Another amazing DJ that will be playing at Birmingham Pride 2017. I'm so excited that Kissy Sell Out will be there, and is now a part of my blog due to my Birmingham Pride Special. His songs are pretty awesome and he has been going for over a decade now, proving himself as a DJ we all need to get behind. He was, previously, a Radio 1 DJ and has remixed plenty of big songs from internationally-known artists. Watch JJ Inkpen dance in various locations for Kissy Sell Out's music video for his single "Tell You" that features Holly Lois.
Kissy Sell Out, real name Thomas Bisdee, is a British/Canadian DJ and producer. He had his own slot on Radio 1, but his last show was back in 2012. He has collaborated with some of the best, including Tinashé and Angie Brown. His career has spanned over a decade, and he was a fundamental part of the rise of electronic music, especially when he was on Radio 1. As for his remixes, he's done some of the best I've ever heard, and I cannot wait for what the future will bring for him. His career is something many DJs inspire to have, yet there's always more he could do, he just needs one hit song, and with his focused mentality, I'm sure he can achieve this. Featured on the track is Holly Lois. Back in 2010, she was a part of girl group Vanquish, now she's focusing on a solo career. Her vocals are stunning on this track and I'm interested in what the future has in store for her.
Directed by Kissy Sell Out, this music video is a pure performance visual of JJ Inkpen. The dancer also came up with the choreography, for the music video.
We watch JJ Inkpen dance in various settings. There is a lot of foot shuffling going on, which was extremely popular two years ago when this music video was released. It's still quite popular nowadays, but not quite so obsessively over the top as this music video suggests.
The dancing isn't progressive, it looks like total freelance, and it could well have been. It relates to the song every now and again, but it's not fully focused on doing that. Some moves are hilarious though, to the extent where it is abnormal, and not something someone would actually do.
The music video, as a whole, isn't that interesting. The various settings are much more interesting, especially the painted walls, than JJ Inkpen dancing. It's nothing new and nothing exciting and doesn't bring more to the song if anything it distracts from the song because of the comical moves.
I wasn't really planning on including the dance arena acts into my Birmingham Pride Special, but since they have drawn in some big names this year, and since it will probably be the place I spend the most time at, I just had to include some of the acts into my Birmingham Pride Special. The biggest announcement for the dance arena, so far, is Tough Love, who had a total hit with this song, and it is still a club banger to this day, two years after its release. Although, I really didn't want to review this music video after coming across it; guess I was one of the lucky ones who has never seen this video before today; now I can't forget it. Watch this comedic visual, starring Rob van Vuuren daydreaming about being a lifeguard for an outdoor pool, in this music video for Tough Love's song "So Freakin' Tight".
Tough Love are a British DJ duo consisting of Alex Prinzivalli and Stefan O'Brien. They have released a range of songs and have really proven themselves as one of the top DJ duos around. However, they have only had two hit songs so far, this one being their biggest to date. If they can do it once, they can do it again and have another hit song. This happens a lot for DJs, they come and go when it comes to the chart, without lack of trying. This song samples the Jodeci song "Freek'n You". It was written by Donald Degrate Jr.
Directed by Craig Moore, this music video stars comedian Rob van Vuuren. This explains why it's very comedic, and it works well since he is a confident guy and not worried at all about what he looks like. This works because he's clearly a great actor.
A daydream turns Rob van Vuuren into a lifeguard of a busy outdoor pool. He fantasises that there are a lot of girls in bikinis at the pool, which he gets to watch over. He finds suncream in the pool, which the dream character, Rob van Vuuren, imagines sexily squirting the suncream over a woman lounging by the pool, yet it doesn't turn out that way and goes completely wrong.
This happens again in a scene involving ice cream, where the dreamed-up lifeguard comes across two women eating ice cream. He imagines sexily caressing the ice cream over the women's bodies whilst they do the same to him. A choreographed scene ends the imagination and the women are not happy when he grabs for the ice cream.
Rob van Vuuren really gets into the lifeguard character as he drools over the women at the pool. The last scene makes us realise it was all a daydream, and he's just the cleaner. It's comedic, but it's also interesting since there are many men who have daydreams just like this one; although, I doubt they have daydreams inside of daydreams... It's a complex idea for a music video, one that's really unappealing to watch, but they have actually managed to pull it off. Yet, it's unrelatable and definitely something we don't want to see again.
