VANESSA WILLIAMS REVEALS THE REAL THING ON JUNE 2ND

Click onto the links below to listen "Just Friends"

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New album produced by Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Keith Thomas, Rob Mathes, and Rex Rideout, features songs written by Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Babel Gilberto and Babyface
 
Internationally-renowned singer and actress Vanessa Williams, will release her thirteenth album and debut for Concord Records entitled THE REAL THING,  on June 2nd, 2009.  The collection marks a return to her love for the rhythms of jazz and Latin music, a key part of her musical roots. In addition, THE REAL THING delves into the sophisticated pop and R&B that have been the hallmark of her dynamic musical career.
 
THE REAL THING is a passionate song cycle about relationships, and Williams hand-picked each song on the record as it relates to a phase of the modern-day love affair seen from a woman’s perspective.  From the two new songs penned for the CD by Babyface (“Loving You” and “Just Friends”) to “Hello Like Before” by Bill Withers (Williams’ late father’s favorite artist) to Stevie Wonder’s “The Real Thing” to Babel Gilberto’s “Close To You,” THE REAL THING  taps into the wide breadth of Williams’ musicality and artistry.
 
“After playing a power-hungry character like Wilhelmina Slater on “Ugly Betty” on a soundstage for three seasons, it was a pleasure to step back into the recording studio and be myself behind the microphone,” stated Ms. Williams.  “The familiarity and comfort of making music is always a joy to come home to.  It was especially a treat to sing Phil Galdston's "I Fell In.”  Our biggest hit together was "Save the Best for Last.” 
 
“Vanessa Williams in an artist of rare talent, depth and creativity,” states Concord Music Group executive vice-president of A&R, John Burk. “In this album she explores her musical range and influences perhaps more so than ever before.  We couldn’t be more proud to have her as a member of the Concord family.”
 
With a career spanning over 20 years, Williams is the consummate performer.  From her chart-topping pop star music career, to her Emmy-nominated role on “Ugly Betty” and her upcoming co-starring performance in the feature film “Hannah Montana: The Movie,” Vanessa Williams remains one of  the industry’s most, versatile and accomplished artists.   She has appeared in numerous films including “Soul Food,” “Eraser,” “The Pick-Up Artist” and “Shaft,” and has numerous television credits to her name as well as critically-acclaimed performances on Broadway  in “Kiss Of The Spider Woman” and  “Into The Woods,” which garnered her a Tony nomination.
 
Since the release of her first studio album, 1988’s The Right Stuff, Williams has garnered a total of 16 Grammy nominations, released seven albums of original material, as well as four compilations and two holiday-themed albums, selling millions of albums world-wide.  She was nominated for yet another Grammy for her hit single, “Colors of the Wind,” from Disney’s “Pocahontas,” which went on to win an Academy Award, Golden Globe and Grammy for “Best Song In A Motion Picture.” THE REAL THING is her first studio album since 2005’s Everlasting Love.
 
Vanessa Williams’ charitable contributions are many and varied, embracing and supporting such issues as education, homelessness, abuse, women’s issues and health concerns, AIDS and anything having to do with children.  She is also well-known for her outspoken support of gay rights, having won the Human Rights Campaign "Ally for Equality" award in 2008.  She is on the Board of Directors of Special Olympics, as well as the Board or Advisors for the Westchester Children’s Museum and supports numerous other charitable and humanitarian organizations.
 
 
TRACK LISTING:
1. Breathless
2. Hello Like Before
3. Loving You
4. The Real Thing
5. Lazy Afternoon
6. Just Friends
7. I Fell In
8. Close To You
9. October Sky
10. Come On Strong
11. If There Were No Song 

LaKisha Jones

Click onto the link below to preview the first single, "Let's Go Celebrate"
taken from the debut album So Glad I'm Me (Elite Music, LLC) available May 19, 2009
www.lakishajones.com

“I just want to sing.”

