Клип группы Owl City на песню Fireflies с их второго альбома Ocean Eyes, вышедшего в 2009 году. Синти-поп группа Owl City была создана американским музыкантом Adam Young, и является его вторым по счету проектом, после Port Blue. В клипе Адам Янг играет на синтезаторе в детской, наполненной игрушками. В раздаче HD версия видео, с полным описанием качества.

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• Fireflies
• by Owl City
• from the albom Ocean Eyes
• directed by Steve Hoover
• © 2009 Universal Records

 

• Качество: HD
• Формат: AVI
• Видео кодек: MPEG4 Visual
• Аудио кодек: MPEG1 Audio
• Видео: 1280×720 at 29.970 fps ~ 4634 Kbps
• Аудио: 44.100Hz 2ch 160Kbps
• Размер: 129 Mb

At one time, Chamillionaire was looked at as the future of Southern hip hop. He was a part of the Houston hip hop takeover of 2005. Unlike his counterparts, Mike Jones, Slim Thug, and Paul Wall, Cham was looked at as a more lyrical act. Immediately, he proved that he was a hitmaker with his single, “Turn It Up.”

However, once that single fell off, Chamillionaire was forgotten. In early 2006, he released the single, “Ridin’.” That song would end up topping the Billboard Hot 100 and is what truly made Chamillionaire into a star. Universal Records had big plans for him after that single led to his album going platinum.

The label had hopes of making Chamillionaire into a brand. They wanted him to continue making records like “Turn It Up” and “Ridin’.” Also, Universal wanted Chamillionaire to release a new album every year. Most rappers would jump at the opportunity to become the flagship artist for the entire label group, Chamillionaire did not.

When Universal Records asked him to release another album in 2006, Chamillionaire refused to do so. He said that he was not going to rush his creative flow to release another album. Had he done so, he probably would have another platinum release under his belt. Instead, he decided to take his time, releasing an album in 2007.

Unlike his first release, Chamillionaire decided to record a profanity-free album. His sophomore album, Ultimate Victory, did not feature any curse words from Cham, but guests, such as Lil Wayne did curse on their verses. Because of the sharp turn, the album did not sell many copies and the album lacked a true hit.

In the year of 2008, no new music came from Chamillionaire, so when he announced Venom, he had been forgotten by a lot of fans. Now, he is preparing his third album for a December release, but there is no hype around it. The fans are no longer interested in Chamillionaire, and Universal does not seem to be interested, either.

When Venom is released, it is not expected to sell many copies. Universal Records is not a very big fan of album flops. Chamillionaire already had one album flop and another seems to be on the horizon. Is the label even willing to take that risk?

Korean pop superstar act Super Junior’s “Sorry Sorry” album proves to be a consistent seller in Odyssey, the country’s biggest record retail chain with more than 50 record stores nationwide. The album is still in their International Album Chart for 10 consecutive weeks! “Sorry Sorry” was released locally on September 4, 2009 and entered the Odyssey album chart the week after its release. Since then it has never left their album chart.

Super Junior has achieved something PHENOMENAL for a K-Pop artist. Their “Sorry Sorry” album holds the distinction of being the FIRST K-pop album to reach the #1 position in two of the country’s biggest record retail chains – Odyssey and Music One. During its reign in the charts, it outsold the new Mariah Carey album and albums by Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift!

Universal Records is proud to be the Philippine home to this Superstar Korean boy band and is the FIRST local record label to release a K-pop album.

cr: Universal Records Philippines

*yay ! Super Junior ♥*

Jeff Timmons began what was originally a low-key solo career after a phenomenal run with the “boy band” 98 Degrees. He was the founding member of the group, and they produced multi-platinum records (11 Million sold), 8 top ten singles, and a Grammy nomination.  He then released his first solo album, Whisper That Way; the album that gave him Top 20 hits on both the Billboard and Radio & Records charts, while having the lead-off single with the same title as the most added single at radio every week leading up to its peak position. The album also produced 3 more chart-topping singles worldwide.

While writing and producing his much awaited second Album, Jeff is also set to launch a new, massive multi-media distribution company called iamMedia. iamMedia will utilize traditional ways of promotion and distribution, and various non-traditional methods to bring brand awareness not only to his album, but a myriad of other artists, genres of music and other mediums of entertainment.  Jeff is set to release his new album to everyone completely free between Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

Anyone who registers at www.jefftimmons.com can receive the entire album!

Photo Credits: Jenn Hoffman | Interview by ClubDistrict.com | November 22, 2009

CD: When I think “boy band” I think of ‘O-Town’, or manufactured groups created by MTV. You guys actually formed, struggled and broke out on your own. How did 98 Degrees start?
JT: I started the group in college at Kent State University in Ohio. My friends and I were trying to impress some girls at a party, so we started singing the song “My Girl” in four part harmony. We thought it sounded better than we expected. I felt that we might have had something special, so I quit school the next day to focus on it full-time. We left for California later that summer to pursue the dream. After about 6 months the other three members became homesick, quit and went back to Ohio. I struggled to find other members, but eventually was introduced to Nick through a high school friend of his in Los Angeles. I convinced Nick to come out and join the group in Cali. Drew and Justin eventually followed, and that group became 98 Degrees.

CD: How did you guys finally manage to break out? Is there a cool story behind it?
JT: We were singing everywhere we could for food and money. We eventually sang our way backstage at a Boyz II Men concert and got discovered there by our future manager.

CD: What’s great about ‘98 Degrees’ is that you, Nick & Drew Lachey and Justin Jeffre actually co-wrote a lot of your own tracks. Was there any track in particular that you had a larger role in?
JT: We had a lot to do with the vocal production on most of our tunes. Many times we arranged our vocals ourselves. I co-wrote a song called “Yesterday’s Letter” with Drew. I’m pretty proud of that song.

