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.

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Swedish Singer/Songwriter Beatrice Eli Set to Release Debut EP, It's Over, March 24th

It's been a minute since we've heard from edgy Swedish singer/songwriter Beatrice Eli but she's back!  Check out the recently released music video for "It's Over," title track from her debut EP, due March 24th (via Razzia/Family Tree Music/EMI).  "It's Over" is a punchy, attitude-filled synth-pop stomper that further solidifies her place as one of my 'Ones to Watch.'  Listen to the song on SoundCloud and see if you agree.

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Dan Black Returns with 'RAW' New Single; Hints at Kelis Collaboration

Electro hipsterpop singer/songwriter Dan Black recently unveiled some details about his forthcoming new album, including a planned duet with electroGODDESS Kelis.  While the as-yet-untitled album's first single, "RAW" won't be dropping digitally until July 31st, you can catch a sneak peak of the new track in a recently released video promoting the new Absolut flavor of vodka, Caipiroska.  The video features Black hard at work in his Paris-based studio, putting the finishing touches on his new single.  While there's not much to go on just yet, all signs point to this being another flawless showcase of Dan Black's intelligent pop prowess.

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'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.

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[Hot Video Alert] Giulietta - VooDoo

You might remember my piece on Australian dance/pop singer/songwriter Giulietta from earlier this month when I made her one of my 'Ones to Watch in 2012.' Well, looks like I was right about that. Giulietta just released a scorchingly hot video for her new single, "VooDoo," and it's definitely worth watching.  Produced by Simmy Beats, "VooDoo" is the second single lifted from Giulietta's as-yet-unreleased sophomore album, 911: Code Pink. The song offers dance music lovers a taste of what's to come on the new album, which Giulietta promises to be "edgier" than the material found on her 2010 debut, Ascension. 

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Hot Video Alert: Rye Rye - Boom Boom

I am LOVING Rye Rye right about now. She's a little spitfire isn't she?  21 year old Rye Rye first caught my attention with her single, "Never Will Be Mine", featuring Swedish electropop Goddess Robyn.  "Never Will Be Mine," released nearly a year ago, served as Rye Rye's second official single from her forthcoming album, Go! Pop! Bang!, which is due out May 15th via controversial artist M.I.A.'s own Interscope Records imprint, N.E.E.T.  Rye Rye's latest offering is a feisty little ditty called "Boom Boom," which heavily samples the Vengaboys' 1998 international hit "Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom" in the chorus.  Clever Rye Rye. Very clever.

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Hot Video Alert: Rye Rye feat. Robyn - Never Will Be Mine

Rye Rye (AKA Ryeisha Berrain) is a talented American rapper and dancer hailing from Baltimore, MD and signed to N.E.E.T. Recordings/Interscope Records. her debut album, Go! Pop! Bang! is due for release sometime this summer. Her new single, "Never Will Be Mine" features a lovely sample of Robyn's hit 2005 single "Be Mine!" and is actually the third single off the forthcoming album. Previous singles, "Bang" and "Sunshine" both feature English singer/songwriter and rapper M.I.A.

In the colorful video for "Never Will Be Mine," Rye Rye laments about a lost love, while Swedish singer/songwriter Robyn passionately sings her hook. The Tim Nackashi (OK Go, TV on the Radio, Maroon 5)-directed video was shot in Los Angeles and features both women, rockin' out in stylish hipster fashion. The video for "Never Will Be Mine" premiered on VEVO June 15th and is now available to download on U.S. iTunes HERE. You can also pick up the single on iTunes HERE.  Make sure you watch the video AND the special behind the scenes clip, featuring both Rye Rye and Robyn as well as director Tim Nackashi.  Catch Robyn on tour with Katy Perry now, tour dates below.

