July 05, 2009

EQ Interview With Monti Montanez - "I don't bite, unless you tell me to..."

IMG_1352

Former Menudo member Monti Montanez is branching out on his own.  With the help of red-hot producer Jadion, his first EP is out now on iTunes and is entitled "My Dreams".  It's a tasty Latin-dance and pop-flavoured morsel that has most definitely caught my attention.  Not only is the EP a strong solo debut, but it's also supporting The Children's Miracle Network and The Family Career and Community Leaders of America.  Armed with his hot tunes, chairitable heart and energetic penchant for performance, it's only a matter of time before the world falls in love with Monti Montanez.  Take note EQs. 

I was lucky enough to get some face time with the up-and-coming star for a quick chat about Menudo, is solo work, screaming girl fans and his love for red velvet cupcakes...Enjoy.

EQ: Well hello Monti - how are you today young man?
Monti: I'm pretty good, very excited!

So for those of us who don't know you yet, you were one-fifth of teen boy-band Menudo. How did you end up being in Menudo?
In 2007 there was a reality show on MTV Tr3s called "Road to Menudo", looking for 5 guys to be part of the legendary group Menudo. I made the top 15 and was part of a following reality show on MTV called "Making Menudo". I was very nervous throughout the audition because I not only had cameras on top of me all the time, but also Johhny Wright, (manager of Justin Timberlake, Jonas Brothers, Britney Spears) was the judge and the future manager of the new Menudo. After three months of auditioning, I made the group!  It was the best feeling ever!

Are you guys still together - or did you turn 18 and they kicked you out? Isn't that the old longstanding rule of being in Menudo?
It is the old longstanding rule of the old Menudo.  But if that were so I would have been gone before I made the group [laughs].  But unfortunately, many problems happened with the record label and management, as we were not pushed in the Latin market properly.  That would only make sense because Menudo is a Latin boy band.  But the way things were ran did not work as everyone expected.  The label dropped us, and our manager left us.  Soon after members of the group started moving on to different projects.  Now the group is in the process of being re-formed.

Argh - well that's pop music for you.  I have to admit, I was a massive Menudo fan back in the Ricky Martin days, are you hoping the Menudo platform will propel you to the heights of solo success that Ricky Martin has had?
Yes!  Not being a part of the group any longer, I have had the opportunity to work on my solo career.  My goal is to bring fun, catchy songs that people can enjoy, along with Latin beats. I am combining pop along with Latin sounds to create a new sound that the world can enjoy and relate to!

Continue reading "EQ Interview With Monti Montanez - "I don't bite, unless you tell me to..."" »

The King And Queen Of Pop - Well, sort of...

Thanks To Darren Hayes for retweeting this for those of us who couldn't be there.

Pure awesomeness.

July 04, 2009

EQTV: Watch Richard Vission & Static Revenger Starring Luciana "I Like That"

Luciana

We just love Luciana over here at EQ.  We really do.  We are trying hard to woo her into playing one of the EQ club nights so keep your fingers crossed that she might actually grace us with her electrotastic performance.

In the meantime, enjoy the electrocutie's latest collaboration with Richard Vission & Static Revenger called "I Like That".  It's a bit nu-retro and whole lotta fantastic.  Another one to groove your tits off to and it just made my DJ playlist - like totally.

July 03, 2009

EQ Review: La Roux

Laroux

by Will-W.

La Roux
is taking the UK by storm with back-to-back chart-topping hits "In for the Kill" and "Bulletproof" already having reached #2 and #1 respectively.  The duo which consists of androgynous-looking vocalist Elly Jackson and producer Ben Langmaid, is currently signed to Polydor Records in the UK and Interscope/Cherrytree Records in North America.  In recent months, the online community has been in a frenzy with feverish buzz from all the right tastemakers.  Asides from their clean and clutter-free synthpop backdrops, La Roux's trademark perhaps is Jackson's distinctive soprano.  Admittedly, I found her vocals about as pleasant as listening to a VCR being removed from styro foam padding at first, but after giving the duo's self-titled debut a full listen, I now overlook this seemingly impossible nuisance.

