This track may be a couple of years old, and the re-release of Heal may have already passed - but I have just stumbed across this incredible remix of My Heart Is Refusing Me. It's one of the only remix's that tones it down a little bit, and doesn't try to make it into a huge heavy-house remix.
— MARINA &THE DIAMONDS (@MarinasDiamonds) August 8, 2013
Electra Heart is over. Marina & The Diamonds officially tweeted the final part of what has been an INCREDIBLE era for her. From Fear & Loathingand Radioactive (one of my all time favourites) to the beautiful Liesand hit Primadonna, Marina should be proud of what she's put out. The music, the styling, the character and the whole archetype idea was AMAZING.
Well isn't this a lovely surprise! The amazing Sam Sparro has just dropped a new mixtape over on his Soundcloud. The half hour mix is being released in the lead up to volume 1 of his new music mini-series Quantum Physical. Volume 1 will be released this September, with lead single Hang On 2 Your Love released shortly before that.
Barbie Breakout, a German Drag Queen has posted this video on his YouTube channel in a protest against Russia by sewing his mouth shut:
“The pain I felt inside when I had to see in the media what is happening in Russia was greater than the physical pain of the needle," he said. "My partner held the camera while I did it. But he couldn’t look."
The powerful video has recieved almost 100,000 views.
"Don't let them take your voice. Speak up. Open your mouth."
Stop exactly what you're doing and get this album streaming NOW. It is every bit as incredible as expected, and after seeing them live at Lovebox last weekend, I have now an even more cemented LOVE for the pair!
New visual from the incredible Marina and the Diamonds. Lies has to be one of the most beautiful and emotional songs on Electra Heart - and thankfully there is a perfect video to accompany it. It's simply shot, with some beautiful black and white head shots. It's simple and beautiful.
Also look out for #11Diamonds - rumoured to be a release of 11 unreleased tracks coming soon!
Icelandic Gods Steed Lord just dropped another Diva Edit, this time Ciara getting some of it. So fresh, give it a listen and take up on their free download of the track!
New from Natalia Kills. Saturday Night is a pulsating personal song with an equally personal video. She's looking stunning throughout and her sophomore album is shaping up to be another killer. [Click to watch first single Controversyand promo(?) single Problem].
Well then. I have to admit I'm disappointed in myself for only just taking the time to listen to
Hi Fashion. The video for Lighthouse is amazing, with the track itself pouring emotion from the start - similar to that of Robyn and Vanbot.
What's even better is their pile of songs and videos from the past couple of years. I'm in LOVE. There's sex, there's Raja from Drag Race, there's incredible dance tracks and some fierce vocals. Click more NOW for a selection of my favourites!
It's here! Pet Shop Boys' new album Electric, due out next week is now available to stream in full here - thanks to Rdio.
I've been incredibly excited for this release since hearing the first single Axis a while ago - and the follow up Vocal was no disappointment. Although there are only 9 songs, they almost all clock in at over 5 minutes each. And from early reviews, this is one of their best pieces in years.
SHIT. This is big! Mutya Keisha Siobhan have just dropped this SMASH. Flatline will be released on September 1st as their first single from the upcoming album.
The track was written and produced by Dev Hynes (Flo + The Machine, Solange) and is FRESH!
New from Lulu James! After releasing the audio a couple of weeks ago, the video has finally dropped - and it's amazing! Lulu looks GORGEOUS throughout, and the production of the video is spot on!
On first listen it's a bit of a slow one, and feels like it builds but doesn't reach it's max. Listen properly to fully appreciate the sound. Give it another go, because after a couple of listens you'll have it on repeat all day. I am OBSESSED!
Let's just take a moment to observe. Nicki's verse. The Ciara flow. Synchronised twerking. That white crop top and skirt. The J-Lo realness in the water.
Due to be released next week, Pink's latest video has leaked online! Taken from The Truth About Love, True Love is the fourth single from Alecia Moore's sixth album.
The video features the beautiful Carey Hart as well as baby Willow (ADORABLE!) and a quick piece from Lily!
New M.I.A! Bring The Noize is the first single to be taken from Matangi, due out this autumn. I'm feeling real Die Antwoord vibes from her on this one - which is good!
In just two years, RÜFÜS have made a name for themselves on the Australian dance music scene. With remixes and original tracks for Kitsuné to a headlining tour, they've started off with a bang.
They release their debut album ATLAS in August, and Desert Night is the second single. The track is A-MAZING and so is the video. Those dance moves have got to be replicated sometime soon. Sadly the track is only available in Australia at the moment - and it looks like their second focus is the US, so for people in Europe/UK, we just gotta deal with the Soundcloud streams for now (below).
