Ms. Dynamite has been confirmed for Birmingham Pride 2016. I saw her live last year at Birmingham Pride and she has amazing energy on stage and I will definitely not be missing her this year. She hasn't released any new songs recently, focusing only on being featured on songs, but again, none recently. This is her highest solo charting position, however "Dibby Dibby Sound" has charted higher since. Ms. Dynamite looks super cool in this video, relaxed with performance perfection, she sure knows how to engage the audience, she can dance and look fantastic, what more can we want? She's Ms. Dy-Na-Mi-Tee!
Ms. Dynamite, real name Niomi McLean-Daley, has had a good career so far, she's taking a break from music, in theory she's made her money. All she needs to do is come back strong in the future. She's released some killer tracks, as well as developed a whole new sound for herself, which is definitely current. This is her biggest solo hit, with featured tracks "Lights On" and "Dibby Dibby Sound" outdoing this song on the UK charts. This song got to number five back in 2002. It was written by Leonard Hibbert, Niomi Daley and Salaam Gibbs.
Directed by Jake Nava, the video is a pure performance piece, there are three different scenes, where Ms. Dynamite shines throughout. She has perfect presence and energy that reflects into the audience easily.
The stage performance is full of life, yet it's relaxed and comfortable, she owns the stage and she was born to perform on it.
The denim outfit suits her the most, it has come back into fashion nowadays too. She's comfortable looking sexy and she really doesn't have to try at all.
As for the dance scene, the choreography is also relaxed, simple and easy to pull off, making it relate to the song well and to the beat; however Ms. Dynamite isn't that great of a dancer, and it comes off a little on the clunky side, yet it works and she's got away with it.
Overall, a well packaged music video, that works well with the song and relates. It doesn't have a lot going on, but that's all right. It's simple, nothing spectacular, but Ms. Dynamite performs effortlessly and does the video justice. Engaging on-stage presence and full of energetic vibes, which were well received at Birmingham Pride last year.
This song wasn't performed at Birmingham Pride last year, but I'm hoping she does this year. I remember watching her perform this on Top Of The Pops, I miss that show.
After watching the awesome video for "Resonance", I was expecting a hell of a lot more than this. They've practically mashed a few Basshunter music videos together, namely "Now You're Gone" and "All I Ever Wanted", paired it with Inna's video for "Amazing" as well as Amelia Lily's "California", and then ended it on a cliff-hanger of an ending similar to all of Basshunter's story music videos. Not only does this make it very copycat, but it doesn't relate to the song and the club dancing doesn't go with the song either. LuvBug fails to entertain in this video, although there is a cameo from Marvin Humes. Copying many other videos, two pairs of friends go holidaying in Tenerife and have a little fun.
LuvBug are making waves at the moment. They are a three-piece production group consisting of Marvin Humes (from JLS), the White N3rd and JKAY. They have released two singles before this one, them being "Resonance" and "Revive (Say Something)", both of which have charted in the top 20. I am expecting to see this song chart higher than their previous singles, especially since the song is receiving a lot of radio play, and it is easily stuck in my head right now, it's oh so catchy! The song's vocals come from Scouting For Girls' front man Roy Stride. A quick look on the iTunes chart shows that it's not doing so well... My guess is that it's going to be a climber, because this song is too catchy to not be a chart hit! The song was written by Steve Mac, Camille Purcell and Roy Stride.
Directed by Luke Biggins, the video was set in Tenerife, Canary Islands. It features four actors, who's names I have been searching for for the last hour or so... Shelby Billingham (instagram) is the lead actress, with Luke (or Jake according to his instagram) as the lead actor. Shelby's friend is played by Tilisha Silchenstedt (instagram) and Luke's friend is Joey Aylward (real name Angel-Jose Aylward according to his instagram).
The video isn't anything new, we've seen it a hundred times before, it's a total mash up of videos. They are woven together beautifully, on the other hand. This is a well thought out video, and the filming of which was done to perfection.
However that is all the good comments I can give this video. Let's start off with the whole fact that it doesn't relate to the song and it doesn't go with the song either, it's clear that the clubbers are dancing to a completely different song since they aren't moving to the beat at all.
The actors and actresses are hot, I'm not going to lie, and Shelby Billingham is stunning! Watch out for her guys! Tilisha Silchenstedt is never a main focus, just a background character and never up shows Shelby Billingham. As for the guys, Luke/Jake is cute, although his body suggests differently, and Joey is the one who knows he's all that. But Shelby Billingham screws Luke/Jake over at the very end, is she stupid? I saw it coming, but I didn't expect her to take the lead, was there a reason behind it all? Guess we might find out in part two, if it ever gets released.
I like the whole idea initially, but it should've been paired with a more upbeat song. They should've changed the scenes, made it less like other music videos and gave it something that would've made it stand out. This will just get washed away, as people will much prefer to watch the original videos that this is similar too. LuvBug will be performing at Birmingham Pride 2016, and I cannot wait for this song!
