Sophierazzi: Starlight

Showing posts with label Starlight. Show all posts

Monday, October 3, 2011

Jakatra, Australia, new album, Rebellion and more...

Okay, I've been very busy with work. I've been working more than 18 hours on some days. So I apologise for the lack of updates. Moving on to the important stuff.

First of all, have you all bought Rebellion (Lies)? If you haven't, buy it now. It is 4:42 minutes of pure brilliance. Its definitely up there with her best covers to date. Sophie sounds absolutely gorgeous on the track, and the "Lies, lies" bit is fabulous. Right now, the track is sitting as track #15 on Make a scene for me. I will move it into my list of Sophie b-sides and side releases after a few months. It's a very good song. So buy it. Don't download free mp3s, buy the song off iTunes. It's for a good cause. Here's a link to the album on UK iTunes.
http://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/songs-to-save-life-in-aid/id454729655
Please buy the song.

Second. Sophie was in Jakarta, Indonesia recently. She hadn't been there since 9 years, but the crowd gathered at the Java Soul Nation festival seemed to know and like her new songs. The best part of the show was when the entire crowd sang along to Murder On The Dancefloor...not just the chorus, but the ENTIRE song. Sophie must have been over the world to hear the crowd's response to that song. She even mentioned this in her recent official catch-up, but more on that later.

You can also download the audio from the entire show right here:
http://www.mediafire.com/?vrsmqy8jqaw67ys
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=UMQWDSWE
Thanks to Paul for the recording. You've done a fabulous job as usual.

Third. Sophie is in Australia promoting her new album. She had two club-shows - one in Sydney and one in Melbourne. She also had some TV appearances where she performed her new single Starlight and Murder On The Dancefloor.

Murder On The Dancefloor - http://au.tv.yahoo.com/sunrise/video/-/watch/26771578/sophie-ellis-bextor-performs-live/

Starlight - http://au.tv.yahoo.com/the-morning-show/video/-/watch/26773107/sophie-ellis-bextor-makes-a-scene/

ORIGINAL ARTICLE - http://www.news.com.au/entertainment/music/sophie-ellis-bextor-scene-and-heard/story-e6frfn09-1226154480951

IT must be murder juggling motherhood with a career filling dance floors but Sophie Ellis-Bextor makes it seem effortless. Here she tells JACQUI SWIFT about her new record that features Calvin Harris, Roisin Murphy and Metronomy.

Your new album Make a Scene is your career high. Do you agree?
When I finished it, I was so pleased. I'm always wary of reviews as you only ever remember the nasty ones but, without blowing my own trumpet, I can say it's my best album yet because of the people I worked with Calvin Harris, Roisin Murphy, Metronomy, Richard X, Cathy Dennis, Greg Kurstin, I was very spoiled.

Tell us about the big-name producers and co-writers on the record.
I had a wish list and they're all on there. They're all perennial talents who have either been around for ages, or are going from strength to strength. It was great. There will always be a core of six to eight tracks which define what the record is about and then I pick and choose from the rest, which add to the colour of the album.

So what's the process when you have so many different people to work with?
Hopefully, whatever I bring to the table when I'm writing helps give it cohesion. I'm someone who has always been quite clear about what I like. In the studio, I'm not a control freak but I know what I want. It's an arms-in-the-air dance album.

Does it take you back to your Groovejet days?
Yes, a little bit. I think it's all about the rise of the DJ again. When Groovejet came out, people knew a few of the names but then they went back to being a bit more niche and underground. Now you have people like David Guetta and Martin Solveig who are on the radio as well as in the clubs and I think that's a really good thing.

Dial My Number is about a stalker. What's the story behind it?
Someone had my number and they started text-stalking me. I've never replied to them. It was tempting to write back, but I resisted. It's funny how intimate it feels to get a text. I got one on the way to the studio, so we ended up writing that song.

So what's next for you?
I want to make something different, take myself out of my comfort zone, but then I want to do four-to-the-floor as well and I want to work with Deadmau5.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor plays Home the Venue, Darling Harbour, on October 2. Make a Scene (Shock) is out now.

Fifth. Sophie Ellis-Bextor never misses the beat

ORIGINAL ARTICLE - http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/entertainment/confidential/sophie-ellis-bextor-never-misses-the-beat/story-e6fredq3-1226156472856

A MOTHER of two and celebrating album No. 4, Sophie Ellis-Bextor whirled into town last week to reintroduce herself to her dance constituency.
It has been a decade since Ellis-Bextor fired up the charts with the inescapable hit Groovejet (If This Ain't Love), backing that up with Murder On The Dancefloor and last year's single Bittersweet.
Her new record Make A Scene features a who's who of hitmakers including Calvin Harris, Freemasons, Richard X, Armin Van Buuren and Metronomy.
"I have always been rubbish at predicting what will make the charts so I play to my strengths and do what I like," she said before her performance at Home last night.
"If you're making music to dance to, if the song doesn't finish with me standing up out of my seat and dancing around the studio, it's not going to work."
Ellis-Bextor hinted her next album, already underway, will be a departure from clubland to something more "reflective".
Rumour has it she is being courted to return to Sydney next March for Mardi Gras.