Happy Saturday! Give this new Poisonous Relationship remix by Chicago's The Black Madonnaa try. It pumps up the pace of the already stellar original track and teeters on the edge of huge arena-style house but just manages to keep it in check - it's incredible.
This is special. Prepare to hear this all summer long - and I'm expecting some killer remixes. Tagged as '21st Century Soul', this is a perfect follow up to Lulu's debut single Closerfrom earlier this year. It builds into a wonderfully icy house track in the last two minutes. Give it a listen above!
You can see Lulu James at Lovebox Festival this July!
YEY! It's Robyn's newest single featuring Snoop Lion Dogg! The video features a young boy version of Robyn and an apparent female Snoop Dogg, and pays homage to a lot of her older videos and dance moves. I'll be honest, I don't really know what's going on in there. But be careful you don't blink, or you'll miss Robyn's appearance at 2:20 serving some 80s realness.
Note that the song is taken from Body Talk Part 2 that was actually released in 2010 (!!!!). The fact that she had Snoop feature in such a large way just proves how ahead she is. AND it still sounds FRESH.
Here it is! After teasing it for weeks, Miley's new video has been released. It's exceptionally try-hard, featuring every current type of 'don't care, won't care' attitude stereotype. It's basically a Saturday night after party on film - minus the drugs...
But I strangely love it. Plus she looks incredible throughout. Go to VEVO to watch!
It's as if Ciara's management are purposely out to ruin her career. Her upcoming self-titled album due for release July 7th, has partially leaked - due to some tracks being made available on her own website! I love Ciara, her past two albums may not have impacted any sort of charts, but they slayed me! I am certainly looking forward to hearing the full album!
New Garçon Garçon! The Australian duo have just released new track Instant Attraction following on from their debut EP release in 2012. The single was released on iTunes today!
I've followed these guys since before their first release, and was lucky enough to design the t-shirt that is currently sold on their website. Go and show the boys some love!
When we all thought the #BodyTalk era was over, Robyn pulls this one out of the bag. From what seems like out of nowhere, she's been tweeting with the hashtag #UShouldKnowBetter, and quoting various lines from the song from Body Talk. Now it seems there's a video being teased for the 'single'.
Who the fuck knows! Follow Robyn on Twitter and Vine to be a part of it!
*This doesn't excuse a huge delay for the next album
New video from babe Rod Thomas aka Bright Light Bright Light. Moves is the final single taken from the album Make Me Believe In Hope and the video is very beautifully shot, directed by Paul Frankl.
This powerful video by gay artist and activist Leo Herrera is a powerful five minutes, looking at various aspects in the history of queer culture spanning more than 50 years. Using footage and imagery of iconic milestones, Herrera has created something amazing, including celebration of modern queer culture, pain and suffering, and the stigma that still plagues the LGBT community.
It's definitely one to watch, and I think regardless of your age, being LGBT is incredibly important, and you should know your history.
The artist's statement:
“This film was created through that prism with the hopes that every gay man can find something to identify with. The Fortune Teller does not attempt to be an all-encompassing history; the clips in the Fortune Teller were curated based on icons and moments that personally defined me as a gay man. Mexican singer Juan Gabriel was the first gay person I identified with as a child, I’ve sat many nights laughing at Kid Fury’s preacher-like passion and razor wit, I still remember the first time I saw the androgynous Karis perform in the Scissor Sister’s Filthy/Gorgeous video and thought “I can be that?!” or the moment Hedwig sang Wicked Little Town and reminded me of the unrequited love of high school. My work in HIV Criminalization has made me see how deeply ingrained the stigma of HIV is within our community and my wild nights in San Francisco’s nightlife has shown me that a party can be a cathartic communal experience..”
You can get a breakdown of all the footage used in the video here. And more about Leo here.
Yeezus has arrived. The album leaked online earlier today - and I have to say, it's a killer. A quick tumblr search can give you pretty much a full listen. Be quick, Kanye's team will have that shit removed before you can say Kim Kardashian's a wh...
AB SOTO dropped his new video for my FAVE song from Fag Out Vol 2 today - Huntress. The video is as fierce and fabulous as you would expect, so press play and get it down.
There is also European dates to be announced soon - I'll keep you posted!
Check the first official teaser trailer for upcoming film Diana. Naomi Watts will play the role of Diana Princess of Wales - and has recently described the role as her hardest yet.
The film is directed by Oliver Hirschbiegel, and will be released late 2013.
I'm a couple of weeks late posting this one, but it still needs doing. Collaboration track Sacrifice between Simian Mobile Disco and Bicep is incredible. The visual to go with it is also equally incredible as is true with every SMD video.
Apple unveiled iOS7 today at the WWDC in San Francisco. FUCK.
There has been an entire overhaul of the system, a simplified 'flattened' look, and also layers. Basically, it's incredible and exactly what Apple needed to bring themselves back on top.
