| |
Tournament: Create a Label 6: Done, But Not Forgotten. #RIP
Member Since: 8/18/2013
Posts: 61,634
|
Quote:
Originally posted by hooky
Zedd takes over TRL (Part 2)
3. “Asleep” – Ellie Goulding
Zedd’s Comment: “I’m glad I got to see my former label mate in the Top Three! This is a wonderfully done video and I’m not surprised it’s ranked so high. Everyone who’s worked on it deserves it.”
|
Thanks 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 3/6/2014
Posts: 1,407
|
The Stygian Chevalier - Mariah Carey feat. Jason Aldean
(Country Pop Remix)
Duration: 3 minutes 45 seconds
Remixed Genre: Country Pop, Trap
Remixer: Avicii
Earlier this morning, Camouflage Records released a statement that the supreme songstress Mariah Carey will release an official country remix for her current single, "The Stygian Chevalier" very soon. After that, Mariah Carey tweeted that the remix production will be done by Swedish progressive house DJ and remixer Avicii, who has remixed songs from other famous acts such as Lana Del Rey and Coldplay. She shocked everyone when she also stated that American country singer-songwriter Jason Aldean will be featured and will provide his vocals on the remix of "The Stygian Chevalier". Mamriah hasn't touched the country genre since 2008, when she made a country song called "Right To Dream" for the movie "Tennessee". The country pop remix of "The Stygian Chevalier" made its premiere on CMR Nashville radio station a few hours ago and so far the reception for the remix was positive. "This is unusually perfect !! Mariah and Jason's voice blend perfectly in this beautiful remix she did. I will definitely buy this official remix !!", says a fan of Jason Aldean on Twitter. Musically, the remix is very different from the original version. Thom Jhurek of Allmusic described the duet version as "a big, overblown power remix" which incorporates "guitars compressed to the breaking point, sweeping strings, and enormous crashing cymbals." The use of the trap-inspired beats was also incorporated into the feature, giving it a melodramatic quality was deemed innovative by Nancy Dunham of Blogcritics and also said that it will open new roads for new branches of genres to come in the future. The remix of "The Stygian Chevalier" has already been commissioned to all country music radio stations.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 3/6/2014
Posts: 1,407
|
Quote:
Originally posted by hooky
If you want your song name changed or your artist removed, just PM me.
Also, are the titles good or bad?
|
It great tbh  Some of my song titles are mediocre 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 7,352
|
18-7
Kesha performs 'Beautiful Mess' on Télématin
Kesha has continued her French promotion tour with a performance on French breakfast show Télématin.
The program, which is broadcasted on France 2 in France and TV5 in Canada, is hosted by William Leymergie. The show is daily seen by around 40% of the French morning audience, a very high percentage for French TV.

Kesha performed an energetic version of 'Beautiful Mess'
Kesha joined the show to perform her latest hit single 'Beautiful Mess' to the French public. She entered the stage, dressed in a beige dress, with cutouts at both sides, that showed off her toned legs.
The 27-year old performed the song with 3 back-up dancers, that lifted her in the air, performed extensive choreography and gave Kesha the chance to shine. The performance was praised by the presenter and greeted with a loud applause from the studio audience.
