Hey guys,
Check it out... we've announced our DIVA and DIVO of the month for October... Samantha James and Kaskade!
Check out the awesome interviews that we have with both of them!
More blog news coming, of course... but we think that two new full-length features qualifies as an entry to hold you over ;)
JADE
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Friday, October 5, 2007
BRITNEY SPEARS "Gimme More" Video!!
It's Jade, bitch.
And I've got something special just for youuuu ;)
She may have had a bad personal week as a mom, but Britney Spears' music career is surprisingly on an upswing! (However, Johnny and I part ways here... but I still say she's OVER!) "Gimme More" has officially become the second biggest Billboard hit of her career, as it's peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 now! Britney only has one #1 ("Baby One More Time"), and her last Top 10 was "Toxic" when it reached #9 back in 2004.
The video for "Gimme More" is set to debut on MTV's TRL on Monday. But, uhh... it appears that iTunes didn't get the memo. Cause they already have the video for sale! You can't find it by searching the iTunes store, but we came across it through a roundabout way ;) We're just that gooooood.
Click the single cover below to see a preview or buy the video from iTunes!
Yikes. The train wreck continues! Horrible editing that looks like outtakes, for crying out loud! The dancing is almost as sluggish as her VMA performance, she's lip synching the words like she's coked out of her mind, and she can barely make one of those "pouty sexy ooooh-I'm-so-fierce" faces she's famous for. For that matter, she can barely make a face that registers human emotion!
We'll see what the reaction is when they debut it on Monday!
JADE
And I've got something special just for youuuu ;)
She may have had a bad personal week as a mom, but Britney Spears' music career is surprisingly on an upswing! (However, Johnny and I part ways here... but I still say she's OVER!) "Gimme More" has officially become the second biggest Billboard hit of her career, as it's peaked at #3 on the Hot 100 now! Britney only has one #1 ("Baby One More Time"), and her last Top 10 was "Toxic" when it reached #9 back in 2004.
The video for "Gimme More" is set to debut on MTV's TRL on Monday. But, uhh... it appears that iTunes didn't get the memo. Cause they already have the video for sale! You can't find it by searching the iTunes store, but we came across it through a roundabout way ;) We're just that gooooood.
Click the single cover below to see a preview or buy the video from iTunes!
Yikes. The train wreck continues! Horrible editing that looks like outtakes, for crying out loud! The dancing is almost as sluggish as her VMA performance, she's lip synching the words like she's coked out of her mind, and she can barely make one of those "pouty sexy ooooh-I'm-so-fierce" faces she's famous for. For that matter, she can barely make a face that registers human emotion!
We'll see what the reaction is when they debut it on Monday!
JADE
Thursday, October 4, 2007
ERIC PRYDZ overcomes his fear!
Here's some cool news for fans of Swedish DJ/Producer Eric Prydz!!
Eric's enjoyed some major success over the last few years, especially when his hit song "Call on Me" (accompanied by the retro-tastic aerobics video that became a YouTube sensation) hit the club charts. He's also kept us dancing with "Proper Education," a retooling of the classic Pink Floyd "Another Brick in the Wall" tune.
BUT until recently, American fans had no way to see Eric live! He's battled a serious fear of flying throughout his life, and has only played shows in Europe and close surrounding areas.
Apparently Mr. Prydz didn't get the memo that Halloween is the one day of the year you're ALLOWED to be afraid... because he's decided to kick off his very first North American tour this month!! Get ready, Prydz fans... you're finally going to get the chance to catch him live :)
His first stop is tomorrow night, in Ottawa Canada. He'll be touring major cities all across the continent next, and is even doing a Halloween show in San Francisco.
Here's a handy dandy tour guide for you. Check it out!
