Somebody pinch me! I must be dreaming. This is so incredibly amazing. I almost have no words to describe how I feel.

The December issue of OUT Magazine hit newsstands today and features the publication's coveted OUT 100 List, the publication's annual list of the year's most influential gay and lesbian newsmakers and tastemakers.

I'm thrilled that I was selected on the list together with trail blazers like Adam Lambert, Wanda Sykes, Neil Patrick Harris, Dan Choi, Cyndi Lauper, Chaz Bono and Pedro Almodovar. (You can get the entire list here.)

I'm truly honored and grateful for this acknowledgment. It feels very special to be awarded for something that I love doing every day - sharing great new music - whether that is on this blog, through the Superfraiche live events, television or my upcoming new radio show. I simply do what I'm passionate about and to get honored for that in such a big way feels amazing.

Thank you very much to the entire OUT editorial team. Thank you also to Jason Bell for that fun photoshoot in Harlem (you made me look good!). And of course, thank you to all the readers of ArjanWrites.com for coming back here every day and inspiring me to share and write. It means the world to me.

This was the best wake up call ever!

Yesterday, I received news that Frankmusik (aka Vince Frank) had arrived in town to work on his new album for a few days. I hit him up to see if he wanted to grab a bite or get a drink. I was very curious to hear what he's up to now after he decided to leave his fantastic debut "Complete Me" for what it is and start work on something fresh.

He pinged me back early this morning and invited me for breakfast at his hotel. Totally surreal. It's so awesome to meet one of my fave pop guys almost next door in my neck of the woods. I nominated him for an MTV Logo Award and reviewed "Complete Me" on Current TV, but I had not met him in person yet.

While he was trying out his first Southern-style breakfast (he skipped the grits - good call), we chatted about "Complete Me," his upcoming new record, touring, his buddy Starsmith, growing up in the '80s and much more. He confided that he is in Atlanta to record with none other than GRAMMY Award-winning writer and producer Dallas Austin. Very interesting partnership that will surely give Vince's electro-pop a bit of an urban kick. I know Dallas has been venturing out into electro music, and I think these two could really break some new pop ground together. This is very exciting stuff.

Vince explained candidly why he chose to leave "Complete Me" and start work on new material only a few months after the record was released.  He wants "Complete Me" to be an underground effort - let it fly under the radar while gearing up for a bigger commercial release that will really make the pop world shake, rattle and roll.

He compared his move to what Amy Winehouse did after releasing "Frank." He also mentioned that LaRoux and Little Boots have focused on their debut albums so much that pulling off a strong second record will be a lot more challenging.

He was eager to let me hear what he has been working on so far. He took me up to his hotel room to let me hear a couple of new tracks. One of those is his forthcoming new single "Break Light" that is a massive, massive tune. This track has hit, hit, hit written all over it. It is still signature Frankmusik with its punchy electro touches, but the song has a more urban, hip-hop flavored beat to it. It also has a catchy "ey-ey" that will have people singing along from London to L.A and beyond. Guaranteed.

The kicky pop tunes of newcomer Kristine Elezaj easily match the quality of chart-topping hits by people like Britney Spears and Rihanna. Check out a guilt-free MP3 download of her vibrant new single "Let You Know" that has all major checkboxes marked to be a massive hit: it is incredibly catchy, works on the dance floor and comes with Kristine's photogenic look that can sell records.

Kristine is currently putting the finishing touches to her debut CD, "el-lay-zi,"  which is set for release in spring 2010. The album, recorded in designer Marc Ecko's sound studios, was executive produced by GRAMMY nominated J. Marty.  Featuring tracks co-written and produced by artists such as Black Eyed PEas' Fergie, Eric Pressley, The Pharmacy, J-CO, Epic, Andrew Fromm and Frankie Storm. The album will also feature a duet with will.i am prodigy Poet. Not too shabby for a debut.

Kristine Elezaj "Let You Know"

O'Spada's new European single "Time" is an effervescent brew of spaced out pop funk that positions the Swedish five-piece as an exciting new alt-pop act to keep your eye on. Formed in Stockholm in 2006, the group blends soul, funk, hip hop and rock that sounds a bit like Prince meets Justice meets Axel F. Also, check out "Ten Strikes" that has a classic Prince stomp to it.

