Ask RUBEN: Who's Got Star Power in Dance?

Hey all,

We've received a lot of requests from readers that we give an industry perspective more often.. you know, talk to some of the men and women who work "behind the scenes" in the dance industry. The managers, the producers, the booking agents and club owners...

We hooked up with Ruben Martinez, CEO of Nene Musik Talent Agency. Nene Musik is a management and booking agency for some of the dance world's biggest stars: Lucas Prata, Lasgo, Ian van Dahl, Danielle Bollinger, Jason Walker, Cascada, Reina... need we go on? ;)


Ruben Martinez, CEO of Nene Musik Talent Agency

Anyway, we thought Ruben might be able to give us some inside info on the way the dance industry works, so we hit him up with a BUNCH of questions. Over the next few weeks, we'll unveil his answer to some of the burning questions at the forefront of dance fans' minds.

Today, we asked Ruben...

OUR QUESTION:
Of all the artists you've worked with, have there been one or two that you knew - from the very first meeting! - had true "superstar " potential?

Guess what... great minds must think alike, because Ruben selected the same DIVA and DIVO that WE chose for our very first month on the site! And in the process, he revealed a special relationship that he had with one of them...

RUBEN's ANSWER:

A DIVA that struck him with immediate potential:

"My ex-wife; Amber.
Bar none, one of the hardest working women in the industry. She is a great songwriter and one of the top female vocalists in Dance."



A DIVO who did the same:

"Lucas Prata – Because I am him trapped in his body. LOL. That’s the Idol Maker joke… Lucas has broken barriers and stereotypes put on men by radio. He is on his way to superstardom. He is extremely hard working and doesn’t take no for an answer."



Excellent choices, Mr. Martinez!
The rest of you, check out the features we posted on Amber and Lucas when we named them our artists of the month back in March.

In the meanwhile, stay tuned for another selection from our interview with Nene Musik very soon!

JADE

Sibling Rivalry: DANNII and KYLIE

Okay, okay... we shouldn't start any rumors. The Minogue sisters aren't in any kind of feud... at least, not that we're aware of!

They are, however, both releasing new singles at the same time. Which leads to the obvious question: whose return to the club floor is better? Reigning Pop Princess Kylie Minogue, or her upstart little sister, Dannii?

Decide for yourself... here's the video for Dannii's new single called "Touch Me Like That." It's actually credited to "Dannii Minogue with Jason Nevins," and that's Jason spinning in the video with her.



If part of the song sounds familiar, it's because there's a strong sample in it of the disco classic "You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)" by Sylvester. Not the first time Dannii has gone to the dsisco duck era for inspiration. Her last single was a cover of "He's the Greatest Dancer" by Sister Sledge, and before that "Perfection" sampled Vicki Sue Robinson's "Turn the Beat Around."

"Touch Me Like That" is actually the first single from her upcoming album "ClubDisco" (which, right now, looks like it will only be releasesed in the UK - boo!) And it includes the aforementioned disco-inspired singles, plus past hits like "You Won't Forget About Me" and "So Under Pressure," plus a slew of new songs. You can hear samples from the whole album here.

Of course by now everyone knows that Kylie's new album, "Kylie X," is set for release this month. And the first single, "2 Hearts" has already been released. Here's the vid for you:



So tell me... which Minogue sister has the grooviest single?

I vote for DANNII!!

JOHNNY

New AMBER in November?

Hey guys,
Sorry for the spotty updates this week. Jade and I have been a bit hectic prepping the November update with the new DIVA and DIVO of the month. Any one have a guess as to who we've selected this time around? ;)

Backing up a bit, it would appear that our very first DIVA, Amber, might have something new up her sleeve for fans. Check out her official website and scope out the message board. There are a few posts where Amber, who communicates directly with her fans through the board, alludes that something new is on the way.



In fact, her producer and pal Wolfram Dettki even posts a joke message with the title: "NEW AMBER TRACK LEAKED!"

Amber's response to the post?:

"I will kick your ass, Wolfram..."

Haha.

And without giving much more away, a little birdie told us that DIVA DIVO will be one of the places you can find out about this new Amber project - whatever it may be! - on November 1.

So stay tuned, Amber fans... we'll be revealing Miss A's latest release very soon!!

JOHNNY

DUBFIRE starts his own label!

Check it out, kids:

Our May DIVO of the month, Dubfire, can now add a new title to his long list of credentials (you know, DJ, producer, ladies' man...). He's now a Record Label boss!

The new label is called SCI + TEC DIGITAL AUDIO, and it will be (as the name suggests) a Digital only label. In other words, the death of the conventional record label - and the physical album! - continues.



The label's first release will be the single "I Feel Speed." It's a cover of the Love + Rockets song, and was originally released on Dubfire's Global Underground compilation, Taipei. But it makes perfect sense for the first release on Dub's new label, as it is the first single to feature his own vocals! What a multi-tasker ;) That single is going to drop on November 23!

