Maroon 5 - Call And Response: The Remix Album

MAROON 5 ANNOUNCES DECEMBER 9th RELEASE FOR
CALL & RESPONSE: THE REMIX ALBUM

REMIXES BY PHARRELL, DEERHOOF, OF MONTREAL, COOL KIDS, SWIZZ BEATZ
AND MANY MORE HIGHLIGHTED ON 18-TRACK ACTION-PACKED DISC

Multi-platinum Grammy winning quintet MAROON 5 has announced a December 9th release for CALL & RESPONSE: THE REMIX ALBUM (A&M/Octone), an exhilarating 18-track mixtape that features Pharrell Williams, Deerhoof, of Montreal, Cool Kids, David Banner, Paul Oakenfold and many more putting new twists on several of the band’s biggest hits.

“I’ve always found it really interesting that a group of people looking at the same painting can all see different things,” says Maroon 5 vocalist/guitarist Adam Levine. “That was the idea behind this record—to take a few of our songs and have them interpreted by some of our favorite artists. We were really blown away by what they came up with.”

CALL & RESPONSE: THE REMIX ALBUM pulsates with provocative renditions of songs culled from Maroon 5’s hugely successful debut, SONGS ABOUT JANE and its predecessor IT WON’T BE SOON BEFORE LONG. The two albums have made Maroon 5 one of the most successful bands to emerge this decade, with more than 14 million worldwide sales, a remarkable string of chart-topping hit singles, a trio of Grammy wins and an international fanbase whose members number in the millions.

The album introduces itself with a frenetic beat-breaking take on “If I Never See Your Face Again” by acclaimed hip-hop producer Swizz Beatz.

"Maroon 5 is amazing and I've been a huge fan for a long time,” says Swizz Beats. “I'm excited to be a part of the project and can't wait to work on the next one."

Among the many highlights on CALL & RESPONSE: THE REMIX ALBUM are stunning new versions of “She Will Be Loved” by Pharrell Williams, “Goodnight Goodnight” by art rockers Deerhoof, “Wake Up Call” by Mississippi MC David Banner, “Harder To Breathe” by retro-rappers The Cool Kids, “Sunday Morning” by The Roots’ Questlove and “Little Of Your Time” by indie pop darlings of Montreal.

"Maroon 5 is perfect for in da shower and the most exquisite nite clubs,” says of Montreal’s List Cristi. “We were psyched to work on ‘Little of Your Time’—that song is crazy catchy."

The full track listing for CALL & RESPONSE: THE REMIX ALBUM is as follows:

1. “If I Never See Your Face Again” - Swizz Beats
2. “Wake Up Call” Feat. Mary J Blige - Mark Ronson
3. “Sunday Morning” - Questlove
4. “Makes Me Wonder” - Just Blaze
5. “This Love” - Tricky Stewart
6. “She Will Be Loved” - Pharrell Williams
7. “Shiver” - DJ Quik
8. “Wake Up Call” - David Banner
9. “Harder to Breathe” - Cool Kids
10. “Little Of Your Time” - Bloodshy and Avant
11. “Little Of Your Time” - of Montreal
12. “Goodnight Goodnight” - Deerhoof
13. “Not Falling Apart” - Tiesto
14. “Better That We Break” - Ali Shaheed Muhammad
15. “Secret” - DJ Premier
16. “Woman” - Sam Farrar of Phantom Planet
17. “This Love” - Cut Copy
18. “If I Never See Your Face Again” Feat. Rihanna - Paul Oakenfold

Maroon 5 (Levine, guitarist James Valentine, keyboardist Jesse Carmichael, bassist Mickey Madden and drummer Matt Flynn) recently wrapped up the final leg of their North American tour in support of double-platinum-selling album IT WON’T BE SOON BEFORE LONG. The disc, which entered Billboard’s Top 200 at No. 1, has spawned four straight hit singles, including No. 1 smash “Makes Me Wonder” (which also earned the band a Grammy for “Best Pop Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocals”), and top ten follow-ups “If I Never See Your Face Again,” “Won’t Go Home Without You” and “Wake Up Call.” Maroon 5 recently shot a video for the album’s fifth and latest hit, “Goodnight Goodnight,” with director Marc Webb (Jimmy Eat World, My Chemical Romance, Snow Patrol).

www.maroon5.com

Dido - Safe Trip Home

The journey is underway for Dido’s forthcoming album, Safe Trip Home, which will be released by Arista Records on November 18, 2008.

Leading up to the release of her third album, film directors from around the world have been invited to make a series of short films to spotlight each of the album's 11 songs. Filmed at locations though out the globe (Mumbai, Rio, Bangkok and more), each film will examine a day in life of people in different countries. online at: www.SafeTripHome.com

In the coming weeks, Dido will host upcoming listening parties outside of London and Los Angeles, where Safe Trip Home will be played its entirety. Afterwards, she will meet fans.

Safe Trip Home is currently available for digital pre-order from the iTunes® Store (www.itunes.com). Customers who pre-order the album from iTunes will instantly receive Dido’s new single, “Don’t Believe In Love.” Two digital versions are available through iTunes: a standard and a deluxe that features bonus content. The deluxe version contains three bonus tracks “For One Day,” “Summer” and a remixed version of “Northern Skies,” a video for “Don’t Believe In Love,” digital liner notes, plus the pre-orders-only track “The Day Before The Day 5/4.”

Recorded in Los Angeles and London, Safe Trip Home is produced by Jon Brion (Fiona Apple, Kanye West, Rufus Wainwright, Eels) , Ark—the new production company founded by Rollo Armstrong (Faithless) and Dido. The new album includes smoldering, soulful songs that feature Dido playing guitar, piano, bells and the trusty recorder she toured Europe with as a prodigious pupil of London’s Guildhall School of Music. She’s even responsible for some of the album’s drums (most notably on the sumptuously melancholy “Quiet Times.”). The record also includes “Grafton Street,” a song Dido co-wrote with Brian Eno.

Safe Trip Home follows the global, chart-topping success of Dido’s two previous albums: No Angel and Life for Rent.

Don't Believe in Love (WM, Streaming, 2,204k, Video)

Best Of Hilary Duff

It’s almost unfair to ask Hilary Duff to pause – even for a moment – to reflect on her accomplishments. After all, she didn’t reach the pinnacle of success by looking backward. Yet with the release of "Best of Hilary Duff," the 21-year-old singer/actress seems to do just that. The Hollywood Records collection features hits from each of her previous CD releases, including remixes of a few classic tunes. Best of all, the set boasts two new songs, "Reach Out" and "Holiday," both of which point to Hilary’s bold new musical direction.

"What’s nice about it is being able to relive moments," she says of the new album, "from the beginning to where I am now." And where is she now? The debut single, "Reach Out," is a hip-hop flavored rocker combining Hilary’s edgy vocals paired with guest rapper, Prophet, and a sample from the 1989 Depeche Mode classic "Personal Jesus." Says Hilary, “It’s a fun club song about a girl who really wants this guy. She thinks she can’t live without him."

The other newly recorded track, "Holiday," was co-written by Hilary with her sister Haylie Duff and producer Ryan “Alias” Tedder from One Republic. Hilary counts it among her personal favorites. "It’s about someone leaving," she says, "their bags packed like they’re taking a trip. But the person’s really going forever. Writing the song was tough. I guess I was in a healing mode."

Also included on "Best of Hilary Duff" are early hits like "So Yesterday," "Why Not" and a remix of "Come Clean," both from 2003's "Metamorphosis" CD. From her self-titled 2004 set, "Fly," and from "Most Wanted," a new remix of "Wake Up." And from last year’s "Dignity" album, "With Love," "PlayWith Fire" and a remix of "Stranger."

With this album, fans can chart Hilary’s musical growth, from ingénue teen sensation to mature artist. "I like so many different kinds of music," says Hilary. "I’m all over the place with my musical taste, so I like having lots of influences. I’m excited about music and getting the itch to write again."

http://wdig.vo.llnwd.net/d1/hollywood_records/hilaryduff/videos/hilary_duff-reach_out_final_300.wmv
hilaryduff.com

Controllerism

It's a brave new world for digital media manipulation. A concept that started decades ago is finally taking hold.

For DJs, timecode vinyl (i.e. Serato) has been a standard for a while. This is where the DJ uses a piece of vinyl with timecode on it to trigger digital files. To the uneducated, it might look like the DJ is playing actual vinyl. In a way she is, except this vinyl has no sound on it, just timecode. It's a hybrid of old school and new school, and allows the Dj to use the feel of vinyl to trigger digital songs and sounds from a computer.

