On August 28, the acclaimed West African jazz guitarist/vocalist Lionel Loueke will release Heritage, his dynamic third Blue Note album, which was co-produced by label mate Robert Glasper.

Heritage finds Loueke - who was hailed by The New York Times as "a gentle virtuoso" - exploring a more electric sound with a new trio featuring Derrick Hodge on electric bass and Mark Guiliana on drums.

The album presents seven new compositions by Loueke, two by Glasper, and one co-written by the two. Glasper also contributes piano and keyboards to six tracks, while singer Gretchen Parlato provides background vocals on two tracks.

A veteran of bands led by Terence Blanchard and Herbie Hancock, Loueke is bringing jazz into vibrant contact with the sounds of West Africa, in particular his native Benin.

The title Heritage is a direct reference to his personal odyssey.

"I have two heritages," Loueke says. "One is from my ancestors from Africa, and that goes through my music, my body, my soul, every aspect of what I do. But also I have the heritage from the Occident, from the West, from Europe and the U.S. I speak English, I speak French, and I have that heritage too. I called this album Heritage because I've been blessed by all different parts of the world, and most of the songs reflect that."

"Robert is a true genius," says Loueke of his producer and friend, "and I knew that he'd be the right person. I like a musician who surprises me all the time. We're good friends and we're both open, and that's when the magic happens." Loueke has performed as a special guest with the Robert Glasper Trio, and was in fact an original member of the Robert Glasper Experiment when it first formed.

The track listing for Heritage is as follows:

1. Ifê (Lionel Loueke)
2. Ouidah (Loueke)
3. Tribal Dance (Robert Glasper)
4. Hope (Loueke/Glasper)
5. Freedom Dance (Loueke)
6. Chardon (Loueke)
7. Farafina (Loueke)
8. African Ship (Loueke)
9. Goree (Loueke)
10. Bayyinah (Glasper)

Starting out on vocals and percussion, Lionel Loueke picked up the guitar late, at age 17. After his initial to exposure to jazz in Benin, he left to attend the National Institute of Art in nearby Ivory Coast. In 1994 he left Africa to pursue jazz studies at the American School of Modern Music in Paris, then came to the U.S. on a scholarship to Berklee. From there, Loueke gained acceptance to the Thelonious Monk Institute of Jazz, where he encountered his Gilfema bandmates Massimo Biolcati and Ferenc Nemeth, as well as Gretchen Parlato and other musicians with whom he would form lasting creative relationships.

Praised by his mentor Herbie Hancock as "a musical painter," Loueke combines harmonic complexity, soaring melody, a deep knowledge of African folk forms, and conventional and extended guitar techniques to create a warm and evocative sound of his own. His 2008 Blue Note debut Karibu featured guest appearances from Hancock and Wayne Shorter and was met with wide acclaim.

TIME magazine wrote that "Karibu is a jamboree of sprung rhythms, splashed with African and Brazilian flavors, in which Loueke scat-sings, drums on his guitar, mouth-clicks and plays some wicked jazz."

His second Blue Note release, Mwaliko, offered a series of searching, intimate duets with Angelique Kidjo, Richard Bona, Esperanza Spalding and Marcus Gilmore - artists and allies who continue to have a profound impact on Loueke's vision as a bandleader.

In addition to three previous albums with Gilfema (Gilfema, Virgin Forest, Gilfema + 2), Loueke has appeared on Terence Blanchard's Grammy-nominated Flow (2005) and Hancock's Grammy-winning River: The Joni Letters (2008).

He has also toured the world as a member of Hancock's band and appeared on recordings by such legends as Jack DeJohnette (Sound Travels), Charlie Haden (Land of the Sun), Kenny Barron (The Traveler) and Gonzalo Rubalcaba (XXI Century). He has also recorded with Esperanza Spalding (Radio Music Society), Gretchen Parlato (In a Dream), Avishai Cohen (After the Big Rain), Kendrick Scott (Source) and other leading peers.

Lionel Loueke Official Website

The Wakefield trio's fifth studio album, In The Belly of the Brazen Bull, is out now via Wichita Recordings. The album is The Cribs' second consecutive top 10 album in the UK.

The album was recorded between Abbey Road in London, Steve Albini's EAR studio in Chicago, and David Fridmann's Tarbox Road studio in Upstate New York. Be sure to check out streams of lead tracks "Come On Be A No One" and "Chi-Town" via Stereogum and SPIN respectively. Purchase the album via iTunes.

