Exclusive: 5 Questions With Loft965.com: Nicole Atkins

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1. Loft965.com picked your track “War Is Hell” as a “Sexy Track” of 2011. How do you feel about that? What is the inspiration behind the song?

I think its great but also very ironic. I wrote this song after a pretty epic fight with an ex. I had all of these little Dia De Los Muertos figurines that got broken as a result of said argument. I was talking to my sister the day after saying how I was looking at all the broken little skeleton men on the ground and how it resembled the fallen on a battlefield. My sister goes, “Well, theres your next song.”


2. Are you preparing another single from the album? If so, which one will it be?

The current single is “Cry Cry Cry.” For the next single after that I’m hoping to put out either “My Baby Don’t Lie” or “You Come To Me.”

3. Are there any interesting projects or tours (perhaps maybe EPs) in the future that you are planning?

This summer we’ll be doing some dates with the Avett Brothers and the Black Keys and then the Bonnaroo festival. After that we’ll be doing our own tour down in the Southeast. We’ll also be recording a 4 song ep of songs that the Black Sea and I wrote together as a band.

4. Your new album, Mondo Amore, is already out. How would you describe it and who were your influences during the recording process?

Mondo Amore is a psychedelic crooner blues rock record. It is a darker record than anything I’ve recorded previously. Its a breakup record without the spite. Its romantic and melancholy and heavy and sexy and rocks really hard.

5. We love quotes, what is your favorite quote or motto?

“When life hands you lemons, squeeze them till the juice runs down your leg.”
Also from Oscar Wilde, “We’re all in the gutter, but some of us are lookin at the stars.”

Lofty Prediction: Lady Gaga will release her second single “Judas” before the album!

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It might not seem like it, but “Born This Way” has been released for more than a month and it has already lost so much steam! The track wasn’t strong enough to carry an album all by itself, that is why we think that Lady Gaga will release her rumored second single “Judas” before her album Born This Way. First, there is too much of a gap between the first single and the album, which will be released in 2 months on May 23rd. Second, both her record label and her know that people are more likely to buy the single without the album being available. That way, the song its video and remixes will get more airtime and still manage to bring in the big numbers, even if it comes a week or two before the album. What do you think?

Lofty Prediction: Britney Spears’ album will leak early!

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Why, you say? Well, there are rumors all over the web that the official release date will be pushed up. There is only one predominant reason why record labels do that, either they are missing a copy in the office or they heard of a leak. That is why we think it will leak early. And, as always, a pack of b-sides will masquerade at first as the new Britney Spears album!  Let’s hope it does as we need a pop fix.

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Lofty Prediction: Rihanna will reissue of her album “LOUD”

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Why, you say? Well, she has a couple of collaborations and remixes that haven’t seen the light yet. Also, the album doesn’t feel complete. Plus, it’s one of the best-selling albums of the decade and she is still on tour, which means she is either going on a long hiatus, releasing many singles or re-issuing the album. That being said, Rihanna previously reissued Good Girl Gone Bad with more tracks. Rated R, wasn’t good enough to get a revamp. So, we won’t be surprised if she actually adds a couple more tracks and cashes into what has become a very lucrative project.

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Lofty Prediction: Beyonce to release an album this summer!

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Although Beyonce has announced that she is working on new material a while back, this was not triggered by that fact. Instead, three things come to mind. First, her last vacation. She said she wanted to recharge and that Caribbean escape was it. Second, SiA Furler was supposed to be working with Beyonce on the album, but there were enough tracks to fill a whole disc. That was mentioned by SiA herself. Third, the peculiar and sudden sign-up to Glastonbury. Only someone who had something to plug or promote would headline that festival in June. So, we say hooray to a fourth album in summer, maybe?

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Exclusive: 5 Questions with Loft965.com: Lauren Pritchard

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1. Loft965.com picked you as an “Artist to look forward to in 2011.” How do you feel about that and what do you think this year holds for you?
I’m super excited and flattered to be picked as one to watch! I’m excited for another year to be out in the world playing music and getting my album out there. There were so many surprises and twists last year and I hope that 2011 is the same.

2. We love “Stuck.” What will be your next single?
Yes and I’m so glad. Its one of my favorites on the album, it’s a very personal tune. I shot the video for it the last week of January. It’s a Bonnie & Clyde-type piece featuring Michael Socha from “This is England” & BBC’s “Being Human”. We had a blast, he’s an ace guy and an ace actor.

