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Video: Mini Viva - One Touch
Posted at 11:27 AM, 30 March 2010 - 3 Comments

The video for the new Mini Viva single, "One Touch", has premiered on Popjustice:


*head explodes*

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Brian Higgins & Alex Gardner interview
Posted at 1:13 AM, - 1 Comments

A new interview with Brian Higgins and new Xenomania protégé Alex Gardner was published on the latest Scotland on Sunday. You can now read the article online. This is one of those rare and insightful interviews with Brian Higgins.

Important things that you might learn: Brian's work ethic comes from his father, who was so committed to being a GP that he barely saw him; he stopped composing at the piano a long time ago; «pop music is maths»; he's been listening to New Order, Kate Bush and Lady Gaga; Franz Ferdinand's "Take Me Out" is «the best pop song of the past 15 years». Highlights:
  • Brian Higgins says that melody is life-sustaining. "Water is the more precious resource – but only just," he chuckles. He is currently listening to: "Classic New Order as always, Kate Bush's Cloudbursting and Poker Face by the fantastic Lady Gaga."
  • Higgins on Franz Ferdinand: "Given they'd worked on new songs for three years, I expected them to have more urgency. But I still love them. Take Me Out is the best pop song of the past 15 years."
  • Xenomania had started above a pine furniture shop but Higgins always believed that songwriting required blissful surroundings. "My fantasy had been to write songs in Paris. I got there eventually and out of that experience came All I Wanna Do for Dannii Minogue – my first top five.". [Another notable song written in Paris was Girls Aloud's "Call The Shots".]
  • Alex Gardner thought he'd entered a fairytale world even before he knew of the Alice In Wonderland connotations with the Xenomania mansion. "The house is incredible. In every cubbyhole, people are making music – and in the summer they take their guitars into this beautiful, three-tiered garden. I guess that must have been a massive inspiration for Alice – it's the most amazing, peaceful, creative place."
  • Higgins was impressed by Gardner's work ethic. "I know I'm demanding, but we're not here to make up the numbers. My work ethic comes from my father who was so committed to being a GP that I barely saw him. Most people, when they're writing songs, trust their first instincts; I'm always suspicious of that. And I stopped composing at the piano a long, long time ago."
  • Alex gives away Brian's secrets: "He'd sing into a dictaphone in one corner and in another I'd do the same. At first I found him intimidating but he quickly became giggly and excited."
  • Alex first auditioned to be the singer in Xenomania's house band JFK. Higgins: "I'd heard him sing some songs by a couple of the guys who work here and, to be honest, Alex didn't do it for me until I was persuaded to listen to one of his own compositions. It was terrific. Then he came in to Xenomania and, after hardly any time in the house, I told him: 'I'm not going to let you leave until we've made a great pop record.'" Higgins says that "working with Alex was inspirational" and that he is an "extremely personable lad".
  • Alex Gardner can't decide which is his favourite pop moment at Xenomania HQ: bumping into Alesha Dixon and Girls Aloud, Kylie Minogue saying "hi" or Sarah Harding asking him where she could get some meatballs (oh dear).
Alex Gardner's first single "I'm Not Mad" is out now in stores and on iTunes.

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Alex Gardner's "I'm Not Mad" is OUT NOW
Posted at 2:44 PM, 29 March 2010 - 0 Comments

Alex Gardner's debut single is out in stores today. "I'm Not Mad" is backed with a new b-side titled "Superfree", which you can only find on the CD-single.

"I'm Not Mad" was produced by Xenomania and co-written by Alex Gardner & Xenomania.

Don't forget that you can get a limited signed edition via the official site, so go on and grab your copy. You can also download it from iTunes.

