Master Of Death Releases Perfect Halloween Video "The Reckoning"

Master of Death, formerly known as Blood On The Dance Floor's lead vocalist Dahvie Vanity, has finally released his debut video for his new project "The Adventures of Skull Kid". In true BOTDF fashion, this video dropped on Halloween, and in my time zone, that is still today, so stop your bitching. Check out "The Reckoning".



I have to say this is probably the best BOTDF video to date -- even if it's not exactly a BOTDF video. And that is probably my biggest complaint about the video and song. It's not really clear what the song is exactly. On iTunes, it is labeled as a BOTDF song, but on YouTube it's under Dahvie's new solo title Master of Death. It features his former (or current? who knows?) band mate Jay Vonn, as well as a new talented siren Kerry Louise, so it wouldn't be a stretch to call it one of the songs of their group. Not even the fanbase is really sure what jurisdiction it lies in.

What I can say is that the song is among the strongest in the history of the duo. It has a great dubstep vibe for those who enjoy that style of music, and it has some of the strongest vocals I've heard from them since their incarnation. Dahvie/MoD really seems to have embraced his voice much more, and Jay Vonn's rapping was so on point.  The visuals really took me by surprise. The glowing back piece and scythe that MoD wields really pop on screen, and Jayy is sexy as hell, but that's nothing new.

Confusion as to who the track should be credited to aside, I really found myself enjoying this song. I wish it had come out a bit sooner so we could have embraced it a bit more before the Christmas carols start in, but it is a fun jam non-the-less.

Be sure and pick up the song on iTunes, and check out their new tour on their Facebook page (of Blood on The Dance Floor/Mater Of Death/Jayy Von/Whatever).

Exclusive Interview: Neon Hitch And The World's First Fan Label

Neon Hitch took the United States by storm back in 2011 and 2012 with her slew of singles that all became instant Billboard and club hits. We all waited and waited to see what would happen next with her, and yet, nothing did. Now, years later, she's back and major label free with a plan to get her music out there to her fans. Recently she sat down with me to explain the process, and give me a fun inside scoop as to what the future for her, and her new "fan label" concept holds.

 

Have A Spooky Halloween With Adam Barta And Rebecca Glasscock

Look here. Adam Barta, after years of me supporting him in his musical endeavors, is now tryin' to steal my gig! Interviewing RuPaul's Drag Race girls has been my thing! But I guess it helps him out a lot more by being part of the Word of Wonder Youtube multi-channel network. This year he teamed up with Rebecca Glasscock to interview a ton of queens for NYC's annual Night of the Living Drag event. Check out the video below.





There is a lot going on here! Let me say that as hesitant as I was seeing Rebecca as the co-host of this video, I really ended up liking her. She has been popping up more and more ever since the first season of Drag Race was re-aired, and now she's becoming a regular in Adam's productions. Not bad, I'd have to say. She has grown a lot since her stint on the show, and comes across much more likeable in her new appearances. Good for her.

I love this video mostly because it allows for Drag Race fans that don't live in the NYC area (like me) to experience the show from a different aspect. We all see the videos of the queens werking it on stage, but it's a much rarer thing to see them back stage, more loosened up, and answering some fun questions. We find out that Ivy is engaged (apparently which she hadn't announced before), that Sharon believes in patricide, and that Phi Phi is and always will be the fiercest bitch around.

There were some great costumes, as well as some not-so-great. Coming out on top is Phi Phi O'Hara's Power Ranger's villain costume of Rita Repulsa. I have been a long time fan of the show, and she pulled it off 100%. I also was loving the retro vibe from Alaska's vintage Heavy Metal look. And we can't forget the fun and coordinated efforts from our hosts being Robin and Catwoman from the Batman franchise! Also, did anybody clock that Milk's costume was totally Magnolia Crawford?

