The Voice: Hold it hold it hold it EXPLODE IT!

Our finalists are chosen! Sally, Jermain, Jamie and Christina Marie will contest next week's final, which promises to be a hugely diverse affair as all four are so completely different.

Due to family life overtaking me again last week - one child with broken toes and the other with a day off school - Mum's Taxi Service was on call and that, coupled with normal work, means last week was never blogged. So here's a quick recap:

Team Will: Jermain went through on the fast pass with an old skool proper version of Treasure - I too thought it was an old Luther song, not Bruno Mars. Sophie May grabbed the second spot on the public vote, showing off her range with Moondance, an old song made fresh. Iesher lost out with the uptempo R'n'B of I'd Rather Be, a little weak at the start.

Team Kylie: Jamie has seriously grown on me - I knew I should've been more loyal and kept the local lad in my team - and took the fast pass with A Thousand Miles, which was so strong. Lee surprised me with a quite traditional yet unique and passionate Help Me Make it Through The Night, so honest and haunting (happy, Emma?) and went through on the public vote. It was Rachael who sadly couldn't capture the magic of her first audition with an accomplished, confident performance of a quite frankly, so so pop song.

Team Tom: Sally had Tom in tears again, with To Love Somebody and a fast pass for her was a no-brainer. Looks like there's a West Ham fan there too, as an added bonus. Very moving, she takes me all the way up the A2 to welling ... Bizzie got the public on his side with Stevie Wonder's If You Really Love Me, I still don't think this was the best we've heard him. Georgia was given Money on My Mind and I think Will was probably the only person who actually liked it.

Team Ricky: He's clearly rooting for Christina Marie and it was no surprise the fast pass took her through, with the Everlong power ballad. Yes, she's got a big voice, but she fails to move me. Chris with One Day Like This deservedly went through on the public vote, it showed off his lovely voice, although I didn't think the song was particularly challenging. And Emily, who could so easily have done the power ballad number, or an Etta James track or anything, was also given an uptempo R&B track, although strong, it felt more karaoke.

It's no coincidence that the four girls who lost out did so with uptempo songs that didn't give them the opportunity to show what they could really do. I personally feel Emily, Georgia, Iesher and Rachael were all royally stitched up: Those tracks are all production numbers - I bet if you looked at the lyrics on paper, they wouldn't make sense - you'd wonder where to begin, they're so dependent on the other components in the track, like the backing vocals. So the girls weren't really able to wrap their tonsils around them. Still, Emily did get the consolation of a cuddle sandwich with Ricky and Marvin.

So we're down to two per team and it's Team Tom out first: Sally with Whole of the Moon, as wonderful as ever, rocking it out a bit this time. Bizzi's song is a favourite of mine, Everything Must Change and improved to an awesome ending. Part of me was wishing Jermain had sung it though. Dancing in the Streets with Tom got everyone on their feet, and my vote is still with Sally.

Team Ricky began with Christine Marie with Bang Bang. I find her too shouty. Just not a fan. Chris's version of Smile though, I loved and was very impressed at the way he didn't just cope with the technical malfunctions, but didn't falter for a split second. Poignant, modern spin on a classic and getting better all the time - I'm surprised he didn't get the nod over Christina actually. Loved You Really Got Me with Ricky, Chris kept my vote.

Lee was up first for Team Kylie and started off a bit mumbly for me with Strong, although he got better. Naughty Will was told off by him mum for saying a four letter word. In context though, it was good sh1t. In Jamie's yellow mini with Kylie as roadie, and I can't help wondering if Kylie will reference the Inbetweeners again if they pass a bus stop ... I Can't Make You Love Me showed further improvement, so strong and emotive. A real WOW. I wasn't overly impressed with Into the Blue with Kylie, although I was a bit concerned that they may have been wearing hot pants (the boys) during the VT trailer. My vote remains with Jamie.

The toughest choice of the night for me was always going to be Team Will, with two of my original team choices battling it out. I wasn't overly keen on Jermain's version of Without You, but I can't deny his voice, and Sophie May will have to pull out something ultra-special to get my vote. Which she only went and did, with Royals! So confident and so smooth and also down to earth. But, my vote switched back to Jermain during their Let's Dance number with Will, when he was note perfect and awesome. So that team I left to the die hard fans of each artist to decide.

The coaches quite rightly refused to say who should go through before voting closed, and I'm sure if asked afterwards, would have remained reticent. Who on earth thought to ask that in the first place?