Buy the single: iTunes - Amazon - HMV - Official site (signed) - Juno

Reviews:
  • A rich, elegant tune and a good showcase for Alex's impressive pipes. - Popjustice
  • First there's the young Scot's voice, which is rich, manly and intriguingly husky (...). Then there's the fact that his debut single, 'I'm Not Mad', builds on this intrigue. A glossy-yet-gloomy electropop affair, and very much a grower not a shower. 4/5 Digital Spy
  • Xenomania's influence is not hard to spot on this radio-friendly debut, as a synth-led production provides the backdrop to Gardner's distinctive voice. - Music Week
  • Xenomania's squelchy synths and glistening pads conjure imagery of tears shining in the light from disco balls (...) Xenomania, whether wittingly or not, always manages to create dark undertones that give even the most innocuous of lyrics depth. Regardless of Alex's image or age, "I'm Not Mad" as a track actually comes up trumps, a depressing love song sang to a club beat. 8/10 The Lost Children Sanctuary
  • 'I'm Not Mad' is catchy electro pop. But it's the surprisingly rich voice - like a smoother, sweeter James Morrison - that seals the deal. - The Star

  • In debut single 'I'm Not Mad' the deep melancholic sad pop that characterised Girls Aloud's 'Out Of Control' finds a perfect bed partner in Alex's simultaneously soft and strong vocals. - Attitude

  • Alex has the same raspy voice of fellow Scot Paolo Nutini, but his tunes are more polished. Pop overlords Xenomania add whooshing rave beats under Alex's tender vocals, and the mix works on this debut single. - News Of The World

  • I’m Not Mad is a pulsating electro-pop record that should see Gardner easily glide in the UK Top 10. His husky Scottish tones perfectly complement the pop beats of the verses before launching into an irresistible and catchy chorus. Entertainment Focus

  • Look at this amazing guy with his gorgeous eyes and magnificent voice and even well dressed! And this awesome song,the lyrics that actually have a meaning unlike other songs these days and the beat that can shake the windows! - Irina's Blog

  • Structurally, that bass-led one-chord groove at the heart of things is perfectly nice. There's a pretty synthy mist that hangs over proceedings which recalls some of the Pet Shop Boys's frostier moments, and Alex has a soft, plaintive croon which suits what he is singing about pretty well. 3/5 - BBC Chart Blog

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"I'm Not Mad" is available to download now
Posted at 1:04 PM, 28 March 2010 - 0 Comments


Alex Gardner's debut single "I'm Not Mad" is available to download from iTunes today. The single is backed with a remix by Benny Benassi. Download now.

The CD, in stores tomorrow, includes the b-side "Superfree". Order a limited edition, hand-signed copy from Alex Gardner's official store.

Tomorrow you can also join him in the In4merz Lounge at the Habbo Hotel for a live webchat at 4pm. Get your questions ready - if you want to submit a question in advance click here.

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Florrie & Fred Falke - Panic Attack (reviews)
Posted at 11:13 PM, 25 March 2010 - 0 Comments


  • Song Of The Day: We could do without the floor-floor-floor/more-more-more business but the song's dreamlike disco pop 'vibe' is getting us even more excited about what's around the corner for Florrie. Popjustice
  • Every March we’re thrown the new female indie pop star and like clockwork Florrie has arrived. She’s done some work with Xenomania so some of her sounds might be a bit too sweet for some, but the stuff she is doing with Fred Falke is pretty much ace. Perhaps a tad pedestrian but it’s pop so we can’t complain. Sure beats that snoozefest Ellie Goulding… with a stick. BIGSTEREO
  • Panic Attack is another slice of drum pumping pop pleasure, which gets the Falke wash rubbed all over it. Seriously, if this song doesn't get you amped to dance in the summery streets, then you're listening to it all wrong. Sheena Beaston
  • Falke decided to give the song an alternate spin, and sprinkled more of his magic disco dust all over it to create a stylish and sleek revamp. Fingerlickin' good. Arjanwrites
  • I love this. Disco pop gloriousness. Plus I’ve always had a bit of a thing for girl drummers. I can just hear this as the soundtrack to summer…and since the sun’s shining today, why not? Hildrew Media
  • Yeah! There’s a new indie girl out there. Her name is Florrie and she’s doing some interesting pop stuff with the remix master Fred Falke! She’s a drummer, a singer and a songwriter. Cute, sweet and all that things that an indie girl needs to be, haha. Just listen to her! We Are Pajamas
  • Florrie, well, for a start she’s the in-house drummer for the production team responsible for pretty much all of the good ‘proper’ Pop music in the charts in the last decade, Xenomania. She’s also a singer/songwriter in her own right and is débuting classy Pop tune after Pop tune.
    It’s a, frankly, infectious slice of electronic Pop that has a really strong (and obvious) Xenomania influence with seems to work well with Falke’s trademark bassline. Electronic Rumours

