Electroqueer

Music On The Verge: Wideband Network - Anatomy Of A Human Bomb

Those boys known as The Wideband Network never cease to amaze me.  Check out their upcoming single for 'Anatomy Of A Human Bomb' which is full of electronic goodness and pazazz.  I was going on about them awhile ago as their song '95' is still one of my faves this year.

Take a little listen below to hear what all the fuss is about...if you are interested in remixing the track for the guys, take a look at this link.

Wideband Network : Anatomy Of A Human Bomb

If Gnarls Barkley Had A Sex Change...

So I woke up in a rank mood today at 6am.  Maybe there was a loose spring in my mattress or something but it was just one of those mornings where I knew it was going to be a BAD day...

So I decided to try and turn the day around by playing the Bubbles and Cheesecake promo CD that the postman delivered yesterday.  What did I have to lose?  Besides those zany women having been making the rounds on a few excellento blogs lately and there is a sublime buzz building around these "DIY" ladies - so why not take a listen on the iPod on the way to work eh?

Wow - just wow.  I found myself proclaiming 'It's A Woman Thang' right alongside B&C this morning.  'I Confess' is also a funky dory track but the lovely and downtempo 'Girl In Lust' is so beautifully quirky - it will bring a little sniff sniff to your heart.  'Cryin Lovin Leavin' is also an uberfab tune so 4 out of 4 today ladies!  I completely forgot that I was supposed to be having a bad day and I will remember that when I need a little "lift me up" that the prescription of the day is definitley a generous dose of Bubbles and Cheesecake.

Check out the songs I just raved about over on their MySpace and you might even enjoy their zany video to 'It's A Woman Thang' over on their colourful website.

Thanks to the lovely Nicole for bringing these ladies to my attention.

I Could Very Easily Get Obsessed Again...

Five reasons why I could get obsessed with this guy...

1. He's done a cover of Jody Watley's 'Still A Thrill'.
2. He describes himself as the love child of Depeche Mode and Kylie.
3. How fucking Electroqueer is he?
4. Arjan likes him.
5. If Tommy Page took a time machine and re-invented himself as an electro-god, this is what he would look and sound like...

Obviously more to come...you don't know how obsessed I have gotten with this guy and his music in the last 24 hours....

Popshow's Halloween Party Review

So on Saturday night, Geri, Keeleylicious and I made our way down to our favourite haunt the Soho Revue Bar for another exciting pop and electro fun-filled night.  Eleven almighty acts to get through, all hoping to embraced by the crowd and be known as the next big thing.  I have to say I was surprised by a few of the acts, so keep reading and if you like what you read, make sure to click the links to be taken to their MySpace page...

So Vigo were up first and they had the difficult task of warming up the crowd.  I couldn't help but notice that they were a man down but that didn't stop them from delivering their tunes which are were a combo of pop/dance/disco.  'Man Of Action' was rather good.  Bless em, it was their first Popshow and being the first act on the stage is always the toughest part of the night!  We hope to catch them again - the guy in the yellow shirt is just yummy...

Next up on the bill were the lovely ladies Becky and Hollie from Rubies Rich that seemed to have nothing but huge smiles all night long.  They gave it their best shot and really put a lot of energy into their performance.  What I liked about them is that they didn't seem too overly styled or overly serious - I like that a lot.  They were there to have fun and bring their funky fresh song 'Bad Vibes' to the crowd which they did with ease.  I will be keeping a eye on this interesting duo.

4th Child was absolutely amazing to say the least.  I was very excited to see Lee perform his material which is gritty, raw and still wonderfully electronic all at the same time.  Instead of performing surefire crowd pleaser 'Now I Found You', Lee opted to showcase some of his newer songs 'Pulling On My Heartstrings' and 'One Night Stand' which were fantastic.  His performance made me really want a copy of his new cd even more - he can't get it done fast enough in my opinion.  It was great to see so many 4th Child fans in the audience as well - the buzz is certainly brewing and 4th Child is once again an act you should all be listening to.

Jenni Scott is a cute little woman.  She totally lived up to her penchant for the pinkness by entertaining the crowd with her cheeky and sultry song 'Nasty Boys'.  Many of the boys (and the girls) in the crowd were absolutely taken by her.  She kinda reminded me of the fun that was had when listening to Madonna's 'Confessions On A Dancefloor' CD with her pink cat suit.  She's got the look and the drive, so let's just see where Jenni Scott goes from here...

Introduced to the crowd as "Sugababes you betta watch out" Unleashed were well, 'unleashed' onto the audience.  Fun gals and fun songs with a great dance routine - you should take a quick listen to them if you can over on their MySpace...

Awwww, my boyz and Popshow favourites Switch22 delivered their usual set of 'Back To The Dancefloor' and '1985' but wait...they treated us to some great new mixes of the songs that were as big as SDB motions above!  Having heard so many different versions of both these songs now, we think these new mixes might just be the best ones as they really allow the boys personalities to shine through.  Bless SDB who was sporting his new haircut and also had his mum and dad in the audience.  Swanny looked amazing in his 'click, flick and lick' vest and thanks to the Swany for giving EQ big props - I was so excited I spilled my gin & tonic all over myself.  Oops!

Now to be honest, I was not really excited about Tru Calling.  I had a listen to their tunes on their MySpace and I didn't really pay too much attention.  But after seeing them live, all I can say is wow.  They worked it.  The gals looked great and the boys really took to the crowd.  The tunes sounded much better live too and Tru Calling if you're reading this - send me a CD ok!  They worked the stage so much it was a little difficult getting a halfway decent shot of them all together - see above!  Their songs are great and their cover of Kylie's 'Your Disco Needs You' really made the crowd go crazy. 

UPDATE:  Click here, here and here for some YouTubage of Tru Calling strutting their stuff on the night.

