The newest music news for you: 2012-12-23

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Katy Perry: Oscar would be a dream

Katy Perry is hoping for an Oscar nomination next month.

The singer's hit single Wide Awake is on the shortlist of tracks eligible for a nomination in the best original song category.

The 28-year-old hitmaker penned the track for her concert film Katy Perry: Part of Me.

She told USA Today the idea of a nomination is 'like a dream's dream'.

'When I was growing up and working on music, it was always a dream to win a Grammy, but Oscar was so far out of my dream sphere,' she wrote via email.

Katy said it would be an honour to hear her name among the nominees.

The official list will be announced by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences on January 10.

'This would be a nomination of a completely different caliber,' she wrote. 'One that is more impressive than many other ones I''ve had. It''s interesting to step out of your playing field and to be recognized from a different angle,' Katy added.

The star has a busy awards season ahead.

She is nominated for nine Grammys and will find out if she takes home any gongs at the 55th annual prizegiving on February 10.

The 2013 Academy Awards will be broadcast live in the US two weeks later on February 24.

Bruno Mars: I don't need fame

Bruno Mars insists he has never craved fame.

The singer became a worldwide hit after the release of his album Doo-Wops & Hooligans in 2010. Following success with singles such as Just the Way You Are and Grenade, Bruno topped charts all over the world.

Despite being one of the biggest names in the music industry, Bruno prefers to keep a low profile and concentrate on his music.

"Becoming famous was never what I wanted to do. There's a lot of things that come with fame - it's what people in the limelight have to do,' he said in an interview with LA Times. 'I'm like, 'Can't I just write and sing?'"The 27-year-old star is currently promoting his recently released follow-up album, Unorthodox Jukebox. He wants the new material to reflect where he is today, not where he used to be.

Many of the tracks are inspired by relationships, with him recently admitting Locked out of Heaven was an ode to his steamy romance with Halle Berry.

Bruno hopes his fans enjoy the album as he has put a lot of time and effort into making it.

"If people are going to have an idea of me," he explained, "I'd just want them to think of a guy who goes in the studio, works hard and jams out."

Nicki Minaj 'angers crowd with late show'

Nicki Minaj was reportedly two-and-a-half hours late on stage recently as she was 'resting her vocal cords'.
The rapper-and-signer was slated to host a party at New York City nightclub Webster Hall at 1.30am on December 25. However, she was late to the Christmas Extravaganza concert and apparently didn't take to stage until 4am.
A source told New York Daily News that the star was 'resting her vocal cords' to ensure she could give the best performance possible.
Even Nicki's entourage were apparently unsure what was going on, with rapper Fat Joe among those who were confused.
Concertgoers reportedly began to lose patience with the star, with some deciding to head home early.'A lot of fans were upset and started to leave,' a source explained.
When Nicki eventually put in an appearance, she was dressed in her famous flamboyant fashion. She opted for a skin-tight black cat suit with red detailing, which showed off her ample curves.
She apparently spent most of her time on the VIP balcony though, much to the annoyance of some guests who were expecting her to perform. The star eventually mingled with the crowd, spending time with some of her fans.
It's not the first time Nicki has had problems with her voice. In August she cancelled a show in the UK after bruising her vocal cords during a previous performance.