That heartfelt declaration pinpoints the core essence of LaKisha Jones. Best known to millions of TV viewers as a top four finalist during the 2007 season of “American Idol,” the singer is ready to reclaim center stage—this time with her first solo album. “So Glad I’m Me” on Elite Music, LLC debuts May 19.

“Singing makes me feel good,” says the Flint, Michigan native. “It’s the food for my soul and gets me through each day and night. If I touch just one person who can relate to what I’m singing, then I’ve done my job. Music is my ministry.”

“So Glad I’m Me” resonates from start to finish, propelled by Jones’ expressive, full-bodied vocals. It’s the same arresting voice that electrified “American Idol” viewers with the “Dreamgirls” showstopper “And I Am Telling You” and later commanded the Broadway stage in Oprah Winfrey’s Tony Award-winning musical “The Color Purple.” Whether Jones is delivering a gut-tugging ballad, a beat-infused party jam or a spiritual uplift, her voice never loses its soul-stirring fervor.

“My style is very soulful,” notes Jones. “I’m not one for doing big run-ups, riffs or frills. I’m just a straightforward singer without all the extras, giving out what was given to me.”

Leading the charge on the album’s spirited mix of R&B and soul is first single “Let’s Go Celebrate.” The song percolates with an understated, hand-clapping groove that’s part ladies night jam and part spiritual release. “My life has been a blessing/No need for me to be stressing/My attitude is changing/I’ll never be the same again … Because tonight is the night and let’s go celebrate.”

Helping Jones craft her musical message were hit-making songwriter/producers Tony Nicholas (Patti LaBelle, Gerald Levert, Luther Vandross), Ro & Sauce (Brandy, Ne-Yo), Greg Curtis (Keyshia Cole, Yolanda Adams) and Chris Black (Yolanda Evans). Another album standout is “Beautiful Girl,” a soaring ballad that extols Jones’ loving commitment to her six-year-old daughter.

“My daughter is very special to me,” says Jones. “A lot of times on this journey I was told no … That I couldn’t make it; that I couldn’t do anything with a child in my life now. But I wasn’t going to stop. Everything I do is for her.”

Among other noteworthy songs on the 14-track album is the Diane Warren-penned “Same Song,” a sparkling ode to reconnecting the dots on a failed relationship. Not afraid to make a classic song her own, Jones puts her stamp on the Whitney Houston’s “You Give Good Love.” Then she gives a shout-out to her gospel roots on the inspirational “Just As I Am.”

“This album is basically a story book of my life,” says Jones. “I sat down with the writers and producers, telling them about different things happening in my life during the last two years.”

Jones’ motivation and mesmerizing style date back to her childhood in Flint. Raised by her mother and grandmother, she was exposed to such legendary singers as Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin and Patti LaBelle. But it was Jones’ 92-year-old grandmother who left the most lasting impression on the fledgling singer. It was at her urging (“let your voice shine”) that a five-year-old Jones began singing in church choirs and music programs.

“The more I did it, the more I loved it,” recalls Jones of her early “I want to sing” moments.

Soon after, she was doing the pushing herself. Singing in chorale groups and a cappella choruses through high school, she entered and won the top prize at Flint’s local talent contest, “The Super Show,” in 1997. A two-year stint studying vocal performance at the University of Michigan left the high school graduate wanting to sing more than hit the books. Relocating to various cities (Dallas, Houston and Virginia Beach) the singer continued to pursue her dream—despite not being accepted by “American Idol” during a 2003 audition.

But an eventual move to Baltimore proved a second time can be the charm. Having heard her sing on the job and at local events, Jones’ fellow Provident Bank staffers encouraged her to drive to New York to audition for the 2007 season of “American Idol.”

It was while performing on the “American Idol” tour that Jones received a call to audition for “The Color Purple.” During her three-month run, she played two roles: that of a “church lady” and one of the pivotal main characters, “Sophia,” The latter role she alternated with R&B icon Chaka Khan.

Having accomplished several major goals in two short years, Jones is only getting started. She anticipates more acting and singing roles on Broadway, TV and films, recording a gospel album and establishing a foundation to provide resources and support for single moms. But first up is winning more fans with “So Glad I’m Me.”