Kesha's new single, 'Beautiful Mess', and it's remixes are out now on Itunes, Amazon and Spotify
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2013
Posts: 17,232
|
Charli XCX Performs on Rising Star
Charli XCX appeared on the singing competition show Rising Star to perform her last hit single 'Alone in the Dark'. She performed the Brooke Candy remix of the song. This is the 4th competition show performance this week, after The X Factor Japan, The X Factor UK and finally Th Voice UK, but it is the first performance for this type of shows in the US this week. The performance started by showing Brooke Candy appearing on the left of the stage and hyping up to crowd. She started rapping the intro, her custom made versace outfit had some sort of smoke machine on it's back and was shooting some purple smoke. When Brooke Candy finished her introduction verse, Charli appeared on stage wearing a tuxedo style leotard with fishnets and high heels along with two similarly styled dancers. They danced to a instrumental remixed part of the song before Charli XCX started singing the lyrics of the song. During the chorus Brooke Candy did a choreography right behind Charli XCX, whowas going crazy on the front of the stage, jumping and dancing around and doing hair flips. The crowd screamed during the whole performance. "Put your hands up and start JUMPING!" screamed Charli during a remixed part of the song where Brooke Candy sang her verse while the EDM mix played as instrumental and Charli and the dancers danced. To end the performance, Charli posed fiercely with her dancers and Brooke Candy. The performance was well received by the critics and the crowd who enjoyed Charli's appearance. The performance will surely boost her single 'Alone in the Dark' 's sales as well as her album 'Devour My Heart' 's sales.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 7,352
|
18-7
Kesha reveals collaborator for second single: "It's been a long time wish from me".
A few days ago, on monday to be exact, Kesha revealed that her new single would be called 'Exorcism' and was to be released this sunday. Kesha however has made another announcement regarding the single on the French breakfast show, Télématin.
The 27-year old announced nobody less than Azealia Banks as the feature on her second single. The single is the second to be taken from her 3rd album, which is yet to be named.
 
Kesha has collaborated with Azealia Banks on her second single 'Exorcism'
Kesha on working with Azealia: "She's an incredibly talented rapper and such an amazing person. I feel like she's getting a lot of undeserved hate from pressed souls, cause she's amazing. Her talent speaks for itself, but her personality is so warm and nice. It's always been a wish of mine to work with her, so I'm very excited to actually release this song the the grand public."
The single will be out this sunday, with the cover of the single to be released this weekend.
Kesha's new single, 'Beautiful Mess', and it's remixes are out now on Itunes, Amazon and Spotify
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2013
Posts: 17,232
|
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 7,352
|
18-7
Kesha headlines Festival de la Tour Eiffel
Kesha Rose Sebert, known for her hits 'Beautiful Mess' and 'Tik Tok', has headlined the biggest event in Paris this year, Festival de la Tour Eiffel. The festival was organised to celebrate the 125th birthday of the most famous tower in the world. Various stages were set up throughout Paris, with Kesha taking the stage on the Champs d'Elysees.
The 27-year old popstar performed a 5-song set, packed with her biggest hits. Kesha started off with her most famous hit 'Tik Tok'. As the 30.000 people sang along to the songs, Kesha moved on the her most recent hit single 'Beautiful Mess', which got the crowd going wild.
After this song Kesha sang happy birthday to the Eiffel Tower and moved on to perform the Cirkut Remix of 'Blow' featuring heavy choreography. Kesha then proceeded to perform fan favourite 'Dancing With Tears In My Eyes', with a surprise appearance of French superstar Amel Bent.
Kesha concluded her performance at the Champs d'Elysees by performing 'Die Young', along with the audience. She then left the stage and thanked everyone for their love and attendance.
Kesha's new single, 'Beautiful Mess', and it's remixes are out now on Itunes, Amazon and Spotify
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 1/1/2013
Posts: 17,232
|
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 7,352
|
18-7
Kesha performs on The X Factor France; Kesha and her piano
Kesha has performed her hit single 'Beautiful Mess' on the French version of The X Factor.
With nothing but a piano on stage, Kesha performed the song acoustically. We knew Kesha was talented, but this is the first time we see Kesha perform on her own.
The stage was designed by Kesha's wishes. A big black piano in the middle of the stage, with one big spotlight directed at it. Kesha herself was dressed in a black skintight long evening gown, as she took place behind the piano.
The acoustic version shows of Kesha's vocals much more and Kesha shows her true emotions throughout the performance. During the performance the audience gave her a standing ovation already, which led to massive screams at the end of the song.
The judges praised Kesha's raw emotions and strong vocals, while also complimented her piano skills. The twittersphere went viral, as Kesha's performance concluded.