After sold out UK and US Spring Tours, The Cribs are excited to announce their return stateside. Next month they will kick off the tour in Philadelphia and will then make their way to the West Coast.

Brooklyn's Devin, who will be supporting the band on all dates, will join them.

Tickets are on sale now, head over to The Cribs Official Website to grab your tickets while they last. To get a taste of The Cribs' live show, stream their performance at The Theater Royale in Wakefield on May 16, 2012 starting at 9:15 pm GMT/4:15pm EST.

The Cribs June 2012 North American Tour Dates:

(Dates and information subject to change.)

June 2012

6/5 || Johnny Brendas || Philadelphia, PA || Tickets
6/6 || Irving Plaza || New York, NY || Tickets
6/7 || Black Cat || Washington DC || Tickets
6/8 || Motorco Music Hall || Durham, NC || Tickets
6/9 || Masquerade: Hell Stage || Atlanta, GA || Tickets
6/11 || Fitzgerald's: Upstairs || Houston, TX || Tickets
6/12 || The Parish || Austin, TX || Tickets
6/15 || El Rey Theater || Los Angeles, CA || Tickets
6/16 || Great American Music Hall || San Francisco, CA || Tickets
6/18 || Venue || Vancouver CA || Tickets

In The Belly of the Brazen Bull Tracklisting:

1. Glitters Like Gold
2. Come On, Be A No-One
3. Jaded Youth
4. Anna
5. Confident Men
6. Uptight
7. Chi-Town
8. Pure O
9. Back To The Bolthole
10. I Should Have Helped
11. Stalagmites
12. Like A Gift Giver
13. Butterflies
14. Arena Rock Encore With Full Cast
15. Eat Me (BONUS TRACK)

For the latest tour dates and more, go to:

The Cribs Official Website

World electronic dance music star Hayla joins the cast of headliners such as Karmin, Jessica Sutta and Dev at Christopher Street West's mammoth L.A. Pride, in West Hollywood, California.

The international songstress will drop her dynamite vocals performing her current Billboard and FMQB hit "I'm Free," along with new material from her forthcoming CD "WEDM 2012."

Hayla will perform on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at 9:00 p.m.

Hayla recently revealed that she has a unique kinship with the LGBT community, being the daughter of a gay father and raised by two lesbian mothers.

"This Pride performance is incredibly special for our family," states Hayla. "I am so honored and grateful to be a part of this year's L.A. Pride."

Hayla's electro-diva stage show continues to mesmerize the Los Angeles club scene. With a voice comparable to the commanding power of Martha Wash; the drama and edge of Cherrytree Records' Robyn; and the angelic vocals of Enya, Hayla demonstrates that her God-given vocal talent and skill are undeniable.

Lifting the experience to new heights, the gorgeous singer also plays her Swarovski crystal-encrusted doumbek drum. Hayla gives birth to "World Electronic Dance Music" or WEDM for short.

Upcoming Performances:
May 16 2012 - The Abbey Food & Bar - Girlbar's Anniversary Party
May 26 2012 - The Factory - INK
June 9 2012 - L.A. Pride

Photo credit: JenStarrPhoto.com

For the latest information, go to:

LA Pride Official Website

Hayla Official Website

Multi-genre megastar Maverick Sabre will be joining the Guernsey Festival line-up as the final Main Stage headliner at The Rabbit Warren in Guernsey on Saturday 23 June 2012.

Hackney-born Maverick Sabre (Matthew Stafford) relocated to Ireland at a young age where he developed an interest in music.

Performing on the Irish hip hop scene in his teenage years, he eventually earned support slots with rappers such as Lloyd Banks and Plan B. It was Plan B, after hearing Sabre's haunting and soulful voice, who convinced him to move back to London and pursue a music career.

Macy Gray announced as main stage headliner at Guernsey Festival 2012

Maverick Sabre has since gone from strength to strength; his vocals feature on Professor Green's top 40 single "Jungle" and Chase & Status' top three charting album No More Idols.

Signed as a solo artist to Mercury, his debut album, Lonely Are the Brave, reached number two in the UK charts earlier this year and spawned hits "I Need" and "Let Me Go."

Guernsey Festival organiser Paul Stephen sees Maverick Sabre's unique style - a bold blend which includes R&B, hip hop, folk and reggae - as a great addition to the eclectic line-up for this year's two day event.

"We couldn't be more excited about having him round-off the Saturday. Our overall aim is that there is something for everybody and we feel Maverick Sabre is a huge step towards this goal."