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Download: Florrie - Panic Attack (Fred Falke Extended Mix)
Posted at 11:33 PM, 24 March 2010 - 4 Comments


FREE download: 15 MB 320 kbps MP3
FREE download: 6 MB 128 kbps MP3

Vote for "Panic Attack" on the Hype Machine - just follow this link, register (it's quick!) and click the heart. This is the 6 minute version of the Fred Falke remix of Florrie's "Panic Attack", available as a FREE mp3 download. The video was filmed and edited by Florrie and Toby Scott in the grounds of Xenomania HQ, Kent, in March 2010.

Once again Florrie unleashes her inner disco diva and even does a bit of scat singing. There are bells, whistles and a killer bassline, bringing funk, house and disco together. We love being spoiled with free downloads but we just can't wait to buy these tracks on shiny vinyl...

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Listen: Alex Gardner - Superfree (clip)
Posted at 8:33 PM, - 0 Comments

"Superfree" is the b-side of Alex Gardner's debut single "I'm Not Mad". It has a slight ska flavour and is certainly different from anything we've heard from Alex.

The song will be available exclusively on the CD single, which is out on Monday (March 29th) - pre-order a limited edition signed copy for only £1.99 right here. "I'm Not Mad" will be available to download from Sunday on iTunes, backed with a remix by electrohouse DJ/producer Benny Benassi.

On Monday, Alex Gardner will be doing a live webchat at 4pm in the In4merz Lounge over at Habbo Hotel. In the meantime, you can submit your questions on Facebook/MySpace/etc. or on his official website. Leave your questions here.

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Mini Viva tour starts today
Posted at 3:39 PM, - 0 Comments

Mini Viva begin their tour with the street dance troupe Diversity today.

Britt Love said in an interview that they are going to perform four songs: «We'll do I Left My Heart In Tokyo, I Wish, a song off the album and One Touch. We've changed our style a little but we're still approachable.»

Their new single "One Touch" will be released on May 10th and their debut album is due in the Autumn. Meanwhile, tune in to Viva Mini Viva every Friday between 4.30pm and 5pm to find out the latest news and talk with the girls.

And, if you're like us, you probably haven't stopped playing this yet:

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Xenomania news roundup
Posted at 2:39 PM, - 0 Comments

  • The lovely Florrie has posted a sneak peek of the Fred Falke remix of a new track called "Panic Attack". Watch it here. (video filmed and edited by Florrie and Toby Scott). The full remix, video and free mp3 is coming in the next few days hours... (here it is)

    Also worth a look is the video that captured the moment when Mr. Falke played his remix of "Call 911" at the Ministry of Sound. Look carefully and you can spot Toby, Florrie and her bobble hat on the dancefloor.
  • Xenomania will take part in a Producers Masterclass Series at the British Music Experience. Other producers in the event (dates TBC) include John Leckie (Stone Roses, Radiohead, The Fall) and Steve Lyon (Depeche Mode, The Cure).
  • Gabriella Cilmi says that Xenomania only worked on one song on her new album because they were busy: "It was fun. We only ended up having one track on the record as they're so busy with other things. It's called Hearts Don't Lie and actually turned out to be one of my favourite tracks on the album. It was really fun working with them and the track has a really funky bass line."
  • Songwriter/vocal producer Thaddis "Kuk" Harrell is collaborating with Xenomania. Kuk Harrell is a member of a songwriting/production team composed of himself, Tricky Stewart and Terius "The Dream" Nash. He was the vocal producer and co-writer of Rihanna's "Umbrella", and a composer and engineer on Beyonce's "Single Ladies". He also produced Alesha Dixon's "Let's Get Excited" and the majority of the vocals on Mary J. Blige's album Growing Pains.
  • Producer/remixer Michael "Jaxon" Bellina has also been working with Xenomania. Jaxon is known for his work with DJs Phil Fuldner and Moguai. His Xenomania credits include Mini Viva's "Bedroom Viber", Sugababes' "In The Middle" and Girls Aloud's "Fling" and "Something Kinda Ooooh".
  • Sarah Harding has become the third Girls Aloud singer to announce she's working on a solo album. Sarah told The Sun that she wants to "step away from cheesy pop". Oh dear. Not the best choice of words to sum up the sound of Girls Aloud.
  • Xenomania are looking for a female/male vocalist to become involved in a duo. If you are or appear to be 20-25 years old, have a unique look, a great voice and a sharp attitude, apply here.
  • The very first Xenomania fansite, which had the most complete Xenomania discography you could possibly find, appeared to have vanished from the Internet, but most of it has now been archived. Take a look:
    http://oocities.com/xenomaniasite/

