Music has been embedded in my life ever since I was in the womb, my Mum and Dad basically raised me on music, especially POP music! I grew up listening to Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls, Britney Spears….even AQUA and I’ve always been obsessed with Eurovison! I love sharing my favourite songs and album every month with the world from Scene HQ!
Shaznay Lewis (from the iconic All Saints) has dropped her first solo single in 20 years omgomgomg this is a big deal, I was obsessed with Daddy O with Wideboys in 2008 btw. Shaznay has confirmed a new album is on the way too, again her first solo album in 20 years!
Miracle is a classy and atmospheric slice of cool pop with lashings of soul and R&B and takes me back to the early noughties (the best decade for pop music IMPO), but sounds modern too.
Shaznay said “Miracle was a journey, a relentless writing process between Emily Phillips and me,” and “We pushed each other, we changed it a lot until, and when I finally listened to it, I realised it was a love song to myself, about the person I’ve been for the past 25 years and where I am now. It’s a message of encouragement to return to my love of writing with self-esteem, and confidence in the way that made me happy.”
Shazslay is one of pop’s greatest songwriters of her generation, responsible for not just the All Saints classics, but also writing for other artists including Little Mix, Sugababes and Stooshe (remember Stooshe?!). Shaznay’s comeback is one 2024’s first incredible musical moments!
Ariana Grande – yes, and?
Another comeback woo, I’ve missed Ariana Grande‘s voice so much!
Ariana is definitely paying tribute to Madonna‘s Vogue but also Paula Abdul‘s Cold Hearted video too….slay.
In both videos, Paula and Ari are dancing in a room full of dancers and for Ari the dancers seem to be a nod to her critics and for Paula the dancers represented judgemental record label executives. Paula noticed too and posted on the gram saying “WOW! Waking up to see @arianagrande pay homage to ‘Cold Hearted’ in her new music video ‘yes, and?’ was EVERYTHING!!! What an honor! What was your favorite part of the video? I love you, Ari!!! 💋💋💋 XoP.”
Polly Scattergood – Dancing In The Dark
My partner introduced me to Polly Scattergood’s music when I first met him and I’m so bloody glad he did because she’s so up my street, she followed me on Instagram too yay! Anyway enough about me-Polly has gifted this cover to us of Bruce Springsteen’s timeless Dancing in the Dark and really makes it her own.
Honestly check it out above and thank me later xoxo.
Jennifer Lopez – Can’t Get Enough
Jennifer Lopez has finally dropped her first single from upcoming album This Is Me…Now and it’s super reminiscent of her sound from earlier years, it really reminds me of This Is Me…Then (obvs) and even her self titled album J.Lo a bit too.
I can’t get enough of this track and this is another one of 2024’s first incredible musical moments to be honest with you huns! Also, J Lo has announced the new album will be a “Musical Experience” so I’m thinking there’ll be visuals for every track?! Check out the epic trailer below, it looks like Kim Petras, KekePalmer, and Jenifer Lewis is in it too?! THIS IS… EVERYTHING.
bludnymph – The Things I Do For Love
TikTok-fave bludnymph drops bop after bop but this one is my ultimate fave so far, the most toxic love song ever….but we can all relate and it makes my bussy shake.
bludnymph will be one of the main pop girlies in no time, watch this space!
Farida – Heartache
Not Farida from Big Brother but Farida from Norway performed at the Melodi Grand Prix (the annual Norwegian music competition that serves as the country’s pre selection for the Eurovision Song Contest) and she was my fave! I’m gutted she’s not made it to the final and won’t be representing Norway this year in Malmö but I’m still giving 12 points from #DaleyPOP!
#AvaMaxvibes
Erika Norwich and Super Rob – My AI
Omg I have no words. Erika Norwich (and Super Rob) are my guilty (not guilty) pleasures and my second faves from Melodi Grand Prix.
Manifesting they make it to Malmö in May, if Farida can’t be there then Erika and Rob neeeeeed to be. Oh and fun fact: My AI is the first MGP 2024 song to reach the official Norwegian top 40! It entered the charts at number 34.
Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé – Spicy Margarita
What a delicious duo that I didn’t know I needed! Jason Derulo and Michael Bublé have joint forces that samples Dean Martin’s Sway.
Michael covered the iconic track like over 20 years ago on his debut album and said “The roots of what I do and what I love – the standards, the Great American Songbook – fit so perfectly with everything Jason is creating musically,” and “Mixing the old school standards with a more modern pop sound was only a matter of time, and I knew if anyone was going to get it, it would be Jason. Right away I was excited, and then I listened to the demo and was blown away.”
Jason said “Michael’s music has been an important part of my life. So I put Spicy Margarita and he asked me, “Is it okay if we add some orchestration?” I said, “Sure!” “His version of it was incredible. It was exactly how I imagined it. It has a Latin feel with a little bit of Brazilian funk”.
I wish Jason was singing his own name in the beginning of the song though if I’m being nitpicky!
Rêve – Release Me
Canadian sensation Briannah Donolo aka Rêve is another one to check out and she said “This song is about losing yourself, and somehow finding glimmers that remind you of who you are between the speakers. Music has always been therapy for me, and I’m sure so many of you can relate.”
I’m adore this song and love how it keeps building and building and keeps getting better the more you listen. It’s just so dreamy.
I don’t know about you or you but I loveeee having a smooth bum, it just makes me feel so much more confident! I hate shaving with a traditional razor though and hair removal creams are alright but I don’t like the smell. I’ve discovered the best butt shaver ever, honestly it’s a game changer.
Bumzzy are an independent, LGBTQ+ owned and founder-controlled business based in London. They quickly realised many gay men (especially little bottoms like me😇) are often concerned about our butt hair situation. Clenched jaw, back of your ankles flexed, trying to get down there without a razor while the steel shower head watches you struggle. Does that sound familiar? Well, Bumzzy have news for you, tops: It’s not exactly pleasant to figure out how to shave your own butt.
