The best music blog on the web ?

New blog details

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 10:07:00 +0000

The Myhotmusic blog is moving house. You can read the new blog here http://www.myhotmusic.com/myhotmusic.
We will still have the old blog online, and you can read all the archived posts.
The new blog will have lots of new features and has a completely different design.

Check it out now by clicking the link.

My Favourite 80s songs.

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 10:12:00 +0000

I have just been listening to my favourite 80s songs and I find it hard to beat Sade's "Sweetest Taboo" or Tears for Fears "Everybody Wants to Rule the World". These 2 songs will possibly feature in most people's best 100 80s songs. Anyway enough of me waffling on about it. Have a listen to them now.

Check back and bookmark this page because I will be adding more songs to the playlist.

Gabriella Cilmi A New Generation of Hot Australian singers.

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:23:00 +0000

After many years of frankly not much to shout about, Australia is producing a crop of super talented chicks. First there is Gabriella Cilmi and of cours our very own Sesha, whose video "The Power of Love" is threatening to become the next big Youtube hit.

The future is bright for Australian pop. Gabriella's single "Sweet About Me", written with Xenomania who gave us the excellent Sugababes song "Someone In My Bed" is catchy and while it's not my favourite song on the album, I have found myself singing along to it and her vocal style is unique enough to penetrate your brain. She has been compared to Amy Winehouse and it's obvious why. However, she is young and doesn't yet have the mature vocal tones that Amy does. Gabriella should go out of her way to dispel the comparisons and by supporting Sugababes on their tour, I think she is making a big statement to distance herself from the "Amy Winehouse lite" tag.

On a wider point, regarding female Australian singers, Australia isn't reknowned for great Australian female pop stars. There's Kylie and well, Kylie. Stephanie McKintosh couldn't cut it, Kate Alexa is more 'bark' than 'bite' (although she is young and is growing as a singer), one of the problems of the past is a certain pop snobbery amongst musicians and singers. However this is changing and on the underground there are a lot of hot, good looking singers who with a bit of guidance and collaboration with the right writers and producers, will be able to rival the Sugababes, Girls Aloud, Natasha Bedingfield and Rihannas of this world.

All in All Gabriella is the start of a new generation of female Australian pop singers, with her super, delicious HOT MUSIC !

Could Guy Hands & EMI go independent ?

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 17:04:00 +0000

The Guy Hands revolution goes on at EMI who are now rumoured to be joining the independent collective AIM & WIN. What would this mean ? Well for a start EMI will become the largest and one of the most successful independent labels. It would also mean that AIM & WIN for that matter will benefit from a huge financial input which would also see EMI getting more clout and the independent sector will gain a serious amount of bargaining chips when negotiating with third parties. There will also be one less major. If Guy Hands succeeds with his plans to reinvent EMI, it will spell the end of the Major labels as we know it and the rise of the independents.

We7 signs with Sony/BMG (streaming only). My thoughts.

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 02:53:00 +0000

From April music fans will be able to stream the back catalogue of Sony/BMG for free at we7.com, with an advert in between each song. This is a compromise solution for both companies as We7 prefer fans to be able to download the tracks so as to wean them off the illegal p2p sites. However there are merits to a streaming only deal which at least offers labels and artists payment for the now ubiquitous free music on Youtube, Myspace and a host of other sites, most, dubious copycats. Users have the option of buying the download.

I think We7 are moving forward in a very good way and are showing the likes of Youtube and Myspace a thing or two. By having audio ads in between each song, advertisers are guaranteed that their message will be heard. I think as long as the entry point for the advertising is done "Google style" this could work in a huge way. Media companies, record companies, artists and everyone who advertises on radio would be jumping at the chance of advertising on We7.

I do think one thing is missing. This is the ability to offer incentives for sharing. If We7 allow fans to profit in the sharing of the music playlists as has been done successfully with www.revver.com and British company www.unrulymedia.com then you will see an explosion of shared playlists across the country and the globe. If We7 do this they will profit tremendously from doing so.

First there was Winehouse, now there is Duffy

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Sun, 09 Mar 2008 10:00:00 +0000

The UK is producing a lot of retro female singers. Apart from Amy Winehouse, there are: Adele, Gabriella Cilmi, and now Welsh singer/songwriter Duffy. Born Aimee Anne Duffy in June 1984 in Gwynedd, Duffy is being tipped as the modern day Dusty Springfield. I am not totally convinced by Duffy, I hate this completely fake 60s makeover that they have "forced on her". However, I acknowledge that she has a good voice, good songs and there is a lot of money being spent on her to break her so there is no doubt she will have a succesfull couple of albums but apart from that I am not sure. Tell us what you think.

Shameless plug: Project Sunday "The Power of Love"

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 00:50:00 +0000

Watch the video to the brand new single by Project Sunday featuring Sesha. The Power of Love is the cover of Jennifer Rush's 80s hit which was also covered by Celine Dion. This version has a pretty good rhythm track that some have compared to Cascada though I personally don't hear that. Anyway can't say too much as it is one of our own so enjoy.