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New Saint Etienne reissues: Finisterre and Tiger Bay
Posted at 11:25 PM, 23 March 2010 - 0 Comments

The expanded and remastered versions of Saint Etienne's Tiger Bay (1994) and Finisterre (2002) will be released on May 4th 2010. Both albums will be re-released as Deluxe Editions featuring the original album, an extra disc of session tracks, b-sides and extensive sleeve notes.

The first 1000 copies of Finisterre will be issued as a triple disc that includes one disc featuring the original album (remastered), a second with original b-sides and unreleased material, and a third disc (DVD) of the Finisterre film.

Finisterre (2002) includes two songs co-written by Xenomania ("Action" and "Shower Scene") and four songs produced by Mr. Joshua, which is believed to be an alias of Brian Higgins and Nick Coler ("Action", "Soft Like Me", "New Thing" "Shower Scene").

These are the tracklists:


TIGER BAY

CD 1 (original album)
1. Urban Clearway 2. Former Lover 3. Hug My Soul 4. Like A Motorway 5. On The Shore 6. Marble Lions 7. Pale Movie 8. Cool Kids Of Death 9. Western Wind / Tankerville 10. The Boy Scouts Of America

CD2
1. Urban Clearway (demo)* 2. Black Horse Latitude* 3. I Buy American Records 4. Hate Your Drug 5. You Know I’ll Miss You When I’m Gone 6. Sushi Rider 7. Hug My Soul (demo)* 8. The Wedding Of Stacy Dorning* 9. Deborah’s French Feast* 10. Western Wind (demo)* 11. Pale Movie (demo)* 12. La Poupee Qui Fait Non (no no no) 13. Highgate Road Incident 14. My Christmas Prayer 15. I Was Born On Christmas Day


FINISTERRE

CD1 (original album)
1. Action 2. Amateur 3. Language Lab 4. Soft Like Me 5. Summer Isle 6. Stop And Think It Over 7. Shower Scene 8. The Way We Live Now 9. New Thing 10. B92 11. The More You Know 12. Finisterre

CD2
1. Primrose Hill 2. Anderson Unbound 3. Seven Summers 4. Gimp Crisis 5. Abby, I Hardly Know You 6. So Mystified* 7. White Dress* 8. Time And Tide 9. Shock Corridor 10. Stop And Think It Over (Kid Loco mix)* 11. Mountain Rain 12. Queen Of Polythene 13. Ballade De Saint Etienne 14. Stevie 15. Get It Together Again 16. Fascination 17. There There My Brigadier*

* previously un-released. The non-demo tracks are brand new recordings.


The albums are the latest in an on-going Saint Etienne re-issue series that has so far seen the release of Foxbase Alpha, Continental, So Tough and The Sound Of Water. They also recently released Foxbase Beta, a re-working of their debut album by Richard X.

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Pet Shop Boys - Yes (instrumental edition)
Posted at 9:24 PM, - 0 Comments

Today is the first anniversary of the release of the album Yes, so we bring you the instrumental tracks of the tenth Pet Shop Boys studio album. These instrumentals were released on a limited (300 copies) vinyl version of Yes, featuring 11 x 12" singles with exclusive instrumental versions of each track on the b-side.

Yes was recorded throughout 2008 and is produced by Brian Higgins and Xenomania, who also co-wrote three of the tracks. It was released in the UK on 23 March 2009, and reached number 4 in the UK album charts, the Pet Shop Boys' highest placing since their 1996 album Bilingual. The album spawned four singles: "Love etc.", "Did you see me coming?", "Beautiful people" (Germany-only) and "All over the world" (as part of the Christmas EP). Yes was nominated at the 52nd Grammy Awards for Best Electronic/Dance Album.

Note: We do not own these instrumentals. They were posted on YouTube.

