A State of Trance -- Episode 459

Live track list

(thanks to @ASOTradio for the updates)

1. NRW (Nic Chagall, Rank 1 & Wippenberg) - 100 [High Contrast]
2. Gofman & Tsukerman - One Way Back (Original Mix) [Pilot6]
3. Orjan Nilsen - So long radio (Aurosonic overdrive mix) [Soundpiercing]
4. Easy Toys – Weekend Therapy [Electric Life Records]
5. Katie Melua – The Flood (Michael Woods remix)
6. EDX - Thriev (Fe5tival mix) [S2Records]
7. Simmons & Blanc - Whatever it takes [Afterglow]
8. STERiO vs eleven.five - Planets (Cramp Remix) [Dangerbox]
9. Eddie Sender - Baltimore (Original Mix) [High Contast Nu Breed]
10. Marco V feat Benjamin Bates - WTNF [In Charge]
11. Leon Bolier - That Morning [Streamlined]
12. Mike Shiver vs Fandy - Sique (Ronski Speed remix) [Captured]
13. Lost Connection - Velvet Night (Sensitize Remix) [Timeline Music]

Future Favourite:

14. Markus Schulz - Perception (Feat Justine Suissa) (From the album “Do You Dream?”) [Armada]
15. Colonial One - Elements (Original Mix) [Inov8 recordings]
16. Ben Gold - Profile [Garuda]
17. Mike Foyle - Silver Lake (DNS Project Whiteglow mix) [Soundpiercing]
Tune of the Week: 

18. Jon O Bir feat. Fisher - Found a Way (Joint Operations Centre remix) [Liquid]
19. Talla 2XLC - The Spirits Within (Ummet Ozcan remix) [Testsuo]
20. Krazy Sandi - Insanity (Arctic Moon Remix) [Number One Recordings]
21. Anhken & Saav - Calyon (Suncatcher Club Cut) [Fraction Recordings]
ASOT Radio Classic: 

22. Peter Martin - Perfect Wave [Electronic Elements]

Global DJ Broadcast (03-June-2010)

Live track list
(thanks heaps to @cubetrance for the updates)

01. Hardwell – Smoke
02. Adiva feat. Madelin Zero – 2 Hearts
03. George Acosta – Elastik People (The Space Rockerz Remix)
04. Jon O’Bir feat. Fisher – Found a Way
05. Eddie Sender – Go For
06. M.I.K.E. – Unity
07. Mark Junior – Natural (Aaron Camz Remix)
08. Artento Divini – Griffin
09. Bart Claessen – Hartseer (Dezza Remix)
10. Nitrous Oxide – Dreamcatcher (Stoneface & Terminal Remix)
11. Poison Pro – Love and Peace
Arty Guest Mix
12. D-Mad – She Gave Happiness (Arty Intro Mix)
13. Alpha 9 – Bliss (Club Mix)
14. Sneijder – Away From Here (Arty Remix)
15. Alex Pich – Tincture (Arty Remix)
16. Arty – Rush
17. Arty – Hope (Club Mix)
18. Darren Tate vs. Jono Grant – Let The Light Shine In 2010 (Arty Remix)
19. Reverse – Absolute Reality (Arty Remix)
Back with Markus Schulz
20. Phynn pres. Binary Star – The Halo Effect
21. Mike Foyle pres. Statica – Sundown
22. Walsh & McAuley – Distant Cry
Global Selection
23. Markus Schulz feat. Justine Suissa – Perception (Vocal Mix)
24. tyDi – Vanilla

Corsten's Countdown 153

Live Track list
(thanks to @cubetrance for the updates)

01. Swedish House Mafia -- One
02. Mason -- You are not alone
03. Daniel Wanrooy -- Ocean Terras
04. Robert Burian feat. Zdenka Predna vs Joeysuki -- Smash You (Robert Burian Mashup)

Coming Choon!

05. Dj Tiesto -- Traffic (Richard Durand Remix)
06. Progressiver pres. FineSky -- Fine Sky (Eximinds Remix)

Coming Choon!

07. Artento Divini -- Griffin
08. Reeves -- Call Of Loneliness (Mat Zo Remix)
09. Darren Tate vs Jono Grant -- Let The Light Shine In 2010 (Filo & Peris Big Room Revival)
10. Thomas Bronzwaer -- Collider (Jorn Van Deynhoven Remix)

Christina Aguilera vs. Lady GaGa

Being in the biz for sometime now, Christina's talent and abilities musically is undeniable. GaGa has proven the same in a short span of time. All through out Christina's teen and pop sensation career she has been tousled with rivalry to ex-Mickey Mouse club BFF Britney Spears. Now that Brit's a little off the Pop Radar (or so it seems), this "newcomer" GaGa, as commented by Xtina herself in one of the interviews may have taken the place of Brit in terms of rivalry post against Xtina.