This, along with "X" has to be my favourite song from Liberty X, I think it's mainly because I remember seeing this one on the music channels as a child. Today, Liberty X are my Thursday Revisit, after I reviewed their collaboration with Richard X: "Being Nobody". They will be performing at Birmingham Pride 2016, and I believe Kevin Simm will have his own slot on stage, since he recently won The Voice UK. Liberty X is jumping and dancing in this music video, attempting to look sexy, the girls all pull it off, but the stylist failed to give attention to the boys, who aren't looking that great to say the least.
Liberty X are a five piece pop group consisting of Kevin Simm, Tony Lundon, Michelle Heaton, Jessica Taylor and Kelli Young. They had a number of hits in the 00's, after they were the runners-up in Popstars. They are currently back together, but I believe they are only doing a few shows here and there. Kevin Simm, on the other hand, has gone solo and is the most recent winner of The Voice UK. All he needs to do is prove everyone wrong, and release hit after chart hit and become the most well-known The Voice UK winner and maybe contestant; although competition for the latter definitely comes from Becky Hill, who has that title at the moment. This song charted at number six in the UK, and was written by Lucie Silvas, Charlie Russell and Mike Peden.
The music video is relatable to the song, a lot of dance choreography in this, that is performed perfectly, which is what we have come to expect from this band.
Kelli Young is once again taking lead vocals, which is not exactly how groups work nowadays, although she clearly has the stronger voice. Each group member has their own scene in the video, although what they are exactly doing isn't that clear.
The video continues as imagination roles in and the abandoned building is filled with people, Liberty X's costumes are changed in a split second and they release their amazing performance vibes. I am so hoping they have that sort of energy on stage in a month's time at Birmingham Pride.
Energetic, fun, in-sync, there's nothing this group can't do. The video is relatable to the song and it's quite sexy and well thought out. Problems are that it focuses on the girls much more, they could've at least made Kevin and Tony look more desirable. However, a solid performance-based music video.
I actually cannot believe that Birmingham Pride 2016 managed to book Lawson! They are one of the big headliners this year, and although they have yet to have a number one, they've had hit after hit after hit. Although I'm not a big fan of them, and I have never bought their music, I have considered it when they released their first single "When She Was Mine" and I thought about it again after the amazingly catchy "Juliet". Lawson has always released great music, they just need a song people would identify them with, as I don't think they've had that sort of hit just yet. Lawson seeks out a motel to perform in front of as well as spend the night with their respective girlfriends or hookups.
Lawson are a four piece band consisting of Andy Brown, Ryan Fletcher, Joel Peat and Adam Pitts. They recently released a new single called "Money", although I didn't review it today, I may return at a later date, probably after Birmingham Pride 2016 where they will undoubtedly perform it, and review the music video. This single is their biggest hit to date, alongside "Juliet", both of which charted at number three. This song was written by Andy Brown and John Shanks.
Directed by Oliver Collins, the video is mainly a performance based video, with snippets of a narrative that fails to keep us entertained.
The narrative is typical, something we've seen plenty of times before. Andy Brown plays the lead as he goes to meet up with the guys at a motel, and perform their song. They are accompanied with four love interests, who they retire with at the end of the night.
The four actresses are Chelsea Turnbo, Melissa Jones, Kat McCleary and Lexi Johnston. Chelsea Turnbo is the only prominent one in the video, as she is in most of the scenes with Andy Brown playing his on-screen girlfriend.
Performance side of things are average, I don't feel any great vibes from this group in this video, it feels too relaxed, as if they've sung this song a million times before and it's nothing new from them. I am really hoping they bring much more energy at Birmingham Pride!
Overall, this video as a whole is very average. There's nothing outstanding, the narrative is typical and we've seen it plenty of times before, I also feel it doesn't relate to the song all that much. The performance side isn't anything exciting, it's quite bland and fails to engage me.
LuvBug was the first act announced for Birmingham Pride 2016 on 7th April, along with a few others to complete their lineup, and I literally screamed as I am in love with their new song "Best Is Yet To Come", which is released Friday, and will most likely chart highly the following week, hence why I haven't reviewed it today, since it will either be reviewed as my New Release or as my Chart Mondays not next week but the week after. So instead I chose their first song, which my brother actually discovered it months before I did. LuvBug hit the dancefloors hard with this tune, and the narrative is fully emotional, and shows that bad people come into good people's lives.
LuvBug are a three piece producing group consisting of Marvin Humes, The White N3rd and JKAY. All three are well-known singularly, the former is known from JLS, the second has worked with a lot of different artists and is definitely currently hitting the music scene hard, the latter has been making a few waves on SoundCloud. Collectively, LuvBug is an unstoppable force, with two singles peaking in the UK top 20, this song and "Revive (Say Something)", however their most recent single is definitely their best yet and will undoubtedly chart in the top ten, if not higher. Watch out for "Best Is Yet To Come". Featuring on this track is Talay Riley, mostly known for collaborating with Chipmunk on "Look For Me", he is just attempting to start his career and it's off to a good start. This song was written by Talay Riley, Marvin Humes and Aaron Cowan.
Directed by Rob Chiu, the video is a pure narrative piece. Featuring two girls and a guy, their names are unknown, so if you know who the actors and actresses are, please comment below.
The start shows an argument, a falling out between a couple, it wasn't until I saw the end that I realised they were searching for something.
