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Kylie Padams Her 16th Album ‘Tension’ and Sugababes are BACK!

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.

Sugababes – When the Rain Comes

SUPRISE!

The award winning, multi-Platinum selling music trio Sugababes are officially back like really back, after what feels like 84 years, and they’ve dropped a new single! Mutya, Keisha and Siobhan (aka the sacred three) have released When The Rain Comes via BMG. They dropped the single a couple of weeks ago now 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 are performing When The Rain Comes on The Graham Norton Show too on the 13th October!

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.

TOKiMONSTA – Say Tell Me

Jennifer Lee aka TOKiMONSTA is one of my ultimate house music faves.

Imagine having some of your faves over at your place having a few drinks and having this song on in the background, lush lush lush. TOKi tweeted (actually I should say posted on X now),  “When approaching this song, I wanted to touch back on my roots in LA, very much anchored in underground hip-hop + electronic — a throwback to early TOKi.”

If you’re familiar with TOKiMONSTA you’ll definitely agree this song is very reminiscent and….perfection.

MIKA – C’est la Vie

Pop icon MIKA has dropped his first single, C’est la vie taken from his first fully French album set for release in December via Island Def Jam France. 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 next year, he’ll be at the Brighton Centre on the 4th April, buy tickets here.

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.

Erika Jayne – Drip Drop

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star and dance pop diva Erika Jayne always gives the gays everything we want.

The Pretty Mess herself is finally back making music and this song SLAPS. Erika even currently has a Las Vegas residency aptly called Bet It All On Blonde promising glitz, glamour, fun and a bona fide Las Vegas dance party, only until December though so you’ve still got time to see her still but if you do please squeeze me in your suitcase!

Album Of The Month:

Kylie Minogue – Tension💎 | Slayyyter – STARFUCKER

 

Omg for the first time since my silly little music column was born, I have not 1 but 2 albums of the month! I couldn’t choose between them both so I thought I’ll just POP them both in seeing as it’s my column, if that’s ok with you by Shayne Ward?😝

Let’s start with Kylie Minogue, the tension whilst waiting for Tension was huuuuge, I’ve been loving everything about this era and I’m just so impressed. I knew I would be though, the wait and has been truly worth the wait and I feel super proud to be a Kylie fan right now-as always.

I wasn’t sure how Kylie was going to top 2020’s Disco but she absolutely has (I still heart Disco though too).

Oh and Tension is Kylie’s ninth number one album in the UK! (and her 16th album).

I adore every single song on the album and not just because I’m a big Kylie fan but just because they’re all so fab, even 10 out of 10 with Dutch DJ Oliver Heldens which I’ve noticed a few fans aren’t keen on for some reason, I love it. Padam Padam, Hold On To Now (needs to be the third single I think), Vegas High, and Tension are my personal highlights though.

I’m forever grateful to be alive at the same time as our High Priestess of Pop.

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.

Ms Cathy said about Miss Belladonna (one of my fave tracks on the album), “I made this song in LA with my friends and collaborators Nicopop and Jbach. It’s one of my favorite songs from my album (snap) and definitely my most vocally ambitious. I’m singing operatic notes in some parts, the entire song is super maximalist-sounding dark pop. It’s a bit of a dramatised piece about an overly indulgent femme fatale,”

“I feel like the album comes from this character’s point of view, the entire song feels like a big moment and sonic shift for me as an artist. She starts drama, she’s a bit of a bitch. She’s using men to her advantage. She’s the ultimate starfucker.”

New Music Alert: Jxckson Releases Self-Empowering Single ‘Save Yourself’ (soon) but first….a t.A.T.u cover buzz single!

Jxckson is an independent alt-pop artist whose music seamlessly blends different genres to create a fresh and modern sound that still pays homage to the classic earworms of the past. The ‘x’ in Jxckson symbolizes a variable, representing Jxckson’s versatility as a pop artist who fearlessly plays with different styles.

Influenced by the captivating art form of burlesque, Jxckson infuses each performance with grace and sensuality, creating a mesmerizing and unforgettable experience. With a delivery that includes a sly smirk and fluid, flirtatious movements, Jxckson adds an extra layer of attitude and swagger to every track.

Jxckson’s music and performances are a celebration of individuality and self-expression, challenging traditions. Through his art, he seeks to empower others to embrace their unique selves. With his fusion of different styles and influences, Jxckson is a rising star in the music industry and an artist to watch👀.