Well I have been waiting to see the enormous talent of The Ultrasonics for quite some time now since I interviewed them back in May.  And what a treat they were live!  Johanna Lee Gervin delivered a flawless performance of hot track of the moment 'Why You Had To Leave' as well as the current EQ number one single 'It's Over Now'.  Bringing a bit of retro to the night, Johanna performed a very hot version of The Eurythmics 'Sweet Dreams' as well which we have to wonder...will it be on their debut record?  Johanna is just a doll too as we had a chance to chat with her and Jon afterwards.  The Ultrasonics are head and shoulders above the rest and it's no wonder they keep getting asked back to the Soho Revue Bar for their outstanding performances.  You should be very excited about them EQs!  Johanna certainly has a star quality about her and backed up by the band's brilliant songwriting - The Ultrasonics are a huge potential force to be reckoned with.

Viktor - with a "K" was fantastic.  You couldn't help but notice him walk in and he certainly has a loyal following as there were many Viktor fans and fiends in the audience.  Viktor was introduced as the 'royal prince of british electronic cabaret' or something like that and he performed his anthem track called 'Viktor' in which he proclaims that he IS your next superstar.  Ego much?  hehehe.  However his dancers were equally as fantastic and his performance of 'The Boy Who Cried Wolf' was phenomenal.  Viktor darling, please slip us a CD.  And if there were an award for 'Best Legs' of the night, Viktor wins - no contest.

Unfortunately, I got stuck at the bar during Limited Edition's performance...as it happens so frequently at the Soho Revue Bar...but Geri snapped this pic of them so why don't you take a listen to them over on MySpace to be fair - ok!

Those spunky girls from Fallen Angelz really worked hard on the stage.  The one dressed like Avril Lavigne in our photo seemed to be a really popular gal as well.  Even Geri wanted to get his photo taken with her but couldn't get close enough with all of her swooning fans (or friends) mind you.  These ladies are big fans of Popshow and it was nice to see them on the stage working their tracks for the audience.  Check them out on MySpace too...

So that's it - Great night out and thanks to DJ Adamis for spinning those hot electro tunes throughout and for being such a gracious host.  After the show we all caught up with rising soul songstress Sylvia Powell and "Touch Me In The Morning" legend Rui Da Silva for cocktails at the Soho Hotel which was of course, as you would expect, uberly fabulous.

Tim Sheff Live At The Regal Room

So on Friday night, I got to see Tim Sheff live at The Regal Room in Hammersmith which was a total treat.  There were a plethora of acoustic artists on the line-up, but Tim got to play a pre-show set which was lovely to watch and we can see why the buzz is slowly starting to build up for this very talented man.

Tim's five song set included the fun and upbeat song called 'Cry' in which you could feel the emotion and passion as Tim banged out the beautiful piano melody so perfectly.  I always get slightly jealous watching such talented musicians such as Tim take to the stage and mesmerize the audience so easily.  For it's a talent that Tim seems completely at ease with and we are really hoping to start seeing his happy face all over billboards soon.

Tim jokingly admitted he was a "lazy American" and didn't create any special flyers for the night, but if you befriend him on MySpace and send him an email, he'll burn you a CD straight from his computer.  Now that is an offer you can't refuse.  Thanks to Brad and his big media machine for alerting EQ about Tim - it's nice to know about soulful new artists like Tim Sheff, Sylvia Powell, Rueben Butchart and Jacob Golden that are taking traditional real music and making it good again. 

Full update on Popshow coming tomorrow - just wow...

Bleeding Rant

Good morning EQs. It's Saturday and I got to sleep in which is a big treat considering I am usually up at a begrudgingly 6am these days. However I am slightly perturbed that I have no milk for my coffee and have to go galloping around in the cold just to get some hot brown liquid action. Ho Hum. So before I strap on a pair of flip-flops, let's get some rants out of the way...Here's what's been floating around the EQ musical brain this week...

• Fuck. I like Leona Lewis' song 'Bleeding Love'. It won't fucking go away will it? It's those joyful bleeps and sparkles that pop up in the background that get me all horny. I actually like Leona a little bit. She wasn't that annoying on TV when she won the X-Factor. She reminds me a lot of Mariah Carey when she was respectable. As long as she stays away from the breast implants and songs that drown out her beautiful voice then she might stay respectable in my books. Like you care anyways.
  
• And speaking of fucking songs that won't go away...Samin's 'Heater' just came up again on random...hehehe
  
• Unklejam. Oh Unklejam. Now your album is being pushed back until February 08 now. That kinda sucks for you. That kinda sucks for me. It's this sorta industry bullshit that encourages illegal downloading - take note record company and give us fans what we want eh? And Unklejam, don't forget - you owe me an interview. Don't think I have forgotten. Am I gonna have to come round to Bobby's house and beat it outta him? I might enjoy that...Download 'Stereo' now.
  
• Tiffany's 'Higher' is getting higher. Numba 26 on the Billboard Dance Charts.
  
• I really enjoyed Tim Sheff's show last night in the very interesting 'Regal Room' in Hammersmith. Think Baby Daddy if he played the piano and sang like an angel. More to come on that...
  
• Loving this blog - eMackinations. Fun aussieness and he likes some good music. Go give him some lub.
  
• Those industrious binge-drinking streets of Birmingham will now be filled with the sounds of Simon Curtis. Yay! It's great that Simon is getting some much-deserved exposure and love. First call to action - fix the text so Mac users can see it!
  
• Still can't wait for Popshow's Halloween Party...and it's finally tonite!
  
• A Myspace redesign - fucking hell, that took long enought didn't it?
  
• And finally we leave you with a little YouTubage called 'My Secret Lover' by Private. It's so electronically retro FRESH. I love it. Thanks to the wonderfully brilliant and always entertaining PopMuse for this find! Check the link for some album download goodness on Private as well.