A couple are vacating amongst beautiful scenery, camping in their camper van, just the two of them, when a hitch hiker is spotted and joins them on their travels. A straight guy's wet dream, surely. These two girls couldn't be any more different, tattoos and hair colour is a clear distinction, and jealousy from the girlfriend is totally expected.
What I don't expect is the ending where the hitch hiker screws over the couple completely.
Such a summer song with a summery video, that definitely enforces stranger danger on children, and proves to us all that people use others no matter what gender. Bad people come into the lives of good people, and it all depends how it is dealt with. Can't wait to see LuvBug on stage at Birmingham Pride 2016.
Mike Posner is still at number one with "I Took A Pill In Ibiza" and after worrying I will have a repeat of last week and not have a single music video to review, I find Alan Walker's Faded, hiding in at number seven on the UK chart. This song has had great chart progression, although I reckon it may have hit it's peak this week. Derelict, deserted, abandoned and lost, this guy in this Alan Walker video is walking around in this disaster area searching for something that has faded.
Alan Walker is from Norway, but is English as well as Norwegian. He is a EDM producer and has had a worldwide hit with this song. This song is a remastered version of the original "Fade". He was spotted on YouTube, where "Fade", "Spectre" and "Force" were released under NoCopyrightSounds, before Sony Music Sweden signed him up and released this new version, which features uncredited vocals by Iselin Solheim, who is just starting her career. This song was written by Alan Walker, Jesper Borgen, Anders Froen, Gunnar Greve Pettersen.
The music video was directed by Rikkard Häggbom and Tobias Häggbom and was filmed in Estonia amongst some well known derelict buildings.
It is a scene of beauty, something that has been damaged and lost to the world, so empty that you can literally feel and see that life once lived here, but no more.
A guy stands alone, searching for something lost, something faded. The actor in this video is Shahab Salehi.
At the end, he finds the building in the photo he has in his hand, which he then drops to the floor, and slowly removes his mask. Is he upset that the building isn't still the same? Or is he giving up his life as his purpose has been served. We can presume he kept the mask up to keep himself from consuming the possible poisonous air whilst roaming, but now he's found that building, and it's faded.
Overall, deep and meaningful, with stunning shots of derelict buildings lost because of the world we live in. Definitely eerie and quite lonely, the video stands perfectly alone, faded in it's own concept and yet fails to keep us engaged entirely.
This song has been stuck in my head all day, and I'm really hoping that Liberty X perform this song at Birmingham Pride 2016. They were the next act confirmed, the week after. Not only that, but yesterday, Kevin Simm was announced as the winner of The Voice UK. He is currently doing well on the iTunes store, and he very much deserved to win. He has also been given a slot during Birmingham Pride 2016, so I'm excited to see him on stage twice. Liberty X teams up with Richard X on this awesome cover of this song. Sexy, stylish and controversial, Liberty X shines in this video, with Kelly taking the lead. A powerful performance piece that's advanced and slightly before it's time.
Richard X, real name Richard Philips, is a British songwriter and producer. He has his own album released, to which this was the debut single from. He followed it up with a couple more singles, but never continued releasing. He is fairly known in the industry and has worked with some top stars. He could always return with a follow-up album, but whether he will or not is the question. Liberty X was a five-piece group, consisting of Michelle Heaton, Kevin Simm, Kelli Young, Tony Lundon and Jessica Taylor, formed on Popstars, where they were the runner-up. They currently have management, hence why Birmingham Pride, was able to book them, but it looks very doubtful that they'll ever officially reform, they'll just do the one off gigs now and again. This song got to number three in the UK. It samples lyrics from Rufus & Chaka Khan's "Ain't Nobody" and instrumental beats from The Human League's "Being Boiled". It was written by Hawk Wolinski, Philip Oakey, Martyn Ware and Ian Craig Marsh.
As I mentioned before, this video feels ahead of its time, purely because Fredde Le Grand released a similar video called "Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit", which got to number one. I like the idea of the video, even though three years later it is remade and modernised.
It doesn't really work when they are all together in a room. It's an amazing concept for its time, and they surely put a lot of money into it to make it just right, but it fails to work as a whole, and it's slightly on the messy side, but that could be due to the idea being put into motion in 2003, they should've done it years later. Fedde Le Grand pulls it off perfectly three years later with "Put Your Hands Up 4 Detroit", going to show how technology has advanced in that short amount of time.
It also fails to relate to the song, but I'm going to give it an average rating because it's a great concept that hasn't been done before, only copied afterwards. It makes Liberty X stand out more, although I'm not too keen on Kelli taking the lead in the song as well as most of the lyrics and vocals.
Andy Bell has been announced for Birmingham Gay Pride 2016, as a headliner. He was the last act to be announced on 17th March... The original facebook post has been removed, and so I have posted a later post below. Andy Bell is one half of Erasure. This is their biggest hit in the UK, and I mildly prefer it more than "Give A Little Respect", which seems to be their most known song, regardless of the fact that it only charted at number four, compared to this number two hit song. Erasure gives us a full performance, lots of energetic vibes emanate from this group and it works, sometimes.