CD: You hear the stories about how when you sign with a major label you sign your life away. Was this the case with Universal Records?
JT: I definitely think we could’ve had better deals. No question about that. At one point we had sold over 5 Million records with both Motown and Universal and hadn’t recouped. We still weren’t making money. We were like “How does that happen?’ I think when you’re young you just want to make it and live the dream, so you depend on your management, agents, and lawyers to have your best interests in mind. That doesn’t always happen. All in all, I wouldn’t trade anything because the knowledge I’ve gained from the experiences from a business standpoint is invaluable.

CD: Within 2 years of forming you experienced sudden fame and fortune, going from struggle to success, selling multi-platinum albums and performing for President Clinton at the White House. Was the experience what you expected it to be?
JT: It was a dream come true. We did everything imaginable. Things were crazier than I had ever envisioned it. We sang with legends like Stevie Wonder, James Brown, Little Richard, and Mariah Carey. We got to tour the world. It was a real blessing. Sometimes I think maybe we were so busy and grinding, that we maybe didn’t take a deep breath and enjoy it while it was happening as much as we should have.

CD: Are you still in contact with Nick, Drew, and Justin and are there any potential projects or reunions in the near future?
JT: I am still in contact with the guys, although not as much as I would like to be. I’m sure we will do something at some point, but I don’t see it happening anytime soon.

CD: After the breakup all of you continued on as solo artists; did being a member of ‘98 Degrees’ help with those later projects?
JT: Absolutely. We had the opportunity to learned from not only incredible artists, but top-end producers as well. I would sit in the studio and watch these geniuses craft songs from nothing. I loved watching how they worked, and implement many of their techniques in the music I create today. On the other side of things, I learned the radio, retail and marketing, and promotion sides of the business. I saw what worked, and what didn’t. Great experiences. Great lessons.

CD: In 2006 you participated in Vh1’s reality show ‘Man Band’ where you were grouped with 3 other former boy band members from NSYNC, LFO, and Color Me Badd, to form a new band called ‘Sureshot’. What became of ‘Sureshot’?
JT: Not much. We all sort of did the show for our own selfish reasons. We all have our own projects, and I don’t think any of us ever intended on being a group. The songs we did together were pretty kick-ass, though.

CD: You have a new album, “Emotional High” slated to release in Dec/Jan 2010; tell us a little about this album and the single entitled “Emotional High”?
JT: Yes. When 98 Degrees was first signed to Motown we lived in NY. I had a girlfriend that I was head-over-heels in love with. We broke up just before the group hit, and I never saw her again. 10 years later, I got to see her again in NY. We both have our own lives now, kids, careers, etc, but the feelings will always be there. The experience inspired the song. We are good friends now, but after reuniting we were always talking on the phone to each other. She said “My God, You’re like a drug!” I told her I was going to write a song about that, and did. She’s a good friend to have, and while there may never be anything more, I still have strong feelings for her.

CD: Being a solo artist and having full creative control, what have you done differently in producing and promoting this album versus what you learned in the past?
JT: Well, I know more about the business for one. More importantly, I’m comfortable creating all of the music from the ground up if I have to. I engineer, write, produce, and sing everything myself. I know what I want to sound like now as a solo artist. When I first went solo, I was trying to be 98 Degrees by myself. Now, my buddies and I get in the studio and just jam. Up-tempo, ballads, club joints, whatever. We just do whatever we feel… and that’s what music is about.

CD: Your entire album will be available to fans as a free download, all they have to do is register on your website; why free?
JT: I think it is the way of the future. Artists will have to use their music as a commercial for themselves, and figure out how to monetize it through sponsorships, touring, merchandise, whatever. I haven’t had a song out with 98 Degrees in 8 or 9 years. People are not familiar with me as a solo artist. I can’t expect folks to shell out 10 or 15 dollars for a CD. My goal is to get 1 million people signed up at my website for the free album. I’m about halfway there. I hope to re-energize the existing fanbase and excite people and gain new fans along the way.

CD: For others with the same passion for music and dreams of being signed by a major label, what’s the best way to get noticed?
JT: Be confident and believe in yourself. There will be a million people that will tell you you can’t do it, but it only takes one yes to make your dream come true. Sing or play for anyone and everyone you can. Always have your music ready. Most importantly, stay humble and thank God or the universe in advance for your success. Always work hard and treat everyone you meet with tremendous respect no matter who they are.

CD: And now for my one useless question, the “98 Degrees Board Game”, do you have one?
JT: My mother has one in the box with the wrapper still on it. When my daughter was two, she played mine and threw all of the pieces all over the place. It was a silly game anyway. Kind of like the music business.

READ MORE at www.clubdistrict.com/blog/93

The Sinister Yung Breeze

On behalf of our worldwide audience, Joe Stern-McGovern, global agent and President of Universal Artists, International, is pleased to announce the return of Yung Breeze, former partner of DTA of Houston’s hardcore street duo, The Brigade. Known for such hits as Degradation, Block Bleed, Krunch Time, Real Where I’m At, Mob Style, and Hands if You Feel Me, our listeners can come to expect the return of these classics to the shelves and in downloads on the coming site and charitable brainchild of Joe Stern-McGovern, www.endhivaids.com, dedicated to eradicating HIV/AIDS in our lifetime.

Produced by Joe Stern-McGovern in the earliest days of Universal Artists, International, Yung Breeze was a budding prodigy discovered through H-Town’s young producer, Mastamind, along with his cohort, B-Fly, on the hard streets of Houston’s notorious 3rd Ward. With many a scuffle and near miss with the local Texan thugs and corrupted, as well as close encounters with Harris County’s finest, Yung Breeze was molded by the environment in which he was raised.