Shortly afterwards, the second single on the label will be Dubfire + Simi "Angels over Naples" - their ode to current Italian techno.

As you can probably guess, Dubfire will now release his solo work exclusively on his own label (though no telling what will happen to the stuff he does as part of the famous Deep Dish duo). But Sci + Tec will also focus on new artists that get a vote of confidence from this DJ master.

Industry news... gotta love it!

JOHNNY

Ranked: TORI AMOS Top 5 Dance Mixes

Hi guys,

Hope you all had a great weekend!
So I spent my Friday night checking out one of my favorite artists, Tori Amos, on her "American Doll Posse Tour." It was freaking amazing! I'm always hesitant to go to Tori Amos shows, because - while I love Tori Amos - I hate people who LIKE Tori Amos. Haha. Hypocritical? Perhaps. But true!

Aanyway, it was an amazing show. I know some people can't stand her for one reason or another... either they think she's a pretentious lyricist who writes bullshit masquerading as poetry, or a freaky wailing nymph who can't pronounce anything understandably, or they think she's a plain ole weirdo. I think she's an amazing artist who is - on occasion - all of the above. :) And the concert was fantastic. The Orpheum Theater in Boston was packed, she did a great set list of old and new songs, she played the piano and sounded like nobody's business, and she did a really cool performance art piece at the beginning... she started the show dressed as "Pip" (one of five "personalities" represented on her Doll Posse album), and chose songs based on that "character." Really interesting. Ah, and she sang a song dedicated to Miss Massachusetts (y'know, the Beauty Queen) who was in the audience that night.

A lot of people don't realize that several remixes of Tori Amos songs have had big success in clubs (quite often, because they don't SOUND like Tori, dance fans don't realize who they're listening to!). She's had five Top 10 hits on the Billboard Club Chart... so below, I've given MY order from worst to best Tori remix. Click the title to listen to some of the tracks through iTunes or Amazon. Some are rarities, so give 'em a buy if you like 'em!

Here we go...


Tori from her current tour

TORI: The Top 5 Dance Remixes

#5 - "In the Springtime of His Voodoo" (Hasbrouck Mix) - Billboard Club Peak: #6

A so-so mix to a so-so song from Tori's Boys for Pele album. Never made an impact on me either way, but apparently enough people liked it to make it a Top 10 club hit. This black magic passed me by, I guess ;)

#4 - "Jackie's Strength" (Wedding Cake Mix) - Billboard Club Peak: #1

AMAZING original song, which Tori performed in the Boston show. Very cute moment during it... there's a lyric where she sings, "virgins always get backstage." At that moment, someone in the audience shouted, "I'm going to get backstage!" Tori paused, stopped playing the piano for a moment, and said to the girl - totally deadpan - "Honey... you're no fucking virgin!" Haha. Then she picked right back up again. The audience was in hysterics ;) Anyway, very cool remix. It's from 1998, so it does have kind of a dated '90s House sound. But hey, I like dated '90s House ;)

#3 - "Don't Make Me Come to Vegas" (Timo on Tori Mix) - Billboard Club Peak: #6

Probably the only time where I prefer the remix to the original. "Don't Make Me Come to Vegas" is an okay song, but this Timo Maas remix is even better. Mostly instrumental, with just Tori repeating the title over and over. But reaaaally catchy. ;)

#2 - "Blue Skies" - Billboard Club Peak #1

Okay, kind of cheating here. This song is actually from the BT album Ima, but Tori provided the vocals. This is actually my favorite of her dance hits, but I feel like I can't give it #1 because it's technically not "her" song. Oh, details, details. Anyway, it's fanastic and has BT's trademark sound with Tori's trademark vocals. Love it.

#1 - "Professional Widow" (Armand van Helden Star Trunk Mix) - Billboard Club Peak #1

Boston's own DJ Armand van Helden remixed this track that was a huuuge club smash back in 1996. It totally launched interest in remixing Tori songs, and is the only one of her club mixes to later be included on an album alongside its original (Boys for Pele Digital Version). Classic, classic, classic!

Alright, Tori-philes... debate my rankings!

JADE

AVALON SUPERSTAR video takes over Boston!

I'm such a townie... I love seeing Boston on film!

I already have plans to see "Gone Baby Gone," tomorrow night, Ben Affleck's directorial debut that (at least, according to the Boston Globe) does a great job showing off the city. "Fever Pitch" and "The Departed" are at the forefront of my DVD library, and I'm really excited that three different movies have been filming in Boston over the last few months. Including "Bachelor No. 2" with Kate Hudson. My friend saw her eating dinner at Sonsie on Newbury Street and said she was disappointingly not as a pretty in real life.

