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

LADYHAWKE releases her new single ‘Blue Eyes’ on September 17th 2012 on Modular through Island Records. The track is taken from her critically acclaimed second album ‘Anxiety’ released in July this year and will include remixes from Jacques Renault, Alison Wonderland, Junior and label mates Canyons. The video for the single is available now to view on the link below. The clip was shot in the incredible Oceano Dunes, California under the direction of Jess Holzworth whose previous work includes ‘Gamma Ray’ Beck. Watch it here Following Ladyhawke’s sold out UK tour in May, more UK dates are to be announced shortly. See website for details. www.ladyhawkemusic.com www.facebook.com/ladyhawke www.modularpeople.com LADYHAWKE NEW SINGLE ‘BLUE EYES’ 17/09/2012 INTERNATIONAL LIVE STREAMING DEBUT: ‘100% misty-eyed mobiles-in-the-air brilliance’ – NME

Annie Mac IS dance music’s first lady. She is one of Radio 1’s flagship DJs, a frequent headliner at stadiums, parties, clubs and festivals around the world, (from Ibiza and Miami to the mountain ranges of Japan) and the founder of the Annie Mac Presents brand. She is also known for spotting the stars of tomorrow today, with everyone from Katy B, Justice and DJ Fresh through to Azealia Banks, Frank Ocean and Plan B all getting high praise early on via Miss Mac and her Friday night show. This autumn will see Annie Mac and her Annie Mac Presents brand upping its game further. The AMP tour is getting bigger (with more dates in larger venues) and the forthcoming AMP 2012 compilation will feature exclusive material for the first time. Annie Mac Presents Superstar DJs will be broadcast in October on Channel 4 and sees Annie interviewing and exploring the lives and lifestyles of some of the biggest and most credible names in dance music and clubbing culture. The AMP 2012 compilation, rele

As Robbie Williams looks to the future with the release of the incredible “Take The Crown”, his ninth studio album and his first for Island/Universal, it might also be interesting to remember his considerable achievements so far. In a career strewn with awards, Robbie has quite simply sold more records than any other British solo artist in history. Having sold a staggering 60 million albums over his solo career, Robbie has also won more Brit awards than any other artist in history ( a grand total of 17, to be precise). Six of his albums appear in the all time top 100 biggest selling albums in the UK whilst Williams appears in the Guinness Book of World Records for selling 1.6 million concert tickets in a day in 2006 . In 2010 Robbie Williams won the Outstanding Contribution to British Music Award at the BRITS; later that year his reformation with Take That led to their album becoming the fastest selling album of the century. Since then Robbie has been working on his brand new solo

With their debut album, Lonsdale Boys Club – Charlie, Topher and Loz – have crafted a set of infectious, summer-tinged pre-made festival anthems. Signed to Gary Barlow’s Future label, they infuse each song with a dash of funkiness, the grit of the UK urban scene, a smattering of their love for all things house, a pinch of roots reggae, plenty of pop nous and of course, a gargantuan hook or twelve. “If we had to pigeon-hole it somehow I'd say it's zesty, sprightly guitar pop with an urban flavour and banging beats,” frontman Charlie says. Pre-Lonsdale Boys Club, the band were scattered across the globe, bassist Topher producing and working various jobs in Australia and Cyprus, Charlie Djing and writing songs for a possible solo career in London and Loz finishing his music studies in Liverpool as well as Djing at various drum n bass nights. Meeting through a mutual guitar teacher who had a studio on west London’s Lonsdale Road, it was only a matter of time before they came to

This summer, hip hop's pre-eminent Renaissance man DJ Khaled unleashed “Kiss The Ring” his highly anticipated sixth studio album and second release on Cash Money Records. The Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum producer, personality, and recording artist continues to up the ante with each record, and this latest offering is no exception. Right out of the gate, the album's lead single "Take It To The Head" featuring Chris Brown, Rick Ross, Nicki Minaj, & Lil Wayne is a powerhouse anthem. It features soulful vocals from Chris Brown, an icy, airtight flow from Rick Ross and sexy savoir faire from Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne's inimitable, impenetrable rhyming. Khaled fires off his biggest hook yet over undeniable production and locks in unison with an A-list posse surrounding him. It's shaping up to be another smash. “Kiss The Ring” comes hot on the heels of an amazing year for Khaled. In 2011, he received his first Grammy Award nomination for the hit &quo

