Denmark's Morningside Records has signed 'queen of noise' Jomi Massage and will release her first English-language full-length "Aloud" in March. Listen to some samples here: http://www.morningsiderecords.dk/bandsdetail.asp?bandid=24
Millencolin says they are done doing demos at Soundlab and are very pleased with the results so far. They also recorded a cover version of an unnamed "Swedish punk classic" featuring a guest vocalist that's due to appear on the Burning Heart "Heart Attack" comp out sometime in May. Hopefully I'll be able to get some more exact details soon.
Other bands booked at Soundlab in the future that haven't been mentioned here before: Paganizer, Jigsore Terror, Bullet, and Blodsrit.
Swedish electronic pop act Daybehavior's new album "Have You Ever Touched a Dream?" has been confirmed for a January 28 release on Memento Materia. A special limited edition version of the CD will also contain a bonus disc with 13 remixes.
Also out on January 28 in the electronic pop vein is the "Colonisation" compilation of singles, b-sides, remixes and three completely new tracks from Colony 5. Not only a purchase for completist fans, it's also said to be a great introduction album for people who have yet to hear the band. That one comes out from Prototyp.
World Idol champion Kurt Nilsen is having his debut solo album "I" launched in the following seven European countries: Netherlands, Switzerland, Austria, Iceland, Finland, Belgium and Germany. The Germans have apparently already established a fan site for him and he will be travelling soon to these territories to help with promotion.
Stjärna is a new webzine with a strong Scandinavian-music focus that has just gone online and features an article from yours truly. It's my somewhat-misguided attempt to polish off my crystal ball and make predictions for 2004. Yes, 2004 is the year of the singer/songwriter. I'm making my declaration now. If I'm wrong, hey - you win some, you lose some. But if I'm right, you know I'll be saying "I told you so!" Just remember where you heard it first.
Also, since this is still a fledgling operation, bands or writers looking to get involved are encouraged to get a hold of Heidi at heidi@stjarnaproductions.com.
I can now confirm those upcoming NYC dates for the Shout Out Louds:
02/03 - Sin-é
02/04-02/05 - Mercury Lounge
02/06 - North Six (Brooklyn)
Parasol mailorder will have copies available for US consumption later this week, but I suspect they will be attracting more serious label attention at these US showcase appearances.
In other Parasol-related news, in-house label Hidden Agenda will release the new Thirdimension album later this summer/early fall. Recording is due to be completed in March with producer Christoffer Lundquist (Roxette, Per Gessle) at the helm.
Wendy's new single "Champagne Love" has been confirmed for a February 23 release via Monarch Music Group.
Cara A Cara webzine interviews Swedish melodic hardcore band The Change: http://www.caraacaraunderground.com/interviews/38_2004_enero_thechange.htm
C.Aarmé's debut album will get an Australian release through Shock Records. As mentioned before, the European release is being handled by Burning Heart and it will be out on February 25.
Download an mp3 for the title track of the new MCD from Between Us, due out February 2 on Burning Heart: http://www.burningheart.com/mp3/between_us_-_regrets_&_apologies.mp3