Joe Stern-McGovern Posing with The Brigade

While Yung Breeze’s lyrics and the vehemence of his delivery are part in parcel of who he has become, his aura and essence are more of a product and statement of that which he has personally witnessed within his community and the back alleys of Sharpstown, as well as the peril he’s bourne on his shoulders rather than a radical call for violence, rebellion, and disobedience. When he cries out for justice and equality, his words ring with crystal clarity as those of an individual whose lived the life against which he protests with endurance, contempt, and integrity, and simultaneously maintains the roots of who he’s developed into as a man of pride and consequence.

If you wish to know how the other side of the tracks has lived and survived without personally endangering yourself and your future, take a quick listen to the furious tales of the dark side as portrayed on the microphone and in the studio by the genuine article, Houston’s Yung Breeze.

In spite of the anger and resentment one might expect from such an individual, Yung Breeze has developed into a rather charitable individual, donating his time and talent to Joe Stern-McGovern and Universal Artists, International’s struggle against the spread of HIV and the devastating consequences of AIDS.

Look for future production of Yung Breeze through the likes of Shaka Productions, as well at  H-Town’s legendary recording hot spot, In the Jar Studios, run by the studios owner and operator, Al Loya, techincal afficianado and savvy engineer to some of hip hop’s fastest rising legends.

“When I first met Yung Breeze, he was a struggling youth who had a great sense of pride, an enormous gift of expression, and a knack for conveying his particular genius through the local street venacular of the areas hoods and ruffians. Originally recording at one of the illest and most infamous studios in the shadier side of town, Psyche Ward, Yung Breeze was picked up and developed by the genius of the wonder twins, Boss and Ripp.” Collectively, these forces of the city’s darker and far more dangerous neighborhood known as Southwest Houston, Soufwest to the locals, have come to the forefront in recent days.”

Joe Stern-McGovern can personally vouch for the validity of the young anti-hero as through his entrancing telling of the first photo shoot the act was to experience as the entity which would come to be known as the Soufwest Brigade, or simply, The Brigade, led by street veteran and surprising genius given his circumstances, DTA, “Don’t Trust Anyone”, a meeting in which the photographer was so terrified, he insisted the photo shoot take place in broad daylight in a local downtown Houston city park.

The Southwest Brigade

True to his name, DTA came to generally distrust those who held the strings to his future as well as his cohorts, and the split was made as DTA went MIA and Yung Breeze continued the journey on the road to stardom solo. For those dedicated and loyal fans of DTA, fear not, he is yet in his prime and will surely rise back to the surface given the timing, motive, and opportunity, as his tales are of equal importance to those of any and must be expressed through the venue known widely as hip hop.

Currently holed up in Al’s “In the Jar Studios”, Yung Breeze is deliberating the path of his next turn towards truth and the betterment of society and the world around him through analysis of the streets and the general feeling of the times.

“Youths such as Yung Breeze sadden me in a way,” states Joe Stern-McGovern. “He’s just about the age my son would’ve been had he lived, and upon reflection it fills me with a sense that somehow I, as a part of society,  have failed our younger generations, leaving them to inherit a world abandoned to greed and the mismanagement of our leaders and botched policies of the government, an entity whose best intentions are questionable.” Those who have chosen such selfish ends will now come to face the fury and ambitions towards societal justice and self-correction from the likes of DTA, Yung Breeze, two halves of the Brigade.

For more information about Yung Breeze or DTA, please visit us at www.myspace.com/universalartists or www.universalartists.net. For information about booking either of the duo domestically or internationally, please write to Joe Stern-McGovern’s assistant at either joesternmcgovern@myspace.com or www.myspace.com/joesternmcgovern. For inquiries of the artistic nature or to explore your own future as an artist at Universal Artists, International, please write to Shaka of Shaka Productions at shaka@universalartists.net.

Light Brigade Records

For donations to the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, please visit our writer’s page at www.universalartists.net. If you are interested in either sponsoring or investing our endeavours at fighting the battle  against HIV/AIDS, please write to joe@universalartists.net, or universalartists@myspace.com attention, Joe Stern-McGovern.

For information regarding the sales of Universal Artists, International’s products or charitable goals, or to download singles towards charity from your favorite Universal Artists, International artist please visit our latest site, www.endhiveaids.com, currently under construction and built by www.lubashadesign.com.

For information about our colleagues abroad, please visit www.pure-records.com or write to info@pure-records.com in Tokyo, Japan attention, Eric. Please look for our international release throughout greater Japan, Eastern Asia, and Australia in early 2010.

Now on Sale, Casey Rankin's, "Speaking in Tongues"

This November 18, 2009 (Wednesday), URph will release both Super Junior M’s mini album “SUPER GIRL” and Boa’s DELUXE EDITION album CDs nationwide.

As for posters, there would be a FREE Limited Edition Super Junior-M poster to those who will purchase “Super Girl” CD in the following selected record stores in Metro Manila and in the Provinces: Astroplus, Astrovision, Music One, O Music Video, Odyssey, The Landmark.

As always, supplies will be available on a “first come, first serve basis”.

To see a more detailed list, click HERE.

So far, no news if there would be FREE Boa posters as well. But let’s not get our hopes down, we never know when UR would release an announcement again.

]]> http://ruijinminxoxo.wordpress.com/2009/11/07/suju-m%e2%80%99s-mini-album-to-be-release-in-the-philippines-on-november-18/ Sat, 07 Nov 2009 04:27:26 +0000 ruijinminxoxo http://ruijinminxoxo.wordpress.com/2009/11/07/suju-m%e2%80%99s-mini-album-to-be-release-in-the-philippines-on-november-18/

>>Can’t wait…ehehe ;p<<

Credits: Universal Records Philippines @ Facebook
& reuploaded by : jereca213@wordpress

Is it worthwhile trying to stop it?