The Big One then, next Saturday, BBC One at 7pm. See ya there x

The Lock In at the Gulbenkian

A clash of dance cultures set in an old English pub with live music by BBC Radio 2 award-winning folk powerhouse The Demon Barbers.

The show sees a group of street dancers arrive at an apparently deserted pub. Local rumour has it that The Fighting Cocks is the place to be after hours but as the regulars arrive a clash of cultures turns into a dance floor stand-off.
 
The skill, speed and athleticism of the dancers on both sides soon wins the others over as the old and new are brought together in an exciting and dynamic dance-off. Sword dances are performed with snooker-cues, pub bouncers dance the Morris and B-boys flirt with clog girls. Meanwhile house band, The Demon Barbers, takes English Folk music on a new journey with friends Hip Hop, House, Funk and Ska and even says hello to Burlesque and Drum & Bass along the way!

Gulbenkian Theatre, Canterbury on Friday, February 14th. 7.30pm.

Priestfield to host TalentFestUK

Gillingham FC's Great Hall at Priestfield will be the venue for the London and South of England round of TalentFestUK over the weekend 26/27 April 2014.

Chase the Stage events are bringing together experts in vocals, dance and musical theatre to give feedback to up and coming performers on how to improve their skills and further their careers.

Categories include solos, duos and groups in musical theatre, dance and vocals, and also includes an open performance slot for comedians and cheerleaders, amongst others. There are additional prizes up for grabs, in the form of Super Special Awards, such as Family Heroes - recognising the commitment parents make to their child's ambition.

For full details, visit the website here.

A fairy tale beauty, re-awakened: Matthew Bourne's Sleeping Beauty

An age old tale of magic and wonder, retold darkly and sensually - Disney this ain't! Matthew Bourne's Gothic Romance re-imagining of Sleeping Beauty won my heart.

Sumptuous was the word repeatedly popping into my head: sets, costumes and of course, the incredible score by Tchaikovsky, beautifully interpreted. Add to that the divine dancing, with Matthew's trademark capacity to interchange genres: contemporary ballet gave way to flashes of Paso Doble and balletic Argentine Tango in the palace of the bad vamps; devilish costumes in traditional Flamenco red and black intensified the passion and impending aggression. If the trailer doesn't make you wish you'd been there, I don't know what will:
 

Depending on if you believe the official Twitter or the official website, Tom Jackson Greaves or Adam Maskell (my money is on him for last night, at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury - but I was in the Upper Circle, so I could be wrong!), is the most charismatic of baddies as Caradoc, son of Carabosse (also played by him), in this most moving vampire love story since Buffy met Angel.

The decision to show Aurora first as a playful baby by way of animated puppetry was inspired; her transformation into a coquettish 16 year old - a captivating Hannah Vassallo - continued the playfulness; charming to all, innocent yet knowing.

There were audible gasps from the audience when good fairy Count Lilac 'turned' Aurora's young lover - for how else would he survive to awake her with a kiss? Those of us who'd seen the Imagine documentary of course, just nodded sagely. "Be careful, though, with those racquets!"

All ended as it should (after an awakening, subtle, but maybe a little too adult for under 11s) happily ever after, with every aspect of the whole production simply stunning. If you get the chance to see Sleeping Beauty or any of Matthew Bourne's New Adventures there's no decision to be made, just do it.

Follow Matthew on Twitter @New_Adventures and keep up to date on the website. News already there is that Swan Lake returns in the winter!

An inside perspective of The Voice with Tara McDonald

If you love house and dance music, then the name Tara McDonald will be instantly recognisable. As a featured vocalist for the likes of David Guetta and Armand Van Helden, Tara – the Voice of 2010, awarded by music magazine OnlyforDJ – has just signed a record deal with Mercury Universal for her first solo album.

Most recently, Tara was involved in the Belgium version of The Voice, where she helped coach winner Roberto Bellarosa to victory. Having known main coach Quentin Mosimann for a long time, it was to her the Swiss DJ/Singer turned when looking for an experienced vocalist to mentor his charges. Says Tara:

“The Voice Belgiqie was the biggest show on Belgian TV and therefore pretty nerve wracking for the contestants. I’ve been in the industry for years and you learn on the job – I was able to pass on my experience, particularly when it came to staying healthy (I recommend ginseng and royal jelly – it takes a couple of months to get into your system but I’ve not been ill since) and coping with the stress and the nervousness. Some of the contestants were still at school yet people are so quick to criticize, they forget you’re a real person. Things hurt when you’re 17 and it’s easy to criticize but not do anything yourself. But you learn to cope: If you can read the good, you can take the bad.