Mark your calendars-Jxckson is dropping not one but two singles, the first single-a buzz single-coming tomorrow (22/09/23).

Jxckson said “Null & Void is a mesmerising t.A.T.u cover that adds a sinister Stockholm syndrome element to the original. With my new signature breathier vocals and the hauntingly beautiful production by GESS, this track sets the stage for my new era.” and “I believe Null & Void can be a captivating addition that resonates with enigmatic storytelling, emotional depth, and a unique blend of sonic elements.”

I’m a huge fan of t.A.T.u’s music and Russian pop in general (I said their music, not their problematicness btw) so I’m so intrigued to hear Jxckson’s cover! Pre-save by clicking HERE.

Omg and then we’ve got Save Yourself to look forward to as well, next month, on the 27th October to be precise.

Save Yourself is an experimental and in-your-face bass-driven track produced by Boy Sim and features haunting violin samples and boldly conveys the message: “Forget about them, save yourself.”

Jxckson said “This song was inspired by experiences of unreciprocated support I’ve experienced in the music industry. It also marks a pivotal moment in my artistic journey as I venture into operatic backup vocals throughout the track, showcasing my newfound vocal versatility.”

“I believe Save Yourself is a compelling addition to features and playlists that resonate with authentic self-expression, empowerment, and innovative soundscapes.”

Pre-save yourself (sorry I couldn’t resist ha) by clicking HERE :).

OMG….The first ever AI popstar “with a human soul” signs major record deal

Warner Music Central Europe has offered its first record deal to a digital character, Noonoouri, releasing her debut single Dominoes featuring German DJ Alle Farben on Friday.

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.

The music video also features the avatar wearing Kim Kardashian’s shapewear brand Skims, which was chosen by Noonoouri creator Joerg Zuber. Watch the video below!

Commenting on her debut music video on Instagram, Mr Zuber said: “After two years working so hard on this music project, we finally can share this incredible teamwork with world – thank you @warnermusic.de for believing in us #TheBeginning.”

Today, noonoouri is the first “digital character” with a worldwide representation by IMG Models, the world’s largest modeling agency, alongside supermodels such as Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid & Precious Lee. She has been featured on the magazine covers of VOGUE, Cosmopolitan, GLAMOUR, and many more, and has modeled for brands such as Dior, Versace, and Lacoste.

With over 400,000 followers on Instagram, noonoouri has become a true icon and has a huge celebrity following including Anitta, Naomi Campbell, Alessandra Ambrosio, Lewis Hamilton, Donatella Versace, Heidi Klum, and many others.

As much as she loves the fashion world, it is only one aspect of her multi-faceted life and work. Using her platform, she understands herself as a “voice for the voiceless” and a global citizen. Her social engagements as a digital activist include corporations with UNICEF and IUCN, support for the LGBTQ+ movement, campaigns for sustainability and animal welfare, and taking a stand against discrimination and racism.

And then there’s music. A great passion of hers ever since, it has played a big role in her life since the beginning. ”It sets me into the mood and nourishes my visions and ideas to bring them to life as a driving force inside of me,“ noonoouri shares.

You can stream the bop (just being honest with you huns) on all streaming platforms. Oh and also check out Click-Digital Diva on the BBC iPlayerShiona McCallum meets Noonoouri in Berlin.

#DaleyPOP: Selena Gomez, Charlie Puth, LÉON, Iggy Azalea Lauv, Peggy Gou, Delta Goodrem and Claire Richards are EUPHORIC!

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.

Selena Gomez – Single Soon

FAO all the single girlies out there, this one is for you!

Selena Gomez said that she’d be releasing this new song as a way to hold us over while she works on the finising touches her upcoming third album. The songstress shared a photo of the song’s artwork on Insta a week before she released the song into the universe with a caption saying: “Y’all have been asking for new music for a while. Since I’m not quite done with SG3, I wanted to put out a fun little song I wrote a while back that’s perfect for the end of summer.” Omg it does give me end of summer vibes, I’m so ready for autumn now anyway tbh with you….AND YOU!

Oh and also, I’m loving the reference to the Sex and the City episode with the post-it note breakup in the video! I wonder if Selena has been watching And Just Like That… too (SATC’s spin off show). I bet she has.