• Oh and I forgot to mention that Patrick Wolf plays his final show of the year on December 5th in London before he takes a short break from touring to concentrate on his second album. This supposedly will be a unique and memorable show as Patrick will perform his solo material for the first part of the gig, with his band joining him for the second half. Because XOLondon likes Patrick so much, I might just make an effort to go see him live - he's a'right. I hope he does a diva strop on stage though!
  

Getting ready for the weekend - with Tim Sheff

So why is this man so happy?  Or his he in pain?  Or maybe he just likes to pull faces a lot?  Who knows, but what I do know is that I am going to see him play tonight at London's Regal Room and I'm fairly excited.  His name is Tim Sheff and a certain record company already has their mitts on him.  He does has some cute soulful pop songs and you can check him out here, or read what Arjan said about him here. 

Full report soon and I plan to get fully obliterated at Popshow tomorrow night.  SDB and Swany from Switch22 might have to scrape me off the floor....

Heater by Samim - The Ibiza Accordion Anthem!

And you thought the accordian wasn't cool eh? I have to admit, when I first heard this song, I thought it was really fucking corny. But it does grow on you doesn't it? I found myself dancing around my flat last night dressed in a bunny suit and diva shades just like the dude in the video. And no - I didn't memorex it.

'Heater' by Samim is available to download on iTunes now.

Naked Highway Blowing Up in America!

Here's a picture of electro-glammer Sy from Naked Highway getting downright comfy with a certain someone at New York hotspot Splash!  Sexy Sy (as I like to call him - on the right) sure knows how to network doesn't he?!  hehehe.

Anyways - Naked Highway seem to be blowin up in America.  Their video to 'Better Off Naked' has just been accepted by MTV-owned Logo right alongside Darren Hayes, Mika, Ivri Lider and Fergie (just to name a few) and you can vote to get the video played here.

If you live in America, help Naked Highway out as they are unsigned and don't have a Payola agreement with MTV (where record companies pay MTV to have their videos played) so they are doing everything totally on the indie tip.  If you vote for them, it could really help them out. 

So what are you waiting for, vote 500 times a day for them.  You'll be seeing a lot more of Naked Highway on EQ cuz well, they are brilliant and you can check them out here.

Antigone Sounds Like...

In her own words...

A dancefloor fractured.
A chandelier spinning.
A film noir.
A jungle dripping.
A tiger pacing.
A ribbon taut.
A beat broken.

Seriously...I just wanted an excuse to post this fabulous picture of my uberwoman-of-the-moment Antigone sporting her infamous cat suit.  I've seen her wear it in 3D reality.  It's that fabulous.  Her album even more so.  It's quite easily the most individual and unique collection of tracks I've heard in in a LONG time...but that is all for now...

Gorillaz - A Bit Of Blah Blah Blah

So the Gorillaz are set to release a new CD of B-sides called 'D-Sides' funnily enough on 5th November.

I've always had a little bit of an appreciation for those animated kooks whose music seems to be older than this blog actually and I can't believe I haven't mentioned this earlier than now, but oh well.  I don't know if what I am nicknaming 'The Blah Blah' song otherwise known as 'Rockit' will actually be a single or not, but nevertheless, here's the video for you to enjoy.  Try to look past the annoying 40 second Zombie Flesh Eaters intro bit if you can...

State City Disco Tear Up Camden

Last week our beloved State City Disco played the Oh! Bar in London's Camden as part of their new weekly computer-generated music showcase.  How terribly modern eh!  They also introduced their new guitarist, Jackie Aslan.  Apparently Jackie has previously entertained London clubland by painting herself gold and singing as half of electro duo The LaHughes and is also very good at doing fancy stage make-up, have a look at her flawless makeup above! 

State City Disco performed their brilliant songs, but their tracks 'Girls and Boys' and their new song 'Beat Beat' that went down a storm and got the crowd movin!  State City Disco have several dates coming up this Autumn so check out their MySpace for details!  We're sayin it again - State City Disco are a band to watch out for EQs!

MySpace Discovery: James Murray

He's got a great head of blond hair and his tunes aint bad either.  EQs say hello to James Murray.  I've mentioned James a few times before but today he gets his own MySpace discovery post.  Yay!  Now before you get all "What the heck, he aint very electronic" on our asses, let's just say that we haven't liked a pop/rock and folk-tinged artist like James Murray in a long time...probably since Paolo Nutini.  Now that is probably a comparison that James probably doesn't want to hear, but I can't stop humming his fab tunes around the house.  It's a good thing!

Having already played the Royal Albert Hall in opening for Darren Hayes, James has properly got the itch for the big time me thinks.  His music is so open and heartfelt that you just cannot, not like the dude.  His song 'Old Nana' is so adorable - James described it as his grandmother's honest concern and warning about  groupies and drugs as he starts his trip into the music industry.  Aww bless.  And what about his thoughts on size zero girls?  James tells em all to eat, cuz he likes a big bum.  Double bless.

Having met James twice now, I can honestly say he's a great guy too.  You'll want him to succeed just as much as I do, so why not take a moment and check him out on MySpace.  He really really wants you to!

Carving Pumpkins With Dangerous Muse

Take a look at this cute video to how Mike and Tom from Dangerous Muse have created the album art for their 'Every Day is Halloween - Josh Harris Remixes' release on iTunes and Warner Music on 30th October! 

I can't wait to get this song playing on my iPod!

If you are in NYC on Halloween and going out clubbing, make sure you stop by Avalon for a very special performance by the boys.  Who knows, they might be wearing these costumes above?  We can only be so lucky...

Kylie Amazes Me With A Clear CD!

Thursday night.  9:47pm.  I am officially wowed by Kylie's new single '2 Hearts'.

I've been going round and round on whether I like Kylie's new song or not and I've watched the video about ten times and I still can't decide.  At first listen, I didn't like it.  About the fifth listen, I was undecided.  But I've come home tonite to a great promo CD of the song and was amazed...

The CD is CLEAR!  Yes you can see right through it!

