My friend DJ Seth Gold was spinning in Nashville this past weekend and played The Wideboys remix of my song "Rewind" during peak club time (around 12:30am). He said the crowd response was "incredible!" and as a surprise he videotaped the dancefloor to show me. See video below!
Nashville has always been a big supporter of my music. They were actually the first US city to play "Close Enough" on the radio. It may seem odd considering they're known for country music (and I've haven't done a country song, yet...) -- but I think they just appreciate well-written songs in general.
I love you Nashville!!
xx Keo :-)
P.S. The entire "Rewind Remixed" package is finally complete and being mastered this week! So, Billboard reporters & DJs should be getting it soon, and it'll be available for the public in July.
Isn't it funny how the mythology of our love lives involve a fat flying diapered baby wielding a deadly weapon? This whimsical creature (and icon of Valentine's Day) sees two people and shoots them down with his bow & arrow -- apparently a skilled act of violence makes people instantly fall in love!
So it makes sense the mythology of Valentine's Day can be viewed similarly -- childlike, over-bloated, shitty and even harmful to ourselves (or our self-esteem at least) -- especially if we choose to believe it's only for romantic couples. I can't count the number of un-coupled people pronouncing Febraury 14th as "National Singles Awareness Day" or "Black Thursday." Now, I'm not knocking romance or people in relationships. What I am knocking is a narrow-mindedness (or can I say "single" mindedness) when it comes to the holiday.
Myths are set up to point us to a larger truth. And if we look deeper, we can uncover the true nature of LOVE -- and a more empowering, all-ecompassing meaning for Valentine's Day.
As has become my yearly tradition, I encourage all of you -- single, coupled or complicated -- to channel the TRUE POWER of this very important day. It's THE DAY OF LOVE, and there's nothing more important all year. So, use it to GIVE LOVE, show GRATITUDE and APPRECIATION to all those people who've touched your life this year -- whether it's giving them a gift, a hug or a simple call. Honestly, it will make you feel incredible! And that's really what the day is about -- spreading love, expressing your positive emotions and feeling good.
And if you're getting this email from me, know the LOVE you've given me has been an incredible blessing & I am truly grateful -- and no fat flying baby is gonna burst that bubble!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
Love & blessings to you all,
xx Keo :-)
"Just like perfection" goes the tag line of The Ones signature tune "Flawless," and it was flawless afternoon as I spent time making a 'lil cameo in their new video "When We Get Together." I joined lots of NYC glitterati who got together for cameos including Scissor Sisters, Debbie Harry, Bill Coleman, Ultra Nate, Jody Watley, Peppermint, Adam Joseph, Tommy Hottpants, Jason Walker, Colton Ford, and my ex (and still good friend) go-go Chase Hostler to name just a sprinkling -- for cameos and sparkles galore. The Ones -- Paul Alexander, Nashom and JoJo Americo -- were in tip-top form, corralling the crowd and cracking-up with the pack of press, all in anticipation of the official U.S. release of their album The Ones due March 4th. Here I am pictured with the fantastic video director, Karl Giant!
I've been Dj-ing some great private celebrity parties this past week!
First up was a sensational private birthday party at the hot new
club called The Box. In between my DJ sets and dinner,
dance and R&B superstar Deborah Cox did two sets -- the first
was jazz with a four-piece band from her new album
Destination Moon (you may remember, I interviewed her this fall
about it in my Next column). Then she came back and did a half-hour
of her greatest hits. She is truly wonderful -- beautiful & talented,
but down-to-earth nonetheless!
I also DJ'd the private book party for Lance Bass and his new
authobiography
Out of Sync. Deborah Gibson (i.e. Debbie Gibson) came with
American Idol's Constantine Maroulis. It was also great fun!
I'm so grateful to be getting such great bookings
and to see things progressing so well!
I can't believe it's already mid-October! Coming off an incredible
summer--full of lots of romance and great DJ experiences--it's been
hard to let it go (a special thanks to everyone who came and enjoyed
my sets on Fire Island). But I'm excited to dive into fall
(my favorite time of year in NYC!).
