[Announce]I'm going on vacation for 3 weeks, and so is my blog!

Dear Readers,

Thank you so much for being a faithful reader to this blog and posting some surprisingly thoughtful comments. I'll temporary stop blogging due to I'm going on a vacation for holiday, and will resume on January 15, 2010 with a lot of catching up probably:-) So please give my blog and readers a Vacation! Thank you once again for always being there and wish you guys a very happy Christmas and wonderful New Year!

Kevin

Calvin Harris Premiered "You Used To Hold Me"

Scottish Electronica musician Calvin Harris has proven himself a force to be reckoned with and is back with a brand new music video for his moody dance jam "You Used To Hold Me." Harris announced on his twitter message Wednesday morning at 4:56a.m. that "I've got a new video for You Used To Hold Me here!" I can never really take Harris seriously until you hear his music.
The Scottish artist has hit big in the UK and other parts of the world with his pop/synth/electroclash sound, which mixes some disco influences with his quirky vocals and always catchy songs, such as No.1 single, trance-pop masterpiece "I’m Not Alone". Harris produces, writes and sings most of his own stuff and has also worked with people like the Kylie Minogue and UK rapper Dizzee Rascal. "You Used To Hold Me" is an upcoming 2010 single release from the 25-year-old Scottish Pop/Dance singer and DJ's fifth single taken from his decent sophomore studio album "Ready For The Weekend," out now on Fly Eye/Columbia/Sony, and reached No.1 in the UK Album Charts in August. The song will be released on February 8, 2010 from Ultra Records.
Favoring a naughty schoolboy look that makes him seem even younger than his already tender years (22 when his first major-label album was released), Scottish artist, producer, and remixer Harris has a similarly youthful and forward-looking approach to his music. Skipping the usual apprenticeship in the clubs or on indie labels, Harris went from posting his own D.I.Y. electroclash music online through /MySpace and similar sites to signing with the multinational giant EMI almost in a single step. No surprise since he now has over a million sales on his last album worldwide!
Like many of Harris's video clips, this one involves a pack of model-perfect girls wearing skimpy clothes gyrating across the screen, except this one has a monster truck in it. The car-crunching video is like a car show with a slew of dancing women amongst Harris DJ'ing in front of a monster truck. How many times has your heart been broken, feeling like you got ran over or hit by a truck? That's what I got from this video, but I'm sure your interpretation may be something else.

Amerie Debuts "More Than Love" Feat. Fabolous

R&B Singer Amerie is back to rocking out over big band production. Her staple sound fits her better than the jeans she's struttin' in. Amerie has premiered an accompanying music video on Christmas Eve for her latest single, "More Than Love," featuring some help from rapper Fabolous. "More Than Love" is the third single from Amerie's fourth studio album entitled "In Love & War." which is an ambitious collection of old-school jams, and has been in stores on November 3rd. Just in time for Christmas and its attendant depression/loneliness/frantic calls to therapists. she hands us a little bundle of trust issues in the new video for "More Than Love."
The video for the Del Pearson and Lenny Nicholson-produced track was directed by TAJ and shot in New York City. Simple and to the point, this video really encapsulates the message of the song. Although the extended narration at the beginning was quite tedious to endure, the rest of the clip served its purpose. The clip is very nice with a storyline that corresponds perfectly with the lyrics of the track, and the twist at the end of the videos is dope.
Amerie and Fabolous get their quarrel on in this new video, they are trying to save their broken relationship as narrated in the video. After going through a hectic schedule, Amerie, as seen in video, finally has a night for herself and Fabolous, her collaborator who plays her lover. But things do not go as she plans as he leaves abruptly, which then raises her curiosity. "I'm not sure I trust him with my heart anymore," she said. "Gonna take more than love to make this work." Amerie concludes as she considers the state of affairs in her fictional relationship with Fabolous. What unfolds is sort of the music video equivalent of Cheaters, with Amerie and her friends leafing through what appear to be incriminating photos of Fabolous cavorting with another woman. Should she trust him or not? We don't learn until the end, but the way Amerie wraps her raw, soulful vocals around the lyrics captures just how it feels to have the relationship on the line.
Amerie's old-skool-R&B flavoured album "In Love & War" never was going to appeal to the masses, but premiering the video to your new single about a difficult relationship, right around Christmas is quite a clever move. In addition to teaming up with Fabolous, Amerie also joins forces with Trey Songz in a song called "Pretty Brown" and hooks up with rap mogul Lil Wayne in the remix version of the album's lead single "Heard Em All."

Mary J. Blige Premiered A New Video For "I Am"

The super talented Mary J. Blige premiered her brand new video via vevo.com for her most recent hit "I Am," the second single taken from her ninth studio album "Stronger WithEach Tear," which was just released through Universal on Monday, after being pushed back twice. Penned by Johnta Austin, features leading rapper T.I., singers Trey Songz and Drake. Blige is all about empowerment and says she wants her new album to be "a picture of strength." She told USA Today that "The things that I allowed to happen in the past will never, ever be allowed to happen again."
Blige has won nine Grammys, and has received the World Music Legends Award for hip hop and soul. As of 2008, she had sold over 48 million records worldwide. The Queen of R&B and Hip Hop Soul lets it be known that she's irreplaceable on her latest single "I Am," which confidently tells one's lover nobody can treat them better than the person they are with at the present time. Sounds pretty promising, and this sampler alone is a lot more relentlessly upbeat and packed with hit potential. She continues to represent for the Hip Hop and R&B scene, and build a brand that reaches beyond music, and is giving it another shot at chart success with this new single, produced by Stargate.
The video is simple and nice, and was directed by famed lensman, Anthony Mandler. Unlike certain other R&B-pop stars unveiling their new music video, Blige knows how to wistfully stroll down a beach with sophistication. In her video, Blige's showcases her vocals and rocks some pretty sweet full-length frocks while trying to convince her lover she's the best one out there.
The dynamic star has a lot to be proud of. In addition to putting out mega hits, she recently had a supporting role in Tyler Perry's movie "I Can Do Bad All By Myself," and will appear as a guest judge in the upcoming American Idol, Season 9. Blige has also landed her own reality show on BET that will feature her new foundation. She wants to air stories about how people are changing their lives just like music changed hers.

