Back in March, I introduuced Emeli Sandé, the talented Scotland-born singer-songwriter and recent Virgin Records signee responsible for major UK hits including Chipmunk‘s “Diamond Rings” and Tinie Tempah‘s “Let Go.”

On August 15, Sandé will release her sensational debut single: “Heaven.”

Colored by a tripping drum ‘n’ bass beat, saxophone flairs and Sandé’s soulful vocal stylings reminiscent of Janelle Monae‘s dramatic delivery style, “Heaven” is a delightful summertime treat, complete with a half dozen or more immediate, hook-heavy riffs. And while the song’s melodies play as infectious as any Top 40 radio hit, the song itself remains a vastly richer experience, layered with atmospheric strings and crashing beats.

Just as with her haunting downtempo demo “Easier In Bed,” “Heaven” positions Sandé as one of the most intriguing, exciting new voices in pop this year. One to watch? Absolutely.

For more information, check out her official website.

“Heaven” will be released on August 15 in the UK.

While the name Luciana Caporoso might not immediately strike a chord, chances are you’ve seen the name attached to some of the hottest dance floor scorchers of the past decade.

Luciana is perhaps best known for being the queen of collaboration, responsible for lending her vocal chops and songwriting skills to a slew of the brattiest and bossiest dance anthems of the past few years, including “Yeah Yeah” and “What Planet You On?” with Bodyrox, to “Bigger Than Big” with Super Mai, to her latest club smash along with Static Revenger and Richard Vission, “I Like That.”

A few weeks ago, I got the chance to ask the singer some questions regarding her break into the music industry, her creative work–including visual art and penning tracks for other artists (most recently Kylie Minogue‘s heaven-sent Aphrodite cut, “Cupid Boy”), and her plans to further dominate the dance floor.

As one can probably tell early on into the interview, the sassy spunk that Luciana brings to her music is hardly restricted to the recording studio. She’s a firecracker! Click “Read More…” to see the full interview.

Oh, and just to make this feature even more delicious, I just happened upon this sweet lil’ video shout out above from the singer waiting for me in my inbox. As she would likely declare, it’s utterly fabulous. Thanks for the love, Luciana!

Read More…

Yay! So exciting!

It’s the official video debut of Daisy Dares You, the promising new UK talent I first introduuced in June of last year.

“Number One Enemy” finds Daisy in Wonderland, frolicking ’round abandoned houses, drinking mysterious bottles of liquid and getting crushed by giant cupcakes. It’s sort of like a day in the life of Courtney Love, really.

Do you dare?