Kesha's new single, 'Beautiful Mess', and it's remixes are out now on Itunes, Amazon and Spotify
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 7,352
|
19-7
'Exorcism' (feat. Azealia Banks): Cover revealed, pre-order available
Kesha has tweeted out the artwork for her new single 'Exorcism', which features Azealia Banks, and made it available for pre-order a day ahead of release.


The artwork sees Kesha dressed in a black semi see through dress, showing off her amazing body.
Kesha's make-up and hair finish the haunting product.
Azealia Banks is dressed in a black and white croptop, along with a red wig.
Kesha's single, 'Beautiful Mess', and it's remixes are out now on Itunes, Amazon and Spotify
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/18/2013
Posts: 61,634
|
Ellie's documentary Gould premiers on MTV (600+)
Ellie's documentary Gould premiered on MTV on Thursday (17th of July) with descent
ratings. It got a 1.8 at 9PM which is good for MTV. The documentary is about the
making of Ellie's new album and her personal life. Her new single Asleep is the theme
song of the show.
The intro is just Ellie posing at the camera for ten seconds while the chorus
of Asleep is playing. The first scene shows Ellie in the studio. She's in a small
room, standing in front of a microphone. The producer is in another room, the two
rooms are separated by glass. He says "Ok, you can start."
Ellie starts singing the start of Asleep for fifteen seconds. She stops and says
"Was that any good?". The producer says "That was perfect, now try singing the chorus
again." The next scene shows Ellie and Greg Kurstin in a room together. They're
editing the song and putting the instrumental together. They come up with the right
sound and play the song. Ellie seems really happy with this song and says "I've got
nine songs for the album already, do you think this one is good enough to be the lead
single?". "Yeah, I think this is the best one you've made for the album so far."
The screen goes black and then shows Ellie at a night club. She's dancing with her friends
to some fun pop songs. She goes to the bar and orders a drink. She drinks it while The
Saturdays' What Are You Waiting For? is playing. She gets up and dances towards the end of
the song.
The next morning, Ellie's friend tries to wake her up by opening the curtains and letting
the light in. Ellie hides under the sheets but her friend takes them off her. Ellie looks
like a mess, her hair is all over the place. Her friend drags her out of bed and makes her get
ready. Both of them are shown in a car that is driven by a young man dressed in black.
Ellie looks better now but has sunglasses on to hide the fact that she's hungover. The
driver drops them off at the studio and Ellie's friend helps her write a song. Jim Eliot
arrives at the studio and Ellie sings a brand new song to the microphone. Jim adds the
instrumental and plays a twelve second snippet. The song is a mix of indie and rock.
Ellie's friend leaves and she sings another song. This song's lyrics are very meaningful.
Ellie sings the song without the microphone while Jim Eliot plays the piano. This song sounds
a lot like Explosions. Ellie really likes it and says that it should be on the album.
Jim agrees and they finish up their session.
It's 17:59 and her driver arrives one minute later.
The paparazzis gather around but Ellie quickly gets inside. One of them says "Is it true that
you're working on your new album and that it'll be released soon?". She rolls down at window
and says yes. They drive away and Ellie calls up a few friends. They go on a shopping spree
and spend almost one thousand dollars. Ellie reminds them that she'll be going to England soon
to see her family attend her friend's wedding.
The episode ends and Ellie says "next week on Gould"...