3. Your Wikipedia biography says you lived with Lisa Marie Presley. Why and how was it?
Her daughter, Riley, is one of my closest friends and I was having to move back to TN because of family reasons at one point while in Los Angeles. They were kind enough to let me stay with them. They’re like my surrogate family and very dear to me.

4. Your debut album, Wasted In Jackson, is already out. How would you describe it and who were you influences?
I would describe it as a storybook journey of the last few years of my life, including moving to a new country, shit breakups and looking at life. It was influenced by a few different things, I wanted it to be a very honest, soulful record, so I made it a point to do the writing as upfront and truthful as possible. Musically i wanted it go on a journey as well having some rock moments, country moments, even true to term singer/songwriter moments. I think Eg White (producer) and I did that as best possible.

5. We love quotes, what is your favorite quote or motto?
“To do is to be” – Socrates
“To be is to do” – Jean-Paul Sartre
“Do-be-do-be-do” – Frank Sinatra

Exclusive: 5 Questions with Loft965.com: Clare Maguire

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1. Loft965.com picked you as an “Artist to look forward to in 2011.” How do you feel about that and what do you think this year holds for you?

I am so honoured that Loft965.com have picked me as a ‘one to watch for 2011′. It’s a huge confidence boost to know that you believe in what I’m doing. This year will be filled with writing, designing shows, making videos and hopefully a headline tour of my own.

2. We love “Strangest Thing” and “Ain’t Nobody.” What will be your next single?

My next single is ‘The Last Dance’. It’s available in the U.S. on the 22nd of February on iTunes. The video is on youtube now, check it out, I love it!

3. Your single “Last Dance” was written after the death of Michael Jackson. Were you fan of the legendary King Of Pop and how did you feel upon hearing the news?

It was triggered by his death but there were also many things happening in my life at the time that influenced the song. I was a huge Michael Jackson fan and I was devastated when he passed. I thought it was distasteful when I read mean comments about him online, so my anger triggered the need to write the song, I went into the studio and that was it.

4. Your debut album, Light After Dark, is coming out on February 28th. How would you describe it and what sound can we expect?

I would describe it as ‘big, emotive, honest epic pop.’

5. We love quotes, what is your favorite quote or motto?

One of my favourite quotes is ‘imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring.’ Marilyn Monroe.

Click here to visit Clare Maguire’s official website.

Click here to follow Clare Maguire on Twitter.

Exclusive: Official cover of Lira’s “Return To Love”

Loft965.com is very happy to be the first blog on earth to bring to your the cover of Lira’s new album.

Lira had an exceptional 2010 – becoming the first South African artist to release a live music concert on Blu-ray and selling multi-platinum numbers of her live DVD.

Now, early 2011, sees the multi-award winning artist return with a brand new studio album that’s nothing short of extraordinary – and a fitting calling card for Lira’s much-anticipated breakthrough onto the global music stage.

Titled Return To Love – Lira’s fourth studio album is a masterful record that draws together everything that Lira has worked for since she first embarked on her music career – at first tentatively with her 2003 debut and, from 2006’s Feel Good onwards, with mounting confidence in her singular abilities.

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Exclusive: Loft965.com’s Best Songs Of 2010

