The HOTTEST tracks happening now! My musical tastes run free. Read the Reviews here! Check out what I’m listening to and where to find it! From Amazon to private DJ collections, this is where to find THE best music today!
Everyone knows I’m just a 13-year-old British tween sporting my kicky Frankie Sandford haircut deep inside my inked amour of manliness realness, beard and shaved skull. I’m just saying… To know me is to love me. I’m excited to announce that The Saturdays have released new single “Gentleman.” This is the third single from their upcoming fourth studio album dropping soon. IT’S FUN! Really fun.
I heard part of the track during an episode of Chasing The Saturdays on E! and knew I was going to love it once I heard the whole thing. And remixes hare already arrived to my inbox. I had found myself diving head first into a Girls Aloud video-watching-song-listening frenzy. But when “Gentleman” arrived during my recent trip home to Nashville I was strutting my shizzle down the DFW airport terminals with earbuds in place learning my words and lip-sync.
The girls have denied rumors that their reality show has been canceled as representatives for the group say it was only commissioned for one season of 10 episodes with a possible Christmas episode in the works. Nonetheless, I’m thrilled with their success. It’s been said that ratings were low because America likes drama and didn’t have that since the girls actually like each other. I can see that. We enjoyed the show. Even my husband got into it. We love the no drama.
Here’s the single audio for “Gentleman” – a new track telling of how hard it is to find a gentleman in these days and times by UK darlings and super hit-makers The Saturdays. Reports tell of body doubles being used for the girls during the video shoot which sounds very interesting. It will definitely find its place on the best gay dance tracks of 2013. And congratulations to Frankie for her engagement and pregnancy!
I just watched Chelsea Lately with great anticipation as The Saturdays had their first US television appearance before the premiere of their new reality show Chasing The Saturdays landing on E! January 20. Chelsea gave them the business and even commented on wanting to sit on one of their faces with their purple lipstick as well as digging Mollie most since she’s the only single Sats onboard. They have quite the set up of appearances from Today to Tonight Show with Jay Leno. I’m dying inside but trying to remain cool on the outside. Please! I’m as giddy as a British tween with a short kicky cut like my favorite brunette diva Frankie Sandford! I’m actually feeling quite protective of them like they are this precious gem that only a very few lucky ones know about.
I’m so excited for them, in reality. I’ve loved them and their music for a good few years now and worship everything they have done. I could probably name their entire catalogue if you needed me to. Needless to say I’m looking forward to their reality show even though I have a copy of their UK docu-reality show What Happens On Tour. I have everything they’ve done, musically and video wise. They have rocked gay dance club music for a while now. Thankfully I have friends in high places that have always looked after my ears and eyes. It’s quite surreal to this all unfold on American soil. Living for the remixes to their first US release What About Us. Video, faster…
Amber hit the club scene in the late ’90s on massive dance floors with explosive hits like “This is Your Night,” “If You Could Read My Mind,” “Sexual (Li Da Di)” and “One More Night.” I had just pulled her CD out the other day to listen to it before hearing from her team letting me know that she was hitting the road again on tour very soon. I was hoping to get Amber here on the website for an interview sharing what life has been like for her since then, her inspirations, what’s in store for the tour, and when and where fans can find her. And who she’s voting for in November. Here’s the grounded one in her own words…
Steven Michael – Amber, thanks for the few moments we have together! Big fan of your music here! I also have a Gay Dance Music Blog I’ll contribute this to in some form. Always brings back great memories of a fun past. When did you realize that you were beginning to have a delicious taste of fame? Was there a pinnacle moment that made everything appear to be happening for you?
Amber – “I never had the ‘taste for fame.’ Fame to me is more of a nuisance, which comes with this profession. I could have hired publicists and could have hooked up with other famous people for fake pictures but that just isn’t me.”
“I happen to enjoy my privacy very much. I am a very grounded girl at heart and just love making music and the joy I can spread with it. Not a media whore at all… lol. That ‘moment’ that you are referring to was probably really around 1999 where the hits just kept hitting. But I am a firm and also realistic believer that what goes up, eventually also will come down. I believe in staying humble and not think of myself on an alternate universe. And I am pretty sure, that this is the key point that in the end, I am still a working artist after 15 years.”