Why someone of Xtina's stature in the biz would always seem to be compared off to someone and make her look like the 2nd best? Is she a war-freak?

Sneak Peek: Lady Gaga - Alejandro

From one vixen to a vamp... Now Lady GaGa is set to premiere her new single Alejandro. The said single is the 3rd off her 2nd global hit album The Fame Monster. After several arguments with her record label on which single to be released (choices between Gaga's Alejandro and her record label's Dance in the Dark), finally it is deemed Alejandro is the 3rd single having it being sent to the radio sometime in April and yes, the music video that's coming up. There has been some speculation on why there was a push back on the video release. It may or may not be true but let's leave that on business strategy side of the industry.

Looking at the sneak preview, all I see is Madonna. It may also add up about GaGa being part Italian and of course her 'fuck you' attitude that oftentimes she reminds us of Madonna. On the video she depicts Madonna Express Yourself/Vogue meets Janet's Rhythm Nation 1418 era. So is she going back into time now? Too early to judge. But knowing GaGa she does give acknowledgments and credit for inspiration whenever they are due. And she's always admitted her adoration of Madonna and how she has launched a music revolution sometime 25 years ago.

Video is set to premiere on 07 June 2010. Which is a day before Xtina's Bionic album release. Hmmmm... Fishy fishy... but then again, it may only just be me. =)

Official Video: Kylie Minogue - All The Lovers

We kick off June filled with love and lovers as the video of Kylie's All The Lovers fill the airwaves today. The most anticipated video of the season -- All The Lovers is the first single off Kylie's 11th studio offering Aphrodite. On 20 Apr 2010, she announced about the new material she had been working on since early 2009, revealed the album artwork and title plus a 30-sec snippet of what would be the the first single All The Lovers.

On 14 May, Kylie premiered All The Lovers on the radio over at UK BBC Radio 1 and the full HQ song on Parlophone's Youtube page. The single will be released physically on 13 June whilst Aphrodite will be on 05 July 2010.

Watch Aphrodite and her band of mortals in a massive, tasteful orgy of the decade. Noteworthy: 2m51s two guys kissing. Hotness! Kylie barely made movements yet the impact is so huge. I LOVES EEEET!!!

The video was directed by Joseph Kahn and was shot in Los Angeles.

Why do I love the video:
1) Kylie has been around since 1987 and the woman seem to have defied age and ageing -- she's 42 BTW
2) The concept captures the feel of the song and gives a perfect introduction of who Aphrodite is -- the Goddess of Beauty and Love.
3) In this digital age where most pop and mainstream artists would have a futuristic, robotic, mechanical theme, Kylie went back to the ancient times and channeled the era where gods/goddess and humans co-existed but this time in a modern set up, ergo, downtown L.A.
4) The video pacing was a little slow but as the it progressed, it tells a story which who that Kylie depicts. Simple and finite.
5) Stuart Price did a great job with this track while Joseph Kahn cemented the song's stature in the pop world, and Kylie -- she's the epitome of a goddess. She is Aphrodite of the modern times -- beautiful, well-loved, fragile and influential.
6) Fashion: Shoes are to-die for; the cone-shaped bra homage to the Material Girl( Kylie pays homage to Madonna where she has admitted several times about how much she looks up to her, that she's quite happy being the princess while Madonna is the queen); Skin: Kylie's skin is absolutely flawless and that signature Aussie Bum, my-my! Thanks to all the make-up, lighting, editing and whatever scientific aid she may have sought but hey, it does look flawless. She makes 42 look real good.
7) And come on, which better artist that has the same, if not more beauty and flair, can create a mountain or pyramid of mortals making out in a bustling downtown area.

PS: Are those BBM bar codes imprinted on the coffee cups and milk bottles? Hmmm...

Official Video: Toni Braxton - Yesterday

We welcome June by saying goodbye to Yesterday. Yes, I'm also talking aboutToni Braxton's "come back" hit in after how many years now? I can't count. Loving the song. She still has the swag from the 90s, got the body of a hottie and that raw, deep soulful voice. In this video with Trey, Toni dons some of her previous looks (with a modern tweak) -- from You Mean The World, You're Makin' Me High and He Wasn't Man Enough For Me videos. If you're a fan or have followed Toni's career from the beginning, it will be easy for you to spot on the video what I mean.

