Stevie Nicks to release “In Your Dreams” DVD documentary

Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks, fresh off of Fleetwood Mac’s sold out worldwide tour, will be releasing her intimate DVD documentary “In Your Dreams,” it was confirmed by Warner Bros. Records.

Stevie Nicks
Stevie Nicks To Release “In Your Dreams” DVD Documentary on December 3rd

Highly Acclaimed Film Reveals Portrait of Stevie Nicks As She Collaborates with Dave Stewart on the Fascinating Journey of Creating Her First Album in a Decade

Stevie Nicks To Appear at DVD Signing at Barnes & Noble at The Grove in Hollywood on December 4, 2013 7:00 pm

Rock legend Stevie Nicks, fresh off of Fleetwood Mac‘s sold out worldwide tour, will be releasing her intimate DVD documentary “In Your Dreams,” it was confirmed by Warner Bros. Records.

“In Your Dreams” is a portrait of the illusive Nicks as she and Dave Stewart embark on a musical journey to write and record the critically acclaimed “In Your Dreams” CD , Nicks’ first studio album in over a decade. Nicks called this “the greatest year of my life” and felt compelled to share the joyful experience with her fans.

The DVD is currently available for pre orders. The limited edition deluxe dvd bundle that included a DVD personally signed by Nicks, a handwritten individually numbered limited edition of a letter by Nicks and never-before seen photos has already sold out its 1000 copy limit.

Co-produced and co-directed by musical wizard Dave Stewart, “In Your Dreams” was shown at The Hamptons International Film Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival, SXSW and Toronto Film Festival, and had a theatrical release in 53 cities.

The inner life of the legendary Nicks has by her design long been kept at a distance from the public.. We learn in “Dreams” that her world features costume parties, elaborate dinner feasts, tap dancing, fantasy creations and revealing songwriting and recording sessions all of which are captured on film.

Fans will also get to see cameo appearances by Edgar Alllan Poe, Mick Fleetwood, Reese Witherspoon, a massive white stallion in the backyard, owls and naturally a few vampires who appear in several “home movie” style music videos.

Along with tracking the Nicks/Stewart creative partnership, “In Your Dreams” has plenty of other cinematic payoffs including rare never before seen personal scrapbook stills from Nicks’ childhood and a wealth of candid backstage and performance shots taken over the last 35 years.

The documentary was produced by Dave Stewart’s Weapons of Mass Entertainment.

Stevie is scheduled to appear at a DVD signing in Los Angeles on December 4, 2013 at Barnes & Noble at The Grove in Hollywood at 7:00 pm.

For the latest music and information, please go to:

Stevie Nicks Official Website

Nightmare and the Cat – exclusive interview with Sam Stewart

Nightmare and the Cat
Nightmare and the Cat is an LA based band that features brothers Sam and Django Stewart, the sons of Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Siobhan Fahey (Bananarama, Shakespears Sister). Read the EXCLUSIVE interview with Sam Stewart!

Nightmare and the Cat

Nightmare and the Cat is an LA based band that features brothers Sam and Django Stewart, the sons of Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Siobhan Fahey (Bananarama, Shakespears Sister).

The band recently premiered the video for “Be Your Own God” off of their new EP ‘Simple’, and have been on the road playing shows with such acts as Bastille and Sky Ferreira.

Sam and Django have both played in other musical projects that have been featured here on BandWeblogs.com over the years, so it’s good to see that they’re working together in Nightmare and the Cat. They have a cool sound, I’ve always liked both of their voices so was curious to know how they decided who would sing lead in the band. Sam, however, is also a great guitar player so either way, it’s a win.

Read the exclusive BandWeblogs.com interview with Sam Stewart from Nightmare and the Cat:

Jenny May: How did Nightmare and the Cat form and how did the members meet and end up in the band?

Sam Stewart: It started over a phone call from me to Django while he was in London. I asked if he wanted to come to LA for 10 days and write some songs with me. We were so pleased with the results that Django stayed in LA and we formed Nightmare. We asked Claire to join even though she had never been involved with a band before because she has the purest, most angelic voice we’ve ever heard. Spike and Scotty are a tight rhythm section and great guys, they were both in Django’s old band; Django James & The Midnight Squires.

Jenny May: You both have done lead vocals in other musical projects in the past. Is Django the lead singer mostly for Nightmare and the Cat? How did you decide who sings lead?

Sam Stewart: Django is a natural born front man. Even when he was a little 6 year old kid, he had a really soulful voice and was a great dancer! Although I sing also, I am more comfortable behind a guitar geeking / rocking out.

Who writes the songs – do you collaborate together? What was your songwriting process (who writes lyrics and instrumentation) for your ‘Simple’ EP?

It’s pretty much 50/50 with Django and myself on almost every song. We share equally in writing lyrics, music and melodies. Sometimes it will be more of one of us but not usually.

When did you start working with artist Gary Baseman and how did that come about? How do you work together usually, does he present ideas or do you?

