Printable version of thread
Click here to view this topic in its original format
BuzzJack Music Forum _ Pop _ 'I Am' • Fifth Album (Part II)
Posted by: Scene 14th October 2015, 08:56 PM
The last thread reached 50 pages so it is time for a new thread seeing as the era is still going on.
Tracklist:
Standard:
01. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfYC6HgiQ-c/
02. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGCZL801OfQ
03. You Knew Me When
04. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nhc7Gqr1SwM
05. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQe5J5k66NU
06. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hy9EOVO9tQ
07. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v5FC4jKnHw
08. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1PpCiuSXbo
09. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TC5QbWYTTII
10. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AgCC1IjEwds
Deluxe:
11. Thick Skin
12. The Best and The Worst
13. I Am ACOUSTIC
14. Thunder ACOUSTIC
15. Fire Under My Feet UNITED STUDIO SESSIONS
Released: 11 September 2015
Behind the scenes videos:
Posted by: Low Hanging Peen 14th October 2015, 10:11 PM
The links dinet work, lassy:
Page Not Found!
A página que procuras não existe ou foi movida!
Posted by: Envoirment 14th October 2015, 10:26 PM
Updated/added links to audio for the song, will add some more in later. New thread and hopefully a new brighter chapter to the album's release.
Posted by: Scene 14th October 2015, 11:24 PM
Oops I just copied and pasted the OP from the original thread.
I hope so too. With BBC Music Awards and Capital Jingle Ball (even though I don't want to get my hopes up regarding the latter), along with ALS looking to be the next single, I'm intrigued to see what happens over the next few months.
Posted by: mr_pmt 15th October 2015, 12:25 AM
I'm finally getting round to listening to some of the album. The first half of 'You Knew Me When' is stunning! Sadly, it kind of falls apart in the second half of it.
Posted by: slowdown73 16th October 2015, 08:58 PM
I think the whole album is good although it lacks a killer lead single like glassheart did.
Posted by: GTH 16th October 2015, 10:27 PM
Don't know if anyone is interested but I have the streams to date for the individual tracks on I Am from Spotify. I find they can be interesting to see what tracks the fans/general listeners are enjoying more and also seeing how their streaming fares over time:
Thunder 3,599,699
Fire Under My Feet 2,737,316
You Knew Me When 169,090
I Am 454,829
Ladders 129,460
The Essence Of Me 126,267
I Got You 133,936
Power 438,276
Another Love Song 835,983
Thank You 115,363
Thick Skin 77,497
The Best & The Worst 69,418
Thunder has picked up quite a bit since I last checked so it is being listened to but I guess when you see songs having hundreds of millions of streams nowadays I guess gaining an extra 500,000 in a fortnight/three weeks isn't that amazing. With the Fastlane remix, I Am has over 500,000 streams. Considering this was a single with radio support and a couple live performances you would expect the gap between that and Power to be a lot bigger. Obviously the instant grats off the album have better streams than the others due to longer availability, but I think these numbers do show that many of the people who have listened to Another Love Song and Power are listening to them again and again. I was expecting You Knew Me When to have a bigger lead on the other tracks unavailable prior to album release due to being at the start of the album and being a Leona ballad (which I kinda assumed many fans would have been looking out for/listening to). Will be interesting to see how these figures have changed by November.
Posted by: Dmdr 16th October 2015, 10:36 PM
Thunder 3,599,699
Fire Under My Feet 2,737,316
You Knew Me When 169,090
I Am 454,829
Ladders 129,460
The Essence Of Me 126,267
I Got You 133,936
Power 438,276
Another Love Song 835,983
Thank You 115,363
Thick Skin 77,497
The Best & The Worst 69,418
Thunder has picked up quite a bit since I last checked so it is being listened to but I guess when you see songs having hundreds of millions of streams nowadays I guess gaining an extra 500,000 in a fortnight/three weeks isn't that amazing. With the Fastlane remix, I Am has over 500,000 streams. Considering this was a single with radio support and a couple live performances you would expect the gap between that and Power to be a lot bigger. Obviously the instant grats off the album have better streams than the others due to longer availability, but I think these numbers do show that many of the people who have listened to Another Love Song and Power are listening to them again and again. I was expecting You Knew Me When to have a bigger lead on the other tracks unavailable prior to album release due to being at the start of the album and being a Leona ballad (which I kinda assumed many fans would have been looking out for/listening to). Will be interesting to see how these figures have changed by November.