1. Love etc. (Tennant/Lowe/Higgins/Cooper/Powell/Parker)
The first single from the album (reached number 14 in the charts), one of the three songs co-written with Xenomania. It was originally a track that Xenomania were keeping for a project they were going to do themselves. They worked on the song from May 2008 until just before Christmas that year. Neil Tennant and Brian Higgins had a heated debate over "Love etc". Neil won.

2. All over the world (Tennant/Lowe)
"All Over The World" uses a melody from the "Nutcracker Suite", composed by Tchaikovsky. A song about love songs, it was the last track to be written for the album.

3. Beautiful people (Tennant/Lowe)
Originally written for a TV series called Beautiful People. It sounded more "folky", but the guys from Xenomania put a 60s beat on it. Features backing vocals by new Xenomania talents Alex Gardner and Jessie Malakouti and orchestral arrangements by Owen Pallett (Arcade Fire, Final Fantasy).

4. Did you see me coming? (Tennant/Lowe)
It was chosen as the second single due to the enthusiasm of Parlophone's radio promotion staff, who felt that it would get a lot of airplay (it got played on BBC Radio 2, but little elsewhere, and reached number 21 in the charts).
It was the first song that the Pet Shop Boys played to Brian Higgins after meeting him. Brian said that it was "80% there".

5. Vulnerable (Tennant/Lowe)
The song was going to be a duet, and they considered approaching Carla Bruni. The song itself is sung from the point of view of a woman.

6. More than a dream (Tennant/Lowe/Cooper/Higgins/Resch/Jones)
One of the three Xenomania co-writes, written on the very first day at Xenomania. Originally titled "Where The Wild Things Are".

7. Building a wall (Tennant/Lowe)
A rare call and response between Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe, this is Stuart Price's favourite song on the album.

8. King of Rome (Tennant/Lowe)
A simple backing track with historical lyrics about Napoleon's son, who is a symbol of loneliness and exile.

9. Pandemonium (Tennant/Lowe)
Unlike the rest of the album, "Pandemonium" was written in 2007, when the Pet Shop Boys were writing songs for Kylie Minogue. It is about the relationship between Kate Moss and Pete Doherty. Johnny Marr (The Smiths, Electronic, The Cribs) plays harmonica.

10. The way it used to be (Tennant/Lowe/Cooper/Higgins/Coler)
It was going to be a duet with Tina Turner. Miranda Cooper and Neil Tennant sat down and wrote the story of the song, which is structured like a film. Both Neil Tennant and Brian Higgins say that the song is their personal favourite from the album.

11. Legacy (Tennant/Lowe)
The Chinese government didn't approve the distribution of "Legacy" within China, so instead of removing it from the album, the Pet Shop Boys suggested that it should instead be included as an instrumental.

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Pre-order a signed copy of Alex Gardner's "I'm Not Mad"
Posted at 8:12 PM, 22 March 2010 - 1 Comments

Alex Gardner's official online store is selling an exclusive signed edition of his debut single "I'm Not Mad". You can pre-order it right now for only £1.99 (free worldwide shipping!).

"I'm Not Mad" will be released on 29th March and comes backed with a new b-side titled "Superfree". Click here to buy it now.

In the coming months, Alex Gardner will be supporting Scouting for Girls, One Republic and JLS on tour. For full listings of all of his gigs, check out the Live section of his official website.

You can also watch his MTV Live Session and a new interview and an acoustic version of "I'm Not Mad" on STV.

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New Gabriella Cilmi album is out today
Posted at 7:20 PM, - 0 Comments

Gabriella Cilmi's new album Ten is out to buy right now.

Ten is the second album by the Australian singer/songwriter, after the Xenomania-produced Lessons To Be Learned. It includes only one song produced and co-written by Xenomania, "Hearts Don't Lie".

The album marks Cilmi's foray into more 1980s-inspired music and was inspired by the likes of Blondie and Donna Summer.

Both the CD and digital versions contain a new version of "Sweet About Me", which was remixed by Fred Falke.