Claire was very instrumental with us meeting Gary. She introduced us to his work and then we randomly met him at a party. He was dressed up as a ‘Chou Chou’ and started slow dancing with Claire! We hit it off and he started coming to our rehearsals or recording sessions, always sketching away in his sketchbook. We feed off of each other’s creative energy and the results are often pretty beautiful.

Where did you film the “Be Your Own God” video off of your new EP? How long did it take?

We filmed it in our practice space in Burbank, CA. It didn’t take long to shoot at all… Maybe 2 and a half hours… Ed Shiers edited it in about a week.

Nightmare and the Cat – “Be Your Own God” video:

How did the tour with Bastille and Little Daylight go, musically for the band? And you just played with Sky Ferreira, how was the show?

The Bastille tour was amazing! We had such a great time and we really benefitted as a band from playing in front of such lovely, receptive audiences. We sort of stood out musically on the bill as we were the only non synth-based band but I think it worked in our favour ultimately. The Sky Ferreira show was really fun too. We love the El Rey and it was really exciting to be on that stage again.

Any particular “story” from the road that you want to share?

Let’s see… After our show in Chicago we went to a little hotdog stand called ‘Wiener Circle’. The staff there insulted and cursed at us and the other patrons which was funny but the real outrageousness is featured on their menu… The $20 chocolate shake. They convinced Spike (our drummer) to order one and well… You should probably just look up ‘Wiener Circle chocolate shake’.

Where in the world are you right now and where are you going from there?

We are in Los Angeles writing and rehearsing some new material. We have a few more LA shows lined up but we won’t be out on the road again until the beginning of next year.

Do you spend most of your time in California? How often do you go back to England? What are some things that you miss about the UK when not there?

We pretty much stay in LA unless we need to travel for band related reasons. Maybe the odd weekend trip here and there. We try to go back to England for Xmas each year but it is difficult as the distance is so great and flights are very expensive. I think mainly miss English bacon… Oh yeah and my friends… them too.

Nightmare and the Cat – “Simple”:

What plans do you have for Nightmare and the Cat in the foreseeable future?

Well, as I said before we are mainly writing, rehearsing and playing LA shows through the end of 2013. Next year, however, our debut album will be coming out in the spring and we will be touring heavily in the US and overseas.

Are either of you playing with other musical projects outside of Nightmare and the Cat?

Claire and I have a little project we call Claam. We recorded an EP a while ago and played a couple of shows but it is mainly just for fun. Both Claire and myself occasionally perform with our friend Carina Round.

What do you like to do, to have fun outside of playing music?

Um… I like to… play music…We also enjoy playing board games, particularly ‘Settlers of Catan’.

For the latest music and more, please go to:

Nightmare and the Cat Official Website

Celine Dion Taking Chances album + DVD review

Celine Dion - Taking Chances

Sometimes it can be difficult having an open ear for all genres of music. Especially when it comes to explaining to my hardcore rock, metal or indie friends that I do indeed like Celine Dion … Read the ‘Taking Chances’ album review!

Celine Dion - Taking Chances

Sometimes it can be difficult having an open ear for all genres of music. Especially when it comes to explaining to my hardcore rock, metal or indie friends that I do indeed like Celine Dion. It’s even more difficult for me to keep my feelings to myself about how great an entertainer and singer she is. Luckily there are some people in my life who do appreciate her as well, and considering she’s sold over 180 million albums, I suppose there are some others out there who understand her talent as much as I do if not more.

I was really hoping that one day I would be able see her show in Vegas during her five year stint at Caesars Palace. She’s at her best when performing live and is such a character. Unfortunately I won’t be able to see her in Las Vegas since her last show will be this December, and then she’s off on a world tour which starts February 14th, 2008 in South Africa, to the delight of her fans around the world I’m sure.

‘Taking Chances’ is Celine Dion’s latest album, set for release November 12th, 2007 in the UK. I’ve got my hands on it and have been enjoying it. Let’s just get this out of the way: ‘Taking Chances’ is full of pop with elements of modern country, soul and power ballads and if that’s what you’re after, then this full 16 track Deluxe Edition CD + exclusive sneak peak DVD (with Vegas footage!) is for you.

Recently I reviewed opening track “Taking Chances”, written by Kara DioGuardi and Dave Stewart and I still feel that it could be the best pop ballad I’ve heard all year.

When “Alone” came on it took me by surprise and I was singing so loud along with the track I had to play it again to hear Celine’s singing – which of course her “punchier” version of Heart’s pop ballad hit from ’87, produced by Ben Moody, sounds great. I especially like the intro – it’s gorgeous the way the bass comes in and then the cello and Celine’s voice.

“Surprise Surprise” also written by Kara DioGuardi, is a stand out track with a contemporary/country/pop feel. I wouldn’t be surprised (no pun intended) if it gets released sometime around Christmas and reached #1, but I’m just not sure if the lyrics would suit for Christmas, though. I am sure that when Celine performs “Surprise Surprise” live during her tour, it will be one of the big crowd pleasers of the night.