Sixth. Sophie Ellis-Bextor: Still killing it on and off the dancefloor

ORIGINAL ARTICLE - http://blogs.abc.net.au/nsw/2011/09/sophie-ellis-bextor-still-killing-it-on-and-off-the-dancefloor.html

Sophie Ellis-Bextor hasn't been to Australia in about nine or ten years, so she has been long overdue for a visit to our shores!

The last time Sophie was here her song "Murder on the Dancefloor" was riding high in the charts and the dance song "Groovejet" that she recorded with the Italian DJ Spiller was pumping out of clubs.

Now she is back with a new album called "Make A Scene" that features collaborations with some of the biggest DJ's in the world at the moment including Calvin Harris and Armin Van Buuren.

So today on the program we wanted to find out what Sophie had been up to in the last nine or so years.

Bernie Hobbs found out all about Sophie's family, running club nights, performing in Jakarta, growing up in the UK, and some the charity work that she has done.

It was a lovely chat and if you are are a fan of Sophie, you'll enjoy hearing the chat again below.

DOWNLOAD LINK: http://blogs.abc.net.au/files/sophie-ellis-bextor-interview.mp3

Seventh. Official Catch-up with Sophie.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE - http://www.sophieellisbextor.net/news?id=375&msg=1#comments

Hi Sophie. How are you?
Not too bad, thanks.

You're speaking from the future.
Haha! I am, it's evening here in Sydney, so it must be morning there?

That is correct. What's going to happen today?
It will be quite cold. And it will rain a little bit.

Not in London, it won't. It's gorgeous here.
Yeah, I heard. But it was actually quite good weather for wandering around Sydney, which is what I've been doing today. It's like spring weather. Nice to walk around in. I've had a lovely day pottering about on my own.

Are you literally out there on your own?
My sound guy, Duncan has here, but I haven't actually seen that much of him. He's been doing his own thing. We got here yesterday morning from Jakarta. And Kat is arriving from the UK any minute now. Then the promo really starts in earnest tomorrow.

Kat, of course, is becoming familiar to the readers of your website as the person who does the photoblogs.
I know! I'm so glad she does that, because I'm so rubbish at taking pictures. I've never really been a good documenter. But she's really good at it.

For those readers who don't know Kat, what does she do?
She works with Derek, who's my manager. She's brilliant. She's his assistant, but she's often the one that comes with me on my trips. She's a very good travel companion. Even though she's only 24, some people say we're like two old women who go off and holiday together. We always make sure we do things during the downtime, like go for a walk or a swim or something.

So, how was Jakarta?
It was actually really impressive. I hadn't been there for ten years. In fact, the last time I went to Jakarta was the same trip I last went to Sydney, around the time Read My Lips came out, when we were away for a month, going all round Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia. So it tied in quite nicely to have these two club shows in Australia and a big festival show in Jakarta before that.

How did it go?
Well, I wasn't really sure what to expect, but I had like 5,000 people in this arena, and they were a really brilliant crowd. It was a very satisfying gig. They really seemed to know and like a lot of my stuff.

That's nice.
It really is. I'm always a bit trepidatious about who'll remember and who'll come, but it's amazing how many do. Jakarta was great and both of the Australian shows have sold out. And on my day out today, I kept bumping into people that recognised me, which was really nice. Sydney is such a friendly city. I bought a dress and the guy was like, "I hope you're looking forward to Sunday, it's going to be really good". It was really sweet.

Do people tend to say the same kind of things when they spot you in the street?
The number one thing is "Do you know you really look like that singer?" I get that more than anything else. I think it's because when I'm on stage I've got the full glam thing done, and I don't do that when I'm walking around. I'm quite low-key. So I think people think I can't be the same person.

Do you ever deny it's you?
Occasionally. But only very rarely. Only if I'm feeling a bit rubbish. But usually it's really nice. Like a guy I met on the street last night was so sweet and excited that I put him on the guest list for Sunday.

So you've only been to Sydney once before?
That's right. And last time I came I spent more time in Melbourne. So today I went out for about four or five hours just wandering around. And my step-cousin Kate is working and living here at the moment, so I met up with her yesterday afternoon. It's a lovely place to hang out. And it's a really easy city to walk around in, which is my favourite kind of city.

Did you go and see all the big sights?
I guess I did, really. I went to the Sydney Opera House. And I went on the train. They have double decker trains, so I obviously went upstairs! And we walked around this area called the Rocks, which is really pretty. And today I went around Surrey Hills and down Crown Street because there's loads of vintage shops around there. Then I walked more into the commercial area for a couple of basic things I needed - so I went to where Westfield is. Although our Westfield in Shepherd's Bush is certainly a lot nicer!

