Indie Experimentalists & Fantasy Island Rock

NMU News

On 25th June 2009 The King of Pop, Michael Jackson died of a heart failure. New Music Upfront would like to pay its respects to an artist who helped shape music as we know it today. His music will live on forever as some of the greatest ever made. R.I.P Michael Jackson.

• Two of the year's most hyped female singer-songwriters breaking out of Little Boots' media shadow, La Roux and Florence + The Machine (NMU 31/10/08), have released their albums this month. 'La Roux' and 'Lungs' have had rave reviews and entered at number 2 behind Michael Jackson's 'The Essential' on the week of their releases.
• Last blog post's 'Animal' by Miike Snow was previously a Jo Whiley 'Record Of The Week' on Radio1 and is now on the station's B-List. The single will be released 10th August.
• Steve Appleton's (NMU 7/5/09) next single will be out 16th August and is called 'City Wont Sleep'. The album follows with an end of summer release on 31st August under the title 'When The Sun Comes Up'.
  
• As if a collaboration filled album for Tinchy Stryder (NMU 23/12/08) wasn't enough, he's recently put in a contribution to the charity single cover of The Killers- 'All These Things I've Done'. The August single set to raise money for War Child also features Chipmunk, N-Dubz, Pixie Lott and V V Brown. Available to download very soon.

Chart News (chart as of 26/7/09)

X Factor runners up JLS get a second week at the top of the singles chart with 'Beat Again' as Mr Hudson's first solo single 'Supernova' featuring Kanye West fails to topple them. 'Supernova', shockingly one of only two new entries in the top 40 this week is at number 2, whilst Frankmusik's electro pop song 'Confusion Girl' makes 29. Michael Jackson fever is now fading away as 'Billie Jean' drops nine places to 37, the biggest fall this week. La Roux's first single 'In For The Kill' on the other hand is still popular as it rises six places to 17, the highest riser this week.

The number 1 and 2 position in the album chart stays the same this week as Michael Jackson's 'The Essential' and Florence + The Machine's (NMU 31/10/08) 'Lungs' respectively. Number 11 is home to Jordin Sparks who is the highest new entry this week with her sophomore album 'Battlefield', followed by another Michael Jackson best of album 'The Collection' at 14. Highest risers are Noisettes' 'Wild Young Hearts' at 9 and Green Day's '21st Century Breakdown' at 20, both gaining seven places.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week



Bloc Party- One More Chance
www.myspace.com/blocparty
Indie, Dance, House

Bloc Party are a band never afraid to experiment and push the boundaries of indie music, never more so than with their next 'in between album single' 'One More Chance'. This time around the band are continuing with their attention grabbing indie/dance music in the wake of big chart hit 'Flux'. However, instead of trance type synths this single takes influence from early nineties house music with repetitive chyming piano chords. Proving the production duties of Jacknife Lee never cease to fail, this record blows previous Arman Van Helden collaboration remix single out of the water with an almighty smash. Imagine this song blasting out your car stereo as the sun sets after a hot Summer's day and you'll understand a great setting for such a tune. 'One More Chance' was actually recorded in April because there was 'still some creative energy left', lead singer Kele Okereke explains. Although Bloc Party haven't been a singles band in the past, this song has a club beat giving it potential to be as big as 'Flux''s number 8 chart position. The odd retro video includes a madman on keyboards, a tap dancer in a garage and an attempt to contact the dead with an ouija board.
'One More Chance' is released on 10th August.