Charlie Puth – Lipstick

In the mood for something….sensual?! Well look no further, as Charlie Puth is delivering the goods here😍Absolutely one of the most consistent hit makers and sought-after collaborators, Charlie has pushed boundaries and redefined genres, he really has! Lipstick serves as yet another testament to his artistry and ability to evolve while staying true to his unique sound.

The tune has an old-school groove, over which Charlie erotically sings, “Come and put your lipstick on my neck and my body/Just to show these bitches that you’re mine/ Lipstick on my collar show ‘em you ain’t no hobby/ You’re the one who gets it all the time.”

Oh and apparently Lipstick will serve as the first single off Charlie’s forthcoming fourth studio album, “coming soon” woo.

LÉON – Pretty Boy

Newly independent and starting a new era in her career, Swedish singer-songwriter Lotta Lindgren aka LÉON makes an exciting return in with her gorgeous new single Pretty Boy.

Léon said “Pretty Boy is a song about time. About making up for the time you’ve lost and what kind of future you’re hoping for. About choosing to be happy, in a way, and how you can remain connected to certain people and places without seeing them for the longest time. Right after it was written I knew it had to be the first single.” Makes me more excited for more Léon music!

Iggy Azalea- Money Come

Iggy Motherzalea must’ve been getting bored of retirement life because she’s back with a new era yasssss and she’s going hard with this high energy unapologetic BOP!

Check out the second best-selling female rapper of all time’s new video above☝🏻….a visual feast for the eyes although….it’s probably NSFW, depending on where you work though!

Lauv – Love U Like That

Omg this song is a vibe. Lauv  said “I’m so insanely proud of this new song because it marks the beginning of a new era for me,” and “A song about realising you’re into something you didn’t think you were into and empowering yourself to go for it and not judge yourself and let society or ideas sway you from it. It’s the beginning of a journey, it’s a proud start.”

Lauv recently came out as bisexual on TikTok and apologised for struggling to talk about his sexuality even though he doesn’t need to apologise at all! He said that one of his “life missions” is to be open and honest with everyone, and wants to let his fans in on his journey. Much love from Scene HQ if you ever read this Ari🙂.

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!”

Album Of The Month: Claire Richards-Euphoria

With a hit-making, chart-topping, 25 year career already behind her as a member of Steps, following on from the 2019 Top 10 album, My Wildest DreamsClaire Richards (the voice of Steps IMPO) has dropped her second solo album YAY!

So, don’t judge a book by it’s cover but the album is a covers album but I promise it’s epic! I thought it was going to be slow ballads but it’s actually bop after bop.

Claire said “This album is a homage to all of these remarkable women who have inspired me and my music to this day, but also to all the women out there that keep striving for greatness. I’d like to think that I’ve made them all proud.” The album features classics by legendary female singers including Cher, Loreen, Whitney Houston, The Carpenters, Oliva Newton-John, Laura Branigan, Donna Summer, Barbra Streisand and Pat Benatar. Claire said that “This album is a thank you to all the incredible women that inspired me to sing!” and “Every single song is a banger – listening to this album just makes me feel good”.

Oh and not one but two special guests join Claire on this fabulous album with Andy Bell from Erasure featuring on Summer Night City and Delta Goodrem on No More Tears (Enough Is Enough). Check it out below. I saw Delta on her Hearts On The Run European tour last weekend btw and she was SO GOOD-drem!

Anyway back to Claire! The album’s lead single I Surrender, originally recorded by Celine Dion, showcases Claire’s incredible vocal range by turning the song from a power-ballad into an absolute banging floorfiller, also demonstrating why Claire is one of the best British vocalists and….EUPHORIC.

It’s Britney, bitch! (oh and also it’s also Matilda Bond, Troye Sivan, Beverley Knight and more too….bitch)!

Oh hey #DaleyPoppers (my boyfriend thought of that name after a glass of wine and I loved it so I’m using it)! 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.

will.i.am & Britney Spears – Mind Your Business

Omg two summers in a row now we have new Britney music! Maybe Britney will be Black Eyed Peas special guest at Brighton Pride you never know?! (I have no idea if that will happen btw I’m just manifesting although not getting my hopes up after the rumours of Britney joining Elton John at Glastonbury didn’t materialise boohoo).

