and then she tweeted....

Sophie got on twitter FINALLY and told us that rumours about the album being shelved are rubbish and that it will be out soon (ha! in your face you fucking liars). I'm so happy that i decided to do a 3 minute dance to Not Giving Up On Love and now i'm jumping around... Justice prevails in pop music afterall!! I'm sure the 4th album will be amazing........!!!

Here are her tweets:

Time to put two cheeky red-headed children (mine) in bath then bed. Bye!!!

Thank you all for making taxi journey home from work more fun. Now at my front door.

@SophieEB send some love to Mexico please!
@Gabo_Navarro yes Mexican fans I love you too of course. X

@SophieEB hey there,you're about to be tweeted by Gaydar radio with odd questions....just so you know x
@ReallyDBlack goody!
@SophieEB at 8pm,they tweet famous folk to see if they reply. tune in,its quite funny

@SophieEB Sophie, PLEASE reply, i love you. Is it true your touring this year??
@normanmorman touring yes. Come?

@SophieEB please answer your fans from Brazil We love you.
@vetinhu and I love my Brazilian fans too.

@SophieEB Is it true that you latest album wont come out ?
@MarioA_Sandoval nope. That's rubbish. On it's way. Keep the faith, china tarts!

Lordy some of the 2008 fan mail is lovely. Hope they haven't gone off me by now but we all know how fickle pop is...

@SophieEB hey please... answer. When I will be able to buy your album? I'm waiting soo long
@YairC soon! Working on it... Watch this space.... X

Oh no! Just been handed a pile of fan mail which had been hidden at management office. Some dates back over two years! So sorry! Will reply.

Sophie's performances from Poland

Can't Fight This Feeling - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwUq1kOHtts
Not Giving Up On Love - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dexxKPRx48

Quick notes:
1. Sophie has tanned, and i don't like it.
2. Her bee-hive looks amazing.
3. CFTF performance sounded great, NGUOL not so much.

PS - if you haven't already downloaded the re-mastered version of theaudience's second album, check the previous post. It sounds AMAZING now!

theaudience (Sophie Ellis-Bextor) - Quiet Storm (Digitally Remastered)

Here's something to keep you busy till we get Sophie's 4th solo album.

The previous set of tracks that i had with me didn't really sound like they were studio quality. I've been working on some audio enhancement softwares and i tried to re-master the tracks from theaudience's second album. So here you go - QUIET STORM (REMASTERED)

DOWNLOAD LINK:
http://www.mediafire.com/?5b40ixr8do09aaq

Don't forget to say thanks.

And if you don't like the new artwork that i made for the album, you can always use the old one (below)








All tracks have the lyrics, composers and the old artwork tagged with them.

Here's the tracklist:
1. The Greatest Gift
2. How It Should Be Done
3. Day And Night
4. Headcase
5. Wisdom (Out With The Old School)
6. The Fool Will Rise Again
7. So Clever
8. Twilight Of The Teenage
9. Grey With Dusty Rain
10. You Will Do For Now
11. King Of Action
12. Repetition Kills
13. Two Way
14. Sanctuary Hill

Armin, about the video

"Sophie [Ellis-Bextor] was very keen on working with Sophie Muller. She's like the name in music video production. We wanted a video that was very beautiful. Sophie Ellis-Bextor is a beautiful person to look at. She's an amazing performer, and I was like, 'I have my residency at Amnesia [a marquee club on the island], why not just do a video in Ibiza?' And everybody was like, 'OK!'"

The video shows Ellis-Bextor taking in the sun's rays, both poolside and from a yacht in the ocean. Inter-cut is a club scene showing both Ellis-Bextor and Van Buuren performing the song, the shoot for which turned out to be the first live attempt at the song for the duo.

"It was really crazy because we only had one take to do it live. We had [about] eight cameras rolling, and it was like, 'Sophie is gonna be here. She's gonna rock the track live for you guys. We are shooting a video and we only have one take to do it. So you better be enthusiastic!'"

When all was said and done, van Buuren was certainly pleased with the outcome.

"Sophie [Muller] did such an amazing job. The color. The lighting. The atmosphere. She's an artist. That's what you want to see when you watch a video. You have MTV on, and you see that video going by. And you're like, 'That's nice. That's where I wanna be!' Everybody wants to be on a boat with a beautiful girl in Ibiza!"

FULL LENGTH ARTICLE: http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1646406/20100824/buuren_armin_van.jhtml

Rumours rumours rumours....and no album in sight! Sigh :(

There have been tons of rumours about Sophie splitting with Fascination and being signed on All Around The World. Let me first dispel this rumour.

