Posted at 11:32 AM, 30 July 2008 - 1 Comments
This is a quick rundown of what's coming up in the world of Xenomania, with upcoming projects, collaborations and releases.
On part one: three bands (Girls Aloud, Saint Etienne, Pet Shop Boys), a female singer/songwriter (Jessie Malakouti) and two male singer/songwriters (Ultra, Alex Vargas). Part two will feature three well-known (around these parts, anyway) female singers plus a new female singer/songwriter, a new girl band and a new band with boys.
-- GIRLS ALOUD --
A new Girls Aloud album is on the works, with Xenomania on board once again. The girls began recording a few weeks ago.
-- JESSIE MALAKOUTI --
Jessie Malakouti is a 20-year-old American singer/songwriter, professional dancer and actress. She's part of the Xenomania team.In 2005 Jessie formed the band Shut Up Stella. Last year they went to Xenomania's home in Kent to work on their album. However, they were dropped by their label and the album was never released. Jessie quit the band and all the members moved on to their separate projects.
Earlier this year, Jessie began documenting the process of recording her solo album on her MySpace blog and YouTube channel. In March she met up with Brian Higgins and Miranda Cooper in New York and later she traveled to Xenomania's headquarters.
Her debut album Pretty And Gritty is likely to feature some Xenomania-produced songs. Her work as a writer/lyricist is also likely to appear on a few of Xenomania's upcoming projects.
Links:
x MySpace
x official website
x Wikipedia page
x Jessie Malakouti - "Trash Me" (her first solo single)
x Shut Up Stella on MySpace
-- ALEX VARGAS --
Alex Vargas Jr. is a singer/songwriter. Two years ago he released a 4-track EP and he has recently been working with Xenomania on his debut album. Here's what has been said about him:x. «Extraordinarily versatile, Alex is as confident and comfortable singing acoustic love songs as he is rocking out with shimmering rock n roll anthems. Currently working on his debut album, Alex's excitement is practically tangible.»
x. «(...) a new singer who sounds like the next big thing (...). Considering there is always a market for rock-y music. He's got it all - looks, talent and extremely strong songs. "Diamonds In The Dirt" just sounds like a surefire worldwide hit. Which is what it deserves at least.»
Links:
x MySpace
x YouTube channel
-- SAINT ETIENNE --
Saint Etienne's new single will be a Xenomania-produced re-make of "Burnt Out Car". It will precede the release of London Conversations: The Best Of Saint Etienne, which is already available for pre-order (UK only, though). Both the album and "Burnt Out Car 2008" are set for a September release.
-- ULTRA --
Ultra (real name Justin) is a British MC/singer. Four years ago, Xenomania began working with him as a "development act". Last year, Ultra revealed on his MySpace that he had teamed up with Brian Higgins for the debut album Ultrasound, which should be released later this year/earlier next year.
Links:
x MySpace
x YouTube channel
x Agent X - Perfect Girl (feat. Ultra & Tinie Tempah)
-- PET SHOP BOYS --
Back in May the Pet Shop Boys announced that they were working with Xenomania. "One, two or more" songs from the collaboration should feature on their upcoming album, which is planned to be released in early 2009.
Labels: Alex Vargas, Girls Aloud, Jessie Malakouti, new acts, Pet Shop Boys, Saint Etienne, Shut Up Stella, Ultra