Rihanna set for exclusive NYE show

Rihanna is set to perform at an exclusive New Year's Eve party in St. Barts.
Billionaire Russian businessman Roman Abramovich is renowned for splashing the cash with his annual bash on December 31, which usually attracts hordes of the world's rich and famous.
This year the event is being held on the Caribbean island, and many stars have already started to gather.
According to New York Post, Rihanna is widely tipped to be providing the entertainment. It's thought Roman has arranged for her to jet in to take to the stage in front of guests including Naomi Campbell and Harvey Weinstein.
It's been reported 400 people will attend the party to see in 2013, with Roman ' who is expecting a baby with his partner Dasha Zhukova ' readying to spend £5 million on the festivities.
Other stars who are known to be on the island and are thought to be attending include Kate Moss, Ellen DeGeneres and her partner Portia de Rossi, Russell Simmons, Rachel Zoe and Kimora Lee Simmons.
Roman's famous yacht is moored on St. Barts at the moment. His $1 billion boat is 532ft. long, the biggest in the world.
The party will apparently be held at his 70 acre estate on the beautiful island.
Another big event will be held in Mexico on December 30, with Discovery Land Company's Chairman Mike Meldman inviting many to celebrate with him. The resort developer is famed for his extravagant bashes, with Jeremy Piven, George Clooney and Leonardo DiCaprio all thought to be going this year.
'Mike really goes all out for the party on the 30th. A lot of the celebs have houses at the [El Dorado] resort [where the party is taking place] or are allowed to stay for free for the party. Then the celebrations carry on to the private houses, right through New Year's,' an insider told New York Post.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason saves Foote's music store

Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason has invested in the London music shop where he bought his first drum-kit.

Mason stepped in and bought the store when he heard it was going to go out of business. Foote's sales director Rob Foote will run the store. 'At the eleventh hour, our business loan was turned down by our bank,' Rob told mi-pro-co.uk. 'It was a major blow to our plans, but Nick came to our rescue. Without him, and our collective of generous investors, Foote's would be no more.'

He had purchased his first ever kit from the store in 1958 for £7.50. That started his music career that went on to create history with Pink Floyd but before that Nick started a band called The Hotrods with a few mates.

In his book 'Inside Out' Nick explained, 'The fact that none of us knew how to play was only a minor set back, since we didn't have any instruments. Consequently allocating who played what was something of a lottery. My only link with drumming was that Wayne Minnow, a journalist friend of my parents, had once bought me a pair of wire brushes. After the failure of my early piano and violin lessons, this seemed a perfectly legitimate reason to become a drummer'.

Foote's at 41 Store Street, London was founded by Charles Ernest Foote in 1920 and is run my musicians today.

Footes boasts 'the largest selection of drums, percussion, woodwind brass and string instruments in Central London'.

Legendary funk diva Marva Whitney passes away

Marva Whitney, one of the greats of funk and soul and the woman whom James Brown called ÂgSoul Sister #1ÂÂ, passed away last night (December 23, 2012). She was 68.

Tributes and messages of sympathy are spreading across social media networks and music forums today, as it was announced on Marva WhitneyÂfs official Facebook page that she had died overnight.

ÂgWeÂfre saddened to inform you that Soulsister #1 Marva Whitney passed away last night. She left us with a legacy that will shine forever. Please keep her family in your prayers.Âh

Hugely repected by funk devotees as one of the rawest, brassiest divas of all time, Marva sang regularly with James Brown, accompanying him on his late-Âf60s tour of Vietnam, as well as performing her own set as part of the James Brown Revue in 1967.

In 1969, Whitney made her first solo recordings for King, BrownÂfs label at the time. She scored a Top 20 hit on the R&B charts with ÂeItÂfs My Thing (You CanÂft Tell Me Who to Sock It To)Âf, which was a rewrite of the Isley Brothers hit, and the follow-up, ÂeThings Got to Get Better (Get Together)Âf just missed the R&B Top 20. Much of WhitneyÂfs work has been sampled in hip hop tracks, most notably ÂeUnwind YourselfÂf.

In December 2009, Marva collapsed on stage in front of thousands of fans at the Falls Festival in Lorne, Australia, while performing with The Transatlantics. Taken to Geelong Hospital and diagnosed with a stroke, she made a recovery and was performing again in 2010.

No details have been officially released regarding her death, although her Wikipedia page has cited complications of pneumonia.

Northside Records, who already planned to host a local tribute to James Brown (who died on Christmas night six years ago) at the Espy in Melbourne tomorrow night have confirmed that Marva Whitney will be also honoured at the event.

