Weitzman says that in addition to the Cirque show, the Michael Jackson estate is contemplating several other projects. The 25th anniversary of the Bad album in 2012 may be commemorated with a special package similar to 2008′s Thriller 25, while another set of unreleased material to follow 2010′s Michael collection is also being considered. “It’s a pretty vibrant estate in the sense that it continues to generate not just catalog opportunities but plenty of other ideas,” Weitzman says.
As for the tribute concert, which is slated to feature performances by the Black Eyed Peas, Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis, Ne-Yo and Cee Lo Green, Weitzman says the estate is “kind of watching it like everybody else. They’ve never really had any discussions with us, so we’re just watching it all go by.”
Time to indulge in a sweet treat. Katy Perry is issuing the special edition of her double platinum and No. 1 hit yielding second album ‘Teenage Dream.’ It’s called ‘Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection’ and it’s due to land in stores on March 27. The initial run will include a limited edition, lenticular cover. That means it’ll look 3D.
What’s so special and confectionary about ‘The Complete Confection?’ Well, it’ll feature all 12 tracks from the original, six of which were No. 1 hits on Billboard’s pop chart. Perry set records by churning out No. 1 hit after No. 1 with the album. It all started with ‘California Gurls’ and continued with the title track, crackled with ‘Firework,’ went out of this world with ‘E.T.,’ and celebrated the ’80s with ‘T.G.I.F. (Last Friday Night.)’ The most recent numero uno is ‘The One That Got Away.’ Half of the album’s tracks were chart toppers. Impressive!
But there’s also new stuff. There’s three brand new songs as well as versions of ‘E.T’ featuring Kanye West, ‘Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)’ featuring Missy Elliott, and a moving acoustic version of current single ‘The One That Got Away,’ produced by Jon Brion. None of these alternative versions have ever been available on a physical CD until now. A seven-minute Tommie Sunshine megamix featuring all six of the No. 1 hits.
“This is the complete story of ‘Teenage Dream,’” Perry said in a statement. “It was an incredible honor to tie the King of Pop’s Billboard Hot 100 record, but I’m moving forward and had a few things left to get off my chest. So this is the complete special edition of my album for my fans.”
Lana Del Rey is set to re-release her original debut album, which was officially released in 2010 under her real name, Lizzie Grant.
The 'Born To Die' singer has said that she has bought the rights to record and will be putting it out later this year. She said to BBC News: "I'm re-releasing it, maybe in late summer."
The album cost $10,000 (£6363) to record and was produced by David Kahne (Regina Spektor). It was available on iTunes for two months before being taken down.
"People act like it's so shrouded in mystery, the 'forgotten terrible album'," said Del Rey. "But if you look on YouTube, all 13 tracks are available with millions of views, so it's not like no-one's heard them. We were all proud of it. It's pretty good."
Lana Del Rey is set to score a Top 10 hit this Sunday (January 29) with her new single 'Born To Die'. The single, which is also the title track from her first album under the name Lana Del Rey, was at Number 10 in the Official UK Singles Chart earlier this week. She releases the album on January 30.
If you haven’t had enough of Katy Perry over the past year and a half, well you’re in luck! She’s ready to do a complete re-release of one of the biggest pop albums of all time. Five number one singles (with a sixth still in the works), Katy is prepping a re-release for sometime in 2012. When will it be released? And what’s going to make this album special?
Alicia Keys is set to commemorate the release of her multi-platinum debut songs in A minor with a special 10th Anniversary Deluxe and Collector’s edition. To celebrate the occasion, she will also give an intimate performance at New York City’s Beacon Theatre.
The Deluxe two-disc and Collector’s Edition three-disc sets, due June 28, will boast special packaging and a beefed up booklet featuring new liner notes. Unheard tunes that didn’t make the original tracklisting will be featured on the new releases, including “A Woman’s Worth (Remix)” featuring Nas, the mixtape version of “Juiciest,” the previously unreleased “Typewriter,” and more.
