Music : I Dreamed A Dream - Susan Boyle

I Dreamed A Dream

Audio CD (November 24, 2009)
Original Release Date: November 24, 2009
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Sony Music Entertainment
ASIN: B0026P3G12

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50 Cent

50 Cent Albums Get Now !More so than any other music since the blues, hip-hop is all about stories. And its stories are both criminal minded and grand, making them enthralling and unbelievable, but also making them only as interesting and convincing as the teller. That's why, despite being blackballed by the industry, without a major-label recording contract, heads still gravitated to Jamaica, Queens' realest son, 50 Cent, like the planets to the sun. 50 Cent, born Curtis Jackson 26 years ago, is the real deal, the genuine article. He's a man of the streets, intimately familiar with its codes and its violence, but still, 50, an incredibly intelligent and deliberate man, holds himself with a regal air as if above the pettiness which surrounds him. Couple his true-life hardship with his knack for addictive, syrupy hooks, it's clear that 50 has exactly what it takes to ride down the road to riches and diamond rings. 50 is real, so he does real things.

Born into a notorious Queens drug dynasty during the late '70s, 50 Cent lost those closest to him at an early age. Raised without a father, 50's mother, whose name carried weight in the street (hint, hint, dummies), was found dead under mysterious circumstances before he could hit his teens. The orphaned youth was taken in by his grandparents, who provided for 50. But his desire for things would drive him to the block. Which in his case was the infamous New York Avenue, now known as Guy R. Brewer Blvd. There, 50 stepped up to get his rep up, amassing a small fortune and a lengthy rap sheet. But the birth of his son put things in perspective for the post adolescent, and 50 began to pursue rap seriously. He signed with JMJ, the label of Run DMC DJ Jam Master Jay and began learning his trade. JMJ would teach the young buck to count bars and structure songs. Unfortunately, caught up in industry limbo, there wasn't much JMJ could do for 50.

Source: http://www.50cent.com

Avril Lavigne

Unapologetically original. Unabashedly in your face. Avril Lavigne's 2002 debut Let Go gave young women a defiant voice and set it to music they could rock out to. Fourteen million albums and eight Grammy nominations later, the Canadian chanteuse returns with Under My Skin but if you're expecting a whole lot of the same, you've got another thing coming. This is not a girl who rests on her laurels.
Under My Skin opens with the dramatic tracks "Take Me Away" and "Together," which set the scene for the kick-ass guitars and radio-ready chorus of "Don't Tell Me," a song of willful female empowerment that picks up where "Complicated" left off. From there it's a one-two punch of three-chord guitar licks ("He Wasn't") and head-bopping optimism ("Who Knows") alongside swirling, brooding melodies ("Freak Out") and moody tracks ("Forgotten," "Nobody's Home") that reveal a darker side of Avril Lavigne.

"I grew up so much in the past two years," admits the Napanee, Ontario, native. "I've been through a lot, I've learned a lot, and experienced a lot both good and bad. These songs are about all of that, and each is very personal to me." Working with producers, Butch Walker (of the Marvelous 3), Raine Maida (of Our Lady Peace), Don Gilmore (Linkin Park, Pearl Jam), Avril co-wrote the dozen introspective songs on Under My Skin in near secrecy. "I'd just come off my world tour and got back to Toronto and was writing right away," the 19-year-old says. "I had no idea what I was going to do. No one did. People wondered if I'd run out of things to write about, but it was the opposite."

After a lunch date with fellow Canadian singer-songwriter Chantal Kreviazuk turned into a major chick-bonding session, Avril and Chantal sat down to write. The chemistry was ineffable. "We got together one night and all of a sudden we had a song," she says. "No one knew what I was up to, not my management, not my label." The duo got together the next night and wrote another song. "We did that for two weeks and wrote 12 songs." Momentum took over and by summer Avril was moving into Chantal and her husband Raine Maida's Malibu house to record. "I was only off my tour for a couple of weeks, and I was ready to record," Avril recalls.

The California air provided a needed escape from Avril's frantic life. "It was a great time for me, living out there, being out of the public eye, and having my independence. And my friendship with Chantal evolved into one of the best I've ever had." Chantal and Avril would spend all night in the studio perfecting the songs. During the day, Avril learned the city by driving to and from the studio and wherever she needed to be. No photos, no interviews, no pressure. Eventually they recorded most of the songs in Raine's studio, and those songs appear unaltered on Under My Skin. The rest of the tracks, co-written with her guitarist Evan Taubenfeld (and one track with former Evanescence guitarist Ben Moody), were cut just up the road. "I was involved in every aspect of making this record. I'm very hands-on," she says. "I knew how I wanted the drums, the guitar tones, and the structures to be. I understand the whole process so much better this time because I've been through it. I'm really picky with my sound."

Picking favorites out of her 12 hand-made babies is another matter. "They all mean so much to me, but I love ‘Together,’ which is all about being in a relationship and knowing it's not right. It's a song that basically says, it's not working out honey." A couple of other tracks mine dysfunctional relationships and have hooks as catchy as those on "Complicated" and real-life narratives (like "Sk8er Boi"), but what truly underscores Avril's growth are the more positive tracks, such as "Who Knows" and "Take Me Away." "I guess that's just the way that I am now," admits the former supposed attitude junkie. Deep, piano-driven tracks like "Together" and "Forgotten" reflect Avril's growth, maturity, and change since the release of Let Go. "I'm happy with what I'm doing and have faith that everything is going to work out for the best." She's also found a feminine side to offset her well-publicized tomboyishness. "I'm such a chick. I'm a hopeless romantic, and surprisingly old-fashioned," Avril laughs. "That's why I wrote a song about not giving it up to just any guy ["Don't Tell Me"]." Girly quirks aside, Avril's anxious to get the show on the road. "It feels so good to be singing new songs," she says. "I feel refreshed and I'm looking forward to the next thing."

Optimistic or melancholic, Avril's two-year wild-ride on the rock-star express has shaped her world view and taught her a whole lot about balance. "The songs on Under My Skin are definitely deeper than those on Let Go," she says, "But I still love a good pop song. I'm basically just a girl who likes to write, who likes to rock out, and who wants music to be a part of my life forever."

She's also just a girl with a bell-clear voice and the ability to bottle youthful anguish and enthusiasm into tidy, infectious songs. Avril Lavigne's Under My Skin is sure to get under yours.

Thanks to Addie- PrincessZeIda@msn.com for submitting the biography.


source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Avril-Lavigne-Biography/201D0C14764E809748256BB300118515

Atomic Kitten

Atomic Kitten enjoyed incredible success earlier this year when Whole Again rocketed straight to the number one spot staying there for an amazing four weeks, beating off competition from the likes of Irish mega-stars U2! Kitten fever soon spread internationally, they are currently number 1 in Germany, New Zealand and Austria, top 10 in Australia, Belgium, Holland, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and still top 30 in the UK after some amazing 16weeks, four of which were spent at number 1!

Chart toppers Atomic Kitten (Jenny Frost 23 replacement for Kerry Katona, Liz McClarnon 20, and Natasha Hamilton 18) pounced onto the scene in late 1999 when their debut single Right Now jumped straight into the UK Top 10. On a one-way mission to provide perfect pop this troublesome trio have proceeded to let nothing stand in their way. In January 2001 their latest single Whole Again hit the UK chart at Number 1.

Jenny, who joined the band in January 2001, Natasha and Liz are all natural performers with bucket loads of attitude, great tunes and moves more funky than James Brown? trousers. Based in Liverpool, the city responsible for pop phenomena (The Beatles, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, OMD and now Atomic Kitten! - to name a few) the Kitten girls are now well amongst some of this countries best pop acts.

Kicking off their plans for global pop domination Atomic Kitten firmly
ensconced their combination of fab pop and their fiery and exciting attitude into the hearts and minds of the British record buying public. Their first single Right Now spent 7 weeks in the Top 40 at the end of 1999 and defied the critics who thought releasing a debut at such a busy time of year was a big risk. In fact, risk and fun is what really sets Atomic Kitten apart from their pop peers.