DATE VENUE * CITY
Oct 5 2007 Heaven * Ottawa
Oct 6 2007 Guvernment * Toronto
Oct 7 2007 Stereo * Montreal
Oct 9 2007 Dagobert * Quebec City
Oct 10 2007 Living * Sherbrooke
Oct 12 2007 Bleu * Detroit
Oct 13 2007 Vision * Chicago
Oct 14 2007 Foundation * Minneapolis
Oct 15 2007 Tijuana Yacht Club * Winnipeg
Oct 17 2007 Tantra * Calgary
Oct 18 2007 Empire Ballroom * Edmonton
Oct 19 2007 Aurora Nightclub * Banff
Oct 20 2007 Sonar * Vancouver
Oct 25 2007 Tabu * Las Vegas
Oct 26 2007 Belo * San Diego
Oct 27 2007 Avalon * Los Angeles
Oct 30 2007 E4 * Phoenix
Oct 31 2007 Ruby Skye * San Francisco
Nov 2 2007 The Church * Denver
Nov 3 2007 Lizard Lounge * Dallas
Nov 9 2007 Wetbar * Atlanta
Nov 10 2007 Cameo * Miami
Nov 10 2007 Space Terrace * Miami
Nov 11 2007 Destiny * Orlando
Nov 16 2007 Pacha * New York
Nov 17 2007 Glow * Washington DC
And by the way, we're about to do our October update to the DIVA and DIVO of the month. At the same time, we're going to (finally, I know!) make that "Tour Guide" page active. Soon you'll be able to check it daily to find out what dance artists and DJS are playing at a club near you on any given night.
In the meanwhile... good luck to Eric! Trust me, love, the scariest thing about flying... is the food!
Love,
JADE
Eric's enjoyed some major success over the last few years, especially when his hit song "Call on Me" (accompanied by the retro-tastic aerobics video that became a YouTube sensation) hit the club charts. He's also kept us dancing with "Proper Education," a retooling of the classic Pink Floyd "Another Brick in the Wall" tune.
BUT until recently, American fans had no way to see Eric live! He's battled a serious fear of flying throughout his life, and has only played shows in Europe and close surrounding areas.
Apparently Mr. Prydz didn't get the memo that Halloween is the one day of the year you're ALLOWED to be afraid... because he's decided to kick off his very first North American tour this month!! Get ready, Prydz fans... you're finally going to get the chance to catch him live :)
His first stop is tomorrow night, in Ottawa Canada. He'll be touring major cities all across the continent next, and is even doing a Halloween show in San Francisco.
Here's a handy dandy tour guide for you. Check it out!
DATE VENUE * CITY
Oct 5 2007 Heaven * Ottawa
Oct 6 2007 Guvernment * Toronto
Oct 7 2007 Stereo * Montreal
Oct 9 2007 Dagobert * Quebec City
Oct 10 2007 Living * Sherbrooke
Oct 12 2007 Bleu * Detroit
Oct 13 2007 Vision * Chicago
Oct 14 2007 Foundation * Minneapolis
Oct 15 2007 Tijuana Yacht Club * Winnipeg
Oct 17 2007 Tantra * Calgary
Oct 18 2007 Empire Ballroom * Edmonton
Oct 19 2007 Aurora Nightclub * Banff
Oct 20 2007 Sonar * Vancouver
Oct 25 2007 Tabu * Las Vegas
Oct 26 2007 Belo * San Diego
Oct 27 2007 Avalon * Los Angeles
Oct 30 2007 E4 * Phoenix
Oct 31 2007 Ruby Skye * San Francisco
Nov 2 2007 The Church * Denver
Nov 3 2007 Lizard Lounge * Dallas
Nov 9 2007 Wetbar * Atlanta
Nov 10 2007 Cameo * Miami
Nov 10 2007 Space Terrace * Miami
Nov 11 2007 Destiny * Orlando
Nov 16 2007 Pacha * New York
Nov 17 2007 Glow * Washington DC
And by the way, we're about to do our October update to the DIVA and DIVO of the month. At the same time, we're going to (finally, I know!) make that "Tour Guide" page active. Soon you'll be able to check it daily to find out what dance artists and DJS are playing at a club near you on any given night.
In the meanwhile... good luck to Eric! Trust me, love, the scariest thing about flying... is the food!
Love,
JADE
Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Back to School with RACHEL PANAY!
Hey all!
Another exclusive Q&A for you this afternoon... this time with Rachel Panay, a reigning DIVA from June '07!