Oh, us catty girls ;)

Anyway, a new dance video showing off my hometown streets has hit the clubs. It's the latest from Avalon Superstar, the trio composed of UK vocalist Rita Campbell, UK producer Simon Langford, and Boston's own Billy Mead (head of Groove Factory Records). The last Avalon Superstar release, "All My Love," was a huge hit on XM's BPM channel. This one is even better in my opinion! And it shows off the city to great effect ;)

Check it out below, and click here to listen to the remixes on ITunes. I love this song! It's the perfect upbeat anthem to a night out.



I think I saw my apartment!! Haha.

JADE

You heard it here first: GIOIA vs. PAULA

You heard it first on DIVA DIVO... now check what's appearing in the new issue of STAR magazine, on newsstands tomorrow!



OLD NEWS to our readers ;)

JADE

Dummies Guide to the new MADONNA deal!

Okay, so Madonna has OFFICIALLY jumped ship from Warner Bros. Records (her label of the last 25 years) to an innovative new collaboration with Live Nation (the "live events" company). She's the FIRST artist to sign with Artist Nation, LN's new subsidiary devoted to more all-encompassing work with artists: recording, promotion, touring, merchandising... the full media gamut, which makes sense considering Madonna pretty much trailblazed the "artist as industry" model that so many follow today!

Madonna will earn $120 million for this new deal, but better yet - in my opinion, anyway - it's a smart business move that has potential to reinstate her as a "relevant" pop icon. For a while now, detractors have been declaring her "over the hill," and even radio was resistant to Confessions on a Dancefloor. But Live Nation is a behometh industry, and its ties to all areas of business could mean much more exposure for Madonna. I mean seriously, if they're paying $120 million for the right to release her albums, tour her, merchandise her, promote her, and more... then they're going to get their money's worth!

But here's the short deal, and how Madonna's move will affect us... her FANS!



* Madonna still owes Warner Bros. one final studio album under the terms of her old deal. That is the album we've been talking about for a while now, the one quietly getting wrapped up with producers like Timbaland, Pharrell and Justin Timberlake. Although it was originally rumored to surface at the end of 2007, Madonna herself has recently confirmed that we'll be waiting until next year. In a press statement she said:

"My time with Warner Bros. Records has been great. I appreciate their hard work and value the many relationships I have developed over the years with the label in the U.S. and around the world. I have an album coming out with them next year and I'm excited about it. We still have work to do together."

Personally, I think the album got pushed back because they're reworking it. After "The Beat Goes On" and "Candy Shop" leaked, fans were less than enthused. Which is odd, cause usually Madonna fanatics will foam at the mouth for just about anything and declare it "THE QUEEN'S BEST EVA!" haha. Well, reactions didn't shape up like that... personally, I think Madonna knows it, and is taking some time to tweak the album. (I've been saying forever that the hip hop vibe wouldn't work for her... hate to say "I told you so...")

* Warner Bros. is still owed a GREATEST HITS compilation. Hmm. This could be tough. Her last hits compilation, GHV2, came out in 2001. Right after that, radio started getting resistant to her. Since then, her "hits" have been spotty. We've got...

Die Another Day (Billboard #8)
American Life (Billboard #37)
Me Against the Music (from Britney's album - does this count? Billboard #35)
Hollywood (first Madonna single not to chart on the Hot 100 since "Burning Up" in 1983).
Nothing Fails (gorgeous ballad that never got picked up)
Love Profusion (the most exposure it got was an Estee Lauder commercial)
Imagine (Tsunami charity release... does this count?)
Hung Up (Billboard #7)
Sorry (Billboard #53)
Get Together (Didn't make the Hot 100 - "Bubbled Under" at #6)
Jump (Didn't make the Hot 100 - "Bubbled Under" at #5)
Hey You (Charity download... again, does it count?)

As you can see, we're kind of grasping at straws to put together a compilation, and only a few were bona fide "hits" of the level Madonna is capable. Maybe that's why there are rumors Warner Bros. is considering a collection of "Greatest Remixes" instead. That could also pacify her dance fans if the new album proves to be too "hop hop" heavy.

* Madonna's commitment with Artist Nation will last for 10 years, and holds her toat least THREE MORE ALBUMS! Yay!!

* Rumor is that it also encompasses FOUR more tours. Hmm. That sounds like a lot for a performer nearing 50. Though it could make sense... one tour per album, plus a "Farewell"? (Say it isn't so!)

* Madonna will get about 50% of profits from licensing (perfumes, t-shirts, etc.)

Again the details are sketchy (hey, we don't have the contract in front of us :) ) - but that seems to be the overall plan.

Personally, I think it's a great move for Madonna!

But what do yooooou think? ;)

JADE

MARK FARINA, KASKADE and a new OM release!

Hey all,

If you haven't checked it out yet, be sure to read our October DIVO feature on Kaskade.

