Mark this historic occasion in your diary! The video for Luciana's first solo single in 17 years dropped yesterday and it's a stunning return to form after the heinous mess that was "Skin I'm In". Produced and directed by the extremely sexy and talented Burgoyne brothers (who also created the club queen's iconic "I Like That" video), "I'm Still Hot" finds Luci... lookin' hot in a variety of scenarios that would make lesser women would run and hide. I love the bright colours and white trash aesthetic. Cinematographer/editor Ian Sklarsky deserves a lot of credit for bringing the look together. The quirky tributes and cameos are also a lot of fun. Luciana pays homage to Debbie Harry by wearing a t-shirt the Blondie frontwoman made famous and I'm pretty sure I spotted both Burgoyne boys as well as the dance diva's husband in the clip! There is so much fabulousness going on that I need to break this masterpiece down scene by scene. Here goes:
0:00 - 0:15 - Luci struts along the beachfront in her Debbie Harry inspired t-shirt dress holding a boombox that I'm pretty sure I owned in the 80s. I particularly love the feathers and fabulous shoes.
0:15 - 0:40 - Our heroine then wakes up next to a couple of random guys looking a bit worse for wear. Don't you just hate that? Instead of grabbing her phone and running for the door (not that I'm talking from personal experience), she serenely applies her make-up while we get a flashback of the previous night's raunchy shenanigans.
0:40 - 1:00 - Ok, this is fucked up. What kind of gay orgy did the club queen crash? You don't need gaydar to know these extras are all about the dick! I love the comic prints and I think I spotted Stephen Burgoyne.
1:00 - 1:30 - Girlfriend wisely decides to do a runner. But not before saying goodbye to David Burgoyne (I recognise those tatts!) and slipping into something a little more fabulous. Love the metallic wrap and it's great to see Nick Clow (Luci's husband) lookin' fine as the guy sitting in the foldout chair outside the motel.
1:30 - 2:00 - The former Shooter frontwoman then hitch hikes into the desert. Unfortunately, she breaks a heel and loses her trannytastic wrap. Shame!
2:00 - 2:30 - Luciana bravely carries on despite her debilitating wardbrobe malfunction and eventually arrives at the beachfront with boombox in hand. She then treats the locals to a fabulous performance. Needless to say, they can't get enough.
2:30 - 3:00 - This section involves a lot of hair whipping and a stunning updo. Love the cinematography here.
3:00 - 3:30 - The clip ends with Luci doing some kind of weird interpretive dance against the sunset before walking off with her boombox, presumably to the next gay orgy. It's a thoroughly amazing conclusion to a great video.
"I'm Still Hot" is already available on US iTunes and is being released in Australia shortly as part of Ministry Of Sound's latest "Sessions" compilation before being pushed to clubs as a single. As soon as I know more details, I'll let you know. As for the clip, I'm giving it:
Guess who's in the house tonight? Luciana gettin' down in the spotlight!
Luciana finally unveiled her stunning "I'm Still Hot" video today but I need some time to soak up the unprecedented fabulousness of that breathtaking extravaganza before commenting. In the meantime, I thought I'd post the legendary dance diva's latest feature - a killer verse on Dave Audé's remix of LMFAO's number one smash "Party Rock Anthem". I've been shufflin' to this jam for weeks and Luci's involvement makes a good thing even better. She brings her usual swagger to the proceedings and even coins my new favourite phrase - "I'm earthquakin' it!" I can't wait to use that incredibly descriptive verb the next time I'm out! Hopefully, this mix is official but I think it's just a bit of fun like her amazing cameo on Enrique's "Tonight (I'm Fuckin' You)". Check out Luciana's latest triumph and stay tuned for an "I'm Still Hot" review in the morning.
After keeping nightclubs in business for the past decade with a seemingly endless string of features, Luciana is set to release her first solo track in 17 years! Has it really been that long since "One More River" set the standard for modern balladry? Fuck me. It's rather appropriate then that the dance diva's latest floorfiller is called "I'm Still Hot". Produced by Dave Audé, the song is vintage Luci with her trademark electro-shouting, raunchy lyrics and killer beats. I absolutely adore it and think the Supermal remix is the hottest thing I've heard since... the Adam F remix of "I Like That".
