The Beat

Hi-5 for Brandon October!

2012-03-13T03:11:00.000Z

Brandon October

Local singer Brandon October has every reason to be jumping over the moon of joy! He has been nominated at the 18^th edition of the prestigious MTN SAMAs. Brandon picked up his second ever nomination in the Best Pop Album Category for his self-titled album, when the list was unveiled at the SAMA nomination announcement in Johannesburg, South Africa. Brandon’s album features 13 tracks, 6 of which are Afrikaans, 6 English and one in Italian. In 2003, Brandon picked up his first ever SAMA nomination. His recent nomination sees him up against Jozi, Charlize Berg, Hulle and Lloyd Cele. "I'm ecstatic to be nominated. I'm hoping to win it this time round" Brandon said. The nomination comes a mere few weeks before the singer jets off for his first European tour. The singer is scheduled to perform at CC Muziek Cafe, The Waterhole and Langendijk where he will showcase songs from his new self-titled album.

Jake Gyllenhaal's musical venture

2012-03-13T01:42:00.001Z

Jake Gyllenhaal

The Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time actor Jake Gyllenhaal has crossed over to the music side. Digital Spy reports Jake plays a serial killer in the French electro band The Shoes latest music video for their song Time To Dance. Apparently the video features a number of gruesome murders. Fans of the band will see Jake stabbing and slicing people with a fencing sword while dressed in a crisp white outfit with a protective mask. The Shoes said of the video: "When we released the 'Stay The Same' music video last year with Daniel Wolfe, we were so blown away by his work that we had to bring him back for the 'Time To Dance' video. "No other director understood our music like he did. We gave him our track, and today, he gives us the best music video, starring one of our favourite actors, Jake Gyllenhaal. We still can't believe it!" Go check out the video HERE!

DVD REVIEW! Deadmau5 - Meowingtons Hax 2k11 Toronto

2012-03-11T08:00:00.000Z

Deadmau5 is without a doubt the biggest electronic artist on the planet right now. This Canadian platinum dance behemoth visited South Africa for the first time late last year, and those who saw his show knows that it was a electronic dance pulsating event that knocked their dance shoes off their feet! And for those who missed it, don’t despair, Deadmau5 brings his Meowingtons Hax 2k11 tour to your living room with this great DVD release. It includes all his hits and some new tunes as well. The vibe is electronic dance and the visuals are breathtaking. Do yourself a favour and get this DVD!

KoRn’s Jonathan Davis goes electro

2012-03-09T06:33:00.000Z

Jonathan Davis (Mary Ouellette, SheWillShootYou.com)

KoRn fans . . .take a deep breath. The nu metal rock group’s lead singer Jonathan Davis has revealed the will release an album under his DJ alter ego, J Devil. Digital Spy reports that Jonathan, who recently worked with Skrillex on the band’s latest album The Path Of Totality explained that he enjoys making electronic music alongside his usual nu metal sound. He told Rolling Stone, “I Love Djing, and I love rocking out. It’s fun going from Djing electo and heavy dubstep to Korn. It’s therapy for me.” He also revealed that he is indeed working on an EP, “I got a studio on the tour bus and I write every night. The EP are all different genres. I love electro, I love jungle, I love drum and bass, I love dubstep, so it’s a mixup of all that stuff.” Check out the video of the KoRn song Narcissistic Cannibal featuring Skrillex and Kill The Noise HERE!

CD REVIEW! Various - 101 One Hit Wonders

2012-03-09T06:14:00.000Z

Want the most definitive collection of all those one off smash hits you loved in days gone by? Well look no further because here is 101 One Hit Wonders, and you won't find a collection of tracks better than this! What makes the collection even more fun is that it’s a 5 disc collection. Get down to MC Hammer, Chumbawamba, The Knack, Vanilla Ice, Kriss Cross, Meredith Brooks, Scatman John, Nena, Katrina & The Waves, Wilson Phillips and many, many more! Great music for an oldies party or just driving around in your car singing along to the classic tunes.

New Aaliyah album in the works?

2012-03-07T03:20:00.001Z

Rumours are rife that there might be a new Aaliyah album of unreleased tracks in the works, reports Digital Spy. The “More Than A Woman” and “Try Again” R&B singer, who died in a plane crash at age 22 in August 2001, worked with producer Jeffery J. Dub Walker on the tracks “I Refuse”and “What If” on her final self-titled studio album. Jeffery tweeted that a posthumous release may be unveiled in the near future, before his tweet was later taken down. "Just go great news today; the smash unreleased song called 'Steady Ground' I produced on #Aaliyah is gonne be on her upcoming album," he tweeted. The singer's final album was released a month before her death. A compilation album, I Care For You, containing some new tracks was released in 2002.

