Koko Pop: Interview + performances of Starlight and Heartbreak

HEARTBREAK (MAKE ME A DANCER) (Live at Koko Pop)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=N9SB9GW3

INTERVIEW (Sophie talks about her upcoming album and the new single, Starlight)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XJJI044K

STARLIGHT (Live at Koko Pop)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=GV71N4YA

thanks Paul for the links

thanks to Renzo for the YouTube uploads

Official Catch-up, and a few other things

So..Sophie HQ caught up with her. And they had a little chat about the current situation, the album and tour plans:

Hi Sophie, how are you?
I'm good thanks. I'm at Koko filming Koko Pops and the Album Chart Show. I'm doing a couple of songs in a bit.

So, the new album is announced! That's pretty exciting.
Yeah, the whole thing is exciting. I'm the boss lady this time around.

What's your label called?
It's called EBGB's. A bit like CBGB's in New York, but as in Ellis-Bextor Great Britain.

Ah, very clever!
Why thank you. I actually used it as the production company name when I did my live DVD way back in 2002.

So, you're a businesswoman now.
I guess I am, yes! But only my own business. People have been asking if I'm going to sign other acts, but it's all about getting my record out at the moment.

And, from a fan's point of view, they won't really notice the difference?
Not at all. But I get to be involved in everything. Don't get me wrong, I had a wonderful 10 years with Universal, but doing it this way does feel like the reward for the hard work, because there's a lot of things about the traditional record company model that don't really work that well for an artist. It's great to be able to get your own team and do it yourself.

Does it mean you're taking a financial risk?
Well, in a lot of ways it's financially beneficial. You have to sell a lot less albums to make a living when you do it this way.

That all sounds great.
Yeah, it's really cool. And a lot of people have been doing it this way for a while. Eminem apparently does it this way, and Mumford & Sons made their album on their own label, then licensed it to Island. So it's not a new phenomenon, but I do think we'll see it happening more and more.

Will there be EBGB's merchandise?
Well, I am in the process of setting up an online shop, cos I haven't really done anything like that for a while. So there could be.
And the album is out in a matter of weeks.
Yeah, it's all coming together now. I can understand why some of the fans were occasionally a little disgruntled that it felt like I wasn't just getting on with putting my album out, but really what we've managed to achieve in the last 12 months is pretty good.

And you're happy with the album itself?
Really happy. I got it mastered recently and it's great just hearing it all together. I think it's really cohesive and consistent, and I'm really proud of all the songs. But then I'm probably a bit biased!

Do you have a current favourite track?
Well Starlight, which is the single, has always been one I love, just because it's got that wistful, melancholy mood, which I always love in pop music. It's that sort of happy sad feeling. I'm a big fan of that.

That song's about halfway into the album - how hard do you think about the tracklisting?
Oh you definitely have to get the whole dynamic of the record so that it works. Some songs just don't work next to each other.

Why did you pick Cut Straight To The Heart as the final song?
Because it's epic and dramatic and it's got a really long outro. That's the mood you should be left with.

You've got a whole bunch of shows lined up for the summer. Are you looking forward to them?
Very much so. I think the forest tour with Erasure should be really fun. The Feeling did the same tour a couple of years ago and I went along to some of those. It was really idyllic and everyone was in holiday mode.

Have you met Erasure before?
I haven't actually. But I'm definitely a fan. It should be really fun.

Will you play some new stuff at those shows?
Oh absolutely. I always try to do a good cross-section of the contemporary stuff and then the singles. I try and think what I would want to hear if I was going to the show.

Sophie and Mr. PopJustice had a little Twittersation:

PopJustice: Song Of The Day: Sophie Ellis-Bextor - 'Synchronised' http://bit.ly/mUsQHC
@Popjustice are you working your way through my album?
@SophieEB That is a secret I am afraid.
@Popjustice I need to know if they'll be more before I get 'a 1/3 of this album has been SOTD on Popjustice' stickers printed up for the CD.
@SophieEB Is this any help http://t.co/DUxKEhZ
@Popjustice ok will change sticker to : '10/14 songs rated 4* or higher by Popjustice (this information was correct at time of printing)'

Unfortunately, i also came across this:

@SophieEB doll will we get a b-side for the Starlight single? :) xx
@UltimateDisco wonderful remixes

Sigh! WE WANT A B-SIDE!


Oh, and Mr. PJ also rated all the songs on the album. He's got most of it right. Except, Make A Scene deserves 5 Stars and Cut Straight To The Heart deserves 4.5 stars.

LINK TO THE ORIGINAL POST WITH MR. PJ'S SCREENSHOT: http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5417&Itemid=206
LINK TO THE ORIGINAL POST WITH THE SOPHIE HQ INTERVIEW: http://www.sophieellisbextor.net/news?id=333

Not Sophie news...but...

To celebrate the release of Sophie's album in Russia, Carson and I have come up with a song, dedicating it to the lovely lady herself. I hope you guys like it....

Here's the song:
Her Name Is Sophie (Carson vs. Kaushik) by kaushikchakravarthy

HER NAME IS SOPHIE.
Vocals & Lyrics by Kaushik
Production by Carson

She's almost six feet
Strutting in high heels
She gets all the men to go down on their knees

My heart goes boom-boom
When she sets foot in the room
She'll have drooling all over, pretty soon

I can't help but picture the two of us together
But i know that's not what she really needs
But then my brain ceases function
I'm in juxtaposition with this guy that she smiles at
(oh me, oh my!)

