Come Alive by Paris Hilton

Dear Poptastic Readers,

I'll probably get a lot of grief for this, but Paris Hilton has a new song out called "Come Alive" and it's not bad. And I like it!

Paris actually has a co-writing credit on this song, too. While I think the song is decent, I wish it had more of a melody and a hook. But other than that, it's better than you'd expect.

And the video ... well, Paris looks flawless. And you gotta love any video with a fairy, rainbow and unicorn. Yep! They are all there. Plus, plenty of wigs! Have a look ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6KXwYjG8txo

Now, I've actually somewhat liked Paris's singing career. I didn't like her more urban tracks, but I quite liked "Stars Are Blind" and "Nothing In This World" from her debut album. The latter actually made my Top 20 countdown of 2006 when it landed at #14.

I realize that Paris isn't everyone's cup of tea. But at least she's trying to do something creative. I hope she continues with more pop tracks.

"Come Alive" is available on digital outlets. 

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Uptight Downtown by La Roux

Dear Poptastic Readers,

You might remember that I featured La Roux's single "Let Me Down Gently" back in June. Turns out, that was a teaser single. And the first single from the new album Trouble In Paradise, is actually "Uptight Downtown."

I had been waiting for a video to come, but it hasn't. And I'm not sure the song made much of a splash. Still it is a decent song. Just have a listen ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnCLiNDx1qU

La Roux's second album Trouble In Paradise is out now. I bought and I liked it. There are some really good songs on the album. It is available on digital outlets everywhere.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

One Minute More by Capital Cities

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Last year, Capital Cities hit it big with their debut single "Safe And Sound." It was a Top 10 hit here in America, and it landed at #13 on Poptastic Confessions Top 20 songs of 2013. 

I wasn't crazy with their second single "Kangaroo Court." So when their latest single came around ... I hesitated. However, I downloaded the song earlier this summer and stuck it on my 2014 playlist, and I'm here to tell you the song has grown on me, and I think you will like it, too. It's called "One Minute More."

What I really like about Capital Cities is that they sing in unison, and it sounds really nice. The video is interesting ... have a look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w0IIYU9om_k

If you missed "One Minute More" ... go buy it today! It's available on digital outlets everywhere.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Pieces by Glass Slipper

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Glass Slipper have gone and released another song making it the fourth release this year! Yay! The new song is called "Pieces" and it presented in the "Deep Mix." And it is deeply FAB!

Glass Slipper are BradElectro and Lisa

Now as you might remember, Lisa and BradElectro formed Glass Slipper after Brad read the interview I did with Lisa last year. It just so happens that "Pieces" was the first song they wrote and recorded together. And they shared the demo with me last year so I've had it for awhile, and I love it! Just have a listen ...




I was hoping for a video for the song, but it wasn't in the cards this time around. Hopefully next time.

"Pieces" is available on Beatport, Spotify and iTunes. Please support them by legally downloading the track.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. If you like "Pieces" ... please check out their other songs: "Surge", "Brighter Days" and "Love Is."

Honors by John Dahlbäck featuring Rebecca & Fiona

Dear Poptastic Readers,

The ever-unexpected Rebecca & Fiona have a new single out that isn't on their latest album Beauty Is Pain. That's right, the new single is by John Dahlbäck featuring Rebecca & Fiona. The song is called "Honors."

As you would expect, it's a dance/club song. Rebecca & Fiona have their trademark vocals here. It's a got a big build that lets loose after a minute into the song.

There isn't an official video (at least yet). But there is a video of Rebecca & Fiona playing the song at one of their DJ sets and jumping around and singing along. Just have a look ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjtB1lybxdo

"Honors" is available on iTunes everywhere. Go get it!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Summertime by Amelle

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Are you having a Cruel Summer? Well here's some exciting news! Sugababes singer Amelle Berrabah has her very own first solo single out called "Summertime" and it is a feel-good track that is very catchy.

"Summertime" comes after a long wait. Last year Amelle was featured on Adam J's song "Love (Is All We Need)" and that landed at #15 on Poptastic Confessions best songs of 2013. As it turns out, the long wait was because Amelle recorded a dance album last year that when she finished with it, she didn't like it. So she scrapped it and started working on music that she liked.

"Summertime" is a sweet song Amelle wrote about her sister Laila. She even says her name in the song. It's about praising someone who has always been there for you. And I think we can all relate.

Check out the lovely video ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nrC9_32crE

Wasn't that nice? Amelle looks happy and I wish her all the best with her solo work.

Now you might ask, what does this mean for the Sugababes. Well, the rumour mill is in fill swing and soon as I publish this, news will probably break. Anyway, all signs point to the original members (MKS) getting the name "Sugababes" back. So that probably means no more Sugababes for Amelle, Heidi and Jade. But who knows?

Jade, Heidi and Amelle were the last lineup of Sugababes 2009-2011

I do hope Amelle and Heidi collaborate together in the future. Hopefully Jade, too. You never know ...

