Category — Girls Aloud

STUNNING.

Nicola ‘Flawless’ Roberts covers the August 29 issue of the UK’s Fabulous Magazine. Click here to see all of the magazine scans.

The article goes through the motions by poking around the Girls Aloud break-up rumors (they’re just fine, please and thanks), prodding about each member of the Aloud (she’s closest to Cheryl and Kimberley, but we’re all fine, please and thanks), and an unending fixation on her pale, ‘porcelain skin.’

I don’t want to tempt fate, but if that’s not a number one, I’ll eat my sofa.

As the man responsible for such songs as Diana Vickers‘ “The Boy Who Murdered Love,” The Saturdays‘ “Chasing Lights,” and Will Young‘s “Anything is Possible,” as well as some of the upcoming material from Pixie Lott and JLS, pop songwriter and producer Chris Braide has seen his fair share of glory in the UK Top 40 recently.

Two weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of speaking with the busy producer from his studio in London (which is about to be packed away and carted stateside!)

I’m quite proud of this interview–we touched upon all sorts of artists and ended up having a really in-depth discussion about the very nature of pop itself.

Read on to hear all the gossip from behind Braide’s soundboard–loads of pop nerd chatter ahead!

Click “Read More…” to view the entire interview.

[Read more →]

Adorable!

MuuMuse’s latest obsession Florrie has just been featured on UK Vogue‘s site to discuss her involvement in the upcoming Nina Ricci advertising campaign. (Make sure to check out the full gallery here.)

She also dishes all the juicy gossip on Girls Aloud (“just lovely”) and Kylie Minogue (“really nice”). Scandalous!

My best blog buddies–from Hard Candy Music to Sheena Beaston to The Chemistry is Dead have already spouted on about the singer for months. I just happen to be coming to the party fashionably late. What else is new?

This is Florrie. You may not recognize her, but if you’re a MuuMuse reader, you’ve no doubt already heard her in action.

As the 21-year-old house drummer for production team Xenomania, Florrie’s had the honor of performing in tracks for likes of the Pet Shop Boys, Girls Aloud, and Kylie Minogue. Need proof of her skillz? Here’s a clip of her being generally amazing at the drums.

Currently, the singer/songwriter/drumming sensation has been busy carving out her own niche as a solo entertainer. In collaboration with italo-pop production superstar Fred Falke (a MuuMuse approved mega-favorite), Florrie has churned out a number of high quality solo tracks, including “Call 911,” “Panic Attack,” and most recently, “Fascinate Me.”

As with what we’ve come to expect from Xenomania, Florrie’s songs are characterized by hooky pop melodies, crunchy riffs, and complex lyricism.

With a frantic, breathy delivery similar to Norwegian electro superstar Annie, the singer tackles skittish electronic beats and rapid-fire riffed verses that simply beg to be replayed time and time again. There’s a lot being offered in each one of her songs, making Florrie one of the more intriguing pop acts lobbying for the public’s attention this year.

As the singer does not yet have a proper label deal (WHY?!), Florrie’s been releasing these brilliant Xeno-disco numbers for free on her official website, which you can snag right here.

Additionally, Florrie’s first CD release can now be found on Kitsuné x Ponystep, the latest compilation CD by uber-trendy French record label, Kitsuné, which includes “Call 911 (Beataucue Remix – JBAG Edit).”

With any luck, this is but the tip of an iceberg of chilly Italo-disco cuts simply begging to be released from this promising newcomer.

I cant wait to hear what comes next!

I KNOW. I KNOW. SO LATE ON THIS.

Okay, so I’ve been really bad about properly introduucing Alex Gardner, the sensational (and gorgeous) 18-year-old who’s career is being helmed by Xenomania. Since everything Xenomania does is perfect, everything Alex Gardner does is perfect. Think Girls Aloud sung by a dude. Easy to get, right?

The singer recently uploaded a video behind-the-scenes of his latest photo shoot, as well as his current promo tour around the UK, which reminded me that this boy must be mentioned immediately before he blows up any further.

Gardner’s debut single, “I’m Not Mad” was just released on March 28, which you can order from iTunes UK right here. It’s a sublime Xeno production, moody and full of intergalactic synths and soaring vocals. Delicious. And now for the video:

It’s basically a lot of mirrors. Job well done.

Also, OMFG HE’S SO HOT.

I’m sorry. Incredibly unprofessional.

The irreverent, naughty rock ‘n’ roll foil to Girls Aloud are back for more–and yes, they can speak French, thank you very much.

After releasing “Bitch” in January (along with a fabulous video), the Plastiscines are releasing their second single off of their latest studio album, Another Love, on Monday, March 29.

“Another Kiss,” is loud, rawwwcous, and fun; a cherry bomb cocktail of youthful bliss and francophonic, electronic energy.

Click here to stream the song in full.

It’s so punk it’ll make you want to run to the local McDonald’s and stand in line at the drive-thru…on foot.

IT WAS LATE AND I WANTED FRIES, OKAY? LAY OFF.

In case you haven’t already heard, Diana Vickers‘ debut single “Once” is one of the most exciting records of the year. It isn’t trying to be anything modern or edgy–it’s simply a slick, triumphant pop production.

While the accompanying video isn’t amazing, it does showcase Vickers’ ability to wear a lot of neat clothes (including a hoodie with silly ears) and maintain the ability to look gorgeous. I believe she’s also wearing one of the gowns on loan from the Aloud‘s BRITS performance from last year.

In the end, it’s all a bit Hilary Duff‘s “Play With Fire” (which is not actually a criticism in the least).

I do L-O-V-E the quick change moment at the 0:55 mark. Replaying over and over again…

Christ on a Christmas cracker–the 2010 BRIT Award nominations are in!

I can’t believe it’s time already for the ceremony to begin once again. It seems like only yesterday I was sitting in my bed watching in disbelief as Gaga robo-danced her way on stage with pieces of shattered china plates glued to her lady bits. Ahh, memories.

As per usual (see 2009), I’ve gone ahead and bolded my favorites for the crown and added a few insightful comments and/or snooty one-liners to the end of each category.

And awayyy we go! (Thanks to The Guardian for the full list of nominees.)

Click to read…

If you didn’t already know, The Saturdays have recently released their latest single “Ego” on January 3, their second off of Wordshaker. The song has since peaked at #9 on the UK Singles chart, securing the girls their sixth Top 10 single.

Above, check out their performance of the single live on tonight’s Dancing on Ice in the UK.

The Saturdays completely and utterly nail it: The choreography; the harmonization; the outfits; the sass. Everything works together here–even the professional skaters swinging only inches away from an ice-related head trauma.

Above all, this is the performance that has made me want to know their names on an individual level. So congratulations Una, Mollie, Vanessa, Rochelle, and Frankie…I’m all up in your business now!

Hey, Muusers…

So, I’ve unexpectedly fallen ill (I’ve been couch-bound all day–and I didn’t even drink last night!), but when I saw that this radio interview occurred, I knew that it was a perfect fit for the first post of 2010.

Click here to listen to Nuhdeen Coyle and Alan Carr tick off some of the greatest British songs of the Noughties for The Great British Songbook on BBC’s Radio 2 (It starts at the 18:30 mark).

Loads of great song selections, great dialogue between the two (Nuhdeen speak in full force!), and quite a few unexpected call-in guests, including Heidi Range, Adele, and Paloma Faith.

For Girls Aloud fans, NuhdeenNuts, and any and all Brit pop fanatics…this is a must listen. Trust me, it’s brightened my spirits, and I can barely move my body!