Album review coming up.

Live Performance: Kylie Minogue - All The Lovers (Arena di Verona, Italia)

Kylie's first live performance of All The Lovers in Arena di Verona, Italia

Choreography by Tony Testa

Kylie donned a BodyAMR creation that made her look like a Goddess -- Aphrodite in the flesh.  This is the HQ video on YouTube (The previous video was a bit shaky and like I said I'm sure an official one will be released soon). Note that the dancers started with full-on clothes and ended the performance in their underwears. Hotness!!! =)

Check out the video:

And here's what Kylie tweeted about the first live performance of All The Lovers

Sneak Peek: Markus Schulz - Do You Dream

Markus Schulz's highly anticipated 3rd artist album Do You Dream. I'm loving the new tracks: Away, Dark Heart Waiting, Not The Same, 65.4Hz, Surreal; alongside the classic Markus track The New World. Need to point out that Lightwave's melody sounds very much like Madonna's The Power of Goodbye



Away, away, away, away........ Album out 15 June 2010

Trance Around The World - Episode 322

This week's episode of my much awaited radio trance broadcast (aside from ASOT) -- anything from A&B is like a candy to a kid. 

Track list:

(thanks heaps to @cubetrance and @aboveandbeyond for the updates)

01. Tiesto feat. BT -- Love Comes Again (Bart Claessen Remix)

02. Nitrous Oxide -- Dreamcatcher (Stoneface & Terminal Remix)

03. Yenn -- Monzen (Stoneface & Terminal Remix)

Record Of The Week

04. Ross Anderson & Shaun Gregory -- Foundation (Maor Levi Remix)

05. Bartlett Bros -- Satellite Of Love (Ronski Speed Remix)

06. Joonas Hahmo -- Section 1

07. STERiO & eleven.five -- Planets (Cramp Remix)

08. Alex M.O.R.P.H. -- Sunset Boulevard (Daniel Kandi Remix)

09. 7 Skies & Kiholm -- Lost & Found

10. Sky Motion -- 9 Impressions

Web Vote Winner

11. Arty -- Rush (Dan Stone Remix)

12. Airwave pres. Lolo -- Myla’s Theme (Oldschool Mix)

13. Mason -- You Are Not Alone
14. ID -- ID
15. Colonial One -- Elements
Jody Wisternoff Guestmix
01. ID -- ID
02. Jaytech & James Grant -- Moth (Martin Roth Remix)
03. ID -- ID
04. ID -- ID
05.

Glee Goes Gaga

Here's one of the most anticipated Glee episodes, next to the Madonna one, where the girls (yes -- including the gay guy) performed a Gaga hit Bad Romance each donning of what you call a Gaga-look.

I don't watch Glee so pardon me for not knowing any of the cast. I love Lady Gaga and how she re-launched Pop Music into new heights.

Backtrack: A State of Trance Episode 436 -- year end Top 20 Countdown 2009

This episode has marked a special place in my eardrums. It's one of those few special episodes where AvB is not the one creating the playlist but basing on listener's preference, hence the count down.

It's still fresh in my memory how I tuned in with full enthusiasm and excitement on this episode aired last 24 Dec 2010 (0200 AM 25 Dec MNL time); instead of playing the traditional Christmas tunes, I plugged in my laptop to the amplifier for my family and relatives to hear this smashing event in Trance community. Christmas in Trance -- what else could be better.

I totally dig the Top 20 - the ones I rooted for were mostly from AvB's Imagine Remixes CD (Unforgivable, Broken Tonight, Never Say Never) which are absolutely a must-listen for die-hard Progressive Trance fans; I'm also in love with the sultry, breathy vocals of Emma Hewitt on  Cosmic Gates' Not Enough Time, the groovy, synth-crazy Find Yourself of J. O'Callaghan and the magical touch of Invisibility (Invisible Touch - Ferry Corsten's touch). PvD's Home is one helluva track, a classic and proper PvD track  -- it's is just cosmic, no wonder the remix was done by Cosmic Gate. I'm quite surprised though that Ferry's Made of Love didn't make the list.On the contrary, it's an awesome feeling to see that this year 2009 voted #1 is a work of my favourite Trance DJ AvB the ever-TRANCEscending vibes and vocals of Tuvan. It truly deserves the #1 spot!