Their follow-up - the infectious and melody-laden See Ya, released in March of 2000 - crash-landed into the charts at number 6. The track perfectly picked up the lyrical theme that courses through every Atomic Kitten song. Having started the ball rolling so emphatically here in the UK, the girls are adding to their success with barnstorming TV and radio performances abroad. See Ya is currently being used to front Fiat's campaigns in France and Italy and was also heard in cinemas worldwide last Summer in movies such as ?homas the Tank Engine and Friendsand ?ring It On

Throughout 2000 the Kittens enjoyed hugely successful visits to Japan where the band recorded a TV ad for a leading brand of chocolate and also rush-released their debut album Right Now due to the incredible demand for anything Kitten! They have since become Japan's biggest new international act both in terms of sales and profile. They are also the chosen international band at the forefront of MTV Asia's new campaign which began in Beijing in June and saw the Kittens reaching an incredible audience of 675 million people across Asia with a roof-raising performance on the MTV Asia awards alongside Aqua and Alanis Morissette.

The band's third UK single I Want Your Love saw the Kittens achieve their third consecutive Top Ten hit. An incredible TV campaign and the main support slot on the huge Steps tour helped the single to firmly establish the band as one of the most successful and exciting pop groups of the last 12 months.Follow Me the band's 4th single was released in October. This R ?B tinged anthemic pop song displayed a different side to the girlsmusicality and hinted at the coming album? musical versatility. Their debut album Right Now was finally released in October of last year. The album is a fantastic collection of vivacious pop songs, crossover dance tracks and shimmering ballads, one of which, Cradle, has already been featured on the recent ?aybe Babymovie soundtrack album. The album also includes the four hit singles Right Now, See Ya, I Want Your Love and Follow Me.


After completing another sell-out UK tour with Steps at the end of 2000, the girls won the prestigious Best Newcomer Award at both the Smash Hits Poll Winners Party and the Disney Awards.


As the girls kicked off 2001 with promotion for their brilliant number one smash hit single Whole Again, founder member Kerry Katona announced her pregnancy with fiancBryan McFadden and that regrettably she would leave the band in order to relax and have a stress free pregnancy. During the weeks before Kerry? announcement the girls had been working fast behind the scenes to add another Kitten to the litter. The natural choice was their good friend Jenny Frost, 22, who they had known and been mates with for sometime. Jenny had been a member of the girl band Precious and had played at many of the same shows and been on many of the same tours that the girls had been on. Kerry, Natasha and Liz instantly became friends with Jenny when they first met and now she? proving to be the purr-fect choice.


On leaving the band Kerry said: " I will miss the girls so much. I have had such a fantastic time in Atomic Kitten over the last year. At the moment I just want to be a mum and I don? want to work at the same time because I need complete rest for a healthy baby. I think leaving Atomic Kitten is the most sensible thing to do, I? going to sit at home watch tv, eat chocolate and take it one day at a time. I?e had a good cry with Liz and Tash and they are so supportive. We talk all the time and I just know we?l always be really close. I think it? great that Jenny is joiningI?e known her for ages and she? very funny, she? just like the other girls. I? devastated at going but I? thrilled for Jenny, she? a great pal and I know she?l make a great Kitten".


Whole Again, was released on the29th January and has become Atomic Kitten? biggest hit so far. Staying at number one for an amazing four weeks and selling in excess of half a million copies.


Following on from the phenomenal world-wide success of Whole Again, pop?
feistiest trio return for another heavyweight assault on the charts. On July 23rd Atomic Kitten released their new single Eternal Flame.


Originally a hit for The Bangles some ten years ago Jenny, Natasha and Lil have brought the track bang up-to-date and added their own special sound to make this song likely to be one of the biggest hits of this Summer. Tinged with an R & B feel the girls deliver the vocals beautifully and really prove themselves as singers.


From a standing start just some 18 months ago Atomic Kitten have booted their way into the national pop psyche at a time when virtually all people who love pop music had given up on having anything new and challenging to get their teeth into. Judging by the reactions of fans and pundits young and old, Atomic Kitten have managed to re-write or break one or two pop rules - a process which the majority of music lovers seem to have thoroughly enjoyed!


The Kittens will be looking to kick off their US promotion later this year in the Autumn.

Thanks to David Lukman, davidluk@terra.es for submitting the biography.


source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Atomic-Kitten-Biography/A75EAA071C71F8944825697C00251EDD

ATeens

A*Teens were a pop music group from Stockholm, Sweden, formed in 1998 as an ABBA tribute called ABBA Teens and later renamed to A*Teens. The band's debut album became a success around the world, from that point, the band started to release their own original songs, and in 2001, it was reported that the band had sold 7 million albums worldwide.

After six years together, the band announced they would take a break in 2004 after the release of their "Greatest Hits" album

Each song from that album became a top twenty-hit in at least one country around the world. The split of the band was officially announced on 15 April 2006 and the band members have all started to pursue solo careers.


Biography
In 1998, Marie, Amit, Dhani, and Sara were musically united as the ABBA Teens. However, upon the request of Bj?rn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson of the legendary Swedish group ABBA, the group's name was changed to the A*Teens to avoid confusion. This choice allowed the band more freedom in creating their own style of music and not be solely based around ABBA.


The ABBA Generation
In early 1999 the band started the recording process of what would be their debut album, The ABBA Generation, consisting purely of ABBA covers reinterpreted with a modern pop and techno flair to appeal to a new generation of young pop fans. Their first single, Mamma Mia, topped the charts in over ten countries including their home country Sweden where it stayed at number one for eight consecutive weeks. The album hit the pole position in Sweden & Chile and became a top ten hit throughout the world. Further singles enjoyed similar success ensuring top ten placings across the globe.

The band's music video for Dancing Queen features a plot very similar to the 1985 John Hughes film The Breakfast Club. In addition, the principal seen in the music video was played by Paul Gleason, the same actor who was the principal in the movie. The single reached ninety-five on the Billboard Hot 100 and sold over 500,000 copies in the U.S. alone, being certified Gold."Dancing Queen" sells 500,000 copies

The album sold over 3 million copies worldwide. It was certified Gold or Platinum in over 22 different countries. It also reached number three on the World Album charts.

In early 2000, the band embarked on a U.S. promotional tour, and on the verge of the release of their album in America, the band was invited to tour with Britney Spears that summer in her U.S. Tour. The band's debut became a hit in North America, where the album reached seventy-one on the Billboard Top 200 Albums Chart being certified Gold in September 2000,RIAA: Gold Certificate for "The ABBA Generation" September 29th 2000 but its sales reached the million mark in 2001.

That month, the A*Teens won a Viva Music Award for Best International Newcomer, competing with the likes of Christina Aguilera and Blink-182, and also the band announced what would be the lead single from their second album and their first to be an original song, "Upside Down", the song was released to Swedish radios on October 23 2000, and was later unleashed worldwide, when the single was commercially released, it reached number-two in Sweden and was later certified 2x Platinum. The song became the band's biggest hit, when it reached the top ten in several countries and when the single was released in the United States, the physical single reached number-six on the Billboard Hot 100 Single Sales Chart, selling over 500,000 copies in three weeks and being certified Gold. In January 2001, the band was nominated for "Best Swedish Group" at the NRJ Awards,


Teen Spirit
The band's second album, entitled "Teen Spirit", featured a compilation of tracks that were not ABBA covers and when it was finally released in February 26, 2001, it debuted at number-two in the Swedish Charts and reached the top ten in other countries and entered at number eighty-three on the World Charts,number-thirteen on the European Albums Chart, number-fourteen on CNN'S WorldBeat Album Charts and peaked at number-fifty in the United States selling over 60,000 copies in its first two weeks, ensuring Gold Status for sales exceeding the 500,000 copies in the United States alone. Prior to the release of the album, the A*Teens became one of the first bands to broadcast one of their shows on MSN's Websites

The U.K. releases were delayed due to A*Teens' failure with their previous album in that country, when "Upside Down" was released there in May 2001, the single peaked at number-ten in the United Kingdom becoming their only top ten hit in that country, the album was delayed and released after the second single, "Halfway Around The World" in late October 2001, the single barely made the top thirty and the album did not chart in the top 75.

Before they started their concert tour in the U.S. the band went to promote their album to Asia, with stops in Japan, Singapore, Malaysia where they did show for MTV Asia and Thailand, with great success, especially in the former where Coca-Cola signed the band to become the face of the brand there and promote, "We were the first international artists ever to appear on a soda can there. They printed 15 million of them; we went home with ten!" Remembers Sara, The cans were distributed around the country that year.