Her name is Sophie
She drives me crazy
I'm not a singer in the band
But i'll lead you by the hand, lady
Her name is Sophie
I could be her baby
Wish you'd give me an itty-bitty
Piece of your lovey-dovey, lady

I'd call her "sexy"
But then she'd look at me
And then i'd fumble for words, how embarrassing

I can't help but I am jealous, I won't say that in the chorus
There's this fella, i really wanna beat
But then my brain ceases function
I'm in juxtaposition with this guy that she smiles at
(oh me, oh my!)

It's not like he'd be NOWHERE WITHOUT YOU
And I can't stand THE DISTANCE BETWEEN US
I know I'll win you one day, cos I BELIEVE
((READ MY LIPS))
You've got me spinning round round in CIRCLES
I'm DOWN WITH LOVE and CAN'T FIGHT THIS FEELING
You, my dear, CUT STRAIGHT TO THE HEART of me
((Don't MAKE A SCENE))
((Don't SHOOT FROM THE HIP))
((Lets TRIP THE LIGHT FANTASTIC))

The ((...)) bits are whispered, so you might want to turn up the volume a tiny bit.

Sophie with ILA Group

ILA Group, maker of personal alarms for women, plans to raise £20 million for acquisitions and is in talks to enter the US market.

The Aim-listed company, which sells its products at M&S, Asda, House of Fraser and Sainsbury's, numbers singer Sophie Ellis- Bextor and actress Jaime Winstone among the celebrities who carry its alarms.

The company is looking to acquire firms that offer new products – and hopes to raise cash via debt or equity funding. ILA has expanded its sales into 30 countries and it is now in talks with major retailers in the US.

The group has appointed Gordon Black, former chairman of retailers Peter Black Holdings, to advise on takeover targets.

Original Article: Daily Mail

Booklet Scans + pictures of the CD

thanks to those wonderul Sophiesticaters, we have scans of the booklet now.
Thanks for the heads-up Paul.

Make A Scene - fan responses

Have you pre-ordered the album yet? No? Here are so many reasons why you should!

dominic spez
It's way fucking better than Loud, Femme Fatale, and Teenage Dream combined.

In Denial?
Album of 2011 so far and I say that as a major Britney fan. The woman just knows how to make brilliant pop music.

Itty Bitty Piggy
The strange thing is, there would be so many potential singles on here. It's not just good pop, it's actually really commercial and marketable. Disco-fantastic but still sounds as modern as Femme Fatale. And this is coming from someone who didn't give a shit about her before today!
How bizarre. I'd quite happily welcome her back into the pop diva fold.

17days
wow. I can't believe we can say this and truly mean it after the debacle that this album cycle has turned out to be but...WORTH THE WAIT.
What a fantastic, totally satisfying dance-pop album. Not one duff track, not one unnecessary song.

MrStyles
I knew this would be worth it. Gaga's gonna have to go some to top this absolute pop tour-de-force.

elear
Under Your Touch, Make a Scene, and Synchronised are on repeat right now - all the tracks are wonderful, but these three I just can't help but keep coming back to. Synchronised is just so incredibly emotive, with very late '90s production overtones. It takes me back to another time and I'm just captivated by it all right now.
But Make a Scene is still shockingly perfect.

Makke
I have never.. Never. Ever. Liked all of the songs on a single album on first listen. Never. Until now. Disregarding the ones we've heard before this, all the 7 unheard ones hit me on first listen. I'd cry if I were emotionally able to do so.
I hate Hate HATE making comparisons between entirely different artists but.. Gaga can't top this with Born This Way. I'm sure she'll come up with a brilliant album as well and that I'll love it. But Make a Scene is better. I can tell it already.

euphoria.
This definitely is a 10/10 album. 'Homewrecker' I could probably do without but it's still a nice song that I won't have to skip over. The last 2 tracks in particular, 'Synchronised' and 'Cut Straight To The Heart' gave me shivers. I'm also in love with... well... every track.
I'd probably say the dreamier sounding songs are my favorites. Just beautiful. This is Sophie's strength.
I'm worried about being accused of hyperbole, but this album is making me really excited about pop again. Everything on it is so flawless. It's deep but it's fun, it's speedy but chilled out. I love that the moody artwork can be debated as to whether it fits the album's sound or not.
She worked with some of my favorite producers and regardless if it's a success (like it absolutely DESERVES to be), it's definitely going to be one of my top albums of the year.

Dial-999
Bold statement, but I'm certain that Make a Scene will be better than Born This Way.
Sophie Goddess-Bextor.

flynnick
Even though I love most of Sophie's singles, I've never really felt the urge to buy any of her albums. This is tremendous though, as many have said - no filler whatsoever. I'm kinda shocked.

lindsayblowhan
I'm listening to the new tracks. I've literally got that thick saliva in my mouth you get before you're going to vomit I'm that excited. It's so good. Magic is so fucking pretty. OH SOPHIE YOU ULTIMATE GODDESS OF ALL THINGS AMAZING AND TOP SHELF. THANK YOU FOR DELIVERING YOU ARE JUST A MAJESTIC BEAST THAT POOPS AMAZING POP SONGS. Best pop album in the last few years. This is Fame Monster level of amazing. These songs are over a year old yet they sound more forward then anything Rihanna/Britney/My cousin Vinny have released.

stevewinter
I completely LOVE this album already... All the obsessing was worth it after all...

blaketat
I've never really listened to Sophie, except for her singles and I find this album quite amazing and quite what everyone is saying (I won't mention as it could possibly be quite trite.)
I feel as if she's the beacon of light left of sophistication with a tinge of fun elements also. Glad to see that it's been done so so well by someone I considered as relevant as Dannii Minogue.

garmobozia2
Synchronized really is amazing. There's so much layering in the production towards the end and Sophie's voice just completely makes the song for me.

brad_co
I'm in heaven with Under Your Touch !!!
The studio version of Dial My Number is incredible !
I really like "Homewrecker", so clever !
Make a Scene will be my summer Anthem ! Not only the song but full album !