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  1. “Clap Your Hands” by Sia
  2. “Someone Like You (Live Version)” by Adele
  3. “(Still A) Weirdo” by KT Tunstall
  4. “Crave You” by Flight Facilities
  5. “Black Diamond Day” by Alexa Wilding
  6. “Makes Me Happy” by Undersea Poem
  7. “Gutter” by Medina
  8. “Stars 4-Ever” by Robyn
  9. “Too Much” by Kylie Minogue
  10. “Lost Where I Belong” by Andreya Triana
  11. “Fourth Of July (Fireworks)” by Kelis
  12. “Love All Over Me” by Monica
  13. “Norway” by Beach House
  14. “Order 1081″ by Natalie Merchant
  15. “Even Though” by Morcheeba
  16. “I’m In Here (Piano/Vocal Edit)” by Sia
  17. “Put Your Hands Up (If You Feel Love)” by Kylie Minogue
  18. “Teenage Dream” by Katy Perry
  19. “Alpha Shallows” by Laura Marling
  20. “Only Girl (In The World)” by Rihanna
  21. “You And I” by Medina
  22. “Tik Tok” by Ke$ha
  23. “Hang With Me” by Robyn
  24. “Parachute” by Cheryl Cole
  25. “Umm Hmm” by Erykah Badu
  26. “Always Up With You” by Alphabeat
  27. “The Drug” by Royksöpp
  28. XXXO” by M.I.A.
  29. “You’ve Changed” by Sia
  30. “Your Love Is My Drug” by Ke$ha
  31. “Wonderful Life” by Hurts
  32. “Never Gonna Leave Me” by Sia
  33. “Window Seat” by Erykah Badu
  34. “Paradise Circus” by Massive Attack
  35. “Brave” by Kelis
  36. “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn
  37. “Promise This” by Cheryl Cole
  38. “Ever Fallen In Love” by Noisettes
  39. “Get Outta My Way” by Kylie Minogue
  40. “I Am Not A Robot” by Marina And The Diamonds
  41. “Summer Day” by Sheryl Crow
  42. “Once In A Lifetime” by Monica
  43. “Stop Trying” by Sia
  44. “Sound Of Love” by Husky Rescue
  45. “Why Don’t You Love Me?” by Beyoncé
  46. “Only You (Take Me Away)” by Nina Sky
  47. “Who’s That Chick” by David Guetta featuring Rihanna
  48. “Do-Wah-Doo” by Kate Nash
  49. “Starry Eyed” by Ellie Goulding
  50. “Endlessly” by Duffy
  51. “Call Your Girlfriend” by Robyn
  52. “Bring Night” by Sia
  53. “Waiting” by Cheryl Cole
  54. “We Shall Burn Bright” by Husky Rescue
  55. “Indestructible” by Robyn
  56. “Let Go” by jj
  57. “My Baby Left Me” by Rox
  58. “Forgiveness” by Sarah McLachlan
  59. “You Lost Me” by Christina Aguilera
  60. “Raise Your Glass” by P!nk
  61. “Love Kills” by Robyn
  62. “Commander” by Kelly Rowland
  63. “Nobody” by Kate Earl
  64. “When I’m Alone” by Lissie
  65. “Senior Living” by Royksöpp
  66. “Dumb” by Alexandra Burke
  67. “Fuck You” by Cee-Lo Green
  68. “Rude Boy” by Rihanna
  69. “Big Sunglasses” by Dragonette
  70. “Looking For An Angel” by Kylie Minogue
  71. “Tightrope” by Janelle Monaé featuring Big Boi
  72. “Dance In The Dark” by Lady Gaga
  73. “Acapella” by Kelis
  74. “We R Who We R” by Ke$ha
  75. “Lonely” by Medina
  76. “Be Good To Me” by Sia
  77. “Well Well Well” by Duffy
  78. “Theme Song” by Undersea Poem
  79. “Drop The Other” by Emika
  80. “Daydreamer” by Andreya Triana
  81. “Hormones” by Tracey Thorn
  82. “Wolf Trap Motel” by Husky Rescue
  83. “Out My Mind, Just In Time” by Erykah Badu
  84. “The Time (Dirty Bit)” by Black Eyed Peas
  85. “Whataya Want From Me” by Adam Lambert
  86. “The Fight” by Sia
  87. “Invisible Light” by Scissor Sisters
  88. “Everybody Loves Me” by Prince
  89. “Criminal Intent” by Robyn
  90. “Make My Heart” by Toni Braxton
  91. “Action Man” by Hafdís Huld
  92. “All The Lovers” by Kylie Minogue
  93. “Broken Heels” by Alexndra Burke
  94. “Happy Hour” by Cheryl Cole
  95. “Hole In My Heart” by Alphabeat
  96. “Spaceship” by Benny Bennasi featuring Kelis
  97. “King Of Anything” by Sarah Bareilles
  98. “Oh Santa!” by Mariah Carey
  99. “You Should Know Better” by Robyn featuring Snoop Dogg
  100. “Soldier Of Love” by Sade
