This is my last ever music review on my Birmingham Pride 2017 Special! Since it's a Thursday, it's so nice to end this on a Thursday Revisit. This one, by Kissy Sell Out, was definitely way before its time, especially since electronic music is very in right now, and this song could do exceptionally well if it were rereleased and slightly revamped. Regardless, this tune was unique for its time, and it's no surprise that it's one of Kissy Sell Out's most viewed videos, what with the music visual having a good relatable storyline. Watch Kissy Sell Out and his electro band play this infectious song titled "This Kiss", whilst a narrative shows two guys fighting over a girl who's kiss they can't stop thinking of.
Kissy Sell Out, real name Thomas Bisdee, has stood the test of time and has really established himself as a DJ. He's definitely not one to be missed at Birmingham Pride 2017. This track was one of his first official releases, and it just shows himself off as a monumental force in electronic music. He used to have a BBC Radio 1 show, and has gone on to DJ all around the world. The song is one we wish we had heard sooner; one we'll probably listen to again and again within the next few months. It's definitely a new favourite.
Directed by Ollie Evans, we see Kissy Sell Out within a band. A pure performance visual is one of the main scenes in this music video, and Kissy Sell Out really stands out, but the vocalist totally grabs the spotlight most of the time. I would've said he was a future star, but it's clear he hasn't branched out as a known star.
The narrative sees the vocalist talking to Kissy Sell Out, chatting about this girl who he has kissed and can't stop thinking about, but she has a boyfriend. We can only presume that Kissy Sell Out is that said boyfriend, and we see each of them spending time with this woman.
During a comedic dining scene, Kissy Sell Out and the vocalist give evils to one another, whilst passing food to one another in line with the drummer. It's clever and hilarious.
The ending sees the vocalist turning away from her kiss and running away. It's a great relatable music video and really works with the song. It's one that's comedic throughout and one we won't be forgetting about anytime soon. It's no wonder it's one of his most watched music videos.
There are only 25 days until Birmingham Pride 2017 starts! Ryan Blyth will be in the dance arena tent during the weekend, and with killer tracks like this one, we know his DJ set is going to be amazing. The dance arena has totally booked some amazing DJs this year, and I definitely am impressed with who they've managed to get, considering the main tent has some prolific stars but none iconic and none I'm a massive fan of. It looks like the dance arena will be the place to be this year, and I literally cannot wait. Watch Chris Adamou surrounded by women, yet there's only one girl for him, in this sexy music video for Ryan Blyth X After 6's song "Special" featuring Luther Soul.
Ryan Blyth is definitely an inspiration to us all, not one to give up, he has followed his dreams of becoming a well-known DJ and he is definitely on his way what with a residency at Sankeys Ibiza in 2014 and 2015, as well as collaborating often with After 6. Some of his songs have been played on Radio 1 which propelled him to be signed by Danny Howard's imprint Nothing Else Matters. Now he's on an imprint under Spinnin' Records - one of the biggest well-respected labels in house and dance music. I expect to see his name cropping up all over the place in the near-future. This track is a collaboration with After 6 who has collaborated with Ryan Blyth on a number of tracks, as well as created some great hits in other collaborations. Then there's the feature from Luther Soul, who provides the stunning summer shining vocals. He was influenced by some great soulful musicians and twists up his vocals with some amazing house music, such as this one. Who said soul wouldn't fit with house music? Luther Soul proves that they belong together. This song is beyond catchy and definitely adds summer vibes to brighten up anyone's day.
Directed by Conor Butler, the music video is an edited masterpiece. It involves actor Chris Adamou surrounded my models, who are Joánn Georgiou, Emilia Somerhalder, Andria T Ioannou, Avva Zενιου, Milena Anastasiadou, Katerina Lovinskaya, and AnaCtacia Makkydou. We watch Chris Adamou jump off a cliff and into an ocean of water. He comes up for air, but he's actually in a swimming pool of a beautiful villa. He puts on a t-shirt and a cap, then heads to the driveway, where there's a Ferrari waiting for him. There are five women sitting sexily on the car, one of which is inside the car and we can presume is his girlfriend, as he later takes romantic strolls on the beach with her as they meet up with her friends. This paradise-like music video is definitely any straight guy's dream, right? We also, later, find out that he had imagined it all, as the final scene sees him surface from the water by the cliff. Overall, it's definitely a summer-induced music video much like the song itself. It's not your typical hot women visual, although it's not that far off which is definitely something we wish there was less of. There's a slight narrative to this, but more exploration of that would've been much better.
