Frequent readers of this blog may remember that I first introduced you to the mesmerizing vocals of Swedish pop songstress Lune back in April of last year when I blogged about her track, "Let Go." Last week, she returned to the global dance-pop spotlight when she unleashed a new version of "Leave The World Behind" that features none other than Swedish House Mafia. 

Originally recorded by Sebastian Ingrosso,  Axwell and Steve Angello with Laidback Luke, and featuring the vocals of Deborah Cox, "Leave The World Behind" was without a doubt one of the defining club anthems of summer 2009. This imaginative acoustic remake is synched with a Volvo advertising campaign also starring Swedish House Mafia which premiered in Sweden last week.

It's safe to say that this stirring remake of "Leave The World Behind" is Swedish House Mafia's very last musical farewell, their swan song if you will. The ad features Sebastian, Axwell and Steve leaving the world they shared together behind after the hectic four years as Swedish House Mafia shot against some raw and gritty Swedish landscapes. 

"We are so proud to appear in this new version of 'Leave The World Behind," Swedish House Mafia says on their web site. "Lune has long been a friend and a collaborator, and Volvo presented us this beautiful film idea to us in Scandinavia at it most beautiful."

Lune is the brainchild of Linnéa Martinsson who established Lune as a special project that gives her the creative freedom to "combine different art forms with the ambition to reach out and communicate with people," she explains on her web site. Rooted in the dance and performance world she first began to write songs with two chords and simple, direct lyrics before teaming up with various collaborators.  ‘Leave The World Behind" is not her first foray into the world of dance music as Martinsson also provided the vocals for Adrian Lux’s huge dancefloor hit "Teenage Crime."

Astralwerks will release Lune feat. Swedish House Mafia "Leave The World Behind" on May 30 in the U.S.

V V Brown returns with a bang - stronger, bolder and more inspired than ever. After stirring up chart success on both sides of the Atlantic with "Travelling Like The Light," the British singer/songwriter worked diligently on her second album for most of 2011 but after lots of soul-searching she decided to abort the entire project. Brown split from her record label to chart her course independently.

The singer explains in an interview that going her own way was an important decision to help her grow as an artist. "I feel like I've grown so much as a women and an artist," she tells Hunger TV. "Maturity has been a huge catalyst. I wrote my first record in 2007. I was growing up whilst I was touring. Your album is a snap shot of a time in your life and you have to carry that sonic photograph with you as you change."

She adds, "When it was time to do the next album, I was a different person. It was an organic natural state of growth and change for me. Its been a while since the last record and my tastes have most definitely developed. Since diving into the fashion community and working with some amazing artists I learnt a lot more about a purer and creative way to express yourself and was compelled by the convictions of people remaining so true to there vision that there was no room for doubt."

Today, Brown released the video for her much-anticipated new single, "Samson," that will be released in May. Inspired by artists like Bjork, James Blake, The Knife and Little Dragon, " the song unveils a decidedly more electronic and experimental sound with its gritty textures and darker hues. Regardless of its forward production stylings, the song is dominated by Brown's soulful and inspired vocals that will please existing fans and hopefully make many new ones.

"I really hope I don’t alienate the fans that are already on board," Brown tells Hunger. "I hope the walk with me and my reinvention." (Photo via Karl Is My Unkle)

Soul-pop crooner Francesco delivers his music with a poise and gusto that is truly remarkable for his age. At 17 years young, the Canadian singer is a bit of an old soul who has the innate ability to convey subtle emotions with a finesse that is far beyond his age. He just premiered his debut single, entitled "The Way You Were," that firmly positions him as one of the most exciting new voices to keep your eye (and ear) on. 

Francesco's storytelling emphasizes the joy and heartbreak of young love which is a topic people of all ages, far and wide, can easily relate to. "I've always felt the experiences of love around me and I've seen it in my friends and I've felt it in relationships I've been in," Francesco explains on his Facebook page.

