[Hot Video Alert] Melanie C feat. Emma Bunton - I Know Him So Well

"I Know Him So Well," from the musical Chess, is one of my all time favorite duets so when I heard that it was being released as the official first single from Spice Girl Melanie C's recent theater-inspired album, Stages, I was super excited.  What made things even MORE exciting...Mel's duet partner, fellow Spice Girl Emma Bunton!  Now, I've been a hankerin' for new Emma Bunton music since the release of her last solo album back in 2006, Life In Mono, and while Melanie C takes the lead on "I Know Him So Well," I'm hoping deep down that this reignites Emma's passion for pop music enough to get her back into the studio to record an album as fabulous as 2004's Free Me.

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Melanie C Unveils 'Stages' Artwork & Album Tracklisting; 'I Don't Know How To Love Him'

Former Spice Girl Melanie C unveiled the artwork for her forthcoming sixth studio album Stages yesterday, as well as the album's tracklisting and release date.  Stages will drop digitally on September 9th via Red Girl Records, and physically one day later on September 10th.  Produced by long-time collaborator Peter-John Vettese (Pet Shop Boys, Cher), Stages features 12-tracks of musical theater masterpieces and other songs chosen by Melanie herself.  Check out the tracklisting BELOW the cut.

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Spice Girl Melanie C Releases Theatrical New Album This September; Stars in West End Production of 'Jesus Christ Superstar'

At the end of June, Spice Girl Melanie C announced the forthcoming release of her sixth studio album, Stages, featuring "a collection of songs from the theater that have been important to Melanie at various stages in her life."  The album was produced by long time collaborator, Peter-John Vettese (Pet Shop Boys, Cher, Carly Simon) and includes a duet with fellow Spice cohort Emma Bunton as well as the album's first buzz single, "I Don't Know How To Love Him," from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar.  Check out the JUST released artwork for the single (shot by Tim Bret-Day), which will be released digitally worldwide starting this Sunday, July 22nd via Melanie's own label Red Girl Records.

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Melanie C Plans Ibiza-Inspired Dance EP, The Night, Due May 13th

On May 13th, Melanie C (AKA "Sporty Spice") will release a BRAND NEW Ibiza-inspired dance EP called The Night.  In the works since early last year, the three track EP is a collaboration with London-based DJ Jodie Harsh.  Back in February 2011, Melanie spoke with celebrity columnist Dean Piper at an InStyle event, gushing about the collaboration, saying:

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Hot Video Alert: Melanie C - Weak

"Weak" is the second official single taken from The Sea, the new album from former Spice Girl Melanie Chisholm (AKA Melanie C), her first album in four years.  It's a beautiful, stirring pop ballad that really showcases the voice of the Spice Girls.  Despite having to share the spotlight with four other ladies, there's no denying that Sporty was the one with the pipes.  Sure, the others had their moments but as far powerhouse vocals and impressive range goes, Melanie C was it.  "Weak" is a bit bland and one note in the build up, but when it comes time for Chisholm to take it home, boy, does she ever.  The song was co-penned by Chisholm, alongside Ina Wroldsen and Jez Ashurt with Andy Chatterley taking producer credit.

"Weak" is the follow up to the very commercial "Think About It," the first international single taken from Mel C's new record. Single #1 barely made it into the top 100 on the UK Singles Chart, peaking at a disappointing #95.  Considering how poorly the first song did, I wonder if anyone had high hopes for "Weak." While the single failed to chart on the mainstream singles chart, it did manage a #29 spot on the UK Indie Singles Chart and #50 on the UK Airplay Chart.

The Sea was released back in September on Chisholm's own indie label, Red Girl Records (UK & US) with Warner Brothers taking on international distribution duties.  The album peaked at #45 on the UK Album Chart.  Not that great if you consider that her first two albums (1999's Northern Star and 2003's Reason) both went top 5 upon their initial 5.  At the same time, it could have been worse. Melanie C's last album, 2007's This Time, became her lowest charting album debuting and peaking at #57.  

