newblog

HIATUS

2008-11-20T11:22:00.000-08:00

We're re-surfacing the dance floor.

DIVA DIVO will relaunch with a new look and format, January 2009. In the meanwhile, continue to enjoy the weekly DIVA DIVO column in "OUT AT NIGHT" magazine!

A new year, a new approach, and a new way to bring you the news, interviews, and reviews of your favorite dance music artists!!

Kylie, Dannii and ABBA

2008-10-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

A double dose of Divas! Kylie and Danni cover the ABBA classic, The Winner Takes It All. This is the sisters first recorded duet. The track will appear of the soundtrack for the British TV series Beautiful People

Kristine W is back...and so are we!

2008-10-06T15:37:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long delay in posting. We have been busy, and so has one of our favorite Divas!

Kristine W is releasing a new track called "Never" from her upcoming album The Power of Music. Check out the HOT new cover image below as well as a snippet of the track. The song has a great disco club vibe and we are sure it will be Kristine's next #1... The track is release on November 8th!

Never_Sample.mp3

GIOIA BRUNO debuting new Obama single

2008-09-10T18:59:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest on dance-pop diva Gioia Bruno's work to throw her hat into the political ring; she's getting a bit of media coverage for "Change the World," her free single promoting Senator Barack Obama for prez. It even samples Obama's voice in there from a speech.

You can read an article on MSNBC about the slew of songs out there, and listen to Gioia's "Change the World" here.

Gioia also appeared on CBS to promote the song. Check out the video snippet here.

And here's the video Gioia has posted on her YouTube channel:

Yikes.

I'm all for celebs sharing their political opinions, but the whole Obama thing has gone to another level. It's freakin' scary, man! The presidency - hell, the future of our country - is bigger than any one person, and the level of Christ-like hero worship people are throwing at this dude... You know, there have been other countries and eras where people have started chanting their leaders' name like this. And uh, last I checked... they tended not to work out so well.

Whatevs. Figured I'd share.

JADE

McCain vs. Madonna: "Vogue"

2008-09-08T08:50:00.000-07:00

Tooooooo funny!! Dance classic reimagined with a GOP twist ;)

JADE

New ULTRA NATE video: Twisted!

2008-09-04T21:43:00.000-07:00

Dear Lord... Ultra Nate and Karl Giant are a match made in fabulous HEAVEN!

Here's the video for the diva's latest, "Twisted." It's directed by Giant, who also helmed her clips for "Automatic," and "Give it All You Got."

More technicolor genius. Got to love how it evokes both sides of Ultra that are represented on her two-disc set Alchemy/G.S.T. Reloaded: the colorful club diva and the cool, laid back DJ.

Brilliant!

JADE

AMBER & ZELMA DAVIS "Enough is Enough" video

2008-09-03T21:11:00.000-07:00

Here it is kids! We love it!!

Sorry for the shortage of updates the last few days - we were on vacay but back on the regular schedule!

JADE

COLETTE shooting new video this weekend!

2008-08-20T07:24:00.000-07:00

This just in!

Colette, our lovely DJ/vocalist who placed #3 in the 2007 reader poll for DIVA OF THE YEAR 2007, is shooting a new video in Venice, California this weekend!

It's for the song "Think You Want It," from Colette's album Push. The song is about to be featured in the movie "The House Bunny" released on Friday. That flick, starring Anna Farris of "Scary Movie," is written by the minds behind "Legally Blond" and is about an ousted Playboy Bunny (Farris) who makes over a group of bookish sorority girls.

According to the video's directors, the Colette's clip will be themed as an '80s house party (is it just me, or are the '80s making a comeback everywhere?!). They've even been forwarding this link to potential extras for the video, to brief them on the kinds of fashions they should wear to the shoot (no lie):

Click here to see the costume ideas!

We'll keep you posted on how it comes together!
JADE

Lady Gaga is taking over!

2008-08-19T19:57:00.000-07:00

Lady Gaga was on TRL last week and she talked it up about fashion, music, and working with Britney Spears. Check out the clip here:

And just in case that isn't enough, take a look at Samantha Maloney's All Access Interview with Lady Gaga. Here she explains how her monster-smash single, "Just Dance", took her from dive bars to Lollapalooza:

Lady GaGa Just Dance on All Access

DIVO to watch: WILL W!

2008-08-18T09:14:00.000-07:00

If there's one thing a dance-pop artist needs, it's ambition. The world is not kind to those who like to get a groove on, and radio, media, and the general public sometimes needs a kick in the pants to get over itself and get into a good, upbeat dance track. :)

With that in mind, we present Will W. He's definitely a DIVO to watch, because he's shown that he has the kind of ambition you need to work it out in the business. This Canadian singer financed the production of his debut album - Bodytalk, dropping September 27 - entirely on cash advances from his credit cards! He also dipped into savings from his day job in public relations (a day job which will likely serve him well in getting the word out about his music).

Here's the thing: unlike other indie releases, Will put his mind where his limited money was, and enlisted the help of top people to get the album together. That includes producer Adrian Eccleston (Nelly Furtado, Kylie Minogue) and sound engineering by George Graves, who helmed no less than U2's seminal "Joshua Tree" album.

Hot!

But best of all, Will is actually quite talented! His music is a dance-pop blend of Justin Timberlake, Madonna, a little George Michael. The guy is genuinely talented, and we're happy to see someone with guts and ambition on the scene (not much left of that out there!).

Click the cover art below to be redirected to Will W's website, where you can sample snippets from the album!

Definitely one to watch... look for more of him on the site soon!

JOHNNY

Hot Summer Track! Loveless feat. Amanda Wilson "Found a Miracle"

2008-08-15T08:57:00.000-07:00

If I may be so bold as to suggest this stomping summer track... check it out!

Even if you don't know Amanda Wilson by name, you know her pipes. She's the singer for Freemasons, and did vocals for their huge hit "Love On My Mind."

Am I crazy, or does her voice sound totally different on this track? I think I like it better here!

JOHNNY

Lady GaGa stars in "The Fame: Part One"

2008-08-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

Between her dance-pop ditty "Just Dance," her intriguing attitude and her seeming love of shoulder pads, a lot of people have been confused by what, exactly, Lady GaGa is all about.

Luckily, she's made a short experimental film that is bound to confuse you even more! ;)

THE FAME : PART ONE - Lady Gaga

I'm really starting to like this broad ;)

JOHNNY

AMBER and ZELMA DAVIS go postal!

2008-08-13T08:15:00.000-07:00

Gotta love sensational headlines, huh?

Haha. We're not saying that these two threw a diva fit. No no, we mean they went postal literally! With their new single "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)" now officially out as of yesterday, the ladies released a video of them autographing, packaging, stamping and shipping the loads of pre-ordered copy orders they received from fans.

It's not only a fun glimpse at these two ladies' fun sense of humor, but at the "nuts and bolts" business that goes into being an indie artist this day and age. Check it out!

Part One

Part Two

JADE

AMBER and ZELMA DAVIS: Behind the scenes of the new video!

2008-08-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

Hey kids!

Hope you're all as pumped as we are for the upcoming release of the new Amber and Zelma Davis duet, "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)." (Head back a few blog entries to read more about it, if you haven't heard the full deal yet...)

The single drops on Tuesday, and at the same time we'll be able to see the music video that was shot, too! But in the meanwhile, here's some behind the scenes clips that should give you a pretty good idea of what the video is about... looks like there's some fierce female empowerment in this one! :)

Double the diva... double the fun ;)

JADE

KASKADE fan wins t-shirt contest

2008-08-06T09:12:00.000-07:00

With a name like "Fat Mouse," you wouldn't think of someone as being a real winner ;)

But apparently that's the moniker for one art-inclined Kaskade fan, who won a recent online contest, sponsored by Artcotic, to design the DJ (and our June '08 DIVO OF THE MONTH) a t-shirt.

Check out the winning look below!

You can view all the fan-inspired fashions by visiting the link below. There are some pretty hot ones!
http://www.artcotic.com/approved_submissions.asp

Sorry, only a limited number of t-shirts were printed and sold, so you may want to rev up your Photoshop and start working on your own design ;) But congrats to "Fat Mouse" for SQUEAKING by with the victory - yuk yuk!

JADE

KRISTINE W rocks at charity fashion show

2008-08-05T09:05:00.000-07:00

Gotta love Kristine W... always up for a good cause!

She co-hosted and performed at a Perfectly Pink fashion show event in San Diego a few weeks ago, in support of the Breast Cancer Society.

Kristine with the Perfectly Pink crowd at Lei Restaurant & Lounge in San Diego

Of course, being the former Miss America contestant that she is, Kristine couldn't help but work the runway herself, too ;) Check out the video below for some performance and fashion show footage!

Love her!
JADE

LADY GAGA on "So You Think You Can Dance," plus album cover

2008-08-04T07:00:00.000-07:00

Damn... Interscope is really pushing her!

Just a couple weeks ago she performed at the Miss Universe Pageant, no Lady Gaga scores another high-profile TV gig... on the Fox reality hit, "So You Think You Can Dance."

Amazing performance, though! The wail at the end is suh-weet!

It's amazing to see a dance artist get this kind of exposure thanks to mainstream label support. Must be soooo frustrating for artists who have been working for years to bring their club hits mainstream. Still, if one succeeds, whatever the means... at least it may open the door for more.

A return to the '90s perhaps? (We should be so lucky ;) )

Oh, and here's the cover art for Lady Gaga's full length debut album, The Fame, dropping this fall.

And if you haven't had your fill of Gaga related reality, check out her regularly updated web-isodes following her road to (duh) "the fame."

JADE

DANNII MINOGUE final performance at G-A-Y

2008-08-01T06:15:00.000-07:00

Another one bites the dust!

With super-clubs around the world folding like a house of card's, London's G-A-Y was a real nightclub legend. It began as a UK gay night in 1976 and moved to the London Astoria venue in 1993.

There have been seriously way too many performers to name throughout all those years, but it's dance diva Dannii Minogue who closed the curtains as the final performer on the G-A-Y stage. Last Saturday night, she wrapped things up with performances of her 1997 hit "All I Wanna Do" and "Xanadu," a track from her latest album Club Disco.

Check out the videos below!

A lot of people thought Kylie was goinng to perform on the final night, but she was off doing a concert.

Confession: I like Dannii better! ;)

Haha. Regardless, so sad to see another legendary club closing. :(

JADE

GIOIA BRUNO recording pro-Obama single

2008-07-28T22:39:00.000-07:00

Hey lovelies!!

Oh, you know I try to steer clear of politics here, but sometimes there's just no avoiding it ;)

Check out our NOVEMBER '07 DIVA OF THE MONTH, Gioia Bruno, hitting the recording studio to work on a track for the trendiest of American Idols... oops, I mean Presidential candidates... Barack Obama!

The new dance-pop/hip-hop single, titled "Yes We Can" is the brainchild of Andy Fraser of the British rock group Free.

Apparently the original title, "Yes We Can... Well, I think we can... I'm kind of new at this... Hillary, What Do I Do?!?" was taken.

Where were these divas when there was a female candidate out there... you know, someone who was both groundbreaking and qualified?

See, this is why I don't go political. Whatever, it's my blog and I'll bitch if I want to! ;)

Peace, love and fuck-you-DNC ;),
JADE

New COLTON FORD video: "Tug of War"

2008-07-25T14:36:00.000-07:00

Enjoy ladies (and gents!). It's the new video from February '08 DIVO OF THE MONTH, Colton Ford.

It's the title track from his debut album, "Tug of War."

JADE

ULTRA NATE releases new double-disc album!