Additionally, the Collector’s Edition will feature a documentary created for the commemorative release. The film explores the making of the album as well as interviews with Keys and those who worked on the Grammy-winning record.
“It’s incredibly surreal for me to be celebrating the 10th anniversary of songs in A minor,” stated Alicia. “Looking back on the journey, I’m truly moved by my fans and friends who’ve been with me and have supported me throughout my career. This album is possibly the most precious to me, as your first album only happens once, and so songs in A minor will always hold a special place in my life that’s filled with amazing memories.”
The New York native will also grace the stage at the Beacon Theatre on June 30 for the one-of-a-kind “Piano & I: A One Night Only Event with Alicia Keys,” where she will play songs from the album as well as cuts from her oeuvre.
“I’m so proud that the songs are still being enjoyed around the world, and I’m crazy excited to share, through the 10th Anniversary Edition, songs never heard before, and even more of my debut album with you,” she said.
In addition, Keys will perform at the BET Awards on June 26 and an hour-long special on her career will air on the network in late June.
Lady Gaga has announced that she will be releasing an limited edition of single 'Born This Way'.
The singer, whose single is currently number three in the UK charts, is planning on releasing an limited edition of the single to raise money for gay rights, reports Billboard.
Gaga has already been in talks with executives at US retailer Target, urging them to change their views after they previously supported anti-gay political candidates instead of equal rights charities.
The retailer will now support the campaign backing lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights and will sell the limited edition single in their stores.
Meanwhile, the video for Lady Gaga's new single 'Born This Way' will be given its world premiere on Monday (February 28).
Christina Aguilera's latest album Bionic could be reissued, reports suggest.
The singer's label is said to be considering re-releasing the record, which has sold less than half-a-million copies worldwide, to coincide with promoting her debut movie role in Burlesque.
Discussing Aguilera's cancelled summer tour, RCA Vice President Scott Seviour told Billboard: "It's not like the music industry, where the talent comes out two weeks before the album. They started at the end of July.
"Burlesque ideally gives us the opportunity to remarket Bionic. "
Aguilera added: "I knew going into Burlesque that it would intertwine with Bionic, but I also knew that I'd get to a point where regardless of what was happening with my record I'd have to turn my attention to the movie."
"I've basically put everything in my life on hold for the movie."
The singer performed the film's title track at last night's American Music Awards.
Ke$ha has had to cancel a recent concert in Mexico due to commitments surround the re-release of her chart-topping debut album ‘Animal‘. While explaining the reason for the cancelled concert, Ke$ha revealed that her re-release will bear the awesome and strangely appropriate title of ‘Cannibal‘.
The album is currently scheduled for release in mid-November, which means that the lead single can’t be too far off. Production on the disc is being handled by the same team behind ‘Animal’ — Dr. Luke, Benny Blanco and DJ Ammo — as well as hip-hop hitmaker Bangladesh. Between 5-8 new songs are expected to appear on ‘Cannibal’.
Since its release in January, ‘Animal‘ has topped the Billboard charts, been certified Platinum and sold over 2 million copies worldwide. It’s also spawned four consecutive top ten hits, all of which have been certified Platinum or multi-Platinum.
** Pre-order today from the Flotique and receive three exclusive limited edition postcard prints with the album! **
Release date: Monday 15th November 2010
'Between Two Lungs' is a two disc special edition version of the multiplatinum-selling, Brit Award winning, debut album; 'Lungs'.
'Between Two Lungs' includes the much anticipated new single 'Heavy In Your Arms'. Produced by Paul Epworth; the track a favourite of recent festival headlining live sets, was recorded for the Twilight Eclipse film.
The 10 track second disc also includes; a live recording of brand new song 'Strangeness & Charm', the massive collaboration with Dizzee Rascal 'You Got The Dirtee Love', and a previously unreleased Yeasayer remix of 'Dog Days Are Over'. It will also feature new cover art, sleeve notes by Florence and exclusive images.
Florence recently wowed worldwide audiences with her live performance (and victory) at this year's MTV VMA Awards, which saw her album explode in the U.S. Firing up to #2 in the I tunes chart and breaking the top #15 in the Billboard album chart. Exciting times ahead there! Back home Florence has just been nominated for two Q Awards, including Best Female and Best song.
