Tickets for the tour are due to go on sale this weekend on May 25th at 9am, but the site says that demand has already been overwhelming.

A Viagogo spokesman said their data shows “over a million ticket searches by fans from Bradford to Beijing.”

They added: "With just four UK dates and an average of 66,500 tickets available per performance, the site is predicting that over half a million fans will be left empty handed at the box office.

"If everyone who has searched for a ticket so far were successful, Wembley stadium would be filled 14 times over."

The tour already has four UK and two Irish dates scheduled in 2014 as well as several across South America. Niall Horan recently took to Twitter and revealed that more are sure to come.

Check out the band performing their hit ‘Kiss You’ on The Today Show last year below:

]]> London Newsdesk http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/slidingdoors/view/76454/ Wed, 22 May 2013 10:15:41 +0100 http://www.pressparty.com/pg/newsdesk/slidingdoors/view/76454/ Stockholm based bag brand, Unit Portables, will celebrate its second anniversary this June marking two years since its first Unit went to market.  This ground-breaking, design-led brand has sold over 50,000 units in over 25 territories worldwide and has graced the pages of the most cutting edge lifestyle magazines through to the coolest design blogs, reflecting demand for products that were just a dream only two years ago.

Prior to the launch of Unit Portables in 2011, the brand founder, Andreas Ehde, travelled the world as a salesman and as his collection of ‘must-have’ gadgets and accessories grew, so did the realisation that there was no single bag that would safely transport them, whilst also delivering a stylish look. His lifestyle demanded that his laptop, cables, MP3 player, iPad, smartphone and more, were on hand at all times. Added to this he wanted them to be properly organised and easy to access when on the move.

On the market he spotted either boring laptop bags or stylish ones that were often expensive with zero functionality. And so, the concept of Unit Portables was born; to deliver a collection of stylish, but highly functional bags, with modular and customisable functionality to suit daily requirements.

By chance, Andreas came across Swedish design agency, KurppaHosk, who instantly understood his idea and allowed him to lead the design process from product design to the brand’s graphic image, helping his ideas become reality.

Fast forward two years, and Unit Portables’ unique range of bags are now on the shoulders, and part of the everyday life, of people around the globe. These include the very first Unit Portables shoulder bag, or Unit 01, to the Unit 15 Backpack and Unit 16 Tote launched spring / summer 2013. Units 17-19 are currently in production due for autumn/winter 2013.

In line with the original Unit Portables design concept, each bag utilises a modular system and is completely customisable. The range features a series of pockets, pouches, and smaller ‘units’ for an iPad, laptop, smart phone, cables, kindle and just about anything else you may you need to carry, on a daily basis or on a short trip away. Even clothing and toiletries are neatly organised as part of the minimally styled, Unit 05 overnight bag.

To mark its second year anniversary, Unit Portables will be running daily competitions on Facebook giving away products from its existing range, starting Monday 27th May at www.facebook.com/unitportables

Unit Portables’ popularity is driven by the simple, yet innovative concept at its core. The typically Scandinavian mix of fashion and functionality has created a brand with ever-increasing relevance to modern society.

The team behind Unit Portables are a collective of passionate individuals with backgrounds in fashion, technology and design. This eclectic mix of personalities and opinion ensures that Unit Portables will be shaping the way that we transport our precious ‘stuff’ for a long time to come.

- ENDS –

www.unitportables.com

The playwright told MTV that she admires the 'Umbrella' hitmaker's 'daring' and 'original' nature, and thinks she's a great example to other women:

"I'm a huge Rihanna fan. I think she has a kind of agency over her sexuality and she's open about her sexuality, she has enormous grace and she's immensely talented. And I find her, I just find her brave; there's something very daring and original and completely herself about her that I completely connect with."

Ensler added that it's empowering to see the Bajan beauty embracing herself and all aspects of her being in a society where females are told to 'pull it back' and 'mute it' in order to appear respectable:

"Rihanna is walking around her full self. She's walking around in her body, she's walking around in her being, she's walking around in her aliveness. I think what she's an example of is if you look at the fully realised Rihanna and her full, beautiful sexual self and you see how often we've been told not to be that: to shut it down, to mute it, to pull it back, to hide it, to cover it up, to tone it down, not to be so, you know."

Watch Rihanna's music video for 'Stay' here:

This marks an escalation of Jay-Z’s increasing moves into the industry, with the music mogul having also formed sports management company Roc Nation Sports earlier this month.

In partnership with the Creative Artists Agency, the first feather in Roc Nation Sports’ cap is the signing of New York Yankee Slugger Robinson Canó, who is a four time MLB all-star.