You seem very grounded. It’s always refreshing and comforting to know that there are celebrities who can live with humility after major success. How does it feel having fans still wanting more from you? Tell us about your upcoming tour and will there be any new music you’ll be performing?
“I have a very close connection with my fans and actually was one of the first, that decided to set up a message board on my then website. I give them a glimpse of myself as a person and want them to see beyond the false glamour of it all. And it is nice to see that many have followed with the social media evolving. After all, they are the ones, that have supported me and helped me to get to where I am today.”
“I have 2 dates confirmed right now in the US: 12/15/12 @ Nu Club in Richmond, VA and on 12/31/12 @ the Parliament House in Orlando, FL. There will no new music be performed at this time.”
Ah, spent many a crazy weekend in Orlando at the Parliament House. Love that place! Always a good time to be had by all. What do you find to be your fans’ favorite song you’ve done? It’s hard forme to decide, if asked, which is my most cherished. Nah, I could do it. “Above the Clouds,” by far.
“Sometimes hard to tell. I had a moment in time, where I wanted to cut certain songs out of my performance repertoire but got instant complaints about it. I believe, that every fan of mine has their individual favorite song of mine, which they connect to let it be through memories or a personal break through moment at some place in time. However… ‘Sexual’ still gets people to act crazy.” (laughing)
Who has been the biggest inspiration in your career? And in your personal life?
“I listen to an array of artists and genres. Funnily – not really Dance Music or Hip Hop. I would say that Barbra Streisand is one of my all time favorites. But I can also appreciate music by Coldplay, Sting, Jonathan Butler, Frank Sinatra, Michael Buble, Adele, Oleta Adams, Annie Lennox, Peter Gabriel or classical music by Chopin. So as you can see, very diverse and the list is endless really. It always comes down to that magical moment where the right voice collides with the right song with the right emotion and interpretation really.”
“In my personal life, I am a family girl and my Mom is my biggest inspiration.”
Biggest misconception about you, Amber?
“Probably that people think I am leading this perfect glamorous life and am insanely rich. People are easily fooled by the Top 10 highly publicized artists out there. They flash all their cars, houses and designer clothes, and people tend to reflect that on everyone that sings or acts in the limelight. I lead a very regular life and my family and my son, and their health is my priority. I do not even have a car… so there. But why is that? It is because I do not see ‘things’ as a priority in my life. And yes… others have taken advantage of that in my career. But at least I can have and live with a clear conscience.”
What’s private time with you like? Are you a homebody or do you find yourself out and about?
“I am an absolute homebody. Like to go for walks in nature and just enjoy the simple things in life and most of all… do not take them for granted. What a disappointment this must be… Ha-Ha!”
No, please. I love it. We (partner and I) live very public lives during the day at our jobs so when we’re at home we lock the doors and don’t leave, as well. I understand. Who have you always wanted to record with but haven’t had the opportunity?
“I would love to work with Annie Lennox, Sting and Peter Gabriel. They strike me as very decent and critical thinking individuals.”
I must admit that Above the Clouds is the song that my partner and I consider “our song.” It nails home our first year together perfectly. After 12 years going strong, we’re all good. Plus, when it was featured in the episode of Sex and The City, I just wept. The music made that final scene magical and the helped the touchy storyline brilliantly. Have you have fans express stories of how your music affected them?
“Oh yes, all the time. That is what makes music so beautiful and universal. People relate them to their own stories and moments in time. Although after the many stories that were shared with me through many fans, I am getting the strong impression that my music actually turns people gay.” (laughing)
That is hilarious! High-larity… Will you be making it to Palm Springs? We’d love to see you! Maybe at one of the few circuit parties we actually do have.
“I have been in Palm Springs a few times throughout my career. I remember a White Party many years back. Reality though is that it is up to the venues to want and book me. So if they do I guess I will be seeing you!”
What do you enjoy about performing and does it ever give you nerves or anxiety? I’m a choreographer and simply love the stage.