Mrs Clow's fabulous anthem hits iTunes on April 17 and has been picked up by Ministry of Sound in Australia. As a special treat, I've got some exclusive stills from the "I'm Still Hot" video shoot (above and below). I'm told the clip follows the narrative of the song, with Luciana remaining smokin' hot regardless of what life throws at her! It's being filmed by the lovely Burgoyne brothers (Stephen & David), who are not only incredibly hot in their own right but the talented duo behind the diva's "I Like That" video. The pics look absolutely amazing and I'm sure the finished product will be a triumph. That just leaves one question, when is Luci flying over here to promote it?
Make sure you check out this fan-made "I'm Still Hot" video and pre-order the track from iTunes today. I can't wait for this to rule the clubs!
Someone once said the only things that would survive a nuclear holocaust are cockroaches and Cher. Well, you can add another item to that list. Luciana's double platinum Australian smash "I Like That" simply refuses to die. A good two years after its debut, the unstoppable club anthem continues to pop up in new guises. The song's latest incarnation is as an electro/hip-hop hybrid featuring urban superstar Diddy. An edit of this remix leaked in January but the full version is finally here and being promoted to British DJs this week. I didn't know what to make of Diddy's contribution the first time I heard it but I love it now.
It's amazing how many different directions people have taken this song in. There's the iconic original. The butchered edit that became a radio smash in Australia. House-tastic American remixes. Adam F's awesome drum 'n' bass mix for the UK and now a hip-hop addition to add to your collection. I'm just waiting for Luci to deliver a country and/or death metal version of "I Like That", so we can all just move on and focus on the legendary dance diva's brilliant new single "I'm Still Hot" - which is just about ready to drop! But more about that later. For now, check out what happens when Luciana and Diddy collide.
Luciana's star continues to rise with a cameo on Dave Audé's brilliant remix of "Tonight (I'm Fuckin' You)". I love Enrique but the original version of this trash bores me to tears. It's a soulless mess with the charm of a used condom but the addition of Luci's heavenly vocals - combined with Dave's hot beats - proves once and for all that you can turn a sow's ear into a silk purse. The legendary dance diva provides the intro but her real moment comes at the 2:30 minute mark, when her saucy verse raises "Tonight" to previously unimagined heights. Luciana's trademark electro shouting is the perfect foil for Enrique's smooth voice and I love that she gives a female perspective on the topic. As expected, my boo gives as good as she gets, singing "I like it when you're rude, kiss me when I'm fucking you" before going on about being sticky and quoting lyrics from the Divinyls. It's pure filth but I love every second! Apart from the nod to "I Touch Myself", my favourite line is "I like the Gucci Gucci, you like the Luci Luci". We sure do. I have no idea what Enrique's label plans to do with this mix but they would be crazy to sit on it. "Tonight (I'm Fuckin' You)" just got ten times better! Give Luciana's latest triumph a listen below and stay tuned for the imminent release of "I'm Still Hot".
Due to popular demand Pop Panel is back for another season of hot tunes, future hits and bottom of the barrel trash! It's always fun but this week is extra special to me because of our amazing celebrity judge. But more about her later. I'm the first to admit that tonight's selection is a bit different. When I was picking songs for the Panel, I tried to go with less obvious choices. So prepare yourself for new material from superstars like Starshell, Jessica Sutta and Die Antwoord! The winner was still a major shock but I'm not complaining. I love the song and really hope it takes off. Ok, let's get started. Tonight's Panel consists of:
J-Step (Aus) has been on the Panel before. He's a big wig in the local music industry and a true connoisseur of fine pop music. It's always great to have him on board.
and
Tony Tornado (Spain) is most famous for his live renditions of "Los Amores" on the streets of Chueca but he also writes a blog and is a scene DJ. Most importantly, he puts a roof over my head when I visit Madrid. I miss you!