First up, US Domestic fans are in for an exciting remix of one
of my favorite songs "Rewind." You may recognize
The Wideboys production team from their HOT remixes of Rihanna's
"Please Don't Stop the Music" and "Shut Up an Drive." So, I'm
thrilled they contributed their expert mixing skillz -- they did a stellar job. Some NYC DJ's have already
begun spinning the track, and it's getting great crowd responses!
The entire "Rewind Remixed" maxi-single (and video) will get a full release in
early 2008 with four additional remixers adding their own spin.
Second, you'll be happy to know I have begun my new album. It's still in
the early stages (I've drafted out about 10 songs so far), but I'm pleased
with the progress. It will be equally as diverse as the last one, so anything
goes... ;)
I apologize to my fans who've been waiting so patiently for my next
release(s). Things always take so much longer than I can anticipate
as an indie artist -- but as you know, I never sacrifice quality
(even if that means things taking a lil longer!). I think you'll
agree once you hear it, it's worth the wait!
I interviewed Grammy award winning singer Mya live on stage at Therapy in NYC last week. How gorgeous is she? I got a little nervous because when we met beforehand, she seemed quiet and shy. But once we got up there, she really turned it on -- and was funny, candid and a real pro! She talked about her new album Liberated, her move from L.A. to DC, and even a Vienna runway mishap where modelling at a Heatherette fashion show she had a Beyonce-like noise dive onto some ice. As we closed the interview she even belted out the chorus of "Ghetto Superstar."
After the interview she was signing copies of her single "Ridin", and I gave her a copy of my Late Nite VIP CD -- and she asked me to sign it for her! That made my whole night.
I also interviewed Kelly Rowland recently for her new album Ms. Kelly. She was very fun! Sassy, sweet, intelligent and a true Southern charmer (she's from Texas). I was also impressed that she was straight-forward when I asked if her record was bumped in favor of Beyonce's Bday (it had long been rumored that were finished around the same time and Kelly's album was delayed). She said, yes that was true but that was grateful for it because she didn't feel her album was really complete and had felt rushed. So, it gave her time to go back in the studio, personalize it, and add some of the upbeat tracks (or as she described it "more youth"). She has a really great vibe!
--Billboard Magazine just did a glowing article on LOGO, emphasizing its music content. I was pleased the author mentions me a few times. This line in particular brought a smile:
"Logo's emphasis on music, particularly its 'The Click List: Top 10 Videos' and 'NewNowNext' shows (both a mix of gay and gay-friendly acts), are helping to break acts like Mika, Dangerous Muse, the Cliks and Keo Nozari." You can read it here.
--Hunk du Jour (hunkdujour.com) just published a brand new interview with me -- the website is worth checking out alone for all the sexy guys on it! See it
here.
UPCOMING PERFORMANCE:
I'll be joining my friend Blake Shermann at Therapy in NYC on Monday, July 23rd @ 11pm for a performance and live interview on his Dr. FeelGood show. Check Gigs for more info.
Thanks for making me "Ultimate Video"! I am truly flattered by all of you who voted my "Question of Monogamy" video as the LOGO's #1 "Ultimate Queer Video" in the Top 20 countdown, ahead of such big names as George Michael, N' Sync, Erasure, Pet Shop Boys, Culture Club, and Scissor Sisters. Check out the list here.
LOGO had these good words say:
"Leave it to Neo-Wave downtown New Yorker Keo Nozari to redefine queer video! Hot boys and hot beats made this clip your 'ultimate' favorite! Skin aside, this romp explores the complexities of the exclusive relationship. Ahhh... love."
Talk about a return from the dead! I had just watched the season finale of one of my favorite TV shows Ugly Betty where the character of "Santos" met his demise. It was so touching and sad and it really stuck with me all the next day. Then who walks into a DJ gig I was spinning that night but the actor who plays him Kevin Alejandro! By random coincidence he was in NYC and stopped by with his (beautiful!) finance and a friend of mine. We talked for a bit (nice guy) -- I told him how much I love the show, and he assured me he WILL be back next season. Let's hope it wasn't the alcohol talking! lol...
