MNDR 'Feed Me Diamonds' Release Party This Thursday 8/30

Amanda Warner, otherwise known as MNDR, is the Brooklyn-based electronic artist who sparkles on her recently released debut record, 'Feed Me Diamonds.' We've been crushing on her hyper-hip brand of synth-pop since we stumbled onto her single "Cut Me Out" in 2011. The too-cool-for-school electro-pop babe is throwing an album release party this Thursday August 30th in New York City, so if you're looking for a good time (with some good music), be sure to check her out and come dance with us (yes, Electrocutie is going, too!)!

Visit MNDR online here.

'Turn The World On': New Dev/Static Revenger Single

First she popped bottles on the ice, then she danced in the dark, and now she's turning the whole world on in her new collaboration track with Static Revenger, "Turn The World On." "I'd like to turn the whole world on just for a moment, just for a moment," Dev delivers over a funky disco-techno beat that simply beckons to the dance-floor, disco-ball and all. It's a deliciously addictive, fun track with big personality and a hyper-funky music video to match.

Watch below, and lemme hear you go, "Woo! Woo!"



Visit Dev on Facebook here.

Gypsy Warrior: An Interview With Neon Hitch

All that glitters is gold when it comes to Neon Hitch, the gypsy pop princess that's currently all over the radio with her collaboration with Gym Class Heroes. Neon has just recently released her latest single, the shimmery feel-good pop track "Gold," and is also priming for her debut album release. 

I was able to catch up with the adorable redheaded dance diva for a chat about working with Gym Class Heroes, her love for the gay community, and her shiny new single!


E: Hi Neon! How are you?

N: I’m great, thank you. How are you?

E: I’m good! Well, I have to talk about “Ass Back Home” - the massive smash from Gym Glass Heroes that features your voice. It’s on the radio all the time, and you guys have been performing it together on TV… Tell me, what’s it like hearing yourself on the radio on this amazing track?

N: It never gets old! [Laughs.] It’s always an amazing experience every time I hear it. Like, I get goose-bumps - it’s so exciting!

E: And it’s such a great track, too. The hook is so addictive and catchy and definitely one of the biggest ones this year.

N: Thank you so much!

E: You’re welcome. So how did you get involved with the track?

N: Well, Benny Blanco and I are quite close and we work together. He’s producing my whole album ‘Beg Borrow and Steal.' And he was actually producing a track for Gym Class Heroes. He just thought I sounded great and he was like, “Hey, you wanna come by and try this out?” So I went over and we worked together - it was super quick. Travie just loved how it sounded and so it all just came together really quickly.

E: It’s amazing how well the single has done. You must be so thrilled since it’s probably opened you up to so many new fans. Do you feel like that’s has that been the case?

N: Yeah! I mean, it's really opened a lot of doors. I’ve got to travel with Gym Class Heroes and that was amazing. We've performed in so many crazy venues! I’m just really grateful ‘cause it’s really helped me out!

E: Well, your latest single "Love You Betta" has also become quite the radio staple. Can you tell us about that track? 

N: It’s very raunchy! {Laughs.] I just have to express myself, you know? I had a breakup with a boyfriend who really broke my heart, and then he decided to go date supermodels...

E: Ugh!

N: Tell me about it! I had to write a song about it, really. So I wrote that song on the bed. It’s like... music is all about expressing yourself. We're just getting ready to release my new single "Gold" that I cowrote with Bruno Mars and I’m very excited about this one.

E: What can you tell us about “Gold?”

N: It’s a beautiful love song. Tyga is actually featured on it, and it’s produced by Benny Blanco.

E: I’m sure an amazing music video will come eventually, too.

N: Yeah, I’m actually sketching visual ideas out right now. I’m coming up with some pretty interesting stuff! [Laughs.]



E: I can only imagine! I know your video for "Love You Betta" is very, very steamy…

N: That was the aim of that video. [Laughs.] Now I’m moving on to bigger and better things! Leaving the heartbreak in the past. That’s kind of what "Gold" is all about. I’ve been in the dark for so long and finally someone comes along and they just shine that gold... The most beautiful light in your life! That’s really what the song is all about.

E: You know, I wanted to ask you about your openness with sensuality. From your live shows to your outfits to your lyrics, you seem to be very much about embracing your sensuality and exploring the primal side of being a strong, independent woman. Do you ever feel self conscious at all?

N: I mean, I’m human. I have days where I feel insecure and doubt myself. But generally I love to express myself and I love being a woman and I love being sensual. I like to express my emotions. Even through what I’m wearing! I feel more comfortable when I’m dressed crazy.