Future single "Hearts Don't Lie" has started receiving early airplay, debuting at #81 on the Australian Airplay Chart. A few reviews of the song:
  • The Times: Cilmi’s powerful pipes square up formidably to highlights such as Superhot and Hearts Don’t Lie.
  • Yahoo!: 'Hearts Don't Lie' has a soul-funk Prince-meets-Grace Jones 70s and 80s disco vibe.
  • Sydney Morning Herald: Hearts Don't Lie is Chaka Khan singing over a Kylie song.
  • The Observer: (...) disco empowerment anthem "Hearts Don't Lie", where her throaty belter of a voice comes into its own.
  • ausp0p: ‘Hearts Don’t Lie’ is pure pop bliss. Disco beats, pulsing rhythms and a soaring chorus combine to create one of the first great pop tracks of 2010.
  • Vibewire Portal: Producers Xenomania, who entirely produced her last album, only have one but noticeable credit on this CD. Hearts Don’t Lie, the album’s second track, has Saturday Night Fever soundtrack written all over it. It’s an intense, slick production that finds Cilmi barely stopping for air – an aspect that fans have come to expect from the collaboration of Xenomania and Cilmi.
  • Sputnik Music: Thankfully, she does retain one song of theirs; the inspired and updated disco sound of ‘Hearts Don’t Lie’, which channels Gloria Gaynor and could easily have found a place on the Saturday Night Fever soundtrack!

Album tracklist:

1. On a Mission
2. Hearts Don't Lie
3. What If You Knew
4. Love Me Cos You Want To
5. Defender
6. Robots
7. Superhot
8. Boys
9. Invisible Girl
10. Glue
11. Let Me Know
12. Superman
Special iTunes edition
13. Sweet About Me (Twenty Ten Version)
14. Sucker For Love (iTunes Exclusive)

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Brooke X is coming...
Posted at 6:00 PM, - 0 Comments

Brooke X was discovered by Xenomania's A&R when she was performing in Lez Zeppelin, a New York all-female Led Zeppelin tribute band. She was asked to go to the UK to meet with Brian Higgins, signed a record deal with Geffen/Universal and now has a set of tunes that are "like open-heart surgery on the dance floor".

Brooke posted this message on MySpace:
«Just got official word we're finishing up my album sampler over the next 2 weeks. Holy shit, I can't believe it cuz the tunes are too much! It's like open-heart surgery on the dance floor!! I wanna put the tunes up but the powers that be tell me to wait til the bitch is delivered. Ok ok, i can do that. But just know I'm dying to play these songs to somebody... even more than that I'm dying to play them LIVE so we're working on that too. Shows, shows and more shows---> getting it all locked down over the next few weeks so polish your dancing shoes and we'll let it all out together.

So what else, ya listening to Soft Parade as I type. I still think it's my favorite Doors song The change at 3:01 and I'm instantly transported back to 9th grade making out at a party in the woods with some sketchy guy who "graduated 2 yrs ago". But I'm on shuffle and About A Girl just came on and I love that chorus like it's my job. I'm like Sybil when it comes to my playlist, I admit it.

In this case the cobra is Jim Morrison and the leopard can be Jane Ewan cuz she's 85lbs of vixen hotness. I don't think Mr. Morrison would mind...»
Links:
Brooke X MySpace
Brooke X Twitter

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Annie's "My Love Is Better" is out now
Posted at 5:47 PM, - 1 Comments


"My Love Is Better" has been released as an extremely limited edition (250 copies) of 12'' vinyl, backed with remixes by Emperor Machine, Sunkh Knight and Justin Robertson. This is the tracklisting:

A1 My Love Is Better (Original Mix) 3:20
A2 My Love Is Better (Emperor Machine Vocal Mix) 6:09
A3 My Love Is Better (Emperor Machine Instrumental) 6:15
B1 My Love Is Better (Sunkh Knight Remix) 5:12
B2 My Love Is Better (Justin Robertson Remix) 6:29

"My Love Is Better" was written by Annie, Miranda Cooper, Brian Higgins, Nick Coler and Tim Powell and produced by Brian Higgins/Xenomania.

