Celine Dion has recently finished shooting the video for new single, “Taking Chances”, with director Paul Boyd whose best known for his work with Kylie Minogue (“Confide In Me”) and Shania Twain (“Forever and for Always”). The track was co-written by Kara Dioguardi (Anastacia, Kelly Clarkson) and produced by John Shanks (Sheryl Crow, Michelle Branch). The album which goes by the same name will come out on 13^th of November via Sony Music, and it promises additional collaborations with Linda Perry (Gwen Stefani, Christina Aguilera), Schaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith (Whitney Houston, Jennifer Hudson) and Anders Bagge (Janet Jackson, Jessica Simpson).

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Swedish artist Neneh Cherry is set to reunite with Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour on a track called “Wake Up (It’s Africa Calling)” taken from his forthcoming album, “Rokku Mi Rokka” (Nonesuch/Warner). You may recall that their initial collaboration was on the world-wide smash “7 Seconds” which was released 13 years earlier in 1994. Do you think the magic will be rekindled this time around? Only time will tell … Here’s what Youssou had to say about the new song:

 

"'7 Seconds' opened so many doors for my music, and I've always wanted to sing with Neneh again, but we didn't want to make another '7 Seconds,"' N'Dour told Billboard. "This is much more African-sounding, and it's got a strong message that the continent is not just war, poverty and AIDS; we are trying to move forward."

While we’re on the subject of the “Buffalo Stance” singer, she’s happily married to music producer Cameron McVey (Sugababes, All Saints, Massive Attack), and is also a member of trip-hop group CirKus who released their debut album, “Laylow”, independently in 2006 via Tent Music label.

[Watch] Youssou N'Dour featuring Neneh Cherry - 7 Seconds

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MTV caught up with rapper/producer T-Pain (Britney Spears, Chris Brown) who talked about a duet-in-works with singer/actress Jennifer Hudson, and here's what he had to say: -

 

"This is going to be my first duet, ever. So it's real interesting for me. It's gonna be her featuring me, a real back-and-forth, old-school male/female duet. It's gonna be real nice," he said. "[The song is] untitled now, but it's basically about 'What's wrong with us? It's both of our faults that we don't like each other no more. The sex is getting boring.' You know, the usual stuff."

As previously reported, the Hudson's forthcoming debut album will come out in the first quarter of 2008 via Arista Records. Expect collaborations with Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey), Salaam Remi (Emily King, Jazmine Sullivan), Schaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith (Whitney Houston, Mary J. Blige), Stargate: Tor Erik Hermansen & Mikkel S. Eriksen (Jordin Sparks, Paula Campbell), Sean "The Pen" Garrett (Alicia Keys, Kelly Rowland), The Underdogs: Harvey Mason Jr. & Damon Thomas (Toni Braxton, Katharine McPhee), Durrell "Tank" Babbs (Keke Wyatt, Claudette Ortiz), Ryan "Alias" Tedder (Leona Lewis, Jennifer Lopez), Kasseem "Swizz Beatz" Dean (Angie Stone, Beyonce), John Legend (Chrisette Michele, Keyshia Cole), Tim "Timbaland" Mosley (Celine Dion, Madonna) and Jim Beanz (Nelly Furtado, Deborah Cox).

Model turned singer Stefani Vara has recently finished shooting the video for her lead single "Lately" in New York. The track which was produced by The Insomniax (Myxx, Bobby Valentino, Che'Nelle) will appear on her forthcoming debut album – "Storybook Diaries" – due in December via Siri Music. The exotic beauty also recorded a cover of Maria's "Miss You" originally belted by Soulshock & Karlin (Keyshia Cole – "Fallin' Out" / Fantasia – "Truth Is") with assistance from songwriter Shamora Crawford (Jennifer Lopez – "Can't Believe This" / Teairra Mari – "New Shit"). I'm sooo excited about this and can't wait to hear Vara's take on probably one of the most romantic songs I've heard in my life!!!

