Electroqueer

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

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!

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.

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

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.

EQ Review: La Roux

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...

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 Antoine.  David, 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...