JFF - The Ghosts, "Ghosts"

I was a huge fan of Ou Est Le Swimming Pool, so when I heard that their former keyboard-player, Alex Starling, had formed his own band - I nearly tripped over myself running to hear their music. To my joy what I found turned out to be absolutely superb synthPOP act: The Ghosts.

Featured by The Guardian and NME, The Ghosts began when Alex Starling met drummer Ian Palmer following the tragic death of Charles Haddon in 2010.  The two bonded musically & personally; The Ghosts were born (eh... can ghosts be born?)

Considering the loss & misfortune that plagued the inception of this band, The Ghosts are anything but self-important or histrionic. My favorite aspect of their music is the easy balance struck within each song. In Ghosts, their second single, Ian's drumming carries Alex's singing which carries Dan's guitar, and so on. Not one band-mate overpowers the other; it's a sonic harmony rarely found in POP acts these days.

Ghosts is a breezy, fresh gem of a synthPOP song & a very good selection for a second single. I must be in a really spooky mood this week (see my post on the amazing Kyla La Grange), but the music video is as catchy as the track itself. It reminds me a bit of Ladyhawke's Dusk Till Dawn... Watch below.

Check out The Ghosts on Facebook & keep an eye on these guys: they are a band worth watching & are already off to a very strong start!  At Unapologetically POP we are looking forward to the release of their first album, cleverly entitled The End, this year.

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - The Best Florrie Remixes

Florrie: drummer, model, singer-songwriter, lollipop-lover.

Have you met her? Her name is Florrie & is one of the POP new-comers who have really excited for 2012 (see All Eyes on 2012, Part 1). I seriously love this girl's sound - earthy, uninhibited, & totally luxurious.  In case you haven't heard them yet, here are the best remixes of Florrie's stellar POP song Give Me Your Love.  My personal favorite is the one by Justin Faust!  Give them a listen, & if you like them, click on Free Download to add these tracks to your musical library.

Florrie - Give Me Your Love (Justin Faust Remix)

Free Download

Florrie - Give Me Your Love (Fred Falke Club Edit)

Free Download 

Enjoy!

Unapologetically,

Minna 

2012 Questionables

Questionables:

(Decidedly Undecided? Duh!)

Santigold - Master of My Own Make-Believe
Santigold burst on the music scene with awesome songs like Shove It, the ultimate danceable diss ("we think you're a joke / shove your hope where it don't shine").  But 4 years later, her newest track, Big Mouth, sounds way to much like M.I.A.'s Kala album for us to really get revved up for Master of My Own Make-Believe.

Ke$ha - Untitled
Can Ke$ha keep it fresh & save rock 'n roll?  We'll have to wait & see... (Minna really hopes so, but Gregory isn't so certain).

Of Montreal - Paralytic Stalks
These guys have been making experimental POP for so long now, they're practically its godfathers. Front-man Kevin Barnes apparently wrote some pretty dark songs for the band's eleventh studio album (damn- eleventh!) & dark POP is certainly thriving these days. Could Paralyric Stalks be as epic as the Hissing Fauna album from back in 2006? Minna's always down for some psychedelic POP rock, so we shall see...

Sean Paul - Tomahawk Technique
Can Sean Paul come back full-throttle? We're conflicted. Got 2 Luv U had us hopeful, but She Don't Mind made us come crashing down. But Seany-boy is working with super-stars like Stargate! Benny Blanco! Kelly Rowland! And the Top 40 charts need some dancehall! Oh well; if the album flops, we still have Mohombi. 

Christina Aguilera - Untitled

Christina with an X (say what?) is back! Rumor has it that her first single will be produced by Max Martin! We're hoping for POP perfection. Some allege that Dr. Luke may be lending a sonic hand to some of the other tracks. After enveloping our ear buds with gems like "Hot'N Cold" and "Party in the USA," Luke better give Christina something better than You da One. That was a downer. Like, way waY wAY WAY down...you get it.