Trying to get the job done with a regular razor can be pretty scary and hair removal creams can cause some pretty bad irritation and in some cases even scars. That’s why Bumzzy made it a priority to design and develop a high quality shaving device to keep your derriere into tip-top shape. ”Making life easier, one bum at a time” was the goal.. and after experimenting with countless designs Bumzzy came up with the Bumzzy Butt Shaver 1.0.
The Innovative design offers easy grip and perfect fit to your hand so you can enjoy unconventional comfort without having to get in crazy positions. Each of the high performance five-head rotary blades moves independently allowing the shaver to follow the contours of your butt and cutting hair at skin level so you get an ultra-close shave without any cuts or irritation.
So basically with a Bumzzy:
No more cuts
Fully waterproof
Exepectional contouring
Innovative design for maxium comfort
80 mins of cordless use
I know the biggest question probably is it safe using this on your hole? That was my question anyway.
Yep it is YAY so go onnnn, you might as well treat yourself and order your very own Bumzzy right now, you won’t regret it especially as there’s a 30 day money back guarantee too so you’ve got nothing to lose! Order HERE 😉
Here at Scene HQ we love to support independent artists especially when they’re as lovely and release bop after bop like Matt Wright has!
Just so you’re up to speed, Matt Wright started out his career when he supported Son Of Dork (James Bourne from Busted’s spin-off band) at legendary London venue, O2Shepherd’s Bush Empire in 2007, in front of 2,500 people omg – not bad for a first performance!
Photo by Sam Cadman📸
From there he toured parts of the UK and made appearances on television. Since then, Matt has redefined his sound to a more pop/dance vibe and in recent times, he has seen great success racking up over 200,000 views across just 2 videos on his TikTok for his songs OMT and Take Me Somewhere.
Additionally, he has had tracks OMT, Falling and most recently, his brand new single Heartbreaker (available to stream on all music platforms tomorrow) featured on BBC Introducing on BBC Radio Sussex and Surrey.
Oh and guess what, The Heartbreaker music video features Ollie King from BBC Three’s I Kissed A Boy, as hosted by Dannii Minogue, and you can watch it below tomorrow night!
For any observant owls like myself, you’ll probably spot that the music video was filmed in and around Brighton too and there’s some bar scenes in the legendary LegendsBar which is fun, right?!
Matt said “I’m mega excited for this one.” and that “after Heartbreaker was aired on BBC Radio Sussex & Surrey back in October 2023 I got quite a few texts and so I figured, let’s go for it!”
2023 was a yummy year for pop music! Miley Cyrus smashed records left right and center with Flowers which was number 1 for 10 whole weeks and has become the longest-running number 1 single by a female solo artist of this decade so far, as well as tied for second overall.
Kylie Minogue stepped into her renaissance era with Padam Padam which entered the top 10 UK official charts, her highest UK chart position in more than 10 years! noonoouri, the first ever AI popstar “with a human soul” signed a major record deal with Warner Music Group, Loreen made Eurovision history by becoming the first woman to win the contest TWICE and Kesha is free from Dr Luke‘s clutches I mean label! It was so hard to pick my favourite songs this year but here we go….
Music has been embedded in my life ever since I was in the womb, my Mum and Dad basically raised me on music, especially POP music! I grew up listening to Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls, Britney Spears….even AQUA! I love sharing my favourite songs and album every month with the world from Scene HQ! Feel free to check out my socials here 🙂
P.s. HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Paloma Faith – How You Leave A Man
BRIT-Award-winning Paloma Faith’s new era arrived and How You Leave A Man was the first single from her upcoming sixth studio album The Glorification of Sadness (out next month woo).
This song is confident, cinematic, empowering and compelling from beginning to end, all powered by the kind of anthems that transformed her into an icon. The single is about finding the confidence to walk away from a relationship and being empowered with your own happiness.
It’s limitless expression of pop allows it to sit comfortably next to Paloma’s many chart successors and then some. Breakups are the worst and if you’re going through one right now then blast Paloma and you’ll be healed.
Oh and and and also Paloma is going on a huge UK tour and one of the stops will be at the Brighton Centre-click HERE for tickets!
Troye Sivan – Rush
YouTuber-turned pop star Troye Sivan was like so in his horny era when he dropped Rush and I have to admit he made us thirsty at Scene HQ. Rush was the lead single from his third studio album, Something To Give Each Other. Troye said ‘Rush is the feeling of kissing a sweaty stranger on a dancefloor, a two-hour date that turned into a weekend, a crush, a winter, a summer.
‘Party after party, after party after party. All of my experiences from a chapter where I feel confident, free, and liberated. Oh my, my, my! (IYKYK). Rush is so STUD 2.0, again, if you know you know.
Mae Muller – I Wrote A Song
OMG so the United Kingdom’s Eurovision entry 2023 didn’t do as good as we hoped but I still love it and our Mae! Up and coming singer-songwriter Mae Muller released this Eurotrashy bop and it even debuted in the UK Official Charts at number 30, the first UK Eurovision entry to debut in the Top 40 in over a decade! HERSTORY has been made.
I predicted we’d at least be in the top 5 but we were actually second from last eeeep so don’t ever ask me for the lottery numbers and Mae, we’re still be proud of you and I’m sure Sam Ryder is too and Olly Alexander must be too (our official 2024 Eurovision entry, already announced! Click HERE for more info about that).
Fun fact: Mae was the little girl in the green dress in the music video for Grace Kelly by Mika, who presented and performed at Eurovision 2022. So cool!
Kylie Minogue – Padam Padam
Just in time for pride month (she knew what she was doing), Aussie pop princess Kylie fed us with a new era! Padam Padam rejuvenated, refreshed and resurrected me if I’m 100% honest with you huns.
Kylie tweeted “My new album TENSION is available to pre-order now! This album is a blend of personal reflection, club abandon and melancholic highs! I felt so much freedom when I recorded it and hope you love it!” omgomgomg and we did and still do we do, in fact it was my album of the month in September. (Read about that HERE).
Lana Del Rey – A&W
I’m a LanaDel Rey stan and I’ve had this one on repeat since it was released! Trap Lana is secretly my fave Lana and it’s seven minutes long! What. A. Treat.
The track is split into two parts, Part I: American Whore and Part II: Jimmy and the title A&W refers to both a roadside chain restaurant in America (a bit like Little Chef I guess – wait are they still around?) and American Whore.
Taken from Lana’s ninth album, Did You Know That There’s A Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd, (which ended up being my album of the month in April obvs hehehe check out my review HERE). Lana is an icon; she’s a legend and she is the moment.
Bentley Robles – HOW TO RUIN EVERYTHING
Pop prince Bentley Robles dropped another bop that slaps, How To Ruin Everything is too good and he dropped his debut EP Ugly Crier too so make sure you check that out!
The time has come to cry glitter tears, Ugly Crier is a bold and unapologetic anthem of liberation after heartbreak, encapsulating the full spectrum of emotions that come with love and loss. Bentley pairs upbeat pop melodies with lyrics that don’t shy away from the raw, honest, and sometime depressing realities of relationships.
Opening with GOD IS A F*CKBOY, the EP starts off with an equally bold and upbeat anthem detailing the ways that Robles has suffered at the hands of F*ckboys, with lyrics so cutting yet a sound so addictive you won’t realise you’re singing along to an anti-f*ckboy anthem. Bentley Robles’ debut captures a euphoric sonic blend of forward-thinking electronic production with lyrically hard-hitting pop music. UGLY CRIER is a journey from the heartbroken to the villain.
Bentley said “I was born and raised on main pop girls and ‘UGLY CRIER’ is my application to be the next big one.”
Tove Lo – I like u
Sweden’s darkest pop export singer and songwriter Tove Lo consistently drops decent pop music, albums annnnnd singles but the Dirt Femme era has been my fave (after Lady Wood).
Tove said “I wanted to make another dance song that sonically felt like a nod to 90’s and Y2K dance music. I wrote this song with Timfromthehouse, we worked on it for months in between tours to figure the perfect arrangement. It’s not the usual pop structure but it’s perfect for this song, I think. Lyrically I’m telling the story of my thoughts the first time I saw the love of my life. They’re not clean but at least I never said any of them out loud.”
I saw a tweet saying “what gay cat nip did you put in this song” and it’s SO TRUE, it’s just so addictive and eurodancey. Naww and Tove will be donating a portion of her streaming proceeds from ‘I like u’ to The Trevor Project, the leading suicide prevention org for LGBTQ young people.
Kenya Grace – Strangers
Omg I was obsessed with this song for months (still am) and Kenya Grace has made history with her debut single Strangers reaching number one on the official UK singles chart making her the second British female artist to reach number 1 with a track performed, written and produced entirely solo after Kate Bush‘s Running Up That Hill, how sick?!
Born in South Africa but raised in Southampton oh and she attended Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford (above a Wetherspoons I used to always go to when I lived in Guildford-fun fact). Kenya began releasing music independently in 2019 and then Strangers basically went viral on TikTok and now everyone knows it-uh huh uh huh uh huh uh huh.
Miley Cyrus – Flowers
YAY, Miley was back after teasing us Flowers on social media and during the Miley’s New Year’s Eve Party live special, which she co-hosted with country music legend and her actual real-life godmother, Dolly Parton, in case you didn’t know.
Taken from her upcoming eighth studio album Endless Summer Vacation (fab album), the track became the most streamed track on Spotify in one week with 96,032,624 plays for the week ending 19 January 2023 (OMG!) – over seven million more streams than the previous record holder, Adele, with Easy On Me and also, is number 1 in 12 countries around the world! What a fab start to the year for Miley.
Miley released the track on her ex-hubby’s (Liam Hemsworth) birthday btw (13th January) and makes direct references to their relationship in the lyrics. She was also basically replying to Bruno Mars’ lyrics in When I Was Your Man which Liam once dedicated to Miley (allegedly). I’m living for the pettiness of it all and it’s simply a BOP.
Sugababes – When The Rain Comes
The award winning, multi-Platinum selling music trio Sugababes are officially back like really back, after what feels like 84 years, and they dropped a new single!
Mutya, Keisha and Siobhan (aka the sacred three) released When The Rain Comes via BMG. They dropped the single to coincide the same day as their sold out show at London’s O2 Arena (their biggest show yet). I was there and took my boyfriend for his birthday and the atmosphere was unreal!
When The Rain Comes, is a slice of effortlessly stylish British pop from the band and a special release to say thank you to their loyal fans naww I feel seen. The track, written with George Moore (Stormzy, Nao, Yebba), who also produced the track with the group’s live band, and Iain James (Little Mix, Anne-Marie), is the first taken from super highly anticipated upcoming album coming in 2024 omgomgomg.
The girls said “We loved being back in the studio and writing this song this summer, and it feels like the perfect song to release to coincide with our biggest headline show to date. This song is a celebration of the people in our lives who stand by us and lift us up through the good and bad times. The three of us have been that for each other over the years, and we felt there was no better way to mark this moment in our journey than with this song.”
In the last two years, if you’ve been living under a rock, Sugababes have been everywhere, headlining festivals including a field-closing Glastonbury performance and have appeared on numerous magazine covers. They have performed live to over half a million fans this year alone including the very successful recording for their Boiler Room online set which became the platforms most subscribed event in its history and is due to air in October. The girls performed When The Rain Comes on The Graham Norton Show too on the 13th October! (watch below :)).
FYI besties, Sugababes formed in 1998 while members Mutya Buena, Keisha Buchanan and Siobhan Donaghy were in their early teens. The trio exploded onto the UK music scene with their critically acclaimed debut single Overload and their debut album One Touch which followed. One of the most successful British girl bands, the girls have scored six Number One singles, multiple Multi-Platinum albums, and countless award nominations and wins-and they’re ready to celebrate some more.