WE'RE EXCITED! We've got some more exciting artists to announce NEXT WEEK!And with record ticket sales so far - we'...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 31 March 2016
Erasure are a duo consisting of Andy Bell, who will be performing at Birmingham Gay Pride 2016, and Vince Clarke. They are well known in the UK, with Andy Bell officially identified as a gay icon. They had a string of number one albums in the UK in the 80's and their singles from the 80's, 90's and 00's managed to chart respectfully within the top 40; although no number one singles, this duo is undeniably known in the UK. It just goes to show that you don't need a number one to have longevity. This song was written by Vince Clarke & Andy Bell.
The video isn't all that interesting, the duo can definitely perform, that is very clear, and yet no matter how much energy Andy Bell gives to this song, it still fails to entertain me.
The whole thing reminds me of a Daz washing detergent commercial. How to keep your whites clean, even during torrential rain.
There seems to be a hidden eye amongst the clouds in the sky, and it's clear Andy Bell is loving singing while it's raining.
Yet that is all I can really comment on, There's hints at a narrative, but it either didn't work out, or the scenes were just meant to be exactly what they are. Overall it doesn't feel complete, and definitely doesn't keep me interested at all. But if Andy Bell has still got this amount of energy when he performs on the main stage at Birmingham Pride 2016, he will definitely get the crowd going.
Will.I.Am is officially back, with an amazing song he will no doubt perform on The Voice UK tomorrow, hopefully with a special guest... Pia Mia. The song is catchy after a few plays, I don't know what it is about will.i.am, he just ends up releasing hits after hits after hits. Will.I.Am dances in this performance-based music video for Boys & Girls, he manages to really show Pia Mia up completely. Stylish, sexy, incredible dancing and perfect performance vibes, will.i.am wins me over with this song and video.
Will.I.Am, real name William Adams, is the lead band member in The Black Eyed Peas. He is currently a coach on The Voice UK, and has been for a total of five seasons, could he make it six as the show moves channels, from the BBC to ITV? Rumours suggest he might. The feature is Pia Mia, real name Pia Mia Perez, who had an amazing debut single release called "Do It Again", but her follow-up single "Touch" failed to get as popular. Personally, I thought this was the end of Pia Mia, but it seems will.i.am has come to her rescue, and here she is on his new single... However she comes across like she can't sing all that much, totally the wrong song for her, how could her and will.i.am get this so wrong? The song was written by William Adams, Charlotte Aitchison and Jef Martensis.
Directed by Spencer Creigh, the video is a pure performance piece, just like "Scream & Shout". Will.I.Am isn't just looking fresh, he actually looks quite hot! In comparison to "Scream & Shout", will.i.am has the spotlight on himself this time, and it is totally working for him.
I would literally go and watch him in concert right now, a solid performance piece from him. He is dancing in-sync with his dancers, with the highly complex choreography, that may look simple at first glance, but I assure you it's more complicated than you think, and it totally works.
Pia Mia... When she appeared I was expecting a Britney Spears starlight on her, just like Britney in the "Scream & Shout" video, but it didn't happen. Her vocals aren't on point, and her style doesn't scream star potential. She's pretty and looks good, but next to will.i.am, she fades into the background. Could this be the end of her short-lived career in the music industry? Her vocals are much better than this.
Overall, there isn't much to this performance-based music video, but there never is when it's performance-based. Apart from Pia Mia problems, everything is perfect, the performance, the dancing, the visuals, the music, the style. Will.I.Am has got everything right in this video, that I can't fault it whatsoever. I just wish Pia Mia's vocals were much better.
Katy B is my Thursday Revisit today. This was her debut single, that charted at number five here in the UK. Debut music videos are rarely anything special, and this one follows suit, or so we all thought. Katy B shows her performance vibes as Katy is On A Mission, although what mission it is I am not so sure, apart from giving the club-goers an amazing night out.
EXCITED! Katy B stormed the main stage at Birmingham Pride in 2014 - and now she's back for our 20th year as one of...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Tuesday, 5 April 2016
Katy B, real name Kathleen Brien, is on the verge of releasing a whole new album, that she will more than likely sing some songs from at Birmingham Pride 2016, which she is headlining. Honey is released at the end of April, and is currently being talked about a lot. Whether it will hit number one like her previous album is something we can't possibly foresee... But her singles from the album hasn't really helped to promote it. This was her debut single and was written by Katie Brien, Beni Adejumo and Geeneus.
Directed by Johny Mourgue, the video shows Katy B and her producer for the song, Benga, performing in a London nightclub, called Matter.
A pure performance based music video, with little snippets of a potential narrative, although it could easily be clips of a behind-the-scenes of the concert.
Katy B performs effortlessly, the song clearly means a lot to her and she really wants to show off on her first music video, and it really does pay off. Benga fades into the background, but since this isn't an official collaboration, it makes sense that he does. Although, Katy B swaps clothes at one point, so are we seeing two different performances put together?
The club-goers are clearly having an amazing time. there's scenes in the crowd, which gives the viewers the atmosphere the clubbers received. Other scenes include backstage at the concert; Katy B and Benga being in a car, as well as out of it; and studio time.