Until then, Amelle's "Summertime" is released on iTunes on September 21. However, you can preorder the track and usually get it the day before. The track is available worldwide, not just in the UK.

So don't delay, preorder it today!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Be Kind by StoneBridge & Crystal Waters

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Over the weekend, I was listening to Crystal Waters song "Come On Down" (which sampled the Price Is Right theme song) from around 2002, and I thought "I wonder what Crystal Waters is up to?" I remembered her fantastic song from 2006/7 called "Destination Calabria" with Alex Gaudino. But after that, I kinda lost track of her. 

Well, good news! She has a new song called "Be Kind" with StoneBridge. And it is FABulous! That's right! A brand-new song! I went to her Facebook page and liked it. And I listened to her new song. Well, I downloaded it from iTunes and I can't stop playing it.

It's a dance song and the music provided by StoneBridge, who had wonderful song in 2004/5 called "Put 'Em High." Crystal's lyrics and vocals are spot on. Listening to her new song just reminds me of what a good vocalist she is. She has a way of twisting words and making them her own. Just have a listen with this lyric video ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sj0FAy3rAIM

Now if you think you don't know who Crystal Waters is, her debut single "Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless)" was a huge hit in the early 90s. By the mid-90s she had another huge hit with "100% Pure Love." Crystal has always had some great songs over the years. While I have a few of her albums and her "Best of" CD,  I have no idea what she's been up to since 2007, so I have some catching up to do!

"Be Kind" comes at a time when I think the world could use these words. Whether it be gay rights, immigration and undocumented immigrants, the US House of Representatives, wars in the Gaza Strip and the Ukraine. The world needs this song.

So "Be Kind" and go to iTunes and buy the song. If you are into remixes, there are lots there for you! Don't delay ... buy the track today! And ... "Be Kind."

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. Like Crystal's Facebook page and follow her on Twitter. And bookmark her official website. You can even like StoneBridge's Facebook page.

An Interview with Alice D

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Back in May, I introduced you to new singer/songwriter Alice D. Her debut 2-track Alice EP with Oscar Scheller really let Alice's star shine. Click on Alice's name to read my review. Alice has some new songs coming soon, but I thought it would be fun to do an interview. Thankfully, Alice said yes!

The Alice EP

Now a little background ... Alice is the daughter of Sara Dallin and Bassey Walker. Sara is one half of Bananarama. Bassey was one of Bananarama's hunky dancers back in the day. He is also a musician, too. So Alice is a natural when it comes to music. Please meet Alice!

Alice Dallin-Walker

Hello Alice! Let's start off with the fantastic 2-track Alice EP that you and Oscar released. How did this come about?

Firstly thank you for buying the EP and supporting my music, it means so much to me! I’ve known Oscar since I was 14 and since he too has always loved music it was only natural for us to collaborate. It started off just going to Oscar’s house after he had put the music for me together, and despite constantly laughing through every take we managed to write and record ‘Love No More,’ ‘Moving On,’ and ‘Lights Out,’ in his bedroom. We released the EP of our own back and we’re very pleased with the response it’s got.

I love it! Who is Oscar Scheller? And will you be working with him on future projects?

Oscar, like I said above is my friend first and foremost but he is also an incredibly talented musician and performer in his own band. He is also a whiz on the computer making the most amazing beats! Oscar is currently focusing on his own music but I’m sure we will work together in the future! 

"Oscar’s bedroom where we wrote our music." 

"Moving On" is one of my favorite songs of the year so far! My 14-year-old-son was even singing to it in the car the other day. Can you please make a video for it?

Haha! Thank you, that’s great to hear! I would love to make a music video for it…watch this space! :-)

https://soundcloud.com/alicedw/moving-on-ian-masterson-mix

In my review, I noted that the chorus of "Moving On" was similar to The Spag-A-Nana Dub Mix of Bananarama's "Movin' On." Was this by coincidence?

I get this all the time! But I actually wasn’t even thinking about Bananarama’s ‘Movin On.’ (sorry mum) The lyrics just worked for that song…its great to have similar songs though, it’s almost as if I’m paying homage to the Bananarama legacy. haha

Alice and Sara

Indeed! "Love No More" is also a great song. I also noticed that both songs were break-up songs. Will you love again? Ha!

Break-up songs are easy to write because everyone has been through similar types of feelings and emotions, however I feel my songs have more of a positive outlook on love and spread the message that if someone doesn’t appreciate you then it’s onto the next! I definitely will love again, but I’m in no hurry…

https://soundcloud.com/alicedw/love-no-more-ian-masterson-mix

Great! The brilliant Ian Masterson mixed both songs. How wonderful was it to hear how he made your songs shine?

I’ve known Ian for years too and it was great to finally work with him after all his great work on Bananarama’s records. Having recorded rough mixes of ‘Love No More,’ and ‘Moving On’ in Oscar’s bedroom, it was great to be in a proper studio. Hearing my songs revamped, I’m so grateful for being able to work with Ian.

Nice. Hopefully not the last time! On your SoundCloud page, there is a song called "Lights Out." Will that be included on the next release?