And...the song sounds incredible in stunning HQ.

You did it Kylie.  I like your new song.  Hmmpfh.  I said it.  I blame the shit quality of the audio on YouTube.

Popshow Halloween Party - Not To Be Missed

London's best pop and electro showcase night 'Popshow' will once again be happening on Saturday, 27 October and I couldn't be any more excited.  Popshow has always been a fun evening out and the night never ceases to amaze me with how much great talent they manage to get on-board.  The best thing about Popshow is they always pick a worthy charity to support and their next event will see profits going towards The Terrance Higgins Trust.

Headlining the show will be the brilliantly electric The Ultrasonics (who currently hold the EQ Number One), breakout artist and one to watch out for...4th Child and those electro wonder boys Switch22!  Also appearing will be the gender bending Viktor, the hoping-a-Kylie-cover-will kickstart-the-frenzy Tru Calling, hunks of burnin pop love Vigo, new girlband Unleashed, the very pink Jenni Scott, and fresh n funky pop babes Rubies Rich.  Popshow always seems to have a few surprises up it's sleeves too and you can definitely bet there will be a handful of cool celebrities in the audience as well.  EQ has always and will continue to review the night giving you the best highlights from the show.

I've always thought Popshow is a little bit of the fun of X-Factor without all the silly judges comments mixed in with the brilliant electro mixtures of DJ Adamis and it truly is a night that you shouldn't miss before going off clubbing or enjoying the decadance of The Soho Revue Bar.  To view all my past reviews of Popshow, click here!  And if you can manage to make it down to London's Soho to take part in all the fun, you can buy your tickets here and let us know that you are going to be there, we'll buy you one of those infamous Soho Revue Bar cocktails that you'll never forget!

Regardless of whether you are there for the fun or can't make it - make sure you read about all the madness here on EQ!  Many of my favourite EQ artists have first caught my eye at Popshow like Madison, The Electric Dolls, State City Disco and Naked Highway! 

To Rant Is A Beautiful Thing...

Hello EQs.  I certainly hope you are all happy, healthy and enjoying life in general.  I've been too too busy dealing with the reality that is my day job and taking care of a rotting wall in my bathroom and a kitty cat that likes to vomit for no apparent reason these days that I haven't had time to catch up on all the lovely new and exciting downloads that are just sitting on my iPod waiting to be listened to.  So last night I decided to take a few listens to some new shizz and all my thoughts are here for you in my ranty rant format...enjoy.

1. Can you tell I've been totally hooked on Gaymonkey recording artists lately?  Melnyk, Sara Berg and Ebb are all ever so amazing (don't call me Popjustice ok).  I've added some of their videos to EQ TV on the right so make sure you check them out.
2. Sara Berg certainly wins the award for most unusual-yet-somewhat-long title to a new electronic record...it's called 'When I Was A Young Child I Used To Feel Pleasure From Playing With Others'...strange isn't it?  Kinda makes you actually want to listen to it just for it's strange title and from what we heard so far, it's electronically delicious.  Sugar Snap!
3. OK - I won't go on and on about Roisin Murphy cuz all the other blogs are covering her in sweet bloggy honey, but I have to say I am liking her album 'Overpowered' a lot.  Make sure you check out Arjan Writes for all your Roisin Murphy news and a great interview.  Speaking of Arjan, how honoured am I that I got mentioned on his site...he's such a nice guy and so down-to-earth.  I could talk music with him for hours!
4. All you kids out there are going to be in for a treat when the new Antigone album finally comes out in March.  It honestly has to be one of the best electronic albums by a female I've ever heard.  What we lurve about it is that it's SO Justin Shave and not the Justin Shaveness you all know from listening to Darren Hayes.  You just have to listen to it peeps (he says with excitement).  We are dying to talk more about it, but we gots some lovely features planned with Miss Antigone coming up so make sure you stay overly excited about it ok!  You should be.
5. Our last blog comment said this "Hello. I Need Some Help" from someone named Objessecefe.  Um...all I can say back to that is..."Don't we all honey".  Strangely enough, all those weird blogroll requests have ceased.  I got all bitchy with the last one...I'm bad I know.  Apparently the guy liked my banner, so that was enough reason for us to link up.  Um...yeah...ok.
6. Acoustic soul crooner James Murray has trouble with some chic named Lucy live at Royal Albert Hall and also has a free download for you here.  James is the cutest thing ever isn't he?  We might like him even more than Paolo Nutini...or James Morrison or James Blunt. 
7. I only linked up the Kylie video to make myself like it.  Still undecided.  But damn, the girl looked fierce at her film premiere of 'White Diamond' last night in Leicester Square...she went and got her a J-Lo butt!
8. You listen to a Timbaland produced song long enough, it grows on you.  I like 'Nite Runner' by Duran Duran now.  But I still think they could have did that on their own instead of paying Timbaland and Justin Trousersnake to do it. 
9. Oh my lord.  Tiffany is back on the Billboard Dance Charts with 'Higher'.  We told you it was music on the verge first!  It kinda makes me smile to know that EQ is mentioned quite a few times on her website.  My heart just skipped a beat.
10. And finally here's a Free Download Alert!  We've been chatty with Boston boy Petros lately and he has offered up his new song 'Body Glow' to all EQ readers, so go on and download it here.  Oh and here is his new video to it as well.  Petros describes 'Body Glow' as "being loud and proud and refusing to suppress yourself" and all the while the song is "thickly coated in sexual innuendo".  Enough said Petros, you got our attention...and might I treat you to a cup of Starbucks and throw some glitter on you too next time I'm in Beantown.  Petros song 'Utopia' will definitely be high on our list of top songs for this year (it's electronic and gorgeous - you must own it) and it's available to download on iTunes...go give him some MySpazz love ok.

