QUOTED: FAT JOE HAS NO BEEF WITH DADDY YANKEE
October 31, 2008
A few weeks back, we reported that Fat Joe was upset with reggaeton star Daddy Yankee for his support of John McCain. The “Lean Back” rapper even challenged Yankee to a debate to see if he really knew anything about politics. But despite what many may think, Joe has no real issue with El Hefe.
“I have no real beef with Daddy Yankee, you know. I respect the guy and everything, but I just think that, you know, he chose the wrong candidate, he chose John McCain and I don’t feel like John McCain truly understands what’s going on with the Latinos in our community.”
Be sure to cast your vote November 4th!
WIN A SIGNED LEONA LEWIS ALBUM
October 31, 2008
Leona Lewis has something special in store for fans counting down the days until the release of the deluxe edition of Spirit. Beginning tomorrow and running throughout the whole month of November, the “Bleeding Love” singer is giving away a signed copy of the album every day. For details on how to score the item, hit up www.MySpace.com/LeonaLewis. The uber Spirit package is due out on November 17th in the U-K; we’ll keep you posted on the U-S release date.
FEMI KUTI TO RELEASE DAY BY DAY ON NOVEMBER 18 / VIDEO PREVIEW
October 31, 2008
Not content to follow in his father, Fela Kuti’s footsteps, Femi Kuti continues to expand his musical palette with his latest studio release, Day By Day, a hybrid of Afro-pop, jazz and urban influences. The album has been a long time coming: seven years since his last studio album Fight To Win and four years since the live Africa Shrine, on which he recorded early versions of three of the songs on this new album. On November 18, Day by Day will be released in America by leading independent label Downtown Records’ newly launched imprint, Mercer Street. The imprint was created as a vibrant outlet for eclectic adult-oriented and world music artists.
New video preview for the album:
PAUL VAN DYK RELEASES REMIX ALBUM / DATES
October 31, 2008
Electronica music icon Paul van Dyk is closing out 2008 with two exciting new projects – he will be releasing a new remix double CD called Hands On In Between and has provided an exclusive remix to the upcoming Electronic Arts album for their highly anticipated title Mirror’s Edge.
Paul van Dyk joins such artists as Radiohead and Nine Inch Nails by allowing his fans to put their remix skills to work. Following the incredible response to his fifth artist album In Between, Mute Records will release Hands On In Between, a double disc package of exclusive remixes including two winners of an international talent search for up-and-coming producers sponsored by Beatport. Hands On In Between retails for $11.99 and will be available October 21 on iTunes and November 25 on CD.
In addition, Mirror’s Edge will be digitally released worldwide on November 11 in conjunction with the launch of the game for the PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system and the Xbox 360® videogame and entertainment system versions. Van Dyk remixed the title track “Still Alive” performed by Swedish rock/pop sensation Lisa Miskovsky.
Tour Dates:
10/31 WAMU Theater – Seattle
11/1 Craneway Pavillion – San Francisco
11/4 Firestone – Orlando
11/5 Roseland Ballroom – New York
11/6 Club Space – Miami
SNOB DOODLE
October 31, 2008
Skopemag.com is very excited to present anoter edition of Snob Doodle.
Guy J, Esperanza
October 30, 2008
For the minimal house head, Guy J’s Esperanza is the key. Ranging from a wide variety of influences from John Digweed and Jam & Spoon, to Jean Michel Jarre or Tiga. Although more of an ambient vibe than that of a DJ set or room thumper, Guy J is definitely onto a unique and distinct style that will set him apart from other DJs.
“Indigo Fields” starts the album off with an exploration and experimentation of sound. There is a wandering, slightly off kilter analogue sounding synth that weaves in and out of sync with the tempo that is backed by a very simple, standard techno beat. “Geko” is another explorative song but with some very tight and perfectly placed arps that give props to the Bedrock Compilations. “Mikro” is a great, solid track for DJ’s with a looming, looping, dark bass and thicker, driving drums than the rest of the album. “Druma” is etheral, and almost sounding like tracks from Ulrich Schnauss meets Orbital’s “Perfect Sunrise,” on top of some lo-fi drums.
The best track off Esperenza is “Love is not Alone”; a breezy, fun beach vibe of Jam & Spoon meets Groove Armada in an ambient setting. The sounds are playful, catchy, and comfortable- like a beat one would write at home in your bedroom on a sunny afternoon.
However the one downfall about Guy J’s album is that of the production quality on the drums. Although it might have been intended to add to his personal style that he was trying to convey or to make it easier to mix into other tracks for professional DJs, some of the drums seem under compressed and processed because they are always the quietest part of the mix.
Overall, an interesting new, original mix of minimal techno clashing with deep house synthesizers in a unique and personalized way.
Words By: Whidden Lee Flores
Rating: 
AN INTERVIEW WITH OTEP
October 30, 2008
Radical riffs with [sometimes] radical politics: Otep Shamaya is ready to bring her mix of music and politics to a city near you. Set to embark on another national tour October 27, 2008 in support of her album ‘Ascension’ [co-headlining with Ill Ni?o], Otep takes another step to solidify her place among the vanguard of rocks’ resurgent leftist legions.
QUEENSRYCHE SET TO UNVEIL AMERICAN SOLDIER THIS SPRING
October 30, 2008
Queensrÿche is currently in the studio putting the finishing touches on their 12th studio album, AMERICAN SOLDIER. The concept album, due this spring from Rhino/Atco, finds the band once again tackling some heavy subject matter, this time focusing on telling the story of war from a firsthand perspective. Singer and chief songwriter Geoff Tate has spent the last few years conducting extensive interviews with veterans and has crafted their thoughts into this epic tale. AMERICAN SOLDIER examines American wars from World War II through Iraq from the viewpoint of those in the trenches and on the frontlines. Following the album’s release, Queensrÿche plan to present tracks from the album live on an extensive spring tour of the U.S., with international dates to follow later in 2009. The first date of the tour will be a hometown gig at Seattle’s Snoqualmie Casino on April 16.
XS GAMES READY TO RELEASE POPSTAR GUTAR / TRAILER
October 30, 2008
Skope is proud to introduce to you the new rhythm guitar game from XS Games entitled PopStar Guitar, which will be available in November 2008 for the Wii and PS2.
Jam to the hottest songs with over 50 Pop Hits performed by the original Artists. PopStar Guitar will feature original mastered tracks from mega pop artists Rihanna, The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus and leading bands Maroon 5, 3 Doors Down, Simple Plan and Blink 182.
PopStar Guitar trailer:
HOT NEW SINGER: LAUREN HILDEBRANDT / AUDIO
October 30, 2008
Lauren Elise Hildebrandt is a triple-threat singer/dancer/actress, based in Los Angeles. Affectionately known as “Hildy”, she is an independent recording artist who’s just released her first pop single, “Boyshorts” on Red Wallet Records from the upcoming album entitled, Not Really a Waitress, to be released in 2009.
“Boy Shorts”:
