Agnes
by Bradley Stern
filed under: Agnes

1314901359 Agnes 2 0001 Agnes Delivers Flawless Debut TV Performance of Dont Go Breaking My Heart

After premiering the video for “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” last month (which was co-penned by the Nervo Twins, boyfriend Vincent Pontare and Magnus Lidehäll), Swedish pop sensation Agnes is now gearing up to promote her brand new single across the country…beginning with her first-ever televised performance!

Backed by a dozen-ish violin players, the gorgeous Swedish chanteuse took to the stage of Rosa Bandet Galan–a breast cancer fundraiser event sponsored by the Swedish Cancer Society–to deliver a knock-out rendition of her new song last night. And oh, how pitch-perfect it was! MAJOR notes, effortlessly delivered.

Not only did she belt it out like a pro, but she looked positively radiant as well, serving up some serious J. Lo-realness with that va-va-voom ‘do and a sexy chain ensemble (which she also dons on the cover of October’s QX in Sweden.) Nice one, Agnes!

Also, can we talk about that new promo photo above? I can’t even. So flawless! So stunning!

“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” was released on September 21. (iTunes Sweden)


by Bradley Stern
filed under: Agnes, Darin, Eric Saade, Mikeadelica, Video Premiere

I first introduced Agnes‘ solid new club smash “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” on Tuesday in this week’s post for MTV Buzzworthy. And now, it’s time for the video premiere!

Shot by popular Swedish director Mikeadelica (Eric Saade, Darin), the video for “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” finds the gorgeous 23-year-old chanteuse going full-on dance floor diva: Working out some elegant arm choreography, twirling ’round some silk fabrics and whipping her hair against the wind. G-l-a-m-o-r-o-u-s!

The video’s mirror image cinematography and hair flip-heavy choreography seem to be partly inspired by Beyonce‘s kaleidoscopic clip for her 4 buzz single, “1+1.” Except, you know, without those buckets of glitter ‘n’ Crisco wiped all over her face.

It’s a very good thing that Agnes’ latest clip is a solid production: If “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” is about to do what “Release Me” did for her in 2009 (and I very much think it will), we’re going to be seeing a whole lot of this on every single club TV screen across the nation…and beyond!

“Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” was released in Sweden on September 21. (iTunes Sweden)


by Sam Lansky
filed under: Adrian Lux, Agnes, Icona Pop, Lisa Miskovsky, Max Martin, Passion Pit, Peter Bjorn And John, Rebecca and Fiona, Robyn, Sophia Somajo, Vincent

amazingswedenvol1 Amazing Things Im Listening to From Sweden, Vol. 1

Fact: Every man, woman, and child in Sweden will, at one point, create amazing pop music.

Admittedly, I just made that up. But really, the Scandinavian nation of less than 10 million people has produced a spectacular density of brilliant, heart-wrenching, lighters-aloft pop that puts the rest of the globe to shame.

In this new series, Amazing Things I’m Listening to From Sweden, I’ll be discussing the best music Sweden has to offer right now, and explaining why it’s better than your faves.

Lisa Miskovsky – Lover

My only familiarity with Lisa Miskovsky was as the artist behind some fairly snooze-worthy MOR pop-rock, which makes “Lover,” off her recent album Violent Sky, a marked departure. Produced by Björn Yttling (of Peter, Björn and John fame, as well as production work for Robyn), “Lover” is a dark and bombastic slice of hands-in-the-air pop with an infectious singalong gospel-inspired chorus. If the melody evokes a ’60s girl group, the production is all malevolent robotic doom pop. Strange, modern, and totally addictive.

Vincent – Baby Hurricane

Vincent Pontare had a string of minor hits back in 2007, including the very catchy “Miss Blue,” but to me, he was best known as the boyfriend of Agnes Carlsson (which is certainly a good sign). “Baby Hurricane” continues the retro swing indicated by his earlier work, but more invigoratingly, breathlessly, and winsomely; it’s a spunky, feel-good track that simply demands some jazzy choreography.