The material on La Roux is strong, with no real weak spots on the album.  The melodies are well-crafted and on the whole, all 11 tracks flow seamlessly into the each other in what could be considered a Master's Class in sequencing.  The album version of hit "In for the Kill" features a bridge not heard on its radio edit, wisely giving fans a reason to actually buy the album.  "Tigerlily" is bold and it is reassuring to know that Jackson can deliver a pleasant vocal outside of her head voice.  "Bulletproof" is dangerously catchy with a well-crafted chorus that takes the song to high gear.  Placed back-to-back late in the album are the familiar sounding "As If By Magic" and "Fascination", not to be confused with other well-known hits of the same name; both are single-worthy.

If one were to draw a comparison, one might say that La Roux perhaps, are The Eurythmics for this generation.  At the same time, they have a unique sound that speaks to the hearts of those who appreciate a good romp on the dance floor to ABC, early Depeche Mode, The Human League, Erasure and The Pet Shop Boys.  There is definitely merit behind all the hype with this duo whom are headed to North America next month after a successful launch in their home market.  Don't forget to check their Facebook Fan Page for a list of La Roux's tour dates.

Hours Of Fun With Lady Gaga's "Lovegame" Widget

Yes, dear EQs, go ahead and give Lady Gaga's disco stick a twirl and you too could have the Gaga herself do something quite cheeky or naughty to you. 

Go on...I know you want to...

I have to say I love all this interactive gadget wizardry that is being used to promote electronic music these days.  First the Ming & Ping Pong free iPhone game and now the Lady Gaga "Lovegame" Widget...I'm telling you dear electronic artists - this is the future of music promotion...

Check out the widget after the jump...

Continue reading "Hours Of Fun With Lady Gaga's "Lovegame" Widget" »

July 02, 2009

EQTV: Watch The Mission District "So Over You" Official Video

OK - a few things wrong with this video by the lovable Canadian synth pop-rockers known as The Mission District...

One: The lead girl in the video looks like a guy...accident or on purpose?

Two: The Starsmith remix wasn't used for the video - but that is forgivable I suppose...

Three: Not enough AntoineDavid, you're cute and all, but Antoine definitely could have gotten a wee bit more face time in the video dont'cha think?  Stop being so camera greedy...

If you don't remember who these guys are - read my interview with David from The Mission District back in March...

EQTV

In Bed With...


  • "It's just meant to be fun and in no way offensive to homeless people!"

  • "Rompety romps through rompsville? I like that!"

  • "I was wearing these heels and I accidently stepped on Roisin's foot REALLY hard and she was in pain."

  • "People will start to think we’re a bit odd and have voodoo dolls of Jordan, Danielle Lloyd and Jodie Marsh lined up in our house!"

  • "I absolutely adore and love monkeys and collect monkey soft toys"

  • "I want to be able to eat more dessert at the festival buffets."

  • "Mind control would help me in my aim to get her away from that dude in Mcfly..."

  • "It would get so hot we ended up recording in our underwear, sweating our ass off..."

  • "Pop music is not about recycling what already exists..."

  • "It's Nothing To Be Embarassed About..."

  • "I'm doing my best, but I'm not a bitch!"

  • "Cross genre penetration...I like that!"

  • "If I put a violin in my live band, does that make me a classical act?"

  • New Wave Wonder Woman

  • "Green apples will make you sing like Mariah Carey"

  • The Desexualization of Dragonette

  • "They just didn't like the fact that I was in hot pants and a sequined hoodie and having a good time".

  • "I had a few days to get the moves down and then it was go go go!"

  • "Jerry Springer asked for my number!"

Take Me To The Club...


  • Our next monthly EQ club and showcase night will be on Friday, July 31st at Underbelly in Hoxton Square - London.

    FREE ENTRY from 8pm to 1am.

    Make sure to RSVP on the official Facebook invite.

    Music by resident DJ Adamix and DJ EQ all night.

    Live Performances by: Luigi Masi, Rodrigo Moratto, Saar & Sky, QBoy, Tecnoctitlan, Tonic, and John Galea

    Check out the party pix from our last club night starring Dolly Rockers, Dean Lennon, MaJiKer, Ky Ismet, Madison, Tenek, State City Disco and ElectraCute!