Bebe Rexha – Call On Me
Bebe Rexha released her best and most beautiful album yet Rexhars! The self titled album is very 70’s disco-influenced and bop after bop and I’m simply here. for. it.
This is a no skip album I re visit over and over especially when I’m feeling meh, it always put’s me in a good mood! Call On Me is Sacrifice’s sister and fun fact: Bebe Rexha is listed as the only executive producer of the album.
Also….again….has anyone ever seen Bebe Rexha and Alyssa Barmonde from Married at First Sight Australia in the same room before?
noonoouri and Alle Farben – Dominoes
Omg so if you didn’t see my article about noonoouri check it out right here because erm….she’s the first ever AI popstar “with a human soul” to sign a major record deal which is kind of a big deal and her debut single is way too catchy….honestly!
Artificial intelligence (AI) technology was used to create the singing voice of noonoouri, which has been based on a real singer’s voice but altered so she has her own distinct sound. The songwriters and musicians on the track will receive royalties and publishing splits just like any traditional song, the PA news agency understands but yeah it’s an undeniable bop and I hope we get an album too.
🚨POP MUSIC EMERGENCY🚨
We’re getting new music, noonoouri confirmed to me on Insta!
Gwen Stefani – True Babe
The one and the only, global icon, Gwen Stefani finally came back doing what she does best and releasing music! True Babe takes me back to the noughties in the best way-as a millennial THIS is the most delightful blend of simpler early 2010’s pop pureness! I did like Slow Clap with Saweetie in 2021 but True Babe hits differently so I’m manifesting this is the start of a new era and a new album pretty please Gwen if you read this!
Gwen is back on The Voice for Season 24 though, along with coaches Niall Horan (omg), Reba McEntire and John Legend so we might have to wait….but hopefully not too long because it’s already been 84 years since Gwen’s last album This Is What The Truth Feels Like (2015).
Slayyyter – STARFUCKER (the whole album, I couldn’t just pick one song)
Slayyyter will surely be one of the main pop girlies with her sophomore album-she deserves to be mainstream after this masterpiece, STARFUCKER (what an album title btw ha) is literally bop after bop and she doesn’t hold back like at all and in her Fame era and I’m here for it.
I guess it’s a concept album because she’s delving deeper into her pop stardom with an extravagant Los Angeles starlet persona. The 12-track album centers around themes of fame, sex, femme fatales, and celebrity obsession in Hollywood. Slayyyter said “This album is meant to feel like a pop dream sequence about losing love and chasing fame.” well it definitely does ooze that huns.
Kim Petras and Nicki Minaj – Alone (2.0)
It’s Barbie and Kim Petras bitch!
German princess of pop Kim Petras is such a barb and was fangirling about duetting with Nicki Minaj: “It doesn’t feel real still,” and “Her singing, ‘It’s Barbie and it’s Kim Petras,’ I cried, I was on the floor, and then she calls me Kim Petty in it, which all my friends are like, ‘How did we not come up with that our entire lives?’ So she just changed my life in so many ways with that verse, and that verse rips. I love her and I’m so inspired by her always, it’s crazy to me. I don’t know how she does it, but she’s just the greatest ever.” naww you’re the greatest ever too you know Kim! And this song SLAPS.
Peggy Gou – (It Goes Like) Nanana
THIS. IS. EVERYTHING! South Korean DJ (and record producer) Kim Min-ji aka Peggy Gou dropped this absolute banger and ear worm which features her own vocals and super inspired by ’90s and early 2000s dance anthems blended with vintage house and pop sound of Ibiza-although whenever I hear this song now it personally reminds me of the last bank holiday weekend we just had being at Glamorous (a new bar in Kemptown). It’s a bit like Ibiza in there ha!
Peggy said “There’s a feeling we all know but is hard to describe, that feeling of love, warmth, and excitement when you’re surrounded by friends and loved ones and the energy speaks for itself,” and “It’s difficult to put into words but to me it goes ‘nanana!’ I want this song to evoke that nanana feeling!”
Kesha – Eat The Acid
Singer-songwriter Kesha has evolved so much as an artist since her TiK ToK days and Eat The Acid is taken from her fifth studio album Gag Order. The album and this track are so refreshingly honest and raw which Kesha described as “post-pop” and the lyrics are super obviously about her situation with Dr. Luke, Kesha’s free from Dr. Luke’s label now though!
If you’ve been sleeping under a rock, Kesha accused the producer (Dr. Luke) of emotional abuse eeep which he denied and his defamation suit against Kesha went to trial last year. Kesha hadn’t been able to speak about the trial openly and said “I feel as if there has been an implied gag order for a very long time now. With my ongoing litigation hanging over my head, I have not been able to speak freely because I know everything I say is scrutinized.” so releasing this track and Gag Order into the world must’ve felt like a weight lifted of her shoulders I reckon!
LADSCLUB – FINEWINE
Brighton born and bred electro-pop duo LADSCLUB are Greg and Ed and they’ve both loved pop music all their lives (snap) and despite meeting over 17 years ago, only started making sweet music together in January of this year what the hell (apparently not a mid-life crisis btw ha).
Greg said “People will hear the name LADSCLUB and think it’s a boys only space – but they would be wrong, it’s quite the opposite – everyone can join LADSCLUB. Being a “LAD” isn’t gender specific, it’s an attitude, it’s a state of mind. Everyone is welcome to join the party!” can I get an amen up in here?! Ed said “Brighton is such an epicentre of music, but I can’t name a single big pop act that comes from around here – so our mission statement is to put Brighton on the pop-music map, at long last!” With 2 singles under their belt already, the strings-laden bop DISCOPRANCING and the new all-out-rave-banger LOVEBOMBED, the duo are now focusing on finishing their debut album due for release this year. I❤️FINEWINE btw.