Not my usual pick for New Release, but it makes a change to switch up my blog with a possible future hit single, especially since I'm on a Birmingham Pride Special at the moment, which is currently showcasing some oldish songs; make sure you check it out when you have a chance, by clicking the link. This does seem quite the group, yet it's a catchy number and it works quite well. Watch DJ Khaled throw a party at his house with Justin Bieber, Quavo, Chance The Rapper, and Lil Wayne; where they bring a chilled out relax performance vibe in this music video for "I'm The One".
DJ Khaled, real name Khaled Khaled, is a record producer and DJ amongst many other professional titles. He has had a successful career in music for many years and has definitely made a name for himself; although, I reckon this song will become his biggest worldwide hit. Featured on the track is Justin Bieber, who is the sole reason why this track is completely popular, as he is a full-on international star with many hits to his name. As for Quavo, he is mostly known for being in a three-piece group called Migos who also appear in the visual. They're definitely one of the rising hip-hop groups around; I expect to see more of them in the future. Then there's Chance The Rapper, real name Chancelor Bennett, he has been going for a few years and certainly made his name known through collaborations with Justin Bieber and Snakehips on "Confident" and "All My Friends" respectively. Then there's the rapper who needs no introduction, Lil Wayne, who's real name is Dwayne Carter, Jr. He's a multi-award winning hip-hop artist who has had various hits. He truly has established himself as one of the top rappers in the industry. This is quite a collaboration, one that could've easily gone wrong, but it works and this is certainly a future hit. I wonder where it will chart in the UK next Friday. The song was written by Khaled Khaled, Jason Boyd, Quavious Marshall, Chancelor Bennett, Dwayne Carter, Jr., Nicholas Balding, David Park, Bobby Brackins, and Ray Jacobs.
Directed by Eif Rivera, the music video starts off with DJ Khaled's son, Asahd Khaled, in the director chair, in a very cute snapshot. He also appears on the front of the single cover artwork in quite the tropical themed picture. We continue to watch as DJ Khaled talks on the phone to Chance The Rapper, organising a party; whilst he stares at a woman riding up to him on a horse.
The party is in full swing later on as we watch Justin Bieber singing the song whilst adding some awkward dance moves throughout; yet, it shows how relaxed he is in this setting.
The other artists come in at certain intervals and the music video easily showcases each artist. Lil Wayne gets the biggest spotlight of all, which is understandable; and yet, he doesn't take it for granted and works it to his advantage.
There are women dressed sexily in the music video, and we seriously do see this a lot in hip-hop music. It's nothing new; but I admire the fact that they have kept it subtle and relaxed. There isn't much focus on the women which makes a very nice change. It keeps focus on the song as a whole, and this is why this music video works.
It's very relaxed and easily watchable for anyone who is viewing. It's not too much compared to a variety of music videos I have seen. It's calm, sunny, and definitely something I wouldn't mind catching on the music channels. This music video could've been over-the-top and could've been a typical hip-hop party music video. Instead, they drew it back, focusing on the song and the presentation of it. Nice one!
It's Thursday, so it's time to look back on a music video that is 5 years old or more. My only option, really, this week, was Saara Aalto, and I'm glad to be revisiting her since my previous review has had a lot of hits and is currently one of my most viewed posts this month! Saara Aalto will be performing at Birmingham Pride 2017, hence why she's a part of my Birmingham Pride Special. She probably won't be singing any of the songs she has released officially in the past few years, and I fully expect to hear her sing cover versions; I am definitely hoping for Sia's "Chandelier" since she never sang that at The X Factor Tour, which was a complete disappointment, I needed to hear her sing that song. This one is just as impressive though, her range is amazing. Watch Saara Aalto unleash energetic performance vibes, as she sings this ballad debut single "Blessed With Love" that is certainly filled with a lot of heart.
Saara Aalto is an inspiration to us all. She never ever gave up on her dream and her love of singing. She has built her career up and up, and it just shows that if you carry on, if you keep fighting, you can make it. Her voice is stunning to no end. She competed in the thirteenth series of The X Factor, which is where most people from the UK know her from, where she ended up as the runner-up. Coming second is something she's used to, she came second on the first series of The Voice of Finland, and she's also been runner-up twice at Finland's national selection to Eurovision in 2011 and 2016. The show was called Euroviisut, in 2011, but in 2016 they went for a different approach which was called Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu. It was with this song that she competed and came second in Euroviisut 2011. The song is good and catchy; Finland missed out on a good one with this. The song was written by Saara Aalto.