2008-07-24T16:17:00.000-07:00

Hey all,

Check it out, April '07 DIVA OF THE MONTH, Ultra Nate, is releasing a new double-disc album: Alchemy/G.S.T. Reloaded. And of course, that means a hot new Karl Giant photo-shoot to go with it! Here are the pics below.... ;)

Alchemy/G.S.T. Reloaded drops on August 5. The first disc features all new remixes of tracks from Ultra Nate's last (and, IMHO, best!) album, 2007's Grime, Silk & Thunder. That disc already yielded the #2 hit "Love's the Only Drug," and back-to-back #1s "Automatic" and "Give it All You Got." Plus there's "Twisted," the single she recorded earlier this year. In other words, these brand spanking new remixes of those hits and other GST tracks should be too hot to handle. Here's the disc 1 track list:

DISC 1: The Remixes
01. "Love's The Only Drug" (Morgan Page Mix)
02. "Falling" (Mark & Shark Mix)
03. "Automatic" (Tikaro, J. Louis and Ferran Remix)
04. "Give It All You Got" featuring Chris Willis (Bimbo Jones Mix)
05. "Freak On" (Ferry Corsten Mix)
06. "Getaway" featuring Dajae (Craig C Master Mix)
07. "Twisted (Got Me Goin Round)" (Lost Daze Club Mix)
08. "Star (It's Showtime)" (Funky Junction and SplashFunk Extended Mix)
09. "Scandal" (Zoned Out Remix)
10. "Lethal Shot" (Mood II Swing Extended Mix)

The second disc is Ultra's first EVER commercially released DJ mix! That's right, the diva is a DJ, too! Normally she spins at SUGAR, her party down in Baltimore, MD... but now, you can sate your sweet tooth with your very own Ultra set. ;) Here's the disc 2 track list:

DJ mix - DISC 2: Sugar Sessions 01
01. "Twisted (Got Me Goin' Round)" (Kenny Dope Mix)
02. "Getaway"featuring Dajae (Quentin Harris Mix)
03. "Love's The Only Drug" (Adam Rios Shelter Mix)
04. "Love's The Only Drug (Thommy Davis Tribal Mix)
05. "Scandal" (Craig C. Album Mix)
06. "This House" (DJ Pope's POJI House)
07. "It's Over Now" (Quentin Harris G.S.T. Mix)
08. "Getaway" featuring Dajae (Spen and Irv's Breakaway Mix)
09. "Automatic" (Spen and Thommy Code Red Mix)
10. "Feel Love" (Ron Carroll BMC Remix)
11. "Falling (DJ Oji POJI Mix)
12. "Falling" (DFA Mix)

Can't wait!!

Ultra is always inspiring in her music, but DIVA DIVO also took a few to chat with photographer Karl Giant about the amazing shots he took to promote this release. As always, Giant did fabulous work and here's what he said about the vision behind it:

Karl Giant: "The concept was my version of Anime mixed with hyper color and action figures. Ultra is my muse, she is fearless when it comes to trying new looks. I appreciate that she trusts me."

Umm... wouldn't you?? He always makes her look amazing!!

Ah, and Giant also confirmed that he just finished shooting the video for "Twisted" with Ultra and DJ Louie Vega. We're sure those visuals will be just as fantastic ;)

JADE

AMBER and ZELMA DAVIS to duet on classic disco remake!

2008-07-23T17:16:00.000-07:00

You heard right, all! Amber has announced the identity of her long anticipated duet partner, and the upcoming single they're preparing to release... it's a good one!

Amber has collaborated with Zelma Davis, former lead vocalist for the hugely influential dance group C+C Music Factory! If you lived through the '90s, you lived through Davis' hot hit singles: "Things That Make You Go Hmm..." "Here We Go, Let's Rock & Roll," and "Do You Wanna Get Funky," to name a few.

But wait... there's more!

Here's the single cover for their duet, which hits on August 12...

Oh yes, that's right! Amber and Zelma have taken on a remake of the classic disco hit, "No More Tears (Enough is Enough)" the ode to female self empowerment (you go, girl!) made famous by Donna Summer and Barbra Streisand.

By the way, here's the cover for the original 1979 single... look familiar? :)

For the record, Amber tells DIVA DIVO that it was pure coincidence, and that she had no idea what the original single cover looked like. Amber told us...

"I thought, 'Let's keep it simple. Keep it Diva. Barebacked, black and white, side by side, looking diva-like to the camera."

Well, great minds think alike!

Okay, one last thing... if you're ready to hear some snippets from the single, learn how you can pre-order personally autographed copies, and even get a glimpse at rehearsals... check out the behind-the-scenes footage with the girls below!

Umm... one question: how ADORABLE is Zelma!

You're going to hear lots more from these ladies on the site soon, so check back often :) But for now, enjoy the big news!!

Love,
JADE

Lady GaGa performs at Miss Universe 2008!

2008-07-22T20:41:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

How did I miss this???

Last week, our MAY '08 DIVA OF THE MONTH, Lady GaGa, performed live at the Miss Universe 2008 pageant! She kicked off the swimsuit competition with her club hit, "Just Dance." Check it out (and by the way, watch the whole thing... she interrupts the catwalk struts with her song a few times ;)):

Love the "Golden Girl" esque shoulder pads, girl. Love 'em ;)

Haha. Seriously, though, great to see a dance act getting some serious TV airtime! Of course, probably no coincidence that GaGa is signed to a major label like Interscope. (As Meja would say, "It's all about the money, it's all about the dim-dim-diddy-dum-dum...")

Still, GaGa's pretty freaking cool (hence her DIVA status), and if this means dance-pop might have a chance to ingratiating itself on to the public again (hello 1990s!) we're all for it.

Gaga for GaGa,
JADE

Spotted! RACHEL PANAY and DJ RANNY in Boston

2008-07-11T20:51:00.000-07:00

Nothing beats a little paparazzi surprise ;) Haha. Look who we spotted wandering the streets of Boston... it's RACHEL PANAY (June '07 Diva) and DJ RANNY!

Okay, okay, they weren't exactly wandering... just in seek of a cocktail, and popped into Sonsie on Boston's trendy Newbury Street.

Careful divas and divos... you're not safe from our prying eyes off the dance floor, you know ;)

By the way, be sure to send us any candid pics you have of run-ins with your favorite DJs and performers. Email 'em to jade@divadivodance.com!

Byeee.
JADE

From Porn to True Colors

2008-07-10T06:16:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys!

February Divo Colton Ford was invited by Cyndi Lauper to perform at her True Colors Tour. Check out this great clip from CBS News on LOGO!

Click here for Video

-Johnny-

Madonna meets Nelly: plus Sticky & Sweet Tour working set list

2008-07-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

Hey Madonna fans,

Looks like you have a common friend in Nelly Furtado! Check out the clip below, from Nelly's recent concert at Westerpark, The Netherlands. Closing out her performance of "Give it to Me" (her collaboration with Timbaland and Justin Timberlake), she switched into a nice homage to Madonna's current single of the same (sorta) name: "Give it 2 Me." (Fast forward to the 2:30 mark)

Gotta respect those who pay respect! ;)

Anyway, now don't take this as gospel, because Madonna's "Sticky & Sweet Tour" is still three long months away from its October launch; a lot can change in that time, especially when you're talking about a diva of the highest order. You know Madonna is going to switch up every detail of that show until she has it exactly like she wants it!

BUT we do have what is believed to be the current set list in rehearsals with Madonna and her dancers right now. If you want to read it, highlight the (invisible) text below:

Candy Shop
Beat Goes On
Human Nature
Borderline

Into the Groove
Jump
Heartbeat
Music
She's Not Me

Devil Wouldn't Recognize You
Miles Away
Spanish Lesson
La Isla Bonita
You Must Love Me

4 Minutes
Impressive Instant
Ray of Light
Hung Up
Give it 2 Me

What do you think? Personally, I'm feeling the second section a ton. But the rest... eh... there are a number of songs in there that I feel like she's driven into the ground over the last few years, especially with all the promo tours, special one-off shows, etc. Not sure... we'll have to see how this pans out. I wouldn't exactly be disappointed if this was the final show... but I think she can do better.

Tell me what you think!

JADE

Acid House Mini-Documentary

2008-07-09T12:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this little 4 min documentary about ACID House set to The Shapeshifters – Chime. Their next new single out on Defected!

-Johnny-

Total Popstar Winner!

2008-07-08T08:26:00.000-07:00

Total Pop Star Crowns DaNica from Red Lion, PA Season One Winner

Hollywood, CA - July 1, 2008 *** After months of arduous online singing challenges, millions of votes and weeks of intense studio work, a true Total Pop Star has been born. On Sunday, June 29th, Total Pop Star, a groundbreaking online singing competition, announced their first season's winner to be DaNica (pronounced DaNēka) from Red Lion, PA. Total Pop Star's first season's finalists competed for the crown by performing live in front of a studio audience, entertainment press, music industry VIPs and celebrity judges - Deborah Gibson, Joey Lawrence, Annette DuCharme and Andrew Van Slee.

The finale showdown and party got off to a sizzling start with a LIVE preshow hosted by Total Pop Star's Ashley Noel and a jumping deejay set by The Perry Twins. Once the finale competition got underway, the temperature in the studio grew hotter and hotter with each finalist taking the stage. The web series' six most totally talented finds included: Casey Lee Smith from Glendale; AZ, Destinee Q. from Surprise; AZ, Colton from South Wales, NY; Selyne from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada; Shantá from Los Angeles, CA and the winner DaNica from Red Lion, PA. During the final showdown, each finalist performed an original song written by TPS judge, creator and executive producer Andrew Van Slee and songwriter Annette Ducharme.

As the winner, DaNica receives a a prize package and recording contract through Universal Music Group's producer Andrew Van Slee's XMG Records. The entire prize package is worth over $150,000. Along with the Total Pop Star winner trophy, DaNica received $2,500 cash, an all expense paid trip to London, an all expense paid trip to Hawaii, a Toshiba laptop, a Sony Handicam, an I-Pod Touch 8GB + Jam Jacket, a Canon PowerShot, Bose Headphones, a Sony Digital Voice Recorder and a $100 iTunes Gift Card.

For more information please visit: http://www.totalpopstar.com.

New Amber video and song

2008-06-25T07:34:00.000-07:00

Amber, via her infamous message board, has been teasing her fans with news of a new song and video. She promises that her dance fans are going to love it. It will receive a very limited physical release, pre-orders only. It will also be available as a legal download on all the major sites.

Here is a video still - she looks great!

HEARTBEAT DEMO

2008-06-24T04:29:00.000-07:00

Hey guys,

We stumbled upon this clip the other day. You may have heard all the stories about how Pharrell made Madonna actually cry. I think the story goes something like Madonna wasn't singing the song the way he wanted, so he kinda yelled at her and said she was doing it wrong. I guess she had been struggling with this melody for a while and started to cry. He then said something to the effect of "Wow, Madonna has a heart!" This totally made her cry more...

Anyway, thank God they made up, and thank God Pharrell isn't the real singer... Here is the demo clip that simply shows M how to sing the song :)

Celebrate Pride Month

2008-06-17T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!

Happy Pride to all of our GLBT Readers! Centaur Records has a new mix disc out called Pride 08 - the 11th in the series! It contians HIGH-ENERGY REMAKES OF SEVEN BILLBOARD #1 SONGS ORIGINALLY PERFORMED BY MADONNA, JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE, LEONA LEWIS, ONE REPUBLIC, LISA STANSFIELD, THE FRAY & DENIECE WILLIAMS. This new release will be available on iTunes and in stores nationwide on June 24.

Party Groove: Pride 08 offers something for everyone, drawing on four decades of music that feature a balanced blend of male and female vocals. This years CD's got 12 songs that take you on a journey through time, criss-crossing genres and eras with familiar lyrics and melodies, while offering a new perspective on songs that we know and love, including remakes of seven songs that previously reached the #1 position on Billboard.

Track listing :
ARTY GROOVE: PRIDE 08
mixed by DJ MAX RODRIGUEZ
01. Mike Melange featuring Alan Connor - Let Your Love Flow (7th Heaven Club Mix)
02. David Vendetta - Hold That Sucker Down (Vocal Mix)
03. In.Deep - 4 Minutes (Dance Remix)
04. Marshall - How To Save A Life (Dance Mix)
05. Lady D. - Bleeding Love (Keith Haarmeyer's Pride & Disco Mix)
06. Alan Master T - People Hold On (Extended Mix)
07. Cory Ray - Apologize (Davidson Ospina Remix)
08. Katty B. - Let's Hear It For The Boy (Factory Main Mix)
09. Lisa Marie Experience - Keep On Jumping 2007 (LME Extended Mix)
10. Angelica - In The Evening (Eurotrance Remix)
11. Uniting Nations - Do It Yourself (Go Out And Get It) (Fonzerelli Commercial Club Mix)
12. Kirsty Hawkshaw vs Kinky Roland - Fine Day 2008 (Sam Ho Remake)

Coca Cola and Dance Music

2008-06-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!

Check out Past Divos Lucas Prata and Kaskade, as well as past Diva Jes on www.coca-cola.com/we8.

You can download an entire 7 track album from the site, for FREE!

Listen to Lucas's track Just Say Yeah below

What is we8?

DJ Profile - Hector Fonesca

2008-06-13T12:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Guys

Here is a hot DJ to watch!

xoxo
-Jade-

From DIVA DIVO Editor Scott Kearnan:
"I've been on the road for 3 weeks," says Fonseca, stealing a few seconds of phone time on a cab ride from the airport back to his home in New York City. He's coming off three cities in the last week alone-Vancouver, Houston and Montreal-and there are plenty more on the way. "I made it home one day during that time," he says of his recent travels. "I spent it doing laundry!"