"When Love Takes Over" Features Kelly Rowland

Producer, hit-maker and worldwide ambassador of club culture David Guetta has premiered the video for his new single "When Love Takes Over" featuring main vocals by American R&B singer Kelly Rowland on Yahoo! Music. With three chart-topping albums to date, "When Love Takes Over" is the first single from French DJ's latest fourth studio album, "One Love," released on August 25 by Astralwerks.
Guetta is a name synonymous with the world's greatest house and dance music, and has sold over 2 million albums worldwide and over 3.2 million singles since 1992. Rowland demonstrates that she has the classic diva vocal pipes to be a major star and that "When Love Takes Over" is just the push she needs. Fusing classic dance beats with a heady, emotionally-charged vocal, it's a world away from the midtempo R&B numbers with which she started her solo career. With its exhilarating pop melody and uplifting, powerful beats supporting a ringing vocal performance of impeccable clarity and rousing emotion by Rowland, "When Love Takes Over" became a No.1 smash, topping charts in 10 European countries, as well as top on U.S. Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs charts, and is slowly crawling up the Hot 100, mainly due to heavy-airplay at radio-stations. The song was nominated for a Grammy Award in the category for Best Dance Recording for the 52nd Grammy Awards.
The ex-Destiny's Child Rowland met Guetta while attending one of his shows in Southern France during the summer of 2008. She later met up with him and asked him to show her one of his tracks and what he showed her was a "pop number built around a lush piano loop and throbbing percussion" which was the early works of "When Love Takes Over". The beat moved Rowland to tears. "I felt so much emotion from the track; something happened the first time I heard it, and it was just beautiful", she said. Guetta, meanwhile, is banking on the single to garner a stronger stateside following. The piano part is noted for being similar to that of "Clocks" by Coldplay. "The track with Kelly has made me experiment with a more American urban influence", Guetta says. "Musically, it's opened a new world for me. It's pure pop with a lot of detail, and Kelly had this Whitney Houston vibe and nailed it."
The beach party themed video which was shot at Venice Beach, CA on May 19 is the latest video by ground-breaking director Jonas Akerlund, who perfectly captured the essence of the track. In the clip you can see Rowland walking alone down a road, and singing on the beach as the sun is setting. Guetta is seen pushing his DJ equipment around town until they meet at a party. "They share that love and share it with the other people to make that big party", said Guetta. In the end Rowland and Guetta meet up and finish the song at the party.

Brittany Murphy On #1 Hit "Faster Kill Pussycat"

As you've likely read, American actress and singer Brittany Murphy, whose life came to a tragically short end on Sunday morning at the age of 32, after suffering a cardiac arrest. Atlanta-born landed her first job in Hollywood when she was age 14, starring as Brenda Drexell in the series "Drexell's Class," and made a name for herself playing quirky, eccentric roles from the goofy skater girl in "Clueless," to psych-ward patients in "Girl, Interrupted" and "Don't Say A Word." In addition to her movie roles, Murphy also dabbled in music and performed vocals on a range of films, such as "Happy Feet," as well as the long-running animated TV series "King of the Hill." So it made sense that she crossed over to the edgier music scene, not just in "8 Mile," in which she played Eminem's love interest, but as a vocalist in her own right.
Murphy was one of the few singing actresses to make a credible crossover into music, she left her mark on the world of electronic music, scoring a club dance hit in 2006. alongside the world's leading DJ/remixers, Paul Oakenfold with the floor-filler "Faster Kill Pussycat," the opening track and lead-off single from Oakenfold's album "A Lively Mind." Following the death of featured singer, there was an online campaign to get the track to No.1 in the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play charts as a tribute to her. "Brittany Murphy was an amazing talent but above all, she was an amazing person," said Oakenfold Monday afternoon. "She will be greatly missed. Our deepest condolences go out to her family."
The music video for the hit track, "Faster Kill Pussycat," shot on the rooftop of a parking garage in downtown Los Angeles, features Murphy dancing, with scenes of Oakenfold as a DJ and a wild crowd. Directed by renowned music video director Jake Nava, it premiered on television in May 2006, and received airplay on MTV and other music channels. It was also a pre-loaded video on Microsoft's Zune.
While Murphy didn't dive full-fledged into a music career, she did prove her vocal and performance chops in occasional appearances. RIP Brittany Murphy, you were a great person inside and out. You were also amazing at acting and singing. Still can't believe you're gone. Talented, adorable, vulnerable and just delightful on screen. I always felt that she was one breakthrough role away from either dramatic or comedic glory. It's so sad that such a talent is gone, especially in this tough year that has been filled with the losses of so many showbiz legends. One thing is certain: Murphy's death is a great loss to both the film and music world.

Love and Theft Premiered "Dancing in Circles"

American country music group Love and Theft broke into the country music scene to scored a Top 10 hit, (the only new artist of 2009 to do so so far,) with their debut single "Runaway" off of their debut album "World Wide Open," and now the trio has moved on to a great follow-up single in "Dancing In Circles." Written by band member Stephen Barker Liles with producer Robert Ellis Orrall and songwriter Roger Springer, the song fits in well for both the softer fall/winter vibe at country radio while also featuring a message that is universal and questions why humanity does the things that we do to each other.
"Dancing In Circles" is the polar opposite of its predecessor "Runaway," and much more evenly secured within the traditional country vein with the deft usage of a beautiful mandolin, fiddle and banjo. It's a simple, organic song that leaves the band members trying to figure out through the verses why the men and women who share their lives on earth can never seem to find peace with one another and 'keep dancing in circles' to continuously avoid loving one another. The trio do not only prove themselves as talented musicians but singers as well with vocals that are rich, pleasant and produce a beautiful harmony. And while "Dancing In Circles" delivers a heavy message, the boys in Love and Theft present it in a fashion that is endearing instead of overbearing.
Love And Theft gathered on 5th Avenue in downtown Nashville in late November on a chilly Sunday afternoon to shoot the music video for their latest single, "Dancing in Circles." The clip is directed by award-winning Kristin Barlowe, who also helmed the trio's "Runaway." The reason the street was used, she says, was so that one side could "represent celebration and the joyful unity of humanity. The other side is destruction; war, riots, the sadder parts of our human existence." Love and Theft deliver an always timely message in this thought-provoking clip. The trio added "It's a reflection of people interacting with other people, Sometimes that's beautiful and other times it's troublesome. And we want to show that whole gamut of emotion and struggle and joy and victory. This song's about people loving each other. We just wanted to get a bunch of ethnicities and a lot of our friends are in it."
The thing I love about Love and Theft has to be their harmonies. They showed off their fantastic harmonies on their first single, and do so once again with "Dancing in Circles," which features a tinkling mandolin along with those great vocals. Their sound might not appeal to traditional country fans, but they're definitely a hit with the younger, TaylorSwiftish country crowd. Their soul-stirring harmony is icing on the cake. They have themselves a song that very well could be their first chart-topper.

