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