menu

Woo-ah! #DaleyPOP is here🫶🏻featuring Kim Petras, Girls Aloud, Bebe Rexha 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 :)).

x

Kim Petras – Alone (with Nicki Minaj)

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.

Girls Aloud – Sound of the Underground (Alternative Vocal Version)

I’m so grateful I saw Girls Aloud on their 10th anniversary tour back in 2013, it was honestly one of the most iconic and fun pop concerts I’ve ever been to and I’m so grateful for watching Popstars: The Rivals in real time too with my mum in 2002 (omg I was only 15 years old) and the rest is a whole lotta history.…basically Girls Aloud are one of the greatest British girl bands ever and it’s ever so exciting that the girls are re-releasing their debut album to celebrate their 20th anniversary!

Sound of the Underground (the album) was originally released in June 2003 and the deluxe edition will be out in June (2023 obvs) and they’ve released the alternative vocal version of the single where the girls are singing different lines to tide us over until then. It’s just so nostalgic and epic and….we miss you Sarah🥺.

Jonas Brothers – Waffle House

Omg I saw the Jonas Brothers back in their Burnin’ Up days with my bestie which feels like a million years ago and I’m so glad they’re back with this bop!

I just adore this song, it’s so uplifting and just pure pop pop pop and now I want waffles.

Jessie Ware – Begin Again

Jessie Ware never disappoints with her euphoric music and said “On a miserable afternoon during lockdown, James Ford zoomed Shungudzo and Danny Parker in Los Angeles. They were just waking up, it was already dark in London. Frustrated yet completely focused, we set about writing in a new – and unnatural – way over the internet.
Dreaming of human touch, escapes to Brazil, beach bodies, holiday romances, all of it! I absolutely adore this song and I’m so excited for you to hear it, to hear the beautiful production by James and horns by KOKOROKO, it’s the song that I knew I wanted to make as soon as I finished ‘Remember Where You Are’.

Thanks mother for this sublime bop!

Leona Lewis – One Step Closer (Theme song from the Apple Original Series Jane)

One of the UK’s best ever voices in my personal tiny little opinion is back, Leona Lewis, singing this original theme song for a brand new Apple TV+ series called Jane. 14-time Oscar-nominated songwriter Dianne Warren wrote the song (and Belinda Carlisle’s new song in my last column too rememberrrr) and it’s fabulous.

Dianne said “Leona Lewis was the perfect artist for this since along with being one of the best singers in pop music, she is also a fellow animal advocate warrior.”👏👏

Florence + The Machine – Mermaids

I’m just going to say it. This is one of Florence’s best songs ever I reckon, another masterpiece!

From the Brighton reference to Britney Spears-Florence ate this up (as always).

Sergey Lazarev – Не пытайтесь это повторить

I’m not sure what the hell Russian singer Sergey Lazarev is singing about because I don’t speak Russian (but I can if you like) but this song kinda reminds me of The Weeknd in the best way?! And the music video is hot too just trust me on this one besties! If you don’t believe me check it out below:

I really recommend the Я не боюсь album btw it’s such a pop gem.

Dannii Minogue – Don’t Wanna Lose This Feeling (Initial Talk Remix)

Omgomgomg Neon Nights was and still is one of my ultimate fave albums ever and it’s obviously a fan fave and cult classic too because Dannii is celebrating 20 years of Neon Nights by releasing lots of new merch for this era and dropping this new remix, and it’s the first ‘Neon Nights 20’ remix so they’ll be more! Hopefully ‘Put The Needle On It’.

Watch this space.

Kesha – Fine Line / Eat The Acid

Singer-songwriter Kesha has evolved so much as an artist since her ‘TiK ToK’ days and these 2 new tracks from upcoming album Gag Order (out 19th May) are so refreshingly honest and raw which Kesha described as “post-pop” and the lyrics are super obviously about her ongoing legal situation with Dr. Luke.

If you’ve been sleeping under a rock, Kesha has accused the producer of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse eeep which he denied and his defamation suit against Kesha is set to go to trial this summer. Kesha hasn’t been able to speak about the trial openly because the case is still pending 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 these tracks into the world must feel like a weight lifted of her shoulders I reckon! Oh and this’ll finally be Kesha’s last album under Dr Luke’s label Kemosabe Records.

#FREEKESHA

Album Of The Month

Bebe Rexha – Bebe
Bebe Rexha has 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 will definitely be a no skip album I re visit over and over especially when I’m feeling meh, I just know it’ll put you in a good mood! Call On Me, I’m Good (Blue), Satellite, Miracle Man, Seasons (with Dolly Parton) and I’m Not High, I’m In Love are the best tracks IMPO. Call On Me is absolutely Sacrifice’s sister and fun fact Bebe Rexha is listed as the only executive producer of the album.

Also….has anyone ever seen Bebe Rexha and Alyssa Barmonde from Married at First Sight Australia in the same room before?

Clones? Serious answers only.

Let’s Talk: Brighton & Hove Gay Men’s Discussion Group

Let’s Talk is an online Zoom chat group for gay men, run by personal development coach Dan Weintrob. 

Only in its second week, and with 29 members, the group meets virtually every Wednesday evening to discuss prevalent matters and make new friends.  

Dan said: When I was living in London there were lots of different group workshops for gay men where we’d chat about dating, sex, relationships – then I moved to Brighton and there was nothing like that. 

So I thought with lockdown, and coming out of a relationship at the beginning of the year, it’s not that easy to make new friends and to maybe meet someone else, so I decided to set something up myself.” 

He continued: “I live on my own – being a gay man, working from home, living from home, you’re stuck on your own a lot of the time, so I thought it would be a good opportunity to connect with other people in the same situation, and help others combat loneliness.” 

