Stryderman's Third Number 1? & Best New Band of 09 Competitor

NMU News

• Asher Roth's (NMU 24/1/09) new single 'She Don't Want A Man' was exclusively played on Zane Lowe's Radio1 show this week. It features the vocals of Keri Hilson in the chorus.
• 'Ghosts 'N' Stuff' is the title of Deadmau5's (NMU 16/5/09) next single with Rob Swire from Pendulum on vocals. Currently on Radio1's B List, it's due for release 28/9/09. the song will be a track on Deadmau5's forthcoming new album 'For Lack Of Better Name', released the previous week (21/9/09).
• A monster rap collaboration has been made on Kid Cudi's (NMU 31/10/08) next track 'Make Her Say'. Not only does it contain a 'Poker Face' hook sung by Lady Gaga but Common and Kanyé West have also lent their rapping talent to the track.
  
• A catfight for number 1 is almost upon us in the singles chart as Pixie Lott's second single 'Boys & Girls' goes head to head with The Sugababes' 'Get Sexy'. The Sugababes look set for number 1 with their release 31/8/09, whilst Pixie Lott is hot on their heels releasing her single the week after (7/9/09).
  

V Festival Roundup

The sun shone on Hylands Park, Chelmsford for the 14th annual V Festival last weekend (22nd-23rd August) to create a heated star studded weekend. Aussie dance sensations Pendulum were easily one of the most popular acts of the weekend, creating a storming set to an energetic crowd Saturday night. Moshpits were pocketed across the crowd whilst others raved with glowsticks in hand to the sounds of hits 'Blood Sugar', 'Turantula' and their insane remix of The Prodigy song 'Voodoo People'. Hysteria levels could not be beaten by Lady Gaga however, who filled out The Arena tent on Sunday night with a screaming, jumping crowd. She power vocalled her number one's 'Just Dance' and 'Poker Face' and danced all over the stage so much so that she broke a heel. Headliners of Saturday evening The Killers played many album tracks the revellers hadn't heard before, but an encore of 'All These Things That I've Done' and 'When You Were Young' had the whole crowd clapping their hands and singing along at the V Stage. Dissapointment of the weekend came from Oasis who could have walked all over The Killers' headline slot the next day had they not cancelled due to Liam Gallaghers 'laryngitus'. Fans had to make do with Snow Patrol, MGMT or Keane Sunday night who all played Oasis covers in their absence. Other highlights of the weekend included Dizzee Rascal's crowd pleasing 'Bonkers', Katy Perry's crowd dive, and a healthier looking Amy Winehouse joining The Specials on stage during their set.

Chart Update (as of 23/8/09)

David Guetta added another number 1 to his collection this week in the singles chart with 'Sexy Chic', this time with Akon on hand for vocal duties. Also hitting the top 10 is new Justin Timberlake signing Esmee Denters at number 7 with 'Outta Here'. Elsewhere, Just Jack makes a re-entry to the chart at 11 with mellow pop song 'The Day I Died' proving his popularity has returned somewhat. The highest riser moving up fourteen places to 23 is Lily Allen's '22', proving her popularity is still strong. 'So Fine' by Sean Paul is the only other new entry at number 25.

There was a battle between Calvin Harris and Tinchy Stryder (NMU 23/12/08) for number 1 in the album chart this week. Harris prevailed by budging Michael Jackson off the top spot for the first time in a while and Stryder settled for number 2. After 40 weeks, Beyoncé's 'I Am Sasha Fierce' is still going strong at number 3, whilst new band Vagabond's 'You Don't Know The Half Of It' makes its debut week in at 27. Little Boots' 'Hands' is the highest riser this week, moving nine places up from 34 to 25.

This time NMU brings you...

Song Upfront

Tinchy Stryder- You’re Not Alone

www.myspace.com/tinchystryder

Rap, Dance, Pop

Possibly one of the best samples of the year comes from 22 year old Tinchy Stryder (NMU 23/12/08), with his third single off his debut album 'Catch 22', 'You're Not Alone'. The chorus features an Olive sample from the original song under the same name, which was a standout mid 90's dance track. With the familiar hook and his popularity at its peak at the moment, this next single could easily be another number one for the East Londoner. Tinchy Stryder has built a reputation with his music by choosing the right synths to please everybodys ears, which also bodes very well in the clubs. He repeats the words 'keep holding on' in a song about convincing the one he loves that they should be together, ending with the sample's 'maybe it's time to be with me'. His rapping fills the gaps between the Olive lyrics with ease and when the synths breakdown for a few seconds he advances his chat up line verses over a melodic piano. Other than debut single 'Stryderman', the only negative behind Tinchy Stryder's releases is that he seems nerved to go it alone (no pun intended) considering two previous collaborations and now a sample. However, this isn't going to stop him releasing some of the most popular songs of the year. Calvin Harris may have won the fight for number 1 on the album front last Sunday, pipping Stryder to number 2, but this track could put him ahead to 3-1 on the singles front. Don't put it past him to release a fifth single if all goes to plan with 'You're Not Alone', he has plenty other songs to choose from his 18 track album. Although at number 50 in the singles chart on downloads already, a release date for 'You're Not Alone' is set 2nd November. An official video is yet to be released.