Ellie is show trying on dresses and visiting her family. She's also in the studio but can't
seem to get much work done. Her vocals are off and she says that she's distracted.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 3/6/2014
Posts: 1,407
|
Mariah signs deal with Spotify

Mariah Carey will just not stop the promotion. As previously rumoured spread by insiders, Camouflage Records is planning a deal with Spotify and now it is confirmed. Earlier this morning, Camouflage Records confirmed a 2-year deal between them and Spotify, and Mariah Carey's singles which is "Libidinous Dream" and "The Stygian Chevalier" for this era will be played on the advertisements for it to be exposed to free users and also will be played compulsory as a suggestion when users want to hear new songs. Mariah's latest album, "The Stygian Chevalier" will be on the banner of the "Browse" section in Spotify to create awareness that her new album is out and it is currently available for purchase both digitally and physically. Spotify is a commercial music streaming service providing digital rights management-restricted content from record labels and currently have more than 40 million users with 10 million paid subscribers worldwide since its launch back in 2008. "I'm very glad to have the wonderful opportunity to be able to work with Spotify because my music can be expose and inspire over 50 million users over 50 different countries worldwide. I'm very grateful that my label, Camouflage Records manage to get this wonderful deal for me", says Mariah in a recent interview. Ever since the announcement, "Libidinous Dream" has since received an extra 12 million streams while Mariah's latest single, "The Stygian Chevalier" has since received an extra 15 million streams which influenced the positions on the Global iTunes song chart as "Libidinous Dream" and "The Stygian Chevalier" peak at #1 and #2 respectively, blocking competition from other songs to have their shining moment. Mariah's latest album, "The Stygian Chevalier" has also experience a huge increase of sales on the iTunes album charts since its exposure on the Spotify "Browse" section.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 7,352
|
19-7
Kesha speaks about 'Exorcism' on Fun Radio France
Kesha has spoke to Fun Radio France about her new single 'Exorcism, which is out tomorrow, as well as her upcoming album, the success of 'Beautiful Mess' and her boyfriend.
When speaking about the next single Kesha said. "It's been amazing working with Azealia. She's amazingly talented and such a great person to have around. And I believe the result is amazing. Azealia's rap complete the song. We're actually shooting the video next week."
On her upcoming album Kesha said: "It's a great pop album in my opinion. It's a lot more personal than my previous 2 efforts, but it still contains some great party tracks. I've recorded tracks with Iggy, Azealia and Flo for the album, as well as bonus tracks with Enrique Iglesias and Drake."
Kesha also admitted that it was hard, touring around Europe, with her boyfriend Josh in the US. "I miss him dearly, but we're calling every day, which makes it easier. We'll pull through"
Kesha's single, 'Beautiful Mess', and it's remixes are out now on Itunes, Amazon and Spotify
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 7,352
|
That's all for this week thankfully, I lost all inspiration for the last few 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 9/1/2012
Posts: 25,973
|
Christina shamelessly plugs iHeart Radio

Christina Aguilera has supposedly been paid by the fearsome radio company station iHeart Radio to shamelessly plug them, through her Twitter account and handle - @xtina. Fear not! This is practically normal behaviour within the Hollywood culture of Twitter. Having said that, Christina really is embracing radio once again which is a bit suspect and suspicious due to how ‘all-of-a-sudden” this all feels like. Truth be told, the ‘voice of our generation’ has been blacklisted from being spun in recent years although she hadn’t been officially blacklisted for valid reasons. Radio stations just wouldn’t take an interest in Christina, for whatever reason, unlike the music video of lead single “Dirrty” from Aguilera’s “Stripped” back in 2002 which received a lot of backlash due to its over-sexualised controversial nature. Nevertheless, “Dirrty” still solidified its place in pop culture history as a raunchy statement piece of inspiration.
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/19/2013
Posts: 14,988
|
Zendaya releases new controversial single "Lost In Rehab"
Without any kind of announcement or something, Zendaya pulled a Beyoncé today as she dropped her highly anticipated second single "Lost In Rehab", taken from her upcoming debut album. This new single is a follow-up to Zendaya's previously released single "Gunshots", which features American country pop singer Taylor Swift. In fact, Zendaya did the same thing with "Lost In Rehab" as she did with "Gunshots" - both singles dropped on iTunes, Amazon and Spotify without any warning about it. But, unlike "Gunshots", "Lost In Rehab" actually received a lot of attention from the start, probably because Zendaya's audience were really anticipating to hear more from this exciting singer, since everyone all around the world literally fell inlove with "Gunshots", and that basically caused a huge hype for Zendaya's upcoming projects. Once the new single was released on iTunes, it debuted in the Top 5 on those charts immediately, meaning that a lot of people checked it out and bought it. Republic Records released a statement about this new release only few hours later after it dropped, but it was worth waiting for that statement, because probably everything was explained in that press release, by Zendaya herself, and Republic's CEO as well.
