The first new post for a while is the mash up of "War" by Edwin Starr with Black Legend's "You See The Trouble With Me" itself based on the classic Barry White track from 1976. Elements of funky house and a thudding bass have been added, along with some techno samples and one of the best endings i have created so far. It was originally conceived at the beginning of 2012 and has been through a few versions until this final mix. With all the war mongering that has been going on of late, i decided to post this one instead of an original track. I also want to state that it in no way does the track condone war, it was created to dance along to!!!!!!
The music of Motown has always played an important part in my life and i have always idolised the many producers and writers who created that body of work, none more so than Norman Whitfield. From "Needle in a Haystack" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" to "Smiling Faces Sometimes" and "Papa was a Rolling Stone", he was responsible for his fair share of classics. My ultimate favorite of his is the Temptations with "Just My Imagination", what a beautiful record!
Edwin Starr looked set to remain in the B list of Motown acts until he recorded the Temptation's album track "War" and took it to the top of the US charts in 1970 during the time of the Vietnam War. I believe the track was too political to be released as a single by such an important commercial act as the Temps, but it was worth taking a chance with Edwin Starr who'd last made any impact with "25 Miles" in 1968. The success of the song put Starr back into the A Team and his career lasted the rest of his lifetime. He had more hits at the end of the 70's after leaving Motown with songs like the discotastic "Eye to Eye........Contact!!!" He even made a track with Stock, Aitken and Waterman in 1987 and i've never understood why "Whatever Makes Our Love Grow" wasn't a monster hit at the time, because it's a really well made record. The other thing i liked about Edwin, was the fact that he lived in the UK until the end of his life, he always had a loyal following over here especially on the Northern Soul scene.
Anyways, a big, big thank you to everyone who played "Dancer 4 Money", it eventually peaked at number 5 on the techno new release chart and seemed to be in forever. Keep an eye on my page as some new sounds will be posted soon. Also, take a look at the photos section to see the full artwork for the sleeve
It's been a while since I posted anything in the blog, so a big thank you to everybody who supported us and played "DJ Fire Away" it was a real thrill to see it at number three on the Techno New Release Chart alongside the professionals, thank you again.
The last few months have seen a lot of changes and the new studio is bedding in well. The time out was put to good use by song-writing instead of producing.
Please play our new song "Dancer 4 Money", it's a tongue in cheek tribute to the strength behind the ladies of the lap dancing profession. It's the first time we've used urban beats instead of the usual dance focus, but of course it's still danceable!!!
Ballistik is a Bradford based MC & DJ who has been involved in the local scene for a good couple of years now, he's built up his own following with a harder edged, more street style but was more than happy to lend his talents to something more commercial. Hopefully we'll get him back into the studio soon, the way he creates songs on the spot is mind blowing to see!!!!
Soraya M is of course lead singer and visual focus of Iron Blue Vision, a project now in it's third year. It's been a slow process as though originally from Bradford, Soraya M now lives in Wales. Many songs have been recorded but it's only recently she's felt Iron Blue Vision have truly found their focus. "Got to be Certain" isn't really representative of the band at all, it was just a thank you to the pleasure Kylie Minogue has given us all these years. Look out in the new year for a new song, until then you can also hear her on the new video, recently posted.
It's been a very busy few months in the studio and something should be ready to post very soon. We've had sessions with Fallon, Reenie, Ballistik, Iron Blue Vision to name a few and a remix of Edwin Starr's War is currently being mixed. Big love and four sugars to anybody who's taken the time to listen, it means a lot to the whole crew
What's your favourite colour? Orange, to be fair, it's a warm colour What's your favourite piece of music? As stupid as it sounds, the one I'm playing this week is "How Great Thou Art", the hymn, it's quite an uplifting song. What's the best piece of advice you have ever been given? Never eat yellow snow. (laughter ensues) What was the first song you ever sang? "Yesterday" by the Beatles when i was 9 at school, that's the first time i perfromed a song. The first song i ever remember singing along to was "Bye Bye Baby" by The Bay City Rollers. Do you have a secret craving? Chocolate! What's your inspiration? To be successful in my proper job, my life-coaching buisness and to be happy, and to also always believe in myself, everything else then falls into place. The project will speak for itself. How did you get started singing? Through Mr Davis, my music teacher at school. He had a guitar and was a really sweet man. Who are your favourite bands or singers? I love George Michael, The Backstreet Boys, Girls Aloud, Mariah carey, Whitney Houston(RIP), Celine Dion, Shania Twain, Rick Astley and James Morrison, I love his voice. What do you think about when you are in the studio? The thing with me is when i learn a song, i don't take to it straight away, my head can go a bit fuzzy, it doesn't come naturally. There's a lot of giggling, especially when i use my falsetto, i still think it needs improvement. Who else in your family sings? That would have to be golden girl or at least that's what my mum thinks. That's my sister, Renee. What embarassing songs might i find in your collection? "Like a Virgin" by Madonna, I remember going down on the bus to Woolworths for a 7" single, it was 79p. I got a right bollocking from mi Mum, I didn't understand but my Mum thought the song was highly inappropriate for a child. Where would you most like to perform? I'd love to play an arena like Olly Murs. Who would you like to open for? Rhianna, to be able to watch her perform close up. I love her individuality and the way she expresses herself, even when she's a bit sexy!!! If you could dabble in another genre, what would it be? I don't like thrash metal, I would love to understand that better. I'd like to get into the minds of the people who write that stuff, or is that my coaching side coming out. To me it's just noise. What genre can't you stand? Just the thrash!!! What hidden talents do you have? I'm good on a three wheeler. Do you enjoy song-writing? I write a lot of lyrics for songs but i find it difficult, getting the ideas down, but it's a good way of expressing yourself, I find it therepeutic, a very personal thing. With that question finished, one of her entourage comes over to tell me time is up, and off she goes................