Stream Dave Gahan's Entire New Album - Hourglass

Hey EQs and Depeche Mode fans, you're in for a treat for the senses today as Dave Gahan has made available his new album 'Hourglass' for streaming over on his MySpazz page.  I personally haven't finished listening to it all yet, but you can bet I'll be buying it when it hits the shelves next week.  Having new music from Dave Gahan is pretty much as close to having new Depeche Mode music in my books so colour me excited. 

Whoever can guess my favourite Depeche Mode song of all time will win a treat...go on give it a try in the comments...

Valeria - Girl I Told Ya

Ok so this has to be the most openly lipstick lesbian-electro track I have heard in a LONG time.  Tatu might be crapping themselves about now.

It's called 'Girl I Told Ya' by Valeria featuring Aria...and it is her new single. 

I fucking love it.  Thanks to Sexy Sy from Naked Highway who pointed this out to moi...What do you think?

Girl I Told Ya

Secret Handshake Releases 'One Full Year'

The Secret Handshake (aka Luis Dubuc) have finally released his full length CD 'One Full Year' which features a great new electric diddy called 'Midnight Movie' that we've been enjoying for sometime along with the kicking track 'Summer Of 98' in which you can see the video to below.

Please make sure you click here to get all the info on The Secret Handshake as he is a great electro indie artist and deserves as much love as he can get! I definitley keep a close eye on him and smile whenever his songs come up on my iTunes - I especially love 'Too Young'.  It's nice to see an indie electronic artist working hard in the industry to prove that indie just isn't about guitar bands these days. 

Summer Of 98

Young Love's New Video 'Too Young To Fight It'

Here is the new video to Young Love's 'Too Young To Fight It'. I was quite curious as to what he might release after 'Find A New Way' which is still blowing up all over the world it seems.

Head on over to Young Love's MySpace page too where you can find a free download to this song so go and get it while it's hot. Here's the latest and greatest from the man himself...

"I've already finished a couple songs for the new record and will be recording on the bus during the My Space tour. I just recorded a new song with Bjorn from Peter Bjorn and John producing here in NYC. He rules! I also recorded a track with Lester Mendez in LA. The song is called 'Like That'. I cant wait to get it out!!"

MySpace Discovery: G'Pree

Say hello to G'Pree EQs.  Now I've never been much for the R&B flavour, I own a few Missy Elliot CDs and as any gay would and I can't wait for Jennifer Hudson to release an album, but whoa...G'Pree has brightened up my MySpace today with a friend request that made me go..."wow, I like that song". 

The song in question is called 'Handle With Care' and you can play it in the little YouTubage below.  It has just enough keyboards in it to quality for some EQ love today and since I don't give too many nods to the R&B boys - G'Pree darling, this one is for you.

Do I see a new Craig David taking over the town...I thinks so. Check out more of G'Pree over on his MySpace today and stop drooling over the photo ok!

MySpace Discovery: Melnyk

Having already won accolades from a ton of well respected music magazines worldwide, Melynk seems to be on the fast track in proving to the world that he is an electro force to be reckoned with.  His electro tune 'Fabulous' has certainly brightened up our little world this afternoon with it's strange vocals and video.  Far more exciting to us than the strange vocals and video from, dare we dare say it, Kylie Minogue...

We are going to keep our eyes on Melynk and we are certainly glad we bumped into him and his tunes on MySpace today - you should most certainly check him out here.  Interestingly enough, he's another one to crop up on Gaymonkey records too and if you remember from awhile back, we were going on and on about this guy named Ebb on that same record label...

Melnyk's got some great stuff on offer and luckily enough for you, you can buy his last album 'Silence' and his remix album of the same name on all good download sites worldwide which also features a collaboration with our friends Temposhark...Check out is fabulous video to 'Fabulous'.

A Hump Day Rant

Yuck.  Your queen of the ranty rants, EQ has suddenly come down with a cold.  It bites.  Fortunately for me, Gerilicious has an entire pharmacy of quality Italian wonder drugs in our kitchen and I've been poppin pure Vitamin C tablets that will make you smell like freshly squeezed orange juice.  It's true.  I've also got a killer case of "what the fuck shall I blog about today" too in my hazy shade state of winter-ness, in which I was complaining about earlier to Nelson Clemente - we then proceeded to tell each other entertaining stories about girls who had the secret hots for us in our youth.  hehe....to much fun for a hump day...on with some rants.

• Fuck.  I went to buy all the remixes for Roisin Murphy's fab single 'Let Me Know' as I wanted to own it in physical format and Virgin sold out of them all!  Good for her chart position, bad for my personal enjoyment - boo hoo.
• Instead I bought physical formats of Dave Gahan's single 'Kingdom' along with Alison Moyet's new song and that damn catchy song by Ali Love that seems to be tearing up the airwaves.
• I passed on buying the Sugababes new album in physical format though.  I'll wait until it goes on sale in a few weeks since I am not crazy about it to begin with.
• Gerilicious and I watched 'Rent' on DVD last night.  I couldn't live with myself if he didn't know what the real story was supposed to look like visually instead of seeing the new remixed version.
• Loving Tiesto's 'In Search of Sunrise remix' of Imogen Heap's 'Hide and Seek' - flawless.
• Pet Shop Boys new Disco 4 album - eh.
• I finally got around to listening to BWO's 'Fabricator' album too - it has some really fantastic moments and some really 'eh ok' ones.  I continue to like them though and will be writing more on them soon I promise.
• Damn you Darren Hayes fans...I am CRAVING more cupcakes from this place and it's all your fault...Red Velvet...sigh.
• Petro's new single 'Body Glow' is a lot of fun - It's nice to see a Greek boy working it properly in Boston these days.  I'll be posting more on him and that later...
• And finally I'm feeling a little retro rewindy today...so why not a bit o Rick Astley?  I always loved the colours in this perfect pop song and video...

