Music Video: Ellie Goulding: Starry Eyed (US Version)
29 July, 2011 8:41 PM
Currently trying to succeed in the American market, on of my favourite artists, Ellie Goulding, has now released a new music video for her epic single "Starry Eyed", which gave her a lot of hype in the UK. So while we wait for the release of Ellie's second album, let's enjoy this new music video. It shows Ellie with a man in a field, watching a starry sky, full of effects. The video is nothing unique, it's a little meh actually. Yeah, Ellie looks beautiful as always and the effects make it a cute video but that's just it. Or you have to be really stoned, as they both clearly are, or something is missing in this video. Which do you like the best? The original or the new one? I'll go with the original ...
Video after the JUMP ...
Kyan: "Conversations" Out Now!
26 July, 2011 8:16 PM
We first saw Kyan Kuatois as a semi finalist on now cancelled Must Be the Music, which I covered in the blog. The show was quite entertaining, a sort of anti X Factor competition which was all about the music and where not only singers but also musicians were able to take part. Despite not making it to the final, Kyan entered the top 20 in the UK indie charts and he's now realeasing his debut album. "Conversations" was released on July 25, 2011 and it's all you could expect from him. And what's that? SOUL! The album is full of soul and emotion and it's definitely a great buy. He's definitely having a great carrer ...
Album and videos after the JUMP ...
X Factor UK 2011: Spoilers!
25 July, 2011 2:30 PM
If you know anyone that made it through bootcamp, please send me an email at musicisthedoor@gmail.com
I posted spoilers of the US XF, so why not posting spoilers for the UK too? By now, you all should know that Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue have left the XF, leaving us with boring and dull Louis Walsh, who apparently is like that person you can't get rid of. So firing Cheryl was a great move but Dannii was non sense, why getting rid of the best judge who also happens to be the last winner? We now get Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland and Gary Barlow, who apparently is taking Simon's mean path, in which looks like the best panel yet. The show will premiere on August 20, will this be the best series yet or will Simon and Cheryl's loss affect the show?
Contestant listing after the JUMP ...
I posted spoilers of the US XF, so why not posting spoilers for the UK too? By now, you all should know that Simon Cowell, Cheryl Cole and Dannii Minogue have left the XF, leaving us with boring and dull Louis Walsh, who apparently is like that person you can't get rid of. So firing Cheryl was a great move but Dannii was non sense, why getting rid of the best judge who also happens to be the last winner? We now get Tulisa Contostavlos, Kelly Rowland and Gary Barlow, who apparently is taking Simon's mean path, in which looks like the best panel yet. The show will premiere on August 20, will this be the best series yet or will Simon and Cheryl's loss affect the show?
Contestant listing after the JUMP ...
Amy Winehouse Dies
23 July, 2011 4:25 PM
OMG! Really, really sad news for the music world. Amy Winehouse was found dead in her London home. The 27 y/o singer now joins the 27 Club, along with Janis Joplin, Brian Jones, Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix and Kurt Cobain, all musicians that parted way too soon. In her short carrer, Amy recived 23 awards, including 5 Grammys and 1 Brit Award, most of them for the critically acclaimed album "Back to Black". While she battled with substance abuse through her life, she still managed to get into rehab several times, unfortunately, it wasn't enough to save her. I'll miss her incredible and unique style greatly and hope that eventually, her third album comes to light. RIP Amy. You'll be missed.
Some of her best songs after the JUMP ...
X Factor US 2011: Spoilers!
21 July, 2011 12:43 AM
If you know anyone that auditioned or made it to bootcamp, please send me an email at musicisthedoor@gmail.com
UPDATE: Top 70 Spoilers!!
With the XF US auditions in full swing now, it's about time that I give you some spoilers, cause, who doesn't love spoilers?! But first, a little XF roundup news. It will premiere on September 21 on Fox and it will feature L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell as judges, with Steven Jones as the host. As we all know, Simon had to quit the UK version of the XF to take part in this show, and as part of the britt import he brought, was fellow XF judge Cheryl Cole, who was then fired causeher accent wasn't understandable she didn't work on the panel, and the host, who was due to co-host with Nicole until Cheryl was fired and was replaced by her. Well, I guess that covers it all. Oh! And the prize is a recording deal with Syco Muisc and 5 million dollars! Yes, the stakes are higher than ever!
Contestant listing after the JUMP ...
UPDATE: Top 70 Spoilers!!
