:: arjanwrites music blog ::

Hot New Talent Alert: Antigone

Look at her. She's so red, hot, she glowing.

Antigone is one of the most exciting pop acts to hit the British pop scene in a while. And I am not saying that because I did shots with her at a Darren Hayes after-party to celebrate my birthday in London last year.

Antigone is genuinely one of those rare talents who will make you wet your panties. This cool chick has a vision, a message and a dance beat that will keep you rocking for hours after midnight.

Some of you might remember Antigone as the voice behind Etherfox and Cerrone. Those projects garnered attention from major industry tastemakers like Pete Tong and collaborations with peers like The Shapeshifters.

Produced by Justin Shave, Antigone's first single "More Man Than Man" is one of the more dance-pop oriented tracks on her forthcoming new LP. Many of the other album tracks have a quirky, alt-pop vibe that remind me of Roisin Murphy's first crunchy solo efforts. "More Than A Man" is Antigone's interpretation of girl power. With lyrics like, "Don't be acting so cool. I'm your friend I'm not your fool," there is no doubt who is wearing the pants in this relationship. Antigone is indeed more than a man.

Listen to "More Man Than Man" by Antigone:

Download Amplive's Radiohead Mixtape

Here's something unusual and cool to check out.

Oakland DJ/producer Amplive reinterpreted songs from Radiohead's latest album "In Rainbows" and put together a mixtape to share his covers. Amplive writes on his web site that when he first put out his "Rainydayz" remixes, he received a cease & desist notice from Radiohead's management to pull the mixtape offline. But after some negotiations, Radiohead approved the free distrbution of Ampliven's tracks.

Aside from the bulk of praise, fans have been creating videos for the album’s tracks for months. As could be expected, they run the gamut. There’s a clip for “Weird Fishez” filled with, well, weird fishes. A re-purposed “Nude” Scotch Mist webcast replete with lyrical aids to help you follow Too Short and MC Zumbi. A claymation vid for “15 Stepz.” A rooftop hip hop dance routine set to the Del-assisted “Videotapez.” And last but not least, a re-dubbed vocal edit of the “Weird Fishez” remix by the kids in Young Duece.

If you still haven’t snagged your copy of "Rainydayz Remixes"  click here to download your copy.

Free Download: Isabel Guzman "Mysterious" (Lilla Bjorn Remix)

It is almost time to get your weekend groove on. And this remix of Isabel Guzman's "Mysterious" by Swedish dancefloor prodigy Lilla Bjorn should help you out a little. I streamed the original track last week and now this special mix is for you to download and have. Guilt-free. Available for download exclusively at ArjanWrites.com. Some of you compared Guzman to Dannii Minogue, which is a very appropriate comparison. Care-free, guilt-pleasure dance pop with a bite to it.

Download Isabel Guzman "Mysterious" (Lilla Bjorn Rmx)

Alanis Morissette Talks About Her New Album

Watch this short EPK that features Alanis Morissette speak about her upcoming new album, titled "Flavors Of Entanglement," which is out in the U.S. on June 10.

This brief clip is great for three reasons. First of all, she smiles. Secondly, she explains the meaning of a few songs, which should help some of us wade through her cryptic lyrics. And lastly, she announces a festival tour this summer that her fans will be excited to hear about.

I've been listening to an advance copy of this new Morissette LP and I must conclude that it is a pretty solid collection of songs. It is not as radio-friendly as her earlier records, but it is meaningful, authentic and the teaming with Guy Sigsworth gives her a welcome new glow.

The reality is though that Alanis Morissette is no longer a chart-topping, made-for-top forty-radio artist. Gone are the days of "Hand In My Pocket" and "You Oughta Know." She is a mature album artist now, much like Tori Amos, Sheryl Crow, Sarah McLachlan and others for whom the creative process of crafting an album is more important than writing the latest greatest radio ditty.

Listen to Idle Warship "Fall Back" ft. Chester French

The guys of Chester French are popping up everywhere all of a sudden. Not only are they nominated for the MTV Logo ArjanWrites.com Brink of Fame Award (vote now!), but they are also touring around the country, preparing the release of their debut LP this fall, recording with Common and doing fancy photoshoots for GQ and Italian Vogue.

And there's more.

D.A. Wallach and Maxwell Drummey are also contributing their efforts to a crunchy new track by Idle Warship, which is the duo of Brooklyn MC Talib Kweli and Philadelphia singer Res. This fiery song features a powerful delivery by Kweli and and some old-school beatmaking by those two Nantucket chic Harvard kids. The song is rumored to be a to Hillary Clinton diss track, telling her to drop out of the Presidential race.