There’s a Barbara Streisand “No More Tears” feel to Celine’s vocal performance on the emotionally driven and atmospheric “This Time”, with the determined lyrics about being “another victim of poison love”.

It’s good to hear two Linda Perry (4 Non Blondes) songs included on the ‘Taking Chances’ album. The piano-lead “My Love” and the superb gospel number “New Dawn”. Linda Perry not only wrote the songs, but she also plays electric and acoustic guitars, organ, mellotron and piano on “My Love” and she plays piano, acoustic, sings background vocals on “New Dawn” and engineered and produced on both tracks.

“A World To Believe In” could have been a Faith Hill song, but it’s good to hear Celine Dion singing on such a beautiful and modern-country tinged song. There’s quite a change of pace when the upbeat and big production of “Can’t Fight The Feeling” starts up and I can’t believe that Shaffer Smith aka Ne-Yo co-wrote, co-produced and sings background vocals on the ballad “I Got Nothing Left”, another great vocal performance by Celine. It’s easy to forget that it’s Celine Dion singing to the waltz beat of “Right Next To The Right One”. It sounds quite different from what I’m used to hearing her sing – and I like it.

I’m not so sure about “Just Fade Away”. It has a Kelly Clarkson/Eurovision feel to it, which isn’t the best combination in the world. Then again, Celine Dion did win the Eurovision Song Contest when she represented Switzerland in 1988. There’s obviously a market for “Just Fade Away”, but not for me.

Blues number “That’s Just The Woman In Me” makes up for it, though. It has a Sam Cooke “Bring It On Home To Me”/Aretha Franklin feel with Celine Dion’s soulful vocals – and a Janis Joplin like scream at the end.

Let’s not forget about the additional exclusive sneak peak DVD! It includes the trailer for Celine Dion’s “A New Day Live In Las Vegas” with interview clips. There are also four exclusive songs, including one of my favorite Celine cover songs, “I Drove All Night” originally recorded by Roy Orbison and then Cyndi Lauper.

I highly recommend this Deluxe Edition CD/DVD for Celine Dion fans everywhere!

Celine Dion ‘Taking Chances’ album track listing:

1. Taking Chances
2. Alone
3. Eyes On Me
4. My Love
5. Shadow Of Love
6. Surprise Surprise
7. This Time
8. New Dawn
9. A Song For You
10. A World To Believe In
11. Can’t Fight The Feeling
12. I Got Nothing Left
13. Right Next To The Right One
14. Just Fade Away
15. That’s Just The Woman In Me
16. Skies Of L.A.

DVD track listing:

1. Trailer for the DVD “Live In Las Vegas – A New Day”
2. The Power of Love
3. I Drove All Night
4. I Surrender
5. I Wish

Celine Dion – Taking Chances album on amazon.com

Celine Dion Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Celine Dion “Taking Chances” review + watch video

Celine Dion

Celine Dion is finally back in the spotlight for the world to see and hear. As her five year stint at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas comes to a close, she’s set to release her latest album, ‘Taking Chances’, and her new single by the same name, along with a world tour scheduled to begin on February 14th, 2008. Read the review + watch video!

Celine Dion

Celine Dion is finally back in the spotlight for the world to see and hear. As her five year stint at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas comes to a close, she’s set to release her latest album, ‘Taking Chances’ and her new single by the same name, along with a world tour scheduled to begin on February 14th, 2008.

(Read the Celine Dion ‘Taking Chances’ album + DVD review.)

“Taking Chances” was written by BMI’s 2007 Pop Songwriter of The Year Kara Dioguardi, one of the most sought after songwriters in pop music today and Dave Stewart (Eurythmics). They’ve come up with what could be for me, the best pop ballad of the year – with Celine Dion on vocals.

There are quite a few mixed feelings about Celine Dion, maybe for some, her music is a bit too glossy. I think she has a beautiful voice and is a class act entertainer. I remember the first time I saw her perform live on TV. At the time I think I was just making my mind up about her. After her performance I thought she was the most unique, quirky, fun and talented singer that I had seen in a long time. There is simply no one like her. Celine Dion is her own woman.

The new single “Taking Chances” sends a message and Celine Dion is able to convey that message perfectly. There’s so much passion within her vocal performance, it would be difficult not to hear the lyrics and understand what the song is about – taking a chance, living life on the edge with someone that you don’t know very well, not worrying about the consequences of your actions.

With the gradual build up of the song, it’s wonderful to hear Celine’s delicate intro and then later the crescendo, with the anxious and passionate question, “What do you say to taking chances? What do you say to jumping off the edge, never knowing if there’s solid ground below, or hand to hold, or hell to pay. What do you say, What do you say?”

Watch Celine Dion “Taking Chances” video:

Celine Dion – Taking Chances on amazon.com

“Taking Chances” video link

Celine Dion Official Website

By: Jenny May – Band Weblogs

Related: Celine Dion debuts new single “Taking Chances” + world tour