The group of O'Julia (vocals), O'Samuel (drums), O'Johan (bass), O'Karl (guitar) and O'Chris (synths) is already getting praised by British tastemakers over at BBC One, The Guardian and The Sunday Times. I think it is nice to hear a sound coming from Sweden that is not sweet, cookie-cutter pop, but a little off the beaten path. Sweden never ceases to surprise.

O'Spada "Time"
O'Spada "Time" (Montauk Remix)
O'Spada "Ten Strikes"

After revamping Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance," Brooklyn remixer Chew Fu rearranges Amanda Blank's "Shame On Me" to create an irresistible dance floor jam. Pop it in, turn it on and get your feet moving. Chew Fu turns this downtown buzz act into an uptown sensation. Nicely done.

Amanda Blank "Shame On Me" (Chew Fu Festival Fix)

The goodness just continues to roll in.

Reni Lane was an amazing performer at Superfraiche. Love that woman! She has so much spunk, energy and such a refreshing attitude that we need much more of. During the performance of "Place For Us" she jumped off the stage and ran through the crowd with her wireless mic. Totally crazy, but totally fun.

I know I'm gushing but her stage presence is infectious and her vocal delivery is flawless. Make sure to grab a copy of her Custard/Universal-Motown debut LP early next year.

In the meantime, watch a mind-blowing video montage that German video mixers Philipp Fehling, Jan Scholz and Frank Hoffmann produced in cooperation with "Mutter und Vater Filmproduktion" and "Das Werk Berlin." This piece of art is set to the Glitter & Blitz remix of "Place For Us" that you can download totally guilt-free right here.

Kinema are the British electro-pop duo of Dom Ashton, Andy Nelson and Ross Flight. The three met backpacking on a trip through Europe and bonded over a love for "music, laptops and famous actresses." Since 2007, they have been toying around with synths, beats and vocals, blending yacht rock, soul and contemporary pop. Check out their cover of Animal Collective's "My Girls." I'm liking this. It is lush, subtle and has just the right amount of auto-tune.

Kinema "My Girls"

Let's start the weekend with a pop pleasure of the guiltiest kind. Check out the brand-new video for "Burn" by new Irish boy/girl pop sensation Industry. It's a super slick, slow-churning ballad that already has been topping the charts in Ireland and surely will get great radio play elsewhere in Europe as well. If I must choose, I prefer the energy-packed and uplifting Holter/Erixson vs Tom Bola remix over this original version. Download that MP3 totally guilt-free here.

There's nothing more rewarding to me than sharing great, new music. And that was what Superfraiche Pop Night was all about last night - introducing people to exciting new pop acts who are both sweet & crunchy. Artists that have an edge and bring compelling new pop to the table.

Last night's Superfraiche (see a write up in OUT) was everything I hoped it would it be. I want to thanks Brad Walsh, Reni Lane, DJ Josh Madden, Sam Taylor, Menya and Dangerous Muse for coming out to play in support of War Child. 

DJ Josh Madden spun a sweet & crunchy set of pop and electro to warm up the crowd prior to the first performance and in between sets. Loved his selection. Very cool guy and great to meet.

Dangerous Muse opened the show with a blazing set that included "Everyday Is Halloween" and a reworked version of "The Rejection." Mike Furey and Tom Napack ring their music to a whole new level of hotness when playing live. Lots of sexy, lots of theatrics, lots to look at.

Newcomer Reni Lane blew the crowd away with her magnetic stage presence and pitch-perfect vocals. Incredibly impressive. During her performance of "Place For Us" she jumped off stage (photo) and strutted around the room through the audience. Super fun! I love this woman.

I was excited to introduce the super sweet Sam Taylor to his very first American performance. This X-Factor dancer and West End star enchanted the crowd with his gorgeous ballads and flawless delivery. Seeing is believing. This guy is going places. Star quality.

Brad Walsh (photo above) brought heaps of coolness with his very first performance of songs from his new album "Human Nature." He had two dancer and some very sleek projections to create a impressive multi-media experience. Loved every second of it. I always say that this guy has so many things on his sleeves and he proved that once again. His boyfriend Christian Siriano was in the audience as well who had never seen Brad perform live.