So much for the glamorous life of a DJ. If it helps, the music meister manhandling his Calvin's is a former model. It's part of the matrix that makes up Fonseca: face of a coverboy, smoldering sex appeal of a Boriqua, brains of a university grad, and skills of a spin jockey... click here to continue reading

Into the Night Life

2008-06-09T08:23:00.000-07:00

Cyndi Lauper has a really fun, dance cd on her hands these days. She used some of the same producers as Robyn on Robyn and it shows... I am going to give the CD a listen and post a review this week.

-Johnny-

Daft Punk are back

2008-05-31T11:32:00.000-07:00

We have heard it (from their ex-manager) that Daft Punk is back in the studio working on its next album!

From In the Mix:

“The boys are in a studio in Paris at the moment,” he revealed to ITM. “And I can’t wait to listen to their new stuff! The good thing is that they are making music at the moment.” While those creative juices are flowing again, it’s not known at this stage when the new album might see the light of day. “They are slow, you know,” Busy P laughed when asked. “They are taking their time, and they have a right.”

Vote for your favorite DJ

2008-05-30T06:14:00.000-07:00

I already have mine picked... ;) Is it wrong to pick on looks, j/k! Joe Bermudez really is great, and I will totally will be his party in Boston!

To vote for your favorite DJ, visit the DJ times website below!
http://www.djtimes.com/bestdj/vote.asp

I have been seduced...

2008-05-29T05:28:00.000-07:00

Jade and I both LOVE the new Kaskade CD. Expect a full review soon, but know that the music is perfect for the summer and treads that awesome line between dance and chillout.

Click the album cover to listen (and Buy!)

Later

-Johnny-

Madonna Get Together Demo

2008-05-28T07:37:00.000-07:00

Check out this leaked version of Get Together before Stuart Price got his hands on it... While it sounds raw, I really like it. It makes me nostalgic for the Confessions era Madonna. I have still not been sold on all this Hard Candy!

-Johnny-

New album & tour from Kaskade

2008-05-24T08:26:00.000-07:00

Check it out! We are totally going to be checking in with him soon !

Have and Awesome Memorial Day

2008-05-23T05:17:00.000-07:00

We are off for the long weekend to chill at the beach, but of course still get our dance on! Made some pretty sweet playlists on my ipod, and I can't wait to be on the beach, late at night, with a drink and Jade by my side! In the spirit of summer time fun, i leave you with two DJ's brief thoughts on Ibiza - the ultimate summer clubbing destination!

Andy Cato (Groove Armada) :

What’s you relationship with the magical island of Ibiza? Explain a little about what it means to you.
As of this year, I've been going there for 20 years. The first time I went there, it was only because it was the cheapest holiday I could find. It was an18-30 thing, though I'm not sure how that worked as I was 15 at the time. I spent my time in the West End of San An. It was a time when lads went out in crisp shirts and I remember a girl getting her iron back from some boys across the way and shouting down the hotel corridor "the f`***ers pissed in me iron".

Simon Dunmore Eivissa 08 Interview.

Now that you’re a grown up, how do you behave on a night out in Ibiza?
It’s weird. When I do things like go to school and pick my kids up, which is one of the things that reminds me I’m a grown-up, and people asked me what I got up to at the weekend, and I say I was up all night at a club, they look at me as if to say ‘Aren’t you a bit old to be doing that?’ It’s tough, because sometimes you’re in a club and your surrounded by people who are 20 to 30 years old, and you might look at a chick and think ‘Yeah ok!’ and then it hits you that you literally could be her dad! It’s tough, it’s really tough!

-Johnny-

Divo Joe Bermudez Hosts Memorial Day Bash!

2008-05-22T05:13:00.000-07:00

From the cutie himself....
With the days getting longer and the sun finally showing itself around town, we thought what better way to get back in that summer frame of mind than with a 2nd Annual Memorial Day Bash at Felt!!! Last year, we featured a This is NOT Las Vegas theme complete with Elvis running around the club getting girls drunk. This year, we decided to cross the pond and do a This is NOT London party featuring myself, Greg Pic and Daniel David on the 4th floor spinning House as well as Driftski and Yanni on the 1st & 2nd floor spinning Brit Pop and Electro. Here are the details:

Sunday, May 25th - Felt in Boston (10p - 2a)
533 Washington St
(617) 350-5555
www.feltclubboston.com

xoxox

-Jade-

Suzanne Palmer FAME

2008-05-21T05:23:00.000-07:00

So, Suzanne Palmer covered FAME, the immortal classic by Irene Cara. We have posted an abridged and low res version below (I cut out the first minute of a boring bass beat.) I am not sure how I feel about the track, in all honesty. While Suzanne's diva like voice sounds in great form, even if like the slightly lesser version of Kristine W...

When Suzanne covered FASCINATED, I couldn't get enough. She added a great dark edge to the track and her vocals really made it her own. FAME, for better or worse, has a very gay circuit club vibe and I doubt the track will catch on outside that circle. Because of the circuit beats, the song sounds dated and it hasn't even been released yet. Maybe when the song is finally released I will have a different tune. Let us know what you think!

Party in LA

2008-05-20T09:47:00.000-07:00

New Kaskade Track!

2008-05-15T06:33:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys! Kaskade has a hot new track that is absolutely perfect for summer nights! Move for Me is billed as Kaskade & Deadmau5. Currently, this track is currently exclusive to iTunes and is available now - click the album cover below to go there now!

Rumor has it that this track will be on a new Kaskade Album, due out VERY soon! The track itself seems to be the consisten eveolution in Kasakde's artist work. A light, fun female vocal that perfectly compliments a mid tempo beat. It truly is a great track to chill out with, sip a martini and "move" for someone....

Later,
-Johnny-

When Electronic Goes Mainstream

2008-05-14T08:33:00.000-07:00

The Greenskeepers song "Vagabond" has been used for the commercial of Grand Theft Auto IV, Me, I never played any of the Grand Theft Auto games..but Johnny thinks they are cool! What I think is cool, is that after the commercial debuted, "Vagabond" reached the top 40 on Amazon.com's digital downloads chart! All this goes to prove is that if elctronic/dance music had more exposure it would be more popular! :)

Enjoy the commercial below and all you gamer guys and gals, enjoy GTA4!!!

xoxox0
-Jade-

More from Static Revenger and Richard Vission

2008-05-13T08:13:00.000-07:00

Last week we brought you a new video from Static Revenger and now we are bringing you a new singles remixed by the incomparable Richard Vission. I expect big things from this track! :) Click to listen over at beatport!

Everything Is Beautiful

xoxoxox

-Jade-

A Disco Diva is Back

2008-05-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Donna Summer is back to touring this year in support of her new CD Crayons. The disc is only a week away, and we are really excited to see what she delivers. I'm a Fire was a smash club hit and her new single Stamp Your Feet looks to be equally as hot!

Donna Summer Tour Dates

07/03/08 / Newport News, VA / Ferguson Center For The Arts
07/05/08 / Vienna, VA / Filene Center At Wolf Trap
07/08/08 / Gilford, NH / Meadowbrook U.S. Cellular Pavilion
07/09/08 / Uncasville, CT / Mohegan Sun Arena
07/11/08 / Bethel, NY / Bethel Woods Center For The Arts
S07/12/08 / Boston, MA / Bank Of America Pavilion
07/16/08 / Baltimore, MD / Pier Six Pavilion
07/18/08 / Holmdel, NJ / PNC Bank Arts Center
07/19/08 / Wantagh, NY / Nikon At Jones Beach Theater
07/20/08 / Salamanca, NY / Seneca Allegany Casino
07/22/08 / Rama, ON / Casino Rama Entertainment Centre
07/23/08 / Rama, ON / Casino Rama Entertainment Centre
07/25/08 / Atlantic City, NJ / Caesars Atlantic City
07/26/08 / Atlantic City, NJ / Caesars Atlantic City
07/27/08 / Westhampton Beach, NY / Westhampton Beach Perf. Arts Center
08/08/08 / Richmond, BC / River Rock Casino Resort
08/09/08 / Richmond, BC / River Rock Casino Resort
08/10/08 / Airway Heights, WA / Northern Quest Casino
08/13/08 / Saratoga, CA / The Mountain Winery
08/15/08 / Reno, NV / Peppermill Hotel Casino
08/16/08 / Oakland, CA / Paramount Theatre
08/17/08 / Santa Rosa, CA / Wells Fargo Center For The Arts
08/20/08 / Alpine, CA / Viejas Concerts In The Park
08/22/08 / Los Angeles, CA / Hollywood Bowl
08/23/08 / Los Angeles, CA / Hollywood Bowl
08/27/08 / Windsor, ON / Caesars Windsor
08/28/08 / Windsor, ON / Caesars Windsor
08/30/08 / Highland Park, IL / Ravinia Festival At Ravinia Park
08/31/08 / Prior Lake, MN / Mystic Lake Casino

Michael Hensley's new video

2008-05-11T17:15:00.000-07:00

Last Summer, we introduced you to a Boston based Divo name Michael Hensley. It seems that the dance music world is treating him well and he has a cool new video to prove it. It's not often that dance tracks even get a video these days. So, it is especially exciting that Michael Hensley has a video at all, let alone such a fun one! The rough edit is below:

If you are a Boston local, mark your calendars for Friday, June 6, when Michael will be premiering the final music video for "This Machine" at Machine in Boston! He will also be performing three songs, live! Fridays at Machine are club nights, so come prepared to dance!

Machine is at 1254 Boylston Street, near Fenway Park and the premiere and performance will be at midnight.

Brian Anthony

2008-05-08T13:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Gals... is he cute or what?

Anyway, check out Brian Anthony's Myspace page to listen to his new single "Worked Up" mashed-up with Madonna's "Everybody.

Brian is hoping to impress the Queen herself, as the word on the street is that he is also fighting hard to open for Madonna on her upcoming tour in support of "Hard Candy". I have my doubts, as no one has opened for Madonna in years - she is the show unto herself!

Even if he doesn't get to perform on stage in this falls, he can take comfort that his last single was a bonafide hit. WhatsitgonnaB (I'm So Ready)" went top-ten on the UK Pop Chart earlier this year . With this Latin lover's "mucho caliente" looks and his steamy lyrics you know the girls across the pond are salivating for him.

xoxox
-Jade-

Madonna - Hard Candy

2008-05-07T03:57:00.000-07:00

So, the Queen's album has been out a week. Therefore, we have taken the time to give a thorough listen through and have shared out thoughts....

Hard Candy, billed as a sugary sweet rebuke of the introspective, Kabbalah-pondering, “we are the world” opining of her recent work, is supposed to be Madonna’s least “political” record in ages. It’s a return, we’re told, to the dance floor and bedroom; the pantheons where classic Madonna pop has its infectious roots.

Musically, that’s true.

But the personal is always political, and this watershed album – Madonna’s last entry for Warner Bros. Records and the final disc she’ll release before her 50th birthday – is revelatory on the tactics women are forced to employ to remain “viable” with age. Hell, it’s no wonder that Madonna’s gone on record as a Hillary Clinton supporter. She must sense a kindred spirit in the Democratic nominee and the similar criticisms they receive: despite being established in their fields, pioneering for their sex, demonstrating incredible staying power and being able to hold their own – in the charts and the polls – in industries dominated by men a fraction of their age, have you ever seen two women more implored by the media to pack it in, call it quits, and roll themselves quietly over the hill into the Shady Pines Nursing Home for Old Birds?....

Check out the rest of Hard Candy Review by clicking below!

Later!
-Johnny-

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

2008-05-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

Hey guys and gals, Happy Cinco de Mayo! I thought i would share this exclusive preview of a hot new CD with you today - the name seems to fit! :) This summer, New York City nightclub Cielo marks five years of greatness with "Cinco," the latest disc in the club's popular compilation series. The CDs are Mixed by resident DJs Nicolas Matar and Willie Graff. I have never been, but from what i hear “Cinco” totally captures the Cielo clubbing experience. Regulars, fans and picky dance music lovers alike are sure to dance to this two disc set.

I for one think this is the perfect CD to start the Cinco De Mayo festivities with, but unfortunately it's not out till July 8th. For now, click the image above to hear the EXCLUSIVE mini-mix!!... Is it too early for a margarita???