Kelly Sweet's Music Video For Her "We Are One"

21-year-old soft-voiced pop vocalist Kelly Sweet was born into a creative and musical family, and she eventually met Grammy-nominated producer, arranger and songwriter Mark Portmann in the summer of 2004. The two began working together shortly thereafter, resulting in the turning point of her career into a professional musician, and makes her something of a rare new pop star. She brings a wide range of influences together from pop to jazz to classical and back on her debut album entitled "We Are One" via Razor and Tie Records in March 2007. Now her label is trying to score her some club cred by supplying remixes of the absolutely stunning title track to her debut CD. The Dave Aude Club Mix is a chugging house mix that manages to keep her vocals above board and the star of the show. Kelly's voice is very similar to Sarah McLachlan, so dance remixes can be tricky, but these mixers seem to pull it off with ease. It's a great dance debut.
Not your typical pop record in any way, shape or form, "We Are One" has a much more ambitious sensibility than those being heard on Top 40 radio today. With the multilingual skills to match, and melodies that partake of both jazz and classical influences, "We Are One" conveys a sense of depth, intimacy and sophistication not often heard in today's pop landscape. "We Are One." then, is that rarest of musical experiences, a seamless emotional journey that deeply touches listeners of all ages with its beauty, grace, individuality, and courage. "This music is not about me," she says. "It's about the soul in all of us. I'm just happy to have a voice to convey these things to the world." And the world is certainly a better place because of it.
Kelly came to me as a totally unexpected and I was deeply touched by this fresh and unadulterated voice. This is a beautiful album of angelic music, which makes believers of us all, the album so well performed with songs so well crafted and produced so well that it transcends genre. This is the album us rockers can bring to your loved one to prove that we, too, have hearts, in spite of the music we force feed them at other times. Blessed with a beautiful voice made for soft emotional ballads, Kelly takes us on an emotional ride right up there with the best. She has already made a name for herself on the Adult Contemporary scene with classical and jazz styles, and is now aiming to conquer clubland with the mixes to "We Are One." She actually lets the song build momentum and emotion, with a strong satisfying center. Her thoughtful lyrics, amazing soft angelic voice and beauty seem exceptionally pure in this era. Great mix!

Curtis Peoples Released New EP "All I Want"

The San Diego native songwriter Curtis Peoples has just released his new digital EP, "All I Want," features the new single, "All I Want," two previously unreleased tracks, "Too Late (Never Said)" and "All I Want (Almost Acoustic Version)" as well as the "All I Want" music video, available courtesy of The Control Group.
Peoples is a singer with more of a rock/pop mentality than most acoustic artists in his category, and a defined understanding for what it takes to make a great and dynamic pop record, he crafts songs that fans of rock to acoustic folk and pop can enjoy equally. With a mix of big free-spirited choruses and addictive jumping rhythms, his style of "coffee shop arena rock" incorporates the radio-friendly and inspiring sounds of U2 and Bon Jovi as well as the rhythmic folk of John Mayer into his songs resulting in his own unique musical fingerprint.
Peoples has been through a lot since he was nailing down the top spot in the freshly-expanded "You Gotta Know" in August 2005. His Brad Belanger-directed self-titled debut album released in the summer of 2008 was followed by extensive national touring with friend and fellow singer-songwriter Tyler Hilton. The resulting album is 10 well-crafted songs, from the hard rocking swagger of "Heart Will Fall" and Tom Petty-esque "Back Where I Started" to the acoustic and contemplative "Wake Up" and funky power pop of the Tyler Hilton co-written "Tell Me I'm Wrong." This stunning collection of music marks the arrival of Peoples to the next level of his career. A ton of fans from coast to coast, the sky is quite the limit for the San Diego native.
While gaining a dedicated contingent of fans all around the country via these treks and media appearances the music industry has also been taking notice. Peoples' music has received commercial radio airplay at KMTT (Seattle), KPRI (San Diego), and a number of college stations. KPRI puts it, "Curtis has found his voice tapped his natural sensibility for writing a tune." Music Connection Magazine raves that Peoples "performs music that is pure pop with a classic-rock vibe. Some songs could have Top 40 appeal, while others have the potential to be excellent for TV or movie placements" and went on to name Peoples as one of the "100 Unsigned Artists To Watch in 2008!"

Leona Lewis Premieres "I See You" For "Avatar"

British pop singer Leona Lewis has exclusive debuted a brand new music video for the theme song "I See You," taken from James Cameron's highly anticipated 3-D science fiction groundbreaking epic film "Avatar," spent $500 million in investment and estimated 12 years in the making, one of the biggest movies of the year, maybe even ever, which opens in theaters worldwide today! "I See You" will be played during the closing credit of the movie, and was nominated for a Golden Globe in the Best Original Song category for the 67th Golden Globes, held in 2010 for films released in 2009.
Back in November we got the word that James Cameron has tabbed Lewis to close the curtain on "Avatar" with "I See You." The X Factor winner's soundtrack was masterminded by Academy Award winner composer James Horner and Simon Frangle, both of whom worked on produced Celine Dion's Grammy-winning single "My Heart Will Go On" from Cameron's classic movie "Titanic." The Soundtrack represents the feelings shared between Avatar's lead characters, Sam Worthington's Jake Sully and Zoe Saldana's Neytiri, as they walk through the jungle where flowers, trees and the earth glow in the dark. It's very powerful and beautiful.
Director Jake Nava takes the viewers of "I See You" music video to the "Avatar" pandora where exotic creatures live. The video is about sensual archery performed by blue freaks and mashes up footage from the singer's live performance and showcases scenes from James Cameron's latest fairytale. Lewis said in a "making of" video that the song captures "all of the emotion of the film, the love in the film, the strength that the characters have to have. It also has a vulnerable side. The film is about someone opening up another persons eyes to a whole new world, and a new way of thinking."
The soulful singer who just released her sophomore effort, "Echo" is aiming for the success, takes her vocals to a whole new level, hoping to get a huge and smashing hit on her hands. Lewis is a ballad 'queen'. She really kills these slow songs, they're always full of emotion. The song really brought their love story to life. Gorgeous video, and the movie looks amazing, can't wait to see it.