The Far East Movement - Dirty Bass
"Dirty Bass." Hmmm.  Well, if this album is anywhere near as infectious as Jello (yes yes yes), it could stand a good chance on the charts.  We really would like to see the LA-based Asian-American POP achieve great mainstream success in 2012, so a tune-up & some big, bad, dirty bass miiiiiiight be just what they need.


MGMT - MGMT 
Minna is praaaying that indie POP princes MGMT can get it together this year & produce something as epic as Oracular Spectacular. If so, perhaps the world can forgive their last album, Congratulations. C'mon guys, you can do it!

Unapologetically,


Gregory & Minna

All Eyes on 2012 - Part 2

2012 POP albums that have us quivering with
Antici-p-p-Pation

16. Janelle Monáe -Untitled
According to Janelle, her 2012 work (which may be 2 whole albums) will be marked by songs that "empower, encourage & make you dance" - so cheers to that! Janelle is a creative. We never really knew what to make of her first record, The Archandroid. On some days, it suits us perfectly, while on others, it comes off as a tad holier-than-thou. Regardless, girl's got some chutzpah trying something different. One thing is for sure, though - if Janelle hopes to be the icon she dreams of becoming, she needs a hit, so here's hoping she can streamline her imagination for at least a few the tracks. If her music is more palatable, her talent will be more appreciated! We're not asking you to water anything down, Miss Monáe; just give us some POP beats! Social empowerment/encouragement is most potent when dowsed in sugar. Just as Ms. Jackson If You're Nasty! ("SING IT! We are a part of a Rhythm Nation." BOOM BOOM!)

15. Rye Rye - Go! Pop! Bang!

From Bangladesh and Pharrell to Akon and Robyn, it seems like Rye Rye has been working with everyone these past few years. Hopefully her first full album will give us some up-tempo tracks for the gym & the club.

14. Rufus Wainright - Out of the Game
For his seventh studio album Rufus is apparently working with Mark Ronson (*swoon*). According to this Rolling Stone article, Out of the Game is going to be Rufus's "poppiest" album yet, with songs for "driving around in your car... or losing your mind to on a dance floor." Ooo boy, this should be a good one.

13. Scissor Sisters - Untitled
After releasing their high-quality comeback single Shady Love (featuring vocals from Azealia Banks), tenured POP performers Scissor Sisters have us pretty darn interested in their fourth album. We're also excited to see how it fares in the USA and on the UK charts. Will Scissor Sisters ever score some time on the American airwaves? Only time will tell...
Shady Love (Clean) by Scissor Sisters

12. La Roux - Untitled
Little information has been released concerning synthPOP act La Roux's second album; we do know that listeners can expect to hear the influences of Italo-disco, Donna Summer, & Grace Jones. Elly Jackson told Out Magazine that she wants a "classy, sexy" sound for the new album, "the way sexy was before it got made dirty." Oh, La Roux, we've missed you!

11. Nicki Minaj: Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded

Barbies rejoice: Nicki & the ferocious Roman Zolanski are baaaaack! According to Nicki we can expect the release of Roman Reloaded's album artwork and track-listing this month. It's safe to say that the album's release day will be a semi-official holiday in ATL (Minna will report).

10. Fun. - Some Nights
Minna cannot get enough of this band! There's a lot to be excited about here; Some Nights, fun.'s second studio album, is produced by Jeff Bhasker, who has worked with Beyonce, Kanye West, Alicia Keys & Natalia Kills. By teaming up with Bhasker the guys from fun. will surely deliver an amazing indie POP album, reminding us all that you don't have to be an electronic, female solo act to make massive POP tunes.

fun.: We Are Young ft. Janelle Monáe by Fueled By Ramen

9. Adam Lambert - Trespassing
We've said it before & we'll say it again: Adam deserves far more time on the radio than he receives. Happily, Better Than I Know Myself received high praise as a super-emotional, yet danceable lead single. On top of working with big names like Claude Kelly, Dr. Luke and Benny Blanco, Adam has also collaborated with under-appreciated POP artists like Sam Sparro and Nikka Costa. Glam rock will never die, & Trespassing is shaping up to be a spectacular POP album.