Jason Hartman’s big international break

2012-03-06T08:11:00.000Z

Jason Hartman

The Universe is smiling as Jason Hartman. The former Idols winner’s current single "Say My Name” was selected as a semi-finalist in the 2011 International Songwriting Competition (ISC) in Nashville. The song was entered into the Pop/Top 40 category. “Although the song was not selected as a finalist, the status of semi-finalist is a great accomplishment in my career and a noteworthy achievement of which I am extremely proud,” said Jason, who is working on a new album release scheduled to hit the shelves early this year. Jason continues as celebrity ambassador of the International Anti Poaching Foundation and is an active member of the Board of Conservation Guardians. He is heading off with his band to Monaco to perform at South Africa Day in April and to work with world-renowned singer songwriter Umberto Tozzi on material for the album. Jason’s debut film “A Million Colours” hits local screens in April.

CD REVIEW! The Cranberries - Roses

2012-03-06T04:29:00.000Z

The Cranberries

Irish rockers The Cranberries return with a brand new album in over a decade and The Beat is glad to report it is one of their best work to date. Roses was produced by the band's longtime friend and collaborator Stephen Street and harkens back to the freshness and originality of the band's first two albums, 1993's 'Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Can't We?' and the 1994 follow up, 'No Need To Argue'. . The songs on Roses come from a band with a renewed hunger and in every corner you'll find the extraordinary sound of Dolores O'Riordan's voice, the pivotal instrument which transformed the band from a group of young Irish hopefuls at the edge of the 80s into an MTV sensation and worldwide super group within just a few short years. Given all of the Cranberries’ hits and their achievements, this album stands as one of their high watermarks. Even after being away for so long, they’ve basically picked up right where they left off without any space and that’s almost impossible for any other band to do in this day and age. Roses will not disappoint hardcore Cranberries fans and might even pick up new fans along the way. Go check out the interview with the band talking about their new CD, HERE!

Michael Jackson: The stolen songs

2012-03-05T14:04:00.000Z

Michael Jackson (SONY MUSIC)

Music giant Sony has confirmed reports that a large number of Michael Jackson songs were stolen by hackers from its website. An estimate 50, 000 digital files, which include unreleased material, were said to have been hi jacked, but Sony refused to disclose specific details, reports Digital Spy. Michael recorded duets with stars like will.i.am and the late Queen singer Freddy Mercury, which are yet to surface. It is thought that the theft took place in April last year. Meanwhile, why not check out one of Michael's best known videos, Thriller, HERE!

Enrique Iglesias: It’s all about love

2012-03-05T13:42:00.000Z

Enrique with Lucas and Grammy

Spanish heartthrob Enrique Iglesias is very comfortable of using love as a theme in his music, “because everyone knows the feeling,” he told music-news.com. The singer, who is famous for his romantic ballads and sexy love songs, explained to Parade magazine, “it's the one thing we all have in commong. 90% of music Ninety per cent of music tackles that subject because everyone - no matter how old, what religion, or what nationality - knows those feelings”. Enrique spent much of last year on an international tour. The star has revealed what precious keepsakes he took with him to remind him of home. 'I have a picture of my two dogs, Lucas and Grammy,' he admitted. 'Grammy passed away in 2010. That dog was like a human - he would get sad when I packed my bags. It was like losing one of my best friends.”

Coldplay: “We regret naming album Mylo Xyloto”

2012-03-05T00:54:00.000Z

Coldplay

Frontman of Coldplay Chris Martin told the TV show Good Morning America that they regret naming their latest CD Mylo Xyloto, reports Digital Spy. Chris and the band, who toured South Africa for the first time last year, performed two songs, Paradise and Charlie Brown, on the show. When asked about the title of the CD, Chris said. "It's just something that we thought looked really good, but everywhere we go around the world people pronounce it in the most crazy wasy. And we're beginning the regret it now." He added: "We did take a gun and kind of shoot it right at our shoes [by calling it Mylo Xyloto]. It's just an attempt to... it just feels fresh to us, it's new. It doesn't mean anything except that [album's] music. It sort of has a nice appearance to it, with all those 'o's. We had it on one of our many lists for about two years and, for all the other titles that were suggested, it kept winning."

