Wildlife by Parralox

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Parralox has finally released their single "Wildlife" and you will be amazed by the track listing!

You might remember that Poptastic Confessions jumped ahead listed "Wildlife" as our #3 song of 2015. Whoops! Oh well ... It is a fabulous song! Check out the video ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72sC5MUMTig

Weren't those kids adorable? They'd probably hate me describing them that way, but I do think they are endearing.

The 4-track single has this track listing ...

01 Wildlife 
02 Wildlife (7th Heaven Remix) 
03 Somebody II (Remix II) 
04 Somebody II (Mi Disguise Remix) 

However, the Remix single has a whopping 32 tracks ...

01 - Wildlife (Extended) 
02 - Wildlife (7th Heaven Club Mix) 
03 - Wildlife (7th Heaven Radio Edit) 
04 - Wildlife (People Theatre's Range Mix) 
05 - Wildlife (People Theatre's Range Dub And Dance Mix) 
06 - Wildlife (Oren Amram Wild Remix) 
07 - Wildlife (Talion Law Remix) 
08 - Wildlife (Your Silent Face Remix) 
09 - Wildlife (Analogue Solutions Vintage Warmer Mix) 
10 - Wildlife (Analogue Solutions Dub Mix) 
11 - Wildlife (Acapella) 
12 - Somebody II 
13 - Somebody II (Remix) 
14 - Somebody II (Remix II Extended) 
15 - Somebody II (Mi Disguise Extended Remix) 
16 - Somebody II (SIRPAUL Remix) 
17 - Somebody II (Midnight Resistance Remix) 
18 - Somebody II (People Theatre's Impatience Mix) 
19 - Somebody II (Mike Jolly Radio Edit) 
20 - Somebody II (Julian Marsh Remix) 
21 - Somebody II (Julian Marsh Extended Remix) 
22 - Somebody II (Jose Jimenez Extended Mix) 
23 - Somebody II (Jose Jimenez Radio Mix) 
24 - Somebody II (Joe Gillan Out There Mix) 
25 - Somebody II (Acapella) 
26 - Do You Feel What I Feel (The Talion Law Delight Mix) 
27 - Do You Feel What I Feel (Acapella) 
28 - Atmosphere (Alone-Mix by Zoon Politicon) 
29 - Voyager (Instrumental) 
30 - Voyager (Acapella) 
31 - Rocket Science (Instrumental) 
32 - Rocket Science (Acapella) 

Holy Moly! Isn't that crazy? Crazy awesome!

Buy your copy today at digital outlets everywhere.

Cheers then,
—Davearama

The History of Alice Deejay

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Back in the year 2000, a Dutch eurodance group called Alice Deejay took dancefloors around the world by storm. But could they be making a comeback?

Alice Deejay

Originally released in 1999, their debut single "Better Off Alone" would be their most famous. It didn't hit the US until 2000. It was a hi-nrg trance affair that had everyone dancing and belting out the question: "Do you think you're better off alone?" Being on the dancefloor when this song was played was such a magical time.

The covers of "Better Off Alone." The one with the three girls (Yutin, Judy and Mila) is one that Davearama made for his own amusement. "I always thought Alice Deejay was best presented with the dancers. I did this for all the singles."

But who was Alice Deejay? One woman? A girl group? It was certainly unclear and never truly defined. And the first video for "Better Off Alone" didn't help matters as no one from the group was in it. We later found out that the lead singer missed her flight for the filming. Or so we were told. See the original music video here ...

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

But ultimately Alice Deejay was a collection of dance producers fronted by singer Judith Anne Pronk, who we knew as Judy. The producers were DJ Jurgen (Jürgen Rijkers), Danski (Dennisvan den Driesschen), Delmundo (Wessel van Diepen), Pronti (Sebastiaan Molijn), and Kalmani (Eelke Kalberg). The album says there are two other vocalists besides Judy: Gaby and Jane. However, Judy always performed with two female dancers. At first it was Mila and Yutin. But for the most part it was Mila and Angelique (Angel). However, there were a couple of performances without Mila, and a woman named Mae filled in, but Mae was never in any videos.

The actual cover for "Back In My Life" and 
the cover Davearama made with Yutin, Judy and Mila.

The second single was "Back In My Life." Unlike "Better Off Alone," it had more of the basic song structure with verses and choruses. And lovely talking middle part. The video featured a storyline for Judy while Mila and Yutin came in for the dance sequence at the end. The song went to #1 in Norway, and it was a huge hit across Europe. Check out the video ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ldgwAAwj9zs

The album Who Needs Guitars Anyway? had a few different covers. 

