Electroqueer

Antigone : Electroqueer Of The Year 2007

Antigone is a name you won't forget if you are a loyal reader of EQ.  She's sassy, smart, stylish and most of all, she's a woman in who is putting out some of the best electronica that you will hear in the coming months ahead in 2008.  Amidst all the other electronic divas who shined brightly in the spotlight this year (ie: Roisin Murphy / Robyn), Antigone brings a little something different to the table and that is why we have named her our 'EQ Of The Year 2007'.

Our musical love affair with Antigone did rightly start with Darren Hayes mentioning her in one of his blogs this past year.  Darren and EQ have been, for the most part, on par with our musical tastes, so going to check out Antigone on MySpace was a task that couldn't have been any easier for us.  What we were pleased to find was a lush blend of electronica that we haven't quite heard before.  To say it made our ears perk up is a huge understatement.  Her sound is a little left-field, it's a little disco, it's a little house, it's a tad burlesque but most of all - it clearly works.  Having perfected her triumphant command of house music as part of the group Etherfox with electronic maestro Justin Shave, Antigone knows how to deliver tunes to get people dancing in the sweatiest of discos worldwide.  Combine that with her thought-provoking lyrics from her new solo material, you are bound to easily fall under a trance from the moment you press play.

Having only released one track thus far in the way of the the whirly and very danceable 'Funky Dancers' (download it here), this track sets firmly in our list of top tracks for 2007 and we literally could not stop listening to it on MySpace this year.  It didn't matter that we had to be online and logged in to actually hear it - it was that good.  After seeing and reviewing Antigone's debut London performance at the Soho Revue Bar - we were convinced that Antigone had that special something that set her apart from all the other acts we were closely following this year. 

Some might argue that it's a little premature to big-up an artist who hasn't even put out the album yet and has only just released one single, and that certainly is a fair remark to make, but with Antigone, much like her music, all the rules are thrown out the window.  Take one listen to her tracks 'Promiscuity' and 'Uberwoman' when the album is released and you will understand what we keep going on about.  Nothing will prepare you for the disco triumphant track that is 'More Man Than Man' and the luxuriating and sparkly gems that are 'Mirror' and 'Hello Yellow'.

Some of you probably will be quite fickle with Antigone's music and that's ok.  It's not the type of music that is going to be embraced by the Timbaland mainstream sound that dominates pop today.  However for those of you that appreciate pop music which thinks outside the box like Bjork, Siobhan Donaghy, Kate Bush, Garbage, Tori Amos and even Madonna to a certain extent, Antigone's brand of electronica will surely please your sensory pulses to an elevated sense of bliss.  If she breaks out into the wide open it wouldn't surprise us.  If she remains the dedicated and hard-working/no-compromising indie songstress she is now - it's all good.  Antigone can't really do no wrong.

Hearty congratulations to Antigone - you won us over with your brilliance and mighty tunes and that is why you will reign royale goddess supreme over this blog for as long as we keep on bloggin.  You truly have captured the spirit of Electroqueer this past year and we wish you all the biggest success in 2008.  Expect heavy coverage of Antigone in 2008 when her "beyond amazing" album 'Antigoneland' drops and please visit all the links below to submerse yourself in the captivating workings of the wondrous and seriously-edged artist that is Antigone. 

Antigone on the Web:

:: Antigone MySpace - For all the latest developments in Antigoneland

:: Official Website - More on the vixen here. 

:: Etherfox Website - Learn more about Antigone's disco beginnings

:: EQ Live Review and Interview - Get to know Antigone and her show more...

:: XOLondon Interview - Extremely insightful interview and profile.

:: Top photo credit - Claire Reynolds

It Twas The Rant Before New Years

OMG I just woke up and it's almost noon! I am still wiping the sleepy out of my eyes! I clearly have been eating too much leftover Christmas turkey that's for sure! Tonight, Geri and I are off to Mizz Keeleylicioius's holiday party and it's sure to be the biggest girls-who-likes-girls holiday event of the year. I'm way excited cuz it's the one time of the year where I get to be totally surrounded by hot lesbians and re-inact scenes from 'The L Word'. I'm way excited! Well this will probably be the last rant of 2007 so enjoy it me EQs!

• Head on over to Modern Fabulosity to read his colloborative post on the Best Music of 2007 in where you will read my contributions in the way of Robyn and Private! Darren Hayes event got a nod. Writing that bit for ModFab was a lot of fun as it's one of the best gay lifestyle blogs on the net. Even if you're not gay - it's bloody brilliant with tons of things to help enrich your life into a higher state of fabulousness.
  
  
• Oh god, The Spice Girls just came up under my recently added playlist. You fucking caught me - I downloaded their greatest hits album from that cheap Russian download site. Ok, The Spice Girls are worth a 1 quid download I guess. Don't hate me.
  
  
• Rob from Temposhark is going to be guest blogging on Arjan Writes while the blogstar himself heads off to Argentina for a bit of R&R. What a totally excellent choice for guest bloggers. I can't wait to delve into Rob's musical tastes a little more. We hear he likes Robyn a lot too. We are working on some cool Temposhark features in time for their album release in 2008 too - it really sounds like 2008 is going to be the year of the Temposhark.
  
  
• I don't comment enough on the fabulous pop blog that is Pop Poster Girl and that is a big bad on my part. PPG has been running a great countdown of her favourite songs of 2007 and the energy she has been putting into it is incredible. I've recently become addicted to her pick of an electro song called 'Desire' by Swedish artist Darin. I've heard him mentioned from time to time, but haven't really took a listen until PPG raved fantastic about him on her recent post. Run quite swiftly EQs over to her blog now and get heartily involved in her countdown. She fucking knows her pop. If you were to put PPG on pop bloggers Jeopardy - she'd fucking scrape the floor with all of us and that aint no lie. She's also a big supporter of Sergey and got me a lot of info on him when I stumbled upon him on Perfectbeat - miss thing has already been there, wrote about him and bought the t-shirt. That's how damn good she is. She knows pop.
  
  
• Is it just me or is Kylie's song 'Wow' just a really hyped up version Madonna's 'Holiday'? Probably so, we all know Kylie is a big fan of Madonna. I still have to watch my DVD of 'White Diamond' that's been sitting on the shelf for a bit. The difficult part is shoving Geri off the Wii so I can get in some quality DVD time! LOL.
  
  
• We had a bit of an update on Madison - he's working on a new song called 'Iconic' which we can't wait to hear cuz you know, we love that little electropop wonder. Word is too, he is working on a new live routine that he will hopefully be debuting soon - after he recovers from his holiday chocolate overdose!
  