8. Diana Vickers - Untitled
We didn't listen to Diana's first album, but that's not important. All that matters is the following 6 words: Music To Make The Boys Cry. We want the rest of the album NOW! (But take your time Diana, we support you!)

7. Lana Del Rey - Born To Die
You've probably never heard of her, but we put Lana on our list because, hey, wouldn't we be impeached by the Music Bloggers' Association if we didn't? (In all seriousness, Born To Die will make a major splash in 2012 - we're hoping it produces some more beautiful baroque POP anthems. We've always defended Lana)

6. Ladyhawke - Anxiety

Minna is a huuuuge fan of Ladyhawke & is more or less counting down the days until the release of her second album, Anxiety, in March. Pip Brown recorded the album with the amazing Pascal Gabriel last year & is apparently very excited to "get back in the game." We can't wait to hear Black, White, and Blue on the radio. Get it, girl!

5. Little Boots - Untitled
This chick is so underrated. She's taken her time with her second album and experienced a great deal of anxiety, as evidenced by her blog, but we're happy she took a well-deserved break in between records. It gave her the energy to come up with one of her most positively received singles, Shake. We have no doubt that this classically trained diva will keep us dancing all night with the rest of her album!

4. Regina Spektor - What We Saw From The Cheap Seats
This album title is so cute. It's kind of reminiscent of Lily's second album title, It's Not Me, It's You, but without the F.U. factor. Regina's said that she worked with Mike Elizondo, who also produced some tracks on her last record, Far, as well as having worked with Maroon 5, Snoop Dogg, and Fiona Apple. Ayayayayay! We can always count on Regina for some solid piano POP.

3. Ellie Goulding - Untitled
Interestingly, while her POP-contemporary Marina is going for "sonic=electronic" on Electra Heart, Ellie plans to strip down the production process for her next record. In the past, she stated that she wanted to find an unknown Swedish producer to work with - & we guess she has if the album is due out this year! Clearly, Ellie wants a creative partner who is eager and ego-less. Seeing as her debut, Lights, was POP and electronic, yet completely unlike any electro-POP out there, we're excited to see where her creativity will take her this time!

2. Madonna - M.D.N.A.
M.D.N.A. could equal - 1) Madonna 2) Madonna D.N.A. - Is Madonna's D.N.A. the best? She certainly thinks so. Clearly, she's a Darwinist. or 3) M.D.M.A. (the purest form of ecstasy), but replace the third "M" with "N" - how clever...Honestly? The album title sounds like Madonna is trying to be edgy and youthful, and we wish she would stop, because being younger isn't necessarily cooler. Just be yourself, Madonna! With that said, we're super excited for M.D.N.A. She's worked with William Orbit from her Ray of Light and Music days (those albums were fantastic!) and Martin Solveig, who produced Hello featuring Dragonette. We love that Madonna is still working with producers like Solveig who are on the cusp. She always does her best when she's setting the trends, rather than making them (although we did love the Hard Candy album.)

and our #1 most anticipated album is:

1. Marina & the Diamonds - Electra Heart

By now hopefully y'all know that Marina Diamandis is our muse. And yes, we feel a disconnect between Marina & her Diamonds, but both of us here at Unapologetically POP support Marina & her artwork wholeheartedly. Sonically electronic, lyrically innovative, & inspired by Greek mythology & Hollywood fantasy, Electra Heart is easily our most anticipated album of 2012. (Look Marina: WE RATED YOU HIGHER THAN MADONNA! )

Bring it on, 2012!