Hear Tiesto's trance reworking of 'One More Chance' here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jwfAvDlmWF8

New Artist

Magic Wands
www.myspace.com/themagicwands
Indie, Rock/Pop, Punk

No this isn't a childrens TV programme turned pop group out to scare you as the name may suggest, but an ultra cool indie male/female duo only the hippest kids are following (that includes Little Boots). Meeting outside a gig in not too distant 2007, Chris and Dexy Valentine became friends and started making music together over myspace including their first track 'Teenage Love'. The band produce songs that send you to a typical hot, sunny U.S. setting i.e. the never ending blue Long Beach coastline or a bustling Los Angeles street, whilst wearing your fashionable shades and short summer get-up of course. Heavily influenced by the 80's, the band create a hippy aura similar to that of MGMT with their steady beats, apathetic echoing vocals and demanding guitar riffs. Image-wise, artwork from the band draws in dreamy animal fantasy and space like scenes, which compliments their music perfectly.They have already toured with Black Kids and The Virgins and are now heading out across America this Autumn with another up and coming band School Of Seven Bells. A debut EP from the band was recently put up for downloading on UK iTunes featuring five hot tracks that can also be heard on their myspace. A scheduled album release date has not been stated in the press, but look at NMU News for when the information is out. The video for which was their first single (June 08) and arguably their most catchy song, 'Black Magic', can be seen below:



A video of Magic Wands performing 'Kiss Me Dead' live can also be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIx8OpHPtq4

Recent iTunes Uploads:
Florence + The Machine- Lungs
La Roux- La Roux
Jackson 5- Who's Lovin' You

André 3000's Protégé & A Dirty Funker

NMU Update

• Florence And The Machine's (NMU 31/10/08) highly anticipated debut album will get its release this Summer on 6th July.
• 'Magnificent' is U2's (NMU 24/01/09) second release from 'No Line On The Horizon' and has been released this week.
• The next single and video from Asher Roth (NMU 24/01/09) features Cee-lo from Gnarls Barkley on a track called 'Be By Myself', found on his debut album 'Asleep In The Bread Isle' out now.
  

Chart Update
Making a second week as the number 1 single, Tinchy Stryder (NMU 23/12/08) has worked his rhyming magic on another record conveniently named 'Number 1'. This time he is lent a hand by fellow UK rap trio N-Dubz. 'Going In For The Kill' by new 80's inspired duo La-Roux stays put at number 2 followed at number 3 by another UK rap entry. 'Tiny Dancer (Hold Me Closer)' is the highest new entry courtesy of Ironik & Chipmunk. The Maccabees are the only other new entry into the single chart this week with 'Love You Better'- 36. Asher Roth (NMU 24/01/09) is currently at number 27 with 'I Love College'.
Spanning a career of over 40 albums, Bob Dylan knocks Lady Gaga off the top spot in the album chart with 'Together Through Life'. Consequently of Dylan's return, The Enemy's second album 'Music For The People' does the best it can to reach number 2. Pink's 'Fun House' makes the highest move up the top 10 from 10 to 6.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week

Dirty Funk- Steve Appleton
www.myspace.com/steveappleton
Pop/Acoustic/Funk

Uplifiting could sum this song up in one word. Sang by a 19 year old from Surrey, this pop tune is sure to enter high up the charts with its energetic chorus and thumping beats. In the video you'll see Appleton has gone for a surfer type look with his straggy hair and casual wear at a lively party, everyone having fun. Stick to just the listening and it's certainly the scene this song creates in your head. The song starts off with the uptempo strum of a guitar followed quickly by a high beep and kicking of drums that instantly captures you for a full listen. Appleton's mellow vocals float on the chords of the guitar with ease as choppy lyrics make up the verses and when the anticipating transition to the chorus is made a helpless sing along is demanded. With a release date in May there couldn't be a better time for this track as it effortlessly begs the awakening of Summer sunshine. 'Dirty Funk' is out to download and buy on CD now.