“Roberto has a beautiful voice, a CD quality voice. He was my favourite from the beginning. But everyone has a weak spot and his was nervousness. You’re analysed and critiqued, feedback it might normally take years to get. He couldn’t express himself through his body, he was so stiff; moving felt unnatural to him. So I got him to sing lying down on the floor, in front of family and friends. That’s so much harder than singing to strangers. He’s now signed to Sony and making an album.

“You have to think like a winner. If you’re not switched on enough, or you let the pressure get to you, you can fail. Even the sweetest people can have tantrums or make statements like “I haven’t bothered rehearsing; I don’t know why I’m here” as another contestant did. People say and do weird things – I’m still in contact with him and he now doesn’t understand why he said that.”

Being so busy herself, Tara hasn’t had a chance to watch The Voice UK but is looking forward to catching up with it. Almost in passing, she mentions sharing a vocal coach with Tom Jones!

“Glyn Jones his name was, and sadly he’s no longer with us. I can still hear his voice though *Adopts Welsh lilt* “When I taught Jonesy ... when I had The Bassey in here ...” Now we know that Jonesy picked up more than singing tips #namedropping.

What does she think of X-Factor? “It’s cruel” she states, strongly. “Like the Romans feeding the Christians to lions, featuring people just to make fun of them. The Voice just doesn’t do that.”

Although known as The Queen of Dance, Tara’s album will see some departure from that genre, with a mix that may include ballads and more soulful tracks. It’s an exciting thought, as Tara’s voice has real depth and an earthy soul to it, unsurprising when you find out that she has supported the legend that is Roy Ayers at celebrated jazz club, Ronnie Scott’s, and sung with saxophonist Leo Green. There was even a stint on an early series of Strictly Come Dancing.

“We’re working on about 20 tracks at the moment,” says Tara, “but we’ll probably drop that to 12, with some more radio friendly tracks; we want the project to speak to as many people as possible and I wanted to challenge myself and do things that people don’t expect from me.”

The first single is Give Me More – and after a few listens, you’ll be asking just that; Tara’s stuff is extremely catchy! It’s a striking video too, very Tim Burton/Alice in Wonderland.

“It was shot in the Paris apartment belonging to a set designer of Italian director, Federico Fellini, and used to be an old factory. We were the first to ever shoot there – with rabbits running around all over the place! Considering it was a 20 hour shoot, the day went by in a blur.”

She cites David Guetta as having a major impact on dance music crossing over the way it has, with the collaborations between him and mainstream dance stars like Rihanna. “I love the club scene, it’s really me. Strangely, David I are both dip in and out of the same motivational book ‘The Secret’ by Rhonda Byrne. It helps you visualise your dreams and achieve – and you only have to see what David has achieved to know that it works.”

One last thing - what’s with the photos referencing certain burgers and clowns? “I spend a lot of time in France and they always laugh at my surname on my passport: “Any relation to Ronald?” is the standard joke (Tell me about it – “Are you one of the Nolan sisters? All my life ..) they only ever associate it with the burger brand, they don’t get that it’s just a normal Scottish surname, so it became a fun reference: laugh with me, not at me! I do pop dance and it’s fun, so I don’t take myself too seriously. It’s taken me a long time to be in this position and I want to enjoy myself.”

Having spent an enjoyable coffee morning with Tara, I had far too much material for one article – read more about her background and her work with the Plan charity here.

From Scarborough to Hollywood ...

The early dancing years of Matt Flint! You have to admit, it takes some guts to turn down a role in a West End show, to be at the mercy of the British public in a reality show!

Anyone else riveted by the Secrets of a Pop Song: Ballad on BBC2 on Saturday night? Professional song writer Guy Chambers (Angels and more) teamed up with Rufus Wainwright to write Rufus' love song entry to mainstream pop, World War Three. And from the opening melody I was hooked, the song was beautiful; soaring, anthemic - exactly what you'd expect a top single to be, whether the stripped back acoustic version or the full on 1812 overture crescendo! I wasn't too familiar with Rufus' work, but he has the most amazing pure vocal, it's truly gorgeous.