“One lesson I learned from Chaka Khan is don’t ever be scared to use what God has given you; don’t hold back,” says Jones. “God has gifted me and has more in store for me. This journey has just begun.”



www.myspace.com/lakishajonesmusic
video

La Roux - Quicksand EP

La Roux to Make US Debut

Brace yourself North America, and get ready to be blown away by one of UK’s biggest musical sensations, La Roux. At just 21-years-old, Brixton (South London)’s Elly Jackson and partner-in-synth-pop-crime Ben Langmaid were voted #5 in the BBC’s “Sound of 2009” list and have already won over music fans across the UK. They will make their North American debut, performing at a string of venues next month.

Elly and Ben started their successful collaboration just two years ago. Together they write perfect electro-pop tracks that have been luring fans from their seats to the dance floor since they first started playing in London warehouse spaces in 2008. Razor sharp lyrics, up-tempo beats, and remarkable synthesizer skills only scratch the service of the sensational 80’s inspired tracks that have taken the UK by storm. Singles “Quicksand” and “In For the Kill” prove that “La Roux sees electronic musical equipment not as cold instruments of aural torture or imperious alienation but as ways to soundtrack her stories in the most immediately accessible way possible” (The Guardian).

La Roux also plans to release an EP this April in the US on Cherrytree Records.

Tracklisting for Quicksand EP:

1. Quicksand Single version
2. Quicksand Mad Decent remix No. 1
3. In for The Kill (Skream’s Let’s Get Ravey remix)


In the meantime, don’t miss your chance to catch the sensational La Roux live at a venue near you:

April 3rd Brooklyn, NY @ Studio B
April 4th Montreal, QE @ Les Saints
April 5th Toronto, ONT @ The Drake
April 9th San Francisco, CA @ 330 Ritch (Popscene)
April 11th Palm Springs, CA @ Wyndham Palm Springs Hotel - Saturday Pool Party (White Party Palm Springs Weekend)
April 12th Los Angeles, CA @ Roxy (Dimmak party)

For a sweet taste of what’s sure to make a splash on our shores, check out the videos of “Quicksand” and “In For the Kill”.

www.laroux.co.uk

Some recent praise for La Roux:

“Elly Jackson, is a cooler Sophie Ellis Bextor: her dance-pop tunes are infectious, she looks striking (her vertical red hairdo attracts frequent comments from strangers), and she says what she thinks.” The Guardian

"Together with synth player/producer Ben Langmaid, she makes stylish and tres moderne, hooky electronic pop.” Time Out London

“Her current single, Quicksand (Kitsune), clones the froideur of Jackson's favourite decade with love and skill, and makes for nagging pop with emotional substance. Clearly, La Roux has greater ambitions than just getting poseurs to dance.” The Independent

“The combination of Elly Jackson's ethereal vocals and a prominent, lively drum beat will have you hooked. Retro pop magic.” The Sun

Black Eyed Peas - "The E.N.D."

060909 The E.N.D. IS NEAR

The E.N.D. set for June 9th release on Interscope – first new studio album in four years, since worldwide 9 million-selling Monkey Business

“BOOM BOOM POW” FIRST NEW SINGLE – GOES TO TOP 40, RHYTHM CROSSOVER AND CLUBS


(New York, NY) After a four-year break between studio albums, three-time Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum Interscope recording group The Black Eyed Peas are back with The E.N.D.. The Black Eyed Peas’ fifth studio album is set to arrive June 9, 2009. “Boom Boom Pow,” the first new single from the album, will be serviced to Top 40 and Rhythm Crossover radio and clubs.

“We wanted to make a record that would make people dance,” reveals will.i.am. In conjunction with the release of The E.N.D., plans call for The Black Eyed Peas to kick off a world tour playing the same global territories they covered over the past five years. Dates will begin to be announced in the weeks and months ahead.