Are the two gigs just club shows then?
Yeah, exactly. The band aren't here, but I'll be doing a good half hour of greatest hits. They're part of two big party nights - I'm on pretty late at both - and it's a holiday weekend here, so there should be a good atmosphere. I'm just going to try and keep people dancing.

Are they a bit like Australian versions of G-A-Y?
I think so, yes. Particularly the one in Sydney, because it's apparently the biggest club in Sydney. They should be fun.

Has the new album been released in Australia?
Yes, it's out this week, and Starlight is at radio now.

It is quite amazing to go to the other side of the world after a decade and find people still listen to your music.
Absolutely. That sort of thing never fails to impress me. Like when I was in Jakarta, even checking into my flight there the woman behind the desk was telling me I was a trending topic on Twitter there. It's crazy. I never get jaded about that sort of thing. I think it's incredible. Actually, I couldn't sleep last night because of jet lag and I was working out how many cities I travelled to in the last two months, and I've performed in 18. Everywhere from Beirut to Istanbul to Moscow to Barcelona. It's amazing.

And it does sort of show how well Polydor did in the early days to get your music out there.
Oh completely. Groovejet was successful, but it was Murder on the Dancefloor that I think made people put a face to the voice, so to speak. That song really changed things, I think. And I'm still realising that now. At the time it was all part of a snowball.

Are you stopping off anywhere on the way back from Australia?
No, only for the plane to refuel. I leave on Monday then land back on Tuesday. Then I've got a couple of shows in Moscow at the end of next week. And then hopefully after that I'm not travelling anywhere for a while! And The Feeling are playing Shepherd's Bush Empire, so I'm going to do my duet with them there. I'm looking forward to that.

Talking of flying to Russia, some of your male fans were no doubt impressed by the Aeroflot outfit you modelled on Twitter recently!
Hahaha! I think it's so cool they gave me a uniform.

How did that happen?
I went on one of their flights and they had these really cool uniforms. Really 60s in this red/orange colour with big white lapels. I think they're very stylish. So I said on Twitter that I loved them and they spotted it and asked if I'd like one. Then they met me in the hotel foyer. And not only did they give me the dress - but the heels, the hat, the gloves and a scarf! So I can use it for a multitude of things. I could perform in it at something like G-A-Y, or wear it for fancy dress. Or just wear it for a night out. And if I wear it when I'm going through an airport, I might be able to go in the fast-track lane! It's funny the things you get excited about, but I'm really chuffed about it.

And where are you at with work on your next album?
I've been doing a bit of work in the studio at home with Richard, but the plan is really to try and gig as much as I can between now and Christmas, and then maybe January, February, March and April are blocked out with songwriting. I don't want to dawdle on this one. I want to knuckle down and get the album done in the spring. Because in the past I've been so bad at letting an album go, but I really like the idea of just really getting on with it. I think that might make me make a slightly different style of record, which I feel like I need to do. I'm really excited about getting into it.

What do you have planned for this evening?
I think Kat and I are going out for supper. But I've got a horribly early start tomorrow. I've got people coming to my room at 5am to start getting me ready for breakfast TV. But if last night's sleep is anything to go by I'll probably be awake then anyway! It was so crappy. I went to bed at like half 11 then woke up 3 and just couldn't get back to sleep.

Oh dear.
I know. I have had a really lovely trip, but I am looking forward to coming home. This has been the longest I've been away from the kids, so that's not been the easiest. That's why I've not been to Australia for a while. Skype has been a life saver. We've been putting it on in the morning before school. But I can't wait to get home and see them for real.

Eighth. A must listen. Stefano Mattara Extended Remix of Starlight. Its definitely better than the other two that we have heard so far.
http://soundcloud.com/mattara/sophie-ellis-bextor-starlight

SOPHIE ELLIS BEXTOR - STARLIGHT [STEFANO MATTARA RMX EXT] by MATTARA

Ninth. Sophie Ellis-Bextor: Live in Sydney, review by Mike from Pop Trash Addicts

ORIGINAL ARTICLE - http://poptrashaddicts.blogspot.com/2011/10/sophie-ellis-bextor-live-in-sydney.html

Read Mike's review on Pop Trash Addicts (link above). It sums up why we're all such ardent fans of Sophie. I'm going to post the pictures from the gig here.

Thanks for the pictures Mike.

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Bits from here and there.

Sophie's album peaked at #33 in the midweeks on the charts. That is higher than what a lot of her fans were expecting from this album, especially after a series of failed singles. Nonetheless, the album is amazing, and will be this year's BEST ALBUM, and possibly Sophie's best album yet.

The album peaked at #8 on the UK Indie Albums chart. The album and the new single Starlight are available for download on iTunes.

Sophie recently recorded a song with Bob Sinclar. Remember World Hold On? Its crazy how this entire era has been so full of dance music. The fifth album will be a breath of fresh air. Anyway, here's hoping that the Bob Sinclar collaboration has more success than the rest of her singles.