The other interesting aspect was the different approaches of Guy and fellow hit songmaker, Diane Warren. Guy has very strict rules: Not over 4 minutes and very structured in terms of what you can and can't do. Whereas Diane was very much - do what feels right, make it up as you go along. Which proves the case for all creative writing - there are no wrong or right ways, you just need to find your audience.

Catch the episode on i-Player if you missed it, and tune in next week to see Guy tackle a 'breakthrough' song (think Amy Winehouse and Rehab). Saturday, BBC2 9.45pm, if it's on the same time as before - do check!

Keep your ears open for a new Teena Marie album! Ralph Tee on Jazzfm played a couple of tracks on Sunday's Luxury Soul and they were straight out of Wild and Peaceful/Lady T territory, produced or co-written, I think, with Ronnie Macnair.

Extreme Heavy Metal to Mellow ElectroTango ... in six-ish short-ish, staccato steps!

Let me introduce you to Sean A. McGee, musician. As a composer he has worked for independent film & TV projects and, until a short time ago, was also the long haired 'Extreme Metal' lead guitarist with successful British band, 'Thirteenth Sign'.

Then one Saturday evening a few years ago, he decided to switch on the BBC's 'Strictly Come Dancing' show. It just happened to be the one that featured an Argentine Tango demonstration by Vincent Simone & Flavia Cacace. And Sean was transfixed. Mesmerised. The dancers! The music!So excited was he by the sheer “heart to heart and depth of soul connection” that this Tango could bring, it brought into question his whole involvement and reason for working within the heavy metal scene.

“There was a real honesty and beauty in the music and dance that I didn't have playing heavy metal every week. And as I'd already worked with film I understood how the music and emotion connection worked perfectly well. Dance was a new and exciting world to me and to be completely honest, I wanted 'in'.”

So he quit the band!!!!! And managed to track down a local Argentine Tango class for himself and fiancée Linzi where, from the very first bar, they found themselves hooked!

“Being musical I've obviously found something really exciting in the music we've been dancing to, especially that of the ElectroTango of bands such as Gotan Project, BajaFondo and Tanghetto.We've since continued regular classes and milongas and are now taking IDTA medals.”

Then last February, Sean booked tickets to see his idols, Vincent & Flavia, in a local show at St Ives, Cambridgeshire and was fortunate enough to chat with them afterwards, asking if anyone had ever written bespoke music for them before. He’d had a vague idea of writing fresh new music alongside new choreography for quite a while and wanted to gauge their interest in such an idea.To his pleasure and surprise they loved it but were so tied up with 'Strictly Come Dancing' that they couldn’t do anything at that moment, but advised him to stay in touch – they’d been looking for someone to offer such a service three years earlier without success!

“It was this specific comment and my slightly 'blue' reaction to it that led me to write my very first ElectroTango track! 'Three Years Too Late?' was to be the first of many!”

Sean took the tune to his Argentine Dance class and the reaction from the both instructors and participants, demanding an album, gave him the courage to sell the heavy metal band equipment and invest in the equipment needed to make the best ElectroTango album possible. Four months later, by the summer of 2010, the album was complete.

'NEBULOSA' was born!

“It was whilst finalising all the artwork that I decided I'd like Vincent & Flavia to hear the album, as If it hadn't been for the conversation we'd all had back in the February, this project would not exist. I was hoping they might be able to give me a brief testimonial as to the quality of my work. Several weeks passed and I continued with the artwork. Then, the Thursday before I was to send the album off for pressing I got THE email that has changed my life! Vincent & Flavia absolutely LOVED the album!! In fact, they loved it so much that they wanted to join forces with me and to appear on the cover, sell on their website and market/merchandise the CD in the media as a whole!! MY IDOLS LOVED AND BELIEVED IN ME!!!!!”

After many excited emails flew back and forth, the album was released in September and by Christmas had covered all the production costs, selling well in the UK as well as to the USA & Australia.

An equally proud moment for Sean was Flavia naming the first completed track, 'Pensiero' (Italian for 'thought'). With features in local BBC and independent radio stations, national press and the BBC website, and an open invitation to play the RiverTango festival in London, Sean is now concentrating on writing his second album, with the Tango passion still coursing through his veins!

“I'm looking to find a record company to work with this time and the plan for this year is to complete the new album and put together a line up of top musicians to take the 'UK ElectroTango' on the road.”

Sean A McGee: Dancer. Musician (transformed!) Check out a sample of his music here.

