British chart-topper Adele will make her live comeback at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles in just under two weeks, after being on vocal rest since throat surgery sidelined the singer late last year.
The 23-year-old singer tweeted the news to her fans, saying "Ima be, Ima be singing at the Grammys. It's been so long I started to forget I was a singer! I can't wait, speak soon xx."
In a statement, Adele said she was "immensely proud to have been asked to perform" at music's biggest night on February 12 after a three-month hiatus on vocal rest.
It is "very exciting and of course nerve-racking, but what a way to get back into it all," she said.
The two-time Grammy winner, whose second album "21" smashed chart records around the world last year, was forced to cancel U.S. tour dates in November 2011 when she underwent microsurgery in Boston to treat a benign polyp on her vocal cords which was causing recurrent bleeding.
Appearing with her at the 54th Grammy Awards show will be top acts including Coldplay, Rihanna, Bruno Mars, Paul McCartney, Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift.
Adele is also expected to perform at the BRIT Awards, Britain's top music accolades, in London on February 21.
The sultry singer has been nominated for six Grammys this year -- record of the year, song of the year and best short form music video for "Rolling In The Deep," album of the year and best pop vocal album for "21" and best pop solo performance for "Someone Like You."
Monday, December 10, 2012
Friday, December 7, 2012
Taylor Swift aims at Jake Gyllenhaal on new album
Taylor Swift says her new album will be about an "absolute crash-and-burn heartbreak," prompting speculation in the media that the latest subject of her songwriting skills may be her short-lived 2010 crush on Jake Gyllenhaal.
Swift, 22, whose "Dear John" song was seen as a bitter ode to ex-boyfriend John Mayer, told Vogue magazine that she was working on her fourth album, and is currently single.
The country-pop crossover artist, who famously wears her heart on her songwriter's sleeve, said that writing about past loves is a way to ease the pain.
"There's just been this earth-shattering, not recent, but absolute crash-and-burn heartbreak and that will turn out to be what the next album is about," she told Vogue in a cover story for its February edition.
"The only way that I can feel better about myself -- pull myself out of that awful pain of losing someone -- is writing songs about it to get some sort of clarity," she said.
Swift dated "Brokeback Mountain" star Gyllenhaal for about three months in late 2010 before their much-photographed relationship ended suddenly around the Christmas holidays that year. U.S. celebrity magazines claimed that Gyllenhaal had ended the relationship because he was unhappy at the attention the couple was generating.
Swift told Vogue she did not feel like dating at the moment. "I really have this great life right now, and I'm not sad and I'm not crying this Christmas, so I am really stoked about that."
Swift, 22, whose "Dear John" song was seen as a bitter ode to ex-boyfriend John Mayer, told Vogue magazine that she was working on her fourth album, and is currently single.
The country-pop crossover artist, who famously wears her heart on her songwriter's sleeve, said that writing about past loves is a way to ease the pain.
"There's just been this earth-shattering, not recent, but absolute crash-and-burn heartbreak and that will turn out to be what the next album is about," she told Vogue in a cover story for its February edition.
"The only way that I can feel better about myself -- pull myself out of that awful pain of losing someone -- is writing songs about it to get some sort of clarity," she said.
Swift dated "Brokeback Mountain" star Gyllenhaal for about three months in late 2010 before their much-photographed relationship ended suddenly around the Christmas holidays that year. U.S. celebrity magazines claimed that Gyllenhaal had ended the relationship because he was unhappy at the attention the couple was generating.
Swift told Vogue she did not feel like dating at the moment. "I really have this great life right now, and I'm not sad and I'm not crying this Christmas, so I am really stoked about that."
Forever young
"I don't worry about the generation gap because the new album is made for young listeners," he says. "I hope that I can sing shuang jie kun (nunchaku) when I am 60 or 70 years old."
More than 60,000 copies were sold within the first week after the album was released in Taiwan on Nov 14, featuring songs like Mine Mine, Shadow Play and the title song, Wow.
