:: arjanwrites music blog ::

Astralwerks to Release Lune feat. Swedish House Mafia 'Leave The World Behind'

Frequent readers of this blog may remember that I first introduced you to the mesmerizing vocals of Swedish pop songstress Lune back in April of last year when I blogged about her track, "Let Go." Last week, she returned to the global dance-pop spotlight when she unleashed a new version of "Leave The World Behind" that features none other than Swedish House Mafia. 

Originally recorded by Sebastian Ingrosso,  Axwell and Steve Angello with Laidback Luke, and featuring the vocals of Deborah Cox, "Leave The World Behind" was without a doubt one of the defining club anthems of summer 2009. This imaginative acoustic remake is synched with a Volvo advertising campaign also starring Swedish House Mafia which premiered in Sweden last week.

It's safe to say that this stirring remake of "Leave The World Behind" is Swedish House Mafia's very last musical farewell, their swan song if you will. The ad features Sebastian, Axwell and Steve leaving the world they shared together behind after the hectic four years as Swedish House Mafia shot against some raw and gritty Swedish landscapes. 

"We are so proud to appear in this new version of 'Leave The World Behind," Swedish House Mafia says on their web site. "Lune has long been a friend and a collaborator, and Volvo presented us this beautiful film idea to us in Scandinavia at it most beautiful."

Lune is the brainchild of Linnéa Martinsson who established Lune as a special project that gives her the creative freedom to "combine different art forms with the ambition to reach out and communicate with people," she explains on her web site. Rooted in the dance and performance world she first began to write songs with two chords and simple, direct lyrics before teaming up with various collaborators.  ‘Leave The World Behind" is not her first foray into the world of dance music as Martinsson also provided the vocals for Adrian Lux’s huge dancefloor hit "Teenage Crime."

Astralwerks will release Lune feat. Swedish House Mafia "Leave The World Behind" on May 30 in the U.S.

VV Brown Premieres New Single 'Samson' from Forthcoming New LP [LISTEN]

V V Brown returns with a bang - stronger, bolder and more inspired than ever. After stirring up chart success on both sides of the Atlantic with "Travelling Like The Light," the British singer/songwriter worked diligently on her second album for most of 2011 but after lots of soul-searching she decided to abort the entire project. Brown split from her record label to chart her course independently.

The singer explains in an interview that going her own way was an important decision to help her grow as an artist. "I feel like I've grown so much as a women and an artist," she tells Hunger TV. "Maturity has been a huge catalyst. I wrote my first record in 2007. I was growing up whilst I was touring. Your album is a snap shot of a time in your life and you have to carry that sonic photograph with you as you change."

She adds, "When it was time to do the next album, I was a different person. It was an organic natural state of growth and change for me. Its been a while since the last record and my tastes have most definitely developed. Since diving into the fashion community and working with some amazing artists I learnt a lot more about a purer and creative way to express yourself and was compelled by the convictions of people remaining so true to there vision that there was no room for doubt."

Today, Brown released the video for her much-anticipated new single, "Samson," that will be released in May. Inspired by artists like Bjork, James Blake, The Knife and Little Dragon, " the song unveils a decidedly more electronic and experimental sound with its gritty textures and darker hues. Regardless of its forward production stylings, the song is dominated by Brown's soulful and inspired vocals that will please existing fans and hopefully make many new ones.

"I really hope I don’t alienate the fans that are already on board," Brown tells Hunger. "I hope the walk with me and my reinvention." (Photo via Karl Is My Unkle)

Hot New Talent Alert: Listen to Francesco 'The Way You Were'

Soul-pop crooner Francesco delivers his music with a poise and gusto that is truly remarkable for his age. At 17 years young, the Canadian singer is a bit of an old soul who has the innate ability to convey subtle emotions with a finesse that is far beyond his age. He just premiered his debut single, entitled "The Way You Were," that firmly positions him as one of the most exciting new voices to keep your eye (and ear) on. 

Francesco's storytelling emphasizes the joy and heartbreak of young love which is a topic people of all ages, far and wide, can easily relate to. "I've always felt the experiences of love around me and I've seen it in my friends and I've felt it in relationships I've been in," Francesco explains on his Facebook page.

He adds, "Music is something that helped me to express myself when I couldn’t express myself. From a young age, I've felt compelled to do this. That's the thing with me, I love the music. Music is my passion."

His debut single "The Way You Were" is a good example of Francesco's poignant lyricism and knack for melody. "Give me good reason why I shouldn't love you/give me one good reason why I shouln't care/Is this the way you are?/I find it hard to believe/Is there anything I can do to bring you back to you/Tell me what have you done to the way you were," he wonders, keeping the vibe hopeful while trying to make sense of a love gone sour. 

Managed by the fine team that turned Nelly Furtado into a superstar and signed to 21 Entertainment/Atlantic Records, Francesco is currently in the studio working on his forthcoming full-length debut LP. He is writing with people like James Bryan (of multi-platinum soul-pop group The Philosopher Kings), Andre Kaden (Brian Melo, Kate Todd, Frankie Whyte) and  Thomas “Tawgs” Salter who previously wrote with Lights and Josh Groban. Watch this space for more updates about Francesco soon.

Make sure to also check out his cover of Miguel's "Adorn." Fingerlickin' good.

Eurovision Finalist Anouk Premieres 'Sad Singalong Songs' Video Series [WATCH]

In anticipation of her highly anticipated performance of "Birds" at the Eurovision Song Contest finals on Saturday, Dutch superstar singer Anouk unveiled a special video series on YouTube this week to celebrate her forthcoming new LP. The series of four short films includes the official video for "Birds" that is taken from her ninth studio album "Sad Singalong Songs" that will be released on May 19 via her own Goldilox label (distributed through Universal Music Netherlands). 

"Birds" and the other tracks on "Sad Singalong Songs" show off a different side of Anouk. After the gritty pop-rock of 2011's "To Get Her Together,' the the singer turns left field on her new LP to unveil a more delicate and gentle sound. It's more proof that Anouk doesn't shy away from taking a bit of risk once in a while. In fact, her music is fueled by her ongoing quest to challenge herself creatively, to think out of the box and to surprise fans with new musical projects that are different than the ones she worked on before

Anouk collaborated with her trusted team of writers and producers on "Sad Singalong Songs" including Martin Gjerstad en Tore Johansson (Franz Ferdinand en The Cardigans). She also worked with Gjerstad and Johansson on her previous two critically-acclaimed LPs, "For Bitter Or Worse" and "To Get Her Together." 

The four-part video series to introduce "Sad Singalong Songs" were directed by Dana Nechushtan. It's a compilation of short films that also includes videos for "Kill," "The Good Life" en "Pretending As Always." The series stars Anneke Blok, Monic Hendrickx, Martijn Lakemeier, Teun Luijkx, Hannah Hoekstra and Raymond Thiry. Anouk makes a few cameos as well. The videos can be viewed online or at EYE in Amsterdam from May 15 to May 19.

Dana Nechustan's takes a few inspirational cues from Black Swan in the video for "Birds." It tells the story of a gifted ballet dancer in a starring role who is replaced for a younger dancer by her teacher (played by Anouk) during show rehearsals. It's impossible for her to cope with the change and humiliation, and she decides to take matters in her own hands with fatal consquences.The video features beautiful sunset footage from Rome's skyline that adds to the classic storytelling.

Watch the video series below and make sure to root for Anouk to win the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday. 

Exclusive: Warner Newman Premieres Video for Debut Single 'War'

Warner Newman wears his heart on his sleeve when he sings, "I'm ready to go to war/I want to pursue this," on his highly-anticipated debut single, aptly-titled "War." The song chronicles his journey from the bottom to coming back on top despite the many challenges life has thrown at him ever since he was a little kid. The track was produced by GRAMMY-winning producer Brian Paturalski (Outkast) and remixes come courtesy of The White N3rd, Lewis Fuller and Gainsford.

Born and raised in New Zealand and now living in London, Warner Newman's life has been far from easy. He was involved in two serious road accidents at the ages of 4 and 10, causing him to have extensive reconstructive surgery on his face and head. The accident at the age of ten was so serious he was told he may never walk again.

Music strengthened his soul and ultimately helped him to recover completely. While lying in his hospital bed, Warner listened to music to pass away the time, taking solace and strength in listening to Queen, Guns n Roses, and Bob Marley, and his first introduction to hip hop in the form of Tupac, before an obsession with Eminem began later in his life. Growing into his teens was difficult for Warner who looked different to his school peers.

After the untimely death of his brother, Warner left home, and moved to Auckland aged 16, and at 17 began auditioning for bands. The encouragement and confidence he gained from making music began Warner's life focus, he says; "I felt like I was home." 

"War" unveils Warner's anthemic brand of pop that combines his empowering storytelling with arena-sized hooks. His lyrics about hardship and hope are expertly layered over a gritty hip-hop groove that help amplify his transparently raw lyrics. File next to Tinie Tempah "Written In The Stars" and Professor Green "Read All About it." (Warner Newman "War" will be released June 16 on Lukey Boy Records. Pre-order on iTunes.)