A few nights later, I was DJ'ing a benefit for LIFEBEAT (The Music Industry Fights AIDS) at midtown's new hotspot D'Or. The night was meant to be celebrating pop-rock singer Duncan Sheik's performance for the Society of Ethical Culture. But as luck would have it, Sheik's new Broadway show Spring Awakening (that he wrote the music for) was nominated for 11 Tony Awards that same day. Talk about an excited crowd!
I'm happy to announce the 3rd single "Rewind" off my album Late Nite VIP. I've lined up some
excellent remixers for the project -- including a few big names -- so be on the lookout mid-summer!
I've also just finished recording vocals for a track I've done with DJ Kenneth Thomas, the Detroit-based mix-master who was just named "Motown's Best Electronic Artist" by Real Detroit Weekly. He DJs regularly along side such big dance names as Paul Oakenfold and Paul Van Dyk.
I also finished a collaboration with the talented Spain-based remixer/ producer Deserves An Effort. He was named "Spanish Trance Producer of the Year" by DJ1 Magazine.
I recently began a music column at Next Magazine in NYC -- it's a mix of interviews and single reviews. So far I've interviewed some artists I really love including UK pop star Lily Allen, DJ / Remixer Superchumbo (AKA Tom Stephan) and Producer/ Remixer Jody DenBroeder (who mixed many tracks on my Late Nite VIP album).
Coffee Cake. German Chocolate Cake. Carrot Cake. Cheesecake. Angel Food Cake. There are so many kinds of cakes we can make. It's just a matter of will and collecting the ingredients and--boom!--our imagination is the limit.
Now pause for a minute and think of the LOVE you make in your life. Love with Parents. Siblings or Children. Friends. Romantic partners. Notice how different they all are? You may even notice the love between your various romantic partners was different, too. But like varieties of cakes, whatever the flavor, cake is cake... and love is love... rewarding, joyous and DELICIOUS in our creation.
So today on this most important holiday of the year --> The DAY OF LOVE --> put a little time in the kitchen. Bake up something uniquely your own. Romantic love is just a Pound Cake, one of many tastes to choose from. May I inspire you this Valentine's Day to get a little punk rock in the cookery--give a big F.U. to the ultra-processed, commercialized love that comes out of a box--and instead cook up your own home-baked brand of real LOVE. Mix in your own special sauce, make it, bake it and give it away. GENEROUSLY. Surprise people. Call an old friend. Bring flowers to an unsuspecting person. Hug someone who needs it. And enjoy it for the SIMPLE PLEASURE of knowing you're making someone else HAPPY.
When love is returned to you--baked special by someone else--well, it may not by your favorite flavor, but just APPRECIATE the LOVE that's around you ALWAYS and in your life.
And if you got this email from me, know YOU ARE LOVED by someone--in their own home-cooked way.
Finally!! Three directors later, tons of planning, and lots of persistence, we begin the filming of my second video Question of Monogamy last Friday. I wrote a treatment (script) for the video, and I wanted to retain the last video's sense of style and storytelling. However, while the Close Enough video was introspective, I wanted this one to go in a totally different direction -- definitely sexual (as the song dictates) and more extraverted. My intention this time is to be bold, daring, EXCITING, titillating and give you something that will keep you viewers interested & watching -- yet also "classy." I hope it will be particularly provocative and thrilling in the fact that it's something an openly gay recording artist hasn't done before...
Luckily, I connected with two friends of mine -- Aaron Rhyne and Ned Stresen-Reuter -- who loved the script, shared my vision and enthusiasm, and came on-board as Director and Director of Photography (respectively). Honestly, I couldn't have asked for two better partners in crime!
From the first day, I could tell something magical would happen. Inspired by the photograph of me (above) that was taken by my good friend, photographer Tommy McCall, we shot some luscious moments in an elaborate bathroom. While I can't give away too many details, there are some other people who join in the cascading fun...
It's very inspiring when you work so hard, wait things out and meditate for months on something, and your artistic vision is finally brought to life in front of you. A fulfilling time indeed! I can only encourage everyone else out there who has a dream to see it through to completion -- on whatever scale you can. This isn't a hundred-thousand-dollar video, I can assure you. But that doesn't mean it's not worth giving it everything you can when the reward of self-fulfillment is so awesome!
