The MTV Video Music Awards are approaching, and this award ceremony is said to be one of the most exciting and entertaining on the music industry calendar. After all the winners do walk away with the awesomely coverted Moon Man. The awards will take place a month from today in New York City's Radio City Hall. Topping the list of nominations include turkey-gobbler Shakira as well as veteran rockers the Red Hot Chilli Peppers with seven nods each, followed by Madonna, Panic! At the Disco and last week's Music Must Christina Aguilera. Music Musts going British. Mr Justin Timberlake, Beyonce, Panic, T.I. and Ludacris are all set to perform at the awards, and voting starts now. I'd like to see Nelly Furtado walk away with an award because I'm the biggest fan, love her new style and sound and think she's fab. I know Paula will agree, but who do y'all think will win? Take a look at the nominees and holla back at me please...

Now for this week's Music Must, and this is a definate MUST! This woman has been compared to the likes of Jill Scott to name just one, and well I don't think predictions are too far off. The British singer has climbed her way to the top of the charts with her debut self-titled album. Well if you don't know who I'm talking about, it's none other than the lovely Corinne Bailey Rae. Corinne was born in Leeds, England and is one of three daughters. She says
"I started off singing in church, I suppose, but people think it must have been a gospel church because of the whole, you know, black assumption," she says in reference to her mixed-race background. Her father is West-Indian, while her mother is a local Yorkshire lass. You'll never guess who who one of her biggest influences is, but that comes tomorrow.

Posted by jvonblog at Monday, July 31, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

So you're sitting around the table, playing poker with a couple of mates... It's so competitive you could cut the tension with a knife, and on top of that you have money on it. Well that's what happened for several of SOuth Africa's celebrities. 94.7's Alex Jay and pop sensation Danny K battled it out in the final on the first-ever All Africa Poker Celebrity Charity Challenge in the 33rd floor penthouse at the Michelangelo Towers. Some of the other big names at the event included Leanne Manas, Sandy Ngema, Neil Andrews, Mark Fish, Kass Naidoo, Joost van der Westhuizen and Phumlani Msibi. Now you may be thinking to yourself why do all these people need R100 000, especially since they are high profile people in South Africa. How nice? The winner donates all of the proceeds to a charity of his or her choice, and well let's face it many charities in this country could use this money, so well done to PigPeak Casino in Swaziland. Wanna know who the winner was? Well if you don't then watch it on TV, DSTV channel 121... But for those of you who would like to know Mr Koppel aka Danny K, won. Danny dedicated his R100 000 win to Compassionate Friends, a free grief-counselling service, in memory of his late younger brother, who passed away in a helicopter accident a few years ago. Second runner-up Alex Jay received R25 000 to donate to the Sunflower Fund.

Posted by jvonblog at Sunday, July 30, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

Lindsay Lohan is a busy woman. The 20year-old has to date released two albums, stared in many a movie, and well with all that weight she lost, she must have spent day and night in the gym to shed the pounds... no other explanation at all. But to give her the benefit of the doubt she really is busy, and to be a signifcant contributer to the Young Hollywood click, the expectations must be extremely high. Well it seems to have got the better of Linds. Last week she had to leave the set of her new movie Georgie Rule and subsequently hospitalised due to "heat exhaustion". Well to throw a spanner in the works, it seems the producers of the film aren't quite convinced... In a letter issued to Linds the procuders have lashed out saying she's acting alright, like a spoilt brat. Among other statements made the CEO says Lindsay is discourteous, irresponsible and unprofessional and that her partying escapades are getting too much for them to handle. Want to see the letter, rather interesting, take a look. I don't see an end to Lindsay Lohan phase at any stage, in fact this'll probably give her a little more publicity. For stories like these and the Music Musts follow up tomorrow...

Posted by jvonblog at Sunday, July 30, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

In some music news South African band, come American success Seether has scrapped a three-week tour with Staind and Three Days Grace. This as frontman Shaun Morgan booked himself into a rehab center. In a statement issues by Wind-Up Records Shaun says he booked himself in to treat the dependency on unidentified substances, admitting to both himself and "those close to him that he needs help and is making the proactive move to seek it."

The band's tour was due to commence on the 5th of August in the USA, which has obviously been postponed until further notice. This is what Shaun had to say "I'm deeply sorry that this news comes right before a planned tour, especially one that I was so excited about, and I hope that everyone understands,I need help with addictions that I can't kick on my own. These things are making me sick, and could potentially harm me permanently, so I need to take care of them as soon as possible." I wish him a full and succesful recovery. Know that we're thinking about you back at home.