South Bank Sky Arts Award: Classical Music

The BBC Philharmonic and the Halle for Mahler's 8th Symphony triumphed over Liverpool Philharmonic (Mahler's 1st, 2nd ad 3rd) and As With Voices and with Tears, the recent work of new composer Tansy Davies, performed at Portsmouth Cathedral by Portsmouth Grammar School Chamber Choir, London Mozart Players and Andrew Cleary. Nigel Kennedy presented.

South Bank Sky Arts Award: Pop Music

Plan B was the winner of the Pop Music Award, for his album The Defamation of Strickland Banks. However, he was not in attendance to collect the award from Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood, who I completely missed - what can I say, I was probably talking. The other nominees in this catergory were Foals for Total Life Forever and Disc-overy by Tinie Tempah, who was there, but I didn't get a picture of him, either *sighs*

I did, though, get pictures of the artists who performed at the ceremony! Nigel Kennedy, with Bond and John Dankworth; Bryn Terfel and Alfie Boe; The Noisettes, who a cameraman kindly informed me were not chocolates in Quality Street. Hm, clearly a philistine. Sir, you will find they are green triangles ...

South Bank Sky Arts Award: Times Breakthrough Award

The Times Breakthrough Award is given to the best new artistic talent and was awarded to the band Everything Everything, by actress Andrea Risborough. The other nominees were: Greg Davies (Comedy); Nicholas Collon (Classical Music); Brian Maloney (Dance); Clio Barnard (Film); Neel Mukherjee (Literature); Pumeza Matahikiza (Opera); Andrew Scott (Theatre); Michelle Dockery (TV Drama) and Simon Fujiwara (Visual Arts).

I was fortunate enough to meet the band's manager too, Duncan Ellis... or rather Drunken Ellis, who had already been on the stuff that I partook of later, I reckon - the Melvyn Bragg cocktail comprising, I'm told: vodka, lychee juice, ginger beer and spring onions. Not a combo I'd normally go for but it was delicious, very refreshing and fruity and consequently, three of them in one hour resulted in numb lips and a fuzzy view of the proceedings in the hospitality room.

Duncan was pretty made up at his boys winning and, with girlfriend and mum both absent, I was nearest - cue hugging. Aw, bless, under the circumstances, I was happy to oblige - not every day I get cuddles from a young fit bloke. But you're lucky I'm no bunny boiler Duncan!

I pondered how I'd get home over an enormous white wine spritzer in the other bar, the hotel's very own, very funky bar, considering how classic everywhere else is in the Dorchester. It may have been my eyes. My eyes! I really must try to remember where I left them ...

South Bank Sky Arts Award: Opera

The Opera award was presented to the Welsh National Opera for Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg, by the lovely Lesley Garret. Fellow nominees were ENO for A Dog's Heart and Billy Budd at Glyndebourne.

Naturally, I couldn't resist asking Lesley about her ex-Strictly Come Dancing partner, Anton Du Beke and how jealous was she of Ann Widdecombe? She knew they'd make a fabulous partnership, saying that Anton is a most supportive and funny man and they keep in touch by text and telephone. Anton was able to show how brilliant he was and much as she was supporting them throughout, she did confess to being a little worried that Ann would pinch her semi-final record with him!

The South Bank Sky Arts Awards

Thanks to the lovely people at Spreading Jam, I was backstage at the South Bank Sky Arts Awards yesterday, predominantly taking photos but also managing to nab a few words here and there.

One of the world's most coveted arts awards, celebrating the best of British culture and achievement, this is the 15th year of the awards and was hosted, as ever, by Melvyn Bragg. The glittering ceremony was attended by some of the most illustrious patrons, practitioners and performers of the creative arts and the winners were presented with an award designed by Turner prize winning sculptor Anish Kapoor.

Award recipients were Dame Judi Dench (Outstanding Achievement); Plan B (Best Pop); This is England 86 (TV Drama); Monsters (Best Film); Rev (Best Comedy); Clybourne Park (Theatre); BBC Philharmonic and The Halle (Classical Music); Everything Everything (The Times Breakthrough); Akram Khan (Dance); Candia McWilliam (Literature); Welsh National Opera (Opera) and Tacita Dean (Visual Arts).

Melvyn Bragg said: "The phenomenal shortlist and truly inspirational list of winners is further proof, if it were ever needed, that the arts in this country are vibrant and thriving. With such a wide array of winners, from Plan B to Die Meistersingers, This is England '86 to Clybourne Park, this is a much needed opportunity to thank and honour the dedication and breadth of talent at work in this country."