And now for our celebrity guest! I don't think Luciana needs an introduction. She is my favourite dance diva and one of the most underrated talents in pop music. Happily that's starting to change thanks to her mega hit "I Like That" - currently #12 on the US Club chart - and growing list of songwriting credits. She's also experiencing a huge amount of success with her alter ego Isha Coco, who recently topped the club chart with "Figure It Out". In between all of that she somehow found the time to rate some songs for Pop Panel. I'm so excited and honoured! I've been a fan of this woman since the mid-90s. When I was still... in my mother's uterus. *cough*. Now I just need to rope in the services of Kaci and Soraya and I can retire a happy man! Before we get on with it, I took the opportunity to ask Luci a couple of quick questions. Here's what she had to say:
Are the rumours about Isha Coco being a high class Russian hooker true? Yes, all true. She's a pro darlink!!! How's the EP coming along? Do you have a second single sorted? Yes. The fairy dust is just being sprinkled on the track and ve vait for dat and den explosion into charts (said in Russian accent). How is Sarah Harding's opus coming along? It's hard because Sarah Harding is in London and we are in LA. We'll write with her again soon. She's fabulous. We love Sarah. You had to cancel recent gigs in QLD and Newcastle at the last minute. What happened? I was totally gutted about this. I felt I let everyone down but it was really out of my hands as it was a visa situation. Next time I come I'll make it up to you! Promise! Am I your favourite Australian? By far... don't tell anyone!
As usual the results are ranked from lowest to highest:
The Canadian duo's latest video was banned from YouTube for depicting some harmless outdoor masturbation.
D'Luv: No. 0/5 J-Step: Who knew elevator music could get so hot? Rufus Wainwright should so abandon the eye as his gig backdrop next tour (yes, Mike, so you can stop whinging about it) and use this! Maybe then it will have some use! 0.5/5 Luciana: Kinda liked this vibe. As a pop song not great but as music to chill out to... nice. 2/5 Mike: I would definitely masturbate to this in a back alley. 3/5 Robpop: Sounds like that french song. I like it. Needs more lube. 3/5 Tony: The all Gainsbourg/Birkin stuff is so passé... I think it could be a great song to have straight sex. Not for me though. 1/5 The Prophet: That whispering is very offputting and not very becoming at all. 1/5 Total: 10.5/35
D'Luv: There's already a Ke$ha, baby. She shoulda just covered Willa Ford. 0/5 J-Step: The song's shit, but any ol' flap walker who makes Nicole Scherzinger look like a redundant piece of rotting offal is a winner in my eyes! Ahh, bless! 2/5 Luciana: Not really feeling this track as much. It's a bit try hard... sorry! Outfits were great though and she's very pretty. 2/5 Mike: Congrats, Jessica. You achieved your goal and then some. 0/5 Robpop: This is terrible. 0/5 The Prophet: YASSSSSSSSSSS! Kimberly was always my favorite Doll, but now she has some stiff competition. This is INCREDIBLE! 5/5 Tony: So cheesy. As my husband says: "Don't they all sound the same to you?" Next, bitch. 2/5Total: 11/35
South Africa's leading hip hop trio sing about cock.
