Focus Music Notes. "Out of the Blues". Popular music through the decades

Gabriella Cilmi’s second album ‘Ten’ sees the just-turned-18 Australian singer-songwriter discovering her inner disco diva . Inspired by the likes of Giogrio Moroder, Blondie and Donna Summer, and working alongside the likes of uber producers Dallas Austin (TLC, Gwen Stefani, Michael Jackson), Xenomania (Girls Aloud, Kylie Minogue, Pet Shop Boys), and Greg Kursten (Lily Allen, Little Boots, Flaming Lips), Gabriella has created a body of work that takes new wave and classic dance influences into poptastic future disco for the 21st century. Following on from scoring a top 10 hit with the infectious dance-floor anthem, ‘On A Mission’ and from supporting Leona Lewis on her nationwide UK tour, Gabriella Cilmi is set to release double A side single, ‘ Defender & Magic Carpet Ride ’ on 22nd August 2010. The ballad ‘Defender’, produced by Invisible Men (Noisettes), is one of the stand out tracks on ‘Ten’. Showcasing Gabriella’s unique vocals ‘Defender’ has all the ingredients of an anthemi

Grammy award winning, 15 million album selling, singer-songwriter Macy Gray, one of the most unique and original artists to emerge in recent times.  Macy, whose eagerly awaited new album " The Sellout " is out now performed recently at " Live from Leicester Square ". Macy's fans had the unique opportunity to see this global star up close at one of London's most intimate music venues. Macy's new single, " Lately ", which she recently performed live on Later With Jools, was released on June 14th through Concord Records/Island Records. " The Sellout " features 12 new songs and was co-written and executive produced by Gray in Los Angeles throughout 2009. Collaborators include Bobby Brown, The Bodyrockers' Kaz James and Slash, Duff McKagan and Matt Sorum formerly of Guns N' Roses and Velvet Revolver . " The Sellout " tells the story of how I found my salvation in just being myself instead of who other people thought I s

Album Release: An Airplane Carried Me To Bed Label: Island Records Released: 26th July 2010 “ Before there was Owl City, there was Sky Sailing. These recordings are a step into the past, the documented account of a shy boy from Minnesota with more hopes and dreams than he knew what to do with. I am so very excited to share it with you .” – Adam Young Adam Young was a mere teenager in Owatonna, Minnesota when he wrote and recorded his first collection of songs under the moniker Sky Sailing. The album An Airplane Carried Me To Bed offers 11 songs that trace back the genesis of Adam Young as a songwriter and showcase a simple innocence through their sound and openhearted lyrics. Fan’s got their first peek into the world of Sky Sailing a few weeks ago when Adam quietly posted demo versions of two songs that are on the album, “Brielle” and “I Live Alone,” on MySpace. Written and recorded nearly three years ago, the songs that Adam Young did as Sky Sailing reflect the wonder and exc

ROBBIE WILLIAMS releases a brand new single “ Shame ” on Virgin Records on October 4 . The single was co-written with Gary Barlow and is a duet between the two superstars. This is the first time the two of them have ever recorded and performed a duet together and the first time they have written and recorded a song together since Robbie's departure from Take That in 1995. The single is a brand new track which will feature on the forthcoming Robbie Williams 39-song greatest hits set “ In And Out Of Consciousness – The Greatest Hits 1990 - 2010 ”, to be released on CD and DVD on Virgin Records on October 11. The album is spread over 2 CDs and is the definitive hits collection of one of the biggest superstars to have emerged from the UK in the last 20 years. With a staggering 57 million album sales and 11 million singles sold, Robbie Williams has been breaking records over the course of his whole career.  7 No 1 UK albums meant he is easily the biggest selling solo artist in UK

Nas and Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley whose hugely anticipated collaborative studio album, Distant Relatives is released on Monday May 24, 2010, have confirmed a third major UK date Gabriella Kilmi ‘Hearts Don’t Lie’ released by Island Records on 31st May 2010 Steve Winwood . Island Records will release the definitive career retrospective of one of the all-time greats of the UK music scene on 7th June 2010. Entitled “ Revolutions – The Very Best Of Steve Winwood ” it is a portrait of one of the most influential British musicians in rock history, a singer-songwriter, peerless vocalist, guitarist and keyboard player. Mumford & Sons release their new single, ‘ Roll Away Your Stone ’ through Gentlemen Of The Road / Island Records on the 7th June 2010. It is taken from the band’s critically acclaimed, platinum selling Top 5 debut album, ‘ Sigh No More ’ The Drums . 2010 has seen NYC based quartet The Drums go from being one of the most talked about new bands of the year to being the

