Hot Video Alert: Dan Black featuring Kelis - Hearts

I feel like I've been raving on and on about British-born/Paris-based singer/songwriter/producer Dan Black for YEARS, but really it's only been four years?  Ever since I heard his BRILLIANT, never officially released "HYPNTZ" (which ultimately turned into the single "Symphonies") I've been obsessed with Mr. Black, with my obsession coming to a head during the Robyn + Kelis All Hearts Tour in 2010, wherein Black was one of the openers (along with a pre-"Like A G6" famous Far East Movement).  Witnessing Black do his thing live was ALL that I needed to see to convince me that this guy was a musician to watch out for.  Now, three years after dropping his debut album here in America, Black is BACK with a beautiful new single, "Hearts," which sees a reunion of sorts with All Hearts Tour-mate and Kaleidoscope-lovin', Wanderland dwelling, Tasty Milkshake-slurpin', indie pop DIVA extraordinaire, 'Kelis (Was Here)' who's 2010 album, Flesh Tone, remains one of my favs to this day.  Check out "Hearts" below the cut.

Read more »

'The Voice of Baltimore,' Rye Rye Drops New Mixtape; Debut Album Out May 15th

Baltimore Maryland's own hip-hop princess Rye Rye releases her debut album, Go! Pop! Bang! this Tuesday, May 15th via N.E.E.T./Interscope Records, featuring hits like the Robyn-assisted "Never Will Be Mine," and Vengaboys-sampling "Boom Boom."  To celebrate the album's impending release, Rye Rye is giving fans a delicious taste of what's to come, with the release of a new mixtape, which you can check out BELOW.

Read more »

Eva Simons to Release 'I Don't Like You' Remix EP May 22nd; Mixes by Nicky Romero, Fred Falke, Nick Thayer and R3HAB

Photo Credit: Nick Farrell

Hot on the heels of her sassy new video, Dutch electropop DIVA Eva Simons is ready to unleash a brand, spankin'-new remix EP on May 22nd via Interscope Records.  The EP includes remixes from some of today's HOTTEST DJs, including Nicky Romero (Madonna, Kelly Clarkson), Fred Falke (Little Boots, Lykke Li), Nick Thayer and R3HAB (Lady Gaga, Katy Perry).  Listen to ALL of the remixes BELOW and get ready to download them on iTunes May 22nd.

Read more »

[Review] Sammy Adams - Only One

Sorry Sammy. Sorry for ignoring all of those early PR emails back when you were promoting your debut album, Boston's Boy. Sorry that it took me this long to post about you. All I can really say is, better late than never...

Read more »

Natalia Kills Not Quite Done with America: Embarks on Fall Tour with The Sounds

Natalia Kills is set to return to North America to continue promoting her debut album, Perfectionist this Fall with two sets of dates. Kicking things off October 30th in Boston, the U.S. leg of Kills' tour sees her joining forces with Swedish indie rock band The Sounds. The 9 city tour concludes on November 11th, before Kills moves up and over the border into Canada where she will embark on a 10 city tour starting November 13th in Quebec City as part of the Cherrytree Pop Alternative Tour. The Canadian leg of the tour sees Kills joining Cherrytree Records labelmates LMFAO, Far East Movement, Frankmusik, Kay, Rye Rye and Collette Carr. Sounds like a party!

Since releasing her album in the States this past August Kills released will.i.am collaboration, "Free," did guest vocals (and appeared in the video) for LMFAO's dark and dancetastic "Champagne Showers" not to mention turning out a lovely feature on Far East Movement's "2 Is Better" and Frankmusik's "Do It In The AM." As if that wasn't enough to keep her busy, Natalia Kills also features on "1974" by The Krux, taken from their debut album Eraser. Busy busy busy! You have to hand it to Kills...she's really going all out on the promotion of her debut album. I wish all artists (and labels) had such a strong work ethic!

  Natalia Kills - Free (Dr Rosen Rosen Remix) by CherrytreeRecords

Here in the States, Perfectionist peaked at #1 on the Billboard Heakseekers Albums chart, #6 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart, and #134 on the Billboard 200. Over Europe the album fared a little bit better, peaking at #129 in the UK, #35 and #50 on the Austrian and German charts (respectively). In Canada the album also did significantly better than it did in the States, peaking at #36.