E: You're style is amazing! It seems like you’re very inspired by your incredible, unique upbringing living in a caravan, and all your eclectic world travels...

N: Oh yeah, my upbringing definitely has a big influence on the things that I wear. Growing up in a van, traveling the world... My mum’s an artist, too, so that’s really influenced the things I wear as well.

E: Well, lately you've been touring a lot and doing a lot shows. And you traveled a lot in your youth, of course. Do you feel at home on the road?

N: Yeah, it’s really strange actually. I’m at home in New York right now and it’s a very bizarre feeling because I’m so used to having to keep moving. I've spent my whole life on the move! But I’m very comfortable traveling and I really feel at home on the road.

E: You’ve done a lot of shows and events at gay clubs and pride events, too. Is the gay community quite near and dear to your heart?

N: You know, it just feels right. When I do a show for the gay community, it’s always a blast! We always have an amazing time. I feel like in that world I’m accepted and we all just understand each other. It’s not about judging each other.

E: There's an amazing energy from that crowd. Coupled with the power of your performance, it’s very uplifting!

N: Yes, it’s a beautiful thing!

E: So anyway, your debut album 'Beg Borrow and Steal' has been a long time coming, but what stage is the album in now?

N: Well, right now I'm focusing on "Gold." I'm releasing the single and late fall I will release the album. But you know, the album just keeps getting better and better. I keep making new songs to add to the album, so it's really a thing of perfection.

E: You’ll know when it feels complete. You’ll get that sense of "This is it, it’s finished, I'm ready to go!"

N: Absolutely!

E: Well, Neon, thank you so much. I cant wait to hear what comes next!

N: Thank you very much. And look out for "Gold!"

Thank you to the lovely Neon Hitch, her management, and Andrew at Warner Bros. Records for arranging the interview. Keep an eye out for 'Beg Borrow and Steal' this year and pick up "Gold," out now on iTunes! Visit Neon Hitch on the web here.

Marina And The Diamonds Lonely Hearts Club Tour NYC (8/18)

When I heard that Marina and the Diamonds was swinging 'round New York City on her Lonely Hearts Club Tour months ago, I bought my tickets on the spot. And those months of waiting, anticipating, and counting down the days came to a climax last Saturday August 18th at Webster Hall as Marina enchanted the sold out crown with a sugar-rush showcase of dramatic dolly pop.







The stage, swathed in feminine blues and pinks, looked like a Stepford Wives' boudoir, complete with chaise lounge, martini glasses, and pink poodles, naturally. Marina took the stage at 9 PM, her dramatic entrance made even more climactic as she glided underneath her pink neon "Electra Heart" sign in a frothy wedding veil and decadent white fur.







She powered through the opener, the electro-rager "Homewrecker," with the vengeance of a virgin bride scorned. Much to the thrill of the audience, Marina followed with 'The Family Jewels' tracks "Oh No!" and "Mowgli's Road," to which much singing-along ensued from the crowd.







Afterwards, Marina moved into an emotional performance of "Lies," moving me close to tears at one point with her vocal and lyrical poignancy. "I Am Not A Robot" and "Starring Role" followed, the former of which brought a nostalgic kick to the long-term fans in the audience.







Slipping into a sheer, foamy pink dressing gown, Marina launched into one of my favorite tracks off the album, the underrated "State of Dreaming." The stage glowed and twinkled under the pink lights, psychedelic flower lights spinning against the backdrop as Marina performed, her pink nightie flowing behind her angelically.







Dark electronics and sharp synths filled the venue as "Power and Control" started, starkly contrasting the dreamy mood of the previous track. "I'm gonna make you fall," Marina sang powerfully, commanding the stage like a diva as she strutted back and forth. After slipping into a hot pink Miss Shellfish Beach sash, the electric guitars flared up for "Bubblegum Bitch," Marina twirling and thrashing about the stage in an iridescent blue prom dress.







"Obsessions" and "Hypocrates" were up next, followed by the throbbing single "Primadonna," to which Marina simply owned the stage like the posh princess she is. The crowd erupted for her performance, the pop star moving between dainty and dramatic during the performance. Afterwards, Marina snatched up a martini glass for "Shampain" - which, by the way, I was for some reason both surprised and thrilled to see her perform.







The stage lit up with twinkling lights for the next track, the massive dance anthem "Radioactive." The synths throbbed as Marina twirled and bounced on stage, a light up heart belt wrapped around her tiny waist, the crowd jumping and screaming in ecstasy. After fleeing the stage, Marina returned for the encore, including a dazzling piano rendition of fan-favorite "Teen Idle" and a haunting performance of "Fear and Loathing."