Rihanna's "Hard" Feat. Jeezy To Debut Today

A Mash-up of Rihanna's notorious new videos set to the tune "Hard," which features rapper, Young Jeezy on the hook, will be premiering the entire video Today at 4p.m. on Viacom's MTV Networks, including MTV, VH1, Facebook, MySpace and singer's Web site to air it simultaneously. Rihanna will also be on hand to participate in the video premiere, by sending messages to her fans in multi-screen video premiere through online chat feature.
"Hard" is featured on Rihanna's recently released album "Rated R" which debuted at No.1 on Billboard's R&B chart. "Hard" was written and co-produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. It's the second official single (replaced "Wait Your Turn") from album. Already exploding at radio, "Hard" was the No.1 most added record at both the pop and urban formats, and was the greatest gainer at rhythm. "Hard" was also performed live for the first time on November 8 at Jay-Z's concert at UCLA Pauley Pavilion.
Rihanna shot the video on the 2nd & 3rd of December. In Melina Matsoukas-directed video, Rihanna appears in military-inspired attire, she dressed in military garb and continues with the short hair, dark glasses and unique expressions of military wear, also opens up her fatigue shirt to flash the camera. "It's couture military," Rihanna recently told MTV News. "Everything is surrounded around the idea of something military. We have tanks, we have troops, we've got helicopters, we've got explosions. We've got lots of cute outfits, lots of bullets. It's crazy."
The 21-year-old Bajan has always managed to turn heads with her visual sensibilities, starring in fascinating music videos that show off her fashion-forward outlook and her willingness to dive into complicated narratives and images. There is a new edge to Rihanna's music, her looks as always been on the extreme but only after the whole Chris Brown incident did her music start to show the edge. "Disturbia" was made before that and that was the start of Rihanna's whole change in music style and demeanor on stage.

Keyshia Cole "Trust" Video Featuring Monica

The Grammy nominated R&B singer-songwriter Keyshia Cole has stepped up bringing out a music video in support of her third single entitled "Trust" from the Oakland, California R&B singer's third studio album, "A Different Me," which has been in stores and online a year ago on Geffen Records. Cole talks about the importance of trusting someone whom you love in the music video for single "Trust."
"Trust" was written by Cole and Frederick Taylor and co-produced by Toxic Donald Alford and Ron Fair for her second studio album "Just Like You" in 2007 as a bonus track for the iTunes edition of the album. In 2008, the ballad was re-recorded as a duet with fellow R&B singer Monica, replacing parts of Cole's original vocals with hers, and included on her third studio album "A Different Me," as the third single on April 1, with its music video world premiered on '106 & Park on BET' on May 4 in time for Mother's Day. "A Different Me" debuted at No.2 on the U.S. Billboard 200 chart and topped the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart last November. The song also became Cole's highest-peaking single off of the album.
The newly-released video was directed by veteran music video director Chris Robinson, and was elegantly shot in Tuscany, Italy. Princess of soul music, Cole is no longer singing about heartbreak. Now, she's teaching the fellas how to "Trust." She is narrated in the video as a woman who tries to convince her man that she loves him and so he should trust her because she will not do anything that might hurt his feeling. In fact, both she and Monica look amazing in this clip. I'm really glad "Trust" was chosen as a single from album. Their powerhouse voices blend really well together in this duet and Cole gets more vulnerable.
"Trust" is one of those things that like its counterpart, love is something I'd like to call a gift & a curse. Once the trust factor goes out the door, its hard as hell to regain. Even then, things still aren't ever the same. Cole, like most women, have had their share of heartbreaks. However, on her latest release "A Different Me," she's embraced a side to her that many never knew existed. A vulnerable side. When both parties have been hurt & they meet that "one" who seems to good to be true, they often are very guarded "Trust" was one of the most heart-felt tracks on the album. Cole alongside Monica, two power house voices adds that "it" factor to the track. Despite her busy schedule, Cole announced that she was beginning work on her self-titled fourth studio album which is due by Valentine's Day 2010.

Country Trio Rascal Flatts Released Video "Why"

American country band Rascal Flatts have released their third single "Why," from the trio's sixth studio album "Unstoppable," was written by Allen Shamblin and Robert Mathes, and released to radio stations on September 29.
The single "Why" is a slow-tempo song, sung from the perspective of a man whose close friend has committed suicide. All three members of Rascal Flatts said that they had difficulty recording the song, because they all individually losing someone close to them because of suicide. The song makes particular use of metaphors, comparing life to a song and the world as a stage. The lyrics alone are beautiful, with the narrator asking just why a special person in his life had to commit suicide. Perhaps the best line is "Why you'd leave the stage in the middle of a song?" a very striking metaphor. "Who told you life wasn't worth the fight" is also a very powerful line.
"Why" writers Allen Shamblin and Rob Mathes wisely move the narrator closer to the deceased, allowing for the visceral response that seems more appropriate to such an emotionally charged heartfelt topic. Rascal Flatts, who have made a career of reveling in just such melodrama, have at long last discovered a song that actually seems to justify their usual overdone style. For all of their songs that drive some fans and critics of country music crazy, the single has lead singer Gary LeVox on vocals with piano driving this ballad, and his group's favored pop-rock production, the song is the best possible single that could have been chosen from album.
"Why" isn't just a future hit from a band that can seemingly take any song to the top of the charts. This is Song of the Year material, maybe even good enough to net a Grammy or two. It's a welcome reprieve from the last few years' worth of blandness that Rascal Flatts has given us, and it's certainly thrilling to see the band pulling off something outside of their usual scope. LeVox is actually a very strong balladeer and he handles the lyric as delicately as its subject matter calls for. His voice starts off incredibly soft and emotional, and giving what has to be one of his best vocal performances ever since "I'm Movin' On." Overall, the song strikes just the right balance of detail and open-endedness to invoke emotions, not beat the listener over the head or trigger a knee-jerk "emotional" reaction. Even if you haven't been directly affected by suicide, the chorus alone should hit you.