Also check out his King Of Leon cover of 'Use Somebody': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Boe7dXp6deE

New Artist
Janelle Monae
www.myspace.com/janellemonae
Pop/Rock/Soul

Don't be put off by her current myspace background where she looks slightly pained but be tempted by NME who call her music 'slick futurism' in the current issue. Not the only vent of futuristic claim about this lady, her myspace says she sounds like 'a runaway android' and her music features an orchestra of chirpy, unsual sounds. The soulful Monae enters into the pop scene with a boundful of celebrity fans including Pete Wentz of Fall Out Boy and Outkast. 'Enchanting' praises André 3000 who's rapping other half Big Boi first featured Monae on his album. Monae hails from Kansas City where her charisma and artistic flair was allowed to nurture and it is 2009 with her upcoming album 'Metropolis' that Monae will flourish. The music you will hear from her is funky, experimental, and refreshing to the ears. See the impressive video for 'Many Moons' in the form of a short film below.
Whilst a UK single release is yet to be publicised, the album 'Metropolis' is due 24th August 2009.



Janelle Monae also features on the collaboration 'Open Happiness': http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTk5dRytUI8&feature=PlayList&p=D7A85485F30677F4&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=33

Recent iTunes Uploads:
The Mummers- March Of Dawn (iTunes single of the week)
Rod Thomas- Same Old Lines
Ercola- Ercola

Mega Band Return & The Next White Rapper

NMU Update
The Brits have awarded Florence And The Machine (NMU 31/10/08) the Critics Choice Award 09. Following in the footsteps of 2008 winner Adele, 2009 is sure to be a very successful for the band fronted by the amazing singing talent of Florence Welch. She will collect the award at the show on 18th February.
'Walking On Air' by Kerli (NMU 30/7/08) has now clocked up over two and a half million views on youtube.

Chart Update
Previous Song Of The Week (NMU 31/10/08), 'Day 'N' Night' by Kid Cudi (Crookers Remix), shot into the charts at number 2 last week and remains there for a second week. Cudi finally gets the gratification of a successful release some three months since its first radio airplay. 'Take Me Back' by Tinchy Stryder feat. Taio Cruz (NMU 23/12/08) has launched up the chart from number 39 to 3 this week after its second week of sales. Creating the pop media frenzy of the moment however is Lady Gaga who stays put at number 1, making it her third week. Her next single 'Poker Face' is creeping slowly up the charts, up four spaces to 26 this week on downloads alone. The top 10 is likely to see host to the song in the near future with a full release.
In the album chart, new 80's influenced band White Lies celebrate a number 1 as the first new act of 2009 to achieve the feat. Anthony & The Johnsons' fifth EP 'The Crying Light' at 18 and Seasick Steve's 'Dog House Music' at 37 are the only other new entries this week.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week


U2- Get On Your Boots
www.myspace.com/u2
Rock

The band dubbed 'the best in the world' by Rolling Stone make a long-awaited welcome return after a surprsingly long 5 years. Record Of The Week for Radio 1's Sara Cox, the rockers have already created a division in opinions. Is the comeback single good enough?
Most notable in this song is the encapsulating, chugging guitars, throbbing bassline and choppy lyrics about forgetting your worries and having fun. The song has a similar tempo and bassline to 'Vertigo', the first single off the previous album 'How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb', yet unfortunately lacks the same sort of impact. Staying true to form though is the more than experienced and highly creative Edge on lead guitar, bringing the unique U2 riff. Although this song might not standout on their reported upcoming tour, it will ofcourse still sound good live. Everything they produce always does. You can see U2 give a come back performance of the song as they open The Brit Awards on 18th February, which will no doubt be show-stopping and a highlight to the show. 'Get On Your Boots' is out to download from 15th Febraury and gets it's physical release the next day. The new album 'No Line On The Horizon' follows 2nd March. A video to accompany the song has not been released as of yet.