One comment by Kaskade that didn't make the final cut is one he gave about his former OM Records labelmate Mark Farina. We had asked Kaskade about growing up in Chicago, the birthplace of House music, where a bunch of other contemporary DJs and Producers also got their start and their first introduction to House (Colette, for instance). Anyway, we were talking about whether or not Kaskade had met any other fellow Househeads in those early days who would later go on to be huge successes like him...

No, not really. I mean, I met a bunch of those guys, but if I was meeting the guys that I know now... I didn't know it at the time. There were a lot of us kids running around! I met Mark Farina pretty early on, and he was pretty cool! He was always like, "Hey man, if you need any help, let me know." He was very open-book. [He'd say] "Give me a call if you need some help." He was one of the first guys I ever really connected with. Like, "wow, this guy is doing it."


Mark Farina, recipient of the Kaskade "Cool Dude" medal of distinction.

And Farina is still doing it, that's for sure! He's actually the headliner of the next OM Records release: Mark Farina - Live in Tokyo.

We got a sneak peek at the cover and tracklisting... check it out!:



1. Intro
2. Troydon and Decosta "NY Minute"
3. DJ Sneak "Sticky Sheeit!" (Hodges Sheeity Redux)
4. Soydon "Timala"
5. Myungho Choi "Red Umbrella" (with Accapella of E Da Boss feat. Biccaso - Banana Split)
6. Bonde Fumigante "Bonde Fumigante" (Melo do Isquerio)
7. Bear Who? feat. Pamp "U Step" (Inland Knights Step 2 Rerub)
8. Leon Louder "Trapped Groove"
9. J West "Where You Belong"
10. Jake Childs "King of the Ghetto" (Matthew Bandy's King of the Late Night Mix)
11. Greenskeepers "Trouble"
12. Ken ECB "I Heart Bougie" (Toka Project Mix)
13. Daniel Cummings "Deep Heat"
14. Hood Fellas "Think About It"
15. Blakkat "Job Satisfaction" (Phil Weeks Mix)
16. Leon Louder "Crazy Party"
17. Marlo "Another One" (Giom Mix)
18. Freaks "Boiling Point" (BHQ Club Vocal)

We'll have a review up soon, but in the meanwhile, check out our Tour Dates to see when Farina is spinning near you.

If he's good enough for Kaskade... ;)

JOHNNY

PAUL OAKENFOLD to release "Greatest Hits"

Hi everybody,

Hope you all had an awesome weekend!

Cool news... it's not often you see people in the dance community release "Greatest Hits" albums, mainly because they're lucky if they can score one or two smash singles... never mind enough to fill an album ;)

But next week Paul Oakenfold is doing just that! Greatest Hits & Remixes is going to have 20 tracks, both original Oakenfold productions and his biggest remixes. Check out the full tracklisting below:


Paul Oakenfold with actress Brittany Murphy, his vocalist on "Faster Kill Pussycat"

GREATEST HITS & REMIXES Tracklisting:

1. Oakenfold - Starry Eyed Surprise
2. Happy Mondays - Step On (Paul Oakenfold Remix)
3. Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy (Perfecto Mix)
4. Mark Ronson featuring Daniel Merriweather - Stop Me (Exclusive New
Oakenfold 2008 Remix)
5. Justin Timberlake Featuring T.I. - My Love (Paul Oakenfold Remix)
6. The Smashing Pumpkins - Perfect (Perfecto Mix)
7. Dirty Vegas - Days Go By (Paul Oakenfold Remix Vocal)
8. Oakenfold - Ready Steady Go
9. David Arnold - James Bond Theme (from the motion picture DIE ANOTHER DAY)
(Oakenfold Mix)
10. Oakenfold - Dread Rock
11. Paul Oakenfold presents Afrika Bambaataa & The Soulsonic Force - Planet
Rock
12. Olive - You're Not Alone (Oakenfold & Osborne Remix)
13. Oakenfold feat. Brittany Murphy - Faster Kill Pussycat
14. Radiohead - Everything In Its Right Place (Exclusive New Oakenfold 2008
Remix)
15. Madonna - Sorry (Paul Oakenfold Remix)
16. U2 - Beautiful Day (The Perfecto Mix)
17. Oakenfold - Southern Sun (Exclusive New Oakenfold 2008 Remix)
18. Everything But The Girl - Missing (Exclusive New Oakenfold 2008 Remix)
19. Hans Zimmer - Jack Theme Suite (Paul Oakenfold Mix)
20. Underworld - Born Slippy Nuxx (Paul Oakenfold Mix)

Bear in mind that Mr. Oakenfold is considered "World's Most Popular DJ" according to the Guinness Book of World Records. He's certainly one of the most impactful!