Piracy across the World

Piracy is often referred to as one of the greatest problems for Producers, Artists, Musicians and Record Companies alike. Copyright costs the Music Industry a huge amount of money each year.

In the UK a total of 7.2 Million people engage in violating UK’s copyright laws which will cost the UK music sector an estimated £200m in 2009. This will bring the total cost between the years 2007 and 2012 according to research conducted by Jupiter Research to £1.2bn. In the USA with about 30 Million people involved in illegal file sharing copyright violation costs the U.S. economy $58.0 billion in total output and $16.3 billion in earnings.

As a result in Western societies several Record Companies, Production Companies, Artists, Bands and other organizations that generally profit from the sale of digital media are involved in a major campaign against copyright infringement.

Companies such as EMI, Sony, Warner, and Universal have all filed major lawsuits over the years against peer to peer and other file sharing websites. After a long period of time and after a huge amount of money has been wasted several such ventures involved in illegal file sharing have even been brought down or settled while many lawsuits continue to drag on. In some cases even ISP’s have been sued for not filtering sites that share music and movies and taking action against people who download files over the internet.

A sane Voice

Criticism for Copyright Laws

Despite such a heavy handed campaign against copyright in these societies the question that is being raised currently is whether it is even worthwhile to try and stop copyright infringement in the first place.

Costs Involved: The Government can spend huge amounts of funds trying to stop copyright infringement without any chance of success or they can utilize the same funds for something more significant such as healthcare and education. Studies show despite the efforts of Governments, Record Companies and other Anti-Piracy Organizations, people have always found new ways to bypass copyright laws and found ways to continue sharing software.

Negative Coverage for the Music Industry: Piracy is not hurting the Music Industry as much as the loss of goodwill caused amongst consumers, and the negative coverage the Record Companies get when they spend Millions on lawsuits. Lawsuits have been filed on over 30000 people for violating copyright and many people maintain they have not violated copyright laws. These lawsuits include those filed on a 12 year old girl and a dead woman. Despite this there are no results to show Piracy is decreasing but each year studies continue to show that it is rising. On the other hand these lawsuits cause the same music lovers who buy their records to loose trust in these companies as they believe they turn trivial issues into major ones.

Difficult to know when infringement has occurred: Another issue is that in many cases it is often impossible to know when a breach of copyright has occurred. Although Record Companies can sue Websites or organizations that share copyrighted material (and such cases are specially picking up momentum over the internet) it is often impossible to find out who has been downloading software over the internet. This information can only be provided by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) which generally doesn’t monitor every IP address or always takes action against people involved in file sharing unless they choke up too much bandwidth.

Impossible to stop and prove in court that copyright has occurred: Breaking copyright laws can also be as simple as borrowing a CD from a friend and ripping the tracks on your own Computer without a cost at all or burning a CD for a friend or for sale to friends and associates at lower prices than the Record Companies sells it. In such cases it is impossible to know a violation of Copyright has taken place in the first place. Enforcing Copyright Laws are also difficult because it is often impossible to prove in a court of law that a person is responsible for illegally downloading copyrighted material from the internet or sharing it through other means.

Too many people involved: Given that over 140 Million people across the World engage in downloading movies, music or other software over the internet the question is how many of these people can be punished for copyright infringement? If there was a small group of people trading material over the net such an effort might even be worthwhile but with over 140 Million people involved in such activities it is impossible to punish each and every person for defying the law which often varies from Country to Country.

Infringement keeps a balance in society and promotes emerging talent: It is also debatable whether Copyright Infringement is actually beneficial to emerging artists in the Music Industry. This may be so because sites that share Music provide coverage and promotion to these artists and to events that would otherwise escape people’s attention. They also provide songs from the Artists for people to sample. Such coverage is beneficial, necessary and cheaper for the emerging artists that lack resources or the money to promote themselves and their music. As a result such file sharing may keep the playing field balanced by keeping the established Artists, Musicians and Powerful Record Companies in check. After all it does not make sense for the Powerful Companies to continue getting powerful and profitable while emerging talent is completely ignored.

Famous amongst people who can’t afford to buy albums and movies: File download is very famous among the Lower Middle Class or Upper Working Class because they generally cannot afford to spend so much money on entertainment. As a result Copyright infringement helps the lower rungs of society that need to fit in to the needs of society and be accepted as equals. No one wants to be cut off from the World. Therefore copyright violations help in bridging the gap between the rich and poor music and movie lovers.

What Now?

Whether for better or for worse the question of Enforcing Copyright has now come to the point where people ask whether there is any point trying to do so as violations only continue to increase even though more pressure is being put to stop piracy.

Spending money on something as trivial as Music Piracy seems senseless when there many people in the World are dying from hunger and war and many people are living a life of immense poverty even in the Developed Nations.

Instead of spending Millions of Dollars on lawsuits many of which don’t even reach a logical conclusion to prevent something that is in many cases benefiting the community; it makes more sense for Recording Companies to help the community and show goodwill to the people that buy their records because the best way to combat piracy is by promoting goodwill and not by isolating Music enthusiasts.

HoneyMag.com and WEEN will serve as a clearinghouse to place ambitious, smart and talented young women with participating host companies through its existing readership and following.

As a go-to resource aimed to inspire and inform young women, HoneyMag.com created the Honey Internship Placement (HIP) Program to help the most talented, ambitious, and resourceful of their readers break into their “dream” industries of Music, Entertainment, Fashion and PR. As of this date, HoneyMag.com has placed 17 interns with major corporations such as Martha Stewart Omnimedia, MTV Networks, Universal Records and many more, whom all agreed to host interns in various departments during the summer of 2009.

“We are very excited to partner with WEEN to offer a careers portal for young women as they enter into the workforce,” says Philmore Anderson, CEO of Sahara Media Holdings. “As a company with long-standing brand awareness and a loyal consumer base, we want HoneyMag.com to continuously be a destination of empowerment, growth, encouragement and self awareness for our young readers.”