Pic: Homebrew on 94.7 Highveld Stereo with Julio Garcia Sundays 7-9pm

Posted by jvonblog at Friday, July 28, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

Have you ever wanted to be a fly on the wall in the playboy mansion? Have you ever wondered what it is about Hugh Hefner- besides his unbelievable good looks- that attracts beautiful women to the walls of his mansion? Well for the first time ever, you can with the much anticipated release of The Girls Next Door. The series takes you beyond the Mansion's gates and behind closed doors, by introducing you to the three women who've grabbed Hugh's attention; Holly, Kendra, and Bridget.

The playmates will take you on a ride of a life time, showing you the ups, the downs and the intricacies of their daily lives. The Girls Next Door boxset also features sexy, never-before-seen episodes that you may have missed on your screens, which'll show you that being a girlfriend in Hef's Home definately has its advantages. Out in stores from next week Tuesday.

Now onto Christina Aguilera, who drops her new album soon. So we know she reinvented her girl next door image into the Stripped-down sex icon. Well I like to call this reinvention the evolution of Aguilera, who's done it again. This time she's gone for a more soulful and jazz-inspired album. She describes the album as an urban soul record combining elements of 1920s, '30s and '40s blues and jazz with modern day influences. The newly-married star worked with producers Mark Ronson and P. Diddy, as well as continuiing to work with Linda Perry. Back to Basics is a double-CD. The first CD will be a throwback album with 20's elements, while the second CD only has songs Christina did with Linda Perry. This I find interesting in that the album includes a continuation of the ever-popular track "Dirrty", entitled... "Still Dirrty". The track features Nas. So this album is set to be released worldwide on the 14th of August, who knows maybe I'll get someone from SonyBMG to sponsor me a copy:) ha ha....

Posted by jvonblog at Thursday, July 27, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

What do London Bridge and Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas have in common? Well Fergie is the latest member from BEP to go solo, and her debut single is entitled none other than "London Bridge". Sarah Ann Ferguson, who joined the Black Eyed Peas close to six years ago, drops her debut album "The Dutchess" on September 19th. Like the play on the former Dutchess of York's name. But for those of you who are worried about the future of the Black Eyed Peas Fergie says it's just a "side project and will still record and tour with the band."

She joins Mr Will-I-Am in their side deals. Will's been doing his thing with Erika Badu and the PussyCat Dolls In my opinion I'm expecting something very similar to Gwen Stefani's album Love. Angel. Music.Baby, but we shall see. I'm sure the 31year-old will make her debut onto the Music Musts in the not-too-distant future.

Posted by jvonblog at Tuesday, July 25, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

Hollywood is baby beF*cked. In this little frenzy came came Sean-Preston, then Suri, then came Shiloh Nouvell and Kingston. Brit's expecting another bundle of joy in The Fall, cute. Well Christina Aguilera, who's my Music Must for this week says she's getting a tad broody. In a recent interview 25 year-old says she and husband Jordan Bratman will start planning a family after the run of her new album is up. Christina drops Back to Basics in two weeks time, and is the hugely anticipated follow up to 2002's Stripped. If the first single is anything to go by, I reckon this is gonna be an absolutely fantastic album.

Before I carry on with the Music Musts for the week I'd just like to share an interesting survey with you. Blender magazine in The States did a survey on the Top 25 wusses of all time. For a full list check it out here Nick Lachey came close to the number one position with his ballad "What's left of me"- a song that I reckon was composed for his now ex Jessica Simpson. Ok but this is an American site, I'm gonna modify it somewhat and keep it local. Who would be in your Top 10 SAfa wussies? I'm a little stuck, but I know Mr Rajesh Kumar from Isidingo would be on the top of my list :)Help me fill in the blanks, Kurt Darren "Lekker boet" would also be in there...

Now back to Xtina. Born Christina Maria Aguilera on December 18, 1980, on Staten Island, her parents were of Irish and Ecuadorian stock. Her father's military career meant the family moved a lot during her childhood. They eventually settled in Philadelphia, where she began performing in talent shows at age six. In 1988 on Star Search and in 1992 joined the cast of the Disney Channel's The New Mickey Mouse Club, which also included the Britster , and boyband mates Justin Timberlake and JC Chasez. Felicity's Keri Russell was also apart of the little click, surprised she hasn't done the whole singing thing. That's how it started stayed tuned for the Evolution of Aguilera, more tomorrow.