For at least the last 5 or 6 days Thunder has been picking up around 110,000 streams a day, so its seems to be picking up. Hopefully it will build on that.
Posted by: Dmdr 16th October 2015, 10:38 PM
Leona performed With A Little Help From My Friends with Rachel Platten and Allen Stone at a US radio gig yesterday.
She sound so strong, love it.
Posted by: Dmdr 17th October 2015, 02:08 AM
Leona did another US gig today, just finished. Here are the videos for those interested.
https://www.periscope.tv/w/1jMJgbZZoqbGL
https://www.periscope.tv/RwandaDonna/1dRKZBXXmVwKB
https://www.periscope.tv/RwandaDonna/1RDGlVYYrVdxL
How good does her voice sound again? She sounds amazing, those performances were great and I love the new Thunder ending she did.
Posted by: Joe. 17th October 2015, 11:20 AM
I noticed Leona has taken I Am/Thunder remix off the 'latest releases' part on Spotify. Are they trying to pretend the era didn't happen already?
Posted by: Dmdr 17th October 2015, 02:39 PM
Do you mean the part at the top? If so then they haven't removed it, new Private Party remixes were released a week ago and now they are the 'latest releases' from Leona.
Posted by: Dmdr 17th October 2015, 02:40 PM
Also Thunder is now Leona's second most popular track on Spotify.
Posted by: Leonagwen 17th October 2015, 03:47 PM
Another day, no news about a new single.
Posted by: burbe 17th October 2015, 04:55 PM
Sadly, I don't think we'll get one now
Posted by: Soeplepel 17th October 2015, 05:24 PM
Is it a 'new release' though? It's a latest release cause they're released month ago. How is this in any way 'pretend the era' didn't happening. You're reaching way too far once again.
Posted by: GTH 17th October 2015, 08:52 PM
That is more of a rolling chart though so it is her second most popular track of hers right now. Still got a long way to go to catch up to most of her other singles. I have seen that it and Fire have more streams than Trouble and Love Bird. I can see Thunder going over 4.5-5 million by January if it continues streaming at the rate it has been recently.
Posted by: Dmdr 17th October 2015, 10:56 PM
Yeah I knew that.
Posted by: Scene 18th October 2015, 12:19 AM
Dave on DS posted this:
http://www.musicweek.com/charts/key-releases/singles
Looks like 'Thunder' is the 3rd UK single.
Posted by: Dmdr 18th October 2015, 12:26 AM
http://www.musicweek.com/charts/key-releases/singles
Looks like 'Thunder' is the 3rd UK single.
This makes sense to me to be honest, for these reasons,
1. The album isn't making money, this has a video, so saves them shelling out on a video.
2. It keeps her in the AC lane, they will presumably want to be establishing, and perfectly fits her major supporters Radio 2.
3. She actually nails this live, a must when you have a tour to sell.
I just hope she'll have plenty of TV promo booked in November/December.
Posted by: Scene 18th October 2015, 12:31 AM
This makes sense to me to be honest, for these reasons,
1. The album isn't making money, this has a video, so saves them shelling out on a video.
2. It keeps her in the AC lane, they will presumably want to be establishing, and perfectly fits her major supporters Radio 2.
3. She actually nails this live, a must when you have a tour to sell.
I just hope she'll have plenty of TV promo booked in November/December.
Completely agree and
4. It is doing well on streaming already so that side of things shouldn't drag the song down like it did FUMF.
The only downside of ALS not being the next single is I thought there might be a slight chance of Capital supporting ALS (if the Jingle Ball thing is true) whereas I find it hard to believe that 'Thunder' would appeal to them or Radio 1.
I still think there should be an alternate single mix with a guest rapper on to get it doing well on Urban and Top 40 radio in the US as well as appealing to Radio 1/Capital in the UK. Who cares if it isn't as good as the original version when she's getting her music out there to a big audience?
Posted by: Dmdr 18th October 2015, 12:42 AM
4. It is doing well on streaming already so that side of things shouldn't drag the song down like it did FUMF.
The only downside of ALS not being the next single is I thought there might be a slight chance of Capital supporting ALS (if the Jingle Ball thing is true) whereas I find it hard to believe that 'Thunder' would appeal to them or Radio 1.
I still think there should be an alternate single mix with a guest rapper on to get it doing well on Urban and Top 40 radio in the US as well as appealing to Radio 1/Capital in the UK. Who cares if it isn't as good as the original version when she's getting her music out there to a big audience?
Good point about streaming, it was removed today from the Today's Top Hits playlist though, which had over 6million listeners, so that will no doubt hurt it, but if it really is a UK single I am sure it will get added to new playlists again closer to its release date.
I agree about the guest rapper, I think tempo wise Thunder could work on Capital, but it would need a current feature on it to really appeal to them.
Posted by: Joe. 18th October 2015, 10:48 AM
Can you try be respectful please, I was just confused why'd they'd take the latest era off the top part as it's excellent streaming promo. There is no need for rude comments like that towards other members.
Thunder is a better choice than ALS so I'm glad about that but I still do think there are better songs to sell the album. I don't think there was ever a chance of Leona getting Capital support again (unless somehow she manages a huge hit without them) - when I asked my friend at Capital if Leona was doing the ball, he was somewhat confused.
I'll be looking out for TV performances on the winter schedule now, as I really want a Q4 performance for the album. Island managed to get a Strictly performance for Will, which so hopefully they can do the same for Leona, though his album has sold quite well so maybe he has a bit more budget.
Posted by: Scene 18th October 2015, 11:30 AM
I think regardless of budget, Island should take a risk and spend a bit on some big promo. If Capital/Heart/Radio 1 aren't supporting Leona's new music, the only way to get big numbers for the album (and singles) is for top class TV promo. I don't really follow the "Strictly effect" if there is one but I'd assume a performance on the show impacts the albums chart? Plus I'm sure there'd be a lot of press around Leona doing Strictly "Former X Factor winner snubs show for BBC Rival".
I honestly believe that if Leona bagged some big TV promo in Q4 and sang the right songs with the passion she had at that recent gig, it would all have a great impact on her record sales.
Posted by: Soeplepel 18th October 2015, 11:34 AM
Thunder is a better choice than ALS so I'm glad about that but I still do think there are better songs to sell the album. I don't think there was ever a chance of Leona getting Capital support again (unless somehow she manages a huge hit without them) - when I asked my friend at Capital if Leona was doing the ball, he was somewhat confused.
I'll be looking out for TV performances on the winter schedule now, as I really want a Q4 performance for the album. Island managed to get a Strictly performance for Will, which so hopefully they can do the same for Leona, though his album has sold quite well so maybe he has a bit more budget.
Lol good luck in life if you found that "rude" or "disrespectul"
Posted by: Low Hanging Peen 18th October 2015, 11:51 AM
Thunder miht do better in UK than US tbh, but still won't save ha.
Posted by: Dmdr 18th October 2015, 12:35 PM
Bleeding Love, Stay With Me and Thunder live last night at Dirty Martini.
https://www.periscope.tv/w/1vOxwnYwVZEJB
Posted by: Joe. 18th October 2015, 12:39 PM
I honestly believe that if Leona bagged some big TV promo in Q4 and sang the right songs with the passion she had at that recent gig, it would all have a great impact on her record sales.Strictly does have quite a big impact on albums, depending on the performance, it can be just as decent a boost as X Factor. I'm not sure if she'll get X Factor but Strictly will be a great backup!
Seriously - What is the need in saying things like that? The only ROFL is your spelling of 'disrespectful'
Posted by: TeamLaurenFroot 18th October 2015, 01:16 PM
I'm not sure if Island will take a risk on Leona now.
The album is out of the top 100 and the campaign is dead, ' I Am (Single) could not even go top 200 what is appalling considering it's reasonable airplay performance. It Seems 'Another Love Song' will be the next single but I'm not sure how that will go on Strictly?
Posted by: Soeplepel 18th October 2015, 03:42 PM
The album is out of the top 100 and the campaign is dead, ' I Am (Single) could not even go top 200 what is appalling considering it's reasonable airplay performance. It Seems 'Another Love Song' will be the next single but I'm not sure how that will go on Strictly?
I Am didn't go top 200 because:
1) It was an on air release
2) It had one performance
Do you really think Island expected lots of sales by giving her one tv slot and after an underperforming lead single? They know exactly how I Am would do.
Posted by: Dmdr 18th October 2015, 04:08 PM
The album is out of the top 100 and the campaign is dead, ' I Am (Single) could not even go top 200 what is appalling considering it's reasonable airplay performance. It Seems 'Another Love Song' will be the next single but I'm not sure how that will go on Strictly?
Did you not read the last page or so, Music Week has Thunder listed as a single released on November 13th, much more suited to the likes of Strictly and Radio 2 her only real major supporter.
