DrownedMadonna claiming that 'Crave' will be the second single:

 

EXCLUSIVE – We at DrownedMadonna.com are excited to reveal that Crave is planned to become the second single to be released from Madonna’s Madame X album.

 

Crave is a very cool and eclectic dance track. Someway, Medellín is like a set-up for the big single. Crave is indeed even a stronger single than Medellín.

 

We don’t have to wait too long for listening to it, because Crave is one of the 4 selected “pre-sale” tracks that will be available before Madame X release.

 

Precisely, Crave will be available next week, on May 10th, 2019.

 

Crave (feat. Swae Lee) is written by Madonna Ciccone, Khalif Malik Ibn Shaman Brown and Brittany Talia Hazzard.

Not sure if this is actually official or if it's just speculation passed as fact. Seems to be a lot of whispers and rumour about what the next single is.

Billboard:

Inside Madonna's Ambitious 'Madame X' Album Campaign: Augmented Reality, Multiple Tracks, Tour Prep and TikTok

 

Less than an hour after she delivered one of the most imaginative awards show performances in a career full of them, Madonna stood backstage in an eye patch at the Billboard Music Awards, explaining how the seeds of her forthcoming album, Madame X, were planted more than three decades ago.

 

“[Madame X] was a name given to me when I was 19 and I first moved to New York, by a woman who I looked up to and admired,” Madonna told Billboard's Senior Director of Charts Keith Caulfield. The woman she was referring to was modern dance genius Martha Graham, who influenced Madonna’s choreography as a mentor, prior to her death in 1991. “And she gave me that name because she said she couldn’t recognize all my different personas, because I kept changing the way I looked.

 

“And that was in the beginning of my career, when I didn’t think about who I should be or what I should be -- I was experimenting,” Madonna continued. “And so I felt like I had come full circle, and gave the record that name, because I’m in the same frame of mind.”

 

If the title of Madame X, Madonna’s fourteenth studio album due out June 14, reflects the complex, multifaceted nature of her pop aesthetic, so will the way in which the full-length is unfurled. There’s already been “Medellín,” the mid-tempo, multi-lingual Latin pop confection alongside Colombian heartthrob Maluma released last month, as well as its opulent, cinematic music video for the track, which clocks in at nearly seven minutes.

 

Then there was the pair’s Billboard Music Awards showcase of the song, which combined live dancers and light BDSM play with augmented reality technology, which allowed multiple avatars of Madonna to seemingly grace the stage on the ceremony’s telecast. Madonna says that she came up with the concept for the eye-popping set piece “many, many months ago,” and required weeks of rehearsals to properly configure her AR personas for the green screen.

 

Yet as ambitious as the visual presentations of “Medellín” have been, the song represents just the first piece of the multi-track pre-album rollout that Madonna has planned over the next six weeks. The Maluma collaboration has already been followed by “I Rise,” the theatrical solo song that closes out the Madame X track list and was unveiled on Friday (May 3). The inspirational track features a sample of speech made by Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School school shooting survivor Emma González.

 

Next up is “Crave,” the combustible team-up with Swae Lee, on May 10; the Rae Sremmurd rapper is currently riding a hot streak as a featured artist thanks to his appearance on French Montana’s “Unforgettable,” Travis Scott’s “Sicko Mode” and Ellie Goulding and Diplo's “Close to Me.” After “Crave” comes “Future,” a Quavo collaboration that was also produced by Diplo, on May 17, and finally June 7 will bring “Dark Ballet,” one of the more multi-dimensional songs on the new album, according to President of Maverick Music Greg Thompson.

 

“[The album] is a journey, and there are a lot of chapters,” Thompson explains of the decision to slowly trickle out five tracks ahead of the release, a deviation from Madonna’s previous rollouts. Her last album, 2015’s Rebel Heart, suffered leaks months ahead of release, resulting in six songs being rushed out early for an iTunes pre-order. “In a world where we’re more song-driven than we’ve been in a long time as an industry, it became a real question and a challenge: How do we make sure that people really understand this album by the time it comes out, but still have songs that can be hit singles in certain areas?”

 

To that end, “Crave” with Swae Lee will become the de facto pop radio single upon its release, with an official music video to soon follow. Meanwhile, “Medellín” -- which received a global television launch across Viacom networks in April -- will continue being pushed in Latin markets. The decision to lead with “Medellín” instead of “Crave” came down to the belief that it was “the signature track to the body of work, and the right place to start telling the story,” says Thompson. He adds, “I think we have a good shot to get a top five club record with some [‘Medellín’] remixes, and get that song into people’s spaces that they might not anticipate.” (Madonna has notched a record 57 top five-charting hits on Billboard’s Dance Club Songs chart.)