‘Genius… she’s still ruling the school.’ NME After the huge success of 2007’s eponymous album (platinum UK), which produced the international #1 smash single ‘ With Every Heartbeat ’ & the top 10 hit ‘ Be Mine ’, Robyn is back with her killer combination of natural pop nous and cool sassiness offering up an exciting mix of cool electronica, heartfelt pop songs and tracks that have all the hallmarks of becoming classic club hits. Due to an abundance of great songs bursting to get out 2010 will see her release not one, not two but three albums. The first, Body Talk PT 1 , will be released on June 14th and the single Dancing On My Own released the same day. Robyn explains: " I got all these great songs so why not ? It’s been 5 years since " Robyn " and I didn’t want to wait with a release until they are all recorded, so I decided to start putting them out right away. I also can’t wait to play live again and this enables me to tour and record at the same time. I just

Island Records will release the definitive career retrospective of one of the all-time greats of the UK music scene on 7th June 2010. Entitled “Revolutions – The Very Best Of Steve Winwood” it is a portrait of one of the most influential British musicians in rock history, a singer-songwriter, peerless vocalist, guitarist and keyboard player. With tracklistings personally selected by Steve Winwood from his five decade career , “Revolutions: The Very Best Of Steve Winwood” will be available in two high quality formats: a single CD for the casual fan and a four CD deluxe box set including 52 page book for the connoisseur, with sleevenotes by writer Dylan Jones . A child prodigy, Winwood first performed live on stage at the tender age of 8 in his father’s trad jazz band, and joined the Spencer Davis Group at 14. His stunning vocal style was compared to Ray Charles. He left Spencer Davis to form Traffic then later teamed up with Eric Clapton in Blind Faith at the tail-end of the

“ Proper Kylie is BACK BACK BACK ” - Popjustice Kylie Aphrodite Kylie Minogue’s new single ‘All The Lovers’ has been brought forward two weeks due to overwhelming public demand. The track, originally due for release in all formats on June 28, will now be available digitally from June 13 . A physical release / digital bundle will follow on June 28. Popjustice recently called the song “ a truly incredible comeback single…a solid gold summer pop anthem ”. News of the World called it “ one of the best Kylie songs ever ”. The track is co-produced and written by Jim Eliot & Mima Stilwell. Kylie’s highly anticipated new album ‘ Aphrodite ’ is released on Parlophone records on July 5. It is Kylie’s eleventh studio album and was executive produced by Stuart Price. ‘Aphrodite’ sees Kylie return to the dance-floor, with a string of high profile collaborators from the pop and dance worlds including: Calvin Harris & Jake Shears, Sebastian Ingrosso (Swedish House Mafia) & Luciana

Paul Weller releases his tenth studio solo album “ Wake Up The Nation ” on April 12th on Island Records. After an unparalleled career, characterised by constant musical experimentation, we should be used to Paul Weller’s relentless desire to chop and change his musical pack. But after the triumphant, Brit-bagging success of 22 Dreams (his third solo number one) Wake Up The Nation album sees rock’s most iconic songwriter come up trumps once more. Lean, mean and as uncompromisingly focused as it’s maker, Wake Up The Nation also brings Paul Weller full circle: twenty-eight years on from The Jam’s split, two tracks feature the former bassist Bruce Foxton . The album also sees contributions from My Bloody Valentine’s Kevin Shields , The Move’s Bev Bevan and legendary session drummer Clem Cattini. Passion, progression, and, as ever, spine-tingling rock’n’roll –Paul Weller has, yet again delivered the perfect soundtrack as we embark on a new decade. Buy Wake up the Nation from Paul Well

Kylie Minogue returns to the charts at the end of June when her highly anticipated brand new single “ All The Lovers ” is released June 28 on Parlophone. The single, set to be a huge summer anthem, previews her new studio album “ Aphrodite ” scheduled for release a week later, on July 5. The album, Kylie’s fifth studio album on Parlophone, sees her celebrate her dance-floor roots and features Stuart Price as executive producer. The list of songwriters includes Kylie, Stuart Price, Calvin Harris, Jake Shears, Nerina Pallot and Keane’s Tim Rice-Oxley. Kylie said today: “The single was one of the last tracks to be written for the album. As I was recording it I knew that All The Lovers had to be the first single; it sums up the euphoria of the album perfectly. It gives me goose-bumps, so I’m really excited to hear what everyone thinks of it”. Stuart Price , who mixed the track and was executive producer on the album said: “ All The Lovers is a magical song and sums up everything tha