Also gracing Saturday's Main Stage will be I am Tich, an upcoming pop singer-songwriter sensation who has performed at many major festivals and is currently working on her debut album with acclaimed songwriters such as Nick Jonas.

Meanwhile, the Second Stage on Sunday will now include British girl group Vida (currently touring with JLS) and on Saturday will showcase Guernsey's own Last of the Light Brigade and China Aster.

Additions to Saturday's VIP stage include Thai deep house and techno DJ Nakadia along with Funhouse DJs (Stu Mair and Killa) and Guernsey's own Amelia.

Sunday will host Jersey's Boogaloo DJs (Paul Shoer and Keith Robinson) along with Guernsey acts Soups (AKA Christopher Souplet), Manzur, Andy Newman and Simon Veron.

Legendary drum 'n' bass/jungle DJ and producer Shy FX (featuring MC Stamina) has been announced for the Fusion Nightclub Dance Arena on the Sunday.

More announcements for Saturday will showcase Guernsey talent with appearances from Infectious Rhythm DJs Tom Brock, Leon Robertson & Gezzie along with Karl Cicmic, while Sunday will also see D-Bridge (featuring SP:MC), Hydro & Pressure and Killa perform.

These acts will now join the likes of Kaiser Chiefs, Macy Gray and The Charlatans on the diverse list of artists appearing at the event.

"We are overwhelmed with the versatility of artists on this year's line-up and hope music fans will go away fulfilled. Maverick Sabre and Shy FX are both great names in their genres and really seal the deal for us," said Mr Stephen.

With just 38 days to go until the event, the only performers that now remain a mystery are those that will fill slots left for winners of the Live & Unsigned and Studio Jam competitions.

The Guernsey Festival will take place on 23 and 24 June and tickets are available online now at guernseyfestival.gg.

For the latest information about the lineup and more, go to: Guernsey Festival Official Website

Maverick Sabre Official Website

Grammy Award winning singer, songwriter and producer R. Kelly, will release his 11th studio album, Write Me Back, on June 26th (RCA).

Write Me Back will be available in Standard and Deluxe editions; the latter will include 4 bonus tracks, while the physical version will have special packaging that will include a postcard for fans to actually write R. Kelly back. Both versions of the album will be available for pre-order on May 29, 2012 at select retailers.

"Share My Love," the album's first single, recently grabbed the #1 spot at Urban Adult radio.

R. Kelly's newly released second single, "Feelin' Single," described as "classic Kelly, full of infectious hooks and buttery smooth grooves" (Prefixmag), will impact Urban Adult radio on May 21st and 22nd. The single will be available for purchase at all digital providers on May 29th.

Write Me Back is the follow up to 2010's critically acclaimed Love Letter, which celebrated the music of the 50s and 60s. The new album represents the natural progression of Kelly's musical time machine, recalling the sultry and seductive sounds associated with such icons as Barry White, Marvin Gaye and Teddy Pendergrass, among others. Like its Love Letter predecessor, Write Me Back is also a celebration of love.

Check out behind-the-scenes footage from the Write Me Back album packaging shoot below, here on Band Weblogs.

Official 'Write Me Back' Photoshoot - video:

From classic R&B to hip-hop, inspirational to gospel, no other artist has covered the vast array of human emotions more than R. Kelly.

With a track record that boasts over 40 million albums sold worldwide, 6 #1 albums, 11 #1 singles, 3 Grammy Awards, 8 Soul Train Awards, 6 American Music Awards and 6 Billboard Music Awards, R. Kelly has rightfully earned his title as the undisputed "King of R&B."

In 2011, Billboard named R. Kelly the #1 most successful R&B artists of the last 25 years!

When not in the spotlight, Kelly has written and produced hit songs for Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Celine Dion, Jennifer Hudson, Maxwell, Britney Spears and countless others.

More recently, Kelly was tapped to write and produce original music for the upcoming Sparkle soundtrack.