If you are not a lover of hip hop, you probably not going to care for "Fall Back." But if you are, you'll like this track that has a nice old-school vibe to it.

Free Download: Toxic Avenger "Escape" (LA Riots Remix)

Forward-thinking car brand Scion teamed with Los Angeles DJ duo LA Riots (aka Jo’B and Daniel Ledisko) to put together a special dance compilation for distribution at a special DJ tour Scion organized last month. The car company figured LA Riots were the perfect guys to compile this mix CD to reflect the company's "progressive urban culture" they incorporate in their marketing efforts.

LA Riots have been making an impact on the electronic music scene with DJ gigs and dancefloor-ready remixes for the Scanners, Le Castlevania, Mystery Jets, Chromeo, Jupiter One, The Bravery, Photek and Justice. The duo recently signed on with MSTRKRFT's management and got a record deal with Fools Gold, the label co-owned by A-Trak, Kanye West's longtime DJ.

Check out the mix La Riots produced of French electronica giant The Toxic Avenger exclusively for the Scion compilation. Click here to check out the entire mixtape they put together for Scion. It's a hot one.

Download The Toxic Avenger "Espace" (La Riots Rmx)

Watch Lili Haydn "Strawberry Street"

Is there such a thing as violin pop? Well, now there is.

Check out Lili Haydn's frivolous and fun video for her new single "Strawberry Street" that is taken from her third album "Place Between Places." Haydn is  an alternative singer-songwriter-violinist who is one of the most requested sessions violinists in Los Angeles who has recorded with people like Josh Groban, No Doubt,  Hootie & The Blowfish and even the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.

Lili joined forces with Roko Belic, the Academy Award-nominated director for the film Genghis Blues to record the video for "Strawberry Street."  It was shot at a soundstage as well as on the streets of East Hollywood in Los Angeles, where Lili, armed with her violin like a pied piper, leads a group of revelers who are all looking to achieve a "transcendent" state of mind.

A committed humanitarian and activist, Lili announced on Monday that she will perform at select cities during the Human Rights Campaign's True Colors tour this summer together with artists like The B-52's, Tegan & Sara and Joan Jett. Even more reason to play close attention to this very special talent.

Win Tickets to See Janelle Monae Perform in New York City

I can't say this enough. Seeing Janelle Monae perform is an experience you can't afford to miss. Have a chance to win a pair of tickets to see the singer perform this upcoming Thursday, May 15 at Gansevoort South in South Beach, FL. Submit your contact information after the jump to have a chance to win.

UPDATE: Event was moved to New York City where she will play at the Highline Ballroom. I can give away ten tickets. Be quick. I will email if you're a ticket winner by 5pm ET on Thursday. Keep your Thursday night available if you're a winner.

Continue reading "Win Tickets to See Janelle Monae Perform in New York City"

The Monday Punch: N.E.R.D, Kaskade, Gnarls Barkley, Melanie C, Nelly Furtado, Free MP3s

>

Time for a little click list for you to enjoy this Monday. A bunch of free MP3 downloads and other goodness included. Enjoy.

Basement Jaxx have remixed Adele's new U.K. single "Cold Shoulder." It is only available on 12" vinyl, but the group is streaming the mix on their MySpace page. It's very good. Better than the original.

My Toronto buddy Will W. saw Melanie C perform on Saturday and loved it.

Casxio is an emerging Los Angeles outfit that combine funk and soul with some peppered falsetto. Check out a free MP3 download of their lead track "Seventeen" here.

Sample a brand-new N.E.R.D. tune in this new Zune commercial. This track is called "Spazz" and if look closely you will see that the commercial also reveals N.E.R.D.'s  album cover for "Seeing Sounds." I'm loving the beat on this track.

Did anybody attend The Night of A Thousand Stevies on Friday?

Toronto indie rocker Tokyo Police Club are just everywhere. Download a remix of their song "Tessellate" that was produced by Tom Campesinos. (I tend to mix them up with Tokyo Hotel who are from Germany but sound quite different.)

Fans of MTV's The Hills should check out Headway's "The Start."

Kaskade released a minute of his collaboration with Deadmau5. It is called "Move For Me" and it sounds very promising. Great summer dance tune. Ibiza here I come!

Have you been paying attention to Gnarls Barkley new work? I think their new record "The Odd Couple" is inches away from brilliant and their new single "Going On" is fantastic. See the video for it here.

What's hot in the global charts right now? Marco Borsato (The Netherlands), Hero (Japan), Stealing Love Jones (South Africa), Nelly Furtado (Bolivia).