ERYKAH BADU ANNOUNCES NEW RELEASE DATE FOR NEW AMERYKAH, PART II: RETURN OF THE ANKH - IN STORES MARCH 29, 2010 Universal Motown Records multi-platinum-selling, Grammy-winning singer-songwriter-actress ERYKAH BADU announced via Twitter that she will release her fifth studio album, New Amerykah, Part II: Return of the Ankh, on March 30, 2010. The new album is the singer’s hotly anticipated follow-up to her critically acclaimed 2008 disc, New Amerykah, Part I: 4th World War. In contrast to New Amerykah, Part I: 4th World War, which was digitally produced and political in tone, New Amerykah Part II: Return of the Ankh features lush live instrumentation and taps into Badu’s emotional side by thematically focusing on romance and relationships. “With Part I, I was standing at an apex, looking at what was going on around me politically, socially, and economically,” Badu explained. “With Part II, I’m hovering over me, looking at what’s going on inside of me.” New Amerykah Part II: Return of

Lil Wayne , 4 x Grammy winning multi-platinum artist, and without question the undisputed hottest rapper in the world releases his second single “ Drop Tha World ” on April 12th. “ Drop Tha World ” features fellow hiphop heavyweight Eminem and follows the single “ On Fire ”, both taken from his new album ‘ Rebirth ’, released earlier this year. The video for “Drop Tha World” was directed by Chris Robinson (Busta Rhymes, T.I., Ludacris) and captures both stars in a visually amazing War of The Worlds-esque backdrop. A game-changing artist, Dwanye Michael Carter, Jr., aka Weezy F Baby, is one of the most prolific artists in music. Since establishing himself with the Hot Boys and his early solo albums, he became best known for the astonishing amount of music he released whether it be his acclaimed mixtapes, or special guest features on other artists work. The sheer breath, quality and volume of music featuring the New Orleans born rapper, made it difficult to argue against his self-procla

Paul Weller releases his tenth studio solo album “ Wake Up The Nation ” on April 12th on Island Records. After an unparalleled career, characterised by constant musical experimentation, we should be used to Paul Weller’s relentless desire to chop and change his musical pack. But after the triumphant, Brit-bagging success of 22 Dreams (his third solo number one) Wake Up The Nation album sees rock’s most iconic songwriter come up trumps once more. Lean, mean and as uncompromisingly focused as it’s maker, Wake Up The Nation also brings Paul Weller full circle: twenty-eight years on from The Jam’s split, two tracks feature the former bassist Bruce Foxton . The album also sees contributions from My Bloody Valentine’s Kevin Shields , The Move’s Bev Bevan and legendary session drummer Clem Cattini. Passion, progression, and, as ever, spine-tingling rock’n’roll –Paul Weller has, yet again delivered the perfect soundtrack as we embark on a new decade. Buy Wake up the Nation from Paul Well

GABRIELLA CILMI: Single ' On A Mission ' released by Island Records on March 8th 2010 Album ' Ten ' released by Island Records on March 22nd 2010 Gabriella Cilmi is ' On A Mission '. Just turned 18, the Australian-Italian singer-songwriter is set to surprise a lot of people with her bold, fresh musical direction and feisty attitude: "I'm not a little girl anymore. I've grown up, and I'm ready to fight to get what I want." Gabriella Cilmi was catapulted to global fame by her worldwide mega hit, ' Sweet About Me ', which sold over 2 million copies, was top ten in 16 countries, viewed over 20 million times on you tube, spent 37 consecutive weeks in the UK singles chart in 2008 and was recently PRS certified the most played record of the 2009. Gabriella's debut album ' Lessons to be Learned ' went top 10 in over 10 countries, notching up close to a million sales. The combination of commercial punch and genuine musical spir

Tickets for The Drums headline show @ the 900 capacity venue, Heaven on 8th June were put on sale this morning and have SOLD OUT in one day! · Additional date on the 9th June added due to popular demand The Drums announce headline London show @ Heaven in June Band win “Philip Hall Radar” award at NME awards  New single ‘Best Friend’ out March 29th Having just finished the NME Awards Tour with a triumphant show at London’s Brixton Academy , The Drums were crowned winners of the “ Philip Hall Radar ” award at NME awards on February 24th. The quartet have now announced a new London headline show for June plus they’ll be playing Camden Crawl & Live at Leeds Festival as well: 30th April – Live at Leeds Festival, Leeds  1st May – Camden Crawl, London  Tuesday 8th June – Heaven, London  SOLD OUT Wednesday 9th June _ Heaven London New date added by popular demand Heaven, London: Under The Arches, Villiers Street, London, WC2N 6NG Tickets go on sale Friday 12th March £11.50 http

