Tag Archives: Album

Britney Spears’ Producer Opens Up About Her New Album

‘She is actually damn professional,’ Shellback says in radio interview. By Jocelyn Vena Britney Spears Photo: Eric Charbonneau/ Le Studio/ Wireimage Britney Spears fans are gearing up for the release of the singer’s new music in 2011. With the album due out in March , and a single expected to drop before then, details are slowly emerging about the music and what it was like to work with Spears on the follow-up to 2008’s Circus . “Right now we are preparing for Britney’s upcoming album, which will be released in March. Some other things too, but the main focus is the album,” Swedish producer Shellback said in a recent radio interview . “It works in many different ways [when you work with Britney]. You can make something absolutely new, or take a beat that’s three years old and come up with a good sound.” Shellback, who worked with Pink on “Raise Your Glass,” collaborated with Dr. Luke and Max Martin on music for Spears. The producers are donating a guitar they used on the album to charity. “[Britney]’s actually damn professional. You read a lot on the Internet that Britney is not singing and mimes, but she is actually damn professional,” Shellback said. “She’s done it since she was 16. And just rhythmic way, she is f—ing awesome! And you do not have to go through and talk about the rhythms and stuff that you sometimes have to do. She’s very easy in the studio.” Spears has shared her excitement about the new album with fans via her Twitter page . “I’m almost done with my new album and it will be coming out this March,” she wrote. “I AM IN L-O-V-E WITH IT!” Are you excited for Britney’s new album? Tell us in the comments below! Related Artists Britney Spears

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Britney Spears’ Producer Opens Up About Her New Album

Leighton Meester Talks ‘Country Strong’ Twang Training

The ‘Gossip Girl’ star says she has a ‘newfound appreciation’ for country music after working on the film. By Kara Warner, with reporting by Josh Horowitz Leighton Meester in “Country Strong” Photo: Sony Pictures Although three of the four big names in “Country Strong” are not, in fact, country singers, they took their training very seriously in order to get in touch with their inner Southern twang. And not only that, when MTV News caught up with Leighton Meester recently — who plays beauty queen-turned-aspiring country artist Chiles Stanton in the flick — she revealed that the filmmakers made sure that each actor was set up with their own music producer in order to fully perfect their singing. “I think it was really surprising how everything kind of came together,” Meester said of her country-music training. “Each of us got our own producers to work with and mine [Nathan Chapman], he works very closely with Taylor Swift, which is sort of similar, in the same vein of the music that I’m making in the movie.

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Leighton Meester Talks ‘Country Strong’ Twang Training

Chris Harrison Previews Compelling, Scandal-Free Season of The Bachelor

In an exhaustive and not very revealing new interview with TV Guide , King of All Pimps Chris Harrison previews the new season of The Bachelor. In Chris’ defense, he can’t yet reveal The Bachelor spoilers we’ve already posted. His job is to get people pumped for the return of Brad Womack. That return, he says, was not easy for the star – or the women. “There’s a large group out there that’s like, ‘Screw this guy. I hope he falls on his face and gets what coming to him,’ and he does,” Harrison said. Brad, who dumped both DeAnna Pappas and Jenni Croft three years ago, faces some skeptical contestants – and Pappas and Croft – January 3. But despite the animosity he initially feels, Harrison says an old-school Bachelor progression follows, sans the “crazy scandal” of recent seasons. “There was no crazy scandal,” Chris says. “It either happens or it doesn’t … Someone sleeps with one of our producers or they don’t. Someone has a girlfriend back at home or they don’t. We’re always at the whim of our contestants.” So what CAN we expect from Brad Womack this winter? “There’s a lot of drama, but my guess is Brad doesn’t know or hasn’t seen 95 percent of it,” Chris says. “It’s definitely one of those seasons where he’s not privy to a lot of it and will be shocked by what’s going on behind the scenes.” As for the lack of Rozlyn Papa-style drama, Chris says “there’s a huge part of me, the normal human being part of me that is completely relieved.” “It’s kind of old-school Bachelor . Brad was such an overwhelming story going in that he overshadowed anything, anyway. Him trying to redeem himself and proving he’s a good guy, that’s more than enough to keep everyone intrigued.” “I’m kind of glad nothing happened to take away from that.” As for this year’s group of women? “What we have this year instead of scandals are unbelievably compelling, tragic stories that you will absolutely be captivated by. It’s a different group than we’re used to, a little more mature in their life experiences,” says Chris. “One thing I love about this show is they all bring their own baggage. Good, bad or tragic, that affects the show and where the show goes. It’s amazing to see how this show is pushed and pulled by everyone’s stories and their histories.” His predicted fan favorite right off the bat? “Emily. She’s a sweet, cute Southern package. Even if you didn’t know her story you’d want to put her on your night stand and keep her as a doll. She’s the sweetest thing in the world, but when you hear her story, you realize how strong she is.” Will there be any Vienna Girardi-type fights between girls? “Michelle is a polarizing figure. She might easily be the most beautiful girl on the show and knocks Brad on his backside the moment she gets out of the limo with this leopard print dress. Lo and behold, she’s the instigator in the house.” “But all Brad sees is this sweet, unbelievably beautiful girl. Regarding DeAnna and Jenni’s visit, Chris says it was a great idea because “he needs to have that closure and although they’ve already moved on and Jenni’s married and DeAnna’s about to be, I think for him it was good to have it out.” “It was a great springboard to start the show for Brad, make amends, really admit that he was a jackass and how he was afraid to make a mistake.”