Today I met Jake Gyllenhaal. I'll admit to having a bit of a crush on him since seeing Brokeback Mountain, so it was cool to meet him in person -- especially to see how nice he was. He was being honored at the National Art Awards, and luckily a good friend of mine is a Board Member, so she invited me as her guest. He came with a group that included Lance Armstrong which begged the question -- why is Lance cozied up to a bunch of hot Hollywood actors (Matthew McConnaughey) since breaking up with Sheryl Crow? Hmmmmm...
I also met Aretha Franklin who was being honored. She was crabby (and her hairpiece was busted!). But she was talking with singer Brian Adams, so I was amused. Where has he been?
Also on hand was Tim Gunn from one of my favorite shows "Project Runway." He told me how proud he was of the show this season and was just as gracious and quick-witted as I expected. I've definitely found it inspiring to see other artists work so hard to make their dreams a reality!
I'm lovin' this summer! Things may seem quiet now, but rest assured there's plenty a-boilin' beneath the surface as I prepare for a massive fall season celebration including new videos, songs and performances!
My pop fans will be happy to know next month I begin filming the video for my 2nd single off my album Late Nite VIP called "Question of Monogamy." I'm very excited! New York City is a steamy, wet hot place in August -- and when you see the video, you're gonna know just what I mean! Plus, the video will feature a hip-hop flavored remix (which will also be available on iTunes in September).
Fans of my "Close Enough" trance remixes (done with Noel Sanger and Interstate) will be happy to hear I'm currently in the studio with an impressive roster of progressive trance producers. I'll be the featured singer/ songwriter on a number of their original tracks. So, be on the lookout this fall!
This summer I've also continued on my spiritual journey, meditating daily and delving deeper into my studies of Buddhism, Kabbalah and recently finished a wonderful book called "Ask and It Is Given" by Esther and Jerry Hicks. This stuff really works!
Until the slue of new shows this fall, here's a pic above of my most recent performance at the HX Awards in June at Lincoln Center.
Last week, I got to meet one of my inspirations, Euro pop star
Annie. As a fellow recording artist / DJ, Annie has some delicious hits including "Chewing Gum" and "Greatest Hit" (that are always a part of my DJ sets) and also spins at some of Europe's best clubs. I spent about an hour in the booth with her and my friends at Opaline/Area 10018+ where Annie was spinning for Genre Magazine's 15th Anniversary party. Annie is truly adorable and damn sweet! She 'varnished the vinyl' so to speak with sweet Electro Swedish eclecticism. By her side the whole night? Smashing Pumkin¹s guitarist James Iha.
Valentine's Day. It's not just for Lover's anymore!! For the last 3 years I've made it my personal mission to remind you to *RECLAIM* THE DAY OF LOVE from the commercialism of plastic wrapped roses, cardboard chocolate boxes and Meg Ryan.
So today's big question is--are you stingy with love?? People can complain all they want about 'not having a Valentine.' (God knows, I know I have!!) But at the heart of Valentine's Day (even if it is a chocolate covered one) is how much love are you SHARING?? And we must ask ourselves, how can I expect to GET LOVE if I don't GIVE LOVE?! The fact is, more often than not, you don't!!! Now ask: "where do i draw the line when giving love?" Are you generous only with close friends? Immediate family? Romantic partner? Your pet canary? (And if your romantic partner IS your pet canary, I don't want to know about it....).
Today be EXTRAVAGANT!! Think of this Valentine's Day as your opportunity to go into a metaphorical Louis Vuitton store (and I don't mean the ones on Canal Street) and buy whatever you want. But instead of keeping the stuff yourself, you have to GIVE IT AWAY -- and not just to friends and family, but to total strangers, too! Just think about how popular you'd be!! And with love, there really is no difference -- except there's no animal hide to skin and LOVE IS FREE.
So, today BREAK THE RULES. Call lost friends. "Romance" your neighbors or colleagues with surprise flowers. SMILE. :) You create your own loving reality -- and you never know how much you are effecting those around you. So whatever you do, just be GENEROUS WITH YOUR LOVE!!
HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!
