Label debut ‘Unbroken’ scheduled for January 5, 2010 release

First single and video “Had It All” out now

Recording artist and actress Katharine McPhee, is preparing to release her second album – ‘Unbroken’ – on Verve Records, home to some of the most renowned vocalists of all time, including Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday and more recently, Diana Krall.

Bruce Resnikoff, Verve Music Group’s President and CEO, described Katharine as “one of the most gifted vocalists of her generation.”

Watch “Had It All” video:

Buy Music:

Katharine McPhee on amazon.com

Katharine McPhee on amazon.co.uk

The performer’s first single, “Had It All,” is out now and the accompanying stunning video recently premiered on Yahoo Music, with front page placement. Katharine chose the Paris born and raised, Cyril Guyot to direct “Had It All.” Guyot has directed many music videos and commercials for the likes of Prada, Christian Dior and MTV, among others. Both the single and video were immediately put into heavy rotation by Yahoo Music.

Katharine McPhee traveled between Los Angeles, Nashville and Boston to write and record ‘Unbroken’, which was produced by John Alagia (John Mayer, Jason Mraz).

The album’s first single, “Had It All,” written by David Hodges, Mitch Allan and Kara DioGuardi, is an upbeat and infectious song reflective of Katharine’s evolving sound.

Katharine co-wrote six of the songs on Unbroken with Rachael Yamagata, Paula Cole, Chris Thompkins, Ingrid Michaelson, among others. Fans can also get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the making of Unbroken on MySpace Celebrity. The webisodes follow Katharine throughout a week in the studio allowing fans to experience the recording process. Additional videos will roll out through the release of the album in January.

Katharine’s acting credits include an appearance on CSI: New York, where she premiered “Say Goodbye,” a heartbreaking ballad from Unbroken as well as a co-starring role in the 2008 hit, The House Bunny.

As a recording artist, Katharine found early success with her debut album, Katharine McPhee and her first single “Over the Rainbow” / “My Destiny” which both debuted at number 2 on Billboard’s 200 and Hot Singles Sales Charts, respectively.

Buy Music:

Katharine McPhee on amazon.com

Katharine McPhee on amazon.co.uk

For more information about Katharine, visit:

Katharine McPhee MySpace
Katharine McPhee Official Website

In an effort to bring back some programming power to the fans, MTV and Garnier Fructis have teamed up to encourage viewers to cast their votes for the next breakout artist on MTV.

J*DaVeY, amongst four other buzz bands, have been hand-selected to participate in the “I Want My Music On MTV” contest.

The winner of this innovative promotion will perform at the 2009 MTV Woodie Awards in November and have their music added to the music network’s video rotation. Each participating voter stands the chance of winning an all-inclusive, VIP trip for two to New York City where they will attend the awards and rub shoulders along the winners of the competition.

By definition, a “breakthrough sound” must ascend the confines of cliché labels and genres. Blending and molding sounds with unusual flavor, the ultramodern duo known as J*DaVeY has managed to create an entirely new palate for both those brave enough to experience their ad hoc form of music—equal parts rock, pop, electronica, jazz-fusion and hip-hop.

The release of their 2008 EP, The Beauty in Distortion / The Land of The Lost (Interdependent Media/ i L L a V 8 r) received beaming reviews in a variety of formats, and was instrumental in the decision to satiate the discriminating and ever-evolving tastes of a mass audience.

J*DaVeY will have a chance to bring their novel style to the national scene via their previously unreleased track, “Mama’s Back.”

The song, co-produced by Grammy nominated producer Greg Wells (Katy Perry, Pink, Rufus Wainwright, Mika, Kelly Clarkson) and a co-written by American Idol judge Kara Dioguardi (Miley Cyrus, Kylie Minogue, Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson, Pink), gives out a heaping portion of the pop/rock inspired melodies with ample doses of punk and funk grooves to satisfy even the most discerning of listeners.

“Mama’s Back” is currently available for purchase on iTunes.

Viewers can tune in to MTV to catch the commercial spot on how to vote for J*DaVeY, or visit http://iwantmymusic.mtv.com where they can vote as often as they like.

I Want My Music On MTV Official Website

Buy Music:

J*DaVeY on amazon.com

J*DaVeY Official Website
Myspace
J*DaVeY on Twitter

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 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

Sony BMG Music is proud to announce Celine Dion’s new single, “Taking Chances”. The single is set for release digitally on October 24th, 2007 in the UK. “Taking Chances” was written by Kara Dioguardi and the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart, and produced by John Shanks.

Read the Celine Dion “Taking Chances” single review + watch video!

Celine Dion ‘Taking Chances’ album + DVD review

“Taking Chances” is the lead single to be lifted from Celine Dion’s forthcoming album also entitled ‘Taking Chances’ – her first English studio album in over three years and which marks the beginning of a new era in Celine’s extraordinary career.

Celine Dion, who is the biggest selling female artist of all time, selling over 180 million albums, opens her first worldwide tour in 10 years on February 14th, 2008 in Johannesburg, giving a benefit concert for the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund. Following on from South Africa Celine will take on a further seven shows in South Africa during February, contributing additional proceeds from these shows to Mr. Mandela’s Children’s Fund. From South Africa the tour makes stops in the Middle East, Japan, Korea, China, Australia and New Zealand, Europe and North America, playing both stadiums and arenas throughout. The year-long tour will visit 5 continents, over 25 countries, and more than 100 cities.

On December 15th 2007, Celine Dion will take her final bows on the Colosseum stage at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, where she has enjoyed a record-breaking five-year run of sold-out performances to critical acclaim, with her spectacular show, A New Day… The show which has been documented in a deluxe High-Definition DVD, will be released later this year by SonyBMG Music worldwide.

“These past five years have been a wonderful experience for me”, says Celine. “To perform every night with such an amazing cast of dancers and musicians on this beautiful show created by Franco Dragone, has been a dream come true. The fans have been so incredibly supportive, coming to see us every night, year after year…it will be difficult to say goodbye, but I’m also ready for the next adventure…I’m looking forward to a new chapter.”

Album: ‘Taking Chances’ is set for release in the UK on November 12th, 2007 (US – November 13th).

Buy Celine Dion – Taking Chances on amazon.com

Celine Dion Official Website