With the XF US auditions in full swing now, it's about time that I give you some spoilers, cause, who doesn't love spoilers?! But first, a little XF roundup news. It will premiere on September 21 on Fox and it will feature L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell as judges, with Steven Jones as the host. As we all know, Simon had to quit the UK version of the XF to take part in this show, and as part of the britt import he brought, was fellow XF judge Cheryl Cole, who was then fired cause
Contestant listing after the JUMP ...
Quirky Countdown: Honorable Mentions
17 July, 2011 6:53 PM
There's no other way to start this with some Honorable Mentions! I mean, there's been so many people that I wanted to include in this list that I feel that I left many of them out. So this is a post for that people that I had to cut, because they weren't good enough to be in the Top 50 or because they just didn't fit with the general criteria of this list, which includes quirky people. So in general terms, I really like all this people and they definitely would have been higher if I had used a different criteria for this list. You can read the general guidlines HERE.
So without more delay, my 10 honorable mentions ....
Demi Lovato: "Skycraper" Out Now!
12 July, 2011 4:00 PM
UPDATE: Music Video included. Beauty in all senses. I'm seriously loving this girl now. Haha.
I generally loathe Disney Girls. Their inability to sing and they constant trying to. But that's not the case with Demi. I've always liked her and I actually think she's a good singer. I don't know why I particularly like her, maybe it's because it's the only one who has actual talent? After a vist to treatment centre, this song is definitely her big comeback. Only being released yesterday, the song has already peaked to #2 and I don't doubt it will be #1 soon. "Skycrpaer" is a great song, it's definitely not what you'd expect from her. It's an emotional soulful tune, amazingly written. Summing up, I love this!
Song after the JUMP ...
Kato: "The Joker" Out Now!
10 July, 2011 9:42 PM
Kato Callebaut was my favourite in this years Belgian Idol. And apparently, I wasn't her only fan. She was clearly the front runner and managed to make it to the finale only being beated then by Kevin Kayirangwa who had already been eliminated once but was saved by the judges. The quirky singer impressed every week with her emotional and beautifully phrased performances and now, there's a studio of her voice out! After coming second, she was signed with Sony Music and her winner's single, "The Joker", was released on June 3, 2011. It then charted #4 in the iTunes charts. The song is really great if you ask me. It's not a vocal demo with great notes and all that vocal power, but her voice is really unique and the song is definitely fun and well writen. I'm definitely looking forward to her album!
Song after the JUMP ...
Marina D'Amico: "Tombé du ciel" Out Now!
09 July, 2011 12:00 AM
Being defeated by Matthew Raymond-Barker in the French XF final, Marina D'Amico still managed to release her single, a cover of Jacques Higelin "Tombé du ciel" which charted at #31 on iTunes. I've to say I love Marina's recorded voice, she adds a little something to the song and it sounds beautiful. And the high shouts are my fave part of the song as usual. I've a weak spot for shouts! Haha.
Buy and listen to the song after the JUMP ...
Matthew Raymond-Barker: "Vivre ou Survivre" Out Now!
08 July, 2011 11:20 PM
After winning over favourite Marina D'Amico by aprox 1300 votes, the britt Matthew Raymond-Barker was crowned the winner of the second edition of the French XF and went to sign a contract with Sony Music. His Daniel Balavoine cover, "Vivre ou survivre" then went to chart at #16. While the numbers are sort of a dissapointment, as well as the show ratings, the songs aren't any bad. The song is ok overall. I didn't like this song when he performed it on the final for the first tiem and I still don't like it much. It's a little boring. However, his unique swagg shows a little in the song and that's what makes it quiet interesting to listen to, plus his phrasing is always something to look out for. I wonder how his album will do considering the numbers weren't that good ...
Buy and listen to the song after the JUMP ...
Swedish Week
2:57 PM
So it's finally Swedish Week! I've a great love for this country and it's musical scene, so I'm more than glad to have this theme week. I've selected fewer names than in past theme weeks, in order to make it shorter so I can do more. This list definitely shows the indie/folk side of Sweden with lots of unique distinctive voices, and it represents exactly the type of music I like.