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Adele 'trademarks name'

The 24-year-old English singer has filed an application with the country's Intellectual Property Office, according to UK newspaper The Sun.Adele has reportedly trademarked her name.

The publication reports Adele was concerned about her name being attached to a product she hasn't endorsed.

'She doesn't want anyone exploiting her name by using it on products which may trick punters into thinking she's involved with it,' a source said.

A trademark would mean Adele could take legal action against anyone who uses her name to market a product she has not approved, such as a perfume or jewellery.

Adele, who welcomed a son with partner Simon Konecki on October 19, isn't the first celebrity to attempt to trademark a name.

Beyoncé Knowles failed in her mission to trademark her daughter's moniker, Blue Ivy.

The singer and husband Jay-Z welcomed the baby girl on January 7 and shortly thereafter filed an application with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office through Beyoncé's company BGK Trademark Holdings.

Parents are authorised to trademark the names of their minor children in the US.

However, the couple were denied the trademark after a Boston-based event planning company filed its own application in 2009.

Showaddywaddy 40th tour dates

SHOWADDYWADDY have long been established as Europe's most successful ever exponents of retro-inspired rock & roll. The record simply speaks for itself!

15 massive selling albums (including the Christmas number 1 in 1978) An incredible live show - acclaimed the world over! In excess of 50 Top of the Pops performances, and countless Industry awards and the band are 40 years old and have unveiled a 2013 UK tour to celebrate!

Former lead singer Dave Barton still manages the band after handing over vocal duties to Andy Pelos. Dave has also makes his literary debut with his book 'The Boys of Summer' charting the rock n roll life in the 1970's, through to the last decade when the heady days of teeny-bop hysteria were long gone.

In this bitter-sweet account Dave Bartram candidly recollects the extraordinary occurrences of 10 weeks in the UK's bucket & spade resorts, which strained every emotion to breaking point!

SHOWADDYWADDY ARE: :

LEAD VOCALS ANDY PELOS
DRUMS ROMEO CHALLENGER
BASS GUITAR ROD DEAS
KEYBOARDS/VOCALS DEAN LOACH
LEAD GUITAR/VOCALS PAUL DIXON
DRUMS/GUITAR/VOCALS ROB HEWINS

Full tour dates

JANUARY
FRI 11th BIER KELLER-BRACKNELL
SAT 12th ST. DAVIDS HALL-CARDIFF
FRI 25th ALBERT HALLS-BOLTON
SAT 26th PLAYHOUSE -EPSOM

FEBRUARY
FRI 1st NEW THEATRE-HULL
SAT 2nd CORN EXCHANGE-KINGS LYNN
FRI 8th PLAYHOUSE- WHITLEY BAY
SAT 9th VILLAGE THEATRE-EAST KILBRIDE
FRI 15th PLOWRIGHT THEATRE-SCUNTHORPE
SAT 16th THE STABLES-WAVENDON, MILTON KEYNES
FRI 22nd MART THEATRE-SKIPTON
SAT 23rd BUCCLEUCH CENTRE-LANGHOLM

MARCH
FRI 1st BECK THEATRE-HAYES
SAT 2nd PICTUREDROME-HOLMFIRTH, HUDDERSFIELD
FRI 8th SAVOY THEATRE-MONMOUTH
SAT 9th LIBRARY THEATRE- DARWEN
FRI 15th ASSEMBLY-LEAMINGTON SPA
SAT 16th PRINCES THEATRE-CLACTON
FRI 22nd PAVILION-EXMOUTH
SAT 23rd PRINCESS ROYAL THEATRE-PORT TALBOT
FRI 29th TIVOLI-BUCKLEY, N WALES
SAT 30th ELGIVA THEATRE-CHESHAM