The album topped the downloads chart of China Mobile Wireless Music, but some music critics say the singer tries too hard to cater to the youth.
Previously, Chou's albums were criticized for repeating the 2005 album, November's Chopin, and it appears some fans miss the old Chou style. On the largest Chinese website devoted to movies, books and music reviews, Douban.com, Chou's new album didn't enter the Top 10 new album chart and only scored a 5.2.
His combination of traditional Chinese instruments and Western styles helped usher in the zhongguo feng - literally "Chinese-style" music.
Most of his hit songs, including Chrysanthemum Terrace and Faraway, have featured lyrics written by Vincent Fang and music composed by Chou.
Though the new songs have all been all written and composed by the pair, some listeners say there is a change and are disappointed.
Among the comments on Douban.com are: "Chou is not serious about this album," and, "We are getting old and can't understand Chou's ideas".
Chou, who has been Asia's most reliable and popular star over the past 10 years, says he is confident enough to walk his own path.
"I am getting used to criticism and suspicion. I think that they just don't get my music," he says.
"I have been experimenting and trying something new. For example, I hated electronic music before but I have it on this album because I wanted to have some fun with it. I also tried Peking Opera singing on the album, which was fun as well."
More than 60,000 copies were sold within the first week after the album was released in Taiwan on Nov 14, featuring songs like Mine Mine, Shadow Play and the title song, Wow.
The album topped the downloads chart of China Mobile Wireless Music, but some music critics say the singer tries too hard to cater to the youth.
Previously, Chou's albums were criticized for repeating the 2005 album, November's Chopin, and it appears some fans miss the old Chou style. On the largest Chinese website devoted to movies, books and music reviews, Douban.com, Chou's new album didn't enter the Top 10 new album chart and only scored a 5.2.
His combination of traditional Chinese instruments and Western styles helped usher in the zhongguo feng - literally "Chinese-style" music.
Most of his hit songs, including Chrysanthemum Terrace and Faraway, have featured lyrics written by Vincent Fang and music composed by Chou.
Though the new songs have all been all written and composed by the pair, some listeners say there is a change and are disappointed.
Among the comments on Douban.com are: "Chou is not serious about this album," and, "We are getting old and can't understand Chou's ideas".
Chou, who has been Asia's most reliable and popular star over the past 10 years, says he is confident enough to walk his own path.
"I am getting used to criticism and suspicion. I think that they just don't get my music," he says.
"I have been experimenting and trying something new. For example, I hated electronic music before but I have it on this album because I wanted to have some fun with it. I also tried Peking Opera singing on the album, which was fun as well."
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Chen returns to Vienna for new prestige concert
Chinese vocalist Chen Junhua will hold a concert with the RTV Slovenia Symphony Orchestra on Dec 20 at the Wiener Konzerthaus, one of the most prestigious music venues in Vienna.
Conducted by Shao En, the concert will also feature the Obala Koper Mixed Choir from Slovenia and Chinese tenor Fan Jingma as a guest performer.
Chen will perform a mixed program including symphonic vocal works, such as Farewell My Concubine, and more pop-like numbers, such as Canes around Trees. A highlight of the concert will be when Chen combines two patriotic songs, the Austrian Edelweiss and China's My Motherland and Me.
It will be the second time for Chen to perform in Vienna, after last year's Northern Shaanxi Folk Songs Concert at the Vienna Golden Hall.
Conducted by Shao En, the concert will also feature the Obala Koper Mixed Choir from Slovenia and Chinese tenor Fan Jingma as a guest performer.
Chen will perform a mixed program including symphonic vocal works, such as Farewell My Concubine, and more pop-like numbers, such as Canes around Trees. A highlight of the concert will be when Chen combines two patriotic songs, the Austrian Edelweiss and China's My Motherland and Me.
It will be the second time for Chen to perform in Vienna, after last year's Northern Shaanxi Folk Songs Concert at the Vienna Golden Hall.