Mariah Debuts New Music Video For "H.A.T.E.U"

Mariah Carey has always had a thing for gorgeous beaches and beautiful scenery, which is also obvious in her just released brand spankin' music video for her new single, "H.A.T.E.U.," the third single off the 39-year-old singer's latest 12th effort studio project called "Memoirs of an Imperfect Angel."
The video for "H.A.T.E.U."(abbreviation of "Having A Typical Emotional Upset") was shot on the beach in Malibu last month by filmmaker Brett Ratner, a longtime Carey collaborator, whose videography with her stretches back more than a decade to 1998's "I Still Believe." Over the years, Ratner also helmed her videos for such as "It's Like That," "We Belong Together," "Touch My Body," and most recently, for her platinum selling No.1 single, "Obsessed," along with big-budget, big-screen releases like "X-Men: The Last Stand."
The video features the pop diva truly seems to be feeling the heartbreak, walking down a long wooden staircase, first in a deep-V black silk swim gear and then a white one, more elaborately cut, and wondering alone on the beach, singing forlornly to the camera, while obviously in pain after a breakup. It contained in the words of the song, and that serves as a distraction from the fact that there is no story to it to begin with. The video runs over a minute less than the length of the song's album version, closes with Carey writing "HATE U" in the sand with her finger, then spreading sand over it with an angry flick.
The song, "H.A.T.E.U." currently on radio, and its official remix is produced by Jermaine Dupri and features additional verses from OutKast's rappers Big Boi, Gucci Mane and OJ Da Juiceman. The album was released in September this year and has not moved as many copies as was expected. It could only debut at No.3 on Billboard Hot 200 with 168,000 units, so Carey is remixing the entire album and is expected to come out in February 2010. Swizz Beatz and Christopher 'Tricky' Stewart will step behind the production desks, while the likes of Trey Songz, R. Kelly and T-Pain will lend their vocal. Undoubtedly, coming out with videos like this one will also help bring back attention on the album, and then again, that is something that only time will tell.

Alexandra Burke Premiered Clip "Broken Heels"

Alexandra Burke, the 2008 winner of "The X Factor," is finally out with the brand new, "girl-power"-inspired video for her latest magnificent RedOne-produced groovy single and dance jam "Broken Heels" on UK music video channel "The Box" on Friday. The 21-year-old Burke who followed Leona Lewis, fairly recently signed a £3.5 million, five-album US record deal with Epic Records, apparently the music mogul is just as bent on having her cross over in the US.
"Broken Heels" is picked up as the official second single, (3rd overall), from British R&B singer's debut album "Overcome," which has been in stores since October 19. Burke said the inspiration for the song was girl power: "It's very girl empowering. It's more about girl power, no disrespect to fellas and all that but I thought it was cool to do a song about what men do but we can do better. We did the song from scratch based on my personality. This song means a lot to me. Its actually one of my favorite songs on the album," she said of the track, is to be released in the UK on January 11, 2010.
The music video for "Broken Heels" was shot in the Los Angeles last month, the Frank Gatson choreographed clip unsurprisingly has a distinct US feel and polish to it which is most definitely a good look. It's effortlessly sexy and essentially a complex massive dance routine set in a visual homage to America's favorite pastime. Burke still tries to catch the American culture as she and several female dancers, who are dressed in "gold leotards with huge football-style shoulder pads and heels. All in a while, Burke's awesome strong vocals still flows throughout the song. It's a song that you'll like not just the beat but the vocals as well. Just stunning. The dancing isn't bad either. Burke said in an interview that "[the video is] going to show people that no matter what your shape, color, size, whatever you are, you are still beautiful."

Selena Gomez Premiered "Naturally" On Disney

Disney starlet Selena Gomez lets thing flow natural in the official music video for "Naturally", the latest hit single from her debut album "Kiss & Tell," has world premiered last night (8:40 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel during an episode of her TV series "Wizards of Waverly Place," as well as twitvid.com. The single will go into rotation on Radio Disney that same day.
"Naturally" was confirmed on Gomez's live web-cast to be the second single, which is an electropop song that has a juicy and instantly memorable vocal hook. The song was peaked at No.9 on Billboard Hot 200 since being released on September 29. "Naturally" was written by Antonina Armato, Tim James and Devrim Karaoglu and directed by Chris Dooley who also directed Gomez's first music video, "Falling Down." The song "Naturally" will be performed on "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest 2010.
The colorful music video for "Naturally" was shot on November 14, It features the young songstress undergoing several costume changes and singing the song energetically in front of a large projection of colorful platform. Previously, Selena shared the concept of the video to MTV when met at 2009 American Music Awards saying, "The video is very different from any other video that I've done." She added, "It has a lot more fierce clothes and a lot of fun colors."
With the 17-year-old signer/actress and her band getting duplicated every second, you can't take your eyes off the video! The Scene dished that they had to re-record this track especially for the video. It's truly incredible that, at a tender 17 years of age, the Wizards of Waverly Place star has mastered the whole "tilting her head downward and lifting her arms thing" so skillfully. There's no telling how many months she spent perfecting that move, and we only hope that she didn't sprain anything in the process.

