- 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.