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Chris Harrison Previews Compelling, Scandal-Free Season of The Bachelor

Ne-Yo Boycotting New Michael Jackson Album

Safe to say Ne-Yo will not be picking up the new Michael Jackson album as a stocking stuffer this year. Like will.i.am , he says it shouldn’t even be out. Asked about Michael on the street, the R&B singer says he doesn’t even want to listen to it because he doesn’t think MJ would’ve wanted it released. ” Hold My Hand ” is a good song … but was it even done? MJ was such a perfectionist, Ne-Yo says, that “I don’t think the album would be out yet.” He adds, “I’m gonna stick to my old Mike” … Ne-Yo on New Michael Jackson Album

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Ne-Yo Boycotting New Michael Jackson Album

Ciara Is ‘Very Proud’ Of Basic Instinct

‘This is when the fun really starts to kick in and starts to get turned up,’ CiCi says of releasing latest album. By Mawuse Ziegbe, with reporting by James Lacsina Ciara Photo: Rick Diamond/ Getty Images With her fourth album on shelves, there is one word that sums up what Ciara is feeling right now: pride. The ATL princess’ latest effort, Basic Instinct, landed on shelves Tuesday, and when MTV News caught up with the songstress, who was hanging out in the studio with hit architect Tricky Stewart, she was super amped that the album was available for mass consumption. “I’m so excited. I’m very, very, very proud of this record, and I’ve always said out of all of my albums, this is the one that’s most dedicated to my fans,” she said of the collection of snappy, sultry jams that includes “Ride” and “Speechless.” The R&B star said the album’s arrival is just the start of the good times, chatting about heading out on tour and shooting more videos. “I told Tricky, I’m like, ‘Releasing the record is the start of the process.’ I’m just now starting my promos and just starting to get into the groove, and it’s just really important that my fans get to hear the music,” she said. “The journey is just beginning in my mind, that’s how I feel. This is when the fun really starts to kick in and starts to get turned up.” While the “Gimmie Dat” hitmaker is brimming with pride, she’s also keyed up about fans turning up the album and joining the fun. “For me, I’m just really, really excited for my fans to have the record,” she said. “I’m very, very, very, very happy with the way that it came out.” Are you feeling Ciara’s latest album? Let us know in the comments! Related Artists Ciara

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Ciara Is ‘Very Proud’ Of Basic Instinct

Lil Wayne And Eminem: Relive The MCs’ Past ‘SNL’ Glory

Before the duo hit the ‘Saturday Night Live’ stage, we look back on the rappers’ previous guest turns. By Paul Cantor Eminem and Lil Wayne Photo: Kevin Winter/Getty Images Lil Wayne and Eminem are set to appear as musical guests on “Saturday Night Live” this weekend. Em and Wayne collaborated earlier this year on singles — Em on Wayne’s “Drop the World” and Wayne on Em’s “No Love” — and there’s a possibility they’ll perform both songs on the show. But this is far from either artist’s first tour of duty at Studio 8H. Here, we take a quick look back at the rappers’ past ‘SNL’ glory. September 2008 : Lil Wayne appeared one time, back in ’08, in an episode hosted by Olympian Michael Phelps. At the time, his album Tha Carter III was one of the year’s biggest sellers. Backed by the ‘SNL’ band and his Cash Money cohort (and current Young Money president) Mack Maine, Wayne performed “Got Money.” Decked out in a black leather biker jacket and violet-colored skinny jeans, Weezy ran through the song before introducing Mack, who closed the set. Wayne returned for “Lollipop,” dressed in a white V-neck T-shirt and grey jeans. He sang with a green-and-white electric guitar strapped to his torso and noodled his way through a few (out-of-key) chords toward the song’s close. October 2004 : Em’s history with ‘SNL’ stretches back to 1999, and he would continue to pop up on the sketch show over the years. In 2004, he appeared on an episode hosted by Kate Winslet. Wearing an oversize Detroit Tigers jersey, and flanked by D12 member Proof , Eminem performed the hilarious, bouncy “Just Lose It.” In a more serious moment, he also rapped “Mosh.” Dressed in all black, he passionately spit his George Bush-protest song, imploring viewers not to re-elect the U.S. president come Election Day, which was just weeks away. Then in May 2002 , Em guest-starred on an episode hosted by Kirsten Dunst, doing only one song this time, “Without Me.” The now-deceased Proof was Em’s hypeman on this stop too. Em also showed off his acting chops — his “8 Mile” was only a few months from its November release — taking part in an ‘SNL’ sketch , in which he played himself. October 2000 : In an episode hosted by Rob Lowe, Em made his first solo ‘SNL’ appearance. The Detroit MC was riding high off the success of The Marshall Mathers LP that year, and he performed two of the album’s biggest hits, “The Real Slim Shady” and “Stan.” For “Stan,” he brought along Dido, who sang the song’s hook as Em waved his hands side to side. October 1999 : Eminem turned up on ‘SNL’ for the very first time alongside his mentor Dr. Dre back in the fall of 1999, in an episode hosted by Norm Macdonald. Dre brought Marshall along for a performance of “Forgot About Dre.” In baggy jeans, backward cap and puffy, goose-down jacket, Em spit his multisyllabic flow and bounced along to the catchy Dre beat. What do you hope Wayne and Em will perform on “SNL” Tell us in the comments! Related Artists Lil Wayne Eminem

