Exclusive Interview - The Princess

It's no secret. I love The Princess. She was one of my top picks for the newest season of Ru Paul's Drag Race, but sadly, she had to sashay away far too quickly. Whether you loved her or you hated her, it is impossible to deny this queen's fierceness. Luckily, she is the nicest person on the face of the earth, and she took the time out of her busy schedule to answer some questions I know we have all been asking.

Ru Paul's Drag Race - Snatch Game Season Four

It's that time again. Time for everybody's favorite episode of Drag Race where the girls make total fools of themselves and destroy any chances of working with their idols ever. Joking, of course, but lots of craziness always happens with the Snatch Game. The real question is can the Snatch Game get any stranger than last year's pregnant Alicia Keys? The answer is yes. Yes it can.

Song of the Week - Take It Easy

Not too long ago, I received an email press kit from an up an coming singer from Ireland. "But Gaoru," you say "the rules for Song of the Week state it must be available on US iTunes!" Oh, but it is. This track was released worldwide this weekend it's just so fun!

High energy. High synth. High sex. This song is pure Europop sound and I LOVE that this kind of track is available in the United States. Kenneth Giles may be branding himself as "Ireland's solution to Justin Bieber", but he is way sexier and mature sounding.

The fact remains that the lyrics have been sung before in some form or another, but that doesn't change the fact that this is one hell of a ride. It is one of those songs that make you want to get up and dance, whether or not you look like a total idiot doing it.

Case and point, if Ireland wants a real shot at winning Eurovision, they will send this kid. Plus he's totally cute!!

Support him in his efforts to take over Ireland (hopefully not the Universe though, that's my job!) and buy the track on iTunes!

Nadia Oh Previews "Slapper (Ayye)"

Dear lord, Ms. Oh. What the hell have you gotten into this time? If there is one thing she is good at, it is making something new and different while still being very distinctly Nadia. Unfortunately that means that just when you fall in love with her current sound, she flips it around and you have to stomach something else for a while.

Oh god.

Slapper.




I think I will wait for the full song to be released, because often times it's the bridge that really makes me fall in love with a song, but the preview of this one just doesn't grab me as quickly as her previous tracks. I mean it has the stereotypical rap "clap" beat and it comes packed with a hook more annoying than "You're a jerk." What's a Nadia fan to do?

The actual lyrics are amusing as always. With such gems as "Skin tone like coffee mixed with a cream" and "working harder than ten bitches in a hot tub", the song has that true troll-tastic nature that she has always brought, but I don't know if humor alone will make this a top notch track in my book.

Also where's the Moombahton?

Dolly Rockers Leak New Demo

It's been a while since we have hear anything solid from the UK girl group The Dolly Rockers. The last time I checked in on their progress, they were in the United States working with world renowned producer Red One. After releasing a quick acoustic version of what was thought to be their new single, "Spin the Bottle", the girls went dormant musically, only keeping fans up to date on their fashions.

Luckily I decided to take a look through this newest "Dolly Mail" because the first thing listed was "NEW SONG ALERT!" Apparently someone leaked a demo of another Red One produced track "Get You Alone". Instead of reacting in anger,  they are embracing it, using it as a tool to keep their fans hanging on for a while longer while they prep their big US debut.





Coming in at exactly three minutes (what are they, trying to get on Eurovision?), this cute song is definitely not finished. That being said, for a demo it sounds incredibly good. It is upbeat and all a build up to one of the most addicting choruses of the new year. I literally can't help dancing like a nerd in my chair when it gets to the chorus.

That being said, in true Red One fashion, there are a few awkward vocal effects that I'm not feeling. Hopefully in the full track we won't have these distractions.

This was a really nice treat, and is reviving my hope that the Dolly Rockers will be able to pop up in the US music scene. I was starting to give up hope! It better not be another nine months before we hear more from them.

The Vibrant Sound Go On Tour

I've bragged on these guys before, and I'll probably do it again. Not your average band, The Vibrant Sound are an amazing mix of rap, alternative, and soul. They can be political and they can be fun. They are their own style! BUT ON TO THE POINT - They are going on tour across the United States and Canada. They are touring with CherryTree group The Knux, who I'm starting to reviewing the album of. Check out their special video below for a sneak peek at a new song (yet to be named) and all of the dates direct from two of the band members.




Yay! Too bad they aren't touring anywhere close to where I live. Boo! The new song sounds really mellow and nice. You have to take a break from partying in da club every now and then (hah!) and enjoy some pure un-autotuned raw talent.