Read more here. iOS7 will be available in the Autumn.
As for the OS updates, the next generation will be named OS X Mavericks. Also available in the autumn. Read more here.
And let's not forget an honourable mention for Jony Ive - the beaut that has designed these (hardware and software)
GIRL. It's Saturday, get on it. This mix is HOT. Get it on LOUD. (tagged MANTHEM)
JOHN is a dance cult for folk who worship men. We are your homo jock residents. Expect penetrative bottom end and a lactose & trance free serving of future. Sounds to get you in the mood for a back-room encounter.
Nike will be releasing two new colourways into their increasingly popular Free Run 5.0 range - emblazoned with colours of the rainbow, a homage to the LGBT Freedom Flag. As part of the new #BeTrue range, there will also be tshirts, vests and phone covers.
All profits from the #BeTrue range will go to the LGBT Sports Coalition, which has set the goal to end anti-LGBT discrimination in sports by 2016.
Read more here. (Sadly these are only available in the US at the minute)
All Out is an independent movement that relies on support from its members and supporters to grow and thrive.
All Out are an amazing organisation who fight for equal rights for LGBT people all around the world. They highlight severely important issues, both in the UK and US, to countries worldwide where the human rights and health & safety of members of the community are at risk.
It literally is as simple as signing a petition to get an App removed from App/Android Store, or donating just £5 for some causes. FIVE pounds - that's less than you will spend on your lunch from Pret or Leon or Nandos this week.
It is such an incredible organisation, and it can only continue if we all help. Sign up, share with your friends, family and colleagues, and help to make a change.
Video for Stromae's Papaoutai. Once again, he absolutely smashes it. You can read the English translation for the track here. In English the track is called Where Are You Dad - which makes the video that little bit harder hitting and artistically brilliant.
Just announced! Kelis and Lianne La Havas will play on the Sunday of Lovebox, 21st July!
I saw Kelis on the Sunday last year, and although she was 30 mins late, she was fucking incredible - and debuted Distance. I'm hoping we'll have another single out in time following on from Jerk Ribs (a whole album is 1 wish too far).
New poster for upcoming Nicolas Winding Refn - Only God Forgives. I am SO excited to see this, and if it's anything like Drive, it's bound to incredible.
The above poster features Kristin Scott Thomas, who has been hailed as the winning performance in the film (above Ryan Gosling). Out July 19th.
New video from House of Wallenberg! Real Woman is the next single to be released from Legends, and is the follow up to the incredible Be Somebody.
The video is too much fun! There's so much colour, 90s vibes, dancehall beats (also adidas Originals by Jeremy Scott) with features from a range of 'real women' from Wallenberg's hometown of Stockholm. This is the first time the legendary Neneh Cherry and late Ari Up have appeared on a record together, after being best friends and working together in the 80's.
FRESH from being premiered with Ryan Seacrest, here is Miley's new single, We Can't Stop.
A much slower 'jam' than a of people were expecting - but it's got a similar sound to Rihanna's Cheers (Drink To That). After a few listens, it's bound to be a grower.
YES! This is perfect! Six minutes of wonderful electronic bliss!
Anything I want to be said out loud will be sung
It's in the music
It's in the song
Everyone I hoped would be around, has come along
For the music
Following up from the first single Axis from new album Electric, Vocal is a HUGE track and has the possibility to be a big commercial success for them. The album is released July 15th.
New from Icona Pop! Girlfriend is loud, upbeat and just pure fun. The track samples Tupac's Me & My Girlfriend, and if it catches on in the UK, could potentially be a massive summer hit!
After what seems like a lifetime since the H&M advert featuring less than one minute of this song was released, B has finally performed Standing On The Sun as part of the Mrs Carter World Tour. It's not the highest quality, but it'll have to do for now as it seems Team B are still keeping quiet about pretty much everything from the new album.
There were rumours this week that the follow up to 4 will be released in November.
Beyoncé was back in the UK today to perform at the Chime for Change concert in London - featuring Madonna, Ellie Goulding, Florence + The Machine and more.
Cazwell has just dropped this very lively preview for his new tune with Luciana - Guess What? The song will be released on June 4th, followed by the video on June 10th.
This man honestly is incredible and his dedication to his work is undeniable. In the latest upload to his 'Leçon' (Leçon n 25) series on YouTube, Stromae has revealed new song Formidable.
The video shows him in Brussels at 8.30am - mid rushhour. He appears to be drunk, and stumbles around the pavement shouting various lines to his beautifully written song. As you expect, people react in various ways, from completely avoiding him or asking him if he needs help - to taking pictures and filming him. At one point, the local Police actually stop and recognise him - "a bit tired? I'm a big fan of yours. Want us to take you home?".