Earlier this year Somebody That I Used To Know was a worldwide smash, now Gotye returns with his new single I Feel Better on the 3rd September . Somebody That I Used To Know, which was released in the UK in February, has been a universal hit; to date it has sold over 10 million, topped the charts in 18 countries (iTunes #1 over 40 countries) including the UK where it has sold over 1 million and still sits in the Top 20. Somebody That I Used T0 Know spent 8 weeks at the top of the US Billboard Hot 100 chart and broke the record for a No.1 hit across four Billboard charts in the same week. The video has tallied up an astonishing 281 million YouTube hits and is still averaging over a million hits a day. I Feel Better is the contrasting new single that showcases Gotye's keen genre-hopping ability and remarkable vocal range. It is a joyous, up tempo track that revisits the Motown sound of Learnalilgivinanlovin, which was the breakthrough single from Gotye’s first album Like Drawing Bl

Jess Mills came out of the blocks with her first offering in 2011 with the Breakage produced ‘Vultures’ quickly followed by her debut single proper, ‘Live For What I’d Die For’, both of which set the stage for her career as a solo artist . Jess had previously provided guest vocals for Breakage’s own material (namely 2011’s Top 40 hit Fighting Fire), which led the two to work together in the studio on her own music. Jess also toured the world as the live vocalist for Leftfield while her path to pop stardom was being forged. 2012’s ‘Pixelated People’ went further to prove Jess’s talents as a songwriter. A talent which at every turn is underpinned by her unwavering love of dance music, a genre, both underground and mainstream, that has shaped Jess as a person and musician since as early as she can remember. ‘For My Sins’ is her new single hot from the studio where she’s been holed up writing and recording her debut album in recent months. This new offering, as well as part of the album,

I celandic alternative folk sensation Of Monsters and Men have emerged as the breakthrough international act of 2012. Whilst the excitement around the UK release of their debut album ‘My Head is An Animal’, out 27th August on Island Records, continues to grow, the band announce details of a 2013 UK tour. Of Monsters and Men’s rise to music’s upper echelons has been unstoppable. ‘My Head is an Animal’ has already enjoyed huge success outside the UK, topping the charts in Iceland, Ireland, Germany, Canada and America. Crafting epic songs inspired by their amazing homeland, fairy tales and personal history, the band went from battle of the bands winners to the must-see act at Iceland Airwaves and SXSW festival. The bands first single ‘Little Talks’ to date has received over 18 million views on YouTube and is currently on the A-List at BBC Radio 1. Of Monsters and Men began as the solo project of Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir however it quickly grew with the additions of friends Ragnar “Ra

Tinchy Stryder is set to release the follow up single to his chart busting ‘Bright Lights’ featuring pop starlet Pixie Lott. ‘Help Me’, due for release by 4th & Broadway/ Island Records on 1st October 2012, will be Tinchy Stryder’s 13th commercial single release to date. Produced by Art Bastian, Tinchy Stryder’s ‘Help Me’ is the latest cut to be taken from his forthcoming, fourth studio album, ‘Full Tank’ due out in 2013. Combining anthemic ‘hands in the air’ production with Tinchy’s charismatic lyrical flow and an infectious chorus, ‘Help Me’ is sure to not only become a common request on dance floors across the country, but also make an impressionable dent on the UK charts. Remixes of the single by fresh in-demand duo DEVolution (Lana Del Ray, Wretch 32, Wiley) will also be made available. The video for ‘Help Me’, directed by Dan Henshaw (Kasabian, Kano) and shot in New Orleans also acts as a perfect accompaniment with its striking montage of in tune visuals. Since the success