He adds, "Music is something that helped me to express myself when I couldn’t express myself. From a young age, I've felt compelled to do this. That's the thing with me, I love the music. Music is my passion."

His debut single "The Way You Were" is a good example of Francesco's poignant lyricism and knack for melody. "Give me good reason why I shouldn't love you/give me one good reason why I shouln't care/Is this the way you are?/I find it hard to believe/Is there anything I can do to bring you back to you/Tell me what have you done to the way you were," he wonders, keeping the vibe hopeful while trying to make sense of a love gone sour. 

Managed by the fine team that turned Nelly Furtado into a superstar and signed to 21 Entertainment/Atlantic Records, Francesco is currently in the studio working on his forthcoming full-length debut LP. He is writing with people like James Bryan (of multi-platinum soul-pop group The Philosopher Kings), Andre Kaden (Brian Melo, Kate Todd, Frankie Whyte) and  Thomas “Tawgs” Salter who previously wrote with Lights and Josh Groban. Watch this space for more updates about Francesco soon.

Make sure to also check out his cover of Miguel's "Adorn." Fingerlickin' good.

In anticipation of her highly anticipated performance of "Birds" at the Eurovision Song Contest finals on Saturday, Dutch superstar singer Anouk unveiled a special video series on YouTube this week to celebrate her forthcoming new LP. The series of four short films includes the official video for "Birds" that is taken from her ninth studio album "Sad Singalong Songs" that will be released on May 19 via her own Goldilox label (distributed through Universal Music Netherlands). 

"Birds" and the other tracks on "Sad Singalong Songs" show off a different side of Anouk. After the gritty pop-rock of 2011's "To Get Her Together,' the the singer turns left field on her new LP to unveil a more delicate and gentle sound. It's more proof that Anouk doesn't shy away from taking a bit of risk once in a while. In fact, her music is fueled by her ongoing quest to challenge herself creatively, to think out of the box and to surprise fans with new musical projects that are different than the ones she worked on before

Anouk collaborated with her trusted team of writers and producers on "Sad Singalong Songs" including Martin Gjerstad en Tore Johansson (Franz Ferdinand en The Cardigans). She also worked with Gjerstad and Johansson on her previous two critically-acclaimed LPs, "For Bitter Or Worse" and "To Get Her Together." 

The four-part video series to introduce "Sad Singalong Songs" were directed by Dana Nechushtan. It's a compilation of short films that also includes videos for "Kill," "The Good Life" en "Pretending As Always." The series stars Anneke Blok, Monic Hendrickx, Martijn Lakemeier, Teun Luijkx, Hannah Hoekstra and Raymond Thiry. Anouk makes a few cameos as well. The videos can be viewed online or at EYE in Amsterdam from May 15 to May 19.

Dana Nechustan's takes a few inspirational cues from Black Swan in the video for "Birds." It tells the story of a gifted ballet dancer in a starring role who is replaced for a younger dancer by her teacher (played by Anouk) during show rehearsals. It's impossible for her to cope with the change and humiliation, and she decides to take matters in her own hands with fatal consquences.The video features beautiful sunset footage from Rome's skyline that adds to the classic storytelling.

Watch the video series below and make sure to root for Anouk to win the Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday. 

Warner Newman wears his heart on his sleeve when he sings, "I'm ready to go to war/I want to pursue this," on his highly-anticipated debut single, aptly-titled "War." The song chronicles his journey from the bottom to coming back on top despite the many challenges life has thrown at him ever since he was a little kid. The track was produced by GRAMMY-winning producer Brian Paturalski (Outkast) and remixes come courtesy of The White N3rd, Lewis Fuller and Gainsford.

Born and raised in New Zealand and now living in London, Warner Newman's life has been far from easy. He was involved in two serious road accidents at the ages of 4 and 10, causing him to have extensive reconstructive surgery on his face and head. The accident at the age of ten was so serious he was told he may never walk again.