Topics for discussion this week were relationships and the highs and lows of dating, how to make relationships last, how LGBTQ relationships might differ from heterosexual relationships, and answering the question: can an open relationship work? 

To get involved in next week’s discussion, Loving in Brighton and Hove, register for free through the MeetUp website.

Stonewall to hold Digital Vigil for Trans Day of Remembrance

Stonewall is to host an online event on Friday, November 20 from 6pm to mark Trans Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to remembering those whose lives have been taken by transphobia in the past year.

The stream, hosted by Mz Kimberley, will be live from 5.45pm with the event starting at 6pm, there will be several guest speakers including Aquila Hope.
The names of trans siblings who have lost their lives to violence this year will be read out, followed by a minute’s silence, during which candles will be lit to honour those who have passed.
Trained counsellors, who are trans themselves, will be available throughout the event to support anyone who may be struggling.
The experiences and voices of those most harmed by transphobia including: trans women, trans fems, trans people of colour and trans sex workers will be centred upon during the event.
Dial in audio description is available, and there will be BSL interpretation, any queries contact trans@stonewall.org.uk

In Loving Memory of Ian Allsup-Burge

Ian Allsup-Burge, passed away on the 26th of October, in the Royal Sussex Hospital from pneumonia with complications.

Since his passing husband, Flynn Allsup-Burge AKA drag queen Linda Bacardi has been inundated with messages of love and support from our community.

Speaking to Gscene, Flynn revealed, “I have been overwhelmed by the amount of love people have for him and the effect his death has had on the community.

“Friends, strangers and prominent drag queens alike have personally messaged me to tell me how generous, supportive and selfless he was and how saddened they were at his passing.

He added, “Ian meant so much to so many people, I will remember him for his dad dancing, his exuberance and non-judgemental attitude.

“He made so many newcomers to the scene feel welcome and if he valued you, you’d know about it.”

Ian and Flynn were married in 2016 following a proposal at Poison Ivy on St James’s Street where the couple met a year previously.

The funeral service was held on Tuesday, 11th November, 2020 at Brighton Crematorium, subsequent to a hearse drive-by outside Marine Tavern on Broad Street.

As a tribute to Ian’s memory, Flynn has been raising money through Just Giving for the Alzheimer’s Society, which has so far exceeded its £500 target and currently stands at £800.

Flynn would like to thank everyone for all their love and support and hopes the fond memories we have of him will linger.

MUSIC REVIEW: Binoy – ‘Cruel Intentions’

LA-based Kenyan pop artist, Binoy, achieved success with his last track Dinner With The Devil, amassing over 100,000 views within the first two weeks of its release. 

Naturally, we at Gscene were curious and excited to hear the latest offering from the singer when it popped into our inbox. 

The new single, entitled Cruel Intentions, did not disappoint, immediately transporting us to sunnier days, with its catchy lyrics and 80s inspired, retro synth sound. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Tr67NYxzx0

Although the track is said to have been inspired by Lorde, Taylor Swift and Fleetwood Mac – we would interject, adding that the opening bars are reminiscent of Blue Jeans by Lana Del Rey

The catchy lyrics, which wouldn’t be out of place on a Kylie track, chronicle a road trip Binoy undertook last year, which follows the journey of the passengers. 

It’s the perfect song to transport you away from the lockdown blues and we couldn’t resist a little shimmy at our desk to this effortlessly cool and upbeat piece of music. 

Cruel Intentions showcases Binoy’s boundless potential, the singer who also co-produces his work must surely be set for many more catchy dancefloor hits. 

Le Village’s neighbours file noise complaints against the Brighton LGBTQ+ bar

Residents living at Darwell Court have asked Brighton & Hove City Council (BHCC) to reduce the opening hours of popular LGBTQ+ pub Le Village, just off St James’s Street in Brighton.

Le Village, formally known as The Ranelagh, opened its doors in January 2019. BHCC received the first noise complaint nine months later and several further reports throughout January 2020. 

The premises were subsequently served with a noise abatement notice. 

Proprietor Lee Cockshott has launched an appeal against the claims, which are due to be heard in Brighton Magistrates Court in January 2021. 

Meanwhile, Darwell Court Residents Association has requested a licence review from BHCC. 

Darwell Court

Prior to Covid-19 restrictions, the venue was allowed to stay open until 2.30am on Fridays and Saturdays, and until 1.30am on weekdays. The venue’s outside terrace was closed every night by 11.30pm. Live music was permitted until 11.30pm everyday and alcohol could be served up until 30 minutes before closing. 

Tyler Bowring, Le Village general manager, said: “I can assure you we always work hard to follow our licensing rules, support our community and neighbourhood.

“This of course extends to our direct neighbours who I hope feel they can always talk to me about any concerns. This, however, has not happened. 

“I’d remind everyone, whether a customer or not, that these are hard times for any business and we must keep afloat during these challenging times. 

“We risk losing staff, meaning they have no income.”

Brighton and Hove News spoke with a BHCC representative who said; “There were nine complainants between September 2019 and mid January 2020. The first complaint about noise from the premises was received by the council on September 23, 2019.”

In cases like this, licence requests are usually made by the police, trading standards or licensing officers, as opposed to residents. 

Regardless of this, any request made for a licence review means a panel must convene to hear it. 

Darwell Court, which was finished in July 2016, consists of three one-bedroom flats, a two-bedroom maisonette and a two-bedroom wheelchair accessible flat. 

The council built flats, on the former Ardingly Street car park near Ardingly Court and St James’s House, are part of an affordable housing initiative.

X