Ruben D.G.
It's a 9999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999999/10 album!!!!!!!!!!

alxx
Great album! Will be buying this when it's eventually released here.

Cactuar
This is really Sophie's "Come And Get It", an amazing pop album destined to reach the lower rungs of the Top 40. The album is brilliant, in fact my only complaint is that it seems to have too many singles and not enough new songs.
My favourites are Make A Scene (love the production!) and Synchronized (her adlibbing near the end is stunning). And my, my how much has her vocals improved! She sounds utterly amazing.

Teedus
"Magic" is a dream come true.

D_ni
Under You Touch IS noisy, but in a good way. And I totally adore the chord progression in the chorus.
Make a Scene is crazy, definately Sophie at her most experimental. And it works!
Magic started out a bit mediocre and boring, but as it progressed it started to make sense. The last minute is just pure synth heaven.
I gotta to sleep but I don't want to stop listening to this album. It's just perfect, it's like I'm in heaven surrounded by lush synths, great melodies and gorgeous vocals.
Make a Scene actually reminds me of Read My Lips a lot, it sounds like a modern, updated version of it. Some of the tracks wouldn't feel out of place on Read My Lips and vice versa, but it still manages to sound fresh and current. I've not idea how she accomplished such a thing, but it's quite impressive.

Tommie
Make A Scene (the track) is all kinds of amazing.

MachineGun
Songs like "Make a Scene" become next level shit, 11/10 songs,

Banhurt
It's the best pop album I've EVER heard.
I'm not going to sleep.

xondus
Speechless. I can't believe I'm actually finally listening to this album!
Make A Scene... It's like Read My Lips Sophie on some weird drug. It's the only way I can describe it. So utterly weird and wonky but awesome.
Magic just made every single hair on my body stand up, I swear. What a song!
Dial My Number is everything I hoped for and more. So good. The little breakdown before the last chorus - perfection.

lecarlos
I'm sorry, but this album is freaking A-mazing.
love this woman soooo much!

heartmightmelt
Album is awesome from start to finish. I honestly thought I'd be sitting here disappointed (It took me aaaaaages to get into Trip, and I cherry picked the songs I liked from the first two albums even though I could've gave them more attention at the time)

Lof
So so good!... Dial My Number and Make a Scene are my favourites righ now but Bittersweet continues being my top favourite.
Best album of the year

NunyaB
Finally listened to it straight through – like a good child I even listened to 1-7!
I don't know what else to say other than I'm so happy to be a Sophie Ellis-Bextor fan right now, and to be able to say that she has improved with each album she's released. This album is her finest moment yet, and I think it really promises great things for her future.

ID
Wow, Synchronised was worth the wait.

popknark
Best album of the year. Not one bad track, although "Revolution" seems a bit odd next to the rest of the tracks. I see it as a small firecracker which prepares for the big disco terrorist attack which follows.
I absolutely love the '80s love affair "Dial My Number", the 8-bit Abba amazingness of "Off & On" and, last but not least, "Make A Scene" which ironically pisses over anything on the latest Metronomy album. I overlooked "Not Giving Up On Love" last year, but now it's one of my favourite Ellis-Bextor songs ever. Such a lovely - and heartbreaking - chorus. "Synchronised" is absolutely amazing too. The new "Today The Sun's On Us"? (I suppose it's quite different, but I love it in a similar way.)
Considering how much I love this album after just one listen, I'll probably put this on the top of my end of the year list.

DirtyPornStar
I am blown away.
And oh my god. The album version of Under Your Touch is everything I could have ever wanted from an album version of a song I listened to 100x in live form. The violins at the end....
Amazing, amazing, amazing.
Revolution is fucking mental, by the way.
Such an improvement from the demo.

Baby Jane
The only thing that needs to be said about this album is short and simple:
best pop album of the year so far.

roverchan2
It's so fantastically retro, but in this bizarre, Oriental, space-agey way. It's a fantastic album.

digitalkaiser
THIS. ALBUM.
No words, I'm stoned and I'm in like another world. Aliens and sex goddess' , dancing to some weird orgasmic insanity.
I cant. Best album of the year.

Mr Telephone Man
Not Giving Up On Love is heaven on earth, why could it not be longer?!?!
I just, this song, it's beautiful. I cried, it's perfect.

aOblivious
Flawless.

Aester
This really is fantastic. I was worried that it wouldn't be cohesive, but somehow all the songs work together perfectly. I agree with everyone who's said "Make A Scene" is the album highlight.
"Cut Straight to the Heart" uses the same melody as The Rapture's "No Sex for Ben." I wonder if that was intentional. It really surprised me at first.
I still prefer the longer version of "Revolution" with the extra "arm me/army/own me" (the best bit!), but I think I can get used to the album version.

AndrewX
I love how this is supposed to be a "dance album" because it totally isn't. The only dance numbers really are Bittersweet and Heartbreak in my opinion. I don't care though, i didn't really want a dance album. I still cannot believe how fantastic it is. Great job Ms. Sophie!

The Johnster
Listening to this is just such a relief, to hear the tracks finally! The quality is great - my favourites (apart from those we've already heard) are the title track, Dial My Number and Starlight (I'm counting it as a new track).
So with the overwhelmingly positive reaction to this, do we think there's any chance of some chart success? I'm still holding out a glimmer of hope - I'll hope for 4 weeks in the Top 40 but I think we'll probably see more like 2 in the top 75. Who knows though!
Sophie should be so proud.

believeagain
All I can say is: what a release.
Brilliant.

