Is the suspense killing you yet? It's definitely killing us! Natalia Kills is finally releasing her debut album in March of 2011(Cherry Tree Records) - can we fast forward please? We're excited to tell you that Natalia has been selected as our Flavor of the Monthfor all 31 days of December! Expect the Q&A shortly (I know some of you are anxious to hear it- we're still editing and preparing it. We want it to be perfect for NK). In the meantime, download this exclusive remix by FrankMusik of Kills first single Mirrors. And come this Thursday, expect to see the co-directed video by Kills herself! Read the official press release below!
This fall has been quite the whirlwind for burgeoning Cherrytree artist Natalia Kills; the reigning Queen of dark pop and all things debaucherous as of late. Having completed her first national tour in the US with Robyn this week, her live performances received rave reviews from critics across the board as she performed exclusive material from her forthcoming album to US audiences far and wide. 'Perfectionist' is due March 2011.
Ms. Kills also recently completed her (soon-to-be unveiled) video for her current single 'Mirrors' produced by Akon and Martin "Cherry Cherry Boom Boom" Kierszenbaum. The scenes and concept behind the video for this killer hit is the brainchild of Natalia Kills herself. Always keen to explore some of the demons that may drive/distract the perfectionist within us all: "Love, Sex, Control, Vanity," - are all re-occuring themes Natalia covers throughout 'Perfectionist'. Money, Death, & Revenge are also touched upon as Natalia shows a vulnerable side with tracks such as 'Free' a tongue in cheek ditty about being broke (penned by Kills when she was waiting tables having made the jump from London to Los Angeles) and 'Heaven' the touching ballad written for her grandpa who helped raise her as a child.
Between touring with Kelis and Robyn, and performing at this years CMJ Festival, Natalia also collaborated with British electro-pop musician and producer Frankmusik in the studio for a new track to be included on Frankmusiz's new album expected to drop Spring '11.
Lady Gaga, Madonna, Britney and now Florence? The Cast of Glee covers Dog Days Are Over and actually do it justice! Years ago, artists used to think they had made it big when Weird Al Yankovic would cover one of their songs. Today, if your music makes it on Glee, you know you're gaining some serious buzz in the entertainment world. What do you think of the Gleeked out version?
Nothing worse than heading back to work after an extended holiday weekend. At least now that Thanksgiving has come and gone, we all know Christmas and New Years are right around the corner. DownloadCure For the Mondays Vol. 3 here. (Thanks to my family's archaic internet, it took til Tuesday to get this up!)
Adele - Rolling In the Deep (Dan Clare Club Remix)
Enough with the teasing, here's the newest (and hottest) collaboration from genius producer Alex Da Kid. Though he's currently serving his 11 month sentence, nothing's stopping the release of his seventh studio album No Mercy. Bound to be an epic & chart topping single, Castle Walls is a chillingly beautiful track by T.I. featuring Christina Aguilera. Some are already calling this the new Love the Way You Lie
Robyn is showing her true colors in the video premiere of Dancehall Queen. The reggae-ska infused jam will have your head bobbing and bootie shaking. Check out the new video below!
Dutch producer Don Diablo has paired up with Canadian Wonky Pop favorite Dragonette for his new track Animale. Diablo's weird electro fits Dragonette's sound perfectly. Martina's vocals are typically top notch, the lyrics are jungle-centric and the production is suitably bleepy. In short, there is nothing about this track that doesn't rock. Enjoy!
I know I know I know... I still owe you guys the recent Q&A we have with the incredibly insightful Natalia Kills. I'm in the middle of bumble-land Connecticut and will be getting it on the blog early next week. In the meantime, check out the amazing Love Is A Suicide by Natalia. I can tell you her next single has not been chosen yet- it's really up to you, her fans, to decide what it should be. Leave your comments below and let Natalia know whether Love is a Suicide or Wonderland should be her next single!
One of my favorite tracks off of Nicki Minaj's Pink Friday is Fly featuring Rihanna. The two ladies recently united for a Pink Friday fan concert at the Hammerstein Ballroom in NYC. This video is too dang cute. Now we just need to get this song released as a single, and maybe Rihanna will really break some major records!
As if injected by Robyn's bouncy-beats-serum and Natalia Kills love-misfortunes-poison, Frankmusik unleashes his latest track, The Fear Inside, with heavy 80's synths and the occasional robotic vocals. Though slightly darker than his previous work, Vincent Frank stays true to his electropop form and gives us another great track. The collective sound is sure to gain him some serious crossover buzz and maybe even land on the Hot 100 here in the States (hell, we loved his recent collaboration with Far East Movement). And dare I say, but affter a few spins, I started to hear a similar rhythmic sound to Enrique's latest, Tonight and the siren-driven intro of I Like It. Our ears are definitely eager to hear just how else FM has put a twist on his sound.