Overall, not too bad of a debut music video, we have definitely seen a lot worse than this before. This relates, it shows a close-to-perfect performance piece, as well as giving us a backstage pass... What more could we have asked for, apart from a narrative, yet that would've been much more difficult and would've, no doubt, cost more. A solid, performance-based music video.
As soon as DJ Fresh was announced for Birmingham Pride 2016, this song and "Hot Right Now" both popped into my head, this is an act I cannot miss at pride, even if he's just doing a DJ set, I don't care, he's on the main stage as a headliner, so this song and "Hot Right Now" has to be played, as well as many other hits he has released. DJ Fresh's music video for Louder doesn't feature Sian Evans and in fact just shows a bunch of skateboarders and rollerskaters doing their thing.
WHO'S HOT RIGHT NOW? WE ARE!We're delighted to announce that DJ Fresh will on the Main Stage at Birmingham Pride on...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
DJ Fresh, real name Daniel Stein, has been a bit of a hit and miss lately, some songs have hit the charts hard, whereas others have dwindled in the very low positions of the charts. No new number ones as of yet, although "Say You Do" came extremely close. Featuring on this track is Sian Evans, mostly known as the front woman for the band Kosheen. She hasn't done much solo work, however she has written a few songs, which also includes the Rita Ora feature on DJ Fresh's track "Hot Right Now". This song hit number one in the UK, and was DJ Fresh's first number one, which he followed up with another number one hit "Hot Right Now". This song was written by Sian Evans and Daniel Stein,
This video was directed by Ben Newman as part of the Lucozade Sport Lite campaign. It is pretty unrelated to the song, although as the song progresses the tricks become more harder as the professionals show off.
The video is purely performance based, it shows how amazing these skateboarders and rollerskaters are. These are pure professionals and they know exactly what they're doing.
There isn't a lot to this video, there is a continuity error, where a skateboarder has a different coloured/flavoured drink that he is holding, as pointed out by a YouTube commenter. There's probably a few others that aren't that noticeable. Overall it's fast-paced much like the song, but that's as far as it goes. We've seen this done plenty of times before, we need someone to bring something new to the table if they're going to record these types of music videos.
I have to admit, I thought there was more to this video than first meet the eye, but let's be honest this is crazily weird, although definitely rinsing and repeating. Riton has been confirmed for Birmingham Pride 2016. This song is currently in the charts and has become his most successful song to date. Kah-Lo is sitting completely still as this video is rinsed and repeated just like the song suggests, with amazing beats in the background thanks to Riton.
RIGHT ON! HERE'S ANOTHER ARTIST ANNOUNCEMENT!We're delighted to announce that Riton will on the Main Stage at...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
Riton, real name Henry Smithson, has been attempting to hit the music industry with various different names and projects, finally he has released a hit song that charted well here in the UK. Riton is French slang for Henry, hence the name. He has worked with a number of acts and DJ's some of which spawned their own project. Now he's on to a winner with this song, he just needs to follow up with a successful second single. Kah-Lo is the feature. She's probably one of the ones to watch in the coming years, she won't hit it big straight away, but a few more features and she'll blow up the charts. She'll follow in the footsteps of Becky Hill, has a good voice, gets a few hits, but doesn't quite get the solo hits she deserves. Kah-Lo needs to ride this wave, and then take control of it, otherwise she will sink in this industry. This song is catchy for reasons I don't even know why, basic lyrics, a simple upbeat tempo, yet it easily gets stuck in my head.
Directed by Dan Streit and Dillon Moore, it reminds me of exactly what happens in a club. At the start, everyone is at the bar or in the smoking area, but as more and more alcohol is consumed, people become confident and end up on the dancefloor, then the dancing becomes quite wild towards the end of the night.
This is a simple rinse and repeat situation, at first glance we are watching the same scene over and over again, only the characters become more and more wild, apart from Kah-Lo who is very still to say the least.
It's surprising to see the big change. Compare the very first scene to the last one, and you have total different people in this music video. Yet you don't really realise as it gradually builds up, one girl even gets up on the pool table at the end.
The character change shows how alcohol and amazing music can make people confident. Confident people get the things they want out of life because they go for it. But being drunk doesn't make you confident, confidence comes from within, the only reason you get confident when you're drinking is because you start to not care about perspectives.
The video is great for analysing character and people, since it is a true representation of what happens in clubs, however it fails to interest the viewers watching, and it's mainly the song that makes everyone use the replay button. Rinse & Repeat the song all you want, it won't make the music video any better. Relatable to an extent, and technically great, but this just doesn't do anything for the viewers.
Katy B is one of those singers you like sometimes and then sometimes you don't; she has an amazing vocal range and she sings good songs, but none of them are great, there's just something missing... Or there was until "Turn The Music Louder (Rumble)", that made her look and sound unrecognisable, that was the Katy B I could easily become a fan of, but her other songs are just good, and that is not good enough in this music industry. She has been announced as a headlining act for Birmingham Pride 2016, however I believe other acts that have been announced are just as worthy as headlining as Katy B; if not, more so. However she could easily turn it all around with her new album on the verge of being released, is it going to be a stunner and hit the charts hard? We'll have to wait and see. Katy B attempts to flood emotion in her Crying For No Reason music video, coming off plain and trying too hard.
