SITE UPDATE!!

Sorry that there has hardly been an update on the site lately, but over the past few days a few DIY jobs have been taking place and therefore I haven't had the computer connected. On top of this, it's Christmas, so everything has been rushed to prepare for the big event. So I'd like to wish all of the readers of this site a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year. Sexy Never Left however will be back on 5th January with updates, music, etc. So be sure to check back then.

Star: Jazmine Sullivan

A lot of people may already know that Jazmine Sullivan is an artist who has been around within music for quite some time now, but has not long since got round to releasing her debut album. Even though her debut album is very good, it isn’t really the style that a lot of fans have come to know Jazmine for, if you dig around on the internet you can more than likely find some of her previous material, which showcases just how amazing this talent actually is. Her debut album is a little watered down compared to her previous efforts, but it is still very much a great album and is definitely worth checking out if you haven’t already. But if you want a better insight into this artist, look further into her extensive list of unreleased material from before she inked her name on her record deal. It’s worth it.

Meanwhile, here is a new song of hers that has surfaced. This is one artist that certainly has exactly what it takes to be a huge star.

Jazmine Sullivan – A Life Without Love

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Credit: NixMix

Underrated: India.Arie

India.Arie is an artist who has been doing her thing within the industry for numerous years now, delivering amazing album after amazing album. Next year will see the release of her newest offering, which is to be titled ‘Testimony: Vol 2, Love & Politics’ and will definitely be worth purchasing. India.Arie is an artist that doesn’t disappoint.

In the meantime, here is a song from the upcoming project to get your teeth into and give you a little more insight on what to possibly expect from this release,

India.Arie – Therapy (feat. Gramps Morgan)

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Credit: NixMix

Future Star: Alexandra Burke

As most of you may already know by now, Alexandra Burke won the X Factor here in the UK over last weekend and on Sunday she digitally released ‘Hallelujah’ on iTunes, 7digital, etc. The song quickly became the fastest download, which surprised Alexandra when she was told on the ITN news. Wednesday saw the physical release of the single in the shops, there probably is no doubt that she will be taking the top spot from Leona Lewis this coming weekend for the Christmas number one. But how great would it be to have the two best talents to have come from this show at the number one and two positions in the chart.

Below you will find the video of Alexandra being told the news of her single being the fastest download, followed by the music video for her version of the song.

Alexandra Burke Being Given The Shocking News



Alexandra Burke – Hallelujah

Star: Leona Lewis

Leona Lewis has had a pretty successful career since winning the X Factor here in the UK two years ago, currently number one in the British singles charts with her amazing version of ‘Run’, Leona looks all set to be knocked off of the top spot this weekend by the next big thing to come from the X Factor, Alexandra Burke. But all is definitely not lost with Leona’s career; she still remains one of the best talents to come from a TV show alongside the likes of Lemar; Alexandra; etc. No doubt we will be seeing more from this incredible artist in the future, it would be great to see collaboration with Leona and Alexandra as well.

In the meantime, here is a performance that Leona Lewis recently did for the Royal Variety Performance here in the UK.

Leona Lewis – Run (Royal Variety Performance 2008)

Star: Alexandra Burke

As previously mentioned, Alexandra Burke was crowned the winner of this years X Factor over the weekend and has digitally released her winning single ‘Hallelujah’ already, the physical release will be out in shops on this coming Wednesday, so be sure to show your support to a very talented individual. I’m not usually into talent shows, but every once in a while a real talent comes to the surface in one of these competitions. Congratulations to Alexandra for winning the X Factor and having the fastest selling downloaded.

In the meantime, here is an interview and performance that she did on GMTV this morning.

Alexandra Burke Performance/Interview On GMTV

Amazing Talent: Alexandra Burke

For those who don’t know already, the X Factor over the past weekend was fantastic and proved that talent really is appreciated when Alexandra Burke was crowned the winner of the show. Now, Sexy Never Left has been following this artist within the competition and hoping that she would actually win, it really did seem as though she would have been pipped to the post by the group JLS, but on the night of the live final Alexandra Burke came out and really showed why she had her place and deserved to win the X Factor. She gave the best performances of the night which included a live collaboration with Beyonce and by the end of the live final everyone was glued to their seats waiting for the winner to finally be announced; with our fingers crossed for Alexandra she was finally declared the winner of 2008. The winning single ‘Hallelujah’ was listed on digital sites for download and was announced as the biggest selling single, the physical CD will be released on Wednesday, so be sure to show your support to another amazing talent to come from this show alongside the incredible Leona Lewis.

Here are Alexandra’s performances from the live final.

Alexandra Burke – Silent Night



Alexandra Burke – Listen (with Beyonce)



Alexandra Burke – You Are So Beautiful



Alexandra Burke – Hallelujah

Great Combination: Adele & Paul Weller

Adele has had a pretty good year in music so far and just when you think she can’t possibly get any better before the year ends, she goes and collaborates with another British talent in the form of Paul Weller. Now as a lot of people may already know, Paul Weller is a talent that has been around in music for numerous years now and has a large following. So this collaboration is very interesting and took place on BBC 6 Music. You were able to view the performances through clicking the red button on your digital remote while on the BBC.