CEO of Republic Records commented on Zendaya's choice to push those boundaries a little bit more by putting out this controversial song as a single out: "There are a lot of singers who are now talking about love, and adventures, and Zendaya chose to be that singer who would talk a little bit more about some serious stuff. And we're actually happy that she is choosing this path, because a lot of singers are avoiding these serious topics, while Zendaya is just fearless and is not afraid to put out something like that. Of course, we definitely know that this song will probably receive some negative opinions and reviews because of that seriousness, because after all - Zendaya is only seventeen years old yet she's choosing to sing about these things. But on the other hand, I'm sure many people will praise her for this song, because it talks about something serious, something that a lot of teenagers are going throught right now, or not even teenagers, because adults have to go through this stuff as well, so as long as it helps someone overcome their problems, we will do everything to help Zendaya to get her song go out there."
For this press statement, Zendaya talked about this idea of putting stuff just whenever she wants, without any kind of announcement: "I don't know, I just really love this idea of putting out my material whenever I want, in any kind of way, if you understand that? It feels just natural and right, like, I don't really have to rush my releases now, I don't really have to announce the date or anything, I just... go with the flow, as some people would say. It feels way less stressful and it's a bit more affective way - all of the artists these days announces dates, they announce the details and everything, and then sometimes they even delay some stuff as well, and those delays hurt sales as well. So, I'm walking in Beyoncé's footsteps at the moment by releasing my stuff just whenever I want. I can literally wake up tomorrow and release my new album then. It's a way less stressful way, and I'm loving it." She also explained the meaning behind of her single, "Lost In Rehab", which was released earlier that day: "Um, this song, "Lost In Rehab" is really meaningful and personal to me. Unlike "Gunshots", this song has a story behind it, you know? "Gunshots" was more based on a message, like, it was about being picked and bothered by something or someone, and then just getting up and fighting whatever is bugging you. But "Lost In Rehab" has a real meaning and it's really personal. It's based on a story about one of my best friends, who was in a really tragic and sad place some time ago. He was depressed, because he had some stuff going on with his parents at that time, and his father was also hitting him all the time, picking up on him, because you know, he was different, and he wasn't that son that his dad always wanted him to be. Besides that, he was going through a lot of stuff as well, he was constantly bullied, people on the streets and other guys would always bully him, sometimes, they would even beat him up. And nobody really noticed that something is happening in his life and that's he's hurting physically and emotionally, until he started using drugs and alcohol to forget about his problems for some time. Of course, he instantly changed, he became angry and mad, and sad, and depressed, and it was a terrible time for him. When his parents noticed the way he has been acting, they decided to commit him to the rehab, instead of trying to solve his problems as parents first. Just like any other person, he was devasted and brokenhearted. And... in the rehab, where you should actually start to feel better, he only felt worse, because he started overthinking everything - about his parents, about his friends, about his bullies and everything. And that kind of stuff happens when you're alone in the room and you basically don't have anything to do to distract yourself from overthinking. And when that happens, you start thinking about committing suicide, you start thinking about a lot of bad things, you start thinking about stuff like "the world would be better without me". And he actually tried to commit suicide in that rehab, but thank God he was able to overcome his thoughts, he overcame his issues over some time, he lifted his chin and came back from that rehab with confidence. He shared his story with us, his friends, when he came back, then some other stuff got involved and now he's actually living a good life, he's smiling once again and he's finally happy." Of course, this song definitely received some negativity for being too controversial and too serious for a seveteen years old singer to sing, but Zendaya handled everything in a right and polite way: "I know that a lot of people will think that it's bad or something for me to sing about something that is this kind of serious, but on the other hand, I have to sing about serious stuff as well. We have a lot of teenagers who sing about sex, drugs, alcohol, getting turnt up or something, and my age people actually look up to those things, so why I can't sing about serious stuff as well? I want my fans to be inspired, I want them to realize that there's another chance, there's another choice, and there's always a brighter day. Teenage years are when we want to get out, when we want to start our lifes, when we want to try out new things, those are the years when we have to handle our first problems. So, I want to talk about those things, I want to inspire people with those stories, I want them to sit down and realize that they have to think about what they're doing, they have to think about what they're thinking, and they have to try to solve their problems in any possible way to live a better, and a bright life."