In conjunction with WEEN, HoneyMag.com held its first Intern Orientation Day on June 10th, where the HIP placed interns were able to hear the wise words of encouragement and empowerment from several leaders in their own perspective fields: the witty and outspoken WEEN board member, lawyer, TV Personality and designer from HGTV’s “Spice Up My Kitchen,” Lauren Lake; celebrity makeup artist and Founder of Color Cosmetics, Cynde Watson; and other special guests including Philmore Anderson IV, CEO of Sahara Media, Inc., and Silvia Alvarez, the Spokeswoman for Mayor Bloomberg’s 2009 Campaign.

“Honey Magazine helped pave the way for women’s empowerment and we are excited to join forces to provide career opportunities for young adults during troubled economic times,” states Valeisha Butterfield, WEEN Co-Founder and Chair. “Now more than ever, young women are taking leadership in their own lives by seeking financial independence. WEEN’s career center, with Honey, will serve as the go-to online destination for career development.”

In addition to an ongoing partnership with WEEN through various career initiatives, HoneyMag.com will also serve as a media partner for WEEN’s National Empowerment Tour. During the WEEN NYC “Don’t Judge Me, Empower Me” initiative in Harlem, NY on September 19th, Courtney Willis, Features Editor of HoneyMag.com, was a speaker on the Careers Panel along with Celebrity publicist and film producer, Marvet Britto; EVP of Marketing at Universal Motown and WEEN board member Shanti Das; Executive Assistant to BET President Stephen Hill, Antoinetta Hairston; Celebrity Hair Stylist & Salon Owner, Tippi Shorter; and Sirius Satellite Host and Celebrity Blogger, Angela Yee. Speaking to a rapt audience of over 300 young women, the Careers Panel focused on topics such as “How To Create and Build Your Brand”, “Finding Your Passion”, and “Mastering Your Trade”, amongst others.

As a media partner for the first annual WEEN Awards held in DC on September 25th, HoneyMag.com provided its readers inside access as WEEN honored exceptional individuals in entertainment with a proven commitment to the empowerment of women worldwide such as award winning actress Vivica A. Fox; actor/author Hill Harper; actress/philanthropist Malinda Williams; Chief Global Diversity Officer of McDonald’s Corporation, Pat Harris; EVP of Urban Marketing for Universal Motown, Shanti Das; and HIV/AIDS activist Maria Davis. The WEEN Awards also serves as an annual fundraiser to support the on-going non-profit, educational programs for women of all ages and races.

By Nickie Wang

Christian Bautista doesn’t need to prove anything because he has already secured a spot in the music scene as Asia’s Romantic Balladeer.

After finding his home in a new record label (Universal Records), the 28-year-old singer releases fifth album entitled Romance Revisited: The Love Songs of Jose Mari Chan. It’s a 19-track concept album that contains the OPM luminary and double diamond artist’s classic hits.

“We paid respects to his melodies and just added our own style,” Christian told the press at the launching of the album on Oct. 7 at Linden Suites in Ortigas Center, Pasig City.

The album will also be launched in Malaysia and Indonesia where the songs of Jose Mari Chan receive popular demand until now. Incidentally, PT Aquarius Records that released Chan’s album Constant Change in the ’80s will handle the distribution and marketing of Christian’s cover album in the said places.

“When I was in Indonesia, people came to me and asked about the songs of Jose Mari Chan and they were so glad to hear me singing ‘Beautiful Girl’ to them. But the song has always been in my head, I told myself that I’m going to record it someday. Now it came true!” the crooner excitedly shared.

Christian’s latest album includes four collaborations with local music’s biggest names. The singer considers a duet with Sarah Geronimo as one of his favorite collaborations in his latest offering. The two talent search alumni recorded “Please Be Careful With My Heart,” which was originally done by Chan with Regine Velasquez in the early ’90s. On the other hand, Christian also recorded a duet with Asia’s Songbird entitled “My Girl, My Woman, My Friend.”

“I also did a song with Ms. Lani Misalucha entitled ‘Here and Now.’ And of course, this album will not be complete without a duet with Jose Mari Chan himself. We recorded ‘Heart’s Journey.’ What’s so funny about it, when he [Jose Mari Chan] was in ASAP, he jokingly said that we were holding hands while recording the song,” Christian narrated.

During previous interviews, Christian said that he has been planning to come up with an all original album that would feature some of his own compositions. It seems that the plan will have to take the backseat since the singer regards the album as one of his biggest projects to date.

“The challenge for me, and of course for the team that works hand in hand with me, is think of great materials that will follow this huge album,” he said and added that they are still thinking of coming up with an all original album, another cover album, or a CD that contains both cover and original songs.

The crooner views his latest offering as a huge album because it contains classic hits, which are ultimately timeless piece of musical work. The record label intends to release several songs as singles so it will take time before Christian could prepare for his sixth studio album.

“There’s a pressure when I realized the intensity and magnitude of my current project. There are more than a million people who own Jose Mari Chan’s albums. One of the additional challenges for us while recording it [the album] was how to make great songs even better,” Christian affirmed.

Single and loving it

British-Thai VJ Paula Taylor

Part of having a new record label, Christian is beginning to dress differently. Christian tones down his clothing and ditches suits and long sleeves. Aside from looking casual and preppy, he also gained some weight, which is the result of occasional visit to gym. Because of his visibly glowing appearance, members of the press couldn’t help to ask about his love life.

“I’m single and I’m not desperately seeking. I’m happy for Rachelle [Ann Go] and Gab [Valenciano],” Christian casually said and added that he’s in good terms with his former girlfriend.