Mogwellian
Magic has completely stolen my heart and sums up the album for me. The sentiment and delivery is absolutely on target. This and Synchronised are career highlights (when Sophie belts, it's an unexpected delight - more of that please).
I feel like this album could achieve legendary status (even more) on these boards, along the lines of Come and Get It. Much like that album, this is a once in 5 years event. I am going to be living my summer to this soundtrack.

hidesebastian!
My god this album is epic, isn't it? Magic is just stunning, utterly perfect, Make a Scene the song makes so much sense when you listen to the album, and it is by far the best song Sophie has done in years. I can't get enough of Under Your Touch and Dial My Number, and the singles (especially Not Giving Up On Love) are flawless. A five out of five, hands down. Absolute perfection. The closing of the album is beautiful

Effleurescence
This album is absolutly amazing, her best album, I'm in love with "Under your touch"

New Flame
It's a massive album! I hope the praise doesn't only come from us, but also from the critics. Perez Hilton has already send his love on Twitter! I love how single handedly Sophie can knock out the shallow, talentless, but immensely popular, Britney Spears and the forced, commercial Lady Gaga! There's no way Born this Way will be better with those already mediocre singles. Sophie has always been more 'human' anyway. At this point, it doesn't really matter any more where Sophie will end up on the charts. How great would it be if Make a Scene ended up on 'Best albums'-lists at the end of year?

Wuming01
This album is one of the most magical I've listened to in years.

Hermit
I'm blown away!
I liked (some songs on) her first three albums - even won a signed copy of the second album and I wasn't really a fan.
However, this album is brilliant and flows perfectly. The best tracks have to be Synchronised and Cut Straight to The Heart.

SockMonkey
This thread is a shining example of how a thread should be on Popjustice.
This album is a shining example of how you can make great pop music without a load of pretentious nonsense hanging out the back end of it.
Result: Sophie is the queen.

W2K
Whilst I wasn't impressed by the album sampler, the full album itself is proving to be a really pleasant listen. It's a shame this didn't come out earlier when my interest was at a higher peak but I'll definitely be buying it when it arrives in the UK regardless. Good work Sophie!

burzacott
I adore this album from start to finish. Would anyone get pissed off if I compared it to Rachel Stevens "Come & Get It", in terms of an excellent pop album which gets criminally ignored (well we don't know that for sure but at a good guess).

laterdanish
It's by far her best and most "party" album! Whilst still retaining that cool, sophisticated edge she has over other pop artists.
Really like the last track "Straight To The Heart" - the perfect end to the party.

Robbietoxic
Without taking anything away from her in terms of what she has achieved with this album it won't stop it from flopping. If it goes in the UK top 40 then it's actually done ok after how much of a mess it's all been. However, the songs are so amazing that it makes it such a crime. Listening to the album in full is such an incredible experience which I can't even truly put into words. It's such a work of art and something which she should be more than proud to be associated with.

mystikal_Love
Just finished listening to the album and all I can say is... WOW. It's so refreshing to listen to an album that is so cohesive without becoming repetitive and with an air of sophistication that comes from not relying on any "of-the-moment" gimmicks. I don't think Sophie's voices has ever sounded so strong or effortless and the production is generally pristine. The only negative is the title track is a dud unfortunately, but the rest of the album more than makes up for it.
Coming into the album with rather low expectations has definitely benefitted my listening experience and there is no way I am not buying this, I want a physical copy as soon as possible.

China_Heart
The album is amazing! Absolutely brilliant! Exactly what I was expecting from my Sophie: classy, clever, tasteful, catchy, adult pop with 80s influences and modern beats.
It shits all over Aphrodite, sorry Kylie, since, unlike that, it does really seem to have a soul!!! AND the lyrics are brilliant! This is what I mean when I say you can still make GREAT dance music with GOOD, ADULT, CLEVER lyrics and not inanely silly rhymes.
Thank God for Sophie, her beauty, her poshness, her Britishness, her stubborness in releasing slightly off-the-centre, quirky, clever pop in an age when popstars are as disposable and cheap as tissues.
"Make A Scene" is THE BEST pop album of the year, full stop.
Long Hail Queen Sophie! (Or maybe Goddess Sophie?)

OneCharmingBastard
Normally this record would merit a score in the A minus range; that she has gone to hell and back to get it out moves it straight to an A, with the back seven tracks outflanking GaGa's "Monster" EP in terms of quality and tone. NOT A CLINKER AMONG THE NEW TRACKS.
The low points come from two of the familiars - The Calderra track and The Armin track. Swap either for "Sophia Loren" and you've got an all-star platter. The Metornomy track is bonkers, "Magic" is as good as "Starlight", but "Under Your Touch" and "Dial My Number" are singles-worthy in the almost-a-must kind of way.

citoig
I wasn't the biggest fan of her last two albums to be honest (though I did really like Read My Lips), but my mate played this on the drive home, and it's amazing. Genuinely delighted for her.

Lost in Japan.
I love Can't Fight This Feeling! In fact it might be one of my favourite tracks on the album, I am in love with the entire first half + Synchronised right now though.




Not convinced? This will surely convince you then.

So pre-order the album now.
AMAZON
HMV
PLAY

Petition for a b-side for Starlight

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/makeascene/

I'm not sure if any of you believe in petitions, but i have always created petitions and hoped that someday, someone from Sophie's management will take notice. Sophie is on her own now, and this is a direct petition to her.