Unapologetically,


Gregory & Minna


PS - Did we miss anyone? Feel free to leave a comment below.

All Eyes on 2012

POP newcomers & under-the-radar artists who have us excited for 2012:

Charli XCX

Charli! You are the answer to our prayers! You are the POP embodiment of all that we love about Lykke Li, the Knife, and even Zola Jesus! We hereby crown you the Dark POP Princess of 2012.

Kay
Canadian POP singer Kay has all the star-power of Jessie J and the rhythm of Robyn. My Name is Kay sounds akin to the Ting Ting's Hands & vintage Mark Ronson. We're lovin' it. Promoted by ArjanWrites & other fantastic music bloggers, we'll be seeing more of "the most interesting lady in the world" in 2012. Oh, yes, & by now you should know: her name is Kay.

 

Neon Hitch

Neon Hitch is a star. This gypsy diva has kept busy by working with POP playboys Gym Class Heroes & 3Oh!3, but by now we cray-cray-crave a solo career.  Thankfully, Neon is teamed up with one of our favorite producers, Benny Blanco. Her debut album, Beg, Borrow, and Steal, should hit the stores this year. We're stoked. [Update: Neon aims to please with F*ck U Betta - it's dynamite!]

Skylar Grey

We absolutely love & admire Skylar Grey. Similar to a "Top 40 Bon Iver," you may know her from her work with P.Diddy and/or Eminem. Her next album, Invisible, a collaboration with producer Alex da Kid, is set for release this January.

 Michael Kiwanuka

Michael Kiwanuka, an up & coming singer-songwriter who toured with Lady Adele herself, is crafting classy & classic music.  Part jazz, part soul, part POP, we were thrilled to see him on the BBC's Sound of 2012. His debut album, Home Again, is set for release in March of this year. We're excited! [Update: Michael officially WON the BBC Sound of 2012!]

 

 MNEK

At only 17, MNEK has been named one of NME's 20 hottest producers in music, as well as the next Frankmusik by The Guardian. Since being signed to a publishing and record deal, he's written the top 5 UK hit, All Fired Up, for British girl group The Saturdays. He's also produced Oh My!'s cover of The Saturday's Higher. His first single, If Truth Be Told, is a bubblegum, funk, and early 90's R&B/dance gumbo-like mixture. Though his album won't be out until 2013, we still expect great things from MNEK in 2012.

Alex Winston

The singer who churned out country-tinged POP tunes like Locomotive, Velvet Elvis, Sister Wife, and Choice Notes, is set to release her debut album in the UK this coming year on Island Records. Can't wait to hear what she's got up her sleeve! (P.S. As a kid with Belorussian parents, Gregory feels all fuzzy inside after seeing the matryoshka dolls in the pic above.)

Florrie

Lovely Florrie lies somewhere between a 60s muse & a modern model. Her first two EPs, Introduction & Experiments, have a textured & organic feel, earning her praise from music critics across the globe. We hope to hear her third EP sometime this year.

 

 Zowie

Kiwi Power POP artist Zowie's Smash It, Bite Back, & Broken Machine have us all geared up for her time-traveling, futuristic first album which, according to Zowie, we can expect sometimes in 2012. Bring it on!

 Colette Carr

Colette Carr strikes us as Cher Lloyd meets LMFAO. Signed to Cherrytree Records, one of our favorite labels, Colette's songs sound like neon laser-tag on the dancefloor. Modern, hip, and young, Colette's debut album Skitszo is set for release later this year.

Mohombi

We love us some dancehall, so when Bumby Ride was released, replete with pelvic thrusts and smooth dance moves, we hit the dancefloor with alacrity. Signed by RedOne & recognized by Poptastic as a "big thing in 2012," the future is looking bright for Swedish-Congolese musician Mohombi. We are hoping he has a great year in 2012.