WE'RE REALLY EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE OUR SATURDAY HEADLINER!After storming the Main Stage in 2014 the outstanding Katy B...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
Katy B, real name Kathleen Brien, has had some hits, my favourite is "Lights On" which features Ms Dynamite (who will also be performing at Birmingham Pride 2016, so there could be a collaboration on stage, especially since "Lights On" is Katy B's biggest hit as main artist). She hasn't released a song to make me think she's a star, just yet. It does seem her feature on KDA's track "Turn The Music Louder (Rumble)" with Tinie Tempah was a one off, and although she deserves more success, she also needs the songs to get that success. This song hit number five on the UK charts and was written by Kathleen Brien, Gordon Warren and Guy Chambers.
Directed by Sophie Muller, the video is a complete performance piece. I could definitely imagine sitting in the audience watching Katy B perform this song just like that.
However, performance pieces expose artists who fail to convey emotion while they sing. I am pretty sure Katy B could do a much more solid performance of this song, but it seems that they must've chose the wrong day to film this, as it just looks like she is trying way too hard.
This song is meant to mean a lot to her, she's supposed to be crying for no reason, yet there's no tears, no sadness, just a professional singer singing the song amazingly and theatrically, but not emotionally.
Katy B shows herself as a try hard in this music video, and hell, she needs to try hard because her single releases either do exceptionally well, or chart poorly. She's a star that can't win, but try and try she must if she's going to make it in this world. Keep trying Katy B, you're voice is one we need to keep in the charts, we just need amazing songs to go with it!
Today it happened, the thing I've been waiting for... It seems that the entire top 10 of the UK singles chart is full of music videos I have already reviewed or they don't have a music video yet. Instead I'm going to list the top 10 with links to the respective blog posts. Along side a blue dot.
This blue dot signifies life. It has a spirit of it's own, it can be turned on and off (much like people can), and it can shine bright or dim. Bright people aren't always the ones who are smart or clever, they can also be the ones who dream the biggest dreams and go after what they want. If you don't shine bright, you aren't going to get anywhere.
This is my main focus in life, I always look at every day like a new day, a new start. What's the point in holding grudges? What's the point in being sad or lonely or upset? I may be hurting inside, and I might moan at my family and my best friends, but whenever I step out of the door to my house, I make sure I look good, because then I feel good. I make sure I smile at everyone I past, a simple smile can lift anyone's spirits up.
People say I don't get stressed or I never seem to have a bad day, but everyone does, I just don't let people see that because I know how my mood can affect other people. As long as my friends are happy, nothing else matters to me, because I care about them that much. If I'm happy the people I interact with start to get happy, moods run off on other people, why be dreary and dim when you can be full of life and be bright?
I may have coeliac disease, I may have sever asthma, I may have kidney problems, I may be hopelessly single, I may feel lonely constantly and I may wish I had a better life and a better job, one that focuses on my degree. But I refuse to let any of my friends feel any pain that I feel every now and then. There's others out there hurting worse than we can imagine, if you want a better life, go and find it; if you want a better job, go and get it (moto: If you don't apply, you'll definitely get denied); and if you want to be happy, go and find what makes you happy. My friends and family are what makes me happy, and that is what is most important to me.
Anne-Marie has been announced for Birmingham Pride 2016. She's one of the new stars of 2016, one of the ones we need to keep an eye on. She's going to be one of those stars that people will know her songs but not her name. She has yet to have a massive hit, regardless of the fact that many of her songs are chart-worthy. I am hoping this song is sung as it's catchy and it's a killer of a song, but without Will Heard to assist with the vocals, it seems unlikely. Rudimental are collaborating two new artists on this track, Will Heard and Anne-Marie create perfect harmonies in this fun song all set in a car.
WHO'S READY FOR ANOTHER?!We're delighted to announce the amazing Anne-Marie - best known as a vocalist for dance...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
Rudimental consists of Amir Amor, Piers Agget, Kesi Dryden and Leon Rolle. They have two number ones under their belt, and with some of the biggest names collaborating with them, I'm expecting another number one soon, both albums have hit the top of the charts in the UK, this is one group who will release hit song after hit song and will be around for a very long time. Anne-Marie is a star in the making, she has a great voice that sounds amazing on the tracks she has already released, she has her own style and unique music that is slowly starting to set the charts alight. As for Will Heard, he has been trying for a while, but has had limited success. Rudimental could've chosen bigger names for this song, and yet it works perfectly with these two! The song was written by Rudimental, Uzo Emenike, Will Heard and Jess Glynne. A star-studded song writing team, all an artist in their own right.
Directed by I Owe Youth, it's a simple visual set in a car park, with a stationary car which the two featuring artists vacate.
It's in black and white with no reason whatsoever other than to make it drab and work with the setting, yet it doesn't help the song or the video at all, I wanted colour.
There isn't much going on, a few tips and camera tricks, such as zooming in enough so that we don't see the car convert and lose the roof into the boot of the car. This happens again at the end where Will Heard appears on the back of the car next to Anne-Marie.