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
Spreading the rock 'n' roll gospel
China's burgeoning music festival scene helps bridge the regional differences when it comes to understanding rock 'n' roll.
In 2010, there were more than 60 music festivals across the country, from the northern grasslands of Inner Mongolia to the southern highlands of Yunnan province.
In 2011, the growth of music festivals has continued, with more than 100 staged across the country.
In December 2011 alone, there will be three outdoor music festivals on in southern cities, including Guangdong province's Shenzhen, Fujian province's Xiamen and Yunnan.
The headliners include the "Godfather of Chinese rock 'n' roll" Cui Jian, rock singer/songwriters Zheng Jun and He Yong, and bands like Miserable Faith and Second Hand Rose.
"We believe the three music festivals will help promote rock music from the North in the southern cities," says Xu Xiaofeng, whose National Music Industry Base has been working with Beijing Beida Jade Bird Co to build a series of platforms for music festivals.
With a 250 million yuan ($39.3 million) investment, the two companies will jointly host 20 music festivals in 20 cities across China in 2012.
"Usually, a music festival gathers some big names and some new faces. But the influence of those bands doesn't last as the music festival ends after several days. What we are going to do is to make the festival longer and more lasting," says Xu, who started preparing the program over a year ago.
"We want to offer fans nonstop enjoyment other media forms, such as rock theme parks and rock music charts, will also be built up."
To cater to the regional differences, organizers will book bands and singers according to local preferences.
In 2010, there were more than 60 music festivals across the country, from the northern grasslands of Inner Mongolia to the southern highlands of Yunnan province.
In 2011, the growth of music festivals has continued, with more than 100 staged across the country.
In December 2011 alone, there will be three outdoor music festivals on in southern cities, including Guangdong province's Shenzhen, Fujian province's Xiamen and Yunnan.
The headliners include the "Godfather of Chinese rock 'n' roll" Cui Jian, rock singer/songwriters Zheng Jun and He Yong, and bands like Miserable Faith and Second Hand Rose.
"We believe the three music festivals will help promote rock music from the North in the southern cities," says Xu Xiaofeng, whose National Music Industry Base has been working with Beijing Beida Jade Bird Co to build a series of platforms for music festivals.
With a 250 million yuan ($39.3 million) investment, the two companies will jointly host 20 music festivals in 20 cities across China in 2012.
"Usually, a music festival gathers some big names and some new faces. But the influence of those bands doesn't last as the music festival ends after several days. What we are going to do is to make the festival longer and more lasting," says Xu, who started preparing the program over a year ago.
"We want to offer fans nonstop enjoyment other media forms, such as rock theme parks and rock music charts, will also be built up."
To cater to the regional differences, organizers will book bands and singers according to local preferences.
MTV gala seeks to localize its style
MTV will stage its Style Gala China 2011 at the National Indoor Stadium in Beijing on Dec 7.
The event will feature A-listers of the music, movie, fashion and sports industries from the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This year's attendees include TV host Kevin Tsai, pop stars Jay Chou and Rene Liu, and mainland performers Sun Nan, Shang Wenjie and Zhang Jie.
MTV has been localizing in China since 1999, when it first brought its Music Awards to the country via CCTV. It has since partnered with the Shanghai Media Group to launch its Style Galas. This year is the first time it has worked with the Beijing-based station BTV.
Dong Dong, the vocalist who became a sensation for her song I'm Going to Honghe, has released her new single, How Are You, Friend?.
Written by Li Changming and Wang Lidong, and dedicated to World Hello Day on Nov 20, the new song advocates people caring more about one another.
How Are You, Friend? is a track on Dong's new album A Tour to Honghe. Honghe is a popular tourism destination in Yunnan province because of its natural beauty and ethnic culture.
The How Are You, Friend? music video was shot in Honghe and will soon be aired on CCTV's music channel.
The event will feature A-listers of the music, movie, fashion and sports industries from the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan. This year's attendees include TV host Kevin Tsai, pop stars Jay Chou and Rene Liu, and mainland performers Sun Nan, Shang Wenjie and Zhang Jie.