For those of you too lazy to watch the video, you are jerks, but I'll post this convenient flier for the tour for you.

On a side note, aren't Mckay and Jake like totally adorable?
Anyway

Go see them and support them on tour if they are anywhere near you. Support The Knux and everybody else in the group!

A Chat With Pollo Del Mar, Recording Artist

I am well aware it is 2012, huntey. I worked hard through the holidays so I took January (and most of February) off from the interviewing game, but I'm back baby and this is only the tip of the iceberg for this year. Pollo Del Mar may not be on Drag Race (yet) but she is still superfab! She recently released her first song and decided it was time to get out and tell the world... As many times as possible!

RuPaul's Drag Race - Queens Behind Bars

It's that time again. Tuesdays by now should be a staple in your life where you come to Taking Over The Universe to read all about The Willam Show RuPaul's Drag Race. This episode was no disappointment, and it answered the question that was on all of our minds... How long are they going to draw out this "Party City" argument?

Song of the Week - How Embarrassing

Don't get me wrong, I know I'm not a big name blogger, but when people send me demos I really like, I often times find myself longing for the day that these tracks get put on iTunes. This we exactly the case with Pollo Del Mar's debut single.

This song is hilarious. There is no denying that. The lyrics go through a scenario of Pollo doing the "walk of shame" down the street looking for her car after a long night of some shady activities. Unfortunately for her she is so "famous" that she gets recognized leading to the name and point of the song leaving her to exclaim How Embarrassing.

As much as I love to mess with Pollo and poke fun at her, she really did turn it out and make one catchy song. It has been picking up literally everywhere on the internet with DJs and blogs alike. Yes, she is aware she isn't a strong singer, but that isn't the point of the song. The point is to entertain, and the song is definitely a disgusting ride -- in the best way possible, of course!

You can buy the song on iTunes, and you probably should if you have a sense of humor. Then again if you don't have a sense of humor I'm pretty sure you already hate me.

Drag Race 4 Cast Off Roundup Part One

So far this season we have seen three girls go. Three crazy talented girls have walked out the doors never to return again -- until the reunion special that is. With this new segment, I am going to recap the girls that have gone home and talk about their mistakes, as well as my first impressions of the queens from my post about the initial cast interviews.

Let's get it started with week one. Alisa Summers.

Check out my original impression of her:

"The last interview was Alisa Summers. 

I'm not sure if it was just the hassle of watching twelve interviews before her or if that is just how she was, but I got a very middle of the road vibe from her. I found myself picking her wardrobe apart, from the bad tights to the gaged ears, but her physical appearance was very spot on -- like if Carmen Carrera and Alexis Mateo had a child. Yeah. I went there."

 Her time on the show was very brief. Sadly the show didn't showcase her very much at all. The only memorable thing we have of her is her final runway look, which was too boobalicious for any of us. She really was a body queen it would seem, which means my Carmen comment was pretty much spot on. Moving on.

"Lashauwn Beyond may be a weird name, but she definitely isn't a weird queen. She definitely had the best look for the robot themed promo shoot and she gave one hell of an interview. I hope she brings Gluegun Beyond along for the ride. That could get interesting. "

After that bubble dress, maybe she was a weird queen. Joking! Lashauwn was definitely one of my top queens for this season. I was truly devastated when she left the show. She and I are very close in age, and she was so cute as both a boy and a girl that I thought she would go straight to the top. I'm not sure if it was her inexperience or her status as being a "less polished Tyra" that put her in the bottom two, but it was definitely her performance that sent her home. Even I know that you don't take your shoes off at the START of a song. Sorry grrl. Gone so soon without even getting to introduce Gluegun Beyond.

Then there was The Princess.

"...The Princess. I assume that her first name is The and her last name is Princess. Anyhow, she made a very good impression. She has a rocker chick vibe to her, and keeps her deeper voice for her drag look, much like Raja last season. My only gripe is the gages in her ears. Not very princess like. She pulled a bold move by going bald in the promo, and I definitely think it payed off!"

First name The, last name Princess. Middle name "Drag" according to Twitter. I LOVE this one. There were seriously SO MANY GIRLS that should have gone home before her even being in the bottom two. Her runway looks were always amazing and her challenges were never the worst of the group but she was always the one picked apart and judged so harshly. I was sad to see her wear so much hair as the promos made it look like she was going to be this season's bald queen. Oh well. I love you, baby. Team Princess forever!