Britney was singing will.i.am’s praises to Vogue saying “Will is an incredible artist and partner” and “We worked on this song years ago, and it was time re-produce it and share it with my incredible fans.”

will.i.am said “Every single person, famous and not, has their privacy invaded in some shape or form in this digital age,” and “It’s a sentiment for the times, so we should be more humane to each other, respect and have empathy for each other, and be thankful for what people choose to share publicly. If people don’t want to share, we need to respect their right not to share, and to have a private life.” well said so mind your business, bitches!

Troye Sivan – Rush

YouTuber-turned pop star Troye Sivan is like so in his horny era and I have to admit he’s making us thirsty at Scene HQ-he knows what he’s doing. Rush is the lead single from his upcoming 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.

NADINE – If I Lay Here (Chasing Cars)

Omg Queen of Derry Nadine Coyle is back with this beautifully crafted dance reworking of the classic single Chasing Cars. Nadine said  “my fans have been so good to me over the years when in the band (Girls Aloud) and as a solo artist so it makes perfect sense to make a party track so when I perform it we can all go crazy”. She went on to say that the choice of track was simply made in a studio with her producer and “ based on it being a beautiful love song and one that fans can singalong to together and after the past couple of years that is one of the most important things in life”.

Nadine has recently been working with award winning producer/composer Dru Masters. Omg Nadine even said “if fans like it and want a video of course we’ll shoot one and I am very certain that will happen any moment!” Slay.

Beverley Knight – Last One On My Mind

Beverley Knight aka the Queen of British Soul is back making music finally woo and Last One On My Mind is a sassy slash joyous track. Bev said “It’s about taking your power back from a former lover and striding into the future. It gets in you and stays there.”

To celebrate her 50th Beverley will be going on her biggest ever UK tour later this year (what a way to celebrate) throughout October and November including a stop at the Brighton Dome on the 7th November-I’ll be there, not square!

Dale – vertici

ITALIANS DO IT BETTER! Gabriele D’Alessandro, aka “Dale” (not me btw lol) is a 20 year old emerging Italian singer-songwriter. Dale’s  artistic journey was born in 2020 with the publication of the first single entitled Abbi cura di te, a letter addressed to himself as a child. From that moment on, he experimented a lot on a stylistic level, trying to find the right key to best express what he can’t keep inside him….

vertici tells of a toxic love from which it’s difficult to escape because they are too much in love with the other person. Dale said “The two lovers I speak of in vertici are like two parallel lines that have chosen to divert their course to meet each other, but ending up imprisoning each other in a life that they now feel close.” we’ve all been there.

Lemon – BIG BANK

I’m late to the party buttttt Lemon, if you didn’t know was on the first season of Canada’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK vs The World oh and not to be confused with Ginny Lemon. Lemon has charisma, uniqueness, nerve and talent and she’s simply a rapstress.

All I’m saying is Cardi B could never. I love this song!

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’s 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.

Album Of The Month (technically EP Of The Month)

Matilda Bond – Meet Me In The Middle

Brighton-based Matilda Bond is returning and ready to invoke a serious reaction, with their latest offering Home For 24 Hours. Featuring previously released singles Charm, Meanwhile, Long Lost and Meet Me in the Middle as well as brand shiny new track I’ll Wait, the project takes us on a journey through elegant vocals and love-soaked lyrics. Each track on this slinky EP creates a warm and cosy space.

Matilda said “This EP is an invitation into my Home For 24 Hours. So many of the emotions I have experienced over the last year have been condensed into these 21 minutes. Home For 24 Hours depicts loss, love, hopelessness, desire, worry and warmth. Every song has been a means to reach out to loved ones (my friends, my family, my partner, music or myself) with words that aren’t always easy to say. The old family photographs that have translated into cover arts make this EP all the more close to home for me.

Stepping into any person’s Home For 24 Hours would give you a huge insight into their current state, their wants, worries or woes and I wanted to explore that notion throughout this EP. How does it look to live in my Home For 24 Hours? It doesn’t always make for the most cohesive experience, this emotional roller coaster that we have created, but it feels like a true expression of my recent self.”

Active since 2019, Matilda Bond has shown to be a new and exciting group enjoying the explosion of the jazz movement that pulls from its influences in other genres in abundance. Matilda’s sound brings together nuanced jazz chords and soulful, expressive vocal performances to create a sonic space full of warmth into which they add their hip-hop and RnB influences.

Home For 24 Hours is the culmination of a journey that has seen Matilda Bond step into a new era for their music. This process has seen the band hone in their sound and set the tone for the future of their music. In terms of what’s next for the collective, we can expect them to keep up their exciting growth and continue to release enticing new music….I hope so!