Robyn's Tour Dates (WITH KATY PERRY)

7/22 – Rose Garden Arena in Portland, OR (Katy Perry tour)
7/23 – Taco Bell Arena in Boise, ID (Katy Perry tour)
7/25 – Energy Solutions Arena in Salt Lake City, UT (Katy Perry tour)
7/26 – 1ST Bank Center in Broomfield, CO (Katy Perry tour)
7/28 – Verizon Theatre @ Gran Prairie in Grand Prairie, TX (Katy Perry tour)
7/29 – Toyota Center in Houston, TX (Katy Perry tour)
7/30 – Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX (Katy Perry tour)
8/3 – Comerica Theatre in Phoenix, AZ (Katy Perry tour)
8/5 – Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA (Katy Perry tour)
8/6 – Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA (Katy Perry tour)
8/7 – Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA (Katy Perry tour)

Check out Rye Rye on the web:

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

Check out Robyn on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Robyn - Call Your Girlfriend

This video is likely old news to most of you but it's new to me, as I'm still catching up on emails from early late May/Early June!  "Call Your Girlfriend" is the latest single released from Robyn's BRILLIANT Body Talk album, released in November of 2010. Written by Robyn, alongside Klas Åhlund and Alexander Kronlund, the single was released in April. Produced by Åhlund and Billboard, "Call Your Girlfriend" is electropop at it's finest, and a very clear standout in her live set. Peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart, the single is complemented by a stunning video, featuring the pint-size Swedish popstar doing her trademark spastic dance moves, flitting about a big, empty warehouse-looking space. Directed by Max Vitali, the video appears to have been shot all in one take which makes it even more amazing. Robyn's energetic movements, combined with her emotional delivery really work wonders. It's another amazing electropop ballad, courtesy of Robyn.

After you've watched the video about a bajillion times, make sure you go and show your support by downloading the "Call Your Girlfriend" remix EP, available on iTunes HERE. The EP features fabulous dance mixes from Feed Me, Kaskade and Sultan & Ned. While you're at it, why not download Body Talk, also on iTunes HERE.  Oh, and just for kicks...check out Robyn featured on the new song by American rapper Rye Rye, "Never Will Be Mine," featuring a generous sampling of Robyn's fabulous single "Be Mine!"  Download "Never Will Be Mine" on iTunes HERE.

Check out Robyn on the web:

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

Robyn Releases 'Call Your Girlfriend' Remix EP, Tours with Katy Perry

And the hits keep on comin' for Swedish pop superstar Robyn as her latest single, "Call Your Girlfriend" sits in the #18 spot on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. "Call Your Girlfriend" was co-written by Robyn and Alexander Kronlund and Klas Åhlund (who also produced, along with Billboard). The second single (following "Indestructible") lifted from Robyn's Body Talk album, "Call Your Girlfriend" was remixed for the clubs by Sultan & Ned Shepard, Kaskade and Feed Me, an EP for which was released on iTunes May 10th (download HERE). Listen to the Feed Me remix below and go and download the EP if you like what you hear.

Call Your Girlfriend (Feed Me Remix) by robyn


Robyn will be joining Katy Perry on tour this summer so make sure you catch her. In addition to appearing on the California Dreams Tour, you can also see Robyn perform live at the Sasquatch Music Festival, Bonnaroo and more. Check out a complete list of the Tour Dates below the cut!

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Robyn to Release 'Call Your Girlfriend' as Next UK Single

Per the majority of my most recent posts, I'm late "breaking" this story as well, but Robyn makes me happy so I'm going forward regardless. Robyn's second official single off of Body Talk (the collective 'Body Talk') has been announced as the Klas Åhlund-produced "Call Your Girlfriend." The single has already been released in Finland and Norway but is due for UK release on May 16th, backed by a set of hot remixes from Kaskade, Sultan & Ned Sheperd and Feed Me. Um...AMAZING!