Music strengthened his soul and ultimately helped him to recover completely. While lying in his hospital bed, Warner listened to music to pass away the time, taking solace and strength in listening to Queen, Guns n Roses, and Bob Marley, and his first introduction to hip hop in the form of Tupac, before an obsession with Eminem began later in his life. Growing into his teens was difficult for Warner who looked different to his school peers.

After the untimely death of his brother, Warner left home, and moved to Auckland aged 16, and at 17 began auditioning for bands. The encouragement and confidence he gained from making music began Warner's life focus, he says; "I felt like I was home." 

"War" unveils Warner's anthemic brand of pop that combines his empowering storytelling with arena-sized hooks. His lyrics about hardship and hope are expertly layered over a gritty hip-hop groove that help amplify his transparently raw lyrics. File next to Tinie Tempah "Written In The Stars" and Professor Green "Read All About it." (Warner Newman "War" will be released June 16 on Lukey Boy Records. Pre-order on iTunes.)

 By Steve Siegel (London)

Vincent Frank, aka Frankmusik, has had an eventful 12 months. After spending three years in Los Angeles working on various production projects and his second album, Do It In The AM, he relocated to his hometown of Croydon, just outside central London. Locking himself away in his gran’s apartment, Vince unleashed a flurry of creativity that resulted in not only his recent EP "Far From Over," but a totally fresh album, "In Between."

Late last week, at London’s exclusive member’s only club Soho House, ArjanWrites.com was invited to an intimate gathering where Vince debuted his new video for the album’s first single "Chasing Shadows." The video opens with a bright, yet almost melancholic synth drone, instantly calling to mind his "Complete Me" era sound. Then, before we know it, Vince begins singing, "The sun appears/ and so do they/echoes of the objects that they hold on to/in the cold light of day."

The mixture of organic piano, Vince's always potent pipes, and yearning synths nicely juxtaposes the classic Frankmusik sound with his obviously updated prowess as a contemporary songwriter. No Frankmusik song would be complete without a dramatic, powerful chorus and we do indeed get it here. Leading in with a smattering of toms and high pitch percussion, Vince engulfs us in an ocean of synthesizers as he gets brutally honest and sings, "I keep chasing shadows/I have been for years."

While the lyrics may be somber and authentically raw, the melodies are bright, injecting a contrast of emotions. It's Frank's pop signature that any listener can empathize with. However, last night was not only about debuting Vince’s new music, but also the accompanying video for "Chasing Shadows." Coinciding with the track’s dramatic feel, the "Chasing Shadows" video clip is done in black-and-white.

In the video, we find Frankmusik in abandoned gothic church, somewhere in the English countryside. Like the nature of the song, Vince appears contemplative as belts out the lyrics to "Chasing Shadows," moving variously between sitting in the gloomy light of the abandoned building and quite literally, chasing the shadows around him. Check out the video below and make sure to stay tuned for more info on one Arjanwrites.com’s favorite pop stars. (Thanks Steven Siegel for contributing this post. Based in London, Steven is a massive dance music fan and a budding DJ/producer. You reach Steve on Twitter and listen to his own productions on SoundCloud.)

Frequent readers of this blog may remember that I first introduced you to rising California pop trio Drop City Yacht Club when I wrote about their debut single, "Crickets." It's a hot and happening slice of hip pop that blends a radio-ready pop hook with a retro-styled groove and a sunny California attitude that has hit, hit, hit written all over it. 

Drop City Yacht Club (formerly The Freshmen) is the teaming of A. Wolf, Kristo and THX who make music for the Playlist Generation that is not confined to one singular genre or sonic aeshtetic. "We're all madmen in our own way," the group explains in a press release. "We don't approach our tracks like typical rap records. We're trying to write songs and break rules."

They add, "We want to shake some things up. There aren't any boundaries. We're all from Cali so it was easy to click. It always felt like it was meant to be because we were all on the same page about doing something fresh from day one."