Sophie signed up as a guest judge on the new series of Britain & Ireland's Next Top Model. The pop star is joining host and executive producer Elle Macpherson, who said "We had Sophie Ellis-Bextor and she was really interesting, because she is successful and unusual. She is not a stereotypical beauty. She gave great feedback."

Sophie revealed to DigitalSpy that she is filming a cameo for Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant's new comedy series Life's Too Short. Writing on Twitter, singer Ellis-Bextor said: "Filming today w Warwick Davis, Ricky Gervais, Stephen Merchant & Sting for series 'life's too short'. cameo for me, playing myself. Testing. (sic)."

PurplePR are doing a fabulous job with Sophie.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: NEXT TOP MODEL - http://entertainment.stv.tv/tv/259354-sophie-ellis-bextor-joins-up-to-britain-irelands-next-top-model/

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: LIFE'S TOO SHORT - http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/tv/news/a326008/sophie-ellis-bextor-confirms-lifes-too-short-cameo.html

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Make a scene: Review

MAKE A SCENE (2011, EBGB RECORDS)

Three albums, four years of recording and delays, and five singles later, Sophie Ellis-Bextor has returned with one of the most anticipated albums of the year - "Make a scene"; collaborating with the cream of pop-dance producers including voted #1 DJ of the world Armin Van Buuren, chart toppers Calvin Harris and Freemasons, that incredibly talented Joe Mount of Metronomy and God himself - Richard X. Of course, there are a few regulars here - Greg Kurstin, Liam Howe of Sneaker Pimps and Dimitri Tikovoi; and a surprise collaboration with Fred Ball... So does this make the album a generic and manufactured one - NO!

The album opens with a bang (literally - "bang, bang, it’s a hold up"). Revolution, the album opener, has Sophie attempting a monotone delivery for the second time in her career (check the middle-8 from "Making Music", Shoot from the Hip). The chorus is simple, repetitive and arresting; the "army" hook is catchy. Cathy Dennis, who worked with Sophie on her last top 10 hit Catch You (which was also a Denis/Kurstin collaboration), co-wrote the song - and in fact, came up with the self-referencing line in the song (the line in the bridge - "face to face its murder on the dancefloor"). Revolution is highly energetic and frenetic, but is very short. It feels like the song is in a hurry to be done and introduce what seems to be Sophie's best album yet. (9/10)

All those cymbal crashes in Revolution lead to this big crash in the very beginning of track two. Bittersweet is a song produced by Freemasons and Biffco. The song was Sophie's second single off the album, but failed to set the charts on fire. Nonetheless, it received an overwhelmingly good response from her fan-base and went on to become the Song of the Day on PopJustice. It even kept Sophie on top of the PJ Almighty for what seemed like an eternity. Bittersweet is enthralling - with flawless production sampling bits from "Fade to Grey" by Visage and "Blue Monday" by New Order; the song even draws influences from "You Spin Me Around (Like a Record)" by Dead or Alive. Sophie effortlessly mews over the production. The meandering melody in the chorus, the cut-up vocals in the middle-8, the whispering bits and that incredible close to the chorus (the heavenly "oh-oh-oh-so here I am" bit) - all these make Bittersweet the ultimate pop/dance song that most solo female acts would kill for. To sum up, the song is a modern classic. (10/10)

Off And On, the planned-to be-sixth single off the album, is the first of the two songs with no lyrical contribution by La Bex. Originally written and demo-ed for Roisin Murphy's 2007 album, 'Overpowered', the song was handed over to Sophie to promote the then-planned Greatest Hits compilation. Fortunately, recording sessions proved fruitful and now we have the 4th album instead. Off And On is a commercial electro-pop number, which has been edited since its original premiere on Sophie's MySpace several years ago. Could this be the first top ten single from the album - I sincerely hope so, but only commercial radio can give this song the exposure it deserves. (9/10)

Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer) was also made to promote the GH compilation. The original demo is significantly different from the final mix that was released as a mutual single by Freemasons and Sophie back in 2009. The song charted just outside the top 10, but stands as the highest charted single from the album (in the UK) and has become one of her most popular songs since Murder on the Dancefloor. Described as electro-dance monster, the song will have you moving along to the loud synths and the big beats. This song, along with Bittersweet, proves that the Bex Monster and Freemasons are a match made in pop heaven. The Freemasons have always had brilliant and glittery production on their songs; their two songs on this album are no different. Their production brings out the emotion and drama in Sophie's voice - something that is absent in your regular commercial dance songs (yes Guetta, I'm talking about you) (9.5/10)

