Monstrous Rap Track & The Princess of Dubstep

NMU News

• Eliza Doolittle's (NMU 1/2/10) popularity has grown greatly since her last single 'Pack Up' went straight to number 5 in the chart. Her self titled album also rose to an impressive number 3 after its July release with a Gold certification. 'Rollerblades' hopes to continue the success as her third single out 18th October.
• Disc-Overy, Tinie Tempah's (NMU 1/2/10) debut album, is out next week 4th October and features collaborations with Kelly Rowland, Swedish House Mafia and Ellie Goulding. Third single 'Written In The Stars' is out this week whilst currently sitting at the top of the iTunes chart almost confirming a number one on Sunday.
• Continuing to churn out the singles is Marina & The Diamonds (NMU 16/5/09) with fifth single 'Shampain', a stand out from the album 'The Family Jewels'. Out 11th October, the video is influenced by Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' with a group of female zombies. She hopes for a better position than last single 'Oh No!'s number 38.
• Deadmau5 (NMU 16/5/09) got his biggest promo gig yet at the beginning of the month as the house DJ of the MTV Video Music Awards where Travie Mccoy, Jason Derulo and Robyn performed remixed versions of their songs. 'Animal Rights' is the name of his latest single in collaboration with Wolfgang Gartner out now.
• The latest pop act to get their own reality TV series are The Saturdays (NMU 6/8/09) with 'The Saturdays 24/7'. You can watch the entertaining series that gives an insight to their busy showbiz lives Thursdays 9pm on itv2.

Song Upfront

Kanye West feat. Jay Z, Rick Ross, Bon Inver & Nicki Minaj - Monster

Rap, Hip/Hop

www.myspace.com/kanyewest

Mr egotistical and the self confessed royal highness of rap is back on the music scene and as ever he wants the world to know. Although he has a personality with the unashamed audacity to rub people up the wrong way (most notably Taylor Swift), it's Kanye West's music that speaks much more volume than the attention he frantically strives for in the tabloids. There is no doubt his perfectionist studio skills pay off whenever the finished articles are let loose on to the public. Currently his competition for rap king crown is hindered slightly by Eminem's triumphant return, but this is no challenge for the fearless Yeezy who has always been deserving of punching above his weight. Promo for the upcoming release of album number five, Dark Twisted Fantasy, couldn't be bigger. Closing the MTV Video Music Awards with an exclusive performance of 'Runaway' is striking for the audience enough clad in full red suit and big gold chain, but Kanye hysteria revolves online around what he calls 'GOOD Fridays' on his official website. Every Friday since 20th August, Kanye has added a free download of a new track which can be accessed by simply entering your email address. This new music business model of free music may be inventive but surely this will majorly hinder his sales come 'Dark Twisted Fantasy''s 15th November release. On 27th August the second track to be uploaded was 'Monster', which is one of five tracks taken from an EP called 'Watch The Throne', a project undertaken with his good friend Jay-Z. Featuring a collaborative line up only someone in his position can, including the odd vocals of inde-folk singer Bon Iver for the intro, this is a song that strongly pushes Kanye far in front of his contemporaries. Nicki Minaj, a US female rapper currently riding high at the top of the Hip Hop property rankings, also throws down some distinctive verses on the track as she brags about how popular she is despite having 'no album out' yet. It is arguably her best performance on a track to date and definitely the most powerful. 'Monster' has been produced with one of the heaviest and rhythmic beats you've ever heard, whilst aggressive lyrics distinctively annunciated by the rappers in turn will whip any Hip Hop fan into a frenzy. This track acts as a message to the haters and other artists that Jigga claims are 'fake fucks with no fangs' who are copying his work by trying to 'draw blood with [his] ice cold veins'. Also notable on the song are unique samples such as a repetitive voice in the background giving further impact to the beat and a lion's roar which culminates each verse with added strength. It is fair to say that 'Monster' is one of the biggest Hip Hop tracks of the year. 'Monster' is free to download from Kanye West's official website now and is taken from EP 'Watch The Throne', due for release 23rd November.

Watch Kanye West close the MTV VMAs with a show stealing performance of new track 'Runaway' featuring Pusha T here.