"Crickets" is Drop City Yacht Club's official debut single that perfectly outlines their genre-mashing musical vision (and sense of humor as demonstrated by lyrics like, "I told her we should kick it, but all I heard was crickets).The group explains, "There's a self-deprecating undertone, and it represents who we are as characters. We take our music seriously, but we have no problem making fun of ourselves either."

The group unveiled the debut video of the song late last month that has already racked almost one millions views. Check out some exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the video shoot below. Also, make sure to tune in to The Tonight Show with Jay Leno this week to see the group perform. (Download Drop City Yacht Club "Crickets" on iTunes now.)

It is no secret that Sweden is the home of some of the greatest pop and dance music on the planet. Artists, singers, songwriters and producers like Robyn, Max Martin, Sebastian Ingrosso, Avicii, Alesso, Icona Pop and many others continue to rule the pop charts and dancefloors everywhere with their big melodic hooks and finely tuned productions. Fortunately for fans, Sweden continues to be a fertile breeding ground for a lot of new dance-pop talent that is about to emerge.

Two newcomers you should keep a steady on are Callaway & Rosto who just released the anthemic house-pop stomper "Rest Of Me that taps into that distinct bittersweet and melancholic sentiment that rules Swedish pop. It's a track that you can easily file next to tunes by Swedish House Mafia and Avicii.

Callaway & Rosta is the partnership of Jacob Lundahl and Alex Rosta who have worked together on Sweden's bustling DJ circuit. Music has always been a big part of their lifes and after playing in rock bands in their early teens they both discovered and fell deeply in love with dance-music. During recent years they have built a strong reputation as reliable party DJs at the bigger clubs and venues around Stockholm. Alex won the Movida/Corona DJ Challenge and ended up as number two in the European finals.

Released through Uniform Beat, their potent "Rest Of Me" features the powerful, rock-edged vocals of Daniel Gidlund who was earlier featured on "Made Of" by Nause and "Feed The Dada" from Dada. (Click here to download Callaway & Rosta "Rest Of Me" on iTunes.)

While we're eagerly awaiting new music from Kylie Minogue, the Aussie pop superstar took some time out of her recording schedule to film something special for Funny Or Die. Minogue is featured as She-Ra in a live-action reboot of the classic cartoon that also features Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones) as Skeletor. This should give you a good chuckle to start your work week with. Enjoy.

Most often the best discoveries are those that come completely unexpected and Claire is one of delightful new finds. Hailing from Munich, Germany, Claire is the teaming of singer/songwriter Josie-Claire Bürkle, Matthias Hauck, Nepomuk Heller and Florian Kiermaier. The four met by chance when they were all were working in the same studio building to score a track for a film a friend was producing. That recording session sparked a lot more creativity and ideas that ultimately made them decide to join forces as a band.

Claire likes to describe themselves as a "band that finds itself somewhere between synthpop, electronic-pop, half-time beats, hip-hop and indie." The truth is that Claire just makes plain good music that is synth-based and dominated by Bürkle's warming, arresting vocals. It's as if she breathes life into the stark and sleek synth stylings of Claire's music that creates a mesmerizing blend of dance-pop.

Their new single "Games" is a perfect example of that. Driven by a bouncy, '90s-inspired club groove, the song keeps the vibe hopeful and triumphant with its uplifting chorus and resplendent synth riffs. The track is taken from Claire's debut EP "The Empire" that the group released independently late last year, and that also includes tracks like "Pioneers," "Little Brother" and "In Two Minds." It's promising new dance-pop that has us curious for more. (Make sure to 'like' Claire on Facebook for updates.)