  101. “Firework” by Katy Perry
  102. “The Co-Dependant” by Sia
  103. “Men In Love” by The Gossip
  104. “Why Don’t You Love Me” by Tori Amos and Cyndi Lauper
  105. “Runnin’” by Nadine Cole
  106. “Song For The Baby” by Kelis
  107. “History” by Groove Armada featuring Will Young
  108. “Paris Nights/New York Mornings” by Corinne Bailey Rae
  109. “Hollywood” by Marina And The Diamonds
  110. “Cry When You Get Older” by Robyn
  111. “When Christmas Comes” by Mariah Carey
  112. “Tenderoni” by Kele
  113. “Stand Up!” by Cheryl Cole
  114. “Telephone” by Lady Gaga featuring Beyoncé
  115. “Strangest Thing” by Clare Maguire
  116. “Slow” by Rumer
  117. “Rolling In The Deep” by Adele
  118. “Closer” by Kylie Minogue
  119. “Fembots” by Robyn
  120. “Pop Goes The World” by The Gossip
  121. “Superman” by Gabriella Climi
  122. “I’m Not Yours” by Angus and Julia Stone
  123. “Still Standing” by Monica
  124. “Dancehall Queen” by Robyn
  125. “Emancipate” by Kelis
  126. “Baby” by Justin Beiber
  127. “Auld Lang Syne” by Mariah Carey
  128. “I Do Not Care For The Winter Sun” by Beach House
  129. “Surrender” by Ölof Arnalds featuring Björk
  130. “Aphrodite” by Kylie Minogue
  131. “’81″ by Joanna Newsom
  132. “Loosen The Knot” by Lissie
  133. “Recipe For Disaster” by Morcheeba
  134. “Don’t Talk About This Love” by Cheryl Cole
  135. “Your Song” by Ellie Goulding
  136. “Loved” by Edie
  137. “Right Thru Me” by Nicki Minaj
  138. “Love Come” by Sarah McLachlan
  139. “22nd Century” by Kelis
  140. “Lovalot” by M.I.A.
  141. “Everything To Me” by Monica
  142. “Sign Your Name” by Sheryl Crow
  143. “Oh Father” by Sia
  144. “Gone Baby, Don’t Be Long” by Erykah Badu
  145. “Don’t Fucking Tell Me What To Do” by Robyn
  146. “Song X” by Andreya Triana
  147. “Dirty Talk” by Wynter Gordon
  148. “Maneater” by The Bird And The Bee
  149. “Mama’s Place” by Roisin Murphy
  150. “California Gurls” by Katy Perry featuring Snoop Dogg
  151. “Tell ‘Em” by Sleigh Bells
  152. “Rocket”  by Goldfrapp
  153. “Hands” by The Ting Tings
  154. “Scream” by Kelis
  155. “Insatiable” by Nadine Coyle
  156. “ET” by Madita
  157. “Celestica” by Crystal Castles
  158. Big Girl, Little Girl” by Sia
  159. “Cupid Boy” by Kylie Minogue
  160. “Nothing” by  Janet Jackson
  161. “Man Down” by Rihanna
  162. “Pink Cloud” by Sam Sparro
  163. “Waves” by Holly Miranda
  164. “All I Need” by Christina Aguilera
  165. DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love” by Usher
  166. “Speechless” by Lady Gaga
  167. “Driving Song” by Undersea Poem
  168. “Goodbye England (Covered In Snow)” by Laura Marling
  169. “The Alcoholic” by Royksopp
  170. “It Takes A Muscle” by M.I.A.
  171. “Dynamite” by Taio Cruz
  172. “Singles Bar” by Tracey Thorn
  173. “Loving You Is Easy” by Sarah McLachlan
  174. “Aretha” by Rumer
  175. “Complicated” by Rihanna
  176. “Sexy Love Affair” by Nadine Coyle
  177. “Take It Off” by Ke$ha
  178. “Fade Like A Shadow” by KT Tunstall
  179. “Amnesia” by Cheryl Cole
  180. Saved by Tinashé
  181. I Don’t Believe” by Rox
  182. “Sideways” by Sheryl Crow
  183. “Winter Sun” by Hafdis Huld
  184. “Into The Light” by jj
  185. “On The Lam” by Kele
  186. “Paris” by Kate Nash
  187. “A Town Called Obsolete” by Andreya Triana
  188. “Babyfather” -Sade
  189. “Born Free” by M.I.A.
  190. “Silver Soul” by Beach House
  191. “If It Wasn’t For Bad” by Elton John and Leon Russell
  192. “Vultures” by Nicole Atkins
  193. “Radio” by Alesha Dixon
  194. “Peace Signs” by Sharon Van Etten
  195. “Selfish” by Medina
  196. “Goodbye Game” by Chrisette Michele
  197. “Sex For Breakfast” by Christina Aguilera
  198. “Tarantula” by Diane Birch
  199. “Discoverer” by R.E.M.
  200. “Kiss That Grrl” by Kate Nash