Armin's label, Armada, does not handle releases of his singles in the UK. "All Around The World" are releasing the single in the UK on behalf of Armin's label. "Xelon Entertainment" are releasing it in Australia. "Neblua" used to release Armin's singles in the UK, but the last couple of releases have been digital releases by "All Around The World".

Someone probably came across AATW mentioned as the label and decided to start a rumour that she parted ways with Fascination. This is not true. Yes, there were some issues ("fisticuffs" in SEB's words) involved with the release of the single. That is probably why Fascination stayed away from promotion activities. But now that the single is out, they did mention it once on their twitter, and the new video has been uploaded on Sophie's official website.

Coming to the second rumour - Sophie's 4th album has been dropped and there is a GH on the way. A rumour came from Universal Records that Sophie's fourth album has been dropped. The whole GH speculation is a fan-thing that people from several boards (PJ, FlopPop, UKMix etc.,) have started on their own.

Why the rumour about the album being dropped was started, i can't tell yet. I have sent Fascination many emails regarding the rumours asking them to dispel them at once. But they haven't cared to respond yet. I have tried to get a lot of people from PopJustice and Sophie-Online to flood Fascination's inbox with emails, so they know that there is genuine interest in Sophie.

Frankly, i wouldn't be surprised if the album is cancelled. The lead single flopped miserably on the charts, even though it is the best song of this year and Sophie's best song so far in her career. The so-called second release from the album (Not Giving Up On Love) hasn't been promoted in the UK at all, and is only performing moderately outisde the UK. Yes there have been sales in the US as well, but it's nothing significant for Sophie because the whole release has been labelled as "Armin's" release. I wouldn't be too surprised if the track is later cut out of the final tracklist for the album (if it comes out). Polydor (Fascination's parent label) had plans to release "Can't Fight This Feeling" in the UK. There is a possibility for the song to do well because it has become quite popular in Russia, France, Lebanon, Spain and a few other European countries. It can be called a success for Junior Caldera. The single did what it had to do for him - put him on the map. For Sophie, again, it's nothing significant. The Freemasons single was her last moderate hit, only by sales. It charted outside the top 10.

Looking at these disappointing figures, Fascination MAY have decided to scrap the album. BUT there has been no official word from anyone, so it's best that we don't assume anything. Sophie still has her tour in December. In fact some of the venues are quickly selling out. If Fascination rushes out with a third single this September, and if it finds a decent charting spot somewhere on the higher side of the top 20, then they can still release the album and it will probably sell as much as TTLF did, or maybe a little more (because she has widened her fanbase by performing with Pet Shop Boys, Will Young, George Michael and Take That. And let's not forget her performance in NYC.)

Let's just hope for the best. If you want help dispel these rumours, please email and tweet Fascination and ask them what's going on. Who knows, if one of us are lucky, we might get a response.
email: info@fascinationrecords.com
twitter: @welovepop

Let's do our best, and see what happens with the release.

I love Sophie to bits, and i'm doing my best to dispel these rumours and promote her album. If you love Sophie and her music, promote her. Buy the Maxi that will be out on the 30th. If you haven't already bought Bittersweet, Heartbreak Make Me A Dancer and Can't Fight This Feeling, buy them. Spread the word about an upcoming fourth album. Let's just hope everything turns out to be just fine.

So how is Not Giving Up On Love performing on the charts?

currently...
#13 on Italian Charts
#26 in Gernamy
#37 in France
#5 in Finland
#3 in New Zeland
#38 in Australia
#23 in Switzerland
#15 in Sweeden
#7 in Spain
#5 in iTunes UK Dance, #42 on the album chart in general

Calling all Sophie fans from across the globe. Buy two copies of the EP and import the Maxi. I'm doing that. Let's make this a huuuuuge hit for her worldwide. She deserves it, and we can do it. Let's do this, for Sophie (and for Armin, in case any Armin fans stumble upon this post)

Getting Away With It (JCRZ Replugged Bootleg Remix)

We've all heard Sophie's cover of "Getting Away With It" when she performed it live. And wasn't that a beautiful performance? Want something better?

GETTING AWAY WITH IT (JCRZ REPLUGGED REMIX) (bootleg)
Listen to it here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbwCpGeWS3c
Download here - http://www.mediafire.com/?dfb5zocz7zh67cz
I'm in love with this remix.
(thanks to Malice for the heads-up)

(oh and if you missed the premeire of "Not Giving Up On Love", check the previous post for the youtube link. Single out tomorrow on iTunes. Buy yourself a copy.)