DJ Shadow, rightly regarded as one of the most influential and consistently innovative artists to emerge from music in the last 20 years, has four collections of his finest recordings released on September 3rd via Island Records. “Reconstructed: The Best Of DJ Shadow” will be released on one single CD and double vinyl, while “Reconstructed: The Definitive DJ Shadow” will be issued as a multi-disc box set. Limited to 500 copies worldwide, each set will be individually signed by DJ Shadow and will include 8 discs, 1 x 12” vinyl record, as well as a booklet, featuring an essay by acclaimed music writer Dave Tompkins, and numerous photo. With stunning artwork and design by Trevor Jackson, the box set is the most ambitious and comprehensive retrospective ever assembled to represent Shadow’s output. “It’s never an easy task to sum up a career in one release,” says Shadow, “but this box comes pretty close. This is the definitive, final document of the sound I’m most known for.” The box w

Mumford & Sons release their new single, ‘I Will Wait’ on the 24th September 2012. It is the first single to be taken from their second album, Babel, released on the same day . The story of Mumford & Sons has been written and mapped out on the road. Since before the release of 2009’s debut album Sigh No More, the band has rarely been off tour, but the recording of Babel brought them off the road and back into the studio. Many of the songs on the new record found their dynamic through years of tested live performance. ‘Whispers In The Dark’, ‘Lover Of The Light’, ‘Below My Feet’, ‘Lovers’ Eyes’ and ‘Hopeless Wanderer’ might be familiar to fans that have seen the band perform live over the past eighteen months across the world. Babel was produced by Marcus Dravs, a man whom the band trusts to replicate and to understand the importance of live energy as much as they do. In a similar fashion to its predecessor, it is a record that marries the upbeat with the intimate, and the unre

J essie Ware is a proper pop star. With her soulful, melancholy vocal, effortlessly elegant songwriting skills and, of course, that striking slicked-back hair, she marks a new era for pop. Her outstanding debut album Devotion combines the ultra-modern feel of downtempo R&B and British electronic music. South London born Jessie started singing at school, inspired by the romance of her mother's Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald Sings Cole Porter tapes, appearing in musicals and picking up some classical training along the way. Jessie cut her teeth as a vocalist when she wrote the track Nervous with SBTRKT. She then hooked up with Sampha, who had also sung on Nervous, to write Valentine, one of last year's sweetest tracks, all breathy vocals and beautiful simplicity. Armed with those two songs and riding a growing wave of hype, she was snapped up by brand new label PMR. With her name on everyone's lips, the time seemed right for an album. But, despite another big guest

Childish Gambino, whose two sell-out London dates earlier this year were among the rawest, most electrifying hip hop shows for many a year, has his brand new Glassnote/Island single “Firefly” released on August 6th. The single is taken from Gambino’s recently released and universally acclaimed first album proper “CAMP” which established the actor/comedian/writer as one of the most challenging, exciting and lyrically interesting talents to emerge in hip hop. “Camp” was produced by Swedish composer and long-time collaborator Ludwig Göransson, and the 13 tracks also include “Bonfire”, “Backpackers”, “L.E.S.”, and standout closer “That Power”. Born Donald Glover, Childish Gambino got his hip hop name from the Wu-tang name generator, but is best known in the US as an actor starring in the NBC hit show “Community” alongside Chevy Chase. Glover has also recently been lauded by Rolling Stone as one of America’s best young comedians and on his recent sell-out I AM DONALD TOUR played to ove

Having recently played a sell out run of shows in New York and Toronto and currently playing a few European dates as well as gearing up for some festival appearances, Paul Weller released a new single “The Attic” on July 23rd. “The Attic” is the third single from the outstanding critically acclaimed No. 1 album “Sonik Kicks” and will be released as a Digital EP and will be backed by brand new track The Piper and the full length version of album track Sleep Of The Serene. “The Attic” motors along in a space-age rockabilly style, with Paul Weller crooning like a pining teen idol for his lover. “Lyrically, it’s a bit lovelorn” he says. After playing his shows in Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam and Luxembourg last month, Paul performed live from Jodrell Bank on 24th June along with Graham Coxon and Baxter Dury. He then played  headlined the Sunday night at Latitude. his only UK festival this year, TRACKLISTING : Attic The Piper Sleep Of The Serene (Full Length Version) Just some of th