The music video is a pure performance visual, with a slight longing narrative included. She's a stunning performer even five/six years ago.
It's hard to give out a strong performance behind a piano, and only the best of artists manage to pull it off, and it's clear from the get-go that Saara Aalto is one of those artists. She fully brings it, like no other artist, and she definitely had stage presence, even back then. How she never made it to Eurovision, I'll never know.
She looks as if she's in a castle, which goes well with her fairy princess personality. There is clearly a lot of longing in this music video, and she is fully passionate about the song and its portrayal. It's so nice to see her giving it her all but controlling her voice and her acting throughout.
Overall, this music video just proves that Saara Aalto has always been a full-on talent. She's definitely a future international star, and she has recently signed a five-album deal with Sony Music UK and Sony Music Finland. I'm excited to find out what the future brings for her, surely she deserves a hit and I hope one gets released when she's ready. Her voice is amazing and deserves worldwide attention.
There's a new girl group around, and they will be hitting the Birmingham Pride 2017 main stage in just over a month's time, and they will definitely be singing this single. The line-up for the group has been changed over and over again, and they were initially called 5Angels. The constant line-up changes haven't helped them get off the ground, but with a new name, they might just get the chance they deserve, or not - since I'm not so keen on this song. Watch this four-piece girl group called Pink Angels attempt to perform sexily with simple choreography in this music video for new single "Mamma Don't Lie".
Pink Angels, formerly known as 5Angels, are a Czech Republic girl group consisting of Natálie Skotnická, Angelina Shestak, Tereza Haklová, and Nikola Metlová. They have supported the likes of Little Mix and Union J. They definitely have some girl power going on, but are their vocals really strong enough? They seem somewhat lacking in this song, and there doesn't seem to be much of a relationship between the girls. They really need to draw in their connections to one another. It seems like they're all out for themselves, which clearly doesn't work. They could be a great girl group if they embraced it more. The song is all right, but I feel like it could've been better in itself. It was written by Andrew Murray and Alice Chatter.
Much like the song, the music video could've been much better. Directed by Sitcom Soldiers, the visual makes it out that the girls have already made it and that they are some massive girl group. Yet that is not the case and the music video just falls to pieces because of it.
The choreography is extremely basic and the girls have no enthusiasm behind the moves. They start off strong at the start but the moves come off flimsy as time goes on. There's also too much hair flicking, some of the girls nail it whereas others fall short. It just looks a total in-sync mess.
The girls don't even look like they are enjoying this music video or the song, and that really transcends to the viewers. Personally, I was much more interested in the light segmented pillar thing they were leaning against that looked like the middle bit of a revolving door - I want one, I'm not sure why but it'll look good in my room, even though I wouldn't have anywhere to put it. I hope Pink Angels bring it on the Birmingham Pride 2017 stage because if it turns out like this, then it seriously isn't going well for them.
He's returning to Birmingham Pride, Paul Morrell is back and he's a part of my Birmingham Pride Special. I missed out on seeing him last year as he was on early, and the same will probably happen this year. Last year, I was dying to see him due to the fact that he had released a collaboration with Chris Leonard called "Move", the video of which is no longer available, but I'm still obsessed with that song. However, it's this one that is Paul Morrell's most popular video to date, probably because it's a collaboration with professional vocalist Katerine Ellis, who has worked with a variety of big names. Watch Katherine Ellis perform this song in this black and white visual for her collaboration with DJ Paul Morrell titled "That Ain't The Way (To Show Me Love)".
Paul Morrell is a DJ who has been going for many years. He's known for promoting some of the up-and-coming stars. His collaborations include Mutya Buena on "Give Me Love", Chris Leonard on "Move", Sonique on "Only You" and "What You're Doin'", Kimberly Wyatt on "Givin' It Up", and so much more. He had a DJ set at Birmingham Pride 2014, Birmingham Pride 2015, and Birmingham Pride 2016, it's clear he loves performing at this event since he keeps coming back year after year. Establishing a career as a DJ is not an easy thing to do, but Paul Morrell is definitely not one to give up, and slowly it is paying off as he gains recognition all around the UK. As for Katherine Ellis, she's sung so many amazing songs, and even featured on the Gravity soundtrack. She has worked with the Freemasons, Soul Avengerz, Roger Sanchez, amongst many others. This song sure is catchy, but reminds me a lot of Tom Jones & The Stereophonics' version of "Mama Told Me Not To Come".