The video does run a bit long, but who can blame them. This video is for anybody who wants to re-live the magic that was RuPaul's Drag Race and for anybody who wants a little inside scoop as to what the queens are up to. They didn't ask any hard hitting questions, but it was a fun night and no need for any sort of downer. All in all, Adam is doing a good job at being me.

Far East Movement Is Back With Bangin' EP

It's been a while since Far East Movement popped up on my radar. I've been in love with the entire Cherrytree lineup since their early days, and Far East Movement has always been one I've kept in mind when it comes time to find some new music. Lucky for me, Twitter has blown up with fans freaking out about this release, so you bet your ass I saw it, too! Check out KTown Riot.

I can honestly say I've never been a fan of rap in the past, but this genre of fusing dance with rap is really infectious. I guess it was CAZWELL that won me over in that department, but I'm not stopping there. With this newer style expanding, I think these boys are definitely on the forefront and leading the way, especially since they've had major radio play in the past which has granted them a larger fanbase.

I picked up this EP for a variety of reasons, and the number one reason has to be "Bang It To The Curb". This song is by far the shining star of this release. The wonky beat along with it's amazing chorus that is easy to sing along with and it's fun raps filling the gaps in the verses, this is definitely the track they need for a single. The vocals are actually done by Sidney Samson, who goes uncredited for the song as far as iTunes is concerned.

This release actually features a lot of, well, features. We have a ton of new names popping up to shine in the light along with the boys. We have ScHool Boy Q, YG, Fingazz, and Sha Sha Jones to name a few. I find it a bit strange that such a small release has features on literally every song, but with an EP that I don't feel the need to skip even one track, I guess I can say it worked out for the best that way. I really would like to see them shine on their own, though, especially since it's been a while since their last big release.

"KTown Riot" is exactly what fans of Far East Movement have been waiting for. This release is a good sign that they aren't giving up and reassures their fans that more is definitely on the way. Now when are we gonna get another album, boys?

Be sure and pick up the EP on iTunes. It's worth it!

The Veronicas Preview New Album With "Line Of Fire"

It's been such a long time coming. The Veronicas have been doing their best to make a comeback for a couple years now. They released the monster track "Lolita" back in mid 2012, and then they vanished once again, leaving us to wonder where "Life On Mars" went. Well not they're back -- for real -- and they are doing it solo. Check out the newest promo single for their new album "The Veronicas" called "Line Of Fire"!




Let me start by saying I LOVE this song. It is so much more like the old school Veronicas. Even with "Life On Mars" they had been saying that they were going in a less electro-rock direction, and the newest single "You Ruin Me", while a stunning track, seemed to prove this effort. The tracks are currently under wraps on iTunes and thus non-previewable so I had been worried that the core sound of The Veronicas that I'd come to know and love over the course of my young adult life would be gone.

The great thing about these two is that we always get interesting and deep lyrics. I don't think I've ever seen them plop out a stupid party song (I mean the closest they've had was "Popular" which was kind of a parody on party songs itself). "Line Of Fire" is no exception. This song is surely a page out of both of their diaries.

Weirdly enough, if you follow the duo close enough, you've heard these lyrics before. This was actually used in the teaser spot from back before "You Ruin Me" came out, much to the confusion of fans. The rumor is that the preview version of "Line Of Fire" will be put on the deluxe version of the album as a remix/re-imagined version. We can all hope for that.

For now, the album is not up on US iTunes. The girls have promised a world-wide release date will come shortly. The self-titled album will drop in Australia November 21.

Wendy Ho Drops Her Greatest S**ts!

Lemme start out by saying that this is a story about Wendy Ho, and if that isn't enough of an NSFW warning for you, then you are obviously in the wrong place. Anyway, I know that I'm a little late on this one, but I still wanted to give a shout out and share some love with a home-state hero. She was big on Logo back when they were cool and did music video stuff, and since then she's been touring the country, selling her raunchy music to anyone who'll listen. That's you. Listen.

Ugh, I just know that Wendy is going to give me so much crap for censoring the title of her album.