More recently, DJs are using MIDI controllers to progress their sound and technique. I made the switch a year ago and love it. I guess that's why I like to follow this trend closely. The equipment and the people who are using it are exciting.

One of the first names that comes to mind is Daedelus, who rocks out with edgy controllers and Ableton Live. There's a vast number of boutique and big company units out there. One company that is established, uses open source, and makes futuristic controllers is monome. Since it's open source, anyone can write their own programs for these boxes.

OK, enough with words. Here's some video.

Bitbasic rocks the monome's 40h and his own dj64 software.

dj64 for Monome - by Bitbasic from simon on Vimeo.

Interview with Daedelus.

XLR8R TV Episode 71: Daedelus from XLR8RTV on Vimeo.

ULTRASLACKS - I KISSED BESITO

A mix from Ultraslacks - "I Kissed Besito." Hope you like it.

I wanted Katy Perry to be unwittingly kissing a drag queen when she thought she was kissing a girl.Seems more ineteresting, to me. And there ya go. Not exactly what I was shooting for, but Besito does seem like a hellcat.

CLOSER: THE BEST OF SARAH MCLACHLAN

ARISTA RECORDS TO RELEASE
CLOSER: THE BEST OF SARAH MCLACHLAN
ON OCTOBER 7, 2008
16 –Track Anthology Surveys The Spectacular Career
Of The Multi-Platinum Singer/Songwriter
And Includes Two Brand New And Previously Unissued Recordings


(New York- August 8, 2008) On October 7th, 2008, multi-platinum Arista recording artist Sarah McLachlan will release the first best-of collection of her long and illustrious career.

Closer: The Best Of Sarah McLachlan contains 14 classic tracks personally selected by the artist from her award-winning catalog, as well as two newly recorded and previously unreleased songs, “U Want Me 2” and “Don't Give Up On Us,” working with her longtime producer Pierre Marchand. Additionally, a deluxe 2-CD version will be available, which will include the 16 song album plus a bonus disc of additional songs from Sarah's discography.

Since joining Arista two decades ago, every one of Sarah McLachlan’s studio and live albums and videos have been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum by the RIAA, starting with Touch (1988) and Solace (1991), both gold sellers. Her 1993 breakthrough, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (triple-platinum) was followed by the digitally enhanced multimedia version of The Freedom Sessions (1995, gold). Sarah’s landmark fifth album, the 8x-platinum Surfacing (1997), contained two Grammy Award-winning tracks, as “Building a Mystery” won for Best Female Pop Vocal, and “Last Dance” was voted Best Pop Instrumental. 1999’s triple-platinum Mirrorball, and its platinum long-form video counterpart, were both culled from that year’s Lilith Fair tour, and spun off Sarah’s third Grammy-winning performance, as “I Will Remember You” won for Best Female Pop Vocal. The double-platinum Afterglow followed in 2003, and received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album, while its opening track, “Fallen” was nominated for Best Female Pop Vocal. 2007's Wintersong, was the #1 best seller on the Holiday Album charts that year, was nominated for a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, and was certified Platinum, marking her 15th release to be certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum by the RIAA.

Here are some of the highlights of Closer: The Best Of Sarah McLachlan:

· “Good Enough,” “Possession” – Both tracks are culled from Sarah McLachlan’s third Arista album, Fumbling Towards Ecstasy (released 10/22/1993), her commercial break through and first Billboard Top 50 chart entry. “…McLachlan never flinches, never takes the easy route of cliché and formula. This care and attention given to her art allows each song to stand strong individually, making the whole an extraordinary collection.” (AllMusic.com)

· “Building A Mystery” – Taken from the Diamond-certified (10X platinum) album Surfacing (released 7/15/1997), which entered the Billboard chart at Number Two, “Building A Mystery” won the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal. (“Last Dance,” a second track from Surfacing not included on the new collection, was voted Best Pop Instrumental.)

· “I Will Remember You” – Sarah McLachlan founded the legendary Lilith Tour in 1997 and her quadruple-platinum album, Mirrorball (released 6/15/1999), was recorded live during the 1999 tour. “I Will Remember You” from Mirrorball earned Sarah her third career Grammy Award, again in the category of Best Female Pop Vocal.

· “Fallen” – The opening track from Sarah’s double-platinum album Afterglow (released 11/4/2003), which reached Number Two on the Billboard Top 200. "Fallen" was nomi nated for the Grammy Award for Best Female Pop Vocal. In addition, Afterglow was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album.

· “U Want Me 2,” “Don't Give Up On Us” – Composed by Sarah McLachlan and co-produced by Sarah and Pierre Marchand, these new recordings will be a special treat for fans who eagerly await the follow-up to Afterglow, Sarah’s last album of all-original material.

ANNIE LENNOX CELEBRATES SOLO HITS

TWO NEW SONGS AND DELUXE CD/DVD EDITION AVAILABLE
EXCLUSIVELY WITH THIS COLLECTION


The Annie Lennox Collection paints a vivid portrait in song of the most successful female British artist in pop music history. Available September 16 from Arista Records, this 14-song retrospective brings together the acclaimed artist’s finest solo work on a single disc for the first time, and includes a pair of new songs available exclusively with this release.

“It seems like the time has come to release the Collection this year,” Lennox says of her first best-of set. “I’m very proud of these songs. They are timeless and have become ‘classics’ in their own right.”

Spanning 15 years, The Annie Lennox Collection also available in a Deluxe CD/DVD edition includes hits from her four top-selling solo albums Diva (1992), Medusa (1995), Bare (2003) and last year’s highly praised Songs of Mass Destruction. The timeless music selected for this collection uniquely reflects the essence of the singer’s instantly recognizable brand of soul music on tracks like “Why,” “Walking on Broken Glass” and “No More ‘I Love You’s’” — a song that earned Lennox one of her four Grammys.

The retrospective also includes two new songs that Lennox recorded specially for this collection. The first, “Pattern of My Life,” was written by Tom Chaplin of Keane, who allowed Lennox to change the title of his song for this collection. The second is a cover of “Shining Light,” a song originally recorded by Ash in 2001. “I first discovered this song by Ash about six years ago, and I simply couldn’t stop listening to it. It’s so exultant that it virtually shimmers,” Lennox says.

Among the many highlights on The Annie Lennox Collection is “Sing,” a song that references The SING Campaign, a humanitarian organization Lennox founded to raise awareness and support for the AIDS/HIV pandemic in Africa. “We’re still in the early stages, but this is a lifelong commitment on my part,” Lennox says. “I’m coming out from behind my singing voice to express myself in broader terms and help give a voice to those who don’t have the same opportunities as I do.”

A dynamic activist, Lennox recently received the Red Cross Services to Humanity Award, was named the 2008 Glamour Inspirational Woman of the Year and sang for Nelson Mandela’s 90th birthday celebration this summer in London. Lennox will again take the stage for a very special cause September 9 in New York and September 21 in London, when she performs as part of Peace One Day’s concerts to herald the organization’s goal of fostering non-violence.

In her 26-year career, both as a member of the groundbreaking Eurythmics and as a solo artist, the Scottish lass born on Christmas Day has amassed sales of more than 78 million albums worldwide. Her towering achievements also include 34 hit singles, four Grammy Awards, 11 Brit Awards and five Ivor Novello Awards. The superstar has also won an Academy Award and two Golden Globes.


THE ANNIE LENNOX COLLECTION
Track Listing

1. “Little Bird”
2. “Walking on Broken Glass”
3. “Why”
4. “No More I Love You’s”
5. “Precious”
6. “A Whiter Shade of Pale”
7. “A Thousand Beautiful Things”
8. “Sing”
9. “Pavement Cracks”
10. “Love Song for a Vampire”
11. “Cold”
12. “Dark Road”
13. “Pattern of My Life”
14. “Shining Light”

http://www.annielennox.com/

http://www.myspace.com/annielennox

http://youtube.com/annielennox

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Annie-Lennox/6216464588

Leduxe

Earlier this week, I heard a good mash of Lady GaGa "Just Dance" and Wolfgang Gartner "Frenetica" and thought it was a "BabieBoyBlue" creation (he specializes in video mashups- and Ron a dj friend told me about it.) So, when I made my own mash after seeing the video, I thought it was BBoyBlue who has the idea to combine the two tracks. Turns, out, BBoyBlue used the music mash from a guy called LeDuxe. I just wanted a really clean version so I could play it, umm, real loud.

