X-Factor’s Emblem3 Sign to Simon Cowell’s Syco Music and Columbia Records [@EmblemThree]

After placing fourth on Season 2 of X-Factor US, Emblem3 have signed a recording deal with Simon Cowell’s Syco Music and Columbia Records with plans to release their debut album later in 2013.

Brothers Wesley and Keaton Stromberg and best friend Drew Chadwick are currently in the studio working on the album which is being produced by award winning songwriter and producer Savan Kotecha (Maroon 5, Usher, One Direction). The band will be collaborating with some big names in the industry including Benji and Joel Madden (Good Charlotte), Jack Antonoff (fun.), Carl Falk and Rami Yacoub (One Direction, Nicki Minaj), Peter Svensson (The Cardigans), John Feldman (Goldfinger), and Kool Kojak (Ke$ha, Nicki Minaj).

After hearing their original song, “Sunset Blvd” on X-Factor, I was hooked. Can’t wait to hear the album. For more info on Emblem3, visit their official website.

Wild Belle Sign With Columbia Records / “It’s Too Late” Video Out Now

Columbia Records announced the signing of Chicago-native sibling duo, Wild Belle.  The duo, consisting of Natalie and Elliot do all of their own writing, recording and producing. Wild Belle’s music has a retro, psychedelic-pop feel with hints of jazz, reggae, and R&B. These elements shine in the duo’s new music video for “It’s Too Late” (watch it above). Their forthcoming debut album Isles  is due out early next year on Columbia Records.

They will open for Tennis in October, and will tour Europe with Alabama Shakes and Michael Kiwanuka this winter (see below for full US tour dates).

NORTH AMERICAN DATES

09/29 – Starry Nights Music Festival – Oakland, KY
10/01 – Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA*
10/02 – Maxwell’s – Hoboken, NJ
*10/03 – Bowery Ballroom – New York, NY*
10/04 – TT The Bear’s Place – Boston, MA*
10/08 – Rock and Roll Hotel – Washington, DC*
10/09 – Cat’s Cradle – Carrboro, NC*
10/10 – 40 Watt Club – Athens, GA*
10/12 – Fitzgerald’s – Houston, TX*
10/13 – Trees – Dallas, TX*
10/14 –  Treasure Island Music Festival – San Francisco, CA
* With Tennis

MUSIC REVIEW: Neil Diamond – The Very Best of Neil Diamond: The Original Studio Recordings

Neil Diamond
The Very Best of Neil Diamond – The Original Studio Recordings
Columbia Records/Legacy Records
By: Nevra Azerkan
Rating: Rating:

When you think of legendary singer-songwriters, Neil Diamond will always be on the list. Even though he began in the 60s his music continues to thrive. Fans have been waiting for the day to get a hold of a compilation that includes singles from all of the record labels he has recorded with over the years and that was not possible until now.