Ever since parting ways with Virgin Records, Melanie has struggled to find the chart success she had as a major label artist.  If it's any consolation, a lot of artists experience the same problems going from a major to an indie.  It all comes down to money and budgets and promotion, all of which are shrunk down to very little in an indie environment.  While some artists have more success than others, I think it must be particularly hard for a member of a top selling girl group trying to maintain some kind of a lucrative solo career.  Whatever happens, I hope Melanie C keeps releasing the kind of music she wants to release.  Check out the video below and download "Weak" on U.S. iTunes HERE.

Check out Melanie C on the web:

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

Melanie C Gets Sporty in 'Rock Me' Music Video, Announces Worldwide Single Release and Album Title

SOO much new Melanie C news to report. EEEEEE! As I mentioned last month, Melanie C's new single, "Rock Me" is due for release in Germany, Austria and Switzerland June 24th on her own indie label, Red Girl Records.  In more exciting news, it was announced through Melanie's official site that the single will be getting a worldwide digital release (hopefully INCLUDING the U.S.) between the June 24th and June 26th, depending on the territory. AMAZING!   "Rock Me" was co-written by Melanie C, German songwriter Dave Roth (Tokio Hotel) and Dave Jost and co-produced by Roth and Andy Chatterly (Nerina Pallot, Kylie Minogue).  "Rock Me" has been selected as the the official theme song for German TV channel ZDF's coverage of the FIFA Women's World Cup, which is a tremendous honor!

To celebrate the upcoming release of the single, we've been graced with the release of a hot new music video for the song, featuring impressive dance AND soccer moves by Melanie C and a troupe of sporty backup dancers.  The video was directed by German video director Marcus Sternberg (Run DMC vs. Jason Nevins, Schiller, Nena, Christina Stürmer) and filmed in Manchester.

"Rock Me" will be the first single released from Melanie C's upcoming fifth studio album, entitled The Sea.  The album features collaborations with Jodie Marr (Paloma Faith, MIKA), Cutfather (The Saturdays, The Wanted), Ina Wroldsen (The Pussycat Dolls, Pixie Lott), Jez Ashurst (A1, Brian McFadden), James Walsh (Starsailor) and Richard "Biff" Stannard," who consequently wrote the album's title track and had previously worked with Melanie on Spice Girls material as well as her debut solo single "Goin' Down."  From the sounds of it, The Sea could be Mel C's best album yet.  According to Melanie herself in a recent website Q&A:

"I really feel this could be the best album of my career. I've worked with great writers, got fantastic songs and I'm really excited about the production. After working in the theatre my voice is in pretty good shape and following a long break after having my little girl and my theatre run, I've been feeling even more inspired." {SOURCE}

I'm SO SO SO excited!  If "Rock Me" isn't enough to tide you over until The Sea's projected September release, check out this live performance of another new album track called "Stupid Game."  The song was co-written by Melanie, Adam Argyle and Martin Brammer.  You can also listen to a snippet of the "Rock Me" B-Side, called "Stop This Train."  According to Melanie, "It was a crazy fun moment in the studio with my old mate Peter Vettese. It's like nothing else on the new album but I love it so wanted you to have it!" {SOURCE}  Plenty of new Melanie C music to go around.  Now, go check out the "Rock Me" music video below and leave comments!  Are you happy she's back? {SOURCE}

Check out Melanie C on the web:

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

Melanie C to Release New Electropoprock Single Next Month

Former Spice Girl Melanie C is BACK with a new electropoprock single called "Rock Me!" Melanie co-wrote the song with Dave Roth (Tokio Hotel), who also served as producer on the track alongside Andy Chatterly (Kylie Minogue, Diana Vickers). According to Mel C's official blog:

"‘Rock Me’ is a motivating anthem featuring an infectious chorus of Melanie’s exciting and distinct vocals. With its high energy and relentless beat, it is fitting that the track has been chosen as the official song for German TV channel ZDF’s coverage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup." {SOURCE}

As of now there are only plans to release the single in Germany, Austria and Switzerland - no UK release just yet. It's no surprise that Melanie and her self-started indie label Red Girl Records are choosing to focus everywhere EXCEPT the UK for her as yet untitled fifth album, especially considering how her fourth album tanked when it was released in 2007. This Time only managed to reach #57 on the UK Albums chart.  Over in Austria the album peaked at #26, Germany #15 and Switzerland #8.  Not only was the album a relative failure in Britain, but none of the This Time singles really made any sort of connection with UK music buyers.  The only modestly successful UK single was Mel's cover of "I Want Candy," which peaked at #24.  Subsequent singles, "Carolyna," "This Time," and "Understand" all either charted poorly or failed to chart in the UK but over in Germany, first single, "The Moment You Believe" managed to chart at #15.