This band requires no introduction - because unless you're headless, you know Justin Timberlake the band formerly known as *NSYNC. Though they've all moved onto their separate careers and lives, I know I'm not alone in thinking it's time for a reunion tour. I think it could possibly be the best selling reunion tour in history. What say you?
Going bonkers and totally excited about the Natalia Kills & Robyn concert tonight at the Warfield in San Francisco. Not only will this concert get any gay to piddle on the carpet, it's going to be epic! We'll also be chatting with Natalia Kills pre-show -- watch for our Q&A, photos and review of the show tomorrow! For those of you in SF, there are still tickets available thru the steep-fee site Ticketmaster.
I cannot thank Sweden enough for bringing Tove Styrke into the music world. The second runner up in Swedish Idol 2009, 18 year old rising star Tove recently released her debut self titled album. Her first single Million Pieces didn't top the charts as hoped by Sony Music however, her second single White Light Moment is sure to gain her some attention. The 80's-dance-infused track will have you bouncing off the walls, so try to contain yourself if you're still at work. Of course the States are being deprived of such great music once again so our only source to get her album is via Amazon or Legalsounds. Hopefully she'll take off and we'll see a release in the States early next year. Take a listen below of her live performance of White Light Moment at this season's Sweden Idol and a teaser of Chaos.
It's National Boy Band Week at Wonky Pop and we're kicking it off across the Atlantic with Westlife from the Ireland. Founded in 1998, the band originally consisted of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Shane Filan and Brian McFadden (departed from the band in 2004). The group is the only act in British & Ireland's history to have their first seven singles go straight to number 1. They've sold more than 44 million records worldwide and their eleventh studio album (yes, eleventh!) Gravity was released today in the UK (US tomorrow). Flying Without Wings is one of those tearjerker ballads that you just have to play over and over again, all the while hoping that one of these boys will serenade you someday. Fortunatley, they've all aged like a fine wine (with the exception of Brian). Check out their first single Safe from Gravity and their incredible cover of Hoobastank's The Reason below.
Monday has creeped up on us yet again, but at least for myself and most of you, it's a short week. Give thanks to the Thanksgiving Holiday for a three day work week! Speed up the next three days with Cure For the Mondays Vol. 2. DOWNLOAD
The Beatles - Come Together (A. Skillz Remix)
Mashup-Germany - Everybody Speaks No Americano
Ultraviolet Sound - Suck My Kiss (Vicious Suck This Vocal)
Cast of Glee - Teenage Dream (Michaelangelo Remix)
Ke$ha - We R Who We R ft. InZane (Sugar Jesus Remix)
With so many lack-luster performances last night at the AMA's, we were beginning to think music has lost its purpose and meaning. Then the Backstreet Boys and New Kids On the Block had us reliving our teen days with their medley performance (def had us missing N'Sync). Though not their best performance, it did inspire us to declare Wonky Pop's National Boy Band week! With that said, expect at least one daily boy band posting per day for the next 7 days! Leave your comments below for bands & songs you wanna see make the cut!
This is exactly what was missing from last night's AMA's. Pure raw talent. Greyson Chance is only 12 years old and his voice will blow your mind. I am amazed by the strength and power behind his vocals, and he risks it all time and time again by covering some pretty heavy hitters. His recent performance at Joe's Pub in NYC has definitely raised some eyebrows. Let's hope Greyson gets to the AMA's next year so we have something that won't hurt our ears. Fast forward to the 0:40 mark to skip the chatter.
After being featured on the hit show So You Think You Can Dance, Christina Perri was given a home at Atlantic Records. Her heart wrenching single Jar of Hearts, which was birthed from her recent divorce, went on to selling more than 100,000 copies. Released on November 9th of this year is her first EP, The Ocean Way Sessions, an incredible heart-filled and vulnerable five track album that will have you going deeper into the world of Christina. With a softer approach like Ingrid Michaelson, honest lyrics like Sara Bareilles and an edge like KT Tunstall, Christina is bound to put out an incredible debut album. Are you just as anxious as us?
By far my favorite track Kesha has ever released, Animal still follows suit to her previous dance hits, but is a more powerful house anthem and less of a club banger. One of the best videos she has released to date. Check it out below!
September soars thru the sky and gives us another great dance anthem with Resuscitate Me, her first single from her upcoming album LoveCPR. Sweden is so good to us!