The group promoted their album with a forty-three-date tour with Aaron Carter around the U.S., back in Europe, the band toured with No Angels in Germany. By the end of 2001, "Teen Spirit" went on to sell over 1 million copies worldwide and were invited by Walt Disney/Buena Vista to record the European soundtrack for the movie "The Princess Diaries", as the movie had already been released in North and South America, the movie was set to be released in Europe in the winter 2001, "Heartbreak Lullaby" a song written by Cathy Dennis (famous for writing Kylie Minogue's number-one hit, "Can't Get You Out Of My Head") and Kasmanaut, the video was shot in Germany in late October, in the middle of their tour, the single was released in December 2001 and it became another top ten hit for the band in their home country spending four months inside the charts.

source : http://www.artistopia.com/a-teens/biography

Ashlee Simpson

Ashlee Nicole Simpson (born October 3, 1984) is an American pop rock singer, songwriter, and actress, and younger sister of pop singer Jessica Simpson.
Simpson rose to prominence in mid-2004 through the success of her number-one debut album Autobiography and the accompanying reality series The Ashlee Simpson Show

Simpson received widespread criticism when she used a pre-recorded vocal track on Saturday Night Live in October 2004. Following a North American concert tour and a film appearance, Simpson released a second number-one album, I Am Me, in late 2005.



Early life
Simpson was born in Waco, Texas, and raised in Dallas. She is the daughter of Joe Truett Simpson (a former Baptist youth minister who is now her manager) and Tina Ann Drew (a former Sunday School teacher who homeschooled Ashlee).
Ashlee attended Prairie Creek Elementary. An accomplished dancer, Simpson began studying classical ballet at the age of three, and was admitted to the School of American Ballet in New York City at the age of eleven. Around that time, she suffered from an eating disorder; the condition lasted about six months, and she dropped to about 31 kg (70 pounds) at 159 cm (5ft 2in), but her parents then stepped in and got her to eat more. After her sister Jessica Simpson landed a record deal, the Simpson family decided to move to Los Angeles, California, where Ashlee began appearing in television commercials.


Career
Early years
When Jessica became a star after releasing her first album, Ashlee became one of her backup dancers. Later, Ashlee began appearing in films and television series, including an episode of the sitcom Malcolm in the Middle in 2001, a minor role in the 2002 film The Hot Chick and a recurring role, 39 episodes from 2002-2004, on the family drama series 7th Heaven.

In the summer of 2003, Ashlee recorded a song titled "Just Let Me Cry" for the soundtrack of the film Freaky Friday. Eventually, Simpson signed a record deal with Geffen Records.


Debut album and reality television (2004)
Simpson's first album, Autobiography, debuted at number one in the U.S. in July 2004 with first week sales numbering around 398,000 copies. The album was certified triple platinum in September 2004. Simpson co-wrote all of the album's tracks and described it as "very true to my emotions" in one interview, but critical reviews were mixed. Rolling Stone magazine's Peter Relic characterised Autobiography as a "mundane melange of Avril-ish brat pop and Sheryl Crow cod rock". E! Online wrote "Even if it doesn't wow you, Autobiography may surprise you." The single that preceded the album, "Pieces of Me," was one of the biggest hits of the summer in the U.S. and sold well elsewhere. However, the follow-up singles "Shadow" and "La La" were less successful.

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Simpson occasionally appeared on Newlyweds: Nick and Jessica, a reality show about the married life of Jessica and her then-husband Nick Lachey. To accompany the beginning of her own music career, she got her own MTV reality show entitled The Ashlee Simpson Show, which aired in a subsequent time slot to Newlyweds. It ran in the U.S. for eight weekly episodes over the summer of 2004, and a second season of ten episodes aired from January to March 2005. The show dealt with the process of writing, recording, and performing Simpson's music as well as aspects of her personal life.

When appearing for live performances, Simpson performs live with a backing band consisting of Ray Brady (guitar), Braxton Olita (guitar), Joey Kaimana (bass guitar—from 2004 to 2005 Zach Kennedy filled this role), Chris Megert (keyboards and vocals—from late 2004 to 2005 Lucy Walsh filled this role), and Chris Fox (drums).

In addition to her own first album, Simpson sang "Christmas Past, Present, and Future" on the 2004 holiday album Radio Disney Jingle Jams and a duet of the Christmas song "Little Drummer Boy" with her sister Jessica for the album Rejoyce, which they had sung together during the ABC variety hour special ''Nick & Jessica's Family Christmas''.

At the Teen Choice Awards on August 8 2004, Simpson received the "Song of the Summer" Teen Choice Award for "Pieces of Me," as well as the "Fresh Face" award. In addition, she also won a Billboard Award for New Female Artist of the Year in December, and in the same month she was named one of Entertainment Weekly's Breakout Stars of 2004. Simpson also co-hosted ''Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin Eve'' along with Regis Philbin (in Dick Clark's absence) at the end of the year, hosting the West Coast portion of the show and performing three songs.

source : http://www.artistopia.com/ashlee-simpson/biography

Arashi

Arashi (? in Japanese text, translates to Storm) is a five-member Japanese boy band under Johnny & Associates. They made their debut in September 15, 1999 in Honolulu, Hawaiokinai. The group was signed to the Pony Canyon record label from 1999 to 2001 before transitioning to Johnny's Associates-powered J Storm record label in 2002, producing their future singles and albums.
Musical career
Arashi covers a wide range of music, including R&B, hip hop and various forms of pop music

. Aside from being a popular idol group in Japan, the group is widely known across Asia and to J-pop fans all over the world.

In 1999, on the day of their first single's release, more than 80,000 fans showed up to attend the group's debut event. The single, "A?RA?SHI", went on to become a major hit, selling almost a million copies.

On July 31, 2006, the group embarked on their Jet Storm Tour, which aimed to promote their newest album, Arashic. The one-day tour covered Taiwan, Thailand and South Korea, countries which later became part of their Asia tour (The Thailand concert, Thai-J Pop Concert, was cancelled due to a military coup). The concert in Korea was decided due to the fact that about 1,500 Korean fans gathered at the Incheon International Airport during the group's Jet Storm press conference.J-Pop Group Arashi Promises to Charm Korean Fans, The Korean Times. Accessed March 2007. The concert, held on November 12, 2006, made Arashi the first group from Johnny's Entertainment to perform an individual concert in South Korea.Taking Korea by Storm Japan Zone. Accessed March 2007. The group proved popular to Korean fans when concert tickets were sold out in an hour, as some 150,000 people rushed to book tickets online.Arashi Concert in Korea Sold Out in 1 Hour, KBS Global. Accessed March 2007. Aside from their concert performances, the group represented Japan in the 2006 Asia Song Festival, also held in South Korea.

To date, Arashi has released eight albums and nineteen singles. On February 21, 2007, the group released "Love so sweet", the popular theme song for the TV Drama Hana Yori Dango 2 which peaked at the number one spot on Oricon's daily and weekly charts. Their latest single, "We Can Make It!", released on May 2, 2007, also charted number one on Oricon's daily and weekly charts, before falling out of the Top 10 in its second week, only to return back to the Top 10 on its third week. This latest single is Arashi's 8th straight number one release and its 15th number one overall.Arashi ThePPN Page. Retrieved on May 18, 2007.

Arashi's new album "Time" also debuted at the number one spot on Oricon's charts, selling 191,000 copies in its first week.

The group's next single will feature the song "Happiness", which is used as the theme song for the TBS drama "Yamada Taro Monogatari", starring Ninomiya Kazunari and Sakurai Sho. The single will be released in Japan on September 5, 2007.

On April 2007, the group performed in one of their largest concerts to date. Arashi Around Asia was held in the Kyocera Dome in Osaka, and at the Tokyo Dome, with a combined total capacity of 100,000 people

source : http://www.artistopia.com/arashi/biography

Aqua

"Aqua" was a Scandinavian pop-dance band which consisted of Lene Grawford Nystr?m (born 2 October 1973, T?nsberg, Norway), Ren? Dif (born 17 October 1967, Copenhagen, Denmark) and Claus Norr?en (born 5 June 1970, Charlottenlund, Denmark) and S?ren Rasted (born 13 June 1969, Blovstr?d, Denmark). Originally known as "Joyspeed", the group formed in 1995 and released a debut single called "Itzy Bitsy Spider" in Sweden and Denmark. The single performed poorly and the group decided to re-think their plans for success.
Aquarium age

In 1997 the group became known as Aqua and recorded the "Aquarium" album. The first single released from it was "Barbie Girl", a pop song seemingly about the children's toy but with 'double-meanings' which resulted in Barbie makers Mattel filing a lawsuit against the group (the lawsuit was dismissed in 2003). The single would hit number one across Europe and would also be successful Stateside, going platinum in the US and becoming a rare million seller in the UK.