Mika – C’est la Vie
Pop icon MIKA dropped C’est la vie taken from his first fully French album via Island Def Jam France (out now and it’s so good). MIKA speaks French, English, Italian and some Arabic and Mandarin Chinese btw woah, I need to step up my game with Duolingo!
MIKA said “I have an identity that has always evolved and changed. The French-speaking part of my life really took its place and I wanted to dedicate an album to that. I had two rules: I didn’t want to pretend to be French. So I kept all my particularities, my accent, my mistakes, everything! And secondly, I didn’t want to go ‘shopping’, asking everyone to send me songs. That’s not pop music. Alt pop, you have to write it.”
Oh and MIKA will be bringing his Apocalypse Calypso Tour to Brighton in the spring, he’ll be at the Brighton Centre on the 4th April, grab your tickets here.
Bonnie McKee – SLAY
Bonnie McKee was supposed to drop this empowering bop a whole decade ago but her record label at the time stopped it from happening for some reason!
Bonnie tweaked the production a tiny bit and modernised it but don’t worry besties it’s still super nostalgic but fresh sounding at the same time. Fun fact: Bonnie wrote massive songs for Katy Perry in the past oh and for Britney, Xtina, Kesha, Avril Lavigne, Adam Lambert, Rita Ora and even Cheryl too so she basically invented the 2010’s era and sound.
As the songs she wrote with Katy Perry reached number 1 all over the world, Bonnie wrote and recorded her own album that she says Epic Records decided to chuck in the bin in 2013 because the “CEO didn’t think the next single was a hit,” even though SLAY is a obviously a slay (they obviously had no idea). Since then, that music has been sitting in a vault-until now that is!
At the start of the official video Bonnie’s taking SLAY out of the vaults literally, oh and she said “I’m putting all of the money that I’ve made back into my art because no one else will invest in me,” she says. “When the whole world has told you to sit down and shut up, and you’re like, ‘Fuck you. I’m about to slay,’ there’s something inspiring about that. That’s why I’m doing it.”
Before the pandemic drama, Bonnie reached out to her former label to get back her masters. After going through layers of what she calls “bureaucratic bullshit” for months, she decided she was going to rerecord the songs completely. “I guess I gotta pull a Taylor Swift and just rerecord this shit,” she says, later adding: “I gotta stop waiting for permission. I gotta stop waiting for someone to ask, and just fucking do it.” never a truer word has been spoken.
Loreen – Tattoo
Eurovision royalty Lorine Talhaoui aka Loreen (who previously won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2012 with her anthem Euphoria) was back with another anthem, Tattoo.
She performed at Sweden’s Melodifestivalen and omg… she ate and left no crumbs even after having to start her performance again after a stage invader!
Sweden overtook Ukraine as the favourite to win Eurovision thanks to Loreen and Loreen of course officially represented Sweden and won for the second time! Loreen is now the first ever woman to win Eurovision twice and so this is Sweden’s seventh win bringing them level with Ireland’s record.
Music has been embedded in my life ever since I was in the womb, my Mum and Dad basically raised me on music, especially POP music! I grew up listening to Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls, Britney Spears….even AQUA! I love sharing my favourite songs and album every month with the world from Scene HQ! Feel free to check out my socials here 🙂 and here’s your (festive) #DaleyPOP playlist for this month: click HERE. P.s. merry little Christmas to one and all!
Wheatus – Christmas Dirtbag
Wheatus have dropped a certified Christmas classic!
Remember Teenage Dirtbag? SUCH A GOOD SONG, and now we’ve been given a festive version which I’m actually so excited plus it’s December now so as Mariah Carey says….IT’S TIME!
Wheatus frontman BBB (aka Brendan B Brown) said: “I wanted to honour our beloved band dog Buddy, who left us this past summer, just before we started our UK & Irish tour. Gabrielle had written me into the lyric for Christmas Dirtbag as a kid whom Santa had forgotten about.” and “Buddy always felt neglected when it came to treats, even though he got the MOST treats, so I thought, ‘…Well, I’ll just have to become a dog who likes AC/DC for the video then’… and wrote the treatment replacing myself with Buddy.” nawww my eyes are leaking🥹watch the cute and silly video above.
Eliza Rose x Calvin Harris – Body Moving
Sometimes sliding into DMs is worth the risk!
Omg basically last year Calvin Harris slid into Eliza Rose‘s DMs and now we have this absolute bop!
The collab materialised naturally during studio sessions followed by a memorable encounter at Ushuaîa Ibiza last summer (omg I miss the summer like so much), where Eliza joined Calvin on stage. The energy from their live performance sealed the deal on their decision to finish the track and share it with the world luckily for me and you and me and you!
Hackney-born vocalist and DJ Eliza said “My goal was to create a track that captures the essence of summer while also igniting the dance floors. The vibe with Calvin has been fabulous.”
Boys World – the b*tch who stole christmas
Omg I really can’t have this song being slept on, it’s our new Christmas anthem at Scene HQ! Such a major sleigh (get it? hehehe) and we have it on repeattt.
Boys World are one to watch.
Gabriel Garzón-Montano – MARMALADE
Gabriel Garzón-Montano has dropped new single MARMALADE, his first original release since his 2020 album Agüita.
The track, written and produced by Garzón-Montano (such a talented guy), arrives via a video directed by Rodolfo Muñante Mariátegui shot in Peru.
The song is an experimental mix of R&B, electronic/alternative, sees Garzón-Montano at his most introspective – it’s a happy/sad song full of epiphanies, dealing with the high highs and low lows of being an artist and the changes that are natural through life.
Garzón-Montano said: “It’s about hedonism – self destruction – trying to be gentle… I wrote it at a time when I was overcome by grief and crisis. I forced myself to write it at first and then happened upon a delicious experience. Minimalism stole my heart again. I love the chords.”