 

[Read] Stefani Vara - Monica Mania Xclusive Interview

 

[Read] Maria - Monica Mania Xclusive Interview

 

[Read] Shamora Crawford - Monica Mania Xclusive Interview

 

[Read] Carsten "Soulshock" Schack - Monica Mania Xclusive Interview

 

 

[Listen] Maria - Miss You

 

[Purchase] Maria - My Soul (Dreamworks)

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Songwriter/producer Steve Anderson of Metrophonic productions revealed two track titles he contributed for Britney Spears’ forthcoming album: “Grow” and “State of Grace”. There’s still no confirmation on whether those tracks will make it to the final cut, but it’s important to note that Anderson previously collaborated with the “Toxic” singer on tracks like “Breathe on Me” and “And Then We Kiss”. The as-yet untitled set is due on 13^th November via Jive Records, and will be preceded by lead single - “Gimme More” – which was produced by Nate “Danja Handz” Hills (Nelly Furtado, Paula DeAnda) and co-written by Keri Hilson (Toni Braxton, Nicole Scherzinger).

Here is the cover for Sugababes' forthcoming album, "Change", which is due 8^th October via Universal/Island Music. The set will be preceded by lead single, "About You Now", which was produced by Lukasz "Dr. Luke' Gottwald (Britney Spears, Kelly Clarkson). Expect additional collaborations with Dallas Austin (TLC, Brit & Alex), Bloodshy & Avant (Christina Milian, Samantha Mumba), Xenomania (Kylie Minogue, Girls Aloud), William Orbit (Madonna, Gwen Stefani), Cathy Dennis (Janet Jackson, Rachel Stevens) and Future Cut : Tunde Babalola & Darren Lewis (Nicole Scherzinger, Lily Allen).

 

Sugababes – Change (Official Tracklist):

1. About You Now
2. Never Gonna Dance Again
3. Denial
4. My Love is Pink
5. Change
6. Back When
7. Surprise
8. Back Down
9. Mended By You
10. 3 Spoons of Suga
11. Open The Door
12. Undignified

Myxx are an upcoming girl-group consisting of sisters Elizabeth (left) & Evonne (right), and together they were able to bring us candy-coated joints such as "I'll Be Waiting" and "Trendsetter". I caught up with the dynamic duo to talk about the album, favorite songs, working with production team The Insomniax and R&B crooner Bobby Valentino, being subject to racism, their idea of happiness, and so much more … Enjoy reading and don't forget to post your thoughts :)

 

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Hamada: - How did you get into the music industry? And has it lived up to your expectations so far?

 

Evonne: - Long story short, our cousins knew producers who helped us put a show together and we've been going ever since. I think the music industry really has lived up to our expectations so far as I have nothing to complain about. We're doing what we love and with our family at the same time, what better career could we ask for?

 

Hamada: - You've called yourself Myxx as an attribute to your bi-racial background. Have you ever been subject to racism?

 

Elizabeth: - Umm yeah, I think everyone has at one point in their lives, but I think for us we get it from both sides, I mean we get some people who think we're Hispanic and don't like us for that, and some black people don't think we're "black" enough or are trying to "act black" and same for our white side. But honestly we're not trying to be either. We're just being who we were raised to be, ourselves.

 

Evonne: - YUP!

 

Hamada: - How was it like performing with your first cousins, B5? And if there's anything you've learned from that experience, what was it?

 

Evonne: - We love performing with our cousins, they're just an amazing group to be around as they're so focused. We learn from them all the time cuz if we do something wrong; they'll correct it and tell us how to do it better. They really look out for us and helped us so much.

 

Hamada: - When is your debut album coming out? And have you decided upon a title yet?

 

Elizabeth: - We're not really sure when the album will be coming out, so we'll just continue to write, record, and grow as artists. And whenever the time comes, we'll be VERY happy (haha).

 

Hamada: - Whom have you worked with in terms of songwriters/producers? And which ones you'd love to hook up with in the near future?

 

Elizabeth: - We have worked with the Insomniax (who have done MANY of our songs and tracks), Greg Pagani, Drew lane, Blaze, Martin Kember, Get Cool, Heavy Weights, Priceless and also B5 helped us write on a few of our songs. In the future we'd love to work with Bryan Michael Cox, Timbaland, Rodney Jerkins and anyone whom we can share great chemistry with in the studio.