  
• Electronically Yours have recently discovered the brilliance of EQ Royales The Ultrasonics! Head on over there to see what EY had to say about them and EQ! EY is doing all sorts of really uber cool things like launching their own record label and they have even put together some quality live nights which starred Marsheaux. We are hoping to get to know the team behind EY and can't wait to go to their next event. However in the meantime, you should be reading their quality blog - it's a great companion to EQ don't ya think! I read it daily now!
  
  
• I've got a few emails about the change of font on EQ. Do you like it? In case you were wondering, it's the same font that's used on the London Underground. I'm quite happy with it as I like to experiment with different fonts and such to keep the blog fresh. I'm also preparing an EQ off-the-beaten path guide to London which I am rolling out in 2008 as well to add a bit more spice to all of you who need some fucking cool recommendations on where to party, eat and visit while you visit the best fucking city in the world.
  
  
• And finally we leave you with a little vid-e-o from EQ approved and downright cutie Vivek Sharaya performing his version of 'Seven Nation Army' live from his Parisian debut the other day. I so badly wanted to go see Vivek play in Paris, but with it being the holidays and all, I couldn't. Vivek darhling - anytime you want to come to London for a show - just let us know!
  
  
  

Client's New Video : It's Not Over

Oh snap! Just when I thought things had gone quiet in Client's Heartland, the electro girl threesome release a fab new video to their new single 'It's Not Over'. Strangely enough - it reminds me of Depeche Mode's 'Strangelove' video a teeny bit.  Apparently the video was shot in Bermondsy in London which gives it that bit of gritty.  I also love the silent pause in the middle of the video - how very cinematic dramatic of them.

If you are out and about in London on 24th January, stop by the Soho Revue Bar to see these lovely ladies do their electro thang - I saw their show awhile back at The Fly Bar and it was a great night out!

The Post Christmas Rant

Well hello my EQs!  Christmas has come and gone again and in looking back on it all it seems this year has just flown by so quickly!  Geri and I celebrated Christmas this year by watching countless DVDs in which we finally finished off 'Grey's Anatomy - Season 2' which was just sitting on the shelf forever, and playing countless hours of video games on the Nintendo Wii in which I am more partial to 'Super Mario Galaxy' and Geri really likes 'Resident Evil : The Umbrella Chronicles' cuz he really likes to shoot things. 

Last night we also went to see 'I am Legend' at The O2 and it was ok, but I have to wonder, how many disaster-the-world-comes-to-an-end movies are they gonna make?  Should the end of the world actually see the light of day, it won't be any fun because if flesh-eating zombies and/or aliens take over the planet, we'll be rather bored by them cuz we've seen it all before eh?

Aside from that strange observation - I did however spend endless hours in the kitchen cooking up a traditional turkey dinner which then turned into turkey noodle soup yesterday and within the past four days I polished off an entire deluxe chocolate yule log by myself and I am really not proud of that.  But oh well - it's Christmas right!

Thanks to everyone who sent along Christmas emails, texts, comments and e-cards too!  I truly hope all of you had a wonderful holiday season and that you are looking forward to New Years Eve as much as I am.  I have lots of new acts to write about and some fun features planned in 2008 so stay bookmarked EQs!

Electrowoman: Let Us Introduce You To Electrovamp…

Kally (17) and Tammy (18) Jay are not only sisters but are probably the youngest sassiest electro/pop chicks with attitude on the planet right now. Their debut single 'I Don't Like The Vibe In the VIP', is guaranteed to get you shaking your peaches and cream or even your bananas – dependent upon what kind of fruity persuasion you are!.

This is a FUN little ditty that you're gonna dance to at the office party once you've consumed lots of festive spirits – and a few days later it'll probably bore the fruity thangs right off of ya – but it is Christmas after all - a time for fun, frivolity and frolics!

Electrowoman, whose a lurver particularly of down right dirty electro beats couldn't resist the pounding bassline and "Luciana" (Body Rox – Yeah Yeah) style vocals. She's been pogoing and shaking her peachy thangs to it so much that she's turned herself into a fruit smoothie.

Go show your patronage over at the "Vamps" MySpace – where you'll not only find some rather tasty remixes but also a fun little "Electrovamp" game where you can brush up on your pillow fighting, chandelier swinging and TV trashing techniques. TIP: I find that your score improves tenfold if you conjure up the imagine of the popstar you absolutely detest – in my case it's James Blunt and it works well I tell you! 

Downloadable from 21st December or in the shops on New Years Eve, it's not such a bad way to spend your gift card from dear old Aunty Mavis. In fact it's the perfect tune to burn off your Christmas Day gluttony to, getting your bod all trim again for New Year – EW says hoorah for the gurlies!

From EQ:  Thanks EW for this one and check out Worrapolava's blog on them last November!  We even hear Electrovamp will be supporting Booty Luv at G-A-Y on New Years Eve too!  Megs darling, I am expecting that you will have a good comment on these sexy ladies... 

Happy Holidays From Sia and RuPaul

Aww bless - check out Sia's latest video blog in which she shows us how to save a tree and make your own Christmas tree this year - bloody brilliant, I am going to ditch my fake plastic tree next year and do my tree the Sia way!

And always the entertainer, drag legend RuPaul is giving it all she gots on her rendition of 'Santa Baby' which is ghetto-fabulous and quite festive as well.

RuPaul's 'Santa Baby'

Top 10 Electroqueer Moments

Happy Sunday EQs!  Tis the season for reflection isn't it?  2007 has been nothing short of an amazing year and way more than I could have ever hoped for as a very niche music blogger in the electronic idiom.  Having said that I just wanted to share some of my blog highlights and thank yous this year.  If you would have told me last year that all this would have happened to me just by spewing out my random rants and strange music taste to the world on a little TypePad blog, I wouldn't have believed it.

So here they are - my big 10 moments this year in no particular order - please indulge me as when I turn 65, I probably won't remember this at all and I'll need a little reminder of how fabulously Electroqueer 2007 truly was.

1. Meeting Darren Hayes : Not once, not twice, but three times!  I first ran into the legend himself on the street during a lunchtime chat with my friend Claudia.  Later that night, I was then invited to an aftershow party where I really got to chat with and get to know all of Team Darren.  But the best Darren encounter for me was getting to hang with him, Shave, Antigone and the whole entourage in the dressing room at G-A-Y. on 18 August.  Although I was acting all calm, cool and collected - the comic book fan-boy in me was secretly geeking out inside!  It was pretty much a dream come true and getting to know Darren this year only made me a stronger believer in his incredible music and I couldn't be more happier to write about Mr. Darren Hayes on this blog.
   
