Whatever Happened To… Scandal?

Goodbye to You – Scandal (1982)
This American band, formed in 1981, didn’t last long after their biggest hit in 1984…they called it quits the next year.  Front-woman Patty Smyth launched a solo career and landed her biggest hit in 1992. Drummer Thommy Price started working with Joan Jett while also becoming a popular session musician on the side. Bassist Ivan Elias died of cancer in 1995. The remaining members of Scandal reunited in 2004 for a show on VH1, and followed it up with a well-received tour. They’ve since continued to tour (sans Price) and were reported to be working on a new album. But no release date has yet been announced.

Somethin’ I Can Dance To: Aiden Grimshaw

Is this Love – Aiden Grimshaw (2012)
This English singer-songwriter, like Rebecca Ferguson before him, was a contestant on the 2010 season of UK’s The X Factor. And also like Ferguson, Grimshaw landed a record deal despite not winning the competition. As this track demonstrates, he is chock-full of potential. This single, his debut, is scheduled for June 2012 release. And his debut album will be out in August.

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Silversun Pickups

Genre: Alternative / Indie / Psychedelic rock / Dream pop
Origin: Los Angeles > California > US
Website: silversunpickups.com

Neck of the Woods – Silversun Pickups (US release: 08 MAY 2012)

Whatever Happened To… Ten Years After?

I’d Love to Change the World – Ten Years After (1971)
This British band, formed in 1966, broke through to American audiences at Woodstock in 1969 and continued to record and tour internationally until they disbanded in 1974. Front-man Alvin Lee continued performing, both in collaboration and solo. Bassist Leo Lyons began managing recording studios. Keyboardist Chick Churchill went into artist management and publishing. Drummer Ric Lee also started working behind the scenes in production and publishing. TYA reunited in 1983 to tour, but didn’t release a new studio album until 1989. They continued to perform occasionally through the 90′s, and in 2003 Lee was replaced by Joe Gooch. Lee continues to record and perform solo; his most recent album came out in 2009. TYA also released their most recent album in 2009 and can be seen performing at various European music festivals this summer.

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Animal Liberation Orchestra

Genre: Rock / Jam band
Origin: Saratoga > California > US
Website: alomusic.com

Sounds Like This – Animal Liberation Orchestra (ALO) (US release: 08 MAY 2012)

Whatever Happened To… Dan Hill?

Sometimes When we Touch – Dan Hill (1977)
This singer-songwriter scored only a couple hits in the US (the other coming in 1987), but he’s been an on-going presence in his native Canada, consistently releasing albums over the years. In addition to performing, he’s been an even more prolific songwriter and producer for an impressive roster of artists, including Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Britney Spears, and Tina Turner. Hill has also applied his writing skills to his own story, publishing his autobiography in 2009. His most recent studio album came out in 2010.

What’s New & Hot in Music?… The Heartbreaks

Genre: Indie rock
Origin: Morecambe > England > UK
Website: theheartbreaks.net

Funtimes – The Heartbreaks (US release: 07 MAY 2012)

Whatever Happened To… Pepsi & Shirlie?

Heartache – Pepsi & Shirlie (1986)
This British vocal duo, comprised of Helen DeMacque (Pepsi) & Shirlie Holliman, first found success as back-up singers for Wham. When that duo called it quits, Pepsi & Shirlie quickly launched their headlining career by releasing this, their debut single. They scored another UK Top 10 hit the following year and released a second album in 1991, but it went relatively unnoticed. They returned to the music business in 2000 to record backing vocals for Geri Halliwell’s UK chart-topping single, Bag it Up. They reunited briefly in 2011 to perform as part of Here & Now, an 80′s retro concert series.

Somethin’ I Can Dance To: Rebecca Ferguson

Glitter & Gold (Feverpitch Remix) - Rebecca Ferguson (2012)
This English singer-songwriter struggled to establish a career until, on her second try, she landed on the UK version of The X Factor in 2010. Her finish as runner-up and subsequent support by industry heavyweights have taken her career to the international stage. Her debut album reached the Top 5 in the UK and is scheduled for US release in late May.

Feverpitch are a promising new British production duo comprised of Jorg Schmid & Micky Modelle. Based on their ability to take Ferguson’s soulful ballad to the dance floor, I believe we’ll hear more good things from them. Enjoy!

What’s New & Hot in Music?… Apollo Brown & O.C.

Genre: Hip hop / Rap
Origin: Grand Rapids > Michigan > US
Website: facebook.com/ApolloBrown

Trophies – Apollo Brown & O.C. (US release: 01 MAY 2012)