Interesting that "Sorry" was the remix chosen to represent Oakenfold's work with Madonna... I actually thought "American Life" was his best. It salvaged an otherwise iffy track... I always wondered if that single (it was one of Madonna's biggest "flops" - comparatively speaking, of course) would have had better chances if the Oakenfold edit had been released instead. I remember here in Boston, Kiss 108 (our Top 40 radio station) started playing that instead of the officially released album version. It was actually more radio-friendly!

Okay, I digress :) Anyway, cool stuff. Here's to many more hits, Paul!

JOHNNY

PS... Random trivia: Before he was the huge producer/DJ we know today, Paul worked as an A&R Consultant for Profile Records and Def Jam. Among the biggest acts he signed? You'd probably recognize the names Salt N Pepa and Will Smith ;)

KRISTINE W scores her Tenth #1 hit!!

It's official... "Walk Away" has restored Kristine W's tiara (did she ever really lose it??) as the reigning Queen of the Billboard Club chart. The track is finally at #1!!



This is Kristine's 11th single. EVERY Kristine single hit #1 from 1994 to 2005, giving her a record-setting 9 consecutive #1s on that chart... more than any other artist (including, yep, Madonna). Last year, "I'll Be Your Light" broke her streak, peaking at #2. Not a bad place to land ;)

But "Walk Away" brings her back to #1!

Way to work, Kristine!
JADE

GIOIA BRUNO to replace PAULA ABDUL on IDOL?

Hey everybody,

REALLY BIG news just landed in our box... we have it on good authority that Gioia Bruno of Expose is in the running to replace Paula Abdul on American Idol!

Holy scoop, Batman!

The evidence is in order... we hear she recently was spotted at a Miami hotspot with Randy Jackson and Ryan Seacrest, and there's talk of an Expose thenmed night on next season's Idol.


Gioia, enjoying Jade Diva's dream come true! Ha!

This would be a huge opportunity for Gioia. She's revitalizing her career in a big way by reuniting (and touring) with the Expose gals, working on her next solo album, fielding movie offers... and now this! If it's been a while since you've stayed up to date on Gioia, check out the blog entry we did looking back at her career... and her current whereabouts.

For her part, though, Gioia is playing it coy. She says:

Honestly, I just can't comment on this. It could be uncomfortable for some of the people involved. I'm very sorry.

However, Gioia HAS confirmed that meetings have taken place, including some with industry mogul Clive Davis. Ironically, Davis is the same producer who may have killed original Idol Kelly Clarkson's career by helping her last album to flop. Ha!


Clive Davis. All that's missing is a white cat for him to stroke menacingly.

Gioia's also been honest about her desire to be part of the Idol machine:

Why wouldn't I? I've been a singer songwriter for most of my life. I love this industry and I'm tired of listening to mediocre artists. Everyone deserves a chance. Idol has been monumental in changing the "It's Who You Know" theory. Any one can audition, any one can make it to the top... provided they can walk the walk.

And here's the bigger news... we've got an exclusive interview with Gioia coming up soon... and we plan to grill her on Idol! This is big stuff ;)

Get gossiping, kids.

Here's hoping this won't be the next heartache to send Paula into a fit of tears (have you seen her reality show?? Really, Paula... get a grip!)

JOHNNY

LEAKED: BRITNEY "Gimme More" Remixes

It's Johnny, bitch!

Damn... that just doesn't sound as natural coming from me ;)

Check it out... we've got a bunch of leaked remixes for ya coming from the Britney Spears "Gimme More" EP. If you haven't started hearing these in your favorite club yet... you will soon! Especially since Jive Records has just announced that the full Britney album (now officially titled Blackout - you know, like her usual Saturday night activity) has been pushed up to a release date on October 30! Originally it was going to be November 13, but they claim this is to prevent any "further illegal distribution of songs," presumably by evil bloggers like myself.


Honestly, does she ever NOT have a slushy coffee drink of some kind in her hand?

Personally, I think the more likely reason is that they're surprised how - following a horrible VMA performance, lame video, and surprising lack of promotion - "Gimme More" is doing well for Britney, currently a #3 Billboard hit and her biggest since "Baby One More Time." In other words, they probably just want to strike while the buzz iron is hot, and avoid any "further immature implosion of career" antics from Ms. Spears.

Anyway, check out the remixes below... let me know whatcha think! ;)



JOHNNY

KYLIE MINOGUE - New Single and Video!

Alrighty Kylie fans,

The moment you've been waiting for has arrived. Ms. Minogue has released her "comeback" single... her first song since winning a successful battle with breast cancer. I feel the need to point that out, because it seems like the "comeback" concept has been getting thrown around a lot lately. Everyone from Mariah to Britney to Paris and Lindsay is the subject of a "comeback!" Except most of those chicks have only themselves to blame for ever fading from sight to begin with! So we have to congratulate Kyle for coming back healthy and ready to rock!

Okay, that's the good news.