Artist Upfront

Katy B

Dubstep/Dance/R&B

www.myspace.com/katyblondon

Every new urban scene needs credible artists to launch its music respectfully over to the mainstream. For garage we had The Artful Dodger's formidable, fresh samples that turned us into the 21st century, for grime we had Dizzee Rascal's ruthlessly sharp tongue lashing out of our speakers, and for modern day dubstep we have the mighty beats of super group Magnetic Man aided by the essential contributions of Katy B. In the past couple of months dubstep has officially hit the unforeseen public of the mainstream. Magnetic Man, compromising of top producers Benga, Skream and Artwork, were eager to follow up Skream's 2009 breakthrough remix of La Roux's 'In For The Kill' and have crafted a number 10 debut hit in 'I Need Air' (July 2010). Now stepping up to the plate and bettering the position with her own debut single is 21 year old South Londoner Katy B with her number 5 smash 'Katy On A Mission'. With Benga, one third of Magnetic Man, producing the track infused with a dark whomping bassline, an addictive chorus and complimented by an undergound club scene video, it's understandable why the single was able to top both the indie and dance charts. To date the video for the track has managed to clock up nearly four millions views. The B-side of the single 'Louder' proves her other tracks are just as delectable by making a mark in the dance chart at number 21. Perhaps the coolest Brit School graduate to date, Katy Brien has shot from underground to stardom status far quicker than the usual artist having already played at impressive venues such as Fabric, Matter and Ibiza Rocks, whilst just last weekend she performed at BBC Radio 1Xtra Live. Before being snapped up by former pirate radio brand turn record label Rinse, the start of her career consisted of her lending sweet soulful vocals to funky mixes by Geeneus and DJ NG whilst touring the live club circuit around the country. Katie B's next single 'Lights On' will feature the returning Ms. Dynamite who is making a big impact on the underground urban scene with her new sound, so it's sure to be a song to look forward to. Due for release 3rd October, watch the unofficial video for Magnetic Man's second single 'Perfect Stranger' featuring Katie B below.

Check out Katy B featuring on an earlier track called 'Fade Away' that shows the versatility of her vocals shining through over drum and bass beats.

Finally

Here's what you need to...

Hear...Plan B's album 'The Defamation of Strickland Banks' because it is one of the best albums of the year.

Watch...Indie band OK Go's latest music video for 'White Knuckles' featuring a troop of performing dogs. It has followed the band's trend by going viral with over 4 million views.

Read...'We Are Pop Slags', a music blog nominated for the BT Digital Music Award 'Best Blog'.

Pop Ballad Of The Year & Folk/Rock Revivalist

NMU News

• Tinie Tempah (NMU 1/2/10) has recently announced the 14-date Disc-overy Tour which will feature fellow label mates Chiddy Bang on support duties. His third single 'Written In The Stars' is going to be released in September and is sure to hit the top 5.
• The self-titled debut album of Eliza Doolittle (NMU 1/210)was released 12th July and entered the chart at a very impressive number 3, whilst second single 'Pack Up' has risen three places to number 6 this week. The album cover resembles closely to Lily Allen's first album 'Alright, Still'.
  
• Another debut album that's been released this month is the long awaited 'Metropolis' by Janelle Monae (NMU 7/5/09). Although awarded top scores in the press the album is yet to slip inside the top 40. Current single 'Tightrope' featuring Big Boi is a standout track.
• 'Oh No!' will be the fourth single to be released from Marina And The Diamonds' (NMU 16/5/09) album 'The Family Jewels'. It is out to download from 2nd August and has a colourful cartoon inspired video to go with it.
  

This time NMU brings you...