At first, the cover featured a nude Asian woman riding on a turntable. 

Then her picture was replaced with Judy riding the turntable. 

And then for the USA, we got the solo shot of Judy aiming at the camera.

The debut album Who Needs Guitars Anyway? was an amazing dance-pop album. To this day, I could happily listen to the album with much joy. There is only one song that isn't a dance song: "Fairytales" isn't really a ballad, it is more along the lines that Enigma would do.

With the worldwide success of "Better Off Alone" ... a new video was made with Judy, Mila and Angel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lgs9QUtWc3M

The actual cover for "Will I Ever" and the 
cover Davearama made with Mila, Judy and Angel.

The third single was a slightly remixed version of "Will I Ever." We think over time this has become our favourite Alice Deejay song. It is so uplifting and we love the melody. And the video is amazing with the Greek scene. Judy and dancers Mila and Angel are having a blast! Have a look ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g9Y6BM-agjA

The actual cover for "The Lonely One" and 
the cover Davearama made Angel, Judy and Mila.

The fourth single was "The Lonely One." It was also slightly remixed from the album version. The song is similar to "Better Off Alone" as there aren't many vocals. The video was crazy awesome with the girls filming in Russia. There were even some special effects and the dance sequence was incredible. There was even a lovely making of short of the video. See the music video here ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YytZ5h9nOOo

The actual cover for "Celebrate Our Love" and 
the cover Davearama made with Mila, Judy and Angel.

In 2001, we even got a fifth single! How often does that happen? This time, the song "Celebrate Our Love" was re-recorded and reworked. The album version is a club stomper. But the single version played out like a trance ballad at first, then morphs into a mid-tempo number before slowing back down and having a gospel choir come in for grand finale. It was quite different from anything they did before. The video is quite nice, too! Check it out ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zlJHFEQFA3M

After that, a promo of the instrumental track "Who Needs Guitars Anyway?" was released in Spain, but no video or promotion was done for the track.

DJ Jurgen had a another hit song with a singer named Karen in 2001 called "Higher and Higher." It sounded just like Alice Deejay and many club goers thought it was indeed the new Alice Deejay song, but it wasn't.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DHOrJhDIjW4

And just like that, Alice Deejay was over. Their last performance came in 2002. There was even a backstage interview with Judy where she said they were working on the second album. They said they hadn't recorded anything yet, but they were about to. Such a shame that they didn't continue. They had such an amazing debut album with five singles! And in the UK, all five singles were Top 20 hits with three of them being in the Top 10. 

In 2003, dancer Mila released a one-off single with a group called LIX. The song was called "I Lift You Up" and it was right inline with Alice Deejay. We are not sure if it was a hit or not. Trying to find any information about the song is next to impossible. I finally managed to get the CD single on eBay as it isn't available on iTunes. There were even two video edits! Watch Version 1 and Version 2.

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

Judy went on to have a successful career in makeup and fashion. She currently has a clothing store called AnnaVie in The Netherlands.

Mila went on to be a successful career in choreography and fitness.

I was unable to track down Angel, Yutin or Mae.

The new lineup of Alice DJ

In 2013, fans noticed a new Twitter account called AliceDJ. Since then, a new group of people have been touring under the name Alice DJ. They've even said over the years that they are making new music. Yet, three years later ... nothing has surfaced. 

Ilona and the new dancers

The new website says ... Alice Deejay is back in business with a new voice and face, Amsterdam DJ and singer Ilona, managed by the founding fathers of the group, so it's all in the family. Oh, and a slightly abbreviated name… Alice DJ. Available for live-shows based on the original hit singles and dj gigs with a 2014 edm sound. Get Alice DJ back in your life, now! No mention of the two dancer's names.

You can like the new group's Facebook page and see videos of them singing Alice Deejay songs.

We'd love it one day if Judy, Mila and Angel would reunite and give us some of the magic they helped create. Below is one of our favourite performances by the group. It's a megamix! We love how the crowd sings along! Enjoy!~

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3IlS5ZGAq0

Cheers then,
—Davearama

Give Me Love and The Deep by Doctrin

Dear Poptastic Readers,

If you are in the mood for something a bit rockier, you should check out "Give Me Love" by Doctrin.

Who is Doctrin? Well, the singer's name is Dolly Denko and they have a new 5-track EP out called The Deep. "Give Me Love" is the first single. Check out the risqué video. Be warned though, it is NSFW.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq9c48FRjLE

"Give Me Your Love" and The Deep are available on digital outlets. 