D'Luv: Jesus. 0/5 J-Step: I see Robyn's gone all undercover and found a way to become "relevant" again. Go, bitch, go!!! 2/5 Luciana: Ok, so I get the humour... but not quite sure what to actually say. Maybe it's best I say nothing. 0/5 Mike: Kind of like the Black Eyed Peas on really bad acid. I hate that I love it. 4/5 Robpop: All mouth and no trousers. He says he's a big boy but doesn't have the balls to show us. Lame. Great conceptual video though. I'll give it a point for copying the hell out of HR Giger. 1/5 The Prophet: My wig has just been snatched. 5/5 Tony: I don't get it, sorry. Is it English and Afrikaans? Too much even for me. And where are the cocks they're talking about? 0/5 Total: 12/35
D'Luv: I wanted to like this whole project so much more than I do. "All For You" is actually one of the better songs on this forgettable album. Adding new broads to the mix pretty much ensured this would be a non-event. Oh, well. It doesn't suck, but it's not great. 2/5 J-Step: Yeah, yeah. There's no Lynn or Jenny but nevertheless this is still almost heavenly. This may very well be the song that is blaring on the ride up to that place! 5/5 Luciana: I'm on the fence about this one. I think they'll love it in Europe but not my bag. A bit blah for me but I'm sure it'll do very well. 3/5 Mike: It's certainly no "Lucky Love" but it could be a lot worse. As Jessica Sutta just proved. 2/5 Robpop: Ace of Lame. I do love Ace Of Base and the album is very adorable but this sounds like every boring bit of every good song they've ever done. Moreover, Lucky Twice did this sort of stuff on Catchy Tunes years ago and a lot better too. 2/5 The Prophet: What the hell happened to the old Ace of Base? Who are these women in bikinis? 1/5 Tony: Classic AoB. The song is catchy, and it will surely be a success between new generations because they will remind them of Lady Gaga's "Alejandro". The new vocalists have the same voice as the previous ones but with a sexier (and younger) body. 3/5 Total: 18/35
Starshell – SuperLuva (Above)
Mary J Blige's protégée releases debut single.
D'Luv: Like how the video pays homage to Weird Science. Song pretty much sucks John Hughes' dead balls, though. 1/5 J-Step: I think Lolene, Kelis and La Toya Jackson have just proven that human fusion is indeed possible. Hey, the three of them can't seem to make the slightest ripple on the music scene at the moment, I'm thinking a Nobel Prize for scientific advancement may just be the delicious consolation to keep them from locating the nearest dagger and going all Shakespeare on our asses! 1.5/5 Luciana: She looks cute. Like a 2011 Whitney Houston. I like it. 3/5 Mike: Did someone really just take La Toya's name in vain? Rude. As for Starshell, I'm glad she sold out and jumped on the dance-pop bandwagon. This song is cute and I love the video. Who cares if she has no integrity or originality? 4/5 Robpop: There is a Eurovision feel to this. In many ways, I was hoping the Ace Of Base comeback song to be more like this. It seriously sounds like that opus to pop music from Germany, "Life Is Life". Amazing. I love it. 5/5 The Prophet: I want to hate on this because Starshell was formerly known as LeNeah - a wannabe Mary J. Blige singing hip-hop/soul. Then when nobody cared, she gave herself the ridiculous title of 'Starshell', turned into a dance diva and used an old Lady BlaBla B-side for her first single. Anyway, as I said, I want to hate her, but I just can't! "Superluva" is amazing and just shows that Fernando Garibay is one of the most underrated pop producers in the business. 4/5 Tony: "With my tattoos I love you" ???? Seriously???? This portuguese slut should go back to her favela where she belongs. This is definitely not my idea of a SuperLuva... Total: 18.5/35
D'Luv: Why doesn't anyone in this video have eyebrows? This hookstress looks like that giant fluke worm guy in that really awesome episode of 'The X-Files' from the first season. 2/5 J-Step: Boobies, bums and faux peacocks, does it get much better? Yeah, probably but I was still thoroughly entertained! 3/5 Luciana: I love this! I want her/him to be my mother. She's got a touch of the Jackie Stallones. 4/5 and an extra point for the outfit so 5/5. Mike: I love that Alaska looks like an extra from Dawn Of The Dead but still has the confidence to rock a fleshtone bodysuit. This is how I see Kylie spending her golden years - recycling 80s pop songs while wearing enough sequins and feathers to blind a drag queen. Perfection! 5/5 Robpop: Fangoria as a showgirl!!!!!!! I LOVE IT!!! What a change. God, I love this group. 5/5 The Prophet: Everything about this is very fierce but her masculine vocal honestly makes me a tad nauseous. It reminds me of a German person's voice, and you all know how uncomfortable Germans make me. 3/5 Tony: When something works, no need to do a rework. Classic pop tune from the 80s from Alaska's former band (Dinarama). It was a huge success in Spain. Now they sound just like a village fair. On a rainy day. It will be top 3 for sure. Nostalgia factor always works when you have to pay the bills... and the video is so cheap and ridiculous that they went to Argentina to shoot it. This compilation is for third world fans. 0/5 Total: 23/35
Wynter teams up with the Freemasons on this club smash.