Robyn - Call Your Girlfriend (Feed Me Remix) by MusicUniversal

While not (by far) my favorite song on Body Talk, it's not my least favorite either. Truth be told, I don't HAVE a least favorite. That being said, I'll take all the Robyn I can possibly get my hands on so bring on "Call Your Girlfriend." Scope out my favorite Swedish electro-pop pixie singing the track live on Jimmy Kimmel Live! a couple of weeks ago. AMAZING.  Check out the Feed Me remix above while you're at it.

Check out Robyn on the web:

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

Ones to Watch in 2011: TimPermanent

Photo by David Arenas

A little bit Owl City, a little bit Gary Go. That's how I would describe singer/songwriter TimPermanent. His "quirky and idiosyncratic style" really sets him apart from a lot of the other electro pop artists out there today and that's what I'm absolutely loving about him.

It was the French horn and clarinet that started TimPermanent's professional music career, leading to his attending a conservatory for performing arts in New York City. Co-founding the band Testosetrone Kills and signed to Fortified Records who's main mission is to "advance the artistic progression of the gay artist community." So he's cute, talented and gay? Can't say I'm surprised! His solo material blends electronica with pop in a similar way to Owl City and Gary Go, but still staying true to himself as an artist. TimPermanent is definitely still an original. I was pleasantly surprised to hear just how could sing. With electro-pop music, it's pretty easy to lose the vocalist in all of the effects but TimPermanent rises above. Really lovely. He released his debut album, called Record, via a USB Jump Drive that contained all 14 songs written, produced, performed and recorded by TimPermanent himself. Very impressive indeed. I give so many props to a those artists out there who put out their own material. I can't imagine how much blood, sweat and tears go into that whole process but when you want to be heard, there shouldn't be anything to stop you.

"A dash of whimsy and the peculiar propels TimPermanent to fearlessly experiment with his music and embrace his individuality. Engaging and lyrically motivational, he guides the listener toward optimism and the fulfillment of each person’s unique life purpose."

TimPermanent opened for artists such as Fantasia, Deborah Cox and Adam Lambert at LA Pride in 2009 and played the infamous Sunset Strip's Viper Room, Roxy and Key Club. His new EP, Marker, is out now on iTunes. Download it HERE. Check out a video for his song "Asymmetrical" below as well as his fantastic live cover of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own."

Check out TimPermanent on the web:

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

This & That: Musical Morsels For You To Chew, Swallow or Spit Out

Thank GOD for Twitter. It's a great way to keep up with the latest happenings and news in the music world. It does get harder to pin down news the more people you are following (I am following over 1,500 people) but you learn how to sift through all of the fluff and pick out the bits that are important to you. 'This & That' is something new I'm trying on the blog, an excuse to not let all of these little tidbits and musical morsels go to waste. Some of them come from Twitter, some from other music blogs I follow, all of them juicy (not always good juicy). Enjoy a little bit of 'This & That.' 

Rebecca Ferguson, runner up on the last season of X-Factor has landed a deal with Epic Records.  The talented singer from Liverpool may have come in 2nd but she was first in my book. New label mate Paloma Faith congratulated Ferguson via Twitter: "@beccaxferguson should I be officially welcoming you? Tell me tell me? I'm so excited!" Ferguson replied: @Palomafaith hi I'm really excited! , couldn't have asked for better people to work with ill probably c u soon ;) xxx"

Cher Lloyd has been spotted meeting with mega-producer and hitmaker RedOne (Lady Gaga, Enrique Iglesias, Sugababes) in America.  It's assumed that they were discussing plans for the young pop star's forthcoming debut album.  While it's uncertain at this point which record label signed Lloyd, she did sign a contract with Syco (along with Matt Cardle, Rebecca Ferguson and One Direction). RedOne + Cher Lloyd? Yes please. {SOURCE}             

Speaking of One Direction, the third-place finishing boy band from last season of the X-Factor appears to be moving in the right direction as far as their burgeoning pop careers are concerned. The first step? A proper band logo.  The logo is fairly straight forward, featuring a black background with a white number "1" and a D with an arrow inside.  Next to the "1 D" is "One Direction" spelled out in red letters.  So are they "One Direction" or "1 Direction?" A bit confusing, no? {SOURCE}