“I am always a bit anxious and think that is normal and comes with the territory. And I ALWAYS have to go to the bathroom just before the show. But once you go out there and receive a lovely welcome by the crowd and see them participating feeling a positive energy, it blows over fast.”
What and/or who makes you feel beautiful?
“Real beauty comes from character and how you live your life and by what principles. We are all unique and special in our very individual ways. I do not comply with the stereotyping of beauty standards forced upon us by media. I feel beautiful by being independent and being loved by my son, family and friends.”
Loving it! What and/or who makes you laugh until you cry?
“My mother and my brother are best at that.”
Other than the tour, what’s the future hold for you?
“We never know for sure. I am definitely planning on more music and am working on some ideas. But when it gets to that point, I will let everyone know.”
And finally, what have you always wanted to be asked in a interview but haven’t yet?
“The question here is… What have I not been asked throughout the countless interviews over years so far?”
“I leave that up to the interviewer always and if feel the need to get something across, I will find a way to insert it anyway. Like this one: OBAMA/BIDEN 2012!! Thanks for your time, Steven!”
Find Amber at the links below and support her tours if she comes to a town near you. Let her take you back to another place in time where carefree nights led into shameless mornings. Thanks to Amber for her honesty and gracious time. I’m truly looking forward for big things to come her way!
Grab a pillow and get into bed with these fun loving scruffy meat lovers. Naked Highway called out to me through the website looking for some media love for their brand new release “Touch Me” – a cover of the fantastic Samantha Fox brilliance. I simply had to give it a mention here since I am a HUGE Sam Fox fan. There are remixes a’plenty available on iTunes and Amazon. You can follow their outrageous Tweets on their Twitter page or find their website here at Naked Highway. Brett from Naked Highway sent me a message saying: The group has just received a msg from Sam Fox herself! She says “Fab X love it love Sam!”
I wanted to post their “In and Out” video with its too-many-men-I-wanna-bed content but the embedded feature was giving me crickets. Here’s a screen capture of one of my favorites from the video. He does things with his mouth that should be illegal. Most of the hot male tamales in the video work on many levels. Hook me up, Naked Highway!
Glam rocker and shock talker Adam Lambert brings his always intriguing solo show to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio tomorrow evening July 21. Promoting his newest album Trespassing, American Idol alum Adam promises an evening of perfected guy-liner, blinged-out costumery and a pelvic thrust or two. We would love to be going but San Diego Pride calls us down south and a trip to Black’s Beach will provide the sandcastle backdrop. I’ll throw some Adam Lambert on the playlist for the road trip. My favorites? The attitude-infused Whataya Want From Me, sass-fueled For Your Entertainment and epic ballad Time For Miracles.
Welcome back to Palm Springs, Adam! Thanks for being real, staying true and doing you. Enjoy the show, everyone! And prepare yourself for the horrid seating. Those floor chairs are ridiculously uncomfortable. Just saying…
Every once in a while I’ll do a feature on people who I call The DreamChasers. Ones that have reached out to me in hopes of some media love and recognition for jobs well done. I’m unable to get to everyone right away and some things just aren’t right for the site. I include artists here for features of entertainers that I believe in and who grabbed my attention. They are varied but talented and I’m thrilled to have a piece of them here on my domain.
“Life Goes On” is the latest offering from out rapper and singer Solomon who infuses his own experiences of adolescent rumblings, drug fueled youth and family turmoil to create honest music that has a really nice edge to it. The melody is comfortable and his voice is cool. I love his sexy pout. (I wanna chew his lips off!) Solomon says this when asked about being a rapper and a singer, “I’m an artist. There are days I rap and days I sing. Just so happens this new single is a dance single.” He also cover’s Robyn’s “Dancing On My Own” and does a great job on it. I love her version while he really makes it his own. I honestly enjoyed it. Especially the rap during towards the end. I was just getting off to the hot “Wit Us You Can’t…” Very kicky and up.
Check out Solomon and let us know what you think! I’m feeling him and what he’s doing! Wishing him BIG LUCK from my camp. WHURQ!