Bentley Robles-Your New Fave Pop Main Boy Drops “HOPE U CRY”💔💧

Omg so I was listening to my Spotify on smart shuffle as you do and Bentley Robles came on and I was like oooooh who’s this?! I loved what I was hearing so I went onto Twitter to follow him as you do (anyone else do this or is it just me?) and we were already following each other! Such a small world! So I had to spread the word!

Indie Chicano pop prince Bentley Robles is kicking off a whole new era with the release of his latest smash HOPE U CRY out now! As the lead single from his forthcoming sophomore EP, HOPE U CRY is quintessential Bentley Robles: a synth-pop breakup anthem with sharp tongued lyrics, bass synth, and emotive drums that make you want to cry, dance and scream as it all climaxes into a dance break that will hit you like cold water.

Bentley says, “Have you ever been so f–ed over by an ex that you fantasize about their life crashing and burning? I have. ‘HOPE U CRY’ is an anthem for that. I wanted to write a song where every lyric feels cathartic to sing, something you can belt in your car to get the anger out. I think I delivered, now I just want my EX to hear this in every club he enters this summer. I hope he cries.”

Bentley has had a whirlwind year as he continues to establish himself an indie pop staple in the music industry, landing several Spotify editorial playlists (including ‘OBSESSED’, ‘BRILLO’, ‘Fresh Finds’ and more) with huge pop bangers like i hate the weekend, kiss my friends, and the sweaty synth cover of ABBA’s lay all your love on me which has since gained over 1.5M streams on Spotify–marking his first single to achieve over 1M streams on the platform.

This summer, he’s on tour across North America (hopefully he’ll come to the UK at some point too hint hint Bentley) with fellow pop artist Tom Aspaul for the Planet Fantastic Tour (the pair also collaborated on a new ABBA cover Gimme! Gimme! Gimmie! out now for Pride Month) and released collaborations with Zee Machine (the viral TikTok single See Me Naked) and Gregory Dillon (don’t listen to this song).

Boisterous, fiery, impassioned, and a shameless Cancer sun boy, Bentley has been hailed as “the future of pop” by Monster Children, and has become one of the defining voices of New York underground. His early 2023 singles landed him on UPROXX’s artists to watch list, Bentley teases his sophomore EP project saying, “I don’t want to give too much away, but I’ve been promising my fans an EP since last year. Being an indie artist, releasing bodies of work can be tough. I wanna make sure what I deliver is top notch. I’ve written over 50 songs and gone back and forth on which ones are the best. I feel happy about the ones we’ve chosen. Expect pop perfection.” SLAY.


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ANDREA MARIA RICCHETTI Returns With Pop Banger To Dance Through Your Summertime Sadness🥺

Andrea Maria Ricchetti returns with a new POP BANGER after the release of his recent single INFERNO (in My head).

With its simple catchy, fun and relatable hook Oh No There I Go is the dance through sadness anthem for those who did stupid things for love and ended up alone and bruised by it. It is just everything you can expect by a song that will provoke thoughts with the lyrics but still dancing it away.

Written by Andrea himself and produced by ATHOMICBEATS and ANTHALONSO, this hot track arrives with a fun video directed by Andrea and his “AMR CREW” (Mariapia Donatelli, Angela mastrorilli e Viviana Tempesta).

The video showcases the madness and the feeling of anger and rejection once you realise you did all those things for somebody who did not love you ENOUGH and did not deserve your time and effort (relatable ASF🥺).

Instagram @andreamariaricchetti

Twitter @AndMaRicchetti

Award Winning Allan Jay Releases New Summer Anthem

Allan Jay Wins the Entertainer of the Year Award 2023 at the Proud Scotland Awards. With his success set to continue this year, Allan has released a new summer anthem to hit the LGBTQ+ club and dance scene.

Allan Jay is a dynamic multi Award winning Scottish vocalist and has been a constant feature in the world of Dance music on the LGBTQ+music scene. He has worked and released music through various dance music Record labels such as Digital Room Records (Austria), Energise Records (UK), Pumpin UK (UK), Sobel Nation Records (USA), DMN Records (Germany). Now working with American Label Moore Music.