Vote Now! Introducing the Nominees for the MTV Logo ArjanWrites.com Brink of Fame Song Award

Tata! Check out the six artists I've nominated to win the MTV Logo 2008 ArjanWrites.com Brink Of Fame Song Award. I've written about all of these performers in recent months and all them serve up a sweet and crunchy sound that will give you something to chew on for a good while. Let me re-introduce all six again:

Janelle Monae
Janelle is one of my latest discoveries who has really impressed me with her music, message, mind and movement. She's truly one of those rare talents who dares to think out of the box to create her own distinct brand of music. Growing up in Kansas City, Monae left her troubled surroundings to pursue a career in musical theater in New York City. But her love for Judy Garland, Elvis Presley, Tupac and Michael Jackson took her to Atlanta where she established her own record label and recorded her debut album with Outkast's Big Boi. The result is an exciting LP that offers as much style as substance, which is rare these days.
Listen to "Many Moons"

Chester French
I was one of the first music writers to recognize the talent of these Harvard grads back in the fall of 2006. Captured by their melodic ditties and lyrical wit, I knew that D.A. Wallach and Maxwell Drummey were in it for the love of good music and solid songwriting. Fast-forward to the spring of 2008. The duo is now signed to Pharrell Williams' StarTrak Records and they are preparing their big label debut in September. And even though Chester French are not gay, they are equal opportunity music makers, which makes them even cooler.
Listen to "She Loves Everybody"

Semi-Precious Weapons 
I remember interviewing Justin Tranter years ago when he was doing his solo stuff. He struck me instantly as someone who is never going to fit in a pre-defined little box to meet people's expectations. That's just too boring. Now heading up glam-rock outfit Semi-Precious Weapons, the band is heading for the big time with people like Kate Moss and Jake Shears as some of their biggest fans.
Listen to "Magnetic Baby"

Hercules & Love Affair
Andrew Butler chose the name Hercules & Love Affair for a reason. In Greek mythology, Hercules is considered one of the most adventurous characters. And Hercules & Love Affair is just that. Old-school funk infused with modern electronica and crazy fun discoball glitter. It is a sound that immediately captured me with its quirky stylings that made a lasting impression.
Listen to "Blind"

Lady Gaga
The boys are going gaga over this hot new Lady. Powerful vocals, a spunky attitude and a powerful dance groove can go a very long way, but its her burlesque pop that make LadyGaga a unique phenomenon on the New York dance scene. Before we know it she'll be tearing up a club near you. Simply irresistible.
Listen to "Just Dance"

Heloise & The Savoire Faire
Fronted by the super charismatic Heloise, this band creates a mesh of late-'70s disco-infused dance punk and '80s synth-pop that might remind you of Scissor Sisters, Glass Candy and perhaps even The Gossip. It is a totally super fun sound that will have you jive a little - on the dance floor or your living room.
Listen to "Illusions"

Announcing the MTV Logo ArjanWrites.com Brink of Fame Song Award

I've some exciting news to share!

The fine folks over at MTV Logo are organizing the annual NewNowNext Awards on Saturday, June 7 to celebrate everything to what is new and next in the best of LGBT pop culture across a wide array of mediums including the internet, film, television and music. The event will put a first-ever spotlight on openly gay artists as well as all performers beloved by the LGBT community.

This year, MTV Logo is introducing the MTV Logo ArjanWrites.com Brink of Fame Award that will celebrate some of the most exciting new queer and queer-friendly artists. Check out the YouTube video above that is an MTV Logo promo featuring rapper Cazwell and Amanda Leopore, the undisputed queen of Manhattan's nightlife.

I've nominated six artists artists and songs for the MTV Logo ArjanWrites.com Brink Of Fame Award that I consider fresh and fit for this award. Now that I've put together the nominations it is up to all of you and the rest of the world to vote for your favorite artist so we can crown one of them the winner. (More about the artist nominations here.)

I'll be flying up to New York City to present the MTV Logo ArjanWritesBrink Of Fame Award and announce the winner.

Make sure to catch the MTV Logo's NewNowNext Awards on June 7 at 9 p.m. on a television set or computer near you. The event will be hosted by Candis Cayne (of ABC's Dirty Sexy Money) and performers include The Cliks, Lady Gaga and Dangerouse Muse. A special lifetime achievement nod will be awarded to Janet Jackson.

Free Download: The Script "Before The Worst"

The Script are the Irish trio of Danny O’Donoghue (vocals), Mark Sheehan (guitar), Glen Power (drums) who describe their music as a "whole new brand of Celtic Soul" that is a blend of "hip hop lyrical flow" with catchy pop melodies. Much of their upcoming debut album was recorded in Los Angeles together with top R&B producers like Rodney Jerkins, Dallas Austin and Teddy Riley.