 

Aside from the upcoming song and video releases, Madonna confirmed to Billboard that there have already been production meetings for her next tour, which would follow the 82-date run in support of Rebel Heart. The Madame X campaign will also feature a few more surprises -- including further use of the growing short form video platform TikTok, where Madonna launched the "Medellín cha cha cha challenge" earlier this week. “She started playing with it,” Thompson says with a laugh, “and we’re having some fun with it. We think it’s cool.”

 

Above all, the rollout is designed to capture the multi-continent creation of Madame X, after Madonna relocated to Lisbon in 2017. “Crave” was one of the songs that was conceived in Portugal as the pop superstar started to focus on the follow-up to Rebel Heart, while other tracks -- which range in language, from English to Spanish to Portuguese -- were birthed in Colombia, Brazil and the States, among other locations.

 

So out of that 13-song track list, what do those five pre-release tracks represent to Madonna? “A little smorgasbord of delights,” she says with a wide smile. “Appetizers from around the world.”

I’d seen on twitter several posting the albums leaking.

 

I hope it’s not true and that they’re just referring to that one track “Crave” that leaked.

 

Also just pre ordered the book Edition of this. It stated it contained bonus tracks is that just the extra tracks on the deluxe or is there more on this. The cover is different to both standard and deluxe it’s an image of Madonna with black hair and a guitar.

 

Excited to hear this in full though. If it has leaked I’ll be avoiding those until June 14 or at least try too!

 

 

Edited May 10, 20196 yr by Jordan Lee

Interview with iHeart Radio:

 

https://news.madonnatribe.com/en/2019/madon...h-iheart-radio/

I’m a bit confused over how the album is political

 

I haven’t got that vibe yet based of anything we’ve heard.

I'm sure that side will show when the album's released. It's an album that shares personal experiences and social commentary of the world and politics will be part of that: the snippets of 'Dark Ballet' that we've heard are quite politically charged; 'God Control' is about gun laws in America; 'Batuka' has a line that possibly refers to Donald Trump; 'Killers Who Are Partying' could also be another.

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Is she being clever tho ?

She could be turning off people bothering to listen .

 

Only one banger is a shame .

Madonna appeared on the cover of French magazine TÊTU, published yesterday, which also includes an interview that reveals some more details about the album:

 

 

TÊTU: Madame X that we just listened is clearly your most political record since American Life. What is your state of mind concerning the world? Are you scared? Are you angry? Haven’t you had enough?

Madonna: A bit of all of this at the same time. I am scared. I am frightened by so many things that happen in the world. Just like you, as I am sure. But I am also optimistic. I have the impression that the future has never been that open. I hope that I succeeded in managing my rage and my anger to create a music full of joy. And I would like, with these new songs, to inspire people to act. Because this is what we have to do with our anger. We will not change the world with fury. I feel precisely each feeling that you mentioned. And in many ways, this new album is, indeed, a continuation of American Life.

 

TÊTU: On ‘Killers Who Are Partying’, you sing « I’ll be Israel if Israel is imprisoned / I’ll be Islam, if Islam is attacked ». What should we understand? That you want to join the minorities?

Madonna: What Mirwais and I try to say in this song is that we don’t see the world in a fragmented way, but as a unity. And I am part of it. I see myself as an aspect of the Universe’s soul. I don’t see the world through categories and labels. But society loves to categorize and separate people: the poors, the gays, the Africans… because it gives us a feeling of safety. What I say in this song is that I will embody each case in which people try to lock us in. I will be in the front line. I will take the punches, the fire. Because I am a citizen of the world and because my soul is connected to all humans souls. So I am responsible for everybody. If one person suffers, I suffer. To me, to song is an act and a declaration of solidarity.

 

TÊTU: Mirwais produced 6 songs on this album. How was the reunion?

Madonna: We never fell out of touch. It was great to work together again. ‘Killers Who Are Partying’ is the first song we created. It’s a political song but everything Mirwais and I do always becomes political because it’s his way of thinking. The guitar that we hear at the beginning of the song is a sample that I recorded during a fado session. The sound of this guitar is exactly what I wanted. I really felt inspired by the melancholy and the feeling of this music, by the sound of Cesaria Evora, the morna and Cape Verde. The authenticity of the music that I hear everywhere in Portugal has touched me. I wanted to appropriate this music and make it more modern. I asked to Mirwais: «What do you think you can do with this? Does it inspire you?». Of course, he really liked it.