This is Allan’s 3rd release with Moore Music both previous single gaining chart success. Gotta get thru this reaching top 10 on the progressive house chart at no9 and hitting the top spot no1 on the DRT Chart in the USA.

Summer of Love is a dance floor filler. Originally released by dance legend Cascada.

This remake has some great mixes from producers Matt Pop , David Noakes and owner of Moore Music, DJ Rob Moore.

He is the brand Ambassador from UK LGBTQ clothing and drinks brand, Molly and Tommy (www.mollyandtommy.com). The music video was shot in Sitges and features the Molly and Tommy models with a feel good up lifting summer vibe to make everyone have that summer feeling. The video features some of Europes hottest male LGBTQ underwear models. Think I kissed a boy, Love island with a banging dance beat and that is Summer of Love….

The video was directed by award winning director Narlon Celio Rocha / ncr.art. Check it out below!

Allan Jay says: “I am absolutely delighted to have recently won the Entertainer of the Year Award at the Proud Scotland Awards. This award means so much to me, not only because the LGBTQ community is so important to me, and that my friends, colleagues and allies have considered me for this award, but I am also so passionate about my work in the music industry. I am very excited about my forthcoming release, which I think will open people’s eyes and get us all just enjoying music for summer and having fun, which is what it’s all about.” 

#DaleyPOP: Little Mix’s Leigh-Anne Pinnock is bringing UK Garage music back whilst Sam Smith and Madonna are VULGAR😍

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 loveeee sharing my favourite songs and album every month with the world from Scene HQ! Follow my socials by clicking here 🙂 and here’s your #DaleyPOP playlist for this month: click HERE.

Leigh-Anne- Don’t Say Love

HUNS! I can’t believe this, just last week me and my friend Nina at work (hey Nina!) were reminiscing about about the Pure Garage days in the 90’s and whether it’ll ever make a comeback (even though history does usually repeat itself) and now Leigh-Anne has casually dropped this garagey bop! I can’t believeeeee it and it’s so good! Leigh-Anne said Don’t Say Love is about no longer seeking external validation and regaining my confidence and sense of self in a world where I often felt misunderstood and unheard.”

and “This video (watch above) is a visual representation of me finding my voice. I’m excited to continue to do so with my first love, music”. I’M. HERE. FOR. IT.

Gwen Stefani – True Babe

The one and the only, global icon, Gwen Stefani is finally 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 has announced that she’ll be returning to 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).

Dom Dolla, Nelly Furtardo – Eat Your Man

Whoa, Nelly! (If you know, you know), Nelly Furtardo seems like she’s back to her man eating ways ha, Eat Your Man with producer Dom Dolla is truly and simply….a bop and she even references herself quite a few times, iconic behaviour! Nelly said “Meeting Dom has been an absolute blessing. We have a real creative synergy and trust when we work together – we hear music in a similar way and I am super inspired by his live shows. He’s reminded me how much fun music can be and for that I am grateful.” YAY well hopefully this is an official comeback and while we eagerly wait for more lets cherish this banger besties, which I can imagine going off at Club Revenge!

Nelly tweeted about Eat Your Man “made with 100% PLEASURE” too btw😝just saying😝.

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.

Sam Smith and Madonna – VULGAR

“Vulgar will make you dance, don’t need a chorus,” S&M sing in unison on this messy/fierce self-aware bop! Apparently Sam and Madonna met up the day after the Grammy Awards in February to record this and it’s giving me Middle Eastern Eurovision vibes?! In the best way of course.

Madonna and Sam both get so much stick in the media so it’s so I’m loving that they’re basically clapping back and being true to themselves.

BRONZE AVERY – THE ONE (IF YOU TOUCH ME)

I got in contact with rising pop star Gabriel Brown aka Bronze Avery asking for a press release about The One and he said “I wrote and produced it and it’s the start of HEATWAVE, a collection of summer songs that are meant to make you sweat. it’ll be accompanied by a short film when it’s all said and done!” oooft a collection of summer songs AND a short film sound lush! Bronze Avery is one to watch (and to listen to obvs).

Oh and he tweeted “HEATWAVE sounds like sitting in the backseat of a car going 1000MPH. it’s kissing your crush at a party. it’s watching your best friend go after their dreams. it’s the comfort of freedom. it’s the sweet syrup of diet coke. it’s riding the wave. it’s facing your fears then fearing nothing. it’s the pressure of a dance floor. it’s the smell of a fresh gin and tonic. it’s letting go and letting things be light. it’s the kindness of a stranger. it’s the performance of ordering fajitas. it’s the final zip of a skin-tight outfit. it’s the fiery jet of a hot tub. it’s trusting your intuition. it’s dancing because you can, and babe, it feels so good.” GASP.