Of course, Lady GaGa has gotten plenty of mention here- way before she blew up. There is a clean acapella... and for the backing music, 'my' mash uses beats from Wolfgang Gartner. He's from the western USA and makes funky electro.

I've got it up on MySpace Ultraslacks.

So, thanks everybody! Ableton Live & I had fun on a Sunday night.

Robin Thicke "Magic"

Check out the new video for "Magic"
from the forthcoming StarTrak/Interscope Records release
Something Else
Available September 30th, 2008

Click for the "Magic" music video

www.robinthicke.com
www.myspace.com/robinthicke

L.P. "Good With You/Cling To Me"

New York City's much buzzed about songstress L.P. has just released the
first single "Good With You" off of her soon to be named and highly
anticipated record set to hit in early 2009 via SoBe Entertainment. L.P. was
featured as Clear Channel's Artist to Watch for their NEW! program in June
and the single is quickly gaining traction in the AAA format.
Armed with a voice that weaves seamlessly between being fierce and
vulnerable, L.P. can captivate an audience with a single note, and turn a
crowd of strangers into rabid fans with just one song. Nothing iterates this
point better than the story of SXSW 2006 where her live performance inspired
a label bidding war. This ultimately led to her being signed by LA Reid
himself to Island Records. While L.P. says it's "nice" that she inspired the
competition, the singer ultimately walked away from the deal with her songs
in hand, the material that will be included on her forthcoming album on SoBe
Entertainment.
L.P. has invited comparisons to Janis Joplin, Joan Jett, Gwen Stefani and
Chrissie Hynde and has worked with go-to rocker Linda Perry who is a self
confessed fan. The Washington Post call's L.P. ". . . a punky rocker with
the pipes of a belter," while Entertainment Weekly exclaims "NYC moptop
songwriter L.P. has toured the country and back, but nothing much spins her
wheels off their axles" and Cincinnati City Beat offers up this piece of
advice, "Tell a friend: L.P. is going to be huge."

"Good With You" single buy links:

Amazon MP3 link

iTunes

L.P. YouTube Channel

L.P. Official Site

L.P. MySpace page

Stax Records To Release Nikka Costa's PEBBLE TO A PEARL

(NYC) Pebble To A Pearl, will be released on September 23, 2008 on the Newly Re-Launched Stax in
Conjunction with Nikka’s own Go Funk Yourself Records

New York, NY - Nikka Costa has always seemed to thrive on a certain sense of freedom. It’s no wonder, that when Nikka set out to create a record on her own terms and as an independent artist finally free of major label confines, she has made her boldest and most passionate record yet. Over 14 days at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles, Nikka created Pebble to a Pearl- a quintessential collection of soul, blues, funk & pop infused tracks which marks Nikka's triumphant return onto the scene this Fall. On September 23, 2008 the legendary Stax Records will release the album in conjunction with Nikka’s own Go Funk Yourself Records.

Growing up as legendary producer, Don Costa’s (Sammy Davis Jr., Frank Sinatra) daughter, she broke on the scene in the early 2000’s with an intuitive sensibility for the soulful sound that has kept her place as a forerunner among the new breed of soul singers. During this time, she toured with Prince, Lenny Kravitz, Coldplay and Beck, recorded with Mark Ronson, was nominated for an MTV Music Award and had hit singles in Europe. Known for her dynamic and energetic live performance's Nikka's voice and presence has often been compared with Janis Joplin, Chaka Khan and Sly Stone.

Pebble to a Pearl may be perhaps the most honest of these albums to date, blending sounds and textures in an undefined concoction that speaks as profoundly to a discriminating musician’s ear as it does to the casual listener.

The album was produced by Justin Mitchell Stanley (Jamie Lidell, Beck) as an analog recording on two inch tape and Nikka and the band recorded the songs live in the studio, giving it a truly organic feel. Joining Nikka on the record is legendary drummer James Gadson (Al Green, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder), Grammy Award winning songwriter, and keyboardist James Poyser (Erykah Badu, Lauryn Hill, Al Green), extraordinary guitarists Jason Falkner (Beck, Air, Paul McCartney) and Chris Bruce (George Clinton/Parliament, Me'Shell Ndege'Ocello, Betty Lavette).

The track listing is:
1. Stuck to You 7. Keep Pushin
2. Can’t Please Everyone 8. Love to Love You Less
3. Pebble to a Pearl 9. Without Love
4. Someone for Everyone 10. Damn I Said It First
5. Cry Baby 11. Loving You
6. Keep Wanting More 12. Bullets in the Sky


www.nikkacosta.com

Robin Thicke releases SOMETHING ELSE Sept. 9th

(NYC) Robin Thicke taught himself to play piano at the age of twelve and by the age of fourteen, he could play anything he heard on the radio. At sixteen, with no formal training, Robin bean professionally writing and producing music for recording artists such as Brandy and Brian McKnight. As a singwriter and producer, he has amassed dozens of gold and platinum records with artists including Usher, Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera and received a Grammy for his participation on Usher’s “Confessions” album.

His first album, A Beautiful World, was released in 2003 and yielded the hit song, “When I Get You Alone.” His second album , The Evolution Of Robin Thicke, was released in late 2006 and marked a breakthrough. Now at 1.7 million units and on the way to double platinum, the album yielded the mega hit “Lost Without U.” The #1 most played song in Urban Adult Contemporary BDS history, “Lost Without You” propelled the album to #5 on the Billboard Pop album chart, and gave Robin the distinction of topping 4 Billboard charts simultaneously: #1 R&B /Hip Hop album, #1 Hot R&B / Hip Hop song, #1 Hot R&B Hip Hop Airplay, and #1 Hot Adult R&B Airplay. In addition to the rare distinction of appearing on the Oprah Winfrey show twice within 2 weeks (unprecedented for any artist), this exposure on the highest rated and most influential daytime television show expanded Robin’s already loyal fan base to the mainstream. Robin had paid his dues long before the “sudden success” -- he had been touring before the album release and long after – gaining fans from coast to coast supporting India.Arie, John Legend and Beyonce’ and visiting every supporting radio station along the way. Robin was soon trekking on his own sold-out headline tours of the US, Canada and Europe.

The year 2007 concluded with winning the VH1 Soul/ Vibe award for “Best Breakthrough Artist” as well as receiving nominations from BET (Best Male R&B and Viewer’s Choice), Soul Train (Best R&B Soul Album, Male), MTV VMA (Male Artist of the Year), MOBO (Best Song “Lost Without U”), and the American Music Awards (Favorite Breakthrough Artist).

Robin is primed and ready for Something Else. “It was like everyone was saying the same things, worried about the same things and I just felt we needed something different right now. I asked myself do I have a light? What is that light? How can I spread it, share it and turn it into a Puff Daddy white linen Miami Beach party?” After a tireless schedule of touring and appearances Robin needed to sit back, reflect on the last 2 years and start anew.

“On the last album I wanted to let people into my walk of life and connect my life to them and this album is more about involving great minds, hearts and spirits around me. When I started writing songs I was already embracing people and now I just wanted to dance and laugh with them”. With that spirit driving the creative process Robin has penned some of the best songs of his career from the retro meets modern groove of the first single “Magic”, the upbeat celebration of “Sidestep” to the picturesque “Dreamworld” he is taking the listener on a musical journey that is truly unique, sexy and invigorating. Something Else is exactly the kind of record that the world needs right now to feel inspired again.

The album Something Else is scheduled for release on September 9th (Interscope Records)


www.robinthicke.com

"SOL-ANGEL AND THE HADLEY ST. DREAMS" IN STORES AUGUST 26TH

SoL-AngeL and The Hadley St. Dreams, features a dream-team of hot producers and songwriters that include: Solange herself, Grammy winner Mark Ronson, The Neptunes, Q-Tip, Lamont Dozier, SoulShock & Karlin, Jack Splash, Lil Wayne, Boards of Canada, Bilal and Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry. The CD is a sample of Solange’s artistic and creative approach to music. The innovative Melina directed the video for the first single, “I Decided". Check out the video for "I Decided" http://www.solangemusic.com/media/

Solange Knowles is trained in ballet, jazz, tap and an expert in modern dance. As a back up dancer with Destiny’s Child she had the opportunity to travel all around the world which helped her develop her eclectic taste for music. It was around that time that Solange developed her knack for the written word and began writing hit songs for film and television and for her debut album, Solo Star. She later garnered an impressive list of songwriting credits which include, co-writing Beyonce’s, "Get Me Bodied" and "Upgrade You" off her B’Day album, Kelly Rowland’s "Love" off of her second album, Ms. Kelly and Michelle Williams’ latest single "We Break the Dawn." Solange’s family heritage is a creative powerhouse. She is the youngest in the talented family of Mathew Knowles, Tina Knowles and sister Beyonce Knowles.