 

TÊTU: In the song ‘Dark Ballet’, you say «Your world is full of pain». You are not a part of «our world»?

Madonna: I am not saying that your world is not mine anymore. I am just saying that this world where people are ruled and dominated by the illusion of fame and luck, ruled, dominated and slaved by social networks, ruled and dominated by oppressors who discriminate endlessly people.. this world, I refuse to be a part of it. This song, Dark Ballet, was inspired by Joan of Arc and her story. It’s like a junction point. Madame X and Joan of Arc come together. I speak her words and her language and I say: «I am not afraid to die for what I believe in.» And this is exactly what I feel.

 

TÊTU: A year ago, you commented on a post about the 20 years anniversary of Ray of Light on Guy Oseary’s Instagram: “Do you remember when I could record with producers from the beginning to the end and I could be a visionary?». Have you been allowed, this time, to be a visionary?

Madonna: I think you are taking things out of their context (her publicist steps in and says «It’s not clear. Do you have another question?», but Madonna goes on.) I don’t remember exactly what I wrote at this time. But I was not critisizing Guy Oseary. Nobody ever forbid me anything. Yes, people criticize me but nobody ever forbid me to be a visionary. But people often warn me and say «be careful» (she moves her finger from the top to the bottom like we would do with a child).

 

TÊTU: Do you think this album will shake the music industry?

Madonna: I wouldn’t use this word to describe my music. Provocative, conflicting, emotional, passionated: here’s the words I would use. And «Inspiring» also I hope.

 

TÊTU: In ‘I Rise’, we can hear a sample of Emma Gonzales’ speech, one of the survivors of the Parkland school’s shooting who became an icon of the fight against guns. Do you feel that you inspired this generation?

Madonna: I hope so. That’s what I am looking for. I see Emma as a spokeswoman and pioneer of her generation. I just keep doing what I have always done. I fight for women’s right and all humans in general. I fight for equality.

 

TÊTU: In Medellin, the first single of the album, you seem to remember your debut when you were 17. What do you think of your career?

Madonna: I think I’ve taken a lot of shit! (she laughs). That’s true. I have the impression that I broke many boundaries for the women who came after me. But I know that our fight is far from being over. And to be honest, I have the impression that I still fight for the same things today.

 

TÊTU: ‘Like A Prayer’ was released 30 years ago and caused controversy. Are you trying to reproduce this controversy today?

Madonna: Honestly, when I wrote ‘Like A Prayer’, I didn’t know that the song would cause such controversy. It’s the video that shocked people: the fact that I kiss a black saint, that I dance in front of burning crosses…people saw that as a sacrilege. But I didn’t think for one second that this would be seen like this. All of this was very controversial but it was not my first intention. However, this time, I entend to be subversive!

 

TÊTU: Provocation has always been a way for you to catch people’s attention on important matters like LGBT+ rights, racism, women… But today, do you think conservatives are using provocation as their way to spread their message?

Madonna: Give me examples!

 

TÊTU: People like Trump or Marine Le Pen…

Madonna: If you are a narrow minded person and you want to use provocation, then it will be your message. Everything depends on the provocateur’s intention. (Laughs). I am not a narrow minded person. I am not provocative in order to pull down people and erect boundaries or to tell them «stay where you are». I am at the opposite off that. To destroy with provocation is not my intention.

 

TÊTU: Do you feel connected to your LGBT+ fans? Do you claim the status of the gay icon?

Madonna: I think it is weird to say that I am an icon. I am lucky to have a voice and to be able to use it to fight for the rights of those who are less heard. I think the word «Icon» is a word that people can give me but I can’t claim it for myself. Do you think I am an icon?

 

TÊTU: You are the definition of the word

Madonna: If Têtu thinks I am an icon, then I am an icon!

 

TÊTU: Is this album a tribute to your life in Portugal?

Madonna: You heard it. Do you feel that it payed tribute to Portugal and to Fado? Not only fado. There are a lot of influences that I took since I live there. But obviously this is where the album was born. Even if there are other influences, this album is the expression of the time I spent in Portugal. I have a house there and I go there very often. My son is playing football in the Benefica club. But you know, I live on airplanes. The sky is my home. (Laughs). I hope my Portuguese is good. I had a good coach, Dino D’Santiago. He helped me a lot and introduced me to amazing musicians. He was essential for the creation of this record.