Song Upfront

Christina Aguilera- You Lost Me

www.myspace.com/christinaaguilera

Pop

In one word, this vocal performance can be classed as stunning. Christina has always had the best songwriters on hand to perfect striking, heartfelt lyrics which is none more so demonstrated by this standout track from new album Bionic. Taking credit for the song’s writing duties are Christina herself with the help of solo artist Sia and one of her biggest song writing collaborators Samuel Dixon. Also finely produced by Dixon, the song begins peacefully with gentle piano keys as Christina weeps into the microphone, ‘the love is gone’. Great anticipation is built for the three minutes thirty seconds of blissful hearing pleasure that follows. Christina’s trademark vocal acrobatics float through the bridge of the song with sombre violins creeping in as it is revealed the woman’s partner in question has been unfaithful. First run through of the chorus is sung with angelic notes from the top end of her vocal register juxtaposed to the force by which she sings it at the other end of the track. It is rare for an artist to be able to pour their heart out on a track about sensitive subjects as well as this and it is this connection to the deepest emotions of her dedicated fan base that she does perfectly well. As the song breaks down the violins pick up and she cries ‘You’ll regret it but it’s too late’ crafting a poignant yet dramatic masterpiece. At its climax the song’s overwhelmingly powerful melody ignites Christina’s erupting vocals in the final chorus, hitting your senses into an alarming whirl wind. The final breathes bring the song full circle with a sad but calm reiteration of the song title, ‘Babe, you lost me’. This is yet another storming ballad to go alongside such previous hits ‘Beautiful’ and ‘The Voice Within’ and will no doubt enthral those lucky enough to witness its recital live. ‘You Lost Me’ is hoping to top previous single ‘Not Myself Tonight’’s disappointing number 12 position and is expected to get a UK release in September.

Christina nailed her first live performance of the song 26th May on the American Idol finale and you can see it here.

Artist Upfront

Lissie

Folk/Indie/Rock

www.myspace.com/lissiemusic

The American folk/rock scene gets an energised revival in the form of Illinois’ Lissie. The 28 year-old with long blonde locks and freckled face has a raw striking voice fused with an American twang, setting her apart from anyone in the commercial radar of now, and for quite a while back in chart history for that matter. She has been constantly performing this year and managed to win over famous fans in the form of Courtney Love, Mumford & Sons, and Mark Ronson along the way. Her determination to showcase her music shines through by looking at a touring schedule that has included a number of UK festivals such as Glastonbury with Bestival, V Festival and several others still to come. November 2009 saw her first release in the form of five-track EP ‘Why You Runnin’’, which showcased one of her best written tracks ‘Everywhere I Go’. The song which has been used on several TV programmes including Grey’s Anatomy has moving vocals and a solemn accompanying guitar that tugs at the heartstrings of listeners. ‘Angels will call on me and take me to my home’ she cries in a track that will sadden yet astound listeners into wondering how the singer is able to evoke our emotions so strongly. Earlier this year Lissie performed a storming rendition of the song with the help of Ellie Goulding for a live duet. Debut album ‘Catching A Tiger’ followed at the start of July with critical acclaim in the press, landing near the top 20 of the album chart at number 22. Many tracks on the album are uplifting mid-tempo affairs such as third single ‘Cuckoo’. This musical approach is reminiscent of popular folk/rock from the 70s and ideal for driving with the top down during summer taking your mind away to long winding American highways. Regrettably past singles ‘In Sleep’, concluded by a guitar solo that begs for increased volume, and ‘When I’m Alone’, rhythmically pulsed with a sing along chorus, failed to enter the top 40 despite rotation on Radio 2. However, Lissie’s talent doesn’t necessarily need confirmation by single success as she is truly an album artist whose unique vocals will be loved by a niche crowd of followers. Lisse will be heading out to support The Script on their UK tour this September before embarking on her own at the end of October. Single ‘Cuckoo’ is set for release 30th August and you can watch the accompanying video below.

Lissie has caught attention of new fans with her cover of Lady Gaga’s ‘Bad Romance’ which can be heard here and will feature on the release of 'Cuckoo'.

Finally

Here's what you need to...

Hear...Katy Perry's next single 'Teenage Dream', which will probably be just as big as 'California Gurls'.

Watch...N-Dubz's amusing and insightful reality series 'Being...N-Dubz'

Read...'Real Music First', the detailed blog of fellow music reviewer Emma Hitchens.

The Next UK Rap Superstar & A Chirpy Pop Female

NMU News

• Marina And The Diamonds' (NMU 16/5/09) biggest record label push comes in the form of single 'Hollywood'. Watch the eye-grabbing video and listen out for the brilliant lyric starting 'Oh-My-God...'. She has also featured heavily in the majority of top music tips for 2010 lists.
• Last NMU featured artist Plan B (NMU 29/11/09) did well to hit the top 10 with 'Stay Too Long'. Peaking at number 9, it is his most successful single to date. He has announced that follow up single will be called 'She Said', out 22nd March 2010.
• A big disspointment was had by The Temper Trap (NMU 27/8/09) boys. Follow up single 'Fader' failed to reach the top 40 at a disspointing 76 in the first week of 2010 music sales. Could this be a sudden end to their singles career before it even had the chance to bloom?
• Ke$ha (NMU 29/11/09) has gone from strength to strength since first single 'TiK ToK' was released. It reached number 1 in five countries and set the female weekly download and total weekly top 40 mainstream airplay records in the US. Album 'Animal' is out in the UK 1st February 2010.