Unapologetically,

Gregory & Minna

Why I'm Not Banking on Azealia

Photo by Richard Johnson, NME

Often artists come around in a flurry of disproportionate excitement. I want to like them. Oh, how I want to like them. In the naughty and foul-mouthed Azealia Banks, who plans on rapping her way to a singing career, the music world sees a teenager who is "challenging the conventions of hip-hop" and "moving rap forward." I see a buffoon. 

After listening to the verse “I guess that cunt gettin’ eaten” for the umpteenth time on her viral hit 212, I couldn’t help but yank at my hair & wonder why the hell is this exciting? Am I the only one who ever listened to Amanda Blank, Kid Sister, or Santigold?  Electropop star Peaches was just as explicit in her tracks - and she actually had something to say.  Amanda Blank, the Philly-reppin' multi-talented muse of my college-years, rapped on Spank Rock's tracks "my pussy's tastin' the best."  Even Pitbull, lord of the dancefloor, rapped "I'll give you a lick of this mighty tongue" back in 2004.  I hate to break it to you, but rapping about cunnilingus is not new. 

 But when Azealia Banks spits "now she wanna lick my plum in the evening/ & fit that tongue deep in" in a cute Mickey Mouse sweater and pigtails... it's supposed to rev our engines.

It is worth noting that Azealia's Harlem roots certainly work in her favor.  Since the early 20th century Harlem has carried an almost mythical musical and artistic quality.  As a result, artists who hail from Harlem are usually automatically considered textured and authentic.  The UK, Azealia's new-found homebase, is not above being believing the urban myth of the unsung Harlem superstar.

I cannot help but ask myself an uncomfortable question: are listeners truly excited by Azealia or are they enamored with the idea of a pretty, trash-talking black girl from Harlem who raps? It seems to me that the consumer world is imposing an identity on her- and Azealia, hungry for fame, is gobbling it up.  Peeling away at the layers of filth, hype and self-promotion reveals an immature teenager who used the oldest trick in the book: slamming out promiscuous lyrics to grab international attention.  Now sporting a top position on the NME Cool List & an honorable mention by the BBC Sound of 2012, Azealia will be inescapable in 2012.

There is no denying that Azealia is very gifted.  Her years as a devotee of musical theater served her voice very well.  Liquorice, her most recent release, features a combination of sung melodies and rapped verses and is very well-produced.  But even Liquorice features Azealia's favorite topic - you guessed it - oral sex ("stimulate her /take a lick up on my genital / then sit to savor").

Many music critics have readily acknowledged that Azealia is not entirely original, but claim that her youthful energy and spunk make her fresh.  They write that Azealia's gritty lyrics and promiscuous word-play make her inventive, witty, and clever.  On the contrary, I find female MCs who don’t rap about sex to be far more “inventive." And guess what?  They are probably more marketable, too.

So what is the real future of Azealia Banks?  The Telegraph UK aptly points out the hipsters who originally hyped her will probably be put off by her obvious mainstream ambitions (the girl had the nerve to laugh off the idea of releasing a free mixtape in her Pitchfork interview).  Azealia evidently never considered going the independent route. Since she wants to be a commercial chart topper, working with Paul Epworth is certainly the way to go.  But is the UK really craving a Top 40 hit by a teenager whose devilish image is brattier than that of Ke$ha and Christina Aguilera combined?

Sorry, but I am not banking on Azealia.

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Lucy Rose

Okay guys!  I'm gonna talk about someone a little under-the-POP-radar, but hear me out:

One of the reasons I like POP music is that is comes in a multitude of forms - it doesn't have to be a club-banger to be a beautiful song.  That said, there is always a place in POP for someone like songstress Lucy Rose.

Some of our UK readers may have heard Lucy already - indeed, a lot of people were shocked when she was not listed in the BBC Sound of 2012.  Lucy made friends singing back-up vocals for Bombay Bicycle Club & a name for herself after she released Middle of the Bed and my favorite of her songs, Scar.  Lucy's sound is fresh, nearly pastoral.  Like other bloggers, I appreciate its purity.  Middle of the Bed and Scar have been out for a few months now, but they only sink in deeper with time.  There is real texture to her music, and her voice, though sometimes meek-sounding, is purposeful & poised.