The follow-up single "Doctor Jones" would also be a UK number one, as would the third release from Aquarium, "Turn Back Time". "Turn Back Time" was taken from the Sliding Doors soundtrack and featured a less 'helium-induced' sound, gaining a lot of radio airplay. The fourth release would be "My Oh My", which didn't hit number one in the UK but was still a hit. The fifth single "Good Morning Sunshine", released in late 1998, performed poorly and made only number 18.
Aquarius and split

After a year of so out of the spotlight Aqua returned in 2000 with a new album, "Aquarius", and a more matured sound with a larger range of styles. The first single release from the album was "Cartoon Heroes", which made number 7 in the UK. This was followed-up by "Around The World", which despite being surprisingly anthemic would flop and make only number 26. Aqua would then perform at the Eurovision Song Contest of 2001, collaborating with the Safri Duo.

A third release from the album, "Freaky Friday" was planned but was pulled at the last minute. In 2001 lead vocalist Lene would collapse on stage and with the peak of Aqua's popularity passed and relationships within the band weakening, Aqua split up in mid-2001.
Post-Aqua career

All four members continued working in the music industry. Lene Grawford Nystr?m would marry S?ren Rasted and then release a solo album, "Play With Me", which flopped in Scandinavia (making number 74 in her native Norway). The first single would do well, though, "It's Your Duty" making number three in Denmark. The second single "Pretty Young Thing" was never released. Lene fell pregnant in 2004 with S?ren's baby, and put her solo career on hold.

Ren? Dif would also pursue a solo career, releasing "Let It All Out (Push It)" earlier than Lene, in 2002. His performance was not as strong, though, and he has since been out of the spotlight. S?ren Rasted was a judge on the Danish version of Pop Idol, and would later begin work on the Lazyboy project, releasing "Underpants Go On The Inside" in January 2005 and making #5 in Australia. Claus Norr?en would be the quietest of the former members, remixing material for other artists, including Lazyboy's second single "Facts Of Life" under the Danny Red alias.
Discography

*''Aquarium'' (1997)
*''Aquarius'' (2000)
Hit Singles

*''Itzy Bitsy Spider'' (1995)
*''Barbie Girl'' (1997)
*''Doctor Jones'' (1998)
*''Turn Back Time'' (1998)
*''Good Morning Sunshine'' (1998)
*''Cartoon Heroes'' (2000)
*''Around The World'' (2000)

Thanks to kcherries305@aol.com for submitting the biography.


source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Aqua-Biography/936D0E09F37FD82B4825682D00249B59

All-4-One

Anticipation swept across the crowd at the sold-out amphitheater. It had been too long and yet it felt like yesterday since the devoted fans had seen the band. "And now...", boomed the announcer, "Please give a big welcome to the band that can break your heart and put it back together...All-4-One".

The lights, the music, the energy all came together at once. Jamie, Delious, Tony and Alfred were back where they belong, back together.

To their fans and friends, All-4-One had fallen off the face of the earth. Most, if not all, were unaware of the reason that they had been chillin'. They were unaware that one of the members of the band had a motorcycle accident, a rain-slicked highway at night and tangled wreckage. The fans knew the hits, the millions of records sold and the world tours...but, what they didn't know was that unlike drugs, greed and petty fighting, three variables that break up most bands, the All-4-One hiatus was much different.

With one of the guys in recovery, the band simply would not replace him and go back to work just to make money. Against the protests from those in the music industry, the band stood fast and waited until they could return to their public and give them the magic that was real.

With All-4-One, it isn't just the name of the band....it's the way it is.


source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/All-4-One-Biography/EA20B9ACD6F3C7494825686C001BAFB8

All Saints

All Saints were formed in 1993 by friends Melanie Blatt and Shaznay Lewis and were named after All Saints Road in Notting Hill, where the studio they made their first recordings is located.

The duo were signed to ZTT Records in 1995 and released one single 'If You Wanna Party', which failed to chart. After leaving ZTT Blatt and Lewis recruited a mutual friend Nicole Appleton who brought with her sister, Natalie

The group found a new deal with London Records in 1996 and began working with a variety of producers. All Saint's first single for the label 'I Know Where It's At/ was released in August 1997.

It was produced by Karl 'K Gee' Gordon, a one time member of the rap group Outlaw Posse. The single reached No.4 and made the US Top 40, but was totally eclipsed by the group's follow up hit, the down tempo 'Never Ever' - produced by Neneh Cherry's husband and producer Cameron McVey.

With a video shot by fashion photographer Sean Ellis 'Never Ever' spent over two months climbing to the top of the chart, hitting No. 1 in January 1998, it was also a Top 5 hit in the US.

The follow up to one of the year's biggest hits came in the unlikely guise of 'Under The Bridge', a song written and made famous by leading American alternative rockers The Red Hot Chilli Peppers. The song was suggested and produced for the group by Nellee Hooper who is famed for his work with Soul II Soul, Massive Attack and Bjork, amongst others.

'Under The Bridge' was backed with an All Saints version of Labelle's 70's disco classic 'Lady Marmalade'. The single would give the group their second No. 1 and would soon be followed by a third, 'Bootie Call', in August 1998.

This trio of No 1. hits helped the group's self titled debut album to become one of the biggest selling releases of 1998, selling over 1.4 million copies in the UK.

The group ended the year taking a break due to Melanie Blatt's pregnancy with Jamiroquai's then bass player Stuart Zender. However, the group was rarely out of the press with the Appleton sister's string of high profile boyfriends providing the tabloids with a stream of stories.

November 1998 saw the fifth and final release from the All Saints album, 'War of Nerves', it reached No. 7.


source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/All-Saints-Biography/A2A1DDB83214D2654825688D00319300

Alicia Keys

Alicia Keys’ artistic light is so bright it could illuminate a pitch-black room. A true musical prodigy whose multi-dimensional gifts emerged at age five, the beautiful Alicia will soon take modern R&B soul to a whole new level at the tender age of nineteen.

Born aware of her old soul yet living in New York’s inner city amidst the dominance of Biggie and Jay Z, Alicia’s natural talents blossomed into a rare mix of hip-hop flavor and insightful, wise-beyond-her-years songwriting. Coupling this with the singer’s spine-tingling vocal power, positively stirring live performances and expertise as a classically trained pianist, Alicia Keys could be this generation’s Roberta Flack.

Highly sought-after by record labels that held good, old-fashioned bidding wars in her honor, Alicia signed to Arista Records in 1998. There, in the spirit of a genius like D’Angelo or Prince, she continued the process of writing, producing and recording the debut she’d begun penning at age 14.

In late 1999, Alicia followed Clive Davis to his new J Records where she continues to chart her arrival to the music world. Creations now rising out of the studio show signs of both a critical and commercial monster - a deep, melodic, soulful gem of an album that showcases Alicia in all her universal glory. Though most of the album- including the luminous "Fallin'" and the moving "Troubles" - was written and produced by Alicia Keys, the artist collaborates with Jermaine Dupri on "Girlfriend" and with Isaac Hayes on "Rock Wit U" from the Shaft soundtrack. Her debut album, Songs in A Minor, is set for release on J Records in late June.

Born and raised in Manhattan, the stunning, bi-racial Alicia Keys recognizes a number of influences including her ultra-supportive mother who told her "You can quit anything else but you can never give up on your piano lessons." Alicia also sites a teacher at the Professional Performance Arts School in Manhattan who, while she was majoring in Choir, gave her valuable instruction on her voice. "This teacher spent so much time with me, she became the closest thing to vocal training I received," Alicia recalls.

At age 16, Alicia’s outstanding grades allowed her to finish high school early. "I was so deeply involved in music, I had already outgrown all the pressure of high school cliques and gossip." Right out of high school, Columbia University accepted Alicia Keys and though she gave it a whirl, the desire to focus on music was the driving force over all else.

source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Alicia-Keys-Biography/6F5F3F4C4281228548256A8500228A88

Alanis Morissette

Along with counterparts Jewel and Fiona Apple, Alanis Morissette was one of the most successful singer/songwriters to ride in on the second wave of grrrl rock in the mid-'90s. Born on June 1, 1974, Alanis Nadine Morissette and her two brothers were raised in Ottawa, Canada by French-Canadian and Hungarian parents. By the age of 10, the precocious Morissette had landed a role on the Nickelodean TV show "You Can't Do That on Television" and recorded her first single, "Fate Stay With Me." She spent most of her pre-pubescent years performing throughout Canada, singing "O Canada" at sporting events and even making the de rigueur appearance on "Star Search."

The hard work paid off and at 14 Morissette was offered a recording contract with MCA/Canada. Her debut, Alanis, a collection of dance-pop songs, was released in 1991 and went platinum in Canada. That year, Morissette won the Juno award (Canada's Grammy) for Most Promising Female Vocalist. Her sophomore effort, 1992's Now Is the Time, was recorded and released before Morissette graduated from high school.

However, this album -- another collection of teeny bop dance tunes -- sold only half as well as her debut, and at age 17 it looked as if Morissette's career was on the wane. After high school, Morissette moved to Los Angeles where she had the good fortune to hook up with songwriter/producer Glen Ballard, known for his work with Michael Jackson, Paula Abdul and Wilson Phillips. The creative chemistry between Ballard and Morissette was evident from the beginning. Ballard pushed Morissette to pursue darker, edgier themes in her music, venturing away from the cutesy teenager and toward the introspective young woman.

"Most of the songs are, in a roundabout way, actually addressed to myself," says Morissette of her work with Ballard at this time. "There's a certain aspect of the songs that's very confessional, very unadulterated...It was a very unfettered, spiritual experience."

The resulting demo tape was shopped around to the major labels and Madonna's Maverick imprint eventually signed Morissette. Jagged Little Pill, was released in the summer of 1995. On the strength of the break-out single "You Oughta Know," the album reached platinum status and the Top 10. Follow-up singles "Hand in My Pocket," "All I Really Want" and "Ironic" kept Jagged Little Pill on the album charts the next two years, ultimately selling 28 million copies worldwide.

Morissette was showered with industry awards for Jagged Little Pill, including Grammys for Album of the Year, Best Female Rock Vocal Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album. Her much-anticipated follow-up, Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie, was released in November 1998 on Maverick has sold over 7 million copies worldwide.

David Basham After finishing her recent tour with Tori Amos, Alanis Morissette has headed to New Zealand and Australia for a month-long tour, though she took time out to tape an episode of "MTV Unplugged" scheduled to air next month. Morissette's stripped-down set was recorded at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in mid-September, during which the Canadian songstress performed acoustic versions of such songs as "You Oughta Know," "Uninvited," and a cover of the Police's "King of Pain." The Alanis Morissette "Unplugged" is currently scheduled to be broadcast on MTV on November 1. Morissette also plans to release an accompanying "Unplugged" album via Maverick Records on November 23, and a version of "That I Would Be Good" from the taping is tentatively set to be issued as a single in early November. The song originally appeared on last year's "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie."

source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Alanis-Morissette-Biography/6E700A01A6CB777C482568BB00163021

Akon

The mere act of surviving on a day to day basis is the foundation from which a true artist builds his craft. Multi-talented newcomer AKON is no exception to this rule. His dynamic debut album, TROUBLE, a collection of stirring songs, creatively reflects the ups and downs of the singer/songwriter/producer's life experiences. A crafty blend of soulful hip-hop, TROUBLE is AKON's vibrant first time tour-de-force.

"TROUBLE evolved from the struggles I went through and what I did and am still doing to correct those things," offers AKON, who has had his fair share of adolescent problems with both the legal and school system, as is reflected in his redemption song "Trouble Nobody." "I've got a habit of writing about everything I go through," he explains, "and this album gives a glimpse of where I am now."

To understand where AKON is right now is just half the equation. The other half lies in where he came from: this young artist possesses a unique history. A Senegalese African, AKON moved to the United States when he was seven. His family is headed by legendary percussionist and jazz musician Mor Thiam, whose expertise for playing the Djembe, a traditional African drum, has been touted as "unrivaled." Being brought up in an environment that treasures the true artistic value of musicianship and revels in the mastering of instrumental skill has had a momentous affect on AKON.

It was AKON's deep rooted love and passion for music, evolving from filial admiration, which allowed him to turn his life around, despite his trouble as a youth residing in New Jersey. AKON began playing several different percussion instruments and eventually embraced hip-hop music and culture, despite his initial disdain for the genre. "When I first heard hip-hop I thought it was rubbish because I didn't understand the concept of people talking over music," AKON recalls, "But as I started growing up, living a little and listening to the lyrics, I realized that I was going through a lot of stuff these rappers were talking about and I could relate."

Once hip-hop took over his life, AKON's musical development exploded and he began channeling his energy into writing and producing his own music. Songs such as "Show Out" display how much hip-hop has influenced him. Over the sparsely yet hard hitting groove, "Don't tempt me/'Cuz I'm close to the edge/I'm trying not to lose my head," ring the lyrics that cleverly integrates original school lyrics. At the same time, the song pays homage to hip-hop pioneers all while maintaining its own identity.

Meanwhile, his first single "Bananza (Belly Dance)" exhibits another side of the artist. On this song AKON puts forth a feel-good vibe. Singing over a seductive and sensual beat, "Bananza (Belly Dance)," is one of AKON's most irresistible tracks. The song integrates a unique up tempo dance beat with a distinct wind instrumentation floating in the background guaranteed to improve every listener's mood. The reason for this, AKON says, "There are a lot of negative things going on today." "We need to party and just have fun," he continues, "'Bananza…' is a party record. You just go in the club, party and enjoy those beautiful women."

However, life does not solely revolve around beautiful women and leisure time and AKON is well aware of this. On the somber, soulful "Ghetto" and the meditative, impressive "Journey," AKON gives listeners an in-depth look into a harsher world, one that is just as gripping as it is chilling. But rather than sensationalize his own drama, AKON transmits, to his audience, the feeling of being a part of his inner circle.

AKON's personal appeal and ability to reach a listener is a part of his whole package: a package that includes, most importantly, his distinctive vocals and a relaxed singing style. It is as though he is speaking to you as he sings in a very intimate manner. "When I sing the sound comes from the mood that I am in. These records are coming straight from the heart," AKON divulges.

Genuine and honest, AKON's music is a step in a new direction: a trajectory that will lead us on a delightfully fulfilling path. Says AKON, "When I'm on the mic, I'm just giving the listener a part of me." Be prepared to receive it.

Source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Akon-Biography/D46CE4CE0AD4176E48256EE2000AB000

Aaron Carter

Namesake of his Grampa Charles Douglas Spaulding (who goes by the name Doug and Ganpa "Chuck" Carter). Aaron was born at Tampa General Childerens Hospital in Tampa Florida on December 7th 1987.

Aaron was lucky enough to have company (in addition to his mom) at that precious time, as his twin Angel was born only minutes before he joined the world. Aaron and Angel were welcomed by their three siblings, Bobbie Jean (B.J.), Leslie and of course Nick. Both B.J. and Nick were born at WCA Hospital in Jamestown, NY, where the family lived before moving to Florida. Leslie was born in Florida at the Garden Villa Retirement home, where the Carter family lived and worked at the time.

With two sisters already, who wouldn't be happy to have a new little brother? Nick frequently expressed delight at the addition of the newest members of the family. Especially his first and only Brother.

"A Performer Extrodinaire" according to Top of the Pops magazine, Nick was the first to actually ask Aaron if perhaps he too wanted to sing. "If Nick wasn't a singer, then I wouldn't be here, he supports me and is the one who asked me if I wanted to sing. I was interested in performing before but I think it would have been a lot harder." said Aaron. It may not have been as difficult as Aaron suggests, however.

Aaron's musical career actually began when he was seven, when he landed the position of lead singer in a band called "Dead End". Since then, he set the world record for the most hit songs recorded by a person his age in music history! Aaron and "Dead End" parted friends afer about two years, with Aaron declaring "... they wanted to do alternative music and I wanted to do more pop" From that point forward, he was a solo act and began to spend much of his time in vocal training. It wasn't long before Aaron was putting his voice lessons to work.

In March 1997, Aaron performed during a BackStreet Boys concert in Berlin, Germany and he stole the show! After the concert, he was offered a record contract on the spot by an Edel Record Company executive who saw him perform. In the fall of 1997 Aaron released his first single, "Crush On You". He followed that with "Crazy Little Party Girl, I'm Gonna Miss You Forever and Shake It" all of which became extreemly popular throughout Europe and the rest of the world. After going Gold in Norway, Spain, Denmark, Canada and Germany Aaron's first full Album "Aaron Carter" hit the stores in the USA on June 16th 1998 and it was a big success.

Aaron released another single "Surfin' USA" a remake of the Beach Boy's famous song. Aaron also went on to work with such musical talents as The Moffatts, The BackStreet Boys, 'N Sync, Gil Ofarim and others to make a colaborative single called "Let the music heal your soul" They called themselves the Bravo All Stars and donated the time they spen in the studio on the single and its proceeds to benigit the Nordoff-Robins Music Therapy Foundation, an organization that treats disabled and autistic children through use of a specially designed kind of music therapy.