I really like ‘Lights Out’ because I love the music Oscar made for it and the lyrics are about liking someone, which is different to my other songs! I haven’t thought about what’s going to be on the next EP yet but I would for sure like to revamp ‘Lights Out’ and have it featured.

https://soundcloud.com/alicedw/lights-out

I really like it, too! What is next musically for you, besides making a video for "Moving On" and promoting it like a proper single? Haha

For the past few months I have been working with music producers Rob Tanzy (goes by the name of ‘Crown Duels’) and Joey Mccrilley. I have been writing and recording songs for them, which is all very exciting as they are massively talented. The songs I have done are of a more Dance/House vibe and will be on their EP’s that should be released towards the end of the year when everything is finished.

Let me know! You have some very nice covers on your SoundCloud page like Michael Jackson's "Human Nature" and Rihanna's "Stay." I thought they were brilliant.

Thank you, I know it sounds cliché but I really do feel like I’ve grown up with Michael Jackson. My dad was and still is a massive fan…I constantly watched YouTube videos and old tapes of MJ when I was a kid, I loved it! Human Nature is one of my favourite songs by him. ‘Stay’ by Rihanna is such a simple song and yet so moving. I love the melody and lyrics.

Well, you did a great job! Would you ever consider covering a Bananarama song? If so, any idea which one?

I love ‘Cruel Summer’ cause it has such a cool vibe and I like how unique it is with the marimba sounds. The dungarees and New York backdrop for the video are also great! An artist called ‘Uffie’ who I used to listen to when I was a teenager sampled it in one of her songs and it just sounded so cool.

Awesome! You must know that you will probably get a lot of Bananarama fans (including a lot of gay men) checking out your music. How does feel having them along for the ride?

My mum’s fan base are great because they are so loyal and it’s a privilege to have so many people, regardless whether they are gay or not, checking out my music.

Alice with Bananarama (Keren and Sara)

Both Keren and Sara have said in interviews before that you were a great singer. Did they encourage you to be a singer/songwriter?

It’s so lovely of them to sing my praises constantly! I’ve always wanted to sing, I used to write songs when I was 11 years old with my dad (and still do!) and performed at school singing concerts so it has always been my dream. I did the whole university experience and when I finished last year I decided I wanted to focus primarily on music. Having always been surrounded by music, it is an integral part of my life. It’s so great to have my whole family and friends on board supporting and encouraging me to do it.

Speaking of Bassey, it would be great to hear some songs that you wrote with him. Would you put them up on SoundCloud? Or release them?

I would have to dig out the songs I did when I was 11. But my dad has helped me with the current songs I’ve been working on with Joey Mccrilley and Rob Tanzy so you will hear them soon enough!

Bassey and Alice

I'm sure they'll be great. Besides Poptastic Confessions, how can your new fans keep track of you? Is there a website or an Artist Facebook page that you will have soon?

I mostly use SoundCloud and my Twitter account to showcase my music but now you’ve mentioned it I will definitely get an Artist Facebook page up and running! It will be under the name of ‘Alice D.’

Thank you for the interview, Alice D! Was this your first one?

Sure was! Thank you, Dave!

Hooray! I wish you all the success in your music career!

Aw thank you for your support; I can’t wait for y’all to hear my new stuff!

***

If you missed the Alice EP, head over to iTunes today and buy it! Don't delay ... Do it today!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Crying On The Dancefloor by Parralox featuring Francine

Dear Poptastic Readers,

As if the new Jody Watley release this week wasn't enough, just in time for the weekend, I found a FANTASTIC song for you! It's called "Crying On The Dancefloor" by Parralox featuring Francine. And isn't the artwork divine?

I have heard of Parralox before, but I'm not sure I have heard their music. But after hearing this gem, I will definitely be checking out some of their previous material.

Parralox is Johanna Gervin and John von Ahlen with Francine

I know who Francine is because she was 1/3 of the short-lived trio called The Face. Yes, it was terrible name for a group. Every time you looked them up, you came up with Facebook. Now, as you might remember The Face released a song with Dream Beats called "Love Stuck." The song landed at #9 in Poptastic Confessions best songs of 2012. Click on the song to it featured in Poptastic Confessions. It was a brilliant song!

Francine with her former group The Face

But in early 2013, The Face split. Francine went solo and the other two formed a duo with an equally bad name called Heros. However, they had a nice remake of "First Be A Woman" last year.

But now Francine is back with this awesome song with Parralox. And she looks and sounds absolutely AMAZING! Parralox does, too! Just check out the video for "Crying On The Dancefloor."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXPBKqgX7Os

Brilliant, right?

Lucky for you ... "Crying On The Dancefloor" is available on iTunes now! It comes with some remixes by 7th Heaven, Supasound, and John von Ahlen. Plus, there are three other songs from Parralox. Don't delay! Buy it today!

Happy Friday, indeed!

Cheers then,
—Davearama

P.S. You can check Parralox's website and Facebook page. You can also like Francine's Facebook page and follow her on Twitter.