Not Giving Up On Love, the fourth single off the album, is a trance song, with a simple piano loop, great synths, some live drums thrown in here and there and, of course, Sophie's ever-so lush vocals. Miss E.B. is no stranger to melancholic melodies - what some fans consider her forte. The song is a collaboration with Armin Van Buuren, who is the voted #1 DJ of the world. The song was a big success in several countries across Europe but had no impact on the UK Charts. Vocal trance is a new field for Sophie, and I look forward to more trance DJ-collaborations in the future. The full length club edit is so much better than the hurriedly edited radio version, but you simply cannot have a 6+ minute trance track in the middle a pop album - still, it is worth listening to. (10/10)

The next song, Can't Fight This Feeling, is a collaboration with upcoming French DJ Junior Caldera. This is his biggest success across Europe, and in fact the song got a lot of attention from Sophie's fanbase in Russia and some other countries across Europe. On my first listen, both track 5 and 6 stuck out like a sore thumb. The song isn't bad at all. It is very commercial sounding, very 2009-10. Its weird because her songs almost never sound 'current'. Its very hit or miss really. I liked the song a lot when it was released as a single before Bittersweet, but the shine has worn off now. Sophie has recently written another track with Junior Caldera. Lets hope that song sees the light of the day in some form. (7/10)

If I have to sum up the next song in one word, I would only say "heavenly". Starlight, produced by Richard X *screams* is straight out of the 80's. Starlight is released as the 5th (overall) single from the album, the 4th in the UK. You can watch the video, directed by her father, Robin Bextor, right here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDlkxDu06OU
The song has a melancholic feeling, and is slightly ethereal and lush. This is definitely one of the best songs on the album. I'd love for Sophie to work with Richard X *screams* again. Starlight is positioned in the perfect place - and feels refreshing to listen to after 6 dance songs that play back-to-back! You don't know what heaven feels like until you have heard this song. Everything from the slick production and the poetic lyrics to the lush vocals are perfect. One thing that will really grab your attention is the almost-Madonna-esque middle-8; "We are one". (10/10)

Sophie performed Under Your Touch last year on the Album Charts Show and I was really looking forward to listening to the studio version of the song. It is produced by long time collaborator Liam Howe of the Sneaker pimps. The song begins with eeire strings, which brings to mind Madonna's "Sorry". The song has a very busy production, with loads of sounds building up as the song progresses. Sophie sounds fantastic. The mechanised vocals in the song were a nice surprise. It might sound slightly filler-ish on the first listen, but after a couple of listens, the song grows on you, and you tend to put this into a long list of songs that should be singles. (8.5/10)

The title track, Make A Scene, is unlike anything that she has ever done before. The song begins with some clunky notes and a strange beat, and soon builds into this really bouncy jam. The chorus is phenomenal and has Sophie screaming "come on now" as she makes a scene. The almost spoken verses, the saxophone, the really weird drum sequence that sounds a little off-track in the first few seconds, Sophie screaming in some places - in theory this will seem like one of the worst ideas ever. But it all comes together so well - everything feels so disjoint, but at the same time, its all very 'together'. One must give sufficient credit to Joseph Mount, of Metronomy, who helped co-write and co-produce this song. You can definitely hear some 'Nights Out' influences in this song. You might even say that this song sounds like something off Roisin Murphy's 'Ruby Blue' album, crossed with production by Basement Jaxx (now that is a collaboration that should happen!). I'd love to see more Sophie-Metronomy songs in the future.(10/10)

Magic is the second of the two Richard X *screams* songs on the album. The song is, as the title suggests, magical. It begins with simple "ooh ooh"s and builds up into this 80's influenced, scratch that, 80's epic. A simple-but-massive chorus takes centre stage; the production really brings out the best in Sophie's voice. I'm a sucker for anything Richard X *screams*, but this has to be one of his best productions. Lyrically, the song is very poetic, much like Starlight. The middle-8 contains whispers again. Sophie brought whispers back in fashion - I'm not even sure if whispers went out of fashion, but I'd love to give Sophie credit for putting whispers on two (thats right, TWO) songs on the album. Well done Sophie. Well done Hannah. Richard X *screams*, I salute you! (10/10)

The next song is a historic moment in pop music (or so I think, don't burst my bubble). Sophie is probably the only popstar in the world to have used the word "politicise" in a song. And as a fan from PopJustice once said, she is also, probably, the only popstar in the world to have written an electro-pop number about a text stalker. Now THIS is your quirky pop song. The almost story-like lyrics describe Sophie's attitude toward her text stalker. One line in particular - "when you're lost at sea, I'm on land" - is like a slap-in-the-face-get-a-life type of situation. I love the general bitchy-ness about the song. Dial My Number is produced by Liam Howe and co-written with Hannah Robinson. The song, like the other Howe production, is very busy sounding, and quite loud. This was probably the most anticipated song on the album - and it could end up becoming a fan-favourite. (9/10)