The dancing isn't choreographed, it's nice to see how their freestyle is. It is a clubby song, one that you would tap your foot to in the car, one you'd nod your head to at the bar, but not one you would go all out dancing on the dancefloor.
A simple tune, the video makes it seem like it's some sort of jam or acoustic set, like it randomly happened and they randomly videoed it. It fails to bring anything interesting to the viewers, although Will Heard cheekily pushes Anne-Marie off the boot of the car, and then she attempts to push him off which fails because he slides her off with him, as she does a funny little scream. Relaxed, cool and calm, this video fails to keep us interested and fails to relate to the song at all. The car is a BMW E30.
It's Mason Noise, the guy who had an argument on stage with Simon Cowell during the six chair challenge. He is the guy that threw the mic to the ground and said he was 'done', the guy who wasn't happy he had minutes of air time during his audition, and with that cocky attitude he has got, it didn't really surprise me. I liked him from the get-go when he was dancing up against Rita Ora, but his attitude behind the scenes didn't look good, he was arrogant during bootcamp. I reckon I would've disliked his audition if he was given more air time than other people. However regardless of the argument, he has a good voice, and he has a chance to get far if he takes the opportunities given to him. Mason Noise is from Birmingham, my home town, so it's fitting he'll be returning for Birmingham Pride 2016. Mason Noise doesn't perform so well in this video, which is definitely high quality and although sketchy, it's professional.
MAKE SOME NOISE FOR...The next act to be announced for the Birmingham Pride Main Stage on Sunday 29 May is Birmingham'...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
Mason Noise, real name Mason Binnell, came seventh on the most recent series of The X Factor, series 12. Make some noise for Mason Noise was a clever catch phrase used during the series. Not many wowed us from this series, it was another average year from The X Factor, who comes out on top really depends on who gets the most chart hits, especially since the winner's single got the lowest chart peak in The X Factor history. Mason Noise has three singles on iTunes, and two music video, the other one is for "Blow The Doors Off". He has the voice to make it a career, but has The X Factor knocked his arrogance? There's a fine line between being confident and cocky, cocky doesn't get you anywhere, confidence is picking yourself back up, and by returning to The X Factor, Mason Noise showed he can do it. It was written by DA SETH and Mason Noise.
Directed by DA SETH, there is a lot of amazing visuals that are unbelievable. This is a high quality video, which is what I wasn't expecting from a video before The X Factor.
The camera angles and the camera shots are obvious and too clear cut. The editing is even worse and doesn't flow that well, but that's technicalities.
Attempting to be sexy, there is girls wearing very little, however what makes this completely different is the inclusions of animals, although I'm not so keen on the appearance of DA SETH. There's these gorgeous girls holding the animals, the scorpion, the snake. the horse, and then there's DA SETH with an eagle. Now, they should've included a sexy guy, holding the eagle, and DA SETH could've just appeared in Mason Noise's performance side of the video.
As for Mason Noise, he looks like a lost boy, or one who has been sent to sit on the naughty step. He looks like he is the type of person to sulk if he doesn't get his way. He has always got that face and I actually just want to slap a smile out of him, or something rather than the sulk face, because it isn't a good look. Hopefully The X Factor has taught him how to perform better than he does in this.
A High quality music video, with basic editing skills and a not so great performance. Apart from that, brilliant visuals, relatable to an extent and a not so bad song with brilliant vocals. Mason Noise could be a star, he could set Birmingham Pride 2016 stage alight, I may or may not be there to see him, but importantly, he needs to take the opportunities he's been given, stop sulking and start smiling, he's one to look out for, no doubt about it.
Struggled to choose a new release this week, so many new singles without a video. This is a common occurrence lately, and I'm not liking it, one day I won't have a new release to review for you guys as I literally won't be able to find one, hopefully that day will never come but it is inevitable. Found out about this on Twitter, although it was released two days ago, it's available to chart, even though it is unlikely to do so.
I have just found my new favourite male vocalist! Looking overly sexy and gorgeous Chris Leonard is the star in this video, long gone are 5th Base, Out Of The Blue and Stereo Kicks on The X Factor days, he's gone solo and such a great decision. Paul Morrell looks stalkerish, but moves around well.
Paul Morrell is a DJ who has been setting stages alight for many years and have collaborated with some well known stars such as Mutya Buena, Katherine Ellis, Kimberly Wyatt and Sonique. He hasn't had a chart hit yet, and although he is good enough to get one, I think he's content with the way things are going. As for Chris Leonard, he is the guy to look out for. He was previously in a band called 5th Base, who then changed their name to Out Of The Blue, he then became a part of The X Factor's supergroup Stereo Kicks who have now disbanded, like an eight male group was ever going to work properly. Now he's gone solo, and he has a sensational voice worthy to stand alone, and he is good looking as well. This song alone has made me a fan of his music, and a fan of his looks, move over girls!
Chris Leonard has the spotlight on him in this music video. Looking handsome and cute, his eyes are gorgeous. Definitely camera friendly for sure, he has a great style team behind him. The plain black tee and ripped skinny jeans is definitely in right now and a great contrast to the abandoned building he is performing in.
Paul Morrell just appears, he's creeping round corners and he also has a flare on hand.