Here is their collaboration, which is well worth checking out.

Paul Weller & Adele – You Do Something To Me



Paul Weller & Adele – Chasing Pavements



Paul Weller & Adele – Need Your Love So Bad

Underrated: Kelly Price

Kelly Price is an artist who has been around within music for a large number of years now and has previously sung backing vocals for artists such as: Aretha Franklin, Faith Evans, Brian McKnight, etc. She is said to be gearing up for the release of her new album, which should be out very soon and is definitely an album to watch out for. When this artist releases material she always means business, if you hardly know anything about her or her music, then I recommend that you check out her previous albums. They are worth every penny.

Here’s a song of hers that should give you a little more insight into her, if you don’t know much about her and her talent. If you do, this song is a gem as you will probably already know.

Kelly Price – It’s Gonna Rain

Underrated: Alice Smith

Alice Smith is an American singer/songwriter who was listed in the Rolling Stone magazine as an artist to watch out for back in the year 2006. Her debut album ‘For Lovers, Dreamers & Me’ showcases what an amazing talent this artist truly is and is a mixed bag of sounds, ranging from R&B; Jazz; Soul; etc. Rolling Stone said that this artist could be compared to the likes of Alicia Keys and Norah Jones, but then moved on to say that she has a broader palette than either of those artists named. Her debut album is definitely worth checking out and will showcase exactly why this artist is incredible at what she does. If you wish to find out a little more about this amazing talent, then you can find out more if you click here.

In the meantime, here is a song below to give you a little more insight into this talent.

Alice Smith – Dream

Future Star: Master Shortie

Master Shortie is definitely an artist to watch for, named as one of BBC Sound’s artists to watch out for in 2009. He certainly brings something a little different and unique to the British music scene. This is an artist to certainly watch out for.

In the meantime, here is a video of his to give you a little more insight into this artist.

Master Shortie – Dead End

Future Star: Alexandra Burke

As previously mentioned, this artist certainly has a lot to offer music. She has to be one of the best finalists of X Factor this year. At the start of the final shows it was probably thought that Ruth, Alexandra and Laura would be in the final. But with the twists and turns that have happened within the live shows, only one of those mentioned above is in the final and that is the incredible, Alexandra Burke. She now has to win the series and is the only artist within the finals that has been consistently good. Alexandra Burke must win this years X Factor and will no doubt go on to become a huge star. She has to be the best finalist since Leona Lewis two years ago.

Here is one of her amazing performances from last night’s show, a performance which took her into the live final next week.

Alexandra Burke – Unbreak My Heart

Big Talent: Shystie

Shystie is an artist who has been doing her thing within music for a number of years now, her debut album was released back in 2004 that gained her a large following and showcased that this was an artist to certainly watch out for. Gradually over the years she has been doing various things to keep herself in the spotlight, whether it’s starring in the interactive series ‘Dubplate Drama’ or putting out her own songs and remixes. This is an artist truly on top of her game, an artist that would sooner set trends instead of following what’s hot and what isn’t.

Here is her new video to give you a little insight into this British talent.

Shystie – New Style (feat. DJ Deekline)

Memory Lane: Eternal

Eternal were an incredible British group from the early 1990’s that really made a name for themselves. Although very underrated, this group brought something a little soulful and different to the music scene. While the USA had groups like En Vogue, TLC, etc. Here in the UK, we had this group amongst a few others and Eternal were definitely no one hit wonder. If you look at their extensive backcatalogue from over the years, you would probably begin to understand why they were truly amazing at what they did. It would be great if they were to release a new album.

In the meantime here is a performance that they did numerous years ago on Top of the Pops.

Eternal – Just A Step From Heaven (Live On TOTP)

INTERVIEW SPECIAL: MAMAS GUN

A couple of months ago, I began an interview special and mentioned that I’d have some great interviews from artists coming up. Well, this month is no exception and I have an interview with none other than a group that could well be the next big thing in British music, Mamas Gun. Here is the interview exclusive to Sexy Never Left.

Welcome to Sexy Never Left, I am really enjoying what you are putting out at the moment and have been a fan of your work for quite some time now.

What can other people who have not heard your material expect from you as an artist?

Hopefully all the things that you want from a new artist you've never heard, to be entertained and intrigued, to hear something fresh and a record to love and discover.

How have your experiences within the industry affected your writing process?

After having co-written for a long time with other people for other artists 'factory style', I tend to like to write MG's stuff mostly alone. It's a very insular process which often sees me having to be in a completely empty building for things to start happening.

What are your thoughts and feelings towards artists of today?

