Ken Dahl Targets Haters with New Single 'Casper'

For New Yorker Ken Dahl, a passion for songwriting came from an unlikely place. After a suspension from school which resulted in an isolation from all access to technology, he picked up a pen and paper to express his thoughts, experimenting with R'n'B sounds inspired by the likes of Brandy and Toni Braxton. 

New single 'Casper' tells the story of internet trolls who, like ghosts, are able to become invisible- his aim is to oust them into public view and put them down for criticising others. His track has a finger-clicking beat, memorable lyrics and a thesis that a large amount of listeners can really connect with.

A honeyed and honed voice, Dahl's fierce attitude and truly unique visage has earned him acclaim by the likes of big time showbiz blogger Perez Hilton. 

His video is a sassy feast, as Dahl dons serpentine-esque lipstick with sport luxe attire to out his cyber enemy. The song also holds significant relevance as it relates to the recent phone hackings and leaked celebrity images and it's effect on one's esteem. 

Watch out cyber bullies! Ken Dahl is coming for you. Watch the video here: 

Dutch DJ Accuses Charli XCX of Masturbating on Air. Wut?!

Nothing like a bit of casual sexism in the music industry.

What the fudge? Rising star Charli XCX may be realising her new found fame doesn't come with the best of times, and this week was definitely up there. The hit-maker who recently teamed up with rapper Iggy Azalea for number one single 'Fancy', took part in a less than savoury interview with a Dutch radio station.

Conforming to the nation's stereotype, DJ Giel Beelen of 3FM goaded the young singer whilst taking part in a common activity on their show. Beelen asked XCX to say 'good morning' in the most sexual way she could, to which she obliged. The sleazy DJ then asked if she had her "hands on [her] body", to which she replied they were behind her back.

Not content with leaving the joke, he exclaimed "Oh I thought you were fingering yourself or something".

She later took to Twitter to tell her followers about her ordeal: 

"Just got asked if I was fingering myself on the radio. s/o sexism. It's the best".

"Like, I just don't understand people's brains sometimes"

SLEAZY DJ

Instead of apologising, the abhorrent DJ quoted the star and added

"I don't care, i love it ;-) thx was fun! RT @charli_xcx: just got asked if I was fingering myself on the radio. s/o sexism. it's the best."

I don't know about you, but I want to punch this guy. No respect.

One Direction to Split After Making Two More Albums

Equal cries of rejoice and sadness will be heard throughout the internet today as Simon Cowell announced his thoughts on the future of the world's biggest boy band right now.

Speaking to the ever-classy, and ever-reliable Daily Star, he said

"Bands don't stay together forever. I think that they will make at least two more albums, and they're in the middle of one right now."

So using my amazing skills in mathematics, I deduce that they have just one more album to churn out after the completion of this one, before we may live in peace without the presence of a scarily-famous group whose fan base are all kinds of crazy. 

Although he denied that the split was due to member Harry Styles wanting to pursue a solo career, he revealed that he thought eventually all of 1D would head out on their own to make individual music. 

Rejoice throughout the land as Simon realises how shit 1D are. 

Split rumours are not uncommon, fuelled by the fact that Styles is often seen jetting off to preferred destination Los Angeles as oppose to staying with his bandmates or visiting family back home. The 20-year-old has always denied wanting to go solo, saying

"I still want to be touring with One Direction in ten years. I'll be doing it until I'm old and people are telling me to stop.''

Forget 10 years Hazza, you guys won't last two- perhaps Si Co has another bunch of pubescent squealers ready to be let loose upon the world. Allow for another generation of teenage girls to collapse into fits of hysteria. 

Holly from Geordie Shore Covered Kelis' Milkshake and it's EMBARRASSING

While some of us may indulge ourselves in semi-reality TV programme Geordie Shore (without openly admitting it) I'm not sure any of you would think one of the cast members would go as far as embarrassing themselves with an irritating rendition of the legendary single Milkshake. 

What would Kelis say? 

The soulless, Clubland reject track features heavy autotune, bulky male torsos and Holly herself, the big-boobed bimbo, self-proclaimed 'sassy' to which she believes is a mixture between slutty and classy *rolls eyes* 

I would say she is stooping low here but... 