When it comes to getting the exact mood an event needs to be successful, a fierce DJ must to be available for filling the ears and spirits of the party goers, and get them to the dance floor. West Hollywood has that precious gem in their midst and you can find him creating magic as the resident DJ at the beautiful Mickey’s on Santa Monica Boulevard. DJ eur-O-steve hails from the UK but finds America as his home now. For everyone attending the Picture Me Happy charity benefit at ACE Hotel Swim Club May 20, DJ eur-O-steve will be the one making your feet move and heart race with jams, rhythms and grooves!
I’ve been elated that I’ve been able to assist charity founder Tim Courtney with getting some media love out for the event including these quick Q/A teasers with the celebrity hosts and now with our Musical Magician. Everyone has been so generous with their time and effort getting the round of questions back to me, I’m loving what I’ve been able to share with you.
Steven Michael – How did you get started in spinning music and creating wonderful moments for people with your mixing? Do you use the modern day way with a nice laptop or do you have to schlep discs or (Gasp!) vinyl into your clubs and events?
DJ eur-O-steve – Started as a DJs assistant in London, doing the back-breaking schlepping of the heavy vinyl – seeing their talent got me hooked! Now I use the modern way with a laptop controlled by CD or vinyl – able to have a much larger catalogue at hand, but not relying on any automation to mix!
Do you find people want to get at you more because of your status as a DJ? Do you have Groupies and $tarFuc#ers around you at all times?
Definitely, there are some hilarious colourful characters, or people expect you to “put them on the list” – I recall getting unfoundedly “heckled” for the first time in the US just recently, was quite an experience – the dancers and crowd near the stage turned against them and they got ejected, the dancers I work with are so good to me!
I admit that during my performing days I had a few bitter queens that booed me once and you need that support. What do you go through when you have a dance floor and no one on it but plenty of people in the club and nothing seems to be what they want to hear? What is your secret weapon on moving people on to the dance floor?
Every DJs nightmare – it does happen sometimes, or a crowd is tough to get “warmed up.” I will cycle through some different material and watch closely to body movement, or toe tapping until you find the right element. I have stuff up my sleeve that I find people can’t resist in the form of certain “flashback” re-worked tracks.
The crowd at the ACE will have a great space for dancing so turn them out. What music will you be playing at Splash into Summer Bash at ACE Hotel? Vocal diva standards everyone knows or tribal infused friction sounds for the hardcore? Is this more along the lines of what you usually play or do you tailor it to the venue and theme?
Fun, happy, energetic vocal house/electronica is perfect for a daytime pool party – which is actually a personal favourite style. Every physical event needs to be tailoured somewhat, have to gauge, respond, and adapt to the crowd in terms of musical style and choices.
Sounds perfect for the Palm Springs personalities. DJs spend many a late night in clubs and at circuit parties. How do you do it night after night? Doesn’t it wear you out or are you a bit peculiar when and where you work?
It can wear you down if you spread yourself too thinly, (so to speak) – I do choose when and where I work and make sure that the places are enough diversified to keep me fresh and sharp at it!
Any feelings or memories about our Palm Springs Oasis? Do you make it down often? And what do you do when you’re not working?
LOVE IT! It really is such a wonderful relaxing place to go and chill, or have fun with friends there. I am quite hooked, hopefully be working more gigs there to get me out more often! When I’m not working I am a trashy television addict, but also keep myself fit at the gym and hiking.
It seems that I’ve become quite the go-to for anything Persian culture these days! Exaggeration – yes, perhaps. But having the unique opportunity to connect with both Reza Farahan and now the gorgeous Asa (always seen as A$A in print) Soltan Rahmati from Bravo TVs Shahs of Sunset via the Internet gives me a personal glimpse inside their glamourous and increasingly popular worlds of Persianity. I was amazed at the speedy return I received from these celebrities in getting the responses back. As Asa tweeted me back, “I do this boo.” Yes she does.
From the time I sent the Q/A to when I gathered them back in my inbox, I was simply impressed, truly. I know people are busy. When someone cares enough to get something completed like this, they’re aces in my book. Truly a class act. Both Asa and Reza! Like I do during interviews, I tend to quote verbatim what I’m given with very little change only for continuity. These are actually the generous stars replying back to me taking time to let fans in on a little bit of their true selves the cameras may not show. Genuine content and connection is very important to me. The fact that they trust me in giving of their time makes me feel very good.