With artists like Jessie Ware, Disclosure, Rudimental and Duke Dumont ruling the dance-pop scene, let's not forget that Katy B was one of the first to popularize 90's styled house music in the pop charts. Following the release of the brilliant "Katy On A Mission" and her critically-acclaimed mixtape, the Croydon singer/songwriter is about to return in a big, mighty way this summer with her new single "What Loves Is Made Of." The song is another slice of pumping, soulful and seductive '90s house-pop that is taken from her new album that is scheduled for release in October. I'm very bullish about Katy B capturing North America with her unique style and sound now that people like Jessie Ware and Disclosure are making serious inroads as well.

Fenech-Soler embrace their knack for pop on their excellent new single "Magnetic" that perfectly blends memorable hooks and punchy synths that Calvin Harris would salivate over. The song captures the essence of Fenech-Soler’'s niche– electronic-based music delivered with a beating human heart. The song is taken from the group's forthcoming new album, entitled "Rituals," that will be released on September 2 on Warner Bros. Records in the U.K.

The album was largely produced by the band themselves though the British indie-electro outfit chose to also collaborate on certain tracks with the likes of Tim Goldsworthy (LCD Soundsystem, UNKLE) and the innovative Swedish producer/DJ Style of Eye. "I think the pop element is certainly something that wasn’t calculated, but also something that we didn’t decide to turn our back on,” says vocalist Ben Duffy in a press release. 

"“For us, it’s been about paying attention to what makes a good song and about being direct. We haven’t been afraid to make a pop record. It’s about connecting with people on a universal level while remaining true to our dance roots.”"

The recording process for the group's new "Rituals" ‘’ took place in a multitude of locations over the course of 2012. It started with an initial writing session in a remote house in the hinterlands of Norfolk as the band decided to cut themselves off from the outer world. Tasks were then divided as members headed in different directions. Ben travelled solo to Italy to spend time writing whilst Andrew Lindsay, drummer and the production brains in the band set about custom building a studio that would later become the central hub of the recording and production process. Further sessions in Massive Attack’s studio and remote locations in the West Country provided the settings where “Rituals” would come to life.

According to a press release, the album title was inspired by two interlinked concepts -– the fact that everyone’s lives are dictated by varying unspoken rituals and that the making of an album is the band’s very own equivalent. (Fenech-Soler "Magnetic" will be released on July 1 on Warner Bros. Records.)

Special Features specializes in crafting remixes that are intensely melodic, deeply emotive and pack heaps of energy. His massive new remix of Ellie Goulding's "Only You" is a perfect example. He boosts the emotional intensity of Ellie's original by adding a splashy kickdrum, a driving bassline and a soaring new synth line that brings cheer to Goulding's transparently raw lyrics. Special Features' remake of "Only You" is without a doubt an anthem-in-the-waiting that is already firing up SoundCloud.

The British dance music producer (born Eden Anderson) writes me that he was very excited about remixing the track for Ellie. "I had a choice of which song from the album to remix," he writes me. "As soon as I heard 'Only You' I knew it was the one I wanted to take on. The main elements I picked up on were the great vocal hooks and lyrical content."

"I worked a melody around the vocals and things just progressed from there. Ellie has a really unique vocal style that stands out and has a lot of character. These are great factors when it comes to making dance music." He adds enthusiastically, "Seeing Ellie posting my remix on Facebook and Twitter was a great feeling. Its been amazing to have her support on the track."

Special Features' remix of "Only You" is a perfect tastemaker for more new work from him to come. "I have a number of cool remixes coming soon that I can't wait for people to hear," he writes. "Look out for some cool original tracks too." If you enjoy this Ellie Goulding remix, make sure to check out Special Features' current single "Illusions" (Atlantic/Big Beat) that is starting to make waves and is available on Beatport now.

For years, Seattle's Leah LaBelle dreamed about a career in music and when she heard that Pharrell Williams would be in town to perform with N.E.R.D she took the opportunity to try and sing for him. She sweet-talked her way into a backstage meet-and-greet, and when Williams appeared, LaBelle marched up to him and said, "I’m a singer and I just want to tell you that I’m a huge fan and you’re going to produce my album one day."