Boys Like Girls Debuts "Two Is Better Than One"

Boston alternative rock group, Boys Like Girls have scored another hit with their latest single, "Two Is Better Than One," and that's partly thanks to country pop artist Taylor Swift, who sings harmony on the track. The video for the song has just premiered on MTV networks, but sadly Swift isn't in it, she was on tour and couldn't make the shoot.
The Swift-assisted single "Two Is Better Than One" is written by Martin Johnson, the Second single released from BLG's sophomore studio album "Love Drunk," which was recorded in both New York and Vancouver, sent to mainstream radios in US on October 19, and reached No.8 on Billboard Hot 200, broke into the top 20 at Top 40 radio, and reached the top 20 on the iTunes Singles chart. The album has also received glowing reviews from diverse outlets like People, Alternative Press, The New York Times and Billboard Magazine, who cemented their place in pop music by writing, "...these songs will be heard for many years to come."
The Meiert Avis directed video is one-part love story, one-part performance piece. It tracks the budding, blossoming relationship between two, unnamed characters, cross-cut with the band performing the song in a rain-slicked warehouse. Lead singer Martin Johnson says, "It's a very montage-y video of a couple with love, and lost love. It's a little more serious. It was really fun to shoot. I can't wait until everyone sees it."
The band are continuing to solidify their success in pop music, and will continue their reign on national TV with performances on MTV's "It's On with Alexa Chung" on next Tuesday, and ABC's "The View" on Tuesday, December 22. The band will also share the Z100 Jingle Ball bill with the likes of John Mayer, Taylor Swift and others at the sold out concert being held on today at Madison Square Garden.

Trey Songz Debuts "One Love" Music Video

Taking scenes from a live show, R&B singer Trey Songz has just been released an official music video for the first single "One Love" on his Facebook page Tuesday. The single, produced by Bryan-Michael Cox and Johnta Austin, is off of Sexbomb's newest acclaimed third studio album "Ready," which was released on August 31, and peaked at No.3 on Billboard Hot 200 and is nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album at the 2010 Grammy Awards.
Songz actually did something different and made the live version of the song into his newly-premiered video, which mostly highlights on the R&B performer as he is singing the song live with his band. I definitely love the concept behind this video. The live set brings and adds a much more intimate feel to the track. Simple and very classy. His vocals sound amazing and has improved a lot of the years. I love the live feel of this video have not seen that in a long time.
Songz is also going to include "One Love" music video in his new mini five-track collection "Up Close and Ready" EP, which is made available for digital purchase on iTunes started on December 8, and it includes live renditions of "One Love", "Can't Help But Wait", "Last Time", "I Need A Girl", and "Gotta Go" in addition to the "One Love" video! The video comes as a treat because it is unexpected. The EP should be a good way for him to prove that he has some talent beyond his six pack abs and hurricane tongue.
Since making his recording debut in 2005, Songz has patiently and artfully crafted some of the most acclaimed and compelling R&B music of the decade. Now, with release his "Ready," he's more than ready to claim his place in the pantheon of R&B greats. "Ready" demonstrates his growth on every front. The third time around, Songz displays a new vocal maturity combined with his renowned ability to twist notes and keys effortlessly, while presenting an increasing breadth of subject matter. He's really emerging as the top male in R&B right now.

Delerium's "Dust In Gravity" Ft. Kreesha Turner

Canadian alt-pop legends Delerium has premiered a new music video for their first single in four years, titled "Dust In Gravity," on 'Much On Demand.' last week. The single is co-written by Stef Lang and features Canadian R&B/Pop Recording artist Kreesha Turner on vocals, who was recently nominated for this year for two Juno Awards ('New Artist of the Year' and 'Pop Album of the Year'), brings an R&B vibe to this electro-pop tune. The single was out November 24 on iTunes.
Both the original track and a remix of "Dust In Gravity" by Niels Van Gogh, will appear on Delerium's forthcoming full-length original compilation "The Definitive Collection," which is set to release on March 2, 2010 from the duo, Bill Leeb and Rhys Fulber over the years. The Canadian worldbeat band from Vancouver have gone on to sell over a million albums in North America alone since in 1987, including the worldwide dance smash hit "Silence."
Delerium are also best known for their supposed revamping of that Sarah McLachlan track. But, this is a far cry from that not in a bad way, but just in a completely different direction. This has great remix potential and we are glad they didn't pick a run-of-the-mill vocalist. Turner has a very unique voice and it fits well. She cites R&B acts like Erykah Badu, Jill Scott and D'Angelo, hip-hop acts including A Tribe Called Quest, Andre 3000 and Common and rock acts like the Foo Fighters and Our Lady Peace as her inspirations.
The video was shot in Hamilton, Ontario, is set against a decaying urban landscape, in which its residents discover there's more to what they see around them. It showcases the group's penchant for combining ambient electronic elements and dance pop beats. The addition of Turner's vocals adds a contemporary R&B flavor to classic Delerium.

Robert Francis Premiered New “Nightfall” Video

Ever listen to a song and think, "I like what I'm hearing, but would really appreciate some form of corresponding visual whereby I could fully immerse myself in this wonderful little nugget of artistry"? Happens all the time, right? To help you bring your eyes up to the same happiness level as your ears, Los Angeles-based singer Robert Francis has created a music video for the single "Nightfall" off his recently released sophomore album, "Before Nightfall," which was officially hits stores on October 20.
It's been a while since I've been pleasantly surprised by an opener, but Francis was really so good, pouring his heart and soul into both his Springsteen-esque vocals and his beautiful pink electric guitar. During Jeff Coffman directed video "Nightfall," if you watch the plot while listening to the song, the ending might come as a surprise. The video has a retro look, uses lots of vintage stuff and the performance part was filmed inside a church. The video also aptly captures the hard edged road blues of Francis' sophomore album, "Before Nightfall", which is by far and away one of 2009's hidden gems and best discoveries for your music library. Francis' fluid voice glides across the divide between the music and the listener as thick as honey. Unbelievably heart wrenching and pure it only takes one listen for these melodies and lyrics to be trapped inside your head.
Artists are often plague ridden by their desire to create. Drowning in desperation to transform their festering emotion in reaction to the world around them into a format that they can share with others, to finally reach understanding is an enduring battle. The 22-year-old has seemingly melded many disparate facets of American rock/folk/country into a tasty music stew. Pedal steel, piano, guitar, and vocals come together in classic fashion. Francis' hooks are like that delicious secret ingredient, where you find yourself singing along before the tune is even over.
Though Francis' youth will certainly turn heads, the music he creates deserves more than just he's good for his age. I have to say this artist has grown both laterally (exploring by genre) and vertically (through his confidence). At 22, the future is bright for this indie wunderkind. He's currently touring with Noah and the Whale, Francis has been captivating audiences with his stunning delivery and haunting voice. The youngest child from a large family, Francis has spent many hours taming the emotions behind his chiseled lyrics that bleed of personal loss, love and responsibility. He will be performing at the Wiltern on the coming Saturday.