Only a genius mashup DJ could combine the following: Kesha, Nirvana, Far East Movement and Britney Spears. Titus Jones is a resident of Nashville, TN and one helluva mashup DJ. Not only does he create amazing mixes via audio, he even mashes the videos together, sure to impress anyone with a set of eyes. This is sure to quench your thirst!
Dammit. Yesterday, Adele. Today, Christina's doing it to me. If anyone wants to know what to get me for Christmas, make it a lifejacket. If power ballads like these keep coming out, I'm going to have to wear one all the time to prevent me from drowning in my own tears (I'm really not a sad case, just an emotional person at heart). Despite a recent divorce and failed album, Christina's still got it. She blows our minds once again with her vocals on Bound To You, from her upcoming acting debut in Burlesque. I think I might just have to see this one, even if the plot looks predictable.
I was recently introduced to Tinchy Stryder by a close friend and I was hesitant to give his album Third Strike a listen. And I am so glad I gave him a chance! Damn this album is good (and that's an understatement). It's not your typical hip hop/rap album by any means. With tracks featuring Alexis Jordan, Swedish singer Eric Turner, Taio Cruz and Alicia Keys' occasional fill in vocalist Bridget Kelly, Tinchy will have you begging him to release this album in the States (of course it's currently only available as an import thru Amazon). The video for the title track Take Over the World ft. Bridget Kelly has a similar power to that of Empire State of Mind, with a driving beat guiding Tincy's rap and Bridget's powerful vocals on the chorus. Could this be the UK's equivalent of the Jay-Z/Alicia Keys team?
Swedish futurepop band Covenant have dropped a new single to precede their upcoming album release Modern Ruin. Lightbringer features fellow Swedish Industrialites Necro Facility on the vocodered verse vocals. I'm really loving this song, it sounds like retro Italian pop mixed with an aggro-electro verse vocal. The contrast is great and the chorus is pretty much heaven. Sweden makes the best music!
For fans of: Depeche Mode, Nine Inch Nails, and Svvvvveden!
I haven't quite jumped on the Nicki Minaj bandwagon. In fact, I've been pretty resistant. Maybe I'm still disappointed that no one was feeling Nicki when Christina featured her on Wohoo. Or maybe I'm still upset over her sampling Annie Lennox in Your Love. Whatever the reasons, I am lifting the band on this native Queens, NY rapper and giving her a second third chance. I don't believe in posting music I don't like (although I will admit sometimes it is necessary to mock/point out a really bad song) and Fly is definitely not a bad song. Featuring who's that chickRihanna, Fly is a song about the empowerment of women. According to Nicki, it speaks about flying, soaring high in the face of every single adversity that comes your way. I am pleasantly surprised by Nicki's Pink Friday album and even becoming a fan. Well, my girl Missy ain't around so I got no choice! What do you think of Fly?
Chills. Goosebumps. Tears. Repeat. This is what happens to me when Adele opens her mouth and her sweet & vulnerable voice comes pouring out. Someone Like You is the new song said to be on her upcoming sophomore album 21. As she sings to an old lover and wishes them the best even though her heart is not over him, sometimes is less than love but sometimes it hurts instead. Need a good cry? This song will get you there (unless you're heartless).
I heard That you settled down That you found a girl And you're married now
I heard That your dreams came true Guess she gave you things I didn't give to you
Old friend, Why are you so shy Ain't like you to hold back Or hide from the light
I hate to turn out of the blue Uninvited But i couldn't stay away I couldn't fight it I hoped you'd see my face And that you'd be reminded That for me It isn't over
Never mind I'll find Someone like you I wish nothing but the best of you To come to regret me I beg, I remember you say Sometimes is less then love But sometimes it hurts instea
Sometimes is lasting love But sometimes it hurts instead
You'd know How the time flies Only yesterday Was the time of our lives We were born and raised In a summer haze Bound by the surprise Of our glory days
I hate to turn out of the blue Uninvited But I couldn't stay away I couldn't fight it I hoped you'd see my face And that you'd be reminded That for me It isn't over yet
Never mind I'll find Someone like you I wish nothing but the best of you To come forget me I beg, I remember you say Sometimes is lasting love But sometimes it hurts instead
Nothing compares No worries, okays Regrets and mistakes They're memories made Who would have known How bitter and sweet This would taste
Never mind I'll find Someone like you I wish nothing but the best of you To come forget me I beg, I remember you say Sometimes is lasting love But sometimes it hurts instead
Never mind I'll find Someone like you I wish nothing but the best of you To come forget me I beg, I remember you say Sometimes is lasting love But sometimes it hurts instead
Sometimes is lasting love But sometimes it hurts instead
This is exactly what was lacking from Brandon FlowersFlamingo. Intensity, depth and dance. There was way too much country-bumpkin on that album. Thank God Gravitonas deliver just what was missing with Religious, a slowly awakening electronica dance jam with a gospel flare. Sweden has once again introduced us to greatness - and maybe when Universal Music releases their first US album in January, they'll get the recognition they so deserve. They've released two amazing EP's already (The Hypnosis & The Coliseum) and both are deserving to be in your music collection. Just so you understand, if I could scream through this posting just how much I love these two EP's, your monitor would break and I'd be left in a puddle of tears. Yeah, it's just that good. Watch the powerfully-odd video for Religious and listen to Not Gonna Be Dancing below.
