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

Nigerian-born singer/songwriter Tiwa Savage shares her new single “Temptation,” featuring multi-GRAMMY Award-winning pop phenomenon Sam Smith. Released via Island Records, “Temptation” is the latest single from Savage’s highly anticipated fourth studio album Celia, due out today, August 28th . The track is written by Tiwa Savage, Sam Smith, and Fireboy DML. It was recorded in Lagos, Nigeria and is produced by London. Hailed as the “Queen of Afrobeats,” Savage is the most popular female artist in Africa, and arguably the most popular artist in Nigeria. Last month, the globally celebrated fashion icon offered the first glimpse at her forthcoming album with “Dangerous Love” — a laid-back and enchanting track built on her signature blend of R&B and Afrobeats. Marking her directorial debut, the song’s video finds Savage co-directing alongside Ibra Ake (Childish Gambino, Beyoncé) for a stunning visual shot in Lagos, Nigeria. Named after her mother, Celia showcases Savage’s extraord...

Kelly Rowland released her hotly anticipated fourth full-length solo album, “ Talk A Good Game ” on June 17th, the follow up to 2011’s “Here I Am”. In order to prepare audiences for what's to come on the album, Kelly recently unleashed the seductive and sultry hit " Kisses down Low ", its video has accumulated over 11 million views on http://youtu.be/V0DJUTgkUIA . Kelly has invited a bevy of heavy hitters to join her on “Talk A Good Game”. Wiz Khalifa's breezy flow punctuates "Gone" with smoky elegance, while Pharrell Williams heats up the incendiary "Feet to the Fire". "You Changed" see’s Kelly once again collaborate with her former group members Beyonce and Michelle Williams. Production comes courtesy of Mike Will, Harmony, The Runners, Pharrell Williams, The-Dream, and more. As a founding member of Destiny's Child, Kelly has cumulatively sold over 20 million albums worldwide. The former X-Factor UK host has been honored with a to...

Undisputed Hip Hop Queen, and Global superstar, Nicki Minaj, one of the hottest, most colourful and exciting stars to emerge in music in recent years, has her new single “High School” released on May 6th through Young Money/Cash Money/Universal Records. In the US the single has given Minaj, a relative newcomer, her 44th Hot 100 hit, equalling the record of fellow 'American Idol' judge Mariah Carey. "High School", featuring friend and label mate Lil Wayn e, is taken from Minaj's recent album " Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – The Re-Up," and Wayne also appears in the accompanying video. Nicki’s original multi-platinum Pink Friday album entered the UK chart at no. 1 and she followed that feat with a triumphant sell-out UK Arena tour. With more than 3 million albums sold globally, almost 30 million likes on Facebook, over 16 million followers on Twitter, and her own signature perfume “Pink Friday” launched, this 5’ 2” phenomenon is unquestionably one of...

Steel Panther have confirmed the release of the single “17 Girls In A Row” to coincide with their almost sold out UK tour this Spring. The single will be released via Universal Records on 2nd April 2012. The track is taken from the bands acclaimed second album, BALLS OUT, which was released in October. Steel Panther will be returned to the UK in March 2012 for a headlining tour. The March 2012 dates are as follows: TUESDAY 27 MARCH O2 ACADEMY BIRMINGHAM – SOLD OUT WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH O2 ACADEMY GLASGOW FRIDAY 30 MARCH MANCHESTER ACADEMY – SOLD OUT SATURDAY 31 MARCH O2 ACADEMY BRIXTON The band comprise of Michael Starr (vocals), Satchel (guitar), Lexxi Foxxx (bass) and Stix Zadinia (drums). 2011 saw the band release their second album and embark on a UK arena tour with Motley Crue and Def Leppard to a rapturous reception. 2012 sees the band about to embark on their first trip to Australia (Soundwave 2012), return to the UK for another tour and play the highly coveted main stage at ...

Kid CuDi ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ feat. MGMT and Ratatat - Monday 11th January 2010 ‘Following in a line that includes legendary fabulists like Ralph Ellison and Sun Ra and intersects with hip hop via artists like the Wu Tang Clan, Outkast and CuDi's mentor, Kanye West, this Cleveland-raised former film student expands hip-hop's language by exploring the inner life of the inner city the way others focus on the action in the street.’ The L.A. Times ‘A serious new talent in alt-rap.’ The Sunday Times ‘CuDi’s got a rare pop gift.’ The Stool Pigeon ‘The song is a deeply stoned singsong nugget.’ Pitchforkmedia Produced by Crown Heights, Brooklyn electronic-indie duo Ratatat ‘Pursuit of Happiness’ is the second UK single from Kid CuDi’s debut album ‘Man On The Moon : The End Of The Day’. Psychedelic rock stars MGMT sing the ghostly chorus over Ratatat’s trademark half-step beats, swirling synths and heavily processed guitars. CuDi’s vocal has the mixture of melody an...