[Even more NSFW-y stuff under the cut. If you aren't used to Wendy's sense of humor, this article may not be for you.]

JPop Watch: Koda Kumi Previews "Dance In The Rain"

Welcome to my new segment that I've been teasing you all with for the past week. Yes, it's JPop Watch! With so many Japanese pop music acts breaking through to the US (like BabyMetal and Utada Hikaru), I thought that I should throw in my opinion on who you should be listening to when it comes to that whole scene. And of course I'm going to tell you to listen to Koda Kumi.




So this isn't exactly a surprise for me to be peddling Kumi music to you. Actually it's not the first time she's been on the site. Or the second. Or third or fourth. I mean it's happened a lot. But I thought that if we are are going to start a new segment, we might as well start at the top. You know, with the queen. No, not Beyonce. The real queen. Koda Kumi.

This video is part of a JPop trend called "Short Ver." This is set up to help special editions of albums/singles sell more. They will upload a shorter version of a video to YouTube to get people's attention, but if you wanna see the whole work, you'll have to buy the retail version that comes with the additional DVD. Occasionally they will upload a full version officially, but most of what you'll be finding out there are bootleg uploads that do not support the official artist (sorry bout it!).

What I really love about this video is how visually striking it is. Ms. Koda is no stranger to having some amazing outfits and great choreography, but I this is the first time in a long time that a video of her's has been so beautiful. Each one of the seemingly stand alone dance sequences has it's own color scheme, it's own outstanding CG and green screen effects, and it's own on point dancing. And what's even more striking is that the majority of the song is in Japanese as opposed to Engrish which is her usual language of choice. I have to say, things are looking very good for her now.

"Dance In The Rain" is special for two reasons. The first being that this is the first time Koda Kumi has released a Digital Only single. The track, set to be released November 5th, and get this -- ITS GOING TO BE RELEASED ON US ITUNES! This is groundbreaking her and her US fans as this is the first time we've gotten a new KK track since 2009!! I'm beyond excited. It's also kind of a big deal because Kumi is the first music artist to harness the new 360 3D headset technology known as Oculus Rift for her video. There's not word yet on exactly how this will work, but it sounds like it will be amazing!

I can't even express how excited I am that I can buy a Koda Kumi single in the United States for the first time in literally years. I have been importing her material for ages, and now I can do it from the comfort of my own home for 99cents. Don't believe me? Check it out on iTunes. Grab it now!

Sorry I Missed It - Sonali Releases "Wake Up" EP

In the entire history of all the "Sorry I Missed It"s, this is probably one of the biggest. I have known about this artist for a while now, spanning from her viral YouTube video of Diamonds by Rihanna that got her famous in the first place, but it seems like I have such bad timing with her. But no more! I hereby pledge to spread the word that her EP has been released... Well it was back in February.

This EP is like a breath of fresh air. In a world that is filled to max capacity with artists popping up and sounding exactly the same, it is rare to see someone that feels so genuine. Is the sound new? No. Is it something we don't have enough of in today's musical world? Certainly. This singer-songwriter style has fallen back in popularity in the past ten years, and it's about time we bring it back.

Of the entire batch, I really like "Who We Are", as it really catches that feeling from days past; a song about something other than partying, and it does it with a nice mid-tempo acoustic guitar vibe. There are other elements sprinkled throughout, such as the banjo's that fill in gaps for "Wake Up", and the fantastic drums featured in "Find Your Way". All of these elements come together to make one complete thought, and I'm sure that is what she was going for.

I can't explain why I love Sonali so much. She seems to have a different take on how music should be, and I think in a world with artists like Lorde rising to the top of the charts, that this might just be what makes her a star. She looks great. She sounds great. And she's pro-LGBT (seriously, watch the "Who We Are" video below). I really like the direction she's going in.

She has been pushing "Wake Up" as the new single recently, and she's done a live video along with it, proving that she can sing well live, and play guitar too. Did I mention how adorable she is?