Posted by: Ryan. 18th October 2015, 04:08 PM
I agree with Lee, I Am should really have managed top 200 with the airplay it had. Carrie Underwood, who has a much lower UK profile than Leona, managed to sneak one or two top 200 singles thanks to Radio 2 airplay and her singles are always On Air/On Sale here, even when everyone else's weren't which put her at even more of a disadvantage in the past.
To be fair though it did get quite close to the top 100 on iTunes so it didn't completely fly under the radar like Lovebird, but if this song is strong enough then radio 2 airplay should guarantee a top 200 chart position - and in my opinion I Am was a poor single choice.
Posted by: GTH 18th October 2015, 05:41 PM
Personally, I don't think I Am would have done much better if the video had been released, or even with a couple more performances (sure top 200, but would have struggled with top 100). Thunder is a strong track (not the strongest on the album but certainly more accessible than I Am), so if it gets the same level of radio support and a good few performance slots, I see no reason it can't go top 75. Think the main thing with Thunder as a single is increasing those album sales. That is what Leona seriously needs right now. Even Glassheart went silver.
Posted by: Scene 19th October 2015, 04:52 PM
Leona's management really need to bring it with TV promo this Autumn:
The X Factor
Strictly Come Dancing
BBC Music Awards
Children In Need
Pride Of Britain Awards
The Graham Norton Show
Alan Carr's Chatty Man
The Jonathan Ross Show
Text Santa
The Paul O'Grady Show
Posted by: Joecula 19th October 2015, 05:38 PM
Charted at 172 last week, currently 180 in mids, but streaming is largely missing.
Posted by: Hagarthy 19th October 2015, 06:29 PM
Anyone know why DJ has failed to send a song to Top 40 so far? It feels like it has been a huge missing piece of the puzzle with her US promo so far. I don't believe it's even typical when releasing with a major label. What is the excuse or reason for delay? I'm just curious. I really don't get the essence of any of their promotion so far - the radio tours, and concert performances, etc. It's not like they are so high-impact. Don't most of those videos have views in the hundreds to low thousands? I've really feared that DJ are really stringing her along and have not concrete plans or see her as very low priority. The booked gigs are merely to rub wool over her eyes about them doing something, when in truth, their executive are of a completely different opinion recovering the situation. Why, oh, why - and when has it ever happened - that a major POP artiste only released a song on one format...and then left things at that?
Posted by: tommie 26th October 2015, 02:18 PM
There have been times when they consciously wait to send a track out to the top 40/pop at times because they feel/believe that they would be more likely to take it on after it's a hit on other format - sometimes they won't even bother to even do that, because they feel pop radio will reject a track (see a lot of urban, R&B and adult contemporary). So they might just not send out Thunder to pop at all as they feel it won't have an impact on pop radio.
Posted by: Regina 27th October 2015, 10:54 AM
The X Factor
Strictly Come Dancing
BBC Music Awards
Children In Need
Pride Of Britain Awards
The Graham Norton Show
Alan Carr's Chatty Man
The Jonathan Ross Show
Text Santa
The Paul O'Grady Show
Chances are, people won't want her on, no matter how hard they try.
Posted by: Soeplepel 27th October 2015, 12:36 PM
Nobody wants you here, yet you're still here. Guess Leona doesn't have to try that hard.
Posted by: Regina 27th October 2015, 03:28 PM
Well aren't you a ray of sunshine.
Posted by: Dmdr 29th October 2015, 12:14 PM
Leona posted on Instagram she is recording a cover today,
https://instagram.com/p/9Z841gO2-Z/
I wonder what its for.
Posted by: Joecula 29th October 2015, 12:16 PM
https://instagram.com/p/9Z841gO2-Z/
I wonder what its for.
John Lewis Advert plz hahaha
Posted by: Dmdr 29th October 2015, 12:44 PM
Yeah that would be incredible, I just don't see it happening. I'll keep my fingers crossed though.
Posted by: Karma 29th October 2015, 01:49 PM
YES PLEASE.
Posted by: Envoirment 29th October 2015, 02:20 PM
Omg John Lewis Advert would be amazing!
Great to see her already in the studio for the next album too (apprantley she's been in it a bit the last week or so). Def Jam seem to want her to get another album out sooner rather than later which is great!
Posted by: Joecula 29th October 2015, 02:43 PM
Oasis said they liked her last cover of them didn't they? Maybe people think the two match nicely.