 

Hamada: - I got to know you through the song "I'll Be Waiting"� which I absolutely love to bits. Tell me about how that joint came about? And is it a contender for being the lead single?

 

Evonne: - I would say yes it's definitely has the potential to be one of our singles. It's basically about a girl or girls who are waiting for love … I know a lot of girls can relate and that definitely includes Myxx lol!

 

Elizabeth: - Yeah, this is one of the few songs that we didn't write the verses. Evonne wrote her rap in it but The Insomniax actually wrote this one, and they know us so well its like they took the words right out of our mouths! So I'm guessing they came up with this after one of our MANY talks about how we felt like losers cause we cant get boyfriends haha.

 

Hamada: - Which other songs are your favorites from the album?

 

Evonne: - Some of the other songs I'm really feelin' are definitely "Turn Around", "Trendsetter" an "Oh my Goodness".

 

Elizabeth: - Yeah, I love all of our songs equally, HONESTLY! I can't pick because they're all so different and I'm just happy with everything we've recorded with some really great producers and songwriters!

 

Hamada: - Artists such as Che'Nelle and Bobby Valentino have contributed to your debut set; how was it like working with both of them?

 

Elizabeth: - Well we're always happy to work with other artists who love music as much as we do so it's always a privilege and we always try to use it as a learning experience. And Bobby V. is incredible in the studio as he's so fast, and I know for me as a singer, seeing him made me want to work harder. So yeah we really enjoy working with other artists and seeing what creative ideas they can bring to the table.

 

Hamada: - If you weren't music performers, which career would you have chosen instead?

 

Elizabeth: - Something that involved music cause it's our main our passion. I'd probably be a songwriter for others artists.

 

Evonne: - Same here. I can't see myself doing anything else other than music.

 

Hamada: - Tell us something that most readers will be surprised to learn about you?

 

Evonne: - Hmm … I have to think about that one (lol)!  I don't know … I eat candy for breakfast, that's not really shocking though (lol)!  Oh, and I'm an amazing drawer and my favorite thing to watch is cartoons (Yeah Naruto!)

 

Elizabeth: - Probably that I can be a very weird person sometimes (hah)! I have my moments, but I think everyone is a little weird in some way.

 

Hamada: - How's it like being in a group of sisters? Does it make the job easier or harder?

 

Evonne: - I would say it makes it easier for the fact that we are sisters and gonna have to stick together no matter what. We're also on the same page cause we're so close, but it makes it harder sometimes cause we know how to get on each other's nerves and know which buttons to push, lol!

 

Elizabeth: - Yeah but in the end, we love being together and we're each other's best friend.

 

Hamada: - What qualities do both of you look for in a man? And are you dating anyone at the moment?

 

Evonne: - I'm not dating anyone, but I look for someone who is down to earth and my weakness is definitely someone who can make me laugh.

 

Elizabeth: - I look for someone whose very goal oriented. I don't care if he wants to be a garbage man! If he takes it seriously and puts his heart and soul into it, then it's fine with me. Also, I'm looking for someone who can be himself. I hate when people try to act cool … If you're loud and annoying, be loud and annoying. If you're crazy, goofy whatever, just be you. At the end of the day, how are you going to really find someone who likes you for you if you can't even be yourself?

 

Hamada: - What would you expect on a romantic evening?

 

Evonne: - A funny movie or a karate movie and going skate boarding/dirt bikes/ dune buggies or something stupid that makes me laugh =)

 

Elizabeth: - It all depends on the person because you have different connections with different people, so whatever fits for me and the other person.

 

Hamada: - Have you thought about visiting the Middle East? If so, which country would be your first choice?

 

Elizabeth: - I'd eventually love to travel everywhere and I'm sure the Middle East is beautiful, but if I had to pick a country, it would probably be Egypt because I think it would be so cool to see the pyramids and how much it's grown as a civilization. You know how if you've never been to a place and all you've seen are pictures from a history book, then that's how you're going to expect it to look, but once you get there, you're like WOOOOWW - haha.