Anyway, check out her new EP on iTunes. Check out the incredibly touching and beautiful video for "Who We Are" below.

Vinyl Floor Returns With New Album and New Sound "Vaudeville"

It's been quite a while since we've heard from Vinyl Floor. They released an album back in 2012, but I hadn't heard from them since, but that doesn't mean they've been dormant. Actually, they have been up to quite a bit, and in all the chaos, they've released a new album. Check out "Vaudville".

So backing up just a tad, they've actually been busy putting out singles and videos to make this album what it is today. "Change The Song" is probably the crowning moment of the whole picture, and that's probably why they put it first. They released a lot of radio singles across Europe and Japan over the course of this year, and in Octobrer, they finally dropped the full album.

This time around, they've dropped the slower song act and have kicked things into high gear with a bit of rocking action. I'm not sure where the change came from, but it's a welcome one. The new sounds is polished and fun. I wouldn't really say they are "reinvented" since you can still tell it's a Vinyl Floor album, but I would say that this is definitely a new approach to how they not only perform but market their music.

The band has had a successful run of their music video for "Change The Song" on Europe's MTV site. I was glad to see the exposure for the band, given their more limited release with "Peninsula". This album feels very fun, having tracks that were recorded as a live one-take in the studio, and others even using ukeleles.

If you'd like to check out the album for yourself, hop onto iTunes and give them a shot. This album's got a little something for everyone.

Gwen Stefani Returns To Pop Music With "Baby Don't Lie"

Ok. 2014 may be the best year ever for pop music. First Black Kids come back, then Hilary Duff, and now Gwen Stefani? Yes! This gives me so much hope for the future (and just imagine the album releases for first quarter 2015!!). This song literally came out of nowhere, and I couldn't be happier to have it!

See! I told you it was good. This song really fuses together a lot of interesting sounds, from the almost Asian inspired feel to it's Friendly Fires choir chorus. And oddly enough, even though these two things don't sound like they would go together, it really works. The song is all about a relationship that Gwen feels isn't genuine and all she wants is the truth out of him. But who listens to lyrics anyway?

Leave it to Gwen to give us something new and different every time. Her first album was a mishmash of Ameri-Jpop, and her second was a solid slant on what the pop music of the day was. This? This sounds like she's giving the new Lorde-loving fanbase her take on the whole alternative/out-of-the-box pop. Is she forgetting what made her stand out? Hell no. There's a total flashback to "Holla Back" in the bridge, but it still stays within it's own distinct feel.

The main question is whether or not this is an accurate representation of the direction that she's going. We've all seen artists do the bait-and-switch with singles, giving us one awesome style while the rest of the album sounds like a completely different work. I, for one, think that Gwen is going to stick to her guns. Based on her track record, both with No Doubt and alone, she's stayed consistent in what she's delivered, both with the good and the bad. This one's good, Gwen. Keep with this.

For now, support a bitch and buy it on iTunes. And get pumped for her yet-to-be-titled album that surely will coincide with the new season of The Voice.

NYC Girl Group Glamazons Give Us "Moive Star"

No, no. This isn't the cast of RuPaul's Drag Race season four. This is a hot new (well kind of) girl group out of NYC that is ready to serve up their debut single on a hot plate for all the world to see. If you've been a fan of America's Got Talent, then the name might sound quite familiar, and their message of talent coming in all shapes and sizes will definitely strike a chord with all listeners. Why don't you check out their single "Movie Star"?

Meet Tina, Emma, Kenya, and Megan. These ladies may not be the original Glamazons, but surely they will become just as beloved and remembered as their reality TV predecessors. What I really like about the song is that they sound amazing, both together and separately.  I love the way they blend together with one another and how they mesh as a group. It is obvious that there is a lot of chemistry within the group, which is essential to the survival of any pop act.

What I don't like is the composition that is supporting their vocals. It's not bad, but it feels like it is missing something. I can't quite put my finger on what it is, but the back track doesn't feel as full as I could see it being with a few tweaks. It's not exactly enough to deter me from loving the song, though, which really saved the project for me in the end.

I think what really makes this group something special is their message. They are more than just a pop act, they are real women. Tina, the sort of spokesperson for the group, gave me a great insight into what the group is all about:

"We are set on proving that no matter what shape or size, color, gender, sexual orientation you are you can live fearlessly and embrace who you are. Defy the standards of what normal is.  For anyone that has ever been told "no" before...we will rise up, celebrate, and proudly shake what our mamma gave us."

That's not all, either. If you've been checking out their FB page, you've probably seen hints dropped here and there that "Movie Star" is getting a video released with it, but I have some solid proof of this based on some of the tasty inside bits Tina gave to me.

"We just filmed the music video with Mattioli Productions, an LGBTQI centered production company and it will be ready for the fans by November 1st!  It's going to be super fun, glamorous of course, and we even snagged a Ferrari! We can't wait for it to be released!"

OK now even I am excited! For now, grab the single on iTunes. Keep on the lookout on their official Facebook page for the new video that is due out within the next two weeks. You guys ready for this!? 

Drag Queen Magazine Debuts First Issue

It's happened. After years of drag being just a 'special issue' version of magazines like "Out Magazine", the ladies of drag finally have a magazine that is all them, all the time. It has fashion, celebrities, and tips and tricks for everyone from beginners to pros. Why don't you take a look at Drag Queen Magazine?

OK, so I'm sure there are other drag-focused magazines out there, but this is the first to come across my (metaphorical) desk.

First off, let me say that yes, that is RuPaul's Drag Race season one Jade on the cover. How they landed her for their first issue, I'll never know, but what I do know is that started off with a bang. Inside is a six page article packed with interviews and pictures for Jade about a crazy variety of topics. I guess they just wanted to get things started right. And a little birdy has told me that things are only going up from here, and you should definitely keep your eyes out for next month's issue.

Inside is an array of topics from must have accessories to what the best song/costume combo is for a Halloween themed show. They also speak with the mastermind behind the amazing Dr.a.g coffee table book. Trust me, there's a lot here. What I really love about the magazine is that they are truly involved in the community.  In the back pages you can find a list of gay/gay-friendly bars from across the country, as well as a way to submit clubs and bars to be added so that everyone can have a safe haven to go and feel like themselves.

If I had to criticize anything about this project it would have to be the simplicity of it all. By this, I mean that it doesn't exactly look like a magazine on the inside (placement of columns, photoshopping in places), but with the time and budge they had, it really did come out well. And I'm sure that over time, they will develop a sleek style, and that issues will flow more naturally.

For now, we can check out the first issue to get all the T. Find shows around the country (like Miss Coco Peru's!) and piece together your Halloween look with the help of your drag galpals. Be sure and check out both their Facebook page, for all the latest info, and their brand new homepage so you can subscribe and get issues instantly on your computer. Remember, bitches, it's free!

Album Review - Utada Hikaru "Exodus" 10th Anniversary Edition

I can't believe it's been ten years since my favorite album of all time came out. I'm actually over a week late for this one, but then again when have I ever been punctual? Today we are talking about "Exodus" by Utada (Hikaru in Japan, just Utada here for some weird reason). It recently turned ten years old, and we are going to trudge through this album and see if it still holds up.

Warning: THIS IS MY FAVORITE ALBUM EVER! I'm pretty biased.

Gao's Thoughts: Teresa Giudice Is Going To Jail?

Let me begin by saying I know I'm very late on this story, but I still wanted to throw in my two cents. I honestly can't believe this is real. This isn't some publicity stunt for everyone to watch Bravo. Teresa Giudice, one of the most recognizable "Bravolebrities" is going to jail. For a while. Damn.

Marina And The Diamonds Release New Track

It's been a while, Marina. I was first introduced to this fine lady way back when a group of bloggers headed by Vertigo Shtick, and it was he who pointed out to me that she was back. Sometimes things come full circle, right? Well anyway, Marina and the Diamonds has made their return with the new track "Froot".