The fact that the album charted at all here in America is a miracle, and while I was hoping for better, something is better than nothing. To date, Kills has yet to have a single on the Billboard Hot 100, although "Mirrors" did peak at #3 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart. Check out an alternate version of Natalia Kills' "Free" video below and catch her on tour this fall (dates below). Download "Free" on U.S. iTunes HERE, download Perfectionist on standard edition HERE and the deluxe edition HERE.

Tour Dates:

Natalia Kills with The Sounds 
10/30 – Royale – Boston, MA
11/01 – Union Transfer - Philadelphia, PA
11/02 – Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY
11/04 – Webster Hall – New York, NY
11/05 – Black Cat – Washington, DC
11/07 – The Masquerade – Atlanta, GA
11/09 – Fitzgerald’s – Houston, TX
11/10 – Granada Theatre – Dallas, TX
11/11 – La Zona Rosa – Austin, TX

Cherrytree Pop Alternative Tour
11/13 – Pavillion De La Jeuness – Quebec City, Quebec
11/14 – Air Canada Centre – Toronto, Ontario
11/15 – Bell Centre – Montreal, Quebec
11/16 – Civic Centre – Ottawa, Ontario
12/14 – MTS Centre – Winnipeg, Manitoba
12/15 – Saskatoon Prairieland Park – Saskatoon, Saskatchew
12/16 – Brandt Centre – Regina, Saskatchewan
12/20 – Stampede Corral – Calgary, Alberta
12/21 – Rexall Place – Edmonton, Alberta
12/23 – Pacific Coliseum – Vancouver, British Columbia

Check out Natalia Kills on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Hot Video Alert: DEV - In The Dark

DEV isn't really an artist I've spent too much time posting about because...well...I don't really know where her true talents lie. Sure, she's ATTACHED herself to a few catchy tracks ("Like A G6" by Far East Movement, "She Make Me Wanna" by JLS and "Bass Down Low featuring The Cataracs) but that's really all it feels like to me - an attachment. I don't really know who DEV is as an artist. She doesn't REALLY sing, which you know, works for Britney and Ke$ha but that market's already been pretty well covered I think.

All criticisms aside, "In The Dark" is a pretty catchy tune in and of itself. No, it doesn't stray too far away from it's predecessor, "Bass Down Low" but that's OK. It's got beat for days and a super slick video to boot (directed by Ethan Lader, who also directed the "Bass Down Low" video). "In The Dark" may very well be the tune that changes my mind about DEV. I still don't really know if I'd enjoy a full album of this auto-tuned-to-hell electropop but from what I hear, DEV does have talent beyond talk-singing. In fact, she co-wrote this very track. Who knew?

 "In The Dark" was released back in April and is the second official single taken from her forthcoming debut album, The Night The Sun Came Up, due September 5th in the UK on Island Records and September 20th in the U.S. via Universal Republic. Featuring hip-hop remixes with Flo-Rida and 50 Cent as well as dance mixes by the Proper Villains, Hype Jones, Mixin Marc & Tony Svejda, Johan Wedel, Static Revenger, Havana Brown, and Martin Volt Le Que & RJX the single peaked at #56 on the Billboard Hot 100, and #37 on the UK Singles Chart.  Download "In The Dark" on U.S. iTunes HERE and check out the super cool video below.

Check out DEV on the web: 

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Hot Video Alert: Frankmusik feat. Far East Movement - Do It In The AM

What a week this is turning out to be, eh music fans? Tuesday saw the release of Frankmusik's FABULOUS new single, "Do It In The AM," featuring Cherrytree labelmates Far East Movement, followed by the release of the super fun video on Wednesday. The video premiered on PopEater yesterday morning and has since been released to YouTube and VEVO. The video, while nothing groundbreaking in terms of concept, is still a fun ride nonetheless. A long walk in the desert with Far East Movement in tow, an extensive club sequence...the video is basically one massive party. According to Frankmusik (AKA Vincent Frank):

"The 'Do It In the AM' video was a treat to do. In 3 days we hit a pool party, a desert, a shady motel, a motorbike convention, and the Hollywood Hills, just to name a few! The concept is 'what the hell happened the night before?' A series of events seemingly related and unrelated hold the whole video together. Far East Movement tag along and act as my wing men on this frenzied night."

