Catch up with what’s going on in the world of Pop – the glitz and glam and the B.S.
GONE TOO SOON
A sad note to kick things off this issue. David Bowie has passed away after an 18 month battle with cancer. His music and flair for fashion served as inspiration to so many who followed in his footsteps, from Queen and the New York Dolls to KISS and the Scissor Sisters. Bowie’s mix of glam, pop and Sci Fi made him a larger than life super hero who will be sorely missed.
BRING IT, IGGY
Iggy Azalea has dropped another buzz track in the lead up to the release of her new album, Digital Distortion. Titled ‘Azillion’, the song sadly does the battler no favours. The chorus is a little juvenile, and the verses aren’t terribly focussed. But it’s not ALL bad, though; Iggy has clearly been working on her skills as an MC, because this is the fastest and cleanest I have ever heard her go!
MORE SCISSORING?
Speaking of the Scissor Sisters, the band is staying mum in regards to their rumoured reunion. If this is just fan-fuelled internet hype, I’ll be devastated. Their last album, Magic Hour, was hands down one of the greatest records released in 2012. Or ever, for that matter! Even just a tour would be nice!
RELIGHT MY FIRE
Could it be? Robbie Williams and Jason Orange returning to the Take That fold in 2017 to celebrate the boy band’s 25th anniversary? All signs point to YES! A new album? A world tour? Your guess is as good as mine, but Popped! is here for it!
BITCH, SHE’S MADONNA
Now, I’m not one to spread gossip, but it seems Madonna has been spending more and more time with her ex husband, actor Sean Penn. I loved them together, so this is pretty exciting news. For me. Don’t forget, Her Madgesty rolls into town in March for two shows at Rod Laver Arena!
DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK
So, after an entire DECADE in the wilderness, hip hop legend Missy Elliott is back. WTF (Where They From?) is a pearler that bodes well for the forthcoming new album – unlike Burn It Up, the Janet Jackson single Missy recently featured on. Talk about a fizzer! The die hards loved it, though!
FRESH FLESH
Everybody loves to discover new acts to listen to, and I’m no different. Mainstream artists blowing up my speakers of late include R N’ B newcomer Dawin (whose single Dessert is EVERYWHERE all of a sudden) and dance outfit Galantis, whose slow-build single In My Head has been stuck in mine for weeks now. It has one of those magical choruses that just will not let go.
NO SHADE, BUT…
Just what on earth is happening to the careers of some of the biggest names in pop? Gwen Stefani, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson, Britney Spears, Rihanna, the list is endless. Delayed albums, dud singles, little-to-no promo… These acts are SURROUNDED by managers, promoters and publicists, and have access to the biggest and best songwriters, producers and beat makers in the biz. You almost COULDN’T fail, yet here we are… Sad doesn’t even cover it.
DROPPING THIS YEAR
2016 is shaping up to be a huge year for pop stars, with the release of brand new albums from the likes of Drake, Christina Aguilera, Iggy Azalea, Bruno Mars, Lady Gaga, Charli XCX, Rita Ora, Avicii, SIA, Justin Beiber and Rihanna. And you’ll hear about them all right here first!
POPPED! LIFE
Huge shout out to all the new readers who’ve managed to track me down on Facebook and added me! Is there a chance I’ll be taking Popped! on the road this year for a series of parties throughout Forte territory? It’s a distinct possibility! I haven’t DJ’d in the Geelong area in over a decade, so I’m well overdue!
Written by Christopher Cruze