Nina Nesbitt – Christmas Time Again
Scottish artist Nina Nesbitt has given us a Christmas pressie early! Nina said “I’ve always been a big fan of the festive season and dreamt of writing my own song. I’m so excited to have written Christmas Time Again this year, which is a step-by-step guide to my ideal Christmas! Think driving home to a small town, going to the pub and hearing this song played by the local band on Christmas Eve.” totes relatable.
Nina said if you love “Christmas, dogs, awkward conversations with relatives or family friends, a love of wine, garden reindeer, small towns, ceiling stars, and carol singing,” you should listen to “Christmas Time Again.” will do!
Gossip – Crazy Again
The Beth Ditto-fronted indie icons are back baby! The Standing In The Way Of Control trio are releasing their sixth album Real Power in March (2024 obvs), produced by Rick Rubin.
It was good old Rick Rubin who encouraged the band to get back together and start recording again after they celebrated the album’s 10th anniversary in 2019 so yeah, I for one am glad they’re back.
Jimmy Fallon and Meghan Trainor – Wrap Me Up
The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon and pop star Meghan Trainor are obviously feeling festive already with their new song Wrap Me Up (snap btw, putting up the christmas tree tonight woo).
Jimmy said “If you know me, you know that I love the holidays. I love holiday music and if it were up to me, I will listen to Jingle Bells in August,” and “I’ve always wanted to do something with Meghan Trainor.” Jimmy sent a voice clip of a christmas song called Wrap It Up to the Megs and performed a bit of the melody. “I didn’t hear back from Meghan,” but a few weeks later he got a call from Megs who had spiced up the song and renamed it.
“She goes, ‘Hey, I took your idea, and instead of Wrap It Up I made it into Wrap Me Up, like, I’m the gift. You know, like, Hey, you’re looking at it.’ I was like, I love this,” he said.
“So she played me the song. And let me tell you something, she can sing,” he continued. “This song is a bop. The song is a banger. This song eats. This song slaps.” COULDN’T. AGREE. MORE!
Mahmood – COCKTAIL D’AMORE
I’ll be honest with you huns….I prefer Soldi by Mahmood, but the two time Italian Sanremo winner and Eurovision representative can’t do no wrong in my eyes. Cocktail D’Amore is a really decent song even if you don’t speak Italian, his voice is just so dreamy and….seductive? Can I say that?! I’m saying it.
Cocktail D’Amore is a sad song about the end of a relationship and if you put the lyrics through Google translate you might be like aww-he’s such an under rated song writer IMPO.
The song has been produced by Dardust and composed by Alessio Buongiorno, Paolo Alberto Monachetti, Francesco Fugazza and Marcello Grilli and the lyrics were written by the one and the only Alessandro Mahmoud aka Mahmood.
I can’t wait for more new Mahmood music.
Album Of The Month:Cher – Christmas
The GODDESS OF POP aka Cher has made our Christmas wishes come true with the release of her very first Christmas album simply called Christmas.
Christmas, Cher’s first new studio album in five years and her twenty-seventh ever studio album (omg), includes 13 songs – several holiday classics and four originals. It also has a star-studded list of musical besties including Darlene Love, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bublé, Cyndi Lauper and….Tyga!
Recorded mostly in LA and London, the album was produced by longtime collaborator Mark Taylor (Believe). Songs include beloved superstar duet classics What Christmas Means To Me with Stevie Wonder and Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) with Darlene Love. (Darlene first recorded the song with Phil Spector and a l7-year-old Cher singing background vocals); in addition to a haunting version of Home written and sung with Michael Bublé.
One of the many highlights is a duet by Cher and Stevie Wonder of Stevie’s What Christmas Means to Me. Cher said “Every time I hear that harmonica, I’m a teenager again. It’s a personal dream come true for me to record this song with Stevie.”
Two other highlights include an unexpected pairing with Tyga on another Sarah Hudson song called Drop Top Sleigh Ride produced by Alexander Edwards, Mike Crook and Ryan OG, and the magnificent Put A Little Holiday In Your Heart with Cyndi Lauper.
My personal faves on the album, in no particular order are DJ Play A Christmas Song (loveee that one actually, probably my ultimate fave), Run Run Rudolph Angels In The Snow, What Christmas Means To Me (with Stevie Wonder), I Like Christmas, Santa Baby, Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home-with Darlene love), Put A Little Holiday In Your Heart (with Cyndi Lauper)-actually just every song! This album is just super festive and quintessentially Cher.
Record-breaking global sensation Leona Lewis will be embarking on a major tour for Christmas 2023. Performing in arenas and some of the most stunning theatres across the UK, Leona’s evening of Christmas Classics and Greatest Hits also celebrates the 10th anniversary of her acclaimed studio album Christmas, With Love via Sony Music.
2013’s Christmas, With Love is perhaps best known for its lead single One More Sleep, an original song which saw Leona break the record for the most Top 5 hits for a British female solo artist!
Last year saw the platinum-certified festive hit have its biggest year since its 2013 release. It has featured consistently in the Top 10 streamed catalogue Christmas songs year-upon-year as a Christmas staple alongside the likes of Mariah Carey’s 1994 monumental smash All I Want For Christmas Is You.
The 3-time GRAMMY and 7-time BRIT Award nominee this year celebrates 16 years since her iconic X Factor win; the now globally recognised artist won Season Three of the British talent show in 2006. Since her tremendous breakthrough, Leona has released five studio albums, including Christmas, With Love (2013). She’s had over 35 million albums sold worldwide, with her debut, Spirit, achieving the status of the best-selling debut album by a female artist in the 21st Century. Lead single Bleeding Love (2007) reached #1 in 35 countries: claiming Leona’s position for seven weeks in the UK. The song later became the best-selling single of 2008 worldwide and has now been streamed 2 billion times!
Music has been embedded in my life ever since I was in the womb, my Mum and Dad basically raised me on music, especially POP music! I grew up listening to Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls, Britney Spears….even AQUA! I love sharing my favourite songs and album every month with the world from Scene HQ! Feel free to check out my socials here 🙂 and here’s your #DaleyPOP playlist for this month: click HERE.