Disc 1:
1. Dog Days Are Over
2. Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)
3. I'm Not Calling You A Liar
4. Howl
5. Kiss With A Fist
6. Girl With One Eye
7. Drumming
8. Between Two Lungs
9. Cosmic Love
10. My Boy Builds Coffins
11. Hurricane Drunk
12. Blinding
13. You've Got The Love
Disc 2:
1. Heavy In Your Arms
2. You've Got The Dirtee Love
3. Hurricane Drunk (The Horrors Remix)
4. Strangeness & Charm (Live from Hammersmith Apollo)
5. Swimming (Live From Hammersmith Apollo)
6. Dog Days Are Over (Yeasayer Remix)
Florence & The Machine perform acoustically. Live from iTunes Festival '10 at The Roundhouse:
7. Drumming Song
8. Girl With One Eye
9. Hurricane Drunk
10. Dog Days Are Over
11. My Boy Builds Coffins
12. Hospital Beds
Loyal Michael Jackson fans will do anything for new material ... and a new three-DVD set will put that theory to the test.
TMZ has learned a new box set called "Vision" will be released on the 47th anniversary of John F. Kennedy's assassination -- November 22. A source close to the estate tells TMZ the three DVDs feature a vast collection of previously released Michael Jackson videos ... and one new video that has never been seen. Yes, just one.
Better be one hell of a video.
Rolling Stone magazine also recently announced that a Michael Jackson album (comprised of 10 new songs drawn from the Jackson vault) will be released come November.
The upcoming box set and album will be the first in a seven-year deal the Jackson estate inked with Sony Music in March 2010 — a $250 million pact that will also include reissues of Jackson's classic albums, new greatest hits sets, and possibly a Cirque du Soleil show. The hybrid karaoke and dance simulator Michael Jackson: The Experience is also expected out by the end of 2010.
Florence & The Machine has announced plans to re-release her debut album, 'Lungs'.
The record will be released on November 15 as a two-disc special edition alongside the single 'Heavy In Your Arms'.
The track, produced by Paul Epworth, was included on the soundtrack to The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.
“'Heavy In Your Arms' I suppose is about the weight of love, and how sometimes it can be a burden between two people,” singer Florence Welch said.
“I felt a strong theme in the Twilight series was someone being rescued or being condemned, and is the love you carry bringing you down.”
The album re-issue, dubbed 'Between Two Lungs', will feature new cover art, sleeve notes by the singer and exclusive images.
A 10-track second disc will also include Welch's new single, as well her recent collaboration with Dizzee Rascal, ‘You Got The Dirtee Love’.
The 'Between Two Lungs' tracklisting is:
CD 1
'Dog Days Are Over'
'Rabbit Heart (Raise It Up)'
'I'm Not Calling You A Liar'
'Howl'
'Kiss With A Fist'
'Girl With One Eye'
'Drumming'
'Between Two Lungs'
'Cosmic Love'
'My Boy Builds Coffins'
'Hurricane Drunk'
'Blinding'
CD 2
'Heavy In Your Arms'
'You’ve Got The Dirtee Love'
'Hurricane Drunk (The Horrors Remix)'
'Strangeness & Charm (Live from Hammersmith Apollo)'
'Swimming (Live From Hammersmith Apollo)'
'Dog Days Are Over (Yeasayer Remix)'
Florence & The Machine perform acoustically Live from The Roundhouse:
'Drumming Song'
'Girl With One Eye'
'Hurricane Drunk'
'Dog Days Are Over'
'My Boy Builds Coffins'
'Hospital Beds'
Nothing is remotely done yet, and Ke$ha is only available for a three-week stretch, so he and fellow producers Benny Blanco and Ammo are hard at work coming up with rough tracks for the singer to put her stamp on. How many songs are they planning on adding to the "Animal" reissue?