So it all makes sense! OK OK, the video is growing on me now, but let's be honest for a moment. The true highlight of the video is of course the song itself, which is freakin' AMAZING. Written and produced by Frank and co-produced by Martin Kierszenbaum (AKA Cherry Cherry Boom Boom) there are fabulous remixes from Jacob Plant, Les Loups and Frankmusik himself - check those out in my previous post. Don't forget you can download the single version on iTunes HERE so DOOO IT! Also check out my post on fellow Cherrytree recording artist Colette Carr and her fabulous new single "(We Do It) Primo," produced by Frankmusik.  Frankmusik has also been working with Joe Jonas on his forthcoming new electro pop album as well as another favorite up & comer Simon Curtis.  Lots of Frankmusik on the horizon and I'm LOVING it.  His album, Do It In The Am will be released this September (via Facebook).

Check out Frankmusik on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Frankmusik Does it in the AM: New Single Due Out May 3rd

Yes Yes Yes YES! New Vincent Frank music is HERE and it was worth the wait! I've said it before and I'll say it again - Frankmusik's debut album, Complete Me is one of my favorite pop albums of the past few years. If what I've heard from his sophomore effort is any indication, I think Frankmusik might have TWO ALBUMS on that list. Before going solo, Frankmusik was known for his remixes (Lady Gaga, Pet Shop Boys) as well as production work (Ellie Goulding, Sky Ferreira). Going solo proved to be a fruitful endeavor for Frankmusik, as his album was a top twenty hit, peaking at #13 on the UK Albums chart and spawning two modest hit singles, "Better Off as Two" (#26) and "Confusion Girl" (#27).

Frankmusik - Do It In The AM Remixes by Interscope Records

Having lived in Los Angeles for a while now, Frankmusik was chock-full of inspiration for his new, freshy fresh, synth-poppy-sweet album, inspired by the dirty, raw energy of LA. Hot on the heels of first single, "The Fear Inside," second single "Do It In The AM" features a little help from his friends (& labelmates) Far East Movement. "Do It In The AM" is the title track off of Frankmusik's forthcoming sophomore record, due out later this year through Cherrytree/Island Records and will be available to download starting May 3rd. Oh - and the good news doesn't stop here! Get pumped for a collection of hot remixes from the likes of Les Loups and Jacob Plant, not to mention Frankmusik's own Crystal Palace remix. While the single version of the song might be my favorite, the remixes are DEFINITELY worth a listen. Check them out below and fall in love with Frankmusik.

Check out Frankmusik on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

In Case You Missed It...Music Video Round Up

SO you all know I LOVE music videos. Turns out I missed a s%@t load of them during my brief hiatus, so instead of going through them one by one...I decided to post them all at once, starting with the oldest. Here we go!

I HEART The Wanted. My favorite new UK boy band. "Gold Forever" is a dance-pop gem from their forthcoming sophomore album. Written and produced by Steve Mac and co-written by Wayne Hector and Claude Kelly the song was the official 2011 Comic Relief Charity single. The single debuted at #3 on the UK Singles chart, going on to become the band's third top-ten hit. Featuring remixes by Steve Smart & Westfunk, and Moto Blanco the single is destined to be a dance club hit as well. The fun video premiered in early March and was filmed on the same set as The King's Speech. Check out the boys and their cute clown noses above. Darling!  Look out for single #2, "Lightning," written by another favorite of mine, Mr. Ed Drewett.

"Gone" (AKA Dilemma Pt. 2) is the latest single from U.S. rapper Nelly's 5.0 album. "Gone" was written by Eric Goody II, Cornell Haynes, Earl Hood, Rico Love and Jim Jonsin (and produced by the latter two). In the Marc Klasfeld-directed video, Kelly Rowland reprises her role as Nelly's love interest, a role she first played in the video for his 2002 hit single, "Dilemma." While not as catchy as "Dilemma" it's nice to see Kelly and Nelly back together again. To date, the song has peaked at #59 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.