Lucy Rose deserves all the blogosphere buzz.  A lovely girl making lovely music, Lucy is a true musician hand-crafting refreshing tunes for a drive out into the country with the windows down.

Click here to download 2 free, acoustic tracks by lovely Lucy - and tell us what you think on twitter! @UnapologeticPOP

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - New Ronika, "Clock"

Don't let their faces fool you - this is a DANCE track.

Yes! More Ronika!

One week ago Ronika posted a new song featuring Charles Washington, Clock, on her Soundcloud.  I basically can't stop listening to it. Clock is super-chic and smooth, with Mr. Washington adding some extra groove for even more flavor.

Note this: Ronika is not only a singer with a sweet, melodic voice, but a skilled DJ who spent years rocking the Nottingham underground music scene.  It seems particularly outrageous that DJ Magazine did not list a single female in its Top 100 DJs this year when women like Ronika continue to deliver solid tune after solid tune - (not even Annie Mac made the list, as noted by the Guardian UK).  Let's give it up for this girl.

More good news for Ronika: Guardian News deemed her "destined for pop greatness in 2012."  Um, heck YES!

While we wait for her next release, download Clock for free here- we guarantee you'll be singing along by the end.

Keep it comin' girl!!!

Unapologetically,

Minna

Kiwi Power POP: KIMBRA

And now for more big talent from little New Zealand - & she goes by the name of Kimbra.

Kimbra Johnson is her name & "whimsical soul POP" is her game.  She has all the ingredients of a sensation; Kimbra combines jazz chords with catchy pop hooks for a signature sound that is simultaneously timeless & fresh.  Some comparisons have been made to Amy Winehouse and Florence Welsh, but I hear more of a female Pop Levi with a dash of experimental Emilie Simon & cutsie She + Him.

The best introduction to Kimbra's sound comes in her delightfully fun first single, Cameo Lover, my favorite song from the debut album.  In her music video, the fresh-faced lady is peppy, poised, and palatable.  But Kimbra is not only a performer - she is a writer.  Kimbra's prodigious and intricate lyricism is evident on her third single, the suave & spirited Good Intent:

"Out to feed that habit when you've sowed that seed/
Nothing made you feel out of the ordinary/
But the air turns somber and the night took heed/
Took you on a waltz of hypocrisy."

Kimbra's debut album, Vows, deals with the themes of promises and interpersonal attachments.  Her savory vocals stand out on Old Flame, a beautiful tune that any Nina Simone fan would love.  Kimbra's voice is sultry and her content mature - quite striking for a girl who just hit her 20s.

Aside from Vows, Kimbra's work with other artists also put her on the map - notably on I Look To You, a collaboration with Australian indie POP group Miami Horror, and the chart-topping single Somebody That I Used to Know with Gotye.  She is now based in Melbourne, Australia, and is focusing on touring.  Head on over to her Facebook Page for more information - & if you are in Australia, maybe you can even catch a gig!  In the meantime, check out Vows on iTunes.

Kimbra is teetering on the edge of an international breakthrough.  Her music video for Settle Down was recently featured as iTunes Music Video of the Week in the US and she continually receives oodles of love all over the blogosphere.  Her savory vocals, knack for melody, and ripe age of 21 assure her future musical success.  She is not only "one to watch," she is one to grow up with.

Kimbra, you are most definitely a Kiwi Power POP artist - keep it coming!

Unapologetically,

Minna

Kiwi Power POP: ZOWIE

I have found that little ol' New Zealand never quite gets the love it deserves.  The general public seems to only know New Zealand as the backdrop for Lord of the Rings (not to mention the musical & comedic genius behind Flight of the Conchords) - but what of the lesser known Kiwi stars?  Why don't they get some appreciation too?