Katrina Darrell (AKA 'Bikini Girl' from American Idol Season 8) has released a TERRIBLE version of "Big Spender." In the accompanying video, Darrell frolics around the beach, on a boat and in the club with a bevvy of half naked men and women.  While the vocals are weak, the video is actually pretty slick.  "Big Spender" was originally written by Cy Coleman and Dorothy Fields for the musical Sweet Charity.  The song has been covered by many but most famously by Peggy Lee and Dame Shirley Bassey.{SOURCE}

R&B singer JoJo is reportedly hard at work on her long-delayed 3rd studio album for Da Family/Blackground/Interscope Records.  While the New York Post reports that the songs for the new album are all "mastered & ready to go," JoJo Tweeted on Friday about a forthcoming collaboration with R&B megaproducer Rodney 'Darkchild' Jerkins (Destiny's Child, Jennifer Lopez), saying: "Grateful 4the wisdom, talent, spirituality + humbleness that makes @ONLY1DARKCHILD the brilliant mind he is . Loving what we're cookin up...." Hmm. Interesting. In September JoJo released her first mix-tape exclusively to Rap-Up.com and if that material is any indication of what JoJo is working on then we have a lot to look forward to.

14-year old Dionne Bromfield is getting to release a new single.  The British singer, who is signed to Godmother Amy Winehouse's Lioness Records, released her debut album in 2009.  The album peaked at #33 on the UK Album Charts and her debut single, a cover of The Shirelles' "Mama Said" peaked at #43. While her first album was a compilation of Motown cover songs, the new record features original material.  First single,  "Yeah Right" features Atlantic Recording Artist Rapper (and son of of Joseph "Rev Run" Simmons, one of the founding members of influential hip hop group Run–D.M.C.)  Diggy Simmons.  According to Bromfield (via Twitter) they shot the video for the single last Friday. Expect it to premiere before the single is released on March 20th.

Anyone remember the boy band O-Town?  Here's a quick refresher...the band released two albums in the early 2000s (the first of which reached #5 on the Billboard 200) and 2 top ten singles ("Liquid Dreams" and "All Or Nothing"). After their second album failed to make an impression on the charts they were dropped by J Records and the boys went their separate ways. Ashley Parker Angel went on to have a semi successful solo career, while the other band members faded into relative obscurity...until now.  According to TMZ 4 of the 5 original O-Town members (minus Parker Angel) have gotten back together and are in the process of recording the first new O-Town album since 2002's O2.  Hey I think they have a shot.  Take That did alright without Robbie Williams right? {SOURCE}

I love Mashups, especially when done well. Case in point, check out one of my favorites featuring La Roux, Robyn, Whitney Houston and Taylor Swift. Now for my latest obsession.  Leave it to Perez Hilton to find a brilliant bit of pop fun like this.  Not sure who created this Mashup but it's awesome. The mashup uses Britney Spears' "Hold It Against Me," Kat Graham's "Sassy" and Adele's "Rolling In The Deep." In one word...Amazing. {SOURCE}

I have always loved me some Blake Lewis and this new video featuring Lewis with buddy and collaborator BT further solidifies his place in my list of favorite Idol Alums.  To hear Lewis in his beatboxin' element, check out this new video for his original song, "She Loves The Way," produced by BT.  Lewis first performed "She Loves The Way" on the American Idols Live! Tour back in 2007 becoming the first Idol alum to sing an original song on the Idol tour.  This video is set to the Beatbox Stutter Edit Mix of the song and was made using a MacBook Pro, "the iSight, BT's Stutter Edit plugin, Loop Pedals, a Kaoss Pad and KJ Sawka on drums." Brilliant! According to Lewis on his YouTube channel, "3 live takes at London Bridge studios in Seattle, Washington is all it took for BT to take my song and make a kickass example of how Stutter Edit can be used with video." Watch the video HERE.