APRIL
FRI 5th LEMON TREE-ABERDEEN
SAT 6th GLENROTHES HALL-GLENROTHES
FRI 12th CORN EXCHANGE-BEDFORD
SAT 13th CAMBERLEY THEATRE-CAMBERLEY
FRI 19th PALACE THEATRE-KILMARNOCK
SAT 20th BRINDLEY THEATRE-RUNCORN
FRI 26th MILL ARTS CENTRE-BANBURY
SAT 27th TOWN HALL-OSSETT, W YORKS

MAY
FRI 3rd OCTAGON-YEOVIL
SAT 4th ARTS CENTRE -SWINDON
FRI 10th GARRICK THEATRE-LICHFIELD
SAT 11th CUSTOMS HOUSE-SOUTH SHIELDS
FRI 17th COURTYARD-HEREFORD
SAT 18th OAKENGATES THEATRE-TELFORD
FRI 24th THE ATKINSON-SOUTHPORT
SAT 25th PAVILION-RHYL
FRI 31st PALACE THEATRE-REDDITCH

JUNE
SAT 1st WOODVILLE HALLS-GRAVESEND

www.showaddywaddy.net
www.davebartram.org.uk

The 12 talents of Christmas - number 11

So, as we told you earlier this week, our lovely partners Root1, have been searching through all their artists for 12 fantastic tracks. In the 12 days before Christmas, Root1 are working with both Music News and Music Crowns to support these 12 artists and try and get as many people to see their music as possible.

Also, as we are feeling extra festive this season, we are also giving away a pair of Dre Beat Solo Headphones to a super supportive fan. We will be announcing the 12 artists over the next 12 days and if you buy 3 of the tracks then you will be entered in to the draw!

So without further delay, let's announce our Eleventh 'Talent of Christmas'

'On The Eleventh Day of Christmas My Root1 Gave To Me.'

Jessica Hammond x Ollie Green ' 'Come Over'

Singer/ Songwriter Jessica Hammond has been making waves in the music industry since her talent was spotted on last years The Voice. Praised by both Jessie J and Will I am for her incredible vocals and unique sound, Jessica has kept up momentum and growth since the show and is sure to be one to watch for 2013.

The chosen track 'Come Over' is a product of Ollie Green's latest work. Having produced official remixes for Lady Gaga and Carly Rae Jepson Ollie is quickly making a name for himself in the industry. 'Come Over' is laced with infectious beats and catchy lyrics demanding a place between any Guetta track. With vocal power that would match the likes of Christina Aguilera and Kesha this track is definitely the perfect addition to any plays list this holiday season.

A combination of two talents, this track is definitely one you need to have in you life. With focus and determination Jessica is a prime example of a Root1artist and a deserving winner for the eleventh 12 Talents of Christmas spot
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We The Kings offer free download of Wham classic 'Last Christmas'

After 3 million track sales to date, Florida quartet We The Kings made quite an impression when they hit the UK last summer as guests to Simple Plan.

They've now embraced the Christmas spirit by offering a free download of their take on Wham's seasonal classic 'Last Christmas' which is available through their official site, scroll down to view.

The band will now commence 2013 with a fresh run of activity on these shores. Not only have they announced details of their largest headline tour to date, the 'UK Is Forever' tour, which includes a London show at the Scala, but they will also release the 'Friday Is Forever' EP on January 21st on S-Curve Records / Warner Bros. Records.

The yearning, summery power-pop of 'Friday Is Forever' opens the five-track EP which is completed by the live favourite 'Check Yes Juliet' as well as three acoustic songs which are previously unreleased in the UK in the shape of 'Party, Fun, Love & Radio', 'Say You Like Me' and 'Secret To New York'.

The full schedule for the We The Kings 'UK is Forever' tour is:

January

24th ' Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms
25th ' Leeds, Cockpit
26th ' Manchester, Academy 3
28th ' Glasgow, Garage
29th ' Birmingham, O2 Academy 2
30th- London, Scala

Maroon 5: Purveyors of Pop Perfection

Moves Like Jagger, Payphone, and now One More Night. Love or hate Maroon 5, one thing is undisputable ' Adam Levine and his supporting cast of hitmakers know how to craft hits with staying power.