Aaron also released a single on the 1999 "Pokemon" soundtrack. He performed his single "(Have Some) Fun With The Funk" on Nickelodeon during the 1999 BIG Help Celebration, thousands of fans in the audience and millions of television viewers got to see a great Airboy performance.

Millennium year 2000 was Aaron's breakthrough year. He released his smash hit album "Aaron's Party(Come Get It)" and a tremendously successful single and videos of the same name. That year he opened for Britney Spears on the US leg of her 2000 World tour. Aaron was also the subject of a Biography written by his Mom Jane Carter. Aaron at this time moved back to Florida (to the Florida Keys) and made numerous hugely popular and successful apperances on Disney, Nickeloedeon, Macy's Thanksgiving Parade and Rosie O'Donnell.

2001, continued Aaron's smash hit roll with Aaron garned with the Favourite Rising Star award at the Nickelodeon Kid's Choice Awards. He also received rave reviews for his performances as "JoJo the Who" in the Broadway hit musical "Seussical the musical". His Multi Platinum album "Oh Aaron" peaked at number 4 on the Billboard charts, while Aaron was also ranked at number 52 on the Rolling Stone's Hot 100 Artists.

Aaron "The little prince of pop" says "In spite of all this work, I've still managed to plan some great fun for the off days; Scuba diving in the waters behind my home in the florida keys and spending time with my pets" Those pets include more than 9 dogs, 4 cats, 2 turtles and 2 birds.

Moving into 2002, Aaron was already back in the recording studio recording his third solo Album for Jive records. This new album "Another Earthquake" proved that Aaron was really getting to grips with his career providing some of Aaron's most impressive songs and recordings to date. For Aaron 2002 was definately tour time! Aaron held a winter tour early part of 2002 which was a great success, into summer where Aaron launched into a 30 city "Rock Rap and Retro" Summer tour.

2003 is already proving a packed year for Aaron, back into the recording studio setting up to produce a fourth album with Jive Records to be released later this year. Earlier this year Aaron was named a celebrity Grand Marshal for the Krewe of Edymion Mardi Gras parade in New Orleans.

Aaron also has just recently announced he is going on tour again with "Aaron's JukeBox" tour which is starting around July 27th. Aaron is also set to work alongside one of Hollywoods famous actors in a movie that Aaron will be working on throughout the year.

Thanks to Caitlin for submitting the biography.

source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Aaron-Carter-Biography/4A21C4ADEBF5109A4825696A001693FD

A1

After the success of "Caught in the middle" (made it to number 2 in the UK) and the title track "make it good", A1 released Their 3rd, and final album (with all 4 members of a1) of the same name, On the 20th of May 2002. It made it to number 15 in the UK charts. Which I thought was unfair, as it was one of their best albums filled with their best written songs to date. All songs were written by the lads themselves and several of the instruments played by them too. A1 left the UK soon after that, to "Make it Good" in the US. They released "A1" their first American Album on the 25th of June. It had 7 tracks, which have all been previously released or put on albums back in the UK. They also made it big in France with singer Eve Angeli. "Nos Diff?rences" (or Caught in the middle) became the most played song on french radio for 8 years. Paul left a1 on October the 9th 2002, only a few weeks after a1 had made a big impression on America, France and several other countries. No one knows exactly why but he is stated saying "Personal reasons." The next day there was a webchat with the rest of A1 on a1-online.com, their home page, about the future of the band. They claimed to NOT be breaking up,

and they said they totally understand the reason that Paul left and respect him still for it. The guys are, as far as I know, still good friends. A1, after 5 years, left their record Company "sony". They said "After five solid years of A1, each of us have recently begun working on individual projects which means that we need to take a temporary break from the band and to part company with Sony Music."

Ben is making his own solo demo album at the moment, so he will be searching for a new record company.

Mark is writing songs with people at the moment, so we might have to look at for him in the near future. He might even just write songs for other people.

Christian has formed a record company in his native land Norway which is going to be releasing singles from a new Norweigen artist called Maria Arredondo.They also said 'We have had four very successful years with Sony but we feel that the time is right to move on. We know there’s always a lot of speculation when band members undertake individual projects but we can assure you this is not the end for a1. We will be playing at the Smash Hits tour in Nottingham and Newcastle this autumn, have several other gigs lined up and are already working on new material together.’

So, All the best for the band and especially for you Ben Mark and Christian. All a1 fans are beind you, 110% Good luck!!

Thanks to Catherine Reynolds a1_r_heaven_by_my_side@yahoo.co.uk for submitting the biography.

Source: http://www.a1-home.com

Bryan Adams

With a career spanning over 20 years and worldwide album sales that rival the biggest recording artists in the world, Bryan Adams's "I'm just the bass player in the band" attitude seems rather simple, compared to his career achievements, but that's just how he is.

His songs have achieved #1 status all over the world, and his career has seen some amazing recordings with other music legends from around the world. He holds the record for the longest running #1 single in British music history with his hit "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You" and has topped the charts in the USA four times with hits "Heaven", "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You", "All For Love" (with Rod Stewart and Sting) and "Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman?". In addition to these recordings he has been awarded the Order Of Canada from the country he was born in, which is the Canadian equivalent of the British MBE.

His honest live performances and concerts are well documented, making him one of the most exciting live acts in the world. He has used his concerts to benefit others over the years. Some examples are The Prince's Trust, Live Aid and The Concert for Freedom for Nelson Mandela, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, NetAid/London and others. On his world tour of 92/93/94 he helped created the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary, by issuing over half a million postcards to the fans at the shows, encouraging them to write and send them to Governments opposed to the sanctuary.

Most recently, Bryan's focus has been on supporting breast cancer. After contributing a song to an album and campaign to help find a cure for breast cancer with Self Magazine in America, he went on to organizing a benefit concert in Canada early in 1998 and raised over a million dollars to build a breast-screening center at the St. Catherine's General Hospital with supermodel Linda Evangelista. That led to the release of "Made In Canada," a best selling book of his black and white photographs of Canadian women including Celine Dion, Alanis Morrisette, Joni Mitchell and many others. All royalties from this book went to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.

Awards have been numerous with a Grammy, an American Music Award, countless industry and songwriting awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations for his music and lyrics in film soundtracks.

Universal Records has just released his 12th album this fall entitled "The Best Of Me" - Adams's end of the decade greatest hits collection that includes two new songs, the beatley title track 'The Best Of Me' and the trippy dance track 'Don't Give Up'. The future seems clear that Adams is unstoppable.

In 1999, Adams and his power trio of Keith Scott on guitar and Mickey Curry on drums, completed over 120 concerts in Europe, Africa and the Middle East. They are touring Canada in January 2000 with concert dates booked well into the first year of this new millennium. Look for concerts in America, Australia, Japan and more dates in Europe later this year and into the next.

Thanks to john_nguyen18@hotmail.com for submitting the biography.

source:http://www.sing365.com

Bryan Rice

It was not written in the stars that one day Bryan Rice would stand out as THE most brilliant Danish contender to the position as a steadily rising international star. But after his mega success with the first single "No Promises”, there were no longer any doubts. ”No Promises” went to number one on the charts in record time and the subsequent album ”Confessional” contained three tracks that went to the top AND went gold. The transformation from unknown demo singer, with the prospect of a future as a Spanish interpreter, to ultra popular pop star with a seducing vocal was complete.
His story can make anyone get puffed but not the man himself: "If I had to start from scratch I would have been worn out during my speedy career, but luckily I had a lot of experience in all corners of the business before the first single really took off in the spring of 2005. I really learned a lot about the business during my years as a backing- and demo singer. The experience made me able to enjoy the success – and I am still enjoying it. When I wake up in the morning I know that I have the best job I could ever imagine and that has been a great motivation when working on the new album. I know it sounds like a clich? but it has really been a difficult process getting the new album together. My own expectations for the album were sky-high and you do feel a certain pressure when you have sold more then 15.000 downloads and 23,000 debut albums.”

To live up to Bryan's own expectations a really powerful line-up has been set up around him. The recordings of the second album are led by Remee and the Swedish super producer Harry Sommerdahl. Just like on Bryan's first album he has had a big impact on the second album. ”From the first time we met Harry and I had really good chemistry between us and I am one hundred percent behind his work. The fact that he is singer himself is a great advantage and makes it very rewarding working with him.” Harry Sommerdahl has also – in collaboration with Hanne Soorvag - written the new first single ”I Lied” from the up-coming album entitled ”Good News”.