At the official launch of Romance Revisited, the press also had a glimpse of “Tell Me Your Name”’s music video. The single that Jose Mari Chan released in 1986 is Christian’s carrier single. The music video was shot in Manila Ocean Park. It features Christian singing “Tell Me Your Name” to British-Thai VJ Paula Taylor. The singer admitted that he personally chose Paula to be his partner in the video because he has a big crush on her.

Genre: Alternative Rock
Origin: USA
Label: Universal Records
Length: 53:22
Tracklist:
---------------
01. Train
02. Citizen / Soldier
03. It's Not My Time
04. Let Me Be Myself
05. Pages
06. It's Only One You've Got
07. Give It To Me
08. These Days
09. Your Arms Feels Like Home
10. Runaway
11. When It's Over
12. She Don't Want The World

Genre: Alternative Rock
Origin: USA
Label: Universal Records
Length: 44:29
Tracklist:
---------------
01. Right Where I Belong
02. It's Not Me
03. Let Me Go
04. Be Somebody
05. Landing In London
06. The Real Life
07. Behind Those Eyes
08. Never Will I Break
09. Father's Son
10. Live For Today
11. My World
12. Here By Me
13. Here Without You (Acoustic)
14. Away From The Sun (Acoustic)

Explore Your Future at Universal Artists

When the city of Birmingham, Alabama, was established as a potential hub in direct competition with the great city of Atlanta (ATL) for the title as capital city of the Deep South, little did the world know the city’s greatest achievement and note as a power on the world front would come through a vehicle of hip hop acts and producers known now globally as Shaka Productions.

Shaka of Shaka Productions

From the mind of Joe Stern-McGovern, global agent and President of Universal Artists, International, comes the largest smack on the richter scale since the volcanic eruption on Krakatoa, DO and Mouf Piece of da City, blood brothers of Dem Hard Headz, and lyrical shoguns on the mic, Facts, Lo, and Hood Shuttlesworth of the Shuttlesworth long line of blue bloods, collectively known as Black Flock Gang aka BFG.

The Noble Hood Shuttlesworth of BFG

It’s rumored through inside sources the Black Flock Gang’s smash debut might break all previous records of Dirty South acts such as T-Pain, TI, 36 Mafia, Gucci Mane, and Yo Gotti put together, with it’s down home, grits and sweet tea thumper, bumper, and shaking the trunker collection on the coming self titled album, BFG. These numbers have been scientifically gathered and analyzed not only by the industry’s top number crunchers, pocket protectors and lab coats, but registered with the moderators of good taste and etiquette, Trap House Coalition, also hailing from Birmingham. Look for the Trap House Coalition’s Rodney Smalls on the coming single, “Don’t Think About It”, accompanied by Lo and Hood Shuttlesworth.

DO: One Half of Dem Hard Headz

The debut of the BFG is certain to titillate, shock, awe, and jaw drop any who hear the magnificence of an album largely consisting of beats by Tiptonville’s, A-Dub, www.myspace.com/adubbeatz, and the mastery of Shaka of Shaka Productions fame, www.myspace.com/universalshaka, as well as the artistic engineering genius and attention to detail of Hood Zone Productions.

Hood Zone of Hood Zone Productions

If you’re curious about the BFG and would like to check out a preview of the act, make sure to frequent downtown Birmingham’s art focused venues through the end of October, where copies of the hit debut, Black Flock Gang: BFG, will be sold in great numbers and all 5 of the act’s members themselves will be present following earth shaking shows to personally sign posters from their well known and much to do CD debut, BFG.

With Universal Artists, International’s expectations high in the firm belief they’ve hit pay dirt with the BFG, the agency has began to acquire new talent worldwide. If you think you have talent on the level of BFG, A-Dub and Lil’ J, The Bionic Rapper, Ms. Kesha Lee, or Christian Levi, please contact Universal Artists, International directly at either info@universalartists.net, or at universalartists@myspace.com.

BFG featuring Christian

If you are an investor in search of the chance to get in on the ground level of a company certain to rock even the most distant of the four corners of this earth, if you have a love for money, if you care about social conscience and humanitarian causes, or simply a fan of the genius of Shaka Productions and its acts, please write directly to France’s Guy Aeschelmann, entrepreneur, MBA, and counsel to Joe Stern-McGovern, at guy@universalartists.net.

Ms. Kesha Lee: Letting Her Hair Down

If you’d care to reach Shaka of Shaka Productions himself to pitch your talents and particular genius, feel free to write to shaka@universalartists.net. Only serious queries will be given attention. Please be prepared to submit photos, bio, and at least two songs as a demo, or the URL to your Myspace.Com profile. If your profile is set to private, make sure to add either www.myspace.com/universalartists, www.myspace.com/universalshaka, or www.myspace.com/joesternmcgovern.

Lo of the BFG: I'm Coming for You

If you are a videographer or film editor, producer, or director, please visit us at www.quicktimefilms.com, or contact Joe Stern-McGovern’s assistant directly at joesternmcgovern@myspace.com, or by adding Joe Stern-McGovern at www.myspace.com/joesternmcgovern with bids on future studio projects such as music videos and documentaries.

If you are a retailer, distributor, label, scout, or if you care to book the BFG for any show of merit, please write to Universal Artists, International’s info@universalartists.net attention Ashley M. Our acts are generally available 24/7 for the right gig, the right price, or the right cause.

BFG: In Concert Summer 2009

For information on how to donate to the favorite charities of the BFG, please write to their representative at payments@universalartists.net, or the act themselves on Myspace.Com at www.myspace.com/blackflockgang attention, “Hood Shuttlesworth”.

If you are interested in Universal Artists, International’s artists, wholesale products, or merchandising their retail items such as ball caps, T-Shirts, sweat shirts, posters, or special edition CDs, make sure to write to info@universalartists.net.