Make sure to keep checking back, as I am sure we are going to be reviewing this compilation in the upcoming weeks!

x0x0x
-Jade-

Here is the tracklist:

CD 1 - NOW
1. Francesco Tristano – The Melody (C2 remix)
2. Nomumbah – Like A Rainbow (Dub)
3. Dj Pippi, Tucillo & Kiko Navarro – Higher
4. Kenny Bobien – Set Them Free (Rocco Spectral Mix)
5. Rucyl – Love In War (Pete Gust KID Remix)
6. Alix Alvarez & Malena Perez – Cool Lil Thing (Alix Alvarez Dub)
7. Ultra Nate – Twisted (Louie Vega Remix)
8. Halo & Kemal feat. Arnold Jarvis – Lift Me Up (Halo & Kemal Dub)
9. Danny Marquez – Vibrations (Rocco Sunset Mix)
10. Soni – Here to Stay (Main Mix)
11. Soul Central feat. Abigail Bailey – Time After Time (Yoruba Soul Mix)
12. Furry Phreaks with Terra Deva – Soothe (Charles Webster 2008 mix)

CD 2 - THEN
1. Afeke Iku – Movement
2. Herb LF feat. Matt Flores – City Rush (Boogie Dub)
3. K-Scope – Elecktrikiss
4. Joi Cardwell & Steal Vybe – Wanderlust (Alix Alvarez Sole Channel Dub)
5. Nick Holder feat. Zaki – Swimming (Dub Mix)
6. Kawabata – Movin' On
7. Demetucci – Deep Inside
8. Swell Session vs. Mark de Clive-Lowe feat. Anni Elif – All Of Me (Charles Webster Mix)
9. Justin Martin – Nightowl (Manoo & Francois A Remix)
10. Swayzak – Caught In This Affair
11. Phonique feat. Ian Whitelaw and Meltz – Work It Out (Charles

More Karl Giant News

2008-05-04T10:15:00.000-07:00

Quick update, Karl Giant is finishing up the new Ultra Naté video for Twisted. Be sure to check back for exclusives!

In case you missed it:

-Johnny-

"The Ones" Bring It In Their Awesome New Video

2008-05-03T15:43:00.000-07:00

"When We Get Together" is the perfect inspiring track for the summer. It has a little retro flavor to it and stars some of our favorite Divas and Divos. Ultra Nate, Ari Gold and Colton Ford, both from our site, make cameos in this star studded clip. And I have to mention that I was totally excited to see Debbie Harry and Jody Watley in there as well!

Enjoy it below and get it here!

What's the message in the video?
Obviously the song is about togetherness and strength in numbers. We feel that intolerance is on the rise in our global society. Our video is just a reminder to people that we can all come "Together" to reach a common goal of peaceful coexistence. If all the divas in our video could get along, surely the rest of the world can too!

Who wrote the song?
We co-wrote this song with the production team of Automagic (Will Lynn & Bryan Wright http://www.automagicmusic.com).

Who's idea was it to share the spotlight with 50 of your nearest and dearest?
Jojo and our amazing director Karl Giant came up with the idea. We all just thought that with the subject matter of the song the image of us "Together" with our friends would be really powerful.

Best moment of the shoot?
Walking into hair and make up and seeing Jody Wately, Jake Shears, Ultra Nate, Ana Matronic, Debbie Harry and Pat Cleveland all there supporting us. It was totally surreal!

Funniest moment?
Having Pat Cleveland and her daughter know the lyrics to our song better than we did!

How was it working with this make-up artist gone video director, Karl Giant?
Incredible! Karl was on double duty, directing most of the day and taking time out to do make-up on certain key people. He is a total visionary with a great sense of humor. We love him!

And Karl, out of the 12 hour shoot, what what your favorite moment, memory of the day?
My actual favorite moment of the shoot was when I thought of all the diverse people who were in the video. My other favorite moment was experiencing the legendary Pat Cleveland in action. She is a national treasure!

Later,
-Johnny-

New Kylie Video

2008-05-02T07:42:00.000-07:00

Another cute video from one of my favorite European Dance Divas!

We have a really cool video to post tomorrow, just doing a little more research into it before Johnny posts it!

xoxoxox
-Jade-

Lucas Prata Contest

2008-05-01T05:56:00.000-07:00

Are You A "Girl Like That”?

Lucas Prata’s new hit single “A Girl like That” featuring Jeannie Ortega will be out in stores March 2008. He is looking for that perfect girl. A girl who can cook, clean, works, volunteers in her community, goes to school, etc.

Enter The Official Lucas Prata “Girl Like That” Contest

There are 5 prizes – to celebrate the March 2008 release of the single.

One Grand Prize winner will win an MP3 player filled with all of Lucas Prata music (including unreleased new album “Never Stop Dreamin”), Ultra Records Gift basket full of CD’s & Videos + Lucas Prata T-Shirt, Autographed picture and more…

Four runner up winners will win an Ultra Records CD Basket and a customized Lucas Prata voice tone/ring tone

What you need to do:

Use a webcam or digital camera and tell us why you are the “Girl Like That”?
Upload your video to www.youtube.com/lucaspratacontest and email us a link of your video tonenemusik2@gmail.com.
Make sure you tag your video “Lucas Prata – Girl Like that contest”

This offer expires June 30, 2008

Be sure to visit Lucas Prata’s official website www.lucasprata.com

Register to win Lucas Prata’s new album “Never Stop Dreamin” featuring Jeannie Ortega, George LaMond and Kim Sozzi

A Few New Reviews

2008-04-27T10:37:00.000-07:00

Two New Reviews on the review page! Manny Lehman and Static Revenger.

xoxox
Jade

Ari Gold - Award Winning Songwriter

2008-04-26T06:09:00.000-07:00

September 2007 Divo Ari Gold's latest single,"Where The Music Takes You" featuring Sasha Allan is now available on iTunes. The maxi single can boast two award winning songs: "Where the Music Takes You" is the USA Songwriting Competition Grand Pride Winning Song plus Independent Music Award Winning Song "Live Wasn't Built In A Day" featuring Dave Koz!"

Check out Ari's Tour Dates Below!

Jun
14

Memphis, TN - Mid-South Pride Festival

Saturday,June 14^th – Memphis, TN

Mid-SouthPride Festival

AriGold presented by QBliss

TimeTBA

www.qbliss.net

Click here for festival info!

Jun
15

San Jose, CA - Pride San Jose 2008

Sunday, June 15^th San Jose, CA

Pride San Jose 2008

Discovery Meadow at Guadelupe River Park

Time TBD

Click here for details!

Jun
20

Seattle, WA - Neighbors Night Club

Friday, June 20th 2008 Seattle WA

Neightbours Nightclub

Ari Gold *Meet & Greet*

12 midnight

Click here!

Jun
21

Seattle, WA - It's About Life Expo

Saturday, June 21st, 2008 - Seattle, WA

It's About Life Expo

Washington Convention & Trade Center

800 Convention Place

Time: TBA

Other performers include Sandra Bernhard, Liz Clark and more!

Info here!

Jul
18

Miami, FL - Club Nikki Beach

Friday, July 18TH 2008 Miami, FL

Gala Choruses Festival

Club Nikki Beach

One Ocean Drive

305-779-5872

Click here for venue info!

Aug
15

Philadelphia, PA - Summer Swimsuit Party

Friday, August 15^th 2008 – Philadelphia, PA

Summer Swimsuit Party

Pure NightClub

12 Midnight

1221 St James St

215-593-3000

Sep
27

Springdale, UTAH - Southern Utah Pride

Saturday, September 27th 2008 Springdale, UT
Southern Utah Pride
Zion National Park
Time: Evening

Click here for details!

Oct
18

Dallas, TX - It's About Life Expo

Saturday, October 18th 2008 - Dallas, TX

Its About Life Expo

Dallas Market Hall

2200 Stemmons Freeway

Time: TBD

Other performers include Sandra Bernhard, Liz Clark and more!

Click here for info!

-Johnny-

New Ultra Nate Single

2008-04-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

Click cover for sample

The latest single from Ultra Nate is not a cut from her latest album, Grime, Silk & Thunder, but a rework of a track from her 2001 album Stranger than Fiction. Louie Vega, June 2007 Divo, remixed the track and brought it right up to date.

While not a club thumper, the track is pretty cool and the artwork is fierce!

I am definitely adding this to my late night summer mix... I can almost taste the cosmos now~!

xoxox

Jade

New Video from Static Revenger

2008-04-23T13:33:00.000-07:00

Check out the awesome SCI-FI inspired video for “Satellite” from Static Revenger presents “Love Song Surprise”

If you aren’t already familiar with Love Song Surprise, well, it’s something that needs to be heard. It’s an electronic based record filled with skillful song writing/production and pure emotion. The record was was Co-produced by Supreme Beings of Leisure’s Ramin Sakurai and co-written by 2007 BBC world music award nominee Duke Mushroom (Bole 2 Harlem). The CD was DMC Update’s album of the week beginning March 26 where Lewis Dene wrote, “Static Revenger’s music exudes a rare blend of originality, sultriness and carefree innocence that’s all too missing in today’s mass-marketed scene, and for that we give Kudos.”

As for the video, it was conceived and directed by Dennis White (aka Static Revenger), who is currently making quite a name for himself in the film business. White recently took a year off from music production to produce and direct two independent documentary films as part of SCION’S “Easy 10 film maker series.” One of the films, Castellers, won 'honorable mention' at the Very Short Movie Film Festival in Los Angels, as well as “Best Use of Music in a Documentary” by the Park City Film Music Festival,, which runs concurrent to Sundance. Castellers takes place in the Catalan region of Spain, and documents the centuries-old tradition of competitive human castle building.

America's Best DJ 2008 Summer Tour presented by Pioneer Pro DJ

2008-04-22T11:21:00.000-07:00

DJ Times has narrowed down a list of America's Top DJs. Got to www.americasbestdj.net to get more information about how to vote for your favorite artist. As you can see, cutie December 2007 Divo of the month Joe Bermudez is a contender and playing a show in Boston. Maybe Johnny and me will see you there!

xoxox
Jade

DATE CITY VENUE ARTIST
04-30 / Philadelphia, PA / Fluid / Josh Wink
05-10 / Tampa, FL / Hyde Park Cafe / Adultnapper
05-10 / Columbus, OH / BoMa (Bar Of Modern Art) / Filo & Peri
05-17 / Atlantic City, NJ / The Mixx/Borgata Hotel & Casino / Roonie G
05-24 / Detroit, MI / Detroit Electronic Music Festival / Moby
05-25 / Columbus, OH / BoMa (Bar Of Modern Art) / Micro
05-25 / Detroit, MI / Detroit Electronic Music Festival / Carl Craig
05-31 / Boston, MA / Underbar / Joe Bermudez
06-05 / New York, NY / S.O.B.’s / Dj Rekha
06-14 / Los Angeles, CA / Avalon / Miguel Migs
06-20 / Austin, TX / Sky Lounge /Chris Fortier
07-04 / Las Vegas, NV / The Palms Hotel & Casino / DJ Skribble
07-05 / Las Vegas, NV / Empire Ballroom / Sandra Collins
07-12 / New York, NY / Sullivan Room / Steve Porter
07-12 / Atlantic City, NJ / Harrah's Hotel & Casino / Dennis Ferrer
07-19 / Hampton Bays, NY / Neptune's Beach Club /DJ Theo
09-06 / Las Vegas, NV / Empire Ballroom /Closing party (tba)

New Video from Kylie

2008-04-18T12:03:00.000-07:00

All I see is Kylie's first US single from her album X.

UPDATE: Ace of Base

2008-04-16T11:41:00.000-07:00

Here is the newest shot of Ace of Base to surface on their resurrected website. The newly redesigned site looks like it will have a lot more bells and whistles soon! But for now, check out the new promo video and see the few dates that are up on the tour section.

I, for one, cannot wait to hear the new track and CD. The Sign still has to be one of my all time favorite guilty pleasure albums! hahaha~!

XOXO
-Jade-

Madonna Remixes Available Now!

2008-04-15T12:11:00.000-07:00

iTunes has released a batch of remixes for 4 Minutes today. Personally, I like the album versions best, but the Tracy Young Mix is pretty good as is the Peter Saves Paris Edit. Stay away from the Junkie XL Mix, as it doesn't even sound like the song!

4 Minutes Remix Edits:
4 Minutes - Edit 3:11
4 Minutes - Peter Saves Paris Edit 4:49
4 Minutes - Bob Sinclair Space Funk Edit 3:23
4 Minutes - Junkie XL Dirty Dub Edit 4:05

4 Minutes Remixes:
4 Minutes - Rebirth Remix 7:55
4 Minutes - Bob Sinclair Space Funk Remix 5:39
4 Minutes - Tracy Young House Mix 7:54
4 Minutes - Junkie XL Remix 6:13
4 Minutes - Peter Saves Paris Mix 8:52
4 Minutes - Junkie XL Dirty Dub 4:51

A new album from Helicopter Girl?

2008-04-13T13:06:00.000-07:00

"At this time, through pre-promotion phase of Helicopter Girl album 3, amidst construct within other projects,... HG single/video due for release, Spring ’08,... album to follow.........."

These are the words that are on Helicopter Girl's myspace page. The ever cryptic HG (aka Jackie Joyce) maintains her own myspace and definitely does so in her own words! I think Helicopter Girl is best known stateside for her song Umbrellas in the Rain, which is a true chillout/post clubbing gem!

What we do know for sure, is that the first single was the rockin' "Better Than This" and the album will be called Metropolitan. Hear that track here and check out a limited digital download selection at iTunes.