Photo credit: Randee St. Nicholas

R. Kelly Official Website

Brite Futures Confirms Decision To Part Ways With A Heartfelt Note To Their Fans Posted On Their Facebook Page

The Seattle Based Band Confirms Final Show For Their Hometown Fans On June 16th At The Vera Project

Following is the official note posted from Brite Futures (the band formerly known as Natalie Portman's Shaved Head):

Friends, BFFs, everyone,

It is with many bittersweet feelings that we announce that as of next month Brite Futures will cease to be an active band, and we will no longer be creating or playing music together. After almost seven years as a band (more than a quarter of our lives) we've unanimously reached the decision that it's time to move on to other adventures-the irony of which, for a band with our name, is not lost on us. This separation is not due to a falling out or any ill feelings between us personally, but with the band's momentum dying down and other aspirations beckoning, we've begun to look toward the next stage in our lives. And that's exciting at the same time as it's sad to leave behind a pursuit that saw us grow up together, from awkward high school spazzes singing about our first beards to more confident young adults.

For a project that started on a whim as an "acapella electronic band" at a high school lunch table that was never meant to leave our parents' basements or a few friends' iPods, we've experienced more in our time together than we could have ever dreamt. Of the band posters lining our bedroom walls that we gazed at daily while growing up, we've had the privilege of touring or performing alongside six of those pictured (Lily Allen, Weezer, CSS, The Go-Team, The Ting Tings, and The Faint). We've also been signed to a major record label, had music and a video in a major motion picture, and played shows across the country and internationally. Our high-school-sophomore-selves probably wouldn't believe it if we told them now. Just the fact that people all around the world have listened to the music we created almost entirely out of a small bedroom in Seattle is mind-blowing, and we'll be forever grateful. I think we can be proud too.

There are countless moments this band has afforded us that we'll remember fondly for the rest of our lives: the "talking testicles" skit from our first show at 826 Seattle, placing second in the Sound Off! battle of the bands, sleeping on people's floors across the country on our first tour ever (with CSS!), late nights and early mornings spent making music videos with That Go and team, Shaun slicing his head open on a stage light and us staying up all night with him in a hospital in Brooklyn, Lily Allen dressed as Obi-Wan Kenobi attacking us onstage with a plastic lightsaber as we performed on the last night of tour in Toronto, living out of a hotel in Hollywood while we recorded with John King, traveling to London for the first time for four shows and one amazing four-hour dinner, opening for one of our favorite bands ever (Weezer) while Luke was near death with swine flu, sipping champagne out of tiny plastic cups after signing with WB records, receiving a package containing the Dark Past masters emblazoned with the Abbey Road Studios logo, playing in Key Arena (an arena!?) for the Bumbershoot festival, and so, so many more.

But our most cherished memories come from being around the people we grew to love, even if it was only for one night. That means everyone we'd see singing and dancing like crazy at our shows whether in a tiny basement or large theater, everyone who dressed in bright colors or wore a side ponytail, every sweaty kid who talked to us at the merch booth after the show, everyone from every corner of the globe who we got to know online, and all the extremely talented and generous people who became part of the NPSH/BF team, helping us make some of our wildest dreams a reality. It really wouldn't mean much without you guys.

So to you-everyone who's taken time to listen to our music, watch our videos, write about us, perform with us, or work with us-thank you for letting us be a part of your lives in some small way. It's been such an amazing privilege and a pleasure, and it means so much to us. We love you forever.

xo,
Luke, Shaun, Claire, David & Conor (and Liam)

P.S. Our last show ever will be held at The Vera Project in Seattle on June 16th, 2012. We hope you can make it. To everyone else writing us over the past few years begging for us to come play in your city, I'm sorry we never made it. Be inspired by four kids who could barely play instruments and never wrote a proper song and start a band of your own.

P.P.S. You might see a NPSH early demos/unreleased tracks collection soon.

Brite Futures Facebook

Bahamas native Angelique Sabrina is creating the next big dance craze with her debut video, "Pull Up," which just premiered on MTV.com's Buzzworthy Blog.

Already hailed as "the next Rihanna" by MTV, Angelique shines bright in the new clip, which was shot in Los Angeles and directed by Skee TV (The Game, T. Pain) and Fernando Cordero of Industrial Films (Mr. Big).

The video features Angelique's own unique dance move (which she has coined as the "pull up"), as well as her distinct mix of Pop and R&B with a touch of Caribbean flavor, energy, and style.

At only 14 years old, Angelique already has a strong resume. She's played in front of crowds as big as 20,000, and was declared the winner of Sydney, Australia's top 5 Rising Star Countdown. She's a student of music who started studying piano, guitar, and drums while she was just a child, and is a talented singer, songwriter, actor and dancer.

In the studio, Angelique has garnered attention from the likes of Grammy-award winner Rockwilder, whose credits include Jay-Z, Christina Aguilera, and Destiny's Child.