I'm not even going to attempt to put all the photos and details into one blog post - that would be madness, so you'll have to be patient! I shall post a dedicated piece to each winner for you instead, in nice easy, bitesize chunks - I may even have them all done by the end of the day!

The Ultimate Guide for Singers!

Internationally recognised voice coach, Pete Moody, has published a book called ‘How to be a Pop Sensation.’

It’s a new guide for singers of all abilities and can be used as a personal guide to becoming a professional singer or as teaching aid for training others. There are twenty three comprehensive chapters covering all stages of performing and launching a singing career, from Keeping It Real – how to wow audiences and stir their emotions, to putting together a promotional pack to increase your chances of being noticed.

If you want to make it in the music business, this is the bible for you! Visit Pete’s website to uy the book and read testimonials from current and former pupils. There are also reviews of the book on Amazon you won’t want to miss!

Published in the UK by Gibson Publishing ISBN 9780956710116 £14.99 plus P&P.
Recommended by www.xfactorliveusa.com

Special Offer from Engineer Records

Engineer Records have a special New Year offer for you - for every on-line order received between now and New Year's Day, they'll send you five free Engineer release Cds! Five! That's pretty generous, wouldn't you say! The great releases in store now include the new Cds from Kyoto Drive, Call Off The Search and The Startover, as well as many more, all under a fiver!

They've also recently created TWITTER and TUMBLR accounts for the label, to go with their FaceBook and YouTube sites already up, where they'll keep you constantly updated with news, videos and NEW tracks from their awesome rocking roster! It'll be the place to find out first about upcoming releases and exciting competitions and merchandise! So don't miss out, follow them or link with them today!

http://twitter.com/#!/engineerrecords - TWITTER
http://engineerrecords.tumblr.com/ - TUMBLR
http://www.facebook.com/engineerrecords - FACEBOOK
http://www.youtube.com/user/EngineerRec - YOUTUBE

Support your small and independent labels!

Dancing With The Stars

Trav's Thoughts are in, the show this week had a TV music theme tune!

The results are here!

And naturally, it set me thinking - what British TV shows could provide dance music to Strictly? And will they begin to introduce themes like their American counterpart?

The only one that sprang to mind was Double Deckers for a cha cha (Billy's doing Cuban Breaks!) Get Peter Firth there, recognise him - Harry from Spooks! I'm sure they'll be plenty more - Foxy, this'll be right up your street! Oh, here's another - Banana Splits - jive!

Ubisoft® Launch of Just Dance® 2! Or, Schmoozing With The Stars ... in pictures!

What can I say, other than I had a fab-u-lous time at Studio Valbonne (many thanks to Lexy!) Here's a few photos - the celebs were having a fab time too, giving their all on the wii games set up! The screens were far too much for my little camera though, so you have to take my word for it! Here’s a video hint of the fun you can have!

The lovely John Partridge - you may know him as Christian in East-Enders, but I know him from Over The Rainbow!








The adorable Vincent Simone from Strictly Come Dancing








Pineapple Dance's exuberant Louis Spence












Bright and shiny Tinchy Stryder ... sorry 'bout that!














From Dancing on Ice, Zoe Salmon











Sophie Ellis Bextor ... spot the Blue Peter connection there.









The gorgeous Jeremy Edwards from Dancing on Ice








X-Factor behind the scenes Star Maker, Brian Friedman










X-Factor winner, Alexandra Burke








National Lottery's Jennie Falconer










DJ Yoda kept us all moving ...








Dizzee Rascal: The smiley photo wasn't as clear, sorry!

Coronation Street/Waterloo Road actress, Angela Griffin

New Releases from Engineer Records

The Startover’s new CD, Survivor's Guide, is loaded with everything from sinister chord progressions to consistently catchy melodies, from gut wrenching beat downs to subtle hints of electronica and all whilst maintaining their own distinctive edge to the pop punk sound. Survivor's Guide hosts six tracks all boasting a commercial but independent sound telling tales of growing up, chasing girls, pure aggression and finding independence in such a spoon fed culture. Critics may not label The Startover as the most ground breaking band they've ever heard - taking influences from bands like Taking Back Sunday, Jimmy Eat World and Fightstar, but the band would never admit to being anything different and some bands just do it better than others.If honest, catchy song writing and bags of character is what you’re looking for then look no further. The Startover have truly arrived. (IGN141).