Yes, you heard right, one of DJ's legends, Todd Terry, will be at Birmingham Pride, in the dance arena! He was the whole reason "Missing" by Everything But The Girl became an international hit in 1995; the song was initially released in 1994 with little-to-no success; a year later it was re-released with Todd Terry's club mix which made it a global sensation, peaking near the top of most worldwide charts. Now he'll be at Birmingham Pride. This song is one of his latest, released under Ministry of Sound YouTube Channel in 2015, it's a collaboration with ANT LaROCK. Watch DJs play this song in the comfort of their own homes whilst smoking and grooving to the beat of this infectious song titled "Back Around" by Todd Terry & ANT LaROCK.
Todd Terry is one iconic DJ who is still bringing out amazing hits to date. It'll sure be interesting what his DJ set brings to the Birmingham Pride's dance arena. He has released a lot of amazing music in the decades he has been DJing, and let's not even think about the awesome remixes he has released. He really is quite the legend in the DJ world and has more than proved his DJ skills. I can't believe he's been confirmed for Birmingham Pride, and I'm sure the dance arena will be packed when he's DJ set is on. This song is in collaboration with ANT LaROCK. In comparison to Todd Terry, he is a very new artist and is on Todd Terry's InHouse Records label - which totally explains the collaboration. He'd definitely one of the up-and-coming DJs around and has already remixed some prolific tracks. As a collaboration, this song is pure fire, and I hope Todd Terry includes this one in his Birmingham Pride DJ set.
Directed by Josh Cohen, this music video showcases various DJs playing this song in their own homes. It's a very relaxed music video, with some of the DJs smoking. I kind of have a thing about people smoking in their own homes, but each to their own, and there's much more pressing concerns in the world.
There are no really big major highlights; it's just interesting to see them do their thing in the comfort of their own home. They all clearly are feeling this track; well, that's if they are playing this track.
Overall, this music video is barely relatable to the song. It doesn't showcase the artists, and it's not that interesting for viewers to watch. It's disappointing since the song is fire, for sure.
If there's one act that is going to stun us all at Birmingham Pride's dance arena, it's going to be Kelli-Leigh. Her vocals are amazing and she has sung on some of the most amazing club and house songs about. I am still playing Flashrider's "So In Luv" in which she sang on too. She's always one who deserves much more recognition, she's just not getting enough, but her career is going from strength to strength; she will become someone everyone is talking about soon enough. Watch Kelli-Leigh unleash amazing performance vibes in this sunny music video for "Sun Token" in collaboration with Saila.
Saila is a new music project. This song is the project's debut single, a crossover track with Kelli-Leigh. Real name Kelli-Leigh Henry-Davila, she has been one of the biggest female vocal stars amongst dance and house music in recent years; one DJs want to collaborate with. She's provided vocals to tracks: "Cry (Just A Little)" by Bingo Players, "I Wanna Feel" by Secondcity, "I Got U", "The Giver (Reprise)" & "Be Here" by Duke Dumont, amongst many others. She's definitely one to keep your eye on as she builds and builds on her career. This song is definitely catchy. It was written by Saila and Kelli-Leigh.
Directed by Bipolar Spider, the music video is a pure performance visual, showcasing the beautiful Kelli-Leigh.
She brings her a-game to this music video, and it really works. She looks stunning in the visual and it's nice to see her take up the whole visual rather than share it with another collaborator like in Flashrider's "So In Luv".