The UK has never been more ready for Cleo Sol and it's certainly been a long time since we were proud to champion a real UK pop soul diva that deserved the props. Set to launch her attack on the UK airwaves, Cleo released her debut single 'Never The Right Time' on June 18th through Island Records. After years of singing for family and friends ‘Cleo Sol’ was born (the Sol paying homage to her sunny Spanish heritage) a moniker she created at aged 16. She then posted a few tracks on MySpace and was spotted by veteran underground producer Davinche (Kano’s P’s & Q’s). This relationship proved to be instrumental in putting her in the frame with some of the most impressive names on the UK Urban scene including Tinie Tempah (she featured on ‘Tears’), Wretch 32’s ‘Dancefloor’, Bashy's ‘Riding for Love’ and of course Davinche’s ‘Hero’. In 2010, Cleo also featured on ‘Give a Little Love’ with Roll Deep and Wretch 32. 'Never The Right Time' is Cleo Sol's statement

Keane released their new single 'Sovereign Light Café' on 23rd July 2012, through Island Records. Keane's new album 'Strangeland' entered the UK charts at Number one to make it their fifth consecutive number one album, equaling Coldplay and Radiohead, and beaten only by The Beatles. 'Strangeland' has debuted in the top ten in twenty countries around the world. It is their fourth studio album, after 'Hopes & Fears' (2004); 'Under The Iron Sea' (2006); 'Perfect Symmetry' (2008) and the 'Night Train' EP (2010) which also topped the UK Album Chart.You could say that 'Sovereign Light Café' is the theme to 'Strangeland'. It was the first song that Tim wrote for the album - the idea came to him in a taxi in Sao Paulo. The title name checks the seafront café in Bexhill where, as teenagers cycling from nearby Battle, he and Keane drummer Richard Hughes would “spend hours sunbathing underneath cloudy skies.” Once a

Following the 200,000+ sales of his top 10 debut album Every Kingdom in the UK alone, two sold-outs tours of the US (multiple, and contemplating a hectic Summer of festival appearances ahead of his biggest, UK tour to date, Ben finds himself positioned as one of the most successful young singer-songwriters from the UK and Europe in years. Old Pine is a woozy, languid song, both cathartic and quietly euphoric. A long-standing live favourite, Ben’s percussive perfection is matched with the driving intricacies of his guitar playing and, smoky controlled voice. Originally released in the Spring of 2011 as an introductory EP through Communion Records, Old Pine has already played a crucial part in introducing Ben to a bigger, broader audience. He has since played to over 80,000 thousand fans at over 120 sold out performances. His UK tour later this year has now sold in excess of 50,000 tickets alone, culminating in three sell-out nights at London's Brixton Academy. Ben How

Devlin is pleased to announce details of a UK tour for later this year. The Dagenham born rapper will play four shows in November in support of his forthcoming second album, A Moving Picture, released on the 29th October. The dates kick off in Birmingham on the 9th November, and conclude at London’s Scala on the 13th November. Tickets are £11.50 (London £13.50) on pre-sale from 17th July, and on general sale from 20th July through www.livenation.co.uk and www.gigsinscotland.com . As previously announced, Devlin’s forthcoming single (All Along The) Watch Tower Ft. Ed Sheeran is out on the 20th August through Island Records. Watch the video here: Devlin Live: 19th August – V Festival, Stafford 24th August – Ibiza Rocks, Ibiza 1st September – Jersey Live, Jersey 9th November – Institute Library, Birmingham 10th November – Classic Grand, Glasgow 11th November – Academy 3, Manchester 13th November – Scala, London www.officialdevlin.com