The Nutcutters are back with their third album, Clyde, which will turn the punk-rock scene upside down! An album full with catchy melodies, fast beats, naughty and also thoughtful lyrics and spiced with the unmistakable voice of the Philippine singer Jake. Accompanied by drummer Normen and guitarist Chris, the threesome is about to reach a new level. What makes the new album as diversified as ever is first of all the usage of synthesizer played by drummer Normen. Supporting the great guitar riffs of Chris and humming bass of Jake the electronic influence creates a whole new touch in the old school pop punk sound of The Nutcutters. (IGN151)

Ramona - Mornington Crescent Now Open CD: Inspired by classic 60’s mod bands, the EP was a conscious effort to make a recording that was rough around the edges and organic. A sonic departure from the heavily produced rock albums that dominate the music scene in North America. None-the-less a rock album through and through. With the upcoming release of ‘Mornington Crescent Now Open’ on both Engineer Records and Pacific Ridge Records, alongside the official video release for ‘A Way Over’ and tour dates adding up, 2010 looks like it’s going to be a very busy year. (IGN145).

Breaching Vista - Breaking The View CD: Imagine, if you will, that a saucerful of alien explorers landed on Earth as part of a peaceful mission to understand human culture. If the aliens wanted to learn about, say, ballet, we could show them a video of Baryshnikov. If they asked about golf, some footage of Tiger Woods would certainly explain a lot. And if the little green men wanted to grasp the concept of radio-friendly alternative rock (it could happen!), it would make sense to play them this CD by Breaching Vista.It's not that this Canadian band is the best alt-rock group out there, nor the most successful, but their four-song debut EP, Breaking the View, is a veritable primer on crafting catchy, hook-laden tunes that showcase all the best elements of the genre (and, thankfully, none of the worst).With four songs clocking in at 15 minutes, the EP is a concise how-to of the genre, like a 'Dummies Notes' for any young hipsters hoping to get airplay and chicks.All the crucial ingredients are there: the not-too-complicated guitar riffing, the angst-ridden lyrics about lost loves and other grief (our fave line: "Oh, this room is a hostel of pain"), the slick multi-layered production and the stuck-in-your-head-for-days anthemic choruses. Though this type of music has been done before (think Jimmy Eat World, Gin Blossoms, Tugboat Annie, Fightstar) it is not often done this well. Lead vocalist John Maksym has a gutsy, self-assured voice that lends a sense of urgency and honesty to the lyrics. The guitar sound is tweaked to perfection, giving the big riffs some in-your-face power whilst the more intricate parts add texture to the background. You'd be hard-pressed to find a more effective pop-punk song than 'Tap Tap' and in a space of less than four minutes the song evolves with several distinct gear changes and a chorus that just begs to be sung along with. If our hypothetical alien visitors wished to understand the concepts of "originality" or "avant-garde," we would surely have to steer them away from Breaching Vista. But when it comes to this particular brand of aggressive-yet-accessible radio-rock, Breaching Vista are exemplary representatives of their ilk. (IGN148).

Red Light Green Light - Everything Has Gone Wrong CD (IGN147). The new album "Everything Has Gone Wrong" by Red Light Green Light is "one of those records" and they are "one of those bands." They are one of those bands that gets listed in bands influences rather than the Billboard Top 100 and they wouldn't have it any other way. They preach old school punk rock ideas with a new school intensity all their own. In the song "Code Red/Almost Dead" the chorus sings "this is our contribution, but we are not your revolution. as youth dies dreams fade away. so live your life extraordinary and never settle for ordinary. be who you want to be, just live your life!" and that is what this record is about. Having the guts to follow your dreams and actually living your life. Red Light Green Light is one of those bands that you may have never heard of, but your favorite band has... and Everything Has Gone Wrong is a fine example of just that! Do yourself a favour and pick up a copy.

Failsafe For Tomorrow - Give up your ghost CD. At the end of 2007 after numerous gigs around Yorkshire Failsafe For Tomorrow recorded their first 6 track E.P. “Strike Your Matches” Which did a small release with Disillusioned Records. The reviews and comments of the first record were words like “Dynamic” “Universal” and even “Haunting” the band say “We think the E.P. and the songs we were writing were always trying to reach out to people who weren’t into our genre, When we write a song we never pick a side, just play what feels right”. At the beginning of 2009 the band parted ways with lead guitarist Scott and replaced him with Mark Lovett, They continued to write and perform through the summer and gather songs for their long awaited second EP ‘Give up your Ghost’ and this hardcore masterpiece is available now on Disillusioned Recs. & Engineer Recs.‘Failsafe’ Have an ever growing fanbase and will be touring this Summer 2010. (IGN135).