If anything, this music video just proves she deserves, not only the spotlight, but a stage. It's where she belongs and I'm so excited to see her return to Birmingham Pride. She's definitely one act I won't be missing this year - well depending on what time she's on.
It's Chart Mondays, and it's surprising to see Clean Bandit at the top with "Symphony" featuring Zara Larsson. I never thought that song would make it to the top, but it managed to get up there, so congratulations. However, I have already reviewed it, so it opens the top 10 of the UK singles chart for today's review, hence why I have chosen Kendrick Lamar, as this song is currently at number 10, and most likely to drop out come Friday, it certainly won't be climbing the chart. I'm surprised it's at this chart position, and I have no idea how it managed to climb to number six last week. Hip-hop is certainly making an impact on the UK charts lately, Kendrick is just one of many who have managed to chart high. Watch this art-form of a music video as Kendrick Lamar totally brings it performance wise with some unforgettable camera techniques in the visual for his single "HUMBLE.".
Kendrick Lamar, real name Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, has been going for a number of years and has fully established himself as one of the biggest hip-hop artists around, yet he hasn't had a full-out hit single, not until this one came along; although, his 2015 album did hit number one in the UK, so we are aware of who he is, but this song is going to be the one song everyone identifies with his name. This one has such a humble message behind it (pun intended). If it weren't for his collaboration with Taylor Swift on "Bad Blood" he may not have been as internationally known as he is; although he has had a range of all-right chart successes before then. Yet, it's this one that has had a major impact globally. It was written by Kendrick Duckworth and Michael Williams II.
Directed by Dave Meyer and The Little Homies, this music video is an art form as many have stated. It's a pure performance visual from Kendrick Lamar, parodying iconic scenes and giving a real take on the world from his perspective.
The first scene sees him dressed as the pope in a cope; before, totally switching it up where he can be seen lying down on dollar bills, shooting them out from a cash cannon. Other scenes including the reenactment of Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, as well as using a fisheye camera for one scene, and using cross-over visuals to show the difference between photoshop and not.
There are also scenes that mimic a Grey Poupon commercial, as well as a scene where his head is on fire along with the other actors in the scene. Not only that, but rapper Jay Rock and producer Sounwave both appear in this video too.
Overall, Kendrick Lamar has, yet again, given us a brilliant video that easily accompanies the song. It relates to the song effortlessly and easily showcases him, not just as a singer, but as an artist. He goes above and beyond for this video, fully transforming his ideas and the song itself, into this incredibly thought-out video.
The dance arena for Birmingham Pride 2017 is set to go off! They have a whole host of amazing DJs in their line-up and it looks like it's going to be the place I spend most of my time. Tom Shorterz will be one of many amazing DJs set to perform this year, and he actually has a music video for one of his songs, hence why he's a part of my Birmingham Pride Special. Watch people dance to this catchy beat in profile scenes whilst crazy bubbles float around in this colourful music video for Tom Shorterz "Colours" featuring Lucy Love.
Tom Shorterz is one of the rising Birmingham DJs around at the moment. He is one of the DJs behind the leading 2:31 at the Rainbow Venues in Birmingham. It's an event I've always been meaning to go to but never had the chance to; now I might get the chance to experience his club tunes in the dance arena. He also did a killer remix of Katy B's "Crying For No Reason" which became very popular. It's no surprise he is part of the Birmingham Pride 2017 line-up. Featured on this track is Lucy Love. She is a singer/songwriter from Copenhagen, Denmark. This song is originally her song, Tom Shorterz did a remix edit, changing it into a house/club song. I much prefer this version, although Lucy Love's original is definitely interesting. This just shows how amazing Tom Shorterz is.
Directed by David Strindberg, the music video features various dancers in a very colourful setting. Their choreography is controlled and stylistic. It easily goes with the music being played.
The bubbles are an interesting addition to all that is going on, and they certainly keep the audience entertained whilst the scenes focus on the dancers and their moves.
However, there's nothing else for me to comment on for this music video. It's relatable because it's really colourful. It's intricate whilst the dancing rhythmically infuses with the song.
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.