The latest album from Boyzone, 'Brother' , has gone straight to Number 1 in the Album Charts! The news was officially announced yesterday (Sunday 14th March) by radio stations across the UK, as fans rushed to purchase the album. The exclusive deal below is only available to fans who buy from Universal Music! Ronan Keating & Boyzone Order Brother for £8.99 and get Winter Songs: Limited Collector's Edition for a special price of £9.99 (RRP £34.99) Save £25 when you add both of these items to your basket Click here to buy from Universal Official Site

Forever The Sickest Kids Album Release, “FRIDAY” and Single Release,‘SHE LIKE BITTERSWEET LOVE” out March 2010 Veterans of three straight summers rocking Vans Warped Tour with their fresh and insanely hummable blend of classic-lined power-pop, punk energy and space-age electronics, breakthrough band FOREVER THE SICKEST KIDS have announced UK dates in March 2010 with “ You Me At Six ” and “ We the Kings ”. The tour coincides with the first release of the six-track album “ FRIDAY ” and single “ She Like Bittersweet Love ” arriving in March 2010 , the first of three mini albums to be released in succession in 2010, the group's innovative approach to following up their successful Universal Motown album debut UNDERDOG ALMA MATER . Their 2008 debut album was released in a deluxe version in July 2009. The Dallas-based six-man group (Austin Bello, bass & vocals; Kyle Burns, drums; Jonathan Cook, vocals; Kent Garrison, keyboards; Marc Stewart, guitar and Caleb Turman, guitar &

The elite 11 who make up the Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Motown all-star roster are preparing to take over the game with the digital release of their debut album, We Are Young Money , on February 1st. Young Money Entertainment (YME), which was founded in 2005, is the brainchild of Lil Wayne , the Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum, critically acclaimed President of Cash Money Records. YME is an imprint of Cash Money Records and will be distributed by Universal Motown Records . Lil Wayne and his childhood friend Mack Mai ne, who is both signed to YME as an artist and serves as the President of the company, handpicked the label’s talented roster, which includes hip hop’s newest superstar Drake, Jae Millz, Nicki Minaj, Tyga, Gudda Gudda, Shanell, Lil Chuckee, Lil Twist, and T-Streetz, all of whom form the group Young Money. Young Money’s debut album, We Are Young Money , features many of today’s hottest producers, including Cool & Dre, Tha Bizness (Ne-Yo, Snoop Dogg), KANE (

" FIRFELIES " SOARS UP THE CHARTS TO THE NO.1 SPOT! As tickets for his UK tour sell out fast, Owl City's global phenomenon ' Fireflies ' soars up the UK charts to No.1!! Owl City’s single ‘Fireflies’ has already sold nearly 3 million copies in the US, topped the Billboard chart - twice - and the iTunes chart in 6 countries, yet until recently he was still relatively unknown in the UK. However, following its early release due to popular demand here in the UK and with very little promotion, ' Fireflies ' topped the UK charts on Sunday. Adam Young , the talented young man behind Owl City is modestly taking his latest chart topping success in his stride. “ It hasn't quite sunk in yet and I suspect it never really will. It's surreal to think that a song I wrote in a basement in the middle of blustery Minnesota has made it as far as it has. Needless to say, I'm completely thrilled .” Owl City can’t wait to hit the road in the UK and, judging by t

Michael Franti & Spearhead SINGLE: SAY HEY (I LOVE YOU) : MONDAY 1st FEBRUARY ALBUM: ALL REBEL ROCKERS : MONDAY 8th FEBRUARY Oakland, CA born Michael Franti has occupied a unique position in American music over his two decade career. Cutting against the grain of fashion, he has been an outspoken champion of social justice - whether that's fighting for human rights, veteran's rights, ridding poverty or producing his 50,000 capacity 'Power To The Peaceful' festival each year. His newest album ' All Rebel Rockers ' has struck a loud chord Stateside and become a hit record. Recorded in Jamaica at the Anchor Studio with Island Records legends Sly & Robbie, the album produced the rapturous dancehall-reggae hybrid lead single 'Say Hey (I Love You)'. With Kingston's own Cherine Anderson on guest vocals, the single has sold a million copies (certified platinum) in the US, and the video has been watched close to 4 million times on Youtube. Commerc