For Fans Of: Robyn, Shiny Toy Guns & all things Swedish
I am speechless by the overwhelming talent of 16 year old Daniel & 13 year old Nadine Carasco, brother sister duo from the UK. To hear Jessie J sing the original version of Price Tag live already had drowning in my own drool, and now this? Wow. I am quite impressed with the production and Nadine's voice. Though not comparable to Jessie J, Nadine has a voice meant to win pop lovers everywhere over - it's sweet, fresh and playful. I could see fans of Kate Nash, Lilly Allen and even Len(remember them?) gravitating towards Nadine. Check out Jessie J and Nadine & Daniel's versions below. Which do you prefer? DOWNLOAD Daniel & Nadine's cover here.
Dev is more versatile than any of us expected. The Like A G6, Bootie Bouncing girl has us a bit mezmerized by her sweet sounding voice, even if she is still talking about popping bottles and getting drunk until the sunrise. And thanks to the Cataracs, once again they've got us dancing. If it wasn't for them, we would've never been feelin' so fly like a G6 (they wrote & produced it!).Sunrise will have you wishing it was summer again and that the days were getting longer, not shorter. Will.i.am, David Guetta and RedOne move over, there's a new crew in town. Listen to more great tracks from these Bay Area natives, The Cataracs hereand download their mixtape here!
There are very few albums I can listen to on repeat, for hours on end and not get tired of it. Adele's debut album 19 is the shoe that fits. With a distinct voice and sound, I'm expecting Adele to give us even more greatness on her sophomore album 21. Her first single Rolling In the Dark is a dark bluesy gospel disco tune, which I suspect will fair well on the charts in the UK but may struggle to break through all of the dance tracks in the US Hot 100. Even still, we're bound to see some great things for Adele's future, maybe even a US Grammy win in 2012? Rolling In the Dark debuted today on AC Radio and she'll be making a live performance on Ellen on December 3rd. 21 will be dropping on January 24th in the UK and February 22nd in the US in 2011. Why make us wait an entire month UK? Close your office door (if you have one) and crank this baby up!
Starting today, every MondayWonky Pop is going to be giving its readers a Cure for the Mondays mixtape. Everyone needs a little pep in their step to make it thru the work week (God knows I sure as hell do). To help you turn that frown upside down, DOWNLOAD
P!nk - Raise Your Glass (Vice Riddler Remix)
Agnes - Big Blue Wall (Cahill Radio Edit)
Usher - More (RedOne Remix)
David Guetta ft. Rihanna - Who's That Chick (Martin & Souza Adrenaline Mix)
Katy Perry - Last Friday Night (Klimis Loannidis Small Room Mix)
Florence + Machine - Cosmic Love (Short Club Remix)
Waking up this morning is best described by a recent chat with a close friend: Well Good Morning Hateful! Monday has once again shown us its ugly face and with the 66+ degree weather in San Francisco, it's really trying to piss us off! The downside to living in the Bayside of California is that we don't get snow days. I think they need to introduce Sun Days to the working class citizens - I think that's only fair. At least there's Martin Solveig's Hello to give us that zing we need to get us to Tuesday. The always amazing Martina Sorbara lends her vocals to this clapyourhandssayyeah song with MIA & Raise Your Glassflare!
Already being pushed for radioplay this week, Michael Jackson's first single Hold My Hand from his new album Michael, features Akon. The song seems to be in classic MJ ballad fashion, slightly more upbeat and slightly ruined thanks to Akon's constant chatter and banter. It honestly reminds me of Free Willy's Will You Be There, just updated. This has us missing the old Michael Jackson and wishing Sony Music would just let MJ rest in peace. As many fans and his own family members have stated, MJ was a perfectionist, and this just ain't perfect. But his fans are crazy and though I don't think this song is worthy of hitting the Top 10, his fans may wail if it doesn't. What do you think of the new MJ singles?