The bad news is... personally, I'm not feeling the song or the look. It's her first release in years, so you'd think that Kylie would want to court her core fanbase - dance fans. And while "2 Hearts" (oh yeah, that's the name of the song... did I mention that ;) ) has a decent dance beat to it, it's really more a pop/rock song. And not a particularly catchy one at that. I mean, if I heard it on the radio I wouldn't drive my car off the road trying to flip the channel. But I just don't think it's solid enough to start "she's back and better than ever!" mania.

Here's the video... what do you think?



I dunno... anyone disagree and think that it's a smash? I don't get the Christina Aguilera "Back to Basics" look, either. Kind of just emphasizes how Kylie doesn't have a powerful voice like that. Not she needs it when she's doing cutesy dance tunes like "Can't Get You Out of My Head" and "Love at First Sight"... or even slow-burning, breathy numbers like my personal Minogue fave, "Slow."

Welcome back, Kyle... but I hope the full album is better than this lets on!

JOHNNY

TOUR DATES now up!!!

Hi loves,

Just one more piece of site news before we return to your regularly scheduled artist gossip later today... ;) but this is really exciting!

We have finally started up the TOUR GUIDE section of the site. It will be updated regularly, and is a ONE-STOP guide to all the club divas, divos and DJs who will be performing or spinning at a club near you. So you no longer have the excuse that "theres nothing to dooooooo tonight" ;)

This weekend ALONE, we have an option for ya whether you live near Atlanta, Cleveland, New York City, Vegas, Houston, LA, Milwaukee, Detroit, Cincinatti, San Jose, Minneapolis, Washington DC, Chicago, Albany, St. Louis, San Antonio, Philadelphia, San Francisco... even random places Ive never heard of, like uh... Farmingdale NY. Yeah, we have got you covered, too! ;)

Check it out and PLEASE spread the word!!

JADE

New artists for OCTOBER!

Hey guys,
Check it out... we've announced our DIVA and DIVO of the month for October... Samantha James and Kaskade!

Check out the awesome interviews that we have with both of them!

More blog news coming, of course... but we think that two new full-length features qualifies as an entry to hold you over ;)

JADE

BRITNEY SPEARS "Gimme More" Video!!

It's Jade, bitch.

And I've got something special just for youuuu ;)

She may have had a bad personal week as a mom, but Britney Spears' music career is surprisingly on an upswing! (However, Johnny and I part ways here... but I still say she's OVER!) "Gimme More" has officially become the second biggest Billboard hit of her career, as it's peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 now! Britney only has one #1 ("Baby One More Time"), and her last Top 10 was "Toxic" when it reached #9 back in 2004.

The video for "Gimme More" is set to debut on MTV's TRL on Monday. But, uhh... it appears that iTunes didn't get the memo. Cause they already have the video for sale! You can't find it by searching the iTunes store, but we came across it through a roundabout way ;) We're just that gooooood.

Click the single cover below to see a preview or buy the video from iTunes!



Yikes. The train wreck continues! Horrible editing that looks like outtakes, for crying out loud! The dancing is almost as sluggish as her VMA performance, she's lip synching the words like she's coked out of her mind, and she can barely make one of those "pouty sexy ooooh-I'm-so-fierce" faces she's famous for. For that matter, she can barely make a face that registers human emotion!

We'll see what the reaction is when they debut it on Monday!

JADE

ERIC PRYDZ overcomes his fear!

Here's some cool news for fans of Swedish DJ/Producer Eric Prydz!!

Eric's enjoyed some major success over the last few years, especially when his hit song "Call on Me" (accompanied by the retro-tastic aerobics video that became a YouTube sensation) hit the club charts. He's also kept us dancing with "Proper Education," a retooling of the classic Pink Floyd "Another Brick in the Wall" tune.

BUT until recently, American fans had no way to see Eric live! He's battled a serious fear of flying throughout his life, and has only played shows in Europe and close surrounding areas.


Apparently Mr. Prydz didn't get the memo that Halloween is the one day of the year you're ALLOWED to be afraid... because he's decided to kick off his very first North American tour this month!! Get ready, Prydz fans... you're finally going to get the chance to catch him live :)

His first stop is tomorrow night, in Ottawa Canada. He'll be touring major cities all across the continent next, and is even doing a Halloween show in San Francisco.

Here's a handy dandy tour guide for you. Check it out!