However, Jay-Z will have to sell his minority share in New York basketball team the Brooklyn Nets due to league legislation concerning a conflict of interests. The rap star, despite being the team’s celebrity figurehead, is only estimated to own Nets shares of $800,000.

According to Jay-Z, increasing his sports portfolio is an obvious next step:

"Because of my love of sports, it was a natural progression to form a company where we can help top athletes in various sports the same way we have been helping artists in the music industry for years.”

Nebraska counts among Leighton’s favourite albums, so much so that the cover artwork is in homage to the Springsteen classic. Says Jay,‘I have always found Springsteen to be a brilliant storyteller. Nebraska as an album and as a track are superb examples of this but the thing I love the most about  the album is that  it has captured the very desolation of Nebraska. When we drove across it I felt that desolation, almost tinged with sadness but at the same time extremely inspiring. I can't think of another record that has ever managed to capture the feeling for a place as much as Nebraska has by Springsteen. I love it!’

April 7 – The Woodman, Highgate, London
April 9 - The Redhouse, Sheffield
April 10 - The Nursery Tavern, Coventry
April 17 - Guitar Bar Nottingham

May 6 - Gaslight Oporto, Leeds

May 10 – The Living Room CB2, Cambridge
May 25 - Boiler Room, Guildford

www.jayleighton.com

Press Contacts:

Big Machine Media

020 7253 6409

rosie@bigmachinemedia.com

liz@bigmachinemedia.com

iona@bigmachinemedia.com

With a youthful laid-back style reminiscent of Colbie Caillat and Taylor Swift, songstress Sonya cites a wide range of influences. Her organic talent has been nurtured from a young age. Travelling between the US, Australia, Norway, New Zealand and now, London, Sonya has allowed her art to develop naturally, taking in influences across the board including Sheryl Crow, Alanis Morisette, Eva Cassidy and Shania Twain.

Now 26, Sonya is ready to release her self-penned debut ‘Now’. The song, which highlights an optimism in living in the moment, showcases both Sonya’s skilled guitar playing and beautifully smooth vocals.

Sonya explains of her first offering:

“I wrote this song because I need to keep reminding myself to stop wishing away the present moment. It's a song about celebrating yourself right now and not trying to be more like anyone else but yourself...not living in the past or too far in the future...we need to wake up and enjoy the here and now”.

Sonya has been praised for her live performance, an arena in which she really comes alive. The talented song-writer has capitalised on her live talent, working with the best live musicians to form her band – an integral part of Sonya’s live show.

Sonya’s lead guitarist Chris Staines has performed with some of the biggest names in music, including Pete Townshend, Asia and Primal Scream, whilst her percussion team Martin Ditcham and Wol Webster, have worked with musicians including Worlds Apart, Diana Ross, Tina Turner, The Rolling Stones, Sade and members of The Kinks between them.

This combination of live musicianship and song-writing talent have led to sold out gigs in Ronnie Scott’s in recent months and Sonya has already been tipped for festivals this year, ensuring her star continues to rise in 2013.

For more information and to keep up-to-date on all things Sonya please visit:

Website: www.sonyatitus.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/titussonya

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sonya-Titus/337610346259398

Press Enquiries Contact:

Big Machine Agency

Liz Ferris                                              liz@bigmachineagency.com         0207 253 6409

Lynsey Trembath                                   lynsey@bigmachinemedia.com       0207 253 6409

‘Take My Time’ is set for UK release on 22nd April 2013.

Jon Sandler and The Fancy Band have been steadily garnering attention in the US since the release of debut single ‘Late Night Champ’ earlier this year. The acclaimed single has been supported by prolific live performances across their home state of New York and the rest of the USA.

Current single, ‘Take My Time’, shows a change in direction from their previous release, replacing electric flourishes with acoustic melodies and vocals more reminiscent of Gavin DeGraw, with elements of FUN and David Gray.

Sandler says of the single:

“While I was writing it I was feeling very out of place in NYC, thinking that it doesn't feel like home which is why I was in a rush to make a girl my ‘home’. I’m happy to take my time with most things, but not a relationship – life’s too short for that.”

The band was formed in 2010, by lead man and song-writer Jon Sandler who wrote his first album at just 17. Sandler has deliberately taken his time crafting an album to be proud of recorded almost entirely in New York, the state he sees as the band’s natural home.

The production credits on the record are somewhat impressive, including collaborations with Grammy-nominated Justin Gerrish (Weezer, Muse, Vampire Weekend) and Chris Gehringer (Lady GaGa). The single is no exception to Sandler’s quest for quality, encompassing incessant piano motifs and infectious vocal patterns which make it a natural choice for single release.