Watch the video here: 

Jessie J, Ariana Grande and Nicki Minaj Release Bang Bang

When a single with three supposed pop titans is released, you expect to be nothing less of extremely impressed. Not the case when big booty rapper Nicki Minaj, whiney short-haired powerhouse Jessie J and a-little-bit-too-cute Ariana Grande joined to throw together what they liked to call a song. 

Heavily reliant on a generic beat, the track sounded as if the songstresses were unaware of their cue, generating off kilter pieces that had clearly been cut together. The song really did wreak of the industry's appalling commercialism- the churning out of songs they constantly push to call music. As individuals, all three women are extremely talented and although a matter of opinion, all three have several different qualities they could have given to a track- unfortunately this was not it. 

Bang Bang was released yesterday and is set to be the lead single of British singer Jessie J's third upcoming album and will also feature on Grande's deluxe album which is set to drop at the end of August. It speak volumes that these artists need the track to inject life into their current music, as oppose to Minaj whose own songs have her trending on Twitter within seconds. 

Will it be a success? probably. Will I continue to complain about the wasted talent? definitely.

LISTEN HERE: 

Robin Thicke Sells a Mere 530 Copies of his Album

Wait.. Robin Thicke's new album is out? 

Simpering, self-congratulatory pop prick Robin Thicke shouldn't be surprised that his new album 'Paula', a weak attempt at getting back with his estranged wife, sold a meagre 530 copies. To no-one's alarm the excuse for a pop star is now sitting in 200th place in the UK charts. Shame! 

Just last year Thicke had released his sixth studio album Blurred Lines which topped the UK charts as well as single 'Blurred Lines' being crowned the most downloaded song of all time. 

Could Paula Patton be one of the 530 people who bought the failed album? doubt it. 

Last week the star took part in a disgraceful and embarrassing Twitter Q&A where thousands of angry people questioned him about his disgusting lyrics as well as his unacceptable behaviour- thousands more than those who bought his album.   

Hydrothermal Vents Release Debut Album 'Secrets of the Deep'

Deep-sea duo The Hydrothermal Vents will release debut album 'Secrets of the Deep!' in July and may draw their inspiration from nature, but their other-worldly sounds are undeniable. 

Members John Tielli and Tessa Kautzman experiment with a chemical concoction of post-punk, dance and a sprinkling of rock, finishing off with bags of energy and some pretty impressive guitar solos and if their new album is anything to go by, this pair have a promising future. Wild and unpredictable, I thoroughly enjoyed the Montreal-based band's accidental lyrics and for those looking for a perfect vocal pairing, this album is for you. 

Playful synth greets the listener in first track Inside a Movie, as Tielli and Kautzman juxtapose vocal tones and pair them effectively with true experimental spirit. Do the Vent exudes cheeky rock and it's infectious beat had me pressing repeat. Their aim to create a retro track that was in itself a unique song came in the form of Shark! a harmonious, punchy piece of indie reminiscent of Pixies. 

Hydrothermal Vents slowed the tempo of the album, adding rock tones and combining them with maritime-themed lyrics and haunting melodies. Indie track Neptune's Grave was by far my favourite track, with the fitting metaphor 'We're gonna dive to the bottom. We will unearth the secrets of the deep' that contained addictive build-ups and punk tones that juxtaposed Kautzman's ethereal voice. 

Shawn Allison photography

Attento and Fish Out of Land are the perfect driving tunes and the collection really is for someone who yearns for mid-tempo music that encompasses a number of genres. It seems the pair have really grasped what their band name means: a mysterious energy that is a source of light in the darkness (of chart music). 

The Hydrothermal Vents are set to release their album on July 5th and will begin their North American tour shortly after. 

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Girls Rule: Top 5 Must Listens this Month

//The movie soundtrack//

5. Charli XCX- Boom Clap 

Once you've headed to the cinema, cried profusely and wiped the snot from your nose after a viewing of The Fault in Our Stars, listen to Charli XCX's official single for the movie, Boom Clap. A mid-tempo, feel good love song from a young singer that is going from strength to strength. 

//For anyone getting tired of up-beat dance.. //

4. Cheryl Cole- Crazy Stupid Love 

Forget the silly roses that reside on her derrière combined with the fact that she hasn't produced material in AGES, as it's fair to say that Cheryl Cole always seems to deliver. Okay, so her vocal abilities are fairly limited, but boy is this new saxy single catchy, and understated. Everyone's favourite Geordie is releasing the song on July 20th, a track which features Tinie Tempah. I have to say I'm excited for the video if that gold bodysuit on her Instagram is anything to go by. Not a fan? just give it a listen, I promise you will like it. 