Chris Brown accused of apparent theft

2012-03-04T11:03:00.001Z

Chris Brown at the 2012 Grammy Awards

Singer Chris Brown has been accused of stealing an iPhone from a fan in Miami, reports the Belfasttelegraph.co.uk. It is alleged that the 23-year-old singer grabbed the phone from fan Christal Spann after she took photos of the Grammy Award-winning singer and he became aggravated by it. Christal claims that the singer yelled at her, “B***h, you ain’t going to put that on the Internet”, grabbed her phone and drove off in his Bentley. The singer is currently on probation for assaulting his former girlfriend, Rihanna, four years ago. If he is arrested, his probation for his felony battery charge against Rihanna it likely to be revoked. If that should happen, Chris could spend time in jail for violation of probation, despite whether or not he is actually found guilty of theft. At least Chris is still making some groovy music that makes us dance. Let's hope this incident turns out for the best for the singer. . .

MUSIC DVD REVIEW! Placebo - We Come In Pieces

2012-03-02T02:01:00.000Z

On 31 July 1999 British alt rockers Placebo toured South Africa for the first time. They were part of a double gig also featuring rockers Garbage. I fell in love with Placebo. Brian Molko has the most unique voice ever in rock history. To see them live was an amazing experience. The raw energy, the crazy crowd, the insanity of the evening - it still gives me chills. Since then the band has gone one to conquer the world. For the last album, Battle for the Sun, the band toured the world spreading their rock gospel to all those eager to take in the uniqueness that is Placebo. While we wait with abated breaths on the release of their 7^th studio album, due out sometime this year, the band has now released their second live DVD, We Come In Pieces. And yes, the band still kick ass after all these years! The music is still raw, the intensity between Brian and the audience is still and they sure knows how to make people party hard! Bass guitarist Stefan Olsdal is still as camp in his outfits and he is very entertaining and plays the bass guitar like a god. We Come In Pieces, which was recorded in Brixton Academy in London, features all their hits, as well as the hits from Battle for the Sun. One of the highlights of this DVD is their take on Nirvana’s All Apologies. It’s breathtaking and just as good as Nirvana’s original version. Brian looks like a young Ozzy Osbourne in the DVD with his long bob-styled black hair and make-up. What gives the DVD the edge is the new drummer Steve Forrest who is pretty cool, with all his tattoos and the way he handles the drums. We Come In Pieces is highly recommended for any Placebo fan or those who enjoy a high energetic rock concert.

GoodLuck is bubbly

2012-03-02T01:25:00.002Z

GoodLuck

Electro dance jazzy outfit GoodLuck has teamed up with local bubbly maker J.C. Le Roux for a great promotion to get hold of their new single, Le Good Life.The Cape Town duo Juliet Harding and Ben Peters have been captivating crowds around the world with their distinctive sounds. The duo’s new single has been produced in collaboration with J.C. Le Roux and is a swinging celebration of joy, leisure and luxury; in a short, all the things that makes life good. J.C. Le Roux is giving fans the chance to get this exclusive, as yet, unreleased singe my SMSing the unique code printed on J.C. Le Roux neck tags in participating stores or linking J.C. Le Roux’s Le Good Life page of Facebook. Selected bottles will also have a stylish limited edition flash drive attached, containing a link to the download page. Let The Good Life begin!

Van Coke Kartel goes digital

2012-03-02T00:50:00.001Z

Van Coke Kartel

Local rockers Van Coke Kartel has gone Airborne! The band has gone digital for their fans, Die Kartel Members, by joining forces with media platform Airborne. According to the band Airborne is a brand new music platform “that lets our fans support us directly for just R8 per month”. If you become a “Carrier” of the band, the band will send you some “befok new, old and unreleased tunes and remixes every month, for free that you can keep forever and share with your friend anywhere in the world.” The first song up for download is ‘Dis ‘n Land’.

CD REVIEW! Summer Festival Anthems 2012

2012-02-29T06:36:00.000Z

My word! Just bought this CD here in Perth (hey, we all need a holiday some or other time) and we were VERY surprised to see some local South African music on this Australian compilation. Zef-rappers Die Antwoord with the smash hit Enter The Ninja gives a local-is-lekke’ zef flavour to this two disc dance compilation. Featuring all the hits from the big names of this Summer's Australian festival circuit including Avicii, Calvin Harris, Foster The People, Swedish House Mafia, Skrillex, Nero, Afrojack, Tinie Tempah, Tiesto, Duck Sauce and more. Summer Festival Anthems 2012' lets you relive your favourite summer festival moments all over again & again! It’s a great compilation and is sure to make you shake your booty at a party.