And here are what you have voted for:

ASOT 436, 24-12-2009

Top 20 of 2009

Position | Track | Points | Votes
01. TUNE OF THE YEAR: Gaia - Tuvan (Original Mix); 7448; 2158
02. Dash Berlin Feat. Emma Hewitt - Waiting (Original Mix) 7203; 2109
03. Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren - Beggin’ You (Armin Van Buuren Remix) 6240; 1985
04. Bobina - Invisible Touch (Ferry Corsten’s Touch) 5766; 1571
05. Dash Berlin Feat. Cerf, Mitiska & Jaren - Man On The Run (Original Mix) 5538; 1735
06. Armin Van Buuren Feat. Van Velzen - Broken Tonight (Original Mix) 5141; 1668
07. John O’Callaghan Feat. Sarah Howells - Find Yourself (Cosmic Gate Remix) 5049; 1618
08. RAM - RAMsterdam (Jorn Van Deynhoven Remix) 5009; 1506
09. Andy Moor & Ashley Wallbridge Feat. Meighan Nealon - Faces (Original Mix) 4653; 1481
10. BT Feat. Jes - Every Other Way (Armin Van Buuren Remix) 4393; 1454
11. Above & Beyond Pres. Oceanlab - On A Good Day (Above & Beyond Club Mix) 3937; 1265
12. Nic Chagall Feat. Jonathan Mendelsohn - This Moment (Progressive Mix) 3804; 1211
13. Paul Van Dyk Feat. Johnny Mcdaid - Home (Cosmic Gate Remix) 3600; 1244
14. Roger Shah & Signum - Healsville Sanctuary (Roger Shah Mix) 3520; 1094
15. Rex Mundi Feat. Susana - Nothing At All (Original Mix) 3490; 1106
16. Above & Beyond Pres. Oceanlab - Lonely Girl (Gareth Emery Remix) 2609; 872
17. Cosmic Gate Feat. Emma Hewitt - Not Enough Time (Club Mix) 2560; 847
18. Armin Van Buuren Feat. Jacqueline Govaert - Never Say Never (Omnia Remix) 2478; 708
19. Armin Van Buuren Feat. Jaren - Unforgivable (Stoneface & Terminal Remix) 2370; 844
20. Matt Darey Pres. Urban Astronauts - See The Sun (Aurosonic Remix) 2353; 719

Full list of results available

Number Of Confirmed Valid Votes: 20.347
Special  thanks to Peter Kruit, Mannie Kumar & Rob van Den Nieuwelaar.

Statement:
This list is a true and accurate reflection of all votes and purely based on listeners votes. Each listener that submitted his or her votes, selected his personal top 5 of 2009 of tracks, as played in one of the shows in 2009. All votes were checked on possible fraud.

Sneak Peek: Kylie Minogue - All The Lovers

This is Slow 2.0

It's supposed to be premiered today but I haven't gotten any updates from my sources. So stay tuned. Meanwhile, just indulge yourselves first with this sneak peek exclusive from Parlophone.

Fire, fire, fire, fire!

BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend: Tiësto in the Mix

After four hours of eargasm from Global DJ Broadcast and A State Of Trance, we tune in to to BBC Radio 1's Big Weekend where they feature Tiësto in an interview and he samples us with his set for the Big Weekend Bangor, North Wales.

"Hello, hello if you hear me -- now put your hands in the air and dance with me" This was Tiësto's invitation to a crowd of thousands during the Big Weekend. Listening to the set off Radio 1's broadcast makes me want to jump and fly high at 4:39am Manila time without even considering that have to wake up in 3.5 hours as it is still Friday -- the last day of working week. The crazy sounds of entangled synths and pipe tunes are mind-blowing. It really did give a good sense of what the crowd and venue was like at that time.

Be in One with BBC Radio 1

A State of Trance -- Episode 458

The episode 458 kicked off with two brand new Markus Schulz track off his forthcoming artist album Do You Dream. It's practically like a mini-sequel of the previous GDJB. Armin announced he has about five CDs to give away to five lucky senders who can answer and name one guest vocalist on Schulz's new album. I quickly sent Armin an e-mail hoping I make the cut. It's a good thing I'm already digging Not The Same (guest vocals by Jennifer Rene) hence, I was quickly able to send the e-mail.

To most people, they think all Trance music are the same. That might be true but it's the mixes and the vocals that give newer life and meaning to each track. For this episode,  I really did stay up late for the live broadcast and it was worth it -- it is currently streaming live as I am typing this. I just couldn't get enough of the thumping bass lines and mixed electro-synths. The future favourite is now my current favourite! Not to mention Out There is really a classic -- brings back memories.

A State Of Trance is indeed a place on Earth that is run by Governor Armin van Buuren.