//rap meets pop//

3. Ariana Grande ft Iggy Azalea- Problem 

What do you get when you combine the cutest thing to ever happen to pop, and the baddest chick around? a cheeky, sassy single that will keep you pressing repeat.  Problem is a lot of fun and exudes girl power, the '60s themed video makes it a thousand times better too. Give it a listen. 

//Melancholic beauty//

2. BANKS- Drowning

I find myself constantly asking myself why, if everyone loves Lana Del Rey, do they not love BANKS more. She haunts me with her perfect, smooth and melancholic voice and I loved this mid-tempo electronic track. She really can do no wrong and I can't wait for her to make it big, she totally deserves it. 

//The Queen is back//

1. Nicki Minaj - Pills N Potions 

Twitter pretty much blew up last week when Nicki Minaj announced she was releasing her new single Pills N Potions from new album Pink Print, to which she vowed the content would be heavily rap influenced- *excited squeal*. Minaj has bags of charm, with current song containing the perfect juxtaposition of lyric-spitting rhyme and a melodic chorus with real feeling. 

La Roux Releases New Single Let Me Down Gently and Confirms New Album

La Roux is back! 

After months of endless rumours, it has finally been confirmed that our favourite Brit-synth pop artist La Roux will be releasing her new album entitled Trouble in Paradise this July. 

She posted her comeback single Let Me Down Gently on her Youtube channel today, a slow-burning, 80's-esque single that sees her back at her best. 

Elly Jackson's dreamy vocals draw in the listener, and although she hasn't produced a single since her self-titled album back in 2009, this album will be highly anticipated. 

Listen to her new single here

Nicki Minaj says 'Hell No' to Pop in New Album Pink Print

Her first mixtapes put her on the map as an established female rapper back in 2007 and taking the leap into mainstream three years later naturally meant a progression into pop. Donning the bubblegum wigs, bright lipstick and wacky personas, she produced two Pink Friday albums, leaving her natural roots behind. Despite the success of hits such Starships and Super bass, Minaj is now keen to leave her pop days behind and ditch her alter egos. 

natural hair, more natural look

Speaking to MTV during an interview for new movie The Other Woman, she explained her reasoning behind the drastic change. "I went so far to the other side that there's only one place to go from there.You can either continue doing costumes or you can just say, 'Hey guess what? This will shock them even more. Doing nothing will shock them even more.'"

Her Pink Friday days screamed mainstream.

She was asked about new album Pink Print,saying: 

 "The tracks on [my next album] are back to my hip-hop roots. And I don't think it's something that I'm necessarily trying to do. As soon as I started working on my new album, that's just the songs that I've been writing,"

When asked whether tracks similar to the style of Starships would feature on the album, she exclaimed "Hell no". 

Arriving at the MTV Movie Awards recently, she donned a sophisticated and understated Alexander McQueen gown, which marked the beginning of her natural look and was looked upon with much admiration on social media. 

Minaj at the MTV Movie Awards

For those of you who can't wait for her new era, listen to Lookin' Ass Nigga (below), Chi-raq and Danny Glover. 

Welcome back Nicki! 

Album Review: Paolo Nutini's Caustic Love

I can't tell you how sorely I have missed Mr Paulo Nutini. His rough, untameable and thoroughly enchanting voice lends so much tone to his music and the Scottish Italian singer had a lot to offer with his third album Caustic Love.

The album begins with first single Scream (Funk My Life Up)  a track crammed full of the optimism that occupied These Streets' New Shoes and Sunny Side Up's Pencil Full of Lead. Soul creeps into the album through second song Let Me Down Easy. The comic entrance to Bus Talk establishes it as a wonderful one and a half minute reprieve before the epically melancholic One Day. 

I love Nutini's ability to create a song that isn't necessarily fast in pace, but has enough buoyancy to float the listener just below cloud nine, as Numpty demonstrates. If you haven't been charmed already, Better Man is sure to make you fall in love.

 
Keeping the soulful blues elements of his second album, but advancing them with vocal-heavy tracks, Iron Sky talks about the politics, society and religion that try and control us as an unnamed man urges us to break free.