Sure sometimes singles are released in different markets but I think it's clear that right now, Melanie C is hotter in Germany, Austria and Switzerland right now and that's OK.  Bypassing the UK is clearly a calculated, intentional decision on the part of Red Girl Records, focusing on the markets where Melanie C has most recently seen success on the charts.  I guess you just have to go where the majority of your fans are.  Hopefully, with the upcoming release of Mel's fifth studio album and new single, "Rock Me," Mel will find fans all over the world.  "Rock Me" is due for release on June 24th.  Check out a snippet of the single below.

Check out Melanie C on the web:

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

Melanie C Collaborating with DJ Jodie Harsh on New Dance Record

Well this is exciting news! Melanie C (AKA Melanie Chisholm) is planning a dance music comeback in 2011! Arguably the most talented, vocally, of the Spice Girls, Melanie C's last couple of albums have been more pop/rock than the material found on her debut, Northern Star.  Melanie C recently spoke with celebrity columnist Dean Piper at the InStyle Best of British Party, saying:

"We’re in the studio working now. Tomorrow, in fact. There’s a lots of writing and studio time booked in and the results are very exciting." {SOURCE}

While the new album appears to just be in the early planning stages, Mel C is already eying one collaborator - none other than the FABULOUS Drag Queen DJ Jodie Harsh.  Speaking of the collaboration, Chisholm sounds optimistic:

"Jodie’s got a good grasp of what I want to do and we’re hoping to return to the ‘I Turn To You’ days with some big dance hits." {SOURCE}

Um...YES! This sounds amazing to me. "I Turn To You" was Melanie C's last UK #1, back in 2000. The single went on to do well all over Europe and even landed at #1 on Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart, thanks to amazing remixes from the legendary Hex Hector and StoneBridge.

Since the release of Northern Star back in 1999, Mel C has released 3 more albums, none of them achieving the success of her debut. The last Top Ten single of Chisholm's career was "Next Best Superstar," the lead single off of her 3rd album back in 2005. Her last CD, 2007's This Time spawned only one real hit in the UK, her cover of "I Want Candy" by The Strangeloves, which went on to peak at #24. I think it's due time for a Mel C comeback, don't you?  Chisholm was signed to Virgin Records for two albums before parting ways and starting up her own label, Red Girl Records for 2005's Beatiful Intentions.  I'm DEFINITELY looking forward to some hot dance beats from Melanie C in 2011.  Check out the video BELOW for her dance classic, "I Turn To You," remixed by Hex Hextor.

Check out Melanie C on the web:

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

Melanie C Earns Rave Reviews in West End Debut

While Melanie C is planning to release her fifth studio album sometime in 2010, at the moment the former Spice Girl is enjoying rave reviews as Mrs. Johnstone in a new West End production of the award-winning musical, Blood Brothers. Brothers tells the story of two twin brothers separated at birth, "re-united by a twist of fate and a mother’s haunting secret." London's The Daily Telegraph calls Melanie's debut "absolutely sensational"," going on to say even "If you have [seen Blood Brothers], you will need no further encouragement [then] to see it again with Melanie C now in such glorious form." The London Evening Standard adds "If we already knew she could sing, we might not have guessed she'd prove this adept in acting."

This is very exciting news indeed. More often than not, a celebrity appearance in a play or musical is more spectacle than anything, leaving much to be desired in terms of singing and acting ability. This doesn't appear to be the case with Mel C, whom we already knew could sing. Acting seems to come naturally to the star as well. Well done Melanie! Still looking forward to your new "rockin'" album.