I know it's a long shot, but it's still worth taking, i suppose. I hope all 76 of you, following Sophierazzi both publicly and privately, sign this petition, even if you don't believe in it. You never know, anything can happen in Sophie world.

I will post links to this petition on PopJustice and UKMix as well, and i will request Renzo and Isabella to post links to this petition on their respective websites. If you feel like you can spread the word, tweet this link or post it on your facebook / orkut / myspace.

I will post the petition link on Sophie's twitter when we have a good number of signatures.

So here's a calling to Sophie fans from all over the world. If you are the slightest bit excited for this album or the upcoming single, do sign this petition. Thank you.

EDIT - 37 signatures already. Yay! Keep it coming folks. - http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/makeascene/signatures

PS. For those of you who missed it, here is the new unreleased demo from the Make A Scene sessions - I'm Onto You.
I'm Onto You by SOPHIERAZZI

Lyrics leak...

I am insanely excited and i cannot wait for the release. I hope everyone has pre-ordered their copy of the album from Amazon/Play/HMV. The album will be released in Russia tomorrow, so if there are any Russian readers, do send me your review . You will find my contact details below the banner.

Anyway, i was sent the lyrics to the songs, and i'm properly excited for ALL of them. Some of the songs seem extremely poetic, which is a good thing. From the clips, they all sound well produced. Sophie's voice shines through all the songs. And now we have the lyrics. What a week this has been. I won't bore you any further. Here are the lyrics. Enjoy reading....

UNDER YOUR TOUCH

Come
The night is waiting
I want to waste it on you
Voules vouz

Yeah, come
This invitation
Its only open to you
What you got to lose

If i could be under your touch
Nothing would take me away
'cos I've been dreaming you up
Again and again

Baby i'm so ready for love
I'm so ready for love
Want to be under your touch

Yeah yeah yeah yeah

You
You got me thinking
I'll break tradition for you
And make a move

Yeah, you
My neon vision
My soul ambition to love
Lets make it true

If i could be under your touch
Nothing would take me away
'cos I've been dreaming you up
Again and again

Baby i'm so ready for love
I'm so ready for love
Want to be under your touch

The way you've made me fall
It isn't logical
I had a taste and now
All i want is you
So just don't look and see
Come put your hands on me
On and on
Nobody else will do


MAKE A SCENE

I have seen daybreak and sunrise and dawntimes before
But never in time and in motion I've fall to the floor

Join my crowd
We're one and the same
We put our best move forward
Again and again
We're the people
Feel outsiders to life
But now we've come to realise
We've got to get the fire ignited

And we're gonna keep on keep on, don't
We're just gonna make the record rock
Yeah we're gonna keep on keep on
Don't, never stop, never stop, never stop

(So c'mon now) C'mon now lets make a scene
(C'mon now) Queen and king and king and queen
(C'mon now) From the chandelier
(C'mon now) Make a scene
(C'mon now) As the sun is coming up
(C'mon now) Be the ones to say don't stop
(C'mon now) Cos i'm not afraid of this
(co..co..co..co..co..co..) Scene

All of the heirarchies broken, now we're not at school
Roles are reversed so go on everyone break a rule

One by one
We start something new
We're gonna find our rhythm
Enjoy the view
Where's the party?
Let's go get our fix
Get all our friends in the mix
We're gonna get the night excited

And we're gonna keep on keep on, don't
We're just gonna make the record rock
Yeah we're gonna keep on keep on
Don't, never stop, never stop, never stop

(So c'mon now) C'mon now lets make a scene
(C'mon now) Be queen and king and king and queen
(C'mon now) Swing from the chandelier
(C'mon now) Lets make a scene
(C'mon now) As the sun is coming up
(C'mon now) Be the ones to say don't stop
(C'mon now) Cos i'm not afraid of this
(co..co..co..co..co..co..) Scene


I STILL BELIEVE IN MAGIC

Love was cold, just a memory
Was a slave to my history
So long, too long

Through the silence i heard you call
My defences began to fall
I'm yours, all yours

I need your love to warm me like a sun
Inside my heart, I still believe in magic
Without your touch, don't know what i become
With all my heart, I still believe in magic

No more shadows, you gave me light
Woke me up, brought me back to life
Won't be lonely again

In a trance, i'm oblivious
All that's left is the two of us
Right here, right now, always

I need your love to warm me like a sun
Inside my heart, I still believe in magic
Without your touch, don't know what i become
With all my heart, I still believe in magic

Do you believe?
Do you believe?
Do you believe?
Do you believe in magic (whispered)
I need your love (autotuned and looped)

I need your love to warm me like a sun
Inside my heart, I still believe in magic
Without your touch, don't know what i become
With all my heart, I still believe in magic


DIAL MY NUMBER

When it's late at night
I am your agenda
When you hope to find
I'm alone

A coward's way to speak your verse
A hidden message, broken words
I read out lines but the truth may hurt
I am only killing time with you

You don't understand
You don't know how I feel
And so for what it's worth
I wanna keep it real

If you dial my number
It's not enough
You can wait and wonder
If there's an "us"
And when it's dead on the line
Do you think, "The girl is mine"?
You know I'm not falling under
I'm not in love

In the depths of your mind
You think I'll surrender
When you're lost at sea
I'm on land

It's only fair I set you right
'cos what we have won't see daylight
It's just for now so enjoy the ride
I'm having fun killing time with you

You don't understand
You don't know how I feel
And so for what it's worth
I wanna keep it real