Alesha Dixon Revealed "To Love Again" Video

Following her tears after the criticism she's received about her 'Strictly Come Dancing' judging in September, the UK Pop star and dancer, Alesha Dixon has something to smile about. The strictly star returns to the day job for her brand new fourth single to be included on a re-package of her second effort, "The Alesha Show" album called "To Love Again," and has just officially debuted an amazing music video on MSN!
The hot on the heels of the new single, a ballad penned by Dixon and producers Gary Barlow, was the first single taken from the deluxe version, entitled "The Alesha Show - Encore" studio album, released on November 23 by Asylum Records, a part of Atlantic Records. We are in love with this gorgeous international Clutchette. She has been in the game for quite some time. Dixon and Barlow met in Los Angeles with John Shanks and penned the song within the day. Dixon wrote the lyrics about getting over her marriage split with MC Harvey a few years previously.
The music video was originally intended to be filmed in Prague, however, the video shoot coincided with a papal visit by Pope Benedict XVI, and filming difficulties would occur. Also, Charles Bridge, which was planned to feature throughout the video was clad in scaffolding, causing more filming complications. The Big TV directed new video, shot on October 8, features 'Strictly Come Dancing' beauty puts on a short blue belted coat matched with booted heels and hits the park and trying out a ballad rather than her more usual fast dance numbers, as she wanders through a London's Battersea park with autumn leaves scattered across the ground.

Dashboard Confessional's Belle Of The Boulevard

American alternative rock band Dashboard Confessional have released a new music video to their latest single "Belle Of The Boulevard," on the band's myspace on November 25, off group's sixth studio album "Alter the Ending," is available in stores now via Vagrant Records.
Dashboard Confessional was started in 2000, as a side project from lead singer Chris Carrabba's venture band with "Further Seems Forever," based in Florida. The current line-up also consists John Lefler (guitar), Scott Shoenbeck (bass) and Mike Marsh (drums). They won the MTV2 award at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2002 for their song "Screaming Infidelities" and have appeared on motion picture soundtracks for 'Shrek 2' (As Lovers Go) and 'Spider-Man 2' (Vindicated).
"Belle of the Boulevard" is the album's second track, and was made available for listening at Radio Sophie on September 17. The video for track was shot in New Orleans last month and directed by actress Joey Lauren Adams, who got "had Rick Derris and Cohee Lundin locked in like a pair of Chinese finger cuffs" in movie "Chasing Amy." I'm loving the old-film vibe and the story it tells, and it really fits with the whole theme of the record. Dashboard Confessional also released "Belle of the Boulevard" for the Universal Pictures movie "Cirque Du Freak: The Vampires Assistant".
The album "Alter the Ending" is also peaked at No.1 at UK and Canada Charts. Rolling Stone saying "The emo godfather's sixth album proves he's also gotten better in that span." frontman Carraba says, "Alter the Ending's biggest drawback is the big production value over pre-determined substance, which hinders the potential of the weight these songs carry." The band has begun a 13 date acoustic tour with their friends in New Found Glory from November 30.

Michele de Wilton Debuts "Myths and Legends"

New Age composer, pianist and storyteller Michele de Wilton has recently released her debut studio album, "Myths and Legends." In this new era of conscious entertainment, one would be challenged to find more positive music than her mystically beautiful album. Hailed as "New Age piano at its best" by industry veterans. It attracts critical acclaim, Radio airplay and national retail distribution now.
The inspirational, transporting and melodic new age album includes her stunning work of 13 original compositions conveying compelling stories with 55 minutes of sophisticated and soothing music share both well-known and obscure tales from around the world, and sure that will inspire the imaginations for piano music fans of all ages. The stories behind each of the 13 intriguing tales are explained at the "Musical Journey" page on the artist's beautiful interactive website.
Ohio-based mother of two and lifelong pianist has always been fascinated with the piano as a way of giving voice to her emotions. Since that time, piano composition has been an integral part of her life. I like to try out many new artists and music genres, and I have to say de Wilton is an extremely and incredibly talented new age piano composer! She creates beautiful melodic compositions that are dramatic, relaxing, full of emotion and lush with tales of love, yearning and adventure that transport the listener away from daily routines which soothe you during times of stress.
Below you will find one of the tracks off her album, a lover of performance, the pianist herself is featured in a popular music video of "The Ice Maiden," a Norse myth and sophisticated interpretations of classic tales, which tells the story of Gerda, a frost goddess whose beauty enchanted Freyr, god of sunshine and rain. But Gerda refused to meet the god until Freyr's servant threatened to put an unbreakable spell on her. Freyr, however, was able to thaw her heart. The music is brought full circle to reflect Gerda's serenity when she comes to love her new husband.

Jim Sheridan's "Brothers" Hits Theaters Today

Despite a career which has included a string of critical hits such as "My Left Foot" and "In the Name of the Father," the 60-year-old Irish director Jim Sheridan returns to cinemas this week with his latest film "Brothers," a depressing study in post-tramatic syndrome but a rewarding journey, is set to hit theaters today.
"Brothers" is an adapted from the award winning Danish filmmaker Susanne Bier's "Brødre" in 2004, and it's about human frailty, and tells a story of how the two brothers find themselves changing roles. When a straight-arrow Marine Sam Cahill (Tobey Maguire, the "Spider-Man") returns to the war in Afghanistan, he leaves his wife Grace (Natalie Portman) and his children behind. He also leaves his black-sheep younger brother Tommy (Jake Gyllenhaal), who is having issues with their father. But when Sam is thought to be dead, Tommy steps up and begins to help Grace with the house, hoping to deal with both of their loss. Happily, Sam is not dead and he returns battered and bruised, but alive. Yet his return is only after he has suffered some painful experiences. And once he is back, he struggling to adjust to civilian life and suffers from guilt, anger, sadness and paranoia, leaving his family broken and afraid. As a result, the siblings whose lives have gone in completely different directions. One is a hero who returns from the front erratic and violent, and the other is an ex-con who learns self-control when he's handed responsibility.
The increasingly impersonal Jim Sheridan is doing his personal best to further the Irish tradition of storytelling. On the big screen or in conversation, the diminutive Irish filmmaker spins tales of a mesmerizing nature, covering politics, history, religion and literature, and sometimes all at once. With strong supporting performances from Oscar nominees, Sheridan's movie delves deep into the mental scars of war in a way that is reminiscent of Michael Cimino's 1978 classic "The Deer Hunter." "It's the difficulty of the warrior coming back to a civilian situation, and how he has to adjust," Sheridan says. As a melodrama, "Brothers" is a powerful statement on loyalty, love, calamity of the human heart and the cost of war. The movie stays with you long after leaving the theater...maybe forever.

