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Known for their 1997 breakthrough hit “Barbie Girl”, Danish quartet Aqua became a worldwide sensation in the late 90s. Their debut album Aquarium contained 3 number one singles and sold over 14 million copies across the globe. They released their second album in February 2000 and spent the first few months of 2001 touring around the world and working on material for their third album. By the summer of 2001, the group was encountering a number of personal problems. Lead singer Lene had been dating co-singer Rene when the group had first started releasing material, and she was now in a relationship with guitarist and songwriter (of Aqua) Søren Rasted. The group split up at the end of 2001.
After a six year hiatus, Aqua reunited in 2007 and promised a 25-concert tour which commenced in the summer of 2008. They began recording their third album Megalomania at the beginning of 2010 and it was released at the end of 2011, producing a couple of top-ten hits including “How R U Doin?” and “Playmate to Jesus”.
Lene married bandmate Søren Rasted in August 2001. They have a daughter named India and a son named Billy. Søren is considered the most successful Danish songwriter of all time, having received more than 140 Gold and Platinum albums including awards for best songwriter and best producer.
The band continues to write and perform with the four original members. Check out their official website here
Also take a look at their 2012 single “Playmate to Jesus”
Advertising? Who wants to talk about advertising? When real life here in Toronto has so many distractions right now? There’s the Mayor’s Crack Video Watch – Gawker’s fundraising is now up to $135,000 to buy it for $200,000 – and there’s the mess that the Harper Government seems to be trying to dodge out of. And let’s not forget José Bautista’s 4 for 4 game yesterday with a walk-off hit. Yes, that last one just has me excited I know.
This video below is the most interesting thing I’ve seen this week. I know it’s not exactly ‘advertising’ but it was made by Saatchi for TEDx in Sydney that happened in early May.
Yes, it’s kind of sentimental and cheesy but I guess I like it because at some point, every creative team in advertising has been asked by a client to put a “bite and smile” shot in a piece of advertising. I guess the thinking is that if we show someone eating the product and enjoying it, well, then that means it tastes good and you should buy it. I’ve never understood this thinking. First of all it takes up 5 or 10 seconds of time that could be devoted to actual entertainment in a commercial and also, shouldn’t it taste good? I mean, isn’t that assumed? Anyhow, this video from Saatchi & Saatchi is approaches the “bite and smile” in a refreshing, honest way.
Here’s a surprisingly inspiring video of kids trying out certain foods for the first time…
Slow motion. Epic music. Cute kids. All it needed was a puppy too. In addition to being incredibly engaging, I like that it’s a reminder to try new things. When’s the last time you tried something new? Whether it was a new food or just a different route to work. You never know what it can inspire.
And then for those of you who want to see an actual ad this week – and one involving music too! — check out this stunt to promote awareness for a new mobile bank, the Czech National Symphony Orchestra played a piece of music using only mobile phones. The video is so slickly edited that it looks staged, but all reports are that it was totally legit.
Okay, I’m going back to my Mayor Smoking Crack Video Watch now. Keep on fighting the good fight out there in adland. And seriously, get outside more. We work in an industry that can chain you to your desk but get out and get some sun when you can during these months. We are a pasty bunch.
It’s Wednesday… and we know you’ve been waiting for 6 long days to find out what’s on our list this week – so stop reading won’tcha and check it out in the music player at the top right of your screen!
Shelley: Kayne West – Black Skinhead
Laura: Fineshrine – Purity Ring
Andrew: Only for You – The Heartless Bastards
Kyle: Walk off the Earth – Gang of Rhythm.
Sebastian: Alive - Pearl Jam
Kristina: We Found Each Other In The Dark - City and Colour
Jeff: This Town – Frank Sinatra
Judith: Don Henley – Dirty Laundry
Art: Baby – Os Mutantes
Its our lucky day! Featured this week on Last 10 is a Canadian gem! Singer-songwriter, Emma-Lee!
If you haven’t had the pleasure yet, you should pick up her Latest release Backseat Heroine. It’s a front to backer. And I don’t say that about many albums these days. (you might even be able to hear my squeaky little voice somewhere on there).
Her music will move you, intoxicate you, beat you up, and then leave you wanting more. She’s the real thing.
And here’s her last 10.
Here is the Music Player. You need to installl flash player to show this cool thing!
Backseat Heroine marks a brave turning point in the road for an artist once pegged a jazz-pop chanteuse. Three years of touring and songwriting will lead to inevitable growth, knowledge and direction as is proven in Emma-Lee’s sophomore record. Her voice, once described by No Depression as “powerful and fragile at the same time, with a range and ability to dive around the notes that would make kd lang jealous” is still the star of the show. On barn burners like “Not Coming By” and “Shadow of a Ghost” she growls with a swagger and confidence not heard on any of her previous work. Instead of earlier comparisons to Feist and Norah Jones, names like Bonnie Raitt, Grace Potter and even Adele began to echo in the crowds of those shows that nurtured her re-invention.
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love Zooey Deschanel? Earlier this month, She & Him released Volume 3 and today they released the music video for I Could’ve Been Your Girl (that Deschanel herself directed).
“After 7 years and 4 albums with She & Him, I figured it was about time I took a crack at making a video for a song I wrote. The process was so much fun, and gave me a chance to give a nod to some of my favorite 60’s musicals.” — Zooey Deschanel
Grab a copy of their new album and dont’ forget to check out their North American tour!