So without more blah blah blah, here's the list:
Music Video: Medina: For Altid
07 July, 2011 6:24 PM
OMG!! Who the hell is this girl?! Where's Medina?! I'm just speeachless. "For Altid" was released to great praise and it immmediately charted #1. Why? Cause the song is epic! Forget the dance RnB singer, she's now a star and a huge artist. An emotional, heartfelt and deep song, and still catchy! The video has incredible visuals and is all cohesive with the song meaning. And even without understanding a single word she's saying, I'm absolutely in love with that song and I'm really feeling it! She's definitely on top of many of my lists now and this video is the best I've seen this year! Yes, the best!
Video after the JUMP ...
Music Video: Rikke Lie: Such A Lovely Day
4:52 PM
Rikke Lie's third single, "Such A Lovely Day", is now out! She's definitely a fave of mine and her childlike thin voice sounds really good for me, though some people may hate it. I must confess that I'm getting tired of waiting for her album. I thought it was supposed to be out by now, and still, no sign of it. Apparently, "Short Stories" is expected to be released in the next months, let's hope that happens soon. As for this song, as the title suggest, it's another lovely tune by Rikke. Not my favourite of the bunch, my problem with it is that it's a bit too romantic, too sweet! It's like she used all the chessiness she could in the video, but it's still a really feel good song! So how no to love that?
Video after the JUMP ...
Music Video: Erik Hassle: Are You Leaving + Stay Away
2:37 PM
After a long time without releasing any music, Erik Hassle is back! "Mariefred Sessions" was released on March 23, 2011 and it immediately went to #1 on the Swedish iTunes chart. The six song EP, which was co-written with Kent members, Jocke Berg and Martin Sköld, makes up for the wait! It's the same Erik of the first album and the songs are still really catchy and emotional. I guess I'm loving this one too! When are you going to release a bad thing man?! Haha!
Videos after the JUMP ...
Eric Saade: New Album + Hearts In The Air Music Video
2:13 PM
You probably remember Eric as the Melodifestivalen 2011 winner or as the 3rd placer in the Eurovision. He was definitely not my favourite act nor singer. He's just comercial disco pop, and after all, that's the kind of music they love in Europe. Eric's second album, "Saade Vol 1" was released on June 29 by Roxy Recordings while the second volume is expected for November. His latest single, "Hearts in the Air" has peacked to #2 since it's release on June 7. And that makes perfect sense. After all he's been having a lot of exposure recently. As for the music itself, just a major meh.
Album and video after the JUMP ...
MDS Sound of 2012: Your Nominations!!!
06 July, 2011 9:07 PM
This is definitely my fave section. I love to do this. In case you're not familiar, the MDS Sound of ... focuses on trying to find the most promising acts for the coming year. Those acts should not have any album released by November 2011. The BBC poll, the original one, doesn't allow any top 20 singles either but they are eligible for this poll, Idol/X Factor contestants aren't elegible. Any country, any genre allowed, though my choices are always indie/folkish. Haha. Yes, I know it's too early for this. But hey, why wait?? I usually start choosing them on November, so I've 4 months to do so. But I want to see who do you think is the most promising act! So below this, you'll find a poll where you can add your own picks. Remember the guideline and that they should be due to release something, an album preferibly in the next year. You would be able to vote for other people picks, so check before adding a new one if that artist isn't already in the poll. And try not picking any of last year's acts either. (Last year poll HERE) Remember you can only vote once, so choose wisely.
Poll after the JUMP. Who's excited?!
Interview: I Am Oak
05 July, 2011 6:30 PM
Site HERE
Facebook HERE
Twitter HERE
With an addictive lo-fi folkish sound, I Am Oak, Thijs Kuijken solo project, is probably one of the most engaging new acts from the Netherlands. His lyrics are great and often admit several interpretations, as he admits. Mixing acoustic guitars, soothing vocals and distorted sounds is what make his music really interesting. He answered some questions for me and I can tell you this is one of the best interviews I've done! Some really interesting answers, such as his name and song's meanings and Tyra Banks?
Interview and videos after the JUMP ...
Interview: Amarins and le Gatte Negre
5:48 PM
Site HERE
Facebook HERE
One of the most interesting mixes in the bunch, this dutch group impressed me with their jazzy folkish sound and cool intrumentation. The latest album, "When The Whales Sing", was released this past October. They've got a really throwback sound, one that is really unusual nowadays, thus making it really refreshing. The frontrunner, Amarins Romkema, was kind enough to answer some questions for me. And some really interesting answers came out from that!
Interview and videos after the JUMP ...
