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

Following the release of her debut EP ‘Because I Do’, Pearl and the Puppets will release the new single ‘Make Me Smile’ on August 16th. Pearl, AKA Katie Sutherland and her band The Puppets, have been receiving a steady stream of attention over the last year after winning the Scottish Sun’s New Band award and a performance on the BBC Hogmanay show on New Year’s Eve. With live shows so far including an appearance at The Great Escape, a headline Scottish tour and UK support tour with Alphabeat. Their debut EP was well received and performances at the likes of Secret Garden Party and T in the Park this summer along with a support slot with Elton John at Watford Football Club. Her second single ‘ Make Me Smile ’ is a feel-good summery pop song that has a breezy melody and catchy chorus that you can’t help but sing along to. A favourite in Pearl’s live set, it is perfect for the summer festivals and is sure to make even the most tired festival goer get up and dance. Three years ago Pearl w

Nicki Minaj, the first lady of Young Money/Cash Money Records and one of the hottest artists on the planet right now, has her debut official single “Your Love” released on September 20th. The song, which samples Annie Lennox’s “ No More ‘I Love You’s’ ”, is taken from the 25 year old rap phenomenon’s feverishly anticipated debut album which is scheduled for release on November 22nd. Nicki Minaj’s star has been on the rise since she released her first mixtape, Playtime Is Over , in 2007. The mixtape featured Lil Wayne and the cover showed Nicki posing as a Barbie Doll. A second mixtape “ Sucka Free ” released a year later, increased the heat around Minaj and was followed in 2009 by mixtape number three “ Beam Me Up Scotty ”. Shortly thereafter Nicki, aka Harajuku Barbie, aka Nicki Lewinsky, aka Roman Zolanski, aka Ms Step Your Cookies Up , signed to Lil Wayne’s new label Young Money Entertainment and featured heavily on Young Money’s debut album “We Are Young Money” which spawned the

“G.R.I.N.D.”, the brand new track that’s been lighting up the blogs, (no 2 on Hype Machine) from Asher Roth, is released on July 26th through SRC/ Island Records. “G.R.I.N.D”, which stands for “Get Ready It’s a New Day”, was produced by a team called 1500 or Nothin, and is taken from Asher’s forthcoming as yet untitled second album which features production from the likes of Pharrell Williams, Swizz Beats, Ryan Leslie and Q-Tip. For further info on Asher’s movements and to see the cool viral video for “Muddy Swim Trunks”, and to download the tasty new mixtape “Seared Fois Gras with Quince and Cranberry”, visit http://asherrothmusic.com/ . Asher Roth’s debut hit single “ I Love College ” and acclaimed album “ Asleep In The Bread Aisle ” announced him as one of the most exciting new artists in hip hop. Heavily tipped at the beginning of 2009, alongside Kid Cudi and B.O.B, as one of the freshest new artists taking hip hop in an exciting new direction, Asher charted with his first single