New Artist
Asher Roth
Hip Hop/Rap/Soul
www.myspace.com/asherroth

Out to proove he's the best white rapper since Vanilla Ice and Eminem is 23 year old Pennsylvanian Asher Roth. Comparisons to Eminem can go slightly further as Asher's expressive rap accent draws upon similar American slurred pronounciation. Signed after he was found rapping in his dorm room by producer friend Scooter Braun, he has now been snapped up by big guns Universal. Top Hip Hop A-listers have lined up to hear his music and he's not afraid to tell us on his myspace that Ludacris, Akon, and even Jay-Z rate him well. Asher's first single 'I Love College' finds him reminiscing fondly about his college days claiming 'I love drinking, I love women, man I love college'. Predictively, the song will gather a big following from both current and past students who can relate to the typical events he recalls of his college days. Whether Asher Roth can succeed in convincing traditional lovers of rap with his music is slightly shady, but with catchy chorus' and relatable, flowing lyrics it seems quite certain the majority will be won over. His first single 'I Love College' is already gaining him US fans but is yet to be accompanied by its own music video as yet. Future international release of his work has not been confirmed, but UK airplay is likely to be heard sometime this year.




Recent uploads to my iTunes:
Lady Gaga- Poker Face
TV On The Radio- Halfway Home
Little Boots- Stuck On Repeat

Top Club Track & A Highly Tipped Songstress

Chart Update
Number 1 in the singles top 40 this week is Girls Aloud with 60's inspired 'The Promise' after a well publicised performance on XFactor. Second highest new entry is NMU (3/10/08) featured 'Infinity 2008'- Guru Josh Project at number 3 this week. Bloc Party slip in at number 39 with 'Talons' (NMU 16/09/08).

Rock legends AC/DC managed a mighty number 1 album spot in a total of 29 countries, reflecting a dedicated fanbase still going strong. 4 other top 10 new albums starting the Christmas rush come from Sash's 'Best Of', Sugababes, Katherine Jenkins, Leon Jackson. Kaiser Chiefs commendably settle for number 2 with their third Mark Ronson produced album 'Off With Their Heads'.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week

Kid Cudi- Day & Night (Crookers Remix)

www.myspace.com/kidcudi

Hip Hop/Alternative/Rap

Already becoming an underground hit on the dancefloors, Day & Night (Crookers Remix) is currently circulating Radio 1Xtra's B List and is highly anticipating a Radio1 crossover. When a live strobe light accompanies the track breakdown that includes a manifesting alarm loop in a club, urban dancers are set alight to pulsating beats and 'whomping' bassline electronics. The original track by US rap outift Kid Cudi about a 'lonely stoner' has clocked up over a million listens on his myspace for this song, whilst the remix transforms it from a laidback cruise to a spark of energy. This new rapper boasts similarities with both Kanye West and Lil Wayne and aims for a crossover of genres. Guitars, drum and bass, and catchy samples all feature in Kid Cudi's music. A release date for the Crookers Remix of Day & Night is yet to be announced.

New Artist

Florence And The Machine
www.myspace.com/florenceandthemachinemusic
Indie/Punk/Soul

This voice will hit your soul. Emotional, dramatic and powerful are a few words to describe this new sound hailing from South London. Florence And The Machine make music so captivating they beg to be seen live, a potential festival stand out. It is expected this band will be all over the summer festivals of 09. Your first listen of this band was possibly from an advert for channel 4's new music channel '4 Music' with 'A Kiss With A Fist' (see below). Songs suggest a stripped down folk-indie sound with energetic drums, keyboards and guitars that accompany lead singer Florence Welch's powerful swoons. Florence And The Machine are currently on a UK tour including an acoustic set at the intimate Union Chapel in London for Jo Whiley curated 'Little Noise Sessions'. References can be made with the edgyness performance of Cat Power, the catchy rhythms of Feist, and Ida Maria who is also part of the progressing new punk wave. Next single 'Dog Days Are Over' is a happy clappy feel-good sing along to be released through Moshi Moshi Records on 1st December 2008. An album is yet to be confirmed.

Recent Uploads to my iTunes:
Bloc Party- Intimacy

Crazy P- Stop Space Return (iTunes Single Of The Week)

Joss Stone- Governmentalist