Icona Pop – Manners

I’m late to the party on this one — “Manners” was included on November’s Kitsune Maison compilation — but it deserves another mention, if not only because Icona Pop will be playing with MuuMuse fave Oh Land at the Neon Gold event Popshop in NYC on March 3. Neon Gold memorably described Icona Pop as the perfect lovechild of Passion Pit and Robyn, and I’d have to agree — “Manners” is bubbly, twinkly, and appealingly weird. I’m gunning for some big dance remixes.

Sophia Somajo – Wristcutters Inc.

Sophia Somajo’s grossly underrated 2008 album, The Laptop Diaries, was the perfect stop-gap for a year without any releases from Robyn: Glitchy, twee-but-not-precious electro-pop (check out the lovely single “Warm Blooded Murder” for more). Her latest single, “Wristcutters Inc.,” is an even more likable effort from the Stockholm native, with unexpected Asian influences and a subversive message about the suicidally inclined. (“Wristcutters incorporated, throw your hands up in the air and wave ‘em like you just don’t care!”)

Her forthcoming LP, Cinema Beijing, should only produce more great things. After all, Somajo did help write the Max Martin track “Time Machine” off Robyn’s Body Talk — and that’s quite a resume.

Rebecca and Fiona – Bullets

I had their first single, “Luminary Ones,” on heavy rotation all winter, but “Bullets” might be my favorite song of right now. I played the club edit of this track by rising Swedish popsters Rebecca and Fiona when I DJed last week and even the snarliest hipsters were dancing like they just couldn’t help themselves.

“Bullets” was helmed by Adrian Lux, whose “Teenage Crime” remains eminently listenable, and the two tracks aren’t dissimilar: Both feature haunting, processed vocals and trance production that make them perfect for the club.


by Bradley Stern
filed under: Agnes, Concert Review, Dan Black, Far East Movement, Kelis, LMFAO, Madonna, Natalia Kills, Ol Dirty Bastard, Robyn, Royksopp

38534 10150245340440501 771405500 14145062 1653577 n August 5: Robyn and Kelis Complete the All Hearts Tour at Webster Hall in NYC (Concert Review)

“Where da fuck is you at, ho?”

On August 5, the All Hearts Tour made its final stop at Webster Hall in New York City, featuring the Far East Movement, Dan Black, Kelis, and Robyn. I attended that concert, and this is what I have to say about it.

When my friend Eric and I arrived at Webster Hall around six, the bar was already full with waiting fans buzzing about. After claiming our free Cherrytree Records label sampler on the sidewalk (Natalia Kills! Agnes! Kelis and Robyn!), we quickly squeezed into the stuffed room, running in the moment the doors were finally opened to the crowd.

The priorities were immediately taken care of: “Don’t Fucking Tell Me What To Do” tee? Check. Front row positioning? Check. Camera settings test? Check. And so began the wait.

IMG00361 20100805 1835 1024x768 August 5: Robyn and Kelis Complete the All Hearts Tour at Webster Hall in NYC (Concert Review)
This happened. I’m still not sure why.

Almost immediately after we wedged our way into the front of the crowd–about three rows deep at that point–the tour openers came out in rapid succession. Far East Movement provided some danceable, LMFAO-friendly party anthems (perhaps a bit too similar in moments) and Dan Black his indie-electro pop anthems, I have to be honest: I was there solely for Robyn and Kelis. As a result, I don’t have much to say about them. Sorry about it.

Then came the ‘air situation,’ which will do me no favors in perpetuating stereotypes about Jews and the heat. While the AC seemed to circulate during the first two openers, it was painfully, disgustingly apparent that it had completely ceased by the time Dan Black and crew cleared the stage. It deeply displeased the gays.

“Bitch, get out here already!” whined one. “Someone turn on a damn fan!” came another. There was also my personal favorite: “Da fuck you at, ho?”, which resulted in a smattering of giggles each time. Despite the various attempts to fan ourselves and/or disrobe, the body glitter was fast beginning to drip down to the floor.