"Angelique Sabrina records quickly and on-point like someone who has been doing this for a very long time," says the veteran producer. "She's the one. She's going to be huge."

Stay tuned for more to come on this rising young talent, and visit her official site, Facebook and Twitter for all of the latest news.

Video Link: "Pull Up" Video Premiere on MTV.com

Angelique Sabrina Official Website

Hyro Da Hero's debut album, Birth, School, Work, Death, loads tons of rock 'n' roll attitude into explosive, engaging and enthralling rap music.

The Houston-bred, Los Angeles-based MC has been praised by critics and peers alike, including Korn front-man Jonathan Davis who called the enigmatic debut 2011's "Album of the Year" in Revolver. It was also included in Kerrang! Magazine's Top 50 Albums of 2011 list, and Hyro was nominated as Best International Newcomer at the UK mag's 2011 Awards ceremony.

Birth, School, Work, Death was produced by the multi-platinum Ross Robinson, who has held the reigns for the recording of albums by Korn, At the Drive-In, Glassjaw, Slipknot and many more.

"Ross Robinson pulled a lot out of me," says Hyro. "He pushed me to the edge, and I was able to realize everything I'd always dreamed my music would sound like with his help."

The single, "Sleeping Giants," is a powerful scream for revolution with a hard-hitting video to match.

Hyro Da Hero - Sleeping Giants video:

Both the song and album are available now on iTunes and Amazon. For more on Hyro Da Hero, be sure to visit his official site, Facebook, and Twitter.

Hyro Da Hero Official Website

Atlanta's Sleepy Turtles have revealed the cover art and track listing for their upcoming Summer, Hither debut EP release, available digitally, worldwide on May 29 via Autumn + Colour Records. The EP features a remixed version of the first single "Natures Hymn."

Autumn + Colour will then release a limited edition vinyl version of Summer, Hither on July 10, 2012.

"Nature's Hymn" is available now on iTunes.

Sleepy Turtles - Nature's Hymn video:

Sleepy Turtles first came together to create a soundtrack for a novel (link below) written by vocalist/guitarist Dylan Higgins, who then decided to keep making music using a moniker which came from a chapter title in said novel.

Consisting of Higgins, Tim Friesen, Will Parker, Marcus Trail and Mike Vanklaveren, Sleepy Turtles create songs, simplistic in frame, but broad in context, threaded in the old tradition of folk.

Their music creaks with the thaw of an old church pew, drawing joy in wandering harmonies and stories that are sewn by hands covered in earth, filling the bones of the songs as ambience backlights the fluttering travels of shared existence.

"We hope to portray through the music," Higgins explains, "that all of us are a part of the same journey."

Summer, Hither tracklist:

1. Summer, Hither
2. Morning Song
3. Nature's Hymn
4. A Reason To Hope
5. Being Small

Fans of Sleepy Turtles can still download a FREE copy of their previously unreleased EP 'Brother, You're So Kind' for a limited time on Noisetrade. Follow, share and support them as they begin their journey.

noisetrade.com/sleepyturtles

Sleepy Turtles Official Website

The Emblem and The Lantern Series

Autumn + Colour Official Website

After laying waste to a teeming crowd at The Great Escape last weekend, Enjoyed has announced the release of 'Sugar' this June 4th - a four track EP that will cost the listener only their email address.

Bringing together four slices of the kaleidoscopic dance music that is fast becoming his trademark, and kicking off with acclaimed recent single "Teeth", the EP is a journey into Peter Evan-Pritchard's warm and colourful take on upbeat electronica.

As part of the Great Escape, Pritchard also did a remix swap with emerging Icelandic pop stars Retro Stefson.

Enjoyed with appear live at Future Sound Share on May 18th and Brainlove Festival on May 26th.

Enjoyed - Teeth video:

Enjoyed May 2012 live dates:
MAY 18TH: FUTURE SOUND SHARE @ STAR OF KINGS
MAY 26th: BRAINLOVE FESTIVAL @ BRIXTON WINDMILL

"Part Balearic, part house, part synth-pop, all vibes" - XLR8R

"One of Teeth's many charms is that it launches into a soaring chorus and builds with layers of vocals and Technicolor synths." - The Guardian

"Tropical tones to see off the last of winter... absolutely worth a spin" - DUMMY

"a neo-disco anthem... euphoric sonic waves... we can't wait for what else he has to offer" - Planet Notion

Sign up to get the Sugar EP free on the 4th June 2012:

Enjoyed Official Website