The live feel to the slow and slick Diana adds extra charm before the tempo is re-established in Fashion. Cherry Blossom was by far my favourite track, as reminiscent of Coldplay, it combined soft rock, indie and blues to create six minutes of bliss.

Bewitching from the outset, the album will definitely live up to Nutini fans' expectations. A chill-out album to say the least, stick this on in the car and enjoy.

I give this album: ★★★★

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Buy his album here

Exclusive Interview with Dan Croll: He talks Inspirations and whats wrong with modern music

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Album Review: Pharrell Celebrates Womankind in 'G I R L'

With Get Lucky, Blurred Lines and newest single Happy owning the number one spot, it really does seem that everything Pharrell Williams touches turns to gold. It is unsurprising that his second solo album since In My Mind back in 2006 has been so highly anticipated.

What was more staggering is Williams' attempt to re-place himself, leaving behind the lusty perversions of Blurred Lines to write an album filled with celebratory tracks about women. G I R L commences elegantly,consumed with stringed instruments before switching to synth with a pinch of  '70s groove in Marilyn Monroe.

Keeping it smooth and suave in Brand New, Pharrell joins forces with Justin Timberlake to create a toe-tappingly soulful and Jackson 5-esque tune that keeps you smiling.Funk begins to take over throughout the sultry songs Hunger and Gush. The ever-addictive Happy nestles itself in the middle of the album before Miley Cyrus makes a fleeting appearance in Come Get It Bae and French dance duo Daft Punk combine orchestral elements with smooth synthesizer snippets in Gust of Wind, a song that glorifies the feeling of falling in love.

Lost Queen diverts the listeners' journey through G I R L as it adopts remote African qualities with strong harmonious backing vocals and prominent drums. Williams challenges female stereotypes as he sings "I don't have a problem with multi-tasking, taking care of you is my number one passion". Half way through, the song fades to the faint and calming sound of crashing waves before the tempo is slowed and an R'n'B tone is adopted.

The album reaches it's peak in Know Who You Are, a track which combines reggae tones with soulful funk as Alicia Keys provides the perfect accompaniment. Finishing the album with It Girl's subtly sexy lyrics, Williams' softly sings "you my inspiration" as he sets the bar for an understated feminism that has been desperately needed in chart music of late.

I give the album: ★★★★

One Direction Grab a Kebab and Hit on Old Ladies in New Music Video Midnight Memories

Cementing their fun-loving image, boy band One Direction are seen frolicking in the streets of London in their new music video Midnight Memories. 

After a whirlwind year of touring, the group are on a short break while preparing for their gargantuan stadium world tour, Where We Are. Taking some time off they managed to show the world they aren't tired yet. 

Beginning the video at a seemingly dull house party, the group leave to make their own rave. 

Wolverine is that you? 

Singing "now im at the age when I know what I need" they enter a kebab shop where Niall the Neanderthal  grabs some of that doner with his teeth, Harry gets down and dirty serving the customers and Liam consumes too much chilli sauce. 

After Harry and Louis get familiar with the local OAPs, the gang grab themselves some motorised scooters. Don't ruin your quiffs lads. 

After stealing a police boat (naughty) they storm the Thames lip syncing their little hearts out.

and my personal favourite.. 

not so hot now is he ladies?

If we learn anything from this video it's that 1D pride themselves in a party that contains re-constituted meat, fire extinguishers and motorised scooters. 

Shakira and Rihanna Wall Twerk in Disappointing Music Video Can't Remember to Forget You

It seems creative music videos are in short supply recently as Shakira's latest oxymoronic single Can't Remember to Forget You featured little more than wall twerking and girl on girl action with sultry singer Rihanna. 

Shakira gets wet and wild. How imaginative

Oh how I wish the days of dancing in lacy lingerie were over as Shakira flings herself from side to side on a bed awkwardly situated on a staircase. For the Columbian singer, her Whenever, Wherever days contained some seriously impressive dance moves with hip action us mere mortals could only dream of. Why has she subjected herself to jutting her derrière into a fancy wall? 

YAWN 

The song itself is strong, it combines heavy reggae influences with a pop rock chorus, but what it gains with the music it severely lacks in the music video. 

The only clever element to the video is it's use of cigars as phallic symbols. I despair. 