Release Date: SoL-AngeL & the Hadley Street Dreams
(Music World Entertainment/Geffen Records) in stores August 26, 2008


www.solangemusic.com
www.myspace.com/Solange

The Presets: THE NEW ALBUM 'APOCALYPSO'

The boys from down under make big waves with their new album, Apocalypso.

"This Boy's In Love" directed by Casper Balslev.


"My People" directed by Kris Moyes.


www.myspace.com/thepresets

Goldfrapp to tour North America this Fall

Goldfrapp plows North America during their Fall tour and grows their latest album, Seventh Tree.

Their video for "Happiness," won Best British Music Video at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.


Tour Dates:

08-08 Zambujeira do Mar, Portugal - Sudoeste Festival
08-16 Almeria, Spain - Ola Festival
08-29 Stradbally, Ireland - Electric Picnic
08-30 Argyll, Scotland - Hydro Connect Festival
09-12 New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall
09-14 Toronto, Ontario - Danforth Music Hall
09-16 Vancouver, British Columbia - Commodore Ballroom
09-17 Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo
09-20 San Francisco, CA - Treasure Island Festival
09-21 Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum
09-28 Melbourne, Australia - Parklife Festival
09-29 Perth, Australia - Parklife Festival
10-04 Brisbane, Australia - Parklife Festival
10-05 Sydney, Australia - Parklife Festival

www.goldfrapp.com
www.myspace.com/goldfrapp

Lady GaGa to perform at Miss Universe 2008

Lady GaGa to Perform Her Hit Song “Just Dance”

During the 2008 Miss Universe Pageant

Telecast Live from Vietnam Sunday, July 13, on NBC

The sensational pop star Lady GaGa will be performing her hit “Just Dance” on the the 2008 Miss UNIVERSE® Pageant, which airs live on NBC from the Crown Convention Center in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam on Sunday, July 13th at 9:00 p.m. EST. Lady GaGa’s dance-pop, electro-pop and disco sound has rocked venues around the world and is expected to bring the same excitement to Vietnam. Her debut album, The Fame will be released this fall.

Donald J. Trump and Paula M. Shugart, President, Miss Universe Organization, today announced the celebrity judges for the 2008 Miss UNIVERSE® Pageant. The judges are: Donald Trump Jr., Executive Vice President of the Trump Organization; fashion designer and entrepreneur Roberto Cavalli; Nadine Velazquez, international cover girl and star of NBC’s “My Name Is Earl”; Jennifer Hawkins, television presenter and Miss Universe 2004; Louis Licari, celebrity colorist and “Today Show” ambush makeover expert and John Nguyen, Vice Chairman of Hoan Cau, LTD Investment and Construction. As previously announced, Jerry Springer and Mel B will host the live telecast of the 57th Annual Miss Universe competition.

Each contestant, representing 80 countries and territories from around the world, will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown and interview as they vie for the coveted title of Miss Universe 2008. The Miss Universe show is an internationally celebrated event with distribution in more than 170 countries.

Japan native, Riyo Mori, Miss Universe 2007 will crown her successor at the conclusion of the telecast. During her reign, she has traveled the world as an advocate for HIV/AIDS education, research, and legislation. The newly crowned Miss Universe will go on to do the same.

Donald J. Trump and Phil Gurin of The Gurin Company will again serve as Executive Producers for MISS UNIVERSE® 2008.

ABOUT THE MISS UNIVERSE ORGANIZATION

The MISS UNIVERSE®, MISS USA® and MISS TEEN USA® Pageants are a Donald J. Trump and NBC Universal joint venture. Utilizing its nationwide grass roots infrastructure, the Miss Universe Organization is committed to increasing HIV/AIDS awareness by focusing on women's health and reproductive issues. By forging relationships with organizations committed to research and education such as the Latino Commission on AIDS, God’s Love We Deliver, APICHA and Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Miss Universe is armed to impact women today.

For more information visit: www.missuniverse.com.

Cyndi Lauper on "As The World Turns"

Tune in to "As the World Turns" today, July 3rd, to watch Cyndi Lauper as she helps Luke and Noah, two star-crossed lovers, find their "True Colors."


Click the link below for preview:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOW7iLvu3f0

Coming October 2008: "ZEITGEIST - ADDENDUM"

J&I just back from Shokitini, watching Badlands (Sissy Spacek, Martin Sheen- 1973. Director: Terrence Malick.) in the background, and updating this thing.

While watching Holly watch Kit leave a trail of blood throughout the state of Texas, I'm skimming video clips from Zeitgeist- The Movie (2007.) Looking forward to the October 2008 release of the sequel, Zeitgeist - Addendum.

Check out a clip from the first movie, then go to YouTube to see more in sequence.

Or just watch the entire movie from the site: Zeitgeist - The Movie.

L.P. debuts new album Fall '08

Check out the new video, "Good With You"

www.youtube.com/lpsobe

Taken from debut album on Sobe Entertainment
Coming in the fall 2008

Upcoming Shows:

July 6th Gay Pride in San Luis Obispo
July 7th The Viper Room LA
July 8th Canes Bar & Grill San Diego
July 10th 10 Galaxies San Fran
Check http://www.myspace.com/lprock for more dates

www.lprock.com

Keri Hilson's first album: “In A Perfect World…”

Even better things happen when you get three strong, creative people in the same room. September 2008 will see the release of Keri Hilson's first album, “In A Perfect World…” It is being issued as a joint release from Mosley Music Group (Tim's label) and Zone 4 (Polow's label) as an imprint of Interscope Records (Jimmy Iovine's label). The album is about relationships, it's emotive, human, gorgeously and deliberately imperfect. "No human is exempt from the realities of life—heartbreak, love, failure, success—I want my album to convey a sense of reality. That's the standpoint that lent itself to the title. There will always be something you’d change if only you lived ‘In A Perfect World…’ and I’m no different.”

The highly anticipated debut features her indomitable songwriting skills, the genre-obliterating production of Polow da Don and Timbaland, and Keri Hilson's undeniably incredible voice. "I deliver my songs with emotion," she enthuses, "I don't like a lot of effects. It takes away from the emotion. Like the raspyness of my voice in 'Slow Dance' (written with Justin Timberlake) for example. I love the way I sound on that track—straightforward, throwback, and old school. I don't want that feeling taken away. I'm so particular about those emotions. I don't want anyone to walk away from my album just thinking, 'that sounds nice.' Anybody can do that. I’m much more concerned that they walk away thinking, 'that felt great.'"

For her humility, the album is as dizzyingly good as it should be. It's a watershed moment that meets both goals—it sounds and feels great. The songs are unconventional. It's universally appealing in its pop offerings (infectious hooks are plenty) but the arrangements are challenging in how many layers there are to listen to. Heavy synth-laden basslines to the classical guitar in the tensely urgent Polow-produced "Ready to Fall," Keri anchors it all with a pitch-perfect voice that is refreshing in its versatility. From the sweeping cinematic orchestration of Timbaland's "Mic Check" ("I loved harnessing all that aggression in my voice.") to the speedy cascading electro bassline of "Return the Favor." The mutual trust between artist and producers allows them to take bold risks. Keri shouts out all the “fly girls” on her song “Get It Girl”. “A ‘Get It Girl’ is focused on getting everything she wants out of life. She is strong, independent, determined, loves to have fun, always stays fresh - and no matter what, accepts no limitations.”

“In A Perfect World…” represents a world where music is music and you can’t put it in a box. It’s a catalyst for Keri to defy categorization, “I want to be a point of reference” states Hilson. “Hip-hop has become pop; pop is hip-hop. Music is definitely changing. I want to be the crux of that. I want to be a reason, not a result.”