After gaining the attention of London music critics during his recent visit, Jon Sandler’s impressive music video has been confirmed to feature on Channel 4’s Sunday Brunch in the lead up to the release.

Check out the official video for ‘Take My Time’ here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozxBVuQq51g

The single is set for release on April 22nd 2013

For more information and to keep up-to-date on all things Fancy please visit:

Website: http://www.jonsandler.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JonSandler

Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/JonSandlerMusic 

For press enquiries please contact:

Liz Ferris – liz@bigmachineagency.com – 0207 253 6409

World Six Entertainment

FROM ACCLAIMED DEBUT ALBUM ‘SWEET STICKY FIX’ 

'...the perfect track to kick back to and watch the sun set.' Metro
 
‘...a jazz-soul confluence of casinos, superheroes and sex that would suit an animated Bond film title sequence.’  Q Magazine 

'Soul fans are likely to gravitate towards the catchy Sun Is Rising, an upbeat dancer that rides on a faux Motown-esque groove’ soulandjazzandfunk.com

Jazz and soul singer songwriter, Helena Jesele, releases Sun Is Rising as a single on 20th May, hot-on-the-heels of a live performance at the prestigious Cheltenham Jazz Festival on 4th May 2013.

Six foot tall Jesele has recently been making waves with her debut album Sweet Sticky Fix, receiving rave reviews and support from the likes of The Daily Telegraph, Q, The Independent on Sunday, Metro, Radio 2, Jazz FM, BBC London, Hot Press and many more.

Helena grew up in a typically musical Irish family listening to the likes of Ella Fitzgerald, Aretha Franklin and Frank Sinatra and performed countless gigs singing the Great American Songbook at London Jazz haunts including Ronnie Scott’s and The Pigalle Club, prior to penning her own material for Sweet Sticky Fix. 

Jesele collaborated with Brooklyn-based record label and production team Truth & Soul on the album, whose distinctive sound contributed to the mammoth success of Adele’s 19 and took Aloe Blacc to mainstream success. Using entirely analogue recording techniques, half was produced using a string quintet and live brass at the sound stage at Pinewood studios, the other half in New York using musicians best known for playing with the Black Keys.

In the lead up to the single release, Helena will be performing live on 26th April for London’s Big Sleep Out. The event will raise vital funds for The Big Issue Foundation (registered charity number 1049077), a charity which Helena already supports with the donation of 10% of her debut album sales.

‘Whenever she’s on stage, Helena Jesele has a real presence, it’s not just because she’s six-foot tall or her striking vintage sixties look, but also because of her powerful, soulful voice.’ -  The Daily Telegraph

Pop singer and songwriter, Kady Z, - hot off the red carpet at the 55th GRAMMY Awards as a ‘Fresh Face’ of the GRAMMY Glam project – is preparing to release her infectious single, ‘Crashing Down’, after a successful trip to London, performing at and attending some of this season’s hottest London Fashion Week shows.

‘Crashing Down’, due for U.K. release on 29th April, has a sing-a-long chorus with an infectious melody and incessant piano motifs, reminiscent of the stylings of U.S. star Taylor Swift, delivering a confident and catchy sure fire hit.

Some of the music industry’s biggest hitters are currently collaborating with Kady Z on her full album project, due for release this spring on Fraknwitch Records and distributed by Fontana / InGrooves, including GRAMMY award winning producer Tone Def (Green Day, Santana), video director Hannah Lux Davis (Lil Wayne, Cher Lloyd) along with management team Lippman Entertainment (George Michael, Matchbox Twenty, Ryan Cabrera). 

As the daughter of singer and actress Pia Zadora (GRAMMY-Award nominee and Golden-Globe winner), Kady Z is no stranger to the limelight and is causing quite a stir in the U.S. in her own right. Aside from being a ‘Fresh Face’ at the

55th GRAMMY Awards after featuring in the GRAMMY Glam project documentary ‘Behind the Beauty’, Kady’s single ‘Crashing Down’ has recently featured in hit MTV shows Snooki and JWoww and Jersey Shore. Also, the popstrel has showcased her musical talent on US TV, rubbing shoulders with U.S. stars Kelly Osbourne and RuPaul .

Kady Z credits eclectic artists Gwen Stefani and electro-pop goddess Robyn among her influences, merging subtle beat-driven bass lines and deep lyrics, paired seamlessly with addictive melodies to create her distinctive sound.

2013 is the year for Kady’s star to rise even higher. Although her single is entitled ‘Crashing Down’, the only way is up for this promising new talent.