"Not Giving Up On Love" video premiere

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh5R6VBn63E

It's a bit random, but hey, its okay. Sophie looks amazing. The club bits were unnecessary, but still, it's a decent video. Nothing spectacular. Sophie looks amazing though. Worth watching only for that. Oh and boat - very Dannii Minogue

Not Giving Up On Love (CD Maxi) Tracklist

Armin Van Buuren vs. Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Not Giving Up On Love (CD Maxi)
1. "Not Giving Up" (Radio Edit) 02:53
2. "Not Giving Up" (Extended Version) 06:52
3. "Not Giving Up" (Dash Berlin 4AM Mix) 07:06
4. "Not Giving Up" (Jorn van Deynhoven Remix) 06:54
5. "Not Giving Up" (Glenn Morrison Remix)
6. "Not Giving Up" (Mischa Daniels Remix)

yes, the last two remixes are for the Physical release only and they're not available on iTunes. You can preview the first four tracks on ARMADA MUSIC.

Don't you just love all four single covers. They're gorgeous.

EDIT - there is another mix called "Armin Van Buuren Mix" which is going to be on the CD Maxi. Armada music shop lists 7 versions of the song. Here's a screen shot of the tracklist:

Not Giving Up On Love (Radio Rip)

or what sounds like a radio rip. Listen here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1SGlTGTSk4
It's amazing!

one of the verses are missing. Hopefully it will be on the longer version.

The Story behind "Not Giving Up On Love"

Armin tells us about how the track came together... It's nice that he played every layer in the song. People like me who make music would enjoy watching this. (PS - if you want to listen to what i make, head over to http://myspace.com/kaushikmusic. Some of my friends and professional musicians have heard my stuff, and they seemed to like it; not that i'm bragging or anything)

Here's the link to the making of Not Giving Up On Love - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXA_1tNsbes&feature=player_embedded

He also talks about Sophie "Ellix" Bextor (it's funny how he pronounces her name that way) and the Nervo twins.

Sophie may do West End

Here's a recent post from the PJ music forums:

"Hypothetically speaking, if a pop star who enjoys a borderline abusive relationship with her fans had recently attended an audition for one of the main roles in a West End show based on a Hollywood movie, would this indicate that her proposed upcoming fourth album has nothing more than a Ghost of a chance of coming out?

Naming no names, obviously."

and after a little discussion about it, the same person said

"Going from her brilliant acoustic versions, she can certainly hold an unchained melody without any problem..."

I'm not sure if she will star in the show or not because it was an audition. IF (repeat: IF) this is true, then i hope she gets the part. I'd like to see Sophie doing some acting. Besides, this could also be a good opportunity for Sophie to learn some simple dance moves.

EDIT - It's probably this one - http://www.ghostthemusical.com/
Lets hope she gets the part

artwork, tracklist, release date and tour news

Phew! Suddenly there's so much to cover in one day.

Anyway, here's the artwork for Sophie's new single, and i must say, it's GORGEOUS! I'm a little upset that it isn't following the black and white trend, but who cares. It's such an awesome picture of Sophie.... WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!! If you find the HQ somewhere, please post a link in the comments.

TRACKLIST:
1. Album Version
2. Extended Version (please let it be a 4 minute track and not longer)
3. Dash Berlin 4AM Remix
4. Jorn van Deynhoven Remix

Release Date: 20th August.

iTunes link: http://itunes.apple.com/gb/preorder/not-giving-up-on-love-ep/id386933803

TOUR DATES: (December)
12th - Brighton Concorde 2
13th - London Islington Academy
16th - Bournemouth Firestation
17th - Manchester Academy 2
18th - Birmingham Academy 2
19th - Oxford Academy 2

Keep your eyes peeled!!!

EDIT - Here's the opening shot of the music video.

more about Not Giving Up

This morning (ignoring the time difference) i posted a clip of Not Giving Up. Here's what happens after that in the song:

"The bit after the clip fades brings the 4/4 beat back in with handclaps and raising synths, and then it goes full-blown into the 'cos I feel it inside, taking over tonight...' bit. There is indeed a breakdown with beautiful strings and real drums where Sophie sings the 'Im not giving up, I'm not giving up' hook before the very last chorus."

Sadly though, the song's run time is a little less than 3 minutes. I know it's going to leave me craving for more, but i'm just glad that we're finally getting a single, so i'm not going to fuss about it. I'm just going to hope that there is a slightly longer version for the album. Maybe with some wooshs in the very beginning of the song...

"The radio edit clocks in at 2:55, but I have no idea whether or not there'll be a longer album version. There might just be that one edit."