Posted by jvonblog at Monday, July 24, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

Wickhead is a band formed in Joburg in 2000 by Bronic Bednarek, who's on vocals, Randall Knight-guitar, Johann Strydom on drums and childhood friends Mark van Heerden also guitar and Jason Meintjes on bass. The guys released their first album, If It Hurts It's Healing , in 2004 independently through Authentic Ideas. They experienced huge success with the singles “ Anthem ”, “ Make Your Mind Up ” “ Free ” and “ Unplug ”, and as a result the album was nominated for a SAMA for Best Rock Album in 2005. The song “ Phat ” did the band a lotta good when it gained them international exposure after it was used on the soundtrack for the Crazy Monkey inserts, aired in Africa , Asia and Europe on MTV. Not too shabby...

More pics can be found on www.wickhead.co.za

Posted by jvonblog at Thursday, July 20, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

First of all I would like to wish Mr Nelson Mandela a very happy 88th Birthday. I wish him all the best. A couple of weeks ago 5FM's Koula called for bands wanting to make an impact on the international music scene to check out this competition on her webpage. The response was amazing, and it seems as if our musicians are taking this rather seriously... Hell if you stood a chance to win a R20million contract I suppose you would too. Well more about the competition itself... It's called Rock Star Lottery and as mentioned the winning band wins a massive international contract. It is open to bands from all over the world, so it's not just a commonwealth thing, and one of the major differences of this talent search is that the band retains "100% ownership and creative control", as opposed to other contests like Idols for example.

The good news about this round is that six South African acts are in the running for the contract. One of which is the band "Wickhead"... The lead singer of the band Bronic Bednarek said in an interview "It feels really good to receive recognition for the group's work, especially because it's basically just Tuks FM that plays our music." Well it is for this reason that I will be making them the "LocaliseD Music Musts" for this week! And that will be the first fact of the week. I would however also like to congratulate another band in this competition. I am hoping that it is them, so could anyone with some info let me know. But if it is I would like to congratulate...LOCAL GRAHAMSTOWN BAND UNDONE WHO IS ALSO IN THERE!!!! Nice work guys, I'll be holding thumbs for you.

Posted by jvonblog at Tuesday, July 18, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

So as you've noticed blogging hasn't been very frequent this week, it's been a little crazy. So here's an EXTRA amount of information for y'all on the lovely and wonderful Unathi. So she used to present the Castle Loud show, that we know... but did you know that she used to sing in the corridors, at the studio and off air. It sounds like a fairytale, but one day the singing stunner was discovered by Zola. This led to San Lwam collaboration.The song was so well received that it won Song of the Year at the Metro FM awards in 2003. Nice! It still continues to receive airplay to this day...

Ghetto Ruff was so impressed with Unathi's talents they decided it was time to sign her, this time to do a solo album. One of the things Unathi considers to be an important aspect of her singing career is the writing. She says "For me, writing music is a challenge. I want to write music that I can sing to, and to rock when Im on stage." It was at this stage that she moved to Yfm radio and was ultimately rewarded with a drive-time show, Kamikaze Heat, alongside Rudeboy Paul. Rudeboy and Unathi have a unique talent for getting anonymous callers to discuss their darkest secrets and fears on air, and the result is a revelation of this country’s emerging cultural zeitgeist. The chemistry between the two allows them to engage with HIV/Aids sufferers and kwaito king Mzekezeke with equal ease... A revolution on radio was born, so was her son :)

Well she's now moved to the mid-morning slot on Yfm, 9-12 am so listen out to her then. She's also touring quite a bit to promote her album, First Time in stores now...
For more on lyrics check out PaulaNIQKWA's blog, she deals with the intricacies and meanings, and it's a damn fine idea so check it out. But for now, the 14th track on the album, here's a few of the lines, inspiring! I really think y'all should check this album out:

"I'm scared because I have realised what you have planned for me/ I have tried to ignore the depths of what you want from me/ I wish I could change what you've sketched as my destiny/ because I fear I'm unable to fill what you paint of me/ You opened my world and show me everything will be okay/ You assured me that on the path I am yet to take/ that you would never give me a house, without you as my home"

Posted by jvonblog at Friday, July 14, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

Welcome to a new week of Music Musts.... This week I've decided to keep it local, or as the subject line suggests LocalizeD Music Musts. And the lucky star is one of my personal favourites, Sis Unathi Nkayi. Born in the Eastern Cape over 25 years ago, Unathi has come along way since then. After completing her degree at Rhodes University, she moved up to Jozi, with a little bit of cash in her back pocket... and well ja that's it! It didn't take her long to get into the swing of things, landing her big break as the co-presenter of The Castle Loud Show which ran for over a year. I look forward to sharing more with you, and hey... we may just be able to get some comments from Unathi herself. Stay tuned.