Bryan Rice has written a part of the songs on the new album together with other song writers. To him it has been a natural development to explore new areas of his artistic universe. The inspiration comes from observing the little things and every-day events. ”I saw a small sticker in my neighborhood saying: I am leaving now and I am not turning around, ?cause you are there… That inspired my to write a song for the new album; it?s the whole process that such a small incident or a quaint story can turn into a finished song that fascinates me about song writing.”

The new album features a more rock-influenced version of Bryan Rice. He explores new aspects of his voice without compromising with the refined pop-sound that has been so successful the past two years. It is still the catchy tunes, the moving lyrics and Bryan?s amazing voice that form the basis – exactly the combination that has filled both reviews and audience – in Denmark and abroad - with enthusiasm.

Many people predict that Bryan Rice will be the Danish guiding star that leads the way into a new magnificent pop-age. With the coming album the dream of breaking through as an internationally recognized artist really seems to come true.

The new first single ”I Lied” hits the radio on April 23rd and is followed by Bryans second album ”Good News” - in the stores this fall

source : http://www.bryanrice.com/

Britney Spears

Britney Spears may have titled her new single "Me Against The Music," but she has rarely been more creatively in tune than she is right now. "I feel like I've hit a great new stride as an artist," she says with pride. "I've worked hard, and I feel like I've grown on so many levels."

In truth, "Me Against The Music" is hardly about declaring war against grooves. "Actually, it's about the intensity that people approach music with," Britney shares. "It's about getting totally lost in the music and pushing yourself to the edge in every way you can imagine. I love thoroughly immersing myself in music, and I wanted to capture that intensity in a song."

Britney's musical intensity and her evolution from a teen renegade into a provocative young woman are undeniable throughout "In The Zone," her fourth Jive Records collection. First and foremost, the project shows her flexing notably strong and mature songwriting muscles. She co-wrote 7 of the project's 12 sterling new compositions, collaborating with such heavy hitters as Red Zone ("Me Against The Music," "The Hook Up"), The Matrix ("Shadow"), Moby ("Early Mornin'"), and Cathy Dennis ("Toxic," "Showdown"). Also contributing hit worthy material to the album is R. Kelly ("Outrageous"), Ying-Yang Twins on “(I Got That) Boom Boom.”

Perhaps most significant is the appearance of pop icon Madonna, who lends her voice to the single "Me Against The Music." Collaborating with one of her all-time greatest musical influences was a dream come true for Britney. "The experience was beyond words or description." she says. The two forged what has become a powerful bond while rehearsing for their now-notorious performance on the MTV Video Music Awards this fall. "As we were working together, there were moments when I simply could not believe that I was standing there on stage next to her. It was never even in the realm of fantasy for me."

The musical union of Britney and Madonna within the taut, classic-funk groove of "Me Against The Music" is quite real, though, and it reveals each of them at their most kinetic and soulful. The song's accompanying video clip, directed by Paul Hunter, shows Madonna enticing Britney through a maze-like underground club, only to disappear into thin air when Britney gets close enough to touch her. The clip is rife with symbolic gestures of Madonna passing the baton pop power to Britney --- an image that the young artist finds exciting, humbling, and perhaps a bit premature.

"There is only one Madonna --- and there will always only be one," she says. "My goal is to have a career that is equally as special, but one that is completely unique to who I am. I'm honored by all that Madonna brought to this song. I really love the flow we share --- both on the track and as friends. I think you can feel the chemistry and positive energy we shared. It's completely natural and relaxed."

The natural and relaxed vibe of "Me Against The Music" is indicative of every note and beat comprises "In The Zone," an album that runs the stylistic gamut from streetwise hip-hop and electro-trance to new-wave-etched rock and well-crafted pop. From top to bottom, Britney effectively expands the parameters of mainstream musical consciousness with songs that lure listeners with infectious hooks, and then captivates them with layers of clever lyrics and deft instrumentation.

"Putting this record together was an incredible journey for me," Britney says. "I had the freedom to explore and experiment with some of the most exciting people in music. In the end, that allowed me to make a record that is a pure reflection of where I am right now."

What we learn from album highlights like the rambunctious "(I Got That) Boom Boom," which features the Ying Yang Twins, and "Everytime," a stark, delicate collaboration with Guy Sigsworth, is that Britney has grown into a fearless artist. "Those songs are particularly special to me, because neither of them sounds like anything I've ever done before," she says. "'Boom Boom' is so rough and edgy and fun, while 'Everytime' is so raw and spare. It's me stripped to my core as a singer and as a songwriter. It's as honest as I've ever been in my music. I loved working with Guy on that track. He made me feel comfortable and safe enough to go the full distance, emotionally and as a performer." Britney also has high praise for Moby, who worked with her on the mid-tempo "Early Mornin.'" "He's such a pure-hearted guy," she says. "He's so cool. He played me a really cool track, and I thought it was brilliant. It's turned out to be one of my favorite songs on the album."

She describes "Early Mornin,'" which unfolds with a deceptively insistent, easy-paced dance groove as a day-after-the-party jam, which balances some of the more assertive, dance floor-friendly cuts on "In The Zone." "Some songs are generally about going out and wanting to have a good time," she says. "One of the things I did while working on this album was write about a lot things like going out with my girlfriends, everyday experiences that I was going through. 'Early Morning' is about just going out and feeling bad the next day." Elsewhere on "In The Zone," Britney shows her sultry side, particularly on the steamy, turntable-ready "Breathe On Me," a Mark Taylor production that she characterizes as being "very vibe-y, trance-y. It's about being with a guy and not even having to really be with each other, but just the intensity and the anxiety between not saying anything. You don't even have to touch me, just breathe on me."

Among the more sensual songs on the album is "Touch of My Hand," on which Britney seductively floats her voice atop an arrangement of pillowy strings and languid, Middle-Eastern-kissed guitar lines. "It's tastefully done," she says of the track. "And I think it's real. It's nice and it's real. It's whatever your take is. Some people may think it's a little much, but that's where I'm at with my life. ... It's not freaky freaky, it's just a little freaky." Stepping out on a creative limb has been the basis for Britney's entire career. Dubbed by MTV as "one of the last teenage pop superstars of the 20th century," Spears enjoyed her breakthrough success at the end of 1998. She appeared in local dance revues and church choirs as a young girl, and at the age of eight auditioned for The Mickey Mouse Club. Although she was too young to join the series, a producer on the show gave her an introduction to a New York agent. She subsequently spent three summers at the Professional Performing Arts School Center. She also appeared in a number of off-Broadway productions as a child actor, including 1991's "Ruthless." She returned to the Disney Channel for a spot on The Mickey Mouse Club, where she was featured for two years between the ages of 11 and 13. Her demo tape eventually landed in the hands of a Jive Records executive who quickly signed her to the label. She toured American venues for a series of concerts sponsored by U.S. teen magazines, eventually joining "N Sync on tour. It all added up to 1999's wildly infectious "...Baby One More Time" album to make its bow on the charts at No. 1. The set not only spawned a smash hit with the title tune, but also scored with the charming ballad "Sometimes" and the funky "(You Drive Me) Crazy." Before the album finished its impressive worldwide attack of the charts, it garnered Britney 4 MTV Europe Awards, including best pop performer, and 4 Billboard Music Awards, most notably female artist of the year.

The massive demand for new Britney material was satisfied when her 2000 sophomore collection, "Oops! ... I Did It Again," was released to a Spears-starved world in May. Once again, the title cut flooded radio airwaves, as did the anthemic "Stronger" and lovely "Don't Let Me Be The Last To Know." She also racked up more awards that year by taking home an American Music Award as favorite new artist, a Billboard Music Award as album artist of the year, and 2 Teen Choice Awards. Britney would later earn Teen Choice Award honors in 2001 and 2003. Ever-prolific, the artist returned in 2001 with "Britney," a spirited, assertive collection on which she began to reveal her mettle as a tunesmith, not to mention as a vocalist of increasingly soulful depth. She earned high praise for the wickedly sultry "Slave 4 U," as well as for the forceful "Overprotected" and the gentle "I'm Not A Girl, Not Yet A Woman." The album's was quickly followed by Britney's motion picture debut, "Crossroads," which proved that she has the talent and box-office pull to be a multifaceted superstar. "One of the true joys of my life and career has been trying out new things," Britney says. "I've loved every step of this journey I'm on. I love singing and dancing and acting and songwriting... it all energizes and inspires me." It's that philosophy that has sent Britney "In The Zone," a project that shows this ever-growing and ever-exciting at her absolute best... or as she would say, "for now." "I can't imagine ever reaching the point where I've hit the wall," she concludes. "There's always something new and challenging to tackle. I can't wait to see what happens next."