D'Luv: Poor Wynter. They spent all the cash on the song's production and none on her video or her wardrobe of glow-in-the-dark thongs. Song is okay. Sounds like a Sophie Ellis Bextor B-side, but she sasses it up a bit. 2.5/5 J-Step: Beyonce wants her bangs back because Tammin wants to make a comeback,Gaga wants her stage shoulders back because Elton John's been pissing her off about the overdue loan and I personally just want to kick her in the shins because she spells Wynter with a 'y'. This has a shelf life of 4 weeks tops. 2.5/5 Luciana: Anything the Freemasons do is always a floorfiller and this is no exception. I would definitely dance to this. 4/5 Mike: While I prefer the filthy pop explosion that is "Dirty Talk", Wynter can do no wrong in my book and jazzes up a rather generic Freemasons backing track no end with her fabulous voice and glamorous wig collection. 4/5 Robpop: Major minus points for those stupid shoulder pads. This could be sung by anyone. Not totally enamored by this. Give me jazz hands. Give me distinctiveness. Give me uniqueness. Give me a flavour of individuality. 1/5 The Prophet: Stunning, flawless, incredible, divine. Wynter is the new Goddess of the dance floor! 5/5 Tony: I think Wynter Gordon will be the next club diva (with the permission of Sophie Ellis Bextor and Rebeka Brown). She has the voice and the attitude. Anyway, if Freemasons are able to make something quite decent out of Shakira's "Loca" it's because they are the best. Fact. 5/5 Total: 24/35
SINGLE OF THE WEEK
Emma Dean – Sincerely Fearful (Below)
Emma is Australia's queen of "alternative cabaret"!
D'Luv: Shit — my 59-year-old aunt is a pop star in Australia? This is some super hot trash. 5/5 J-Step: I'm sincerely fearful of when this bitch looks in the mirror for the first time. Who knows what's going to happen... stay tuned! I smell a killer follow-up! 2.5/5 Luciana: Loved her lyrics and attitude and humour. Loved the energy. 4/5 Mike: An Australian indie pop queen releases what is essentially a demented show tune that sounds like it was stolen from score of Wicked. I think hell just froze over. 5/5 Robpop: I WANT THIS ALBUM NOW!!!!! This is what I am looking for. Great lyrics. Dripping like a hot kebab with character, laughter and brilliance. This is amazing. Mike, send me all her details immediately. I want this broad's album... like, yesterday! 5/5 The Prophet: AHAHAHA! ALTERNATIVE CABARET! AMAZING! AAAAAHHAAAAAA! 4.5/5 Tony: At least something fresh and different!!! Not a bad song but it will be hard for me listening to the whole album. For Scissor Sisters and RHPS fans. 4/5 Total: 30/35
Dave Audé is a dance music legend. If you've ever set foot in a nightclub, chances are you've heard one of his original tunes or killer remixes. Since his arrival on the dance scene in the early 90s, Dave has developed a reputation as the go to guy for all the big names - having remixed massive club hits for Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Madonna, Britney, Ke$ha and even my homegirl Deni Hines! America's hottest DJ is also an extremely successful artist in his own right. His recent collaboration with Luciana ("Figure It Out") was a #1 club smash and I'm told there could be a follow up on the way. Dave was kind enough to talk to me about all of these accomplishments in a recent interview. He also fill me in on his future plans and gave some interesting insights into his work. Here's what Mr Audé had to say:
Dave, most pop fans probably know you from your remixes. How did you get involved in that side of production? Fell into it really. Remixing is really producing, isn't it? In 1995 I was making a lot of records for electronic artists/djs and Reprise Records called me to remix Bare Naked Ladies "One Week". I loved remixing and taking the song in a new direction and my love of remixing was born.