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/18/2013
Posts: 61,634
|
Ellie Goulding on Z100 (500+)
Interviewer: Please welcome Ellie Goulding!
Ellie:  Hi
Interviewer: Your new documentary recently premiered on MTV, was it fun
shooting it?
Ellie: Yeah, I mean I had to get used to someone walking around with a
camera after me all the time. It was a bit weird at first but I got
used to it!
Interviewer: In the next episode it shows you visiting your family and
attending a wedding, how did that go?
Ellie: I was really happy to see my family again, I hadn't seen them for
a few months because I was so busy touring and writing my album. My friend's
wedding went really well, there were some complications but everything turned
fine in the end. I really couldn't miss her wedding, I grew up with her and
she's one of my best friends.
Interviewer: Do you think you'll make more episodes of the show?
Ellie: I might in the future. Maybe I'll film it when I'm on my next tour and
when I'm making my next album. There will only be two episodes for now though.
There's not enough footage to make any more episodes.
Interviewer: Do you get a lot of pressure from your record label.
Ellie: There's a bit of pressure but it's not their fault. They're a new label
and they're putting all their money into me. If my album flops, they'll lose a
lot of money. I think I'll do ok though. Hopefully my single will go Top 3. I
promoted it a lot this week and I don't plan on moving on too quickly. I'm not
all about selling those quick lil singles unlike some other artists. I'll keep
promoting Asleep until the album is released. It'll have lots of longevity.
Interviewer: Can you reveal any more details about the album?
Ellie: It'll might be released on the 3rd or the 10th. I hope it doesn't get pushed
but if my single flops then it will be. Sheezus Records expects it to go Top 3
this week. If it does then the album definitely won't get pushed back. As you
might have heard in my documentary, one of the songs is a bit rock. I decided
to make a song like that because I listen to Paramore a lot I'm really good
friends with Hayley Williams so she helped me with the song. The other song
that was played in the documentary was a really emotional ballad. I love both
of the songs but I'm not sure if they make the final cut. I already recorded all
the songs but I just can't decide which ones will be on the album.
Interviewer: If your TV show, Skeleton, got renewed for a second season, would
you do it or would you be too busy touring and writing your next album?
Ellie: It think I'd do it. I might be busy but I love acting just as much as I
love singing.
At the end, Ellie sang a shorter version of her single Asleep.

 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 8/18/2013
Posts: 61,634
|
sending my nominations soon 
|
|
|
|
Member Since: 9/1/2012
Posts: 25,973
|
Track-by-track commentary of “Pandora’s Box”
By Christina Aguilera

Renaissance
It is the intro track of the album, if you like! The song itself speaks about turning over a new leaf and starting a new era – one that takes you to a place where you step out of that “box” you’ve been longing to stop being confined in. An evolution of sorts; I have come full circle with “Renaissance” in mind. It has a really metallic sound and sassiness that truly embodies the direction I’m going with, not just “Pandora’s Box”, but also within my very own life as it stands on its own.