Look for the first single "Energy" taken from "In A Perfect Wold..." available on Itunes now


Keri Hilson “In A Perfect World” (Mosley Music Group/Interscope Records) September 23, 2008

www.kerihilsonmusic.com

www.myspace.com/kerihilson

Check out the Keri Hilson EPK
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmjOueg77VQ

www.kerihilsonmusic.com

For Immediate Release: PussyCat Dolls

EARTH SOON TO BE IN THE GRIPS OF
“DOLL DOMINATION”

THE PUSSYCAT DOLLS READY NEW ALBUM AS SINGLE, VIDEO TAKE OVER THE AIRWAVES

Grammy-nominated pop superstars The Pussycat Dolls are giving the world fair warning…it’s time for global domination. On September 16, 2008, Nicole, Ashley, Jessica, Melody and Kimberly will release their sophomore album, Doll Domination, the follow-up to PCD, the international smash album that announced their arrival.

The Pussycat Dolls exploded on the pop music scene in the summer of 2005 with their worldwide #1 hit “Don’t Cha.” Their debut album, PCD, has sold over 7 million copies internationally on the strength of hit singles like “Buttons,” “Stickwitu” and “Beep.” They’ve toured the globe as a headline act, shared the stage with the likes of The Black Eyed Peas and Christina Aguilera, and picked up a slew of awards along the way.

Now it’s time for Chapter 2…

On Doll Domination The Pussycat Dolls collaborate with the hottest producers in music: Timbaland, Cee-Lo and Sean Garrett (among others). The album’s first single, the Rodney Jerkins-produced “When I Grow Up” is exploding across the country. The Dolls recently performed the song on “The MTV Movie Awards” and “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” and FOX’s hit “So You Think You Can Dance.” The hot-as-fire video (directed by Joseph Kahn) premiered on MTV’s “FNMTV Premieres” on June 13th

Check out the video for "When I Grow Up" www.pcdmusic.com

ACADEMY AWARD WINNER JENNIFER HUDSON STEPS INTO THE "SPOTLIGHT" WITH NEW

HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED DEBUT ALBUM SET FOR SEPTEMBER 30th RELEASE ON ARISTA RECORDS


After her critically-acclaimed performance in Dreamgirls, Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson makes her long-awaited foray into the music scene with “Spotlight,” her official first single from her self-titled debut album, set for release in September on Arista Records. “Spotlight” is digitally available on iTunes now.

Written and co-produced by Ne-Yo and produced by Stargate, “Spotlight,” which addresses insecurities within a relationship, is one of many stellar songs which showcases Hudson’s amazing powerhouse vocals. An all-star team of writers and producers have been assembled to contribute their talents to Hudson’s highly-anticipated debut album, including Timbaland, Robin Thicke, The Underdogs, Diane Warren, Tricky Stewart and more.

“I’m beyond ecstatic about my new album,” says Hudson. “I think people will be pleasantly surprised, because it shows a side of my work that no one has heard before. This album has a huge variety of sounds and one of my favorite songs is ‘Spotlight’ because it has this great infectious groove. This is completely new territory for me and I can’t wait for people to hear it.”

Clive Davis, Chief Creative Officer, SonyBMG Worldwide states: “With Jennifer’s debut album we will be introducing a major new recording star. She takes on every genre of music and makes each her own. She’s pure and simple a great natural talent and her album will very excitingly reflect that.”

In addition to her debut album, Hudson continues with her burgeoning acting career in the much-buzzed about New Line Cinema version of the HBO hit series Sex and the City, in theatres May 30. On October 17, Hudson returns to the silver screen in the film adaptation of Sue Monk Kidd’s best-selling novel The Secret Life of Bees.

Check out the new single, “Spotlight” www.jenniferhudsononline.com

KERLI SHAKES UP EUROPEAN POP WITH ISLAND RELEASE LOVE IS DEAD OUT JULY 8

NEW SINGLE “WALKING ON AIR” IMPACTS TOP 40 IN JULY


(June 18, 2008 – New York, NY) With her exotic looks, seductive vocal style, and hypnotic demeanor, newly signed Island Records artist Kerli has outgrown her Estonian homeland and steered a course to new world pop. Her Island debut LOVE IS DEAD will be in stores July 8th.

Kerli’s new single is “Walking On Air,” and the video has been getting a great reaction across the board. MTV and MTV.com premiered the clip on May 20th and it quickly made the rounds online, drawing positive comments on blogs. A day after the premiere, the video reached #6 on YouTube’s favorite videos. Perez Hilton posted the video as well, where it garnered more feedback. To date the video has been streamed over 300,000 times on YouTube and currently resides at #18 favorite video there. In addition, “Walking On Air” officially impacts at the Top 40 radio format on July 15th.

Kerli’s edgy musical savvy – drawing comparisons to Amy Lee of Evanescence and Bjork – grew at least partly from her upbringing in Estonia, which regained its independence from the USSR in 1991, when she was just four years old. A product of “tough love,” Kerli spent most of her childhood seeking to transcend her surroundings by immersing herself in the arts, studying vocals, ballet, acting, and classical piano. By the time she turned 14, she knew what her focus would be. “I was so sure that my life was going to be all about singing,” Kerli says, that “I quit everything else.”

In order to enter the Fizz Superstar 2002 competition, a Baltic equivalent of American Idol, Kerli lied about her age (the minimum was 15) – and won. After a multitude of additional television appearances and performances, the exposure won her a personal audition in June 2006 with Antonio ‘L.A.’ Reid, Chairman, Island Def Jam Music Group, who signed Kerli to Island Records on the spot. She quickly got to work on LOVE IS DEAD, which includes “Beautiful Day,” a track she wrote with Benji Madden.

Kerli is a fascinating, magnetic young presence, whose talents as a songwriter are progressing at an extraordinary pace. “I’m trying to create a world around my music,” she says. “And this world needs to be pure, real, honest and beautiful but still a little interesting, dark and definitely mysterious.”

Check out the video for "Walking on Air" click www.kerlimusic.com


www.myspace.com/kerlimusic
www.kerlimusic.com

Prima J “Prima J” (Geffen) in stores June 17, 2008

In a world that is all too anxious to reward the wrong types of role models, Prima J just want to do make sure they do things right. And as can be heard on their self titled debut album, there’s nothing wrong with that at all.

They were born Jessica and Janelle Martinez (but you can call them Jesse and Nelly), raised in the predominantly Latin-American Los Angeles suburb of Rosemead, and realized early-on that they wanted to be performers. How early-on? They were barely old enough to talk when they started performing their own choreographed cheerleading and dance routines for their family every week during halftime of Dallas Cowboys football games. With five uncles, two aunts, and at least three cousins with each, those family gatherings were large, which explains why the girls, then four, have no problem strutting their stuff in front of audiences more than 15 years later.

It’s also why they have had no problem staying centered and focused amidst the whirlwind that has surrounded the duo since they splashed onto the pop scene last summer with their debut single “Rock Star.” As Mexican-Americans, they hope to be role models to both American and Latin girls, as they consider themselves the face of the new Hispanic in America, part of an emerging generation that “speaks English and lives Latin.” They even go so far as to affectionately refer to each other as “chilosa,” a word Jesse and Nelly have coined to describe themselves, and those like them: Sassy, classy, spicy and feisty girls who are independent, know who they are inside-and-out, and don’t have to pretend to be something they’re not to impress the people around them.

Just like Prima J, “chilosa” describes the fun and fearless girls next door with a lot of spirit and a deep-rooted sense of self-confidence. After selling nearly 200,000 digital copies of the “Rock Star” single and having the video viewed more than 6 million times on YouTube alone, the girls are primed to build on their grass roots foundation and make an even bigger impact with their eponymous Geffen Records debut. “We want to have a good time, but we also want to send a positive message to younger people,” says Nelly. “Too many people don’t know that if they set their mind to it, they can accomplish anything, just like we have.”

Prima J’s achievements are well-documented on their album, which was recorded with the guidance of executive producer and Geffen chairman Ron Fair. The girls couldn’t have asked for a better mentor, as Fair’s worked with artists including Christina Aguilera, Keyshia Cole, The Pussycat Dolls and Blackeyed Peas making him one of the most respected and sought-after names in popular music.

“I haven’t been this excited about a new artist since I signed Christina Aguilera,” raves Fair. “Prima J is more than just a Latina thing, their music is hip-hop, pop, R&B and dance all mixed together with their own unique flavor. Geffen Records is fully behind these girls, and I truly believe that they will be massive around the world.”

From the Spanish-flavored acoustic strains and the supple, street-seasoned heartbeat that pulses through lead single “Corazon (You’re Not Alone),” through the booty-shaking hip-hop sass and sexy swagger of “Tame,” and beyond the infectious bass-thump and dance floor energy of “Boom,” the album resonates with a fresh feel and contemporary groove. “We worked so hard, in and out of the studio, to make sure that this record is the best that we can make, and we are so happy with the finished product,” gushes Jesse. “There are a lot of up-tempo dance party tracks, and some slower tracks that we know all of our fans will be able to relate to. We are so excited, because the album is hot!”