The E.N.D. is the Black Eyed Peas’ first original new album since Monkey Business (released May 2005), with sales of over 4 million in the U.S. and worldwide sales of more than 9 million copies. Monkey Business generated Grammy Awards over two consecutive years, when the RIAA gold single “Don't Phunk with My Heart” won Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group at the 2006 ceremonies; and the RIAA platinum single “My Humps” won Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 2007. “My Humps” also won the MTV VMA for Best Hip-Hop Video in 2006.

The intervening three years encompassed a hugely successful solo album from Fergie (The Dutchess, her worldwide 6 million-selling solo debut of 2006 is approaching 13 million in total digital downloads) and a solo release from Producer Of the Year Grammy nominee will.i.am (2007’s Songs About Girls), plus two world tours and a live performance DVD (2006’s Live From Sydney To Vegas).Of special note is will’s involvement in the 2008 Presidential campaign of Barack Obama, whose song, “Yes We Can” was written by will.i.am, as well as the two post-election anthems, “It’s A New Day” and “America’s Song.” For further information and video clips, go to www.dipdive.com.

There were also several notable movie soundtrack contribu tions over the past four years, including will.i.am’s recent collaboration with Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer on the score of 2008’s Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa. will also lent his voice to the film’s animated character Moto Moto. Look for starring roles in upcoming films from Fergie (Nine), will.i.am (X-men Origins:Wolverine) and Taboo (Streetfighter).

With worldwide sales in excess of 26 million units and a total of 11 Grammy Award nominations, The Black Eyed Peas are one of the most successful recording groups. Based in Los Angeles, original members will.i.am, apl.de.ap and Taboo released their first album in 1998, Behind The Front (though will and apl were rapping together for ten years before that). Bridging The Gap, the second Black Eyed Peas album, arrived in 2000.

With 2003’s breakthrough album Elephunk, and Fergie’s entry into the lineup, the Peas became international superstars. The album spun off the worldwide #1 hit “Where Is the Love,” “Shut Up,” “Hey Mama,” and “Let’s Get It Started,” which won The Black Eyed Peas their first Grammy Award, for Best Rap Performance By a Duo or Group. Monkey Business extended and surpassed its predecessor, fueled by the back-to-back chart sensations “Don’t Phunk With My Heart” and “My Humps.” As the group stayed on the road in 2006, the 8-track EP Renegotiations: The Remixes was issued and the touring was chronicled on Live From Sydney To Vegas, the full-length live performance DVD. To date, they have logged 222 headline tour dates in 29 countries with 1.5 million tickets sold.

The E.N.D. now begins the next chapter – and the next decade – in the career of The Black Eyed Peas.

The Cliks - Dirty King

Listen and Share the new track from The Cliks, "Dirty King"

The Cliks Announce DIRTY KING
Set To Hit June 23rd via Tommy Boy!



New York, March 20, 2009 – Toronto’s breakout musical sensation The Cliks have had a whirlwind past two years since the release of their critically acclaimed debut, Snakehouse and there’s no sign that they’ll be slowing down anytime soon. Holed up this past fall in Grammy Award winning producer-engineer Silvia Massy’s (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Tool) Radio Star Studios in Weed, California led the band to put their emotions, thoughts and talents together to create the brilliantly evocative, driving and exciting tracks on Dirty King, set to hit via Tommy Boy on June 23rd. Boasting music as textured and layered as the deeply varied emotional terrain it treads, it’s no surprise that the band has dredged the emotional mire of the hectic past two years to create this album. Feeling bad never sounded quite so good.

A band that is known best perhaps for their incendiary live shows is bound to attract all kinds of attention. Music legends Ian Astbury of The Cult and Cyndi Lauper found themselves smitten with The Cliks and hand-picked the band for their respective tours in 2007 and 2008. Late-night bookers were listening too, and soon The Cliks found themselves on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, not to mention a very special performance frontman Lucas Silveira did with Cyndi Lauper on Jimmy Kimmel Live! The band has quickly picked up momentum landing Logo’s NewNowNext Artist On the Brink Award, getting tattooed by Kat Von D on LA Ink and appearing on MTV’s teenybopper mecca TRL.