Yours with a generous heap of love,
xx Keo :)
I got to hang-out briefly with electronic songstress Imogen Heap this week who was in town to appear on Late Night with David Letterman and kick-off the US leg of her tour. For those who don't know, Imogen is the former lead singer of Frou Frou (the band she had with Guy Sigsworth, known for his work with Madonna, Bjork and co-writer of Seal's song "Crazy").
Anyway, her new solo album Speak For Yourself is amazing, and it was exciting to meet her. Considering she's often obscured in her photographs, I was immediately taken by her beauty, kooky outfit (think Bjork) and height (she's already well above six feet and then had enormous sparkly stilettos on!). She's also surprisingly charming. All great qualities! She gave me some inspiring advice, telling me how she put out her record herself in the U.K. before getting signed to a major label in the U.S.
I went to her concert later in the week at Avalon. She opened the show on just the piano--which she played with perfect concert aplomb. Then she hopped onto her rack of electronic gear--from keyboards to drum machines to a Mac computer--and became a one-woman band. Bemusing, kooky and incredibly talented, her gorgeous live vocals were impeccably close to the originals. And her gem "Hide and Seek" sounded great live! Though, I almost wish I could have heard her do it without the vocoder...
They said it couldn't be done. The Box would collapse and fall on my head. That was just one of a host of troubling events--spanning over 5 hours!--that started the 3rd day (and most important!) day of the video shoot. Everything seemed to go wrong. Looking back now, however, it was pure comedy.
After glamorously lugging a bunch of stuff with me that we needed for the shoot (guitar, food for the crew, my clothes, masks), I hit the plastic store to pick up the pieces for the enormous Box for me to fit into. The pieces weren't ready yet (even after checking with them the day before); the Van Driver feverishly waiting for me (and the meter clock ticking), we finally got things loaded 20-minutes later and shot over to the lobby of the studio where the large Crew was assembling. The next problem? The studio manager got stuck in some serious holiday traffic and arrived at the studio 3.5 hours late! Once at the studio door, he realized an assistant had changed a faulty lock--and he didn't have a key to get in!! Stuck. And it sucked. With Extras coming in just two hours (and a huge Box to be assembled and left to dry), we soon called a Locksmith to break us in... An hour-fifteen later, he shows up (and in pure stereotypical fashion showed off some serious ass-crack)... and we're finally in the studio with just 45 minutes to spare! The crew then went to work assembling the box--which was an enormous task as it measured 6 ft by 4 ft by 4ft--while I got into hair and makeup.
What I realized in the beginning as this ordeal unfurled was how important my own attitude was. I knew if I became impatient, edgy, hostile or pessimistic at any time it would rub off on the whole production. So, all my practice at meditation definitely came in handy! Kabbalah says to turn "obstacles into opportunities" (for personal development) and that leads to miracles in your life, so I'm glad I took that advice to heart. It worked!
All the Extras arrived, most of them right on time, but it took nearly two hours before we actually could start. What was great was how patient and accomidating everyone was. I really felt the love. And the extra time afforded us a great opportunity to get everyone into hair, makeup and styling, which added loads of extra flavor and sparkle to our party scene. And once we finally got to shooting (nearly 6 hours off schedule) everything went amazingly well!! We got some incredible shots, everyone was super-professional, the Swarovski crystal adored mask looked great, the "Cage Shirt" by Nico and Adrian worked out famously, and The Box (despite the pessimistic disputes to the contrary by the plastic merchants) did not collapse and fall on my head. In fact, when it came time for the box to break apart (as you will see), I did a fine job all on my own.... ;-)
For our first day of indoor shooting, we had to wait 2.5 hours to get into the studio -- thank god for a patient crew! There were apparently 3 commercials being filmed in the rush for Christmas TV exposure, and they went way over time.
But once inside, everyone got down to business fast and we put in an entire day's work -- shooting from 8:30pm-5:30am! Milan--who plays the "Shadow Dancer"-- had his amazing skillz put to the test as he danced full-on in a heavy mask that left little room for breathing! I have to say, once I saw him on the TV monitors of the studio I got really choked-up. The quality of the production has just far exceeded my expectations -- and it was amazing watching this vision of a video I'd had for over a year come to life! Director Liam Holland (assisted by Shane Carrington) crafted some incredible lighting for great shots of Milan and I interacting as well as close-ups of me singing.