EXCLUSIVE! Theuns Jordaan & Juanita Du Plesssis

2012-02-28T00:04:00.000Z

After an absence of four years, Theuns Jordaan and Juanita Du Plessis are back by public demand, with a brand new DVD recording “Hart vol Drome”. On Saturday, 19 May these two legendary singers will once again share a stage at the GrandWest Grand Arena. Their collaboration promises to be bigger, better and more heart rendering than the runaway success of “Bring jou Hart”. ‘Hart vol Drome’ is Juanita and Theuns at their best and will introduce brand new hits along with old favourites. The show starts at 20h00 and tickets are available between R110 and R161 at Computicket –www.computicket.com or phone 083 915 8000.

NEW MUSIC! The Pretty Reckless

2012-02-27T12:33:00.000Z

Gossip Girl star Taylor Momsen (who plays little trouble maker Jenny Humphrey in the drama series) and her alt rock band The Pretty Reckless have just announced details a brand new EP, called Hit Me Like A Man. The band, who previously rocked the charts with their hit Make Me Wanna Die, revealed that the EP features five songs, including a live version of Make Me Wanna Die. Taylor recently announced that she has given up her acting career to focus exclusively on her music. The band released a brand new video as well, titled You. Watch the video HERE!

Rocking with The Ice Project

2012-02-27T03:13:00.000Z

The Ice Project

Local Potch soft rock/post grunge band The Ice Project is ready to release their much anticipated debut CD, The Boy In The Photo. The CD which is due 2 April 2012, was recorded and produced by legendary South African producer Theo Crous. "I really had fun working with these guys and found them to be hugely talented songwriters. What really stood out for me was the unique sound of Cobus' voice....I see great things happening for this band in the future," says Theo. The Ice Project is a refreshing blend of soft rock and contemporary pop music fused together by moving and honest lyrics. The Ice Projects debut album is hotly tipped to establish the band as a musical force in South Africa. Lead vocalist and songwriter Cobus Bester is an artist that emerges out of nowhere fully formed with a debut that is perceptive and bold. His insightful song writing is indicative of the likes of great singer songwriters Tracey Chapman and Cat Stevens, intelligent, confessional and heartfelt. Catch the band life at at Kirstenbosch on 8 April. Tickets available from web tickets (www.web tickets.co.za) Check out the band performing live HERE!!!

“No new Outkast album”

2012-02-26T04:51:00.000Z

Outkast

Hip-hop duo Outkast have no plans to work on another album, reports Digital Spy. Last year, there were reports that the Grammy winning group featuring Andre 3000 and Big Boy would release their seventh album this year. “There’s been a lot of talk on the Internet about and Outkast album, and I have to say that, as of now, there are no plans,” Andre 3000 reportedly to GQ. “There’s a lot of music on the horizon. I’ve been living off the excitement of new artists. I’ve been privileged to have these new artists kind of reach out and back and say, ‘Hey Andre, we want you on this song.’” He added, “As far as Outkast, I really don’t know if or when it will happen.”

Mariah Carey's tribute to Whitney Houston

2012-02-23T02:17:00.001Z

Mariah and Whitney

R&B diva Mariah Carey has paid tribute to the late Whitney Houston in a new music video. Digital Spy reports that Mariah, who considered herself a good friend of Whitney and who recorded the duet When You Believe with Whitney, was among the many stars who attended Whitney’s funeral service. Mariah has now compiled highlights of her favourite memories of Houston on her official YouTube page. The specially-produced video includes clips from their 'When You Believe' music video as well as pictures of the two stars together at awards shows and red carpet events. Mariah also posted the video remembrance on her Twitter, writing: "Whitney, my friend, I love you, I miss you. Your legend lives on forever. The two stars were admitted rivals as their careers took off in the early 1990s, but later became friends when they recorded 'When You Believe' for the 1998 film The Prince of Egypt. Mariah was among the many stars who blogged about Houston in the hours after her death on February 11. She tweeted at the time: "Heartbroken and in tears over the shocking death of my friend, the incomparable Ms. Whitney Houston. My heartfelt condolences to Whitney's family and to all her millions of fans throughout the world. "She will never be forgotten as one of the greatest voices to ever grace the earth. Watch the video HERE!

EXCLUSIVE! Lonehill Estate ready to takeover Hollywood

2012-02-22T03:26:00.001Z

It’s a dream come true for every South African band - to play in America. Johannesburg based acoustic rock band Lonehill Estate is about to take on America when they jet off to glitz and glam of Los Angeles for a couple of gigs. The Beat sat down with Nathan Ro (vocals and acoustic guitar for the band) as they prepare for the trip. He opened up about what they will be packing, their preparation for the gigs, what’s the weirdest thing a fan has ever thrown on stage and their new material coming out later this year!