If you dial my number
It's not enough
You can wait and wonder
If there's an "us"
And when it's dead on the line
Do you think, "The girl is mine"?
You know I'm not on a number
I'm not in love

Yeah, you can dream about it
But don't believe it's real at all


HOMEWRECKER

I see the way that you look at him
What makes you think that he's yours to win
You're showing off just trying to catch his eye
(Run along get your own guy)

The way your hand lingers on his arm
He makes a joke, you laugh a bit too hard
I know the tricks, it makes me sick inside
(Run along get your own guy)

(oh oh oh oh oh) You know i'm onto you
(oh oh oh oh oh) Know what you're trying to do
(oh oh oh oh oh) But there's a name for you
(oh oh oh oh oh) Ho.. Ho.. Homewrecker

To all you girls around the world
Stealing someone else's guy
You're going around breaking hearts
It ain't gonna work this time
(I know your kind)

So very cheap, devoid of any class
There's no mistique from your assorted parts
I'm still the boss, get lost, good luck, goodbye
(Run along and get your own guy)

(oh oh oh oh oh) You know i'm onto you
(oh oh oh oh oh) Know what you're trying to do
(oh oh oh oh oh) But there's a name for you
(oh oh oh oh oh) Ho.. Ho.. Homewrecker

To all you girls around the world
Stealing someone else's guy
You're going around breaking hearts
It ain't gonna work this time
(I know your kind)


SYNCHRONISED

Lay still
I know you are breathing
Wired down
And i will focus on the beating

Synchronise our hearts
Synchronise our hearts
Synchronise them

And i lock it up baby
I never said i could win you
But i lock it up tightly
And i am synchronised with you

Hear me
I know you're not sleeping
I can feel your cool skin
Focus on the beating

Synchronise our fall
Synchronise our fall
Synchronise it

And i lock it up baby
I never said i could win you
But i lock it up tightly
And i am synchronised with you

For every sealing that we never really had
For every feeling that was gone before i closed my eyes


CUT STRAIGHT TO THE HEART

I never saw this coming
Since the beginning you were in control
And now my heart is drumming
Believe this love could maybe save my soul

I hear a voice out of the silence
That can always bring me home

Don't let me go
Now i'm right where i want to be
Don't let me go
You cut straight to the heart of me

Forever want for nothing
Caught in a place where i'm released from fear
So in my dreams i'm running
Towards the light that came and brought us here

I hear a voice out of the silence
That can always bring me home

Don't let me go
Now i'm right where i want to be
Don't let me go
You cut straight to the heart of me

The heart of me
Straight through the heart of me

MAKE A SCENE previews + pre-order

What an exciting week this has been. Someone on PopJustice rightly said "when it rains, it pours". And pour it did, here in Bangalore. It started out as a regular sunny day, and it suddenly poured out of nowhere in the evening. Is this all a sign?..... i think so!

SOPHIE ELLIS-BEXTOR HAS SETUP HER OWN RECORD LABEL. Wait. There's more.

SOPHIE READS COMMENTS ON THE INTERNET. (I sincerely hope she reads PJ). There's more...

MAKE A SCENE IS AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER ON AMAZON, HMV AND PLAY. (links follow). Wait there's more.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Make-Scene-Sophie-Ellis-Bextor/dp/B004WJBE96/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1302866571&sr=8-6
http://www.play.com/Music/CD/4-/19515760/Make-A-Scene/Product.html?searchtype=musicall&searchsource=0&searchstring=Sophie+Ellis-Bextor+make+a+scene&urlrefer=search&strefer=musicall&searchfilters=s{Sophie+Ellis-Bextor+make+a+scene}%2bc{34}%2b
http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=280;1;-1;-1;-1&sku=718255

YOU CAN PREVIEW CLIPS OF ALL THE SONGS ON THE ALBUM RIGHT HERE - http://www.lenta.ru/articles/2011/04/15/chart/

Wotyougot interviewed Sophie. You can watch the interview right here...
ORIGINAL POST - http://www.wotyougot.com/15-04-2011/watch/over-a-cup-of-coffee-with-sophie-ellis-bextor/


OH MY GOD! I'M SO EXCITED!!

EDIT - To celebrate all this good news, i'm posting a wallpaper here that someone from PJ made. It's on my desktop on the moment. Beautiful picture, really cool wallpaper. What a day!

Early Reviews

I DO NOT OWN THE ALBUM, AND I HAVEN'T HEARD IT YET. BUT...

01. Revolution - Same version as the one that leaked except it's much more crisp sounding. Better bass. Fantastic start to the album. Just noticed it's shorter than the leak. It cuts out the "army army army army army" bit after the first chorus. Now it only has it after the second and third choruses.

02. Bittersweet - Same as single version.

03. Off & On - The new version is lovely! it's actually got a slightly longer beginning than the one from the radio. There's a couple seconds before Calvin's signature synths come in.

04. Heartbreak - Same as single version.

05. Not Giving Up On Love - Same as single version.

06. Can't Fight This Feeling - Same.

07. Starlight - Same as previously heard, only cripser and cleaner sounding. Really lush.

08. Under Your Touch - OKAY. Review starts now! This starts off with some eerie synths, then the beat fades in. There's these really striking synths and "creepy" noises running through the verses. The chorus has some really good bass. The electro/synthesized voice from the album chart show is still there in the "I'm so ready for love. Want to be under your touch" bit. Don't expect anything too different from the performance. Except that the ending has an absolutely BEAUTIFUL strings section! Amazing!