Fun, funky and fantastic NYU trio Menya closed the show with a stomping set. Wow. These kids know how to energize a crowd and bring an incredibly fun party atmosphere. They're the coolest kids on the block right now. Don't be suprised to hear a lot more from them very, very soon.

I want to give special thanks to Leo and the handsome crowd of Big Machine for helping me with the techniks of the show. I could not have done this without you. Also, a big thanks to Heater and Brian for manning the War Child booth and encouraging people to give to an important cause. Also, thanks to the 7Digital for giving away free MP3s in support of War Child.

I will be posting more photos soon as soon as they come in.

  The High Wire "Leave Me In Love"

Make sure to head over to the The Guardian's web site tomorrow to download Roisin Murphy's brand-new single,"Orally Fixated." But do it quick. The single will only be posted for 48 hours. Next week, it will be available in iTunes stores in both the US and the UK.

"Orally Fixated" is the first single from Roisin's long-awaited new album. Producted by Seji, the deliciously suggestive song features a club sound that is a lot grittier than the electro-pop she presented on "Overpowered." Great track that has me lusting for more.

My SUPERFRAICHE POP NIGHT is tomorrow! Very exciting. Just wanted to write a quick post to bring you up to date about all of the poppy goodness that will go down at Santos tomorrow night.

Doors will open at 7PM with a DJ set by Josh Madden

Dangerous Muse will open the show at 8PM on the dot.

Win a pair of tickets by tweeting about the event! Click here to tweet and have a chance to win. I will randomly pick a winner at 2PM tomorrow.

Due to the interest from students, there will be a $12 discounted door price for students

All proceeds of the event will benefit War Child.

Every ticket holder will receive a free album MP3 download courtesy of 7Digital.com. 

Hope to see you there!

Josh Madden has a knack for seeing, hearing, feeling and creating things that are unique and different. He's one of those few people who are on the bleeding edge of what's new, now, next. One of those people who is a true tastemaker that people look to for new trends, looks and sounds. Not only is he the self-proclaimed  "Baby Ruth of styling," he also is a designer and gifted DJ who combines a whole lot of sweet with plenty of crunchy. Just how I like it.

Josh will be spinning tunes during SUPERFRAICHE on Thursday. He will open the show at 7PM and then spin in between the sets of Dangerous Muse, Reni Lane, Sam Taylor, Brad Walsh and Menya. Good times! Get your tickets today. Make sure to be there early to hear Josh's set. In the meantime, hit him up, on Twitter.

I sent Josh some questions via email and he sent back some very throughful answers that will give you a bit of an insight of what it is that makes him tick.

Arjan: You come from a quite a musical family. Growing up was it always clear to you that you wanted to do something creative as well? I mean you could have chosen to be an accountant and crunch  numbers for the rest of your life (which is totally respectable, but a different route)

Josh: I'll let you in on a little secret... I was an All-State Choris kid, slated to sing the "Class Song" and "National Anthem" at my graduation... that never happened, I failed Mr. Barton's calculus class by 3 points and he wasn't into the idea of letting me slide. I graduated from summer school, started College as an art major, found out I was gonna be handling the bills on my own and graduated with a Bachelor of Science... concentration? Business & Econ specializing in Marketing and Management! Then what did I do? Worked construction and then at The 9:30 Club in D.C. The short answer is I guess... I stand on both sides of the divide. I have a few sides that I'm pretty sure most people haven't and maybe never will see. P.S. I love accountants, I love you PSBusiness Management.

Can I just say wow? Stefani is taking it to a whole new level of mad pop weirdness and brilliance. It's refreshing and visually very compelling. Glad she's having some budget to play around with and continue to bring fans videos that are worth watching. What do you think? (P.S. I totally get an '80s Modern Talking vibe when I hear "Bad Romance" Remember those Germans?)

To celebrate his upcoming tour with Imogen Heap, Arizona DJ/producer Ryan Breen (aka Back Ted N-Ted) has remixed Imogen's "Say Goodnight & Go." Fortunately, it is nothing radically different. Breen added a few new electro bells and whistles to Immi's stunning original. Have a listen. 

Imogen Heap "Say Goodnight & Go" (Back Ted N-Ted Remix)