Buy: Boomkat, Juno, HMV, Norman Records, Phonica Records

Boomkat review:
Limited to a run of just 250 copies, this 12" single by Norwegian pop queen Annie comes packed with remixes: there are vocal and instrumental versions of an Emperor Machine remix, calling upon squelchy funk basslines and disco grooves, while Justin Robertson goes a little deeper, serving up a high energy, full-blooded house cut. Perhaps more surprising still is the fun dubstep overhaul supplied by Sunkh Knight, but for all this fine work, it's surely the straight-down-the-middle pop of the original that remains the quintessential contribution to the 12". 'My Love Is Better' was produced with notorious chart monopolisers Xenomania, and in its earliest incarnation even involved Girls Aloud on backing vocals. Sadly, that version was vetoed by GA's record company, but what remains is nevertheless a small slice of pop perfection with a memorably silly, taunting chorus. Ace.

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Viva Mini Viva launches tomorrow (Friday)
Posted at 5:47 PM, 11 March 2010 - 6 Comments

The brand new live and interactive webcast Viva Mini Viva will be launched online tomorrow. You will be able to chat to Mini Viva directly and control what happens throughout the show.

From this Friday, every week at 4:30pm-5pm (GMT) Mini Viva will be live on your computer and you can catch the girls doing all sorts of crazy stuff, ask them anything you want, watch exclusive live performances and get access to competitions.

The show will be broadcasted from their brand new Ustream Channel and you can get involved and join the chat via Facebook and Twitter.

Leave your questions for Mini Viva on their website, MySpace, Facebook or Twitter and vote on which dance move you want the girls to attempt on the show – you can choose from "The Caterpillar", "Head Spin", "The Robot", and "The Moon Walk".

The girls also want your introductions for the show - send in videos of you saying "Hi, my name is (give your name) and you're watching Viva Mini Viva!". Send them to vivaminiviva@live.co.uk

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Alesha Dixon: "Xenomania are on fire"
Posted at 10:45 AM, 05 March 2010 - 0 Comments

Alesha has been in the studio with Xenomania to work on her new album. She posted this message on AleshaDixon.net:

«What can I say, I’m so excited about album no.2! It’s going great! I’ve hooked up with xenomania again and they’re on fire. Some great tracks coming out of the studio and I’m fully focused on delivering a top notch album. Off to the states to work with A class producers too, will keep you posted.»

Besides Xenomania, Alesha is also working with Kuk (Rihanna's "Umbrella"), Wayne Hector (Pussycat Dolls' "I Hate This Part"), Naughty Boy (Chipmunk's "Diamond Rings") and Busbee and Alexander James (Alexandra Burke's "Bad Boys").

This will be Alesha's third album, following Fired Up and The Alesha Show. The new single is due out early summer.

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Pre-order Alex Gardner's "I'm Not Mad"
Posted at 3:16 PM, 04 March 2010 - 0 Comments

The debut single from Alex Gardner is out in just a few weeks (March 29th). You can now pre-order it on HMV - click here.

"I'm Not Mad" is on the Radio 1 playlist - if you catch it on the radio, text in your feedback.

Alex Gardner's official website has been redesigned - go and have a look. Some of the new features include an interactive header where you can get new pictures, a free download, watch his videos and check all the tour dates, news and releases.

Also coming soon is a new members area where you can create your own profile and upload content. As a member you will get access to exclusive content, competitions and priority gig tickets. Stay tuned!

This week Alex has been back at the Xenomania mansion to work on his debut album. He has revealed on Twitter that the recording is going great and that there is "something for everyone".

Next week he will go back to Scotland for a few gigs, kicking off at the O2 ABC in Glasgow. In April he will be supporting One Republic and then he will be heading out on tour with Scouting For Girls throughout April and May - you can get tickets at gigsandtours.

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Mini Viva's "One Touch" is Song Of The Day on Popjustice
Posted at 9:35 AM, 02 March 2010 - 4 Comments

The new Mini Viva single is today's Song Of The Day on Popjustice, which means that we can finally listen to a clip of the studio version.

Head over to Popjustice for an appetizing 59-second clip. Here's what they say about the song:

«We featured a live version of 'One Touch' - at that point known as 'Do You Want A Candy?' - on the Popjustice front page a few weeks ago but it comes more to life in the studio version which, as you will hear below, is so good that we hereby grant all other popstars the rest of the day off to reconsider their options. Top stuff.»


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New Mini Viva single, "One Touch", is out May 3rd
Posted at 3:22 PM, 01 March 2010 - 4 Comments

The song formerly known as "Do You Want A Candy" is now called "One Touch". It is the new Mini Viva single, to be released on May 3rd.