I really like her tracks and think she dreads that fine line between danceable and obscure...

-Johnny-

Rachel Panay - Repeat Performance

2008-04-10T08:46:00.000-07:00

June Diva 2007 Rachel Panay has a new single out on April 22nd that is sure to storm up the dance charts. In the Diva's own words, "Its gonna be big! : )" On the soon to be hit, Panay belts out some of her naughtiest lyrics yet... Let's just say the performance she is looking to repeat isn't the matinée of Lion King.

On the note of performing, here are 3 other great tracks about the putting on a show that just popped into mind!

Madonna - Vogue

One of Madonna's most direct calls to get out and put on a show, Vogue starts with simple line of "strike a pose." Vogue was a song that brought the underground gay dance movement of Voguing all the way to number one on the Hot 100!

Whitney Houston & Deborah Cox - Same Script Different Cast

Two powerhouse Divas, both at the top of their game deliver one heck of a dance track here that made it into the top five. While the club version is thumping, the actual album version is a real tearjerker.

Deborah Cox - Play Your Part

Deborah Cox's wails on this track which reached #1 on the Dance charts on 2003!

xoxoxo
-Jade-

OM turns 300!

2008-04-09T14:25:00.000-07:00

Om Records see their 300 release this week with Sounds of Om Vol 6.

What is refreshing about this set is that we don't see the same recycled tracks from Colette, Kaskade, DJ Heather and Chuck Love that Om usually puts on their Sounds compilations. In Om's own words:

The sixth installment of the ‘Sounds of Om’ series previews the freshest new music signed to the cutting edge label with exclusive tracks and sought after remixes. Volume Six takes a ride through a slick selection of future house music with a wonky main course, with a side of techy beats & groovy dessert to finish things off with style.

Featuring a diverse selection of hot new US producers including Portland-based Cates&dpL and the elusive Wolfgang Gartner, plus the legendary Blaze…alongside European hotshots such as Berlin-based Florian Kruse, Barcelona’s Francois Dubois and London’s own mighty Mike Monday & Jamie Anderson – this album is a heady international mix of forward thinking music and a true gem for any self-respecting lover of electronic music who likes to be one step ahead of the game.

I am getting into this one the more I listen to it... Check back for a final verdict as Diva Divo Dance will be reviewing this CD this week!

Tracks

Cates&dpL - Magdalena
Yankee Zulu - Bullfrog
Unstrung Zeros - You Know
Jamie Anderson feat. Marlek Alexander - Sunlight (Worthy's Swisher Drop Mix)
Scary Grant - Chickens on the Wing
Cates&dpL - El
Florian Kruse - In My Scope
Wolfgang Gartner - Circles
Mike Monday - The 11 11
Florian Kruse - Love Hurts (Catz n Dogz Emo Clubbing Remix)
King Kooba - The Score
Blaze - Lovelee Dae (Tanner Ross & KiloWatts Remix)
Onionz feat. El Feco - Woman of the Sun (Francois Dubois Sunshine Vocal) [Listen]
Chubby Dubz - Just Another Nite [Listen]
Fred Everything feat. Lisa Shaw - Here I Am (Shur-I-Kan Dubs) [Listen]

Behind the Scenes at WMA

2008-04-07T15:01:00.000-07:00

The Tommy Boy Sunset Sessions party at Winter Music Conference 2008–sponsored by Bustelo, Masterbeat.com and 944 Magazine–was a smashing success!

Below is April 07 Diva Ultra Nate with June 07 Divo Louie Vega pf the event where Ultra spun. For even more great pics, click the picture below.

Here is what some performers and guests had to say:

"The Tommy Boy party was a personal highlight for me as it took me back about two decades (or more) as I thoroughly enjoyed feeling 100% comfortable dropping tunes like the Trammps "Love Epidemic" and The Winans "Let My People Go"–amongst so many others since, Tom Silverman and I are both still extremely passionate about vocals. The other half was seeing sooooo many wonderful and familiar faces of friends that I have not seen in ages (since the WMC has changed so much over the past 5–10 years). It felt like 1988 all over again up in there!– Danny Tenaglia

The Tommy Party was wicked! Excellent location, palm trees, sea view, big sound system, funky people, top DJs and hot music. Bob Sinclar, Danny Tenaglia, Ultra Naté, Anané, Louie Vega, and Bimbo Jones. What more could you ask for? On a serious note, we met so many interesting music people at the Tommy Boy party. Can't wait to start working on new projects in the US. – DJ Lee Dagger (Bimbo Jones)

I loved the party, it was my favorite!!! – Sally Mclintock, DMC World (UK)

What's great about the Tommy Boy party is that it's a true "industry party" and has been regarded as the party to attend for the last two years. It was a thrill to share the turntables Danny Tenaglia, Bob Sinclar and Louie Vega! – Ultra Naté

"…a truly elegant event…security personnel…were refreshingly and unfailingly polite. People from the music industry were milling about (you couldn’t drop your vodka cocktail without it hitting the designer shoes of some up-and-coming singer), exchanging cards, and working the room with fierce elegance. Smiles were looming everywhere, lies were turned into promises, and everyone was having a great time." – Mickey Weems, journalist and scholar, Edgenewyork.com, Just Circuit

It was great moment, being there with so many influential people from the music industry. I wish I could have played longer! – Bob Sinclar

Tommy Boy thankfully had one of the only industry parties at the WMC where you could meet and greet in a great atmosphere and hear top DJs as well. – Claudia Cuseta, Maxi Promotion & Records

Tommy Boy Records had the best, real industry party of the conference! Anané, Danny Tenaglia, Bob Sinclar, and Cafe Bustelo, baby! – Louie Vega (Vega Records, MAW, EOL)

xoxox
-Jade-

September in April

2008-04-05T06:21:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while a new dance CD slips past our radar, that was the case with Swedish singer September. We have both of her last CDs as imports and didn't know that her label has released a combination of her past two, In Orbit and Dancing Shoes, as September here in the US.

The disc, which peaked at #22 on the Electronic Albums Chart, includes her two US hit singles Cry for You (#1 Dance Airplay) and Satellites and her latest Can't Get Over. Check it out in iTunes below - the whole CD is great especially Midnight Heartache!

Diva to Watch: Jenna Drey

2008-04-04T15:10:00.000-07:00

Jenna Drey is poised to have another dance hit on her charts. Her last few tracks have all had an impact on the Billboard Dance Charts, and each entry has charted better than the last.

Why Should I Believe you hit 23, Killin Me #11 and By the Way went all the way to the top 5 where it stalled at #4. Her latest song, All Out Of Love, is the most added track on Dance Radio and could very well be Jenna's first #1 hit.
We are kinda diggin' it and can't wait to hear all the mixes and see what else is in store form the beautiful Jenna Drey.

Click below to hear the track!
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4 Minutes sneak peak

2008-04-03T06:03:00.000-07:00

Words are not necessary..

New Gold Frapp Video

2008-04-02T11:26:00.000-07:00

Goldfrapp - Happiness

The newest video from Goldfrapp fits the earthy, seventies feeling of their new album Seventh Tree. Both Johnny and I are really enjoying this new sound for them. It reminds me of more of Felt Mountain, their first CD in 2000, more so than the dancier sounds of Black Cherry and Supernature. The minimalist and soothing sounds of Seventh Tree compliment Allison's unique and wistful voice perfectly and A&E is probably one the the most beautiful and haunting tracks the band has ever produced. Whereas the current single Happiness is more of a folksy, pared down version of a Supernature track. Happiness has more potential to become dance floor hit that its predecessor and I am anxious to hear the remixes.

Speaking of dance floor hits, here is how Goldfrapp have fared on US charts thus far:

2008 A&E /Hot Dance Club Play 34

2007 Ride A White Horse / Hot Dance Club Play 30

2006 Fly Me Away / Hot Dance Club Play 6

2006 Number 1 / Hot Dance Club Play 1

2006 Ooh La La / Hot Dance Airplay 3

2006 Ooh La La / Hot Dance Club Play 1

2004 Strict Machine / Hot Dance Music/Club Play 1

Also, if you happen to live in NYC, check out Goldrapp!

Tue	04/29/08	New York, NY	Beacon Theatre

Wed	04/30/08	New York, NY	Beacon Theatre

To hear Goldfrapp's whole catalog, click Allison's face below! :)

xoxox
-Jade-

Robyn: New Single and North American Tour Dates

2008-04-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys,

One of my current favorite tracks on BPM is Handle Me by Robyn. Unfortunately, the US iTunes only ofers the album version, which you can hear by clicking Robyn's pic below. While I do like the album cut, the dancier track on BPM is really catchy.

Handle Me was originally released in 2006, where it peaked at #17 in the UK. The US release follows on the heals of Robyn's biggest hit from her current CD, With Every Heartbeat reaching #6 this week on the US dance charts. With the radio play the track is receiving, we can bet that Robyn will have another club hit on her hands with this one!

In other Robyn news, she will be touring the following cities this spring:

04/29/08 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club

04/30/08 Philadelphia, PA The Fillmore - TLA

05/02/08 New York, NY Grand Ballroom

05/04/08 Montreal, QC La Tulipe

05/05/08 Toronto, ON Phoenix Concert Theatre

05/07/08 Chicago, IL Park West

05/13/08 Portland, OR Berbati's Pan

05/14/08 Seattle, WA Neumo's

05/16/08 San Francisco, CA Bimbo's 365 Club

05/17/08 Los Angeles, CA The Wiltern

Jade and I already got our Boston tickets, maybe we will see some of you there!

-Johnny-

New Lucas Prata

2008-04-01T13:30:00.000-07:00

A year ago, Lucas Prata was our Divo on the month. Now, he has a new track called A Girl Like That! The pop dance track features Lucas's signature vocals and even features a guest star - Jenny Ortega. The sound is definitely a lot poppier than some of his previous work, but if you are a Lucas fan this track will not disappoint!

iTunes offers a few mixes that you can listen to by clicking below.

xoxoxo
-Jade-

Congratulations to Chris Willis and David Guetta

2008-03-31T13:43:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to August Divo Chris Willis and November Divo on their wins at the IDMAs last week in Miami.

They scored two wins with their song Love is Gone in the Best Breaks/Electro Track and Best House/Garage Track categories.

FULL LIST OF WINNERS

IDMA's

2008-03-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow night the Interantional Dance Music Awards are taking place in Miami as part of winter music conference. One of our divas, Kristine W, is the co-host this year! Click the image below to check out the nominees.

BT's Daughter Found

2008-03-21T08:17:00.000-07:00

I remember we brought you a story a few months back about BT's daughter being missing. Well, we are happy to report that Kaia has been found and she is safe.

Let's keep BT in our thoughts and hope all works out for him. Below is a photo of BT (because I think he is super cute) and then a video that is all about his daughter from This Binary Universe. It makes me love BT even more when I see how cute and adorable he is with his daughter!

-Jade-

Double Dose of Divas

2008-03-20T05:02:00.000-07:00

Candi Staton Returns to Dance

If any of you were fans of Sex and the City (I wasn't, but please hold back the hate mail!), you will have remembered Candi Staton's single You've Got the Love from the series finale. The song, which I do like, was the perfect melancholy while at the same time upbeat ballad that could please the main fan base of the show.

Staton is an interesting artist, because she is primarily a gospel singer who every once in a while releases a dance/pop remix or track. This week, she teams up with Groove Armada on their new album "Sound Boy Rock" with vocals on two tracks, Paris and Love Sweet Sound. Click the album cover to preview (and then buy!) the track in iTunes.

Love sweet sound boasts some great mixes and relies heavily on Candi's edgy and soulful voice. The track current sits at 22 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Speaking of Charts...

Kristine W hits number one for the 11th time!

Congrats to one of my favorite Diva's Kristine W. This week, her latest single The Boss hits number one on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. Need we remind you, Kristine has had 12 chart entries on that chart and 11 of them have reached number 1! I'll Be Your Light stalled at an impressive number 2.

The Boss isn't yet on iTunes, but check out the gorgeous new KristineW.com where you can purchase the tracks (digitally or physically) directly from Kristine herself!

For more of her great music, click the picture below.

-Johnny-

Jason Antone - Sexy New Look!

2008-03-19T09:51:00.000-07:00

So I am definitely LOVING the sexy new look! You might remember Jason from his latest club track Be Free! That song peaked at number 23 on the Hot Dance Club Play and stayed on the charts for a healthy 10 weeks.

But now Jason Antone is back with with a hot new image and an infectious new track titled "Love's Gonna Lead You Back." Remixers include Georgie Porgie, Josh Harris, Manny Lehman, & Peter Baron - for now! I am sure that many more producers will want to get their hands on this track once its officially released.