MTV has been localizing in China since 1999, when it first brought its Music Awards to the country via CCTV. It has since partnered with the Shanghai Media Group to launch its Style Galas. This year is the first time it has worked with the Beijing-based station BTV.
Dong Dong, the vocalist who became a sensation for her song I'm Going to Honghe, has released her new single, How Are You, Friend?.
Written by Li Changming and Wang Lidong, and dedicated to World Hello Day on Nov 20, the new song advocates people caring more about one another.
How Are You, Friend? is a track on Dong's new album A Tour to Honghe. Honghe is a popular tourism destination in Yunnan province because of its natural beauty and ethnic culture.
The How Are You, Friend? music video was shot in Honghe and will soon be aired on CCTV's music channel.
Monday, December 3, 2012
Rihanna's 'Talk The Talk' release tops iTunes
Grammy-winning singer Rihanna may soon be headed to the top of the album charts after her latest record, "Talk That Talk" reached No. 1 on iTunes on Tuesday, one day after its release.
The singer released early teasers online as much as a week in advance, helping push the album into the top 10 on iTunes. Fans took to Twitter and Facebook to call the album Rihanna's best yet. Critical reviews, however, were mixed.
"Talk That Talk" is the sixth studio album from the 23-year-old Barbadian singer, following CDs like "Rated R" and "Loud," which have seen her steadily evolve from teen pop star to adult performer since her 2005 debut. She has earned international success over the years with singles like "Umbrella," "Rude Boy" and "What's My Name."
The 11-track "Talk That Talk" features themes of love and sexuality with a mixture of up-tempo dance tracks and reggae beats on "Where Have You Been," "Birthday Cake" and "You Da One," along with ballads "We All Want Love" and "Farewell."
Rihanna also collaborated with rapper Jay-Z -- whose Roc Nation label manages her -- on the single "Talk That Talk" and Scottish producer Calvin Harris on chart-topping dance anthem "We Found Love." The record also features a sample of British indie rock group The xx's "Intro" on single "Drunk On Love."
The singer's fans were upbeat on Twitter.
@OhMy_Kayla said, "This TALK THAT TALK album by @rihanna is by far the best one yet!!!!,, I FREAKING LOVE HER," and @gabixballa tweeted, "I've only been listening to Talk That Talk since yesterday. Lowkey @rihanna's best album ever."
Despite the positive fan reception, critics delivered mostly mixed reviews, acknowledging the singer's move toward dance music but criticizing the lyrics.
The singer released early teasers online as much as a week in advance, helping push the album into the top 10 on iTunes. Fans took to Twitter and Facebook to call the album Rihanna's best yet. Critical reviews, however, were mixed.
"Talk That Talk" is the sixth studio album from the 23-year-old Barbadian singer, following CDs like "Rated R" and "Loud," which have seen her steadily evolve from teen pop star to adult performer since her 2005 debut. She has earned international success over the years with singles like "Umbrella," "Rude Boy" and "What's My Name."
The 11-track "Talk That Talk" features themes of love and sexuality with a mixture of up-tempo dance tracks and reggae beats on "Where Have You Been," "Birthday Cake" and "You Da One," along with ballads "We All Want Love" and "Farewell."
Rihanna also collaborated with rapper Jay-Z -- whose Roc Nation label manages her -- on the single "Talk That Talk" and Scottish producer Calvin Harris on chart-topping dance anthem "We Found Love." The record also features a sample of British indie rock group The xx's "Intro" on single "Drunk On Love."
The singer's fans were upbeat on Twitter.
@OhMy_Kayla said, "This TALK THAT TALK album by @rihanna is by far the best one yet!!!!,, I FREAKING LOVE HER," and @gabixballa tweeted, "I've only been listening to Talk That Talk since yesterday. Lowkey @rihanna's best album ever."
Despite the positive fan reception, critics delivered mostly mixed reviews, acknowledging the singer's move toward dance music but criticizing the lyrics.
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