ASOT ep 458 Live Track list

(thanks heaps to @ASOTradio for the update)

 

01. Markus Schulz feat. Justine Suissa — Perception (Vocal Mix)

02. Markus Schulz feat. Jennifer Rene – Not the Same

03. Bartlett Bros & Andrea Mazza – Satellite Of Love (Ronski Speed Remix)

04. Max Graham feat. Ana Criado – Nothing Else Matters

05. Airwave Presents Lolo -- Mylas Theme (Oldschool mix)

06. Arnej - The Strings That Bind Us (8 Wonders Remix)

07. Leon Bolier - That Morning

08.Sied van Riel & Radion 6 – Radiator

09. Beat Service meets Tucandeo feat. Manon Polare – Waiting For The Sun

10. Markus Schulz – 65.4Khz

11. Nitrous Oxide – Dreamcatcher (Stoneface & Terminal Remix)

12.7 Skies & Kiholm- Lost & Found (Original Mix)

13. Ahmed Atef – From A Heart

14. Sound Players – Pangea (Ben Nicky & Rebecca Saforia Remix)

15. Right Face – Morning Dew

16. Luke Terry feat. Kerry Leva -- Arpora (John O Callaghan remix)

17. Artento Divini – Griffin

18. DJ Eco pres. Badlands – To The Edge and Back (Olbaid Remix)

19. DJ Eco -- Drowning

Tune of the Week:
20. Mike Foyle – Silver Lake (DNS Project Whiteglow Mix)

Future Favorite: 
21. Aly & Fila feat Josie - Listening (Philippe El Sisi Remix)

22. Pulstate & Juventa - Somnia (Jorn van Deynhoven Remix

ASOT Radio Classic: 
23. Masters & Nickson featuring Justine Suissa - Out There (5th Dimension)

Global DJ Broadcast (27-May-2010) -- Markus Schulz's Do You Dream album premiere special

Markus Schulz has once again given some eargasm to all those Trance lovers out there. With this special episode of GDJB, we have gotten a taste of what it's like to dream. Do You Dream will take you to another world -- a world of Surreal, Alpha State of euphoria, transcending through the thumping bass lines and gushing mixture of electro-synths. Now you can Fly To Colours high Far From Reality, get Lifted and be carried Away, Away, Away... And when you wake up you will Not Be The Same.

Progression served as a catalyst... Do You Dream marks the spot!

Listen to Live Broadcast

Track list from the GDJB live streaming

(thanks heaps to @cubetrance for the update)

01. Markus Schulz - Alpha State

02. Markus Schulz Featuring Sir Adrian - Away

03. Mike Foyle pres. Statica - Headrush

04. Tucandeo - Far From Reality

05. Markus Schulz - 65.4 HZ

06. Beat Service Meets Tucandeo Featuring Manon Polare - Waiting For The Sun (tyDi's Stadium Mix)

07. Arnej - The Strings That Bind Us

08. Markus Schulz Featuring Ana Criado - Surreal

09. Gaia - Aisha

10. Mat Zo - 24 Hours (Rank 1 Remix)

11. Markus Schulz Feat. Angelique Bergere - Lifted

12. Shy Brothers - Recharge

13. Rex Mundi - Opera of Northern Ocean

14. Markus Schulz feat. Departure - Without You Near

15. Energy 52 - Cafe Del Mar (Remix)

16. Bart Claessen - Hartseer (Dezza Remix)

17. Markus Schulz Featuring Justine Suissa - Perception (Vocal Mix)

18. Statica - Deadly Nightshade (Phynn Remix)

19. Markus Schulz - Fly To Colors (Markus Schulz Big Room Remix)

20. Jochen Miller - Humanoid

21. D-Tune - Solaris

22. Markus Schulz feat. Jennifer Rene - Not The Same

Do You Dream track list

Track list from Do You Dream album

01. Alpha State 02. Away (Feat. Sir Adrian) 03. Rain 04. Dark Heart Waiting (Feat. Khaz) 05. Not The Same (Feat. Jennifer Rene) 06. Do You Dream (Uplifting Vocal Mix) 07. Last Man Standing (Feat. Khaz) 08. Surreal (Feat. Ana Criado) 09. Unsaid (Feat. Susana) 10. Lifted (Feat. Angelique Bergere) 11. Perception (Feat. Justine Suissa) 12. The New World 13. Lightwave (Feat. Angelique Bergere) 14. 65.4Hz 15. What Could Have Been 16. Goodbye (With Max Graham Feat. Jessica Riddle) Noteworthy tracks so far: Alpha State, Away, Dark Heart Waiting, Headrush, 65.4HZ, Not the Same, Without You Near Album due out 15 June 2010

After a Heartbreak that made her a dancer, Sophie is Bittersweet and goes Straight to the Heart rather than Make A Scene

Seeing tweets of SEB that she's finally worked on her 4th studio album and that she's releasing its first single next week got me all perked up. With Sophie joining the bandwagon of my favourite female artists releasing their new singles -- this is something great to look forward to musically. I'm a fan of great music and I just want to see my favourite artists to be out there.