Rachel's busy promoting her latest single "It's Got to Be Love." (Check out the Lenny B mix... that's my personal fave ;) ) But she took some time to chat with us about our "Back to School" theme. Now that it's October - and yes, the new DIVA and DIVO of the month will be announced in just a few days! - we'll be trading in that theme for a new one. (Hint: It's Halloween-related). But we love us some Rachel, so we thought she'd be the perfect gal to close out the September Beat Blog theme.
Oh, and if you haven't already, be sure to check out our previous Q&A with Evan Cowden. Like Rachel, he's a grad from the distinguished Berklee College of Music in Boston. Interesting to see how their responses compare!!Without further ado...
RACHEL PANAY goes "Back to School..."
Rachel's milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. Aw, wait... that's a sundae.
QUESTION: What's the #1 thing you learned - about music, about business, or just about life! - during your college days?
RACHEL PANAY: Hm.....there is so, so much. But what's really striking me right now is that there always seem to be artist types who focus ONLY on their art and neglect the business end to the detriment of their own chances at success. THEN there are those that focus so much on business that the art suffers... and yet they wonder why with all of their networking and pushing, they are not succeeding! So it's an interesting irony. So it's working on the balance: if you are singer, did you vocalize TODAY? If you are a writer, did you take a minute to note down the song ideas that are coming to you TODAY? If you dance, when was the last time you took a class and absorbed the style of a new and different choreographer? Then on the end of business, do you keep your marketing tools updated and representing the newest and best you have to offer?
Heavy questions, right?! They haunt me everyday!
Q: What was your LEAST favorite class? Why?
RP: Music Notation! We had to do our work with these ridiculous antiquated caligraphy pens & I am NOT a neat writer at all. I had ink stains all over my hands all the time!
Q: Any favorite Boston haunts during your Berklee days? Maybe a special spot where you loved to study, or a favorite hotspot where you loved to take a study break?
RP: The reflecting pool at Christian Science Center! I loved everything about it, the pool itself, the stained glass windows in the chapel, the flowers lining the pool, the fountain at the end of the pool. I loved it so much my boyfriend at the time brought my birthday cake out there one summer and he lit candles and sang happy birthday to me. Beautiful memories.
The reflecting pool at the Christian Science Center in Boston.
Q: Not every day is "Animal House," but every college has its share of wild parties. What's the craziest thing that you recall from those years?
RP: I did not party at all in college! Seriously, I was a loner goody goody girl! No one believes me when I say this now thought! Wonder why?!
I only recall one run in with too many shots of tequila and an apartment shared by too many long haired rock guitarists. That's all I remember! Haha! That's the thing about good girls... when they let loose it's dangerous! No, seriously... I studied and practiced, wrote songs, recorded and spent time with my only boyfriend throughout that time. Very little of that party stuff.
Q: What would you suggest to other students looking to make their way in the music business?
RP: Start making your plan now! Decide where you want to live when you graduate, what genre you want to focus on, and how you will make money to support your dream if it doesn't take off right away. AND understand yourself, know yourself......do you have what it takes to pursue your dream for maybe even 10 years before anything starts to happen? If not, then you were not cut out for this life because most people I know had to wait just about that long.....give or take a few years of course!
Q: Finally, make your old teachers proud: What are your upcoming music plans?
RP: They will be surprised to know that I am actually seriously delving into jazz and the "American Songbook." I have my Dance stuff which I LOVE, but the love and NEED of jazz was planted in my heart and soul since attending Duke Ellington High School for the Arts in DC. Meaning to say, I can never go too long without replenishing myself in that world.
When I was at Berklee I focused more on my original Pop/R&B projects, even though I was an Arranging major and had to sing quite a bit of Jazz. So I think they would be surprised to know what a love I have for it and how well I am told my voice lends itself to this genre. In fact, most people say my persona is more the jazz chanteuse than the wailing club diva.
So all that repertoire and musicianship will NOT be going to waste, I PROMISE!
There you have it!
I hereby suggest a national touring act of Jazzified Dance Divas... perhaps a trio of Kristine W, Deborah Cox and Rachel Panay. Whaddaya say, ladies??
;)
JOHNNY
Another exclusive Q&A for you this afternoon... this time with Rachel Panay, a reigning DIVA from June '07!