It should come as no surprise that none other than Pharrell Williams is collaborating with the band as well. Williams (who has repeatedly said he is huge fan of bands like Coldplay) might be attempting to repeat the success Timbaland has had with producing pop-rock outfit OneRepublic to give hip hop & R&B a bit of new flavor. Hip hop is moving into new directions and tightening its hold on the pop charts. And in the case of The Script I'm all for it.

Check out a guilt-free MP3 download of The Script's track "Before The Worst" that prominently features Danny's swooning, soulful vocals and a kicky rhythm track to tell a story of loss and moving on. Lead single taken from their RCA debut album is "We Cry" that shows off a lot more of their R&B influences. Watch it here.

Download The Script "Before The Worst"

The Reviews Are In: Janelle Monáe Rocks Hollywood

Janelle Monáe played a four song showcase at The Key Club in Hollywood last night to give people a taste of things to come. Five ArjanWrites.com readers each won a pair of tickets to experience the hotness that is Janelle Monáe for themselves. Also in attendance were Sean "P Diddy" Combs (Janelle's label head) and Antwan "Big Boi" Patton who co-produced her album. A big thank you to Will and Nancy for writing me about the show.

"Exploding on the stage with the delicious 'Violet Stars/Happy Hunting,' she took over the Key Club with natural charisma and a type of genius that can’t be taught," ArjanWrites.com reader Will writes me. "I brought a friend of mine with me who’d never heard Janelle. Within the first few minutes of the show, she was enamored.

"If you’ve ever watched a child dance, when the music hits them, they dance like no one is watching… and everyone loves it.  Unlike most people, Janelle Monae never lost that spirit. You can see the music move through her body. You can tell that she isn’t moving because some over-paid choreographer is telling her to do it. She is moving because she feels it. And the audience feels it too."

Will continues, "I’m trying to keep this short, but I could go on and on about how much I loved the high-tech, futuristic motif and her mastery of every type of vocal style (elements of jazz, rap, etc., even opera). I also respected that, through all the glamor and performance, Janelle’s lyrics shine and make a statement about her world-view. This isn’t throwaway pop. How refreshing!

Nancy saw last night's show as well and compared Monáe to Kelis, Mick Jagger and Grace Jones. She argues the point that the singer is not the type of artist you'd expect on Sean Combs Bad Boy roster. "Her look and sound is so different from what Bad Boy is.  She's a risk for Puffy, she writes me. "A number of people next to us left, I think, expecting to hear a certain sound but getting the complete opposite."

"We'd love, love, love for her to go mainstream, but at the same time, we want to keep her all to ourselves," she concludes.

I have to agree with Nancy but Monáe is too much of a good thing not to be shared. (Check out some of Nancy's pictures here.)

(I'm interviewing Janelle later tonight. If you have questions, email me or leave a comment.)

Watch The B-52's "Ultraviolet" (Live Sessions)

Some people just never go out of style.

Check out a fantastic mini-concert that The B-52's performed at the AOL studios for AOL Sessions. Watch the group play "Ultraviolet," "Love Shack," "Rock Lobster," "Hot Corner" and an interview with the band.

Free Download: The Asteroids Galaxy Tour "The Sun Ain't Shining No More"

Check out a guilt-free MP3 download of "The Sun Ain't Shining No More" from Danish newcomers The Asteroids Galaxy Tour." It is a delicious slice of Motown-inspired coolness updated with some free-flowing European spunk. It's groovy.

The core part of The Asteroids Galaxy Tour are Mette Lindberg (vocals), Lars Iversen (bass, keys). The two met up in the summer of 2007 to collaborate on some demo tapes. They hit off and decided to start recording an album in Lars' self-built studio in his one room flat in Copenhagen.

For their live performance they swell up to a 6 piece band with a fully fledged horn section, clavinet sounds, a drummer and guitarist to re-create their rich throw-back sound on stage. They insist they are neither a duo nor a band. Think of them as more of a collective with an evolving line-up and sound. Their name came from one of the collective's members. "I stole it from Miloud, our Moroccan trumpet player, who runs a hippy jewelery shop when he’s not rehearsing with us," Lars explains in a press release. "I like it because it sounds like the title of a film or a book, rather than a band name. It’s asking you to step in to a story and join us on a journey - a trip in our galaxy."

The songs Mette and Lars recorded are steeped in a shared love of the soul of Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Sly Stone. You can hear it in the honking horns, shimmering strings and driving bassline of "The Sun Ain't Shining No More." It's sweet and crunchy.

Download TAGT "The Sun Ain't Shining No More"