When Sophie made a collab with Freemasons: Heartbreak (Make Me A Dancer), I loved it instantly. Freemasons never fails to make a hit. As a fan of Euro Pop, they always hit that particular demographic perfectly and gets the listeners addicted to what they have concocted. When I heard the song, I thought that Sophie was bound to release a 4th studio album which she initially mentioned she would in Summer of 2009. Same with Christina Aguilera then. I was excited for both to release new records. I was too excited even there were no obvious materials out yet and all were just mere press releases. But now I could see and hear actual artworks and singles released I'm sure there's no holding back now.

Bittersweet is another track produced by Freemasons and having the Freemasons label in a song is like buying a household name product i.e. Colgate, Frigidaire, Xerox. When I hear Freemasons, it is a given fact that I will highly likely adore the song. Think when they remixed Kylie's The One -- super GV! However, having been produced and written by Freemasons, it does sound very similar to Heartbreak -- to me it seems like a sequel, a continuation of being heartbroken to moving on bittwersweetly. I still think Heartbreak is better than Bittersweet.

The album title was supposedly to be called Make A Scene but when SEB tweeted weeks back that she's changing it to Straight to the Heart, it made me think it sounds like her sophomore album Shoot From the Hip which is a less hot version of her froshie album Read My Lips and only produced very few good tracks. Having that solid proof, I was a bit worried that this fourth album might suffer the same fate. I'm pretty sure she has an artistic reason behind the change and by looks of the producers and collabs she's done with: Calvin Harris, Freemasons, Greg Kurstin, Sneaker Pimps, Armin van Buuren (how exciting!!!), etc. I went from a zero worrying stage mother to a confident beauty title holder in sixty seconds. This is gonna be like Kylie except that it is Sophie.

Christina is Bionic

Having heard of Christina's new single Not Myself Tonight, I was a little worried that it may not be a come back material type. When I saw the artwork I just felt ordinary of it -- nothing fantastic. But as I listened to the song when I was in Boracay, it grew on me. It grew on me so much that I imbibed the song in me during the vacation. I was loving the electro-tribal beat of the song and the lyrics were just very empowering. Which made me think that this song is one of Christina's best work since her Stripped days. Back to Basics was great too, don't get me wrong but Stripped brought her to where she is now and defined her as an artist. Going back to basics makes you realise things and you get empowered by what you can do. Now after 4 years since her last record and nearly 2 years of going hiatus from the scene, she has become Bionic.

The title itself gives so much to think about. What is she going to do now? How will she sound? Who is she working with? Will it work? These kinds of thoughts. I'd say it's very promising given the set of producers and collaborators she's working with. I hear she's worked with Tricky Stewart (Mariah Carey), Goldfrapp (Kylie Minogue), The Neptunes (Madonna amongst others) and some very under-rated artists MIA and Santogold. I'm just too anxiously excited to hear the material coming out June 2010. With the video of Not Myself Tonight looming, which by the way was directed by Hype Williams and we know what he's known for -- so much expectation lies on it.

Kylie as Aphrodite

After releasing X, Kylie's 10th studio album and 4th with Parlophone, which was nearly 3 years ago she now announced new material for her 11th studio album to be released in July 2010. Seeing the album artwork, hearing about the album name just got me all excited. This is what Kylie should be doing. She is a goddess and no better name can describe her image and work than Aphrodite -- the Greek Goddess of Beauty and Love. Packed with previous collaborators: Calvin Harris (In My Arms); Greg Kurstin (Wow); Kish Mauve (2 Hearts), she brings along new collabs on board: RedOne (Lady GaGa) and Stuart Price (Madonna). RedOne made 3 worldwide hits for Gaga namely Just Dance, Poker Face and Bad Romance and awaiting confirmation of the hot producer's contribution on the project and Stuart Price brought Madonna back to the top with Confessions on a Dancefloor after the flop of American Life, is the executive producer of Aphrodite. I'm just excited and curious how both these powerhouse producers would do with Kylie as the artist. I mean her X album is so exquisite and a really great material but was not promoted nor packaged too well and it didn't have the sales or recognition it should have garnered. I hope it would be different for Aphrodite this time.