Upcoming sassy single - and surefire smash hit - "How To Be A Heartbreaker" was the track to close the set, the pop starlet cutely pondering, "At least I think I do..." as the crowd screamed for their queen. After the show, I was on a high for days, proving that not only is Marina and the Diamonds one of the most exciting pop artists and singers right now, but also one of the most exciting performers.





Visit Marina and the Diamonds online here.

Book Of 'Genesis': Grimes Drop Surreal New Video

In another successful effort to prove to everyone just how effortlessly cool and untouchable and perfect she is, the experimental Canadian dream-pop goddess known as Grimes has released the unbearably hip video for her dreamy new single "Genesis."

In the video, Grimes and her caravan of fashion apocalypse warriors vogue, hair-flip, and serve up 90's anime raver realness in the California desert on top of an ethereal, ambient soundscape. Other notable moments include Grimes cuddling with a massive python (literally, so get your mind out of the gutter) that seems like it slithered right out of a Britney Spears performance.

 

 Check out Grimes online here.

'Send Me Your Love': Brand New Taryn Manning Single, Remix

It's been a hot minute since we've heard anything from too-cool-for-school actress-musician Taryn Manning, so I was thrilled to stumble upon her massive new single today. "Send Me Your Love" finds Taryn back on the dancefloor (where she rightly belongs) in an anthem of a club track - all swooshing synths, pounding beats, and euphoric Ibiza-sized vocals.

"Send Me Your Love," which features electronic duo Sultan + Ned Shepard, is off of Taryn's upcoming 'Freedom City EP.' A video is set to drop soon, but in the meanwhile, take a listen below to both the original and the thumping, dubstep KDrew remix, below!




Visit Taryn Manning online here.

Golden Girl: New Neon Hitch Single 'Gold'

Electric gypsy queen Neon Hitch dropped her shiny new single last week, and it shines like gold! "Gold" features sunny, stomping production, upbeat lyrics, and a catchy, sing-along chorus that is sure to do well on the radio.

To coincide with the new track - while we wait for a proper music video, of course - Neon dropped this super cute arts 'n crafts lyrics video, featuring tons of glitter, neon paint, and cute shots of Neon (including a signature booty shot... would you expect anything less?). Check it out:



Visit Neon Hitch on Facebook here.

Marina And The Diamonds YouTube Live Stream Performance (8/15)

On Wednesday August 15th, the goddess known as Marina and the Diamonds played a special acoustic performance set and took part in an interview during a YouTube Presents live-stream event in NYC. I was lucky enough to nab myself a spot (after replying quite manically to the email I had received about it a few times just to make sure it had sent), and a few days later I slid into my seat at exactly the moment Marina took the intimate stage. 

 

Wearing a slick, black high-waisted pencil skirt, crop top, and adorable Vivienne Westwood pom pom heels (these things must be noticed), Marina dazzled the small crowd of superfans with light renditions of some of her most popular tracks and singles, including "Primadonna" and "How To Be A Heartbreaker," allowing her vocals and effervescent charm to sparkle over the stripped down set.

Afterwards, Marina took a seat and joined the interviewer for a quick round of questions, some of which has been asked by fans online. Marina, candid as always, graced us with her openness and stories, and even shared the worst rumor she had ever heard about herself! (FYI, it wasn't very PG, but was incredibly entertaining.)

Marina is currently touring her Lonely Hearts Club Tour here in the States, so catch her while you can! Check out our exclusive audio interview with Marina here and visit Marina and the Diamonds online here.

'Only Love': Queen Of Hearts Releases Cover Track

UK electro-pop royalty Queen of Hearts recently dropped a very regal cover of Ben Howard's "Only Love" on Soundcloud. The incredibly produced track is a slice of pure synth-pop heaven, with throbbing electronics and twinkling synths, Queen of Heart's breathy vocals floating above the blissful tranced-out production like downy feathers. Take a listen below:



Visit Queen of Hearts online here.

'Anything Could Happen': New Ellie Goulding Single

"Baby, I'll give you everything you need," Ellie Goulding coos during the twinkling bridge of her new single "Anything Could Happen," the leading track off upcoming sophomore effort 'Halcyon.' And perhaps Goulding fans can take this as a promise from the pop star, because the British electro-pop princess does indeed deliver everything fans need (and accept) from an Ellie Goulding song.

Poetic as ever in her writing, Ellie has crafted another sparkling pop hit, while still staying true to her indie leanings through unique electronic production and uplifting, intelligent lyrics. Take a listen below:



Visit Ellie Goulding online here.