Georgia – Give It Up For Love

Georgia has finally dropped Give It Up For Love wooo which is apparently inspired by the 2000 Danny Boyle film The Beach and Georgia’s work with super talented producer William Orbit-Georgia tweeted: “this song is about finding light despite what pain life throws at you which seems hard to do these days but i hope you find some comfort in this song as i did when i wrote it”. Taken from her upcoming third album, Euphoric, out on the 28th July, was co-produced wiith Rostam, the first time ever Georgia has worked with someone else for her own work. 

Georgia will be in Brighton btw, for her Euphoric album launch show and signing on the 28th July (2023) at Resident. Click here for more info. I can’t believe I can’t go though because I already have tickets for The SpongeBob Musical in London (I know right), if only I could be in two places at once!

Album Of The Month

Kraak & Smaak – Twenty

Omg this album is so perfect for the summer-if you’ve never heard of them, Kraak & Smaak are Oscar de Jong, Wim Plug, and Mark Kneppers and they’ve established themselves as a formidable force in the music industry. I’ve been a fan of Kraak & Smaak since 2017 when I first heard them in a tattoo studio and I had to ask Siri who they were😆. Anywayyyyy, their stylish live performances and exceptional studio work have resulted in a series of innovative albums, while their extensive global tours across Europe, South America, Asia, Mexico, and the USA have showcased their incredible skills as DJs and live performers.

Known for their warm and uplifting sound that spans multiple genres, the band first introduced themselves to the world with their debut album, Boogie Angst. Their success in the Netherlands and the UK quickly led to invitations to perform at major festivals in Europe and the United States, including SXSW, Coachella, Detroit Movement and Miami’s WMC. Their hit single Squeeze Me, off their second album Plastic People helped solidify their international audience and media attention as a “must-see live act.” They went on to perform at Glastonbury, Lowlands, and Sziget, as well as on Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night show on ABC television-so they’re a big deal!

Their upward momentum continued with the release of the albums Electric Hustle, Chrome Waves, and Juicy Fruit (my personal fave), featuring collaborations with a string of high profile artists. After a series of one-off singles for various top tier record labels and their own imprint, Boogie Angst, they released their latest album Pleasure Centre, hotly pursued by a remixed version of the album. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Kraak & Smaak stayed highly productivity in the studio. They crafted remixes for notable artists like Yuksek, Tensnake, and Blank & Jones, while also releasing their introspective EP, Scirocco.

2023 sees the Dutch meisters of Nu Disco, Funk and all things Electronic celebrating their 20th year in the scene. This anniversary will be marked by a long overdue compilation with hand-picked selections of their two decades long catalogue released on Jalapeno Records and called simply TWENTY. The album works its way through the band and fan favourites and showcases some of the incredible guests they have worked with over the years from Lee Fields to Parcels, Romanthony to Mayer Hawthorne, Ben Westbeech to Durand Jones.

Alongside the TWENTY album there will be a series of refreshing remixes of their back catalogue hits presented monthly on their own Boogie Angst label with Hot Chip’s Joe Goddard kicking things off with a rework of Let’s Go Back, featuring the aforementioned late legend Romanthony. This steady stream of remixes will also culminate in a full remix album at the end of the year and of course the band will be celebrating the milestone with a tour including their now legendary and always sold out annual ADE show at Melkweg.

My fave tracks are alllll of them btw!

PADAM! #DaleyPOP has landed featuring Kylie Minogue (obvs), Dua Lipa, LADSCLUB, Tropics, and more!

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! Follow me on Twitter @DaleMelita x @daleypopscene and Instagram @itsdalemelitabitch x @daleypopscene and here’s your #DaleyPOP playlist for this month: click here-go on :).

I’d also just like to say RIP to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner.

You were simply the best.

Kylie Minogue – Padam Padam

Just in time for pride month (she knows what she’s doing) Aussie pop princess Kylie is feeding us with a new era! Padam Padam has rejuvenated, refreshed and resurrected me if I’m 100% honest with you huns especially after the last bank holiday now until August omg.

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 I bet we will, in fact I bet it’ll be my album of the month in September I can feel it in my waters.