Take their latest chart-topper, One More Night for example. It just finished up a 9 week stint atop the Billboard Hot 100 (replaced by Rihanna's Diamonds), and to date has hit #1 on 7 charts in 5 countries. What's really amazing, though, is the fact that it was strong enough to hold off the Gangnam Style surge, keeping PSY locked at the #2 position on the Hot 100 for 7 consecutive weeks. This was no small feat considering that to-date Gangnam Style has hit #1 on 30 charts in 29 countries.

So just what was it about One More Night that kept PSY from performing topless as promised if he hit #1 on the Hot 100?

First, the scene was set for success. Maroon 5 were still riding high and in the public eye from the massive success gained from their previous chart-topper, Payphone (which itself built off of the success of Moves Like Jagger and the Levine/Gym Class Heroes collaboration Stereo Hearts). And then there was Adam Levine's visibility on The Voice, which kept him in front of millions of viewers on a weekly basis.

With the stage set, it now all came down to the song itself. Levine enlisted a who's who of today's top Pop hitmakers including Max Martin, Savan Kotecha and Shellback to craft a song that both embraced the Maroon 5 sound that their fans had come to love and expect all the while charting new territory with the Reggae backed music and vibe. What they wound up with was an ultra-infectious, genre mashing song that stood out from the mainstream Pop pack.

As for the song itself, there were a host of key factors that played a vital role in its success, including frequent sectional turnover that kept the listener engaged with something new entering the mix about once every 0:20, the fusion of modern Pop & Reggae elements that broadened the song's demographic reach potential, an exceptionally infectious & memorable vocal melody in EACH section of the song, and universal, engaging lyrics that utilized imagery, action & emotion that engrossed the listener in the storyline, to name just a few of many.

But the main reason why One More Night gets stuck in your head and is almost impossible to shake is due to the abundance of repetition utilized throughout the song. This includes sectional and cross-sectional lyric and vocal melody repetition, backing music repetition, and the ultra-infectious, memorable 'oo,oo,oo.' hook that repeats throughout the song in various manifestations (via the vocals, synth and bass),

In the end, though, like I say, it all comes down to the song's overall vibe and how it makes the listener FEEL. Star power, hype and promotion will provide the breadth of the song's potential reach, and the internal (craft) factors will 'package' the song for the masses. But once you start listening, it's the SOUL of the song that ultimately needs to connect and resonate, and One More Night has Soul.

To read the complete One More Night Deconstructed report and gain access to the Hit Songs Deconstructed archive, go towww.hitsongsdeconstructed.com/onemorenigh
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Sharon Osbourne pampers pets at Christmas

Sharon Osbourne's pet dogs all get their own stocking for Christmas.

The 60-year-old has a grand total of 12 dogs of various different breeds.

With the festive season in full swing, the television personality is thinking about how she will spoil her pooches this year.

'Don't be ridiculous of course I will be [getting them presents]!' she told British Star magazine.

'They get their own stockings, my dogs.'

During the run of popular MTV show The Osbournes, their large brood of pets was often shown causing havoc in the family home.

Despite giving her dogs lots of love and care, Sharon says she doesn't have what it takes to keep them all under control.

'Oh, they dance. All of mine can play the piano and do all kinds of tricks. It just comes naturally to me,' she quipped.

'I'm lying, of course. They do nothing but sh*t, and, of course lick and love you! I wish I had the patience to train them, but I don't.'

Despite planning to spend lots of time with her pups over the holidays, the British star says the rest of the Osbourne clan will be doing their own thing this Christmas.

Jack married Lisa Stelly this year, while Kelly is currently dating Matthew Mosshart.

'No, we are split up this year,' she explained.

'Jack's married and got his own family now, so he is going to his in-laws, and Kelly is going to her boyfriend's house. Aimee, Ozzy and I will be over here [the UK].'