But the most challenging part for me by far was having my face covered in hundreds of Swarovski crystals for the opening shot of the video. Makeup artist Joey Sanchez and his assistant Masako spent a pain-staking hour-and-half placing each one on me with a tweezer while I lay on my back...this is where meditation comes in handy!
It's been a big week! We finally got to "officially" launch the album on Tuesday. After some delays in distribution, the album arrived in some major spots including iTunes, Amazon.com, Starbucks kiosks and Tower Records. More to come...
Then on Thursday we began shooting my first music video, "Close Enough." After facing what felt like a million obstacles--from weeks of rescheduling, to prop logistics, to pouring rain the night before, to a $5000 camera deposit--I learned "what can go wrong, will go wrong...but you have to carry on!"
And when we finally began shooting, it was magic! Director Liam Holland and I are completely on the same page artistically (I love the Brits!), and he's doing an excellent job realizing my vision and expanding upon it. We shot in the East Village and the Meat Packing District in NYC...And even though the video is serious in tone, everyone involved--from the hair and make-up crew, to techies to Milan, who plays my "nemesis"--were so enthusiastic (even with the recently cold temperature outside!). It's so great working with such happy, creative people--I couldn't have asked for more!
Three more days of shooting. I can't wait, especially for the party scene!
Performed at the at the NY LOVE NOLA benefit to Katrina relief by Spin Cycle last nite... definitely enjoyed it...
I got a little nervous and
emotional, but performed SuperFluidity and an acoustic piano version of Various States of Undress. (I so rarely
get to play live piano these days...).
It's so great to perform at these kinds of events, not only because it's for such a worthy cause, but
also to be able to perform with so many talented and fun NYC entertainers like Scott Nevins,
DaLipstyxx, The World Famous BOB, Shania Rendevous (to name only a few...).
Friday, I was on-hand as my co-producer Ellis Miah DJ'd at Krash here in NYC. He was fantastic!!
There was also a performance by his artist Dolce who is so damn beautiful and talented...(see the one in the purple tank top...)
Well, the day has arrived!!! The release of my album Late Nite VIP--a project 3.5 years in the making! I'm very proud of the results from the song writing to the sound quality to the art--and happy I took my time to do it right. And to reward all my fans of this site, I've made the album available exclusively here for you first!!
Over the next few weeks, you can expect the album to start rolling into stores (both major chains and smaller indies) plus multiple digital services--including iTunes, eMusic, RealNetworks / Rhapsody (i.e. Real Player), T-Online (T Mobile), and Starbucks (in-store kiosks in selected locations)-- should have it available withinin the next 4-6 weeks. So please tell all your friends about it and help get the word out!!!
Meanwhile, the video and first single, "Close Enough" (original mix) will be released a bit later in November. That way the album will have a chance to physically and digitally get into all the great places and spaces it's going to be. We're going for a gradual roll out that will slowly gain lots of momentum with multiple videos, TV appearances, live shows, remixes and press. So stay tuned!!!
I DJ'd the fashion show for designer
Victor de Souza yesterday in the "Elle Magazine Style Lounge" which I didn't know was, as someone later explained, "that glass studio in Time Square where they film the CBS Morning Show." So, needless-to-say, I was exited when I got there! It's a great space--and there were camera crews and photographers everywhere... even a spotlight on me while I worked... Victor (who's clothes have been seen on Sex and the City and Jennifer Lopez) had a Alfred Hitchcock concept with the hair and make-up, so I mixed some Hitchcock themes in with some punk / electro / rock, and it was a blast!
My heart and prayers goes out to all those who've suffered as a result
of Hurricane Katrina.
The whole aftermath really makes you wonder--would the response time have been better
if our troops weren't all in Iraq? Sure seems like a big crisis of national security when we
can't rescue people in our own backyard...
Anyway, I will be performing at a benefit concert NYC
Loves NOLA on Sunday, September 18th along with
John Cameron Mitchell and lots of great performers!
Minimum donation is $25 and includes a Cajun dinner. More info to come!