    What's the night all about? Click here to read up on all previous club night shenanigans!

    "creating a unique environment in Soho for clubbers to discover quality new pop and electro music that isn’t overcooked by radio or the charts... - reFRESH Magazine

    Read the interview with Raj about the club night on GaydarNation.com

Your Essential Playlist...

  • The EQ Top 50 Tastemaker Chart
    Last Updated June 5th

    1. The Girl & Robot: Royksopp/Robyn [4 wks #1]
    2. Lovestruck: V Factory
    3. Bulletproof: LaRoux
    4. Punisher: Ky Ismet
    5. Whatever Whatever: Rodrigo Moratto [new]
    6. Can't Sleep: Adrian Lux
    7. Messages: Filthy Dukes
    8. Falling Down: Space Cowboy
    9. Confusion Girl: Frankmusik
    10. Love Game: Lady Gaga
    11. New In Town: Little Boots
    12. Beat Again: JLS
    13. Ready 4 More: Disco Intl ft. Miss Lynsey
    14. Armed With Love : Luigi Masi
    15. Keep Your Head Up: Girls Can't Catch
    16. Somthing About You: Christian Burns
    17. Break My Heart: Solomon
    18. Lips On Fire: Emmon [new]
    19. Gold Digger: Dolly Rockers [new]
    20. Hold On: Lazee ft Neverstore
    21. Go Electro: The Ultrasonics [2wks #1]
    22. Fixin To Thrill: Dragonette
    23. Heartbreak Make Me Dancer: Freemasons
    24. Flesh & Bone: MaJiKer
    25. The World Doesn't Revolve: Temposhark
    26. Watching Me, Watching You: Smug
    27. Mama Do: Pixie Lott
    28. Patron Tequila: Paradiso Girls [new]
    29. Get Down: KJ [new]
    30. Candy: Paolo Nutini
    31. World Gone Crazy: Sleepthief [new]
    32. Why You Had To Leave: Cascasda [new]
    33. Domino Effect: Addictive [new]
    34. I Am Glam: Ze!
    35. Come Kitty (Cat Scratch): Soraya
    36. Starry Eyes: Ellie Goulding [new]
    37. Discotheque: Elin Lanto [new]
    38. If Truth Be Told: mnek
    39. Oops Do You Love Me:Pandering Golddiggers
    40. Confidentially : Gia Mellish [3wks #1]
    41. Get Closer : Boyde
    42. Stereo: Sergey Lazarev
    43. Any Kind Of Love: Del Marquis
    44. Maria: Saar & Sky
    45. Bulletproof: Javi
    46. Metropolis: Tonic
    48. No Knowing: Cassette Electrik [new]
    49. Electric Lady: Tesla Boy
    50. Hard Times: Patrick Wolf

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The Download

  • Discover & download a new EQ Approved song, album or EP every week right here via iTunes.

    This Week's Song
    "So Hot"
    by Monti Montanez

    The former Menudo star gives us a Latin taste of what's to come. Truly, a superstar in the making. This single also benefits The Children's Miracle Network - a worthwhile cause and a smoking hot dance floor number. What more could you ask for?

    Download it now on
    Monti Montanez - My Dreams - EP


    This Week's Album
    "Hands"
    by Little Boots

    Truly one of the great electronica albums of 2009 by the hottest new artist on the scene. Even if you are skeptical of Little Boots like I was, you won't be disappointed with the depth, innovation and pop-tastic pleasure "Hands" will bring you.

    Download it now on
    Little Boots - Hands

What is EQ?

  • EQ (aka "Electroqueer") is a new pop, electro and nu-retro music blog that aims to bring a little something different and fresh to your iPods - written by London-based, American-born blogger - Raj Rudolph.

    Every month, EQ hosts a unique club/showcase night in London's Hoxton Square which features the artists written about on this blog alongside the bangin beats from rising pop, electro and nu-retro maestro - DJ Adamix.

    Social Networking Butterfly? Come join us on the interweb! Add EQ as a MySpace Friend or join our 600+ strong Official Facebook Group - run by Truly Madly Mandy for exclusive free downloads, competitions and gossip with other like-minded EQs like yourself!