Well this is unexpected.  Swedish electro-pop Goddess Robyn is releasing a new single off of her fabulous, critically acclaimed Body Talk album.  Co-penned by Robyn and Klas Åhlundm, "Call Your Girlfriend" will be released as the follow up to Robyn's last single, "Indestructible," which peaked at #4 on the Swedish singles charts.  According to Robyn, fans can expect the accompanying video will be released in "probably February or March."  Can't wait for some new Robyn!  Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" was nominated for a 'Best Dance Recording' Grammy so look out to see if she wins when the Grammy's air on February 13th. {SOURCE}

You may remember when Travis Garland performed his debut solo single, the Danja-produced "Believe" on American Idol in May of last year.  Prior to his solo debut Garland was the lead singer of NLT, an American boy band that also featured Kevin McHale, now of Glee fame.  The band released 4 singles and were scheduled to release their debut album however it never materialized on the group disbanded. Promoted heavily be Perez Hilton, Garland's Idol performance was supposed to be the catalyst Garland needed to launch him into solo stardom but that never happened.  Signed to Interscope/Geffen Records the singer/songwriter is supposedly working on his debut album, due out sometime this year, although details are sketchy at best.  As of January 11th, fans can download a free 5-track EP called Last Man Standing.  Get that HERE. It's a nice place holder while we await Garland's next move.

Looks like Ke$ha's next single off of Cannibal has been selected.  Fans can expect to hear "Blow" on the radio starting February 8th.  The Dr. Luke/Max Martin/Benny Blanco-produced electro-stomper is typical Ke$ha in that her voice is auto-tuned to shit.  The jury's still out on whether or not this single's any good.  The Prophet appropriately labels it "Take it Off" Part 2 and I can't say that I disagree. Ke$ha's latest release, the mini album Cannibal peaked at #15 on the Billboard 200 chart. First single, the infectiously catchy "We R Who We R" peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.  "Blow" entered  the Billboard Hot 100 at #97 as a result of it's early promotional release.{SOURCE}

Up & coming singer/songwriter/producer/Duke-graduate Mike Posner has announced his third single and it's one of my favorites off of his debut album, 31 Minutes To Takeoff.  Produced by The Smeezingtons (Sugababes, Travie McCoy, Justin Bieber) "Bow Chicka Wow Wow" is the perfect choice for a third single in that it's a sonic departure from previous two singles "Cooler Than Me" and "Please Don't Go."  The closest thing Posner has to a ballad on the album, "Bow Chicka Wow Wow" is a sexy surprise from Posner. Can't wait to see the video for this one.  The single was sent to U.S. radio outlets on January 18th.  Posner's first single, "Cooler Than Me" peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 while follow up "Please Don't Go" fared less successfully, peaking at #16.  "Please Don't Go" will be released as Posner's second UK single on March 13th. {SOURCE 1, 2)

What's this about Joe Jonas going electro for his upcoming solo album? Sounds...interesting? Dare I admit that I'm intrigued?  This could make me start caring about the Jonas Brothers...err...at least about one of the Jonas Brothers.  Jonas, who's working with Danja (Madonna, Usher, Britney Spears) on a new project, revealed to MTV News that he wants his new sound to be reminiscent of Daft Punk.  Looks like Jonas is planning on riding the dance/pop wave straight onto the charts with this new album. I'm interested to see if he can pull it off.  According to Jonas, "I listen to a bunch of stuff you dance to, kind of electro-based."  Also working with Jonas on his debut? None other than Music Is My King Size Bed-favorite Frankmusik. AMAZING. {SOURCE 1, 2}