Following the enormous worldwide success of his recent hit single, “Too Close”, as featured in the multi-million dollar Microsoft internet explorer ad, Alex Clare has his new single “Treading Water”, released on August 13th through Island Records. Sales of “Too Close”(1.5 million and counting) exploded in all territories that carried the advert and that looks set to continue as the campaign is now being extended in new countries including France and Brazil. Both “Too Close” and “Treading Water” singles are taken from Alex’s hugely acclaimed debut album ”The Lateness Of The Hour”. “Too Close” peaked at #4 in the UK chart where it remained in the top 10 for 5 weeks, selling over 400,000 copies in the UK alone, while the accompanying video racked up over 12 million views. The album, released to widespread acclaim a year earlier, has now shipped 60,000 in the UK while Alex also recently made a triumphant return to the UK live stage with a triumphant sell-out gig at the Scala in London

Celebrated Icelandic indie-pop sextet Of Monsters And Men , will release their boisterously catchy, chart topping second single ‘Little Talks’ on the 6 th August through Island Records . Since winning a local battle of the bands competition less than twelve months ago, Of Monsters And Men’s trajectory to music’s upper echelons has been unstoppable. The band’s debut album ‘My Head Is An Animal’ has already enjoyed huge success in Iceland and Europe. Mirroring that feat in America, ‘My Head Is An Animal’ went to #1 in the iTunes album chart and saw the band appear on Jimmy Fallon in May . Following that performance, Of Monsters And Men have been confirmed to appear on Jay Leno later this month. ‘Little Talks’ follows debut single ‘Dirty Paws’ which enjoyed huge support across the UKs top radio stations. Dusting away years of cultural stereotypes with its rousing feel good lyrics and irresistible melodies and hooks, ‘Little Talks’ is unquestionably the sound of this year’s s

Jessie Wares soulful, melancholy vocal and effortlessly elegant songwriting skills have already cemented the South Londoner as one of 2012s brightest hopes. With three singles already under her belt, new track ‘Wildest Moments’ combines the ultra-modern feel of downtempo R&B and British electronic music, released on August 13th through PMR Records , the song is the perfect pre-cursor to her eagerly awaited debut album, ‘Devotion’ released August 20th . Produced by Dave Okumu, ‘Wildest Moments’ is of particular significance to Jessie as she explains; “Wildest Moments is about a tempestuous relationship. The extremes of being the best and then the worst together” An intimate gig at the Nave church in Islington in March 2012 marked Jessie’s biggest headline show to date and also the moment it all came together. Looking every inch the classy pop star, Jessie blew the room away, with the help of her live band. August 15th see’s Jessie bring her live show South of the river when she’ll

21 year old Salford born singer Ren Harvieu, whose breathtaking voice has had the critics reaching for the superlatives and whose critically acclaimed debut album “Through The Night” stormed into the UK chart this week at no. 5, releases her new single “Tonight” on July 23rd through Kid Gloves/Island Records. Ren has just announced her first major UK tour for October.  Fans will get the chance to catch Ren and full band live at T In The Park - 6- 8th July, Camp Bestival – 29th July, V festival 18/19th August and Bestival – 9th Sept . Ren Harvieu, just turned twenty one, is self-made, not your typical modern day popstar. She sounds one way and looks and acts completely differently. No Brit School training, no showbiz connections, just a young girl with a truly remarkable voice and a set of songs that will stir your soul and break your heart. Ren sang in the odd local talent show, one called ‘Salford Superstar’ and attended what she calls the Primark version of a performing arts sc

Grammy award winning, 15 million album selling, singer-songwriter Macy Gray, one of the most unique and original artists to emerge in recent times, has her new album “ Covered ”, a collection of all new recordings of songs handpicked and reinterpreted by the US star in her own inimitable fashion, has been released. To coincide with the release of the album Macy plays two sell-out nights at London’s Jazz Café on June 27th and June 28th. Produced by Hal Willner (Lou Reed, Metallica), “Covered” tackles material largely drawn from the indie scene from the last decade—interpretations Macy’s fans will be familiar with as she’s been performing them live over