Prima J “Prima J” (Geffen) in stores June 17, 2008

Check out the video for the first single, “Corazon (You’re Not Alone): www.primaj.com

Leona Lewis - Bleeding Love (Moto Blanco edit)

Seal - The Right Life

Morgan Page Feat. Lissie - The Longest Road

Robbie Williams - Lovelight

Moby - Disco Lies

Lady GaGa - Just Dance

The Ting Tings - GREAT DJ

Donna Summer's Next Single- Stamp Your Feet

Check out the hot new video, "Stamp Your Feet" & EPK

http://myplay.com/videos/donna-summer/stamp-your-feet


TAKEN FROM THE LEGENDARY SINGER SONGWRITER-
DONNA SUMMER'S NEW STUDIO ALBUM - CRAYONS
IN STORES MAY 20, 2008
ON BURGUNDY RECORDS / SONY BMG

www.DonnaSummer.com

Cyndi Lauper- BRING YA TO THE BRINK

CYNDI LAUPER TO “BRING YA TO THE BRINK” ON EYE-OPENING NEW ALBUM,

LAUNCHES GROUNDBREAKING TRUE COLORS TOUR

New Album To Be Released May 27th

True Colors Tour Kicks Off In Boston May 31st

(New York – April 28, 2008) - Pop music icon Cyndi Lauper will release her highly-anticipated new album Bring Ya To The Brink on Epic Records, May 27th. Cyndi, well known for her vocally superior and emotionally intense live performances, will be heading out to celebrate the second year of her 25-city True Colors Tour. The tour, which raises awareness about gay rights, features icons like B-52s, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts as well as up and coming acts like Tegan and Sara, The Cliks, Regina Spektor and many more.

On Bring Ya To The Brink Cyndi maintains her total immersion in the creative process, co-writing and co-producing every track, while working with some of today’s top dance producers including Dragonette, Kleerup, Basement Jaxx, Axwell and more. The album showcases an edgy new sound evident on the first single, “Same Ol’ Story,” co-produced by Rich Morel, known for his hit remixes of songs by Nelly Furtado, Mariah Carey and the Killers. The 12 songs on Bring Ya To The Brink showcase Cyndi’s matured songwriting while taking her music in an exciting new direction.

"This is an album that can be experienced in two completely different ways," Cyndi says, explaining that Bring Ya To The Brink is, "A dance album that you can move to and enjoy on a surface level. But if you want more than that, there's a lot to discover inside the lyrics… these songs get pretty deep."

Fans will be able to experience the new music live at this year’s True Colors Tour. The groundbreaking tour was conceived by Cyndi stemming from her desire to give back to the community for the love and support they have given her throughout her career. The True Colors Tour is a celebration of the basic values and freedoms that should be shared by all Americans. Fans will experience these values through the music of both legendary icons along with the newest and coolest acts this generation has to offer. Helmed by Cyndi, The B-52s, Rosie O’Donnell and hosted by Carson Kressley the tour will feature exciting special guest appearances on select dates including Wanda Sykes, Tegan and Sara, Regina Spektor, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Joan Armatrading, Indigo Girls, Nona Hendryx, Deborah Cox, The Cliks, Andy Bell, The Puppini Sisters and Kat DeLuna.

After winning the Grammy in 1985 for best new artist and becoming the first artist in history to have five top ten singles from a debut album, Cyndi Lauper continues to garner critical acclaim as a singer, musician, actor and writer. Cyndi has released 12 albums, over 40 singles and has sold more than 25 million records world wide. She has been nominated for 13 Grammy Awards, 2 Emmy Awards, 2 American Music Awards, 7 American Video Awards, 18 MTV awards.

As an actor, Cyndi has appeared in such features as Mrs. Parker and the Vicious Circle, Life With Mikey, Off and Running, Vibes and opposite Christopher Walken in her critically acclaimed dramatic role in The Opportunist. Television credits include Queer as Folk, Live and Kicking and Noel’s House Party (both for the BBC) and her Emmy Award Winning performance (Outstanding Guest Performance in a Comedy Series) as Marianne Lugasso on Mad About You (94-99). Cyndi has also lent her talents to other film and TV projects voicing animated projects for Disney and The Simpsons as well as scoring soundtracks for the films Off and Running, Private Property and the title song for Nick Cassavete’s, Unhook The Stars. Cyndi made her Broadway debut in 2006, in the role of Jenny in The Threepenny Opera. When she is not writing and performing, Cyndi is continuing to develop her skills as a director, frequently working at the helm of her own music videos as well as directing for commercials like the Trivial Pursuit's "Totally '80s" board game.
# # #


***Please see attached list for True Colors Tour dates and venue details.


May 31 Boston, MA Bank of America Pavillion
June 1 Wantagh, NY Nikon at Jones Beach Theater
June 3 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
June 4 Toronto, ON Molson Amphitheatre
June 6 Mashantucket, CT MGM Grand Arena at Foxwoods
June 7 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall
June 9 Minneapolis, MN US Bank Theatre at Target Center
June 10 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre
June 11 Clarkston, MI DTE Energy Music Theatre
June 13 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Resort Spa & Casino
June 14 Bethel, NY Bethel Woods Center for the Arts
June 16 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheatre
June 17 Atlanta, GA Chastain Park Amphitheatre
June 18 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall
June 19 Fort Lauderdale, FL Frank Sinatra Theatre at Bank Atlantic Center
June 21 Houston, TX Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavillion
June 22 Dallas, TX The Superpages.com Center
June 23 Oklahoma City, OK Zoo Amphitheatre
June 25 Phoenix, AZ Dodge Theatre
June 27 Alpine, CA Viejas Casino – Concerts in the Park
June 28 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
June 29 Berkeley, CA Greek Theatre
July 1 Seattle, WA WaMu Theatre
July 2 Vancouver, BC Deer Lake Park
July 4 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheatre
July 5 Morrison, CO Red Rocks Amphitheatre

Check www.truecolorstour.com for ticket information and on-sale times.


www.cyndilauper.com
www.myspace.com/cyndilauper

Duffy- ROCKFERRY Debut

DUFFY TO PLAY NY’s WORLD-FAMOUS APOLLO THEATRE ON MAY 12th
– ROCKFERRY DEBUT ALBUM TO BE RELEASED IN U.S. THE NEXT DAY

ALSO IN NY, MAY 13th: REGIS & KELLY AND CONAN O’BRIEN TV APPEARANCES
West Coast in April: Coachella Festival (April 27th); NBC Tonight Show (April 28th), CBS Craig Ferguson (May 20th )

Starbucks Entertainment announces retail and Internet campaign to sell ROCKFERRY at 8,000-plus
company-operated locations across North America

“MERCY” bulleting up Hot AC and Triple-A charts – video on VH1, VH1 Soul, FUSE, MTV Hits, and mtvU,
after premiering on VH1.com and MTV.com


With her first U.S. single “Mercy” bulleting inside the Top 30 this week at Hot AC and Triple-A/New & Active radio formats – on its way to an explosive Billboard Hot 100 debut next week – and the “Mercy” video collecting plays on VH1, VH1 Soul, FUSE, MTV Hits, and mtvU (after premiering on VH1.com and MTV.com) and currently a You Oughta Know and Discover & Download artist, young Welsh singer Duffy has her sights set on the U.S. release of ROCKFERRY, her debut album which arrives in stores May 13th on the newly re-launched Mercury Records label.

In addition to being available online and in traditional retail stores, ROCKFERRY will be available at Starbucks company-operated locations in the U.S. and Canada.

Meanwhile, on May 12th, the Monday night before her ROCKFERRY’s release, Duffy will make her historic New York City theatrical premiere at the world-famous Apollo. The show climaxes a day of morning and evening TV spots on ABC’s Live with Regis & Kelly and NBC’s Late Night with Conan O’Brien, respectively. Prior to this, Duffy will appear April 28th on NBC’s The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, one day after she performs at the giant Coachella Festival in the California desert, kicking off a week of U.S. promotional appear ances. Duffy’s North American summer and fall tour schedule will be announced in the months ahead.