This time NMU bring you...


Song Upfront

Tinie Tempah- Pass Out
www.myspace.com/tinietempah
Hip Hop, Electro, Grime

UK rap has found its new calling in Tinie Tempah. Blasting out of South London with the lyrical skills to match those of the 2009 UK rap successes (Chipmunk, Tinchy Stryder, N-Dubz), he adds a different spin to what has recently been a very pop centred scene. He has been tipped as one of MTV's '10 of 2010' and it doesn't come without reason. Aspiring for the popularity of his inspirational role model Dizzee Rascal, the underground grime scene was also where Tempah begun his career at the tender age of 16. Though his music may not appeal to a demographic as wide as Dizzee's latest efforts, Tempah differentiates himself with moody beats and addictive rhythms. Outstanding hooks are the key to his music. The rapper has managed to develop his talent and discovered the commercial appeal to produce 'Pass Out'. Numerous Radio 1 DJ's have been all over this track like bees to honey naming it 'Single Of The Week' and it has solidified itself whithin the station's B List. This track has the makings of guarenteeing his cross-over into the mainstream with a bang. 'Pass Out' is revelled with dark dubstep synths and begins with a tinny drum chatter leading to 'It's OK, I'm good'. This signals the start of the unforgettable song as the heavy bass of the beat kicks in. Bragging about his rapping high life propects, Tempah's London rapping accent has a rolling flow you can't help remember making the lyrics sound seamless. Finishing on a mighty high, the track transforms into a drum and bass rave, which will no doubt light up the clubs. 'Pass Out' is scheduled for release 1st March 2010. See the official video below that matches the song's greatness:


To find out more about Tinie Tempah watch an interesting interview video here.

Artist Upfront

Eliza Doolitte
www.myspace.com/elizadoolittle
Pop, Jazz, Folk

The quirkyness of young Eliza Doolittle's music will sashay its way into your mind throughout 2010. Currently grabbing interest on the live circuit, it was back in November when her first fans lent their ears to Eliza's Stevie Wonder and Minnie Ripperton influenced tunes. Her first EP 'Rollerblades' was released with the title track, her most trademark song to date, which is a ditty she sings about moving on with thoughts of 'knowing what you want before you say it'. Eliza best describes her music as 'mix of soul-felt pop in the old skool sense, with a little fruit, spice, sugar and nuts.' and this sense of creativity is reflected greatly in her innocent music with colourful style. Her cutesy and feminine attitude is refreshing much like Lily Allen and Kate Nash once were as she simularly chooses day-to-day experiences as the object of her songwriting inspiration. She also has her individual dress sense of short dresses and Nike trainers down to a tee as she prances round in the video to lead single 'Skinny Genes'. Easily a definition of sun bleached pop with it's steel drum rhythm and piano tinkling, the single is a song about displaying her flirty affections towards her boyfriend. Most noticeable here is a satisfying whistle in the chorus that combines with the song's bouncy melody with the power to magically perk up a miserable February. Confirmation of the release date for 'Skinny Genes' is to be announced soon and her as yet untitled album is to be released this Spring. Watch the official video to Skinny Genes' here:



For further listening, watch this collection of video tasters that were used to promote Eliza Doolittle's first EP Rollerskates.

See Eliza Doolittle Live.
At Buckinghamshire New University on the 11th of Febuary 2010. See photographs of that gig here. thanks to the Validus Mercian Media Group

Finally

Here's what you need to...

Hear...Up and coming songstress Tara London, who will feature in a new blog post soon.

Watch...'United State of Pop 2009', an entertaining mash up video that has clocked 10 million views.

Read...The book 'The Futue of Music' by David Kusek, an insightful read for any music fan.