Courageous, bold and confident, LaBelle just went for it and sparked Williams' interest. Now, a couple of years later, LaBelle is putting the final touches on her debut LP that was partly produced by the iconic hip hop producer. Jermaine Dupri is responsible for producing the rest of the record. He insisted on getting involved after seeing LaBelle’s homemade YouTube videos. The two have signed her to a joint venture with Williams’ label I Am Other, Dupri's label So So Def and Epic Records, now headed by L.A. Reid, who was also bowled over by LaBelle's sultry voice, edgy style and playful spirit.

Some of you may remember LaBelle as a finalist on season three of American Idol. With the help of seasoned veterans like Williams and Dupri, LaBelle's sound has matured quite a bit since her stint of the FOX hit television show.

Her new single "Lolita" is a great example of that. It's a hooky, futuristic R&B pop gem that is loaded with sex appeal and a whole lotta talent.  "Lolita" was produced by Pharrell Williams who adds his signature touch to the track by masterfully layering LaBelle's vocals over a light, breezy groove that he infuses with a bouncy bass and a sparse guitar riff that is all tightly wrapped up in one.

"Pharrell really encouraged me to embrace my fearless side,” LaBelle says in a press release. "So 'Lolita' is about that young, reckless feeling of falling in love; the passion in the beginning that's damn near impossible to sustain."

The music video for "Lolita" stays true to the song's sentiment showing LaBelle bringing all the (shirtless) boys to the yard when she opens a lemonade stand and waters her garden. The sexy video was directed by Diane Martel who just finished work on Robin Thicke's pseudo-controversial video (that inspired a Beats by Dr Dre commercial). Watch the video below and download Leah LaBelle "Lolita" on iTunes now.

Rising pop sensation Katy Tiz serves up a brand-new single this week that has all the making of a massive hit for summer. Produced by none other than hitmaker RedOne (Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, Enrique Iglesias, Nicki Minaj), "Red Cup" is an instantly catchy and mightily delicious pop stomper that is all about celebrating good times and good friends while pouring stiff drinks.

"Red Cup" follows the release of "Famous" and "Heart" that laid the foundation for Tiz's breakout success in the pop charts. Word is that Clear Channel Radio is a big fan of Tiz as well and is throwing all of their weight behind "Red Cup." The song has been put into high rotation at pop stations around the country with more following soon.

Tiz tells me that she was incredibly excited to work with RedOne, the multiple GRAMMY-winning producer who has engineered countless super hits for some of the world's biggest stars. "'Red Cup' was the first song I recorded in my first day of sessions with RedOne," she tells me. "I wanted to do a club song that has a message. So we decided on 'Red Cup.'"

True to form, Tiz combines her cheeky sense of humor with a distinct lyrical point of view on "Red Cup." What may seem like a party anthem at first actually carries a more substantial meaning. The song is about forgetting what gets us down to emphasize the things that lifts us up. "One shot if you're friends are fake/two shots for the bad mistakes/three shots let's celebrate/let's go," Tiz cheers in the chorus of the song. "Put it in my red cup/Chin up, let's look higher."

Tiz explains, "The song captures the idea of, 'Come on, everyone. Bring me your problems, whatever is going on in your life, let's get drunk and celebrate the bad.' That's how the song came about. I fell in love with that idea. See, it's a party song, but it's my party song."

It's been a wild ride for the young British singer who got signed to Republic Records a little over a year ago by savvy A&R executive Harinder Rana at Republic Records who also groomed Jessie J for her international success. Tiz has been writing and recording most of that time to help tune her sound for the big time.

"One year from now I want to be headlining my own tour," Tiz smiles. "I want to look at an audience that is singing my songs. I can't wait. I'm so excited," she says. "I want to touch people with my lyrics so ten years from now they remember my song and the moment they were in. I want to connect with people in that way. (Support new pop and download Katy Tiz on iTunes now.)