There isn't a lot to this performance-based music video, where photography was done by Max Ellis. It uses a black and white filter, which doesn't help the visual all that much.
Unfortunately, Katherine Ellis doesn't give off great performance vibes. She fails to interest the audience and keep us entertained throughout.
There's not much else going on, but the editing is intricate, as we see Katherine Ellis appear a number of times in a scene as if they're finishing off the lyrics for one another. It's clever; yet, not engaging.
This music video is not good at all. Katherine Ellis has no stage presence in the visual and as a viewer, it's not something we would optionally watch again. The song isn't so bad though and after a few listens it could get stuck in one's head; yet, the accompanying music video doesn't help the song at all.
She was one of the first few to be announced for Birmingham Pride 2017 and having heard her sing live on The X Factor tour, I just know she's going to blow us away on the Birmingham Pride stage. I wanted her to win The X Factor, and I cannot wait to see what the future brings to her. This is the first time I have come across her songs and I adore this one, it's so catchy and does have a 007 James Bond theme to it as many have commented. Her voice is absolutely incredible, and will definitely take her places, it has to! Watch Saara Aalto sing about a guy who cheats on her with another woman, a guy who had her heart and chose someone else in this music video for her song "You Had My Heart".
Saara Aalto first came to my attention during the thirteenth series of The X Factor, where she placed second overall. Her voice and power were amazing on the show, and she came back week after week, fighting for her right to be in the competition. She proved herself time and time again, winning over the British public. This single was her second release overall, back in 2013. The song is definitely catchy and it's a shame it didn't become an international hit. She's now under the Syco record label, and so she might release a hit song soon, we all hope so. She's quite the fighter and most definitely an inspiration to many. This song was written by Saara Aalto and Teemu Roivainen.
Directed by Marko Mäkilaakso, the music video is both a performance piece and a narrative. In both scenes, Saara Aalto impresses to no end, as expected.
The performance piece shows her stage presence, her killer vocals and her amazing performance vibes. She could literally sing any song in the world and do it justice with her vocals. She exudes confidence and stage presence. She is loving having a backing band and it works so well, assisting her incredibly with the song.
The narrative is highly emotional, as we see Saara Aalto in what looks like a wedding dress, singing to her groom, who is played by actor Sergei Ionin. We later see her love interest meeting a blonde-haired woman, who is played by actress Evi Oivanen. They kiss passionately.
This storyline fits perfectly with the song, as we see Saara Aalto find out about the kiss. He's in love with someone else, whilst she's clearly in love with him. He had her heart and he's just used her. As the final scenes begin, we see Saara Aalto prepared to get her revenge, but we never find out what she does, leaving it up to us to wonder.
Overall, this video is a killer. It's fully relatable to the song, it has an incredible performance piece and an engaging narrative. This deserves to be seen internationally, with the song becoming a global success. Unfortunately, a four-year-old song would never get that chance. Regardless, this will forever remain our little treasure, as we watch Saara Aalto become the star she deserves to be.
We all saw this coming, especially since last week I didn't have a music video to review for Chart Mondays, yet the day after this video got dropped, which was slightly frustrating, why couldn't they have released it last Monday? Regardless, I might've struggled this week, so guess it goes in roundabouts and circles. Ed Sheeran has climbed back to the top of the UK Singles Chart with "Shape Of You" as he's UK Tour kicks off, which opens the Top 10 to my Chart Mondays review. I'm so glad this stayed in the top 10 so I could review it today. It's such a catchy song and it'll be in my head for the rest of the day, no doubt. Watch Zedd & Alessia Cara prove that just one small thing can change everything in this music video for their new song "Stay".
Zedd, real name Anton Zaslavski, has had a phenomenal career to date and has really proven himself as one of the top DJs in the world. This collaboration is just another hit of his. The only thing is that people may get this song confused with another single of his called "Stay The Night" which featured Hayley Williams from Paramore, due to the fact that the titles are very similar. Regardless, the song is another killer and is definitely a song I love hearing in the clubs. The song is a global success, which isn't such a surprise since it has combined Zedd's fans with Alessia Cara's. Real name Alessia Caracciolo, she has been slowly establishing her career, with this song being her highest charting single to date on the UK chart. The song was written by Zedd, Linus Wiklund, Alessia Caracciolo, Anders Frøen, Sarah Aarons, and Jonnali Mikaela Parmenius.