Let Them Eat Cake
A playful, tongue-in-cheek rendition of a twisted song with sexual themes although really isn’t about ‘it’ at all. Even though you may be stuck in a rut…”Let Them Eat Cake” because you’re going to prove to them that you will surpass whatever they’re trying to cast you off with. This track, in particular, is incredibly spunky and wacky which is what I absolutely adore about it! It has a pretty melodic flow to it; dabbling into a few rap techniques; reminiscent to that of “Can’t Hold Us Down” featuring my beloved and talented friend Lil’ Kim. “Let Them Eat Cake” has some of the best metaphorical one-liners on the record. For some reason, my son Max really likes this song and always dances to it around the house.
Tribal Haze (feat. M.I.A.)
This is the first collaboration on “Pandora’s Box”. It gives me straight-up worldly vibes; taking me back to my vacation in Tokyo, last year. M.I.A. is a fantastic rapper who has an out-of-this-world vision and taste for simply great music. She really shows her stuff on “Tribal Haze”. The track witnesses amazing snare drums and blaring harms that hook you in right from the start.
Nighthawks
Whoa, the lead single already! “Nighthawks” marks the first time I’ve experimented with such a sound inspired by the good ol’ days of pure neo-soul. The lyrics have the most amazing imagery, inciting much stunning visuals. “Nighthawks” is about loneliness, isolation, depression, and letting the evil from within posses you in such a way that you may have lost yourself on the way. It also has an Indie edge to it.
Pandora’s Box
“Pandora’s Box” is the title track, if you haven’t noticed that by now. The song is deeply infested with hope for all yet tarnished by that forever-lingering doubt of not being able to keep striving for whatever you’re going for. It is an authentic stream of consciousness; developed as a feasible enough body of music. Sometimes, I listen to “Pandora’s Box” when I’ve lost all trust in myself and feeling like the world is crumbling before our eyes…which it is. The elixir of this album methinks. It is a ravishing experimental midtempo track for the ages.
Find Myself Again
A self-expressive song about finding yourself again through all that may have come your way. It’s about accepting that you are who you are and finding that spark of light desperately lost in all the suppression your soul has taken. “Find Myself Again” is also about finding peace in others and laying all this negativity to rest. It’s an understated ballad of true soul.
Karma Is A Bitch
Christina Aguilera is what I like to affectionately refer “Karma Is A Bitch” as. It has a double meaning. This track is inspired by a sudden realisation that maybe, just maybe, I was in the wrong and I shouldn’t have mistreated others who were at no fault of their own. On the other hand, those bitches had it coming to them.
Under Her Spell
This is a swanky, suave, slick, seducing, silky, sensual song with a crooning beat that sends you sailing off into the crimson sunlit horizon of Italia borders. “Under Her Spell” is written and sung in the perspective of a man who’s so insatiable with this perfect woman (in his mind) that he neglects what he truly feels inside. You could also say that this is indeed a self-reflective song about myself and feeling like I’m not good enough. Often at times, I’ve also experienced many out-of-body experiences contemplating whether this is all real or just make-believe – thus, “Under Her Spell” was naturally conceived. A token anthem for all my Latina girls and boys out there! Represent.
Spitfire (feat. Azealia Banks)
Now this is the part when **** hits the fan. I’ve teamed up with up-and-coming female rapping vixen sensation Azealia Banks; an unmatchable energy to be around especially when recording in the studio. “Spitfire” is my second single from “Pandora’s Box” and is heavily reggae-infused. It’s about building up pent-up frustration, finally lashing out, showing them what it’s worth. I really love this song as it perfectly replicates what we tend to abuse ourselves with; bottling it all up until you cannot take it anymore and making that stand.
Eyes Wide Shut
"Eyes Wide Shut" takes on the subject matter of being oblivious to your surroundings. It is incredibly mysterious and one of the most extensive ventured-out projects on this album. The enigma of this album methinks. It is inspired by the Hollywood Golden Age, like one of those masked balls. I really do like it.
Faux Façade
Quite similar in the vein of "Eyes Wide Shut", however, "Faux Façade" is all about tricking yourself into believing you're something that you're not. We do like to pretend that we're not who we are so, hopefully, this shall address that issue at hand. One of the more subdued yet experimental tracks on this album.