Kenya Grace – Strangers
Omg I’ve been obsessed with this song for months and now Kenya Grace has made history with her debut single Strangers reaching number one on the official UK singles chart (and still is number one for the third week as I’m typing this!) making her the second British female artist to reach number 1 with a track performed, written and produced entirely solo after Kate Bush‘s Running Up That Hill, how sick?!
Born in South Africa but raised in Southampton oh and she attended Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford (above a Wetherspoons I used to always go to when I lived in Guildford omg). Kenya began releasing music independently in 2019 and then Strangers basically went viral on TikTok and now everyone knows it-uh huh uh huh uh huh uh huh.
Bentley Robles- How To Ruin Everything
Pop prince Bentley Robles is back with another bop that just slaps, How To Ruin Everything is too good and THIS FRIDAY his debut EP Ugly Crier will be here too!
The time has come to cry glitter tears bitches, Ugly Crier is a bold and unapologetic anthem of liberation after heartbreak, encapsulating the full spectrum of emotions that come with love and loss. Bentley pairs upbeat pop melodies with lyrics that don’t shy away from the raw, honest, and sometime depressing realities of relationships.
Opening with GOD IS A F*CKBOY the EP starts off with an equally bold and upbeat anthem detailing the ways that Robles has suffered at the hands of F*ckboys, with lyrics so cutting yet a sound so addictive you won’t realise you’re singing along to an anti-f*ckboy anthem. Bentley Robles’ debut captures a euphoric sonic blend of forward-thinking electronic production with lyrically hard-hitting pop music. UGLY CRIER is a journey from the heartbroken to the villain.
Bentley said “I was born and raised on main pop girls and ‘UGLY CRIER’ is my application to be the next big one.”
Paloma Faith – How You Leave A Man
BRIT-Award-winning Paloma Faith’s new era has officially arrived and How You Leave A Man is the first single from her upcoming sixth studio album The Glorification of Sadness.
This song is confident, cinematic, empowering and compelling from beginning to end, all powered by the kind of anthems that transformed her into an icon. The single is about finding the confidence to walk away from a relationship and being empowered with your own happiness.
It’s limitless expression of pop allows it to sit comfortably next to Paloma’s many chart successors and then some. Breakups are the worst and if you’re going through one right now then blast Paloma and you’ll be healed.
Check out the fab video below.
Oh and and and also Paloma is going on a huge UK tour in 2024 and one of the stops will be at the Brighton Centre-WE WON BRIGHTONIANS-click HERE for tickets!
Allie X – Black Eye
Canadian singer, songwriter, and visual artist Allie X has dropped this synthy 80’s esque track and I have to say it, mother is mothering!
Allie said “The process of making this new music was an experiment in trusting my own creative instincts and no one else’s, fighting for my freedom creatively, professionally, and personally. This track and all to come is an effort to create a surreal yet truthful reflection of myself in a very strange world,”.
The Black Eye single artwork continues Allie X’s emphasis on overseeing the creative holistically; with dramatically black-winged eyes and a sharply flayed white collar, Allie stands confidently – matching the message of the song – daring herself and others to bring it on.
Black Eye is dramatic and gothy whilst embracing typical Allie fashion and “It’s about continually getting punched and embracing it,”-can’t relate but loves it!
Allie X has cemented herself in the pop pantheon as one of music’s sharpest, most insightful, and trendsetting artists, producers, and songwriters, having written hits for Troye Sivan, BTS and many more. With four critically acclaimed projects to her name (that you need to check out if you haven’t) 2015’s Collxtion I, 2017’s CollXtion II, 2018’s Super Sunset, and 2020’s Cape God – Allie continues to demonstrate a bold, singular visual and sonic palate and command seemingly light years ahead of the competition.
Cher – DJ Play A Christmas Song
REJOICE! Cher fans can count on a very merry, very bright and very rock and roll holiday season this year thanks to DJ Play A Christmas Song, taken from Cher’s twenty-seventh studio album (omg) aptly called Christmas.
Christmas, Cher’s first new studio album in five years, includes 13 songs – several holiday classics and four originals. It also has a star-studded list of musical besties including Darlene Love, Stevie Wonder, Michael Bublé, Cyndi Lauper and Tyga.
Cher said “I never say this about my own records but I’m really proud of this one. It is one of the most amazing highlights of my career,”-I agree, I love Christmas and I love Cher so a Cher Christmas album is just a dream come true, SLEIGH.
Vanessa White – Boy 4 Life
Omg Vanessa White from The Saturdays (one of the best girl groups of all time) makes her long-awaited return to pop! So many comebacks are happening right now and I’m here for it.
Commenting on the song – produced by Blond & Redshank(Bimini) – Vanessa says via a press release: “’Boy 4 Life’ was written coming out of lockdown and was my first time getting back in the studio for a while. I had no expectations but the song naturally came together very quickly and all three of us together have a special vibe. I’ve known Blond & Redshank for years and went to school with Billy (Blond), so writing a whole project with them is really special.”
Album Of The Month:Lisa Scott-Lee – Now Or Never
2 decades later, ultimate hun Lisa Scott-Lee has re-released one of my ultimate and….obscenely delicious favourite pop albums of all time, Never orNow the Unleashed Deluxe Edition to celebrate 20 years of Lately thanks to Plastic Pop Records.
14 year old me bought Lately as a CD single and I probably still have it to this day somewhere and I love that song forever and always, it really has stood the test of time.
Btw the album has been released on orange vinyl, purple vinyl, cassette and 2CD editions featuring the original 2007 album and several B-Sides and previously unreleased cuts omgenejkskfvdfb.
Oh and just to say, my favourite tracks are Obscenely Delicious, Lately, Too Far Gone, Back In Time, Boy On The Dance Floor, Give You My Love, Sleazy, Make It Last Forever, I’ll Wait For You, Rush, You’re No Good For Me, Never Or Now, oh and Electric obvs.