Like the Dotrin's Facebook page here.

Cheers then,
—Jason C

2016 Pop Music Forecast Part 3

Dear Poptastic Readers,

Here is Part 3 of our 2016 Pop Music Forecast. If you missed Part 1 or Part 2, click there to check it out. Again ... here are the writers (with color fonts).

Raoni = Purple

Nick = Blue
Davearama = Green
Ally = Red

Davearama: Who else haven't we covered?

Ally: Sophie Ellis-Bextor is due back this year!

Hmm, I wonder if it will be Wanderlust Part 2? Or the one last dance album she has left in her! 

Nick: Roisin Murphy's follow up to the peerless Hairless Toys. I don't care what direction she takes it in as long as she is Roisin through and through. She did promise that we wouldn't have to wait long for new material at her Manchester gig ... I think a year is more than reasonable.

Raoni: Sweden's Loreen, the winner of Eurovision in 2012, is also probably going to release her sophomore album his year! The 2 singles we’ve heard so far are very good so I’m looking forward to that!

Eurovision! I know Raoni will be watching! Keep us posted on the best songs. 

Alex Anwandter, my favorite singer from Chile, is going to release his second solo album in a few months, if it’s good as his first one, it’ll probably become one of my best albums of the year! Alex became famous as the lead singer of the band Teleradio Donoso. They released two albums and disbanded in 2009. In 2010 he released an album as Odisea, similar to what Petra Marklund did as September. In 2011 he finally released his first solo album as Alex Anwandter, which contained the hits Tatuaje, Tormenta, Rebeldes and Como Puedes Vivir Contigo Mismo (all worth checking, they’re amazing), and has been touring since when. I was lucky to see him live in Santiago last year and became a big fan!

My favorite Japanese popstar, Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is also going to release a new album sometime in 2016. I love the way she sings, her exquisite looks and the electronic production of her songs. The album will contain the singles Mondai Girl and Crazy Party Night, which were already big hits in Japan! Her previous album was released in a lot of countries, including the United States (where it was even released as an exclusive picture disc vinyl) and in Brazil, unlike any other Japanese artist I can think of, so I’m excited to see what’s next for her!

A 'Big Reunion' style TV show is broadcast featuring top 90s dance acts reunited/reinvigorated ... 2 Unlimited, Cappella, Leila K, Dr Alban, Haddaway, Snap! — if you don't know what the Big Reunion is (American readers probably won't), it's well worth a Google. It tours, I dance lots.

Finally, I’m really excited for Spanish alternative pop band Fangoria to release their new album. Fangoria is formed by singer Alaska and musician Nacho Canut. They’ve been together for many decades and have together formed many bands, and as Fangoria they’ve released seven amazing albums. Their last big hit was Dramas Y Comedias, in 2013, and in 2015 they recorded the theme song to a movie called Solo Quimica which was really nice. A new single is probably going to drop out soon!

Well, that does it for our forecast! 

Cheers then!
—Davearama, Raoni, Nick and Ally

2016 Pop Music Forecast Part 2

Dear Poptastic Readers,

We continue with Part 2 of our 2016 Pop Music Forecast! Click here if you missed Part 1. And here is our reminder of our writers (color fonts below) ...

Raoni = Purple

Nick = Blue
Davearama = Green
Ally = Red

Davearama: Ally wasn't with us for Part 1. So let's start with him. Ally, you are big fan of The Saturdays. What's going on with them?

Ally: We’re in for a treat The Saturdays solo outings! Three of the girls are currently in the early stages of recording solo material. First up is 26-year-old Vanessa White kicking off the new year with new track "Nostalga." Click on the song title to see the video. 

She also released a couple of buzz tracks back in the latter part of 2015 from forth-coming EP Chapter One starting with “Relationship Goals” and "Don't Wanna Be Your Lover." Vanessa is going for a mid-90s smooth R&B sound reminiscent of Brandy & Aaliyah. While this may not set the UK/global charts on fire, its a nice starting showcase from arguably the Saturdays strongest vocalist. Chapter One Released 19th February 2016 via Karma Artist Recordings.

Una Foden has been recording with duo The Shires, it looks as though the Irish star will be going down a country slant with her new material, although we've still to hear some previews we will no doubt hear more from Una later on in 2016.