   
2. Interviewing Tiffany on the phone :  Another dream come true.  She's my teen idol.  I've been a loyal fan of hers for over 20 years and being able to ask her all the burning questions I have had really was the icing on the cake for me.  You can ask Geri, I was a nervous wreck that day.  I was prepared and ready, but nothing can prepare you for the feeling you get when your favourite female singer of all time picks of the telephone and starts chatting with you.  She even sang a line of 'I Think Were Alone Now' for me on the phone.  Priceless.  Every time I play that little podcast I get goosebumps.  I still can't believe I talked to her.
   
   
3. New Friendships : You know, music really does bring the people together.  If it wasn't for the blog I would have never met Mandy, Megan, Richard, Adam, Clare, Claudia, Manu, Ema and Maria.  Thank you all for being such beautiful souls and I love hanging with all of you.  Claudia my darling - don't worry, you're the first person I'm calling in New York!
   
   
4. The Robyn gigs : Going to a Robyn gig is always so much fun and it's been a pure pleasure to watch this little starlet rise to the top of the charts!  I'll never forget our wee chat at The Scala and I hope that the rest of the world will soon get to hear the wondrous talent that Robyn has to offer!  Here's to 'Be Mine!' being a super-mega hit.
   
   
5. The Incomparable Switch22 : You know these guys are just the coolest guys on the planet.  They are so supportive of the EQ and just the nicest guys you could ever meet.  They were such good sports when I was putting together my comic book feature on them and let me photograph them doing all sorts of weird things on the camera - hahaha, well not too weird!  On top of that, they gave EQ a shout-out at two of the gigs this year which made me all fuzzy inside.  Thanks guys!
   
   
6. POPSHOW! POPSHOW! POPSHOW! :  EQ was a bit of a staple at Popshow this past year and will continue to support this wonderful showcase night for new pop and electro talent in 2008.  DJ Adamis just marveled me with his flawless DJ talent (he's my new favourite DJ - sorry DJ Coco Snatch!) and even let me suggest some of the acts that they should approach for the last popshow.   More Popshow in 2008 and if you haven't moved your ass on over there yet, you really should be doing so!
   
   
7. New Artists Galore! :  Discovering new artists is always very fun and exciting to me and I like to think that EQ was the first place you really got to know artists like 4th Child, Antigone, Bim, Bubbles and Cheesecake, Madison, Naked Highway, Nelson Clemente, Sergey, State City Disco and The Ultrasonics. It's been an absolute pleasure or me to chat to all these artists this year and write the features on them - they are so talented that writing about them was just a piece of cake.  You really should be listening to all these artists too - you'll love them, guaranteed.
   
   
8. The Wonderful Bloggers and Contributors I Met This Year : If you would have told me that I would have had coffee with Arjan from Arjan Writes, I wouldn't have believed it.  Getting to know Gabriel from Modern Fabulosity was a treat too and I hope to meet him real soon!  And a huge thanks to Samuel from The Hot Stuff Files who wrote some brilliant posts for me this year when I was on holiday and got me into a few gigs.  All three of you are huge inspirations to me and I'd like to say thanks for blogging this year - I have and will always be a huge fan of yours.  Big thanks to Electrowoman, Irene Divine and Pedro Loves You as well for taking time out of your hectic schedules and penning some amazing blog posts for me this year too - I love ya!
   
   
9. Uberwoman Antigone :  She's like no other.  I could go on and on about her, but I won't do that here.  Instead - I will reveal in few days why she is ELECTROQUEER OF THE YEAR 2007.  Yes you read that right... 
   
   
10. My Gerilicious : Although it wasn't blog related entirely, I did meet Gerilicious on my way to a gig on 22 November 2006 and he has been the biggest supporter of EQ and my music musings this past year.  I've dragged him to countless gigs and promos, some of which have been really rubbish and he always manages to have a huge smile on his face whenever I sit down and blog for hours in front of the computer.  Sometimes he has to drag me away kicking and screaming from the blog, but most of all - he's taught me that it's all about balance.  I'd just like to thank him with all my heart as if it wasn't for him, I don't think I would have enjoyed this past year so much.  Thank You Geri. 

Darren Hayes 'Casey' Sneak Peek

As Gerilicious and I are playing with our new Nintendo wii, this rather marvelous sneak peek to Darren Hayes lucious song 'Casey' hit the net. Colour me excited.

Nelson Clemente Reveals Cover Art for 6th Perception EP

Nelson Clemente has revealed this cover art for his upcoming EP '6th Perception' in which we are awaiting for very impatiently - here is the final tracklising too and it will feature some of the brilliant remixes that we've been going on and on about recently!  Make sure to keep visiting Nelson's MySpace profile so that you keep up-to-date on how to purchase this brilliant debut from one of our favourite and promising new indie artists. 

1. You Want Me Don't You?
2. Its All My Fault
3. You Me Us We
4. You Want Me Don't You? (Bounce House Mix)
5. You Want Me Don't You? (Electro Freak Alternative Mix)
6. You Me Us We (Electro Freak Alternative Mix)
7. Its All My Fault (BC Mix)

Top 120 EQ Songs Of 2007!

So here it is - EQ's Top 120 songs of 2007!  It's been quite a good year for electronic and pop music and 2008 is already looking very promising!  Congratulations to Nelson Clemente who tops this year's list with his sublime electropop anthem 'You Me Us We'.  And a huge THANK YOU to each and every artist listed on this countdown as you've throughly had me enterained with your brilliance the entire year.  Want to see last year's list?  Click here.