Travis McCoy Releases "One At a Time" Video

Travis McCoy, the lead vocalist of alternative hip hop collective Gym Class Heroes, has teamed up with MTV and released a new charity track "One at a Time" and debuted a music video in support of the inspired track on MTV channels around the world in honor of World AIDS Day. When he is not jamming out to sold out arenas, McCoy takes his job as MTV Staying Alive Ambassador very seriously as seen in his all new documentary. The singer/activist shares his message and experiences and he tries to help do his part by educating the masses.
McCoy's unbeaten track, "One at a Time" was produced and co-written by The Smeezingtons, as the first single from his upcoming solo album via T-Pain's Nappy Boy label. The video was inspired by the emotions and the people the cheeseball "rapper" McCoy met during his 10-day journey through the Aids-stricken third world in June, include the Philippines, South Africa, and India, as the spokesman for MTV's very own Staying Alive Foundation (since 1988) to meet and experience the bravery of these local heroes face to face, and find out about the work done around the world to prevent the spread of the disease. "They gave me a challenge to write a song about what I saw," said McCoy.
Each step of his journey was documented by MTV. The rapper told us: "This track comes straight from the heart. It encompasses everything that I saw and felt on the trip," the ex-boyfriend of pop star Katy Perry shared. "I met some amazing and inspiring young people, and this track is dedicated to them and their tireless and selfless commitment to the fight against HIV and AIDS." The charity track can be purchased on iTunes for 99 cents. McCoy is hoping to raise $100,000, with 100% of the proceeds from the song will benefit global HIV/AIDS prevention projects. "let's change a life," which is basically "Man in the Mirror" minus any semblance of a show-stopping performance.

Britt Nicole Debuts Video "The Lost Get Found"

Sparrow recording artist Britt Nicole has officially released a new music video for her first single and title track "The Lost Get Found" off her sophomore album on November 17 through national Christian radio network KLOVE.com, Gospel/Christian music television network, and the Gospel Music Channel.
Hailing from Kannapolis, NC, pop-rock artist Nicole burst onto the Christian music scene in 2007 with her Sparrow Records, and now is back in the studio crafting her highly anticipated sophomore release, "The Lost Get Found" on August 11. The Robert Marvin and Dan Muckala produced album debuted at no.1 on the Billboard Top Christian/Gospel Albums chart, and no.2 on iTunes's Christian/Gospel Top Albums chart. The album's lead single, "The Lost Get Found" is filled with high energy tracks, extremely catchy hooks and Lyrics that delve into the heart of real issues facing the youth of today. The contemporary Christian music hit song has already making waves on Christian radio and rocketed to No.1 on the Radio & Records Christian Hit Radio chart, spending eight consecutive weeks in the top position while climbing to No.1 on iTunes's Christian/Gospel Top Songs chart as well.
The music video for "The Lost Get Found" was produced and directed by Endeavor Media, and was filmed over a two-day road trip intended to capture the song's message on tape. The video has a catchy upbeat tempo and has a very convicting message, which documents Nicole reaching out to those in need by offering prayer, encouragement, and hope.
Nicole is one of my favorite new female artists and has an incredible heart for her ministry and an excellent singing voice. Her music and video are being highlighted through a heavy mix of on-air and online content, including graphics and tags; dedicated on-line destinations and information; VOD features; and other strategic exposure. While on the road and with her youth group in Tennessee, Christian music artist continues to touch lives of our youth directly through her songs and her message.

Chamillionaire Debuts Video For "Good Morning"

Grammy Award winning American rapper Chamillionaire is back and premiered his new pop-up video for "Good Morning" on his website, Facebook and Ustream, after Chamillionaire spent several minutes interacting with his fans and offering a background story on the video, and the circumstances surrounding it.
This inspiring, feel-good track "Good Morning" is the first official single from the Houston rapper's upcoming third studio album "Venom" LP, which will feature collaborations with Ludacris, J. Holiday, Pimp C, Bobby Valentino, and Good Charlotte, and is set to be released February 2nd via Chamillitary/Universal. It was produced by DJ Frank E and it very heavily samples Tom Petty's "Free Falling." It was released digitally on October 13, where it already reached #1 on the iTunes Hip-Hop/Rap chart and a breakout radio hit, following an aggressive Twitter campaign by Chamillionaire to promote the single. "I thought it would go to radio, people would know it and they'd put it in rotation," Chamillionaire reveals. "They actually did. It has a good vibe and when you put it on, it makes you feel a little more upbeat. It makes you want to get out of bed and go get some money."
Texas lyricist Chamillionaire tries an appreciated reverse approach to battle rapping on his latest single, "Good Morning." Instead of attacking a nemesis, Chamillionaire pledges to "send all his haters love." He opens the chorus with saying good morning to all the haters and give them a big hug. The hip-hop star puts a price tag on his luxurious lifestyle in the Don Tyler-directed clip, which is already becoming a smash crossover hit. The video finds Chamillionaire consumed by his lavish lifestyle. He's surrounded by beautiful women, drives a fancy sports car, and is lauded by handlers and media.
Everyone loves a good hater anthem and Chamillionaire manages to keep the oft-used concept fresh with an infectious chorus and Tom Petty-sampling production that wouldn't sound out of place on adult contemporary radio. The Grammy winner is always slightly different, yet still accessible and not without his menacing sounding sneer. I'm interested in seeing what Chamillionaire has to offer on his new album "Venom" next year.