Myhotmusic Alert - Michael Jackson "Got The Hots"

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 06:09:00 +0000

Is there another male voice as beautiful as Michael Jackson's in his hey day ? This is a track off the Japanese version of the Thriller 25 year album. Outstanding harmonies as usual and a late 70s disco meets 80s sound. For all you producers and a&r people signing talent, nothing beats a quality vocal. It makes everything around it work. May all the pop pretenders go to music class and listen to a 'real' vocalist at work.

Audio link: from www.imeem.com

Jill Sobule asks fans to invest in her new album.

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 01:07:00 +0000

2007 was the year of the 'whatever you can afford' album. Will 2008 be the year fans invest in the production of a new album, in return for certain privileges ? Jill Sobule thinks so. It is not a new idea and has been tried out before but has Jill got a new spin on it ? Have a look a this.

Myhotmusic Alert - Darksyde "Bounce".

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 00:04:00 +0000

I have no idea who the Darksyde crew are but let me just say this is the beginning of a new Garage assault on the charts. Fabulous vocals, catchy chorus (not terribly memorable after a few listens though). But put it on the decks and grab a girl and groove away to this bouncy pop/garage tune. Will it be a massive hit in Aiya Napa ? Yes! Will it hit the top 10? Yes ! Come on guys get your cheque books out and sign this record, it will be massive.

Myhotmusic - Playlist of the Day.

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Sat, 02 Feb 2008 05:49:00 +0000

I grew up listening to Reggae in West London and I can remember the early tapes my dad played on his reel to reel tape recorder. I was introduced to a number of hits this way as a lot of Reggae hits were covers. Anyway I always enjoy good Reggae music especially Lovers Rock on a lazy day. This Imeem Playlist caught my attention and I would like to share it with you. Stand out tracks for me:

Maxi Priest "Tender Touch"
http://profile.imeem.com/EGY0w1/music/zBer1IyW/maxi_priest_tender_touch/

JC Lodge "Stealing Lodge".
http://eautifulgirl.imeem.com/music/hIEgjz1K/jc_lodge_stealing_love/

Brilliant just brillant.

Wow Just have a listen to the first lady of British lovers rock, Janet Kay.
This song is amazing and you will be singing the chorus all the way.

Also listen to this:

Justin & Bitty McClean "More than Words"
http://nylsirk.imeem.com/music/z-kIDcik/justin_young_more_than_words/

Myhotmusic Alert - Depeche Mode

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 12:23:00 +0000

Electronic, synth pop never sounded better than Depeche Mode. I was quite a fan of theirs after watching "Love in Itself" on TV. So I am highlighting 2 of their songs on Myhotmusic today. The video is "Stripped" and you can listen to "Love in Itself" below. Brilliant.

Myhotmusic Alert - Atomic Kitten "Anyone Who Had A Heart"

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 17:06:00 +0000

Well at last a UK girlband to rival the Sugababes. Well Atomic Kitten are back with another ballad which sounds alright, love the video for its simplicity. The girls new look, is not so great. But love em all the same.

Myhotmusic Alert - Maxi Priest "Just Wanna Know"

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 06:42:00 +0000

Music like this is timeless, beautiful and just marvellous.
Here is the original UK mix version which made me buy the album back in 1992. Pity I bought it on Cassette which has now gone the way of the dodo.

Don't Watch...America's Most Smartest Model.

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 03:30:00 +0000

You know what you think about animal testing, right? But what are your views on model testing?
MTV puts beautiful models to the test! Throwing them into a house to carry out experiments and IQ tests to decide who will win the dubious title of 'America's Most Smartest Model.'
If cruel tests on gorgeous models offend you, then don't watch it on Sunday 20th Jan, 9pm, on MTV ONE.
Join the protest at www.mtv.co.uk/againstmodeltesting

Models have right too, ya know!

How to have an iTunes hit the Youtube way.

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 03:26:00 +0000

Quietly and without an awful lot of fanfare, there are many independent artists who are selling thousands on iTunes. One such artist is Kelly who has sold 300,000 songs on iTunes. Yes folks, 300,000 songs. Now his video for the single "Shoes" has a total of 40 million views. Amazing. Now you can watch it for yourselves (below). How can you do the same well try the following:

1. Shoot A quirky (crap) video shot cheaply with a mate's DV camera.
2. Place a direct link to iTunes so that people can impulse buy it.
3. Mash up a mix with a popular hit song or do a cover.
4. Send it out to the media hyping it as a genuine internet hit.
5. Bank your money and ride around in a posh car.

40 million views to 300,000 sales sounds about right. But enough of that now watch the video for yourself.

Nike+ Supersonic

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:48:00 +0000

Britney Spears Custody drama escalates.

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 07:34:00 +0000

Apparently emergency services, the Police, Ambulance and Fire dept have all turned up at Britney Spears' home to attend a family custody dispute. Surely Kevin & Britney have to come to an amicable solution for the sake of their children. This is not the right way to resolve this. Having said that, it does seem a little over the top for the Police, Ambulance and Fire Dept to show up. Britney despite her woes is riding high as far as her music is concerned with her latest single "Piece of Me" doing pretty well.

Get your video online in 2008 and profit from it.

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 05:48:00 +0000

2007 was an interesting year for marketing online and for music it was a significant year. The top 4 viral videos of 2007 were all music related. The Evolution of Dance (78 million views) took the top spot and Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" was second (67 million views).

What does all this mean to you ? Let 2008 be the year of clever use of videos for marketing your music. How about a ripple release campaign along the following lines.

(Articles continues below Scotch Mist - A Film With Radiohead In It).

1. Create a 30 sec Video advert. You can just use stills, audio and a voiceover. Or perhaps video, audio and a voiceover. The voiceover is important as well as an overlay of your website.

2. Create a video EPK with a live version of the single. Maybe an acoustic version or a simple video. Lily Allen did this with LDN. At this point you could have a link to iTunes or a pre-order of the download or even limited release physical singles.

3. The official video once the track is released. All of these must be on a website you control as well as Youtube of course and you must promote using your own website and place prominent links on Youtube or other video sites you are using.

Videos also are very good SEO tools and are much cheaper than pay per click campaigns although combining the 2 is very important as an ad campaign can oil the wheels of your campaign.

2008 is going to be the year online video asserts itself over and above television especially amongst the youth. Marry this with any mobile content or service and you will find a vital new income stream. Thats all from me for today. Mrfuturistic!

Myhotmusic Alert - Rick James "Taste"

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:09:00 +0000

He tragically died in 2004 but has left a gem of a track in my opinion in "Taste". Taken from the album "Deeper Still" which is a great blues and soul album in a world of crap r&b/hip hop dross. Hopefully radio stations will pick up on it and play it and other similar artists and begin to turn away this 'gansta' yoof music which has had a detrimental effect on the kids of today. Make love not war and Rick James' "Taste" will certainly put you in the mood for love.

Amazon.co.uk Widgets

2008. The birth of the 'service oriented' music major.

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 13:46:00 +0000

I gaze into the oracles and I can see the complete collapse of the current major labels and a birth of a new ethos amongst the labels emerging. This new ethos will be a more 'service oriented' major. Where providing their customers (artists and consumer alike) choice becomes the norm. A range of services will be introduced which will see Tunecore style distribution models, hire by the hour marketing services and of course a full 360 model should an artist opt for that. These changes will be forced on the majors who having realised that they are over bloated and cannot rely on the ever shrinking CD sales model. Individual digital sales suit a lean machine and the majors at the moment cannot compete. They still have a place, they still have relevance but now that Merlin have entered into the fray and the scales have come off their eyes the future of music isn't all doom and gloom. Or have I got it all wrong ?

Jodie Marsh Xmas Special

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:18:00 +0000

MTV pays its favourite Essex-girl a visit.

This summer, Jodie's nationwide search for a husband culminated in a live wedding in her parent’s back yard. With the honeymoon well and truly over and rumours rife that the happy couple have now split, MTV pays her a visit to see what's really going on. And believe me, it ain't pretty!

Myhotmusic Alert - Rudeboy and Rascal "Watch my Back".

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 21:53:00 +0000

This song has been on repeat on my myspace player. I really love it. Not only does it have a great vibe, reminds me of Madness to be honest, it also has a serious message for the trigger happy London youth who seem to want to live in a warzone. Another example of multi racial integration in London. These guys have so much potential I will be keeping an eye on them for the future.

You gotta Hand it to the Guy.

noreply@blogger.com (Myhotmusic) — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 00:41:00 +0000

Guy Hands is the best thing EMI have had in ages. His 'revolutionary' slashing of the over bloated costs of marketing and having a look at the collection societies is sure to raise a few eyebrows in the music industry. Not to mention the swift adoption of an 'mp3' model for EMI labels. However he is only dealing with half of the problem for the major music industry. The other half has to do with getting the talent in the first place. There are opportunities out there for the majors to have an image makeover that would win them support from artists and fans alike. A move into a service oriented company will not only see their revenue skyrocket but avoid the need to cut out the talented marketers and staff EMI has. It will also boost their share price as well which is what Guy ultimately wants.

Mr Hands if you really want to now revolutionize your company then you must do one more thing. Set up a 'White Label' Service with the headline "NOW YOU CAN BE ON A MAJOR LABEL". Provide the back end support like Tunecore does, charge a similar fee and create your own charts. You can then pick up any artist and move them into a new 'partnership programme' with EMI and well put Universal, SonyBMG and Warners on notice that EMI have arrived. Spliting revenue from all aspects of their career. It is a win win situation for all. This isn't rocket science Mr Hands and you seem to be the only exec with the balls to do it.

This is how the majors MUST evolve if they are to survive. Youtube and others are creating more new stars than the music industry albeit one hit wonders with 15 seconds of fame. But market share is what they are after which they then can tackle the income side of things. Watch as Youtube becomes THE place to advertise your product in the next 5 years denting radio and TV in a big way.

Let's Hand it to the Guy because he is THE MAN !