Here’s what the goddess Asa Soltan Rahmati had to say about loosing her private life to reality TV, the difference between becoming a pop star and PPP – Persian Pop Priestess and how equality and human rights are very important to her! With the whirlwind networking of social giant Twitter, we’ve become fast friends! She encourages her fans to follow her on Twitter @AsaSoltan for updates and current news!
Steven Michael – Thanks so very much for doing this, both the Q/A and the Picture Me Happy charity benefit on May 20 at ACE Hotel Swim Club. Founder Tim Courtney is so looking forward to seeing you and Reza. Glad it’s worked out that you will be involved, too! Are you excited?!
A$A Soltan Rahmati – I just watched the Picture Me Happy video on YouTube and I am thrilled to support and be part of it!
I’ve been checking out your iTunes page of music. Loving it very much. Especially “Diamond Water.” The groove is very my feeling. How hard has it been to stay true to your culture in the process of becoming a pop star and not conform? We saw a bit of your struggle on the show.
I’m a PPP- Persian Pop Priestess and a Gypsy Jetsetter, so I stay true to my personal culture 100%. The world raised me and I’m a universal being. While laying new ground for Persianity, I very much am a citizen of the world and know that other international gypsies feel my movement. ’Diamond Water’ is very close to my heart. Am sooo jazzed about shooting the video for it this summer. Am also working on actually bottling my Diamond Water… because everywhere I go, people ask me for it.
Give me a glass of it! I love anything where bling is involved! However, I do have one question to ask. And I really need your answer on this. Whatchu know about gold? I had to go there! The song’s main chorus hook was in my head all evening! Does that describe your lifestyle? “GOLD” your newest track, right?
TALA!!! Hahaha… Actually ‘GOLD’ is the very first song I every made. I just never released it. Recently we shot and premiered the music video for it. The feedback I’ve gotten from it has been so amazing.I’ve always had lots of gold around me since I was a little girl. In Iran, for birthdays we used to get a gold bangle from family… and that adds up you know.The epic Persianity summer jam ‘Tehrangeles’ is my newest track.
Your music seems to find many rhythms and beats which is very refreshing. It has many unique sounds to it but it does stay very true to your Persian culture. I’m digging it! How do you like Palm Springs? Do you make it down often and what parts of the desert do you simply adore?
I love Palm Springs. Mid-century modern architecture, desert, palm trees, kaftans, gold, and pools… my kinda scene. Growing up in L.A., I’ve been coming to this lovely desert dream since I was a teenager. Plus I was born in a small desert town in Iran, so I have a very special relationship with the sun and the springs.
When the cameras and lights are off and viewers aren’t gawking into your life that’s displayed on TV, what is Asa doing and wearing? Do you ever have down time that is pure relaxation without the need of image control and angles, if you know what I mean?
Absolutely. I DO ME, on or off camera! When we’re not shooting, I’m creating, whether it’s music, videos, paintings, installations, traveling and taking photos, visiting distant bazaars finding treasures, BBQing with my family, biking to the beach, dancing, hitting up the farmers market and cooking up a storm, writing, reading, learning new stuff.
We have to keep going with our creativity or simply shrivel up and not exist. That’s me, too! I’ve always got something on the burner trying to happen. What’s the biggest challenge about shooting reality TV? I’d imagine it would be privacy. I’d die not having music playing everywhere.
Yea the music thing was a big one for me. It made me realize that my life ALWAYS has a soundtrack. Privacy is also tuff because not everyone in your life wants to be on TV.
Do you realize you have a growing gay fan base? People are very excited to meet you at Picture Me Happy’s benefit on May 20. I bet you turn the heads of both men and women more than you know! You and costar Reza Farahan on Bravo TVs Shahs of Sunset seem to have a great bond! We really do enjoy watching the show!