Dirty King’s namesake slides in on a surf guitar riff as Silveira alternates between a vamp and growl, teasing out the chorus in a voice that manages to sound both menacing and seductive at once. The band changes gears on the mournful and intoxicating “Not Your Boy,” while the waltzing, string-laden “Emily,” is the catchiest evidence of the band’s expansive new sound with a song that’s more dulcet than biting. The stunning vocals in “Career Suicide” ride a melodic wave of guitar, bass and drums so intense you’ll catch yourself wondering whether you should be listening intently to the lyrics, losing yourself in Lucas’ voice or bouncing along to the pure rock ‘n’ roll of the instrumentation.

Despite themselves, The Cliks couldn’t help but make a record that made order out of tumult and sense out of turbulence. With pop hooks lacing the rock spines The Cliks are known for, the songs inhabit the specificity of the circumstances under which they were written, all the while appealing to broader audiences.

Catch The Cliks Previewing Material From The New Album On Tour This Spring:
April 4 – Palm Springs GIRLBAR – Dinah Shore
April 9 - Chicago, IL – Subterranean
April 10 – Detroit, MI – Magic Stick
April 11 – Columbus, OH – CD101 Radio Show
April 13 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
April 14 - Cambridge, MA - T.T the Bear's
April 15 - Northampton, MA - Iron Horse Music Hall
April 16 - Albany, NY – Valentines
April 19 – Phoenix, AZ – Phoenix Pride

NELLY FURTADO LAUNCHES MUSIC COMPANY

Grammy award winner and multi-platinum selling recording artist, Nelly Furtado, has launched her music company, "Nelstar Music" and will introduce Canadian independent recording artist "Fritz Helder & The Phantoms" as the first act signed to the company. The group's album, "Greatest Hits" will be released on July 7 throughout North America via Last Gang Records distributed labels' division Last Gang Labels which currently works through Universal for Canada and Fontana/Universal for the U.S. International releases are also being planned.

"I've been thinking about a way to help Fritz Helder for a while and this venture grew out of my love for the band, their art and their work ethic. I am as committed as they are to bringing their creativity to the world," says Furtado.

Fritz Helder & The Phantoms is an electro-pop foursome from Toronto who started out as a dance troupe put together by choreographer Fritz Helder, and previously appeared with Nelly Furtado on tour. As word of mouth quickly spread on the group's electrifying performances they soon began booking their own gigs with acts like Lady Gaga, Dragonette and Semi-Precious Weapons.

The group features Fritz Helder (vocals, key-tar), Silk Helder (guitar, synths), Pastel Supernova (vocals) and Diego Superstar (vocals, synth, beats). The first single, out this spring, is "Lagerfeld Lady" and is an ode to the fashion icon, Karl Lagerfeld. To check out the video for "Lagerfeld Lady" visit the group's website which reveals an incredible menagerie of video, music, fashion, remixes, and an impressive monthly online fanzine, "Moda Cinque."

"We love Nelly and this new partnership is a very exciting opportunity for us. It's empowering to work with a combination of people who believe in our project and are willing to help us see it through," remarks Fritz, the group's main vocalist.

Last Gang Labels is the distributed labels arm of Last Gang Records (home to artists such as Chromeo, Metric and MSTRKRFT) and was started to provide distribution, marketing and consultation services to smaller independent labels and independent artists.

"Nelly has been a long time friend and we at Last Gang are honored that she has entrusted us to help launch her music company and assist in working with Fritz Helder & The Phantoms," says Chris Taylor, Last Gang head.

Fritz Helder & The Phantoms will help close out fashion week in Toronto with a special live performance at Top of The Burroughes with Parallels, DINAMO AZARI & ALIXANDER III and TUXEDOMASK. Details below:

Who: Fritz Helder & The Phantoms
What: Toronto Fashion Week party
When: Saturday, March 21 at 10pm
Where: The Burroughes Building
639 Queen Street West (at Bathurst)
Toronto

Tickets are $25 and can be purchased online at http://www.automatt.net



www.fritzhelder.com