How do you explain your unprecedented success on the US dance chart? I heard that you’ve remixed over 40 chart toppers! 65 as of last week! lol. I work very hard, I deliver solid mixes consistently and I'm able to make mixes that appeal to different types of listeners - pop, dance, straight, gay, radio, underground, etc etc. I've done so many remixes at this point that people hire me because they know they are gonna get something that the artist will like as well.
You must get asked this all the time but do you have a favourite mix or one that’s special for a certain reason. I’ll never get tired of your “Halo” remix. It’s so beautiful. That's like asking a parent who their favorite child is. Every song is different. Some projects are special because of the artist (Beyoncé, Gaga, Britney, U2, Madonna). Some projects are special because of the song (Plumb "Hang On", Alexis Jordan "Happiness", La Roux "Bulletproof") but really when I'm working, every song is special at least for the moment, it's only later when I go back and listen do I know if the song has any lasting effects.....
All the big names have you on speed dial. Does it ever sink in that you’re helping to create the sound of superstars like Beyoncé, Madonna and Kaci Battaglia? It does and I'm very, very lucky. I'm not sure if the artists appreciate me as much as the labels or listeners but I'd like to think so.
In addition to the A Listers, you also remix a lot of smaller acts. How does someone like Carmen Reece hook up with you? Your mix of “Raindrop” is one of my favourite songs of the year! I treat every project the same whether it's Gaga or Carmen Reece and I try and leave opportunities open to work on independent artist mixes because you never know who the next A Listers are gonna be....
Do you ever hear a song and think - damn, that’s complete shit? If so, do you turn the mix down or try to do the best with what you’ve got? If the vocal is complete shit, I won't do it. Most of the time I'm working on a song where I think the original track is complete shit so it's fun and compelling for me to turn it into something better.
You’re also an extremely accomplished artist in your own right. Will you be concentrating on your own music more in the future? I would like to say that's my goal, but it's hard balancing my stuff and the wave of work I have to sort through. I've never really been keen on promoting "Dave Audé", I'd rather promote another artist and be the guy behind the scenes.
Well, that might change with the success of your recent #1 club smash “Figure It Out”. It’s such a hot track - are you going to film a video and push it to radio? I think it’s a hit. Thinking about that right now. Sometimes you just gotta let song do what they do on their own.
Isha Coco is actually UK dance legend Luciana. How did the collaboration come about and was it your idea for her to try such a different vocal style? She is a HUGE talent as you know and I think that the Isha Coco sound is actually Luciana, it's just not what she's famous for. She has so much talent and has written so many great pop songs. I'm excited for the world to hear some different sides to her!!!
I hear you guys are working on another track together. Is it for her EP with Interscope or a track for Audacious records? Can you tell us a bit about it. She is signed to Interscope so we are concentrating on making some huge records for Luci to go out and tour the world with! But Isha Coco might have another one coming at some point!!!
Who else are you producing at the moment? Nicole (Scherzinger). Remixing Ke$ha, Natasha Bedingfield, and Nadine Coyle.
Why do you think the US dance music scene is so different to Europe and Australia? US Radio is lame. But they are slowly but surely catching up. Urban (Hip-Hop/Rap) has been so huge in America so it's been a struggle to get radio to take chances with dance/electronic. They still dont really get the "dj is an artist" thing, but that's changing.
Tell me about Girlicious. I love that band. Are you still in touch with them? I speak to the girls now and then. I'm happy for their success. They are massive in Canada, I'm waiting for them to have a hit in the US, any day now.....
I'd love to see you behind the decks again in Sydney. When are you coming back? I was just in Sydney in August but I'd love to come back, let's do it!!!
On Saturday Luciana returns to Australia for the fourth time in 2010. It's another lightening fast trip for the dance icon but I'm hoping to catch up with her again at the Fat As Butter music festival in Newcastle. Last time she was here I managed to pin her down for an interview but held off posting it until the article was published. A couple of weeks ago it unexpectedly turned up on the cover of the Southern Star Observer in Melbourne - so I guess it's about time I shared it with you! I'm really proud of how it turned out. Luci spills the beans on her US record deal, talks about writing for Kylie and comments on her ongoing love affair with Australia. Oh and she mentions that lady boy from Girls Aloud but I won't hold that against her. Enjoy!