Electroqueer Top 120 Songs of 2007

1. You Me Us We : Nelson Clemente
2. Answer : Simon Curtis
3. Funky Dancers : Antigone
4. Now I Found You : 4th Child
5. Find Another Way : Young Love
6. Casey : Darren Hayes
7. With Every Heartbeat : Robyn
8. Move Your Ass : Madison
9. Pop It Drop It : Naked Highway
10. Back To The Dancefloor : Switch22
11. Everytime : Sergey
12. Knock Me Out : Temposhark
13. Why You Had To Leave : The Ultrasonics
14. More Man Than Man : Antigone
15. Utopia : Petros
16. Club : Madison
17. Grand Canyon : Tracey Thorn
18. Piece Of Me : Britney Spears
19. Lovers and Best Friends : 4th Child
20. Song 4 Muya : Groove Armada ft. Mutya
21. Shattered Dreams : Sergey
22. What Am I Fighting For : Unklejam
23. Life Without You : Antigone
24. Step Into The Light : Darren Hayes
25. Every Day Is Halloween : Dangerous Muse
26. I Get Around : Dragonette
27. #1 Enemy : Matthew Duffy
28. Lost Without Your Love : Sergey
29. Cobrastyle : Robyn
30. 95 : Wideband Network
31. Girl I Told Ya : Valeria featuring Aria
32. Let Me Know : Roisin Murphy
33. Joy : Temposhark
34. Handle Me : Robyn
35. Crucify My Heart : Private
36. Stay Young Stay Beautiful : Veto Silver
37. Eurotramp : Paleday
38. Baps R Bakin : Electric Dolls
39. Acceptable In The 80’s : Calvin Harris
40. All My Fault : She Said Yes
41. Echo: Stephan D. Leuenberger
42. Like A Drug : Kylie
43. Excitement : State City Disco
44. Falling Off A Log : Tracey Thorn
45. Higher : Tiffany
46. Music Is My Hot Hot Sex: CSS
47. Body Glow : Petros
48. Jesse : Ivri Lider
49. With Love : Hilary Duff
50. Girl In Lust : Bubbles & Cheesecake
51. We Are Technology : Technologic
52. Unsung Hero : Discotheque
53. Take It Like A Man : Dragonette
54. On A Saturday : Jacob Golden
55. Goldfish: Siobhan Donaghy
56. 1985 : Switch22
57. Be Mine! : Robyn
58. Romance You : Nathan Walters
59. Conversations With God : Darren Hayes
60. Pusher : The Shapeshifters
61. Chariots Of Fire : BWO
62. Medevac : Siobhan Donaghy
63. Don’t Mess With My Man : Booty Luv
64. Orange County : Stefy
65. Rock Into My World : Switch22
66. The Boy Who Cried Wolf : Viktor
67. Shorty The Pimp : Naked Highway
68. Love Me Long Time : Electric Dolls
69. Chemisty : Vivek Shraya
70. Ice Cream : New Young Pony Club
71. I’ll Be By Your Side : Sally Shapiro
72. Overpowered : Roisin Murphy
73. Plastic : She Said Yes
74. Hangin On : Marsheaux
75. Anatomy Of A Human Bomb : Wideband Network
76. Me, Myself and I : Darren Hayes
77. Love Ya : Unklejam
78. Dirty Basement : The Elektrons
79. It’s Over Now : The Ultrasonics
80. It’s A Woman Thang : Bubbles & Cheesecake
81. How To Build A Time Machine : Darren Hayes
82. Konichiwa Bitches : Robyn
83. Buttons : Sia
84. Beautiful Things : Ming & Ping
85. 12 Bar Acid Blues : Siobhan Donaghy
86. Feels Like Love : Tiffany
87. It’s Not My Fault (BC Mix) : Nelson Clemente
88. To Be Real : Antigone
89. Analogue Dialogue (Kill The Beat) : Scarlet Soho
90. Chelsea Girls : David E Sugar
91. Living Darfur : Mattafix
92. Never Been Cool : James Leon
93. Bigger Than Big : Super Mal featuring Luciana
94. Undisco Me : Billie Ray Martin
95. Gimme More : Britney Spears
96. Better Off Naked : Naked Highway
97. Stand Back 2007 : Stevie Nicks
98. Wait No More : Marsheaux
99. 2 Hearts : Kylie
100. What’s A Girl To Do : Bat For Lashes
101. On The Verge Of Something Wonderful : Darren Hayes
102. Crawl Back From Under : Sara Berg
103. It’s All True : Tracey Thorn
104. The Girls : Calvin Harris
105. Breathe In Breathe Out : MissMatch
106. Belle Of The Ball : Rueben Butchart
107. Potential Break Up Song : Aly & AJ
108. If We Were : Belinda
109. Too Young : The Secret Handshake
110. Earth Intruders : Bjork
111. Makes Me Love You : Nathan Walters
112. Let’s Make Love (And Listen To Death From Above) : CSS
113. D.A.N.C.E. : Justice
114. Nite Runner : Duran Duran
115. The Bomb: New Young Pony Club
116. Boom Boom 2007 : Paul Lekakis
117. U Look Like A Gay : Homotronic
118. So You Say : Siobhan Donaghy
119. I Wont Envy : Vivek Shraya
120. Umbrella : Rhianna

Meet Valeria : She's Not A Sex Crazed Maniac...

So I have to admit, I didn't really know too much about Valeria, who just happens to hold this weeks EQ Number One single with 'Girl I Told Ya', so I thought I'd take a cruise onto MySpace and learn some more about her.  Turns out, she's got a decent career in the works already in music and film and it's all looking rosy for this little starlet. 

Apparently, I'm not the only one who wants to know about Valeria and her crazy antics with Ashton Kutcher so she went and prepared this little vid-e-o for all of us which let's you into her crazy world.

'Girl I Told Ya' is pretty electrolicious and I hope that her new album that comes out in March will give us some more of that flavour I love so much. 

Say Hello to Valeria and make sure you check out her slightly racy and fun promo video now in EQ TV.

My Spice Girls Post : "She Has The Biggest Set Of Buzzas I've Ever Seen!"

Ok EQs - this is probably the one and only time I will EVER write about The Spice Girls, so pay attention.  LOL.  Last night, Gerilicious and I went to the O2 arena in London to see The Spice Girls play to 23,000 people.  I wasn't expecting anything - I kinda was just curious really as I never have been a fan of The Spice Girls at all (I think I may have slagged them off when I heard about the reunion...most likely) but when I moved to London they were all launching into their solo careers and I kinda had a tiny amount of appreciation for Geri Halliwell and Emma Bunton's solo work.  So to tell the story about "my Spice experience", you get to read about it in lovely Random Rant format below.  Enjoy.