I have to say that this track is so very catchy. "Froot" feels to be much more lighthearted than her initial releases such as "How To Be A Heartbreaker". Sure it has it's dark tinges, it wouldn't be a Marina track without that vibe, but she's not talking about systematically destroying people's relationships and lives via sexual conquest, so I have to say this is a nice turn of direction.

Along those lines, I would have to say it's so nice to hear from her again. And I mean that literally, too. Once you have heard a track or two from this act, you'll be able to spot one of their tracks from a mile away. Whether it's Marina's deep, melodic voice, or the dark-yet-airy back track, it's easy to tell this is a Marina and the Diamonds song. If I really had to pick anything to complain about, all I could come up with is that it's five and a half minutes. Maybe it should have been shaved down to four minutes, as the end drags on when we hear the chorus for the five hundredth time.

It's unclear yet if this is a full revitalization of the project. The only iTunes action we've had recently was a remix package that landed in 2013. Just because this is up on SoundCloud doesn't mean it's her new single. She spent some time last year releasing a few songs on this medium, including a song with Charli XCX that never made it as an official single. I for one hope this one gets the video treatment and some real promotion behind it. We could really have another hit on our hands if it did.

Circuit21 Returns With "Calling All Angels"

It's been a while since we've heard from Circuit21. In case you didn't know, this is the solo effort of Robert Brown, better known for his stint with the viral YouTube sensation BearForce1. Now he's wanting to be taken much more seriously, and his music really speaks volumes for that effort. Let's check out his latest single and video "Calling All Angels".

Watch the video here.

It's nice to see that Robert is back in the force. This is the first time we've seen him since his last single back in mid 2013. For this effort, he keeps his harmonious voice steady, and makes sure to belt it out when needed. I love how European this song feels, straying from what you would hear on the radio in the US, and thankfully he's not shy about putting out his music stateside. There's just a vibe that comes off from Euro acts that is hard to describe, but he certainly captures it and sells it quite nicely.

The video has me caught off guard, frankly. I was expecting something, well, gay coming form him. Instead we have a hetro couple (not that there's anything wrong with heterosexuals -- it's how we all got here) trying to work things out. From the looks of it, the guy takes out all his aggression from fights with his lady in the boxing ring in what looks like illegal fights. Thankfully we have Robert to give a little fashion and sass to this video, as he acts as the ref in an eye patch while singing along to his track.

Can I also say that I've never seen someone have such a piercing gaze with only one eye?

Using black and white was a great way to go with the video, and the resulting "Wizard of Oz" blast into color at the end made it all the more stunning (again, those eyes!). I really hope this single blows up for the Circuit21 project. There was clearly a lot of effort put into this release. My one hope is that he defies today's indie music norm and releases a full EP or album instead of single after single. I need more of this man!

For now you can pre-order the EP for "Calling All Angels" on iTunes which comes with the original version of the song, as well as three remixes and an acoustic version.

New JPop Group Color-Code Will Make You Like Dat

It's no secret that I love Jpop. I fell in love with Utada Hikaru as a child, and I became obsessed with Koda Kumi as a teen. From Malice Mizer to Psycho le Cemu and from Ayumi to Megumu Hayashibara, I've been hooked on a genre of music that is based around a language I don't understand much of. Anyway, a new group has rushed onto the scene, and they are threatening to take over. Let's meet Color-Code.




Maybe I just like this video because she's got a Manila Luzon wig on?

Anyway, this group was the result of a huge open call audition. They apparently narrowed things down from over 2000 girls to just three. We have Tsujikawa Nanami (Pink), Yusakawa Marisa (Blue), and Moriyasu Mako (Green). It is the brainchild of Nicola Formichetti, a fashion designer best known for hooking up with Lady Gaga.