Thanks Xondus for all the info about the song

Not Giving Up (Radio Edit) - Clip

Sophie's latest tweet
"preview of my new single http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gRkLcYxO_D4 ps - video looks LOVELY!"

It sounds AMAZING!!! Looking forward to listening to the whole song now. The one thing that i'm really happy about is that the production kept the emotion of the song intact. The piano adds to the melancholic feeling of the song. Lovely. Kudos to Armin for the gorgeous and light production.

Also, someone on the PJ forums who has already heard the radio edit in full said:
"That preview sounds exactly the same as the radio edit I have, so yeah that must be the version that's getting a release. I have to say the clip doesn't really do it justice, you gotta hear it in full to appreciate its lush dreamy trancyness. It's a bit of a grower too I reckon."

Anyway, here are the acousic and remix versions of the single
Live Acoustic - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrqSWcEUwmY&feature=related
Dash Berlin 4AM Mix Edit - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuA7YJcUv-8&feature=related

Sophie live at Amnesia with Armin

Sophie live at Amnesia (Not Giving Up On Love) - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCtlh4Vqmdo&feature=player_embedded

not sure why Armin keeps playing the Dash Berlin Remix of the song everywhere instead of playing the single version. Sophie sung along to the remix and moved her hands every now and then. There was one moment when she sat down like doing a little pole dance move. If they are using scenes from the live video, they should use that bit. I love it.

Also, i adore her outfit. It's perfect for that packed atmosphere. I hope Sophie Muller uses scenes from the live performance. She could zoom in to Sophie's facial expressions. I'd like to see her hair and make-up for the event. From a distance, the hair looks like it's pinned up or something.

a little bit about the Sophie/Armin video

1. The video is being filmed in Ibiza. And Sophie posted a picture (left) of herself by a pool. My guess is that there's going to be a party by the pool and Sophie will be swimming and stuff.
2. Sophie and Armin approached Sophie Muller to do the video for them
3. There's going to be a boat in the video
4. This (right) was a picture taken during soundcheck for the video. My guess is Armin wants a couple of live scenes at the club with Sophie singing and him DJing at the background or something like that. It makes sense though - many of his videos have him doing a live set. Something else to take note of - Sophie's new hairstyle. I'd be okay if the video was something like.
5. Sophie posted a picture of herself swimming. Music Get's The Best Of Me part two, anyone? I'd love to see another video with Sophie having fun.

PS - totally love that outfit that she's wearing in the first picture - H-O-doubleT!!

Jacques Townhouse + album and single news

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: http://www.guardian.co.uk/music/2010/aug/01/sophie-ellis-bextor-sexy-hotel

If any fantasy realm ever needed an ice queen, it's Jacques Townhouse, a pop-up hotel-cum-beauty parlour "soirée" venue in central London that looks like Alice's Wonderland on a sugar high, all candy-floss trees and frosted pink cupcakes. Enter Sophie Ellis-Bextor, who curated the project with hotelier David Carter and should be able to shake up this lavish fairytale with a blast of her trademark froideur.

If previous interviews are to be believed, talking to the west London pop star is like conversing with a cool breeze. So it's a relief when Ellis-Bextor, 31, turns out to be warm, chatty and animated by her surroundings.

"It appeals to my girly side," she says, surveying a landscape of powder-blue cakes. "And I think pop-ups are quite sexy." Does the promotional aspect bother her? (Jacques Townhouse is run by a cider company.) "I do find it a bit disconcerting when your name becomes a brand," she admits. "Some people are really good at packaging themselves, but that's not really me. I don't lie awake at night asking myself: 'Who is Sophie and what does she mean?'"

Right now, "Sophie" means a string of dancefloor hits since "Groovejet" early last decade, with a fourth album, Straight to the Heart, due in October. "I've been working with a lot more DJs, so it's very dance-y."

After the last album, Ellis-Bextor took time out to give birth to her second son. The only really difficult thing about juggling motherhood and pop stardom, she says, is lack of sleep. But she doesn't seem fazed. "You need to have a life outside your career. Overall, it's kept me enjoying it more," she says, contemplating a cupcake. "I don't take what I do for granted."

If you missed one important bit in that article, i'll repeat it for you. Album out in October. Sophie and Armin have the second (or third, whatever) single coming out soon. They are shooting the video in Ibiza with Sophie Muller.

Sophie's new hair colour has received a lot of good feedback. I think it's great. Maybe she got it dyed for the video. Remember her red hair in Music Gets The Best Of Me? *fingers crossed we get an amazing video*

Here are some recent pictures of Sophie from here and there