The album artwork looks like a perfume advert -- this is a very common comment I hear from people. I adore the Gaultier ensemble. He just knows how to dress Kylie to looking the part. However, they could have done more with her hair to get that goddess effect. But hey, it's Kylie and I'm not complaining.

I also hope Kylie's promoters and record execs learned their lesson with X that no matter how good the material is, if it lacks proper promotion and packaging, it will get flushed down the drain. But X reaching a 1M copies sold worldwide is not too bad considering she only had UK, EU, ANZ and ASIA as main her markets.

I wouldn't say that X album did not completely do well as it produced a good array of material and paved the way for her best and most successful tour yet where she also had her first major tour in North America. With All The Lovers looming for radio premiere in 14 May 2010 on BBC UK radio 1, Joseph Kahn behind the lens for the video, now that she has the US market eating the palm of her hand and the world at her feet, let's see how Aphrodite can charm her way and find a fit in the American radio demographic.

Bigfish presents Innovation Black featuring Ferry Corsten: Once Upon A Night in Manila 2010

As a fan of Trance music, I have been dependant and always looking forward to Big Fish events. Who would they bring to town this time? Who will be attending? Will it be as fun as the last one?

Ferry Corsten is one of those under-rated DJs in the region. He has some really good stuff -- reason why he's in line with the World's Best and Renowned DJs in the Dance Music Industry. When I found out that Big Fish is bring Ferry in town, I immediately phoned my friends and had to plan for this night of excess. I had a couple of weeks to revisit Corsten's discography and brush up on my Ferry Fix lyrics. It didn't take me long to get re-acquainted with his music.

"Nothing is created, nothing is destroyed; I'll never give this up, we're all made of love" -- the lyrics off his very recent hit was being sang in harmony by the crowd, along with me. I was TRANCE-scended to a state of euphoria while shouting higher Ferry, higher! As the song went Into The Dark and Radio Crash, the night ended slowly but the people were still high in trance energy.

Needless to say, the event was successful as it was one of the longest run-time for a Big Fish event -- lasted past 5am! It was just like the annual Cream Halloween Ball or when Armin van Buuren was last in town.

It was fun being with my best friend, our other great friends; seeing other friends, networks and acquaintances around. Music do make people come together. And with how Ferry gave that "We Belong" feeling to everyone in the crowd was just the cherry on top of a delicious event.

'til the next Big Fish Innovation. Rumour has it that a David is coming to town in June. David Guetta that is. Are you ready for One Love? Let me hear them Louder than Words!

Photos courtesy of Michelle Remo, Jason Tomas, Armada Music and yours truly

Virtual Post-its

Ok -- I thought I could collate all my scattered thoughts, whines, reviews, notes and whatevs but I can't. They're just everywhere! Facebook, Multiply, Twitter, Plurk, my Journal that still has Sarah Michelle Gellar photo from her Cruel Intentions days, my eBay notebook and A WHOLE LOT OF POST-ITS!

I'd like to do a going forward thing whereby I will start to deposit all notes and reviews for music, artists, movies on this blog. For the previous entries, do visit the following links below. As for the ones written on my notes, I'll leave it as is.

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=529456554&v=app_2347471856#!/notes.php?id=529456554&style=2

http://marxieb0i.multiply.com/

Backtrack: A State of Trance Episode 450 -- Live in Wroclaw 2010

Today The Sun's On Us

I had a very good today. I went to work, get paid and not doing anything but personal errands. I am blogging in the office, updating my multiply was so long over due, met up with date for lunch, had my exit interview which was just the cherry on top of my good day

So far so good, I have done a full turnover to my boss, oriented her of my files, documents and endorsed my clients to her (hope she could take it all in because she's a bit challenged in coping with these kind of things) =P

I am all set. I am ready to leave and move on to my new home (job)

Whilst all things are going well with my would-be former job, I also met my date for lunch. It was the usual - enjoying each other's company. I did miss him over the weekend. Hope this will just continue and probably progress and escalate into something better. *wink wink*

I have also bid my office mates good bye. They wished me luck as I did the same. Today was a very good day. A very light Monday, I must say this is a very rare Monday to have as my usual Mondays are crunch time, stressful and just makes me feel lazy. I don't know if I'm still making sense now as my heart is still racing in beats. I just got home from running/walking with my good friend Mike. I'm excited to join my first fun run - the Adidas King of the Road 2008. But this is a different story. A different blog entry that is. So stay tuned.