The video is very flashy, and the song is very accessible and fun. It feels like they are trying to imitate the current state of American pop music. Hopefully this means that they will be branching out to the United States. So few Jpop acts try and reach over, especially since the few that have failed miserably. I've been holding out hope that since Korean acts such as Girls Generation and Psy have become hits in the US that Japanese artists will give it another shot.

While they fall somewhere between "normal" acts like Ayu or Koda and "weird" acts like Kyary (Pamyuwhatever), they seem to have found a nice medium. Their EP/Maxi single is up for grabs on US iTunes. The second track, "Break My Heart" continues with their more American feel while third song "The Soul's Refrain" comes in more like something you'd hear from a Jpop group, leaving it a bit unclear where their next single will take them.

I'm excited to see where they go from here. It's been a while since a new act has caught my attention from overseas, but as long as they keep releasing music state-side, I'll keep giving them a shot. For now, pick up their debut single on iTunes and prove to Japan that we need Koda Kumi's stuff available here. I mean honestly!

Sheena Rose Has Got Dirty Cash (And A Lot Of It)

Sheena Rose is a drag performer out of San Francisco that I've had the pleasure of encountering form time to time. Not only is she a wonderful soul, but she's also delved into the realm of music. Her latest single, "Dirty Cash" released last spring, but that doesn't mean things are said and done. In true Sheena Rose fashion she's got a remix, or two... or sixteen. Actually there are so many she released a full album of it. Check it out.
 

I have to say this is probably my favorite track from Sheena to date. The song plays around with the cliche that money can buy you anything. "Money talks" as they say, and she definitely went with it. The original track features an awesome saxophone line that would rival "Edge of Glory" by Gaga -- I'd say it also rivals "In The Dark" by Dev's Sax line, too, but I don't think anyone would get the reference. Now she's compiled a list of ten artists to do sixteen remixes for this track. That's right. Sixteen.

There is a lot of fun stuff going on with this release. We see a lot of familiar faces to the drag remix scene, such as Naked Highway (who have just worked with Willam Belli) and Jared Jones (who works with Manila Luzon regularly). There are also a few names in which it is my first experience hearing from them, but don't let that turn you off. Mixes like the one from Edwin Reyes really sold me on the whole project. That's definitely a name I'll keep an eye out for in the future.

That's what I really like about remixes. It can take a song that has been out for a while, and may be off your iTunes playlist rotation, and give it new life. It can either sound like a bouncier version of the song you already know and love, or it can be chopped up and crafted into something almost completely unrecognizable. Luckily for everyone, both types of mixes exist on this collection.

You can check out "Dirty Cash The Remixes" on iTunes. Preview them all and pick your faves or just buy the whole thing.

Hatsune Miku Makes Her Live US TV Debut

So I totally thought this was a joke to begin with. The official Hatsune Miku page has been hyping up this Letterman Late Show performance for weeks. In case you didn't know, Hatsune Miku is not a real person. How can they have a live performance with someone who isn't real? Lasers. Or something, I don't know, but it's pretty cool. Check out Ms. Miku performing "Sharing The World" by BIGHEAD.




Ok, so first of all this song is actually in English. This is my first complaint about this. English is a pretty complex language to read. What it feels like is they just plopped a bunch of syllables into a computer generator without tweeking it. A lot of the emphasis comes off weird, and it's often times hard to understand what she's saying. And honestly, I know they are promoting her US Expo dates in NYC and LA, but couldn't they have chosen a song from one of the games that are out for PS3 and PSVita? That was a huge cross promotion they missed out on, in my opinion.

Other than that, I feel like this broke a lot of ground. Japanese acts have never been popular in the US regardless of what language they sing in (just as Utada Hikaru and her two great but failed North American English albums). To have a Japanese artist of any caliber come over and debut on network television is a huge step in the right direction for us. Perhaps we will see acts like Koda Kumi step up to the plate -- and we'll understand just as much of her English as we did Miku's.