DATE VENUE * CITY
Oct 5 2007 Heaven * Ottawa
Oct 6 2007 Guvernment * Toronto
Oct 7 2007 Stereo * Montreal
Oct 9 2007 Dagobert * Quebec City
Oct 10 2007 Living * Sherbrooke
Oct 12 2007 Bleu * Detroit
Oct 13 2007 Vision * Chicago
Oct 14 2007 Foundation * Minneapolis
Oct 15 2007 Tijuana Yacht Club * Winnipeg
Oct 17 2007 Tantra * Calgary
Oct 18 2007 Empire Ballroom * Edmonton
Oct 19 2007 Aurora Nightclub * Banff
Oct 20 2007 Sonar * Vancouver
Oct 25 2007 Tabu * Las Vegas
Oct 26 2007 Belo * San Diego
Oct 27 2007 Avalon * Los Angeles
Oct 30 2007 E4 * Phoenix
Oct 31 2007 Ruby Skye * San Francisco
Nov 2 2007 The Church * Denver
Nov 3 2007 Lizard Lounge * Dallas
Nov 9 2007 Wetbar * Atlanta
Nov 10 2007 Cameo * Miami
Nov 10 2007 Space Terrace * Miami
Nov 11 2007 Destiny * Orlando
Nov 16 2007 Pacha * New York
Nov 17 2007 Glow * Washington DC

And by the way, we're about to do our October update to the DIVA and DIVO of the month. At the same time, we're going to (finally, I know!) make that "Tour Guide" page active. Soon you'll be able to check it daily to find out what dance artists and DJS are playing at a club near you on any given night.

In the meanwhile... good luck to Eric! Trust me, love, the scariest thing about flying... is the food!

Love,
JADE

Back to School with RACHEL PANAY!

Hey all!

Another exclusive Q&A for you this afternoon... this time with Rachel Panay, a reigning DIVA from June '07!

Rachel's busy promoting her latest single "It's Got to Be Love." (Check out the Lenny B mix... that's my personal fave ;) ) But she took some time to chat with us about our "Back to School" theme. Now that it's October - and yes, the new DIVA and DIVO of the month will be announced in just a few days! - we'll be trading in that theme for a new one. (Hint: It's Halloween-related). But we love us some Rachel, so we thought she'd be the perfect gal to close out the September Beat Blog theme.

Oh, and if you haven't already, be sure to check out our previous Q&A with Evan Cowden. Like Rachel, he's a grad from the distinguished Berklee College of Music in Boston. Interesting to see how their responses compare!!Without further ado...

RACHEL PANAY goes "Back to School..."

Rachel's milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. Aw, wait... that's a sundae.

QUESTION: What's the #1 thing you learned - about music, about business, or just about life! - during your college days?

RACHEL PANAY: Hm.....there is so, so much. But what's really striking me right now is that there always seem to be artist types who focus ONLY on their art and neglect the business end to the detriment of their own chances at success. THEN there are those that focus so much on business that the art suffers... and yet they wonder why with all of their networking and pushing, they are not succeeding! So it's an interesting irony. So it's working on the balance: if you are singer, did you vocalize TODAY? If you are a writer, did you take a minute to note down the song ideas that are coming to you TODAY? If you dance, when was the last time you took a class and absorbed the style of a new and different choreographer? Then on the end of business, do you keep your marketing tools updated and representing the newest and best you have to offer?

Heavy questions, right?! They haunt me everyday!

Q: What was your LEAST favorite class? Why?

RP: Music Notation! We had to do our work with these ridiculous antiquated caligraphy pens & I am NOT a neat writer at all. I had ink stains all over my hands all the time!

Q: Any favorite Boston haunts during your Berklee days? Maybe a special spot where you loved to study, or a favorite hotspot where you loved to take a study break?

RP: The reflecting pool at Christian Science Center! I loved everything about it, the pool itself, the stained glass windows in the chapel, the flowers lining the pool, the fountain at the end of the pool. I loved it so much my boyfriend at the time brought my birthday cake out there one summer and he lit candles and sang happy birthday to me. Beautiful memories.


The reflecting pool at the Christian Science Center in Boston.

Q: Not every day is "Animal House," but every college has its share of wild parties. What's the craziest thing that you recall from those years?

RP: I did not party at all in college! Seriously, I was a loner goody goody girl! No one believes me when I say this now thought! Wonder why?!

I only recall one run in with too many shots of tequila and an apartment shared by too many long haired rock guitarists. That's all I remember! Haha! That's the thing about good girls... when they let loose it's dangerous! No, seriously... I studied and practiced, wrote songs, recorded and spent time with my only boyfriend throughout that time. Very little of that party stuff.

Q: What would you suggest to other students looking to make their way in the music business?

RP: Start making your plan now! Decide where you want to live when you graduate, what genre you want to focus on, and how you will make money to support your dream if it doesn't take off right away. AND understand yourself, know yourself......do you have what it takes to pursue your dream for maybe even 10 years before anything starts to happen? If not, then you were not cut out for this life because most people I know had to wait just about that long.....give or take a few years of course!

Q: Finally, make your old teachers proud: What are your upcoming music plans?

RP: They will be surprised to know that I am actually seriously delving into jazz and the "American Songbook." I have my Dance stuff which I LOVE, but the love and NEED of jazz was planted in my heart and soul since attending Duke Ellington High School for the Arts in DC. Meaning to say, I can never go too long without replenishing myself in that world.