Performance wise he does well, conveys the emotion needed for the song, boy does he mean every word he sings. He's extremely sultry whilst hugging the girl, this guy was meant to be in music videos.
I don't quite get the rabbit costumes, I presume this video was released in time for Easter, hence the bunnies, but the feather girls? I have no understanding of the reason why they were used.
The main focus is on Chris Leonard performing in the abandoned building, with Paul Morrell lighting a flare up. It doesn't relate to the song, apart from the girl Chris Leonard is holding close (wish I could swapped places with her). Overall a professional video, with an amazing catchy song, a good looking vocalist with an amazing voice, and a DJ who likes to creep but can definitely play the tunes. Not a bad effort in the slightest, just going to buy the single now from iTunes.
The Vengaboys are my revisit this Thursday, purely because they are one of the Birmingham Pride 2016 acts that I'm most excited to see perform live, bringing back tonnes of childhood memories! This song was their second number one single after "Boom, Boom, Boom, Boom!!" and I much prefer it. Transformed into animated characters that were common at the time, the Vengaboys fly us away on holiday to Ibiza, showing us all the places we need to come back to and visit some other time.
BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! BOOM! WE LIKE TO PARTY... and so do our latest reveal! It's none other than The vengaboys who...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
The Vengaboys have reformed, and with enough promotion I can imagine them doing well in the UK. They are the epitome of any late 90's childhood, we were all singing their songs, playing their songs, dancing to their songs. At the time of this release, the Vengaboys consisted of Kim Sasabone, Denise Post-Van Rijswijk, Roy den Burger and Robin Pors. In the reformation, Roy den Burger has been replaced by Donny Latupeirissa. I will not be missing them at Birmingham Pride 2016, not for anything or anyone. I can't wait to hear this song live. It was written by Jeff Calvert and Max West. The song was based on Typically Tropical's "Barbados".
Many artists have transformed themselves into animated stars, Britney Spears with "Break The Ice" and "Kill The Lights" is the main star that comes to mind, although there are undoubtedly many others.
The Vengaboys start their in what looks like America, they fly past several landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Colosseum in Rome, Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, the city of Toronto, The White House in Washington DC where a piano is being played, amongst others. They are also travelling by bus, that definitely doesn't look safe, but it's definitely an ode to their previous single "We Like To Party (The Vengabus)".
The most surprising thing is when they visit Switzerland and it seems Denise Post-Van Rijswijk has fallen off the wooden decking, and instead of splashing into the water, she is dancing on water!
There is a massive performance side, because this is what the Vengaboys are all about. There's massive choreography that looks easy to pull off but we'll see if the Vengaboys at Birmingham Pride 2016 will perform just like their animated versions of themselves.
Scenic, beautiful and clever, this video is on point, especially for the era it was released. It relates perfectly to the song and links in with the lyrics. There's only one thing wrong with it, and that's when Denise Post-Van Rijswijk is dancing on water in Switzerland. Everything else comes together and works out perfectly. If an artist is going to turn themselves into an animated character, they have to pull it off like the Vengaboys have in this video.
Honestly, I wasn't that interested at this announcement for Birmingham Pride 2016, until I looked at some of her songs, and then I got excited that she was the vocalist on Tim Berg's "Seek Bromance". But I doubt I'd go out of my way to watch Amanda Wilson perform, especially since I only really know "Seek Bromance", although I'm pretty sure the remixes of this song and her other hit "Watchin'" is currently doing the rounds in the clubs at the moment. Amanda Wilson performs this song to the best she can, whilst the dancers out-do her in every scene.
YET ANOTHER CONFIRMED ARTIST!We're looking forward to seeing the fantastic Amanda Wilson perform on our Birmingham...
Posted by Birmingham Pride on Thursday, 17 March 2016
The Freemasons are a DJ duo consisting of Russell Small and James Wiltshire, they are also members of the group Phats & Small, which has had better chart placements, but aren't as successful. Featured on this track is Amanda Wilson who will be hitting the Birmingham Pride 2016 stage. She has released quite a few singles, although the ones with the Freemasons are her most successful, as well as "Seek Bromance" which she isn't credited for, so I'm presuming she won't be singing "Seek Bromance" at pride. The song samples Jackie Moore's "This Time Baby" and Tina Turner's "When The Heartache Is Over". It was written by Graham Stack, John Reid, Russell Small, James Wiltshire, Leroy Bell and Casey James.
The video is simple, a pure performance based video that doesn't have much going on in it.
The dancers out perform Amanda Wilson, they are the main feature of the video, they're all in-sync and are definitely professionals, pulling off the choreography amazingly. Amanda Wilson either can't dance or they didn't want to include her in the choreography, she pretty much does the same three moves over and over again, and it's totally sets her up because the dancers aren't even doing those dance steps. She looks awkward and on her own.
This video exposes Amanda Wilson as a good singer but not the best performer. I bet she is a lot better now, but this video really makes her stand out, but in a very bad way. The choreography relates to the dance track rather than the actual song, and the only good bits I can find is the verses because you can see Amanda Wilson for herself, and yet it's too simplistic and with next to no performance in it. Was her heart even in this video?