EQ Interviews Russian Sensation Sergey Lazarev

So if you haven't noticed, I have been going on and on (probably a little too much) about how much I love Sergey Lazarev's music and it shouldn't come as no surprise to you that I bugged the heck out of him for a little interview in which he finally conceded and took some time to chat with me in the middle of his busy touring schedule. 

You should know that Sergey is one of Russia's biggest superstars who has his sights set on crossover success and I probably won't stop talking about him until he's as big as let's say, Paolo Nutini.  Call me obsessed, call me an uber fan now - it's all good.  Just make sure you get your hands on as much of his great pop music as you can.  Download 'Shattered Dreams' right now and check out his brand new (and somewhat comical take on fame) pop-tastic video to 'TV or Radio' below.  Enjoy EQs!

Hello Sergey and welcome to EQ.  So tell us, what made you decide to cover 'Shattered Dreams' by Johnny Hates Jazz?  It's a rather brilliant cover version of a song needing resurrection if you ask us!
Thanks, I really appreciate your opinion!  I covered it after I heard a dance demo of it and I really liked the track... and decided - why not?!

Any plans to do any promo in the UK?  We'd love to see you perform on our little island...
I did a couple of performances there already, but mainly for Russian audiences. I will definitely come back in the end of this year or beginning of 2008.

Well, count us in if you're visiting!  Is it true you used to be in a band with Tatu?
Yes, Julia and Lena are old friends of mine, especially Julia.  We met when we were 10 years old and sang in a children's band called "Neposedi" - its like a Russian version of the Mickey Mouse club.

We also heard you used to be in a boyband called Smash!! in Russia...Are Russian teenage girls as crazy for boybands as they are here in the UK?
Yes, Smash!! started my career in pop music.  For three years I sang together with my childhood friend Vlad Topalov.  It was a lot of fun, we were very popular and girls indeed went nuts for us!  Unfortunately it was not very satisfying in terms of finances - for thirty shows a month I used to get something like 1000 pounds. I didn't care at first, but then lots of other unpleasant things came along after that... so I decided to split and go alone.

Good decision if you ask us.  Now 'Fake' is an absolute gem of a pop song that we somehow missed along the way - what was it like filming the very wet video for this song?
When we shot this video, it was boiling hot outside - something that happens very rarely in England, but I was lucky I guess - I was actually pretty happy to be wet and the girls in the video had a lot of fun as well!

I bet they did!  So tell us about your last album 'TV Show'.  Is there a theme going on?  Can we get this album if we want to give it a whirl here in the UK or America?
I am not sure you can buy the album outside of Russia for now. There is a theme, connected to a bunch of TV shows that I took part in - the biggest of them was "Dancing on Ice" where I took 2nd place, and "Circus With The Stars", where I won!  There as aspects of those performances that are going to be reflected in my live show...

Oh really!  Very curious about that!  Now, you obviously have a thing about your hair.  How long does it take to style those lovely locks of yours?
Actually its my hair stylist who has a thing for my hair!  I myself would never change it at all if she wasn't telling me all the time - "lets try this, lets try that"... another great thing about her is that I don't have to worry about my hair at all - I wash it and that's it.

'Everytime' is such a beautiful piece of pop perfection.  Can you tell EQ readers what's this song about?  Did you have fun filming the video for this one?
'Everytime' was recorded when I wasn't feeling too happy.  Its actually about a broken relationship.  The video for this song is the only one of my videos that's actually made in Russia.  It was pretty tiring to shoot it because we had to do it at night because of my busy schedule.

Great - that's it.  Thanks for chatting with us Sergey and we do hope to get to see you live at some point - we wish you the very best and hope you won't be a stranger to our little pop/electro blog.  Any parting words for our EQ readers?
Thanks so much for your support.  I hope I won't disappoint you in the future!  Best luck and love to all!

And thank you Mr. Lazarev...let's take a look at your new video to 'TV or Radio' shall we...

More Sergey Lazarev on EQ

Sergey Lazarev video vault on EQ

Sergey Lazarev's MySpace

New Robyn Video - Handle Me!

Spiky Hair - check.

Lots of colour - check.

Strange costumes - check.

Fab tune - check.

Hehehe - it's Robyn's new video to 'Handle Me' and it's just as colourful and quirky as you'd expect from any Robyn video.  'Handle Me' is definitley one of my favourite songs from her album and we are certainly glad she re-did the video to this one.  Enjoy EQs.

4th Child to Release Brilliant 'Lovers And Best Friends' For Charity

 

4th Child is releasing his very touching electronic ballad 'Lovers and Best Friends' on 26 November in which all proceeds will go towards the GMFA Charity.  The single follows up his successful synthy anthem 'Now I Found You'. 

'Lovers and Best Friends' is an extremely poignant and honest exploration of love and you'll be mesmerized at how beautifully it presents itself in the simple, yet gritty and emotional video clip below. 

If you can, make sure you come and support 4th Child (aka Lee) as he performs at the next Popshow along with EQ faves The Ultrasonics in London on 27 October at the Soho Revue Bar.  We'll definitely be there.  4th Child is an act to watch out for EQs.

Lovers And Best Friends

EQ Interviews The Electric Dolls Part 2 - Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

So welcome to the second part of our feature interview with the The Electric Dolls.  In this segment, we learn about what their saucy costumes really mean and we get down to business on all things musical and girly with them.  If you haven't become a Dollymixture yet, the dolls have made their highly infectious track 'Baps R Bakin' available for you to enjoy over at TuneSquare.com.

And you can always get up-to-date information on the Electric Dolls over at their Myspace page located here.  If you missed Part 1 of the interview, just clicky clicky here.

So your costumes sorta distinguish your personalities a bit don't they?  Care to elaborate?  We noticed Lynsey switched from the pink bakers outfit to the more saucy toy soldier number!

Lynsey: Actually Jens more the cupcake, hey Jen? And I’m the ring leader…ha ha! So it made sense.

Kelly: Yeah Jens a real sweetie, and Lyns is definitely best with a whip!!! He he.