Last month, after a whirlwind weekend at the SXSW Music & Film Conference in Austin, Texas, Duffy made her U.S. nightclub premiere at New York’s swank Hiro Ballroom on St. Patrick’s Day. ROCKFERRY, which shipped near-platinum in the UK the week before, entering the national chart at #1. The album’s first week UK sales were the highest first week album sales of the year there – six times as much as the #2 album, nearly as much as the rest of the top 10 albums in total. Duffy’s set culminated with “Mercy,” which spent five weeks at #1 on the UK and Ireland national charts. In addition to the UK and Ireland, and the Eurochart Hot 100, “Mercy” also went to #1 in Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Turkey; #2 in Denmark, Greece, Spain, Norway, Bulgaria, and Germany; and Top 10 on the United World Chart.

Guileless and beguiling, and blessed with effortless Motown and Stax chops, 23-year old Duffy has blown away London’s hype-driven music machinery like a gust of fresh air. She was born and raised in the tiny Welsh village of Nefyn (population 2,550 at last census), a place so remote that the nearest record store was a bus ride away and only stocked the Top 40. Isolated, her muse was immaculately conceived and soulfully nurtured. Duffy worked as a waitress, sang in a bar, and cobbled out demo recordings that found their way to Jeanette Lee, noted founder and partner of the Rough Trade record label and manage ment company. She encouraged Duffy to write her own material, put her in the studio with like-minded co-writers/producers. She signed to A&M/Polydor UK and Mercury Records in the U.S.

ROCKFERRY was recorded in England with ex-Suede guitarist turned record producer Bernard Butler, Jimmy Hogarth and Steve Booker. “It’s hard for cynical music industry types to get their heads around just how far removed she was from our world,” said Butler, “geographically and in every other way. What you’ve got as a result is someone who acts and sings utterly unselfconsciously and from the heart, a most rare and magical thing.”

For further information go to www.iamduffy.com

Lady Ga Ga debuts- The Fame

Click onto the link below to launch the Lady GaGa EPK
Click here.

Behold Lady GaGa! Fresh out of NYC, this do-it-yourself disco-erotica queen is about to change the world one sequin at a time. She makes her own clothes, pens her own tunes, and will soon enough shatter every disco ball from here to Ibiza.

Assume the position: Lady GaGa’s debut album, The Fame, is out this summer, including the single “Just Dance” featuring Colby O’Donis. Check out the hot remixes by Harry “Choo Choo” Romero, Richard Vission and Trevor Simpson. Heating up dance floors across the nation, GaGa is already turning heads and smacking asses. Even before releasing music, Women’s Wear Daily made her their cover girl and
W Magazine called her “one of the hottest acts on New York’s club scene” who “defies categorization.”

The Lady GaGa pop burlesque revue will be wrapping its legs around the clubs in May.

Lady GaGa's space on Interscope Records.
www.myspace.com/ladygaga

Leona Lewis- Spirit Debuts on Top of Charts

LEONA LEWIS’ SPIRIT DEBUTS AT #1 ON THE BILLBOARD ALBUM CHART

FIRST BRITISH FEMALE ARTIST EVER TO DEBUT AT #1
FIRST BRITISH ARTIST EVER TO HAVE FIRST ALBUM DEBUT AT #1
BIGGEST DIGITAL ALBUM SALES WEEK EVER FOR A NEW ARTIST
BIGGEST FEMALE ARTIST DEBUT ALBUM SINCE 2005
Hit Single “Bleeding Love” Moves Back to #1 on Billboard Digital Songs Chart
Single Crosses the 1 Million Sales Mark


(New York – April 16, 2008) British sensation Leona Lewis has continued her record-breaking success as she conquers the U.S., with her album SPIRIT (J Records/SyCo Music) entering the Billboard album chart at #1 today with 204, 841 albums sold, according to Nielsen SoundScan. This is the first time in music history that a British female artist debuts at #1 on the Billboard Top 200, and it’s the first time ever that a British artist overall has debuted on the chart at #1 with a first album. It is also the biggest female artist first album debut since Carrie Underwood in 2005, and had the biggest digital album sales week ever for a new artist. No stranger to record-breaking success, just two weeks ago, Leona broke the Hot 100 Chart record, becoming the first British female solo artist to top the Billboard Hot 100 chart in over 21 years with her single "Bleeding Love,” which to date, has sold over 1 million tracks stateside and returns to the #1 spot this week on the Billboard Digital Songs Chart.

For the first time, Clive Davis and Simon Cowell teamed up to sign Lewis to J Records/ SyCo Music (Cowell's joint venture with Sony BMG), and together produced SPIRIT. Comments Clive Davis: "Leona Lewis will not be an overnight sensation. She is the real deal and this is just the beginning of a long and illustrious career." Comments Simon Cowell: “What Leona has achieved is simply incredible. This is the hardest market to crack and for her debut album to go in at number 1 is unbelievable.”

Leona’s introduction to the U.S. market began when she performed at Clive Davis’ Pre-Grammy Party in the new artist slot in February. Previously, Davis has presented artists such as Alicia Keys, Maroon 5, Jennifer Hudson, and Carrie Underwood in this role, identifying them as the next important new voice in music. Leona performed her worldwide smash hit “Bleeding Love” on the The Oprah Winfrey Show Monday, March 17th and The Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Monday, March 24th. The video for “Bleeding Love,” was selected for the coveted video channel programs MTV’s "Discover and Download" and Vh-1’s “You Oughta Know,“ and the track is the most played and most requested single at Top 40 and Rhythm Radio. Additionally, “Bleeding Love” was #1 most added and greatest gainer at Hot AC with the second highest single debut in Hot AC history, and was #1 most added at Mainstream AC stations its first week out. Online, Leona is the #1 most viewed artist of all time on Clear Channel’s “New!” program. Leona performed on Good Morning America, Live with Regis and Kelly, CBS Early Show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Jimmy Kimmel Live, MTV's “TRL”, all the week of release and made multiple appearances on Entertainment Tonight, The Insider, Access Hollywood, Extra!, CNN, and E!. Leona is scheduled to perform “Bleeding Love” on The Tyra Banks Show on April 17th and American Idol on April 23rd.

Lewis, a 23-year-old London native and winner of the hit TV show the X Factor, Simon Cowell’s British talent show, has broken all-time sales records there with Spirit entering the album chart at Number One and becoming Britain’s fastest-selling debut ever. Spirit has scanned more than a 2.65 million copies worldwide since its release in November. In addition, Spirit’s lead-off single “Bleeding Love” — co-written and produced by OneRepublic frontman Ryan “Alias” Tedder — was the U.K.’s best-selling single of 2007, claiming the Number One spot for seven weeks. Ushering in 2008, Leona received four prestigious Brit Award nominations, the U.K. equivalent of the Grammy Awards.

Album producers Clive Davis and Simon Cowell introduced Lewis to an all-star roster of collaborators to bring out her best on Spirit, including Tedder (currently enjoying his own hit with the ubiquitous “Apologize”), famed songwriter/producers Akon (Gwen Stefani, T-Pain), Ne-Yo (Rihanna, Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson), Dallas Austin (Madonna, Gwen Stefani, Pink), Stargate (Rihanna, Beyoncé, Ne-Yo), J.R. Rotem (Britney Spears, Sean Kingston), Max Martin (Kelly Clarkson, Britney Spears), and Lukasz “Dr. Luke” Gottwald (Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne). For the U.S. release, Leona recorded two brand new tracks for the U.S. release of Spirit - “Forgive Me” by singer/songwriter superstar Akon and “Misses Glass” from the cutting edge producer/writers Madd Scientist and Rock City.

Robyn- In Stores April 29, 2008

(Konichiwa Records/Cherrytree Records/Interscope)
in stores April 29, 2008
* (with US bonus track "Dream On")

Watch Robyn on Late Show with David Letterman on Thursday, May 1st 11:30 pm ET/PT

Robyn will be performing at the Virgin Megastore in Union Square on Thursday May 1st @ 7pm

NEW YORK CITY
Virgin- Union Square
52 E. 14th Street / 212.598.4666
Thursday May 1st @ 7 PM
Performance & Signing

Check out Robyn LIVE at the following US Dates:

April 29th Boston, MA Paradise

April 30th Philadelphia, PA Theatre of Living Arts

May 2nd New York City Grand Ballroom @ The Hammerstein

May 4th Montreal, CAN La Tulipe

May 5th Toronto, CAN Phoenix Concert Theatre

May 7th Chicago, IL Park West

May 13th Portland, OR Berbati's Pan

May 14th Seattle, WA Neumos

May 16th San Francisco, CA Bimbo's

May 17th Los Angeles, CA Wiltern Theatre

www.robyn.com

Edgar Oliver - Legendary NYC Playwright

A video portrait of Edgar Oliver. People can be simply incredible, don't you think?