 

Hamada: - Can you share with us your last embarrassing or funny situation?

 

Evonne: - Dang! There's so many that come to mind. I'm always embarrassing myself (lol), but the most recent one is when I busted my head when I was on my skateboard it was funny AFTER, lol!

 

Elizabeth: -Well the only thing I can think of was like 2 years ago when we used to stay with our cousins. We we're all playing around and my cousin (Kelly) threw a pillow at me while I was turned around and it hit my back and, well basically everyone in the whole room saw me in my underwear.

 

Hamada: - What's the one thing you'd like to do before you turn 40?

 

Elizabeth: - Get all my family and just take a tour around the whole world and just spend time with all the people I love.

 

Hamada: - How would you describe yourself in three words?

 

Evonne: - Crazy! Determined, and tomboy (lol).

 

Elizabeth: - Determined, grateful, and loving.

 

Hamada: - When was the last time you cried?

 

Evonne: - Yesterday when my cousins left to go on their two month promo tour.

 

Elizabeth: - I don't remember but I know it had to do with our career, hah!

 

Hamada: - What's your greatest fear? 

 

Evonne: - Honestly … Not going to Heaven, but I'm definitely gonna make it there! Second would be not succeeding in my music.

 

Elizabeth: - Yes not going to heaven … WOOOWW that would suck, but also not being able to be with my family and inability to do music.

 

Hamada: - What's your idea of happiness?

 

Evonne: - Being with my family an enjoying life, love and music.

 

Elizabeth: - My idea of happiness is when I can wake up in the morning and have my entire family living together and everyone's happy and taken care of. As long as the people I love are happy, so am I!

 

Hamada: - Is there any message you'd like to give to your fans all over the world?

 

Evonne: - 1) Keep God first 2) Watch who you follow 3) Be yourself cause that's what were all about!

 

Elizabeth: - Make sure whatever you do put your full heart and soul into it. Don't ever let anyone tell you that you can't do something, and ALWAYS put God first and your family first. And thanks for taking the time out to read this interview, we hope y'all can get something out of it and we really do love y'all!

 

[Visit] Myxx @ MySpace

Blackground recording artist Kasey Butler posted a new song on her official MySpace profile called “Miss Your Girl”, check it out! In other related news, no release date has been set yet for her official debut album, but expect collaborations with producers Soulshock & Karlin (Samantha Jade, Skye Sweetnam) and songwriter Lisa Simmons (Kelly Rowland – “Tell Me” / Fantasia “No More”).

 

[Visit] Kasey Butler @ MySpace

 

[Read] Kasey Butler - Monica Mania Xclusive Interview

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The title of Mary J. Blige’s forthcoming album is “Growing Pains”, and its due 20^th November via Geffen Records. The set is expected to feature collaborations with Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins (Keyshia Cole, Jennifer Hudson), Sean “The Pen” Garrett (Nicole Scherzinger, Whitney Houston), Kasseem “Swizz Beatz” Dean (Angie Stone, Mariah Carey), Soulshock & Karlin (Toni Braxton, Kelly Rowland), Johnta Austin (Aaliyah, LeToya Luckett), Bryan Michael Cox (Faith Evans, Claudette Ortiz), Schaffer “Ne-Yo” Smith (Heather Headley, Celine Dion) and Ryan “Alias” Tedder (Christina Milian, Jennifer Lopez).

Newcomer Robyn Janelle has recently signed a record deal with Geffen Records (Ashlee Simpson, Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole), so keep an eye for her forthcoming debut album due first quarter of 2008. Among the producers she collaborated with on the as yet untitled project is Ryan “Alias” Tedder, who’s also belting out hits on the next albums by Nicole Scherzinger (A&M Records), Jennifer Hudson (Arista Records), Leona Lewis (J Records) and Jennifer Lopez (Sony Music). Make sure you visit her official MySpace profile and listen to joints such as “My Lover”, “Shook Up”, “Flip It” and “Do Over”.

 

[Visit] Robyn Janelle @ MySpace