Thanks to Jess for submitting the biography.

source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Britney-Spears-Biography/0732FB44B17BCE7048256871000448D8

Brian McFadden

With the release of his debut solo single, 'Real To Me' and album fast approaching, Brian McFadden is in a relaxed and open mood. One fifth of one of the biggest boy bands in the world, now a solo artist in his own right, at the age of just 24, Brian has all the hard won wisdom of a music veteran, but with none of the cynicism. Having sold 30 million records and picked up twelve UK number 1's with Westlife, Brian’s passion for making music is undiminished and invigorating.

Engaging and frank, Brian describes his new album as largely autobiographical, “every song" he admits is “a true story”. Half the album was written in collaboration with Guy Chambers and the other half with Paul Barry and producer Mark Taylor. The album is a genuine tour de force, a record stuffed with anthemic rock hits, perfectly showcasing the genuine rock and roll swagger of Brian’s voice. The album is produced by Guy Chambers, Richard Flack and Mark Taylor.

"Going in I had some ideas about what I wanted it all to sound like but basically we started from scratch and just saw how things went. Lyrically I had loads of ideas and concepts and those guys were great at just bringing things out of me.”

Production started on the album in May 2004, “It’s been quick but then some of the best tracks on the album were written really quickly. Paul and I formed a strong writing relationship right away and I wrote, 'Real To Me' with Guy on our very first meeting. We just clicked right away.”

Brian approached the album entirely focused on the music. When Brian talks about the album he speaks with all the fresh and infectious energy of someone making their very first record. For Brian the primary aim was to make the best record possible and find a sound that truly reflects his style, all other factors were secondary. “I just really want to be an artist on my own terms making music that I am really proud of”, says Brian. “Of course I want people to like it and listen to it and hopefully they will. Westlife fans have grown up with us and I think there is space in the new sound for everyone”.

This tough new sound is influenced by a whole range of different bands and groups including the band he manages in Ireland: Franklin. "I really like Maroon 5 and Snow Patrol at the moment”, says Brian, "I have always been into guitar stuff, from Bryan Adams to Nirvana".

Brian is currently in rehearsal with his band and is looking forward to taking the album out on the road later this year.

"That’s the difference with the album. I can’t wait to tour with it, it’s got a live feel and you can really perform it".

The first single, 'Real To Me', is an impassioned and eloquent guitar anthem about re-evaluating priorities and finding an individual voice and place of your own. Brian is keen to point out that although the song is clearly about his amicable split from Westlife, it is the only song on the album that directly references this time in his life. Lyrically and in terms of subject matter, the inspirations for the rest of the songs on the album are extraordinarily varied and ambitious. ‘Irish Son’ is about growing up Ireland and the Catholic Church; ‘Walking Into Walls’ deals with domestic violence while, 'He's No Hero', explores the effect of alcoholism. The dramatic track, ‘Demons’, is about insomnia and nightmares. The song, ‘Woman’, Brian laughingly says, is about, "How no matter how much you try you can never win with women". A real journey then, full of colour, drama and insight, delivered straight from the heart.

As a solo artist, Brian has truly found his voice, producing lyrically mature and incisive music with energy and passion. Willing to take risks and experiment with his new sound, Brian is also proud of his past, well aware that he was part of something special with Westlife.

"I am blessed to be where I am, and am just really excited to be able to make music I love".

The title track and single, 'Real to Me' is out September 6th.

source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Brian-McFadden-Biography/8BD948CFC5E2A95C48256F4400085EFA

Bon Jovi

The Bon Jovi story began in Sayreville, New Jersey. Where Jon and his brothers Matt and Tony were raised by they parents Carol and John Bongiovi (Jon later changed his name). By his early teens, Jon was hanging out at local clubs, convinced that one day he would be a rock star.

The area's local music scene was rocking then and there, with the music of rising stars Bruce Springsteen and Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes leading the pack. "Just like Seattle is hot right now, 20 years ago it was Asbury Park, New Jersey", Jon told writer Rick Petreycik. "That was so close to my backyard, and when you're 13 or 14, or 15 years old, you can't help but hear about it and have it affect you. When you went down to Asbury Park, what was the crummy boardwalk became Americana. What was splintered wood became sacred ground, and you went, 'Ooh, aah'. And those things romanticized the idea, The myth became the legend, and one thing led to another, and I think blind faith is what got me here." That, and a little help from his friends.

By the time he was 16, Jon was playing clubs. It was not long before he hooked up with keyboardist David Bryan (real name: David Brian Rashbaum), who played with him in a ten-piece rhythm and blues band called Atlantic City Expressway. Jon also performed with bands called The Rest, The Lechers and John Bongiovi and the Wild Ones.

Meanwhile, Richie Sambora was also performing locally with a funk and fusion outfit called Extremes, before hooking up with Alec John Such in the band The Message. After The Message broke up, Alec played with Tico Torres in Phantom's Opera.

The members of Bon Jovi hade crossed paths in these early days, but the current lineup didn't come together until March of 1983 after th first Bon Jovi single, "Runaway," had become a minor hit.

In one of those right place/right time/right person scenarios, Jon managed to get a job sweeping floors at a recording studio through a relative. His second cousin, Tony Bongiovi, was a co-owner of the power station in New York City. Jon had written "Runaway," and in 1980, he recorded a demo of the song at his cousin's studio, with back-up by studio musicians whom Tony had hired, including Frankie La Roca, Tim Pierce, Hugh McDonald and Roy Bittan.

A local radio station included "Runaway" on a compilation tape, and the song started getting some serious airplay. The success of "Runaway" got Jon noticed, and he realized that he'd need more than session players if he wanted to capitalize on his success by touring the New York clubs to support the single.

Jon gave Dave a call, who in turn tapped Alec and Tico. A succession of guitarists (including Dave "The Snake" Sabo, who went on to form Skid Row) followed, until finally Richie signed on, and the band came together as a whole. They began gigging around New York in earnest.

At one show, where they opened for Scandal, the band caught the attention of record exec Derek Shulman, who signed them to PolyGram. "With Jon, I felt he had an unbelievable desire to be a star", recalls Shulman. "he had a burning desire to be huge".

PolyGram toyed with the name, throwing out monikers like "Victor" then "Johnny Lightening", before Shulman anglicized John Bongiovi's name to Bon Jovi.

Their self-titled debut came out January 21, 1984. Filled with the group's now-signature power ballads and hooked-filled tunes underscored by soaring guitar riffs and well-crafted melodies, the album went gold (sales of over 500,000).

The album was a rugged soulful collection of songs about how tough it is being a teenager. Buoeyed by the renewed sucess of "Runaway", and backed by the follow-up single "She Don't Know Me".

Bon Jovi releasead their follow-up album, 7800 Farenheit, in April 1985 wich included the hit singles "Only Lonely" and "Silent Night", it sold equally to its predecesor.

Tours opening for the Scorpions, Kiss and Judas Priest had helped Bon jovi build up a considerable fan base which appreciated the band's anthemic songs and powerful stage presence. Clearly, Bon Jovi was poised on the edge of greatness.

Slippery When Wet, the band's third album, provided the break-trough. Powered by songs like "Livin' on a Prayer" and "Wanted Dead or Alive", the LP went gold and platinum simultaneously within six weeks of its six weeks of its release. By April of 1987, Slippery When Wet had sold seven million copies.

The world ate and slept Bon Jovi, they won the American Music Award and People's Choice Awards as Band Of The Year, MTV gave Bon Jovi a Best Performance Award for the video "Livin' on a Prayer".

Jon was asked what all this astronomical success meant, to which he answered, "Everything is bigger, and it moves twice as fast. You're recognized twice as often. This is bigger, the whole world gets bigger. You have to sell more records, be huger. You get smarter and you understand the business a little more, so it's more responsability. You understand it now, and you want to make sure everything goes right".

Instead of traveling by bus, Bon Jovi went from gig to gig in a luxuriously converted Grumman G-I jet. By the time the Slippery Tour finished in Hawaii on October 17, 1987, the album had sold in excess of 14 million copies, putting it in the same league af astronomical successes as Thriller by Michael Jackson.

source:http://www.sing365.com/music/lyric.nsf/Bon-Jovi-Jon-Bon-Jovi-Biography/62B403840443DE26482568700029076D