Dr. Randy Pausch

Dr. Randy Pausch's "Last Lecture." This just broke me up.

Busy P "Chop Suey"

It is time to get. Stupid.

Robyn "Handle Me"

...and the club remix from the Soulseekerz :-)

Robyn "With Every Heartbeat"

...and the club mix from Kenson :-)

Robyn "Konichiwa Bitches"

...and the remix from Trentemoller :-)

Kelly Rowland "Work"

Freemasons remix.

Gusto "Disco's Revenge"

Kylie Minogue- X (a little more info)

KYLIE MINOGUE RETURNS WITH X — FIRST NEW STUDIO ALBUM IN FOUR YEARS TO BE RELEASED BY ASTRALWERKS / CAPITOL RECORDS ON APRIL 1ST, 2008

First U.S. Single “All I See” Features New York Rapper MIMS

On April 1st, American fans of international pop superstar Kylie Minogue will finally get a chance to hear what the rest of the world is already buzzing about when Astralwerks / Capitol Records releases X — the multi-platinum icon’s tenth studio album and first all-new set of songs since 2003’s Body Language.

Hailed by British music bible Q as “a radiant collection of euphoric, occasionally dreamlike electro-pop,” X finds Minogue pairing her breathy, elegant vocals with sexy, stylish synths and minimalist beats on such irresistible dancefloor fillers as “2 Hearts,” “Wow,” “In My Arms,” and “All I See,” a bonus track featuring New York rapper MIMS. Minogue, who shares songwriting credit on seven of the album’s 13 tracks, collaborated with a host of top-notch songwriters and producers, including Guy Chambers (Robbie Williams, Natasha Bedingfield), Cathy Dennis (Britney Spears, Spice Girls) and Bloodshy & Avant (Madonna, Britney Spears). The digital version of the album will also feature “Magnetic Electric,” a bonus track available exclusively on iTunes. Already certified platinum in the U.K. and Australia, X is also Minogue’s first album since undergoing treatment for breast cancer, which cut short her spectacular “Showgirl: The Greatest Hits Tour” in 2005.

“This album is much more of a celebration than anything I’ve done before, with some room for reflection as well,” Minogue says. “I started work on it a year and a half ago when recording was far off in the future, because no one wanted to pressure me. But I had to get back into the studio just to test myself and get some things off my chest, which I did. To finish was a great relief and an inspiration in that I knew, ‘This is what I do and this is what I love doing.’ It has its challenges, but I’m ready for more.”

Over the course of her extraordinary 20-year-career, Minogue has sold more than 40 million albums worldwide and scored 46 hit singles, including five Top Ten dance-chart singles in the U.S.: “I Should Be So Lucky,” “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” “Love At First Sight,” “Slow,” and “I Believe In You.” She also won a Grammy Award for “Best Dance Recording” for “Come Into My World” in 2003. Minogue has performed for royalty, inspired a 2007 costume exhibition at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum, and had her likeness replicated in wax four times by the world-famous Madame Tussaud’s (only Queen Elizabeth II has had more models created).

Minogue shows no signs of slowing down in 2008. She began the year being honored by the Queen with an OBE (Order of the British Empire) for her services to music, and has already earned a host of honors for X, including a BRIT Award for “Best International Female Solo Artist.” In May, she will hit the road for a three-month, 50-date European tour, entitled KYLIEX2008.

Kylie Minogue will visit the U.S. the week of X’s release starting March 31st with an exclusive, live, sit down interview with Matt Lauer on NBC’s Today Show. On April 1st, the pop icon will make a very special performance on ABC’s hit show Dancing With the Stars, where she will perform X’s lead-off U.S. single, “All I See,” marking Kylie’s first U.S. television performance since the release of 2003’s Body Language.

The U.S. track-listing for X is as follows:
“2 Hearts” / “Like A Drug” / “In My Arms” / “Speakerphone” / “Sensitized” /
“Heart Beat Rock” / “The One” / “No More Rain” / “All I See” / “Stars” / “Wow” /
“Nu-di-ty” / “Cosmic” / *U.S. Bonus Track: “All I See” featuring MIMS
www.kylie.com

Teyana Taylor "Google Me"

"Google Me" is the first single taken from Teyana Taylor's debut album "From A Planet Called Harlem."
(Star Trak/Interscope)
Coming in June 2008

www.teyanatayloronline.com
www.myspace.com/rockstarteyana

Le le "Breakfast"

Pass the hollandaise. Holla.

International Dance Party: No External DJ Required

I don't think they intend this as a joke. Not even the yellow utility eyewear.


internationaldanceparty.com

George Michael: 25 LIVE North American Tour

GEORGE MICHAEL ANNOUNCES FIRST NORTH AMERICAN TOUR IN OVER 17 YEARS, A NEW ALBUM AND MAKES AMERICAN ACTING DEBUT


New York, NY (March 24, 2008) – After performing 80 shows in 12 European countries for a staggering 1.3 million fans over the past year alone, legendary superstar George Michael will be bringing his smash 25 LIVE tour to North American Arenas in the summer of 2008 in support of his new retrospective record. This will be Michael's first North American tour in 17 years. The new record, titled Twenty-Five, will be released April 1st and is a 29-song, 2-CD set featuring six new songs (including duets with superstars Paul McCartney and Mary J. Blige and a song from the Eli Stone finale, “Feeling Good”) in addition to many of Michael's iconic songs from both his solo and WHAM! career. In addition, a companion 2-disc DVD of 40 videos will also be made available.

The 25 LIVE tour broke several ticket sales records, most notably in Copenhagen. Michael's concert at The Parken Stadium sold over 50,000 tickets in the matter of minutes, shattering the previous ticket sales record at the venue, formerly held by U2. On the 25 LIVE tour, Michael left both fans and critics alike in awe:

"It was a master class in pop genius." - The Observer

"George proved he is simply one of the best vocalists this country has ever produced. A stunning performance." - The Sun

"Worth waiting for. The show was, in every single meaning of the word, perfect." - De Morgen

"A tremendous singer, a complete showman, all George Michael needs is a mike, his songs, and the magic on stage is instantaneous." - La Parisien

The North American leg of the 25 LIVE tour will kick off in San Diego on June 17th and will continue through San Jose, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Minneapolis, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, New York and several other major cities. The tour will incorporate 22 shows over the course of seven weeks and Michael will perform material taken from the entire span of his career, including some classic Wham! tracks. Michael has recently teamed up with iTunes and Ticketmaster to produce an innovative media package which allows fans rare access to Michael’s videos, songs, and tickets to one of his North American 25 LIVE concerts. The package goes on sale on iTunes on March 25th. Tickets to the 25 LIVE tour will go on sale to the general public the weekend of April 6th.

George Michael has enjoyed one of the most successful and enduring careers in the history of pop music, selling more than 85 million records globally and encompassing seven US No. 1 singles, two Grammy awards, three American Music Awards, an MTV Video Music Award and two prestigious Ivor Novello awards for songwriting. His record "Faith" has sold over 20 million copies alone. In addition, Michael has garnered 11 British No. 1 singles and seven British No. 1 albums. He recently was declared the most played British artist on radio over the course of the last 20 years. On March 27th, Michael can be seen making his American acting debut on the new hit ABC series, Eli Stone, in which each episode is titled after one of his songs.

For more information about the George Michael, please visit:

www.georgemichael.com

OFFICIAL 25 LIVE U.S. CONCERT DATES:

6/17 San Diego/San Diego Sports Arena
6/19 San Jose/HP Pavilion
6/21 Las Vegas/MGM Grand
6/22 Phoenix/US Airways Center
6/25 Los Angeles/Great Western Forum
7/2 Seattle/Key Arena
7/4 Vancouver/General Motors Place
7/7 St Paul/Xcel Energy Center
7/9 Chicago/United Center
7/13 Dallas/American Airlines Center
7/14 Houston/Toyota Center
7/17 Toronto/Air Canada Centre
7/18 Montreal/Bell Centre
7/21 New York/MSG
7/23 New York/MSG
7/26 Philadelphia/Wachovia Center
7/27 Boston/TD Banknorth Garden
7/29 Washington DC/Verizon Center
7/31 Atlanta/Philips Arena
8/2 Tampa/St Pete Times Forum
8/3 Sunrise/Bank Atlantic Center