If any of you readers are lucky enough to be in Miami for WMC, make sure to check Jason out at the following places. He will be unveiling his new single that weekend!

Twist on March 25
Let the Singer Be Heard @ Yuca on March 25
George's Alibi in Ft. Lauderdale on March 26

Love the new Look Jason!

-Jade-

PS - Is that a Kabbalah string we see on your left wrist? :)
Check him out here:

Toca's Miracle 2008

2008-03-18T04:29:00.000-07:00

One of the earliest "mashups," Toca's Miracle combined elements of Toca Me by German group Fragma and I Need a Miracle by Sue Brice (aka CoCo). The song became popular as an illegal bootleg in Ibiza during 2000 and topped the charts in the UK that April. Fragma quickly released an official version later that year.

Now, we find Toca's Miracle back in 8 years later. It has reached #5 in World Dance Charts, while the original reached number 99 on the Hot 100 and 9 on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts.

Two of my other favorite mashups are posted below. Dannii Minogue's Don't Wanna Lose this Groove is the perfect combination of her song and Madonna's into the groove. Whereas, Mylo's Dr. Pressure gave one of my favorite 80's Divas her first worldwide smash in years. Go Gloria! :)

xoxox.
-Jade-

Robyn Updates

2008-03-17T06:44:00.000-07:00

For the past year or so I have been enjoying the Robyn album by Robyn. A friend from england sent me a copy last fall, but the album is finally picking up some steam here in the states.

Apparently, the full album will be released in 2008 at some point. For now though, iTunes has quite a few of her new songs at the link below, plus the mid 90's classics Do You Know What it Takes and Show Me Love.

In more "mainstream" music news, Robyn has teamed up with Snoop Dogg on the Fyre Department Remix of his new single Sexual Eruption. If you listen to top 40 radio, you will know the song as Sensual Seduction and that radio version is sadly lacking Robyn!!

2 Divas, 1 Chart!

2008-03-14T06:21:00.000-07:00

This weeks see two of our favorite diva's on the top 5 of Billboard's Hot Dance Club Play chart!
May 2007's Kristine W and last month's diva, Taylor Dayne sit at number 2 and 5 respectively.

Let's keep our fingers crossed for Kristine. Another number 1 awaits!

The Return of Ace of Base

2008-03-12T11:03:00.000-07:00

Hey Guys!

Sorry for the lack of posts lately, but as always we have been working hard to bring you another great set of diva's anddivos! Speaking of great divas and divos... We have a post that is about just that! One of our favorite junior high groups is coming back with all new material.

Ace of Base (minus one) will return to the music scene this year! After enjoying a successful renuion tour at the end of 2007, group members Ulf Ekberg (Buddha) ,Jonas Berggren (Joker), and Jenny Berggren have decided to release a new album this fall and plan to tour the US in early 2009!

According to wikipedia, "On December 14, 2007 Jonas Berggren announced in a meeting with fans after a concert in Lithuania that they are currently working with very famous American producers, but he couldn't reveal yet who they are. Our guess would be Timbaland, because who hasnt he worked with lately!

Check out www.aceofbasereturns.com for more information, and check out this video below! :)

-Johnny

SAMANTHA JAMES video: "Angel Love"

2008-03-05T08:16:00.000-08:00

Check it out!

Our OCTOBER DIVA Samantha James has released her very first music video... for new single, "Angel Love."

Behind the scenes pics:

With boyfriend/DJ, The Southerner

So gorgeous!

JADE

Free Song: ANANDA PROJECT "Where the Music Takes You"

2008-02-26T06:35:00.000-08:00

Hey kiddies,

Everyone loves free stuff, and we've got another comp'd download for you: "Where the Music Takes You" by Ananda Project.

The track is from Night Blossom, Ananda Project's upcoming double-disc album. It won't be out until April 15, but we have this select track just for DIVA DIVO readers. Give it a listen!

Ananda_Project-WheretheMusicTakesYou.mp3

FYI, Ananda Project is the brainchild of Atlanta DJ Chris Brann... the same svengali behind Wamdue Project. Remember their huge one, "King of My Castle"? That was one of my jams back in... God, 2001 maybe?

Back with some more cool news tomorrow, but wanted to share this freebie with you, lovely readers. Enjoy!!

JOHNNY

PS. Don't forget, Democratic Primary debates are on MSNBC tonight from 9-10:30pm. Stay informed, and rock the vote... or uh... put some BEAT to the BALLOTS. Yeah, I like that ;)

6th Annual Club World Awards - NOMINEES

2008-02-21T06:13:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Winter Music Conference is just around the corner, and with the usual spate of events come the announcement of The 6th Annual Club World Awards. The winners will be announced at the ceremony on March 26 at SET in Miami.

Because the awards are sponsored by Club World magazine, most of the categories are about the aesthetic or technical qualities of actual venues. But there are a few "artist" driven categories that might be of interest to you guys... especially since a few of those artists are some of our very own 2007 DIVAs and DIVOs from this site!

Here are a few of the categories and nominees:

Best Resident DJ

Boris, Pacha, New York
DJ Vice, LAX, Las Vegas
Kaskade, Smart Bar, Chicago
Louie Vega, Cielo, New York
Richie Santana, Deko Lounge, Sayreville, N.J.

Kaskade, "Resident DJ" nominee and October '07 DIVO.

Both Kaskade and Louie Vega are past 2007 DIVOs (October and June, respectively)... but I haven't been able to check out either of them at their actual residencies. Without seeing how they react to the home team advantage, I just don't feel comfortable choosing a personal winner here ;)

Club Banger Of The Year
(click to hear previews in iTunes)

Deadmau5, "Not Exactly" (mau5trap)
Dubfire, "Roadkill" (Toolroom U.K.)
Mark Knight & D Ramirez, "Colombian Soul" (Toolroom Trax U.K.)
Fedde Le Grand, "Put Your Hands Up For Detroit" (Ultra)
Samim, "Heater" (Get Physical Germany)
Sander Van Doorn, "The Riff" (Ultra)

Dubfire may have been our May '07 DIVO of the month, but I can't give him my nod here. Toss Fedde Le Grand out the window, because any song that name-checks cities needs to go away. In mulling the other few, I'm torn between the unique, cross-cultural (and accordion!) appeal of Samim "Heater," and the passion of Deadmau5. In the end, I lean slightly toward the latter. But it's a close one!

Club Anthem Of The Year
(click to hear preview in iTunes)

Axwell feat. Charles Salter, "I Found U" (Remode mix) (Axtone/Vendetta/Ultra)
David Guetta feat. Chris Willis, "Love Is Gone" (Perfecto/Ultra)
Enur feat. Natasja, "Calabria 2007" (Ultra)
Justice, "D.A.N.C.E." (MSTRKRFT mix) (Ed Banger/Because/Downtown/Vice)
Ralph Falcon feat. Victoria Wilson James, "I Need Someone" (Nervous)
Samantha James, "Rise" (Eric Kupper mix) (OM)

Samantha James, "Anthem" nominee and October '07 DIVA.

Here come two (no, three!) more of our '07 artists: October's DIVA of the Month, Samantha James... and the double punch of David Guetta (November DIVO) with Chris Willis (August DIVO).

Now, not to brag, but are these nominations teaching you that we REALLY know how to pick 'em? ;)

Anyway, both "Love is Gone" and "Rise" would be my top picks even without any bias. I don't get the big deal with Falcon's hit (does not warrant "Anthem" to me!). And "I Found U", "D.A.N.C.E." and (especially) "Calabria" got overplayed into oblivion.

While I like "Love is Gone," it's not the strongest work we've seen from the Guetta/Willis combo. The follow-up single from Pop Life, "Baby When the Light," is way better.

So I give my nod to Samantha James. "Rise" has yet to get old!

Who are YOUR winners??
JOHNNY

New DONNA SUMMER: "I'm a Fire"

2008-02-20T13:14:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Check this out! The dance world's original DIVA Donna Summer is back!

The Queen of Disco is back with a new album - titled Crayons - to be released in May. This will be her FIRST studio album in 17 years!!

Donna Summer in the big hair/big hit era.

The first single, "Stamp Your Feet," should be sent to radio next month... but there's already a club-only single that's making the rounds as a preview for Donna's dance floor contingency. It's called "I'm a Fire," and we've got it for you right here!!

Check it out:
width="17"
height="17"
allowscriptaccess="always"
allowfullscreen="true"
men="false"
>Here are a few other song titles rumored for the album:

"Be Myself Again"
"Brazil"
"Mr.Music"
"Unpredictable"
"I Will"
"Reasons"
"Crayons"

Exciting!
JADE

PS. Thanks to a special fan for sending the music our way! ;)

JOE BERMUDEZ reports from the GRAMMY awards!

2008-02-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

Hey kids,

Hope you all had an awesome weekend.

Something kinda cool for you today: Boston DJ, renowned globe-trotter, super cutie and your #2 DIVO OF THE YEAR Joe Bermudez has checked in with us to give a first-person glimpse at his experience at the Grammy Awards. He was on hand to see the Academy award Justin Timberlake "Best Dance Recording" for "Lovestoned/I Think She Knows" (lame) and The Chemical Brothers "Best Electronic/Dance Album" for "We Are the Night," (also lame, but only because Tiesto's "Elements of Life" was nominated in the same category.

NOT lame was Bermudez' experience last weekend, where he got to mix and mingle with everyone from Janet Jackson to Robyn. Ah, to be young and fabulous ;)

Okay, bitter jealousy aside - here's Bermudez reflecting on his time at the show :)

Bermudez walking the red carpet!

JOE BERMUDEZ:
So, I decided to check out the Grammys this year. It was the 50th anniversary so I figured they would pull out all the stops and it would be nice to be there front and center for it.

I arrived in LA late Wednesday night and by the time I checked in, I just crashed out. I wanted to be well rested for the party I was DJing the following day... for none other than Janet Jackson. At the party, I got to play some really sexy, dark, progressive electro. (To give you an idea, Miss Jackson walked in as I was playing the Henrik B mix of Angello & Ingrosso's "Umbrella"). The party was hosted by Perez Hilton and was a great time.

Friday, I just did some meetings around town and picked up my friend Andrew from the airport. Saturday, we ventured down to the Staples Center to pick up our tickets. It was a little bit of a mess and no one had any idea where we should go so we wandered aimlessly including right into the celebrity gifting tent... where I got to finally play Rock Band... and check out all the swag that was being given out.

After waiting in line for an hour, we finally got our tickets and headed into Hollywood to check out Robyn perform. She was great. I hadn't seen her in 10 years and the new album is filled with hits. Once the show was done, we stopped by Raw to check out Manny Lehman lay down some serious tribal for a bit.

Sunday was the big day. I got all dressed up in my tux and we headed back down to the Staples Center. Once we finally passed through the airport style security, we smchoozed for a bit, then took our seats. The show was great. I never thought I would get to see Jerry Lee Lewis or Little Richard perform. It was a nice surprise. Tina Turner, Alica Keys, and Carrie Underwood were all great too. I was a little disappointed that the Foo Fighters performed outside, though. They were the one band I was excited to see and we were stuck watching them on TV from inside the venue.

When the show was done, we headed over to the after-party where we took full advantage of the open bar and complimentary food. We might have over done it a little bit on the Fiji Apple Tarts, but they were SO good. We stayed for a bit and saw Natasha Bedingfield and Cyndi Lauper perform before we snuck out to see Dirty South rip it up at Elevate. His set was one of the better ones I've seen lately and kept us going into the wee hours of the morning. When he finished up, Shiny Toy Guns took over the decks and started to rock it, but after a long day I needed some shut eye.

Monday, I was back to doing meetings and then decided to check out Nic Fanciulli at the Monday Night Social. It was another great night of music with lots of local DJ/Producers in attendance such as Chris Cox, Trent Cantrelle, and more. Tuesday, I packed up all of my swag and headed back to Boston. Overall, it was a great trip and I am glad that I went! :)

Hey Joe... next time, send a postcard! ;)

Love,
JADE

STATIC REVENGER: Free downloads, including Britney's wedding song!

2008-02-15T09:24:00.000-08:00

Hey lovebirds,
Hope you all had a great Valentine's Day yesterday... if you've got a special sweetie you shared it with... lucky! Haha. Actually, nix that idea... I've come to learn that Valentine's Day can be equally (or more!) fun when you're stag. I know some of the bachelorettes out there will vouch for me on that one ;)

Anyhow, here's two new free downloads for you in celebration of V-Day: two tracks from the upcoming album "Love Song Surprise" by Static Revenger. You should already know Static as one of the biggest DJs and producers out there, as well as one member of the dance music collective DJs are Alive... the electronic band comprised of Static with Scumfrog, D:Fuse, DJ Skribble and Kristine W.

Static, pensive.