Heidi Montag – I’ll Do It 

Omg more than thirteen years later, former The Hills star and the iconic Heidi Montag is finally getting the flowers she deserves! I’ll Do It (taken from her under rated 2010 album Superficial) has gone viral on TikTok and even played during the Ludovic de Saint Sernin FW23 show in Paris. Heidi said “I’ve always been a very sexual person, so I thought incorporating that was great. It’s basically about saying I’m your everything, I’m your complete fantasy. You’re into this? I can do it. You’re into that? I can do it. Like, I’m that bitch,” and “I just do it naturally, it’s effortless. I am that. It’s kind of a similar vibe to “Alien Superstar” by Beyoncé.” Omg Heidi knows! Someone please make a mash up of I’ll Do It and Alien Superstar immediately.

I’ll Do It was written and produced by Stacy Barthe, LP and Steve Morales who have all made hits for Britney, Rihanna and Queen Bey so….I think that says a lot! #JusticeForSuperficial 

Dua Lipa – Dance The Night

Dua Lipa is back with the lead single for the forthcoming Barbie movie soundtrack (all executive-produced by Mark Ronson) and it’s the 80’s disco-pop banger we need! It sounds like it’s it could be a part of Future Nostalgia in the best way but I reckon this could be the end of Dua’s disco era because in the video there’s a massive smashed disco ball (fast forward to 1:26) boohoo but what an era it’s been though.

Oh and EXTRA EXTRA Barbie News!

The first artists on the official Barbie soundtrack have been unveiled….Ava Max, Lizzo, Charli XCX, Ice Spice, Nicki Minaj, Dua (obvs) and more oh annnnd omg….*drum roll* Aqua too! Aqua posted a story on the gram confirming that Barbie Girl will be a part of the official soundtrack and to stay tuned yayyy! When I watched the first trailer for the Barbie movie I immediately thought Barbie Girl HAD to be a part of it and I would’ve been upset if the first ever single 9 year old me bought wasn’t a part of the movie of the year!

Dolly Parton – World On Fire

I don’t think I’m ready for country superstar Dolly Parton’s rock era….actually YES I AM🤘if you’ve been living under a rock, Dolly’s bringing out a rock album in November with lots of duets and covers and original songs too, collabs include Miley Cyrus, Stevie Nicks, P!nk, Sting and Elton John to name a few of many. Dolly said she wanted to record a rock album after her induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Dolly said about World On Fire: “This is a song I felt very inspired to write,” and “I think it speaks about everything and to everyone this day and time. I hope it is something that will touch you and maybe touch enough people to want to make a change for the better.” Dolly for president that’s what I say.

LADSCLUB – FINEWINE

Brighton born and bred new 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 (pictured left) 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 focussing on finishing their first EP due for release this summer. I❤️FINEWINE btw.

Tropics – Scattering

British LA based Christopher Ward aka Tropics breaks his brief (felt like forever though) hiatus with this soulful vocal led offering which sees a blend of reverb soaked keys and broken, steady drum grooves combining for a dreamy atmosphere alongside signature vocals. If you’ve never heard of Tropics he’s very chillwave and reminds me of The xx.

His 2015 Rapture album is actually one of my favourite albums ever and I even have it on vinyl because it’s that good-I only buy vinyl’s that I loveeee so yeah. 

Album Of The Month

Sophie Ellis Bextor – HANA

So erm this is awks but I would like to be honest with you besties, I’m writing this before I’ve even heard the album so I’ve only heard the three singles, Breaking the Circle, Everything is Sweet and Lost in the Sunshine but they’re all fab and refreshing and I just know the rest of the album will be too and I’ll be streaming it constantly in June so it’ll defo be my album of the month!

The album comes out this Friday (2nd June) so I’m only writing this review 4 days before (Spring Bank Holiday Monday) and I’ve always been a Sophie fan. Sophie tweeted “HANA is an album inspired by a 2020 trip to Japan, before the world tilted. It’s name means blossom. There are themes of optimism, new starts, adventures and reflections.” Sounds good to me! Also fun fact, my BFF IRL is called Hannah (similar to HANA) and her birthday is on the 2nd of June/same day this album is released….how weird but another good omen I think for my album of month, surely?! So Hannahface if you’re reading this I might have to start calling you Blossom from now on!

HANA-out on Friday 2nd June.

 

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