RiRi in her element

We welcome Rihanna... special skill: Wall twerking. Hump that wall Rihanna, don't worry about how silly you look, it's all in the name of pop.  

The lez-fest contines as RiRi and Shakira frolic on a stripy bed. I feel like we are intruding on an intimate moment here.. *rolls eyes*

Can Shakira even play guitar? She isn't doing a good job of convincing me here, perhaps she took tips from Niall Horan who loves to wander around stage jamming with a Fender that isn't plugged in. 

Fancy wasting three minutes of your life? Watch the video here. 

Disclosure Release F For You with Mary J Blige

For dance duo Disclosure, their electronic skills have taken the world by storm and after a trip to the US to perform a collaboration with Mary J Blige in New York, they have released the official single. 

'F For You' was launched on Vevo earlier today and sees brothers Guy and Howard Lawrence producing while the soulful Blige gives the song a '90s edge. Using their signature sketch graphics, the video has a quirky edge and undeniable charm that will no doubt shoot them to the top of the charts. Watch the video below. 

Disclosure have seemingly gone down the hip hop route as they have been working with rapper Bishop Nehru, releasing 'You Stressin' on Soundcloud this week. They have also been said to be making music with producer and rapper Q-Tip, however it isn't clear whether these new songs will be for a new album or not. 

The Indie Bands I Want to Re-Emerge in 2014

We all have bands we grew up with who broke our hearts by splitting or fading into the dark abyss that surrounds mainstream music. But what if they decided to re-surface? Here's my pick of the bands I am desperate to see make it big again in 2014.


The Kooks
From my first listen of Naive, I fell in love with Brighton-based band The Kooks. Their first album Inside In/Inside Out shot them to fame back in 2006, a collection of songs crammed with Britpop character.

The mainstream world welcomed them as they were signed by Virgin records and went quadruple platinum. Following from this success they released Konk two years later which debuted at number one however began to slightly struggle with a third album,Junk of the Heart. With Luke Pritchards raw vocals and messy mop of hair, he is sorely missed- despite the fact that the group are still touring, no new material has surfaced... until now!




After a lot of teasing, The Kooks have created a mysterious hastag #Kooks4 which I am praying is promotion for a fresh new album. Fingers crossed!


The Enemy

Back in 2006, Coventry created what I believe to be one of the best indie rock bands around- The Enemy. Just as it deserved, We'll Live and Die In These Towns reached number one in the album charts and the cheeky chaps created three smashing albums full of alternative indie rock beats and memorable lyrics.

 Most notable for their singles Away From Here, Had Enough and Gimme the Sign, the group haven't produced any new material since 2012, but have appeared at small festivals. Fans can get excited this year as the band revealed on their social media accounts that they are working on Enemy IV, I'm hoping for another Britpop take over soon as I've missed these boys a lot. 




The Ordinary Boys 

What do you get when you combine Madness and The Kinks? The Ordinary Boys, fronted by the gorgeous Samuel Preston.

2005 brought promise as the band released Boys Will Be Boys and followed this up with the massive Nine2Five and Lonely at the Top a year later. The group unfortunately announced their split in 2008, however re-formed in 2011 to play a number of gigs at small venues.


Exciting times occurred this December when Preston announced the band were back, with the possibility of touring and recording new material this year.. eep!


Bloc Party
Post-punk met pulsing dance with Bloc Party as the British band achieved critical acclaim for debut album Silent Alarm in 2005, which included singles Helicopter and Banquet.

After a further two albums and several tours around the US and Europe, the band announced in 2009 that they no longer had a recording contract. Hinting that they were going to take their time creating new material, the group then slipped into hiatus, picking up separate projects. Despite Kele releasing a DJ mixtape in October under the Bloc Party name, no future material has surfaced from the band.


The Filthy Youth

If the words "I'm Chuck Bass" mean anything to you, then The Filthy Youth will too. A small band under lead singer now famous actor Ed Westwick, indie rock oozes from the group's dirty guitar riffs and their cheeky British buzz is undeniable.

Fans of The Clash and The Libertines will love the husky, alternative lyrics of Come Flash All Your Ladies and Boy Don't Smoke however the songs were simply demos as although the group seemed promising in 2007, they lapsed into inactivity by 2010 when Westwick evidently abandoned music for his part in American TV series Gossip Girl.