To compare Tinchy Stryder's sample to the original Olive song 'You're Not Alone', see the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_q5dG8pjOY

Artist Upfront

The Tempertrap

www.myspace.com/thetempertrap

Indie, Alternative, Rock

If you’ve heard any other new bands so far this year, The Temper Trap has the potential to knock them all out the water. This four piece pop/rock group from Melbourne, Australia create music that hits the soul. As the beginning guitar chords resonate on lead single 'Sweet Disposition', the last breeze of a brilliant summer gone by phases over you as August comes to a close. Fond memories of times we have laughed and soaked up the sun will flood by as lead singer Dougie Mandagi’s vocals call out as if from hill tops. 'Sweet Disposition' is recognisable from both the 4Music V Festival advert, a SkySports HD advert, and it has also been a ‘Single of the Week’ on iTunes. Most new bands really don’t get a set up as good as this. A metaphorically creative name has been chosen for this band who caught the attention of Arctic Monkey and Kasabian producer Jim Abiss. With Abiss taking up producing duties, The Temper Trap have created Coldplay-esque melodies with Mandagi's vocals complimenting the style as greatly as Chris Martin can. Tracks like 'Love Lost' and 'Fader' have a sound that empowers the air. A newly relaunched Infectious Records will be very pleased the album 'Conditions' is being praised by the critics, achieveing 3 stars from Q and an 8/10 from NME. 'Sweet Disposition' has been out to download since 27th July but is now climbing up the charts at number 35. See the official video below:

A break beat remix of previous single 'Science Of Fear' has been created by Mistabishi, which can be heard here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BrTERFG_21M

Finally

Here's what you need to...

Hear: Eve's dirty, dance-dub return track 'Me N My Up In The Club'

Watch: Hadouken's new video featuring an angry asbo mouse- M.A.D.

Read: Number 18 in NME's Future 50 list and popular music blog with the stars www.popjustice.com

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

UK Rap/Dance & Big Star Collaborators

EXCLUSIVE
U2 are returning in March 09, it's official. The world conquering Irish four-piece will return 2nd March with their 12th studio album 'No Line On The Horizon'. Five long years will have passed since the band's last new material, the 9 million selling How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb from 2004. Go to www.u2.com to stay updated with all the regular news of upcoming U2 releases.

Chart Update
It comes without a surprise that X Factor winner Alexandra Burke's 'Hallelujah' is this years Christmas number 1. Internet download campaign attemps to get Jeff Buckley's version the title and stop the yearly X Factor guarentee failed to beat the pop hungry masses. Buckley moves to number 2, whilst the original by bankrupt Leonard Cohen raches 36. Peter Kay's mickey take female persona Geraldine is the second highest new entry at number 5 with Gary Barlow penned track 'Once Upon A Chrsitmas Song'. Beyoncé gains a second song in the top 10 after an amazing joint X Factor performance with Alexandra Burke, as 'Listen' goes in at number 8 meeting 'If I Were A Boy' at number 4.
Take That's 'The Circus' and Leona Lewis' 'Spirit' stays at number 1 and 2 respectively in the album chart, being two of the biggest sellers of the year. Gaining fifteen places at number 9 with 'I Am Sasha Fierce' is Beyoncé, whilst Fall Out Boy's new album 'Folie A Deux' makes a dissapointing entry at number 39.

This week I bring you...

Song Of The Week

Tinchy Stryder ft. Taio Cruz- Take Me Back
www.myspace.com/tinchystryder
Hip Hop/Dance/Garage

UK rap has wilted somewhat this year, but to prove a different case for the next is Tinchy Stryder. Coming straight out of London with a vengance, the Universal Records rapper is here to make name for himself as the 'Star In The Hood' (title of his 2007 album). 'Take Me Back' is arguably Tinchy's most commercial friendly single to date, and gaining a place on the Radio1 B-List could also mean it'll be his most successful. In this song about needing his ex girlfriend back in a relationship that went wrong he takes hold of rapping the verses. Tai Cruz on the otherhand, sings the repetitive chorus not dissimilar from his own single 'Come On Girl' in a robotic voice. Rhythmic synths catch the listener along with a melody demanding dancing at high volume. The electronics feature highly in his music while he ventures into garage, grime and bassline territory in his other songs. Tinchy Stryder can be seen supporting N-Dubz end of March and throughout April on their UK tour, whilst 'Take Me Back' is out from 19th January 2009.



New Artist
N.A.S.A.
www.myspace.com/nasa
Hip Hop/Dance/Experimental

It is without a doubt that N.A.S.A. (North America/South America) has to be one of the front runners for 2009's hotly tipped. A mighty duo of Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon will blast 'Bazilian Funk' onto the music scene next year, boasting a bigger collaboration lineup than Mark Ronson and Timbaland of 07. Take first UK single 'Gifted' for example, not only does it feature Mr 'post-modern' Kanye West but also the indie likes of Santagold and Lykke Li. Both who made a fiery attempt to inject originality into the charts this year. If the mighty hook of the verses in this song don't capture you simply from the star studded features, the space age interludes certainly will. These fella's are not afraid to let loose of their experimental creativity, and have managed to concuct a genre hopping plathora of seventeen ear-grabbing tracks for the album. Talking about not holding back, it appears they embrace strong political views with images of George Bush and Saddam Hussain amongst other controversial characters, appearing in the video for 'Money'. Demonstrating the need for music with meaning, they highlight the world's greed and selfishness in our global society. N.A.S.A. is sure to be heard tearing up the clubs in the new year. The debut album 'The Spirit of Apollo' will be released on 17th February 2009.



Recent uploads to my iTunes:
The Prodigy- Invaders Must Die
The Ting Tings (BBC Radio 1)- Shutup And Let It Snow
Vampire Weekend (BBC Radio 1)- A Punk (Live from Maida Vale)