"One Touch" will be the third Mini Viva single, after "Left My Heart In Tokyo" and "I Wish" (no, we're not going to pretend it never happened, and yes, we still love it).

It has also been officially announced that Britt & Frankee will go on tour with the street dance troupe Diversity. Full tour dates here.

And don't forget to take part in Viva Mini Viva. Don't be shy, film an introduction for Mini Viva and send it to vivaminiviva@live.co.uk.

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Miranda Cooper at the Industry Takeover All-Dayer 2010
Posted at 1:55 PM, - 0 Comments

Miranda Cooper, the co-owner and main lyricist at Xenomania, will participate in one of the seminars at the Industry Takeover All-Day Seminar & Showcase 2010, which takes place this Saturday, 6th March, in London.

Industry Takeover strives to help young aspiring artists in the music business. Its aim is to push the next generation of musical talent by organising seminars and activities.

The event will feature guest seminars who will give tips and secrets in finding success in the industry and share their own personal experiences. Other activities include various workshops involving vocal and live performance, DJ-ing and songwriting masterclasses, a fashion show, showcases and performances.

Miranda Cooper will be one of the panellists in the seminar "Underground to Overground", along with Chantelle Fiddy, Ras Kwame, Griminal and Terror Danjah:

SEMINAR 1: UNDERGROUND TO OVERGROUND
Many fans feel that artists ‘change up’ their style to go mainstream. We ask if breaking through is about evolution, revolution or just plain selling out.

Panellists:
Ras Kwame – DJ (BBC Radio 1/1Xtra)
Chantelle Fiddy - journalist (Editor Ctrl.Alt.Shift, contributing editor RWD, writer The Guardian, Mixmag, SuperSuper)
Griminal – artist
Terror Danjah – producer (Kano, Roll Deep, Mz Bratt)
Miranda Cooper - co-owner of Xenomania / songwriter for Girls Aloud, Kylie, Sugababes, Alesha Dixon and Sophie Ellis-Bextor


Info:
Date: Saturday, March 6th 2010
Venue: Rich Mix
Address: 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA
Tickets: £5 adv / £7 on door
Time: 12pm – 9pm (registration closes at 4pm)
Info: urbandevelopment.co.uk/industrytakeover | Timetable

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Drum lessons with Florrie #1: beginners beat basics & drum fills
Posted at 12:54 PM, - 1 Comments


Get your saucepans out! Here is the first drummming lesson from Florrie, where she takes a tour of the drum kit, the basic fours and a simple drum fill.

If you haven't already, you can still download the Fred Falke remix of Florrie's "Call 911":

Florrie - Call 911 (Fred Falke remix) 16 MB MP3 (320 kbps)
Florrie - Call 911 (Fred Falke remix) 7 MB MP3 (128 kbps)
Florrie - Call 911 (Fred Falke remix) 3 MB MP3 (64 kbps)

A few more reactions from the blogs:
  • Young Florrie spends her days toiling away as the drummer in Xenomania (Girls Aloud, Mini Viva)’s house band. In her spare time she’s training to be a pop star, probably hoping to make everyone she’s ever played drums for look like second-rate chancers. Judging by her first single “911″, she’s well on her way. The Allmusic Blog
  • Xenomania is literally the mecca of outstanding pop music. New to the solo scene is Singer – Songwriter Florrie who was a drummer in Xeno’s house band (those drums in ‘The Promise’, that’s her). Check out a remix of what is possibly her first single. It ridiculously fresh, addicting, and extremely dance worthy. Kameron Aloud
  • This remixed version by very Frenchman Fred Falke whets our appetite for the original version. As it is, it’s very good. The Chemistry Is Dead
  • Defiantely one to watch, Florrie has just done a remix of Call 911 with producer Fred Faulke and we just can’t get it out of our heads. Future Fab Fashion
  • Son premier single, Call 911, a été remixé par notre chouchou français, Fred Falke. Le résultat est à la hauteur de nos espérances. On bouge et l'air rentre en tête. Fait amusant, on voit la chanteuse et l'homme en studio en pleine écoute du remix, et visiblement, on s'amuse bien. Hall Musique

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