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Lil Wayne And Eminem: Relive The MCs’ Past ‘SNL’ Glory

Katy Perry Producer Likes Teenage Dream’s Grammy Chances

‘Being nominated is great, but winning is even better,’ Tricky Stewart tells MTV News of Album of the Year nod. By James Montgomery, with reporting by Matt Elias Tricky Stewart Photo: MTV News Despite debuting at #1 on the Billboard albums chart and spawning three massive hit singles, some in the industry were surprised earlier this month when Katy Perry ‘s Teenage Dream grabbed a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year . Tricky Stewart was not one of them. “You know, I did four songs on that record, so I’m really proud of it,” he told MTV News. “And not just because it’s [nominated in] the Album of the Year category, but because Dr. Luke did an amazing job on the singles and Stargate did an amazing job on the singles … but all of us together, we put that album together, and I think it’s pretty flawless.” And while, at this point, Grammy noms are nothing new to the super-producer — this marks the second-consecutive year he’s in the running for Album of the Year (Beyonc

Katy Perry Producer Likes Teenage Dream’s Grammy Chances

‘Being nominated is great, but winning is even better,’ Tricky Stewart tells MTV News of Album of the Year nod. By James Montgomery, with reporting by Matt Elias Tricky Stewart Photo: MTV News Despite debuting at #1 on the Billboard albums chart and spawning three massive hit singles, some in the industry were surprised earlier this month when Katy Perry ‘s Teenage Dream grabbed a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year . Tricky Stewart was not one of them. “You know, I did four songs on that record, so I’m really proud of it,” he told MTV News. “And not just because it’s [nominated in] the Album of the Year category, but because Dr. Luke did an amazing job on the singles and Stargate did an amazing job on the singles … but all of us together, we put that album together, and I think it’s pretty flawless.” And while, at this point, Grammy noms are nothing new to the super-producer — this marks the second-consecutive year he’s in the running for Album of the Year (Beyonc

Katy Perry Producer Likes Teenage Dream’s Grammy Chances

‘Being nominated is great, but winning is even better,’ Tricky Stewart tells MTV News of Album of the Year nod. By James Montgomery, with reporting by Matt Elias Tricky Stewart Photo: MTV News Despite debuting at #1 on the Billboard albums chart and spawning three massive hit singles, some in the industry were surprised earlier this month when Katy Perry ‘s Teenage Dream grabbed a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year . Tricky Stewart was not one of them. “You know, I did four songs on that record, so I’m really proud of it,” he told MTV News. “And not just because it’s [nominated in] the Album of the Year category, but because Dr. Luke did an amazing job on the singles and Stargate did an amazing job on the singles … but all of us together, we put that album together, and I think it’s pretty flawless.” And while, at this point, Grammy noms are nothing new to the super-producer — this marks the second-consecutive year he’s in the running for Album of the Year (Beyonc

Katy Perry Producer Likes Teenage Dream’s Grammy Chances

‘Being nominated is great, but winning is even better,’ Tricky Stewart tells MTV News of Album of the Year nod. By James Montgomery, with reporting by Matt Elias Tricky Stewart Photo: MTV News Despite debuting at #1 on the Billboard albums chart and spawning three massive hit singles, some in the industry were surprised earlier this month when Katy Perry ‘s Teenage Dream grabbed a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year . Tricky Stewart was not one of them. “You know, I did four songs on that record, so I’m really proud of it,” he told MTV News. “And not just because it’s [nominated in] the Album of the Year category, but because Dr. Luke did an amazing job on the singles and Stargate did an amazing job on the singles … but all of us together, we put that album together, and I think it’s pretty flawless.” And while, at this point, Grammy noms are nothing new to the super-producer — this marks the second-consecutive year he’s in the running for Album of the Year (Beyonc