Another pop star going dance-crazy? How about American R&B singer Mya.  The "Case of the Ex" singer has recorded a single called "Love Is The Answer" and it was produced by Miami-based DJ, Remixer and Producer Cedric Gervais.  Wow. Can't wait for this one!  Mya, who was runner up on the U.S. reality TV series Dancing With The Stars during it's ninth season, promises lots of dancing in the upcoming music video for the song.  According to Mya in an interview with E! Online, "There is a lot of dancing in this video, but it's nothing like what I did on Dancing With The Stars. It's way more Madonna than ballroom." "Love Is The Answer" is out on February 8th. Listen to a clip HERE. {SOURCE 1, 2)

Hot Video Alert: La Roux, Robyn, Whitney Houston, Taylor Switft - I Wanna Bulletproof Dancer (Mash Up)

As my final post of 2010 I've chosen this gem. I found this AMAZING video over on Popjustice and decided that I couldn't end 2010 without a little shout out. It's a mega MashUp using La Roux's spectacular "Bulletproof" as the backing track for remixed versions of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own," "You Belong With Me" by Taylor Swift and Whitney Houston's classic "I Wanna Dance With Somebody." Need I say more? Check it out. Also worth a look, Panos T's YouTube channel for more amazing Mash-Ups, many of them remixed by Titus Jones.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year and an amazing 2011!

'Best of 2010': Robyn Makes Multiple Top Ten and 'Best Of' Lists

When I think about artists who've really made an impression on me over the past year, Robyn definitely stands out.  I've been a fan of Robyn's for a long time, so to see her come back here to the States 13 years after she first debuted on the scene, and make people go CRAZY all over again...it's rather gratifying.  Robyn has always had a fan base here in America, ever since she exploded onto the scene with "Show Me Love" - it's just that her fanbase here NOW is considerably larger, thanks in part to her 2008 self titled album which featured "Cobrastyle," "Handle Me" and "With Every Heartbeat."  This album got people talking about Robyn again.  Robyn, being the smart businesswoman that she is, kept the momentum going the following year by working on material from, what would become her Body Talk album trilogy, releasing first single "Dancing On My Own" in June of 2010.

Now, as 2010 comes to a close, various outlets are compiling their 'Best Of' lists and Robyn's name is (not surprisingly) appearing on quite a few of them.  MTV has named Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" their #6 pick for song of the year. Nice!  Even better? "Dancing On My Own" is up for a Grammy this year, nominated in the 'Best Dance Recording' category.  This will be Robyn's second Grammy nod, after being nominated last year for 'Best Electronic/Dance Album' for Robyn.  The song, which also recently closed out an intense episode of CW's hit teen drama Gossip Girl, is one of my favorites from the past year. Hands down.

"I don't know why this song wasn't the biggest hit of 2010, honestly," says MTV's  Jim Cantiello. "It's like the perfect pop song."

MTV Shows

Agreed.  Check out more on the MTV News staff's decision to include Robyn in their Top 10.  Definitely a honor, despite the fact that MTV is not the music video mecca that it once used to be.  While "Dancing On My Own" might be Robyn's most talked about single here in the States, her Body Talk album has been garnering quite a bit of praise on it's own.  Spinner, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, Spin, New York Magazine and NPR have all highlighted the Swedish songstress's new record as one of the year's best and brightest.  According to Spinner:

"As her stilettos stomped across broken glass, the Swedish former teen star outclassed all comers, pairing soaring synths, thundering drums and emotion-soaked lyrics, showing sympathy for Britney-esque fembots and declaring her indestructible independence. Body Talk is epic pop for epic times. Get on board. Buckle up."

Well summed up. Body Talk, a compilation of the three volumes, is available now on Cherrytree Records (download HERE).  Check out the video for Robyn's new single, "Indestructible" HERE and check out the video for "Dancing On My Own" below.

Check out Robyn on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Natalia Kills - Activate My Heart + New U.S. Tour with Robyn

Well this is a pleasant surprise, isn't it? I wasn't expecting a new video from Natalia Kills until the next single! This makes me OH so happy. You know what also makes me happy? Natalia Kills is coming to Boston, opening up for Robyn at the House of Blues! I might get to see her live! AH-MAZING!  Now I've already seen Robyn live TWICE before but the chance to see Natalia Kills live doing her thing on stage would totally get me in the door for a third time. Now...before we get into the tour, let's talk about the new video.