40225 10150245340550501 771405500 14145072 5815237 n August 5: Robyn and Kelis Complete the All Hearts Tour at Webster Hall in NYC (Concert Review)

At around 8:30, the lights dimmed, the microphone glowed fluorescent, and Kelis took to the stage. The singer, dressed in a shimmering metallic blue one-piece catsuit not unlike her Sea Monkeys-inspired piece, smiled calmly and began to launch into a mini-monologue about tolerance and unity. I think, anyway.

Sadly, the crowd mostly drowned out her words. “I’m trying to get you guys to answer back,” she half-whined, laughing deeply and rolling her eyes. She returned to her initial point: “I will not judge,” she instructed us to repeat. “I will not judge!” The crowd responded. “…Because we control the dance floor,” she commanded. The crowd returned the call. She repeated it again; the crowd thunderously echoing it back. There. That was better.

Before the crowd could applaud their group effort, the grinding synthesizers of Kelis’ gay anthem, “Emancipate” rocketed into the venue, turning the entire floor into a ballroom of fierce poses and snapping wrists.

Kelis provided a powerhouse performance of sex, sass, and soul. Tackling some classics (“Trick Me”) and some covers (Ol’ Dirty Bastard‘s “Got Your Money”) along the way, the singer performed almost the entirety of her latest album for the crowd, including “22nd Century,” “4th Of July (Fireworks),” “Scream,” “Acapella,” and “Emancipate.” And, of course, there was “Brave.”

As you all might well already know, “Brave” isn’t just an album favorite, but one of my favorite songs of the year. So as the stinging electronic beats entered the speakers, I had what we in the industry like to call a “moment.” More specifically, I grabbed my friend’s arm–a bit too hard–and began jumping like a loon and lightly convulsing.

In contrast, Kelis played it stone cold cool with her delivery of the track, singing the song pitch perfect and stepping back during the song’s chaotic explosion of grinding synths to allow the beat to speak for itself.

“Milkshake” was, of course, another crowd favorite, made all the better (and gayer) thanks to a mash-up with Madonna‘s “Holiday.” “Work, bitch…WORK!” one group offered to my left. And so she did.

IMG00377 20100805 2036 1024x768 August 5: Robyn and Kelis Complete the All Hearts Tour at Webster Hall in NYC (Concert Review)
These hips don’t lie.

I’d like to take a moment to show some appreciation for Kelis’ hips at this point. Never have I ever seen a woman work and twerk her body the way Kelis did that night–shimmying and sashaying in a way that would have Shakira blushing.

By the time Kelis casually strutted off stage, the entire audience was consumed in a sweat, semi-stunned by the sheer energy of the singer’s performance. It was an incredible performance. How was it exactly that this concert was only halfway over?

40013 10150245344935501 771405500 14145207 3185005 n August 5: Robyn and Kelis Complete the All Hearts Tour at Webster Hall in NYC (Concert Review)

After about a half hour of set up, the lights faded to black again. A voice-over began to announce Robyn’s arrival–sort of like an updated version of “Curriculum Vitae” from Robyn’s 2005 record. The lights began to flicker and the bass boomed, making the entire venue feel like a rocket was about to make a crash landing.

Out walked Robyn, or rather–strutted, with a cool smirk and a bossy swagger. As she took to the mic, a fat bass began to grind and electronic noises began to pulsate, prompting the singer to gyrate and moan in delight, punching the air with an energy that wouldn’t cease until the closing note of her set. And then she started to sing “Fembot.”

Gays: Do you know the part in Moulin Rouge when Zidler selects the Can Can as the dance of choice and the entire place erupts into a chaotic frenzy of dancing and screaming to the point where you couldn’t quite tell whether people were celebrating or going into epileptic shock? That was Robyn’s set.

40550 10150245345085501 771405500 14145226 2268935 n August 5: Robyn and Kelis Complete the All Hearts Tour at Webster Hall in NYC (Concert Review)

The singer put on a show like no other, stopping just once for a swig of water and a quick sit-down in front of the keyboardist during a dance-laden set that lasted over an hour. Apart from that, she was a dancing fool; refusing to stop between songs. Instead of breaks between tracks she performed dance interludes, raging against manic strobe lights as though she were exorcising her demons for all to see.