Tomorrow we will find out who the next girl is to go home. I know who I want it to be, but that would be rude and shady to say so. That being said, we'll be seeing you later, Dida. No shade.

Video Review - Time To Go

Oh, Kwanza Jones how I love you so much. You never disappoint me. You made me wait and wait, and then even wait some more for this video, but it was totally worth it. If you haven't heard this song yet, then this video is the best way I could possibly think of to introduce you to the new Kwanza.

Xelle Makes You Feel Invincible

Xelle has done it again. This "girl group" has always surprised everyone in what they can accomplish. They've already proven they aren't just "Party Girls" with their second single "Hologram", and "Invincible" further shows everybody just how amazing an caring these three are.




I won't lie. I teared up. This song means so much more to me than I can put into words. For any gay boy, any nerd, any person who isn't what you would call the "social norm" out there, this song is your anthem. Mimi, Rony, and JC urge you to stand up for yourself and keep your spirits high.

The song is a team up with GLSEN to stand up against bullying in all of it's forms. The song, a true reflection of this, has lyrics such as "You're like the sun/Show them you make the world go 'round" and "You're invincible/No one can bring you down." These lyrics really hit home with me. I know that I don't usually talk about my personal life here, but this really made me feel better. I sent Mimi a personal message thanking her and the girls for proving that everyone is amazing in their own way.

Buy the song on iTunes. It goes to a great cause.

Oh and did I mention that is ME (in the red and black bandanna) at the 1:10 mark of the video? I've never felt so famous!

RuPaul's Drag Race - Champions VS Glamazons

This season is getting crazier and crazier. With them awarding 100k to the winner, you'd think they would be cutting every corner possible to save them a dime, but the insanity continues, and the show keeps reminding us all why it is the top rated show on Logo. This is what TV should be.

Song of the Week - Give Me All Your Luvin'

She's back. No, not back as in that oversexed, too-mainstream, and too eager to please person she was replaced with for a few years (Four Minutes - Horrible.). The REAL Madonna is back! And God, did we miss her. I know Song of the Week usually goes to lesser known people, but how can I pass this up? Seriously.

Madonna is finally back to her old sound. Those haunting vocals, those true 80s synth beats. They are all here. The only way you would know this song wasn't truly from the 80s is when it breaks into Nicki Minaj's rap, because let's face it, nobody sounds like that woman.

This song has actually come under some critizism by other reviewers claiming that while catchy, it is a bit too simple lyrically to be Madonna's huge return. I disagree. Most of Madonna's singles weren't the deepest meaning. She had a song all about posing. I mean come on. This song is the embodiment of the Madonna we've missed. As for the spellings (and misspellings), have I ever mentioned I have an affinity for songs that spell? I think I have.

Also MIA is in the song.

You can buy the track on iTunes. It may have been a glitch, but when I pre-orderd her new album "MDNA" it made me re-buy the single I had already payed for just to secure my pre-order. Thus, it may be best to just pre-order the full album if you plan to in the future.

Drag Race Gossip - The Willam "Bye"

So what if this is nearly a week past, I'mma still give my two cents on the issue. Many people were beyond shocked when Willam "Bye'd" Ru on the main stage after being said she is safe. Honestly, I thought she was just being a bitch, which is what I love about her, but apparently I was wrong. On her site, she gave the details on what she says went down.

"Yea, I BYE’d RuPaul…but here’s what really went down on ep 4.2:

Right before I said BYE, The Princess was asked to lip-sync. RuPaul then told me I was safe and I asked him if i could lip-sync for The Princess because I was the team captain and wanted to take responsibility (I have no clue if The Princess would’ve let me but I wanted to offer). But Ru, without even making eye contact said “You’re going off script” and as soon as he got out the last word i was like ok peace in my head so i just threw out a “BYE” and walked off.

so yea. Bye."

 

I'm not sure what to think about this. On one hand, I can see this happening, but on the other hand, I can see this being damage control. I mean, not everyone likes bitches and when you are rude to Ru, it's easy to make a whole lot of enemies. 

What do you guys think? I'm sure most of you are just annoyed I'm talking about "that bitch" again. Well you know what? If you don't like the Willam show, you can get out. Or you can read some of my other posts. Please pick the second option.

Album Review - Night Wave

Oh. My. God. I love Hyper Crush. So much. Never before has a band managed to keep my attention so long. I have taken up stalking them recently, and tweeting them constantly. Did I mention I love them? This album is just what I needed in my life right now: Nonsensical techno-babble. God yes. Shall we get on with it before I make a bigger idiot of myself?