I'm on a personal little mission to change this.  In my next few posts I want to introduce our audience to some very worthy Kiwi Power POP stars, starting with the fun, funky and fabulous Miss Zowie!

Zowie is the name of Zoe Fleury, a drummer, singer-songwriter, & all around supergirl.  Zowie, an alter-ego of sorts, grew out Fleury's original musical character Bionic Pixie in Auckland, New Zealand.  Zoe Fleury studied contemporary music at MAINZ (the Musical and Audio Institute of New Zealand) & grew up in a very musical environment, as her father performed in a band.

Zowie's music is unique, quirky, synthpunk POP, fit for lovers of anyone from Karen O to Ke$ha.  A truly creative chick, Zoe is intimately involved in every aspect of her performance art; she designs nearly all her outfits with her good friend and fashionista Serena Fagence & finds musical inspiration from a variety of sources, including Michael Jackson & time travel.  And girlfriend's got big talent along with style!  Give a good listen to Smash It  & you will see that Zowie has it all: big beats, hand-claps & chant-alongs in a Kiwi Power package. 

Just to insert a personal anecdote here - as a graduate of History I am familiar with the work of Zoe Fleury’s grandfather, a historian of Sikh culture whom I greatly admire (but I won’t bore you with a list of my favorite historians right now!).  Unbeknownst to many, being a historian & author is a very creative process.  With the influence of her father and of her grandfather, is it any wonder that Zowie is creative artist in her own right?  I think not!

Thankfully, the past two years have been good for Zowie. In 2010, Zowie's first single, Broken Machine, reached #9 on the New Zealand charts.  By 2011, she accompanied Mark Ronson and Katy Perry on their Australasian tours.  She even caught the attention of MTV!  Finally, my absolute favorite song by Zowie, Smash It, was featured on Pretty Little Liars . So exciting!

This POP starletis on the rise. We can't wait for her 2012 debut!  If you're as excited as we are, check out more of Zowie's music on iTunes .

Zowie, we can’t wait to see what you’ll do next.  We're gonna jump on that vessel to the year 3000 with you, girl.  Kiwi power!

Unapologetically,

Minna

JFF - Ronika

Now here is a chick to take note of for 2012!  "Ronika" is the stage name of Nottingham-native Veronica Sampson, a buzz-worthy pop artist.  Although a relative novice to the music scene, Ronika has already received praise from Popjustice, the Guardian, & NME.   She writes, records, and produces all of her own music, creating an extraordinarily convincing retro-funk sound, slightly reminiscent of Madonna & definitely inspired by her.

Ronika caught my ear a few months back when I heard Forget Yourself, a synthpop dancefloor track of epic proportions.  This month Ronika released an even more melodic tune, Only Only, which also gathered buzz online.  The Only Only music video is like a trip through the cosmos, featuring multi-colored rollerblades, 80s dance moves, illuminated silhouettes, and Ronika professing her love to a keyboard.  After I saw this video I thought to myself, "damn, this girl's a keeper!"

Ronika also sports a super-fresh, urban-chic style evocative of Lily Allen's career beginnings.  She rocks neon dresses, jackets, old school Adidas and bright red lipstick for a neo80s look - one she pulls off absolutely flawlessly (can you sense my jealousy?).  Her hazy, lo-fi music videos are totally engaging, playful and unpretentious (Only Only is the perfect example).

 Let me just say that if I had my way, Ronika would be collaborating with Fear of Tigers on a cover of  Vogue!  Keep it up Ronika! You are sure to join the ranks of my other favorite rising pop artists - Lana Del Rey & Neon Hitch - as long as you continue producing those tunes that I can dance to in green tights, orange ray bans & fluorescent pink lipstick! (don't worry, I can pull it off, I'm a redhead).  Much love!


Unapologetically,

Minna