Rachel's busy promoting her latest single "It's Got to Be Love." (Check out the Lenny B mix... that's my personal fave ;) ) But she took some time to chat with us about our "Back to School" theme. Now that it's October - and yes, the new DIVA and DIVO of the month will be announced in just a few days! - we'll be trading in that theme for a new one. (Hint: It's Halloween-related). But we love us some Rachel, so we thought she'd be the perfect gal to close out the September Beat Blog theme.
Oh, and if you haven't already, be sure to check out our previous Q&A with Evan Cowden. Like Rachel, he's a grad from the distinguished Berklee College of Music in Boston. Interesting to see how their responses compare!!Without further ado...
RACHEL PANAY goes "Back to School..."
Rachel's milkshake brings all the boys to the yard. Aw, wait... that's a sundae.
QUESTION: What's the #1 thing you learned - about music, about business, or just about life! - during your college days?
RACHEL PANAY: Hm.....there is so, so much. But what's really striking me right now is that there always seem to be artist types who focus ONLY on their art and neglect the business end to the detriment of their own chances at success. THEN there are those that focus so much on business that the art suffers... and yet they wonder why with all of their networking and pushing, they are not succeeding! So it's an interesting irony. So it's working on the balance: if you are singer, did you vocalize TODAY? If you are a writer, did you take a minute to note down the song ideas that are coming to you TODAY? If you dance, when was the last time you took a class and absorbed the style of a new and different choreographer? Then on the end of business, do you keep your marketing tools updated and representing the newest and best you have to offer?
Heavy questions, right?! They haunt me everyday!
Q: What was your LEAST favorite class? Why?
RP: Music Notation! We had to do our work with these ridiculous antiquated caligraphy pens & I am NOT a neat writer at all. I had ink stains all over my hands all the time!
Q: Any favorite Boston haunts during your Berklee days? Maybe a special spot where you loved to study, or a favorite hotspot where you loved to take a study break?
RP: The reflecting pool at Christian Science Center! I loved everything about it, the pool itself, the stained glass windows in the chapel, the flowers lining the pool, the fountain at the end of the pool. I loved it so much my boyfriend at the time brought my birthday cake out there one summer and he lit candles and sang happy birthday to me. Beautiful memories.
The reflecting pool at the Christian Science Center in Boston.
Q: Not every day is "Animal House," but every college has its share of wild parties. What's the craziest thing that you recall from those years?
RP: I did not party at all in college! Seriously, I was a loner goody goody girl! No one believes me when I say this now thought! Wonder why?!
I only recall one run in with too many shots of tequila and an apartment shared by too many long haired rock guitarists. That's all I remember! Haha! That's the thing about good girls... when they let loose it's dangerous! No, seriously... I studied and practiced, wrote songs, recorded and spent time with my only boyfriend throughout that time. Very little of that party stuff.
Q: What would you suggest to other students looking to make their way in the music business?
RP: Start making your plan now! Decide where you want to live when you graduate, what genre you want to focus on, and how you will make money to support your dream if it doesn't take off right away. AND understand yourself, know yourself......do you have what it takes to pursue your dream for maybe even 10 years before anything starts to happen? If not, then you were not cut out for this life because most people I know had to wait just about that long.....give or take a few years of course!
Q: Finally, make your old teachers proud: What are your upcoming music plans?
RP: They will be surprised to know that I am actually seriously delving into jazz and the "American Songbook." I have my Dance stuff which I LOVE, but the love and NEED of jazz was planted in my heart and soul since attending Duke Ellington High School for the Arts in DC. Meaning to say, I can never go too long without replenishing myself in that world.
When I was at Berklee I focused more on my original Pop/R&B projects, even though I was an Arranging major and had to sing quite a bit of Jazz. So I think they would be surprised to know what a love I have for it and how well I am told my voice lends itself to this genre. In fact, most people say my persona is more the jazz chanteuse than the wailing club diva.
So all that repertoire and musicianship will NOT be going to waste, I PROMISE!
There you have it!
I hereby suggest a national touring act of Jazzified Dance Divas... perhaps a trio of Kristine W, Deborah Cox and Rachel Panay. Whaddaya say, ladies??
;)
JOHNNY
DIVA DIVO on IAD RADIO!
Hey everybody,
Very cool news this morning. IAD Radio just posted their weekly show update... this time the main interview is with Jade Esteban-Estrada. But at the very beginning of the show there's an interview with our very own editor, Scott Kearnan!
Click here to listen to the interview.
Scott talks a little bit about how he got the idea for DIVA DIVO, where the name comes from, and why he's concerned about the state of dance music in America. Hopefully this will give some of you regular readers a better idea of our mission... to keep America dancing!! :)
Good work, boss. Do us proud!
JOHNNY
Very cool news this morning. IAD Radio just posted their weekly show update... this time the main interview is with Jade Esteban-Estrada. But at the very beginning of the show there's an interview with our very own editor, Scott Kearnan!
Click here to listen to the interview.
Scott talks a little bit about how he got the idea for DIVA DIVO, where the name comes from, and why he's concerned about the state of dance music in America. Hopefully this will give some of you regular readers a better idea of our mission... to keep America dancing!! :)
Good work, boss. Do us proud!
JOHNNY
Tuesday, October 2, 2007
BOB SINCLAR gives the skinny on his "PLAYBOY" release
Hi all,
So I'd write more today but I've got a serious headache out of nowhere! Random. I thought I just needed a caffeine fix or something, but a trip to my local Starbucks still hasn't cured what ails me. Hmm!
Anyway, we told you last week that Bob Sinclar is going to be releasing an album called "Live at the Playboy Mansion" next month, and we got some exclusive quotes from the man himself about how the hell this ended up happening ;) Check it out below...
BOB SINCLAR on...
His idol of the moment:
“I would like to take Hugh Hefner’s place! [laughs] His whole life is about sexiness, style and attitude. He’s an inspiration to me!... It’s amazing how his life is centered around sexy girls... he lived with three girls and nobody cared. He’s just a very smart gentleman. He has been a good inspiration and an example to me – be it in my music [or] my style."
On the album's retro sound that harks to '70s and '80s disco:
“That period was so sexy. It was all about going out, dancing and enjoying disco styles. It was the golden age of clubbing. Also, the entire erotic ethos is something that I’ve always been attracted to. I based my persona from the erotic kitsch stories of the 70s and 80s,the ones synonymous with Playboy. And I always like erotic magazines because the style is just amazing. [smiles] I’ve reflected this in my character and my music.”
On playing a gig at the Playboy Mansion:
“For Playboy I’d do anything. Also, there are three parties a year and the biggest one is on Halloween. I would love to play that party as a DJ. It’s just the most amazing party, with the most amazing girls, guests and superstars. It is a very crazy and sexy party. Paradise for me!”
On the tired slogan, "Disco is Dead":
“Dance music today is just recycled from that period in a way, anyway. At that time people wanted to go out with a certain kind of attitude... the theme of the songs at that time were all about dancing, meeting someone and making love. And it’s coming back. People saying 'Disco is dead'... Disco will never be dead because it’s all about the feeling. People want to go out every Friday and Saturday and just enjoy the moment and forget their everyday problems. They want to feel good and I think that’s what disco brings.”
On his own voyage from hip-hop roots to house and disco sounds:
“I started off listening to a lot of Hip Hop, yeah. Then I discovered, by going to New York, that producers like Kenny Dope, Todd Terry, all the guys in New York were playing house and Hip Hop in the same sets. After that I started to discover all the DJs were sampling all the classics. So I looked into it and bought the original records that they sampled. I think to be a good producer you have to have a good knowledge of how the music was developed – its history. It’s important to understand the history of music so you can translate that into your own music."
On the role of DJ as sex icon:
“He is the center of the night. He’s preaching his music. So his attitude is here to seduce the people and to attract the people towards him. It’s a kind of seduction, it’s my style and I think people like it!”
Can't argue with that, Bob ;)
JADE
So I'd write more today but I've got a serious headache out of nowhere! Random. I thought I just needed a caffeine fix or something, but a trip to my local Starbucks still hasn't cured what ails me. Hmm!