The Hollow (Creek)
A wondrously mystifying timeless masterpiece. "The Hollow (Creek)" is a sadistic ballad with a riding beat that makes you feel as though you're being stalked all the way throughout the actual song itself. One of my absolute favourite songs I've ever created in my hefty career. It talks about what happens when you're the only bout of life left in this world. "The Hollow (Creek)" is most definitely a standout track on "Pandora's Box".
Cinnamon Sticks
A sweet yet savoury concoction of a track with a little bit of added spice. "Cinnamon Sticks" is a cool, calm, collected song that has an edge to it. It has really great mass appeal and I'm contemplating over whether to release "Cinnamon Sticks" as the next single. The track is about finding that lil "something" which lifts your mood up instantly even just for a brief while. This song is made for radio!
Leap Of Faith
"Leap Of Faith" is a soaring power-ballad, inspired by rock influences. You may have guessed it already, but this song is about choosing whether to take that risk - to take that "Leap Of Faith" - or never knowing what could've happen if you didn't. It's rich in analogies that I love. I think this could be a fan-favourite, however, I've always been wrong about these types of things. So anyways, there you go! That is "Leap Of Faith".
Abyss (feat. Hayley Williams)
I had the opportunity to work with one of my all-time favourite people in the whole world - Hayley Williams of Paramore. She was a fantastic asset to "Abyss" and "Pandora's Box", as a collective whole. "Abyss" is about being stuck in that rut of doom, feeling like you're never going to dig yourself out of that whole, forever-falling into a cascaded abyss of nothing but darkness. One of the more mature songs on "Pandora's Box". It is heavily inspired by Paramore's distinctive rock sound, with a little blues-y flavour on top.
Through The Looking Glass
"Through The Looking Glass" is, of course, inspired by Alice In Wonderland. I'm so fascinated by rabbit holes and all that jazz that I just had to write a song about it. The song is about finally realising your flaws, essentially 'through the looking glass', and realising the brutal truth of it all. Another radio-friendly track with a lot of depth to it! It is a classic and traditional uplifting empowerment anthem, but the lyrics and simpleness is what truly makes "Through The Looking Glass" one of the standout tracks on "Pandora's Box". This song was also one of the first to be completed and finalised, during the drafting process.
- - - - -
At Last
Here is the start of the bonus tracks! The dearly departed late great Etta James was like no other. I decided to pay tribute to her on my 8th studio album because she deserves it. This is my own very special rendition of her classic "At Last", a song very dear to my hear like Etta James always will be. I'm honoured to have even met such a beautiful lady, at least once. We love you, Etta. I love you, Etta. May you rest in peace - forever and always.
In The Deep End
"In The Deep End" is especially close to my heart because it talks about being thrown into the deep end, which is what I've had to accept most of my life. The song is a blank expression of how my father mentally and emotionally abused his family to the point of no more. One of the more personal tracks on "Pandora's Box". It is a simple, indie ballad with a lil bit of a kick.
Why Am I Still Waiting Here?
A suicidal-inspired anthem. "Why Am I Still Waiting Here?" delves into the idea of why isn't it my turn yet? It embodies a message so very dear to my heart that the recording process of this song was too much to bear. This is one of the more diverse tracks on the album. It is strings-based and raw.
Say Something (Solo)
This is a solo rendition of my duet with A Great Big World's "Say Something". An incredibly understated track. I had fun working with the boys! It's all about reaching to the point of wanting that somebody to say something cause you're literally giving up on them right now. Lovely song.
Eclectic
This was a buzz single that I had released a few months ago in springtime. It received much universal acclaim and became a smash hit in a matter of days. "Eclectic" talks about being able to acknowledge and accept diversity within ourselves and others. It is an unconventional love song as well. So, that wraps up "Pandora's Box"! Yay.
|
|
|
|
|
|