Jenny: Yeah the costumes probably do reflect aspects of our personalities. I’m looking forward to going on tour and Lexy doing all our ironing, eh Lex, sound good?!?

Lexy: Umm… Have to think about that one Jen! I’ve been nicknamed the "stepford wife" and I’m not quite sure why!? The cleaning thing isn’t entirely true, but I will make a good lil’ wifey one day!

Lynsey: You’re a stepford wife cos of your AMAZING Joseph Sinclair pics & you’re a cute, all American blonde… or at least…"Oh My God" it looks that way! We know you have a dark side Lex! Anyway Jen, why should we wait until we’re on tour? I’ve got a pile of ironing at home Lex.

Sarah: My costume reflects my darker side... the bit no one sees until a night out on the tiles with the Dollies!! I'm feeling the bid for Lexy to do the ironing Jen!! Ha ha!

Lynsey: Me too, or should I say me four?  You’re out numbered Lex!!! Ironing it is!!!

'Love Me Long Time' is brilliant and loads of fun.  How did you come up with the concept behind this song?

Lynsey: Well, I was watching telly and I was thinking about when you have a crush on someone and you’re not necessarily getting your own way (I like the chase) and it makes you even more determined… Have I said too much? Anyway I tend to think in song hook lines. Like one of my idols Diane Warren. The hook line, phrase or word comes first… the tune second. I’d been playing with the idea in my head for a while and that day in front of TV I just started singing it. God knows how these things pop up? But who cares, it worked! Within 10 minutes I had the tune and lyrics, got myself into the studio with Danny Kirsch, who co-wrote it with me, had it produced up by David Trotter - est voila!

So what colour is the Electric Dolls Tour Bus going to be?
All: PINK!!!

Sarah: ...and sparkly!!

Which one of you takes the longest getting ready for a gig?

Lynsey: Kelly

Lexy: I was just about to say that Lyns!

Sarah: Me too!!...Must be true! She takes hours with the tongs getting all those luscious curls in place!

Kelly: That was when I used to curl my hair as I have a big lions mane, but I don’t think I’m too bad now. Time/pain is beauty and all that…

So at your last show at Cafe De Paris you rocked the house.  Any other gigs lined up soon?

Jenny: Thanks EQ! Plenty of gigs in the pipeline…we’ll be coming to a place near you soon so watch out…the dolls are about. Keep an eye on our websites for details.

And finally - what is your definition of the word Electroqueer?  Weird word eh?

Jenny: I’d define it as happy electronicness… There’s nothing wrong with a bit of weirdness though, who wants to be normal! Then nobody’s gonna notice you.

Lynsey: You keep telling yourself that Jen!!

Oh what the heck let's have a girly girl question...Strawberry Shortcake or Rainbow Brite?  Girls Aloud or Sugababes?  Cyndi Lauper or Tina Turner?  Paula Abdul or Janet Jackson?  Martika or Fergie?

Lynsey: I had both Rainbow Brite and Strawberry Shortcake phases…. It’s too hard! Girls Aloud… they’re “prrrrurdy”.  Cyndi Lauper - love love love her but obviously kudos to Annie May too! Ahem Janet Jackson.  Don’t even compare her with the "I can’t stop wearing tiaras" Abdul.  Fergie - though "Martika’s Kitchen" was a huge album for me growing up… Prince co-wrote a lot of that record y'know!!!

Kelly: Erm…is Rainbow Brite the pony?  Girls Aloud and Sugababes have both done really well with their longevity, and I love Mutya. She’s real raw talent.  Tina Turner is a great role model for independent women.  I get told I look like the Abdul?! What do you think?  I love Janet though. Martika?  Er dollies am I being stupid or showing my age? Hehe.  I love Fergie’s style and she’s very talented.

Jenny: Erm I don’t really understand the first question…maybe before my time, Girls Aloud or Sugababes… that’s a tricky one; I love both of their songs and think they’re all talented… but at a push I’d say Sugababes as they’re a bit more edgy and unique. I’d say Cyndi Lauper because her songs are fun. Janet over Paula as she’s got some great songs and has made a name for herself independent of the other Jacksons. I absolutely love Michael Jackson though but that’s a whole other ball game. I’m with Kell on not knowing who Martika is so can’t really comment but I love Fergie… especially her song "Big Girls Don’t Cry". Have you seen her boyfriend girls? OMG FITTY!! Wouldn’t mind a bit of him!!

Lexy: Yeah I agree… no idea what or who the Strawberry or Rainbow thingy is! I personally prefer Girls Aloud, I love their fashion sense but Sugababes have just got another number one single so good on them! Again Cyndi and Ms. Turner aren’t really what I listened to growing up but what good Dolly songs came from both of them “Girls just wanna have fun” and “Simply the best”…..so written for us and they didn’t even know it! Hehe!  Last two = Janet and Fergie what divas… Fab!

Lynsey: Ok this Rainbow Brite/Strawberry Shortcake question should be changed to My Little Pony vs Barbie for the girls I think!!! And girls, download the album Martika’s Kitchen now and the single "Toy Soldiers" please! You’ve been given homework!

Sarah: I don't get the first question either Jen...but I love the food version of strawberry cheesecake!  I'm a huge fan of Girls Aloud it has to be said, think they're fab and loving their sexy new look! LOVE Cyndi Lauper..."Girls Just Wanna Have Fun" really gets my ass shakin!  Janet is a pure diva Lex, I agree... gotta love her! I'm with Kel on Martika ...but will complete my homework for Lyns or else she may get that whip on me!!

Lynsey: Ha ha! I may do that anyway! “Oooh matron!”

EQ Interviews The Electric Dolls Part 1 - It's Dollytastic!

So what happens when you take the hottest now electro girl band and put them in a room with EQ?  It rains cupcakes and we gossip about boys, that's what happens!