• This was THE WORST ticketing drama I have ever had in my whole life.  I was issued a "hand written" ticket for two people upon presentation of my credit card in which the bitch at the box office told me the ticket was for two people!  WTF.  Naturally I got stopped at the gate and they made Geri and I stand aside outside the gate like two criminals for over 40 minutes only to be told that there was nothing wrong with our "ticket".  I kicked up a fuss naturally.  Get it together O2.
• After the whole drama - we actually had flawless seats next to the stage.  Normally at every show a basketball player of enormous height sits in front of me, but this time a row of 3 foot 5 seven-year-old girls dressed like The Pussycat Dolls danced and shaked their money-makers in front of us the whole night.  They even were practicing their Beyonce-like booby and butt shakes and I couldn't help but laugh - they had nothing to shake!  Aside from witnessing that monstrosity which was of course supported by the Footballers Wife wannabee mother, I was so happy - I had a perfect view the whole show!  And it looked like those little girls had fun even if I thought they were way too young to be displaying THAT level of sexuality.
• We sat near Nikki from Big Brother who surprisingly kept her mouth shut the entire time.  Maybe she didn't want to end up in the pages of EQ.  LOL.
• We also sat near that cute bisexual guy from Shipwrecked with the big fro - he provided a ton of entertainment as well.
• Geri Halliwell was fucking amazing looking.  However all the chatter I heard from women consisted of "...that Geri Halliwell looks like an emaciated waif - she needs to eat some Wispas!"  And then they went on and on about how amazing Victoria Beckham looked...speaking of emaciated waifs...I am NOT a fan.
• Every time Melanie B looked over at our section, Geri and I laughed because it was about a year ago that she was flirting heavily with our little Gerilicious at The Cobden Club in West London all the while pregnant with Eddie Murphy's lovechild.  A lot of the chatter about Mel B consisted of "Wow she has the biggest set of buzzas I've ever seen".  It's true.  But she looked great if you ask me.
• Emma Bunton was as cute as button as you would expect and she did a fabulous version of 'Maybe'.  She's so cute you just want to rough her up a bit.  I'm just green with envy, I wish I had her hair.
• Victoria Beckham didn't get to sing a solo song - I wonder why?  She did however get to strut like a minx down the catwalk to a soundtrack of Madonna's 'Material Girl' mashed up with RuPaul's 'Supermodel'.  How very fitting.  Bitch got thunderous applause too whenever she was given the rare moment to sing a line.  Why is the UK obsessed with her?  I don't get it.
• LOTS of cover songs. 'We Are Family', 'Celebration', 'Thats The Way I Like It, Uh-huh, uh huh'. 
• But the overall winner for me of the night was Mel C.  Watching her sing 'I Turn To You' was amazing.  She stole the show.  Geri Halliwell's version of 'It's Raining Men' was fucking fun too.

All in all - it wasn't a bad night out.  The venue itself is pretty spectacular and that is the real reason I wanted to go.  Comfy seats and totally air-conditioned to perfection.  If the O2 sorts out some of their ticketing issues I will probably go and see more shows there as it's just a stones throw away from the loft.  I think The Spice Girls as a whole aren't that bad either.  They are way more powerful together than solo and after this experience, I wouldn't exactly call myself a fan, but I'll probably stop slagging them off in the future. 

If you are at all keen to see the ladies then I would recommend it.  It's a fun and very camp night out.   

 

Introducing 'The EQ Royale'

Who the hell are all those peeps in the banner?

Well they are the new EQ Royale, that's who they are!

These are the artists that I am most excited to talk about in 2008. These 20 artists completely embody the spirit of Electroqueer and their music has really touched me in 2007. I can't wait to do my part in promoting them next year and here's why...

4th Child: Lee's music really struck a chord in me last year. This little guy has a big talent and I can't wait to hear his new album which has been unfolding ever so interestingly online and already armed with a dedicated fan club and topping some major Dance charts, Lee is posed for crossover success.

4th Child Myspace

Antigone: Her album is done and dusted and it's bloody brilliant. Expect heavy Antigone coverage in the upcoming months as her album will most likely come out near March. She is such a remarkable woman and her mastery of electronica with a burlesque and disco twist is uncomparable.

Antigone MySpace | Official Website

Bim: Call them the new Dido. Call them the most thought-provoking and underrated band you haven't heard of yet. Their debut EP is out now and you really should take a listen. I discovered their brilliance last year and have been hooked on them still.

Bim MySpace | Official Website

Bubbles & Cheesecake: The undisputed sisters of quirk on a mission to make as many people as possible believers in their unique brand of products and music. They're quirky, they're soulful and most of all - brilliant. You should really be joining Allee and Holly's party - you're already invited!

Official Website

Dangerous Muse: I refuse to stop talking about them. They kept my appetite wet with the release of 'Every Day Is Halloween' and their great remixes to 'Give Me Danger'. Will 2008 finally see the release of a full-fledged album from these new young princes of electronica? I hope so.

Dangerous Muse MySpace | Official Website

Darren Hayes: Still my favourite artist and probably will be until some other dark knight can come along and de-throne him. The man doesn't stop and his electronic opus 'This Delicate Thing We've Made' still speaks novels to me. Why this man hasn't received the same solo success he had with Savage Garden is unbelievable, but in the same token he's making the best music he ever has now.

Darren Hayes MySpace | Official Website

Imogen Heap: Next year we will be following the release of Immi's 3rd album very closely. She is the Virgin Mary of electronica in my eyes and in keeping me under a transfixed gaze, her new song 'Not Now But Soon' is sounding heavenly - just from the tiny tiny clips she plays for us on YouTube.

Imogen Heap MySpace | Official Website

Marsheaux: These fair maidens of electronica-land really got my juices flowing when I stumbled upon them while checking out the brilliant Human League heavy site - Electronically Yours. I am so excited to discover more and more about them next year as I love what I am hearing now. 'Hanging On' and 'Wait No More' are slices of heaven, with a cherry on top!

Marsheaux MySpace | Official Website

Matthew Duffy: I can't be any more excited for Matthew Duffy. His album 'The Healing Machine' really has a sound on it that makes me quiver. Combined with his great vocal talent, Matthew Duffy is another act that I refuse to stop talking about until he is embraced by the mainstream.

Matthew Duffy MySpace | Official Website

Naked Highway: Sy from Naked Highway can't do any wrong in my book. His determination and drive have really impressed me to no end last year and his song 'Pop It Drop It' is a dancefloor legend that the world hasn't even heard yet. I've had a sneak peek at some of his new demos and they are absolutely flawless.

Naked Highway MySpace | Official Website

Nelson Clemente: I so want Nelson to be famous. He works so hard at making it work and all the while still knows that a good song is the most important thing above all. Expect EQ to go on and on even more so next year about how 'You Me Us We' should be at the top of everyone's favourite mix tape. Maybe the world will know soon as Nelson is putting the finishing touches on his EP now.

Nelson Clemente MySpace | Official Website

Private: This Danish threesome just popped up overnight in the land didn't they? Thanks to PopMuse and Arjan I have come to discover how fantastic they truly are. Their album garners huge kudos to everyone I play it to and with the release of 'Crucify My Heart' out shortly - they leave me excited where BWO left me rather cold. 

Private MySpace | Official Website

Robyn: Now that she is rather famous, at least here in the UK, I will await the next move from Little Miss Powerhouse ever so patiently. Having released my hands-down favourite album of 2007, Robyn is still another act to watch closely. If she releases 'Cobrastyle' I might have heart failure.

Robyn MySpace | Official Website

Sergey: A promotional push is already underway for Mr. Lazarev in the UK and expect me to continue to sing the praises of Russia's biggest superstar to no end next year. EQ is picking up a lot of Russian readers so far based on coverage of Sergey and that's ever so exciting! 'Everytime' is out now and it's so perfect - you really should be listening to his super pop tunes.

Sergey MySpace | Official Website

Sia: Seeing her live for the first time a few weeks ago made me a huge believer in her music. I already loved 'Breathe Me' but her catalog of down-tempo and upbeat pop numbers really get me excited as well. More coverage on Sia as her new album 'Some People Have Real Problems' drops soon.