Lonehill Estate

How did you guys end up playing Hollywood? We have the privilege of being invited to Musexpo (an annual international music and media conference held in Hollywood) for a showcase by the organisers that found us online.
When did you hear for the first time you're going to LA/Hollywood? There was some talk of it happening towards the end of last year but was confirmed in Februatry.
Where in LA/Hollywood will you play? We will be playing at the Musexpo in Hollywood and the Viper Room on the sunset strip!
What do you expect from the international audience? We have absolutely no clue! What we do know is that people are people and that generally what people in SA like, most international audiences should be able to appreciate too.
How did you decide to on the set list? We want to play a tight set that sums up who we are and showcases us best. Once we know what our goal is, the songs choose themselves.
Any fun/awkward/weird moment/incident you can tell us about in preparations for the trip? Yes, Nathan has started speaking in an American accent now and then. Very embarrassing.…!!
With any rock show, fans usually throw things on stage. What do you guys usually do with the stuff and what was the weirdest object someone has thrown on stage? We once had a bra thrown on stage that had a cup size that was off the alphabet scale! I am pretty sure it was used in a 'Yo Mamma' joke!
What does playing "America" mean for you as a band? Extra kilos from all the fast food!! Seriously, it is every musicians dream to be able to showcase your music and songs in America and for us its no different.
Any possible future trips/developments from this? We haven't even been on the trip and there is already some interest in Germany and Japan so it could end up being a very exciting year for Lonehill Estate!
What other big projects do you guys have lined up for 2012? We will have a full length album out towards the end of March that will include our singles and some exciting new material!
What advice would you guys give to any band playing international? Not sure, we haven't done it yet! I do think that bands need to be true to themselves regardless of where they play.
When you guys travel, what's the 5 most important things you pack in? iPods, Tea Bags, Fruit, Duck Tape and most importantly Steri Stumpies!
How did you get over jet leg in general? We take a small trampoline and portable candy-floss machine on international flights. 3 hours before the allotted bedtime we make the floss and jump for three hours solid... this ensures a good nights rest is had by all.

CD REVIEW! Pet Shop Boys - Format

2012-02-20T12:53:00.000Z

Anyone who grew up in the 80s should know British electronic dance due Pet Shop Boys. Their hits span decades and they have entertained us with huge hits like West End Girls. It’s A Sin, Always On My Mind and many more. Members Chris Lowe and Neil Tennant have always been musical pioneers who have always find ways to re-invent themselves for the new generation. The group, who has already started to work on their new CD, just released a best of package, Format. The CD is a double disc of pure electronic dance and features 38 b-sides and bonus material. The CD is a sequel to their 1995 earlier b-sides release Alternative. Format includes all the b-sides to their hits between 1996 - 2009. It’s great listening music for those who likes an electro dance pop twang to their music.

SEX TAPE! It's not Adele…

2012-02-20T04:47:00.000Z

Adele

The French Magazine ‘Public’ who has published photos it claimed were from the sex tape starring the British Grammy winner Adele, now seem to do a u-turn and confirmed that the images is not of Adele. The magazine is now facing the wrath of Adele as she is suing the magazine. According to MailOnline, her lawyer has released the following statement: "We are informed that the French magazine 'Public' has today published images which it claims show our client in a sex tape. Our client has not appeared in a sex tape as claimed in the article. Our client does not appear in the photographs. Such claims are untrue and grossly defamatory. Our client is taking legal action in relation to this matter." Earlier today Jean-Claude Elfassi, the photographer behind the fake photos, tweeted 'Tant que c'est gratuit et si Ã§a peut te faire plaisir : 'je présente mes excuses à toutes les Adèle du monde' which roughly translates as 'If it makes you happy: 'I apologize to all the world Adele'.

Bobby leaves Whitney’s funeral

2012-02-20T04:12:00.001Z

Bobby at the funeral

Whitney Houston’s former husband Bobby Brown was spotted walking out of the New Hop Baptist Church in New Jersey as mourners were gathering for Whitney’s memorial service. According to New Jersey.com, Bobby, who was married to Whitney from 1993 - 2007, left after his nine-strong entourage were asked to leave the building. Bobby himself was not asked to leave. He looked visibly upset as he left the church and climbed into a black Cadillac SUV.