We've been saying it for quite some time now...The Electric Dolls are blowing up and are pretty much bringing real fun back into pop.  Forget those Sheila's Wheels chics and all those other imitation girl band pole-dancing wannabees, The Electric Dolls are fierce and ain't no other band of ladies can even come close to what these girls are doing...

Hello Electric Dolls - why don't you go ahead and introduce yourselves and your musical mission to us...

All:  I’m Lynsey, I’m Lexy, I’m Kelly, I’m Jenny & I’m Sarah & together we are Electric Dolls!

Lynsey: Our mission, hmmm… Our mission is to brighten everyone’s lives with our fun Dolly ways and get their Bap’s Bakin’ along with their ass’ shakin’! We’re recruiting Dollymixtures! That’s what we’re doing!

Fab! So the Electric Dolls then...why are you electric and do you really live in a toy store?

Kelly: Of course we do silly!!!

Lynsey: Well we did until we busted out all over the place! It’s all going to be explained in our new cartoon illustrated blog!

Every time we see you live, we are blown away.  Who comes up with all those lovely costumes and styling that you sport?

Kelly: We have an amazing stylist called Stefanina Cumbo & she develops the outfits together with us. We also get a lot of what you see from the wonderful ‘Sparkling Strawberry’  (check out www.sparklingstrawberry.com) & it’s put together in our own individual way!

Is it true you got SDB of Switch22 to get naked and hand out cupcakes for you at a gig?  We saw the photos...fess up.

Lynsey: ‘tis true I bewitched Stefan with my hypnotic green eyes & made him strip naked & do our bidding… well nearly. Let’s just say he’s a good friend & we’ll reciprocate the favour & get naked for the Switch22 boys anytime they care to ask! Ha ha! God don’t tell Swany that… Jen will be in big trouble in little Hong Kong! It’ll be like a scene from ‘Way Of The Dragon’ meets ‘ello ello’ where the Doll is being pursued by the karate kicking, skater boy! Now there’s a film…

Kelly: Also, Stef actually got me in touch with Lynsey for the Electric Dolls, then I dragged Lexy on board and the rest is history, so thanks again Stef!!!

Lexy: Thanks again Kell!!

Lynsey: Yeah, it’s all Stefan’s fault!

So where are you at in the recording process?  Any EP or album in the works?

Sarah: We are currently filming our Dolly show reel...so watch this space...its gonna be a real treat for all you dolly mixtures out there. You will get a glimpse of us in action and behind the scenes! As far as the album goes... OVER TO YOU LYNS!!

Lynsey: Thank you lovely Sarah! We’re well on our way to an albums worth of material and we may even be testing the water by making Baps R Bakin’ available for download through the website www.tunesquare.com so keep your eye on the myspace updates. I’d say we have 8 out of 12 tracks ready & plenty more in my crazy mixed up head to get onto an mp3 player near you so it’s just a matter of time. As I mentioned earlier, as well as the video show reel Sarah mentioned there’s going to be an all brand new website with a monthly cartoon illustrated blog about the Dolly’s antics coming very very soon! Semi-autobiographical I’ll have you know so you’ll have fun trying to decide what’s real & what’s made up! Ha ha!

So we crowned 'Baps R Bakin' with an EQ Number one - an honor or cringeworthy?

Jenny: Definitely an honor, any support we get is very much appreciated!

Sarah: Yes, I agree Jen...thanks EQ!!

Lynsey: It’s all good! A number one is a number one… we will never forget our 1st time.

Jenny: “I’d like to thank EQ & god! And my Mom & EQ”…

So is 'Baps R Bakin' really about sweets and pastries or are you getting all innuendo-y on us?  We know the answer already, but want to hear it from you!

Lexy: I don’t know what you mean!!??

Kelly: Yeah, its about sweets and pastries *wink wink* he he. The kind the boys like!

So do you think you have what it takes to take on the Sugababes and Girls Aloud...they seem to reign over the girlband territory these days?

Lynsey: Well I think there’s room out there for all of us but personally I don’t think there’s any girl band doing what my favourite artists do. I love Scissor Sisters, Madonna, Fergie, Gwen Stefani, Nelly Furtado, Timberland, Will I.Am & I think they work hard, produce great pop tunes, that push new sounds out there & they’re not afraid to do the same with their image. They have fun & are creative & it makes them the forerunners of pop. We want to have our own brand of pop that pays homage to our influences while being quintessentially Dollytastic! It’s a creative process “man” & we love every minute of it!

Kelly: Yeah, Lynsey’s right. Were not trying to take over their territory, we’re totally different and there’s enough room for The Dolls too.

Lynsey you’ve been on the pop scene for quite a while, haven't you...? Where did you start out and what prompted you to startup Electric Dolls?

Lynsey: Wow, I started out singing at the top of my stairs at home making up songs with my brother to tell my Mum she could come upstairs to tuck us in. ‘You Can Come Up’ is one of those great undiscovered tunes… ahem that will remain undiscovered! Unless my brother ever feels the need to be evil! I got singing everywhere & anywhere I could when I was in my teens in Loughborough & Leicester. I didn’t go to performing arts college, unlike some of the Dolls. In fact I studied at The London College of Fashion. I just did it my own way, as always (I can see my friends & family rolling their eyes as they read this). I was performing the clubs & pubs & then I started to audition in London getting into many bands/projects along the way but quickly finding myself in Girls@Play, with the now Roxy Mitchell, Rita Simons. That was a whirlwind time and a huge learning curve for me about the industry. When we split I knew I’d be back, it was just a case of how & when. I still feel as I did with Girls@Play that given the right set of circumstances we could’ve been huge! We did achieve a lot in our short time together. People still talk about us now, which says it all. There’s also a lot to be said for being in a band & experiencing everything with other people. Everyone takes notice when there’s 5 of you! I wanted the best of what we did in G@P mixed in with my own songs & ideas taking from the artists I admire. Songs, images & a vib