Sia MySpace | Official Website

 

Simon Curtis: Why he isn't famous yet is beyond me. It truly is a mystery, but his album 'Alter Boy' is so good that the world needs to hear the name Simon Curtis even more in 2008. He is my musical messiah and when he unleashes his brand of electro-pop upon the world - you will sit up and listen.

Simon Curtis MySpace

State City Disco: Popjustice may have their Alphabeat, but EQ has State City Disco. Having created one hell of an electro track in 'Excitement' which you can hear now if you shift your eyes to the left, you will agree that State City Disco is one band you should be paying attention to and we will be following them closely as they get their first collection of tracks together.

State City Disco MySpace

Switch22: I won't shut up about them either. Such great guys and fantastic electro all rolled up into one. I can't help but be under their spell for at least another year. Seeing them live is amazing and expect EQ to be there at all the gigs next year pending I don't get hit by a bus. Switch22 are the shizz. Take notice.

Switch22 MySpace

Temposhark: So fucking good. They released their album 'The Invisible Line' digitally this year and will be promoting the hell out of the physical drop scheduled early in 2008. These guys rock to an electro beat and have had me mesmerized with songs like 'Joy' and 'Knock Me Out' for quite awhile. More Temposhark = More Joy.

Temposhark MySpace | Official Website

 

The Ultrasonics: They are amazing. Having just signed to a record label, it won't be suprising to me to hear 'Why You Had To Leave' and 'It's Over Now' at the top of the pop charts soon. Fronted by the super sexy vocalist Johanna, the band could very well be propelled into fame overnight.

The Ultrasonics MySpace

Take A Break Darren!

My lord, if there is anyone who deserves a bit of time off it certainly is Darren Hayes.  Proving that he truly is a performance machine having just come off the rather large-scale 'Time Machine Tour', Darren has announced this morning that he is once again doing a small UK club tour in February in which tickets go onsale next week!

Here is an excerpt from the news this morning:  "The dates in the UK in 2008 will be the final UK dates in support of 'This Delicate Thing We've Made' and promise to be a total reinvention and reworking of material not showcased in the Time Machine Tour. Darren hopes to explore some of the material on disc two as well as re-work some favorites."

Colour EQ excited!  EQ will be at Darren's New Years Eve party in which we hope to get a glimpse of some of the new live material from the man himself.  And on a totally unrelated note, we are also off to see The Spice Girls on Sunday.

Tiffany Starring in New Indie Film and Subject of Documentary Obsession

EQ diva Tiffany will be starring in a new indie film called 'The Isolationist' which is scheduled for release in 2008.  It's so fab that Tiff is expanding more into film - some may remember that she voiced the character of Judy Jetson in the animated film for 'The Jetsons' quite awhile ago.

Here is a synopsis of the film:  Thomas Shore needs some time alone.  He's planned a relaxing vacation at the beach - away from his job, co-workers, boss, friends, and family.  But when he arrives at his destination, he finds these people pursuing him in aggressive and increasingly absurd ways.  Featuring a quirky cast including Tiffany ("I Think We're Alone Now), "The Isolationist" is an absurdest dark comedy about trying to get away...and failing.

Here are some quirky pics of Tiffany from the film!  She looks great!

Also - I didn't think this documentary film 'I Think Were Alone Now' would ever see the light of day, but apparently it is.  It's even been shortlisted for this years prestigious Slamdance festival in the documentary category.  'I Think Were Alone Now' delves into the lives of Jeff Turner and Kelly McCormick who have been labeled by the media as obsessed psycho Tiffany fans.  The re-cut trailer to this film is a little eerie but highly highly interesting.  As a hardcore Tiffany fan myself over the years, I've ran into Jeff and Kelly on the message boards and the like.  It will be interesting to see if this documentary will be well received by the public and spark some new interest in Tiffany's music. 

(Note - EQ was not asked to star in the film - hehehe)

I Think Were Alone Now - Trailer

Ultra Nate's New Queerlicious Video 'Give It All You Got'

Here is the hot new video to Ultra Nate's track 'Give It All You Got' featuring Chris Willis. How very space-age and thanks again Ultra Nate for throwing the boys a bone.

Work the eye-makeup gurl!

Sergey Releases 'Everytime' on UK iTunes

You know, I run into some of the strangest pictures of Sergey on the net sometimes.  Take this one for instance - what is going on here sweetie?! 

Anyways - Sergey's brilliantly perfect pop diddy 'Everytime' is now available on UK iTunes!  The single package also comes with 5 great remixes and you can even download the video.  I've been getting a fair amount of email asking where you can get his albums in the UK so thought you would all like to know this little bit o news.  It seems that Sergey (note the drop of surname) is going for the sex factor in marketing his stuff to UK audiences - check out the EP cover.  I don't mind.

The EQ Chat with Bubbles & Cheesecake: "We're Like Martha Stewart On Acid With Matching Products and Music!"

I had a chance to catch up with the soulful and unique brand that is Bubbles & Cheesecake a few days ago and below you can hear our chat about all things B&C in this downloadable 30 minute podcast interview including;

• How Allee Willis and Holly Palmer came up with their kitschy name!
• Their thoughts on the gender war that broke out on YouTube in reaction to 'It's A Woman Thang' !
• Delving into the diverse musical backgrounds of the two ladies - Did you know Bubbles wrote 'What Have I Done To Deserve This' by The Pet Shop Boys, the 'Theme To Friends' and even the hit musical 'The Color Purple'!  Cheescake has even sang with David Bowie and Gnarls Barkley!
• Their thoughts on blogging and social networking and what's happening next in their crazy handmade world!

I really enjoyed chatting with these fun gals and am looking forward to experiencing the many fun things Allee and Holly are bringing to pop music in the future.  If you haven't yet experienced the multi-media fun fair Bubbles & Cheesecake have to offer, make sure you check it all out on www.bubblesandcheesecake.com to get your taste!

Stream Bubbles & Cheesecake Chat with EQ

Matthew Duffy Offers Up An EQ Christmas Song As Well!

EQ Royalty Matthew Duffy has also offered a very EQ approved Christmas song in the form of Wham! classic 'Last Christmas'.  I have to say that Matthew's electronic thumpin version of this song is quite good and I'm well impressed just as I have been with Matthew's music thus far.

Go and download it over on Matthew's MySpace page and check out some of his other fab tunes from his excellent album 'The Healing Machine'.  Expect more coverage on Matthew Duffy in the new year EQs!