Good night!

Kylie X2008 Live in Singapore and Hong Kong!

Wednesday, September 24, 2008
LIVE NATION
KylieX2008 Live in Singapore
25th November, 2008
Singapore Indoor Stadium

For Immediate Release

Singapore (September 24, 2008) – After wowing audiences and critics across the UK and Europe with the KylieX2008 Tour which kicked off in Paris in May 2008, Live Nation Asia is excited to announce Kylie Minogue one night only performance in Singapore on 25th November 2008.

“A show not to be missed”, the KylieX2008 Tour is an enormous US$16million production that has already traveled to more than 21 countries across the UK and Europe. More than half a million people have seen the show and been wowed by Kylie’s performance, her first class production and her dazzling Jean Paul Gaultier wardrobe.

Quoted by Kylie, “The eclectic mix of sounds on X has afforded me the opportunity to explore and develop a new live show that is fresh, exhilarating and innovative. After two years of celebratory tours, KylieX2008 is a look to the future but definitely includes favorites alongside the new”

“As a production, this show certainly takes some beating. From the moment that Kylie first appeared. Floating high above the stage … to the final flourish of I Should Be So Lucky, delivered to an audience engulfed in golden confetti and gaily colored balloons, the cast of acrobat/dancers, musicians and behind the scenes technicians never missed a trick.” The Times, London

The heroic star who has firmly set her cancer battle behind her, proved she is the undisputed queen of the pop landscape with her KylieX2008 tour. She is back and better than ever!


KYLIEX2008 Live in Singapore
8PM - November 25, 2008
Singapore Indoor Stadium

Tickets: S$100, S$150, S$250, S$375, S$550
Tickets on sale at 9am – Friday 3rd October, 2008 from SISTIC
Booking Hotline: (65) 6348-5555
Online Booking: www.sistic.com.sg

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19.09.2008 Pop's ultimate Showgirl, Kylie Minogue, will be bringing her KYLIEX2008 World Tour to Hong Kong on November 27th

Tickets for the show at AsiaWorld-Arena, Chek Lap Kok go on sale at 10am (local time) on Thursday 25th September at all HK Ticketing and Tom Lee Outlets.

Ticket are also available from the booking hotline on (852) 31-288-288 or online via www.livenation.asia and www.hkticketing.com.

General Enquiries: (852) 2989 9239

http://www.kylie.com/news/1746708

I Am...

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Jose Karlo Marx D. Cabrera – born under the Gemini Wood-Rat Sign of the combined East-West Zodiac. As such, his noteworthy traits include being witty, sociable, versatile and a good secret-keeper.

His line of interest fall under Music, High Fashion, Luxury Skin Care & Cosmetics, Fitness, Wellness, Sports, Entertainment, Food, Wine, Liqueur, Interior Design Marketing, Public Relations, Advertising, and Hospitality to name a few. He considers being an extrovert, gregarious, a go-getter, hard-working, results-oriented, having strong conviction and very outgoing as his main strong points as a person. He is able to communicate and blend well with almost any type of personalities.

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In his free time, you may see him do his workout (running, weight training) and on weekends he may be with friends clubbing and having great cocktails. He loves to do groceries, maintain the neatness of his condo unit where he often re-decorates and re-arranges things inside the unit to give it varied looks. He also loves cooking for his friends and loved ones – bragging about his new recipes and fishing for compliments about it. Wine tasting is something he looks forward to every quarter (of course that goes the same with all the cheeses and patés). You would also see him updating his music list every so often. He cannot almost always not go anywhere without his laptop, music player and his PDA phone.

Moreover, this fellow is a good mixture of life, work, fun and love. Get to know him more and you will see what I mean.■

First Time Online Journal

Hi. I am Marx Cabrera and it is my first time to officially do an online journal. I have always preferred the old skool way in writing my thoughts, conquests, insights, and achievements - to have a written journal that I take with me most of the time.

Now in this new age of techonology, where typing is way easier than writing (comes with photos and colours too) I feel that I need to start my own online journal.

Initially, I wanted to transfer and encode here all my written journal entries. But then I decided to just keep it as is and start with a clean slate.

To begin, I would like to give a brief overview about myself so that somehow you may understand why I have such perceptions, points of views, opinions, beliefs, etc. This would also give you an idea of the things I'm into, that I love doing, that I hate (pet peeves) and things like that.

So with that, my first blog entry is done. Many thanks!

Marx