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Exclusive: The Best Music Videos Of 2010

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1. “Get Outta My Way” by Kylie Minogue

2. “Born Free” – M.I.A.

3. “Twin Flames” by Klaxons

4. “Window Seat” by Erykah Badu

5. “Clap Your Hands” by SiA

6. “Paradise Circus” by Massive Attack

7. “Wonderful Life” by Hurts

8. “Black Diamond Day” by Alexa Wilding

9. “Indestructible” by Robyn

10. “Acapella” by Kylie Minogue

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Exclusive: Albums to look forward to in 2011

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  1. TBA – Fiona Apple (Spring)
  2. TBA – Bjork (Summer)
  3. 21 – Adele
  4. Born This WayLady Gaga
  5. TBA – Ani DiFranco (Spring)
  6. TBA – Siobhán Donaghy
  7. In The Air – Telepopmusik (Spring)
  8. TBA – Britney Spears (March)
  9. TBA – Solange Knowles
  10. TBA – Brandy (TBA)
  11. Return To Paradise – Sam Sparro
  12. TBA – Beyonce
  13. Let England ShakePJ Harvey
  14. Stand Still – Emma’s Imagination
  15. Late Nights, Early MorningsMarsha Ambrosius
  16. TBA – Alanis Morissette
  17. TBA – Alana Davis
  18. In My Dreams - James Morrison
  19. Kiss Each Other Clean - Iron & Wine
  20. James Blake - James Blake
  21. Kills - jj
  22. Memories Of An Old Friend – Angus & Julia Stone
  23. TBA – Bic Runga
  24. The Deep Field – Joan A Police Woman
  25. TBA – Brandy
  26. Collapse Into Now – R.E.M.
  27. TBA – Ane Brun
  28. Zonoscope – Cut Copy
  29. Th1rt3enRobert Miles
  30. TBA – Kim Wayman

Exclusive: Loft965.com giveaway of Sade’s vinyl release of “Soldier Of Love”

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Sade’s management has contacted us to tell us about some exciting news. Following the skyrocketing success of Sade’s #1 album Soldier Of Love, the sultry chanteuse is going to release an exclusive vinyl version of the album on the 23rd of March, 2010. That’s next Tuesday! A week from now the timeless music of Sade will be available on a timeless format. If you don’t have the album yet make sure you purchase it here. If you want the vinyl giveaway, please leave us a note about why you love Sade so much in the comments section with your e-mail and we will pick a winner. Get on it!

Exclusive: 5 Questions with Loft965: Shontelle

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We are very proud to announce a new post series. This will be a series of exclusive one-of-a-kind interviews with artists we feature on Loft965.com. Shontelle rose to fame with her radio-friendly hit “T-Shirt” and is now ready to wow the world with her second album. We had a little electronic chat with her and this is how it went.

1. Loft965.com loved “Battle Cry” and we can’t wait for the new material. What can we expect of the new album, when will it be released and what is the title?

“Thank you! That song means so much to me because it so Motivational. My new album will be released in Spring 2010 and is titled “No Gravity” (also an track title written by me).”

2. Your new single “Licky (Under The Covers)” samples “Licky” by Larry Tee. Were you fan of that song and what was the inspiration behind incorporating it into the track?

“LOL! I was a huge fan of the funny, naughty little video for the original on Youtube. A track was sent to me by DJ Frank E without verses but the hook using the Larry Tee sample was in and the beat was so dope I wished I could walk into a club and hear it that same night! We called up Sean Garrett and he added the craziest verses and I jumped on it right away.”

3. What is your favorite color and why?

Yellow. It’s the most vibrant and friendly color in IMO. It reminds me of the sun and my favorite flower, the yellow rose. I’m from Barbados where it’s always golden and sunny so maybe that has something to do with it?”

4. Yes, your music is also heavily-influenced by Barbados. If you had to describe the new album, No Gravity, in five words, what would they be?

“Improved. Sexy. Inspirational. Cathartic. Fun.”

5. We love quotes, what is your favorite quote?

“Keep moving forward” – Walt Disney

Shontelle’s second album No Gravity comes out on April 16th, 2010.

Click here to purchase Shontelle’s music.

Click here to follow Shontelle on Twitter.