09. Make A Scene - The intro is just some really random synths. Very "wobbly" sounding. Then a very slow beat starts. Sophie comes in, almost speaking in monotone. There are some odd percussive beats in this one. Then once the bridge/chorus kick in, some really awesome saxophone comes in! It's probably a tenor saxophone, from the sounds of it. It's really low sounding, and very groovy. Almost Mark Ronson sounding. This track is quite bonkers, and very experimental. Definitely hear the Metronomy influence. The chorus goes "So come on now, let's make a scene. Queen and king, king and queen. From the chandelier, make a scene." The sax and crazy drums are present throughout the rest of it. This would have made a fantastic album opener, actually.

10. Magic - Starts out with some backup vocalists singing some "ooh ooh ooh ohh ooh's" in really high-pitched, whispery vocals. The beat fades in. This is definitely much more upbeat than the other Richard X track. There is still a beautiful melancholy feel in there, like 'Starlight." There's some pretty "plucking" synths in the first verse. The chorus goes "I need your love to hold me like a Sun. Inside my heart, I still believe in magic. Without your touch, don't know what I'd become. With all my heart, I still believe in magic." There's some nice strings in the chorus. After the first chorus, the song almost sounds even more fierce. The strings in the chorus are actually quite 'Me & My Imagination' sounding! After the second chorus, we get this extremely FIERCE section with some VERY gritty synthesizers, and Sophie asking "Do you believe? Do you believe?" And after that, we get this absolutely beautiful bit with some sighs and coo's from Sophie. Then we're treated to the chorus one more time. There's a big instrumental outro (again, like 'Starlight'). I'd say this is Sophie 'Songs Remind Me Of You.'

11. Dial My Number - Very heavy synths. Again, it's what you'd expect after hearing the live version from the youtube videos. Very dancey. My favorite bit is the bridge leading to the chorus when it says "you don't understand" etc. But yeah, not much more to say since we've heard the live version.

12. Homewrecker - Starts out with some minor sounding organ bits. Then a "plonky" synth and drum beat kicks in. This song is good, but not as good as the rest. Probably my least favorite out of the stuff we haven't heard. There's a lot of songs that Greg Kurstin used in 'Revolution' that make an appearance here too. The bridge uses that funky guitar that is used in 'Revolution's "face to face, it's murder..." bit. The chorus goes "To all the girls round the world, stealing someone else's guy, You're going round breaking hearts, it ain't gonna work this time." In the chorus, it has that Thriller-esque synth. The middle 8 has a bit that genuinely sounds like when Goldfrapp use theremin on live versions of 'Train' and 'Yes Sir!' That part is actually pretty brilliant. It's very cooky and zaney sounding.

13. Synchronized - Starts off with a crackly record noises, then some really beautiful HARP is played. This is an electro-ballad. It's quite midtempo in reality, but definitely slower than the rest. Don't be fooled by the Ina Wroldsen co-write. This isn't a Saturdays castaway. This is a beautiful Sophie slowly at its finest. The harp can be heard throughout the entire sound, accompanied by really warm and lovely synths. The chorus says "And I locked it up baby, I never said I could win you. But I lock it up tightly, I am synchronized with you." All the lovely synths and all other instrumentation drops out for the middle 8, and it's just Sophie singing over the harp. It's a touching song. There is a REAL longing in Sophie's voice. Just wow. We're treated some beautiful ad libs at the end. So dreamy.

14. Cut Straight to the Heart - Starts off with piano and a drum beat that almost sounds like a heartbeat. It's quite sad sounding. The chorus adds in a really cool synth noise that nearly sounds like the signature riff from Pet Shop Boys' 'Domino Dancing.' The chorus has a real longing in it again, and it goes "Don't let me go. Now I'm right where I want to be. Don't let me go. You cut straight to the heart of me." After the first chorus, there's an absolutely beautiful bit that sounds like something you'd hear on Goldfrapp's 'Black Cherry' album. It's very atmospheric while still having quite a good kick. It's midtempo for sure, but not necessarily a ballad. The chorus also has handclaps in it that aren't in the verses. The ending is quite cool, with an eerie, spacey synthesizer. It finishes with a handclap.

The album is fucking AWESOME. Well worth the wait. None of you will be disappointed. It exceeded my expectations, actually. The production is absolutely phenomenal. No, I cannot share the album with anyone. I am sorry. You will all hear it soon enough, and I can assure you that you will all be very happy when you hear it.

Click on the image below to view the album cover in Ultra HQ

It's official. Starlight + album being released in the UK

*pinch me, i must be dreaming*

Starlight is going to be released on the 30th of May, followed by the Sophie's long awaited fourth album, Make A Scene, on the 6th of June. Here is what her official website says:

We're very pleased to announce that Sophie will release her new single ‘Starlight' on 30th May, followed by her new album ‘Make A Scene’ on 6th June.

‘Starlight’ is a perfect chilled dance anthem that is instantly catchy with a soft but edgy beat. It is a track that can easily take you from sun lounger by day to nightclub by evening and is the perfect summer anthem.

Sophie’s new album ‘Make A Scene’ is an exciting and energetic pop juggernaut on which Sophie was heavily involved with all parts, including co-writing much of it and working with an in-demand team of writers and producers that includes Freemasons, Greg Kurstin, Calvin Harris, Cathy Dennis, Metronomy, Hannah Robinson, Richard X and Armin Van Buuren.

The countdown starts here…

Although, nothing is stated about which label she is on currently. U-Music Russia handled the release of TTLF previously, and they are releasing Make A Scene in Russia. But we're not sure if she is still with Polydor Records. Sophie may have been shifted on to some other label under Universal who might handle this release in the UK. Details yet to come...