Look at my previous Stromaeposts to gain a bigger insight into his work - and lookout for the followup to his debut album Cheese.
Amazing. The Lonely Island have just released this video from their new album, featuring Queen of Sweden Robyn. Go Kindergarten is obviously completely hilarious/a load of shit, but there's something serious about the state of the music industry at the minute in there.
What's funny looking at comments, is the amount of people saying things like:
'too much writing in the middle of the video, distracting. dont give a shit about links and hashtags'
'thelonelyisland sucks now these days I don't even laugh or have a smile just find it childish that's my opinion u can hate on me whatever PS: I used to find them hilarious.. not a hater'
The humour is obviously much higher than 'I'm On A Boat!'.....
New summer tune from Elliphant! Music Is Life is a slightly different direction for Sweden's Ellinor Olovsdotter with a light summery dancehall beat (horns included), perfect for when it finally reaches SUMMERTIME. There's a feature from Jamaica's Ras Fraser Jr. too.
Get in on LOUD.
Over the past few weeks, I have become obsessed with Loreen. Not only is she amazingly beautiful, and Swedish - her songwriting is incredible (she has credits on almost every song), and teamed with stellar production, her debut Heal is honestly a 10/10 album.
If you also haven't paid proper attention to her, now's the time to start. Her new single We Got The Power has just been dropped along with the video above; directed by Loreen herself.
"I always have a clear picture of what I want to convey in my artistry and feel a great responsibility for the things I release. Moving images, for me, creates an extra dimension to the music. In addition, we need more female directors in the industry. More women who dare to take place, just like the video for ‘We Got The Power’ is doing." - Loreen
Her debut is also being digitally rereleased at the end of this month, so you can feel not-to-late to the game. Out 31st May.
For the past few weeks, this Facebook group has been KILLING me. Suitable named DRAG NAMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!! it's basically a constant flow of gays adding HILARIOUS potential drag names.
These guys are possibly my favourite DJs. They bring pure quality each and every time. Broadcast last week, this Boiler Room x adidas Originals 35 minute set is no different.
I'll be honest- I've never heard of Dan Black. I stumbled across this video while looking for live performances from Kelis from this month. WHY doesn't she promote things on her twitter - this shit is GOOD!
The video was filmed over the space of 24 hours, with 1 shot every 16 seconds to create a human timelapse! Amazing! What's even more amazing, is the beautiful backdrop that is Paris!
A while ago I posted new track from the beautiful BANKS, produced by Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs. The video has just been released, and although is kept simple throughout, it's strangely hypnotic.
ASOS Black and Puma are back for round two, after their highly successful collaboration last year. Each piece combines Puma's sport and ASOS's fashion aspects to create a great spring/summer collection. Whereas the primary colours last time were orange/navy, there is a variation with yellow/blue/grey here, with a focus on sharp contrasts and oversized polkadots. Each piece is still kept simple and fresh - with shirts, knitwear, outerwear and t-shirts.
New Lulu James! This is beautiful-that twinkle in the background, agh! This girl is going to be BIG over the next couple of years. If you haven't already, click here to listen to Closer - an 80s synth/90s house track.
Just wanted to say a huge thanks to guys over at SilenceLDN for my t-shirt! If you missed my post about them the other day you can see it here! Get onboard!
Don't forget you can now buy their SS13 range online!
So, after posting about Poisonous Relationship only a few days ago, I have become obsessed with the album. It's such a cohesive piece of work, and I can definitely see it remaining high up in my summer playlist. Today, Jamie Crewe released his video for the album opener - Men's Feelings and it's superbly shot, featuring Crewe in various outfits. Werk it.
Annie Mac has just dropped her new Sunshine Mix Vol II. If you didn't listen to Vol I last year, do it here. It's over an hour of pure summer tunes, perfect for having a beer and BBQ to! It's also available for a free download via THIS.
Featuring tracks from Cyril Hahn, Duke Dumont, Rudimental, Disclosure, MNEK and more, she kills it again. Make sure you catch her at Lovebox this year, where she's hosting her own stage: AMP; Annie Mac Presents.
SilenceLDN is a new streetwear brand based out of South East London. (Yes, another streetwear brand...) What makesSilence stand out, is that they keep it exceptionally simple, and they have got it spot on with their social media presence. They've even had girl-of-the-moment Cara Delevingne wearing their shit.
Initially, I discovered them when they followed me on twitter, and was drawn in simply by their logo and mysterious tweets. When they finally revealed their promo range I was highly impressed, and their SS13 range was no different. They're reasonably priced as well, with tshirts at £25.
Support independent brands, and keep an eye out for SilenceLDN this festival season.
"We think things are best kept simple, stylish and striking so we keep our garms that way."