I’ve always had very, very close friends who are gay. And being an artist and living ‘outside the box’ always, I’ve been very curious and active about gay rights.A few years ago my mom and I went to a conference at UCLA about gay refugees from Iran and being a political refugee myself I completely felt the pain. There were lawyers present who represent gay men and women who fled Iran and sought asylum here. There is so much violence against homosexuals in the world. I am perplexed and disgusted that in the year 2012 we are still talking about gay rights, which by the way in my point of view is a HUMAN rights issue. Reza is my boi, LOVE him. We have so much fun together and a beautiful connection.
Beauty and brains, my love! You’re stunning for this. Asa, THANKS! THANKS! THANKS! I’m so sorry I’m going to be away visiting my Mom in Tennessee during the event and will be missing meeting you in person. Thrilled we could do this for my blog and for promotion for Splash into Summer Bash at ACE Hotel Swim Club for Picture Me Happy beforehand. Best luck with the music and Shahs of Sunset!
Have a great time with your Mom, Steven! Much Love to you.
For more Asa Soltan Rahmati check out this gem of a blog find on the wonderful Tamara Tattles. The posting is very in-depth and her juicy website gives quite the grease when it it comes to everything reality TV. No Tea – No Shade. It’s the One.
Indie-Electro-Rocker Mac Valentine contacted me through my website in hopes for some media love and audience appreciation. He just relocated to Palm Springs so I definitely wanted to bring him to light and introduction as our new neighbor. Valentine is an accomplished solo artist that mixes hard-edged electronica in the style of heavy hitters in rock as Nine Inch Nails, Depeche Mode, Korn and Marilyn Manson (without the distinctive rasp.) OS 1.01 is Mac’s first album and is really worth a listen. Valentine even offers a free download of the album. The tracks I found quite kick-ass were the electro-groove of “Hurts You Like Hell” and driving force of “Arm the Alarm.” Both “Let Heaven Rebuke Me” and “Be My Man” both bring home the honest theme of self acceptance and personal struggles. This queer shock rocker has something that caught my attention and hope you give him a listen. 13 original songs – ALL ROCKING!
I’ve been procrastinating about doing this for a while as I sat on the choreography running my mouth instead of my feet. I’m not 16 anymore. I’m more like 16 + a decade + eight years + another decade. I will always choreograph, either for someone or inside my head. My passions are dance choreography and creative writing. With four blogs going and my second book in the works, I’ve got the writing covered. Unfortunately there’s few opportunities for dance in the valley so I’ve decided to start really focusing on getting my moves and steps out there so hopefully someone will see me and need what I have to offer. I’m available!
I’ve taught various styles of technical jazz dance over the years and enjoy moving dancers into new levels of performance. However, I find that I’m a better choreographer than I am teacher. I want to create the moves, teach them to capable performers and clean the rhythms. It’s hard for me to step back into square one and teach basics. But, and that’s a nice firm tight butt, I will and can teach anyone if they in return give me positive attitudes and passion to be there. (Don’t want to shoot myself in the foot!) Give me intermediate to advanced students with energy and pizazz, and we’re gonna rock. Just being honest…
The song “Shake” (on the YouTube video above) is one I’ve had for a few years. Kim Kardashian claims she had nothing to do with this but my friend DJ Bifford Michael informs me otherwise. Though, Kimmy has taken to the microphone and released “Jam (Turn It Up)” as a first single available here but offers that she’s not starting a singing career. Regardless, I like “Shake” a lot even though it’s been panned considerably. I enjoy what the the beats and grooves offer me as a choreographer (and forever showgirl.)
I felt like this take of the video worked best of the three I filmed. Not bad for an old man. I thought I handled my stamina during the filming very well considering I’m not in class regularly. However, it was after we stopped that it felt as if a small hammer was pounding from the inside of my chest trying to bust through by lungs. Wow… It was intense. But bitch can still move! Trust. Now, that’s the Tea.
I consider myself a true connoisseur of everything fierce happening in Gay Pop Culture News and LGBT Trends. Living in Palm Springs provides me generous exposure to what's happening in Hollywood and L.A. through trusted industry insiders. My opinions form here through my published works.
During travel adventures to Las Vegas and beyond I develop stories about what trends are hot and what celebrities are not in Entertainment, Travel, Fashion, Gay Dance Music and Reality TV.
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