"Activate My Heart" was originally released as a buzz single back in April following the release of "Zombie" in June. The trippy-cool video was directed by long time Natalia Kills collaborator Guillaume Doubet (Frankmusik) and produced by Kills herself. Now that the official first single, "Mirrors," has been released it appears that this video was released to keep her fans satisfied while we wait for the next big thing. Now - what that 'Next Big Thing' is...I do not know. It could be the album, Perfectionist, which is due in the Spring. Or maybe it's the second season of Natalia's web series Love, Kills xx. It could also be featured collaborations on new albums from Cherrytree Records label-mates' Far East Movement and Frankmusik. Whatever the case may be, the "Activate My Heart" video definitely satisfies my Natalia Kills craving for the time being, although I do not like how the release date for Perfectionist appears to have been pushed back. That being said, Spring is the perfect time. I'll be coming out of hibernation and wanting to dance.

While we're waiting for the new album, why not familiarize with Natalia's releases so far. We have "Zombie" (available HERE), "Activate My Heart" (available HERE), "Mirrors" (available HERE) and of course, the "Mirrors" remix EP (available HERE) which I mentioned before. Oh! And obviously check out the "Activate My Heart" video below. Very cool indeed. NOW, onto the tour dates for Natalia's shows with Robyn. Here they are! Get excited!

Tour Dates:
1/26 - The Sound Academy - Toronto
1/27 - Metropolis - Montreal
1/28 - Imperial Theatre - Quebec
1/29 - State Theater - Portland, OR
1/31 - Higher Ground - South Burlington, VT
2/01 - Ram's Head Live - Baltimore,
2/03 - Electric Factory - Philadelphia, PA
2/04 - House of Blues - Boston, MA
2/05 - Radio City Music Hall - NewYork, NY
2/07 - House of Blues - Cleveland, OH
2/08 - The LC Pavilion - Columbus, OH
2/09 - Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak, MI
2/11 - Riviera Theatre - Chicago, IL
2/12 - Rave Ballroom - Milwaukee, WI
2/13 - First Avenue - Minneapolis, MN
2/15 - Canopy Club, Urbana
2/17 - ACL Live at the Moody Theater - Austin, TX
2/18 - South Side Music Hall - Dallas, TX
2/19 - Warehouse Live - Houston, TX

Check out Natalia Kills on the web:

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

Hot Video Alert: Robyn - Indestructible

Swedish pop pixie Robyn releases the third and final part of her Body Talk trilogy on November 22nd in the states (November 29th in the UK) on Cherrytree Records. Single #1, "Indestructible" is another slice of synthpop heaven from Robyn, further proving that Robyn can indeed do no wrong. Her past two singles off of Body Talk Parts 1 and 2 have been GORGEOUS electro pop stunners (see "Dancing On My Own" and "Hang With Me") so the fact that this Klas Åhlund-produced masterpiece is just as good shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. The single is out in the UK on November 22nd and is backed by Laidback Luke, The Krays, Laserkraft and Steve Pitron & Max Sanna on the official remix. The sexually charged video (directed by Nils Ljunggren and Max Vitali) features scenes of a couple (and a threesome) going at it, interspersed with shots of a naturally gorgeous Robyn wearing a cool "water jacket" (designed by Lucy McRae) with different colored waters flowing through. Very cool look.

Body Talk will feature 5 songs apiece from Body Talk Parts 1 and Part 2 as well as 5 new songs. EPIC! Check out the album's tracklisting below and watch the hot new video.