Homewrecker is such an amazing-title for a pop song. You'd expect swearing and cursing on this song - but surprisingly, there's no swearing or cursing... or is there? The lyrics of the song are intentionally blunt, but also very witty. The “ho..ho..homewrecker” bit caught everyone by surprise. Its right there, she’s actually swearing, but its so wonderfully hidden beneath the apparent hook. Only Sophie Ellis-Bextor could swear and still sound so posh, take notes Ke$ha. The song is produced by Greg Kurstin, and has some similar production gimmics. The organ in the beginning of the song make this song seem almost-demented in some ways. Well done, Sophie, well done! (8.5/10)

Now is that point in the album when you're pretty much done with dancing and jumping around, and you just want to sit down and listen to some good pop music. And Sophie knows that. Synchronised, is the first of the two ballads on the album; the second song with no lyrical contribution by Sophie, and is truly immense. The song sounds very commercial - kinda like "If You Go"'s moody little sister. The song focuses on Sophie's vocal power, and that is, essentially, what makes this song a masterpiece. Sophie's vocals have never sounded this good and emotive. Here is solid proof against all those people who claim that Sophie cannot breathe life and emotion into a song - IN YOUR FACE, HATERS! (10/10)

Cut Straight To The Heart is the perfect close to a perfect album. The song features lyrical contribution by the infamous Ed Harcourt. Sophie sounds very vulnerable, and the general feeling and production of the song can be compared to one of her older songs from her second album - "I Am Not Good At Not Getting What I Want". The track has beautiful instrumentation, and also samples the drum sequence from Placebo's cover of "Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)", which is also, not so surprisingly, produced by Dimitri. The song might be slightly over-shadowed by the amazing-ness of its predecessor, but is no less brilliant. Sophie finishes the album in style. (10/10)

If you haven't heard this album yet, you haven't really heard what good pop music sounds like. Sophie has once again proved that she truly deserves the title "Pop Goddess". Well done.

ALBUM HIGHLIGHTS:
Bittersweet
Not Giving Up On Love
Starlight
Make A Scene
Magic
Synchronised
Cut Straight To The Heart

OVERALL RATING: 9.3/10. Plus, additional 0.7 for the brilliant artwork and photographs in the album, all the effort that has gone behind getting it finally out there. A solid 10/10 effort overall!

...yes, this is exactly how I feel about the release. Its finally here, and it is flawless. Make sure you legally purchase a copy (or two) of Make a scene.

Link to online sites where you can buy the album:
iTunes UK
Amazon
7Digital

Buy the CD from here:
Amazon
HMV
Play
Tesco

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

Vote for Starlight on Gaydar Radio

http://gaydarradio.com/UserPortal/YourChoice/YourChoice.aspx

You can vote every half an hour or so, or clear you cookies and vote even sooner. Please keep voting for the single. Hopefully this song will get more airplay than any of her other singles.

So far, local radio stations are supporting her well.
57 plays - Ministry of Sound Radio (Carl Hanaghan Remix)
45 plays - Real Radio Yorkshire, Real Radio Wales, Real Radio North West
43 plays - Real Radio North East
42 plays - Real Radio Scotland, TFM
39 plays - Metro Radio
28 plays - Atlantic FM
26 plays - CFM
24 plays - Touch FM
18 plays - Rugby FM
13 plays - MFR FM, Gaydio
11 plays - Downtown Radio
09 plays - BBC Radio 2
07 plays - 97.4 Rock FM
06 plays - Isle of Wight Radio
05 plays - Cool FM
02 plays - Q Radio
01 plays - Viking FM, Smash Hits! Radio, Radio City, Radio Aire, Key 103, Hallam FM

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Sophie on Gaydio

Gaydio Interview by SOPHIERAZZI

Saturday, June 4, 2011

Sophie on The Style Nation T4

Sophie performed Starlight on The Style Nation.

youtube upload thanks to Renzo.

download the performance here - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=K93C73PI

upload thanks to Paul.

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Sophie on the radio.

It's good to see that Starlight is getting some airplay. I'm trying so hard not to expect anything out of this. But i sincerely hope it sells a good number of copies on iTunes. I'm not sure if a physical release is planned.

Also, let's not forget the Carl Hanaghan Remix. The song was recently made available for free download on Sophie's official website. All you need to do is register your name and email address, and the download will automatically start. The good thing about the Carl Hanaghan Radio Edit is that it doesn't ruin the structure of the song. I am warming up to it, but it still doesn't beat the amazing-ness of the original. Well done Sophie, well done Richard X, well done Hannah.

I just noticed that some radio stations are still playing Sophie's songs. This made me happy. Sophie stated in a recent interview that she plans to release Off And On as the next single, but i guess that will only happen if this single does well. Or maybe its a mutual single between Calvin and Sophie. Lets hope we get a b-side (because they have done another song together, Calling It Love).... it feels weird that we have ONE b-side but five singles. So un-Sophie-like.

"Make a scene" is available for pre-order on iTunes. Those of you who live in the UK and who haven't pre-ordered the physical yet, there is good news, because just for ₤7.99 you can now download the entire album and all 5 music videos from this era (Heartbreak Make Me A Dancer, Can't Fight This Feeling, Bittersweet, Not Giving Up On Love and Starlight). Hurry, pre-order your copy today.