They certainly don't make them like they used to but I find the good ones are tucked away on the fringes, the mainstream is saturated with a lot of tuneless and craftless crap, as you can tell I'm not easily impressed! But of course there's so much good stuff out there, you've just got to dig a little deeper to find it.

If you could tour with anyone, who would you choose?

Anyone, huh? Prince or Stevie would be good. Hehe! G Love would be fun too, but someone like Marilyn Manson would be bonkers, he's kept that sense of Rock 'n' Roll theatre alive.

What are your thoughts on the reception you have had with your latest material?

It's taken me completely by surprise, the first single was really meant to be seeped into the public consciousness but it got picked up by radio really well and has got great reviews everywhere from press and fans. Initial album reviews are coming in too and they're all good. Basically, I'm a happy chap.

Sexy Never Left believes in bringing real talent forward and giving them a chance to shine within the industry, do you think talent gets a fair deal in music today?

Good question. I think because the old industry model has been blown wide open, it's given people the impetus to be more industrious and creative about getting themselves heard and seen. It's not very often the corporate giants get it right, but from time to time they still do. It's all the stuff on the fringes of it all that's the really fresh and exciting though.

Has this always been your choice of career and what do you believe you bring to music?

I've always wanted to be a musician from my early teens. What do I bring? A sense of what makes good songs and records in the vein of classic music that (hopefully) has real longevity.

What motivates you as an artist?

The moments when an idea works and the moments of discovery.

Is there anything that you'd like to achieve in your career that you haven't already?

Of course, lots! The obvious stuff like tour the world and release lots of albums, but ultimately I just want to create a body of work I'm truly happy with, in which you see and hear a real progression.

Are there any artists out there that you model yourself on?

I don't model myself on anyone. I have tastes which mould the way my musical horizon looks, everything influences everything. I try and be receptive to that as much as possible.

If you could say one thing to the people reading this interview, what would it be?

Never underestimate the value of humility.

Sexy Never Left thanks you for taking the time to answer our questions and wishes you the very best with your career and the new album.

I would like to thank Mamas Gun and their lead singer, Andy, for taking the time to answer the questions for Sexy Never Left. If you wish to find out more about them, then click here to find snippets of things to come and more information on the group. When their album is released, be sure to check them out. It'll be worth it!

Future Star: Suai

Suai for those who don’t know is an American singer/songwriter who is gearing up for the release of her new album next year, an album which is said to be released in Spring. Judging by what I’ve heard so far from this artist, she is definitely someone to watch out for and her album will definitely be worth checking out. Thanks to Brown Sugar for the introduction to this this artist, she is indeed a talent to watch out for.

Until then, if you want to know more about Suai and her work then you can find out more if you click here.

Brandy

Brandy's eagerly anticipated new album will hit stores next week and should definitely be worth checking out. It will be Brandy's first album release since 2004's, 'Afrodisiac'.

Here is a bonus song from the new album, which should give you a little insight into the new release.

Brandy - Locked In Love

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Credit: Music Is The Heart Of Our Soul

Musiq Soulchild

Also gearing up for the release of his new album is Musiq Soulchild, now this artist has consistently released amazing albums within his career. His newest album to be released next week should be very interesting, pay no attention to the song ‘Radio’ though as that is not what Musiq Soulchild is about and saw him step in a completely different direction to the style of music that he usually does.

Here is a music video to a song from a previous album.

Musiq Soulchild – Just Friends (Sunny)

Brandy

Brandy is gearing up for the release of her long awaited album, which will be out next week and is definitely worth checking out.

In the meantime, here is her new music video.

Brandy – Long Distance

Ruth Lorenzo

Ruth Lorenzo was a finalist on the X Factor, a great loss for the show she is as well. Ruth delivered two amazing performances on the night only to be voted off the show by the public. She was definitely not the worst performer, infact both Ruth and Alexandra were the best performers and deserved to have a place in the semi-final. It’s a great shame that another talent has gone from the show; hopefully a record company will snap this artist up.

Here is one of Ruth’s amazing performances of the night, which proves why it was a shame that she was voted off.

Ruth Lorenzo - Always

Alexandra Burke

Another incredible week for the amazing talent that is, Alexandra Burke. X Factor celebrated the fact that Britney Spears was performing on the show with the finalists singing one of her songs and an American song. Alexandra performed both songs ‘Toxic’ and ‘Listen’ with such ease, proving that she is indeed a star and someone who could be around in music for a long time. Since Leona Lewis stormed through the live shows two years ago to win, Alexandra Burke could indeed be the next best thing to come from the X Factor. She outshone everyone on the night, but the next best perfomer Ruth Lorenzo was voted off from the competition, which was a great shame. She was definitely not the worst performer of the night and deserved to be in the semi-final next week.

Here is one of Alexandra’s perfomances from over the weekend, which was another incredible week for her and leaves only one thing to say, Alexandra Burke to win.

Alexandra Burke – Listen