"I'd like as many as eight, if possible," Gottwald says. "But I'll be happy if I got four or five great ones. And a lot depends on the next two weeks. She has a single right now, 'Take It Off,' which is doing pretty well. Last time I checked, it was No. 11 on iTunes. Normally, an artist would be stuck in a fourth-single slump by now, so that's encouraging. But who knows. Two weeks from now, research could come in and say that song won't go as far as we had anticipated, and then that'll mean we need a new song right away."
If Gottwald's attention to chart detail sounds a little bit (as his nickname might suggest) scientific, he's positively a rocket engineer when it comes to the arts and sciences that take place inside the studio control room, where he's known as a genial perfectionist nonpareil. He sweats the small stuff. But that sonic fussiness hasn't gotten him bogged down so much that it's kept him from racking up the most commercially enviable career in pop production at the moment.
Stats speak even louder than beats. On the Billboard Hot 100 right now, he's responsible as a co-writer and co-producer for 40% of the top 10: Taio Cruz's "Dynamite" (No. 3), Katy Perry's "Teenage Dream" (No. 2) and "California Gurls" (No. 7), and Ke$ha's "Take It Off" (No. 10), which is defying a fourth-single slump. (He would have claimed half the top 10 if B.o.B and Rivers Cuomo's "Magic" hadn't slipped 11-10.) He can claim four of Billboard's 20 top-selling digital singles of all time, with Ke$ha's 5 million-selling "TiK ToK," Flo Rida's "Right Round," Perry's "Hot N Cold" and Miley Cyrus' "Party in the U.S.A."
Then there are the earlier smashes that might've made that list had they been released later in the digital singles sales revolution, like Kelly Clarkson's "Since U Been Gone" and "Behind These Hazel Eyes," seminal collaborations with mentor Max Martin that put him on the pop map five years ago. That Gottwald was named ASCAP's songwriter of the year in April probably counts as a performing-rights no-brainer.
In the coming months, Gottwald will co-executive produce Britney Spears' 2011 project, alongside Martin. For his own label, Kemosabe, whose sole release so far is Ke$ha's "Animal," he'll be working with his latest signings, female singers Sabi and Sophia Black. Meanwhile, taking off his executive hat, he's still involved in plenty of production one-offs, like an upcoming single for British powerhouse vocalist Jessie J (who co-wrote "Party in the U.S.A." for herself before sacrificing it to Cyrus).
For the last five years, Gottwald has provided a veritable soundtrack for adolescence and young adulthood, assuming the mantle of Tycoon of Teen that's been passed down from Phil Spector. There's hardly a ballad to be found in his catalog, which is full of rock-tinged dance-pop with an unabashedly ecstatic quality that makes even middle-aged top 40 listeners feel like they're living the teenage dream, to paraphrase Perry.
"His hallmark is 'tempo' records-at worst, they're [midtempo]-coupled with über-melody and great concepts," RCA/Jive Label Group chairman/CEO Barry Weiss says. Consider the fact that many of these concepts have involved some form or another of cheeky female empowerment-see Perry's "I Kissed a Girl," Pink's "U + Ur Hand" and Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend"-and he could almost be considered an avatar of girls, or girl-lovers, everywhere.
But Gottwald, who will turn 37 in a few weeks, resists the suggestion that he might concoct these hits with the image of a teenage girl with an iPod in mind. His awareness of research and chart stats notwithstanding, he swears he's his own target audience.
"Apparently my taste is that of a 13-year-old girl," he jokes. "Not really. But my taste is commercial. Listen, there's been times in my life like the two years that I only listened to jazz, and probably nothing after 1966. When I went to the Manhattan School of Music, the library didn't have anything after 1966. In order to get good at that, I had to tunnel-vision and focus on that.
"But sometimes when I talk to those kinds of people, they're like, 'What is it like making this simple music?' They look down on it. And I'm like, 'No, you don't get it. I actually like this. I don't see a difference between brilliance in one and the other.' There's no compromise to me in what I'm doing. I'm trying to make songs that I love and make them feel a certain way and go to certain places. It just so happens that a lot of 13-year-old girls like that."