If you do not have ready access to the Internet, you may call Universal Artists, International directly at their San Diego office at 1(619)757-1301 anytime and leave a message. To reach our staff, call between the hours of 8am to 5pm Pacific Standard Time.

Preacha Boi: Mouf Piece of da City

For specifically European queries, you may write Terje at terje@universalartists.net or in Asia, Kiyotaka at kiyotaka@universalartists.net.

For comments of either praise or criticism, add Universal Artists, International as a friend at www.myspace.com/universalartists and drop us a note in the comments section of the profile, or write directly at universalartists@myspace.com.

If you are with the press, or if you have any interest in employment opportunities such as journalism, music management, high commission sales, acting as a scout, publicizing, if you are interested in charity or donations, or if you are simply destined for success through the arts, contact Joe Stern-McGovern’s assistant at joe@universalartists.net or joesternmcgovern@myspace.com.

A-Dub and Lil' J of the 731

Genre: Alternative Rock
Origin: USA
Label: Universal Records
Length: 46:57
Tracklist:
---------------
01. When I'm Gone
02. Away From The Sun
03. The Road I'm On
04. Ticket To Heaven
05. Running Out Of Days
06. Here Without You
07. I Feel You
08. Dangerous Game
09. Changes
10. Going Down In Flames
11. Sarah Yellin
12. Pop Song
13. Kryptonite
14. This Time

The Limousines are an electro pop band from California. They live in the Bay Area and consist of Eric Victorino (vocals) and Giovanni Giusti. The two of them got to know each other in the internet and started communicating online and exchanging music, lyrics and recorded vocals online.

They are signed to Universal Records in the US and the first single is the great song “Very Busy People”. Check out their myspace site where you can hear the song and some other nice stuff from them:

www.myspace.com/thelimousines

The Limousines

Weeks ago, Universal Records announced on their Facebook account their plans of releasing a DBSK album in the Philippines. This prompted Filipino Cassiopeians to wonder what DBSK album it would be… which also made the wait both maddening and exciting.

Well the wait is partially over!

URph Facebook: It’s Confirmed ! The “First” DBSK/TVXQ Album to be released in the Philippines by Universal Records Will Be “The 3rd Asia Tour Concert ‘Mirotic’ Live Album” (2CD).

Watch Out For The Announcement of Official Release Date! <—– the dreaded statement!

Oh well! Since Filipino Cassiopeians have already been waiting for so long something like this too happen… I don’t think it would hurt to wait a little bit more, Ayt???

Aaarggghh!!!!

Krys Ivory was an absolute pleasure to interview and graciously took a break in the middle of an album session with Ryan Leslie to speak with Socialiteis exclusively.  We would also like to extend our warmest thank you’s to Signature Hits magazine for coming through and filming for us.

Krys Ivory is wise beyond her years and very personable which definitely showed through the interview.  She also has an amazing range which completely blew us away upon hearing her live.  A cancer survivor at such a young age, Krys is grounded in humbleness and gratefulness of knowing she was one of the lucky ones.  To quote her “I hit the cancer lottery”, meaning the type of cancer she had “Hodgkin’s Lymphoma” is the deadliest.  Knowing God is on her side she is taking full advantage of her great musical situation with being Ryan Leslie’s newest sensation.

Gearing up for her upcoming album, and her new mixtape that is dropping soon (she discusses within the interview), Krys is ready to show the vocal range and musical knowledge she has acquired at such a young age.  Being a “preacher’s kid” growing up with her parents both in ministry, Krys has the respect for life and music that will prove key in her success through navigating in this endeavor she’s about to take through the industry.  We would like to thank Ryan Leslie, NextSelection/Universal, KLPRGroup & of course Krys Ivory for granting us the exclusive interview during recording.  Definitely Socialiteis approved!

Janet Universal Music Group & Radio Airplay

During the Rock Witchu Tour I bought about all of Janet’s albums I did not already own and ended up with two “All for You” CD’s by accident, because I already had it.  However I think they blew a great opportunity; people like me never ever downloaded a song. Personally I buy the CD and convert it to MP-3 and keep the hard copy for storage and stereo use.  Yes I still listen to my stereo at home

If they would have made it a free download some people would have downloaded for the first time, to get the hang of it, plus it was billed a gift.  It could have been a reintroduction of Janet.  Good thing Universal Music Group is distributing it.  That leads me another question, being she is being released by Hip-O Records and A&M Records both Universal Music Group companies and was with Def Jam a Universal Music Group Company.  Which leads me to ask is Janet really independent or in-between record labels?  With all the Janet Hype, I would not be surprised if she is released again by a Universal Music Group Company in the future.

Furthermore I still have not heard the song on the radio, whereby when I am not on the home recording studio my favorite pastime is listening to the stereo and radio and messing with one of my computers sometimes at the same time.  I normally buy only my favorite artist these days unlike in my younger days when I bought all the hits, but I spend hours on the radio being at home or on my MP-3 Player on the move and I purchase consumer goods on a regular.  Commercials still influence my purchases or spending habits.

My Point:  Janet Jackson’s marketing team might be barking down the wrong tree, she needs radio airplay exposure, because that is what we do now.  We listen to the radio and buy bread and milk.  Janet’s main market is the radio and not digital downloads.  We are grown already!

HOW? *fan girl scream*

As announced on UR ph’s Facebook account, BOTH ALBUMS will  be NEXT!

Questions as to whether DBSK and Super Junior M’s album will be released at the same date like SHINee and SNSD or what album of DBSK will be released is still unknown. Obviously, WAITING will be excruciatingly painful for Cassies and ELFs who waited years for a mircale like this to happen in the weeks to come UNTIL a fixed date of the album release is announced!