In the meantime, please donate to the American Red Cross.
While definitely a bit nerve wrecking--especially with so little sleep--it was kind of a thrill to perform in front of a couple thousand people at the Next Magazine Awards. And with camera crews from VH1, Logo and Here! TV on hand, it was all pretty exciting. An added bonus was sharing a dressing room with my friends DaLipstyxx (and one of its members, Milan, was my backup dancer). Lola (who's song "No Strings" has been in heavy rotation in my DJ sets, not to mention on local radio) performed as did David Morales' diva Lea-Lorién. And who didn't love all hostess Sweetie's costume changes?
A few celebs on hand: Bruce Vilanch, Lady Miss Kier of Deee-lite,
Michael Musto, Patricia Fields, Michael Lucas, orignal Village People
cowboy Randy Jones, Perez Hilton, Broadway stars Billy Porter and Denis O'Hare, Junior
Vasquez, Rent's Anthony Rapp, Scott Nevins, Murray Hill,Sherry Vine, DJ JonJon Battles on the turntables and many, many, many more!
Here are some pix of me at the event, both onstage and behind the scenes!
(Some larger versions will be available in PIX section soon!)
Photos courtesy of Derek Storm, Patrick Steele, Chris Ramon and Milan
So, due to some last minute Mastering additions as well as the CD artwork, the album release is delayed
a few more weeks. But I promise it's coming very soon! I'm being a perfectionist with the artwork (as I figured so much time has gone into the music, I want everything up to speed). But I will say the Mastering experience was incredible and added that extra bit of sheen to the tracks. And the CD packaging is looking great, too--a perfect reflection of the diversity of the music inside. I'm so excited for you all to hear and see it all!! The album should also be hitting iTunes in late September. I'll keep you all posted!
Ok, so en route from Paris to Greece the engine of the
Olympic Air airplane on I was in blew-up; and we had to
emergency land back in Paris. As I nearly lost my life
(I later described the short flight as "the trip to the edge
of death"), I opted out of Greece and onto a nice trip on
the ground on the Eurostar train to 'safe' London.
Soooooo, I had a nice day yesterday visiting with some
good friends and enjoying the sheer jubliance in the
city with news of winning host city to the 2012
Olympics (which was a HUGE deal here), not to
mention the success of last weekend's Live8 concert in
Hyde Park.
Only to wake up this morning to: terrorist attacks on
the London subways and buses not far outside my
hotel windows. While obviously awful events, I had to
laugh at my luck. I asked the universe for an exciting
trip -- but this wasn't what I had in mind!!! Still, I feel
very fortunate to be ALIVE -- and to have so many
great people in my life. I'm a grateful guy!
Some notes about the city and Londoners today: I'm
so impressed with how well the city handled it. Having
been in NYC during 911, I can attest Londoners have
coped impressively. The city got the situation under
control VERY quickly, calmly and effectively. (There
were even jokes among locals that France -- who lost
the bid for the Olympics in a very close race -- did it as
revenge).
I've also been so appauled at how CNN and
the media has been painting a picture of widespread
panic and that London is empty - etc. SOOOOOO
NOT THE CASE!!! While people were understandably
jittery and introspective early in the day, they stayed
VERY calm and upbeat. Truly impressive. I spent over
9 hours walking around the city, and the many, many of
the restaurants, shops, etc have all been open. There
were even people in the Porsche and Mini-Cooper
stores buying cars...(!). They truly carried on with the
day as best they could. And they already managed to
organize a huge town hall meeting on BBC tv tonight
where people are airing their feelings and concerns.
Finally, once again, I think it's important for people to
reflect on where the religions of the world are taking
humanity. Are they uniting people or dividing people?
Creating love or creating wars and chaos? Isn't it
critical for our very survival that people step away from
these outdated paradigms and into a new spirituality of
compassion and love?
What an exciting time!
Well, the first official review/ interview came out for the album last week
in Genre Magazine. I was so flattered and humbled by it. You really can't
ask for a better review than "It's a recording that has all the elements of a number-one pop record."
Very sweet. To read it, click here.