It's An Electroqueer Christmas Song : Meet Love London

Say hello to the gorgeousness of Love London.  They are a Toronto based pop/electronic band and given EQ readers a little pressie in the form of an electronic Christmas song called 'Sleigh Ride' that you can enjoy as a FREE download over on their MySpace page. 

Why you are there, why don't you check out their rather fucking cool electronic tracks like 'Sick Sick Love' and 'I Put A Spell On You'.  They are EQ approved and thus - well you should be listening to it shouldn't you?!

I might have to keep an eye on these boys...

Zoot Woman's New Video and Free Download

Here is Zoot Woman's new animated video for 'We Won't Break' in which you can also download the free MP3 over at www.rcrdlbl.com.  The track is meant to be an appetizer for their new album hitting the shelves next year which I am a tad excited about.  Zoot Woman was a band I started to pay attention to more when Stuart Price started becoming more popular after working with Madonna.

And if you are looking for some good synth-pop/rock you should go and download their self titled 'Zoot Woman' and 'Living In A Magazine' albums which have always given me random electronic joy in me iTunes. 

Zoot Woman on MySpace - I quite particularly like their cover of Craig David's 'Seven Days'

You Might Want To Consider De-Toxing...

After seeing the new music video to Simian Mobile Disco's 'Huster' you may want to consider going on a detox...this much glutony surely can't be healthy for you.

Warning to all those size zero wannabees - don't try this at home. However it is a little funny to see some skinny girls indulge for a change!

"I Got Herpes...Just Spreading The Love" : Sia Live at King's College

Now I pretty much had Sia pegged as a serious artist whose downtempo songs and collaborations with Zero 7 were nothing short of blissful, relaxing and inspired.  And for the most part - that is true.  However, my opinion of Sia (the solo artist) changed dramatically when I saw her live for the first time at Kings College in London last Tuesday.

To preface the experience, let's just get one thing outta the way.  I didn't go to University in the UK.  American universities generally don't have Student Unions where you can pretty much drink all night long to your heart's content and spend at most, 10 quid.  And if you need something hearty to eat - you won't spend over a fiver.  Rather brilliant - it sure beats the amount of times I had to swindle a fake ID at my University in Rhode Island so I could illegally drink before the age of 21!  So when my friend Keelylicious suggested that we go crash the Student Union before the show - I was completely up for it.  Keeleylicious introduced me to these lethal drinks called 'Snakebites' and boy were they lethal!  I'm surprised I can remember this much of the show...

Walking into the venue I was surprised that it was covered in cute cuddly toys and the most original lighting fixtures I have ever seen in the shape of hand-drawn flowers and trees!  The stage was a colour cornicopia.  Sia is obviously a child at heart with her current art direction being based on children's drawings which is quite cute...not the flashy and slick Photoshop creations that most artists would opt for these days.  Opening with the infectious pop diddy 'Buttons' we see Sia and her band dressed up as happy neon-stick figures which was really fun and it was from then on I knew that this wasn't going to be your average pop concert...

What I love most about Sia is that she's so godamnned quirky.  Not like you would expect from her songs which are pretty polar opposite.  The best part about seeing a live gig for me is the commentary between the setlist and I am convinced that if Sia weren't the brilliant vocalist and songstress she is now - she could very well have a promising career in comedy.  She was even giving out beers and kisses to audience members in which after she gave a boy a kiss, she exclaimed "I got herpes!  No I don't.  Yes I do!  Just spreading the love"... And when her drummer kindly offered his beer to Sia, he exclaimed after she took a sip "I have an STD!"  So hilarious.  Not that STDs are hilarious, but it was funny in that you definitely-had-to-be-there sort of way.  I'm sure the boy she kissed didn't really care either way and I am totally not suggesting Sia has herpes...I'm sure she was kidding!  Crazy gal!

I can't pretend to know all the songs Sia sang because I am not a hardcore fan (for which there were many there that night), but overall the setlist was amazing!  We were treated to 'Somersault' and 'Destiny' from the Zero 7 catalog as well as some songs like 'Electric Bird' from her soon-to-be-released new album 'Some People Have Real Problems'.  Sia jokingly admitted that the new album has already leaked and is available to illegally download and she's cool with it as long as you buy a ticket to one of her gigs!  Awww.  The obvious highlight for me was when Sia performed 'Breathe Me' in which I almost started crying as soon as the eerie piano chords were played.  I first heard this song on the series finale of Six Feet Under and then became obsessed with the tune in the exact same way that fellow blogger 'Adem With An E' did when he blogged about it on The Hotstuff Files awhile back.  I am also finding out that a lot of other fans have come to discover Sia in the same way.

All in all - this was probably one of the best shows I've been to.  It was more fun than a night out with Robyn and even more entertaining than seeing Madonna live at Wembley.  I will happily go to another Sia gig if I can get tickets.  You have to be quick though - girlfriend has a lot of dedicated fans.  Sia said of her fans that whenever she is having a "low esteem day" - she logs onto her message board and reads all the messages.  She even wrote down the names of everyone who told her they were coming to the show on her arm and just about every song she sang was dedicated to a particular fan in the audience.  So sweet.  Sia's biggest fear of her growing fan base is that she "doesn't want to turn into a wanker".  Somehow I don't think this could possibly happen.

Sia's next London show is at Koko on 9 April, I'm telling you.  Don't miss it.  I am dusting off my copy of 'Colour The Small One' now and will be downloading the new album shortly.  After seeing this show - I very well could turn into a hardcore fan.  Sia has pushed my 'buttons'.

Go and download 'Electric Bird' for free from Arjan's blog now to get a taste for Sia and her unique brand of loveliness.

Bjork's New Video For 'Declare Independence'

Bjork's latest video to 'Declare Independence' is quite freaky and brilliant isn't it? I have to give kudos to the director as this video's props need more direction than Bjork and the actors themselves doesn't it? As the song concentrates on maintaining our civil liberties, thoughts, expression and freedoms, it's interesting to see such a militant approach given to le visual.

Kinda genius and totally makes the song a little better if you ask moi. Two thumbs up. I like it.

Rant N Roll

Happy Thursday EQs.  It's been so busy in EQ land lately that I haven't even had enough time to sit down and do me laundry.  Yes, it's that busy.  I'm quickly running out of socks and I've never ever seen the laundry bag look so scary in my life.  I've been wearing clothes that haven't come out of me closet for years which has been 50% cool and 50% what the fuck am I thinking?!  LOL.  Anyways, just wanted to rant for you today on a few things poking away at me, so here goes...