Semmi Komoly - Loss Fills The Air CD (IGN121). Hardcore how it should be done. Angry yet clever. Powerful yet melodic. These guys will rock you..
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The Separation - Retire Your Engines CD: These five guys from the Greater London area make up this rock band that combines catchy hooks, energetic riffs & frantic vocals on their debut album 'Retire Your Engines'. Clearly influenced by everything from Punk to Stadium Rock, influences such as Alkaline Trio, At The Drive In & Glassjaw shine through, as does a distinctly English edge that first made Hundred Reasons & Reuben so exhilarating. According to the guys themselves, their sound can be described as 'a furious marriage of Post Hardcore riffage to Pop-laden hooks. If you are sick of bands who are afraid to break out of the constraints of what Punk & Rock can offer then these guys are worth checking out. Well on their way to making a real name for themselves & with a February UK tour being lined up, this could be the sound of The Separation just revving their engines. Don't bet against them taking the chequered flag. (IGN134).

Kyoto Drive - This Is All We Ever Wanted CD (IGN136). Kyoto Drive is a mash-up of old fashioned pop-punk and new wave progressive pop that makes for a familiar yet forgotten combination of styles reminiscent of Drive Thru circa 2005. 2010 looks to be a huge year for the band.

What to do now: All these new releases will blow you away. We have promo copies for magazines, fanzines, websites, radios and promoters. Just get in touch. Or if you are a fan, the most importnat of all, then you can order your copy now direct from http://www.engineerrecordsusa.com/ukstore/ and we will send you a pile of special goodies with it.

PROMOTERS and other BANDS: All these bands work hard and are looking for shows now and we will help you promote the gigs and work with you if you can put them on. Just get in touch. www.EngineerRecords.com Thanks again for reading and for your support. Keep on rocking.

An Audience With Michael Buble

Or, 'The Buble' as he's known - because they don't make many like him anymore!

I tuned in for the man and his music and found myself quite happily listening to him chat as well as sing. And happily just watching *ahem* ... from the dramatic opening of Cry Me A River, Michael showed all the aspiring Britain's Got Talent hopefuls what it actually takes to be a star.

Silky vocals, personality and showmanship held the audience in raptures - not just the women, I might add - as The Buble quipped his way through the evening, from agreeing with Dermot O'Leary that he was indeed not just massive, but universal, what with his good looks, intelligence and modesty, to Fern Britton reminding him of his reply "I'm your man!" to her invite to hang around for the This Morning piece on clitoral stimulation!

Musically, perrenial classics Feeling Good and How Sweet It Is were sung alongside the original Buble of Everything, Home and Just Haven't Met You Yet, and all in all, it's a wonderful advert for his live show. I might join you yet, Foxy: he's got me, he's so got me!

Music Choices!

Continuing a theme from the Strictly Come Dancing message boards, as a good excuse to share some of my favourites!

Cha Cha - Pixie Lott's Boys and Girls

Quickstep - Earth, Wind and Fire - Got To Get You Into My Life

That's a couple of Strictly suggestions, but what of So You Think You Can Dance, I hear you cry! Ok, no, I didn't hear you cry that at all but I'd love to see what the choreographers would come up with to Kesha's Tik Tok! I'm thinking it would make for a great Hip Hop routine, what say you?

News in Brief - DWTS, SCD, SYTYCD,

Interview with Brazilian choreographer Deborah Colker.

Strictly News: Brendan Cole's Live and Unjudged Tour dates; The Duchess of Cornwall impresses Craig; Free Strictly Come Dancing events in Blackpool! And some welcome support for Alesha from Britain's Got Talent winners, Diversity - there's a video too! And check your knowledge of Week 5 with the Strictly quiz!

Trav's thoughts are up - the Top 20 for So You Think You Can Dance, plus the full rundown of Dancing With the Stars. Bruno seems to be enjoying himself a lot more there than he is here - make sure you check out the video's! *chuckles* We need Donny *Swoon* as a guest judge, they're a brilliant double act! No, it's not just because I'm completely biased ...

The UK So You Think You Can Dance will apparently have a guest judge in the personage of Posh Spice, Victoria Beckham.

This week's big question - traditional or contemporary music? I like a mixture of both, how about you?