One of our favorite Swedish singers, Lykke Li, has just released her video for the drum-induced Get Some. We see a much different side of her in this video than previous singles - embracing a more ethnic side of herself. Just hoping that this means she's working on her sophomore album, most likely dropping sometime in the early new year. And if you haven't already done so, download her single here for free!
Ps: she's also going on a worldwide tour!
Wed March 9, Los Angeles USA, El Rey Theatre - Tickets
Mon April 4, Hamburg Ger, Grunspan - Tickets
Tue April 5, Berlin Ger, Astra Kulturhaus - Tickets
Wed April 6, Munich Ger, Muffathalle - Tickets
Fri April 8, Amsterdam Holland, Paradiso - Tickets
Mon April 11, Cologne Ger, Gloria - Tickets
Tue April 12, Bristol UK, Trinity - Tickets
Thu April 14, London UK, Shepherds Bush Empire - Tickets
Fri April 15, Leeds UK, Cockpit - Tickets
Sat April 16, Dublin Ireland, Tripod - Tickets
Mon April 18, Glasgow UK, Arches - Tickets
Tue April 19, Manchester UK, Academy 2 - Tickets
Thu April 21, Paris France, Le Cigale - Tickets
Mon April 25, Rennes France, L’Antipode - Tickets
Fri Apr 29, Copenhagen Denmark, Vega - Tickets
Sat Apr 30, Oslo Norway, Rockefeller - Tickets
Mon May 2, Stockholm Sweden, Cirkus - Tickets
Sun May 15, Washington USA, 9:30 Club - Tickets
Mon May 16, Philadelphia USA, Theater of Living Arts - Tickets
Tue May 17, New York USA, Webster Hall on sale 19th Nov
Fri May 20, Boston USA, Paradise - Tickets
Sat May 21, Montreal Canada, Metropolis on sale 19th Nov
Sun May 22, Toronto Canada, Phoenix Concert Theatre - Tickets
Mon May 23, Chicago USA, Metro - Tickets
Thu May 26, Seattle USA, Showbox at the Market
Fri May 27, Vancouver USA, Vogue Theatre on sale 19th Nov
Sat May 28, Portland USA, Wonder Ballroom
Mon May 30, San Francisco USA, The Grand Ballroom @ Regency Center on sale 21st Nov
Why can't the States wise up and realize Kylie has something more to offer us than Locomotion? I know the record companies are trying to play it safe, but who the hell made the decision to replace Kylie on Taio Cruz's Higher with Travie McCoy? First of all, Travie is a grown man... shouldn't you go by TRAVIS? Secondly, Kylie is obviously the better choice. There's a reason Katy Perry wrote this song about him (allegedly)... this single is going to circle the drain. Island Records needs to wise up and keep Kylie on the US and UK versions. Which do you prefer?
I know what you're thinking... Wonky Pop should be called Rihanna Pop. I may have gone a bit overboard this week with the RiRi postings, and possible even overdosed a little. And unless you're headless, you really shouldn't mind all of those postings - cause she's the freakin' cats meow right now - Taylor who? I know some of you will be fist pumping from the ground up tonight, ripping it up all weekend long... and then there are some of you that will be heading home tonight after work (if you're not already there) and fallin' asleep on the sofa around 830, with a pop tart in your mouth. This song is for the latter of the people (though some of you party animals might find this to be a good disco nap song). Psychic Powerswill put you in a trippy mood, forgetting all of the weeks frustrations and just be. Brighter will have you wishing you were laying on the hood of your vista cruiser and staring up at the sky. It's the perfect temperature for this time of the year.
With the release of Loud starting today in foreign lands, what better way to celebrate than with the video premiere of Rihanna ft. Drake, What's My Name. The song recently hit #1 on the Hot 100. Love to see Rihanna smiling! From the video thumbnail, you'd think Drake was really short and Rihanna was saying Cheers to the freakin' weekend...drink to that, yeah yeah!
Nothing like a little Disco House to get you even more eager for the weekend to hit! Here's a classic #1 hit from the French house music ensemble, the Supermen Lovers' Starlight. TGIF!
Thanks Parham E. for bringing us back to this classic care-free song!
I've gotta say, this is one of the best club banger songs Kesha has ever released. Dropping on iTunes next week, Blow is an explosive dance track that is bound to get her listeners sweaty from all the bumpin' and grindin' -- just what she wants from her fans. Perfect jam for the weekend! What do you think of Kesha's latest?
11/30/2010
Wonky Pop