The Robyn I saw last week at the iHeartRadio taping was hardly the Robyn on stage at Webster Hall this night. Growling, grinding, thrashing, and taunting, the singer was an unstoppable force of bossiness and brattitude. She worked the stage like no one’s business, often approaching the crowd (and myself) within an inch of touching someone’s outstretched hand, squinting her eyes and swiveling her head curiously. “Oh, what?” she’d mouth to the crowd member. “You want some of this?”

IMG00418 20100805 2207 1024x768 August 5: Robyn and Kelis Complete the All Hearts Tour at Webster Hall in NYC (Concert Review)

Perhaps the most impressive and awe-inspiring aspect of Robyn as a performer is her indescribable presence and performance quality. She weaves in and out of attitudes–at one moment sweetly chirping “Thank you all so much for coming tonight!”, the next, on the floor grinding against the stage and flipping the bird to the crowd. There is no other artist that even comes close to delivering the performance Robyn can with simply a mic and a stage alone other than Madonna.

IMG00421 20100805 2214 1024x768 August 5: Robyn and Kelis Complete the All Hearts Tour at Webster Hall in NYC (Concert Review)

The singer certainly stuck with the uptempo side of things, including the fist-pump friendly “Cobrastyle,” and her collaboration with Royksopp, “The Girl and The Robot,” delivered while basking in an eerie green glow.

Midway through her set, Robyn took a rare, highly deserved moment to herself as “Don’t Fucking Tell Me What To Do,” the intro track from Body Talk Pt. 1 and unofficial All Hearts anthem boomed overhead. The singer swung a sweat towel around her neck, and pulling out–what else? A banana. Literally right in front of me, she peeled and ate the banana, staring down the audience like a bad boss bitch. It was fantastic. I just wish she shared a bite.

Of course, there was her latest single from Body Talk Pt. 1, “Dancing On My Own,” which was performed to the pinnacle of perfection. The same fierce choreography, the same solid vocal performance. Nothing beats that moment when she steps away from the mic for a brief power snap backward–except, of course, the rapid-fire punch-the-air mania of the bridge. AMAZING. I just wish she’d punch out the mic again!

IMG00394 20100805 2142 1024x768 August 5: Robyn and Kelis Complete the All Hearts Tour at Webster Hall in NYC (Concert Review)

To my great surprise, Robyn also whipped out a treat from her self-titled 2005 record, an electro-enhanced re-rub of one of my favorite songs from the singer, “Who’s That Girl?” Donning a beret, the singer sauntered her way across the floor to the song’s killer beats, and, approaching the drum set, began furiously banging out a quick drum solo before throwing out her drumsticks into a swarming sea of wanting fans. Delicious.

40080 10150245345010501 771405500 14145215 2832833 n August 5: Robyn and Kelis Complete the All Hearts Tour at Webster Hall in NYC (Concert Review)

By the end of the show, all sense of decency was out the window. Shirts were strewn and dangling as cameras, now visibly dripping and slipping between fingers, fought against waves of people thrashing to Robyn’s unbelievable performances. The entire venue was flailing and swaying–so much so that the floor below us began to wobble uncomfortably underneath our feet. Even the uptight, pretentious gay to my right with his hands folded that did nothing but sip a beer the whole night broke out into a somewhat vigorous head-bob. (But seriously, who does that at a concert? And in the front row, no less?)

After the show’s “ending” (there’s always an encore), Robyn quickly popped back onto the stage for two more songs: “Dream On” and “With Every Heartbeat,” two of her most anthemic tracks.

IMG00430 20100805 2227 1024x768 August 5: Robyn and Kelis Complete the All Hearts Tour at Webster Hall in NYC (Concert Review)

“And it hurts with every heartbeat!” the crowd shouted back breathlessly in the final seconds of Robyn’s set. With a final wide grin, Robyn held up her hands together to form a heart shape in between her fingers and thumbs. A thousand more greeted her from the audience, thus concluding the All Hearts Tour in the most literal sense.