1. Fembot

2. Don't Fucking Tell Me What to Do

3. Dancing on My Own

4. Indestructible

5. Time Machine

6. Love Kills

7. Hang with Me

8. Call Your Girlfriend

9. None of Dem (featuring Röyksopp)

10. We Dance to the Beat

11. U Should Know Better (featuring Snoop Dogg)

12. Dancehall Queen

13. Get Myself Together

14. In My Eyes

15. Stars 4-Ever 

Check out Robyn on the web:

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Natalia Kills to Join Robyn on Fall U.S. Tour, Album Due out Early Next Year

Next on my "MUST SEE" live gigs list is Natalia Kills. The British born singer/songwriter just released her official first single "Mirrors" and now is about to go on tour with Swedish pop sensation Robyn! That's a good gig, wouldn't you say? Natalia Kills will be promoting her forthcoming debut album Perfectionist on the 13 city tour that starts on November 5th in Miami Beach, FL ending November 23rd in San Francisco. Prior to her North American tour, Natalia Kills will be joining Kelis in Europe for the anticipated All Hearts Tour. The video for "Mirrors" was shot last month in LA, where she served as writer, stylist AND director alongside her production collaborator Guillaume Doubet, with whom she worked on her short film installments Love, Kills xx.  It should be released shortly. So far "Mirrors" has been remixed for the clubs by Moto Blanco with more mixes HOPEFULLY to follow. Perfectionist is due out in early 2011 on Cherrytree/Interscope Records.  Check out the sneak peak at "Mirrors" below.



Tour Dates:

Nov 5/The Fillmore/Miami Beach, FL
Nov 6/Club Firestone/Orlando, FL
Nov 7/The Ritza Ybor/Tampa,FL
Nov 8/Buckhead Theatre/Atlanta, GA
Nov 10/Terminal 5/New York, NY
Nov 12/The Sound Academy/Toronto, ON
Nov 13/Metro/Chicago, IL
Nov 14/Fine Line Music Café/Minneapolis, MN
Nov 17/Club Nokia/Los Angeles, CA
Nov 19/Venue Vancouver/Vancouver, BC
Nov 20/Wonder Ballroom/Portland, OR
Nov 21/Neumos/Seattle, WA
Nov 23/The Warfield/San Francisco, CA

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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)

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Hot Video Alert: Robyn - Hang With Me

Robyn - Hang With Me official video from Robyn on Vimeo.

Robyn's "Hang With Me" could be classified as a song that I need on my iPod RIGHT NOW. Unfortunately, it's not due for release here in the U.S. until August 17th and in the UK September 5th. Written by Klas Åhlund, "Hang With Me" was actually originally recorded by Åhlund's ex-wife, Paola Bruna for her 2002 album Stockcity Girl. No matter. Robyn kills it.  For all intents and purposes, this song is hers. This song is pure, pop bliss. I can't stop listening to it. The Max Vitali-directed video, which premiered today, features clips of Robyn on tour. Some of it appears to be backstage footage, some appears to be footage shot specifically for the video. While definitely LOW budget the video really fits the mood of the song perfectly.  Body Talk Pt. 2 is due out September 6th the UK and on the 7th in the U.S.

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Hot Video Alert: Robyn - Dancing On My Own (Live on The Late Show with David Letterman)

How the HELL did I miss this news? Robyn on Letterman? Oh well. Someone uploaded it so THANK GOD for that. The pint-sized popstar from Sweden stopped by Letterman on July 19th and performed her Body Talk Pt. 1 single, "Dancing On My Own." I love this. I love her. I love that Robyn can take a sad song and make it happy. Sure, it's partially the pulsating synths but it's also Robyn's energy. Seeing her get into the song is priceless. She's really got great stage presence and I remember that from her show at the Paradise last year. Brilliant. I'm BEYOND ecstatic to see her live with Kelis next week at the House of Blues for the All Hearts Tour. It's going to be QUITE the show. Currently, "Dancing On My Own" is currently #3 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart.  Her next single, "Hang With Me" comes out in September.


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Check out Robyn on the web:

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