Seriously! I haven’t bought my own SHINee album yet and I’m in panic (again) for more funds! If this continues, I’ll be BANKRUPT! ^_^

]]> http://frankpaulgambino.wordpress.com/2009/09/23/janet-jackson-greatest-hits-album-to-be-released/ Thu, 24 Sep 2009 01:45:04 +0000 frankpaulgambino http://frankpaulgambino.wordpress.com/2009/09/23/janet-jackson-greatest-hits-album-to-be-released/

Janet Jackson Greatest Hits Album to be released

Janet Jackson’s number ones greatest hits album a 2 CD set is to be released on November 17^th, 2009.  It will be released on Hip-O Records a part of Universal Group, founded by Doug Morris in 1996.  Actually I have all of Janet’s albums, which I am aware of.  The funny thing is if you ever heard her best songs successively it is a great experience.  There are supposed to be a few new songs on the two CD set.

However I doubt if everyone has all of Janet’s albums and this is a chance to get up on her best songs, in a small package.  As Hip-O Records are known for putting out stuff hard to get a hold of and often puts out limited editions, being that is their Modus operandi (Protocol).  I mean the etiquette for dealing this type of repertoire is that the demand exceeds supply. 

There are presales taking place now, but there will probably be a limited amount of CD’s available at the local record stores and via the Internet on the day of the release.  I do not know I guess the die hard Janet fans have most of her stuff and will be in it for the new releases.  But for those who really do not know what all the hype is about Janet, people who want to know what the 80’s and 90’s was all about and want to enjoy a beautiful musical variety do not blow the opportunity of getting a copy of these CD’s, I guarantee you it will become a part of your rotation.  Janet is an amazing artist and I think she has another run.

Now on the other hand I have to say I was disappointed with the decision to go digital download for sale with “Make Me.”  It was billed as a gift and should have been a free download; however it will very likely be on the new greatest hits album.  But really I thought it was a gift as in something giving away.

Korea-based singing group Super Junior’s latest CD Sorry Sorry has been making its mark in local music album charts. It debuted at the top slot a week ago after just three days of sales. Sorry Sorry is also the leading international album in Odyssey Record Stores.

This K-pop album has reportedly outsold albums by Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.

This achievement was made more amazing since the Sorry Sorry album was only released on September 4th (Friday). Local Super Junior fans showed their support by trooping to the Music One stores on the first day of its release as early as 9 am and patiently waited for the CD stocks to arrive!

Super Junior, also known as simply SJ or SuJu, is a 13 member Korean boy-band. Formed in 2005, The group initially debuted with twelve members, but now consists of 13 members. With a total of thirteen members, they are the largest boy band in the world. The members are Leeteuk (the leader), Heechul, Hangeng, Yesung, Kang-in, Shindong, Sungmin, Eunhyuk, Donghae, Siwon, Ryeowook, Kibum, and later, Kyuhyun. The Chinese member, Han Geng, was chosen from three thousand applicants, via auditions held in China by SM Entertainment in 2001.

Sorry, Sorry is their third and latest studio album released on March 12, 2009 in South Korea. In just days, 150,000 copies of Sorry, Sorry were pre-ordered. The album debuted at #1 on the South Korea’s Hanteo Daily Charts, with approximately 30,000 copies sold, making it the biggest opening day for the group. It became the bestselling album in South Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong and Taiwan for 2009. As of May 15, 2009, over 215,000 units have been sold, being the first Korean-language album to do so in 2009.

Super Junior Sorry Sorry (Version C) comes with four new songs including “It’s You,” another catchy hit by the composer of Girls’ Generation “Gee”, “Love Disease”, “She Wants It” and “I Love U More” which was written and composed by Sung Min and Ryeo Wook. The album’s original 12 songs are also still around, kicking off with mega hit “Sorry Sorry,” the house dance number for which Super Junior collaborated with renowned choreographer Nick Bass.

Contemporary urban dance track “Why I Like You” has also turned into a fan favorite with its unique rhythmic melody and catchy beats. Taking on a clean and sleek concept for both their image and music, Super Junior presented a variety of different songs in their third album, including the touching ballad “Let’s Not…” co-written by Fly to the Sky’s Fany, the Brit-pop number “Angela” and “Heartquake” featuring Dong Bang Shin Ki’s U-know Yun Ho and Micky Yoo Chun.

Universal Records is proud to be the Philippine home to this Korean boy band and is the first local record label to release a K-pop album. The Philippine edition of Sorry Sorry (Version C) also includes a full color booklet.

so…i’m happy that fans are supporting them here in the Philippines. and, also, Shinee and SNSD’s 2nd mini-album (ROMEO and GENIE respectively) are going to be released here in the 2nd of October! and then, they’re going to release TVXQ/DBSK next (i think…)

cr: PEP.ph

As promised, new updates from Universal Records PH @ Facebook…

A ONE TIME ONLY Limited Edition FREE POSTERs of SNSD and Shinee (yey!) will be  given away for every purchase of SNSD’s “Genie” and SHINee’s “Romeo” CD starting OCTOBER 2 (Friday) up to October 9 (Friday).

ALBUM PRICE: P350

Unfortunately for some of us, the posters will be EXCLUSIVELY available ONLY in the following ODYSSEY stores. So better start calling your nearest Odyssey store for reservations while supplies last!

Odyssey SM Megamall 6873620
O Music Video Rockwell 8981090
O Music Video Greenbelt 8922039
Odyssey Gateway 4210596
Odyssey SM Mall Of Asia 5560138
Odyssey Robinsons Place Ermita 5367941
Odyssey SM Manila 5249098
Odyssey Sta Lucia East Mall 6824271
Odyssey Alabang 7725984
Odyssey Robinsons Galleria 6314889
Odyssey SM Sta Mesa 7161551
Odyssey Festival Mall 8503763
Odyssey SM Pampanga (045) 9612468
Odyssey SM Bacoor (046) 4177392

Oh well! I guess I won’t be able to have that Shinee poster. *pout*

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