Anyway, we told you last week that Bob Sinclar is going to be releasing an album called "Live at the Playboy Mansion" next month, and we got some exclusive quotes from the man himself about how the hell this ended up happening ;) Check it out below...
BOB SINCLAR on...
His idol of the moment:
“I would like to take Hugh Hefner’s place! [laughs] His whole life is about sexiness, style and attitude. He’s an inspiration to me!... It’s amazing how his life is centered around sexy girls... he lived with three girls and nobody cared. He’s just a very smart gentleman. He has been a good inspiration and an example to me – be it in my music [or] my style."
On the album's retro sound that harks to '70s and '80s disco:
“That period was so sexy. It was all about going out, dancing and enjoying disco styles. It was the golden age of clubbing. Also, the entire erotic ethos is something that I’ve always been attracted to. I based my persona from the erotic kitsch stories of the 70s and 80s,the ones synonymous with Playboy. And I always like erotic magazines because the style is just amazing. [smiles] I’ve reflected this in my character and my music.”
On playing a gig at the Playboy Mansion:
“For Playboy I’d do anything. Also, there are three parties a year and the biggest one is on Halloween. I would love to play that party as a DJ. It’s just the most amazing party, with the most amazing girls, guests and superstars. It is a very crazy and sexy party. Paradise for me!”
On the tired slogan, "Disco is Dead":
“Dance music today is just recycled from that period in a way, anyway. At that time people wanted to go out with a certain kind of attitude... the theme of the songs at that time were all about dancing, meeting someone and making love. And it’s coming back. People saying 'Disco is dead'... Disco will never be dead because it’s all about the feeling. People want to go out every Friday and Saturday and just enjoy the moment and forget their everyday problems. They want to feel good and I think that’s what disco brings.”
On his own voyage from hip-hop roots to house and disco sounds:
“I started off listening to a lot of Hip Hop, yeah. Then I discovered, by going to New York, that producers like Kenny Dope, Todd Terry, all the guys in New York were playing house and Hip Hop in the same sets. After that I started to discover all the DJs were sampling all the classics. So I looked into it and bought the original records that they sampled. I think to be a good producer you have to have a good knowledge of how the music was developed – its history. It’s important to understand the history of music so you can translate that into your own music."
On the role of DJ as sex icon:
“He is the center of the night. He’s preaching his music. So his attitude is here to seduce the people and to attract the people towards him. It’s a kind of seduction, it’s my style and I think people like it!”
Can't argue with that, Bob ;)
JADE
KRISTINE W invites us into her "Inner Circle"
Alright, gang... we're almost there! Kristine W's latest, "Walk Away" is now up to #2 on the Billboard Club chart! It looks like the top spot might happen, returning Kristine to her string of #1 hits. So close we're sure she can taste it! ;)
Something else that Kristine has been working on (besides her music, of course) is a new component to her website: Kristine W's Inner Circle.
I wanted to point it out to you guys because I think it's great to see dance music artists using their influence for good! Kristine came up with the idea to start a forum that brought her fans closer based on the issues that are important to them... whether it's animal rights, civil rights, environmental issues... whatever! Check out the forum by clicking here... you'll see that they've started a topic for a bunch of different issues.
Give a visit and let us (and Kristine ;) ) know what you think. Remember, great ideas like this only work if people participate... so get to it, kids ;)
And while you're there, leave her a message wishing her a happy spot at #1 on the charts (it's gonna happen... I just know it!)
Love,
JADE
Something else that Kristine has been working on (besides her music, of course) is a new component to her website: Kristine W's Inner Circle.
I wanted to point it out to you guys because I think it's great to see dance music artists using their influence for good! Kristine came up with the idea to start a forum that brought her fans closer based on the issues that are important to them... whether it's animal rights, civil rights, environmental issues... whatever! Check out the forum by clicking here... you'll see that they've started a topic for a bunch of different issues.
Give a visit and let us (and Kristine ;) ) know what you think. Remember, great ideas like this only work if people participate... so get to it, kids ;)
And while you're there, leave her a message wishing her a happy spot at #1 on the charts (it's gonna happen... I just know it!)
Love,
JADE
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