"I'll Take Care Of You" is the latest single to be lifted off of American Soul artist Gil Scott-Heron's new album, We're New Here. We're New Here is actually a remixed album, produced by Jamie xx (of The xx). Scott-Heron's album was called I'm New Here, and is predominantly a blues and spoken-word album, like many of Scott-Heron's previous albums. Jamie xx seems to infuse electronic-elements into the original material seamlessly. The emotional, beautiful video for "I'll Take Care Of You" was directed by JJ Medina and AG Rojas and follows the story of an extraordinary young woman, single mother and boxer - Nisa Rodriguez. Playing like a mini movie, this stunning video shows the day-in-the-life of Rodriguez. Definitely worth a look.

Read more »

Adele Maintains Position Atop the Official UK Singles & Albums Charts

For the second week in a row, Adele's beautiful ballad "Someone Like You" remains in the top spot.  Co-penned by Adele and Dan Wilson (who also served as producer) the single started gaining traction a couple of weeks ago after a poignant performance at the BRIT Awards.  So far the single has peaked at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100 and at #35 on the Canadian Hot 100.  Check out a magnificent live performance of the song taken from VH1 Unplugged: Adele HERE.  While "Someone Like You" was released as the official single in the UK, elsewhere in Europe, the equally brilliant Fraser T. Smith-produced "Set Fire To The Rain" was released as the official second single.  Below, listen to this brilliant dance remix of "Someone Like You" by The Thin Red Men.

Elsewhere on the singles chart, Jessie J and Rihanna maintain their #2 spots where as Adele drops back to #5 leaving room for Lady Gaga to rise to #4.  Both Chipmunk and Alexis Jordan sink one spot to #6 and #7  respectively.  Singer/songwriter Jessie J, who's album was released this past week must be pleased to see her debut single "Do It Like A Dude" reenter the Top Ten.  As far as new chart entries this week, there aren't too many worth mentioning with the exception of the new Foo Fighters single (#22), and two Jessie J album tracks - "Who You Are" & "Nobody's Perfect" (#40, #81).  Disappointing chart performances include new entries from Alesha Dixon, who's new single, "Every Little Part Of Me" featuring Jay Sean, enters the chart at a measly #78.  Promising beginnings for Britney Spears' who's new single "Till The World Ends" enters at #55 after only being released last Friday and The Black Eyed Peas new single, which was officially released only yesterday in the UK enters the chart at #89.  New singles out this week include "That's The Truth" from McFly, "Mirrors" by Natalia Kills, Olly Murs' "Heart On My Sleeve," Willow Smith's second single, and Tinie Tempah's "Wonderman," featuring Ellie Goulding.  What will happen next week? Do any of these new entries have what it takes to dethrone Adele? We'll have to wait and see I suppose.

Official UK Singles Top 10//March 12, 2011

1. Adele//Someone Like You

2. Jessie J feat. B.o.B.//Price Tag

3. Rihanna//S&M

4. Lady Gaga//Born This Way

5. Adele//Rolling In The Deep

6. Chipmunk feat. Chris Brown//Champion

7. Alexis Jordan//Good Girl

8. Chris Brown//Yeah 3X

9. Bruno Mars//Grenade

10. Jessie J//Do It Like A Dude

[SEE THE FULL TOP 100 HERE]

On the album chart front, Adele also maintains her #1 position for the sixth consecutive week.  This is BEYOND impressive.  What's even more impressive is how well the album's been doing in America, debuting in the #1 spot and selling over 350,000 copies, becoming the highest debut yet of 2011.  Coming in strong at #2 is Jessie J's debut album, Who You Are, which was bumped up by nearly an entire month, all for the best it turns out.  English rock band Beady Eye (made up of former members of Oasis, including Liam Gallagher) debuts at #3 on the UK Albums Chart, while Clare Maguire's Light After Dark makes an impressive entrance at #7 following the #23 debut of her second single, "The Last Dance."  The final new entry in this week's Top Ten, Alexis Jordan, who's self titled debut was released last week slides into the #9 slot, following the #6 debut of her second single "Good Girl" last week.