Check out the video for ‘Crashing Down’ here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdN6cx0YkLA&feature=youtu.be

Media praise for Kady Z:
“Already taking the music scene by storm, Kady Z is a superstar in the making!" Hollywood Life

“Every so often, you come across something spectacularly unique and special, which happened to me when Kady Z’s EP ‘One Million Pieces’ landed in my possession.” Glam Magazine 

www.kadyzmusic.com                                 www.facebook.com/kadyzmusic             www.twitter.com/kadyz

PR Enquiries: lynsey@bigmachinemedia.com / 020 7253 2573

Grace experienced success with her US debut last year, ‘When the Lights Go Down’, reaching #17 on Billboard’s club play chart. The music video hit 400,000 views in just two days and reached a staggering 1.5 million views by the end of the summer.

The follow up, ‘Don’t Wanna Be Waiting’, had its UK release last November and was found this February, jumping from #21 on the UK Musicweek Upfront Club Chart to the #6 slot. The song also peaked at #2 on the UK Musicweek Commercial Pop Club Chart, falling just short of One Direction who secured the top spot.

Born in Moscow and raised on American music, the budding starlet had musical ambitions from an early age with influences ranging from Destiny’s Child to Christina Aguilera. At the age of just 20, Grace is now signed to Randy Jackson’s Dream Merchant 21 label.

With an optimistic outlook and a youthful sound, Grace Valerie brings a fresh-faced passion to pop music. Whether it expresses her own deep-seated emotions, inspires others or shamelessly sets the mood, Grace’s music is her weapon of choice and she takes it very seriously.

With the release of her album due later this year, Grace is looking to capitalise on her success overseas and introduce her music to a UK audience.

Check out the video for ‘Don’t Wanna Be Waiting’ here:

http://youtu.be/ZuYfEOZB5wY

‘Don’t Wanna Be Waiting’, was released in November and can be downloaded from itunes now:

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/grace-valerie/id494688000

To stay up to date on all things Grace Valerie, check out the following links:

Website:              www.gracevalerie.com

Facebook:            www.facebook.com/gracemusic

Twitter:               www.twitter.com/MsGraceValerie.

For press enquiries please contact Big Machine Agency, London:

Liz Ferris             liz@bigmachineagency.com        0207 253 6409

Lynsey Trembath  lynsey@bigmachineagency.com  0207 253 6409

‘I’m Alive’ heralds the return of Gali’s signature style, a power-packed up-tempo dance track which will light up dancefloors with its infectious chorus and incessant motifs. Set for release on May 20th, the track once again sees Gali working with top names in the industry. Having previously worked with the team behind hits for Rihanna, Katy Perry and Britney Spears, ‘I’m Alive’ will no doubt exceed the success of ‘Dancing To Another Love Song’.

Gali’s talent has been nurtured since she started writing her own music at the age of 14. In 2002 Gali released her debut album which helped to establish her ever-burgeoning fanbase; years later, native Canadian Gali has gone from strength to strength, capitalising on the success of her debut single and hoping to light up the charts with her second offering.

The radio edit is mixed by Cahill (who have remixed everyone from Lady GaGa to Mariah Carey) whilst the remix package boasts input from prestigious names including Tocadisco, Richard Dinsdale and Jaxxonbeats.

Check out the radio edit of ‘I’m Alive’ here:

https://soundcloud.com/ryal-music/sets/i/s-I7bcu

Gali’s style is simple and effective, producing love songs which are made to make you dance. Ultimately, her distinctive musical style and sensual vocals are poised to lead the world to the dancefloor. We’ll see you there!

To keep up-to-date with all things Gali, please visit:

Website: http://galiofficial.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/GALIOFFICIAL

Twitter: https://twitter.com/OFFICIALGALI

For press enquiries or more information please contact:

Big Machine Agency – 0207 253 6409

Liz Ferris – liz@bigmachineagency.com Lynsey Trembath – lynsey@bigmachinemedia.com

“Psychedelic electro-pop of the most inventively buoyant and retro-futurist kind, recalling The Beta Band and Super Furry Animals, with nods to Ray Davies and Brian Wilson.” Uncut

“I love him, I’ve absolutely always loved Jim Noir's quirky take on funky pop” Nemone BBC 6 Music

“A Mancunian Ziggy Stardust.” The Guardian

For the past 16 months, cult Manchester singer-songwriter Jim Noir has maintained an exhausting output, releasing an EP a month to his fans through a project called The Noir Club. Some of these tracks were from dusty files on decrepit computers; some were new-born gems, penned that month and sent directly to the club members’ inboxes. As The Noir Club concludes, Jim finds himself on top creative form for the release of his brand new LP.