Pre-order from iTunes - http://itunes.apple.com/gb/preorder/make-a-scene/id440540653
Pre-order from Amazon - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004WJBE96/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=essemusiandma-21&linkCode=as2&camp=1634&creative=19450&creativeASIN=B004WJBE96
Pre-order exclusive signed slipcase from HMV - http://hmv.com/hmvweb/displayProductDetails.do?ctx=4600;0;-1;-1;-1&sku=718255

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

...as requested

Interviews and Performances from the radio tour, for download:

Loose Ends, BBC Radio 4, 21st May 2011
INTERVIEW
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=L7002HVM
STARLIGHT (Performance)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=AOW0E0LG

The Evening Takeover, Juice FM, 19th May 2011
INTERVIEW
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=HYO5E7J0

Telephone Interview, Gaydar Radio, 18th May 2011
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=W51L01HM

Evening Show, Real Radio, 18th May
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=YUCG0IBN

Night Owls, Metro Radio, 16th May 2011
INTERVIEW
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=I3MSQ47R
STARLIGHT (Performance)
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=F9FT1Y9B

Evening Show, Wave 105.2 FM, 16th May 2011
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=OW7T8239

Monday, May 23, 2011

Sophie on Lorainne, performance + interview

Sophie was on Lorainne today. There was a little chit chat about the new label, Sophie's personal life and the new single Starlight. Also, there were scenes from the concert, which i assume are going to form a part of the music video for Starlight.

You can download the interview and performance right here:
INTERVIEW - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=TH6JG8M2
PERFORMANCE - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=GNVCJ8SK
(recording and upload thanks to Paul)

Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Sophie performs Starlight on The Hour

She may still be an internationally renowned dance vocalist, but Sophie Ellis-Bextor has other priorities in her life now, with her two sons Sonny and Kit. While speaking to STV’s The Hour, she said that sleep has had to take a back seat while she balances her family life and career, but that the lifestyle still remains “seductive”.

“It’s just meant it’s a bit more chaotic,” she explained to presenters Michelle McManus and Stephen Jardine. “It means that I often sacrifice sleep, so if I have trips away I’ll take the latest possible flight out and the first one back. I try to do it when [the children] don’t really notice, like I’ll often fly through the night.”

Last Christmas she managed this quite literally when she flew to Beirut for just eight hours. Arriving on the 11pm flight and taking off at 7am the following morning, it was dark the entire time she was there.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor rejects sleep for family life

Although Kit is only two years old, seven-year-old Sonny is beginning to realise that his parents’ jobs are very different from the other mums and dads. As well as her own international music career, Sophie’s husband Richard is the bass player for pop-rock band The Feeling.

Sophie said: “[Sonny] knows that his parents are both musicians and I think he’s worked out now that other people’s parents don’t do silly jobs like us. I try not to dwell on it if anyone does ever say anything when we’re out, because I just want him to think of me as his mum.”

Sophie herself is the daughter of Blue Peter presenter Janet Ellis and producer-director Robin Bextor so is used to a life in the limelight, and she admits herself that her sons will likely move into show business.

“It’s quite likely really… We’re lucky enough to do jobs that are our passion, something we adore doing and a lot of it is having fun. Richard’s band mates in The Feeling, he went to school with them, so that’s him and his friends getting up on stage, playing songs they love, loud, running about, it’s quite a seductive lifestyle really. What’s not to like?”

As well as parenthood, Sophie Ellis-Bextor is also spending her days paving the way for the release of her new album Make A Scene. Due out on June 13, this is her fourth studio record as a solo artist and includes collaborations with Calvin Harris and dance band Freemasons.

Watch the interview here - http://entertainment.stv.tv/music/249939-sophie-ellis-bextor-rejects-sleep-for-family-life/

Ahead of the release of her fourth album, Make A Scene, Sophie Ellis-Bextor performed new single Starlight live on The Hour. The song, a follow up to recent single Not Giving Up On Love and last year’s Bittersweet, is due to be released on June 13.

Sophie has been a regular fixture on the UK Singles Chart for ten years now, since her collaboration with Italian DJ Spiller on Groovejet (If This Ain’t Love) snatched the number one spot from former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham.

Her debut album, Read My Lips, then went double platinum and reached number two in the UK Albums Chart, followed two years later by Shoot from the Hip which produced two top ten singles.
Sophie Ellis-Bextor performs Starlight live on The Hour

Her third album, Trip the Light Fantastic, reached number seven in the UK in 2007.

Starlight and album Make A Scene are both released on June 13, 2011.

Starlight (Live, Acoustic) - http://entertainment.stv.tv/music/249895-sophie-ellis-bextor-performs-starlight-live-on-the-hour/

Or download the interview and the performance right here:
Interview (avi file, 92mb) - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=4UFWFAIJ
Starlight (avi file, 71mb) - http://www.megaupload.com/?d=XO2B0AJQ
(thanks to Paul for the uploads)

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Starlight (JRMX Club Mix)

PurplePR uploaded a new mix of Starlight. It's miles better than that other remix...