Other new chart entries this week come from Lykki Li, who's sophomore set Wounded Rhymes enters the chart at #37 (a vast improvement from the #112 debut of 2008's Youth Novels) and Far East Movement, who's debut album Free Wired debuts at #63.  U.S. acapella group Straight No Chaser also enters the chart this week with their latest album, With A Twist, coming in at #91 on the UK Albums Chart.  New albums out this week which should chart next Sunday include Avril Lavigne's Goodbye Lullaby as well as new releases from Lupe Fiasco, Marianne Faithfull, Noah & The Whale and Slash.


Official UK Albums Top 10//March 12, 2011

1. Adele//21

2. Jessie J//Who You Are

3. Beady Eye//Different Gear, Still Speeding

4. Adele//19

5. Rihanna//Loud

6. Bruno Mars//Doo-Wops & Hooligans

7. Clare Maguire//Light After Dark

8. Mumford & Sons//Sigh No More

9. Alexis Jordan//Alexis Jordan

10. Cee-Loo Green//The Lady Killer

[SEE THE FULL TOP 100 HERE]

Hot Video Alert: Far East Movement feat. Frankmusik - Rocketeer (Live on Jimmy Kimmel Live)

In cased you missed it on January 10th, check out this live performance from Far East Movement featuring Frankmusik on Jimmy Kimmel Live. Frankmusik stepped into OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder's shoes for this live performance of "Rocketeer," Far East Movement's latest single. Frankmusik absolutely NAILS the chorus here, also playing the piano during the performance. "Rocketeer" recently moved up to the #17 spot on the Billboard Hot 100, a pretty good sign of things to come for the band, who's breakout single "Like A G6" peaked at the #1 spot (SOURCE). If you like the sounds of this live collaboration, wait until you hear the two Cherrytree Records acts on "Fighting For Air," off Far East Movement's debut album Free Wired. The two also got together for the title track off Frankmusik's forthcoming record.

While this performance officially counts as Frankmusik's U.S. television debut, it certainly won't be his last. Signed to Cherrytree Records (along with Far East Movement, Ellie Goulding and Natalia Kills) Frankmusik is getting ready to release his debut album, Do It In The AM, here in America sometime in 2011. First single, electro-pop masterpiece "The Fear Inside" is currently available to download on iTunes (HERE) as are the remixes (HERE). ITunes also has an exclusive download of Far East Movement featuring Frankmusik doing "Rocketeer" live at The Cherrytree House (HERE).  Check out the awesome performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live below.

Check out Far East Movement on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Check out Frankmusik on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO

Robyn Unveils Body Talk Pt. 2 Artwork and Tracklisting

I know this news broke a while back but I don't care. I'm seeing Robyn on the All Hearts Tour at the House of Blues on Wednesday, with Kelis, Dan Black and Far East Movement. I can HARDLY WAIT! While seeing the setlist might ruin the surprise for some, it only makes me more excited!  This tour, while still a good few weeks in advance of Body Talk Pt 2's release on September 7th, should get me good and ready for the new album.  What Robyn's doing with Body Talk is really smart!  Instead of the following the usual write-record-promote schedule that most artists follow, Robyn decided to write enough material for 3 albums and then focus on promoting all three all over the world.  It's like a never-ending pot of gold!  While I'm a little disappointed that she's only releasing one single per album (at least so far) I'm BEYOND thrilled that we're getting three new Robyn albums before the year is out. 2010 is looking to be the year of Robyn and I'll take what I can get.

Tracklisting:

1. In My Eyes

2. Include Me Out

3. Hang with Me

4. Love Kills

5. We Dance to the Beat

6. Criminal Intent

7. U Should Know Better (featuring Snoop Dogg)

8. Indestructible (Acoustic Version)

Check out Robyn on the web:

Official Site//MySpace//Facebook//Twitter//VEVO