A Musical Mau5 & A Diamond in the Rough

NMU Update:

• Coldplay have decided to release a full album worth of new tracks this week, which is available free from their website www.coldplay.com.
• In the bid for a better chart position, 'Jump In The Pool' by Friendly Fires (NMU 31/8/08) has been re-released.
  
• Surprisingly, Steve Appleton's 'Dirty Funk' (NMU 7/5/09) did not enter the top 40 singles chart. A re-release of the song or a second single in the future is sure to give the singer the success he deserves.
• Soul legend Chaka Khan is still going strong as she is set to release a new single with the help of Mary J. Blige. See the behind the scenes footage for the video to 'Disrespectful' here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cb1_6suMrRA
  

Chart Update:
The Black Eyed Peas have made a welcome return to the singles chart by hitting the top spot this week with club track 'Boom Boom Pow'. In the top 10, 'We Made You' by Eminem goes up from 7 to 4, whilst Ciara ft. Justin Timberlake 'Love Sex Magic' goes down from 6 to 10. The highest riser is the new Soulja Boy Tellem ft. Sammie song 'Kiss Me Thru The Phone', which rises fourteen places from 30 to 16. The other two new entries slipping into the top 40 this week is album track 'Beautiful' by Eminem at 38 and a return is made from Bill Withers at 40 with soul classic 'Ain't No Sunshine'.
Album chart top 10 highlights include punk rockers Green Day shooting into the number 1 spot with '21st Century Breakdown' while new releases come from Maximo Park 'Quicken The Heart' at 6 and Jim Reeves' 'The Vert Best Of' at 9. Alesha Dixon has had a good week with single 'Lets Get Excited' going 25-13 and album 'The Alesha Show' 27-12.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week


I Remember- Deadmau5
www.myspace.com/deadmau5
Dance/Trance

Granted this song has been around for a while, but it is a good song and Deadmau5 clearly deserves the hype. You will be hearing a lot more from this Canadian DJ as his popularity grows and not just because of his cool name. With a leet five for the s that ends his name, this can also be found in his record label 'Mau5trap'. He wears a light up mouse head on stage, naturally, and has an array of impressive dance tracks meaning a Deadmau5 gig is a definite treat. He really knows how to work a crowd and none more so than with his new single along side Kaskade, 'I Remember'. This song is more of a chilled out approach for Deadmau5 featuring soothing vocals over synths and a pulsing bassline. The opening chymes take you off to a dreamy world before the soft singing sends you into a trance coma. Listening to this song will conjure up imaginations of a lively, alcohol fused crowd filling a festival in the summer air. A scene not unfamiliar for the DJ and happening all over the world at his shows this summer including his set at Creamfields. 'I Remember' is the start of Deadmau5's attack on the mainstream and bigger singles are bound to follow. 'I Remember' is out to buy and download now. See the exciting short film video below:



Deadmau5 recently performed a crowd pleasing slot at Radio 1's Big Weekend: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/bigweekend/2009/artists/deadmau5/


New Artist
Marina & The Diamonds
www.myspace.com/marinaandthediamonds
Pop/Alternative

Another new '& The' artist but this singer should be anything but overlooked. Flatteringly, Miss Marina tells us it is the fans who are The Diamonds. There is a lot of theatrical type women out there in the charts at the moment but it's Marina's creative songwriting and nack for a piano hook that makes her stand out from the other Nash's and Florence's. Influences of Kate Bush run arife in her punchy lyrics and fluctuating vocals that range from deep trembles to harmonic highs. Just like her myspace friend Little Boots, Marina is making a similar strong build up before any album release. Backing from the BBC should mean Marina & The Diamonds is a sure fire succes with performances at Radio 1's big weekend and a live lounge session on Radio 2, whilst Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephen's is raving about his fellow Welshman. Festivals featuring an appearance from Marina this summer include Glastonbury, Underage fesitval and Bestival where she's sure to cause a stir. Marina & The Diamond's second EP 'The Crown Jewels' is released on 1st June through Neon Gold Records. The artistic video for previous captivating first single 'Obsessions' can be seen below:



Marina writes her own blog that can be found at: http://marinaandthediamonds.blogspot.com/

Recent iTunes Uploads:
Bloc Party- Signs (Armand Van Helden Remix)
Enter Shikari- Take To The Skies
Marina & The Diamonds- Obsessions