When I was at Berklee I focused more on my original Pop/R&B projects, even though I was an Arranging major and had to sing quite a bit of Jazz. So I think they would be surprised to know what a love I have for it and how well I am told my voice lends itself to this genre. In fact, most people say my persona is more the jazz chanteuse than the wailing club diva.

So all that repertoire and musicianship will NOT be going to waste, I PROMISE!

There you have it!
I hereby suggest a national touring act of Jazzified Dance Divas... perhaps a trio of Kristine W, Deborah Cox and Rachel Panay. Whaddaya say, ladies??

;)
JOHNNY

DIVA DIVO on IAD RADIO!

Hey everybody,

Very cool news this morning. IAD Radio just posted their weekly show update... this time the main interview is with Jade Esteban-Estrada. But at the very beginning of the show there's an interview with our very own editor, Scott Kearnan!



Click here to listen to the interview.

Scott talks a little bit about how he got the idea for DIVA DIVO, where the name comes from, and why he's concerned about the state of dance music in America. Hopefully this will give some of you regular readers a better idea of our mission... to keep America dancing!! :)

Good work, boss. Do us proud!

JOHNNY

BOB SINCLAR gives the skinny on his "PLAYBOY" release

Hi all,

So I'd write more today but I've got a serious headache out of nowhere! Random. I thought I just needed a caffeine fix or something, but a trip to my local Starbucks still hasn't cured what ails me. Hmm!

Anyway, we told you last week that Bob Sinclar is going to be releasing an album called "Live at the Playboy Mansion" next month, and we got some exclusive quotes from the man himself about how the hell this ended up happening ;) Check it out below...

BOB SINCLAR on...


His idol of the moment:

“I would like to take Hugh Hefner’s place! [laughs] His whole life is about sexiness, style and attitude. He’s an inspiration to me!... It’s amazing how his life is centered around sexy girls... he lived with three girls and nobody cared. He’s just a very smart gentleman. He has been a good inspiration and an example to me – be it in my music [or] my style."

On the album's retro sound that harks to '70s and '80s disco:

“That period was so sexy. It was all about going out, dancing and enjoying disco styles. It was the golden age of clubbing. Also, the entire erotic ethos is something that I’ve always been attracted to. I based my persona from the erotic kitsch stories of the 70s and 80s,the ones synonymous with Playboy. And I always like erotic magazines because the style is just amazing. [smiles] I’ve reflected this in my character and my music.”

On playing a gig at the Playboy Mansion:

“For Playboy I’d do anything. Also, there are three parties a year and the biggest one is on Halloween. I would love to play that party as a DJ. It’s just the most amazing party, with the most amazing girls, guests and superstars. It is a very crazy and sexy party. Paradise for me!”

On the tired slogan, "Disco is Dead":

“Dance music today is just recycled from that period in a way, anyway. At that time people wanted to go out with a certain kind of attitude... the theme of the songs at that time were all about dancing, meeting someone and making love. And it’s coming back. People saying 'Disco is dead'... Disco will never be dead because it’s all about the feeling. People want to go out every Friday and Saturday and just enjoy the moment and forget their everyday problems. They want to feel good and I think that’s what disco brings.”

On his own voyage from hip-hop roots to house and disco sounds:

“I started off listening to a lot of Hip Hop, yeah. Then I discovered, by going to New York, that producers like Kenny Dope, Todd Terry, all the guys in New York were playing house and Hip Hop in the same sets. After that I started to discover all the DJs were sampling all the classics. So I looked into it and bought the original records that they sampled. I think to be a good producer you have to have a good knowledge of how the music was developed – its history. It’s important to understand the history of music so you can translate that into your own music."

On the role of DJ as sex icon:

“He is the center of the night. He’s preaching his music. So his attitude is here to seduce the people and to attract the people towards him. It’s a kind of seduction, it’s my style and I think people like it!”

Can't argue with that, Bob ;)
JADE

KRISTINE W invites us into her "Inner Circle"

Alright, gang... we're almost there! Kristine W's latest, "Walk Away" is now up to #2 on the Billboard Club chart! It looks like the top spot might happen, returning Kristine to her string of #1 hits. So close we're sure she can taste it! ;)

Something else that Kristine has been working on (besides her music, of course) is a new component to her website: Kristine W's Inner Circle.



I wanted to point it out to you guys because I think it's great to see dance music artists using their influence for good! Kristine came up with the idea to start a forum that brought her fans closer based on the issues that are important to them... whether it's animal rights, civil rights, environmental issues... whatever! Check out the forum by clicking here... you'll see that they've started a topic for a bunch of different issues.

Give a visit and let us (and Kristine ;) ) know what you think. Remember, great ideas like this only work if people participate... so get to it, kids ;)

And while you're there, leave her a message wishing her a happy spot at #1 on the charts (it's gonna happen... I just know it!)

Love,
JADE