Now onto everybody's favorite Saturday, Mollie King! In October of 2015, Mollie announced that she had indeed signed a record deal with Island Records (The first Saturday to sign with a major label). While the finer details are unknown, this is very promising indeed, Mollie has been working on her upcoming material in Sweden, which has lead to rumours that she might possibly be working with Max Martin. We can imagine a dance-pop sound is possible with Miss King, she is very open about her love and admiration for Britney Spears, so it is very likely she will channel a touch of Brit on her up coming material. Expect big things from her this year.

Nick, what else is going on?

Nick: All Saints should have a single and tour announcement soon. We will all say how amazing the new stuff sounds, but we can't wait for the hits live!

Speaking of summertime, a new Saint Etienne album will make you wish the English summer sun would come out just for the duration of at least one full listen.

Summertime? I think that will belong to return of the Spice Girls!

July 2016 is a massive milestone for this next group as it will mark 20 years since debut single "Wannabe" spent seven weeks at the top of the UK charts and kicking off a record-breaking career that contained nine UK #1 singles, two globally best-selling albums and sold-out stadium tours.

Melanie B as early as June last year, suggested in the media that "it would be rude not to celebrate the anniversary in some way" and some sources have suggested that the girls are on the brink of coming to an agreement that will see the group tour the UK for the first time in 8 years, and 4 years since their phenomenal performance at the London 2012 Olympics. There is also plenty speculation weather or not Victoria will join the group, as she has gone on record in the past to say that she had no interest in performing again.

THE SPICE GIRLS 20th ANNIVERSARY SINGLE, ALBUM AND TOUR!!! (This is non negotiable). 

Raoni: The Spice Girls were the first pop group I got interested in. I just had to watch the music video to “Say You’ll Be There” once and I was instantly a fan. They were the reason I started learning English. I remember as an 11-year-old boy sitting with the Spice album booklet and a dictionary and translating word by word of it so I could understand what they were singing about. Of course, being the only boy at school who admitted being a fan of them, I first experienced something that I would later learn was called homophobia. But I was a proud fan and never stopped liking them and displaying my affection. Sadly they never toured in Latin America and I never got to see them live. I am really excited that this year they may tour again and I hope and pray that I get the chance to make my inner gay boy’s dream come true!

Well, I was older than 11 when my friend Jennifer and I saw them in concert in 1998. As we stood in line to get in, there was a boy crying to his dad that some girls made fun of him for liking the Spice Girls. We quickly butted in and told him that we were in our 20s and we loved the Spice Girls. (Plus, we had the best clothes ... platform shoes and British flag shirts.) We told those girls that the true meaning of Girl Power was lost on them. They apologized to the boy and then asked us where we bought our clothes!

New material I've heard isn't an option either if rumours are to be true. However the tour looks promising at least, and it will be a welcome return if all goes to plan in the coming months!

SCARY, BABY, GINGER, POSH & SPORTY ... We salute you!!

Speaking of girl groups ... Sugababes?

Mutya Keisha and Siobhan will hopefully reveal they took so long following up "Flatline" so they could use the Sugababes name again and delight us with a whole album.

Goodness, I hope so. I had them on the 2015 Pop Music Forecast. Fans have waited so long. I do hope they release music this year. And I may be the only one, but I hope we haven't heard the last of Heidi, Amelle and Jade either.

Bananarama are touring Australia in February and hopefully their next album will be this spring. 

I'll predict Girls Aloud will reform in December without 'the appendix' of the group Cheryl ... Everybody listens to the new Nicola-penned song at the strike of 12 on New Years Eve and the world realises that war is not the answer and we all just dance ... Pop Music FTW.

I thought the appendix was Nadine! Anyhow ... yes! Come back!

How about Robyn, Nick? 

New Robyn album in August full of collaborations so cool it's slightly unnerving but oh so right. Right in the middle of the album, like the North Star is part 3 of the 'Heartbroken Robyn' trilogy of With Every Heartbeat/Dancing On My Own/????. It instantly becomes one of my fave records ever!

R.A.B.B.I.I. are also Swedish and they've been dropping hints all over social media that they have new music coming ... I think the song is called "Chameleon."

And that brings me back to the artists on the 2015 countdown ... Duran Duran needs to release more singles from Paper Gods. Please let "Danceaphobia" be one of the singles. It is my favourite! I'd be happy with "Last Night In The City."

I'm kinda bummed Madonna never released the title track "Rebel Heart" of her last album. I loved it so. I think she is probably done promoting the album, though. Pity.

Raoni, didn't you say the Pet Shop Boys have something super coming?

Yes! Check this out! I love the small clip it plays. Sounds amazing!

Well, we have more, so there will be a Part 3. Stay tuned ...

Cheers then,
—Davearama, Ally, Nick and Raoni