YAY it’s new music Friday, our favourite day of the week at Scene HQ!
Following his last club banger Buzzed (which still slaps-check out my review earlier this year HERE), Australian pop singer songwriter TIN comes back with the addictive Serotonin. It sings about being on the dance floor as one comes across “this Adonis, this perfect specimen” and relying on a surge of serotonin for the courage to approach
them.
“I wrote Serotonin about a boy named Sebastian. When I was finishing the chorus, I found out that Saint Sebastian is a bit of a gay icon so the lyric was a perfect fit. I’m singing about someone who is untouchable and the concept of a saint references that kind of idolisation.”
The track is three minutes of synth pop bliss while the music video takes you to church. Recreating a Barbie-esque depiction of da Vinci’s The Last Supper, a table full of bread and wine cleverly labelled ‘Serotonin’ accompany an all queer cast, including TIN’s sister as well as his partner and producer, Lostchild.
“I’m not religious whatsoever and nor is the song. The concept of the song and video draw parallels between idolising a religious figure and idolising someone we find attractive. Both are narratives that we allow to have so much power over us, even if at times with negative
consequences.” Serotonin comes from TIN’s upcoming album Georgie Porgie to be released in early 2024.
The music video is now available to watch at www.tinofficialmusic.com and can be heard on all streaming services so go and stream it right now!
Oh and you can watch the video below too.
One more thing-don’t forget to follow TIN on socials! His Twitter is HERE Facebook is HERE, Instagram HERE, YouTube HERE and TikTok HERE.
Powerhouse pop star Nathalie Miranda has dropped Terremoto today and it’s an addictive, Latin-inspired pop single that’ll get you feeling fierce, empowered, and adding it straight to your party playlist the minute you hear the chorus.
Terremoto marks Nathalie’s debut Spanish language release — an exciting milestone for the talented Greek-Cypriot singer-songwriter, who holds a Bachelors degree in French and Spanish, and a Masters in Spanish and French Translation. Check out the stunning official video below:
Terremoto (meaning ‘earthquake’ in Spanish) is an empowering, beat-driven, Reggaeton female anthem. Penned by Nathalie, the song is about a woman warning her possessive partner that she needs her freedom, or she’ll turn the tables on him. She sings the powerful refrain, ‘Ten cuidado / Que puedo hacerte daño’ (‘be careful, because I can hurt you’)!
Featured in the song’s breakdown are the raspy vocals of Ecuadorian artist IgnacioArellano, who Nathalie invited to sing on the track. Speaking on the collaboration, Nathalie says: “I really wanted the guy in this song to get a chance to respond. My good friend, Ignacio Arellano, had the perfect vocals for it. It was also high time to put my language skills to use in my music! I’m thrilled about my first Spanish language release.”
Inspired by the production style of Latin artists like Becky G, Ozuna and Bad Bunny, this addictive pop Latin bop will get you dancing, vibing and hip-shaking on first listen. Nathalie’s high-energy, powerhouse vocals sound glorious in Spanish: Terremoto starts soft and sultry, before punching into an irresistible reggaeton chorus that shows off Nathalie’s full-bodied ran hmmge.
Platinum-selling artist MIKA has announced the UK dates of his highly anticipated tour, Apocalypse Calypso. The pop sensation will hit the stage across the UK and Ireland next spring, stopping off at London’s Eventim Apollo, Manchester’s O2 Apollo, Dublin’s 3Olympia but the date we’re excited for at Scene HQ is Brighton Centre (obvs) on Thursday, 4 April, 2024.
ON SALE NOW || A renaissance artist of impeccable intention, the phenomenal @mikasounds is back in #Brighton on his newly announced Apocalypse Calypso Tour!
This announcement follows on from MIKA’s newest release C’est la Vie which is the first single from his first fully French album set for release on December 1, 2023, via Island Def Jam France. Check out my review HERE of C’est la Vie and the official music video below, it’s a bop btw.
Throughout his career, MIKA has crafted a world of gritty romance amidst the joy and playfulness of technicoloured alternative pop. He’s a renaissance artist of impeccable intention who’s name has rightfully found its way alongside legendary acts such as Elton John, Freddie Mercury and Prince.
MIKA opened his pop career in 2007 with the defining single Grace Kelly, which went on to sell over three million copies worldwide and was the second British single ever to top the chart on downloads alone.
His second album The Boy Who Knew Too Much released in 2009 continued the trend, making it into the top ten in over 10 worldwide and included the hits We Are Golden, Blame It On The Girls and Rain.
In May 2022, after a triumphant return to Coachella, MIKA had the honour of acting as an international host of that year’s Eurovision Song Contest. MIKA dazzled the audience with a show-stopping medley at the finale with audience figures reaching 161 million viewers.
MIKA has been nominated for and won awards from the Brits, the Grammys, the Ivor Novellos, Capital Radio, Q magazine, The NRJs, The World Music Awards, BT and Vodafone, Virgin Media and MTV’s Europe, Asia, Australia, and Japan, amongst others. MIKA has now sold over 15 million albums globally and has Gold or Platinum awards in 32 countries worldwide.
Don’t forget to get your tickets from the Brighton Centre website by clicking HERE before they sell out – you don’t want to miss out!
Music has been embedded in my life ever since I was in the womb, my Mum and Dad basically raised me on music, especially POP music! I grew up listening to Madonna, Mariah Carey, Kylie Minogue, Spice Girls, Britney Spears….even AQUA and I’ve always been obsessed with Eurovison! I love sharing my favourite songs and album every month with the world from Scene HQ!
Gwen is back on The Voice for Season 24 though, along with coaches Niall Horan (omg), Reba McEntire and John Legend so we might have to wait….but hopefully not too long because it’s already been 84 years since Gwen’s last album This Is What The Truth Feels Like (2015).
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