Well done to Italy by the way, and bring on Kanye West tonight...YEEHA!

Posted by jvonblog at Tuesday, July 11, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

Firstly Listen to the new Justin Timberlake track here... It's called "Sexyback" ft Timbaland. I dig it. Did anyone watch Channel 84, GO last night? Well if you didn't you missed a first for TV, and radio for that matter... Those who hate him were relieved, those who loved were left wandering if he'd just fade into the background after he left 5 last week. But Mark Gillman, a genius in my opinion, hasn't gone anywhere... He launched Gilly TV last night at 9pm. WHAT EXACTLY IS GILLY TV? Well it's a first in the world whereby Gillman presents simultaneously on GO and 5 FM Music. CLEVER. So the songs are on radio, the features are listened to and if you aren't close to a radio you can watch the music videos and the features. In true Gillman style it was loud and in your face, but the response was brilliant. SO check it out, a new, innovative and absolutley awesome move towards a new era.

DAY 5:
Check this out... this is a type of forum whereby the guys from HH and their fans participate in many a discussion. Cool idea, especially since they take part.

Posted by jvonblog at Friday, July 07, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

If you're a fan of South African soapie Isidingo then you'll know Nandipha is. You'll also known that she's been HIV poisitive for several years. Whilst watching on Tuesday I noticed how Nan seemed to be somewhat ill, and now Hlubi Mboya has revealed that her character is about to become "Full Blown". But don't fret it doesn't mean it's over for one of South Africa's sweethearts. In an interview with The Sowetan she says she'll be taking on the disease and playing a role that is all to familiar to thousands of South Africans. I reckon she'll be acting, but at the same time advising, and educating those infected with the disease. Nice Isidingo team, I dig the show, show I'm punting SABC 3 18:30 weekdays, with an omnibus on Sundays.

Day 3:
Drummer Eron in a recent interview told the host and viwers across the States that he considers the music they at Hawthorne Heights produce has several post-hardcore with some melodic elements... interesting! The band also attributes much of its success and popularity to Victory Records who promoted them heavily on websites such as Purevolume and MySpace.

Pic: www.thepropertymag.com/ media/user/images/14.jpg

Posted by jvonblog at Thursday, July 06, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

Hawthorne Heights is composed of drummer Eron Bucciarelli, bassist Matt Ridenour, vocalist/guitar player J.T. Woodruff, and guitarists Casey Calvert and Micah Carli. The band built their fan base on a strong, solid demo, as well as a series of self-booked national tours. On these tours they shaed the stage with the likes of From Autumn to Ashes and the Descendents. In 2003 they signed with Chicago label Victory Records, resulting in the 2004 release of their powerful full-length debut, The Silence in Black and White.

Posted by jvonblog at Wednesday, July 05, 2006 | Permalink | Comments

It's a new week and it's time for the "Music Musts", but before I get to Hawthorne Heights I just thought I would update you on some other music news. Beyonce has just dropped her latest single, Deja Vu. It features here lover JayZ, and is a song that'll grow on you. The video for the song is apparently HOT, and if you've seen her lately you'll know why. JT Justin Timberlake is set to release his new single next month. It's called Sexyback and along with a new album Justin's said to be going on a world tour...hopefully he will map the Southern hemisphere as part of the world, unlike many others. Newcomer T.I. has worked with both artists on his and their albums, so look out for that one. Christina is back too. She's intergrated 20s, 30s and 40s jazz influences into this album, and the song "Aint no other man" is receiving much airtime! So that's awesome news, now all we await is the new material from Maroon5.

Hawthorne Heights was formed out of a desire to play music that the members were passionate about. DUH! This became a reality in 2001 with the release of their debut album The Silence In Black And White. The band hale from Dayton, Ohio in June of 2001 and originally were named A Day In The Life. Glad they decided to change their name, Stay tuned for the next installment.

Posted by jvonblog at Tuesday, July 04, 2006 | Permalink | Comments