Peter PopJustice Robinson made Starlight the song of the day and called it "A nice song". His exact words were as follows:

It is so much easier being a Sophie Ellis-Bextor fan once you accept that she is never ever going to have another hit single.

Once you learn to live with that fact, and once you are able to leave behind questions like 'will Radio 1 play this?' (NO AND NEITHER WILL RADIO 2), 'will she promote it properly?' (SHE'LL DO HER BEST BUT NOBODY'S REALLY INTERESTED) and 'will it get into the Top 10?' (NO), all you are left with is one question: 'is the song any good?'.

And the answer here is 'not as good as some of her other songs but generally yes it is a really enjoyable listen and her voice is rather nice as per usual'.

Peter is probably annoyed with all the delays, but lets not ignore the fact that the song is The Song Of The Day. Here's hoping that the song gets good reviews from everyone. Buy the single or download from iTunes on 30th of May. Also, you can import the album from Russia after the 18th of April, if you want.

LINK TO ARTICLE ON THE OFFICIAL SITE: http://www.sophieellisbextor.net/news.php?id=329
LINK TO ARTICLE ON POPJUSTICE: http://www.popjustice.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=5387&Itemid=279

STARLIGHT *gasp*

So........ Starlight is going to be "out" soon. I want to get excited about this, but i think i'll wait and see what this is all about. Because U-Music Russia says Off And On will be her next single but PurplePR say that Starlight is coming soon, and Richard X also thinks its out.... confused?





Its all happening so quickly. I'm thankful to both Universal Music Russia and Purple PR for finally getting the wheels in motion on this project. Its about time...

Here are the covers for Starlight and Make A Scene:



The album is out in 5 days in Russia. Import the album, or wait for the release in your country. Even if you end up downloading the album/leak, please support Sophie and buy a copy or two.

Lets hope news about Starlight being a single is true. I hope we get a b-side this time, and not just a bunch of remixes....

Yes it's true folks.

Its funny how things turned out. One minute we were all cribbing about the delays and Sophie in general, and the next minute, a release date surfaced on Universal Russia. Two days later, Sophie confirmed it. What a fantastic turn of events.

"Yes it's true folks. Album out in Russia first, then rest of Europe. UK end of May," she wrote on Twitter, "Other countries release dates to follow. As ever, watch this space." I have said this before, and i will say it again. ANYTHING can happen in Sophie world.

Now i wish to make a sincere request to all my readers and followers. You will be tempted to download a CDRip, and even if you do, please go out and buy a copy or two for yourselves. Please support Sophie. I will buy two copies of the album - one physical, and one from iTunes when it is released in the UK, even if there are no bonus tracks on it.

Make A Scene out soon (in Russia apparently)

The new mix of Off And On is being played (or was played) on some Russian Radio. A dear fellow PJ-er is recording it for us at the moment, so watch this space.

Also, Universal Records announced the tracklist. AND a RELEASE DATE!

It might seem fake because of the hasty updates and wrongly spelt titles, but if you check the track numbers - they coincide with the track numbers on Purple's Soundcloud account. This could be the final tracklist.

It doesn't seem like a well thought tracklist, but who cares. IF this is actually happening, then we should all be thankful about it.

I don't expect the album to chart AT ALL simply because the planned release date is about two weeks away and there's absolutely no news whatsoever from Sophie herself. She hasn't bothered to tweet about it even.

Love the cover! I hope the CD inlay has more pictures from the same photoshoot.

ORIGINAL LINK: http://www.universalmusic.ru/en/artists/201/releases/2550/

More live dates announced

Judging by all the live dates that are scheduled, i assume a May release for the album is perfect. It's a good time in the year for a dance-record. What do you think?

MAY
28th - Club Park Residence // Odessa, Ukraine

JUNE (Erasure Support Tour)
10th - Thetford Forest // Suffolk
11th - Bedgebury Pientum // Kent
17th - Sherwood Pines Forest // Nottinghamshire
18th - Westonbirt Arboretum // Gloucestershire
24th - Cannock Chase Forest // Staffordshire
25th - Dalby Forest // North Yorkshire

JULY
2nd - Cornbury Festival // Charlbury, Oxfordshire
8th - Festival Too (free entry) // Kings Lynn
9th - Kew Gardens // Richmond, Surrey
16th - Audley End // Saffron Walden
17th - South Tyneside Summer Festival (free entry) // Tyne & Wear

SEPTEMBER
2nd - Occhio // Nicosia, Cyprus
3rd - Mix FM Sumer Festival (PA) // Beirut, Lebanon

You can visit Sophie's official website to buy tickets for the upcoming shows.

Gig in July

On Saturday 16 July, Sophie is performing at one of English Heritage's 2011 Picnic Concerts. The show will take place in the rather lovely surroundings of Audley End country house in Saffron Walden, Essex.

Sophie has been quiet. There is no word about the album. But i assume it's still planned for a MAY release. Her new PR Label, Purple Records, have added Heartbreak on their soundcloud. Some label released Can't Fight This Feeling in Oz. Things are moving very very slowly, but so long as the wheels are in motion, i'll stay positive.

And just to remind everyone, Sophie is supporting Erasure on their tour in June:
10th - Thetford Forest, Nr Brandon, Suffolk.
11th - Bedgebury Pinetum & Forest, Nr Goudhurst, Kent.
17th - Sherwood Pines Forest Park, Nr Edwinstowe, Nottinghamshire.
18th - Westonbirt Arboretum, Nr Tetbury, Gloucestershire.
24th - Cannock Chase Forest, Nr Rugeley, Staffordshire.
25th - Dalby Forest, Nr Pickering, North Yorks.