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Starlight [JRMX Club Mix] by PurplePR

But nothing beats the original! Nonetheless, well done JRMX. There's a little too much happening in the chorus, but that sounds pretty good on the second listen.

Thursday, May 5, 2011

Official Catch Up Part 2

So, you've got some shows coming up in some exotic places, like Ukraine and Lebanon.
Yeah, I love the fact that even after ten years I'm still going to new countries and singing to new fans. That's pretty cool, I think. I went to Beirut for a show last year, actually and I was literally only in the country for about 8 hours. Hopefully this time I'll be able to stay a little bit longer and have a look around!

Are there more show announcements to come?
Yeah, we've got quite a few TBC dates around the world to add, I think. And I'm really keeping my fingers crossed that we get to play in South America. I seem to have so many fans on Facebook from there, and I'm absolutely desperate to go. I've only managed to be there once before, but I'm always nagging my agent and manager to get me out there again. Hopefully soon.

So, Starlight is the new single, how would you describe it?
Well it's a kind of mid-tempo, '80s electro ballad. I think of it as the kind of song you hear in a club when the play a few slowies and you're maybe snogging someone.

Ah, what they used to call "the erection section".
Hahaha! That's classy! But, yeah, I made it with Richard X and Hannah Robinson. Richard is very, very talented - his production is lush. And I've done loads of stuff with Hannah. I think we've got a very similar approach to top line melodies. We work really well together.

Will there be a video?
Yes, I filmed the last show of the tour I did before Christmas - the one in London. My dad actually filmed it with his crew, so we've been editing that together with some other bits of footage. It's looking good. It should be out within the next week or two.

Did you enjoy the UK tour?
I absolutely loved it. It's something I'd been meaning to do for a long time. And without wanting to blow my own trumpet too much, I think the band, the lighting, the sound and everything was really great. I felt so secure on stage. I'd just like to keep gigging. We're in such a brilliant position as a live band.

You're certainly still working hard.
I don't think I have an alternate setting, really. If anything, the time when I maybe got a bit blase was at the beginning when everything was coming really easily. But now, I adore it and I've got a passion for it and I understand what it all means. For the last five years I've tried to do everything to the best of my ability, rather than coming out thinking, "Oh I wish I'd tried a bit harder".

And you still enjoy it?
Totally. Probably more now than ever.

You've got a duet on the new Feeling album.
Yes, which I sang the other night at their Heaven show. That was a really good night. Roisin Murphy came along and sang her song with Dan. And I really enjoyed doing the song I've done with Dan. I think it's a very classy, atmospheric and, again, slightly sad-sounding song. It's funny because the mood of the song is quite intense, and I have to get myself in a certain frame of mind when I'm singing it.

It also means you're singing a love song to another man while your husband watches.
Yeah! We're just all kind of kinky like that. Hahahahaha! Singing a love song to a gay man while my straight husband looks on. That's the way we roll! Hahaha!

We also hear you've started on album five.
I have made a start, yeah. I've probably written about four or five songs. It's quite a different direction, which has been quite good for my head. There's nothing dancey about it.

Wowser.
Yeah, so I've been working with Ed Harcourt and Bernard Butler. It's all a bit more songwriter-y, stripped back and live sounding. There's not a synth in sight. I think that's why this fourth album is so dancey, because I've always had a bit of an idea that the one after it should be diametrically opposed. So that's where I'm at right now.

That sounds very intriguing.
Mmm. The dream would be to release it with a remix album of the same songs. That would be amazing. But, yeah, everything feels quite exciting at the moment. It's great.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE: http://www.sophieellisbextor.net/news?id=333

Wednesday, May 4, 2011

Radio Creme Brulee gives starlight High-Rotation airplay

Radio Creme Brulee, an American internet Radio station has given Starlight (Sophie's 5th single from her 4th album Make A Scene) high-rotation airplay. They are actually playing the song 4-5 times a day, thanks to support from Sophie's management. You can listen to their online radio here.

http://www.radiocremebrulee.com

"Radio Creme Brulee" (www.radiocremebrulee.com) - an American internet radio station that features an eclectic blend of current pop/rock music from both sides of the Atlantic alongside guilty pleasures, forgotten tracks, and radio hits from the last 3 decades. The format is like that of a typical American "top 40" station with the older stuff blended in. While their audience is predominantly American, they have a growing number of listeners from the France, Israel, Spain, and Mexico.

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Starlight (Carl Hanaghan Remix)

Yes, apparently its official.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor - Starlight (Carl Hanaghan Remix) by carlhanaghan

I know many people will like it. I'm not very fond of it. It ruined a gorgeous track.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

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

Monday, April 18, 2011

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

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

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