1. XOLondon has done a FABULOUS interview with top uberwoman, Antigone.  What I love about XO's interview is that he really delved into Antigone's upbringing and it's kinda cool to know a little background about how she developed into the mighty songstress she is today.  You can have a read of this fab interview here.  Thanks XO!
2. Like I said before, I wasn't excited about the Kylie X album and I've tried to listen to it a few times, but only a few songs really stand out to me.  'Like A Drug' is fucking incredible.  It's so dark and thumpin.  I LOVE IT.  'The One' is pretty good too.  The rest of the tracks are ok, but it just goes to prove to me that I like singles more than I do full albums.  Maybe it's an attention-span or lack of type of thing.  'Speakerphone' is good too but it doesn't really sound like Kylie now does it?  If I heard that song out and about I would have had no idea it was Miz Minogue.
3. She Said Yes continue to marvel me with their EP.  I highly encourage you all to go have a listen and a download.  It's electrotastic!
4. And Marsheaux - Have been listening to them now for a few weeks now and their albums are really good too.  It's nice to see some more women go electric.  I think I might just like these ladies more than Client who I haven't seem to write much on at all this year like I thought I would...uninspired sigh.
5. I saw Sia live in concert on Tuesday night.  That woman is so out of control and she totally surpassed my expectations with her lively live show.  Expect a full review coming up.  I have never laughed so hard at a show in my life - and I say that in a good way.  You'll see...
6. 'B-Boy Baby' by Mutya.  Ridiculously silly, but it's kinda cute and catchy. 
7. Arjan debuted the new video to Private's 'Crucify My Heart' which is kinda cool.  It totally wasn't what I was expecting, but the song itself really gets me humming.  It's one of those songs you can't get outta your head - check it out over on EQ TV now.
8. All this Spice Girls coverage makes me wanna see one of their like one-hundred shows at the O2.  I think they look great and it would make a good fun and camp night out wouldn't it.  Ugh.  Shall I buy tix or not?  However my loins might burn a little too hotly in see Boyzone's reunion next year.  I hold a special "little place" in me heart for lil Stephen Gately.  One time I almost fainted when he sat behind me at a performance of Wicked.  I wanted to stalk him but I didn't.  LOL.
9. I actually begrudgingly saw 'The Lion King' musical last night too.  It was pretty good.  Despite how fucking corny I think the story is - the costumes and technical magic of the show really blew me away.  Such a fag I am.
10. And finally, let's Electroqueer Retro Rewind and take a look at the classic 'Lips Like Sugar' by one the one and the only Echo And The Bunnymen.  I have no idea why I started singing this song the other day...totally random.

Electrowoman: A Little Bit O Sugar At Bedtime...

Howdy EQs – tis Mrs. Electrowoman here once more, this time on the sly hee hee…I've managed to crack EQ's blog password and have wormed myself into his oh so lovely blogworld.  So whilst I'm here rummaging through all his heels and hot-pants, I'm tying to locate his golden envelope with the all important names of Electroqueer Of The Year 2007 contained within.  But whilst I'm doing that, maybe you will allow me to indulge you with a little electro pop tidbit that is currently cartwheeling around my crazy little ol brain.

Now let me tell you EQs there’s nothing Mrs. EW likes better than to partake in a bit of musical channel hopping and bopping before I snuggle myself up in my duvet for the evening.  I was doing just that a few weeks back, when I suddenly became very perky and alert after I stumbled upon this rather twinkly electro tune 'Chelsea Girls' by David E. Sugar.

Unfortunately Mr Sugar’s MySpace profile doesn't give too much low down on the chap, but it does have 'Chelsea Girls' playing along with a track entitled 'Fingers On The Button', that I’m also quite partial too!Not being deterred by the lack of knowledge on MySpace, I went further trawling through the interweb and I've managed to unearth a BBC interview with Mr. Sugar (David and not Alan!) and I can tell you this:

Apparently he has been playing to large European crowds since 2004.  His early tunes were created by a process called "circuit bending", which involves hacking into chips and software in gayboys… (whoops that’s not quite right - correction: gameboys) …mmmm on second thoughts probably one and the same. Mmm…intriguingly sounds odd? – but really is rather clever.  Oh, and he toured this year with the Scrawny Scottish chap whose into "pop music but not sorta like pop dance electro music (That’s what Tina of Dragonette refers to him as) Calvin Harris. It would appear a bit of Calvin rubbed off on David if you listen to 'Chelsea Girls' - ha ha yeah!

Oh, looky looky here I found the envelope!  And EW is well excited as she now knows who is EQ of the Year 2007!  Oooh really Raj, that’s altogether a rather marvelous choice!  Take note EQs, EW will not be bribed to divulge the info – not for a bar full of Smirnoff Ice and not even for a signed Darren Hayes CD!  I'm off now to tidy up my window box, prune my wilting weeds and plant some winter pansies, I’ll bid you adieu for the duration with the video for 'Chelsea Girls' courtesy of YouTube.  - EW

Cinema Bizarre : This is about as hard rock as I get

So when I was in Rome and Munich I couldn't help but notice these guys called Cinema Bizarre were everywhere along with another band called Tokio Hotel (but I think they suck).  Here is their video to 'Love Songs (They Kill Me)' which I kinda like because it mixes the sparkly electo bits in with the hard guitars.  Hey, that's what the euro kids are listening to these days.

They have been touting themselves as 'The Worlds First iPOP band'.  Does anyone know what that means?   I certainly don't.  Anyways, enjoy the YouTubage on these guys.  I think they might be sexier if they cut their hair - that long 80's metal band hair don't really kills me...but I like the song.

Sneak Peak Of Imogen Heap's 'Not Now But Soon' for Heroes!

This is rather exciting!  Imogen Heap revealed this morning in a new video blog that she is recording a new song called 'Not Now But Soon' for smash hit TV show 'Heroes' in which she even went so far as to play us some rough bits of the demo which sound INCREDIBLE. 

This is a very exciting collaboration in my book as I am in love 'Heroes' myself.  It only took me about 3 days to polish off the first series on DVD and I can't download second season episodes quick enough!  Also loving the tea cosy Imogen is wearing on her head.  I have a few laying about the flat - gonna have to sport them in Soho to see if a fashion trend starts to erupt.  However, Imogen looks far cuter in her tea cosy than I would.  LOL.

Check it out on YouTube!

Electroqueer Of The Year 2007 - The Shortlist!

3 Aussies, 2 Swedes and a Chinese and Oklahoma boy.

These are the the shortlist for Electroqueer Of The Year 2007. One of them will win this weird and strangely queer title as this blog's top artist this year.

And here are the reasons why...

Antigone : Her unabashedly electronic yet soon-to-be-released album is beyond fantastic. How many times have we said this?! The world will be ready for Antigone in 2008. She's my top uberwoman and just a joy to be around in general. She speaks to me in so many ways with her music and has renowed my faith in quality electronica. Roisin Murphy betta watch out - Tigs is in the house.

Darren Hayes : How could he not make the shortlist? I have s