Static calls "Love Song Surprise" a collection of "unapologetic downtempo for the romantically impaired." Ha! Sounds right up my alley. And check it out: one of the songs from the album - "Sweetest Day" - is the very song that Miss Britney Spears personally chose for her wedding to K-Fed. And, uh, if there's anyone who knows a thing or two about being romantically impaired, it's Brit. :-p

Check both of these out - you're gonna like 'em!

Satellite.mp3
SweetestDay.mp3

"Love Song Surprise" comes out digitally on April 15, and physically on May 6.

Enjoy, and may your own romance be a little bit more successful than Brit's ;)

JADE

Q&A with AMBER

2008-02-13T10:00:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

Following up on our debut of the video yesterday, we've got an exclusive Q&A with Amber about her "This is Your Night 2008" re-release. Read on for her words about the video, her future releases, and her choice for President... of the dance floor, that is !

DIVA DIVO: After watching the video and seeing all the different facial expressions, dance moves, etc., I couldn't help but think... DAMN! How many takes did she have to do? Haha. Do you recall how many takes it took to put the whole video together?

AMBER: Hahaha. Well, I shot the video myself as an indie label. Our budgets are strictly limited but I wanted to have a viral tool that I can work with, so I thought long and hard, "how I can make this happen...?"

I talked to editor Rob Graydon about the concept that I thought of and if he could help me with cutting it together.

I taped it about 35 times in a row. If people would have heard and seen the process... they would have thought that I officially went nuts now ;)

DIVA DIVO: This version of "This is Your Night" incorporates some new vocal elements and inflections. Were you ever nervous that fans would miss certain parts of a favorite "sing along" song?

AMBER: Not really. When I heard this version, it clicked with me right away. I wanted to update it, but then again not stray too much from the original vocals. So I think we found a good medium to freshen it up and make a solid 2008 version.

And for the people that really do "miss" that part... we still have the Showmix...

DIVA DIVO: TWO additional new releases are planned for this year. Can you give us a hint as to what to expect? Will they also be re-released classics?

AMBER: Well, we are currently working on the production of the 2nd release, which will be a collaboration. The 3rd single was taped in the very beginning of this year when I was in Germany. That is how much I will give away... now stop being so nosy! ;)

DIVA DIVO: Was it fun to relive the creation of this song?

AMBER: It was the beginning of it all in regard to my commercial success... I kept hearing the complaints from fans about it not being available anymore, people looking for it all over, and also saw the hits and comments it kept receiving on my Youtube account. So I thought that it would be a great idea to re release it.

DIVA DIVO: The nostalgia factor" will play a big role in the excitement over this single. The 1996 original was a huge hit back in the Clinton years. So now, the obligatory political question!: Now that "This is Your Night" has come full circle and back again... is it time for the a certain Clinton to do the same? ;)

AMBER: Hahaha. Well, one thing is for sure... we will have a Democrat president for the next term and personally, I am not settled on which of those two it should be. There is something to say for Hillary with her experience and coming in with Bill (because we all know that he comes with the package on the low), and also for having a brand new view with more unconventional and unspoiled outlooks in office...

One thing is for sure... this country needs some serious help, and especially long term vision, on key issues such as alternative energy, education, international diplomacy and health care.
The best thing would be if they both could come together and take on the above issues strongly.

But when it comes down to who I would like to see rock out to the new version of "This is your Night 2008," it would visually definitely be Barack... hahaha. I think that he could put a better move on it...!

I don't know about that, Amber... I could totally see Hillary busting a move to "Sexual!"

There you have it, more insight from the legend... if you haven't already, give "This is Your Night 2008" a listen!

JOHNNY

Here it is... AMBER "THIS IS YOUR NIGHT 2008"!

2008-02-12T06:09:00.000-08:00

Tuesdays are always a drag for me... luckily, Amber has spiced that up by releasing her hotly anticipated new single... "This is Your Night 2008!"

Re-recorded and remixed by Pathos V2, this new version of "This is Your Night" is a reeaaaaally pleasant surprise. I have to be honest, when I First heard of plans to re-release this song, I wasn't so sure about its prospects. The 1996 original has become a modern dance classic, and most of us associate it with fond, nostalgic memories. Why mess with a good thing?

I'll let you all judge for yourself, but I gotta give big props to Pathos V2 for the remix work. He updates the original's simple, dance-pop ditty sound with a more energetic assault of trance beats. And Amber, while smart enough not to mess with the original structure of the song, introduces a few new vocal elements. For starters, the "da-ba-da-ba-da" scat is gone, replaced with a new series of inflections. There are a few other surprises, too. But the biggest one is how GOOD this 2008 update is! It works on two levels: on one hand, it functions as a great dance song on its own. On the other, the production and Amber's vocal delivery manage to make it sound like a "tribute" to the original.

Oh, and one of my favorite parts is towards the end. Amber lets loose with a "yea!" wail that is a trademark moment from one of her other hits: "Sexual."

Check out the video below, too. It's perfect for the song: simple but effective, perfect as an entertaining background clip at video bars and nightclubs.

Check out the video below, and CLICK HERE to buy "This is Your Night 2008" via iTunes!

JOHNNY

9 from the '90s!

2008-02-11T06:39:00.000-08:00

Hey kids,

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

This weekend I hit up one of my favorite bar nights... "My So Called '90s Night" at Boston's Common Ground. Every weekend, the DJ spins "classic" (ahhh! I'm old!) '90s music.... and while it's not all dance-oriented (who can leave out Nirvana, Oasis, and Tupac when you're talking about the '90s?) there are always a lot of dance songs mixed in... because lest we forget, back in the '90s you heard that stuff on the radio all the time!

Anyway, it made me pretty nostalgic. So I thought I'd go back and pluck out 9 of my favorite dance songs from that decade of my teenage years... haha. Bear in mind I limited myself to ONE song per artist, otherwise you would have Amber dominating the list ;) And I also stuck to the Euro-dance classics that you heard on the radio... since those were the defining songs of my youth, and the songs that originally got me excited about dance music!

#9 - Crystal Waters "100% Pure Love" (1994)

Man, you know it's the '90s when a classic House track like this is getting heavy radio play. Crystal is still singing today, having most recently loaned her pipes to Alex Gaudino's "Destination Calabria." But "100% Pure Love" definitely remains her signature song and her biggest hit: #11 on the Billboard Hot 100! (Better than 100 ;) )

#8 - Corona "The Rhythm of the Night" (1995)

Although the Italian music project Corona originally released this single in 1993, it wasn't until '95 that it finally caught on in the US. But when it hit, it hit hard! "Rhythm" shook it's way up to #11 on the Hot 100. Olga Souza, an Afro-Brazilian "singer," was the face and supposed vocalist for the band. It would later come out that she was merely a lip syncher for the real vocalist! This would become somewhat of a trend with a lot of these mid-90s Eurodance acts ;) Doesn't change the fact that it was still a great song!

Corona also had a follow-up song: "Baby Baby," which peaked at #57 on the Hot 100.

#7 - Haddaway "What is Love" (1993)

Okay, thanks to Saturday Night Live's "A Night at the Roxbury," this song has become somewhat of an ironic joke of itself. But lest we forget it's former glory, before it was a punchline it was an awesome mid-90s hit! Haddaway was a Trinidadian singer who was one of the few solo DIVOS of the decade. This was his biggest hit, which reached #11 (okay I'm noticing a peculiar trend here) on the Billboard charts.

There was a follow-up single, "Life," which was just as good but not as successful: only hit #41.

#6 - Angelina "Release Me" (1996)

House wasn't the only dance genre that got decent attention in the '90s. So did Freestyle! One of the biggest DIVAS of that sound was Angelina, and "Release Me" was one of her best songs. That thumping beat, that sucking vaccuum sound that sounds like modern Mirwais... it was all there back in '96. And I loved it!

Angelina released three freestyle dance albums before becoming part of the hip hop trio New Ridaz.

#5 - La Bouche "Be My Lover" (1995)

"La da da dee da da da da..."
Oh, Melanie Thornton. What a voice! This major Diva led the duo La Bouche (alongside her male partner Lane McCray) to international success with this infection Euro song that hit #6 on the charts!

The German duo released several other singles, including "Sweet Dreams" (#13) and "You Won't Forget Me" (#48). Unfortunately, Thornton died in a plane crash in 2001 when promoting her debut solo album... ironically and poignantly titled "Ready to Fly." McCray continues to perform as La Bouche on occasion, with singer Dana Rayne "("Object of My Desire") frequently filling in for Thornton's vocal part.

#4 - Fun Factory "Close to You"

This was one of favorite songs of the entire decade, hands-down. Though it only hit #46 on the charts, I felt like I could never get away from this high-energy House track from a German group. This is one of those forgotten gems, but it's worth rediscovering! You might also remember their reggae influenced hit "I Wanna B with U" (#45).

Two other singles had so-so success: "Celebration" (#88) and "Don't Go Away" (#93) following that same reggae/calypso formula. But it was the high-energy sound of "Close to You" that will forever be near to my heart ;)

#3 - Amber "This is Your Night" (1996)

Oh please, Amber is SUCH a familiar face to readers of this site that we won't bother to rehash ALL the hits that she had throughout the '90s and early '00s. You can just read our very first DIVA article to remember all those! But needless to say, her very first hit holds a special place in our heart for introducing us to one of dance music's biggest, best voices. And don't forget, TOMORROW we hear the rerelease of this classic hit, "This is Your Night - 2008!"

#2 - Culture Beat "Mr. Vain" (1993)

Another forgotten gem, and one of my favorites... this high-NRG Euro pop song pounds away like a beating rain. It perfectly encapsulates the wailing diva/tough-guy rapper sound that typified so many of these songs. It was the German group's only hit on the US Billboard Hot 100 (#17) but it was a big one that remains one of the best examples of the '90s dance sound. Totally ferocious!

#1 - Real McCoy "Another Night" (1993)

Okay, this was THE song that got me into dance music. During my junior high days, this song was inescapable! I used to beg my mother to take me to the record store (before iTunes, junior, we had to walk eight miles in the snow - uphill! - to buy a CD) every week just so I could see if the album was out.

"Another Night" peaked at #3 in the US. This was a bona fide smash (not to mention the soundtrack to so many dances in the school cafeteria ;) )... but here's the little known trivia. Once again, we had a lip syncher on our hands! "Singer" Patsy was just the face for another woman who actually did the vocals. But as for the leader of the group, German rapper/producer/DJ O-Jay... he was the real mccoy, indeed ;)

Oh, memories!

Hope you enjoyed this trip down memory lane! There are sooooo many more songs that come to mind. I have a feeling we'll have the chance to get to them very soon on the site, though ;)

Talk to you tomorrow - oh, and fear not - we're just days away from announcing this month's DIVA and DIVO of the month!

JOHNNY

Sneak Listen: MIGUEL MIGS "Those Things Remixed"

2008-02-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Okay, time for our last post from San Francisco before we head back to the East Coast.

So a few days back we checked out a fairly new venue in San Fran, The Mighty. It was a pretty neat space, pretty laid back. We were there to check out Julius Papp and Miguel Migs, two of my favorite DJs in the vein of soulful, funk House music.

We got there kind of late and only cuaght the tail end of Papp, but it was awesome nonetheless. Then Miguel totally blew us away! LOVED loved loved his stuff.

San Francisco based DJ, Miguel Migs

Migs is preparing to promote his new album, "Those Things Remixed." This record revisits his 2007 album "Those Things" (Click Here to read our review from last year!) and might be an improvement on an already good thing.

SOOOooo without further ado, here's what we promised: A sneak listen at the first three tracks from "Those Things Remixed," which won't be released until mid-April! (You're welcome ;) )

Enjoy! We're off to Boston now. Be checking back in tomorrow!

Ta-ta, San Fran,
JOHNNY

FREE Advance Download: OM's San Francisco Sessions!

2008-02-07T11:04:00.000-08:00

Hey ladies and gents,

Sorry it's been a while since we last posted, but San Fran has had us all over the place. Just about time to head back to Boston, but a few more posts about the Rice-a-Roni capital of America! (Probably not the distinction they'd put on a stamp, but y'know... ;) )

One landmark San Francisco institution to be VERY proud of is the OM Records label. Not only is OM one of the heavyhitters in electronic music, but they pretty much own the scene on that trademark, chill house sound that has become such a major force over the last five years.

This is the label where Kaskade got his start... behind the scenes, as part of the office staff. No wonder it's currently home to some of the biggest, like Colette (your #3 DIVA OF THE YEAR!), Samantha James (November '07 DIVA of the month), Chuck Love, DJ Heather, Mark Farina, Greenskeepers and more.

Well, pretty sweet news (and a free download) straight from the OM office. Hot on the heels of Masterbeat, which launched last month as the latest - and seemingly greatest - download site exclusively for your dance music shopping needs, OM has now launched its own online store! Long before iTunes gets it (they take weeks of lead time to add songs), OM will be able to offer fans new releases straight from the label.