The new album Jimmy’s Show finds Noir continuing the creative purple patch, revisiting tracks demoed throughout his career and moulding them into brilliant, all-new songs. “Some would have been thought up in my box room at my folks home in Davyhulme, then through Chorlton, Hulme, Levenshulme and Whalley Range. I'm moved house 4 times in the last year, I'm a Feng Shui nut” he says.

As such, says Jim, this is not one of his concept albums. “I think after the [eponymous 2008] second album, sticking to tunes that work together was all I wanted to think of. I do think this album has a light side and a dark side though. Side A is all fun and cheeky and side B is a bit more sombre. I’m hoping everyone will like both ends of the album, but if not, one side would be fine.”

There are many wonderfully-titled highlights on Jimmy’s Show: the epic Driving My Escort Cosworth To The Cake Circus, the madrigal-like Under The Tree, the Mama and Papa-esq Sunny and the lyrical gem Ping Pong Tennis Master – written on Noir’s premise that if you send the Queen a letter with a stamp of her face on it, she should send you one back with a stamp of your face on it.

Central to the album is the bouncy first single, ‘60s-influenced Tea, named after Noir’s second favourite drink. “I actually prefer coffee,” he says. Recording this track, Noir recalls being so into the groove he ended up getting his equipment confiscated by the local council. The video is utterly charming, a slice of wonderment starring a puppet and three evil, anthropomorphic magpies “I fear it’s the most gritty and violent video I have ever done,” says Noir. “Someone even gets an egg in the side of his face. Tarantino, watch out!”

That’s Jimmy’s Show then:  a show and tell of the best of what Jim’s been up to for the past 16 months, a document of what those in the Noir Club got a taster off. But were Jimmy’s Show a TV programme, what would it be like? “A children’s show about a flying piece of cheese that solves crimes that involves cheese theft. Half black and white, half colour visuals, and the theme tune from Henrys Cat mixed with a bit of One Man and His Dog. Starring Shaft,” says Jim.

Further information, interviews and sessions:  rachael@cpragency.co.uk/

An advert posted on casting agency website DrakeBook looking for male and female models revealed that the shoot is set to take place today.

The advert was looking for people aged 18 to 45 for the "very futuristic" video.

It suggested the clip will take place in a post apocalyptic world where people are "drones".

The ad also said that it would prefer "interesting faces" and "interesting eyes" as eyes will feature heavily in the video. The advert said:

"'DRONES' AGES 18 - 45 / Non-Union / Supporting / Male or Female / All Ethnicities / 18-45 Very futuristic feel, the look is a stylish, post apocalyptic world, everyone is a drone, but some people, along with Adam, break out and rebel, letting color and vibrancy back into their lives. Could use some interesting faces, some edgy looks (no tattoos), interesting eyes (eyes will be featured a lot). All are supporting roles FYI."

NO CEREMONY/// are set to release their second single HEARTBREAKER and its remix BREAKINGHEARTS on 14/5/12 as a limited edition vinyl.

Nothing is known about the identity of the band yet, but the mysterious Mancunions have already been one of the internet's most blogged acts and have won supporters in the likes of Ellie Goulding and Diplo. HEARTBREAKER also features the guitar talents of The Pixies' Joey Santiago.

NO CEREMONY/// will be revealing themselves to the world for the first time in Manchester on May 18th when they will be playing a gig in an abandoned office block for Now Wave. 

ʻIf New Order were an out and out pop group operating today, with Paul Epworth as producer ... Most likely to tear you apart.ʼ The Guardian

ʻNo Ceremony are impressing more and more by the minute and itʼs becoming nigh on impossible to ignore ... you hear the recent material, you watch the arty videos and you see something of genuine substance.ʼ This Is Fake DIY

ʻWhile waiting to find out more, we console ourselves with the few pieces posted on Youtube. Vague, fluid, fascinating, phosphorescent, these little lights in the night are as enigmatic and their discrete author(s).ʼ Les InRocks

ʻWeʼve got absolutely no information on this band, but the music ... itʼs just stunning.ʼ Huw Stephens, BBC Radio 1

ʻSplendid. I love that.ʼ Lauren Laverne, BBC Radio 6

ʻTruly beautiful ... itʼll instantly grab you. The only way to listen to this is with you headphones turned up particularly loud. Weʼre getting very excited about them.ʼ Claire Sturgess, XFM

ʻThese producers are the kids following the footsteps of Burial and the early dubstep pioneers twisting soul with steel beams and mechanics and leaving it translatable for everyone.ʼ Diplo