Posted by: Dmdr 3rd November 2015, 12:22 AM
Leona performed at an Awards ceremony for Simon tonight in London, along side Olly, Il Divo and Labrinth. One Direction also attended to present him the award.
This definitely proves everything is good between Leona and Simon.
She did Bleeding Love and Beneath Your Beautiful with Labrinth.
Posted by: Envoirment 3rd November 2015, 12:23 AM
Oo I'd love to hear "Beneath Your Beautiful"!
Very promising sign though, hopefully it means she has an X-factor slot lined up.
Posted by: Karma 3rd November 2015, 01:54 PM
Love that Leona went & performed. Good on her 
We all knew there was no bad blood there just creative differences which is completely normal & will happen throughout life..
Would love to see her on X Factor again. 
She is the ultimate X Factor champ.
Posted by: Dmdr 3rd November 2015, 07:56 PM
Here's a little snippet of the duet.
Posted by: Leonagwen 3rd November 2015, 08:38 PM
It's nice that Leona is out their performing Bleeding Love and dueting with Labyrinth, but doesn't she know that she released a new album 7 weeks ago? She should be performing songs from the new album.
Posted by: Karma 3rd November 2015, 08:54 PM
Lol i know. Thing is makes sense to sing bleeding love at this event because its the biggest hits simon is been linked to/got X Factor being talked about on a Global scale. Also Labrinth is one of SYCO's acts and a great duet by the sounds of it.
Thunder being played on Capital is great sign..capital jingle bell ball?
Posted by: Dmdr 17th November 2015, 08:07 PM
I Am music video is here.
http://www.virginmedia.com/music/video/player/1/leona-lewis-i-am/4563996350001?vmsrc=vidsrc#vid-4563996350001
I don't know why that had to be scrapped, it's not a bad video, not particularly exciting but there isn't anything wrong with it either.
Posted by: Envoirment 17th November 2015, 08:12 PM
Ye it's a nice video! Would've boosted the song/album a little bit had it been released.
Also, Def Jam have Leona in the studio trying to find a hit apparantley. Def Jam really seem to be on it in regards to Leona, can't see what they can come up with.
Posted by: Regina 17th November 2015, 08:17 PM
Also, Dej Jam have Leona in the studio trying to find a hit apparantley. Def Jam really seem to be on it in regards to Leona, can't see what they can come up with.
Better late than never I guess.
Posted by: Envoirment 17th November 2015, 08:37 PM
Def Jam seem to really be on the ball. They didn't have any input on I Am but as soon as it started underperforming they got Leona in the studio (She was in the studio a few weeks ago recording new material as well as a cover which will be shared with us sometime soon).
Also, there's more promo coming up for I Am in the first two weeks of December. Hopefully she'll be on the X-factor semi-final or final. I think they're trying one last time with promo to get some sales from the Christmas rush and to get more tickets of her tour sold.
After that I assume Leona's going to continue to be in the studio and she'll tour the UK before going back in the studio/finishing off the next album. And by the looks of things, Def Jam definitely want Leona recording single-ready material. Which is great.
Maybe Leona could be on Text Santa December 18th and perform "One More Sleep" maybe? Would be great if she could!
Posted by: Hagarthy 18th November 2015, 07:50 AM
I don't care much for Def Jam. They failed to send or set up any of the many potential hits on I AM to Top 40. Island's hands were so limited with whatever promotion they could get for her alongside Leona's management. There only failure to me was not moving to Switzerland and Germany (if at all those territories were in their purview) when it became clear radio had some type of embargo against Leona. Def Jam have also not spent anything on Leona's promo so far - I don't believe it. All radio promo so far has been paid back with the I AM's sales so far. Remember, the artist or parent label is not paid anything until the promoters/distributors/affiliate labels recoup expenses.
I just don't trust DJ as a label. I think they don't want to lose her - maybe so they can get from her a stronger deal - hence the constant overtures at trying to do something. So what if they record another song? Will they give it a top-notch video? Will the song be sent to Top 40? Or will it simply be more dithering and gesture until they come clean about what they want from Leona or their true investment in her. I could be wrong, though, but Leona should not be naive in dealing with them. Business is business.