When we somehow found our way back to the hotel following the show, we could do nothing but crawl onto the ground and moan in pain. As a famous Swedish songstress might say: My legs were killing me. My neck was killing me. My arms were killing me. It literally felt like I’d just gotten beaten up–and really, we did. Robyn and Kelis had sonically punched us in the gut, leaving us lying on the floor, panting and otherwise motionless.

Officially speaking, the All Hearts Tour was unmistakably, undoubtedly, and indubitably one of the greatest and most exciting concert experiences I’ve ever had.

Unofficially? OMFG BEST SHOW EVARRRR.

Many thanks and so much love to Muuser Eric H. for joining me for this most epic of adventures, as well as selected photos above.


by Bradley Stern
filed under: Agnes, Contest, Kelis, Lady Gaga

packshot high rez 1024x903 I Took The Night: Clubland 17 (Album Giveaway)

We here at MuuMuse like to party. We like, we like to party!*

*That is, in controlled, non-spontaneous environments with ample cell phone reception, a can of mace strapped to my thigh, and at least three or more close friends in tow with enough body mass to successfully drag my body away to a safe location if I were to be roofied at some point during the night.

As a result, club music is sort of in our blood.

Next week, the popular UK club music series, Clubland, is unveiling its seventeenth edition.

The tracklisting is essentially amazing (there’s Kelis, Gaga, and Agnes, for starters) but don’t take my word for it–click here to see the full list of songs (and while you’re at it, pre-order the album!)

MuuMuse is proud to be giving away THREE COPIES of the new Clubland 17 compilation.

If you’d like to win, send me an e-mail with the subject line “CLUBLAND,” or tweet me with the following phrase: “I want to go to CLUBLAND with @muumuse!”

Three winners will be selected and notified on Monday, June 28.

Good luck!


by Bradley Stern
filed under: Agnes, Contest

agnes11 Agnes Performs on the Wendy Williams Show (Plus Signed Single Giveaway!)

Earlier this morning, Agnes performed “Release Me” on The Wendy Williams Show, which you can now watch right here. As usual, her voice was flawless, she looked impossibly perfect, etc. etc. etc. WHY ISN’T THIS PLAYING ON HOT 100 RADIO YET?

To help celebrate its release, MuuMuse is proud to be giving away EIGHT SIGNED COPIES of Agnes’ first major single in America, “Release Me.” To enter to win, send me an e-mail with the subject line “AGNES” or tweet me with the following phrase: “I want @muumuse to RELEASE ME!”

The winners will be selected and notified on Thursday, April 29 at 12 p.m. EST.

Good luck!


by Bradley Stern
filed under: Agnes, Britney Spears

Here’s a clip of Agnes performing “Release Me” at Jeffrey Sanker’s White Party in Palm Springs on Sunday (which Britney came to see!).

She looks like she’s absolutely eating it up: the lights, the crowd, the dancing, the energy…everything.

Adorable. I’m rooting for her!


by Bradley Stern
filed under: Agnes, Britney Spears, Daily B, Kim Zolciak

8325 Daily B: Britney Attends the White Party in Palm Springs

Yesterday, Britney attended the White Party in Palm Springs, an LGBT party featuring performances by Agnes and Kim Zolciak. From her Twitter:

At the White Party in Palm Springs. Sooooo fun!!! About to check out Agnes. -Brit

BreatheHeavy claims the above shot of Britney is her reaction to an emotional speech. Aww…

She later changed her outfit during the event which, if it were anyone else, might be considered odd. Since it is Britney, everything is all clear and we can all go on about our business as usual.

Click here to watch a video of Britney in action that consists of five actual seconds of Britney sipping a water bottle, followed by a full, terrible performance of “Tardy for the Party” by Kim Zolciak and a bunch of half-naked gays.

Journalism at its finest, E! Online.


Pages: 1 2 Next