2010 is turning into something of a banner year for Luciana.
After years of lending her signature ‘shouty’ vocal to a seemingly endless string of underground dance tracks, the UK’s reigning club queen has finally crossed over to the mainstream and carved out a niche as the go to woman for dance music’s hottest producers.
In the past twelve months Luciana has scored 4 big hits on the ARIA club chart – she currently has two (“Go Go Go” and “I’ve Got My Eye On You”) in the top 50 - including her double platinum top 5 smash hit collaboration with Static Revenger and Richard Vission, “I Like That”.
The prolific diva is still shocked by the song’s popularity in Australia.
“It got to #2 or #3. We got platinum discs. It’s crazy. Australia was the first place to take it and now America is just starting. So hopefully that will happen and England has just signed it as well,” she told Star Observer.
The local success of “I Like That” even helped Luciana score a record deal with Interscope Records – the home of pop heavyweights like Lady Gaga and Gwen Stefani.
“The funny thing is we went to Interscope… a year ago and nothing happened. I was like ‘that’s a bit weird’. Flew us out there, wanted to meet me, nothing happened and now here we are. [I] just got signed and am working on an EP and writing for other artists.”
One of those artists is Australia’s own Kylie Minogue. Luciana wrote the track “Cupid Boy” for the pop icon’s latest album “Aphrodite” – a career highlight for the self confessed Kylie fanatic.
“Oh my god! [I’m] an ultimate Kylie fan! I absolutely love her. And I wanted to get on the last album and that didn’t happen,” she explains.
Happily, she had more luck this time around.
“We got [“Cupid Boy”] from Sebastian Ingrosso from Swedish House Mafia and we were like ‘this is such a fabulous backing track that we need to make sure that what we do over it is amazing’ and we worked and worked and edited and edited… and then right at the last minute they chose the song. Oh god it was a moment. Honestly, I cried and called my mum. My mum was crying with me!”
Luciana has even been called back to write songs for the impending re-release of “Aphrodite”.
“We submitted a song called “If I Ruled The World”,” she reveals.
Apart from Kylie, the hit songwriter has been busy collaborating with some of the biggest pop stars in America and the UK.
“I’m actually writing with Sarah Harding at the moment from Girls Aloud. She’s down the studio. And she’s lovely. A good time girl. She’s got a great voice and we’re just writing some tracks together. And when we go to America we’re gonna do some stuff with Nicole Scherzinger.”
Given the way “I Like That” is catching on in America (already a top 40 hit on pop airplay and rapidly the iTunes top 200 countdown), Luciana could be spending a lot of time stateside.
“I’m moving to LA at the beginning of September for 3 months to write and hopefully promote the single. You know depending on what’s happening. It’s just got added to MTV Hits, so that’s a really amazing thing. These little things are starting to happen but fingers crossed it’s all going to work out.”
That doesn’t mean that Luciana has forgotten about her Australian fans. She is returning to Australia – for the fourth time in 2010 – for a tour in December and even plans to move here permanently.
“Yeah what I’m thinking is – have an album out, then a child, then move to Australia. Put some flip flops on. Hang. It’s all good!”
Mark this historic occasion in your diary! The video for Luciana's first solo single in 17 years dropped yesterday and it's a stunning return to form after the heinous mess that was "Skin I'm In". Produced and directed by the extremely sexy and talented Burgoyne brothers (who also created the club queen's iconic "I Like That" video), "I'm Still Hot" finds Luci... lookin' hot in a variety of scenarios that would make lesser women would run and hide. I love the bright colours and white trash aesthetic. Cinematographer/editor Ian Sklarsky deserves a lot of credit for bringing the look together. The quirky tributes and cameos are also a lot of fun. Luciana pays homage to Debbie Harry by wearing a t-shirt the Blondie frontwoman made famous and I'm pretty sure I spotted both Burgoyne boys as well as the dance diva's husband in the clip! There is so much fabulousness going on that I need to break this masterpiece down scene by scene. Here goes:
