:: arjanwrites music blog ::

[VIDEO] Arjan Chats With Martin Solveig

French DJ and producer Martin Solveig is taking Europe by storm with his new album "Smash." The record was introduced by the hit single "Hello" (featuring Dragonette) that has been massive pop hit across Europe and is now edging to the top of the dance charts in North America.

"Smash" features a slew of exciting collaborators who add their own unique twist to Solveig's rocky dance and pop riffs. The always fun and often quirky Solveig recorded three additional tracks with Martina Sorbara of Dragonette, plus he teamed up with rising pop sensation Dev, newcomers Sunday Girl and Bloc Party's Kele. I recently caught up with Solveig in Paris to talk for a few minutes about the unexpected success of "Hello" and his new album. (Note his description of Dev on "We Came To Smash." It has me cracking up everytime.)

Watch New Martin Solveig ft Kele "Ready 2 Go" (with Dragonette Cameo)

After taking "Hello" to the top of the pop charts across Europe, French DJ/producer Martin Solveig is now gearing up to repeat that success with his new single "Ready 2 Go" that features the vocals of Bloc Party's Kele.

The commercial success of "Hello" has not only increased the profile of Solveig overseas, it also has introduced Dragonette's Martina Sorbora to a massive new audience who are now getting a taste of what Dragonette's pop goodness is all about.

After releasing fantastic music and touring across the globe (including my Atlanta SUPERFRAICHE last year), the Canadian pop outfit is finally getting the mainstream attention it deserves. Europe got into it first and with "Hello" hitting rotation on pop radio in New York and Los Angeles, the U.S. will soon follow.

For "Ready 2 Go," Solveig presents once again one of his hilarious mini films that not only features the relationship with his quirky manager, but also brings back Martina for some knitting action. Part of this episode of Smash was filmed two weeks ago at Paris' Stade de France in front of 81,000 people. Watch the video after the break. Super fun! 

So what should we expect from Solveig's album? The effort will include "Can't Stop," another dance pop collaboration between Solveig and Dragonette. Yes! Solveig has also recorded a track called "Turn Up The Radio" with Sunday Girl. They will be appearing together at Creamfields in Australia. Stay tuned for more details soon.

Exclusive Free MP3 Download: Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette "Hello" (Bassjackers Remix)

You got a first taste of Martin Solveig's teaming with Dragonette on "Hello" earlier this summer when the French dancefloor meister premiered the song with a special video project. Filmed in front of a real audience at Roland Garros during the French Open, the 8-minute video shows Solveig battle it out on the centre court against fellow DJ Bob Sinclar.

Now hundreds of thousands of YouTube views later, Solveig and Dragonette are formally releasing their chunky dance pop number as a single in Europe later this month. The song follows their massively succesful collaboration on "Boys & Girls" last year that was commissioned by Jean Paul Gaultier and came along with an equally cool and memorable video. Grab a totally guilt-free MP3 of Dutch house newcomers Bassjackers' banging electro work out of "Hello" that will surely burn up dancefloors.

Martin Solveig feat. Dragonette "Hello" (Bassjackers Remix)

Superfraiche Pop Night in Atlanta On Fire with Dragonette

Pop arrived in Atlanta on Monday night when Dragonette performed for the first-time ever in Atlanta at the debut of my Superfraiche Pop Night in that city. And what an incredible night of pop it was! Martina, Dan and Joel of Dragonette popped the roof of the legendary Drunken Unicorn with their electrifying, stomping blend of pop, dance and electro that had the crowd on their feet and waving their hands for the entire show. 

Local Atlanta electro-pop crooner Barry Brandon opened the night with a fun, four song set, including the beautifully-performed "Where Do I Go From Here," which is a timeless pop ditty. Barry performed with a full-band (including an electronic violinist), which gave his sound a rich and robust flavor that neatly fits his confident stage presence and heartfelt delivery.

While Dragonette was doing some press interviews backstage and the crowd was listenting to a brew of Ellie Goulding, Florrie and Sky Ferreira, their road crew set up an elaborate stage set that featured sophisticated LED light torches to glam up their show. 

At showtime, I took Martina by the hand and guided her and the rest of the group to the stage and an anxiously awaiting crowd. I took a brief moment to introduce the band and thank them for extending their Northeast tour to drive over ten hours, straight through the night, to come to Atlanta to headline my Superfraiche Pop Night. As one of Dragonette's earliest supporters, I couldn't be happier to show the group a warm welcome in Atlanta. 

Martina, Dan and Joel gave the crowd everything they wanted and more. They blasted onto the stage with "I Get Around," continuing with audience favorites "Gone Too Far," "Liar," "Take It Like A Man" and the magical "Pick Up The Phone." The group stirred the crowd in a hot frenzy when they rocked "My Things" and "Volcano" from their new "Mixin' To Thrill" EP. "Volcano" especially is a powerful, feel-good pop anthem that fully comes alive on stage. The group performed not one, but two encores - "Fire In Your New Shoes" (their Kaskade collaboration) and the empowering "We Rule The World."

Sensual, sweet, sassy and shining brightly, Martina's enigmatic stage persona completes Dragonette dynamic live show. She is truly one of a kind and has that "it" thing - that special quality that defines a true star. Dan skillfully controled his synths and backing tracks to orchestrate the set in one tight and cohesive package. And Joel kept up the tempo, hitting the drums and feeding off the crowd's energy. 

The group stayed around for quite a while after the show to take photos and meet with fans - some of who had traveled from other states to see their favorite group finally take stage down South. So incredible. I hung out with the group, sipping and chatting, until the weehours of the morning. It was a phenomenal experience and a great start of the Superfraice Pop Night series in Atlanta. A city that has an emerging pop scene that got fueled by the hotness that is Dragonette and is now hungry for more.

(A very special thanks to Dragonette for showing their love and support, Barry for warming up the crowd during the show and the weeks prior, Samantha for giving it exposure, Knyckolas for giving it a cover, Brian for being a relentless Superfraiche supporter and the Atlanta fans for coming out to the show. I heart you all! - Photos by Omar Vega and Mikey Lewis.)

Superfraiche Pop Night Next Monday - Dragonette on Cover of David Magazine

Dashing Dragonette!

In anticipation of the debut of my Superfraiche Pop Night series in Atlanta next Monday, David Magazine, Atlanta's leading gay magazine, put Dragonette on their cover this week to spotlight their headlining performance at the show. If you're in Atlanta, or can make it over there, make sure to get your tickets today. Show will kick off at the Drunken Unicorn at 9pm. Can't wait!