To celebrate, OM is giving DIVA DIVO readers a free download from one of their upcoming compilations: San Francisco Sessions 6!

This won't be available anywhere until February 19, so thanks to OM for giving our readers another exclusive.

We've already heard the full compilation, and rest assured that you're getting one of the highlights as the freebie:

Olivier Desmet & Oriental Funk Stew - "Hot on your Trail".mp3

Enjoy! See, this is why you have to love any record label that has video games in their front office ;)

JOHNNY

4 for the Floor: Move those HIPPIES!

2008-01-30T22:10:00.000-08:00

Hiiiii everybody!

Hope everyone's doin' just swell! Me and Johnny are looooving San Francisco. Seriously - what a beautiful city! It actually reminds me a lot of Boston, but with a little less "attitude." In the good way! Although I do miss many things about home, I have to say I'm totally blown beyond all expectations when it comes to how much I'm enjoying it here. Love it!

So tonight me and Johnny spent some time down in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood. If that means absolutely nothing to you, don't worry - because you're definitely familiar with the phenomenon that Haight was responsible for: hippies!

Back in 1967, Haight-Ashbury was home to "The Summer of Love," a summer where over 100,000 flower children converged in the neighborhood for one crazy summer of peace, free love, political and cultural rebellion... and oh yeah, some LSD, too. This was the moment when the hippie movement became introduced to mainstream America. Far out, man.

Today, Haight-Ashbury still retains a lot of the same cool, subversive charm. Lots of coffeehouses, vegan restaurants, smoke shops, quirky boutiques, bohemian fashions, sex toys...

... yeah, sex toys!

So, since Johnny had a little fun with our experiences in Japantown last night, I thought I'd keep up the theme and throw out some awesome dance songs with a hippie theme! God, I love themed playlists ;)

Here's 4 for your enjoyment... if you haven't heard 'em, click the song title to sample them on iTunes :)

#4 Global Deejays - "The Sound of San Francisco"

This hit dance track samples a verse from the song "San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Flowers in Your Hair)" by Scott McKenzie. That was a huge hit back in the '60s, and was basically McKenzie's ode to The Summer of Love. The Global Deejays used it to pay tribute to the modern side of San Francisco's culture of love, peace and acceptance: its club culture!

#3 Milk & Sugar - "Let the Sunshine In"

It's not often that a Broadway musical unleashes a #1 hit, but Hair managed to do it back in 1969. Alongside "Age of Aquarius," "Let the Sunshine In" was a pretty signature showtune from that play about hippies... which was also famous for its nudity. Milk & Sugar gave it a dance beat, and ta-da! Another hit, this time in the clubs.

#2 Technohead - "I Wanna Be a Hippy"

Back when I was in junior high, I came across this song on a dance music compilation I bought at the local like, Sam Goody or something. When I heard the lyrics "I Wanna be a Hippy and I want to get stoned / I want to get high but I never know why," I was totally scandalized! Haha. Oh, the innocence of youth. Anyway, I've never been a huge fan of happy hardcore tracks, but this one has a special nostalgic place in my heart. Kind of a neat novelty song.

#1 BT - "Love on Haight Street"

Very cool song. BT conveys the cool, bohemian vibe of Haight with this mellow, ambient track. Just a simple trip-hop beat with a rap laid on top. Perfect soundtrack to a stroll down one of America - hell, the world's! - most important streets in pop culture.

Oki dokes... more to come tomorrow!

JADE

4 for the Floor: JAPANESE Dance Music!

2008-01-29T23:04:00.000-08:00

Hey guys,

So after a long plane ride and too little sleep the night before, Jade and I are in San Francisco! Yeeeah!

We're staying at the Hotel Kabuki in the Japantown neighborhood. Had my first experience of Shabu-shabu at dinner tonight... which is basically when you cook thinly sliced meat and veggies in a pot of hot water right on your table... and then mix up the result with some yummy rice and sauces. Mmm. I must say, even though I don't usually care for Japanese food, this was pretty durn good. (Although my tummy is rumbling now... didn't fill me up all that much!)

Anyway, got me thinkin'... about dance music, naturally ;) I've got to hit the hay a little early tonight - seriously haven't slept in almost 48 hours, long story! - but in honor of our trip to San Fran and our stay here in Japantown, here are "4 for the Floor," a handful of must-have electronica tracks from Japanese artists. Check'em out, and clip the song titles to sample!

#4 - Cibo Matto - "Spoon"

Originally a duo of Japanese women - later to become a quintet - Cibo Matto was sort of a darling of the '90s indie scene. If Bjork moved towards minimalist trip-hop, it would sound like this. Well, "Spoon" is their best track, a funk-fused dose of groovy beats that wouldn't sound out of place on an American compilation of groovy, neo-soul beats.

#3 - DJ Krush feat. Esthero "Final Home (Piano Mix)"

Krush is probably the preeminent Japanese DJ, and he leans more towards rap than straight up dance. But "Final Home" trades hip-hop for trip-hop, a slow-burning electronica gem. Esthero lends her usual ambient vocals. Me likey!

#2 - Ayumi Hamasaki "M (Above & Beyond Mix)"

Ayumi comes off like the Japanese Madonna, a major pop music and fashion icon who has a huge amount of creative control over the marketing of her career. She has 29 #1 singles in Japan, and her music is remixed by some of the biggest names EVERYwhere. Take this #1 hit from an experimental trance album she released. It's remixed by Above & Beyond, and it's amazing! No, I have no idea what she's saying... but then again, half the time I can't entirely figure out what's being said in English dance songs ;)

#1 - Utada "Devil Inside (The Scumfrog Radio Mix)"

Though born in New York to Japanese parents, it was back in Japan that Utada has actually hit it big. If Ayumi is Japan's answer to Madonna, then this is their Britney... except, y'know, she's not bombed on sake all the time. Or if she is, she still manages to crank out some good music! Check out this awesome track, my favorite on the list!

Alrighty, off to bed... but I'll post another vacation-associated entry tomorrow, fear not ;)

JOHNNY

Interview with DJ ABEL!

2008-01-28T07:57:00.000-08:00

Hey kids,

Check it out: one of our regular DIVA DIVO writers has just posted a new interview with DJ Abel (also known as half the Rosabel production team) on the EDGE websites.

Click here to read the interview with Abel about his new ALEGRIA album release :)

Anyway, gotta go pack... me and Jade leave bright and early tomorrow AM (4 am to be exact... uggggh...) for SAN FRANCISCO! Yeah! Can't wait. We'll be there for a full week, and I can't wait to check ou the clubs (among other things). I'm pretty sure we'll be seeing Miguel Migs while we're out there... I'm hoping to stop by the OM office to say hello to the label... and I already know about one "tourist trap" we're hitting up: Alcatraz! (Think I might be able to lock Jade away, and throw away the key? ;) )

Anyway, enjoy the new interview with ABEL for now. I'll be posting from San Fran... so leave me some love!

JOHNNY

Exclusive: KRISTINE W covers "I'm Coming Out"

2008-01-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

Have we got a treat for you today, kiddies!

If you thought Kristine W's current single "The Boss" is the only time she's ever covered Diana Ross... think again!

We got our hands (er, ears) on a rare cover of "I'm Coming Out"... by Kristine!

Hell yeah... check it out!

Kristine W - I'm Coming Out

Awesome!!!

And don't even ask for a copy of it... we'll help you listen, but we won't help you steal ;) Just keep your fingers crossed that this sees a commercial release!

JOHNNY

Free Maxi-Single Download: RACHEL PANAY "It's Got to Be Love"

2008-01-22T10:07:00.000-08:00

Hey guys!
Just a quick update today, but it's a goooood one :)

If you're in the mood to download some killer FREE remixes (yep, free, high-quality and LEGAL! Woot!), then here's your chance: for a limited time, you can get the full max-single of Rachel Panay's club hit "It's Got to Be Love," which reached #15 on the Billboard Club charts just a few months back.

Click here to get all the downloads for free!

(FYI, my personal fave is the Lenny B mix... awesome)

Enjoy! And look out for Rachel's next single, "Repeat Performance," to drop any day now!

JOHNNY

AMBER talks about "THIS IS YOUR NIGHT 2008"!!

2008-01-20T11:15:00.000-08:00

VERY exciting news, everybody!

One of our favorite Divas - Amber - has decided to kick off 2008 in a big way.

She's re-releasing an updated version of her very first hit, "This is Your Night," which until now has never even been available for online download.

Ooh yes! The classic track is getting a modern rework by Amber's producer Wolfram (Pathos V2) and is going to reintroduce the classic dance hit for a whole new decade of clubbing! Plus... it's even going to get a new music video!

Here's a video of Amber herself announcing the February 12, 2008 release date and the music video!

But wait... Amber did us one better, and even took the time to answer a few questions from DIVA DIVO about this exciting reproduction :)

DIVA DIVO:
It's been over 10 years since "This is Your Night" became your first hit song. Are you surprised by the fact that fans still can't get enough of it?

AMBER:
Well, I was actually really surprised when I got signed to an actual international recording deal in the end of 1995 based on this song. It then hit really big in 1996, and it stood in the official Hot 100 Billboard charts for almost an entire year! It was actually huge on an international level and on countless compilations. I still remember hearing it on every radio station wherever I went.

Everything happened so fast and was so overwhelming. My first performance was in Chicago for B96 at their then yearly B-Bash in front of 30,000 people. I think that I almost peed in my pants ;) Gosh, I was so nervous...

As I went on stage with my 2 dancers, I felt the need to introduce myself and I remember that I said:

"Hi, my name is Amber and this is my song, 'This is Your Night.'" Then they started the music and the crowd screamed and sang along with each word. It was amazing!

I think that it was one of my biggest songs out there and hopefully that people always are reminded of some positive moment in their life when they hear it.

I just got so many requests about it that I finally caved in to redo it...;)

DD:
For fans who don't understand the process behind it, why has it taken so long to get "This Is Your Night" online?

AMBER:
The reality is that the original music masters do not belong to me. They belonged to the label that I was then signed to. They, however, sold those masters to Warner [Records].

When this title came out, digital distribution was not even in existence so it was never really discussed in contracts. So ultimately, it was never released through the international digital distribution system.

First off, I clearly had a re-recording clause in my recording contracts, where an artist is NOT allowed to re-record their own songs for a certain amount of years. Which, by the way, was generally very common.

So I had to wait out these years. And I wanted to reproduce it properly and I think that Pathos V2 did an outstanding job!

It was just too big to not have a have a proper version released through my label JMCA. If go all out and redo a video, etc.... I wanted to do it right!

DD:
Is there any particular way in which this 2008 interpretation will differ from the original?

AMBER:
Well, there is always the knowledge that people liked the original for a reason. So you do not want to mess with it too much in its melodic vocal form.

But... yes... there are some new elements in there ;)

Stop being so nosy and be patient ;)

DD:
Can you give us any clues on the concept of the video?

AMBER:
Nope... you will see it when you get it... ;)

And it can't come soon enough!

Thanks, Amber... and thanks for releasing a new version of a classic track.
I wasn't old enough to hit the clubs back in 1996... but it looks like my dream of hearing this in its proper environment will finally come true.

This is your night, this is my night... this is everybody's freakin' night!
JOHNNY

Clip of PAULA ABDUL: "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow"

2008-01-19T11:53:00.000-08:00

Hey all,

Hope everyone is having a fun weekend!

By now, you probably know that we're just a few weeks away from the return of Paula Abdul's music career! Yep, Paula is officially rehearsing for a live performance at next month's Super Bowl XLII!

Tom Petty has already been confirmed as the half-time act, so rumors are cloudy as to whether Paula will join Petty (in the same way that Britney and Aerosmith teamed up back in the day), if she'll do a totally separate performance, or if she'll be relegated to pre-game festivities. Either way, it's pretty much a given that she'll be premiering her new single: "Dance Like There's No Tomorrow."

And here's the clip we have so far!!

Paula Abdul - Dance Like There's No Tomorrow

Sounds like wicked cheesy dance-pop... so... does that make me a loser for thinking it sounds like it might be good? ;)

Haha. Hey, lest we forget, Paula unleashed some awesome late '80s/early '90s tracks. Her remix album "Shut Up and Dance" was a platinum-selling, Top 10 album in 1990... back when it was really unusual for pop stars to give props to the dance genre like that to begin with!

"Dance Like There's No Tomorrow" will be the first release from "Randy Jackson's Music Club, Volume 1," an album produced by her fellow Idol judge. It also features new singles from Joss Stone, Jason Mraz, and a duet between Idol finalists Katherine McPhee and Elliot Yamin.

So start your betting pool. Not on the Super Bowl game... but on the likelihood of a Paula Abdul comeback!

JADE