I got word from Armada Music that the "Close Enough" remix single is being put out on
vinyl already next week! It will be available throughout the world (and on import in the U.S.). I hung out
with Noel Sanger last week (one of the remixers) who was spinning at the Sullivan Room here in NYC. What a
great guy! There were also a bunch of fans there who told me how much they love the record. Always great to
see such enthusiasm! And it's cool to see how many people I don't even know are affected by the music.
Meanwhile, the album, Late Nite VIP, (finally) comes out in the U.S. on my
own KeSide label on August 2nd. Lots of things to finish for it first -- including
Mastering the CD, completing all the artwork, sorting out all the business issues
and creating a brand new look for this website! And as my VIPs, you'll be able to
pre-order the album here in just a few days.
In other news, I've been DJ-ing A LOT these days, spinning between 4-6 nites a week.
I'm so grateful to be working so much! Thanks for all of you who come out to hear me
play my pop/house/funk/whatever-i-feel-like sets. This week I spin the Genre party
to help celebrate the issue I'm in. LOL. God, how I love synergy!
I have been meditating on this quote a lot lately, especially after seeing many postings online
regarding me as an artist, particularly the trance remixes of my song "Close Enough."
While the response has been overall very supportive, I do wish to respond to the critics
and perhaps clear up any confusion regarding my forthcoming album LATE NITE VIP.
I envisioned my first album as a diverse pop collection showcasing the range of my abilities
as songwriter, producer and recording artist. The songs on LATE NITE VIP are snapshots of
my life ranging from my intellectual side, my spiritual side and my totally superficial party
boy side(!). To take out any of these factors to please a certain "market" I believe would be
silly.
There is a certain corporate mentality that a creative person should somehow be one
thing musically—trance artist, hip-hop artist, jazz artist, etc. But the fact is I am a
complex person who enjoys making and listening to MANY styles of music.
All the songs on LATE NITE VIP are based on my experience—some of them being "deep" and
some of them being completely "frothy and fun." For this I am completely unapologetic.
With "Follow Your Bliss" Campbell is saying ultimately you have to do what makes you happy,
and by doing that you not only helping create a better self but a better world at large.
So, perhaps I am being a "rebel" or an "underground" artist in that respect by bucking the
trend of putting out a homogenous product that all sounds the same—I am following my own vision!
And I hope you, the listener, will enjoy my musical ride!
...the Interstate remix of my song "Close Enough" (to be included on
the Armada Music / Coldharbour release in May). I absolutely love it!!
Some great sounds, and it's reinterpreted well. I love it's ethereal, beautiful quality. One of my favorite parts is
the breakdown with the strings and guitar. Plus, they did a fantastic
job getting the vocals to sit clearly in the mix.
And it's a great compliment to Noel Sanger's amazing mix! For a sample, see the Music section.
As someone who recently ended a relationship, it would be easy to be bitter on Valentine's Day. The constant barrage of images of happy couples kissing, drinking champagne, cuddling, exchanging flowers and Hallmark cards etc. is enough to make a single person very depressed (even disgusted!). But in a Charlie Brown Christmas kind of way, the commercialism of Valentine's Day disguises the day's true meaning.
I've always thought of Valentines as the single most important day of the year. It is the DAY of LOVE. In a time when war and hatred have become such a dominant force in our culture (and the world), it's important to take this day to transcend all this negativity and reveal some joy and real love that exists here on earth at our fingertips -- achieved through the sharing of ourselves with others.
So, my point? Take today to "romance" the important people who are in your life. Call an old friend you've been meaning to catch-up with. Buy flowers for a family member (or the lonely old person down the street). Make a dinner date with a good friend. Do something fun for your coworkers to enjoy (like deliver some Valentine treats). You'll be amazed how great it will make you feel!
Today, the potential for the world to vibrate at an exceptionally high frequency is incredible as people meditate on the meaning of love -- both romantic and otherwise. So, help contribute to the good vibrations that surround you (and the world at large) by giving out the love that's inside of you.
And this is my Valentine for you!!!
LOVE TO ALL!!!
xx Keo Nozari :)
…
Copyright by Keo Nozari for Keology.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
PERMISSION REQUIRED FOR REPRODUCTION OF LYRICS WHOLE OR PART.