On to the I AM video. It suffers the same problem that came out somewhat in Thunder, though with I AM it is more amplified - very poor cinematography. The lighting does not appear to have been professional, and the shots just did not gel well enough to pull off a good edit of the video. The concept is really good, but the settings, lighting and overall cinematography did not do much to enhance the video. I wish they could have gone with a brighter, though low-contrast color scheme....lots of grays. Next time, perhaps, Leona could specifically point to cinematography references she likes, either from movies or other music videos. It's not too bad a starting point if you're not sure what a director could deliver.
Posted by: Joe. 18th November 2015, 09:39 AM
I actually think Def Jam are really good. Aren't they in charge of Justin Bieber's amazing campaign? The thing is, I Am, just isn't good enough to make it in America, Thunder actually got a decent push from them, but I think them choosing the material would be better. I think we can all now agree that Island have been nothing short of dire here in the UK.
Posted by: Soeplepel 18th November 2015, 07:29 PM
I just don't trust DJ as a label. I think they don't want to lose her - maybe so they can get from her a stronger deal - hence the constant overtures at trying to do something. So what if they record another song? Will they give it a top-notch video? Will the song be sent to Top 40? Or will it simply be more dithering and gesture until they come clean about what they want from Leona or their true investment in her. I could be wrong, though, but Leona should not be naive in dealing with them. Business is business.
On to the I AM video. It suffers the same problem that came out somewhat in Thunder, though with I AM it is more amplified - very poor cinematography. The lighting does not appear to have been professional, and the shots just did not gel well enough to pull off a good edit of the video. The concept is really good, but the settings, lighting and overall cinematography did not do much to enhance the video. I wish they could have gone with a brighter, though low-contrast color scheme....lots of grays. Next time, perhaps, Leona could specifically point to cinematography references she likes, either from movies or other music videos. It's not too bad a starting point if you're not sure what a director could deliver.
Def Jam is doing an amazing job though, but their hands are tied by Island. They might have a good reason to not have sent it to top40, maybe because it didn't take of after the TV performances. Although I think if it was sent to top40 before the tv performance I think it would have sold more.
Anyway, someone on DS said you only have one chance with top40 and maybe they just didn't go through with it.
It's clear Defjam is more into Leona than Island but who knows what Island is thinking. They had a budget, they screw up.
Island started strong, but I think they expected lots of sales from FUMF and since that backfired they screwed up the budget. There's promo coming up first 2 weeks of December in UK so we'll see what they have in store.
They're not gonna push hard in UK and US anymore though. You have one chance to do it right, but it didn't happen so best way is to go back in the studio.
Posted by: Scene 18th November 2015, 08:48 PM
I am really excited for what Def Jam sorts out for Leona. Their A&R is amazing in my opinion. They know how to direct each of their artists and can find the right hit for them - Fancy for Iggy, WDYM and Sorry for Justin Bieber, all of Rihanna's hits...
Posted by: Envoirment 18th November 2015, 09:07 PM
The only bad point about Def Jam so far is that they did change the single releases. Island were originally going to go with "Ladders"/"Another Love Song" as the first and second singles for the album, which would've been almost perfect imo.
They've done great in getting Leona back out there in the US, having her do loads of small gigs here and there, radio promotion and TV promo slots have been on point (Ellen/James Corden/Kelly & Michael/Good Morning America/Jimmy Falon etc).
I think they realise Leona's potential and now that have control over the songs she records (I Am was finished when Leona signed/they got on board), they'll try to make her record single-ready songs for US radio.
Hopefully the previous radio promo will have a positive effect on whatever Leona/Def Jam releases next in the US.
It would be good to perhaps records a small EP for the US with a strong single released on it? Would be a great way to build buzz around Leona again and set up for the next album.
Posted by: GTH 18th November 2015, 11:16 PM
I totally agree with the initial EP approach as an appetiser for what to expect from a Def Jam led Leona album, just to keep her in people's thoughts really.
As others have said, I do not think Def Jam have done any harm to Leona. If anything they have built bridges. They got her prime time performance slots on some of the biggest US TV shows, had her do a good radio tour which has helped her maintain adult contemporary support, not to mention the basketball promo for FUMF. What they have focused on is making people aware of who she is again. Now it is time to give people the next hit, that we know she has in her.
Top 40 radio would not have saved Thunder if the Tv promo couldn't even propel it into the top 100 on iTunes. Might have been a moderate hit at the low end of the Hot 100 if lucky but Leona needs more than that if she wants to be seen in the same league as the bigger popstars of the 2010's.
I think Island were expecting Leona to have more support here, but probably didn't take Capitol/R1 into account as much as they should (or at least overestimated R2's impact). I Am was a poor single choice, which was not handled well at all. They should have put everything into those few weeks before and including release week and it fell flat with no clear song pushing it in the UK at the time.
Assuming things go better stateside with the next album and Leona gets another hit, I am sure Island will be able to get it the support it needs here.
Posted by: Soeplepel 20th November 2015, 01:00 PM
So amazing it made me a belieber
Posted by: Scene 21st November 2015, 08:40 PM
I wouldn't go that far. The songs have clearly worked for him but I don't particularly like them.
Posted by: GTH 22nd November 2015, 11:13 PM
As Grammy nominations are around the corner, does anyone know if Def Jam submitted anything from this campaign for potential nomination (if that info is readily available anywhere)? Would be great to see this get a 'best pop vocal album' nomination at the very least.
Posted by: Envoirment 23rd November 2015, 12:42 AM
From what I remember, it was submitted in the Pop Vocal category, but I don't think it was submitted for the main cateogries (no chance there anyway). I think the chances of a nomination are low though even in the Pop Vocal category. It'll likely be Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey (maybe), Florence + The Machine (maybe), Kelly Clarkson (maybe). But there has been a lack of pop albums release this year that she might have a chance. But given the commercial success and the fact only one song was sent to HAC/AC I don't think she'll be nominated. Others like Carly Rae Jepsen are more likely to be nominated.
Posted by: GTH 24th November 2015, 03:50 PM
Ah ok, that is something at least. I don't see the harm in submitting to all relevant categories unless it costs the labels to do so. The fact there haven't been that many big pop albums over the year is what made me think it is still worthwhile submitting as it could get a nomination which in itself is good promo for the album and Leona (I wouldn't expect it to win but that would be fantastic of course). It is not unheard of for songs/albums which haven't had mainstream success to still pick up awards. Still gutted Leona missed out Record of the Year with Bleeding Love to Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (which never even went top 100 on the billboard or UK charts).
Posted by: Soeplepel 24th November 2015, 04:12 PM
Haha
Not that I'm becoming a fan or something, but I do enjoy his latest singles and so do my brother and couple friends Thought we'd never say we'd like a JB song
Posted by: Envoirment 28th November 2015, 11:59 PM
Apparantley Leona's been in the studio and there's a surprise coming up soon in the UK. Hopefully a new song or something (she recorded a cover to be release about a month ago, so maybe it's that?)
Also, a fan mentioned to Leona's team that the fans liked the "I Am" video and so that'll hopefully be uploaded to her Vevo page. Also asked about making the "Happy" video unblocked everywhere (it's only available to view in the US on her vevo page).
Posted by: Envoirment 18th December 2015, 04:38 PM
Tell me about your latest album, I Am.
I started to write this album independently and the main theme on it is empowerment, that inner strength and resilience that you kind of have to learn to have. It has a lot of positive and uplifting messages throughout it.
I Am makes for a great hashtag. Is this something you take into consideration when naming things now? Do you think about how it will look on social media?
I have been hashtagging a lot, but I definitely don't think about it when naming things. If it works like that then great.
Which are your favourite songs on the album?
I really like Thank You. I wrote that for my parents. The song Ladders I really love because I'm talking about the trials and obstacles you can go through in life but also me trying things out sometimes and it not working. It's about getting back up and learning from your mistakes.
What other experiences inspired the writing of this album?
The past eight years are on this record, different personal things that I have gone through, relationships-wise, in different circumstances. I have had to really learn about myself and not let things get to me; learn to not take things too much to heart and understand how strong I am, how independent I can be.
This will be your first tour in three years. Are you looking forward to it?
I really am. It's exciting to go out and tour with this one because it's such a personal album. It has connected with a lot of fans. They have been in touch with me about it. I've enjoyed hearing their stories and what they are taking from my lyrics.
Do you think women get more stick in comparison to men about writing songs about relationships and break-ups, such as Taylor Swift and Adele?
We shouldn't. I think that we do go very deep into our emotions. I can only talk about my experience, but pouring out my heart into a song, it's kind of like therapy. I think it's so important to do that and to come from a genuine place. It comes from the soul. And that helps people.
Who do you think is killing it in the music industry right now?
I love Taylor Swift. I got to collaborate with her on her tour which was amazing. I feel like she is doing amazing things. She is a positive role model for young women; she is very true to herself and genuine to who she is. I love and respect her so much for that. Not a lot of people do that. She doesn't compromise herself. She is a pioneer and I have nothing but admiration for her. I also love Adele. Again, also true to her music and her art. I am in awe of these women. I also love Sia. She is someone else who stays true to herself. We have a lot of great women out there right now.
What was doing the theme song for Avatar like?
I was contacted by the director and they played me the song because it was composed already and it was amazing. I wanted to be a part of it, of course. I got to be a part of the whole process. I got to see the whole film, all the CGI, all the special effects.
Have you been offered any other film theme songs since?
A song from this album is being used in a couple of upcoming films. They are also being used in adverts and it's always really cool because it takes the song into a new place. Fire Under My Feet was used when Serena Williams won Wimbledon. It's also going to be used for a Fifa gala I am going to be doing next year. It gives the songs new meaning in a way.
What TV do you watch?
Everything! I spend a lot of time on planes, so I watch things that take me to a whole different world, like How To Get Away With Murder, Scandal and I am obsessed with Empire.
How do you deal with negative feedback? You recently tweeted about someone being rude to you.
It was at an American theme park. Someone was just heckling me and being very rude. I confronted them and got the impression that they didn't expect me to do that. It really took them by surprise. And they were like "Oh she's so ghetto!" which made me laugh.
http://www.nottinghampost.com/Leona-Lewis-awe-Adele-Taylor-Swift/story-28389822-detail/story.html
I hope the films are big. I could imagine "Power" working really well as a movie theme song. Perhaps they'll push that song as a final single? Exciting though!
Posted by: GTH 19th December 2015, 10:20 AM
That is quite exciting news! Hopefully the songs get some prominent exposure in the films and they do well.
Posted by: Joe. 2nd January 2016, 12:17 AM
It's a shame 2015 went so badly for Leona, as I was so excited for the era. There's no other way of painting it though, from the single choices, to the lack of effort, money or promotion from the label, to the performances, to the timings, missing videos, etc.
At least we got an album that a lot of fans still enjoyed. I really hope that something can happen for Leona in 2016 to elevate her, and the label continue to keep her. (Unless Polydor could sign her please )
Posted by: Virginia's Walls 2nd January 2016, 03:49 PM
Ladders was shit so not surprised they changed the lead single.
Posted by: burbe 4th January 2016, 05:51 PM
At least we got an album that a lot of fans still enjoyed. I really hope that something can happen for Leona in 2016 to elevate her, and the label continue to keep her. (Unless Polydor could sign her please
)Yeah - it looked so promising to begin with, but I'm just happy us fans at least got a new album this year. I'm not sure she'll ever have major commercial success again, sadly. Maybe the odd minor hit.
Posted by: Envoirment 7th January 2016, 06:33 PM
Leona is performing on BBC Radio 2 to promote her tour, not sure what song she'll sing.
She's also performing at the Ballon D'or ceremony (football awards) on 11th January which'll be televised around the world, as "Fire Under My Feet" is being used as the awards show promotional song or something. 
Posted by: GTH 7th January 2016, 11:40 PM
Was the radio 2 thing today or tomorrow?
Posted by: Envoirment 7th January 2016, 11:55 PM
Tomorrow morning.
Posted by: Karma 8th January 2016, 07:52 AM
From 8:30am on Radio 2. Four live tracks.
Where is I Am on iTunes chart at the moment? Lets see if it goes up..
Posted by: Joe. 8th January 2016, 09:21 AM
It's not top 1,500.
Posted by: Joe. 8th January 2016, 10:39 AM
No effect on iTunes whatsoever then?
Posted by: Karma 8th January 2016, 10:44 AM
Great
Posted by: Envoirment 8th January 2016, 05:09 PM
Her voice sounded great and her cover of "Time After Time"!!!!
Posted by: hopehere 9th January 2016, 10:08 AM
The Time after Time cover was spine tingling. This type of song is what Leona excels in. Leona's voice sounds so pure and clear. I will be having this on repeat. Hope she sings this on tour.
Posted by: Envoirment 14th January 2016, 04:42 PM
Leona said on twitter she has a special announcement tomorrow - exciting!
https://twitter.com/leonalewis/status/687654421279330306
Posted by: GTH 14th January 2016, 06:04 PM
I am guessing it is regarding the tour. Perhaps a support act?
Posted by: Virginia's Walls 14th January 2016, 07:37 PM
Or a rerelease with Time After Time as lead single?
Powered by Invision Power Board
© Invision Power Services