Directed by Tim Mattia, the music video relates to the song easily. It features a lot of back and forth scenes which are similar to that of Instagram's boomerang videos. This effect has been used a number of times in music videos, including Inna's "Gimme Gimme".
We see Zedd and Alessia Cara go about their day; they almost share an elevator but Zedd just misses out. Alessia Cara sits at a café pouring lots of sugar into her hot drink; whilst Zedd plays pool.
We watch a lot of, what I'm calling, boomerang scenes that are all in time with the music, yet as the music video progresses we see Zedd managing to get to the elevator in time. This totally changes the day, which sees Zedd and Alessia Cara spend their days together; and what a lovely couple they make.
It just shows that one small little thing can change your entire day, yet another small thing happens... Zedd doesn't look where he is going and walks into the road, backwards; subsequently getting hit by a car. A distraught Alessia Cara can be seen crying. It just shows that time can be short
It's a great emotional music video, that easily relates to the song. Zedd and Alessia Cara both look stunning in the visual, fully embracing their characters and portrayal of the song. It works well and definitely something I could watch again and again.
WOW! This surprised me, well done Birmingham Pride at getting this act for the main stage tent, she's going to nail it on the day, as this song is pure fire and I'm glad that it is a part of my Birmingham Pride Special. Nadia Rose is proving that the UK really does have great female rappers and she's one of a few rising stars that people are talking about. This video was shot in one exact take. Watch Nadia Rose walk down the street with a group of dancers in tow proving that she's one of the leading UK female rappers in this music video for her song "Skwod".
Nadia Rose has pretty much just launched onto the music scene, having dropped her debut EP in January 2017. She is the cousin of Stormzy; yet, with her brilliant voice, she's totally going to become a star in her own right. So far, she has released three official singles from her debut EP. I reckon more new music isn't far away and an album will follow. I truly believe she'll release a hit single in the future; so I suggest you keep your eye on this female rapper.
Directed by Reece Procter, the music video is shot in one complete take and sees Nadia Rose walking down the middle of a street with backing dancers. She sings along to the song and dances with her dancers.
It's a very cool music video, with Nadia Rose coming off brilliantly. She has this relaxed vibe about her, that I hope I'll be able to see her unleash across the crowd whilst on the Birmingham Pride stage. Yet, there is one major problem I have with this music video.
She's not in time with her backing dancers. There are many reasons why the choreography looks unpolished; sometimes it's meant to be, sometimes the artist hasn't practised with her dancers - which would explain why it looks like she hasn't got a great relationship with them; or maybe, she is just rolling with her relaxed vibe which means she doesn't really care about being in time with her dancers. Either way, it still comes off well.
The announcement of her being at Birmingham Pride 2017, may have been a slight disappointment to those of us who didn't know who she was, but just watch this music video; she oozes stage presence, so I suggest you are in the main tent when she is on stage because we're all going to be in for a real treat.
This trio has been announced for Birmingham Pride 2017, and I struggled to choose a video for my Birmingham Pride Special but settled on this one since it is the one that is the most recent. It's definitely quirky. The group is an electro group who have had mild success since they formed in 2008. Their style makes them one of the most perfect acts to be a part of the line-up for Birmingham Pride; and, yet, at the same time, they are another group I didn't know and so making the line-up even more disappointing. I definitely won't be in the main tent watching them perform. Watch Hercules & Love Affair blur the lines between the explicit and the abstract, layering them within the music video for "Controller" which features Faris Badwan.
Hercules & Love Affair is an electro project created by American DJ Andy Butler, alongside the DJ, the trio consists of Rouge Mary and Gustaph. The group have charted in the US and the UK, with their debut album and respective singles; although it was only mild success. They created the group in 2008, and have been establishing their career and continuing on with this project. They definitely inspire as they continue to release the music they want. The song is from their long-awaited fourth studio album which will be out in July 2017, apparently. This song is in collaboration with Faris Badwan, who is best known as the lead vocalist of The Horrors.
The music video was directed by Rei Nadal. It contains a lot of layers and various different visuals. The scenes are definitely quirky and relates to the song well.
It isn't your typical music video, and it fails to keep the audience engaged throughout. On the other hand, it's different and interesting. You want to know what's going on, yet the scenes get more and more bizarre as the music video continues.
It's quite scary, to be honest. It's not something I would want to watch again, and I'm not so keen on the song either. Regardless, as a whole it's intricate. Yet, it's something I'm not interested in watching again, and I will not be in the main tent when this trio is on stage.
