Nicola's live debut on T4 from Saturday night, performing "Beat of My Drum" here's your chance.  While it starts out a little awkward, she gets into a rhythm, especially when a drummer comes out on stage and does a little face off with Nicola.  I'm also digging the all female band she has on stage.  Not too shabby Nicola. Not too shabby. {SOURCE}

Check out Nicola Roberts on the web:

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

Broadway/Las Vegas/Reality Star Josh Strickland Releases Second Dance Single

Josh Strickland. WOW! What a voice! Currently starring in PEEPSHOW in Las Vegas and in Holly's World on E!, Josh Strickland is moving forward with plans to release a solo EP of dance pop later this summer, the second single from which, "Last Dance," is out on iTunes now. The song showcases Strickland's powerhouse pipes and feisty attitude, at times sounding like Christina Aguilera (no joke). The fact is, when I first heard this song, I though it was a woman singing. Destined to be a dancefloor hit, "Last Dance" is Strickland's second single, following in line with the electric, high energy feel of debut single, the anthemic "Report To The Floor." "Report To The Floor" went on at #14 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Digital Songs chart during the week of April 23rd, and while "Last Dance" has yet to chart, I wouldn't count it out just yet.

The dancefloor-friendly, exotic beats heard on "Last Dance" were produced by Grammy Award winning producer Damon Elliott (Destiny's Child, P!nk, Christina Aguilera) and Norwegian pop/dance producer Axident (Kaya, Nikki Williams). Strickland had the pleasure of meeting Elliott last year when he was producing the theme song to the reality series, Holly's World starring Playboy's Holly Madison. After hearing Strickland perform on the theme song, Elliott got him into a studio, along with Axident and started working on some serious dance music.

While the "dance genre" might suit Josh Strickland right now, it's not where he got his start. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, Strickland first graced our TV screens as a finalist in season 2 of American Idol, followed by an appearance on the season premiere of Star Search 2004. On Broadway, Strickland originated the role of Tarzan in Disney's Tarzan and has shared the stage with icons like Phil Collins and Shania Twain. Josh Strickland currently appears in PEEPSHOW, alongside his friend and reality TV star Holly Madison, with whom he also shares screen time on Holly's World.  Don't let his masculine good looks fool you...this guy can WAIL. Download "Last Dance" on iTunes HERE and check out the official video for "Report To The Floor," below, featuring Holly Madison in a prominent role.

Check out Josh Strickland on the web:

Official Site//Facebook//Twitter//YouTube