 

TÊTU: We don’t know well Dino D’Santiago, could you tell us more your collaboration with him?

Madonna: He was kind of an interface. He is from Cape Verde and most of the musicians from Cape Verde I worked with don’t speak English. He was with me in the studio when we were recording and was telling them what I wanted. He helped me musically to give life to these songs because I had no other way to communicate with them. Well.. in a way I did with the music. We wrote a song called Fuana that will be a bonus track. I have another song called Ciao Bella which is not on the deluxe version of the album. The singer Kimi Djabaté who comes from Guinée-Bisdseau sings on this track. Once again, it’s Dino who introduced me to him. When he came to record for this album, he didn’t speak English at all. Only créole. Dino was the translator and really helped me. When I recorded Killers Who Are Partying and Extreme Occident which are influenced by the morna, I sent them to him to have his feedbacks. I wanted to know if he was feeling the authenticity fo these songs. His approval was very important to me.

 

TÊTU: How do you choose the people you collaborate with, like Maluma for example?

Madonna: It happens in a very organic way. All my collaborations are decided when I meet the people. We share a glass of champagne, we get along and we talk about the things we could do together. To tell you the truth, there is nothing really deep in that. It’s very instinctive. I am a fan of each person I collaborated with.

 

TÊTU: You worked a lot with French people: Jean-Paul Gaultier, JR, Martin Solveig, Mirwais…what’s connecting you to them?

Madonna: Yes! What’s this connection with French people? It’s like I can’t get rid of them (laughs). They are the authors of my biggest collaborations. Mondino, Gaultier, Mirwais…I think I love them because the are very… Têtu (means stubborn). They stand up to me. The people you mentioned are very intellectual people, extremely creative, very cultivated. We share a beautiful synergy. (She knocks her glass on the table and scream « Aqua por favor! ». Everybody jump and she points her finger to a photograph and screams « who let the paparazzi in!? Who are you? Do I know you? ». The photographer stops, frightened. « It’s Ricardo, Madonna’s official photographer » says the publicist. Everybody laughs.)

 

TÊTU: On the album, you sing in Portuguese and in Spanish. Is it a way to challenge the hegemony of English in the pop culture?

Madonna: That’s exactly what it is! I like the idea of worldwide music. I hate compartments. We don’t want to do it with people, why should we do it with music? I like to turn on to the radio in New York and listen to people sing in Spanish, take my car in Lisbon and listen to reggaeton or dancehall. It’s great. To use other languages was a challenge but you might have noticed that I like challenges.

So exciting to read that dark ballet is inspired by Joan Of arc.

 

Hopefully Joan Of arc makes the setlist for the tour , that is a must for me !

Less than 3 weeks to go!

 

Has anyone else ordered the 18 track edition yet with the book edition?

 

I cancelled my amazon order as the info on it said there was only 15 tracks so I’m hoping HMV has it.

 

Her site was a lot to pay for shipping fees.

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From what i have heard from the album to date i don't think it will be an album i will be purchasing.

The material so far doesn't have the Madonna feel to it.

Is anyone else feeling the same?

No

I’m still holding out until album release until I make up my mind but I’ve ore ordered as I have all her studio albums.

 

Often reviews leave me worried then I end up liking it myself. It’s better to make up your own mind as reviewers tastes can be different and at times influenced by how something’s fared commercially.

 

I felt so nervous as a P!nk fan before I heard Hurts 2B Human then I heard it and thought it was great.

 

Im confident that the better tracks for me are on the album. We’ve got the majority of the collaborations first as the artists on those songs have a high streaming platform.

 

 

Reviews don't change my decision on any album.

I base everything on what i hear musically myself and to date the music from the album has not made a good impression.

That said, the album is sure to house at least 2-3 tracks that i will like.

For now, i am holding off on purchasing the album.

I'm still really looking forward to the album. I've enjoyed all the songs released so far and it seems like there's still better to come. It's pleasing that Madonna has a set vision for the album and has brought an exciting concept with it that feels true to her.

 

It feels like everything has suddenly gone really quiet though. I hope some more big promotion is announced soon.

I won’t be supporting the album neither. I don’t like any of the tracks released so far. Very disappointed. The style doesn’t suit Madonna and isn’t credible for her age. She was doing stuff miles better 20 years ago.

I won't deny, at this point my interest in the campaign has pretty much waned but I'm still looking forward to hearing the Mirwais stuff on the album.

The four songs that she has released have all been great. For me this sounds like Madonna again.

We get Dark Ballet later this week which I am excited about .