RuPaul's Drag Race - WTF! Wrestling's Trashiest Fighters

It's that time again. Drag Race is back again and starting to go out in full swing. I'm gonna go for a less formal and more spontaneous approach this week. It's WTF week, and no, it doesn't stand for what you think. It stands for Wrestling's Trashiest Fighters. Yup. Welcome to RPDR 4.

Madonna And The Superbowl Extravaganza

My main problem with the Super Bowl's half time shows is simply this: they always have crap acts. Every year I wait and wait for them to pick someone amazing, and it never happens. This year was different. Madonna was their choice this year. The queen of pop music. Also, I forgot that the Superbowl was this weekend. Luckily YouTube exists.

Note: I have no idea how long this video will be available on Youtube. Let me know if it gets taken down and I will look for a new version to post.


This is what pop music needs to be: Over the top and outrageous. Madonna is carried out on a throne, for Christ's sake. Her band members are dressed like Roman Centurions. There was a tightrope dancer, and space age cheerleaders. Like I said, the epitome of pop music.

The first song up is Vogue. This was my favorite song by Madonna. Ever. Not only is it a drag queen anthem, but it was also a big part of my life as a kid. And seeing Madonna perform this song on a stage so epic it puts Eurovision to shame, was a dream come true. Speaking of which, this lady looks good! I think this is her way of telling everybody the old saying "Age ain't nothing but a number" is indeed true. She pops, locks, and drops it just as good as anybody -- and she's good at Shufflin' too.

Why bring that up? Because the next song, Music, was mixed together with Party Rock Anthem and Sexy and I Know It by LMFAO -- and they were there. For a small segment the three even danced together! As expected, M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj (if you are confused as to which was which, their crotches are labeled) trot out on stage with those crazy cheerleaders I mentioned earlier for a portion of Madonna's newest single Give Me All Your Lovin'. This song was actually good. I'm glad that horrible Hard Candy era is a thing of the past.

For the final portion of the lengthy performance she is joined by Cee Lo Green and a chorus of what looks like at least one hundred people to help sing Like A Prayer. Cee Lo has some PIPES! After a dramatic climb to the top, she simply disappears in smoke.

And everyone is left breathless. Madonna is back, and this time she's not letting anybody get in her way. For her new song she's teamed up with two of pops biggest rising divas, and she's letting everyone know she is still the queen of it all. That being said, is any body else expecting a look-alike version of this performance by Lady Gaga next year?

Song of the Week - Drinks On Me

I'm sorry.

No seriously. I'm sorry. This song is really bad, but I just can't help myself. This is everything I strive to avoid in my life, but these two just draw me in every time and make me dance like their musical love slave. Ugh. I just... I can't even.

The song isn't the worst. Even these girls have had worse tracks, but catchy as it is, the song is just about loving getting wasted. That's it. BUT IT IS SO CATCHY! I'm really sorry, guys. I just had to. There were about four tracks this week that I wanted to pick, but this one won mainly because I can't beat my head against the wall enough to get it un-stuck.

Buy the track on iTunes. Or don't if you have good taste in music. I don't.

Video Review - Better Than I Know Myself

It's a tale of two Adams in Mr. Lambert's newest video. I know you guys are probably getting tired of me talking about this guy, but this video is so good. I can't let this one go un-reviewed. I just can't. Ugh. Let's just get on with it, shall we?

MYPHNH(BS) - Pob

This one is gonna be a short one, guys. There just isn't a lot of info out there on this guy yet, but when I get an email from a new artist who is not only talented but making some awesome music, how can I not make a post about them?

This cute Brit is a new singer trying to break through in the music biz. He only has two tracks out so far, but according to his Youtube channel, new music is on the way later this month. What he does have out so far is quite enjoyable. Let me introduce you to Pob.

"Shout It Out Loud" is a very upbeat and poppy track that fits right in with the current state of pop music. He has a nice voice and great production backing. His second song, "I'm The One" is a bit less up beat and a tad more dark, showing two vastly different directions he could go in.

Having so few songs out makes him hard to pin. I certainly want more, but only time will tell if he is going to be a break out star. Why feature him on this section if things seem risky? Because what he does have out so far is great and refreshing.

Now who do I need to threaten to get him to put up a bio on his site?

Check out my favorite of the two, "Shout It Out Loud" below.