The effects were pretty cool, especially that exit. The whole Miku experience doesn't show up well on camera, and I'm told that seeing it in person is mind blowing. Letterman didn't have much to say about the act, as it was used at a time filler at the end of the show. That didn't stop the internet from going insane about it. It was trending on both Twitter and Facebook, with news stories exploding all over about it.

Not that that's why I wrote mine. I just happen to like Hatsune Miku.

And Kagamine Len.

Exclusive Interview: XELLE (Again!) [#TheReturn Finale]

They're back! XELLE is a New York based girl group that does crazy dance-pop like no other. I had already interviewed them once before (as a trio, actually), but they were invited to be a part of my event #TheReturn and they not only accepted, but were totally pumped for it! Let's take a moment and catch up with the beautiful ladies Ronny and JC that make up one of the shining stars of indie-pop, XELLE.

Album Review: Cazwell - Hard 2 Be Fresh [#TheReturn Day Six]

It's been a long time since I've reviewed an album. I knew when I saw this album pop up for pre-order, I knew I had to give it a go. Luckily the timing was perfect for #TheReturn, so we will get to see what I can come up with for this gem. This album has been a long time coming, and it also features one of my favorite lovelies -- Cherie Lily. Hellz yeah! Let's get into this.

Exclusive Interview - Gear of Skin Wars [#TheReturn Day Five]

Skin Wars was definitely my favorite show for this summer. They had a lot of talent and just enough drama to keep the show going. One of the most crucial part to this season's success had to be Gear. Whether you thought he was crazy talented or crazy hot, there was no denying Gear was a star in his own right. Recently I was privileged enough to be able to sit down with Gear and discuss his career and his time on the show.

 

 

Countdown Of The Best RuPaul's Drag Race Runway Songs [#TheReturn Day Four]

Believe it or not, this was one of the hardest countdowns I've ever had to do. I have been watching Drag Race since it's first season, and each year I feel like it can't get any better, and yet somehow it usually seems to surprise me. I say "usually" because number six is the one exception. You'll see. Anyway this is just for the main series.No All Stars or Drag U. Let's get started.

6. The Beginning (Season 5)

Yup. I like "The Beginning The least. It was just so forgettable. Compound that onto a season that in itself wasn't remarkable, and you have one of the worst. It's not a bad song (I don't think RuPaul can make a bad song), but it's not really something I would have chosen to front an entire season. I think the concept for the video was strained, and that it didn't really give the girls a g good thumping beat to prance down the runway to. This one was a full miss for me.

Exlcusive Interview: Nicole Hays of Skin Wars [#TheReturn Day Three]

Man I wish the site had been up during the run of the first season of Skin Wars. GSN struck gold with this show, having me hooked from the first second. The entire cast was wonderful and talented, but one did something you would never expect -- come out on national television. This isn't Logo, honey (even if RuPaul is a judge). She gave me a great insight into what it was like behind the scenes on the groundbreaking first season of a new franchise.

Gao's Thoughts: Why The World Hates Laganja Estranja (But You Shouldn't) [#TheReturn Day Two]

With the new start comes a new recurring column! This one is called "Gao's Thoughts" where I, GaoSalad, will take subjects from time to time, many of which I have the opposing opinion from the majority of the world, and elaborate on my views. The site was on hiatus during the most recent season of RuPaul's Drag Race, which for the purposes of this article may be a good thing. Now that the formalities are out of the way, let's take a look at why the world seems to really hate season six contestant Laganja Estranja, but they really shouldn't.

Exclusive Interview - Liz Primo [#TheReturn Day One]

We're back! After nearly a year in the dark, Taking Over The Universe has returned. I'm so sorry we've been gone, lovelies. I'll try and make sure it never happens again, ok? Anyway, for our big return, I thought that it would be best to do a week full of awesomeness, and that's what we are gonna do! For our first day, since we are so in love with indie-pop music here, I thought it would be rad if I interviewed Liz Primo AKA one of the hardest working indie artists out there. Let's see what she had to say about her body of work.