Dutch Week: Introducing: Schradinova
03 July, 2011 5:45 PM
Site HERE
Facebook HERE
Twitter HERE
Janne Schra, former member of Room Eleven, which was formed in 2004 and broke up in 2010, is now embarking in her own new project, Schradinova! I personally loved Room Eleven, they were fresh and their songs had a certain jazz softness that was really appealing. But hey, Schradinova is the same singer so the result has to be similar, right? The debut album, "India Lima Oscar Victor Echo You", came out in October 23, 2010 and it peaked at #13. Well, her music is funnier and wierder now, I guess she tried to go the wierd path for this project. And I'm really liking that! Take for example the latest song, "Pencil Revolution", yes, you heard right, a song about pencils. The tunes certainly have a sense of humor and her voice sounds great, almost a retro jazz sound, that's impossible for me not to love ...
Videos after the JUMP ....
Interview: June Noa
2:33 AM
Highly influenced by Motown artists like Etta James and Aretha Franklin, it appears that June Noa also has their vocal chords cause this girl's voice is insane. She's got a certain Joss Stone vibe but much more soulish and with a certain raspiness. Her voice is so good it gets additctive, I've heard her songs like 20 times while writing this, seriously. While working on her debut EP, June answered some questions for this interview and yes, the result is really interesting and a bit leghty, but the longer the better! So keep reading!
Interview after the JUMP ...
Music Video: Cher Lloyd: Swagger Jagger
1:43 AM
After coming 4th in the latest season of XF, Cher was signed by Simon Cowell's label, Syco, and is now recording a full album. The pseudo rapper wowed everyone with her funny entertaining performances full of swag and with her almost cracking but sort of unique voice. Or she appeared to do. Her debut music video, "Swagger Jagger", has just debuted and it's not been reciving the praise she was looking for. The problem is that the song isn't very good, (well, it sucks actually) but it somehow represents Cher. It's a fun, fresh, catchy song not particularly well sang. But I still don't know how I feel about it. I love it? I hate it? I can't tell. And what's it's topic? Haters? I'm somehow confussed. Haha. Plus is it just me or Cher looks exactly like Cheryl here. It's getting creepy. Hope her album is better than this or I'm seeing her flopping soon and I don't want her to!
Video after the JUMP ...
Dutch Week: Introducing: Jenny Lane
1:24 AM
Site HERE
From backing singer of Anouk to a support act of Joss Stone, Jenny Lane's carrer is definitely going to be a great one. The jazzy singer released her debut album, "Monsters" back in 2009 and is preparing to release her second album soon. The latest single, "Special Delivery" was released on June 6, 2011 and if that's what the whole album will sound like, I so want it now! Definitely one of my favourites in this list, Jenny's voice is not only distinctive but her style is also incrediblly unique, it's not the typical jazz singer you'll think of. She creates an almost futuristical jazzy approach and has a lot of electronic beats in her music. If electro jazz exists, this is exactly it! And well, it does, it's called Nu Jazz but who cares about that? Plus it's also a really catchy sound! Who thought jazz could be catchy? Haha.
Videos after the JUMP ...
Dutch Week: Introducing: Brown Feather Sparrow
02 July, 2011 2:55 PM
YouTube HERE
Fronted by Lydia van Maurik, Brown Feather Sparrow was formed in 1990 and has been enjoying a lot of success in the Netherlands since then, with 4 albums to date, including a Christmas album which is their latest release.With a soft, almost soothing, voice, Lydia's music is a great soundtrack for a relaxing evening or just to have an excuse to listen to something beautiful. The simplistic approach of her music is highly accessible to anyone, it's not those type of polarizing singers I love, anyone will like this one, and although some may say it's a little boring, there's nothing wrong with her voice or style of singing, all she does is a sweet perfect melodical beauty. A little over praising, right?
Videos after the JUMP ...
Interview: Stefany June
01 July, 2011 8:41 PM
Site HERE
MySpace HERE
Facebook HERE
Probably the girl with the most distinctive voice in this list, quirky Stafany June, whose debut single "Summer" became a hit, recently answered some of my question, cause, what a better way of knowing someone than by asking them? She's currently the opening act for The Asteroids Galaxy Tour, a band which has definitely influenced her music and style, and is working on her debut album, which I would expect for late 2011/early 2012. With her upbeat fun sound and her high voice, she creates a really engaging electro sound, really similar to the Ellie Goulidng's sound that got me hooked to her. I'm hooked to Stefany too ...
Interview and videos after the JUMP ...
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